Decorating, CVS and Budget Planning

Hello everyone!  

We didn't put out a huge amount of Christmas decorations so they were easy to pack away today.   It always feels fresh to pack them away, doesn't it? 

Then, we put out a little white tree with snow themed decorations.  I enjoy the twinkle lights and this little tree is just right for now.  

CVS purchase this week

 

I spent a bigger than normal amount but it was less that I expected it to be.  Because the cashier overlooked the blades at first, my total is on 2 transactions.  

3 jumbo packs of Charmin toilet tissue

6 Pantene hair care items

3 Revlon color stay lipsticks

Gillette blades and a razor

And a box of 1/2 priced clearance cookies my husband picked out.

I spent $47.13 and got back $24 in ExtraCareBucks and will get back $5 BeautyBucks for the Pantene  and makeup.  I used newspaper coupons, CVS app and redbox coupons, and $10 ExtraCareBucks from previous purchases.  

ECBs for next week

A new year is starting and I just redid my home notebook where I keep track of bills, and spending and such.   Our budget is simple and last year I used some free printable monthly sheets from a blog and I was so happy to see she is offering updates ones for 2016.  I've printed the news and updated my book.  Her sheets worked great for us in 2015.  

Below is the link to these great printables.  They are free but she asks that you subscribe to her blog.  

I recommend both! 

2016 free printable budget planning worksheets

Some sweets cooked today

I'm trying to do everything simply and this is how I started our Christmas baking today.  

Double batches of oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies and one batch of that "crack" cracker toffee candy. 

  My husband tasted them all and gave them the thumbs up.  The oatmeal cookies are his favorite and he joked I could just put that container in our room (so he wouldn't have to share.....) 

But I packed them all away in containers we already had and put them in the freezer.  

I'll take them out later this week when the family gathers here.  

The cracker toffee chocolate candy is very simple to make and it makes a lot - I do recommend it if you're  still planning your holiday cooking.  Just look on Pinterest for the recipe and method-  lots of people have blogged about it.  

My brother's birthday was in the summer and I sent him this coupon.  He sent it back to me last week in my birthday card.  I happily filled his request while I cooked today and now his container of cookies is labeled and in the freezer too.  

Are you cooking this week?  I'm guessing most all my readers are! 

I'm back with a gift idea

I cook a lot but I've never had or even thought I needed a pasta pot.  But I got this one free last month from a Proctor Gamble cancer awareness refund.  

It quickly became one of favorite and go-to things in the  kitchen.  

It has a nonstick finish and the lid acts as the strainer or colander.  The lid locks on so it is so easy to drain cooked pasta or any cooked food like corn on the cob or potatoes to mash. 

Last week, I used it to cook a batch of fried rice.  

I thought I would blog about this pot in case anyone is trying to come up with a last minute gift for a cook.  

Or if someone is asking you what you would like for a gift,  this might be something to ask for. 

I did see them, in different colors, for sale on Amazon and I'm guessing about any store with a big kitchen selection also sells them.  

I had a sweet little observer while I cooked the fried rice.  

And would you believe that even though we are having winter weather and it's just a few days until Christmas,  this rose bush is still blooming?   I guess it is protected just enough being near our front door.