Dream House Savings Update - Month 1

Well, its hard to believe one month has passed since I started putting aside the money I save by using coupons. I must say I think it has gone well for my first month. I've bought a three-ring binder, baseball card sleeves, and tabbed dividers and have all of my coupons well organized. During this month, I have saved $143.30 by using coupons. I must admit, I have bought a couple things only because I had a coupon. One of these was a $6 air freshener, but I had a coupon for $6 off, so it was free. Another thing was a $7 candle, but again, I had a coupon for $7 off, so it was free as well. This $13 savings is included in the total above. I keep reminding myself that the savings from this month would be enough to buy paint for several rooms or hardward for a bathroom. Its a drop in a bucket compared to the price of building a house, but its a start.

Boo at the Zoo

This past Saturday, we were able to enjoy a beautiful moring at our awesome St. Louis Zoo with my friend (and co-worker) Jamie, her husband, and daughter Taylor. The Zoo was holding an event that they call Boo at the Zoo. This provides the kids an opportunity to dress up and walk a path around the zoo and collect candy and other freebies from local businesses that have tents setup. The morning started out on the chilly side, so I was very thankful that Ella has a warm costume.

Daddy & Ella

Our little ladybug

Carousel!

Snow White & Ladybug

Family Photo

"Smelling" the rose she received at the Zoo

My "purdy" face

Flu shot frustrations (that's putting it nicely)

Yesterday afternoon I called Ella's pediatrician to talk to them about getting her a flu shot. The nurse pulled Ella's chart and confirmed that she did get one last year, noted that she'd only need one shot this year since she got one last year, and said that I could come in this morning because they have a flu shot clinic on Wednesdays starting at 8 AM. So, about 8:10, Ella and I go into Dr. Hill's office, walk up to the counter, and I tell the nurse that we are there for a flu shot. She asks "What kind of insurance do you have?", so after answering her question she says "We only have flu shots available for people on Public Aid. We have the flu mist for anyone though". WHAT?!?!?!?!?! First of all, you can't get the flu mist until you are at least 2 years old, so that makes Ella unable to get it. Second, why the heck wasn't I told this yesterday on the phone? Third, and most importantly in my mind, why do people on Public Aid get a flu shot when someone with health insurance cannot? Why do Rob and I work hard to provide for our family and get health insurance for ourselves, just to get punished for it? Why can Joe Crackhead who doesn't work and has 18 kids, bring them in and all get flu shots? Sometimes the world we live in infuriates me. I left Dr. Hill a message to call me tomorrow. I'm anxious to hear what she has to say about the reasoning behind this "policy".

Luckily, after numerous phone calls today, I was able to locate a flu shot for Ella at the Jersey County Health Dept, so I'll be taking her there tomorrow. If that doesn't pan out, you might see my mug shot on the evening news tomorrow night. Will you help bail me out? :)

Carefree

Friday Favs

Happy Friday!!! This week has been somewhat crazy at work with our extended individual tax returns being due yesterday. That deadline is bittersweet for me. It is a relief to have another deadline behind us, but it also reminds me that tax season is now around the corner...again. :( But, I don't want to talk about that now.

I ordered this cookbook this week from Amazon. I can't wait for it to come in! The cupcakes look so cute!

I think the corn on the cob cupcakes are so cute and creative (sorry the picture is blurry)! I hope I have time to make some of the goodies in the book!

Recently, Rob and I have been talking about buying a new camera. Something that we can have as a "family camera". We decided on this one...

Last Saturday, we celebrated Grandma Brinker's 89th birthday with a yummy dinner at my parents house. It was a great chance to see some family that we don't often see and celebrate an amazing woman who has blessed my life.

3 more weeks of class!!! Hmmm...I need to start thinking about what I want to do to celebrate when I'm done...suggestions?

Its a good thing we love her

This morning I decided Payton was overdue for a visit to her vet. She has been scratching her ears for a while now, and recently started to yipe when she scratches them. I figured it was somehow related to her allergies. If only we could figure out what she's allergic to! Who knew dogs could get allergies?!?! Luckily our vet's office is AMAZING and they got us in at 11:15 this morning. So, my poor dog has a yeast infection in both ears, a staph infection on her belly and needed her anal glands squeezed. Yes, I know that is gross. She also got her nails trimmed while we were there because I HATE doing it. She now has 4 medications to clear up all of her current ailments. So, after paying the vet's office a day's wages, we're back home. Sure is a good thing we love her!

Friday Favs

Hi everybody! TGIF!


I MUST start my favorites with the rainy, cool, fall weather we've been having lately. Call me nuts if you'd like, but I LOVE this weather. I love it even more when I can stay home, in bed, with a good book and some hot tea. Unfortunately, that hasn't been in the cards for me, but I still love this weather.


Other favorites for this week include:


Cindy's chili and spending quality time with my in-laws


Annual Kettle Cooking at the Boda house. You can read more about it here.


Receiving 145 out of 150 points on my presentation in class


My Mom going to Play Pals with myself and Ella on Wednesday.


Getting 3 BIG pumpkins and 2 small ones for $10


Lunch at Olga's with Mom, Rob and Ella


A bedroom ceiling fan with a light that now works again!


Ella randomly walking up to me, standing on her tip-toes, puckering up for a kiss


Saving roughly $40 by using coupons this week


A free lunch from QT thank you to a coupon for a free sandwich!



What a great week! I hope you each have a great weekend!