It's Been Rough Around Here

Since starting work a few months ago, I have really been slacking in the coupon clipping category. I'm lucky if I get the coupons even clipped each week, never mind getting them organized in my binder. I also haven't made getting all the best deals a priority. I just don't seem to have enough time. Why couldn't there be more hours in a day? I just haven't been interested in running to Rite Aid or Walgreens to get the good deals. I still cut out the ones I think I will need, but mostly I am using them at Tops, Target and Walmart.

We have been really bad when it comes to eating out lately. My husband is still laid off so he's the one who cooks dinner during the week. Unfortunately he has not been doing this like he should. Not only are we spending a lot by eating out but we are not eating the best foods for us. My plan for this weekend is to do up a meal plan for the week for him, because obviously he needs one and won't do one for himself. I would also like to cook up some foods to stick in the freezer. I am thinking some macaroni and cheese with broccoli and chicken, pizza crust, homemade bread, and maybe some chili.

We have also been slacking in the cleaning area. On the weekends it just seems like I am cleaning all the time. Lots of laundry and dishes, and I never seem to get caught back up. I need to somehow make the essential cleaning a priority for my husband. I don't know exactly how to do that. I am thinking that maybe if I start saying I'm not going anywhere until certain things get done, that might work. Any ideas?

I really need to get things under control, before the holidays and before my classes start in spring. I have an independent study and an online class, and the one is going to be quite a challenge and take up a lot of my free time. Of course, after that I will be graduating and will not have to do this whole working and going to school thing. I can't wait. If you have any ideas on how I can get things in order, please live it in the comments.

Family Calendar

I just found this wonderful program for helping you keep track of your family: http://www.cozi.com/ * It's free and there is some really nice features that I will be using.

One really nice feature is the family calendar. You can enter the names of each person in your family and when you enter an appointment, you can check off who the appointment is for. You can even synchronize the calendar to Microsoft Outlook. I think this will be a very nice feature for me.

There is also a feature for adding your grocery list. You can even add the stores where you need to buy different items at. There's also a family journal and you can download a photo collage screen saver.

So, check it out if you have a few minutes. I think it will definitely help my family and I get organized.

*I am in no way affiliated with Betty Crocker and did not receive anything for writing today's blog entry. I just like the product and know that other frugal moms and dads could also benefit from using this free program.

LiveJournal Tags: family,schedule,planning,grocery list