Walgreens

Went to check and see if they had more moniters...boooo no they didn't, they were suppose to get more, but as usual, no such luck!

I did get 3 more rembrants. $5.99 paid wtih $5 RR and .99 on my giftcard, got back $6 rr :)

Total OOP Zero :)

New Goal

I was inspired by another blog to try this challenge for myself. $1200 for the year. I was thinking that it wouldn't be possible, but today is the 28th, and I don't think I will be shopping before the end of the month and I have spent $98... so woo hoo!

So, I am going to shoot for $100 per month :)

My Walmart Trip

Ok, first, word to the wise as far as couponing at Walmart. They are less picky than other stores about coupon usage, there isn't a limit on how many identical coupons you can use, however, the machine tends to freak out when you go over 40 coupons or $40 in coupons. - Speaking of, when i first started couponing and read that, I was like "how on earth could you have that many coupons" LOL

Anyway....I made it freak today. LOL I didn't even think about it when I was going up there, I should have broken up my transactions. (I had 44 coupons equaling to $41.90)

Oh, and at my Walmart the Aveeno was $4something, so I didn't get it. Maybe there is a smaller bottle at some stores, but I was bummed :(

5 Dunckin Hines cake mix $.97 used 5 $.35 coupons (also sending in a $5 rebate)

2 Wheat Thin Artisian Crackers @ $2/ea used $1 q and BOGO q making it $1/2

Shredded Cheese $1.62

15 Meow Mix cat treats @ $.97 used 15 $1 coupons for $.45 MM

Bread $1.78

Celery $1.28

Bananas $.71

California Pizza Kitchen Pizza $5.75 used $2 ip coupon

Digorino Pizza $5.25 used $1.25 IP

2 2liters of pop, $1.50 and $1.26 used 2 $1 coupon (buy pizza get $1 off pop- hangtag)

3 Diego Bandaids $1.18 I forgot to use my coupons! GRRRR these are going back

2 Mustard- On the shelf this said .97, it rang up $1.94, I will be returning these along with the bandaids

5 Huggies Wipes $.97 used $1 coupon $.15 MM

Ricotta Cheese $1.78

10 Kotex @ $1 used 10 $1 coupons = Free

Cresant rolls $1.24 (I NEED these, I can't believe I paid for them! grrrr)

Pizza Crust $1.94 used $.40 coupon

Total: $30.83, after I do my return the total OOP will be $22.73

My OOP could have definatly been lower, but there were items I needed/wanted (you hardly see hard core couponers buying frozen pizzas, LOL) but there are some things I will pay for.

Acutally, here is a little tangent for you, you will see some couponers who won't pay for certain things and others will. I, for one, will always pay extra for chicken breasts, deboned and deskinned. Other couponers wouldn't even dream of not buying the whole chicken and breaking it up. I can't (and won't) do that. I also don't buy crappy meat...can't do it. That is why I bought my high grade meat from Sams in bulk. There are probably some things that I won't pay for that others would. But the value of a dollar means different things to different people. Ok, rambling done :)

Walmart Freebies

I am heading to Walmart this afternoon for some things I need and to pick up some freebies/cheapies. I just wanted to share!

Aveeno Baby Wash $2.98

-$2/1 Printable here

= $.98

Meow Mix $.97

- $1 3/1 SS

= Free

Suave Deodorandt $.94

-$.50 RP 3/29

=$.44

Visine A.C. 0.5 fl oz $3.62

-$3/1 RP 3/15

=$.62

Dove Deodorant $1.97

-$1.50/2 RP 1/18

=$.97

4 pita breads (6 inches in diameter)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaf or 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves
1 teaspoon sugar
1 small cucumber, seeded and chopped (3/4 cup)
1 pound ground lamb or beef
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato, chopped (3/4 cup)

1. Split each pita bread halfway around edge with knife; separate to form pocket.
2. Mix yogurt, mint and sugar in small bowl. Stir in cucumber.
3. Mix lamb, water, lemon juice, salt, cumin, oregano, pepper, garlic and onion. Shape mixture into 4 thin patties.
4. Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in oil 10 to 12 minutes, turning frequently, until no longer pink in center. Place cooked patty in each pita pocket. Top with yogurt mixture, lettuce and tomato

First, I have to start out by saying, I probably didn't do this recipe any justice. I just saw ground beef and out of habit started cooking it in the pan and chopping it up. This was suppose to be done in patties and since the way it was cooked deviated from the recipe, I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt!!

So I ended up putting the patty ingredients in with the pan after draining the grease.


Finished Product



My Review
This was something different to try and it was good, but there would definetlybe some changes that I would make. First, the cucumber sauce needs to be pureed, or more thin than using "chopped" cucumbers. It tasted good but the texture wasn't quite right. DH and I both ate it, but 3 year old DD didn't care for it at all.

Difficulty: Easy
Ages: All
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Room number TWO!

Ok, first, I should have said that I got this idea from my fab cousin Michelle at SavingSomeGreen, I totally copied her (Thanks for the idea!!) So here we go..

This is my son's room (like the decor doesn't give it away) and despite his lack of ability to make a mess in here, we have one!

Our biggest task? Sorting out all of the clothes that are too small or too warm for our steamy Texas Spring. This was heartbreaking. Here I am trying to make deals and I am pulling out clothes that have never been worn! I also pulled out the bumper a few days before and it was time to remove the mobile (since he pulled it down!) we also sold our glider at the garage sale so we pulled the crib over to center it on the wall, then had to move the pictures.

Without further rambling...here we are!

BEFORE

AFTER

Meal Plan Monday

This will be my first week doing this, but I think it will be really helpful for my budget to plan ahead. I try to do this the day before but sometimes that still has me running to the store for last minute things. So lets see how it goes!!

Monday-Calzones - new recipe, I will review :)

Tuesday-Chicken Puffs and white rice

Wednesday- Tacos

Thursday- Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and a veg

Friday-Country BBQ Chicken, corn and salad

Saturday- Leftovers/throw together

Sunday- Some sort of pasta

Ok, so its not TOTALLY planned, but its a step in the right direction :)

CVS and Wags

Ok....little vent here. If there is a limited amount of items that are in the ad, and it is first thing in the morning, don't take them all! Its rude!


Grrrr... ok rant over :)

Walgreens

Nivea womens 6 @ $4.99 used 6 $1 Qs =$23.94

Ecotin 4 @ $2 used 2 $2.25 Ips, pushed down to $2 = $4

Rembrant 6 @ $5.99 = $35.94

walgreens tissue and clearance Easter candy as filler

walgreens bag, they didnt have any at this store on earth day, so we got it today

used RR and gift card to pay.. OOP Zero

Got bac 6 $5 RR for Nivea, 4 $2 RR for Ecotin, 6 $6 for Rembrant

CVS

Trans 1 (Card 1)

I had a $5/30 on both cards, because my CVS was out of the bandaids I planned on, I had to spend about $8 to use it. So I got the garnier, cvs brand wipes ( I needed these) and the toothpaste without qs! GASP! I know, but it was still better than not using them!

1 Garnier 2.99 (Got $2 ECB)

Crest 1.99 (Got $1 ECB)

6 Visine @ $3.79 used 5 $3 off qs and 1 $2 q =$5.74 ( Got back $10 ecb, $4.26 MM)

Paid with ECBs and gift card. Over all $7.26 MM

Trans 2

6 Visine @ $3.79 used 6 $2 q =$10.74 ( Got back $10 ecb)

3 Candy Necklaces $.18/ea

1 Bunny Dizzy Toy $.19

Cadbury Mini Eggs (DH loves these!) $.49

Resees Candys $.29

Palm Pet Toy $.29

2 Snoopys with candy $.59

2 Stuffed Doggies $.49/ea

Stuffed Lion $.59

Stuffed Peep $.39

2 Easter Baskets 1 @ 1.19, 1 @ $1.79

Paid with ECBs and Gift card Total OOP ZERO :)

Oh, and I forgot this one the other day! There was one more Kleneex pack
Chapstick 1.99 get $2 rr, paid with gift card and RR

CVS and Wags deals for tomorrow :)

CVS

Free Garnier Fructis shampoo,conditioner and stylers
Total:-0.01 Sale price:$2.99
MQ:$1/1 RP 1/4ECB:$2
Math:$2.99-2-1
limit 1

Free Crest toothpaste if you got the good qp
Total:-0.01
Sale price:$1.99
MQ:$1/1 P&G 3/15 or 4/5
ECB:$1Math:$1.99-1-1
Limit 2

Free Band-aid with qp
Total: Free
Sale price:start at $1
MQ:$1/1 SS 2/8
ECB:N/A
Math $1-1
No limit

All Laundry Detergent GDA
Total:$3.49 for 2
Sale price: $7.49 for two (B1G1 including small & might 32 loads)
MQ:$2 x 2 IP
ECB:N/A
Math:$7.49-2-2
No limit

Visine, Overage - if it includes A.C. or A
TOTAL: 5.26 MM
SALE: 3.79MQ: 3.00/1 (03/15/09 RP exp 6/30)
ECBs Earned: 10 ECBS
MATH: 3.79 x 6=22.74 -18.00 (3.00 x 6)= 4.74 earn 10 ECBS= 5.26

Walgreens

Dove Deodorant, GDA
TOTAL: $.99/1
SALE: $1.99
MQ: $1/1 from 3.15 RP
AD Q: Page 10
MATH: Puchase 1 and use IVC = $1.99 - $1 manq = $.99/1

Flipz Snacks, GDA
TOTAL: $2/2 or $1 each
SALE: 2/$3 (4 ounce package)
MQ: $1/2 from 4.5 SS
MATH: Purchase (2) = $3.00 - $1.00 = $2.00/2

Weight Watchers Chocolates, GDA
TOTAL: $1.50/2
SALE: 2/$3 (3.25 ounce package)
MQ: BOGO from 4.9 SS
MATH: Purchase 2 = $3.00 - $1.50 (BOGO) = $1.50/2

Nivea Body Wash 16.9 ounce, FREE
TOTAL: FREE after RR.
SALE: $4.99RR:
Puchase 1 @ $4.99 and receive $4.99 in RR's

NOTE: This may roll. We won't have any idea until the day of but I wanted to give everyone a heads up just in case.


Rembrandt Toothpaste, Overage
TOTAL: $5.99 Overage!!
SALE: $5.99
MQ: Free Rembrandt Toothpaste max. value $7.99 (ex. 1.1.10
)RR: Purchase Rembrandt Toothpaste or Mouthwash at $5.99 and get $5.99 in RR's.
MATH: Purchase one at $5.99 - $5.99 = $0.00 OOP and get $5.99 RR!!

Breeze2 or Contour Glucose Monitor, Overage
TOTAL: $5 MM
SALE: $14.99
MQ: up to $30 various inserts, see CDB AD Q: n/aES Q: n/aESMIR: n/aRR: $5 wyb 1
MATH: $14.99 - $14.99 -$5.00 RR = -$5.00 MM!!

Bayer Quick Release Crystals, FREE
TOTAL: FREE
SALE:$2.49
RR: Puchase one and receive a RR for $2.49 good on your next purchase
MATH: Buy 1 @ $2.49 and get $2.49 RR = FREE

page 7reynolds 20ft alum foil, Overage
SALE: .89c MQ: 1/1
bookletAD Q: 89c pg 7
MATH: 1.69 - 1/1 manf - .80 7day = <-0.11>

Gum Dental Care, VGDA
TOTAL: FREE
SALE: 2/$4
MQ: $2/1 IP (on any gum toothbrush, floss or dental accessory)
ES Q: MATH: Puchase 2 = $4.00 - 2($2 MQ) = FREE

Organizing our "dumping zone"

About 4 months ago, for pure convience, we moved our desk out of the office and into our living area. This has made it much easier to keep an eye on little ones while getting some things done on the computer. However, the desk is the first big flat surface as you come in the front door. It quickly became the dumping ground for everything...mail, coupons, bills, and I am notorius for my sticky notes. So as you can imagine, we are constantly battling this beast!

I came across OrgJunkie and got some inspiration to clean up this area!

Here are some before pictures

Part way through - OrgJunkie says to pull everything out before organizing, I was amazed at how much junk this helped me find and be able to toss! Great idea!

And some after pictures - the yellow bag is of borrowed books so that will be gone soon :)




Now lets see how long we can keep it this way!!

Gerber Life- Free ID Kits

Anyone who knows me personally know that I am one of those paranoid mothers. It really isn't something I am too fond of, its just the way I am wired. However, I think that we should do everything we can to keep our kids safe!

The other day at a Easter festival the local police department was there doing an ID kit for the kids. It was so popular we waited in line for over an hour and still didn't finish. We ended up having to leave, but there are other ways to keep your child's information handy in case a problem does arise.

Gerber is giving away free ID kits for parents to have this important information about their children. You just need to sign up to get an insurance quote (you don't have to buy anything) and they will send you the kit. Enjoy :)

The Grow-Up Plan from Gerber Life provides the security of permanent life insurance and access to a growing cash value. Its like starting a nest egg that your child can rely on later in life.


Apply for a free, no-obligation quote today and receive a FREE Child Safety ID Kit. This kit helps you keep your childs most important information, photos and fingerprints in one safe place in case of an emergency.

The Gerber Grow-Up Plan offers your child:
Whole Life Insurance up to $50,000
Coverage that automatically doubles at age 18
at no added cost
An available cash value that builds over time
Low payments that never increase
Guaranteed future insurability

Find out how Gerber Life can help provide greater security for your baby now, and in the future. Its easy to apply call 1-800-704-2180 or apply online at http://partners.mysavings.com/z/1439/CD1107/. With the Gerber Grow-Up Plan, you can feel confident that well be with you every step of the way.


You can trust Gerber a name youve known since you were a kid to be there for your family. Learn more at http://partners.mysavings.com/z/1439/CD1107/.

Gerber Life - Continuing the long tradition of helping parents provide for their children since 1967.
You may request a Child Safety ID Kit without applying for insurance by writing to us at: Gerber Life Insurance Company, 445 State Street, Fremont, MI 49412. The retail value of this item is in accord with your state's requirements.
* In New York, $25,000 is the maximum coverage amount available.
You are receiving this email because you registered online to receive information.
If you no longer wish to receive email from Gerber Life Insurance Company, click here.
Copyright 2008
Gerber Life Insurance Company
1311 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
Call toll-free 1-800-704-2180

Randalls and Walgreens

Today is Earth Day in case you didn't know :) There are a few stores doing promotions with this in mind, including Walgreens. Just for today you can print a coupon here for 15% off of your purchase and also get a free reusable bag. So I did just that! Here we go...

Walgreens

Edge Shaving Cream 2.99

Mitchum 2.99 used $.75 coupon (I found out after that it is expired...oops!)

Easter Egg dye kit .10 (filler)

Reusable Bag .99 free on Earth day

2 Glade Soy Candles @ $5.99 used $4 coupon and $2 Easy Saver coupon

My receipt blew away, it was really windy today, so I don't know my exact total, but I paid in RRs and my gift card.

OOP Zero

Randalls

Turkey $22.99 *for the unilever deal

Flatbread $2.79 (for my new recipe review...stay tuned!)

1.69 lbs Banana @ $.49/lb = $.83

Cucumber $.79

Onion $.69

Tomatoes $.94

Paid with $22 in catalinas, and $6.95 oop. I will also get $20 back from the Unilever Turkey/ham rebate.

WFMW

As I said in my recipe review, I love trying new recipes. But I found that printing them left them shoved in my cabinte and I could NEVER find what I was looking for. So, I started a binder. This way I have all of my recipes in one place. I love this method because with the page protectors, the pages don't get ruined (I'm a messy cook!). I can also add notes, make changes, or write down comments for next time. This is a great way to stay organized in the kitchen!

Family Friendly Recipe Review

I am starting a new part to the blog.... Family Friendly Recipe Review!


I love to try new recipes, I love experimenting and trying new things. Alot of the world in cooking is new to me since i spent the first 4 1/2 years or so of my marriage ordering take out and hitting drive thrus.


So, each week I will try a new recipe and rate it here on the blog. If you have a recipe you would like me to try, please send it to me!





Ok, so for our first week we have this recipe


Country Style BBQ Chicken (found on allrecipes.com posted by WolfWalker)











INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

DIRECTIONS
-Mix the onions, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
-Arrange chicken in the baking dish. Pour sauce over the chicken.
-Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until chicken juices run clear.



My Review
This is definatly different than the bbq sauce from a bottle. The flavor is more ketchupy, but was very good. My husband and two children ate it up! It was great leftover too. I would recommend that using more chicken (or making less sauce) there was way more sauce than chicken.


Difficulty: Easy
Ages: All
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time (sauce): 15 minutes

Overall it was great! We will be having this again!

Krogering in Katy

Amanda and I traveled to Katy- land of the coupon friendly cashiers :) We packed up our kids and headed up, I have to say, we were not dissapointed. We each got everything we came for and recieved no hassle or grief for our "purchases".

I broke these up into sets of 3.

18 - 4 Pack rolls of Angel Soft @ $.99, used $.50 q doubled = Free

14 -McCormick @ .99 used $.50 q doubled = Free

1 Box Barilla, clearanced at 1.04 used $.50 q doubled = $.04

4 - Bottles of Poppy Seed Dressing clearanced at $.75 = $3 for all
(I make an awesome reciepe using this and i just had to stock up!)

Total OOP $3.04