Smiths and Albertsons Deals

Smiths

They have LA Looks products on sale for 10 for $10 I had a $1 off 1 = free gel!!!

Also when you by 1 Revlon beauty item you get a $2 coupon for another

I was told I would get a $2 Catalina this was not the case it is a manufacture coupon for another Revlon item when I realized what was happening I did put a few items back DO NOT be afraid to do this if things change.

I found the foundation in the clearance basket, yet another reason you should always have all your coupons with you at all times.

The nail stickers and a drink not pictured where/are for my very pampered daughter :)

Albertsons

Albertsons has an in ad coupon making the Ken's salad dressing .88 cents stack with the $1 coupon and you get free dressing! Limit 4 per transaction

FYI had I done this trans. at Walmart where they give you overage I would have had .72 cents to spend on something else or have them give me cash back.

Also their Chex Mix and Bugles are on sale for 10 for $10 Stack with .50 off 1 sweet and salty Chex, .50 cent off 1 Bugles, and .50 off 2 Traditional Chex and you get a lot of after school snackage for under $6 :)

Walgreens

4 packages of 12 rolls of toilet paper $5 + Walgreens coupon for $1 off + Man. coupon for .75 cent = $3.25 each
4 packages of slip on Huggies $9.49 + Walgreens coupon for $2 + Man. for $3 + RR for $2 = $2.49 each
6 packages of Stayfree $6.79 + BOGOF Walgreens + BOGOF Man. up to $4. something = less than $2 a package
3 Pert Plus $3.99 + Man. $1 off + RR $3 = free
2 Ibuprofen Clearence for $2.49
6 Revlon nail polish $3.99 + $2 Wal + $1 Man + $3 RR = MM $2 each
6 Glee fillers .50 each
1 folder filler .50
1 carmel filler .33
3 decal fillers .25 each

total out of pocket $33.83

Albertsons

10 pizza rolls 10 for $10 + .40 off 2 use 5 double 3 + $5 back after .18 each

6 v-8 juice (Zachary needed some as soon as I got home so only 5 in picture) 2/$4 +$1 off doubled = free!!

12 progresso soup 10 for $10 + $1 off 4+ double+ $5 after buying 10 = less than .10 each

Crest toothpaste $2 + .75 doubled = .50

Milk $3.49 (no coupon and in shock!!!)

Straws .99 cents for my FIL

(not pictured) 10 Hamburger helper 10/$10 +.75 off 3 doubled + $2 back +$5 back =$2 MM!!

Today is the last day of the sale at Albertsons so if you have doublers and coupons use them today!!!

Another Wal-Mart Price Matching Trip

This trip I actually got DH to help because we were price matching Kmarts double days and you can only get max 4 of the same items per person. So this was done in 2 transactions. The first trans. DH did and it was

3 Texas Toast price matched

4 pickles

4 carefree liners

we had $1 coupons for texas toast and pickles and .50 off care free they were doubled up to .99 and the balance was negative so we added 4 up2u gum with $1 off 2 coupons and paid less than a $1

My trans was

3 Toast

4 pickles

4 liners

4 Bandaids price matched and had .50 off coupons making them free

3 kleenex price matched and .50 off 3 doubled making it $2 for 3

4 hand soap price matched and .35 doubled making them .30 each

3 poptarts $2.12 with a $1 off 3 doubled to .99 making it 4.27 for 3 boxes

My total was 7.88

So we spent just over $8 for all of this!!

Twice the Value at Albertson's!

The kids posing with the goods :)

Lucas was playing peek a boo behind the goods

Okay today starts Albertsons twice the value coupons. They are in the paper and you can use 3 at a time. I bought 10 papers and did 9 transactions I have 1 set for another day.

I will start on the left and go right...

Chocolate Milk reg $4.59 used a free milk coupon paid .09

4 Fiber One Brownies Reg $3.99 on sale for 4/$10 or $2.50 used .75 off 1 doubled 3 got four boxes and got 2 $2 off next trans and free milk coupon. So 3 were free 1 for .75 plus free milk :)

5 Garden Delight pasta reg $2.49 sale $1 had $1 off 1 so 5 free!!

4 Oat Heads reg $1.49 sale .97 plus $2 off next when but 4 so .50 each

2 Hunts reg $1.29 *sale .79

Syrup $2.99 no sale or coupons just needed it :)

2 Lucky Charms cereal bars reg $3.49 sale 2/$5 stacked with $1 off 2 dou bled so $1.50 each

4 Betty Crocker fruit snacks reg $3.19 sale 4/$10 stacked with .50 off 2 doubled $2 each get 2 $2 off next so $1 each plus free milk

8 Nature Valley Thins reg $4.29 sale 4/$10 stacked with .75 double 3 then got 2 $2 so $.75 for 4 plus free milk Did this twice cause we LOVE these!

6 Suave reg $2.79 sale $1.88 stack with $1 off 3 albertsons coupon and $1.50 off 3 that was in a display so $1.04 each! Did this 2 times as well getting kids and adult shampoo and conditioner.

4 Velveeta Dinners these are reg $1.99 *sale $1.49 stacked with .55 off 1 total .94

3 All detergent reg $5.99 *sale $2.99 stacked with $1 off doubled so $1 each

Welches Jelly reg $2.29 * sale $1.79 stacked with .55 off for 1.24

2 Mt. Olive Pickles reg 3.49 sale 3.19 stack with coupon found on pickles for .75 off so 1.69

4 taco bell beans reg $1.29 sale $1 Didn't have a coupon but we needed them :)

6 Who Nu Cookies reg 3.19 sale 2.50 sack with $1 off doubled .50 each

Bananas 1.51

*mega sale buy 10 items

REG $176.33 Paid $23.20 including 3 more milk coupons I have :)

Oh and it pays to go to the same store regularly and get to know the staff the manager gave us a bunch of free diet dr pepper she had left over from yesterday's promotion!!!

Walmart Price Matching = Big Saving Time & Money

Okay well first off the pick doesn't match this Wal-Mart trip but it was a previous one :)

My Mom left with half the stuff before we got a pick so oh well.

On the trip pictured above I price match the band-aids and A1 saving $12 and a trip to target :)

But today's trip was the most I have priced matched so far.

We priced matched:

Air Wick starter kits for $4.98 on sale at Walgreen's (we got 4) Reg. $7.99

matched with a $4 off coupon = .98 each

Hamburger, tuna, & Chicken Helper for $1 on sale at Smith's (15) Reg. $1-$1.98

matched with a .75 off 3 coupon=.75 each

Pringles for .99 at Lin's (9) Reg. $1.50

matched with $1 off 3 = .66 each

Kellog's cereal @ Smith's for $1.66 (10) Reg. $2.98-$3.62

matched with $5 off 5 = .66 each

Infusium shampoo and conditioner @ Walgreen's for $1.98 (3) Reg. $5.98

matched with a coupon $1 = .98

Hunt's sause @ Albertson's for .88 (2) already stocked for me just for Mom :) Reg. $1

no coupon but great deal

Filler paper @ Stapel's for .25 (8) Reg. .75

Milk @ Albertson's 2.29 (1) Reg. 2.32

matched with .75 off

Bacco veggie crumbles Reg. price 3.32 (2)

matched with $2 off 2

Saved $96.75 spent $33.67 on these items Saving like 75% :)

And would have gone to 5 other stores for these sales had they not price matched.

Also picked up a few things that are at the lowest in town like pretzels and dog food.

And did it all with 4 children in tow in 2 hours :)

Overall price matching can save you time and gas it does take longer to check out but it is worth it! Find a nice cashier and take your time tell them when you start you have price match items cause if they start scanning they can't go back or they get mad. Tell them each item and where and how much it is.

It is best to put all like items together since they have to type in each price.

Also I found out today they are doubling coupons (first 3) when Albertson's does you have to tell them you are.

Good luck and happy saving :)

Couponing

I have been couponing for awhile but got into in again hardcore a few months ago. Several people have been interested in it and so I am going to post when I have a good trip. Please know that I shop for my family of 5, my home daycare, my sister and Mom too. Most people do not need to buy the bulk that I buy. Also I have a stock pile so we don't purchase for a week or even a month I buy for 3 or more months since the same things aren't on sale every week/month.

Today I went shopping at Walgreens and Albertsons

It is the last day of Walgreens sale and Albertsons goes until Tues.

Another great thing to save on is all the free kid activities stores have!

We went to Home Depot and made coaster sets :) They have it the first Sat of the month!

Also we went to Micheal's they have a great summer program Tues, Thurs and Sat 11-1 they are doing a craft from a different country!

At Albertsons they have Coca-cola 12 packs on sale for 2.80 when you buy 5 I stacked with a $2 off 2 coupon and got 10 for under $2 each, Also Gatoraid is on sale for .50 cents each when you buy 10, bought 30 (we will be luck if it lasts the month), Also Tostitos on sale for 1.99 when you buy 3 mix and match. And the Dixie plates are on sale and I stacked with a coupon so they were less than $2 each. Adding it all together I saved over $80 :)

Walgreens: Pringles on sale for 4/$6 with a $2 RR I stacked with a $1 off 3 coupon getting them for .75 each, Twizzlers were on sale for 2/$3 with a $1 RR I stacked with a .50 off 1 getting them with .50 each, Gram Crackers and Chocolate are 2/$6 with free marshmallows when you buy both I stacked with $1 off 2 Crackers, $1 off 2 Chocolate and .20 cents off 2 Marshmallows

To use my RR I filled with 2/$1 Arizona tea/juice and found a clearance basket with some plastic plates which we need for our trailer, .29 activity books and crafts.

Now my rule of thumb is to try to save at least 50% and if it is a product we are trying it needs to be free or very, very cheap like under .50. Also I can toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, body wash, deodorant and such for free saving us hundreds.

But I will say that to save the max you can't be brand picky but even if you are you can still save with a little time and effort.

A tutorial for Laura and Janet :)

Easy skirt

Measure the person you are making the skirt from waist to desired length.

Supplies you will need

you will need to get the length of your skirt plus 2 inches for hemming

Waist elastic

matching thread

Start By

making sure that both ends of your skirt are cut straight.

Then turn right sides together or inside out.

Sew open side together with about 1/2" seam allowance

Then hem the bottom of the skirt by folding the fabric twice about a 1/4" twice and use straight stitch.

Wind your bobbin cause you run out half way through hemming the bottom of the skirt :)

Get distracted by your cute 3 year old asking why you are taking pictures of your sewing stuff and not him. Take one of him and move on :)

Then fold over the top a 1/4" then the width of the elastic. Top stitch with a straight stitch.

Make sure you leave a gap to thread the elastic.

Use a safety pin on one end of the elastic to thread it.

Stitch the ends of the elastic together with a zig zag stitch forward and back a few times to make sure it is secure.

Top stitch the gap.

Sew on any tags or embellishments.

Then try it on and enjoy it!

Tie shirt

I think I need to make one of these for each of the boys for easter. I have been trying to find an easy tie pattern and this would be so much more them and I think it will be TONS easier.

http://www.saltwater-kids.com/2008/10/tie-shirt-tutorial.html

I think I will use the jelly bean fabric that I used to make Zoe's purse that also matches her skirt. I will have pics when I am done!!!!

This week's Menu

3/8-3/14

M-English Muffin pizzas and fruit
T- Steak and fries for DH's B-Day
W-Salad
T-Applesauce Chicken rice and green beans
http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/09/crockpot-applesauce-chicken-recipe.html
F-Apricot chicken in Crockpot

Apricot Chicken in Crockpot

4 chicken breasts
1 cup of apricot jam
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 very large can of apricots (and juice!)

Put chicken into your crockpot. In a small bowl, combine jam, brown sugar, and spices. Pour over chicken. Add the can of apricots evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for about 4.

Serve with rice to soak up the yummy juice.

S- Left over dinner
S-Out to Dinner for our Anniversary

Yogurt review

I think it turned out great! I am going to try to make some more today and do it alittle different. The first batch I used vanilla yogurt as a started DO NOT do this use plain. It turned out good but didn't really set up so it was more like yogurt drink. Also because my kids and I are used to processed yogurt when I tried to mix it with baby food cause I thought it would be healthier it was too blah for them. So the second batch I blended ripe bananas and strawberry jam and it was a big hit. Everyone loved it! I just got some fresh blueberries so I am going to blend them with some sugar and see how that turns out. Also this new batch I am going to leave for 24hrs to culture and set up more. I also recommend if your kids are stinkers like mine that you save containers from the expensive yogurt and serve them in that.

Yogurt price results and meal change

Well after I purchased all of the stuff I needed to make the yogurt I have a price breakdown.

Cost
Cream $2.29 x2 = 4.60
Milk $1.59/2 = .80
Yogurt $ 2.99/3 = $1

total 6.40

Makes 128 ounces = .05 an ounce for heavy fat yogurt
High fat yogurt purchased at health food store $1 for 4 ounces = .25 an ounce

So it's a pretty big savings for a semi simple thing. I think in the future the hardest thing will be the time it takes to be around to turn off and add things but I can always plan on doing it on nights I am home. And if I work it right I can start to make bread while I make the yogurt.

Also DH decided he wanted to make Carne Asada instead of Hamburgers so we are changing Wed to that and that means I need to stop at the Mexican market to get the meat and onions tomorrow.

I am really excited to know what we are having each night I think it will be relaxing around 5 to know what I am cooking.

Menu Planning

So after going to the store 4 times last week I realized that I needed a better system. Interestingly enough a group I belong to is having a menu/meal planning contest so I am going to start that.

Here is want I have so far.

GOALS


Follow a meal plan so that I don't have to go to the store more than once a week.

Make more things like yogurt and bread from scratch.

Make sure that ODS is getting his yogurt once a day.

Use up food we have in the house.

Get back into using the Crockpot and bread machine.

Keep using the rice cooker/steamer.

Use fresh fruits and veggies from co-ops before they go bad.

3/1-3/7

Weekday Breakfasts consist of Bread, bagels, jam, peanut butter and butter. We also have a TON of dry cereals that we need to eat so I am going to try to bag some of that to be able to grab and go.

M- Mac and Cheese with Green Beans and Applesauce and apple walnut salad http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Walnu....tte/Detail.aspx

T-Pork Roast w/ potatoes, carrots and onions and green salad

W- BBQ Hamburgers and French Fries

T-tortilla soup

F-Costco roasted chicken w/ mashed potatoes, green beans and green salad

S- taco salad w/ leftover chicken

S-Orange Chicken w/ Rice



Shopping List for 2/28

Onions
Green Salad
Walnuts
Balsamic Vinegar

Pick up fruit co-op Monday ($24) order veggie and fruit basket ($15) Monday

Recipes

I am going to try this since my ODS is supposed to eat high fat yogurt everyday and it's about $1 each cup from the health food store and it should be A LOT cheaper this way.

Yogurt in a Crockpot

I got the original recipe from here

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/....r-crockpot.html

Ingredients

--8 cups (half-gallon) of whole milk--pasteurized and homogenized is fine, but do NOT use ultra-pasteurized. (Debbie recommends starting with whole milk until you get the hang of yogurt-making)

I am going to use cream since my son is on a high fat diet

--1/2 cup store-bought natural, live/active culture plain yogurt (you need to have a starter. Once you have made your own, you can use that as a starter)

--frozen/fresh fruit for flavoring

I am going to use the left over baby food we have.

--thick bath towel

The Directions.

This takes a while. Make your yogurt on a weekend day when you are home to monitor.

I used a 4 quart crockpot. This is so exciting. My fingers are shaking!

Plug in your crockpot and turn to low. Add an entire half gallon of milk. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours.

Unplug your crockpot. Leave the cover on, and let it sit for 3 hours.

When 3 hours have passed, scoop out 2 cups of the warmish milk and put it in a bowl. Whisk in 1/2 cup of store-bought live/active culture yogurt. Then dump the bowl contents back into the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Put the lid back on your crockpot. Keep it unplugged, and wrap a heavy bath towel all the way around the crock for insulation.


Go to bed, or let it sit for 8 hours.

In the morning, the yogurt will have thickened---it's not as thick as store-bought yogurt, but has the consistency of low-fat plain yogurt.

Blend in batches with your favorite fruit. I did mango, strawberry, and blueberry. When you blend in the fruit, bubbles will form and might bother you. They aren't a big deal, and will settle eventually.

Chill in a plastic container(s) in the refrigerator. Your fresh yogurt will last 7-10 days. Save 1/2 cup as a starter to make a new batch.


After I make it I will post the results.


My Tortilla Soup Recipe

1-2 cups of chicken* any kind is fine canned, bottled, diced or shredded
1 cup of diced or canned tomatoes
optional minced chillies a few tablespoons
1 can or 1 cup of corn
1 can of refried beans* and/or 2 cups of your favorite beans
*refried beans make it thicker!
tortilla chips
cheese

What ever spices you use to season your taco meat. I use taco seasoning, garlic and onion

add small amount of oil to pan or crockpot
add chicken and spices
cook until chicken is browned
add everything else cook until boiling
if using a crockpot cook on low for a few hours

Serve over tortilla chips and with cheese

Crafty Craziness

I have been busy with learning how to knit on a loom and making some fun sewing projects.

I knitted a hat for each of the kids for Valentines and then knitted a few extra for Zoe. She also knitted a hat for a friend and a hat for a friends American Girl doll for her birthday. It's great to see her excited about something that she made for a friend.

The two blue and white hats on the left are for the boys, the two in the middle for Zoe, cream colored one for a baby, and the three on the right are for Zoe's friends birthday's two for dolls and one for her friend.

Zoe's twirl skirt I made for her for a late birthday present.

I made a matching skirt for her doll.

Birthday Fun

The boys had a pirate birthday party and it was a blast!

We had a fun pirate ship cake and some fun games.
Lucas loved his cake! He started small but soon had it everywhere!

Zach actually ate his cake with a fork this time. But really enjoyed it!
Lucas enjoyed a small bath in the sink after eating his cake.

We played a game with donuts on strings. They were supposed to just use their mouths and not their hands but the little ones got tired and cheated.
Where is the donut?
Lucas' smash cake!
He loved his cake and we were smart this time and blew out the candle before he could reach it!

Zach blew out the candles and was very excited about the ship cake.

My sis D and her new guy.

Pre-Halloween fun!

We found this cute costume at a thrift store and it was perfect with his ears we got 2 years ago at Disneyland! After putting it on he smiled a great smile then stated "Let's go!" "Where?" I asked "To my clubhouse!"
I made pumpkin seeds while they carved pumpkins. They turned out yummy this year!
Zoe carved two pumpkins all by herself this year! She pick the designs and did everything herself.
Jerry helped Zach carve this. What that means is that Zach tried to stab the pumpkin Jerry stopped him a few times and tried to redirect him to where he needed to cut then he ran off to play and Jerry finished. :)

Zoe carved this ghost too!

My little bat baby!

Zach playing on the tractor at the farm

Lucas' fun Halloween outfit I made the leggings out of knee high socks.

I made this dress and bow for Zoe and we found these cute tights to go with it!