Getting "clean"

Ok so let's make one thing clear...I'm not on a diet. Seriously! Me on a diet? Who are you kidding? Those are too strict and usually fail. I am getting clean. I eat what I want when I want, but I'm trying to make healthier choices and stay away from the junk. 

I don't want to get super skinny or anything. I love my body the way it is. Losing weight would just be a plus, but I want to feel better. I want to get rid of the dragging feeling and have more energy. Get rid of all those toxins that weigh my body down in processed foods. Not just for me, but also my family. 

Its only been about a week of this "clean" eating and already I feel better. I have more energy. Things get done. I don't seem to procrastinate as much and my mood has seriously improved. I wake up ready for the day unlike I used to; wanting to crawl back into bed and sleep forever. I'm human though so I'm prone to still have bad days, but I've noticed less of them. I'm a happier a mommy! :) 

This whole eating better didn't just start. Of course I'm new to the organic side of it, but when my 2nd son was born and I started nursing I wanted my milk to be the best possible thing he could have. I learned most of what I have passes through, so I opted for changing my ways. Six months later I think I'm getting there.

That is all. Have a great day everyone!

Grocery trip turns into full tank of gas.

Like every family in America mine struggles paycheck to paycheck to make sure all of our needs are taken care of. The cost of living is high. Gas prices keep rising just when you think they are down for good, and we have two small children to care for. We have only owned a car for about 3 months. The tank has been full only a handful. 

We can't really afford $50-60/weekly on filling up with these gas prices. Maybe some of your readers will think "well if you can't afford it, don't have it." Let me tell you its a necessity. We have three jobs total, our boys are only 2 and 6 months which still means constant doctor visits, and I go back to school this fall. Its no longer as simple as hop on the bus and get there anymore. Grocery shopping to feed a family isn't the same as shopping to feed yourselves. Just saying, its not something we can do without.

Anyway, my point is with all we have to pay filling up isn't always possible. This week was one of those weeks. The beginning of the month usually is. All we had to put in was $40, gas went up 40 cents in a matter of 4 days, and the car had less than a quart left. I did need to make a grocery trip, so I was hoping I could snag at least 10-20 cents off with my Stop & Shop gas rewards.

Walking into the grocery store I take a look at the flyer. I see that they have some gas points sales going on. Its all things we use so I figured why not? One sale was buy 6 items from a specific list and earn 40 cents off each gallon. The other was earn 5 times the points for buying certain items. Words won't describe my excitement. I had coupons so this shopping trip would be affordable. 

Long story short...I left the store with over 500 gas reward points which gave me 50 cents off each gallon and I was able to fill up on just $40. That's $20 less than what it usually takes. 

When you're living on a budget you NEVER want to pay full price for anything. I personally don't look at brand vs generic. I really don't care as long as its affordable. Reward cards are a life saver these things do add up to something if you use them enough. Lastly sales sales sales! Most grocery stores don't have great sales until mid month, so we don't do huge shopping early on. It saves us a ton and this is how our gas points add up. Until next time! :)