Travel Tip for Families with Children

I am starting to plan a trip to Orlando for my children in the fall (any tips would be appreciated). My husband and I have not been to Disney since either of us were children so it will be a real treat for us as well. While we plan to pay for a day or maybe two at Disney (ouch, the price), I am all about having fun as frugally as possible for the remaining time there. Here is a great tip that I used last year at Myrtle Beach. Always check out the local libraries for story times and arts and crafts. Last year we took our children to the local library where they got to make paper owls and see many stuffed creatures including a full size alligator and several bears. They still talk about it. And best of all, it was free. We then walked a few blocks to a very nice cafe where I had previously purchased a $25 gift certificate online for $2 at Restaurant.com. It takes a little strategic planning but you can save a ton and still have fun.

So far I have found the library system in Orlando and they do have story times and arts and crafts. There are also local restaurants that offer gift certificates which I will purchase when they are 80% off with a coupon code.

Here is another tip for those who may be traveling to Orlando this year. If you are a member of your local zoo, check and see if they have a reciprocal program with the Central Florida Zoo. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere does (see list of reciprocal zoos at website). The Central Florida Zoo is in Sanford, FL which is about 45 minutes from Orlando. You can get in for free if you are a member of a reciprocal zoo. This zoo has holiday events for kids as well. HERE is also a list of reciprocal children's museums that may be useful.

Lego Sale and $5 off of $20 Purchase Coupon

Yesterday we received the Lego catalog in the mail. My two boys have poured over it ever since and even took it to summer camp with them today. They were fighting over it all the way to camp. If you have similar Lego obsessed kids than you will really like this deal! Lego is having a sale of up to 66% off and a $5 off of $20 coupon code, bscd29. Shipping starts at $4.95.

Now I Don't Feel So Guilty About My Kids' Obsession With PB & J

I have picky eaters, and often when I cook something new or healthy, they refuse to eat it by responding with, "EWWWW, that's yucky!" Of course as a parent, I make them at least try it, but I don't force them to eat it. No point in making them hate it the rest of their lives just on principle. The fall back is usually peanut butter and jelly. So I was inordinately pleased to see this recent report on AOL about peanut butter:

Long known to be a natural heart healer, a recent Harvard Medical School study that monitored the eating habits of 2,000 women with type 2 diabetes -- which increases heart disease and stroke risk -- found that eating peanuts or peanut butter at least five days a week can nearly halve your risk of a heart attack, according to "The Daily Mail."

On another peanut butter note, did you know that the new whipped peanut butter has fewer calories per serving and is easier to spread? My kids can't tell the difference.

Menu Planning Monday 6/29/09

Monday: Tuna Fish Salad
Tuesday: Chicken Parmigiana & Penne
Wednesday: Cheeseburger Bread
Thursday: Tandoori Potato and Onion Casserole
Friday: Roasted Chicken and Linguine
Saturday: Grill Out Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
Sunday: Beef Pot Pie

For the Locals: Great Place to Buy Bread

I have heard from three different local frugal sources that the Apple Market on Nolensville Road was a great place to buy bread. I finally made it there today. The interior resembles an HG Hill store. When I first walked in, I went to the bread section where much of their bread appeared to me to be overpriced. I was very disappointed. So I wondered around the store, picked up a few coupons - a really good one, $1 off of beef when you purchase A1, and finally purchased some celery because I needed it for a recipe. My few minutes of free time before first child pick up were dwindling. On the way out I asked the greeter what the deal was on the bread, not expecting anything. She said, "Oh yes, its the racks of Pepperidge Farm bread in the freezer section." Yeah, that's where I would expect fresh bread to be.

Anyway, there they were on the bread racks in the middle of the freezer section. They were perfect, with sell by dates still a few days away. The greeter had thought they were .79 each but when I checked out with my nine loaves, they turned out to be .50 each. What a deal! Each was over $3 originally. So I spent $4.50 plus tax to restock my freezer with great bread. I bought a variety, from wheat to sourdough to plain. I asked the checkout girl what the story was on the bread, but she did not know, other than "A man just brings them in."

My frugal sources say that the market restocks at various times which is when you should go, but I do not know when that is. It appeared to be well stocked today with two or three racks of bread. If you are interested, here is the address:

Apple Market
5127 Nolensville Road
Nashville, TN 37211

Stocking up on Ice Cream at Kroger

There is a great deal going on at Kroger this week. Basically, if you buy 10 items on their list, you automatically get $3 off your total. You can do this with up to thirty items (total of $9 off). If you also have coupons on top of this deal and shop the sale items on the list, it can be a great time to stock up. My boys were very excited with this shopping trip! The original reason for the trip to Kroger was actually to purchase bread for kids' lunches. It's hard to believe that I have already gone through all the bread that I recently put in my freezer.

Here is what I purchased:

7 Breyers Ice Cream 48oz, regularly $4.19, on sale 2.29, after promotion price $1.99 ea
-(7) $1.50/1 MF Qs
Final Price: .49 each

11 Klondike Frozen Treats 6-12 ct, regularly $2.75, on sale 2.29, after promotion price $1.99 ea
-(11) $1.25/1 MF Qs
Final Price: .74 each

12 Chef Boyardee Cups, regularly 1.19, on sale 1.00, after promotion price .70 ea
-(3) Buy 3 Get 1 Free blinkies
Final Price: .40 ea

Kroger Wheat Bread, .78

Total before sales/coupons: 79.83
Sales: 20.64
Coupons: 38.01
OOP: $20.18 (saving 78%)

For the Locals: Visit Frist This Saturday for Free!

First Tennessee Free Day at the FRIST
Saturday, June 27
10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Enjoy FREE admission to the Frist Center this Friday, thanks to the generosity of First Tennessee.

Cheap or Free Light Bulbs at Publix

Check out I Heart Publix for a great post about a deal on light bulbs that Publix is currently offering.

Just FYI, the publix coupon that is being discussed is the one found in this week's circular. You can also pull up the circular online, double click on the coupon and it will open a new window for you to print just the coupon.

Harris Teeter Super Doubles Shopping Day 2

Another great day at Harris Teeter, and I didn't buy a single yogurt! Amazing. There are at least three different kinds there this week that you can get for free. I actually got to purchase some veggie ground beef crumbles and veggie hot dogs that I have always wanted to try, but they rarely, if ever, go on sale and the coupons never make them cheap enough to tempt me. Not today! I got them at a great price.

Juicy Juice Immunity, 2.99
-$1/1 MF Qs, doubled
Final Price: .99

Charmin 6 Double Roll, regularly 6.49, on sale 4.94
-$1/1 MF Q, doubled
Final Price: 2.94

2 Bounty Paper Towels, 1.49 ea
-(2) $1/1 MF Qs, doubled
Final Price: FREE and it appears that it produced overage

3 Sunsweet Dried Plums, regularly 2.79, on sale 2.49
-(3) $1/1 MF Qs from recent Publix pamphlet, doubled
Final Price: .49 each

Borden Sensation Cheese Singles, 1.87
-$1/1 MF Q, doubled
Final Price: FREE

3 Mission Tortillas, 2.69
-(3) .75/1 Blinkies (from Publix), doubled
Final Price: 1.19 each

Cucumber, .69

Yellow Bell Pepper, 1.29

Red Onion, 2.01

Lightlife Veggie Dogs, 2.99
-$1/1 IP Q, doubled
Final Price: .99

Lightlife Veggie Beef(like) Crumbles, 3.49
-$1/1 IP Q, doubled
Final Price: 1.49

3 Tidy Cat 20 lb bag, on sale 2.50
-(3) $1/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: .50 each

3 Chinet Tumblers, 2.89
-(3) $1/1 MF Qs, doubled
Final Price: .89 ea

Chinet Cups (Coffee/Hot Liquid), regularly 4.59, on sale 3.00
-$1/1 Blinkie, doubled
Final price: $1.00

Total before sales/coupons: 74.50
OOP: $22.90 (including tax, saved 70%)

Here's another super doubles trip by Frugal Friends.

Free Glidden Paint

While supplies last, you can request a free quart of Glidden brand paint HERE. This is great for a small paint project. You can choose from over 280 colors, and the sample will arrive in 3-4 weeks.

If you can't get through online, you can call 1-800-GLIDDEN to request your sample.

Bargain Meal of the Week 6/25/09

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 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.

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Publix Fresh Ground Turkey, on sale 2.19 per lb

Publix Pasta, usually around $1

Ragu Pasta Sauce, $2.19 BOGO
-$1/2 Ragu Pasta Sauce printable (IE) or printable (FF)
-.75/1 Ragu Sauce “Family is it’s Own Reward” booklet
Final Price: .33 - .58 ea

For desert:

Georgia Peaches, 1.29 per lb

Breyers Ice Cream, $4.99 BOGO
-.75/1 off Breyers RP 5/17
-$1.50/1 Breyer’s “Family is its own Reward” booklet
Final Price: $1 - $1.75 ea

Garlic Turkey Meatballs & Sauce
from Cooks.com with slight alteration

Ingredients:

1 package ground turkey meat
1 egg
1 cup garlic bread crumbs
2 dashes garlic salt or powder
1 can pasta sauce of choice

Instructions:

Add turkey meat and bread crumbs to bowl. Mix well. Add egg to mixture. Mix well until completely blended. Roll meat into any sized meat balls. Spray pan with Pam.

Place them in a frying pan over a medium flame/heat. Move pan around several times to brown the meat balls all around. After several minutes cooking, cut one open and check for color. If still red, let it cook for longer. If light brown, they are ready. Season with garlic salt or powder to taste.

Add pasta sauce and heat until bubbling

Serve over pasta.

*Also enjoy Vanilla Ice Cream topped with fresh peaches for desert!

Favorite Deals of the Week

Harris Teeter:

This week is super doubles week. So if you have a coupon that is over $1 face value, then you will probably find a good deal. HERE and HERE are lists of coupon and price match-ups. HERE is my first visit to Harris Teeter to give you an example.

Kroger:

Thanks to Southern savers for this information. Please visit her site for complete match-up of sales and coupons.

Buy 10 items listed get $3 off.

*price listed includes the 30¢ off per item (limit 3 per transaction for total of $9 savings). You must purchase in multiples of 10 (up to 30), though not all the same product.

Kroger Cheese 8oz $1.03 ea

General Mills Cereal 10.9-18oz $2.19 ea
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals printable or printable
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals SS 6/14
-$1/3 General Mills Cereals SS 5/31 or printable
-.55/1 off Lucky Charms printable
-.50/1 Lucky Charms printable or printable
-.60/1 Lucky Charms Shortcuts e coupon
-.55/1 General Mills Fiber One and Lucky Charms Cellfire coupon
Final Price: .69 - varies

Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts 21-22oz $2.19 ea
-$1/2 Pop Tarts RP 6/07
-$1 off Pop Tarts RP 6/07
Final Price: 1.19-1.69

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks 4.5-9oz $1.49 ea
-.50/2 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks printable or SS 6/14
-.50/2 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks Shortcuts e coupon or Cellfire e coupon
-$1/3 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks SS 6/14
Final Price: Free (combining ecoupon and print coupon) - Varies

Current Promotion to use with this:
Buy (3), Get $1.50 off your next purchase
Buy (4), Get $2.50 off your next purchase
Buy (5), Get $3.50 off your next purchase

**Idea**
Buy (4) Fruit Snacks
Use: (2) -.50/2 printables
-.50/2 Cellfire e coupon
-.50/2 Shortcuts e coupon
Total Due: $3.46
Get Back: $2.50, makes it .44¢ or .11¢ ea
***********

Country Crock Margarine Spread 45oz $1.69 ea
-$1/2 Shedd’s Country Crock Spreads RP 5/17
-.25/1 Shedd’s Country Crock Spreads RP 5/17
-.55/1 Shedd’s Country Crock Spreads “Family Is It’s Own Reward” booklet
Final Price: 1.14 - 1.19

Ragu Pasta Sauce 16-26.3oz $1.39 ea
-.60/2 Ragu Pasta Sauce, RP 5/17
-.30/1 off Ragu Sauce RP 5/17 (makes it .79¢ ea)
-.75/1 Ragu Sauce “Family is It’s Own Reward” Booklet
-$1/2 Ragu Sauce printable (IE) or printable (FF)
Final Price: .64 - .89

Nabisco Ritz Crackers 13.66-16 oz $2.19 ea
-$1 off Ritz Crackers printable (limit reached)
-$1 off Ritz Crackers Racing Winners insert 5/03 (Charlotte only)
Free Wheat Thins wyb Ritz Crackers SS 5/17
Final Price: 1.19 and possibly free Wheat Thins

Breyers Ice Cream 48oz or Klondike Frozen Treats 6-12 ct $1.99 ea
-.75/1 Breyers Ice Cream RP 5/17
-$1 off Breyers Ice Cream RP 5/17
-$1.50 off Breyers Ice Cream “Family Is It’s Own Reward” booklet
Final Price: .49 - 1.24 (Great Price)

Chef Boyardee Pasta Cans or Microwave Cups or Hunt’s Manwich 70¢ ea
-.50/4 Chef Boyardee, Canned Pasta Or Microwaveable Bowls SS 5/31 (makes it .50¢ ea)
-$1/5 Chef Boyardee Can or Microwavable Pasta SS 5/31
-$1/4 Chef Boyardee 15oz May All You Magazine
-.40/2 Manwich SS 5/31 (makes it .30¢ ea)
Final Price: .30 - .45

Betty Crocker Brownie Mix or Betty Crocker Muffin Mix 13-26.7 oz $1.69 ea
-.75/1 Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix Cellfire coupon
-.75/2 BC Supreme Brownies printable
Final Price: buy 2, use e coupon and paper coupon makes it .94¢ ea

Oscar Mayer Meat Franks 16 oz $1.49 ea
-$1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs SS 5/10
-$1/2 Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs 16oz SS 4/19
Final Price: either coupon makes it .99¢ ea

Kraft Barbecue Sauce 18 oz bottle 69¢ ea
-.55/1 Kraft Barbecue Sauce SS 6/14
-.75/1 Kraft Barbecue Sauce SS 6/14
-.35/1 Kraft Barbecue Sauce found on select packages
Final Price: Free plus overage - .14

Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn 3-10.5 oz $1.69 ea
-$1/2 Orville Redenbacher’s Natural Gourmet Popping Corn SS 5/17
-.50/1 Orville Redenbacher’s Natural Gourmet Popping Corn SS 5/17
-$1 off Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn May All You Magazine
Final Price: .69 - 1.19

Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent 24-32 ld or Purex Liquid Fabric Softener, 52 ld $2.19 ea
-.50/1 Purex Natural Elements printable (IE) or printable (FF) (makes it $1.19 ea)
-.35/1 Purex SS 6/14
Final Price: 1.19 - 1.49 (Great Price)

Hefty Trash Bags 25-45ct $4.69 ea
-$2 off Hefty Trash or Lawn Bags RP 5/17
-$1 off Hefty Trash bags RP 5/17
Final Price: 1.19-1.69

Scott Bath Tissue 12 Roll $6.69 ea
-$1 off Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue printable
-$1 off Scott Long Lasting or Mega Roll printable
Final Price: 5.69

Bounty Paper Towel 6 Big Roll or 8 Regular Roll $6.69 ea
-$1 off Bounty PG 6/07
Final Price: 5.69

Huggies Jumbo Diapers Sizes Newborn-6, 11-56 ct $8.69 ea
-$1.50 off Huggies Diapers SS 6/21
-$1.50 off Huggies Shortcuts e coupon
Final Price: use both, 5.69

Banquet Entrees or Banquet Brown’N Serve Sausage 58¢ ea

Cheetos or Fritos oz $1.38 ea

OTHER DEALS:

Tyson Fresh Split Chicken Breast 99¢ lb
-$1 off any Tyson Fresh Chicken product printable
Final Price: small packages FREE

Fresh Ground Beef 73% Lean $1.58 lb

Publix:

Curly’s Chicken or Pork With BBQ Sauce, 18 oz, $5.69 BOGO
-.50/1 off any Curly’s BBQ printable
Final Price: 1.85

Claussen Pickles or Spear or Sauerkraut, $2.89 BOGO
-$1/2 Claussen Pickles SS 5/10
-.75/1 Claussen Pickles SS 5/10
Final Price: .70 - .95

Kraft Barbecue Sauce, $1.49 BOGO
-$1 off Kraft BBQ Sauce printable
-.75/1 Kraft BBQ Sauce SS 6/14
Final Price: FREE

Lawry’s 30 Minutes Marinade, $2.85 BOGO
-.50/1 Lawry’s Marinades RP 5/17
Final Price: .43 ea

Lipton Family Size Tea bags, Ice Tea Brew, 24-ct box (Excluding Decaf), $2.15 BOGO
-$1 off any Lipton Tea Product “Family is it’s Own Reward” Booklet
-.60/1 Lipton Tea Bags RP 5/17
-.75/2 Lipton Tea Bags RP 5/17
Final Price: .08 - .70

Land O Lakes Spread, Fresh Buttery Taste, or Soft Margarine, $1.89 BOGO
$.55/1 off Land O Lakes Spread printable
Final Price: .40

Ragu Pasta Sauce, $2.19 BOGO
-$1/2 Ragu Pasta Sauce printable (IE) or printable (FF)
-.75/1 Ragu Sauce “Family is it’s Own Reward” booklet
Final Price: .33 - .58 ea

Kraft Velveeta Cheese, $5.39 BOGO
-$1 off Velveeta printable
Final Price: 1.89

Nabisco Ritz Crackers, $3.49 BOGO
FREE Nabisco Wheat Thins Crackers Variety wyb (1) Ritz Crackers SS 5/17
-$1 off Ritz Crackers printable
Final Price: .75 ea plus Free Nabisco Wheat Thins

Lysol Disinfectant Spray Cleaner, All Purpose, $2.69 BOGO
-.50/1 Lysol All Purpose SS 6/07 or printable
Final Price: .35 ea

Post Cereal, Selects, Grape Nuts, Grape Nuts Flakes, or Trail Mix Crunch, $4.19 BOGO
-$1/2 Post Shredded Wheat, Grape Nuts or Raisin Bran SS 6/21
-$2/1 Trail Mix Crunch Cereal printable
Final Price: .19 -1.19 ea

Northwest Cherries $2.49 lb

Nestle Coffee-mate Flavored Creamers, 32 oz $2.50 ea
-.50/1 Nestle Coffee-Mate June All You, Mag.
-$1.50/2 Nestle Coffee-Mate printable
Final Price: 1.50 - 1.75 ea

Sara Lee Desserts, 50% off
-$1 off Sara Lee Simple Sweets RP 4/19
-$1 off Sara Lee Simple Sweets Pie or Bites RP 6/07
-$1 off Sara Lee Cheesecake Item RP 5/17
Final Price: Varies

Bertolli Skillet Dinner or Oven Bake Meals, $4.99 ea
-$1.25 off Bertolli Meals RP 6/07
-$1.50 off Bertolli Meals printable
-$2.50 off Bertolli Meals “Family is it’s Own Reward” booklet
Final Price: 2.50 - 3.75

Thanks to Southern savers for this information. Please visit her site for complete match-up of sales and coupons.

HG Hills:

Super Saturday Sale:

Sirloin End Cut Pork Chops, .99/lb

Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast, 1.69/lb

Strawberries, 1.29 per 1 lb package

Cantaloupe, $1 ea

Hamburger Helper, 10/$10

Best Choice Toilet Paper, 12 or 24 rolls, 3.99

Many Free Things at Harris Teeter Today!

This is how I shopped today: I grabbed a bunch of coupons that were at least $1/1 product, grouped them into sections of the store and just went and saw what was the best deal. I have not had time to go through my coupons and match everything to the prices. This approach seems to work well with Harris Teeter triples and super doubles.

Here is what I purchased:

3 Reynolds Aluminum Foil, 75 ft., on sale 2.97
-(3) $1/1 MF Q from Reynolds Pamphlet, doubled
Final Price: .97 each

1 Reynolds Parchment Paper, 3.49
-$1/1 MF Q from Reynolds Pamphlet, doubled
Final Price: 1.49

2 Jack Daniels Barbecue Sauce, on sale $2
-(2) $1/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: Free

2 Kraft Barbecue Sauce, on sale $1.25
-$1/1 IP Q, doubled
-.75/1 MF Q, doubled
Final Price: Free

2 Kraft Easy Mac Cups, on sale $1
-$1/2 IP Q, doubled
Final Price: Free

3 Juicy Juice Immunity, 2.99
-(3) $1/1 MF Qs, doubled
Final Price: .99 each

Nabisco 100 Calorie Packs, on sale 2.79
-$1/1 MF Q, doubled
Final Price: .79

2 Athenos Feta Cheese, 2.59
-(2) $1/1 IP Qs
Final Price: .59 each

Activia 4 Pack Yogurt, on sale 2.00
-$1/1 MF Q
Final Price: Free

2 Crab Classics, 3.49
-(2) $1/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: 1.49 each

Kraft Mac & Cheese Dinner, 1.65
-$1/1 IP Q, doubled
Final Price: Free

Total before sales/coupons: $61.14
OOP: $15.62 (including tax, saving 74%)

Super Doubles Begins Today at Harris Teeter!

Gather up your coupons that are over $1 and head over to Harris Teeter. Today begins their week of Super Doubles. They will double any coupon up to $1.98. Remember, you can only use 20 coupons per day, only two printables per type of product, three of the same manufacturer coupons per type of product, and only one coupon for BOGO purchases. It's a little complicated to remember all the rules but once you do it a few times it gets easier. There are some great bargains to be had!

Don't forget to look for the Reynolds Wrap Booklet at the self checkout lane.

Reynolds Wrap Booklet at Harris Teeter

I found this great booklet when I was at Harris Teeter today getting more free yogurt. By the way, they have put out more pamphlets with the .75/2 yogurt coupon in them that don't expire until 9/30. Sweet! Back to the subject, there was a stack of Reynold's Wrap Aluminum Foil "Signature Family Recipes" booklets at the self-checkout area. These contain four great coupons, all expiring on 12/31. They are $1/1 Reynolds Wrap (except 25 sq feet), $1/1 Reynolds Parchment Paper, .25/1 Reynold's Baking Cups and $2/1 Reynolds Handi-Vac Starter Kit. These will be great to use tomorrow when Harris Teeter starts their super doubles.

By the way, I also bought today 4 packages of Kraft Cheese for 1.47 each. I used two $1/2 IP Qs which made them .97 each. This produced a $3 off your next order catalina when I checked out. The catalina can be used at H.T. or Publix. If you consider the catalina, I basically spent .22 for each package. This price is good until the end of today.

Oh My Gosh, This is Too Funny!

I have a list of Mommy Blogs at the end of this page that I like to check in with from time to time. I choose them because they face the same issues that I do and often talk irreverently about them, which makes me laugh. Or they are chosen because I aspire to be as good as they are in parenting, arts and crafts, etc.

Anyway, if you are a parent to young children, you probably own the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. It's a great book and one that I don't mind reading to my kids over and over. Sue at Happy Meals & Happy Hour has done her version of If You Give a Mom a Cookie. It is too funny!

Transformers (Two-Disc Special Edition) for $1

Go HERE to check out this great deal (limit of 3) at Netvideo.com

All You Grocery Challenge

All You magazine, one of my favorites, is having a grocery challenge contest beginning July 13th. Basically, you spend $25 per family member per week on groceries over a four-week period. The grand prize is a $1000 grocery card, a years worth of Knorr side dishes and a chance to appear in the magazine! HERE are the official rules.

If you are new to couponing, this magazine has just a ton of coupons in it. I generally don't pay for magazine subscriptions since you can get many of them for free throughout the year, but this one I will buy. You can also only buy it off the rack at Walmart. Go HERE for a deal on purchasing a subscription.

The Most and Least Contaminated Food From Pesticides

As you know, organic fruits and vegetables can be much more expensive than ordinary fruits and vegetables. HERE is a list of the most and least contaminated fruits and vegetables from pesticides. It may help you to make better choices in the produce department.

High Dollar Kashi Printable Coupon

Thanks to Mindi at Moms Need to Know for this tip. Save $1.50 on any Kashi Cereal or Kashi TLC Bars. You may wish to get this one now and wait for a good sale, as this coupon will probably not last. You can print this coupon twice in IE or Firefox.

Redbox Code for June 22-23

This code is good for today and tomorrow!

RBXTHXU6

Happy Anniversary to Frugal Dr. Mom!!

A year ago today I started this blog. Honestly, I never thought that I would be the type of person to have a blog or even have something to say nearly every day. My goal was to learn how to better manage my finances and to pay off debt. I can happily say that posting about how to spend your money and being able to follow all the great bloggers out there, has really paid off. Our income has not change from the prior year. As a matter of fact, my husband and I both drive 30-45 minutes each way to our respective jobs, so the recent gas hikes have hit us hard. And of course, everything seems to be more expensive. However, the one thing that did change a year ago was my decision to strategically coupon - basically shop the sales with coupons and stockpile when things are cheap. In that time, we have filled out pantry to overflowing, been able to donate, and paid off $10k in debt (prior to that our debt was growing not shrinking). I have learned valuable skills that have even benefitted my extended family as I relay how to do this.

I do look forward to the next year as I gain even more financial knowledge and share the tips I learn with you. Today I have over 400 visits on average each day to my page, and a total of 125,000 visits since I started keeping count in September. I am very thankful to have you visit and being able to share a bit of my life with you. I hope that the information I provide is helping you in some way!

Menu Planning Monday 6/22/09

Monday: Garlic Fries, Sausage & Fruit Salad
Tuesday: Pasta e Fagioli
Wednesday: Pesto Pizza
Thursday: Black Bean Burgers with Spicy Cucumber and Red Pepper Relish
Friday: Burritos
Saturday: Cheese Potatoes in Foil & Salad
Sunday: Tuna Fish Salad

Cheese Potatoes in Foil

Ingredients:

3 large baking potatoes, pared
cracked or coarsely ground pepper to taste
salt to taste
4 or 5 slices bacon, cooked
1 large onion, sliced
1/2 lb sharp cheese, cubed
1 stick butter or margarine

Directions:

Slice potatoes onto a large piece of foil. Sprinkle with pepper and salt. Crumble bacon over potatoes. Add onion and cheese. Dot with butter. Wrap loosely and seal well with double fold. Cook in 350 degree oven for about one hour or until done, turning occasionally. Makes 4 - 6 servings.

Pesto Pizza!

This is a great recipe to use up some of those cheap pizza doughs I purchased at Publix a week or so ago and all the great summer vegetables now showing up. Not only that, but garlic is incredibly good for you, and I just plain love it! This recipe is originally from Dining In with Show Me St. Louis, a great cookbook I purchased at a thrift store.

Pesto Pizza

Ingredients:

chopped fresh basil
3 garlic cloves
1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
salt to taste
1 prepared pizza dough
shredded mozzarella cheese
baby spinach leaves
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
chopped broccoli florets, zucchini, parsley or other vegetables of choice (optional)
1 tablespoon bread crumbs
1 -2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, or a mixture of oregano and rosemary

Directions:

Combine the basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and salt in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Spread over the pizza crust and top with mozzarella cheese, spinach, tomatoes and other vegetables preferred. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Bake at 375 degrees until the cheese melts. Broil 4 inches from the heat source for 2 to 3 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crisp.

My Son is Growing Up!

This past week I have been a bit of a nervous wreck. My parents have been pressing me for several years now to allow my oldest son to attend Sailing Camp. He is nearly nine now and has finally become a decent swimmer so I agreed this year. Off he went...my sweet baby surrounded by water. Well, he has done amazing and taken to the water like a duck. He's been able to sail his own boat all week. I just wanted to share a picture of one of this week's lessons. He's the speck in the center.

Publix Trip 6/18/09

Publix has some great deals this week. One of their newest products, which I am so happy to see, is La Croix sparkling water. I hate to admit this, but one of the few reasons that I have kept a Costco membership is because for the longest time, you could only buy La Croix there. My kids love it. It's like you get the joy of having a carbinated beverage that you can pop the top on without the guilt of sugar or sugar substitute. It's also great if you want to break a soda habit. It's not sweet but has a slight citrus flavor, and of course, the fizz.


Here is what I purchased. These prices are good until next Tuesday.

Publix Milk, 2.25

Publix OJ, 1.99
-$1/1 Food Lion Printable
Final Price: .99

2 Snickers, .89
-BOGO MF Q
-Free MF Q
Final Price: .04 ea (max of Qs was .85 each)

2 Nabisco Graham Crackers, 3.99 BOGO
-(2) $1/1 IP Qs
Final Price: .99 ea

2 Yoplait Yoplus Yogurt, 2.50 BOGO
-(2) $1/1 IP Qs
Final Price: .25 ea

2 Athena Cantaloupe, 1.47 ea
Blueberries, 2.50
Strawberries, 2.99
-Food Lion $2/$5 Produce printable
Final Price: 1.61 average ea

4 Starbucks Ice Cream, 3.79 BOGO
-(2) $1.50/1 IP Qs
-(2) $1/1 IP Qs
Final Price: .65 ea

4 International Delight Coffee Creamer, 2.49
-(4) $1/1 IP Qs
Final Price: 1.49 ea

4 Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt, 2.50 BOGO
-4 $1/1 IP Qs
Final Price: .25 each

Publix Large Eggs, 1.39
-HG Hill Free Coupon (from Franklin Review on Wednesday)
Final Price: Free

3 La Croix Sparkling Water, on sale 3 for $8

Kraft Sharp Chedder Cheese, 2.99
-$1/1 Food Lion printable
-$1/1 IP Q
Final Price: .99

2 Sundown Vitamins, 3.59 and 3.99
-$6/2 Publix Q
-$3/2 IP Q
Final Price: Free plus .71 overage ea

Silly Putty, 2.49 (Bribery)

Also used HG Hill $5/50 Competitor Q from Franklin Review on Wednesday

Total before sales/coupons: $99.40
Sales: $28.95
Coupons: $38.69
OOP: $31.76 (saving 68%)

International Delight Printable Coupon

Go HERE to print $1/1 International Delight Coffee Creamer coupon. For all those who have a caffeine addiction, this coupon is gold!

Bargain Meal of the Week 6/19/09

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 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.

Items on sale that can be used in this recipe:

*Cabbage, regular price
*Red Creamer Potatoes, 3 lb bag $2.49
-$2/$5 Produce Food Lion printable
Final Price: Buy $5 of produce and pay $3

*Kraft Cheese, regular price
-$1/1 Food Lion printable
-$1 off Kraft Natural Cheese printable
Final Price: Less than $1 (use both Qs)

*Johnsonville Bratwurst Patties, 2 for $5
-$1 off Johnsonville Patties Publix Family Style Mag. OR
-$1 off Johnsonville Patties (SS 4/05)
Final Price: $1.50 per package

I saw this post this morning and it sounded so yummy! When I realized that many of these ingredients could be found cheap or on sale at Publix I decided that this would make the perfect bargain meal of the week! Oh, and I just love the name!

Rumbledethumps by Frugal in Franklin. Check out her post for the instructions! Serve this recipe with a side of pan fried Johnsonville Bratwurst Patties. Yumm!

Favorite Deals of the Week

Kroger:

Green Bell Peppers or Cucumbers 48¢ ea (dice bell peppers and freeze to use all year)

Dole Gold Pineapple $2.50 ea
-.50/1 IP Q printable
Final Price: 1.50 ea

Carolina Pride Cocktail Smokies or Smoked Sausage, B1G1 at $3.99
-$1.50/2 MF Q (SS 6/07, 4/19, 4/05)
Final Price: $1.24 ea

Dole Pineapple, Mandarin or Tropical Fruit , 15.5-20 oz, $1 ea
-.50/1 Dole Canned Fruits printable (limit reached)
-$1/5 Dole Mandarin Oranges, Kroger Catalina Coupon
Final Price: Free - .80

Oikos Yogurt B1G1 at $1.99
-.50/1 Oikos Yogurt printable
Final Price: FREE

9 lives Wet Cat Food cans .37¢ ea
Get $1 off your next purchase wyb (8) Cans
-$1 off (12) Cans (SS 6/07)
Final Price: buy 12, makes it .20¢ ea

Huggies Wipes 40ct $1 ea
-$1 off Huggies bath & Body product, any, (SS 4/19)
Final Price: FREE

Angel Soft Bath Tissue White or Print, 4 Rolls $1 ea
-$1/2 Angel Soft Toilet Paper 2 pk (RP 4/19)
-.50/1 Angel Soft Toilet Paper 4 pk (RP 4/19)
Final Price: FREE - .50 ea

Bounty Paper Towels Extra Soft, Regular or Basic, 1 Roll, $1 ea
-$1 off Bounty Home Mailers
-.25/1 off Bounty (PG 6/07)
Final Price: FREE - .50

Publix:

Danimals Crush Cup or Dan-o-nino 6 pk, $2 BOGO
-.55/1 Danimals Crush Cup in store dispenser
Final Price: .45¢ ea

Yoplait Yo-Plus or Fiber One Yogurt 4 pk, $2.50 BOGO
-.50/1 off any Yo-Plus Yogurt (SS 6/07)
-$1 off Yo-Plus printable or printable or printable
-$1 off Fiber One Yogurt printable (IE) or printable (FF)
Final Price: .25¢ ea

Perdue Chicken Nuggets, Tenders or Shapes, $4.39 BOGO
-$1 off Perdue Breaded Chicken (RP 5/03)
Final Price: $1.19 ea

Juicy Juice 8 pk, $2.99 BOGO
-$1/2 Juicy Juice June All You Mag.
Final Price: .99¢ ea

General Mills Cereals, $3.99 BOGO
includes Lucky Charms, Cookie Crisp, Kix, Reese’s Puffs, Golden Grahams or Cinnamon Toast Crunch
-$1/2 General Mills Cereals printable or printable
-.50/1 off Lucky Charms printable (makes it .99¢ ea)
-.55/1 off Lucky Charms printable
-.55/1 Reese’s Puffs printable
-$1/3 General Mills Cereals SS 5/31 or printable
Final Price: .99 - varies

Nabisco Honey Maid Grahams, $3.99 BOGO
-$1 off Nabisco Grahams printable
Final Price: .99¢ ea

Fisher Fusions Snack Mix, $1.79 BOGO
-$1 off any Fisher product 4oz or larger (SS 12/14/08, 3/15, 3/29 5/10, 6/07, 6/21)
Final Price: FREE plus overage

Starbucks Ice Cream 16 oz, $3.79 BOGO
-$1.50 or $1 off Starbucks Ice Cream printable
-$2 off Starbucks Ice Cream SS 6/21
Final Price: Free - .39 ea

Cantaloupes $1.47 ea
Red Creamer Potatoes, 3 lb bag $2.49
-$2/$5 Produce Food Lion printable
Final Price: Buy $5 of produce and pay $3

Velveeta Shells & Cheese or Deluxe Dinner $1.49 ea
-$1 off any Velveeta Shells & Cheese or Deluxe printable
Final Price: .49¢ ea

Crisco Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil 48 oz $2.99 ea
-$1/1 MF Q (RP 5/17)
-.75/1 MF Q (RP 5/17)
-.55/1 MF Q (RP 6/07)
Final Price: 1.99- 2.44

Alexia Potatoes or Onion Rings $2.79 ea
-.75/1 Spicy Sweet Potato Fries printable
Final Price: 2.04 ea

Angel Soft Bath Tissue, 12 to 24 roll $5.49 ea
-$1/2 Angel Soft (RP 4/19)
-.50/1 Angel Soft (RP 4/19) or printable
-$1 off Angel Soft 6 pk or larger (RP 6/21)
Final Price: 4.49 ea

Kingsford Charcoal 13.5 lb bag $7.99 ea
-$6 off Pork wyb Kingsford Charcoal and (1) other participating product printable
-$1/1 Peelies
Final Price: 6.99 with $6 off Pork purchase

Harris Teeter:

Hefty One Zip 13-22oz Freezer or Storage, $2.75 BOGO
-$1 off Hefty One Zip Fresh Extend Bags RP 6/07
-$1 off Hefty One Zip Bags in-store dispenser
-$1 off Hefty One Zip Bags RP 5/17
Final Price: .37 ea

Hefty Cinchsak Tall Kitchen Bags 13 gal., $6.75 BOGO
-$2 off Hefty Trash or Lawn Bags RP 5/17
-.75/1 Hefty Trash Bags found on select packages
Final Price: 1.37 - 1.87 ea

Hawaiian Tropic Suncare 6-8oz prices starting, $6.99 BOGO
-$2 off Hawaiian Tropic Suncare 3oz or larger printable
-$1 off Hawaiian Tropic Suncare 6oz or larger SS 5/03
Final Price: 1.49 +

HT Milk, 1 Gallon $1.97

Dole Pineapple Chunks canned $1 ea
-.50/1 Dole Canned Fruits printable (limit reached)
Final Price: FREE

Kraft Block or Shredded Cheese $1.47 ea
-$1 off Kraft Natural Cheese printable
Final Price: .47 ea

Pedigree Cans .60¢ ea
-B1G1 Pedigree Canned Coupons printable
Final Price: .30 ea

HG Hill:

Crisco Oil, 48 oz., 2.50
-$1/1 MF Q (RP 5/17)
-.75/1 MF Q (RP 5/17)
-.55/1 MF Q (RP 6/07)
Final Price: 1.50 -1.95

Angel Soft, 12 Double Rolls, 4.99
-$1/2 Angel Soft (RP 4/19)
-.50/1 Angel Soft (RP 4/19) or printable
-$1 off Angel Soft 6 pk or larger (RP 6/21)
Final Price: 3.99 - 4.49

Pepsi Products, 2 ltr, .99

Carolina Pride Smoked Sausage, 2.39
-$1.50/2 MF Qs (SS 2/22, 4/5, 4/19, 6/7)
Final Price: 1.62 ea

Green Cabbage, .39 per lb

Avocados, $1 each

10 lb Idaho Potatoes, $2.50

Food Lion:

Food Lion Pasta 89¢ ea
-$1 off any Food Lion Pasta printable
Final Price: FREE

Eastern Cantaloupes $1.50 ea
Chiquita Sliced Apple Bites B1G1 at $3.99
-$2/$5 Produce Food Lion printable
Final Price: Buy $5 of produce and pay $3


Thanks to Southern Savers for most of this information. Please visit her site to see the complete match-up of sales to coupons!