Nix9to5

My, how things have changed.

// May 2nd, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Budget, Couponing, Money Matters

Because of trying to juggle my regular job and my work at home jobs, I got behind on entering my April expenses in the budget.  I was pretty worried about how it would turn out because I was not able to take full advantage of my coupons and deals.  I mean, I was just too busy to round up coupons, make a list, actually go to the store . . .  .  My shopping trips were quick, in-and-out trips for the most part, and I grabbed whatever was convenient.  I even went to buy milk, eggs, juice, and gum at Dollar General one day because it was the closest, most convenient store.  I spent nearly $12 and felt like I’d been robbed.

As I totaled my grocery expenses, I felt a little nervous.  I was hoping I wouldn’t blow the budget too much.  When I got the final total, I was shocked.  Instead of being the highest month of the four I’ve been couponing and budgeting, it was the second lowest–and only $2.97 more than my lowest.

Imagine how it would have turned out had I been able to focus more.  I think when I finally become a work at home mom in June, the grocery spending will drop even more.

23 more work days to go.

Recall News: Simplicity Cribs, Graco Cribs, Tylenol, and More

// May 1st, 2010 // No Comments » // Children and Babies

Once again, Simplicity cribs have been recalled.  We looked at buying a Simplicity crib when I was pregnant with Bear, but they seem to have a history of significant recalls.  Just before Bear was born, Simplicity recalled a million cribs.  The latest recall stems from a problem with the mattress frame, which can break and cause babies to be trapped between the mattress and the frame.  This recall affects the Graco and Simplicity cribs listed here.

Graco is also recalling drop-side cribs made by LaJobi.  The drop-side can detach and fall, causing suffocation and entrapment hazards.  With all the recalls of drop-side cribs lately, I don’t think I would even consider buying one.

See the list of affected models here.

Gap is recalling nearly 7,000 girls’ baby swimsuits because they pose a strangulation hazard.  These little bathing suits are too cute, but apparently, the halter straps are too short, causing the ring to press against the child’s throat, restricting airway.  No injuries have been reported, but there have been two customer complaints.  Get details here.

Finally, Johnson & Johnson has issued a huge recall of Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, and Benadryl.  See the list of affected medications here. I haven’t checked Bear’s Tylenol yet, but I’ll be taking care of that today.

Sign up for email updates of recall notices from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

30% Off Site-Wide at Old Navy!

// May 1st, 2010 // No Comments » // Money Matters

Today only, in stores and online, everything at Old Navy.  If you love Old Navy sales as much as I do, you may be dancing around the house right now, just trying to calm down enough to log in.  Shop online and use code ONBIG30 when you check out to take 30% off your entire purchase.

But wait.

If you weren’t excited enough already, remember that you can get PAID to shop at Old Navy.  Sign up for Ebates, get $5 just for signing up, and get 4% cash back on you Old Navy purchase.

Got to go.  I’ve got shopping to do.  Bear needs a new swimsuit (for less than $10) and some polo shirts (for around $5). I don’t know what Mama “needs” until I browse the site.  ;)