Price Matching

We try to budget.  We were really strict with a few months ago, but have gotten a little more relaxed recently.  We NEED to get to back to the "envelope system" and will as soon as I get my fancy coupon clutch from my most amazing 31 consultant, Kristi. ;)

Anyway, one of the most amazing things about our budgeting is how much we budget for our groceries.  There are just three of us, I coupon a LITTLE and price match ALOT!  We keep our grocery budget to $250 or under each month.  Yes, big items like dog food, cat food, cat litter, toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and toiletries are included in that budget.  However, with my little guy starting to eat more, I think we need  to start thinking about separating those "big" items.

When I tell people this (which is only when they ask or we are talking about HOW we budget), they are always surprised.

I thought I'd share one of my secrets:  Price Matching  

ALL of my grocery shopping is done at Walmart b/c of the price matching.  I know other grocery stores do price matching, but I like having everything in one place and most of the time Walmart is the cheapest anyway.  

Here is my process: (I start a couple days before I plan to go shopping)

1. I plan my meals first.  Most of the time I just make a list of things I want to make and where the recipes are located.  We go out to eat at least twice a week and have left overs at least twice a week as well.  Although, MOST left overs are packed or eaten as lunches for the next day. So a list like this will last about two weeks. This is what my list looks like for the next two weeks:

2.  As I am making the recipe list, I write down the ingredients on my categorized grocery list. (which you'll see later)

3. After all ingredients are written down, I add other necessities (snacks, animal food, toiletries, etc)

4. I gather all of the local grocery ads, go through and "price match"for my list.  It's important that I make my list BEFORE I start price matching or I will add things just b/c they are a good "deal" and not b/c we need them.  Sticking to the list is the best way to stick to the budget.  It's amazing how I feel like I HAVE TO HAVE a certain item when I'm at the grocery store, but I don't think about it again when I get home. :)  

This is what my list looks like right now (I haven't gotten the ads for a couple stores yet):

5. I go to SwagBucks and get/ print my coupons. I usually only have one or two coupons.  I get 10 swagpoints for each coupon I use and can use those points for rewards, such as gift cards.  

6. I take my (color coded) list to Walmart. All of the price matched items are at the front of the cart and all of the other items are at the back of the cart.  Make sure that Walmart's price isn't cheaper than the price match (that happens alot).  

A couple things to keep in mind: 

Make sure to read walmart's price matching policies.  They do not match percentages off and the brands have to match.  However, a "Kroger" store brand is the same things as "Walmart" store brand.  Make sense?   

They DO BOGO items but do not match a Buy One Get TWO deal.  I only get my frozen chicken when there is a BOGO deal.  

Take your ads. You don't have to show the ads, but just having the ads and your color-coded list makes you look more organized and the cashier won't question you as much.  It can be a really long process if they start questioning everything you're price matching. (even though they are not supposed to question)

I'd love to answer any more questions you may have.  It seems to be a long process, and maybe it is.  For me, it's just how to grocery shop these days. I don't feel right paying more than I have to for my groceries when all it would take is a little time!  

So that's how I save our family money on groceries!   Try it and let me know how it goes. :)

Crib or Toddler bed?!?!

As we are preparing for baby #2, we are also trying to transition River from "baby stage" to "toddler stage".  We've taken away the bopper (pacifier) and bought a toddler bed.  We will NOT start potty training until after the baby arrives or right before he is 3.  He is just NOT into it right now, and I'm ok with that.

I have a couple questions for you momma's that have been through these transitions.  Mainly the transition from crib to toddler bed.

A few details you should know first:
- First of all we don't need the crib for the new baby. I found a GREAT deal on a white metal crib with wood accents for the new baby for $40
- second River does a GREAT job in his crib and he loves his crib.  he does not try to climb out of the crib and sleeps 13 hrs at night and most days a 2hr nap as well
- we do have a toddler bed that we got off craigslist for $10 (yes, I'm the craigslist queen), it's taking up space and room in the garage. Todd is ready to get it out of the garage.
- his toddler bedding is ordered and will be here this week.  Why?, I don't know b/c I found what I wanted and we had extra money this month.... here's a link to his bedding  and here's a pic

I guess my question is when do I need to transition to him a toddler bed?  If the toddler is like River do people transition just b/c it's "time" to do it?  or b/c it's fun to re-decorate the room? I have no good reason to get rid of the crib except that he's not going to be the "baby" anymore.

Also, what did you all do with the baby bedding and crib?  I'm sure most of you used it for the second baby, but if you didn't, what did you do with it?  I know I SHOULD sell it, but I'm kind of sad to sell it.  Should I pack up the baby bedding in hopes that a grand child might use it?  It's really expensive bedding and I could probably get some much needed cash from it.  It makes me sad to think of selling it though.

So I'm pretty sure the answer to all these questions is ultimately, "When you want to, you're the momma!"   BUT what would YOU do!?!?  I've been wrestling with this decisions since he was 18 months old.

River's Birthday Party

My baby is TWO!  When he woke up that morning, I cried.  I'm so happy to be his momma and he is such a wonderful child. Here are few things I want to remember about River at two:

1. 74% height, 20% weight
2. He LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Sesame Street
3. Becoming more of a picky eater. Bummer, but it had to happen sometime!
4. not a bit interested in potty training although he has peed in the potty twice.  We'll try again at 2 1/2
5. really likes basket ball and football.  He is able to identify most types of sporting balls: soccer ball, basket ball, base ball, foot ball.
6. doesn't cry when I leave now. :(  the other day Todd said, "kick mom out of the house" (jokingly of course) and River went to the garage door, kicked his foot said, "Kick mommy, see ya!"
7. Hasn't mastered the art of sharing yet, but will share if it is HIS idea.
8. his vocabulary is too extensive to list.  He will try to say everything.
9. Loud noises are still a bit scary; but he likes to investigate.
10. Dirt is AWESOME!
11. He knows who Nana and Grandaddy are but thinks that the live in the phone or on a computer screen.
12. Has started to form a my way or no way mindset, at times.
13. his tantrums are silent. just silently throws himself on the floor.
14. Outside is his favorite place to be.
15. He has COMPLETELY caught up to his peers physically.  While he may not be a brave as other two year olds, he is still able to do what they do.


Of course, there are lots of other things, but those are the things that come to mind.

The party was ALOT of work and that much more fun!  I was surprised that everything went according to plan.  The weather was great, which was great b/c we had 13kids and 16 adults here. I started decorating a full week before and was decorating up until the last minute before everyone arrived.  We did run out of food, but we weren't providing dinner so I guess that's ok. :)

Here are a few pictures from the event (it was hard to chose just a "few"):

The extension chord wreath.

 Birthday banner, construction hats for the kids, and their "lunch box" favors

 The birthday table

 The cake! Todd wanted the job of decorating it and he did a great job!

 dirt pile out back for the kids to dig

 The table and bench in the back yard

 My cute little birthday boy in his birthday outfit

 the present table, chair and decorations

 FUEL

 the little ones played basketball.....

 they met new friends......

 played in the very small ball pit and had candy.....

 The water tables were a HIT! (notice the second outfit b/c I didn't want to get his first shirt muddy)

 This is little Averee, she's the baby I watch five days a week while her momma teachers.  Her momma is quitting after this year so she won't be with us anymore. :(  River is in-love with this little girl!

 opening presents:  TOMS from mom and dad

 More toys! So exciting!!  His toes were like this for every present. :)

and a TENT from mommy and daddy!

 Time for some birthday cake!

 YUMMM!

 is there something on my face?!?

 These were the decorations daddy made for the front of the house.

We also announced the gender of our second baby! :)  Looks like a little brother is on the way.