Having a GRAND time - the NEW Official GF Chat Thread PART 3

[Maxie86]

M&P: on the grocery shopping. Being cheap on other things is how we afford the GF. We do have our priorities you know.

Dawn: Sorry you had to take your test when you were sick. It is hard enough to concentrate that long when you are well. I am sure you did well and will get your certificate.

Mandy: Glad your dad is out of the hospital. Hope he gets to go home soon.

Is someone leaving in 19 days?

Just trying to catch up. My sister and nephew were here for a few days, they just left. Didn't have much time to Dis, but I do recall that someone is leaving in 19 days. Chan: I got my winter clothes out too. I am freezing. I broke down and turned the heat on today. I put it off as long as I could. It's 166 days til spring in case anyone is counting.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am laughing at Mr. Marvel's last post!!! HOlY GUMMIES, BATMAN!! How'd ya do that? Is it the coupon game or something? I spend a fortune grocery shopping. I cannot get that cost down. Seriously....I think it's about $1600/mo. I need some intervention. That is incredible savings. Kel tried to tell me something aboug CVS...and we just got a CVS kinda near me. I ordered my card but have never been in a CVS and I am clueless.

And...didn't ya all laugh at me for being on the budget board a while back? I agree with Maxie!! Being frugal helps pay for all the GF stays. Although I have a hard time being frugal at all. I am terrible. I am an online shopping addict.

Dawn..that is cool your DH does the shopping!! Mine spends even more than me when he does it though...and he comes home with weird stuff I have never seen or heard of. OMG...that is crazy about the Homecoming situation. DS is still sleeping.....so I don't know how it went. I passed out early last night and he didn't get home til midnight. This is the first year he actually "took" a date...did the corsage thingy and the pics. Usually he does go in a guy group and meet up with the girls. I picked up his corsage yesterday at the florist....I opened it...it was 4 pretty creamy white roses, some pearls and red bling bling and a BLACK lace bow. I said to the girl....doesn't this look like funeral flowers? And she laughed. I was gonna have it changed up....called DS and he said THAT is what he ordered. *ugly* The florist girl said she liked it a lot though, too. I am old.

Traci, are you leaving kinda soon? I thought I read your trip was coming up?

Mr. Marvel...one more thing....I seriously think you can all fit in that carriage. We have done it and we are 5...but last time my kids were 16, 10, and 6. DS is adult size and the girls are average girl size. I don't remember how we sat but I think DH and DD and I sat together. Who is stopping you from booking it? Also...if you do...MAKE SURE you know if you are booked for WL or Ft WL Campground. The IPO mixed ours up but the carriage driver took us. They happen at both places.

Hey, Vanessa! That is so funny about Pop. I hope you get AKL for the sake of your daughter's mental health.

PS...Homecoming!!! Don't ya all in the NE do homecoming?? It's a big football game and dance party weekend. It's funny the differences.....I haven't heard of that other 16th bday thingy you talked about a while back.

TTFN,

Channing

 

[traci]

Well Channing, since you asked. My trip is in 19 days
Yours is sooner than mine - you may use dancing Spidey anytime.

I am also an online shopping addict. Right now my two fav sites are ebay and dis. I like to pop back and forth between the two. You coupon people are good by the way.

 

[BlueSkies]

Marvel You shopper!! Thats an incredible savings
I guess during these times we're all trying to save where we can...(except on Disney vacations...)

Maxie Love your spring countdown..dont want to think about the holidays being right around the bend....

 

[princessesrule4]

Good Sunday, everyone!




Dont know if this helps but i was told there was a 6pm slot open on sat (the 27th?)




I so look forwarded to being enveloped in the Disney Christmas season



Hope you feel a bit better today.
Speaking of Grocery shopping...can i boast a little?

Went food shopping this morning, got 13 boxes of cereal, 30 yogurts, diapers, 4 cleaning supplies, 5 bags of chips, snacks, potatoes, 10 individual betty crocker desserts, paper towel, 8 boxes of gummie snacks, 8 boxes of frozen vegetables, 16 campbells cup of soups and more. All brand name stuff, no store brands.

Total retail price of $262.97 with sale prices and coupons i paid $72.57 !!! a savings of 72%

Isnt it funny how we spend hundreds of dollars for one night ar Disney and in other areas we can be a bit...um..cheap?




From what someone said here (or there) many people decorate thier campers and tent sites and cabins and it looks very nice.
Crazy how no rooms are available..hope something pops up for you.

Those are some serious coupons and sale prices! That's awesome. Our Publix has a lot of "Buy One, Get One" sales which really help! They send me $5 off a $30 purchase alot,too. I get a lot of stuff from Target, too- their stuff is way cheaper for the most part. I think CVS prices are really high. I did the bonus card thing but felt like I was spending too much to make it worthwhile for us. Just MHO. YMMV.

Yes, my grocery savings helps pay for my RPC addiction!! Seriously.....

 

[princessesrule4]

BSkies - we are going the first week of Dec. and there were no RPC rooms when we booked(back in June) ,except a Deluxe which I somehow managed to get with a AAA discount. We went last year during the 2nd week and there was nobody there - it was great!! Can't go that week this year though. Hope something opens up for you!

 

[traci]

Is someone leaving in 19 days?

y'all are so fun

 

[tinklvr64]

M&P..That is amazing. You sound just like my DH....he is coupon king! and savings man at the store too! I call him the Jewel Freak (jewel is our grocery store here in chicago)

Traci....i went to a Neil Diamond concert long time ago with my mom Not my cup of tea, but he does have some good songs.
Ya isnt Four Seasons great??? Another one of the oldies but goodies when im feeling down is Goodbye Girl...LOVE MARSHA MASON!

OMG those swaps are out of control...do they have husband swaps too ..ICK

dawn

 

[tinklvr64]

Those are some serious coupons and sale prices! That's awesome. Our Publix has a lot of "Buy One, Get One" sales which really help! They send me $5 off a $30 purchase alot,too. I get a lot of stuff from Target, too- their stuff is way cheaper for the most part. I think CVS prices are really high. I did the bonus card thing but felt like I was spending too much to make it worthwhile for us. Just MHO. YMMV.

Yes, my grocery savings helps pay for my RPC addiction!! Seriously.....

OUrs does the BOGO too! we stock up.....

I agree W...CVS is really high! I usually go to Walmart or Target.

 

[BlueSkies]

BSkies - we are going the first week of Dec. and there were no RPC rooms when we booked(back in June) ,except a Deluxe which I somehow managed to get with a AAA discount. We went last year during the 2nd week and there was nobody there - it was great!! Can't go that week this year though. Hope something opens up for you!

Thanks Princesses There are just a few days that I can squeeze in, I've checked AAA no luck...and ofcourse Disney reservations...imagine all the rooms being booked up!!! But I am being a hotel brat and only want the GF or the CR as an alternative....Glad that you got your rooms and with a discount too I'm just keeping my fingers crossed something will open up...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Dawn...I love The Four Seasons!!! I have seen it a gajillion times!! I used to love the Vivaldi soundtrack that goes with it but I overdid myself on that.

OK..now I really need to do something around here. The icky day has me in the blahs and I just don't feel motivated to do a thing.

Ya..and ya know....I feel like I spend a fortune in groceries and the kids are always saying THERE"S NOTHING TO EAT.....

BYE! Off to Costco!! LOL...DH always fills up his tank there on Sunday.

Chan

 

[traci]

My kids are cheap to feed because they are so freaking picky. PB&J, chocolate milk, crackers, some cereal, soup, pudding....my son wont even eat Mcdonalds chicken nuggets. What kid in America doesn't like chicken nuggets??

 

[mickeynut1]

Good Afternoon All


M&P.....Great job on the shopping . I hate going to the grocery store because it's so darn depressing to spend so much money and come home with NOTHING . Even if I try to cut back it doesn't seem to help.....the bill never seems to be any less .


Chan.....WOW.....$1600 a month on groceries . I'm glad I'm not feeding your family . I can't take DH with me grocery shopping because I not only buy more stuff with him along.....but alot of it is junk and candy . He's like a little kid and is always throwing sweets and candy into the buggy....I always thought the cashier figured I had tons of kids at home .


BlueSkies......I hope something opens up and you're able to get a ressie at the GF .


Princesses.......I agree.....Target has some things way cheaper . I find myself going there for alot of things that are quite a savings over other places .


Deb

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Hi everyone. I just got home from the Topsfield Fair and we had a great day.
I dont know who spends that much on groceries check out www.hotcouponworld.com I go there and coupon and spend no more than 120a week for my family of 4.

 

[mandymommy4]

Good Afternoon!

I am normally not home at all on Sundays but DH forgot the bag with all our after church clothes so we ate at my GM and came home. Kinda nice!

My dad got to come home yesterday! We were thrilled and my kids were so happy to see him! HE got emotional and of course I got emotional and it was just so sweet. Anyways we went to a new place and got Italian ices and custard! MY new obsession is custard , where has it been all my life?

Last night was my HOT date with DH! We went and saw a movie that was so good! Fireproof, I loved it! It is by a church in GA, they made a movie a few years ago called facing the giants and flywheel and NONE of the people are actors, they are all members of the church. Kirk Cameron is in this one, I love him!

By the way Mandy- Lexi was doing her hair for church this morning and told me she wanted to be home schooled. I asked her why and she said so she did not have to do any homework.

Have a nice day ladies!

So funny! Well I have to say it is getting easier and easier to HS! There is a DVD program we used and it was really awesome! For K it look like 90 min and that was broken up through the day! And NO homework! I can't believe how much HW Conner has, that is what I have issues with in public school. They have my son all day (7 hours) and they can't get it all done???? I think the system is so screwed up that the teachers cant teach!

I am laughing at Mr. Marvel's last post!!! HOlY GUMMIES, BATMAN!! How'd ya do that? Is it the coupon game or something?

I am dying too! I was all excited over my 13 dollar in coupons at walmart yesterday! Don't take this the wrong way M&P but I was like wow that is a lot of cereal and chips, and gummies! LOL My kids would be in heaven in your house!

PS...Homecoming!!! Don't ya all in the NE do homecoming?? It's a big football game and dance party weekend. It's funny the differences.....I haven't heard of that other 16th bday thingy you talked about a while back.[/B]

TTFN,

Channing

That is totally what we do in the south! I went HC EVERY year and they are fancy down here! Nice formal gowns and get your hair done...... I LOVED home coming!

DH REFUSED to take me to prom.... we were engaged already and he said "Seriously, you want to really go to prom? You have a wedding dress, and are planning a wedding and you want to go to prom? NO way I am not putting on a tuxedo until our wedding day! Go with your friends, but I am not going to prom!" I didn't go. LOL! I have never regretted it either. The ONLY reason I was going was because it was my senior year and i felt like it was something i HAD to do to be a normal teen. I was not though, I was engaged and planning a wedding!

Those are some serious coupons and sale prices! That's awesome. Our Publix has a lot of "Buy One, Get One" sales which really help! They send me $5 off a $30 purchase alot,too. I get a lot of stuff from Target, too- their stuff is way cheaper for the most part. I think CVS prices are really high. I did the bonus card thing but felt like I was spending too much to make it worthwhile for us. Just MHO. YMMV.

Yes, my grocery savings helps pay for my RPC addiction!! Seriously.....

WHOOT WHOOT, Publix! Gotta give my shout out, they began right here in Polk County! I got those coupons too! I have one now and I am waiting on a GOOD sale to use it! LOL! DID I ever mention I worked at Publix in HS and some of college. After Claire was born I had to work for 6 months and I went back at night as a back office cashier! I LOVED sitting all alone in a room counting money!

I am a coupon queen and a BOGO freak! I totally have my routine down, I sit down and figure out the sales and what the meat market specials are then I rummage through my coupons and THEN i make my weekly menu! I normally end up using coupons with thing that are BOGO or are already on sale and really rack up!

I am going back to Step classes in the AM! I use to teach after I had Baby #2 but have not been able to get to a class since baby # 3 & 4! I am excited, I LOVE step classes and I lost SO MUCH weight doing it after baby's# 1 & 2!

 

[BlueSkies]

Kelly Thanks for that coupon link! I collect them-dont always remember to bring them to the store... I try...

Dawn you are lucky DH is good at shopping...my DH will go to the market IF I ask and get half of what he's supposed too and a whole bunch of other stuff.... He cant be trusted with the marketing!!!

Marvel Just curious 13 boxes of cereal...I hope that was for more than one week!!

Mandy Glad to hear your Dad finally got to come home

I have 3 teens there is never enough food in the house...ever...they eat everything in sight

 

[m&pForever]

I am laughing at Mr. Marvel's last post!!! HOlY GUMMIES, BATMAN!! How'd ya do that? Is it the coupon game or something? I spend a fortune grocery shopping. I cannot get that cost down. Seriously....I think it's about $1600/mo. I need some intervention. That is incredible savings. Kel tried to tell me something aboug CVS...and we just got a CVS kinda near me. I ordered my card but have never been in a CVS and I am clueless.

Mr. Marvel...one more thing....I seriously think you can all fit in that carriage. We have done it and we are 5...but last time my kids were 16, 10, and 6. DS is adult size and the girls are average girl size. I don't remember how we sat but I think DH and DD and I sat together. Who is stopping you from booking it? Also...if you do...MAKE SURE you know if you are booked for WL or Ft WL Campground. The IPO mixed ours up but the carriage driver took us. They happen at both places.
Channing

about the carriage ride; i think i gave the wrong impression. No one is stopping me (IPO did book it for me) but IPO told me about the people limits. Im hoping the driver sees we can all fit and we have no problem.

And this is for FortWilderness. They told me the ones at the wilderness lodge are called sleigh rides; at FW im told they are carriage rides.

Regarding shopping;
First i remember Kelly mentioning couponworld before. I dont know anything about it so i cant compare it to the grocerygame.com that i use.
With grocerygame, which is a paid subscription (i think it is $1.25 a week), you get a list for a particular supermarket you choose.

Saturday nights the list for my store is printed and it contains everything on sale for that store plus it tells me where and when a coupon was printed for that item. Coupons on the list can be from today and as far back as 12 weeks.
What i like about this list is all i have to do is print it and then grab the coupons from whatever week they tell me and i'm off.

Today for example i bought 13 boxes of cereal. I paid 61 cents for each box. They were on sale for 1.11 and there were coupons for $1 off 2 back on sept 9th.
AND yes 13 boxes is not just for the next week lol
the thought behind the game is to stock up with enough until the next time that item will be on sale.

During the summer i bought 40 boxes of capri sun drinks because they were something like $1.60 a box. That should last us the whole school year.

From this same week there was a coupon for spray and wash for 75 cents. today it was on sale for $1.69. the 75 cents was doubled and the final price was 19 cents.
Other prices were 25 cents for bags of chex mix.
yogurt was 36 cents
One cereal i bought was Quaker oat squares. it was $1.11 and there was a 50 cent coupon that was doubled so final price was 11 cents!!

Those are some serious coupons and sale prices! That's awesome. Our Publix has a lot of "Buy One, Get One" sales which really help! They send me $5 off a $30 purchase alot,too. I get a lot of stuff from Target, too- their stuff is way cheaper for the most part. I think CVS prices are really high. I did the bonus card thing but felt like I was spending too much to make it worthwhile for us. Just MHO. YMMV.

BOGO just reminded me i wanted to mention CVS. I love CVS because of thier extra bucks they give you such as buy this product and get $5 extracare bucks.
BUT i only shop there for those items. Many times they give you back in extracare bucks the price you paid for an item making it free. And If you have a coupon for the item then they have paid you to buy it. And believe me that happens alot.

After doing this for a year there are certain items i wont buy unless they are free. These include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deoderant. I joked on a thread awhile back that i threw away all our toothbrushes and toothpaste and deoderants so as not to bring them back home. That wasn't really a joke because my linen closet is packed with that stuff that we got for free.

I use CVS for milk and diapers. I buy the items that give you the full amount back in extracare bucks then i use those bucks to buy my milk and diapers.
So basically for the price i was paying for the milk and diapers i get those items free.

And on thier BOGO free sales they accept a BOGO coupon making both items free.

M&P..That is amazing. You sound just like my DH....he is coupon king! and savings man at the store too! I call him the Jewel Freak (jewel is our grocery store here in chicago)

I must say he sounds like a very smart man

Good Afternoon!

My dad got to come home yesterday!

Great News..so happy for you!

Last night was my HOT date with DH! We went and saw a movie that was so good! Fireproof, I loved it! It is by a church in GA, they made a movie a few years ago called facing the giants and flywheel and NONE of the people are actors, they are all members of the church. Kirk Cameron is in this one, I love him!

I was just talking about this movie with a friend of mine. ( we weren't complaining about our wives...honest) I really cant wait to see it. And i had no idea it was by the people who made facing the giants!

I am dying too! I was all excited over my 13 dollar in coupons at walmart yesterday! Don't take this the wrong way M&P but I was like wow that is a lot of cereal and chips, and gummies! LOL My kids would be in heaven in your house!

This week i saved $56 from just my coupons and i came home with $5 off your next shopping offer.
Yeah that does sounds like a lot of junk this week and it is but that will last months.

WHOOT WHOOT, Publix! Gotta give my shout out, they began right here in Polk County!

And if you read thru this incredibly long post here is what i think is a funny story even it makes me sound stupid lol
One of the first times i went to florida i went to publix supermarket. But i never heard of them before and didnt know how to pronounce the name.
I thought the 'U' was a long vowel sound and told everyone i had gone to Pube-lix.


and on that note...good night.

 

[mandymommy4]

And if you read thru this incredibly long post here is what i think is a funny story even it makes me sound stupid lol
One of the first times i went to florida i went to publix supermarket. But i never heard of them before and didnt know how to pronounce the name.
I thought the 'U' was a long vowel sound and told everyone i had gone to Pube-lix.


and on that note...good night.

I am dying! That is how my lotto man would say it! When I worked in the front office this Hispanic man called EVERY night and wanted the play 4 numbers (lottery) I think he was autistic because he ALWAYS called to the minuet and always said " Am I calling PUBE LIX? I need to know the....." We even saw him a few times and he caried one of those HUGE cell phones.

Publix is an odd name, I mean take out the L and change the x to c and you got your self in a hairy situation! LOL

Sorry I could not resist!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Good Morning everyone.
Off to get the DS9 off to school.

 

[mickeynut1]

Morning Gals (and M&P) .


Kristin ~ I heard the Sox won....YAY .


Traci ~ I thought only I had the picky eaters . I guess there's atleast one in every family . My DS15 is not a steak eater so whenever we go out, me, DH, and DS13 have our steaks and there sits my older one with his cheeseburger . You think it's strange for your's not to eat chicken nuggets.....that's not strange at all to me since mine don't eat chocolate chip cookies ....my thinking is what kid doesn't like good 'ole chocolate chip cookies . Kids....gotta love 'em . BTW....have you started packing yet??? I'm so excited for you......your trip is soooo close . Have fun getting ready .


BlueSkies ~ Any pics coming ? I'd still love to see some .


Hope everyone has a great Monday .


Deb