Money Saving Challenge 1/9/10

Ok so yesterday I didn't end up getting my coupon stuff together-I'll have to do it tonight I still have several copies of inserts to clip from the first weekend of the year.

1)DH and I had a frugal day, we went to see a movie at the theater-we love movies-we saw Sherlock Holmes. I liked it, but I enjoy the books. We received 4 free movie passes for Christmas in our stockings, so we used 2 of these. Saved $14 on a matinee. We did get a soda, but the $4 cost will come out of our "Fun/Entertainment" money for the month.

2) I made reservations. Most of you are probably thinking what how did that save you money? Well I made reservations for Valentine's day at an out of the way upscale steakhouse attached to a hotel near our home. Yes I realize it's over a month away, but this particular restaurant is our favorite "special nice" restaurant. We went there when DH proposed. We had our wedding reception at the hotel. Anyway at the end of January they will put together their "Valentine's Dinner pkg" this package is $99 for special fixed dinner menu for 2 and then a hotel stay they try to push for an extra $75. We can have our steak dinners (picked from the menu), appetizer, & a bottle of wine for about $60. By scheduling ahead we are able to order from the menu and save $39. :)

3) DH stopped at work-gave me all the change out of his desk! I was excited.

4) We have a bday next week for a family member-they want a book on cocktails. I have a 33% coupon for Borders so I'll be heading there tomorrow. Also he will be getting a bottle of vodka for his martinis he'll be making. These will be paid for from our gift budget. We have budgeted $2500 for the entire year this includes wedding gifts. Goal is to spend $50 or less on all bday gifts. I think with my coupons I can accomplish this.

5) DH wanted dinner out again(he'd eat out every meal if I let him, and he did in the days before I was around). I said no. I thawed pork tenderloin roast, I chopped it up and we had a hawaiian stir fry. Hawaiian pork, brown rice, peas, onions, and 2 eggs. It was yummy!

ETA* I got distracted while cooking and realized we're out of eggs and milk.....and I am kind of craving pancakes in the morning. So I swung by Walgreens-eggs were on sale $0.99 and milk $1.89 for a gallon. This is cheaper than my grocery store. Total $2.88, I used $1 RR and change from DH's desk.:) I also stopped at RiteAid to get a 500 mL Listerine, it's on sale $3.50, with a $3 single check rebate. For you newbies-RiteAid rebates send you a check which I like, but you can only claim it once a month so I check the deals to see what deals I want out of their booklet each month and that will depend on when I request my check. I had a $1 off Q, which means I paid $2.50 and will get $3 back. This is a $0.50 profit to me. Again I used the change from DH's desk.