Friday, February 25, 2011

Super Deals = Way Over Budget for February!

What a week!  The bad...I ended February about $60 overbudget.  The good...I planned to go over and will make it up in March and April!
High OOP for Dollar Days at Shoprite!
Duplicate Photo with DD2 holdin' the 'nanas!!!

I was happy with the deals at Target, but unhappy with the limited stock!
I used my husband's card to go for a second round of Kashi and GM at Shoprite.
I asked DH to stop and pick up the fruit and a few more of the free Purely Potatoes.

Total Spending Week 4 = $90.33 (OUCH!)
Total Savings Week 3 = $252.61or 73% Savings
Total Spending Feb = $221.71
Total Savings Feb = $1040.74 or 82% Savings

Next week is likely to be a bit high, too.  Then it's time to spend all of these CATS from the Dollar Days and the OOP should drop drastically!

How did you end February?








Wednesday Tip Day---A female thing...

Ok, I know It's Friday, but it's been one of those weeks.  Anyway, this subject could be a bit ick for the weak stomached soul, but here it is anyway!

No one likes spending money on disposable items like toilet paper and garbage bags, so when it comes to disposing of feminine products why would we want to spend money on that?
Many products come in wrapped and those wrappers can later be used for disposal.
What about the items that do not come with a means of disposal?
Well, we can use toilet paper or tissues or we can use items that are destined for the garbage anyway.
-refillable wipes packages (these can hold multiple items)
- packaging from any number of items (pantiliner bag pictured)
- small paper bags that prescriptions of come packaged in

Re-using these garbage destined items for disposal saves money and is good for the earth!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Feb 23rd--Free Seminar on Cleansing--Newburgh, NY


The Success Cleanse
with Bella Garrison, Health & Lifestyle Coach

Wednesday, February 23 • 6:00 p.m.
Adams -Newburgh
1240 Route 300
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845)569-0303


Want to feel light, clear and energized? Learn how to shed excess weight naturally with food.
Taste a few great juice recipes; learn the benefits of detoxing and cleansing.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Feb 22nd---Global Climate Change Lecture--Cornwall-on-Hudson




Feb 22- 7:30-9 p.m.

Event Location

Cornwall Presbyterian Fellowship Hall
222 Hudson Street
Cornwall-on-Hudson , NY 12520

As part of the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum's "Evening Speakers" series, Dr. Sacha Spector, Scenic Hudson's director of Conservation Science, is delivering a talk focused on the benefits that communities can gain by taking steps now to prepare for climate change. There's a requested donation of $7 ($5 for museum members).
QUESTIONS? Contact Scenic Hudson Parks Event Coordinator Anthony Coneski: aconeski@scenichudson.org, 845-473-4440 x273

Sunday, February 20, 2011

A JcPenny Trip: 26c!

We have a JcPenny card that mostly sits in our wallet collecting dust, but every once in awhile we splurge on that card!  This trip was a BIG SPLURGE at 26c!  We received a spend $15 or more and receive $15 off coupon with the caveat "when you use your JcPenny card".  So, we headed to the store to spend as little as possible.  We hit the clearance racks and SCORED!  Everything pictured plus a pair of Minnie Mouse Pjs for our two year old cost 26c!

BUSTED!

This was not an average shopping week.  I took advantage of a few deals at Shoprite, but the bulk of our budget was spent on "specialty items" for a special Valentines' dinner.  We also splurged on some gruyere for a recipe!  While this is not the normal way we shop it shows that we do break our budget and treat ourselves occassionally.


Total Spending Week 3 = $49.83 (OUCH!)
Total Savings Week 3 = $44.46 or 47% Savings
Total Spending Feb = $131.38
Total Savings Feb = $788.13 or 85% Savings

Now, I am going to add a note that I will not stay on budget this month.  Shoprite is running Dollar Days for the next two weeks are there are some really great deals, but the Catalinas received can not be used until the 6th of March, so there is no possibility for rolling.  This means high out of pocket costs, but it is so worth it.  Many of these items are not things I can normally find good Qs/Deals on and so I have made the decision to overspend and make cuts next month.  I know the extra now will help me to save in the long run.

Are you strict with your budget or do you allow a little flexibility?


Thursday, February 17, 2011

Feb 19th--- Puppets in Poughkeepsie, NY


Saturday, February 19th at 11 a.m.

Crabgrass Puppet Theatre presents:
"Anansi; Spiderman of Africa"
Free Family Festival
James & Betty Hall Theater
54 Pendell Rd
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Feb 18th----Tangled movie showing---Poughkeepsie, NY


Free Movie Viewing!

Friday, February 18th at 8 p.m.
James & Betty Hall Theater
54 Pendell Rd
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

February 17th--Presidential Tales--Newburgh, NY


7 p.m. Thursday, February 17th
Newburgh Free Library
124 Grand Street in Newburgh, New York
845-563-3601

Come enjoy story time with Lisa Kochik.  This special storytime will feature stories about Presidents and Patriotism. Selected for grades K-6.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Wednesday Tip Day- The Machine that Cleans needs CLEANING!


Need to freshen up the machine that freshens up your clothes?
Set your washing machine to the warm water setting and fill the basin. Add 2 cups white vinegar.  Let stand for an hour and then run the cycle through.

Extra hard stains:  
Add a product like Iron Out

 to the soak and watch those stains disappear!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Menu Plan: What we're eating this week!

I've been pretty bored with food lately and also pretty lazy.  I'm attempting a few new recipes this week.  I may or may not get to them, but if I set the goal I'm at least moving in the right direction!

Monday- Leftover Paella from Sunday's Valentine's Dinner
Tuesday-  Mushroom Steak Diane Stew in the slowcooker (recipe to come soon)
Wednesday- leftovers
Thursday- Baked Penne with Ham and Broccoli
Friday- Chicken Tikka Massala and Vegetable Curry (I don't use recipes for these.  I just wing it!)
Saturday- leftovers
Sunday- Grilled Chicken Salad

What are you eating this week?  Has the produce FREEZE affected your cooking yet?

Sunday, February 13, 2011

"Cheater's Paella"

For a special Valentine's dinner we're making Paella using this Paella recipe from Good Housekeeping!


UPDATE:
This was horrible.  We followed the recipe to the T, but this was flavorless mush.
We won't be trying this again, but we were able to pull out some of the seafood and add pasta and sauce to make it into a "day 2" meal!
We could have planned ahead and saved a bit of money on the ingredients, but even paying full price for most of the ingredients it's still cheaper than a night out!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Mexico Freeze = Increase in produce prices and decrease in supply

Crockpot Split Pea Soup

I recently purchased a ham (bone-in) from Aldi for around $3!!!
I decided to use my slow cooker to cook the ham, so I layered brown sugar in the bottom of the slow cooker and then placed the ham in the pot.  I added a bit of apple juice for moisture and let it cook on low for about 8 hours.  It was the best ham I've ever had.  The crockpot can make anything melt in your mouth!
I removed most of the meat and decide to make pea soup. I removed the apple juice and brown sugar syrup from the crock-pot and followed this recipe with a few minor changes.
 I added a few diced potatoes and tarragon.  I let it cook overnight and woke up for a nice pea soup breakfast!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Shopping Trips ending 2-11-11: A few Splurges!

It was a great week here! I spent under $20 in my local shopping, but I've added two other "trips" into my totals.
 My sister purchased polenta at Trader Joe's (the closest store is 1.5 hours away) and that was about $8.

I also took advantage of a deal through Gaggle of Chicks (use the link for a $10 credit when you sign up)to get something fun and healthy for the girls. Between the $1.xx after credit at Gaggle and the $7.xx at the Monkey Business store I spent $9.22.
We've tried some of the flavors and they are a hit so far!

 My darling husband ran to Adams for a few produce items so we could do some cooking over the weekend!
 
A few quick stops (without kids): Rite Aid, Aldi, and Shoprite!
 
A great Shoprite trip where I used Babybucks $10 off  $50 in combination with tons of other Qs and a nice Rite Aid trip.  Everything in this picture cost 72c!
Another Shoprite trip (after I printed more Qs) where the Free Organic Drinkable Yogurt was the star!

Total Spending Week 2 = $35.51
Total Savings Week 1 = $324.37 or 90% Savings
Total Spending Feb = $81.55
Total Savings Week 1 = $743.67 or 90% Savings
 
My goal for February (January 29- February 25) is the usual $40/week or $160 for the month.  I was a little over ($1.26) in January, so I'd like to aim for a few dollars under this month.  I'm still working on healthier food choices on a budget.

What are your grocery goals this month?

Mark-down JACKPOT on Organic Drinkable Yogurt!

I stopped in to the Kingston, NY Shoprite today and was excited to find these on "Manager's Special" for 97c.  There is a $1/1 IP available which made these FREE.  I don't often find great mark-downs, but lately I've been luckier than usual!

Don't forget to stay open to deals!

A winner has been chosen!

Congratulations to "Toystory" whose comment:
"I like to add some granola to my yogurt, but also enjoy some chopped nuts." was selected at random as the prize pack winner! 
You've been contacted by email and should respond no later than February 14th at 11 a.m. EDT

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Love = Money


Americans spend about $14 billion on Valentine's candy, flowers, gifts and cards.  Women spend an average of $72 while men spend an average $135. 

Source: Family Circle Feb 2011

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day?
How do you stay on budget?

We celebrate by doing something together.  We cook a nice meal together, perhaps rent a movie and enjoy the time we have with each other.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Shopping wk ending 2-4: Snack Foods Galore!

With all of the great snack deals for Superbowl Sunday it's going to be hard to stick with my plan to eat healthier.  I'm hoping we can exercise moderation and make these snacks last.
My first snack trip at Rite Aid!

 Aldi and Dollar Tree help round out some items that are most often cheapest as generics.
 I went to Shoprite mainly for the turkey which was 29c/lb after sales and coupons.
They finally had some ripe plantains!  Yummy!


Another Rite Aid trip to pick up some great deals!
I picked up the Finish, but wasn't sure how well it would work.  We have hard water and sometimes dish detergents don't work well in our machine.  I tried this the other day and was so pleased with how it worked in our machine and with our picky water.

I still get similac checks on occasion and usually give them away.  I found a few around that were going to expire before I could give them away, so I decided to buy the formula and donate that instead!



My darling husband ran to Adams during the storm.  We needed eggs!


Free milk from last week's Stop & Shop deals!
Friday shopping....Adams for fresh veggies, Shoprite for some bargain odds and ends, another Rite Aid run and another stop at Aldi for a 7lb ham at $3.20!


Total Spending Week 1 = $46.04
Total Savings Week 1 = $419.30 or 90% Savings
 
My goal for February (January 29- February 25) is the usual $40/week or $160 for the month.  I was a little over ($1.26) in January, so I'd like to aim for a few dollars under this month.  I'm still working on healthier food choices on a budget.  These Rite Aid deals are not helping, but the snack foods can be in the house as long as we only eat them ocassionaly.

Feb 5-6: Free Seminars at Adams---Kingston, Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, New York


Kingston, NY:
1560 Ulster Avenue
Lake Katrine, NY 12449
(845)336-6300
Saturday, February 5 • 1:00 p.m.
Seed StartingNewburgh, NY:
with Phil Burley
Planning your vegetable or flower garden? Learn the ins and outs of seed starting and share your own ideas.
• • •
Sunday, February 6 • 1:00 p.m.
Just for Kids! Cupcakes and Cookies
with Drew Pineiro
Our Kingston Bakery manager will share the fun with your children.

1240 Route 300
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845)569-0303
Saturday, February 5 • 1:00 p.m.
The Vegetarian & The Butcher
with Joan Madonna and Paul Varco
Poughkeepsie Houseplant manager Joan Madonna (vegetarian) and Poughkeepsie Meat manager
Paul Varco (butcher) will each prepare their own version of the same classic dish.
• • •
Sunday, February 6 • 1:00 p.m.
Creative Use of Ground Turkey, Part 2
with Norma Chang

Poughkeepsie, NY:
765 Dutchess Turnpike
(845) 454-4330
Saturday, February 5 • 1:00 p.m.
Probiotic Cheeses
from The Amazing Real Live Food Co.
The Amazing Real Live Food Co. is located in Pine Plains.


Adams Deals 2/4-2/7

99c/head- iceberg lettuce
99c/each- box grape tomatoes
99c/lb- broccoli crowns
99c/lb- red peppers

For the full ad visit Adams' website!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Fiber One Yogurt Give-Away!

According to a recent survey by Yoplait Fiber One, Americans are fed up with flavorless, boring snacks – and claim they are a contributor to diet failure. With 50 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat, Yoplait Fiber One Blueberry yogurt is a perfect solution, packed with real fruit and the great taste of blueberries that you’ll love. As an added bonus, the deliciously creamy yogurt also contains vitamins A and D and is a good source of calcium.

I have to admit that yogurt is not my favorite go-to snack, but I'm definitely working on healthier eating and I know yogurt is a great choice.  I'll also admit that blueberry is not normally my first choice in flavors, so I wasn't overly excited to try the new Fiber One Blueberry Yogurt.  So, I opened up the yogurt and took one bite and thought, "WoW, this is pretty darn good yogurt!"  Seriously, I was pleasantly surprised to find the blueberry flavor very natural.  It has the perfect amount of sweetness and creaminess for my taste.

Yoplait and Fiber One provided me with the free products, and information, through MyBlogSpark. MyBlogSpark and Yoplait Fiber One are also offering a *VIP Coupon for a free sample of the new flavor, as well as a fitness journal and pen, sport towel, water bottle and blueberry stress ball to one lucky reader.
*This coupon offer for Yoplait Fiber One Blueberry yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota and Tennessee.
To enter leave a comment sharing your favorite way to enjoy yogurt.
(I like mine mixed with a little granola!)

Don't forget to include your email, so I can contact you!You can receive an additional entry by Following Frugality in the Hudson Valley and leaving a comment letting me know you do so!






This contest will end on Friday, February 11th at 11am EDT.

The winner will be selected by random.org and contacted via email and must respond by February 14th at 11am EDT or a new winner will be selected.


The coupon, information, and giveaway have been provided from Yoplait and Fiber One through MyBlogSpark.
All opinons are my own.


Free Totinos Pizza at Stop & Shop- starting tomorrow 2/4/11

There is a great 75c/2 IP for Totino's Party Pizza available right now that makes for FREE pizza at Stop & Shop from 2/4-2/10.

Here's how it works:
This scenario requires access to multiple computers.

Buy 6 Totino's pizzas @ $1.25/each = $7.50
receive automatic $3 discount with card = $4.50
Use (3) 75c/2 Totino's IPs = $0


If you only have access to one computer you can still get cheap pizza.
This scenario can be done with only one computer.

Buy 6 Totino's pizzas @ $1.25/each = $7.50
receive automatic $3 discount with card = $4.50
Use (2) 75c/2 Totino's IPs = $1.50
Use (1) 50c/2 IP = $0.50
Even with only one computer that' s under 10c per pizza!





Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Fabulous and Frugal Finger Foods!

We recently celebrated my mom's birthday with a surprise party.  There were too many people to sit for food, so we decided to go with a menu of finger foods.  These are the very same types of food that make excellent Superbowl Sunday goodies. The three links below were the favorites of the party!


Three-Cheese Mini Macs

Pimento Cheese & Bacon Crostini 

Mexican Sushi Bites




Need we say more!

A Poughkeepsie, NY sign made the NY Times!
I just had to share!

Spencer Ainsley/The Journal, via Associated Press


Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Wednesday Tip Day- Avoiding Tarnish



Place a piece of white chalk in with your silver or in your jewelry box to absorb moisture and minimize tarnish.
All You Feb. 2011

My oil company just sent out this reminder email.
I certainly don't want to run out of oil! 
There's nothing frugal about frozen pipes.

Spread the word!

Adams closing early today---Feb 1st

Feb 2---Buying Local Foods Seminar-- Newburgh, NY



Wednesday, February 2 • 6:00 p.m.
Adams Farms- Newburgh

Route 300
845-569-0303

 
Buying Local Foods
with Debbie Decker

Debbie will show you some of her favorite locally produced foods available at Adams. Free samples!

I'd suggest calling ahead to confirm this has not been cancelled due to snow/ice.