"OOH!"
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Safety First!
Yesterday we went to La Mesa for the annual Kids Care Fest - Fire trucks, ambulances, police cars/motorcycles, a new fingerprint card, a flu shot (me), Legos and a free Cars book from their public library. Not too shabby of an afternoon!
"OOH!"
"OOH!"
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Camping - Part Two
The Camping-Gods don't like me. There must have been thousands of coyotes surrounding the campground... And Tom? Wow. Suppose the howling and 'ZZzzz-hngGGggh-Ppbhww-zZZzzzZZ' did allow me the chance to keep an eye on Cole - It took him 2 hours to fall asleep and I couldn't help but worry he'd get tangled in our sleeping bags with all the tossing and turning he does. He thanked me for keeping him safe by waking up with the sun - Such a sweet boy. Tom, being the wonderful husband/father that he is, took him for a walk so I could get some rest.
Rockin' an awesome outfit
9am - Rise and shine, Mama!
A few bubbles before we hit the road!
He was out before we hit the Ranger Station.
(Notice the bloody nose/head wound? Typical Cole!)
On the way home we made a stop at FUNbelievable, an indoor playground - He had a blast!
We did too!
It's official. Zanetti Family Camping Trip #1 - Success!
Rockin' an awesome outfit
9am - Rise and shine, Mama!
A few bubbles before we hit the road!
He was out before we hit the Ranger Station.
(Notice the bloody nose/head wound? Typical Cole!)
On the way home we made a stop at FUNbelievable, an indoor playground - He had a blast!
We did too!
It's official. Zanetti Family Camping Trip #1 - Success!
Camping - Part One
Tom and I love to camp. We love finding new campgrounds and exploring the surrounding area - We've camped on the beach, in the desert and places in between. The only problem is I don't sleep well under the stars. Bugs, owls, wind, waves, coyotes and Tom's snoring keep me up the entire night. Why do I not wear earplugs, you ask? Because the psychotic serial killer lurking in the bushes will undoubtedly get us the moment I put them in. DUH!
Yet, I still love it.
On two occasions, I was convinced hiking to our destination was a grand idea. First one wasn't so bad, so I was all about it the second time. I nearly died on Mt. Baldy. Sure, Tom carried 95% of my essentials but that hike down was brutal, folks. Especially when my legs were killing me from the hike-up AND I only slept .2 hours. Never again.
We realized a few weeks ago that we haven't been in two years - I was 7 months pregnant and we went to San Onofre with friends. September is a beautiful month in San Diego, but going camping as a family of three could be a huge disaster (The only plus? Having a toddler ensures we stick close to the car!). Hoping camping will be a regular family activity, we decided to give it a shot on Tuesday. We packed up the car with the basics (tent, sleeping bags, lantern, and Subway sandwiches/chips) and made our way to Dos Picos in Ramona (45 minutes northeast of SD) - Pretty much chosen for its trees, empty campsites (mid-week reservation will do that), a playground and proximity to home (in case a certain someone voiced concerns with his new hobby).
Thinking he's hot-stuff eating in the woods
Checking out the joint
Apparently a stack of logs was in the wrong location. He moved them all - one by one.
Job complete!
Rabbits enjoying each other's company and the sunset
Ten seconds later...
I think he likes it.
Yet, I still love it.
On two occasions, I was convinced hiking to our destination was a grand idea. First one wasn't so bad, so I was all about it the second time. I nearly died on Mt. Baldy. Sure, Tom carried 95% of my essentials but that hike down was brutal, folks. Especially when my legs were killing me from the hike-up AND I only slept .2 hours. Never again.
We realized a few weeks ago that we haven't been in two years - I was 7 months pregnant and we went to San Onofre with friends. September is a beautiful month in San Diego, but going camping as a family of three could be a huge disaster (The only plus? Having a toddler ensures we stick close to the car!). Hoping camping will be a regular family activity, we decided to give it a shot on Tuesday. We packed up the car with the basics (tent, sleeping bags, lantern, and Subway sandwiches/chips) and made our way to Dos Picos in Ramona (45 minutes northeast of SD) - Pretty much chosen for its trees, empty campsites (mid-week reservation will do that), a playground and proximity to home (in case a certain someone voiced concerns with his new hobby).
Thinking he's hot-stuff eating in the woods
Checking out the joint
Apparently a stack of logs was in the wrong location. He moved them all - one by one.
Job complete!
Rabbits enjoying each other's company and the sunset
Ten seconds later...
I think he likes it.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Go 'Cuse!
Tom's Weekend: I could say it was a trip to L.A. for the Syracuse-USC game, but it was pretty much two nights of shenanigans with college buddies.
My Weekend: Playgrounds, naps and the Heart Walk with members of the SD Alpha Phi Alumnae Group.
Yep, just a tad different. Very happy he had some time away AND returned home in one piece!
My Weekend: Playgrounds, naps and the Heart Walk with members of the SD Alpha Phi Alumnae Group.
Yep, just a tad different. Very happy he had some time away AND returned home in one piece!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Baby Stoger
Yesterday we went to La Jolla to meet Colin- I loved holding him. You forget how small they are when they first arrive!
His little nose, fingers and toes... Such a sweet little guy.
Hopefully this next year doesn't fly by for Justin & Melinda. They grow up way too quickly.
His little nose, fingers and toes... Such a sweet little guy.
Hopefully this next year doesn't fly by for Justin & Melinda. They grow up way too quickly.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Dorks
All I can really say - I don't get it... I don't ask... I just enjoy listening to Cole get a kick out of his father's weird noises!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Extreme Couponing
Before Cole, I never thought twice about ordering a glass of wine at dinner or buying a cute shirt at the mall. I’m now bringing home 10% of my old salary, so I’ve learned to make the few dollars I make each month stretch. I can buy our groceries, toiletries, and Cole’s food/diapers (AND a glass of wine when I’m out with the girls) thanks to some planning ahead and a little research. It kind of makes me mad that I didn’t know these things before… The money we wasted!!
I watch the show Extreme Couponing on TLC, but I’m not even close to their levels. Who has 60 hours a week to dumpster dive and cut coupons? My amateur tricks:
*Dream Dinners – I go at the end of each month. I get their minimum of 36 servings (12 meals) and we eat chicken, pork, steak and fish for $160-180 a month (after 10% rewards program discount). I found that buying meat from the grocery store and all the ingredients would be more than the $13-16/meal we pay here. There’s no way I have the patience to read a recipe book for meals, buy all the ingredients, prep, cook and clean up – Not to mention, the extra seasonings/ingredients would go bad by the time I get back to them (wasted $). We’re eating a variety of meals each month and I love being able to just throw a meal in the oven 3-times a week.
*I plan my menu for the week based on sales/coupons. Every Monday the 4 major grocery chains’ ads are in our mailbox. I sit with each, compare the sales/prices and make my lists. Two are a few blocks away, so each Wednesday (day sale starts) you’ll see me, Cole and our reusable bags walking there. I will only drive to the other chains if the sale and my coupon are REAL good. Yesterday I got 20 items for $23.39 – Should’ve been $59.41. A savings of 61% is pretty good for me – I’m not really sure how the women on TV walk out paying nothing and I don’t need to get to that level. (Always seems they’re just buying bottled drinks and those weird noodle meals anyway…). I was pretty happy yesterday just scoping the Buy 10 and save $5 items, adding my coupons and walking out knowing that $36.02 will go to something else.
I’ve learned you can use a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon and not to pay over certain amounts for our staples. I’ve learned to go to Target for our noodles, Cole’s mac-n-cheese, canned veggies and frozen items. I’ve learned to save my laundry detergent, deodorant, paper towel and toothpaste coupons for grocery store sales– If you’re not loyal to a brand, you’ll never spend more than $1 on deodorant or toothpaste again. Big brand names, not generic – All this planning every Monday is dorky, yes, but it works.
*Diapers are expensive, but can easily be reasonable if you plan ahead. Never buy at a grocery store or a convenience store - Every other month (roughly) Target offers buy 2-boxes of diapers; get a $10 gift card. Knowing this, I save my Target and manufacturer coupons. I have:
* Target Coupon - $2 off with purchase of both Pampers diapers/wipes
*Target Coupon - $2 off with purchase of both Pampers diapers/wipes
*Manufacturer Coupon - $1.50 off one pampers box
*Manufacturer Coupon - $1.50 off one pampers box
*Manufacturer Coupon - $.60 off one pampers wipes
*Manufacturer Coupon - $.60 off one pampers wipes
(I can use two of each because I’m buying two sets)
There is no size requirement to the Target deal or coupons, so I’m buying two smaller boxes of diapers ($40) and two wipes ($5). I will walk out of there ‘paying’ - $27.
*Amazon has the cheapest diapers –Get an even better deal if you set a delivery time each month (free shipping) through Amazon Mom. You set the schedule and can change the diaper size at any time.
*Parenting – Early Years is a cute magazine and only $5/year. You’ll find an Amazon coupon for 20% off diapers every other month. (Be sure not to get the School Years as well – It’s the same magazine except for 2 or 3 pages). The magazine will pay for itself and you’ll get parenting advice, cute ideas and a deal on diapers.
* Formula/Baby Food – Sign up for coupons at similac.com, enfamil.com, gerber.com, etc. They’ll email them often and you can combine them with sales prices at Babies-R-Us or Target. Your doctor may also offer free samples of your brand of formula.
I do all of this because why give extra money to crazy profitable companies when we can use it for fun adventures or trips?! It’s also in hope this stay at home mom gig can continue forever - I wouldn’t trade my time with Cole for anything, even shopping sprees. I know, I must love the kid!! I’m actually pretty fortunate he arrived when he did. When I walked out of work four days before he arrived, it would’ve happened if I had a ginormous belly or not. My full-time position was over and even if I wanted to go back today not sure there’s a spot at my current company. I can barely get 2 hours of work some weeks! I have always wanted to do this and am so thankful Tom works so hard so I can stay home. All I can do is continue my end of the deal - Clip coupons, watch for deals and keep my fingers crossed work will pop in my inbox each day.
I watch the show Extreme Couponing on TLC, but I’m not even close to their levels. Who has 60 hours a week to dumpster dive and cut coupons? My amateur tricks:
*Dream Dinners – I go at the end of each month. I get their minimum of 36 servings (12 meals) and we eat chicken, pork, steak and fish for $160-180 a month (after 10% rewards program discount). I found that buying meat from the grocery store and all the ingredients would be more than the $13-16/meal we pay here. There’s no way I have the patience to read a recipe book for meals, buy all the ingredients, prep, cook and clean up – Not to mention, the extra seasonings/ingredients would go bad by the time I get back to them (wasted $). We’re eating a variety of meals each month and I love being able to just throw a meal in the oven 3-times a week.
*I plan my menu for the week based on sales/coupons. Every Monday the 4 major grocery chains’ ads are in our mailbox. I sit with each, compare the sales/prices and make my lists. Two are a few blocks away, so each Wednesday (day sale starts) you’ll see me, Cole and our reusable bags walking there. I will only drive to the other chains if the sale and my coupon are REAL good. Yesterday I got 20 items for $23.39 – Should’ve been $59.41. A savings of 61% is pretty good for me – I’m not really sure how the women on TV walk out paying nothing and I don’t need to get to that level. (Always seems they’re just buying bottled drinks and those weird noodle meals anyway…). I was pretty happy yesterday just scoping the Buy 10 and save $5 items, adding my coupons and walking out knowing that $36.02 will go to something else.
I’ve learned you can use a store coupon with a manufacturer coupon and not to pay over certain amounts for our staples. I’ve learned to go to Target for our noodles, Cole’s mac-n-cheese, canned veggies and frozen items. I’ve learned to save my laundry detergent, deodorant, paper towel and toothpaste coupons for grocery store sales– If you’re not loyal to a brand, you’ll never spend more than $1 on deodorant or toothpaste again. Big brand names, not generic – All this planning every Monday is dorky, yes, but it works.
*Diapers are expensive, but can easily be reasonable if you plan ahead. Never buy at a grocery store or a convenience store - Every other month (roughly) Target offers buy 2-boxes of diapers; get a $10 gift card. Knowing this, I save my Target and manufacturer coupons. I have:
* Target Coupon - $2 off with purchase of both Pampers diapers/wipes
*Target Coupon - $2 off with purchase of both Pampers diapers/wipes
*Manufacturer Coupon - $1.50 off one pampers box
*Manufacturer Coupon - $1.50 off one pampers box
*Manufacturer Coupon - $.60 off one pampers wipes
*Manufacturer Coupon - $.60 off one pampers wipes
(I can use two of each because I’m buying two sets)
There is no size requirement to the Target deal or coupons, so I’m buying two smaller boxes of diapers ($40) and two wipes ($5). I will walk out of there ‘paying’ - $27.
*Amazon has the cheapest diapers –Get an even better deal if you set a delivery time each month (free shipping) through Amazon Mom. You set the schedule and can change the diaper size at any time.
*Parenting – Early Years is a cute magazine and only $5/year. You’ll find an Amazon coupon for 20% off diapers every other month. (Be sure not to get the School Years as well – It’s the same magazine except for 2 or 3 pages). The magazine will pay for itself and you’ll get parenting advice, cute ideas and a deal on diapers.
* Formula/Baby Food – Sign up for coupons at similac.com, enfamil.com, gerber.com, etc. They’ll email them often and you can combine them with sales prices at Babies-R-Us or Target. Your doctor may also offer free samples of your brand of formula.
I do all of this because why give extra money to crazy profitable companies when we can use it for fun adventures or trips?! It’s also in hope this stay at home mom gig can continue forever - I wouldn’t trade my time with Cole for anything, even shopping sprees. I know, I must love the kid!! I’m actually pretty fortunate he arrived when he did. When I walked out of work four days before he arrived, it would’ve happened if I had a ginormous belly or not. My full-time position was over and even if I wanted to go back today not sure there’s a spot at my current company. I can barely get 2 hours of work some weeks! I have always wanted to do this and am so thankful Tom works so hard so I can stay home. All I can do is continue my end of the deal - Clip coupons, watch for deals and keep my fingers crossed work will pop in my inbox each day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
