Thrift-Worthy

Hallmark $5 coupon

2009-12-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

What a great coupon!!! Hallmark has a $5 coupon good for $5 off your TOTAL purchase! Valid only until 12-24-09. I was able to print Two. Hurry before they are gone.

Updated with the link to the coupon

Free Stacy's Pita Chips!

2009-12-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Free Gift Basket from Right-At-Home

2009-12-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Here

The first 20,000 will receive a gift basket from Right-at-Home. Hurry to sign up!

Free Aveeno Bag

2009-12-03T05:36:00.000-08:00

Get a FREE Aveeno gift bag - available until supplies run out so hurry.

here

American Greetings FREE stuff!

2009-12-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Starting Dec 1st,
the first 20,000 who click on http://www.americangreetings.com/
and click on the blinking banner that says "TODAY ONLY FREE GIFT"
will receive either a free photo clutch, photo paper, free calendar, or a free $25 gift!!!

Very easy to do!

Just make sure to print out the page with the gift code because you WILL NOT be given a second chance to go back.

Free Cookbook

2009-11-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

Visit this site to enroll and receive a free cookbook.

Makes a great gift!

Black Friday Sneak Peek at Walgreens

2009-11-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

Follow the link here to see a sneak peek for Black Friday!

Do you know what this is?

2009-09-06T19:49:00.001-07:00

Feed Your Freezer!

2009-09-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to have food on hand that you only have to reheat? What about snacks - nutritious snacks that are simple to pull out a serving ready to "heat n eat"?

I love Feed the Freezer ideas, so as I come across great ideas and recipes I will post them. I love to be able to make up a large batch of items and stick them in the freezer for later. Then if I want a little something, I just pull one out of the container and reheat it. Simple, easy, not a lot of prep and cleanup.

If you come across some great recipes or ideas, let me know. I'll share them and your link.

Well, I can't have a post about it without a recipe now can I? So here is another one, from Jane's blog that I have edited to make it a Feed the Freezer item:

Not-So-Sloppy Joes

What you need:
1 large or 2 small cans grands biscuits
1 lb ground beef
2 cans sloppy joe/manwich mix - or ketchup, mustard, and seasonings
cheese (sliced or shredded)

Open your biscuits and place on a cookie sheet. Center a 2 inch diameter cup and press down onto the biscuits to cause an indention.

If using ground beef and seasonings - Cook ground beef and onion. Drain any grease and add ketchup, mustard, and seasonings to your liking or add the sloppy jo/manwich mix and drop 1/3 cup of meat mixture into wells in biscuits.

Bake at 375º for 12-17 minutes, until biscuits are golden.

Allow to cool, then place on a cookie sheet so that the sides are not touching. Place in the freezer until frozen (approx 3 hours). Remove from freezer and place in freezer bag or plastic freezer container. Place cheese in freezer with the container.

When you are ready to use, simply remove as many or as few as you would like, place on a cookie sheet, bake in the oven at 350 until warm throughout. Sprinkle with shredded cheese(or place sliced cheese on top) and place back into the warm oven until cheese melts.

These are a great afternoon snack!

To make in bulk - just multiply the recipe to suit your needs.

FREE CHIK-FIL-A!!!!

2009-07-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Once again, Chik-Fil-A is giving away FREE food!

Tomorrow - July 10, 2009 - is Cow Appreciation Day! Dress like a cow and get free food.

Click here for more details

or
Click here for a Cow Costume Kit (pdf)

My Cherry Tree

2009-06-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Does anyone recognize this variety? It is pure yellow - these are fully ripe.

I'm at Cash Duck

2009-05-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Free Reynolds Wrap!

2009-04-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

RUN! Don't Walk! Today only, April 22, 2009, Reynolds is giving out rebates for FREE Aluminum Foil to celebrate Earth Day! Limited Quantities - so Hurry

Reynolds Wrap Rebate

Clutter = Wasting Money

2009-04-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

I recently visited another blog that wrote about a Happy Home. Many things help to make a Happy Home - one of which is getting rid of Clutter! But did you know that getting rid of Clutter can save you money?

It really can! Think about it . . .

Less Clutter means less Stress - less Stress means less sickness - which means less visits to the doctor and less medication.

Did you know that Clutter can cause depression? If your home has a lot of Clutter, and you feel as though you can't keep up with the cleaning, organizing, purging, etc it can make you feel down in the dumps. If this goes on for a longer period of time, it can lead to mild depression, sometimes even leading to severe depression. *note, I am not a doctor, not have I done a lot of research on this, however, I am speaking from experience*

When our homes are clean, our spirit feels clean, too.

Why do I mention this on a Thrifty blog? Well, I have been decluttering and purging and it amazes me to see where my money was lost. For example, wrapping paper. I have bought wrapping paper on clearance and packed it into a box to save money for future use. But with the clutter in my storage closet, I could never find that box when I needed it - Yes, it was labeled - I just couldn't find it. So I would stop by the store on my way to wherever and BUY wrapping paper!! A waste of money!! I KNEW I had it at home, but I couldn't FIND it! So I put money out for something I already had.

Another example, dust! Dusting is a necessity I have discovered. Why? Well, off the top of your head you would probably think allergies . . . and you would be right! But how about damage? hmmmm . . . think about it. If you don't dust regularly, dust can build up on surfaces and stain. Think of curtains (which is where I started thinking after I read that post). Dust makes them look dingy, but wash them and they are beautiful. However, let the dust stay on certain fabrics for too long and mix with sunshine and viola! stains + fading. Now you have to buy new curtains. All I had to do was wash the curtains on a regular basis!

There is more to this, but I will have to save that for another rainy day!

Make your own Toaster Strudel

2009-04-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

At my home, we love the Pillsbury Toaster Strudel but not the price. I will only buy it on sale and hopefully with a coupon. Even then, it is still not cheap. So, when I saw a post about Hot Pockets on Jane's Blog I got to thinking about how to make my own in a Thrift-Worthy way.

Recently, there was a great sale on Pillsbury canned breakfast products and I stocked up. One of the items I stocked up on was the Crescent Rolls - which we LOVE! I used them with some homemade Blueberry Jam to make my version of the Toaster Strudel.

Cost:
$0.00 : Crescent Rolls (actually a moneymaker during the sale)
$0.00 : Blueberry Jelly (homemade from blueberries given to us, we just had to pick and can them)
$0.00 : Butter (free during another sale)
$0.00 : Powdered Sugar (I paid $.35 for a box during a sale, and used only a Tablespoon

Really, other than time and power, these cost nothing to make. Granted you only get 2 strudels per little can, but you can make these smaller for bite-size snacks.

You will need:
softened butter (optional)
canned Crescent Rolls(this was the tiny 4 count) or make your own flaky pastry dough
fruit jam/jelly
powdered sugar
vanilla flavoring
water or milk

Step 1 - Lightly flour your work area and open the Crescent Rolls and unroll. Using your hands, seal the seams in the crescent rolls and stretch the dough a little.

Step 2 - (optional) Spread a thin layer of butter on the surface of the dough

Step 3 - Cut the dough in half cross-wise (not length-wise).

Step 4 - Spread about 1.5 Tablespoon of fruit jam/jelly onto each half. Stay about half an inch away from the edges. You can add more or less fruit according to your taste, but be careful not to put too much or you will have a mess.

Step 5 - Fold each piece in half and use a fork to seal the edges.

Step 6 - Bake according to the Crescent Roll directions.

Step 7 - Cool on a wire rack, then line a baking sheet with wax paper, layer the pastries and freeze. Once frozen, remove and package into Freezer Bags.

To reheat - place in your Toaster Oven for 5-7 minutes, just like the real Toaster Strudels add topping and enjoy.

To make Topping:

1 Tablespoon Powdered Sugar
1 Tablespoon water
mix together, add dash of vanilla for flavor
add water as needed to mix to correct consistency.
Drizzle over hot pastry and enjoy.
(Milk can be used in place of the water for a richer topping. But if you make a large batch of topping ahead of time, remember that milk will spoil)

Movie Mondays - Redbox Code

2009-04-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

Redbox Code for April 13, 2009

J89LA2

expires at midnight

visit http://www.redbox.com/ for a location near you!

Redbox Code - March 30, 2009

2009-03-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

Redbox Code for March 30, 2009

89ZQJ3

expires at midnight

visit http://www.redbox.com/ for a location near you!

Earn with Swagbucks

2009-03-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hey - interested in earning money?

Visit here and learn how the easy way

Movie Mondays - January 26, 2009

2009-01-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

Redbox Code for Monday 1/26

57VH9L

Triples at Ingles - I made it!

2009-01-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY made it to Ingles on Saturday! And now I am kicking myself for not being organized and going several times this week.

I made two trips before they closed:
$65.26 on the first - savings $260.20
and
$42.99 on the second - savings $204.76

The first one they had to give me $3 back because we forgot a coupon
AND
I realized once I got home that on my second transaction, I purchased $29 too much!!

In order to get the coupons to triple, I carried a 2 not a 1 - simple math error, but my oop would have been around $15 instead! argh. oh well

So total oop = $108.25
Total savings = $464.96
Total = $573.21 for $108.25 :: a savings of 81% not too bad - and it included chicken and milk and frozen pizza

Chenille Socks Giveaway

2009-01-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

follow my link here:
http://coupon-queen.blogspot.com/2009/01/giveaway-kn-chenille-lounge-socks.html
for a chance to win some wonderful chenille socks

Free Giveaway - Hotsack reusable totes

2009-01-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

I love the reusable bags that most stores have available now. I don't love having to pay for them - even if they are $1 or less. So when I find deals to get the bags for free, I partake of the opportunity.

Right now http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/ is having a giveaway on her blog for 5 of these reusable bags from Hotsacks with matching Meshy Hotsacks.

If you have never tried the reusable totes, please do so!
Here are some of my top reasons why I love them:
1 - They are much roomier than standard plastic bags
2 - They decrease the amount of plastic we use
3 - Because they are roomier, you need less of them to carry your groceries
4 - They are very strong, I did have one handle break on one bag but the store replaced it for free
5 - They follow the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
6 - They fold nicely and will fit inside each other.
7 - Some stores will give you a discount on your groceries if you use them instead of paper/plastic
8 - They will hold a lot!!! -> 6 half gallons of milk, or 36 cans of Campbell's soup, or 6 bags of potato chips, or 50 packs of Knorr pasta sides, or 20 boxes of cake mix, or 12 boxes of instant oatmeal, or LOTS of bags of after Christmas clearance chocolate and candy!

So many more reasons why I love them, but I want to hear from you!

Movie Monday

2009-01-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

On Mondays, Redbox issues a code that can be used at any of their machines to get a free movie rental. The code must be used by midnight on Monday, it expires at that time, and the movie must be returned by 9pm the next day or you will be charged $1 per day rental fee.

The code for
Monday January 19, 2009

K6W3G4

Please visit www.redbox.com for further information

The rest of my post

2009-01-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

This is the rest of my post on HCW - I amuse myself and get a giggle from it sometimes and decided I couldn't let it go to waste, even if I am the only one who is amused.
> Please note the following is more for laughs than anything else, hope you see the giggle in it<

Most coupons state "One coupon per purchase/per item purchased" A manufacturer uses the coupons to get people to buy their product. And it works.
A customer is walking down the aisle and a blinkie flashing at them catches their eye and that persuasive red light convinces them to take a peek. (We know the dangers of the redlight district, right? lol) Well, the customer sees that the coupon is for an item similar to what they would normally purchase, so they take the coupon and buy an item - wait - it's on sale, let's get 2,3 or even 4 boxes. C'mon, c'mon spit out another 2 coupons so I can move on. Okay, got 'em.
The customer get to the checkout, buys the product and may or may not remember to use the coupons, may even have lost the coupons.
That is what the manufacturer wants - not only has the customer been persuaded by the "redlight district" to buy the product, but now the customer may have bought it without even using the pursuasive marketing tool. The manufacturer wins. Let's count how many ways: 1) the item was purchased, 2) It may have been purchased at full price, not a discount, 3) The number of items sold has increased, 4) The product is getting publicity - now increase this by the number of purchasers and multiply by the number of stores that carry the product and the coupon and now - 5) It shows on their company spreadsheet which can increase their profitabilty, 6) They may have new consumers who will return to purchase the product again which will 7) continue to look good on their profitabilty

Additionally, do you really believe the manufacturer only wants us to buy one of their products? oh no - they want their product to have the larger piece of the market pie and predominant shelf placement. Please, buy as many as you want. They know they will take a hit from the coupons, but it is a planned, assessed loss and written off with their advertising costs, not their production costs. They will still make out on the positive because of those customers who refuse to use a coupon and pay full price for the product.
Even though most blinkies are programmed to spit out a coupon every 15 secs +/-, many times a coupon will generate immediately. Is a customer not to take that one as well? Do you really believe that a manufacturer would want to stand by the blinkie and slap the customer's hand if the customer tries to get more than one coupon in order to purchase the product?
Newspapers - Yes, generally there is only one set of inserts in each paper - that is to reach a wider market and more households. A manufacturer doesn't really care if one family refuses to use coupons and gives their copy to another family that will use it. They know this happens and if it really was an issue for them then they would revise the wording on the coupon to discourage them.
Would the manufacturer prefer for customers to purchase their product without using a coupon? Of course they would - it means a higher percentage of profit for them. However, the manufacturer wisely realizes that any sales, even discounted sales, are better than no sales. And in the current economical crunch there are 2 options: 1) charge full price, refuse coupons and have a lower number of sales which will lower your company's value on the market or 2) allow coupons, generate more sales even at a reduced price that is still a profit and keep or increase the value of the company on the market.

What about when we call the company and ask for a coupon? Most of the time I receive 2-3 coupons - identical coupons - for the product. Am I supposed to only use one and toss the others? Should I give the others away? - they didn't tell me to share my coupons with other people. They said "sure, we will send you some coupons for you to use" They think "Hey, its goodwill for the company - we sent them coupons - they are going to buy our product. HAHAHA! hooked another one! We give them 3 items for free and they will forever buy our product" ---- Sounds like that drug analogy you used. The coupons are a "step up" and once a customer finds a product that they love and want and have to have; they will buy that product, coupon or not, sale or not. The manufacturer has just created "brand loyalty" in that customer - and that is what they want.

New Year - New Look

2009-01-07T10:05:00.001-08:00

Well, maybe. I am looking into changing up some things on the blog. I will also be doing some cleaning. So stick around and soon there will be lots more going on in this blog!

Free Internet Radio

2008-10-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

I love this website ~ Pandora

It is an online radio - FREE - that you can customize with your own taste of music. You can rate the songs on like/dislike. You can even buy some of them that you really like.

I enjoy the service because I can have more than one radio station to my taste - ie., I have a Holiday station for Christmas time, a regular station for whenever, and a Jazz station for when I'm in that mood. I also like it because I can enter in a song I like and it will find it, play it, and also play similar music. If they play a song I really dislike, I click on a button and they mark it and promise never to play it on my station. If I really like a song, I click another button and they mark it, find more songs like it, and play that song more often.

It is a really wonderful site and I enjoy it a lot. Try it and let me know what you think.

Free Burgers!

2008-10-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

Click here to go to Omaha Steaks and receive 12 free hamburgers.

BONUS!

Go here first and click on the red box in the upper right corner, sign up and receive an email with a code for a $25 gc at Omaha Steaks.

Combine both deals and get $40 of meat free!!

UPDATE! The $25 gc that Geico was giving is now a $25 off $100 or more and you can not combine the 12 free hamburgers with it. Apparently, they did not expect so many people to jump onto the deal. When they first issued the $25 gc it was a simple $25 gc reward - it has now been changed to more of a coupon, although they still call it a reward. This REEKS of fraud and dishonesty on both parts.
However, both deals are decent if you buy Omaha Steaks anyways.

I have been MIA

2008-10-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

I have been away. My husband's brother died unexpectedly last Saturday and we dropped everything to go to his mother's and father's sides. So the past week has been completely wrapped up in the necessary functions. I have returned home and hope to get the deals back on track, just give me a day or two to rest from the trip - it is 800 miles each way = 14.5 hours on the drive home, straight through. I am beat!

Publix Line-Up 10-9 through10-16

2008-10-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

BOGO's

Classico Pasta Sauce (10 to 26-oz jar, Excl Bruschetta's)
$2.77 - (2) @ $2.77 BOGO
- 1.oo - $1/2 (Publix Q) - Toss 4 Cash coupon booklet
=
$1.77 for 2 ($.88/each)

Kozy Shack Pudding (22-oz tub)
$3.19 - (2) $3.19 BOGO
- .50 - (2) $.25/1 - Coupon in recent issues of Better Homes & Gardens, Women's Day, Family Circle
=
$2.69 for 2($1.35/each)

Lawry's 30 Minute Marinade (12-oz bot.)
$2.77 - (2) $2.77 BOGO
- 1.00 - (2) $.50/1 - 8/17 Redplum
=
$1.77 for 2($.88/each)

Lysol All Purpose Trigger Spray Cleaner (Disinfectant: Lemon Scent, 4 in 1 Pacific Fresh Scent, with Bleach; or Antibacterial Kitchen, 22 or 32-oz bot.)
$2.69 - (2) $2.69 BOGO
- 1.00 - (2) $.50/1 - 9/7 Smartsource
=
$1.69 for 2($.84/each)

New England Coffee (9 to 12-oz bag)
$5.79 - (2) $5.79 BOGO
-3.00 - (2) 1.50/1 - 10/5 Redplum
=
$2.79 for 2($1.39/each)

Scotch-Brite Scrub Sponges (Heavy Duty or No Scratch Multi-Purpose 3-ct. pkg.)
$2.89 - (2) $2.89 BOGO
-1.00 - $1/2 - 9/21 Redplum
=
$1.89 for 2($.94/each)

SeaPak Shrimp Co. Shrimp (or Salmon, Tilapia, Crab Cakes, 8 to 20-oz box, Excl Breaded Popcorn Shrimp, 12-oz box.)
$7.59 - (2) $7.59 BOGO
-2.00 - (2) $1/1 Fresh Frozen Flavorful coupon booklet @ Publix
=
$5.59 for 2($2.79/each)

Wish-Bone Dressing (16-oz bot.)

$2.87 - (2) $2.87 BOGO
-1.20 - (2) $.60/1 - 8/17 Redplum
=
$1.67 for 2($.83/each)
OR
$.75/1 - 10/05 Redplum
=$1.37 for 2($.68/each)

SALES

Air Wick Scented Oil Refill (2-ct. pkg.): $3.99
$1/2 - 9/21 Smartsource

Barber Foods Stuffed Chicken Breast (10 or 12-oz pkg.): $4.99
$1/1 - 9/7 Smartsource

Bounty Paper Towels (Select-A-Size, Prints, or White Regular Rolls, 8-roll pkg.): $7.99
$.25/1 - 9/28 Proctor & Gamble

Cascade Dishwasher Detergent (75-oz pkg.): $4.29
$.25/1 - 9/28 Proctor & Gamble

Charmin Bathroom Tissue (Ultra or Regular: Big or Mega Rolls, 6 or 12-roll pkg.): $7.49
$.25/1 - 9/28 Proctor & Gamble

Colgate Toothpaste (8.2-oz box): $2.00
$.75/1 - 9/28 Smartsource

Depend Protective Underwear (Or Pads, 14 to 52-ct. pkg): $10.99
$1.50/1 - 9/7 Smartsource

Eat Smart Broccoli Florets (or Vegetable Medley, Cauliflower Florets, Broccoli and Cauliflower, Broccoli and Carrots, Vegetable Stir Fry, 10 or 12-oz pkg.): $2.00
$1/1 - 8/17 Smartsource
$1/1 - 9/28 Smartsource

Gillette Fusion Razor (or Venus Breeze, Embrace, Vibrance, Assorted Varieties, 1-ct. pkg.): $7.99
$4/1 - 9/28 Proctor & Gamble

Gillette Hair Care Products (11.5 or 12.2-oz bot.): $3.99
$2/1 - 9/28 Proctor & Gamble

Hawaiian Punch (128-oz bot.): $1.67
$1/2 - Publix Advantage Buy flier

Huggies Baby Wipes (184 or 232-ct. pkg.): $5.99
$.50/1 - 8/24 Smartsource

Nestlé Toll House Refrigerated Dough (or Cookie Mix, Assorted Varieties, 16 or 16.5-oz pkg.): $2.00
$1.50/2 - 9/14 Redplum

Poise Pads (36 to 72-ct. pkg.): $10.99
$2/2 - 9/14 Smartsource

Progresso Soup (18 to 19-oz can or 15.25-oz bowl): $1.33
$.50/2 - 9/7 General Mills
$.50/2 - 10/5 General Mills

Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Containers (2 to 8-ct. pkg.): 25% off
$1/2 - 7/27 Smartsource

Tyson Chicken (Southern Fried Breaded Chunks, Breast Patties, Nuggets, or Original or Honey Battered Breast Tenders, 10 or 13.25-oz pkg.): $3.00
$1/1 - 7/20 Smartsource
$1/1 Breaded Bagged variety - 9/7 Smartsource
$.55/1 Breaded Boxed variety - 9/7 Smartsource

Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil (LiquiCaps, 12-ct. box or Liquid, 6-oz bot.): $4.50
$.55/1 - 9/28 Proctor & Gamble

Weight Watchers Products (Muffins, Cookies, or Snack Cakes, 5.7 to 7.94-oz pkg.): $2.99
$1/2 - Coupon in recent issues of Better Homes & Gardens, Women's Day, Family Circle

CVS Deals for 10/12 - 10/18

2008-10-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

I shall try to post the deals as I find them and have time.

For CVS, here are the ECB and BOGO deals:

ECB Deals:

Swiffer Products ~ Buy $10, get $5 ECBs (Limit 1)
$ 6.99 - (1)Swiffer Sweeper Starter Kit
$ 4.99 - (1)Wet, Dry, or Dusters refills or extendable handle kits
=11.98
- 4.99 - coupon for free Duster starter kit wyb Sweeper starter kit 9/28 PG

= $6.99 oop plus tax
get $5 ecb

Dove, Caress, or Lever Products ~ Buy $10, get $3 ECBs (Limit 1)
(best deal)
$11.97 - (3) Dove Shampoo or Conditioner
- 6.00 - (3) $2 C 8/17 RP

= $5.97 oop plus tax
get $3.00 back

other deals on the Dove:
$ 9.99 - (1)Dove Pro-age or Skinvitalizer
- 3.50 - $3.50 coupon 8/17 RP

$ 4.29 - (1)Dove Energy Glow cleanser or lotion
$ 6.99 - (1)Caress, Dove, or Lever 2000 bar soaps 6-8 pk.
-1.00 - Dove coupon 8/17 RP

$6.99 - (1)Dove Lotion or Energy Glow bodywash
- 1.00 - bodywash coupon 8/17 RP or CVS Beauty Book
- 1.50 - lotion coupon 8/17 RP

$ 3.99 - (1)Dove Shampoo or Conditioner
- 2.00 - coupon 8/17 RP

$ 2.99+ Dove deodorant
Use $2 clinical deodorant coupon from 8/17 RP

Sobe, Propel, or Gatorade ~ Buy 5 for $5, get $3 ECBs (Limit 1)
$6.00 - (6) bottles
- 3.00 - (3) $1/2 from CVS Beauty Book

= $3.00 oop plus tax
get $3 ecb back

John Frieda products ~ Buy $15, get $5 ECBS (Limit 1)
Use $3/2 coupon from 8/24 SS

Nestle pure life purified water 24 pk ~ Buy 1 for $4.49, get $1 ECB (Limit 5)
$4.49 - (1) pack
- 1.00 - $1 printable coupon

= $3.59
get $1 ecb back

Cover Girl cosmetics ~ Buy $10, get $3 ECBs (Limit 1)
Use B1G1 coupon from 9/28 PG
Use $1 coupon from 9/28 PG

Colgate Total 4 oz ~ Buy 1 at $3.49, get $2 ECBs (Limit 2)
$3.49 - (1) tube
$1.50 - printable coupon

= $1.99 oop plus tax
get $2 ecb back

BOGO DEALS:

Revlon Products
Sale price = BOGO
(2) $2 coupons from 7/20, 8/24, or 9/14 S

Right Guard Deodorant
Sale price = BOGO (regular price $3.29)
(2) $1 coupons from 8/10 S
= $1.29 for 2

All Laundry Detergent
Sale price = BOGO (regular price $6.49)
(2) $1 printable coupons
= $4.49 for 2

Coffee!

2008-10-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Eight O-Clock Coffee to be exact. (PS, some of the bags have a $1 coupon printed on the inside)

I just purchased a few bags of this coffee and there was a logo on the front of the bag reading Accumul8 Rewards. If you drink this coffee, go to the website and click on the Accumul8 Rewards program and register. Enter the information near the UPC on the bottom of the package and receive 140 points for each 11.5-12 oz bag!

If you want an invite into the program, comment with your email (I won't publish it) and I will send you an email with an invite to the program. I get 35 bonus points if you sign up under me! Thank you!

Some of their information:
Members earn rewards points ("Rewards Points") by purchasing qualifying Eight O'Clock Coffee products, as listed on the Website, (“Qualifying Products”) and entering the Codes found on the packaging at the Website. Qualifying Products will be classified as: small (11.5 – 12 oz package), large (34.5 - 36 oz package) or club (42 oz package). For each Code entered from a small product, Members will receive one hundred forty (140) Rewards Points. For each Code entered from a large product, Members will receive four hundred twenty (420) Rewards Points. For each Code entered from a club product, Members will receive four hundred twenty (420) Rewards Points. Members will also earn one hundred (100) bonus Rewards Points the first time they enter a Code and thirty-five (35) Rewards Points for each friend they refer through the Website who subsequently registers to participate in the Program. Limit: One hundred seventy-five (175) bonus Reward Points per Member for Referrals

Budget update

2008-10-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

I finally found SOBE on sale!!!! I have been accumulating $.50/1 coupons for a while hoping for a 10/$10 sale. Finally, at Bi-Lo this week. The store is no where near me, but I combined the trip with another and took advantage of the sale. They also had the French's Worshestshire that is free with coupon. I did get a raincheck too because the stock was almost gone.

Tally:
$7.00 - 7 Sobe Water
8.04 - 6 French's
36.00 - 36 Sobe bottles
=
$51.04 plus tax

my oop = $1.26 (tax only!)

The numbers:
Total budgeted for October - $100
Total spent in October - $56.74
Total available in October - $43.26

Back on The Budget!

2008-10-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

I am back on the $25 Grocery Challenge for the month of October.

You remember how it works, right? You get a budget of $25 for groceries only per person living in your household for the whole month. So I get a food budget of $100 for the month. Can it be done? Yes! with coupons it can!

My last Challenge was in July and I almost made it under $100 for our family. Maybe I will this time . . . but even if I don't, I know that I will have saved a bundle on my grocery bills.

I have already been shopping for October. And if I budget $25 per week, I have blown it! I went to Publix, Kroger, and Food Lion and . . .

Food Lion - 12 Bags of Viola! complete meals = cost $81.04 - after sales $41.04 - actual oop $3.04

Kroger - 20 4-packs of Cottonelle toilet paper, 2 bottles of Osteo Bi-flex $.87; 4 Glade airfresheners $1.16 = cost $69.11 - after sales $52.11 - actual oop $2.03

Publix - lots of food, including rice and pasta sides, granola bars, cheerios, and coffee = cost $332.59 - after sales $185.30 - actual oop $69.32

Total spent = $74.39
less $1.16 and $15.72 for items I purchased for others
= true oop of $57.51
But only $55.48 counts towards my Grocery Challenge

The numbers:
Amount budgeted for October - $100
Amount spent in October - $55.48
Amount remaining in October - $44.52

Yikes! Will I make it under $100?! I may have to make it a $150 budget - what do you think?

Better Uses for Excessive Phone Books

2008-09-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

A blog I follow, Afraid of Failing, had a recent post about an abundance of phone books. Now, I only get two at a time, but I still have a hard time throwing out my old phone books once I receive a new one. So I went to look in my cupboard where I keep my phone books. LOL! I have 9! Recycling is always an option, but I decided to find alternative uses for the extra and expired books that can help us save money.

Tear the pages out and use them for packing when mailing packages.
Papier mache'
It could make some interesting, but cheap, gift wrap for Christmas. (might take a little work to piece it together on the bigger gifts)
Recycle in a blender to make homemade paper.
Cut out the ads in the Yellow Pages that you use frequently and paste into a notebook for reference.
The thicker ones do make great "last-minute" booster seats.
If you stamp, use the pages to stamp you project on to catch the over-stamp, tear out and throw away.
Makes a decent cutting board for craft projects - not the best, but it works.
Makes great templates for sewing. Instead of using tissue paper for your patterns.
Would probably make a neat "altered book"

and don't forget:

It can always be used to level out the chair or table with the uneven leg.

Do you have more ideas?

Dehydrators

2008-09-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

I love dehydrators! I have had one for a long time and it finally gave out on me. . . in the middle of harvest . . . at the start of apple season.

Arrgh!

So I purchased a new one, Magic Chef, off of Ebay and my mother is getting me a Ronco - so now I will have two. Woohoo! I got mine in the mail today and already have some peppers in it. Once I have had both of them running for a little, I will give my review of how each is performing.

Dehydrating is a wonderful thing.

What I love:

Once the food is dried, I can put it in jars or use a Food Saver to seal it and it will keep for quite a while.
It takes up less space.
I don't have to worry about losing food in the winter when the power goes out and everything in my freezer starts to dehydrate.
I don't have to worry about freezer burn.
If I have fruits that are starting to over-ripen before they get eaten, I can toss them in the dehydrator and add to cereal or granola or cake mix later.
It is also great if you save seeds to plant in your garden for next year - wash the seeds and toss in the dehydrator, then store for next season.

You can use your oven to dehydrate food, but I like to use the machine itself because it keeps my oven free for supper and it is more economical.

Two of my favorite things to dry: bananas - yummm, banana chips dipped in chocolate; and apples. When I dry the apples I cut, peel, and core each apple. Then let them soak in a bowl of salt water for a minute or two, dry them off just a bit and place them in the dehydrator. I plan to use the dried apples to make old fashioned fried apple pies.

Remember, when drying food it will remove most of the water content and the food will shrink quite a bit. But you can store so much more in the same amount of space.

A few interesting reads:
http://www.budget101.com/dehydrated_foods.htm
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2003-06-01/Choosing-a-Food-Dehydrator.aspx
http://www.seasonalchef.com/appledehyd.htm

Christmas is Around the Corner!

2008-09-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

I know, I know . . . I hear the groans over the internet. But seriously, Christmas is only 3 months and 1 day away!

So, on the subject of Christmas and Thrift-worthiness . . . I am giving homemade gifts this year. Money is tight, prices are high, and gas is . . . well . . . unspeakable.

So what am I doing for gifts? I am giving scarves to my female family members and food baskets for family gifts. I am still thinking of what to give the male family members. Each gift will come from us as a family and for most of the gifts, we will all have helped in some way in the creation of the gifts.

The scarves - well, I know how to crochet and basic knit/purl. But my dd is still learning so it was slow going. Until!!! I found this wonderful little "tool" in the craft department of the "store of no name." It is made by ProvoCraft - wonderful company, btw - and is affordable and easy to use. What is it, you ask? Well, it is none other than . . . the KniftyKnitter! There are actually several of these, I happened to pick up the purple one for $7.84 http://www.provocraft.com/products/detail.php?cl=knifty%20knitter&scl=&item=21-0105
but if you go here: http://www.provocraft.com/search/index.php?cl=search&actn=makitso&prd_name=All%20Products&search=nxtbck
You will see the others that are available. I love this tool so much that I have raved about it and shown it off to several people. They have liked it so much, they bought it too. My neighbor purchased the 4-pack loom set and is busy knitting away.

They are so simple and easy to use, my dd picked up the directions and she was off! So we take turns working on the scarves. We use two strands of yarn for added thickness, but you can use one or a heavy yarn. The basic scarf pattern uses a simple figure 8 on the loom. The company even has several pattern books out to make many different types of scarves. These looms can also make hats, tassels, afghans, shawls, throw pillows, and even a stuffed Bear!! I am amazed that they will create that and plan to try it to give to my smallest nieces and nephews. How does the rest of my family help with this project? They help pick out the colors, do an occasional row, and wash dishes in the evening so I can work on the scarves.

So think about the cost for a moment: Depends on the yarn of course, but I buy the Jiffy yarn and use two skeins to make one scarf - so at $1.88 per skein, that equals just under $4 after tax for a beautiful, thick, warm, durable scarf. And I even have some yarn leftover, so I am hoping to make some matching hats to go with the scarf. If it works, then I will give a scarf and hat to them and only spend $4 oop.

Family gifts - I happened upon a wonderful bounty this year - blueberries! A woman had a field full of blueberry bushes and was too ill to pick them. She agreed to let me pick all I wanted as long as I split them with her. FREE!! just lots of time picking. So I turned most of them into jam and syrup, froze some and dehydrated some. I plan to put the jam and syrup into a basket with pancake mix, muffin mix, and hopefully some homemade candies. Any ideas for this basket? I am still in the planning stages on it, but the ideas are floating around.

The Male family members - I am debating on scarves for them too. I know several men who wear them, but others who refuse. lol. So I am a little stuck. I can't give them the food basket, because I prefer it to be a family gift. So what to give to them. Please, feel free to send some ideas my way on this matter.

Are you giving homemade/handmade gifts this year? Tell me about them or blog it and send me the link.

Once a Month Cooking

2008-09-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of Once a Month Cooking (OAMC)? It means just what it says, and it is rather interesting. I checked into it many years ago and have been intrigued with it ever since. Unfortunately, I have not done anything about it :)

Essentially, it takes 2-3 days per month to do.

The first day is a planning day - figure out what you have on hand, what recipes you want to create, and what additional supplies you will need.
The second day is a shopping day - (although if you coupon hopefully you have most of the items on hand) - on shopping day, you will need to purchase the additional supplies that you don't already have on hand.
The third day is the actual cooking day - and if you are definitely cooking for the whole month, you will need the whole day. After you prepare each dish, you package them for freezing so that all you have to do is pull out a meal from the freezer and heat it up. Simple!

One great thing about this idea is you can do it with friends in different ways to share the work. Everyone knows work is faster and easier and more fun when it is done with friends. You can plan the cooking day to be at one person's home and everyone participating converges there to cook together and share the work. Or... if you and your friend like similar recipes, you can each split the recipes you both like and double what you would normally cook for the month. Then package it up and trade out. It is always easier to do assembly line when the item doesn't change.

You don't have to do it all Once a Month - you can do Twice a Month or even Once a Week Cooking. You can work it into your schedule to cook as often or as seldom as necessary.

I am doing more research on it, again, and there are some great websites and a Yahoo group out there, hopefully I can get started on it finally once I get my hectic schedule settled.

Here are some sites to get you started (and don't forget there are a few books out there about this subject, too):

http://www.once-a-month-cookingworld.com/
http://www.frugalmom.net/once_a_month_cooking.htm
http://www.cookofthemonth.com/
http://members.aol.com/OAMCLoop/
http://www.cookofthemonth.com/

I recommend this book:
Once-A-Month Cooking
by Mimi Wilson, Marilyn S. Wilson, Mary Beth Lagerborg

Have fun checking it out! Let me know what you think.

If you already do Once a Month Cooking, tell me about it? Pros and Cons?

2008-09-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

This blog is not just about couponing. It is about anything Thrifty. I have been very busy lately but I hope to be back to posting regularly and more diversely.

End of the Month

2008-07-31T08:08:00.001-07:00

Well,

I don't have all of my receipts on hand. But I did go over budget a little. My final total was $126 and change for the whole month. Even though I went over my $100 budget, I am not stressed about it. I still spent way less than I would have normally. Also, $126 for a month's worth of groceries plus extras for the following month is pretty good.

Now to figure out my next challenge.

2008-07-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well - no shopping today. I did go this past Saturday, so I will add that to this post in a little bit once the pictures and things are ready.

So much to do this week! I feel as though I am falling behind. And with the food that I have been buying - lol :) I am so happy to know that I have things on hand to make meals with instead of having to worry what is in the pantry. I may not have much stocked up, but it is easier now not having to search for staples.

July 14, 2008 (and 15th)

2008-07-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

yeah, yeah, I know - today is the 15th. But I didn't have time to update yesterday.

So...
my friend and I went shopping again - looks like Mondays will be our carpooling shopping trips. This will allow us to take advantage of the Publix $0.01 deal, too.

Our trip:

Kroger:
Unfortunately the only Kroger near us is remodeling and half the store is done, so they were moving all the products around - took a long time for us to find what we were looking for. But, we did okay. When we walked in, I went straight to CS and asked about competitor's coupons, the girl at the desk said yes, but the store mgr said not usually - however, he allowed the Publix $5/$35 coupon.

10 Cottonelle
3 brown sugar
4 powdered sugar
2 nesquick syrup
2 nesquick drinks
2 ocello 4packs
4 Turkey Hill Teas
4 BC brownie bowls
1 Perdue perfect portion chicken - mgr special

before coupons - $41.06 + tax
less coupons - $30
total with tax - $12.65
however, then I realized they didn't use my sugar coupons and went to CS and they refunded them to me . . . less $4.55 coupons
actual oop = $8.10

total savings = $$32.96

Next Target:

I needed dogfood and Target has the 44lb for $18 less a $2C. While there, I got a 2pack of Cheerio Crunch for $4.99 less $1 coupon on my free gift card from buying diapers last week - and it had store coupons for Cheerios which were 4/$7 and I had mfg coupons - so the Cheerios
were 4/$3 after coupons - with the dogfood - I paid $19.93 total (basically I paid for the dogfood and got the 6 boxes of Cheerios for free!)

Publix:

I love Publix - did I say I LOVE Publix.? The district managers and store managers were there when we walked in - so I asked about the competitors' coupons to be sure. No Problem there.

three transactions:
first
before coupons - $40.23
less coupons - $39.85
after coupons - $0.38
total savings including sales = $44.61
total oop - $0.98

second
before coupons - $39.70
less coupons - $39.41
after coupons - $0.29
total savings including sales = $39.41
total oop - $0.81

third
before coupons - $47.56
less coupons - $37.23
total savings including sales = $50.98
after coupons - $10.33

total oop - $10.66

total oop for Publix - $11.45 (not all food though)

Total oop for the day - $39.48, which includes the dogfood

Total food oop for the day - will get back to you later after canning is done :)

The pictures are of everything except the dogfood:

July 12, 2008

2008-07-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

I am trying to update my blog on my latest trips. Believe it or not - no visits to CVS this week ! (faint) ok, get up off the keys and keep reading... lol

I went to a Scrapbook event yesterday and, of course, stopped by a few stores on my way.

Publix - they were awful about the coupons, I almost walked out without purchasing, but they took the coupons finally and I left with 8 bottles of Downy, 6 Koolaid and 2 boxes of Wheat Thins. $??

Kroger - I asked the store manager and he said they take competitors' coupons, including Publix - so I had a Publix $5/$35 to use - best store yet! everyone was so nice there - I wish they weren't so far away. $1.55

Publix - a different one - I got 7 half gallons of Organic Valley milk, 2 bottles of vitamins, 4 revlon tool, 8 Perrier water, and something else for $5 and change.

I will update with totals, numbers, and pictures soon.

New Friends!

2008-07-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have new friends - Jes, Rosie, and Elizabeth

I met up with them at a Staples to load up on Purell, but it was sold out. We chatted for quite a while, then Jes took me to Publix to show me the ropes. They are all wonderful people, and Jes is sooo sweet - she even shared her coupons with me.

This is what I bought with her guidance:

My oop was a Whopping $0.69 (tax only)!

The cashier rang a few things up wrong - the cookies were bogo and he didn't do that - so to adjust it, he put the adjustment in as store coupons. When I mentioned it would throw my coupon count off, he said it would be okay. Well, he did have to push a few through and grumbled over that some, but I reminded him about the adjustments he put in, so he put them through. My incorrect total was $45.69 +tax less $49.18 coupons = $0.69 of tax. I don't fully understand how it happened, nor exactly what happened - but I do know if he had rung it up right - it would have been clearer.

So the interesting question : should I add the ENTIRE $0.69 to my food total? Some of what I bought was not food, but it is impossible to determine the correct amount on food :)

What do you think? I have added it to my Challenge Budget, but tell me what you think.

THE NUMBERS:
amount spent today: $0.69
amount spent in July : $22.82
original amount available to spend: $100.00
amount available to spend for July : $77.18

Mega Food Trip!!

2008-07-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

My friend and I just got back from an amazing shopping trip today. I will provide details after I sleep some
****
This was a 13 HOUR trip - because we went so many places and just took time to enjoy ourselves.

First Stop: STAPLES for the .01 back to school sale

The plan was to buy the maximums with each person in our group (we took our children)2-3 times each so we could get a sufficient amount of supplies. Turned out that Teachers have a different limit - 25 of each item!!!

Soooo - lol

I gave my children each $1.75 to get whatever they wanted as a learning experience.
So their totals and mine together:

pencils - 68
folders - 91
purell - 65
binders - 34
highlighters - 2

total oop for all that = $23.35
and some belongs to my mom - including one of the highlighters so less $4.99 and $1.21 = $6.20
and I will apply for the rebate on the highlighters so less $4.99
total will be = $12.16

Second Stop: TARGET

I did get diapers - but they are for my neice, so they don't count - :) At the Target dollar spot, they had black dot items 75% off !

I'm not listing any of it due to the fact that I got lots of Stocking Stuffers - but no food, so onward!

Third Stop: CVS

first:
$27.96 - (4) Soleil refils
-16.00 - (4) $4 C
=
$11.96
-11.96 - paid with ecb
=
$0
$ 1.12 - tax

$1.12 - oop
earned: $10.00 (lost $1.96)

next:
$16.14 - (6) Sure deo @$2.69
- 6.00 - (6) $1 C
=
$10.14
- 10.00 - paid with ecb
=
$ 0.14
$ 0.43 - tax
=
$0.57 oop
earned $9 (lost $1)

Next: Walgreens
only bought two Sunday papers = $4

Then: Walmart

The Walmart we went to is definitely not the greatest. I didn't buy most of what I wanted to get because their prices were high or they didn't carry it. Not a location I plan to frequent,

However, I did get a few things

It doesn't show it - but I had more Powerade which I used my coupons on and got someoverage for other things - but we drank some of the Powerade - it was very hot out.

my receipt is in never-never land at the moment but oop was around $6.56

Then the coup de'tat: Publix

first transaction:
$53.92 - subtotal
$52.00 - coupons (I didn't even get to use all of them!)
$ 1.92 - subtotal
$ 1.72 - tax
=
$3.64 oop

second transaction:
$74.83 - subtotal
$68.00 - coupons(I should have put an item from the first order in this order)
$ 6.83 - subtotal(if I had, it would have been $4.75 less - oh well)
$ 2.08 - tax
=
$8.91 oop

GRAND TOTAL: $12.55 for $128.75 saving $116.20 or a 90.5%savings!!
(although with their sales the receipts state I saved $59.90 + $79.50 = $139.40)

THE NUMBERS:

amount spent today: $19.11

amount spent in July : $22.13

original amount available to spend: $100.00

amount available to spend for July : $77.80

July 5, 2008

2008-07-06T00:22:00.001-07:00

I will update much later - but suffice it to say I didn't buy food - I only went to CVS and cleaned up!

July 4, 2008

2008-07-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

Today (yesterday) was fun. We really had nothing planned other than hanging out, but a friend called up and invited us over to grill out. So we did. We had a lot of fun there and set off some fireworks after dark.

A relaxing and peaceful day altogether.

We ran to Walmart for buns and I got carried away and didn't think and bought something. A good deal though, corn has been expensive lately.
corn = 4/$1 x3 = $3 + tax= $3.09
This will provide part of 2-3 meals

ETA * Thanks Jen - I was half asleep when I entered my totals, so yes I forgot the tax :)

THE NUMBERS:
amount spent today: $3.09
amount available to spend for July : $21.91
amount spent in July : $3.00
amount saved in July : $0.00

Free Planter's Nuts

2008-07-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

Follow the links - remember, you can print 2 coupons from each link(most of them, some are only 1) - that make 10 coupons!

And BTW - if you don't want them, print them out and send them to me, please!

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rgbkdcp51873126&bt=wi&p=3L6NrDxJ&o=53034&c=KT

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rfqjagt5091847&bt=wi&o=52991&c=KT&p=sB3gL4QS

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rfxrbvg93628257&bt=wi&o=52990&c=KT&p=6I7jTfsH

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rgagfdr7418652&bt=vi&o=53175&c=KT&p=dMRQXmKO

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rgaefen95289792&bt=vi&o=53032&c=KT&p=7NiaXGQH

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rgalcop64055725&bt=wi&o=53032&c=KT&p=7NiaXGQH

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rf4gbto4747736&bt=wi&o=53032&c=KT&p=7NiaXGQH

http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13903&zid=xh20&nid=10

July 3, 2008

2008-07-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today - I didn't do anything today. I am still planning my trip and sorting my coupons and cleaning my house (and playing on the computer- shhh). Still nothing oop. Don't get your hopes up! I still have 28 days to go, my dh will be home soon - and he eats a lot - and I have to go grocery shopping. So my total will drop - I just hope I do good when I do it.

THE NUMBERS:
amount available to spend for July : $25.00
amount spent in July : $0.00
amount saved in July : $0.00

CVS trip

2008-07-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

A true Zero OOP!

Almost impossible to accomplish because we are taxed on everything here.

My Card:
$ 13.96- (4) CVS Exfoliating cloths @ 3.49 each
- 8.00 - (4) $2 CVS coupons (she didn't want to do separate transactions)
=
$ 5.96
paid with two $3 ecbs (one marked down to $2.96)
=
$ 0.00
and NO tax

Zero oop

spent : $6.00 ecb
earned : $11.96 ecb
profit of $5.96

Mom's card:

$ 0.99 - CVS panty shields
$ 8.97 - (3) CVS makeup cloths @ $2.99 ea
=
$9.96
- 6.00 - (3) $2 CVS coupons
=
$3.96
used a $4 ecb marked down
=
$ 0.00
and no tax

Zero oop again!

spent : $4.00 ecb
earned : $0.99; $8.97 = $9.96
profit of $5.96

woohoo - I may get used to this - I don't ming losing a few pennies, especially since they were free anyways.

Savings = $23.92 or 100% savings

Day 2 - July 2, 2008

2008-07-02T12:14:00.001-07:00

Well - I was up very last night (this morning) but was able to get up in time to take the kids to the Free Movie our local theatre has each Wednesday during the summer. The only problem with it, is that so many people go, you have to be there an hour before it starts an in line to get a seat - first come, first served kind of thing. However, we got the watch Alvin and the Chipmunks for free - and brought bottles of water and a fruit snack from home - so Zero oop.

Then a quick trip to the library - where the kids turned in their time and received tickets and vouchers for Free Food! A stop for Free Pizzas from some of their vouchers.

Then to CVS - where I got the facial cloths (I will post my transaction later) using coupons and a $3.00 ecb and spent $0.00 oop - no tax that round.

Heading to BBW shortly to use coupons for Free items and take advantage of their 75% off sale.

*Went to Bath & Body Works to use some free coupons. Got 7 bottles of 2 oz lotion; 1 bottle of body splash; 2 tubes of antibacterial hand lotion; 1 lip tint; and 1 breathe body lotion
total sale price = $20.00 +tax
total oop = $6.42
All these items were on sale and I have no clue as to their original price, but I saved $13.58 and savings of 67.9%
(this doesn't count towards the grocery deal though - it isn't food or edible and it is for Christmas presents)

For food today:
breakfast - cereal
dinner - kids had free pizza from the library reading program - I had a slice of each pizza
supper - Bertolli pasta from my Wags deals last week

THE NUMBERS:
amount available to spend for July : $25.00
amount spent in July : $0.00
amount saved in July : $0.00

How to figure your Savings Percentage

2008-07-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

to get your total savings on a deal:

add together all your original price
add together your oop
subtract oop from original
equals amount saved

then divide amount saved by original price
move decimal over two spots
viola!
your savings percentage!

Go Tip a Cow

2008-07-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

July 11th is Cow Appreciation Day! http://www.cowappreciationday.com/

In honor of our Bovine-themed Benefactors,
it is requested that you don appropriate costumes
and make your way,
without delay,
to the nearest Chick-fil-a.

Where you will receive a tasty treat for your attire.

Thank you to http://jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com/ for the advance heads-up

Day One - July 1, 2008

2008-07-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well, not much to report. I just got back from a weekend trip and spent most of today recovering from the 20 hour drive.

However; I did find time to run to the post office for mail call (got a few rebates in) and the I went to the Recycling Center - can you say JACKPOT!! I got inserts from the last few weeks - my stack was 6 inches tall - I hope to post a picture soon - AND I got 7 of the Parade Magazines from 6.22.08 that had the Free Cheese coupons in them. So I shall be using them on my July Challenge.

For food today - lol - we had cereal that I got free last week, and I had Deli Creations that I got for $0.50 each due to markdowns and coupons on Saturday. Exciting!

I have been doing a bit of research and chatting with other Challengers on what I hope to accomplish and where I will shop this week. So I will check back in soon.

THE NUMBERS:

amount available to spend for July : $25.00
amount spent in July : $0.00
amount saved in July : $0.00

A July Challenge

2008-07-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am challenging myself in July. Several other coupon bloggers I know are doing it, too. The objective is to not spend more than $25 in groceries during the month of July. The interesting part in the challenge is how many you buy for. Many who are doing it are only buying for one or two people - I am buying for 4 people. I think I am going to plan to do it for the $25, but I won't feel bad if I do it for $25 per person - that's still a great deal.

The budget amount is for groceries; not gas, prescriptions, HBA - just food items. I still plan to CVS and roll my ecbs. I am not including them as it is a grocery budget.

Wal-Mart - Free Samples

2008-06-25T08:15:00.001-07:00

Follow this link and check it regularly. They offer several freebies by mail and they are while supplies last. They do put new ones up when they run out of current offers.

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-free-samples.aspx

FREE Coffee!

2008-06-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Do you enjoy a good cup of coffee? Sometimes you want just one cup and hate to make a pot? Then you should try the Senseo Coffee Maker. A single serving at a time.

Follow this link to a brief questionnaire. Once you are finished, they will ask for your email and offer you a system for shipping only = $15.00 = a great deal! You can pay by Credit Card or Paypal.

https://www.sharesenseo.com/q5/1.jsp

Honey Nut Cheerios coupon

2008-06-12T14:10:00.001-07:00

Honey Nut Cheerios:
"Save $1.00 when you buy Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal"
Only need to buy one and it can be any size.

More Johnson's Buddies - love them!

2008-06-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

Free Johnson's Buddies Soap:

"$2.00 off any two Johnson's no more tangles shampoo, conditioner products OR Johnson's Buddies products"
The Johnson's Buddies Easy Grip Sudzing Bar can be found at most local Walmarts for $.94 and Kmart for $.99. CVS also has it for $.99
Print two here, then have them mailed to you from here.

Who doesn't like free stuff?!

2008-06-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

I know I love free or almost-free. I love to get something for nothing - well, there is sweat-equity. Now, I'm not talking abot gypping someone else just to get it for free - I believe in being honest, too.

No. I'm talking about the free stuff that can be found with a bit of detective work and sometimes sweat-equity. For the purposes of this blog, I will use free samples. I spend time online searching for freebies or coupons offered by companies. Then I take a little more time to fill out their forms and then "patiently" wait for it to arrive in the mail, or sometimes the email. Granted, this takes time - and many people do not have that time. So, to help those without that time, I will be posting them here so you can take advantage of the freebies, too.

To get you started:

Thank you to Budget Helps for posting that you can get free pouch of Uncle Ben's Ready Rice! (Cajun flavor)
Click here and choose the offer for a free sample of Uncle Ben's. Then click "print coupons." Enter your address and the sample will be sent in the mail!

Thank you to Affluent Pauper for posting that Starbucks is offering iced coffee samples from June 9-13, and June 16-20 between 4-6pm at participating locations!
(Check with your local store to see if they are participating.)

Cupcake liners

2008-06-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can use cupcake liners for many things?

1 - Use them to make brownies. This is great because it helps with the crumb issues and they are single servings, AND they are all they inside brownie.

2 - Use them to serve ice cream. Adults and children alike can have ice cream this way. Scoop the ice cream into the just before serving - or even better, scoop ahead of time and refreeze on cookie tray. When its time to serve, just pull out the tray and give out the snacks

3 - Use them to hold tiny pieces. If you are taking something apart that has lot of screws, you know how those screws like to spin all of the surface - instead put them in a cupcake liner to keep them in one place. This works great for craft projects, too.

4 - Use them to serve snacks. Individual servings and easy clean-up.

5 - Use them to sprout seeds in. They are a great size for starting seeds and easily transplant when time.

first post

2008-06-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

ok!

I am discovering how much I love blogging!