The Frugal Report

Harris Teeter Super Doubles

2012-02-15T10:48:00.003-05:00

Hamburger Helper (x4)
RP $1.89. SP $1.25. Minus $1.00/3 coupon. Minus $1.00 wyb 4 products (Harris Teeter promotion). Minus 2 $0.80 e-coupons wyb Hamburger Helper. FP - $0.10 each

Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Golden Grahams
RP $3.75 and $4.29. SP $2.50. Minus $1.75/2 coupon (printed online recently). Minus $0.50 e-coupon (Cinnamon Toast Crunch) and $0.75 e-coupon (Golden Grahams). FP - $0.13 each

Betty Crocker pouch potatoes (x2)
RP $1.59. SP $0.87. Minus $0.40 coupon. FP - $0.07

Taster's Choice instant coffee
RP $1.55. Minus $1.00 coupon (found in box). FP - Free

Kikkoman soy sauce (x2)
RP $1.59. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Margaret Holmes corn (x2)
RP $1.45. SP $1.00. Minus $0.75/2. FP - $0.25 each

McCain purely hash browns
RP $3.45. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.50 (will receive $1.00 in my Savingstar account too.)

Eat. Think. Smile. granola bars (x3)
RP $1.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Smart Balance milk (x3)
RP $3.99. SP $3.00. Minus $1.50 coupon. FP - Free

Smithfield bacon
RP $5.39. SP $3.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.50

Final shopping total - $52.15
OOP - $2.22
Saved - $49.93 (about 96%)

And don't forget my $1.00 in my Savingstar account!

Super Doubles at Harris Teeter

2012-02-14T23:36:00.006-05:00

Here are some deals at Harris Teeter 2/15 - 2/21:

http://thefrugalreport.blogspot.com/p/harris-teeter-triples-518-in-progress.html

The best free ones I found are:

Eat. Think. Smile. granola bar - $1.50
- $1.00 coupon (SS 1/15)
Final - Free
Kikkoman soy sauce - $1.59
- $1.00 coupon
Final - FREE

Nescafe Taster's Choice instant coffee - $1.55
- $1.00 coupon (found in box)
Final - FREE

Smart Balance milk - $3.00
- $1.50 coupon
Final - FREE

Stride gum - $0.99
- $1.00/2 coupon
Final - FREE

Food Lion

2012-02-13T10:21:00.004-05:00

Swans Down cake flour - $3.59

FL whipped topping (8 oz) - $0.97

FL peanut butter (18 oz)
RP $2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon (it printed out at the front kiosk). FP - $1.99 (0.11/oz)

Final OOP - $6.68

I was particularly excited to get the peanut butter - I've been "almost" needing peanut butter for two weeks now, and been putting off buying it until I found it for under $0.13/oz. I printed off my FL coupons this morning at the kiosk and there was a $1.00 off Food Lion brand peanut butter, making it just $0.11/oz! Very happy with this.

I probably just bored all ten of my readers to tears.

Meal Plan Monday

2012-02-13T08:10:00.000-05:00

Our family has been going through some health issues recently, so two weeks ago we were placed on a dairy-free diet. I can't believe how hard it has been to cook without using any cheese. I am grateful this is temporary but for the next few weeks our menus will reflect this dietary change. If anyone has any yummy dairy-free recipes will you please share!?

Monday (February 13) - OYO; I have ladies group at church

Tuesday - Tangy Oven-Fried BBQ Chicken, Corn Sticks (recipe forthcoming)

Wednesday - OYO; it's a church night

Thursday - Cinnamon rolls, venison sausage

Friday - Family is coming in town so I'm leaving this open

So what are you eating this week!?

Walmart

2012-02-09T19:46:00.001-05:00

Thousand Island salad dressing (16 oz) - $0.98 (0.06/oz)

Fruit punch (like kool-aid) - $1.94

Biscuits (x2) - $1.50 each

Bananas - $0.98 (0.54/lb)

Mountain Dew (24 pack) - $6.98 (0.29/can)

Final OOP - $14.49

Make Your Own List

2012-02-09T12:46:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to keep checking my "Make Your Own" page to see what things I've been making! You could save a lot of money by doing some of these things!

Make Your Own

2012-02-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

Homemade laundry detergent!

With just a few ingredients you can easily make your own laundry soap. Who knew it was this simple??

What you'll need:
20-Mule Team Borax
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
You’ll also need a bucket that is at least 3 gallons and has a lid and a large pot that will hold at least 10 cups of water.

I found all these items at Harris Teeter. I'm sure you can find them at most grocery stores. The Fels-Naptha soap was $1.69 (it was on the laundry aisle) , the Borax was $5.39 (76 oz; also on the laundry aisle) and the washing soda was $3.49 (55 oz; also on the laundry aisle). I haven't gotten this far yet but from what I understand this will make 128 HE loads (which is the type of washer we have) so it's got to be a pretty massive savings.

Grate half of the bar of Fels-Naptha soap. Add the soap to a pot with 10 cups of water. Heat until the soap dissolves. Thanks Mom, for saving me the trouble of purchasing a stock pot! :)

Add ½ cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.

Add ½ cup of 20 Mule Team Borax.

Stir until dissolved. Pour 1 gallon plus 6 cups (22 cups) of cold water into your bucket. Add the soap mixture. Stir until well mixed. Cover. Let sit for 24 hours.

Use ½ cup per load (¼ cup for HE washers).

This soap smells soooo good you shouldn't need to add any essential oils to it. It smells so clean. I loved making it and kept sniffing at it!

All my information for this came from Hallee.

If you want to be really snazzy you can get a dispenser like this and use that for dispensing it. :)

Frugal Tip - Repair Things

2012-02-09T09:43:00.001-05:00

It just goes without saying, if something in your house breaks, and you can repair it instead of replacing it, that is smart because it will save you money.

This is a small example but you'll get my point. My friend Allison has an amazing consignment store here in town. When things come in that are too worn for her to sell, she gives them to me for Fed By Faith. Occasionally something might have a rip or a stain, and she can't sell those items. One such item was this really sweet shirt that just happened to be Brianna's size! I kept looking over it trying to figure out why Allison wouldn't sell it. Then I saw - one button was missing!

Well, we can fix that, right? I popped off all the other buttons except one and got out my button jar. I got a mixture of white, pink and purple buttons and sewed them on in random order down the shirt.

Voila! A new shirt that is unique, just like my beautiful girl. :) I'm glad we were able to give this shirt a second chance!

Lowes Foods Super Doubles

2012-02-08T11:06:00.001-05:00

Totinos pizzas (x5)
RP $1.50. Minus $1.00/5 coupon. Minus $1.00/5 e-coupon. FP - $0.90 each

Mueller whole wheat pasta (x2)
RP $1.79. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - Free

Danimals Crunchers
RP $2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon (All You). FP - $0.99

Ziploc freezer bags (x2)
RP $2.69. Minus $1.50/2 coupon. FP - $1.19 each

Windex vinegar multi-surface
RP $3.49. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.50

LF plastic wrap
RP $2.49. SP - $1.88

Activia
RP $2.59. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 coupon (All You). FP - Free

Reach child's toothbrush (2-pack)
RP $3.19. Minus $1.00 coupon (did not double). FP - $2.19

Scope mouthwash
RP $4.99. SP $2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.99

Land o Frost deli meat - on clearance for $0.37

Vaseline lotion (3 oz)
RP $2.79. Minus $1.00 coupon. Minus $1.00 e-coupon. FP - Free + overage

Kettle chips
RP $3.69. SP $3.00. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.00

Pink lady apples - $4.09 ($0.98/lb)

Minus $0.05 for using my own shopping bag.

Final shopping total - $53.41
OOP - $20.77
Saved - $32.64 (about 61%)

Lowes Foods Super Doubles Deals

2012-02-07T21:58:00.002-05:00

This is what I have so far on Lowes Foods deals for this week (starting tomorrow Super Doubles). There are tons of websites that you can look at to find good deals but mine has our local prices. I'll continue to put more pricing up here as I have a chance to look!!

Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Time Cold Medicine - $4.99
- $1.00 coupon (December All You)
Final - $2.99

Advil (children's) - $5.85
- $1.00 coupon (RP 12-11)
Final - $3.85

Alpine Lace swiss cheese - $8.99
- $1.00 coupon (magazine)
Final - $6.99

Aleve 80ct or larger - $11.69
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $9.69

Alka-Seltzer (any) - $2.99 (12-count)
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $0.99

Atkins shakes - $6.94
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $4.94

All laundry detergent - $3.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $1.99

Advil PM 16ct - $6.45
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $4.45

Aveeno lotion - $5.79
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $3.79

Aquafresh toothpaste - $3.69
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $1.69

Breathe Right product - $13.79
- $1.50 coupon
Final $10.79

Bridgford freezer dough - $2.79
- $0.50 coupon
Final - $1.79

Bear Creek soup - $4.49
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $2.49

Blue Diamond almonds - $2.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $0.99

Budweiser BBQ sauce - $3.49
- $1.00/2 coupon
Final - $2.49 each

Celestial Seasonings - $3.75
- $1.00/2 coupon (in box)
Final - $2.75 each

Cooked Perfect meatballs - $2.50
- $1.00 coupon (RP 01-29)
Final - $0.50

Degree Men Adrenaline deodorant - $3.99
- $1.50/2 coupon
Final - $2.49 each
Add the $1.00 coupon that is a Lowes Foods e-coupon to make them $1.99 each!

Dove Men+Care body and face wash - $4.59
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $2.59

Downy fabric softener - $3.79
- $1.00 coupon (snail mail)
Final - $1.79

Eat. Think. Smile. granola bar - $1.59
- $1.00 coupon (SS 1/15)
Final - Free

Ecotrin - $2.15 (45-count)
- $1.50 coupon (01-29 RP)
Final - Free
There is also a Lowes Foods e-coupon for $1.50 off Ecotrin. Load this to your card to make this a moneymaker!!

Febreze fabric refresher - $5.89
- $1.00 coupon (snail mail)
Final - $3.89
Pair this with the BOGO coupon in the February P&G coupon book!

Halls - $1.99
- $1.00/2 coupon
Final - $0.99 each

Heinz 57 - $3.49
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $1.49

Heluva Good sour cream dip - (french onion is on clearance for $1.79)
- $0.55 coupon
Final - $0.69

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter - $2.99
- $0.60 coupon
Final - $1.79
Pair this with the $0.60 Lowes Foods e-coupon to make it $1.19!

Jergens (10 oz) - $2.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $0.99

Jose Ole product (over 16 oz) - $3.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $1.99

Kraft Homestyle mac and cheese - $2.00
- $1.00/2 coupon
Final - $1.00 each

Listerine Smart Rinse - $3.49 (8.5 oz)
- $1.00 coupon (from a magazine)
Final - $1.49

Pert Plus - $3.89
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $1.89

Pledge furniture care - $3.49
- $1.00 coupon (from Good Housekeeping)
Final - $1.49

Rhodes Warm N Serv rolls - $2.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $0.99

Riceworks - $2.99
- $1.00/2 coupon
Final - $1.99 each

Rosina meatballs - $6.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $4.99

Smithfield bacon - $4.39
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $2.39

Stridex pads - $4.09
- $1.00 coupon (on box)
Final - $2.09

Scope mouthwash - $2.99
- $1.00 coupon (snail mail)
Final - $0.99

Tenda Bake pancake mix -$2.50
- $0.50 coupon
Final - $1.50

Traditional Medicinals - $3.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $1.99

Windex multi-surface - $2.50
- $1.00 coupon
Final - $0.50

Michael's

2012-02-07T15:31:00.001-05:00

Michael's is having some more great stuff on clearance right now - even some of their Valentine's Day stuff! These are the cool items I got today when I stopped in just to look around (we see how that worked out!)

I haven't decided what I'm doing for the kids for Valentine's Day yet, but I'm thinking about making them a very very very small basket of surprises. I mean very small. Like "I don't have a budget set aside for stuff like this" small. So I'm sure you know I was very excited to find these cute little "growing" guys for $0.25 each. Everyone's seen them before, you just stick them in water and they grow to full size. Cheap but hours of entertainment for my kids to watch a bowl of water. Score one for me!

Then I decided I wanted each kid to do a craft for Stephen. Nothing corny and something fun for us to do together too. So I got a very beautiful, glittery foam princess bear for Brianna to make for him, and a very masculine clay (pink) monkey for Hunter to do for him. The foam bear kit was just $1.99 and the clay monkey kit was $1.49 on clearance. I do have another surprise they are going to do for him that shouldn't cost anything, so I don't mind spending that amount of money.

I found these Crayola Color Wonder markers - five in a pack on clearance for $0.75!! Stephen's mom bought this for Brianna last year and she loves it. So obsessed with it. And it's great for Hunter now that he is coloring too. These might go in the Valentine's treat bags for them or they might get saved for Bri's birthday in April. Not sure yet.

Okay yes, I am the biggest dork ever, but I saw these and had to have them!! They are Crayola dry-erase flash cards!! They are supposed to be for learning colors so I almost didn't get them since Bri already knows her colors, but then I opened them up and they look so fun!!

They look really interactive and I am such a nerd that I can't wait to do these with her! (And then Hunter in the future!) I want to save these for her birthday but I'm not sure I can wait that long... This was on clearance for $1.29!

I got a candle for my Secret Sister for $0.25! And then I got a 40-pack of notecards for $2.50 (on clearance). I know $2.50 seems like a lot but it comes out to only $0.06 per card which I think is definitely worth it. I send out a lot of cards!!

So on all of this I spent $9 which I feel like isn't too bad. This is why I don't go to Michael's more often though - I spend way too much time and money in there!

Lowes Foods

2012-02-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

Better Valu white vinegar (128 oz) - $2.49 ($0.02/oz)

Kellogg's Corn Flakes (12 oz)
RP $3.25. On the clearance rack for - $1.63 ($0.14/oz)

Land o Frost turkey (2 oz)
RP $0.69. On clearance for $0.37

Betty Crocker fruit snacks (x2)
RP $2.85. On the clearance rack for $1.43 ($0.14 per package)

White potatoes (5 lb)
RP $3.99. On clearance rack for $2.00 ($0.40/lb)

Valu Time chocolate syrup (24 oz)
RP $2.29. On clearance rack for $0.99 ($0.04/oz)

Clementine oranges
Usually about $2.00/lb. These were on the clearance rack, weigh around 1.5 lbs and were $1.75

Minus $0.05 for using my own shopping bag.

Final OOP - $11.21
If they counted my savings from the clearance items I would have saved almost $9.00!

Food Lion

2012-02-07T14:43:00.001-05:00

Bananas - $1.36 (0.52/lb)

Grapes - $2.43 ($1.59/lb)

Used a $2.00 OYNO coupon.

Final OOP - $1.83

Harris Teeter

2012-02-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

Pop-Tarts (x2)
RP $2.45. On e-VIC sale for $1.47 each

HT pancake syrup (24 oz) - $1.97 ($0.08/oz; you can find it for $0.07/oz at Walmart)

Tyson chicken nuggets (13 oz) (x2)
RP $4.39. On e-VIC sale for $1.97 each (0.15/oz)

Fleischmann cooking quarters - $2.59 (I had to buy dairy-free cooking sticks!)

HT large eggs (x2) (1 dozen)
RP $1.89. On e-VIC sale for $0.97 each (I only buy eggs for under $1/dozen because I can get them from a friend at church for $1.00 anytime.)

Boneless pork ribs (2 packages on clearance)
RP $6.60 and $6.48. On sale for $3.30 and 3.24 (about $1.93/lb)

Final OOP - $20.32
Saved - $8.64

Meal Plan Monday

2012-02-06T09:03:00.000-05:00

Our family has been going through some health issues recently, so last Tuesday we were placed on a dairy-free diet. So basically our entire menu for last week went out the window! I can't believe how hard it has been to cook without using any cheese. I am grateful this is temporary but for the next few weeks our menus will reflect this dietary change. If anyone has any yummy dairy-free recipes will you please share!?

Monday (February 6) - Crockpot barbecue, green beans

Tuesday - Mystery shop for dinner

Wednesday - Pot roast, biscuits

Thursday - Mystery shop for dinner

Friday - French toast, venison sausage, bacon

So what are you eating this week!?

Edit: I changed it up a bit because I got a phone call just now to do a mystery shop tomorrow night for dinner. Who am I to turn down an opportunity to eat for free?? :)

Food Lion

2012-02-05T13:18:00.004-05:00

FL spaghetti (x3) (16 oz)
RP $1.07. SP - $0.99 (0.06/oz)

FL canned corn (x4) (15 oz)
RP $0.67. SP - $0.50 (0.03/oz)

Hershey baking cocoa (x3) (8 oz)
On closeout for $1.59 (0.20/oz)

Plumrose bacon pieces (2.8 oz)
On closeout for $1.50 (0.54/oz)

Bananas - $1.00 ($0.52/lb)

FL baby wipes (72-count) - $2.99 ($0.04 per wipe)

Final OOP - $15.90

Received $2.00 OYNO coupon for purchasing a certain amount of FL brand products.

Walgreens

2012-02-04T14:52:00.003-05:00

An example of using expiring register rewards to get items on your shopping list!

Wesson canola oil (x2)
On sale for $3.79

Valentine's Day cards (for Bri's school party) - $1.99

Used $8.50 in RR.

Final shopping total - $10.85
OOP - $1.35
Saved - $9.50

Importance of Pricing

2012-02-04T10:55:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I wrote about using a price book, and how important it can be when you are shopping. I definitely saw this today when I was going over my grocery list for the week. I got an email from Harris Teeter for my e-VIC deals, and one thing I put on my shopping list was Heinz ketchup which is on sale for $1.97. I was going to get two. I added it to my shopping list (I love this app, although I was able to get it for free - it's now $2.99) but then out of curiosity I ran the numbers for price per ounce (which you should be doing anyway). Depending on what size you get it was between $0.05/oz and $0.06/oz. That's when I remembered to check this against my price book. I'm glad I did, because I just recently bought ketchup at Food Lion for just $1.67 for 40 oz, which comes out to $0.04 per ounce. We certainly like the FL brand just as well as any other brand.

Checking my price book just saved me $3.94!

Bounce Laundry Coupon Sheet

2012-02-03T22:36:00.001-05:00

Go here to get $10 worth of laundry coupons from Bounce! Looks like they will be mailed to you.

Thanks to Coupon Cravings!

Lowes Foods (FBF Shopping)

2012-02-02T14:42:00.002-05:00

These are some things that were not necessarily "blow-out" deals or anything, but I consider them to be things we desperately need for Fed By Faith or they were on clearance. I'm posting this in the hopes that if you need these items that were on clearance, maybe you can run out and find them as well!

Cottonelle toilet paper (4-pack) (x2)
RP $4.29. Minus $0.50/2 coupon. Minus $0.50/2 e-coupon. FP - $3.54 each

Cottonelle wipes
RP $2.59. Minus $0.50 coupon. Minus $0.50 e-coupon. FP - $1.09

Kelloggs Pop Tarts (x3)
RP $2.49. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00/3 e-coupon. FP - $1.67 each

Kool-Aid Invisible drink mix (19 oz)
RP $3.99. Found on clearance rack for $2.38. (Grape and cherry)

Quaker chewy granola bars
RP $2.85. Found on clearance rack for $1.43 (peanut butter chocolate chip)

Lowes Foods squeeze mayo (18 oz)
RP $2.39. Found on clearance rack for $1.23

Lowes Foods

2012-02-02T14:35:00.001-05:00

Bananas - $1.19 ($0.59/lb)

Grape tomatoes
RP $3.99. On sale for $1.98

Old El Paso taco dinner kit
RP $2.85. Found it on the clearance rack for $1.43

Fresh Express garden salad
RP $1.29. SP $0.98

$0.05 taken off for using my own bag. Is this new??? They used to add it to your Fresh Rewards card but I guess they're no longer doing that.

Final shopping total - $8.01
OOP - $5.64
Saved - $2.37 (does not include $1.42 I saved on the taco kit) (about 30%)

SavingStar

2012-02-02T08:11:00.001-05:00

I've been using this website called SavingStar for a while now but I'm only really just now getting into it. I definitely want to share it with you though, in the hopes that you can use it often.

Save Money on Groceries with SavingStar

You can save money on your groceries with nothing to do. SavingStar is the first national fully digital eCoupon service. Nothing to clip, nothing to print!

Sign up for a free account at SavingStar.com, then enter all your loyalty cards, activate the coupons you want then shop and SavingStar will track your savings.

The point of this tool is to make a little extra cash while you are using your couponing skills! For example, right now there is a coupon for $1.00/2 Tropicana Trop50 juices. If you go to the store (SavingStar supports our local Lowes Foods, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and several others!) and purchase two Trop50 juices, you will pay up front for them. But then the transaction automatically gets logged onto your e-VIC card or MVP card or what have you, and goes into the SavingStar system. Within 30 days, $1.00 will be added to your account. When you reach $5.00 in your account you can choose to have it deposited to a bank account, Paypal, charity, or Amazon gift card.

I mean, it doesn't get any easier than that right!?

What's more, you can pair these with sales and coupons. A great example is Diamond Crystal sea salt.

At Harris Teeter, the regular price for this is $2.15.
Last week it was on sale for $1.49.
There was a $0.40 coupon from the newspaper.
There was a $0.40 e-VIC coupon (specific to Harris Teeter).
There was also a $0.40 Savingstar coupon.

So I purchased the sea salt, which we use frequently, for $0.69 out of pocket. But in a few days (that transaction took almost 14 days) $0.40 was deposited into my SavingStar account.

It's super easy to use and since you can stack them with other coupons and sales it makes for a great way to save up a little bit of extra money! Emphasis on the little, but everything helps!!

Here are some of the coupons available right now:

There are several more, and some expire very soon, so go check it out!

Please note, I am a SavingStar affiliate. I am not in any way compensated for this post, however.

Food Lion Unilever Promotion

2012-02-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

2/1/12 through 2/7/12 there is a Unilever promotion going on at Food Lion.

Save $5 instantly when you spend $15 on participating Unilever products.
Save $10 instantly when you spend $30 on participating Unilever products.

Offer valid in a single shopping visit. Must use your MVP card.

Participating products:

Frozen:
Ben & Jerry's ice cream
Bertolli frozen meals
Breyers products
Good Humor bars
Klondike bars
Magnum Ice Cream bars
PF Chang's Home Menu
Popsicle Frozen Novelties
Starbucks Ice Cream

Grocery:
Bertolli pasta sauce
Hellmann's mayonnaise
Knorr sides
Knorr soup
Knorr bouillon
Knorr homestyle stock
Lipton recipe secrets
Lipton tea
Ragu pasta sauce
Skippy peanut butter
Slim Fast bars and shakes
Wish Bone salad dressing

Health and Beauty:
AXE products
Caress products
Degree deodorants
Dove products
Lever 2000 products
Pond's products
Q-tips cotton swabs
Rave products
Suave products
Vaseline products

Dairy:
Brummel & Brown spread
Country Crock spread
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter products
Imperial spread
Mrs. Filbert's spread
Promise spread

I don't shop at Food Lion very often so I don't have a clue at any of these prices. If you find some good deals, please share them!

Food Lion

2012-02-01T13:14:00.001-05:00

Food Lion Tastee-Os - $2.99 (0.09/oz)

Carrots - $0.92 (1-lb bag)

Bananas - $1.27 (0.52/lb)

Plum tomatoes - $0.43 ($1.38/lb)

Food Lion lactose-free milk - $2.99 (half gallon)

Used $2.00 Food Lion coupon.

Final OOP - $6.73

Price Book

2012-02-01T13:10:00.003-05:00

I have recommended before to people (particularly during coupon seminars) the importance of keeping a price book. Keeping a price book can be really detailed and aggravating, or it can be somewhat simple and very helpful. A price book is basically keeping track of the pricing on items at different stores (some people even keep track of how often these items go on sale, etc.) so that you always know what a good price on items is.

My price book is pretty simple. I keep track of items that we buy often, but not often enough that I can remember what a good price is. For example, I don't have grapes on my price list, because I know my "price" I am willing to pay for grapes (in my case, I won't pay more than $1.99/lb). But for some reason I can never remember what a good price is for bacon.

I don't know how many of you keep a price book, but at least for the month of February, I plan on posting more blogs about my shopping trips, even when I'm not buying things on sale or with a coupon. That way, when I go out and buy aluminum foil for $1.00 you can decide if that's a good price for you or not, and you can add it to your price book if you have one.

I hope this helps all of us, even though it will make for some pretty boring blog posts. :)

Meal Plan Monday

2012-01-30T15:21:00.001-05:00

Monday (January 30) - OYO

Tuesday - chicken tenders, french fries

Wednesday - calzones, broccoli

Thursday - french toast, sausage patties, bacon

Friday - chicken and biscuits

Mail Call

2012-01-29T12:39:00.000-05:00

ESPN magazine
JET magazine
Bloomberg Businessweek magazine
Entrepreneur magazine
Newsweek magazine
Road & Track magazine
Outside magazine
Field & Stream magazine
Fitness magazine
Popular Science magazine
Martha Stewart Living magazine
Sunbeam rebate check
Pinecone research check
P&G coupon booklet
Mystery shopping check

Meal Plan Monday

2012-01-23T09:27:00.000-05:00

Monday (January 23) - Penne Pasta Skillet, mashed potatoes, cheese bread

Tuesday - Honey Garlic Chicken, rice, crescent rolls

Wednesday - Calzones, green beans

Thursday - Lasagna, garlic bread

Friday - Tacos

So what are you eating this week?

Free Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D Bites

2012-01-22T23:07:00.001-05:00

Go here to get a free sample of Calcet calcium citrate and Vitamin D creamy bites.

Harris Teeter

2012-01-22T08:55:00.003-05:00

These are some pretty good deals at Harris Teeter (excluding the things I needed that weren't on sale), and these sales continue through Tuesday. It might be worth it to you to check it out.

Martha White muffin mix (x2)
RP $0.99. SP $0.79. Minus $0.55/2 coupon. FP - $0.24 each

Diamond sea salt
RP $1.99. SP $1.49. Minus $0.50 coupon (from coupons.com a while ago). Minus $0.40 SavingStar coupon (check out SavingStar if you haven't yet.) FP - $0.09

Cheerios (x2)
RP $3.29. SP $1.65. Minus $1.75/2 coupon (recently on coupons.com). FP - $0.77 each

Minute Rice (Italian)
RP $2.49. SP $1.24. Minus $0.55 coupon (from one of my magazines). FP - $0.14

Lifesavers gummies (x2)
RP $0.99. On clearance for $0.49 each

Skittles (x2)
RP $0.99. On clearance for $0.49 each

Palmolive dish liquid
RP $1.79. SP $0.89. Minus $0.50 coupon (in a recent paper; expired yesterday). FP - Free

Mariana banana chips
RP $1.99. SP $1.29. Minus $0.75 coupon (11-20 SS). FP - Free

Mariani pineapple chips
RP $3.19. SP $2.19. Minus $0.75 coupon (11-20 SS). FP - $0.69

Mariani yogurt raisins
RP $3.25. SP $2.25. Minus $0.75 coupon (11-20 SS). FP - $0.75

Starkist tuna
RP $1.75. SP $1.00. Minus $0.50 coupon (1-1 RP). FP - Free

Granny apples - $2.13

Eggland eggs (x2)
RP $2.75. e-VIC price $1.97. Minus $0.35 coupon (1-15 SS). FP - $1.27 each

Coke Zero (x2) (2-liter)
RP $1.89. Minus $0.99 coupon (from Facebook). FP - Free

Final shopping total - $42.91
OOP - $11.29
Saved - $31.62 (about 74%)

Rite Aid

2012-01-20T15:14:00.003-05:00

Not too many great things on sale this week at Rite Aid - except the free gum!

Mentos UP2U gum (x3)
RP $1.49. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00 coupon (1-1 SS). FP - Free

Huggies
RP $12.49. SP $9.49. Minus $1.00 +UP reward. Minus $2.50 Rite Aid coupon. FP - $5.99

Final shopping total - $17.80
OOP - $7.83
Saved - $9.97
Received $1.00 +UP reward.

Progresso Soup Rebate

2012-01-20T14:58:00.003-05:00

Go here to print out a rebate form for free Progresso Soup. Hurry because it expires 1/31!

Free Valentine's Day Card

2012-01-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

Today only, you can create a free personalized Valentine's Day card from Tiny Prints. They offer these every so often and I love to take advantage of them! It takes a couple of minutes to personalize them (you can add pictures and text) but so worth it! You can choose the “Send it to me first” shipping option to receive the card FREE or choose “Mail it directly to the recipient,” (you will be charged $0.44 for postage). Limit one per household.

Free Bath & Body Works Lotion

2012-01-20T13:13:00.001-05:00

Go here to get a coupon for free lotion at Bath & Body Works. Good this weekend only! (You will need to be a "fan" on Facebook to get this coupon.)

Free Subscription to Family Circle

2012-01-20T13:11:00.001-05:00

Go here to get a free subscription to Family Circle! So easy to do and there are no strings attached. I get several of my free subscriptions from this website - it's totally legit.

Harris Teeter

2012-01-16T15:00:00.003-05:00

Martha White muffins (x2)
RP $0.99. SP $.79. Minus $0.55/2 coupon. FP - $0.24 each

Minute rice to go
RP $2.49. SP $1.67. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $0.67

Pop Secret (x3)
RP $3.29. SP BOGO. FP - $1.65 each

Kleenex cool touch (x3)
RP $2.59. SP $1.29. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $0.29

Pringles - $1.85 (the dangers of taking a 2-year old to the store with you!)

Snickers - $0.67 (still had an old sales tag on it so I got it for the sales price)

Powerade
RP $1.89. SP $1.34. Minus $0.75 HT coupon. FP - $0.59

Eatsmart chips
RP $3.99. SP $2.50. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $1.00

Vitaminwater
RP $1.59. SP $1.34. Minus $0.50 HT coupon. FP - $0.84

Colgate toothpaste
RP $1.49. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - Free

Olay Regenerist cleanser
RP $7.59. SP $6.83. Minus $3.00 e-coupon. Minus $3.00 coupon. FP - $0.83

Apples (x2) (rewrapped on clearance) - $1.00 each

Bananas - $0.72

Granny Smith apples - $1.10

Totinos (x2)
RP $1.50. SP $0.97 each

Birds Eye steamfresh (x8)
RP $2.49. SP BOGO. Minus 2 $0.50 coupons. Minus 2 $1.00/3 coupons. FP - $0.75 each

Crescent rolls (x2) - $1.89

Final shopping total - $73.18
OOP - $29.72
Saved - $43.46 (about 59%)

Walgreens

2012-01-16T14:10:00.002-05:00

Chapstick (x3)
SP $1.79. On sale for $1.00 each wyb 3. Minus 2 $0.25 coupons. FP - $0.83 each

Abrexin
SP $10.00. Received $10.00 RR. FP - Free

Softsoap
SP $2.79. Used a Wags coupon to make it $0.99. Minus $0.40 coupon. FP - $0.59

Thermacare
SP $2.49. Used a $2.00 coupon. FP - $0.49

Used $5.00 in RR.

Final shopping total - $43.05
OOP - $9.69
Saved - $33.36
Received $12.50 in RR.

Meal Plan Monday

2012-01-16T11:21:00.002-05:00

This week was easy to plan - we all got very ill last week and basically didn't eat a real meal from Tuesday until Saturday!

Monday (January 16) - Thai Beef and Noodles, french bread with garlic spread (recipe forthcoming!)

Tuesday - hot dogs, green beans

Wednesday - Calzones, corn

Thursday - Chicken and noodle casserole (recipe forthcoming!), biscuits

Friday - Ledo's Pizza (I have a free pizza coupon expiring soon)

So what are you eating this week??

Freebies

2012-01-14T10:45:00.003-05:00

Free Samples going on right now!

Meal Plan Monday

2012-01-09T11:24:00.002-05:00

Monday (January 9) - Family is OYO; I have Ladies Group at church

Tuesday - Chicken and noodle casserole (recipe forthcoming!), biscuits

Wednesday - Calzones, corn

Thursday - Thai Beef and Noodles, french bread with garlic spread (recipe forthcoming!)

Friday - Belated Christmas party!!

So what are you eating this week??

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles)

2012-01-09T10:37:00.002-05:00

Raisin Bran (x3)
RP $3.85. Used raincheck to make them $1.93 each. Minus $1.00/3 coupon. FP - $1.26 each

Eggs
RP $2.29. Used $1.00 off wyb 2 Kelloggs cereals coupon. FP - $0.29

Campbells chunky soup (x2)
RP $1.99. SP $1.37. Minus $0.50/2 coupon. FP - $0.87 each

Corn - $0.67

Celestial Seasonings tea (x3)
RP $3.79. SP $1.89. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Black beans (x2) - $0.79

Bacon Bits - $1.99

Starkist tuna
RP $1.65. SP $1.00. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - Free

Gillette after shave (x2)
RP $2.79. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.79

Oral B floss
RP $2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. Minus $1.00 e-coupon. FP - Free

Bananas - $0.72

Carrots - $1.17

Smart Balance milk
RP $3.99. SP $3.00. Minus $1.50 coupon. FP - Free

Final shopping total - $44.53
OOP - $14.28
Saved - $30.25 (about 68%)

Free Shout Color Catcher

2012-01-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

Grab a free sample of Shout Color Catcher here!

Free Reach Floss!

2012-01-09T10:21:00.002-05:00

Print a $1.00 off Reach floss coupon from here. Makes it FREE at Harris Teeter Super Doubles today and tomorrow!!

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles)

2012-01-06T11:21:00.002-05:00

I paid more out of pocket this trip than I normally would on a Super Doubles trip. I combined my personal shopping and Fed By Faith, and I also bought the ingredients for homemade laundry detergent which upped my out of pocket expense almost $11.00.

Bruce's sweet potatoes (x2)
RP $2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.99

Lysol wipes
RP $3.49. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.49

Borax - $5.39

Laundry bar - $1.69

Washing soda - $3.49

Gillette body wash
RP $4.69. SP $3.49. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.49

Hidden Valley ranch dressing (x3)
RP $1.79. Minus $1.00/3 coupon. FP - $1.12 each

Fruit cocktail - $1.25

Starkist tuna
RP $1.75. SP $1.00. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - Free

Xtra detergent - $3.49

Jergens lotion (x2)
RP $7.49. SP $4. 49. Minus $3.00/2 coupon. FP - $2.99 each

Gillette shaving gel (x2)
RP $4.89. SP $3.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.99

Gillette aftershave
RP $2.79. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.79

Garnier fructis (x3)
RP $3.79. SP $2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.99 each

4C cheese
RP $3.39. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.39

Final shopping total - $83.51
OOP - $45.23
Saved - $38.28 (about 46%)

Make Your Own

2012-01-06T11:01:00.003-05:00

Wipe Off Weekly Menu Board!

I plan our weekly menus every weekend. I used to put the menu on a calendar on the refrigerator. That worked, but when I saw this idea for a dry-erase schedule, I loved it! I mean, how cute is this!?!?

The girl at that website kind of had a step-up on me. I mean, she had bought this really pretty picture frame for $7.00, she had scrapbook paper on hand, and she had these really cute scrapbooking letters that she made with her Silhouette. Which, by the way, I will never be able to afford.

So I got creative and cheap!

Picture frame - $2.00 from Dollar General.
Backing paper - A sheet of copy paper from my printer.
Scrapbooking letters - $0.20 from the post-Halloween sale.

Voila!

You can't really tell - this is an awful picture - but I LOVE our new menu board!! I think it is so quirky and cute! I hot-glued little magnets on the back of the frame so it will stick to our refrigerator. I really need a good picture of this but it's so hard to take a good picture of glass frames...

Anyway, I love this idea! I would also love to know if you meal plan, do you put it up anywhere in your house for everyone to see?

Make Your Own

2012-01-06T10:37:00.003-05:00

Bathtub Soap Crayons!

A few months ago my nephew turned 1. I wanted to get him something cool for his birthday but it just seemed like he had everything. I couldn't think of anything to get him that he might not already get. Then I came across a recipe for making your own bathtub soap crayons! My sister-in-law bought these for Brianna a long time ago and she hasn't used them up yet even though she uses them every time she's in the bathtub! She loves them, and so I thought I would try this recipe.

What You Will Need:

Clear glycerin soap base, cut into cubes (I got this at Michaels)
3 or more soap color dyes (also at Michaels)
Essential oils (optional, also sold at Michaels)
Glass measuring cup for melting soap
Spoons for mixing colors and fragrances
Ice cube trays or crayon molds

Separate the soap base cubes; one pile for each soap color dye.

Place the soap cube for the first color in a glass measuring cup and melt in microwave in short bursts. Once melted, add soap color a drop at a time, mixing well after each drop until you get the color right. Add a couple of drops of essential oils (optional) and mix well.

Carefully pour the color soap into ice cube trays.

Repeat the same soap crayon making process with the rest of the colors.

Allow the soap to set until it is firm. This could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. When the soap is close to firm, feel free to place the soap in the freezer to speed up the hardening process.

When ready, pop the soap crayons out of the trays.

I don't know how well these worked but they were really easy to make. Like I told my sister, if nothing else, they would be cool soap for the kids to use!

I used ice cube trays. At the time (October) Michaels wasn't carrying the crayon molds. They said they are only sold seasonally. Get this - a week after I gave him this present, I found crayon molds at a thrift store for 50 cents!!! Obviously I grabbed them up. :) Crayon molds would make them much easier to hold onto, I suspect.

Brianna helped me make this craft, and so I highly recommend it as a fun thing to do with your 2-year old on up to your tween. She had a ball making them and I didn't have to worry about her getting hurt on anything or something like that.

I got my info for these crayons from here.

Let me know if you make them and what you did differently!

Free Youmanity Token

2012-01-04T15:37:00.003-05:00

This is a pretty cool idea. Aviva (an insurance company) is giving out free "Youmanity" tokens. Go here to get one mailed to you. When you receive it, register it at the same website. Pass it on with a random act of kindness. Check back on the website to follow the token you started. You don't have to register with the website or anything to get this token, as I recall.

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles)

2012-01-04T10:42:00.003-05:00

Ziploc containers (x2)
RP $3.59. Minus $1.50/2 coupon. FP - $2.09 each

Ziploc bags (holiday) (x2)
RP $3.99. SP $1.99. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - $0.99 each

Febreze spray
RP $3.29. Minus $1.00 coupon. Minus $1.00 e-coupon. FP - Free

Prego (x3)
RP $2.39. SP $1.67. Minus $1.00/3 coupon. FP - $1.00 each

Celestial Seasonings (holiday) (x3)
RP $3.79. SP $1.89. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Hidden Valley salad kit
RP $2.99. SP $2.24. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.24

Honey Bunches of Oats (x2)
RP $3.55. Used raincheck to make them $2.00. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Ecotools loofah
RP $1.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Stouffers saute meal
RP $8.69. Used free coupon to make it Free

Smart Balance milk (x3)
RP $3.99. SP $3.00. Minus $1.50 coupon. FP - Free

Baileys creamer (x6)
RP $2.59. Used raincheck to make them $1.50 each. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - $0.50 each

Harris Teeter chicken sausage
RP $4.99. On sale for $3.50. Minus $2.00 coupon on package. FP - $1.50

Bayer advance
RP $6.99. Used raincheck to make it $3.99. Minus $1.50 coupon. FP - $0.99

Final shopping total - $86.25
OOP - $16.52
Saved - $69.73 (about 81%)

Meal Plan Monday

2012-01-03T09:21:00.002-05:00

Alright, officially back from vacation! Our pantry was cleaned out before we left for vacation (the day after Christmas) so it's basically empty but we still have a lot of stuff in our freezer. I want to use up some of that stuff to try to save some extra money this month.

Monday (January 2) - Getting back late from vacation

Tuesday - Penne Pasta Skillet, corn, cheese bread

Wednesday - Calzones, sweet peas

Thursday - chicken and dumplings, parker house rolls

Friday - Dinner out; mystery shop

So what are you eating this week?

Mail Call

2011-12-25T09:47:00.004-05:00

Check from mystery shopping (Market Force)
Check from mystery shopping (Best Mark)
Check from Pinecone Research
Free Stouffers entree coupon
JET magazine
Gerber rebate check
ESPN magazine
Ebony magazine
Bloomberg Businessweek magazine
Guitar Player magazine
Popular Science magazine
Fitness magazine
Nescafe instant coffee samples

Candy Pencils

2011-12-19T14:43:00.002-05:00

This is Brianna's first year at preschool, so I'm a newbie at all this stuff. I got to preschool this morning to drop her off only to realize everyone at school was walking in with gift bags.

Christmas presents for the teachers? Hadn't even crossed my mind.

I dropped her off and then went on a Walgreens run. I had to get toilet paper, baby wipes, and packaging supplies anyway, so I got Mentos while I was there. I paid just over $1.00 for everything.

Got home and started pulling out my supplies!

Tube of Mentos (you can also stack Rolos)
Any Hershey's Kiss (the almond or caramel look the most like a pencil tip but all I had on hand were raspberry. I think it served the purpose!)
1 sheet of yellow construction paper
a small strip of aluminum foil
a glue dot (I used hot glue)
clear tape (I used both double sided and regular)
black marker

First of all, use your glue dot or hot glue gun to stick the Hershey's kiss onto one end of the Mentos roll.

Next, measure your construction paper to wrap all the way around the pencil. Make sure it will wrap around the part where the kiss meets the Mentos because that is wider than the Mentos roll. Use scissors to cut to length, and cut the end with the Hershey's kiss with zig-zags if you like.

Write your message in the middle of the paper with a marker.

Wrap the paper around your roll and secure with tape.

Take a small piece of aluminum foil and trim off the serrated edge. Wrap around the eraser end of the pencil, covering where the paper and the eraser meet.

Okay, mine were done in a hurry because I was frantic. I knew I couldn't afford to just go out and buy stuff for both her teachers so I just had to get creative. I used the mint Mentos (blue package) because Walgreens was out of the fruity ones but the fruity ones have a pink wrapper so they would look more like erasers.

Then I went into my goody box (where I keep all my "nice" sales items!) and found two Air Wick candles that I got for free from Rite Aid last year! Nice! These retail around $5.99 so I know they are good quality candles that last for like 40 hours or something like that.

With my dad being a teacher, I know that teachers don't want a lot of "stuff". So I think they appreciated this gift - one was cute and edible and the other was useful for their house. So I am happy!

I got the instructions for this craft from here. (An awesome blog to check out!)

Rebate Offer

2011-12-08T10:39:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my mom for the heads up on this rebate offer!

At Dollar General you can find Mean Green products with hangtags on them for mail-in rebates. If you buy one 32 or 40-oz product and send in the rebate form you will receive a coupon for a free product. Must be postmarked by 4/30/12. These are commercial cleaners that can be used on tons of surfaces inside and outside - including blood stains which is kind of creepy. But seriously, the list of places it can be used is huge (grills, vinyl siding, tires, golf clubs etc.) so this is probably a great product to have around the house!

I Won!

2011-12-08T10:14:00.001-05:00

I won $100 in a giveaway on one of my favorite blogs, Savings Lifestyle! See, it is worth it to enter contests! Have you won anything lately?

Starbucks Giveaways

2011-12-02T10:51:00.002-05:00

Starbucks is hosting 12 Days of Giveaways right now!

Today's offer is "Starbucks Christmas Blend 1 Lb - $9.95 (regular price $14.95) or Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Christmas Blend 12-pack for $7.95 (regular price $11.95)."

I think my favorite is December 12th - Purchase a 16 oz tumbler and receive free coffee throughout the month of January! I'm sure there are restrictions on it.

Check out the website for all the offers.

Chili's Deal of the Day

2011-12-02T10:49:00.002-05:00

Every day through December 24, Chili's is doing a daily promotion. Today's deal is "Save 10% when you buy $100 or more in gift cards." Tomorrow's will be "Free chips and salsa with any entree purchase."

Keep checking back on their website, because they usually put up about a week's in advance of what the offers will be!

Free Fries at Burger King

2011-12-02T10:46:00.001-05:00

Burger King has re-vamped their french fries! On December 16 they're running a promotion to give away one value size order of fries, with no purchase necessary, while supplies last.

Yummy!

Free Bath and Body Works Lotion

2011-12-02T10:45:00.001-05:00

Bath & Body Works just released a coupon on their facebook wall for a free 2 oz BeEnchanted lotion. You can also show the facebook post on your phone to score this freebie. This offer is valid 12/2-12/4. No purchase necessary.

Make Your Own

2011-11-30T10:29:00.004-05:00

Fabric Softener!

I haven't paid for fabric softener in probably 1 1/2 - 2 years simply because I stocked up during sales. Unfortunately, a few days ago I found myself at the end of my Purex Crystals with no good sales in sight.

Enter: homemade fabric softener! Who knew how easy it was to make?

What You Will Need:

1 cup baking soda
2 cups hot water
1 cup white vinegar

Mix the baking soda with the water. Stir until it is well mixed - but it's not going to completely dissolve.

Add the vinegar. It should start bubbling up. Stir until it is well mixed.

Add 1/4 cup to your rinse cycle.

Bam! You're done! You can even use it in a Downy ball if you have one of those (p.s. you can't use a Downy ball in a front loader).

I store mine in a mason jar so I can shake it before I measure my 1/4 cup.

Seriously... not buying fabric softener again unless it's free.

*Note: If you want to add essential oil to this you can. Essential oil tends to be fairly expensive but you'd probably only need 10-15 drops anyway, so it might be worth it to you. Also, I got my recipe for this from Hallee.

Mail Call

2011-11-29T14:56:00.000-05:00

Forbes magazine (free subscription)
Outside magazine (free subscription)
JET magazine (free subscription)
Bloomberg Businessweek (free subscription)
Check from Ebates
Physicians Formula rebate check (you still have time to get in on this!)
Spin magazine (free subscription)
Working Mother magazine (free subscription)
Entrepreneur magazine (free subscription)
Gerber yogurt rebate
Check from Mystery Shopping
Newsweek magazine (free subscription)
Check from Pinecone Research
Better Homes and Gardens magazine (free subscription)
Guitar Player magazine (free subscription)
Popular Science magazine (free subscription)
Rite Aid rebates check

Walgreens

2011-11-29T11:00:00.002-05:00

Another example of using Register Rewards to pay for things I need!

Mission foot cream
SP $5.99. Received $6.00 in RR. FP - Free

Mission muscle cream
SP $5.99. Received $6.00 in RR. FP - Free

Walgreens cold sore treatment
SP $7.99. Received $8.00 in RR. Fp - Free

Diapers - $8.99

Paper towels - $5.00

Softlips
SP $2.00. Received $2.00 in RR. FP - Free

Used $32.25 in RR.

Final shopping total - $55.38
OOP - $6.14
Saved - $49.24
Received $22.00 in RR.

Meal Plan Monday

2011-11-29T09:07:00.002-05:00

Normally I would have put my meal plan for the week up yesterday, but I am not meal planning this week. We have already spent about $130 on groceries for this month and we ate out several times last week due to family being in town for Thanksgiving, so in order to conserve money we're eating out of the pantry this week. That meant that last night we spontaneously decided to have marinated chicken, macaroni and cheese and homemade butternut squash fries. Tonight we are probably having lasagna but I haven't decided yet. I know Wednesday will be calzones as usual but as for the rest of the week - it will depend on what I find lurking on our shelves. :)

What are you eating this week?

Walgreens (Black Friday)

2011-11-26T07:56:00.002-05:00

Oral B toothbrush
On sale for $1.50. Minus $0.75 coupon. Received $1.50 RR. FP - Free

G.U.M. 2-pack toothbrushes
On sale for $2.00. Received $2.00 RR. FP - Free

Dentek flossers
On sale for $2.00. Minus $0.75 coupon. Received $2.00 RR. FP - Free

Advil PM
On sale for $0.99. Received $0.99 RR. FP - Free

Crest toothpaste
On sale for $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. Received $2.50 in RR. FP - Free

Colgate toothpaste
On sale for $3.00. Received $3.00 in RR. FP - Free

Preparation H wipes
On sale for $2.75. Received $2.75 in RR. FP - Free

Thermacare heat wraps
On sale for $2.49. Minus $1.00 coupon. Received $2.50 in RR. FP - Free

Walgreens pain reliever
On sale for $2.00. Received $2.00 in RR. FP - Free

Ecotrin
On sale for $0.99. Minus $1.50 coupon. FP - Free

Sheets energy
On sale for $3.99. Received $4.00 in RR. FP - Free

Cortaid
On sale for $2.99. Received $3.00 in RR. FP - Free

Culturelle capsules
On sale for $9.50. Received $9.50 in RR. FP -Free

SAMe tablets
On sale for $10.00. Received $10.00 in RR. FP - Free

Used $8.00 in RR.

Final shopping total - $93.31
OOP - $36.85
Saved - $56.46
Received $45.75 in RR.

Cheap Apple Spice Simmer!

2011-11-14T13:08:00.002-05:00

Oh, when I saw this post I couldn't wait to try it! My kids eat apples all the time but half the time they want them peeled. Perfect opportunity to use the peelings in the kitchen!

What you'll need:

Apple peelings and core
Cinnamon (whole or ground)
Cloves (whole or ground)

Put the peelings and core into a pot and cover with water. I sprinkled cinnamon over it all and threw in some whole cloves. Throw in some cinnamon sticks if that's all you have or even throw in orange peelings. Bring to a boil and then turn down to the lowest setting and let simmer. Keep adding water as needed.

We couldn't believe how quickly this made our house smell delicious! I guess it's the same concept as potpourri, but I love the "recycling" factor of the peelings, especially since it's really too cold to take out the compost all the time.

Meal Plan Monday

2011-11-14T09:58:00.003-05:00

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday (November 14) - Hubby and kids are on their own; I have ladies group at church

Tuesday - Dinner out; I have a mystery shop

Wednesday - french toast, bacon

Thursday - chicken and dumplings, parker house rolls (didn't get to do chicken and dumplings last week because of work schedule; I will try to post the parker house rolls recipe soon because these rolls are SO. GOOD.)

Friday - Dinner out; we have a Thanksgiving program at preschool

Saturday - Chicken and pasta, cheese bread

So what are you eating this week?

Make Your Own

2011-11-11T20:26:00.004-05:00

Foaming Hand Soap!

Did that make you get all goosebump-y and stuff? Because when you make this it will change your life and you may never buy soap again.

What You Will Need:

Liquid hand soap refill (I got a 40 oz bottle for $2.25 at Family Dollar. I didn't take the time to price check anywhere else.)
A foaming soap dispenser (I had an old Dawn one; I think most dispensers run about $2-3 at the store but check for coupons!)

Step 1:
Add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid hand soap to the bottom of your soap dispenser. (I just eye-balled it. Just barely cover the bottom of the dispenser.)

Step 2:
Fill with warm water - SLOWLY!

Step 3:
Shake gently to combine. Pump the pump a couple of times to get the foaming started.

Step 4:
Give to your children to use and watch them get more excited over that than anything you've ever bought them. (My daughter washes her hands in the bathtub because it's the only place she can turn on the water, use soap and dry her hands without having to be held - we don't have a tall enough stool for other sinks.)

See that foam?

I did not tell her to cheese at the camera, she just does that on her own.

This is her saying, "I need some more." (For the third time.)

So tell me if I'm doing this math right. I paid $2.25 for my soap refill. I bought the foaming soap so long ago I don't know what I paid for it but I know it was around $0.25. Let's just be generous and round up my cost to $3.00. If I put 2 tablespoons of the soap refill into each batch of soap I make it will end up costing me $0.15 per batch.

And that, my friends, is something you can't beat.

All my information was seen first on Kingdom First Mom and she has some other interesting tidbits - like using foaming hand soap reduces the use of soap by 75% (except personally I feel that 2-year-olds may use it 75% MORE of the time!) and this same trick can stretch your dish soap and body wash. Check her out, her blog is awesome.

Oh, and you can even buy foaming dispensers from here.

Harris Teeter

2011-11-11T15:33:00.002-05:00

Fleischmann yeast
RP $1.99. SP $1.49. Minus $0.80 coupon. FP - $0.69

Progresso broth (x2)
RP $3.15. SP $1.50. Minus $0.40 coupon. FP - $0.70

Snackwell bars
RP $3.29. SP $2.50. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $1.00

Eagle Brand condensed milk (x2)
RP $2.49. SP $2.29. Minus $0.55 coupon. FP - $1.19

Bananas - $0.68

Pears - $2.16

Asparagus - $1.40

Pictsweet vegetables (x4)
RP $3.39 and $3.99. SP $1.99 and $1.69. Minus $0.75/2 coupon. FP - $1.17 each

4C parmesan cheese
RP $3.99. SP $2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.99

Harris Teeter roast beef - $2.50 (This still had the sales tag on it from last week's sale - I brought this to the attention of one of the employees and got the discount!)

Minus 11% military discount for Veteran's Day - $3.22

Final shopping total - $45.77
OOP - $16.15
Saved - $29.62 (about 65%)

Harris Teeter Deals 11/9 - 11/15

2011-11-11T13:19:00.001-05:00

Here are some deals I'm seeing this week at Harris Teeter. I don't have time to put up what coupon insert these coupons are in, so if you're having trouble finding a coupon I suggest using CouponTom, a free website where you can type in the brand name and all coupons will pop up. Any "savings" I have posted are based on the regular price of the item - these prices listed are the sales prices this week. I tell people to try to save 50% on the items they buy, that's why I don't have exact percentage savings. These are just a few deals I saw, certainly not everything that's on sale! Feel free to check other blogs for more deals!

4C grated cheese - $2.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final price - $1.99 (savings of 50%)

8th Continent soymilk - $2.87
- $1.00 coupon
Final price - $1.87 (savings of almost 50% from regular price)

Act II popcorn - $1.99
- $1.00/2 coupon (found on box)
Final price - $1.49 each (savings of almost 50%)

Always Infinity pads - $3.99
- $1.00 coupon (from a home mailer I got)
- $1.00 e-VIC coupon
Final price - $1.99 (savings of over 50%)

Argo corn starch - $1.49
- $0.30 coupon
Final price - $0.89 (savings of over 50%)

Boogie Wipes - $2.99
- $0.50 coupon
Final price - $1.99 (savings of 50%)

Bounce dryer bar - $3.79
- $1.00 coupon (from a home mailer I got)
- $1.00 e-VIC coupon
Final price - $1.79 (savings of over 50%)

Bridgford dough or monkey bread - $2.69 (rolls) - $3.69 (monkey bread)
- $0.55 coupon
Final price - $1.59 - $2.59 (rolls have a savings of 50%)

Eagle brand condensed milk - $2.29
- $0.55 coupon
Final price - $1.19 (savings of over 50%)

Febreze Air Effects - $2.99
- $1.00 coupon (from a home mailer I got)
- $1.00 e-VIC coupon
Final price - $0.99 (savings of over 50%)

Febreze fabric refresher - $4.85
- $1.00 coupon (from a home mailer I got)
- $1.00 e-VIC coupon
Final price - $2.85 (savings of over 50%)

Fleischmann's yeast - $1.49
- $0.40 coupon
Final price - $0.69 (savings of over 50%)

French's fried onions - $2.55 (2.8 oz not on sale) - $3.29 (6 oz is on sale)
- $0.50 coupon
Final price - $1.55 - $2.29 (savings not close to 50%)

Hormel pepperoni - $3.00
- $0.55 coupon (printable)
Final price - $1.90 (savings of over 50%)

Johnsonville chicken sausage - $2.99
- $1.50 coupon
Final price - $1.49 (savings of over 50%)

Johnsonville Italian sausage - $3.00 (ground sausage) - $4.49 (links)
- $0.50 coupon
Final price - $2.00 - $3.49 (savings not close to 50%)

Jolly Time popcorn - $2.69
- $0.50 coupon
Final price - $1.69 (savings of almost 50%)

Karo syrup - $2.49
- $0.40 coupon
Final price - $1.69 (savings of almost 50%)

Kleenex hand towels - $2.99
- $0.75 coupon
Final price - $1.49 (savings of over 50%)

Pictsweet deluxe vegetables - $1.09
- $0.75/2 coupon
Final price - $0.34 each (savings of over 50%)

Planters Nut-Rition bars - $2.50
- $0.75 coupon
Final price - $1.00 (savings of over 50%)

Progresso broth - $1.50
- $0.40 coupon
Final price - $0.70 (savings of well over 50%)

Riceworks chips - $2.99
- $1.00 coupon
Final price - $1.99 (savings not 50%)

Scope mouthwash - $3.99
- $1.00 coupon (from a home mailer I got)
- $0.75 e-VIC coupon
Final price - $2.24 (savings of over 50%)

Texas Pete hot sauce - $0.57 (6 oz)
- $0.55 coupon
Final price - FREE

Uncle Ben's long grain and wild rice - $1.67
- $0.75/2 coupon
Final price - $0.92 each (savings of over 50%)

Extreme Savings Without Coupons

2011-11-10T20:02:00.002-05:00

Please go read this awesome blog post about how to have extreme savings without coupons! It's such a great post (although our Harris Teeters don't have NEAR the markdowns as hers, obviously!) and might help those of you who just can't get on the coupon bandwagon!

Veteran's Day Specials

2011-11-10T18:09:00.004-05:00

I have heard of some Veteran's Day specials for all you military folks out there... have not confirmed all of these so you'll have to do that for yourself! I know our Golden Corral and Applebee's usually participate but they're too crowded for us to go. :)

Applebee's - Free Signature Entree on 11/11 (veterans and active duty military)

Outback - Free Bloomin' Onion and Coke (The FREE Bloomin’ Onion® and Coca-Cola® promotion is open to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identification on November 11, 2011: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), DD214 Certificate, Veteran Identification Card (VIC), Photograph in Uniform or Wearing Uniform. The FREE beverage will be customer’s choice of any Coca-Cola® product.)

Subway (not confirmed) - Free 6" Sub (on website it says to call your local restaurant)

Chili's - Veteran's Eat Free

Free Car Wash at Southern Pines Car Wash on US1

Olive Garden - Free entree (veterans and active duty)

Golden Corral - Free dinner from 5-9pm on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles)

2011-11-08T22:03:00.002-05:00

Heinz ketchup
RP $2.19. SP $1.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Mars mixed candy
RP $4.29. SP $1.50 coupon. FP - $1.29

Hungry Jack pancake mix (x2)
Used raincheck to make them $1.49 each. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - $0.49 each

Chock Full O Nuts coffee
RP $4.99. SP $3.49. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $1.99

Kettle chips
RP $3.69. SP $1.84. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Bumblebee tuna (x2)
RP $1.59. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - Free

Halloween straws
RP $2.49. SP $0.62

Totino pizzas (x2) - $1.50

Ore-Ida fries
RP $3.59. SP $1.79

Minute Maid OJ (x2)
RP $3.69. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.69

Country Crock spread
RP $2.59. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Philadelphia cooking creme (x2)
RP $2.99. SP $1.57. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Final shopping total - $47.00
OOP - $13.70
Saved - $33.30 (about 71%)

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles)

2011-11-08T09:52:00.002-05:00

Milk - $2.69

Smart Balance milk
RP $4.19. SP $3.00. Minus $1.50 coupon. FP - Free

Minute Maid OJ (x2)
RP $3.69. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.69

Ore-Ida french fries (x2)
RP $3.59. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.59

Mott apple juice (x2)
RP $3.29. SP $2.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.99

Pop Secret (x4)
RP $3.29. SP BOGO. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - $0.65 each

Green Giant veggies (x5)
RP $1.35. SP Buy 2, Get 3 Free. FP - $0.54 each

Duncan Hines amazing glazes (x2)
RP $2.69. SP $2.00. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Heinz ketchup
RP $1.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP -Free

Carpet Fresh
RP $1.99. SP $0.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Nutella
RP $3.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.99

Clif Bar (x3)
RP $1.29. SP $0.77. Minus $1.00/3 coupon. FP - $0.10 each

Fleischmanns yeast
RP $1.99. SP $1.49. Minus $0.40 coupon. FP - $0.69 each

Hidden Valley dressing
RP $3.55. On clearance for $1.77. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Celestial Seasonings tea
RP $3.79. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.50

Bananas - $0.76

Final shopping total - $81.58
OOP - $17.62
Saved - $63.96 (about 78%)

Make Your Own

2011-11-07T21:59:00.011-05:00

Homemade Pumpkin Puree!

I have this awesome produce guy, I will have to write a blog about him soon. But I mentioned to him a couple of weeks ago I wanted to make my own pumpkin puree. He showed me the variety of pumpkins he sells and told me which would be the best for puree. They were $3.50/pumpkin (which I had no clue if that was a good price or not but I was willing to pay that.) When I went back last week to get one, he told me to take whatever I needed. Can you tell I'm a loyal customer? Hah! I spend enough money there that I guess that was a bonus! Anyway I talked him into letting me pay $1.00 for this beauty:

I got 4 1/2 cups of puree from this pumpkin so I'm very happy with that! Now on to the procedure:

First of all, slice off the top of the pumpkin near the stem.

Next, cut the pumpkin in half.

Then, scoop out all the guts from the pumpkin. I prefer using an ice cream scoop because it works really well.

Next, cut the pumpkin into smaller sections and place on a baking sheet. Roast in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes or until it is fork-tender.

This is what mine looked like when it was done - very juicy but I was able to drain it.

The skin dries up like this so it's easy to peel back.

Peel off all the skin from the pumpkin until you just have the pulp. Throw the pulp into your food processor or blender. Add water if your pumpkin wasn't as juicy as mine. Pulse the pumpkin until it's totally smooth. You can add water by the tablespoon if you need to, if yours is too thick. I didn't have that problem. Actually, when mine was pureed I poured it through a cheesecloth to get rid of some of the excess water.

I used part of mine right away and froze the rest.

When freezing:

Pour into freezer bags, squeeze out any excess air, and freeze flat in your freezer. I did mine in 1-2 cup increments for future recipes. Use within 8 months or so.

I'm not a huge fan of pumpkin but I'm learning to like it! I'll be making more pumpkin recipes in the future now!

(Coming up... pumpkin roll...)

Note: I got my original puree instructions from Pioneer Woman!

Wolfgang Puck Catalina

2011-11-07T21:54:00.001-05:00

When I went to the grocery store yesterday this catalina printed out for me:

Buy any new Wolfgang Puck italian sauce between 10/31/11 and 11/27/11. But 1 and get $0.75 OYNO or buy 2 and get $1.50 OYNO.

Meal Plan Monday

2011-11-07T12:53:00.000-05:00

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday (November 7) - Hot dogs, green beans, french fries/sweet potato fries

Tuesday - Chicken and dumplings (if I don't have to work), rolls

Wednesday - Calzones, sweet peas

Thursday - Chicken tenders, corn, rolls

Friday - Lock-in at church

Saturday - Bluegrass Festival

What are you eating this week?

Free Christmas Gifting Budgeting Planner

2011-11-06T08:16:00.004-05:00

I am incredibly fortunate in that my family and my in-laws decided several years ago to cut down on Christmas presents. About five years ago, my family did away with presents altogether and began donating to charities that each individual chose. For example, I might choose our local domestic violence shelter one year and World Vision one year. Stephen used to choose our local Air 1 radio station or something along the lines of military widows. I actually really loved that, but once my sister and I had children two years ago, an agreement was made to only buy for the kids, which also included our cousins. So nice! We, the adults, really don't need anything, and it was very hard to try to think of something we wanted someone to buy for us.

With my in-laws, we didn't really want to give up the gifts totally but it was getting out of hand with the amount of money being spent on presents because they have a larger family. So we tried different things every year. A few years we drew names and only bought presents for 2-3 other people. One year we drew names and only gave presents to one other person. One year we simply gave $20 in cash to the name we drew, but we had to give it in an original way. Last year we decided just to give presents to the kids.

All that to say, I am so lucky and blessed that I don't need to budget for Christmas presents. We do buy things for the kids but they're only one and two years old, so basically they shouldn't expect much in the way of presents right now! Hah! Remember all this cool stuff I just got at Michaels? BAM - stocking stuffers done! We bought their "big" present over the summer from a consignment store for either $10 or $15, I can't remember now. I've gotten some other things from yard sales along the way (Sit 'N Spin for $2 for example, some books, some clothes for $0.10 - $0.50) so we are good to go for Christmas!

Unfortunately not everyone is so lucky. For you guys I have an awesome, FREE budgeting planner created by Savings Lifestyle specifically made for Christmas.

It starts with your total gift budget. You write down your recipient's name, ideas for gifts for them, and your budget per person. Then comes your plan. Find your gift idea at the store where it is the cheapest and look for Black Friday deals to maximize your savings! There's also a page for making homemade gifts, writing down the supplies you need and everything. Pretty cool, thought it would be useful to someone this season!

New Printable Coupons!

2011-11-06T08:03:00.002-05:00

I just found another website that you can print coupons from! Did anyone else know about this!?

Wounded Warriors has coupons!

I was able to print:

$1.00 off Heinz ketchup (FREE at Super Doubles!)
$1.00/2 Pop Secret popcorn (Stephen's favorite brand - $0.64 at Super Doubles!)
$1.00 Duncan Hines Amazing Glazes (FREE at Super Doubles!)
$1.00 off Ore-Ida Frozen Potato Product (FREE at Super Doubles!)

And several more! Go check it out!

Update on Michaels Blowout!

2011-11-05T22:18:00.002-04:00

I went back to Michaels today and bought so. much. stuff. I seriously want to go back again and keep digging through the clearance bins!! Seriously, you need to go check this out, particularly if you have kids, teach kids, do Angel Tree, do stockings, do Operation Christmas Child, any and all of the above! Let me tell you a little about what I got:

All this for $10.00 and the regular price would have been around $45 or so.

I got crafts to do with the kids next Halloween, ranging from $0.20 to $0.40. I got giant pens for their stockings for $0.20. I got memo pads for Bri ($0.20), 2 kites ($0.40 each), bubbles for Evan's birthday ($0.40 - I should probably be embarrassed that my sister might read this but I'm sure she'll appreciate my savings!), suncatchers to color when the kids get older ($0.40), maracas for Evan ($0.20... again, my sister will appreciate this!), rubber ducks for the kids' stockings ($0.20 each), stamps and stamp pads for crafts ($0.20 each), notecards for me ($0.01 - 0.20 each), magnetic grocery list pads (I love these - $0.20), glow stick necklaces for trick-or-treating next year ($0.89), cupcake liners ($0.01), and some other cute things that can be used for presents for future secret sisters ($0.40)!!!

Seriously... one cent for some things! I'm begging you to go check this out, although I'm not sure why because I definitely want to go back and get more stuff!!!

Oh, and the Halloween stuff was only 60% off, so savings will increase in the next few days I'm sure!

Ledo's Email Club

2011-11-05T07:43:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago we tried our new Ledo's Pizza here in Aberdeen. I'm pretty sure it's a national chain, right? Anyway, while we were there I signed up for the email newsletter. I just got my welcome email and it included a coupon for a FREE 8" cheese pizza! I do encourage you to sign up for their emails - their pizza is gigantic and totally delicious!

Huge Blowout at Michael's!

2011-11-04T19:54:00.003-04:00

Anyone been to the Michaels in Pinecrest Plaza lately? I ran in there today and they have a TON of items on sale, 80% off!! I can't tell you everything I got because I got surprises for people (!) but there was some really cool stuff. I got a couple of kites for next spring for $0.40!! I got some stamps and inkpads for $0.20, and some other crafts to do with the kids when they are older for $0.20!! I am totally going back tomorrow and rummaging through all the stuff again!

Harris Teeter Tips

2011-11-04T16:18:00.002-04:00

Green Giant corn and green beans are on sale this week Buy 2, Get 3 Free. At the regular price of $1.35, this will make them $0.54 each. Limit 10 total. Not a bad price for canned vegetables.

Fresh broccoli is on sale for $1.50, which is half it's normal price.

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles)

2011-11-04T13:36:00.003-04:00

Tic Tacs (x2)
RP $1.29. SP $0.99. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - Free

Kruncher chips (x2)
RP $3.79. SP $2.50. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $1.00

Chock Full o' Nuts coffee
RP $4.99. SP $3.49. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $1.99

Grande chips
RP $2.99. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.50

Bestlife buttery spread
RP $2.59. SP $1.29. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $0.29

Final shopping total - $20.97
OOP - $5.02
Saved - $15.95 (about 76%)

Please note: The Whispering Pines Harris Teeter does NOT have the Bestlife marked on sale, but it is ringing up on sale!

Mail Call

2011-11-04T10:16:00.003-04:00

Guitar Player magazine (free subscription)
Newsweek (free subscription)
Tennis magazine (free subscription)
Better Homes and Gardens (free subscription)
Entrepreneur (free subscription)
Working Mother (free subscription)
Ebony (free subscription)
Spin (free subscription)
Latina (free subscription)
ESPN (free subscription)
JET (free subscription)
Bloomberg Businessweek (free subscription)
Check from mystery shopping
Free Walgreens coupon for John Frieda Hair Color
Free sample of Disney vitamins

$100 Grocery Challenge

2011-11-02T11:19:00.002-04:00

Okay... confession time.

Over the past few months I have been starting to think about tweaking the way I buy groceries. I don't really have time to go into my entire thought process but here's what thoughts have been going through my head:

I want to buy more local products. For me, this means primarily produce. I have a "produce guy" I have been going to for several weeks now. What this means is I get fresh produce and then meal plan around it. Now, we might still eat canned green beans or frozen peas, I'm not saying I'm entirely blowing off "convenience" vegetables and fruit, but I'm consistently buying our apples, potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes from him. Broccoli should come in soon, and apples are going out of season, so that means I'll begin buying organic apples from the store, but we'll have fresh broccoli instead. We buy our eggs from a friend at church exclusively. If I needed honey, I'd buy it from him too. Oh yeah, and all the produce from "my" guy is organic which is even better! I know there are some thing I'll always have to buy from the store (like bananas or asparagus out of season) but knowing I'm buying everything possible from this guy or the farmer's market means I'm doing something good for NC farmers.
I want to learn what products are worth paying more for, and what products are worth buying organic. I bought a brand of macaroni and cheese the other day from Walmart that was $0.37. Thirty-seven cents, people. Stephen laughed and said he wondered what was in it that we were eating for that price! Hmm... I didn't think about that. I got online to the Kraft website and compared their ingredients to the brand I had in the pantry now (not that we usually buy Kraft, but it was the first one I thought of). There were only a couple of ingredients that were different, and when I googled them I found absolutely nothing "scary" or odd about them. So I feel completely safe in feeding that to my family. Now, if something comes up that I realize it's not a good thing to be feeding them, I'll pay more for another brand that's better for them.
I want to make as many things homemade as possible. My main things right now are breads, waffles, breadcrumbs, cookies, pizza and french fries, although I sometimes make onion rings, potato chips (or veggie crisps), fruit roll-ups, and pancakes, among other things. I'd like to branch out some more and see what other things I can make. Actually, I just bought a pasta maker... interesting, eh?

All this to say that my husband and I are discussing our food budget now. We realize we have to pay a little more out of pocket in order to make sure our family is eating healthy. This may only be an extra $25 a month (I hope!!) It may not be any change financially, but just not buying certain things anymore. I've already cut out sodas for myself and juice for the kids (although Stephen is addicted to Mt. Dew and I do make punch every so often, like Kool-Aid and 4C).

So... I'm on the lookout. Trying to find healthy things for us to eat (although I do admit we're really pretty healthy to begin with, I think). The main things are going to be finding snack foods for all of us to enjoy. We all love potato chips but it's just not feasible to always make your own, and I don't feel comfortable with some of the ingredients in some brands of potato chips. Therefore, I will spend a little more money and get Eatsmart chips when they're on sale. I bought Grande tortilla chips today and bought the bag that had all ingredients that I understood - white corn, vegetable oil, salt. You can't get much better than that! Brianna and Hunter love cereals like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks but I just can't let them eat things like that anymore. One day they both ate too many Froot Loops (I wasn't really regulating how many they were snacking on) and let's just say it did NOT aid in their digestion later on! Like my mom said, anything with that much food coloring/dye can't be good for you! Hah! So I'd love to find some fruity cereals they both love and things like that.

Okay. So 'fess up. What snacks do you guys eat? What do you recommend? What should we stay away from?

And all of that to say - I didn't keep a budget for the month of October. I know I spent over $100 but that did also include our one-year old's birthday party, almost $50 worth of food for our ladies group party one night, and cooking for our fall festival at church. Yowza! This month should be much better. :)

Just for my records, I did make $91.84 from mystery shopping, rebates and surveys this month, and just $12.80 from the two measly thing I sold on ebay. I gotta get better about that!

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles)

2011-11-02T11:07:00.002-04:00

Nutella
RP $3.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $1.99

Cinnamon Burst Cheerios (x2)
RP $3.49. Used raincheck to make them $2.00. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Extra gum (x2)
RP $1.25. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - $0.25 each

Carpet Fresh (x2)
RP $1.99. SP BOGO. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - Free

Domino sugar
RP $3.85. SP $2.79. Minus $0.65 coupon. FP - $1.49

Domino brown sugar (x2)
RP $1.35. SP $0.99. Minus $0.50/2 coupon. FP - $0.49 each

Celestial Seasonings tea (x2)
RP $3.79. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.50

Grande tortilla chips
RP $2.99. SP $2.50. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.50

Bumblebee tuna pouch (x2)
RP $1.59. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00/2 coupon. FP - Free

Mazola cooking spray
RP $2.59. SP $1.99. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $0.99

Q-Tips
RP $2.59. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP - $0.59

Bestlife buttery spread
RP $2.59. SP $1.29. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $0.29

Smart Balance milk (x3)
RP $4.19. SP $3.00. Minus $1.50 coupon (Thanks Mom, for two of these coupons!!). FP - Free

Harris Teeter chocolate milk
RP $2.49. Used raincheck to make it Free

Final shopping total - $55.81
OOP - $9.03
Saved - 46.78 (about 84%)

The cashier today told me that the $10/$40 coupon for Harris Teeter can only be used AFTER coupons, which is not what I was told yesterday. Otherwise I wouldn't have had to pay anything out of pocket. Boo.

Dust Fighters

2011-11-02T10:28:00.003-04:00

Found this article in an older issue of Good Housekeeping - thought I'd share.

Dust Fighters - 5 Foolproof ways to keep specks from accumulating.

1) Beat Back Invisible Invaders - Toss throw pillows, blankets, stuffed animals and curtains in the dryer on the "air fluff" cycle for 15 minutes to banish dust. To kill dust mites, wash and dry with heat - water at least 130 degrees, the "high" setting on most dryers.

2) Don't Use a Feather Duster - It only spreads dust around.

3) Grab What You've Got - A clean paintbrush whisks dust from pleated lampshades, wood chairs, railings and picture frames. A blow-dryer on "cool" cleans books, knickknacks, and books (real or not). Rubber gloves, dampened, sweep up pet hair from upholstery. A clean white sock wipes closed mini blinds.

4) End the Dusting Debates -

Damp vs. Dry - A slightly moist cloth attracts and traps dust; a dry one pushes it around. Plus, since dust particles are abrasive, dry rubbing can scratch furniture over time. A little water works fine, even on wood. The exception: Moisture and electronics don't mix.
Spray Your Cloth vs. Spray Your Furniture - Apply a small amount of polishing product to the cloth, then tackle the furniture. Spritz directly on surfaces, and you're likely to use too much, requiring extra buffing with a clean cloth (and buying polish more often). Fail to remove it all, and the smeary residue attracts more dust.
Dust vs. Vacuum First - Dust obeys gravity, so start by wiping the highest surfaces; let the dust settle, then work your way down.

5) Suck It Up! - Don't forget your upholstery - it's a major breeding ground for dust mites. How to deal: Use your vacuum's fabric attachment on all sides of the cushions as well as on the platform underneath.

Post-Halloween Hangover

2011-11-02T10:28:00.000-04:00

Any good couponer knows when to hit the stores - the day after any holiday, right? Now, many times I will wait until the stuff is 75% off, but with Halloween you gotta hit the stores the day after, when it's just 50% off, in order to get anything good! I went shopping today and got an alarming amount of candy. I cringe at the amount of money I blew today, but I also know it's going to a good cause. Hah! We rarely buy candy or eat any kind of dessert foods, so I don't feel too guilty about my little escapade!! Remember, I have 20% everyday discount at Rite Aid, so that's why my numbers might not match what you see in store.

Rite Aid (US #1 location)

Milk - $1.83

Items for secret sister - $3.23 (marked down from $12.98)

Candy - $2.99 (marked down from $5.99)

Candy - $6.49 (marked down from $12.99)

Used $13.50 in about-to-expire wellness coupons.

Final shopping total - $35.15
OOP - $1.94
Saved - $33.21 (savings of 94%)

Rite Aid (Olmstead Village location)

Toilet paper - $4.79

Candy - $6.49 (marked down from $12.99)

Gum - $1.03 (for overage)

Used $12.00 in +UP rewards.

Final shopping total - $21.10
OOP - $1.14
Saved - $19.96 (about 95% savings)

Harris Teeter

Mountain Dew (x10)
RP $5.99. SP Buy 2, Get 3 Free. FP - $2.40 each ($0.20/can)

Candy - $5.49 (marked down from $10.99)

Jolly Time popcorn
RP $2.89. SP $1.16. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $0.16

Candy - $3.49 (marked down from $6.99)

Boston pork butt
RP $15.39. SP $1.29/lb - $7.38

Bananas - $2.26 (marked down to $0.49/lb)

Used $10/$40 coupon.

Final shopping total - $100.65
OOP - $34.97
Saved - $65.68 (about 65%) (but I won't have to buy Mountain Dew for a VERY long time, haha!)

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles) (more)

2011-11-01T23:33:00.001-04:00

Here's some more deals. Sorry they're not alphabetical and all - I am searching by product on the Express Lane for our specific pricing to make sure it's accurate. Hope it helps!

Zatarain rice - $1.55

- $1.00/3 coupon

Final - $0.88 each

Nutella - $3.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.99

Domino granulated sugar - $2.79

- $0.65 coupon

Final - $1.49

Domino brown sugar - $0.99

- $0.50/2 coupon

Final - $0.49 each

Torani syrup - $5.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $3.99

Clorox 2 - $3.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.99

Gillette body wash - $3.49

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.49

Gillette deodorant - $4.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $2.99

Gillette shave gel - $3.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.99

Febreze set and refresh - $2.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.99

Waverly plates - $3.69

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $2.69 each

Hefty onezip bags - $3.15

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $2.15 each

Carpet Fresh odor eliminator - $0.99

- $1.00 coupon (SS 9/11 and 10/09)

Final – FREE

Pillsbury egg scrambles - $3.69

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.69

Spot Shot - $2.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.99

Ziploc containers - $3.49

- $1.50/2 coupon

Final - $1.99 each

Windex multi-surface - $3.59

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.59

Pledge - $4.95

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $2.95

Cheerios - $2.50 (14 oz is on sale)

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $1.50 each

Grande tortilla chips - $2.50

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.50

Clearasil - $4.99-9.89

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $2.99-7.89

Lipton natural ice tea - $1.59

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $0.59 each

Old English - $3.59 - $5.69

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.59-$3.69

Digiornio Pizza & Wyngz/Cookies/Breadsticks - $8.99

- $1.25 coupon

Final - $6.49

Bestlife buttery spread - $1.29

- $0.50 coupon

Final - $0.29

LA Looks - $2.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.99

2000 Flushes - $3.15

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.15

Prego sauce - $1.67

- $1.00/3 coupon

Final - $1.00 each

Celestial Seasonings - $2.50

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.50

Duncan Hines whole grain muffin mix - $3.19

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.19

Marzetti caramel dip - $3.00

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.00

Tribe hummus products - $4.49

- $1.50/2 coupon

Final - $2.99 each

Extra gum - $1.19

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $0.19 each

Truvia - $4.29

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $2.29

Revlon nail clipper - $1.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final – FREE

Progresso soup - $2.50

- $1.00/4 coupon

Final - $2.00 each

Swanson flavor boost broth - $3.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.99

Sunshine Cheez-it - $2.50

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $1.50 each

Trident gum - $1.29

- $1.00/3 coupon

Final - $0.62 each

Harris Teeter (Super Doubles)

2011-11-01T21:29:00.000-04:00

Here's the first set of stuff I've found at Super Doubles tomorrow for Harris Teeter:

8^th Continent soy milk - $2.87

- $1.00 coupon

Final – $0.87

Always Infinity pad - $5.19

- $1.00 coupon

Final – $3.19

Act II popcorn - $1.99

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final – $0.99 each

Axe product - $4.65-5.99

- $1.25 coupon

Final – $2.65-3.99

Betty Crocker cookie mix – $2.69

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $1.69 each

Biore - $7.69

- $1.00 coupon

Final – $5.69

Bounce dryer bar - $5.29

- $1.00 coupon (binder)

Final – $3.29

Clif bars - $1.29

- $1.00/3 coupon

Final – $0.62 each

Crunch N Munch (12 oz) - $2.50

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final – $1.50 each

Dole fruit bites - $3.69

-$1.00 coupon

Final – $1.69

Downy fabric softener - $5.49

- $1.00 coupon

Final – $3.49

Febreze fabric refresher - $5.85

- $1.00 coupon

Final – $3.85

Febreze air effects - $3.69

- $1.00 coupon

Final – $1.69

Fleischmanns yeast - $1.49

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $0.49 each

Gain detergent - $7.19

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $5.19

Garnier stylers - $2.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.99

Kernel Season - $3.25

- $1.00 coupon

Final – $1.25

Lysol disinfectant spray - $6.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final – $4.99

Lysol cleaner - $3.59-4.49

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $1.59-2.49

Philadelphia cooking crème - $2.99

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.99

Pillsbury cookie dough - $2.99

- $1.00/2 coupon

Final - $1.99 each

Pillsbury sweet moments - $3.19

- $1.00 coupon (9-11 RP)

Final - $1.19

Q-Tips - $2.59

- $1.00 coupon

Final - $0.59

Scott’s Liquid Gold wood cleaner - $4.99

- $1.50 coupon (10/30/11 RP)

Final - $1.99

Harris Teeter Super Doubles

2011-10-31T11:11:00.001-04:00

It was confirmed to me today by a Harris Teeter cashier that Super Doubles are in the upcoming ad! Get your coupons ready. I'll try to be better about posting deals for this month. :)

Harris Teeter

2011-10-31T10:30:00.002-04:00

Extra gum (x2)
RP $1.19. Minus $0.50/2 coupon. FP - $0.69

Pop Secret popcorn (x3)
RP $3.29. SP - $1.64

Del Monte vegetables (x5)
RP $1.39. SP Buy 2, Get 3 Free. FP - $0.56 each

Jolly Time popcorn (x3)
RP $2.89. SP $1.16. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $0.16

Mueller spaghetti
RP $1.79. SP - $1.25

Dole parfait
RP $2.49. SP $2.29. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $1.29

Fleischmanns yeast (x3)
RP $1.99. SP $1.49. Minus $0.40 coupon. FP - $0.69

Kruncher potato chips (x2)
RP $3.79. SP $1.89. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $0.39

Campbells soup - $1.69

Crisco canola oil
RP $4.55. SP $2.27. Minus $1.00 coupon. FP -$1.27

Rotel tomato/chilies - $1.00

King Arthur wheat flour - $4.59

Harris Teeter spaghetti
RP $2.49. SP - $1.97

HT potatoes - $1.00

Eatsmart potato chips (x3)
RP $3.99. SP $3.00. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $1.50

Del Monte fruit naturals (x2)
RP $1.50. Used BOGO coupon. FP - $0.75 each

Bananas - $0.90

Organic apples - $2.63

Totino pizzas (x3)
RP $1.50. Minus $0.60/3 coupon. FP - $1.10

Rhodes rolls (x3)
RP $2.39. SP $1.67. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $0.17

HT mixed veggies - $1.79

Bestlife butter
RP $2.59. SP $1.29. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP - $0.29

Cheese - $2.17

Sour cream - $0.87

Boars Head bacon (x2)
RP $4.99. SP - $2.97

Band-aids
RP $1.00. Minus $0.50 coupon. FP -Free

Used $5/$40 coupon.
Used my $5.00 Whispering Pines HT coupon.

Final shopping total - $111.35
OOP - $34.93
Saved - $76.42 (about 69%)

Meal Plan Monday

2011-10-30T22:50:00.003-04:00

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday (October 31) - ??? We are going straight from Kindermusik to trick-or-treating with friends, so we will eat something between those events or something really fast when we get home! (Or candy!)

Tuesday - Chicken and biscuits, garlic knots

Wednesday - Calzones, green beans

Thursday - Slow-cooked macaroni and cheese, zucchini fritters, whole wheat dinner rolls

Friday - Overnight French Toast, bacon, toast

Saturday - My nephew's birthday party!

Note: If you see a recipe on here that you're interested in, check on my recipe blog in the next week or so. I love trying new recipes, and I'll link to them in the future if they are good, but they all go onto that blog eventually! Check it out!

Try Me Free Rebates

2011-10-29T22:48:00.004-04:00

I was at Walmart the other day and spotted these "Try Me Free" stickers. I don't normally shop the baby food aisle (I don't even have a child that eats baby food) but for some reason I was lurking around the baby food section in Walmart and saw these. Of course I snagged them, and now I want to share with you just in case you want to snag them as well!

1) Gerber Graduates fruit splashers - Up to a $3.15 refund (they are $2.50 at our Walmart). Offer ends 1/15/12.

2) Gerber Yogurt Blends - Up to a $3.49 refund (They are $2.98 at Walmart). Offer ends 5/31/12.

If you get both of these, PLEASE remember to get them in two transactions. Each rebate requires you to send the original store receipt to get the refund. And hey, if you can't use these items, how about purchasing them, donating them to a needy cause or family you know, and still sending in the rebate to get your money back? Win-win situation!

Meal Plan Monday

2011-10-24T07:38:00.003-04:00

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday (October 24) - tacos

Tuesday - Honey Garlic Chicken, rice, yeast rolls

Wednesday - Calzones, asparagus

Thursday - Chicken tenders, peas, dinner rolls

Friday - Husband and kids are OYO while I'm at book club

So what are you eating this week?

Rite Aid

2011-10-19T17:35:00.003-04:00

A bunch of stuff for my secret sister and preschool snacks that I'm not going to bother putting on here - $12.82

Duract cough syrup
RP $8.99. SP $6.00. Minus $6.00 +UP reward. FP - Free

Sinus Buster
RP $13.99. SP $8.00. Minus $8.00 +UP reward. FP - Free

Saline Soothers Wipes
RP $1.99. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00 rebate. FP - Free

Similasan kid's cough syrup
RP $7.99. SP $3.99. Minus $3.00 rebate. FP - $0.99

Organix cough drops
RP $2.19. SP $1.50. Minus $1.50 +UP reward. FP - Free

Zarbees cough syrup
RP $8.99. SP $6.99. Minus $6.99 rebate. FP - Free

St Joseph's aspirin
RP $6.49. SP $4.99. Minus $4.00 +UP reward. FP - $0.99

Arnicare pain relief
RP $9.99. SP $6.99. Minus $6.00 +UP reward. FP - $0.99

Used $31.50 in +UP rewards.

Final shopping total - $80.63
OOP - $22.38
Saved - $58.25
Received $25.50 in +UP rewards.
Will receive $10.99 in rebates.

Meal Plan Monday

2011-10-18T22:40:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that I'm about to post this for the entire world to see - you're going to cringe at what our week looks like in the food world.

Monday (October 17) - Ribs, green beans, cheese bread

Tuesday - Pizza (mystery shop)

Wednesday - Calzones (I used to use Pillsbury pizza crust for these but now I use homemade pizza dough), peas

Thursday - lasagna, garlic bread

Friday - Date Night, baby!!

What are you eating this week? Hopefully you're doing better than we are!

Harris Teeter

2011-10-15T16:42:00.002-04:00

Green Giant veggies (x3)
RP $2.00. SP $1.00. Minus $0.60/3 coupon. FP - $0.60 each

Mustard - $0.87

Totinos (x3)
RP $1.50. SP $1.25. Minus $0.60/3 coupon. FP - $0.85

Fleischmanns yeast
RP $1.99. SP $1.49. Minus $0.40 coupon. FP - $0.69

Betty Crocker Fun-da-middles
RP $2.99. SP $2.50. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - $1.00

Smucker jelly
RP $2.75. SP $1.38. Minus $0.75 coupon. FP - Free

Milk - $2.69

Smart Balance milk
RP $4.45. SP $3.00. Minus $1.50 coupon. FP - $1.50

Sundrop
RP $4.99. SP - $3.69

Final shopping total - $31.79
OOP - $15.33
Saved - $16.46 (about 52%)

Rite Aid

2011-10-15T16:16:00.002-04:00

Rite Aid diapers
RP $9.99. SP $7.99. Minus $4.00 +UP reward. FP - $3.99

Chloraseptic spray
RP $3.99. Minus $3.00 +UP reward. FP - $0.99

Hylands cold and cough
RP $12.99. SP $5.99. Minus $5.00 +UP reward. FP - $0.99

Zarbees child cough syrup
RP $7.99. SP $4.99. Minus $4.99 rebate. FP - Free

Emergen-C immune booster
RP $4.99. SP $3.49. Minus $3.49 rebate. FP - Free

Ocean saline spray
RP $5.99. SP $2.49. Minus $1.50 +UP reward. FP - $0.99

Comtrex
RP $5.99. SP $3.99. Minus $3.00 +UP reward. FP - $0.99

Rite Aid hand sanitizer (x3)
RP $2.99. SP $1.00. Minus $1.00 +UP reward. FP - Free

Blistex
RP $2.79. SP $1.49. Minus $1.49 +UP reward. FP - Free

Neilmed Nasamist
RP $7.99. SP $5.00. Minus $5.00 +UP reward. FP - Free

Cepacol drops
RP $4.99. SP $2.50. Minus $2.50 +UP reward. FP - Free

Preparation H wipes
RP $4.99. SP $3.00. Minus $3.00 +UP reward. Minus $3.00 rebate (from package). FP - Free

Final shopping total - $87.46
OOP - $46.72
Saved - $40.74
Received $31.50 in +UP rewards.
Will receive $11.48 in rebates.

Rite Aid

2011-10-13T11:49:00.002-04:00

Scope mouthwash
RP $4.79. SP $3.83. Minus $1.50 coupon. Minus $2.50 +up reward. FP - Free

Pert Plus
RP $3.99. SP $3.00. Minus $1.00 coupon. Minus $2.00 +up reward. FP - Free

Oral B battery toothbrush
RP $7.99. SP $5.99. Minus $3.00 coupon. Minus $2.99 rebate. FP - Free

ProFoot pump pouches
RP $8.99. SP $4.99. Minus $1.00 coupon. Minus $1.00 +up reward. Minus $3.00 rebate. FP - Free

Final shopping total - $26.96
OOP - $12.51
Saved - $14.45
Received $5.50 in +up rewards.
Will receive $5.99 in rebates.

Meal Plan Monday

2011-10-10T07:18:00.000-04:00

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday (October 10) - Husband and kids are OYO because I have ladies group at church, but I can tell you I'm making: apples and caramel dip, chips and chili dip, and mini cherry cheesecakes for sure; I may come up with something else at the last minute :)
Tuesday - Cola Chicken, green beans, not sure what bread; also I'm going to do the chicken in the crock pot because we have a witnessing class at church this week
Wednesday - Calzones (I used to use Pillsbury pizza crust for these but now I use homemade pizza dough), corn
Thursday - Pork chops made two ways (one for hubby, one for me), rice, biscuits
Friday - Overnight French Toast, bacon/sausage/toast (did not get to make this last week like I was supposed to)

So what's for dinner at your house this week?

Harris Teeter Coupon

2011-10-08T17:32:00.002-04:00

Anyone else fortunate enough to get one of these in the mail? It reads:

Dear valued customer,

Our records show that you, or someone from your household, shopped at our Mill Creek Village location on September 21, 2011. Unfortunately, we had not updated our tax rates internally at our registers, which resulted in an average overcharge of $0.47 per transaction. This issue was brought to our attention, and we immediately corrected the problem.

As you may not have received the lowered tax rate, we would like to apologize for this error by offering you a coupon for $5 off your next purchase. We look forward to seeing you in our store again, and we sincerely appreciate you, our loyal customer.

Sweet! The Mill Creek Village location is the new one in Whispering Pines. I just happened to go by the first day it was open because Brianna's preschool is just a couple of miles down the road. I really just went in to check it out, but I'm glad I did!