Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Blahs

As far as I'm concerned the recent deals have been ho hum.  Hopefully my luck changes tomorrow when I hit up Schnucks.  I will post if I find anything good.  I'm hoping they still have the Beneful dog meals.  The dog really likes those.  She's such a spoiled brat.  
Another great deal there this week is the new Kraft cheese and bread cumb mix. Fresh Take.  Looks like they are on sale for $2.  When you buy 2 use 2 $1 off coupons and get a catalina coupon for another $1 back.  Making them $.50 each.  
For a complete deal match up head over to Clippin with Carrie.   

I am planning on doing some more cleaning projects with more homemade cleaner recipes later this week.   We have been busy lately.  Our youngest is getting ready to test for his black belt so things have been a little hectic around here.  We are hoping he passes so we can slow down for a bit.  

I've also been busy baking bread.   When the kid told me we were out of bread the other day, I told him that's why I baked bread.  Can you tell my kids always have had store bought bread?  I am getting it down pretty good.  I only have to glance at the recipe now just to double check myself.  This is definitely a plus.  This way I can turn this out faster.  I have growing boys.  They try to eat me out of house and home on a daily basis.  
It's been a challenge to do more things from scratch when you also have a full time job.  But I feel it is totally worth it.  I know what I'm putting into their food and what I am not putting in.  And did I mention it is so yummy?!  I think I just need to invest in more bread pans so I can make more at one time.  I have done 2 batches this week.  Growing boys!  Even worse,  teenage growing boys!  
Well another day is done.  We shall see what tomorrow brings.  

Upcoming Sunday Coupons



We should be getting 1 smart source, 1 red plum, and 1 P&G insert this week.  Go here to find out more.  Scroll down and click on SS, RP, or PG for 3/4.

Entertainment Books 2 for $29

Another great deal on an Entertainment Book going on today.  2 books for $29.  $1 shipping per book.
Shop through Ebates for 17.5% cash back.  

Bali Bra Sale


One Hanes Place is having a Bali Bra Sale.  All Bali bras are on sale for $14.99.  
It looks like they have lots of different sizes and colors.  
Don't forget to shop through Ebates to earn 3% cash back.  

Subway: Free cookie with any purchase


Subway is giving away 1 free cookie per person per purchase today only.
Sweeeet!

Wednesday Wows


Wednesday WOWS are up.  Go here.
This week we are featuring $2 off Meat Masters Ground Chuck (good on the purchase of 1 pound or more). Our Bakery is offering $1 off Gooey Coffee Cake (21 oz pkg already on sale), Produce has a $1 off Cuties Tangerine Juice (48 oz bottle) and the Deli has $.50 off a Twice Baked Potato. Remember to print now, you can redeem through Sunday (3/2/12). These coupons are good at all Schnucks, Logli, Hilander and Culinaria stores in all the states we serve.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Great article on couponing


Households with incomes of $100,000 or more are twice as likely to coupon as those who earn less than $35,000. College-degree holders are also twice as likely to use coupons as those who did not graduate from high school.
Go here to read the full article.  Interesting.

Thanks Money Saving Mom

Free Flip Flops: Victoria's Secret



Victoria Secret.  Free flip flops with Pink purchase.
Go HERE for all the details.  

Free Allergease sample





                               Allergease is offering a free sample of their all natural allergy support.  

My produce basket today


What I got in my produce basket today.  A great way to get alot of fruits and veggies cheaper than the grocery store.  This stuff is absolutely piled up.   It fills my big laundry basket.
In our area the pick ups are every other Tuesday.   I haven't been doing this over the winter because a friend of mine said it becomes more root vegetables in the winter.  Not any more.  They are now doing 50/50 fruits and veggies.
You must purchase a basket and then they also have great add ons.
Check them out:  Community helpings produce

Listerine total care zero deal


Walgreens has a rolling deal on Listerine total care zero.   It is on sale for half price $2.99 at my store.   Then it will print you another $2 of coupon.   I paid $1.07 and got another coupon for $2. 

New $1 off 1 Planters peanut butter





Target has a new manufacturer's coupon for$1 off planters peanut butter.  I'd print and hold for a sale.

Free Tampax sample


Go to Tampax Facebook page to request your free sample.

Free Gevalia Coffee Sample


Click here to request your free sample.  You need to click on the blue banner on the upper right hand corner.  

Monday, February 27, 2012

Free sample of gud (lotion)


Head over to their Facebook page to sign up for a free Sample

Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 $19.99





Right now you can get  Lego Harry Potter, Years 5-7 for only $19.99.  (suggested retail $49.99)
It is available for Wii, PS3 and Xbox.  
It will also ship for free!  

Free first night game rental from Redbox



Over at Redbox.com you can get a free first night game rental.  This offer is good until 3/1/12.


*Limit: 1 free 1 day game rental per transaction. Only available for online reservations (not for rentals that originate at a kiosk or for prior rentals). Payment card required. Additional day charges will be $2, except in MD, where they'll be $2.12. Void where prohibited by law. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer subject to cancellation or change at any time. 

Target: Mossimo Skinny Jeans $12 today


Target Daily Deals today:   

                             Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Skinny Jean - Medium Wash

$12.  Get the deal here..
If you go through Ebates you can get 3% cash back. 
Ebates is free to join and if you are new you will get a free gift card. 
If you have a Target credit card or debit card you can also get an additional 5% off.



Sunday, February 26, 2012

100 Kindle books for $3.99 or less






Go here to take advantage of the Kindle book sale.  100 titles for $3.99 or less.

The Borrowers  for $1.59



Hell's Highway $2.99.  Maybe something I'd be interested in. 

Just a couple examples.  There is a little bit of everything included.  



Walgreens trip today

Paid $10 OOP.   Got $2 register rewards.   How did you do today?   I wish I had more gum coupons.  The kid goes through gum.  I haven't seen anything that's really caught my eye.  But there will be a right guard deal on 3/11 that I am totally waiting for :)  Time to re stock the deodorant and body wash.

LOTR Trilogy extended cut Blu Ray $49.49


Amazon's Deal of the Day:  
Lord of the rings trilogy extended Blu Ray edition.  
$49.49 (suggested retail $119.98
Go here.  

Free Pancakes at IHOP 2/28


February 28, 2012
Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 28, 2012, guests from around the country are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes.* In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals© and other designated local charities.
Go Here to find out more.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Walgreens deals 2-6 to 3-3







Some of my top picks this week:


Stride Gum (14 pc) $.69 with in ad coupon
Use $1/2 Stride Gum Single Packs Coupon (2/12 SS)
Final Price = $.19 each wyb 2





Baby Magic Dustless Baby Powder (.28 oz) $6
Submit $6 Mail In Rebate found in Walgreens March Coupon Book (pg 59)
Final Price = FREE




Cortaid Anti-Itch (.5 – 2 oz) $3.99 or $5.99  B1G1 FREE
Use (2) $3/1 Cortaid Product Coupons (1/8 SS)
Final Price = as low as 2 FREE




Nivea Lip Care $2.99


Get $2 RR wyb 1
Final Price = $.99



Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly (32 oz) 2/$4
Use $.55/1 Welch’s Jelly Coupon (2/12 RP) 
Final Price = $1.45 each wyb 2



Finish  Electrasol (20 pk) or  Jet-Dry (8.45 oz) $3.99
Get $1.50 RR wyb 1
Use $.55/1 Finish Jet-Dry Coupon (1/8 SS)
Final Price = as low as $1.94






Thanks Clippin with Carrie 






Hot deal on girls 2 piece pajamas $3.97 shipped

Walmart has these pajamas on clearance right now for $3.  Ship to your door for $.97.  
Change the color for Disney princesses and Tinker Bell.  
Hurry HERE

Friday, February 24, 2012

Willy Wonka DVD $4.99


Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is selling right now on Amazon for $4.99.  
I love this movie maybe because I love candy!  
Go HERE to get this deal.  

What was your first freebie?

My first freebie was toothpaste.  This was my Aha! moment.
If I can get toothpaste for free, which I used to pay $4 for, what else can I get?
My free toothpaste came from Walgreens.  If you watch their ads you will notice something called Register Rewards.  Register Rewards are coupons that will print at the register when you purchase an item.  
This toothpaste was on sale for $3 with a $3 RR.  Which means I paid $3 OOP (out of pocket) but got $3 back to use on a future purchase.  Register Rewards are considered manufacturers coupons and they do have an expiration date.  
Then I found out how to make money on a purchase!   So imagine the same scenario.  Then add a coupon. 
Toothpaste is on sale for $3 and it has a RR for $3.  If I have a coupon for the toothpaste I can use that when I buy the item.  Buy your toothpaste with say a $1 coupon.  I pay $2 for the toothpaste and still get a $3 RR.  
Money maker!  
Another way to make money on items is Walmart.  They will accept coupons for items even if the coupon value exceeds the value of the product.  
For instance.  If I have a coupon for Panko breadcrumbs for $3 and the price of breadcrumbs is $2 at Walmart.  They will give you the $1 back.   Or you can buy other items you need and use the overage towards that.   Beware at Walmart though.  Their policy allows this but unfriendly and unwilling cashiers can really put a tangle in your day.  Ask for the manager.  They do allow it.   I've had good experiences and bad with this.  The reason it is allowed is how a coupon works.  When you hand over a coupon to a store they will send it in for a refund from the manufacturer.  They get the face value of the coupon and 8 cents.  So they are not losing money.  
What do you love to get free?  

Sunday coupon preview 2-26



We should have 2 inserts this week.  1 Smart Source and 1 Pepsico Moments to Save
Go here to get an idea of what we should expect.  

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Hot deal on a 12 mth Xbox live card


This is a HOT deal on the Xbox live card.  This price is cheaper than it was at Christmas.  
So run and grab one now because prices on Amazon change all the time.

Free Purex sample


Go Here to request your free sample.

New $15 off $45 purchase at Yankee Candle


In case you didn't stock up on Yankee Candles during their half off sale, 
here's a new coupon for you.  $15 off $45.  


11x14 Canvas from Canvas people for $27 including shipping



Head on over here to score an 11 by 14 canvas for only $27.  
I've done this deal in the past.  Love them.  

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

New Dial coupons


  

No more poo?! Update




I am into my 2nd week of not shampooing my hair.  For original post, go here.  I've tried a couple different ways of doing it.  I've tried the baking soda paste that you rub into your scalp but wasn't impressed.  It didn't seem to work for me.  I am back to diluting 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water.  Then conditioning with 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water.
I am still waiting for that day when I don't feel greasy.  Well, strike that.   I do have days when it doesn't feel greasy but others where it does bother me.  I am at the point now that I've done it two weeks why would I quit now?  Especially if I'm just about over the hurtle of oily hair.  I mean who knows, tomorrow could be the day.
I did color my hair last week which may have stripped the oil.  So now my hair could be over producing oil again.  Which makes sense.  argh!  I mean come on.  I had to dye those roots!
Overall, I am still happy with this experiment.  No one thinks my hair looks any different.   It doesn't smell like vinegar.  They can't tell that I have stopped shampooing my hair.

After searching the web a bit, I found these great tidbits!!!    So maybe that's what I'm doing wrong...   I need to just be conditioning the ends of my hair.  Hello!


If your hair becomes frizzy, try using less baking soda or leaving it on for a shorter period of time. Adding honey may also help.
If your hair becomes greasy, try using less apple cider vinegar, switching to lemon or lime juice, leaving out the honey, and/or using a comb instead of a brush. Also, make sure you re applying the apple cider vinegar just to the ends of your hair.
If your scalp itches, try the following essential oils; tea tree, lavender, rosemary. If your hair becomes dry, try a tiny bit of oil (any oil, I use olive) smoothed on bottom of hair.


I have to confess (and this is embarrassing to admit) that I usually get dandruff every winter along with itchy scalp.  This has really cleared that up.  I have no flakes what so ever.  That could be why I haven't given up on this.
I am off to NOT shampoo my hair.   Happy No Pooing to you!

Wednesday Wows


Go Here to view the newly posted Wednesday Wows.
Every Wednesday on the Schnucks Facebook page they post the Wows.  They are only available to print on Wednesdays till 8 am Thursday.  The coupons are usually good until Sunday.  
Schnucks also offers drive time specials on Facebook and Twitter.  These are usually great deals but they are only available that day for about 3 hours.  They have been doing them mostly on Fridays.  


Today only: Free peppercorn shrimp at Panda Express


Go here to print your coupon.  Good today only 2/22 at Panda Express.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Score!

I had to dig but I found the Starbucks coffee at Target that had the $1.50 off coupon.  So with the $5 gift card it comes out to $3.99 a bag.   Hubs will be excited.   Starbucks coffee usually isn't in the budget.  


Stack coupons


Another way to really save money is to stack coupons.
Around here we have Walgreens and Target that allow stacking.
Stacking means that these stores put out their own coupons.  Manufacturers put coupons out in your local newspaper among other places.  When you get a coupon look at which it is.  If it's a store it can be stacked with a manufacturers.  
Most Walgreens coupons are in their weekly ads and in their monthly booklets.
Target has coupons on their website.  here  
For instance today I bought the Scott's paper towels at Walgreens.  Normally they sell for $5.  I used Walgreens $1 off and a manufacturers $1 off.  Making the towels $3.  

This is why Walmart is not always the cheapest.  I fell into that trap: Walmart is cheaper than other stores.  They may be cheaper on a couple things to make you believe they are cheaper on everything.  
Not the case when your local grocery stores run good sales and they double coupons. 
Both Schnucks and Dierbergs double coupons up to $.40.  Kroger will double up to $.50. 
It will take a little more time until you get the hang of it.  But make a list.  Get what is on sale with a coupon.
Stack coupons.  I do go to more than one store a week.  In most cases I hit 2 stores a week.  It can be more depending on what's on sale.  
Which leads people to think it takes me longer to grocery shop than them going to one store. 
This may be true but only a small amount of time.  Why is this?   First of all, in our town all of our major stores are on the same block.  Not a lot of driving from one to the other.  Second, I have a list of what I'm getting.  I waste no time looking around and deciding what I want.  I go in and get it then get out.  This also helps me stay on budget.  Looking around usually means spending more money.   

Another great place to look for coupons is coupons.com.
Sometimes you can find high dollar coupons that are not in the paper.  

Theater candy $.42 a box at Walgreens


Did you know that Walgreens has Theature Candy on sale for only $.79 each this week!
But to make this an even better deal you can use the coupon that came in this Sunday 2/19 red plum insert ~  Nestle/Wonka coupon for  $.75 off 2 candies 3.1-6oz (3/31)… after coupon makes it only $.42 a box!!!

I haven't personally done this yet.  Just saw this on A Thrifty Mom's blog and wanted to pass it along.

Update... Did it!  Yay to cheap candy.  Putting that aside for The Hunger Games midnight release!!  woot!

A couple walgreens deals this week

This week at Walgreens 


You can get Scott naturals paper towels for $3.  $.50 a roll.  That's a stock up price in my house.
The paper towels sell for $5.  Use the coupon in the February coupon booklet ( located 
at the front of the store on the same rack as the weekly ad).  
Then stack with the $1 off coupon from 1/15 SS.

Another good deal this week is for Soft soap hand soap.

Use the $.99 cent coupon in the weekly ad and then a $.40 cent off coupon.  (sorry... not sure when it came out since it was in my binder.)   
  
Another good deal is for Walgreens 25 yd foil.  Coupon is in ad for $75.   Time to stock up for all those spring and summer bbq's!

Deep dish breakfast pizza




So another pizza recipe I was telling you about was breakfast pizza.  Today I kicked it up a notch.  I have a 14 inch deep dish pan that I bought to make Chicago deep dish pizza.
I made the basic pizza dough recipe that I posted yesterday.  Go here for that recipe.   I did cut down the water to 3/4 cup and the flour to 2 1/2 cups.
Roll out to cover the pan.  Build it up the sides.  Then add whatever ingredients you have on hand.  I used the last bit of frozen hashbrowns, browned sausage, a tiny bit of spinach (hoping the kiddo wouldn't notice.) ham left over from dinner the other night.  Then I poured 13 scrambled raw eggs over that.   Then add cheese.  I used whatever I had left over.   Which today was mozzarella, cheddar, and colby jack.
I baked for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
It's going to make a great grab and go breakfast this week.  I got about 14 pieces out of this recipe.


Monday, February 20, 2012

Pay with cash

A great way to save money is to pay with cash.  I know this sounds silly but it is so true.  When my friends laugh at me because I get aggravated when I spend $40 at the grocery store it is because I am paying cash.  It hurts to pay cash.  Back in the day I would do what so many of you do.  I'd drop $200 at the grocery store.  It's partially because I didn't have a plan and partially because of my debit card.  I used to see my debit card as a money saver.  I thought if I took out cash I'd spend more.  Really it's the opposite.
How many of you don't pay attention to what you are putting in your cart?  Monetary wise.  You see these things as needs so you don't think about it.  You also don't consider that you may not have enough to pay for it.  You just swipe your card.
I still get off track once in a while now.  I'll go in with my cash but have that debit card just in case.  This always leads to me over spending.
If you start out with a hundred dollars how far will you get?  After the gas station and the grocery store?  Most wouldn't get past the gas station these days.  Some gas stations give you a discount for paying cash. Why not try it?  Commit to a week or two.   See if you think more about what you are putting into that cart.
It's the same principle as going to a casino.  They give you chips so that you disassociate that it's money.  Your hard earned money!

Pizza with a twist





It may be hard to believe but I never used to make my own pizza dough.  It alluded me.  I guess I don't remember my parents ever making their own.  I do remember making homemade pizza but with a prepackaged dough.   Now that I am on my kick to make more from scratch recipes I looked into it.
My first ever attempt with yeast was an epic fail!  I was worried about trying again.  But I had already bought a deep dish pizza pan and I was excited about making a Chicago style pizza.  So I jumped back in.

An easy pizza dough recipe is:


2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
1 envelope Fleischmann's® RapidRise Yeast*
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup very warm water (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F)
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
Cornmeal


Directions

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, undissolved yeast, and salt. Stir very warm water and olive oil into flour mixture. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4 to 6 minutes. Cover; let rest on floured surface 10 minutes.
Lightly oil 1 (14-inch) or 2 (12-inch) round pizza pan(s).** Sprinkle with cornmeal. Shape dough into smooth ball. Divide and roll dough to fit desired pan(s). Top pizza as desired.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes or until done. Baking time depends on size and thickness of crust and selected toppings.

I totally disagree with Fleishmann's on when and where to add the yeast.  I add the water to my bowl first then add the yeast.   I think that is why my rolls were an epic fail.  They did not rise.  The yeast never activated.  Anyhooo....  I always add the yeast to my water now and have not had any fails.... yet.

I know many families make homemade pizza so why another recipe now?   Well I had a few little tricks that we use.  The first of which is experiment with your toppings.   I am a meat and potatoes kinda gal so I don't ever go crazy with veggies but you can still mix it up.
One of my all time favorite things to do with pizza dough is to brush the edges with Imo's sweet italian dressing.  If you aren't from the St Louis area you will have no idea what Imo's is.  It's a St L thing.   It doesn't take a lot but it has great flavor when baked into your dough.   I actually would love nothing better than to just drench the whole pizza dough with the dressing and sprinkle it with parmesan and oregano and bake it.  Then cut it into breadsticks.   It is amazing!   BUT today, I needed two pizzas or else I  would have done that.
Another great topping for pizza is chicken.  One of our all time favorite pizzas is a hot sauce chicken pizza.  When I originally started making this I only used chicken and hot sauce (picky remember?).   Now we usually also add sausage and pepperoni or bacon.  It sounds weird but it is delicious. We also change up the cheese.  I found a great shredded mexican melting cheese.  Yum.
Which leads me to one of my all time weird pizza toppings: french fries.  Yes, I said french fries.  The best pizza I ever made was a breakfast pizza... with fries.
On the dough I use hot sauce.  Then add thawed out chopped up fries along with sausage and bacon.  Add raw scrambled eggs and cheese.  Bake through.   Delicious!
Another crazy pizza would be meatball pizza.  Cut meatballs into fourths and use meat sauce instead of pizza sauce.  Add jalapenos.
Go crazy folks.   The possibilities are endless!    

What's the weirdest pizza you've ever made?





President's Week Sale Entertainment Book


Good until 2/26  All Entertainment Books are on sale for $19.99.
If you go through Ebates you will get 17.5% cash back.  Roughly $3.50.
If you are new to Ebates you will also be able to choose a free $10 gift card
to Target, Home Depot etc. 
Go here to sign up for Ebates.  

Ebates is free to join and pays you back for shopping online.

The St Louis Entertainment book has $30 of Shop N Save coupons.
These can be used on No Coupon Thursdays.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Starbucks coffee deal at Target






Staring today, Target has a nice deal on Starbucks Coffee.
Buy 2 at $7.99 and get a $5 gift card back
Final Price: $5.49 per bag
I am not seeing any coupons available but my Target does randomly have peelie coupons on some bags. You might keep an eye out because I believe they were $1.50 coupons.
Even without a coupon, that is a good deal for Starbucks coffee.

Thanks to My Frugal Adventures