Just got back from an enjoyable trip to Madison. Before leaving DH wanted to hear The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, but I said don't worry, we'll hear it when we're in town.

So we left. After stopping three times for some outdoor pictures (DH's hobby), we were off... And I finally got to ride in the "new" minivan. (Very nice ride, but closer quarters then I'm used to. It feels more like a car then a minivan.)

The Bread Outlet store was our first stop. After comparing ingredients we settled on a 2.5 pound loaf of multi-grain bread. Normally they're $2.50 (still a good price and cheaper then at a regular grocery store), but they had some on special for $1. So we grabbed all 18 that were left, and they are now chilling in our freezer. We go through a loaf a week so it will be a few months before we need to buy more.

We got four punches on a frequent buyers card. (For every $5 you spend, you get a punch.) After you get 12 punches you get $5 off your purchase. The wonderful man who checked us out said people often come to the store asking for that bread, because it's that good. We chose well!

Next came Big Lots (a closeout and discounter store). We picked up a few Christmas presents and some soap on sale since we are getting low on our Walgreens stash.

Then came Target. We had to return the electric toothbrush we bought last time we went to town, since the brush head was too big. We picked up a different one, along with another Christmas present and a pair of pj bottoms for me. (They're fuzzy striped and low riding, not something I normally wear or would wear around others, but DH likes them.)

When we got to the car DH's song was just beginning! And it finished when we got to our next stop at the (evil) mall to pick up two more presents. We got 2 stamps at one of the stores that also has a frequent buyers card. When this one is finished we get 15% off our purchase.

JoAnn's was next to pick up some more presents that we got for "free" because we had a gift card. We really don't like JoAnn's any more. The people are always snotty, and the lines are always long because they never open enough lanes.
From now on we are going to be shopping at Michael's instead.

The last stop was Menard's to purchase a folding step stool (free with gift cards.) I've been wanting one for awhile since I often wait for DH to get home before changing light bulbs, etc..., but with the stool I won't have to wait.

I was really hungry since I wasn't feeling good when DH ate lunch, but instead of stopping somewhere to eat we waited until we got home and put in a pizza. This is one of our biggest downfalls, eating out. But for the past month we've been really good.

Frugal Thought for the Day: Make sure to ask about frequent buyer's cards. If you're going to be shopping there you may as well get the freebie or discount!