So far this month we've made some progress towards our two New Year's Resolutions. With the PJ program we found the great deal at Sam's Club, a four pack (2 tops/2 bottoms) for only $2.71 and then another bargain at Meijer a four pack for $7.50 (50%) off. Our donation is growing and we'll make a delivery at the end of the month. If you've got any deals to pass along please post a comment. If you have any PJ's that you're donating locally for you please let me know, I'd love to hear the story attached to your act of giving.
As far as couponing for more at the grocery store... I'd say we had our first successful trip today. I signed up for a one month trial on thegrocerygame.com and I got organized, clipped my coupons, printed my list and off we went. I was planning to go w/ out the kids to give me more time to look & sort down the aisle, but it worked out that I had both of them with me and we all did great. If you have or had small kids (2 or more) you know what a chore a simple trip to the store can be!
Anyways, we saved...
$2.28 meijer promotions
$64.80 non-coupon savings
$18.34 coupon savings
Grand total of $85.42 savings!
Spending $115.64 - that's about normal for a week but I never have items to "stock pile". That's one of the "tricks" in the grocery game, buying what's on sale w/ a coupon that you can stock up on, like detergent, deodorant, cleaning products, non-perishables, freezer items, etc.
I got great deals on a few items for donation too! Last week I made a special trip to the store because I had a BOGO Free coupon for baby formula that I don't use and the same forumla sent me a $10 rebate check. That means I bought two cans of formula for about $2.00! That's a food pantry donation b/c we don't use that brand of formula and I guess it's like dog food, you'll be sorry if you switch brands! We don't want that!!
I'll keep you posted on what's next for me and the Hosier kids! Let me know if you find any bargains!
Happy New Year!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
The Hosier family is excited about 2008! We had a very busy 2007... we had a baby, opened to fitness locations, maintaining our Advocare business, moved to Noblesville, and of course the day to day stuff that keeps you going.
I just sent out an email to some family & friends about two resolutions the kids and I will be participating in this year. Here's what my email said:
The kids and I just wanted to send everyone a quick email to let you know a few resolutions we have for 2008.
First as a family we (me & the kids) have decided to partner with two philanthropic organizations. The one I'm most excited about was featured on Oprah and it's the pajama program. We have a group here in the Indianapolis area that collect PJ's for kids in foster care, group homes, shelters, etc that don't have any PJ's and some have never, ever worn jammies. If you know Lauren (which all of you do) you know her favorite thing to wear is her jammies! So we've been talking about the crazy notion that there are kids out there that don't have any... she's getting it... I think! Anyway, when we're out shopping we're looking for PJ's on sale! I will be posting info on my blog http://hosierfamily.blogspot.com/ about deals we've found. The best deal so far is a Carter's 4 set of pj's for $2.71 at Sam's Club.
I encourage you to look up a pajama program in your area, or email me when you're shopping and you find a deal somewhere, or send me PJ's to donate, do something it's a great cause!
The second involvement of ours is going to require a little more work on my end but it should make grocery shopping a little more fun. We have a "bag of hunger" group at our new church and it's literally a bright yellow bag you take home with a shopping list on it for shelter donations. How easy is that? Well, we don't want to be spending a ton of "extra" money doing this so my plan is to buy a lot but spend very little by playing the grocery game and clipping coupons! Not something I normally do very well so any suggestions would be great, also in some research I've done it helps to stock pile coupons for when something is on sale you score big. So if you would like to help me mail me your coupons and again email me if you're out shopping and find a mega deal on non-perishable items.
I think Lauren will enjoy both of these activities and it has and will continue to give us something to discuss and set in motion a giving heart in her.
If you didn't get my email, my apologies. I'll keep you posted via this blog as to what we're doing... watch out for video clips, that's my new hobby!
We wish you a healthy, joyful and favorable NEW YEAR!
Mandy
The Hosier family is excited about 2008! We had a very busy 2007... we had a baby, opened to fitness locations, maintaining our Advocare business, moved to Noblesville, and of course the day to day stuff that keeps you going.
I just sent out an email to some family & friends about two resolutions the kids and I will be participating in this year. Here's what my email said:
The kids and I just wanted to send everyone a quick email to let you know a few resolutions we have for 2008.
First as a family we (me & the kids) have decided to partner with two philanthropic organizations. The one I'm most excited about was featured on Oprah and it's the pajama program. We have a group here in the Indianapolis area that collect PJ's for kids in foster care, group homes, shelters, etc that don't have any PJ's and some have never, ever worn jammies. If you know Lauren (which all of you do) you know her favorite thing to wear is her jammies! So we've been talking about the crazy notion that there are kids out there that don't have any... she's getting it... I think! Anyway, when we're out shopping we're looking for PJ's on sale! I will be posting info on my blog http://hosierfamily.blogspot
I encourage you to look up a pajama program in your area, or email me when you're shopping and you find a deal somewhere, or send me PJ's to donate, do something it's a great cause!
The second involvement of ours is going to require a little more work on my end but it should make grocery shopping a little more fun. We have a "bag of hunger" group at our new church and it's literally a bright yellow bag you take home with a shopping list on it for shelter donations. How easy is that? Well, we don't want to be spending a ton of "extra" money doing this so my plan is to buy a lot but spend very little by playing the grocery game and clipping coupons! Not something I normally do very well so any suggestions would be great, also in some research I've done it helps to stock pile coupons for when something is on sale you score big. So if you would like to help me mail me your coupons and again email me if you're out shopping and find a mega deal on non-perishable items.
I think Lauren will enjoy both of these activities and it has and will continue to give us something to discuss and set in motion a giving heart in her.
If you didn't get my email, my apologies. I'll keep you posted via this blog as to what we're doing... watch out for video clips, that's my new hobby!
We wish you a healthy, joyful and favorable NEW YEAR!
Mandy
Monday, June 18, 2007
Hosier Summer Fun!
Our summer fun officially kicked off 2 weeks ago at the Fort Wayne Zoo. We had a blast! Lauren is at a great "zoo age". Which means she loves seeing all the animals, recognizes them and can manage the park by walking around most of the time. Of course having the baby with us gives her a place to rest as well since I drive the double stroller, my Cadillac! The Zoo is apparently one of the top 10 zoo's in the nation so it was definately a home run kick-off for the summer. We've got a big day trip planned one day a week and park days, visits to dad at the fitness center, and days at home planned in between.
We're looking forward to a great family summer! Not to mention a 12 day trip out to California to spend with family & friends in July...
Enjoy the time with your friends and family!
Love, Mandy & family
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Update on the kids!
Yesterday, Wednesday the 23rd Charlie was 11 weeks old and he tolerated 3 shots and an oral immunization. He weighed in at 15 pounds and even though he cried with each prick of the needle he fell asleep afterwards and ate when we got home. He's been all smiles & giggles lately which is a ton of fun when we talk to him, it's especially fun for Lauren to make him smile. She loves that! :)
He hangs out in his swing, stroller, Einstein mat, and tummy time on his blankie. Grandma & Poppi had both kids all day last weekend for the first time and they all had a great time. The kids were worn out and I think the grandparents were too!
Lauren is having a great spring/summer so far! We've been outside as much as possible either in the yard or at the park. It gets hot at the park because there is no shade near the kids equipment but she has a blast and gets more brave each time we go. It's fun to watch her get excited about a new accomplishment of climbing something or sliding down the bigger slide. She's getting taller and we just chopped off her hair. I actually wanted to cut it even shorter but she had a crying fit so we had to make due. It looks really cute! She won't keep a pony tail in nor a clip so I decide a better summer do would be short. She seems to like it too.
She has a few jealous moments and tries to take advantage of me when i'm baby occupied but she's doing well for the most part while adjusting to being the big sister. Almost everyday (even right now) she wears her pink tu tu, crown and fancy dress up shoes. She's hilarious and ALL girl!!
Yesterday, Wednesday the 23rd Charlie was 11 weeks old and he tolerated 3 shots and an oral immunization. He weighed in at 15 pounds and even though he cried with each prick of the needle he fell asleep afterwards and ate when we got home. He's been all smiles & giggles lately which is a ton of fun when we talk to him, it's especially fun for Lauren to make him smile. She loves that! :)
He hangs out in his swing, stroller, Einstein mat, and tummy time on his blankie. Grandma & Poppi had both kids all day last weekend for the first time and they all had a great time. The kids were worn out and I think the grandparents were too!
Lauren is having a great spring/summer so far! We've been outside as much as possible either in the yard or at the park. It gets hot at the park because there is no shade near the kids equipment but she has a blast and gets more brave each time we go. It's fun to watch her get excited about a new accomplishment of climbing something or sliding down the bigger slide. She's getting taller and we just chopped off her hair. I actually wanted to cut it even shorter but she had a crying fit so we had to make due. It looks really cute! She won't keep a pony tail in nor a clip so I decide a better summer do would be short. She seems to like it too.
She has a few jealous moments and tries to take advantage of me when i'm baby occupied but she's doing well for the most part while adjusting to being the big sister. Almost everyday (even right now) she wears her pink tu tu, crown and fancy dress up shoes. She's hilarious and ALL girl!!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Indy Mini - Marathon
35,000 people. Thousands of runners. Thousands of walkers. Hundreds of children athletes. Hundreds of sponsors. Many cheering fans. One decision. If you're local to Indianapolis or it's surrounding areas you were there or you watched it on the local news. What an amazing event! I can wait to participate next year! This past year I considered it but being pregnant put that on the back burner, but this year i'll be able to properly train and fully participate. Andy & I are planning for an Anytime Fitness / AdvoCare Team to train & run together in 2008. So what will you decide? Will you sign up for the race now? Will you put it off? Are you going to try and make it? What's your decision?
And for the record if you think you're too big, not in shape, not able to even run a mile don't worry. The people out there today we're outta shape, in shape, recreational athletes, top athletes and everyone in between. You decide if you can commit the time & energy and you'll be able to finish running or walking.
35,000 people. Thousands of runners. Thousands of walkers. Hundreds of children athletes. Hundreds of sponsors. Many cheering fans. One decision. If you're local to Indianapolis or it's surrounding areas you were there or you watched it on the local news. What an amazing event! I can wait to participate next year! This past year I considered it but being pregnant put that on the back burner, but this year i'll be able to properly train and fully participate. Andy & I are planning for an Anytime Fitness / AdvoCare Team to train & run together in 2008. So what will you decide? Will you sign up for the race now? Will you put it off? Are you going to try and make it? What's your decision?
And for the record if you think you're too big, not in shape, not able to even run a mile don't worry. The people out there today we're outta shape, in shape, recreational athletes, top athletes and everyone in between. You decide if you can commit the time & energy and you'll be able to finish running or walking.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Summer beverage...
Now that the weather is warming up in Indiana and we're outside playing & exercising dehydration is always a concern. Normally I'll just drink more water and an occasional Rehydrate, electrolyte replacement drink from AdvoCare. But Andy & I just discovered a new name for an old drink... RE-Spark. When we drink a Spark energy drink in the afternoon we make it a RE-Spark; that's a combo of Rehydrate & Spark in one drink. It tastes awesome! Especially when you mix flavors like mandarine orange Spark w/ Fruit Punch rehydrate. Give it a try this summer and see for yourself how much better you'll feel... both re-hydrated & energized!
Now that the weather is warming up in Indiana and we're outside playing & exercising dehydration is always a concern. Normally I'll just drink more water and an occasional Rehydrate, electrolyte replacement drink from AdvoCare. But Andy & I just discovered a new name for an old drink... RE-Spark. When we drink a Spark energy drink in the afternoon we make it a RE-Spark; that's a combo of Rehydrate & Spark in one drink. It tastes awesome! Especially when you mix flavors like mandarine orange Spark w/ Fruit Punch rehydrate. Give it a try this summer and see for yourself how much better you'll feel... both re-hydrated & energized!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Weight loss...
Happy to report that from last Monday to yesterday I lost 5 pounds and 1" in my waist! When I delivered Charlie I had gained 43 pounds total and lost 25 pounds with little effort. Holding steady at 130 pounds & a size 8 I knew was ready to work at getting the rest of the weight off and back down to my pre-pregnancy size. Last week I drank an AdvoCare meal replacement shake for breakfast & lunch & then had a healthy balanced dinner. The additional AdvoCare products I take are Spark and catalyst, coreplex multi vitamin & omega plex to ensure a hearty milk supply! It's amazing that the shakes can help you cut your caloric intake but increase your protein. It's all about feeding the muscle and starving the fat & NEVER skipping a meal! I also only drink water and have for years, but it's key too.
I'll be doing the same for another week and then I'll report back. Of course I'm anxious for our fitness club to open to also start a strength training program.
Andy also has a new AdvoCare product story. He's added an additional shake in the evening, a few hours after dinner. His "forth meal". He does sit ups, push ups & arm bands twice a day and has put on 6 pounds. I guess what I'm losing he's finding... it's a good trade!
Happy to report that from last Monday to yesterday I lost 5 pounds and 1" in my waist! When I delivered Charlie I had gained 43 pounds total and lost 25 pounds with little effort. Holding steady at 130 pounds & a size 8 I knew was ready to work at getting the rest of the weight off and back down to my pre-pregnancy size. Last week I drank an AdvoCare meal replacement shake for breakfast & lunch & then had a healthy balanced dinner. The additional AdvoCare products I take are Spark and catalyst, coreplex multi vitamin & omega plex to ensure a hearty milk supply! It's amazing that the shakes can help you cut your caloric intake but increase your protein. It's all about feeding the muscle and starving the fat & NEVER skipping a meal! I also only drink water and have for years, but it's key too.
I'll be doing the same for another week and then I'll report back. Of course I'm anxious for our fitness club to open to also start a strength training program.
Andy also has a new AdvoCare product story. He's added an additional shake in the evening, a few hours after dinner. His "forth meal". He does sit ups, push ups & arm bands twice a day and has put on 6 pounds. I guess what I'm losing he's finding... it's a good trade!
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