11/10 Expressions

Today, I looked at vacation homes and prices have really dropped. It would be nice to be able to buy that could accomodate the family and perhaps a few friends. So, on a whim, I called my friendly Credit Union. Nope, they do not take applications for mortgages for vacation property/second homes. So, then I called my local/national bank - yes, if you have a good credit rating. The interest rate listed on the site was 6% for 30 years fixed and 5.75% for 15 years fixed. I asked if there would be a rate difference for vacation homes - they said slightly. Also, I wanted to know closing costs. So, I am still awaiting an e-mail. Tonight, my husband wanted to make a trip to Taco Bell for a quick dinner. But, we had all of the ingredients to make it ourselves. We did - and I seriously don't think he could have driven to and from the place any quicker - and definitely not any cheaper. I believe the home version is probably a bit healthier too.

11/09 Expressions

A few good deals I happened upon today. At Wal-mart, I was able to get 2 bags of Steam Fresh Veggies (on sale for $1/bag) free using $1 coupons printed off the internet (well actually at mypoints and I will be getting 10 points for redeeming the coupons) and I got 2 boxes of Bagelfuls for .98 a box after using 2 $1 off coupons printed from the same site. The other good deal, I had coupons from a prior Sunday paper, and a demonstrator gave me a handful of coupons, and I printed several off the internet (search for Scotch Brite Nail Saver Sponge) I believe. Anyway, they are on sale for $1 each and they count toward the buy 10 items get $5 off your order - so, I got 10 sponges free and $5 off toward my other groceries. Also, gas at Kroger was $2.19/gal - lowest octane - whoo hoo!

11/8 Expressions

My daughter will be getting her hair cut and styled today - with a gift certificate that we "won" at a silent auction. $10 is a great deal - of course we will include tip. The weather is changing rapidly. Time for home-made soup - mmmm good.

11/4 Expressions

Lot's of freebie and cheapie offers today for voters - but, I did not participate in a one. Yes, I voted - but, just did not make time to get to the freebies. I did sell my freebie DVD from the Pasta Viola deal. I also got a postcard good toward a free meal at Zaxby's. Of course a rent check came in the mail too. Not too shabby.

11/3 Expressions

Sometimes it is good to do some financial matters maintenance. I just noticed that my 401K will be maxed out about 2 pay checks early. Ahem, I think that could be a nice problem to have - however, I will miss out on some matching contribution. I think I have caught it in time - and will be lowering my contributions for the next two months. Oh, and we own a few shares of J.M. Smuckers - spun off of something, anyway, we got a nice little check which included an additional one-time dividend payment of $5 per share because they are mergin with Folgers. That was a nice surprise - of course if I was paying closer attention - I might have been expecting it. Also, tomorrow could be a good freebie day if you have the time and inclination. Many places are giving freebies and good deals to voters. I know Starbucks is giving a tall one. Ben and Jerry's - a scoop between 5-8 PM. I thought I might have seen an add for Krispie Creme for a free doughnut. I got an e-mail for Captain D's - $1.99 fish 'n chips for voters. I am sure there are more.

11/2 Expressions

Today, I have been baking up a storm. I baked 4 chess-pies, 1 batch of peanut butter cookies, 1 batch of oatmeal raisin cookies, 1 batch of biscuits, and while this stuff was baking, I had a turkey loaf - you know the one, with gravy, baking. I froze 2 of the pies, most of the cookies, and some of the biscuits. We had biscuits and gravy for breakfast this morning. Now we have sweet treats for the rest of the week and for the holidays too. Also, since it was a bit chilly today, the baking helped heat the house. I matched up coupons and shopped Kroger, CVS, and Publix. My best deal was Publix. For $4.04, I got 2 of those new Ore-Ida Steam and eat mashed sweet potatoes, 2 packages of Pet Ritz pie crust (4 total - now chess-pies), 1 package of Green Giant Steam and eat peas, and the mystery item today was a tub of quick cook oat meal - some are in the cookies. I did a bit more gift shopping yesterday on the 'net. I went through mypoints, and went to Overstock. I had a 10% off code (internet search) and found the gift I was looking for. I also went ahead and signed up for "O" Holiday Club - because, you get free shipping, an additional 5% off and $30 rebate in January if you spend $300 between now and the end of December. Of course I used my Chase Card because I am so close to being able to cash in for a $250 check.

11/1 Expressions

Normally, I shop year around for gifts. This year has been different for some reason. Anyway, just a few moments ago, I went through mypoints, armed with 3 codes, and was able to order 2 bras, 2 panties, and a purse from Victoria's Secret for $20.12. I ordered with two people in mind - so, I have started shopping. Somehow, I signed up for PSSST - and they sent me a link to get a coupon, printable twice for $1.10 off 1 can of Progresso. Hopefully, they will be on BOGO sale at Publix and I can do the buy $10 and get the 1 cent mystery item for very little. Yesterday, we used the Restaurant.Com .60 $10 Gift certificate at a local deli place.