Saturday, February 28, 2009

Publix Trips 2-28-09

I have been pretty busy the last few days, but I have found a few minutes to visit Publix to continue my runs on their Italian Sale with the great $5 off of 20 items store coupon. I had a ton of Progresso coupons that were expiring today, so I made it there three times in the last two days. I have combined the trips in the photo. However, I will not go into details as I am just too tired. You can see the coupons for the items in previous posts. There were also Publix coupons in last Sunday's paper which applied to many of these items. This sale runs through Tuesday. I would recommend going to Kroger first and doing the Pillsbury deal to get a $3 catalina that you can use at Publix. Just so you know, the .59 Pillsbury biscuits also produce a catalina and there is a blinkie in that section for .75 off of three Pillsbury items. Thus, buy six and use two blinkies and you are still getting paid to leave Kroger. Here are the Publix trips:


Total before coupons/sales: $160.28
Sales: 56.25
Coupons: 79.50
OOP: $24.53 (Saving 85%)

Isn't this the cutest?


Baby Feet! You forget how really tiny they are...

Friday, February 27, 2009

Congratulations to My Sister!

I spent my afternoon at the hospital where my little sister and her husband had their beautiful daughter, Amina, who weighted 7 lbs 6 oz! Congratulations you guys! She is adorable!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Bargain Meal of the Week 2-26-09


It's time for another week of Bargain Meals! Erin over at $5 Dinners (a great read!) is hosting a gathering of bloggers all over the internet, creating frugal meals straight from the sales circulars of their favorite stores. Check it out for even more inspiration. I will contribute every Thursday for the current sales at Publix, which run from Wednesday to the following Tuesday. Keep in mind that you do not need to purchase two of a product to get the buy one get one price. Publix marks down their products to half price for the BOGO deals.

This is true comfort food. My husband loves it!


Shepherd's Pie


Ingredients:
1 prepared package of Idahoan Mashed Potatoes (.50 plus the cost of mi
lk and butter)
1 lb ground beef (1.99)

1 can cream of mushroom soup (1.00)

1/2 cup milk

1 finel
y chopped onion (.50)
chopped clove of garlic (.05)

package of mixed Green Giant Frozen vegetables (1.00)

dash of Worcestershire Sauce

salt to taste


Instructions:

Brown the ground beef with the onion and chopped garlic. While beef is browning, prepare mashed potatoes and microwave frozen vegetables until warm. Turn oven on to 400 degrees. Drain beef mixture. Add Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup of milk. Add mixed vegetables and salt to taste. Put mixture in a deep pie pan or small baking pan and top with mashed potatoes. Cook in oven at 400 until mashed potatoes are slightly browned.


As an addition, you may want to top with cheese ($1.66) but that would increase the price (but oh so yummy!).


Total Price: $5.04
plus a little more for oils and milk. It could be considerably less with coupons. There are coupons available for soup, Green Giant Vegetables, and Idahoan Mashed Potatoes.



Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Free Pillsbury at Kroger this Week

Kroger is currently having a 10 for $10 sale this week. However, regardless how many you purchase on the 10 for $10 list, the price will be $1 each. They are also having a catalina deal (coupon that spits out when you check out) that when you purchase 5 Pillsbury products you get a $3 catalina for your next purchase. So here is a great way to use this deal:

5 Cinnamon Rolls
-5 MF Qs .30/1 Doubled
Final Price: .40 each
Total: $2.00 plus tax
Catalina Produced for Next Purchase: $3
$1 profit (less if tax, but still making money)

Link Love: How to Clean Stuff Website

I can see How to Clean Stuff being really handy! There is even an article on how to clean old photographs. I originally saw this on the Bzzz Agent website but liked it enough to share with you!

Deals I Like This Week

Harris Teeter:
Good week to stock up on seafood and cereal.

Gorton’s Fish - select varieties - $6.99 B2G3
Final Price: 2.80 each when you get 5
If shrimp is included in sale, there is a MF Q $1/1, use 5 Qs and final price will be $1.80 each
Also, if you wait until this Sunday, -.40/1 Gorton’s product SS 3/1 (upcoming) which will make it about $2 each.

Sea Pak Crab Cakes or Butterfly Shrimp, $3.84 BOGO
-$1/1 MF Q (02-08-09 SS)
Final Price: .92 each

Danactive or Activia, 1.99
-$1/1 MF Q
Final Price: .99 each

Kellogg's Frosted Flakes 14oz, Corn Pops or Fruit Loops 8.7 oz - $3.38 BOGO
-MF Q .70/1, doubled (02-22-09 RP, HT doubles up to .99)
Final Price: .29 each

Publix:

Progresso Soup $1.25 ea
-$1.10 off any Progresso
printable (IE) or printable (FF)
-.25/1 off Progresso Light SS 2/08
-$1/4 Progresso Soups SS 01/04
-$1/2 Progresso Soups
printable or printable(IE) or printable (FF)
-$2/4 Progresso Soups
printable
Final Price: Varies, .15 each if using the first printable
You can use the Italian Sale Coupon as well - $5/20 items.

Mueller’s Pasta, (excluding Lasagna and Jumbo Shells), $1.49 BOGO

-.55/2 IP Q (SS 1/04)
Final Price: .47¢ ea
If whole grain is included in sale, there is a .55/1 coupon which will make them .20 each

Classico Pasta Sauce, 10 to 24 oz jar, $2.39 BOGO
-$1/2 IP Q printable
Final Price: .47¢ ea

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner or Kraft Velveeta Shells & Cheese, save up to $1.99
-$1/2 IP Q printable (IE) or printable (FF)
Final Price: .49¢ ea

Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix, or Dessert Bar Mix, 2.69 BOGO
- .50/1 MF Q, doubled
Final Price: .34¢ ea

Pam Cooking Spray, 5 or 6 oz can, $3.39 BOGO
-.35/1 MF Q, doubled
Final Price: .99 each

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Spread, 2 pk, 15 oz tub, 16 oz ctn, or or Spray 8 oz, $2.39 BOGO
-.40/1 MF Q , doubled
Final Price: .39 each

Birds Eye Voila! Meal, 21 to 23 oz bag, $4.99 BOGO
-IP Q $1/1 printable
Final Price: $1.49 ea

Dove Ice Cream, 3.49 BOGO
-$2/1 Q from inside packages if you are lucky enough to have them
Final Price: Free or 1.75 each

Bell Peppers $1.99 lb (50% off, one bell pepper weighs about 1/2 lb so about $1 each which is a good deal, particularly on the red peppers). These are good to chop and put in freezer for recipes.

Del Monte Tomatoes, $1.39 BOGO
-$1/2 MF Q (RP 2/08, no salt variety)
-.40/1 MF Q (RP 2/08, no salt variety)

Final Price: Free to .19 each

Yoplait Yogurt, (Trix pictured) 6 pk, 4 oz cup, $2.79 BOGO
-.35/1 MF Q (SS 1/04 - exp 2/28)
-.75/2 or $1/2 MF Q (SS 2/08)
-$1/2 Yoplait Yogurts printable

Final Price: .69 to 1.02

Kraft Shredded Cheese 8oz Shreds, Bars, or Cubes $1.66 ea
-.75/1 Kraft 2% Cheese in store blinkie (exp 2/28)
Final Price: .91 each

Green Giant Canned Vegetables, 11 to 15.25 oz can, $1.29 BOGO

-$5 off 20 items Italian Sale store coupon
Final Price: .39¢ ea if you buy 20

Suave Naturals Shampoo or Conditioner $1.25 ea
-$2/3 MF Q (RP 1/11)
-$1/2 MF Q (RP 1/11)
-$1 off Suave
printable (Food Lion)
Final Price: Free if you stack MF Q with Food Lion Q

Crest Whitening Toothpaste w/Scope, $2.45 ea
-$1.50/1 MF Q (PG 01/18)
-$1 off any Crest Toothpaste, Rinse etc. Store Coupon Simple Ways to Save Flyer

Final Price: Free if you stack MF Q with Publix Q

(MUST do by Friday) Revlon Beauty Tools or Cosmetics reg. price
-$2.50 off any Revlon Beauty Tool or Cosmetic Green Advantage Buy Flyer (exp 2/27)
-$1 off any Revlon Beauty Tool SS 2/08
-$2 off any Revlon Color Cosmetic product SS 02/08

(just using store coupon makes nail files and clippers free, add in man. coupon for overage or to make other products FREE) If you use this Revlon deal with the Italian Sale Publix Coupon, purchasing Progresso with coupons, you could virtually bring your OOP to near zero.

Thanks to Southern Savers for this information! Check her out for other Publix Deals!

Food Lion:

Gain 2X Detergent 24-32 oz $3.99 ea
-.50/1 MF Q (PG 1/18 - exp 2/28)
-$1/1 MF Q Mailed
-$1/1 IP Q printable

Final Price: $2.99 - 3.49 ea

Edy’s Ice Cream Buy More Save More Deal
Buy 1-2 = $4.99 ea
Buy 3 = $3.99 ea
Buy 4 = $2.99 ea
Buy 5 = $1.99 ea
Buy 6 or more they are $4.99 ea

Thanks to Southern Savers for this info! Check her out for more Food Lion Deals.

Rite Aid:

Sweet Sue Chunk Chicken, on sale .99
-.75/1 MF Q
Final Price: .24 each

Sunsweet Prunes, 2 for $5
-$1/1 MF Q
Final Price: $1.50 each (Great for Pioneer Woman's Prune Cake)

Free Burger at Arby's

Arby's:
Coupon for free Roastburger with purchase of drink, expires March 9th

BookCloseouts.com Penny Sale

If you like to read or need to buy a reader a present, here's a great deal:
BookCloseouts.com Penny Sale: Over 50 books for 1 Cent each
* Add to cart to get the price!
* Shipping is about $3

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Cold Medicine CVS Coupon

Thanks to I Heart CVS for this coupon. It is $1 off of a $3 purchase of any cold or allergy medicine. Why is this so great? Because CVS frequently has sales or ECB deals that are related to cold medicine. This coupon can be used stacked with a manufacturer coupon. That along with ECBs earned will help to make it free. The coupon is good until 3/20.

For the Locals: Great Giving Opportunity

Frugal in Franklin (a great local blog!) brought this to my attention in her recent post, and I think that this giving opportunity is so important that I want to reprint it here. Please check out her blog, it is full of great all around money saving information, much of it local.

"Can you imagine being a working single mom, with no health insurance, who wakes up on a weekday morning to find that your child has strep throat. You will have to take the day off work, pay for a doctor's visit, and buy all of the necessary medications. A friend tells you about a health clinic with a beautiful facility and caring staff that can help. After the doctor treats your child and hands over your prescription for antibiotics (which you can fill free at Publix), the nurse hands you a bottle of children's Tylenol so that you don't have to buy any.

I don't know about you, but I want in on helping to make that happen. And you can get in on it for free! Siloam Clinic in Nashville is dedicated to providing affordable healthcare. If you would like to know more about what they do, you can visit them here.

Here is an excerpt that I received from their Volunteer Services Coordinator:

Yes…we always have a need for over the counter medications. It is something we give out to patients every single day – cold meds, Advil, Tylenol, aspirin, hydrocortisone cream, monistat 7, etc. Some folks just pick up one thing each grocery visit and drop it off, so any size, any brand, works for us. It would not have to be in bulk.

If you are interested in a list of ideas (in addition to the ones above) for donations, you can check the list here. Donating to Siloam is as simple as putting a container in your linen closet (top shelf if you have little ones) and collecting all that free cough syrup and Bayer aspirin in it. When it gets full, or you are already headed that direction,drop it off at the front desk at Siloam. It's only about a 5-7 minute drive down 65 from Brentwood.

Also, if you are without health insurance, give them a call. There's no reason you can't drop off some of your coupon medicine stash and see the doctor at the same time! Giving and receiving do not have to be mutually exclusive."

Tasty Tuesday: Flourless Chocolate Cake

My coworker brought this in to the office for a birthday celebration. It was chocolaty decadence in its finest so I asked her for the recipe. It originally was in the November 1989 issue of the magazine Bon Appetit. I highly recommend it!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

Sugar
10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon brandy
4 large eggs, separated, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 1/2-inch-high sides. Coat pan with sugar; tap out excess. melt 10 tablespoons butter with 1/4 cup sugar in heavy medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add both chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Mix in brandy.

Whisk yolks in medium bowl until thick and pale yellow, about 4 minutes. Whisk in warm chocolate mixture and vanilla (mixture will be very thick and may appear broken). Using electric mixer, beat whites with salt in large bowl until foamy. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time and beat until soft peaks form. Whisk 1/3 of whites into chocolate mixture. Gently fold in remaining whites.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until top forms crust but center of cake remains moist and moves when pan is shaken, about 15 minutes (cake will appear undercooked). Let stand in pan overnight (cake will fall as it cools).

Run small sharp knif around cake pan sides to loosen, if necessary. Release pan sides from cake. Sift powdered sugar over. Cut into wedges.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Link Love: Great Deals

Check out Southern Savers for her Festival of Free. It's a great list of free or nearly free items currently available.

Simple Trip to CVS 2-23-09

I had to be in the area of CVS at lunch so I decided to stop and get some super cheap cereal.

Here is what I got:

2 Post Trail Mix Crunch Cereal $4.79 BOGO
-$2/1 IP Q for Post Trail Mix Crunch (use 2 coupons)

Final Price: .39 each

1 Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor, on sale 7.99
-MF Q $4/1
Final Price: 3.99

Total: 5.47 (.69 tax)
ECBs Used: 4.49
OOP: .98
ECBs Gained: $4 from razor
I also got a $10 off of $50 coupon.

Just a note, on the refrigerated door in the drink section, there was a pad of manufacturer coupons for $1 off of any gallon of milk when you buy a package Nabisco cookies (9 oz. +). Pick up a few if you find it. If there is a BOGO sale on Nabisco cookies (at any store), plus if you have coupons for cookies, you can actually get a really good deal on milk as well with this coupon.

Menu Planning Monday


Monday: Breakfast/Dinner Casserole
Tuesday: Chili
Wednesday: Tuna Cakes and Salad
Thursday: Velveeta Cheesy Pasta Casserole
Friday: Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Pasta
Saturday: Sweet 'n' Spicy Barbecue Brisket & Sourdough Beer Bread
Sunday: Swedish Meat Pies (If I'm feeling really motivated!)

Need some recipe ideas? Go to Laura's for more Menu Plan Monday.

Free Movie at Redbox 2-23-09

Monday Free Red Box Movie Rental Code is S39XKT. It will work until midnight tonight.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Great Trip to Publix $156 for $34


I took my daughter to the store with me today so it was a little more than I had planned to spend but not too bad. One of the items that I purchased did not ring up as BOGO so I had to go to customer service to correct it. As usual they were great and gave me one item for free (thanks Amy)!

3 Boxes of Valentine Candy, was 3.00, on sale .25 each

16 Green Giant Vegetables, regularly 1.75, on sale 1.00
-8 MF Qs .50/2, doubled
Final Price: .50 each

Tidy Cat, 2.49
-MF Q $1/1
Final Price: 1.49

Purity Pops, 2.39

Publix Mac & Cheese, .79

1 Gallon Publix Milk, 2.79
-Publix Q $1/1 (mailed to me)
Final Price: 1.79

4 Contessa Shrimp, 6.99 BOGO
-2 IP Qs 1.50/2
-3.50 (one free for not ringing up correctly)
Final Price: 1.87 each

4 Progresso Soups, regularly 1.99, on sale 1.25
-1 IP Q $2/4
Final Price: .75 each

4 Ragu, regularly 2.19, BOGO
-2 MF Qs .75/2
Final Price: .72 each

2 Juicy Juice, 3.49, BOGO
-1 MF Q .50/2, doubled
-Publix Q $1/1
Final Price: .75 each

9 Glass Plus, 2.49 BOGO
-9 MF Qs .50/1, doubled
Final Price: .25 each

Suave Children's Shampoo, 2.19
-1 MF Q Free Item (rang up as 3.00)
Final Price: -.81 overage

2 Diet Dr. Pepper, 1.34 each
-1 MF Q Free Item
-1 MF Q $1/1
Final Price: .17 each

Revlon Tweezers, 2.99
-Publix Q $2.50/1
-MF Q $1/1
Final Price: -.51 overage

Revlon Emory Board, 1.89
-Publix Q $2.50/1
-MF Q $1/1
Final Price: -1.61 overage

Viva Big Roll, regularly 4.49, on sale 3.49
-MF Q .50/1, doubled
-Publix Q 1.25/1
Final Price: 1.24

Publix Large Eggs, regularly 1.49, on sale 1.39

2 Boxes Strawberries, regularly 4.99, on sale 2/$5
Final Price: 2.50 each

Mentos, .79 (not pictured)
-MF Q .55/1
Final Price: .24

Publix Tortilla Chips, 2.00
-Penny Item
Final Price: .01

-$5.00 - Publix Italian Sale Coupon $5/20 items (Green Giant and Progresso items)
-$3.50 Kroger CRT (Competitor Coupon)

Total before sales/coupons: $155.80
Sales: 68.09
Coupons: 53.38
OOP: 34.33 (I will apply for the $10 Green Giant Publix rebate for purchasing 15)
Saved: 80% or 84% with rebate

Saturday, February 21, 2009

If You're Going to Rite Aid Today...

Rite Aid has a $5 off of a $20 purchase printable coupon that expires today. You can make some money with their rebate program plus the $5 coupon. You will have to be willing to have delayed gratification and you must submit your receipts online after you make your purchase in order to get the rebate, though it is really easy. It is really nice getting those checks in the mail! Here's a possible scenario.



Friday, February 20, 2009

Restaurant.com Coupon: $25 Gift Certificate for $2

These are great, especially if you are traveling. Be sure to read the fine print, you usually have to purchase a certain amount when using the coupon. It can really save you a lot of money. The coupons are usually good for a year. I've used them several times and have yet to be disappointed.

Use 80% off coupon code DINE [Exp. 02/28]

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Free Nature Valley Granola Bars at Walgreens

Check out Centsible Savings for this great deal! Buy 5 boxes, use 5 .50/1 coupons, pay 3.49 get back $3.50 in register rewards.

Publix Italian Sale Trip

I wanted to try out my plan so I made a quick stop on the way home. I also had a free coupon for Johnson & Johnson soap.


Total before sales/coupons: $46.52
OOP: $5.43 (includes 2.06 in tax, saved 88%)

Check out Southern Saver for other scenarios.

Publix Italian Sale Coupon!

I went into Publix last night to pick up some free antibiotics for my son (our house has been afflicted by the yuck going around) and on my way to the pharmacy I noticed this display near the organic section that had an awesome coupon attached. It is $5 off of a purchase of 20 listed items including Progresso, Pillsbury, Muir Glen and Green Giant - all things that I buy and are currently on sale at Publix. If you haven't picked up this great coupon, be sure and get a few (I left a whole stack behind for others). It expires 3/4/09.

Here is a potential scenario using current sales and mostly printable coupons (click to enlarge):

Bargain Meal of the Week, 2/18 - 2/24


It's time for another week of Bargain Meals! Erin over at $5 Dinners (a great read!) is hosting a gathering of bloggers all over the internet, creating frugal meals straight from the sales circulars of their favorite stores. Check it out for even more inspiration. I will be contributing every Thursday for the current sales at Publix, which run from Wednesday to the following Tuesday. Keep in mind that you do not need to purchase two of a product to get the buy one get one price. Publix marks down their products to half price for the BOGO deals.

Meal #1

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Pasta

Ingredients:
  • 1 Package Contessa Frozen Cooked Shrimp (currently $3.40 at BOGO Price or $2.64 at BOGO with printable)
  • 1 Package Ronzoni Pasta, 16 oz (.70 BOGO Price)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped (.24 - currently 1.99 per lb)
  • salt
  • fresh coarse ground black pepper or lemon pepper seasoning
  • juice from 1 fresh lemon (.25 - currently 4/$1)
  • zest from 1 lemon (from above)
Directions:
  1. Boil pasta in salted water; remove from heat just before pasta reaches al dente.
  2. Heat skillet on medium; add olive oil & garlic. When heated, add shrimp and butter - cook for 2 minutes and add lemon zest. Gently toss shrimp with garlic until shrimp is heated. Remove from heat.
  3. Drain pasta; return to pan.
  4. Add shrimp mixture (including oils), Italian seasoning, salt and pepper (or lemon pepper seasoning, if you prefer) - to taste.
  5. Toss well with fresh squeezed lemon juice and serve immediately.
Total Cost: $4.59 or $3.83 with coupon, plus a little more for oils and seasoning.

Meal #2

Caribbean Rice and Sausage
This is one of our favorites!

Ingredients:
  • Publix Mild or Hot Italian Pork Sausage (on sale 2.49)
  • Zatarain’s Caribbean Rice Mix (BOGO price $1.00, BOGO with Manufacturer Coupon .75/2 MF Q (RP 2/08) or $1.25/3 MF Q (RP 2/08) would be .58-.62 each)
  • Chopped Red Bell Pepper ($1.00 - on sale $1.99 per lb.)
Directions:
  1. Slice sausage. In a pan, add chopped pepper and sliced sausage and brown. Do not drain.
  2. Add rice mixture and water as described on rice package. The oil from the sausage should be enough that you do not have to add the oil as described on the package (adds to the taste).
  3. Cook rice as instructed from package.
Total cost: $4.49 or $4.11 with coupon

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Deals I Like This Week

Publix:

Ragu Pasta Sauce, 2.19 BOGO
-.75/2 MF Q (RP 1/18) or .50/2 MF Q (RP 1/18)
Final Price: .60¢-.72¢ ea

Ronzoni Pasta, 12 or 16 oz box, $1.39 BOGO
Final Price: .70 each

Progresso Broth, 2.59 BOGO
-.50/1 any Progresso broth printable
-$1.25 off any Progresso broth printable (IE) or printable (FF)
Final Price: .09-.59 each

Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Mix or Ready-To-Serve, $1.99 BOGO

-.75/2 MF Q (RP 2/08) or $1.25/3 MF Q (RP 2/08)
Final Price: .58-.62 each

Progresso Bread Crumbs, 15 oz canister, $1.93 BOGO
-$1/2 any Progresso product except soups printable
Final Price: .46¢ ea

Progresso Soup $1.25 ea
-$1.10 off any Progresso
printable (IE) or printable (FF)
-.25/1 off Progresso Light SS 2/08
-$1/4 Progresso Soups SS 01/04
-$1/2 Progresso Soups
printable or printable(IE) or printable (FF)
-$2/4 Progresso Soups
printable
Final Price: Varies, .15 each if using the first printable

Contessa Frozen Cooked Shrimp, 10 to 12 oz box, $6.79 BOGO
-$1.50/2 Contessa Seafood items printable
Final Price: $2.64 ea


Sunkist Lemons, 4 for $1.00
Final Price: .25 each

Fresh Garlic, 1.99 per lb
Final Price: Varies

Smithfield Bacon $2.50 ea
-.55/1 off MF Q (SS 1/18)
Final Price: $1.95 each

Glass Plus Glass & Multi-Surface Cleaner, 32 oz bottle, $2.49 BOGO
-.50/1 MF Q (SS 2/08 )
Final Price: .25¢


Red or Golden Delicious Apples 3lb bag $2.50 ea

Sargento Shredded Cheese, $2.00 ea
-$1/2 MF Q (SS 1/25 )
Final Price: $1.50 ea

Coffee-mate Creamer 16oz $1.66
-$1.5/1 printable
Final Price: .16 each

Aleve 20-24ct $2.99 ea
-$4/2 Aleve, Bayer, Aspirin etc. Green Advantage Buy Flyer
-$1 off Aleve 20ct or larger printable or printable or SS 01/04
Final Price: FREE (Buy 2, use 2 man. coupons and 1 store coupon)

Bayer 36-count Tablets, $2.69 ea
-$1 off any Bayer Aspirin 20ct. or larger SS 01/04
-$4 off 2 on any Aleve, Bayer Aspirin, Aleve-D etc. (Green Advantage Flyer at Publix)
Final Price: FREE (Buy 2, use 2 man. coupons and 1 store coupon)

Alka-Seltzer Original 12-count tablets, $2.49 ea
-$1 off any Alka Seltzer Product printable (IE) or printable (FF)
-$3 off 2 on any Alka-Seltzer or Phillips (Green Advantage Flyer at Publix)
Final Price: FREE (Buy 2, use 2 man. coupons and 1 store coupon)

Thanks to Southern Savers for this information! Check her out for other Publix Deals!

Food Lion:

Arm & Hammer Liquid Detergent, 50 oz- $4.49, BOGO
- (2) $1/1 coupons printable.
Final price: $1.25 each

Blue Bunny Ice Cream- BOGO
- (2) $1/1 coupons printable.
Final price: Should be less than $2 each after sale and coupon.
Limit 2 free.

Thanks to Frugal In Virginia for this information. Check her out to see more Food Lion deals.

Target:

Free Kashi Bars and cheap Goldfish. Go HERE for details.

Kroger:

The deals are not that great at Kroger this week, and if I did not have to go there for any other reason, I probably would not make a special trip.

Hunts Tomato Sauce .48¢ ea
-.40/2 MF Q (SS 1/18) or $1/3 IP Q
printable
Final Price: .08-.18 each

Ocean Spray Cocktail Juice, $1.98
-$1 off Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice All Well Booklet at Publix OR
-.55/1 MF Q (RP 12/07)
Final Price: .98-1.43 each

Honey Nut Cheerios, $1.67
-.55/1 Honey Nut Cheerios printable
-.50/1 Honey Nut Cheerios Cellfire e coupon

Final Price: .62 each (use printable and Cellfire coupon together)

Thanks to Southern Savers for this information! Check her out for more Kroger Deals.

Great Deals at Target

For some super great deals at Target this week, check out Couponing 101. You can get some free Kashi bars and some really cheap Goldfish (I aim for $1 or lower for the price and these will be about .66 each).

Heelys On Sale

Do your kids like Heelys? If so, this is the sale for you! 6pm.com is offering them at a huge discount, most costing $14.95. Check it out HERE. There are a variety of types, both girls' and boys'.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Yummy Recipe: Sourdough Beer Bread

This is a great recipe! I got it from Recipezaar, but it apparently originated on the back of a Red Star yeast package. The nice thing about this recipe is that it does not require a sourdough starter and can be made in a bread machine. I usually make the dough in the machine but finish it in the oven. The loaf had a great texture (firm but not hard) and crust. It does taste like sourdough. We used it the next day to make cinnamon sugar toast and it was probably the best bread we have ever used to make it. I used light Heineken beer.


Sourdough Beer Bread


Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1/3 cup water
* 1 cup beer
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 3 tablespoons sugar
* 3 cups flour
* 1 package dry yeast

Directions:


Place ingredients in bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer.

Select White Bread setting, and then press Start.


If you prefer to bake it in the oven, put the dough into a large loaf pan after the dough cycle. Let it rise for 30 min in a warm oven, then brush it with egg wash. Bake at 350 until it is golden brown (about 30 minutes).

Monday, February 16, 2009

Menu Planning Monday 2/16/09


Monday: Spaghetti
Tuesday: Crustless Spinach & Cheese Quiche
Wednesday: Beef in Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce, Stir Fry Ong Choy & Jasmine Rice, Chicken nuggets for the kids
Thursday: Cheeseburger Pie
Friday: Crab Stroganoff
Saturday: Shepherd's Pie
Sunday: Chicken Lasagna & Potato Rosemary Bread

Stir Fry Ong Choy (Water Spinach)

Description:
My husband, the anti-vegetable person, fell in love with this dish in China on a business trip.

Ingredients:
  • 1 big bundle of Ong-Choy or water spinach (regular spinach can be used if can't find)
  • 2 tbsp of sesame oil
  • 2 glove garlic crushed
STIR FRY SAUCE:
  • 2 tbsp of oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp of sugar
  • fish sauce to taste
Directions:

Wash and dry Ong-Choy, then cut into long bite size pieces.

In a wok or frying pan, add oil and garlic. Cook until it is golden brown. Add stir-fry sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add ong-choy and stir about 2-3 minutes more or until coated with sauce and wilted. Place on a serving plate. Best serve over Jasmine rice..ENJOY.



Need some recipe ideas? Go to Laura's for more Menu Plan Monday.

Free Redbox Rental 2/16/09

Get a free movie rental at any Redbox location today 2/16 only. Use the code M7DM23 at checkout. You can use the code once per Credit/Debit card. It also expires tonight at midnight.

Enjoy!

Red Neck Play Station

This was sent to my husband by my northern brother-in-law. It is too funny! Being southern, I can make fun of myself! BTW, I am terrible at this game, but it is fun to play.

Red Neck Play Station

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Publix Trip 2/15/09 - $30 for $151

I have been looking forward to the deals this week at Publix to stockpile. I usually wait until Sunday or Monday to shop there to get the penny item. Even the cashier was impressed when I left today! This was a great trip and our pets will be soooo happy! I love Publix.

Here is what I bought:


9 Green Valley Steamers, regularly 1.79-2.39, 50% off (7 at .89 and 2 at 1.19)
-5 MF Qs .50/1, doubled
-4 IP Qs .50/1, doubled
Final Price: -.04 overage each

4 International Delight Creamer, 16 oz, 1.99, BOGO
-4 IP Qs $1/1
Final Price: -.01 overage each

12 Boxes Milk Bone Dog Biscuits, regularly 3.69, BOGO
- 6 MF Qs BOGO
Final Price: .92 each (Publix prices their BOGO items at half price each, thus the coupon is BOGO to sale price, at other stores this coupon would make it free in a similar sale)

4 Soft Scrub Scrubbie Pads, 3.29, BOGO
-4 IP Qs $1/1
Final Price: .65 each

2 Soft Scrub with Bleach, 3.29, BOGO
-2 IP Qs $1/1
Final Price: .65 each

Tuscan Roasted Garlic Loaf Bread from Bakery, $4.49 (my favorite)
-Food Lion IP Q $1 off $4 Bakery Purchase (competitor coupon)
Final Price: 3.49

2 Fresh Express Salad Bags, 2 for $4
-1 Publix Q $1/1 (mailed to me)
-1 MF Q $1/1 (Kroger mailed to me)
Final Price: 1.00 each

Craisins 100 Calorie Pack, 2.39
-Publix Q buy 2 Fresh Express Salad Bags get Craisins Free - from Store Flyer at front of store
Final Price: Free

2 Juicy Juice 8 packs, 2.99, BOGO
-IP Q $1/2
Final Price: 1.00 each

3 Shedds Potatoes, 3.59, BOGO
-3 MF Qs $1/1
Final Price: .80 each

9 Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes, 2.19, BOGO
-3 Peelies .50/1, doubled (these where on frosting cans I had previously purchased)
-6 MF Qs .40/1, doubled
Final Price: .23 each

Publix Soda, .69
-Penny Item
Final Price: .01

Kame Oyster Sauce, 3.19 (splurge - no coupons! My husband really liked something he ate while in China on a business trip. I am going to try and recreate it.)

Total before sales/coupons: $151.74
Sales: 66.29
Coupons: 54.77
OOP: $30.68 (includes 5.69 tax, saved 80%)

For the Locals: Have you lost your coupons?

Becky at Frugal in Franklin (great blog btw, you should check it out!) posted this afternoon about a local who has lost her coupon book at Walgreen's:

"Somewhere out there is a couponing maven who’s crying her eyes out, because she left her organizer full of coupons at the Walgreen’s on the corner of 96 and Downs Blvd. If it’s you, they are holding it for you."

CVS Trip 2/14/09

I unfortunately had $22 in ECBs expiring on the 14th so I had to make a trip to roll my ECBs. This week there were not a lot of great or clear cut deals that make rolling ECBs easy. To make it a little harder, when I ran my card on the scanner, it spit out a $10/$50 coupon. It took me about an hour to come up with this in the store:



3 Johnson & Johnson Soaps, 1.19
-3 MF Qs $1/1
Final Pricew: .19 each

2 Mylanta, 6.49, one was on sale for 3.49
-1 MF Q $4/2
Final Price: $2.99 each

3 Bodyheat 3 pack, 3.99
-2 peelies $1/1
Final Price: $3.32 each

2 Lindt Truffles (only one pictured), 4.29
-2 MF Qs $1/1
Final Price: 3.29 each

Sudafed OM Nasal Spray, 7.99
-MF Q $2/1
-CVS CRT $2/1 Sudafed
-CVS $1/any sinus/allergy purchase
Final price: 2.99

3 American Greeting Cards, total for 3 - 8.87
-IP Q BOGO (3.99)
Final Price: 1.63 each

Aquafresh, regularly 4.29, on sale 3.22
-CVS CRT $2/1
-IP Q $1/1
Final Price: .22

CVS Paper Towels, 2.49

-CVS $10 off of $50

Total before sales/coupons: 62.56
-21.97 ECBs
-CVS $10 off of $50
OOP: 4.54 (Saving 93%)

ECBs that I got from the transaction: $18 ($6 for Mylanta, $3 for American Greetings, $9 for Bodyheat). I lost a few ECBs but it is better than losing all of them from expiring!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope ya'll (southern speak) have a wonderful Valentine's Day!! Here's a Valentine's Tic Tac Toe to entertain you!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Hallmark Printable Coupon

Go HERE (use internet explorer) to print your BOGO Hallmark coupon up to $2.50 value. It expires on 2/18. CVS has an ECB deal going on Hallmark cards so this would be very helpful and maybe a money maker.

Kroger Trip 2/12/09

I wanted to take advantage of the super cheap orange juice and bananas at Kroger yesterday and also wanted to continue to stockpile fruit snacks with the great Mega Deal going on (good at least until Saturday). I lucked out and found some pricey pet food on clearance.

Here is what I bought:

20 Boxes Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, regularly 2.99-3.19, on sale 1.79
-10 MF Qs .50/1, doubled
-$6 for Mega Deal (buy 10 get $3 off at check out)
Final Price: .99 each

10 Totino's Pizza Rolls, regularly 1.99, on sale 1.25
-6 MF Qs .35/1, doubled
-2 Blinkie Qs $1/2
-$3 for Mega Deal
Final Price: .33 each

11.14 lbs of Bananas, .28 per lb
Final Price: 3.12

4 half gallon Kroger Orange Juice, regularly 2.23, on sale .99
Final Price: .99 each

4 Cottonelle, .99
-4 IP Qs .50/1 doubled
Final Price: Free

8 can Halo Dog Food, regularly 1.79, 75% off
Final Price: .45 each

10 cans NL Dog Food, regularly 1.08, 75% off
Final Price: .27 each

4 Betty Crocker Decorator Icing, regularly 3.00, on clearance
Final Price: .25 each

-$3.50 catalina from previous fruit snack purchase

Total before sales/coupons: $144.33
Sales: 72.64
Coupons: 32.66
OOP: $39.03 (saving 75%)

Also got another catalina for $3.50 off my next purchase.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

OJ Sale at Kroger Today 2/12

I'm not sure if all Krogers are doing this, but my local area Krogers are having a special Valentines sale today, Thursday. One of the products on sale is a half gallon of Kroger Orange Juice for .99 each. My sister just bought 7 so there is no limit.

Great Printable Coupons on Cleaning Products!

Here is a great site for some high value coupons on cleaning supplies:
Save up to $31.50 on products from Pledge, Shout, fantastik, Drano

Deals I Like This Week

Here is what I see as great deals this week:

Publix (2/11 - 2/17)

Green Valley Fresh Steamers 50% off
-$.50/1 from GM 1/4 or 2/8, doubled or $.50/1 printable
Final Price: In the past it has been free or very cheap

International Delight 16 oz Coffee Creamer, 2.10 BOGO
-$1/1 printable
Final Price: $.05 each

Coffee-mate Creamer 16oz $1.66
-$1.5/1 printable
Final Price: .16 each

Nature's Own Bread, price unknown
-.55/1 Publix Q from Sweet Savings Flyer at the front of store
-$1/1 MF Q from 12/7 SS insert (expires 2/28)
Final Price: Cheap

Milk Bone Dog Biscuits, 3.69 BOGO
-BOGO MF Q from 2/1 RP insert
Final Price: Free or Cheap (depending on the price that the cashier inputs when scanning coupon)

Juicy Juice 8 pack, 3.29 BOGO
-$1/1 printable
Final Price: .65 each

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix, 2.19 BOGO
-.50/1 MF Q from 2/8 GM insert or $.50/1 printable, doubled
Final Price: .08 each

Soft Scrub Scrubby Pads, 3.29 BOGO
-$1/1 printable or .50/1 printable
Final Price: .65 each

Beef, any variety, spend $5
-$1 off $5 Beef Purchase printable (Food Lion, Publix takes competitor coupons)

Muir Glen Tomato Sauce, .85
-$1 off any Muir Glen product printable or printable
Final Price: Free or Overage

Revlon Beauty Tools or Cosmetics reg. price
-$2.50 off any Revlon Beauty Tool or Cosmetic Green Advantage Buy Flyer
-$1 off any Revlon Beauty Tool SS 2/08
-$2 off any Revlon Color Cosmetic product SS 02/08

(just using store coupon makes nail files and clippers free, add in man. coupon for overage or to make other products FREE)

For more deals at Publix, check out Homeschooling Four and Southern Savers, who provided much of this information (Thanks!).


Food Lion (2/11 -2/17)

Duncan Hines Cake Mix, on sale 1.00
-$1/1 Food Lion IP Q printable
Final Price: Free

Ragu Pasta Sauce $1.50 ea
-$1/2 Food Lion IP Q printable
-.75/2 Ragu Sauces RP 1/18

Final Cost: .63¢ ea (when you purchase 2)

For more Food Lion deals check out Southern Savers.


Kroger

Kroger still has its Mega Deal savings going on. You can still get great deals like I did here. Check out Mommy Snacks for the breakdown of the deals. It's a great place to get some Cottonelle, Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks and Chef Boyardee super cheap! If you buy 5 fruit snacks you will get a $3.50 catalina to use on your next purchase.

New Cellfire eCoupons!

Check out this post at Southern Savers for a list of the new eCoupons at Cellfire. If you shop at Kroger, these are totally worth your time to figure out how to load them on your Kroger card. It is super easy. There is a link on the right had side of this page for Cellfire.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

TGI Fridays BOGO Coupon


TGI Fridays is offering a buy one entree get one free coupon HERE. It is good until 3/1/09, however, it can not be used on Valentine's Day.

Free Redbox Rental Today Only

You can rent a movie through Redbox at your local participating Walgreens today only with the code WGREEN2. Enjoy! Thanks to Money Saving Mom for the information.

Amazing Pictures

Okay, so you have probably already seen this in email form, but I just got it and it was the first time that I saw the pictures. It's pretty amazing. I have not been able to find anywhere online that says this was a hoax, only some difference of opinion of exactly where it occurred.

Look at the picture above and you can see where this driver broke through the guardrail, on the right side of the culvert, where the people are standing on the road, pointing.

The pick-up was traveling about 75 mph from right to left when it crashed through the guardrail.

It flipped end-over-end bounced off and across the culvert outlet, and landed right side up on the left side of the culvert, facing the opposite direction from which the driver was traveling.

The 22-year-old driver and his 18-year-old passenger were unhurt except for minor cuts and bruises.


Now look at the second picture below...




I would say this driver and passenger had a very good day.

For the Locals & Visitors: Frugal Family Activities

Here are some upcoming events that are family and pocket book friendly:

Williamson County Parks and Recreation Family Night
A Comical Magic Show
Includes dinner (pizza)

Friday, February 20th, 6:30-8 pm
$6 per person, children under 2 free
(615) 790-5719 Ext 10
(We went last year and our kids still talk about it!)

Nashville Main Public Library
Anansi the Spider

Fridays & Saturdays, Free

February 13 - March 14
9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM

This colorful puppet play, based on African tales of a tricky spider who uses cleverness to achieve his wishes, features handmade marionettes and hand and rod puppets. Presented in the Children’s Theater; running time: 30 min.

Frist Family Day
Sunday, March 29, 1:00–5:30 p.m.
FREE

Enjoy a fun-filled day of excitement with friends and family including special art-making activities, live music, and dance performances, all themed around our recently-opened exhibition, Medieval Treasures from the Cleveland Museum of Art, featuring rare examples of ivories, sculpture, paintings, and illuminated manuscripts from the 3rd through the 16th centuries.

In addition to special art-making activites in our studios and Martin ArtQuest, you can also see a performance of music from medieval times by the Centennial Recorder Consort and take part in a jousting workshop led by teaching artists from the Nashville Children’s Theatre.

Nashville Children's Theater
Target Family Time Series
Tickets are half price and you can order online
(We've taken our kids to previous shows and they are great!)

LILLY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE
Saturday, March 14 at 10 am & 1 pm

STILL LIFE WITH IRIS
Saturday, May 2 at 1 pm & 4 pm



Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Pssst...Wanna See Betty Crocker's Test Kitchen?

Check out this video. You can see Betty Crocker's test kitchen. I want to work there. Of course, I would probably gain a hundred pounds.

Correction: Link should work now!

Free Aleve at Publix Today


Thanks to Brenda at Queen of Good Intentions for this money saving tip.

Aleve is currently on sale for $2.99 (new sales begin tomorrow so hurry). Combine it with a $4/2 Publix coupon from the green Advantage Buy Health & Beauty flyer (usually found at the front of Publix) and a manufacturer $1/1 coupon and the Aleve is free. It has also been reported that there are peelies on some of the boxes in case you do not have a manufacturer coupon. You can also go HERE to print a couple of Aleve coupons. Publix usually will take a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon for the same product (stacking).

"Everything's amazing, nobody's happy"

This is a great video. We frequently hear in the news all the doom and gloom related to life today. It's nice to get a different and positive perspective. We do live in an amazing time.

Louis CK "Everything's amazing, nobody's happy"

Monday, February 9, 2009

Burst of Spring in February!

My friend was out hiking on Saturday and guess what she saw??

I can't wait for spring! It's currently 71 degrees outside!

Menu Planning Monday:


Monday: Ham & Mushroom Alfredo
Tuesday: Sausage & Cranberry Stuffing Balls with Oven Roasted Vegetables
Wednesday: Lasagna
Thursday: Crockpot Beef Stew and Amish Bread
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Ham & Egg Bake
Sunday: Slow Cooker Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs, Steamed Vegetables & Crockpot Cobbler

Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Balls

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground pork (or ground turkey)
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
3/4 cup cranberry sauce
1 egg
1 cup water
1/4 cup melted butter

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Brown meat; drain. Combine with dry stuffing mix in large bowl.
STIR in cranberry sauce, egg and water. Shape mixture into 16 balls. Place balls on foil-covered baking sheet; brush balls with melted butter.
BAKE 20 min.

Visit Organized Junkie for lots of great menu ideas!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

CVS Scenario 2-8-09

Deal Seeking Mom is hosting a Linky for scenarios so I thought I would add mine. The total, which I would use prior ECBs to pay with, is less than the ECBs earned making it a money maker. There is a hidden deal on Mylanta which I will try if they have the product (see I Heart CVS for details). Click to enlarge.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A Family Favorite: Asparagus Casserole


This is a great stockpile recipe! Our family has this at every holiday or family gathering since I could remember. It is originally my grandmother's and even people who don't like asparagus love this recipe.


Asparagus Casserole


Ingredients:
2 (141/2 oz.) cans cut asparagus (the least expensive will work as it is going in a casserole)
2 c. soda cracker crumbs (about 1 stack)
1/2 c. butter, melted
1/2 lb. sharp Cheddar, shredded (3 c.)
1/2 c. sliced almonds
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup



Directions:

1. Mix cheese, crumbs, and butter. Place about 2/3 of mixture in bottom of ovenproof dish.

2. Drain asparagus (save the liquid) and add some of the liquid to the soup until it isn't so thick.

3. Arrange asparagus over crust; sprinkle half the nuts, then add soup mixture. Top with remaining cracker-cheese mixture and almonds. Bake 30 to 45 minutes at 350 until bubbly.


For other great recipes, check out the Grocery Cart Challenge for Recipe Swap!

Great Deal on Pork Roasts at Food Saver This Week!

With the food prices about to rise dramatically due to the draught out West, you may want to stock up on this great deal.  Food Saver has po...