Harris Teeter Triples Trip #1

Here is my first trip to Harris Teeter Triples this week.

I spent $7.17.
I had $5.08 in VIC savings.
I had $31.69 in coupon savings
I had $36.77 in total savings.
I would have spent $43.94.
I saved 84%.

2 Ziploc quart freezer bags - $2.69 each, on sale for $1.99 each, used B1G1 and 40c q (tripled) = 79c for both
1 Ziploc gallon freezer bags - $2.69, on sale for $1.99, used 40c q (tripled) = 79c
3 Frank's Red Hot - $1.25 each, used 3 50c q (tripled) = FREE for all
Croutons - $1.85, used 50c q (tripled) = 35c
No Yolk noodles - $2.29, used 75c q (tripled) = 4c
4 Barilla pastas - $1.50 each, used 4 55c q (tripled) = FREE for all
2 Dole frozen fruit - $3.75 each, used 2 75c q (tripled) = $1.50 each
2 Birdseye frozen veggies - $2.50 each, on sale for $2.00 each, used 2 50c q (tripled) = 50c each
2 Yoplait greek yogurts - $1.25 each, used 2 30c q (tripled) = 35c each
2 Oscar Mayer turkey bacon - $3.49 each, on sale for $2.50 each, used 2 75c q (tripled) = 25c each

What I've Learned from Being Pregnant with Twins

First of all, let me apologize for not having posted for a couple of weeks. I would love to be able to post daily or every other day, but like I said, my posts usually come straight from my life that day and things I think you guys might enjoy hearing about. I occassionally think of something and post about it, but I generally get inspired from life. Well that is what this post is all about.

Since being pregnant with twins, I have seriously had to slow down, sit down, calm down, and try to keep food down. It's been interesting. When I was pregnant with Luke, I wasn't sick a single day, could pretty much do most things, and would just be tired at night. With this pregnancy, I have been sick and exhausted since before I found out I was pregnant, and since I found out they were twins, I have really had to let myself sit down and relax, which for those who know me, know that is not how I like to be. It's harder for me to relax and "do nothing" than to clean my entire house, run errands, and do everything everyone needs.

Well I have figured out that life will not end, my house will not turn into a dump, and everyone will still manage if I don't do everything. It's not going to be like it normally is, but we will still manage. It's been a great revelation. My husband has been awesome. He has picked up the slack, picked up dinner, and picked me up when I feel awful. I can honestly say if it wasn't for him, our house would be way worse and things would be a lot harder. I have had to let go of my guilt and let him help.

I know that the rest of my pregnancy and when the twins are newborns, I am going to have to let go of my anal standards at times and also be willing to let other people help me. That is really hard for me as I am the type that likes to take care of things. I am praying now that I will realize letting others help me is actually a sign of strength not weakness. It's going to be a good learning experience for me.

The Art of Multi-tasking

Women are multi-taskers. We are very capable of getting many things done and usually all at the same time. We can be on the phone, make dinner, and help our kids with their homework. It is an art that really keeps our homes running and our kids alive. I thought that I would post a few tips that I have found on being a successful multi-tasker.

1) Try to keep the multi-tasking in the same room or area (especially if you are multi-tasking while cooking dinner or bathing your children). If you have a pot of water you are waiting on to boil, you can unload or reload the dishwasher or set the table for dinner. If you are bathing your children, while they are playing in the tub, you can wipe down their sink, toilet, and mirror. While you are waiting for something to download on the computer, you can quickly balance your checkbook or check over your calendar. When you are in the car waiting for carpool, you can make a grocery list and/or meal plan for the week.

2) Include the kids in the tasks. If you are straightening your island while you are cooking dinner, have them take things that belong in another room back to that room. You don't want to be running all over the house when you have hot pots on the stovetop.

3) While you are watching a movie or TV, do a chore that you really don't like during it. I find that if I am watching a show or movie I really enjoy, it doesn't make ironing or folding clothes seem so bad.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Please share your ideas for great multi-tasking.

Why I Must Be an Organized Homemaker

Okay, so I haven't felt like doing much of anything for the past 5+ weeks. Being pregnant with twins flat wears me out and the other symptoms make me not want to do what I usually do. I am the type or person that has to be organized or things either a) don't happen or b) happen but at the last minute and definitely not in the manner I would like.

Case in point that I must be organized:

I normally keep up with our checkbook a few times a week. It takes little to no time, but whenever I write a check, I enter it in and do the math. If we have an automated bill, I enter it in and do the math. If we get a paycheck, I enter it in and do the math. It is a very simple process and helps us know where we are at.

With my computer breaking over a month ago and then Lee's breaking this month, we didn't have access to our excel spreadsheets. I thought it would be fine since I physically pay (write a check or submit a payment online and have to reconcile the checkbook) on the first of the month as all the other bills are automated and we have the funds to cover it.

Not thinking about the fact that I haven't updated the checkbook in at least three weeks, I went to pay bills this morning. Like most people, the biggest percentage of our bills (mortgage, van, credit card, and a couple of other little things) happen on the first of the month. I paid everything but the credit card.

When I went to pay the credit card bill, I was short $200. I was freaking out. "How could we be short $200??? I mean we can move funds, but how is that possible? There should be about $1,500 not accounted for somewhere." Well I pulled up my bank account and saw lots more funds than what my checkbook showed.

It was then I realized I hadn't factored in a paycheck or about 3 weeks worth of bills. OOOOOOPS! So, I spent about 15 minutes entering in everything that I had missed and reconciling the account to find that I had a $1,300 extra after paying the credit card. I felt like a complete dummy, even though I knew the money had to be there, I couldn't find it.

Lesson learned:
Stay organized, especially on big things, like checkbook and bill-paying. It will save you time and a major headache. :)