Stewarding God's Gifts

HT again

2010-03-25T21:02:00.009-04:00

This time NO negative balance, but still pretty good. I don't think I could have gotten another $10 off $50 this week, but I didn't have $50 subtotal anyway.

4 boxes of pasta
2 env taco seasoning
1 bag croutons
3 bags mini rice cakes
1 box parchment paper
2 bottles grape jelly
7 pks gum
1 coffee creamer
Total retail: $37.97
Paid: $2.24

HT-Triples NEGATIVE balance

2010-03-25T07:21:00.007-04:00

OK, I know I haven't posted on here in FOREVER. But I was just really excited about my trip yesterday. I practically robbed HT! I am sure you all know it is triples week at HT. I have been doing the triples and super doubles weeks recently as well, but none were as good as yesterday. THEY OWED ME MONEY!
Here is the breakdown of what I got and how it worked...

I started off with the free items and added some produce so I would be sure to owe something (because they really won't pay me money :)

2 bags croutons
6 boxes pasta
2 bags mini rice cakes
6 pkts taco seasoning
2 spice grinders
3 Mentos gum
2 coffee creamers
3 tubs strawberries (BuyOneGetTwoFree-$4.99)
2 avocados ($.79 ea.)

Total for all this was
- $2.85
yes NEGATIVE!

Why was this? Because of good ole e-Vic. If you are not a member of e-Vic, here is your motivation. Because I am an e-Vic member, I automatically received $10 off my $50 purchase BEFORE coupons. Usually they send out these mailers for $10 off $50 but the cashier makes you have $50 AFTER coupons or they won't scan it. (Even thought it would work if they did-and it depends on the cashier you get if they pay attention or not:)
This time it was automatic for e-Vic members. So they OWED me money.
So now I have to buy something else, because they won't give me money back. But I already used my 20 coupon limit for the day and I didn't want to buy any of my items that used coupons and waste those triples.

So I returned to produce to buy 4 kiwi (that I never buy because they are $.79 each and they are only as big as a quarter anyway but my kids really LOVE them). My kids got a special treat.

So my final total?
Total Retail: $59.46
Well, TAX on all my items was $.42
I paid $.38
YES, that says "38 CENTS"

I am going back today to see how I do this time. I have another 20 coupons, but I don't know if the e-Vic special will work again. I will let you know.

Now, to explain e-Vic. You just sign up with your email address and link your VIC card to the account. They send the weekly flyer to your email once a week and then sometimes send a special e-Vic flyer over the weekend. There is nothing more than that. But you get weekly specials that are only good for e-Vic members. Click here for more info and to sign up. You can get your $10 off $50 if you sign up now.

Enjoy the Triples!

HT trip and FREEBIES

2009-10-26T22:20:00.003-04:00

Well, I know it has been a while. Saving money takes a lot of my time, and writing about it takes even more :)
Here is what I scored at HT tonight...
1 pouch tuna
6 bags veggies
4 cartons broth
6 cans soup
6 cans chicken
8 taco seasoning
2 airborne
2 cartons juice
11 fabric softener sheets (which are FREE for you BTW, see below)

_____________
Total retail cost: $125.78
Total OOP paid: $17.18

Here is where you can cash in on this - These fabric softener sheets were FREE and we are pretty well stocked on them so I am giving away 7 free to the first people who request one, or two, or three. First come, first served :)

FREE Chick-Fil-A combos!!!

2009-07-08T15:36:00.006-04:00

Woah, Did I seriously go more than a month with NO posts??? I cannot believe how the time is flying. I am TOO busy!!!

Anyway, If ANYONE is still reading this blog :) Don't forget to dress like a cow tomorrow from head to tail for a free Chick-Fil-A combo (one per person - even kids) or just wear a single cow item for a free sandwich. It is TOTALLY worth it for us. Not only FREE, but FREE Chick-Fil-A for a family of SEVEN!!!

Harris Teeter shopping trips

2009-05-28T21:42:00.003-04:00

Here are the last two trips I did - one yesterday and one today. I will go back tomorrow for a final (maybe :) trip.

Yesterday:
2 Dial Hand Soap - FREE
2 Baking Powder - FREE
4 Dole Mandarin Oranges - $1.84
6 Swanson Chicken - $4.02
2 Spray and Wash (forgot in picture) - FREE
2 Snyder's pretzel snacks - $.50
2 Grands Tortilla chips - $1.50
2.25 lb. cubed steak (Grands has a $2 off beef coupon on the bag) - $1.16
3 bags Rhodes dinner rolls - FREE
2 boxes Deli Creations - $1.48

TOTAL RETAIL - $76.55

TOTAL PAID - $11.16

Today's trip:
3 Kraft Dressings - FREE
4 Dole Mandarin Oranges - $1.84
6 Whitehouse applesauce - $5.22
5 Chips Ahoy Snak-Saks - $3.70
4 Swanson Chicken - $2.68
1 Wacky Mac - FREE (this would be FREE even with doubles, so if your store is out GET A raincheck for the BOGO price!)
2 Rhodes dinner rolls - FREE
18 Dannon yogurt - $1.26
2 Deli Creations - $1.48
I also took a gamble today and tried to use the $10 off $50 purchase coupon that was mailed to me. It says can only be used after all other coupons and discounts are given. But if you give it to them FIRST, it will take off of the sub-total. It just depends if your cashier will let it slide. Mine did today so that helped bring my total down:)

TOTAL RETAIL - $84.62

TOTAL PAID - $7.50

Harris Teeter Triples list - revised

2009-05-28T21:23:00.004-04:00

Ok, Here is my revised list... I deleted the ones that I could not find coupons for and added notes to some as well. Hopefully, you can find some good deals. I will post my two shopping trips next.

Buy One Get One Deals

Spray n Wash 22oz at $3.29 ($1.65 ea)
-.50/1 off Spray n’ Wash SS 5/03 (makes it .15¢ ea)
-.75/1 off Spray n’ Wash with Resolve Power printable (makes it FREE) (printed 2 from my computer and 2 from Dave's-4 total)

Kraft Salad Dressing 16oz at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
-$1.50 off any Kraft Dressing SS 5/10 (makes it FREE)
-$1 off any Kraft Dressing printable (did not use the printables, less savings for me)

Dannon Light & Fit or Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt at .75¢ (.37¢ ea)
-.60/6 Dannon Yogurt SS 5/03 (makes it .45¢ for 6) (awesome deal!-$.07 yogurt!!!)

Other Weekly Deals

Caprisun Drinks 10pk $1.99 ea
-.75/1 Caprisun Kraft Food & Family Summer 09 (makes it FREE) (I did have this mag but found no such coupon)

Eggo Waffles $1.66 ea
-.75/1 Eggo Waffles RP 4/05 (exp 5/31) (makes it FREE)

Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage 12oz, $3 ea
-.55/1 Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage Links SS 4/05 (makes it $1.45 ea)

Free Items with Tripling

Mahatma Rice 5 oz packet .89¢ ea
-.75/2 Mahatma Rice Mixes RP 3/01, 4/26

Mahatma Rice 1lb bag $1.39 ea
-.50/1 Mahatma or Water Maid Rice RP 3/01, 4/26

McCormick grill mates packet seasoning $1.29
-.50/1 Mccormick Grill Mates RP 5/03, 4/19

Wacky Mac $1.50
-.50/1 off Wacky Mac SS 5/10
-.75/1 off Wacky Mac Pasta printable

Pringles Potato Crisps Super Stack $1.50 ea
.50/1 Pringles Snack Stacks, Stix, Minis, or Select Product, PG 5/17

Flipz Snacks $1.59 each
.50/1 Flipz Snacks, SS 4/5

Rhodes Rolls $2.19 ea
-.75/1 Rhodes Traditional Rolls, SS 3/22

Daisy Sour Cream $1.39 ea ($1.45 each at our store - but still FREE!)
-.50/1 or .60/1 Daisy Sour Cream SS 4/05 (exp 5/31)

New York Texas Toast Croutons $1.50 ea
-.55/1 New York Croutons SS 4/05

Grande Tortilla Chips $2 ea ($3 each at our store)
-.75/1 Grande Chips SS 4/19 (makes it $.75 ea)

Trident Gum single packs, $1.50 or less
-.75/1 off any Trident Single pack SS 5/17

Kraft BBQ Sauce $1.79
-.75/1 Kraft BBQ SS 5/03

French’s Yellow Mustard $1.50
-.75/1 French’s Mustard SS 5/10
-.50/1 French’s Mustard SS 5/10

Suave Antiperspirant / Deodorant $1.77 ea
-.75/1 Suave Deodorant, RP 5/17
-.50/1 Suave Deodorant RP 5/17

Edge Advanced Shave Gel (trial size) $1.50 ea
-.75/1 Edge Gel SS 5/17

Skintimate shaving gel - trial size - $1.50 ea
-.75/1 Skintimate SS 4/26

Other Good Deals

Hefty Easy Grip Party Cups 20ct $2.29
-.75/1 Hefty Easy Grip Party Cups, RP 5/17 (makes it .04¢ ea)

Dial Hand Soap $1.69 ea ($1.50 at our store)
-.55/1 Dial Soap printable (IE) or printable (FF) (makes it FREE) (printed 2 from each computer)

French’s Original French Fried Onions, 2.8oz, $2.35 ea
- 75/1 French’s Onion SS 5/10 (makes .10¢ ea)

Clabber Girl Baking Powder $1.99 ($1.69 at our store)
-.60/1 Clabber Girl printable (makes it .19¢ ea) (when I printed mine, it asked 2 questions and actually gave me $.65 off - so mine was FREE!)

Snyder’s Of Hanover Pretzels $2.50 ea
-.75/1 Snyder’s Flavored Pretzel Pieces, SS 5/17 (makes it .25¢ ea)

Dole Mandarin Oranges $1.29 ea (print 2 from each computer)
-.55/2 Dole Mandarin Oranges printable (makes it .46¢ ea)

Chips Ahoy Snak-Saks Cookies $2.19 ea ($2.39 each at our store)
-.55/1 any Nabisco Chips Ahoy 8 oz + SS 5/17 (makes it .74¢ ea)

Hefty Plates or Bowls, 30-50ct, $2.09 ea
-.50/1 Hefty Plates or Bowls, RP 5/17 (makes it .59¢ ea)

Swanson Premium Chunk White Chicken, $1.79 ea
-.75/2 Swanson Premium Chunk Chicken, SS 5/17 (buy 2, makes it .67¢ ea)

Deli Creations Sandwiches or Flatbreads $2.99 ea
-.75/1 Deli Creations printable (makes it .74¢ ea)

Snyder’s Multigrain 11.5 oz bag, $3 ea
-.75/1 Synders Multi-grain snack, any SS 4/05 (makes it .75¢ ea)

White House Applesauce 6ct, $1.77 ea
-.60/2 White House Applesauce SS 4/19 (buy 2, makes it .87¢ ea)

My Harris Teeter Triples List

2009-05-26T11:06:00.004-04:00

****UPDATE****
After spending much of last night searching for these coupons and finding few, I must amend my list. Stay tuned for a more accurate list with our local coupons tomorrow. Southern Savers is someone in the south but obviously not Charlotte. There are different coupon inserts is different areas and most of these were not in our inserts. I apologize if I sent you on a wild goose chase :)

Here is my list of proposed purchases starting tomorrow. I will have to make several trips as they will only triple 20 coupons per card per DAY! It used to be that you could make up to 4 transactions with 20 coupons each per day, but that seems to have changed.

Here are a couple more points to remember...
* most stores only allow one coupon for BOGO deals, so only purchase one item at half price per transaction and use one coupon.
* If you only HAVE one coupon, only buy ONE item. You DO NOT have to buy 2 with BOGO or 2 for $5, 3 for $10 deals, etc.

There are 35 FREEBIES as well as other GOOD deals all listed at Southern Savers blog. Hopefully, I can post my deals as I get them. I have to search thru all my coupons and see if I still have all these. I am going to be busy this week :)

Buy One Get One Deals
Glass Plus 32oz, at $2.79 ($1.39 ea)
-.50/1 off any Glass Plus SS 3/22, 6/14 (makes it FREE)

Spray n Wash 22oz at $3.29 ($1.65 ea)
-.50/1 off Spray n’ Wash SS 5/03 (makes it .15¢ ea)
-.75/1 off Spray n’ Wash with Resolve Power printable (makes it FREE)

Kraft Salad Dressing 16oz at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
-$1.50 off any Kraft Dressing SS 5/10 (makes it FREE)
-$1 off any Kraft Dressing printable

Thomas English Muffins 6ct at $2.99 ($1.49 ea)
-.50/1 Thomas Muffins SS 5/03 (makes it FREE)

Mitchum Deodorant, entire line at $3.39 ($1.69 ea)
-.75/1 Mitchum Deodorant SS 5/10 (makes it FREE)

Dannon Light & Fit or Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt at .75¢ (.37¢ ea)
-.60/6 Dannon Yogurt SS 5/03 (makes it .45¢ for 6)

Other Weekly Deals

Caprisun Drinks 10pk $1.99 ea
-.75/1 Caprisun Kraft Food & Family Summer 09 (makes it FREE)

Eggo Waffles $1.66 ea
-.75/1 Eggo Waffles RP 4/05 (exp 5/31) (makes it FREE)

Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage 12oz, $3 ea
-.55/1 Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage Links SS 4/05 (makes it $1.45 ea)

Dukes Squeeze Mayonnaise, 18oz, $2.50 ea
-.50/1 Dukes Mayonnaise SS 5/17 (makes it $1 ea)

Free Items with Tripling

Mahatma Rice 5 oz packet .89¢ ea
-.75/2 Mahatma Rice Mixes RP 3/01, 4/26

Mahatma Rice 1lb bag $1.39 ea
-.50/1 Mahatma or Water Maid Rice RP 3/01, 4/26

McCormick grill mates packet seasoning $1.29
-.50/1 Mccormick Grill Mates RP 5/03, 4/19

Wacky Mac $1.50
-.50/1 off Wacky Mac SS 5/10
-.75/1 off Wacky Mac Pasta printable

Pringles Potato Crisps Super Stack $1.50 ea
.50/1 Pringles Snack Stacks, Stix, Minis, or Select Product, PG 5/17

Hot Pockets Panini, $2 ea
-.75/1 Hot Pockets Panini, SS 4/26

Rhodes Rolls $2.19 ea
-.75/1 Rhodes Traditional Rolls, SS 3/22

Daisy Sour Cream $1.39 ea
-.50/1 or .60/1 Daisy Sour Cream SS 4/05 (exp 5/31)

New York Texas Toast Croutons $1.50 ea
-.55/1 New York Croutons SS 4/05

Grande Tortilla Chips $2 ea
-.75/1 Grande Chips SS 4/19

Trident Gum single packs, $1.50 or less
-.75/1 off any Trident Single pack SS 5/17

Smucker’s Toppings $2.19 to $2.69
-.75/1 off any Smucker’s Topping, RP 5/17 (this was not in our local coupons)
-.55/1 off any Smucker’s Toppings RP 5/17 (makes it $.54 to $1.04 each)

Kraft BBQ Sauce $1.79
-.75/1 Kraft BBQ SS 5/03

French’s Yellow Mustard $1.50
-.75/1 French’s Mustard SS 5/10
-.50/1 French’s Mustard SS 5/10

Suave Antiperspirant / Deodorant $1.77 ea
-.75/1 Suave Deodorant, RP 5/17
-.50/1 Suave Deodorant RP 5/17

Edge Advanced Shave Gel (trial size) $1.50 ea
-.75/1 Edge Gel SS 5/17

Skintimate shaving gel - trial size - $1.50 ea
-.75/1 Skintimate SS 4/26

Dawn $1 ea
-.50/1 Dawn $120 Savings Rebate booklet

Viva Paper Towels single roll $2.35 ea
-.85/1 Viva Towels Big Roll, (exp 5/31) SS 4/05

Other Good Deals

Hefty Easy Grip Party Cups 20ct $2.29
-.75/1 Hefty Easy Grip Party Cups, RP 5/17 (makes it .04¢ ea)

Dial Hand Soap $1.69 ea
-.55/1 Dial Soap printable (IE) or printable (FF) (makes it .04¢ ea)

French’s Original French Fried Onions, 2.8oz, $2.35 ea
- 75/1 French’s Onion SS 5/10 (makes .10¢ ea)

Clabber Girl Baking Powder $1.99
-.60/1 Clabber Girl printable (makes it .19¢ ea)

Snyder’s Of Hanover Pretzels $2.50 ea
-.75/1 Snyder’s Flavored Pretzel Pieces, SS 5/17 (makes it .25¢ ea)

Betty Crocker Frosting $1.99 ea
.55/1 Betty Crocker Frosting printable (makes it .34¢ ea)

Dole Mandarin Oranges $1.29 ea
-.55/2 Dole Mandarin Oranges printable (makes it .46¢ ea)

New York Frozen Breads $2.79 to $2.89 ea
-.75/1 New York Brand Frozen Bread SS 5/17 (makes it .54¢ ea)

Chips Ahoy Snak-Saks Cookies $2.19 ea
-.55/1 any Nabisco Chips Ahoy 8 oz + SS 5/17 (makes it .54¢ ea)

Hefty Plates or Bowls, 30-50ct, $2.09 ea
-.50/1 Hefty Plates or Bowls, RP 5/17 (makes it .59¢ ea)

SuperPretzel Baked Soft Pretzels $2.88 ea
-.75/1 any SuperPretzel RP 5/10 (makes it .63¢ ea)

Swanson Premium Chunk White Chicken, $1.79 ea
-.75/2 Swanson Premium Chunk Chicken, SS 5/17 (buy 2, makes it .67¢ ea)

Ziploc Steam Cooking Bags $2.99 ea
-.75/1 Ziploc Brand Zip ‘N Steam Bags printable (makes it .74¢ ea)

Deli Creations Sandwiches or Flatbreads $2.99 ea
-.75/1 Deli Creations printable (makes it .74¢ ea)

Yo Crunch Yogurt Multi Pak $3 ea
.75/1 off any Breyers YoCrunch Multi-Pack SS 5/17 (makes it .75¢ ea)

Snyder’s Multigrain 11.5 oz bag, $3 ea
-.75/1 Synders Multi-grain snack, any SS 4/05 (makes it .75¢ ea)

White House Applesauce 6ct, $1.77 ea
-.60/2 White House Applesauce SS 4/19 (buy 2, makes it .87¢ ea)

Sargento Sliced Cheese $2.99 ea
-.50/1 Sargento Deli Sliced Cheese SS 4/19 (makes it $1.40)

Menu Plan Monday - May 25

2009-05-25T12:05:00.003-04:00

Monday - Ashleigh's birthday celebration
Slow Cooker BBQ Pork
Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Strawberry Cake

Tuesday - Spinach and Chicken Sausage Pizza

Wednesday - Chicken Bowl

Thursday - Beef Tips

Friday - Fast Family Fajitas

Saturday - Neighborhood Block Party
Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

Sunday - Enjoy-Overs (my version of Left Overs)

HT Triples AGAIN!

2009-05-25T08:42:00.002-04:00

WOW, they are really stepping up the turn around time on triples these days. They must be using this as their edge on the market since Bi-Lo doesn't triple and Lowe's doesn't even double.
Anyway, this is your heads up. As soon as I get my list together, I will try to post it for you to use if it will help you. Triples start Wednesday, May 27 and run thru Tuesday, June 2. Get those coupons sorted! :)

Menu Plan Monday - May 18

2009-05-18T20:40:00.003-04:00

Monday - Beef Taquitos
Tuesday - Beef & Broccoli, Biscuits
Wednesday - Homemade Pork Spaghetti Sauce, Green Beans
Thursday - Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake, Peas
Friday - Manic Meatloaf and Baked Sweet Potato
Saturday - Apple Walnut Pork, Green Beans, Wild Rice
Sunday - Chinese Chicken Egg rolls and Fried Rice

FREE dinner planning software giveaway

2009-05-18T19:12:00.002-04:00

Menu Planning Monday coming before I go to sleep tonight. There, accountability!

With that in mind...

I just signed up to WIN this. You can check it out at $5 Dinners HERE. If I win this, I hope it will help me keep up with my meal planning. I have enjoyed using Springpad, but this sounds EVEN better. I am also looking forward to the FREEZER cooking ideas.

Receive up to THREE entries and let me know if YOU win!

Dove Freebie

2009-05-08T10:08:00.005-04:00

I just received a FREE sample of the newest Dove product. Their newest deodorant called "Visibly Smooth" contains Pro-Epil complex and natural extracts and moisturizers that actually softens underarm stubble and overtime, helps underarm hair look and feel less noticeable. I guess Dove randomly chose blogs that focus on samples and savings to send out the sample to. You can see more info about this product here as well as print off a $2 coupon. They also sent me a handful of $2 coupons to give away. So let me know if you are interested. This new deo will be on shelves sometime during May.

New Freebies Tool Bar

2009-04-18T21:10:00.003-04:00

I have added a new tool bar on the left that you should check out. These items are completely free and you only have to take about 2 minutes to input your name and address to get all these samples. I have been doing this since February and I have a new freebie or coupon in my mail 4-5 times a week. It is so much fun to get my mail now because I have new free things to try. I don't sign up for EVERYTHING. Not everything appeals to me. I often use the rating to decide if it is worth is. And, of course, they are only samples, not enough instant oatmeal to feed your whole family. But, hey, free is FREE! I have gotten lots of shampoo samples (perfect size for traveling), tea and coffee samples, Ziploc bags, formula, make-up, lotion, etc. I even got a 15 day supply of Vitamin B. I have received coupons for free Pepsi, juice, and lip gloss. Anyway, check it out if you want some free stuff and just remember that I am not condoning ALL these items 100%, but this is exactly the same list that I use and I have had no problems :)

***UPDATE***
This does not seem to be the EXACT same list as I use. It has the same format, but different freebies listed. So if you want another option, you can visit shop4freebies and put in your "junk" email address and receive a new freebies list everyday.

I also have an excel spreadsheet that I use to keep track of the samples and coupons I order and when I get them. Since I can't post that on here, if you are interested, I can email it to you. Just let me know :)

Menu Plan Monday - April 13

2009-04-13T21:12:00.004-04:00

It has been 3 weeks since I posted this and let me tell you, I HAVE BEEN LOST!!! I have hated the feeling of having to think about what is for dinner EVERY day. I had a lot going on the last three Monday's and I didn't get around to posting. Actually, I have been using "SpringPad" as a place to keep my menus. It is so helpful. You have to start a collection of recipes but they keep a list at the right of every recipe you type in so you just have to drag and drop them into the calendar on the left. You can even input recipes from anywhere on the internet using the website address and it will find the ingredients and input it for you. I have found this so helpful as I can actually plan quite a bit ahead. When I see a recipe I want to try or know I want to use up some ingredients I have on hand in a recipe, I just type it in for some day in the near future. I have had meals planned for 2 weeks before. And if your plans change, you just drag and drop into another day. It is completely free and has MANY other features like greeting card lists and reminders, and such. I only use the menu plan for now.

So anyway, here is my menu this week...

Monday - Enjoy-overs (my version of left overs)
Tuesday - Whole Wheat Pizza (from our favorite bread recipe)
Wednesday - Soft Tacos
Thursday - Chinese Egg rolls and Brocolli Slaw
Friday - Chicken Tetrazzini
Saturday - Black Beans and Rice
Sunday - Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

Bi-Lo Buys

2009-04-13T21:01:00.004-04:00

Well, I must say, I usually think of Harris Teeter as my all time favorite store for good deals. But this week, Bi-Lo was really good to me...

4 bottles Kraft dressing
3 bags (5 lb. each) sugar
6 boxes brownie mix
4 boxes UB rice
6 bags croutons
7 bottles vitamin water 10
4 cnt. sour cream
5 Breyers ice cream (ok, I went a little crazy with the ice cream, but EVERY flavor was on sale for $1.88 it was too hard to choose. AND I had a coupon for $.75 off 1 so one of them was only $.38!!!) Oh, how I wish I had MORE of THOSE coupons!!!

Total Retail: $105.19

Total paid: $17.71

HT TRIPLES again!!!

2009-03-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

I had intended to get this out before now, so you would all have more days to go shopping but I have been too busy shopping ;)
Harris Teeter has revamped their coupon policy AND they are STICKING to it. You now can ONLY USE 20 COUPONS PER CARD PER DAY! This used to be 20 per transaction and I had done up to four on one card in one day. But it is FOR REAL 20 per day now!!! I know this because I went there yesterday with a cart full and four transactions in my mind and I had to leave half my stuff in the cart to come back this morning and purchase. It is not such a big deal that they are actually implementing this policy, but that I was unaware of it and caught off guard. I will just have to adjust how I work my plan and I will have to shop on multiple days now to get all the same deals as before. Thankfully, HT is 2 minutes from my house :)

Also, you can use any left over diaper coupons this week and get $5 back when you spend $25 on ANY brand of Diapers at HT.

Here are this week's deals: I wish I had taken pictures, but I forgot about it until I had put everything away and started this post :( It would have looked cool to see the huge pile of items I got. The list just doesn't do it justice :)

Last night:
5 cans Frosting
3 packs Bar Soap (3 bars per pack)
1 Jet Dry Rinse
3 Wet Ones
1 Snyder's Pretzel Sandwiches
4 Crescent Rolls
6 Grand's Biscuits
2 Pillsbury Creations
18 bags Sargento Cheese (Yes, all this is in our freezer. A great deal for cheese)
4 Dole Jello snack packs (4 per pack)
4 cans Mandarin Oranges (15 oz.)
6 cans Green Chiles
3 packs Guacamole
1 box Frozen Waffles
Total retail: $163.27
Total Paid: $45.87

This morning:
4 Betty Crocker Warm Delight bowls
2 Mahatma Rice packs
8 Hormel Compleat meals
1 Jet Dry Rinse
2 bags Yolk Free Pasta
11 cans Beans (black, northern, pinto, garbonzo)
5 containers Wet Ones
2 bags frozen Meatballs (35 oz. each)
1 pack Bar Soap (3 bars per pack)
3 French's Mustard
2 bags Snyder's Pretzel Sandwiches
2 boxes Pantyliners
1 pkg Guacamole
1 pint Grape Tomatoes
2 Blistex Lip Balm
Total Retail: $119.64
Total Paid: $45.87

Bi-Lo Trip

2009-03-23T14:39:00.001-04:00

I had some rain checks to use at Bi-Lo this week and there were a few great deals:

Total Retail: $125.29
Total Paid: $22.09

8 boxes Chinese Family size Meals
8 bottles Dressings
6 boxes Beechnut Cookies
8 boxes Mac-n-Cheese
5 Dial Hand Soaps
12 bags frozen veggies
1 lb. strawberries
2 gallons milk
3 French bread Loaves

Last Day for 17 e-books for $17

2009-03-23T04:56:00.001-04:00

Last day for 17 e-books for $17 if you are interested...
go to this post for more info.

Swag Bucks - earn FREE stuff

2009-03-18T14:03:00.000-04:00

I have started using a new search engine recently after being referred by another blog. If you sign up to use "SwagBucks" as your search engine, you can earn "bucks" to redeem for free stuff. I currently have 20 "SwagBucks" and I am saving up for something BIG like Wii fit or the like.

Here are some samples of items you can receive...
$5 Amazon.com gift card - 45 SB
$10 Starbucks gift card - 130 SB
$20 Target gift card - 220 SB
They also have many electronics and books in addition to many more gift cards. Check it out.

Go here to register FREE and start earning YOUR own rewards.

I don't usually refer my friends to anything that I don't feel is legit. As I have been using this myself for a couple weeks, I feel it is worth mentioning. I will let you know when I redeem my bucks for something BIG :)

Recipe Rave - Creamy Fajita Pasta

2009-03-17T11:33:00.007-04:00

Here is my attempt at making up my own recipe using the sauce from my Fajita's on Saturday. I have only done this like 5 times in my marriage and maybe 2 times was it a success. The sauce was so tasty, I hated to waste it.

You can use any meat, but I already had sausage in the freezer from several weeks ago, so that is what we used.

16 oz. Mild Sausage ($.39)
Fajita sauce (FREE)
12 0z. Rotini pasta ($.04) yep check it out
1 cup Mexican Cheese ($.39)
3/4 lb. fresh asparagus ($1.35)

Brown sausage or used previously cooked leftover meat. Cook pasta. Add Fajita sauce to meat, heat through. Mix meat and sauce with pasta Sprinkle cheese on top. Or you can bake at 350 degrees to melt cheese. Saute asparagus in EVOO. Serves 6.

Total cost $2.17

Verdict: This was great. Very tasty. The kids said, "THIS is a meal I DEFINITELY want to have again." I think the sausage gave it a nice flavor kick. The only thing was it wasn't very "creamy" maybe I need to change the name :)

Huge discount on 17 $$$ saving e-books

2009-03-17T08:02:00.006-04:00

I just had to take a moment to let you know about a great offer from our friends at LivingOnADime.com and MoneySavingMom.com. Many of you are familiar with Crystal, Tawra and Jill's money saving, get-out-of-debt, frugal living and homemaking tips. Pretty much everything I post and use for my own personal savings comes from one of these ladies.

Well, they have just contacted me to let me know that with the rise in the price of groceries, they have decided to team up to offer you their two grocery savings e-courses along with a huge pile of bonus items. Even better, they are allowing me as a loyal follower of their blogs to offer this Savin' O The Green 17 e-book package to my readers for $17, a substantial discount off of the regular price of $75 for these e-books.

I have not actually read any of these books but I have read many other things from both of these ladies and they have been very helpful. I am so excited to be able to get all of these in a package for only $1 each.

The e-books that are included in this offer are:

Supermarket Savings 101 eCourse with audio downloads

Grocery Shopping On A Budget eCourse

Money Saving Meats e-book

Saving On Cleaning Supplies e-book

Eating Healthy On A Budget e-booklet

Is Eating Out Eating You Up? e-book

224 Meals In A Hurry e-book

Grocery Savings e-book

Menus That Make Cents e-book

Plan Ahead Leftovers e-book

Quick Dinners e-book

Menu Planning Made Easy

Simply Centsible Breakfasts

Simply Centsible Suppers

Kids Recipes

Menus On A Dime

470 Crockpot Recipes

For more information on this exciting offer, visit here.

This offer is only good FOR SIX DAYS!

Menu Plan Monday - March 16

2009-03-16T14:26:00.006-04:00

We are having our normal breakfast and lunch items from week 3.

Dinners:
Monday - Pork Roast with Mashed Red Potatoes
(I didn't get to this one last week mainly because I forgot to thaw out the pork the day before, then I wanted to keep my other plans for the rest of the week of meals. I have this in my Crockpot now and it smells divine...)
Tuesday - Creamy Fajita Pasta (I am making this one up as I go to use the left over juices from my Saturday Fajitas)
Wednesday - Twice Baked Potatoes with Chicken
Thursday - Dinner with our Care Group, Pizza for the kids
Friday - Pork and Beans to use the left over pork from Monday
Saturday - Enjoy-overs (We are going to the ZOO today :)
Sunday - Manic Meatloaf

Total items on my grocery list from this plan ZERO!!! Yes, I am using all ingredients I have on hand in my stock pile! YEA!

Do you do a menu plan each week? Do you want to learn how? Let me know what you do for your family.

Recipe Rave - Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

2009-03-15T14:16:00.004-04:00

I made these last night for another couple we had over for dinner. It was SO easy and very tasty. I think this is a great meal to make for another family, or to have when there is a crowd at your house. You can stretch it pretty far. We only used 4 chicken breasts and fed 4 adults and 5 children. Sorry, I didn't think to take a picture. Maybe I will add one when we have this again.

Chicken Soft Tacos (from my Meal plan Monday last week)
serves 6-8

4 Chicken Breasts
3 bell peppers of different colors
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
1 pkg. taco seasoning
Flour or corn tortillas and/or Brown rice

Optional:
cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, salsa, sour cream

Put first four ingredients in Crockpot. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Shred chicken with forks.

Serve on or with brown rice (for filler) OR on tortillas with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, salsa, etc.

Menu Plan Monday - March 8

2009-03-09T15:26:00.005-04:00

I forgot to post last week, but I still had my plan for the week. I love having this accountability. It has saved a lot of stress and panic when 5:00 comes around and I already have a plan...

Monday - Turkey Black-Bean Soft Tacos (another recipe from Clean Eating)
Tuesday - Spaghetti
Wednesday - Pork Roast with mashed red potatoes
Thursday - Enjoy-overs :)
Friday - Chicken Soft Tacos
Saturday - Manic Meatloaf
Sunday - Enjoy-overs :)

$5 dinners has lots of frugal dinner ideas, and you can view TONS of weekly menus at Menu Planning Monday on orgjunkie's blog.

Walgreens Diaper STEAL!

2009-03-07T19:56:00.004-05:00

*****UPDATE*****
These coupons have reset. I just printed them twice again. So even if you printed them last week you can print them twice per computer again!

As promised, here is the diaper deal at Walgreens with a couple possible options! Made available from Stretching a Buck.

Buy $25 in Participating Kimberly Clark Products, Get $10 in Register Rewards

* Huggies Diapers or Training Pants, Jumbo pack - $10/ea

* Huggies Baby Wipes (184-232 pk) - $6/ea

Deal Ideas:

Option #1:
- Buy 3 packs of Huggies Gentle Care Diapers (these come in newborn-Size 2)
- Use 3-$5/1 Huggies Gentle Care Diapers at Coupons.com
- Pay $15.00 out of pocket, get $10 in Register Rewards for your next visit
- Complete a rebate form at The Caregivers Marketplace and get $0.75 back per pack of diapers (read more about this program here)

It's like getting 3 packs of diapers for $2.75 after RR's and Rebate

Option #2:
- Buy 2 packs of Huggies Gentle Care Diapers (these come in newborn-Size 2)
- Buy 1 pack Huggies Baby Wipes
- Use 2 - $5/1 Huggies Gentle Care Diapers at Coupons.com
- Use $0.50/1 Huggies Wipes in 3/1 Smart Source insert
- Pay $15.50 out of pocket, get $10 in Register Rewards for your next visit
- Complete a rebate form at The Caregivers Marketplace and get $0.75 back per pack of diapers (read more about this program here)

It's like getting 2 packs of diapers and a pack of wipes for $4.00 after RR's and Rebate

Option #3:
- Buy 2 packs of Huggies Natural Fit Diapers (these come in Sizes 3-6)
- Buy 1 Pack of Huggies Baby Wipes
- Use 2-$3/1 Huggies Natural Fit Diapers at Coupons.com
- Use $0.50/1 Huggies Wipes in 3/1 Smart Source insert
- Pay $19.50 out of pocket, get $10 in Register Rewards for your next visit
- Complete a rebate form at The Caregivers Marketplace and get $0.75 back per pack of diapers (read more about this program here)

It's like getting 2 packs of diapers and one pack of wipes for $8.00 after RR's and Rebate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For a complete run down of this week's deals at Walgreens, read more here and here.

I WON!!!

2009-03-02T16:45:00.004-05:00

LOOK WHAT JUST SHOWED UP ON MY DOORSTEP!!!

I am SO excited that I won something. AND it was such a cool something.
I register all the time for giveaways at my favorite blogs and I actually won one. I signed up here for the giveaway. Then I saw the 3 winners out of over 200 entrants listed here. Now, I didn't get too excited seeing my name at first, because I am aware there may be more than one "Jessica of Charlotte" :) There was no way to be sure if it was me because they use a random drawing generator that doesn't not tell the entrant what their code is. So I waited... to see if it would show up. AND IT DID!

I received a fruit basket with a banana tree (minus the fruit-I already had that, doesn't it look PURDY), a coupon for a FREE box of Banana Nut Cheerios, two cereal bowls, and a bread loaf pan!

Thanks FishMama for the giveaway and the super fun goodies!

I am so excited!!!

Diapers AGAIN!

2009-02-28T13:10:00.005-05:00

Well, I think it is official. I am getting out of diapers at my house. I think I have purchased my LAST pack. Hallelujah! BUT I know there are some of you still in this stage and I have a deal for YOU!

There are two coupons for Huggies at coupons.com
1. $5 off 1 Huggies Gentle Care
2. $3 off 1 Huggies Natural Fit

These are the highest value coupons I have seen for Huggies.

I was able to print two of each. You can use them now and get a good deal OR You can hold them until the week of 3/8. There will be a Register rewards promotion at Walgreens: buy $25 in Huggies products and get $10 in Register Rewards back. The jumbo packs will be on sale for $10 each. With three of these coupons you can get three jumbo packs for $5 after coupons and register rewards!!

I promise to list this deal when it comes out. I personally do not do Register Rewards right now because I had one for $10 that expired and cannot be used. They are only good for 2 weeks. So if you use them right away on something else you need, it would be worth it.

PRINT THE COUPONS NOW!!! Even if you want to use them later. They can only be printed a limited number of times before they disappear.

New Coupon/Savings Class Coming Soon

2009-02-27T21:40:00.002-05:00

I am planning to have a coupon savings class in my home sometime in March. I haven't decided on a date yet and need to do some more planning before I can give any details. But the main idea is to share all I have learned with others who are interested in "Stewarding God's Gifts". I am NO expert, and still learn new things every time I shop. But I have been literally "bombarded" with questions, phone calls, and e-mails from friends and neighbors wanting to know more about how I do what I do and how they can do it too. So PLEASE let me know if you are interested in attending this (assuming you have no prior commitments once the date is set). AND please pass the word along to anyone you know who may be interested. I want to serve as many people as I can with this class.

Breakfast and Lunch menu

2009-02-27T12:49:00.002-05:00

Here is the 4 week plan I have for Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks. It is actually a 2-week plan because I just basically do weeks 1 and 2 over for 3 and 4. We have almost the same breakfast every week, but lunch changes a bit. Also, my kids are ONLY allowed a snack IF they eat their lunch. I actually have this in a nice Excel spreadsheet but could not figure out how to post that :) So hopefully this is not too confusing...

Weeks 1 and 3

Sunday
B-bagels/cereal bars
L-toasted ham & cheese or pbj
S-applesauce

Monday
B-cereal
L-mini muffin pizzas/cooked carrots
S-granola bar

Tuesday
B-pancakes/waffles
L-pbj/h and apples
S-yogurt raisins

Wednesday
B-Eggs
L-ham,cheese,veggie pasta
S-dried fruit

Thursday
B-cereal
L-Noah's ark (banana boats, yogurt, animal crackers)
S-string cheese

Friday
B-baked oatmeal
L-grilled cheese/quesadillas
S-trail mix

Saturday
B-pancakes/waffles
L-sandwich choice, chips/pretzels
S-free choice

Weeks 2 and 4

Sunday
B-bagels/cereal bars
L-bologna and cheese/pretzel sticks
S-grapes or raisins

Monday
B-cereal
L-ham/cheese wraps and oranges
S-yogurt

Tuesday
B-pancakes/waffles
L-pigs-in-blankets and carrots w/dip
S-crackers and cheese

Wednesday
B-grits
L-super stuffed spuds
S-pudding

Thursday
B-cereal
L-monkey sandwiches and yogurt/peach "eggs"
S-veggies w/dip

Friday
B-oatmeal
L-grilled cheese/quesadillas
S-trail mix

Saturday
B-pancakes
L-sandwich choice, chips/pretzels
S-free choice

FREE Quizno's Subs

2009-02-23T17:32:00.002-05:00

Go here and register for a FREE sub from Quiznos. They are giving away 1,000,000 free subs coupons. They were at 119,987 when I signed up. HURRY!

Thanks - moneysavingmom.com

Target: Pop-tarts for $0.40/box, Special K for $0.54/box

2009-02-23T17:09:00.001-05:00

See all the details HERE!

Menu Plan Monday - February 23

2009-02-23T13:29:00.000-05:00

My meal plan this week includes at least one day of leftovers because I have been cooking more days than usual with my menu planning :) I am planning, however, to try to "spice" up the leftovers we have in the fridge.

Monday - Enjoy-overs (my version of leftovers :)
Tuesday - Creamy Italian Chicken
Wednesday - Cowboy Beans and Rice
Thursday - Chicken Dijon with Spinach
Friday - Stromboli
Saturday - Enjoy-overs
Sunday - Chicken Soft Tacos

I will try to post the recipes as I make them.

If you are wondering why I only list dinners on my menu plan, it is because I already have a standard 4 week plan for breakfast and lunch. I will post that plan later this week.

Harris Teeter this week

2009-02-23T10:30:00.001-05:00

Well, I spent more this week at HT than I usually do. I had to stock up on chicken breasts and juice. So that was the bulk of my cost. But I did get some great deals...

6 bags frozen chicken breasts
9 bottles Old Orchard juice
9 bottles Ocean Spray juice
5 cans Progresso bread crumbs
3 boxes 100 calorie snack packs
3 boxes Celestial tea
5 boxes Fiber One bars
10 cans veggies
1 pack Dentyne Ice gum
3 boxes whole wheat pasta
1 can Rotel tomatoes
3 tubs flavored cream cheese
6 packs Ball Park bun length hot dogs

Total retail: $217.75
I paid: $62.95
I saved: $154.80

How did you do?

Recipe Rave - Spinach and Chicken Sausage Pizza

2009-02-22T15:39:00.004-05:00

Here it is...
My first "recipe rave" post. I had this on my Menu Plan Monday pos t for Saturday. I actually didn't eat this on Saturday as I went our for a neighborhood committee dinner with others in this group. But I had it today and it was GREAT. I was a little skeptical at first because even though it looked good in the magazine, it didn't have the normal "tomato sauce" base and I wasn't sure how it would taste. But I loved it. Not only is it great tasting, it is healthy and easy to make as well. So if you want something a little different for dinner this week, try this:

As I mentioned in my menu post, this came from a new magazine I bought called Clean Eating. I have a couple other recipes from here on my menu plans for upcoming weeks, so stay tuned to hear how those turn out as well.

I even added my cost for this meal, so you can see how my grocery savings help my meals to be frugal. You can also visit $5 dinners from my left sidebar for other frugal menus. I LOVE this site.

9 oz. spinach leaves ($1.99)
2 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (Free)
1 whole wheat pizza crust (I made my own- see below) ($.61)
(used half recipe for regular pizza for the kids - in case they didn't like this one :)
2 1/2 fully cooked, all-natural, deli chicken sausages, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces (I used Trader Joe's Green Pepper and Onion Chicken Sausage - they have tons of flavors that would be great) ($1.99)
3 oz. mozzerella cheese (about 3/4 cup) ($.62)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Coat a skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium low. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place 1 can tomatoes in a fine mesh strainer and press out as much liquid as possible. Spread all tomatoes onto pizza crust. Top with spinach, sausage and mozzerella. Bake 10 minutes, or until sausage is lightly browned and cheese is melted. Rest pizza on a cutting board for 5 minutes, slice into 6 equal pieces and serve.

1/6 pizza: Calories:230, Total fat: 8g, Sat Fat: 4g, Carbs: 25g

Total cost: $5.21

Here is my favorite bread dough recipe. We use this dough for EVERYTHING, from pizza and stromboli to dinner rolls and slicing bread. It is healthier with half wheat but still a bit sweet with the honey. You can use all wheat if you wish, but it is more dense.

Honey Wheat Bread

1 3/4 cups boiling water (I just use hot tap water)
1/3 cup brown sugar ($.05)
3 Tbls. honey ($.36)
2 Tbls. butter ($.05)
1 tsp salt ($.01)
3/4 cup oats (Free)
2 cups whole wheat($.45)
2 cups unbleached (bread flour) ($.30)
2 ¼ tsp. yeast (Free)

Combine all ingredients in order listed in a bread machine. I always run the dough cycle on this and take it out to use however I want. I don't like the way my bread machine bakes.
This will make 2 loaves or 2 pizza crusts.

Or you can cook on long cycle in 2 lb bread maker with delay start of about 20 minutes so boiling water doesn’t kill the yeast. I have not done this. I don't like the way my bread machine bakes. This also makes so much dough that it raises my machine lid, so I am not sure what would happen if you baked in the machine. You may want to cut it in half.

Total cost: $1.22

coupon gathering and organizing

2009-02-17T10:06:00.003-05:00

** My first order of business on this post is to let you know I will be using "Q" for the word "coupon". It is easier to type :)

Several people have asked where I get my Qs as I use many duplicate Qs to get the best deals.

First of all, I subscribe to the Sunday paper. This is where I get 98% of the Qs I use. I also get additional copies of inserts from neighbors and friends. Ask around. There are so many people who don't even look at their inserts. There are some people I know who buy multiple papers from the store each week to have extra Qs. That is another option. But to me, FREE is better :)

I also use several websites to get online Qs. Each store has their own policy about accepting internet Qs. You also have to evaluate the cost of paper and ink for printing these Qs. I usually only print a Q when I KNOW I am going to use it and already have a plan. I don't even file it anywhere. I paper clip it directly to my shopping list.
My two main internet Q sites are smartsource.com and coupons.com. But you can also subscribe to sites like Kraft and Nestle and they will send you e-mails with links to their Qs. Also the drug stores usually have store Qs online when you sign up on their sites.

How do you organize ALL these Qs you now have?

There are really two ways you can organize your Qs (ok, maybe more than that, but only two I really know about :) Sort into categories or sort into dates.

One way is to cut out all the Qs you may use. I would suggest that you cut out any Q that you would even consider using if the item were FREE or almost FREE. Because you never know how low a sale price may go during the course of the Q. I started with this method when I was only getting one set of Qs. I know some other moms who still use this method. I had a 3-ring binder that I recycled to use for Qs. I bought some plastic "trading card" holders (found near the checkout lines with the trading cards) for only about $5. I then used card stock that I already had on hand to use as dividers. It seemed more economical to me to use those than to buy tabbed pages. I could also add more as needed and not have to buy more pages. I bought a pack of adhesive tabs to put on the card stock. I actually never got as far as putting tabs on before I switched to the next method. I would also suggest using post-it notes for your categories until you have them exactly the way you want them. It is easier than switching tabs around every time you switch categories. As I added more pages in each category I also added notebook paper for sub-categories and so I couldn't see the Qs on the pages below.As you can see, I still have post-its for my categories.

I think this method works great for small amounts of Qs because you can see them all at once instead of having to flip through an index file or envelope. I know some people love that method and it is certainly GREAT to use what ever works for YOU!!!

But what if you collect TONS of inserts, like me? I have an alternate method that I use that works for ME.
I have this hanging file box that I put all my inserts in. Can you see how fat 1/4 is?You can just take all the inserts from one Sunday and put them in a folder with the date on them. Then you can easily find the Q that is in the SmartSource insert from 1/25. However, because I usually cut 6-8 Qs of an item, I go one step further to make things simpler for me when I am clipping Qs for my shopping trip.

I take all my inserts and open them up on my DR table. I sort (collate) them out into like pages, then staple each stack of same pages together.
(be sure to staple in a spot that doesn't have a Q) Then I put them back in a pile in the insert cover and into the dated folder. Now when I need a Q, I find it and can clip as many as I need all together. I love this method.

I hope this makes sense. I just do it, it is hard to write out without sounding confusing.

Some people have asked if I need a Q and they are all in files, how do I find them?

Simple... There is this AWESOME site called couponmom.com (I mentioned this in the previous post as well) You can type in any part of the name of a brand or item and it will list all the current locations of that Q. You do have to register to use this site, but it is FREE.

Finding Coupons

2009-02-17T09:55:00.002-05:00

Gisele had the unfortunate experience of purchasing a newspaper with the intent to start using coupons only to discover this was one of only 2-3 weeks in the year that there were NO inserts. UUUGGHH!

So here are a couple tips...

Gisele actually found this site on her own for all the Coupon inserts here. Here you can see which sections will be in which paper even before you purchase one.

You can also go here to find all the sale papers for all the stores in your area here. They even have store flyers for Aldi. AND it is not just grocery, drug stores (Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid) and discount stores (Wal-Mart, Target), even department stores (Sears, Penny's and Dillard's), Old Navy and Kohls. There is nothing special about this site except that you can find all the sale papers you need to browse all in one place AND you don't have to wait for the Sunday paper inserts. The individual flyers are updated at different times depending on when the store lists them.

The Grocery Game which I have referred to on my private blog also lists all the coupon inserts for that week including a random few coupons in "Parade Magazine" every couple of weeks. This list is updated on Sunday only and you have to pay for a subscription. I will talk more about this in an upcoming post.

I have also mentioned before that there are MANY different blogs and websites that "match-up" coupons with sale items. I get at least 5 new messages a day from these sites. Different people will comment or write in with even MORE deal match-ups. The key is to know the CODE.

Coupon codes:
Most times they are written like this - (1/25 S) or (RP 12/14)
This just means you will find the coupon in the insert from Sunday's paper that came out on the date mentioned. So January 25th and December 14th for my examples.
The letters in the code are for WHICH insert the coupon is in. There are THREE MAIN inserts that appear in a Sunday paper on any given week. They are "Smart Source" (coded with "S" or sometimes "SS"), "Red Plum" (coded "RP" or sometimes "V" for Valassis which is another name for it), and "P&G" for "Procter and Gamble" (this is coded "PG") and only comes out once a month usually at the beginning.

Sometimes there are multiples of either SS or RP. January 4th had the most inserts I have seen since starting coupons last March. There were three SS and two RP. Now, I don't mean I got 2-3 copies of each of these in my paper. There were two and three different sets of each. This is where it gets confusing. Some places will say (1/4 SS) and some will say (1/4 SS1) in which you would search insert #1. However, I can find NOWHERE on the insert that actually has a number 1 or 2. So you just have to search both.

Why is this important?

See my post on organizing coupons for the answer :)

One other site I use almost daily is couponmom.com. You can use the "coupon database" to look up ANY coupon from ANY insert that has not expired. Because I use the filing system, I use this site all the time to find a certain coupon that I don't know where to find.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK ME ANY questions you may have. Just post it in the comments. I read every comment and I will try to answer your questions to the best of my limited knowledge :)

Menu Plan Monday - February 16

2009-02-16T17:06:00.004-05:00

My meal plan for this week...

Monday - Mushroom Burgers
Tuesday - Chicken Milano
Wednesday - BBQ Smokeys
Thursday - Manic Meatloaf
Friday - Taco Salad (Tyler's favorite birthday meal)
Saturday - Spinach and Chicken SausagePizza (from a new cooking mag I am trying - more reviews to come :)
Sunday - Mexican Rice Casserole (to take to the Seaver's)

Don't forget to check out $5 dinners on the left for great $$$ saving meals!

$25 Wal-Mart gift card giveaway

2009-02-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Visit $5 dinners here for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Wal-Mart. I love these giveaways. I will love it even more if I ever actually win one :)

DIAPERS anyone? Rite-Aid has 'em

2009-02-15T13:45:00.003-05:00

Rite Aid Jumbo Pack Diapers 2 for $15
Get a $3 SCR (single check rebate) when you buy two
Use 2 of the $1 Rite Aid Diaper coupons
Pay $5 each after coupons and SCR

Baby Food deals

2009-02-15T13:24:00.003-05:00

If any of you out there need baby food, Harris Teeter has a deal this week.

Beech-nut Stage Two - 4 oz.
Buy 10/$4
Use $1/10 coupon (1/4 SS)
Get 10 jars for $3 or ($.30 each)

also

Beech-nut Stage Three - 6 oz.
Buy 5 at 4/$3
Use $1/5 coupon (1/4 SS)
Get 5 jars for $2.75 or ($.55 each)

ENDS 2/17

Free Chicken Biscuit at Chick-Fil-A **ALL MONTH

2009-02-11T20:19:00.003-05:00

I just found out today that the Chick-Fil-A in the University area, near Wal-Mart is offering free chicken biscuits to any person who brings in ONE cereal BOX TOP for education. This is going on all month from Feb 2-28. It is only good during breakfast and only at this location. But hey, it might be worth the drive, who doesn't LOVE Chick-Fil-A biscuits? :)

Also, it is one per person, per box top.

This is legit because I picked up the flyer IN the CFA at University AND asked a manager about it.

ENJOY!

Menu Plan Monday - February 9

2009-02-09T15:00:00.002-05:00

Here is my plan for this week...
Monday - Homemade pizza
Tuesday - BBQ smokeys with rice and veggies
Wednesday - Homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs and salad (I tried to find the link where I got this recipe, but can't find it-so I will post it here on Wednesday)
Thursday - Chicken Pot Pie
Friday - Classic Quesadillas
Saturday - (Valentine's Day) - Family fun FONDUE
Sunday - My SWEET hubby is making his special traditional Valentine's Day dinner for ME!

If you would like some menu plan inspiration, be sure to check out tons of menu plans at I'm an Organizing Junkie! And if you haven't already, be sure to check out $5 Dinners for lots of budget friendly recipes and ideas. Click on either of these links to the left.

How'd you REALLY do?

2009-02-07T14:55:00.005-05:00

Ok, so all those deals look great on paper, but how do you really do at the store? Well, some of the items I wanted were out of stock so I didn't get everything. They do restock on Saturdays so I plan to try for the rest of the deals on Sunday evening.

I did three transactions because you can only triple up to 20 coupons per card per transaction. They say it is per day, but I used the same card for all three transactions and had no problem with all my Qs tripling. I also split up some of my like items so I wouldn't use too many identical coupons per order. They sometimes balk at that. Their official policy is 3 identical coupons double or triple per transaction. All others are face value. I haven't had any problems, but that IS their policy.

Transaction #1:
5 Smithfield bacon
2 Colgate kids toothpaste
2 Hungry Jack pancake mix
5 Mueller's whole wheat pasta
2 Honey Nut cheerios cereal
4 Powerade Zero
Retail: $74.14
Paid: $8.54
Saved: $65.60

Transaction 2:
6 Hunt's tomato sauce
6 Hunt's diced tomatoes
6 Hunt's tomato paste
5 Polaner All Fruit spread
3 Hillshire Farms Deli Slice meat
2 Colgate kids toothpaste
1 Softsoap handsoap
Retail: $65.38
Paid: $13.81
Saved:51.57

Transaction 3:
6 Hunt's tomato sauce
3 Quaker quick Oats (Raincheck)
7 Smucker's grape jelly (Raincheck)
2 Polaner All Fruit spread
2 Hillshire Farms Deli Slice meat
Retail: $34.85
Paid: $5.33
Saved: $29.52

Also, you can't see it in the picture, but there is a "Try Me FREE" sticker on the front of the deli meat package. An unexpected bonus. I will send in my receipt and the UPC from this package and get reimbursed my purchase price (which doesn't include coupons :) All the pkgs had this sticker, but you can only do this once per household.

So I paid $27.68 for $174.37 worth of groceries.

I LOVE triples!!!

Harris Teeter Triples

2009-02-06T12:28:00.004-05:00

Hey all you savvy shoppers. Harris Teeter is tripling coupons from yesterday through Sunday. I scoured all the blogs and websites that I frequently use and came up with a shopping list for myself. Here are the deals I am going to try to snag tonight...

(BTW - SS means Smartsource insert; RP means Red Plum)

Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced lunch meat 8-9 oz - $3.50
-.55/1 (1/04 RP1) = $1.85 each

Hungry Jack Pancake mix 28-32 oz - $1.97
-.55/1 (1/11 RP) = $.30 each

Hunts Tomato Sauce 8 oz - $.33
-.40/2 (1/18 SS) = FREE

Hunts Spaghetti Sauce 26 oz - $1.25
-.40/2 (1/18 S) = $.65 each

Hunts tomatoes 14.5 oz - $1.25
-.40/2 (1/18 SS) = $.65 each

Colgate Toothpaste 6.4 oz - $1.75
-.75/1 (2/1 SS) = FREE

Smithfield bacon 12-16 oz - $2.49
-.55/1 (1/18 SS) = $.84 each

Powerade Zero 32 oz - $1.11
-.40/1 (1/4 SS) = FREE

French's Yellow mustard 8 oz squeeze or 9 oz jar- $1.50
-.50/1 (1/18 SS) = FREE

Muellers Whole Grain Pasta $1.69
-.55/1 (1/4 SS) = $.04 each

Wholly Guacamole 7 oz - $1.99
-.50/1 (1/18 SS) = $.49

Polaner All Fruit spread - $2.19
-.50/1 (1/25 SS) = $.69

Softsoap - $.94
-.35/1 (2/1 SS) = FREE

The following use internet coupons, you have to be sure your HT will accept them.

HoneyNut Cheerios - $2.50
-.55/1 (here) = .85 each

Chocolate Chex - $1.94
-.75/1 (here) = FREE

Wacky Mac veggie spirals 12 oz - $1.39
-.50/1 (here) = $.09 each

Also don't forget to use any old rain checks with .99 or less coupons!

Let me know how you do :)

Menu Plan Monday - February 2

2009-02-02T16:59:00.003-05:00

Here is my menu for the week...

Monday - Mexican Rice Casserole
Tuesday - Pizza (date night is always simple)
Wednesday - Crockpot Lasagna
Thursday - Stovetop Chicken Casserole (didn't get to this last week)
Friday - Baked Ziti
Saturday - Chicken Tetrazzini
Sunday - Enjoy-overs

Anyone need a good deal???

2009-02-02T15:48:00.002-05:00

Here is my shopping list for this week. I have TONS of extra coupons for anyone who wants them. Granted, these prices are only good until tomorrow. But you can have as many coupons as you want if you come get them.

If any of these deals sound like something you want to purchase for your family, come get some extra coupons...

BiLo
Nabisco Wheat Thins or Triscuits (8-10 oz) - $.75 each with coupons (must buy 2 for coupon) (10 coupons available)
Totino's Frozen Pizza Rolls (7.5 oz) - $.36 each with coupon (30 coupons available :)
Breakstone's Sour Cream (16 oz) - $.19 each with coupon (8 coupons available)
Smart Balance Popcorn (3 ct.) - $.65 each (must buy 2 for coupon) (6 coupons available)

Harris Teeter
Stacy's Pita Chips or Bagel Chips (6 oz) - $.50 each with coupon (10 coupons available)

Goals

2009-01-27T15:55:00.005-05:00

I recently posted my 2009 goals on my private blog. I am going to expound on some of those here.

1. Organizing room-by-room (R-B-R)
I got this idea from another blog (as I do almost EVERYTHING :) This week I will post more about the details of this project. I have also gotten MANY ideas from FlyLady.

2. 30 day menu
This idea came from "The Happy Housewife" you can visit her for a detailed description and a very compelling post. I will be posting my 30 day meals on Friday.

3. Planning/coupon/shopping system
I want to develop a system that will help me better organize my coupon collecting/storage/preparation, my planning days, my shopping days, etc. This will take some time and work. I hope to get going on this system by next month.

Menu Plan Monday - January 26

2009-01-26T17:20:00.005-05:00

Here is my first attempt at weekly menu postings. I got this idea here from Organized Junkie's blog. You can get lots of great info from her blog link at the left. I do not know if this will be a permanent project, but I feel that, for now, it will serve as a way to keep consistent. I have had many recent frazzled evenings where I panic at 5pm without a dinner plan. I am trying to do a better job of planning. So here is my first weekly post...

Monday - English Muffin Pizzas
Tuesday - Four Cheese Lasagna
Wednesday - Teriyaki Stir-Fry
Thursday - Black Beans and Rice
Friday - Stromboli
Saturday - Stove-top Chicken Casserole
Sunday - PIZZA and other Superbowl Savorings :)

I will also be posting recipes of our family favorites so I can link them to my menu eventually.

If you would like some menu plan inspiration, be sure to check out tons of menu plans at I'm an Organizing Junkie! And if you haven't already, be sure to check out $5 Dinners for lots of budget friendly recipes and ideas. Click on either of these links to the left.

My Rite-Aid steal

2009-01-14T21:09:00.005-05:00

DIAPERS!
Thankfully, I am ALMOST out of kids in this stage. But, Alas, not yet.

I just went to Rite-Aid this afternoon and got ALL THIS for $6.42!!!!!!!!

See how I did it below.

OK, let me back up and spell it out for you :)

First, I signed up here for the "My Rite-Aid" online service. (I sign up for all kinds of stuff these days that I never took the time to do in the past. I will have to post about that sometime.) This gave me a coupon for $5 off a $25 purchase. Of course, you can only do this once.

$9.99 each pack diapers on sale ($19.98)
$3.49 each wipes ($6.98)
$4.49 Electrasol on sale
$.50 each Reese's Whips (hubby likes these - FREE especially) - 12 total ($6)

$37.45 Total so far

Used $5 off $25 purchase
Used two $1.50/1 Huggies diapers from 1/11 coupon insert
Used $.50/1 Huggies wipes from 1/11 coupon insert
Used $.75/1 Huggies wipes from a P&G mailing (or use another $.50/1)
Used $2.50/1 Electrasol from 1/4 coupon insert
Used six $1/2 Reeses Whips from 1/4 coupon insert

-$17.75
=$19.70
+$2.72 tax

I paid $22.42 OOP (Out Of Pocket)
BUT I used a Gift Card which we receive often from transferring prescriptions-another future post??? I forgot how many tricks I know :)

I registered my receipt here at Rite-Aid online so I will receive my "Single-check" rebate (that just means you shop all month and collect receipts and log them online and they will send you one check at the end of the month for everything.)

My rebate will be for:
$2 back on one pack diapers
$2 back on two wipes
$10 back for purchasing $25 in Kimberly Clark items
$2 back on Electrasol gel packs

So $16 total in a check not store credit or gift card.
Taken from my $22.42
Meaning I just got two packs of diapers and 2 tubs of wipes, detergent and candy for...
$6.42 with tax!!!!!!!!!!

How did I do this? You ask.

2009-01-14T20:43:00.007-05:00

The first thing you need to know is - ANYONE CAN do this. It does take time, patience, and willingness to learn from your mistakes. I still make them even 10 months into this challenge. I still learn something new almost every time I shop. There is a learning curve at first and it can be very overwhelming. Just be patient and committed and it will get easier.

Michelle asked the question: How did I do this?

The trick to getting the best deals is to match store sales with coupons.
Now, because I have multiple coupons for each item, I am able to get lots (14 Special K Cereals) for less than $1 each. Now, even if I had only 1 coupon, which I would because I subscribe to the observer and that is where I get 97% of my coupons, I would still get the cereal for less than $1 (plus tax). But I would only have ONE.

Last week, Harris Teeter had Special K cereal on sale BOGO (Buy One Get One FREE). They are normally $3.59 each. Now, IF you only have ONE coupon, you only buy ONE box of cereal. The cereal would ring up 1.80 most of the time*.

* Some stores only offer TRUE BOGO deals, meaning you really only get one free if you buy one at full price. Most products ring up as half price though. You would just have to check before you ring up the item if you only want one.

I used a $1 off 1 coupon from the Red Plum insert from December 14th's newspaper. (I will post my coupon organizing system very soon.)

If you have more than one coupon, (like I had 10) you CAN usually (again, different stores have different policies about this) use one for EACH item you purchase. So I bought 10 cereals for $17.95 (plus tax - I am not adding that in right now for simplicity)
That is $3.59 times 5 BTW :)
I used TEN $1 off 1 coupons which made my total $7.95 for 10 boxes of cereal.

I had a different coupon for the other four boxes. That one was $1 off TWO boxes, so my total for those four boxes was $2.60. But hopefully, you get the idea.

$1 off ONE box of cereal DOES NOT happen very often. So this was an awesome deal indeed. But I would not have been able to stock up so well, if I had not collected so many coupons.

The jelly was a bit different also. They were on sale 5 for $5 (or $1 each). As you can see, I only bought THREE. I only had THREE coupons. My coupons were for $.25 off 1. You probably already know that HT doubles all coupons up to $.99. So the jelly was $3 and I used THREE coupons for $.25 each that doubled to $50 each. So I paid $1.50 for ALL THREE jars. BTW, each of those jars are normally $2.45. So I got THREE for nearly HALF of what ONE usually costs.

Stay tuned for more tips...

Harris Teeter Happiness

2009-01-14T08:47:00.003-05:00

Here are my latest deals from HT.

14 boxes Special K cereal
6 Blistex chapstick
3 jars Smuckers jelly

Total: $16.75 FOR 23 ITEMS - 14 of which are Special K cereal. WOW!

Rite Aid deals 1/11/09

2009-01-11T14:26:00.002-05:00

FREE-AFTER-REBATE ITEMS:

Electrasol $4.49. get $2 SCR when you buy one. Use the $2.50/1 coupon from 1/4 insert and get it free. limit

Excedrin 20ct on sale $1.99. Use the $2/1 coupon from 10/19 inserts to get it free.

Reese Whipps. The Reeses are on sale 2/$1 use the $1 off two coupon from 1/4 inserts and get two bars free!

DEALS

Buy two packs of Huggies diapers $9.99 each
Buy two tubs of Huggies wipes $3.69 each

Use $5/25 when you sign up HERE
Use two $1.50 Huggies diaper coupons from 1/11 inserts
Use $0.50/1 Huggies wipes coupons from 1/11 inserts
Pay $18.36 + tax out of pocket

Submit your receipt for the following Single Check Rebates:
#29 $2 back on 1 Huggies Jumbo, Goodnights or Pull Ups
#30 $2 back on 2 Huggies Wipes
#48 $10 back for purchasing $25 in Kimberly Clark Items

After rebates and coupons you spend $4.36 for the two packs of diapers and wipes.

CVS Deals

2009-01-11T14:06:00.001-05:00

Here are the deals I am going after this week:

ECB DEALS

Buy SoyJoy fruit & Soy bars (6pk) for $6
Get $6 ECBs (limit 5)
Free after ECBs

NON-EBC DEALS

Revlon cosmetics on sale BOGO starting at $1.99
Use $2/1 any cosmetic from 1/11 insert
Possible FREE or cheap products after coupons

Atkins Bars 10/$10
Use $1/2 internet printable coupon
Pay $.50 each after coupon

Lunch Tote Give away

2009-01-11T13:37:00.001-05:00

Visit my friend at $5 dinners here and see her newest giveaway. SUPER COOL lunch totes from Spring Los Angeles!

My BiLo Trip

2008-12-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

Here is this week's shopping trip:

8 bags Green Giant Steamers Vegetables
8 boxes Eggo waffles
2 boxes Lasagna
9 bags Chex Mix

My grand total was $3.32
However, it should have been $1.73 but I picked up one of the "gourmet" veggie bags by mistake and they are not on sale. I didn't catch it until just now as I was going back over my receipt. Gotta watch those. It cost me $1.59 extra!

What's in a Name?

2008-12-21T22:22:00.000-05:00

Why am I starting this blog?

I started a public blog for posting all my savings, coupon, organizing, frugal cooking, shopping trips, etc. tips and ideas. I wanted anyone to be able to see it and hopefully benefit from all I have learned and am still learning.

Why this name?

"Stewarding God's Gifts" because it is my great desire that I learn to use God's gifts of finances, creativity, and teachability to serve my family and ultimately to glorify HIM! And maybe I can help some others do the same in the process.

It is still in progress, so feel free to let me know if I can do anything different to make it easier to read or more fun :)

Please ask any questions you can think of. I am very passionate about this topic and can talk for hours about what I little I have learned. Ask Tracie :) I have overwhelmed many a mind trying to talk about everything at once. This process is best digested in little bites :)

Oh, and by the way, for all you who hate me for having a private blog that you can't view on "Google", here is one you CAN!!! :)