It's the end of 2009! Review of goals

Happy New to you! On this New Years Eve, I thought I would review my goals for 2009 and update on those I actually completed.

*keep up with the $5 CVS challenge, and include Walgreen's as well(when possible)
I actually did keep up with this for a while, but to me the deals just kind of dried up. I rarely spend any money is CVS anymore, and less at Walgreen's. We have a good stockpile (nothing pic worthy) that works for us and haven't spent more than $3 the whole year on shampoo, soap, toothpaste,etc. Plus I was able to score more gift cards for CVS this year thru MyPoints and Chase Visa Rewards.

*bake more from scratch
Did pretty good with this one and stumbled on a great cookie bar recipe that we make often!
*create a gift box (we seem to be swamped with birthday parties in the spring time, so this will help a lot)
Got a decent supply of these now, due in part to after Christmas sales
*cut energy costs!
Haven't made too much headway yet, but have cut my electric by half recently.
*make my own laundry soap
SUCCESS! Love doing this, and also my dishwasher detergent as well.
*recycle as much as possible in my community (we don't have a recycling pick-up or program here)
This goal I have done well with! Found a local grocer that has an outside recycling bin for plastic bags. I drop off all out newspaper at the local Animal shelter once a month. Magazine go to the Library free bin, and take aluminum cans to the only recycling center we have, and the money from them goes into our "Fun Fund".
*this is going to be the year that I finally learn to sew!
Sadly, no,I still haven't learned how to sew, maybe 2010!

And same as last year, BE BLESSED in the new year!

NO MORE Loadable P&G coupons at Kroger!

Received this email from Proctor & Gamble this morning:

"Beginning December 31, 2009, P&GeSAVER™ coupons can no longer be downloaded to your Kroger® Shopper's Card.

Please redeem all P&GeSAVER coupons you now have on your Kroger* Shopper's Card by December 31, 2009.

We value your loyalty to P&GeSAVER and are very sorry for any inconvenience this causes.


Don't forget: You still can take advantage of valuable P&G samples and savings delivered right to your home through P&GbrandSAMPLER®. "

3 Ways to use your Points to donate this season!

Here are 3 ways you can give back this Christmas Season, without spending a dime, or even leaving your house!*



1. Disney Movie Rewards: for 175 points, you can donate a Tree Seedling to Schools. (if you need some points for this prize, abcfamily is posting a 5 point code daily on the 25 Days of Christmas page. ) They have in the past, had a prize for 75 points that donates a DVD to a local Children's Hospital, so keep your eyes open for that one!



2. My Points: for 500-2,000 points, you can donate to The American Red Cross which provides disaster victims with food, shelter, clothing, counseling and more.



3. Swagbucks: Swagbucks is having a Toy Drive! You can donate your Swagbucks in ANY denomination to help the Toy Drive!

So, through these rewards programs, you can help the Earth, help people effected by tragedy, and help provide gifts for children, all for doing your everyday activities! (shopping, reading emails, internet searches)

If you have another program with donation opportunity's, please leave a link in the comments section.


THIS JUST IN! Paperbackswap.com is holding a "book" drive to benifit schools! To see the chosen schools, and donate a book credit, go HERE for all the information.



*Please note, you must be members of the following programs to donate. All memberships are free, and links are provided for sign-ups.