Friday, March 30, 2012

Favorite Low Carb Recipes!

Everyone wants to lose weight but no one wants to diet, me included. My husband and I both needed to lose weight. I have a very good friend who has lived on the South Beach diet for years. She loves it, and she is skinny (also over 50) which was all the advertisement I needed to give low carb a shot. Everything she has ever made at her home to serve to guests has been healthy and delicious. My thought every time I left her house was if only I could eat the way she does I would lose weight and not feel deprived at all.

So I started trying out low carb recipes and keeping the ones that I really liked and would actually eat even if it were not low carb. In the process, I lost thirty pounds and my husband lost forty. The best part of that is that it was not hard and I did not have to count calories and ate normal portions. I did not exercise any more than I did before (walking and taking the stairs always) but my husband did hit the gym more often. Other family members have witnessed our success and started doing the same thing and are losing weight. My uncle who has struggled with his weight his whole life has been doing it for several months and has lost eleven pounds. He says he will never go back to eating the way he did before. If you really want to lose the weight and keep it off, you have to come up with new family favorites and comfort foods to replace the old ones. It has to be a change in lifestyle not a diet. Basically, you have to like it and not feel deprived.

Start with looking at what you currently eat that would fall in the low-carb category. There was actually quite a few family recipes that we already liked that were low-carb. Go HERE or HERE for low-carb food lists. See if you can't get at least three days worth of recipes that fit the bill.

Here is the basic rules we followed. Cut out the sugar, including soda (this was a big one for my husband) and flavored sugary coffee creamer (big one for me). You can replace with canned flavored water, or occasionally diet soda (I like Diet Dr. Pepper and Coke Zero) and sugar free flavored creamer. No potatoes except once in a while sweet potatoes. No pasta except once in a while when you really need a fix, Dreamfields or whole wheat. Here is the trick for using a different kind of pasta - use it in a new recipe so you will not be comparing it to a favorite and finding it lacking. Just so you know, if you have a strong pasta craving now, it will really decline by the third week. No bread except on occasion when you need a fix, whole wheat or the "toothy" variety with lots of whole grain, etc. If you are eating out, choose the thinnest bread available like a tortilla or flat bread. No fruit juice, make your own smoothie with whole fruit. Avoid really sweet fruit, focus on berries of all varieties and citrus. No white rice, but occasionally whole grain rice. Just a note, "low-fat" is not necessarily the best choice. Often, the more fat that is removed from a product, the higher the carbs. For instance, if you drank 8 oz of 1% milk you are consuming 11.4 carbs. Just as a comparison, if you drank 8 oz of heavy cream, you would consume 6.6 carbs. Fat also slows down the digestion of carbohydrates.

I will be adding great recipes as I remember or discover them. I really needed a place to put all my low-carb favorites so this will benefit me as much as any one else who goes low-carb. I generally like easy recipes without a lot of foreign ingredients. Most of the time my chicken recipes begin with frozen chicken breasts - not thawed. If you have a great low-carb favorite, leave the recipe or link!

Main Dishes:

Beef and Cabbage Bake
Meatza
Greek Meatza
Baked Pesto Chicken
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Baked Chicken with Curry Sauce
Artichoke Chicken
Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup
Baked Sour Cream Tilapia
Spicy & Creamy Chicken Enchiladas (use whole wheat tortillas)
Spinach Chicken Bake
Hamburger Soup
40 Clove Garlic Chicken
Spinach Turkey Meatloaf (YUMM!)
Spinach & Artichoke Topped Chicken
Reuben Casserole
Spinach Lasagna
Chili (pretty much any chili recipe!)
Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken
Caribbean Chicken Stew
Blueberry Chicken Salad
Crustless Spinach Quiche
Oven Baked Salmon with Herbs
Feta Spinach Salmon Roast
Mushroom Filled Meatloaf with Sour Cream Sauce (recipe below)
Yummy Chicken Stuff
Taco Bake
Chicken Lettuce Wraps (recipe below)
Sausage Pumpkin Chili
Mediterranean Broiled Fish
Roast Pork Loin with Garlic and Rosemary
Cheeseburger Soup
Confetti Mini Meatloaf (Kid-friendly)
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Pesto Pecan Chicken
Rosemary Chicken
Lemon Feta Chicken
Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Easy Whole Chicken in the Crockpot
Dreamy Cheesy Crockpot Chicken
Sour Cream Smothered Chicken
Adobo
Maryland Shrimp Salad
Red Cabbage Dill Tuna Wraps
Baked Tilapia and Fresh Spinach
Pad Thai Frittata
Rosemary Pork Chops
Baked Coriander Tilapia
Tuna Patties
Stuffed Red Bell Peppers
Anything on the grill!

Sides:

Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bake
Spinach and Artichoke Casserole (family favorite for decades)
Julienne Oven Zucchini
Roasted Rosemary Butternut Squash
Dijon Cauliflower (recipe below)
Steamed Vegetables with Peanut Sauce (recipe below)
Danish Cucumber Salad
Almost Loaded Baked Potato (recipe below - really good!)
Stuffed Mushrooms
Brie Stuffed Mushrooms
Brussels Sprouts & Bacon (recipe below)
Pesto with Zucchini Noodles (awesome tool, check it out)
Quick Creamed Spinach
Onions Baked with Rosemary and Cream
Broccoli Casserole
Asparagus with Pepper Jack Cheese Sauce
Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Sexy Cabbage
Zucchini with Almonds
Pickled Sugar Snap Peas
Collard Greens
Colorful Coleslaw
Roasted Fennel
Roasted Radishes
Mexican Cole Slaw with Lime and Cilantro
Cheesy Zucchini with Garlic & Parsley
Crockpot Cheesy Spinach Casserole
Oven Roasted Rutabaga Fries
Roasted Cauliflower with Bacon and Garlic
Tomato and Black Bean Salad
Oven Fried Zucchini Chips
Lemon Summer Squash
Roasted Zucchini with Herbs and Feta
Mediterranean Beet Salad

Sweet:


Blueberries with Lemon Cream
Orange Fluff (really good!)
Raspberry Fool
Pumpkin Mousse (recipe below)
Cheesecake Cupcakes
Chocolate Mousse
Strawberry Cups

Breakfast:

Crustless Quiche - Pretty much any kind. Here's a tip: Start with putting some cheese on the bottom. It forms a kind of crust when cooked.
Easy Eggs Florentine
Turkey Bacon Frittata
HERE is a great list of breakfast recipes


Recipes:

Dijon Cauliflower

My mom made this while I was growing up so it has been a long time family favorite.

Ingredients:
1 C Real Mayonnaise
1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
3 Strips Cooked Bacon (chopped), optional
1 1/2 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 Tbsp Butter
1 Head Fresh Cauliflower
(I use a 16oz bag of frozen cauliflowerettes. Either will do)
Ground Pepper to taste

Directions:
Place cauliflower in a casserole dish with the butter. Microwave covered for approximately 8 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Stir cauliflower. In separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and dijon mustard together. Spread mixture over cauliflower and top with bacon pieces and shredded cheese. Microwave for another 4 minutes, or until cheese is well melted. Top with ground pepper. Enjoy!

Approximately 5-6 carbs for the whole dish (divide by number of servings to get carbs per serving)
.


Steamed Vegetables with Peanut Sauce

I got this recipe online but I have lost the link. It is a great side dish!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter with nothing added
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root (optional)
1/2 to 2/3 cup water

3 cups Broccoli or Cauliflower

Directions:
Mix all the ingredients except for the water in a small saucepan with a wire whisk. Add the water and whisk again. You can add additional water if you want a thinner sauce. Heat until warm and pour over the veggies or serve on the side.

After you’ve whipped up the peanut sauce, cut 1/2 pound of fresh or frozen (fresh is better) broccoli and cauliflower (about 3 cups), into bite size pieces. Now, neither of these veggies — especially broccoli — have been among my favorites, but — wow! — are they ever good with the peanut sauce. One secret of steaming broccoli is to bring the water to a boil, insert the steamer basket with the veggies, and cook for exactly 5 minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook broccoli, unless you like mush.



Almost Loaded Baked Potato


This disappears in our house really fast!

Ingredients:
1 bag of frozen cauliflower, thawed and chopped
8 oz of softened creme cheese
8 oz of shredded cheddar (shred your own)
5 scallion onions, chopped
5 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon OR 1 pk of Real bacon Bits (not immitation)
paprika

Directions:
Spray small baking dish. Nuke cauliflower for 13 min. Add cheeses, scallions and bacon. Combine and then smooth out in same dish. Dust top with paprika. Bake in pre-heated oven at 350 for 20 to 40 min until golden brown and bubbly.


Brussels Sprouts & Bacon

Ingredients:
3/4 lb of brussels sprouts
1 red onion
1/2 lb bacon
2 Tb. butter
salt and pepper to taste
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Fill large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Trim brussels sprouts and remove any loose leaves. Add brussels sprouts to boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender. Remove and put in an ice bath. Cool completely and drain.
Fry 1/2 lb of bacon and drain on paper towels, set aside. Chop one red onion. Drain most of the bacon fat, but leave a little in the pan and saute onion. Halve the brussels sprouts and add to pan with onion. Add 2 Tb butter and saute for 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to serving bowl and add crumbled bacon. Top with grated parmesan cheese. Toss and serve.

Mushroom Filled Meatloaf with Sour Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. sliced mushrooms
1 c. chopped onion
2 T. butter

1 1/2 c. sour cream, divided

2 eggs
1/2 c. heavy cream or half and half 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. prepared horseradish
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. poppy seeds Sautee mushrooms and onion in butter. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 c. sour cream. Set aside.

Directions:
Combine eggs, cream, ground beef, 1 tsp. salt and Worcestershire sauce. Put 1/2 of the mixture into a loaf pan. Make a shallow trough down the center of the meat. Spoon mushroom filling into the trough.

Shape remaining meat mixture on a piece of waxed paper to cover the meat loaf. Seal around all edges.

Bake for 1 hour at 350. Let stand 15 minutes before slicing.

Sour Cream sauce:
Stir 1 c. sour cream, horseradish, 1/4 tsp. salt, paprika and poppy seeds. Heat over low heat until hot. Serve over sliced meatloaf.


Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Description:
I made this recently and it was great. My eleven year old begged for more and made me promise to make it again. The best part is that it is so healthy and super easy to make. I had never used lettuce as a wrap but loved it. Next time I will double the recipe.

Ingredients:
2 cups package coleslaw mix
1 sliced medium red pepper
2 chopped green onions
2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro

2 6-oz packages of refrigerated cooked chicken breast strips
2 tablespoons bottled teriyaki sauce

8 Bibb lettuce leaves

Directions:
Combine first four ingredients in a food processor and process with several on/off pulses until finely chopped.

Transfer slaw mixture, two packages of chicken strips and two tablespoons of teriyaki sauce to large skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through.

Spoon slaw mixture and chicken onto 8 Bibb lettuce leaves; roll up.


Pumpkin Mousse


Ingredients:

1 can Pumpkin (15oz.)
2 cups milk
1 8 oz. tub Cool Whip sugar free
2 large packages instant sugar free fat free vanilla pudding
1 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 packets of SplendaBold
Directions:

Mix all ingredients together, chill and serve!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Publix Shop 3/29/12

This was a little more complicated shopping than normal. Many of the items required purchasing of other items to get a great deal. Prices are good through Tuesday.

4 Valley Fresh Chicken (can), 2.50
-(4) $1/1 MF Q
Final Price: 1.50 ea

2 Publix White Bread, .89 ea
-(2) FREE Loaf of Publix Large White Bread WYB (2) Valley Fresh White & Dark Chicken, 10 oz, Publix Yellow Advantage Flyer
Final Price: Free

2 Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage, 3.00
-$1/2 Johnsonville breakfast links or patties, 12 oz (Publix coupon), Yellow Advantage flyer
-.55/1 IP Q
-.85/1 Johnsonville breakfast sausage links or patties, SS 3/25
Final Price: 1.80 ea

Publix Eggs, 1.89
-Free Eggs WYB 2 Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage Peelie
Final Price: Free

4 Cucumbers, .50 ea

Zucchini, 1.78

2 Wish Bone Salad Dressing, 2.89 BOGO
-(2) .50/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: .45 ea

2 Sundown Vitamin D, 3.29
-$5/2 Publix Q from Green Flyer
-(2) $1/1 MF Q Peelie
Final Price: Free+

2 Oreo Cookies, 2.99
-$1/2 MF Q
Final Price: 2.49 ea

Milk, 2.99
-$2.50/1 Publix Q WYB Oreos
-.75/1 IP Q on any gallon milk
Final Price: Free+

4 Lucky Charms, 3.95 BOGO
-(4) .50/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: .98 ea

4 Alpo, .65
-$1/4 MF Q Catalina from Harris Teeter
Final Price: .40 ea

2 Hormel Chili w/o Beans, 2.00
-$1/2 MF Q from tearpad
Final Price: $1.50 ea

Publix Rice, 1.89
-FREE Box of Publix Instant Rice, 14 oz, WYB (2) Hormel Chili No Beans, 15 oz, Publix Yellow Advantage Flyer
Final Price: Free

2 KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce, 2.15
-(2) .50/1 IP Qs, doubled
Final Price: 1.15 ea (normally would not pay so much for this but it comes with free paper towels)

2 Sparkle Paper Towels, 2.99
-(2) Free Sparkle Paper Towels Pick-a-Size Giant Roll, 2 ct., WYB (1) KC Masterpiece Barbecue
Final Price: Free

2 Friendship Buttermilk, 1.79
-(2) 55/1 Friendship Dairy Product, Publix Yellow Advantage Flyer
-.50/2 MF Q Blinkie, doubled
Final price: .74 ea

-$5/$50 Publix Q

Total before sales/coupons: $97.54
Sales: 20.44
Coupons: 46.29
OOP: $30.81 (including 4.96 tax, saving 68%)

Things you can make out of junk...

Buster “Tack” Smoots is an expert at sports trivia. Through his accumulation of even seemingly useless bits of information, he can assimilate complex variants and predict a football season even before it begins. He is everyone’s best friend when fantasy football season starts as he never loses. In his free time he likes to recreate WWII battles in miniature.

Principal Parts: Football cookie tin, metal bowl, wrenches, metal espresso coffee filters, square tin, sports equipment handles, drink coaster, condiment server, candle sticks, house number, and various nuts and bolts.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Harris Teeter Triples Trip 2

Don't you just love triples? Prices good through Tuesday.

3 Dentyne Ice Gum, 1.29
-(3) .75/1 MF Q, tripled, from Kraft Foods Try Today's Tastes (recently found at Kroger)
Final Price: Free

2 Cheez-It Crackers, 2.50
-(2) .70/1 printables, tripled
Final Price: .40 ea

2 Dark Chocolate Fudge Stripe Cookies, 2.69
-(2) .70/1 Keebler Fudge Stripes Dark Chocolate Cookies, Any - SnackPicks.com, tripled
Final Price: .59 ea

2 Dole Pineapple, .99
-.50/2 MF Q, tripled
Final Price: .24 ea

4 Dole Mandarin, 1.95
-(2) $0.50/2 – Dole Mandarin Oranges, 11 oz or 15 oz – (couponnetwork.com), tripled
Final Price: 1.20 ea

2 Goya Yellow Rice, 2.65
-(2) .55/1 IP Qs, tripled
Final Price: 1.00 ea

Dukes Mayo, 1.95
.55/1 Duke's Product, any (DND5) - 03-18-12 SS
Final Price: .30

Scott Tissue, 12 pk, Vic Savings Price, 6.47
-$2/1 MF Q from Kroger Mailer
Final Price: 4.47

Vlasic Relish, 1.99
-.55/1 MF Q hangtag, tripled
Final Price: .34

2 Wolfgang Puck Spaghetti Sauce, 3.15
-(2) .75/1 Wolfgang Puck Sauce, any - 01-15-12 SS, tripled
-.75/2 ZVR
Final Price: .53 ea

2 Sargento Sliced Cheese, Vic Savings Price, 1.97
-(2) .75/1 MF Qs, tripled
Final Price: Free

Crunchmaster Chips, 3.49
-.75/1 IP Q, tripled
Final Price: 1.24

Minute Rice Ready to Serve, 2.49
-.50/1 Minute Rice Product, Any - 01-29-12 RP, tripled
Final Price: .99

Roasted Deli Chicken, 6.99, on sale 4.99

2 Lysol Wipes, 3.59 BOGO
-(2) $1/1 MF Q from flyer found at Pediatrician's office
Final Price: .80 ea

2 Lysol Tub & Tile Cleaner, 3.49 BOGO
-(2) $1/1 MF Q from flyer found at Pediatrician's office
Final Price: .75 ea

2 Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner, 2.25 BOGO
-(2) $1/1 MF Q from flyer found at Pediatrician's office
Final Price: .13 ea

Eat, Think, Smile Nutrition Bar, 1.50
-$1/1 MF Q
Final Price: .50

Total before sales/coupons: 95.91
Sales/coupons: 65.28
OOP: $30.63 (including 4.16 tax, saving 68%)
Received: .75 Catalina OYNO for Dole

Link Love: Cheap Pure Via at Target

If you are a fan of Stevia, Healthy Life Deals has a great scenario for cheap Pure Via at Target!

Link Love: Amazing Deal on Ziploc at Kmart

Check out the post from Hip 2 Save on the amazing Catalina deal for Ziploc at Kmart!

Link Love: Have you been having trouble printing coupons?

For some reason my Firefox stopped printing coupons with the most recent upgrade. I have had to switch to IE which I do not like as well. Favorite Daily Savings has a great post on how to fix this! Check it out if you have had the same problems. It fixed my issues.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Harris Teeter Triples Trip 1

Today begins Harris Teeter's triples! Here is my trip today. Hopefully it will give you some ideas of deals that are available. Sales are through next Tuesday. IP Q is internet printable coupon.

Cookie Crisp Cereal, 3.45
-.75/1 IP Q, tripled
Final Price: $1.20

2 Dole Mandarin Orange Jars, 2.59 ea
-(2) .75/1 IP Qs, tripled
Final Price: .34

3 Yakisoba Noodles, 1.19
-(3) .50/1 MF Qs, tripled
Final Price: Free

4 Carnation Evaporated Milk, 1.00 ea
-(2).50/2 IP Qs, tripled
Final Price: .25 ea

2 Jif to Go, 2.79 ea
-(2) .55/1 IP Qs, tripled
Final Price: 1.14 ea

Double 12-Roll Scott Tissue, 7.85
-.99/1 IP Q, tripled
Final Price: 4.88

Bird's Eye Chef Fav Sweet Corn, 2.55 BOGO
-.35/1 MF Q from flyer picked up at Publix, tripled
Final Price: .22

Jello Temptation, 2.97
- .75/1 MF Q from flyer picked up at Publix, tripled
Final Price: .72

Sargento Sliced Cheese, 2.50
-.75/1 MF Q, tripled
Final Price: .25

2 Dozen Davidson Eggs, 2.50
-(2) .75/1 IP Qs, tripled
Final Price: .25 ea

Starkist Tuna, 1.65
-.50/1 IP Q, tripled
Final Price: .65

Skinny Cow Chocolate, .79
-Free Catalina Coupon
Final Price: Free

Silk Soy Chocolate Milk, half gallon, 3.00
-.75/1 IP Q, tripled
Final Price: .75

Minute Made Orange Juice, 59 oz, 3.69
-.75/1 IP Q, tripled
Final Price: 1.44

Dole Fruit Crisp, 2.59
.75/1 IP Q, tripled
Final Price: .34

-$4.00 Catalina from Kroger's Kraft deal

Total before sales/coupons: 61.95
Coupons/Sales: 48.47
OOP: 13.48 (saving 78%)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Harris Teeter Catalina Deal

Here's a great Catalina that might come in handy for Harris Teeter Triples!

Springtime is Grill Time 3/9 - 3/29 $2.50 OYNO

Buy $9 of participating products between 3/9/12 - 3/29/12 and Save $2.50 OYNO

Participating Products:
Hidden Valley Farmhouse Originals Salad Dressing
KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauces and Marinades
Kingsford Charcoal
Kingsford Match Light Charcoal
Glad Food Storage
Glad Trash Bags

Coupon printed at register.
All items must be purchased in one shopping order.
Limited to product in stock.
No cash back.

Thanks to Hot Coupon World for this tip!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Peabody Hotel's Vanilla Muffins Recipe

I was looking for an easy muffin recipe without a lot of unusual ingredients that I do not have on hand. I wanted to freeze some for the kids' lunches. So in my laziness, I started pulling out old cookbooks and perusing rather than wrestle the computer away from the kids. I came across this one and decided to give it a shot since I had all the ingredients.

It was surprisingly good and a big hit with the picky eaters who kept coming in the kitchen and taking "just one more." The muffins are moist with a nice shiny crunchy crust. I will definitely be making these again. I filled up six mini muffin pans with a little left over. If you make mini muffins, shorten the cooking time.

Peabody Hotel's Vanilla Muffins
From The Southern Heritage Breads Cookbook

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Combine sugar and eggs; beat until well blended.

Combine flour and baking powder. Add to sugar mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture; beat after each addition. Add butter and vanilla.

Place greased muffin pans in a 400 degree oven for 3 minutes. Spoon batter into pans; fill two-thirds full. Bake at 400 about 20 minutes.

Things You Can Make Out of Junk...



HoneyDoo 0038

HoneyDoo is a home maintenance bot. He is an expert at taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, answering in the affirmative and has been known to even successfully change a diaper when the nanny bot was unavailable. In his free time, he likes to collect books on Shakespeare, mythology and folklore.

Principal Parts: Nestle cookie tin, honey candy tin, wrenches, napkin ring, bells, golf club shafts, and various nuts and bolts.




Sir Russell & Humphrey 0039

Sir Russell is the lead trainer of the Queen’s Guard. He has won many regiment competitions for motionlessly standing sentry. During his off duty hours he enjoys patrolling the grounds with his dog, Humphrey. Humphrey loves to chase squirrels and thinks his master is entirely too stiff. He will often provide many sloppy kisses in an attempt to loosen him up.

Principal Parts: Various storage tins, metal shot glass, wine opener, bracelet links, metal bowl, door stop, strainers, candy molds, light fixture parts, watch part, plumbing chain, baking tins, golf club shafts, and various nuts and bolts.

Menu Plan Monday 3/19/2012


Monday: Hashbrown Casserole
Tuesday: Beef and Cabbage Bake
Wednesday: Tuna Pasta
Thursday: Roasted Garlic Tilapia & Vegetables
Friday: Jambalaya
Saturday: Baked Chicken & Rice
Sunday: Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Couldn't Resist...

A Facebook friend spotted this in Kroger, and yes it is a real product!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Harris Teeter Triples 3/21 - 3/27!

Harris Teeter will be having a big event starting on Wednesday! Triples are a lot of fun. All coupons 99¢ or less will be tripled in value, up to 20 coupons per day per card. It's a great opportunity to get cheap and free items that you would not normally get. Here are some starter lists for this event:

Southern Savers

Hot Coupon World

Coupons Consultant

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Link Love: Two Free 8X10 Photo Prints at Walgreens

Check out the post at Wicked Cool Deals for two free 8 X 10 prints at Walgreens! This deal is good through March 17th, Saturday.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Link Love: Free Kids' Healthy Cooking Class at William Sonoma

Check out Healthy Life Deals' post on the free cooking class for kids at William Sonoma (March 25th)! If you teach your kids to cook, they will cook for you. Just sayin'.

For the Locals: Spring Break Party at Arrington Vineyards

Here is a great free event to put on your calendar!

Bring a picnic, listen to a live calypso band and enjoy free wine tastings. Arrington Vineyards is located in Arrington, TN. Founded by Kix Brooks of "Brooks & Dunn" located 25 minutes south of Nashville, sits among the beautiful hills of Arrington. Award winning wines, spectacular vineyard views, covered deck and breathtaking sunsets.

SPRING BREAK PARTY

What: Live music with Calypso band. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs.

When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, March 31

Where: Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Road, Arrington

Why: It’s spring!

Cost: Free

For the Locals: Ride MTA for Free Today!

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, ALL DAY AND NIGHT

Nashville MTA will offer free bus rides on Friday, March 9 to encourage people who do not ride public transit to try it. The free rides will last all day and are unlimited. Save gas and use the bus on Friday to get to work, your favorite restaurant, a honky tonk, a downtown museum or anywhere else life takes you! And finding when and where to catch the bus is super easy with Google's Transit Trip Planner. Or, use MTA's traditional bus schedules.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Saved 79% at Publix!

OOP: 36.24 (Saving 79%)

Some weeks are average for sales at Publix and some are fantastic. This is a fantastic week! I am restocking my freezer with cheese. Prices are good through Tuesday.

3 Truvia Nature’s Calorie-Free Sweetener, 4.9 oz, BOGO $3.99 ($1.99)
-(3) .75/1 Truvia natural sweetener printable
Final Price: 1.24 ea

Shedd’s Spread Country Crock, 15 oz or 2 pk, 7.5 oz, BOGO $2.49 ($1.24)
-.50/1 MF Q from Kroger Homemailer, doubled
Final price: .24

8 Canned Iams Dog Food, 3 for $4 ($1.33)
-(8) 1.50/1 MF Q from inside package of Iams trial size dry food at Target
Final Price: Free+

2 Birds Eye Voila! Entrees or Meals, 21-23 oz, BOGO $5.17 ($2.58)
-$1.85/1 off Birds Eye Voila product printable
-$1/1
MF Q from Kroger Homemailer
Final Price: 1.15 ea

2 Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables, BOGO 2.99
-Any (1) Free Birds Eye Steamfresh, WYB Van de Kamp's or Mrs. Paul's ParchementBake - Coupons.com
Final Price: Free

2 Mrs. Paul’s ParchmentBake Fish, 7.2-24.6 oz, BOGO $5.99 ($2.99)
-(2) $1 off Mrs. Paul’s seafood item printable
Final Price: 1.99 ea

3 Stouffer’s Family Size Entrees, 28-40 oz, $3.99
-(2) $2 off Stouffer’s lasagna (Facebook) printable
-$2 off Stouffer’s multi-serve entree, 28-96 oz, RP 1/29
Final Price: 1.99 ea

4 Packages Fresh Chicken, average 3.47 ea
-(4) $1/1 Chicken WYB Kraft Fresh Take Cheese and Breadcrumb Mixes peelie on package
Final Price: 2.47 ea

4 Philadelphia Cooking Cream, 10 oz, $2
-(4) .55/1 Kraft Philadelphia cooking creme, SS 2/26
-(2) $2/2 Philadelphia Cooking Creme, MilkBite, Philadelphia Indulgence, Fresh Take and Oscar Mayer Selects Beef Franks (includes Angus), 15-16 oz, (Publix coupon) Publix Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer
Final Price: .45 ea

2 Athena Feta, 2.59
-(2) .75/1 IP Q
Final Price: 1.84 ea

2 MilkBite Milk and Granola Bars, 5 pk., $2.50
-(2).75/1 Kraft MilkBite milk and granola bars, 5 ct., SS 2/26
-$2/2 Philadelphia Cooking Creme, MilkBite, Philadelphia Indulgence, Fresh Take and Oscar Mayer Selects Beef Franks (includes Angus), 15-16 oz, (Publix coupon) Publix Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer
Final Price: .75 ea

4 Philadelphia Indulgence Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread, 8 oz, $2
-(2) $1.50/2 Kraft Fresh Take, Philadelphia Cooking Creme, Indulgence or Milkbite granola bars printable
-(2) $2/2 Philadelphia Cooking Creme, MilkBite, Philadelphia Indulgence, Fresh Take and Oscar Mayer Selects Beef Franks (includes Angus), 15-16 oz, (Publix coupon) Publix Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer
Final Price: .25 ea

10 Kraft Fresh Take Cheese and Breadcrumb Mixes, 6 oz, $2
-(5) $2/2 Philadelphia Cooking Creme, MilkBite, Philadelphia Indulgence, Fresh Take and Oscar Mayer Selects Beef Franks (includes Angus), 15-16 oz, (Publix coupon) Publix Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer
-(10) $1/1 MF Q blinkies
Final Price: Free

2 Sundown B-6, 150 ct, $3.59
-(2) $3 off Sundown Naturals Vitamins 120 ct. +, Green Adv. Flyer
-(2) $1 off Sundown Naturals vitamin or supplement, RP 1/22 (EXP 03/06)
Final Price: Free+

2 Maggi Bouillon, .89 & .65
-(2) .50/1 Maggi Clear Soup Mix, Any - Coupons.com - Use Zip Code 92014
Final Price: Free+

Apples, 3 lbs, 3.99
-.50/1 Kroger Coupon from Homemailer
Final Price: 3.49

Total before sales/coupons: $174.75
Coupons: 89.35
Sales: 49.16
OOP: 36.24 (Saving 79%)

Friday, March 2, 2012

Tommorow is Half Off Goodwill Day!

Tomorrow is the first Saturday of the month which means it will be half off day at Goodwill! Happy Hunting!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Cheap Eggs at Food Saver

Have you noticed how expensive eggs have become? Fortunately, Food Saver is having a great sale on their eggs. Their medium sized store brand eggs are currently .75 per dozen. If you have a Food Saver and a need for eggs, now is the time to buy!

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...