The Dishwasher

Cleaning your Dishwasher
Okay, okay.... not the most fun post, but my dishwasher was getting yucky, and since I love my dishwasher, I knew it was time for a cleaning. In the past, I have used those expensive dishwasher cleaners they have at the store, but I found a cheaper more effective way to clean it out.

1. Add one tbsp of bleach after emptying the dishwasher. Run a full cycle. This removes any mold and leaves it sparkling clean.

2. Place a coffee cup of vinegar in the bottom rack. Run a full cycle. This cleans it out.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Secondly, I am trying out making my own dishwasher detergent. It's really simple and a lot cheaper.

Detergent
2 cups of Borax
2 cups of Baking Soda
4 tablespoons of citric acid or 4 small packets of sugar free Kool-Aid

Use 2 tablespoons per load. (1 tablespoon in the open cup and 1 in the closed locking cup).

Rinse Aid
Pour some White Vinegar into your rinse aid receptacle and your dishes will come out sparkling! (If your dishes end up covered with a white residue, you probably have hard water and need to experiment with the amount of Borax to use.)

Thanks http://frugallygreen.blogspot.com for the info on how to make this!!!

Surveys & other website money makers!!

I joined most of these sites at the beginning of the year, so these totals are how much I have made so far this year. I am posting some referral codes. I would be forever grateful if you use them if you are going to join. I will get points if you sign up under me. Do not feel you have to do so... you can go to the sites on your own and sign up. None of these sites require a referral.

Opinion Outpost (http://www.OpinionOutpost.com/join/7034921)
Earnings to date $32.50 cash

Mindfield (http://mindfieldonline.com/referral/098aa999)
Earnings to date $16.00 cash

SayNation (http://www.saynation.com/Portal/?RP=Register&Ref=7586254499)
Cashed out for $20 Amazon.com gift card in June, currently have 9775 points (need 22000 to cash out for another $20 Amazon.com gift card)

Mypoints.com
(Earned points by completing buzz reports (bzzagent.com), clicking on emails and doing email surveys). I like to redeem my points for $10 gift cards for subway (1400 points)
Point Balance 1312 Points

Lifetime earned 12162 Points

Lifetime redeemed 10850 Points

Swagbucks (http://swagbucks.com/refer/bethera)
Download the toolbar and do all your searches with their search engine. Randomly earn points to get all kinds of prizes. I like to cash out at 45 points for $5 amazon.com gift cards.
Have cashed out 8 times for $5 Amazon.com gift cards this year... $40 for searches I would have done anyway!!! I have bought Shane two pairs of work pants through Amazon.com so far and am close to another buy. I think I'm going to start working on Christmas presents with the next $25-$30. After $25, you get free shipping on Amazon :)

Lightspeed Panel
Current 25 points
Points Redeemed 2200 ($20 in Amazon.com gift certificates)

Epoll.com
Current points 450
Cashed out 3500 points for $5 Amazon.com gift certificate

Total amount in gift cards and cash... $203.50!!

These are my favorite survey sites. Do you have one?

Bargain filled day!

Kmart
4 Tag books on clearance for $4.80 each
used $4.00 coupon
paid $5.50

CVS
Transaction 1
2 prescriptions $10
got $50 gift card for transferring prescriptions

Transaction 2
3 duracell batteries 5.95 each
1 Scott paper towels 5.xx
1 Scott soft TP 6.xx
1 CVS brand Vitamin D 9.97
1 CVS brand tissues .50
1 Poise pads 2.49 (will donate these... I wonder if everyone got a free poise pad coupon from CVS)
2 huggies diapers

used
2 - 1.00 off batteries & .75 off batteries
1 - $3 off $10 CVS brand purchase
1- $4 off $20 purchase
1 - Free poise pads
2 - $3 off Huggies
$10 ECB

paid remainder with gift card... no OOP!!!

Walmart
$4 hat (have to return... doesn't fit)
$4 gloves (have to return... doesn't fit)
$3.50 CD-R
$4.50 Chlorox 2

used $10 off giftcard, paid $6.xx OOP

Lowes
Took in the clothing my washer had been eating and they are going to deliver a new one to my house on Tuesday! No problem!!! Unbelievable.

Rite Aid
1 package of binkies $6.xx... so worth it!

Mystery $5

The mystery of the $5 discount from Giant Eagle has been solved... got this in my email today. Don't know where this $5 discount came from, but I sure like it.

You have now redeemed your second $5 discount, and there is still one more $5 discount available on your Giant Eagle Advantage Card® for use on your next shopping trip. This offer will expire after 90 days if left unused. Please be sure to take advantage of this special savings. Another way to save from Giant Eagle.

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Giant Eagle

Got a great deal on stuff I can stockpile! Will be set with cereal for a while now. Let me know if you are interested in doing this deal and need some coupons. I have extras and really don't need more cereal. Did I say that? Is that possible?

Transaction #1
2 Bounty Paper towels 2.19 each
4 Kelloggs Fruit Snacks 1.88 each
6 Mini wheats 2.50 each
2 welchs jelly 2.15 each

used
2 1.00 off bounty (doubled to 2.00)
2 1.00 off 2 kelloggs fruit snacks (doubled to 2.00)
3 1.00 off 2 kelloggs mini wheats (doubled to 2.00)
2 .75 off welchs jelly
$5 discount???

Paid 9.35, received 2 coupons for free milk
will send in rebate for $10 back when you buy 10 kelloggs products = .65 money maker!!!

Transaction 2
2 Kelloggs Fruit Snacks 1.88 each
6 Kelloggs cereal 2.50 each
2 Kelloggs poptarts 2.50 each
1 milk 1.99
1 chocolate milk 3.29

used
1 1.00 off 2 kelloggs fruit snacks (doubled to 2.00)
3 1.00 off 2 kelloggs mini wheats (doubled to 2.00)
1 1.00 off 2 kelloggs pop tarts (doubled to 2.00)
2 free milk coupons

Paid 13.76, received 2 coupons for free milk
will send in rebate for $10 back when you buy 10 kelloggs products = 3.76 OOP

Transaction 3
2 Kelloggs Fruit Snacks 1.88 each
6 Kelloggs cereal 2.50 each
2 Kelloggs eggo waffles 2.00 each
1 milk 1.99
1 chocolate milk 3.29
6 mighty dog cans .60 each
4 Giant Eagle butter 1.78 each

used
1 1.00 off 2 kelloggs fruit snacks (doubled to 2.00)
3 1.00 off 2 kelloggs mini wheats (doubled to 2.00)
1 1.00 off 2 kelloggs eggo (doubled to 2.00)
2 free milk coupons
6 free mighty dog

Paid 18.87, received 2 coupons for free milk
will send in rebate for $10 back when you buy 10 kelloggs products = 8.87 OOP

Transaction 4
2 galons of milk 1.99 each

used
2 free milk coupons

Paid 0.00!!!

GRAND TOTAL = 11.98 for 18 boxes of cereal, 6 gallons of milk, 10 boxes of fruit snacks, 2 poptarts, 2 eggos, 2 bounty, 2 jelly, 4 butters, and 6 mighty dog cans!!!

Bargain run week of 8/9

CVS
2 Wisk 4.99 ea
1 CVS ibuprfn 7.49
2 m&ms .50 each (for the girls)
1 juicy fruit 1.19 (for the boy)

used 1.50 coupon
and
1.98, 2.50, 3.00, 5.00 ECB
paid 6.71 on a gift card from trans. a prescription

Walgreens
1 Colgate 2.99
8 Bic pens .50 each
1 huggies wipe 2.99
1 mini composition book .19
30 prints 3.00

used
2.00 IVC huggies
1.00 manu. huggies
4 - 1.00 off 2 bic pens
.75 off colgate

paid 6.18 (.76 was tax) received $3 RR back for Colgate

Bargain shopping Aug 1

Went out today and hit a ton of stores. Here is the final outcome

CVS
Charmin Basic TP 12 pack 5.49
4 newspapers 3.00

used 8 ECB, paid .51 on a gift card

CVS Transaction 2
CVS mouthwash 2.xx
Blink eyedrops 7.99

paid with free CVS mouthwash coupon, ECBs and gift card, received 7.99 ECBs back

Rite Aid (size 5 easy ups for girls are on clearance)
2 Easy Ups Diapers 2.84 ea

used $1 coupon
paid with rebate check, received 2.xx back in cash


Kroger
is having a one day only 50% off Kelloggs sale. There is a limit of 6 though, so you can't do the deal and send in the rebate that was in this week's paper. That was my plan. Oh well.

I did get...
4 Keebler cookies 1.34 each
used 2 - $1 off 2 Keebler cookies

Paid 3.36 on a Kroger gift card

Subway for lunch... had a $10 giftcard I earned from mypoints.com. See column on right to sign up! Got 2 subs for $1.75 after the giftcard... Shane was craving a seafood sub which isn't on the $5 list :) That was the only cash I used today. Everything else was paid for with Rebates, Giftcards and ECBs!

Bargains!!!

Giant Eagle
Can't find my receipt which really makes me mad because I was going to send it in for a $10 Kelloggs rebate. Oh well. Prices marked are a guess since my receipt is MIA. When the cashier rang me up, he gave me a $5 credit right away. Don't know what that was about, but I did't ask. Here is what I got for $4.63

15 boxes of cereal (4/10 with $3 off instantly when you buy 4) had $1 coupons so made $4 on this deal
5 Capri Suns (1.25, $1 coupons, .25 each)
3 McCormic Peppers (1.99, .75 coupon, .49 each)
2 Easy Macs ($1, BOGO coupon, .50 each)
4 Easy Velvetas ($1.25, 1 BOGO coupon and 1 - 2 FREE coupon, .31 each)
2 Fiber One Yogurts (2.50, $1 coupon, .50 each)
2 Crackerfuls (2.50, $1 coupon, .50 each)
2 Angel Soft TP (1.00, $2 coupon when you buy 1 angel soft and 1 sparkle, FREE)
2 Sparkle Paper Towels (1.00, $2 coupon when you buy 1 angel soft and 1 sparkle, FREE)
1 Oscar Mayer Hotdogs (FREE coupon)
2 Pillsbury Cake Mixes (2.50, $1 coupon, .50 each)
1 Box of Graham Crackers (2.50, no coupon (shock!!!) -- needed for smores!

Kroger
Has the $5 off 10 Mega Deal and I was greatly disappointed. I got a bargain blocked by a coupon nazi cashier. She would only let me use 4 like coupons, denied two of my coupons, and marked 4 of the hand savers down from $1.00 to .50 since that is the price after the Mega Deal promotion. Oh well. Here is what I got for $12.xx

1 small pkg of Huggies
1 small pkg of pull-ups
4 bags of kitten food (will donate... had free coupons)
4 Hand saver gloves
4 Brownie Mixes
4 Sargento Cheese

Community Markets
Jif Peanut butter 2.29 (not a great deal, but we were out and I forgot to pick it up at Giant Eagle and Kroger)

A few good & easy recipes

Grandma's mac n cheese - yum!
1 box of kraft macaroni & cheese
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
2 T butter
milk

Cook macaroni noodles according to directions. Drain & pour in 1.5 qt casserole dish. Add butter, 1 1.4 Cups cheese (save 3/4 for top), 1/2 of the cheese packet from box (save other 1/2 for top)... mix. Add milk until you see it just under the top layer of macaroni. Mix again. Top with other 1/2 of cheese packet and 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hr or until top is brown and crispy.

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 egg
3/4 cup italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
1 jar pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

dip chicken in egg, then breadcrumbs

In 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish, arrange chicken. Bake uncovered 20 min. at 400 degrees.

Pour pasta sauce over chicken and top with cheese. Bake additional 20 minutes. Make sure chicken is cooked all the way through.

Serve with cooked pasta.

Dinner This Week

Saturday (Crockpot Chicken... see post below for recipe) Friends brought bread and veggies... the chicken was enough for 6 adults and 5 kids :)
Whole Chicken 4.01
Onion .89
Spices about 1.00
Potatoes 3.00
Total 6.90
Sunday (Sloppy Joes)
1 lb Ground Chuck 1.88
1 Can of Manwich FREE from Kroger Deal a while back
1 Can Grilling Beans 1.50
Total 3.38
Monday
4 lb. Whole chicken from Community Markets (cut up) 2.50
1 bottle of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce (from Giant Eagle a few weeks ago) FREE
1 bag of frozen broccoli 1.00
Total 3.50
Tuesday
Hamburger Helper 1.00
1 lb. Ground Chuck 1.88
Veggie 1.00
Total 2.88
Wednesday
Bacon & Cheese Quiche
Thursday
Spaghetti
Friday
Dinner with Good Friends... brought chips, buns & Tony Pacos hot dog sauce to the party
Saturday
Dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's house :)
Sunday
Dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's house :)

School Supplies!

I'm back!!! Just in time for School Supplies. Could it really be that time of year already?

Here was Jerry's list this year:
24 Crayons
Washable Markers
Colored Pencils
2 Folders (had these from last year's Staples deal)
1 Spiral Bound Notebook
10 Pencils
3 Glue Sticks
2 Pink Erasers
Hard plastic pencil box
Backpack (will use the one from last year. I may pick one up when they clearance after school starts just in case)
Kleenex (still need to buy)

We ran around to several different stores to get the deals... I got a few other things to keep the kids busy this winter (and because they were free). The blue items are from Jerry's list.

Staples
2- 8 count pencils .01 each
Total .02
Staples also has a $5 off $25 purchase coupon in their ad this week. Great deal if you have a lot to buy!

CVS
1 subject notebook .99 (Earned .99 ECB back)
1 subject notebook .99 (Earned .99 ECB back)
8 ct. pens .99 (Earned .99 ECB back)
1 Gain 5.99 (Earned 2.00 ECB back)
1 Fusion 7.99 (Earned 4.00 ECB back, used 2.00 coupon)
1 Ruler .99 (Earned .99 ECB back)
School Glue .99 (Earned .99 ECB back)
School Glue .99 (Earned .99 ECB back)
Subtotal 19.92, paid with ECB - .99, 3.00, 4.00, 4.47, 4.98 and 2.00 coupon
Total .65 (paid on a gift card), Earned 11.94 in ECB

Walgreens
2 Elmers Glue Sticks .59 each
Pink Erasers .29
Colored Pencils .59
Crayola Markers .99
Total 3.26

Walmart deals (Can't find my receipt)
.30 Crayola Crayons (24 count)
Pencil box .62

Dinner

Since my family isn't feeling great, I did the crockpot whole chicken again. This matched up great with the kroger deals below.
Here is the recipe if you are interested.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Whole-Chicken-Crock-Pot-Recipe-3367
Here's the breakdown:
Chicken $3.30
Onion $.33
Spices about $1.00??
3 Potatoes for mashed potatoes .50??
1 bag of frozen peas .88
$6.01 for a quick warm dinner for my sick family!!! And there are leftovers!!!

Last night, we did Lentil Enchilada Lasagna
Here is the recipe... sorta
1. Make the Lentil mixture
http://www.recipezaar.com/Easy-Inexpensive-Lentil-Tacos-304604
2. Layer in a baking dish: flour tortillas, Lentil mix, cheese, Enchilada sauce
3. Finish with a layer of enchilada sauce and cheese
4. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees
Enjoy... I love this one because it requires no thawing out meat... just pull out the lentils and rice and cook away!

Deals this week

Last week was crazy with our family getting some type of nasty germ. I was able to escape on monday to do a little bargain shopping. Here's what I got:

CVS
2 prescriptions 5.00
Got a $25 gift card for trans. prescription

Gain 5.99 with 2.00 ECB minus 1.00 coupon
2 Bandaids 2.23 with 2.00 ECB minus 1.00 coupon
1 Colgate 2.99 with 2.00 ECB minus 1.00 coupon
1 Playtex 2.99 with 2.00 ECB
14.xx OOP (paid with gift card) Left with 10.00 ECB

Walgreens
Iceland Health Fish Oil 8.00
8.xx OOP (Received 8.00 RR)

2 Vit. E (BOGO) 11.99
Paid with 8.00 RR and 4.xx

Kroger
2 Huggies diapers 8.99 ea
Used
1.00 Cellfire
1.50 Shortcuts
2 - 3.00 off huggies
3.00 off $15 in huggies from Kroger
6.xx for both packs

4 Mt. Dew
1 Diet Mt. Dew
(Memorial Day Sale - buy 5, get them for 2.39 ea)
Used 4 $2 off Mt. Dew and 1 $1 off Dt. Mt. Dew
3.xx OOP

1 Whole Chicken .89/lb (3.30)
2 breads .78 ea
1 Gal of milk 1.98
Onions (3 lb) 1.67

Total 20.16 OOP (Total savings 34.56 or 65%)

How much was your dinner tonight?

Sunday night (Steak, Peas & Potatoes)
6 Steaks 1.52 (so cheap by using OYNO coupons at Giant Eagle)
Kroger Peas 1.00
Garlic Potatoes .50
Salad .98
Dressing FREE
Total $4.00

Monday Night (Fried Rice)
3 cups of rice .15
4 eggs .32
Soy Sauce .30
Bag of broccoli 1.00
Leftover Peas from Sunday night .00
Leftover Salad from Sunday night .00
Total 1.77

More Giant Eagle

Transaction 1:
4 Danimals Crush Cups 2.39 each ($1 off coupon, doubled) .39 each
4 Capri Sun Sunrise Drinks 2.00 each ($1 off coupon, doubled) FREE
4 Wishbone Salad Spritzers 2.00 ($1 off coupon, doubled) FREE
3 Ragu Pasta Sauce 1.25 ($.60 off coupon, doubled) .05 each
3 Hot Sauce .99 ($1 off coupon, doubled) FREE
1 Steak 6.31

Used 2.00 & 3.00 OYNO coupons from last time

Paid 3.28 (Saved 38.02, 92% savings)

Received 3.00 OYNO for buying Wishbone and Ragu

Transaction 2:
1 head of lettuce .99
2 Large Tomatoes 2.99

Used $3.00 OYNO coupon from Transaction 1

Paid .98

How far does $25 really go?

At Giant Eagle... really far!!! My Giant Eagle doubles $1 coupons to $2!!! I love them!

Here goes....
4 boxes of Mini-wheats (2.50 each) used 4 - $1 coupons (.50 each)
Paid 2.00 (80% savings, Saved $8 with coupons and specials)
Got 2.00 OYNO for buying 4 Mini-wheats

Transaction #2
3 Ronzoni Pasta 1.67 each (used 3- $1 coupons) FREE
2 Danimal Crush Cups 2.39 each (used 2- $1 coupons) .39 each
3 Wishbone Dressings 2.00 each (used 3- $1 coupons) FREE
4 Ragu Pasta 4/$5 (no coupons) $1.25 each
4 Rotini Bistro Pasta 2.00 each (used 4- $1 coupons) FREE
2 Cheese Crackers 2.33 each (no coupons) $2.33 each
2 Go-gurt 2.79 each (used 2- $1 coupons) .79 each
1 Reese cup $1.00 (used 1- $1 coupons) FREE
4 Capri Sun Morning Drinks (used 4- $1 coupons) FREE
2 Motts Applesauce 1.69 each (used 2- $.55 coupons) .59 each
1 20 oz. Coke 1.59 (used 1- FREE coupon) FREE
1 Shredded cheese 1.69 (no coupons) 1.69
1 Cake Mix 3.00
1 Cake Frosting 1.75 (used 1- $1 coupon for cake mix and frosting) 2.25 for both
4 Kens Salad Dressing Spritzer 2.00 each (used 4- $1 coupons) FREE
4 Hot Sauce .99 each (used 4- $.50 coupons) FREE
3 Mccormick Seasonings 2.69 each (used 4- $1 coupons) .69 each
1 Swt Baby Rays BBQ Sauce (large bottle) 3.00 (used 1- $1 coupons) 1.00
4 Swt Baby Rays BBQ Sauce (small bottle) 1.50 (used 4- $1 coupons) FREE
1 Aldente pasta meal (used 1- FREE coupon) FREE
2 Wheat Bread .95 each (no coupon) .95 each
1 Kashi Waffles (used 1- FREE coupon) FREE
1 Cascadian Farms Broccoli 2.59 (used 1- $1 coupon) .59
4 Mini Wheats 2.50 each (used 1- BOGO coupon & 2 - $1 coupons) .87 each
1 Poptarts 2.39 (used 1- $1 coupon) .39
1 Diego yogurt 2.50 (no coupon - Macey wanted them... can't say no to her!!) 2.50

Paid 27.95 (savings of 81%, saved $110.00 in sales and coupons)
Received $3.00 OYNO for buying ragu and wishbone
Received $2.00 OYNO for buying Mini Wheats

Grand Total 29.95 minus $7 OYNO = 22.95!!!

Easy dinner tonight

Found this on recipezaar.com. It was very good and easy! I got a whole chicken on sale for .89 a pound and served it with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Whole-Chicken-Crock-Pot-Recipe-33671

What was in the mail in April?

$120 in P&G coupons from mail in rebate
$7 Mindfield Internet Panels check
9 - Free 20 oz coke product (from mycokerewards.com) & 2 Free 32 oz powerade
$10 from a diaper survey
$3 from Pinecone research
$18.99 Rite Aid Rebate Check
$5.30 Opinion Outpost Check
$5 Amazon Gift Card from Swagbucks... I am up to $25 in Amazon money. Will buy something after I get $5 more. (click on button or link on the right to join. It's easy, just download the toolbar and do your internet searches through there.)
3 packs of free diapers for diaper surveys
1 package of wipes for wipe survey

Buzz Kit - Got2B Hair Lotion

Houseparty - Juicy Juice House party complete with 8 jugs of juice and tons of party favors!

Check out Huggies Enjoy the Ride Promotion!

Check out Huggies Enjoy the Ride Promotion!

Huggies has a new customer loyalty program called Enjoy the Ride Rewards where you can earn points and win great prizes. You earn points for completing activities on the site such as watching videos (earns 6 points), participating in polls (earns 1 point), and browsing online (earns 1 point).

You will get 10 points just for signing up. Here are some more unique codes to get you started:

TKHNF-RLPLS-TRPGB (earns 5 points, also allows a $2 coupon to be printed)

WPBXZ-RDDNS-PPPGB (earns 2 points)

BBWBH-SDHFQ-CJPGB (earns 1 point)

RSZNG-TJNPH-DHPGB (earns 5 points)

BBRJH-WHDPT-JZPGB (earns 5 points)

RRPXJ-PSDRZ-PGPGB (earns 1 point)

XGQTZ-JNLGX-SLPGB (earns 1 point)

TXZKZ-JNRJQ-DDPGB (earns 5 points)

LNXBX-DXTSH-BSPGB (earns 5 points)

ZQQGS-FLRLM-XBPGB (earns 5 points)

BBMRG-BFQGS-FBPGB (earns 1 point)

RZMRR-QFZNP-WGPGB (earns 2 points)

New as of May 16th
JXBQX-LWHPP-HPPGB (5 Points)
GMHPR-XCQWL-FRPGB (1 Point)
HNCXQ-JJMCJ-FCPGB (1 Point)
HPDTG-XHMGX-BWPGB (1 Point)
QSHCR-CHRND-ZJPGB (1 Point)
PXGDB-WGHLZ-FGPGB (1 Point)
FFQLB-PSQMP-ZCPGB (1 Point)
DRRLN-QJSRH-KWPGB (1 Point)
ZKZTH-XSJJN-MHPGB (5 Points!)
JFBLF-MCMCZ-GCPGB (1 POINT)
SQJTJ-NJBXK-CMPGB (1 POINT)
RPLSZ-BRLDD-RTPGB (1 Point)

You can use your points to enter sweepstakes or participate in an instant win game. I won a $25 Visa card!

Go to https://enjoytheriderewards.com to join!

March for babies

On May 9th, we will be walking the 3 mile walk for the march of dimes. This charity is very dear to us with our preemie daughter. The research they do helps many preemies survive and get better. Being 3 months early, Macey has had her troubles, but is catching up and even surpassing kids her age. Not bad for a baby who started out at 2 pounds. If you would like to make a donation or join us on our walk, feel free to click on the purple box on the right for more information.

This is what's for dinner tonight!

Ok, I was once like you and said "Really? Lentils?", but we tried them and like them. It is an easy alternative to cooking with ground beef. The best part is I don't have to remember to defrost anything! Just pull out of the cupboard and cook. It is also cheaper and healthier than making them with ground beef... and surprisingly just as tasty! But, shhhh don't tell my son, he thinks the lentils are ground beef. hehe

Lentil Burritos (taken from $5 dinners blog)

Ingredients
1 cup white or brown rice
1 cup lentils, any color
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt/pepper
6-8 tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese

Directions
1. Cook rice. In saucepan, bring 2.5 cups of water or chicken broth to boil. Add 1 cup of white or brown rice. Return to boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. For white rice, cook for 20 minutes. For brown rice, cook for 50 minutes.
2. Cook lentils. In saucepan, add 1 cup of lentils plus water to cover lentils by an inch. Bring to boil and then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until lentils are soft. Drain any excess water.
3. Combine rice, lentils and can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles. Stir in garlic powder, ground cumin, salt and pepper.

4. Lay tortillas (corn or flour…whichever you prefer!) out and spoon rice/lentil mixture into the tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and roll up. Place burritos in 8×8 baking dish.
5. Place lentil burritos in a warm oven (250) for about 20 minutes, giving cheese time to melt. Don’t leave in too long or the tortillas will get crispy!
6. Serve

Kroger Triples Thru April 11!

Here is what I did:
Transaction 1
5 Frenchs mustard 1.00 (used 5 -.30 off) .10 ea
5 Frenchs spicy mustard 1.00 (used 5 -.50 off) FREE

Paid .50, received 5.00 OYNO coupons back

Transaction 2
1 lb ground chicken 1.39 (manager's special)
1 kashi frozen meal 4.99 (used free kashi meal) .90
5 land o lakes butter 2 stick packs 2.19 ea (used 5 - .50 off land o lakes butter) .69 ea
1 box crackers 1.89
1 5 lb bag Idaho potato 1.97
1 3 lb bag apples 2.99
3 tuna cans .80 (used .25) .05 ea
13 pillsbury pizza crust 1.25 (used 12 -.40 off) .05 ea
1 chocolate chip cookies 1.20
1 duncan chocolate cake mix 1.00 (used 1 -.35 off) FREE
2 ench. sauce 3.19 ea
1 dole pineapple chunks 1.00 (used 1 - .50 off) FREE
3 Ragu Pasta sauce 1.69 (used 3 - .30 off) .79 ea
1 Oscar meyer ham & cheese sandwich 2.50 (used free sandwich) FREE
3 betty crocker pouch potatoes (used 3 -.25 off) .25 ea

used 5.00 OYNO from previous transaction

paid 19.09 OOP (total savings 68.17 (78%))

Drug Store Deals Again!

CVS
2 5x7 enlargements of picture with the easter bunny 1.98
2 skintimate gel 3.49 x 2 = 6.98
1 bedtime story dvd 19.99
1 accuchek aviva meter 9.99
5 softsoap spa 4.49 ea
2 glucerna cereal 4.59 ea

ECBs used 1.99, 2.99, 3.49, 3.98, 10.00 and a 15 off 75 purchase

Coupons used 2 $5 glucerna coupons

1.49 on a gift card. Earned 9.99 ECB for meter and 6.98 ECB for gel...lost some ECBs, but had to roll them anyway 0.00 OOP!

Rite Aid
Did the good old fashioned monitor/$5 off $25 coupon deal... here's what I ended up with from two different stores

10 glucose monitors 30.00 ea
4 John Freida Friz Ease hair products 5.00 ea
5 Pudding .25 ea
1 Gain Detergent 4.99 ea
3 Venus Disposable Razor 3 packs 5.99 ea
4 Kraft Mac-n-cheese 1.79... bogo
1 Charmin 4 pack 2.99 ea
1 Bounty Paper Towel .99 ea
1 Rite Aid Tylenol 5.99 ea
1 snickers bar .88 ea
2 olay 2-packs 2.50 ea
2 Chef Boyardee Ravioli .99 ea
1 Charmin ultra 4 pack 2.99 ea

for a grand total of 5.49 and will receive $10 back in SCR for John Freida products
4.51 money maker!!!


Walgreens
One A Day Advantage 1.49
Paid 1.59 on gift card, will receive 1.49 plus 10% on gift card

Colgate 3.49
Paid 3.73 on gift card, received 3.50 in RR

Walmart
Coke 24 oz 1.38
3 Iams Dog Food 5.00 ea
2 winter coats for next year 5.00 ea
coupons
3 - $5 off Iams
1 free coke
Paid 11.78 OOP

Kroger
2 bread .78 ea
1 kroger soy sauce 1.29
1 ketchup 1.29
Paid 4.14 OOP

How to color eggs without a kit

What you will need -
* Cooled hard boiled eggs
* Vinegar (white, apple cider, any kind)
* Food coloring
* cups big enough to fit an egg plus enough water to cover the egg
* Spoon
* Crayons (optional)
* Container for holding the eggs once they're colored
* Newspaper and paper towels

Cover your work area with old newspaper or paper towels to keep the mess to a minimum.

If you chose to color with crayons on the eggs, do so before dipping them in the dye!

Place 1 teaspoon of vinegar in each cup or dipping container. Add about 1 cup of hot water to the vinegar (tap water is fine). Then add a few drops of food coloring to each container. Dip away.

Get creative and try tie dying them by making dots and letting them dry or 1/2 dipping the eggs. When dry, dip them in another color.

Come to my houseparty!

Guess what? I get to host a party through houseparty. It's a juicy juice party! Come sign up for the fun. If you might or might not be able to come, sign up and I will send you some coupons if you end up not making it... if they send me any! http://www.houseparty.com/party/115082

Rebates, & Survey site money makers this month

Ace Rewards card $5.00

Swagbucks $15 in Amazon.com giftcards (I am saving these up until I get $25 to get super saver shipping and then using them to buy Christmas gifts this year.) Sign up here if you are interested. All you have to do is download their toolbar and do all your searches through them. No catch!!! I earn on average 3 swagbucks a day and you only need 45 to get a $5 Amazon.com giftcard. Here is a referral link http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=156818

Lightspeed Panel - $5 Amazon.com giftcards (see right hand column for link)

$5 Opinion Outpost Check (see right hand column for link)

$10 Rite Aid Gift Card

9.99 Rite Aid Single Check Rebate

Buzz Kits from Bzzagent.com - Glade Candles (pretty 3 wick candle and $3 coupons), Diet Mountain Dew (2 free cans, coupons for 1 free 12 pack, and $1 off coupons)

Misc. I received by mail
Bumblebee tuna 3 - .25 coupons (emailed them with compliment)
FREE good housekeeping magazine from survey
TGIF Free app. and jump in line card (signed up online)
Free Suave (signed up onlilne)
5 - $2 off pepsi, $2 & $3 off frito lay snacks/dip (from mail in rebate)
Land O Lakes 4 - .55 coupons (emailed them with compliment)
Free wonder, homepride or hostess bread up to 2.50 (emailed them with compliment)
10 free Powerade coupons from redeeming points on mycokerewards.com

Drug Store Deals this week!

For more deals like these, check out my favorite websites in the right hand column.

Rite Aid
They had their one touch monitors on sale this week, so I did several transactions using the monitor coupon and the $5 for $25.
Transaction 1
3 Powerade 32 oz 1.25 ea (free after coupons from mycokerewards)
1 Quilted Northern double roll 12 pack 6.99
1 One Touch Mini 14.99

Used
2 powerade coupons (1.25 off each)
1 One Touch Mini (14.99 off)
$5 for $25 rite aid coupon

2.69 OOP (.70 was tax)

Transaction 2
Magnum Razor 4.99
2 One Touch Mini (14.99 off)
$5 for $25 rite aid coupon

.31 OOP (tax was .32)

Transaction 3
Huggies wipes (3.00 off)
Maxwell house coffee 6.99
1 One Touch Mini (14.99 off)
$5 for $25 rite aid coupon

2.71 OOP (.23 was tax)

Transaction 4
8 bags of easter candies .69 ea
2 One Touch Mini (14.99 off)
$5 for $25 rite aid coupon

.52 OOP (no tax?)

Total for Rite Aid $6.23, will receive 4.99 back on Razor with Single Check Rebates (1.24 OOP)

CVS (got stuff for Easter baskets)
2 jelly beans .50 ea
sidewalk chalk 4.99
peeps .96
3 pez bunnies .96 ea
egg color kit 1.99

used 2.00, 4.00, 4.99 ECB
paid .83 on a gift card, earned 1.99 ECB for the egg color kit. All free, but lost some ECBs (what we do for the kids :))

0.00 OOP

Wags
8 Reynolds wrap 1.59 (no, I didn't clear the shelf!!! I had 8 coupons, and thankfully, they had a decent amount in stock)
Wags Reynolds wrap coupon -5.60
8 Reynolds wrap coupons 1.00 off each
easter Stickers 1.99

1.72 OOP (.61 was tax)

Shopping for next week

We had a chance to get out, so I did my shopping for next week a little early. Glad I did because some really good deals were ending.

Target
4 - 6 packs of applesauce (1.69, after coupons .14 each)
Bolt 15.99
Lilo and Stitch 15.99

used
4- $1 Motts target printable
4- $.55 printable from Motts site
$5 off Bolt Internet Printable
$6 off peelie for buying bolt and lilo and stitch (couldn't believe I found one!)

$10 off automatically for buying bolt and lilo and stitch

Used $10 Target gift card from Lilaguide (see left hand column for more info on this one)

Paid $4.07 in cash - (1.43 was tax) will be Profit after rebates if you don't count my gift card...

Will receive $4 back for bolt/pasta rebate
Will receive 2- $5 back for bolt & Lilo & Stitch/rayovac rebate

Kroger
2 wheat bread .78 ea
2 Ronzoni pasta 1.34 ea (for above deal)
4 Kroger american cheese (slices) 1.00 ea
3 Kroger Mandrin Oranges 3/1.00
2 Frozen Peas .88 ea

11.00 OOP (47% savings)

Giant Eagle (how I love you!) My Giant Eagle doubles $1 coupons to $2!
4 - Birdseye veggies 10/10 (.50 each)
3 - Honey Nut Cheerios 2/5 (.50 each)
2 - Life Cereal 2/5 (.50 each)
3 - Mission Tortillas 2.29 (.29 each)
2 - Go-gurts 2.79 (.79 each)
1 - Thomas English Muffins BOGO 1.49 (FREE)
2 - Meaty Bone Dog Treats 2.69 (.69 each)... boy was Tucker happy!!!
2 - Pasta sauce 10/10

Used
4- Birdseye veggies .25 off doubled
3 - Honey Nut Cheerios 1.00 off doubled
2 - Life Cereal 1.00 off doubled
3 - Tortillas 1.00 off doubled
2 - Go-gurts 1.00 off doubled
1- Thomas English Muffins 1.00 off doubled
2 - Meaty Bone Dog Treats 1.00 off doubled

10.66 OOP (77% savings, $35.71 saved with deals and coupons!)

Looking for something to keep the kids busy this summer?

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long - 2 Free Games Everyday

What exactly is the "Kids Bowl Free" program?
The bowling centers listed have partnered with the schools listed to provide this program. This program is an opportunity for kids and families to enjoy bowling during the summer months. The "Kids Bowl Free" program is only available at the centers listed.

What are the details?
Each child can bowl 2 free games every day throughout the duration of the program. Each center has their own age restrictions, as well as any times the coupons are not valid during the day. Any restrictions can be found on the center page. It is the parents responsibility to sign the children up. NO CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED TO SIGN UP THEMSELVES.

And the Family Pass?
The Family Pass was created to allow for adult family members to enjoy bowling throughtout the summer as well. The Family Pass costs $23.95 and includes 2 GAMES PER PERSON PER DAY. The Family Pass is $23.95 and covers up to 4 adult family members. If you have 1 or 4 for family members on the pass, it is still $23.95 for the entire summer. The children do not go on the Family Pass. You can have 6 children bowl for free and then 4 adults on the Family Pass for $23.95. This one-time payment covers up to 4 adults for the entire summer.

When do I receive the coupons or Family Pass?
The "program start" and "program end" dates are listed on the bowling center page that you sign up with. You can sign up for the program before the start date, but the coupons and family passes will not be loaded into your account until the start date has occurred.

Once the program has begun, we will send you an email every Sunday morning that contains a link to your coupons and family passes for that week. It is not required that you view this email to print your coupons. Simply log into your account at anytime once the program has started to print your coupons and family passes.

http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/faq.php

List of all Bowling Centers:

http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php

What's for dinner

Monday
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Tuesday
Breakfast - eggs, oatmeal & fruit
Wednesday
Fried Rice
Thursday
Homemade pizza
Friday
Fried Rice (yes, we are guilty of loving this too much! The best part is I added shrimp this time and it was totally different than Wednesday's meal. Nice dish to use up what you have)
Saturday
Ate at Red Lobster!!! Shane had $25 in Red Lobster bucks that he got at work. We spent $39 with tip, so had a really nice sit down lunch for $14 for 2 adults and 3 kids. We ate around 2, so we just had a small (grab what you want) dinner later at home.

Deal on BOLT DVD at Target

If you go to Target they have both Lilo & Stitch and Bolt for 15.99

if you buy both you save $10 automatically, by buying both

There is a 5.00$ on Bolt on Coupons.com $5 off DVD edition HERE (firefox link HERE)

Plus there is a 4.00 mail in rebate for Bolt as well. HERE

Plus, there is a 5.00 mail in rebate for any Disney DVD (states not limited to one, so you can get 2 5.00 rebates for buying both dvds) http://www.rayovac.com/alkaline/promotions.htm

There are some save 6.00 when you buy bolt and lilo and stitch peelies reported at Target.

Before Savings

31.98 2 movies

-10.00 instant savings

-5.00 coupon

-4.00 mail in rebate
-5.00 mail in rebate for Bolt
-5.00 mail in rebate for Lilo

=2.98 for two movies

Profit if you find the 6.00 peelie!!!

Shopping day out

CVS
Transaction 1
Italian Bread 1.99
2 Bayer Monitors 14.99 ea
1 CVS Vitamin D 2.99

Used
CVS coupon $5 off $30 purchase
2 Bayer Monitor coupons 14.99 ea
0.00 OOP!!! Earned 2.99 in ECB (2.99 Profit)

Transaction 2
2 Tostitos 3.00 ea
Loreal Hair Color 6.99
2 Bayer Monitors 14.99 ea
Crest Pro Health 3.49

Used
1.00 off Crest
3.00 off 2 Tostitos
CVS 5.00 off 30.00 purchase
2 Bayer Monitor coupons 14.99 ea

1.50 OOP!!! Earned 3.49 ECB (1.99 Profit)

Walgreens
1 Walgreens Pain Reliever 2.99
1 Huggies Wipes 2.50

Used
3.00 off Huggies Wipes

2.87 OOP!!! Will receive 2.99 for Mail in Rebate (.12 Profit)


Community Markets
4 Chex Mix 1.00 ea

used
4- .50 off Chex Mix

0.00 OOP!!!

Target
2 Motts 1.69

used
2 Target 1.00 coupons
2 Motts .55 coupons

.28 OOP!!!

Giant Eagle
Transaction 1
4 Cascadian Farms Broccoli 2.59 ea (.59 ea after coupon)
1 Butter 1.99
2 Small Mission Tortillas 2.29 ea. (.29 ea after coupon)
2 Large Mission Tortillas 2.79 ea. (.79 ea after coupon)
1 Popcorn 2.79
1 Tomato Paste 1.29 (FREE after coupon)
2 Daisy Cottage Cheese 2.99 ea. (.99 ea after coupon)
4 Mini Wheats 2.50 (3 were .50 after coupon, one was FREE, earned free milk coupon for next order)
2 Yoplait go-gurt 2.79 ea (.79 ea after coupon)
2 Kens Dressing 1.50 ea (FREE after coupon)
2 Healthy Ones Turkey Lunch meat 2.00 ea. (.50 ea after coupon)
1 5 lb bag of rice 4.89

Used
4 Cascadian Farms Broccoli 1.00 off doubled
2 Small Mission Tortillas 1.00 off doubled
2 Large Mission Tortillas 1.00 off doubled
1 Tomato Paste 1.29 .75 off doubled
2 Daisy Cottage Cheese 2.99 ea. 1.00 off doubled
4 Mini Wheats 2.50 (3- 1.00 off doubled, 1- BOGO)
2 Yoplait go-gurt 2.79 ea 1.00 off doubled
2 Kens Dressing 1.50 ea 1.00 off doubled
2 Healthy Ones Turkey Lunch meat 2.00 ea. .75 off doubled

22.25 OOP
Total savings of 40.17 (64%)

Transaction 2
4 Cascadian Farms Broccoli 2.59 ea (.59 ea after coupon)
1 Giant Eagle Milk (FREE after coupon)

4 Cascadian Farms Broccoli 1.00 off doubled
1 Giant Eagle Milk (FREE after coupon from buying kelloggs cereal in last transaction)

2.36 OOP
Total Savings of 10.48 (81%)

Had .40 off gas at Giant Eagle, so I got 10 gallons for 15.00 with my fuel perks

Total OOP for the day (not including profit for drug stores): 24.89 (Giant Eagle and Target) plus 15.00 in gas= 39.89, minus 8.00 for hair color my MIL reinbursed me for $31.89

What did we have for dinner? Not too memorable

Monday
Hotdogs and chips - busy night
Tuesday
Hot Turkey, Egg and Cheese sandwiches
Wednesday
Chicken nuggets, Tater tots and corn
Thursday
Spinach Lasagna - This was easy and tasty. Will post recipe later.
Friday
Fried rice
Saturday
Lentil Tacos
Sunday
Beef and noodles in the crockpot - Shane said this was the best meal I have ever made. I have to admit, it was the easiest!
I used 2 beef chuck steaks, put them in the crockpot with 1/2 cup of water, 1 can of cream of mushroom and 1 pkg of dry onion soup. Cooked for 4 hours on high and it was done!

Week of March 8 at the Grocery Store

Kroger
Kroger Bread .69
Kroger Ricotta Cheese 4.49
3- Freezer Bags .88 ea
2- Ragu Sauce 1.69 ea (1.32 ea)
Tony Paco Sauce 2.50
Kroger Garlic Powder 1.00
Kroger Parm Cheese 2.92
Kroger Buns 1.34
used .75/2
Kroger Buns 1.34
Total OOP 18.39

Walgreens
3 huggies 10 ea
2 garnier 2.99 (-.01 ea)
3 sambucol 11.99 (-2.01 ea)
2 colgate 3.49 (-.51 ea)

used
(manufacturer coupons)
2- $5 off huggies
1- $3 off huggies
2- $1.00 off garnier
3- $4 off sambucol
2- $1.50 off colgate
(Wags coupons)
2- $2.00 off garnier
3- $10.00 off sambucol
2- $2.50 off colgate
Total 15.26 (5.33 was tax) and earned $10 RR for the huggies :) Total savings $75.99

Dinner this week

Not a very creative week. We ended the week with colds. Hopefully they pass soon!
Sunday
hot dogs and tater tots... not our typical, but it was a lazy sunday
Monday
Chicken, rice & tomato in wraps
Tuesday
Breakfast
Wednesday
Leftovers
Thursday
Vegetable Soup with Rice
Friday
Spaghetti
Saturday
Leftover Spaghetti
Sunday
Stir-fry for lunch and Free Roastburger from Arbys for dinner (the kids had leftovers)

This week at the grocery store

Didn't do bad last week. In fact, we have been eating really good by cleaning out our freezer, fridge and cupboards. Went to CVS and Kroger today for essentials and deals:

CVS
2 Reese Whipps 2/1.00
1 Suave Body Wash 1.99
1 Gillette Fusion Razor 7.99
1 Carnation Instant Breakfast 4.99
1 CVS Vitamin D 2.99

Used
1/2 Reese Whipps (made them free)
1 Free Suave (took off $3)
$4 off Gillette Fusion

Paid with $8.97 in ECB and 2.26 on a gift card from transferring a prescription. Plus the kids were really excited about the Reese Whipps (nice treat after shopping)
Earned $4 ECB for Fusion, $4.99 ECB for Carnation Instant Breakfast, 2.99 ECB for CVS Vit. D
OOP 0.00 :)

Kroger
1 Kroger Butter 2.50
2 Cottonelle .99 ea
1 Cheerios 3.19
1 Bread on clearance .99
1 Kroger bread 1.00

Used
1- $1 off butter
2- .50 off cottonelle
1- Free Cheerios

OOP 3.56

Community Markets
Roma Tomatoes (1.00/lb) 2.79
Cilantro .99
Iceberg lettuce 1.00
Doughnuts 1.00
Croutons 1.00 (used .55 coupon to make it .45)
Total 6.23

Giant Eagle
Sugar 2.50
Brown Sugar 2.29
used .65/2 doubles to $1.30
2- GE Cheese Slices 2.50 ea
3- Healthy Ones Lunchmeat 2.00 (.50 ea)
used .75 doubles to $1.50
2- Welchs Jelly 2.00 (FREE)
used 1.00 doubles to $2.00
Giant Eagle Cottage Cheese 2.75
Ragu 2.50
Black Beans 1.79
Lentils 1.39
Muir Glen Tom. Sauce 1.79 (FREE)
used 1.00 doubles to 1.79
4- Chicken Helper 1.00 ea
Chicken .99/lb 4.01
Thomas English Muffins 2.99 (.99)
used $1.00 doubles to 2.00
2- Mission Tortillas 2.99 (.99 ea)
used 2- 1.00 doubles to 2.00
Tuna Pouch 1.99 (FREE)
Used 1.00 doubles to 1.99
Kashi Frozen Meal 4.49 (FREE)
Free Kashi Meal
Kraft Shred. Cheese 2.99 (FREE)
Free Cheese 2.99
Hot Sauce 1.50 (FREE)
used .75/1 doubles to 1.50
Butter 1.99
BBQ Sauce 2.79 (FREE)
Free BBQ Sauce
Planter Nut Mix 4.79 (FREE)
Free Planter Nuts

Also used $1 off from last time

Total 33.53 Saved 40.02 (54%). I've done better at Giant Eagle, but I'm happy with it.

3 lbs Ground beef 7.59
Udder Cream 1.99 (for Jerry's dry dry skin!)
4- Grape Jelly (used 1.00 coupons to make them FREE)
1- Tuna Pouch (used 1.00 coupon to make it FREE)
Total 9.71 Saved 9.99 (51%).

Total OOP for the week 53.03

Month of February in review

I have been working on doing surveys and remembering to send in my rebates. Here is how February worked out. Hopefully, I will get better at this as time goes on.
Mypoints $10 Subway Gift Card
Viewpoint forum 10.50 Check
Rite Aid 11.00 Check
Rite Aid 2-$10 Gift Cards
Arquest Diaper Survey $10
Pinecone Research $3
Lilaguide $10 Target gift card. Go on there and do 10 reviews and they will send you a $10 Target gift card!
NeilMed Rebate $6.00 Check
Buzz Agent Buzz Kit for Pledge Fabric Cleaner (with lots of great coupons to share with friends and a sample of the fabric cleaner and the new Multi Surface Spray)


Free coupons from signing up online for promotions or emailing my comments
Free Suave
Free Sweet Baby Rays Barbeque Sauce
Free Peanuts, Cheese and Crackers from Kraft Promo
Free Kids Essentials Boost Drink 6 pack
Free Kashi Frozen Entree

Another What's for dinner??

Sunday
My own invention of lentil enchilada lasagna. Sounds pretty gross huh? I guess it's technically not considered an enchilada because it isn't rolled up, but it uses enchilada sauce. It was really good and everyone ate and enjoyed it!!! I had to tell Jerry the lentils were hamburger though. haha. I made the lentil mixture for the "meat filling" http://www.recipezaar.com/Easy-Inexpensive-Lentil-Tacos-304604
then I just layered tortilas, the lentil mixture, cheese and enchilada sauce like you would a lasagna and baked it in the oven at 375 for 15-20 minutes. Turned out really tasty and filling.
Monday
Spinach and Artichoke Mac n cheese... Yummy!
Here's the link if you are interested: http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2542
Tuesday
Leftover Spinach and Artichoke
Wednesday
Spaghetti (Shane made a really good sauce from scratch for this. YUM YUM YUM!!)
Thursday
Leftover Spaghetti
Friday
Stir Fry for lunch and egg and cheese omelets for dinner
Saturday
Spaghetti again (but my quick version... definitely not as good as Wednesday. I try not to repeat a whole lot, but this is what Macey wanted)

The plan for this week

Well, I've made it a couple of weeks (maybe three?) without going to the grocery store except to stock up on their super great deals. I am going to try another week since my stash is still in good supply. I have been buying milk at Rite Aid with my gift card and coupons too, so that has helped.

Meijer
Whole Grain Bread 1.25

1.25 OOP

Walmart (Change of plans!!! The spinach & artichoke mac n cheese was too tempting and we are planning on doing a chicken pot pie with the rotisserie chicken.)
2.5 lbs of provolone
1 pkg italian blend of cheese
1 spicy mustard
1 pkg pepperoni
32 oz of frozen peas
1 rotisserie chicken
2 cans of artichokes

30.00 OOP

What's for dinner?

Sunday
Breakfast (pancakes, bacon & quiche)
Monday
Leftovers
Tuesday
Chicken Nuggets, broccoli and peaches
Wednesday
Hamburgers, green beans & scalloped potatoes
Thursday
Breakfast again (eggs, bacon & oatmeal)
Friday
Grilled Chicken, Spanish Rice & broccoli (which is currently the only vegetable Jerry will eat)
Shane made a blueberry coffee cake he got off of Paula Dean which looked really good...

Granite Steps Country Blueberry Coffee Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (12-ounce) can buttermilk biscuits
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Generously grease a 9-inch square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon and mix well with a fork. Separate biscuit dough into 10 biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters, and dip each piece in melted butter and coat with brown sugar mixture. Arrange in a single layer in baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the oats.

Combine blueberries and sugar in a bowl and toss to coat. Spoon over oats and biscuits and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup oats. Drizzle remaining melted butter on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until cake is golden brown and center is done. Cool for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Saturday

Ravioli (found some in the freezer that needed eaten)

Rite Aid... I love Rite Aid

Rite Aid
Love the $5 for $25 coupon...
Here's what I got for less than $3 on a gift card from a previous deal
5 One Touch Glucose Monitors 19.99 - 19.99 Coupons
(Used these to get me to $20, then I had $5 of FREE money to spend... here's what I got)
5 Pudding Snacks .99 each
2 6 packs of applesauce 2.59 each
1 Maxwell House Coffee 5.29
2 Doritos 2.50 each
5 Aarid Deodorant .99 each
2 Candybars to get my total up to $25 (I forgot food isn't taxed)

So, I stocked up on snacks for Jerry's lunch. We were down to almost nothing!
0.00 OOP (since it was on a gift card)

Community Markets
.69 Bread (with in store coupon)

.69 OOP

More Rite Aid... are you tired of Rite Aid yet? I'm not!
Used the monitors again with coupons to get all this for a few dollars on a gift card and some spare change... it was mostly tax.
5 more Aarid deodorants (we will be stocked for a while!!!)
1 dog food
2 dog treats
1 - 15 pack of paper towels
2 blistex
1 box of trash bags
2 newspapers
1 pkg pampers diapers

Less than $3 in change (the gift card doesn't count)

Total for the week about $3.69 Woo hoo!

Walmart.com Shopping

This past week at the Grocery Store

Didn't do bad at all. I cashed in on the Rite Aid deals and got this for about $5 on my $10 gift card:
1 pkg pampers
1 pkg luvs
2 Ragu
1 Nasal Saline Rinse for Macey (that should be fun)
4 Glucose monitors
(would have gotten more stuff, but the kids were being horrible!! I was "that mom"!

Community Markets
8 pkg shredded cheese 8.00
1 pkg flour
$10.xx

Walmart
bread .77
Dora Birthday Cake for Macey 11.69
Total 12.46 on a gift card (so no OOP)

Walmart
frozen blueberries 3.24
frozen blueberries 3.24
ground turkey 1.90/lb - 2.38
ground turkey 1.90/lb - 2.38
1 pilsbury grands 1.68
bananas 1.41/lb - .71
american cheese 2.50
$16.13 on gift card (so no OOP)

Since the gift card purchases don't count, I had a total of $10.xx for this week!! Woo-hoo!!

Awesome Mail Day

Awesome mail day...
$10 gift card from Rite Aid Huggies rebate
$10 gift card from Lilaguide.com. Go on there and do 10 reviews and they will send you a $10 Target gift card!
$2.xx Rite Aid Rebate Check
$6.00 NeilMed Rebate Check
Love good mail days!

Wk of Feb 8

Saturday
Taco pyramids with friends
Tried something a little different this time. I made regular taco meat and lentil taco filling. Both were good and we didn't miss the meat with the lentil mixture. Here is the recipe if you are interested.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Easy-Inexpensive-Lentil-Tacos-304604
Sunday
Breakfast
Monday
Chicken & Rice soup, cheese and crackers
Tuesday
Fried Rice
I have modified this recipe since I have started making it. It is super easy!
Make 1 cup of uncooked rice according to directions (turns into 3)
Place rice and a little oil in a skillet
Fry up the rice
Add some soy sauce
Push rice to side of skillet and add a few eggs on the empty side. Fry them... When done, mix into rice.
Add veggies and meat if you like. Tonight I added frozen broccoli and peas. I also added fresh carrots, but didn't put them in soon enough as they were a little crunchy. I did not add any meat this time, but it doesn't matter since it has eggs for protein. In the past, I have used diced up pork chops from leftovers that I had thrown in the freezer the week before.
Wednesday
Spaghetti with meatballs
Thursday
Leftovers
Friday
Got a $10 subway gift card in the mail from mypoints (see post below for more information). I was very excited because they are offering all of their subs for $5 each right now, so I got 2 footlongs for FREE!! I love free dinner!
Saturday
Sloppy Joes and tater tots... Not too healthy, but it got the job done.

collect dues

Wk of Dec 31 What's for dinner???

What's for dinner? Good question. Have a sinus infection this week, so whatever you can grab is what is for dinner.

Here are my ideas: Not too much inspiration due to the sinus infection.
spaghetti
breakfast
fried rice with pork YUM
hamburgers
quiche
pizza

Sunday
Bean soup using the ham bone from last week (not a hit for the youngsters)
Monday
Chicken nuggets and nachos
Tuesday
Spaghetti
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

Week of Dec 31

Giant Eagle How I love you!

4 Frosted Flakes 2.50 ea. Used 4 $1 off coupons, got $2 off order for buying 4. FREE
1 Minute Rice 2.25. Used 1 $1 off coupon .25
4 Mini-Wheats 2.50 ea. Used 4 $1 off coupons, got $2 off order for buying 4. FREE
4 Jelly 2.29. Used 4 $1 off coupons .29 each
2 Quaker Rice Cakes 1.50. Used 2 $1 coupons FREE
2 Thomas Bagels 1.99 ea. Used 2 $1 off coupons FREE
6 Tuna packets 1.69 ea. Used 4 $1 off, 1 BOGO and 1 B2G1. FREE
2 Taco Seasonings 1.00 ea. Used 1 $.75/2. .25 each
2 Muir Glen Tomato Paste 1.29 ea. Used 2 $.75 FREE
Maxwell house coffee 5.99 on Sale No coupons :0
4 Cascadian Farm Veggies 2.00 ea. Used 4 $1 off coupons. FREE

Should have been 7.90. The cashier must have missed several of my coupons because my total was actually 15.64. I called and they said they might be able to fix it if I bring my receipt in. Regardless, still a great deal! Oh and I also got back $1 OYNO (on your next order) for buying the Tuna.

Rite Aid
I plan on buying milk, detergent and wipes at rite aid this week using monitor coupons and the $5 for $25.

Community Markets
Bread 1.69
6 Manwich (on sale 10 for $10, used 3 $.50/2 = $3.00 for 6)
Sugar 2.39
3 Chex Mix (on sale 10 for $10, used 3 $.50 = FREE)
Muffins (free with coupon from Community Markets)
1 Microwave popcorn (on sale for $1.25, used 1 $.40 = .45 )
Newspaper .75
Total OOP $8.28

Community Markets
Onions $1.50
Total OOp $1.50

Grand Total 25.42 (although I may get some back from Giant Eagle 7.74)
Used Rebate card to pay for 15.11, so if all goes well, 2.57 OOP in Cash

This past week

Kroger
Had to do the mega event this week. Just too good of a deal to pass up!

Here's what I got
1 Johnson's buddies bar .99
4 hormel chili 1.00 each
4 rotel tomatoes .99 each
1 Kroger shredded cheese 1.67
1 propel water 1.00
1 frenchs mustard 1.69
1 frenchs worc sauce 1.69

used
1 johnson's buddies bar -1.00
2 hormel chili .55/2
4 rotel .30 each (doubled)
1 kroger shredded cheese -1.00
1 propel water -1.00
1 frenchs mustard -.50 doubled
1 frenchs worc sauce -1.69

-5.00 for the mega event (hormel chili, rotel, propel and mustard qualified)

Total OOP .94!!!

Rite Aid
Aviva monitor 75.99
milk
fabric softener

used
Free aviva monitor
$5/$25 coupon

Total OOP .66

CVS
2 Gilette gamer fusion razors
1 Gilette embrace razor

used
3 - $4 off Gilette razors
10 ECB

Paid 2.88 (Earned $4, $4 ECB) I should have gotten one more $4 ECB, but I didn't. The ad states 1 per card, but it was reported that it was allowing 5. No way to dispute that. Oh well. Still did pretty good and Shane is happy to get some new razors.

Rite Aid makes me happy

Make your money go further with this $5/$25 Rite Aid coupon (exp. 3/31/09) or this $5/$25 Rite Aid coupon (exp. 6/30/09)!

I did a few transactions with this $5/$25 coupon. I so love it! I buy an Aviva glucose monitor and use a coupon from the FREE Inner Strength magazine that they have at the door or pharmacy at Rite Aid. That gets me up to $19.99. I then buy $5.01 worth of other items and get everything for just tax. This week I bought a whole bunch of huggies wipes that were on sale for 2/$5. Who doesn't love FREE wipes???

I have also bought the Breeze 2 glucose monitors in the same deal. There are $30 coupons that were in the newspaper a while back.

What's for dinner week 4

Here's the plan... I'm pulling out a ham from the freezer. I'm going to try to eat out of our freezer and pantry this week. We'll see what happens!

Ideas for the week:
ham
quiche (ham and cheese)
lentil spaghetti
fried rice
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
homemade pizza
loaded potatoes

If anyone has any good recipes for leftover ham, please share! I need some help this week.

Here's what we had:
Sunday
Grilled cheese, carrots and applesauce
Monday
McDonalds... had coupons for free hamburgers. Had other snacks along so no out of pocket expense.
Tuesday
Baked Chicken parmesan with spaghetti
This is the easiest recipe in the world!!!
Preheat oven to 350
Dip chicken breast into egg then italian seasoned bread crumbs. Bake for 20 minutes.
Pull out, top with a jar of pasta sauce and mozz. cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes. During this time, make some pasta for your side. Quick prep and yummy homemade meal.
Wednesday
Dug out a microwave meal for myself and the girls... Jerry had the stomach flu... no time for cooking!
Thursday
Ham, scalloped potatoes, corn & green beans
Friday
Ham and eggs
Saturday
Ham and cheese quiche

What's for dinner this week?

My plan for this week... the kids are all sick, so I have to make things they are more likely eat... less experimenting.
Ideas:
breakfast
spaghetti
quiche
homemade pizza
enchilada casserole
pork fried rice

Sunday
Bad Bad Bad... we ordered pizza! Off to a bad start. Oh well, we will redeem ourselves the rest of the week
Monday
Enchilada casserole
Tuesday
Meatloaf & Rice (mixed some baby food veggies in the meatloaf, you couldn't tell and the kids ate their veggies and didn't even know it bwahahahah)
Wednesday
Bond hamburgers & french fries (Watched James Bond with dinner)
Thursday
Breakfast - bacon, eggs & homemade pancakes
Friday
hamburgers
Saturday
Spaghetti

Week 4

Made my run to Kroger this week and was also able to hit Giant Eagle:)
Giant Eagle (my Giant Eagle doubles 1.00 coupons to 2.00!!!

Transaction 1:
4 Special K 10.00
used 4 - 1.00 off coupons... double to 2.00

$2.00 OOP (got back $3 OYNO, so $1 money maker!!)

Transaction 2:
4 minute rice 2.29 ea used 4-1.00 off each (.29 each)
2 dole sliced peaches 2.69 ea used 1- 1.00/2 (2.38 for 2)
4 muir glen tom paste 1.29 ea used 4- .75 off each (FREE)
4 kashi TLC cereal bars 3.00 ea used 4- 2.00 off each and 1- Giant Eagle Catalina coupon 1.50 (.50 each)
4 taco seasoning .78 ea used 2- .75 off 2 (.03 each)
4 Bumble bee salmon packs 2.69 ea used 4- 1.00 off each (.69 each)
3 dannon drinkable yogurt 2.00 ea used 3- 1.00 off each (FREE)
1 pkg lentils 1.39 No coupons :0
4 dannon activia yogurt 2.00 ea used 4- 1.00 off each (FREE)

used $3 off from previous order
$6.43 OOP!!! Did I say I love my Giant Eagle... even though they were out of FREE jelly:( I still love them!!!


Kroger
4.5 lbs ground beef 8.93
24 oz kroger shredded cheese 4.99
2 thomas english muffins 2.99 ea
2 kroger tortilla 1.59 ea
1 hamburger helper 1.00
3 tuna .89 ea
2 enchilada sauce 3.19 ea
1 kroger soy sauce 1.99
2 kroger bread 1.00 ea
thomas bagels 3.49
big bag of rice 3.49
chew bone for chewing dog 2.79

used
3.00 off 3 thomas products

$44.08 OOP

52.51 OOP for the week! Once again, a little over... I'm still learning. I think I have enough stashed for a $0 OOP next week... we'll see!

CVS
Here are a few things I did sunday at CVS... sales are good until saturday this week
Transaction 1:
1 excedrin 1.99 used 2.00 Internet printable (.01 overage)
2 CVS Allgergy meds 3.79 (received 3.79 ECB back, so FREE)
2 Soy Joy Six packs 6.00 (received 6.00 ECB back, used $3 off 10 bars, so $3.00 overage)

Paid with
13.00 in ECB, $3 coupon & $2.00 from above
Paid 3.57 on gift card
Got back 3.79, 3.79, 6.00, 6.00 back in ECB

Transaction 2:
4 Pepsi 12 packs 3.00 each
3 tostitos 3.00 each

paid with
12.00 ECB & 7.58 ECB from previous transaction
Earned 10.00 ECB and will send in receipt for Frito-Lay rebate
Paid 1.42 on Gift Card

Transaction 3:
20 Reese Whipps 2/1.00

Paid with 10 - 1.00/2 coupons
$0 OOP!!!

I still have $10 in ECB for next time.

What's for dinner Week 3

Sunday
Beef & Vegetable Soup and mashed potatoes
Monday
Egg, bacon & cheese bagels
Tuesday
Pork Fried Rice
Wednesday
Mac n cheese & veggies
Thursday
Homemade pizza (made own pizza dough... turned out pretty good)
Here is the dough recipe:
1 tbsp yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tbsp EVOO
Combine yeast and water. When dissolved, add to flour and mix. Add EVOO. Knead the dough. Should not be sticky... if it is add little bits of flour until it isn't. Place in bowl with towel over it. I put mine in an oven that was heated on 400 degrees for one minute then turned off. Put in the oven (that is not on but warm) for 2 hours to rise. Punch down. Divide in half and roll out dough (on a 12 inch pan). Poke some holes on the dough with a fork so you won't have bubbles. Add your toppings. Cook on 450 for 15 minutes. Makes 3 - 12 inch pizzas.
Not as good as take out, but much better than frozen!
Friday lunch
Steak Fahitas with grilled peppers, onion, cheddar cheese and salsa YUM!
Friday dinner
1/2 lb. chicken (grilled)
Salsa (for on the chicken)
Corn
dumplings (Laney was the only taker on these)
Saturday
homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese. Soup wasn't the best, not one to repeat.

Week 3

Had a chance to do my shopping early. We will see how that works out. I had to pick up some extras for Jerry's lunch this week. We were running on E for school snacks.
My menu "plan" for this week:

Pork fried rice
Homemade pizza
Steak Fahitas
Grilled Cheese
Spaghetti
Leftovers

Kroger
Pizza sauce 1.29
Pizza sauce 1.29
Pasta sauce 2.79 (used 1.00 coupon)
Bagels 2.49
Carrots .89
Carrots .89
Applesauce 1.59
Applesauce 1.59
Cookies 1.99
Tuna Helper 1.60
Tuna Helper 1.60
Cookies 1.11
Chicken Breast 12.99 (should have been 8.99 :( Used 1.50 Coupon)
Kraft Mac 'n cheese 1.72
Potatoes 2.99
Frozen Peas 1.49
Bread .88
Pepperoni 3.99 (Grabbed the wrong one... the other brand was on sale and I had a coupon :(
That's what I get for shopping with 3 kids)
Green Pepper .66
Sliced Cheese 1.99
Sliced Cheese 1.99
8 Cottonelle 4 packs .99 (used .50 coupon, so FREE)
Barbecue Sauce 3.29

Total 48.88 (Hopefully we don't need anything else!!)

When life gives you apples, make applesauce!

I had a fridge drawer of apples that no one was interested in, so I needed to come up with something, so I made applesauce. I got the recipe from cooks.com. It was pretty simple and when eating it, brought back memories from when my mom made homemade applesauce when I was growing up. Yum!

3/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
4 medium apples
a few sprinkles of cinnamon

Cut up apples. I took the cores and skin off. Place in pot with all other ingredients. Cook covered on medium for 12-20 minutes. Let it cool off. Mash with potato masher. Enjoy.

Gave this to the kids for lunch today. Jerry wants to make more:)

Week 2

Change of plans this week. Almost made it an entire week eating out of our fridge and pantry. Waiting on Shane to get home to record my last receipt... we had family and friends over on Saturday and we changed the menu from meatloaf to pyramid tacos... yum!!! Shane made homemade salsa. yum yum!

Community Markets
12 Green Giant Steamers 1.00
used 12 .50 coupons
FREE!

4 dawn dish soap 1.00
used 4 .50 coupons
Paid tax... 0.13
(gave 2 of these to Grandma)

2 fried rice packets .99 each
1.98 OOP

Rite Aid
1 Glucose monitor 19.99
1 Gain detergent 5.49
10 Soy Joy Bars .50 each ($5.00 total)
used
1 Free Glucose monitor coupon
1 $3 off 10 Soy Joys
5/25 coupon from Rite Aid website

2.85 OOP... will get $5.00 back from Rite Aid SCR on Soy Joys. 2.15 profit.

Total week 2:

Menu Week 2

Breakfast
Cereal as usual

Lunch
PB&J for Jerry all week, spaghetti or leftovers for the rest of us

Dinner
Sunday
Pork Chops, white rice & apples (it was just me and the girls, so we had a lot of leftovers!!) Jello for dessert
Monday
Pork Fried Rice (yummy!! Used leftovers from night before). Used recipe off package of fried rice spice. Easy and quick!
Tuesday
Breakfast as requested! (eggs and oatmeal). Jello for dessert.
Wednesday
Shane's Chili and cornbread muffins. Yummy yummy yummy!
Thursday
Sloppy Joes (well kinda... that's what I told Jerry. It was really Chili on a bun. bwahahaha), mashed potatoes and brownies for dessert.
Friday
Leftovers for the kids, Chipotle for Mom and Dad :)
Saturday
Taco pyramids with family and friends! Great night!

Where to find coupon match-ups

On the right hand column, I have a list of blogs that help me each week to match-up coupons with sales. Saves me a lot of time!! The ones with the biggest variety of stores are cherrypicker and stretchingabuck. If you want drugstore deals, you can always visit www.iheartcvs.com, www.iheartriteaid.com and www.iheartwags.com.

Menu from Last week

In an attempt to show how I used what I bought... I am going to start at January 1st since the holidays were a little crazy.

Breakfast - cereal

Lunch - Peanut butter & jelly or leftovers. The kids eat pb&j almost every day... per request.

Dinner
Thursday, Jan 1 - Dinner at Grandma's house - Lasagna yummy!! We brought the wine.

Friday, Jan 2 - Entertained friends. Shane made a fabulous dinner of Chicken Piccata, Green Beans, pasta and bread. Here is the really good recipe for chicken piccata.

Chicken Piccata (taken from Simplyrecipes.com)

Ingredients

• 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/2 pound total)
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup flour
• Salt and pepper
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup chicken stock or dry white wine
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brined capers
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Method

1 Cut the chicken breast halves horizontally, butterflying them open. If the breast pieces you are working with are large, you may want to cut them each into two pieces. If the pieces are still thick after butterflying, put them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat hammer to 1/4-inch thickness.

2 Mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Rinse the chicken pieces in water. Dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, until well coated.

3 Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces, do not crowd the pan. Brown well on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and reserve to a plate. Cook the other breasts in the same manner, remove from pan. Cover with aluminum foil and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce.

4 Add the chicken stock (or white wine), lemon juice, and capers to the pan. Use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits. Reduce the sauce by half. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Plate the chicken and serve with the sauce poured over the chicken. Sprinkle with parsley.

Serves 4.

Saturday, Jan 3 - Just me and the kids. Made hamburgers/cheeseburgers, corn & apple slices.

Week 1: December 28 - Jan3

This is my first week, not perfect, but I think I did good. I have a good stash of items, so I just needed to get some odds and ends... plus some extras for holiday get togethers (wine)!!!

Kroger
milk 2.48
juice 2.59

Paid with Gift Card 0.00 OOP

Kroger
wine (for dinner at Grandma's house) 6.99
wine (for dinner at Grandma's house) 6.79

Total 13.78

Kroger
wine (for Chicken recipe) 5.39

Total 5.39

Community Markets
Pillsbury crescent rolls 1.49
Shred Mozz. Cheese 2.29
Milk 2.99
Coffee Filter 1.49
Little Debbie Snacks 1.59
Taco Sauce 2.29
Tortillas 2.00
White rice 1.19
Bread 1.39
bananas (.39/lb) 1.12

Total 17.84

Walmart
EVOO 12.36
Capers 1.42
Parsley .67
Lemon .80

Total 15.25

Total for this week: 52.26 (a little over, but for my first week... not too bad!)

My Grocery Challenge

$50 a week grocery budget (this is for a family of five) - Inspired by grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com!! This will include all of my groceries. I do my grocery shopping whenever I can, so the details from this will be posted at the end of the week. Look at the right hand column for blogs that list different coupon match-ups so you can plan your budget too!

At this point, my grocery budget does not include paper products, health & beauty items or diapers. I buy most of these items at CVS or Rite Aid using ECBs or rebates. We will soon be getting a Walgreens, so I may be buying these items there too.

The $50/week will be based on my out of pocket expenses. If I use gift cards, coupons, RR, or ECBs, those will not count toward the $50 weekly budget.