This time of year, we all make new goals.  It’s a time to start fresh.  I wanted to share my 2011 goals for my personal life, finances & blogging with you.  Over the next couple days I’ll touch on my plans for 2011.

My Personal Goals:

-Spend 20-30 minutes of uninterrupted time with each child daily.  This is not the only time I’m planning to spend with them each day, but I want time where it’s just us.  There will be no tv, computer, phones or distractions.  Simply time for us to snuggle, chat & play. 

-Weekly date night with Derrick.  I want us to start having a date night again.  We will not go out or have a sitter once per week, although every couple months would be nice.  We might watch a movie after the kids go to bed (without the computers), just talk or have a quiet dinner at home (PB&J for the kids early 🙂 ).

-Get back in shape.  I know this is what everyone says.  I’ve gained 10 lbs (yes, I just said this online) this past year mostly due to issues with my back. 

• Drink more water
• Gym 3 times per week (moving back up to 5+)
• Routine to include swimming, cardio & weights
• Nightly back strengthening exercises at home

-Getting back into bargain shopping & cooking.  The past few months I’ve slacked on my bargain shopping & cooking.  After a nice break, I’m ready to jump back into building my stockpile & freezer back up.

What are your personal goals for 2011?

Photo credit: Rosstraining.com

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It’s Mega Swagbucks Day! You could win up to 1000 swagbucks every Friday!

My favorite prize is a $5 Amazon Gift Card!  I was recently able to get 6 bottles of organic honey for only $1.18 OOP using my Amazon gift cards earned through swagbucks!

What is swagbucks.com? Earn points or “Swag Bucks” just for searching the web. It’s like searching Google or other search engines, but these searches can really pay off! Hurry over and register if you’re not already and start earning today.

*Don’t forget to download the toolbar to make searching easier and to earn extra swagbucks.

I’m a firm believer in DIY (do-it-yourself).  I can’t begin to calculate how much my family has saved by doing work ourselves.  It is rare that we hire someone to perform work around our house, vehicles, landscaping, etc.  If you know someone mechanically inclined, you can save a ton of money by maintaining your vehicles yourself.  I’ve listed a few simple ways that you can save money on labor by purchasing parts at your local automotive store & doing the work at home.

*Check your owners manual for the routine maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

– Oil change: One of the most important scheduled maintenance requirements is an oil change.

– Change air filter: Improves gas mileage

– Check air pressure in tires: Saves money in gas & tire life

– Pre-inspect vehicle before inspection: Check & replace wiper blades &  lights (turn signal, brake, head & fog) as needed.  You would pay approximately $20 per light bulb at a shop!

Depending on your level of knowledge,  Derrick has routinely changed out brakes, timing belts, pulled the transmission and more.

PLEASE remember that working with vehicles is a major safety issue &  is not an area that everyone can save money on!

How do you save on your vehicles?

This post is linked to Madame Deals & My Coupon Teacher

Walgreens has several coupon codes available that you may want to take advantage of:

Thanks, Madame Deals!

Wishing you & your families a Merry Christmas!

Below are some of the National Catalina deals.  These Catalina offers should be available in all grocery stores that offer Catalina promotions; however, please be mindful that YMMV.

Purchase three (3) Barefoot Wines, Receive $3 OYNO
Purchase four (4) Barefoot Wines, Receive $4OYNO
Purchase five or more (5+) Barefoot Wines, Receive $5 OYNO
expires 12/10/10 – 1/2/11

Purchase three – four (3-4) Stouffers, Receive $1 OYNO
Purchase five – six (5-6) Stouffers, Receive $2 OYNO
Purchase seven or more (7+) Stouffers, Receive $3 OYNO
Note: included items will be denoted with shelf tags
valid 12/27/10 – 1/23/11

Purchase three (3) General Mills Salty Snacks, Receive $1.50 OYNO
Purchase four (4) General Mills Salty Snacks, Receive $2.50 OYNO
Purchase five or more (5+) General Mills Salty Snacks, Receive $3.50 OYNO
valid 12/27/10 – 1/23/11

Purchase three (3) Nature Valley Bars, Receive $1.50 OYNO
Purchase four (4) Nature Valley Bars, Receive $2.50 OYNO
Purchase five or more (5+) Nature Valley Bars, Receive $3.50 OYNO
valid 12/27/10 – 1/23/11

Purchase two (2) Crystal Light, Receive $1 OYNO
Purchase three (3) Crystal Light, Receive $2 OYNO
Purchase four or more (4+) Crystal Light, Receive $3 OYNO
valid 12/27/10 – 1/23/11

Purchase two (2) Kikkomen Marinades, Receive $1.50 OYNO
Purchase three (3) Kikkomen Marinades, Receive $2 OYNO
valid 1/14/11 – 2/6/11

Purchase two (2) Lawry’s Marinades, Receive $1 OYNO
Purchase three (3) Lawry’s Marinades, Receive $2 OYNO
valid 1/14/11 – 2/6/11

Purchase two (2) Crystal Light, Receive $1 OYNO
Purchase three (3) Crystal Light, Receive $2 OYNO
Purchase four or more (4+) Crystal Light, Receive $3 OYNO
valid 1/24/11 – 2/20/11

Thanks, Coupons, Deals & More!