Thursday, March 4, 2010

Shopping Awesomeness and a Goodbye!


Has everyone been enjoying the incredible week at Albertsons as much as I have?  I've spent $19.63 out of pocket and still have $10 in catalinas.  My savings so far is $217.94!  The trick is to roll those catalinas!

I've made a few trips for all this and have been careful not to wipe the store out of anything.  I have honestly spent about two hours organizing and printing coupons, planning my shopping trip transactions, and reading other blogs to do this.  That's like making a $100 an hour!  The shopping trips themselves have been quick because I have been organized and I've had my 16 year old doing transactions too.  I feel like I am really preparing her for when she is on her own in a few years!

I'm not going to break everything down because there are two amazing blogs that have all promotions listed.   Fabulessly Frugal and The Krazy Coupon Lady have worked very hard to compile the deals and you must check them out!

I've made the decision this week to stop posting deals.  There are so many wonderful blogs out there that do such a good job already.  I don't really feel that I have the time to spend working on my blog anymore.  My one year old is so active now and I'm unable to devote as much time as I have been over the past few months to my blog.  A blog takes a lot of time and energy, as do one year olds!

Initially I thought I could make a little money on the side, but the realization quickly came that there is a lot more to it than writing posts.  There is the technological component, the affiliate component, emails and social networking, hours compiling deals, planning and writing posts, taking pictures, networking with other bloggers and so, so much more!  Don't get me wrong, it has been a lot of fun and I've learned so much.  I may come back to it in the future when the time is right.


I'm considering going back to work part time.  I love being a nurse and it is where my real passion lies.  It is a wonderful feeling to help others.  I particularly enjoy the human component that I don't get from being on the computer several hours a day. I feel like I can be more present for my family as well by spending one or two days at work, versus being off and on the computer all day!  I will also actually make some money:)

There are several other reasons that I'm calling it quits.  My friend Jane has stopped writing her blog this week, but for very different reasons.  We were posting each others Fred Meyer and Albertsons deals, so I feel like it gave me permission to do something I've been thinking about for several weeks now. (Not that she would have minded I'm sure!)    I'm also excited about starting my first garden this spring, and have been doing a lot of research and preparation.


Everyone reading post already knows this information, but I'm going to post links to some of my favorite blogs for deals and great couponing tips, just in case.  Please check out all of the other blogs on my sidebar too!

The Coupon Project:  Fred Meyers, Albertsons and all the drug stores.  Angela also has excellent posts on coupon ethics (I didn't realize how much coupon abuse there was until I started blogging), a savings tracker that is a must, and many other helpful resources.

Fabulessly Frugal:  Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and much more.

The Krazy Coupon Lady:  Albertsons, Fred Meyer, drug stores, catalinas, and a wonderful printable coupon data base.

Maybe Frugal:  Great local blog.  I get a lot of information from her personal shopping trips.

Coupon Connections Northwest:  This is a new blog, but they are going at it full force.  They are also, like me, located in Snohomish County.  They post most grocery store and drug store deals, as well as few others specific to our area.  You must take advantage of The Everett Herald delivery deal if you live in Sno Co.  I ordered it the other day and can't believe I waited so long!

Thrify Northwest Mom and Centsible in Seattle:  These are two of the first blogs I found and started following.  Both post a lot of great money saving deals, many of which are specific to our area!


Thanks to everyone who has been following my blog.  I am grateful for every comment and email that I received.  I hope I've helped a few of you along the way!

God Bless! 

Thank you image courtesy of Flickr.com (Vernhart) and stethascope courtesy of Photobucket.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Menu Plan Monday: 3/1



I usually try to do my menu planning Sunday night, but it was a busy weekend and I was just too tired.  Better late than never though, right?

Last week we enjoyed a new pork chop recipe that called for corn flakes that I've been needing to use up.  It was a little bland for my taste, but my family enjoyed it.  I never got around to making the cream cheese and rice chicken, so I'm going to put it on this weeks menu.  I ended up having pizza for my birthday.  My friends think I'm crazy for passing up a dinner out, but yes, I'm that frugal!  I was perfectly happy not cooking and enjoying dinner with the kids.  The cake I planned to bake never came into fruition, but my family surprised me with a carrot cake from Safeway that was really good and I had a wonderful birthday!


Monday:  Tuna Casserole from last month's freezer cooking day and green salad

Tuesday: Amanda's Cream Cheese Rice with chicken.  I am going to substitute diced chicken breast for shredded chicken I made in the crock pot over the weekend and another green salad (splitting a bag each night.)


Wednesday:   Pork Chop Supper (calls for peas, carrots, and potatoes), and dinner rolls.

Thursday:  Tacos with the works

Friday:  Mac & cheese, hot dogs, and veggie chips.

Saturday:  Up in the air

Sunday:  Roast Chicken and veggies, dinner salad, cheesy garlic biscuits.

To check out more menu plans visit I'm an Organization Junkie!

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Rite Aid $3 Off $15 Coupon


I posted a few Rite Aid deals this morning, but I forgot to mention that there is a $3 off your $15 purchase coupon available.   You want to calculate your totals before manufacturer coupons and hand it to the cashier first when checking out to get the best deal.  Just a warning, it will use a lot of ink to print.

I get a little nervous about PDF coupons, but have used them in the past at Rite Aid and was told by my cashier that they are legitimate. This one is valid through March 31st.

Thanks Baby Goodbuys!

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Western WA: Free Ice Cream Wednesday


If you are in Gig Harbor, South Center or Auburn/Lake Taps, you can get a Free Kids Lick with any adult size ice cream purchase on Wednesday at Ben & Jerry's!  I would just recommend that you call ahead to make sure your store is participating.

This could be a fun treat!  

Thanks Frugal 4 A Busy Life!

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Rite Aid Deals 2/28 - 3/6

 


Looking for some good deals this week?  Rite Aid is looking has quite a few!  Here are my favorites thanks to Angela over at The Coupon Project.  You can check out the complete list here.

Almay Cosmetics
Buy one, get one 50% off
Use (2) $2/1 coupons from 2/7 SmartSource
Submit for $5 Rite Aid rebate when you buy 2 Almay cosmetics

Listerine PocketPals $3.99
$1/1 coupon from 1/3 Red Plum
Submit for $3 Rite Aid rebate
Bottom line: FREE

Gillette or Satin Care Shave Gel $1.99
$0.55/1 coupon from 2/7 P&G
Submit for $1 Rite Aid rebate
Bottom line: $0.44 - 0.99

Adult Acnomel Acne Treatment $6.99
Submit for $6 Rite Aid rebate
Bottom line: $0.99

Anti Monkey Butt $3.99
Submit for $3 Rite Aid rebate
Bottom line: $0.99

I found two pack Soft Lips for only 99¢ last night too.  I love this brand!
 
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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Albertsons Doubler Scenarios



Did everyone get their Albertsons double coupons?   I checked 5 papers at my local Albertsons and none of them had the doublers!   There were no Smart Source inserts either.   I hope that someone didn't steal them.   Not only is that rude, it is theft!   I told my cashier, but she didn't seem to care.  (I almost want to rant about how she treated me, but I will refrain for now.)  I was hoping to find one at customer service but there were none to be found.

Fortunately I got one in my home delivered paper.  They were also in the papers at the gas station.

Fabulessly Frugal has done a  nice job of coming up with some great scenarios for the "Just Chill" Promo (buy 10 items get a $10 catalina)!   Make sure you read the comments on their post.  There's a lot of good information from readers.  I posted a few doubler ideas here as well. 

Thanks Albertsons and the really cool manager who helped me out this morning!

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40% Off Seventh Generation Diapers at Fred Meyer


Seventh Generation Diapers are 40% off at Fred Meyer this week!  At my store they were regularly $12.99 last time I checked.  At 40% off they would be $7.79.  Use the $1 off coupon here, and they would become $6.49 a pack.  This sale is good through March 6th.

Thanks Seattle Moms Deal Finder!
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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Walgreens 2/28 - 3/6


Look's like there's lots of fun to be had at Walgreens this week.  Thanks to Mercedes at Common Sense with Money for these deals that are good 2/28 -3/6!  The following are my favorites.  You can check out the rest of this weeks deals here.  If you are new to shopping at Walgreens start here.
 
Purex 3-in-1 2/$9, Earn $1 RR when you buy one
Use B1G1 Purex Liquid Detergent or 3-in-1 Sheets, exp. 3-6 (RP 2/21/10)
Pay $3.50 for two after coupons and register reward

Colgate Total toothpaste $2.99, Earn a $2 RR when you buy one
Use $1/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste, exp. 2-28-10 (ALL YOU Jan ‘10)
Free after coupon and RR

Crest dental Care 3/$9, Earn a  $3 RR when you buy three
Use $2/1 Crest Rinse, exp. 3-31-10 (P&G 02/07/10)
Get three Free after three coupons and RR

Speedstick or Lady Speedstick deodorant $1.99, Earn a $1 RR when you buy one
Pay $0.99 each after RR

Schick Intuition or Quattro $8.99, Earn a $3 Rr when you buy one
Use $4/1 Schick Intuition Plus Razor or Refill, exp. 4-11-10 (SS 02/28/10)
Use $4/1 Schick Quattro for Women Razor or Refill, exp. 4-11 (SS 2/28/10)
Submit for FREE After MIR Schick Quattro Razor or Trimmer, exp. 3-7 (SS 2/7/10)
Up to $7 moneymaker after coupon, register reward and mail in rebate

Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo $4.79, Earn a $3 RR when you buy two
Use $3/2 Aveeno Baby printable coupon (IE) (FF Link)
Pay $3.58 for two after coupon and register rewards
 
Reach toothbrush or Floss $0.99 after in ad coupon
Use $1/1 Reach product printable Coupon
Free after coupons

Nivea Lip Care $0.99 after in ad coupon
Use B1G1 Nivea Lip Care Product, exp. 3-7-10 (RP 02/07/10)
Pay $0.99 for two after coupons

Starbucks Frappuccino 4/$5
Use $1/1 Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink printable
Pay $0.25 each after coupon

Lindsay olives $0.99 after in ad coupon
Use $1/2 Lindsay Olives printable
Pay $0.98 for two after coupons

Kimberly Clark Promo: Buy 3 or more participating products earn $5 RR

Viva Paper Towels: $5.99 each
Use (3) $1/1 from Albertson Value Your Heart Coupon Book (SUN ONLY!)
Pay: $14.97 and earn a $5 RR
Final Price: $3.23 each!


Huggies: $8.99
If you happen to have any $2/1 coupons left use (3)
Pay: $20.97 and earn a $5 RR
Final Price: $5.32 each before tax

Thanks Coupon Connections NW for both of the above scenarios!

Altoids: 59¢ each (no coupon needed!)


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Fred Meyer Deals 2/28 - 3/6


Here are the Fred Meyer deals for the week of February 28th through March 6th.  I like the price of broccoli and cauliflower this week.  There really isn't anything too exciting except the Fred Meyer brand canned beans and tomatoes and the Tilamook Cheddar Cheese, which go on sale every couple of weeks.  I did put asterisk marks next to my favorite deals.

I am proud to part of the Grocery Gathering over at BeCentsable.  If you are new to coupon shopping at Fred Meyer you can read my short 101 here.  For my coupon lingo head over here.

Produce:
Broccoli Crowns 68¢ per lb *
Bulk Mushrooms $2.48 per lb (decent price)
Cauliflower 68¢ per lb *
Cantaloupe 48¢ per lb
Del Monte Gold Pineapple $2.99 each
English Cucumbers $1 each
Red Bell Peppers $1 each


Meat:
Corned Beef Brisket $1.59 per lb *
Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $2.48 per lb (I would wait for a better deal)
Pork Loin Chops $1.99 per lb

Coupon Match-Ups & Deals:

Betty Crocker Frosting: $1.50 each
Use 50¢/1 printable here or here
Final Price: $1.00 each

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks: $1.79
Use 50¢/2 here or here
Final Price: $1.54 each
Buy 5 & earn a $3.50 catalina (details here)
Makes them 84¢ each (decent price)

Chex Mix: 2/$3
Use 50¢/1 here
Final Price: $1 each

Darigold Butter
Use in ad coupon, first 4
Use 30¢/1 from 2/28 SS
Final Price: $1.70 each (Decent price, not a good price)

Fred Meyer Extra Large Eggs or English Muffins
Use in ad coupon, first 6
Final Price: $1.50 each

Fred Meyer Canned Tomatoes or Beans
Use in ad coupon, first 10
Final Price: 50¢ each (I like this price) *

Fred Meyer 1/2 Gallon Milk or OJ
Use in ad coupon, first 8
Final Price: $1.25 each (good price for OJ only)

Pillsbury Cookie Dough: 2/$5
Use $1/2 here, here or here
Final Price: $2 each

Progresso Soup: 4/$5
Use $1/4 from 2/21 SS
Final Price: $1 each (you can often find these cheaper)

Tilamook Medium Cheese:
Use in ad coupon, first 1
Final Price: $3.99 *

Yogi Tea: 2/$6
Use $1/1 from 1/24 SS
Final Price: $2 each

Yopliat Fiber One Yogurt 4-pk: 2/$4
Use $1/1 from 1/24 SS
Final Price: $1 each

Ed Hume & Lilly Miller Packet Seeds 50% off
Use in ad coupon, no limit
Final Price: varies *

Fiber One Chewy Bars: $1.89
Use 40¢/1 here or here
Final Price: $1.49 each

Friskies Cat Food
Use $1/15 from 2/7 RP
Use in ad coupon, first 24
Final Price: 26¢ each wyb 15

Pampers Diapers: $8.99
Use $2/1 Pampers Cruisers
Final Price: $6.99 (I will save my coupons for a better deal)

Automatic Price Reductions (Prices I like even without coupons)

Crystal Lite: 2/$5
Fred Meyer Cottage Cheese: $1.25 each
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese: 59¢ each

Fred Meyer Extra Savings Guide: Good through March 2nd only

Big K 2 Liter Pop: 2/$1
Use in ad coupon, first 4

Classico Pasta Sauce: $2.79
Use $1/2 printable here
Final Price: $2.29 each wyb 2

Coffee-mate Flavored Creamer: 2/$4
Use $1/1 or $1.50/2 printable here
Final Price: $1 to $1.25

Daisy Sour Cream 8 oz: 10/$10
Use 50¢/1 from 1/31 Smart Source
Final Price: 50¢

Darigold Chocolate Milk: $2.99
Use 75¢/1 from 11/22 Smart Source (exp. 2/28)
Final Price: $2.29

Dole Fruit Bowl 4 packs: Save $1/2
Use in ad coupon
Use 75¢/2 from 1/10 Smart Source
Final Price: Unknown

Darigold Coffee Creamer: 2/$5
Use the B1G1 Free coupon from 1/24 Smart Source
Final Price: $1.25 each wyb 2 *

Earth's Best Organic Baby Food: 68¢ each
Use in ad coupon, first 10
Use $1/10 printable here
Final Price: 58¢ each

Emerald Nuts: 2/$7
Use $1/1 printable here or from 1/31 Smart Source
Final Price: $2.50 each

Fred Meyer Butter It's Not!: 88¢ each
Use in ad coupon, first 3

Fred Meyer Coffee Creamer 35.3 oz: $2.99
Use in ad coupon, first 2

Fred Meyer 100% Juice: 2/$4
Use in ad coupon, first 2

Fred Meyer Facial Tissue: 89¢
Use in ad coupon, first 2
 
Fred Meyer Frozen Vegetables: 79¢
Use in ad coupon, first 4

Fred Meyer Refried Beans: 69¢ 
Use in ad coupon, first 4 *

Hebrew National Franks: 2/$5
Use $1/1 printable here
Final Price: $1.50 each

International Delight Coffee Creamer 16 oz: $1.79
Use 55¢/1 printable here
Final Price: $1.24 each

Jasmine Rice 5 lbs: $7.99
Use in ad coupon, first 6

Kellogg's Cereal select varieties: 2/$6
Use $1.50/2 printable here
Final Price: $1.75 each

Kid Cuisine Dinners: 3/$5
Use B2G1 Free from Jan. All You Magazine
Final Price: $1.11 each wyb 3

Land O' Frost Deli Shaved Meat: 2/$5
Use $1/2 from 1/24 Red Plum
Final Price: $2 each

Northland Juice: 2/$5
Use $1/2 here (must sign up)
Final Price: $2 each wyb 2

Quaker Rice Cakes: 4/$5
Use $3/5 from tearpad if you have
Final Price: 65¢ each wyb 5

Pop Secret 6 packs: 2/$6
Use $1/2 printable here
Final Price: $2 each

Red Rose Tea: $2.99
Use $1/2 from Aug. Naturally Preferred Magazine
Final Price: $2.49 each wyb 2

Sara Lee Pound Cake: 2/$6
Use $1/1 here (must sign up)
Final Price: $2 each

Sara Lee Strawberry Cheesecake: $4.49
Use $1/1 here (must sign up)
Final Price: $3.49

Snapple 6-pack, 16 oz: $5.49
Use $1/1 from 1/31 Smart Source
Final Price: $4.49 each

Stash Tea: 3/$7
Use 50¢/1 from 12/10 Red Plum or
Use 50¢/1 printable here
Final Price: $1.83

Super Pretzel 13 oz: 2/$4
Use 50¢/1 from 1/31 Red Plum
Final Price: $1.50 each

Swiss Miss Cocoa: 3/$4
Use 50¢/2 from 1/10 Smart Source
Final Price: 83¢ each wyb 2

Might Dog Wet Dog Food: 5/$3
Use B1G1 Free form 1/10 Red Plum
Final Price: 30¢ each wyb 2

Purina Cat Chow: $11.99
Use $1/1 from 1/31 Smart Source
Final Price: $10.99

Vita Bone Dog Biscuits: 3/$5
Use 50¢/1 from 11/1 Red Plum (exp. 2/28)
Final Price: $1.16

Did you find any other great deals I missed?  Please leave me a comment!

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Friday, February 26, 2010

My Week of Savings in Review: 2/21 - 2/27

Here's my no frills week in review:




Fred Meyer:

Ham: $1.29 (half off)
Chicken 79¢/lb: $7.55
Land'O Frost Lunch Meat: $2 each w/MF coupon
Keebler Cookies: $1.29 each w/MF coupons
2 Gallons of Milk: Free w/ cookies (promo)
FM Cottage Cheese: 99¢ each
FM Creamer: $4.35
Cauliflower: $1.76
Bananas: $1.85
Lettuce: 99¢
Kroger Puffs: $1.67
Coffee: 2 half lb bags Free w/Coupon
Paid: $19.64 (after $14.64 in rebate money used)



Walgreens (details here)
Paid: $4.16
Earned: $6 in register rewards


Fred Meyer: (details here)
Paid: $8.01

Not Pictured:
3 Loaves of bread for $3.75

Total this week: $35.56 and I have $6 in register reward for next week.  I am at $246.11 for the month, slightly over my allotted budget of $240.00.    I do plan to buy two more fryer breasts tomorrow in preparation for my upcoming freezer cooking day, which will push over even more.  My goal was a little low, so I'm not sweating it.  I'm very pleased with my total savings for the month of $523.42.  It makes it so worthwhile to spend the time each week clipping coupons and finding deals!
Update:  I've noticed that my totals don't from my savings tracker don't make sense.  I should have been a little under budget.  I'm going to have to do a little research and calculations today to figure out why.  To be continued....

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