Use Your Cents

Menu Planning Monday

2009-11-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

Each week Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie hosts Menu Plan Monday. Visit her site for lots of delicious meal ideas. Here's what we're having:

Sunday: Crescent Chicken Squares and green beans
Monday: Grilled shrimp on angel hair pasta
Tuesday: Leftover night
Wednesday: Stouffer's Skillet Meal (these were on sale at Publix; with my coupon it was $1.50)
Thursday: BONKO (E and J are having Progresso soups and grilled cheese sandwiches)
Friday: Grilled hot dogs and mashed potatoes
Saturday: Baked chicken, collard greens, and corn

Publix Trip

2009-11-16T05:26:00.000-08:00

Here's what I got:

(2) Stouffer's Easy Express Skillet Meals: Regular price $4.99 each x 2 = $9.98, on sale BOGO + used $1 Q x 2 = $2.99 ($1.50 each)
(1) Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Frozen Veggies: Regular price $2.39, on sale BOGO + used $0.40 Q, Publix doubled = $0.40
(1) Publix jumbo meat franks = $1.99, this week's penny item = $0.01
(2) Progresso canned soups: Regular price $2.29 each x 2 = $4.58, on sale BOGO + used $0.50/2 Q, Publix doubled = $1.29 ($0.65 each)
(2) Chex Mix: Regular price $2.50 each x 2 = $5.00, on sale for $1.67 each + used $0.50 Q x 2 + Target $0.50 Q x 2 = $0.34 ($0.17 per bag)
(3) Kellogg's cereals: Regular price $3.99 x 3 = 11.97, on sale BOGO + used Target $1.00 Q x 3 = 2.99 ($1.00 each)
(2) Betty Crocker frosting: Regular price $1.89 x 2 = $3.78, on sale BOGO + used $0.50 Q x 2, Publix doubled = -$0.10 ($-0.05 each)
(3) Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper: Regular price $1.99 x 3 = $5.97, on sale BOGO + used $0.75/3 Q = $2.24 (0.75 each)
(2) Juicy Juice 64 oz: Regular price $3.65 x 2 = $7.30, on sale BOGO + used $1 Q = $2.65 ($1.32 each)

Total Regular Price: $52.96 + tax
Total OOP: $12.81 + tax
for a savings of: $40.15

Weeknight Taco Casserole

2009-11-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

I love anything taco related, and this taco casserole is at the top of my list of quick and easy weeknight favorites. I've even included some shortcuts to make it an even quicker meal!

Weeknight Taco Casserole

1 lb. ground beef
1 package of taco seasoning
1 15 oz. can of refried beans
1 can of whole kernel corn, drained (this ingredient is optional)
2 cups of shredded cheese (I use the Mexican mixed cheeses)
1 cup of salsa (whatever intensity you desire)
3/4 cup of sour cream
1 small can of sliced black olives
tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 350. While the oven is warming, brown your ground beef. To save time, you may do this in the microwave for about 6 minutes. Drain and add taco seasoning. Cover the bottom of a 9" x 13" pan with tortilla chips. Heat refried beans and corn in the microwave until warm. Combine bean and corn mixture with salsa, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Spread over the top of the chips. Cover with ground beef, then remaining shredded cheese, and top with black olives. Heat in oven until cheese melts, which is about 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!!

Fall Decor for $4

2009-11-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

Rebekah at Wild Ink made this awesome wreath! I am so impressed and hoping I can make one that looks at least half this good! I wanted to share this with you all, since this is a great project for decorators on a budget! If anyone attempts this, I would love to see pics. Hopefully, I'll have a few free minutes next week to work on mine!

Thanks you, Rebekah for allowing me to share this with my readers!

Best Publix Deals!

2009-11-04T05:52:00.000-08:00

Let me start by encouraging you to sign up for Publix FamilyStyle magazine. It is a FREE quarterly publication that will be mailed to your home with extra coupons!

Now with the best deals from this week's ad:

Betty Crocker Brownie or Cookie Bar Mixes: BOGO $2.59, combine with $0.50/2 coupon printable from Betty Crocker's website, Publix doubles, making this $1.59 for 2
Land O Lakes Spread, 2 ct, 7.5 oz or 15 oz tub, or Pure and Creamy Margarine, 15 oz tub: BOGO $1.89, combine with $1/2 coupon from 10/18 SS, making this $0.89 for 2
Nestle Toll House Morsels Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Real, Mini-Real or Chunks, or Butterscotch, Milk Chocolate, or Premier White, 11 to 12 oz bag: BOGO $2.50, combine with $0.50 coupons from Sunday (11/1) RP, Publix doubles, making these $0.25 per bag!!!!! GREAT DEAL!!!!
Barilla Pasta, 13.25 to 16 oz box, (except Barilla Plus & Lasagna): BOGO $1.43 = $0.72 per box
General Mills Cereal Cheerios, Cocoa Puffs, or Trix, 8.9 to 11.8 oz box, Chex Cereals, 12.8 to 14 oz box: BOGO $3.49, combine with $1/2 Target printable coupon, and $1/2 coupon from 11/1 SS, making these $1.49 for two boxes!
Betty Crocker Potatoes, 4.6 to 6.6 oz box: BOGO $1.73, combine with $0.40 coupons printable at coupons.com, Publix doubles, making these $0.07 Each!!
Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough Ultimates or Mini Chocolate Chip or Cookie Mix, 15 or 16.5 oz pkg: BOGO $3.47, combine with $1 coupons from 11/1 RP, making these $1.47 for two or $0.74 each!!!!
Nestle Coffee-mate Non-Dairy Creamer Chilled: Original, Low Fat or Fat Free, 32 oz, BOGO $2.65, combine with $0.50 coupons from 11/1 RP, Publix doubles making this $0.65 for two!!!

There are lots of other great deals, but I thought these were the best!

Deals you don't wanna miss!

2009-11-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

I got some great deals at Walgreens today and thought I would share!
Here was my transaction:

Gillette Body Wash: Regularly $5.99, on sale for $4.00
Gillette Deodorant: Regularly $8.99, on sale for $4.00
Almay One Coat Mascara: Regularly $6.99, on sale BOGO
Almay One Coat Mascara: Regularly $6.99, on sale BOGO

If you have Sunday's paper (11/1), there is a coupon for a free Gillette body wash with the purchase of a deodorant, as well as a coupon for $1 off the deodorant! That makes it $3 for both of those products + you earn a $2 RR = $0.50 each!!

For the Almay, there is a $4 coupon in the Walgreen's November book at the front of the stores. It takes the $4 off each tube, so you actually make $1 when you get two tubes!!

For all four items, I paid $1.99 + tax and got back $2 RR!!!!

Publix Penny Item

2009-11-01T19:31:00.001-08:00

The Publix penny item is Publix peanut butter!!
Spend $10 and get the peanut butter for a penny! Great to stock up for holiday baking!!

Old Navy Costume Craze

2009-10-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Haven't found a Halloween costume yet? Check out this awesome deal from Old Navy for $2 costumes. Even if you already have one for this year, you could stock up for next year!!

4 Cent Prints!!!

2009-10-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

If you need to catch up on your photo printing, Winkflash is offering $0.04 prints for the first 100 prints on each order! That's $4.00 for 100 pictures, which i think is a pretty hot deal! The coupon code is TREAT09 and can be used multiple times. This deal expires November 5th, so hurry on over to www.winkflash.com!

Back in the swing of it!

2009-10-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while. If you remember, I quit my job in January to go to nursing school full time. For the first 7 or 8 months, nursing school consumed a great portion of days. Projects, studying, clinicals, combined with a toddler, being director of a Sunday school class, and taking care of my daily household duties didn't leave much time for blog world. Surprisingly, this semester things have slowed down tremendously. So back to blogging for me!

I have been trying to save all the while, but I haven't been able to share with you until now!! So here's so things I found this week:

CVS:

Mennen Speed Stick Deodorant: Sale price $2.49, earns $1 ECB, combine with $0.75 coupon from 9/27 SS making it $0.74
Gillette Fusion, Venus Embrace, orSpa Breeze Razor (excluding disposables): Sale price $9.99, earns $5 ECB, combine with $4.00 coupon from 9/27 PG making it $0.99
Dove body products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, etc.): Spend $20, earns $10 ECB, most of the Dove products are on sale and can be combined with coupons to get some great deals if you love Dove!

Walgreens:

Fiber Choice or Beano 12ct: Sale price $2.49, earns $2.49 RR = FREE
Robitussin To Go: Sale price $2.49, earns $2.49 RR = FREE
Chapstick Fresh Effect: Sale price $2.99, earns $3 RR = FREE
Ducolax Balance: Sale price $7.00, earns $4 RR = $3.00 + click here for an additional $3 coupon, making it FREE + a $5 mail in rebate!!! You can actually make $5 on this deal!
Vaseline Sheer Infusion Body Lotion: Sale price $6.99, earns $7 RR = FREE + combine with $1 coupon from 10/18 newspaper coupon to make $1 profit!
Halls Sugar Free Cough Drops: Sale price $1.00, combine with $0.35 coupon from 9/27 SS making these $0.65

Publix:

Fresh Express Salad Blends, Assorted Varieties, BOGO $3.99, combine with $0.55/2 coupon from 10/4 SS = $1.72 each
Perdue Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets, Chicken Tenders, or Breaded Chicken Nuggets Fun Shapes, 12-oz pkg., BOGO $4.39, combine with $1 MQ from 10/18 RP or you can print $1.00 coupons at www.redplum.com = $1.20 each!
Mueller’s Pasta, Assorted Varieties, 12 or 16-oz box or 100% Natural Whole Wheat Pasta, (Excluding Lasagna and Jumbo Shells), BOGO $1.39, combine with $0.55 coupons from www.muellershealth.com = $0.15 per box!
Luzianne Family Size Tea Bags, Original or Green Tea, 24-ct box, BOGO $2.29 = $1.16 each
Bull’s-Eye Barbecue Sauce, Assorted Varieties, 18-oz bot, BOGO $2.00 = $1.00 each
Shedd’s Spread Country Crock Regular or Churn Style, 15-oz tub or Twin Pack, 2-pk, 7.5-oz tub, BOGO $1.89, combine with $0.30 coupon from 9/20 RP, Publix doubles coupon making this $0.35 each!
Breakstone Sour Cream, All Natural, REduced Fat, or Fat Free, 8-oz cup, BOGO $.99 = $0.50 each!
Glass Plus Glass & Multi-Surface Cleaner, 32-oz bottle, BOGO $2.49, click here for $1.00 printable coupon = $0.25 each!

Happy shopping!!

The Gray Bakery

2009-03-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Despite the 4,000 things I do on a typical day, I have turned our house into a bakery! Not really, but it feels like it. I've made three cakes, two veggie trays, homemade ranch dip, and the list goes on. I have fallen in love with Paula Deen's Simply Delicious Strawberry Cake and made it for two different parties this week. Most of her recipes are fairly easy to make, and usually make their way to my table quite frequently. The second time I made it this week, I had an icing catastrophe. It was very runny, but still tasted delicious. I'm not sure why, but I have yet to take a picture of this cake.

The other cake I made was a test run of Jaxson's birthday cake. I baked a two-layer yellow cake and did a crumb layer of homemade chocolate buttercream icing. Next, I covered the cake with homemade fondant icing. It was my first time making both of those icings, and I was so excited at how they turned out! Here's a picture of my test cake.

Awards!!

2009-03-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

I got two awards (despite my lack of postings recently)!! Talk about excited! I am on Spring Break this week, and I have lots to blog about!

But first, here are the awards I got:

This is from my reader at Cheap By Choice. Stop by and check out her blog!
I have to tell 7 things I like and pass the award to 7 blogs.
Seven things I like:
1. Spending time with my family
2. Cooking/Baking
3. Saving money
4. Scrapbooking
5. Dancing and exercising
6. Being outdoors
7. New clothes :)

Seven blogs:
1. Sugar and Spice: Celeste is always posting delicious recipes to try!
2. Cents To Get Debt-Free: Phoebe has some awesome advice for helping you set and reach financial goals!
3. Fabulously Frugalicious: Trina posts on a variety of topics, from saving to crafts, she always has something fun for her readers!
4. FiddleDeeDee: Sarah is always on top of the deals at Publix. If I haven't had time to scope out the ad, I always check out her site!
5. Organizing Junkie: Laura will help you find ways to get and keep your life organized. She also hosts Menu Plan Monday each week!
6. Jane4girls $800 Annual Budget: I am always intrigued by the different solutions and suggestions I find on here to save money!
7. The Saving Momma: I love to see all the deals that she posts each week! She has lots of pictures to give her readers a view of what she gets with her money!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-03-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan Monday is hosted each week by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie. Check out her site for more menu ideas. Here's what we're eating this week:

Sunday: Dinner at church
Monday: Pizza night
Tuesday: Coconut chicken with apricot dipping sauce, garlic butter pasta
Wednesday: Pork roast and sauerkraut
Thursday: REPEAT Thursday (our leftover night)
Friday: White Chicken Chili with tortilla chips
Saturday: Birthday party

Have you had your break today?

2009-03-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

Got lunch plans? For those who like to eat out for lunch once a week, McDonald's is offering a cheaper option. I'm not necessarily a McDonald's advocate, but a $0.49 burger is definitely worth the mention!

That's right! Every Friday through April 24, McDonald's will serve $0.49 hamburgers and $0.59 cheeseburgers! Check with your location to make sure they're participating, because some stores are running the deal on Tuesdays.

Eat up!

Publix Deals 2/25 - 3/3

2009-02-24T18:42:00.000-08:00

There are some great deals at Publix this week! Here's what I found especially notable:

Mueller's Pasta: BOGO $1.49 (or $0.75 for one), may be some $0.55/2 MQ in 1/4 = $0.94 for two!
Classico Pasta Sauce: BOGO $2.39 (or $1.20 each)
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner: BOGO $1.99 (or $1.00 each)
Kellogg's Smart Start, Raisin Bran, or Corn Flakes cereals: BOGO $3.99 (or $2 each) $1.50/2 MQ from 1/18 RP = $2.49 for two!
Quaker Cap'n Crunch Cereal: BOGO $4.49 (or $2.25 each) $1/2 MQ from 1/4 SS = $3.49 for two!
Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix or Dessert Bar Mix: BOGO $2.69 (or $1.35 each), $0.75/2 MQ in 2/8 SS = $1.94 for two!
Del Monte Tomatoes: BOGO $1.39 (or $0.70 each), use $0.40 MQ from 2/8 RP, Publix doubles making this FREE with $0.10 overage!!!
Kellogg's Pop Tarts: BOGO $2.39 (or $1.20 each), there is a $1/2 printable coupon on Target's website making these $1.39 for two!!
Green Giant Canned Veggies: BOGO $1.29 (or $0.65 each)
Lipton Tea Bags: BOGO $3.79 (or $1.90 each), use $0.60 coupon from 1/18 RP = $1.30 each
Hormel Canned Chicken Breast: BOGO $3.39 (or $1.70 each)
Pam Cooking Spray: BOGO $3.39 (or $1.70 each), use $0.35 MQ from 1/18 SS, Publix doubles making this $1.00 each
Doritos Chips: BOGO $3.99 (or $2.00 each)
Keebler Right Bite Cookies: BOGO $3.19 (or $1.60 each)
Sunshine Cheez-It Crackers: BOGO $3.19 (or $1.60 each)
Kellogg's Special K Snack Crackers: BOGO $3.19 (or $1.60 each)
Kashi TLC Crackers: BOGO $3.19 (or $1.60 each), there is a $1 printable coupon from Target's website making these $0.60 per box!
Planter's Peanuts: BOGO $2.89 (or $1.45 each)
Keebler Town House crackers or Club crackers: BOGO $3.99 (or $2.00 each)
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (tub, spread, spray): BOGO $2.39 (or $1.20 each), use $0.40 MQ from 1/18 RP, Publix doubles making this $0.40 each!
Green Giant Frozen Veggies: BOGO $3.49 (or $1.75 each), $0.40 MQ in 1/4, Publix doubles making these $0.95 each!
Dove Ice Cream: BOGO $3.19 (or $1.60 each)
Bird's Eye Voila Meal: BOGO $4.99 (or $2.50 each), use $1 printable coupon from www.coupons.com makes these $1.50 each!
Lysol All Purpose Cleaner: BOGO $3.19 (or $1.60 each), use $0.50 coupon from 1/4 SS, Publix doubles making these $0.60 each!
Spray 'N' Wash: BOGO $4.79 (or $2.40 each) $0.75 printable coupon on Home Solution News website makes these $1.65 each!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-02-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan Monday is hosted each week by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie. Check out her site for more menu ideas. Here's what we're eating this week:

Sunday: Leftover roast, potatoes, carrots and green beans
Monday: Crescent chicken squares and black-eyed peas
Tuesday: Cheesy fiesta rice dish with Mexican cornbread
Wednesday: Lemon pepper chicken, Italian potatoes, green beans
Thursday: BUNKO night!!!
Friday: Pizza night
Saturday: Asian Stirfry

January Goals Review

2009-02-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I told you guys I would update you on my 2009 goals at the end of each month, to help keep myself accountable. Here's where I stand at the end of January:

Spiritually

To set aside specific time alone with God each day, in prayer (I'm not exactly where I want to be. I want to spend good, quality time with God, and I don't feel like I do it enough)
To read through the entire Bible in 2009; I have made this easier on myself by purchasing a copy of The One Year Bible that our church was selling recently. It has daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. (I'm enjoying this so far! There is some really good information in there that I haven't read before!)
To keep up with my prayer notebook, to make sure I'm specifically praying for each prayer request (I'm not doing so good on this... I was off to a great start, but not so much anymore. Definitely starting over for February!)
Put my full faith in God and know that He will not fail me! (I have definitely had to do this!)
Pray for our government and nation on a daily basis

Financially

Continue to contribute no less than $15 weekly to our high interest savings account (We are still doing this.)
Continue to pay an additional $30 per month towards my car note (Honestly, I can't remember, and I don't have the bank statement in front of me.)
Keep grocery budget at or below $50 weekly = $2,600 yearly (A+ in this area, I'm actually thinking about lowering it to $45, but we shall see!)
Find a carpool buddy for my school commute, if possible (Not yet. I have found several people who live in my general area, but we all have kids to pick up, so it hasn't worked out just yet)
Find a part-time job that I love :) and that works with my school schedule, and possibly offers tuition reimbursement (I've applied for many, but no response just yet!)
Reduce my cell phone plan to a lower plan, since I don't need the internet on it anymore! (I'm doing this tonight!)
Sell my used nursing books online to earn money back (It's not time for this yet.)
Create an efficient method for organizing coupons (Yay! This is done! My coupons are all neatly organized alphabetically in baseball card sheets in my binder!)
Donate any unused items to a charitable organization on a monthly basis (I contacted Jessie's Place to begin donating to them, as well as volunteering there a few times a month. I have to attend an orientation before I can begin.)
Track all money spent and saved (We're doing pretty good at this but not perfect. Sometimes I have trouble keeping track of the cash... still working on this!)

HOME

Paint kitchen and hallway (Not yet!)
Keep pantry organized throughout the year (So far, so good)
Adhere to the cleaning schedule we've created (Okay, cleaning schedules don't work with nursing school schedules. You just clean every morning and afternoon that you have a chance. I don't let dirty dishes pile up in the sink or anything nasty like that, but we'll just say I don't dust every day!)
Create my own area in the office for couponing and studying (So my area is in the living room, sue me!)
Purchase stockpile of toilet paper, paper towels, and other everyday items and designate a place for their storage (Got a pretty good stockpile going. And we've designated two storage areas!)
Purchase food staples for stockpile and designate a place for their storage (Got a good stockpile of food going too and have a spot designated for it!)
Watch no more than 6 hours of television per week (We are loving this! Although, we just bought our converter box, and everything is crystal clear!)
Keep cars washed and maintained (Doing good with this.)
Paint front porch and front door (Not yet, maybe when it warms up)
Keep closets organized (Every closet is looking awesome except mine. But, my wonderfully organized friend, Stevie, is coming to help me tackle this on Friday. She took one look in there and was stunned; I'll have to post a before and after picture!)
Plant and maintain garden (and have successful growth!) (Not time yet)
Have at least one hour every night of play/family time (Loving this!)
Hang laundry to dry during warm months (Not warm yet!)
Maintain a weekly meal plan (Definitely slacking in this area! I'm going to start doing Menu Plan Monday again, to help me with this!)

Personal

Participate in at least one local mission ministry per quarter (the one's I'm thinking of so far are Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Jimmy Hale Missions, and a local event we have in our town) (Signed up for several. The first one is this month!)
Commit to a serious workout routine, involving cardiovascular and light weight training activities (Doing great with this! Working out has always made me feel so much better! )
Spend at least 6-8 hours each week studying for school (Yeah, there's no avoiding this! I have to do it!)
Arrive at least 10 minutes early for everything (this one might be a toughie!) (Doing good with this one so far. I usually get to school about 45 minutes early.)
Maintain my 4.0 GPA (The end of my first semester is in May, so we'll see!)
Become happier with my appearance (Still working on this one, but getting better!)
Do not take things to heart; this is hard for me sometimes especially when I think someone is blatantly being mean (God definitely put me to the test on this one! But I know He helped me handle the situation, and I'm continuing to pray about it!)
Update my blog on every one to two days (for my readers!) (This one has been tougher than I thought!)
Wrap all birthday presents for children in wrapping paper (no gift bags) (So far, so good!!)
Have all Christmas presents purchased no later than December 4, 2009 (Doesn't apply yet)
Read at least one non-school-related book per month (I'm almost through reading C.J. Mahaney's Cross Centered Life)
Have a date night every month (with my spouse!); this can be a pizza and movie rental night, just so long as we have a date night (We had a wonderful date night at the movies a few weeks ago!)
Practice random acts of kindness (I love this! I gave two ladies at Walmart some extra coupons I had for items they were purchasing, and they were so excited!)

I'll post another update at the end of this month! How are you sticking to your goals?

So what do all those abbreviations mean?

2009-01-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

I get this question a lot. So, if you're wondering what a MQ is, this blog might be for you. Let me know if you have any other questions that I might not have addressed.

OOP = Out of pocket (how much I spend)
RR = Register Reward (it is like a gift certificate that prints out at the end of your receipt; Example: Colgate toothpast is $2.99 at Walgreens this week, but you will get a $2 register reward that prints out with your receipt. The idea is to roll your rewards and use them to buy stuff that generates more register rewards; you can use them on the same day and do multiple transactions or save them for your next visit, depending on what all your want to buy.)
MQ = Manufacturer's coupon (can be found in newspaper inserts, may come in mail, etc. ex: $2 MQ from 12/14 SS means a $2 coupon that can be found in the SmartSaver insert from the 12/14 paper) I don't clip coupons. I take out all the coupon inserts from each week's paper. They are together in a booklet form and there are usually two each week. I write the date in black marker on the front of each insert and file them in order. Then, when I need one I clip it. That way I don't have to spend hours clipping each Sunday and then hours looking for coupons each week! This method just works best for me.
ESR = EasySaver Rebate (this is a Walgreens thing; each month Walgreens prints a catalog of deals that are free, or earn additional rebates; You can match these with manufacturer's coupons for an even bigger deal; then, every time you make an eligible purchase, you enter your receipt number on their website and at the end of the month, you cash them all in. You can choose to get a check or a Walgreens gift card. If you opt for the Walgreens gift card, they add an additional 10% to your rebate!! )
ESQ = EasySaver coupon (these are the coupons that are found in the EasySaver catalog; you can combine these coupons with manufacturer's coupons for an even bigger deal! You can use one store coupon and one manufacturer's coupon per item. Example: a few weeks ago Walgreens had Garnier Fructis shampoo on sale for $2.99; I combined with a $2 EasySaver coupon from the catalog and $1 manufacturer's coupon from the paper and got shampoo for free!)
IVC = The same thing as an ESQ. These terms are used interchangeably. I try to stick to ESQ, but occassionally I'll use this.
GC = Gift card (I get my gift cards from different places. My Walgreens gift cards are usually from filing my EasySaver Rebates for each month, and my CVS gift cards are usually from my bank. Our debit card is a rewards card. Essentially, our bank rewards us everytime we spend our money.)
ECB = Extra Care Bucks (similar to RR, but these are only found at CVS; they are rewards that print out with your receipt. Example: Spend $20 on Pepsi, and you will earn $10 ECB. You spend $20 and you get a $10 gift certificate, so to speak, to use on your next purchase. The way this differs from Walgreens is you have to have a CVS ExtraCare card. It's free, and you can apply in stores. This is essential!!!)
IP = internet printable coupon (coupon that can be found online and printed from your computer.)
SS = Smart Source (that just means that a coupon came from the Smart Source insert of the paper; if you look in the upper left corner of the coupon inserts from your paper, you should see one that says Smart Source)
RP = Red Plum (the other insert in your Sunday paper; it says Red Plum on it)
PG = Proctor % Gamble or P & G (the Proctor & Gamble insert from Sunday papers; it is usually only in the paper the first Sunday of each month, but may vary; it has coupons for Proctor & Gamble products)
Blinkie = a coupon that is in one of those machines in the grocery store, it usually has a red blinking light and says, "take one" or "try me".

Hopefully, this will help you get started on the money saving track!!

My Weekly Deals (Total Spent = $16)

2009-01-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

I made my weekly trip today. Here's what I got:

Stop #1: Walgreens

Red Baron Pizzas x 4: Reg. price $5.09 x 4 = $20.36, sale for $2.50 x 4 = $10.00, used two MQ for $1/2 from 1/11 SS = $2.00 x 4 = $8.00
Colgate Total Fresh Toothpaste: Reg. price $3.29, marked down to $1.79, used $1 MQ= $0.79

Colgate 2 in 1 Toothpaste: Reg. price $3.29, marked down to $1.79, used $1.50 MQ = $0.29

Edge Energy Shaving Gel: Reg. price $3.29, used Walgreen's Q from weekly ad = $1.99, used Walgreens $1 Q from EasySaver Catalog = $0.99

Regular Price: $30.23 + $3.02 (tax) = $32.25
After Sales and Coupons: $10.07
Paid with RR = $10

Total OOP = $0.07 + $1.56 (tax) = $1.63
Earned $2 RR for next visit

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stop #2: CVS

Gillette Shampoo x 5: Reg. $5.99 x 5 = $29.95, sale for $4.99 x 5 = $24.95, used 5 MQ for $2 each = $14.95

Dove Soap: Reg. $1.49, sale for $0.99 (my $1 MQ didn't work, so I had to pay for this)

Regular Price: $31.44 + $3.14 (tax) = $34.58
After Sales and Coupons: $15.94
Paid with ECBs = $12.58

Total $3.36 + $1.34 (tax) = $4.70 paid with gift card
Total OOP = $0.00
Earned $15 ECB for next visit

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Stop #3: Publix

Tyson chicken nuggets: Reg. $6.59, sale for $4.99
Jolly Time popcorn x 3: Reg. $1.99 x 3 = $5.97, sale for $1.00 x 3 = $3.00, used 3 MQ for $0.50, Publix doubled = FREE
Publix margarine: Reg. $0.89
Maxwell House coffee: Reg. $3.89, sale for $2.50
Ronzoni Pasta x 2: Reg. $1.39 x 2 = $2.78, BOGO sale = $1.39 for 2
Halls Cough Drops: Reg. $1.81, sale for $0.91, used $0.50 MQ, Publix doubled = FREE + $0.09 overage
Texas Toast Croutons: Reg. $1.49, used $0.50 MQ, Publix doubled = $0.49
Publix Big Roll paper towels: Reg. $1.34, penny item = $0.01
Daisy Sour Cream (16 oz): Reg. $1.94, sale for $1.67, used $0.50 MQ, Publix doubled = $0.67
Capri Sun drinks: Reg. $2.69, sale for $2.00
Rotel Tomatoes: Reg. $1.23, sale for $0.62
L'oreal Vive Pro Shampoo x 2: Reg. $4.99 x 2 = $9.98, sale for $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, used $4/2 coupon from Walgreens EasySaver Catalog and 2 MQ for $1 each = FREE + $0.02 overage
Juicy Juice x 2: Reg. $3.49 x 2 = $6.98, BOGO sale = $3.49 for 2, used $0.50/2 MQ, Publix doubled = $2.49 for 2
Little Debbie Snack Cakes: Reg. $1.79
Used $5/$25 Piggly Wiggly coupon

Regular Price: $45.88 + $4.13 = $50.01
Total OOP after sales and coupons = $12.73 + $1.64 (tax) = $14.37

Total saving for today's trips = $100.84

CVS and Walgreens Weekly Deals!

2009-01-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here are the deals I thought were pretty good for this week!

CVS: January 25-31

They will be running the Pepsi special again. Spend $20, get $10 ECB!

Revlon Makeup will be BOGO on Sunday and Monday only!

Russell Stover Chocolate will be $3.99 on Sunday and Monday only!

Lysol cleaners (select) on sale 2/$5

Wisk laundry detergent on sale 2/$9 and earns $2 ECB = 2/$7, combine with $1.50/2 MQ from 1/18 RP = 2/$5.50!

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Bags are BOGO.

Ivory soap 3 pack = $0.99

Almay makeup earns $5 ECB when you buy $10 worth, there is a $1 MQ in the 1/11 SS

Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara is $6.99 and earns $2 ECB = $4.99, combine with $1 MQ from 1/18 RP

Huggies products earn $5 ECB when you buy $20 worth; the products will be on sale, and there are lots of coupons floating around for this stuff.

Venus Razors on sale for $7.99 and earn $4 ECB, combine with the $4 coupon = FREE

Advil, Dimetapp, and Robitussin earn $5 ECB when you buy $15 worth. All three of these have coupons in recent papers.

Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergent is BOGO.

Head and Shoulders, Pantene, and Gillette Shampoo is on sale for $4.99 and earns $3 ECB = $1.99, there are coupons for all three of these out there!

Gold Emblem Spices are $0.88 each.

Craig Digital Converter Box will be $40 (free with government issued coupon) on Sunday and Monday only!

Walgreens: January 25-31

Red Baron Pizzas are 2/$5, combine with $1/2 MQ from 1/11 SS = $2 each!

Spring Water 24-pack, use coupon in Walgreens weekly ad for $2.99

Tide Laundry Detergent is on sale for $5.99, combine with $1 MQ from 12/14 P&G makes this $4.99

Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color or Root Perfector, use coupon from Walgreens ad for $1.99!

White Castle Cheeseburgers or Tyson Anytizers snacks are 2/$7, there will be a $0.50 MQ in this Sunday's paper for White Castle, and there are lots of coupons for the Tyson snacks most recently they were in last weeks paper

Lay's Chips are BOGO

Pringles are $0.99 a can, and there will be a $0.30/3 MQ this Sunday's paper = $0.89 each when you buy 3

Cheez-It crackers are on sale for $1.99

Quaker Oats (large 42 oz can) is $2.49, some areas got a $0.60 MQ in their 1/4 paper

Kraft Deluxe Mac and Cheese Dinner or Velveeta Shells and Cheese will be 2/$3

Royal Instant Pudding 4/$1 with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad

Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato soups are $0.69 each with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad, you can combine with coupons from the 1/4 or 1/11 SS inserts (coupons vary depending on area)

Bush's baked beans (16 oz can) are $0.99 with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad

Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip (32 oz) are on sale for $2.99, combine with $0.75 MQ from 1/18 SS = $2.24!

Wrigley's Gum (3-pack) including Orbit and Eclipse are 2/$3

Deerfield Farms cookies on sale for $0.99

Ultra Alkaline batteries (16-pack) on sale for $5.99

Walgreens brand cleaning products are BOGO

Ajax dish liquid is BOGO with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad

Reynold's Aluminum Foil is $0.89 with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad

Maybelline lip and nail products are BOGO

L'oreal HiP line is all BOGO, one scenario would be to buy two of the metallic duo eyeshadows which are $6.99 each, one would be free, combine with 2 MQ for $2.00 each from 1/4 RP = $2.99 for two eyeshadow duos!

Degree, Dove, and Ban deodorants are all $1.99 with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad

Edge and Skintimate Shave gels are $1.99 with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad

Walgreens bar soap 3/$1 with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad

Walgreens medicines (many) are on sale BOGO

Carefree Pantiliners are $0.99 with coupon from Walgreens weekly ad, there are $1 MQ you can also use (found in many magazines and the 1/4 RP) making this FREE!

Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Cap 'n Crunch, and Fruit Loops are all $1.99, combine with $1 MQ from 12/14 RP = $0.99!!

Colgate Toothpastes are $2.99 and earn $2 RR = $0.99 and there are tons of coupons out there almost every week that would make them $0.25 or FREE

There are lots of other deals from both stores, but these are the deals I thought my readers might want be especially interested in. I hope this helps you get your deals ready!!!

My Walgreens Makeup Trip

2009-01-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

I needed some eyeliner yesterday, and I had some time to kill, so where to head but Walgreens!
They had lots of their makeup on clearance, along with shampoo, hairbrushes, etc. I have a couple of $10 RR, so I carefully made my selection. Here's what I got:

Scunci Ponytail Holders: Reg. $4.99, marked down to $1.69
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Makeup: Reg. $9.49
Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush: Reg. $7.49, all Maybelline was BOGO
Cover Girl Lipstick: Reg. $6.54, marked down to $1.79
Cover Girl Shine Lipstick: Reg. $6.54, marked down to $1.79
Prestige Precision Eyeliner: Reg. $4.99, marked down to $1.49

Regular Price: $40.04 + $3.60 (tax) = $43.64
After sales: $16.25
Used a coupon for $2.50 off any two Cover Girl products and a coupon for $3 off any Maybelline foundation = $10.75
Paid $10 RR

Total OOP: $0.75 + $1.46 (tax) = $2.21

Publix Deals 1/21-1/27

2009-01-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

It looks like Publix has some pretty good deals this week. Here's what I found worth mentioning:

Bertolli Pasta Sauce: BOGO = $1.40 each

Campbell's Chunky Soup: BOGO = $1.22 each, buy two and use $0.40/2 MQ from 12/14 SS, Publix doubles making this $1.64/2 or $0.82 each; if Campbell's Healthy Request Chunky is included, use $0.50/2 MQ from 1/4 SS, Publix doubles making it $1.44 for two or $0.72 each

Assorted Pork Chops: $1.99 lb.

Curly's Baked Beans 18oz tub: BOGO = $2.00 each

Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon: $3.00

Ball Park Beef Franks: $2.50

Hillshire Farms Deli Select Lunch Meats: $3.50, combine with $0.55 MQ from 1/4 RP = $2.95 each

Juicy Juice 64oz.: BOGO = $1.78 each, buy two and use $0.50/2 MQ from 1/4 SS, Publix doubles making this $2.56 for 2 or $1.28 each

Capri Sun 10-pk: $2.00

Chef Boyardee: $1.00, buy three and use $0.35/3 MQ from 1/4 SS, Publix doubles making this $2.30 for 3

Dole Fruit, Gel, or Parfait Bowls: BOGO = $1.35 each, use $0.55/1 Parfait MQ from 1/11 SS = $0.80, or use $0.75/2 Fruit or Gel Bowls from 1/11 SS = $1.94 for 2

Crystal Light: BOGO = $2.35 each, buy two and use $1/2 MQ printed from http://www.coupons.com/ = $3.69 for 2

Post Cereal: BOGO = $1.99 each, use $1/2 MQ from this coming Sunday's SS insert (1/25), will make this $2.97 for two ($1.49 each)

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Bars: BOGO = $1.85 each

McCormick Garlic Powder: BOGO = $1.50 each, combine with $0.25 MQ from 1/18 RP, Publix doubles = $1.00

Ronzoni Pasta: BOGO = $0.70 each

Uncle Ben's Rice: BOGO = $3.50 each, use $1.00 blinkies found in some Publix stores = $2.50 each

Maxwell House Coffee: $2.50 each

Kraft, Seven Seas, or Good Seasons dressing: BOGO = $1.52 each

A.1 Steak Sauce: BOGO = $1.84 each

Pace Chunky Salsa: BOGO = $1.40 each, buy 2 and use $0.75/2 MQ from 12/14 SS = $2.04 for two

Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn: BOGO = $2.50 each, combine with $1 MQ from December All You Magazine = $1.50, or use $1/2 coupon from Publix Advantage Flyer making this $4/2

Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies or Sandies: BOGO = $2.00 each

Doritos Chips: BOGO = $2.00 each

Nabisco Teddy Grahams, Honey Maid, Ritz Bitz, or Kraft Mac and Cheese Crackers: BOGO = $1.50 each

Entenmann's Pop'ems Glazed Donuts: BOGO = $2.00 each

Hershey's Kisses: BOGO = $2.75 each

Emerald Nuts: BOGO = $2.90 each, buy 2 and use $1.50/2 MQ from 1/11 SS = $4.29 for 2

Pillsbury Rolls: $1.67 each, $0.35 coupon almost every week, Publix doubles = $0.97 each

Klondike Bars or Ice Cream Sandwiches: $3.00

Red Baron Pizza: BOGO = $2.95 each, buy 2 and use $1/2 MQ from 1/11 SS = $4.91 for 2

Bryers Ice Cream: $3.50 each

Yoplait Yogurt: $0.50 each

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel: BOGO = $1.28 each, use $1.00 coupon printed from http://www.coupons.com/ = $0.28 each

L'Oreal Vive Hair Cair Products: $2.99 each, combine with Walgreens coupon, and $1 MQ from 1/4 RP

Aquafresh Toothpaste: BOGO = $1.30 each, use $0.75 MQ from 1/4 SS = $0.55

Speed Stick Deodorant: BOGO = $1.40 each

Halls Cough Drops: BOGO = $0.93 each, depending on which coupon you have, these could be very cheap or free! Coupons are in 1/11 SS

My Weekly CVS Deals:

2009-01-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

Here's what I got at CVS this weekend:

Transaction #1:

Pepsi Brand 12-packs x 7: Reg. $4.99 x 7 = $34.93, sale for $3 x 7 = $21.00, earns $10 ECBs

Regular Price = $34.93 + $2.10 (tax) = $37.03
After Sales and Coupons = $21.00
Paid with ECBs = $19.97
Subtotal = $1.03 + 0.06 (tax) = $1.09, paid with gift card
Total OOP = $0.00
Earned $10 ECBs for next visit and earned a $5/15 coupon!
________________________________

Transaction #2:

Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color: Reg. $9.99, sale for $5.99, used $2 MQ, earns $2 ECB
CVS 24-Hour Relief Allergy Pills x 2: Reg. $4.19 x 2 = $8.38, sale for $3.79 x 2 = $7.58, earns $3.79 ECBs each = $7.58
Dawn Dish Detergent x 2: Reg. $1.99 x 2 = $3.98, sale BOGO for $1.99, used 2 $0.50 MQ = $0.99 for two
American Greetings cards x 3: Reg. $0.99 x 3 = $2.97, earns $3 ECB

Regular Price = $25.32 + $1.52 (tax) = $26.84
After Sales and MQ = $15.53
Less $5/15 coupon = $10.53
Paid with ECB = $10.00
Subtotal = $0.53 + 0.21 (tax) = $0.74, paid with gift card
Total OOP = $0.00
Earned $12.58 ECBs for next visit

My Weekly Walgreens Deals

2009-01-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

Here's what I got a Walgreens this weekend:

Mauna Loa Chocolate Covered Macademia Nuts x 2: Reg. price $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, on sale 2/$4, used Instant Value Coupon (IVQ) from Walgreens catalog for $3/2, made my final price $1 for 2
Ziploc Bags x 2: Reg. $3.99 each x 2 = $7.98, sale 2/$5, used $1/2 MQ = $4/2
Skippy Peanut Butter x 6: Reg. $2.89 x 6 = $17.34, sale $1.99 x 6 = $11.94, used 5 MQ for $0.40 each = $2.00, making this $9.94 for 6
Ragu Spaghetti Sauce x 2: Reg. $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, sale for $1.99 x 2 = $3.98, used $0.50/2 MQ = $3.48 for 2

Regular Price = $37.28
After Sales and Coupons = $18.42
Used $10 RR from last week
Total OOP = $8.42 + $2.24 (tax) = $10.66
Earned $10 RR for next visit

My Publix Deals

2009-01-19T09:26:00.001-08:00

This weekend at Publix I got $106.04 worth of groceries for $46.81. Here's how I did it:

Tyson Quesadillas: Reg. $6.59, sale for $4.99
Birds Eye Steamfresh Meal for two: Reg. $6.99, sale for $4.99
Lender's Bagels: Reg. $2.09, sale for $1.05
Kashi Pizza: Reg. $5.99, sale for $2.99
Pringles 18-pack snack stacks: $6.49
Sour Cream x 2: Reg. $1.45 x 2 = $2.90, sale for $0.99 x 2 = $1.98
Jolly Time Popcorn: Reg. $1.99, sale for $1.00
Heluva Good Dip: Reg. $2.00, sale for $1.50
Banquet Brown 'N Serve Turkey Sausage x 3: Reg. $1.89 x 3 = $5.67, sale for $2.84 for 3
Bread: $1.69
Little Debbie Cakes: $1.79
Dominos Sugar: Reg. $2.99, sale for $1.99
Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins: Reg. $7.79, sale for $4.99
Kim and Scott's Stuffed Gourmet Pretzels: Reg. $4.99, sale for $2.50
Cheese Singles: $2.59
Mott's Apple Juice x 2: Reg. $2.59 x 2 = $5.18, sale for $2.59 for 2
Green Giant Boxed Veggies x 2: Reg. $1.75 x 2 = $3.50, sale for $1.00 x 2 = $2.00
Smucker's Preserves: Reg. $3.29, sale for $1.65
Mustard: $1.15
Lawry's Marinade: Reg. $2.85, sale for $1.43
Eggo Waffles x 2: Reg. $2.39 x 2 = $4.78, sale for $2.39 for 2
Quaker Oatmeal x 2: Reg. $3.75 x 2 = $7.50, sale for $3.75 for 2
Betty Crocker Muffin Mix: Reg. $2.59, sale for $1.30
Kashi Blackberry Cereal Bars: Reg. $3.89

Regular Price = $97.28 + $8.76 (tax) = $106.04
After Sales = $63.53 + $5.72 (tax) = $69.25

Coupons used:
-$5/25 purchase
-$2 Birds Eye Steamfresh Meals
-$1 Pringles (Publix Q)
-$1 Pringles (MQ)
-$0.50 Jolly Time Popcorn doubled = -$1.00
-$0.50 Heluva Good Dip doubled = -$1.00
-$1 Tyson
-$0.50/2 Green Giant doubled = -$1.00
-$0.35 Smuckers doubled = -$0.70
-$0.75 Kellogg's x 2 = -$1.50
-$1 Quaker Oatmeal x 2 = -$2.00
-$0.40 Betty Crocker Muffins doubled = -$0.80
-$3.79 Kashi Cereal Bar

Total coupons used = $21.79
Total OOP = $41.74 + $5.07 (tax) = $46.81

Summary from Week 2

2009-01-19T09:16:00.001-08:00

Here's my grocery summary from week 2, 2009:

Week 2:
Money Spent = $53.30
Money Saved = $138.90

YTD:
Remaining = $2,505.44
Money Saved = $307.31

What do I do with this stuff?

2009-01-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

People are always asking me if I buy things I don't use. Yes, I do buy many things I don't use, if they are very cheap. And if they're free or money maker item, you better believe I'll take them. I don't believe in cheating the system by having multiple cards to stores where the limit is one card per household. I follow the rules, so other people can get the deals too!

The next question people often have is what do I do with the things I don't use. First, I'll give the items to friends or family if I know they use certain things that I have. They will love you for this, and if you're lucky they might offer to buy your lunch or start saving the coupons from their paper for you!

One of my goals for 2009 is to donate unused items to charitable organizations each month. I'm planning to throw together at least two baskets, or totes, for men, two for women, and two for children each month to donate to local shelters. My desire is to be able to spend time with the people there each month, when I drop of my donations. I think it will be a very uplifting experience!

What do you guys think?
What do you do with your surplus?

Publix Weekly Deals

2009-01-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of the Publix deals that I thought were notable:

Publix salad blend: BOGO = $1.50 each
Tostitos Chips, or Salsa: BOGO = $2.50 each, there are $2 coupons taped to the top of the jars at many stores. You can purchase two bags of chips and a jar of salso for $5.47
Banquet Brown 'N Serve sausage links: BOGO = $0.95 each
Tyson Chicken Tenderloins: $4.99, combine with $1 MQ from 10/19 SS = $3.99
Hebrew National Kosher All Beef Franks: BOGO = $2.40 each
Pompeian Olive Oil: BOGO = $2.75, combine with $1 printable coupon = $1.75
Hellmann's Mayonnaise: BOGO = $2.53, combine with $0.60 coupon from 11/16 RP = $1.93
Smuckers's preserves, spread, jelly, jam or marmalade: BOGO = $1.69, combine with $0.50 MQ from 1/11 insert, Publix doubles = $0.69 each
Lawry's marinade: BOGO = $1.30 each
Quaker instant oatmeal: BOGO, combine with $1.35/2 MQ from 1/4 RP = $2.38 for two or $1.19 each
Duncan Hines Brownie Mix: BOGO = $1.30 each
Kellogg's Cereals (select): BOGO = $2.10, combine with $1/1 MQ from 12/14 RP = $1.10
Mueller's Pasta: BOGO = $0.75 each
Del Monte Canned Veggies: BOGO = $0.67 each
Mott's Apple Juice, Mott's for Tots, Plus Kid's Health or Plus Light: BOGO = $1.32, combine with $1 MQ from 12/7 SS = $0.32
Mott's Apple Sauce: $1.67 each
Nabisco Ritz Crackers: BOGO = $1.69 each
Publix Cookies: 2 for $4
Snickers, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, or Twix Bars 6 pack: BOGO = $2.15 each
Thomas' English Muffins: BOGO = $1.50
Publix Sour Cream: $0.99
I can't believe it's not butter: BOGO = $1.48each
Lender's Bagels: BOGO = $1.07 each
Yoplait Go-Gurt: BOGO = $1.51 each, combine with $0.35 MQ from 1/4 SS, Publix doubles = $0.81 each
Sargento Shredded Cheese: 2 for $4, combine with $1/2 MQ from 11/16 RP = $3 for two
Whole Fruit Sorbet: BOGO = $1.50 each
Birds Eye Steamfresh Meals for Two: $4.99, combine with $2 MQ from 1/11 insert = $2.99 each
Green Giant Frozen Boxed Veggies: $1.00 each, combine with $1/2 MQ from 12/7 SS = $0.50 each
Kim and Scott's Gourmet Soft Pretzels: BOGO = $2.50 each
Electrasol Gelpacs or Powerball tabs: BOGO = $3.90 each, combine with $2.50 MQ from 1/4 SS = $1.40 each
Lysol All Purpose Spray: BOGO = $1.35, combine with $1 MQ from 1/4 SS = $0.35 each
Tropicana Orange Juice: 2 for $6, combine with $1/2 MQ from 1/4 RP = 2 for $5
Betty Crocker Premium Muffin Mix: BOGO = $1.30 each, combine with $0.40 MQ from 12/14 SS, Publix doubles = $0.50 each
Quaker Instant Grits: BOGO = $1.25
Aunt Jemima Syrup: BOGO = $1.94, buy 2 and use $1/2 MQ from 1/4 RP = $2.87 for 2 = $1.43 each

Hold tight!

2009-01-14T21:00:00.001-08:00

Okay, I'm working on a couple of stores' ads, but I'm still adjusting to the fast pace of nursing school, so hold tight! I'll be posting some great deals found at Publix, Winn-Dixie, and possibly one other store. I'll also be posting some more upcoming CVS and Walgreens deals!

This weeks deals CVS, Walgreens, and Food Giant

2009-01-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

I decided to make my weekly trip today since I got out of class a little early. Check out the deals on Pepsi products at Walgreens. If you buy 7 for $21, you earn $10 back which makes these $1.57 per 12 pack! Not to mention, you can go to Pepsi's website and fill out their rebate for Pepsi products!!

Stop #1: CVS

Maybelline Dream Mousse Foundation x 2: Reg. $9.49 x 2 = $18.98, sale for $6.99, used 2 MQ for $3 each = $7.98 earned $5 ECB when you spend $10 on Maybelline (before coupons)

Regular price: $20.12 (tax included)
After sales: $13.98
Used 2 coupons for $3 = $7.98
Paid with ECB = $7.99
Subtotal = -$0.01 + $0.36 (tax) = $0.35 paid on gift card

OOP = $0.00, earned $5.00 ECB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stop #2: CVS

Hershey's jumbo candy bar x 2: Reg. price $1.99 x 2 = $3.98, sale for $1.50 = $3.00, earns $1 ECB
Kotex twin pack: Reg. price $4.99, sale for $3.27, used $1 coupon, earns $2 ECB
Glade Plug-In twin pack x 2: Reg. price $5.99 x 2 = $11.98, sale for $5.49 x 2 = $10.98, used BOGO coupon = $5.49 for 2, each one earns $2 ECB = $4 ECB
Insfusium 23 Shampoo: Reg. price $7.49, sale for $1.87, used $3 coupon! MONEY MAKER!!

Regular price: $31.28 (tax included)
After sales: $19.12
Used coupons for $9.49
Paid with ECB = $8.49
Subtotal = -$0.64 + $1.01 (tax) = $1.65 paid on gift card

OOP = $0.00, earned $7 ECB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stop #3: Walgreens

Pepsi 12 packs x 7: Reg. price = $4.29 x 7 = $30.03, sale for $3 each = $21.00

Regular price: $33.03 (tax included)
After sales: $21.00
Received $3 off $10 purchase
Used $4 RR
Subtotal = $14.00 + $1.80 (tax)
Paid $13.58 on gift card

OOP = $2.22, earned $10 RR
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stop #4: Food Giant

Luvs jumbo box of diapers: $12.99! I'm so glad I found this out. If you calculate the cost per diaper, Walmart is almost double this!
Ground beef (4.02 lbs.): $1.88 per pound = $7.56
Gwaltney lunch meat: $1.99 x 2 = $3.98

I don't know what the regular prices are for these items, but I saved a lot compared to what I usually spend on these!

OOP = $26.74

My daily deals

2009-01-10T21:46:00.000-08:00

Last night, I found two more Garnier coupons that I had in my Walgreens envelope. So, off to Walgreens we went. DH went with me today for a little coupon experience. Here's what we got:

Garnier Glistening Drops: Reg. $3.99, sale for $2.99, used $2 EasySaver coupon and $1 manufacturer's coupon = FREE
Garnier Shampoo: Reg. $3.99, sale for $2.99, used $2 ESQ and $1 MQ = FREE
Dog Food x 3 cans: Reg. $0.99 x 3 = $2.97
Dryer Sheets: $2.99

Regular price: $15.19 (including tax)
Subtotal: $5.94
Used $5.00 RR
Paid $0.94 + $1.07 (tax) = $2.01 on Walgreens gift card

Total OOP = $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, we had a quick lunch at Firehouse Subs. DH was excited because he found coupons for our lunch. So we saved $7.94 and enjoyed yummy lunch. Afterwards, we headed to Walmart for a portable DVD case. We have been searching for one since Christmas, and finally found one. Including tax, it was $16.15 which we put on a Visa gift card that we had.

Then, it was on to Publix. I decided to go ahead and get my Publix trip in today, since the penny item is saltine crackers, and we're not in need of those. But you never know. I might go back tomorrow to take advantage of their canned chicken that is BOGO free this week.
Here's what we got:

Ruffles Chips x 2: Reg. $3.99 each, BOGO sale = $3.99 for two
Smithfield bacon x 2: Reg. $3.99 each, BOGO sale = $3.99 for two
Cover Girl Eyeshadow: $2.99
Milk: $3.29
Carnation Instant Breakfast: Reg. $4.99, sale for $3.99
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks x 2: Reg. $2.69 each, BOGO sale = $2.69 for two
Tostitos Creamy Dip: $3.69 (I thought this was on sale... I guess not)
Valley Fresh Canned Chicken x 4: Reg. $3.59 each, BOGO sale = $7.18 for four (these were very large cans of chicken, and I normally pay the same price at Aldi for the cans that are about 2 oz. smaller, so this is a great deal to me)

Regular price: $55.21 (including tax)
After sales: $31.72
Coupons used: $5/25 Piggly Wiggly coupon, $2 Peelie on Ruffles and Dip, $0.50 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks coupon doubled, $1 Carnation blinkie coupon, $2 Cover Girl Publix coupon, $1 Cover Girl MQ = $12.00 in coupons

Total OOP = $22.18 (including tax)
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As we were driving home, I realized I forgot to get eggs. So, we had to make a pit stop at Lee's Country Store (right next to the Dew Drop In), and I should have taken some pictures for all my readers who've never had the pleasure of shopping at Lee's. Anyway, I figured I would have to pay about $3 for eggs. Nah, they were only $1.99. We went the post-Christmas party for our Sunday school class. We had a nice time, and afterwards had a date night, because DS is staying with his grandmother. We enjoyed a nice (almost free) trip to the movies to see Marley & Me.

I think that's about it! I'm calling it a night!

Upcoming deals and weekly savings!

2009-01-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

Here are some upcoming deals. I wanted to give you guys a heads up, so you can be watching for coupons. Again, these are just the ones that I saw that stuck out.

Upcoming CVS deals:

Glade Plugins: $5.99, earns $2 ECB, use the BOGO coupon from 12/7 SS will earn you $4 ECB = $1.99 for two
Febreeze candles: at some stores these are $1.99, use $2 MQ from 12/28 P&G = FREE
M&M's Cupid Mix: Sale 2/$5, earns $2 ECB = 2/$3
Maybelline: get $5 ECB when you spend $10 on Maybelline, there are some $3 coupons out there, making this a pretty good deal, depending on what you purchase
Cheez-It Bonus pack (2 boxes): $6.00, earns $3 ECB
Fiber One or Nature Valley (2 pack): $6.99, earns $3 ECB, lots of different coupons on this
Kotex (2 pack): $4.99, earns $ ECB, use $1 MQ from this coming Sunday's paper
Revlon: BOGO, $1 MQ from 12/7 SS
Pepsi products: Spend $20, get $10 ECB (this is a deal they will have in a few weeks away, but be on the lookout for Pepsi coupons and rebates!)

Walgreens has a similar deal on Pepsi products coming up, where you earn RR for purchasing a certain amount of Pepsi. I'm not sure of all the details of this one, but I'll let you guys know.

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At $50 weekly, we have $2600 yearly budgeted for food, cleaning supplies, diapers, makeup, toothpaste, medicine, dog food, etc. I am also including my cost to obtain coupons (newspapers, clipping companies, etc.)

Week 1:
Money Spent = $41.26
Money Saved = $168.41

YTD:
Remaining = $2,558.74
Money Saved = $168.41

My deals for the week

2009-01-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a real coupon meeting/swap! I met some wonderful ladies who shared some great information! If you live in the Birmingham area and are free on January 31st, let me know and I'll give you details of the next big event!

Now, on with the deals!

My first stop was CVS:

Nutra-Trim Gum: Reg. $4.99, sale for $3.99, earns $3.99
Kid's Throat Cooler Ice Pops: $4.99, earns $4.99
Vitamin Brand Shampoo: $6.99, had a "Try Me Free" $6.99 Rebate attached

Regular price: $18.50 (tax included)
Subtotal: $15.97
Paid: $15.48 ECBs
OOP = $0.53 (tax included) and earned $8.98 ECB, and $6.99 mail in rebate
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Next stop was Walgreens:

Transaction #1:

Revlon Matte Blush: $9.99, EasySaver Rebate item earns $9.99 on gift card
Reynold's Wrap Aluminum Foil 20 ft: Reg. $1.69, use Q in weekly ad making it $0.99, and used $1.00 MQ = FREE

Regular price: $12.73 (tax included)
Subtotal: $9.98
Used $5 RR and $4.50 RR
Paid $1.97 on debit card by mistake! I wasn't thinking and pulled out the wrong card! It should have been on my gift card, but I'll save it for something else.
OOP = $1.97 (tax included)

Transaction #2:

Theraflu Warming Liquid x 2: Reg $5.99 each x 2 = $11.98, on sale for $5 each = $10.00

Regular price: $13.06 (tax included)
Subtotal: $10.00
Used $5 RR and 2 MQs for $2 each
Paid $1.40 (tax included) with gift card and earned $5 RR
OOP = $0.00
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Last stop, Walmart:

Suave Advanced Therapy Moisturizing Lotion x 3: $0.97 each, used $1.00 Q on each (12/14 SS) = Money Maker $0.09
Beechnut Let's Grow Meal: $1.06, used $1.00 Q (I believe Sunday's paper) = $0.06
Costco Carseat: $54.50
All You Special Edition Magazine: $3.98 (has a page of coupons in the back)
Iams Healthy Naturals Dog Food: $6.87, used $3 Q = $3.87

Regular price: $75.56 (tax included)
Subtotal: $62.32 + tax = $68.56
Paid $28.09 with gift cards recently earned
OOP = $40.47

Year to date savings!

2009-01-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know we're only 4 days in, but I'm tracking everything!!

CVS Totals:
Spent year-to-date: $1.45
Saved year-to-date: $61.31

Walgreens Totals:
Spent year-to-date: $0.00
Saved year-to-date: $35.52

Super Saving Sunday!

2009-01-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

I made three stops today. Here's what I got:

First stop: Walgreens

6-pk. Raisins: Reg. $1.00
Pencil Mate Mechanical Pencils: Reg. $2.99, sale for $0.99
SlimQuick Energy drinks: Reg. $4.99, sale for $4.00, earns $4.00 RR
Electrasol Gelpacs: Reg. $3.99, sale for $3.49, used $2.50 MQ from 1/4 SS, and earns $1.50 ESR (Money Maker)
Garnier Fructis Shampoo: Reg. $3.99, sale for $2.99, used $2 EasySaver Q and $1 MQ = FREE
Garnier Fructis Glisten Drops: Reg. $3.99, sale for $2.99, used $2 EasySaver Q and $1 MQ = FREE
Palmolive Soap: Reg. $1.99, sale for $1.79, used $1.00 EasySaver Q and $0.50 MQ from Fred's paper last week = $0.29
Glade Scented Oil Candle Refills x 2: Reg. $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, sale 2/$5, used $2.50 MQ and earned $2 ESR = $0.50 for two
Russell Stover Candy (filler item) = $0.59

Regular price: $35.52 (tax included)

Subtotal: $11.71 (tax included)

Used $10 RR

Paid $1.71 with gift card and earned $4 RR

OOP = $0.00

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Next stop: CVS

Cottonelle Toilet Paper 20-pk: Reg. $12.99, sale for $12.97, used $0.50 MQ, earns $4 ECB
Nutra-Trim Gum: Reg. $4.99, sale for $3.99, earns $3.99
L'Oreal Eyeshadow x 2: Reg. $4.99 x 2 = $9.98, sale BOGO = $4.99/2, used two MQ for $2.00 off any eye product = $0.99 for two
Nasogel: Reg. $7.99, earns $7.99

Regular price: $39.55 (tax included)

Subtotal: $25.44

Used $5/$25 coupon received via email

Paid $19.99 ECBs

OOP = $0.95 (tax included) and earned $15.98 ECB

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Last stop: Publix

Barilla pasta: Reg. $1.37, BOGO sale = $0.69
Betty Crocker boxed potatoes x 2: Reg. $1.79 x 2 = $3.58, BOGO sale = $1.79, used two $0.35 MQ, Publix doubled = $0.39 for two
Pillsbury Savorings: Reg. $3.99, BOGO sale = $2.00, used $1.00 printable MQ = $1.00
Publix Frosted Flakes: Reg. $2.59, Penny Mystery Item = $0.01
Publix Bread: Reg. $1.13, sale for $0.89
Taco Bell Dinner Kit: Reg. $2.69, BOGO sale for $1.35
Little Debbie Cakes: Reg. $1.59
Kellogg's Pop-Tarts: Reg. $1.99, BOGO sale for $0.99, used $0.55 MQ = $0.44
Totino's Pizza Rolls: Reg. $3.99, BOGO sale = $2.00, used $0.35 MQ, Publix doubled = $1.30
General Mills Cereal x 3: Reg. $10.93, sale for $1.99 x 3 = $5.97, used $1/3 Q = $4.97 for 3
Publix Milk: $3.29
Donation to the special olympics $1.00

Regular price: $41.57 (tax included)
OOP = $18.68 (tax included)

Check your email

2009-01-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION CVS CARDHOLDERS:
Check your email! I got a surprise $5 off $25 purchase coupon! I get so excited when I get these! It will work great with your January ECB purchases!

Happy shopping!

Coupons, coupons, coupons!!!

2009-01-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

If you have not yet subscribed to your local newspaper, now is a perfect time! This coming Sunday, there will be 5, yes FIVE, coupons inserts! I did a quick count and came up with $385.48 worth of coupons, and that doesn't include the value if your store doubles some coupons! I will definitely be picking up some extra copies of the paper this week!

Also, if you like to print coupons, you can visit www.coupons.com for all the new coupons!

CVS January 1st Trip

2009-01-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

I wanted to go ahead and get the January ECB deals, just in case they sold out. The monthly items you get free after ECBs are:
--Kids' Throat Cooler Pops 6-count, $4.99, earns $4.99 (limit 5)
--Nasogel Drip Free Gel, $7.99, earns $7.99 (limit 2)
--Nutra-Trim Chewing Gum 48-count, $3.99, earns $3.99 (limit 2)

So, today I got:

Nasogel Drip Free Gel, $7.99
Kids' Throat Cooler Pops x 2, $9.98
Nutra-Trim Chewing Gum, Reg. $4.99, sale for $3.99

I used a coupon that printed on my receipt a few weeks ago for $2.50 off any pain reliever purchase of $10 or more. I asked my cashier if it would work, since it was expiring today. She scanned it and it worked!

Subtotal: 21.96 + tax = $23.27

-$2.50 CVS pain reliever coupon

-$16.97 ECB

-$2.14 CVS gift card that I found from 2004!!! I found this the other day when I was cleaning out my desk!

TOTAL OOP: $0.50! And I earned $23.46 ECB (including my quarterly rewards!)

2009 GOALS

2008-12-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

My blog friend, Phoebe, at Cents to Get Debt-Free has challenged her readers to post their goals for 2009, so here goes! I will try to give my readers an update at the end of each month (for my own accountability).

Spiritually

To set aside specific time alone with God each day, in prayer

To read through the entire Bible in 2009; I have made this easier on myself by purchasing a copy of The One Year Bible that our church was selling recently. It has daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.

To keep up with my prayer notebook, to make sure I'm specifically praying for each prayer request

Put my full faith in God and know that He will not fail me!

Pray for our government and nation on a daily basis

Financially

This is a tough area for me right now, because I will be a "full-time" student within the next few weeks. I'm not exactly sure what sort of income I will be able to generate. I have filed for financial aid, and we are planning to take out student loans for my school. Grand total should be no more than $10k. We've discussed our options, and this fits best for us. Anything that student loans and my income do not cover, we may have to charge on our credit card (i.e. health insurance that we will lose when I leave my job). While we are not at all excited about this, we are trying to work our way around it. But no matter what, I know that I am finally following God's plan for my life, and it will all be fine!

Continue to contribute no less than $15 weekly to our high interest savings account

Continue to pay an additional $30 per month towards my car note

Keep grocery budget at or below $50 weekly = $2,600 yearly

Find a carpool buddy for my school commute, if possible

Find a part-time job that I love :) and that works with my school schedule, and possibly offers tuition reimbursement

Reduce my cell phone plan to a lower plan, since I don't need the internet on it anymore!

Sell my used nursing books online to earn money back

Create an efficient method for organizing coupons

Donate any unused items to a charitable organization on a monthly basis

Track all money spent and saved

Home

Paint kitchen and hallway

Keep pantry organized throughout the year

Adhere to the cleaning schedule we've created

Create my own area in the office for couponing and studying

Purchase stockpile of toilet paper, paper towels, and other everyday items and designate a place for their storage

Purchase food staples for stockpile and designate a place for their storage

Watch no more than 6 hours of television per week

Keep cars washed and maintained

Paint front porch and front door

Keep closets organized

Plant and maintain garden (and have successful growth!)

Have at least one hour every night of play/family time

Hang laundry to dry during warm months

Maintain a weekly meal plan

Personal

Participate in at least one local mission ministry per quarter (the one's I'm thinking of so far are Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Jimmy Hale Missions, and a local event we have in our town)

Commit to a serious workout routine, involving cardiovascular and light weight training activities

Spend at least 6-8 hours each week studying for school

Arrive at least 10 minutes early for everything (this one might be a toughie!)

Maintain my 4.0 GPA

Become happier with my appearance

Do not take things to heart; this is hard for me sometimes especially when I think someone is blatantly being mean

Update my blog on every one to two days (for my readers!)

Wrap all birthday presents for children in wrapping paper (no gift bags)

Have all Christmas presents purchased no later than December 4, 2009

Read at least one non-school-related book per month

Have a date night every month (with my spouse!); this can be a pizza and movie rental night, just so long as we have a date night

Practice random acts of kindness

I know this looks like a long list, but these are not all things that we will have to do on a daily basis. Some are monthly, some are yearly. But these are my goals, nonetheless. I would love to see your goals! I'll post my first update to this at the end of January!

So Schick!

2008-12-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

Another deal I found while browsing CVS today was the Schick Intuition razors. They are listed in the sales ad for this week for $8.99, but the ones at my store had $3.00 peelie coupons on them, making them $5.99. My cashier also accepted a $2.00 MQ for them, making them $3.99, and you earn $5.00 ECB on them this week! Even if she wouldn't have taken the $2.00 MQ, it would have only been $0.99!! Not bad!

Olay MM (Moneymaker!) TWO DEALS!!!

2008-12-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

Now through January 14, 2009, you can receive a $15 gift card by purchasing two Olay Regenerist moisturizers or cleansers. CVS is running a sale this week for buy one, get one 50% off.

I picked up a Regenerist cleanser for $7.99 and got another for $3.99, totaling $11.98 out of pocket, and combined with a $5/2 coupon from last week's paper, bringing my total to $6.98. All I have to do now is submit for my $15 gift card, and just like that I earned $8.02!

But wait! There's more!

Now through January 28, 2009, you can receive another $15 gift card by purchasing any two Olay Definity products! CVS has the Olay cleansers marked down to $7.99 each this week (regularly $10.99 each).

I got two cleansers for $15.98. Then I used the Definity coupon from Sunday's paper for $5/2 making this $10.98 for two. Now I'll submit this one separate and earn $4.02.

Such a quick and easy way to earn $12.04 and get some Olay! Did anyone else get this deal?

Wags to Riches 12/29

2008-12-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

I know. My title is a little cheesy, but it's all I could come up with! Here's what I got a Wags (Walgreens) today:

4 Christmas tumblers (filler items): Reg. $0.30 each, clearance for $0.06 each = $0.24
2 Garnier Fructis Conditioners: Reg. $3.99 and $4.99, clearance for $2.19 each = $4.38
3 bags of Hershey's Kisses (Christmas candy):Reg. $2.99 each, clearance for $0.62 each = $1.86
2 bags of Hershey's Bliss Chocolate: Reg. $4.29 each, clearance for $1.07 each = $2.14
2 Listerine Whitening Mouthwashes: Reg. $5.99 each, sale for $4.00 each = $8.00
3 Robitussin Cough, Cold, and Flu: Reg. $5.99 each, sale for $4.00 = $12.00
2 Dimetapp Children's Cough: Reg. $4.99 each, sale for $4.00 = $8.00

Regular price: $67.66
After sales: $36.62

Coupons used:
- $2 Garnier coupon from EasySaver book x 2 = $4.00
-$1 Garnier MQ x 2 = $2.00
-$1.50/3 Hershey's MQ
-$1.00 Listerine MQ x 2 = $2.00
-$2.00 Robitussin MQ x 3 = $6.00
-$2.00 Dimetapp MQ x 2 = $4.00
-$2.50/2 Hershey's Bliss MQ

RR earned:
$10 RR for Robitussin/Dimetapp
$5 RR for Robitussin/Dimetapp
$5 RR for Robitussin/Dimetapp
$4.50 RR for Listerine

Subtotal: $14.62 + tax = $17.92
Walgreens GC used: $11.50
OOP $6.42 and earned $24.50 RR!!!

When you spend $20 on Robitussin/Dimetapp products this week, you are supposed to earn $10 RR back, but for some reason it prints a $10 RR and two $5 RR so this is 100% free!! If you use coupons, it's a money maker!!! WOW!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T08:51:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful CHRISTmas! I pray for each of you to have safe travels and enjoy this time of celebration for the birth of Jesus Christ. I will be away for a few days, but when I return I'm sure I'll have lots to blog about! We are hoping to finally enter the 21st century and get the internet at home, so I'll be able to blog other than during my lunch hour! Woo Hoo!

Love to you all,
Lisa

Coupon Schedule for 2009

2008-12-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

Jan 4, 2009: 2 Smart Source inserts, 2 Red Plum and a Procter and Gamble insert
Jan 11, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Jan 18, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Jan 25, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Feb 1, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum, and a Procter and Gamble
Feb 8, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Feb 15, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Valentine's Day)
Feb 22, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Mar 1, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum, and a Procter and Gamble
Mar 8, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Mar 15, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Mar 22, 2009: a Smart Source
Mar 29, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Apr 5, 2009: 2 Smart Source inserts, a Red Plum insert, and Procter and Gamble insert
Apr 5, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Apr 12, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Easter)
Apr 19, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Apr 26, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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May 3, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
May 10, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
May 17, 2009: 2 Smart Source inserts and a Red Plum insert
May 24, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Memorial Day)
May 31, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Jun 7, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Jun 14, 2009: Smart Source insert
Jun 21, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Jun 28, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Jul 5, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Independence Day)
Jul 12, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Jul 19, 2009: Smart Source insert
Jul 26, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Aug 2, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Aug 9, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Aug 16, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Aug 23, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Aug 30, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Sep 6, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Labor Day)
Sep 13, 2009: a Smart Source and 2 Red Plum
Sep 20, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Sep 27, 2009 : a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Oct 4, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Oct 11, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Oct 18, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Oct 25, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Nov 1, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Nov 8, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Nov 15, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Nov 22, 2009: Smart Source insert
Nov 29, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Thanksgiving)
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Dec 6, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Dec 13, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Dec 20, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Christmas)
Dec 27, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (New Year's)

My CVS Trips from the weekend!

2008-12-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

Don't laugh. I made 3 CVS trips this weekend. They were all on our route to Christmas parties except one, which was my weekly, scheduled trip. Here's what I got:

Stop #1: (Saturday, CVS in Cullman, AL)

Gift tags: $1.99
Rolaids x 4: $2.49 +$2.89 +$2.89 + $2.99 = $11.26

Regular price: $13.25
Used Rolaids coupons $1 x 3 (I had four coupons, but apparently she only scanned 3. I didn't notice until I got home.

= $10.25
Paid using ECBs = $5 (I had more, but they wouldn't scan. The manager came over and said CVS just issued a new coupon policy and wouldn't allow me to use any more coupons. I was upset, but no worries. Apparently it was just this store!)
OOP = $5.25 + tax
Earned ECBs = $2 for each Rolaids = $8.00 (still not a bad deal!)
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Stop #2: (Saturday, CVS in Moody, AL)

Revlon Nail Polish x 2: $4.99 x 2 = $9.98

Regular price: $9.98
Revlon marked BOGO! I used 2 coupons for $2 each =

= $0.99
Paid using ECBs = $0, since I didn't have any for this small of an amount
OOP = $0.99 + tax
Earned ECBs = none for this trip; I just got this stuff because it was so cheap!
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Stop #3: (Saturday, CVS in Birmingham, AL)
Transaction #1

Listerine Cool Mint 16.9 oz. x 2: Reg. $4.29 x 2 = $8.58, sale for $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, earned $2.99 ECB x 2 = $5.98
Right Guard Professional Strength Deodorant x 2: Reg. $9.99 x 2 = $19.98, sale for $6.00 x 2 = $12.00, earned $6.00 ECB x 2 = $12.00
Sleepinal Capsules: Reg. $8.99, sale for $8.49, earned $8.49 ECB
Excedrin Express Gels: Reg. $5.49, sale for $3.99, earned $3.99 ECB
Benefiber Drink Mix: $7.29, earned $7.29 ECB

Regular price: $50.33
Less sales, Excedrin coupon for $1, and CVS $5/15 coupon = $31.75
Paid using ECBs = $ 24.99
OOP = $6.76 + tax
Earned ECBs = $37.75
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Stop #3: (Saturday, CVS in Birmingham, AL)
Transaction #2

Listerine Cool Mint 16.9 oz. x 2: Reg. $4.29 x 2 = $8.58, sale for $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, earned $2.99 ECB x 2 = $5.98
Right Guard Professional Strength Deodorant x 1: Reg. $9.99, sale for $6.00, earned $6.00 ECB
EAS Advantage Chocolate Shakes 4-pack: Reg. $7.99, sale for $7.49, earned $7.49 ECB
Halls Naturals Cough Drops: Reg. $2.79, sale for $2.59, earned $2.59 ECB
Alteril: Reg. $9.99, earned $9.99

Regular price: $39.34
Less sales and CVS $5/15 coupon = $27.05
Paid using ECBs = $26.47
OOP = $0.58+ tax
Earned ECBs = $32.05
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Stop #3: (Saturday, CVS in Birmingham, AL)
Transaction #3

Listerine Cool Mint 16.9 oz. x 1: Reg. $4.29, sale for $2.99, earned $2.99 ECB
EAS Chocolate Chip Bar: Reg. $1.99, sale for $1.69, earned $1.69 ECB
Zantac 150: Reg. $5.19, sale for $4.99, earned $4.99 ECB
Right Guard Professional Strength Deodorant x 2: Reg. $9.99 x 2 = $19.98, sale for $6.00 x 2 = $12.00, earned $6.00 ECB x 2 = $12.00
SlimQuick Energy Drinks 2-pack: $4.99, earned $4.99 ECB
Zip Fizz Drink Mix 3-pack: $5.99, earned $5.99 ECB
Sally Hansen Nail Polish x 2: $5.99 x 2 = $11.98
L'oreal Eyeshadow Duo x 2: $6.99 x 2 = $13.98
Edge shaving gel: $2.69

Regular price: $71.37
Less sales= $61.30
Paid using ECBs = $43.33
OOP = $17.97 + tax
Earned ECBs = $58.61
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My last transaction was actually supposed to be split into two transactions, but I miscalculated it since they didn't have the Arm and Hammer cleaner. I'm not disappointed though because I got some great stuff!

My weekend totals:
Regular price: $181.27
OOP: $31.55, and I now have $58.61 in ECBs!!!

My Publix Deals 12/21/08 (I saved 71%!!)

2008-12-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here's what I got at Publix yesterday:

Publix brand milk: $3.29
Mattel Hot Wheels car: $1.00, used $1.00 coupon from Publix sale paper = FREE
Texas Toast Caesar croutons: Reg. $1.49, sale for $0.75, used $0.50 MQ, Publix doubled = FREE + $0.25 overage
Heinz ketchup: Reg. $2.59, sale for $2
Bisquick: Reg. $3.19, sale for $1.60, used $0.60 MQ = $1.00
Domino sugar x 2: Reg. $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, sale for $1.99 x 2 = $3.98, used $0.50/2 MQ, Publix doubled = $2.98 for 2 ($1.49 each)
Fresh Express salad mix x 2: Reg. $3.99 x 2 = $7.98, BOGO for $3.99, used $2 competitor coupons x 2 = FREE + $0.01 overage
Philadelphia cream cheese x 2: Reg. $2.29 x 2 = $4.58, sale for $1.25 x 2 = $2.50, used $0.20/2 MQ, Publix doubled = $2.10 for 2 ($1.05 each)
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray x 2: Reg. $2.89 x 2 = $5.78, BOGO for $2.82, used $0.50 MQ x 2, Publix doubled = $0.82 for 2 ($0.41 each)
Publix Brand boneless skinless chicken: Reg. $6.99 each, sale for $5.00
Betty Crocker brownie mix x 2: Reg. $2.55 x 2 = $5.10, BOGO for $2.55, used $0.50 MQ x 2, Publix doubled = $0.55 for 2 ($0.28 each)
Del Monte canned veggies x 4 = Reg. $1.29 each x 4 = $5.16, BOGO sale for $1.29 x 2 = $2.58, used $1/4 MQ = $1.58 for 4 ($0.40 each)
Mt. Olive pickles x 2: Reg. $2.79 x 2 = $5.58, BOGO sale for $2.79, used $1.50/2 MQ = $1.29 for 2 ($0.65 each)
Cole's cheesy garlic bread: Reg. $2.79, sale for $1.40
Bird's Eye frozen bagged veggies: Reg. $1.79, sale for $0.89, used $0.35 MQ, Publix doubled = $0.19
Betty Crocker Hashbrowns x 2: Reg. $1.79 x 2 = $3.58, BOGO sale for $1.79, used $0.40 MQ x 2, Publix doubled = $0.19 for 2 ($0.10 each)
Del Monte 50% less salt canned peas: Reg. $1.29, sale for $0.65 each, used $0.30 MQ, Publix doubled = $0.05
Jimmy Dean fresh sausage: Reg. $2.99, sale for $2.50, used $1.00 Publix Q = $1.50
Pillsbury Pizza dough: Reg. $2.59, sale for $1.67, used $0.40 MQ, Publix doubled = $0.87
Sarah Lee Poundcake: Reg. $4.99, sale for $2.50, used $1.00 Publix Q = $1.50
Kraft Dressing x 2: Reg. $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, BOGO sale for $2.99 ($1.50 each)
Kraft BBQ sauce: Reg. 1.69, used Publix coupon for FREE BBQ sauce with purchase of 2 dressings = FREE
Hunt's diced tomatoes: Reg. $1.39, sale for $0.70
Sister Schubert's rolls: Reg. $3.00, sale for $2.69, used $1.00 MQ = $1.69
Publix paper towels: Reg. $1.34, mystery item for $0.01

Subtotal: 92.13 + tax = $100.42
Total OOP: $25.58 + tax = $28.89 (71% savings!!!)

Publix deals 12/17-12/23

2008-12-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the Publix lineup for this week:

Del Monte Fresh Cut Canned Veggies: BOGO, use $0.30 coupon from 11/16 RP, Publix doubles making this $0.05 each, or use $1/4 coupon from 11/16 RP will make these $0.40 each.
Rondele Cheese Spreads: BOGO = $2.00 each
Fresh Express Salad Blend: BOGO, use $0.75 coupon from 11/9 SS, 11/16 SS, or 12/7 SS = $0.25 each or use $2 printable coupon = FREE + overage! Or use $2/2 coupon from Publix Holiday Flyer
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray: BOGO = use $0.50 printable coupon, Publix doubles makes this $0.25 each or two for $0.50
Cool Whip Whipped Topping: BOGO, use $1 coupon WYB two boxes of Jell-O brand pudding
Sara Lee Coffee Cake, Pound Cake, or Cinnamon Rolls: BOGO, combine with $1.00 coupon from Publix Winter Savings booklet = $1.50 each
Stouffer's French Bread Pizza: BOGO = $1.25 each
Cole's Garlic Bread or Toast: BOGO = $1.40 each
Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing: BOGO = $2.00 each, get a free Stove Top Quick Cup WYB one 24 oz. Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip Dressing via Publix Holiday Flyer Coupon
General Mills Cereals (Honey Nut Cheerios, Cheerios, Reese's Puffs, Cookie Crisp, Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Total Raisin Bran): BOGO, combine with $1/3 coupon from 11/16 SS = $2.16 each, or use $0.55 printable coupons = $1.95 each
Mt. Olive Pickles: BOGO, combine with $0.50 coupon from 11/2 SS = $0.39 each
Betty Crocker Potatoes: use $0.25 coupon from 12/7 SS, Publix doubles making this $0.30 each, or use $0.40 printable coupon, Publix doubles making this FREE!!
Barilla Lasagna Pasta: BOGO = $1.00 each
Bisquick Baking Mix: BOGO, use $0.60 coupon from 12/14 SS or 11/16 SS makes these $1.00 each
Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix or Dessert Bar Mix: BOGO, use $1/2 printable coupon makes this $1.69 for two ($0.85 each), or use $0.50 coupon from 12/14 SS, Publix doubles making this $0.35 each
Swanson Broth: BOGO, use $0.25/4 coupon from 11/9 SS, Publix doubled making this $1.68 for 4 ($0.42 each)
Hunt's Tomatoes: BOGO, combine with $1.00/2 printable coupon makes this $0.39 for two ($0.20 each)
Kraft Dressing: BOGO, buy 2 for $2.75 and get a free bottle of Kraft BBQ sauce via coupon from Publix Holiday Flyer (makes each one of these $0.92!!)
New York Texas Toast Croutons: BOGO, combine with $0.55 coupon from 11/16 RP makes this $0.20 each
Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil: BOGO, combine with $1 printable coupon makes this $2.50 each!
Nabisco Baked Snack Crackers: BOGO = $1.75 each
Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn: BOGO, combine with $1 coupon from December All You Magazine makes this $1.45 each
Keebler Club Crackers: BOGO, combine with $1/2 coupon in 12/14 RP makes this $2.79 for two ($1.40 each)
Wrigley's Orbit Gum 3 packs: BOGO = $1.40 each
Willow Lane Candles: BOGO = $5.00 each
Scotch Magic Tape: BOGO, combine with $1/2 coupon from Publix Winter Savings Book makes this $0.99 for two ($0.50 each)
Kodak Funsaver One Time Use Camera: BOGO = $3.00 each
Birds Eye Frozen Veggies are also 50% off = combine with $1/2 printable coupon
Publix Brand Ice Cream: 2 for $6 ($3 each)
Florida Tangerines: 10 for $1
Hormel Bacon: 2 for $5 ($2.50 each)
Publix Brand Boneless Skinless Chicken: 2 for $10 ($5 each)
Jimmy Dean Sausage: 2 for $5, combine with $1 coupon from Publix Winter Savings Book makes this $1.50 each
Armour Meatballs: on sale for $4.99, use $0.55 coupon = $4.44
Kraft Shredded Cheese: 2 for $4 ($2 each)
Sorrento Mozzarella: 2 for $6 ($3 each)
Breakstone's Sour Cream: $0.99
Pillsbury Rolls, Crescents, Squares, Pizza Crust, etc: 3 for $5, there are $0.40 coupons in the 10/12, 11/16, and 12/14 SS inserts, Publix doubles making these $0.86 each
Philadelphia Cream Cheese: 4 for $5, use $0.20/2 coupon from 12/7 SS, Publix doubles making this $2.10 for two ($1.05 each)
Domino Sugar 5lb. bag: on sale for $1.99, use $0.50/2 coupon from December All You Magazine, Publix doubles making this $1.49 each, or use $0.35 coupon from 11/16 RP, Publix doubles making this $1.29 each
Betty Crocker Super Moist Cake Mix: BOGO = $0.95 each
Pepperidge Farm Stuffing: 2 for $4
Campbell's Select Harvest Soups: 8 for $10, use $0.50 coupon from 12/14 SS, Publix doubles making this $0.25 each
Heinz Ketchup: 2 for $4

CVS!!! Today's trip!

2008-12-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

I didn't go to CVS last week, and I didn't see much that caught my eye this week. I was wrong!

Here's how my trip went:

RightGuard Deodorant x 2: Regular price $3.29 x 2 = $6.58, on sale for $2.99 x 2 = $5.98
Colgate Total Toothpaste x 2: Regular price $3.89 x 2 = $7.78, on sale for $2.99 x 2 = $5.98
Complete Contact Solution x 1: Regular price $9.99, on sale for $8.99
Maybelline Makeup x 2: Regular price $9.99 x 2 = $19.98, on sale 50% off = $9.98
Rolaids Plus: Regular price $2.89

Used $1.00 coupon for Rolaids, $1.50 coupon x 2 for Colgate, $3.00 coupon x 2 for Maybelline

Regular price: $47.22 + tax (10% by my work) = $51.94
Subtotal: $33.82
Coupon total: $10.00
Paid with $15 ECBs and $8.99 ECBs

Total OOP: $0.81!!!!
Earned ECBs: $8.99 (Complete), $4.00 (Right Guard), $2.00 (Rolaids), $4.00 (Colgate), $5 off Holiday purchase, $30 off digital frames, $5 off beauty tote bag, $5 off $15 purchase!

Christmas Cards and Pictures

2008-12-17T13:07:00.001-08:00

Let me start by saying I love designing cards and invitations. Somehow, this year the holidays managed to sneak up on me a little. You would think that after 26 years, I would have figured out that Christmas is always December 25th... I do have many things I can blame it on this year (being the mommy of a toddler, working full time, being in school, actively holding leadership positions in our church, amidst other things). That being said, I didn't even think about scheduling our Christmas pictures until December 3rd. Luckily for me, I found an awesome photographer who was able to take our pictures on very short notice. I was completely awed by her work! Then, thanks to my blog friend, Trina, at Fabulously Frugalicious, I discovered Amber at Announcing You. Amber will make custom photo cards for you for $15! You simply send her the pictures you want to use and viola. She will email you back the file with your card! Then you can simply upload to your favorite printing site and you're done! I used winkflash to print mine this year. I like our cards in 5" x 7" because I frame them in Christmas frames to put out each year. Their 5" x 7" prints are only $0.25 each, plus the shipping costs are very low. Their 4" x 6" prints are only $0.08 each! I will be using them again in the future!

Hopefully, our cards will be in the mail tomorrow!!! Here is a sneak peak of what they'll look like.

Faith, at Walk With Me by Faith, is hosting a Christmas card carousel for bloggers to share their Christmas cards with others. You should check it out!

Walgreens Deals 12/15-12/21

2008-12-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

Like I mentioned in my last post, Walgreen's has some pretty good deals right now. Their outside Christmas decor continues to ring up 50% off.

Here's what I got for this week:

Holiday pencils x 10: Reg. $0.39 each = $3.90, on sale with Wags coupon $1/5 = $2.00
Scotch tape 4 packs x 2: Reg. $4.49 each = $8.98, used raincheck from last week = $2/2
Christmas coloring books x 3: Reg. $0.59 each = $1.77, on sale with Wags coupon $1/3
Progresso soup x 3 cans: Reg. $3.19 each = $9.57, on sale for $0.99 each with Wags coupon = $2.97, used three printable coupons for $1.10 each = FREE + $0.33 overage!
Russell Stover Private Reserve Luminary Chocolates x 3: Reg. $5.99 each = $17.97, on sale for $4.99 each, used B1G1 coupon and $1.00 off coupon = $8.98
Coffee Mate Liquid Creamers x 2 = Reg. $2.49 each = $4.98, used B1G1 Wags coupon and two $1 printed coupons = $0.49 for two!

Regular price: $47.17 + tax = $51.42
Subtotal after coupons: $14.14
Paid using $5 RR = $9.14
Paid on Wags gift card (earned from last month) = $9.14
OOP: $0.00!!!
Earned: $2 ESR from Scotch Tape + $10.00 ESR from Russell Stover Chocolate = $12 earned!!

My transaction also printed off a $1 coupon for Coffee Mate, so I can do my deal again and make some money!

Some other good deals this week:

Sure deodorant on sale for $2.50, combine with $1.50 coupon in December EasySaver booklet and $1.00 printable coupon = FREE!
DeMet chocolate turtles on sale for $0.99, combine with $1.50 coupon from 11/16 SS = FREE + $0.51 overage!
Skippy peanut butter on sale 2 for $3, combine with $1/2 coupon from 11/16 RP = $1 each

Did anyone find deals that I missed?

Weekend Savings!

2008-12-15T05:42:00.000-08:00

I did a LOT of shopping this weekend. Hopefully, I stimulated the economy a little! Friday night, I did what only the brave will do and went to Target with my hubby and 20 month old. I had high hopes of finishing all my shopping in one night... Didn't happen, but I was pleased with my results. Here's what I found at Target:

Luv's Diapers: $15.99
Cups (from Santa for Jax's stocking): $6.99
Luminair Starter Kit: Reg. price $7.99, on sale for $4.99 - $5 coupon from paper = FREE + $0.01 overage!
Keebler Cookies 5 packs: Sale prices $2.49+$2.49+$2.33+$2.33+$3.15 = $12.79 - 5 coupons ($1.00 each) = $7.79 + earned a $5 gift card which the cashier just deducted from my total = $2.79 ($0.56 each!)
Colgate Kids Toothpaste: I didn't realize hubby put this in the buggy... I have lots of coupons for this and didn't get to use them:( = $2.19
18 Gallon Storage Containers: Reg. price $5.99 on sale for $4.99 x 2= $9.98
Gift for one of my blog readers (so, I can't say who or what this is): $12.49
Rawhide Bones (for our dog): $0.99
Pet toy: $0.99
Tonka set: $7.99
Kids' puzzle: $3.99
Nerf dartboard game: Reg. price $19.99, sale price $15.99
Bathtub toys: $9.99
Rayovac batteries: sale price $1.00 - $1.00 coupon = FREE

Regular price: a little more than $120 (I didn't write down the regular price of the cookies)
Coupons used: 5 x $1 Keebler coupons, $5 Target Gift card earned and redeemed, $5 Luminair coupon, $1 Rayovac coupon, $10 off $100 Target purchase coupon courtesy of my friend Megan = $80.36

At that point, my two boys were pretty tired, so we called it a night. I got an early start Saturday morning and finished up my shopping.

I started at Walmart. I know, I know... I was looking for a tool kit for Jaxson, and I couldn't find one at Target. Anyway, Here's what I got at Walmart:

Crayola Bath Crayons: $2.97
Yogo Snacks: $2.00
Spongebob Fruit Snacks: $2.00
Envelopes: $4.97
Tool Kit: $14.88

Total OOP: $28.69 + tax

My next stop was Walgreens. Last month when I filled out my EasySaver Rebate form, I clicked on the button to receive a new Walgreens gift card, by accident. I meant to reload my old card, so I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new card. Wouldn't you know it showed up in my mailbox Saturday, after I went to Walgreens? Much to my surprise, Walgreens had a lot of great deals Saturday. I'm not sure if this was a national thing or if the sales varied by location, but there were lots of unadvertised deals. Here's what I got:

Transaction #1:

Princess Fashion Set: Reg. price $6.99
Princess Fashion Set: Reg. price $6.99
Disney Princess Washable Coloring Book: Reg. price $6.99, Walgreens had their toys marked buy 2 and get 2 FREE, so this was FREE!!!
Musical Mobile Phone: Reg. price $6.99, This one was FREE also!!!
Arm and Hammer Detergent: Reg. price $6.99, used Wags coupon making this $1.99 + used printed coupon for $1, making this $0.99
Arm and Hammer Detergent: Reg. price $6.99, used Wags coupon making this $1.99 + used printed coupon for $1, making this $0.99

Regular price: $41.94 + tax = $45.71
After sales and coupons: $15.96
Paid using Register Rewards: $5
Total OOP: $10.96 + tax = $12.30 and earned $5 RR for next purchase

Transaction #2:

Arm and Hammer Detergent: Reg. price $6.99, used Wags coupon making this $1.99 + used printed coupon for $1, making this $0.99
Arm and Hammer Detergent: Reg. price $6.99, used Wags coupon making this $1.99 + used printed coupon for $1, making this $0.99
Lighted Animate Reindeer: Reg. price $19.99, Sale for $9.99 and earns $5 RR!
Lighted 20" Snowflake decoration: Reg. price $9.99, sale for $4.99

Regular price: $43.96 + tax = $47.92
After sales and coupons: $16.96
Paid using Register Rewards: $5
Total OOP: $11.96 + tax = $13.22 and earned $10 RR for next purchase!

I was really happy about my Walgreens purchases. They were still sold out of the Scotch tape, but I have a raincheck. Hopefully, they will restock by the end of the months so I can get that deal! My last stop was Publix:

Angel Soft T.P.: Reg. price $6.99 x 2 = 13.98, sale price $5.50 x 2 = $11.00 - 2 x $1 printed coupons = $9.00 ($4.50 each)
Betty Crocker Banana Nut Muffin Mix: Reg. price = $2.59, BOGO sale = $1.30, used $0.45 coupon, Publix doubled = $0.40
Betty Crocker Cinnamon Muffin Mix: Reg. price = $2.59, BOGO sale = $1.29, used $0.45 coupon, Publix doubled = $0.39
Cheez-It Crackers: Reg. price $3.19, BOGO sale = $1.60
Progresso Soups x 4: Reg. price $2.39 each x 4 = $9.56, sale price $1.25 x 4 = $5, used two $0.50 coupons, Publix doubled = $3.00
Ruffles Potato Chips x 2: Reg. price $3.99 x 2 = $7.98, BOGO sale = $3.99
Juicy Juice 8 packs x 2: Reg. price $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, BOGO sale = $2.99
Swiss Miss Cocoa Mix: Reg. price $2.49, BOGO sale = $1.25, used $0.50 coupon, Publix doubled = $0.25
Country Crock Butter: Reg. price = $2.29, BOGO sale = $1.15, used $0.25 coupon, Publix doubled = $0.65
Smuckers Apricot preserves: Reg. price $3.29, sale price = $2.00, used $0.25 coupon, Publix doubled = $1.50
Green Giant Frozen Boxed Veggies x 4: Reg. price $1.75 x 4 = $7, sale price = $1.00 x 4 = $4, combine with two $0.50 coupons, Publix doubled = $2
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls x 3: Reg. price $2.72 x 3 = $8.16, sale price $5, used three $1 coupons = $2.00 ($0.67 each)

I also realized that I have a stack of Piggly Wiggly coupons that are $5 off a $25 purchase and Publix accepts them as competitor coupons! They were in the coupon book that schools in our area sell every year! Awesome!

Regular price: $69.10 + tax = $75.32
After sales and manufacturers' coupons:$27.77 - $5 Piggly Wiggly coupon
Total OOP: $22.77 + tax = $25.53 (66% savings!)

Publix Deals 12/10-12/16

2008-12-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here are the deals I felt were notable at Publix this week:

Lipton Tea Bags 100 count: BOGO, use two $0.50 coupons from 10/5 RP and 11/16 RP, Publix doubles making this $2.07 for two ($1.04 each)
Duncan Hines Cake Mix: BOGO, use $1/2 coupon from 10/12 SS making this $1.03 for two ($0.52 each)
Daisy Sour Cream: 25% off, combine with $0.50 coupon from 12/7 SS, Publix doubles (price varies depending on which item you purchase)
SunMaid Seedless Raisins: $1.99 each, buy two and use $1/2 coupon from 11/9 RP, making this $2.98 for two ($1.49 each)
Fresh Attitude Salad: BOGO, $2.99 for two ($1.50 each)
Progresso Soups: 8 cans for $10, use two $2/4 printable coupons making this $6 for 8 ($0.75 each). There are also lots of other Progresso coupons you can use from the 10/26 SS, 11/23 SS, 12/7 SS to save on this deal.
Mazola Oil: $3.99, combine with $1.00 coupon from 11/9 SS makes this $2.99
Peter Pan Peanut Butter: 2 for $4, combine with $0.50 coupon from October All You Magazine, Publix doubles making this $1.00 each. If you don't have this coupon, you can visit the Peter Pan website to print a rebate form making this item FREE!
Smucker's Preserves: 2 for $4, combine with $1.00 coupon from 12/7 RP making this $1 each.
Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix: BOGO, If you buy one and combine with $0.50 coupon from December All You Magazine, Publix doubles and this item is FREE + $0.01 overage!
Juicy Juice 8 packs: BOGO, buy two and combine with two $1.00 printed coupons makes this $0.99 for two packs ($0.50 each)
Kraft Stuffing: $0.99
Betty Crocker Muffin Mix: BOGO, combine with $0.40 coupon from 12/7 SS, Publix doubles making this $0.50 for one
Gold Medal Flour: $1.99, combine with $1.00 printable coupon makes this $0.99
Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips: $1.99
Blue Diamond Almonds: BOGO, combine with $0.75/2 coupon from 10/19 SS makes this $2.54 for two ($1.27 each)
Ruffles Potato Chips: BOGO, $3.99 for two ($2.00 each)
Nabisco Chips Ahoy: 2 for $5 ($2.50 each)
Hershey's Candy Big Bag: BOGO, combine with $1/1 coupon from 11/9 SS makes this $1.85 each
Thomas English Muffins: BOGO, $2.99 for two ($1.50 each)
Cheez-It Crackers: BOGO, $3.19 for two ($1.60 each)
Yoplait Yogurt: 20 for $10, combine with $1/4 printable coupon. Use 5 coupons to make this 20 for $5 ($0.25 each)
Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough: 3 for $6, combine with $1.00 coupon from 12/7 RP makes this $1.00 for one
Shedd's Spread Country Crock: BOGO, combine with two $1.00 off printable Food Lion coupons making this $0.35 for two ($0.18 each)
Reddi-Wip: 2 for $4, combine with $1.00 coupon from December All You Magazine making this $1 each, if you don't have this coupon, use $0.50 coupon from 11/16 SS, Publix doubles making this $1 each.
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: 3 for $5, combine with $0.35 coupon from 12/7 SS, Publix doubles making this $0.97 for one, or combine with three $1.00/1 printable coupons making these $0.66 each.
Sargento Shredded Cheese: 2 for $5, combine with $1/2 coupon from 11/16 RP makes this 2 for $4 ($2.00 each)
Green Giant Frozen Vegetables: 10 for $10, combine with $1.00/2 coupon from 12/7 SS = $0.50 for two, also $1.00/2 coupon from 11/16 SS gets you the same deal.
Breyer's Ice Cream: 3 for $10, combine with $0.50 coupon from 10/26 RP, Publix doubles making this $2.33 for one.
Kellogg's Waffles: BOGO, combine with $0.75 coupon from this coming Sunday's RP should make this item FREE or only a few pennies for one!
Lean Pockets, Hot Pockets, Croissant Pockets: 6 for $10, combine with $0.50 coupon from 9/28 RP, Publix doubles making this $0.67 for one pack.
Angel Soft Toilet Paper 24 rolls: 2 for $11, combine with two $1.00 printable coupons makes this $9.00 for two ($4.50 each)
Pup-Peroni Dog Snacks: 2 for $5, combine with $1/2 coupon from 12/7 RP, making this $4 for 2.
Soft Scrub Cleanser: $2.49, combine with $1.00 printable coupon makes this $1.49
Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Refill: $3.99, combine with BOGO coupon from 12/7 RP, so you get two for $3.99 ($2.00 each)
Lysol All Purpose Cleaner: BOGO, combine with two $0.50 printable coupons, Publix doubles making this $1.19 for two ($0.60 each)
Sparkle Paper Towels: 2 for $11, combine with $1.00 coupon from 10/19 RP makes this 2 for $10 or one if you only buy one it is $4.50.
Vanity Fair Napkins: $1.69 each, buy two and combine with $1/2 coupon from 11/9 RP or this coming Sunday's RP, making this $2.38 for two ($1.19 each)
Alka-Seltzer Medicines: $3.99, combine with $1.00 coupon from 10/26 RP = $2.99 each

I thought there were some pretty good deals this week. If I've missed any that you found, let me know!

The rest of my grocery deals for the week:

2008-12-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of the rest of our grocery deals for the week:
(Keep in mind, I spent $29 at Publix)

At Aldi I got:

Garlic Cheese Bread: $1.64
Potato Chips: $1.29
Garden Salad Mix: $0.99
Carrots: $0.69
Canned Tuna: $0.57
Canned Chicken x 2: $3.58
Milk: $2.79
Sugar: $1.89
Shredded Cheese: $2.99

Total OOP: $17.90

At Walgreens I got:

Small Kitchen Appliance (This is a Christmas gift): Reg. price $19.99, sale for $9.99 earns $3 RR
Schick Quattro Razor: Reg. price $8.99, sale for $6.99, used $3 Walgreens Q and $4 Q in All You Magazine = FREE + $0.01 overage
Makeup: Reg. price $4.89, clearance price $1.59 (Hey, it was on clearance, and I couldn't pass it up...)

Regular price: $36.92
Totol OOP: $13.10 + earned $3 RR (65% savings; if you count the RR, it's a 73% savings!!)

Total this week: $60 (but that included a $10 Christmas gift that earned $3 RR!)

Menu Plan Monday

2008-12-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan Monday is hosted each week by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie. Check out her site for more menu ideas.

Here's what we're eating for dinner this week:

Monday: Homemade Panini Sandwiches with Chicken Corn Chowder
Tuesday: Baked Spaghetti, garlic bread, and side salad
Wednesday: Chicken Casserole, steamed veggies
Thursday: Dinner Party for Hubby's work
Friday: Chicken Stir Fry and fried rice
Saturday: Baked Potato Soup and Corn Muffins
Sunday: Homemade meatballs, roasted potatoes, and side salad

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BAKED POTATO SOUP:

Potatoes
1 can chicken broth
2 cups milk
3 cloves of fresh garlic
real bacon pieces
cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

Boil the potatoes until very soft. Let the cool and peel. Mash them up using a potato masher. In a medium bowl mix chicken broth, milk, garlic, and about 1/4 cup of the bacon pieces. Combine with potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add sour cream, salt, and pepper. Allow to cook about 5 more minutes. Serve with sour cream, cheese, and bacon toppings.
*Green onions are also a delicious topping, but I rarely have these on hand.
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Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole:

2-3 cups chicken (you can used canned, but I prefer to boil chicken breasts)
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. sour cream
1 sleeve of Ritz style butter crackers
1 stick of butter or margarine
poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 350. Spread chopped chicken over the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Spread this over the chicken. Crush crackers ( I leave them in the bag to do this). Combine with 1 stick of melted butter. Spread this over the top. Sprinkle with poppy seeds (you can omit these and still have a delicious recipe, but it's not really poppy seed chicken). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is lightly toasted and bubbly. Enjoy!

Here's what I got at Publix (saved 61%)

2008-12-08T05:31:00.000-08:00

I had some time between class and my hair appointment, so I ran to Publix for some groceries. I am going to try weekly shopping, instead of bi-weekly shopping. This is because I am missing some of the great deals! Anyway, here's what I ended up with at Publix:

Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Chocolate Chip cookies: Reg. price $2.89, sale for $2
Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Holiday cookies: Reg. price $2.89, sale for $2, used Pillsbury coupon for $1 off 2 = $1
Goldfish crackers: Reg. price $2.19, sale for $1.50
Beggin' Strips dog treats: Reg. price $3.49, sale for $2.50, used $1 MQ = $1.50
Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion: Reg. price $6.99, BOGO sale price $3.50, used $0.55 coupon = $2.95
Juicy Juice: Reg. price $3.49, BOGO sale price $1.75, used $1 coupon = $0.75
Scotch Tape x 2: Reg. price $4.98, BOGO sale price $2.49, used $1/2 coupon = $1.49
Potatoes: Reg. price $3.99, sale for $1.99
College Inn Chicken Broth: Reg. price $2.79, sale for $1.40
College Inn Coconut Curry Broth: Reg. price $2.79, sale for $1.40, used $1.00 Publix coupon = $0.40
Campbell's Chunky Soup x 4: Reg. price $9.56, sale price 4 for $6, used 4 $0.50 Target coupons = $4.00
Idahoan Loaded Mashed Potatoes x 2: Reg. price $2.58, BOGO sale price $1.29
Ragu Pasta Sauce: Reg. price $2.49, BOGO sale price $1.25, used $0.25 coupon that Publix doubled = $0.75
Coffee Mate Creamer: Reg. price $2.39, sale price $2, used $0.55 coupon = $1.45
Nestle Hot Cocoa Mix: Reg. price $1.99, BOGO sale price $1.00, used $0.75 coupon = $0.25
Kotex Tampons x 2 boxes: Reg. price $5.90, BOGO sale $2.95, used $1 coupon = $1.95
Pillsbury Cake Mix x 2: Reg. price $3.38, BOGO sale $1.69

Regular price: $70.61
OOP: $29.00 (saved 61%)

Publix BOGO deals

2008-12-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some deals I thought were noteworthy from the Publix circular this week:

Scotch tape: BOGO, combine with $1/1 coupon or $1/2 coupon in Publix Winter Savings Booklet or $1 coupon in 11/23 SS
Cape Cod Potato Chips: BOGO, combine with $1.00 coupon from 11/9 RP = $0.74 for one
Kellogg's Frosted Flakes: Sale price $1.99, combine with $1.00 printable coupon from coupons.com = $0.99
Colgate Toothpaste: Sale price $1.99, combine with $1.50 printable coupon = $0.49, or combine with $1.00 coupon from 11/16 SS = $0.99
Potatoes: Publix brand 5 lb bag on sale for $1.99
Tostitos chips: BOGO (2 for $4.99, or 1 for $2.50)
Juicy Juice: BOGO, combine with $1 off printable coupon from juicyjuice.com making these $0.78 for one!
Folger's Coffee: Sale price 2 for $5 (or one for $2.50), combine with $0.25 coupon from 11/30 P&G insert, Publix doubles coupon = $2 each
Mt. Olive sweet relish: BOGO, combine with $1.00 coupon from 11/2 SS = $0.09 for one! Use two coupons and get 2 for $0.18!
Celestial Seasonings Tea: BOGO, combine with $0.55 coupon from 11/9 SS = $1.19 for one
Nestle Hot Cocoa Mix: BOGO, combine with $1.00/2 coupon = $0.99 for two boxes
Campbell's Chunky Soup: Sale price 4 for $6, combine with $0.50/1 printable coupon from Target.com (Publix accepts competitor coupons), use 1 coupon per can = 4 coupons, Publix will double these making the total price $2.00 for 4 cans of soup!
Ragu Pasta Sauce: BOGO, combine with $0.50/2 coupon from 11/16 RP, doubled = $1.54 for two
College Inn Broth: BOGO, combine with $1.00 coupon from Publix Winter Savings Booklet or $1.00 coupon from 11/16 RP = $0.39 for one!
Idahoan Mashed Potatoes: BOGO, combine with 2 $0.40 printable coupons from Idahoan.com, Publix doubles = You will actually make $0.32 when purchasing two of these!!
Pillsbury Cake Mix: BOGO = $1.74 for two or $0.87 each
Duncan Hines Brownie Mix: BOGO, combine with $1.00/2 coupon from 10/12 SS = $1.59 for two
McCormick's Vanilla: BOGO, combine with $1.00/2 coupon from 11/2 RP = $7.59 for 2
Pop-Secret Popcorn: BOGO, combine with $1.00/2 coupon from 11/9 SS = $3.82 for 2
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers: Sale price 2 for $3
Entenmann's Little Bites: BOGO, combine with $1.00 coupon from 11/16 SS = $1.14 for 1
Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies: Sale price 3 for $6, makes them $2 each, buy two and use Target printable coupon for $1/2 = $3 for 2
Green Giant Frozen Vegetables: BOGO, combine with $1 coupon from 11/16 SS = $0.75 each, or use $1.00/2 printable coupon from BettyCrocker.com = $2.49 for two
Smucker's Uncrustables: Sale price 2 for $4, combine with $0.55 coupon from August edition of All You magazine = $1.45
Freschetta Pizza: Sale price 2 for $10, combine with Winn-Dixie frozen food flyer coupon for $1 off = $4 for one
Purina Beggin' Strips: Sale price 2 for $5, combine with $2 printable coupon from beggintime.com = $0.50 for one or $1 for 2!
AirWick Scented Oil Refill: Sale price $4.49, combine with $1/2 coupon from 10/26 SS = $7.98 for two, and/or combine with FREE warmer coupon from 10/26 SS to get a free warmer!
Electrasol Dishwasher Detergent: BOGO, combine with $0.50 printable coupon from homesolutionnews.com, Publix doubles making this $1.20 each!
Lysol Bathroom Cleaner: BOGO, combine with $0.50 coupon from 10/26 SS, Publix doubles making this $0.85 each!
Pine-Sol Cleaner: Sale price $2.49, combine with $0.50 printable coupon from pinesol.com, Publix doubles making this $1.49
Cottonelle Toilet Paper: Sale price $6.99, combine with $1.00 Publix coupon from 11/9 SS = $5.99 per 12 roll pack
Viva Paper Towels: Sale price $6.99, combine with $0.50 printable coupon from vivatowels.com, Publix doubles making this $5.99 per 8 pack
Pantene products: Sale price $3.33, buy 2 and use $1.00/2 coupon from 11/30 P&G = $5.66 for two ($2.83 each)
Kotex Security Tampons: BOGO, combine with $1.00/2 coupon from 11/9 SS = $1.95 for two boxes!
Olay Body Wash: Sale price $5.99, combine with $1.00 coupon from 11/30 P&G = $4.99
Right Guard Sport Deodorant Gel: BOGO = $1.70 each
Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion: BOGO, combine with $1.00 coupon from 10/26 RP and/or 11/16 RP = $2.50 each
Benadryl Allergy Medicine: Sale price $3.99, combine with $1.00 coupon from 9/28 RP = $2.99

Christmas Tag!

2008-12-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

The rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Fill out the questions below
3. Tag 5-7 people at the end of your post.
4. Pass on the tag. Have FUN!!

1.Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I'm gonna have to go with Eggnog. I just finished an Eggnog MilkQuake from Krystal's and it was yummy!

2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa doesn't wrap. But mommy does!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Usually clear, but some people can definitely pull off the colored lights

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Not real mistletoe...

5. When do you put your decorations up? Thanksgiving weekend

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? My mom's dressing is absolutely wonderful!

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: Getting together at my grandmother's house with all my family; I also remember having so much fun drinking hot chocolate in the car and riding around to look at Christmas lights, all the while, singing Christmas carols.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was in third grade, and I brought the letter I got in the mail from Santa to school. I showed it to a girl in my class, and she laughed at me and told me Santa wasn't real. I was so devastated!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. We always open our pajamas on Christmas Eve.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? In the kitchen, I have tons of snowman decor (cookie jar, plates, candles, etc.); in the living room, I

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I'm indifferent. I think it's pretty, but I don't like cold weather...

12. Can you ice skate? Actually, yes. I took ice skating lesson in junior high.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Mall Madness game and 90210 barbies

14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Focusing on my Savior, spending time with family, making sure other people have the things they need

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Aunt Jenny's Banana Pudding or Chrissie's Potato Candy or Grandmother's Strawberry balls

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Getting to see all the family

17. What tops your tree? A tree topper

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? It's so cliche, but giving because I love seeing the excitement of others

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O, Holy Night (Celine's version) and Mary Did You Know

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? I like the flavored ones.

21. What do you want for Christmas? Well, I'm getting a new laptop, and that is what I want!

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? Yes, like 15 annual Christmas parties!

23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? I wear my PJs when I'm home, but dress up when I head to Mom's.

24. Do you own a santa hat? Yes

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? Christmas Day is usually spent at home first and then at my mom's house.

This was fun! If you want to copy it, go right ahead. I would love to see your answers!

Winn-Dixie Deals 12/3-12/9

2008-12-04T07:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some deals at Winn-Dixie this week:

Spend $30 and get a gallon of Winn-Dixie milk for $2.99
Fresh Ground Beef: Sale price $1.69 lb.
Lay's Potato Chips: BOGO = $2.00 per bag
Edy's Ice Cream: BOGO, combine with $1.00 coupon from November All You Magazine = $1.94 for one
Armour Sizzle and Serve Sausage: BOGO, combine with $0.35 coupon from 9/28 SS, Winn-Dixie doubles = $0.50 each!
Bryan Smoked Sausage: Sale price 2 for $5
Oscar Mayer Lunchables: Sale price 5 for $10, making them $2 each, buy 3 and use $1.00/3 coupon from Fall edition of Kraft Food Magazine = $5 for 3 ($1.67 each)
Bob Evans Side Dishes: Sale price 2 for $6, making them $3 each combine with $0.35 coupon from 11/16 SS, Winn-Dixie doubles = $2.30 each
Kraft Shredded Cheese 16 oz. bag: Sale price 2 for $7!
General Mills Cereals: BOGO, combine with $1.00/3 coupon from 11/2 SS = $6.35 for 3
Chex Mix: BOGO, combine with $0.60 printable coupon from bettycrocker.com = $0.75 each bag
Winn-Dixie 5 lb. sugar: Sale price $1.99
Ritz Crackers: Sale price 2 for $5, combine with $1.00/2 printable coupon from nabiscoworld.com = $4 for 2
Valley Fresh Canned Chicken: BOGO, combine with $0.40 coupon from 10/5 SS, Winn-Dixie doubles making this $0.90 each!
Campbell's Chunky Soups: Sale price 3 for $5, combine with $1.00/2 coupon from 10/5, buy 2 at $1.66 and use $1.00 coupon making this $2.33 for 2
Ore-Ida Steam and Mash Potatoes: Sale price 2 for $6, combine with $1.00 printable coupon from steamnmash.com = $2 for one
Charmin 24 pack: Sale price $12.99, combine with $0.25 coupon from 11/30 P&G, Winn-Dixie doubles = $12.49
Clairol Nice 'N Easy Color: Sale price $5.99, combine with $1.00 coupon from 11/30 P&G = $4.99
Pantene: Sale price 3 for $10, making these $3.33 each, combine with $1.00/2 coupon from 11/30 P&G = $5.66 for 2 ($2.83 each)
NyQuil: Sale price 2 for $10, combine with $1.50 coupon from 11/30 P&G = $3.50 each

CVS deals for the week (Saved 91%)

2008-12-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

I got some pretty good deals at CVS, and I left plenty on the shelves for everyone else!

Transaction #1:

Promax Energy Bar x 3: Regular price = $2.64 x 3 = $7.92, on sale 3 for $5 + earns $5 ECB
Pantene Conditioner: Regular price = $4.99, on sale for $3.49 + earns $1 ECB
Dove Deodorant: Regular price = $3.49, on sale for $1.99 + earns $1 ECB
Charmin Ultrasoft Toilet paper: Regular price = $7.49, on sale for $5.99
CVS cotton swabs: Regular price = $1.99 (I thought these earned $1 ECB, but they didn't)

Regular price: $25.88
After sales: $18.47
Used $5 off $15 purchase coupon, $11 ECB
OOP: $2.47 plus tax
Earned ECBs: $7.00

------------------------------------
Transaction #2:

Promax Energy Bar x 3: Regular price = $2.64 x 3 = $7.92, on sale 3 for $5 + earns $5 ECB

Regular price: $7.92
After sales: $5.00
Used $5 ECB
OOP: $0.01
Earned ECBs: $5.00

------------------------------------
Transaction #3:

Promax Energy Bar x 9: Regular price = $2.64 x 3 = $23.76, on sale 3 for $5 + earns $5 ECB
Complete Multipurpose Contact Solution = Regular price = $9.99, on sale for $8.99 + earns $8.99 ECB

Regular price: $33.75
After sales: $23.99
Used $20.99 ECB
OOP: $3.30
Earned ECBs: $23.99

Total from all three transaction:
REGULAR PRICE: $67.55
OOP: $5.78 (SAVED 91%)

Other money savers for this week

2008-12-01T13:05:00.001-08:00

CVS
Some ways to save money at CVS this week:

A coupon for $5 off $15 purchase will print on the bottom of your receipt if you shop in the next 3 days. The coupon expires 12/4/08, so hurry!
If you shop CVS online, you can save $25 on a $50 purchase, plus shipping is free!!! It will automatically deduct $10 from your order when you sign into your CVS online account. Save an additional $10 when you use your Mastercard to pay. Remember to type the code: MASTERCARD in as a coupon code. Take an additional $5 off when by using the code: MEDICARE. You will also earn triple the extra care bucks for your purchase!
Progresso soups are BOGO.
Degree deodorant is $1.99 this week and earns $1 ECB during the month of December.
Pantene is $3.49 this week and earns $1 ECB. Use the $1 coupon from last month's P&G insert, making it $1.49.

Walgreens
Some ways to save money at Walgreens this week:

If you sign up to receive emails from Walgreens, you should have received a $5 off $25 purchase coupon that is good for today and tomorrow only. Since I've signed up, they've emailed me one every 2-3 weeks. This is great for combining with your deals!

Publix
Some ways to save money at Publix this week:

The mystery item you get for $0.01 today is a supreme pizza. Only a penny!
Publix also accepts competitor coupons, so the $5 off $25 Walgreens coupon is a great way to save some money today!

Happy shopping!!!

Today's CVS deals!!!

2008-12-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

My friend, Renae, and I went to CVS on our lunch break. We had to go to the bank anyway, and they're practically next door to each other, so it wasn't a big deal.

Here's what I got:

Febreeze Air Effects: Regular price $3.29, on sale for $2.50
Febreeze Air Effects: Regular price $3.29, on sale for $2.50
Febreeze Fabric Freshener: Regular price $6.49, on sale for $3.50
Febreeze Fabric Freshener: Regular price $6.49, on sale for $3.50
Degree deodorant: Regular price $3.69, on sale for $1.99
6 Hour Energy 2 pack: Regular price $4.99

Regular Price: $28.24 + tax
Sale Price: $18.98 + tax
Coupons: Febreeze ($1) = $17.98 + tax
Paid using previously earned ECBs: $16.27
Total OOP: $1.95

Earned ECBs:
$5 for Febreeze
$4.99 for Energy drinks
$1 for Degree
-----------------------------
Total Earned ECBs $10.99!!

Past CVS deals!!!

2008-12-01T11:59:00.001-08:00

Okay, so these deals are from last week, but I had to post them just to brag about how awesome CVS really is!!!

Last Saturday, before we headed out of town, I made a quick CVS stop. Here's what I got:

1 Zantrex 2-pack energy drinks = $4.99
Duracell AA batteries = Regular price $5.29, on sale for $2.99
Duracell AA batteries = Regular price $5.29, on sale for $2.99
Duracell AAA batteries = Regular price $5.29, on sale for $2.99
Duracell C batteries = Regular price $5.29, on sale for $2.99
Duracell C batteries = Regular price $5.29, on sale for $2.99
Duracell D batteries = Regular price $5.29, on sale for $2.99
Duracell D batteries = Regular price $5.29, on sale for $2.99
Right Guard Professional Strength Deodorant = Regular price $9.99, on sale for $7.99
Maybelline Mineral Makeup = Regular price $9.49, on sale for $8.99
Glade Oil Candle $5.49
Glade Oil Candle $6.39

Regular Price: $73.38 + tax
Sale Price: $54.78 + tax
Coupons: used 4 x $0.75 MQ from Sunday paper and one Glade free item Q (-$6.39) = $45.39
Paid using previously earned ECBs: $24.99
Total OOP: $22.72

Earned ECBs:
$4.99 for Zantrex energy drinks
$15.00 for Duracell batteries
$7.00 for Right Guard Deodorant
$5.00 for Glade
$8.99 for Maybelline Makeup
-----------------------------
Total Earned ECBs $40.98!!!

Now for my Thanksgiving Day specials:

Transaction #1:

Hershey's Candy Bar: Regular price $1.59, on sale for $1.00
Aussie Mousse: Regular price $4.69, on sale for $2.99
Aussie Shampoo: Regular price $4.69, on sale for $2.99
BIC Soleil Razor: Regular price $6.99, on sale for $5.99
Johnson's Soft Lotion: Regular price $5.99, on sale for $5.69
Colgate Toothpaste: Regular price $3.89, on sale for $2.99
Colgate Toothpaste: Regular price $3.89, on sale for $2.99
Garnier Nutriste Towelettes: Regular price $5.99
Gatorade: Regular price $1.49
Gatorade: Regular price $1.49
Cover Girl Smoothers makeup: Regular price $7.99

Regular Price: $48.69 + tax
Sale Price: $41.60 + tax
Coupons: BIC ($3), Covergirl ($1), Colgate ($1), Aussie ($1) = $35.60 + tax
Paid using previously earned ECBs: $35.60
Total OOP: $0.54

Earned ECBs:
$1 for Hershey's
$2.99 for Aussie
$2.99 for Aussie
$5.69 for Johnson's
$2.99 for Colgate
$2.99 for Colgate
$5.99 for Garnier Nutriste
$1.49 for Gatorade
$1.49 for Gatorade
$7.99 for Covergirl
$5.99 for BIC
-----------------------------
Total Earned ECBs $41.60!!

Transaction #2

Fruit chips: Regular price $0.99, on sale for $0.09
Fruit chips: Regular price $0.99, on sale for $0.09
Fruit chips: Regular price $0.99, on sale for $0.09
Fruit chips: Regular price $0.99, on sale for $0.09
Fruit chips: Regular price $0.99, on sale for $0.09
Clairol Hydrience Hair Color: Regular price $9.19, on sale for $8.49
Playtex Tampons: Regular price $4.99, on sale for $3.99
Schick Quattro Razor: Regular price $9.49, on sale for $7.99
L'oreal Colour Juice Lip Gloss: Regular price $8.19, on sale for $6.99
Sally Hanson Nail Polish: Regular price $4.29, on sale for $3.79
5 Hour Energy Pack: Regular price $5.99, on sale for $3.99
Right Guard Xtreme Deodorant: Regular price $4.29, on sale for $0.99
Maybelline Makeup: Regular price $9.49, on sale for $8.99
Gatorade G2: Regular price $1.49
Covergirl Smoothers Powder: $5.99

Regular Price: $68.35 + tax
Sale Price: $53.15 + tax
Coupons: L'oreal ($1), Clairol ($2), Maybelline ($1), Cover Girl ($1) = $48.15
Paid using previously earned ECBs: $45.59
Total OOP: $3.15

Earned ECBs:
$5 Clairol
$3 Playtex
$6 Schick
$6.99 L'oreal
$3.79 Sally Hanson
$3.99 5 Hour Energy
$1.49 Gatorade
$5.99 Covergirl
-----------------------------
Total Earned ECBs $36.25!!!

Transaction #3

Rival 5.5 Quart Crock Pot: Regular price $24.99, on sale for $19.99

Regular Price: $24.99 + tax
Sale Price: $19.99 + tax
Paid using previously earned ECBs: $19.98
Total OOP: $0.01

Earned ECBs:
$10 Small Appliance purchace
-----------------------------
Total Earned ECBs $10.00!!!

I just realized that sales tax didn't ring up on this item. I'm not sure why, but I'm definitely not complaining about the Crockpot I got for a penny!

I'll be back!

2008-11-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish each one of you a Happy Thanksgiving! I will be on vacation next week and will, most likely, not have access to any computer! I hope you find some great deals on Black Friday! I'm sure I'll have lots to blog about when I return!

Recipes!!!

2008-11-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

I've made three delicious (and easy) recipes this week and wanted to share my version of them.

Crescent Roll Chicken
1 package of crescent rolls
4 oz. of cream cheese
1/4 cup of chopped olives
1 clove of fresh garlic
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken
3 tbsp. melted butter, separated
2 tbsp. milk
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Boil chicken until cooked. In a medium mixing bowl, blend 2 tbsp. of butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add in olives, garlic, milk, salt, and pepper. Chop chicken and add to mixture. Spoon into crescent rolls triangles. Roll up and brush tops with remaining butter. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cost breakdown:
Crescent rolls = $0.97
Cream cheese = $0.50
Olives = $0.18
Fresh garlic = $0.03
Chicken = $1.85
Butter = $0.06
Milk = $0.03
Salt and pepper = Less than $0.01
Total = $3.62, 8 crescent rolls = $0.45 each

Chicken Spaghetti Bake
8 oz. angel hair pasta
2 cups of boneless, skinless chicken (chopped and diced)
4 oz. pimentos
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1-1/4 cup shredded cheddar
1 clove fresh garlic

Preheat oven to 350. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain. Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Cost breakdown:
Pasta = $0.25
Pimentos = $0.38
Cream of mushroom = $0.49
Fresh garlic = $0.03
Chicken = $1.85
Cheese = $0.93
Total = $3.93, 6 servings = $0.66 per serving

Taco Salad Bowls
1 lb. ground beef
4 corn tortillas
1 large can of pinto beans
1 pack taco seasoning
aluminum foil
cooking spray
desired toppings (shredded cheese, salsa, lettuce, sour cream)

Preheat oven to 375. Place tortillas on a plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable. Crumple foil into 4 ball shapes and place on a cookie sheet. Remove tortillas from microwave. Lightly spray each one, front and back, with cooking spray. Place each tortilla atop the aluminum foil balls. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Empty the can of pinto beans into a medium bowl. Using a potato masher, mash these until they are similar in texture to mashed potatoes. Microwave these for 1-2 minutes. Drain off any extra liquid. Meanwhile, cook and drain ground beef. Add in taco seasoning and combine with pinto beans. Fill each taco bowl, add toppings, and enjoy!

Cost breakdown:
Ground beef = $1.89
Taco seasoning = $0.33
Tortillas = $0.15
Beans = $0.99
Total = $3.36, 4 servings = $0.84 each + toppings

Menu Planning Monday

2008-11-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan Monday is hosted each week by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie. Check out her site for more menu ideas.

Sunday: Clam Chowder
Monday: Crescent chicken squares, corn on the cob
Tuesday: Taco salad bowls (I'll post more on this later this week)
Wednesday: Chicken spaghetti bake with garlic butter toast
Thursday: BUNKO night!!! Eric and Jax are having pizza and fries
Friday: French Onion Pork Chop Skillet (from Kraft magazine)
Saturday: homemade chicken noodle soup with corn muffins

Bi-Weekly Shopping Trip 11/15

2008-11-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

My friend, Shannon, is trying to save money, so she asked if she could go grocery shopping with me this weekend. We found some pretty good deals, and I got some Christmas shopping done! This was my first time to actually match coupons and sales at Publix, and I was very pleased with the results.

Here's what I got:

First stop, Target:

Luvs Box of Diapers: $15.99 (Target is cheaper than Walmart on Luvs diapers)
Baby Wipes: $4.64
Shower Curtain Liner: $2.34
Snack Cakes: $1.43

Total: 24.40 + tax

Next stop, Walgreens:

Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent (x2) = Reg. $14.99, on sale for $6.99 and BOGO + used 2 coupons for $1 each = $4.99
Disposable Foil Pans (3 pack) = Reg. $1.19, on sale for $0.79

Regular price: $16.18
After sales and coupons: $5.78 (saved 65%)

Next stop, Aldi: (For comparison's sake, I'm going to list Walmart's great value price in parentheses beside each item)

Bread: $0.79 ($1.52)
Hannah Montana Guitar: $16.99 ($24.97)
Boneless pork chops: $4.87 ($5.23)
Frozen pizza x 2: $1.98 ($1.96)
Canned green beans: $0.49 ($0.63)
Chicken broth x 2: $0.78 ($1.10)
My First Leap Pad Book: $8.99 ($13.97)
My First Leap Pad: $14.99 ($22.97)
Paper towels: $2.89 ($3.44)
Shredded cheddar cheese: $2.99 ($4.29)
Cream of mushroom soup: $0.49 ($0.98)
Tomato soup x 2: $0.98 ($1.96)
Canned sweet peas: $0.49 ($0.63)
Canned pinto beans: $0.99 ($1.24)
Seasoned mashed potatoes x 2: $1.88 ($2.56)
Stuffing mix: $0.79 ($1.29)
Dozen eggs: $1.19 ($1.24)
Milk x 2: $4.98 ($6.78)
Corn tortillas: $1.19 ($1.38)
Dill pickles: $1.49 ($1.63)
Cream cheese x 2: $1.98 ($2.24)
Canned chicken: $1.79 ($2.34)
Cheese crackers: $1.29 ($1.68)
Animal crackers: $1.29 ($1.44)
Bacon pieces: $1.29 ($1.76)

Aldi Total: 77.77 + tax
Walmart Total: 109.23 + tax (29% savings)

Last stop, Publix:

Publix Frozen Yogurt: Reg. $3.49, on sale for $3.00
Coffee Mate Caramel Apple Creamer: Reg. $2.00, on sale for $1.50 + used $0.55 blinkie coupon (coupon machine in front of creamer) = $0.95
Keebler Pie Crust: Reg. $1.57, on sale for $0.99 + used coupon from 11/9 RP for $0.25 doubled = $0.49
McCormick Gravy Mix x 2: Reg. $1.98, on sale BOGO + used coupon from 11/2 RP for $0.25 doubled = $0.49
Blue Bonnet Margarine x 3: Reg. $2.97, used Walgreens coupon from ad = 3 for $2
Juicy Juice x 2: Reg. $6.98, on sale BOGO + used 2 coupons for $1 each = $1.49
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Reg. $3.49, on sale for $1.99
Cocoa Puffs: Reg. $3.49, on sale for $1.99
Golden Grahams: Reg. $3.49, on sale for $1.99 + used $1 coupon from 11/2 SS off 3 boxes = $0.99
Ritz Crackers x 2: Reg. $7.38, on sale BOGO + used coupon for $1 off 2 boxes = $2.69
5 lbs potatoes: Reg. $3.99, on sale for $1.99
Colgate Toothpaste (large): Reg. $3.29, on sale for $1.99 + used $0.75 coupon = $1.24
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls x 3: Reg. $8.67, on sale $5 for 3 + used 3 coupons for $0.35 doubled = $2.90
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix x 2: Reg. $5.10, used Walgreens coupon from ad = $1.98 + used $0.50 coupon doubled = $0.98
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix: Reg. $2.67, used Walgreens coupon = $0.99 + used $0.75 coupon = $0.24
Betty Crocker Frosting x 2: Reg: $3.78, on sale BOGO + used 0.55 coupon = $1.34
Used Walgreens $5 off $20 purchase coupon

Regular Price: $64.34
After sales and coupons: $18.43 (saved 71%)

Total cost for groceries, cleaning supplies, diapers, etc. is $85.41 + tax.
Total spent on Christmas gifts: $40.97 + tax.

YAY! I officially love Publix now!!!

How else can I save money?

2008-11-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

What are other ways to save?

There are tons of ways to cut back your spending, besides on your grocery bill.
Here are a few that I have found helpful:

I'm going to nursing school, and medical books are downright expensive! The book list from the school showed book costs to be around $800 + 10% sales tax = $880. I purchased my books at half.com yesterday for less than $250, and that was including shipping! Taxes are not charged since it is an out of state purchase.
Thrift stores are a great place to find bargains. I don't want Jax to ruin his good clothes at daycare. My most recent transaction included: Blue button up shirt ($1.48), gray Old Navy Pullover ($0.79), Gymboree L/S t-shirt ($0.99), Nike jacket ($2.48), Levi Jeans ($2.98), Children's Place pajama sleeper ($1.48), Children's Place L/S striped button up (1.48), Old Navy Plaid button up ($1.98), baby Gap sweater vest ($0.79), Carter's sweater vest ($0.79), and a pair of White House Black Market Jeans for me that I plan on converting to something else ($2.48) = $17.72 + tax. Click here for a location near you!
Raise your insurance deductibles if you can. This can lower your principle. I like to make sure that we have the deductible amount in our emergency fund. That means when I raised our car insurance deductible from $250 to $500, I had to put make sure we had $500 in our emergency fund.

What are some ways that you save money?

2008-11-13T13:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the recipe for the pizza casserole. My sister made the recipe and called to tell me how delicious it was. I tried for myself last night, and she was right!

Pizza Casserole (my version)

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 onion
2 cloves garlic
2 cups egg noodles
16-24 oz. pizza sauce (depending on how much sauce you like)
4 tbsp. milk
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Boil noodles in water until al dente. Drain and add to casserole dish. Cook ground beef with onion and garlic until brown. Drain and combine with noodles. Add pizza sauce, milk, and slices of pepperoni. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Cover with mozzarella, and bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. You can add pizza toppings of your choice (i.e. black olives, pineapple chunks).

Here is the picture from my sister, Christina.
Thanks Chrissie!

A little tool that might help you!

2008-11-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

My newest find is a coupon database website. Since I've really started couponing, I've kept a spreadsheet of all the coupons in my coupon binder. I go through every week and add the coupons from Sunday's paper, along with any other coupons I might have accumulated. I include the item, the coupon amount, the expiration date, and the location. Each week I sort it by expiration date and delete any coupons that may have expired. Then I sort it alphabetically. It just takes a few minutes, but sometimes there are coupons that I don't know about (for example, online coupons).

Well, no worries! Hot Coupon World has already done all the work! All you have to do is type in the item or brand that you looking for and viola! It's as easy as that!!!

I posted this especially for Trenity, Kristi, and Sonya!!! They are my newest blog readers who are looking for great deals!!

CVS... A little obsessed this week...

2008-11-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went to CVS on my lunch break. There's a store a couple of minutes from my work. I know, I know. But we were almost out of toothpaste, and I didn't want to pay for it! And, we were completely out of laundry detergent. I still didn't get the Crest ProHealth toothpaste, but I got some other notable deals.

3 Listerine Agent Cool Blue Mouth Washes: Reg. $5.89 x 3 = $17.67, on sale for $3.99 x 3 = $11.97 - 3 coupons @ $3 = $8.97 earns $9 ECB = FREE
Wisk Laundry Detergent: Reg. $8.49, on sale for $3.99
2 Colgate Toothpastes: Reg. $2.79 x 2 = $5.58, on sale BOGO for $2.29 (I also had a coupon, but I forgot it!)

Regular price: $31.74
Less sales and coupons: $15.25
Paid with ECBs: $8.59
OOP $7.63 + earned $9 ECB

I went to Hueytown this week since it's only a few minutes away. I might try that again, since Publix, CVS, and Walgreens are all on the same corner! I would be pretty convenient to get a lot of my shopping done on my lunch break! Plus I love showing the girls I work with how to get great deals.

My deals for the week: CVS and Walgreen's

2008-11-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I was really hoping to get the L'oreal cream for free this week, but every CVS I went to was sold out. I guess I'm going to have to start reading the paper at 6:00 A.M. on Sunday morning and rushing out before church to get the good deals! Just kidding, I barely get up in time to make it to the early service as it is!

I still got some good deals, so I can't complain, and I didn't go out of my way, because both stores were on my way home from school.

Here's what I got at CVS:

Palmolive Dish Detergent x 2: Reg. $3.18 - sale for $2.98 - earns $2 ECB = $0.98
Garnier Fructis Shampoo: Reg. $4.29 - sale for $2.99 - earns $2 ECB = $0.99
Smart Water: Reg. $1.69 - sale for $1.59 - earns $1.59 ECB = FREE

Regular Price: $9.16
Subtotal after sales / coupons: $7.56
Paid Using ECBs: $5.00
Earned ECBs: $5.59
Total: I paid $2.71 OOP and earned $5.59 ECB.

My sales also generated a $2 Colgate coupon and a $3 Excedrin coupon which printed out on my receipt.

At Walgreen's I got:

Domino's Sugar (5 lb.) = Reg. $3.49 - Walgreen's coupon = $1.99 - $0.30 manufacturer's coupon = $1.69
Progresso soups x 4 = Reg. $12.76 - Walgreen's coupon = $5 - $2 off 4 manufacturer's coupon = $3.00
Libby's Pumpkin x 2 = Reg. 3.58 - Walgreen's coupon = $1.98
Apple Pie Filling = Reg. $2.49 - Walgreen's coupon = $1.50
Coffee Mate Peppermint Mocha Creamer x 2 = $4.98 - Walgreen's BOGO coupon = $2.49 - 2 manufacturer's coupons for $1 each = $0.49 for both!
Face Wash (not on sale) = $9.99
Ultra Alkaline batteries = Reg. $3.99 - Walgreen's coupon = $0.99

Regular Price: $41.28
Subtotal after sales and coupons: $19.64 + tax = $21.79
Used Walgreen's gift card from last month's EasySaver Catalog: $20.34
Total OOP: $1.45

Menu Plan Monday (or Tuesday)

2008-11-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan Monday is hosted each week by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie. Check out her site for more menu ideas.

Sunday: I didn't make the sauerkraut chowder. We ate Chinese with friends. :)
Monday: Cheese Lover's Tuna Casserole
Tuesday: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole (recipe below)
Wednesday: Homemade meatballs, mashed potatoes, peas
Thursday: Eric will be out of town, so we're having leftovers from the freezer!
Friday: Pizza night with fries
Saturday: Chicken Fried Rice
Sunday: Beef stew and corn bread

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole:

2-3 cups chicken (you can used canned, but I prefer to boil chicken breasts)
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. sour cream
1 sleeve of Ritz style butter crackers
1 stick of butter or margarine
poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 350. Spread chopped chicken over the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Spread this over the chicken. Crush crackers ( I leave them in the bag to do this). Combine with 1 stick of melted butter. Spread this over the top. Sprinkle with poppy seeds (you can omit these and still have a delicious recipe, but it's not really poppy seed chicken). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is lightly toasted and bubbly. Enjoy!

The Art of CVS-ing

2008-11-10T08:43:00.001-08:00

How to master the art of CVS shopping:

Apply in store or online for a CVS ExtraCare card. If you apply online, you have to wait for CVS to mail the card, which can take up to two weeks. If you apply in the store, make sure you go online and register your card to your email address so you can get "special" savings.
Next, scan through the weekly sales ad and find what you need (or want). I do a quick run through first, paying special attention to anything with the "free after extra bucks" notation and the items that earn extra bucks. They will stand out in the ad, as they have a yellow rectangle indicating the price.
Then, I flip through my coupon list to see if I have any manufacturer's coupons that I can match to the items I have selected.
Next, I plan out my trip. This requires me to simply jot down what items I'm planning to purchase, what coupons I have, how many ECBs I will use, and what I should earn back.
Having this sort of plan is very important. This way, if your cashier makes a mistake or something doesn't ring up correctly, you don't have to make a trip back to the store. It also allows you to get in and out in a minimal amount of time.
Work your magic.
ExtraCare Bucks, or ECBs, will print out at the end of your sale. These are just like cash, so store them in a safe place! And don't forget to use them. They expire 4 weeks from the date they're issued. You also earn 2% back on all purchases. This is issued quarterly.

Here's how I conduct my transactions:

Allow cashier to ring up all products.
Submit all CVS coupons (ex: $5 off $25 purchase).
Submit all manufacturer's coupons.
Submit any ECBs that I have.
Pay for remainder and collect earned ECBs.

I hope this will help you master the art of CVS-ing.

My CVS Deals This Week!

2008-11-07T11:27:00.001-08:00

CVS is great! I'm running by there on my way to scrapbooking tonight.

Here's what I'm getting:

Crest Pro Health Toothpaste ($3.49)
4-12pks of Coke products ($12)
2-Olay Quench lotions ($12)

That comes to: $27.49. I'll then use the $5 off a $25 purchase coupon they emailed me to bring the total to $22.49. Then, I'll use $1 coupon on the toothpaste and a $3 coupon on the lotion that can be found in the P&G Brandsavers book from this past Sunday. That will be $18.49. I have $9 in ECB from a previous visit which leaves me paying $9.49 OOP. But wait! I'll earn $11.49 in ECB to use on my next trip!

You certainly can't beat that!

My Biweekly trip from Sunday

2008-11-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is a little late. I've had a crazy week!

This week was my first time to shop as a smart shopper at Publix. I got some decent deals, so I'll definitely be trying again.

Anyway, here goes.

My first stop was Publix:

3 cans of Chef Boyardee Pasta = Reg. $4.50, on sale for $3.00 less $0.35 coupon (doubled) = $2.30 ($0.76 each)
2 boxes of Nestle Cocoa = Reg. $3.98 - BOGO sale = $1.99 ($1.00 each) I had a coupon for this but, I lost it :(
Quilted Northern Toilet Paper = Reg. $7.99, on sale for $6.49 - $1.00 Target coupon = $5.49. When I called the store, the lady who answered told me they doubled coupons up to $1, but what she meant was they doubled coupons up to $0.50 which = $1.00.

Regular Price: $16.47
Total OOP: $9.78 (41% savings)

After that, I headed to Aldi:

3 rolls of paper towels: $1.77
2 pizzas: $1.98
celery: $0.99
2 loaves of bread: $1.58
chicken tenderloins: $6.49
onions: $1.49
sloppy joe mix: $0.79
2 cans chicken: $3.58
2 cans of tuna: $1.14
boneless pork chops: $4.15
2 gallons of milk: $4.98
2 packs of lunch meat: $2.98
2 boxes of macaroni: $0.70
2 packs of seasoning: $0.66
apple juice: $1.65
refrigerated crescent rolls: $1.49
sugar: $1.99
eggs: $1.19
cinnamon crunch cereal: $1.89
chex mix: $1.99
nacho chips: $0.99
cheese: $1.99
margarine: $0.67

Total OOP: $47.13

Next stop, Walmart:

2 boxes of Red Diamond tea bags: Reg. $2.68 - matched Food Giant price = $1.96 - 2 coupons $0.50 each = $0.96 ($0.48 each)
2 bags of Kraft shredded cheese: Reg. $4.96 - sale price = $4.00 ($2.00 each)
2 Pillsbury cake mixes = Reg. $2.16 - sale price = $1.76

Regular Price: $9.80
Total OOP: $6.72 (31% savings)

Final stop, Target:

Box of Luvs diapers: $15.99
MP mustard: $0.77
Campbell's potato soup: $1.47
carton of Swanson chicken broth: Reg. $2.12 - sale $1.99 - $0.40 coupon doubled = $1.19
Little Debbie cakes: $1.43
Libby's pumpkin pie mix: $1.09
Coffee Mate liquid creamer: Reg. $1.64 - sale $1.50 - $1.00 coupon = $0.50
cotton balls: $0.97
Ziploc bags: Reg: $1.10 - sale $0.85 - $0.75 coupon = $0.10

Regular Price: $26.58
Total OOP: $22.54 (16% savings)

I know it doesn't seem like I save a lot at Target, percentage wise, but that's mainly because I spend more there on diapers and things. And I like Target because they never give me any hassle about my internet coupons. Sometimes Walmart employees try to argue that they don't accept internet coupons, even though according to their posted coupon policy, they do accept them.

Anyway, I only spent $86.17 + tax on groceries this trip! That is well below our $120 biweekly budget!

What is still...

2008-11-05T05:40:00.000-08:00

As posted on my pastor's blog this morning, I wanted to post this as a reminder to all of what will not CHANGE.

1. God will still be seated on His throne.
2. Man will still be unable to save himself.
3. Jesus Christ will still be the only way to heaven.
4. The Holy Spirit will still be calling men and women to repent.
5. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will still be saved.
6. The Bible will still be the sole authority for life.
7. God will still inhabit the praise of His people.
8. The church of Jesus Christ will still be in business.
9. There will still be room for JUST ONE MORE in the family of God.
10. The heavens will still continue to declare God’s glory.
11. The joy of the Lord will still be my strength.
12. The fear of the Lord will still be the beginning of knowledge.
13. The peace of God will still transcend all understanding.
14. The world will still be passing away along with its desires.
15. The fool will still say in his heart, “There is not God.”
16. The righteous will still live by faith.
17. The cross will still be foolishness to those who are perishing.
18. The cross will still be the power of God to those who are being saved.
19. The Kingdom of God will still be advancing forward.
20. The return of Jesus Christ will still be forthcoming.

Sola gracia,
Lisa

Menu Planning Monday

2008-11-03T05:48:00.000-08:00

I stayed home from work Monday. Jaxson and I had some stomach bug that I won't go into any detail about. Anyway, here is our menu plan for this week. Better late than never!

Menu Plan Monday is hosted each week by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Sunday: I didn't cook because we were sick.
Monday: Pizza night
Tuesday: Homemade chicken noodle soup (my first time to make and it was delicious!)
Wednesday: Teriyaki chicken stir fry
Thursday: Sloppy Joe Bake
Friday: Scrapbooking and Eric and Jaxson's Boys' Night Out which = Milo's
Saturday: Poppyseed chicken casserole
Sunday: Sauerkraut Chowder

Racking up at RiteAid!

2008-10-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

This is my first week to shop at RiteAid, so I was a little disappointed when I found out the store most convenient to my house was closing. I perked up when I realized there was a location close to my workplace that I could visit! I really racked up some great deals at RiteAid today. Here's what I got:

M&M's Fun Size Candy = $3.39, on sale for $1.88
Snickers Fun Size Candy = $3.39, on sale for $1.88 - coupon for $1.00 off two bags of candy = $0.88
GE 6' extension cord = $4.69, on sale for $2.00 - less $2.00 SCR = FREE
Power Strip = $8.99, on sale for $5.00 - less $5.00 SCR = FREE
L'oreal Age Perfect Moisturizer = $19.99, on sale for $15.99 - less $15.99 SCR = FREE
Axe Shower Scrubber for Men = $5.99, on sale for $3.99 - less $3.99 SCR = FREE
Oral B Artica Toothbrush = $3.49, on sale for $2.49 - less $2.49 SCR and MC for $1 = FREE + earn $1.00
Kotex Tampons = $3.99, on sale for $3.00 - less $3.00 SCR - $1.00 coupon on box = FREE + earn $1.00

Regular Price: $53.92
Subtotal after sales / coupons: $34.23, $5 of $25 purchase by signing up at RiteAid = $29.23
Earned SCR: $32.47
Total: FREE!!! And I made $3.24!!! I love shopping!

$5 Shoes?

2008-10-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Look what I got for $1.00, plus $4.00 shipping.

Brand new in the box!

Average price of tennis shoes at Walmart: $14.97
Average price I pay for name brand tennis shoes: $6.50.

My CVS and Walgreens Deals

2008-10-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last night, my friend, Tiffany, and I headed out to find some deals. Our first stop was Rite-Aid. Much to our disappointment, the location nearest to my house is going out of business and was already closed when we arrived. So, we cheered up and headed to CVS. Here's what I got:

4 Soy Joy Bars: $5.16 on sale for $1 = $4.00 + earned $4.00 ECBs = FREE
2 Maybelline Colossa Mascara: $13.98 on sale for 11.98 + earned $5 ECBs = $6.98
2 Palmolive Dish Detergent: $1.59 on sale for $1.39 + BOGO - $0.25 MC = $1.14
2 Bags Hershey's Candy Corn Kisses: definitely not on sale, but these were the last two bags, so I had to get them: $6.98

Regular Price: $29.30
Subtotal after sales / coupons: $24.10
Paid Using ECBs: $9.68
Earned ECBs: $9.00
Total: $5.42 (82 % savings)

We made one last stop at Walgreens. Here's what I got at Walgreens:

L'oreal Age Perfect Moisturizer: $19.99 - $19.99 ESR = FREE
Campbell's Tomato Soup: $1.39 - $0.80 store coupon = $0.59
Almay One Coat Mascara: $6.99 - $6.99 ESR = FREE

Regular Price: $28.37
Subtotal after sales: $27.57
Earned ESR: $26.98 + 10% = $29.68
Total: FREE + earned $1.31 (105%)

Cheesy Chicken Pot Biscuit Cups

2008-10-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here's my version of this recipe. I made it Monday night, and it was delicious.

Cheesy Chicken Pot Biscuit Cups

1 can of refrigerated biscuits (I used Merico's Butter-Me-Nots)
1 can of chicken (9 oz.)
1 can cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup of shredded cheddar
1/2 tbsp of Italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 400. Flatten each biscuit and place in the cup of an ungreased muffin pan, making sure to press the biscuit up the sides of the cup. Combine other ingredients in a bowl and spoon into the biscuits. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Instead of steamed carrots, I made carrots au gratin. It was a new recipe also, and delicious!

Carrots Au Gratin

2 cups fresh carrots, diced
2 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1 tsp. onion salt
8 round butter crackers
1/2 cups of shredded cheese
dash of black pepper

Preheat oven to 400. Boil carrots in 1/2" of water for about 10 minutes. Pour into baking dish. Combine butter, onion salt, crackers, and pepper. Pour over carrots. Cover with cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.

Cost of Chicken Cups: $3.72, made 10 cups (5 servings) = $0.74 per serving
Cost of Carrots: $0.68, made 4 servings = $0.17 per serving.

That comes out to $0.91 per serving total. Not a bad dinner for under a buck!

*** Note: This is my plate. DH had double this amount, so his actually cost $1.82! He eats two servings...

Spongebob!

2008-10-27T07:58:00.003-07:00

I promised pictures of Jaxson's costume, so here ya go!
I thought it looked pretty cute, but then again, I'm his mommy!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-10-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

Each week Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie hosts Menu Plan Monday. Here's what we're eating this week:

Sunday: Fall Festival at our Church
Monday: Cheesy Chicken Pot Biscuit Cups with baked carrots
Tuesday: Pizza casserole with garlic bread
Wednesday: Salmon patties with buffalo fries
Thursday: Chicken Casserole
Friday: Neighborhood Halloween Party
Saturday: ??? Surprise Night

I've had the ingredients for the pizza casserole for several weeks now but haven't made it. I'm anxious to see how it turns out!

The problem with addictions is...

2008-10-23T07:32:00.001-07:00

The problem with addictions is you always have to get your fix!

Medically speaking, addiction is a state of the body which causes a person to rely on a substance in order to function normally. Every addictive substance induces pleasant feelings or relieves distress. Addiction was originally a term used to for alcohol and drug abuse. In recent years, the term has spread to cover non-substance related dependencies. The term is then referring to recurring compulsive behavior by an individual to engage in a specific activity.

Does this describe me? Yes...
I am addicted to bargains. And I suppose if you're going to have an addiction, it's a pretty good one to have. And no, I'm not some miser who wants to hoard it all for myself. I love saving, so I can give more to others, and save for Jaxson's college of course.

Anyway, as I was headed back from my trip for costume stuff, I realized I had my CVS coupons and list in my car. So I had to stop. I didn't need anything, but when something is free, I can't pass it up. Besides, I had to pass right by CVS on my way home.

Here's what I got:

2 pack of GUM brand toothbrushes: $3.99 - $3.99 earned ECBs = FREE
1-32oz. Powerade: $1.69 - $1.69 earned ECBs = FREE
3-20 count Excedrin: $5.49, on sale for $1.99 - 3 coupons for $2.00 off each, + MIR to try this for free = FREE + earned $2.02

Subtotal: $6.43
Less $ 3 ECBs
Total OOP: $3.43

I earned $5.68 ECBs, so I actually made $2.25 + MIR for $2.02 = $4.27 just for shopping at CVS!

I felt like I had my "fix" for the night! I was on cloud nine!

Costume Designers!

2008-10-23T06:50:00.001-07:00

So, DH sent me out to look for the remaining things we needed for Jaxson's costume. Here's what I've spent thus far on the homemade Spongebob costume:

Foam Squares 2 @ $2.99 = $5.98
Chenille Pipe Cleaner = $0.62
Pack of Styrofoam balls = $3.48
White opaque paint = $1.67
Black paint = $.97
Blue paint = $.97
6 sheets of felt @ $.32 = 1.92
black shoes = $2.48

grand total = $18.09

Things we already had at home: yellow spray paint, elastic, green craft paint, craft glue, Sharpie marker, black ribbon, brown pants, a white shirt, and socks

Also, Jaxson will now have a pair of black dress shoes, so that was $2.48 well spent. We also have a bag of Styrofoam balls and a pack of black pipe cleaner left since we only needed one of each. If anyone has any good ideas for their use, please let me know! I didn't get a chance to take any pictures yet, but I promise I'll post some soon!

Bacon-Cheese Swirled Potatoes

2008-10-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday nights, DH and I are both at church until around 8:00. I don't usually get home in time to cook something before we leave, so when we get home I have to make something quick. Last night, I threw some pork chops on the George Foreman and whipped up some bacon-cheese swirled potatoes as a side dish. They were quick and delicious.

Just as a side note, I had never bought, or even thought about buying, boxed (aka instant) potatoes until a few weeks ago. DH loves mashed potatoes, but I would rather cook potatoes in a different manner (Italian style, baked, etc). Well, I got a pretty good deal on some Betty Crocker potatoes a few weeks ago, so I figured I would try out a new recipe. Mmm... These were delicious. Our dinner was $1.60 per person. Oh yeah, plus electricity :)

The cost breakdown is:
1-1/2 cups of water = $0.08
1 cup of milk = $0.15
1 pack of Betty Crocker potatoes = $0.22
1/4 cup of ranch dressing = $0.12
2 tbsp of bacon pieces = $0.16
2 tbsp of margarine = $0.04
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese = $0.25
Total cost = $1.38 for 4 servings or $0.35 per serving

Bacon-Cheese Swirled Potatoes
Combine 1-1/2 cups water, 1 cup milk, and 2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Then, remove from heat and stir in potato flakes. Next, add 1/4 cup of ranch dressing, 2 tbsp of bacon pieces, and 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-10-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Each week Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie hosts Menu Plan Monday. I'm new to this, but hopefully, you can get some great ideas to use when planning your weekly menu!

Here is our menu plan for the dinner this week:

Sunday: ate with family
Monday: Grilled Pork Chops with Bacon-Cheese Swirled Potatoes and Steamed Veggies
Tuesday: Reuben Casserole
Wednesday: Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with fried rice
Thursday: BBQ Taco Bake (recipe courtesy of my friend Rhonda)
Friday: Pizza and Buffalo Fries
Saturday: Parties galore!

I also made a batch of Chex Muddy Buddies Mix for a baby shower we're throwing for a girl at work. YUM!

Saving, saving, saving!

2008-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

I mapped out my shopping trip and really racked up on some great deals this weekend!
I went to four stores, but luckily for me, they're all close together. I did go over our budget by about $17, but I saved $20 on my last trip, plus most of this is stuff we won't need to buy again for a long time!
Here's what I got this week (taxes not included):

First stop: CVS
I applied for a CVS Extra Care card, and this is a very important factor in saving money at CVS!

1. CVS moisturizing beauty bar: $0.99, earned $1 ECB = FREE
2. Colgate Total toothpaste: $3.29, earned $2 ECB = $1.29
3. Hershey's Candy Corn Kisses: I had to buy these because I've looked at 8 stores now, and they have all been sold out for a couple of weeks! = $3.49

Total OOP = $4.78
Total Saved = $3.00 (39%)

Next stop: Walgreens
1. Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner: $24.99 - $10 MC - $10 EasySaver Rebate = $4.99!!!
2. Starch: $1.41
3. Fantastik Multi-Surface Cleaner: $3.79 - $1.50 MC - $1 EasySaver Rebate = $1.29
4. Rimmel Lasting Finish Mineral Foundation: $7.49 - $7.49 EasySaver Rebate - $1.00 MC = FREE + earn $1!

Total OOP = $6.69
Total Saved = $30.99 (82%) WOW!

Next stop: Aldi
1. Pizzas: 2 @ $0.99
2. Cookies and cream ice cream: $2.69
3. Smoked sausage: $2.29
4. Sauerkraut: $0.99
5. Buffalo fries: $1.99
6. Ground Beef (5 lbs): $10.09
7. Chicken nuggets: $3.99
8. Boneless skinless chicken: $6.49
9. Fresh garlic: $0.79
10. Cinnamon Toast Crunch: $1.89
11. Rice squares cereal: $2.19
12. Nestle Crunch candy bars: $1.89
13. Candy Sticks: $1.69
14. 3 Muskateer candy bars: $1.89
15. Baking Mix: $1.69
16. Milk: 2 @ $2.49
17. Taco seasoning: $0.33
18. Lunch meat: $1.49
19. Sliced bacon: $1.99
20. Tums: $1.99
21. Cream of chicken: 2 at $0.49
22. Canned sweet potatoes: $0.69
23. Corned beef: $1.99
24. 1000 Island Dressing: $1.19
25. BBQ Sauce: $1.19
26. Macaroni and cheese: $0.35
27. Animal crackers: $1.29
28. Swiss cheese: $1.99
29. Sour cream: $0.99
30. Tortilla chips: 2 @ $0.99
31. Sugar: $1.99
32. Chocolate chips: $1.15

Total OOP: $69.89

And my final stop was Target
1. Johnson's Bath Buddies Soap: 3 @ $0.97 each = $2.91 - $3 MC = FREE and I earned $0.09!
2. Indian Jones movie (birthday gift): $19.99 - $4.00 SALE = $15.99
3. Quaker granola bars: 3 @ $2.88 = $8.64 - $2.64 SALE - $1 MC = $5.00
4. Kellogg's Yogo snacks: $2.00 - $0.12 SALE - $1.00 MC = $0.88
5. Green Giant fresh carrots: $1.69 - $0.40 SALE - $1 Target coupon = $0.29
6. Luzianne teabags: $1.37
7. Nesquik powder: $3.89 - $0.60 SALE - $0.50 MC = $2.79
8. Little Debbie cakes: $1.43
9. Gillette disposable razors for men: $6.29
10. Windex: $2.84 - $0.51 SALE - $2.00 = $0.33
11. Racerback bra: $10.99

Total OOP: $45.27
Total saved: $16.75 (27%)

Lunch trip to the Hob Lob

2008-10-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get Jaxson's Halloween costume together, so I needed to go to Hobby Lobby on lunch. Since I drove today, I invited some friends from work to come along for the fun-filled adventure. Hobby Lobby is definitely in my top 3 favorite stores of all time.

I walked in and was immediately distracted by a huge section of clearance scrapbook paper. There were so many beautiful pages to choose from and priced at only $0.10 each! I found 17 sheets that I couldn't live without. Hopefully, they will be put to great use at next month's scrapbook party.

Then, back to the pillow/foam/sewing section. I found foam squares for Jaxson's Spongebob costume and got two extra for Ivy's Patrick costume. I'm so excited to make these costumes. Hopefully, they will be as cute as I'm imagining. The squares were only $2.99.

Then it was back to the pattern section. Jaxson is 18 months, but he wears 3-6 months shorts. Since it has been cooler, we've had so much trouble finding pants for him. He needs the 3-6 months for his waist size, but 18 months for the length. So, it looks like I will be sewing a lot this winter! I picked up a pattern from Hobby Lobby and some cute material. Did I mention the prices at Hobby Lobby are amazing? The pattern was only $1.99 (this same one at Walmart was $10.87) and the fabric was only $1.57! Hopefully, I'll have some time to devote to sewing in the next few weeks!

I can't wait to post pictures of Jaxson's costume and my new creations!

Making lunch for friends!

2008-10-10T12:34:00.000-07:00

My friend, Tracey, brought lunch for our office yesterday. She made a delicious Southern meal of pinto beans, corn bread, and cole slaw, so I thought I would reciprocate and make something today. I decided on baked potato soup, since I had the ingredients on hand, and it's a pretty likable meal.

Here's my version:

BAKED POTATO SOUP

Potatoes
1 can chicken broth
2 cups milk
3 cloves of fresh garlic
real bacon pieces
cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

Boil the potatoes until very soft. Let the cool and peel. Mash them up using a potato masher. In a medium bowl mix chicken broth, milk, garlic, and about 1/4 cup of the bacon pieces. Combine with potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add sour cream, salt, and pepper. Allow to cook about 5 more minutes. Serve with sour cream, cheese, and bacon toppings.
*Green onions are also a delicious topping, but I rarely have these on hand.

An "extra" savings trip

2008-10-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Let me just start by saying that, for me, saving money is an addiction. I'll even admit that sometimes it consumes too many of my thoughts. For instance, when Eric's driving, I have this constant urge to tell him to slow down, put it in neutral when you driving downhill, blah, blah, blah. I guess sometimes it's an unhealthy addiction, like any other.

Nonetheless, I like to save wherever possible. So, after picking Jaxson up from daycare yesterday, we headed out for a couple of extra shopping trips. I needed something to make for our scrapbook party, and a couple other things. I had downloaded coupons from various websites and clipped a few from the paper.

My first stop was Walmart:
Arm & Hammer Essentials Cleaner: $2.74 - $1.00 MC - rebate = FREE
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix: $0.92
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix: $1.50 - $0.75 MC = $0.75
Hershey Giant Bar: $1.64
Chex Snack Mix Bars: $2.28 - $1.25 MC = $1.03
Betty Crocker Mashed Potatoes: $1.24 - $0.40 MC doubled = $0.44
Purina Puppy Chow Dog Food: $4.48 - $4.00 MC = $0.48
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel: $1.98 - $1.00 MC = $0.98
Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust: $2.08 - $1.10 MC = $0.98

Total: $7.22
Saved: $11.64 (62%)

I also made a quick Aldi stop:
Pillsbury Funfetti Halloween Cake Mix: $0.89
Pillsbury Funfetti Halloween Icing: $1.29
Shampoo: $1.69
Milk: $2.49
Halloween Slice and Bake Cookie Dough: $1.99

So, to celebrate our savings, Jaxson and I had Chik-Fil-A for dinner. Of course I used a coupon for a free kid's meal.

Cheese Lover's Tuna Casserole -- My Version

2008-10-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

This recipe was so quick and easy. From start to table, it took about 30 minutes.

1 cup elbow macaroni
2 cans of tuna (6 oz.)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz.)
Shredded cheese (I used about 8 oz. total)
Croutons (I used ceasar flavored)

Preheat oven to 350. Boil the macaroni about 10 minutes or until al dente. Combine cooked macaroni, drained tuna, mushroom soup, and about 4 oz. of shredded cheese in a 9" x 13" dish. Cover with shredded cheese and top with croutons. Bake for 15 minutes.

This was so easy! DH and I loved it! I will definitely be making this again.

The Challenge: Two weeks and $100!

2008-10-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

I challenged myself to see if I could get two weeks worth of groceries with only $100. I succeeded and had $2.72 left!

Each week, I take inventory of what we have on hand and start my meal planning from there. There are some things I keep on hand, like ground beef. I stock up when it's on sale and freeze it for later use. That being said, here is a list of meals for the next couple of weeks.

1. Pizza (we have pizza night at least once every two weeks)
2. Cheese Lover's Tuna Casserole
3. Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice
4. Salmon Patties with baked french fries
5. Pizza Casserole
6. Baked Potato Soup with Sweet Corn Muffins
7. Grilled Pork Chops with Crispy Topped Creamy Spinach
8. Chicken & Sweet Pea Noodle Dish
9. Buffalo Fried Shrimp and corn on the cob
10. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
11. Taco Bake

We also took breakfast to Sunday school yesterday. I tried a delicious new rocky road bread recipe, and since I was going for the whole marshmallow/chocolate theme, I made a s'mores dessert too!

Here's what I bought with my $100.00:

First stop: Target
Cheez It crackers: $2.54 - $1.00 store coupon = $1.54
MP 100 calorie packs: $1.77 clearance
Swiffer duster starter kit: $3.99 sale
Little Debbie cakes: $1.43
Pillsbury brownie mix: $1.29
MP mustard: $0.77
L'oreal makeup: 8.99 - $1.00 MC = 7.99
Hamburger Helper: 3 @ 1.25 each = $3.75 - $0.80 MC = $2.95 for 3!
Heath bars: $2.00
1.88 pounds red grapes: $1.00 per pound - $1.00 store coupon = $0.88
Luvs Jumbo diapers: $7.00 - $1.00 store coupon = $6.00

Total OOP at Target: $33.53
Saved: $8.18

Second stop: Aldi

Cinnamon crunch cereal: $1.89
Paper towels: 2 @ $0.59
Bread: 2 loaves @ $0.79
Frozen Spinach: $0.99
Stir Fry Veggies: $2.89
Fudge/Caramel ice cream cones: $1.99
Pizza: 2 @ $0.99
Pork Loin Chops: $3.77
Turkey (lunchmeat): 2 @ $1.49
Large eggs: $1.29
Apple juice: $1.65
Corn on the cob: $1.29
Shredded cheese: 2 @ $2.99
Mac and cheese: $0.35
seasoned curly fries: $1.49
Taco seasoning: $0.33
Pepperoni: $1.99
Sandwich bags: $1.99
Soap: $1.39
Chocolate chips: $1.15
Mini marshmallows: $0.79
sour cream: 2 @ $0.99
cream of chicken soup: 2 @ $0.49
corn muffin mix: $0.35
sweet peas: $0.45
canned tuna in water: $0.57
tomato sauce: $0.23
canned chicken: 2 @ $1.79
sugar: $1.99
nacho chips: $0.99
milk: 2 @ $2.49
salsa: $1.49
margarine: $0.67
bacon pieces: $1.29
Total OOP at Aldi: $63.75

If I have time, I'll post some pictures and my version of the recipes this week.

Back to Blogging

2008-09-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

So I'm getting back to blogging. I'm still shopping bi-weekly, and it's working out wonderfully. I went grocery shopping Friday night. Here's what I got:
Just for price comparison, here's what I spent at Aldi this week:

Bag of frozen chicken tenderloins: $6.49

Sliced bacon: $2.29

Chicken Breast Nuggets: $3.99

Pepperoni Pizza: $2.29

Breyer's Ice Cream: $2.99

Loaf of Bread: $0.79

hamburger buns: $0.85

Wide egg noodles: $0.99

Gallon of Milk: 2 @ $2.49

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: $2.99

Shredded Mozzarella: $3.79

American Sliced Cheese: $1.99

Deli Turkey: $2.49

Neufchatel Cheese: 3 @ $1.09

Sugar: $1.99

Ranch Dressing: $1.19

Dill Pickles: $1.29

Pinto Beans: $0.89

Chili beans: $0.89

Canned Tuna in Water: $0.57

Canned Chicken: 2 @ $1.79

Canned Sloppy Joe Mix: $0.69

Cooking Spray: $1.29

Seasoned Mashed Potatoes: $0.85

100 Calorie Snack Pack Cookies: $1.99

Animal Crackers: $1.29

Macaroni and Cheese: $0.35

Italian Dressing: $1.19

Chex Mix: $1.99

Tortilla Chips: $0.99

Apple Juice: $1.89

round butter crackers: $1.69

Cereal: $1.89

We decided to give Walmart another try, because people are always trying to argue how Walmart is much cheaper than Target. So, we made two stops there this week. One the first trip we got:

Colgate Toothpaste: $1.88

Little Debbie Cakes: $1.43

Baby Wipes: $4.64

Comet: $0.88

Betty Crocker Brownie Mix: $0.92

Campbell's Condensed Cheddar Soup: $1.36

Speed Stick Deodorant: $1.77

Refrigerated Pizza Dough: $1.44

Basil: $1.94

On our second trip, I was reminded of why we quit shopping at Walmart. We needed to make a quick stop for two things. Jaxson needed milk, and I needed some make-up. Normally, I wouldn't buy milk anywhere but Aldi, but they were already closed. So I head to Walmart's dairy section to find there is not whole milk. Jaxson has to have whole milk because he is in dire need of calories. There is a huge section where whole milk used to sit, but the lady before me grabbed the last gallon (at the bargain price of only $5.62 per gallon, might I add). I grabbed my cell phone out and scrolled through my contact list to the Trussville Walmart. When the lady answers, she transferred me to the meat department instead of the dairy department. I ask if someone can put out some more whole milk. Surely, they have more, right? WRONG! No whole milk, so I just grabbed 2%. I rush over to the cosmetics section, only to find out they're sold out of the Almay foundation I use... I was reminded of why we quit shopping there in the first place... They never seem to have what we need!

Week 1: The Bi-Weekly Shopper

2008-04-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm definitely a bargain hunter, so I've decided to start making my savings known to others!

I usually buy groceries on a weekly basis, but this week I thought I would try to prepare for two weeks. I planned my menu for the next two weeks and made my list. Much to my surprise, I was able to buy two weeks worth of groceries for our family of three, for under $80 (including Jaxson's diapers)! Normally, we spend $60-65, plus the gas for making an extra trip there. Now, this may not work for us every week, but we'll see!

Let me start by saying, I DESPISE WalMart and no longer shop there. We decided to make it our New Year's resolution to give them as little money as possible. So far in 2008, we've spent less than $12 at Walmart. Personally, I think most of their stores are dirty, a great deal of their employees have poor attitudes, they never have enough lines open, and their prices are often higher than many other stores. I shop at Target, because I enjoy the customer service and clean environment they offer. I know some people are opposed to shopping at Target, but again, it's just my personal preference. I also shop at Aldi, because they have great prices, great customer service, and no buggies in the parking lot to hit my car! Check out more at (www.aldifoods.com).

So what do we eat?
Saturday: garlic parmesan crusted chicken, parmesan pasta shells, and green beans ($4.96)
Sunday: cheesy smoked sausage jambalaya ($3.58)
Monday: corned beef and cabbage casserole with fresh new potatoes ($4.50)
Tonight: salmon croquettes, southern fried potatoes, and baked macaroni and cheese ($3.68)

As you can see, we are not eating rice and beans every night. And the garlic parmesan crusted chicken was absolutely delicious. We will definitely be making that more often! We have leftover food almost every night, that we can either freeze or take for lunch during the week.

Just for price comparison, here's what I spent at Aldi this week:

Loaf of bread: $0.69
Jambalaya rice mix: $0.99
Cream of mushroom soups: 2 @ $0.47
Canned green beans: 2 @ $0.39
Chocolate pudding cups: $0.88
Fresh garlic: $0.79
64 oz. apple juice: $1.49
5 lb. sugar: $1.69
Corn dogs: $1.49
Cream cheese: $0.99
Butter quarters: $1.99
2 lbs fresh lean ground beef: $4.74 total
5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: $5.49
1 lb. smoked sausage: $2.29
Head of cabbage: $1.49
Bag of 7 onions: $1.49
Gallon of milk: $1.99

At Target, I bought:

Bottled water: $3.99
Luvs diapers: $15.99
Chef Boyardee meals: $0.89 each
Corned beef: $1.79
Cotton balls: $1.09
Little Debbie cakes: $1.43
Sliced cheese: $3.09
Smoked turkey lunchmeat: $2.79
Chicken Caesar pizza: $4.49
Breyers Ice Cream: $3.79

As you can see, I had several ingredients for my recipes on hand already. I'm going to start posting our weekly menu, along with recipes and costs. This is just one area where we save a great deal of money. We are trying to become debt free (with the exception of our mortgage) by the time we're 30!

Another way to save money is by using coupons. This sounds like common sense, but many people say they don't have time to do this. Time is money. If I can save $20 on a shopping trip by using coupons and it takes me 30 minutes to cut them out of the paper, then it is well worth it. My job doesn't pay me $20 to work 30 minutes, so until I start making $40 an hour, I'll keep clipping!

I hope this blog will help lots of others come closer to being debt free too!