Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Plan Ahead for the possibility of a great deal! (Shoprite and others?)


Last May (the week of May 17th to be precise) Shoprite ran a sale on BallPark Franks for $1.49!

Why is this relevant?

Well, there has just been a new coupon released for 75c/1 BallPark Franks, which would make these Free if last year's sale price is repeated in May of this year.  Even if the price goes up a bit, these should still be a pretty great deal after the coupon doubles!  It's the end of the month, so it's hard to say how long the coupon will be available.  You may want to print now and hope for an early sale!  While you are at the site, you might as well see if there are any other end of month coupons to print before they are gone!

Wednesday Tip Day----Spring Cleaning for your Coffee Pot!




Stained coffee pot?

"Think Tea"





Make a pot of tea in your coffee pot.  Yes, that's right.  The tannin in tea will help remove the film from your pot.

Source: Farmers Almanac

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Adams Deals 3/30-3/31!!! Get a head!


79c/head-Red or Grean Leaf Lettuce
$1.79/lb-85% lean Ground Chuck

For the full ad head on over here!

new Velveeta Cups IP = cheap velveeta shells at Shoprite!




There's a new B1G1 IP!

Pair that with the current catalina deal at Shoprite for some cheap Velveeta Shells!
Velveeta Shells & Cheese cups
Buy 2, get .50
Buy 3, get $1
Buy 4 or more, get $1.50
3/22 - 4/18

Regular Price $1.29
Buy 4 @ $1.29
Use 2 B1G1 IPs
Total after Qs=$2.58
Receive $1.50 ONYO
Final Cost= $1.08/4 cups

These often go on sale for around $1, which could make them as low as 50c/4!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Menu Plan 3/29-4/4


MONDAY- Turkey Chili with Brown Rice & Salad
TUESDAY- Leftover Chili
WEDNESDAY- Chili Dogs with French Fries
THURSDAY- Tilapia with Baked Potatoes & Green Beans
FRIDAY- Pasta Bake with Chicken Sausage & zucchini
SATURDAY- Ham with Potatoes & Carrots & Corn
SUNDAY- Leftover Ham

For more Menu Plans head on over to MPM!

Friday, March 26, 2010

New Stonyfield Maple Vanilla Yogurt Printable!


Login or register at Stonyfield's website to print this great new coupon for 50c/2
6oz Maple Vanilla Yogurt!

Know about a great sale on these?
Please let us know by leaving a comment!

CVS FREE GIFT! check your inbox!


Are you registered to receive emails from CVS.
If not you should head over here and get yourself registered.
They will send out $4/$20 purchases coupons or online sale announcements and even coupons like the one I found in my inbox today.....

Choose your free item
12 oz CVS body wash
or
CVS Fudge Brownie or Cookie Dough Bites 3.25oz
expires Sunday, March 28th

Check your inbox for this great coupon!

Shopping Week 3/20-3/26-Just over $15 and 95% Savings!

Well, I was over budget last week and set a budget goal of $8.44 this week to bring things back in line.  I didn't make that goal, but I am pleased with everything I was able to purchase for only $15.73 this week!

Target: $0.82

CVS: $0.54
Shoprite: $0.05

Adams: $1.41
RiteAid: $0.00 (used a Giftcard from a previous deal)
Target: $0.07

Stop & Shop: $1.44

Stop & Shop: $4.01

Adams: $4.63
Shoprite: $1.89
Walmart:$0.87

Total= $15.73
Total Savings= $289.86
95% Savings

We are headed into our last week of $25/wk budget. The $25 for the week ending April 2nd, has been reduced by $7.29, since that was what we were over this week!
Check back next week to see if we can end the month on target by limiting this week to $17.71!

Adams Farms Deals 3/26-3/29


99c/lb-Zucchini
$2.39-5lb bag local, red delicious apples
$1.79/lb- 85% lean ground chuck

For more deals see the full ad here!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Two FREE Family Events this weekend!

Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, NY will host 2 Free Events for kids this weekend!



Friday, March 26th at 8pm head to the Dutchess Hall Theatre to see "The Princess and the Frog"

Saturday, March 2th at 11am head back over to the Dutchess Hall Theatre to see "Cinderella's Fairy Godmother" recommended for ages 5-10

For more information on either event call 845-431-8610

Shoprite Weekly Printable Deals 3/28-4/3 2010

Here's a start to next week's ad.  I'll ad deals as I find them!

FREE-Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta 3/$4 MB3- (3) 75c/1 IPs here, here or here
49c- Sargento Cheese Shreds Low Sodium $1.99-75c/1 IP
33c - Muir Glen Tomatoes $1.33-$1/1 IP
99c-Dove Haircare $2.99-$2/1 IP when you register


Philadelphi Cream Cheese Catalina Deal:

3/22-4/18
Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8oz or larger
Buy 3 Get 75c
Buy 4 Get $1
Buy 5 or More Get $1.50

Buy 4 @99c=$3.96
- (2) 55c/2 IPs doubled = $1.76
Receive $1 ONYO
Final Cost = 19c each!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Wednesday Tip Day! Saving on Correspondence!

Nothing touches the heart like receiving a nice piece of mail.
In this age of email and texting, a handwritten letter is often a forgotten thing of the past.
Like most, I love the convenience of electronic communication, but I also cherish hand written letters sent via snail mail.  (And there are those select few for whom electronic communication is not an option!)
Things like Thank You notes are so much more touching via snail mail.
Ofcourse, there are the times when an email card or note is perfectly acceptable, but who doesn't love to run to the mailbox and find a nice Thank You card or a glittery Birthday Card!

Email is most often FREE, which the frugalista in me loves, but there are ways to send those notes on a budget!
1)  Consider your materials.
A coloring project can make for a nice card for a child's Thank You.
Blank Notecards purchased in multi-packs can serve for many occassions.
2)  If you decide to buy a special occassion card, consider where you purchase it.  Many stores offer 99c cent cards and the selection can be limited, but that doesn't mean you have to shell out $4.99 for a nice card.  Is there a discount card store nearby?  We're fortunate to have one right in town, where every card is 50% off and there are even some cards priced at 3/$1.  I like to make a list of special occassions for the next month or so and shop all at once.  Since the selection can be hit or miss, planning ahead is a great idea!
3) Don't rule out the postcard!
The postcard is a great way to send a quick "Hello" or even a "Thank You".
Postcards are also a great way to send invitations.
Having a big bash, make your own postcards!
Not only do postcards minimize waste (there's no envelope), but they also require less postage! 


What are the creative ways you save on correspondence?

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

JCPenny Appreciation Sale! 3/24-3/27 2010!


Take an extra 15% off regular, sale & clearance purchases at www.jcp.com using code THANKU15 at checkout.  See website for details!

Adams Farms Deal 3/23-3/25







Here are some of the highlights of the ad!

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast $1.59/lb
Cauliflower Head $1.79 each!

And if you need a little treat....
Double Creme French Brie $4.99/lb (that's $4 off/lb)!

For the full ad head over here!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Shoprite Printables Only Deals wk of 3/21/10-3/27/10

Sorry, I'm a bit late in getting this up, but here it is!

FREE-WishBone Dressing 2/$3 MB2-(2)75c/1 IP
FREE-Breakstones Sour Cream 99c - 55c/1 IP or 60c/1 IP
49c each WYB2 - Progresso Beans or Bread Crumbs 99c x 2 - $1/2 IP here or here
75c each WYB2- Uncle Ben's Ready Rice 2/$3 MB2- 75c/2 IP requires registration 



Sunday, March 21, 2010

OAMC Santa Fe Chicken

I got this recipe from a OAMC cookbook at the library and while I'm not preparing it ahead in OAMC style, the recipe sound delicious and is pretty darn simple!  Those are two important things in my book!

1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tblsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
3 tsp chopped garlic
1 tblsp honey
3 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
2 tblsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup white wine (optional)

If you are prepping this for OAMC cooking, mix all ingredients together(except white wine) and pour into a 1 gallon freezer bag.
Label and Freeze
Thaw and stir in white wine.

If prepping to cook immediately, mix all ingredients together  and place in 9x9 casserole dish treated with non-stick spray.
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 40 minutes!

Check back for my feedback on the recipe and pics!

Menu Plan wk of 3/22-3.28


MONDAY- Leftover Chicken Yassa (We didn't end up making this til Sunday!)
TUESDAY- Ground Turkey Tacos with Rice & Beans and Veggies
WEDNESDAY- Leftovers
THURSDAY-OAMC Santa Fe Chicken *new recipe!
FRIDAY-Leftovers
SATURDAY- Spaghetti & Meatballs with Salad
SUNDAY- Leftovers

What are you cooking this week????

Head on over to MPM for more great menu plans!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Shopping week 3/14/10-3/19/10------OVER BUDGET, but doing ok!

Well, if you remember I've been trying to stay within a $25/week budget through April 2nd.
I had done ok for the past two weeks and even had a few extra dollars left over to roll into this week, but I REALLY BLEW IT this week.  I had $28.04 to spend and spent $44.60!
Here are the pics of my blown up budget, but make sure to scroll to the bottom to see my plan to recover!
Aldi: $3.58
Family Dollar: $2.16

Adams: $4.58
CVS: $0.40
Freihoffers Bread Outlet: $3

Shoprite: $0.71

Shoprite: $10.78

Target: $0.11
Walgreens: $0.64

Shoprite: $3.33

Shoprite: $7.19
Stop & Shop: $7.37

Total spent = $44.60
Total Saved = $212.41
82% Savings!

So, since I went $16.56 over budget, my budget for next week will be $8.44!
I have $10 in Cats for Stop & Shop and $10 in Cats for Shoprite, so I really have a little more money in my budget than it initially appears.
The plan is to spend almost nothing on my stockpile unless it involves the Cats and to use the $8 to buy a little chicken breast, milk, and some veggies!  Let's see how far I can stretch that money!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Adams Farms Deal 3/19-3/22 SPRING CHICKEN SALE!


Here are some of the highlights of the ad!

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast $1.59/lb
Asparagus $1.99/lb

And if you need a little treat....
Double Creme French Brie $4.99/lb (that's $4 off/lb)!

For the full ad head over here!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

New Huggies $3 Coupon!!!


Head on over here and print this NEW $3 Huggies Diapers Coupon!
This will likely go fast, so print it now!

Head on over to the NY State Museum!


If you are near Albany and have never visited this museum, now would be a great weekend to check it out! The Museum houses a variety of collections for all ages.  There is no admission fee, but donations are gratefully accepted.

March 20th & 21st from 1-4pm the museum will host a Family Fun Weekend!


 Description: The third weekend of every month the Museum offers fun for the whole family - games, crafts, and other theme-based activities. March 20-21: Native People of New York - This is a free program and no registration is required.



While you are there, make sure to check out the early 20th century restored carousel!

For more information check out the NYS Museum website!


 
Do you have a favorite museum in the Hudson Valley region?
Have you been to the NYS Museum?
Share your recommendations in the comments!
We'd love to hear from you!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Wednesday Tip Day---Counting Beans!

PHOTO COURTESY OF VICTORIAPACKING.COM

We all know beans are a great way to stretch your food budget and they are great for you as well!
Canned beans are a great, ready-to-go food, but most often dried beans are a more economical way to incorporate this protein into your meals!

Have you ever tried to calculate and compare prices on canned versus dried beans???
Well, if you are looking to do a price comparison you'll need to know how those dried beans will multiply in cooking!

A 1 lb bag of dried beans will yield the following:

Black Beans- 6.25c cooked
Garbanzo Beans- 7.5c cooked
Pink Beans-6.25c cooked
Pinto Beans-5c cooked
Red Kidney Beans- 5c cooked
White Kidney Beans- 6.25c cooked

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Common Kindness-----Printable Coupons

CommonKindness saves you money and supports your favorite charities and causes - at no cost to you!
I've just discovered Common Kindness.  It's a website that lets you give to charity while you save.  You sign up and select a non profit to donate to.  Then, simply print your coupons and Common Kindness donates 20% of revenue to your charity!

FIBER ONE Printables and FREE Yogurt at Shoprite!

Head on over here to print the following coupons:

75c/1 Fiber One (select cereals)
75c/1 Fiber One Chewy Bars or 90 calorie bars
75c/1 Fiber One Yogurt MultiPack


Use the 75c yogurt coupon to get some free yogurt at Shoprite through 3/20/10!!!
It's on sale for $1.50 which will make it free after doubling (YMMV-DND5).

Monday, March 15, 2010

Be Green Sale April 30-May 2, 2010---register to be a consignor!


Be Green Kids Consignment Sale in Fishkill, NY is now registering consignors!

Why I buy Organic Ketchup! and How you can Save even without Coupons!


Brand Name Ketchup $4.25
12c/oz

We recently ran out of Ketchup. We had been purchasing store brand Organic Ketchup at Hannaford for around $2/bottle.  When I stopped in to buy a new bottle, I found the price had gone up to 2.69, so I checked out the regular ketchup to see what ingredients differed.  I was expecting the same ingredients but organic vs non-organic.  I was SHOCKED to find the non-organic ketchup was all sweetened with High Fructose Corn Syrup.  We try and avoid HFCS, but it does occassionally slip into our house.  As I contemplated my options, images of my DD4 pouring disgusting syrup over her food flashed through my mind.  You see, she puts ketchup (loads of it) on everything she eats and that is TOO much HFCS for me to handle.  I stopped in to the local health food store in hopes of finding a bigger bottle that would make the cost per ounce a better deal.  What I found was more expensive ketchup.  I bought the best priced bottle for lack of wanting to run around town anymore.  The next week Stop & Shop ran a promo on their store brand Organics where you received $3 off your next order if you bought $15 in products.  I jumped at this opportunity, knowing there are rare opportunities for savings on organic ketchup!  So, after my careful research and a little over spending at the health food store, I managed to still work out a deal for ketchup without having to compromise on my standards!
Lessons:
1) Compromise where you can and stick to your guns where you feel it counts.
2) Recheck prices.  Hannaford had previously been the best deal, but even without the special promo, Stop & Shop now offers the best deal on this product. 
3)  Buying in bulk can save money, but be mindful of expiration dates!
                                                                 
8 bottles of Stop & Shop Store Brand
Organic Ketchup $2*8=$16
Received $3 ONYO
Final Cost = $13 or $1.63/bottle
8c/oz

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Menu Plan 3/15-3/21


TUESDAY- Leftovers
WEDNESDAY- Vegetable Curry
THURSDAY- Tilapia with Baked Potatoes
FRIDAY- Turkey Stroganoff
SATURDAY- Chicken Yassa
SUNDAY- Leftovers

For more Menus head on over to MPM!

Shopping Week 3/6-3/12----Under $25 AGAIN!

Here it is...better Late than Never!

Target: $2.63

Shoprite: $0.32

CVS: $2.06
Stop & Shop: $17.15

Shoprite: $2.51

Final Total: $24.67
Savings 83%


I have $2.71 left from last week and $0.33 left from this week, which makes my budget for next week $28.04!  Stop back in to see if I can make it! (My normal budget is $40/week, but I've been working to stay under $25/week through April 2nd!)

Friday, March 12, 2010


Register here to enter to win a trip to Italy!

Enter once a day between now and 12/31/10!

Shoprite Printable Only Deals wk of 3/14-3/20


Here's something to get you all started.  I'll keep adding the deals as I find them!

**FREE-Carolina White Rice 1lb 99c-50c/1 IP
50c- YoPlus 4 pk $1.50-$1/1 IP
50c-Fiber One 4pk $1.50-$1/1 IP
$1-Kashi Heart to Heart Crackers $2.50-$1.50/1 IP
$1.37- Pepperidge Farm Swirl Bread $2.47-55c/1 IP
$1.50- Pepperidge Farms Cheese Crisps $2.50-$1/1 IP

Adams Farm Deals 3/12-3/15


California Carrots 2lb bag- $1.29
Local Empire & Red Delicious 3lb bag- $1.69
Asparagus- $1.69/lb

For the full ad head over here!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Menu Plan 3/8-3/14----


MONDAY- Leftover Meditteranean Chicken (I will post this recipe soon!)
TUESDAY- Frozen Pizzas
WEDNESDAY- Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole (from the freezer)
THURSDAY- Caribbean Nights Slow Cooker
FRIDAY- Leftover Caribbean Nights
SATURDAY- undecided??
SUNDAY- undecided??

Things have been a little hectic around here, so I'm glad I have most of my plan set up and it's all stuff that's super easy or ready to go.  That gives me the week to figure out what we are doing over the weekend!

For more Menu Plans head on over to MPM!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

A Shoprite Shout Out! Naturally Delicious Salad Dressing 49c through 3/13!

You might wonder WHY I AM HIGHLIGHTING THIS DEAL?????
Well, the answer is simple.  We try and avoid HFCS in our home and one of the areas where that can become difficult is in the world of salad dressings.  And, I don't know about you, but a $4 dressing is not really in my budget right now.


So, when I did a quick search on this dressing and found out that it was HFCS FREE and that there is a $1/1 IP available, I just knew this deserved a SHOUT OUT!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Shopping Week 2/27-3/5----Under $25 Again! and 90% Savings!

I mentioned in my weekly shopping post last week that I was thinking about a reduced budget for March.....
Well, I've set my goal for the weeks 5 weeks beginning 2/27 and ending 4/2 at an average of $25 per week.
After last week's ground turkey deals and taking careful stock of our current pantry items, I am pretty confident that I can make this work!  That being said, I know I made it work this first week!

I spent $22.29 this week and saved $192.59!  That's a savings of 90%!

Here are the photos that show it all!

Shoprite: -$0.26
One of my Qs gave overage that I had not planned for, so I actually got back 26c from the cashier!

CVS: $0.87

Stop & Shop: $5.26
Dollar Tree(newspaper): $1.00
Shoprite: $0.60

Adams: $4.40
Mother Earth's Warehouse: $4.25

Shoprite: $0.60

$0.00
(I had a gift card from a previous deal!)

Shoprite: $2.85
Adams: $2.72
 
So, there you have it!
There's $2.71 left from this week's $25, so check back next week to see if I manage to stay under $27.71!