Menu Plan Monday

Monday is here once more, and my goal continues to be to plan for the entire month. Good goal, just haven't done it yet. Time is fleeting as always.

Monday: one last turkey meal of some kind. Then it's into the freezer. Also french fries and veggies. corn cake

Tuesday: planned dinner out

Wednesday: baked pork, veggies, maybe bread or rice

Thursday: pizza (notice any pattern on thursdays?)

Friday: Meal in a bag, I have a couple steamfresh meals for two to use.

Saturday: taco salads

Sunday: cheeseburgers with cooked carrots and baked beans

Have a great week everyone!

Holy Cow Walgreen's....I love ya!

I paid so little for all of this stuff that I'm almost embarrassed. This is the time of year where Walgreen's has so many great deals that you can't avoid saving tons of money.

Transaction #1
--------------
2 Spongebob Bandaids $1.50 on sale, used $1.50 Walgreen Q from activity book (was a $2 Q but couldn't give me overage) and received a $1 RR- so yes I ended up getting it free plus $1 RR

4 Child toothbrush Zooth or Oral B, used $1 MQ on each plus $1 Walgreen Q from activity book and received a $5 RR. This was a $3 moneymaker after all Q and RR

2 Aunt Jemima syrup 2/$5, used $1/2 MQ and received a $2 RR

1 mini highlighter as filler $0.15

My total after coupons and using a $4 RR from last week was $3.49. My coupon and ad savings was $23.48. Plus I also had $8 in RR after this transaction.

Transaction #2
--------------
2 Spongebob Bandaids $1.50 on sale, used $1.50 Walgreen Q from activity book (was a $2 Q but wouldn't give me overage) and received a $1 RR- so yes I ended up getting it free plus $1 RR

2 Granola bars 2/$5, used $1/2 IP and received a $2 RR

1 Pantene conditioner $2.99 with ad coupon, used $2 MQ from Vocalpoint

1 mini highlighter as filler $0.15

I used the $5 Register Reward from my first transaction and my total after coupons and ad sales was $0.31! The coupon and ad savings was $19.52! Plus I also received $3in Register Rewards.

To recap: I got $43 worth of items for only $3.80 out of pocket and I still have $6 in Rewards to use on my next visit. Love it!! The savings was 88%!!

Staples Battery deal

Thanks to Tami for reminding me to post this!

Starting 11/27/09 through 12/26/09 you can buy a 20 pack of Duracell batteries at $12.99 and receive $12.99 in Staples Rewards. The even better part is that you can do this 2 times each week.

Keep in mind this is not issued as a rebate check. You will earn a reward good on a future purchase to be used at Staples. According to the Staples website, rewards for the batteries purchased will be issued in January.

If you want free batteries, then you will definitely be interested in this deal!

Reader Success Story

Today for my Frugal Friday submission, I'd like to feature one of my readers (and friend) Gina. Gina heard my talk at the MOPS meeting in September and decided to try out this couponing thing. Here's what her email said....

I am attaching a picture of my first real attempt at "couponing" (is that even a word?).

In case you can't tell from the picture, here is what I got:

6 boxes of Kellogg's cereal
2 boxes of Townhouse crackers
2 Glade room sprays
3 Glade Scented Oil candle holders
7 Glade Scented Oil candle refills
4 boxes whole wheat pasta
4 boxes whole wheat spaghetti
6 bottles of Oceanspray cranberry juice (assorted flavors)
2 cans Betty Crocker frosting
1 glucose monitor with a free A1C self-check test attached
7 flushable toddler wipes
3 baby wipes
2 bags of marshmallows
2 tubes of Cover Girl lipstick
5 baked goods (scones, brownies, garlic bread)

All of this came to a whopping total of $18.66!!!!!!!!!!

It was a little bit of work, but it was totally worth it! Thanks, Kendra for introducing me to this :)

Gina

She did such an amazing job. Yes, it does take a little time in the beginning in order to get started. But once you get everything up and running, it doesn't take much time at all to save lots of money.

My point is always this: It's your money. It's up to you how you spend it. You can save money on groceries with coupons and spend your money on other things that are important to you. Or you can spend more of your money each month on food. Your choice...but I choose to save. It works for me!

Do you have questions? Want to do what I do? Leave a comment on the blog or email me at kendralacrosse@verizon.net!

Pierce's ad highlights

I see a few stockpile items on sale this week.

HOWEVER, I do not think the Chili Meal Deal is a deal. You have to buy 3 lbs of overpriced ground chuck in order to get one each of canned tomato and beans, oyster crackers and season packet. Once I factor in the freebies, it doesn't seem too good to me.

But as always, check out the ad for yourself and the 3 day sale by going on the website here.

Page one
--------
Kemps sour cream $0.98, use $0.35 MQ
Swiss Miss hot cocoa $0.88, use $0.50/2 MQ
Ragu pasta sauce $1.88, use $0.75/2 MQ
Knorr pasta or rice sides $1, use $0.50/2 MQ

Page two
--------
Hormel Pork Sirloin roast or chops $1.68/lb
Farmland Bacon wrapped port filet $1, use $1/4 MQ (these are awesome)
Philly cream cheese 4/$5, use $1/3 MQ or $1.25/3 MQ from tearpad
Surefresh string cheese 2/$5
Kemps ice cream $2.98, use $1/2 MQ
Green Giant steamers $1, use $0.40 MQ

Page three
----------
Jiffy corn muffin mix 2/$1
Old Orchard juice cocktail $1.50, use $1 IP
Nabisco crackers $2, use $1 mQ
Pepsi products 2 Liter $1 each, use $1/4 MQ found on bottles

Page four
---------
Cucumbers 2/$0.98
Organic mini peeled carrots $1.48, use $1/2 MQ

That looks like the end. Have fun shopping!

Happy Turkey Day

I just wanted to take a moment and wish all my readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Take some time and tell your loved ones why you are so thankful for them. We are all here for such a very short time, so take advantage of your proximity with your loved ones and let them know how you feel.

I am thankful for each of you as well. I am closing in on one year of couponing, and in Jamuary I will celebrate my one year anniversary of blogging as well. Thank you to everyone for finding this blog worthy of reading and for helping me in my lifes' journey.

Have a splendid day!

Walgreen's goodies

I made a quick run to Walgreen's today to make some money on Nabisco crackers. Check it out.

5 box Ritz crackers $2 on sale, had $1 MQ on each, plus got $3 RR when you buy five.
(that means they were $0.40 each after figuring in the RR)

2 Folger's coffee $4.99, used $1 MQ on each

2 Kleenex $0.89 after in ad coupon, also used $0.75 IP on each making them $0.14 each

My total was $13.36, I received $3 RR to use on my next purchase and my coupon/ad savings was $23.80! Best of all there is a Kraft crackers rebate available here for $10 back when you buy 10 boxes of crackers (I know I have already bought 5+ boxes in the last month!)I love rebates, and there are usually a lot of them this time of year....keep your eyes peeled.

Menu Plan Monday

Happy Turkey Day Week! I hope everyone has a wonderful and restful day and has plenty of time to spend with family and friends!

Here's my week at a glance....

Monday: Chicken, broccoli and rice

Tuesday: Fish, rice and peas that we didn't eat over the weekend

Wednesday: Pizza

Thursday: Turkey and all the fixin's

Friday: eating with family

Saturday: leftovers

Sunday: turkey tetrazinni

I can't wait, I love turkey and all the leftovers that it brings!!!

Kmart Rewards Card Update

Someone is really on the ball. I was just ready to publish this update when they commented about it!

The update is that there is no update at this time. I spent some time on the phone with the Portage Kmart store manager today about this. Basically since this was started at the corporate level, the individual stores have not been notified about how to handle the rewards program. Questions about the double coupons have been referred to the District Manager. We hope to have an answer in a week or two, so hang tight.

I will be calling the Portage store back in a week or two to find out what they know. Hopefully we get some good news on this. It would be nice to double coupons more frequently wouldn't it?

Scholastic Book Fair

The Warehouse sale is coming! You can click here to go to the website.

Our local warehouse is at 6115 Pepsi Way in Windsor.

The sale is Friday 12/4/09- Tues 12/15/09.

Hours are Mon-Fri 11:00-7:00 pm.
Sat 8:00-4:00 pm.

Thanks Jessica for the info!

Frugal Friday...Piggly Wiggly edition

Hello and happy Friday everyone!

I was going to show you some Target deals today, but I got an email from a friend and decided to focus on a local deal.

You have got to get yourself to Piggly Wiggly this week to clean up big time! Check out the email below from my friend:

Piggly Wiggly

Ritz crackers are on sale 2/$5. (all varieties)- They will let you use two coupons . The "buy one ritz, get one ritz sandwich crackersfull free), plus $1.00 off coupon for one ritz.( I don't remember exactly what flyer the coupons were in, hopefully, I can be more informative in the future. Anyway, purchase one Ritz cracker at $2.50, get one free crackerfulls (priced at $3.49), use your 2nd coupon (1.00 off)
total - a $5.95 purchase for $1.50.

Also - Chex cereal - advertised as .99 apiece/ for three (with a card, you must purchase three). With the coupon - $1.00 off on two, your total is $1.97 - .66 cents a box.
Keep in mind, when I went to the store, they had a huge display of Chex as an endcap, It was all stacked with original Chex, Wheat Chex, Rice Chex. When I checked out the cereal isle, there was, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cinnamon, and Honey Nut. The prices were listed at $2.49 each. The flyer states "assorted" flavors. I asked if these were also .99 a piece, "yes , if you buy three.". Cool......

So after two short trips, 6 boxes for $3.96!! Not bad, eh?
I was worried about the "limit 3 boxes", thinking because I used my card, it would only let me do it once, but it was per transaction.

We all know, Chex cereal not only can be eaten as cereal, but it makes a good kid mix, party mix, etc. And there is recipes on the back of the boxes.
Have a great weekend!!

It's me again. These sound great! The Ritz is part of a store deal featuring many Kraft products that will give you $5 off instantly when you buy $20 worth of products. Keep in mind this is BEFORE your coupons. There are lots of coupons out there for these too!

The Chex must be an unadvertised deal because I can't find it in the flyer. But I know Thairn did this deal last night so it is definately taking place this week. Be sure to check it out!

Pierce's HIghlights

Before I forget, be sure to get a copy of Pierce's "Occasion Magazine" from the checkout. It has a couple manufacture coupons and a whole page of in-store coupons to use. The coupons all have a specific date for use so keep an eye on that.

Now back to the deals. Turkey is (predictably) cheap again. I got one for around $4 from last weeks ad and coupon. Looks like I'll be getting another!

Be sure to check out the deals for yourself here as I only include items I feel are a good deal.

Page one
--------
Norbest Turkeys $0.58/lb, be sure to use ad coupon for $1 off!
Broccoli $0.68/lb
Ground chuck $1.88/lb
Phily cream cheese $0.88, use $1.25/3 MQ
Stove Top stuffing $0.78

Page two
--------
Gold 'nPlump thighs or drumsticks, use $0.75 IP from coupons.com
Flour tortillas $1
Kraft shredded cheese 3/$4.98, use $1/2 MQ

Special Insert front side
-------------------------
Campbell's cream soup 4/$3, use $1/4 IP
Wheat thins or Triscuit crackers $2 each, use $1 MQ
Country Crock spread $1.98, use $0.50 IP
Ad coupon: Free Ritz when you buy 3 Kraft cheese ($1/2 MQ)
Ad coupon: Free Cool Whip when you buy 4 Jello pudding/jello ($1.25/3 MQ)

Special Insert back side
------------------------
Betty Crocker Brownies $0.88
Surefine Sugar $1.68
Peter Pan peanut butter $1.78, use $1 MQ from All you Magazine
Ad coupon for $3 off Trop 50 when you buy 3 Quaker products
Quaker granola bars $2, use $0.75/2 MQ

Page three
----------
Ocean Spray Juice $2.50, use $1 Peelie found on bottles
Kraft dressing $1.50
Aunt Jemima syrup 2/$5, use $1/2 MQ

Page four
---------
Yams $0.58/lb
Russet Potatoes $1.78 for 10 pounds.

That is all I see my friends. I don't normally review Piggly Wiggly, but I did notice that most of their prices are about the same this week for the traditional Thanksgiving items.

Walgreen's run 11-17-09

It's a good week for Fried Onions, that is for sure! Check this out...

7 Fried Onions $0.99 with ad coupon, I used (2) $0.75 MQ, (2) $0.50 IP, and (3) $0.50 MQ to get all seven for $3!

2 Splenda on sale for $2.99, used (2) $1 IP

2 paper plates $0.89 with ad coupon.

All told I paid $8.79 and saved $18.02 with coupons and sales. Not to mention a years worth of French's onions!

Kmart Rewards Program

I finally got a chance to run to Kmart today to check out the Reward Program they have started.

First off, it is NOT a credit card. It is a loyalty card much like you have at Pierce's. You earn 1% on all purchases using the card that you can use at any time to buy items in store.

Best of all, the card allows you to double up to 5 coupons per day!! I have heard that the register will not allow you to go over the 5 coupons.

It is super easy to sign up. The forms are available at the courtesy desk and the registers. You fill out name, address, phone and email. You get a card to use immediately.

I tried to double a coupon coupons today but the program isn't working correctly yet and the manager wasn't in to work yet when I was there. If you go and it still isn't working be sure to insist that the manager credit you the correct amount. I plan to call the store later today to see if the glitch has been fixed.

All in all, it sounds like a good program to me. Of course it also sounds like I will be visiting Kmart a lot!

Menu Plan Monday

The new week is starting and I've got a plan in place.

Monday: baked chicken with green beans and rice

Tuesday: Pork steaks, french fries and salad

Wednesday: Breakfast for supper. Pancakes, sausage

Thursday: Pizza

Friday: Baked Cod with rice and peas

Saturday: taco salads

Sunday: Manwich with chips or other sandwiches

I'm even thinking ahead to Thanksgiving for the following week as well. One of my goals is to increase menu planning to two weeks of menus at a time, or even plan the entire month ahead.

Have a great week everyone!

Finally, the Pierce's Highlights

I'm finally back home, and ready to get 'plugged' back in with the deals. It was strange to basically be free of computers for the week. I had very limited time and access.

Looks like a few decent prices this week. If you are thinking ahead to Thanksgiving you have quite a bit to choose from.

Page on
--------
Bananas $0.38/lb

Norbest Young Turkey $0.58/lb, combine with ad coupon for $1 off turkey to get a decent deal. (side note, the ad also says it will honor or beat any advertised retail on Turkeys. I plan to take the Piggly Wiggly ad which has Jennio turkey for $0.48/lb and will try to get that turkey as well)

Crescent rolls/sweet rolls 2/$3, use $0.50/2 MQ
Surefresh butter $1.38
Pillsbury Pie Crusts 2/$4

Page two
--------
Hormel Pork Butt roast or steaks $1.38/lb
Frozen Cod Fillets $4.88/lb
Surefine frozen Veggies $0.88

Extra insert first side
-----------------------
IGA/Surefine canned veggies $0.50
Mccormick Gravy Mix 2/$1, use $0.50 MQ
Surefine Stuffing Mix $0.88
Surefine Olives 4/$5
Country Crock spread $1.98, use $0.50 MQ
Daisy sour cream $1.50, use $0.50 MQ

Extra Insert back side
----------------------
Fruit canned 4/$5
Pillsbury cake mix 10/$10, use $1/2 MQ

Page three
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Caprisun or Koolaid pouches $1.88

Page four
---------
Dole bagged salad $1.58
2lb bag Baby carrots $1.98
Roma tomatoes $1.28/lb

That should do it. Be sure to check out the Pierce's 3 day sale online here. I see some cheap chicken!!!!

Late Postings

Just a reminder for everyone that I am out of town this week. The Pierce's posting will be late, I can not guarantee it until the weekend.

I am at a certification class for my job that is very intensive. Thursday and Friday I am in class from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. I also have homework every night. So that is why my posts are sporadic at best. At least I got the laptop figured out yesterday!

I hope everyone is having a good week.

At the top of my blog agenda when I return home is the Pierce's post and then I will follow up on the Kmart Rewards Program that I am hearing buzz about.

Menu Plan Monday

Here's another week already. I am actually out of town right now, but here is the plan I put in place for hubby in order to keep things status quo for the kids all week.

Monday: Chicken on the grill (we grilled up a ton of stuff on Sunday while the weather was so nice), rice, veggies

Tuesday: grilled pork chops, veggies

Wednesday: Manwhich and chips

Thursday: Pizza

Friday: Cheeseburgers and fries

Saturday: cook's choice lunch, then I'm home!!

Sunday: who knows? I can't think that far ahead this week!

Please note: I am out of town until Saturday afternoon. I do plan to continue my posts sporatically as I am able to secure network connections which are spotty right now. You can still reach me by email if needed so I can pass along the deals!

Have a great week!

Today only- 1 day Meat Sale

You have GOT to head to Pierce's today and check out their 1-day meat sale. I scored some awesome deals. Can you believe I got everything above for only $54.88? This includes several things I normally wouldn't buy. Here is the breakdown on the deals:

Country Style pork spareribs $1.58/lb. I got two packs for less than $2.50 each!

Ground Chuck is $1.78/lb---stock up at this price!!!!

Pork spare ribs $0.98/lb, got two packs of these too!

Pork chops (bone in) $1.38/lb, got a family pack for %5.22 that I split into 2 packs to go into the freezer.

Pork spare ribs boneless $1.58/lb, I split this into two packs in the freezer as well.

Boneless skinless chicken breast $1.48/lb (right at my target price). I bought approx 3# and split into 2 freezer bags.

As for my other items.... I will be out of town all of next week for a work training. As hubby will be home all week with the kids, he had a couple requests. I don't normally buy juice pouches for the lunches, I use a water bottle that I fill with juice. He doesn't want to worry about filling them all week when making lunches so I got enough pouches to last until I'm home. The chips and lunch meat are for hubby as well.

The item I am angry about is that I paid full price for that salad dressing! I had soooo many this past summer, but we just emptied the last one two nights ago. I hope so new coupons for this come out soon!

For the month I ended up only $0.88 over my budget of $280. Luckily, I had that in spare change in the bottom of my purse today. Envelope gets filled next weekend, freezer and pantry are bursting, so I am good to go! Life is good.

Frugal Friday...cheap napkins

Howdy all. Thought I'd highlight another way I try to be frugal around here.

Whenever there is a double coupon event at Kmart, I try to stock up on napkins and paper plates to use occasionally at home. But lately, we have run out of napkins and I just can't pay full price.

I looked around and realized that I have a ton of paper towels that I picked up for $0.25 or less. I decided to take the roll and cut it with a long knife and presto....napkins!!

A paper towel is too large by itself in my experience, so cutting them in half works for us!

For more frugal tips, check out fishmama!

Pierce's Highlights of the Week

It looks like a good week to pick up some pork! Keep in mind that I list only what I feel are decent deals, so you will want to check out the full ad here. They are also advertising a one day meat event on Friday only. The sneak peak should be online Thursday as well.

Page one
--------
Quarter Pork Loin Chops $1.38/lb
Farmland sausage rolls or links $1, use MQ for 50 cents to $1 off
Betty Crocker potatoes $1, $0.40 and $0.50 MQ available
Gold Medal Flour $1.50, $0.50 IP from last week
Cheerios $2, there is a $1 MQ out there to score for $1 (my target price)

Page two
--------
Hormel Lean Pork or Boneless spareribs $1.58/lb
Farmland Bacon $2.18, use MQ from last weekend
Surefresh cream cheese 5/$4
Surefine fries 3/$4.98
Welch's juice concentrate $1

Page three
----------
Betty Crocker cake mix $0.88, check for coupons
Old Dutch tortilla chips 2/$4
Surefine Mandarin oranges 2/$1
Suave shampoo or conditioner 10/$10
Surefine aluminum foil $0.88

Page four
---------
Dole Classic Iceberg bag salad $1.28
Cauliflower $0.98/lb
Red Onions $0.68/lb

That is all I see for now. Happy shopping.

Bagel Bites coupon

Thank you to Rachal for sending me this link!

Go here to print a coupon for $1 off any Bagel Bites snack. Be sure to press your back browser to print it a second time.

New Tylenol Deal

Go here, and sign yourself up for the Tylenol Calendar. Once you are signed up, you will have access to print out a whole bunch of coupons on Tylenol products for the entire family!

Thanks Mercedes...... and thanks to Jessica for reminding me of this deal.

Using all my Register Rewards!

Geez, the lighting on this picture is horrible. Try to bear with me.

I didn't think there were any stellar deals in the WAGS flyer this week. However, I did want to use my register rewards and pick up some things we needed- which is the whole point of using the register rewards.

4 boxes of Kashi GoLean cereal $2.50 sale, used $1.50 MQ...got for $1 a box!
2 Ginormous Walgreen's Benadryl $7.49, sale is BIGI plus I used a $0.50 WAGS Q
2 Folger's coffee $3.99 sale in ad

My total after coupons and remaining register rewards was $5.90. My coupon and ad savings was $42.95!

So I have no more register rewards for next week, but my Walgreen's shopping $ is replenished this weekend. My monthly budget for Walgreen's is $40. Considering that, I have saved the following:

Week one (here): Spent $7.89, Saved $62.88
Week two (here):Spent $15.50, Saved $109.57
Week three (here): Spent $6.43, Saved $56.20
Week four (this post): Spent $5.90, Saved $42.95

To recap, for the month of October I spent $35.72 and I saved (via coupons and sales) $271.60. I'm not even figuring in the register rewards because they spend like cash driving down my total out of pocket. I'd say this is a pretty impressive use of my money!

Have questions? Want to get started and save the big bucks like I do? It's super easy, email me!

Menu Plan Monday

Wow, last week was killer. Lots of sickness in the house, and we followed the meal plan only once or twice. But that's why it's a plan and not a rule. We got some fast food this past week that wasn't in the budget, some that was, and mostly ate bits and scraps from around the house. Many days there was barely anything eaten. But we are ready to get back on track this week, and back on budget as well!

Monday: turkey/wild rice stew with french bread (homemade- yes I made bread!), and/or cheese quesidillas or pigs in a blanket

Tuesday: Whole chicken in the crockpot, rice and veggie

Wednesday: Spaghetti with spaghetti squash

Thursday: Pizza

Friday: Cheeseburgers and fries

Saturday: Steamfresh shrimp meal bought on special, then ??

Sunday: Steak and baked potato, and anything else I dream up

I will be going out of town for a week, so I need to start thinking about those meals as well. I may need to bake/cook them ahead to save hubby some time as well. Or he may just make sandwiches all week (not the worst thing in the world)!!

Have a great week everyone!