Thursday, April 16, 2009
Giant Foods Complaint Update
As of today, April 16, I have yet to hear from Giant in response to my complaint. Quite frankly, I am surprised. This was my second attempt to try to get an answer from them. So far, nothing. I may have to rethink shopping at Giant.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Giant Foods Complaint
Check out Moms Need to Know for her AWESOME letter to Giant about their ridiculous coupon policy. It's so ironic that this week I have had to contact them as well. Below I've copied my second message to them. I am seriously considering not shopping there anymore. It's sad because I really do get the best deals there, but at some point, I have to stand up out of principle, don't you agree?
Dear Giant,
First, I am appalled by your coupon policy. Very few stores have a policy as difficult as yours. We are experiencing difficult economic times. Would it be so difficult to make your policy a little more lenient so people could save more money? Second, this is the second time I have send you a message with a complaint. The first time (Tuesday), I was called and told someone would get back to me with further information. That was days ago. My complaint is with the fact that I cannot use a Buy One Get One Free coupon printed from the internet, when in fact I found the exact same coupon on your website the day after mine was denied. It's false advertising to not honor something that is advertised in writing. I gave the woman who called me this information, and what happened? Instead of calling me back with more information as promised, the coupon was taken off your site. Not before I printed it off, of course. I expect you to honor it the next time I go in. After all, it did print with your company name on the coupon and I got it from your website. I have serious doubts as to whether I will set foot in your store again. I choose to give my business and my money to a business with integrity. Your response to this message will show me if you have any.
Dear Giant,
First, I am appalled by your coupon policy. Very few stores have a policy as difficult as yours. We are experiencing difficult economic times. Would it be so difficult to make your policy a little more lenient so people could save more money? Second, this is the second time I have send you a message with a complaint. The first time (Tuesday), I was called and told someone would get back to me with further information. That was days ago. My complaint is with the fact that I cannot use a Buy One Get One Free coupon printed from the internet, when in fact I found the exact same coupon on your website the day after mine was denied. It's false advertising to not honor something that is advertised in writing. I gave the woman who called me this information, and what happened? Instead of calling me back with more information as promised, the coupon was taken off your site. Not before I printed it off, of course. I expect you to honor it the next time I go in. After all, it did print with your company name on the coupon and I got it from your website. I have serious doubts as to whether I will set foot in your store again. I choose to give my business and my money to a business with integrity. Your response to this message will show me if you have any.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Pineapple Jerky Giveaway from Frugal, Freebies and Deals
Check out Frugal, Freebies and Deals for this new giveaway. It's for a coupon good for 1/4lb bag of Jerky.com's Pineapple Jerky. Sound great! Giveaway ends 4/17/09 so go check it out!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
I have been having a hard time posting my weekend titles - Save Me Saturday and Saling Sunday. This past weekend, my husband and son went out of town and I gave a seminar at my church (hope you ladies had as much fun as I did!) So I thought I'd post this week's Save Me Saturday on Tuesday. I'm trying to come up with a catchy title. Maybe.....it'll come to me later.
So anyway, the good deals are at Giant this week. They have 4 $1 coupon doublers in their flyer. I was able to use two of them to get 6 - 12oz Bird's Eye Steam Fresh Veggies for $.17 each, $.99 total. They were 5/$4, plus $.99 extra for the 6th one I got. I used 2/$1 coupons ($1 off 3) when were doubled, making the cost $6/$.99.
I also 2 jars of Skippy peanut butter for $1.32 or $.66 each. They are $1.66 this week, and I have a $1/2 coupon which was doubled. $3.32 - $2.00 = $1.32.
I used my last doubler on Pillsburg Frozen dinner rolls. They are $2/5 this week. I got the 2/$3 or $1.50 each. Had my kids not been screaming, I would have realized that my coupon only required the purchase of 1 bag. But I got 2 instead. Just goes to show....don't take your kids shopping with you! haha
I found a Giant coupon online for $.50 off eggs. They are on special this week for $.99, so I got them for $.49.
Chicken Breasts (boneless/skinless) are $1.79lb and thighs and drumsticks are $.99lb.
I also found 2 other good coupons from the Giant website. Look for Easter Eggs to get these coupons. $2 off any $5 meat purchase and 2 off any $5 produce purchase.
I actually had a hard time finding 4 $1 coupons that were a good enough deal to double. I almost only used 3 of them, but then I looked through my coupons at the store and found a second Bird's Eye coupon. JACKPOT!
I also did pretty good at CVS too. I spent a total of $31.69 (in 3 transactions), got and used $16 in Extra Care Bucks, and got:
3 Jumbo packs of Huggies diapers ($10 plus 3-$1.50 coupons and $10 ECB)
4 Nivea Lip Care (BOGO Free plus I had 4 $1 coupons)
J&J Baby Wash ($3 plus $1 coupon)
1 Colgate Max toothpaste ($2.99, $2 ECB and $1 coupon)
Dawn dish detergent ($.99 plus $.20 coupon)
Plus I also go a card, some buttpaste (for my kids) and infant tylenol....none of which were on sale. I saved a total of $42.64. I didn't want to spend this much, but my daughter is sick, she has terrible diaper rash from the diarrhea and we're out of tylenol for her. What can you do?
So anyway, the good deals are at Giant this week. They have 4 $1 coupon doublers in their flyer. I was able to use two of them to get 6 - 12oz Bird's Eye Steam Fresh Veggies for $.17 each, $.99 total. They were 5/$4, plus $.99 extra for the 6th one I got. I used 2/$1 coupons ($1 off 3) when were doubled, making the cost $6/$.99.
I also 2 jars of Skippy peanut butter for $1.32 or $.66 each. They are $1.66 this week, and I have a $1/2 coupon which was doubled. $3.32 - $2.00 = $1.32.
I used my last doubler on Pillsburg Frozen dinner rolls. They are $2/5 this week. I got the 2/$3 or $1.50 each. Had my kids not been screaming, I would have realized that my coupon only required the purchase of 1 bag. But I got 2 instead. Just goes to show....don't take your kids shopping with you! haha
I found a Giant coupon online for $.50 off eggs. They are on special this week for $.99, so I got them for $.49.
Chicken Breasts (boneless/skinless) are $1.79lb and thighs and drumsticks are $.99lb.
I also found 2 other good coupons from the Giant website. Look for Easter Eggs to get these coupons. $2 off any $5 meat purchase and 2 off any $5 produce purchase.
I actually had a hard time finding 4 $1 coupons that were a good enough deal to double. I almost only used 3 of them, but then I looked through my coupons at the store and found a second Bird's Eye coupon. JACKPOT!
I also did pretty good at CVS too. I spent a total of $31.69 (in 3 transactions), got and used $16 in Extra Care Bucks, and got:
3 Jumbo packs of Huggies diapers ($10 plus 3-$1.50 coupons and $10 ECB)
4 Nivea Lip Care (BOGO Free plus I had 4 $1 coupons)
J&J Baby Wash ($3 plus $1 coupon)
1 Colgate Max toothpaste ($2.99, $2 ECB and $1 coupon)
Dawn dish detergent ($.99 plus $.20 coupon)
Plus I also go a card, some buttpaste (for my kids) and infant tylenol....none of which were on sale. I saved a total of $42.64. I didn't want to spend this much, but my daughter is sick, she has terrible diaper rash from the diarrhea and we're out of tylenol for her. What can you do?
My Menu Monday....on Tuesday
I didn't have cable or internet for most of yesterday.....turns out the cable company didn't even know about the outage in my area.....so I couldn't post this today.
Monday
Tuna Noodle Casserole $9.20 (with leftovers for both of our lunches for the next few days)
2 can Tuna $2.00
2C Cheddar Cheese (Shredded) $1.97
2 cans Cr. of Celery Soup $1.90 (wish I could have gotten a better buy on this)
Peas $.17 (I used a whole 12 oz bag of Bird's Eye Steamfresh that I got a super good deal on)
1 Stick butter $.50
Bread Crumbs $.40
Potato Chips (crushed) $.40
2C cooked Egg Noodles $.66
Combine the tuna, cheese, soup, peas and noodles. Put into greased casserole dish. Mix melted butter and bread crumbs and sprinkle on top. Top with crushed chips. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes.
Salad $.45
Dinner Rolls $.75
This was a really good, really easy meal. Even my 2-year old and my 1-year old ate some. This is actually the double recipe, and I would have done better just doing a single. Also, I didn't need the dinner rolls, because I was the only one who ate any. My cost could have only been $4.23. Oh well, you live and learn.
Tuesday
Honey Mustard Cornflake Chicken $4.00
2 Baked Potatoes w/ butter and sour cream $.60
Rice (for my husband) $0
Veggies $.17
Salad $.44
Honey Mustard Cornflake Chicken
Dip chicken pieces into honey mustard dressing and then into crushed corn flakes. Bake.
Wednesday
Leftovers
Thursday
Chicken Corn Chowder Click for the recipe
Friday
Leftovers
Monday
Tuna Noodle Casserole $9.20 (with leftovers for both of our lunches for the next few days)
2 can Tuna $2.00
2C Cheddar Cheese (Shredded) $1.97
2 cans Cr. of Celery Soup $1.90 (wish I could have gotten a better buy on this)
Peas $.17 (I used a whole 12 oz bag of Bird's Eye Steamfresh that I got a super good deal on)
1 Stick butter $.50
Bread Crumbs $.40
Potato Chips (crushed) $.40
2C cooked Egg Noodles $.66
Combine the tuna, cheese, soup, peas and noodles. Put into greased casserole dish. Mix melted butter and bread crumbs and sprinkle on top. Top with crushed chips. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes.
Salad $.45
Dinner Rolls $.75
This was a really good, really easy meal. Even my 2-year old and my 1-year old ate some. This is actually the double recipe, and I would have done better just doing a single. Also, I didn't need the dinner rolls, because I was the only one who ate any. My cost could have only been $4.23. Oh well, you live and learn.
Tuesday
Honey Mustard Cornflake Chicken $4.00
2 Baked Potatoes w/ butter and sour cream $.60
Rice (for my husband) $0
Veggies $.17
Salad $.44
Honey Mustard Cornflake Chicken
Dip chicken pieces into honey mustard dressing and then into crushed corn flakes. Bake.
Wednesday
Leftovers
Thursday
Chicken Corn Chowder Click for the recipe
Friday
Leftovers
Giant Foods Coupon Policy
This is just a head's up. Some of you may already have this information, but it was new to me. I went to Giant (in PA) yesterday, armed with my grocery list, coupons filing system, and a neatly organized stack of coupons I wanted to use. One of those was a BOGO free internet coupon. I was told that they do not take internet coupons for anything free. I did question the policy, because I once went with 12 coupons for free bags of chips and wasn't turned away. My very apologetic cashier explained to me that they got in trouble for doing that.
So, I asked her if they still took regular internet coupons and her answer was yes, as long as they:
1. are for nothing free
2. are under $5.00
3. say smart source or have 3 bar codes on them.
I'm looking at their website for their coupon policy but haven't been able to find one. I'm going to email them to see what their official policy is. If anyone knows, please let me know!
**Someone from Giant just called me to tell me that this is their coupon policy. However, they are going to call me back because I found the same coupon that I tried to use yesterday on their website today. It's for Welch's Aqua Juice Buy One Get One.
So, I asked her if they still took regular internet coupons and her answer was yes, as long as they:
1. are for nothing free
2. are under $5.00
3. say smart source or have 3 bar codes on them.
I'm looking at their website for their coupon policy but haven't been able to find one. I'm going to email them to see what their official policy is. If anyone knows, please let me know!
**Someone from Giant just called me to tell me that this is their coupon policy. However, they are going to call me back because I found the same coupon that I tried to use yesterday on their website today. It's for Welch's Aqua Juice Buy One Get One.
Friday, April 3, 2009
77 Ways to Save $$$ or at Least Spend Less
I just found this great new blog....ILOVEMY5KIDS. It's really a great site. You should check it out. Lana is a Christian, SAHM to 5 kids. That really amazes me. I have enough trouble at times with just my 2! Her post yesterday was 77 Ways to Save $$$ or at Least Spend Less. I was really impressed with some of the things she came up with. Pretty cool. Check it out!
Monday, March 30, 2009
My Menu Monday
Monday
Leftover Lasagna (from Sunday)
Tuesday
Cheese Ravioli and Chicken in Vodka Sauce
Salad
Texas Toast
Wednesday
Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
Thursday
leftovers
Friday
whatever I can scrounge up -- my husband will be out of town for the weekend.
Saturday
See Friday
I have been trying to make these two meals for the past 2 weeks I think. Things just keep coming up and I haven't been able to cook -- surprise birthday parties, friends bringing dinner over, free thai food, etc. We haven't been going out to eat on the night's these meals are planned, so it's not adversely affecting my budget. And that's good news!
Leftover Lasagna (from Sunday)
Tuesday
Cheese Ravioli and Chicken in Vodka Sauce
Salad
Texas Toast
Wednesday
Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
Thursday
leftovers
Friday
whatever I can scrounge up -- my husband will be out of town for the weekend.
Saturday
See Friday
I have been trying to make these two meals for the past 2 weeks I think. Things just keep coming up and I haven't been able to cook -- surprise birthday parties, friends bringing dinner over, free thai food, etc. We haven't been going out to eat on the night's these meals are planned, so it's not adversely affecting my budget. And that's good news!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
My Reasons for Saving Money
Evan and Allyson love each other.
Evan helped Mommy make cupcakes.
Ally riding on Daddy's back at the Baltimore Aquarium.
Ally loves the warmer weather!
Look at the bones, Mommy!
I can wear pigtails now.I'd like to introduce you to the reasons I'm trying to save money. They are my two beautiful kids. I want to save money and get out of debt so that I can provide them with everything they need. I want to be able to help put them through college and I want to pay for weddings. I don't want to be saddled with debt and have that always hanging over my shoulder. This is why I'm trying to save money.
Giant Foods $1.00 Doublers
**I've updated this post because I realized that I had forgotten to factor in the $1.00 doublers. Kind of funny since that's what this post was all about.**
This week at Giant, they are doubling for 4 $1.00 coupons. I had already done my shopping for the week (at Weis) so I didn't want to spend a lot of money, but I couldn't let those coupons go to waste. So here's what I did:
I bought:
2 - Lysol Wipes 2/$4.00 plus $1.00/2 coupon, doubled to $2.00 . Final Price 2/$2.00
2 - Lysol 4-in-1 Bathroom cleaner 2/$5.00 plus $1.00/2 coupon, doubled to $2.00. Final price 2/$3.00
2 - Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner 2/$4.00 plus $1.00/2 coupon, doubled to $2.00. Final price 2/$2.00
So I spent $7.00 and got 6 different cleaning products, which isn't bad, especially when you are trying to stockpile. But I also got $.20/per gallon off gasoline with these 6 items. So it makes my deal a little sweeter.
This week at Giant, they are doubling for 4 $1.00 coupons. I had already done my shopping for the week (at Weis) so I didn't want to spend a lot of money, but I couldn't let those coupons go to waste. So here's what I did:
I bought:
2 - Lysol Wipes 2/$4.00 plus $1.00/2 coupon, doubled to $2.00 . Final Price 2/$2.00
2 - Lysol 4-in-1 Bathroom cleaner 2/$5.00 plus $1.00/2 coupon, doubled to $2.00. Final price 2/$3.00
2 - Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner 2/$4.00 plus $1.00/2 coupon, doubled to $2.00. Final price 2/$2.00
So I spent $7.00 and got 6 different cleaning products, which isn't bad, especially when you are trying to stockpile. But I also got $.20/per gallon off gasoline with these 6 items. So it makes my deal a little sweeter.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Kreative Blogger Award
A BIG thanks to Jessica at Pudget for this Award. Now I have to name 7 things I love and the pass it on to 7 blogs I love, so here goes.
I LOVE
God
Family
Food
Sleep
Shopping
Saving Money
Knowing I'll spend eternity in Heaven
BLOGS I LOVE
Check out these great sites! Thanks again Jessica!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Urge to Splurge
Have you ever had one of those days where the 'urge to splurge' overwhelms you? I'm having one today. Actually, it started two days ago. I am an emotioal spender. When I get stressed, or sad, or nervous, I like to spend money. I've already covered that I don't care what I'm spending it on, as long as I'm making purchases. This is a very bad thing. I understand that. But I turned 30 today, and I'm having a rough time with it. Before you think I'm some sort of crazy person who thinks her life is over because she's 30, let me just say, "I DON'T THINK I'M OLD!" It's just that I'm saying goodbye to a part of myself that I miss sometimes. I love my family, and wouldn't change anything in the world about my life, but it's hard to not miss my carefree college days. Sometimes I find myself thinking, "I'm not just playing house. I am responsible for feeding and caring for this family." I hope you don't think I'm a bad person for sharing my feelings because I really do love my family. They are my world. Turning 30 is just making me a little sentimental.
I wanted to tell you what I've learned about my shopping habits since I've been on a budget. I can still spend money. I felt a need to shop for the past few days, so that's what I've done. But I'm going about it in a different way. I'm being more mindful of my purchases. For example, two days ago, I really wanted to shop. The old me would have done some frivolous shopping. Instead, I realized that my son's birthday is coming up in 6 weeks, so I looked at the blogs I follow, saw a good deal on a toy at Amazon, and sat down and ordered him some birthday presents. I didn't even have to leave my house, and I had satisfied that urge. Then, I found every season of Battlestar Gallactica on DVD for my husband. I didn't buy them yet. They are saved in my Amazon account right now, because I don't have a good reason to buy them. His birthday is in July, and I'm bound to have a moment where I want to spend money.
I wanted to tell you what I've learned about my shopping habits since I've been on a budget. I can still spend money. I felt a need to shop for the past few days, so that's what I've done. But I'm going about it in a different way. I'm being more mindful of my purchases. For example, two days ago, I really wanted to shop. The old me would have done some frivolous shopping. Instead, I realized that my son's birthday is coming up in 6 weeks, so I looked at the blogs I follow, saw a good deal on a toy at Amazon, and sat down and ordered him some birthday presents. I didn't even have to leave my house, and I had satisfied that urge. Then, I found every season of Battlestar Gallactica on DVD for my husband. I didn't buy them yet. They are saved in my Amazon account right now, because I don't have a good reason to buy them. His birthday is in July, and I'm bound to have a moment where I want to spend money.
Today I was feeling the same way...sort of down. So as I cleaned my microwave, I noticed some rust spots. I noticed them before, but never did anything about it. So I thought that I would buy a new microwave....I really have heard that those rust spots are not good for a microwave and that you shouldn't keep using it. So I went to Wal-mart (I know, I know) and bought one. and didn't use any of my own money. I had $50 from Christmas, $35 from Shop At Home rebates, and $28 from Rite Aid rebates. My microwave was $82 and I used money that I had gotten from saving money! And I still shopped.
This might sound totally crazy to some of you, but it really works for me. I'm sort of tricking myself when I comes to spending money. I'm still spending but it's on things I need. How great is that?
Monday, March 23, 2009
My Menu Monday
Update:
**It's official! Since this post this morning, my menu plans for the week have changed. My husband called from work this afternoon to tell him that the awesome people at the Thai restaurant in town brought him free Thai food. Voila! Dinner is served. All I did was make some rice. And since our week is always a bit crazy, that throws off dinner all week. I have to laugh because some of these meals are meals I've been trying to make for 3 weeks....I've have the ingredients for them for that long.
So scratch my Monday menu -- I'll try it again maybe Thursday -- it depends on how much Italian Chicken is leftover from Wednesday.
So I'm not complaining about this change. Afterall, who would complain about free food???**
My menu for the week is on hold a bit. I went shopping on Saturday, something I never do. But I had the time and knew it would save me time in the long run. I had plans for some good meals this week.
Monday
Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Chicken in Vodka Sauce
Garlic Bread
Tuesday
It's my birthday so we're going out. I have a coupon for a free meal when you purchase a meal, and we have a gift card.
Wednesday
Italian Chicken (which I didn't get to make last week)
Chicken Pieces - boneless skinless chicken breasts or any chicken pieces
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Melted Butter
Salt/Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Potatoes
Preheat oven to 350. Arrange chicken pieces in bottom of greased baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter. Salt and pepper. Finish with Italian Seasoning.
For potatoes, cut into wedges. Place in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, melted butter. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and place potatoes around chicken pieces. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 45 minutes.
Thursday
Leftovers
Friday
Dinner at a friends
Saturday
???
Sunday
Lasagna -- which my husband is making.
Salad
Garlic Bread
However, I may not follow this menu since my husband and my mom surprised me with a birthday party last night! We have lots of food leftover and I don't want to waste it so I think some meals will have to get pushed back.
**It's official! Since this post this morning, my menu plans for the week have changed. My husband called from work this afternoon to tell him that the awesome people at the Thai restaurant in town brought him free Thai food. Voila! Dinner is served. All I did was make some rice. And since our week is always a bit crazy, that throws off dinner all week. I have to laugh because some of these meals are meals I've been trying to make for 3 weeks....I've have the ingredients for them for that long.
So scratch my Monday menu -- I'll try it again maybe Thursday -- it depends on how much Italian Chicken is leftover from Wednesday.
So I'm not complaining about this change. Afterall, who would complain about free food???**
My menu for the week is on hold a bit. I went shopping on Saturday, something I never do. But I had the time and knew it would save me time in the long run. I had plans for some good meals this week.
Monday
Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Chicken in Vodka Sauce
Garlic Bread
Tuesday
It's my birthday so we're going out. I have a coupon for a free meal when you purchase a meal, and we have a gift card.
Wednesday
Italian Chicken (which I didn't get to make last week)
Chicken Pieces - boneless skinless chicken breasts or any chicken pieces
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Melted Butter
Salt/Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Potatoes
Preheat oven to 350. Arrange chicken pieces in bottom of greased baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter. Salt and pepper. Finish with Italian Seasoning.
For potatoes, cut into wedges. Place in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, melted butter. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and place potatoes around chicken pieces. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 45 minutes.
Thursday
Leftovers
Friday
Dinner at a friends
Saturday
???
Sunday
Lasagna -- which my husband is making.
Salad
Garlic Bread
However, I may not follow this menu since my husband and my mom surprised me with a birthday party last night! We have lots of food leftover and I don't want to waste it so I think some meals will have to get pushed back.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Target Haul
Today at Target, I spent a total of $2.90, none of it out of pocket. I got 6 12-packs of pepsi, and 1 22 oz bottle of Suave for Kids. How did I do it, you might be wondering? Well, I found the most awesome deal! Pepsi's 12-packs are on sale this week, 4/$11, or $2.75 each. Well, I recently received my Pepsi/Frito-Lay coupons in the mail, which brought it down to $.75 per 12-pack. I printed an online coupon, thanks to Jessica at Pudget for telling me about it, Read this week's Saling Sunday for the specifics on this deal, and to also find the link to print out the coupon for free Pepsi! Remember you can print it twice. Plus, I also had a coupon for a free bottle of Suave (any product, up to $3.00). I was pleasantly surprised when the coupon took $3.00 off of my purchase, because the coupon said it would reimburse the company up to $3.00, so my understanding was that I would just get the bottle for free, not with $.26 overage. So, this $2.90 was including tax, and my out of pocket expense was $0 because I have a $10 Target giftcard for joining Ebates (actually they sent me two for some reason, but that's another story).
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saling Sunday
Sorry this is late, but between church in the morning and small group last night, plus one sick kid, the day just got away from me.
I was able to get quite a few good deals this week at CVS and RiteAid.
CVS
Irish Spring Body Wash $4.99 with 4.99 ECB and $1 coupon =
$1 OVERAGE!
Colgate Max White $2.99 with $2.99 ECB AND $1 coupon = $1 OVERAGE!
Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner 2/$7 with 2 ECB and $1 coupon = 2/$4
add this with the coupon for a FREE Pantene Styling product with the purchase of
a shampoo or conditioner. This makes your final total 3/$4. AWESOME
VO5 shampoos and conditioners $.77
Rightguard Deodorant (or Dry Idea) $2.99 with $2ECB and $1/2 coupon = 2/$.98
RiteAid
SAMY IStyle $4.99 with $4.99 rebate = free!
Herbal Essence Shampoo $2.99 with $2.99 rebate and $1.00 coupon = $1 overage!
Dial Bodywash BOGO with $1 coupon = 2/$4.99
Huggies Mega Pack $14.99 with $1.50 coupon = $13.49
I am very excited by Target and Pepsi this week! First, around the time of the Superbowl, Pepsi and Frito Lay offered this deal: buy 4-12 packs or 8 2-liters and 3 bags of Frito-Lay chips, send in the POP and receipt and get $15 in Pepsi/Frito-Lay coupons. They came in the mail this week, and just in time too. (5 $2 Pepsi coupons and 2 Frito-Lay coupons)
Target has their Pepsi 12-packs 4/$11. This means that I can use 4 of my $2 coupons and get 4/$3 or $.75 per 12-pack. Click here to get a coupon for a FREE 12-PACK WITH THE PURCHASE OF 2 12-PACKS....print it twice. So, this means I can get 6/$3 or $.50 a piece. And I have gift cards! GOD BLESS TARGET! (only one coupon per purchase, so I will probably have to do 2 transactions.)
Giant
Giant is tripling 6 coupons up to .50 this week. My only problem is that I had a hard time finding 6 - .50 coupons that I wanted to use.
Perdue Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts BOGO
Juicy Juice Juice Boxes $1.99, buy 3 get $1 off next order (I also had $2 off of 4 store coupon = 4/$5.96)
Sargento's Salad Finishers$3.59 ($1 coupon from Sunday's paper and Mail-in Cert. for free Finisher = $1 overage)
Wrigley's Slim gum $1.19 and free with coupon for free gum
Bisquick Just Add Water Pancake Mix 10/$10
Giant Brand Butter 10/$10
Sargento's Shredded Cheese 2/$4 ($1/2 coupon = 2/$3)
Ziploc Sandwich Bags $1.83 ($3.66/2 and $1/2 coupon - 2/$2.66)
Domino Sugar 2/$5 ($.50 coupon, tripled to $1.50 = 2/$3.50)
I was really pleased with my spending at Giant. I used some other coupons and save over $50.
I was able to get quite a few good deals this week at CVS and RiteAid.
CVS
Irish Spring Body Wash $4.99 with 4.99 ECB and $1 coupon =
$1 OVERAGE!
Colgate Max White $2.99 with $2.99 ECB AND $1 coupon = $1 OVERAGE!
Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner 2/$7 with 2 ECB and $1 coupon = 2/$4
add this with the coupon for a FREE Pantene Styling product with the purchase of
a shampoo or conditioner. This makes your final total 3/$4. AWESOME
VO5 shampoos and conditioners $.77
Rightguard Deodorant (or Dry Idea) $2.99 with $2ECB and $1/2 coupon = 2/$.98
RiteAid
SAMY IStyle $4.99 with $4.99 rebate = free!
Herbal Essence Shampoo $2.99 with $2.99 rebate and $1.00 coupon = $1 overage!
Dial Bodywash BOGO with $1 coupon = 2/$4.99
Huggies Mega Pack $14.99 with $1.50 coupon = $13.49
I am very excited by Target and Pepsi this week! First, around the time of the Superbowl, Pepsi and Frito Lay offered this deal: buy 4-12 packs or 8 2-liters and 3 bags of Frito-Lay chips, send in the POP and receipt and get $15 in Pepsi/Frito-Lay coupons. They came in the mail this week, and just in time too. (5 $2 Pepsi coupons and 2 Frito-Lay coupons)
Target has their Pepsi 12-packs 4/$11. This means that I can use 4 of my $2 coupons and get 4/$3 or $.75 per 12-pack. Click here to get a coupon for a FREE 12-PACK WITH THE PURCHASE OF 2 12-PACKS....print it twice. So, this means I can get 6/$3 or $.50 a piece. And I have gift cards! GOD BLESS TARGET! (only one coupon per purchase, so I will probably have to do 2 transactions.)
Giant
Giant is tripling 6 coupons up to .50 this week. My only problem is that I had a hard time finding 6 - .50 coupons that I wanted to use.
Perdue Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts BOGO
Juicy Juice Juice Boxes $1.99, buy 3 get $1 off next order (I also had $2 off of 4 store coupon = 4/$5.96)
Sargento's Salad Finishers$3.59 ($1 coupon from Sunday's paper and Mail-in Cert. for free Finisher = $1 overage)
Wrigley's Slim gum $1.19 and free with coupon for free gum
Bisquick Just Add Water Pancake Mix 10/$10
Giant Brand Butter 10/$10
Sargento's Shredded Cheese 2/$4 ($1/2 coupon = 2/$3)
Ziploc Sandwich Bags $1.83 ($3.66/2 and $1/2 coupon - 2/$2.66)
Domino Sugar 2/$5 ($.50 coupon, tripled to $1.50 = 2/$3.50)
I was really pleased with my spending at Giant. I used some other coupons and save over $50.
My Menu Monday
Once again, this is a crazy week for us. I was going to say that it's another abnormal week for us, but seeing that this is week number 3 of this, I'm beginning to wonder if this is the new normal? With that in mind, here's my menu for the week.
I'll have to update the costs later, since I need to buy the meat for most of these meals still.
Monday
Chicken Tetrazzini click here for the recipe for this super easy, really yummy dinner!
Salad
Dinner Rolls
Tuesday
leftover Chicken Tetrazzini
Wednesday
Italian Chicken
Korean Rice
this is a super easy meal. It's just whatever pieces of chicken you want to use (I use dark meat b/c that's what my husband prefers). Spray your pan with cooking spray, lay down the pieces of chicken. Drizzle with EVOO and melted butter, add salt, pepper and Italian Seasoning. Cut up potatoes (into quarters or eights, not cubed) and toss with EVOO and Italian Seasoning. Lay potato pieces around the chicken. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 45 minutes, or until chicken in fully cooked.
This week, I am forgoing the potatoes and will make some Korean rice instead, which will further cut my costs since we don't have to pay for our rice.
Thursday
Pizza -- I am having friends over and they are picking up a pizza.
Friday
To Be Determined
We're having dinner with friends, and I'm not sure yet what they want me to bring.
Saturday
Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
Sunday
Leftover Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
Once again, breakfasts are cereal, eggs, pancakes or waffles, all things I have on hand. Lunches are PB&J, cheese balls and yogurt for the kids and maybe even for me too! I need to vary lunch for my daughter, but my son is a creature of habit....he things that PB&J is the only lunch food. :-)
I'll have to update the costs later, since I need to buy the meat for most of these meals still.
Monday
Chicken Tetrazzini click here for the recipe for this super easy, really yummy dinner!
Salad
Dinner Rolls
Tuesday
leftover Chicken Tetrazzini
Wednesday
Italian Chicken
Korean Rice
this is a super easy meal. It's just whatever pieces of chicken you want to use (I use dark meat b/c that's what my husband prefers). Spray your pan with cooking spray, lay down the pieces of chicken. Drizzle with EVOO and melted butter, add salt, pepper and Italian Seasoning. Cut up potatoes (into quarters or eights, not cubed) and toss with EVOO and Italian Seasoning. Lay potato pieces around the chicken. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 45 minutes, or until chicken in fully cooked.
This week, I am forgoing the potatoes and will make some Korean rice instead, which will further cut my costs since we don't have to pay for our rice.
Thursday
Pizza -- I am having friends over and they are picking up a pizza.
Friday
To Be Determined
We're having dinner with friends, and I'm not sure yet what they want me to bring.
Saturday
Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
Sunday
Leftover Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
Once again, breakfasts are cereal, eggs, pancakes or waffles, all things I have on hand. Lunches are PB&J, cheese balls and yogurt for the kids and maybe even for me too! I need to vary lunch for my daughter, but my son is a creature of habit....he things that PB&J is the only lunch food. :-)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Save Me Saturday
It's been such a crazy week here at my house, that I'm not even sure how much I spent or saved this week. Not that I went hog-wild here, but I know there is one small Walmart trip (yes, I said Walmart) that I cannot recall how much I spent. It was around $27.
Remember, my budget is $140.00 per week. I was pretty close this week, after having shaved $25 off of last week. My total for the week: $131.65 minus $9 that I am owed for picking something up for a friend. Grand total: $122.65. Not too bad for such a busy week!
Unfortunately, we've eaten out once for dinner -- that was for our anniversary last night, and the total bill, tax and tip included was $73.00. It was a nice dinner, and it was our anniversary, so I'm okay with that. We are also having friends over for dinner tonight and I spent #15.01 on a roast (it was actually a great price) and extra on things for side dishes. It's worth it to have a great night with friends!
I haven't been that into couponing that past 2 weeks, so it's time to get back into the game. It's hard to find the time when you have a 13 month old and a 2 1/2 year old. My challenge for this coming week is keep my spending to $120.00 for the week. I want to say $100.00 but I need diapers.
Remember, my budget is $140.00 per week. I was pretty close this week, after having shaved $25 off of last week. My total for the week: $131.65 minus $9 that I am owed for picking something up for a friend. Grand total: $122.65. Not too bad for such a busy week!
Unfortunately, we've eaten out once for dinner -- that was for our anniversary last night, and the total bill, tax and tip included was $73.00. It was a nice dinner, and it was our anniversary, so I'm okay with that. We are also having friends over for dinner tonight and I spent #15.01 on a roast (it was actually a great price) and extra on things for side dishes. It's worth it to have a great night with friends!
I haven't been that into couponing that past 2 weeks, so it's time to get back into the game. It's hard to find the time when you have a 13 month old and a 2 1/2 year old. My challenge for this coming week is keep my spending to $120.00 for the week. I want to say $100.00 but I need diapers.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Dinner Update
No, this is not a picture of tonight's chicken, I just needed a visual aid. I wish I would have taken a picture of it, though. It really looked pretty. Anyway, tonight's dinner was by far the best we've had in a while. After last night's near disaster, I needed to redeem myself! Tonight's menu was Honey Dipped Cornflake Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and glazed carrots. I just thought I'd add some comments about the meal. If you look at My Menu Monday for this week, my estimate was $8.50, but that would include 2 meals. It ended up being $9.00 total because I decided to do two packs of potatoes. My son told me he wanted some, so I made extra. I could have gone with one pack, since he ended up eating a hotdog instead. I also added some ground red pepper to my cornflake crumbs, to add some spice. It gave it a nice flavor. My husband said that this is his new favorite chicken dish!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Bird's Eye Steamfresh Meal for Two
I recently purchased one of these Steamfresh Meals for $3.00 at my local grocery store. I was pretty excited, since it seemed like such an easy meal. And it was, don't get me wrong. I chose the Asian themed meal and it was very good. The veggies were steamed perfectly, still a little crunchy. My only issue is that it's not really enough for two people. I thought that might be the issue, so I made some Korean rice to go with it, and it was good that I did. I took a small amount and my husband ate the rest, along with the rice. The sauce has really good flavor, but my suggestion would be to have something else to eat with it...maybe some eggrolls. But don't count on it being enough for 2 adults. I think it's something I would purchase again, but only if it's a really good deal and I can get something else to go with it. Walmart: Friend or Foe?
I made a comment in Sunday's post, a combined Save Me Saturday and Saling Sunday about how I went to Walmart purely out of convenience. Then, I was talking to my mom and she was telling that she had to buy ground beef at her local grocery store, and she hated to do it, because she can get such a better price at Wal-Mart. My first response was, "Well I never shop at Wal-Mart anymore." Why is that?
Do I live 2 hours from Wal-mart? No, in fact, Wal-Mart is 7 minutes from my house.
Is it difficult to find good deals? No, there are some really good buys.
Are the cashiers unfriendly? Not to the point where it would make me never go back.
Have I been banned from the store? Nah, I was too good a customer.
Until recently, that is. It's pain and simple: I don't shop at Wal-Mart because I can't. I can't trust myself to only shop from my list. There is too much see! And buy! It's like an amusement park for adults!
My love affair with Walmart began simply enough. When I first had my son, almost 3 years ago, it was the first time I had been unemployed since I was 16. (except for a brief few months after I got married and moved to NC and was looking for a teaching job. March - July) I didn't get out much, and I like people. So I started going to Walmart almost everyday. I'd pick up a few things here and there, maybe a cute outfit or a baby toy. But then I started buy more stuff -- new towels, a pair of shoes, a movie. Then I discoved Walmart.com. Before I knew it, Walmart was my addiction. I added up my Walmart spending for November 2008 a few weeks ago. I stopped at $1300. How insane is that???? $1300? No, this is not a type, and boy do I wish it were.
So, sadly, I cannot just at Walmart except for very quick, very detailed trips. Maybe one day I will be reunited with my lost love, but until then, I have my memories and I have my checkbook registry.
What is your relationship with Walmart like? Love it, hate it? Let me know!
Do I live 2 hours from Wal-mart? No, in fact, Wal-Mart is 7 minutes from my house.
Is it difficult to find good deals? No, there are some really good buys.
Are the cashiers unfriendly? Not to the point where it would make me never go back.
Have I been banned from the store? Nah, I was too good a customer.
Until recently, that is. It's pain and simple: I don't shop at Wal-Mart because I can't. I can't trust myself to only shop from my list. There is too much see! And buy! It's like an amusement park for adults!
My love affair with Walmart began simply enough. When I first had my son, almost 3 years ago, it was the first time I had been unemployed since I was 16. (except for a brief few months after I got married and moved to NC and was looking for a teaching job. March - July) I didn't get out much, and I like people. So I started going to Walmart almost everyday. I'd pick up a few things here and there, maybe a cute outfit or a baby toy. But then I started buy more stuff -- new towels, a pair of shoes, a movie. Then I discoved Walmart.com. Before I knew it, Walmart was my addiction. I added up my Walmart spending for November 2008 a few weeks ago. I stopped at $1300. How insane is that???? $1300? No, this is not a type, and boy do I wish it were.
So, sadly, I cannot just at Walmart except for very quick, very detailed trips. Maybe one day I will be reunited with my lost love, but until then, I have my memories and I have my checkbook registry.
What is your relationship with Walmart like? Love it, hate it? Let me know!
My Menu Monday
Once again, I'm getting out of cooking on Friday. WAHOO! It's our anniversary, so we got a sitter and are going to one of our favorite restaurants -- Rose Marie's. So excited.
Monday
Bird's Eye Steam Fresh meal for Two -- the Asian one. I got it on sale and had a coupon about a month ago, so I want to see how it tastes.
Cost: Around $3.00
Tuesday
Honey Dipped Cornflake Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Veggies
I'll just dip some chicken pieces in honey mustard dressing, then corn flake crumbs and bake them.
Cost: $.50 potatoes, $1 veggies, chicken $7.00 -- I need to make enough for 2 meals, hence the higher cost. TOTAL -- $8.50
Wednesday
Leftovers, although I'll probably make some rice for my husband.
Cost: see Tuesday.
**Note -- there is no additional cost for the rice, because we don't pay for it. My husband's parents pick it up for us and will never take any money for it. GOD BLESS THEM.
Thursday
Rice Paper Roll Ups
I'm not sure what to call these, but essentially, you take dried rice paper, put it in hot water until it is soft, then fill with lunch meat or cooked shrimp, lettuce, tomato, pineapple, thousand island dressing and rice noodles. Roll it up, and eat. Like a fajita, asian style! SO YUMMY! And healthy too. It's a Vietnamese recipe that I got from my Korean mother-in-law.
Cost: Estimated at $5.00. It's difficult to estimate how much of each ingredient we'll use.
Friday
Dinner Out
Saturday -- We're having friends over for dinner, so the cost is higher.
Pot Roast $15
Chantilly Potatoes (mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon)
Green Bean Casserole (?)
Korean Egg Rolls as an appetizer
Cost: Unknown, probably around $25
I thought I'd mention that lunches are fairly simple: the kids eat PB&J (out of habit, they won't eat anything else), yogurt (maybe) and milk and I eat leftovers or nothing, depending on how busy I am.
Dinner's for the kids are usually mac & cheese or spaghettios. And they've been eating a lot of grilled cheese.
Monday
Bird's Eye Steam Fresh meal for Two -- the Asian one. I got it on sale and had a coupon about a month ago, so I want to see how it tastes.
Cost: Around $3.00
Tuesday
Honey Dipped Cornflake Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Veggies
I'll just dip some chicken pieces in honey mustard dressing, then corn flake crumbs and bake them.
Cost: $.50 potatoes, $1 veggies, chicken $7.00 -- I need to make enough for 2 meals, hence the higher cost. TOTAL -- $8.50
Wednesday
Leftovers, although I'll probably make some rice for my husband.
Cost: see Tuesday.
**Note -- there is no additional cost for the rice, because we don't pay for it. My husband's parents pick it up for us and will never take any money for it. GOD BLESS THEM.
Thursday
Rice Paper Roll Ups
I'm not sure what to call these, but essentially, you take dried rice paper, put it in hot water until it is soft, then fill with lunch meat or cooked shrimp, lettuce, tomato, pineapple, thousand island dressing and rice noodles. Roll it up, and eat. Like a fajita, asian style! SO YUMMY! And healthy too. It's a Vietnamese recipe that I got from my Korean mother-in-law.
Cost: Estimated at $5.00. It's difficult to estimate how much of each ingredient we'll use.
Friday
Dinner Out
Saturday -- We're having friends over for dinner, so the cost is higher.
Pot Roast $15
Chantilly Potatoes (mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon)
Green Bean Casserole (?)
Korean Egg Rolls as an appetizer
Cost: Unknown, probably around $25
I thought I'd mention that lunches are fairly simple: the kids eat PB&J (out of habit, they won't eat anything else), yogurt (maybe) and milk and I eat leftovers or nothing, depending on how busy I am.
Dinner's for the kids are usually mac & cheese or spaghettios. And they've been eating a lot of grilled cheese.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Save Me Saturday/Saling Sunday Combined
Wow! So, the week just totally got away from me. I can't believe it! We went to Baltimore for our anniversary this weekend, so it's been busy for us. Just a quick update: since I didn't post my usual Save Me Saturday, here's the lowdown on my spending/saving this week. Remember, my weekly budget is $140, but I'm doing my best to keep it way below that. I didn't do too bad this week
March 1 - 7, 2009
RiteAid - $0
CVS - $22.49
Giant - $73.40
Weis - $0
Walmart - $15.00
Total - $110.49
This would have been $15 lower, but I broke down and went to Walmart (purely out of convenience). My church asked me to help supply some food for a group of missionaries in town, so that's where that money went....that and I thought we might need some extra wipes while we were out of town.
Alright, now that that's out of the way, here are some deals I've found this week.
CVS
Secret Flawless Invisible Solid $3.99 with 1 ECB, plus I had a $2 coupon - final cost $.99
Crest ProHealth $2.99 with 2 ECB, plus I had $1 coupon - final cost free plus $.01 overage
Palmolive Dish Liquid $1.49 with 1 ECB - final cost .49
Vaseline Intensive Care $3.69 with 2 ECB, plus a $1.25 coupon - final cost $.44
Purchasing all of these gave me 9 ECB total (I purchased multiple quantities w/ multiple coupons for some items).
These are the deals I picked up on at CVS. I'm sure there are more, but I'm really trying to keep my costs down for the next few weeks.
Rite Aid
Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler 2/$6 with $3 rebate and 2 $1 coupons (if you bought 2 papers) - final cost 2/$1....If you have only 1 $1 coupon, final cost is 2/$2
Truthfully, I'm not seeing a whole lot for Rite Aid this week. Although, it could be because I'm looking for only truly exceptional deals since I have $50 in gift cards and I'm waiting on on almost $28 in Rebates from them. Don't want to spend any money I don't have to right now :)
Weis
To my dismay, Weis is not having and $1 bread this week :( Neither is Giant. :(
Green Giant Frozen Veggies in sauce (the boxed ones) 10/$10
Pepsi Products (2-liters) $1
Big Top Apple Juice 10/$10
Butter (1/2 lb) 10/$10
Soft Soap handsoap 10/$10 -- I realize I could do this cheaper, but it's so convenient to just grad a new one when I finish an old one. And I only do it in my kitchen, I refill everywhere else. I only buy it when it's $1 or less.
I haven't had time to look at the Giant flyer yet....if I decide to, I'll post those good deals as well. Feel free to leave comments about good deals you've found. I'd love to see what I've missed.
March 1 - 7, 2009
RiteAid - $0
CVS - $22.49
Giant - $73.40
Weis - $0
Walmart - $15.00
Total - $110.49
This would have been $15 lower, but I broke down and went to Walmart (purely out of convenience). My church asked me to help supply some food for a group of missionaries in town, so that's where that money went....that and I thought we might need some extra wipes while we were out of town.
Alright, now that that's out of the way, here are some deals I've found this week.
CVS
Secret Flawless Invisible Solid $3.99 with 1 ECB, plus I had a $2 coupon - final cost $.99
Crest ProHealth $2.99 with 2 ECB, plus I had $1 coupon - final cost free plus $.01 overage
Palmolive Dish Liquid $1.49 with 1 ECB - final cost .49
Vaseline Intensive Care $3.69 with 2 ECB, plus a $1.25 coupon - final cost $.44
Purchasing all of these gave me 9 ECB total (I purchased multiple quantities w/ multiple coupons for some items).
These are the deals I picked up on at CVS. I'm sure there are more, but I'm really trying to keep my costs down for the next few weeks.
Rite Aid
Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler 2/$6 with $3 rebate and 2 $1 coupons (if you bought 2 papers) - final cost 2/$1....If you have only 1 $1 coupon, final cost is 2/$2
Truthfully, I'm not seeing a whole lot for Rite Aid this week. Although, it could be because I'm looking for only truly exceptional deals since I have $50 in gift cards and I'm waiting on on almost $28 in Rebates from them. Don't want to spend any money I don't have to right now :)
Weis
To my dismay, Weis is not having and $1 bread this week :( Neither is Giant. :(
Green Giant Frozen Veggies in sauce (the boxed ones) 10/$10
Pepsi Products (2-liters) $1
Big Top Apple Juice 10/$10
Butter (1/2 lb) 10/$10
Soft Soap handsoap 10/$10 -- I realize I could do this cheaper, but it's so convenient to just grad a new one when I finish an old one. And I only do it in my kitchen, I refill everywhere else. I only buy it when it's $1 or less.
I haven't had time to look at the Giant flyer yet....if I decide to, I'll post those good deals as well. Feel free to leave comments about good deals you've found. I'd love to see what I've missed.
Monday, March 2, 2009
My Menu Monday
Monday:
Bulgogi, Korean Rice, Leaf Lettuce
Total Cost: $12.29
Tuesday:
Beef Roast, gravy, Korean rice and veggies
Total Cost: $8.50
Wednesday:
Leftovers
Total Cost: FREE
Thursday:
Ja Jang Myun
Total Cost: yet to be determined (I need to see how much I paid for the pork and noodles) Probably not more than $10-12.
Friday: OUT OF TOWN
Saturday: OUT OF TOWN
Bulgogi, Korean Rice, Leaf Lettuce
Total Cost: $12.29
Tuesday:
Beef Roast, gravy, Korean rice and veggies
Total Cost: $8.50
Wednesday:
Leftovers
Total Cost: FREE
Thursday:
Ja Jang Myun
Total Cost: yet to be determined (I need to see how much I paid for the pork and noodles) Probably not more than $10-12.
Friday: OUT OF TOWN
Saturday: OUT OF TOWN
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Saling Sunday
Sorry it's late, but here's Saling Sunday. We just got back into town today, so I didn't have alot of time to search out great sales. I went to Giant tonight, and I did manage to score some pretty sweet freebies and almost freebies! A few weeks ago, I found a site (and I apoligize that I don't remember what site it was) with a coupon for a free bag of Rice Works. I printed out 10 of them. Giant has them for $2.73 per bag. I got 10 bags for free! That's $27.30 worth of product for ZERO DOLLARS! I was really excited! It even made me overlook the very young, very much laughing at me, register clerk what had to double scan each of those coupons during my 10 transactions. Also, they are discontinuing the Chef Boyardee ABC/123 and Dinosaur shaped spaghettios (in the larger containers, not the microwavable ones), so I was able to get 10 cans for $.37 each.
Chicken of the Sea (Solid white Tuna in water) 10/$10
Pepsi 2-liters 10/$10
Giant Italian Bread 10/$10
Juicy Juice for Tots $1.99 (buy 3 get $1 off next order)
Skippy Natural 3/$5 (plus I had a $1 coupon)
I didn't need a whole lot, so I just picked up the basics, plus a few things for dinner this week. There are other sales, just check out https://www.giantfoodstores.com/index.html for the full sales flyer. I live by this site!
Be watching for a new post this week: Walmart: Friend or Foe?
Chicken of the Sea (Solid white Tuna in water) 10/$10
Pepsi 2-liters 10/$10
Giant Italian Bread 10/$10
Juicy Juice for Tots $1.99 (buy 3 get $1 off next order)
Skippy Natural 3/$5 (plus I had a $1 coupon)
I didn't need a whole lot, so I just picked up the basics, plus a few things for dinner this week. There are other sales, just check out https://www.giantfoodstores.com/index.html for the full sales flyer. I live by this site!
Be watching for a new post this week: Walmart: Friend or Foe?
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Weekend
I am leaving for DC soon, so I won't be blogging for a few days. So, Save Me Saturday will be postponed until next week. I'll try my best to look at the sales and have Saling Sunday ready before the weekend is over. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Proof is in the Pudding
I have been married for almost 5 years. Even now, my husband still manages to surprise me. Maybe surprise is the wrong word. Surprise alludes to something good. Maybe shock is a better word. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband dearly, but sometimes I feel like I don't know him at all!
I have been on my grocery budget for a full month now -- enough time to calculate how much I've spent for the month of February. So, last night, I sat down at the computer to update my budget spreadsheet and see how much I've spent this month. Around $567. I also have $28 in RiteAid rebate checks coming, which brings my total for the month to $539. I ran excitedly to my husband to relay this fabulous news. His response? "So, how does that compare to how much you were spending before?"
Are you kidding me? If I kept track of that, I probably would not have needed to budget myself. What's the big deal? He wants to know the numbers to see how much I've saved. Numbers are where you see the difference, according to him. Has he not see our linen closet, the 36+ rolls of toilet paper, the 16 rolls of paper towels, the 15 bottles of shampoo, the 10 tubes of toothpaste, the 6 toothbrushes, the 6 boxes of cereal (that I had no other room for) the 10 pumps of hand soap....I think you see where I'm headed? Sometimes numbers don't do justice. The feelings of rage started to make themselves known.
My point is that I know I'm saving money. I can look around and see what I've been able to purchase/stockpile for $140 a week. What does it matter how much I am spending compared to 3 months ago? The idea wasn't cut my spending from X to Y. The idea was to get on a budget, to not spend more than $560 on groceries a month. CHECK!
This is my husband. I love accept him for who and what he is. He is an amazing father and husband. I didn't really get angry from his questions. He has a very analytical mind, so the details are important. They just get in the way for me. This morning he hugged me and told me that I was doing a great job staying on budget and he should have told me that last night. He sweet! And I told him that went through all the checks and debits from November (December and January were off months due to the holidays and my daughter's first birthday) stopped adding when I reached $1100 for the month. Yeah, there were still 3 or 4 more transactions I could have added. I guess his question was answered.
I have been on my grocery budget for a full month now -- enough time to calculate how much I've spent for the month of February. So, last night, I sat down at the computer to update my budget spreadsheet and see how much I've spent this month. Around $567. I also have $28 in RiteAid rebate checks coming, which brings my total for the month to $539. I ran excitedly to my husband to relay this fabulous news. His response? "So, how does that compare to how much you were spending before?"
Are you kidding me? If I kept track of that, I probably would not have needed to budget myself. What's the big deal? He wants to know the numbers to see how much I've saved. Numbers are where you see the difference, according to him. Has he not see our linen closet, the 36+ rolls of toilet paper, the 16 rolls of paper towels, the 15 bottles of shampoo, the 10 tubes of toothpaste, the 6 toothbrushes, the 6 boxes of cereal (that I had no other room for) the 10 pumps of hand soap....I think you see where I'm headed? Sometimes numbers don't do justice. The feelings of rage started to make themselves known.
My point is that I know I'm saving money. I can look around and see what I've been able to purchase/stockpile for $140 a week. What does it matter how much I am spending compared to 3 months ago? The idea wasn't cut my spending from X to Y. The idea was to get on a budget, to not spend more than $560 on groceries a month. CHECK!
This is my husband. I love accept him for who and what he is. He is an amazing father and husband. I didn't really get angry from his questions. He has a very analytical mind, so the details are important. They just get in the way for me. This morning he hugged me and told me that I was doing a great job staying on budget and he should have told me that last night. He sweet! And I told him that went through all the checks and debits from November (December and January were off months due to the holidays and my daughter's first birthday) stopped adding when I reached $1100 for the month. Yeah, there were still 3 or 4 more transactions I could have added. I guess his question was answered.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Organization: What Works for You?
"There has got to be something better than this!"
If you live in Couponland like I do, I'm sure you've had the same thought as me. How can I make this coupon thing easier? I already spend hours finding sales, why should I have to spend hours searching through my coupons looking for the one that I need? Needless to say, I have been on the look out for a new coupon organizer, and so I wondered what yours looks like. I have seen a lot of great ideas out there, but nothing that really seemed like it would work for me. Until last week, that is.
I invested in a wonderful device to organize my coupons. It cost me $10, including the plastic paper covers, but I consider it a $10 well paid. It has already made life in Couponland easier.
This is my Zwipes binder. There is a special erasible pen that you can use on the front cover. I can write my grocery list or any special deals that I've found. I can also make a list of coupons I want to use and how much they are worth. When I want to erase, I wipe the area with the white end of the pen, then erase. It's amazing! I also purchased plastic page covers for inside the binder. I've labeled them grocery list, coupons for this week, receipts, ECB/REBATES, Breakfast foods, dairy, etc.
I don't expect everyone to love this idea. This is what works for me. I am, however, curious as to what you think. How do you coupon?
**When I came back to reread this, I realized I forgot to mention a plan for my system. I want to also create a spreadsheet for each category, listing each coupon, amount and expiration date, along with any stipulations. This page would slide into each of my labeled holders. See pictures above for a visual. This way I only have to pull out the sheet to see if I have the coupon I need before I sort through my coupons. Then, I cross off what I've used and add new coupons when I get them. This will take some effort on my part to create the spreadsheets. I've already started typing them, it just takes a while.
My Menu Monday
This is a short week for us, since we'll be visiting family from Friday until Sunday. Yea! No cooking on Friday....or Saturday This makes me extremely happy.
Monday
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, crockpot style
Veggies (freezer style)
Tuesday
Barbeque Chicken (with my grandfather's homemade bbq sauce)
Korean Rice
Veggies
Wednesday (AWANA night)
Leftovers
Thursday
Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches
Tomato Soup, or my new recipe for Creamy Onion Soup
I may be adjusting this menu so that we eat our leftovers on Thursday instead. Feel free to leave a message for any recipe that sounds good to you.
I will be enjoying some awesome Korean food on the days I haven't listed.
Monday
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, crockpot style
Veggies (freezer style)
Tuesday
Barbeque Chicken (with my grandfather's homemade bbq sauce)
Korean Rice
Veggies
Wednesday (AWANA night)
Leftovers
Thursday
Grilled Bacon and Cheese Sandwiches
Tomato Soup, or my new recipe for Creamy Onion Soup
I may be adjusting this menu so that we eat our leftovers on Thursday instead. Feel free to leave a message for any recipe that sounds good to you.
I will be enjoying some awesome Korean food on the days I haven't listed.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saling Sunday
I haven't actually done my grocery shopping for the week yet, but I've been through all the flyers and here are the best deals that I've seen or that I'm planning to pick up. By the way, I'm skipping CVS this week in an effort to stay on track, even though they have Colgate toothpaste on sale for $.89 a tube.......gotta draw the line somewhere.
Rite Aid:
Garnier Fructis (wonder waves shampoo, conditioner, mousse or hairspray)
$2.99, Rebate $2.99, $1 coupon
total cost: $-1.00
Kotex (Maxi pads, Light Days Pantiliners or Security Tampons)
2/$6, Rebate $2.00, Coupon $1.00
Total cost: 2/$3, or $1.50 each
Prilosec (42 count -- 6 week supply)
$24.99, Rebate $6.00, Coupon $3.00
Total Cost: $15.99
SoyJoy
10/$5, Rebate $5.00, Coupon $2.00 (off ten bars)
Total Cost: 10/$-2.00
VO5 (shampoo and conditioner)
$.79 each
General Mills Cereal
BOGO, Coupons depending on selection of cereals.
Also, Zilactin is $4.99 with a $4.99 rebate. Not something I would normally purchase, but I just may to get it for free.
These are just the rebate deals I am interested in. If you see more, feel free to post them here.
Giant
To see a more detailed list of good deals, please visit Mindi and Moms Need to Know. She'll keep you up to date on all the best deals. What I'm listing are things that I plan to buy. I'm not doing major shopping this week to help get myself back on budget.
Giant Italian Bread 10/$10 a great deal, and you can always freeze the loaves.
Bumble Bee Solid White Tuna 10/$10
Hatfield Meat Hotdogs BOGO
Murray's French Toast Sticks 2/$5
Arm & Hammer 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent BOGO (I'm hoping they have this in HE for my
washer)
GE Lightbulbs (even the Energy Smart) BOGO
Angel Soft $4.99 (12 double rolls) (Coupon $1/2)
Perdue Done It! Original Breaded Cutlets or Nuggets BOGO (coupon $1)
I think that's all I need from the sales flyer this week. It's not a supergreat week for deals. I do need more things for the week, but from what I can tell, they are not on special. Thankfully, I'm not planning on buying meat this week. The rest of what I need is mainly staples, eggs, milk, soda (a staple for me), some Easy Mac and microwave Spaghettios (since we are out of town this weekend) and some herbs for my dinners this week (my rosemary expired so I need some fresh). I should be able to stay well below my $140 weekly food budget.
Rite Aid:
Garnier Fructis (wonder waves shampoo, conditioner, mousse or hairspray)
$2.99, Rebate $2.99, $1 coupon
total cost: $-1.00
Kotex (Maxi pads, Light Days Pantiliners or Security Tampons)
2/$6, Rebate $2.00, Coupon $1.00
Total cost: 2/$3, or $1.50 each
Prilosec (42 count -- 6 week supply)
$24.99, Rebate $6.00, Coupon $3.00
Total Cost: $15.99
SoyJoy
10/$5, Rebate $5.00, Coupon $2.00 (off ten bars)
Total Cost: 10/$-2.00
VO5 (shampoo and conditioner)
$.79 each
General Mills Cereal
BOGO, Coupons depending on selection of cereals.
Also, Zilactin is $4.99 with a $4.99 rebate. Not something I would normally purchase, but I just may to get it for free.
These are just the rebate deals I am interested in. If you see more, feel free to post them here.
Giant
To see a more detailed list of good deals, please visit Mindi and Moms Need to Know. She'll keep you up to date on all the best deals. What I'm listing are things that I plan to buy. I'm not doing major shopping this week to help get myself back on budget.
Giant Italian Bread 10/$10 a great deal, and you can always freeze the loaves.
Bumble Bee Solid White Tuna 10/$10
Hatfield Meat Hotdogs BOGO
Murray's French Toast Sticks 2/$5
Arm & Hammer 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent BOGO (I'm hoping they have this in HE for my
washer)
GE Lightbulbs (even the Energy Smart) BOGO
Angel Soft $4.99 (12 double rolls) (Coupon $1/2)
Perdue Done It! Original Breaded Cutlets or Nuggets BOGO (coupon $1)
I think that's all I need from the sales flyer this week. It's not a supergreat week for deals. I do need more things for the week, but from what I can tell, they are not on special. Thankfully, I'm not planning on buying meat this week. The rest of what I need is mainly staples, eggs, milk, soda (a staple for me), some Easy Mac and microwave Spaghettios (since we are out of town this weekend) and some herbs for my dinners this week (my rosemary expired so I need some fresh). I should be able to stay well below my $140 weekly food budget.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Crazy Coupon Lady?
Am I am Crazy Coupon Lady?
The question just occurred to me. I recently read the phrase over at Pudget: Losing Weight on a Budget and it's made me wonder? Am I a Crazy Coupon Lady? I'll admit, it has a snazzy ring to it. Kinda just rolls off the tongue. When I was in high school, my friends use to refer to me as the Comma Queen. I knew all the comma rules and could use them properly. I used to edit their papers. Maybe if I would have charged them to do this, I would be clipping coupons each week. Strangely, I'm still kind of proud of the nickname. And not so strangely, I became an English teacher. So, if I had that nickname in high school, and became and English teacher (a respectable occupation), then doesn't it stand to reason, if I call myself a Crazy Coupon Lady, something good will come of that too?
I only hope Jessica at Pudget has copyrighted that name.
Do I have a point to this? Not really. It's late and I'm 'sleepy blogging.' I'm just coming to the realization that something good can come from anything. I never wanted to be a Coupon Lady, let alone a Crazy one at that. But, I did pay for my groceries in 10 transactions this week just so I could double my coupons. I think that qualifies me as one....at least in the mind of the very patient cashier who had to keep adjusting my coupons. I just want to pay for my groceries in the regular checkout, not worrying about handing over all my applicable coupons, because it's really embarassing to walk back into a store to tell them that you forgot to use a $1 coupon and would like them to reimburse you for it. Yes, I know this from experience. But wait.....why should I be embarassed? I am saving my family valuable money. We all know the state of our economy. It's not going to miraculously right itself overnight. So in the meantime, I'lll continue to trudge through my coupons and sales flyers each week. It is kind of a thrill to know that you would have had to pay full price for most items had you not carefully selected them, and their corresponding coupons. After all, I did walk out of Giant this past week, head held high, having spent $87 for over $140 work of groceries. Who's laughing now?
The question just occurred to me. I recently read the phrase over at Pudget: Losing Weight on a Budget and it's made me wonder? Am I a Crazy Coupon Lady? I'll admit, it has a snazzy ring to it. Kinda just rolls off the tongue. When I was in high school, my friends use to refer to me as the Comma Queen. I knew all the comma rules and could use them properly. I used to edit their papers. Maybe if I would have charged them to do this, I would be clipping coupons each week. Strangely, I'm still kind of proud of the nickname. And not so strangely, I became an English teacher. So, if I had that nickname in high school, and became and English teacher (a respectable occupation), then doesn't it stand to reason, if I call myself a Crazy Coupon Lady, something good will come of that too?
I only hope Jessica at Pudget has copyrighted that name.
Do I have a point to this? Not really. It's late and I'm 'sleepy blogging.' I'm just coming to the realization that something good can come from anything. I never wanted to be a Coupon Lady, let alone a Crazy one at that. But, I did pay for my groceries in 10 transactions this week just so I could double my coupons. I think that qualifies me as one....at least in the mind of the very patient cashier who had to keep adjusting my coupons. I just want to pay for my groceries in the regular checkout, not worrying about handing over all my applicable coupons, because it's really embarassing to walk back into a store to tell them that you forgot to use a $1 coupon and would like them to reimburse you for it. Yes, I know this from experience. But wait.....why should I be embarassed? I am saving my family valuable money. We all know the state of our economy. It's not going to miraculously right itself overnight. So in the meantime, I'lll continue to trudge through my coupons and sales flyers each week. It is kind of a thrill to know that you would have had to pay full price for most items had you not carefully selected them, and their corresponding coupons. After all, I did walk out of Giant this past week, head held high, having spent $87 for over $140 work of groceries. Who's laughing now?
Save Me Saturday
I need to start out by saying that I AM OVER BUDGET THIS WEEK. I am walking a fine line. On one hand, yes I am over budget, but the items I purchased went towards my stockpile. I'll explain these items that I could not pass up later. But on the other hand, the purpose of my budget is to save money and have more money to put towards our debt. So, I would welcome any comments or opinions on this matter. What works for you?
Now, on to the savings:
CVS: transaction 1
total before savings: $16.30
savings: $7.67 (coupons $1.50, ECB $2.00, sale $4.17)
total paid: $8.63
CVS: transaction 2
total before savings: $55.20
savings: $31.82 (coupons $9.00, ECB $5.98, sale $16.84)
Total Paid: $23.38
awesome buys on cereal if you had coupons. The sale was buy one get one for $.01. It came to $4.20 for 2 boxes, plus I had (2)$1.50/2 coupon. I bought four boxes for a total of $1.35 per box. Amazing!
Giant: I had 10 transactions so I won't list them all. Needless to say, I had 10 of the same coupon, which Giant would double. The item was on sale, and would have cost me $.29 with the doubled coupon. However, Giant will only double the same coupon once per transaction, hence the 10 transactions. See my post Humble Pie to read how I feel about that.
Total before savings: $144.30
Savings: $57.44 (Coupons $21.86, Bonus Card Savings $35.56)
Total Paid: $86.86
Rite Aid: Transaction 1
Total before Savings: $17.87 (plus tax)
Savings: $9.00 (coupons $5, Rebate $4)
Total Paid: $9.53
I ended up taking back the toothpaste I bought, so I got back $6.98. So, my total ended up being $2.55
Rite Aid: Transaction 2
Total before Savings: $29.92 (plus tax)
Savings: $3.00 coupons
Total Paid: $28.36
Rebate Check: $5.00
This purchase included a new binder and paper covers for my coupons, which totaled $9.98. Not a necessity, and not on sale, but it will make it easier for me to organize my coupons and less likely that I will miss a coupon.
At Rite Aid I got toothpaste buy one get one free. They were $2.99 each, plus I had 2 $1 coupons. I got both tubes for $.99. I also got 10 Soft Soap pumps for $.99, as well as 4 Speed Stick deodorants for $.75 each. They were 4/$9, with a $5 rebate. I also had a $1/2 coupon, so I got 4/$3. I also got 2 Jumbo packs of Huggies diapers for $7.49 each. You can decide if I really needed these items since they are what put me over budget. They added to my stockpile in an inexpensive way.
Total before Savings: $256.61
Savings: $106.83
Total Paid: $149.78
Now, on to the savings:
CVS: transaction 1
total before savings: $16.30
savings: $7.67 (coupons $1.50, ECB $2.00, sale $4.17)
total paid: $8.63
CVS: transaction 2
total before savings: $55.20
savings: $31.82 (coupons $9.00, ECB $5.98, sale $16.84)
Total Paid: $23.38
awesome buys on cereal if you had coupons. The sale was buy one get one for $.01. It came to $4.20 for 2 boxes, plus I had (2)$1.50/2 coupon. I bought four boxes for a total of $1.35 per box. Amazing!
Giant: I had 10 transactions so I won't list them all. Needless to say, I had 10 of the same coupon, which Giant would double. The item was on sale, and would have cost me $.29 with the doubled coupon. However, Giant will only double the same coupon once per transaction, hence the 10 transactions. See my post Humble Pie to read how I feel about that.
Total before savings: $144.30
Savings: $57.44 (Coupons $21.86, Bonus Card Savings $35.56)
Total Paid: $86.86
Rite Aid: Transaction 1
Total before Savings: $17.87 (plus tax)
Savings: $9.00 (coupons $5, Rebate $4)
Total Paid: $9.53
I ended up taking back the toothpaste I bought, so I got back $6.98. So, my total ended up being $2.55
Rite Aid: Transaction 2
Total before Savings: $29.92 (plus tax)
Savings: $3.00 coupons
Total Paid: $28.36
Rebate Check: $5.00
This purchase included a new binder and paper covers for my coupons, which totaled $9.98. Not a necessity, and not on sale, but it will make it easier for me to organize my coupons and less likely that I will miss a coupon.
At Rite Aid I got toothpaste buy one get one free. They were $2.99 each, plus I had 2 $1 coupons. I got both tubes for $.99. I also got 10 Soft Soap pumps for $.99, as well as 4 Speed Stick deodorants for $.75 each. They were 4/$9, with a $5 rebate. I also had a $1/2 coupon, so I got 4/$3. I also got 2 Jumbo packs of Huggies diapers for $7.49 each. You can decide if I really needed these items since they are what put me over budget. They added to my stockpile in an inexpensive way.
Total before Savings: $256.61
Savings: $106.83
Total Paid: $149.78
Friday, February 20, 2009
Humble Pie
Coupon shopping, bargain shopping, budget shopping, whatever you want to call it -- it's a humbling experience. I spend hours pouring over sales flyers, coupons and recipes. Then I go to the stores, where I wander up and down the isles at a snail's pace, occasionally stopping to hunt down stray coupons. I finally find all the items on my list, and head to the check out. In the interest of saving time in the long run, I head to the self checkout so I can go at my own pace, making sure all my items ring up at the correct price. Heaven help you if they don't and you need to assistance of a cashier. Next up: coupons. Sometimes they need to be scanned in a certain order. Sometimes they don't scan. Again, you are in need of assistance. Sometimes you have to do 10 transactions because you are buying 10 of the same item, have 10 coupons that can be doubled, but the store you are in only doubles one per transaction. People get in line behind you and you just want to warn them that you'll be another 20 minutes so you get your savings. Finally, you load all your bags into the cart, grab your 10 receipts, your list, your coupons, your club card and wallet and head out the door while the cashier stares at you for taking 30 minutes at the checkout.
I've seen people do this, and recently, I joined the ranks of the money savers. I will admit that I have chuckled to myself at these people do whatever it takes to get the best deal. I've thought badly of these people. I've judged them as being poor. Now it's my turn, and I just want to turn to people and say, "I'm not poor! My husband has a good job! I'm just doing this to help save money! Don't you know that I will eventually have to put two kids through college and pay for weddings?" But I don't. I just keep doing what I'm doing, half embarassed, half thrilled at the amount of my savings.
I just want to say that I've learned my lesson. I'm sorry to all those I've judged at the checkout counter. I truly regret my uncharitable thoughts, and I wish it didn't take being in your shoes to make me realize this.
I've seen people do this, and recently, I joined the ranks of the money savers. I will admit that I have chuckled to myself at these people do whatever it takes to get the best deal. I've thought badly of these people. I've judged them as being poor. Now it's my turn, and I just want to turn to people and say, "I'm not poor! My husband has a good job! I'm just doing this to help save money! Don't you know that I will eventually have to put two kids through college and pay for weddings?" But I don't. I just keep doing what I'm doing, half embarassed, half thrilled at the amount of my savings.
I just want to say that I've learned my lesson. I'm sorry to all those I've judged at the checkout counter. I truly regret my uncharitable thoughts, and I wish it didn't take being in your shoes to make me realize this.
Updates and Rebates (Ebates and Shop at Home)
Wow! So it's been a while since I've had the time to post anything. We were away last weekend, and we had to come back early Sunday morning to make it to small group Sunday night. I started physical therapy for my neck and back this week, so I'm pretty sore in strange places. Plus, both of my kids are sick.
So, I have nothing major to report, except that I am still signing up for freebies. I received, cereal, splenda and 2 $10 Target gift cards just this week. The gift cards are from Ebates, which along with Shop At Home (SAH), is a pretty cool site. Just link to your store through the Ebates or SAH site and you get a percentage of your total bill (minus shipping and tax). Each store has a set percentage, and sometimes they offer specials. I know Snapfish does 10%. At Christmas, I spend $150 on pictures and gifts from Snapfish and I got credited or $15 from SAH. They mail checks every month but it's like a 3 month delay. This month (February) they are mailing checks from November. Also, if you have less than $20 in your account at the end of the month, they roll it over to the next month and they will send you a check once your account balance is $20 or higher. Click the link on the bottom of my home page to visit Shop at Home.
Ebates works a little differently, you only have to have more than $5.00 in your account to get a check. With Ebates you get a bonus for signing up. That was my $10 Target gift card. I got two of them for some reason, and I'm not sure why. You also get a $5 bonus for anyone you get to sign up.
I don't generally shop online a lot. But I love these programs. I did most of my Christmas shopping online this year because I had a 2-year old and a not quite 1-year old to take with me! Not the most ideal shopping situation. But most stores were offering free shipping and I got some amazing deals. And Walmart ships to the store for free so it was a breeze to order and just run in to pick it up. I highly recommend these programs.
So back to updates, I am still trying to stay on budget. This week I went a little over, but that was because we went out of town and I needed stuff for a party there and snacks for the drive. And RiteAid was having Softsoap for $.99 and Suave for $.99. I had coupons for the Suave and I like to stock up when I can. They also had Colgate buy one get one free and Speed Stick 4/$9 with a $5 rebate. I had a coupon too so I got 4/$3. I couldn't really pass up $.75 deodorant. I also invested in (not on sale) a new Zwipes binder for my coupons. I'm giving a seminar in a few weeks and I want to see how this works for me before I suggest in to others.
Hopefully, things will slow down for me next week. Look for some new weekly posts coming soon. I am working on:
My Menu Monday -- my menu for the week
Save Me Saturday -- calulating my spending and saving for the week
Saling Sunday -- not a typo, going through the next week's sales flyers and coupons
So, I have nothing major to report, except that I am still signing up for freebies. I received, cereal, splenda and 2 $10 Target gift cards just this week. The gift cards are from Ebates, which along with Shop At Home (SAH), is a pretty cool site. Just link to your store through the Ebates or SAH site and you get a percentage of your total bill (minus shipping and tax). Each store has a set percentage, and sometimes they offer specials. I know Snapfish does 10%. At Christmas, I spend $150 on pictures and gifts from Snapfish and I got credited or $15 from SAH. They mail checks every month but it's like a 3 month delay. This month (February) they are mailing checks from November. Also, if you have less than $20 in your account at the end of the month, they roll it over to the next month and they will send you a check once your account balance is $20 or higher. Click the link on the bottom of my home page to visit Shop at Home.
Ebates works a little differently, you only have to have more than $5.00 in your account to get a check. With Ebates you get a bonus for signing up. That was my $10 Target gift card. I got two of them for some reason, and I'm not sure why. You also get a $5 bonus for anyone you get to sign up.
I don't generally shop online a lot. But I love these programs. I did most of my Christmas shopping online this year because I had a 2-year old and a not quite 1-year old to take with me! Not the most ideal shopping situation. But most stores were offering free shipping and I got some amazing deals. And Walmart ships to the store for free so it was a breeze to order and just run in to pick it up. I highly recommend these programs.
So back to updates, I am still trying to stay on budget. This week I went a little over, but that was because we went out of town and I needed stuff for a party there and snacks for the drive. And RiteAid was having Softsoap for $.99 and Suave for $.99. I had coupons for the Suave and I like to stock up when I can. They also had Colgate buy one get one free and Speed Stick 4/$9 with a $5 rebate. I had a coupon too so I got 4/$3. I couldn't really pass up $.75 deodorant. I also invested in (not on sale) a new Zwipes binder for my coupons. I'm giving a seminar in a few weeks and I want to see how this works for me before I suggest in to others.
Hopefully, things will slow down for me next week. Look for some new weekly posts coming soon. I am working on:
My Menu Monday -- my menu for the week
Save Me Saturday -- calulating my spending and saving for the week
Saling Sunday -- not a typo, going through the next week's sales flyers and coupons
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Give Away
Jessica, at Pudget: Losing Weight on a Budget is giving away a copy of Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. Click here to visit her posting. Contest ends February 17, 2009.
Be sure to follow along on her journey of losing weight while maintaining a budget. She's got some great ideas and recipes that make budgeting and dieting simple. Check it out!
Be sure to follow along on her journey of losing weight while maintaining a budget. She's got some great ideas and recipes that make budgeting and dieting simple. Check it out!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Conquering the Hoarder in You
I currently have 6 tubes of toothpaste in my linen closet/'good buy' overflow area.
I have 10 bottles of shampoo or conditioner
I have 8 bars of soap
I have 3 boxes of dishwasher tablets
I have 8 bottles of dish detergent
I have 6 extra toothbrushes
"But, but, but I got them on sale, and I used coupons."
Does this sound like you? If so, then you too my ,friend, are a hoarder. Now, it's not as bad as it sounds. I know you got a mental picture of yourself being lost in your house full of tubes of toothpaste and dish detergent that you got on sale. It's not like that. It just means you have a hard time passing up a good buy. I know the feeling, as evidenced by the previous list.
I have told myself that unless one of these items are free, I will not be buying anymore for a LONG time.
I have some advice for you:
Remember that you have a budget, but it doesn't need to all be spent. That budget is just a number that you don't want to go over. Whatever you don't use can be saved. I know some of you are thinking, "duh! This is common sense." But I really had to remind myself of this fact. Just because you have a certain amount of money to spend, doesn't mean you HAVE to spend it. Ask yourself if you really need this item, even if it is only $2.00. If you have 12 of the same item at home, chances are you don't really need it. Just say no. It might be hard at first, but I hope it will get easier.
By not buying these items, I'm hoping to save at least $20 a week, and that I will put towards my son's birthday party in May. We'll see how it goes.
I have 10 bottles of shampoo or conditioner
I have 8 bars of soap
I have 3 boxes of dishwasher tablets
I have 8 bottles of dish detergent
I have 6 extra toothbrushes
"But, but, but I got them on sale, and I used coupons."
Does this sound like you? If so, then you too my ,friend, are a hoarder. Now, it's not as bad as it sounds. I know you got a mental picture of yourself being lost in your house full of tubes of toothpaste and dish detergent that you got on sale. It's not like that. It just means you have a hard time passing up a good buy. I know the feeling, as evidenced by the previous list.
I have told myself that unless one of these items are free, I will not be buying anymore for a LONG time.
I have some advice for you:
Remember that you have a budget, but it doesn't need to all be spent. That budget is just a number that you don't want to go over. Whatever you don't use can be saved. I know some of you are thinking, "duh! This is common sense." But I really had to remind myself of this fact. Just because you have a certain amount of money to spend, doesn't mean you HAVE to spend it. Ask yourself if you really need this item, even if it is only $2.00. If you have 12 of the same item at home, chances are you don't really need it. Just say no. It might be hard at first, but I hope it will get easier.
By not buying these items, I'm hoping to save at least $20 a week, and that I will put towards my son's birthday party in May. We'll see how it goes.
Adventures in Money Saving
So I have been looking at my receipts from yesterday's shopping excursion (yes I must call it that and you'll see why) and I've done well. I spent a total of $157.53. Yes, this is over my weekly budget by $17.53, but I spent $16.48 on diapers and pull-ups, which I don't count, so I'm only over by $1.05. I wanted to be under budget but I got some really good deals, so I'm not complaining. On that note, I shouldn't need deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dish detergent or dishwasher tablets for months...if not the rest of the year for some of those items.
I also figured out how much I saved just in coupons this week:
Weis Markets -- $11.00
Giant Foods -- $20.91
Rite Aid -- $7.00
CVS -- $9.00
CVS ECB -- $20.49
Grand Total Coupon Savings: $68.40 (this is not even including sales and bonus buys)
My total savings (coupons and sales)
Weis Markets -- $31.90 (31%)
Giant Foods -- $50.79
Rite Aid -- $19.36 (plus tax and I'll also be getting $7.00 in rebates)
CVS -- $47.99 (plus I also found another $2 ecb attached to my receipt. I was only expecting $3 so I missed this one.)
Grand Total Savings (coupons and sales): $150.04 not including the $7.00 rebates and $2 ECB
Not Bad
Keep watching for my next post: How to Conquer the Hoarder in You!
I also figured out how much I saved just in coupons this week:
Weis Markets -- $11.00
Giant Foods -- $20.91
Rite Aid -- $7.00
CVS -- $9.00
CVS ECB -- $20.49
Grand Total Coupon Savings: $68.40 (this is not even including sales and bonus buys)
My total savings (coupons and sales)
Weis Markets -- $31.90 (31%)
Giant Foods -- $50.79
Rite Aid -- $19.36 (plus tax and I'll also be getting $7.00 in rebates)
CVS -- $47.99 (plus I also found another $2 ecb attached to my receipt. I was only expecting $3 so I missed this one.)
Grand Total Savings (coupons and sales): $150.04 not including the $7.00 rebates and $2 ECB
Not Bad
Keep watching for my next post: How to Conquer the Hoarder in You!
Monday, February 9, 2009
My Menu Plan 2/9 - 2/15
Menu planning is making a big difference in my spending. When I plan my meals, I can (and do) make a list of every ingredient needed for each meal, then check off the ones I don't have to buy. This saves me time and gas, because I don't forget items. It saves me energy since I don't have to lug the kids around with me, getting them in and out of their carseats. It also saves me money because I am incapable of just going into the store for one item.
Monday -- Bi Bim Bop (Korean mixed veggies and rice)
This is an excellent meal for us. I had all the ingredients, except for leaf lettuce. It's really easy to make and tastes excellent. We make is by frying some bulgogi (korean bbq beef) and cutting it into small pieces. Then we mix it into korean rice, along with some chopped leaf lettuce and put a fried egg on top. You can add other veggies, but this is our simple version. YUMMY!
Tuesday -- Italian Chicken
I have all the ingredient for this meal. It was on my menu for last week, but we had an abundance of leftovers (an amazing beef stew that made 2 meals), so it got pushed back to this week.
Wednesday -- London Broil with Korean Rice
Wednesday's have to been meals that I can put in the crockpot or that can be easily reheated since my son has AWANA at 6:30 and my husband works a little later on this night so he has to eat when we're gone.
Again, another meal that I think I had on my menu for last week that got pushed back. Therefore, I did not need any ingredients. I must have done a poor job estimating how much each meal would make. At least it all got eaten.
Thursday -- Homemade broccoli soup and Panini sandwiches
Thursday's are another night that needs to be simple. My husband plays on the worship team at church and they practice on Thursday evenings. Meals like frozen pizza (totino's for $1.25 each) are good options. He doesn't practice this week though, so I can be a little more elaborate.
I am so looking forward to this broccoli soup, but my husband like more substantial meals, so we're making Panini's this night too. I got a good deal on tuna fish, so I could do a tuna fish and cheese panini (I have the Cuisinart Griddler -- makes life so much easier on night's like this).
Friday -- I think we're going out to eat on Friday. It will be our Valentine's dinner since we're going out of town (for my aunt's birthday -- nothing romantic) this weekend. Unfortunately, we'll have to take the kids with us, since I can't find a sitter. Oh well, someday I'll be wishing our kids were home to take to dinner.
Saturday -- out of town
Sunday -- out of town in the morning/early afternoon
Small group at 6:30, so we don't usually have time for dinner on Sunday's. We do have a snack at small group (which is my week to provide) so we'll get to eat something. This Sunday is a little more hectic since we're just getting back from NY and it's my husband's week to lead small group.
Monday -- Bi Bim Bop (Korean mixed veggies and rice)
This is an excellent meal for us. I had all the ingredients, except for leaf lettuce. It's really easy to make and tastes excellent. We make is by frying some bulgogi (korean bbq beef) and cutting it into small pieces. Then we mix it into korean rice, along with some chopped leaf lettuce and put a fried egg on top. You can add other veggies, but this is our simple version. YUMMY!
Tuesday -- Italian Chicken
I have all the ingredient for this meal. It was on my menu for last week, but we had an abundance of leftovers (an amazing beef stew that made 2 meals), so it got pushed back to this week.
Wednesday -- London Broil with Korean Rice
Wednesday's have to been meals that I can put in the crockpot or that can be easily reheated since my son has AWANA at 6:30 and my husband works a little later on this night so he has to eat when we're gone.
Again, another meal that I think I had on my menu for last week that got pushed back. Therefore, I did not need any ingredients. I must have done a poor job estimating how much each meal would make. At least it all got eaten.
Thursday -- Homemade broccoli soup and Panini sandwiches
Thursday's are another night that needs to be simple. My husband plays on the worship team at church and they practice on Thursday evenings. Meals like frozen pizza (totino's for $1.25 each) are good options. He doesn't practice this week though, so I can be a little more elaborate.
I am so looking forward to this broccoli soup, but my husband like more substantial meals, so we're making Panini's this night too. I got a good deal on tuna fish, so I could do a tuna fish and cheese panini (I have the Cuisinart Griddler -- makes life so much easier on night's like this).
Friday -- I think we're going out to eat on Friday. It will be our Valentine's dinner since we're going out of town (for my aunt's birthday -- nothing romantic) this weekend. Unfortunately, we'll have to take the kids with us, since I can't find a sitter. Oh well, someday I'll be wishing our kids were home to take to dinner.
Saturday -- out of town
Sunday -- out of town in the morning/early afternoon
Small group at 6:30, so we don't usually have time for dinner on Sunday's. We do have a snack at small group (which is my week to provide) so we'll get to eat something. This Sunday is a little more hectic since we're just getting back from NY and it's my husband's week to lead small group.
No Week of No Spending for Me
Alright, so if you've been following me as I journey through COUPONLAND and BARGAIN-SHOPPINGVILLE, then you know how much I like to spend money....not something I'm proud of. To read my confession, click here. So, I thought that I'd really like to try Mindi's (over at Moms Need to Know) plan for The Month of No Spending. I was really challenged and intruiged by this idea, so I decided to try it for myself. Except....I don't have quite the stockpile of food and necessities needed, since I'm relatively new to all of this. I thought I'd try for one week, instead. Then I got my weekly Weis Markets and Giant Foods flyers. There goes that idea. But really, Weis is having their 10/$10 sale and Giant's got some really good buys too.
With that in mind, I've altered my plan. Here goes: I'm going to spend money this week.
In all fairness, very little of what I purchased in needed for my meal plan this week. The hoarder in me comes out when I can get meals for my kids for $1 each, and apple juice and eggs and butter for $1 each. I NEED TO STOCK UP. But seriously, I didn't do that bad. I took cash with me so remind me to stick to my budger. And I did. My total at Weis Markets was $69.16, with a savings of /$31.90 (31%). I used a Huggies coupon about the expire and got a jumbo pack of diapers for $8.49. I also got one Sargento's Salad Finisher free (with the purchase of 2 bags of salad mix which I will take with me to NY this weekend) and another Salad Finisher for $1.79 since I had a coupon for $1.50 off 2. 23 of my items were only $1 each with the 10/$10 sale. Plus I had $9.50 in coupons and didn't pay full price for anything.
With that in mind, I've altered my plan. Here goes: I'm going to spend money this week.
In all fairness, very little of what I purchased in needed for my meal plan this week. The hoarder in me comes out when I can get meals for my kids for $1 each, and apple juice and eggs and butter for $1 each. I NEED TO STOCK UP. But seriously, I didn't do that bad. I took cash with me so remind me to stick to my budger. And I did. My total at Weis Markets was $69.16, with a savings of /$31.90 (31%). I used a Huggies coupon about the expire and got a jumbo pack of diapers for $8.49. I also got one Sargento's Salad Finisher free (with the purchase of 2 bags of salad mix which I will take with me to NY this weekend) and another Salad Finisher for $1.79 since I had a coupon for $1.50 off 2. 23 of my items were only $1 each with the 10/$10 sale. Plus I had $9.50 in coupons and didn't pay full price for anything.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Saving Money Around the House
Now that I've cut our grocery bill buy shopping sales and using coupons, as well as devloping a budget, my new goal is find other ways to continue saving money. I have been trying to come up with ways to save money around the house. I wouldn't call my house huge, but it's big enough, and when my electric bill goes up over $300 during January and February each month, I have moments of panic. What can I do to lower this bill? There are some things that I can't changes. My house is warmer in the downstairs, but the upstairs can get a little chilly, especially at night. But, I have a 2-year old and a 1-year old, so it needs to be warm in the upstairs. They wear warm pjs, but I can't have the being cold just to save a few dollars.....okay so maybe it would be more than a few, but you get my point. So, here's what I've come up with so far:
1. I've replaced 75% of my light bulbs with energy efficient ones....even though they cost a fortune. I will replace the rest, it's just actually getting to it that's the problem. Also, those stupid bulbs are so expensive.
2. I am trying to turn off the light when I leave the room.
3. Turn the heat down during the day.
4. Unplug appliances like toasters, coffee pots, can openers, etc. when not in use.
5. We don't need the tv on all day long.
6. Shorter showers (also saves water)
7. I have a king capacity clothes dryer (I'm not sure if we even realized the size when we got it) so when I wash clothes, I wash 2 loads but run them both through the dryer at the same time. Especially with my kids clothes.
8. Fold clothes as soon as the dryer is finished, so you don't have to waste electricity by de-wrinkling them.
I'll post more tips when I think of them, but in the mean time, I challenge you to come up with more money/energy saving tips. I would love to hear from you.
1. I've replaced 75% of my light bulbs with energy efficient ones....even though they cost a fortune. I will replace the rest, it's just actually getting to it that's the problem. Also, those stupid bulbs are so expensive.
2. I am trying to turn off the light when I leave the room.
3. Turn the heat down during the day.
4. Unplug appliances like toasters, coffee pots, can openers, etc. when not in use.
5. We don't need the tv on all day long.
6. Shorter showers (also saves water)
7. I have a king capacity clothes dryer (I'm not sure if we even realized the size when we got it) so when I wash clothes, I wash 2 loads but run them both through the dryer at the same time. Especially with my kids clothes.
8. Fold clothes as soon as the dryer is finished, so you don't have to waste electricity by de-wrinkling them.
I'll post more tips when I think of them, but in the mean time, I challenge you to come up with more money/energy saving tips. I would love to hear from you.
Friday, February 6, 2009
low fat dinners
Today's post is about low fat dinners. Although I am not actively trying to lose weight, I am purposely not adding extra fat to our meals. We eat very little red meat, which is for my husband's health. I usually limit our red meat consumption to once a week, which is fine by me. I am not a huge meat eater, and will choose chicken over beef 9 times out of 10.
This dish is a favorite of mine. It makes a large pot, and I easily get 3 meals out of it. Keep in mind that their are only 2 of us eating right now, but it's a lot of soup.
Chicken Corn Chowder
3 or 4 chix breasts (bone in or out, whatever is cheaper)
chicken broth (32 ounces; 99 percent fat free)
onion - chopped
celery- chopped
Corn (frozen, fresh or canned) Usually 2 cans or one bag of frozen
2 Potatoes - pealed and chopped into small pieces
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
salt
pepper
basil
oregano
parsley
Boil chicken in water. Once cooked, remove chicken from water and set aside to cool. Strain broth, wash pot, and put strained liquid back into pot. After chicken cools, remove from bone if needed, and shred. Put back into water in your pot and add onion and celery. Boil until tender. Add potatoes, bring back to a boil until tender (about 20 minutes or less, depending on how large your potato pieces are). Add corn and return to boil. Season to taste with salt, pepper, basil, oregano and parsley. Add chopped eggs, and serve.
I usually serve this soup with crackers or dinner rolls. My husband has even been known to put rice in it. (He's Korean and it actually tastes pretty good, although it doesn't exactly make it low fat.) It's another family favorite.
I am always looking for new recipes to try, so feel free to post them in the comments section, or blog about them and send me a comment so I know to look.
Enjoy!
This dish is a favorite of mine. It makes a large pot, and I easily get 3 meals out of it. Keep in mind that their are only 2 of us eating right now, but it's a lot of soup.
Chicken Corn Chowder
3 or 4 chix breasts (bone in or out, whatever is cheaper)
chicken broth (32 ounces; 99 percent fat free)
onion - chopped
celery- chopped
Corn (frozen, fresh or canned) Usually 2 cans or one bag of frozen
2 Potatoes - pealed and chopped into small pieces
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
salt
pepper
basil
oregano
parsley
Boil chicken in water. Once cooked, remove chicken from water and set aside to cool. Strain broth, wash pot, and put strained liquid back into pot. After chicken cools, remove from bone if needed, and shred. Put back into water in your pot and add onion and celery. Boil until tender. Add potatoes, bring back to a boil until tender (about 20 minutes or less, depending on how large your potato pieces are). Add corn and return to boil. Season to taste with salt, pepper, basil, oregano and parsley. Add chopped eggs, and serve.
I usually serve this soup with crackers or dinner rolls. My husband has even been known to put rice in it. (He's Korean and it actually tastes pretty good, although it doesn't exactly make it low fat.) It's another family favorite.
I am always looking for new recipes to try, so feel free to post them in the comments section, or blog about them and send me a comment so I know to look.
Enjoy!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Potty Training
Just a side note: My son peed on the potty today! And he did it last night too! Granted, he peed himself 10 minutes later since he doesn't know when his bladder is empty, but it the beginning. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
He had ice cream for lunch afterwards, and we're going shopping for a 'really good' toy tomorrow night. (a promise from daddy)
He had ice cream for lunch afterwards, and we're going shopping for a 'really good' toy tomorrow night. (a promise from daddy)
Low Fat Dinners
I thought I'd do a post on low-fat dinners. Jessica at Pudget: Losing Weight on a Budget has some really great, low-fat recipes. I really enjoy reading her posts and trying out her recipes.
I've posted several recipes lately that are low in fat. My Chicken Tetrazzini is definitely low fat. I use light sour cream, 99% fat free chicken broth and 2% Mozzarella Cheese. You can even use light margarine in it. Not only that, but it's so easy to make. It's definitely a family favorite. In fact, I just made some for my Mom and Dad the other day.
Another really healthy, low fat recipe is Beef Stew. I just posted about it the other day and it was fabulous! I put it in the crockpot in the morning, let it cook all day, thickened it right before we ate, and it was ready! So simple and filling. I didn't put noodles in it, which saved some calories and it was filled with fresh and frozen veggies. I can't wait to have the leftovers for tonight's dinner.
If you have any lowfat recipes you'd like to share, please post them and link to my site. Also, please leave a message in the comments so I know to look at your recipe too!
I've posted several recipes lately that are low in fat. My Chicken Tetrazzini is definitely low fat. I use light sour cream, 99% fat free chicken broth and 2% Mozzarella Cheese. You can even use light margarine in it. Not only that, but it's so easy to make. It's definitely a family favorite. In fact, I just made some for my Mom and Dad the other day.
Another really healthy, low fat recipe is Beef Stew. I just posted about it the other day and it was fabulous! I put it in the crockpot in the morning, let it cook all day, thickened it right before we ate, and it was ready! So simple and filling. I didn't put noodles in it, which saved some calories and it was filled with fresh and frozen veggies. I can't wait to have the leftovers for tonight's dinner.
If you have any lowfat recipes you'd like to share, please post them and link to my site. Also, please leave a message in the comments so I know to look at your recipe too!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Updates
Good Evening! I have some updates for you tonight. First, I went shopping with my Mom today. I purchased one item, a pair of Nike sneakers for my daughter. They were on clearance for $14.98, and they are one size up from what she's wearing now. Technically, I didn't even purchase them. I used some of her birthday money to buy the shoes. THANKS GRANDMA AND PAP-PAP!
Another update, I've been thinking about my meals. I see a lot of people posting how much their dinners cost, and I wondered how much mine cost. I don't know if I can break it down into a lot of detail, but here goes:
Chicken Tetrazinni
Chix - $1.50
Sour Cream - $.99
Chix Broth - $.43
Mozz Cheese - $1 (not bought on sale, although I did buy the store brand)
Butter - $.63
Margarine - $.22
Linguine - $.75
salt, pepper, bread crumbs, garlic and onion powder - $.40 (high estimate since I use very little of each except bread crumb -- 1 cup)
Grand Total: $5.92 -- then I split the entire casserole into 2 dishes (one for us and one for mom and dad)
$2.96 each, four servings in each dish, for a
Total per serving: $.74
Not bad.
Beef Stew - this one is more guessing since I used frozen veggies I'd bought, not on sale, awhile ago.
Beef Cubes - $4.19
2 Potatoes - $2.19
1/2 bag frozen onion - $1.00 (an estimate, probably a little high)
1/2 bag frozen pea - $1.00 (ditto)
2 fresh carrots - $.28
Celery - $.30 (I honestly have no idea how much this cost. I bought it at least 6 weeks ago and keep it in my Tupperware fridgesmart containers. It keeps almost forever!)
1/2 bag frozen corn - $1.00 (same as above veggies)
ginger, bouillon, salt, pepper, cornstarch - $.50 (a high estimate)
1/2 bag frozen green peppers -$1.00 (ditto with veggies)
Grand total $10.96 (I'd say this is a high estimate since I don't know the exact price I paid for the veggies)
2 meals, 4 servings each, gives us a grand total of
$1.37 per serving
Still, not too bad. I could have cut it down farther if I'd followed the recipe, but I put more veggies in it. This beef stew is really fabulous! I omit the raisins since I think it sounds gross. I also added, corn, peppers, potatoes, and maybe the peas too. But it's really tasty, as my 2-year old son would say.
Try it and let me know what you think.
I could have used a fresh onion, but my onions are so strong that the last time I chopped one my eyes burned for a hour afterwards. I was going out after making this stew so I didn't want to have to deal with burning, watery eyes.
Another update, I've been thinking about my meals. I see a lot of people posting how much their dinners cost, and I wondered how much mine cost. I don't know if I can break it down into a lot of detail, but here goes:
Chicken Tetrazinni
Chix - $1.50
Sour Cream - $.99
Chix Broth - $.43
Mozz Cheese - $1 (not bought on sale, although I did buy the store brand)
Butter - $.63
Margarine - $.22
Linguine - $.75
salt, pepper, bread crumbs, garlic and onion powder - $.40 (high estimate since I use very little of each except bread crumb -- 1 cup)
Grand Total: $5.92 -- then I split the entire casserole into 2 dishes (one for us and one for mom and dad)
$2.96 each, four servings in each dish, for a
Total per serving: $.74
Not bad.
Beef Stew - this one is more guessing since I used frozen veggies I'd bought, not on sale, awhile ago.
Beef Cubes - $4.19
2 Potatoes - $2.19
1/2 bag frozen onion - $1.00 (an estimate, probably a little high)
1/2 bag frozen pea - $1.00 (ditto)
2 fresh carrots - $.28
Celery - $.30 (I honestly have no idea how much this cost. I bought it at least 6 weeks ago and keep it in my Tupperware fridgesmart containers. It keeps almost forever!)
1/2 bag frozen corn - $1.00 (same as above veggies)
ginger, bouillon, salt, pepper, cornstarch - $.50 (a high estimate)
1/2 bag frozen green peppers -$1.00 (ditto with veggies)
Grand total $10.96 (I'd say this is a high estimate since I don't know the exact price I paid for the veggies)
2 meals, 4 servings each, gives us a grand total of
$1.37 per serving
Still, not too bad. I could have cut it down farther if I'd followed the recipe, but I put more veggies in it. This beef stew is really fabulous! I omit the raisins since I think it sounds gross. I also added, corn, peppers, potatoes, and maybe the peas too. But it's really tasty, as my 2-year old son would say.
Try it and let me know what you think.
I could have used a fresh onion, but my onions are so strong that the last time I chopped one my eyes burned for a hour afterwards. I was going out after making this stew so I didn't want to have to deal with burning, watery eyes.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tomorrow Night's Dinner
Okay, so I don't remember what I said I'd make for dinner on Wednesday, but I've decided to make Beef Stew. I know this was on my list for the week, so I'm okay with supplies. This is a recipe from the September 2008 issue of Family Circle.
Beef Stew
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
1lb boneless beef cubes
1Tbsp ground ginger
1/4tsp salt
3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch slices
2 large celery stalks, cut into 1-inch slices
1 large beef bouillon cube
2 cups water
2Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4Cup raisins
1/4tsp black pepper
2Tbsp cornstarch
Cooked egg noodles (optional)
Step 1:
layer onions, beef, ginger, salt, carrots and celery in slow cooker bowl. Add bouillon cube, water, vinegar and raisins. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours or until beef is very tender.
Step 2:
Remove cover and stir in black pepper. Using a ladle, remove 3 Tbsp liquid from slow cooker and place in a small bowl. Whisk in cornstarch. Pour cornstart mixture into slow cooker; whisk to combine. Stir until liquid has thickened. Serve with noodles, if desired.
I omit the raisins, since I'm not crazy about them. I also add peas and potatoes and tomorrow I might add corn. With so many veggies, it's like a beef vegetable stew. It's a really healthy, easy meal to put together. Serve it with some brown and serve rolls, or the Pillsbury Crusty French dinner rolls that I got for $1.99 with my $1 coupon this week and it's a great, filling meal. Enjoy!
Beef Stew
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
1lb boneless beef cubes
1Tbsp ground ginger
1/4tsp salt
3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch slices
2 large celery stalks, cut into 1-inch slices
1 large beef bouillon cube
2 cups water
2Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4Cup raisins
1/4tsp black pepper
2Tbsp cornstarch
Cooked egg noodles (optional)
Step 1:
layer onions, beef, ginger, salt, carrots and celery in slow cooker bowl. Add bouillon cube, water, vinegar and raisins. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours or until beef is very tender.
Step 2:
Remove cover and stir in black pepper. Using a ladle, remove 3 Tbsp liquid from slow cooker and place in a small bowl. Whisk in cornstarch. Pour cornstart mixture into slow cooker; whisk to combine. Stir until liquid has thickened. Serve with noodles, if desired.
I omit the raisins, since I'm not crazy about them. I also add peas and potatoes and tomorrow I might add corn. With so many veggies, it's like a beef vegetable stew. It's a really healthy, easy meal to put together. Serve it with some brown and serve rolls, or the Pillsbury Crusty French dinner rolls that I got for $1.99 with my $1 coupon this week and it's a great, filling meal. Enjoy!
CVS
I'm starting to feel a little dumb when it comes to CVS shopping. How is it that everyone else can end up paying $.12 for $300 worth of products and I can't? I went to CVS this week, and I came out having spend $36 and saving $32. I was happy with that, until I read other posts and see that I could have done better. I know that I had two issues:
1. I only did one transaction, when I should have done 2. In my defense, I was in a huge hurry and just wanted to get in and get out. Lesson learned: don't go to CVS, or anywhere you want to save money, when you are in a hurry.
2. I didn't use all of my Extra Care Bucks. I was thinking that I would save them because it will all even out in the end. Lesson learned: using your ECB means less out of pocket spent during each trip.
Here's what I bought:
3 Softsoap hand soap $1 each ($1-coupon)
2 Palmolive (10 oz) $.97 each
8-pack Bounty Basic $5.99 ($1-coupon)
Vaseline lotion $2.99 ($1-coupon)
Electrosol Tabs $2.99 ($2.50-coupon)
2 Progressive soup $3.19 (bogo) (2 - $1.10-coupons)
2 Kleenex Antiviral $2.39 (bogo)
2 CVS dry sweep clothes $3.99 (bogo)
Excedrin 10ct $2.49 ($2.49 in ECB)
KY Jelly $19.99 ($5-coupon) ($10 in ECB)
Total: $48.96 before coupons
I had $13.70 in coupons so I spent a total of $36.27 including tax. I also got $12.49 back in ECB and I already had $5 in ECB that I didn't use.
I was thinking that it will all even out in the end, which is true, but if I'm trying to spend less out of pocket, I should be thinking differently.
I should have purchased the KY Jelly and Excedrin first, as a separate transaction, giving me $12.49 in ECB to use for another transaction. That total would have been $17.48 +tax. This would have given me a total of $17.49 in ECB. Then I should have paid for the rest of my purchases in another transaction since I was not getting anymore ECB. That total would have been $18.78 +tax which would have given me an out of pocket expense of $1.29. My total for the trip would have been $18.77 +tax instead of $36.27. I know that next time I go to CVS, I will use those ECB and it will all even out, I am still disgusted that I didn't think it through better.
If you see a better way to have done this, please let me know. I am trying to figure this all out and it seems I have a short in my brain when it comes to CVS and saving money :)
1. I only did one transaction, when I should have done 2. In my defense, I was in a huge hurry and just wanted to get in and get out. Lesson learned: don't go to CVS, or anywhere you want to save money, when you are in a hurry.
2. I didn't use all of my Extra Care Bucks. I was thinking that I would save them because it will all even out in the end. Lesson learned: using your ECB means less out of pocket spent during each trip.
Here's what I bought:
3 Softsoap hand soap $1 each ($1-coupon)
2 Palmolive (10 oz) $.97 each
8-pack Bounty Basic $5.99 ($1-coupon)
Vaseline lotion $2.99 ($1-coupon)
Electrosol Tabs $2.99 ($2.50-coupon)
2 Progressive soup $3.19 (bogo) (2 - $1.10-coupons)
2 Kleenex Antiviral $2.39 (bogo)
2 CVS dry sweep clothes $3.99 (bogo)
Excedrin 10ct $2.49 ($2.49 in ECB)
KY Jelly $19.99 ($5-coupon) ($10 in ECB)
Total: $48.96 before coupons
I had $13.70 in coupons so I spent a total of $36.27 including tax. I also got $12.49 back in ECB and I already had $5 in ECB that I didn't use.
I was thinking that it will all even out in the end, which is true, but if I'm trying to spend less out of pocket, I should be thinking differently.
I should have purchased the KY Jelly and Excedrin first, as a separate transaction, giving me $12.49 in ECB to use for another transaction. That total would have been $17.48 +tax. This would have given me a total of $17.49 in ECB. Then I should have paid for the rest of my purchases in another transaction since I was not getting anymore ECB. That total would have been $18.78 +tax which would have given me an out of pocket expense of $1.29. My total for the trip would have been $18.77 +tax instead of $36.27. I know that next time I go to CVS, I will use those ECB and it will all even out, I am still disgusted that I didn't think it through better.
If you see a better way to have done this, please let me know. I am trying to figure this all out and it seems I have a short in my brain when it comes to CVS and saving money :)
Monday, February 2, 2009
Cheddar Chicken Chowder
I was just reading about Lynn's version of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup, at LifeasMom.com, and I want to post a soup recipe myself.
Cheddar Chicken Chowder
2 slices bacon
cooking spray
1lb boneless/skinless chicken (cut into bite size pieces)
1C chopped onion
1C diced red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 1/2C chicken broth
1 3/4C diced potatoes
2 1/4C frozen corn
1/2C flour
2C milk
3/4C shredded cheddar cheese
1/2tsp salt
1/4tsp pepper
Cook bacon, in a dutch oven coated with cooking spray, until crisp. Remove bacon from pan. Crumble and set aside. Add chicken, onion, pepper and garlic to bacon fat in the pan. Saute 5 minutes. Add broth and potatoes and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add corn, stir well. Place flour in a bowl. Gradually add milk, whisking until blended. Add to soup. Cook over medium heat 15 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Top with crumbled bacon.
This soup is amazing! It's thick and creamy, perfect for a cold, rainy (or snowy) night. It didn't take that long to make, either. I would serve this with a small salad (I have a great recipe for a BLT chicken salad that would make perfect use of the rest of the pack of bacon) but it is also a great, light lunch on it's own. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Cheddar Chicken Chowder
2 slices bacon
cooking spray
1lb boneless/skinless chicken (cut into bite size pieces)
1C chopped onion
1C diced red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 1/2C chicken broth
1 3/4C diced potatoes
2 1/4C frozen corn
1/2C flour
2C milk
3/4C shredded cheddar cheese
1/2tsp salt
1/4tsp pepper
Cook bacon, in a dutch oven coated with cooking spray, until crisp. Remove bacon from pan. Crumble and set aside. Add chicken, onion, pepper and garlic to bacon fat in the pan. Saute 5 minutes. Add broth and potatoes and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add corn, stir well. Place flour in a bowl. Gradually add milk, whisking until blended. Add to soup. Cook over medium heat 15 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Top with crumbled bacon.
This soup is amazing! It's thick and creamy, perfect for a cold, rainy (or snowy) night. It didn't take that long to make, either. I would serve this with a small salad (I have a great recipe for a BLT chicken salad that would make perfect use of the rest of the pack of bacon) but it is also a great, light lunch on it's own. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
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