Hello Friends!
There are some great prices to be found this week in the stores. I had another great shopping trip yesterday, full of price matching & coupons... It felt great! :)
In case you don't know, "Price Matching" is a courtesy of Walmart. Your Walmart store will match the price of a competitor (Local only). You DO NOT need to bring the ad with you. I simply go through sales flyers when I do my coupon clipping on Sundays, look for sales at great price points & write down all the info (product, size, price & the store that has the sale price). Then I match up coupons to the items on sale (including printing any internet coupons I may need to print to get the best price) and then head to Walmart. (Which saves having to run all over the place to 6 different stores - saves gas, saves time) When you have your items in your cart & are ready to check out, be sure to put any non-price match items on the belt first and tell your cashier that you have some price match items. Then organize your price match items so that you can tell the cashier the adjusted price BEFORE s/he rings up your items. This will make it run much more smoothly. Then when your items are all rung up, give the cashier your coupons and continue to reap the savings! Now... on to the price matches! When I indicate that I used a coupon (with the letter Q - for the funny "kew-pon" pronunciation) - it is a coupon that has been in a recent Sunday paper or an internet printable coupon.
WALGREENS
************
Andes Mints - 4.67 oz - 3 for $4. ($1.33 each)
Charmin Basic Toilet Tissue - 6 Double Rolls - $2.99
Coffee Mate Liquid - 16 oz - 2 for $3 (Q - 50 cents off 1 = $1 each) (stock up price!)
Hershey's Pot of Gold Candy - 8.7 or 10 oz - 2 for $7 (Q)
Viva Paper Towels - 6 Rolls - 2 for $9 (Q - $1 off = $3.50 each!) (stock up price!)
CVS
*****
VO5 Shampoo or Conditioner - 15 oz - 77 cents
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste - 4 oz - 2 for $3 (Q for $1 off each makes these 50 cents each!)
Folgers Coffee - 11.3 oz (small) can - 2 for $7 (Q for $1 off each makes each can $2.50)
Dean's Milk - 1 gallon - whole, 2%, 1% or skim -excludes flavored- $2.49
ALDI
******
Butterball Whole Turkey - $1.09 / lb
Celery - 49 cents
Cranberries - 12 oz pkg - 99 cents
Dollar General (Sale until 11/23)
*************
Oreos - 10.1 - 10.3 oz - $1.66
Charmin Basic Toilet Tissue - 16 Double Rolls - $6.50 (stock up price!)
IGA
*****
Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese - 8 oz - $1.25 (stock up price!)
TARGET
*********
Pepsi Products - 12 pack cans - $2.50 (Grabbed a couple for Grandma & Hubby - stock up price if you drink it!)
Stove Top Stuffing - 6 oz box - 89 cents each (stock up price!)
Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes - 89 cents each (Q - peelies available on select boxes!) (Stock up price!)
JEWEL
*******
7-UP, A & W, Canada Dry or Sunkist - 2 Ltr. bottle - 79 cents each (must buy 4 per Jewel Ad)
Sweet Potatoes - 29 cents/ lb
The Following items (at Jewel) are priced (as indicated below) when you buy any combination of 10 items.
Barilla Pasta -12 - 16 oz size - 75 cents (STOCK UP PRICE!!!)
Ragu Pasta Sauce - 24-26 oz size -99 cents (stock up price!)
Cool Whip 8 oz - 75 cents
Pillsbury crescents (8 oz) or cinnamon rolls (12.4 - 13.9 oz) $1.49
Kraft Chunk or Shredded cheese - 5-8 oz pkg. - $1.99
Wishbone salad dressing - 16 oz - 99 cents
No Yolk egg noodles - 12 oz bag - $1 (Q)
HAPPY SHOPPING, FRIENDS!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Coming Out From Under My Rock
Hello Friends!
I have, INDEED, been hiding under a rock for the past couple weeks! My "extra special" guy had a nasty run in with some kind of illness and there is nothing that will derail me faster than a sick kid. Any of the boys getting sick will do so, but toss in some migraines, some seizures and a lovely doggy who gets extremely nervous when her boy is not doing well... and, well... busy mom x infinity.
We are on the mend, however, and very much enjoying Autumn at the (Funny) Farm. The biggest (and incredibly enjoyable) seasonal difference being that I actually have some time to sit and enjoy some television. I'm not a big fan of TV, but I so enjoy watching a movie, cuddling with the boys. Last night we had some friends over for a movie night and we've got another movie night planned for this evening. It is always refreshing to spend some simple time in fellowship with friends, and, as any mom can imagine, simply the time to sit down for a bit, put your feet up and enjoy friends is a beautiful thing.
The other big difference that Autumn brings at the (Funny) Farm is our menu! Mama can cook again! It seems that all Summer long, I prepare lots of salads, lots of super-simple meals. Granted, I have boy children and as long as I feed them, they pretty much don't care what it is, but it is so wonderful to bust out the crock pot and turn on the oven to roast some chicken and some root veggies or put on a nice big pot of soup or stew... Yes, we are all enjoying the cooler temperatures!
Also, the very busy month of October has passed. Our busy-ness started on the 4th with a trip south to Peoria for Neurology appointments for all of the boys, it didn't stop until October 31st and that was with a couple of big cancellations in plans... still busy! :) But, we got through that and now... onto November's busy-ness.
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. We've got some fun activities planned here in the Quad Cities for FUNdraising for the Epilepsy Foundation. November 14th (Monday), we've got a fundraiser going on at both Quad Cities locations of Buffalo Wild Wings. Jonah has requested that we hit Davenport (fundraiser going on all day) for lunch and Moline (fundraiser hours from 5 PM - 10 PM) for dinner. We shall see. But if you are interested in going to have some great wings and help support the Quad Cities Epilepsy Foundation, please let me know so I can get you a ticket to give to your server! Then on November 19th (Saturday) from 3-5 PM, we have a volunteer putting together a Zumba Dance fundraiser... For a minimum donation of only $5 (more is welcome!), you can take part in a (painfully long) Zumba class run by several different local instructors. Should be fun. I'll be donating more than $5 for the privilege of being at the registration table. This will be happening near Port Byron, so anyone wanting to carpool from Osco, let me know, we can get a nice group together! :)
Have a fantastic Weekend, Friends. Don't forget to tell those around you how much you love them.
I have, INDEED, been hiding under a rock for the past couple weeks! My "extra special" guy had a nasty run in with some kind of illness and there is nothing that will derail me faster than a sick kid. Any of the boys getting sick will do so, but toss in some migraines, some seizures and a lovely doggy who gets extremely nervous when her boy is not doing well... and, well... busy mom x infinity.
We are on the mend, however, and very much enjoying Autumn at the (Funny) Farm. The biggest (and incredibly enjoyable) seasonal difference being that I actually have some time to sit and enjoy some television. I'm not a big fan of TV, but I so enjoy watching a movie, cuddling with the boys. Last night we had some friends over for a movie night and we've got another movie night planned for this evening. It is always refreshing to spend some simple time in fellowship with friends, and, as any mom can imagine, simply the time to sit down for a bit, put your feet up and enjoy friends is a beautiful thing.
The other big difference that Autumn brings at the (Funny) Farm is our menu! Mama can cook again! It seems that all Summer long, I prepare lots of salads, lots of super-simple meals. Granted, I have boy children and as long as I feed them, they pretty much don't care what it is, but it is so wonderful to bust out the crock pot and turn on the oven to roast some chicken and some root veggies or put on a nice big pot of soup or stew... Yes, we are all enjoying the cooler temperatures!
Also, the very busy month of October has passed. Our busy-ness started on the 4th with a trip south to Peoria for Neurology appointments for all of the boys, it didn't stop until October 31st and that was with a couple of big cancellations in plans... still busy! :) But, we got through that and now... onto November's busy-ness.
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. We've got some fun activities planned here in the Quad Cities for FUNdraising for the Epilepsy Foundation. November 14th (Monday), we've got a fundraiser going on at both Quad Cities locations of Buffalo Wild Wings. Jonah has requested that we hit Davenport (fundraiser going on all day) for lunch and Moline (fundraiser hours from 5 PM - 10 PM) for dinner. We shall see. But if you are interested in going to have some great wings and help support the Quad Cities Epilepsy Foundation, please let me know so I can get you a ticket to give to your server! Then on November 19th (Saturday) from 3-5 PM, we have a volunteer putting together a Zumba Dance fundraiser... For a minimum donation of only $5 (more is welcome!), you can take part in a (painfully long) Zumba class run by several different local instructors. Should be fun. I'll be donating more than $5 for the privilege of being at the registration table. This will be happening near Port Byron, so anyone wanting to carpool from Osco, let me know, we can get a nice group together! :)
Have a fantastic Weekend, Friends. Don't forget to tell those around you how much you love them.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
$uper $avings!
Hello Friends!
This week, there are some fantastic deals to be had! We've had some fun on our money $aving adventures and I just want to share a few of the best deals I've stumbled upon!
Walgreens has Febreze Noticables scent refills on sale this week. They are 20% off their normal price. (This makes them approximately $4 instead of $5). Then I used the $1 coupon from last Sunday's (10/2) paper from the Proctor & Gamble insert (there is also a $2 off of 2 Febreze items that you could use). When you buy $10 in select items, you get a $3 register reward back at the end of your transaction. So, you can get these for approximately $2 each... which is a terrific find! I picked up several to add to the Febreze warmers I got for free last month - I plan on adding these to Christmas gift baskets. (NOTE: Lesson learned from this sale: Last month, there was a big to-do in the couponing world about getting the Febreze warmers for free. That was all well and good, but the warmers are no good without the very pricey refills. My plan last month was to be patient and wait for a sale on the scent cartridges that go with the warmer. I hoped they would go on sale before too long. I wasn't going to pay full price (or use just the 50 cent coupon on a full price item), so patience paid off. Knowing coupon cylces and thinking ahead prevents over-spending. Patience, Grasshopper. Patience.)
Also at Walgreens: $1.29 per bag of Ricola cough drops. You'll need the in-ad coupon for this price. There were Buy One (Dual Action) get one (any) Free coupons in the Sunday Papers (10/2). Get several at this price and you'll be ready for the scratchy throats of allergy season now and the cold and flu season!
And another from Walgreens: Cepacol sore throat drops - on sale for $2.99. You'll get a $3 Register Reward for this purchase. You'll need to do a separate transaction to get more than one on this deal, and remember - if you want additional register rewards, you can NOT use your $3 register reward from a previous Cepacol transaction. (Use your $3 RR from your Febreze transaction.)
And... The motherlode of savings this week, another example of how stocking up and waiting for sales is a prime way to save money. There are $8 off of 2 Cover Girl makeup products in Sunday's (10/2, P & G) paper. I had to do several transactions (You can only use 4 of the Proctor & Gamble coupons "per shopping trip". Some places allow you to use 4 for several transactions in one day, others, you have to use them in literally separate shopping trips, but the deal is the same even if it is split up into separate shopping trips). In total, the retail (At Walmart) for 26 items was $107.58. I had 13 of the coupons, $8 x 13 coupons = $104 . So I paid $3.58 for all of that makeup. There is also a mail in rebate available for purchasing $50 in certain P & G products, so for the price of a stamp and the time it takes to fill out the rebate form and clip proofs of purchase, this makeup will be a money maker. (Note: I *almost* felt guilty about this deal. Almost. I don't normally wear makeup, so purchases for me included face powder and lip gloss. The rest of the items will be shared - gave a bunch to Mom already and she is tickled pink! Manufacturers are offering these high dollar coupons right now to boost sales. I don't wear makeup, but again, I couldn't resist the deal. Manufacturers are not only hoping for an increase in sales (which they will see this month, because of that coupon, without doubt), but are hoping to gain repeat customers. Lesson Learned from this deal: Brand Loyalty does not save you money. If you write to companies to get coupons, sure, you can save money once. But always being on the lookout for items you can use (even if you're using them as gifts) is going to save you the most money. Manufacturers put these coupons out there to use, they are not looking out for us when they put these coupons out... there is, especially with these high dollar coupons, an ulterior motive (increase sales, increase brand loyalty), be aware of those motives and you'll continue to save money!)
Happy $avings, Friends!
This week, there are some fantastic deals to be had! We've had some fun on our money $aving adventures and I just want to share a few of the best deals I've stumbled upon!
Walgreens has Febreze Noticables scent refills on sale this week. They are 20% off their normal price. (This makes them approximately $4 instead of $5). Then I used the $1 coupon from last Sunday's (10/2) paper from the Proctor & Gamble insert (there is also a $2 off of 2 Febreze items that you could use). When you buy $10 in select items, you get a $3 register reward back at the end of your transaction. So, you can get these for approximately $2 each... which is a terrific find! I picked up several to add to the Febreze warmers I got for free last month - I plan on adding these to Christmas gift baskets. (NOTE: Lesson learned from this sale: Last month, there was a big to-do in the couponing world about getting the Febreze warmers for free. That was all well and good, but the warmers are no good without the very pricey refills. My plan last month was to be patient and wait for a sale on the scent cartridges that go with the warmer. I hoped they would go on sale before too long. I wasn't going to pay full price (or use just the 50 cent coupon on a full price item), so patience paid off. Knowing coupon cylces and thinking ahead prevents over-spending. Patience, Grasshopper. Patience.)
Also at Walgreens: $1.29 per bag of Ricola cough drops. You'll need the in-ad coupon for this price. There were Buy One (Dual Action) get one (any) Free coupons in the Sunday Papers (10/2). Get several at this price and you'll be ready for the scratchy throats of allergy season now and the cold and flu season!
And another from Walgreens: Cepacol sore throat drops - on sale for $2.99. You'll get a $3 Register Reward for this purchase. You'll need to do a separate transaction to get more than one on this deal, and remember - if you want additional register rewards, you can NOT use your $3 register reward from a previous Cepacol transaction. (Use your $3 RR from your Febreze transaction.)
And... The motherlode of savings this week, another example of how stocking up and waiting for sales is a prime way to save money. There are $8 off of 2 Cover Girl makeup products in Sunday's (10/2, P & G) paper. I had to do several transactions (You can only use 4 of the Proctor & Gamble coupons "per shopping trip". Some places allow you to use 4 for several transactions in one day, others, you have to use them in literally separate shopping trips, but the deal is the same even if it is split up into separate shopping trips). In total, the retail (At Walmart) for 26 items was $107.58. I had 13 of the coupons, $8 x 13 coupons = $104 . So I paid $3.58 for all of that makeup. There is also a mail in rebate available for purchasing $50 in certain P & G products, so for the price of a stamp and the time it takes to fill out the rebate form and clip proofs of purchase, this makeup will be a money maker. (Note: I *almost* felt guilty about this deal. Almost. I don't normally wear makeup, so purchases for me included face powder and lip gloss. The rest of the items will be shared - gave a bunch to Mom already and she is tickled pink! Manufacturers are offering these high dollar coupons right now to boost sales. I don't wear makeup, but again, I couldn't resist the deal. Manufacturers are not only hoping for an increase in sales (which they will see this month, because of that coupon, without doubt), but are hoping to gain repeat customers. Lesson Learned from this deal: Brand Loyalty does not save you money. If you write to companies to get coupons, sure, you can save money once. But always being on the lookout for items you can use (even if you're using them as gifts) is going to save you the most money. Manufacturers put these coupons out there to use, they are not looking out for us when they put these coupons out... there is, especially with these high dollar coupons, an ulterior motive (increase sales, increase brand loyalty), be aware of those motives and you'll continue to save money!)
Happy $avings, Friends!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Fall on the (Funny) Farm!
Hello Friends!
Tis the season! The corn and beans are nearly ready to be harvested, which means the whipping winds will be back in a short time. The (Funny) Farm is situated in the middle of fields. In corn years (every other year), we are shielded, somewhat, from the blowy and blustery winds that sweep across the plains. My goal is always to have the vast majority of outside *STUFF* done by the time the corn is ready to come down. A migraine has prevented me from getting one major undertaking done this week, but, with any luck, the ickiness will pass and I will be able to get it done tomorrow, with Papa's help. For those who don't know. Papa (my dad) and By-ah (my mom) live at the (Funny) Farm as well. We combined households a little over 8 years ago and, for the most part, this arrangement works well. So, Papa is a big contributor to helping out with outside stuff. He is primarily responsible for the rabbits (including the butchering part, which is just fine with me). Fortunately for me, the major undertaking does not involve cute little creatures (for the record, I do know HOW to butcher, I'd just rather not. And, I'm not really a fan of rabbit meat, either. It definitely supplements our meat, and I'm grateful, and I would eat it if I had to, but I don't, so I won't right now. The boys love it, though.) Anyhow... I just had the discussion with Papa... We'll set up shop outside - this is not a project to be taken lightly (or make the same mistake I made 2 years ago by doing it in the kitchen)... Any guesses as to what this project could be? Well, the project is processing horseradish. (And I will not make the mistake of doing so in the kitchen ever again!) This is easiest to do outside (with a light breeze to carry away the tear-inducing smells) but must be done before the corn is down -otherwise it is too windy and Wizard of Oz crazy - small dogs blowing around... it gets messy.
All of the other things that need to be done for Autumn - the mad rush to get things done before Winter- make for Autumn being a very busy season. It is not all drudgery, though... Autumn means apple - picking, the harvest, gratitude for all of the things we have, reflection on loss, hope for the future and eternity. I'm looking at things differently these days. My sister's passing has had a profound impact on me and sometimes working through it is unbearable. Trying to make my way through this journey joyfully has been a struggle for the past few months, but, as always, coming out on the other side of a difficulty finds me with renewed hope, ready to continue figuring things out. Going through all of the firsts since her death (her birthday, our parents' anniversary, other big days, and smaller things... at first, the day to day was an impossible feat... it seemed so pointless, gathering coupons and planning a shopping trip, picking apples, even doing dishes... it is all so small and pointless...) has been rough, and this new season of firsts will be rough as well... but I am prepared for it, I know it is going to be hard. Knowing it does not make it any easier, but I am much easier on myself when the tears come from out of the blue (ugh... like now), knowing that this is all part of the process. I despise the process, for the record, but I do recognize it for what it is. Apparently, I don't grieve gracefully, or quietly. I can't grieve in solitary, I mean... I do, but I also have to talk to others. I'm learning about myself in this ugly process, and a lot of it is uncomfortable and even painful, but I'm continuing to come out a better person for it.
Indeed, Autumn on the (Funny) Farm, while a season of things going dormant and a season of finality, is also showing me to be a season of hope, anticipation. Moving through the grey days, knowing I will be rewarded with the sunshine of Spring and Summer, but only after the harsh Winter. My Summer was a harsh Winter, and so I do eagerly await another Spring and Summer with their warmth and productivity. But I am grateful for this season as well, going through this with my family and friends, making my way the best I know how. It is kind of like making horseradish... not a favorite chore, it is messy and it kind of stinks. Making the best of the chore, sharing the chore with a loved one, repositioning myself for optimum success, getting it over with efficiently but completely... all lessons of life that apply to much more than processing the stinky root.
Blessings to you, Friends. Be Kind to one another.
Tis the season! The corn and beans are nearly ready to be harvested, which means the whipping winds will be back in a short time. The (Funny) Farm is situated in the middle of fields. In corn years (every other year), we are shielded, somewhat, from the blowy and blustery winds that sweep across the plains. My goal is always to have the vast majority of outside *STUFF* done by the time the corn is ready to come down. A migraine has prevented me from getting one major undertaking done this week, but, with any luck, the ickiness will pass and I will be able to get it done tomorrow, with Papa's help. For those who don't know. Papa (my dad) and By-ah (my mom) live at the (Funny) Farm as well. We combined households a little over 8 years ago and, for the most part, this arrangement works well. So, Papa is a big contributor to helping out with outside stuff. He is primarily responsible for the rabbits (including the butchering part, which is just fine with me). Fortunately for me, the major undertaking does not involve cute little creatures (for the record, I do know HOW to butcher, I'd just rather not. And, I'm not really a fan of rabbit meat, either. It definitely supplements our meat, and I'm grateful, and I would eat it if I had to, but I don't, so I won't right now. The boys love it, though.) Anyhow... I just had the discussion with Papa... We'll set up shop outside - this is not a project to be taken lightly (or make the same mistake I made 2 years ago by doing it in the kitchen)... Any guesses as to what this project could be? Well, the project is processing horseradish. (And I will not make the mistake of doing so in the kitchen ever again!) This is easiest to do outside (with a light breeze to carry away the tear-inducing smells) but must be done before the corn is down -otherwise it is too windy and Wizard of Oz crazy - small dogs blowing around... it gets messy.
All of the other things that need to be done for Autumn - the mad rush to get things done before Winter- make for Autumn being a very busy season. It is not all drudgery, though... Autumn means apple - picking, the harvest, gratitude for all of the things we have, reflection on loss, hope for the future and eternity. I'm looking at things differently these days. My sister's passing has had a profound impact on me and sometimes working through it is unbearable. Trying to make my way through this journey joyfully has been a struggle for the past few months, but, as always, coming out on the other side of a difficulty finds me with renewed hope, ready to continue figuring things out. Going through all of the firsts since her death (her birthday, our parents' anniversary, other big days, and smaller things... at first, the day to day was an impossible feat... it seemed so pointless, gathering coupons and planning a shopping trip, picking apples, even doing dishes... it is all so small and pointless...) has been rough, and this new season of firsts will be rough as well... but I am prepared for it, I know it is going to be hard. Knowing it does not make it any easier, but I am much easier on myself when the tears come from out of the blue (ugh... like now), knowing that this is all part of the process. I despise the process, for the record, but I do recognize it for what it is. Apparently, I don't grieve gracefully, or quietly. I can't grieve in solitary, I mean... I do, but I also have to talk to others. I'm learning about myself in this ugly process, and a lot of it is uncomfortable and even painful, but I'm continuing to come out a better person for it.
Indeed, Autumn on the (Funny) Farm, while a season of things going dormant and a season of finality, is also showing me to be a season of hope, anticipation. Moving through the grey days, knowing I will be rewarded with the sunshine of Spring and Summer, but only after the harsh Winter. My Summer was a harsh Winter, and so I do eagerly await another Spring and Summer with their warmth and productivity. But I am grateful for this season as well, going through this with my family and friends, making my way the best I know how. It is kind of like making horseradish... not a favorite chore, it is messy and it kind of stinks. Making the best of the chore, sharing the chore with a loved one, repositioning myself for optimum success, getting it over with efficiently but completely... all lessons of life that apply to much more than processing the stinky root.
Blessings to you, Friends. Be Kind to one another.
Monday, September 26, 2011
$avings $monday- Recipe, Savings, Freebies
Hello Friends!
So, I missed Sunday... We still love $avings, so here's $avings $monday! :)
Got a few great buys last week. Grocery shopping week. Kroger has a promotion going on - buy 10 (selected) products, get $5 off your grocery bill... So that decreases the per item price by 50 cents per item - a great deal when matched up with (doubled) coupons!!! Mom and I saved over $100 grocery shopping this week! The boys were very happy campers because I bought some great ice cream and saved over 75% (and it would have been more, but I didn't buy 10 of them.)
Another great buy this week: For Local/Quad Cities Friends - Fareway has Ragu pasta sauce on sale for 10/$10. I got the heads up that our Fareway was out, so I pricematched at Walmart. I had 75c/1 coupons and paid $2.50 for 10. (Woot Woot!)
Some great buys can be had this week:
Walgreens:
Stock up on your tissue - Puffs brand tissue - 99cents (matchup with 8/28 P&G coupon)
Halloween Candy on sale (We live in the Country, we get no trick or treaters, but I like the little candy bars - we have in our home what we affectionately call the "good boy jar"... the little candy bars are the perfect size for a little treat.)
Walgreens has their $6.99 toys on sale (buy one get one free) - always a good time to pick up a couple items to keep on hand for unexpected gifts (And even better if you have an extra high dollar Register reward to use!)
They also have Disney or Nickelodeon kids socks for $1 - great stocking stuffers!
Zicam and Delsym products $10 each... PLUS get $5 register rewards for spending $20 on these items. (I am a fan of Delsym cough syrup... with a few of us with allergies/ allergic asthma in the house, it is fantastic to have found a cough syrup that not only works (for HOURS!!!) but it doesn't taste bad, either!)
GIVEAWAYS - ALL WEEK!!!
P&G Beauty Item Giveaway! 10,000 Full Size Items EVERY DAY! Visit every day before Noon EST to sign up!
Easy Recipe of the Week-
Adapted from ALL YOU (Oct 11) Magazine
1 Package Italian Sausage (I used Johnsonville Garlic Sausage)
2 - 28 oz cans diced tomatoes (can use Fresh tomatoes)
6 cups soaked and prepared canellini beans (4 cans, if using canned)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 TBS cooking oil
Water
Brown Sausage.
In stock pot, heat oil and cook onion and garlic for several minutes on medium heat. Add tomatoes and beans into stock pot. Add a small amount of water (you may have to keep adding water if it gets too thick).
Slice Sausage and add to stock pot to cook with tomatoes and beans. Will need to simmer for about an hour and a half to cook down tomatoes.
*Notes - I needed a quick meal and saw this and tried it. It was WAYYYY better than I thought it would be. Next time, I will use chicken stock instead of water for a little more flavor, but this was so good. Everyone enjoyed it!
Have a great Day, Friends. Be Kind to one another. And don't forget to say "I love you." - You can't say it enough. I love you!
So, I missed Sunday... We still love $avings, so here's $avings $monday! :)
Got a few great buys last week. Grocery shopping week. Kroger has a promotion going on - buy 10 (selected) products, get $5 off your grocery bill... So that decreases the per item price by 50 cents per item - a great deal when matched up with (doubled) coupons!!! Mom and I saved over $100 grocery shopping this week! The boys were very happy campers because I bought some great ice cream and saved over 75% (and it would have been more, but I didn't buy 10 of them.)
Another great buy this week: For Local/Quad Cities Friends - Fareway has Ragu pasta sauce on sale for 10/$10. I got the heads up that our Fareway was out, so I pricematched at Walmart. I had 75c/1 coupons and paid $2.50 for 10. (Woot Woot!)
Some great buys can be had this week:
Walgreens:
Stock up on your tissue - Puffs brand tissue - 99cents (matchup with 8/28 P&G coupon)
Halloween Candy on sale (We live in the Country, we get no trick or treaters, but I like the little candy bars - we have in our home what we affectionately call the "good boy jar"... the little candy bars are the perfect size for a little treat.)
Walgreens has their $6.99 toys on sale (buy one get one free) - always a good time to pick up a couple items to keep on hand for unexpected gifts (And even better if you have an extra high dollar Register reward to use!)
They also have Disney or Nickelodeon kids socks for $1 - great stocking stuffers!
Zicam and Delsym products $10 each... PLUS get $5 register rewards for spending $20 on these items. (I am a fan of Delsym cough syrup... with a few of us with allergies/ allergic asthma in the house, it is fantastic to have found a cough syrup that not only works (for HOURS!!!) but it doesn't taste bad, either!)
GIVEAWAYS - ALL WEEK!!!
P&G Beauty Item Giveaway! 10,000 Full Size Items EVERY DAY! Visit every day before Noon EST to sign up!
Easy Recipe of the Week-
Adapted from ALL YOU (Oct 11) Magazine
1 Package Italian Sausage (I used Johnsonville Garlic Sausage)
2 - 28 oz cans diced tomatoes (can use Fresh tomatoes)
6 cups soaked and prepared canellini beans (4 cans, if using canned)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 TBS cooking oil
Water
Brown Sausage.
In stock pot, heat oil and cook onion and garlic for several minutes on medium heat. Add tomatoes and beans into stock pot. Add a small amount of water (you may have to keep adding water if it gets too thick).
Slice Sausage and add to stock pot to cook with tomatoes and beans. Will need to simmer for about an hour and a half to cook down tomatoes.
*Notes - I needed a quick meal and saw this and tried it. It was WAYYYY better than I thought it would be. Next time, I will use chicken stock instead of water for a little more flavor, but this was so good. Everyone enjoyed it!
Have a great Day, Friends. Be Kind to one another. And don't forget to say "I love you." - You can't say it enough. I love you!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Keeping with the Theme of $avings...
Hello Friends!
In keeping with the spirit of my $unday $avings post from the other day, I've been asked to share some hints on cutting down your grocery bill. In all honesty, groceries are pretty rough to save on (although there are things I do to stay within the budget!) because with our diet (avoiding processed foods and several dietary restrictions), the foods I buy are whole foods, not a lot of coupons available for our diet/lifestyle. There are some, however. Just yesterday, I learned of a coupon from Earthbound Farm yesterday ( Earthbound Farm ) - take a quiz and get a $1 off coupon. I was able to print 2 and got two pounds of carrots for free. Other ideas for saving money on groceries follow. I am able to save so much money on health items (shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc) and household items (cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, freezer bags, etc) that I have extra to buy what we need in the grocery budget. My savings on these items is near 85%, so, that saves a lot of money.
For my family, cooking from scratch is our main way of saving money on groceries. Limited convenience foods are used. This cuts down costs dramatically, and is so much more healthful than the SAD (Standard American Diet - clever acronym, huh?). Simple, nutritious meals include one or two veggies, possibly a serving of fruit, a whole grain and a protein. I've had to simplify meals because of dietary restrictions - I have a newly discovered dairy allergy and am reacting to virtually all processed grains. So, instead of making two meals, I make one meal and just take what I can eat, possibly skipping the grain altogether. The boys love rice and pasta (I use whole grain pasta, but this is not something I can eat), so I still make it, but I just don't eat it. This is easier and more economical than making different meals. In this same vein, eating in season and growing your own garden are two easy ways to save on your grocery bill. It is not a difficult task to grow a couple of tomato plants, and green beans, peppers and eggplant are among my boys' favorite snacks. I recognize that my family is in a bit of a different situation than most, but we also raise our own meat (rabbits and chickens) and have laying hens for fresh eggs. The chickens free range in every season except Winter, so our cost to keep them is minimal. This all saves on our bottom line.
As far as coupons go, there are a few fairly nutritional products that offer coupons. I use coupons for yogurt (at the Kroger, where I can double coupons) - the one thing I have to do with products like this, however, is to remember to check ingredients. There is still HFCS in a lot of yogurt. If this is they case, buy the plain variety (not vanilla, which still can contain the offending ingredient) and add your own honey or fruit. Peanut butter is another product I buy with coupons. As long as you're not brand-particular, there are some good coupons to be found for a few items for even the most restricted diets.
If your store has a sale on a particular item that you use a frequently, buy as many of that item as you think you'll need until you predict the store will have the sale again. (Many stores put things on sale on a cycle. Walgreens, for instance, has Dawn dish soap on sale at least once a month. I know this and buy some at each sale - with coupons, of course!) The same concept can be applied to all of your consumables... rice, flour, sugar, beans, etc. Always having the basics on hand is most helpful in creating simple but tasty meals. Which brings me to my next point...
Meal planning is a vital part of grocery shopping on any kind of a budget. Knowing what you're making, when you're making it, how you're making it and what you're doing with leftovers is key in not wasting food. Last week, I made a small turkey for dinner. So, that night, we ate turkey. With the bones and skin and fat and random meat on bones, I made stock (into the freezer for use as a meal starter at a later date) and I re-boiled the fat and bones with the giblets and used froze that stock for use for bland dog food for when a dog gets an upset tummy - we have one that gets sick every Winter and needs a rice diet for a week. The leftover meat was used for hot turkey sandwiches a few days later. And there was enough left over for a couple sandwiches for lunch the next day. I even ground up the bones (after they'd been boiled soft) for the chickens- Calcium for nice strong eggs! I always try to make the most out of preparing meals, using all leftovers quickly and efficiently so that they're not forgotten.
I hope this helps someone with ideas for making the most of your grocery dollar. Food is expensive. I save a ton of money on household needs and am able to not skimp on the grocery budget. We raise and grow our own food and buy bundles of meat from our local butcher. I buy extra meat (chicken and ground beef) when it goes on sale, usually buying in larger quantities and breaking down large packages into smaller amounts that I use for one meal, ensuring no waste. Careful meal planning and cooking those meals from scratch round out our grocery savings plan. Using all leftovers in creative ways furthers stretching our grocery budget.
What are some of YOUR favorite ways to save money in your grocery budget? Share with us!
In keeping with the spirit of my $unday $avings post from the other day, I've been asked to share some hints on cutting down your grocery bill. In all honesty, groceries are pretty rough to save on (although there are things I do to stay within the budget!) because with our diet (avoiding processed foods and several dietary restrictions), the foods I buy are whole foods, not a lot of coupons available for our diet/lifestyle. There are some, however. Just yesterday, I learned of a coupon from Earthbound Farm yesterday ( Earthbound Farm ) - take a quiz and get a $1 off coupon. I was able to print 2 and got two pounds of carrots for free. Other ideas for saving money on groceries follow. I am able to save so much money on health items (shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc) and household items (cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, freezer bags, etc) that I have extra to buy what we need in the grocery budget. My savings on these items is near 85%, so, that saves a lot of money.
For my family, cooking from scratch is our main way of saving money on groceries. Limited convenience foods are used. This cuts down costs dramatically, and is so much more healthful than the SAD (Standard American Diet - clever acronym, huh?). Simple, nutritious meals include one or two veggies, possibly a serving of fruit, a whole grain and a protein. I've had to simplify meals because of dietary restrictions - I have a newly discovered dairy allergy and am reacting to virtually all processed grains. So, instead of making two meals, I make one meal and just take what I can eat, possibly skipping the grain altogether. The boys love rice and pasta (I use whole grain pasta, but this is not something I can eat), so I still make it, but I just don't eat it. This is easier and more economical than making different meals. In this same vein, eating in season and growing your own garden are two easy ways to save on your grocery bill. It is not a difficult task to grow a couple of tomato plants, and green beans, peppers and eggplant are among my boys' favorite snacks. I recognize that my family is in a bit of a different situation than most, but we also raise our own meat (rabbits and chickens) and have laying hens for fresh eggs. The chickens free range in every season except Winter, so our cost to keep them is minimal. This all saves on our bottom line.
As far as coupons go, there are a few fairly nutritional products that offer coupons. I use coupons for yogurt (at the Kroger, where I can double coupons) - the one thing I have to do with products like this, however, is to remember to check ingredients. There is still HFCS in a lot of yogurt. If this is they case, buy the plain variety (not vanilla, which still can contain the offending ingredient) and add your own honey or fruit. Peanut butter is another product I buy with coupons. As long as you're not brand-particular, there are some good coupons to be found for a few items for even the most restricted diets.
If your store has a sale on a particular item that you use a frequently, buy as many of that item as you think you'll need until you predict the store will have the sale again. (Many stores put things on sale on a cycle. Walgreens, for instance, has Dawn dish soap on sale at least once a month. I know this and buy some at each sale - with coupons, of course!) The same concept can be applied to all of your consumables... rice, flour, sugar, beans, etc. Always having the basics on hand is most helpful in creating simple but tasty meals. Which brings me to my next point...
Meal planning is a vital part of grocery shopping on any kind of a budget. Knowing what you're making, when you're making it, how you're making it and what you're doing with leftovers is key in not wasting food. Last week, I made a small turkey for dinner. So, that night, we ate turkey. With the bones and skin and fat and random meat on bones, I made stock (into the freezer for use as a meal starter at a later date) and I re-boiled the fat and bones with the giblets and used froze that stock for use for bland dog food for when a dog gets an upset tummy - we have one that gets sick every Winter and needs a rice diet for a week. The leftover meat was used for hot turkey sandwiches a few days later. And there was enough left over for a couple sandwiches for lunch the next day. I even ground up the bones (after they'd been boiled soft) for the chickens- Calcium for nice strong eggs! I always try to make the most out of preparing meals, using all leftovers quickly and efficiently so that they're not forgotten.
I hope this helps someone with ideas for making the most of your grocery dollar. Food is expensive. I save a ton of money on household needs and am able to not skimp on the grocery budget. We raise and grow our own food and buy bundles of meat from our local butcher. I buy extra meat (chicken and ground beef) when it goes on sale, usually buying in larger quantities and breaking down large packages into smaller amounts that I use for one meal, ensuring no waste. Careful meal planning and cooking those meals from scratch round out our grocery savings plan. Using all leftovers in creative ways furthers stretching our grocery budget.
What are some of YOUR favorite ways to save money in your grocery budget? Share with us!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
**$unday $avings **
Hello Dear Friends,
I've decided to begin to share some money saving ideas here on the (Funny) Farm blog. Since Sunday is the day I go through coupons and match up money saving coupons with sales at local stores, it makes sense to have Sundays be our **$unday $avings** day here at the (Funny) Farm. I hope these matchups, sale announcements, free samples and money saving tips are a blessing to you and yours. Feel Free to comment or e-mail me with comments and suggestions! I love to hear from you!
Target-
If you go to Target.com, you can sign up for mobile coupons. They then text coupons to your phone. You open up the text and they scan the code and discounts are applied. (Just don't forget your phone at the register. Sigh. Yeah. Experience.) In the current round of coupons, there is a $5 off coupon for any Merona plus size ladies clothing item. I snagged a nice layering t-shirt on clearance (for $5) and got it for free with the coupon. (Mobile Coupons - FTW!) ***Keep in Mind - Even if an item is on clearance (any store) - You can STILL USE COUPONS! This is why I bring my coupon binder with me EVERY time I go shopping.***
Walgreens -
Oh how I love Walgreens! I think I will write a poem about pharmacy giant's awesomeness one day. Just not today...for today... today I write about savings! Do yourself a favor and watch this:
This little video will explain the intricacies of couponing at Walgreens. You really will find some of the best deals, but there are a few things you need to always keep in mind.
FREEBIES -
A couple of my favorite freebies of the week:
Rachel Ray - Just 6 Dog Food Sample
Twinings Tea - Pick Your Favorites to Sample!
Free Sample of Emergen C Vitamin Drink Mix
With that, my friends, I leave you for today. Be sure to clip your coupons today to prepare for savings! Look through sale flyers and match up coupons to items on sale - That's it! You're on your way to savings. Items that I now regularly get for free or nearly free (at least 80% off, usually more) include dish soap, dishwasher detergent, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, cereals and almost all cleaning supplies. I try to maximize savings on household and heatlh/beauty items because I generally can't get coupons for most of our food items. I got cereal on sale a couple weeks ago (on sale for 5 boxes for $10, which in and of itself is a pretty good price, but when combined with my coupons, I got 5 boxes for $3... even better. We don't eat too much cereal here, my youngest will eat a bowl a couple times a week and Grandpa likes it, but it is nice to have on hand. One of my twins, for example, is more than a little under the weather this week...Cheerios are a nice snack for his upset tummy.). So, I try to save where I can on these items. I will do a grocery savings post in the future, because we are very frugal (and healthy!) with groceries as well!
Have a wonderful Sunday, my Friends.
I've decided to begin to share some money saving ideas here on the (Funny) Farm blog. Since Sunday is the day I go through coupons and match up money saving coupons with sales at local stores, it makes sense to have Sundays be our **$unday $avings** day here at the (Funny) Farm. I hope these matchups, sale announcements, free samples and money saving tips are a blessing to you and yours. Feel Free to comment or e-mail me with comments and suggestions! I love to hear from you!
Target-
If you go to Target.com, you can sign up for mobile coupons. They then text coupons to your phone. You open up the text and they scan the code and discounts are applied. (Just don't forget your phone at the register. Sigh. Yeah. Experience.) In the current round of coupons, there is a $5 off coupon for any Merona plus size ladies clothing item. I snagged a nice layering t-shirt on clearance (for $5) and got it for free with the coupon. (Mobile Coupons - FTW!) ***Keep in Mind - Even if an item is on clearance (any store) - You can STILL USE COUPONS! This is why I bring my coupon binder with me EVERY time I go shopping.***
Walgreens -
Oh how I love Walgreens! I think I will write a poem about pharmacy giant's awesomeness one day. Just not today...for today... today I write about savings! Do yourself a favor and watch this:
This little video will explain the intricacies of couponing at Walgreens. You really will find some of the best deals, but there are a few things you need to always keep in mind.
FREEBIES -
A couple of my favorite freebies of the week:
Rachel Ray - Just 6 Dog Food Sample
Twinings Tea - Pick Your Favorites to Sample!
Free Sample of Emergen C Vitamin Drink Mix
With that, my friends, I leave you for today. Be sure to clip your coupons today to prepare for savings! Look through sale flyers and match up coupons to items on sale - That's it! You're on your way to savings. Items that I now regularly get for free or nearly free (at least 80% off, usually more) include dish soap, dishwasher detergent, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, cereals and almost all cleaning supplies. I try to maximize savings on household and heatlh/beauty items because I generally can't get coupons for most of our food items. I got cereal on sale a couple weeks ago (on sale for 5 boxes for $10, which in and of itself is a pretty good price, but when combined with my coupons, I got 5 boxes for $3... even better. We don't eat too much cereal here, my youngest will eat a bowl a couple times a week and Grandpa likes it, but it is nice to have on hand. One of my twins, for example, is more than a little under the weather this week...Cheerios are a nice snack for his upset tummy.). So, I try to save where I can on these items. I will do a grocery savings post in the future, because we are very frugal (and healthy!) with groceries as well!
Have a wonderful Sunday, my Friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)