Printable Coupon for Healthy Choice!

Healthy Choice has a new printable coupon out to save $1 off two of their new Asian Inspired Cafe Steamers. You can choose from Sweet Sesame Chicken, Sweet & Spicy Orange Zest Chicken, Five Spice Beef & Vegetables, and General Tso's Spicy Chicken when you visit your local grocery store.

You will need to log in or create an account with Healthy Choice if you haven't already, in order to print the coupon.

(ahem - Healthy Choice? How about a vegetarian Asian Inspired dish next time, please?)

Quick Shopping Trips

I'm going to need to do a real shopping trip this weekend, as I seem to be runningn out of everything - and I really need fresh fruits and veggies. Here's what I grabbed yesterday:

Albertsons:
*Hunt's diced tomatoes (x4) $1 minus $1 off 2 printable coupon (x2)
*French bread $1.99 minus free survey coupon
Total after coupons: $2

WalMart:
*Starkist tuna packets $1 (x3) minus $1 off 3 MC
*snickers fun size candy bars $1.66 (x2) minus $1 off 2 MC
*Rozoni Healthy Harvest spaghetti $1.50 minus $1 MC
Total after coupons: $4.82

In true WalMart fashion, not only did I wait in line forever, but we had to stand there while the clerk scrutinized my coupons - thank the heavens I didn't try to use more! I understand when it is a printable coupon that they haven't seen before, but when it is quite clearly a Sunday paper coupon, it's beyond overkill. (If I didn't like torturing WM with coupons so much since I know they hate them, I wouldn't bother with shopping there)

It's pouring down rain at the moment, and supposed to all day, so I doubt I will see very many trick or treaters - I guess I didn't need to pick up extra candy, after all.

Hallowe'en Eve...

Pumpkins? check!
Costumes ready? check!
Broom by the door? check! ;)
Cauldron crammed full of candy? check!
Blood punch, finger cookies, eyeballs? check!
House decorated? check! (I know, we have a cheating head start on that since decorated all year round)

Currently watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown as is our tradition, followed by The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Yes, it's the most wonderful time of the year!

(and ready for Halloween clearance! LOL)

Thrifty Thursday

This week's Thrifty Thursday post is about getting your bread and baked goods as cheaply as possible!

A lot of different grocery stores have what is called a day old rack located somewhere in the store (usually at the back) A lot of people think it's stale goods - but in reality, sometimes the bread was baked just that morning! Both Fred Meyer and QFC for instance, put out the day's baked goods on this rack usually around 7-8pm each night. Albertsons usually waits until the following morning, but the bread and baked goods still aren't that old - think about that loaf of bread you bought off the shelf - that was probably already 2-3 days old when you bought it, too. They also put things on the rack that aren't perfect - sometimes you can get a freshly baked cake because they messed up the icing design a little!

Another great way to get cheaper bread and baked goods is to look up a bakery outlet in your area. Franz and Orowheat are two chains located out here in WA. Both even have discount punch cards where you can get something free after you've spent so much - another great help to your grocery budget!

Also, check your grocery store receipts closely. I have noticed that bother Save-A-Lot and Albertsons are doing phone surveys where you get a code for a free loaf of bread in exchange for taking the 3-5 minute long survey. Albertsons bread that they give is the really nice bakery french bread, Save-A-Lots is a nice loaf of white bread, great for toast and sandwiches!

If you have freezer space, most breads are easily freezeable, especially for toast and grilled cheese! When I come across bread products that we use a lot of, I'll usually freeze them.

Wordless Wednesday - In Honor Of Halloween

Spooky graveyard....


(I wasn't going to post it at first, but decided I would post one of mine for once since Halloween is almost here. Please don't use without permission)

Preparedness Tuesday: Tools

It's Preparedness Tuesday - each Tuesday I post 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 having tools in your home. Even if you rent, you should still have a few tools around for every day fixes. I remember when we first moved in to our apartment, we had purchased a bookshelf. DH was at work and I was trying to put it together myself. Well, I had all the pieces out and thought it was like a lot of put together furniture - it would take a screwdriver. That was the only tool we owned, after all, we were just renters. Well, guess what? This one had nails, not screws! In desperation, (because I really wanted the shelf put together right away) I went looking in search of something to use as a hammer - I tried DH's boots (nope), a can of veggies (that sure didn't work!), and finally I tried to use one of my heavy pans (it worked better than the last two items, but I quickly conceded defeat!)

Here's a list of tools you should have, even if you rent. Most can be found very cheaply, if not even for free off of Craigslist or Freecycle:

*hammer
*several types/sizes of screwdrivers
*wrench
*pliers
*tape measure
*selection of screws & nails (I found a small box of assorted ones for 75 cents on clearance at WalMart a few weeks ago)
*duct tape
*electrical tape

I'd also suggest having some WD40 around. In a pinch, most cooking sprays will work as well if you have a lack of space. I would also suggest having a small screwdriver and wrench set kept in your car. We're going into the time of year those items go on sale as stocking stuffers, so they should be found pretty cheaply. (although, if you suspect you will get a lot of use of an item, please remember, check your quality! If you have to replace a tool because it broke, you'll spend just as much money as if you bought the slightly more expensive to begin with!)

If you own your house, you'll want to expand your list, of course. We've added a small axe since we have a fireplace (bought in the camping section at Target for $7.99), a small saw, and a socket wrench to ours.

You also don't need to store your tools in a fancy toolbox. Up until I found a decent toolbox on clearance for DH this summer, we simply used a 10 gallon Rubbermaid tote to keep ours in.* If you'd like privacy, just use a colored one that matches your decor, otherwise I'd recommend a clear tote so you can remember what's in it.

*If you're wondering why I always recommend Rubbermaid totes to store things in: First of all, they tend to stack easily, more so than other brands. Second, they are more waterproof if something leaks in the area than a box. Third, Rubbermaid's tend survive small floods or house fires more than any other brand of plastic totes. That doesn't mean they will in every circumstance, of course - it's just that I feel for the $1 or so difference in our case, it's worth a shot in case the worst does happen.

For more random preparedness thoughts from my blog, click here.

So Today's A Special Day...

not because of the bloggy carnival :P

Actually, today, the 27th, is a special day in my husband and I's life story. On this day, we announced to our families that we really loved each other. We got engaged four days later (Yes, on Halloween!)

I call today the day my FIL decided he hated me. LOL I'm still not quite sure what my DH said at the time (he spoke to his parents first without me present), but my FIL was less than happy with the situation. He's long over it now, but I chuckle a little at the fear the man placed in me back then. (At the time, I was more afraid of his mother's reaction than FIL's, since DH was, and always will be, a Mamma's boy!)

Do you remember the first time you met your in-laws?

Giveaway: A Little Bit Of Washington (International Too!)

I felt so bad last Bloggy carnival when I realized most of the contests were US only. I totally understand at the price of shipping and customs forms to boot, but knowing I have visitors from other countries too, this time I wanted to do an international giveaway too!

We've lived over here in Port Orchard, WA, for close to a year now. As prices on airline tickets, gas etc fluctuate, I know most folks will never get to visit this area (or even this state!) So here's a Washington trinket just for you!

Way back in the day (it seems like ages ago... oh wait, it was LOL) I used to travel a lot. There were two things I always picked up, no matter where I went: One was a patch of the area or major city for my back pack, the other was a souvenir spoon for my beloved grandmother, who loves them. She had lots of spoons from around the world, but I was able to add several to her collection. In honor of my beloved Nana, who is a breast cancer survivor, I am giving away a collector's spoon from this beautiful Washington state!

(I tried to take a picture, but alas, all I kept getting was a blurry mess - even without the flash it kept bouncing off the shininess. So, consider it a surprise as to what it looks like!)

To enter, tell me where you live and a little fact about the area you are from. I'm pretending I'm on an Around The World trip! ;) One entry per person, I'll gladly ship international (but you're on your own if the customs fees get added. I purposely picked something small so you should be clear) Contest ends Friday, October 31st at midnight.

For extra entries (do a separate comment for each):

-add me to your Technorati favs
-sign up for my feed
-blog about my giveaway
-add me to your blog links

Don't forget to enter my other giveaways this week! I submit my winners to Prizey, but please feel free to leave your email so I can contact you if you win. (or hopefully, you continue reading my blog!)

For more awesome giveaways, visit the Bloggy Carnival going on this week!

Giveaway: $10 GC To Target Or WalMart

Because my last gift card Bloggy Giveaway was such a hit, here's another one! Once again, you can choose between a $10 gift card to WalMart or Target.

To enter, let me know which store you prefer, and tell me what you'll be spending it on. This one's US only. For extra entries (do a separate comment for each):

-add me to your Technorati favs
-sign up for my feed
-blog about my giveaway
-add me to your blog links

Don't forget to enter my other giveaways this week! I submit my winners to Prizey, but please feel free to leave your email so I can contact you if you win. (or hopefully, you continue reading my blog!) Contest ends Friday, October 31st at midnight.


For more awesome giveaways, visit the Bloggy Carnival going on this week!

Recipe: Black Bean Soup

For a yummy Black Bean Soup recipe, visit Just Another SAHM's blog! Here's a rundown of ingredients:

1 teaspoon cumin
1 cup salsa
1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 cans (15 ounce)drained and rinsed black beans
sour cream if desired (and in our house, cheese! lol)

To prepare: In a food processor or blender, combine beans, broth, salsa, and cumin. Blend until fairly smooth. Heat the bean mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until thoroughly heated.

This is a really great meal for these cooler Fall days!

Menu Planning Monday

Monday: Chicken patties, grilled potatoes

Tuesday: DH is grilling hot dogs if weather permits with chips

Wednesday: rice & steamed veggies

Friday: spagetti & meatballs with garlic bread

Saturday: All in one pork chop bake

Sunday: Easy Deep Dish Pizza


Check out Organizing Junkie for other great Menu Plans!

Sir, Permission To Spend Money, Sir!

DH just called and I answered the phone like that - he wanted to know what the munchkin needed now. LOL! (Does that mean I spend way too much time shopping online because of all these great blog finds?)

Actually, this time it was purchases for the Pudgy Princess. She has a prescription for her thyroid, and also several different supplements to keep her feeling young. ;) Usually, we buy things here and there, and while I know things cost and add up (the DGP supplement alone is almost $50), this is the first time we've been dinged ordering lots of things at once - ouch!

Actually, this is the first time we're ordering her (prescription) medication online, so I'll let you know how it goes. I'm actually ending up ordering from two different sites, to take advantage of the lowest price and coupon codes. I'm getting free shipping from each site, and I was able to track down a coupon code for each site as well (whoo hoo!)

When you are ordering from large sites, take a few moments to search for a coupon code, and don't give up if the first few sites you search don't have one! I looked through four or five different sites before I finally found a current code for PetCareRX, and it certainly was worth the 10 minutes I spent searching. (that one saved almost $12!) These coupon codes are also good on flea medications!

For instance, to save 5% on your order at 1800PetMeds, simply sign up for their mailing list. They'll email you a code to use on your next order.

Fred Meyer 10/26 - 11/1

See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:

*Large Fuji Apples $0.88 lb
*Naturally Preferred Organic Apple Juice 1 gallon $6.99
*Beef Loin New York Steak (family pack of 5 or more) $4.99 lb
*Hershey's Fun Size Candy $1.77 each w/ in ad coupon (limit 3)
*Tillamook 16 oz chunk cheese 3/$10
*Lay's Potato Chips 2/$4
*Tombstone Pizza 2/$6
*Mountain Dairy gallon milk 2/$5
*GM cereal or Quaker Instant Cereal 4/$10
*Yoplait Yogurt 20/$10
*Pepsi 12pk or Aquafina 2/$9
*Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni 5/$5
*Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cups 8 oz 2/$4
*Friskies Cat Food 16 or 18 lbs $9.99
*Quilted Northern 12 Ultra or regular $5.99
*Brawny Paper Towels 6 or 8 pk $5.99
*Halls Cough Drops 10/$10 ($0.35 MC All You Mag, BOGOF tear pad)
*Wrigley's 5 or Extra Gum 10/$10
*Garnier Fructis Hair Care $2.89 ($1 MC)
*Clairol Nice N Easy Hair Color $6.49
*Axe Products 3/$10
*Colgate Premium Toothpaste 2/$4 ($1.50 MC Colgate Total All You Mag, $1 on 2 MC)
*One-A-Day vitamins $6.99 ($1 MC)
*Large Avocados 4/$5
*Pomegranates 2/$5
*Hothouse Bolt Peppers 4/$5
*Jumbo artichokes 2/$5
*Peeled Mini Carrots $1.98 2lb bag
*Organic Valencia Oranges $0.98 lb
*Organic Grape Tomatoes 2/$5
*Green & Black Organic Chocolates 3.5 oz 2/$6
*Wolfgang Puck Organic Soups or Broth 2/$4
*Yaya's Popcorn 4/$5
*Amy's Kitchen Pizza 2/$10
*Horizon Organic Milk 64 oz $3.29 ($0.55 MC)
*Foster Farms Fresh Fryer Breasts Bone In $1.48 lb
*Jumbo EZ Peel White Shrimp $4.99 lb
*Wild Alaskan True Cod Fillet $5.99 lb
*Wild Alaskan Colossal Red King Crab Legs $11.99 lb
*Pork Loin Assorted Chops $1.99 lb
*USDA Choice Beef Top Round London Broil $3.49 lb
*Pork Spareribs $1.99 lb
*Fresh Extra Lean Ground Beef $2.99 lb
*100% All Natural Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey Breasts $7.99 (deli)
*Pita Chips or Hummus 2/$5
*12pk donuts 2/$7
*8" Pie $3.99
*VO5 Shampoo or Conditioner $0.79 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*Kroger Pain Relief BOGOF w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*Michelina's Budget Gourmet Entrees 20/$10 w/in ad coupon (limit 20)
*Yuban or Seattle's Best Coffee $4.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)
*Private Selection Eggs or Tree Top Apple Juice or Blends 3/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 9) ($1 off 2 Tree Top Juices MC)
*Purex 2X Laundry Detergent $1.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2) ($0.50 MC)
*Chicken Tenderloins $6.99 3lb frozen bag w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*Tyson Thick Cut Bacon 2/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*All time Treats Snack Size Candy $5.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)

All Home clearance is 50% the lowest marked price!

Don't forget to use your reward coupons - they expire THIS WEEK! 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.

And The Winner Of The Classical Pearls Giveaway Is...

#88 sara who said...

The freshwater pearl bracelet. I would save it for my daughter for when she is older :)

Congratulations, Sara! Please get back to me by Monday night at midnight, or I'll have to draw another winner.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter! Be sure to stop by next week, as the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival is on! :)

Have An Etsy Store? Your Own Small Store Site?

Want some linky love? ;) I want to do my part to help the economy by featuring different Etsy stores and small family owned businesses owned by people like me and you. If you'd like to see your store featured on my blog, please contact me. I'd love to help you get some extra traffic and sales for the upcoming Holiday shopping season!

Recession, smession! I've had enough, it's time to fight back by shopping smarter and helping small businesses out!

Take Those Surveys!

No, I'm not saying spend all your days taking every survey that comes through your inbox. Seriously! Your eyes would be burnt out and your brain to mush. ;) I know most that participate in the survey panels always take the ones that pay cash. But you really could be losing out if you completely ignore the ones that only give you a sweepstakes entry!

I just got notice that I won $100 from one of the survey panels! It's one that took me maybe 5 minutes of my time, so it was definitely worth it! (I'll post which panel it was from after I receive the check)

Plus, I just cashed out from two other survey sites, so I will have more reason to stalk the mail carrier in coming weeks! ;)

Printable Coupon For Milkbone Dog Treats!

Milkbone dog treats currently have a printable coupon (Bricks) to save $1 off your next purchase of any Milkbone brand dog treats!

We keep several boxes of these around here for the Pudgy Princess, including a box in the car. The bigger crunchy bones make great meal replacements for your dog when you are on the go!

Target Olay Ribbons Deal!

Target currently Olay Ribbons on clearance at $1.74. If you have the Olay Ribbons coupon still that I posted about in August, your cost would be $0.74 plus tax! That's a really good price for Olay body wash if you like or would like to try it. (Run!)

I really feel that having a wonderful body wash or bath soap is something any woman should always splurge on! The few moments we get to ourselves in the shower or bath helps us keep our sanity the rest of the day! ;)

Wordless Wednesday

Preparedness Tuesday: First Aid Kits

It's Preparedness Tuesday - each Tuesday I post one thing you can do to help prepare you and your family for everday 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 having first aid supplies in your home. This week I visited Sandra's blog Mommy's Gone Crazy, and she had a post about a great first aid kit available. I suddenly realized how dismal our first aid supply really was around here. I suggest you keep your supplies organized in a clear rubbermaid tote - and if you can get one with a handle on top, even better!

Here's a great list of items to keep in your first aid kit:

*Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to Latex

*Sterile dressings, (gauze) in several different sizes

*Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect (those small bottles of Purell would be perfect!)

*Antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin)

*Burn ointment to prevent infection

*Adhesive bandages in a different sizes

*Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant

*Thermometer & covers

*Scissors to trim down any gauze or tape

*Tweezers (for splinters) & a magnifying glass to see the splinters

*Vaseline

*Aspirin/Tylenol

*Antacid like Tums or Pepto Bismal

*Laxatives (for constipation)

*Anti-diarrheal medicines (Diarrea can kill you if you are in a Katrina like situation, so ALWAYS keep this on hand!)

*Cold & Flu medicines for you and your child

*Bandage wraps for sprains

These are basic items that always come in handy. I would suggest that when you change your smoke alarm battery every 6 months, you check on your first aid kit to see if you need to restock, or to change out items that may have expired.
There are often freebies out like medicine samples to help you keep your first aid kit stocked cheaply. Another great way to add things into your kit cheaply is to visit a health fair! Last Spring we visited one here, and we walked out of there with items like a thermometer, band aids, and lots of free first aid charts and information to keep in our kit, all for free, and we even got our blood sugars, hearing tests and others for free.

I would also purchase a small first aid to keep in your car. You can get one as cheaply as 97 cents (look in your travel & trial sizes section at your local Target or WalMart to find it)

For more random preparedness thoughts from my blog, click here.

Menu Planning Monday

DH is home most of this week, so it's a little easier for me to plan.

Monday: nachos

Tuesday: Cheesey Rice & meat stuffed burritos

Wednesday: Taco Bake

Thursday: chicken & rice a roni

Friday: Fiesta Meatloaf

Saturday: steaks, green beans, & seasoned potatoes

Sunday: sandwich style wraps

It's a light dinner tonight since we are going out to lunch. For anyone just joining me, I don't usually post our lunches because they are usually a combination of soups and grilled sandwiches or bagels.


Check out Organizing Junkie for other great Menu Plans!

Fred Meyer Deals 10/19 - 10/25

See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:

*Fresh Express Salad Kits BOGOF
*Foster Farms Whole Fryers $0.79 lb (your first 3)
*8 piece Fried Chicken $6.99
*Private Selection Pizza $6.99 (take and bake)
*Johnsonville Grilling Sausage $3.99
*Kettle Original or Krinkle Cut Chips 2/$7
*Kroger Medium Cheddar Cheese 2lb $4.99 (first 2)
*Fred Meyer frozen veggies 16oz 10/$10
*FM Peanut Butter or Preserves $1.99
*Dreyer's Ice Cream 48 oz 2/$7 ($0.50 blinkie on frozen yogurt)
*FM Apple Juice 64 oz 3/$5
*Imperial Spread Cubes 16 oz $0.99
*FM Nice N Soft Bath Tissue 12 regular or 24 single $4.79
*Coke 12pk or Dasani 12pk 2/$10
*Lay's Potato Chips 2/$4
*Nutra Nuggets Lamb & Rice Dog Food 40lb $19.99
*Xtra 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent 2/$5
*Johnsons Baby Products $1.99 after in store MC
*Kroger bag candy 10-20 oz $0.99
*Kroger Undergarments $8.99
*Vive Pro or Studio Line Hair Care 3/$10 ($1 off Vive MC)
*L'Oreal Natural Match Hair Color $5.99 after in store MC
*Secret, Old Spice, Gillette, Tag deodorants 2/$7 ($1 off 2 Secret, Old Spice)
*Irish Spring Bar 8pk 2/$7
*SoftSoap Body Wah or Liquid Hand Soap (40 oz) 2/$7 ($1 off SoftSoap)
*Nature Made vitamins BOGOF ($1 off MC)
*Atkins Shakes or Multi Pack bars 2/$10 ($2 off MC)
*Mucinex Products save $1
*Honeycrisp Apples $1.98 lb
*Tomatoes on the vine $1.28 lb
*Fresh Cranberries 12 oz 2/$4
*Mayan Sweet Onions $0.98 lb
*Bulk Mushrooms $2.49 lb
*Private Selection Organic Salad 1lb $3.99
*Organic Bartlett Pears $1.49 lb
*Javatopia Organic Bird Friendly Coffee $7.99 lb
*Health Valley Cereals or Westbrae Non Dairy Beverages 2/$6
*Muir Glen soup 3/$7 ($1 off any Muir Glen product printable on coupons.com)
*Glaceau Vitamin Water or Smart Water 10/$10
*Reed's Ginger Brew or Virgil's Soda 4pk $3.99
*Nature's Way Herbs save 25%
*Natrol Select Supplements save 25% ($1 off MC)
*Kashi Entrees 2/$7 ($2 off printable MC here)
*Amy's Kitchen Bowls 2/$7 ($1 off any 2 MC)
*Ethnic Gourmet entrees 2/$6
*Wolfgang Puck Pizza 2/$10 ($1 off MC)
*Food For Life Ezekiel Bread 2/$6
*Turtle Mountain So Delicious 1 qt $3.99 (MC available here)
*Private Selection All Natural Ground Beef $4.99 lb
*Private Selection All Natural Boneless Bottom Round Roast $3.99 lb
*Private Selection All Natural New York Steak $9.98 lb
*Private Selection All Natural T-Bone Steak $9.98 lb
*Private Selection All Natural Rib Eye Steak $9.98 lb
*Foster Farms Boneless Skinless Fryer Breasts $3.99 lb (family pack)
*Boneless Pork Loin Top Sirloin Chops $2.99 lb (family pack of 3lbs or more)
*Fresh Lean Ground Beef $2.79 lb
*USDA Choice Beef Chuck $3.49 lb
*Beef Loin Petite Sirloin Steak $3.99 lb (family pack)
*USDA Choice Beef Loin Petite Sirloin Steak $4.99 lb
*Medium Cooked or Raw Shrimp $4.99 lb
*Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Fillet $8.99 lb
*Mahi Mahi Fillet $2.99 lb
*10" Pumpkin Pie $6.99
*Private Selection Meat or Cheese $5.99 lb (deli)
*Jo-Jo or mashed potatoes & gravy $1.99 lb (deli)
*Italian Bread 2/$3
*Muffins or Cinnamon Rolls 2/$7
*Cake Slice $1.99
*Panini sandwiches $4.99
*Herbal Essence Hair Care 2/$5 (first 4 w/in ad coupon) ($1 off MC)
*FM 1/2 gallon milk or orange juice 4/$5 (first 8 w/in ad coupon)
*Post Cereals 5/$10 (first 5 w/ in ad coupon)
*Country Oven or Vita*Bee bread 3/$4 (first 6 w/in ad coupon)
*Big K soda 12pk 6/$10 (first 6 w/ in ad coupon)
*Bar S Jumbo Franks 10/$10 (first 10 w/ in ad coupon) ($0.25 printable coupon here)
*Crest Toothpaste or Oral B Tooth brush $1.99 (first 4 w/ in ad coupon) ($0.50, $1 off MC)
*FM Deli Meat packages 3/$7 (first 3 w/ in ad coupon)
*Nestle Fun Size Candy $1.77 (first 3 w/ in ad coupon)

All Home clearance is 50% the lowest marked price!

Don't forget to use your reward coupons - they expire in a couple of weeks at the end of the 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.

Oh No!

My washer's making an awful sound as its trying to do it's job. Earlier this week, I had to abandon ship on a load in the dryer - it smelled like it was burning! I think a belt's about to go in it, now if there's something wrong with the washer too... :(

For anyone just joining me, the washer and dryer look like they are the original ones from when this house was built, back in 1982. We did plan to buy new ones when we bought this place, it's just that everything keeps going wrong in this place - it's like trying to take a bucket and dig out the Titanic. Fixing everything as it blows up or dies just isn't going to work. (I am ready to abandon ship, believe me - buying this place was a learning lesson as to why you have an inspection done before buying, no matter how cheap it is!)

(Anyone know of any contests for a washer and dryer? lol)

Wandering Thoughts...

Gas was $2.89 here. Well, at one place anyways - just down the street it was still $3.19! I really hope it stays on a downward cycle for a few months to allow us all to catch our breath and recover from some of these prices!

I will say I have enjoyed shopping my "stockpile" this last week. I am incredibly thankful that we did decide to buy that deep freezer as it has made all the difference! I did notice the other day when we stopped in at WalMart that they had raised the price on the freezer we purchased by $15 - another reason I am really glad we already purchased it. I was guilty of not making a menu plan again this week, and I have been floundering without it. I'm going to work on next week's menu later on, DH is home most of the week. (his new job leaves much to be desired, but at least he's close to home)

And for my American readers, I really hope that you are registered to vote. (If you haven't, I believe some states are still allowing you to register in person until next week - check on your state's website) It doesn't matter who you vote for, just please, get out there and vote! (especially if you are a woman - it's hard to believe 100 years ago, we didn't have that right) Wouldn't it be something if 90% of folks who could vote, went to the polls!

BTW, I will be participating again in the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival coming up on October 27th! And I promise, I'll do a small one that my international readers can enter too! :)

Printable Coupon For Hunt's Tomatoes

Hunt's has a really great printable coupon out for $1 off any two (canned) tomatoes! Fred Meyers has these on sale a lot for $1 each, so after the coupon the cost would be 50 cents a can!

I really love the Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes. I keep a couple of cans around always, as I use them in different recipes. They are even great with a pound of ground sausage as a quick topping for spagetti!

(and if you don't use canned tomatoes, this would be a great donation item to a local food pantry!)

Classical Pearls Jewelry (Giveaway Too!)

As the stressful holiday shopping season is looming before us, I know not everyone already had their entire list taken care of back in June! (I am beginning to wish I had!)

Classical Pearls Jewelry has many beautiful ideas for gifts and stocking stuffers at a great price. They always offer you free shipping - worldwide! They even offer a incredible money back guarantee if you are not happy with your purchase - up to one year from the date of purchase. Not a lot of sites do that!

Classical Pearls even accepts PayPal as a form of payment.

Each and everyone of their pearls is hand picked and knotted with care. They are appraised by a IGI Graduate Gemologist, and are guaranteed 100% genuine, so combined with the money back guarantee, you really can't go wrong!

The very first piece of "real" jewelry I ever received as a little girl (and I still have it, of course) was a pretty little seed pearl necklace that my grandmother gave me for my First Communion. I've always had a fascination with pearls since then. Every time when we would visit Sea World I'd beg to visit the Pearl Village so I could get one of the oysters brought up by the divers and see what pretty pearl I had gotten this time!

This freshwater pearl bracelet is silver with white pearls. It has larger pearls with teeny tiny accents. A very pretty stocking stuffer, and a steal at just $24.99! The pearls on it are just beautiful, and it is nicely made (now, if your baby grabs it, you'll have a problem, but that's the same with just about ANY jewelry) It is a "stretchy" type, not a clasp, so it is easily put on when wearing.


Have someone who loves to wear earrings in your life? Look at these beautiful white Freshwater Pearl Earrings in 14KT at just $39!


Or how about this absolutely beautiful Akoya pearl necklace?


This gorgeous freshwater pearl necklace is on my hint list to DH:


I actually never knew the difference between all the different pearls. The Akoya oyster is the smallest pearl-producing oyster used in pearl culture today, making Akoya pearls on the smaller size. These are just perfect for matching for multi-pearl jewelry such as strands and bracelets.

Freshwater pearls are a kind of pearl that comes from freshwater mussels. They are also really good for bracelets, necklaces such as the pink pearl necklace and earrings too.

Want to get a head start on your holiday shopping? I have a beautiful pearl bracelet (featured above) to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, visit Classical Pearls Jewelry, and find your favorite piece. Tell me which one it is, and either who you want to give it to, or who you'd pass this site along as a hint for a gift for you! I'll give an extra entry for blogging about this giveaway, and a third entry for subscribing to my feed (let me know if you're already a subscriber) Contest ends next Friday, October 24th, at midnight PST. US Only, please. I do submit winners to Prizey, so you can check there to see if you've won, leave your email if you want me to email you if you win, or just check back to see the winner!

Slow Shopping Week

for me, anyways. I really didn't justify doing too much, since I had a nicely stocked fridge. I even made a trip to Albertsons and didn't use a single coupon! (oh, the horrors!)

Here's my rundown for the week:

Dollar Tree:
*pet bed $1
*2lb bag of rice $1
*box of garlic bread $1
*Tacoma newspaper $1
Total: $4.09

WalMart:
*Kotex liners 20ct $1 (x2) minus $1 MC (x2)
*Sams choice 2 ltr soda $0.67 (x3)
Total after coupons: $2.37

Albertsons:
*TGIF's appetizers $2.50 (x3)
*OreIda tater tots $2.50
*Albertsons half gallon milk $1.89
*Albertsons 8 0z shredded cheese $1.88
*6pk cheese bagels (bakery markdown) $0.99
*4pk croissants (bakery markdown) $0.99
minus $3 wyb $10 worth of participating products
Total: $12.75

Goodwill:
vintage Abercrombie heavy winter coat for DH $7.99 (I swear, it looks brand new!! and it's the older Abercrombie line, so it's better quality - not the cheap stuff they have come out with this last decade)
Roots Canada hoodie for the munchkin to grow into $3.99 (it matches mine! I so could not resist!)
Old Navy lightweight summer skirts for me, two of them for 99 cents each (they look like they haven't been worn either)
Total: $15.22

Charity Thrift:
Nordic Ware pan $2.50
With Honors soundtrack CD - Free
brand new vegetable peeler - Free
pair of shorts for the munchkin - free
Total: $2.74 (once a month, a certain tag color is marked down to free after it's been on different sales and hasn't sold - gotta love that! :)

I know, no fresh fruits, but I have tons of fresh apples from our tree, plus blackberries I have frozen.

I wanted to post my thrift store finds, because I know many are trying to pinch in this economy. I routinely find wonderful items that look brand new - don't be afraid to stop in your local thrift store and see what they have! Some days you may walk away empty handed, it happens. But other days, you may walk away with a wonderful bargain - like that winter coat for my DH!

Free Rentals At Family Video!

What a great idea of Family Video, giving back to their customers! Lots of video rentals will be free from October 17th to November 17th. I don't have one close by to me, so I can't tell you yet which movies are included. Visit here to see if there's a location near you, and if you stop by, let us know what movies were available at your location!

Thrifty Thursday - Compromise!

This week's Thrifty Thursday post is about compromise.

When you don't want to cook, but want to keep costs down, you have several options:

1) Go out to eat, but take advantage of coupons to keep your meal costs down. We look through the ValPak envelopes and other like minded "advertising" areas, and keep these in an envelope in the car. We are also aware of different places that have specials such as a discount night, or kids eat free. If you have a cell phone, and visit several places on a regular basis, it might be worth programming their number into your cell phone. If you are out and about, and too tired to cook when you get home, you can always call and see what the specials or deals are for that day/week, and decide from there where to eat.

2) Buy some convenience foods. For instance, today DH and I really wanted to go out to lunch, but funds are tight until payday. We decided to take advantage of a deal at Albertsons, where we got 4 different appetizer like foods for $7. Unless we ate off the dollar menu at a fast food joint, we would have spent more than the $7. All I had to do was place everything in the oven, and it felt like we had a giant appetizer sampler! Another option could have been buying a bag of salad ($1.99) and a ready made chicken from the deli ($7.99 if not on special)

3) Have several pre-cooked meals in the freezer that you just have to put into the oven. Lasagna makes a really great prepare and freeze dish for nights when you really don't want to cook!

Either way you choose, you still save money!

Wordless Wednesday

RIP little guy.... I'm gonna miss you. :(

Upcoming Albertsons Ad

Looks like this weeks Albertsons ad is a repeat of the GM/Pillsbury/Betty Crocker from two weeks ago - but be careful, there are some items that have changed price points (Pillsbury Crescent rolls are now $1.50 wyb 10 items for instance)

But, if you still have coupons, there's still some great deals in it, depending on what you use in your family. (Progresso soups are spread out over several price points, but the Vegetable Classics end up being $1 each before coupons!)

Let me know if you come up with a great scenario - I'll post the link(s) here!

Preparedness Tuesday - Life's Pile Of Paperwork

It's Preparedness Tuesday - each Tuesday I post 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 having your documents organized and ready in case of emergency. By documents, I mean a copy of your birth certificates, passports, drivers licenses, insurance papers, etc. The last thing you want to do if you have an hour to evacuate is be scrambling around searching for paperwork if it's in 5 different places.

I recommend having the following:
*birth certificates (notarized)
*social security cards
*passports
*house deeds (if you own)
*any insurance documents - life, home, car, health paperwork that is important such as wills, etc
*copies of all your high school/college diplomas (originals if not on display)
*health records (including vaccinations records if it applies)
*pet health records (especially rabies records!)

Keep all of these (and any paperwork you deem important) in a briefcase/file folder etc, whatever it is, as long as it has a handle. If possible, have these in a big ziploc bag to keep them somewhat waterproof. Now I know for security purposes, you need to keep it a little out of the way - if someone was to break into your house while you are gone, you don't want to give it away that easily. However, I recommend you keep it in your bedroom, so you can easily grab it if there's fire at night. You will have around 60 seconds most of the time to get out. If you need to grab your children or pets, believe me, you won't have the time to do anything more than grab this IF you're lucky.

A lot of people choose to keep their important documents at the bank, and that's fine, but just remember, if something happens that you need the paperwork, and it's late on a Saturday night, you're stuck waiting until Monday morning to get everything you need. I'd honestly keep a separate set at home (copies of everything) and keep the originals at the bank then.

I also recommend buying a small flash drive and scanning every important document and receipt to. This flash drive I would recommend having stored at someone you COMPLETELY trust's place - maybe your brother in law who lives an hour away has a fireproof safe, for instance. You could also store this in your safe deposit box as well. On top of having everything else listed above scanned onto it, I would also scan or add:

*pictures of your house, outside and in, for insurance purposes, and any receipts that go along with the items (for instance, that TV or your wedding ring)
*important photos that you don't want to loose, such as of your children or wedding, or Aunt Erma
*any genealogical information you don't want to loose
*baptismal information, etc
*your CURRENT job resume for the moneymakers of the house (in case you can't come back or there's nothing to come back to - like the folks in Galveston :(

Once a year I would try to update the information if you can, if not more often. I know not everyone has a scanner, but perhaps you could borrow one from someone you know. I wouldn't suggest doing it on their computer, since they would have access to the files, plus it can be time consuming. Plan to spend about 3-5 hours doing this, maybe over the course of one week. I would also suggest you have your computer run it's virus scan before doing undertaking it, and of course, have your virus protection kept up to date.

Some folks might think it's overkill, but if there's a fire, you have a back up way to prove to your insurance company what you had in your home, and if you have to evacuate due to natural disaster, you can concentrate on making sure important things such as priceless mementos make it in your car, instead of running around looking for all those papers!

For more random preparedness thoughts from my blog, click here.

Recipe: Salsa Chicken Quesadillas

Guess what's for dinner tonight? ;)

*1/2 cup salsa
*1 cup shredded cheese
*1/2 lb to 3/4 lb sliced chicken (if using a Quesadilla maker, the thinner the better)
*8 burrito sized tortillas
*1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
*1 tablespoon oil
*2 tablespoons water
*sour cream if desired

Brown chicken in skillet in oil (I use olive, but you can use vegetable) When finished, mix in taco seasoning and water so chicken is seasoned.

Spread tortilla evenly with salsa and cheese, add in seasoned chicken and top with a second tortilla. Heat another large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat. Add quesadillas and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until lightly browned on both sides. Repeat with remaining quesadillas. Cut each quesadilla into three wedges to serve, and garnish with sour cream if desired.

Instead of browning in a skillet, you can easily make this in a quesadilla maker if desired, following your manufacturer's directions for use. (Mine takes about 5 minutes or so to make each one)

Free Sample of Pearl Drops Toothpaste!

Pearl Drops is offering a free sample of their toothpaste. Simply sign up on their website to receive it in the mail.

Great Pet Deal At Dollar Tree!

If you have cats or small dogs, check into your local Dollar Tree for a wonderful deal! They have cute little pet beds in bone camo on one side, and green polyester fleece-y on the other side. (This was the only pattern my store had, but maybe other stores have different ones? Let me know if you find any others!) They even zip off so you can wash them - and they are about the perfect size for medium crates. At a dollar, they are a great deal! (I'd hurry though, because the other animal crazies like me have more than one pet they are buying for - lol)

Also, this is a great donation item to local shelters and rescues!

Fred Meyer Deals 110/12 - 10/18

See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:

*Country Style Pork Ribs (family pack) $1.48 lb
*Broccoli Crowns or Cauliflower $0.78 lb
*Large Fuji apples $1.48 lb
*Granny Smith Apples $0.98 lb
*Jonagold apples $1.28 lb
*Honeycrisp apples $2.49 lb
*Large Gala apples $1.28 lb
*Red delicious apples $0.98 lb
*Large Braebum $0.98 lb
*Golden Delicious $0.98 lb
*Cameo apples $0.98 lb
*Personal size watermelon 2/$6
*Tuscan cantaloupe 2/$6
*Baker potatoes $0.58 lb
*Cabernet Sauvignon grapes $2.98 lb
*Strawberries 1lb 2/$5
*Organic carrot chips, shreds or mini peeled carrots 2/$3
*Imagine Foods Organic Soup 2/$5
*Pacific Foods Soy or Low Fat Rice Non Dairy 32 oz 4/$5
*Annie Chun's Noodle or Soup bowls 2/$5
*Tom's of Maine personal care items 25% off
*American Health Supplements save 25%
*9Lives Canned Cat Food 3/$1
*Iams Dry Cat Food 7 or 8 lbs $13.99 ($1 MC)
*Pet Pride Cat Litter Pail 28 lb $6.99
*Iams dry Dog Food $17.99 ($1 MC)
*Greenies 15oz $15.99
*FM donuts 3/$5
*Langers Apple Juice 64oz 3/$5
*FM half gallon deluxe ice cream 5/$10
*Folgers coffee 27.8-33.9 oz $6.99 ($0.35 MC)
*Kroger brick or shredded cheese 16 oz 2/$6
*Doritos 2/$5
*Pepsi brands 12pk or Aquafina 2/$9
*Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches $5.49
*Mountain Dairy Gallon Milk or FM Orange Juice $2.75
*FM Yogurt 10/$4
*Campbell's soup (selected varieties) 10/$10 ($0.50, $1 off ?)
*Tide 2x liquid laundry detergent 40-64 loads $10.99
*Wrigley's Gum multipacks 10/$10
*Ricola cough drops 10/$10 (? MC out there)
*Prilosec 14ct $9.99 ($1 MC)
*Fresh boneless skinless fryer breasts (family pack) $2.49 lb
*USDA Choice Beef Cross Rib Pot Roast $3.49 lb
*Fresh Extra Lean Ground Beef $3.49 lb
*Pork Loin assorted chops $1.98 lb
*Beef Loin T-Bone steak $6.99 lb
*Jumbo EZ Peel White Shrimp $4.99 lb
*Wild Alaskan Whole Sockeye Salmon $3.99 lb
*Wild Alaskan True Cod Fillet $5.99 lb
*Private Selection Organic Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $6.99 lb
*Private Selection Organic Drumsticks or thighs $2.49 lb
*Private Selection Organic Bone-In Fryer Breasts $4.49 lb
*Private Selection Organic Whole Fryers $2.49 lb
*Chicken Tenders (from the deli) $5.99 lb
*Hoagie sandwich or Private Selection soups 2/$5
*Fresh Made Deli salads $4.99 lb
*Artisian bread 2/$7
*FM Natural or Bagel Bunch Bagels 2/$5
*Quaker Cereal 5/$10 w/ in ad coupon (limit 5) (? MC)
*FM 18pk large eggs BOGOF w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)
*Betty Crocker Tuna, chicken helpers 10/$10 w/ in ad coupon (limit 10) ($0.75 on 3 MC, $0.80 on 3 on coupons.com)
*Charmin bath tissue 12 big rolls $5.99 or Bounty Towels $5.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4) ($0.25 MC)
*FM Sliced bacon 2/$6 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)
*Hillshire Farm rope style smoked sausage 2/$4 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*M&M/Mars fun size bags $1.88 w/ in ad coupon (limit 3)
*Tums $2.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4) ($1 off 2 MC)
*Centrum vitamins $6.99 ($1 MC)




Don't forget to use your reward coupons - they expire at the end of the 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.

How Fred Meyer Lost My Business

I wanted to wait a few days to post this, to calm down, rather than come home right away and post it.

I had yet another run in with the nasty anti-coupon clerk at the Port Orchard location. I wish I had been able to get her name (I've posted about her in the past) but I was so frustrated I just left.

DH was doing something at the customer service counter (which I'll tell you about at the end) so I figured I would take advantage of having the Suave coupon in my bag, and I headed over to the health and beauty aisle to get, just as I had done on a trip on Sunday.

Now, Suave is on sale this week with the in-ad coupon for $0.79 each. I had a coupon for $1.50 off any two Suave products. Total should before coupons: $1.98 + tax. Total after coupons: $0.08 + tax (on $1.99)

This clerk decided to tell me I couldn't use the coupon "Because then they were paying me to take items" Huh??? Last I checked, I was paying Fred Meyer, not Fred Meyer paying me. First of all, my coupon is the same as cash. When Fred Meyer submits that coupon to the clearing house, regardless of what I pay, they are getting reimbursed that $1.50 plus a handling fee.

Second of all, apparently this clerk needs to learn basic math, because I was paying 8 cents plus tax for them, not being paid out of the till for buying them! I tried to point that out to her, but the woman would not budge. I finally had enough, and told the woman she obviously had issues, and was anti-coupon. I also told her it wasn't the first time she was nasty with me using a coupon, but it would be the last.

I WILL NOT BE TREATED LIKE A CRIMINAL FOR USING COUPONS ANYMORE. I will not. There are other grocery stores in town that are vying for my business in today's economy, and where I am not treated like dirt over the use of a coupon.

Congratulations, Port Orchard Fred Meyer, on hiring a nasty, unintelligent clerk that has just run a customer out of the store for good. You will no longer get the main part of my grocery business, and no longer will I purchase the majority of my gas through your store.

And to finish up with what happened to DH: My MIL decided to send us money via Western Union (why couldn't she just have sent a check like normal folks do?! lol) - the customer service clerk apparently also had issues, as she kept trying to tell DH she didn't have record of it in the system. Lo and behold, another clerk found it right away. It wasn't so much that part, as mistakes can be made, but this one was also incredibly rude with my DH (and for my DH to complain about rudeness says it all. He's usually humiliated whenever I say something)

I will continue to post the ad match ups for the time being, as I know I have several readers who come here for that. However, I won't know of the hidden deals unless someone emails me about them, or I decide to visit another location, because I will not shop the Port Orchard location again.

I Challenge You...

to help out struggling folks by purchasing and donating two food items to a local pantry this weekend.

It can be two cans of veggies from the dollar store (2 for $1) Maybe it's something you had extra of in your pantry, or you bought 2 or 3 and your kids hate it with a passion. Or something you got free with a coupon that you're just not sure you'll ever use.

Check with your local food pantry - maybe they even take donations of personal care items as well - what couponer doesn't have an extra toothpaste in their cabinets? ;)

Whatever it is, just donate something to a local food bank of your choice. Many are starting to have to turn away families because they just don't have enough - and that's a scary thought. Flip a coin - what if it was you trying to stretch two days worth of food into a week for your family? Think Karma! (Just remember to check the dates before donating if it's from your own cabinets)

(and if you absolutely can't afford it, I totally understand. See those two buttons off to the right side of my blog there? The Hunger Site and The Animal Rescue Site? You can click through to their site every day and a tiny donation will be made to charity! Even that helps!)

Thrifty Thursday - Tips And Tricks

Here's some more tips and tricks to help you in your home (and help be frugal too!)

*Keep a freezer safe plastic container in your fridge - every time you have leftover veggies, add it to the container. When it's full, you'll have a great hodge podge of veggies perfect for making soup! (who needs to pay $1 for a can of veg-all?)

*Like to make cabbage but hate the smell? Place a couple of teaspoons of vinegar in a small shot glass on the stove while cooking the cabbage. It will help take away most of the cabbage smell.

*Don't have a muffin tray for my potato tip last week? Use a CLEAN unused nail through the middle of the potato. The metal soaks up the heat and cooks it faster from the inside.

*To stretch fresh hamburger when making your own patties, try grating a large onion and mixing it in before forming the patties. It will make them juicier, too!

*Love bacon for breakfast but always get splattered on? Try tossing a pinch of salt into the pan before starting to fry it. (It'll save on clean up!)

*Love Cafe Mocha but hate the cost? Mix half a packet of instant cocoa mix to one cup of strong black coffee.

*Don't have a fireplace but want to rise dough for dinner? If the kids (or you!) are watching TV and it's an older (non-flat panel) set, place the covered bowl on top of it (or, interchangeably, if you have a flat screen, place it on the DVD player if it's in use) It gives off enough heat to make it rise.

*Apples keep longer in the fridge if they don't touch each other.

*Ripen a pear faster by placing it in a paper bag with an apple.

*Making a Jack O Lantern for Halloween? Run a bit of vaseline on the cut edges to preserve it longer and keep it from sagging.

*Here's a use for the used fabric softener sheets this holiday season - place it in a crusty dirty pan and fill with water, and let it stand. The crusty food will come off easily. (Make sure you wash the pan thoroughly afterwards to get rid of any chemical residue!!)

*Have a mouse wandering your kitchen? Plant some fresh peppermint in a pot on your windowsill. They hate the smell of fresh peppermint, and you'll have fresh peppermint for recipes!

Recipe & Review: Prego's Chicken Cacciatore

With food costs on the rise, many of us are trying to cut costs by staying home and cooking our own meals. Sometimes, though, even creating our own meals at home can get expensive.

Did you know a family of four can have a really nice, Italian style pasta meal, just like the pricey Italian restaurants, for around $10? That's a savings of almost $40! That really adds up over the year, doesn't it?



I recently had the chance to try out Prego's Italian Sausage & Garlic tomato sauce. Now, I like to make my own sauce, and I usually add extra things if I use store bought sauce, so I was very curious to try this out. I decided to make Prego's Chicken Cacciatore. Here's your shopping list: (cost breakdown in parenthesis)

1 pound boneless skinless chicken (around $4, mine was cheaper as you might see in the photo)
1 jar Prego sauce ($2.99, on sale this week 2/$5 at Safeway)
1 package 8-16oz of rotini or similar style pasta ($1 store brand)
1 can green beans ($0.89)
1 tablespoon oil ($0.25)
parmesean cheese ($2.99, but you'll get multiple meals... so for cost breakdown, $1)

Total cost: $10.13 for 4 servings (and if you buy on sale, cheaper!)



Recipe directions:
Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.


Begin boiling the pasta.


Stir in the sauce with the chicken, and cover with lid after reducing heat to low for about 5 minutes.



Steam the green beans. (OK, I didn't steam mine, so don't look at mine!) Drain pasta, serve with chicken on top (or to the side), and green beans. Now I added garlic powder to my pasta, you don't have to do that. You can also serve the chicken and Prego sauce over the pasta if you'd rather, or even mix in the green beans to the sauce.



Total time to make dinner, about 20 minutes.

DH gives it two thumbs up! (Seriously, he is in heaven right now lol) Prego's pasta sauce is quite delicious, and you don't have to add anything. Really!

There's so many ways you use the Prego sauce. If you're a vegetarian, you can simply use the traditional tomato sauce and pasta, skipping over the meat section. Or how about making meatballs instead of the chicken? Your cost would be about the same - still really great savings!

Do you have any $10 and under recipes you can share? Make a post on your blog and leave the link, or place it in the comments! I'll showcase one or two in a future post!

Pardon The Cobwebs...

this week (but look at it as Halloween decorations, m'kay?) - DH has several days off so we are working on getting everything ready for the winter months, and shopping! (Oh, how I had fun at Gymboree yesterday, they make the best playclothes!)

Get ready for several reviews and a giveaway, a late Preparedness Tuesday post, and a recipe tonight - this time with lots of pictures! Since Thrifty Thursday is coming up, I'll use it to tell you about some of the fun things I've found this week at the thrift stores as well as give you some thrifty tips.

Menu Planning Monday!

Monday: orange chicken & rice

Tuesday: grilling out

Wednesday: pasta night (Here's the review up now!)

Thursday: chicken & rice a roni

Friday: deep dish pizza

Saturday: breakfast for dinner

Sunday: Slow Cooker Beef Stew


Check out Organizing Junkie for other great Menu Plans!

Common"cents"ical's Blush Topless Undershirt Giveaway

Rachel over at Common"cents"ical is giving away a wonderful Topless Undershirt from Blush! Hop on over to her blog before October 10th to get your entry into the hat! Good luck! :)

Quick Safeway Run

We ran out of cat litter... and that isn't good!

*Arm & Hammer 20lb multi cat litter on sale for $5.99
minus $2 catalina coupon (how I love Catalinas)
Total after coupon: $4.51

I figured it was worth the extra 2 minutes to get to Safeway as the litter was about $4 cheaper than Fred Meyer (which is the closest store)

Alright...

I am definitely going back to menu-planning, even with DH's crazy schedule right now, because I am running out of time for dinner, and I have no idea what to make - and no meat is defrosted!

(And I can't cop out with Hamburger Helper, because I did that last night! LOL!)

Fred Meyer Sales 10/5 - 10/11

It looks like this week they are pushing a lot of different wines and pairings for dinner parties and get-togethers. If you folks don't mind, I am going to skip over the wine prices listed, as these look to be the general regular prices I see every day at FM's. Remember if you are looking for a particular brand of wine, FM will order it for you by the case if you ask (and you'll receive a 10% discount for buying a case!)

See the entire circular online here or here's the food & home highlights with coupon matches if available:

*Beef Loin New York Steak $5.99 lb
*USDA Choice Beef Loin New York Steak $6.99 lb
*Large Fuji Apples $0.88 lb
*Hershey's Snack Size Candy (Reese, Kit Kat, Hershey's etc) $1.88 w/ in ad coupon (limit 3, $1 off 3 MC)
*Country Oven or Vita*Bee Bread 3/$5
*FM preserves 16 or 18 oz 3/$5
*Langers Juice Cocktails 64 oz 2/$5
*7-UP or A&W 2 ltr 5/$5
*Del Monte canned vegetables 4/$3
*Lay's Potato Chips 2/$5
*Pillsbury Grands Biscuits 10/$10 (use w/ $0.50 MC, $0.35 MC, or printables here)
*FM Sour Cream or Cottage Cheese 24 oz 2/$4
*International Delight Creamer $1.99
*Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice 64 oz or 6 pk 8 oz 2/$6
*Old Yeller Dry Dog Food 50lbs $14.99
*All liquid Laundry Detergent $5.99 ($1 MC, $1 printable on small & mighty here)
*Budwesier, Coors, Miller, 18 pk cans $12.99
*M&Ms, Mars standard candy bars 5/$2
*Trident, Stride, Dentyne Gum $0.79
*Sargento Deli Style Cheese 2/$5
*Kraft Singles 2/$5
*Club Crackers or Right Bites 2/$5
*Kellogg's Special K or NutriGrain Bars 4/$10
*Pringles 10/$10
*Kraft Deluxe or Velveeta Macaroni & Cheese 2/$3
*Michelina's Entrees $0.88
*Cascadian Farm Cereal or Bars 2/$6 ($1 MC, $1 printable here)
*Julie's Organic Ice Cream or Novelties 2/$7
*Stonyfield Farm Smoothies 10/$10 ($0.50 printable coupon on 1 here)
*Nature's Gate personal care 12-18 oz Save 30%
*Schiff Select Supplements Save 50% ($2 MC?)
*Twinlab Supplements Save 50%
*Organic bananas $0.58 lb
*Cantaloupe $0.49 lb
*Asparagus $2.79 lb
*Large Hothouse tomatoes $1.49 lb
*cucumbers or green peppers $0.69 lb
*Organic Red Grapes $1.98 lb
*Private Selection organic celery hearts 2/$4
*Private Selection organic 3pk romaine hearts 2/$4
*Yoplait Yogurt 20/$10 ($0.50 on 6 available here)
*Campbell's chicken noodle or tomato soup 5/$3 ($0.40 on 4 MC)
*Healthy Choice or Marie Callender's dinners 4/$10
*Betty Crocker Cake Mixes 4/$5
*Purina One Dry Dog Food 16-18lbs $15.99 ($1 MC)
*Viva paper towels 8 big rolls $9.99 ($0.35 MC, ? printable coupon available here)
*USDA Choice Beef Chuck Pot Roast $2.99 lb
*Boneless Pork Top Loin Chops $3.99 lb
*Fresh Extra Lean Ground Beef $2.99 lb
*Pork Spare Ribs $1.99 lb
*Fresh Bone In chicken Breasts $1.28 lb
*Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Fillet $8.99 lb
*Colossal E-Z Peel White Prawns $7.99 lb
*Fresh Dover Sole or Rock Cod Fillet or Shrimp Meat $4.99 lb
*8 piece Fried Chicken $6.99 (in the deli)
*Private Selection Lattice Top half pie $3.99
*Private Selection Ham or Turkey $6.49 lb (in the deli)
*Freshly made Ham or Turkey baguette or Ciabatta $2.99 (in the deli)
*Fresh spaghetti & meatballs or fettuccine Alfredo $4.99 for 24 oz (in the deli)
*Cream Cake Ring $4.99 (bakery)
*Muffins 6pk $3.99 (bakery)
*Suave shampoo or conditioner $0.79 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4, use w/ $1 off 2 MC!)
*Depend or Poise $10.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2, use w/ $2 off MC)
*FM half gallon milk or orange juice 4/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*FM Butter 16 oz 2/$4 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*Progresso light soup 4/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4, $1 off 3 MC, $1 off 3 printable here)
*Stouffer's Red box or Lean Cuisine entrees 5/$10 ($1 off 2 printable here)
*FM Deli Meats 16 oz 3/$7 w/ in ad coupon (limit 3)
*FM Grilling sausage or ground pork 2/$5 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
*Tootsie Child's Play Candy Mix $4.99 w/ in ad coupon (limit 2)
*Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color $3.99 w/ in store coupon
*Aussie Hair Care 2/$5 ($1 off 2 MC)
*Aquafresh toohpaste or toothbrushes $1.99 each ($1 MC)
*Kroger Mouthwash 1 ltr $1.99
*Dial soap (bar, body wash, hand soap) 2/$7
*Gillette, Secret or Old Spice Clinical Strength antiperspirant $6.99
*Alli Starter Kit $39.99 (90 capsules)
*Commit, Nicorette, NicoDerm $39.99
*Advil 180 or 200 ct $9.99 ($2 MC)
*L'Oreal Lip Color Buy 1 get 1 Half Off (MC's out there?)

All Home clearance is 50% the lowest marked price!

Don't forget to use your reward coupons - they expire at the end of this 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.

And The Winners Of The Pillsbury Savorings Giveaway Are...

Thank you to everyone for stopping by Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife and entering to win this wonderful Pillsbury Savorings goodie bag and coupon for a free box of Savorings!

*insert drumroll* ;)

And the winners are....

The Savorings gift set goes to #55: zekebamm who said...
I'm not a Democrat, but I'd love to have dinner with Bill Clinton -- think of the stories he could tell, and we all know he's really a party animal at heart!!

The coupon for a free box of Savorings goes to #68: Sunnyvale who said...
The Pope!

Neither of you left your email or have contact information in your profile, so I hope you are checking back on my blog or reading Prizey to see if you won! If I don't hear from you by Sunday night at midnight, I'll be picking new winners.

Look for another great giveaway coming soon! :)

I Confess...

I am being a LAZY housewife and leaving a sink full (and then some!) of dishes from dinner tonight.

Shame on me! ;)

(Seriously, mark it on your calenders, because I rarely do that)

I'm off to bed! I am tired!

Albertsons Trip Today

Actually, I should say trips, since it was two different locations. Normally I'm not that nuts, but we had to do an errand near one, and the second location is the one with all the lovely free product coupons every week. (Plus, it's cleaner) And I see someone beat me to the first location, because they were totally wiped out on the good coupon deals! (Enjoy your Muir Glen tomatoes if you're reading this! LOL) So here goes:

Albertsons #1:
*Hamburger Helper $1.50 (x6) minus $0.80 off 3 printable (x2)
*Betty Crocker boxed potatoes $1.50 (x2) minus $0.40 printable coupon (x2)
*Old El Paso refried beans $1.50 (x2) minus $1 off 2 MC
minus $5 off wyb 10 General Mills items
Total after coupons: $6.60 (total savings $18.10)

Albertsons #2:
*Hamburger Helper $1.50 (x3) minus $0.80 on 3 printable
*Betty Crocker boxed potatoes $1.50 (x2) minus $0.40 printable (x2)
*Activia yogurt $2 minus $1 catalina coupon
*Pillsbury Crescent rolls $1.50 (x3) minus $0.35 MC (x3)
*Pillsbury Grands biscuits $1.50 minus $0.50 MC
*Betty Crocker frosting $1.50 minus $0.55 printable
*Tampax tampons 20 ct clearanced to $0.94 (!) (x3)
minus $5 off wyb 10 General Mills items
Total after coupons: $10.36 (total savings $31.00)

Albertsons #3:
*Yoplait yogurts $0.39 (x6) minus $0.50 on 6 printable
*Progresso canned soup $2 minus $1 off 3 printable
*Capri Sun multi packs only $0.99 w/ store coupon (x2)
*Yoplait Fiber One 6pk yogurts $2.50 (x2) minus $1 printable (x2)
*Betty Crocker cookie Mix $2 (x2) minus $0.75 printable (x2)
*Dreyers Ice Cream $3.99 minus FREE (store) product coupon wyb $25
*GM Kix cereal $2 minus $0.55 printable
*GM Trix cereal $2 minus $0.55 printable
*Muir Glen diced tomatoes $1 (x4) minus $1 printable coupon (x4)
*Stayfree pads w/ wipes 10 ct $0.94 (x2) minus $2 wyb 2 MC
*Mylanta $1.74 (x2) minus $3 wyb 2 MC
*Mylanta $1.74 minus $1.50 MC
*4pk bakery croissants $0.99
Total after coupons: $15.34 (total savings $72.91!!)

It is yogurt week! (lol) Actually, I am taking some of it to my grandmother to share with her. At 94 cents, I wasn't walking away from those tampons even if I couldn't find a coupon! DH is loving seeing all these boxes of Hamburger Helper in the house, lol. I guess have to love that he is easily pleased, and if I don't feel like making an effort with dinner, there's plenty of General Mills items in my cabinets now that will step up! ;)

All my printables came from www.coupons.com and the Pillsbury website. :)

Free Sample Degree Ultra Clear Deodorant

Degree is giving out samples of their new Ultra Clear Women's deodorant. Simply click on the picture to get to the form to fill it out. (No Sam's Club membership required for this one!)

I'm curious to try this one. Even Dove's that is supposed to be clear still manages to leave white marks on my black clothes.

Thrifty Thursday: Tips And Tricks

Here's several tips and tricks. Some will save you money, some will save you time:

Stand baking potatoes in a muffin tin. They'll bake faster, allowing you to use the oven for a short time and saving on electricity.

Keep your potatoes from budding longer. Store an apple in the bin (or bag) with them.

Got a stinky smell stuck in your fridge and baking soda hasn't helped? Try a charcoal (not the kind you burn for a BBQ) filter (cheap at a pet store in the fish dept) It will attract the smells, and last about 6 weeks.

Have a few wrinkles on something? Hang them in the bathroom before taking hot showers in the morning - the wrinkles will fall out from the steam. (Make sure you close the bathroom door to keep the steam in!)

Make your candles last longer. Place them in the freezer for several hours before lighting them. It can add 2-3 hours worth of burn time!

Pesky leftover candle wax? Place the holder in the freezer for a few hours, the wax should come right off! (save the wax in a jar for making your own candles, or if you have a fireplace to help slightly damp wood burn!)

Do all your laundry on one day, load after load. You'll use less energy in your dryer overall because it doesn't have to warm itself up from scratch by the second load, and you will only have to fold laundry one day a week.

Use one container of frosting for that big cake, not two. How? Empty out the can & beat it with your mixer - it will expand and get fluffy! (and less calories and sugar per serving, too)

Did you seal an envelope before putting the check in? (I used to do this more times than I can to admit lol) Place the envelope in the freezer for a few hours, then open it slowly. Most of the time the glue will allow you to open it up without ripping anything, and then you can reseal it. (Don't forget the envelope too long and end up with a late fee!!)

Recipe: Graveyard Crunch

It's the first of October, and you know what that means in this house: time to start decorating the outside for Halloween! :) I received this recipe in my email today and wanted to share it with everyone:

1/4 cup maple-flavored or pancake syrup
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 cups POST Cocoa, Fruity or CINNA-CRUNCH PEBBLES style cereal
1 cup Dry Roasted Peanuts
2 cups Miniature Marshmallows
1 cup candy corn
1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces


Preheat oven to 300°F. Place syrup, butter and cinnamon in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minutes and then stir until the butter is completely melted. Add cereal and peanuts and mix lightly. Spread into lightly greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

Bake 30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes. Cool completely. Break into pieces, then place in large bowl.

Add marshmallows and candies; mix lightly. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature.

Now I haven't made this yet, so I'm not sure how long it keeps or how many snack servings you'll get out of it (It uses the microwave, which I don't even have in the kitchen since I never use it lol) But it looks fun! I'll make it for our Halloween party.

30 days until Halloween! :)