I haven't disapperared.... Money Saving continues!

Sorry for my lack of posts recently.  I am not going to bother giving you all of my excuses.  But, do be assured that I have been working hard to save money.  Below are some of the things I have done to keep money in our pockets. 

• I returned/exchanged the last of the Christmas gifts that were sitting around our house.  We had some duplicate gifts, a few that were the wrong size, and a couple of defective items.  All have been exchanged for new items or returned for store credit.  I have about $100 store credit at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and $86 store credit at Walmart.  I will save these to use them for things that we need in the future. 
• I got an INCREDIBLE deal on diapers on Amazon.com the other day.  There were marked down.  Plus, I used the 30% discount for moms, and a 20% off coupon code that I got in American Baby magazine.  I used giftcards earned on Swagbucks to pay for the remainder, leaving with an OOP of $0.00!!!  A box of 250 Pampers for my son for $0.00 OOP... works for me! 
• We went out to dinner the other night.  I brought a coupon for $5.00 off a purchase of $20.00 to use.  However, our meal took so long, that the manager gave it to us for free.  So, we saved the coupon and will use it another time. 
• Last month our electric bill was around $115.  I was shocked at how high it was, as it has never been that high in the winter.  We have been trying really hard to conserve as much energy as possible this past month.  We just got our latest bill and it is down to $73.  That's much better, but I would still like to see it go down a little more. 
• DH and I continue to take our lunch to work everyday and DH continues to carpool to work with a coworker to save on gas. 
• I have fallen far behind with clipping and organizing my coupons.  So, I spent quite a bit of time clipping and organizing coupons while my two sons were napping on Sunday.  Hopefully I can stay on top of this more, so it doesn't take so long on the future. 
• I had some bananas that were turning quite brown.  So rather than throw them out, I used them to make banana mini muffins.   My son loves to take these to preschool to have for his breakfast.  These are far cheaper and healthier than buying a store bought breakfast. 
• I filled up with gas at the station that gives 10 cents off every gallon to teachers. 
• I made a large batch of homemade baby food for my younger son.  This is far cheaper and healther than what I can buy at the store. 

Money Saving Challenge- January 20, 2011

These are the things we have been doing to save money:

• Both DH and I have been taking our lunch to work each day.  We have been eating leftovers as well as sandwiches.  This is so much cheaper than eating out. 
• Made DH's grandmother's birthday card.  I was quite proud of how it turned out.  Back in December, Precious over at Frugal Makes Cents found a great deal on paper and supplies to create greeting cards.  The entire package cost less than $10 and I should be able to easily get all of my greeting cards for the year made with the supplies.  I figure most Hallmark cards average around $4.00 so these savings will definitely add up.
• Filled up my gas tank with my teacher savings card.  The gas station near our house provides teachers with 10 cents off every gallon of gas.  I saved $1.32 with this fill-up. 
• Dinner today will be chicken cordon bleu with noodles and a side salad. 
• Last night we went out to dinner at Olive Garden.  We received a gift card as a Christmas gift.  I used a coupon for $4.00 off 2 dinner entrees and $30 in gift cards.  After the coupon and gift cards, we owed $0.78 plus tip.  Not bad for a tasty dinner that fed three of us. 
• DH has been carpooling to work.  He drives every other day which saves a lot on gas. 
• We got our budget set and organized for 2011.  Homemaking Expert has a wonderful Excel spreadsheet that is exactly what we were needing.  By tracking our expenses and savings, we will have a much better idea of what is coming in and what is leaking out. 
• I have been going through the kids' clothes.  The clothes that my youngest son has outgrown are all being organized into a pile for the garage sale we plan to have this summer.  Clothes that my oldest have outgrown, are being organized into giant tubs so that we are prepared when my youngest is ready for them. 
• I went through all of our files and shredded an old documents and bills that we no longer need.  I am VERY cautious with getting rid of any paperwork.  There is so much fraud and scamming going on out there that I don't take any chances.  Everything gets shredded at our house!
• I organized our freezer so that I know what we have and could more easily find what I need. 
• Yesterday I stopped by the mall to check out the clearance sales on childrens' clothes. I always buy my son's clothes on clearance for the next year.  So, I have my eyes open now for winter clothes for him to wear next year.  I found some really good deals at both Old Navy and Gymboree.  I got a total of 10 shirts, 2 sweaters, 2 pairs of pants, and a pair of underwear for about $25 OOP, thanks to coupons, gift cards, and store credit. 
• Due to the snow storm, both DH and I are off work tomorrow!  So, no gas will be used tomorrow.  Hopefully we can get a few chores done around the house, and also enjoy lots of fun time with our boys.