What Happened to Tara?

It's been a hectic week, I've been called in for extra hours at my outside job, so blogging had to take a backseat. I will be back soon!

My Kroger Shopping List

Not an especially exciting week at Kroger, but here are my picks:
A few points about Kroger:
1.) Use your Kroger Plus card to get the sale prices. The card is free at customer service
2.) Kroger will double coupons valued at .50 cents or less
3.) Some Krogers will accept competitor coupons, check with your store.
4.) There are e-coupons that you load onto your Kroger card. Go to cellfire, shortcuts, and Kroger.com
5.) You can use an e-coupon and a paper coupon on the same item


Produce:

Naval Oranges — $.88/lb
Fall Squash — $.69/lb
Green Cabbage - .44/lb
Bartlett Pears - .88/lb

Organic Mini Carrots - .$2 ea
- .40/1 Kroger Home mailer
= $1.60 ea

Organic Romaine Hearts (3pk) - $3 ea

Other:

Silk Soy Milk or Almond Milk
Sale Price: $2.50
- .75/1 Almond Milk Printable (may have to sign up)
- $1/1 Soy Milk Printable

Kraft Singles, Cubes or Shreds
Sale Price: $1.99
- $5/5 Printable
= .99 ea

Green Giant Frozen Veggies 7 oz - 10oz
Sale: $1.25 ea
.60/3 Printable
.60/3 Kroger E-coupon and/or Shortcuts
* Catalina Deal: Buy 4 get $1 back, buy 6 get $2 buy 8 get $3 back
= Use (2) Printables & both e-coupons & get $2 catalina, makes it .51 ea

Land O Lakes Butter 16 oz
Sale: $2.48
- .50/2 Printable
= $1.98 ea

Campbell’s Chunky or Select Harvest Soup 15.25-19 oz can
Sale: $1.25 ea
- $1/1 Printable
- .50/1 Printble
= .25 ea

*HOT* Coupon - .50/1 Green Giant Frozen Veggies

Ther is a great printable coupon here for .50/1 Green Giant frozen vegetable. This will be a great coupon to pair with a sale. Possibly FREE if your store doubles.

Get it fast, it won't stick around long.


Thanks Money Saving Mom.

Weekly Shopping Wrap Up

I am really struggling lately to stay within our weekly budget. I'm trying to stock up on many good things when they are at a low price, and it's causing me to ultimately go over. Here's how I did this week:

Oh, and my picture doesn't reflect a second trip to Kroger this week, where I scored Springer Mountain Chicken on markdown and then used $1.50 coupons and a few other markdowns.

Kroger: See my list here
Total OOP: $51.04
Total Savings: $33.52
% Savings - 65%

Publix: See my list here

Total OOP: $ 28.94
Total Savings: $25.62
% Savings - 88%

Harris Teeter - Great deal on potatoes -- .99 for a 5 lb bag.
Total OOP: $2.20?? Estimated, I lost the receipt
Total Savings $6.00 estimated

Grand Total OOP: $82.18

So, I'm well over my $60 budget. But my percentage savings were really great! Got to figure out how to better balance the two. Any suggestions?

Toys R Us $5 off $25 Coupon

Thinking about getting a head start on Christmas shopping? Go here for a $5 off $25 Coupon for Toys R Us.

The coupon is good through 9/26.

Sunday Coupon Preview

We're expecting 2 inserts in this Sunday's paper. I'm glad to see the Del Monte coupon, it will make for cheap veggies at Publix.

Go here to see the full list of expected coupons.

Coupons vary by region. To get the most coupons available, purchase the largest circulated paper in your area. For the locals, that is the Tennesseean.

You can purchase the Sunday Tennessean at Kroger for $1.19 on Sunday and then it drops to $1.00 on Mondays.

Dog Day Festival at Centennial Park this Saturday

If you want a fun activity for everyone in your family (including your canine children), then don't miss the Dog Day Festival at Centennial Park this Saturday.

They will have tons of activities for you and your dog, contests, crafts, and the Mutt Strutt. We have attended this event for years and have always enjoyed it.
All proceeds benefit the Nashville Humane Association.

Saturday, September 18
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Go here for all the details and list of events.

Groupon: $5 for Shuckles Corn Maze in Gallatin TN

Groupon has a good deal today for Shuckles Corn Maze & Hayride in Gallatin. Purchase a $10 Groupon for only $5 Bucks. That's 50% off their regular admission.

This will make for a fun and cheap Fall outing with the family.

Go here to check it out.

Ezell Harding Consignment Sale starts Today!

Ezell Harding Christian School starts their consignment sale today!

Wednesday 8a - 4p
Thursday 12p - 8p
Friday 8a - 6p
Saturday 8a- 12noon

*Friday & Saturday is half off selected items.

Go here for all information

Harris Teeter Deals for locals AND Super Doubles

Harris Teeter has some cool deals for Nashville this week. And it's superdoubles nationwide. Harris Teeter will double any coupon valued at $1.98 and under. That means a $1.50 coupon becomes $3.00!

Here are the hot Nashville Deals:

Purity Ice Cream 48 oz
Sale Price: $1.99
- $1/1 Printable= FREE because of Superdoubles! Yea!

Fresh Broccoli - large bunch
Sale Price: .79 ea

Wild Caught Mahi Mahi Fillets
Sale $3.99/lb

Purina Dog Chow 17.6-20lb
BOGO (price not listed)
- $1.50/1 RP 9/12 (will double)
= Should be an EXCELLENT PRICE

For other Super Doubles coupon matchups visit Southern Savers.

Happy Shopping!

Aldi Deals of the Week

A few points about Aldi:

1.) Bring your own bags, or purchase them for .10 ea at the register.
2.) Must deposit a quarter to use a shopping cart (you get it back when you return the cart)
3.) Aldi does not accept credit cards. But they do accept debit cards, check, and cash.
4.) Aldi does not accept coupons.
5.) Most products are house brands

Here are the produce deals this week:

Bananas - .39/lb

Mangoes - .49 ea

Red Grapes - $1.98 /2 lb pack

Green Grapes - $1.98/ 2 lb pack

Some other items worth mentioning:

Mercer Animal Crackers 13 oz
Price: .99 ea

8" Garden Mums - Autumn Colors
$2.99 ea

Publix Penny Item - Today Only

The Publix mystery penny item today is: Publix Coffee.

If you're not into papertowels like me, this is a great donation item to a local school. They always need papertowels.

Some points about the penny item:

1.) It's only for the first day of the new Publix ad (for the locals - thats Wednesday)

2.) You must purchase $10 (BEFORE COUPONS) of items to get the penny item

3.) Some store require the penny item coupon that comes in the Wednesday paper (check with your store).

Check out my shopping list for this week to find some great buys to go along with the penny item.

My Publix Shopping List

A big list this week, I probably won't buy everything on this list but, several were good deals so I thought I'd put it out there for others. You may want to wait until Sunday or after to shop because there are a some Del Monte coupons expected in Sunday's paper that will make for some good deals on the canned veggies.

A few points about Publix:
1.) They will double coupons .50 cents and less.
2.) BOGO items ring up at half price, and you only have to buy one item to get the discount.
3.) You can use a coupon on each BOGO item.
4.) Most Publix will accept competitor coupons, check with your store to see who they consider a competitor.
5.) You can stack a Manuf. coupon with a Publix coupon or competitor coupon for additional savings

BOGO Items (I list the price at half off)

Northland 100% Juice Blend or Northland 110% Juice Superfruits - Assorted Varieties
Sale Price: $2.00 ea
- $1/2 Printable
= $1.50 ea

Del Monte Fresh Cut Vegetables, (exclude specialty varieties)
Sale Price: .65 ea
- $1/5 RP 9/19 (Expected - hope we get them locally)
= .45 ea

Del Monte Tomatoes, Assorted Varietes
Sale Price: .70 ea
- $1/5 RP 9/19 expected
= .50 ea

Buddy Fruits
Sale Price: .50
- $1/5 Publix coupon in Family Style Magazine Fall Edition
= .30 ea

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, True Delights Assort. Varieties 5.9 - 8.7 oz box
Sale Price: $1.50
- $1/2 Quaker Granola Bars Tear pad - recently found at Publix
= $1.00 ea

Ronzoni Pasta
Sale Price: .65 ea
- .55/1 Printable (use zip 90210)
= .10 ea

V8 V-Fusion Assorted Varieties
Sale Price: $2.00
- $1/1 V8 V-Fusion Printable
= $1.00 ea

Juicy Juice 100% Juice 8-pk Boxes
Sale Price: $1.50
- $1/2 September All You Magazine
- $1/2 Juicy Juice Product Printable
- $2/4 Printable
= $1.00 ea

Campbell's Select Harvest Soup 18.6 - 18.9 oz
Sale Price: $1.20
- $1/1 Printable
- .50/3 SS 8/15
-.50/3 SS 09/12
= $.20 if you use the $1 Printable or .86 if you use the .50/3

Quaker Oats Oatmeal, Old Fashioned or Quick 1-minute 18 oz pk
Sale Price: $1.28
- $1/1 Tearpad recently found at Publix
- $1/1 RP 9/12 (did not get locally)
- $1/1 RP 8/29 (did not get locally)
= $.28 ea if you were able to snag any of the above coupons

Kraft Real Mayo or Miracle Whip, Assorted Varieties
Sale Price: $2.00 ea
- $1/2 Printable
- $1.50/1 30 oz (if included) Tearpad recently found at Publix
= .50 - $1.50 depending upon which coupon used

Kellogg's Eggo Waffles Assorted Varieties
Sale Price: $1.30
- $1/2 RP 7/25 (note: this q expries on 9/19)
$1/2 Peelie on box

9 Lives Cat Food 4-pk
Sale Price: .88
- $1/3 RP 8/29
= .55 per 4pack

All Small & Might Laundry Detergent 3x Concentrated 32 oz, or 2x Concentrated, 50 oz
Sale Price: $3.00
-$1/1 RP 8/1 or Printable
- $1/2 Publix Coupon in Publix Family Favorites Booklet
- $1/1 Target Printable
= $1.00 if you use 2 manufacturers and the Publix. FREE if you are allowed to stack the manu., Publix and Target competitor

Other - Non BOGO
Birds Eye Steamfresh Frozen Veggies 10 -13 oz or 4ct corn 50% Off
Note: This usually makes many bags less than $1


Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Sale Price: $1.25
- $5 off 5 Printable
= .25 ea when you buy 5 (or other participating products)

Pedigree Dry Dog Food 15-22 lbs
Sale Price: 412.99
- $3/1 printable
- $2/1 Printable

The Goodlife Recipe Food for Cats
Sale Price: $3.50
- $1.50/1 RP 7/25 (note: this expires 9/18)
= $2.00 ea

How I Organize Coupons Without Spending A lot of Time

Most couponers will tell you 3 different ways to organize your coupons:

1. In a Coupon accordian style wallet with general product types (i.e. dairy, can goods, toiletries, etc)

2. In a zipped binder that holds baseball card sheets full of clipped coupons.

3. In a file with the whole newspaper insert.
I can tell you, I've tried all three.

First, I tried the coupon wallet, but after I got more and more into couponing, it was not sufficient to hold all the coupons I had. Then 1 wallet turned in to 3, and it just became to hard to keep up with

I tried for a long time to do the binder. Clipping multiple coupons and putting them in their own slot under the appropriate heading. I almost drove myself crazy and it would have caused me to stop couponing all together. I simply could not devote the time that it took every week to keep that up. The main reason is because I buy at least four papers every week, that is alot of coupons to clip and organize.

Finally I settled on the whole insert file system. I re-purposed a Rubbermaid file box, recycled some hanging file folders and tabs and created a nice little file system that sits on my desk all the time. I take the inserts out of each week's paper, write the date on the front of each insert and drop it in the hanging file folder with the date tab. I also have a file for Publix, Kroger and Whole Foods where I keep store-specific coupons. And sometimes, I'll get a coupon book from a particular company like P&G and often I drop those down in front, so I can see them and remember I have them.

I use couponing websites like Hot Coupon World, A Full Cup and Southern Savers to help match up coupons to the weekly sales. These sites will tell the location of each coupon that is available for an item on sale. They also have searchable databases that you can look up a certain product to see if there is a coupon available. When I find it on the database I can quickly go to my files, pull the insert and clip the coupon needed.

I keep the inserts for approximately 3 months (sometimes four). Most insert coupons have a 3 month life-span. There are exceptions, so I try to scan them before tossing them into the recycling bin. If there is still a valid coupon that I think I might use, then I cut it out and keep it.

I still use my binder and one of the coupon wallets. The coupon binder is where I keep loose coupons I get from tearpads, blinkies or other locations and internet printed coupons that I am saving for later use. I don't have a ton of those coupons so a few minutes a day putting those away is not that hard.

I keep restaurant, Groupons, Smartcard and other misc activity coupons in my coupon wallet. This way, I will have them in my purse when the need for them arises. I've also started keeping a few grocery coupons in there. Mainly it's organic coupons because I often find the best deals on organic groceries when they are on markdown or an unadvertised sale.

By using this hybrid method of coupon organizing I have been able to save my sanity while saving our family hundreds (maybe thousands by now) of dollars on grocery and other items.

Do you have time-saving coupon tricks? Let me know!


This is linked to Works For Me Wednesday at We are That Family.

Target: 50% off at the Dollar Spot

I made a quick stop at Target today to kill some time and I found that almost every thing at the Target Dollar Spot was 50% off. If you are not familiar with the Dollar Spot it is the area that is at the front of the store and everything is supposed to be a dollar -- but is usually still overpriced -- in my opinion.

There were several beginner reader books (mostly Disney Character stories) and kindergarten & 1st grade level workbooks. There were also lots of beach toys available.

Check it out if you are in Target in the near future.

CVS: $4 off $20 Coupon - Get it Now

If you had planned to go to CVS this week, make sure you get this coupon first!

CVS is offering a special $4 off $20 purchase coupon that is only valid through tomorrow, September 15.

Go here and enter your CVS ExtraCare card number (on back of card) and then you will be emailed a special $4/20 coupon.

This CVS coupon can be used with other manufacturer coupons and ExtraCare Bucks, just make sure you give the $4/20 coupon first!

Clorox Wipes: $1 off 1 Facebook Coupon

If you "like" Clorox on Facebook, you can get a $1 off 1 Clorox Wipes coupon. It can be printed twice.

There is also a $2 off 2 Clorox coupon in Publix Yellow Advantage Flyer. If you stack these coupons, it will make for a pretty good deal on Clorox wipes.


Thanks I Heart Publix.

Groupon: Kids Haircut for $8 at Snip-Its

Groupon has a cool deal today. Get a child's haircut at Snip-its in Cool Springs for onl $8 bucks. Normally, a child's hair cut at Snip-its is $16.

The Fine Print:
Expires in 1 year
Limit 2 per household.
Not valid with other offers.
Gratuity not included.

About Groupon: Groupon is a way to get a great deal on a variety of things and events through collective buying. Each day they will offer a deal on something, could be a product, a restaurant, an event, salon services, kid activities, adult activites, etc. The deals are at least 50% off the regular retail price most of the time. If enough people buy into the deal (and I personally have never seen when that didn't happen) then the deal is on. The deal offer is only good for one day, then they will offer something else the next day.

After you make your payment for the groupon, you print out the "groupon" and use it within the stated timeframe. Timeframes vary depending upon the business that is offering it. You can also get the groupons on your smartphone.

Several Kids Consignment Sales This Week

There are several good consignment sales coming up this week. If you haven't done your fall/winter shopping or if you want to get a head start on holiday shopping, now is the time!

Reruns are Fun - September 12 -17 at the Factory in Franklin TN

Flood of Duds - September 16 - 18, Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville TN

Brentwood YMCA Kids Sale - Brentwood Family YMCA (Concord Rd), Brentwood TN

Kid Bargains - September 17 - 18 at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Brentwood TN

Go here to see my tips on shopping a consignment sale.

Visit Consigningtime for other local consignment sales and visit Kids Consignment Sales for consignment sales nationwide.

Blockbuster Express: FREE Movie Rental Today Only

I'm loving all the free movie rental codes that have been coming out lately!

Today only, you can get a free movie rental from Blockbuster Express. Use code: START

This code is only good for today, Monday, September 13. Go here to find a Blockbuster Express Kiosk near you

Menu Plan Monday

Okay - I must confess, this past week did not go well with the menu. I worked extra days and hours at my outside job and I physically didn't feel well. So, we had a dinner out and had several quickie pre-packaged meals (i.e frozen pizza). Therefore, I'm going to recycle some dinners from last week's menu and hopefully things will be better this week.

Monday -- Chicken Rice Skillet (I will probably change up the vegetables listed in this recipe link so that everyone in the family will eat it)

Tuesday -- Double Spaghetti Squash -- havn't had this in a long time, but found spaghetti squash on sale this week, so we're having it again!

Wednesday -- Couscous with Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce -- I tried this for the first time a few weeks ago, and the family ate it up! Not a single cous left.

Thursday -- Simple Supper: Mac n cheese, green beans, BBQ beans, fruit,


Friday -- Italian Vegetable and Asiago Bowties


Saturday -- End of Summer Harvest Soup in Crockpot

Sunday -- Left overs

My Kroger Shopping List

It's an okay week at Kroger. I was excited to see a good deal on Charmin and the .49cent Quaker Oatmeal!

A few points about Kroger:
1.) Use your Kroger Plus card to get the sale prices. The card is free at customer service
2.) Kroger will double coupons valued at .50 cents or less
3.) Some Krogers will accept competitor coupons, check with your store.
4.) There are e-coupons that you load onto your Kroger card. Go to cellfire, shortcuts, and Kroger.com
5.) You can use an e-coupon and a paper coupon on the same item


Produce:

Gala Apples = .97/lb
Canteloupe = $1.88 ea
Fall Squash - $.69/lb (this includes Spaghetti squash, acorn squash and butternut)
Almonds, 16 oz - $2.99 (natural and flavored packs available)
Organic Broccoli = $2/bunch


Organic/Natural Foods

Imagine Organic Soups (assorted flavors)
Sale Price: $2.00 ea
- $1/1 Printable (sign up)
= $1.00 ea

Organic Prarie Meats (assortment beef, chicken, pork)
10% off
- $1/1 Tearpad coupons found at Whole Foods
= Varies

Other:

Libby Canned Vegetables
Sale Price: $.50 ea
- $1/3 8/29 RP (we did not get this locally)
= .17 ea If you have the coupon, but still not a bad deal without it.

Mission flour tortillas
Sale Price: $1.99
- .55/1 Kroger e-coupon
= $1.44

Quaker Instant Oatmeal
Sale Price: $1.98
- $1/1 Printable
- .50/1 Kroger e-coupon
= .48 if you use both coupons

Near East Cous Cous and other varieties
Sale Price: $1.99
- $1/2 Printable
= $1.49

Household

Charmin 12 Double Rolls
Sale Price: $5.99
- $3/1 Kroger e-coupon
- .25/1 PG 8/29
= $2.49 if you use both coupons


*** Also be on the lookout for Manager Markdowns. I found some great deals on Springer Mountain Chicken that had been marked down 50% and then used $1.50/1 coupons from the 6/27 SS insert to make each pack of chicken around $2 dollars. I also found Horizon Organic Whipping cream marked down to $1.59 and had .55/1 printable coupons for it. So, keep an eye out for those bright orange tags!

Some Great Printable Coupons

Some great printable coupons available on Coupons.com right now.

$3/1 Huggies Pure and Natural - this will make for a good deal starting Sunday at Kroger

$2/1 Hidden Valley Ranch Farmhouse Originals *This is a high value coupon -- it will go fast, print it now if you want it*

$1.50/1 Welch's Healthy Start 100% Juice *Another high value coupon - get it now*

$4.00/1 Nutro Small Breed Dog Food 4lb bag - This is an excellent coupon! A Nutro coupon is rare.

Go here to see all that's available.

Chili's - Free Chips and Queso Coupon

Going out to eat this weekend?

Get a free chips and queso when you join Chili's Email Club. Click Here

Weekly Shopping Wrap Up

I was still over budget a little this week, but nothing like last week. Still trying to make up for that one. I even cut back on my Publix list to try and make up for it.

Here's the breakdown:

Kroger See list here
Total OOP: 22.17
Savings 44%

Publix See my list here
Total OOP: $39.39
Savings: 54%

Grant Total for week: $61.56

$5 off $5 Kraft Coupon Reset

It appears the the $5 off 5 Kraft products coupon that I posted about last week has re-set.

So if you missed it last week, or you want some more of these great coupons here's your chance.

The participating items include:

Kraft Singles
Kraft Parmesan Cheese
Kraft Natural Cheese (chunks, shred, crumbles, sticks and cubes)
Kraft String-Ums cheese
Kraft Cracker Cuts
Kraft Deli Deluxe Cheese slices
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Velveeta Cheese
Cracker Barrel Cheese
Cheez Whiz
Breakstones Sour Cream (not valid in CO, CA, ND)
Breakstones Cottage Chees (not valid " " ")
Knudsen Sour Cream (not valid " " " )
Knudsen Cottage Cheese ( not valid " " ")

It's been reported that Kraft Shredded Cheese is $2 dollars a bag at WalMart right now, this coupon would make them $1 each! Find any other sales that this coupon would make a great deal? Let me know.

BlockBuster Express: B1G1 Code

This weekend, you can get two Blockbuster movies for the price of one! All movies in the Blockbuster Express Kiosks are $1. So that makes for a good deal.

Use code: DVDFUN1

The code is good through Sunday at midnight. You can find the Blockbuster kiosks at most Publix stores now or go here to find one near you.

Sunday Coupon Preview

This week we can expect 3 coupon inserts in Sunday's paper. Go here to see the list of expected coupons.

Remember that coupons vary by region and not every region gets all coupons. To get the most coupons available in your area, purchase the biggest circulated paper in your area. For the locals, that is The Tennessean.

Cheaper papers can be purchased at Kroger. They are currently selling the Sunday Tennessean for $1.19 and they mark them down to $1.00 each on Mondays.

Swagbucks - Get Rewarded for Searching the Web

Have you tried Swagbucks? Swagbucks is a search engine site that is powered by google and ask.com. The difference is that you can earn points or "swagbucks" when you search.

You collect the swagbucks and then cash them in for all kinds of prizes. My favorite is the $5 Amazon Gift Card.

Friday is Mega Swagbucks day, so you have the opportunity to earn bigger amounts of points. You don't get swagbucks everytime you do a search, but you do get them pretty often.

If you haven't signed up, try it out now, you will get swagbucks just for signing up and it's free! Click Here

Pinecone Research: Get Paid to Take Surveys

One of the things I do to make a few extra dollars is take online surveys. You won't become rich doing these surveys, but it's a littl spending money.

Be careful that you are signing up with a legitimate survy company. There are alot of scammers out there.

One legitimate survy site is Pinecone Research and they are accepting applications right now. They are looking for 18-24 year-olds in particular. The number of surveys you will do will vary depending on who they are looking for and the amount paid will vary also. I usually get one or two surveys a month.

To apply for Pinecone Research Click Here

Receipt Coupons - Now print at Home!

You know those coupons that are on the back of grocery receipts? Well now you can print the ones you want right at home!

Go here and enter your zip code and a list of the available coupons will come up for printing.

Cool huh?

Thanks I Heart Saving Money!

Adventure Science Center: Free Admission on Sunday

This Sunday as part of the "Regions Free Days" year long campaign, The Adventure Science Center will have free admission on Sunday, September 12.

If you've never been to the Adventure Science Center, this is a great opportunity to check it out.

Locals - Harris Teeter Specials

Here are some hot deals for local Nashville Stores:

* Note you do have to use your VIC card to get the discount price, these are available at customer service.

Natural 90% Lean Ground Beef
$1.99/lb

Harris Teeter Vegetable Oil 32 oz
Sale Price: $1.57 ea

White Potatoes, 5lb bag
Sale Price: .99 ea

Also, the Harris Teeter off 21st Ave is having a big book sale (upstairs)! Many kid books are less than $7. Thanks Kyndal!

My Publix Shopping List

A few points about Publix:
1.) They will double coupons .50 cents and less.
2.) BOGO items ring up at half price, and you only have to buy one item to get the discount.
3.) You can use a coupon on each BOGO item.
4.) Most Publix will accept competitor coupons, check with your store to see who they consider a competitor.
5.) You can stack a Manuf. coupon with a Publix coupon or competitor coupon for additional savings

BOGO Items (I list the price at half off)

Kelloggs Special K Cereal and Granola Cereal
Sale Price: $2.00
- $1/1 Printable For Granola cereal
= $1.00 ea


Betty Crocker Cookie Mix
Sale Price: $1.34 ea
- .40/1 Printable
= .54 ea

Uncle Ben's Long Grain Rice 5lb bag
Sale Price: $3.50
- .75/1 RP 8/15
= $2.75 ea

Pam Cooking Spray
Sale Price: $1.65
- .35/1 SS 8/29
= .95 ea

Mayfield Ice Cream
Sale Price: $2.74
- $1/1 Printable= $1.74
Note: There is also a "Try Me Free" Rebate here

Other Deals Non-BOGO

Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Sale Price: $1.50
- $5/5 Printable
= .50 ea

Pedigree Dog Food 30lb bag
Sale Price: $16.99
- $2/1 Printable
= $14.99

Produce:

Canteloupes - $2 ea

Pears - .99/lb

Fresh Express Salads 4.5-12 oz
Sale Price: $2.00
- $1/1 Artinsal Salads Printable (if included)
= $1.00 ea

Aldi Produce Deals

A few points about Aldi:

1.) Bring your own bags, or purchase them for .10 ea at the register.
2.) Must deposit a quarter to use a shopping cart (you get it back when you return the cart)
3.) Aldi does not accept credit cards. But they do accept debit cards, check, and cash.
4.) Aldi does not accept coupons.
5.) Most products are house brands

Here are the produce deals this week:

Celery - .49 / bunch

Avocados - .49 ea

Cauliflower - .99 / head

Broccoli - .99 per 16 oz pack

A couple of other mentions:

32 oz White Vinegar ( I use this alot for mixing up cleaning solutions, etc)
Sale Price: .79

Trail Mix 24-28oz
Sale Price: $3.99

Freezing and Storing Hamburger Meat

When I buy ground beef, I tend to buy it in bulk. Like the 10 pounds I purchases during Whole Foods' Grass-fed Beef Sale last week.

To make that much beef more manageable, here's a little trick I learned: Roll the beef out.

Here's how I do it:
1. Divide the beef up into 1 pound hunks.
2. Place the hunk into a freezer bag
3. Using a rolling pin (or a sturdy glass when your rolling pin suddenly goes missing) roll the ground beef out into about 1/2 inch thickness.
4. Make sure the bag is sealed. I happened to have vacuum bags that I used for the ones in the picture, but regular freezer bags work just as well.
5. Now your ground beef can be stacked neatly in your freezer. It will also defrost alot quicker this way.

This is linked to Works for Me Wednesdays on We are That Family.

Target: New Printable Coupons

Target has released some great new coupons on their site.

Some of the great coupons include:

$3 off Adult Denim Clothing Item

$2 off Merona Accessory

$3 off Merona Dress

$1 off Produce *My personal Favorite*

Check all of them out here

Menu Plan Monday

I almost let this slide, but having a plan for dinner each day really helps the chaos to a quiet roar and helps the budget because I'm less tempted to just throw up my hands and say "let's go out". I don't always follow my plan exactly. For instance, I often swap the days of what we eat when, but at least I have something on board for the dinner meal.


Monday -- Leftover hamburgers and frenchfries from the oven

Tuesday -- Quesadillas.

Wednesday -- Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Thursday -- Italian Vegetables and Pasta

Friday -- Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup, Fruit

Saturday -- Tamale Lentil Caserrole

Sunday -- End of Summer Harvest Soup -- in the crockpot


For other great menus, check out orgjunkie.com

Locals --Kroger: Red Bell Peppers .77 ea

I found red bell peppers for .77 ea at my Kroger today. A good deal for an item that is normally well over $1 each.

These can be chopped up and freeze well for future use.

Groupon: Shutterfly Photo Book for only $10

Groupon has a deal today. Get a 20-page 8"x8" hardcover photo book from Shutterfly for only $10 bucks.

I'm thinking this will make a good Christmas present for Grandma.


The fine print:
Expires Nov 22, 2010
Limit 1/person.
Valid for 1 20-page 8x8 hardcover photobook only (excluding leather, padded, and soft covers), add'l pages $1/page. Tax, shipping & handling not included. Must have/create a Shutterfly account. Not valid with other offers. No cash value.

FREE Blockbuster Express Code - Monday Only!

Ooohh!! I love free movie codes!

Blockbuster has put out a FREE code for today only! Use: MNDY for a free rental.

You can find Blockbuster Express kiosks in most Publix. Or go here to find one near you.

My Kroger List

Kroger is having a "Cart Buster Sale". Which, in my opinion, isn't that great of a sale. But I am excited about the Organic Romaine Lettuce for $2.99. I looked at it earlier this week and it was $5.99.

A few points about Kroger:
1.) Use your Kroger Plus card to get the sale prices. The card is free at customer service
2.) Kroger will double coupons valued at .50 cents or less
3.) Some Krogers will accept competitor coupons, check with your store.
4.) There are e-coupons that you load onto your Kroger card. Go to cellfire, shortcuts, and Kroger.com
5.) You can use an e-coupon and a paper coupon on the same item

Here's my list:

Produce:
Organic Mini Carrots, 16 oz
Sale Price: $2.00
- .50/1 Kroger Home Mailer
= $1.50

Organic Romaine Hearts, 3 ct — $2.99
Sale Price: $2.99

Almonds 16 oz (natural or flavored)
Sale Price: $2.99

Other Deals:

Imagine Organic Soups 32 oz carton
Sale Price: $1.99
- $1/1 Printable (must sign up)
= .99 ea

Kroger Canned Veggies
Sale Price: .66 ea

Hunts Canned Tomatoes
Sale Price: .89
-$1/4 SS 8/1
= .64 ea

Quaker Instant Oatmeal
Sale Price: $1.98
- $1/1 Printable
= .98

Pepsi 2-liter (I'm actually trying to cut out cola -- my drug of choice -- but it's a good deal so I thought I'd include it for anyone interested)
Sale Price: .88
- B1G1 Pepsi Max
= .44

Cold/Frozen
Kroger Frozen Veggies
Sale Price: .88 (this is not an extraordinary price -- I would only buy if I really needed them, We should soon start to see some deals on Birds Eye and Green Giant for alot less)

Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream
Sale Price: $2.00
- .50/1 Kroger Home Mailer "Five Fast Meals"
- .50/1 Kroger E-coupon
= $1.00 if you use both coupons

Saving on Pet Medications

Isn't she cute? That's my dog Daisy when she was a puppy. Since then, I've adopted 2 more pugs and a cat. We have a zoo!

Having a zoo, means having alot of extra expenses. I have to admit, when it comes to my animals' well-being, I'm not one to scimp. I still take them to the same vet that I've known and trusted for many years. I've been tempted by some of the lower cost chain vets and "no-frills" vets. And they are probably perfectly fine, but I just can't make the change.

One change I did recently make was where I buy their flea/tick and heartworm meds. I always just bought them from our vet. It was convenient, and I like our vet, so I thought I would do a good thing and buy from her.

But something had to give, and when I started researching other resources for the meds, I discovered I could get them considerably cheaper online.

The online source that I've started using is 1-800PetMeds.com.. They are considerably cheaper than my veternarian (on average a $10 - $12 less per box of flea & tick meds) and it's the exact same meds. Right now they are having their Biggest Sale Of The Year.. They are advertising up to 30% off select products and free shipping on orders $39 and up. And it seems like a good time to stock up. Sale runs through September 15.

Note: You're still not going to walk away with a unbelievable deal on the name brand flea/tick meds and heartworm meds. But I know they are important to have on your pet and I've seen how well they work. And if you're like me, and trying to cut corners in the budget where you can, this is a good option.

Another option that I've heard of some veternarians doing is pricematching 1-800 Pet Meds. My vet was not into that, but it's worth a shot to ask yours.

Do you have a pet cost cutting idea? Please let me know! I'm always on the lookout for good ideas.

Weekly Shopping Wrap Up - Blown Budget Edition

Well, I just blew my grocery budget this week. Whole Foods does it to me everytime! I love that store, and I have a hard time controlling myself when I'm there. Then they had this awesome deal on grass-fed beef and their $20 Labor Day Promotion.

Here's the breakdown:

Publix: See my list here.
Total OOP: 33.87
Savings: 56%

Kroger
Total OOP: $14.87
Lost my receipt, so I don't know what the savings were.



Whole Foods
Total OOP: $65.43
Savings: 45%

Total for the week: $114.17 Holy Cow!!!
But, here's how I'm justifying it: I have 10 pounds of wholesome, grass-fed beef. That will last my family approximately 6 months because we eat meat sparingly.

Free After-School Snack E-Book

For some sweet after school snack ideas Click Here to download a free e-book. It downloads in a pdf file.

It will ask you to look at some ads for other products and sign up, but there is also an option to skip those and go straight to the download -- that's what I do!

No Coupons in Sunday's Paper

There are no coupon inserts scheduled for this coming Sunday's paper beause of the Labor Day holiday.

But, check out the printables on Coupons.com, RedPlum and Smartsource.