Monday, March 29, 2010

Get Motivated Monday

This week's goal is: prepare for and organize your Easter dinner. For me this includes: cleaning, shopping, cooking, and preparing table décor. The kids and I will be making out centerpiece this year! Happy Easter!

Meal Plan Monday

Monday: Burgers on Grill, Curly Fries, Frozen Broccoli Mix

Tuesday: Chicken/Stove Top Casserole, Corn

Wednesday: Smoked Sausage, Potatoes, Green Beans in Crockpot

Thursday: Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup

Friday: Homemade Pizzas, Ice Cream

Saturday: Tacos and Queso Dip w/Chips

Sunday: Easter dinner: ham, potatoes, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, the WORKS!

Breakfasts: poptarts, cereal, eggs, oatmeal

Lunches: leftovers, lunchmeat/tuna sandwiches, chicken nuggets, buttery noodles

Sunday, March 28, 2010

My Plan for April

Since we are headed to Disney at the end of April, I will be hoarding funds for extra FUN! My plan is this: no more than $20/week on groceries (pretty much bread, milk, eggs, yogurt, and produce.) Since we are gone the last week of April, that means I should only spend $60 for the entire month. Since my monthly budget is $220, that leaves me with $160 for FUN.

I know me and I know that this will be a challenge. My plan is to completely avoid looking at the grocery ads to not be tempted to stock up on a big sale. I will shop one store per week only (maybe Meijer or Aldi.)

Walk with me and see how we do. There is an awful lot of pantry to eat around here! :)

Friday, March 26, 2010

Deep Thoughts at 4 AM...

I've been having some discussions lately with others and with myself... How much is too much? What should a family of four be comfortable with? Is there ever enough money? How can we live more simply?

My heart's desire has always been to give. To be comfortable, not extravagant, and be able to give more than just tithe. At what point will I feel free to truly give the abundance of our income? Will I ever feel "safe enough" to give freely from the overflow of my heart?

Many of you know my background... I was raised by a single mother (my father passed away when I was three) and my grandmother. We were poor. At times we were hungry. We received government assistance in many forms on top of our social security checks (ie. health clinics, food lines, etc.) We needed.

In high school, due to unfortunate circumstances, I moved in with a Christian family, who personified the exact opposite of my family. They gave: tithe, offering, missions, building funds, gifts, fundraisers, charities, and I am sure many more ways than I was even aware. They fed me, clothed me, took me to doctors, put a roof over my head, took me on trips, helped educate me...just because that's the kind of people they were: givers. I was blessed.

I have always felt a deep need to give back. My eyes always overflow when a "feed the children" commercial comes on. My heart breaks when I drive past the foster home on St Rt 13. I have taken my children to food pantries. I have served faithfully (and some will say too much) in the church. I wonder at this point in my life, what my motivations are for service? Thanks? Gratitude? Relief? Pity? Understanding?

Here's what I know today: my children will NOT go hungry, they have clothes, they have medical care, they are loved. I am NOT that same hungry, scared, deprived little girl any more. My husband works his fanny off to provide for me and to make me feel safe, secure, and stable. He goes over and above the call of duty daily. I can not outgive/outwork God and working more doesn't impact how He loves me.

So, here is what I claim: I have enough. Satan, stop tormenting me with feelings of fear, inadequacy, temptation to hoard junk/food, and the thought that I can never have enough in my bank account/pantry/etc. I know in my head that everything GOD has given me can be taken away. I know in my heart that God is enough for me and that He has always and will continue to take care of me. I am NOT that little girl anymore and I want to live a life of JOY, FREEDOM, and PEACE.

Lord, Keep on keepin' on with me. I am learning more everyday of what it means to be sweetly broken and wholly surrendered. You are the Potter and I am Your clay; I need more molding. I trust You today. Amen.

"All of You is more than enough for all of me.
For every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me with Your love.
And all I have in You is more than enough."

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Triple Deals at Kroger


Kroger's triple coupon sale is back!

I bought 43 items. I saved 69.86. My total spent was 28.82!!!

A few highlights:

Pampers Wipes 1.99 (-.50 MQ x3) = .49 each!
Pillsbury French Loaf 1.00 each (-.50/2 MQ X3) = .25 each!!!
Bounty Basic Paper Towel 1.09 (-.25 MQ x3) = .34!
Suave Deodorant 1.29 (-.50 MQ x3) = FREE!!!!!!
Sunny D 1.00 (-.25 MQ x3) = .25!!!
Tasters Choice Coffee Sticks 1.09 (-.50 MQ x3) = FREE!!


I may do another trip this weekend as I still have coupons cut and not filed...shame on me! ;)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Kroger - Triple Coupons ARE INDEED Back!

I just confirmed that Kroger is tripling coupons up to .50 starting tomorrow. This promotion goes through Sunday. I confirmed with the Deo Drive (Newark, OH) store's customer service department. :)

Taste of Home Cooking School

I was blessed to attend the Taste of Home Cooking School last night as a gift from my friend, Jennifer. I learned a lot, got some swag, had girl-time, ate some great samples, and had a few laughs!

What I wanted to share with you all is this: If you get a chance to go to one of these, DO! The tickets are about $12 and your ticket includes a subscription to Taste of Home Magazine. That in itself is worth the $12! They also did about 30 giveaways (Jen won a bag of groceries!) and the exhibit hall was full of samples and giveaways. All in all, a fun time, for a little money and the plus of a magazine subscription to boot!

(As always, this is my opinion. Taste of Home has not asked me to endorse their cooking school or their magazine.) :)

I Got 'Em!

Yesterday, the kiddos and I headed to mecca (ToysRUs) to get the Toy Story DVD BlueRay combo pack deal. I printed 2 $10 off coupons from Disney Movie Rewards.com (you have to own the old VHS to get these...if you don't own them, you can find $5 off coupons.) Well, anyway, after the ToysRUs promotion of by both and get a better price of 16.99/each, my two $10 coupons, and a gift card leftover from a Chritsmas retrn (it only had $1 and change on it!), I spent....


dadadada........


......$15.45!!!


I had 2 happy campers and will have some good entertainment for that drive to Disney World in April!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Kroger - Sale on Kids Vitamins

Do your kids take multivitamins? Mine do!

Kroger has a sale on the Disney gummy vitamins this week at BOGO. They are 6.99 each regular price. Combine this with a $1 MQ from the Sunday paper and you will get 2 bottles of vitamins for $5.99!

(We got Princesses and Cars, if that matters to you...)

Heads Up on Meijer Deal

Prego Sauce is on sale this week at Meijer. You can use .50/2 coupons from the paper which double to $1/2. Also, and this is the big deal, for every 3 that you buy, you get a $1 OYNO coupon printed at the register. I bought 6 = $2 OMNO :) That's Italian! (and that's a deal!)

Get Motivated Monday

This week I am baking in preparation for a couple of busy weeks...I will be making my homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, some cookie dough to freeze, breakfast breads and the like.

It should be an interesting week with a hot oven!

Also, I will be going through my sons summer clothes (as well as my own). We are headed to Disney in a few weeks, after all! :) (Thankfully my daughter is all set!)

This will probably prompt a run to drop off stuff at Goodwill...

Do you have any projects for this week?

Meal Plan

Monday: Spaghetti Pie, Homemade Bread, Salad
Tuesday: EASY (possibly McD's with Dad for family night?)
Wednesday: EASY (Buttery Noodles + Veggies...Daddy is teaching)
Thursday: Basil Chicken with Pasta (we still haven't eaten this!)
Friday: Idaho Tacos (Baked Potatoes with Taco Meat, Corn, Cheese, Tomatoes/Salsa, and Ranch Dressing) + Cookies
Saturday: Grilling Out Burgers and Hot Dogs with Friends
Sunday: Pizza Soup, Rolls

Breakfasts: Cereal, Pancakes, Oatmeal, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Lunches: Lunchmeat Sandwiches, Crackers and Cheese, Leftovers, Frozen Burritos

Saturday, March 20, 2010

My letter to KMart - Shame on you!

Here is a copy of the email that I sent KMart to defend myself and my friends who have tried to use their coupon and have failed (and been treated rudely, like criminals...)

"I am completely appalled at the way your company has handled the $10/20 coupon that was featured on YOUR website. I did not download/print/copy a fraudulent coupon, I simply printed a coupon that was available on your site.

Let's say that you made a mistake (since that's what you are saying), why not honor the coupons for those of us who legitimately printed them BEFORE you realized that you made a boo-boo. Your error is not my problem!

However, when you accuse me and my friends of being fraudulent or unethical in front of our impressionable children, then I am one mad mama! Shame on you, KMart, for not standing by what you say. In my mama world, we call that promise-breaking. You broke a promise and lost quite a few customers.

Hope Labutis"

If you had a problem with KMart, I would encourage you to email/call/write to them also. The more of us they hear from, the better! (I am to the point of even avoiding super doubles after this!)

Friday, March 19, 2010

KMART - Not Legit! I Quit!

Well apparently the KMart coupon is not legit. Not technically fraudulent, just meant for certain cities only...and it came directly from ther corporate site...aka "their" error... Go HERE to read Kristen's post on this one.

Again, I remind myself that if something sounds too good to be true...it is. I'm getting fed up with KMart. I personally think that because they made a mistake on their site, they should honor the coupon for those that have it. (They already deleted it from the site.)

Here's hoping that you didn't waste a lot of ink of these!

Has Anyone Used the New KMart Coupon Yet?

If you have successfully used the new $10/20 KMart coupon, please respond and let us know how it went and what you used it for.

I have seen great ideas for tp, laundry soap, diapers, DVD's, etc and am curious as to how you will use yours...

Thursday, March 18, 2010

KMart HOT Coupon $10/20!!!

Go HERE to print your coupon for $10/20 purchase at KMart. These are going fast and there is a limited number, so print NOW!

*Use this for Super Doubles or just to stock up on tp and laundry soap because it's such a great coupon!*

Thanks, Kristen, of Couponing to Disney!

Please Vote

If you haven't already voted in the poll at the bottom of my blog, please do! I would love to hear about how you found A Hope-Filled Home.

Thanks for reading and happy saving!

Do You Love My New Header?

Many thanks to my dear friend, Becky (and her computer guru hubby, Andrew), for this FANTASTIC new design!!! This is what the front of my business cards looks like and I LOVE it!

If you are in need of some graphic design work, I highly recommend Chimp Graphics. Contact me for the contact info. Becky does superior work, has an amazing portfolio, and reasonable rates! Does your blog or business need a design overhaul?

Oh, and be on the lookout for a new button...when you find it...please grab my button (teehee!)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Princess and the Frog DVD Coupon and Rebate Info

Go HERE to see how you can get Disney's Princess and the Frog DVD for as little as .99 after coupons and rebates! Thanks, Kristen, of Couponing to Disney for this tip!

***I don't need the painters tape (nor do I want to spend $6 on it for the rebate) so the final cost of my DVD will be $5.99...which I think is still a good deal!***

Monday, March 15, 2010

Heading to Target...


I'm heading to Target tonight for some great deals and Easter surprises...I'll let you know later what all I got. I am picturing multiple transactions here!

Don't forget to check out Target's website, where you can print coupons that will STACK with manufacturer's coupons...

And, take a reusuable bag or two, because you get credit for using them in the store (which will lower your total OOP.)

Menu Plan Monday


Monday: Hot dogs with Chili, Chips, Strawberry Applesauce (I have a meeting I have to get to at 6:30!)
Tuesday: Daddy is teaching; hoping to meet him early at McD's for family night (kids meals are $1.99)
Wednesday: something easy as Daddy is teaching (mac and cheese - turned green, green jello w/fruit, green koolaid)
Thursday: pancakes with turkey sausage (didn't have last week)
Friday: hamburger on grill, baked beans, macaroni salad, carrot cake
Saturday: basil parmesean chicken with angel hair pasta and salad
Sunday: spaghetti pie with garlic bread
Breakfasts: doughnuts on Monday, Cereal, Oatmeal, Scrambled Eggs, Granola Bars
Lunches: bologna or pb sandwiches, chef boyardee, grilled cheese and tomato soup, leftovers, bagel bites

Get Motivated Monday

One thing for us this week:

Prepare and décorate for Easter! This involves 2 Rubbermaid totes of stuff as Easter has always been my favorite holiday. I do plan on sorting through my décor though and ananything that I haven't used for a while offering it up for a young family to use. I think that it's just as important to décorate for Easter as Christmas!

Does anyone else décorate for this holiday or am I just weird?

Update and Apologies

For some reason (unknown to man) Kroger chose to NOT triple coupons this weekend in the Central OH region. I did speak with 2 friends in the East and South (OH) who confirmed that they successfuly made a triple run.

Please be on the lookout in the next couple of weeks for the Kroger Triple signs when you do your regular shopping. Triples are not usually advertised (with the exception of a sign on the door as you walk in.) If you see it coming up here in the Central OH area, give me a heads up, please!

In the meantime, I'll keep holding my coupons for the KMART Super Double that is supposed to take place the first week of April.

I will now make a public disclaimer: Before you spend two hours getting your coupons ready, call the store first to make sure that they are participating (this is a not to self...) I am sorry for any confusion or frustration that you may have had trying to shop at Kroger this weekend. Please accept my sincerest apology.

(For you readers that are not local, did you score anything great? Oh, I hope so!)

Saturday, March 13, 2010

We Hit a SUPER Sale Today at the Disney Store!

So, if you haven't heard yet, we are going to DISNEY!!! And, better yet, WE PAID FOR IT WITH CASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Can you tell I'm excited?)

So, I've been scouring the travel books from the library on Disney and I've come up with a few things to save us money. ie. We bought ponchos at Big Lots for $1 each because if you get caught in the rain at Disney, they will gladly sell you one for about $12. :( One of the other things that I've been warned about was the price of souvenirs at the parks. So, I came up with a plan: $20 maximum for every family member to spend however they want in the parks...and an early trip to the Disney Store at Polaris Mall to hit up some sale prices courtesy of Uncle Sam and his tax refund!

All in all, we did well...everything was on sale!

Reagan got:
2 Disney t-shirts (1 Ariel and 1 Belle) @ $6/each
1 Belle straw tumbler cup @ $4
1 Mermaid playset @ $8

Grant got:
2 Disney t-shirts (1 Mickey and 1 Toy Story) @ $6/each
1 Toy Story tumbler cup @ $4
1 Toy Story playset @ $8

Daddy got:
1 Mickey t-shirt @ $8

Mommy got:
1 Tinkerbell t-shirt @ $8

We are set for our trip at a fraction of the price!!!

Friday, March 12, 2010

McDonald's FREE Sample Today ONLY - Local Area

Stop by a local McDonald's today and ask for a free sample of their new frappe's. You can choose either carmel or mocha flavor. Thanks to my friend, Andrew, for this tip!

Modified Repost: Giving - What Do You Have to Give?

***This is why I do what I do...for all of you new readers out there...this is my heart...

I really do love to save. I get a charge out of it (and not the kind that affects my credit score.)

I enjoy a good deal. I love sharing the deals with you. But, what do I love most about this lifestyle? GIVING. Thats' right, not hoarding, but GIVING.

I love to give freebies or cheapies to our local food pantry. I love to bless my friends with small pampering gifts. I love to have excess for new moms, grieving families, or those affected by layoffs. It does my soul good to share a meal, a sack of food, a basket of toiletries...anything I have to give.

I love to teach my children the art of giving, the practice of sacrifice. They like to put our purchases in the food pantry collection basket at church. They have stocked the shelves there. They understand that we are blessed, that Daddy takes good care of us, and that God holds our world in His hands.

What do you have to give today? Can you clean out a cupboard for a food pantry? Can you pull clothes from your closet to donate to a rescue center? Can you take extra school supplies to a school in need? Can you give cookies to a lonely neighbor? Can you simply take your kids to a retirement home and give the gift of time?

I love this old Crystal Lewis song and I will close with these lyrics... What do you have to give?.

In Return

By Crystal Lewis

All I had to give was a broken heart, torn apart
That's all I had to give
All I had to give was an empty hope and promises
That's all I had to give

But in return He gave me joy that could never be told
And in return he gave me love that was more precious than gold
So whatever you have to give, You don't have to be ashamed
Just come as you are and present it in Jesus name

For in return of a torn life, He'll give you life abundantly
And in return of a raging storm, the Lord will calm the sea
So whatever you have the Lord has so much more
So what do you have to give?

Oh if you were like me, you didn't have a lot of gold
Position or money, you didn't own wealth untold
But I'm glad He didn't look on the things that I had
But he looked and gave me all, all that I need!!!!!

Oh for in return He gave me joy that could never be told
And in return He gave me love that was more precious, more precious than gold
In return of a torn life He gave me life abundantly
And in return of a raging storm my Lord will calm the sea

So what do you have to give?

If You Have a Minute...

Please read this post from Saving & Giving titled, "Is Being Frugal Really Worth It?" For those of your who are discouraged out there, this just may be the pick-me-up that you need today! Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing your sweet heart.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Heads Up - Kroger Triple Cpns

I just heard that Kroger is supposed to be tripling coupons this weekend. That means that any coupon up to .50 will be tripled (.50=1.50). Get your coupons ready for some great deals!

How do you file your coupons?

I met some nice folks in Kroger this morning who stopped me to ask if it was easier to file my coupons in a binder. My answer to them was a resounding, yes, YES, YES!!! I save so much more money using my binder, I am able to find what I need quickly and efficiently, and it even makes discarding expired coupons easier.

Here are some of the methods that I've previously tried that have failed for me:
  • expandable coupon holder
  • labeled envelopes (ie. dairy, canned goods, etc)
  • index card box with dividers
  • manila folders with uncut coupons that I would have to find and cut before every trip.

Now I use a recycled college 3-ring binder. It is filled with baseball card holders. I have post-it tabs to quickly find the sections that I need. It is quick, workable, portable, and I love it. Trust me, it's nothing fancy, nothing store-bought, nothing manufacturered specifically for coupons, but it's mine, and it works.

How do you file your coupons?

Monday, March 8, 2010

Budget Update - Feb Finals and March

Just went through our checkbook and thought I'd give you a little update on our food/toiletry budget...

February Final Totals

Budget 220 (55/week)
Total Spent 158.29
Difference + 61.71

March (so far)

Trips
28.29 Meijer
14.47 WalMart
22.14 Aldi

Budget 220
Total Spent 64.90
Difference + 155.10 (this is what I have left to spend for the month)

FREE Coffee Every Monday In March

Go HERE to find a Dunkin Donuts near you. If you find one, every Monday in March, get a FREE medium coffee or iced coffee. The closest ones to me are Columbus, Reynoldsburg, or Gahanna. For those of you who can, enjoy!

Get Motivated Monday

Do you plan to garden this summer? If you do, here is this week's challenge...

Go to the library and get a couple of gardening books to plot out your plan for this summer. I particularly love the concepts of square foot and container gardening.

Purchase some seeds at a garden center or online through a seed company.

Save 1/2 gallon milk/oj jugs and 2 liter pop bottles to make mini greenhouses to start your seeds in. (Tomato seeds should be started in the next week or so indoors.) Also, make plantable pots out of newspaper to start your seeds in.

Start saving kitchen scraps for a small compost...use a small lidded garbage can or rubbermaid with holes in it outside to keep your mini compost in. Research this online for help.

Get planting this weekend. We started cheery tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, and yellow squash already in our basement. I still have carrots to start, spinach, lettuce, peppers, chives, etc to plant in the soil after the last frost.

Happy gardening!

Menu Plan Monday



Monday: Chicken Broccoli Packets, Brown Rice with Veggies, Strawberry Applesauce

Tuesday: leftovers/clean out fridge (hubby is teaching)

Wednesday: easy (hubby is teaching) maybe grilled cheese or frozen pizza

Thursday: Chris' Pizza Bake, Garlic Bread, Salad

Friday: Fish Sticks and Fries + Rice Krispie Treats

Saturday: Pancakes + Turkey Sausage

Sunday: Shepherd's Pie + Rolls + Carrot Cake

Breakfasts: French Toast Sticks, Oatmeal, Cereal, Granola Bars/Pop Tarts

Lunches: Tuna, PB & J, Soup, Open Faced Turkey Sandwiches (Hormel Entree; I add mash potatoes + green beans)

Today's Tip Times Two!

Two quick tips for you readers out there:

1. Always check your magazines for coupons and remember to tear them out! This month in Parent's magazine, I found a coupon for $1 off Ronzoni Smart Pasta. This should make for some FREE or almost free product when matched with a sale.

2. Always scan your CVS card BEFORE you shop at the kiosk in CVS that spits out custom coupons based off of your card. You can get a $5/15 coupon sometimes. Yesterday, I got a coupon for $1 off of 2 Skippy peanut butter products. I thought that I would check the price to see if it was a good sale, and lo and behold, it was on 2/$3. My coupon made it 2/$2 ($1 each). Because we use so much peanut butter, $1 happens to be my stock up price, so I went ahead and purchased 2, even though they were not on my list. Sometimes you just can't pass up a good deal, so scan those cards!!!

Do you have any tips that you'd like to share? If so, post them in the comments section...it's fun to learn from each other!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Ch - Ch - Changes

Changes are coming to A Hope-Filled Home! My business cards came in the mail today and I will be featuring my new logo. I'd really like your feedback when it comes up, so please tell me what you think.

My dear friend, Becky, designed my logo and business cards. For all of you bloggy-friends out there, if you are interested in a new look, email me and I will get you in contact with her. She has great references, good prices, and is a truly talented graphic designer! Watch for the design changes to hit this weekend...

Oh, and pray for me...my speaking engagement at the Chamber of Commerce is coming up and I'm spending the weekend getting ready (powerpoints, handouts, etc.) Pray that I find the right stuff to keep these good folks entertained! (If you have any super grocery deals that you'd like to share for this presentation, send me a pic with the link...I'd like to start my presentation out with some shockers!)

Thanks for your loyalty, friendship, and encouragement. I could not imaginee life without this creative outlet and without you, my readers!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Sun Chips FREE

Become a FAN of Sun Chips on Facebook and get a coupon for a FREE bag! Sounds like a good deal to me...

Five Fab Finds for Friday

Five Fab Finds for Friday

1. Home Depot Kids Workshop is tomorrow. Take your kids to build a rain gauge, eat popcorn, and have a good time for FREE!

2. If you are a homeschooler, sign up your kids for Pizza Hut’s Book It program. Go HERE to see Megan’s post on this…thanks, Daily Essentials and Deals!

3. Want to try a new{er} product for FREE? Go HERE to see how you can score a FREE Clorox Toilet Wand. Thanks, Saving and Giving!

4. If you haven’t answered my poll question yet, please do! Scroll down to the bottom of my page and tell me how you found A Hope-Filled Home. This info will really help me reach more people…oh, and please keep telling your friends about us too!

5. There are going to be 3 coupon inserts in Sunday’s paper. It may be a great week to buy an extra paper or to talk to your friends at preschool, church, etc to see if you can have their inserts if they just pitch them (shame, shame!)


Have a great Friday!
Hope

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Poll - Please Read

Please scroll to the bottom of my page and take a moment to answer the question, "How did you hear about A Hope-Filled Home?" This info will be ever so helpful to me! Thanks, friends.

Rebate on Curious George 2

For those of you planning to buy George...check out this rebate HERE from Target.

Thanks, Couponing to Disney!

Could It Be True - KMArt Super Doubles, Back?

Rumor has it that KMart will be restarting their super doubles promotion starting the week of 4/4. What that means to you is, get your binders ready for a coupon extravaganza...seriously they will double up to $2 in MQ (=$4 off). This will get you a LOT of free stuff in the toiletries, cleaning, and grocery sections. It will get you a TON of cheap stuff in these sections as well in addition to housewares (think Rubbermaid), batteries, entertainment, etc.

Let's get ready to......KMart!

(As always, call your store before you drive to make sure that they are participating...mine is 40 minutes away.)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Cleaning Out!

I've been cleaning out the female kiddo's closet/dresser today. I also cleaned out (went through) the boxes of baby stuff that I've been keeping in the attic and decided to part with some more stuff that I am no longer weepy over. I have no idea where she is going to sleep tonight!!!

So far, I have:

  • A huge Kohl's bag to take to my friend Kelly (btw, I made a rule with myself that if I was given something, I can not resell it at a consignment sale or garage sale...I just don't feel right doing that...if someone blesses me with something, I pass it along.)
  • A pile of stuff we/Grandma bought to sell in a kids sale to go towards this summer's wardrobe/Disney vacation. (I use the money from the things I sell to outfit my kids for the next season...making our clothing purchases CASH-ONLY!)
  • A diaper box of baby boy clothes for my friend, Crystal, who just had her 5th child, and only, boy!
  • A full moving box full of more stuff to sell...do you think we will make enough to cover the gas money for our trip? I hope so...

Next step (but another day), the son's room...he has a bigger closet and more drawer space...how did that happen? :)

Spring is on its way!

2 FREE Boxes of Cheerios

Go HERE to get 2 FREE boxes of cheerios. You can choose from Original, Honey Nut, or Frosted.

Thanks, to Julie from a new site that I LOVE called Kingdom Klippers!

(I ordered Frosted Cheerios, by the way, because we have never tried them before...)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Stockup Price - Quaker Instant Oatmeal @ Meijer

What is a stockup price? It is a deal so good, so utterly-fantastic, usually under $1 or FREE, on something that you/your family uses regularly, that you want to maximize your savings and STOCK UP! I hit that sweet spot today at Meijer...

Quaker Instant Oatmeal 1.88
MQ $1 off per box
Pay .88 per box total

I bought 4 boxes. That used up all of my coupons. IF. I. WOULD. HAVE. KNOWN. ABOUT. THIS. SOONER. I. WOULD. HAVE. BOUGHT. COUPONS. FROM. AN. INTERNET. SITE.

WE USE A LOT OF OATMEAL!

Family Fun Night at McDonald's - Tuesdays

For a "limited time" (whatever that means) McD's in the central OH area is offering Family Fun Nights on Tuesdays. Any Happy Meal is discounted to $1.99. Call your McD's to see if they are participating. We are headed there tonight to meet Daddy for an early dinner before he teaches.

"Would you like fries with that?"

Monday, March 1, 2010

Rebox Today Only

TODAY'S CODE IS : RBXLUV4U

USE THIS CODE AT A REDBOX NEAR YOU TO SCORE A FREE MOVIE FOR TONIGHT!

CVS Trip: 2.52 OOP

Trans 1:
2 Pepsi 2 Liters + 1 Diet Mt Dew 2 Liter = 3/$4
2 bags Gold Emblem Candy .99/each
1 Softsoaf Body Wash 4.79

Used 1.00/2 bags of Gold Emblem from CVS scanner at front of store
Used 9.00 ECB

Paid 1.11 OOP

Earned 4.00 for softsoap, 1.00 for soda, and 1.00 for green bag tag usage.

Trans 2:
Revlon creme eyshadow 6.99
Revlon eye shadow quad - FREE (BOGO)

Used 2/2.00 MQ for Revlon
Used 2.00 ECB

Paid 1.41 OOP



And the best thing is I still have 4.00 ECB to use next week!

Wags - Saved 40.02

It Worked! IT WORKED!



I bought 6 Purex laundry detergents + 4 boxes of Kleenex and paid 5.44 OOP. I earned a $1 RR Coupon towards my next purchase. I bought 6 laundry detergents and paid TAX only using my coupons.



According to my receipt, I saved 40.02!



Here is a copy of my receipt to prove it.

Free Purex at Wags this Week

It has been reported that Walgreens has BOGO Purex this week. If you use your BOGO MQ, you should get both for FREE and just pay tax. If you have a problem doing this (which is perfectly legal and their registers will accept this by the way...) just cancel your order, walk out with your head held high, and try another Walgreens. You also may be able to "price match" the same deal at Target or WalMart. Now is the time to STOCK UP on FREE laundry soap.

PS: If you don't use this brand of soap and can get the deal, would you condsider donating it to a local food pantry? Jesus said, "whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me."

Happy Monday!

March

A quick note about March -

March is typically frozen food month. You may want to use up some stuff in your freezer to make room for the deals that are sure to come!

Just givin' you a heads up :)

Get Motivated Monday

Hello, friends! It's the start of a new month!!! That means that this week's challenge is simple:

Clean out your expired coupons. Send them to a miliary friend or relative because they can use expired coupons for a period of time.

Since this week was light on coupons (one insert), you should be able to get organzed fairly quickly and be ready for March's bargains.

Happy Clipping!!!

Meal Plan Monday


Here is this week's meal plan:
Monday: Hamburger Helper + Veggie
Tuesday: Easy - Hubs is Teaching (Thinking Mac and Cheese/Hot Dogs)
Wednesday:Easy - Hubs is STILL Teaching (Thinking Sandwiches for Kids/Leftovers for Me)
Thurdsay: Spaghetti + Garlic Bread
Friday: Pepperoni Pizza Bake + Salad
Saturday: Potato Pierogies
Sunday: Meatloaf + Mashed Potatoes + Corn
Breakfasts: Toaster Strudel, Cereal, Muffins, Breakfast Bars
Lunches: Leftovers, Ramen Noodles, PB & J, Tuna Salad

March's Monthly Meal Plan

March's Monthly Meal Plan - Dinner's Only

Here are my 24 meals for March. These 24 meals leave 7 days left for eating out, leftovers, church dinners, etc.

1. Pepperoni Pizza Bake + Green Beans
2. Spaghetti + Garlic Bread + Salad
3. Pancakes + Bacon
4. Basil Chicken w/ Pasta + Broccoli
5. Tacos + Mexican Rice
6. Bean Dip (with leftover taco fixings) + Chips
7. Meatloaf + Mashed Potatoes + Corn
8. Fish Sticks + French Fries + Applesauce
9. Chicken Fried Steak + Mashed Potatoes + Green Beans
10. Chicken/Broccoli Pkts + Rice + Salad
11. Hamburger Helper + Peas
12. Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup
13. Chicken Parmesean + Spaghetti + Garlic Bread
14. Frozen Pizza + Brownies
15. Shepherd's Pie + Dinner Rolls
16. Chef Salad + Jello Cheesecake w/Cherry Topping
17. Pizza Soup + Breadsticks
18. Hamburgers on Grill + Baked Beans + Chips or Pasta Salad
19. Ham Frittata + Toast + Fresh Fruit
20. Idaho Tacos + Fresh Baked Cookies
21. Spaghetti Pie + Garlic Bread + Caesar Salad
22. Potato Pierogies
23. Hot Dogs with Coney Sauce + Tator Tots
24. Chicken Enchilada Casserole + Queso Dip and Chips