Stay-at-Home Challenge - Update 1/7/09

I wanted to update you on my January Challenge.  

(If you  haven't read about it yet you can go here.)

Basically, my plan is to stay home and take a grocery shopping & coupon break so I can:

#1: Organize the house, minimize clutter, make the space we have work.

#2: Save $.

#3: Time for Savvy Savings program preparation.

So far,  the challenge is going well and I am enjoying the extra time I have in the week.  I have my Month of Meals Planned and have all the necessary items for them.  I will need to go to the store soon for some produce and diapers.

I have been able to reorganize my kitchen cabinets, making it much easier for me to find the things I need.  I emptied many of them and tried to rethink the space and use it better.  I moved my spices from a corner cabinet, where I couldn't see them very well, to a drawer nearer the stove.  I love being able to see all the labels and not dig around for the one I need!

I have several more things I would like to reorganize this month:

1. Kid's Craft items, coloring books, paper, paints
2. Upstairs bathroom  cabinet
3. Master Bath cabinet
4. Linen Closet - toiletry/personal care stash

 Also, I have had some good time to prepare for the Savvy Savings programs, read more to the kids and get a few other things done.  

So, I highly recommend you take the challenge and stay home!  Take a grocery shopping break. Maybe you can only do a week, if so try that and pick something to do in that afternoon you would have spent at the store.  

The Old Spaghetti Factory 40th Anniversary - Price Roll Back

The Old Spaghetti Factory is having some super low prices tomorrow night starting at 5:00 pm go here to see the menu and find out more.

It's their 40th anniversary and they are rolling back the prices!

Spaghetti and meat sauce, salad, bread and dessert is only $2.95

Take your family, take your friends!  Treat the neighbors!

CVS Annual Savings over $2500

Here is a copy of one of my December CVS receipts, showing my annual savings at over $2500. I spent approximately $250 last year at CVS.  At CVS I "purchased" almost all my family's personal care items (toothpaste, razors, make-up etc.) a good part of our milk purchases, and almost all my diapers and wipes for the baby and also occasionally some household items such as TP, fabric softener and tissues).  (I could only find this receipt from early December, so the totals might be a bit more on the savings.  If I find one from later one, I'll update this.)

The New Year has begun for CVS spending and I wonder if I will do as well this year.  I now have the convenience of a CVS around the corner, so it is easier to stop in for other things now and not have my shipping trip so carefully planned out. 

I wanted to show this receipt to you to hopefully encourage you to use the CVS ECB program if you are not already doing so. If you are new to CVS shopping,  Money Saving Mom has 2 great articles on it here and here.

Sunday Meditations

I Timothy 6:6-8

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

30 Page Photo Book For $11.99 with Free Shipping

Maybe you took a lot of photo's over the holidays, or you have last year's pictures in your computer waiting to be printed.  Now is a great time to make a Photo Book to show off your photos!  It's easy and quick and you can customize it!

ArtsCow has given me 10 coupon codes to give away to my readers for:  30 page 8 x 8 photo book for $11.99 with free shipping.  I still have a few codes left.  The coupons expire Jan 30th and I would love to give them all away!  (You must make your book before Jan 30th)

So, if you would like to make a Photo Book just email me at FrugalIndy@gmail.com or leave a comment with your email address and I will send you one! (While supplies last!)

If you don't have an ArtsCow account go here  to sign up.  You will receive:

"1200 free prints credits & 3 8"x8" photo books & other great photo gifts credits."

 

Home Depot Kids Workshops

Kid's Workshops

Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment. Offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and noon* at The Home Depot^®.

* until supplies last

To find out more look here.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis - Target Free Family Night, This Thursday 1/1/09

Target Free Family Night
		Open free for Families the 1st Thursday of each month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
		Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

If you are not a member, this is a great free time to visit.  Also, even if you are a member, the extended hours make this a great time to go as a family or send the kids with Dad (or Mom) and give Mom (or Dad) the night off!

You can visit The Children's Museum of Indianapolis' website here.  You can find directions here.

If you haven't taken a ride on the Yule Slide it's great fun for everyone!