Wednesday Tip Day---- When FREE isn't really FREE!

All this ADDS UP!

Here in the Hudson Valley of NY we pay 8% sales tax.  When I first started coupon shopping, I did all the drugstore deals.  It was great, but after awhile I noticed I was spending more money than I originally thought.  I would plan my trips, but forgot to add in the cost of tax.  Here in NY our tax is based on pre-coupon totals, so after awhile it adds up.  That's not to say that the drugstore deals aren't a great way to save money, but once I had a stockpile built up, I realized I needed to be more selective in the deals I choose to participate in.  The answer for me was to stick with CVS as my primary drugstore and only do the deals at RiteAid or Walgreens when they are for a hard to score cheap/free item or when it's such a great moneymaker that I can't resist.  This decision has saved me so much money!

The moral of the story:

A Free Item isn't free if you pay sales tax on it!

Factor in all costs when deciding what's a good deal for you.

Knee High Naturalist: Bee an Insect!! Chatham, NY---July 1st

Knee-High Naturalist Summer Program

Schor Conservation Area Pavilion

49 Main Street · Chatham, NY 12037

10:00am-11:00 am

Ages: Preschool

Thursday, July 1st: Bee an Insect

Thursday, July 29th: Spying on Nature

Thursday, August 26th: Butterfly Beauties

CLC invites kids ages 3-5 and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers to explore, interact, and discover nature in an outdoor setting through fun-filled sessions this summer. Create art, collect insects, catch frogs, splash in Jon’s Pond, play outdoors and more! Programs include story time, arts & crafts, an educational program and free play. Registration appreciated. For more information and to register, contact Jenny Brinker at (518) 392-5252 x210 or at jenny@clctrust.org.

Popcorn and a Movie!!! Millbrook, NY-- June 30th

Millbrook Free Library

3 Friendly Lane

Millbrook, NY 12545

Wednesday, June 30, 2010 @ 6:15pm

POPCORN AND A MOVIE IN THE CHILDREN'S ROOM. It'll be raining meatballs! Movie is rated "PG". Bring a pillow or blanket. (Adults - bring a low beach chair if you prefer). Popcorn's on us!

Registration required.

To register, call the Millbrook Library at 677-3611, ext. 4

Shoprite Sales 6/27-7/3 Printables Only!

Well, it's a pretty slow week on the IP front......

14c- Butterball Turkey Franks $1.64 - 75c/1 IP

Shopping Round-up 6/12-6/18 and a NO SPEND WEEK for 6/19-6/25

Well, I wasn't feeling great and spent a bit of time out of the store. I did make a few trips and here they are!

Aldi: $2.97

Adams: $8.94

 

Target: $0 (used GC from  a previous deal)

Shoprite: $1.29

Dollar Tree: $3.00

 

Aldi: $1.65

CVS: $2.02

Shoprite: $1.06

Adams: 9.79

Total Spent = $30.72

Total Saved = $69.73 or 69%

June's Budget $200 - $123.67 (four weeks spending) = $76.33 Remaining!

I'm quite certain I'll be within budget this month, especially since we received some great produce and dairy from friends (thanks!)!!!

I'm Back!!!

I've been a bit elusive!  I'll be playing a bit of catch-up and getting back to some regular posts!

Menu Plan wk of 6/28-7/4

MONDAY- Chili

TUESDAY- Nachos

WEDNESDAY- Tacos/Taco Salad

THURSDAY- Homemade Pizza

FRIDAY- leftover buffet

SATURDAY- BBQ

SUNDAY- BBQ

This will be our first time making homemade pizza!

I guess it's technically "semi-homemade" since we are using store bought dough!

What tips do you have to share?

For more great menus check out MPM!

Music is in the Air- June 26th!

image courtesy of fanpop.com

The Little Read Summer Kick Off Event with UNCLE ROCK

Saturday, June 26th 1-3pm

Tivoli, NY

845-757-3771

For more information visit the Tivoli Library website!

Riverfest

Saturday, June 26th 2pm-dusk

Beacon, NY

646-644-1546

FREE!

For more information visit the Riverfest website!

Wednesday Tip Day- Read those labels carefully! No plumped Chickens!

Foster Farms conducted a survey and found chicken is often plumped with salt water. 

That means you could be spending as much as $1.50 extra per package of chicken for salt water.

Read the fine print and avoid any chicken that adds water!

Chicken should have 50-75mg og sodium per 4 oz serving.

If the sodium level is too high soak the chicken in water overnight to draw out the salt.

Do you want to know more about Plumping?

Head on over here for some answers!

Menu Plan wk of 6/21-6/27

MONDAY- Hamburgers & Hot Dogs on the Grill with leftover Salads

TUESDAY- Tamales with Rice & Beans

WEDNESDAY- Breakfast for Dinner

THURSDAY-Mix n Match Leftovers

FRIDAY-Eat out Treat!

SATURDAY- Eat out Treat!

SUNDAY- Hot Dogs with French Fries

For more Great Menus check out MPM!

Paint, Strawberries, Ladybugs, and Art!!! June 19th-20th

image courtesy of dreamwestembroiderydesigns.com

Public Mural Paint Out & Art Tag Sale

Saturday, June 19th 9am

Poughkeepsie, NY

845-471-7477

FREE!

For more information visit the Mill Street Loft website!

Nature Program: Ladybugs

Saturday, June 19th 10am

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

845-534-5506

Suggested Donation for Adults $5

For more information visit the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum website!

Art in the Barn

Saturday, June 19th 12-4pm

Hudson, NY

518-828-1872 x 109

$5 vehicle use fee, event is FREE!

For more information visit the Olana State Historic Site website!

Strawberry Pancake & French Toast Breakfast

Sunday, June 20th 8am-12pm

Cuddebackville, NY

845-754-8870

$5 Adults, $3 Under 12

Wednesday Tip Day---Hello Sweetness!

I came across a great little breakdown of sugar sources in a May 2009 WomansDay Magazine.

Brown Sugar- White sugar with molasses added

Corn Syrup- Made from corn starch

Dextrose- A naturally ocurring form of glucose in fruits and veggies

Fructose- Found in fruits, vegetables and their juices; used in crystalline form as a sweetener

High Fructose Corn Syrup- Highly processed form of sugar made from corn starch and fructose

Honey- A natural sweetener; contains fructose and glucose

Molasses- Dark syrup made by boiling down sugar from sugar cane

Sucrose- Cane sugar (plain white sugar)

Turbinado- Made by spinning sugar cane extract in a centrifuge or turbine to create large brown crystals

Thursday, June 17th---Turtle Talk--Kingston, NY

Turtle Talk 3:30pm Forsyth Nature Center

Painted, wood, snapping and box, learning about turtles really rocks! Program compares aquatic and terrestrial turtles and tortoises; examination of anatomy, behaviors, adaptations and habitats of turtles. Free and open to all. 845-331-1682, ext 7336

Menu Plan week of 6/14-6/20

MONDAY- Veggies & Chicken Tomato Stew

TUESDAY- Leftovers

WEDNESDAY- Good Earth Meditteranean Chicken

THURSDAY- Linguini with Cajun Shrimp

FRIDAY- Eat out Treat!

SATURDAY- Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

SUNDAY- BBQ (fish and Chicken grill)

Check back next week for a review of the Meditteranean Chicken and for a great Give-Away!

For more great Menus head on over to MPM!

Weekly Shopping Trips 6/5-6/11--WHOA!!!

I spent a whopping $72.48, but I'm still pleased!  You want to know why, don't you???

Well, here's a picture that should tell you why!!!

RiteAid: $26.75

These should qualify me for a coupon for a Free pack!!!

I haven't purchased diapers in awhile and now, I shouldn't have to purchase diapers for awhile again!

Target: $0.00

Mexican Market: $3.89 (those funny looking corn husks!)

Aldi: $1.77

Adams: $16.26

CVS: $0.91

Target: $0

Shoprite: $4.53

Shoprite: $0.26

Walmart: $18.22

Aldi: $2.86

That Iron OUT is a killer on my budget!

Total Spent = $72.48

Total Saved = $196.13 or 73%

June's Budget $200 - $92.95 (1st two weeks spending) = $107.05 Remaining!

I'm feeling pretty good despite the fact that 3 weeks remain for this budget.

How was your week?

Sunday, June 13th---Orange County Cultural Arts Festival - Monroe, NY

12-5pm

Museum Village

1010 Route 17M

Monroe, NY 10950

845-782-8248

Admission: $5 Gen Admission; under 4 Free

Produced in Collaboration with Orange County Arts Council and the Monroe Woodbury School District with participation from heritage groups and schools throughout the county. This special Orange County Day Celebration brings together the dozens of cultures that make Orange County the fastest growing and one of the most diverse communities in the region.

Saturday, June 12th---Book sales and Library Events in Ulster County!!!

Super Saturday: Mother Goose on the Loose

10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Kingston Library

55 Franklin St.

 Kingston, NY 12401

(845) 331-0507

Laugh with nursery rhymes, stories, songs and loads of audience participation.

Presented by Barbara Caldwell.

Patron Appreciation Day

Summer Book Sale & Amnesty Day:  Town of Ulster Public Library

Saturday, June 12, 2010

11am-3pm

860 Ulster Avenue

Kingston, NY 12401

Phone 845.338.7881

Chance to clear up your card on us. Bring in any item owed to the Town of Ulster Public Library and remove your fines. Item must be in good condition. Items returned in poor condition will not be accepted.

If you need to replace your library card we will waive the charge on this day only.

64th Annual Stone Ridge Library Fair!

10 am – 3 pm

3700 Main Street

Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Phone: 845-687-7023

As welcome as Spring itself, the Annual Stone Ridge Library Fair returns with all its time-honored traditions: Book Bargains Galore under the Giant Tent, a huge Plant Sale with a vast assortment of annuals, perennials, and veggies, Local Authors who will sell and sign their latest works, a Silent Auction of fabulous goods and services, Eleanor’s Emporium of gently used gifts and tableware and a 50/50 raffle. Fiber artists — among them the Library’s Saturday knitters — will demonstrate their crafts to admire and purchase.

Saturday, June 12th--Spring Celebration at Phillies Bridge Farm --- Gardiner, NY

Saturday, June 12, 2010

11 AM to 3 PM

45 Phillies Bridge Road

New Paltz, NY 12561

(845) 256-9108

info@philliesbridge.org

Celebrate spring with your whole family on the farm! Enjoy tours and activities including beekeeping, farm tours, and children's activities. We will also have garden plants for sale and live music by the Shoestring Band!

Event is FREE; cob oven pizza and beverages for purchase

Adams Farms Deals 6/11-6/14

39c/lb- Watermelon

79c/lb- Green Peppers

79c/lb-Vidalia Onion

79c/lb-Peaches

99c/lb-Red Grapes

99c/basket-Grape Tomatoes

For the full ad head on over to Adams website!

Shoprite Printable Only Match-Ups 6/13-6/19

Here's a start to the week's ad!!!

FREE-Best Life Margarine 99c- $1/1 IP

FREE- Coffeemate 16oz $1.24-75c/1 IP

49c- Naturally Delicious Salad Dressing $1.49-$1/1 IP

73c/each WYB2-Wise Snacks $1.49-75c/2 IP

$1.01-Perdue Chicken Nuggets $2.51-75c/1 IP

There's a great Catalina Promo, so make sure to check back soon for all the possible Printable match-ups for the Promo!!!

Wednesday Tip Day---Making the cheaper cut of meat work!

When a recipe calls for a more expensive cut of meat/poultry you can save money by choosing these alternatives:

Sirloin/Top Round    

Substitute-Flat Iron Steak: Tenderize by marinating for 1-2 hours before cooking

Pork Tenderloin       

Substitute-Pork Shoulder: Preparing the meat in a slow cooker will help soften it

Lamb Chops            

Substitute-Lamb Shank: Braising or Slow Roasting will break down the fibers

Chicken Breast         

Substitute-Whole Chicken: Stuff with onions and apples and oven-roast

Salmon Fillet            

Substitute-Salmon Steak: Grill the fish on the foil to ensure that you lock in moisture

Ready-to-cook Shrimp

Substitute-Frozen Shrimp: Thaw completely, then broil quickly (5 minutes max)

Courteosy of Parents Magazine November 2009

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Daily Give-Away thru 9/3/10

Enter Daily for a chance to win one of 25 Daily Grill Baskets in the ICBNIB Instant Win Give-Away!

Shoprite Printable ONLY matchups wk of 6/6-6/12

Here they are...better late than never ;) !!!

~FREE-Ronzoni Smarttaste 3/$3 MB3 - 75c/1 IP here or here (This often fully double giving 50c overage for each IP you use!---Don't forget to buy in groups of 3.)

~49c- L'oreal Kids Shampoo $1.99 - 75c/1 IP

~59c- Orville Redenbacher's Cheddar Cheese or Spicy Nacho Popcorn $1.59-$1/1 IP

~74c-Reynold's Wrap Recycled $1.99-$1.25/1 IP

~$1-Apple & Eve Fruitables 2/$5 MB2 - 75c/1 IP

~$1.50 Newman's Own Pasta Sauce 2/$5 MB2 - 50c/1 IP here or here

~$1.50-Pam Grilling Spray $2.50-$1/1 IP

4 DAY PRICE BREAK -CATALINA DEAL!

~Kraft Salad Dressing 3/$5 MB3 - (3)55c/1 IPs (will require 2 computers) = $1.70

Receive a $2 ONYO

Final Cost = $0.30 MM!

Find a great deal advertised or otherwise?  Leave a comment so we can all check it out!

Menu Plan-- Week of 6/7-6/13

MONDAY- Leftover Chicken Yassa

TUESDAY- Ground Turkey Tacos with all the fixings

WEDNESDAY- Spaghetti & Meatballs

THURSDAY- Frozen Pizza/Leftover Spaghetti

FRIDAY- Vegetarian Chili

SATURDAY- Hot Dogs/Chili Dogs & Pasta Salad

SUNDAY- Nachos/Nacho Salad

I've scored a TON of Al Fresco Chicken sausage (mostly spinach & feta and roasted pepper & asiago).

I'd love your favorite recipes for sausage!

To check out great menu plans head on over to MPM!

How to Build a Fun and Profitable Home-Based Business---Hopewell Junction, NY

Monday, June 7th

6pm-8pm

East Fishkill Community Library

348 Rt 376

Hopewell Junction, NY

845-221-9943

Registration Required

What kinds of home based businesses are out there? Regardless of the company you choose, you’ll learn skills and activities that, step by step, will lay out what it takes to earn more money and have more fun! Gain access to 70 different ways to market your products and services. No hype, no fluff…just straight-up, practical information on how to get the job done! Jim Farnham, MBA, MS, and his wife have over twenty years experience in the home-based industry.

New Coupons at Eat Better America!

There are some new coupons when you register at Eat Better America!

Some of my Favorites:

$1/1 Any Muir Glen

$1/1 YoPlus

$3/1 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers

Weekly Shopping 5/29-6/4

Well, here it is! It's time for the weekly wrap up!

Aldi: $7.36

Target: $0.07 (used a $5 GC)

 

Adams: $4.35

 

Shoprite: $0.11 (used $4 ONYO)

Walmart: $3.68

 

CVS: $0.19 (used $3 ECBs)

 

Freihoffers: $2.73

Walgreens: $0

 

Hannaford: $0.78

Shoprite: $1.20

Total Spending = $20.47

Total Saved = $112.14 or 84%

I've set June's Budget at $40/wk or $200 for the month. 

The month as I am calculating it started May 29th and will end July 2nd. 

June's Running Total:

$200-$20.47 = $179.53 remaining

Adams Farms Deals 6/4-6/7

79c/lb-NJ Zucchini

99c/lb-Peaches

99c/lb-Green Beans

99c/lb- Vidalia Onions

For the full Ad head on over to the Adams website!

FREE--Buzz-iness in Kingston, NY--June 5th & 6th

BUZZ ON BEES

June 5th 10am

Did you know the FNC is home to more than 30,000 bees? Come and discover the Apiary (Beehive) and all its wonders at the FNC. This program is free and open to all. 845-331-1682, ext 7339

 

Timefest Comes to Senate House State Historic Site

June 5 and 6 11am-5pm

296 Fair Street, Kingston, NY, 12401

845-338-2786

or

800-331-1518

On Saturday, June 5, Senate House highlights the Dutch Colonial history of our area. Living history presenters will inhabit the site, performing the tasks, crafts and pastimes of Dutch New York. Children can make their own “Dutch, Delft-like” tile to bring home. The Bells & Motley Consort of Olden Music performs lively tunes at 1:00 and 3:00, and throughout the event they display their collection of musical instruments.

On Sunday, June 6, an encampment by historical re-enactors from the First New York offers visitors a taste of military life during the Revolutionary era, and will also feature performances of military and popular music of the age. Kids can “enlist,” drill with fellow soldiers, and take part in a hands-on activity while learning about Kingston’s role in the Revolution. The Headless Horsemen Fife & Drum Corps will perform throughout the day as well.

On both days, free tours of Senate House and admission to the site’s museum are available from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, thanks to the support of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area program, administered by the Hudson River Valley Greenway. All of the free, special programming on this weekend is supported by the Friends of Senate House and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

Wednesday Tip Day- Bottoms UP!!! Another good thing about Wine!

Do you enjoy a nice glass of wine, but have trouble fitting it into your frugal lifestyle???

Well, now you can drink up knowing you are saving money on your dental bills!

In the April 2010 Redbook Magazine there is a brief clipping, "Drink vino, fight cavities".

"New research suggests that wine rinses bacteria from teeth during and after meals- and polyphenols in red wine might fight gum disease".

FREE PROGRAM--June 3rd--How to win Against Rising Healthcare Costs--Hopewell Junction, NY

Thursday, June 3rd 7-8:30pm

East Fishkill Community Library

348 Rt 376

Hopewell Junction, NY

845-221-9943

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Edward Prus, DDS will present this free educational program on the link between dental health and overall health. Learn to protect your overall health by exercising some simple dental prevention methods. The talk will focus on the application of preventive approaches to healthcare.

Trying!

It's been a little hectic around here.  Some of my regular weekly posts have been missing, but I'm trying to get back to normal and will try and get back into the swing of things here, too!