Its Time For Camp-Packing

Its about time to load the bus and head off on a
900 mile adventure to CAMP!!!!

In my first post (here) I told you how we go about planning our budget for camp. Now he is just a few day away from leaving and we are all about packing! Packing is an activity that we start early! Now, I will admit, there have been times when I was up the night before trying to do laundry, pack, clean house, shopping for supplies but do you know what? Every time I did this, I would find myself getting upset, mad and just wanting to cancel the whole trip! That's no way to start a trip! I would get in the car having made everyone mad then because I was calmed down wonder why my husband and my kids were in a bad mood! After going down that path to many times I decided to STOP! Now when we leave for a trip we start packing 4-5 days before we actually leave. Since this trip just involves Kyle its much easier then packing up the whole family, but still requires planning. We break our packing into a few categories; Clothing, Personal Supplies, Travel/Fun Bag, Snacks, Bedding. Because he helps pack he is aware of how to unpack. Unpacking/Set-up only takes a few minutes then its off on a great adventure!

Clothing/Shoes

Play Clothes - When packing clothes for your child at camp its good to have the daily schedule with you as you pack. Keep in mind that morning time at camp is usually a rush to get up, showered, dressed and out the door in a short amount of time. When we pack clothes we keep that in mind. Using the daily schedule we roll everything needed for that day together. For instance, if its going to be an outside day then we put shorts then on top of that a shirt, underpants and socks. We then roll this together and place it in the suitcase. When he was younger I would put into a zip lock bag (yea, I was that Mom) and write Monday-Morning. I would do this for everyday of the week. We include two extra shirts because sometimes he would get hot or dirty and want to freshen up.

Church Clothes - Since he goes to church camp there are always evening services so he needs a set of clothes for this time as well. We do this a little different then most. Because I don't want him pulling church clothes out of the bottom of the suitcase and rushing off to church we came up with a system that really works and helps him if its a rush. After packing, church clothes go on top on hangers. For him I only send two dress pants and five dress shirts. I include an over the door hook (closets at camp are often not available) that he can hang on the end of the bunk bed or over a door. When he opens the suitcase he just hangs them up and no wadded up clothes!

Laundry - This is another area we worked on when he came home after his first year. We purchased a well vented laundry bag and another over the door hook. He can hook it on the end of the bed or under the top part of the bunk bed (at the foot so it hangs off the end) then hook his laundry bag. This really helped him keep the dirty clothes away from the clean ones. Then when it was time to pack up, just throw the bag in the suitcase or on the bus! After loosing several items of clothing the first year we found the laundry bag worked really well. We are always missing socks, but I think socks have a mind of their own! Note: Plan on missing items, don't stess about it, they are replaceable.

Towels and Swimming Clothes - We send two towels with him. I send the light weight towels because they dry fast. Again, I send a hook so he can put it at the end of the bed or over a door. He has one towel for swimming one for shower. By using the hook, it allows the items to dry between use and keeps them from getting spoiled and sower! Again, another lesson learned!

Shoes - Shoes are always a space hog! When he goes to camp we pack play shoes, old play shoes, water shoes like beach shoes (if you are swimming in a lake), dress shoes and flip flops (for the shower). We send an old pair of play shoes for muddy activities and if they are messed up then they go into the trash when camp is over, not back home! If he does not have a pair then we go to the thrift shop and get a pair.

Personal Supplies
Did you know when you go to camp you have to share a bathroom with several people? How tragic! No private restroom! Oh, well, I guess that's why you go to camp in your youth! We like to go to our local drug store and stock up on storage containers like a tooth brush holder, mini shampoo bottle..etc. They don't cost much but they saves so much room. No need to take all those large bottles. Its also easier to carry to and from the shower. Hint: Get one of those small colapisable baskets (like the Easter baskets) then they can put their supplies in the basket and take to and from the bathroom. This way, everything is together and while they are in the shower they don't forget the shampoo or soap! When they are done in the shower it just slips under the bed with their luggage.

Fun Bag
Since he will be traveling a distance he always packs a fun bag for on the bus. He likes to bring things like a book, art supplies, Bible, notebook, gum, snacks, small photo album that his brother makes for him, UNO, Camera, YoYo and I am sure several other items. Not only is this good for traveling but its also good for those down times during camp.

Snacks For The Week
After getting dehydrated one year we now send a few items that he can keep in his room. We send several bottles of Gatorade, as well as powdered drink mix, trail mix, granola bars, beef jerkey and a few other snacks.

Bedding
Going to camp and sleeping on the hard beds is not something I desire! Kyle on the other hand can't wait to go! When I pack his bedding I put it all in a laundry bag so it does not get shoved into the already over loaded suitcase. Another thing I learned was to send a light blanket. Although its 110 outside during the day when the sun goes down and the AC unit is on in the room (if your cabins have AC!!!) it often gets cold. Having a light blanket and a sheet not only keep them warm but porvide a little comfort too, its usually at night when homesickness sets in and if they have a favorite blanket and pillow that can provide some real comfort. A stuffed animal can help too!

This is a long post but I hope it provides you some useful tips for sending your child off to camp. Its a great time for taking on new responsibilities. God has a special plan for Kyle this year and we are excited to see what's in store for him. What tips do you have for sending your children off to camp? I would love to hear them!

A $1.99 Investment

Each year before our oldest goes off to camp he and his brother have a Brother's Party. Its not ever planned its just one of those spur of the moment decisions. Today was that day! They worked in their room most of the day cleaning under dressers, cleaning out the closet, it was all done on their own! They started with one dresser and found a few missing toys, then they moved to the second dresser and found a missing video game. They were having so much fun, they came out and said, "After lunch we are going to clean our closet!" Who am I to argue with that! When they were finished they asked if they could have their Brother Party today! They had it all planned out, video game time, supper then a movie they found at the library. They were so excited! When I went to the store Kyle came with me so we could get the items he needed to fix the meal for his last camp fundraiser. While we were in the store, Kyle saw these cute little clown treats and I could see the wheels spinning. Knowing our present financial situation, he never asked if he could get one, but I saw him looking and I saw the smile on his face. When I asked, "Would you like to get this for your party?" His eyes lit up and he looked at me and said, "Are you sure Mom?" It was only $1.99, but to him even $1.99 was to much to ask for.


Kyle was so excited to get this little clown. He asked the cashier to please double bag it so he could sneek it into the house. He made signs and hung them off the front of the dresser. On top of the dresser he placed this little clown car! If you notice, he put it on a plate then got the sprinkles and decorated the plate! $1.99 for a treat, it was a great investment today. I am sure its a memory that will be with them for years to come.

Deal of the Day @ Piggly Wiggly

Although I rarely shop Piggly Wiggly, there was a major accident today on the interstate so instead of fighting traffic I stopped for connivance rather then price. I know, I know, forgive me, we all have our break down moments! Although this is not one of my normal stops, I was elated with a deal I found! This was one of those deals I just could not believe was true! I was in the store getting some chicken for tomorrow and noticed salad dressing on "sale" for 3/$5.00.

I thought to myself, wow, I no longer pay that for dressing. As I was walking away I looked up and noticed a tear pad coupon for $1.50 off! I thought, this can't be true! I read the coupon then thought, do I need to buy like $50 in groceries first? I read the coupon again! It looked true enough! There were only a few coupons left so I took two. I went to the register and sure enough, it was true! Dressing, not for $1.67 a bottle but for .17 cents a bottle! Woo Hoo!!! What am I going to do with it? Well, the Ranch is always used for a dip, my son loves carrots as an afternoon snack and the Catalina, I am going to use for a Taco Salad next week! Yummy!!! Keep your eyes open for coupons in the store as you are shopping. I am seeing them more and more!

What good deals have you found recently?

Vegetable Cheese Ball

If you're in need of a quick dish to provide for company or if you just want to provide a yummy treat for the family, then this is a quick and easy recipe. I like to make this in the morning then chill for a few hours before rolling. If you don't have time to chill for two hours then skip the rolling part. Put in a nice dish and top with cheese. You can throw it in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill, just don't forget about it! Cheese ball pops are no good!!!

1 pkg Knorr Vegetable Mix(this is a dry mix near the onion soup mix & bullion-its green and yellow package-threw it away before taking a picture!)

3 tablespoon Water

2-8oz pkg of Cream Cheese

1 Cup Shredded Cheese

In a small bowl combine Vegetable Mix and Water. This process will allow the soup to rehydrate so when you mix it with the cream cheese its ready to eat! Let sit for 15 minutes.

Mix thoroughly with the cream cheese.

To form the ball I like to place mixture in the center of a large sheet of plastic wrap then chill at least two hours. After its chilled roll in ball with hands. Remove plastic wrap then roll in cheese. Place on platter with crackers or chopped vegetables. Enjoy!

Deal of the Day @ Bi-Lo

Today was a shopping day for Dad in the morning then Mom in the afternoon!

I ended up finding some great deals that I could not pass up!
Below is my favorite deal of the day!
Its kind of like the deal of the century I had a few weeks ago.

Today's favorite deal is Hillshire Farm Deli Select!

I was in the process of getting another brand of lunch meat when I noticed Bi-Lo had these on sale for just .99 cents! A great deal in its self considering the normal price was $2.49. I was in the process of getting a few when I noticed a buy now sticker on the front and it was for .50 cents off! Wow! Now I am down to only .49 cents each! Woo Hoo! I picked up 5 of each. So, I am only paying $4.90! Then I remembered I had coupons (from the Sunday paper) in my folder so I looked and sure enough I had coupons for .35 cents off!

I purchased all 10 for $2.80 a savings of $22.10!!!

Notice, there is a $1.00 coupon on each package for another deal!

Next Up under $1.25 or FREE

Today I had coupons that were about to expire so it was use them or loose them! You got it, I decided to use them! This is a reminder to keep an eye on your product and know your prices. Its not unusual for a grocery item's price to fluctuate 50% or more. One week your favorite box of cereal will cost $4.00 and a few weeks later it may be on sale for 2/$5.00 then the next week $2.00. Even if you did not use coupons, if you only watched the item and purchased when it was at its low price you could save 50% or more. Purchase enough to last you a few weeks, when you run out, the price will be low again, just in time to stock up. That was the case today with the new Raisin Bran Cereal. I have been watching it and it started at $4.49 a box, today it was on sale for $1.99! I had a $1.00 off coupon so I got it for .99 cents! The Mini Wheat's were also on sale for $1.99 and I had another $1.00 coupon! Getting both boxes of cereal for $1.98 a savings of $6! Coupons from the Sunday paper.

The Joint Juice was actually a Wal-Mart deal that snuck into the picture (some groceries are such camera hogs!). It was $3.18 and I had a $2 coupon, getting them for $1.18 each. Oh, my Honey's bones are going to be feeling good this week! Coupons from the Sunday paper.

The 12 Mac N Cheese - FREE! Both brands were the same deal but let's just use the Velveeta for our example. I purchased 6 cups at $.88 cents each. I had three coupons for $1.00 off making three of them FREE! Then I had three coupons for BOGO Free making the other three FREE! Actually, I had a .32 cent overage on these items! So they paid me .32 cents to take them!

The DiGiorno Pizzas were another GREAT deal! At Bi-Lo if you look at their sales rack there is a magazine type flyer and list everything on sale in the store for two months. Its a great paper to get because often the items in the store are not visibly priced but they ring up on sale. The current paper runs June-July. These pizzas normally run $6.89 but they were on an unmarked sale 2/$5.00 a great deal but even better when you add $1.25 coupon! I purchased 6 pizzas for $7.50 a savings of $34.38!!!!!

Mini Cups of Cereal did you know you can use your coupons on these? I had a few coupons that were about to expire but the box of cereal was at its peek price this week. I saw the mini cups and thought I would try using my coupon on these (from a tip from Mrs. Cook! Thanks!!!) Yep, they worked! The cereal cups were $1 each but after coupons I received all four cups for $1.75. These are going to my little nephews when they come to visit! They love eating dry cereal and watching a movies when they come to Aunt Rachel's house!

FREE is always so good! I received a coupon book in the mail this week and it had a coupon for this Cascade FREE! That was a savings of $3.98. Next, I had a $2 coupon for Tylenol, I used it on the small size that was $1.99 FREE (sorry, this was another camera hog from Wal-Mart)! Last, I had a buy 2 Crystal Light get $2 off coupon. These were on sale 2/$5.00 making them $2.50 each. Then I had a coupon if I purchased one received a FREE Skin Essentials FREE so I combined the coupons and purchased them both for .50 cents.

Today's Savings......

I purchased the above items for $16.57 with a savings of $97.61

Note about internet coupons - These coupons are available for a limited number of prints, if you see one you like print it right away because if you come back it may be gone.

Note about Bi-Lo - Today I visited the Bi-Lo on St James Ave (a different store then last week) and had a very nice 20 minute conversation with the manager Mr Charles. We talked about ways he could help those who use coupons to have a better experience. He said at the next store meeting they were going to address coupons and ways to treat customers. He pointed out on the bottom of the receipt is his name and number and if you have any problems call him personally and it would be handled. When I went through check out and gave my coupons to the cashier and bager were so kind, thanks Kim and Angie! It was a great day at Bi-Lo, take time to check them out!

Living By Faith - Week Three

We are now into week three without a job. After placing some follow up calls today he found out one of the positions they want filled next week. Although it is substantially less money it does offer insurance. God knows all and we are continuing to trust Him to open every door. The other day before Mark left the house we had family prayer then sent Dad out the door like three cheerleaders! A while later our youngest walked to the back room and I over heard him say to his brother, "Well, Dad got the job!" Our oldest said, "Really? How do you know?" Caleb our youngest, then answered back, "I know because I just prayed for him again!" That blessed my heart, if we all had the faith of a child. Later that night when we were about to eat supper our youngest prayed these words, " Dear Jesus, Thank you for letting Dad be home with us more!" This time home my be hard on us but it has bonded the relationship between the boys and their Dad. I am reminded yet again that God knows all and his plan is so much bigger then our plan. This weeks blessings have been many and seeing the relationship between Father and Son's increase is the best blessing of them all. We serve an awesome God and we continue to press on.

Psalms 36:5
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

Thinking Out of the Box

Yesterday our oldest son put his arm around me and said, "Mom, this has been the best summer I can ever remember and I just wanted to thank you for all your work making it great!" Talk about wanting to make a mother cry! No, we did not go on a big vacation, no, we have not left the house on an over night trip, no, we have not spent much money but we followed a rule of my sister, "If you don't have much money, then invest a little time!" all the work and planning for a great summer vacation is paying off! I am so thankful for the boys God chose to give us, I never want to take them for granted. We are truly blessed. Now to continue to live up the greatest Summer ever! On our quest to find fun cheap entertainment sometimes you have to use your Mommy skills! Today I received an email from Chucke E Cheese's, normally I just pitch it in the trash but today I decide to read through it to see what was being offered. We don't go to CEC unless its a special occasion because we just don't have the extra $$ to spend on that type of activity. Well, trying to think out of the box, and trying to find activities that are inside because of our oldest sons asthma, I decided to see what they had to offer. They are offering 100 tokens for $15. At first I thought no not spending $15 but then I steped out of the box and broke it down, if I give them each 25 tokens a trip then we could get two activities out of this deal. That's only $7.50 for an activity or just $3.75 per child, that made it a much better deal! You don't have to eat lunch there to play, you can just go in and play the games. Without the coupon it would cost $25.00 to buy all those tokens so it was a good deal. So, our activity next week is a trip to Chuck E Cheese's for an afternoon of fun video games, jungle gym play and maybe a ride or two! Sounds like another fun day! What's a low cost activity you do with your children? I would love to hear your tips too!

Oh, my, check out the reward charts you can print! They can earn free tokens and have even more fun!

Red Beans & Rice

Red Beans & Rice Southern Style

When I was about 16 my parents went on a trip for two weeks leaving me, my sister (12) and my brother (15) home alone! We could not wait for them to pull out of the driveway! We had a great time but when I look back I am not sure what we did other then shopping, staying up late and going to church! Yep, we were real wild kids! I guess that's why they felt they could leave us alone! While they were away they sent us a post card with this recipe. Living in Louisiana you would think we would eat cajun food often. Nope! My parents were from the mid-west so Cajun cookin was not on the menu. Once we tried the recipe it became my favorite and I still used it today. I made it this week and the pot is empty! Its a cheap and easy meal but you need to plan to be home for a few hours to simmer the beans. I let my beans simmer all day and continue to add seasoning as needed so the flavor is sure to pop.

This is a great recipe to cook on Saturday and enjoy on Sunday! Let me know if you try it!


1lb Small Dark Red Beans
1/4 cup Chopped Parsley
1 Large Onion
1/2 tsp. Basil
1 Cup Chopped Green Onions
2 Bay Leaves
1/4 Cup Chopped Bell Pepper
Salt & Cayenne Pepper (to taste)
1 pkg Smoked Sausage cut into bite size pieces


Place beans in a large pot with enough wather to cover, bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 15 minutes. Cover and let soak overnight. In the morning, bring to another rolling boil, add the next seven ingredients (not sausage), let simmer uncovered for at least 3 hours. Add cold water as needed as well as salt and cayenne. In last hour of cooking add sausage. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve over fluffy rice with a slice of corn bread! Enjoy!

Deal of the Day @ Bi-Lo

I never thought that shopping would cause laughter! What am I going to tell the cashier when she says, "What are you going to do with all that Mustard??" Its enough to last a year okay maybe two! I have plans for it, my family is getting some and some is going into the Christmas food pantry. The following is a list of items purchase today and you will see why all the Mustard!!!!

8 - Bottles of Mustard - This was the fun deal that made me laugh! Bi-Lo has coupons for buy one name brand items get their item FREE! I keep the coupons until the name brand item goes on sale. This week it was French's Mustard. It was BOGO Free! Okay, so I purchased two French Mustard and got two free, that made 4, so I get 4 store brands FREE! I am only purchasing 2 bottles but getting 6 FREE. Now, the two that I am purchasing cost $1.14 each so that is $2.28. I have 4 French's Mustard so I am using 4 coupons (from the Sunday paper) at .50 cents each. Bi-Lo doubles coupons up to .60 cents so that is $2.00 in coupons! Phew, almost done! So, that means I got all 8 bottles of mustard for .28 cents!!!!!!!!! Potato salad here we come!!! Wonder how much potatoes will be? Sign up for a Bi-Lo card and get access to these coupons!

6 - Packs of 50 count Paper Plates - This was the same deal as the Mustard! No need to go through the whole break down again! I purchased all 6 packs for $1.30!!! That is 300 plates for $1.30!!!! Great for holding that potato salad!!!!

6 - Hamburger Helper - On sale BOGO and had 3/.80 cent coupons. Got all 6 boxes for $4.37. Love the Chicken Alfredo with grilled chicken, fresh steamed broccoli and chopped tomatoes!

So good!!! Internet coupons!

4 - Beef Hot Dog - This was another sale item like the Mustard. I did not have a coupon for the Carolina Pride Beef Hot Dogs but still purchased four packs of beef hot dogs for $1.98! Great with the upcoming potato salad!

3 - Bottles of Ketchup - On sale at Bi-Lo for .99 cents! Had three coupons for .20 cents which were doubled, so purchased all three for $1.77! Man this is going to be good with the hot dogs and the potato salad, served on a paper plate! My little boy was thrilled when he saw the ketchup! He is an addict! Coupon from the Sunday paper!

3 - Luzianne Green Tea Bags - Another family favorite! Love making sweet tea with this! This was on sale 2/$3.00 had a .60 cent coupon which was doubled! So, purchased all three boxes for .90 cents!!!! Woo Hoo, tea with our hot dogs and potato salad!!! Coupon-from the paper!

3 - Del Monte Fruit Chillers - Now for dessert! I don't know about where you are but its been so hot here, my kids would eat Popsicles all day and skip the food if I let them. So to get Popsicles on sale, that makes me happy! These were on sale for $1.88 a package and I had $1.00 coupons! So, purchased all three boxes for $2.64! Soooo coooollllll!!!

2 - Weber Grill Creations - This is a new product for us but we love spices! It looks delicious and it was to good of a deal to pass up. These were on a BOGO free sale! They were $2.49 each, since I purchased 2, I used 2 coupons for .50 cents each, of course they were doubled so I purchased 2 for .49 cents! This will taste good on the grilled chicken for the Hamburger Helper Alfredo!

When checking out the cashier was a little upset with me. She wanted to tell me they did not take the Bi-Lo printed coupons (I know, get off the floor, I wanted to laugh too!). When I pointed out they had the Bi-Lo logo on them she still did not want to accept them. I just said, "I guess you need to call the manager." The manager came over and looked at her and said, "Are you kidding, of course we take these, their our coupons!" He left but she was still upset with me! She looked at me and said, "I would never spend time printing and clipping coupons!" I did not say anything but when my total went from $95.23 to $13.73 I just looked at her and said, "I think it was worth my time!" The ladies behind me all chimed in and asked, how did you do that? It was a good shopping day!

Leave me a comment about your deal of the day!

Oh, anyone need mustard?

Harris Teeter Deals

Ok, let me first apologize for not taking pictures today! After going with Mark to get grocery's for our house and Dad's house it was to much for me to ask Mark to unload so I could take pictures! I did not even go there! We had a great time just the two of us. We first went by Goodwill and dropped of a trunk full of donations, filled the cooler with ice (we keep one in the van all summer with bottle water and drinks. Saves us from spending money on drinks when we are often out for the day) then took off on our adventure to HT. We do not have one close so it was about a 20 minute car ride which we enjoyed.

Before we get started HT has a few coupon rules you need to be aware of before planning your trip.

1. Limit of 20 Coupons per person (Mark went with me so he could use 20 and I could use 20 - He used Dad's VIC card and I used our card)

2. Limit of 3 identical coupons per product

3. Limit 2 identical Internet printed coupons
4. BOGO items ring up half price
5. They do accept competitors coupons; however, they may not ring up double and they will not adjust register if the do not ring up double.

6. Make sure to sign up for a free VIC card!

Keeping these tips in mind will help you save as you plan your shopping trip.

Deals of the Day - Remember, they are doubling coupons up to $1.98 all week!!!

3 - Country Crock Tub Butter - on sale for $1.27 - coupon for .75 doubles
Total Price - 23 overage on all 3! Love That!!!
Coupon - Available at Publix in the turn table out front, it was a manufactured coupon

4 - Kraft Pasta Salad - on sale for $1.69 spotted coupons on the box for $1.00 off two boxes-doubled Total Price - .69 per box

2 - Kraft BBQ Sauce - on sale $1.25 bottle - internet coupon $1.00 doubled - 75 overage on both!!!

2 - Kraft Salad Dressings - on sale $2.49 (not a good sale price but good with coupon) - $1.00 coupon doubled
Total Price - 49 cents each!!

2 - Dole Mandarin Oranges $1.00 each - coupon 2/.55 cents doubled - Total Price - ,45 cents each

2 - Kraft Velveeta Cheese - $2.99 each - $1.00 coupon doubled - Total Price - .99 cents

2 - 4pk Yo Plus Yogurt - $2.35 each - $1.00 coupon doubled - Total Price - .35 cents

10 - Dannon Yogurt - 10/$5.00 - $1.00 coupon doubled - Total Price - 10/$3.00

There were many other sales today but those are a few of the highlights.
Today we purchased $248.96 in grocery's and walked out paying.....drum roll please.....
$109.54 with a savings of 139.42!!!

Print your own Kraft coupons here and start saving money for your family!

Happy Shopping! Let me know how you saved money this week!