A Little Loose Change

HOT new coupon $2/1 Nestle and Wonka candy

2009-10-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

here. Combine with the $5 ECB when you buy $20 in Halloween candy at CVS!!!

Freebies at Office Max

2009-10-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Beginning tomorrow, October 18, 2009, get the following items FREE after Max Perks Bonus Rewards:

2 pack black Sharpie pen, pay 1.99, get 2.00 (limit 3)

5 ream case OfficeMax MultiPurpose paper, pay 16.99, get 17.00 (limit 3)

10 pack Fellowes banker boxes, pay 9.99, get 10.00 (limit 3)

100 count InPlace letter sized Manila file folders, pay 6.99, get 7.00

What's the Deal: Pick and Save October 15-21, 2009

2009-10-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

Fabulous deals this week at Pick and Save, even if you don't go on Double Daze!

Kellogg's Cereal, Pop-Tarts, Granola Bars, Fruit Snacks, Keebler Cookies and Crackers 8/20.00
-10.00 instantly when you buy 8
-1.50/2 Raisin Bran, Crispix, Corn Flakes insert coupon
Final Price: 1.25 each and lower when you buy eight

DiGiorno Ultimate, Stuffed Crust, and CPK Rising Crust Pizzas 2/11.00
-1.50/1 Digiorno Ultimate coupon here
Final Price: 2/8.00 PLUS a coupon for a free gallon of milk when you buy two

Kraft Shredded or Chunk Cheese 3/4.98
-1.00/2 coupon here
Final Price 2/1.32 on double daze, 2/2.32 any other day

Classico Pasta Sauce 2/3.00
-1.00/2 coupon in flyer
Final Price: 2/1.00 on Double Daze, 2/2.00 any other day

Bagel Bites 2/3.00
-1.00/1 coupon here
Final Price: FREE with overage on Double Daze, .50 each any other day

Campbells Soup 1.00 each
-1.00/2 coupon here
FINAL PRICE: 2 FREE on Double Daze, .50 each when you buy 2 any other day

ALSO! From 10/15/09 until 12/19/09, earn Pay Back Premiums when you buy 35 dollars worth of groceries; collect and redeem between 10/15/09 and 12/26/09.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Hang Your Laundry

2009-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

I know, I know: you don't have time, you don't have the energy. I don't really either, but I do know that our utility bills took a major nosedive when I started hanging sheets and towels to dry. (Really, only sheets and towels). When I hang more, I save more. I have a clothesline in my basement. It rocks. I also have clothes racks for smaller items.

What's the Deal: Walgreens

2009-10-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

There is one and only one deal worth doing, in my opinion, at Walgreens this week.

Go inside. Buy eight Skippy peanut butters or Ragu pasta sauces at 1.66 each for a total of 13.28. The register will spit out an eight dollar register reward. Your cost for Skippy and Ragu is .66 per jar after the register reward. You must buy eight total in the same transaction, but can buy any combo of Skippy or Ragu you want.

This is a stock up price for peanut butter. Go get 'em!!

What's the Deal: Pick and Save thru October 14, 2009

2009-10-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Pick and Save is rocking the house this Wednesday. Go getcher pasta, veggies, and tuna!

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest or Smart Taste Pasta buy one get one free (1.89)
-1.00/2 coupon here
FINAL PRICE: 2 FREE plus overage

Green Giant Steamfresh Veggies 1.66 each
-.50/1 coupons here
FINAL PRICE: .66 each

Buy Two Buitoni Pastas at 3.00 each, get a sauce FREE
-1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE: 2.00 for 2 pastas and a sauce

Dean's Dips 1.25 each
-1.00/2 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE: .25 each when you buy two

Starkist Tuna Pouches 1.00
-.50/1 and 1.00/2 coupons here
FINAL PRICE: FREE

What's the Deal: Sentry October 12-18, 2009

2009-10-12T08:25:00.001-07:00

It's a good week for doubles at Sentry!

Yoplait YoPlus and Fiber One Yogurts 1.99 each

-1.00/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: FREE

Dean's Cottage Cheese 1.25 16 oz. container

-.55/1 insert coupon

FINAL PRICE: .15 each

Welch's Grape Juice 2.98

-1.00/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: .98 each

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters 2.50

-1.00/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: .50 each

General Mills Total Whole Grain 2.50

-.75/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: 1.00 each

Nestle Fun Size Candy Bar Bag 2.49

-1.00/1 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: .49 each

Green Giant Boil in Bag Veggies 1.00

-.50/2 coupon here

FINAL PRICE: .50 each when you buy two

Target: How I Maximize My Money with Internet and Manufacturer Coupons

2009-10-09T19:48:00.001-07:00

Very recently, a brand spanky-new Target opened up in my neck of the woods. It's not quite a SuperTarget, but the grocery section is greatly expanded to include fresh meats, produce, and bread. This makes me happy for a couple of reasons.

First, who doesn't like one stop shopping? If I happen to need a girls' size 8 leotard, a cutting board, and organic spring mix and bratwurst for dinner, I can now get that at one place. Sa-weet.

Second, I don't do Wal-Mart. I grew up in Arkansas, and I remember when Wal-Mart meant customer service. Around the year 1995, that ceased to be the case. So I don't do Wal-Mart. Besides, I once walked into a Hyper-Wal-Mart (no, I'm not kidding, there's one in Kansas City, Missouri) and after about ten seconds, walked back out. No thankee.

Third, did you know there are Target coupons that you can use in addition to manufacturer's coupons? It's true. For example, here's a deal I did today at the new Target:

Kellogg's Whole Grain Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts 8 count 1.85
-1.00/1 Target coupon here
-.55/1 manufacturer's coupon from a newspaper insert
FINAL PRICE: .30 per box

That's called "Stacking" in coupon vernacular, and obviously it will save you a ton of money. Here's another fabulous deal.

Chex Mix 8.5 oz bag 1.35
-1.00/1 coupon here
-.50/1 coupon here
FINAL PRICE: FREE plus overage

Check back at the wonderful Target coupon generator for many more deals. Happy shopping, y'all!!!

Raise Your Hand . . .

2009-10-06T10:50:00.001-07:00

if you are sick of both Gosselin adults.

Mott's Apple Juice and Sauce for .75 each!

2009-10-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

This week at Tar-jay, buy 5 Mott's apple juice 64 oz. bottles or Mott's sauce 6 packs at 1.75 each, get a $5.00 gift card. That's .75 for a half gallon of apple juice or a 6-pack of apple sauce. That's a screamin' deal. Do the deal as many times as you like (I did it twice, but likely will go back again).

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Tired Mommy Edition

2009-10-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Folks, I'm one tired mommy. And my tip for the day relates. Simply put, don't try to be a deal seeking diva when you are tired and cranky. Yesterday, I sent my dear sweet Baboo for a gallon of milk and fed my beloved children hot dogs for dinner because I was toooooo tired to do much of anything. Today isn't looking much better. Take it easy on yourself if you are tired, lonely, angry, hungry; don't think you can operate at warp speed when your body is telling you to rest.

I hope to be back in the swing of things shortly. Much love to you all who are still checking in.

Kyrie Eleison: Have Mercy on Me, Please

2009-09-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Y'all, I have had a tough week here; won't go into details but suffice it to say we are focusing on the basics right now. Please bear with me as I get back into the swing of things.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: What Would Granny Do?

2009-09-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

Before you buy something, count to ten and ask yourself "what would my grandmother have done in this situation?" If you are standing in a grocery store, nine times out of ten you will answer with "she'd make it herself," from salad dressing to ketchup to laundry detergent to paper towels and napkins. If you're standing in a discount store like Tar-jay, nine times out of ten you will answer with "she'd do without or make what she had last," whether that's clothing or a new cd (that's what radio's for, child). It's always a good idea to ask yourself whether the need you are meeting is a real need (clean clothing, healthy food) or a created one (laundry detergent with fabric softener added, Yogos).

Winner of the BlueQ and Caribou Contest!

2009-09-23T18:19:00.001-07:00

And the winner is . . .

#7 Laura said...
Unleaded...I'm nursing.

Laura, please email me at alittleloosechange@gmail.com with your mailing info! Congrats.

What's the Deal: Pick and Save Doubles Wednesday, September 23, 2009

2009-09-23T05:22:00.001-07:00

Eggo Waffles 1.28/box
-1.00/2 coupon from insert
Final Price: .28 each when you buy two

Tide laundry detergent 4.99
-1/1 coupon in insert
Final Price: 2.99

Ball Park Franks 2/5.00
-1.00/2 insert coupon
Final Price: 1.50 each when you buy two

Tyson Chicken Nuggets, Tenders, Patties 4.99
-1/1 insert coupon
Final Price: 2.99

Yoplait Fiber One or Yo Plus Yogurt 2.00
-1/1 coupon insert
Final Price: FREE

Aunt Jemima French Toast and Pancakes 2/3.00
-1.00/2 coupon from insert
Final Price: .50 per box when you buy 2

Haagen Daz Ice Cream 3.00
-1/1 coupon here
Final Price: 1.00 per pint

Kelloggs Cereal/Pop-Tarts
-1.00/1 or 1.00/2 coupon inserts
Final Price: .75 or 1.75 each, PLUS a coupon for a free Pop-Tarts or Fruit Snacks when you buy four

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies 2.29
-1/1 or .55/1 coupon here
Final Price: .29 or 1.19

Aunt Jemima Syrup or Pancake Mix 2.00
-1.00/2 insert coupon
-3.00 when you buy five coupon in ad
Final Price: .60 each when you buy five

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars or Bites 2.00
-1/2 coupon here
-3.00 when you buy five coupon in ad
Final Price: .60 each when you buy five

Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup .60
-.40/4 insert coupon
Final Price: .40 each when you buy four

Campbell's Chunky Soup Buy One Get One Free (2.69 each)
-.75/4 coupon insert
Final Price: .97 each when you buy four

Healthy Harvest Pasta Buy One Get One Free (1.89 each)
-1.00/2 coupon here
Final Price: free plus .11 overage when you buy two!

Dawn Detergent .88 with in-ad coupon
-.25/1 coupon insert
Final Price: .38 each

Also good non-coupon deals:

.98 4 lb sugar (this is a stock up price) limit one
.98 Oscar Meyer Lunchables
.99 California strawberries 1 lb.

happy shopping, folks!

What's the Deal Wednesday: I'm Still Alive Edition

2009-09-23T05:18:00.001-07:00

Please forgive my absence for the last few days: life happened. I'm happy to report that I will have new posts up over the course of the morning, including the winner of the BlueQ purse and the Caribou Coffee gift card!! Stay tuned . . . .

Bath and Body Works: Free Travel Size With Any Purchase

2009-09-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Go here to print a coupon for a free travel size Bath and Body Works product with any purchase from Bath and Body Works. I love these coupons because you can buy any item (including items on clearance) to use the coupons!

This Week's Haul: Pick and Save

2009-09-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

See all that? It took

four transactions at
one store in
one hour for a total of
60 dollars, saving
120 dollars and giving me
250 bonus box tops (worth $25.00 for my kids' school) AND
one coupon for a free gallon of milk on my next grocery order.

A quick rundown:
10 boxes Ziploc bags
2 boxes sausage patties
one donut (ahem)
6 boxes Betty Crocker potatoes
10 tubes Grands biscuits
4 boxes Chex Mix bars
2 boxes Cocoa Puffs
2 gallons milk
6 bags Nature Valley granola bites
2 cantaloupes
1 package cookie dough
4 4-paks diced pears and peaches
2 12 oz. bags chem free decaf coffee bseans
2 Betty Crocker frosting
2 Ritz crackerful snack boxes
5 Scotties tissues
1 6 lb. turkey breast
5 lunchables
1 quart half and half
1 4 pack yogurt

I love coupons. :D

Gettin' On My Soap Box: The Laundry Detergent Debacle

2009-09-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Over at Trent Hamm's excellent blog The Simple Dollar, Trent deals with a recurring, ongoing matter of great fiscal importance; it's the cause of many highly emotionally charged posts and comments, dividing good, kind, tax-paying, God-fearing people into snarling mobs.

No, it isn't health care reform. It's laundry detergent. Like many serious frugalistas, Trent home-brews his own laundry detergent. The recipe is here. It's very simple, and very cheap to make. Trent calculates his cost at about .0225 per load (that's two and a quarter cents per load). This is very inexpensive compared to, say, Tide with Bleach at regular price at the grocery store, which runs about .20 per load (twenty cents per load). With this one decision, Trent calculates that he saves about sixty five bucks a year (or six hundred fifty bucks over ten years, or . . . well, you do the math).

It is amazing to me -- simply amazing -- how much flack Trent gets for this one particular decision from his readers. And I think it is symptomatic of a couple of things that are currently plaguing American society.

For one thing it's interesting that for most people, laundry detergent is consistently on the "to buy" list. This is curious to me, as I don't buy it very often at all, and a 300 ounce jug (which is supposed to last 100 loads) lasts my family a good 4 to 5 months. Second, it's interesting how much brand loyalty is out there. Otherwise rational people appear to get totally incensed when someone insinuates Tide is overpriced and overmarketed -- you'll pry their Tide from their cold, dead hands, thanks very much. And it's wild to note how many people don't think they have the time or the energy to take the five minutes making a batch of laundry soap requires out of a 24 hour day, but seem to have lots of time to devote to snarking about other people's decisions on a personal finance blog.

All that said, I'm most bewildered by the people who seem . . . well, flabbergasted that someone knew how to do such a thing. It's as if they believed laundry detergent has just always existed and someone came along and tried to replace The Real Thing with a sad imitation.

Reality check, people: laundry detergent, like 98 percent of everything else at the grocery store and the drug store and the Wal-Marts (I know it's Wal-Mart, but that's what we called it down south, "the Wal-Marts"), is an artificially created need. Yep, that's right, you don't really NEED laundry detergent, at least not in the form it is presented at the store. Trent's stuff is the real deal -- actually, Trent's stuff is a little bit gussied up; all our forefathers used for "warsching" was boiling water, soap (usually lye soap they made themselves), and a rock to beat it on. All other manner of washing paraphernalia are just variations on a theme.

Y'all, there is a happy medium. We can all just get along on this issue of grave importance to the American people.

If you want to make your own laundry detergent, knock yourself out. Keep a couple of things in mind, though. One, it does tend to gel up pretty well, so you won't be able to decant it into smaller jugs -- the big honking bucket is what you'll need to keep it in, and that may be risky if you have pets or toddlers. Also, I don't think it is approved for high efficiency washers, and I frankly ain't risking voiding the warranty on mine. Finally, I used to make this homebrew myself (GASP!! THE HORROR!!) and over time I noticed a soap buildup that made my clothes a little dingy and faded. I didn't like that. Your mileage may vary. God speed to ya.
If you love that clean linen scent, I am not going to fault you one bit for loving your Tide. Hey, we all have our simple pleasures. If you are brand loyal, you can still work to get your cost per usage down to the lowest it can be and still have your Tide Simple Pleasures Lavendar and Lily Pad Scent With Bleach For Cold Water Machines. I explain how to do that here. Also, consider using less. Bump your usage down to the place where it's painful or doesn't work, then bump it back up a notch.
If, like me, you prefer the convenience of premade laundry detergent but wish to minimize your cost per usage to very very low or none at all (!!) yes, it can be done, and yes, I do that on a regular basis. If you aren't brand loyal, laundry detergent can be had for cheap or free after coupons, sales, and rebates. I have at least 150 loads worth of laundry detergent down in my basement that cost me nothing. Nada. And in fact, I made a little money on some of it. If this kind of frugality rings your chimes, stick around. I can help.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be stepping off my soap box and rinsing out the inside to get the last bits out before I recycle the box.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Scrape your Jars with a Spatula

2009-09-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

Another classic tightwad trick: last night I was making peanut butter sandwiches for school lunches and we were down to the dregs in the jar. I didn't want to haul my sick self down to the basement to get another jar, so I grabbed my narrow silicone spatula and scraped the inside of the jar. That rescued enough out of the jar for the two sandwiches I needed to make. It's not much, but it will add up over time.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all. . . . I had a bit of a stomach bug yesterday and so last night was chicken noodle soup!

Tuesday: Whole wheat pizza with basil, spinach, pesto, and feta.
Wednesday: Turkey tacos, fruit, crudite'
Thursday: Beef tenderloin, baked potatoes, grilled zucchini
Friday: Ham and cheese stromboli, salad
Saturday: block party cookout, brownies for dessert.
Sunday: Grilled chicken, pasta salad, sauteed zucchini

What's the Deal: Pick and Save Matchups September 10-16, 2009

2009-09-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

Lotsa Box Top for Education stuff! You must, of course, have a $25 minimum purchase to double coupons. Remember when you buy 10 Box Top products in one order, you get 50 bonus Box Tops, and when you buy 15 Box Top products in one order, you get 100 bonus Box Tops!! Happy shopping, y'all.

Grands Biscuits 1.00 each
-1.00/2 coupon here and here
Final Price: FREE when you buy two

Cocoa Puffs 2.00
- 1.00/1 coupon here and here
Final Price: FREE

Yoplait Delights Yogurt Multipack 2.00
-1.00/1 coupon here
Final Price: FREE

Fiber One, Kix, Cheerios Cereal 2.00
-.75/1 coupons here and here
Final Price: .50 per box

Trix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereals
-.55/1 coupons here and here
Final Price: 1.10 per box

Betty Crocker potatoes 1.00 each
-.40/1 coupon here and here
Final Price: .20 each

General Mills snack bars (Fiber One, Chex Mix, Nature Valley) 4/11.00 each and get a FREE gallon of milk coupon on your next order
-.60/1 and 1.00/2 coupons here and here
Final Price: 1.75 each when you buy four PLUS a coupon for a free gallon of milk on your next order .

Hamburger Helper 1.00 each
-.75/3 coupon here and here
Final Price: .50 per box when you buy 3

Betty Crocker Frosting 1.66 each
-1.00/2 coupon here and here
Final Price: .66 each when you buy two

Jones Sausage Patties 1.00 each
-1.00/1 coupon here
Final Price: FREE

Betty Crocker Cookie pouches 1.66
-Betty Crocker Cookie Mix .40 (11/7/09)
Final Price: .86 each

Betty Crocker Warm Delights 1.66
-.50/1Betty Crocker Warm Delights Bowls or Minis (11/7/09)
Final Price: .66 each

Chex Mix Bars 2.75 each
-.50/1 Chex Mix Bars $.50 (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.75 each, PLUS a coupon for a free gallon of milk when you buy four

Chex Mix 1.66 each
-.50/2 Chex Mix 4.5 oz or larger, includes 100 Calorie Snack (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.06 each when you buy two

Fiber One Chewy Bars 2.75
-.40/1Fiber One Chewy Bars (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.95 each, PLUS a coupon for a free gallon of milk when you buy four

General Mills Cereals 2.00
-$1/3General Mills cereals (10/24/09)
Final Price: 1.33 each when you buy three

Hamburger Helpers 1.00
-.75/3 Hamburger Helper, Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meals (11/7/09)
Final Price: .50 each when you buy three

Nature Valley Grain Snacks 2.75
-1/1 Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters (11/7/09)
Final Price: .75 PLUS a free gallon of milk when you buy four

Nature Valley Granola Bars 2.75
-.40/1 Nature Valley Granola Bars (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.95 each, PLUS a free gallon of milk when you buy four

Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough 2.50
-1/1 Pillsbury Simply Refrigerated Cookie Dough (12/5/09)
Final Price: .50 each

Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough 2.50
-1/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough (12/5/09)
Final Price: 1.50 each when you buy two

Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
-.55/1 Pillsbury Special Edition Cinnabon Cookie (12/5/09)
Final Price: 1.40 each

Progresso Soups 1.00 each
-.50/2 Progresso Soups (11/7/09)
Final Price: .50 each

Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit 3.50 each
-1/1 Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.50 each

Yoplait Delights 2.00 each
-Yoplait Delights $1 (11/7/09)
Final Price: FREE

Huggies Diapers 8.99 jumbo package
-2.00/1 and 1.50/1 coupon here
Final Price: 6.99 or 7.49 each
(sweeten this deal by signing up at http://www.upromise.com/ and adding your Pick and Save card and the Upromise coupon for 1.50 added to your account for a jumbo pack when you buy in September!!)

Luvs $5/1 Coupon Today and Tomorrow

2009-09-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Go here to sign up for the Luvs Network and get the Luvs welcome kit, which includes a coupon for FIVE DOLLARS off ONE package of Luvs diapers. I have it from a reliable source that tomorrow, September 15, 2009, there will be a link to another Luvs $5.00/1 coupon. Even if you don't have babies, it's a good way to score some diapers for women's shelters.

What's the Deal: CVS September 14-20, 2009

2009-09-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

This week's CVS deals are courtesy of Crystal Paine at www.moneysavingmom.com. The deals are listed for you here. If you are new to all this coupon stuff, go to her excellent post CVS 101 here and read her very comprehensive and accessible guide to getting started at CVS.

The highlights this week: FREE Colgate Toothpaste, Reach Toothbrushes, Listerine mouthwash, and Purex laundry detergent for 1.29 a bottle.

What's the Deal: Walgreens September 13-19, 2009

2009-09-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Murine Ear Drop Kit .5 oz $6.00
-$6.00 Register Reward given after payment
Final Price: FREE

True North Nut Crisps or Clusters 4.5 or 5.5 oz $3.00
-$3.00 Register Reward given after payment
Final Price: FREE

Kleenex Facial Tissue
.89 with in-ad coupon
-.50/3 coupon printable
Final Price: .72 each when you buy three

Walgreens Aluminum Foil
.59 with in-ad coupon

Band Aids 2.49 each
-$3.00 register reward given when you buy two
Final Price: .99 when you buy two after register rewards

What's The Deal: Sentry, September 14-20. 2009

2009-09-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Colgate Toothpaste 1.99 each -1.00 Colgate toothpaste (10/3/09) Final Price: FREE

Dean's Over the Moon Milk 1/2 gallon -1.00/1 coupon here Final Price: .29 per half gallon

Wonder Classic White Bread 1.39 20 oz loaf
-.55/1 Wonder Bread or printable coupon here
Final Price: .29 per loaf

Quaker Assorted Bites and Bars 1.99 each
-.75/2 Granola Bars or Bites (10/10/09)
-3.00 in store coupon when you buy five Quaker products
Final Price: .79 per box when you buy five

Quaker Oats 18 ounces 1.49 each
-1.25/2 Quaker Oats (11/30/09)
-3.00 in store coupon when you buy five Quaker products
Final Price: .39 each when you buy five

Quaker Instant Oatmeal 10 ct. box
-1.25/2 Quaker Oats (11/30/09)
-3.00 in store coupon when you buy five Quaker products
Final Price: 1.39 each when you buy five

Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix 1.49 each
-1.00/2 Aunt Jemima products 24 oz. or larger
-3.00 in store coupon when you buy five Quaker products
Final Price: .09 per box when you buy five

Aunt Jemima Syrup 2.49 each
-1.00/2 Aunt Jemima products 24 oz. or larger
-3.00 in store coupon when you buy five Quaker products
Final Price: 1.09 each when you buy five

Gold N Plump Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs 3.5 lb
3.99 with in ad coupon
-1.00/1 coupon here
Final Price: 1.99 each

Birdseye Steamfresh Veggies or Rice 1.25 each
-.35/1 Birdseye Steamfresh (10/24/09)
Final Price: .55 each

Scott Bath Tissue 8 roll pack 5.50
-1.00/1 Scott bath tissue
Final Price: 3.50 each, or .43 per roll.

Ortega Salsa or Taco Shells 1.49 each
-.75/2 Ortega Products (11/30/09)
Final Price: .74 each when you buy two

And Still More Betty Crocker Coupons!

2009-09-13T18:23:00.001-07:00

Go HERE for even MORE high value General Mills and Betty Crocker coupons to pair up with this week's Pick and Save Box Tops for Education promotion.

What's the Deal: Office Depot September 13-19, 2009

2009-09-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ativa 4G USB drive $7.99 each
HP Office Paper 500 sheet ream 1.00 each after $5.29 mail in rebate (limit 2)

And Even More Matchups: General Mills Insert Coupons In September 13 Newspaper

2009-09-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's Sunday paper should have the following coupons, which you can also pair up with this week's Pick and Save sales on Wednesday's Double Daze for the following deals to maximize the Box Top for Education bonus promotion:

Betty Crocker Cookie pouches 1.66
-Betty Crocker Cookie Mix .40 (11/7/09)
Final Price: .86 each

Betty Crocker Warm Delights 1.66
-Betty Crocker Warm Delights Bowls or Minis $.50 (11/7/09)
Final Price: .66 each

Chex Mix Bars 2.75 each
-Chex Mix Bars $.50 (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.75 each, PLUS a coupon for a free gallon of milk when you buy four

Chex Mix 1.66 each
-Chex Mix 4.5 oz or larger, includes 100 Calorie Snack $.50/2 (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.06 each when you buy two

Fiber One Chewy Bars 2.75
-Fiber One Chewy Bars .40 (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.95 each, PLUS a coupon for a free gallon of milk when you buy four

General Mills Cereals 2.00
-General Mills cereals $1/3 (10/24/09)
Final Price: 1.33 each when you buy three

Hamburfer Helpers 1.00
-Hamburger Helper, Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meals .75/3 (11/7/09)
Final Price: .50 each when you buy three

Nature Valley Grain Snacks 2.75
-Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters $1 (11/7/09)
Final Price: .75 PLUS a free gallon of milk when you buy four

Nature Valley Granola Bars 2.75
-Nature Valley Granola Bars .40 (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.95 each, PLUS a free gallon of milk when you buy four

Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough 2.50
-Pillsbury Simply Refrigerated Cookie Dough $1 (12/5/09)
Final Price: .50 each

Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough 2.50
-Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough $1/2 (12/5/09)
Final Price: 1.50 each when you buy two

Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
-Pillsbury Special Edition Cinnabon Cookie $.55 (12/5/09)
Final Price: 1.40 each

Progresso Soups 1.00 each
-Progresso Soups .50/2 (11/7/09)
Final Price: .50 each

Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit 3.50 each
-Wanchai Ferry Dinner Kit $1 (11/7/09)
Final Price: 1.50 each

Yoplait Delights 2.00 each
-Yoplait Delights $1 (11/7/09)
Final Price: FREE

Dave Ramsey Baby Emergency Fund Giveaway!

2009-09-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Donna, and Dave Ramsey is my hero.

Don't you know Dave? He is a spectacular motivational speaker and author and his passion is helping people to reach financial freedom. His personal finance advice is sound; if you're a Christian, it's also Biblically based. It's Dave's system that got the ground under our feet financially when Baboo and I joined forces. And he has the heart of a teacher.

Dave is giving away a whole lot of money, in $999 dollar increments, here. Check back every day for the new code word. Enter once a day, every day, as long as the giveaway is running. You can also register to get Dave's updates and tips via e-mail or mobile phone. Also, Dave is running a special on his entire inventory of personal finance books, workbooks, and tools; each is only $9.99, with free shipping for orders over $65. His books are inspirational, full of good advice, and are quick and easy reads. Go and win your baby emergency fund, courtesy of Dave!!!

BlueQ and Caribou Coffee Gift Card Giveaway!!!!

2009-09-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

It's tiiiime for another giveaway!! This month's spectacular giveaway is your very own "Coffee -- The Last Cheap Drug" coin purse and "Boss Lady" bandana, also from BlueQ, and to sweeten the deal, a $10.00 gift card to Caribou Coffee. I like Caribou Coffee because their decaf coffee is made using a water process, not a chemical process, and is fairly traded. It also tastes awesome.

Incidentally, if you like Caribou Coffee, there were coupons for $1 off a large coffee drink at their retail store, and $2 off bagged coffee at the grocery store, and this week at Pick and Save Caribou Coffee is 6.99. Use that coupon to get 12 ounces of fair trade non-chem decaf Caribou coffee for $4.99. Sweet!

To enter the giveaway, post a comment letting me know if you prefer your java leaded, unleaded, or high-test in the comments. Entries must be posted by midnight Central time on Friday, September 18, 2009; the winner will be randomly generated and posted on Monday, September 21, 2009.

Good luck!!

Link Luv: Twelve Money Saving Hacks from Trent at the Simple Dollar

2009-09-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

Trent at www.thesimpledollar.com is one of my favorite personal finance writers, and he posted a great list of twelve money saving hacks for substituting cheaper and more environmentally friendly products in place of disposable or commercially created products. Go check it out here.

A Cheap, No Coupon Box Top Deal At Pick and Save

2009-09-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

There are three Box Top for Education products that are one dollar each: Hamburger Helpers, Betty Crocker Potatoes, and Grands Biscuits. If you HATE HATE HATE to think about coupons, you could go to Pick and Save any time this week, buy any combination of 15 of these products, pay $15, and get the products, 100 bonus box tops, and the 15 box tops that come on the products. 115 box tops equals $11.50 for your school.

Of course, if you, like me, LOVE coupons, then you can print coupons for .40/1 potatoes, 1.00/2 Grands, and .75/3 Hamburger Helpers. Go on any old day of the week. Buy your products, present your coupons, and get 15.00 worth of stuff for 9.50, and get 115 box tops -- or $11.50 --for your school.

You Sweet Talker: Spectacular Deals on Box Top For Education Products at Pick N Save This Week

2009-09-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen: start your printers.

This week at Pick and Save, beginning today, Thursday, September 10 through Wednesday, September 16, there are SPECTACULAR sales
on Box Top for Education products, as well as a Bonus Box Top promotion. When you buy 10 Box Top for Education products in one order, you receive 50 bonus box tops (a $5 value for your school) and when you buy 15 products in one order, you recieve 100 bonus box tops (a $10 value for your school).

There are also SPECTACULAR coupons in the coupons.com blue bar on the left side of this blog, for very high value coupons for Box Top for Education products, including General Mills and Cascadian Farms cereals, snacks, and granola bars, Pillsbury biscuits and doughs, Betty Crocker products, Huggies diapers and wipes, Kotex pads and liners, Scott and Cottonelle paper products, and Ziploc products. You can also get high value coupons at http://www.bettycrocker.com/

If you wait until Wednesday and take these coupons with you, the first five you hand to the cashier will double in value. This will make some of these products FREE.

Also, if you buy FOUR General Mills granola bar snack boxes (including Chex Mix, Fiber One, and Nature Valley) you will get a FREE coupon for a gallon of milk.

If you're from my kids' school, or you have kids at any school, here's a quick and dirty deal that will get you 6 boxes of cereal, 4 boxes of granola bars, 2 tubes of biscuits, 3 boxes of Hamburger Helper, a coupon for a gallon of free milk, and 100 bonus box tops for education (a $10 value for your school) for about eighteen bucks.

Step one: Go to the blue bar and print out 6 coupons for your choice of General Mills cereals your family enjoys. There are coupons for .55 off one, .75 off one, and 1.00 off one selected cereals. While you're there, print off 2 coupons for 1.00 off 2 Grands biscuits, one coupon for .75/3 boxes of Hamburger Helper, and coupons for your choice of four boxes General Mills granola bars, which are anywhere from .50-.60/1 (you'll need four) to 1.00/2 (you'll need two).

Step two: Go to Pick and Save on Wednesday; pick out the six cereals, four granola bars, two tubes biscuits, and 3 boxes Hamburger Helper that match the coupons you have.

Step three: Go to the register. Hand the lady your Pick and Save Card, and five coupons that have the highest value (Ideally, you want to hand the lady 5 coupons for 1.00 off, but make sure you hand the lady the five highest value coupons you have). Let her ring them up. If you have 5 1.00 off coupons, it will take 10.00 off your total.

Step four: hand the lady the rest of the coupons. These will not double, but will still take the face value of the coupons off your bill.

Step five: pay the lady. Wait for her to give you change and your receipts. Check the receipts in your hand. You should have the register tape, one coupon for one gallon of milk, and one coupon for 100 bonus box tops in your hand.

Step six: Eat the food (or donate it if it's non-perishable), send the box tops to school with your kid, and put the coupon for the gallon of milk in your wallet for next week's grocery run.

If you so desire, rinse, repeat. If you don't go on Wednesday, no sweat: your total will be five dollars higher or so, but that is still a screaming deal for all that stuff; about 1.45 per item, including the milk, and you got ten bucks to donate to your kids' school. It's all good and for a great cause. Also, remember to trim the Box Tops off the boxes you got!! And for an even sweeter deal for the PTA, buy Scrip for Pick and Save for a little extra oomph. Your twenty bucks can go a long, long way for Roosevelt or Immanuel this week.

If you'd like to see the other deals you can get matching printable coupons with sale prices at Pick and Save and Sentry, check back often!

I Learned From The Master

2009-09-10T12:50:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to announce that I am affiliated with RefundCents!! RefundCents, led by the coupon diva Michele Easter, is a fabulous online and print refund/rebate clearinghouse and newsletter. I've been a fan of Michele and her site for a long time, and Refund Cents is one of perhaps three online sites that really has a finger on the pulse of couponing, rebating, and refunding.

I am a big big fan of her online service, which gives her personal updates daily, as well as providing a message board for subscribers. It is worth every single penny, and I highly recommend it. If you'd like a taste of her site and what it can provide to you, please visit her via the button on the top left corner of the blog.

Why I Love My Husband: Reasons #19,236-37

2009-09-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

#19236) This morning, I asked the Leg Puller if he brushed his teeth. After some hesitation, he admitted he'd only used "the swishy stuff." (mouthwash) Baboo, who was washing a banana bread pan from yesterday (which, come to think of it, is another reason I love him, but I digress), showed him how swishing the pan with water left stuff on the pan, but using the scrub brush got all the gunk off the pan. "It's the same with your teeth, buddy." Score one for the daddy.

#19237) My laundry was in a basket on the bed for me to fold. I HATE carrying laundry up from the basement.

Yesterday's Red Plum = Free Aussie Hair Products at Walgreens starting September 20

2009-09-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, you should have gotten a Red Plum insert with your weekly grocery flyers which contains a coupon for two dollars off two Aussie hair products. Clip and save it for September 20, when Walgreens will have Aussie hair products for 2.99 each with a $2.00 register reward for each one. Buy two, give the nice cashier your coupon, spend 3.98, and get back $4.00 in Register Rewards. You can also print more coupons for these products at www.aussie.com. I recommend stocking up -- who can't use free shampoo, conditioner, and hair styling products? And even if you don't prefer this brand, consider "buying" and donating to a women's shelter.

Seasonal Bargains: Fall Savings

2009-09-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Fall's here, and that means it is time to start stocking up on seasonal bargains. Basically, certain items go on sale seasonally, and during that time you should match up sales with coupons to stock up on those items at rock bottom prices. Fall means the holidays, which means items for holiday dinners and baking will be on sale. Thus, be on the lookout for coupons and spectacular sales on these items:

Baking products (chocolate chips, sugar, baking soda and powder, flour) (the goal is less than a buck a bag for these items, and less than .50 for baking soda and powder)
Soups (for both cooking and eating) (goal is less than .33 per can)
Jams and Jellies (I make these, but if you get them for less than 1.00 per jar, you're doing well)
Turkey (.88/lb for breast only, .39/lb whole turkey)
Ham (we don't eat much of it, but usually .99/lb is a good price)
Pumpkin (fresh and canned) (fresh is usually free after Halloween, canned is .59-.79 per can)
Onions (.33/lb)
Apples (.69/lb)
Pears (.49/lb)
Potatoes (.18/lb)

Also, flu and cold season will be upon us shortly, as well as the dry season for skin and hair due to forced air heating, so look for deals on:

Cold and Flu Products (free)
Tissues (.66/box)
Chap stick and lip balm (free)
Hand and body lotions (free)

Clip coupons for these items; you'll be able to match them with a sale and a double coupon day to get prices at or lower than those I've given here.

Here's What Forty-Five Bucks Will Buy With Coupons

2009-09-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

This is the result of four transactions, two at Pick and Save and two at Sentry. I'll list what's in the picture, and there's more that isn't shown because it's in the fridge, freezer, or storage area already. The grand total for all this, out of pocket, was $43.45. I had just enough to get myself a tall Starbucks iced coffee for my hard work -- but because I'm on lockdown, I din't. *pout.

Two 10 lb. bags kitty litter
One half gallon chocolate milk
Two gallons one percent milk
Four packages Keebler cookies
Three packages Pringles minis
Six lb. apples
One jar kosher dill pickles
Two bottles Pert Plus
One bottle Cascade rinse
One bag spinach
Two four packs Danimal yogurts
One four pack Activia yogurt
Two four pack Yoplait Delights yogurt
Two boxes Hefty storage bags
Two four pound bags C&H sugar
One package Chinet plates
One package Marcal Small Steps paper napkins (note: do not buy the toilet paper. UGH).
One bottle Clorox greenworks laundry detergent
Two Digiorno for One pizzas
Two Jacks frozen pizzas (for emergent dinner situations -- hey, they happen)
Two pounds lean ground turkey
One bottle Dawn dish soap
Two boxes Pop-Tarts (yes, we eat them)
Three boxes Kellogg's cereal
Two pounds bananas
One bag egg noodles

I spent about 30 minutes at each store, and saved 81.44. I also have two coupons for a free gallon of milk to use next week; I also will be able to send for a rebate of $7.99 for the Greenworks laundry detergent, as I posted earlier today.

I'll note a couple of things; first, I always use my "free" coupons to get my total up so I can double coupons at Pick and Save, and I also try to find good deals with coupons over a dollar at Pick and Save as well -- though they don't double, they don't count toward your five double coupons either, so if you have a coupon for $2.00/1 item and that item is close to free or you need it, use that coupon at Pick and Save on Wednesdays.

Second, it's unlikely I would be able to create balanced meals for an entire week out of what I bought today -- but because I have been shopping this way for some time now I can buy only what is on a spectacular sale and perishables and leave the rest on the shelf.

Third, in terms of perishables, we eat very seasonally, so now you will start to see lots of apples, potatoes, and other fall veggies in our menus. If it is on spectacular sale, I will buy it. Otherwise, I freeze and preserve for the off season.

Finally, if I didn't have access to a store that doubled coupons or I didn't have the time or energy to coupon as strategically as I do, my grocery buying strategy would be very different. I will highlight what strategies I think work best for certain types of people in future posts, but suffice it to say that if you are reasonably well organized, have some time to devote to filing, clipping, and sorting, and have an infant or older, school aged children this strategy will likely work well for you.

What's the Deal: Pick and Save Clearance and Unadvertised Specials

2009-09-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you who will be heading out to Pick and Save for doubles, here are a few unadvertised and clearance deals.

First, some stores seem to be clearancing Luvs Mega Pack diapers. They are half off, so about 6 bucks for a mega pack. Not bad if you need them.

Also, go to www.greenworkscleaners.com to get a coupon for $3 off green works natural laundry detergent, and a money back guarantee (the pdf takes for-freakin'-ever to load). The lavendar scent is on sale for $5.99, after the coupon it's $2.99, but you can get your money back up to the purchase price (pre-card, that happens to be $7.99. Spend three bucks, get laundry detergent and a check for $7.99 in a few weeks. Can't beat that with a stick.

Also, Arm and Hammer Essentials laundry detergent is clearancing at some stores for $3.87; there are coupons at www.armandhammer.com for 1.00 off 2 bottles, making each bottle $2.87 after double coupons. I also seem to recall getting $1.00 off 1 bottle coupons at this site as well. The Java applet will pop up any coupons you are eligible for (in other words, the ones you haven't printed the limit on). If you can get $1/1 coupons, the detergent will be $1.87 each.

Gold'n Plump Chicken Coupon Is Back!

2009-09-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Remember that 1/1 Gold'n Plump chicken coupon in the blue bar on the right side of the blog?

It's baaaaack, along with 158 other great coupons. Print early and often; keep in mind there will be sales to match those coupons in the next few weeks, and you want to be ready -- there are a limited number of prints.

Also, we are swinging into coupon season, and there will be five, yes five inserts on Wednesday/Sunday. If you're a newbie, I will be walking you through how to organize and use your coupons in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, go print those coupons!!!

Lockdown Budget Update: Almost Halfway There

2009-09-08T13:49:00.001-07:00

If you're wondering how we're doing on the lockdown budget, the answer is: spectacular. Fabulous. Wonderful.

We had the opportunity to take a short vacation to a touristy town in northern Wisconsin (I had a business matter that I sandwiched in, which made it deductible and partially reimbursable. Love that multitasking). We left Friday morning, got there in the afternoon and basically spent 36 hours walking around, eating, shopping, and soaking up the last of the summery atmosphere. We took snackies and drinkies from home. Though we are on lockdown, because the trip itself and many of the expenses were reimbursable, we felt it was right to seize the day and go. We also happened to have some vacation money from pre-lockdown budget contributions -- and I am happy to report we still have lots left in that category. We will be looking at about $100 out of pocket for that little jaunt, and it was well worth it.

We did spend a little unnecessary money (gifties for the kids, a pair of winter shoes for me), but that's all right -- because in 48 short hours or so we will be a little less than five hundred dollars short of HALFWAY TO OUR GOAL for the three month lockdown period. Amazingly, very very shortly after we decided to lock down the budget, a couple of large matters closed and that got us a long way very fast. For that, I am very thankful. I anticipate, based on my accounts, that we will be halfway there by the end of September. God is really, really good.

In terms of spending, we've got a couple of expenses coming up; dance class and new tap shoes for The Girl, and possibly karate or basketball for Animal. Otherwise, I'm stocked on every other possible thing except perishables, and it seems I may not have to pay for milk this month, given all the good cereal and milk deals happening in September. And the garden is finally producing, and I have some zucchini to saute and shred for zucchini bread. Yum, life's good.

Since we made such quick progress so fast and were able to knock out the credit card giving us grief, I'm contemplating our next move. Our saving account is precipitously low; I don't like seeing it that empty, and neither does Baboo. I also don't like giving Chase any more of my money than I have to. We do have a balance transfer deal available to us that would lock in a very low interest rate for a long time, and we may do that and opt to shovel all my income into savings for the next two months instead, paying off debt in smaller "chunks" instead. Whatever we decide, I anticipate staying on "lockdown." It is eye-opening to see that we really can live on one income (tight though it may be), and to know how significantly my income can impact our debt when we choose to lockdown.

So I'll throw it out there: what would you guys do? Assuming lock down until December 1, would you throw all additional income in your savings account, or at your debt? Discuss. In the comments, if you please.

What's the Deal: Sentry September 8-13, 2009

2009-09-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Meats are at a good stock up price this week at the State Street Sentry in Tosa. The State Street Sentry does not double coupons, but from time to time has good deals by using their in-store coupons.

It's also potato and apple season!!!

80/20 ground beef is $1.59/lb at State; everywhere else, $1.89.

Rump roast is $1.99/lb

Russet potatoes are $1.89 for a 10 lb. bag

Dean's cottage cheese is $1.79 for a 24 ounce container

$1.99/3 lb bag on Ginger Gold apples. These are nice for making apple butter or apple sauce.

Not much to be had with coupons this week; if you need shampoo, you can get Pert Plus for FREE after you double a $1/1 coupon from the newspaper inserts; Tidy Cat litter is $1.99 after you double a $1/1 coupon from the newspaper inserts.

What's the Deal: Pick and Save, Wednesday, September 9, 2009

2009-09-08T09:15:00.001-07:00

Another good week at Pick and Save!

This week, buy five Kellogg's cereals or Pop Tarts at full price, get $5.00 off your order plus a coupon for a gallon of milk off your next order. There are coupons for $2.00/2 boxes of "New! With Fiber!" cereals from a couple of weeks ago, so you really don't even have to go on a double day if you like those cereals (they include Little Bites Mini Wheats, a BIG hit at my house). Also, there are $1/2 coupons for Kellogg's cereals from the newspaper inserts a couple weeks back, as well as $1/1 Kellogg's cereals from an in-store coupon brochure I picked up a few weeks back at Pick and Save. If you use the $2/2, it goes a little something like this:

Buy 6 boxes Mini-Bites at 3.79 each (your store's pricing may vary) = $22.74

minus an immediate $5.00 off = $17.74

minus $6.00 for 3 $2/2 coupons = $11.74

you end up with 6 boxes of cereal and a coupon for a gallon of milk for $11.74.

If you decide to double a $1/1 coupon, the deal is even better -- it works out to $5.74 for 6 boxes of cereal and a gallon of milk. If you are doubling, make sure to use your FREE milk coupons from the General Mills deal 2 weeks ago with this deal to get your pre-coupon total above $25.00.

Jack's and Tombstone pizzas are 4/$10, and if you buy four, you get a coupon for one free gallon of milk on your next order. There are .40/1 coupons from the paper inserts, doubling them make the pizzas $1.30 each; there are also $1/2 coupons from coupons.com a while back; doubling them gives you four pizzas and a gallon of milk for a total of $6.00.

Jennie-O fresh turkey products are 2/$7, there are $1/1 coupons from the paper inserts making these $1.50 each after doubles.

Roundy's hot dog and hamburger buns are buy one get one free; pair these with the turkey hot dogs and brats from last week.

Colgate toothbrushes are 1.00. If you have a .40/1 coupon from the newspaper inserts and you need toothbrushes, these are .20 each after a doubled coupon. If you can wait, there will be better toothbrush deals coming.

This is not a spectacular deal, but if you have a preference for Tropicana juice, buy 2 half gallons and get a dozen eggs free.

What's the Deal: Office Max September 8-13, 2009

2009-09-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

The deals just keep coming on school supplies! It has to stop sometime, right?

.01 for flexible rulers, limit 3.

.25 for filler paper, limit 3.

.25 for Schoolio Von Hoolio colored pencils, fine and broad tip markers, limit 3.

.30 for poly binders, 1 or 1 1/2 inch, limit 5.

.75 for comp books if you still need them -- next year, wait until they are .50 or lower.

please remember to buy low and give often. your local elementary school will love you for it.

What's the Deal: CVS and Walgreens September 8-13, 2009

2009-09-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

There isn't that much going on this week at Walgreens and CVS.

At Walgreens this week, the best deals I see are the Starbucks deals. Buy $15 worth of Starbucks ground coffee, coffee drinks, or ice cream, get $5 in register rewards. There are coupons for $1/1 Starbucks ice cream here; you can print up to four. Also, small Glade soy candles are 2 for $4, with a $1 register reward if you buy two. There was a free coupon for one of these candles in the newspaper a couple of weeks back, as well as a $3/2 coupon, which makes them free. There is also a $3/1 Glade candle coupon here. Aquafresh and Sensodyne are $1.99 after register rewards, and there are still $1/1 printables at smartsource.com. This is only a good deal if you need toothpaste or prefer these brands; if you can wait, there will be other free deals out there.

At CVS, the best deal is Dove chocolate, buy $10, get $5 in Extra Care Bucks. There are $1/1 coupons from the newspaper a few weeks back. Also, Aussie stylers are .99 after ECBs, limit 3, through today. Gold Emblem spices are .88 each, which is not bad if you need spices of any kind.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Lazy Girl Granola

2009-09-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT spend money on granola cereal at the grocery store. Instead, use this spectacularly easy recipe.

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup oil (we use canola)
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla
7 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups total of any of the following goodies:
nuts (slivered work best)
coconut (sweetened)
sunflower seeds or pepitas
raisins or craisins or other dried fruit

combine brown sugar, honey, oil, cinnamon and vanilla in saucepot. heat until boiling. combine oatmeal and other goodies except for raisins/craisins/fruit. pour sauce mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir to coat well. place on a jelly roll pan or two cookie sheets and bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. when the ten minutes is up, stir the granola, turn off the oven, and go to bed.

remember to take the granola out of the oven the next morning before preheating the oven for cinnamon toast (IMPORTANT!!!) store granola in an airtight jar or a Ziploc bag. enjoy!!!!

Menu Plan Monday: One Day Late (Again) Edition

2009-09-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hey, I'm back!! It's Tuesday, soooo we're a day late around here, but here goes:

Monday: rice lasagna
Tuesday: brats, turkey hot dogs, fresh fruit
Wednesday: penne pasta with chicken, zucchini, and mushrooms in garlic butter sauce, homemade bread
Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade bread
Friday: chicken lo mein
Saturday: pulled pork sandwiches, baked potatoes, salad
Sunday: Pizza!

But Before I Go . .

2009-09-04T05:41:00.001-07:00

You simply must go look at this blog. Hilarious.

www.cakefailure.blogspot.com

No Coupon Inserts This Week: I'm Taking a Wee Break

2009-09-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

On holiday weekends, there are no coupon inserts in the Sunday paper. Therefore, it's a good week to take a tiny break from clipping and sorting. I'll be off for a mini-vacation with the hubs, but back again on Sunday. I'll update you then on how we're doing on Lockdown and the Grocery Challenge. Have a wonderful weekend!!!

A Gosselin Finally Tells The Truth

2009-09-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

In an exclusive interview set to air on ABC on September 8, Jon Gosselin admits he "took a lot of abuse from Kate."

YA THINK??????????

Owlhaven's September Grocery Challenge

2009-09-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

In keeping with our Budget Lockdown theme, Mary Ostyn and her husband and ten (yes, ten) children engage in an annual Month of Nothing wherein they challenge themselves to spend no more than necessary. In addition to homeschooling that big brood and writing not one, but two books, which I've linked to on the sidebar to the right, Mary blogs at www.owlhaven.net -- please follow her this month as she endeavors to spend no more than three hundred dollars total to feed her family (yes, of twelve) in September. Mary was living the low impact large family lifestyle before I even had a family and she is truly inspirational. Check her out.

Coupons Restocked

2009-09-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's the first of the month, which means the coupons in the blue bar on the side of the blog have been restocked and updated. Go there, peruse, and print off as many as you have time and paper for; if you've been following for a while, the sales at the grocery store generally follow the coupons that are posted there two to three weeks after posting of the coupons. There are a limited number of those coupons, so print early and often.

Also, check these coupon printable sites:

www.smartsource.com

www.redplum.com

for more printables.

Lockdown Budget: Ground Zero and 1/3 There Already

2009-08-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is day one of Lockdown Budget, and I am happy to report that due to a large case closing and the auditing process taking not nearly as long as usual, we have already paid off 1/3 of the debt we goaled ourselves to pay off by December 1. I anticipate, based on the way my work is swinging along, that we will be halfway to our goal by October 1, and God willing we might be done by November 1.

I don't think this big start out of the gate will make us complacent; Baboo and I are really determined to make.this.happen. I am doing my best to carve out as much as I can from the food and household budget and we are selling a few things on Craigslist and Ebay as well; we'd been meaning to do these things before but are now super motivated to get the no-debt party started. If you're the praying type, please keep us in yours as we sacrifice temporarily to get our family to financial freedom. I'll certainly be updating you as we go along.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Pack Lunches the Night Before

2009-08-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

This seems more like an organizational tip, and it is that, but it also saves money. At night, while you are cleaning up the dinner dishes, pots, and pans, dish up the leftovers into a tupperware (or pyrex dish, if you are concerned about BPA leaching into your food in the microwave like I am -- sue me, I'm a little freaky about these things) and stick it in the fridge. The next morning it is ready for you to grab and go.

I cannot tell you how much money this has saved us; the wonderful combination of Baboo's thriftiness and slight to moderate culinary laziness means he prefers leftovers for lunches, and if they are ready to go he will happily grab them out of the fridge and eat them.

Similarly, if you can't bear the thought of two or three bucks per kid for school lunches but find the thought of packing lunches in the morning even more intolerable, make them the night before and stow them in the fridge. In the morning, plop them in the backpacks before they head out the door. Again, this has, quite literally, saved my sanity with five children. I might be exhausted when I drop into bed at night, but by golly, at least lunches are packed!!!

Menu Plan Monday: One Day Late Edition

2009-08-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's the first day of school!! I shouldn't be this excited, but I am. A trip to the grocery store with no children hanging off the cart . . . . aaaaaahhhhhhhh.

Monday: pasta with cheese, fresh fruit
Tuesday: French toast with raspberries and whipped cream, fresh fruit
Wednesday: Creamy italian chicken, brown rice, broccoli
Thursday: lasagna, salad, garlic bread
Friday-Saturday: mini vacation up nort', likely a romantic wine/cheese/fruit dinner whilst lounging in the whirlpool tub, followed the next day by dogs/brats over a campfire someplace.
Sunday: ham and swiss stromboli, salad

http://www.expoeducator.com/coupon.html

2009-08-31T11:47:00.001-07:00

Go here http://www.expoeducator.com/coupon.html

Shared via AddThis

for a .pdf 1/1 Expo Click coupon. Print as many times as you like, and take to Office Max this week; Expo Dry Erase markers are on sale buy one get one free.

What's the Deal: Pick N Save through September 2, 2009

2009-08-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

A spectacular week for Pick N Save, even if you don't go on Wednesday for double coupon day.

They're clearing out their Staples school supplies; many small items such as single subject spiral notebooks, pencil cap erasers, and other miscellany are .10 each, limit 10. 12 count Staples pencils are 5/1.00, limit 5. Highlighters and index cards are .33 each. Elmer's glue and 24 count Crayola crayons are .25 each, limit 4.

To finish up the Kraft/Nabisco rebate, buy 10 Handi-Snacks and/or Nabisco Snack Sacks at 1.00 each; if you have coupons from the rebate booklet for 1.00/2, you can double them, or just redeem them on their own, or not use coupons at all; you will have completed your needed purchases for the $20.00 rebate and those items will be free after that rebate.

Dannon yogurt is 2.00 for most all varieties this week; pair with this week's coupons in the Sunday inserts to get them for 1.00 each or free if you double them on Wednesday.

Jennie O Turkey Franks are 1.00 per pack; there are .55/1 coupons from the Sunday paper a couple of weeks ago, making them .45 or free, depending on whether you go on Wednesday.

Klement's precooked brats are 3.00 per pack; double a .75/1 coupon from the Sunday inserts a couple of weeks ago and get them for 1.50 each.

By the way, hot dogs and brats freeze beautifully.

Finally, Skippy peanut butter is .98, limit one, and Roundy's lunch bags are .78, limit one.

Canning supplies are 25% off, if you are overrun with cucumbers and need to make pickles (like me).

You're all set for back to school!

What's the Deal: Free Wonder Bread at Sentry August 31-September 6, 2009

2009-08-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

A good week at Sentry!!

First, as I noted, there is a great kraft/nabisco rebate and coupon booklet. Five of the 20 items needed are Capri Sun drinks. Those are on sale with an in-ad coupon this week for 1.48 per box. Buy five boxes and you are 1/4 of the way to a $20.00 rebate.

Dannon Activia yogurt and Danactive drinks are free after a 1/1 coupon; check the blue bar on the side, some of the Dannon coupons have been reset. Also, there are Dannon 1/1 coupons from yesterday's coupon inserts.

If you have 1/1 coupons for California Pizza Kitchen pizzas, they are 4.50 each with in ad coupon, and 1/1 coupons doubled will make them $2.50 each. A nice quick (and yummy) lunch.

Hormel Natural Choice bacon and lunchmeat is 2.49; there are .55/1 coupons floating around which will make them 1.39 each.

All laundry detergent is 3.99; there were 1/1 coupons in the paper a few weeks back, and on double days this makes these bottles 1.99 each. That is a great deal for laundry detergent, especially a "good" name brand like All.

And finally, there are coupons in the blue bar on the right and in yesterday's coupon inserts for .55/1 Wonder Bread. There's also an in-ad coupon making Wonder Bread .99 each. Without doubles, Wonder Bread becomes cheaper than Sentry brand bread; with a double coupon, it is free.

If you are "wondering" (ha) whether I will be taking the Wonder Bread out of the store, the answer is yes. I am stepping up my lunchtime game for the kids, and white squishy bread made into homemade Uncrustables will rock their world. Additionally, feel free to stock up: Wonder Bread freezes fine, as it is indestructible.

What's the Deal: Office Depot August 30-September 5, 2009

2009-08-31T11:15:00.001-07:00

Just when I think the school supply sales are over, they keep pulling me back IN!! (Name that movie).

This week, plastic compasses are a dime. Limit 3.

Four pack glue sticks are .20 each. Limit 10. Now is really the time to stock up.

One inch vinyl binders are .50 each. Limit 3.

Office Depot brand pencil cap erasers and plastic rulers are FREE with a $5.00 purchase, not including the cost of the rulers/erasers. Limit 3.

If you need copy paper, there's a spectacular deal. Buy 2 cases of Office Depot Multipurpose Copy paper, get a 39.99 prepaid Visa as a rebate (this makes one of them free). In the last few weeks, I have gotten many $10 off $40 or $25 purchase coupons which will sweeten this deal: even better, if you are a WorkLife rewards member, your second quarter rewards will be coming with a 30% off Multipurpose paper coupon. You can't stack the coupons, but if you are lucky enough to get the 30% off coupon, it will bring your total down to roughly $56 for two cases of paper, of which you will get $39.99 back in a prepaid visa. This makes the cost per ream after all these rebates/coupons SEVENTY CENTS PER REAM. In addition, they will credit your Worklife Rewards EIGHT DOLLARS for this purchase. So, you will have 2 cases of paper for .70 per ream, and another $8.00 coming to spend at Office Depot next quarter.

If you aren't a Worklife Rewards member, I highly recommend you sign up. It is free.

What's the Deal: Walgreens August 30-September 5, 2009

2009-08-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

FREE this week after Register Rewards:

Rembrandt toothpaste (a moneymaker if you have a 1/1 Rembrandt coupon, they are available here) (5.00)

Carefree Ultra Protection Plus pantiliners (go to www.smartsource.com for a 1/1 printable to make a little money) (1.99)

Colgate ActiFlex Toothbrush (2.99)

Six Blade Razor (6.99)

Also, go to kraftbacktoschool.com to register for a booklet with a ton of coupons and two, count'em, two rebates for $20.00 when you buy 20 participating products - one good until 2009, and one good beginning January 2010. Basically, your rebate will give you 1.00 off each item. If you can get the items for 1.00, they are free after rebate. If you can get them for less than a dollar, you will make money on the rebate.

Five of these products must be Easy Mac cups. Easy Mac cups are on sale this week at Walgreens for .89 with an in-ad coupon. Buy five and you are 1/4 of the way to a $20.00 rebate.

What's the Deal: CVS, August 30-September 5, 2009

2009-08-31T11:04:00.001-07:00

This week at CVS: FREE Glade soy candles (the larger ones) or reed diffusers after Extra Care Bucks (6.99).

Also, go to www.smartsource.com and print coupons for 1/1 Aquafresh Isoactive and Sensodyne IsoActive and get these for .99 after coupon and Extra Care Bucks.

My Love/Hate Relationship with Small Local Businesses: or, Why I Became the Popcorn Queen in Four Hours Flat

2009-08-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

I'm going out on another limb here, committing several levels of heresy, I'm sure, but I'll come righ out and say what other people probably are thinking but just can't find the nerve to say:

I have a love/hate relationship with locally owned small businesses.

I love them, because, well, they're my neighbors, and I want my neighborhood to thrive, and I like knowing the people who sell me my goods; but I hate them, because they seem to think that if they are locally owned neighborhood businesses the notion of good business and customer service practices can be thrown right out the window.

Exhibit One: last night, four p.m. Baboo is a part of a neighborhood association and was the point person for a Movie Night event: an outdoor free movie at a local park with popcorn and soda for sale. Everything went without a hitch.

Everything, that is, but the popcorn. Baboo made arrangements for a local mom and pop popcorn shop to provide the popcorn; but when I went to pick it up, at four p.m., during their regular business hours, I find a sign saying "sorry, we are doing a fundraiser at a local school; shop is closed, sorry for the inconvenience."

Are you kidding me? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This is not cool. Unfortunately, this is also not unusual for the locally owned businesses in my area. There's a coffee shop down the street that I would frequent more, except that everytime I want to spend my money there, they are closed. I can't even begin to predict their hours, as they are something like "every other Saturday, except when a good Seinfeld re-run is on, then we might close early." And then they wonder why revenue is down, why people don't come.

Look, I understand that it is tough as a sole proprietor, and that keeping costs in check is crucial. But really. Hours of business should be consistent, predictable, and most important, HONORED. If I make a special trip to your business and your door is locked during business hours, I'm going somewhere else to spend my money where I know the door will be open when they say they will be. And I am not likely to give you a second chance. The few bucks you spend in labor to get someone to cover the front of the house for you will be more than repaid in repeat business and goodwill.

As for me, at four p.m., with an event scheduled to start at 8 and a school function to attend in between, I had to swing into crisis management mode; I got my biggest pot, my Coleman stove, and popcorn popping supplies from the local grocer (which was, in fact, open for bidness, hallelujah), and started popping at seven P.M. I must say, it turned out better than expected; we sold plenty and we had real butter. Everyone who wanted popcorn got it. Baboo learned a lesson about delegating and event planning. I got to cook for a horde, which I love to do.

But now I have a bad taste in my mouth for this particular business. And I wish I didn't.

Link Luv: Free Lip Item at Bath and Body Works with Any Purchase

2009-08-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

Go here to print a coupon for a free lip item at Bath and Body Works with any purchase (this means you can buy a one dollar or clearance item to get the free lip item). Great for stocking stuffers for little girlies for Christmas; just buy a travel size lotion or other travel size item and get the lip gloss for freeeeeeee.

Great sales running right now there too; lots of clearance items and buy 3 get 2 free on their Signature collection. Happy Shopping

A New Feature and A Sneek Peek at the New Giveaway

2009-08-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, I was delighted to find that I actually have. a. follower!!! Thanks, Brook!! Basically, someone out there finds me entertaining or helpful enough to have my link on a feed or delivered to their inbox. In honor of this, I added a sidebar to highlight my followers. I'd love, love, love to have a bunch. Please subscribe!!! Please comment!! I'd love to hear from you and "see" you.

Second, to "encourage" some of you who may be on the fence, I'm giving you a lil' sneek peek at the next giveaway I have planned . . . .

http://www.blueq.com/

I mean, how can I NOT own that adorable coffee money coin purse? And how can you not let me give you one?

What's the Deal: Sentry

2009-08-26T08:05:00.001-07:00

This week at Sentry, free Danimals Crush Cups after you double 1/1 coupons from the newspaper inserts.

Breyer's ice cream and Klondike bars are 2.33 each after you double 1/2 coupons available in the blue bar on the side of this blog.

Quaker True Delight granola bars are .50 per box when you double 1/1 coupons from the newspaper and printables from the blue bar on the side of this blog.

Sentry's Bonus Coupons include Dean's RbGH free milk for 1.69 per gallon, limit 2; Hormel deli ham for 1.99/lb, limit 2 lb., and a 3 lb. bag of onions for .99

What's the Deal: Walgreens August 26-29, 2009

2009-08-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

If you go here, you can get a coupon for five dollars off a 25 dollar or more purchase at Walgreens today through Saturday, August 29. The 25 dollar minimum must be met AFTER coupons: however, there is a scenario that will work for this coupon.

Buy 2 select Kellogg's cereals at $2.50 each

Buy 4 Keebler cookies or club crackers at $2.50 each

Buy 4 more Kellogg's snacks or cereal of your choice at $2.50 each

Buy 2 Listerine Cool Blue for Kids at $4 each

Buy 2 Benadryl Itch Relief Products at $3.99 each

Use 5 $1/2 Kellogg's coupons here, here, or from the 8/2 insert

Use 1 B1G1 Listerine Cool Blue coupon from the 8/2 insert

Use 1 $1/1 Listerine coupon from the 6/14 insert

Use 1 $1/1 Listerine coupon from Kids Coloring Book (will deduct $2)

Use 2 $1/1 Benadryl coupons from the 8/2 insert

Your total should now be $26.98. Use the $5/25 coupon and that will bring your final total down to $21.98 plus tax.

Then, you'll get back a $2 Register Reward for purchasing the Kellogg's cereal, a $5 Register Reward for purchasing the Keebler snacks, a $3 Register Reward for purchasing the Listerine, and a $5 Register Reward for purchasing the Benadryl.

Your total after the Register Rewards will be $6.98.

Then, if you haven't done so already, submit your receipt for the $10.00 Fuel for School Rebate and you'll get everything for free plus make a small profit!

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for this scenario.

Starbucks Card . . . Free Coffee on your Birthday, 2 Hours of WiFi!

2009-08-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

Once you are in possession of your handy-dandy cute little Starbucks mini-card, go to www.starbucks.com and register the card; when you do, you'll be eligible for a FREE drink of your choice on your birthday, as well as 2 hours of FREE AT&T WiFi while in the store.

Starbucks Mini Card Giveaway Winners!

2009-08-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Winners of the Starbucks Mini Cards are:

#13: My fave is the coffee frapuccino! rbjj32825[at]lycos[dot]com

#20: Thanks for offering this contest. Hope we win.Pumpkin spice Cha ChingQueen www.chachingqueen.com

Winners, please contact me at alittleloosechange@gmail.com so I can get your mailing information!

Check back for another sweet giveaway in the very near future!!

Menu Plan Monday: August 24-29, 2009

2009-08-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Minimal kid week this week, and Baboo's birthday:

Monday: rice lasagna, salad
Tuesday: leftover rice lasagna, salad
Wednesday: grilled steak, baked potatoes, steamed broccoli
Thursday: Subway sandwiches
Friday: Pizza Hut stuffed crust pizza with pepperoni, black olives, and mushrooms; Mike's Hard Lemonade; dessert TBD.
Saturday: Baked potato bar
Sunday: grilled chicken teriyaki, brown rice, stir fry veggies.

What's the Deal: Office Max August 23-29, 2009

2009-08-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Folders, .01 each (yes, one penny) (limit 6)

OfficeMax glue combo (2 glue sticks and 1 bottle glue) .20 (two dimes) (limit 3)

Scissors, .20 each (limit 3)

OfficeMax filler paper, .20 each (limit 3)

Composition books .50 each (limit 6)

Toshiba 4 gig flash drive 9.99

What's the Deal: Office Depot August 23-29, 2009

2009-08-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

FREE! This week, at Office Depot after rebate . . .

2 pocket paper folders, limit 5 (.39 each)

Sharpie 5 pack fine point, limit 3 (4.49 each)

Office Depot brand protractor, limit 3 (1.99 each)

Sharp EL-501--WB Scientific calculator, limit 1 (6.99)

Not free, but still screaming deals:

Office Depot brand copy paper 1.99 per ream, limit 2 (after a 2.50 mail in rebate)

10 pack Papermate pencils, .10 (one thin dime) (limit 3)

slider pencil boxes, .10 (one thin dime) (limit 3)

Scholastic crayons .25 per pack (one quarter) (limit 3)

2 pack scissors .25 (one quarter) (limit 3)

Purell mini hand sanitizer .25 (one quarter) (limit 3)

Three Bucks A Day Gourmet: Lunch at Chez Loose Change

2009-08-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Today, I made brunch for the bunch. Total damage is as follows:

french toast (10 eggs, 1 loaf whole grain bread, 1/2 loaf apple danish bread, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar).

bacon (26 slices)

milk (1/2 gallon)

and no leftovers.

Donations of farm animals would be appreciated. kthxbye.

What's the Deal: CVS, August 23-29, 2009

2009-08-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Looks like the school supplies are dwindling to a halt.

CVS memo books are free after ECBs until Tuesday, limit 2.

Spend 15 bucks, get 5 ECBs on Mead Five Star notebooks or binders; there are coupons in the blue bar for 2.00 and 1.00 off these products.

Carefree Ultra Protection 16 count free after ECBs. Use a 1.00/1 coupon to make a little money on this transaction.

And CVS Earth Essentials toilet paper, 12 roll packages, are again 5.00 each. Limit 3. By the way, this is the toilet paper we use almost exclusively, and we buy it in bulk at these prices.

What's the Deal: Walgreens August 23-29, 2009

2009-08-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

A few good deals this week!

Kellogg's cereals are 2/5.00, with a 2.00 register reward when you buy two, making the boxes 2/3.00. Use a 1.00/2 coupon to make these cereals one dollar per box.

Keebler crackers, cookies, and CheezIts are 4/10.00, with a 5.00 register reward when you buy four, making them 4/5.00. Use two 1.00/2 coupons to make these 4/3.00, or .75 each!

Goody hair accessories are 2.99 with a 2.00 register reward, making them .99 each.

Buy 2 Benadryl creams at 3.99 each, get a 5 dollar register reward. To sweeten the deal, use 2 1.00/1 coupons to make these very cheap after register rewards.

All 2X laundry detergent 96 load containers are 9.99 each, limit 3. There are 2.00/1 coupons from newspaper inserts making these 7.99 each.

What's the Deal: Pick and Save August 20-26, 2009

2009-08-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

It is a good week for breakfast stock ups at Double Daze next Wednesday, August 26. Get yer coupons ready!!

First, there is a buy eight General Mills cereals, get 10 dollars off your total, plus a coupon that spits out for two gallons of milk FREE!! So basically, gather up all your General Mills coupons (there are many printables in the blue bar on the right hand side for .55 to .75 off one box of various GM cereals). Buy eight boxes of cereal. Scan your Pick and Save card and get ten dollars off the total amount (this comes to 1.25 off per box). Then hand the cashier eight coupons -- only five will double, but that is okay. You will likely end up with 8 boxes of cereal for twelve to fifteen dollars. Pay the nice cashier, and a coupon for two free gallons of milk will spit out of the machine. You can then use that coupon for two free gallons of milk on another transaction that day to get your total up to 25 bucks so that you can double five more coupons. Not a bad deal, I say.

Lots of yogurt available free or cheap with coupons available in the blue bar: fiber one and yo plus are free after you double 1/1 coupons. Gogurts are 1.20 per box after a .40/1 coupon doubles. Yoplait 32 ounce tubs are .69 after a .55/1 coupon doubles; these were also in the paper a while back. Good for adding protein to a breakfast in a smoothie or a parfait (Animal loves parfaits!).

So, it should work something like this:

8 General Mills cereals (average cost 3.69 per box) = 29.52

minus your 10 bucks off when you scan your card = 19.52

minus coupons (average 5 .55/1 doubled, plus 3 .55/1) = 12.37 for 8 boxes of cereal plus a coupon for 2 gallons of milk free.

the next transaction could look like this

2 gallons of milk = 6.50

5 fiber one yogurts = 10.00

fruits, vegetables, and other non-couponable grocery items equalling 10 dollars

your pre-card, pre-coupon total is 26.50

minus your free milk (6.50 off) and 5 1/1 coupons which double (10 dollars off) gives you 2 gallons of milk, 20 containers of yogurt, and 10 dollars worth of fruits, vegetables, and other stuff for which you have no coupons for ten dollars.

In doing two simple, quick transactions, you have essentially doubled the purchasing value of your dollars. Try it, you'll see.

Good luck!

Lockdown Budget: Prepping, Physical and Mental

2009-08-20T05:50:00.001-07:00

Ten days and counting to lockdown. What have I done to prepare?

1) I went through all the kids' clothes to identify what we would need through December 1. Basically, it's jeans for The Girl, socks and underwear for everyone else. We also need back to school shoes for everyone. I tool The Girl and Swimmo shopping yesterday, so they're all set. We'll take the Leg Puller, Animal, and Book'em this weekend.

2) School supplies: done. See previous deal posts for the month of August.

3) No birthdays in the fam except for Baboo's in late August. I do have a kid gift stash and plenty of wrapping paper for other birthday parties -- though there have been very very few of them since the recession began.

4) Halloween: This will require creativity on my part, but I can make it work. I will have to start early, though.

5) Thanksgiving: food budget always seems to take care of this.

6) Christmas: though technically this is outside the three month lockdown period, I usually begin shopping in earnest right about now for stocking stuffers and the like. I anticipate it can come out of the food budget if it needs to. We do have a head start on this from pre-buying too much in previous years (ahem).

7) We have a system of rewards for behavior and chores which is exchangeable for cold hard cash or other perks around the house. The money, where it is appropriate, will come out of the petty cash fund which we still have available to us.

8) I ordered fleece lined jeans from LLBean to be delivered shortly. They were a preplanned purchase and will come out of the last of my clothing money.

9) The very last of my allowance went toward a stock up trip to Bath and Body Works: there was a buy one get one free sale on this yummy smelling stuff, and a two for twenty sale on this stuff that I cannot live without. I also used a coupon for a free Signature item. I got it all for thirty bucks, and I got a bodacious coupon book with some coupons for a free item with any purchase (yes, that means I can spend a dollar and get a twelve dollar item free twice in the next three months). I should be covered -- figuratively and literally -- on bath stuff, which is my luxury.

10) We will set aside Worm Money for Baboo. Can't go fishin' without worms. Of course, he could dig them up himself, but hey, at least we don't have them reproducing in the basement. Yet.

Am I missing anything?

Three Bucks A Day Gourmet: Beverages

2009-08-20T05:11:00.001-07:00

When you are on a limited budget, beverages can break your bank. Here's how we manage the beverage beast on three bucks per person per day:

1) Water is your best friend. Seriously, what a great country we live in that we can walk into our kitchens, turn on the tap, and have (reasonably) clean and healthy water at the turn of a knob. We are made of over 70 percent water, and dehydration can often present as hunger. So do yourself and your family a favor and drink more water. I happen to have a handy dandy ice and water in door fridge with a filter and all that, but if the taste of tap water gives you the willies, get yourself a Brita or Pur filter for the fridge or faucet. If you require it bottled, buy a reusable bottle. Better for the environment and for your pocketbook. Cost: free to pennies (if you are filtering and springing for a nifty bottle).

2) If you must have flavor in your beverages, consider teas. Iced tea is a very cost effective beverage: water, a couple nickels for a couple tea bags, and some sweetener if you need it. We usually don't. There are decaf herbal teas for those of you who can't handle the leaded variety. Drink it hot in the winter and cold in the summer.

3) Coffee (at home!). Look, any single-serve beverage you pay for in a retail outlet is going to be a moneymaker for them and a money pit for you. A pound of high quality gourmet coffee beans makes at least sixty cups of java for the cost of 2 or 3 trips through the drive through. Keep the coffee out, but make it an occasional treat. Otherwise, brew and drink the good stuff at home. If you must have the froufrou drinks, make them yourself -- get some whipped cream in a can, put some caramel in a squeeze bottle, and go to town.

4) Milk. I know I am about to offend some people, but humans do not need milk to be healthy past their first year of life. That said, we drink it, but we do not drink it with reckless abandon. The kids have it with cereal and at dinner. The rest of the time, they drink water (and sometimes juice). We probably drink one or two gallons per week.

5) Juice. We are now getting into the top end of what I consider a regular beverage for my budget. It is a rare occurrence to have premixed juice from the grocery store. My price point is one dollar for a half-gallon of any type of juice -- so short of a bodacious coupon, we generally buy concentrate and add the water at home. We add an additional can of water to stretch it to one half gallon. One half gallon of juice lasts maybe for two meals.

6) Seasonal drinks: lemonade is cheap and refreshing in the summer, as is homemade gatorade. In the winter, hot cocoa made with milk and chocolate syrup is a big winner after playing outside in the snow. They are inexpensive and relatively health affirming.

7) What is important to note is what does not regularly fit into a three dollar a day per person budget: soda is a no-go, as is alcohol or anything pre-bottled at the grocery store or poured into a cup at a restaurant or retail store. This is not to say that you cannot periodically have a soda or a beer or some wine or a froufrou coffee as a treat: not at all. In fact, you will enjoy them more when you have them less often. Your wallet will thank you, too.

Giveaway!! Starbucks Mini Card For Coffeehounds Like Me

2009-08-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

So, five kids, 64 homemade cinnamon rolls, two 16 inch pizzas, and one trip to the pool and the Sam's Club made yesterday a very, very busy day, and made me a very, very tired mama. Today holds no hope of rest, as it involves five kids, one school function, and one community function which I have been roped into. What's a mother to do?

COFFEE!! It's the last legal drug, and the cheapest. Mother's little helper! And it just became easier. Starbucks has this cute as a button little minicard that you can clip onto your keyring. No more fumbling in your wallet or purse to find that blasted card (as I did yesterday at the Sam's Club). I have one, and so can you, for FREE!! I'm giving away two of these sweet little mini-cards preloaded with five dollars each. To enter, leave a comment to this post telling me your favorite coffee drink. Two winners will be selected by random number generation. Enter by midnight CST on Sunday, August 23.

Now, off for a refill . . . . .

What's the Deal: Pick N Save

2009-08-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

Pick and Save stores in the metro Milwaukee area double coupons on Wednesday. Unlike Sentry, you must make a $25 minimum purchase (before coupons) and can only double 5 coupons per transaction. Coupons over $1.00 will not double. If you can plan your trips and do a few well executed transactions, Double Daze Wednesdays can work for you.

This ad cycle, Pick and Save is promoting their double coupon policy by printing a number of high value coupons in their flyer. The best ones I see are for 1/1 gallon of Kemp's milk, and 1/1 package of Heartland chicken. I anticipate these coupons will make for very cheap milk and chicken.

Buitoni refrigerated pasta is 2/5.oo this week, and if you buy 2 you get a free Buitoni sauce. This makes for a nice deal, as there are 1/1 Buitoni pasta coupons from the newspaper. Thus, you end up with 2 packages of pasta and a container of sauce for 1.00. Add a salad and you have a complete meal.

There's a Hormel deal: buy 10 selected Hormel products, get a dozen eggs and a pound of Hormel bacon free. Items include Hormel precooked entrees (there were 2.00/1 printable coupons available a while back), chili, corned beef hash (gag, but Baboo likes it, so . . . . okay), natural deli meats (also some printable coupons and blinkies) and Chi-Chi's salsa. If you enjoy these products, now is a good time to stock up and get the value add of free bacon and eggs.

Quaker True Delight granola bars are .75 after a 1/1 doubled coupon, as are Yoplait Parfaits.

And Dannon fruit on the bottom yogurts are .30 each after doubling the 1/10 coupon in Sunday's newspaper.

What's the Deal: Sentry

2009-08-18T06:43:00.001-07:00

Summer cash is done! Make sure you cash in your vouchers to get your gift cards!

This week is fairly low key at Sentry: Snyder's tortilla chips are free with a doubled 1/1 coupon, which was in papers a while back. Clorox wipes are .50 per canister with a doubled 1/1 coupon. I'm not sure where these came from, but they are newspaper insert coupons. Ball Park franks are 1.00 per pack after a doubled 1/2 coupon. Use the Mount Olive 1/1 coupon to score some cheap pickles. And Kotex pads are .50 each after a doubled 1/1 coupon.

Store coupon deals include .79 for a dozen eggs, and 5 quarts of Dean ice cream for 3.99.

What's the Deal: CVS

2009-08-18T06:36:00.001-07:00

Still some good free after Extra Care Bucks deals on school stuff through the rest of today:

CVS filler paper free after ECB (limit 2)

Papermate pens free after ECB (limit 2)

Mini composition books free after ECB (limit 2)

Recycled pencil boxes free after ECB (limit 2)

Philips headphones, free after ECB (limit 1)

Kleenex 3 packs are 2.47 each, minus a .50 off 3 pack coupon makes them about .66 per box (stock up now for flu and cold season!!)

And, if you buy Loreal Revitalift Deep Set Wrinkle Repair and a Loreal Cleanser you get $10 ECB. If you go to the pharmacy department and ask for the Readyfill coupon booklet, they have $4/20 coupons in them. Use one of these, along with a $5 off coupon here for the Wrinkle Repair and get both for $1.98 after all ECBs and coupons.

And a preview for next week: free composition books and Carefree pantiliners, with another spectacular $5 sale on 12 packs of recycled toilet paper.

What's the Deal: Walgreens

2009-08-18T06:31:00.001-07:00

Not too super much this week: The school supply deals are beginning to taper off. If you need a hairbrush, Conair brushes are .99 after register rewards.

Next week is looking better though: get ready for cheap All detergent, Benadryl cream, Keebler crackers and cookies, and free scotch tape.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Repurpose Crappy Hair Conditioner

2009-08-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Ever bought hair conditioner that . . . doesn't? Or makes your scalp itch? Or smells considerably worse on your hair than it did in the bottle? Use it up instead as shaving lotion for your legs and underarms. Works as well (or better than) shave cream, and the smell doesn't matter as much in such remote locations.

Lockdown Budget: Obliterating Twelve Thousand Dollars in Debt in Three Months

2009-08-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

Back in January of 2008, the Baboo and I sat down in anticipation of our marriage to look at what our life cost and the net effect of combining our incomes and expenses. That fateful day, we determined we were well into the five figures of debt, and our income did not exactly cover our expenses. In other words, we were in the red and majorly upside down. Through a concerted effort to tighten our belts and a series of events that I can only describe as divine intervention, we were able to eliminate some major expenses, bump our tithing up to ten percent of our income, and eliminate about sixteen thousand dollars worth of debt in about ten months' time.

After that ten months, we were emotionally exhausted from denying ourselves certain small luxuries; and so, we bumped up the amount in some budget categories and began to coast somewhat. We also had a period of delayed income for me, and some large expenses that all came due at once.

But as usual, God decided to get our attention. We'd been largely immune from the vagaries of the souring economy, so it was a surprise to us to find that the monthly minimum on one of the three remaining credit cards we have balances on had doubled. Doubled. And at that moment, we both realized that as long as we have credit card debt, we are not in control of our money.

So we tried to figure out a solution, but nothing really seemed to click until I said "if we could just live on your income and throw all mine at the debt, I bet we could get 2/3 paid off by December." And inspired by that, we sat down with the Excel spreadsheet that tells our money where to go and zeroed out all non-necessary budget items to see if we could make it happen.

We could, it turns out. And if we did it for three months, we could in fact pay off approximately twelve thousand dollars in debt by December 1, 2009. So, we agreed we would do it. For three months, we are funding nothing in the budget categories except things which keep body and soul together and keep us working. We are still tithing 10 percent; we are paying the mortgage and all housing related bills, and keeping the food and gas budgets the same. We do have some cash available from August's budget buckets which we will stretch. We will also fund any necessities for the kids (snow boots, for example) as they come up.

But honestly, for the rest of it? We have a ton of health and beauty aids, and stuff -- just stuff -- that we can use up. We have a ton of house projects to finish. We have a park 3 blocks away, and a library. As long as I have Alterra coffee in the morning, I'm good, and that comes out of the food budget. Baboo has his treadmill and his fishing pole and fishing license. Hiking is free. Bike rides at the lake are free. Walks in the park are free. And we have noticed that when we follow God radically -- when we listen to His will for us -- things have a way of working out. We can do this, with the help of God.

So come along for the ride. It should be fun, and I look forward to being able to tell Chase to kiss off by December 1. That would make a fabulous birthday present.

I Hate It When

2009-08-17T07:37:00.001-07:00

someone unnamed turns the overflow fridge up to its warmest setting, thereby turning three gallons of skim milk into buttermilk.

Ew. We'll be making a milk run today.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-17T07:30:00.001-07:00

G'morning, y'all. It's a busy week full of kids and back to school activities. Plus, I have four hotel pans worth of cinnamon rolls to deliver to a work breakfast for the Baboo. We're doing a lot of grilling and crockpotting this week.

Monday: Breakfast (oatmeal pancakes, bacon, fruit)
Tuesday: grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches, fruit, crudite' (this is a fancy french word for cut up veggies) and dip
Wednesday: Grilled pork chops, potato packets, grilled zucchini
Thursday: Hot dogs, burgers, chips, and fruit.
Friday: Mojito lime chicken in whole wheat pitas with salad greens (dinner in a pocket!)
Saturday: Crockpot italian chicken, rice, broccoli
Sunday: pulled pork sandwiches, tortellini salad.

It's The Little Things

2009-08-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today's gift: after a rough morning in court, a voicemail from my in-laws, telling me they are thinking of me and love me.

Three Bucks a Day Gourmet: Breakfast

2009-08-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, breakfast! The most important meal of the day. It's not too difficult to fit a good hearty breakfast in on three bucks per person per day. Breakfast foods are generally cheap, filling, and healthy. Here's how I do it:

(1) Fill them up with oatmeal. Oatmeal, butter, and maple syrup are bought in bulk; the oatmeal is less than .70 per pound; butter is 2 bucks a pound or less (I buy it when it goes on sale and freeze it). All liquid sweeteners are bought in bulk, and we use very little. I got one of those very small-tipped squeeze bottles used by high end restaurants for saucing plates (.98 at Target or Wal-Mart) and decant the maple and honey into those so my heavy pourers can't OD on the syrup. We do keep instant oatmeal packets around for "those mornings." I have a great baked oatmeal recipe which my husband and a couple of my kids love; in the fall and winter it is used heavily.

(2) Bagels and cream cheese. Very inexpensive, lots of protein. I buy whole wheat bagels in bulk at Costco or Sam's Club. Cream cheese is bought at Trader Joe's for 1.29 per 8 ounces (it is hormone free, and though I can get it cheaper elsewhere it is worth the money for me). I whip a couple of bricks of cream cheese bricks up into whipped cream cheese and that stretches it and makes it easier to spread. I do the same thing with butter -- whip it with some canola oil or skim milk and it stretches the butter (don't use this for cooking or baking, just spreading and grilled cheese).

(3) Baboo and I drink coffee. We spend about 20 bucks a month for organic chem-free decaf. Real half and half is 3.79 for a half-gallon, which lasts all month.

(4) Cereal is either bought with a coupon, on sale (never more than a dollar a box). Many times I can get it for less than a dollar a box and I stock up. I try to minimize cereal breakfasts, they don't fill the kids up as well as the options above.

(5) On weekends or days off, I sometimes make cinnamon toast, or a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls, or homemade muffins (carrot/pineapple, sometimes cranberry orange, sometimes pumpkin). I use at least half whole wheat flour.

(6) In the summer, we drink a lot of breakfast smoothies. Seasonal fruit (berries and peaches) with some low fat yogurt, low fat milk, protein powder, flax seed, and crushed ice make a really filling, really refreshing breakfast.

(6) I batch-bake whole wheat waffles and pancakes and freeze them. They defrost and crisp up nicely in the toaster.

(7) Once in a blue moon (every 6 months or so) I get a screaming deal on toaster waffles or (gasp) Pop-Tarts. I never pay more than .50 per box for this stuff; I just don't buy it unless it is this cheap. Each kid gets his fair share of the loot, which is divvied up and labeled with the kids' names. When their share is gone, it's gone. It is always interesting to see who eats theirs up first and who rations theirs out.

(8) Hard boiled eggs are a great quick breakfast, paired with some whole wheat toast and juice. We keep about a dozen around for snacks and breakfasts.

(9) In a pinch, we have had a granola bar, string cheese, and an apple for breakfast in the car on the way to school or church. Quick, relatively nutritionally sound, and not messy.

What's the Deal Wednesday: Walgreens (cheap Huggies baby wipes!)

2009-08-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

You need one of these coupon booklets; inside is a $2.00 off any Huggies wipes, size 64 or larger. It is a Walgreens coupon, which means you can also use a manufacturer's coupon along with it; there were .50 off coupons in weeks prior, and will be more in this week's inserts. Walgreens has Huggies buckets for 3.29. So, use the $2.00 off with a .50 off coupon and get buckets for .79 each. The cool thing about the $2.00 coupon is that you only need one coupon for multiple buckets -- so if you buy 4, the coupon will take $8.00 off your order.

Also, recall that there is a 1.00/1 Sharpie highlighter coupon here, which you can use at Walgreens to make a penny.

There's a Listerine/Reach deal which I posted about here, as well as a Band-Aid/Neosporin deal. And also, Colgate Total Enamel Strength toothpaste is free after register rewards this week.

If you are a newbie, start with the Colgate; pay 2.99, get 3.00 back. You can then use the 3.00 register reward to offset your out of pocket costs for the band-aid deal, which will net you 4.00. Then use that register reward to offset your out of pocket on the Listerine/Reach deal. You will end up with toothpaste, band-aids, toothbrushes, mouthwash, and floss for far less than normal, plus you will have a six dollar register reward at the end of all of it to do the next deals, or use to buy things you need but have no coupons for.

Tightwad Tip Tuesday: Cut Open Your Tubes

2009-08-11T09:00:00.001-07:00

I luuuuurve Bath and Body Works lotion and shower cream. Luuuurve it. And hate when I run out. When I get to what I think is the end of the tube, I take my handy dandy kitchen shears and cut open the tube at the crimp and along the side. There is usually enough in the tube for one or two more applications. This tip will work for anything in a tube -- even toothpaste.

A Couponing Primer: or, Today's Haul: Walgreens

2009-08-10T17:06:00.001-07:00

When I first started the coupon thing lo these many years ago, it seemed a little . . . overwhelming. But I want to show you that it is doable, and to teach you how to maximize your time and effort in couponing. Here's how.

First: see that list of blogs on the right hand side? You must go see Money Saving Mom right now. Crystal is a wonderful blogger and has her finger on the pulse of so many great deals out there. I highly recommend going to visit her blog and reading the CVS or Walgreens 101 posts. They are very good at explaining how this all works.

So go read, and then come back.

Done? Okay, great. I'm going to show you an example of how to use lots of different kinds of strategies all together to maximize your dollar at Walgreens. This week, there is a great register reward deal; a register reward is a coupon that spits out of the register when you buy the right combinations of goods. This week, if you buy three Reach toothbrushes or floss or 500 ml Listerine at 3/$9, you get a $6.00 register reward. All on its own it is a good deal; pay $9.50, get $6.00 back, making the items about two bucks each. However, There is a three dollar off three Reach/Listerine coupon from last week's newspaper inserts and you can use it to take three dollars off the total. What this means is, if you use that coupon, instead of $9.50, you pay $6.50 out of pocket, and get back $6.00 to spend on other things, making the cost per item effectively .13 each.

With that $6.00 register reward, you can then purchase other things that spit out other rewards. I used mine to get the following: ten packages Sharpie Accent highlighters, for which there are $1.00/1 Sharpie Accent highlighter coupons here (print as many as you like, I did ten); these highlighters are .99 this week, making them a .01 moneymaker. I also bought two packages of band-aids, using a .50 coupon on each. And I bought 6 packs of Bic pens, using a $1/2 printable coupon available in the blue bar on the right and in the Sunday newspaper coupon inserts. And finally, I used an in-store coupon for $2.00 off a package of Huggies wipes. I also used a weekly Walgreens coupons to buy memo books for .19 each (I use these for tracking my billable time and noting the weekly deals in the ads. After all coupons (printable, in-store, flyer, and newspaper) and the six dollar register reward I got from the Listerine/Reach transaction, I paid a little over five dollars for everything in the picture below. That wouldn't be bad all on its own, but then! Because I bought two Band-Aid boxes, I got another $4.00 register reward.

What will I do with all of this stuff? Use it, or donate it to my local elementary school.

If I were so inclined (and I might be), I could take the $4.00 off register reward, and do another Listerine/Reach deal, making my out of pocket $2.50 and getting me another $6.00 register reward. Which I could then use to do another Band Aid transaction.

It seems complex, but start small. What do you need this week? Highlighters? Then go, and get some free ones! Toothbrushes? Then go, pay six dollars, and get six dollars back to spend on other stuff you need!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Again, few to no kids this week, so we keep it simple:

Monday: leftover spaghetti zucchini bake
Tuesday: nachos with leftover taco-flavored chicken, rice, beans, and white queso sauce
Wednesday: pulled pork sandwiches, potato packets, broccoli
Thursday: French Quarter Chicken pasta (zucchini, shrooms, and whole wheat pasta in a garlic butter sauce), salad
Friday: blessed silence, a glass of wine, and a book. plus, cambezola cheese, fruit, and crackers.
Saturday: maybe date night! or maybe meatballs at Ikea.
Sunday: Whatever the Baboo desires. This is usually homemade pizza with white sauce, basil, spinach, and feta cheese, but he can choose and I will cook.

Low Impact Larger Family Living: Check Craigslist First

2009-08-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Y'all know I love me some Ikea, and y'all also know I have five, count'em, five kidlets, ages 6 thru 9. Although we have a biggish house, we have smallish bedrooms and the kids are at the age where private space would be a wonderful thing. I have been eyeing these loft beds at Ikea: They would get all the kids out of bunks and open up a bunch of floor space, especially for my daughter, who has a postage stamp sized room (but a room of her own, which every girl needs). I could whip up some fun privacy curtains for the bottoms and each kid could have a quiet space to read, think, get away from siblings, even those that share a room.

However. Five times 199.00 is a little steep for us right now. We were going to have to bite the bullet and do something, though, because one of the bunk beds is broken. Soooo, I planned to take a little trip to Ikea next weekend to get two.

Except my sweet Baboo, ever the environmentalist, said "maybe we should check Craigslist first." And when we did, we stumbled upon four (count 'em, FOUR) of this exact model, barely used, all available, and some with extra add on shelves and desks to boot. The grand total for all four? $525. Saved at least 300 bucks, saved the impact of manufacturing four new beds, and saved the time and cost of driving to Schaumburg.

Okay, not that last part, because I'm still going to Ikea next weekend. :p

The moral of the story? Check Craigslist or Freecycle first. And if you have a trip planned to Ikea, for heaven's sake, don't cancel it.

What's the Deal: Office Max August 9-15

2009-08-09T06:58:00.001-07:00

Always love the penny deals at Office Max!

This week at Office Max:

ONE PENNY for a one subject spiral bound notebook. Limit 3.

ONE NICKEL for a wooden 12 inch ruler. Limit 3.

ONE THIN DIME for a 10 pack of Dixon #2 pencils. Limit 3.

TWO THIN DIMES for a 24 pack of Crayola Crayons (that's as low as it gets on these crayons, folks, although Office Max's store brand crayons are one penny here and there throughout the season). Limit 3.

sooooo. . .

.03 for 3 notebooks

.15 for 3 rulers

.30 for 30 pencils

.60 for 3 packages crayons

A grand total of 1.08. You probably have this amount rolling around under the seats of your car.

A reminder: think of those less fortunate. If you cannot use these items, consider buying and donating to your local elementary school. You would be amazed at how many children come to school the first day with no supplies.

The IKEA Catalog Is Here!!!

2009-08-07T14:08:00.001-07:00

It's here! It's here!! The IKEA 2010 catalog is here!! It even has coupons for coffee and cake and meatballs. It came just in time -- I'm going to IKEA next weekend with a girlfriend!!! I LOVE IKEA!!!

Do I sound like Steve Martin in The Jerk? I hope not.

My husband so knows what I will be doing tonight after the kids go to bed. (Sorry, sweetness).

Oh, and just for the record, if you're in the Milwaukee area and are ever looking for an Ikea partner -- hit me up.

Quick Take Friday: Keep Lunches Cold With Dish Soap

2009-08-07T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is a nifty little trick I picked up somewhere, not sure where. Instead of buying those squooshy freezer gel pack thingies for keeping school lunches cold, take a snack sized ziploc, fill it with dish soap (like Dawn or Palmolive) and place in freezer. Then add to your kid's lunch bag. It will keep things cold until lunch. Have the kid return it and reuse indefinitely.

As an alternative, you can also freeze your kid's juice box or yogurt cup; as it thaws it will keep the other food cold as well.

Three Bucks A Day Gourmet: Introduction

2009-08-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

This is the first post on a multi-week series on how I feed seven people on about 3 bucks per person per day.

What? WHAT? Yes. Three bucks per person per day. Totally doable, and totally yummy.

I feed my family of seven, 2 adults and five kids, on three bucks per person per day. We are all very well fed (in fact, one of us a little too much so . . ahem). We eat at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day. We eat meat. We have snacks. Much of what we eat is organic, and hormone and antibiotic free. And we don't believe in sacrificing quality for quantity.

Why three bucks per person per day? That number may seem arbitrary, but it is actually roughly the amount the federal government provides to people who recieve food stamp benefits. The USDA has calculated the average cost of feeding a person in America and posts that information here, and those are the numbers, adjusted for certain personal factors which I will explain later, that I used to set this guideline.

Why do this at all? I had a couple of reasons. The first was that I wanted to be conscious of how much I was spending on feeding my family to control our grocery budget. As a family, we have financial goals we would like to meet, and one of the non-fixed line items in our budget is food. The second was that I wanted to be a better steward of the resources God has given me; not just money, but a good mind, a healthy body, time, and the desire to cook. And third, because of the recession there have been lots of stories in the mainstream media about how "impossible" it is for a family to survive on food stamps. Just on general principle, I bristle at the thought that something like feeding a family on a fixed amount of money is "impossible." I believe in choices! And I wanted to prove, if only to myself, that we could eat a healthy, abundant, tasty diet on what the government believes is the bare minimum to keep body and soul together and what the mainstream media believes is "impossible."

How? I will show you how, over the course of the next few weeks. I'll include recipes and prices. But first, a couple of preliminary matters.

I do happen to have the benefit of an economy of scale. I feed seven people on a regular basis. Three bucks per person per day in my household is $21.00 per day, or an average monthly total of $638.75. It is actually less than the thrifty plan the USDA would say I am entitled to. If I calculated the "thrifty" plan based on the amount of time I have my children (half time for my three stepsons, 75 percent of the time for my two children), plus the full allotment for me and Baboo, I would be "entitled" to spend $695.41 per month. So I do three bucks per person per day to keep me sane; it's a nice round number, and $21.00 per day is a number I can work with. I feed 2 adults full time, 2 nine year olds and a six year old half the month, and a six and seven year old seventy five percent of the time.

My actual budget is a "household" budget, and it is $700.00. The difference between my $21 per day and that $700.00 must absorb all other consumable household goods (paper products, laundry and cleaning products, health and beauty aids, school supplies, light bulbs, etc.) For purposes of this series, I'll be including info about how I do that too.

Are there people who do better than me? Absolutely. One nice lady, Gayle, feeds her family of six for sixty bucks per week here. I love her blog and I love her ideas. Another lovely lady feeds her family of five (newborn included) for forty dollars a week here. Mary Ostyn just wrote a book on feeding a gaggle of family members for $75 per week. I have much to learn; but I'd say that I am doing fairly well, and with your help I'll be challenging myself to go even lower. Maybe next year it will be Two Bucks a Day Gourmet. *smile.

Look for posts on how I do breakfast, lunches, dinners, hospitality, beverages, snacks, and other household needs on three bucks per person per day in the coming weeks. And have a great weekend!

What's the Deal: Today's Haul from Sentry

2009-08-06T13:49:00.001-07:00

Here's how today's haul went at Sentry:

4 half gallons dean's over the moon milk
2 bottles Ken's dressing
2 packages Gold'n Plump drumsticks
2 jars Fishers nuts
1 jar Peter Pan peanut butter
1 package Cole's garlic toast
4 packages Hunt's pudding
2 jars Mount Olive pickles
4 packages Lipton rice mixes
2 6-packs v-8
1 can chef boyardee ravioli
1 can chocolate whipped cream
2.5 lbs grapes
1 lb. zucchini

total spent $14.29
total saved in coupons $37.48

this trip took about a half hour, so my hourly wage was about seventy five dollars.

Taming the Stepmonster: How I Avoid Burnout

2009-08-06T05:45:00.000-07:00

I am the mother of five: two of my own children, three stepsons whom I love as my own. Most times we live in relative peace and harmony, for which I am eternally grateful. They know I love and respect them, and most of the time they love and respect me back. Not bad as far as parenting goes.

But then there are those days. We all have them. But generally speaking, around here "those days" can be traced not to me or their dad, but to something or someone else. The anger, frustration, disrespect comes out sideways. And though I am no psychologist, I am aware and smart enough to know that displaced anger and frustration only comes out when children feel safe. Again, the fact that my children feel safe with me and their dad/stepdad leaves me thankful beyond measure.

Still, it is frustrating. Even when you do not have a combative or mentally unstable co-parent, it can be difficult to be the container for all the anger and frustration a child may feel. Multiply times five, and you have a recipe for emotional exhaustion.

The solution? Disengage. Look at parenting as a spiritual process, in which you are asked to show the love of Christ/loving kindness to everyone, including your children and their other parents. Sometimes this requires careful listening. Sometimes this requires telling the truth in love, in a child's terms. Sometimes this merely requires granting God's blessing to the other parent. Sometimes it requires holding a crying child and reassuring that things will be all right. In any circumstance, it requires you, the parent, to empty yourself of desires, pride, and what have you and allow yourself to react with kindness to every situation.

This is easier said than done. Most times I trend more toward "postal episode" than "spiritual practice." But I am learning and working on it, and I encourage those of you who are working on it too to have heart. You are simply planting seeds which may or may not bear fruit; but it is the planting and not the fruit that is your responsibility.