Deals

  • Travel & Vacation: Carriage Tour in Charleston, SC

    Our family had the opportunity to go on a Carriage Tour through Charleston one of the weeks we were traveling in that area for work. The tour was packed full of amazing history of Charleston and all of us enjoyed it (including the girls).

    Carriage horse in Charleston

    Brina having fun saying “Hi” to all the horses in the carriage barn

    Karlie relaxing while waiting for our turn to ride the carriage!

    Going on a carriage tour of CharlestonThe girls LOVED riding in the front and watching the horse as well as soaking in all the history of Charleston.  Jake and I went on one of these rides before the girls were born.  It was a lot of fun and we learned more pieces of Charleston’s history!

    Beautiful iron work outside the front doors of one of the local churches.  The history of the many buildings along the ride was really neat.

    The architecture of the churchs and homes was pretty amazing.  I didn’t want to take a bunch of pictures into peoples personal homes so I snapped more of the churches during the tour.

    See the oval sign under the light, it is a “fire insurance” sign.  After the great fires in Charleston if your house had one of these signs that specific fire company would come put out your fire.  Also, many of the Charleston homes have a “privacy” door on their porches as seen in the picture above to allow the families to cool down in privacy on their porches during the warmer months.  It wouldn’t be decent seeing a lady in her “under garments” as she cooled off on the porch therefore privacy doors became a popular addition to the homes.

    Beautiful houses in Charleston.  This house used to by at the waters edge and is now several blocks from the shore!  Charleston used to have “HAVE” and “HAVE NOT” sections of town, this house was in the “have” section. 


    On the left side of the picture you can see a brown brick building through the trees.  After the really devastating fires in Charleston many of the wealthy families built their kitchens and servants quarters in a separate building outside of the home to help prevent fires from engulfing the entire home which also allowed a little extra time for the fire company to arrive and put out the fire.

    Charleston’s old jail house.  Our guide had a lot of “interesting” stories about the old jail house.  Supposedly it is “haunted” and you can take tours during the day or a ghost tour at night through the old jail. 

    Many of the houses in Charleston are visibly leaning due to age and the variety of natural things including settling that have occurred over time.  Also, you’ll notice that a lot of the houses are narrow as you see in this picture.  Not much of a front or side yards with a street on three sides but the house has some history!

    It was beautiful and peaceful touring Charleston on a carriage.  If only I could remember ALL the cool pieces of history our guide shared with us that day!

    Daughters of Confederacy building in downtown Charleston.  This building is near the market area.

    Brina and Karlie saying goodbye, petting, and thanking the horse for the history tour of Charleston.  They really have a soft spot for animals and loved the long ride through Charleston just as much as we did.

    Jake and I were able to “surprise” the girls with this carriage tour.  I was able to get tickets at a discounted rate through Groupon, but the company we received the coupons for refused to accept the reservations because they were too “busy” that day.  Thankfully we were able to get another carriage company to basically accept their competitors coupon otherwise we would have had two very disappointed girls (and Momma). Even though it was a busy time, we had to switch carriage companies, and it was warm we had a BLAST touring the city and learning all the history.

    If you ever go to Charleston this is a wonderful activity to do with your family, just make sure to budget or plan ahead for the tour because without a coupon it could be a little pricey especially for a large family or group.  Even though the carriage rides are open pretty much year round if you are going in the summer and it gets above 94 degrees (or somewhere near that temperature) the carriage companies have to pull the horses off the street because it is too hot for them.  It was a great experience for all of us!

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Giveaway: “Money Saving Mom’s Budget” Book by Crystal Paine (5 WINNERS)

    I am doing another giveaway on Blessings Multiplied!   There will be 5 winners of this giveaway who will receive a copy of Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine!  As a Mom I am always looking for ways to save a little extra, get more organized, and stay focused on my priorities.  After reading Crystal’s book I know many of you will enjoy this book too!  It is a great time of year to re-evaluate and set our goals.  Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email.
    2. You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing what area you are wanting to work on first with your family budget!

    All comments must be made by January 31st at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    You can learn more information about this great book and my review on The Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine.

    *A special thanks to Crystal Paine with Money Saving Mom for providing these books for the giveaway!

  • CONGRATULATIONS to Our Toys R Us Gift Card Winner!

    The name has been drawn for the giveaway!

    CONGRATULATIONS to Maggie

    for winning a

    $10 Toys R Us Gift Card!

    Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!

    An email has been sent to you with more information*

    Enjoy Your Next Trip to Toys R Us!

    Don’t forget to enter our next Giveaway (the next giveaway will be announced later this morning)!

    *Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced.  Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.

  • Pampers Gifts to Grow – 20 Free Points

    You can receive another 20 free points from Pampers with new Gifts to Grow codes!

    These codes are different from the previous codes I have given.

    • Use Code:  FAC1211PPXHKHND  

    (Expires 12/31/11 at midnight CST)

    • Use Code:  FB2012NYAFJRYCN

    (Expires 1/6/12 at midnight CST)

    You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts!

    For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 28, 2011 – January 3, 2012

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.  You can start stocking up on some great deals for upcoming Holiday cooking.  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Sugardale Bone In Hank Potion Ham – $1.17 per lb

    Boneless Prime Rib – $4.99 per lb

    Pork Boston Butt – $1.39 per lb

    Pork Spare Ribs – $1.99 per lb

    Cooked Cocktail Shrimp (41 to 50 count) – $4.99

    Hickory Springs Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99

    Farmington Pork Sausage, Mild or Hot (16 oz) – $1.99

    John Morrell Cocktail Smokies (12 oz) – $1.99

    Armour Meatballs, Original, Italian or Turkey (14 oz) – $1.99

    Sugardale Center Cut Ham Steak – $2.99 per lb

    Snow Crab Clusters – $6.99 per lb

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Colburn Farms Cream Cheese (8 oz) – $1.00

    Buyers Best Hash Brown Patties (11 oz) – $1.00

    Birds Eye Sweet Kernel Corn or Mix Vegetables (16 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 11/13 Smart Source (Expires 12/30/11)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Jeno’s Crisp & Tasty Pizza, Pepperoni or Combination (6 to 7 oz)  – $1.00

    Blue Bonnet Spread Quarters (16 oz) – $0.69

    Minute Maid Pure Squeezed Orange Juice, Orginal or Calcium Plus (59 oz) – $2.99

    Kraft Chunk Cheese, Assorted Varieties  (8 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1.35/2 coupon from pamphlet Kroger’s My Magazine “Giving Back Together” (Expires 1/29/12)
    $1.32 each after coupon

    Welch’s Fruit Juice Cocktail, Concord Grape or Passion Fruit (64 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Welch’s
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As low as $0.99 each after coupon

    Creamy Whip Whipped Topping (8 oz) – $0.99

    Colburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.59

    Wylwood Tator Puffs (32 oz) – $2.29

    Snack-A-Tizers Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (8 oz) – $2.49

    Save A Lot Today Pizza Rolls (15 count) – $0.99

    Take & Bake Pizza Pepperoni or Supreme (33 to 36 oz) – $5.99

    Take & Bake Pizza Cheese (33 oz) – $5.49

    Produce

    Mixed Fruit (4 lbs) – $2.99

    California Naval Oranges (4 lbs) – $2.99

    Celery – $0.69

    Sweet Potatoes – $0.49 per lb

    Mini Carrots (1 pound) – $1.00

    Household

    Wrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $1.39

    Wrightware Napkins (250 count) – $1.69

    Poly Steel Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil (37.5  square feet) – $1.99

    Max Force Alkaline Batteries – $1.99

    Grocery

    Sunbeam Bread (20 oz) – $1.29

    Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, or Assorted Varieties Cereal Bowls (1 to 2) – $1.00

    Herr’s Potato Chips (3.75 oz) – $1.00

    Southgate Chili (15 oz) – $1.00

    Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – $0.45

    Save A Lot Brand Soda, Assorted Varieties (2 litter) – $0.63

    Ginger Evans All Purpose Flour (5 lbs) – $1.99

    Colburn Farms Evaporated Milk (12 oz) – $0.79

    Ginger Evans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz) – $2.29

    Wylwood Whole Kernel Corn or Green Beans (14 to 15 oz) – $0.59

    Kurtz Hot Sauce (12 oz) – $0.99

    Mantia’s Lasagna (16 oz) – $1.79

    Senora Verde Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz) – $0.69

    Kurtz Ketchup (24 oz) – $0.99

    J Higgs Buttery Rounds (16 oz) – $1.99

    So Cheezy Streamin Cheese (8 oz) – $2.59

    Senora Verde Bite Size Rounds Tortilla Chips (13 oz) – $1.49

    Senora Verde Salsa, Assorted Varieties (16 oz) – $1.49

    Crisp Cranberry Lemon Lime Soda (2 liter) – $0.79

    Deter’s Ginger Ale (2 liter) – $0.79

    J Higgs Snack Mix (15 oz) – $2.79

    Wylwood Great Northern Beans (16 oz) – $1.19

    Kurtz Wing Sauce (12 oz) – $1.39

    LeCour’s Finest Fudge Shortbread (13 oz) – $1.59

    Monet Entertainment Crackers (8 oz) – $1.69

    J Higgs Peanuts (16 oz) – $3.39

    McDaniel’s Classic Roast Coffee (33 oz) – $6.29

    McDaniel’s French Roast Coffee (27.8 oz) – $6.79

    McDaniel’s Donut Shop Coffee (12 oz) – $4.49

    McDaniel’s Enhanced Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $2.29

    Allure Sweetener (100 count) – $1.39

    McDaniel’s Coffee Filters (200 count) – $1.39

    Bakery

    Bakery Fresh Pies – $2.99

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.

  • Restaurant.com: 90% Off Local Area Restaurants + 35% Cash Back

    You can get some great Restaurant Gift Certificates at Restaurant.com right now with their promo code for 90% off now through 12/24.

    Promo Code:   JOY

    Enter your zip code to see all of the available certificates for your area. These do not go on sale for 90% off very often so this is a perfect time to stock up!

    This code will get you:

    • – $25 dining or gift certificates for $1
    • – $10 dining or gift certificates for 50¢

    BONUS Get 35% Cash Back:

    You can get an even better deal by going through ShopAtHome!  Get the 90% off with the promo code PLUS 35% cash back by going through ShopAtHome, which means you pay only 65¢ for a $25 Gift Certificate!

    Go to ShopAtHome.com (it’s free to signup) login and search for Restaurant.com click on the coupon that says “$1 For $25 Gift Certificates” + 35% cash back!   ShopAtHome allows you to earn cash back on your online purchases.  It is like a rebate that you get after purchasing items online.  These gift certificates are great for Date Nights, Family Outings, to get as gifts or to use while your on vacation!

  • Christmas Giving: 100+ Stocking Gifts under $1.00

    Rolled pennies made to look like a candy for stocking stuffer gift

    One of the fun parts of Christmas is opening the little items that you get in the stockings every year.  I like to put both practical and fun items in the stockings.  Many years while doing regular shopping and finding items on clearance or with a coupon I am done with the stockings before December even arrives.  In our family we typically open the stockings on Christmas Eve before the girls go to bed that night.  It gets the celebrations started and it allows the girls to “savor the moment” as they open their stockings.  As they are opening the gifts they will try on new socks, read a book, paint their nails, put a pretty hair barrette in their hair or play with their little toys.  As a general rule the items that go in the stockings need to be less than $1.00 and in some cases I can get items for free. Here are some ideas if you are trying to fill that last little bit of the stocking.

    100+ Stocking Gifts for under $1.00

    • Roll of Pennies from the Bank ($0.50)
    • Candy Canes
    • Chapstick
    • Fingernail Polish
    • Gloves
    • Small Puzzles
    • Coloring Books
    • Slinky
    • Pack of Gum
    • Mints
    • Erasers
    • Match Box Cars
    • Breath Mints
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Hand Lotion
    • Googly Eyes
    • Fuzzy Sticks
    • Crayons
    • Colored Pencils
    • Markers
    • Glue Sticks
    • Batteries
    • Socks
    • Jewelry
    • Stickers
    • Craft Items
    • Playdough
    • Molding Clay
    • Glowsticks
    • Small Toys
    • Juice Box
    • Barrettes
    • Bows
    • Headbands
    • Pom Poms
    • Christmas Candy
    • Pens
    • Pencils
    • Paper Clips
    • Fingernail Filer
    • Scissors
    • Body Mist
    • Deodorant
    • Perfume
    • Hairspray
    • Wet Wipes
    • Individual Packs of Kleenex
    • Bouncy Balls
    • Small Notebook
    • Flashlight
    • Screwdriver
    • Pliers
    • Small Tools
    • Mini Calendar
    • Highlighters
    • Binder Clips
    • Watch
    • Scarf
    • Stocking Hat
    • Yo-Yo
    • Silly Putty
    • Glow in the Dark Stars / Planets
    • Kitchen Gadgets
    • Magnets
    • Small Games
    • Playing Cards
    • Sticky Notes
    • USB Flash Drives
    • Cookie Cutters
    • Whisk
    • Spatula
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Kitchen Towel
    • Wash Cloths
    • Small Christmas Cups
    • Makeup
    • Removable Tattoos
    • Flower Seeds
    • Vegetable or Fruit Seeds
    • Small Book
    • Sandwich Cutters
    • Small Activity Book
    • Key Chains
    • Swiss Army Knife
    • Tape Measure
    • Ruler
    • Coffee
    • Bath Toys
    • Bubble Bath
    • Belt
    • Underwear
    • Facial Mask
    • Foot Cream
    • Gift Certificates (bought with rewards)
    • Stationary
    • Leak Proof Drink Bottles
    • Ear Plugs
    • Chopsticks
    • Bookmarks
    • Golf Balls
    • Bracelets
    • Earrings
    • Rings
    • Necklaces
    • Silly Bandz
    • Wallet
    • Paint
    • Paint Brushes
    • Coasters
    • Small Cookbook
    • Recipe Cards
    • Small Photo Album
    • Packs of Hot Chocolate
    • Packs of Hot Apple Cider
    • Lipstick / Lip Gloss
    • Brush
    • Comb
    • DVD
    • CD
    • Baseball Cards
    • Ornament
    • Sunglasses
    • Magazine
    • Snacks
    • Coupons for Free Items

    A lot of what you get will depend on the size of the stocking you are trying to fill.  Items like socks are great for filling up the stocking where getting smaller items will take more to fill it up.  If you want you could go with a “theme” and get all kitchen items or crafty type items to put into the stocking for someone who would enjoy it.  You can get many of these items for free or nearly free throughout the year by checking out the clearance sections, using coupons, and rewards programs (CVS – Extra Care Bucks, Walgreens – Register Rewards, KMart – Rewards, and more).

    If you need a few items but don’t have time to shop throughout the year go to Dollar Tree and pick up a multi pack of hair barrettes, chapsticks and other goodies and divide them up among the family members.   Another great spot to pick up items if you are on a time crunch is in the travel / dollar sections in stores like Walmart or Target (where they have the mini bottles of items or other things people may need).

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 21 – 27, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.  You can start stocking up on some great deals for upcoming Holiday cooking.  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Sugardale Bone In Hank Potion Ham – $1.17 per lb

    Boneless Prime Rib – $4.99 per lb

    Pork Boston Butt – $1.39 per lb

    Pork Spare Ribs – $1.99 per lb

    Cooked Cocktail Shrimp (41 to 50 count) – $4.99

    Hickory Springs Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99

    Farmington Pork Sausage, Mild or Hot (16 oz) – $1.99

    John Morrell Cocktail Smokies (12 oz) – $1.99

    Armour Meatballs, Original, Italian or Turkey (14 oz) – $1.99

    Sugardale Center Cut Ham Steak – $2.99 per lb

    Snow Crab Clusters – $6.99 per lb

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Colburn Farms Cream Cheese (8 oz) – $1.00

    Buyers Best Hash Brown Patties (11 oz) – $1.00

    Birds Eye Sweet Kernel Corn or Mix Vegetables (16 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 11/13 Smart Source (Expires 12/30/11)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Jeno’s Crisp & Tasty Pizza, Pepperoni or Combination (6 to 7 oz)  – $1.00

    Blue Bonnet Spread Quarters (16 oz) – $0.69

    Minute Maid Pure Squeezed Orange Juice, Orginal or Calcium Plus (59 oz) – $2.99

    Kraft Chunk Cheese, Assorted Varieties  (8 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1.35/2 coupon from pamphlet Kroger’s My Magazine “Giving Back Together” (Expires 1/29/12)
    $1.32 each after coupon

    Welch’s Fruit Juice Cocktail, Concord Grape or Passion Fruit (64 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Welch’s
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As low as $0.99 each after coupon

    Creamy Whip Whipped Topping (8 oz) – $0.99

    Colburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.59

    Wylwood Tator Puffs (32 oz) – $2.29

    Snack-A-Tizers Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (8 oz) – $2.49

    Save A Lot Today Pizza Rolls (15 count) – $0.99

    Take & Bake Pizza Pepperoni or Supreme (33 to 36 oz) – $5.99

    Take & Bake Pizza Cheese (33 oz) – $5.49

    Produce

    Mixed Fruit (4 lbs) – $2.99

    California Naval Oranges (4 lbs) – $2.99

    Celery – $0.69

    Sweet Potatoes – $0.49 per lb

    Mini Carrots (1 pound) – $1.00

    Household

    Wrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $1.39

    Wrightware Napkins (250 count) – $1.69

    Poly Steel Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil (37.5  square feet) – $1.99

    Max Force Alkaline Batteries – $1.99

    Grocery

    Sunbeam Bread (20 oz) – $1.29

    Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, or Assorted Varieties Cereal Bowls (1 to 2) – $1.00

    Herr’s Potato Chips (3.75 oz) – $1.00

    Southgate Chili (15 oz) – $1.00

    Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – $0.45

    Save A Lot Brand Soda, Assorted Varieties (2 litter) – $0.63

    Ginger Evans All Purpose Flour (5 lbs) – $1.99

    Colburn Farms Evaporated Milk (12 oz) – $0.79

    Ginger Evans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz) – $2.29

    Wylwood Whole Kernel Corn or Green Beans (14 to 15 oz) – $0.59

    Kurtz Hot Sauce (12 oz) – $0.99

    Mantia’s Lasagna (16 oz) – $1.79

    Senora Verde Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz) – $0.69

    Kurtz Ketchup (24 oz) – $0.99

    J Higgs Buttery Rounds (16 oz) – $1.99

    So Cheezy Streamin Cheese (8 oz) – $2.59

    Senora Verde Bite Size Rounds Tortilla Chips (13 oz) – $1.49

    Senora Verde Salsa, Assorted Varieties (16 oz) – $1.49

    Crisp Cranberry Lemon Lime Soda (2 liter) – $0.79

    Deter’s Ginger Ale (2 liter) – $0.79

    J Higgs Snack Mix (15 oz) – $2.79

    Wylwood Great Northern Beans (16 oz) – $1.19

    Kurtz Wing Sauce (12 oz) – $1.39

    LeCour’s Finest Fudge Shortbread (13 oz) – $1.59

    Monet Entertainment Crackers (8 oz) – $1.69

    J Higgs Peanuts (16 oz) – $3.39

    McDaniel’s Classic Roast Coffee (33 oz) – $6.29

    McDaniel’s French Roast Coffee (27.8 oz) – $6.79

    McDaniel’s Donut Shop Coffee (12 oz) – $4.49

    McDaniel’s Enhanced Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $2.29

    Allure Sweetener (100 count) – $1.39

    McDaniel’s Coffee Filters (200 count) – $1.39

    Bakery

    Bakery Fresh Pies – $2.99

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.

  • Pampers Gifts to Grow – 5 Free Points

    You can receive another 5 free points from Pampers with a new Gifts to Grow code!

    This code is different from the previous codes I have given.

    Use Code:  TWITVJB16CD2011

    The code didn’t have an expiration date but they usually expire in a few days so be sure to add it to your account soon!

    You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts!

    For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!

  • Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4

    It was a week full of traveling, work, and Christmas celebrations!  I was able to stay under budget and stock up on some goodies, including produce and other fridge & pantry products!  I am thankful that South Carolina does not have any tax on groceries, this is very beneficial when I am trying to stay within the grocery budget down for our family.  Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.

    Groceries from Ingles and Dollar Tree

    Ingles Groceries:

    • $12.77 at Ingles for 1 fresh Cantaloupe, 1 bag Grapefruit, 2 bags Brussel Sprouts, 1 bag Broccoli, 1 bag carrots, 1 bag Peanuts, 1 jar Claussen Pickles, and 1 container Honey Ham.  (Everything I bought this week at Ingles was on sale, marked down, or on clearance.  All the produce including the huge bag of grapefruits were marked down to $0.99 cents! The ham was marked down and is perfect for making lunches, the Claussen pickles are my husband’s favorite pickles but I rarely buy them because they are so expensive but since they had one marked down I snagged one for him this week!)

    Dollar Tree Groceries:

    • $1.00 at Dollar Tree for 1 loaf Nature’s Own White Wheat Bread
    Groceries from Whole Foods

    Whole Foods Groceries:

    • $2.14 at Whole Foods for 2 jars Tikka Masala Curry, 2 jars Korma Curry, and 2 jars Jalfrezi Curry(Used a coupon, part of a gift card, and they were on sale this week especially since I typically do not shop at Whole Foods since it is across town!  I was  SUPER excited to get six jars of curry for only $2.14Our family enjoys having curry every few weeks so this will come in handy, plus we have family coming to stay with us who loves curry too.  The only thing that I was really disappointed to see was that Whole Foods no longer carries the curry packs like they used to, either way I was still happy to get these for a little over $2!  The lady in front of me spent $194.00 which is more than my budget for the entire month on just a few things in her basket and the lady behind me wanted to know how I got all of this for so little.  Thankful for an opportunity to save AND share with others.)

    This week I spent $15.91 on groceries.  Even though I was under on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on some items at the same time plus it allows me a little extra to spend next week if I find a great deal.  I was thrilled to stock up on produce as well as other great fridge & pantry items this week.  Now I am hungry for a “curry” dinner!  🙂  I hope that next week is better week and we can come under budget!

    It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks!  As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me.  I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too.  The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.

    Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances.  Life doesn’t always go as planned.  We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given.  Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life.  A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others.  There is so much more to life than having all the stuff.  We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.