I thought I'd share this recipe.

~1 pkg Kool-Aid (or store brand version)
~8 Tablespoons sugar
~3/8 teaspoons salt
~1/8 teaspoons salt substitute (example: No-Salt; be sure it contains potassium chloride)
~2 Quarts cold water

Mix everything together and refrigerate.

It is important to me to teach my kids how to save and spend responsibly. Since the lay-off, we suspended allowance. Recently, and of his own accord, DS called his grandparents to ask if he could come over and work for an allowance from them.

Yesterday was his (and oldest DDs) first job. DS worked hard! DD worked a little (apparently we need to work with her more). DS received $15, DD received $5. When asked what he'll do with the money, DS replies "I want to put it in my bank account." My heart skipped a beat!

DS is 6 years old, DD is 5. They're on the right track!

Google redbox codes (it might be that dot com) and use those codes. They work, just take a few with you in case one doesn't work where you are. One DVD per code. We've rented 3 so far for free.

This is what I netted for $16.62:

(1) Pull-ups
(1) Clorox 24 oz
(1) Pledge
(1) Sparkle window cleaner (on clearance for $1 and it has a $2 MIR!)
(2) Healthy Choice bowls
(4) Cream of Chicken soups (campbells)
(2) Colgate Kid's toothpaste
(1) Children's Tylenol
(1) Sure deodorant
(1) Colgate Kid's Toothbrush

I probably could have done better, but this was my first time and I had a 3 yo, 2 yo, and 1 yo with me. Not too shabby!

I was 5% under budget. Not too shabby! I am on a permanent savings spree, so I'll sock that away.

I thought I'd join my fellow bloggers and write that we, too, received our payment. It was also less than hoped for but I'll just be happy that we got it. After tithing, it will round out our EF, vacation fund and will buy a new mattress. Hooray!