Frugal For You

SoCal So Nice!

2012-01-05T15:56:00.001-06:00

Hello all! Happy New Year to everyone. We are enjoying Southern California with family. And I've been taking a nice break from couponing. But I'm still following up on my favorite money-saving blogs. One of my favorite series has been on Crystal Paine's 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life. She is offering a free e-book of all her posts on the series in connection with the promotion of her new book, The Money Saving Mom's Budget. Check out the post on her website for more information.

BOGO Theater Box Candy + $3 ECBs wyb $10

2011-05-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

Even though CVS has been slammed all weekend, shelves are still stocked well. A nice surprise was BOGO movie theater candy, making them $0.75 each! Only 4-6 oz candies are BOGO, so watch the size. Since we love watching movies at home, I like to stock-up on this candy. Plus, it’s easier to limit myself to one box instead of a whole bag of candy. I am a recovering junk food addict.

If you prefer gel deodorants, Lady Speedstick is also on sale. CVS also has Honest Ade, besides the teas. This is new. I love the Orange Mango! They also had plenty of Prep H wipes, though it’s hard to find. This is one of those nice moneymakers you hope to never ever use. But if you do, at least you made money on it.

This is what I bought:
4 Honest Ade
1 Smart Water (cuz I only had 4 Honest Ade Qs)
8 boxes of candy
2 bags of Twizzlers
2 Twix candy bars
2 Lady Speedstick
2 Oral B Toothbrushes
I paid $13 and still have $10 ECBs for next week.

A note on the Gas Card deal:

The store manager told me that they now have $10 Shell Gas Cards available for the promotion- Buy $30 select items, Get $10 Gas Card. Usually, say the deal lasts a couple of weeks, I can buy $15 worth now and $15 later. On the second week, I will get the $10 gas card. This is works for most deals during the promotional period. BUT not for the gas cards! These deals are different every week and they do not rollover. Since the $10 gas card deals are available through September, keep an eye out for deals on items you would normally buy, even without a coupon.
Think of it as getting $20 for $30 worth, since you would pay $10 for gas every week anyway. For us, that’s not even 3 gallons. It’s so sad. I miss when gas wasn’t even $1 a gallon!

CVS Deals Starting Sunday- FREE Chocolate & More!

2011-05-29T19:08:00.000-05:00

FirstKingdomMom has a link-up for $5 CVS Challenge for multi-transactions using only $5.I’m splurging an extra $0.50 to keep this in 2 transactions.

If you are starting out with only $5.50 to spend:
First transaction:
Buy 2 Mars chocolate & Prep H wipes, 5Honest Tea
Pay $5.50, Get $7 ECBs

Second transaction:
Buy 2 OralB Toothbrushes, 2 Mennen Speedstick
Use $6 ECBs, Pay $0, Get $5 ECBs
Plus you still have $1 ECB from the chocolate

Pay $5.50 out-of-pocket, get $6 ECBs to use for next week

Go! Rollover Extra Bucks! Go!

Before I share the deal& match-ups to get a savings of 110%, can I share an “Anna”ctdote with you?

It was a nice change of pace to enjoy soft-serve ice cream and a frappe at McDonald’s this afternoon. I brought my laptop to use their Wi-Fi to scout drugstore deals starting tomorrow. I even brought 2 headphones so the little peeps could listen to the last episode of the Green Ring Conspiracy on Adventures in Odyssey. Everything was pleasant. Lots of families had the same idea so the place was a bit crowded.

All was well until some teenagers came in showcasing their non-existent muscles and decided to show off their bad language as well. At least they turned it down a notch after Big Mama reminded them that younger children are present. Although they backed off the “F” word, there was plenty of the “H” word and unholy use of God’s name. Then our McDonald’s field trip ended abruptly. If only I remembered the power cord then the kids could have listened to more stories online instead of trash, but alas it wasn’t meant to be.

While there, I did manage to jot down some awesome deals at CVS:

5 for $5 Honest Tea (& others), Get $2 ECBs
Use 5 $0.50 Honest Tea tearpad (found by Publix registers)
Pay $2.50, Get $2 ECBs
= $0.50 for 5 bottles

2 for $1 Mars Chocolate singles, Get $1 ECB
=2 FREE after the ECB!

2 for $6 Mennen Speedstick, Get $3 ECB
Use 2 $0.75 from the 5/22 SS
And use $1 off 1 from the Reinventing Beauty Mag*
Pay $3.50, Get $3 ECBs
= $0.50 for 2 deodorants
*The RIB magazine is only $0.99, but many stores will often have the coupon page in a stack for free.

$1.99 Oral B IndicatorToothbrushes, Get $1 ECB
(other items on sale)
Buy 2 (limit of 2)
Use $1.50 off 2 from 5/1 PG
Pay $2.48, Get $2 ECBs
= $0.50 for 2 toothbrushes

$3.99 Preparation H, 10ct wipes, Get $3.99
Use $2 PRINT
= $2 Moneymaker

Hip2Save’s CVS Deals list posts freebies in red, making it easy to spot. That’s where I go for deals. MoneySavingMom posts superdeals and has a link-up too.

Saved 75% at Publix (Saturday)

2011-05-29T18:53:00.002-05:00

Publix was crowded today with beachgoers heading to Perdido and Orange Beach to enjoy Memorial Day weekend. Bumper-to-bumper cart traffic in most aisles. Shopping was more fun than usual, until checkout that is. I forgot a couple of things in my cart and asked the bagger for help. But he never complained and willingly obliged.

Sometimes, no matter how prepared I am beforehand, surprises still crop up:
1. My Publix didn’t have Kashi Pitas (for homemade hummus this week).
2. I forgot my raincheck for Lipton Ice Tea at home.
3. Cantaloupe is $2.50, not $1.97 and kinda smallish.
4. Marzetti Simply Dressing is BOGO at $3.49 (but the $1 blinkie machine is gone).

So after chatting with fellow MOPs and couponing friend (who is moving in 2wks like all my other friends- waaaah), I had to find a safe aisle to park my cart and recalculate my total. Our Publix lets us do multiple transactions. I needed two at least $25 each to use the Apple Market coupon.

This is what I bought, after coupons:
3 fried chicken (from cold case) for Sunday picnic, $3.99 each
4 Marzetti Simply Dressing, $0.75 each after coupons
2 Bush’s Baked Beans, $2.37 for 2
4 Kelloggs Cereal- $7 (need 1 more to get $5 Gas Card)
2 Quaker Oats Oatmeal, $1.59 (clearance cart)

6 Crystal Light Mixes, $1.16 for 6!
Breyers, $5.17 for 2 (they sell lactose free vanilla)
Kashi Crackers, $0.50 (used $2 Recylebank Q)
1 Buddy Fruit, $1 (needed a filler item)
Plus $10 off with 2 Apple Market Qs

In the end, I paid $26, instead of $102 without coupons. That 75% savings! I'll post the picture tomorrow.

Do you shop Publix? How did you do this week?

$5 Gas Card wyb 4 Kellogg’s Crispix at Publix

2011-05-29T18:49:00.001-05:00

Kellogg’s Crispix is BOGO through Tuesday at Publix. I wanted to get Fiber Plus cereal but the little Lightning McQueen logo was on the corner of the Crispix box. Couponing To Disney posted that Kellogg’s has a Cars2 promotion. Buy 4 participating cereals and get $5 gas card. Well, Publix had 3 Cars2 Crispix boxes left. So I just need to find another cereal box with this logo. (I’ll wait a couple days until they restock or go to Target.)

I’m saving the UPCs for another $10 Gas Card Kellogg’s promotion (must buy 10 boxes). Double-dipping on these promotions is possible: Cars2 requires entering the codes online; $10 Gas Card requires sending in UPCs.

Here is a deal scenario with 10 Cars 2 Crispix cereal at Publix:
Buy 10 Crispix cereal, $4.49 x 5
Buy 1 gallon milk, $3.50 (or anything else $2.55 or more)
Subtotal: $25.95
Use $5 off $25 Apple Market (competitor Q)
Use three $1 off 3 Kellogg’s cereal (Target Q)
Use five $1 off 2 Manuf Qs
Pay $12.95
Enter 8 codes for Cars2- get $10 Gas Card
Submit 10 UPCs for $10 Gas Rebate
= 10 FREE cereal boxes + $7 Money Maker!

How about that! Of course, the key is finding enough cereal boxes with the Cars2 logo and having all the coupons. Either case, this is a great deal. As usual, donate if you don’t like the cereal or even give away the $5 Gas Card!

See other gas card deals? Let me know!

Simple Clothesline = Lots of Savings!

2011-05-28T14:57:00.003-05:00

photo source

When I was growing up in Manila, houses didn’t have dryers. Some, like us, had a small washing machine. But most washed the clothes or hired a neighbor to wash and dry laundry. Our apartment was four stories high, with no elevator and the clothesline was on the roof. Mommas carried their daily washing up the flight of stairs to hang them up to dry. I guess people were very trusting and friendly to leave their clothes up there. At least 30 lines were filled with clothes billowing in the hot tropical breeze.

One thing I appreciate living in a house after a lifetime of apartment living is having a clothesline. Because Florida is mildew central, I couldn’t really hang up clothes over the bathtub. Since we moved, our new neighborhood is older, most everyone has a clothesline, even if only a few use them regularly.

We installed a clothesline off the deck. We bought clothesline wire instead of the kit with pulley (way cheaper!) and cut two 2x4s in half. Then my husband only had to attach the wood to the deck.

I like that ours is on the deck, right off the kitchen. It’s so convenient. After drying dishes or taking a shower, towels can air dry outside. After a trip from the beach or pool, wet bathing suits takes an hour to dry on the line. Stains disappear quicker than using stain removers. I’ve even hung bathmats outside to dry. And of course bed sheets smell so fresh and so clean afterwards. It’s just like I imagined in those commercials.

The biggest plus of course is a much smaller electric bill!

Do you have a clothesline? How do you save money with laundry?

Save 90% off books at the Library Bookshop

2011-05-28T14:54:00.002-05:00

With summer upon us, we are looking forward to all the summer programs that keep boredom at bay. The nice thing is that most cities have free library programs for children this summer. The library system in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have weekly programs that entertain and educate. I always come away learning something myself. Visit Pensacola with Kids for a schedule.

While at the library, visit the bookshop as well. Ours has book racks outside for $0.50 for any book, DVDs, VHS and cassette tapes. Inside, the bookshop sells mostly newer, hardcover books for $2 each. There are plenty of biographies, romance and suspense books. We usually donate books and occasionally buy books, and old tapes.

For the first time ever, I found hardcover books that I liked in the bookshop:

The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook (because it’s Martha Stewart)
Walk It Off (because we all can use another exercise book)
One Wintry Night by Ruth Graham Bell (wonderful story)

If bought retail, these would cost $50! Instead I only paid $6, saving 88% and I also helped the library. I also picked up a Curios George book, The Jolly Postman and Rescue Heroes VHS tape, only $0.50 each.

How do you save on books?

I’ve shopped used bookstores and bought some off BarnesandNoble when they’ve had $2 sales too. A friend is saving up Swagbucks to get FREE Amazon cards to pay for books. But shopping the library is the most convenient by far and economical by far.

Finer Things: Kindred Spirits

2011-05-27T14:55:00.001-05:00

Photo from Outdoor Gulf Coast

We had a great picnic at Dickson Park near the backgate of NAS Pensacola to celebrate the end of this year's co-op. Lots of happy moms and children. The director and her honorary assistant made thoughtful presents not just for the teachers but all the moms. They used coupons and bought for-mom-only items like Bic Soleil razor, bodywashes and notecards (from the hardware store!) We had door prizes of fresh picked summer veggies that I just had to cook and enjoy that same day.

Teacher gifts they'll appreciate!

When I talked to the director, it turns out that she started couponing for her family. She was even sharing some deals I didn't know about. I already really like and look up to her. My heart felt light as I realized she is a kindred spirit! That's up there in my list of finer things.

This post is linked to Amy's Finer Things Friday.

Frugal Friday: $0.39/lb Bananas on Clearance

2011-05-27T12:50:00.001-05:00

Many of us love to browse neighborhood grocery stores for clearance in the meat department. But our local Winn-Dixie also has plenty of produce on clearance like bananas for $0.39/lb. They're on a rack with other produce like tomatoes, peppers, and fruits, all marked down.

Ripe, but still great!

They come in a small, white paper bag. Since 4 bags is too much to eat in a few days, I froze some in a freezer bag. I peel and freeze them whole. We love smoothies and one banana with a few other fruits makes enough for our family.

Peel n' freeze

I use bananas and other frozen fruits to cool hot oatmeal, besides using them for banana bread and smoothies. My husband keeps bananas from spoiling by eating a few with generous spoonfuls of honey peanut butter. My little ones eat bananas because I tell them to.

Where do you find cheap fruit? The Comissary sells a box of bananas for $5. Besides Winn-Dixie, what other stores have you seen these bargains?

See more Frugal Friday's ideas at Life As Mom.

May Menu Plan

2011-05-24T07:20:00.001-05:00

Visit Menu Plan Monday to link yours or get lots of menu ideas!

It's great to menu plan again. In the beginning of May, my husband and I did a freezer inventory. From this list and food in the pantry, I wrote up a menu plan for May. This time, I taped both inventory and menu plan on the fridge. I'm glad to say that we've followed it every week for the most part. Plus, all these meals are simple family favorites, I don't even use a recipe.

Here's some pictures of what we've been eating this month:
Fried rice for breakfast? That's popular in the Philippines when I was growing up. Very filling.Yay! I finally made pizza from scratch. I used meatballs from spaghetti night for meat. Now my family doesn't like Wal-Mart pizza.
Wal-Mart had Sea Best Tilapia 4lbs for under $10. The first week I fried fish. Then I made angel hair pasta with wilted spinach and vine-ripe tomatoes and served it with pan fried tilapia. Even the children ate it up!

May Menu Plan

Breakfast
Breakfast casserole
Oatmeal, boiled eggs, fruit
Fried rice
cream cheese bites, boiled eggs, fruit
French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage

Lunch
Chicken broccoli casserole
Tacos night
Chicken or tuna salad sandwich, smoothies
Grilled chicken, Angel hair pasta with spinach & tomatoes
Leftovers
Ham and spinach casserole, salad greens

Dinner
Pasta night- spaghetti & meatballs
Adobo, rice, green beans
Pancit & porkchops, ambrosia salad
Lentil soup & tilapia, pineapple cake
Leftovers
Pizza night
Steak, rice and beans

Each list starts with Sunday then it goes down the days of the week. I am very flexible with this plan, picking meals from different days to suit our needs. But I have been sticking to the types of meals that I make. Shopping is easier when I get a fancy idea in my head like, "I love curry-let's make it tonight!" Since it's not on the list and I don't have any ingredients for it, it's easier to tell myself, "No!"

I hate to admit that I get in the way of myself most of the time!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T10:52:00.007-05:00

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter tomorrow!

We're having a small Easter egg hunt on Sunday. I managed to save lot of eggs from last year. One or two had remnants of LaffyTaffy but the rest were in great shape and ready to be filled.

The only sweets we had around the house were chocolates. To make up for the lack of sugar in the eggs, I followed this great tip from one of the blogs I read: add coins, stickers, tattoos, Legos, beads and buttons.

We also dyed eggs for the first time this year. CVS had FREE Paas Kits this week and I aslo had extras from previous years. After boiling a few of them and letting them cool slightly, we drew on the warm eggs with crayons. Then, when they were dyed, the crayon markings stayed- like color resist. Art class during co-op is paying off!

This morning the Easter Bunny came and hid the hardboiled eggs out in the front lawn. Instead of running after the eggs, our kids walked together and helped each other spot the eggs. Sometimes, I am amazed at how close they are! Since there are no trinkets in these eggs,each one found got them a minute of Nintendo DS playing time. After they were done collecting the eggs, they peeled the them for me. Each boiled egg they peeled earned more minutes. Egg salad and deviled eggs are calling my name!

Of course, the best time to buy empty eggs is after Easter. Don't forget that Target will have them on clearance at 50% off Monday. Candy will start at 30% off. But the best place to get them cheap without worry of them running out is at drugstores like CVS. People tend to forget they have clearance too. Well after Walmart and Target's shelves are cleared, CVS will still have a few. They might even put them on 90% off clearance. So, keep your eyes open!

See more Frugal Friday tips on LifeAsMom.

Target Deals: $1.48 Disney Silly Bandz!

2011-04-23T09:05:00.004-05:00

Here's another short clip that's big on savings. Target will have many of these deals still available next week. I get my coupon match-ups from Totally Target.

Nivea Body Wash, around $3-$4 (use $3 off from 4/17 RP)
Disny Silly Bandz $1.48 (50% off)
Bertolli Sauce,around $2 (use $1/2 Target Q + $1.50/2 from 4/17 RP)
Revlon Tools $2 Target Q + $2 Man Q from 4/17 SS

Like the previous post, I am now just able to post this video after I've admitted defeat. (Laptop died- reason for death: printing too many coupons! Not really, it's just old.)

Make Money on Money!

2011-04-23T08:40:00.002-05:00

I take some deals for granted. Then my husband got excited and told me it's cool to save money on money. I was like, huh? Never occured to me but, he's right. Credit cards take our money, and doing this deal is one up on them.

First Transaction
Buy $50 American Express card at Publix
Pay $4.95 for activation
Use $10 off coupon in the weekly ad
Use $5 off $25 off Apple Market coupon
--------------------------------------
= Pay only $39.95 for a $50 gift card!

Second Transaction
Buy $5 worth of Hallmark cards
Buy $50 Shell gas card
Use $5 off $5 Hallmark coupon in weekly ad*
(must buy $25 min gift card NOT Publix or AmEx)
Use $5 off $25 off Apple Market coupon
-----------------------------------------------
= Pay $45 BUT use the AmEx card to pay

I still have $5 left on the AmEx card. So instead of $50 for the Shell card, it's really only $35, with the leftover money into account.

Publix has coupons for $10 off $50 American Express cards all the time. So even though this deal ends today, you can get it again next time. My computer died after this video was taken, otherwise it would have been up sooner!

Publix Sales Ad Good Through Saturday

2011-04-19T12:00:00.006-05:00

Just a reminder, there will not be a new sales ad for Publix this Wednesday. Since they are closed Sunday. (Click to view the Publix Ad.) That being said, here is a short video for you about clipless coupons to use with this week's ad:

Per usual, I found coupon match-ups at I Heart Publix's Super Deals.

Don't forget to use the $5 off $25 Apple Market coupon (local to Pensacola) as a competitor coupon.

These are some of my favorites!
Dole Pineapple in 100% Juice, 20 oz can, BOGO $1.59
Duncan Hines Cake Mix, BOGO $2.05 (use 2 $0.55 from Spring Savings)
Tuttorosso Crushed Tomatioes 28 to 29 oz can, BOGO $1.87 (use $1/2 blinkie)
Breyer’s Ice Cream 48 oz carton, BOGO $5.99 (use $1.50/2 TARGET Q)
Jones Dairy Farm Golden Brown Sausage, Links or Patties 7 oz pkg or Turkey Links 5 oz pkg, BOGO $2.69 (check for $1/2 peelies)
Bertolli Pasta Sauce 15 to 24 oz, 2/$4 (use $1.50 from 4/17 SS & $1/2 Target)
Kraft Shredded Cheese w/touch of Philly, 3/$5 (Use $1/1 blinkie)
Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables, 50% off (64¢ to $1.84) (Use $1/2 Publix Q from Spring Savings booklet)

Coupons found in the booklet are listed at IHP.

Two FREE Redbox Rentals wyb 2 Dozen Eggs

2011-04-19T11:47:00.002-05:00

photo credit

Last year, Target had eggs for $0.51 per dozen. This year, as with gas prices, egg prices haven't been less than $1 a dozen. The best deal I've seen is at Walgreens:

Buy 2 dozen eggs at $1.29 each
Get 2 FREE Redbox codes at checkout

Some of our area Walgreens now have a Redbox koisk. Use promocode DVDATWAG for one FREE DVD rental!

Also, purchase Stacy's Pita, Lay's Chips, or Tostitos for $2.50 and get another Redbox code at checkout. If you are getting these for this weekend's Easter dinner, might as well get some free DVD rentals too.

If you haven't used these, promocodes BREAKROOM and DVDONME are still good. You can use them once per credit card used.

Coupons Spotted at Publix= FREE Royal Gelatin at Walgreens

2011-04-11T14:56:00.003-05:00

Walgreens has Royal Gelatin 5 for $1 with in-ad coupon. Publix has a blinkie for $1 off 5 on Royal products. This means FREE gelatin at Walgreens.

Other blinkie coupons:
$1 off Kraft Shreds w/ Touch of Philly
$1 off Polly-O products
$1.50 off Philly Cooking Creme
$0.75 Hormel Compleats Kids Meal
$0.75 off 3 Pillsbury Refrigerated Baked Goods
$1/2 Tuttorosso Tomatoes blinkie

A few peelies:
$1 off OSCAR MAYER Selects Hot Dogs (good for Turkey)
$0.75 off Hillshire Kielbasa

Winn-Dixie Clearance- Spices & Frosting & Cake Mix

2011-04-11T13:50:00.005-05:00

Growing up in Manila, it's often faster to walk to the store than sit in traffic all day on the bus. People didn't walk to exercise, we walked to go places. People didn't workout and lift weights, we carried our groceries instead. Running was not for the endorphins, but to catch a taxi (or a purse-snatcher).

When I watch my new neighbors going for their brisk morning walk, I can't help but feel guilty while I stress eat some Doritos. Then my AHa! moment came. Since we live near a couple of stores, why don't I walk there to grab a couple of things and walk back?This was a great idea if I didn't find lots of great deals at Winn-Dixie. I think my shoulders will be sore tomorrow from carrying a couple heavy bags!

Here are some clearance items I found:

75% off Krusteaz Gingerbread Cake &
Cookie Mix, $0.69 Krusteaz Pumpkin Pie Bar Mix, $0.74
Krusteaz Sugar Cookie Mix, $0.44
(These will last through the holidays, if you have room to stock-up.)
Betty Crocker Cupcake Creations, $0.60 (raspberry, mocha, mint)
Betty Crocker Muffin Glaze, $0.85 (vanilla, cinamon)
Betty Crocker Brownie Topper, $0.85 (cream cheese, chocolate)
Cake Mate Pastel Icing, $1.12 perfect for Easter!
Mc Cormick Recipe Inspiration, $0.49 (use $0.50 from Redplum)
Mc Cormick Worcesteshire Pepper, $0.62 (use $0.50 from Redplum)

50% off Fleishman's Yeast 3-strip for pizza, $0.59
Hunts Snack Pack, $0.63 (sugar free caramel, blueberry muffin, cinnamon roll)

Great Sales through Tuesday:
Kraft Shreds w/ Touch of Philly, BOGO $3.99 ($1 blinke from Publix)
Philly Cooking Creme, $2 ($1.50 blinkie from Publix)
Chicken Drumsticks, BOGO? (I bought 2 for $3.50, used $1.50 off chicken when you buy cooking creme)
Dole Salad BOGO $3.49 or $3.99 for kits ($1 coupon printed at checkout)
Marzetti Pomegranate dressing $2.50 ($1.50 coupon printed when I checked out)

Coupon Finds: Spotted these coupons there-
$1 Bailey's Creamer
Buy 4 (Fuze or Gold Peak)Get 1L Dasani
$1 Lloyd's Woodfire BBQ

CVS Free Candy, Bubbles & Tea

2011-04-10T10:19:00.008-05:00

I'm still waiting for the nice Easter freebies at CVS. But free candy is always nice.
Russell Stover single egg or chocolate bunny $0.74
Get $0.74 ECB (limit 1) = FREE (Sunday Monday and Tuesday only!)

There's also FREE bubbles:
Super Miracle Bubbles 16 oz $1.99
Get $1.99 ECBs (limit 1) =FREE

Honest Tea 16.9 oz 3/$4 = $1 ECB (limit 4)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 3 Honest Tea Total = $4
Use $1/1 Honest Tea Q from Recyclebank
Pay as low as $1 Get back a $1 ECB =3 FREE!

Spend $20 on Participating Lysol Get $10 ECB (limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 4 Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra starter kits $6 each = $24
Use $4/1 coupon found in the 3/20 SS or coupons.com*
Pay $8 Get back a $10 Ecb Final cost FREE + a $2 Moneymaker!
*Print coupons through Swagbucks to get 10 swagbucks per coupon used!

Some helpful tips: I shop CVS on Sundays before all other couponers snatch the freebies. Swipe the CVS card at the coupon machine first. Use the Green Tag card at checkout! If you have plenty of ECBs to rollover, you can use these to print photos, buy the Sunday paper, get passport photos and buy grocery staples like milk, bread and eggs. Treat ECBs like cash- don't let them go to waste!

Happy CVSing this week!

Credits: Visit iheartcvs.com for ad scans and see pix of what the freebies look like (as pictured above). Visit hip2save.com- best deals in red; visit moneysavingmom.com to link-up your deals!

FREE Toiletries at CVS

2011-04-08T17:47:00.004-05:00

All except for the Doritos ($6 for 3 after ECBs) were FREE this week at CVS. I went Sunday afternoon and most of the Gum flossers were already gone! So if you still plan to go tomorrow (last day) and they've run out on any deals, grab a raincheck. Everything here plus the contact lens solution and two newspapers would have cost $38 BUT with coupons from last Sunday's paper (I clipped them right at the store), $3 Quarterly Bucks, and ECBs from last week that I rolled over this week, of course I didn't pay that much. Instead my total was $5 after all the ECBs I got back. My wallet and teeth are very happy! For a listing of deals, visit MoneySavingMom.com and Hip2Save.com (freebies and best deals are written in red).

Publis Deals Through April 12

2011-04-08T04:44:00.005-05:00

Here are my favorite deals this week:

Banquet frozen chicken, BOGO $5.49
Use two $1 off Publix Q from Slam Dunk booklet Buy 6 + $15 more groceries and submit for $10 Rebate =>
6 bags = $16.50, use six $1 off => $10.50 =>submit for $10 rebate =$0.50 for 6 bags!

Cascadian Farms frozen veg, $2
Use $0.75 Q + $1 Publix Q = $0.25 each

Silk Almondmilk, $2.50 (unsweetened is only 35 calories!)
Take the 10-day Challenge to print $2 off Q = $0.50

Mueller's Pasta, BOGO $1.39
Register w/ new email, get $1 off 1 (when prompted, print more than 1 copy- I did 6)
Buy 2 use two $1 Q =$0.60 overage

Publix Brown Rice, $0.99 (not on sale but new item!)

Jell-O Temptations, $2
Got my FREE coupon from Kraft First Taste

Snicker's Creme Eggs Single Pack, $0.50 Get 2 FREE with $1 off 2 from coupons.com There was a $2/2 Q = $1 overage

Voskos Yogurt, $1 (blinkie machine is gone!) Buy 3, use two $0.75 Qs & Buy2G1 Free = $0.50 for 3

Sunkist Almond Accents, BOGO $2.99
Use two $1 off Qs = $0.49 each

Oscar Mayer Turkey Franks, $2.29
Use $1 peelie on Turkey Selects = $1.29

Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats, BOGO $4.51
Use two $1 for Touch of Fruit only = $1.25 each

Tofouyan Pita Bread, BOGO $1.29
Will be great with Sabras Hummus that was BOGO last week!

6 Pack Publix Spring Water, $2.11
They gave out FREE coupons at the Perdido Spring Fest Fair

Zyrtec 5 count, $6.49
Use $4 Target Q plus $2 blinkie = $0.49

Everything pictured plus Almondmilk & Jello Temptations would have cost $77.15, with the help of a few coupons, we paid $10.19, for a savings of 87%. Yep. What's really impressive is that other people save that much too- check out I Heart Publix's weekly totals.

The cool thing is that the 2 value size Purex alone cost that much. So it's like I bought 2 bottles of detergent and got $66 of food for FREE.

Apple Market Q Gone- But Get FREE Coffee!

2011-04-08T03:32:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I wish I had more foresight than coupon etiquette. There was a $5 off $25 Apple Market coupon that Publix willingly took as a competitor coupon. I printed 12 thinking I'll go back and print more later (since 12 was already a lot). We'll, I'm sad to say that RelyLocal pulled the coupon (why- it wasn't expiring until 12/31/2011?) and I have only 1 coupon left. Don't they know I rely on that local coupon? Instead of this coupon (sob, I actually thought of going to Apple Market to use the coupon at some point), now we have this:

FREE 12 oz. Cup of KONA Coffee! And we mean it! No purchase necessary! Come in and try a cup today. ( One per customer per day. ) Expires 12/31/11

Thanks, anyway.

But in case you'd like to try it- print it now before it disappears! They have a location next to the used bookstore and across the Pensacola State career center past Cordova Mall.

$0.50 Philadelphia Cooking Creme at Winn-Dixie

2011-04-08T03:05:00.002-05:00

Although we have enough cooking creme to last forever, I might just buy some more. For only $0.50 each, I'm willing to surf the web for new recipes. If you are interested in buying these along with chicken, lookout for the $1.50 peelies on different chicken items. Might as well get another $1.50 off, right. Last time these were on sale, they had a $1 Winn-Dixie retailer coupon. Our store took this as a store coupon. Stacked with the $1.50 manufacturer's, this became a lil' money maker.

Besides this, Kraft cheese is on sale for $2. There is a new blinkie found at Publix (& Winn-Dixie too, maybe) for $1 off the Touch of Philly variety. This makes the cheese only $1 each. We can never have too much cheese! Freeze extras.

Here's a Spinach Dip recipe I've concocted to use up the cooking creme:
1 box frozen spinach ($0.15 from last Publix sale)
1 bag Kraft shredded cheddar cheese ($1 after $1 blinkie)
1 tub Philly cooking creme- savory garlic ($0.50 after $1.50 blinkie) Salt and pepper to taste
=$1.65 for all ingredients

Cook spinach per directions. Drain as much liquid as possible. Add cheese and stir until melted. Add cooking creme, salt and pepper. Stir to combine well. Serve hot or cold with some pita chips or crackers.

I love that this dip requires no stove or oven cooking. For an extra spicy kick, use Santa Fe cooking creme and/or Pepperjack shredded cheese.

FREE OTCs and Toiletries at Publix!

2011-04-08T01:47:00.005-05:00

These are some items I got for free at Publix recently. Only one coupon was from the newspaper, the rest in-store and printables. If you still have some of the printables, you can also score these deals. Right Guard BOGO coupon from 3-13 RP One
pair with Right Guard Buy One Bodywash Get FREE Deodorant Q (Green Ad flyer found in-store)
$2 Visine, any product (I think this has a size restriction)
FREE Soothing Wipes with other Visine purchase (no longer available)
$4 Zyrtec Q- Target coupon
$2 Zyrtec manufacturer's Q- blinkie found in-store
$5 off $25 Apple Market Q (no longer available- makes me cry!)

The Visine Soothing Wipes were clearance $4.99 but rang up $6.99. I pointed that out to customer service. Did you know that their Publix Promise is to give you the product FREE if it rings up differently at the register? So I got $6.99 back and made a little money on this shopping trip.

What did I do with the leftover dough? We enjoyed some Publix fried chicken- it was even on sale for $5.99! Food is not the only freebies to be had at Publix- OTCs and toiletries, too. Now you know.

Of course, most of my coupon links come from I Heart Publix. See what great deals you can snatch!

Lowe's Build & Grow 2nd & 4th Saturdays

2011-04-08T00:46:00.005-05:00

You know how Boy Scouts build things and get patches on their vest? I really wanted that for our son. But I wasn't keen on the fees and weekly meetings. So, the Kids' Build and Grow at Lowe's (and Home Depot's version) was a nice and FREE alternative. Check it out this Saturday. They're building this soccer goal. Mobile Hwy's store starts the program by 9am- they get about 100 kids so come early. Otherwise, it's 10-11am for most stores. On April 23, they will build this birdhouse. Just show up with your children (as young as 3 is ok but you will end up doing most of the work). They provide a FREE apron, FREE project, and Certificate of Completion. There are kiddie hammers and goggles for use. It's been great seeing our little ones improve their hammering skills over the years. Plus they have so much fun! One downside is that all these crafts do add up quickly. So this year, we are planning on making a few and giving them away as presents. The actual building time takes less than half an hour. When we get home, we sand and paint and beautify them.

I consider these building projects as part of our homeschooling experience. The fact that it's free is a nice bonus! What are your favorite local events for children? Share a few and visit Frugal Fridays for more frugal tips. Visit Lowe's to sign-up online or just show up Saturday.

Rapunzel Birthday Cake

2011-04-07T23:50:00.008-05:00

Spring is here and with weather to match. Usually it is tremendously hot in Pensacola by now. So we are thankful for the mostly cool few days, despite high pollen counts. Since we moved in the winter, I had no idea what kind of trees and bushes we have around the house. Now that flowers bloom overnight it seems, I've been pleasantly surprised to find out we have azaleas and wisteria. Our sweet girl had her birthday this week. Since it was on Monday, we had a couple families join us at Perdido Kids' Park. We had the park almost to ourselves. It gave us moms a chance to visit without worrying too much about where the children are running off too. The park is fenced throughout and only has one entrance/exit. We love this park! A themed-birthday is nice, too. But who knew that kids still love to just play in the playground and just eat cake and ice cream. Simple and almost free birthday parties are still in!

Parties over the weekend get overcrowded at the park, however. It doesn't matter what time you have yours. There will be 8 other parties going on at the same time. As you can tell, this was taken during the Easter Egg Hunt- it should be the Saturday before Easter again this year. Plan to come if you can. Last year, the Optimist Club hosted it and some of the eggs had $1 bills inside! This birthday cake was inspired by LifeAsMom's Tangled Cake . Last year, I feared our little girl was getting over the Princess craze- she kept asking to wear blue jeans! But alas, she is a girly-girl through and through. More pink the better for her 8th birthday and this pink-frosted strawberry cake fit the ticket. I am afraid of making birthday cakes... because I need frosting lessons! That's why my cakes don't leave the baking pan and have marshmallows for a border. If you are wondering, there is no birthday salutation because I forgot to get gel icing. Sprinkles made the best last-minute substitution.

Do you buy birthday cakes or make your own? I do like that homemade cakes are much more inexpensive and my children adore them, even if they are simple with uneven frosting. I'm mentally preparing for October's cake- my son wants a dinosaur cake for his 7th birthday! I have no clue how to make that. Looking for cake ideas- there's tons here. Frugal ideas to swap? Check out Frugal Fridays. Want to share stories? Tell yours at Company Girl's Coffee at Home Sanctuary. Ok, I had to link-up with Amy's Finer Fridays too, because babies and birthdays turn me all sappy.

Disney Crafts Clearance at Wal-Mart

2011-04-07T23:01:00.003-05:00

Isn't Easter Sunday a bit late this year? If you are hunting for gifts to fill Easter baskets, you might check out this Tinker Bell bracelet kit for $3 at Wal-Mart. I found it near the greeting card aisle along with Disney Princess, Cars, and other craft kits for $3 a piece. Our newly-turned 8 yr old daughter still thought this was a cool present. Since I don't have a stockpile of paper products, I was suckered into getting this Birthday Party kit for $5. It was also in the clearance aisle. Good enough for a last minute rush, but I know I could have done better with planning!

Kimberly Clark Rebate & Money Maker

2011-03-30T22:10:00.006-05:00

Okay, okay. I've been MIA for months. Thankfully, the schoolyear is almost over so I will have more free time soon. Meanwhile, with the new online $5 off $25 Apple Market coupon, I have been getting really great deals at Publix.

Here's one I have to share with you: Buy $35 or more Kimberly-Clark or Clorox products, get a $10 Publix gift card by mail!

Visit I Heart Publix's booklet list to view participating products. Huggies diapers & wipes, Clorox wipes & bleach, Scott & Viva paper towels are some of them. Pictured below is the deal I did & paid only $1.52 after coupons, but before the $10 Rebate! This will be a money maker- $9.48 extra money & FREE products.

Look for the booklet: Get a Bundle of Savings, Do a Bundle of Good. The Rebate form is in the back, one per household. I used these Publix coupons, pictured here: $2 off 2 Kleenex, $2 off U by Kotex & $2 off Kotex. Plus a few manufaturer coupons:
$1.50 off 2 Kotex
$1 off U by Kotex
$0.50 off 2 Kleenex from April All You (other coupons are even better!)

This is the breakdown of my shopping trip above:
8 Kleenex, 4 for $5 on sale
4 U by Kotex, 3 for $10 on sale
4 Kotex, $3.41 each =$36.97

These are coupons I used:
-$5 off $25 Apple Market Q (register to print)
-$8 U by Kotex Publix Q -$4 U by Kotex Manuf Q
-$8 Kotex Publix Q
-$3 Kotex Manuf Q -$8 Kleenex Publix Q
-$0.50 Kleenex Manuf Q
=-$36.50 in coupons So, only $0.50 for 8 Kleenex & 8 feminine products.

Then there's the $10 rebate too! Also, we needed wasp spray, so I bought it with these items (for the overage): 4 Snickers egg, $0.50 each(with Easter candy display)
-$4 (used two $2/2 coupons)
2 Friskies Party Mix, BOGO $1.75 (for teacher's cat!)
-$1 off Manuf Q (1/23 SS) & two $1 off Publix Q =-3.25 in overage

Wasp Spray, $4.29-$3.25= $1

FREE Hershey's Kiss at CVS

2011-02-04T20:24:00.003-06:00

With Valentine's comes chocolate. And did I get a nice surprise at CVS today. Lately, the magic coupon machine has printed $4 off 40 oz. Hersheys. But alas, that item is nonexistent. Even Publix did not carry this size. So, my CVS manager offered to substitute Hershey's Kisses (on sale through Saturday for $3) as a replacement. This meant a $1 MoneyMaker and FREE Kisses.

It doesn't hurt to ask your store if they would also substitute another Hershey's product. Your Valentine's might get sweeter.

On a side note, Bertolli Alfredo Sauce on sale for 3/$5, is included in the Unilever sale. To me, $1.66 for a jar of anything Bertolli without a coupon is a great price. The $5 ECBs brings it down to $1.11 each- still cheaper than Wal-Mart!

UNILEVER DEAL: Buy $15 of select products, Get $5 ECBs back
Deal Scenario- with no coupons
Buy 9 Skippy PB, Ragu or Bertolli sauces in any combo
Pay $15, Get $5 ECBs back
=9 items for $10 or $1.11 each

Winn-Dixie $5 off $30 Store Coupon

2011-01-27T18:26:00.004-06:00

This $5 off $30 Winn-Dixie store coupon is good for two weeks- til Feb 8. They are on the top right of the front page of the sales ad. Grab a couple extra copies in case they don't run this coupon in next week's sales flyer. I found mine at the store because I forgot to buy the Weds newspaper yesterday. Of course I used it at Publix. Although I might head to Winn-Dixie too. There's some good looking dollar deals there this week.

I knew that my shopping list would be short and not make it to $50 to use that Apple Market coupon. I looked for a CVS coupon on Tuesday night and found none. It's a blessing to get this nice WD coupon. Unfortunately, I miscalculated my short list and thought I had $30 worth of goods. It rand up only $22 at the register. I ended up adding an $11 steak to make up the difference. Yikes! But, life is too short and I've never bought New York strip steaks ($7/lb). So, keeping it in mind, everything below is $18 ($7 for everything except the steak).

I used the coupons listed in the Super Deals at I Heart Publix. Thanks, Michelle!

$0.50 Borden Cheese

2011-01-22T23:34:00.007-06:00

This week, Food World has block and shredded Borden cheese for $1.5o. Use this $1 off 1 PDF coupon to get it for only $0.50! The coupon prints in the middle of the page. Wal-Mart carries this so I'll price match it there. Also, they have Kraft Cheese with a Touch of Philly for $2 last week. If it's still the case, use this $1 off 1 Kraft Cheese coupon and get it for only $1. They are the only store I've seen with this cheese.

I was looking at I Heart Publix for the new Yellow Advantage Flyer deals. Borden Singles are $2, so only $1 after the coupon. That's how I found out about the coupon, then I remembered the Food World deal. I am loving all this cheap cheese!

CVS Deals Starting Sunday 1-23-11

2011-01-22T23:16:00.003-06:00

Last week's CVS deals were great for me. For some reason though, I got Kudos and candy coupons and nothing else from the coupon machine. I hope it isn't broken! This week is a little slower. Some are repeats like the Crest Pro-Health but FREE after ECBs without any coupon. They were out of stock Friday but I'm glad I had to wait. Now it will be a $1 money maker with the coupon I have. For those with the 12/26 PG- the $2 coupon is an even better money maker.

Publix at Mobile Hwy had Honest Tea in a bin by the registers awhile back. There were $1 off 2 and $0.50 tearpad coupons attached. I'll get these for this week's CVS Coke/Kraft deal:

Buy $15 of Coke or Kraft (Nabisco Crackers) Get $5 ECBs back
My deal:
Buy 10 Honest Tea ($1.50 each)
Use 5 coupons for $1 off 2 from tearpad
Pay $10 out-of-pocket
Get $5 ECBS back
=Only $5 for 10 after ECBs

It's not the best deal but I love these drinks. For date-night-in, I get sushi (Publix Mobile Hwy is the best!) and these drinks while we watch a movie ($1 Blockbuster Express at Publix). The treats always makes me feel fancy!

To see the ads, visit I Heart CVS; CVS deals and match-ups at Hip2Save. Check it out.

Carrot-picking Field Trip

2011-01-22T22:56:00.002-06:00

What a great way to spend a cool Saturday morning... picking garden veggies in Elberta! Now I know why Peter Rabbit snuck into Farmer Mc Gregor's garden. The soft ground yielding a plentiful harvest by simply plucking here and there is a pleasure.

Just look at the bounty we took home: carrots (15 lbs), cabbages (larger than my head), giant turnips, collard and turnip greens, broccoli, red potatoes and green onions. We have more than enough for us and a few other friends. Some of the green onions and potatoes we'll stick in a pot and see if they might grow.

A few colossal collards were more than 12 inches long. Everything was so crisp and clean. The potatoes were surprise leftovers from their fall garden. It was exciting to see no sign of a potato plant except a dried out stub of stem then dig out a couple of red beauties hiding in the dirt. It was like finding buried treasure.

I love greens but don't really know what to do with turnips. Any suggestions? On an interesting note, I found online that you could eat broccoli leaves if cooked like other greens. Has anyone tried that? I'll let you know how it turns out on my end!

90% off at Pier One

2011-01-22T08:53:00.002-06:00

Christmas items are 90% off at Pier One. Our store is in the Kmart Complex (where Lifeway is) near Cordova. I haven't been there in years but they have this flirty apron on sale for only $2.38. You can view clearance items on the Pier One website and check for store availability.

Thanks Hip 2 Save for the heads up!

Kraft Salad Dressing Money Maker

2011-01-19T07:35:00.006-06:00

Since our Publix still accepts CVS Qs, I am planning this scenario below. CVS has Reinventing Beauty Mags with CVS Qs. The latest issue from a couple months ago had both $1 Kraft and $1 Crystal Light coupons. This week's sale at Publix has both on BOGO deals at $3.19 and $3.49 respectively. Plus there are Target Qs to stack.

Here is what I'm doing:
Buy 6 Kraft dressing
Use 2 Target b2g1
Use 4 $1 CVS Qs from Reinventing Beauty Mag
Plus 3 Produce Qs if you have them (tearpads)

Get 3 FREE from Publix BOGO
Get 2 FREE from Target Qs
That leaves 1 to use $4 off with CVS Q

=$1.19 overage plus more if you have produce Qs

Did you know that an often requested product from soldiers deployed overseas is Crystal Light and similar powdered juice packets? Even if you don't drink it, consider donating.

Here is my scenario:
Buy 4 Crystal Light
Use B3G1 Target Q
Use 3 $1 CVS Qs

Get 2 FREE from Publix sale
Get 1 FREE from Target Q
Get $3 off remaining box

=$.49 for 4

It's Weds, Time for New Grocery Deals

2011-01-19T05:25:00.003-06:00

Here are the links to view the grocery ads and the blogs that have the best deals posted:

Publix ads, super deals from I Heart Publix
Winn-Dixie ads, deals from Southern Savers
Food World ads, deals from Frugal Fairhope
Greer's ads, deals from me!
Barnes deals from me if I get the newspaper

Remember that you can price-match sales at Wal-Mart. Target will also price-match brand names and are specific to a tee only at Customer Service. Also, Food World takes Winn-Dixie and Publix coupons now. Sorrento Winn-Dixie takes Walgreens Register Rewards. Talk to your store, because they might too. Now, Apple Market's $5 off $50 is available for print. Thanks Frugal Fairhope. You can also find it in the Weds paper in the Food section.

Here's a rabbit trail... when you move, make sure all your coupons, booklets, printer paper are all in one box. That way, you don't feel like you are losing your mind looking for coupons or trying to print them on the back of coloring pages from Christmas. I could write a new song from recent events called, "I'm sure I saw it somewhere."

I really did learn something from this wonderful new experience, even when your life stops, deals don't. It's not so hard to jump back in the saddle and get saving again! If you haven't abandoned this blog since I've been MIA and get to read this before the grocery week is over, happy shopping! My goal is to share with you how I navigate these deals and the tools I use. So, you will find a treasure of links that I use myself rather than me coming up with deal scenarios or coupon links.

But should I happen upon overlooked deals, I'd happily share with you! Leave a comment and do the same, will you!

I've come back from the dead

2011-01-19T05:15:00.003-06:00

Not literally, but here I am. We moved over the holidays. That was a real drama. Needless to say, I shopped without coupons and only once or twice in a couple weeks. I didn't even have a clue what was on sale! On our first day at the new house, I stopped at Publix for fried chicken and other convenience food: Paid $35 saved $5. It's usually the opposite!

We've been here a couple weeks and are starting to get settled in. I have a speaking engagement tomorrow and a Marine Bio test to write up for Friday. Life just doesn't sit still!

If you are interested and in the area, I'm speaking at Charity Chapel for the homeschool league (my lovely peers) at 6:30pm. If you are thinking of homeschooling or already are, that would be a plus too! Email me at frugalforyou@gmail.com for more info.

Hallmark Coupons= Cheap Wrapping Paper or Christmas Cards

2010-11-29T14:31:00.004-06:00

Are you enjoying Cyber Monday shopping? Did you go out Black Friday too? I didn't do either. Fortunately, I stocked-up on toys pre-Thanksgiving. I was just wrapping up one of the Christmas presents and was so pleased to find I still had a ton of paper left. Last year Hallmark had several coupons in magazines that made for $1 giftwrap at their store.

This year, they are at it again. In case you need some as well, don't forget to use those coupons for $5 off Any Hallmark Purchases found in several magazines (Dec issue):

Family Circle
Food Network Magazine
Martha Stewart Living
O, The Oprah Magazine
Real Simple
Redbook

You could also use the $10 off $10 Hallmark posted by Hip2Save a few weeks ago. Some stores are not allowing these. I will let you know if I was able to use mine at our stores. Of course you don't have to buy wrapping paper. I am thinking of getting Christmas cards or small ornaments, myself!

There is one in the Cordova Mall and another off Hwy 98 & Blue Angel (Winn-Dixie shopping strip). The four above I bought last year are thick, glossy and very high quality. We can finally cover our front door with paper that a slight breeze won't tear apart.

FREE Bible Study at East Brent

2010-11-29T13:01:00.002-06:00

Well, this is a great bargain if you ask me! Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) is an international, nondenominational Bible Study. Classes are 9am-11am Weds at East Brent Baptist (near the Home Depot by at the Cordova Mall area). This Weds, Dec 1 is the intro class. There's an intro class every First Weds of the month. This class is also for women only.

A young children's program is available for children 6 and younger. I was blessed to help out in the infant nursery this past Weds. Not only did they sing hymns while rocking the babies, but they also taught them sign language words and a memory verse! I was so impressed about how much care they gave these little crawlers and walkers.

If you live in another city, there might be Men's and Children's classes (1st grade and up) in your area. It's great if they do because you get to study the same passages in Scripture together as a family! Plus it is all FREE. They provide all the study materials so you don't need to buy a book!

I am really enjoying this study of Isaiah we are doing. It's causing me to dive into the Word and learn so much about things that apply to our modern times. I hope you can check it out too!

BSF at East Brent Baptist Church
9am-11am Wednesdays
Childcare provided
Intro class every First Weds (no childcare until you are registered)

$30 in CVS Store Coupon- NEW Reinventing Beauty Magazine

2010-11-28T17:52:00.003-06:00

CVS puts out a quarterly magazine for $0.99 called Reinventing Beauty. It always has great store or manufacturer coupons. You don't have to buy the magazine to get these great coupons. Right now, there is a stack of the inserts at the registers. Pick-up a couple to use for BOGO deals. In fact, you can use many of these at Publix, too!

Store Coupons exp 1-31-11
$1/1 Kraft Dressing 16 oz
$1/1 Crystal Light drink mix 8qt or On the Go packets 10 ct
$1/2 Colgate Wisp 4ct or more
$1/1 Pro Clinical Toothpaste (not travel or trial size)
$1/1 Softsoap BodyWash 15-18 oz (not trial size)
$1/1 Lady Speedstick or Speed Stick Stainguard (not trial size)
$3/1 Nature Made product
$1/1 South Beach Living Protein Fit Cereal Bars 5 ct
$1/1 Ritz Crackerfuls
$2/1 Boiluxe full size
$2/1 Cristophe full size

Manufacturer's coupons (various expiration dates)
$1/1 Purpose skin care
$2/1 Bio Oil 2 or 4.2 fl oz.
$1/1 Ardell Lashes Starter Kit
$5 off $10 GlaxxoSmithKline Oral Care products (Aquafresh, Biotene, Sensodyne, Polident, Poligrip)
$2/1 Maybeline NY Volum' Express Falsies Black Drama Mascara and Eye Studio Lastig Drama Gel Eyewear
$1/1 Maybeline NY Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Get $15 Overage For Gift and Gas Card at Publix

2010-11-27T20:31:00.005-06:00

Are you getting your gas card at Publix this week? I hope so. Soon after we left the Perdido store, my hubby got gas at the Shell station across Mc Donald's. It's $2.75/gallon (only 2 cents more than Wal-Mart). And you can use the promotion on the American Express Gift Card (AMEX) to get another $5 overage... intrigued?

Here's how it works:
First Transaction:
Buy $50 AMEX gift card
Use $10 off $50 AMEX gift card*
*back cover of sales ad or PRINT. Go to the last tab on top of the weekly ad. It says "Coupons" or click from the left side bar.
Pay $40 + $4.95 activation fee

Here is the tricky part:
Second Transaction
Shop for 1 hour 10 minutes (that's how long it takes to activate the card) or shop the next day
Get $25 of groceries & a $50 Shell Gas Card
Use $10 off $50 Gas Card (towards end of sales ad or PRINT)
Use any coupons for your groceries
Use the $50 AMEX card to pay for gas card
Pay the remaining balance, if any, with cash or something else
=$10 overage on gas card to go to grocery item balance

I had some FREE product coupons mailed to me and a raincheck on the Ronzoni Garden Delight, putting my total after coupons to only about $4 plus $40 for the gas card- which all went on the AMEX card!

$5.99 Energizer Lithium 4x (Green Ad sale)
*use $1 MQ & $2 Target PRINT= $2.99 each
BOGO Scotch Gift Wrap or Magic Tape $2.79 (use two $1 from Winter Family Savings booklet)
BOGO Pillsbury Cake Mix $1.79 (not great, no coupon, but I want a cake!)
$1.99 Keebler Peanut Butter or Cheese crackers (price cut from $2.70)
Also Laughing Cow wedges are $2.19 (use $1/1 MQ tearpad)

Buy 2 Lucky Charms Get FREE Movie Ticket!

2010-11-27T13:50:00.004-06:00

Wal-Mart still had $1.96 movies last night at 8:30 pm. While there, I saw some General Mills cereal at an end cap. They are kids cereals and you buy two and get 1 FREE movie ticket. These are good for up to $12 admission. The cereal flavors are Trix, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Reese's Puffs.

Buy 2 Kid Cereal $2.98 each

Get 1 FREE movie ticket $8 (in our area)

Grocery Deals 11/26-11/30

2010-11-26T07:12:00.005-06:00

I'm staying put this morning. But I do plan some grocery shopping tomorrow! $0.50 Kraft cheese at Winn-Dixie can't be passed up.

Publix Super Deals by I Heart Publix:
Nonni’s Biscotti or Soft Baked Tusconi BOGO $3.37

Gardein Garden Protein Meat-Free Entree BOGO $3.99
$1 MQ PRINT or PRINT

Chung’s Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls 10-12 oz box BOGO $2.99
$0.35/1 (PDF) Rolling or $1/2 MQ 10/17 SS Insert

Kellogg’s Eggo Pancakes, Cinnabon, Nutri Grain Fruit Pizza, 5.3-16.4 oz BOGO $2.79
-$1/2 Eggo Products Rolling

Lactaid Milk, half gallon, 2/$6
-$2/1 Lactaid blinkie (check your binders)
-$1/1 Lactaid Milk Product (exp 12/2/2010)

Gerber Graduates 6 oz, 10/$9
-$1/2 MQ from Target catalina

Cheese-It 9.75-14 oz BOGO $2.39
-$1.50 off pretzels wyb Cheez-It Target Q
-$1/2 MQ tearpad at Winn-Dixie (have you found this?)
-$1/2 Walgreens Q in December booklet

Scotch Gift Wrap Tape, BOGO $2.79
$1/1 Publix Q Winter Family Savings
(Some people found $1/1 tearpads)

Red Delicious Apples, 5 lb bag, $3.99
Iceburg Lettuce, $.99
Florida Tomatoes, $1.29/lb
Florida’s Tangerines 3 lb bag, 2/$3

In-Ad Coupon $10 off a $50 BP, Shell, Chevron/Texaco or Hess Gas Card wyb $25+ Groceries
In-Ad Coupon $10 off a $50 American Express Gift Card ($4.95 activation fee)

Food World Deals:
$1.77 boneless, skinless chicken breast (great price!)
$1.99/lb ground chuck
$0.99 Food World white bread
$0.39/lb bananas

Winn-Dixie Deals:
Get $10 Gift Card wyb Flu Shot ($23 or $43)
Get $5 off every $50 gift card purchase

Saturday Only Sales:
$0.99 Kraft Cheese 5-9.6 oz shreds or block (limit 2) use $1/2 PRINT
$3.99 DiGorno pizza (limit 2) use $1/1 11/14 RP
$4.99 Cottonelle (limit 2) use $0.50/2 PRINT
$2.99/lb pork loin baby back ribs (limit 2)
$4.99 Tyson snack wings (limit 2)
3/$1 Winn-Dixie canned vegetables 14.5 oz corn, peas, green beans (limit 12)
$1.99 4-lb navel oranges
Canned veggies make great Food Pantry donations- only $4 or 12 cans!

Best of Friday-Tuesday:$1.99 Dole Salad 10-12 oz
$2 for 3-lb bag onions
$1.50 sliced or whole white mushrooms
$2 Wholly Guacamole dips (use $4 Facebook, $2 overage)
BOGO Green Giant canned vegetables not asparagus $1.39/2
BOGO London broil $4.99/2lbs
BOGO Genl Mills Cereal (double up for WIC)
BOGO Manischewitz potato pancake mix 6 oz, $2.99/2
$0.25 Elite chocolate coins

CVS Black Friday Deals

2010-11-25T21:49:00.006-06:00

Yes, I couldn't resist. I went to CVS after Tanks giving dinner. I felt bad for the cashier but she said her Mom had to work too and they had Thanksgiving yesterday. I was not alone there for too long. A few wives dragged their hubbies to get Black Friday deals early too.

I started with no ECBs to rollover. I also used the $4 off $20 found in the Christmas book. It's good through 11/28, limit 1 per household. Thanks to Southern Savers for the photo.

Here is the summary for the transactions:
Total without any ECBs or coupons: $92.24
Total out-of-pocket: $23.65 + tax
Total ECBs left over: $17.96
Total after these ECBs: $6
That's a savings of 93% after all is said and done.

The first 3 transactions are all FREE items without any coupons. With coupons, it would be a $11.75 moneymaker! Submit the Renpure Try-Me-Free Rebate and that's another $4.99 overage!

FIRST TRANSACTION:
5 Reese's candy, $0.79 x 5
5 Mars candy King size, $1.59 x 5
Total out-of-pocket (OOP): $11.90
ECBs Received $11.90
FREE 10 candy bars after ECBs!

SECOND TRANSACTION:
2 Listerine Pocket Pacs $2.99 x 2
1 Carmex lip balm $0.99 (next to Airborne)
2 Herbal Essence Hydralicious shampoos $3.99 x 2
2 Colgate Sensitive $3.99 x 2 (no triclosan!)

1 Excedrin 8 ct $0.99 (travel section)
1 Gillette deodorant $4
Subtotal: $27.92

-$2 x 2 Clairol Family Q for shampoo 10/31 PG
-$2 Gillette from 10/31 PG
-$0.75 Colgate sensitive from All You Dec 2010?
-$11.90 ECBs from 2nd transaction
-$1 Green Tag ECB
Coupon Total: -19.65
Total OOP: $8.27
ECBs Received $31.92

THIRD TRANSACTION:
1 LA Looks Hair Gel $2.99
1 Renpure Shampoo & Conditioner $4.99 x 2
1 Philips Earphones $6.99
1 Eucerin Daily Moisturizer $6.99
Subtotal: $26.95

-$23.94 ECBs from 3rd transaction*
This could have been lower OOP if I gave my other ECBs instead.
Total OOP:$3.01
ECBs Received: $26.95 (plus $7.98 I have left over)
You know... I don't think I paid for that detergent! I looked in my receipts & it's not on there. It's $1.99 get $1 ECBs. I'll have to go back tomorrow & pay for it!

FOURTH & 5th TRANSACTION*
Chocolate Fountain $18.88
Cold Eeze $6.59
Subtotal: $25.47
-$25 ECBs from 3rd transaction

Total OOP: $0.47
ECBs Received: $10 ($plus 7.96 ECBs left over)

I had to go back into the store to get the Cold Eeze for DH. The chocolate fountain is for Ladies Gift Exchange. It's a smaller version and perfect for family use! It's red and pretty cute. They also had lots of other gift-type appliances that were $18.88 with $10 ECBs after purchase.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T21:44:00.001-06:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!

This was in Family Fun's October 2010 issue- "pumpkin pie" giant cookie. It was a hit with the little kids. And I was so proud of myself for finally making something from this magazine. We've had the subscription for 6 months now! These little turkeys from Makes&Takes were also a great idea. The only problem was the little kids knew they were chocolate and only wanted to eat these instead of dinner... would have been better as a parting gift!

Last Minute Target Shopping

2010-11-24T19:55:00.004-06:00

I thought of a couple more last-minute gifts to get so I hurried over to Target. The lines were pretty short. Maybe people fled Pensacola for better cities for Thanksgiving. Anywhoo, there were still lots and lots of toys and items for Thanksgiving. These finds are courtesy of Totally Target. Many of these items should still be on sale through Saturday, at least.

Skippy Natural, $1.93 (-$0.75/2 Target Q)
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, $1.50 (-0.40 man Q)
Maxwell House Int'l Coffee, $3.04 (-$2/2 Target Q, -$1 man Q)
Jello Pudding, $0.77 or $0.99 (-$0.50/2 Target Q, -$1.25/3 from Kraft booklet)
Keebler Chocolate Chip cookies, $1.99 (-$1/1 man q)
Mrs. Smith $3.41 (free Cool-Whip w/ purchase)
Cool Whip, $0.89 (-$1/2 man Q, -$0.50/2 Target Q)
Stove Top, $0.79 (-0.50/2 Target Q)

My total was around $26 but I got a $5 Gift Card from the Smart Ones.
Smart Ones dinners, $1.99 each*
*(-$4/10 Target, $4/10 Man Q, $5 GC wyb 10- these expire in a couple of days and I don't remember the links for the other 2 Qs. They come out to $0.69 each after Qs & GC)

My kids will have gift exchange soon so I decided to grab another Rapunzel. They were only $6 for the bigger one and $3.44 for the mini-version. The two Sorry games gave me $2 in overage using the $5 Qs inside the package. The Ladybug Game is for friends and was only $6 after 50% off Q. The total came out to $8.44 for some great Christmas presents. I also bought 3 pairs of pajama shorts, 2 undies, and a henley long-sleeved shirt for $2 using two $10/3 Target qs.

Mini-dolls make great cake toppers. After seeing this Tangled Theme Cake, I had to get that mini-Rapunzel doll. Jessica at Life As Mom makes cakes with the best decor! Check out her tutorial- it's so simple!
On a side note, at Target I saw this lady who came up to me and asked me if I was a blogger. It surprised me that someone would even recognize me. She told me how she had gotten out of the habit of couponing for some reason in the summertime. I tried to encourage her, but it didn't seem to be any use. It's makes me so sad to hear of a die-hard couponer who can't seem to get back into the swing of things.

So this Thanksgiving, I'd like to encourage you to keep on going, even if it's just one or two deals a week. Pair up with someone who has time and experience and go shopping with them. Remember women do things better together- clothes shopping, Bible study, cooking. Why not grocery shopping? It's a lot more fun with a buddy system!

$1 Kraft Cheese at Winn-Dixie Saturday Only

2010-11-24T15:58:00.004-06:00

Winn-Dixie's weekly ad ends Thanksgiving Day. But they have a few deals just for the weekend. Kraft cheese will be $1 on Saturday only. Use the $1/2 PRINT to make it only $0.50 each! There is a limit of 2 per customer. Thanks Julie for the heads-up!

$1 off Pilgrims Pride Chicken (Wal-Mart)

2010-11-23T18:53:00.005-06:00

I never recommend clicking on any banners when visiting other websites. I always say, only click on a link the writer wrote themselves. And yet I chanced it tonight when I was on coupons.com because I saw this $1 off Pilgrims coupon. Wal-Mart carries this chicken. Often, split chicken breast is on sale for $0.99/lb at area grocery stores. I always go to Wal-Mart to price match to avoid driving everywhere. It's rare to find coupons for chicken.

Go here to receive $1 off Pilgrim's Chicken and you can print 2 per computer! The coupon link is on the top right corner. You could go straight to the bricks link as well. You could also get $0.55 off when you register at Pilgrim's Pride website.

Thansk to Amanda at Simple Saving Savvy for the photo and link! I lost the link after I printed the coupons and found it again on her blog.

Target Toy Super Shopping! Restocked for Tomorrow

2010-11-22T22:48:00.004-06:00

It's funny how priorities tell a lot about you. Our one vehicle is "resting" for a few days. With all this talk about Target's BOGO toy sales, I just couldn't stand it anymore. I called someone to go there with me. After dinner, after her and my children were surely asleep, and the dads getting there too, we trekked to Target. What a fun time we had! I even printed extra coupons in case she wanted to buy a couple things, which she did. We shared a $5 Q to a grandmother buying a Thomas the Train set, too.

We had a great time of fellowship and we also got great deals!

These are the item I got:
2 FREE Leapfrog Tag books (BOGO & two $5 Qs)
2 other Leapfrog Tag books, $2 each after Qs
Barbie Rapunzel $6 (w/ 50% off Q)
2 Hasbro Card Games ($1 overage)*
Total: $6

Food I couldn't ignore:
Shrimp, $3 (used $1 Target Q)
Market Pantry Egg Nog (for my hubby) $1.99
2 dozen eggs $0.99 each (forgot this $0.55/2 Q)
Total:$7

*Target registers now detect overage on coupons and scan them down accordingly. Lately, on certain non-printable coupons, I've received overage. I'm not sure which these were. But the Hasbro Card Games (many are $3.99) have $5 Q found inside of the package. They are ringing up with $1.01 overage! There are still plenty left & with at least 4 types on sale.

The only downer was those Cuponk games, they were too scary for me! I wouldn't get those even they were moneymakers. So I have 2 coupons for them and as I was leaving it on the shelf for someone else to use, the Target employee told me he would have to throw them away. The store considers them paper trash. So sad. So next time you feel the urge to coupon fairy a few items, tuck them into the actual product. Or hand them to people in the aisle or in line at the register.

Black Friday Deals- even at Family Christian!

2010-11-22T16:30:00.004-06:00

If you are a shopper, you're probably planning your Black Friday strategies starting today. I know I am looking forward to CVS deals. Since they are open Thanksgiving, I'm stopping there after dinner. It's one place to not worry about any lines or Black Friday. Hip2Save has posted deals for CVS and Walgreens already. Both are open Thanksgiving.

Totally Target has deals for Target too. But Target is closed Thanksgiving- so these sales are for Friday and Saturday.

Family Christian Bookstores also has Pre-Thanksgiving sales:
All for only $5!
Thank You God For Adventures In Imagination - Boz DVD
The Prince of Egypt - DVD
Dreaming of a Pink Christmas- Princess Gigi DVD
Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore
Same Kind Of Different As Me by Ron Hall
Wonder - CD by Michael W. Smith
My Paper Heart - CD by Francesca Battistelli
No Changin' Us - CD by Point of Grace

Lots of half off items too! Plus they have Black Friday sales. If I find my mailer from them I will add it here. It doesn't seem to be online. Family Christian and Lifeway always has a great selection of Black Friday sales that always includes inexpensive ornaments and Christmas cards. And plus again, no lines! At least no crazy lines.

Menu Plan Monday 11.22.10

2010-11-22T07:50:00.006-06:00

Is it Monday again already? Homeschooling is getting the better of me! My days are all a blur. But at least have more than enough in food in the house. So I will skip shopping this week (maybe).

Here is what I'm thinking for dinners:
Monday- Adobo (Filipino chicken stew)
Tuesday- Amatriciana (bacon & sausage spaghetti)
Weds- Seafood Pasta
Thursday- Thanksgiving
Friday- Turkey Tetrazzini
Saturday- Shrimp & Lentil Soup
Sunday- Turkey Broccoli Casserole

When Publix had their mussels BOGO, I was able to use two $1 Target seafood coupons and got these for only about $1.50 each. They come in garlic sauce that is really delicious. All I needed to do was add pasta and juice of 1 lemon.
Adobo is the only Filipino dish I can make really well. And I'm happy with that because it's inexpensive but very good. It's my favorite comfort food.
We love turkey around here. So I'm looking forward to all the leftovers. Here, I've made it with cucumber sauce- sour cream and chopped cucumber.
My simple plan of sandwiches and soup for lunch, pasta or rice dish for dinner is working out very well! Breakfasts are generally only 3 options: cereal, oatmeal, or scrambled eggs. We also like granola in yogurt. And french bread has been only $0.19, using Target's $1 bakery coupon at Publix.
Lastly, I wanted to point out this Gold'n Plump whole chicken found at Target's meat section. We are blessed to have a Target that constantly puts their meat on clearance. Last week these were $2.50 each, before I've bought these for only $1.75 using a $1 peelie found on some of the other chicken. So be on the lookout. They will put them on sale a few days before the Sell-by-date.

Now I'm getting so hungry thinking about food. Wishing everyone happy cooking! Share your menu plans at OrgJunkie!

Toys at Target and DVDs at Wal-Mart

2010-11-21T23:18:00.005-06:00

Thanks to Kerry from Totally Target for the heads up on half-off toy deals at Target. Without her blog, I would be totally lost at Target. Plenty of 50% off coupons are now on the Target website. Click on Sporting Goods and Toys to find them faster. This photo is from Totally Target.

One coupon says: 50% off with purchase of any two toys listed below- Littlest Pet Shop; my little Pony; Strawberry Shortcake. Another coupon is 50% off any Disney Princess item listed below- doll, role-play dress or play set.
Also, one little girl at our house would be so pleased this Christmas. Wal-Mart.com has Barbie movies for as little as $3.50 each. I got the Barbie Princess collection- 3 DVDs including Diamond Castle, Island Princess and 12 Dancing Princess for only $9.50. Santa is happy. Thanks to Hip2Save for this deal... there are lots of other DVDs in the website too. Just select price low-to-high and choose site-to-store pick-up to avoid shipping cost.

Publix Super Shopping 11.19.10

2010-11-20T11:18:00.006-06:00

There are lots of good deals at Publix this week. I finally got to go yesterday and was happy to find everything... except for the $0.59/lb turkey! No worries, the truck was there and they should have plenty today.

Super deals from I Heart Publix helped me get all these and below for $35 instead of $147, a savings of 76%. My favorite deals were these:

Celery BOGO $1.69
Cranberries BOGO $2.99
Dole Pineapple $o.46 ea (BOGO $1.75, use $1.25/3 Q from Kraft booklet)
Uncle Ben's White Grain Rice FREE (BOGO sale w/ BOGO Q)*
BIC lighter $0.25 (BOGO $3.49, use two $1.50 MQ from 11/7 SS)
Ziploc containers, $0.25
(2.50 each, use BOGO Q from 11/14 SS & two $1 Publix Q from the old Yellow Ad- our stores sometimes accept expired Qs if you still want to get it this week.)

*Some stores make you do B3G1 when you combine a BOGO Q w/ a BOGO sale. But it worked for me at the Perdido store, and I had a supremely picky cashier who previewed all my coupons before ringing up anything.

If you find All the Trimmings booklet at Publix (they're out at Perdido), you can get Bird's Eye veg for as little as $0.15 each! There's a $1/2 MQ in there, and they're 50% off right now. These are my favorite deals, prices after Qs:

Kraft cheese $1 ($1 off shreds & Philly cheese peelie from Target)
Philly cheese $ 0.69 ($1.25/3 Q from Kraft booklet+$0.50 Target Print)
Land O Lakes butter $2.50

Jones Sausage BOGO $2.49 (also use $1/2 peelies from Mobile Hwy store)

Not-So Frugal Wal-Mart Gas

2010-11-19T13:58:00.003-06:00

When you use a Wal-Mart gift card or credit card to pay for gas at Wal-Mart, you get 3-cents off per gallon. Sounds like a pretty good deal. To top it off, Wal-Mart has the lowest gas price in our neck of the woods almost all the time.

BUT, an older gentleman informed me of results from unexpected experiment they had with gasoline from Wal-Mart and from another gas station. Since they were traveling to GA, they filled the tank here in Pensacola first. On the way back they filled up at a different station, since they didn't have any gas stations at the Wal-Mart there. Were they surprised at how much better gas mileage they got from the other station. From Wal-Mart's gas, they got 18 miles per gallon, as opposed to 22 mpg from the other.

We switched from Wal-Mart to another station to see if we had the same results. And we did, plus, the very next day, the car stopped trying to shut off. It ran smoothly at a higher mpg. I'm glad the told us. It's so important to share Frugal Tips! Share yours on Frugal Fridays.

Sushi from Publix

2010-11-19T12:55:00.006-06:00

I love Amy's Finer Things Friday. It reminds me to constantly look out for the marvelous in the mundane. This is especially helpful for Date-Night-In. Grandparents live far away and babysitting can be costly. So we hangout at home when the children sleep and we watch movies from the Redbox. Or the Blockbuster Express found inside Publix. With all the savings, we do splurge on the snacks. Sushi is my favorite date food. I look forward to it like I do Starbucks Ice Cream.

Sushi from Publix is borderline expensive to me, but it is so yummy. One catch though, I only recommend getting it from Mobile Hwy. Mike and Sharon, owners of the Sushi franchise, are artists. They even change the menu to suit the seasons. For example, this summer, we had sushi with mango salsa. Mike used to work fulltime at a restaurant making sushi before starting on his own. I like getting the spicy sampler because it's so pretty with all the sauces and different trimmings. I hope you get to try it. You can probably ask for a sample if they are there working. They are such a pleasant couple.

Target- Almost FREE Pajamas!

2010-11-19T07:37:00.005-06:00

Print the $10 off 3 Target coupon before it's gone. It doesn't expire until sometime December so you could use it for Black Friday sales next week. But if curiosity gets the better of you like it did me,you'll find some worthy clearance items up for the taking.

These are 50% off, shorts are $3.98 while pajamas are $6.48, with many different kinds to choose from. At our store, there were racks of 50% off and also marked and unmarked rack 30% off. Many sock monkey prints are available. Some bras and underwear are included too. What I did was go around the corner, at the sportswear section, where 75% off undies made them only $0.75, perfect filler items. It doesn't even matter if you can't find any your size. Grab one ($0.75), shorts ($3.98) and pjs ($6.48); use $10/3 and pay only $1.23 for everything. I'm going back for more while the selections is still good! Also, at the sports section, there are $1.25 tights (mostly neon colors SM/MED sizes).

In produce, Glory Green are marked down $1.25, so only $0.35 with this $0.90 PRINT (it prints in the middle of the page). After we came home, I cooked them in the pressure cooker right away. The sell-by-date is Nov 25. The salad shrimp are only $4, use the $1 Target Q to make them $3... I see shrimp grits in our future. Eggs are $0.99, cheaper with $0.55/2 coupon. Not a fan of regular eggs? These have no restrictions on variety. Too bad that Target hiked the organic eggs to $3.39, but the coupon should help a little.

I also got this chuck tender roast with a $3 off sticker. They are $3.59/lb on sale, so it was like getting one pound free. I have these marinating in the fridge and ready for grilling. If you can't find one with a manager's special discount, you can also use the $1 Target Q.

Finally, it's a nice blessing to see peelies at our store for cheese. I've heard of many other cities boasting these and now we have some. The are $1 off when you buy both cheese and Philly cream cheese. Since cream cheese is $1.19 (stack with $0.50/2 Target Q) and Kraft shreds are $1.80 (stack with $1/2 Target Q), these should give you cheap cheese. There is also a $1.25/3 from a booklet found at Winn-Dixie in the baking section. I've only seen this booklet over at 9th Ave next to Michaels and Target.

Wal-Mart Deals

2010-10-26T14:01:00.003-05:00

I waited until today, Tuesday, to price-match these deals:
FW $0.59 dozen eggs (limit 2)
FW $0.50 each Campbells Chicken or Tomato soup (limit 2)
Greer's $1 for 3-lb bag yellow onions
WD $0.50 cucumber

While there I saw these deals:
$0.72 Campbell's cream of mushroom or chicken
-$1.50 off 3 PRINT makes them only $0.22 each!
$1.25 for Chunky Campbell's (use PRINT coupons)
$1.38 for Campbell's Healthy Request (use PRINT coupons)
$0.50/lb for smaller pumpkins (ours was $1.60 each)
Tomorrow's Publix sales look promising, stay tuned for that!

About Town Tuesday

2010-10-26T08:23:00.005-05:00

Don't forget to buy your pumpkin at Perdido Baptist. Proceeds go to the Food Bank.

Area churches are hosting alternative fun for trick-or-treaters:
Perdido UME- Trunk or Treat on Weds 5:30-7pm (13660 Innerarity Point Road)
East Brent Baptist- Trunk or Treat Sat 5-7
Pine Summit Baptist- Trunk or Treat Sunday 3:30-5:30
Myrtle Grove Baptist- Fall Family Fest Sunday 5-7 pm (5920 Lillian Highway)
St. Mark UME- Fall Festival Sunday 12-3 pm (2203 N. 12th Ave.)

Visit Pensacola With Kids for more local fun like Halloween at the Wharf on Oct 31!

Make It Work! Monday

2010-10-25T21:47:00.003-05:00

Some toys and clothes on sale for 50-75% off at Target. My kiddos love "The Last Airbender" tv show. I found the smaller toy for $1.98 (from $7.99) and the bigger one for $4.98. The T-shirt was 50% off for $4.98, great price for character shirts!

$1.98 & $4.98

$4.98

I went ahead and wrapped them for Christmas. Our son just had his 6th birthday. When we wrapped his presents, we only had Cars "Happy Holidays" paper and he didn't even notice. We also ran out of tape and had to glue the presents shut. If you ever have to make do with glue- use liquid not the stick! Of course, he didn't notice that either. We still have enough wrapper left for Christmas, and I did find more tape!

What didn't work out for me today was Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers. The Mediterranean flavor is awful. My palate was so confused, I could only take a couple bites. I had to resort to Hungry Man dinner. These were free with overage last week, I think. Everything below cost only $11 after coupons.

The Perdido store let me use $2 of expired Publix coupons! That might a one-time merciful act.

Menu Plan Monday Oct 25

2010-10-24T21:21:00.004-05:00

It's been many months since I have planned a dinner menu... Truth be told, I just stirfry most nights or make salad and sandwiches. Although it's been nice to be "creative" I think it's about time to get back to having a plan. This evening I spent some time looking and drooling over new recipes, especially found in Kulinarya (a list of Filipino foodies). In particular, Katrina's French Tartine posts were inspiring. Simple ingredients make yummy sandwiches. The beauty of Paris takes me away from this humid Gulf Coast weather.
When I really thought about food & cooking in relation to the season of my life, it comes down to this: easy and simple is good enough!

Basic menu:
Breakfast- cereal, waffles or oatmeal
Lunch- soup and sandwiches
Dinner- salad and pasta or rice

How's that for simple! I've already made 4 cups of brown rice. Half will go in the freezer for later in the week. Zatarran's was BOGO last week so I made Red Beans and Rice tonight. I added onions, garlic, and chicken stock instead of water for more flavor. We are out of BBQ sauce, which would have been nice for chicken wings. But instead I made hot wings and use half a bottle of Pete's. This was great with the beans and rice. I just need something for the children to eat!

Stumped like I am for dinner menus or have easy ones to share? Post them with other hundreds of bloggers on OrgJunkie's Monday Menu Plan.

Super Shopping at Publix 10.9.10

2010-10-11T09:05:00.005-05:00

I always check out I Heart Publix for Super Deals first before heading to the store. My printer toner finally came in on Saturday so I was able to print a bunch of coupons and do more deals than I had planned. I hope you were able to grab some Martha Stewart cleaning solutions. They came out to $4 for 6 bottles, which is pretty good for natural cleaning products. The Mobile Hwy store had the coupons for these but they were only good through 10/10. Some Publix stores may allow use of expired coupons if you still want to grab this deal.

All in all, the total was $119 before any sales or coupons. But I walked out of there with everything for $17 on my first trip. That includes $6 for 2 Publix deli ham and $6.75 for gallon Organic Valley milk & almond milk. I bought extra goodies for $0.78 for a second trip Sunday.

For my first trip I went to Mobile Hwy so I could use the $5 off $50 Apple Market. Some extra stuff I saw there were:

-BOGO Bagels at $1.65 (Bakery), FREE with 2 Target $1 Bakery Q. (Mobile Hwy now only takes 1 kind of Target Q each. Perdido still takes more than one, so I came back and bought more there.)

-Butoni pasta is BOGO at $2.39, only $0.39 using two $1 PRINT (thanks Hip2Save!)

-Customer Service has a $1 off produce coupon wyb 2 Hidden Valley Ranch. (Buy 2, use two $2 off, get $1 veggie FREE)

-Get FREE Sara Lee Hotdog Buns wyb 2 Ball Park Franks (tearpad coupon found in the bread aisle)

-Smart Taste Ronzoni is also BOGO. I used $1/2 PRINT.

-Last week’s paper had a flyer for Powerade ION with a B2G1 Free Target Coupon. I bought 6 thinking I’d get 5 free but only 4 were free.
Buy 4 drinks,
Get 2 FREE w/ Publix BOGO
Get 1 FREE w B2G1 coupon
Pay for 1 at $1.25

In Perdido: Market Grind ground beef is $1.98/lb (this is mostly steak cuts and very lean)

BAD NEWS for coupons: Publix Mobile Hwy is becoming strict with coupons. I had the longest checkout in history as my cashier first matched up all my coupons with every item, reading each of them first. Then she had to check with the manager at least 3 times for proper coupon usage. Then she scanned all my coupons. My checkout took twice as long as the actual shopping trip. She was a nice cashier just learning how to take coupons so I didn’t start getting a migraine until the very end. But be forewarned. They are not taking more than one Target coupon per kind. For example, I could only use one Target Bakery, Produce, Market Pantry bread coupon. So I had to put back a bunch of items.

Super Shopping at CVS 10.10.10

2010-10-11T08:57:00.005-05:00

We scored lots of great deals on food this Sunday at CVS. Who knew even CVS is better than Wal-Mart! I spent $20.50 & got $11 ECBs. Also I still have $10 ECBs from last week. That’s like only having spent $0.50 for everything, including the newspaper.

I used the deals listed in RED in Hip2Save’s CVS post as my main shopping list. But when I got to the store, I found several other deals not listed:

Milk $3.49, Get $1 ECB (limit 2?)
=$2.49

Gold Emblem Soda $1
Get $1 ECB (limit 1)
= FREE with ECB

Brach’s Candy $0.99
-$0.99 coupon from the price scanner
=FREE
The deals from the store ad I did are these:

Buy $10 of PepsiCo Get $5 ECBs
My deal scenario:
Buy 4 Cheetos $2.50 each
Buy 2 Starbucks Drinks $1.50 each
Buy 12 pack Aquafina $3
Use two $1 off 2 Cheetos coupon
Pay $14, Get $5 ECBs
= $9 for everything
*The Hip2Save deal said 2liter drinks was part of the deal, but I didn’t see that in the store or in the ad.

Buy 2 Quaker Granola or Instant Oatmeal $2.50 each
Get $2 ECBs (limit 2)
Buy 4 boxes of instant oatmeal
Use four $2 off coupons (use 2 computers)*
Pay $2, Get $4 ECBs
= 4 FREE boxes plus $2 Moneymaker!
*The coupon is on Facebook but I don’t have an account. And don’t need one to get this. Just click on the Coupon tab and print these bricks coupons.

Buy Colgate Total $2.99, Get $2.99 ECB (limit 2)
Use two $0.75 off Q from 10/3 SS
Or two $1 off Q from 10/10 SS (this Sunday)
Pay $3.99 with $1 Qs
= 2 FREE toothpaste plus $2 Moneymaker!

MSM has even more CVS deals for you with her weekly link-up.

Company Girl Coffee 10.8.10

2010-10-08T07:33:00.002-05:00

Hello Company Girls. It's been many months since I've been able to join you. Life has been quite a whirl here as homeschooling season got started. The worst Florida summer is over. Now it is officially fall, although it still gets hot in the early afternoon. Weather survival hinges on layering- start with a light sweater in the morning, bare down into camis by midday and head to the beach, then put on your sweater again for dinner. Pretty soon we won't be able to get by with flipflops either.

How about you? Are you enjoying the crisp fall leaves? Do you look out and see the beautiful painted leaves? Our seagrass is turning golden brown. My children found a couple of crunchy leaves to jump on. Here, you have to spread them out because each crunch counts when there are so few leaves that fall. Irregardless of the lack of scenery, we can make it more festive indoors with pumpkin bread, apple pies, and hot cocoa.

Don't you love the fall? Share your thoughts and link-up with all the Company Girls.

FREE Coconut milk at Winn-Dixie

2010-10-08T07:28:00.003-05:00

I was just at Winn-Dixie last night getting a few things. And I noticed $1 peelies for Thai Kitchen for any product. The noodles (looks like Ramen) is only $0.89, so FREE plus overage. Also, the cans of cocunut milk are BOGO at $1.99, so use 2 $1 off peelies and get two cans FREE!

There were other nice coupons like $0.55 Hormel Natural deli meat, $2 off any Lactaid and others. This afternoon, I should get some computer time and upload pictures of my finds. See you then!

Grocery Deals October 6 - 12

2010-10-06T06:43:00.003-05:00

It's Wednesday again. That means time for new grocery ads:

Grocery Store Ads:
Food World
Publix
Winn-Dixie
Greer's
Barnes (newspaper only)

Coupon Match-ups:
For Winn-Dixie from Southern Savers
For Publix from I Heart Publix
For Food World from Frugal Fairhope

Yesterday's MOPS meeting had a craft dear to my heart. They made a lasagna freezer meal. It was simple and super easy: 3 layers of sauce, lasagna noodles (we used no-boil), Italian seasoning, mozzarella & parmesan cheeses. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes then uncover and bake for 15 minutes more. That's how I cooked it anyway. It made for a great early dinner!

I am looking forward to making more dishes like these. I am also looking forward to shopping this week at Publix. I didn't go last week and missed a couple great deals. But there are lots of nice deals like Ronzoni that I would not want to miss. Check back later for my grocery deals highlights.

Target Coupon= FREE Dole Spinach

2010-10-03T14:52:00.005-05:00

Ok. Is there a Popeye's club we can sign-up because I am about to buy even more spinach. Thanks to a new $1 off produce coupon, Dole Spinach will be FREE at Target. It's been on sale for $2 a bag for a couple weeks. I'm praying the sale is extended. Combining the $1 Dole peelie and this $1 Target Q means FREE!

If you can't find a peelie, I've seen lots at Winn-Dixie too. And both coupons can be used at our Publix. Wait until the next Dole sale at Publix, and you could score 2 FREE bags of salad. The $1 Bakery might have reset too. That means $0.19 French bread at Publix (they even have whole wheat sometimes). I love that Publix takes Target coupons!

Plus there are $2 off Merona socks or hosiery, $3 Merona sweaters, $3 or $2 any men's, women's kids' denim, and lots of Market Pantry & Archer Farms coupons too. Coupons are allowed for even clearance items. I've seen some Merona sweaters for 75% off that would be close to FREE with these coupons. Don't forget Christmas presents!

Thanks to Totally Target for picture and the heads-up!

Drugstore Deals Heads Up! Oct 3-9

2010-10-02T23:38:00.007-05:00

TIPS for newbies:

My shopping days are Weds or Thurs for the new grocery sales. And Sunday for CVS and Target. Because I only get the sale items, these shopping trips are extremely short and laser focused. No wandering. I do my best to avoid Walgreens because I've had too many problems with them in the past (and it's not right down the street). But sometimes, like this week, there are too many good deals to pass up. CVS has the same sales most of the time, so I stick with them. It's important to find one store you can shop regularly.

Forming a relationship with the store manager and cashiers is like forming a shopping support group. They become part of the money-saving team: they will remind you of sales, tell you about clearance items, and don't hassle you about using lots of coupons.

It's so easy to get organized now too. I use my favorite blogs to create a custom shopping list. It's way better than looking at the Sunday paper and figuring which coupons go with the sales. These blogs tell me everything I need to know about the deals, even deal scenarios. I've listed the highlights for you below.

Happy Shopping!

Buy the newspaper today! It will have 3 inserts: Redplum, SmartSource and General Mills. I am buying mine at CVS. $7 Overage from the Revlon Nail will give me plenty FREE newspapers.

Visit Sunday Coupon Preview to see which coupons you can expect. Be warned that some coupons are regional. Our region seems to miss out on the higher value coupons like $4 Schick. If you need this coupon (Wags has a deal on them this week), consider buying it online from places like coupon clippers or coupons by Dede.

Totally Target has the best weekly deals. My picks this week are $5 Gift Card promos for Ben & Jerry's and Mott's Applesauce.

Buy 5 Ben & Jerry’s Pints ($2.75) = $13.75
-$2.00 (use two $1/2 Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream 9-19-10 RP x10/17
= $11.75 - $5 Gift Card back for buying 5
=$6.75 for 5 or $1.35 each

There are also $1/2 Target peelies you can stack with the coupon that will make them $0.95 each!

Buy 5 Mott’s Apple Sauce 6pk or Apple Juice 64 oz $1.75
= $.75 each after $5 Gift Card
No coupon needed for this great price!

I found the easiest listed deals from Hip2Save for Wags & CVS. She highlights the best deals in red so it's super easy to find.

Best deals I'm thinking of getting:

Crest Toothpaste 6.4oz or Oral-B Indicator Toothbrush $1.99 = $1 RR
Use the $0.50/1 or $1/1 from the 9/26 PG
= FREE!

Schick Hydro Razor System 3 or 5 $7.99 = $4 RR
Use the $4/1 coupon from the 10/3 SS
= FREE!

EOS Lip Balm $3 = $3RR
(Summer Fruit or Honeysuckle Honeydew varieties)
= FREE!

Nivea Lip Care ONLY $1
Use the $2/2 coupon found here or here
or from the Oct/Sept All You magazine
or $1/1 and $2/2 coupons this Sunday 10/3 RP
= FREE! You can price-match at Wal-Mart or Target

Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies small 2.8 oz size $0.99
Use the $0.60/1 coupon from the 8/1 SS
(or use the $0.55/1 coupon found here)
= As low as $0.39!

Quaker Rice Snacks 3.3 oz $0.99
$0.75 peelies found at Target
= $0.25 each!
You can also get $1/2 from here (out of prints when I checked)

From Hip2Save, the best deals I found for CVS:

Revlon Nail products $3.99 = $3 Ecb (Limit 6)
Use the $1/1 coupon from 9/12 SS or store coupon booklet
= FREE!

Better with $7 off $15 Revlon crt.

Bausch & Lomb Re-Nu Sensitive 12 oz. $7.99 = $7.99 Ecb (Limit 1)
= FREE!

Schick Hydro 3 or 5 Cartridges 4 ct. or Razor 1 ct.
$8.97 = $5 Ecb (Limit 1)
Use $4/1 coupon from 10/3 SS (this Sunday)
= FREE!

Buy $25 of select P & G products = $10 Ecb (Limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Charmin Big Roll 16 pks, $10
Buy 2 Puffs Tissues 60-108 ct. $1 each
Buy 1 Bounty 18 Pack, $13
Total = $25
Use $1 off Bounty & $1 off Charmin from P&G mailers
Get back a $10 Ecb
Final Cost $13 for all the above!

6 FREE Revlon Nail Polish at CVS

2010-10-01T14:17:00.004-05:00

Starting Sunday (Saturday for stores that start early), Revlon Nail Polish is on sale.

Buy Revlon Nail Polish, $3.99 (limit 6)
Use $1 coupon found on freestanding displays in store*
Pay $3
Get $3 ECBs
=FREE

The booklet found in the free standing Revlon display has a $1 Manuf Q on the back. (Also, some of the Super Lustrous lipsticks have a $2 off peelie. I don't remember if that is only for the lipstick or other products.

You could keep redo this transaction 5 more times by paying with a coupon from the previous transaction. Some have reported getting $7 off $15 Revlon from the price scanner.

Buy 4, $3.99x4 = $15.96
Use 4 $1 off Manuf.
Use $7 off $15 CVS Q from scanner
Pay $4.96 out of pocket
Get $12 ECBs back
= 4 FREE plus $7 Money Maker!

CVS.com now has the upcoming week's ad posted by Thursday. I think they are getting the hint that couponers love sneak peek's! Of course you can still visit IHeartCVS to see the previews and coupon match-ups.

Target Price Scanner: The Tale of Two Plates

2010-10-01T07:18:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I went to Target and listed a few nice 75% off deals. I really wanted to get these square plates that were only $12.48 at my store. Granted we already have enough plates but no square ones. I thought about them for the rest of my shopping trip. Later, I talked to my SIL about 75% off sale on housewares. She was at Target and saw these pretty white plates for only $14.98, 50% off the original price.
I told her about my plates but the same ones she saw were $34, with no sale sticker. I suggested she checked the price at the price scanner. It might be on sale. So she did and it was! Only $0.50 more at $12.98, still an awesome price. The white plates were really cute too and only a few dollars more. She scanned the price in case it was even cheaper. The scanner revealed the truth- it was NOT on sale. The price that rang up was $29.98 not $14.98. That ended the battle of the plates and she chose the square ones, which match her décor better anyway. Plus I get first dibs if she decides to get rid of them.

Or I could buy a set here and when we get together we can have 8-place setting!

Moral of the story: Use the price scanner!

You’ll find deals from blogs like Totally Target and may get discouraged your store doesn’t have the same discount. Since the price scanners are everywhere, go ahead and check anyway. You might end up with a nice surprise!

Frugal Friday: How To Stack Coupons

2010-09-30T21:42:00.003-05:00

REMINDER: Tomorrow, Oct 1, coupons will reset! Check coupons.com, smartsource.com, and redplum.com to get printables.

Coupons are great with sales. Even better when you can combine store coupons with them. At CVS, you can add a coupon from the Coupon Machine on top of these two. To make it easier to explain, watch this short You Tube video of my Frugal Adventure at CVS. I got 2 sunscreen sprays FREE by stacking coupons.

You can apply these same principles at stores like Target and Walgreens. Even better at Publix because they take competitor coupons too. If nothing else, use the $5 off $50 at Apple Market coupon when you shop Publix BOGO deals. It's always in the Weds Food Section.

$1 Dole Spinach Salad at Target

2010-09-30T21:01:00.009-05:00

Paid $16 for 5 dozen organic eggs, 4 Spinach Salad & more.

I am so excited w/ these $2 eggs at Target! They are ArcherFarms Organic Cage-Free brown eggs. I have never had these because organic eggs are $4 at Wal-Mart. But when I asked a Target employee, she said this is their regular price - not clearance, not sale. Yay!

Dole Salad Kits have $1 peelie on the Salad Blend (on sale $2) BUT you can use the coupon for any of the other salads too.

The Kraft salad dressing is $2.04, only $0.54 w/ coupons. Food Lion (in VA) had FREE produce wyb 2 Kraft dressing tearpad I used too.

When I shop at Target with the family, they stay over Starbucks and read magazines and books. I never wander Target anymore but today, I wanted to use those Merona coupons so badly.

Found nothing for me but I saw:
75% off Liz Lange Maternity
75% off LOTS of women's shirts, shorts, a few dresses
75% off RE picture frames (starting at $1.74)
75% off Girl's short sleeved Dance Camp shirts ($1.74) and shorts
50% off lots of Girl's clothes
50% off Merona scarves, jewelry, purses
50% off C9 women's athletic wear
$1.74 Boy's cotton shorts
$1.74 Boy's sleeveless t-shirts
50-75% off bed linens, IronMan comforter $15
75% off Home 16 piece dishes $12.48 (so so pretty square ones)

Check out other savings from all these wonderful shoppers at MSM's Super Savings Saturday and TTM's Shopping Superstars.

Butter for $1.84 & More Wal-Mart Deals

2010-09-30T12:44:00.006-05:00

Early morning shopping at Wal-Mart was a pleasant experience. Lots of grandparents talking to my children gave them social time for today. Each had a dry-erase board and practiced spelling while I wheeled them all over the store.

Instead of my usual $70 purchase at Wal-Mart, I only spent $61. When I walk out of Publix I spend less than $30 everytime. But not at Wal-Mart. *Sigh* It's a small price to pay for getting a lot of deals in one place. Otherwise, I would have to shop 4 stores! Price-matching, in my opinion, is the easiest way to save money and save time.

Some things I bought with the price-match in ( ):
2 lbs of butter, $1.84 rollback

3 fryer chickens ($0.74/lb at FW)

3 lbs ground chuck ($1.99/lb at FW)

2 Kraft Singles ($1.25 each at FW)
4 Kraft Shredded Cheese $2 rollback
-$5.75 in coupons
= $4.75 for 6 cheeses!

Dannon Yogurt (big container) $1.96
-$0.75 coupon,
=$1.25

Look over your receipt. I found a few mistakes on mine that need to be corrected. Such is the nature of the Wal-Mart beast. For more deals, visit MSM. Also, our stores do not have $0.25/lb peaches, who knows, maybe next week!

Publix Helps with Homemade Laundry Soap

2010-09-29T22:38:00.004-05:00

How many of you make your own laundry soap? I don't. My excuse has always been the hard-to-find ingredients. Now, I have no excuse. The Publix at Perdido carries all these products pictured. The prices are fairly reasonable. It almost seems like they had the homemade soap makers in mind when they picked out these items. Next time I'm there I'll jot down the prices and report back to you.

In the meantime, thanks to Mommy's Kitchen for picture and recipe. I don't know if I'll try that or the Duggar's dry detergent concoction.

Dry Detergent From Mommy's Kitchen
2 - Cups Laundry Soap Shavings (1 bar)
1 - Cup Mule Team Borax
1 - Cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

Grate soap using cheese grater. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Place in sealed container or tub and measure out two tablespoons (or 1/8 cup) for each load.

Powdered Laundry Detergent From the Duggars
*Uses 1/2 not 1 c of borax

Chili from the Pantry

2010-09-29T21:43:00.003-05:00

This past couple of weeks a few ladies have told me that couponing and being frugal would take too much time out of their already busy schedules. That's why they just can't get started. The reality is, it's like a new diet. It does take time to learn and get started. But in moments like I am about to share, it pays off putting a little more effort to changing those old habits.

It's been two days of good weather now and we are in the 80s here in North FL. My kids have been chanting, "It's Fall, it's finally Fall." Poor kids don't know anything about cold weather. Anyway, chili, I thought, would be wonderful. And we had all we needed already, kinda. Chili is one of those dishes you can add and subtract ingredients and still call it Chili. Nobody ever seems to question it.

Chili From the Pantry:
1 yellow onion diced

1/2 pound diced beef (no ground beef)

Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tbsp

Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp

chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper to taste

1 cup frozen corn (from fresh corn bought on sale)
1/2 can Lindsay Olives, chopped
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup black and red beans, cooked
1 can Healthy Request Zesty Tomato Bisque

Saute onion in oil. Add beef. Brown a bit then add the seasonings. I blindly dole out portions, really, and hope for the best. Add corn and olives. Simmer for a couple minutes. Add rice and beans. Stir to mix. Lastly, add soup. Serve hot. (The pix BTW is from here.)

I thought I had a taco seasoning packet. Nope. Looked for canned tomato sauce. None. When I saw the soup, I thought... zesty sounds good for Chili. I used up the last bit of rice in the package and used the beans I cooked this morning. (I plan to puree the rest and use it to thicken future soups.)

I've been cooking more and more like this: a little of this and that found in the pantry, fridge and freezer. Less time shopping. Less time cooking. All thanks to a stockpile built up over a few months.

We Don't Have Any Food?

2010-09-29T19:10:00.009-05:00

Earlier this week, I was bemoaning how much grocery shopping I need to do. Hubby asks, "Don't we have food?" Food. Of course we have food! Our fridge, freezer and pantry are all full of food. So, why do I need to shop?

I can't pass up these great sales.
I'm a creature of habit.
Am I addicted to shopping?

Of course not. I thought I could live without milk, but it's been almost two weeks . There are too many cookies calling my name that would be disappointed to find a cup full of water. What fun is that?

In light of my new quest to start this month on a high note, I will do freezer cooking and menu planning for the first 2 weeks of October this weekend. (See, I am giving myself a headstart on October, that way it won't creep up on me like summer!)

Time to get serious. Coupon or no coupon, shopping will happen.

So far these are the best deals I have spotted, early this morning: I haven't seen the Barnes ad yet, since it's not online.
Food World (More deals from Coupon Chix)
Split chicken breast, family pack, $1.34/lb (good enough price)
Ground chuck, any size, $1.94/lb
Whole chicken fryer, $0.74/lb (my stock-up price)
Pork sirloin semi boneless country-style strips, $1.54/lb
Jennie O Turkey Franks $1 (there's a $0.55 peelie at Publix)
Kraft singles, 12 oz, $1.25 limit 2
(Use the $5/5 Kraft with other cheese- only $0.25 each!)
Best Yet Frozen Veggies, 32 oz, $2
Vine ripe tomatoes, $1.49/lb (good enough price)
Carrots, 5 lb bag, $2.49 (that's $0.50/lb)

Publix (More deals from IHP)
I didn't have a lot of coupons so that's why the list is short.
Cucumbers, $0.50 each
3-lb bag of apples, $1.99
Bartlett pears $0.99/lb
BOGO Pledge Grab It Cloths- Free with coupons

Winn-Dixie (More deals from Southern Savers)
Print a custom shopping list with the coupon sources listed too!
BOGO Oral B Advantage toothbrush
(Free with overage use BOGO Q from this Sunday's P&G insert and a $1 off 1 Q)
Campbell's Condensed Soup, $1
(use $0.50 off 2 PRINT- don't know if available)

Greer's (See Store Ad)
Onions, 3lb bag, $1.50 (Yay! It's cheap again!)
Gallon Milk, $2.99 Sat and Sunday only
Boneless bottom round or rump beef roast, $2.38/lb

Save-A-Lot (See Store Ad)
Wal-Mart will not price-match these. If you happen to pass through Fairfield, pop in to grab a couple of the deals.
5lb bag of apples, $1.99
Boneless, skinless chicken breast, frozen, $1.69/lb
Ekrich sausage, 16 oz, $1.79
Dozen Eggs, $0.99
Crisco Canola Oil 48 oz, $2

I will likely price-match these at Wal-Mart. Today I heard some Wal-Marts have peaches and plums for $0.25/lb... canning and freezing time!

Some Things Better Left Unsaid

2010-09-29T07:06:00.006-05:00

Diatoms, image from here.
Red Algae, image from here.

Kelp, image from here.

Science, my favorite subject. It was my love for chemistry that duped me into thinking a career in chemical engineering was perfect for me. Little did I realize how much math is involved in it. Though I am good at it, one level of calculus is enough for me. But I did love sitting in lectures talking about how milk jugs are made of stringy polymers and sand crushed in high pressures turns to glass.

So when a chance came to teach a science class to our homeschool co-op, my heart leapt out of my mouth before my brain could catch-up with it. Now I am happily scared out of my wits teaching a bunch of highschoolers marine biology. Which was about the only science class I did NOT take. (Now you get why I've been preoccupied and not blogging!)

Oh, don't get me wrong. It is fascinating. The only problem is the dolphin chapter doesn't come for a few more months. For now we are left studying weird stuff like diatoms. Pretty little glassy jewels of the sea. Neither plant nor animal but produces most of the oxygen we breathe. Nice safe diatoms.

Did you know we come across these everyday? It's ground up in our toothpaste! Yew! Better left in the ocean. Seriously, I love science but creepy crawly things really bother me, like yeast. Yew!We also learned that pudding and light Italian salad dressing has carageenan from red and brown algae. Oil and water don't mix but when you don't see Italian dressing separate, it's because it has that stuff in it. It's not bad for you. It's just weird. And of course sushi lovers partake of kelp. That non-plant organism that grows into 100ft underwater forests. All natural yet not a plant!

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. Sorry I ruined some of that for you. But knowledge is power, right?

Grocery Deals Sept 29-Oct 5

2010-09-29T06:32:00.002-05:00

I was so excited to see Publix deals until I realized I didn't have the coupons for those deals. BUT suprisingly real food is cheap this week at Food World. That's the store with loss leader I rely on for deals on meats and veggies. Sometimes it's nice to buy simple things like ground beef and potatoes, stuff you know coupons are not needed but is still a great bargain.

If you do Publix shop this week, don't forget to buy the Weds paper: Use $5 off $50 Apple Market coupon found on the FOOD section. They accept it at Mobile Hwy Publix and most others. Also, I've used the Target $1 bakery Q to get $0.19 French bread at Publix. Not surprisingly, I've had trouble using that Target coupon at Target.

Publix store ad
Publix Super Deals from IHP

Food World store ad
Winn-Dixie store ad
Food Tiger store ad (comes out after 9am)
Barnes (you have to get the newspaper)

Of course, Target and CVS are great places for groceries too:
CVS Deals from Hip2Save
Target Deals from TotallyTarget

Last week at Target, I was able to get 8 cartons of cage-free organic brown eggs for $2.04 each. I never buy organic eggs because in my mustard seed of faith I trust God to neutralize all the bad stuff regular eggs have been putting in my body for years.* But there comes a point when you have to just blow the extra dollar and make a change. I was so excited that I bought something organic I gave 3 away. I'm not sure if this price is the regular price (hope it is!) since there was no sale or clearance sign.

Actually, I feel a nudging (well more like a push) to really make changes in our diet. Anyone know where I can borrow that Food, Inc movie. It's been a year since I heard about it. I think I'm ready to watch it, as long as I can snack on some Doritos during the movie.

Have a great shopping week, everybody!

October restart?

2010-09-29T06:30:00.002-05:00

Hmmm. Seems like I was somewhat derailed for a while there. Homeschooling year has taken off quicker than I can get my shoes on. I feel like I've caught up somewhat so hopefully I can get back on here for regular blogging. I sure have missed everyone!

Grapes and Strawberries on Sale

2010-08-10T08:46:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, a friend said she saw 2lb red grapes at Target for $2. Use the $1 off Produce (Target PRINT) to get them for only $1!

A few days ago I was at Wal-Mart and bought 1-lb strawberries for only $1.78. I really wanted some green grapes to price-match because Winn-Dixie has them for $0.88/lb through Tuesday.

And for you gardeners out there, check out a repurposing tip for the plastic containers strawberries come in- thanks Sharpen Your Scissors!

NEW Market Pantry Target Coupons

2010-08-09T13:42:00.004-05:00

We just enjoyed eating Target's Market Pantry 3-Cheese Pizza. One pizza for 4 little kids is a great deal. Target has new coupons for their other pizzas- Archer Farms frozen or the make-and-take ($1 Target PRINT). They also have these:

$1 off produce (no restrictions!)
$1 off Market Pantry ice cream

$1 off any Market Pantry frozen seafood (fishsticks too!)

$0.50 off any Market Pantry bread

Also lots of Merona coupons

$3 Merona footwear

$2 Merona women's apparel

$3 Merona men's top

$2 women's belt (any brand)

$3 adult denim

$2 kid's denim

Hurry up and print. These coupons never stay long. I found that grey Merona shirt for $3.76 a couple of weeks ago. So, only $0.76 after a $3 coupon. You will have to look hard, but you'll find a great deal!

FREE Bic & Papermate!

2010-08-04T09:36:00.005-05:00

Even though we did not get the Ragu coupon (what's up with that?) at least the coupon folks were kind enough to include the Bic $1/2 in the 8/1 SS. If you still have the $1 Target

You can also price-match Greer's ad at Wal-Mart or Target. They have the Bic Crystal or Round 10ct pens for $0.50, so FREE with $1/2 coupon. (No overage anymore at Target so you just need the manufacturer's.) Greer's also has the 5ct Papermate mechanical pencils for $0.50 so FREE with the $0.50 Target PRINT.

Publix has the 10 pk Bic mechanical pencil for $1 so get 2 FREE with both $1/2 Target PRINT and $1/2 from 8/1 SS. Some of the Papermate 2ct and 10 ct pens are $0.50 right now, so FREE with the $0.50 Target PRINT. Thanks IHP!

Of course you can also use these at Target to get FREE Papermate Eagle Pens, 10 ct. Thanks Totally Target!

Time to stock-up! These would be great for Cram The Van and Operation Christmas Child. I'm thinking about making pen and pencil toppers for holidays and giving these as gifts. See the bumble bee? We'd put a pencil in there instead of candy.

$2 STP Coupon = FREE @ Target?

2010-08-04T09:25:00.003-05:00

Sign-up for STP and get a $2 coupon emailed to you. This could mean FREE steering fluid at Target or Wal-Mart. Thanks, Swaggrabber!

Remember all the Armor All coupons? Did you stock-up on those? We did! It was an easy Father's Day present. But then hubby needed to buy steering fluid and I didn't print this STP coupon. So, I am not forgetting this time!

Garden Update: Use Coffee Grounds for Compost

2010-08-03T20:17:00.009-05:00

It turns out that coffee grounds are among the worst things that you can put in a landfill. It heats up the trash which makes more methane gas... basically cooks the trash. But you can't recycle coffee grounds. So what's a green coffee lover to do? Mix it into garden soil!

It turns out that coffee grounds are among the BEST things you can put into the soil. It heats up the soil producing good nutrients in the soil. And you can even get extra coffee grounds for FREE at any Starbucks. They have a basket where they put a bag that looks like this. It does have coffee filters in there, too.

Here is how our garden looks like. When we transferred the plants from the pots they were only half the size. I even cut off about a foot off the top. Now it looks like a wild jungle. It's fun watching it grow every time it rains!

I chose to plant cherry tomatoes because I don't have enough patience to wait for them to get bigger.
These begonias were starters I got for Mother's Day. They are still hanging in there. I'm not sure how to take care of them (or most of the plants we have).

These are periwinkles, I think. Next time, I'm just getting these for borders. They are hardy flowers!

We have 6 basil plants all started from seeds from a friend's plant.
The thing I like least about gardening is BUGS. I try to support life and rarely kill them. As long as they don't bite me, nobody gets hurt.

Is it a moth or a butterfly?

Right At Home FREE Package

2010-08-03T20:10:00.004-05:00

I won this last time, so I know some people actually get the prize. It takes a while to get it in the mail and you won't know if you didn't win either. So, fill in the form and forget about it. And be very surprised when you do win.

The prize pack this time includes a full size pouch of Pledge Natural Beauty Wipes and Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair. Fill in this form from Right At Home as soon as you read this post!

More Publix Super Shopping

2010-08-02T16:13:00.005-05:00

After my fun Publix trip (saved 100%) I came back for more shopping. I paid $1.38 for everything below. Since my dear hubby was kind enough to pick-up Twizzlers at Walgreens last week, I used the $2 RR from that to buy 2 paper towels for $0.67 (on sale 3/$4). The Batman Snacks, $1.38, are at the clearance section by the pharmacy.

I bought these Pilot Pens and used two $1 manufacturer's coupons. I noticed the Mail-In-Rebate forms: Buy 1, get$1.25. Buy 2, get $2.75. Buy 2 get $4.50. In my enthusiasm, I handed the Wags Pilot coupons from the July book. Now that I think about it, those might have only been for the Pilot G2.

I know for sure though that the Target Papermate coupons for $0.50 are ok to use for these Papermate Pens. They are FREE with the coupons!

Though not pictured, I bought 4 Sorrento Fresh Mozzarella at $1.99 using the $1 Blinkie and $1 Publixx Q in the Smart Savings. But that Publix Q expired on 7/31 so I left a few coupons there for others. I hope some of you picked them up! I also got 2 Stouffer's Family Size dinners for $1.99 each using a $2 PRINT (on their website?). We've already enjoyed those this week. Yay for not having to cook dinner!
I made Tabouleh salad with the fresh mozzarella, basil from the garden and vine-ripe tomatoes. My little ones actually ate this! I was very surprised.

I followed the recipe in the Smart Savings Booklet to make this tomato-mozzarella salad. But instead of balsamic vinegar, I used red wine vinegar. It was very yummy! But don't eat the mozzarella by itself. It's SO bland! Just a warning.

Well, I think this thunderstorm is my cue to get off the computer. Tata for now!

Publix Super Shopping

2010-08-02T08:23:00.005-05:00

Last Weds, a friend and I, went shopping to Publix at 7:30 am. I had all my coupons but no list! I was still printing coupons up to the last minute. Then we cut and arranged coupons for a few minutes. All seemed well until I realized I didn't have enough money! All I had was $13 and the wrong bank card. (I didn't have coffee yet and so I thought I grabbed the right card.) But I did have lots of coupons and $5 off $30 from Winn-Dixie. So I couldn't buy a whole lot but still managed to buy $30 worth:
I paid $0.30 for everything, including 12 more Sprouts baby food I gave to my friend. I was blown away! This was the first time that happened to me. Both the cereal and applesauce were rainchecks. And the GoGurt was cheap with the $1 and $0.85 coupons. The Smart Savings Booklets had BOGO Sprout and it's on BOGO sale so we were able to buy 40 FREE. (If you need a specific coupon from there, please let me know. I might be able to mail you a few.)

If you have friends who are expecting, I hope you grabbed these organic packets of veggie goodness. They can be frozen too if the baby isn't 7 months by the best by date. Or you can even add a packet to your spaghetti sauce to add a serving of veggies. It doesn't just have to be for babies.

This is a new coupon booklet at Publix. It's filled with lots of manufacturer's coupons. Last year, Winn-Dixie had a yellow school bus display and had these booklets. Also, for this coming week's BOGO Deals, Publix will have Ragu on sale. A new booklet called "Get A Smart Start For School" has $1/2 Ragu PUBLIX coupon. Pair that with a manufacturer's and get a great deal.

I didn't see one in this week's paper. So is Ragu a regional coupon? Let me know if you find it somewhere!

FREE Backpack at Office Depot & FREE Breakfast for Teachers

2010-08-01T04:33:00.006-05:00

UPDATE: Got my 2 FREE Backpacks!
I went to Office Depot Sunday to get the $1 paper. It was limit 2 per customer so I got 2 and did another transaction and hubby got 2. This is better than the Mail-In-Rebate deals for me so I don't have to wait so long to get the money back. Now we have a year supply of paper for $4!

Did you know that both Office Max and Depot price-match? Even though the writable DVDs are on sale at Office Depot, it's cheaper at Office Max. I brought in the copy of their ad and the cashier entered the price-match amount ($17.99 for TDK 100 DVDs). Saves on gas and time just shopping at one store. Plus, that let me get a 2nd FREE backpack!

Once I signed-up for the Star Teacher program, they emailed me a $10 off $50 which I forgot to bring! But they said they will take it as long as I come back with my receipt. So keep that in mind if you make a blunder like me!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a FREE backpack at Office Depot with a $10 minimum purchase. (Selection varies by location and limit 2 per household.)

Plus FREE breakfast for teachers on Saturday, August 7. Get 10% off all week and other discounts for teachers. When you sign-up for a Worklife Rewards Card, you'll receive a $10 off $50 coupon. Perfect for the back-to-school deals!

*I got these at Office Depot two weeks ago? for the Rebates. I used a coupon and should be a money maker once I get the rebate back. Who knew buying school supplies is a way to earn a little money?

Deals Starting Sunday 8/1

2010-08-01T02:54:00.010-05:00

I hope you get the paper today. There will be all 3 inserts: P&G, SmartSource, and RedPlum. Check out Sunday Coupon Preview to get a listing and you can buy extra coupons at Coupons and Things By Dede.

UPDATE: Fuze drinks and milk are unadvertised deals!
Fuze drinks are Buy $10 Get $5
Deal Scenario:
Buy 8, 4/$5
Use 8 $0.75 Q from Tearpad next to drinks
Pay $4, Get $5
=8 FREE + $1 overage!

Milk $3.29, Get $1 ECB, limit 2

Find more from CVS match-ups and store ad.

BOGO Sobe (no limits?)
Buy 2 Sobe
Use 1 BOGO Sobe PRINT
=2 FREE Sobe!
Play the Sobe Game to print 2 BOGO Qs per day.
UPDATE: My friendly cashier pointed out that this Proglide Gift Set is included in the ECB deal. So only $0.97 for this after the ECB!
Gillette ProGlide $9.79, Get $5 ECB (Limit 1)
Buy 1
Use $4 Q from 8/1 P&G
Pay $5.97
Get $5 ECB
=$0.99 for a new razor!

Buy $10 or more Unilever Foods Get $3 ECBs (Limit 1)
Deal Scenario:
Buy 6 Skippy Peanut Butter, 3/$5
Use 6 $0.40 Q from 8/1 RP
Pay $7.60
Get $3 ECBs back
=$0.77 each

You can also get Colgate for $0.24 if you don't care it has triclosan!

More from Walgreens match-ups & store ad.
Don't forget to pick a copy or two of the August Book. You can use these at Publix too!

Crayola Crayons 24pk $1, Get $1 RR
=FREE after RR
I love these no coupon freebies.

Crayola Washable Markers, 8pk or 20 Pack Super Tips $3
Submit for $3 Mail-In-Rebate
=FREE (form given at register)

Complete Multi-Purpose Solution 12 oz, $7.99, Get $8 RR
=FREE after RR

Alive Energy Multivitamins 50 ct, $10, Get $10 RR
Use $1 PRINT
=FREE + $1 overage

Listerine Whitening Rinse 16 oz, $5.99
Use $2 PRINT (check your binder!) or $1 PRINT or 8/1 SS
Use $2 Wags Q from August Booklet
Use $2 in-ad Q
=FREE

Visine Drops 0.5 oz, $3.99
Buy 1 Original Eye Drops, 0.5 oz
Use $1 PRINT
Use $2 Wags Q from August Booklet
Use $2 in-ad Q
=FREE + $1 overage!

Bayer AM Aspirin 50 ct, $2 off
Buy 1 at $6.99 (should ring $4.99)
Use $2 from 8/1 RP
Use $3 from August Booklet
=FREE

Buy $10 or more Hershey's, Get $5 RR
Deal Scenario:
Buy 4 Reese's Pieces 10 oz, $2.50 each
Pay $10, Get $5 RR
=$5 for 4 or $1.25 each

Gillette Proglide $9.89, Get $5 RR
Use $4 from 8/1 P&G
Pay $5.89
Get $5 RR
=$0.89 after RR!

Kelloggs Cereal 2/$5, Get $2 RR
Buy 2 for $5
Use $1 off 2 PRINT
Pay $4
Get $2 RR
=$1 each cereal

More from Target match-ups and store ad.
What stands out to me the most are the deals with Target PRINTS and the Hanes Products. Check out Kerry's match-ups for more.

Hanes Girls Underwear 9+1 pk $5
OR Hanes GIRLS or BOYS Socks 6+1 pk $3.79
-$1/1 Hanes Target PRINT
-$1/1 Hanes apparel item Target Mobile Coupon
$4 for 10 pack underwear, or $2.79 for a 7 pack of socks

WOMENS Hanes Cotton Panties 5+2 pk $5
OR Hanes Socks 6+1 pk $6
MENS Hanes Tanks 5+2 pk $9
OR Boxer Briefs 4+2 pk $9
OR Bagged Socks 6+2 pk $5
-$1/1 Hanes Target Mobile Coupon
-$1/1 Hanes Target PRINT

75% Off Toys At Target

2010-07-30T12:44:00.005-05:00

UPDATE: I did find a few things on 75% off... but not much.
Fine with me since I had a budget of $13:
Ben Ten toys, $3.22 each
Strawberry Shortcake figurine, $1.48
Barbie Mini Mermaids, $1.22 each
I also bought 2 composition books for $0.25 each

It's finally here! After days of stalking Target, the toys are now 75% off. A friend told a friend who told me that the Star Wars Legos are included at the Perdido Target. I'm assuming that Cordova's Target is also on the ball. So make your list and bring extra cash! I've even seen 75% off women's and girls. Use up those Merona and C9 coupons. Baby blankets and crib bedding were also 75% off at $5 for Circo. Of course that went fast. But pray and check between the shelves. Have fun!

NEW Target Printables and Cheap Snacks!

2010-07-26T18:10:00.004-05:00

UPDATE: I went last Monday to use up the coupons and bought all this for $36.30- not bad since I bought 4 whole chicken too!
Goldn' Plump Chicken- only $2.50 plus I found $0.75 peelies on any chicken (they're on the chicken thighs). The best by date was the next day. I'm thinking of writing down the sell by dates in my notebook just in case they do clearance! I cooked one chicken and stored the rest in the freezer. Also, the Market Pantry breakfast sausage was on clearance for $2.24 a bag. They taste great too- perfect for a homemade Mc Sausage sandwich.

WOW! Target is cranking out the coupons. Print yours before they're gone. I'm off to Target myself to cash in these deals. Lots of Kashi coupons and kids snack. The healthy should cancel out the junk, right? Well, I'm not above convenience food if that keeps me out of a hot kitchen! I printed every possible coupon found in Money Saving Mom. Add to that GE Reveal $1.50 Target and $1/2 Manufacturer's to get a pack for $0.14 (thanks Totally Target). Also, Kikkoman is $1.42 and use this $1 PRINT or Buy Sauce Get Ponzu FREE. You can combine both to pay $0.42 for 2! Plus submit for a FREE Gift. More details also from Totally Target.

Use this to link directly to Target Coupons or go to Target's website and scroll down the bottom.

We've been enjoying these Kashi entrees and snacks. I didn't see any peelies for them but watch out for some of the cereals. They have $1/2 Kelloggs or Kashi (maybe Kelloggs bought Kashi?) at CVS and Walgreens.

If you already have too many pens, these BIC mech pencils are $1.20 and so only $0.20 for 9 pencils using the $1 Target PRINT. The Sharpie was $0.75 each but with the $1 off 2 Target PRINT, it's only $0.25 each pack!

Don't forget you can use these coupons at Publix, too.

FREE Kid's Veggietales Party July 31

2010-07-24T07:59:00.006-05:00

Visit Family Christian Bookstores on Saturday July 31 for the movie release of Veggietales newest story: Sweetpea Beauty. Watch the entire movie at their kids' section at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Also enjoy free stickers and coloring pages. The first 40 kids will receive a FREE poster and balloon. They may also serve snacks and drinks. We've attended these for the past few years and they also do prize drawings, including one for the new DVD. Just ask them if they are doing it this time so you can sign-up your kids. We've expanded our kids' DVD library with the free movies they've won.

Both Lifeway and Family are offering Pre-buy deals:
at Family: $12.97 + FREE Girl Power: A Triple Feature DVD
at Lifeway: $9.99 + FREE Silly Little Thing Called Love DVD
or buy online from Big Idea: $14.99 + FREE Sweetpea Beauty CD

Also, download this Study Guide for Sweetpea Beauty. It's a 6-day devotional that goes along with the story.

Canning Is a Calling

2010-07-22T15:23:00.006-05:00

This post is linked to Frugal Friday where you can learn lots of frugal tips!

A warning for firstimers: do not attempt to can blueberries alone. It is a messy job filled with lots of dirty dishes, pots and pans. And do not use white dish towels, even if they are the only ones you have. Because they will get stained. Trust me, I learned the hard way. To my friends who can on a regular basis, I tip my hat to you. Canning is no joke. It's super hard work.

We were blessed with these beautiful blueberries from Beulah Berries. It's hard to go back to store bought. You'll need about 4 cups or 3 pints, box of SureJell Pectin ($2.88 for a 2 pack), clean pint sized canning jars. Wash in hot soapy water if new. Sterilize by boiling in hot water for a few minutes, after they're washed with soap, if reusing old cans. Make sure to dry them with a super clean towel, including the lids. Also get a stockpot with a lid that can fit about 4 jars at a time. Fill it with water so that the top of the jars are covered about 1-2 inches in water. Start heating the water so it's already boiling by the time you finish cooking the blueberries.

Measure out 4 cups sugar in a bowl. Set the blueberries in their own bow. Then have a bowl for the blueberries chopped in the food processor. See what I mean about too many dishes? It was helpful to use the food processor. I pulsed a cup of berries at a time, just enough to get a rough chop.

This is what the clumpy mess of berries will look like. Cook them in a 5-6 quart pot on medium high and add the pectin. Add the sugar one cup at a time, stirring the mix to let the sugar dissolve. Let it come to a rolling boil and cook for one minute. Turn off the heat and take the pot off the heat.

Quickly transfer the cooked blueberries into the pint jars to about an inch from the top. Wipe off the rim of the jar and where ever else it drips. It pays to use a wide mouth funnel (costs less than $2) so you don't have a mess.

Tongs would have been great, or a steaming rack, for the next part. The water in the pot should already be boiling. Remove the pot from the heat so the water stops boiling and you can put the jars into the pot. Boil for 10 minutes. After boiling, take them out of the hot water (use oven mitts). At this point, I put the dishtowels in the pot of boiling water. It takes the blueberry stains out easier this way, even without soap.

Blueberry jam, so sweet and yummy. Partner with homemade peanut butter for a nice treat. I'll have to post a recipe for that next time. It's way easier than canning!

No More Overages at Target

2010-07-22T14:35:00.004-05:00

I visited both Targets in Pensacola this week and was disappointed that they no longer allow overages. They are pricing down the coupons so you get the item for free but the generosity stops there. We could have received $2.50 in overage for C9 shirt since the coupon was $5 off any C9 (no longer available) and there are lots of $2.50 shirts in both men’s and boys’ sections. The store by the mall has lots of cute Merona handbags on clearance. I picked out one that was $2.50 and got it FREE but no $0.50 overage from my $3 coupon.
All is not lost.

I also picked up that Embark lunch bag for $3.99 and found the Parents Refund postcard inside. The Bic Pens were only $0.60 but went down to $0.10 with the $1/2 BIC Target coupon. For everything pictured, my total came to $5.23. So only $0.27 after the $4.96 Parents rebate.

For the items pictured here, it only cost $9.50 for everything! I used the $2.50 Finish coupon for the Orange tabs (they were $2.99 each). I also scored 3 packages of Crystal Light using 3 $2 coupons from Vocal Point. The Pure Fitness version has no aspartame! I’m glad they have all these clothing coupons. I paid $8 for a package of 6 Hanes undershirts for my husband, thanks to the $1 off Hanes coupon.

Status Report for the Toy Clearance:
Still no 75% off signs but lots of 50%: Legos, Playmobil, and Trio Barbies, Kai-Kan and Hello Kitty. I have a feeling they’ll be 75% very soon. I also saw Leapfrog Tag Junior for $16, are there any coupons for these?

Surprise in the Mail!

2010-07-22T14:28:00.002-05:00

A while ago, Right At Home offered FREE products for the first 10,000 to sign-up. I entered as soon as I saw it. Today a surprise in the mail revealed 3 full size products from them, Yay!

Ziploc storage bags

Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel

Pledge Multisurface Wipes

I was cleaning out my coupons this afternoon and had to throw away expired Target coupons for Ziploc and Scrubbing Bubbles. It made me so sad. I forgot to use these coupons because I kept waiting on the a freebie deal. I’m glad I didn’t wallow in my coupon negligence for long. I couldn’t believe I got the same items in the mail!

Isn’t God such a doting Father? That was totally not a coincidence.
Collin at Hip2Save has rounded-up a few sweepstakes for us. Let me know if you win some!

Grocery Deals July 21-27

2010-07-21T10:38:00.006-05:00

Hello all! I'm hanging out at Barnes and Noble today enjoying my kids being at VBS. It's not so easy... not getting interrupted every 5 minutes isn't something I'm used to. We are busy working on a DVD project compiling some youtube videos and about 25 more clips on all sorts of grocery money saving topics. Hopefully, we'll have those available for you in the near future.

In the meantime, here are some grocery deals I like this week. It's been a while since I've had these up. But at the very least, you can go to the grocery website and blogs that have coupon match-ups.

Buy this week's newspaper to get the Food World 25-cent coupons and $5 off $50 Apple Market. You can use both at Publix! Also, I got a $5 off $75 catalina at Winn-Dixie. Rumor is that if you shop at the beginning of the week and buy one of the deals, you should get this to print. Maybe one day, the $10 off $50 will print again.

Winn-Dixie grocery ad and match-ups from Southern Savers.
Publix grocery ad and match-ups from I Heart Publix.
Food World grocery ad and match-ups from Frugal Fairhope (not yet available).
Greer's grocery ad.

From a quick glance (I mean two seconds), these are some deals I liked:
At Publix, Smart Balance milk $2.50 (use $2 PRINT = only $0.50!) Hope you printed out all the ones from coupons.com because they're gone!

UPDATE: My trip Weds:
Don't forget the Glade Cling wrap, still $1 and use the $0.75 from Summer Entertaining booklet. I cashed in my blueberry rain check too and got 8 FREE with the $1.50 Publix coupon (it was expiring when I got the raincheck but the grocery manager said they would still honor it when time came to redeem the raincheck). Beware the Blueberry Ocean Spray juice- it's a cocktail, only 15% juice! And the Publix Deli Style Ham is still BOGO $5.79 or something like that. What a great price for 12 oz deli meat and it tastes really good too.

At Winn-Dixie, Dole Salad Kit or blends BOGO $2.39 (play Dole game to get $1 Qs= $0.39 for 2! but sign-in with this zipcode 02760)
$0.88/lb nectarines or green grapes.
$0.88 bunch broccoli

At Food World, spend $30 (should be ok before coupons) pay $0.25 for bacon, bread, eggs and orange juice using in-ad store coupon. I was able to use these coupons no problem at Publix! Give it a try. I was even only purchasing a gift card then and it still worked since these are competitor coupons.
$0.49/lb chicken leg quarters in 10lb bag (but it's Sanderson brand- same as Winn-Dixie's chicken)
$1.99/lb red cherries
$1.99/lb chuck ground beef
$3.49 frozen mussels in 2lb bag (great with angel hair pasta and garlic-lemon sauce!)

Barnes
3/$5 Toy Story Kelloggs Cereal (get the ones that have FREE movie promo like Mini Wheats- I think you buy 6. Also use this $1/2 PRINT must register)
$0.79/lb yellow squash
$0.69/lb wine-ripe tomatoes
$1.79 yellow onions 2-lb bag

Greer's
Saturday and Sunday only:
$1.68/lb ground beef
$2.68/lb london broil

FREE Movie Ticket wyb DVDs

2010-07-20T08:23:00.002-05:00

CVS sells DVDs (by the registers and photo center at my store). I found a few that had a peelie for $10 Movie e-Cash for the new movie, "Despicable Me". As long as you don't live in California or New York, that should pay for your movie, at least a matinee! Don't forget to use you ECBs to pay towards the DVD purchase ($11.99). This week, CVS has lots of money makers and even milk is going to generate $1 ECB. So, you might get the DVD free with all your overage!

Target Mase Ca Flour $1.38

2010-07-20T00:21:00.006-05:00

I ran into Target after I saw the posting for FREE Whole Chicken . Not at my store though. It seemed like such a waste to walk out with nothing. So I sprinted down the end caps and found a few deals:

Mase Ca Corn Flour $1.38 (50% off)
-Use $1 off 2 PRINT
=$1.76 for 2

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest $0.88
-Use $1 Hangtag if you find any
=FREE + overage

select Dole Salads, $1.87
-Use $1 from playing Dole game
=$0.87

Embark Lunch Bag $3.99 but FREE with Rebate

There are lots more deals and clearance. Check out Totally Target before you leave the house. That's what I do! Also, don't forget to make room in your closet for the 75% off toy clearance that should happen any day now.

CVS Money Makers & Deals

2010-07-19T23:12:00.011-05:00

I hope you are planning on heading to CVS this week. There are a few good deals to be had! Thanks to Hip2Save for the match-ups!

SCHOOL SUPPLY: Expo Markers $1.99
-Use $1 PRINT if washable included
=$0.99

Buy 2 CVS Pantiliner 2/$1, Get $1 ECB (limit 3)
=FREE & no coupon needed

Buy Celsius Green Tea (4pack) $7.99, get $7.99 ECB (limit 1)
-Use $2 PDF coupon or $3 from 4/25 SS or 5/23 SS (regional Q)
=FREE + $2 overage (or $3!)

Buy Biotrue $2.99, get $2.99 ECB (limit 2, monthly deal)
-Use two $2 PRINT
=FREE + $4 overage

Buy $12 select Ice Cream Get $4 ECB (limit 1)
-Buy 4 Haagen Daz $3 each (Edys, Nestle on sale too)
-Use 4 $1 All You July 2010 (or use $1/3 & $1/1 from one magazine to take off $2)
Pay $8, Get $4 ECB
=only $1 each

Buy 2 M&M Pretzels 2/$1, Get $1 ECB
-Use $0.75/2 from 6/20 SS (regional) or 7/11 RP
=FREE + $0.75 overage

Buy Nabisco crackers or cookies (small pkg) $1
-Use $1 PRINT (Thanks I Heart CVS!)
=FREE!

Other good deals but not free:
Milk $3.59, Get $1 ECB (limit 2) Thanks Carolyn!
A&W, 7UP, Sunkist 3/$11, Get 3 ECBs (limit 1)

Baby products are on sale 50-75% (found by the registers):
Pampers Box, Size 6, $12 (use $4.50 crt & $1.50 PG 6/6= only $6!)
Huggies Box, Size 6, $11.49 (use $3 PRINT?)
Playtex bottles and Born Free, $5 something
Similac formulas, pacifiers and more are 75% off too. Other stores may even have items for 90% off.

Gardening Clearance Up to 90% off:
Check your store! I bought a bag of soil for $1 last week. July 4th decor are also 50% off.

Get a Publix Card for Upromise

2010-07-19T17:58:00.004-05:00

Another duh moment. I always ignore Upromise coupons because I don't really know which area stores to use them. Even though Publix does not have a Membership Card like Winn-Dixie, they have a Publix Upromise key card. Ask for it at any cashier... at least that is what the website says. After you get your card, visit the Publix website and sign-up your new card number. (Thanks to the comment on IHeartPublix!)

Onto other Publix news, IHeartPublix has the Sneak Peek ad already. Stay tuned Tuesday for the Super Deals. Heads up on Smart Balance Milk, they'll be $2.50 starting Weds. Use the $2 PRINT from coupons.com and pay only $0.50 each! We've been enjoying these for a couple of weeks and I think they taste great. My 5-year old is suspicious though. He asked me, "Mom, is this cow's milk?" His eyes bugged out at my reply: "We only drink cow's milk." Quite a head-scratcher for a little guy.

Beulah Berries $5 per Gallon!

2010-07-19T09:59:00.002-05:00

It's almost the end of blueberry season here in Pensacola. If you have any picking power left in you, head over Beulah Berries soon. Pick 3 gallons or more and it's only $5 a gallon! I suggest going first thing in the morning, like 6am and bring exact change. There is an honor system for paying when the owners are not there. All you do is put your cash or check in the envelopes provided and drop it in the blue self-payment box. If you pick less than 3 gallons, it's still $10 a gallon. I would go just to experience it, if you haven't been, and drink the famous blueberry tea. This post I wrote has directions and a video about Beulah Berries.

I made jam, 14 pints in all with 2.5 gallons. The berries are super ripe and just right for jammin'.

Big Daddy Weave- FREE Concert Friday!

2010-07-15T08:57:00.002-05:00

If you are local to Pensacola, head to NAS tomorrow for a FREE Concert. The "Stir It Up Concert" will feature Big Daddy Weave, FFH, and Meridith Andrews. Venue will be in NAS Pensacola on the Portside Lawn at 5:30pm. Gates will open by 4:30pm. Bring lawn chairs and maybe a fan spritzer because it will be HOT outside. But worth it for a free concert, right? Image and info found on North Escambia.com No tickets required, just show up for a great time!

From NAS Navy Museum, less than 3 miles away:

Go down Radford Blvd (away from South Gate).

Slight right onto South Ave.

Turn left on East Ave.

Saufley St is the 2nd street on the left.