A difference of $27.30

We just received our electric/energy bill today and it was $27.30 more than last month.  First, when we called to set up service, we were offered the option of "equal payment plan" and it would be around $80 a month.  Since our bill was more than $80, I called and asked why.  I was told that we weren't set up for the equal payment plan, but she was able to change it for us.

We're in the process of re-applying for food stamps in our current county.  We just need additional paperwork to send to our local office.  Since we are without food stamps, we are forced to pay out of pocket.

Just a few things

I am always looking forward to Sunday -- to get the Sunday paper for the coupons.  I found a few in the Walgreens ad that I wanted to get.  I took Kyle with me and thankfully it was cool outside!   I used coupons for every item I bought and ended up saving over $19! 

We went to Walmart today for a few groceries. 

I applied for food stamps last week and we received a letter asking us to come in to "interview" so that they can determine our eligibility.  I guess they require all applicants to come in (unlike the former county we lived in where we did everything via mail).  The letter also stated that we may qualify for "expedited services" so hopefully we can get our food stamps as soon as possible!

Mini-Getaway

We just got back a little while ago from a mini-getaway!  We decided to stay two nights in Cherokee, NC.  We stayed one night at Fairfield Inn & Suites and then stayed the second night at Harrah's.  Our hotel at Harrah's was comped.  We were also able to comp our breakfast from this morning as well as a few other purchases. 

On our first night, I ended up finishing a book I had already started and was able to write the review the same day.  Our second night, I didn't have internet access because Harrah's charges their guests to use their Wi-Fi, so instead, I started reading a new book and already over half way done!

On a whim, we decided to get away.  Thursday afternoon, we just decided to go.  While Shannon made the hotel reservations, I packed our stuff.  Kyle was easy to pack and I packed my clothes pretty quickly.  The "hardest" part was gathering our toiletries.  We were able to fit all of our stuff into one suitcase!  It only took us 45 minutes to get packed, make hotel reservations, and out the door. 

Now that we're back, I am catching up on laundry and just trying to get back into our normal every day schedule.  Thankfully, I only have 2 loads of clothes to do! 

I saved how much?!

My last prescription was ready at Walgreens yesterday, so we all jumped in the car to pick it up.  I would have walked, but it was super hot and humid outside.  If I attempted to leave, Kyle would have wanted to go with me and walking with him slows me down, which means more sweat and more time in the hot sun! 

I only had to pay $3 for my prescription since we have Medicaid.  When I opened my wallet, I saw that I only had $2 and then I checked the other slot in my wallet and saw that I had $5, otherwise, I would have had to use my bank card for a $3 purchase.  As I was walking away from the counter, I looked at the paperwork that was stapled to my bag and it said, "With your insurance, you saved $188.99."  I was shocked at how much this medication costs!  All I could think was, "thank goodness for Medicaid."  If I didn't have Medicaid, I would have looked for an alternative herbal remedy. 

When I got back to the car, I told Shannon how much I "saved" and all he could say was "holy sh*t" or something to that effect. 

When we returned home, I took a pill and I took another pill this morning.  I don't think it has started working yet because there haven't been any changes.  I hope this does start to work soon!

Panties and Blush

We went to the mall today.  I have been wanting to get a certain blush that I have heard a lot about.  There are celebrities that wear it and it's been the best seller since 2001!  I knew it was sold at Sephora and we happen to have a Sephora inside of our local JC Penney's.  I was able to see the blush in person and had to think about it before buying it.  While doing that, I went over and found some panties.  I had a hard time choosing the colors and sizes, but finally bought a few.  I have decided to stop buying panties that come in a package from Walmart (I usually bought Hanes) because they would start to unravel after a few weeks of wearing them!  It just didn't seem worth it to have underwear fall apart after a few weeks or have holes in them.  I am hoping that panties from the department store will last longer than a few weeks! 

I ended up getting the blush that I really wanted.  I figured that I would regret not getting it, so I just took the plunge and bought it.  I tried it on and love it!  It works perfectly for my skin color! 

After going to the mall, we went to Walmart to get groceries.  Since we are no longer receiving food stamps, we tried not to buy as much. 

I called the department of social services today regarding our food stamps and she said that we would need to reapply because we were supposed to get recertified in May, which is around the time we moved.  Also, we have to reapply since we moved to a different county.  I filled out the application today and sent it out in today's mail!  Hopefully we can get back on food stamps by the end of this month and not have so long.

My appointment

I had my doctor's appointment this past Thursday.  It was a long awaiting visit, since I haven't been to the doctor since 2007!  Since I was a new patient, they wrote down as much of my medical history they could.  Then they asked what issues I had wanted to discuss with the doctor (there were 3). 

Anyway, I am little surprised at how eager the doctor was to write me a prescription for medication.  I think our society is way over-medicated!  I suppose I am not on medication mainly because I haven't had medical coverage since 2006 or so.  Even when I did have medical coverage, I rarely used it.  The doctor didn't even question my wanting a prescription for an inhaler (for my asthma).  He also wrote me a prescription for birth control and one other medication.  I am pretty sure if we were in California and I asked for a prescription for medical marijuana, he wouldn't even question that!!!  So crazy! 

I ended up filling my prescriptions at Walgreens since it's less than 2 blocks from us.  I was able to get two of my prescriptions, the third one wasn't covered by Medicaid and they need to get authorization for another medication from the doctor.  My birth control cost $32.99 and the inhaler cost $44.99 -- I only paid $3 for the inhaler.  Thank goodness for Medicaid! 

I am happy to have Medicaid and a "regular" doctor.  Shannon and I have both been seen by the same doctor. 

July 3rd

Tomorrow is 4th of July!  We don't have any plans but I have been thinking about making Pineapple Angel Food Cake or Brownies!  I can't decide.  Yesterday, I bought the stuff to make both. 

A few weeks ago I started getting the Sunday newspaper for the coupons.  Two weeks ago, I was able to save at Walgreens just from using coupons.  Last week was a little dull on the sales and coupons.  This week, I bought some things that were on sale, as well as use coupons with them.  I was able to get a bottle of Herbal Essences conditioner for free since it was on sale and I had a coupon for it!  I also bought two toothbrushes for free!  As I was putting away all the things I bought, I felt like I am becoming a hoarder!  I think it's more "stocking up" on the things we use. 

Last week, I bought a bottle of liquid castile soap with the idea of using it to make homemade hand soap, homemade dish soap, and other things.  However, I realized, I am saving more money using coupons.  I ended up returning the bottle of liquid castile soap, which was about $15!  I think I will continue to make our laundry soap just because it's all natural and it cleans our clothes so well and I don't need to use fabric softener. 

There are a few other things I need from Walgreens, and I plan to go again later this week.  As I am collecting more and more coupons, I am realizing that I may need to get a binder just to organize them.  More experienced couponers use a binder filled with plastic baseball card holders to organize their coupons. 

I am so glad that we live so close to a Walgreens (about 1 1/2 blocks away), so I can walk there!