I'm going to start posting on Tuesday one thing you can do to help prepare you and your family for everyday disasters - be it job loss, bad weather (between being stuck in the middle of hurricane season, and the coming colder winter we're predicted), or even that ugly recession they keep talking about (blech!)
This week I'm talking about water. Every family should have a 3 day supply of drinking water available for each person and pet. This equals to about a gallon of water per person per day, and depending on the size of your pet, 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon (a little less if your pet is an little hamster for instance). If you're in a hotter climate, you may want to double the amount of water you store. Anyone who's tried to pick up supplies right as a predicted snow storm or hurricane is about to hit knows that water is usually one of the first things to be sold out on the store shelves!
You can either purchase several cases of bottled water (there tends to be lots of deals this time of year with the school year - 24 bottles for about $2.99 is a great price if you find it!), or you can purchase several gallon size at the dollar store for $1 each. Try not pick up the water that's stored into milk jug looking bottles - these are generally made from a thinner plastic and tend to pop a leak more than the stronger plastics when stored. (and there's nothing worse than a leak all over the place!)
A super quick way and cheaper way is to save any 2 litre soda bottles or empty juice bottles. Rinse these out very well to get out any leftover flavoring and allow them to dry overnight. Refill using filtered tap water. Don't fill it up all the way, especially if you are storing it in a garage or outer shed where it may freeze over the winter months! You'll want to leave a bit of space (about the length of your thumb) for the water contents to expand. To purify it, place about 6-8 drops of bleach (regular bleach, NOT scented bleach! It should have about 4-6% sodium hypochlorite solution!) in each bottle. Bleach in small quantities is not toxic, so don't panic (I'm not trying to kill you! lol)
Store your water supply in a darker, cooler place if possible - try to keep it out of the sunlight.
No matter what your choice of storing water for your family, try to rotate it out by using it every 6 months. If you go the 2 litre route, and you're not a big water drinker normally, feel free to use this water to water your plants or garden - it's perfectly safe!
If you have the extra space, you may want to get some extra water (just tap) ready for brushing teeth, flushing the toilet, etc.
For more random preparedness thoughts from my blog, click here.
30 September 2008
HURRY! Free Ziploc Vaccum Freezer Starter Set!
If you are one of the first 20,000 people to sign up, you'll receive a Right@Home gift pack that includes a Ziploc Vaccuum Freezer Starter Set and coupons!
These gift packs from SCJohnson always go fast, so don't delay on this one! My fingers are crossed we get in - I'd love to try this out! :)
These gift packs from SCJohnson always go fast, so don't delay on this one! My fingers are crossed we get in - I'd love to try this out! :)
Reminder: Free Schick Intuition And Contest!
Vickie over at Easy2Save just reminded me that the Countdown to Wedded Bliss contest over on iVillage is still running and if you are one of the first 70,000 to enter, they'll send you a free Schick Intuition razor! (Thanks Vickie!) If you haven't entered yet, I'm not sure if they are past the 70,000 new entries or not, but it's certainly worth a try, especially with the chance at a sweepstakes prize!
29 September 2008
Clearance Deals At Albertsons!
Take your coupons and check your local Albertsons in the health and beauty aisles for some clearance items! I noticed different ones at both locations near me, so YMMV, but the prices were pretty darn good:
Stayfree 20 ct liners: 94 cents (if you have the $1 off MC coupon that came with a sample recently, it's free or possibly overage to cover tax!)
Tena pads lots of different varieties: $3.49 (if you have the $1.50 MC in the paper, it's $2, or if you have the $2 MC from the mail, it's $1.40 plus tax)
Crest whitening expressions toothpaste (the big tube!) $1.99 ($1 MCs out there, $1.50 out there)
Advil Cold & Sinus $1.87 ($1 MC out there)
There were lots out there, but I had to hit the bank before it closed so I couldn't write them all down or take advantage of them! But it's definitely worth a trip through that section if you have the time.
Stayfree 20 ct liners: 94 cents (if you have the $1 off MC coupon that came with a sample recently, it's free or possibly overage to cover tax!)
Tena pads lots of different varieties: $3.49 (if you have the $1.50 MC in the paper, it's $2, or if you have the $2 MC from the mail, it's $1.40 plus tax)
Crest whitening expressions toothpaste (the big tube!) $1.99 ($1 MCs out there, $1.50 out there)
Advil Cold & Sinus $1.87 ($1 MC out there)
There were lots out there, but I had to hit the bank before it closed so I couldn't write them all down or take advantage of them! But it's definitely worth a trip through that section if you have the time.
Recipe: Bruschetta
This is a great appetizer recipe that takes advantage of the bounty of fresh tomatoes this time of year!
*4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped finely
*4 garlic cloves (add more or less to your taste)
*20 fresh basil leaves, sliced into confetti like pieces
*1/3 cup olive oil
*2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
*3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
*1 baguette or similar kind of bread
Place all ingredients except the bread into a mixing bowl and mix. Cover and place in a cool spot for about 2-3 hours (not in the fridge!) When you're ready to make dinner, slice the bread and broil it a little. Then add the tomato mixture and sprinkle with cheese before finishing to broil or bake to desired crispiness.
We love to have this with a bowl of soup or with chicken and rice! You can add more tomatoes and a bit more olive oil to make as much as needed for your family, and you can skip the cheese to cut down on calories or costs if desired. (my stomach is growling just typing this recipe out! LOL)
*4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped finely
*4 garlic cloves (add more or less to your taste)
*20 fresh basil leaves, sliced into confetti like pieces
*1/3 cup olive oil
*2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
*3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
*1 baguette or similar kind of bread
Place all ingredients except the bread into a mixing bowl and mix. Cover and place in a cool spot for about 2-3 hours (not in the fridge!) When you're ready to make dinner, slice the bread and broil it a little. Then add the tomato mixture and sprinkle with cheese before finishing to broil or bake to desired crispiness.
We love to have this with a bowl of soup or with chicken and rice! You can add more tomatoes and a bit more olive oil to make as much as needed for your family, and you can skip the cheese to cut down on calories or costs if desired. (my stomach is growling just typing this recipe out! LOL)
28 September 2008
A Housewife's Work Is Never Done
Is it? I have a friend who said once she wished she could stay home and sit around all day with nothing to do. I just looked at her. If I am sitting around and doing nothing, it's because I am being LAZY (lol), not because there's nothing to do.
DH ended up having to go into work (which this new job he completely HATES and they are changing things on him already) even though he was supposed to have the day off.
So far today I have gotten him ready for work, made his breakfast, packed his lunch, gotten us up, feed the critters, done my Sunday chores (cleaned the fridge, oven etc), mopped the kitchen, done two loads of laundry, done the dishes multiple times, cleaned the bathroom, swiffered the rest of the house, picked apples from our tree for making apple butter and apple jam this week (I've never done this before, so this should be interesting!), worked on my plants outdoors, gone and picked blackberries at someone's house (a 3 gal bucket! whoo hoo!), prepared said blackberries for freezing and canning (making jam with some too this week!), made a Wal-Mart run with DH, and made DH's favorite dinner, the chicken wrapped in swiss cheese and bacon that I've posted about. And there's plenty more I could I have done but -
I was lazy for a bit posting on other blogs (Wow! Some of you have some great contests going on! Don't you know, that only makes me want to be more lazy and sit here all day shopping through all the awesome sites and enter your giveaways?! LOL)
Really, I am going to consider the computer work, not being lazy. ;) So there!
DH ended up having to go into work (which this new job he completely HATES and they are changing things on him already) even though he was supposed to have the day off.
So far today I have gotten him ready for work, made his breakfast, packed his lunch, gotten us up, feed the critters, done my Sunday chores (cleaned the fridge, oven etc), mopped the kitchen, done two loads of laundry, done the dishes multiple times, cleaned the bathroom, swiffered the rest of the house, picked apples from our tree for making apple butter and apple jam this week (I've never done this before, so this should be interesting!), worked on my plants outdoors, gone and picked blackberries at someone's house (a 3 gal bucket! whoo hoo!), prepared said blackberries for freezing and canning (making jam with some too this week!), made a Wal-Mart run with DH, and made DH's favorite dinner, the chicken wrapped in swiss cheese and bacon that I've posted about. And there's plenty more I could I have done but -
I was lazy for a bit posting on other blogs (Wow! Some of you have some great contests going on! Don't you know, that only makes me want to be more lazy and sit here all day shopping through all the awesome sites and enter your giveaways?! LOL)
Really, I am going to consider the computer work, not being lazy. ;) So there!
Free Men's Schick Titanium Razor!
Get a free Schick Titanium Razor or Trimmer (you get to choose!) by filling out your information. It says it will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks. This would make a great stocking stuffer for the young man or guy in your life (or if you're a guy, for you now!) - or hey ladies, a great razor is a great razor, no matter whether it's marketed for guys or gals! ;) I'd hurry on this one; I'm sure they will get lots of requests!
DH completely RAVES about the Trimmer! He loves that he can shave and trim his goatee with the same shaving instrument. Plus, he says he can totally feel the difference between the Schick Titanium and other brand razors - they are definitely worth the money! He's going to be thrilled to see this one in the mailbox!
DH completely RAVES about the Trimmer! He loves that he can shave and trim his goatee with the same shaving instrument. Plus, he says he can totally feel the difference between the Schick Titanium and other brand razors - they are definitely worth the money! He's going to be thrilled to see this one in the mailbox!
27 September 2008
Fred Meyer Deals 9/28 - 10/4
This week is double points - don't forget to use your Rewards card to earn double points towards your rewards certificates!See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:
*Carving pumpkins $0.18 lb
*Foster Farms Whole Fryers $0.79 lb
*Beef Rib Eye Steak $6.99 lb
*medium Raw or Cooked Shrimp $4.99 lb
*Wild Alaskan Colossal Red King Crab Legs $11.99 lb
*Fresh Wild Northwest Halibut Fillet $12.99 lb
*Country Style Pork Ribs $1.99 (sold in family pack of 3 lbs or more)
*USDA Choice Beef Top Round London Broil $3.49 lb
*Fresh Extra Lean Ground Beef $3.49 lb
*Hillshire Farm Smoked Rope Style Smoked Sausage 2/$4
*Buffalo Bottom Round or Sirloin Top Roast $6.48 lb
*Buffalo T-Bone Steak $11.98 lb
*Buffalo Top Round Steak $6.98 lb
*Ground Buffalo $4.99 lb
*Buffalo New York Steak $12.98
*Jenny-O Turkey Store Turkey Breast or Swiss Cheese $6.99 lb
*10lb bag Potatoes $2.48 (your first 2)
*Honeycrisp Apples $1.98 lb
*Anjou Pears $1.29 lb
*Zucchini Squash $0.88 lb
*Celery $0.59 lb
*Gold Pineapple $0.99 lb
*Mayan Sweet Onions $0.88 lb
*Organic Grape Tomatoes 2/$5 (1 dry pint)
*Litehouse Organic Dressing 2/$5 ($0.75 off 2 MC)
*Organic Carrot Chips, Shreds or 1lb Mini Peeled Carrots 2/$3
*Private Selection Organic Salad 5 oz 2/$5
*Organic Valencia Oranges $0.88 lb
*Organic Strawberries 1lb 2/$6
*Health Valley Soup or Canned Chili 4/$5
*Kashi Go Lean Save 30% ($1 MC)
*Frito Lay Natural Cheetos Multipack $4.99
*Nature's Path cereal, bars 2/$6
*Naturally Preferred Herbs BOGOF
*Schiff Glucosamine Save 50% ($2 MC)
*Nabisco Snack Crcakers 2/$5 (including Triscuit, Wheat Thins)
*Kellogg's Cereals 4/$10 (including All-Bran, Raisin Bran etc)
*Pillsbury Cake Mixes $0.89
*Rice-A-Roni or Pasta Roni 5/$5
*Powerade $0.79
*Hot or Lean Pockets 6/$10
*FM Yogurt 10/$4
*Private Selection large dz eggs 3/$5
*FM English Muffins 12 pk 3/$5
*Mountain Dairy Gallon Milk or FM Gallon Orange Juice $2.75
*Naturally Preferred Organic Gallon Milk $4.99
*Kraft 8 oz Shredded Cheese 2/$5
*S&W Canned Variety Beans 4/$3
*Tostitos $2.48
*Birds Eye vegetables 10-12 oz $1.47
*Pillsbury Crescent Rolls 2/$4 ($0.35 MC, $0.75 on 3 blinkie)
*V8 100% Vegetable Juice 2/$6
*Kivu Bulk Coffee
*Dawn Dish Detergent 2/$5 ($0.50 MC)
*Budwesier, Coors, Miller 24 pk cans $16.99
*Henry Weinhard's 12pk bottles $8.99
*Halloween M&M's 2/$5
*Ghiradelli chocolate bars 2/$4
*Excedrein Express 20 ct $2.99
*Nature's Bounty or Osteo Bio Flex Products BOGO ($1 off Nature's Bounty MC, $5 MC off Bio flex)
*Crest Whitestrips $37.99 minus $10 in store coupon
*Dove or Degree Antiperspirant Save $2 with in store coupon (***This MAY get you free deodorant as Dove smaller (not trial) is regularly priced $1.99 - $2.09 depending on store!)
*Kroger Comforts Baby Wipes or Cotton Swabs $1.99
*Pantene Hair Care 3/$10 ($1 MC in this Sunday's paper)
*John Freida Hair Care $4.99 ($1 MC)
*Rimmel Cosmetics Buy One, Get One 1/2 off
*Crest Toothpaste $1.99 (limit 2 w/ in ad coupon, $1 off any 2 Crest MC)
*Skim Fast Shakes or Meal Bars 2/$10 (limit 4 w/ in ad coupon)
*24 pk Pepsi 2/$11 (limit 2 w/ in ad coupon)
*Tree Top Apple Juice or Blends 3/$5 (limit 6 w/ in ad coupon)
*Ben & Jerry's or Breyers Ice Cream 2/$5 (limit 2 w/ in ad coupon)
*Quilted Northern Bath Tissue 12 double rolls $5.99 (limit 4 w/ in ad coupon, $0.50 MC, $1 MC)
*Oscar Meyer Bacon 2/$5 (limit 4 w/ in ad coupon)
*Kroger Chicken Tenderloins 3lb frozen bag $6.99 (limit 4 w/ in ad coupon)
*Nestle Fun Size candy $1.88 (limit 3 w/ in ad coupon, includes Butterfingers, Baby Ruth, Crunch, 100 Grand etc)
Purchase the Iron Man DVD ($19.99) out on Tuesday September 30th, receive a FREE T-shirt! (Great Christmas deal if the person you are gifting can wait!)
All Home clearance is 50% the lowest marked price!
Don't forget to use your reward coupons - they expire at the end of October! If you have not received them yet, be sure to contact Fred Meyer!
Unfamiliar with Fred Meyer's coupon policy? They allow you stack a Fred Meyer store coupon (FM coupons as I call them) with a manufacturer's coupon. They do not price match to any other store's sale prices, and they won't take other store's sale coupons. You can however use a manufacturer's coupons on any sale or clearance items, but they usually won't allow any overage if the coupon is more than the sale price (sometimes it slips through the cracks, but don't expect it every time). Our local Washington stores do not double any coupons. They do accept the printed internet coupons if they have a barcode (like bricks coupons or from Smart Source or coupons.com if you are unfamiliar with them) so if you are having problems with a clerk not wanting to accept your coupon and you are sure it's legit coupon, please ask to have a manager come on over to verify it.
26 September 2008
Review: Pillsbury Savorings (Giveaway Too!)
I recently had the opportunity to try out Pillsbury Savorings.
Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites feature warm, flaky pastry dough wrapped around tasty fillings and come in three varieties: cheese and spinach, buffalo style chicken and mozzarella and pepperoni. They are easy to prepare (only 20 minutes in the oven) and are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine.
DH and I tried the Mozzarella and Pepperoni and I just have to say: YUMMY! Definitely two thumbs up! I served them with a glass of white wine last night (OK, 2 sips in my case) and it was just perfect. We're getting the buffalo chicken this weekend, now we've got to try them all! I can't wait for our next get together so I can serve these.
As of this writing, if you visit Pillsbury's website, you can print a coupon for $1 off your purchase of Pillsbury Savorings at any store that accepts printable coupons!
I have goodies to give away too! I am giving away one Savoring the Moment gift bag that includes a coupon for a free box of Pillsbury Savorings, a wine bottle stopper, wine glass charms, a bottle opener, a wine and food guide, stampable wine tags and an appetizer plate that also holds your wine glass. (If this doesn't make you want to hold a get together, I don't know what will! lol) One runner up winner will also win a coupon for a free box of Pillsbury Savorings!
To enter: Tell me one person you'd invite to a party, alive or dead, famous or not. (be creative! no person = no entry) For extra entries: sign up for my feed, blog about this giveaway, or add Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife to your Technorati favorites (leave an extra comment for each = up to 4 entries total) Now this giveaway does slightly center around alcohol, so please be at least 21 to enter so the feds don't come knocking on my door, and US only (sorry) I'll use random.org to pick the lucky winner. Please leave your email if you want me to email you, otherwise you can check Prizey to see if you won. Contest ends Otocber 3rd at 10pm PST.
Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites feature warm, flaky pastry dough wrapped around tasty fillings and come in three varieties: cheese and spinach, buffalo style chicken and mozzarella and pepperoni. They are easy to prepare (only 20 minutes in the oven) and are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine.
DH and I tried the Mozzarella and Pepperoni and I just have to say: YUMMY! Definitely two thumbs up! I served them with a glass of white wine last night (OK, 2 sips in my case) and it was just perfect. We're getting the buffalo chicken this weekend, now we've got to try them all! I can't wait for our next get together so I can serve these.
As of this writing, if you visit Pillsbury's website, you can print a coupon for $1 off your purchase of Pillsbury Savorings at any store that accepts printable coupons!
I have goodies to give away too! I am giving away one Savoring the Moment gift bag that includes a coupon for a free box of Pillsbury Savorings, a wine bottle stopper, wine glass charms, a bottle opener, a wine and food guide, stampable wine tags and an appetizer plate that also holds your wine glass. (If this doesn't make you want to hold a get together, I don't know what will! lol) One runner up winner will also win a coupon for a free box of Pillsbury Savorings!
To enter: Tell me one person you'd invite to a party, alive or dead, famous or not. (be creative! no person = no entry) For extra entries: sign up for my feed, blog about this giveaway, or add Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife to your Technorati favorites (leave an extra comment for each = up to 4 entries total) Now this giveaway does slightly center around alcohol, so please be at least 21 to enter so the feds don't come knocking on my door, and US only (sorry) I'll use random.org to pick the lucky winner. Please leave your email if you want me to email you, otherwise you can check Prizey to see if you won. Contest ends Otocber 3rd at 10pm PST.
25 September 2008
Super Quick Shopping Trip
Albertsons #1:
*Hershey's Special dark chocolate chips $1 (x10)
minus $3 wyb $10
Total: $7 (total savings $22.90)
Albertsons #2:
*Yoplait whips $0.50 (x3) minus $0.60 printable coupon on 3
*Pike Street Ale 6pk $10.99 marked down to $4
*French Bread $1.69 minus free coupon for Albie's survey
*marked down Halloween cupcakes $0.99
Total after coupons: $6.09 (total savings $10.18)
Told you - super quick! I wanted to make sure I got the chocolate chips as they weren't actually for me, but to share with my mother who's currently stuck in dry dock for another week. I knew if I waited, they'd quickly be out of the dark chocolate chips which was what she wanted. DH was thrilled with his beer score (men lol) and I will confess: I bought the cupcakes because I wanted the ghost decorations for my own cupcakes here in a few weeks. Actually, I'm rather surprised they even had Halloween bakery items (they also had an awesome Spider Web cake!) when it's only September. Believe me, I am not complaining! ;)
I'm going to try to take advantage of more of the Albertsons deals tomorrow. I had my coupons that were included in $$$ off deals sorted out, but not put together to take full advantage of the deals so I decided to wait.
*Hershey's Special dark chocolate chips $1 (x10)
minus $3 wyb $10
Total: $7 (total savings $22.90)
Albertsons #2:
*Yoplait whips $0.50 (x3) minus $0.60 printable coupon on 3
*Pike Street Ale 6pk $10.99 marked down to $4
*French Bread $1.69 minus free coupon for Albie's survey
*marked down Halloween cupcakes $0.99
Total after coupons: $6.09 (total savings $10.18)
Told you - super quick! I wanted to make sure I got the chocolate chips as they weren't actually for me, but to share with my mother who's currently stuck in dry dock for another week. I knew if I waited, they'd quickly be out of the dark chocolate chips which was what she wanted. DH was thrilled with his beer score (men lol) and I will confess: I bought the cupcakes because I wanted the ghost decorations for my own cupcakes here in a few weeks. Actually, I'm rather surprised they even had Halloween bakery items (they also had an awesome Spider Web cake!) when it's only September. Believe me, I am not complaining! ;)
I'm going to try to take advantage of more of the Albertsons deals tomorrow. I had my coupons that were included in $$$ off deals sorted out, but not put together to take full advantage of the deals so I decided to wait.
Thrifty Thursday: Make The Most Of Shopping Trips
Have you ever been exasperated taking the munchkins shopping with you, to the point where you've given up trying to stick to your shopping list, much less even trying to figure out your coupons not even half way through? (If you haven't, then you are very lucky! lol)
Sometimes, it's really great to be able to go shopping child-less. Depending on your shopping plans (can you hit a bunch of stores in a few hours?) it can be worth it to pay for a babysitter. Really! You can even make it date night if your husband/significant other can handle shopping (he can guard your cart and extra coupons while you wander down aisles) A lot of times, being able to truly compare prices, find out if you have the coupons on an unexpected deal, or even just avoid extras being tossed in your shopping cart more than pays for the babysitter!
If it's not an option, try to make sure you take kids of any age shopping after a nap, and on a full stomach. Have small toys to occupy the littles, and for older kids, bring along an electronic game, books, and snacks, or make up your own games like Grocery Bingo (print out easy items to find on a Bingo style sheet on your printer at home) or a Grocery Scavenger hunt (print up a list of things to search for at each store). For school age kids, if the budget allows it, bribe them with $1 (or your choice) - to avoid the constant can I have this? Tell them they have $1 to spend on anything during their shopping trip. See what they can find in their price range as you go through the store searching for deals. (I know I still can't stay away from the scrap material bins as that was usually my choice when my mother did this with me!) You can even give them a "job" to look for blinkies and discarded coupons through out the store. If they are busy doing other things, chances are extra things won't make it in your cart, and you'll have a moment to be able to spot hidden deals on the shelves.
Sometimes, it's really great to be able to go shopping child-less. Depending on your shopping plans (can you hit a bunch of stores in a few hours?) it can be worth it to pay for a babysitter. Really! You can even make it date night if your husband/significant other can handle shopping (he can guard your cart and extra coupons while you wander down aisles) A lot of times, being able to truly compare prices, find out if you have the coupons on an unexpected deal, or even just avoid extras being tossed in your shopping cart more than pays for the babysitter!
If it's not an option, try to make sure you take kids of any age shopping after a nap, and on a full stomach. Have small toys to occupy the littles, and for older kids, bring along an electronic game, books, and snacks, or make up your own games like Grocery Bingo (print out easy items to find on a Bingo style sheet on your printer at home) or a Grocery Scavenger hunt (print up a list of things to search for at each store). For school age kids, if the budget allows it, bribe them with $1 (or your choice) - to avoid the constant can I have this? Tell them they have $1 to spend on anything during their shopping trip. See what they can find in their price range as you go through the store searching for deals. (I know I still can't stay away from the scrap material bins as that was usually my choice when my mother did this with me!) You can even give them a "job" to look for blinkies and discarded coupons through out the store. If they are busy doing other things, chances are extra things won't make it in your cart, and you'll have a moment to be able to spot hidden deals on the shelves.
24 September 2008
Seventh Generation Diaper Deal At Fred Meyer
This week, Fred Meyer's has all the Seventh Generation products on sale, including their diapers. At my local FM's, the sale price is $7.67 a pack (SG diapers here are just regular packs, not mega, giant etc.) There is a printable coupon on the website for $2 off a pack of diapers, making it around just $5.67 plus tax a package.
This is a great deal on these more earth-friendly diapers, and I doubt we'll see it again anytime soon. Now's a great time to try out Seventh Generation diapers, or add to your stash if you are a loyal Seventh Generation user!
This is a great deal on these more earth-friendly diapers, and I doubt we'll see it again anytime soon. Now's a great time to try out Seventh Generation diapers, or add to your stash if you are a loyal Seventh Generation user!
I Confess...
I need a vacation!
Preferably one with lots of shopping. ;)
OK, I'll take ANY vacation that gets me into a nice hotel with a comfy king size bed. I don't even need the shopping. It doesn't even have to be out of state. Just the nice hotel room with a bathroom all to myself that I can quietly soak in and relax until I'm a prune. Perfect!
(is that too much to ask?)
Preferably one with lots of shopping. ;)
OK, I'll take ANY vacation that gets me into a nice hotel with a comfy king size bed. I don't even need the shopping. It doesn't even have to be out of state. Just the nice hotel room with a bathroom all to myself that I can quietly soak in and relax until I'm a prune. Perfect!
(is that too much to ask?)
23 September 2008
Printable Jack-In-The-Box Pita Snack Coupon!
If you'd like to try the new Pita Snacks from Jack in the Box, you're in luck - they have a coupon for Buy One, Get One Free up right now for you to print! You can choose from Grilled or Cripsy Chicken, or Fish, and it has a smoky chipotle sauce. Coupon expires September 29th, so you might want to hurry.
I have to say, these actually look pretty good. I'll take the coupon as an excuse to go work on my coupons there - the tables are nicely sized for sorting and there's free refills on the drinks. ;) DH willed be thrilled, because he loves Jack. lol
I have to say, these actually look pretty good. I'll take the coupon as an excuse to go work on my coupons there - the tables are nicely sized for sorting and there's free refills on the drinks. ;) DH willed be thrilled, because he loves Jack. lol
Shopping Round Up
These are all from yesterday. I had another Albertson's transaction from Thursday that I kept meaning to post, and now I can't find it! It was a good batch of the Campbell's that after my coupon total came down to $19 and some change. If I find it, I'll edit it into this post.
Albertsons:
*Lawry beef jerky marked down to $0.50 (beats me why, it doesn't expire until 5/09?)
*Campbells Spaghetti-Os $0.50 (x6) minus $0.40 on 2 MC (x3)
*Campbells V-8 Soup $2 minus $1 MC
*Campbells Cheese & Broccoli soup $1 (x2) minus $0.50 on 2 catalina coupon
*Quaker Simple Harvest instant cereal $2 (x2) minus $1 MC (x2)
*4pk croissants (reduced bakery) $0.99
Total after coupons: $7.79 (total savings $20.38)
Target:
*Cheerios (x3) minus $1 printable coupon (x2)
*Fruity Cheerios minus $0.75 MC
****Cereal 4/$11 plus free gallon of milk
*Gallon of milk $3.64
Total after coupons: $9.25
Costco:
*1 lb organic greens $3.79
*Velveeta 2pk $8.99
*Del Monte Fancy Cut Green Beans (6lb 5 oz) $2.95
Total: $15.73
Dollar Tree:
*2lb bag of rice $1
Total: $1
Goodwill:
*bag o' rag towels half off $2.49
*5pk Halloween pens $0.39 (for DH at work lol)
Total: $3.13
I have to say the way the Target signs were up, the deal was really confusing! They had the 4/$11 signs only in front of the Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios (at the Gig Harbor location) and different price signs in front of all the other kinds included in the 4/$11 with free milk promotion. It looks like pretty much ANY GM cereal in the right size range is included, but I didn't figure that out until after I was looking at my receipt. I would have liked to have brought down it another dollar or two by buying a different kind of cereal and being able to use on of the coupons I had with me. I did notice the clerk doing a second glance at my printables (I think because I had two of the same kind with the Cheerios)
And as for Costco... I will not be renewing my membership there. Besides that the prices have risen (it's a gimme since they are rising everywhere, but at least other places I can use coupons to combat it a little) the produce at the Borgen Blvd is ROTTING. This is the third time in about three weeks that the organic greens, which are dated to expire well over a week from the date I am visiting Costco, are rotting in their bags/boxes. I huffed and puffed all the way back to the front of the store to customer service this time with one of the rotten packages only to be told in a very snotty tone "hers never look like that when she buys them" Well, pardon me, but I have to say, bite me Costco Customer Service Girl! The potatoes looked nasty too, and the spinach was in the same position as the greens. I expect that from a lower price store like Save A Lot or grocery outlet. I do not expect that from a store I pay $50 a year just to shop at. The gas was actually even the same price as Fred Meyer that day, so with my rewards card it was cheaper by 3 cents. No thanks! Sorry Costco, your produce is lousy, your lines are always long, your customer service needs help... so I'm gleefully saying Good-Bye! (perhaps other locations are better than the Gig Harbor location, but I can't justify the trips at the price of gasoline)
Have I mentioned how much I love Albertsons sales lately? Let me gush some more. LOL The only thing that could make me happier is if they doubled coupons... (hint hint) Actually, on the last trip that I lost the receipt for, I also had a (store) coupon for a free apple juice with a $25 purchase. Unfortunately, they were already out of it! I happened to come across one of the corporate folks (who seem to be at this location a lot lately!) who told me I was more than welcome to pick out any juice from this brand! I was so happy because it's so rare for me to get to $25 (course, the coupon total of $25 is before coupons) more than once a week. I would have been happy with the apple juice, but it was really nice to get the grape juice! ;)
(This coming week is looking pretty good for Albertsons again, if you have the right coupon match ups. And if you're a baker too, this is going to be the week to stock up on the Hershey's chocolate chips - they will be priced at 70 cents each if you buy 10!)
I noticed Goodwill was raising their prices again - I don't know if they realize they are pricing most of their customers right out of being able to shop there? I can do a lot better hitting the regular stores or even the Goodwill Outlet store. I was actually pleasantly surprised on the bag o'rags again this time - there were several nice ones, including a cute Mickey Mouse beach towel and several brand new feeling washcloths. Of course several towels were on their last legs, but when it's cold, the bunnies don't mind what they look like! ;) (our girlie girl bunny is just going to rip it to shreds, anyways!) There was a cute hooded baby towel with a few spots that one of the cats has already claimed (so we definitely got our $2.49 worth!)
Albertsons:
*Lawry beef jerky marked down to $0.50 (beats me why, it doesn't expire until 5/09?)
*Campbells Spaghetti-Os $0.50 (x6) minus $0.40 on 2 MC (x3)
*Campbells V-8 Soup $2 minus $1 MC
*Campbells Cheese & Broccoli soup $1 (x2) minus $0.50 on 2 catalina coupon
*Quaker Simple Harvest instant cereal $2 (x2) minus $1 MC (x2)
*4pk croissants (reduced bakery) $0.99
Total after coupons: $7.79 (total savings $20.38)
Target:
*Cheerios (x3) minus $1 printable coupon (x2)
*Fruity Cheerios minus $0.75 MC
****Cereal 4/$11 plus free gallon of milk
*Gallon of milk $3.64
Total after coupons: $9.25
Costco:
*1 lb organic greens $3.79
*Velveeta 2pk $8.99
*Del Monte Fancy Cut Green Beans (6lb 5 oz) $2.95
Total: $15.73
Dollar Tree:
*2lb bag of rice $1
Total: $1
Goodwill:
*bag o' rag towels half off $2.49
*5pk Halloween pens $0.39 (for DH at work lol)
Total: $3.13
I have to say the way the Target signs were up, the deal was really confusing! They had the 4/$11 signs only in front of the Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios (at the Gig Harbor location) and different price signs in front of all the other kinds included in the 4/$11 with free milk promotion. It looks like pretty much ANY GM cereal in the right size range is included, but I didn't figure that out until after I was looking at my receipt. I would have liked to have brought down it another dollar or two by buying a different kind of cereal and being able to use on of the coupons I had with me. I did notice the clerk doing a second glance at my printables (I think because I had two of the same kind with the Cheerios)
And as for Costco... I will not be renewing my membership there. Besides that the prices have risen (it's a gimme since they are rising everywhere, but at least other places I can use coupons to combat it a little) the produce at the Borgen Blvd is ROTTING. This is the third time in about three weeks that the organic greens, which are dated to expire well over a week from the date I am visiting Costco, are rotting in their bags/boxes. I huffed and puffed all the way back to the front of the store to customer service this time with one of the rotten packages only to be told in a very snotty tone "hers never look like that when she buys them" Well, pardon me, but I have to say, bite me Costco Customer Service Girl! The potatoes looked nasty too, and the spinach was in the same position as the greens. I expect that from a lower price store like Save A Lot or grocery outlet. I do not expect that from a store I pay $50 a year just to shop at. The gas was actually even the same price as Fred Meyer that day, so with my rewards card it was cheaper by 3 cents. No thanks! Sorry Costco, your produce is lousy, your lines are always long, your customer service needs help... so I'm gleefully saying Good-Bye! (perhaps other locations are better than the Gig Harbor location, but I can't justify the trips at the price of gasoline)
Have I mentioned how much I love Albertsons sales lately? Let me gush some more. LOL The only thing that could make me happier is if they doubled coupons... (hint hint) Actually, on the last trip that I lost the receipt for, I also had a (store) coupon for a free apple juice with a $25 purchase. Unfortunately, they were already out of it! I happened to come across one of the corporate folks (who seem to be at this location a lot lately!) who told me I was more than welcome to pick out any juice from this brand! I was so happy because it's so rare for me to get to $25 (course, the coupon total of $25 is before coupons) more than once a week. I would have been happy with the apple juice, but it was really nice to get the grape juice! ;)
(This coming week is looking pretty good for Albertsons again, if you have the right coupon match ups. And if you're a baker too, this is going to be the week to stock up on the Hershey's chocolate chips - they will be priced at 70 cents each if you buy 10!)
I noticed Goodwill was raising their prices again - I don't know if they realize they are pricing most of their customers right out of being able to shop there? I can do a lot better hitting the regular stores or even the Goodwill Outlet store. I was actually pleasantly surprised on the bag o'rags again this time - there were several nice ones, including a cute Mickey Mouse beach towel and several brand new feeling washcloths. Of course several towels were on their last legs, but when it's cold, the bunnies don't mind what they look like! ;) (our girlie girl bunny is just going to rip it to shreds, anyways!) There was a cute hooded baby towel with a few spots that one of the cats has already claimed (so we definitely got our $2.49 worth!)
Printable $1 Off Coupon On Any Windex Product
SC Johnson has a coupon for $1 off any Windex product on their website right now! Simply fill out your information on the form and print your coupon out.
(Where was this last week when Safeway had Windex on sale?! lol)
22 September 2008
Recipe: Stuffed Pepperoni and Cheese Puffs
These are SO quick and easy, munchkins love them, and ingredients can be easily subsituted!
*1 can Pillsbury (or knock off) crescent rolls
*shredded cheese
*Pepperoni
*1 tblsp melted butter
Open can of crescent rolls and peel about each individual roll. Place a tablespoon or so of cheese and a pepperoni in each one. Pinch the sides of the dough up so it looks like a little puff OR if you went easy on the cheese, you can roll it almost like you would a regular crescent roll. Baste each one with a little bit of the melted butter. Bake as directed on can. Serve with soup for a fun lunch! Try it with cheese and broccoli, or sausage and cheese too!
(Another YUMMY way to make these as a special dessert or breakfast treat: spread each piece with orange marmalade and several chocolate chips instead!)
*1 can Pillsbury (or knock off) crescent rolls
*shredded cheese
*Pepperoni
*1 tblsp melted butter
Open can of crescent rolls and peel about each individual roll. Place a tablespoon or so of cheese and a pepperoni in each one. Pinch the sides of the dough up so it looks like a little puff OR if you went easy on the cheese, you can roll it almost like you would a regular crescent roll. Baste each one with a little bit of the melted butter. Bake as directed on can. Serve with soup for a fun lunch! Try it with cheese and broccoli, or sausage and cheese too!
(Another YUMMY way to make these as a special dessert or breakfast treat: spread each piece with orange marmalade and several chocolate chips instead!)
21 September 2008
WA Fred Meyer Deals 9/21 - 9/27
It's a big emphasis this week on Fred Meyer's Home and House sections of the store. See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:*Broccoli Crowns or Cauliflower $0.58 lb
*Boneless Beef Petite Sirloin Steak $2.48 lb
*Cross Rib Pot Roast $2.48 lb
*Organic Apples $1.28 lb
*Large Peaches or Bartlett Pears $0.88 lb
*Tomatoes on the Vine $0.98 lb
*Hothouse Bell Peppers 4/$5
*Fresh Express Kits of Blends BOGOF
*Single Round 8" Cakes $5.98
*Artisan Bread 2/$6
*Private Selection 9" Pies $6.98
*Pork Loin Assorted Chops $1.59 lb
*Jumbo EZ Peel White Prawns $3.99 lb
*Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Fillet $5.99
*Fresh Boneless Skinless Fryer Breasts $1.99 lb (family packs of 4lb or more)
*Fletcher's Stack Pack Bacon 20oz $3.77
*Chicken Tenders $4.49 lb (from the deli, cooked)
*Rotisserie Chicken $5.88 w/ FREE Kings Hawaiian rolls
*Jennie-O Deli Turkey Breast $3.99 lb
*Darigold Butter 2/$3 (Your first 2 - get around this by doing multiple transactions)
*Bandon Medium Cheddar 2lb $4.99
*Country Oven or Vita*Bee bread 2/$3
*FM Bagels 2/$3
*Minute Maid orange juice 64 oz 2/$5
*Budweiser, Coors, Miller or Tecate 18pk $11.99
*Pilsner Urquell, Heineken, New Belgium, Deschutes, or Firestation 5 12pk $11.99
*Dasani water 24pk 3/$10
*Friskies cat food 3/$1
*Tillamook yogurt 10/$4
*FM Dz eggs 2/$3
*Amy's Kitchen frozen entrees Save 40% ($1 off 2 MC)
*Seventh Generation Save 40% (printable MC's here)
*Jason, Alba, Avalon or Zia Save 50%
*Emergen C Save 50%
*Glaceau Vitamin Water $0.86 (Buy 2, get 1 Powerade Free MC)
*Clif, Luna, or Mojo bars $0.79
*Gillette Fusion or Venus Razors $5.99 after in store MC
*L'Oreal Preferance, Feria, Excellance or Natural Match hair color $5.99 after in store MC
*Dove Bath Bar or Body Wash $3.49 after in store MC
*Prilosec 42 ct tablets $23.99 ($1 MC)
*Halls Cough Drops $0.99 ($0.55 MC)
*Orbit, Trident, Dentyne, Stride or Mentos Gum BOGOF ($0.55 MC on Trident, $0.75 MC may work, not sure if item pictured on that MC is on sale)
*L'Oreal Dermo Expertise Skin Care Save 40% ($1 MC)
*Poise or Depend $10.99 minus $1 in store coupon (any better MCs out there?)
*All 2x liquid 100 oz $5.88 (limit 2 w/ ad coupon)
*MD Bath Tissue or Sparkle paper towels $4.88 ($0.50 on sparkle)
*Campbell's Chunky Soup 4/$5 (first 12 w/ ad coupon, $0.50 on 2 MC)
*Folgers Coffee $5.99 (first 2 w/ad coupon, EXCLUDES DECAF, $0.25 MC)
*Langers or Ocean Spray Juice 64 oz (first 9 w/ ad coupon)
*Dreyers Ice Cream 2/$5 (first 4 w/ ad coupon)
*4 12pks of Pepsi Products and 4 bags of Doritos $18 (w/ ad coupon)
All Home clearance is 50% the lowest marked price!
Don't forget to use your reward coupons - they expire next month! If you have not received them yet, be sure to contact Fred Meyer!
Unfamiliar with Fred Meyer's coupon policy? They allow you stack a Fred Meyer store coupon (FM coupons as I call them) with a manufacturer's coupon. They do not price match to any other store's sale prices, and they won't take other store's sale coupons. You can however use a manufacturer's coupons on any sale or clearance items, but they usually won't allow any overage if the coupon is more than the sale price (sometimes it slips through the cracks, but don't expect it every time). Our local Washington stores do not double any coupons. They do accept the printed internet coupons if they have a barcode (like bricks coupons or from Smart Source or coupons.com if you are unfamiliar with them) so if you are having problems with a clerk not wanting to accept your coupon and you are sure it's legit coupon, please ask to have a manager come on over to verify it.
20 September 2008
I Feel Like A Housewife Zombie!
Yes, that's me, with my arms stretched out wide in the spider apron coming towards you - lol! This getting up at 5 am for DH's new job is harder to adjust to than I thought. I apologize for the lack of posts around here this week, both on my blog and visiting others, but my mind has been full of cobwebs! I have lots of housework to get caught on still (eep!), and I am actually glad I decided not to make a menu plan this week because there is no way on earth I would have been able to keep to it. It's just been a fly by the seat of your pants kind of week.
Of course, this dreary raining weather that Washington is notorious for is not helping my motivation at all today! :(
Luckily, DH has the next two days off, so I can attempt to sleep in, and have him help me on getting a few last things ready for the colder weather. It's getting cool enough that we will probably need to get the fireplace going on a daily basis, and things need to be prepared for that.
Of course, this dreary raining weather that Washington is notorious for is not helping my motivation at all today! :(
Luckily, DH has the next two days off, so I can attempt to sleep in, and have him help me on getting a few last things ready for the colder weather. It's getting cool enough that we will probably need to get the fireplace going on a daily basis, and things need to be prepared for that.
18 September 2008
Free Bag Of Senseo Coffee Pods
If you have a Senseo coffee maker, you may want to fill out this short survey. In return, you'll receive a coupon for free full size bag of pods!
By filling out this form, you'll receive offers from Senseo - possibly even more surveys to receive free pods!
17 September 2008
Free Bag of 9Lives Cat Food!
9Lives cat food is giving away 50,000 bags of their new cat food. Visit 9 Lives (look towards the middle of the bottom of the page) and either register or log-in to the site. They will send you an email confirming you were one of the first 50,000 to sign up, and you will receive a coupon in the mail 6 to 8 weeks after the promotion ends.
I'm going to have five happy kitties! ;) (and if you don't want yours, you can always send it to me! lol)
I'm going to have five happy kitties! ;) (and if you don't want yours, you can always send it to me! lol)
Free Sample Of Bear Naked Granola!
Sign up to receive a free sample of Bear Naked Fruit and Nut Granola sent to you. It will arrive in 6-8 weeks.
If you haven't tried Bear Naked's granola before, it's pretty yummy! I like to sprinkle some on my yogurt. Their Organic Hot Cereal is delicious too.
16 September 2008
I confess...
I just hid in the bedroom and ate an oh-so-sinful extra large piece of strawberry cheesecake.
Let me borrow this line from Rachael Ray: YUM-O!
Life is good. ;)
Let me borrow this line from Rachael Ray: YUM-O!
Life is good. ;)
Get Those Campbell's Coupons Ready!
Those of you in the WA area with Albertsons, it looks like another good week of sales, with a Campbells deal! No $$$ off for buying a total amount (darn!), but the prices are looking good when combined with coupons. Even the Cream Of soups will only be 50 cents each, plus coupons will further reduce it!
It will be a great stock up opportunity for the Winter months. The Chunky soups (priced at $1.25) might be found for less (I know last year, Safeway had them for $1 each, but keep in mind rising costs - the key words here are *might be*)
Plus, those of you with school age children, if you buy $10 worth, you'll receive bonus labels for them to take to class.
(Yes, I am already trying to figure out my budget to take as full advantage of this one as I can since a lot of our lunches are soup! lol)
It will be a great stock up opportunity for the Winter months. The Chunky soups (priced at $1.25) might be found for less (I know last year, Safeway had them for $1 each, but keep in mind rising costs - the key words here are *might be*)
Plus, those of you with school age children, if you buy $10 worth, you'll receive bonus labels for them to take to class.
(Yes, I am already trying to figure out my budget to take as full advantage of this one as I can since a lot of our lunches are soup! lol)
15 September 2008
Shopping Round Up
Here's my run down of the last few days. I'd post pictures of my Target, Gymboree and Spirit Halloween spending spree the other day, but my camera cord is AWOL at the moment, so it'll have to wait. I ended up doing a second trip to Target, so the safer, less spendy trip is included. ;) Some of the deals didn't end up quite as good as I wished/wanted, but it was still items I needed at a reduced rate.
Target #2:
*Johnson's buddies soap $0.94 minus $1 printable coupon
*Zone chocolate bar $0.97 minus $1 MC
*lighter fluid marked down to $0.68 (x3)
*Garnier Fructis shampoo w/ bonus mousse $2.08 minus $1 MC
*Beggin' Strips $2.10 minus $1 MC
*Off Deep Woods $1.13 minus $1 MC
*Purina Carvers dog treats $2.99 minus $1 MC
*Ziploc 25pk sandwich bags $1 minus $0.40 MC
Total after coupons: $9.41
Dollar Tree:
*2lb rice $1
*Halloween ribbon $1
*6pk shower scrubbies $1
*Sunday paper (Tacoma edition)
Total: $4.27
Fred Meyer:
*Neutra Air $5.99 minus $5 MC
*Cottonelle 4pk toilet paper $0.99 minus $0.50 MC
*South Beach pizza $3 (x2) minus $2 printable coupon (x2)
*FM frozen personal pizza $0.50 (x2)
*Beef Cube Steak $1.79
*plain bagels 4pk $1.29
*Yoplait yogurt $0.39 (x3)
Total after coupons $9.22
Save-A-Lot:
*Apple Juice 64 oz $1 (x2) **This is new to this store, don't know if the price will last? Good deal alert!!!
*Kaskey Chicken Noodle soup $0.49
*Kaskey vegetable soup $0.49
*Pagasa pasta 7 oz $0.25
*O Days Mac N Cheese $0.25
*Pork strips marked down $0.92
*1 lb split peas $0.79
*2 bananas $0.27
Total: $5.46
Safeway:
*Progresso soup $1 (x3)
*Lysol wipes 40ct $2 (x2) minus $1 on 2 MC
*Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner 2/$3.50 minus $2 on 2 MC
*Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom kit $2.50 (clearanced) minus $1 MC
*a really cool insulated lunch box clearanced from $14.99 to $3.75
Total after coupons: $14.06 ~things weren't ringing up right so I'm not 100% sure if this was what my total should have been :(
Albertsons #1:
*Uncle Ben's cajun style ready rice $2.69 minus $2.50 MC
*Albertsons shredded wheat cereal $1.50
*Quaker granola bars $1.50 (x2) minus $1 MC
*Quaker 42 oz oats $2 minus $0.50 MC
*Quaker Instant Oatmeal $2 (x2) minus $0.75 MC (x2)
*Quaker quick oats $2 minus $0.55 MC
*Quaker breakfast bars $2 minus $0.50 MC
*Albertsons Raisin Bran $1.50 (x2) minus $0.50 store coupon (x2)
minus $5 wyb 10 Quaker/Albie's products
Total after coupons: $7.62 (total coupon savings tendered - $31.97)
Albertsons #2:
*Pumpkin $0.25 lb $3.56
*Albertsons 2% milk half gallon $1.89 minus free store coupon
*Scott 4pk toilet paper $1 (x8) minus $0.50 blinkie coupon (x8)
*Scott 4pk toilet paper $1 minus $0.75 MC
*Homelife fire logs 6pk 2.5lb $8.99
*Fresh Express 2lb salad $1.49
Total after coupons: $19.84 (Total savings $9.14?)
Del's feed store:
*50lb bunny feed $12.76
Total: $13.84
Safeway frustrated me with things not ringing up right, so I'm not sure what went on with my bill there. I thought it would be lower with my coupons but I guess not?
I was actually semi-pleasantly surprised with this trip to Save-A-Lot. I still stand by the fact that most of their products end up being more than the regular grocery stores sale prices, but the apple juice was a great deal at $1 - I'll go back again next week to see if they still have it at that price. If it will be something they have at that price for awhile I'll stop by more often. (BTW, I did notice they had put out more baby stuff for those who saw my post the other day on their new baby club) Even better, with my receipt there was a phone survey for a free loaf of bread (now you're talkin'! lol)
I also went into Ace Hardware to purchase some pressed logs to add to my winter stash (it's nice to have them already cut up!) and walked out without them after they refused to take my $5 off $25 or more coupon - because "it was valid on everything but the logs" even though it said valid on everything - and I've used this coupon in the past on the logs. No matter, they don't need my business! This Ace's location has been rude in the past so I'd rather take my business up the street to Del's Feed Store (where the folks ROCK, really!)
The 50 pounds of bunny feed is my emergency winter supplies. Our bunnies eat mostly fresh veggies, but I like to keep kibble in their houses for when they get the munchies. I usually buy a different brand, but I wanted to have this big bag just in case of bad weather and us not being able to go out as easily. We almost ended up adopting another one - they had several sweeties looking for new homes.
My second Albie's transaction, I'll just say UGH. The Scott's TP were part of my raincheck from several weeks ago, so in order to cut through the hassle I skipped the self checkout and went to a lane - and the clerk I ended up with left much to be desired. She wasn't sure what she was doing with the raincheck, and she asked for my coupons at the beginning of the transaction (I hate that, then I have to keep my eyes on the coupons AND my items ringing) and started taking coupons off as she rang the item. My free milk coupon was for a purchase of $25 or more - which I had before coupons, but because she rang the coupons as she went (which, it's not like I had a bunch of stuff where she needed to verify I had the item?) of course the coupon wouldn't go through. I was NOT happy at this point - then she proceeded to launch into a spiel about how "because I like to shop at Albertsons, she'll punch the coupon in a certain way so I could have it anyways" WT?! I spent the $25, just because she rang the transaction funky DOES NOT MAKE IT MY PROBLEM! Um, hello? And don't get me started on her trying to figure out my pumpkin and how to ring it...
DH is happily watching several (horror) movies in the living room courtesy of the Redbox free Monday code so I don't have to fight for the laptop tonight - hooray! :)
Tomorrow he starts his new job on an early day shift, so it's going to be a week of transition for us. We'll need to be in bed at a time that a few days ago he wasn't even off work yet. Please keep him in your thoughts tomorrow that everything goes well! :)
Target #2:
*Johnson's buddies soap $0.94 minus $1 printable coupon
*Zone chocolate bar $0.97 minus $1 MC
*lighter fluid marked down to $0.68 (x3)
*Garnier Fructis shampoo w/ bonus mousse $2.08 minus $1 MC
*Beggin' Strips $2.10 minus $1 MC
*Off Deep Woods $1.13 minus $1 MC
*Purina Carvers dog treats $2.99 minus $1 MC
*Ziploc 25pk sandwich bags $1 minus $0.40 MC
Total after coupons: $9.41
Dollar Tree:
*2lb rice $1
*Halloween ribbon $1
*6pk shower scrubbies $1
*Sunday paper (Tacoma edition)
Total: $4.27
Fred Meyer:
*Neutra Air $5.99 minus $5 MC
*Cottonelle 4pk toilet paper $0.99 minus $0.50 MC
*South Beach pizza $3 (x2) minus $2 printable coupon (x2)
*FM frozen personal pizza $0.50 (x2)
*Beef Cube Steak $1.79
*plain bagels 4pk $1.29
*Yoplait yogurt $0.39 (x3)
Total after coupons $9.22
Save-A-Lot:
*Apple Juice 64 oz $1 (x2) **This is new to this store, don't know if the price will last? Good deal alert!!!
*Kaskey Chicken Noodle soup $0.49
*Kaskey vegetable soup $0.49
*Pagasa pasta 7 oz $0.25
*O Days Mac N Cheese $0.25
*Pork strips marked down $0.92
*1 lb split peas $0.79
*2 bananas $0.27
Total: $5.46
Safeway:
*Progresso soup $1 (x3)
*Lysol wipes 40ct $2 (x2) minus $1 on 2 MC
*Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner 2/$3.50 minus $2 on 2 MC
*Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom kit $2.50 (clearanced) minus $1 MC
*a really cool insulated lunch box clearanced from $14.99 to $3.75
Total after coupons: $14.06 ~things weren't ringing up right so I'm not 100% sure if this was what my total should have been :(
Albertsons #1:
*Uncle Ben's cajun style ready rice $2.69 minus $2.50 MC
*Albertsons shredded wheat cereal $1.50
*Quaker granola bars $1.50 (x2) minus $1 MC
*Quaker 42 oz oats $2 minus $0.50 MC
*Quaker Instant Oatmeal $2 (x2) minus $0.75 MC (x2)
*Quaker quick oats $2 minus $0.55 MC
*Quaker breakfast bars $2 minus $0.50 MC
*Albertsons Raisin Bran $1.50 (x2) minus $0.50 store coupon (x2)
minus $5 wyb 10 Quaker/Albie's products
Total after coupons: $7.62 (total coupon savings tendered - $31.97)
Albertsons #2:
*Pumpkin $0.25 lb $3.56
*Albertsons 2% milk half gallon $1.89 minus free store coupon
*Scott 4pk toilet paper $1 (x8) minus $0.50 blinkie coupon (x8)
*Scott 4pk toilet paper $1 minus $0.75 MC
*Homelife fire logs 6pk 2.5lb $8.99
*Fresh Express 2lb salad $1.49
Total after coupons: $19.84 (Total savings $9.14?)
Del's feed store:
*50lb bunny feed $12.76
Total: $13.84
Safeway frustrated me with things not ringing up right, so I'm not sure what went on with my bill there. I thought it would be lower with my coupons but I guess not?
I was actually semi-pleasantly surprised with this trip to Save-A-Lot. I still stand by the fact that most of their products end up being more than the regular grocery stores sale prices, but the apple juice was a great deal at $1 - I'll go back again next week to see if they still have it at that price. If it will be something they have at that price for awhile I'll stop by more often. (BTW, I did notice they had put out more baby stuff for those who saw my post the other day on their new baby club) Even better, with my receipt there was a phone survey for a free loaf of bread (now you're talkin'! lol)
I also went into Ace Hardware to purchase some pressed logs to add to my winter stash (it's nice to have them already cut up!) and walked out without them after they refused to take my $5 off $25 or more coupon - because "it was valid on everything but the logs" even though it said valid on everything - and I've used this coupon in the past on the logs. No matter, they don't need my business! This Ace's location has been rude in the past so I'd rather take my business up the street to Del's Feed Store (where the folks ROCK, really!)
The 50 pounds of bunny feed is my emergency winter supplies. Our bunnies eat mostly fresh veggies, but I like to keep kibble in their houses for when they get the munchies. I usually buy a different brand, but I wanted to have this big bag just in case of bad weather and us not being able to go out as easily. We almost ended up adopting another one - they had several sweeties looking for new homes.
My second Albie's transaction, I'll just say UGH. The Scott's TP were part of my raincheck from several weeks ago, so in order to cut through the hassle I skipped the self checkout and went to a lane - and the clerk I ended up with left much to be desired. She wasn't sure what she was doing with the raincheck, and she asked for my coupons at the beginning of the transaction (I hate that, then I have to keep my eyes on the coupons AND my items ringing) and started taking coupons off as she rang the item. My free milk coupon was for a purchase of $25 or more - which I had before coupons, but because she rang the coupons as she went (which, it's not like I had a bunch of stuff where she needed to verify I had the item?) of course the coupon wouldn't go through. I was NOT happy at this point - then she proceeded to launch into a spiel about how "because I like to shop at Albertsons, she'll punch the coupon in a certain way so I could have it anyways" WT?! I spent the $25, just because she rang the transaction funky DOES NOT MAKE IT MY PROBLEM! Um, hello? And don't get me started on her trying to figure out my pumpkin and how to ring it...
DH is happily watching several (horror) movies in the living room courtesy of the Redbox free Monday code so I don't have to fight for the laptop tonight - hooray! :)
Tomorrow he starts his new job on an early day shift, so it's going to be a week of transition for us. We'll need to be in bed at a time that a few days ago he wasn't even off work yet. Please keep him in your thoughts tomorrow that everything goes well! :)
Free Nature's Bountry Grocery Tote Bag!
Nature's Bounty would like to offer you a free grocery tote bag to carry your Nature's Bounty purchases in - it even comes with a $1 off Nature's Bounty coupon inside! Their goal is to plant 1 million trees by 2010!
Simply sign up on their website to recieve your bag in 4-6 weeks, while supplies last! You'll also receive a welcome email and a printable coupon for $2 for joining the Nature's Bounty Healthy Rewards program.
Simply sign up on their website to recieve your bag in 4-6 weeks, while supplies last! You'll also receive a welcome email and a printable coupon for $2 for joining the Nature's Bounty Healthy Rewards program.
Recipe: All In One Pork Chop Bake
Quick and simple (my favorite kind, of course, lol), this one can be easily doubled.
1 lb potato wedges (frozen bag, or chop up your own potatoes & make wedges)
4 pork chops
1 pk shake and bake coating mix
1/2 cup BBQ suace
2 tblsp Italian dressing
1 cup mozarella cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat pork chops in shake and bake mix. Place in foil lined baking pan (easy clean up!), and add potato wedges, drizzle them with Italian dressing. Bake 30 minutes, then drizzle pork chops with BBQ sauce and top with cheese before baking about 5 more minutes to allow cheese to melt.
This serves 4, but doubled with 2 lb of potatoes and 8 pieces of pork makes it up to 8. You can skip the Italian dressing if you want, and go with a bit of olive oil and basil instead.
1 lb potato wedges (frozen bag, or chop up your own potatoes & make wedges)
4 pork chops
1 pk shake and bake coating mix
1/2 cup BBQ suace
2 tblsp Italian dressing
1 cup mozarella cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat pork chops in shake and bake mix. Place in foil lined baking pan (easy clean up!), and add potato wedges, drizzle them with Italian dressing. Bake 30 minutes, then drizzle pork chops with BBQ sauce and top with cheese before baking about 5 more minutes to allow cheese to melt.
This serves 4, but doubled with 2 lb of potatoes and 8 pieces of pork makes it up to 8. You can skip the Italian dressing if you want, and go with a bit of olive oil and basil instead.
A Little Bit Of Advice
With the current financial unrest (between banks being frozen for the weekend, the stock market etc), I urge you to keep a little bit of cash hidden away in your wallet, that you conveniently "forget about" until needed. I'm not talking hundreds of dollars here, the sky isn't falling (well, yet, anyways) but keep at least enough cash on hand that if you run out of milk or diapers on the weekend, that you can pay cash, and keep a little extra to fill up your gas tank while you're out. The couple of banks that have been frozen all happened on the weekend, and it took until Monday afternoon or Tuesday to get things back to (semi)normal. That means no debit cards or checks from you (and if it's the store's bank that freezes, they might not be able to accept ANY debit/credit card, so there's something to think about)
I know it's hard sometimes to put aside that extra $20 or $40, but try. If nothing else, you might be really happy in 6 months to find an extra $20 you had forgotten about! (pssst... in that case, spend it all on yourself, and don't feel guilty! not one little bit!)
I know it's hard sometimes to put aside that extra $20 or $40, but try. If nothing else, you might be really happy in 6 months to find an extra $20 you had forgotten about! (pssst... in that case, spend it all on yourself, and don't feel guilty! not one little bit!)
14 September 2008
Just A Teeny Little Vent
I know, I'm generally very positive (What? Did I just hear someone snicker?! Really, I am!) but I must vent!
I, like probably everyone else reading this, scour the blogosphere weekly to see if anyone has stumbled onto or put together a great deal or two. I truly appreciate those who take the time to put together postings about the deals! I wish I had discovered the power of blogs sooner, I've found so many great deals!
But here comes my vent/plea:
If you are going to take the time to put together a new post about the week's deals at a certain store, don't just cut and paste the entire post from last week, week after week. Or it ends up being from 6 months ago, and half the deals with coupons that you are posting about, are long since expired. It gets rather boring, trying to scan your post, just to find one or two deals that might still be running or actually are new, out of what should be 10 or more that aren't expired.
Pretty please with sugar and a cherry on top?
Am I the only one this annoys?
I, like probably everyone else reading this, scour the blogosphere weekly to see if anyone has stumbled onto or put together a great deal or two. I truly appreciate those who take the time to put together postings about the deals! I wish I had discovered the power of blogs sooner, I've found so many great deals!
But here comes my vent/plea:
If you are going to take the time to put together a new post about the week's deals at a certain store, don't just cut and paste the entire post from last week, week after week. Or it ends up being from 6 months ago, and half the deals with coupons that you are posting about, are long since expired. It gets rather boring, trying to scan your post, just to find one or two deals that might still be running or actually are new, out of what should be 10 or more that aren't expired.
Pretty please with sugar and a cherry on top?
Am I the only one this annoys?
Free Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!
Visit the Official Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Site and tell them what you love best about your Magic Erasers to receive a free mini eraser in the mail while supplies last! (Click Share The Love towards the middle to bottom of the page to get to the form)
I LOVE these things! We get grime along our wall in the bathroom where our Pudgy Princess loves to sleep in the summer, and it gets it right off! Plus it did wonders on the apartment when we moved last summer - we had subleased it and were responsible for the people who had lived in it before us (and let's just say, their cleanliness left much to be desired!)
The page is currently loading a little slow at this moment - you may want to click it, and then wander off to do something for a few moments and then come back.
I LOVE these things! We get grime along our wall in the bathroom where our Pudgy Princess loves to sleep in the summer, and it gets it right off! Plus it did wonders on the apartment when we moved last summer - we had subleased it and were responsible for the people who had lived in it before us (and let's just say, their cleanliness left much to be desired!)
The page is currently loading a little slow at this moment - you may want to click it, and then wander off to do something for a few moments and then come back.
Fred Meyer Deals 9/14 - 9/20
See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:
*Red, green or black grapes $0.88 lb
*Medium Yellow onions or Celery 3 lbs for a $1
*Parsnips, turnips, carrots or rutabagas 2 lbs for $1
*Red, white or Yukon Gold potatoes 2 lbs for $1
*Foster Farms fresh fryer breasts (bone in) $0.99 lb
*USDA Choice beef bottom round roast $2.99 lb
*USDA Choice Beef Flat Iron Steak $4.99 lb
*Jumbo EZ Peel white shrimp $4.99 lb
*Fresh Wild Alaskan Coho Silver Salmon Fillet $7.99 lb
*All natural Colossal Sea Scallops $9.99 lb
*Baby Back pork ribs $3.99 lb
*Beef loin T-bone steaks $6.99 lb (family pack of 3 or more)
*Boneless Pork top loin chops $3.99 lb (family pack of 3 lbs or more)
*Large Australian navel oranges $1.49 lb
*Large avocados 3/$5
*Organic raspberries 6oz 2/$5
*Organic slicing tomatoes $1.48 lb
*Green cabbage $0.39 lb
*radishes or green onions 2/$0.88
*packaged mushrooms (8oz) 2/$3
*Kettle Chips 2/$3 ($1 off 2 MC?)
*Heath Valley cookies 2/$5
*Rice or Soy Dream 64 oz 2/$5
*Alpo Canned Food 10/$10 (Buy 3 get 1 Free MC)
*Purina Dry Cat food 18lb $10.99 ($0.55 MC)
*Pet Pride 28 lb cat litter pail $6.99
*FM 1/2 gallon milk or orange juice 2/$3
*Tombstone pizza 2/$7
*Marie Callenders fruit or cream pie $5.99
*Starbucks coffee 12 oz $8.99
*Coke or Dasani 12pk 2/$10
*Doritos 2/$5
*Tillamook cheese sliced 2/$8
*Smart Balance Tubs 2/$% (? MC out there)
*Seneca Apple Sauce cups 3/$5 (6pk)
*Charmin Basic toilet paper or Bounty Basic paper towels $4.99 ($0.25 MC)
*Sun 2x laundry detergent 55 oz 2/$4
*Hershey's Halloween Snack Size 2/$4
*Garnier Fructis shampoo, conditioner, styling products 2/$5 w/ in store MC
*Clean & Clear acne products $2.99 w/ in store MC
*Mitchum Antiperspirant or Deodorant $1.99 w/ in store MC
*Mach 3, Venus, Sensor, Good News, Daisy or Custom Plus razors $4.99 w/in store coupon
*Dial Body Wash, refill, hand soap, 8 bar soap 3/$10 ($0.60 MC on hand soap)
*Bayer aspirin or One a Day vitamins $6.49 ($1 MC on One A Day, $1 MC on Bayer)
*Always or Tampax pads & tampons $6.99 ($1 MC, $1.50 home mailer MC on Tampax)
*Revlon cosmetics BOGO half off ($2 off 2 MC)
*Airborne $4.99 ($2 MC or printable $2 MC at coupons.com)
*Ricola Cough drops 5/$5
*Zicam save 50 cents (seriously, that's what the ad says? *shrugs*)
*Colgate toothpaste or plus toothbrushes BOGOF w/ in add coupon (limit 4, use w/ $0.75 MC)
*Big K 12 pk soda 6/$10 (limit 6 w/ ad coupon)
*FM cereal or granola bars 3/$5 (limit 6 w/ ad coupon)
*Country Oven or Vita*Bee bread 3/$4 (limit 6 w/ ad coupon)
*FM canned tomatoes or beans 5/$2 (limit 10 w/ ad coupon)
*Michelina's entrees $0.88 each (limit 6 w/ ad coupon)
*Budding Deli Cuts 2/$4 (limit 4 w/ ad coupon)
*Johnsonville grilling sausage 3/$10 (limit 6 w/ ad coupon)
*French bread 2/$3
All Home clearance is 50% the lowest marked price!
Don't forget to use your reward coupons - they expire next month! If you have not received them yet, be sure to contact Fred Meyer!
Unfamiliar with Fred Meyer's coupon policy? They allow you stack a Fred Meyer store coupon (FM coupons as I call them) with a manufacturer's coupon. They do not price match to any other store's sale prices, and they won't take other store's sale coupons. You can however use a manufacturer's coupons on any sale or clearance items, but they usually won't allow any overage if the coupon is more than the sale price (sometimes it slips through the cracks, but don't expect it every time). Our local Washington stores do not double any coupons. They do accept the printed internet coupons if they have a barcode (like bricks coupons or from Smart Source or coupons.com if you are unfamiliar with them) so if you are having problems with a clerk not wanting to accept your coupon and you are sure it's legit coupon, please ask to have a manager come on over to verify it.
13 September 2008
Free Sample of Airborne!
Sign up to receive a free sample size of Airborne to you delivered by Sebastian the guy they stole from a romance novel (LOL, seriously, this marketing company hd too much time on their hands!). Click on the free sample button towards the right hand corner. You can even send a sample to a friend.
If you haven't seen the new commercial yet, click on Meet Sebastian. I kind of wonder what on earth Airborne was thinking, but it's amusing.
If you haven't seen the new commercial yet, click on Meet Sebastian. I kind of wonder what on earth Airborne was thinking, but it's amusing.
Free Kashi Cookie!
Visit Kashi's website to sign up to receive a free Oatmeal Dark Chocolate cookie in the mail! (yummy!) You can also play a fun little game called Steal The Cookie.
11 September 2008
I confess...
I had a financial meltdown today and spent way too much shopping (that's what I get for going to the mall and Target, right? Target is evil! Evil I say! LOL)
But at least it was fun, right? ;)
I'll post some pictures of some of the stuff I bought in a bit. I had to confess first before I went through what I bought. (LOL)
But at least it was fun, right? ;)
I'll post some pictures of some of the stuff I bought in a bit. I had to confess first before I went through what I bought. (LOL)
10 September 2008
Save-A-Lot Has A New Baby Club
Apparently Save-A-Lot has been expanding their baby care items and are now starting a Baby Club. If you are expecting or have a little one, it might be worth your while to sign up and see what they might be sending in the mail.
I can't say I am that fond of Save-A-Lot as I have posted in the past (for anyone new here who lands on this post, I feel their prices are higher than regular grocery stores sale prices), but I'll give the club a whirl. I'm certainly curious to see what they are adding, because when I was in our location the other day I didn't see that much. Let me know if you score anything cool in the mail from them, expecially if you are in a different part of the country - I'm wonder if it's different depending on what region we're all in!
I can't say I am that fond of Save-A-Lot as I have posted in the past (for anyone new here who lands on this post, I feel their prices are higher than regular grocery stores sale prices), but I'll give the club a whirl. I'm certainly curious to see what they are adding, because when I was in our location the other day I didn't see that much. Let me know if you score anything cool in the mail from them, expecially if you are in a different part of the country - I'm wonder if it's different depending on what region we're all in!
I Won, I Won!
A couple of HUGE belated thank you's to:
Keeper of the Cheerios for a $10 gift certificate to You Can Make This. I'm working on the wipie case - I thought it would be fun to start matching outfits when we go to the mall! (because yes, I'm weird like that lol) I'll be posting a picture as soon as I get the trim and my first one's finished! (BTW, they even have free patterns on the site you can choose from!)
Ohana Mama and Amy over at Tote And Tee for a $25 GC to Tote And Tee. We picked out some new tights (aren't those cool?) and little shoes. She is the fastest shipper in the world, I couldn't believe it! (and if you register on her site, you have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate too - isn't that cool of her?)
This incredible stuffed Poe from Chic Shopper Chick:
(he who will be loved dearly for life lol)
And I thank Film Gecko from the bottom of my gothic, Halloween adoring little heart for the brand new Nightmare Before Christmas DVD! (I know it's being watched by our whole family, but I'm pretending it's all for meeeee!)
And now, I will never win anything again - my luck will run out! lol
Keeper of the Cheerios for a $10 gift certificate to You Can Make This. I'm working on the wipie case - I thought it would be fun to start matching outfits when we go to the mall! (because yes, I'm weird like that lol) I'll be posting a picture as soon as I get the trim and my first one's finished! (BTW, they even have free patterns on the site you can choose from!)
Ohana Mama and Amy over at Tote And Tee for a $25 GC to Tote And Tee. We picked out some new tights (aren't those cool?) and little shoes. She is the fastest shipper in the world, I couldn't believe it! (and if you register on her site, you have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate too - isn't that cool of her?)
This incredible stuffed Poe from Chic Shopper Chick:
(he who will be loved dearly for life lol)
And I thank Film Gecko from the bottom of my gothic, Halloween adoring little heart for the brand new Nightmare Before Christmas DVD! (I know it's being watched by our whole family, but I'm pretending it's all for meeeee!)
And now, I will never win anything again - my luck will run out! lol
09 September 2008
It's Harvest Time
And I have a wonderful abundance of apples from our tree. I'm not quite sure what to do with all of them - does anyone have any (frugal) ideas? I'm looking for ways to prepare some for now, and of course, to have some in reserve for later this winter. Every time I search for recipes I end up getting frustrated because they use a fortune in extra ingredients, or they are pies, which my DH kind of turns his nose at. (He's more of a chocolate cake kind of fiend!)
It's wonderful because I don't have to budget in fresh fruits with them this week, plus I still have a little bit of blackberries in my freezer to use as well. And my tomatoes are coming in too - yay!
It's wonderful because I don't have to budget in fresh fruits with them this week, plus I still have a little bit of blackberries in my freezer to use as well. And my tomatoes are coming in too - yay!
Watch Those Dates!
For the second time this week, an item from the GM deal was past it's expiration date. It happened on one of the boxes of Curves bars (August 19th) and today with a package of the Cheerios snack mix (July 28th!)
I spouted off an email to Albertsons customer service about my unhappiness with the situation and I will be exchanging those Cheerios next trip (I'm not wasting the gas for a special trip for this one, it will have to wait) I expect that to happen at the "off brand" stores like Save A Lot and Grocery Outlet, but certainly not at the pricier ones like Albertsons!
I know how hard it is to take the time to check dates when you have extra help shopping ;) but I guess now we're going to have to. I wonder if some stores in today's economy just don't want to take the hit of pulling the unsold merchandise and just leave it on the shelves in hopes someone will buy it, and consume it without noticing? (I really don't mind buying some things that are right at the date or just past it by a day or two, IF it's priced for it and I know it. In this case, definitely not - this far past I am pretty sure it would be stale upon opening!)
While I'm at it, I'll use this post as a reminder for any other stockpilers: remember, first in, first out. Look over those dates as you are putting items away and put the closest dates at the front!
I spouted off an email to Albertsons customer service about my unhappiness with the situation and I will be exchanging those Cheerios next trip (I'm not wasting the gas for a special trip for this one, it will have to wait) I expect that to happen at the "off brand" stores like Save A Lot and Grocery Outlet, but certainly not at the pricier ones like Albertsons!
I know how hard it is to take the time to check dates when you have extra help shopping ;) but I guess now we're going to have to. I wonder if some stores in today's economy just don't want to take the hit of pulling the unsold merchandise and just leave it on the shelves in hopes someone will buy it, and consume it without noticing? (I really don't mind buying some things that are right at the date or just past it by a day or two, IF it's priced for it and I know it. In this case, definitely not - this far past I am pretty sure it would be stale upon opening!)
While I'm at it, I'll use this post as a reminder for any other stockpilers: remember, first in, first out. Look over those dates as you are putting items away and put the closest dates at the front!
Tuesday Mail Call
Yesterday I had one lonely, depressing little piece of junk mail. Today was much better! I had:
*1 double roll size of Scott's toilet paper that had a 75 cents off coupon
*sample set of Tampax pearl w/ 3 tampons and 2 different coupons that don't expire til 2010! (late expiration dates rock!)
*3 sample packets of different vitamins
*2pk sample of Cascade Complete w/ coupon
*Magic Clean eraser w/coupon
*Pampered Chef tomato knife I traded for (if you read this, thank you!)
Plus the ads for the week were in the mailbox too. It was nice to have a decent day, since the (good, legit) freebies are becoming more and more scarce. :(
I have a Pampered Chef addiction so this trade was like the bestest best (lol) part of my week - especially with all my beautiful tomatoes starting to come out of my garden!
*1 double roll size of Scott's toilet paper that had a 75 cents off coupon
*sample set of Tampax pearl w/ 3 tampons and 2 different coupons that don't expire til 2010! (late expiration dates rock!)
*3 sample packets of different vitamins
*2pk sample of Cascade Complete w/ coupon
*Magic Clean eraser w/coupon
*Pampered Chef tomato knife I traded for (if you read this, thank you!)
Plus the ads for the week were in the mailbox too. It was nice to have a decent day, since the (good, legit) freebies are becoming more and more scarce. :(
I have a Pampered Chef addiction so this trade was like the bestest best (lol) part of my week - especially with all my beautiful tomatoes starting to come out of my garden!
Rescued From The Hurricane, Fuzzies Need Homes
Since some of you are from the NYC-etc area, I thought I'd post this so you can pass it along if you want (if not, just ignore this post. I know not everyone is interested, and I understand)
79 homeless animals evacuated from high risk Gulf States shelters in the path of Hurricane Gustav are now safe at North Shore Animal League America, and several of the animals are ready for adoption.
The rescued animals include 51 dogs, 14 puppies, and 14 felines. The majority was originally evacuated from hurricane-ravaged areas in Louisiana and was subsequently transported to Alabama's Greater Birmingham Humane Society, who partnered with North Shore Animal League America in this rescue initiative. Those pets, along with some from GBHS, were transported to the Animal League in two of its Mobile Rescue Units, accompanied by five members of the Emergency Response Team.
Since their arrival, the animals have been undergoing medical and behavioral evaluations, vaccinations and, where necessary, spaying and neutering in preparation for their adoptions in loving homes. The animals range in age from 8 weeks to about 4 years with the dogs being mixed-breeds. The 14 felines are all under 8 months.
If you are interested in adopting a pet saved from Hurricane Gustav, please visit the Animal League's adoption center.
...and now back to your regularly scheduled housewife-y postings. :)
79 homeless animals evacuated from high risk Gulf States shelters in the path of Hurricane Gustav are now safe at North Shore Animal League America, and several of the animals are ready for adoption.
The rescued animals include 51 dogs, 14 puppies, and 14 felines. The majority was originally evacuated from hurricane-ravaged areas in Louisiana and was subsequently transported to Alabama's Greater Birmingham Humane Society, who partnered with North Shore Animal League America in this rescue initiative. Those pets, along with some from GBHS, were transported to the Animal League in two of its Mobile Rescue Units, accompanied by five members of the Emergency Response Team.
Since their arrival, the animals have been undergoing medical and behavioral evaluations, vaccinations and, where necessary, spaying and neutering in preparation for their adoptions in loving homes. The animals range in age from 8 weeks to about 4 years with the dogs being mixed-breeds. The 14 felines are all under 8 months.
If you are interested in adopting a pet saved from Hurricane Gustav, please visit the Animal League's adoption center.
...and now back to your regularly scheduled housewife-y postings. :)
08 September 2008
99 Cents Only Stores To Begin Raising Prices
Some of you long time assorted dollar price point shoppers have no doubt noticed smaller packages and items no longer being carried on your local store shelves. Now, the chain known as 99 Cents Only (a chain that I believe is only located in the SW) is about to begin raising their prices on some items. They say it will only be certain items, but be on the lookout for more items to rise as well.
So does this hit the panic button for anyone else?
I fear other chains will soon follow suit. If you can afford the added expense, and there are items you frequently use that do not expire (trash bags, sponges etc) or have a longer shelf life (bags of pasta, rice) I suggest you begin stockpiling a few extra - even if it's just having 2 or 3 in reserve. I know as soon as I get my next survey check, I'll be visiting my Dollar Tree to get a few extra things!
So does this hit the panic button for anyone else?
I fear other chains will soon follow suit. If you can afford the added expense, and there are items you frequently use that do not expire (trash bags, sponges etc) or have a longer shelf life (bags of pasta, rice) I suggest you begin stockpiling a few extra - even if it's just having 2 or 3 in reserve. I know as soon as I get my next survey check, I'll be visiting my Dollar Tree to get a few extra things!
Menu Plan Monday
Monday: Southwest Stuffed Tortilla Wraps
Tuesday: Veggie Toss
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Thursday: DH is home, he'll grill out, probably hot dogs w/ nachos
Friday: visiting parents, eating there
Saturday: grilled cheese & soup
Sunday: taking advantage of all those Hamburger Helpers I've just bought this last week & making DH happy! LOL
Check out Organizing Junkie for other great Menu Plans!
My Albertsons Shopping Today
I think you can tell I am loving that $5 off 10 General Mills deal they have going on this week:
*Pace Four Cheese Salsa $1 minus $1 MC (hidden deal making it free!)
*Kings Hawaiian bread 4pk $1.09 minus $0.65 printable coupon
*Betty Crocker boxed potatoes (assorted) (x6) minus $1 off 2 printable (x3)
*Chex Mix Dark Chocolate mix $2 mimus $0.60 printable coupon
*Chex Mix bars $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*Fiber One bars $2 minus $0.50 MC
*Betty Crocker Warm delights brownie $1.50 minus $0.55 printable coupon
*Penley 3pk 250 ct matches $1
minus $5 off 10 GM items
Total after coupons: $7.78 (total savings $25.98)
I received some more coupons that work with this deal in a batch I traded for today, so I am contemplating going back tomorrow (I have to go to the post office to mail a trade, so it's technically not an extra trip). I am torn between hating to spend the money, and knowing that I have snacks for awhile for DH to take to work with what I have been getting. I was thrilled that they actually had the BC potatoes in stock today - I was afraid I was going to have to change the deal up. Coming down to 50 cents a box after coupons makes it worth it (otherwise I consider it an overpriced convenience food for us)
At least today's trip went without the computer crashing and everything went through as expected. ;) I did have to wait around a few minutes for a cashier to accept the amount of coupons (more than 4 seems to set off the Cashier Approval part) but that was no big deal. I really hope that Saturday's trip was an isolated incident as I really do like shopping at this location.
*Pace Four Cheese Salsa $1 minus $1 MC (hidden deal making it free!)
*Kings Hawaiian bread 4pk $1.09 minus $0.65 printable coupon
*Betty Crocker boxed potatoes (assorted) (x6) minus $1 off 2 printable (x3)
*Chex Mix Dark Chocolate mix $2 mimus $0.60 printable coupon
*Chex Mix bars $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*Fiber One bars $2 minus $0.50 MC
*Betty Crocker Warm delights brownie $1.50 minus $0.55 printable coupon
*Penley 3pk 250 ct matches $1
minus $5 off 10 GM items
Total after coupons: $7.78 (total savings $25.98)
I received some more coupons that work with this deal in a batch I traded for today, so I am contemplating going back tomorrow (I have to go to the post office to mail a trade, so it's technically not an extra trip). I am torn between hating to spend the money, and knowing that I have snacks for awhile for DH to take to work with what I have been getting. I was thrilled that they actually had the BC potatoes in stock today - I was afraid I was going to have to change the deal up. Coming down to 50 cents a box after coupons makes it worth it (otherwise I consider it an overpriced convenience food for us)
At least today's trip went without the computer crashing and everything went through as expected. ;) I did have to wait around a few minutes for a cashier to accept the amount of coupons (more than 4 seems to set off the Cashier Approval part) but that was no big deal. I really hope that Saturday's trip was an isolated incident as I really do like shopping at this location.
Free Sample Carefree Panty Liners!
For those who don't have a lifetime supply of the Kotex panty liners put away yet ;) Carefree is offering a sample of their panty liners. Visit the webpage and fill out your information to receive it in your mailbox!
Recipe: Veggie Toss
This one takes advantage of the fresh veggies that are in season right now, but you can easily substitute frozen or canned to make out of season while keeping costs down:
1 lb fresh or frozen broccoli, chopped or florets
1 lb fresh or frozen cauliflower, chopped or florets
1/2 lb fresh or canned green beans
1 large red pepper, cut into strips
1 large green pepper, cut into strips
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/3 cup parmesan cheese or shredded mozarella
Boil broccoli, cauliflower and green beans in water in large saucepan. Cook 3 to 5 min. or just until vegetables are crisp-tender - don't overcook. Drain, add peppers, then toss with Italian dressing and cheese.
Serve on steamed rice for a filling, meatless meal. Serves 7-8.
1 lb fresh or frozen broccoli, chopped or florets
1 lb fresh or frozen cauliflower, chopped or florets
1/2 lb fresh or canned green beans
1 large red pepper, cut into strips
1 large green pepper, cut into strips
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/3 cup parmesan cheese or shredded mozarella
Boil broccoli, cauliflower and green beans in water in large saucepan. Cook 3 to 5 min. or just until vegetables are crisp-tender - don't overcook. Drain, add peppers, then toss with Italian dressing and cheese.
Serve on steamed rice for a filling, meatless meal. Serves 7-8.
07 September 2008
My Albertsons Tab Yesterday
I'm still trying to figure out where that $8 went. :( Anyways here's what I bought according to my receipt, with the coupons as best as I can remember/was on my receipt.
*Tostitos chips $3.79 minus Free product coupon (store)
*Pace Salsa $3.29 (x2) (store coupon for item to be $0.99) (x2)
*Skippy peanut butter $2 (x2) minus $1 off 2 MC
*Hamburger Helper $1.50 (x3) minus $0.80 printable off 3
*Cheerios $2 minus $1 printable
*Curves granola bars $2 minus $0.75 printable
*Chex cereal bars $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*Old El Paso refried beans $1.50 (x2) minus $1 off 2
*Pillsbury crescent rolls $2 (x2) minus $1 printable (x2)
*Scott 4pk bath tissue $1 (x8) minus $0.50 blinkie (x8)
*Scott 4pk bath tissue $1 minus $0.75 MC
*Home Bath Tissue 6pk double rolls $3.59 (x2) (store coupon for item to be $1.99) (x2)
*Gatorade 32oz $1 minus Free product coupon (store)
*Kraft naturals sliced cheese $0.99
*Oscar Meyer sliced lunchmeat $1.99 (minus $1 wyb lunchmeat & cheese)
*Albertsons 8oz sharp cheddar brick $2.99 (x2) (store coupon for item to be $0.99) (x2)
*Albertsons bacon $1.99
*Fresh salsa $0.99 (I think this was another mismark, doesn't expire until end of October?)
*Albertsons 18oz chocolate chip cookies $4.29 (x2) (store coupon for item to be $0.99) (x2)
minus $5 wyb 10 General Mills items
Albertsons total after coupons: $30.61 (coupons tendered: $68.33, total savings $69.33)
Some of the prices look high before coupons, but the $5 off GM items brought them down before coupons.
*Tostitos chips $3.79 minus Free product coupon (store)
*Pace Salsa $3.29 (x2) (store coupon for item to be $0.99) (x2)
*Skippy peanut butter $2 (x2) minus $1 off 2 MC
*Hamburger Helper $1.50 (x3) minus $0.80 printable off 3
*Cheerios $2 minus $1 printable
*Curves granola bars $2 minus $0.75 printable
*Chex cereal bars $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*Old El Paso refried beans $1.50 (x2) minus $1 off 2
*Pillsbury crescent rolls $2 (x2) minus $1 printable (x2)
*Scott 4pk bath tissue $1 (x8) minus $0.50 blinkie (x8)
*Scott 4pk bath tissue $1 minus $0.75 MC
*Home Bath Tissue 6pk double rolls $3.59 (x2) (store coupon for item to be $1.99) (x2)
*Gatorade 32oz $1 minus Free product coupon (store)
*Kraft naturals sliced cheese $0.99
*Oscar Meyer sliced lunchmeat $1.99 (minus $1 wyb lunchmeat & cheese)
*Albertsons 8oz sharp cheddar brick $2.99 (x2) (store coupon for item to be $0.99) (x2)
*Albertsons bacon $1.99
*Fresh salsa $0.99 (I think this was another mismark, doesn't expire until end of October?)
*Albertsons 18oz chocolate chip cookies $4.29 (x2) (store coupon for item to be $0.99) (x2)
minus $5 wyb 10 General Mills items
Albertsons total after coupons: $30.61 (coupons tendered: $68.33, total savings $69.33)
Some of the prices look high before coupons, but the $5 off GM items brought them down before coupons.
06 September 2008
I Broke My Cardinal Rule Of Couponing...
...and I think I ended up paying for it. I hit up Albertsons, to take advantage of the General Mills deal, and because I had extra coupons for getting items free with a $25 purchase. Usually, I do separate transactions - I'll do the "deal" (whatever is the special, such as this weeks buy 10 GM items, get $5 off) and then ring up anything else in another transaction. This time, because of the free items with a $25 purchase, I decided to ring everything up together.
BAD decision! I did self checkout like I usually did, and everything went fine until I went to scan my coupons. The first coupon for a free bag of Tostitos (an Albertsons store coupon) didn't ring so the self checkout clerk came over to help. After she saw the pile of coupons in my hand, she wanted to scan them all herself on the managerial scan. Red flag for me! I insisted on scanning them myself with her watching and handed them over to her one by one (I have had problems in the past with cashiers missing coupons, so that's the main reason I like to do self checkout and do it myself)
The total came slowly down, with her inputting several of the (Albertsons store) coupons by override because they weren't going through properly. I thought one was missed as she looked to hit the back button twice so I was getting edgy over that. The screen was CRAWLING, which has happened in the past (I've written about it on here before) it stuck at $30.67 then jumped down to $22.24. Well, when I went to scan my debit card, it completely froze.
She called over another clerk who said to cancel out the transaction and re-ring everything. At this point I was beyond worn out, I wasn't feeling too well when I started shopping and I knew I needed to get home. I was really getting frustrated on top of that, because the clerk had already stuffed all my coupons in the slot. Since I had been doing self checkout, I hadn't counted my coupons before I checked out and I wasn't sure all my coupons were pulled out of the slot. I tried to recollect as best as I could, but my exhaustion and frustration was getting to me. I wasn't too happy either because everything was already bagged - more time wasted.
So clerk #2 rang everything up herself, and started scanning the coupons. She was trying to cut corners and scan the coupons by the multiples, and I was feeling she was going to miss some - which of course wasn't making me happy. At this point, I was starting to feel like I was a criminal for even trying to use my coupons, and I am very, very tired of that feeling. I spend several hours a week mixing and matching deals at different stores, and there are moments where I do question my sanity (but when I walk out of the store with $15 worth for less than $5, I feel redeemed as I am sure many others do lol)
The total this time came to $30.61. A THIRD total. At this point I was on the verge of tears (and honestly ready to pass out). I knew the total wasn't right, that somewhere along the line something was messed up, but I had no way to prove it. With her scanning it on their screen, I had no way to watch it to see what the prices were ringing up, if they were any different from when I scanned everything, and whether all my coupons were coming off right. (I knew what I had coupons for, just not the exact amount of said coupons)
So now I know: even when doing self checkout, I need to count the amount of coupons I have, and then add up the amount of all the coupons before I check out. I don't really want another step in this savings process, but it's the only way to be 100% sure anymore. And unless those free coupons are for a gallon of milk or something like that, I'm going to say they are no longer worth it if I am using a bunch of coupons for a transaction. I don't care if I have to do 5 separate transactions: I'm doing it!
(Yes, I will still shop at this particular Albertsons - it is the nicest store in the area, and it tends to have a lot of unadvertised deals and markdowns that other stores don't have. I've just got to be more careful.)
BAD decision! I did self checkout like I usually did, and everything went fine until I went to scan my coupons. The first coupon for a free bag of Tostitos (an Albertsons store coupon) didn't ring so the self checkout clerk came over to help. After she saw the pile of coupons in my hand, she wanted to scan them all herself on the managerial scan. Red flag for me! I insisted on scanning them myself with her watching and handed them over to her one by one (I have had problems in the past with cashiers missing coupons, so that's the main reason I like to do self checkout and do it myself)
The total came slowly down, with her inputting several of the (Albertsons store) coupons by override because they weren't going through properly. I thought one was missed as she looked to hit the back button twice so I was getting edgy over that. The screen was CRAWLING, which has happened in the past (I've written about it on here before) it stuck at $30.67 then jumped down to $22.24. Well, when I went to scan my debit card, it completely froze.
She called over another clerk who said to cancel out the transaction and re-ring everything. At this point I was beyond worn out, I wasn't feeling too well when I started shopping and I knew I needed to get home. I was really getting frustrated on top of that, because the clerk had already stuffed all my coupons in the slot. Since I had been doing self checkout, I hadn't counted my coupons before I checked out and I wasn't sure all my coupons were pulled out of the slot. I tried to recollect as best as I could, but my exhaustion and frustration was getting to me. I wasn't too happy either because everything was already bagged - more time wasted.
So clerk #2 rang everything up herself, and started scanning the coupons. She was trying to cut corners and scan the coupons by the multiples, and I was feeling she was going to miss some - which of course wasn't making me happy. At this point, I was starting to feel like I was a criminal for even trying to use my coupons, and I am very, very tired of that feeling. I spend several hours a week mixing and matching deals at different stores, and there are moments where I do question my sanity (but when I walk out of the store with $15 worth for less than $5, I feel redeemed as I am sure many others do lol)
The total this time came to $30.61. A THIRD total. At this point I was on the verge of tears (and honestly ready to pass out). I knew the total wasn't right, that somewhere along the line something was messed up, but I had no way to prove it. With her scanning it on their screen, I had no way to watch it to see what the prices were ringing up, if they were any different from when I scanned everything, and whether all my coupons were coming off right. (I knew what I had coupons for, just not the exact amount of said coupons)
So now I know: even when doing self checkout, I need to count the amount of coupons I have, and then add up the amount of all the coupons before I check out. I don't really want another step in this savings process, but it's the only way to be 100% sure anymore. And unless those free coupons are for a gallon of milk or something like that, I'm going to say they are no longer worth it if I am using a bunch of coupons for a transaction. I don't care if I have to do 5 separate transactions: I'm doing it!
(Yes, I will still shop at this particular Albertsons - it is the nicest store in the area, and it tends to have a lot of unadvertised deals and markdowns that other stores don't have. I've just got to be more careful.)
Fred Meyer 9/7 - 9/13
See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:
*Personal size watermelon or cantaloupe 2/$5
*USDA choice Beef Chuck Pot Roast or Steak $1.99 lb
*Beef loin petite Sirloin Steaks $3.99 lb
*Fresh Wild Alaskan Coho Silver Salmon $4.99 lb
*Fresh Wild NW Halibut Fillet $12.99 lb
*Colossal white prawns $7.99 lb
*Foster Farms boneless skinless fryer breasts $3.99 lb
*Pork loin assorted chops blade & Sirloin $1.98 lb
*Fresh lean ground beef $2.79 lb
*FM grilling sausage or ground pork 2/$5
*Private Selection organic fresh boneless skinless fryer breasts $7.99 lb
*Private Selection organic fresh drumsticks or thighs $2.49 lb
*Private Selection organic fresh bone-in fryer breasts $4.59
*Private Selection organic fresh whole fryers $2.49 lb
*Organic Bartlett pears $1.49 lb
*Organic grapes $1.78 lb
*Organic strawberries 1 lb 2/$6
*Green beans $1.29 lb
*Cucumbers or Green peppers 2/$1
*Broccoli crowns or cauliflower $0.98 lb
*Hothouse tomatoes $1.48 lb
*Kettle Chips 2/$5
*Wolfgang Puck Pizza $5.99 ($0.75 MC out there)
*Barbara's cereals 2/$4
*Schiff Move Free Advanced Save 50% (MCs out there)
*Herbal Essence 2/$5 ($2 off coupon in Sunday's paper!)
*feria Hair Color $7.99 minus $2 in store coupon
*Head & Shoulders or 2-1 Gillette Men's Hair Care $3.99 ($1 MC on Gillette, ? MC on H&S)
*Axe Deodorant or Body Wash 3/$10
*Aquafresh toothpaste or toothbrushes $1.99 ($0.50 MC)
*Centrum Multi-Vitamins Silver or reg $6.99 (first 4 w/FM coupon) (use w/$1 MC)
*Stouffers Red Box or Lean Cuisine Entrees 5/$10 (first 10 w/FM coupon)
*FM butter 2/$4 (first 4 w/FM coupon)
*FM English muffins or Private Selection eggs 3/$5 (first 6 w/FM coupon)
*Cottonelle bath tissue or Scott Paper Towels $5.99 (first 4 w/ FM coupon) (use w/ $0.50 MC on Cottonelle or $1 MC on Scott)
*Gain laundry detergent 100 oz $8.99 (first 2 w/FM coupon)
*Tyson thick cut bacon 2/$5 (first 4 w/FM coupon)
*Hormel Fully Cooked Dinner Entrees 3/$10 (first 6 w/FM coupon) (use w/ $0.55 MC)
*FM Deluxe Ice Cream or Hagen Dazs (1pt) 2/$5
*Mountain Dairy gallon milk or FM gallon ornge juice 2/$5
*Santiam canned vegetables 2/$1
*Pepperidge Farm goldfish 4/$5
*Dannon Activia or Dan Active Yogurt ($0.50 blinkie on either, $1 off Activia MC)
*Kellog's PopTarts $1.98 ($0.50 one 1 MC, $1 off 2 MC)
*Pepsi 12pk or Aquafina Water 3/$12 (use w/ free Sierra Mist 2 ltr coupon on coupons.com)
*Kroger brand 16oz shredded or block cheese 3/$10
*Campbell's Spaghetti Os 5/$4
*FM Cranberry, Grapefruit of Apple Juice 64oz 2/$4
*Tropicana Orange Juice 2/$6
*Budweiser, Coors, Miller 24pk cans $15.99
*M&Ms, Mars Mini bags 9-11.5oz 2/$5
*Skittles or Starburst 2/$4
Don't forget to use your reward coupons - they expire next month! If you have not received them yet, be sure to contact Fred Meyer!
Unfamiliar with Fred Meyer's coupon policy? They allow you stack a Fred Meyer store coupon (FM coupons as I call them) with a manufacturer's coupon. They do not price match to any other store's sale prices, and they won't take other store's sale coupons. You can however use a manufacturer's coupons on any sale or clearance items, but they usually won't allow any overage if the coupon is more than the sale price (sometimes it slips through the cracks, but don't expect it every time). Our local Washington stores do not double any coupons. They do accept the printed internet coupons if they have a barcode (like bricks coupons or from Smart Source or coupons.com if you are unfamiliar with them) so if you are having problems with a clerk not wanting to accept your coupon and you are sure it's legit coupon, please ask to have a manager come on over to verify it.
05 September 2008
Shopping Run Today
I really wanted to take advantage of the Albertsons ad this week, but I burnt out after one. Here's what I brought home today:
Save-A-Lot:
*1lb dried green beans $0.69 (x2)
*small bag pasta (7 oz size) $0.25 (x2)
Total after coupons: $2.76
Fred Meyer:
*Activia 4pk yogurt $1.39 minus $0.50 MC
*Fred Meyer french onion dip $0.99
*FM milk quart $0.79
*FMV hot dog buns $0.39
*FM 12pk hamburger buns $0.99
*wheat baguette $0.99
*6pk of bakery sandwich rolls $0.79
minus $2.50 register rewards coupon
Total after coupons: $2.94
Wal-Mart:
*Kotex liners minus $1 printable coupon
*Kotex liners minus $0.75 printable coupon
*Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta $1.50 minus $1 MC
Total after coupons: $0.93
Albertsons #1:
*Advil Cold Relief marked down to $1.87 (originally $7.49)
Total: $2.03 (had to pay in the pharmacy)
Albertsons #2:
*Hamburger Helper $1.50 (x3) minus $0.80 off 3 printable coupon
*Chex Mix chocolate $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*GM Cheerios Snack Mix $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*Betty Crocker cookie mix $2 minus $0.50 printable coupon
*Chex Cereal Bars $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*Fiber One cereal bars $2 minus $0.50 MC
*Curves cereal bars $2 (x2) minus $0.75 printable coupon (x2)
*Alka Seltzer plus cough syrup marked down to $1.44
*Airborne Lozenges marked down to $0.67
minus $5 wyb 10 GM items
Total after coupons: $10.84 (saved $30.52)
I was incredibly frustrated at Albertsons (I went to the one I'm not so fond of) because they were out of stock on half the items I planned to. Luckily I had my second store already planned out, so I was able to swap coupons to finish this deal and get home!
I wasn't expecting to buy the cold medicine (and I was sad I didn't have a coupon matchup! lol) but I figured I should take advantage of the clearance to replace what I am using now that I am sick. I'm glad to have the snacks for DH's new job! All the chocolate should make the first few weeks easier for him ;)
(all the printable coupons today came from coupons.com!)
Save-A-Lot:
*1lb dried green beans $0.69 (x2)
*small bag pasta (7 oz size) $0.25 (x2)
Total after coupons: $2.76
Fred Meyer:
*Activia 4pk yogurt $1.39 minus $0.50 MC
*Fred Meyer french onion dip $0.99
*FM milk quart $0.79
*FMV hot dog buns $0.39
*FM 12pk hamburger buns $0.99
*wheat baguette $0.99
*6pk of bakery sandwich rolls $0.79
minus $2.50 register rewards coupon
Total after coupons: $2.94
Wal-Mart:
*Kotex liners minus $1 printable coupon
*Kotex liners minus $0.75 printable coupon
*Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta $1.50 minus $1 MC
Total after coupons: $0.93
Albertsons #1:
*Advil Cold Relief marked down to $1.87 (originally $7.49)
Total: $2.03 (had to pay in the pharmacy)
Albertsons #2:
*Hamburger Helper $1.50 (x3) minus $0.80 off 3 printable coupon
*Chex Mix chocolate $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*GM Cheerios Snack Mix $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*Betty Crocker cookie mix $2 minus $0.50 printable coupon
*Chex Cereal Bars $2 minus $0.60 printable coupon
*Fiber One cereal bars $2 minus $0.50 MC
*Curves cereal bars $2 (x2) minus $0.75 printable coupon (x2)
*Alka Seltzer plus cough syrup marked down to $1.44
*Airborne Lozenges marked down to $0.67
minus $5 wyb 10 GM items
Total after coupons: $10.84 (saved $30.52)
I was incredibly frustrated at Albertsons (I went to the one I'm not so fond of) because they were out of stock on half the items I planned to. Luckily I had my second store already planned out, so I was able to swap coupons to finish this deal and get home!
I wasn't expecting to buy the cold medicine (and I was sad I didn't have a coupon matchup! lol) but I figured I should take advantage of the clearance to replace what I am using now that I am sick. I'm glad to have the snacks for DH's new job! All the chocolate should make the first few weeks easier for him ;)
(all the printable coupons today came from coupons.com!)
Another Reason I'm Happy I Stockpile...
The different cold & flu medications I picked up a couple of weeks ago on clearance are already coming in handy - I picked up yet another bug, and I'm sniffling and coughing my morning away. Yuck!
04 September 2008
Thrifty Thursday - Rainchecks
If you are out shopping, and there's something on sale, but your local store has empty shelves, always ask for a raincheck. If there's only a couple left, but you had planned to purchase several more, ask for one too.
Rainchecks are usually valid for 30 days. There are several great reasons to happy about getting a raincheck: Usually you can have extra time to trade for or find more coupons, making the deal even better. And sometimes, having the raincheck means there are more varieties/flavors to choose from. Several months ago, I got a raincheck on Campbell's Chunky Soups. They still had some in stock, but there were very little flavor varieties to choose from. By going back on my next trip two weeks later with the rain check, I was able to choose from a better variety to stock up in my pantry (because who wants to eat Chunky Chicken Noodle week after week?)
Ask at your local Walgreens, Rite Aid or CVS for a raincheck as well - it's not just limited to your grocery stores!
Rainchecks are usually valid for 30 days. There are several great reasons to happy about getting a raincheck: Usually you can have extra time to trade for or find more coupons, making the deal even better. And sometimes, having the raincheck means there are more varieties/flavors to choose from. Several months ago, I got a raincheck on Campbell's Chunky Soups. They still had some in stock, but there were very little flavor varieties to choose from. By going back on my next trip two weeks later with the rain check, I was able to choose from a better variety to stock up in my pantry (because who wants to eat Chunky Chicken Noodle week after week?)
Ask at your local Walgreens, Rite Aid or CVS for a raincheck as well - it's not just limited to your grocery stores!
03 September 2008
02 September 2008
Mail Call!
The last few weeks have been a little on the dismal side - I'd get one or two things at most a day (You can see the state of the economy reflected in the current sample and freebie offerings, that's for sure) But today, it was nice to have 3 days worth in one (since Sunday, and Labor Day there was no mail):
*DVD set to review
*$1 off Olay coupon I told you about here (good until 1/2009!)
*coupon for a free load of bread (from an instant win game last April!)
*TWO coupons for a free box of Cheerios (these don't expire until 2010!)
*sample of Montreal Steak Seasoning from mcCormick Grill Mates
*$5 check from Your2Cents surveys
*Remedy Fall 2008 mag
*Star mag
*Kraft food & family mag Fall 2008
*Scholastic Parent & Child mag September 2008
Plus, an envie full of pet coupons from Homemaker's Resource! (ty Kristen!)
All my magazines I receive are always subscriptions I get for free - I don't feel the need to pay for them. At least I have plenty of reading material this week should I get bored. ;)
*DVD set to review
*$1 off Olay coupon I told you about here (good until 1/2009!)
*coupon for a free load of bread (from an instant win game last April!)
*TWO coupons for a free box of Cheerios (these don't expire until 2010!)
*sample of Montreal Steak Seasoning from mcCormick Grill Mates
*$5 check from Your2Cents surveys
*Remedy Fall 2008 mag
*Star mag
*Kraft food & family mag Fall 2008
*Scholastic Parent & Child mag September 2008
Plus, an envie full of pet coupons from Homemaker's Resource! (ty Kristen!)
All my magazines I receive are always subscriptions I get for free - I don't feel the need to pay for them. At least I have plenty of reading material this week should I get bored. ;)
01 September 2008
Menu Planning Monday!
Monday: breakfast foods - waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon
Tuesday: cheesy green bean & sausage
Wednesday: Chicken bake
Thursday: rice & steamed veggies
Friday: chicken tenders, mac n cheese, salad
Saturday: it's the Pirate festival!
Sunday: Velveeta stuffed grilled cheese & tomato soup
Check out Organizing Junkie for other great Menu Plans!
Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean & Sausage
I love this one because it's quick and easy:
2 cans of green beans or equivalent fresh
1 lb sausage
1/2 cup - 3/4th cup shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 350. Brown sausage, drain fat. Drain cans of green beans or prepare fresh green beans, mix in sausage and pour into glass baking dish (spray with Pam first) Sprinkle cheese on top, bake for 15-17 minutes. Serves 5-6, serve with rolls or cornbread and a fresh salad.
You can add as little as 1/2 lb of sausage if desired, and you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken if desired. I like to use the spicy ground sausage as it's generally on meat markdown, but really, whatever ground meat you have on hand is good. You can also switch on what kind of cheese you use depending on what's in the house - I've used pepper jack, cheddar, and mozzarella and all have been equally good (DH will say that the pepper jack is his favorite though lol)
2 cans of green beans or equivalent fresh
1 lb sausage
1/2 cup - 3/4th cup shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 350. Brown sausage, drain fat. Drain cans of green beans or prepare fresh green beans, mix in sausage and pour into glass baking dish (spray with Pam first) Sprinkle cheese on top, bake for 15-17 minutes. Serves 5-6, serve with rolls or cornbread and a fresh salad.
You can add as little as 1/2 lb of sausage if desired, and you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken if desired. I like to use the spicy ground sausage as it's generally on meat markdown, but really, whatever ground meat you have on hand is good. You can also switch on what kind of cheese you use depending on what's in the house - I've used pepper jack, cheddar, and mozzarella and all have been equally good (DH will say that the pepper jack is his favorite though lol)
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