Kmart 12/31

Stopped by Kmart today and checked out the Christmas clearance.  Here's what I got:

6 pk Party poppers $1.00

Gift tags $0.99 (Originally $1.99)

16 ct holiday cards $2.99 (Originally $5.99)

Spongebob pajamas $14.39 (Originally $35.99) (This is a Xmas gift for 2012)

Frosty Nerds $0.50 (Originally $1.00)

Total - $21.21

I needed cards for Christmas next year and I was just about out of tags also.  Husby just had to have the nerds and party poppers (to torment the furbabies).

Also, a picture of the cake I made today.  Rainbow chip with rainbow chip icing.  Its one of my favorites.  I thought you'd like to see it.



My stockpile

My stockpile seemed a lot bigger to me until I took pictures of it.  Some areas I need to focus more on: laundry products, cleaning products, and paper products.  I don't really stockpile food as its just me and husby, and i'm afraid we wont be able to eat it before it goes bad, but I think I am going to start stockpiling a little bit....maybe some canned goods and boxed items. 

(Cleaning products, I know, sad, but at least the house will smell good!)

(Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, soap)

(Toothpaste, razors, shave cream, etc.)

(Laundry products)

Frugal Tip of the Day

When you go to the drive thru and they chuck 57 ketchup packets into your bag, don't throw the ones you don't use away or put them in the misc drawer in your kitchen never to be seen again!  Squeeze them into your existing ketchup bottle.  Why waste perfectly good ketchup!?

Food Lion 12/30

Hot dog buns $1.50
Ragu $1.67
Sausage links $3.49
Hot dogs $3.00
1 onion $0.50
2 baked potatoes $1.98
Mozzarella cheese $2.49
Cheddar cheese $2.49
Parkhouse rolls $2.00
1 qt milk $1.49
1 qt chocolate milk $1.49
Cottage cheese $1.39
Sour cream $0.99
Crescent rolls $2.29
Biscuits $2.00
Cat litter $8.99
Fancy Feast $7.49
Cat chow $4.50
Friskees $7.39

Total - $59.63 and I have to go back today because I forgot the box of lasagna noodles I needed.  So, tack on another $2 or $3 to this total for that.

Menu Plan 12/31 - 1/6

Saturday: grilled steak
baked potatoes

Sunday: breakfast - tiny cinnamon rolls, sausage links, scrambled eggs
dinner - Nana's lasagna, garlic bread

Monday: leftovers

Tuesday: hot dogs
mac and cheese

Wednesday: beef and noodles
veggie

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: out

Goals for 2012

So, its almost a new year, and I have a new set of goals!

1. Save $5,000.  This is going to be tough.  But I'm hoping by focusing more on being frugal and using coupons, I will be able to do this.

2.  Read 12 books.  I think this will be an easy goal to achieve.  I love to read.  I have my first book all picked out already that I got for Christmas.  I'll take a picture of it for you next year.

3. Lose 5 pounds.  Yes, just 5.  Do I need to lose more?  Yes, like 100x that much.  But, 5 pounds is a small, attainable goal.  I thought I could do small.

4. Menu plan/chore plan.  Need I say more?

5. Donate $500 worth of money or items to charity.  I like to donate to our local wildlife shelter (OWLS http://owlsonline.squarespace.com/ ), to the local homeless shelter/food pantry (http://rcsnewbern.com/), and to a local organization called PAWS that has a thrift store that they use to try and raise money for a no kill shelter.

I'll try and keep you all updated on how attaining my goals is coming throughout the next year.  What are your goals for the new year?

Frugal Tip of the Day

Buy produce in season.  It is cheaper and tastes better! 

Produce that is in season right now in NC is: Apples, Peanuts, and Sweet Potatoes. 

Wal Mart 12/30

I stopped by Wal Mart to see if they had any good Christmas clearance.  They were pretty well picked over but I did get a good deal on Cranberry Frost Febreeze.  All of their Christmas merchandise is 50% right now.

Fruit Tray $5.88
Amish potato salad $1.98
Baby powder $3.54 (this stuff is expensive!)
General Tso's chicken $3.27
Magazine $4.99
Febreeze $2.48 (Used $1/1 coup) = $1.48

Total - $22.26

Rite Aid 12/30

I stopped by Rite Aid on my way home from work because they had Xtra laundry detergent on sale for $2 (typically $3.49).  We were down to one bottle of detergent, so I thought i'd get a couple to replenish the stock. 

2 Xtra laundry detergent = $4.00 (Used $1/2 coup) = $3.00

Total - $3.27

Food Lion 12/26

We only needed a few things this week since we have so many leftovers from Christmas Eve.

SF jelly $3.09
Bread $2.49
1/2 gal skim milk $2.93
Wheat eggos $3.39
Eggos $2.50
Egg whites $2.69 (Used $1/1 coup) = $1.69
Shredded cheddar $2.49
Sugar free jello cubes $2.00

Total - $21.01

I also bought $5 in trash stickers.

Total - $26.01

Red Hots warm apple cider

I know apple cider is really not a frugal choice if purchased from a store.  I bought a gallon jug of it from Wal Mart for around $6 or $7.  Yikes!  But, for one time a year, a gal can splurge.  I like warm apple cider and husby likes cold apple cider. Lukily this recipe only take 2 liters so we both were able to use the same gallon of cider for our needs.  Now, on to the recipe.

2 quarts apple cider
1/2 cup Red Hots candies

1. Set crockpot setting to warm.
2. On the stove top, heat the apple cider and the red hots, mixing often, until the red hots have dissolved.
3. Once red hots have dissolved into the cider, transfer the cider to a warm crockpot to keep hot while serving.  Your cider will be a lovely brilliant red color.
*I made my apple cider Christmas Eve morning and had it in the crockpot until 8pm Christmas Eve night.  I just stirred it once in awhile.  It made the house smell great!

Fallen off the Bandwagon

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas.  Mine was very nice.  I made a good meal, which I will share pictures of at the bottom of this post, and perhaps a couple of recipes, and spent lots of time with family and friends.

I know my posting has been sporadic at best and I apologize.  I've fallen off of the frugal bandwagon.  Since Christmas is behind us now and a new year is approaching, I'm going to try to hop back on the frugal horse.  The plan as of now is to start posting menu plans again, grocery shopping trips, frugal tips and recipes.  My husband and I are really planning on buckling down in 2012 because we're sick of our living arrangement now and are in a hurry to buy a house.  With a 20% downpayment.  And i'm hoping we can save some extra money for some new furniture as well.

First we'll need to save for our emergency fund and pay off/down our debts.  Not including my car, I have roughly $5000 in debt (credit cards and medical bills).  I've not thought of the exact plan of attack for saving/paying down the debt other than just being as frugal as possible.  My husby and I are going to sit down and budget in the next few days and I think that will help immensely.

On to the Chrismtas Eve Dinner.  I made: spiral ham, mashed potatoes, rolls, copycat Cracker Barrel green beans, yams, deviled eggs, Red Hot hot apple cider, and Dutch apple pie.

 

Food Lion 12/11

Donut Stix $1.79
5 Cake Mixes $6.25
3 Frostings $5.07 (Used two $0.75 coups when you buy a cake mix and a frosting) = $3.57
Salsa $2.50
Marshmallows $1.09
Vodka Sauce $2.00 (Used $1/1 coup) = $1.00
Walnuts $1.89
2 cans sweetened condensed milk $4.18
Rice $1.29 (Used $0.50/1 coup) = $0.79
2 bags Hershey chocolate chips $5.00 (Used $1/2 coup) = $4
Bread $2.49
Ground beef $3.90
Beef bites $2.75
Ground beef $3.85
Chicken wings $1.98
1/2 gal whole milk $2.93
1/2 gal skim milk $2.93
Biscuits $2.00
Frozen mixed veg $1.99
Cornbread $2.99
Cat litter $8.99
Fancy feast $7.49
Purina $4.50 (Used $1/1 coup) = $3.50
Gallon freezer bags $3.99
Quart freezer bags $3.99

Total - $86.25 plus I have a rebate for $10 wyb $10 in beef or chicken!

I'm a little irritated because the cake mixes were supposed to be buy 4 get the 5th free, but they didn't ring up like that and i'm already home.  Oh well.

CVS 12/11

Combos $2.00

Total - $2.04 (used g/c to pay) + received $2 in ECB to use next time!

YTD savings: $728.62

Food Lion 12/3

I can't believe it is December alread!  I still have a ton of Christmas shopping to do!!
Here are our groceries for the week.  The beer and doritos are for my secret santa at work.

Chicken broth $2.00
Swiss rolls $1.79
Ranch dressing $2.39
2 6pk Doritos $4.98
Mandarin orange cups $2.00
6 Bisquick pouches $3.18
Peache slice cups $2.00
Kisses $3.50
M&Ms $4.29
Pretzels $2.50
Carrots $1.29
Diet tea $1.99
Orange cream soda $1.50 (This is for one 12oz glass bottle. I know its expensive but I like to splurge on it once in awhile)
Salami $2.79
White American cheese $4.99 (I have a $3 rebate for this)
6pk Miller Lite $5.99
Cat litter $8.99
Cat chow $4.50
Friskees $7.39

Total - $71.23

CVS 11/27

Sorry everybody, no picture today.  Just imagine four cans of Glade air freshener spray: 3 cinnamon apple, and the other country garden.  :)

4 cans Glade air freshener $3.96 (Used two $2 wyb 2 Glade product coupons) = $0

Total - $0.27 (just tax!)

CVS YTD savings: $695.66

Food Lion 11/27

I bought a giftcard today for $50 because I have a rebate for $10 when you buy one, so I used that to pay for part of the following purchase.

2 24pks water $5.98
Bread $2.19
Tortilla chips $2.00
Spaghetti $2.50
Jelly $2.00
Spaghetti sauce $2.99
2 cheese dip $5.98
2 bananas $0.45
2 apples $0.88
2 tangerines $1.18
1/2 gal skim milk $2.93
1/2 gal whole milk $2.93
Egg beaters $1.89
Grands biscuits $1.50
Cream cheese $1.79
Colby cheese $3.55
Parmesan cheese $1.79
Low carb wraps $2.99
Salami $2.79
Cat food $2.00
Fancy feast $7.49
Cat litter $8.99

total - $69.01 (I have a rebate for salty snacks/bottled water)

I also bought a turkey for $10.44 (I have a rebate for it)

Food Lion 11/13

I didn't buy a whole lot today as we're going on vacation soon and I didn't want to have too much in our fridge when we left.  Here's what I bought:

Transaction #1
$50 Food Lion gift card (Have a rebate for $10 wyb $50 in giftcards)

Transaction #2
Chips Ahoy $2.99
Cocoa Krispies $3.79
Rice Krispies $3.79
Hamburger buns $1.45
Marshmallows $1.09
Strawberries $3.99
Blueberries $3.49
2 cups vanilla yogurt $0.91
Egg beaters $2.00
Low carb wraps $2.99
Fancy feast $7.49
Purina One $7.99 (used $4/1 coup) = $3.99

Total - $39.59 (used g/c).  Also have a rebate for I think its $8 back when you spend $30 at the store.

Yay for rebates! And for NC being a "No Beer Purchase Required" state!!

Food Lion 11/5

Did fairly decent at Food Lion today.  The man behind me engaged me in coupon conversation as he was surprised at how much I saved with coupons and MVP.  He didn't realize that there were really big money saving opportunities to be found with couponing and was talking about how he was going to get his granddaughter to help him with shopping and couponing.  It was so cute. 

Bread $2.99
4 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch $10 (FL special save $4 instantly on 4 boxes) (used two $1/2 boxes coupons) = $4.00
Mustard $0.99
Crisco spray $2.00
Worcestershire sauce $1.25
3 boxes hamburger helper $2.64
8 boxes Kraft mac and cheese $7.12 (used 4 $0.55/2 coupons) = $4.92
2 packages chicken tenders $7.26
1 package chicken breasts $3.84
2 bananas $0.58
1/2 gal milk $2.93
Country crock $3.00 (used $1/1 coup) = $2.00
12 pk Charmin $5.99
Friskees cat food $7.39
Fancy Feast $7.49
Cat litter $8.99 (used $1/1 coup) = $7.99
Cat chow $4.50 (used $0.50/1 coup) = $4.00

Total - $73.04

CVS 10/23

CVS deals were disappointing to me this week, but I had to go because my ECBs were getting ready to expire in two days plus I needed to pick up a couple of prescriptions.

Prescriptions $34.00
Twix snack pack (I think theres 5 or 6 mini bars) $1.00
4 Starburst sticks $2 (used two bogo coupons) = $1.00
2 Blade React deodorants on markdown for $1.12/ea = $2.24
1 Xtra laundry detergent $2.99

Used $6.79 in ECBs.

Total = $34.95 and I got $1 ECB to use next time

CVS YTD savings - $665.17

Food Lion 10/23

Went and did a rather large grocery shopping trip today.  Large by our standards anyway.  We were pretty much out of everything.  It would have been cheaper to go to WM I know, but I just didn't feel like facing the crowds today, plus we needed meat and I refuse to buy the nasty stuff at WM.  Food Lion didn't have much that I was willing to pay for, so i'll need to pick up meat as I see it on sale or markdown.  Here's what I bought:

Bread $1.99
Cap'n Crunch $2.69
2 bags egg noodles $3.00
2 boxes mac and cheese $1.98
2 lbs. sugar $1.79 (I'm tempted to write and complain b/c when I dumped this in my canister it is all clumped together!)
3 cans green beans $2.37
2 cans sweet peas $1.58
Peanut butter $4.67
NY strip steak $3.15
2 ribeye steaks $8.83
Ground chuck $4.65
Ground chuck $4.65
Sausage crumbles $3.79
2 packages bacon $5.98
2 bananas $0.53
2 apples $1.71
2 oranges $1.70
egg beaters $3.09
2 Steamfresh corn $2.00
Steamfresh rice $1.99
Steamfresh corn on the cob $2.79
Steamfresh mixed veg $1.00
shredded cheddar $2.49
gallon milk $3.99
low carb wraps $2.99
hanks orange cream soda $1.50

Total - $78.51

Breakfast Rollups

I got this recipe from my friend Jenny.  She made them one morning when we were going on a shopping trip.  They're super easy, delicious, and rather cheap.  Perfect for busy mornings!

Egg beaters
Jimmy Dean sausage crumbles (or use sausage you cooked and crumbled yourself)
shredded cheddar cheese
whole wheat high fiber tortillas (or whatever kind you like)
salt and pepper

1. Cook up the egg beaters according to package directions.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Once the egg beaters are mostly cooked through, add the sausage crumbles.  Cook until heated through and egg beaters are completely cooked.
3. Add amount of egg/sausage mixture you'd like to your tortilla.
4. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Roll up burrito style and enjoy!

Now, I like to premake the egg beater/sausage mixture over the weekend and keep in the fridge for the week.  That way I can assemble my burrito(s) in the morning before work, wrap in a paper towel, and microwave for 45 seconds.  Quickest breakfast ever! 

CVS 10/10

I didn't really plan a CVS shopping trip over the weekend.  There just wasn't much I wanted but then I read on another money saving blog....i'm thinking probably http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ that CVS has where you buy three American Greeting cards and get back $3 ECBs.  Well, American Greetings has a $0.99 line of greeting cards which are included in this deal.  So I traipsed right on up to CVS and got my three $0.99 greeting cards, used $2.99 in ECBs and received my greeting cards free plus my $3 ECBs to use next time!  Just paid $0.20 for tax.  LOVE free cards since most of the time they just end up in the trash anyway :)

CVS YTD savings: $648.20

CVS 10/2

1 Skintimate Shave Cream $1.99 (Used $1.50/1 coup) = $0.49

2 Schick Hydro 5 Razors $16.58 (Used two $5/1 coups) = $6.58

2 Revlon Nail Polishes $9.98

I used $17.00 in ECBs.

Total - $1.10 plus I got $9 in ECBs to use on my next trip.

Since the Revlon nail polish is limit 6 for the ECB deal, I may go back and get more later in the week.  I don't like to be greedy first thing on Sunday morning, it isn't fair to other couponers.

YTD CVS savings: $612.40

Wal Mart 10/2

Ladies (and gents) today in the P&G coupon insert in the newspaper, there is a coupon for $8 off when you buy 2 Cover Girl face products.  Wal Mart has their Cover Girl Cheekers blush priced for $3.74 each.  So if you buy two of these blushes and use the coupon, your blush will be free, plus you will have some overage to put towards whatever other items you buy.  Here is my transaction today:

2 CoverGirl Cheekers $7.48 (Used $8/2 coupon) = +$0.52

Crave Cat Treats $1.47 (Used coupon for free bag) = FREE

Airheads $0.94

Total - $1.09

I have another of the CoverGirl coupons that I may go back and use later in the week, but I wanted to give other people a chance to get some before I went back for more.

Food Lion 10/2

Au Gratin Potatoes $1.00 (Used a coupon for a free box) = $0.00
2 mashed potato pouches $2.00
Brown gravy mix $0.99
4pk Italian dressing mix $3.99
Bacon $3.29
Chuck roast $6.03
Sherbert pops $3.99
1/2 gal milk $2.93
1/2 doz eggs $1.67
Cat litter $8.99
Fancy Feast $6.00
Purina $4.50

Total - $46.22

Menu Plan 10/1 - 10/7

Saturday: not sure

Sunday: 3 pack crockpot roast
mashed potatoes
green beans

Monday: hungry husby casserole

Tuesday: leftovers

Wednesday: steak
buttered noodles
corn

Thursday: pancakes
bacon

Friday: out

Free razors? Yes please!

Went to Wal Mart this evening and picked up some more free Schick razors.  Here is my transaction:

3 pks 12 ct Schick razors $5.91

Used a coupon for $6 off wyb 2 packages of Schick disposable razors.

Total - $0.31

Food Lion 9/25

Well, you can totally tell I went grocery shopping hungry.  I went to the store with 5 things on my list.  Here's what I bought:

Bread $2.19
Capn Crunch $2.99
Chocolate goldfish $2.19
2 boxes mac and cheese $1.98
Applesauce $1.99
Vegetable oil $4.99
2 cans vienna sausages $1.18
Oreos $2.99
Jelly $2.99
Smoked sausage $3.19
PF Chang's orange chicken $9.79
Hungry Man $2.63
Hungry Man $2.63
Hungry Man $3.99
1/2 gallon milk $2.93
Fancy Feast $6.00
Purina $4.50
Friskees $13.99

Used a $0.50 off shopping trip coupon

Total - $74.24  (Yes, I'm ashamed.)

I totally would have went to Wal Mart, but it was pouring down rain and I was sort of in a foul mood anyway, I didn't want to make it worse by having to deal with Wal Martians. 

CVS 9/25

Tuna Salad pack $1.00

2 Colgate Total $5.98 (Used 2 $1/1 coups) = $3.98

1 Schick Quatro $8.99 (Used $5/1 coup) = $3.99

1 Excedrin 8ct $0.99

1 Thermacare 1ct $3.79

Used a $5/$20 coupon and $5 in ECBs.

Total - $4.45 plus I got $10.78 in ECBs to use on my next shopping trip.

YTD savings: $589.61

I'm donating one of the toothpastes and the tuna salad kit and sending the Thermacare patch to my dad.  Adding the rest to my stockpile :)

Menu Plan 9/24 - 9/30

Saturday: We had Arby's for dinner.  I catered brunch for my godmother.  This is what I made:
sausage gravy and biscuits
fruit and yogurt parfaits
ham and cheese quiche
mini cinnamon rolls

Sunday: We're fending for ourselves

Monday: Hungry husby casserole

Tuesday: bbq chicken
rice
corn

Wednesday: steak
buttered noodles
green beans

Thursday: fried chicken
mac and cheese
veggie

Friday: out

Food Lion 9/23

I mostly went shopping for a brunch i'm catering tomorrow so most of this cost is not mine.

2 bags of Munchies $6.58
Grape Nuts $3.99
Ham slice $2.99
Sausage $2.19
Blueberries $3.49
Strawberries $2.50
Cheese $2.49
Pie Shells $2.79
Vanilla yogurt $1.68
Biscuits $3.79
Crescent rolls $2.29
Freezer bags quart $3.99
Freezer bags gallon $3.99
2 cans Friskees $1.10
Cat litter $8.99

Total - $54.77
My cost - $24.65

Wal Mart 9/21

Printed off a coupon today from http://www.coupons.com/ for $6 off when you buy 2 disposable Schick razors (excluding the 2 pk) so off to Wal Mart I went.  Here's my transaction:

12ct pk of Schick Razors $1.97
15ct pk of Schick Razors $5.97

Used one $6/2 coupon

Total - $2.48 for 27 razors.  Not bad.  Not bad at all.  :)

Wal Mart 9/17

Wal Mart wasn't too bad today except for the guy breathing down my neck while I was swiping my card to pay. One seething look backed him off though. Haha.  I did pretty good today I think.  I had about $40 I was able to spend on groceries for the week and I just missed staying in budget by a couple of dollars.  I could have put a couple of items back, but a couple of dollars won't make or break me I suppose.  Anyway, here's what I got:

Bread $2.88
Bagel thins $2.48
1/2 doz eggs $1.04
2 bananas $0.41
Pineapple/berry mix $4.25
Grapes $2.67
Cream cheese $1.98
Biscuits $0.76
1lb powdered sugar $1.24
1/2 gal milk $2.25
Goldfish $1.98
2 boxes Sherbert pops $3.96
Strawberry pudding $0.94
6 cans friskees $3.00
Good Life cat food $6.97
Snuggle 120ct $3.96 (I cut these in half, so really, 240ct)
Blue food coloring $1.68

Total - $43.96

Menu Plan 9/16 - 9/23

Saturday: chicken casserole
green beans

Sunday: buttercream icing for cake decorating class
pancakes and bacon

Monday: out with the girls

Tuesday: leftover casserole

Wednesday: steak
bbq rice
corn

Thursday: hungry husby casserole

Friday: out or leftovers

CVS 9/11

Got some great deals today!!

That's Louis checking out the Newton fruit thins!



2 Secret Deodorant = $5.00 (not the best deal, but I was out!)
Newton fruit thins $2.50 (kiosk gave me a coup for a free box!) = FREE
2 Garnier Fructis Conditioners $5.98 (used 2 $1/1 coups) = $3.98
2 Dawn Hand Renewal $1.98 (used 2 $1/1 coups) = +0.02
1 Herbal Essences Shampoo $2.99 (used $1/1 coup) = $1.99
1 Herbal Essences Conditioner $2.99 (used $1/1 coup) = $1.99
1 CVS Allergy med = $3.69
1 St. Josephs Aspirin $2.00 (used $1/1 coup) = $1.00
1 Bengay $5.29 (used $5/1 coup) = $0.49

And I used $1.99 in ECBs I had from my last shopping trip.

Total - $18.21 plus I received $6.69 in ECBs to use on my next trip!

Year to date savings: $553.47

Food Lion 9/10

I still need to pick up a couple of things from Wal Mart tomorrow, but this is most of the groceries for the week.

Crisco Sticks $3.89
Powdered sugar $1.39
Pancake mix $2.89
2 cans kidney beans $1.38
Tomato sauce $1.49
Cornbread mix $1.09
Marshmallow fluff $1.99
Evaporated milk $1.19
Cream of potato soup $1.89
Hamburger $3.20
Hamburger $3.19
2 tomatoes $2.63
Celery $1.79
Diced Onion $2.69
Onion $0.70 (I dont know why I bought an onion when I already had diced onion in my buggy)
2 jalapeno peppers $0.40
Spinach mix $3.59
Strawberry cream cheese $2.69
Cat litter $8.99

Total - $48.44 (no coups today!)

*If you ever find yourself with an abundance of onions, dice them and put them in a freezer bag.  That way they'll be ready to go next time you're using a recipe that calls for onions.

Crockpot Chili

This recipe makes a lot, but it freezes and reheats very well.  I recommend serving this with cornbread.

This is a picture of the chili right after I stirred everything into the crockpot.  Looks yummy already!

2 lbs. hamburger, browned and drained
1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
2 cups water
1 (29 oz) can dark red kidney beans (with liquid)
1 cup onion, diced
2 jalapeno peppers, diced
1 stalk of celery, diced
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 teaspoons cumin powder
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
brown sugar, a good sprinkling

1. Combine all ingredients in a large crockpot.
2. Cook on high 2 to 3 hours or simmer on low 6 to 8.

Menu Plan 9/10 - 9/16

Saturday: steak
corn on the cob
salad
I'm also going to be making a pot of chili and cornbread to take over to my godmother who fractured her ankle

Sunday: I have to bake a cake and make buttercream frosting for the cake decorating class on Monday.
chicken casserole
salad

Monday: leftovers

Tuesday: out to dinner with the girls

Wednesday: pancakes and bacon

Thursday: bbq chicken
pasta side
corn

Friday: out

Suave Free Sample

*Sorry for the poor picture quality, this was taken at night*

I received this sample that I signed up for at Walmart.com in the mail the other day and this is what I received: Suave men's body wash, Suave sweet pea and violet lotion, Suave dry shampoo, and three Suave coupons!  This was a very nice sample.  I always love receiving little "treasures" in the mail.  These will go into a basket I keep of samples for when I have guests stay over, when we go on vacay, or when I've run out of a product I can use a sample to hold me over until I get to the store.  It pays to sign up for samples!

Garlic Green Beans (AKA Crack Beans)

Crack is whack ya'll, but these green beans are not!  These are my newest addiction.  These green beans are so delicious and so easy to make.  I never realized how cheap fresh green beans were, but for a handful to serve both me and husby it cost me about $0.65-$0.70.  Husby dubbed these "Crack Beans".

1 lb. fresh green beans (I just usually grab a nice fistful)
enough water to boil green beans (I dont measure, I just fill a pot full of water)
3 cloves minced garlic
3 tablespoons salted butter
dash of salt
dash of pepper

1. Add beans to a pot full of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Drain the beans and set them aside.
3. In the same pot you used to boil the beans (minus the water of course), saute the garlic in the butter until the garlic is a nice light brown color.
4. Add green beans and salt and pepper to taste. Heat through.

Frugal Tip: The water you used to boil your green beans in would be good to use to water your indoor/outdoor plants once cooled.

Food Lion 9/4

2 Heinz Ketchup $4.00
Bacon $3.99
Ground chuck $2.36
Ground chuck $2.63
T-bone $6.17
T-bone $6.04
Beef bites $3.12
Chicken breasts $4.89
Minced garlic $1.99
TGIFriday wings $4.29
Pushups $3.99
Shredded cheddar $1.67
2 Block cheese $3.33
Hanks orange soda $1.00
20 cans of Friskees $10 (I had a coupon for $1/20 cans but the cashier couldn't get the coupon to work, so he just subtracted the cost of 3 cans of cat food which was $1.65.  Whatever, i'll take it!) = $8.35

Total - $59.05

Wal Mart 9/4

Shocker!!  So I actually went and did some grocery shopping at Wal Mart today.  It wasn't as terrible as I had pictured beforehand, but I definitely don't think im going to make this a habit.  Here's what I got:

Dried fruit snack thing $0.88
3 applewith dips$3.00
1/2 doz eggs $0.98
Bread $2.42
English muffins $2.48
Grapes $2.65
Pineapple $2.50
Sugar cookies $2.58
Cottonelle $7.47 (used $0.75/1 coup) = $6.72
Steamfresh corn $1.25
Steamfresh corn on the cob $1.88
Steamfresh rice $1.25
Honey butter biscuits $1.77 (someone at work told me these are delicious)
1/2 gal whole milk $2.76
1/2 gal skim milk $2.25
Palmolive dishwasher soap $2.73
Kens salad dressing $1.42
Wishbone Italian dressing $1.88 (used $0.50/1 coup) = $1.38
Apple jelly $1.44
Miracle Whip $2.78
Granola bars $1.88

Total - 48.49

CVS 9/4

Went to CVS to pick up a few things, particularly the Purex laundry detergent which was on sale for $1.99 a bottle this week.  This definitely wasn't one of my better shopping trips, but not too bad.

4 bottles Purex $7.96

2 bags Emerald cashews $2.00

3 Degree deodorants $8.97

1 Carefree pantiliner $1.00 (used $0.50/1 coup) = $0.50

1 Skintimate shave gel $1.99 (used $1/1 coup) = $0.99

1 Dove chocolate bar $0.79 (coupon kiosk gave me a coup for a free Milky Way or Dove) = free

1 Hershey's air delights $0.99

I also used a coupon for $4 off your $20 order.

Total - $17.66 plus I got $1.99 in ECBs to use on my next purchase.

CVS year to date savings: $520.31

Menu Plan 9/3 - 9/9

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile ya'll, but we got hit with Hurricane Irene last weekend and i've just been too flustered this week to really worry about blogging.  Hopefully things will start getting back to normal.  Im hoping I can conjure up the energy today to head out to the grocery store.  We had to throw everything in our refrigerator and freezers away due to power outage caused by the storm so this will be a big grocery spending week.  Its inconvenient, but i'm not complaining.  It gave me the chance to really scrub down my freezers and refrigerator good.  Anywho, here is our menu for the week.

Saturday: salisbury steak
rice
green beans

Sunday: bbq chicken
macaroni and cheese
corn

Monday: Mine and husby's 2nd anniversary.  We're going out to eat!

Tuesday: steak
buttered egg noodles
salad

Wednesday: I have a cake decorating class to attend so i'll be eating out somewhere or having leftovers or a sandwich

Thursday: chicken and rice
peas

Friday: bbq beef tips
some kind of side...probably one of those Knorr sides
green beans

Food Lion 8/21

Food prices are seriously getting scary!!

Chocolate frosting $1.25
(2) Snackwells popcorn $5.00 (used coup $0.75/2) = $4.25
Lemon frosting $1.25
FL raisin bran $2.79 (used coup $2.29/1) = $0.50
Honey $5.49
Brown sugar $1.19
Cookies $2.50
Fruit cocktail $1.79
Soy sauce $1.49
Fruit cups $2.69
Baked beans $1.69
Canned peaches $1.79
Baked beans $1.69
Cream of potato soup $1.69
Lemon cake mix $1.25
Strawberry cake mix $1.25
Brownie mix $1.25
Smoked sausage $3.19
Bacon $3.00
Ground beef $3.56
Ground beef $3.54
NY strip $3.56
Ground beef $2.27
Ground beef $1.79
Chicken wings $4.17
Banana $0.21
Fresh green beans $0.37
1/2 gal milk $2.93
French fries $2.39
Frozen veggies $1.79
Cat litter $7.99
20 Friskees $10.00 (used $1/20 coup) = $9.00
Fancy Feast $0.60 (used coup for free can) = Free

I also used a coupon for buy two DH products get one free (-$1.39)

Total - $83.96 (Yikes!)

I need to think of ways to bring down our grocery costs.  I suppose I could start shopping more at Wal Mart (ew!), buying more store brand/generics (I dont mind those), maybe finding cheaper name brands to use, and trying to find more coupons to use.  I do have an $8 rebate to send in for the meat I purchased today so that will help to offset the costs a little bit.  Any suggestions on how to lower the grocery bill are welcome!  Please just leave a comment :)

Menu Plan 8/20 - 8/26

Saturday: bbq beef cups

Sunday: bbq ribs
baked beans
garlic green beans

Monday: chicken pot pie

Tuesday: leftovers

Wednesday: chicken wings
french fries

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: out

Target 8/18

(Toothpicks and card not pictured) (That is Louis' tail you see in the background LOL)

Ran in to Target today because I had a coupon for a free 8pk of Jiff to go that expires on the 31st.  While I was there I checked out the clearance and found a good deal on Axe shower gel (each including a detailer).  Here's my transaction.

8 pk Jiff to-go $2.29 (used free coup) = Free
4 Axe shower gels on clearance for $2.50 (originally $5 = $20) (used 2 bogo coups) = $5.00
1 card $2.79
1 pack party toothpicks $1.00

Total - $9.77

Food Lion 8/13

I usually go grocery shopping on Sundays, but it is supposed to rain tomorrow so I wanted to get it done today.  I didn't buy a whole lot, but what I bought was expensive!

Bread $2.89
English muffins $3.89
Burger buns $1.79
Rice side $1.00
Cream of chicken soup $1.29
Cream of mushroom soup $1.29
Manwich $1.39
2 baking potatoes $2.38
1 lemon $0.89
Salad $2.99
Sweet moments $2.50
Frozen wings $4.29
1/2 gal milk $2.93
Cat litter $7.99
Cat chow $4.50 (used $1/1 coup) = $3.50
Fancy feast $7.49
Liquid Plumr $4.59
Zantac $4.99
Dulcolax $6.89

Total - $68.02

Menu Plan 8/13 - 8/19

Saturday: bbq beef cups

Sunday: garlic lemon chicken
baked potatoes
salad

Monday: leftovers

Tuesday: sloppy joes
french fries

Wednesday: sandwiches/leftovers

Thursday: smoked sausage
mac and cheese
green beans

Friday: out

Food Lion 8/7

Bagel Thins $2.99
Potato side $1.99
Hellman's mayo $3.00 (used $1.50/1 coup) = $1.50
2 cans of yams $1.98
NY Strip $2.18
Green beans $0.48
Biscuits $0.69
2 lbs. butter $4.98
SisterSchuber rolls $3.99
Gallon milk $3.99
Charmin 12pk $6.99
Friskees cat food $4.00
Fancy feast $7.49
Magazine $3.99
Magazine $3.99

Total $53.55

CVS 8/7

Went to CVS today to pick up a prescription and get a few things for the stockpile.  Here's how I did:

Rx - $25.00
Herbal Essences Shampoo $2.49 (used $1/1 coup) = $1.49
Herbal Essences Conditioner $2.49 (used $1/1 coup) = $1.49
Organic Sweet Tea $1.00 (used $1/1 coup) = free
2 Dial Cranberry Soaps $3.76 (used two $0.35/1 coups) = $3.06
Edge Shave Gel $1.99 (used $0.55/1 coup) = $1.44

Total $33.27 (I had $5.25 left on a g/c that I used) = $28.02 plus I got $1 ECB to use next time.  Not too shabby!

Menu Plan 8/6 - 8/12

Saturday: shrimp for the husband
probably a sandwich for me

Sunday: spiral ham
buttered egg noodles
yams
green beans
dinner rolls

Monday: leftovers

Tuesday: bbq beef cups

Wednesday: leftovers

Thursday: leftover ham
macaroni and cheese
corn

Friday: out

Lots of ham this week!!

Checklist for Hard Times

A friend and I were on Facebook a couple of days ago discussing economy and being prepared.  I had initially complained because that particular day the DOW had gone down over 500 points and I was basically wondering why I'm even bothering contributing to a 401K.  We discussed being prepared in case the US dollar collapses and he sent me the link to this article "Checklist for Hard Times" by Terence Gillespie.  I believe some of the ideas of this article are a little extreme: i'm not going to have a DIY dental kit at home that includes extraction tools, mainly because i'd be too much of a baby to even use them.  But I found a lot of the other ideas helpful and hopefully you will too.  Notice: This article isn't meant to put fear in anyone or cause anyone not to contribute to our economy as a coworker of mine so accused me yesterday at work after she asked to see the article while I was discussing it with another coworker of mine.  Its just meant to help you be as prepared as possible.

http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig10/gillespie2.1.1.html

Food Lion 7/31

I'm sorry there isn't a picture to accompany this post, but I had to get the food put away in a hurry since it was like 90 degrees in the car this morning.  But anyway, here is what I bought.  I think I would have done a lot better at Wal Mart, but I just wasn't in the mood to face that place today.

Dozen orange roses $12.99 (free because they expired yesterday!  woohoo!) = $0
Bread $1.99
Capt Crunch x 2 = $5.38 (used $1/2 coup) = $4.38
Cocoa Krispies $3.79
Popcorn $2.50
Pringles snack pack $6.49
Syrup $2.99
Ground beef $3.63
Ground beef $3.33
Steak $6.39
Steak $7.43
Lunchmeat ham $5.99
Dry cat food $3.59 (used $1/1 coup) = $2.59
20 cans Friskees $11.00 (used $1/20 coup) = $10.00
2 cans Fancy Feast $1.20 (used 2 free coups) = $0

Total - $63.57

Frugal Tip of the Day

Sign up to receive free samples!  Many websites offer free samples including Wal Mart and Target.  There are also many blogs out there that cater to letting you know when there is a free sample available.  I love getting free samples in the mail....its a surprise everytime I go to the mailbox!  Free samples are useful in many ways.  Not only do they let you try new products or products you've never used, but they can help you stretch your budget as well.  A lot of times the free samples will even come with valuable coupons.  For example, just this week I received a free sample from Crest.  Included was a travel size toothpaste, a travel size mouthwash, a small packet of dental floss, and coupons for all three of these items.  When I run out of my regular stockpiled toothpaste, I will use toothpaste samples.  These also come in handy when going on vacation.  I also use samples of products I receive to make welcome baskets when I have guests stay over.  They always appreciate this as you know when you travel you always forget something.  Samples aren't always small sized either, I've gotten many full size products as samples in the past. 

Wal Mart 7/24

Sorry its been so long since I've posted.  I wasn't sure I wanted to continue blogging since it doesn't seem as though anyone reads the blog.  But I thought about it and I decided I'd just keep doing it for myself. 
So today I decided to venture to hell, also known as Wal Mart, to do my grocery shopping.  Ive noticed that Food Lion's prices have really gotten ridiculous and Wal Mart has been carrying some more unique things that I like than Food Lion does.  Although I will have to watch the register more closely at Wal Mart as I noticed that the cashier charged me for one more apple snack that I did not purchase.  I will, however, continue to do my meat/poultry shopping at Food Lion as I feel that their meat is of better quality.  So this is what I bought today:

Bread $1.98
Gallon milk $3.78
Half gallon milk $2.75
Eggos $3.97
4 yogurts $2.64
5 apple snacks $6.00 (they charged me for one I didn't get!)
Pineapple $4.25
Cheerwine Krispy Kremes $3.98
Devil Squares $1.98
Granola Bars $2.50
Clementines $4.48
Cat chow $3.98 (used $1.00/1 coup) = $2.98
2pks bottled water $5.94

Total - $45.95

I also went to CVS and picked up 4 12pks of Pepsi = $10.00 + tax

Menu Plan 7/2 - 7/8

Saturday: Tater tot casserole
green beans

Sunday: leftovers

Monday: BBQ at the in-laws

Tuesday: cheddar bbq chicken breast
corn on the cob

Wednesday: pancakes and bacon

Thursday: steak
baked potato/sweet potato

Friday: out

Frugal Tip of the Day

Think you've used up the last of that toothpaste, lotion, etc?  Cut open the tube of toothpaste or the container of lotion.  Many times there are still a few uses left of the product stuck at the very bottom or on the sides of the container.

Menu Plan 6/25 - 7/1

Saturday: spaghetti
garlic bread

Sunday: chicken lemon soup w/ rice and vegetables

Monday: steak
baked potato/sweet potato

Tuesday: leftovers

Wednesday: mini burgers on wheat hawaiian rolls
salad

Thursday: bbq chicken
buttered noodles
green beans

Friday: out

Menu Plan 6/18-6/24

So I pretty much haven't cooked anything (other than microwaving takeout leftovers) in like two weeks.  My husband is getting angry, I'm getting angry, my stove is getting angry.  Folks, I think its about time for me to get back to cooking!

Saturday: roast
potatoes
corn on the cob

Sunday: Minestrone soup
grilled cheese sandwiches

Monday: cheddar bacon bbq chicken
buttered egg noodles
green beans

Tuesday: spaghetti
garlic bread

Wednesday: leftovers

Thursday: steak
baked potato/sweet potato

Friday: out

Grocery Spending 6/12

Here is my combined grocery spending for this week:

Food Lion 6/10

sugar free werther's original candy $1.50
creamy chicken soup $1.89
dasani water $1.59
raspberries $2.99
honey ham $0.54
Hawaiian rolls $1.29

Total - $10.09

Wal Mart 6/11

1.5 lbs honey ham $11.15
fruit mix $4.25
3 snack dips $3.00
Donuts $2.50

Total - $21.46

Misc. at Farmer's Market $5.00

Total this week - $36.55

Total left for groceries this month: $124.02.

CVS 6/12

That is Persie you see in the background hamming it up!  Hehe

Transaction #1

1 Prescription $10.00

1 Renuzit Adjustable $0.88

1 20 ct Motrin PM $4.00
1 5 ct Zyrtec $5.99
$25 giftcard

I used $10.50 in ECBs and a coupon for a $25 giftcard on a new prescription.

Total - $11.21 plus I got $8.99 in ECBs to use on next transaction.

Transaction #2

2 Purex 3n1 Sheets $8.79 (Used $1/1 coup) = $7.79
1 Milk Duds $1.67
1 Goobers $1.67
1 Raisinets $0.01

I used $8.99 in ECBs.

Total - $3.09

I don't think $4.30 is too bad for all of that household and food product.  Plus i'll be sending in a $2 rebate on that gift card that I got for free.  Woohoo!  So, deduct $3.30 out of my grocery budget (one of the candies is going in a gift box to dad so I dont count that in groceries, I took $1 off total for the candy) and I have $160.57 left for the month!

Menu Plan 6/11 - 6/17

Saturday: fried pork chops
buttered egg noodles
green beans
rice krispy treats

Sunday: roast beef
potatoes
carrots
rolls

Monday: leftovers

Tuesday: spaghetti
garlic bread

Wednesday: teriyaki sticky chicken
rice
peas

Thursday: pancakes and bacon

Friday: out

CVS 6/5

Garnier Fructis Shampoo and Conditioner $5.00 (used two $1/1 coups) = $3.00
Always $2.99 (used $1/1 coup) = $1.99
2 Oral-B Pulsar toothbrushes $12.00 (used two $3/1 coups) = $6.00
1 Crest prohealth mouthwash $4.50 (used $2/1 coup) = $2.50
1 Colgate max toothpaste $2.79 (used $1/1 coup) = $1.79
1 Dawn Hand Renewal $0.99 (used $1/1 coup) = $0.00

I also used a CVS coupon for $4/$20.

Total - $12.14 plus I got $10.50 in ECBs.

I'm only counting the difference between the OOP and the ECBs towards my spending budget.  So, I have $163.87 left for the month.

Menu Plan 6/4-6/10

I haven't been doing a very good job with sticking to my menus at all! Something I need to work on!

Saturday: spaghetti
salad
garlic bread

Sunday: pot roast
buttered noodles
mixed vegetables

Monday: cheddar bbq chicken breast
macaroni and cheese
mixed vegetables

Tuesday: leftovers

Wednesday: beef patties in gravy
rice
green beans

Thursday: teriyaki sticky chicken
tater tots
veggie

Friday: out

June grocery spending

A new month, another shot at sticking with my grocery budget!  After consulting with a like minded frugal friend of mine, she suggested that if I could afford it, to up my grocery budget to $60/week since that includes food for me and husby, food and litter for the babies, HBA and home care products. I decided that she was probably right so my grocery budget per month is now $240. So far this week i'm over for my budget. But I did get Friskees on a really good deal and should have enough for the babies for the entire month (1 can everyday).  I also got a couple of cheap/free things to donate to the homeless shelter/food pantry.  Here's what I bought this week:

Food Lion 6/1

30 cans Friskees cat food

Total - $6.65

Food Lion 6/4

Bread $1.99
Bagel thins $3.69
McCormick roast bag $1.89
2 boxes popcorn $2.98
Mandarin oranges $2.69
Mandarin oranges $2.69
Perrier sparkling water $2.29 (used a coup making this free) = $0.00
2 cans tuna $1.78 (used two $0.50/1 coups) = $0.78
2 boxes Capn Crunch $6.00 (used $1/2 coup) = $5.00
Roast $4.86
Ground beef $3.02
Ground beef $2.84
salad $2.69
2 bananas $0.34
2 oranges $1.50
sugar free fudgesicles $3.50
Country crock $3.29 (used $1/1 coup) = $2.29
2 jugs diet tea $4.00
1/2 gal milk $2.79
5 yogurts $3.00
cream cheese $2.39
fancy feast $6.00
Cottonelle moist wipes $2.79 (used a coup to get this free) = $0.00
ziploc freezer bags $3.99

Total - $67.34

So far this month i'm over budget $13.99.  So I have $166.01 left for the month or roughtly $55.33/week.  I think that is pretty doable.

Nana's "Pink Stuff"

My Nana (who's 70th birthday would have been today!) used to make this recipe for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I've not had it in a few years and decided it would be a good addition to today's bbq.  I apologize for the quality of the picture, i'm not the best photographer but I figure crappy pictures are better than no pictures!  Haha.

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained well
1 - 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup chopped pecans (optional) (I don't add these because I dont like nuts)
1 (12 oz.) container Cool Whip, thawed

1. Combine first five ingredients. Mix well.
2. Fold in Cool Whip until well incorporated.
3. Refrigerate for a few hours. Serve cold.

Grocery Shopping 5/29

Wow, I am seriously overbudget for my $200/mo. goal!  I think I will be throwing in the budget towel this month and starting over again on 1 June.  The main reason I went over for the month I think is that we're having a bbq on Monday and I bought food for 6 instead of just 2.  So this is what I bought this week.

Food Lion 5/23 (I like went crazy on this day and decided to spend almost a weeks worth of grocery budget money on "fun" groceries!)

Smoked sausage $3.19
Watermelon chunks $2.99
Personal size Digiorno pizza $3.99 (at least I used a coup for this! $1/1 coup) = $2.99
Sugar free fudgesicles $4.79 (yikes!)
3 yogurts $1.80
Unsweet tea $2.00
Potato salad $2.99
Bookazine $9.99 (what was I thinking!?)
Paula Deen magazine $4.99

Total - $40.85

Food Lion May 26th (I went in search of something for lunch)

Bottled water $1.59
TV dinner $2.50
Digiorno stuffed crust personal pizza $2.99 (Used $1/1 coup again) (this was for a coworker so she ended up paying me back)

Total - $7.24

Wal Mart 5/29 (Went for bbq supplies and a couple of needed household items that shouldn't count towards my grocery budget, but I dont feel like deducting them from the total)

2 pks hawaiian sandwich rolls $4.00 (I used a $0.50/1 coup) = $3.50
Hot dog buns $2.56
Ham cubes $2.98
Coleslaw mix $1.58
Apples with yogurt dip $2.00
Onion $0.66
Sugar free fudgesicles $3.28
Organic milk 1/2 gal $3.08
1/2 gallon skim milk $2.18
Cool whip $0.98
Mini marshmallows $1.00
Party cups $1.17
Party plates $2.48
2 liter Dt. Pepsi $1.25
Ketchup $1.98 (I used a $0.50/1 coup) = $1.48
Fancy Feast $6.68
Haircolor $11.97 (I used a coup on this for a free hair color) = $0.00
Clearasil face pads $3.67
2 storage bins $12.88
Baked beans $3.28
Cherry pie filling $3.62
Chunk pineapple $0.98
Crushed pineapple $0.98
1 lb. macaroni $1.00
Sweetened condensed milk $1.36
Mexicorn $1.24
Baked beans $1.32
Toilet seat $14.88
Cat litter $7.88

Total - $100.53

Menu Plan 5/27 - 6/3

Friday: mini pigs in blankets
french fries

Saturday: fried pork chops
buttered egg noodles
veggie

Sunday: meatloaf
macaroni and cheese
veggie

Monday: bbq - cheeseburgers
hot dogs
baked beans
coleslaw
pasta salad
dessert TBD

Tuesday: leftovers

Wednesday: breakfast

Thursday: grilled chicken
baked potato
sweet potato

Friday: out

CVS 5/22

(Not pictured: Charmin and CVS Green Bag Tag.  Notice Louis checking stuff out.  Hahaha)

Transaction #1

2 Irish Spring Body Wash 2/$7 - $0.50/1 coup = $6.50
2 Colgate 360 Toothbrushes $5.98 - two $1/1 coups = $3.98
1 Strike Spark Gum = $0.99
1 Revlon Nail Polish $4.99 - $1/1 coup = $3.99
1 CVS Green Bag Tag $0.99 - $0.99/1 coup = $0.00

Total - $16.93 and I got $11.99 in ECBs to use in the next transaction.

Transaction #2

3 prescriptions $61.00
2 Sweet Baby Ray bbq sauce 2/$3 - $1/2 coup = $2.00
375 ct. Q-tips $1.99 - $0.30/1 coup = $1.69
16 ct. Charmin = $9.99

Used $11.99 in ECBs from previous transaction.
Total - $63.68

So in total on groceries and HBA I spent roughly $14.00.  Subtract that from my $200 grocery total for the month and I have $85.53 left to spend for the rest of the month (two weeks).

My CVS savings for the year to date: $358.93

Grocery Shopping This Week

So i'm still trying to stay within my $200/mo grocery budget.  Last I shopped I had $178.86 left to spend for the month.  Let's see how I did this week.

Food Lion 5/16

100 calorie pack $3.19
Honey $2.99
Fruit cup $1.50
Chicken nuggets $3.99

Total - $12.13

Dollar General 5/21

2 boxes Wildberry poptarts $2.00

Total - $2.04

Food Lion 5/21

Bread $2.19
Cocoa Krispies $3.79
Capt Crunch $3.49
Garlic salt $1.77
2 boxes Kraft mac and cheese $1.98
Splenda packets $2.89
Bottled water $3.99
Bacon $3.99
Lil Smokies $3.99
2 pks Hebrew National hot dogs $5.08
2 naval oranges $1.50
Dozen eggs $1.29
Parmesan cheese $1.79
Tea $2.00
Crescent rolls $2.00
French fries $2.00
Tater tots $2.00
12 cans cat food $5.64
Fancy feast dry cat food $7.49
Woolite carpet cleaner $3.99
Daily's strawberry daquiri $1.99

I used 4 coupons for BOGO on the cat food cans.

Total - 65.16

Money left to spend on groceries for the month: $99.53.  I think I can do this!

Getting to Know Me

I thought this would be a fun little mix-up and help the readers who don't know me personally (maybe there is one of you??) to get to know me a bit better :)

ABC's of Me

•Age: 27

•Bed Size: Queen

•Chore You Hate: All of them.  Most of all dishes.

•Dogs: none

•Essential start of your day: definitely the snooze button

•Favorite color: Hot pink

•Gold or silver: I like both but I prefer white gold

•Height: 5'5"

•Instruments I play (or have played): clarinet

•Job title: technical writer

•Kids: two furbabies

•Live: Coastal NC

•Mom’s name: Thereasa

•Nickname: Nic, Baby, Bertling

•Overnight hospital stays: When I was in a car accident when I was six and when I was in a car accident when I was 18. Both for roughly a week.

•Pet peeve: Horrible spelling, typos in the newspaper

•Quote from a movie: "Show me the money!"

•Right or left handed: Left

•Siblings: 2 sisters, 1 brother, 1 step brother, 1 step sister

•Time you wake up: during the week 5am, during the weekend, whenever.

•Underwear: most of the time

•Vegetables you dislike: its easier to list the ones I do like - peas, green beans, corn

•What makes you run late: my alarm not going off or me accidentally hitting off instead of snooze in my sleep

•X-rays you’ve had done: dentist, my arm, and my leg

•Yummy food you make: i make lots of yummy stuff though my husby would disagree

•Zoo animal: tigers

Menu Plan 5/21-5/27

A lot of stuff didn't get made last week because I got pretty lazy about halfway through.  So you might see some repeats in this week's menu.

Saturday: Hungry husby casserole

Sunday: Honey garlic chicken
buttered noodles
veggie

Monday: meatloaf
macaroni and cheese
veggie

Tuesday: pancakes and bacon/sausage

Wednesday: spaghetti
garlic bread

Thursday: leftover or soup and sandwiches

Friday: pigs in a blanket
french fries

Food Lion 5/15

I've decided to really try sticking to a $50 grocery budget each week ($200/mo).  This will include toiletries, cleaning supplies and cat food.  I may have to bump it up to $60 due to the increases in food costs, but i'm going to stick with $50 first and see how that goes.  I didn't have to buy a whole lot at the grocery store this week.

Tostitos $3.99 (I have a rebate for $2 to send for these)
2 Frito Lay cheddar dip $5.98
Slim Jims $2.50 (for a care package for my dad)
1 can chicken broth $0.99
1 lemon $0.69
Ice cream sandwiches $3.29
5 ct biscuits $0.50
1/2 gallon milk $2.79

Total - $21.14

$178.86 left to spend for the month.

Menu Plan 5/15 - 5/20

Saturday: tv dinner

Sunday: beef and noodles
veggie

Monday: grilled NY strip
baked potato for husby, baked sweet potato for me

Tuesday: garlic lemon chicken
rice
veggie

Wednesday: hungry husby casserole

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: out

CVS 5/8

3 Colgate Total - on sale 3/$5
1 Clorox Wipes - on sale 2/$4
1 Carefree 20 ct paniliner - on sale for $0.99
Prescription - $8.00

Using coupons and $1 in ECBs my total came up to - $10.24

My YTD savings is: $346.14

3 Bean Salad

This is a great dish to take to potlucks or cookouts or for a nice light side to dinner.

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 oz. can cut green beans (drained)
15 oz. can wax beans (drained)
15 oz. can dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed well)
1 green pepper (chopped)
1 white onion (chopped)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add in vegetables.  Stir, making sure to coat the vegetables well.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Menu Plan 5/7 - 5/13

Sorry its been awhile since I posted.  I've been super busy the past couple of weeks!  Here is my menu plan for this week....the past couple of weeks I haven't had a menu plan and the husby and I have been eating out waaay too much.

Saturday: Arby's

Sunday: beef and noodles in the crockpot
veggie
cupcakes for work

Monday: leftovers/fend for yourself - I have a coupon meeting to attend

Tuesday: grilled steak
baked potatoes
salad

Wednesday: shake n bake chicken
macaroni and cheese
veggie

Thursday: spaghetti
garlic bread
salad

Friday: leftovers  I'm catering a luncheon on Saturday so I'll be doing a lot of prep work on Friday night.  For the luncheon i'm making: ravioli, spinach salad, garlic bread, and canoli dip.

Frugal Tip of the Day

Buy generics or store brands if the name brands are not on sale or if you don't have a coupon.  A lot of times these are much cheaper than the name brand and taste just as good, in some cases, better!  Remember grocers always put the expensive name brand items at eye level, so look for those generics/store brands on higher or lower shelves.

Chocolate Chip Streusel Cake

Here is a picture of the chocolate chip streusel cake I made for Easter dinner tomorrow.  If it tastes good i'll post the recipe!

Menu Plan 4/23-4/30

Next week i'm going to be doing some cooking for my godmother, so mine and husby's dinners will be pretty easy.  Here's the menu plan:

Saturday: probably a sandwich or something for me, husby is working

Sunday: Hoppy Easter!!  Grilled t-bones, pasta salad, corn on the cob, and chocolate chip streusel cake

Monday: Salisbury steak, rice, veggie

Tuesday: for my godmother (prepping for Wednesday's dinner) Bert's Pasta Salad and chicken salad on croissants
tv dinners for husby and I

Wednesday: Hungry Husby Casserole
for my godmother (prepping the cornbread for Thursday)

Thursday: for my godmother (chicken and wild rice soup and cornbread)
sandwiches for husby and I

Friday: leftover Hungry Husby Casserole

Saturday: for my godmother (baked macaroni and cheese and coconut cream pie)
out to eat for Husby and I

Sunday: for my godmother (prepping 3 bean salad for Monday night's dinner)
shake and bake chicken, pasta side, and veggie for husby and I

Jayne's Beef Stroganoff

A co-worker of mine made this for my family when we were mourning the loss of my mother.  It is delicious!

1 pound round steak, beef tenderloin, or sirloin steak
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 (8 oz) carton sour cream
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons instant beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups hot, cooked egg noodles
pepper

1. Thinly slice beef into bite size strips.
2. Combine flour and sour cream.  Stir in bouillon granules, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet melt the margarine or butter over high heat and cook half of the meat until done. Remove. 4. Add remaining meat, mushrooms, onion and garlic. Cook and stir until meat is done and onion is tender.
5. Return all meat to the skillet.  Add the sour cream mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly.  Cook and stir 1 minute more.
5. Server over warm egg noodles.

Menu Plan 4/16-4/17

Saturday: Cheeseburgers, tater tots, and potato salad (free from a friend yay!)

Sunday: Me- leftover cheeseburger and potato salad
Husby- he wants pizza

Monday: chicken and noodles with philly cooking creme (I got the cooking creme free, yay!)

Tuesday: fried cube steak, rice, veggie

Wednesday: shake n bake chicken, side, veggie

Thursday: tater tot casserole, veggie

Friday: leftovers or out to eat

Lunches this week: me - leftovers/pbj
husby - salami and cheese sandwiches or tuna sandwiches

CVS 4/17

I did two separate transactions today at CVS.

Transaction #1

3 Stove Top $2.64 (I used 3 $0.50/1 coups) = $1.14
1 Dial 3pk soap $1.99
1 Nivea Men's body wash $3.88 (Used $3/1 coup) = $0.88
1 Nivea Women's body wash $3.88 (Used $3/1 coup) = $0.88
1 GE lightbulb $2.99
1 Edge Shave Gel $3.29 (used $0.55/1 coup) = $2.74
2 Hellman's Mayo (on sale bogo) (used $1/1 coup) = $5.29
Plus I used a $4/$20 cvs coupon and $0.74 in ECB's.

Total - $11.42 Plus I got $4.30 in ECBs to use

Transaction #2

Prescription $30.00
2 24pks CVS water - $4.44
I used those $4.30 in ECB's from the last transaction.

Total - $30.23

Rite Aid 4/17

4 12pks Pepsi $12.00
6 Airwick aerosol air fresheners (on sale for BOGO) (used 3 BOGO coupons) = Free

I used $4 in UP rewards and rounded up my total $0.25 for CMN.
Total - $11.00 Plus I got $3 in UP rewards to use next time!

Food Lion 4/17

I had to make two transactions today because after I went in and did my first order I remembered that I forgot to buy garlic bread for today's lunch so I had to go back inside.  Hahaha

Transaction #1

Lemon cake mix $1.89 (used $1/1 coup) = $0.89
Lemon frosting $1.89
2 jars Vlasic relish $1.58 (on sale) (used 2 $0.75/1) = $0.08
Half Spiral ham $14.68 (used coup for $2/1) = $12.68
Dozen eggs $1.59
Also found a wine tag coupon for $1 off entire purchase.

Total - $16.56 Plus I have a $5 rebate to send in on ham.

Transaction #2

2 Texas Garlic Toast $3.98

Total - $4.06

Food Lion 4/10

Is it just me or are food prices getting a little ridiculous??

Bread $1.99
Flour $1.39
Bacon $3.00
Country crock $3.29
Butter sticks $2.49
Gallon milk $3.89
Nestle Easter cookies $2.50 (Used $0.75/1 coup) = $1.75
Good humor chocolate eclair ice cream $4.39 (I can't believe I paid this price for it, I'll call it a moment of weakness)
Pushups $3.99
Cat litter $8.99
Charmin ultra 4ct $2.99
Fancy Feast dry cat food $7.49
Freezer bags $3.99
Disinfecting wipes $2.19
Sandwich bags $2.99
21 cans of friskees $8.40 (Used 3 BOGO coupons and one coupon for $1/15) = $5.75

Total - $65.70

Rite Aid 4/10

Rite Aid was having a great deal on Pepsi 12pk this week so that is mainly what I went for.

4 12pks Pepsi $11.00
3 Russell Stover cream eggs $0.99
1 Bic Flex 4 Razors $4.99
1 Softsoap refill $3.99 (Used $0.50 coup) = $3.49
2 Stayfree $5.00 (Used $2.00 coup) = $3.00

Looking at my receipt now, it looks as though the cashier charged me for an extra Stayfree and did not scan the $3.00/1 coupon I had for the Bic.  Agh!!!  I should have been paying closer attention while he was ringing stuff up.  Dang it!   My total was $26.53.  I thought this sounded a little high in the store, I should have stopped right then and checked over my receipt.  I know for next time.

CVS 4/10

The deals kind of suck this week, but I love Russel Stover cream eggs and we were down to our last roll of paper towels.  Here's my transaction:

1 Bounty 8 pk $6.99
1 Russell Stover Raspberry Cream Egg $0.74

Used $7 in ECBs.  Total - $0.79 and I got $0.74 in ECBs to use on my next transaction!

I keep forgetting to take in my reusable bag and bag tag to get scanned when I make a purchase.  I could have had like two extra bucks by now!!  Dang it!

Ms. Zelda's Dip

After making this dip for so long, Ms. Zelda just eyes the ingredients so for some of these items there are not measurements.  Just add to your liking.

8 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese

8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

1/4 to ½ pound pepperoni (may want to cut slices in half or fourths)

Red Peppers (I used the roasted kind in the jar, a few thinly sliced)

Ripe green olives (can use only green olives) (coarsely chopped)

Onion, diced small

Small can of mushrooms

2 cups Mayonnaise

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until well mixed.

3. Put in an 8x8 dish.

4. Bake until dip is bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve with crackers.

Menu Plan 4/8-4/15

Friday: Papa John's

Saturday: bbq chicken, buttered noodles, corn, brownies (for the husby's lunches)

Sunday: chicken and dumplings, corn bread

Monday: possibly out to eat

Tuesday: meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, veggie

Wednesday: pancakes and bacon

Thursday: tater tot casserole, veggie

Friday: leftovers

CVS 4/7

I had to go to CVS yesterday to get a gift card for my cousin's first birthday.  I had a rain check for BOGO Purex 3in1 sheets and I decided to check and see if they had any in stock and they did (score!).  Here is my transaction.

$25 Gymboree g/c $25.00
Garden flag $2.99
2 (20 ct) Purex 3in1 Sheets $8.00 (Used BOGO rain check) $4.00

I used 2 $1/1 any Purex coupons and $2.00 in ECBs.

Total - $28.53

Menu Plan 4/2-4/8

Well, I won't be posting any CVS, Rite Aid, or Food Lion posts this week as I mailed my Food Lion receipt in for a rebate without first making a blog post about it, and CVS/Rite Aid, aren't really having any deals this week that i'm interested in.  But, here is this weeks menu plan!

Saturday: hot dogs, baked beans, Bert's pasta salad

Sunday: Nana's lasagna and Italian bread I picked up at the bakery

Monday: salisbury steak, rice, veggie

Tuesday: leftovers

Wednesday: bbq chicken, mac and cheese, veggie

Thursday: steak, buttered noodles, corn

Friday: out

Rite Aid 3/29

I heard about an excellent greeting card deal at Rite Aid today so I just had to go check it out.  In their flyer this week is a coupon for $3/3 American Greeting cards.  Well, American Greeting has a $0.99 line of greeting cards.  So if you buy 3 of those and use the coupon for $3/3, you get them free!  You can't beat free!
Here is my transaction:

1 Stayfree 24ct super $2.49 (originally $3.99)
1 Stayfree 24 ct super $2.49
3 American Greeting cards $2.97

Total - $7.95 - $3 (card coupon) - $1/1 Stayfree coupon - $3.99 (BOGO Stayfree coupon) + tax = $0.34
Plus, I got $1.49 in UP Rewards (similar to ECBs) to use next time!
I'll be donating the Stayfree to the homeless shelter/food pantry and the cards i'll be using for a few upcoming birthdays.

CVS 3/27

I did two separate transactions this morning at CVS.  They had some pretty decent ECB deals going this week.

Transaction #1
2 Halls Cherry 30ct cough drops = $3.74 (I used coups for $0.75/1 and $0.50/1) = $2.49
2 Stove Top Stuffings = $1.54 (I used 2 coups for $0.50/1) = $0.54
2 Colgate Toothbrushes = $5.98 (I used 2 coups for $1/1) = $3.98
1 Skintimate Shave gel = $3.49 (I used a coup for $0.55/1) = $2.94

Total - $9.95 - $2.99 in ECB's = $6.96 +tax = $8.01
I got $8.50 in ECBs to use in my next order.

Transaction #2
3 Pepsi 12pks = $10.00

Total - $10.00 - $8.50 ECBs +tax = $2.28
I got $2 in ECBs to use on my next order.

You can't beat the Stove Top deal this week!

Food Lion 3/27

Had to do three separate transactions at Food Lion this morning.  One for trash stickers, one for salty snacks (for a rebate), and the other for my regular groceries.  Here's what I got:

Transaction #1
4 Trash Stickers = $10.00

Total - $10.00

Transaction #2
Orville Reddenbacher Popup Popcorn bowls 6pk $4.99 - $1/1 coup = $3.99
Pringles Snack Stacks $2.50

Total - $6.64

Transaction #3
Bread $2.89
Vegetable Oil $3.69
Cube Steak marked down $1.40
Hamburger maked down $2.80
Hamburger marked down $2.94
2 Granny Smith apples $1.84 (this is a ridiculous price but I was really craving some)
Gallon milk $3.69
4 Cans Friskees Tasty Treasures $1.60 (used 2 bogo coups) = $0.80
15 cans regular Friskees $6.00 (used $1/15 coup) = $5.00
Cottonelle Ultra 12pk $9.49 (used $0.50/1 coup) = $8.99
Cat Litter $7.99
Total - $44.06

Cats and husby's pickyness for expensive toilet paper are really killing me at the grocery store!

Pretzel Dippers

This would be something fun and easy to put in your children's lunch boxes.

8 oz. block cheddar cheese (I like to use mild) or whatever cheese you like
16 skinny pretzel rods

1. Cut the block of cheese into 16 cubes.

2. Let the cheese sit at room temperature for a few minutes.  Insert one end of the pretzel rod into the cheese cube.

3. You can serve these with honey mustard on the side for dipping.

Menu 3/18 - 3/25

Friday: I had sausage gravy and biscuits and made chocolate chip cookies for my husby's lunches

Saturday: roast in the crock pot with garlic potatoes and veggie

Sunday: chicken noodle casserole with a veggie and devilled eggs to snack on at lunch time

Monday: spaghetti and garlic bread

Tuesday: leftovers

Wednesday: pancakes and bacon

Thursday: bbq chicken with macaroni and cheese and a veggie

Friday: out

CVS Trip 3/17

I typically only go CVS'ing on Sundays, but today I stopped by there on my way home from work to see if they had restocked the Purex 3n1 sheets, they had not.  But, I did score some super good deals from their clearance baskets!  Here is what I got:

1 Axe Body Wash (marked down to $1.89) = $1.89
5 bags of Nestle Semi Sweet Morsels (marked down to $0.89) = $4.45
4 Nestle Crunch Bars (for husby's lunch) $0.99 ea (buy 2 get 1 free) = $2.97
1 Always Pantiliners (20 ct) $1.49 - $1.00/1 coup = $0.49
1 Excedrin PM (8 ct) $0.99 - $0.99/1 coup that printed from the kiosk = Free

Total = $10.30 - $9.80 (ECBs) = $0.49 OOP

I'm donating a bag of the chocolate chips and the pantiliners to the food pantry/homeless shelter.