My big news for today...

actually I don't have any big news BUT I did research making homemade laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent and hand soap. I have no "real" reason for wanting to do this besides that fact that I can plus it's saving $, and it's a great storage item in case there is ever an earthquake or hurricane or tornado (oh wait, there was...in the same week). ANYWAY...here is the recipe I used for dishwasher detergent:

1 1/2 cups Borax
1 1/2 cups baking soda

1/4 cup lemon shine

I mixed everything in a large pot then transferred the mix to a mason jar with a 1 TBSP spoon in the jar. I have no results as to the outcome of the dishes but all reviews said it worked great OR better. Nor do I have the actual cost (or savings) because my brain can not figure that amount of math out. It cost me about $1.00 to make 3 cups of detergent. 1TBSP is all I need for each load so how many TBSPs are in 3 cups??? It LOOKS cheap....

I confess...

I was a couponer. Not an EXTREME couponer but close to it. It was exciting to bring home my treasures (that's what I liked to call them) and spread them all out on the table and look at them. I would add up all my savings and pretend to tell someone (actually I would tell Zach, but he never seemed to listen). I even dreamed in sales and coupons. Those days are long gone. The days of going to 5 different stores, with or without children, is no longer enjoyable. The time involved is too much and some of those cashiers are just plain out angry old women who have nothing better to do them bust the dreams of couponers. Like it was THEIR shampoo I wanted!

Well, I decided to start couponing again. Definitely not to the extreme I did years ago. I really just want to save a few bucks on the stuff I already need and buy.

I wasn't out to get products for only a few bucks. I needed more night moisturizing creme and there was no way I scoring that for free. After my shopping trip I felt pretty good about what I saved.

2 Coppertone Sunblock - $19.98
5 Garnier Hair products - $15.66
2 Almonds $7.38
Olay creme $22.99
2 CoverGirl Eye shadows $6.78
Eggs $1.69
Total = $74.48

I spent $41.60 so after coupons and UP rewards which I turned around and used immediately I saved $32.88! Not too bad and I can actually say I got my face creme for free, right?

My next money saving adventure is homemade laundry detergent...

This whole spending thing has got my undies in a knot. I feel so guilty. Last night, I couldn't stop thinking about what to do to fix it. I designed, in my mind, over and over again a list with budget goals. After hours, seriously hours, I realized that a lot of the purchases last week I did need to make. The boys really did need shoes and I scored some sweet deals online at Famous Footwear (spending only 22$ for Puma sneakers for Isaac) and LL Bean for a book bag for Sam. Usually, I can't afford to buy from LL Bean but took the chance knowing their products have a lifetime guarantee. I chose a bag on clearance and got free shipping. Purchases for gas, groceries, medicines, etc were necessary. The Target purchases included formula for the baby and household items including light bulbs, a heater filter, and batteries. (there was also a cute dress for Olivia and shoes..on clearance though!). So I guess in conclusion I (we) really need to sit down and decide HOW much I (we) should to spend in each area and then stick with it. Of course, if I spend $141 each week on unnecessary items I could possibly save $600 a month, right?

Now what can I buy for $600???

I have been in self improvement mode lately and have enjoyed the progress I make each week. I have set up work charts for the kids (which work amazing!) and assigned myself 15 minutes each day to get the house together. I have been reading a book called "Fabulous, Fit, and Faithful" which claims to improve my life in 8 weeks, however, I know it will take way longer then that. I was excited to set a holy habit and accomplish it this past week. WOW! What a difference being holy makes in ones' day.

This week I am heading back to the Y to work out. I plan to go everyday, in reality I will be happy to make it twice this week.

My BIG goal this week is fixing the family budget. Here is a list of what I spent this week:
Ashley Bird would be appalled.

Monday:
Goodwill $23.88
Michaels $22.14
Kids Kuts $14.00 (plus 3$ cash tip)
Wendys $7.74
YMCA $2.68

Tuesday:
LL Bean $19.99*
Famous Footwear $78.17*

Wednesday:
Salvation Army $43.42
Walgreens $12.47
Gas $40.00

Friday:
Shoprite $151.01
Kohls $109.57*
Gas $57.01
Target $39.50*
Christmas Tree Shop $43.88

Saturday:
LDS online $79.63 (scriptures for Sams 8th birthday and magazine renewals)
Target $42.38

$790.47
So, let me break this down. I put in red the purchases that were REALLY unnecessary. That total is
$141.06. I put a * by the purchases that were necessary but perhaps I could of shopped around more OR bought cheaper, used coupons, etc. Those included a new book bag for Sam, bras for myself, and  new shoes for 3 boys.

I consider myself a wise shopper. I use coupons, online deals, and always look for the best sales. However, this is an eye opener for me. So this week I am going to spend $0 in unnecessary purchases. Sorry, Goodwill, I will not be visiting you this week. Plus, I already spent $35.50 TODAY. (online so no Sabbath breaking)

I will set a food budget (thinking about using only CASH again, more couponing), set a "project" budget, and then take it from there.