I'm BACK!!!

I have received all your emails, I am so lucky to have people worried about me.  I am fine, just trying to get a balance in my life.  WOW, Who knew that taking a Kindergartener back and forth to school (3 hours) would be so tough.  We are in afternoon K, which is good, but it takes me 25 min to drive to school so we are eating lunch at 11am (before we were eating around 12:30-1ish) and we are in the car on the road by 11:42.  That sounds like plenty of time right? WRONG!!! My kids feel that it is fun to just mess around and not eat so then we end up rushing around like chickens with are heads cut off.  Imagine the horror of all day first grade next year, which starts at 8:20AM. AHHHHHHH.

The other fun part about having half day Kindergarten is, because it is not just down the street, I have to decide what we are going to do to entertain us for the 3 hours. (Us = My 3 yr old Daughter and I)  It's amazing how fast that times go by.  Today we got my daughter her very first haircut, and after the haircut we had about an hour and half before we had to start heading back to the school.  Do we drive all the way home and hang out for 30-45 minutes or do we find something else to do.  We are getting good at finding other things to do but I can tell that other things in my life are lacking because I am in the car all day. (Like how 4 hours just turned into all day?)   

So right now I am working on better time management so that I can still find the best deals and share them with all of you without neglecting my family at the same time.   I did look into getting a laptop so that I can work on the deals from the car while waiting for my little man to get out of school, but it is about $60 a month for that Wi-Fi card thingy (yes that is the technical term) and that is just not going to happen right now.   So in the mean time I am back to my calendar and a pencil and that time management thing. 

Thanks again for all of your lovely words and thoughts.

Back to School Deals 7/9-7/15

This is my favorite time of year. Not that I want my kids to hurry up and go to school but I absolutely love Back to School shopping. There is just something about the thought of getting organized (wish it would last more than a week), having all my pens, pencils, notepads etc. I just love it. 

I have heard from some of my friends this last week and they are spending like $200 on Back to School, can you believe that?  I don't know about you but that is not in my budget, that's why I make a plan and grab the best deals each week and by the end of the summer (5 more weeks for us) I will have everything they need and more for the year.

Check out my price list HERE.

These are the deals for 7/9-7/15

OfficeMax/Office Depot

 

1-cent Office Depot Brand 2-Pocket Paper Folders

*With $5 minimum purchase before taxes. Limit 10 per household/business.

• 25-cent Office Depot Brand Eraser Caps (12-pack)

Limit 3 per household/business.

50-cent Sharpie Single Permanent Markers

Limit 3 per household/business.

50-cent Office Depot Index Cards (100 pack)

While supplies last. No rainchecks. Limit 3 per household.

Staples

25% Off School supplies, when you buy a backpack. Valid through 7/22.

Staples Poly Cover Wirebound Notebook, College Ruled, 8" x 10-1/2": $0.50

Limit 5

Staples Comfort Stic Ballpoint Pens 12PK: $0.50

Staples 2-Pocket Translucent Poly Folder with Fasteners: $0.50

Limit 30

Staples School Glue, 4 oz: $0.50

Staples Composition Notebook: $0.50

Limit 30

Staples College Ruled Filler Paper, 8" x 10-1/2", 120 pk: $0.50

Limit 5

Staples #2 Wood Pencils, 12 pk: $0.50

Staples No. 2 Gripped Mechanical Pencils, 12 pk: $0.50

Limit 5

Crayola Crayons, 24 pk: $0.50

Limit 30

Staples 1" standard-view binder: $1.92

Crayola Washable Crayons, 24: $2

Thanks This Mommy Saves Money

Back to School Deals for the Week of 7/16-7/22

 

I hope you are taking advantage of these incredible deals and getting what you need. This week I picked up some great deals at Office Depot and it looks like I will be back there again on Sunday for these deals below.

Have you started Back to School Shopping Yet? 

Back to School Deals for the Week of 7/16-7/22

OfficeMax/Office Depot

Bam What!!! Only $0.25 for Scholastic School Glue for only $0.25. I don't know about yours but my kid's school goes through so much glue that I stock up so that when they need more in January I have them for a quarter.

Scholastic Glue $0.25
Limit 3

Office Depot Scissors $0.50
limit 3

Office Depot Pencils: $0.50 

Limit 3 

SwissGear Backpacks $10
While supplies last. No rainchecks. Limit 3
 

Staples

25% Off School supplies, when you buy a backpack. Valid through 7/22.

Crayola Classic Markers, Fine Line, 10/Box: $0.97 (Same as Walmart Price)

Limit 30

Crayola Colored Pencils, 12/Box: $0.97 (Same as Walmart Price) 

Limit 30

Westcott 13168/Kids Value Scissors with Blunt Tip, 5", 2 pk: $0.97

Staples poly pocket divider: $0.97

Staples Accel 1-subject notebook, 100 sheets: $0.97

Limit 5

BIC Xtra Comfort Mechanical Pencils #2 6/Pack: $0.97

Staples #2 Pre-sharpened Wood Pencils, 24 pk: $0.97

Limit 5

Staples Washable Glue Sticks, .26oz, 4/Pack: $0.97

Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator: $9.99

Thanks so much This Mommy Saves Money  

Y-Cares: Helping Working Parents this School Year

Can you believe that it is time for the kids to "go" back to school! I know that this year looks totally different than ever before, with some schools going to in person, some are hybrid and some are online only! No matter which, it is not the same and not going to be easy. 

Back to school is always a little overwhelming especially if you are a working parent. Having to set up child care or after school activities. Now adding the kids being home half the day or all day into the mix, you could just about lose your mind. 

The YMCA is here to help with a new program called Y-Cares. This program is a place that you can bring the kids. They will get help setting up their online classes but then they have so much more to offer! 

No more hearing that the kids are bored. I am sure I am not alone. My kiddos have been "bored" the last 6 months straight. ha!

In addition to daily academic support, Y Cares will keep kids physically active through games, sports, and pool time. Creativity is sparked and learning is promoted through arts, humanities, and STEM projects. Character is developed through our Y Ties Initiative, conflict resolution skill building, and by instilling the Y’s Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty) throughout the day. That’s just the tip of the iceberg! Each week is jam-packed with fun activities that appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities.

Y Cares Components:

Character Academy 

Encourages social & emotional development while building upon the Y’s character values (honesty, caring, respect & responsibility). 

Enrichment Centers 

Y Cares is a holistic program that includes: Arts, Humanities, STEM, Literacy & PE. 

Learning Centers 

Caring staff provide academic support, specialized engagement & direction to complete class assignments. 

Activity Zones 

Brain breaks are important! The Y’s Basketball Gyms, Rockwall, Pools (where applicable), Youth Sports Complex, Parks, Playgrounds & so much more to keep participants active when not engaged in learning. 

Zoom Rooms 

Quiet space staffed to support participants in their scheduled distance education.

Register here

RoseArt Back to School $0.36 OOP

Yesterday in the RedPlum we received a $1/3 RoseArt coupon.  I headed over to Target this afternoon to pick up a couple of items for back to school.  In the past, I haven't had a lot of luck using coupons at Target but I brought the coupon policy with me just in case, luckily I had no problem this time.

Check out what I scored

4 RoseArt Crayons $.25ea  $1.00
4 RoseArt twin glue sticks $0.25ea  $1.00
4 RoseArt Color Pencils $0.52ea  $2.08
2 PaperMate 10pk Pens. $1.00ea  $2.00
Total $6.08+tax = $6.52

4-$1/3 RoseArt Product RP 7/29

2 -$1/1 Target MFQ PaperMate Products  (back to school section)

$0.05 Bringing in my own reusable bag

Total OOP $0.36  (Tax was $0.33)

Back To School Penny Deals at Office Depot

WHOOP WHOOP!! 

I so love Back to School deals! 

My kids are already back to school but I can't get enough of these penny deals! Right now you can grab glue, rulers, pencils and spiral notebooks all for a penny with the purchase of $5 of more. Limit 3.

REPEAT THIS TRANSACTION 3 TIMES

Buy 1 Ream of Paper: $6
Buy 3 Scholastic Glue: $0.01ea
Buy 3 OD Pencils 12pk: $0.01ea
Buy 3 OD Spiral Notebooks: $0.01ea
Buy 3 OD Rulers: $0.01ea
Tax: $0.50
Total Paid $6.62
Receive $5.99 in Office Depot Rebates

Making it only $0.63 each transaction!

I might go back and get the colored ream of paper for the same $6 ($5.99 Rebate)!!! WOOHOO

Back to school prices

Can you believe it is already back to school sales, it feels like the kids just got out of school.  We can score some fantastic deal right now that can supply our needs for the entire year. This is a list of my stock up prices.

Penny Deal
Spiral notebooks
Pencil (packs)
Pencil cases
Erasers
Folders 2 pockets
Highlighers
Index Cards
Post its

Dimes Deals and under
Paper Clips
Pencil cap erasers
Rulers

Quarter Deals 
Pencil Sharpeners 
Sharpies 2pk
Bic round tip 8 pk pens
Glue Bottles


$0.50 Deals and under
Zipper 3 ring pencil pouch
Wite out 
Scissors (kids)
Dividers
Composition Notebooks 
Filler Paper
Compass
Protractors

$1 Deals and under
3 ring binder
Ream of paper (Staples after rebate)
Colored Pencils 

Regular Walmart Prices
Spiral notebooks $0.25
Glue Sticks 2pk  $0.25
Crayola Markers $0.97
Crayola Crayons $0.50
Pencils 8ct $0.47
Pencils 20 ct $0.97
Colored Pencils $0.97
3 ring 1" binder $0.97

Don't forget to look around and think outside the box.  If you are a scrapbooker this is a great time to pick up colored staples. If you have an office, look around, what do you need for the year that you can get for pennies?

Office Depot Back to School 7/28-8/3

Way to go Office Depot. I am excited for a few of these Back to School Deals.

My favorites are:

Elmers school Glue: $0.33ea
Lexar JumpDrive: $3.99
Office Depot Filler Paper: $0.50ea
Backpacks: $10
Office Depot #2 Pencils 12pk: $0.75
Crayola Markers: $1
Crayola Crayons 24pk: $0.33ea
Paper Mate Ballpoint pens: $0.99ea
Office Depot Ruler: $0.25
Westcott 5" Kids Scissors 2pk: $1

**HOT Back to School DEALS** at Office Depot this week!

Back to School deals are in full swing. My plan is to head over to Office Depot and score some amazing deals. If you need folders this week Office Depot has you covered. They are only a penny with a min. of $5 purchase. That's not going to be hard this week because they have some amazing deals. 

Here's an idea:
Buy 3 Office Depot Pencil Erasers: $0.25 ea
Buy 3 Bic Highlighters: $0.50ea

Buy 3 Wooden rulers: $0.25ea
Buy 1 Mini Stapler Set: $1.00
Buy 1 Hole punch for Binders: $1.00
Buy 10 Folders: $0.01 each
Pay only: $5.10 

Another idea is: 

Buy Boise Printer Paper: $6
Buy 10 Folders: $0.01 each
Pay: $6.10
Submit for Rewards of $5.99
Like paying $0.11 TOTAL!!!

 

Back To School! What to get this week.

I'm shocked that it is already August. Back to School is in full swing!  I personally get a few items every week because I know that next week other item will be at rock bottom prices.  Here are the items I think are the best this week.

Week of 8/18-8/24

Office Depot
Spiral Notebooks $0.01 (limit 3)
Rulers $0.01 (limit 3
1" 3 ring binder $1.00

Staples
Composition books $0.10 (with $5 min purchase)
Bic Velocity Gel pens 2pk $0.50
Westcott Preferred 7" Scissors $0.50
Staples Mechanical pencils FREE after Rebate (Pay $4.29 get $4.29 easy rebate)
Paper Mate Magic Rub Eraser 3pk $0.50
16GB USB Flash Drive $9


Walgreens 
Index cards $0.39
Sharpie Marker $0.39
8pk Pencils $0.39
Top loading sheet protector 10pk $0.49
5 tab dividers $0.49
Paper mate Grip Mechanical Pencils 5pk $0.49
.5-3in 3 ring binder B1G1 Free Backpacks $3.99
Construction paper $0.99
5 tab dividers with pockets $0.99
Fiskars Scissors 5in $0.99
Wooden ruler $0.19 Protractor 6in $0.19
Erasers: Caps or Pink 2pk $0.33
Wexford Mini Highlighter $0.19
Filler Paper $.79 Posterboard 22x28 $0.39
Paper Folders 2 pocket with prong $0.20ea
Wexford glue 4oz $0.39
Wexford sticky notes $0.39
Wexford Jumbo glue sticks $0.39
Paper Mate mechanical pencils 5pk $0.79
Paper Mate Stick Pens 10pk$0.79
Legal Pads 2 or 3pks $0.99
Bic Briteliner Highlighers $0.79
Paper Clips $0.39
Index card case $0.39
Wexford Invisible Tape $0.39

Walmart regular price (Don't forget if Walmart carries any of the above products they will price match the deal!)
2 prong folders $0.17
Composition books $0.50
Crayola Markers $0.97
Crayola Crayons $0.50
Colored Pencils $0.97
Spiral Notebook $0.17

If you have any questions please feel free to comment below.
If I missed any great deals I would love to hear them as well. :)

Back to School Deals 7/23-7/29 including FREE Pens

I love Back to School shopping. It makes me happy! It's a time for me to get organized and get the kids what they need and let's face it, I love the challenge of getting all their supplies at the lowest possible price. 

These are all my favorite deals

Walgreens 7/23-7/29

Sharpie 2pk $0.99
Paper-Mate Inkjoy 100 $0.99

Folders $0.29

Mini Highlighters $0.29

Wexford Pencils $0.39

Scissors $0.39

Office Depot

Comp books $0.25 Limit 3

Office Depot 3pk Erasers $0.25 Limit 3

Office Depot Ball point pens $0.50 limit 3

Paper Mate Sharpwriter pencils 5pk $1 Limit 3

Office Depot 2 Pocket Folders $0.15

Staples

Paper Mate 5pk Sharpwriter Mech Pencils $0.97

Filler Paper 120 sheets $0.50

Sharpies 5pk $1

Staples Erasers $0.50
Staples Pencils $0.50

Staples Comp books $0.50

Staples Index Cards $0.50

Glue $0.50

Staples Pencil Sharpeners $0.50

Walmart 

Be sure to check your Smart Sources in Sundays paper for FREE Pens. WHOOP WHOOP!

Bic Round Stic Ball Point Pens  $0.97
$1.00 BIC Stationery Products - 7-23-17 SS (exp 08/05/17)
Total: FREE

Bic Cristal pens  $1.17
$1.00 BIC Stationery Products - 7-23-17 SS (exp 08/05/17)
Total: $0.17

Albertsons

5 subject Notebook $2.00

Walmart Back to school

According to dealseekingmom,  Walmart's school supply deals started this week. I can definitely see a higher price from last year but we will see as we get closer to school starting, if they go lower.

• Paper Folder (All Colors), $0.10
• Paper Folder With Prongs (All Colors), $0.25
• Crayola Crayons (24 ct.), $0.40
• Composition Notebook, $0.40
• Elmers School Glue, $0.40
• Elmers Glue Stick (2 pk.), $0.40
• Dixon Pencils (10 ct.), $0.47
• Poly Folder, $0.50
• Pencil Sharpener (All Colors), $0.97
• Pink School Eraser (2 pk.), $0.97
• Crayola Markers (10 ct.), $0.97
• Crayola Colored Pencils, $0.97
• Pencil Top Erasers (40 pk.), $0.97
• BIC Black, Blue, Red Crystal Pens (10 ct.), $0.97
• Filler Paper Lined (200 sheets), $0.97
• Fiskars Blunt and Sharp Point Scissors, $1.47
• Sharpie Markers (3 pk.), $1.47
• Paper Mate Pens (10 pk.), $1.47
• Sharpie Skinny Highlighters (4 pk.), $1.47
• Sharpie Regular Highlighters (4 pk.), $1.47
• Expo Dry Erase Markers (2 pk.), $1.47
• BIC Mechanical Pencils (10 ct.), $1.47
• Construction Paper (100 sheets), $1.87
• Crayola Washable Markers (10 ct.), $1.97
• Elmers Large Glue Sticks (3 pk.), $2.47
• Pilot G2 Pens (2 pk.), $2.47
• Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils (10 ct.), $2.97
• Expo Dry Erase Markers (4 pk.), $3.47
• Pilot G2 Pens (4 pk.), $4.47

Get a Healthy Start with Young Living Essential Oils

In the last couple of years our health insurance has skyrocketed. We were paying $300 for our family's monthly premium with a deductible of $1000. Now let's fast forward 4 years and our premiums would be $1900 with a deductible of $10,000. That is all because we want to be able to see our kid's pediatrician if we needed to. 

This is one of the main reasons we found Young Living Essential Oils, we were looking for an alternative to typical medicine. We knew that we weren't going to be able to afford traditional insurance so we found a health plan co-op. We will have to pay for office visits out of pocket but if we were hospitalized or something major happened, everyone involved in the co-op health plan would pull together to help us all pay it off.

We signed up last year and have to say that we were very pleased. We are paying a more affordable monthly amount and we are helping others in need at the same time. That is where our Essential Oils really came in handy.

We are using them for everything and have been able to stay healthy, in fact we haven't had to see a doctor since. We are staying above the wellness line. I have had help with my occasional stress (I'm a mom, let's face it I have it), Hubby has been able to treat some of his back and neck pain, the kids have more focus and concentration in school, I am actually losing some weight (that alone is worth every penny), and we are all sleeping better. That is all because of these products. Believe me, when I first heard about them I thought they are like snake oils or something crazy. How can little oils help in so many ways, but I am here to tell you that they do!! They have been such a blessing in my family's lives and I want to scream it on the roof top that if you have been looking for another alternative I have one right here for you!

The Premium Starter Kit comes with: 

• 11 Bottles of the most popular oils
     that can help with: 
• Sleep
• Occasional stress
• Immune system
• Respiratory support
• Occasional Head tension
• Breathe
• Odors
• Digestion
• Focus
• Muscle tension
• and so much more
• Dewdrop or Home diffuser
• Oil Sample Packets
• Oil Sample Bottles
• Oil Sample Sharing Cards
• 2 Packets of NingXia Red
• 1 Rollerball
• Sample bottles
• Wholesale membership saving you 24% off any future purchases and awesome promotions and contests. 

When I was first looking at this kit I thought their would be some kind of catch. I mean really why do I need a "membership". No catch and no quotas to be a Young Living Member. They do ask that you spend 50 pvs (most of the time pvs are the same as dollar amounts) a YEAR! Yep, a year. You read that right. My feeling with that is if I am not purchasing $50 worth of oils, supplements or supplies in a year than I don't care about being an active member. In fact if I go inactive and then need something, I just call the company, place an order and I am back in. No catch. That is what I love about Young Living. That and the Seed to Seal Guarantee that sets us apart from everyone else. ;) That's really important to me, especially when I am using these oils and supplements on my babies.