Frugal Finds Friday

Great deals on meat and other groceries this week at Rainbow!  🙂  I was shopping for 2 extra, and very special people this week, so I spent more than I ordinarily would for just Jared and I.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts:  On sale for $1.99 a lb…paid $5.50

Chicken thighs:  On sale for $0.69 a lb…paid $3.19

Ground Beef:  On sale for $1.96 a lb…paid $5.88

Apples:  On sale for $0.99 a lb…paid $3.68

Celery:  On sale for $0.98

Carrots:  On sale for $0.49

Cilantro:  $0.79

Broccoli:  On sale for $1.69 each

Organic Girl salad mixes:  Originally $3.99, on sale for BOGO…paid $1.98 each.

Frozen Corn:  Originally $1.75, on sale for $1.00, used a $0.35/1 coupon…paid $0.65.

Sour Cream:  Originally $2.69, on sale for $1.50.

Cottage Cheese:  Originally $2.99, on sale for $1.98.

Land O’Lakes half & half:  $1.84, used a $0.50/1 coupon that doubled…paid $0.84.

Tortillas:  $1.59

Sargento sliced cheese:  Originally $3.99, on sale for $3.00, used a $0.55/1 coupon that doubled…paid $1.90.

Orange jello:  $0.79

Kidney beans:  $0.99

Pretzels:  $2.55

Dole canned pineapple:  $1.59, used a $0.75/1 coupon that doubled and paid $0.09.

Old Orchard cranberry juice:  Originally $2.87 each, on sale for $2.29 each, used a $1/1 coupon that doubled…paid $0.29 each.

Dr Pepper Ten:  $1.66, used a free product coupon and it became FREE.

Total OOP:  $42.33
Total Saved:  $34.36 … … … … …that’s 45%

I also ran to Jubilee for cheese ($1.70 a bag-woohoo!!!), lunch meat, cream cheese, and butter.  I spent $12.00.

Frugal Finds Friday

I took a week off from couponing, due to the fact that I wasn’t feeling well and I had most meal ingredients on hand already.  I planned on just purchasing a few essentials from Jubilee, the grocery store across the road from our apartment.  While I was in Jubilee, I found some good sales…including cheese…yay!

16 oz bags of cheese:  $3.49 each….or $1.75 for 8 oz (not perfect, but a lot better than I have been paying!)
Butter:  $3.34 (I know, yikes!  But, I refuse to buy margarine even if butter’s not on sale)
Half & Half:  $1.69
1 dozen eggs:  $1.31
Kemps sour cream:  $2.65
Frozen vegetables:  $1.00
Steak (yum ;)):  $3.79
Braeburn apples:  $0.99 a lb…paid $3.47
Lettuce:  FREE (with $15 purchase)
Total OOP:  $27.67

I also ran into Rainbow for 3 cans of cream soups, a pack of chicken breasts, ginger ale, carrots, and celery.  I spent $12 at Rainbow. 

So, even though I didn’t coupon, I still spent within our weekly budget and found some good deals.  Sometimes, couponing isn’t always possible…and that’s ok!  You just have to work with what you can!

Frugal Finds Friday

I did a good bit of shopping this week.  At Rainbow I bought a Brita filter, Pyrex dish, and batteries which didn’t come out of our grocery/personal care budget, so my grocery total was actually lower than what I spent.

Transaction #1:
Riceland Brown Rice:  Originally $1.45, on sale for $1.30…used a $0.50/1 newspaper insert coupon that doubled and paid $0.30.

CoffeeMate Natural Coffee Creamer:  Originally $2.69, on sale for $2.50…used a $1/1 printable coupon that doubled and paid $0.50.

Hidden Valley dressings:  Originally $3.75 each, on sale for $3.00 each.  Used a $1/1 newspaper insert coupon that doubled and an awesome “Save $1 on produce when you buy 2 Hidden Valley dressings” coupon that doubled.
Celery:  Originally $1.49, on sale for $0.99
Onions  $0.98.
Final Price for Dressing and Produce:  Paid $3.97 for bundle, or $0.99 each.

Brita water filter:  Originally $17.79, on sale for $14.23…used a $4/1 newspaper insert coupon and paid $10.23.  Also received a $3 catalina that I used on my next transaction.

Edge shaving cream:  $2.49…used a $0.75/1 newspaper insert coupon that doubled and paid $0.99.

Total OOP:  $17.14
Total saved:  $18.41… … … … …that’s 52%

Transaction #2:
Mrs. Dash Chipotle Blend:  Originally $2.85, on sale for $2.50…used a printable $1/1 coupon that doubled and paid $0.50.

Ortega salsa and taco seasoning packet:  $2.78 and $0.89 each…used a printable $1/1 coupon that doubled and paid $1.67 for both, or $0.84 each.

Old Orchard Cranberry Juice:  Originally $2.95 each, on sale for $2.69 each…used printable $1/1 coupons and paid $0.69 each.

Energizer AA batteries:  Originally $6.79, on sale for $5.99…used a $3/1 printable coupon that doubled and paid $2.99.

Pyrex dish (Well, I totally thought I picked up the $3.79 piece, but I didn’t…and I didn’t feel like going through the hassle of returning it.):  Originally $8.99, on sale for $6.74…used a $1/1 newspaper insert coupon that doubled and paid $4.74.

Pantene shampoo:  $3.50…used a FREE product coupon and it became FREE.

Roundy’s cheese:  Originally $3.09 each, on sale for $2.50 each.  (Dear Cheese, Please go on sale!  Love, Emily)

Roundy’s milk:  $2.85 (I forgot to hand my cashier the milk coupon that would have made it $2.49…boo-hoo!)

Used my $3 catalina for this transaction.

Total OOP:  $17.23
Total saved:  $24.99… … … … …that’s 59%

 

I ran into Target for some cheap bagels and ended up picking up my favorite Silk Vanilla Soy Milk as well!  I spent $3.22 and saved $2.25!

 

I also grabbed a few essentials at ALDI and spent $14.20.

So….did you find any good deals this week?

VLOG: My Stockpile

I thought I’d take a post to give you a peek at my grocery and personal care stockpile.  Instead of a normal post, I’m trying my hand at a VLOG!

If you’re not familiar with stockpiling, it’s simply the idea of buying things ahead on sale or when they’re free and storing them until you use them.  Instead of waiting until I run out of shampoo and paying $3-$5 for a bottle, I “buy” it free or under $1 when it’s on sale.

Since TLC began airing their “reality” show Extreme Couponing, many people have gotten a very unrealistic and crazy view of couponing and stockpiling.  (No offense if you enjoy the show…and I do admit to watching it…BUT, it’s a tv show folks, not reality 😉 )

My stockpile isn’t stacked miles high in my shower or stuffed under my bed, but we do have a closet full of items which I purchased free or at my rock bottom price.

I try to be reasonable about buying ahead and stockpiling.  I don’t buy things that we won’t use, or that will expire before we get to them.  Other things, are available to give away to others who may need them.

Here you go…

A couple quick tips on stockpiling:  #1  Only buy what you will use in a reasonable amount of time (or give away).  #2  Know your rock bottom prices and only stockpile at that price, or when the item is free. (ie:  Just because something is “on sale” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to stockpile.) 

I’d love to know your thoughts on stockpiling and hear what works for your family!

Frugal Finds Friday

I didn’t do too much couponing or normal grocery shopping this week since we’ll be mostly eating from the freezer.  I spent $10 on produce and a few other things at Cub Foods.  I also found a few good deals at CVS. 

Here’s what I found at CVS:

Canada Dry ginger ale We don’t normally buy soda, but we do buy ginger ale when we’re sick…why not buy it on sale? 🙂  Originally $1.87, on sale for $0.88.

Land O’Lakes gallons of milk:  Originally $3.49 each, on sale for $2.19 each.

Renu Sensitive contact solution:  Originally $9.99, on sale for $8.99…received $7 ECB for buying, which is like paying $1.99.

Total cash OOP:  $9.96
ECB used:  $5.00
ECB earned:  $7.00

Fall Mantle Wanna-Be

I love fireplaces, and I love decorated mantles!  But, we don’t have either right now…so, I pretend that my piano is a mantle, and I love decorating it!

Here’s my simple fall vignette:

My adorable “In everything give thanks” print:

You’ve already seen the book page “pumpkin”, errrr “apple”:

I made a “Give Thanks” banner using just my printer, scrapbook paper, and twine:

I love the fall feeling it has!

 

And just for fun, here’s a quick peak at a corner of my kitchen counter complete with a free printable:

Free Fall Printables

Myra over at My Blessed Life rounded up 12 amazing autumn themed printables!  I *love* subway art, and you just can’t go wrong with free printables.  One of these just might be what you need to spark some inspiration for fall decorating…

Roundup of Free Fall Printables.

I’ll be posting pictures of my updated fall decorating soon; in the mean time…are you working on any fall decorating?  I’d love to see pictures! 

It Feels Like…Home

What makes a house feel homey to you?  When the weather begins to turn cooler and the promise of autumn is in the air, I have the urge to make our apartment feel homey.  I absolutely love walking in the door out of the brisk fall weather and just feeling glad to be home!

Making your house inviting and homey doesn’t need to involve a big house or expensive decorations!  Anyone can make her home beautiful, no matter the size of the building or her financial limitations!  I’ve been in large, expensive, and beautiful houses that didn’t feel homey at all!  You see, it’s the people and the love that make a house home!  Expensive furnishings are only things…things that in the grand scheme of things really don’t matter. Instead choose to focus on what we do have and can afford!

A few simple ways that I try to keep our apartment feeling homey is by keeping it clean!  Clutter automatically makes me feel crazy, disorganized and unfocused.  By putting our things where they belong, keeping up with the dishes, and doing a quick tidying up each day…our little cottage already feels homey!

I also love keeping our cozy nest smelling good, and you can’t beat the homey smell and feeling of candles!  Right now, I am loving my pumpkin buttercream Yankee candle!  (I bought my Yankee candles at an incredible sale…2 for $25 AND I used a $10/$25 coupon, making them $7.50 each.  Watch for those sales!  Another way to get even cheaper candles is to “buy” Glade or Febreze candles with coupons, often making them free!  And of course, you can always request your favorite Yankee candle scents as Christmas and birthday gifts…***shameless hint to any family reading***  😉 )

(photo source)

Another way I like to keep our abode “homey” is by playing music throughout the day.  I usually use free internet radio: either my  Pandora stations or Christian music from Abiding Radio.  Having music playing as I go about my daily work just gives a relaxed and peaceful feeling to the home!

(photo source)

What tips do you have for making your abode inviting and homey?

Reader Question: Freezer Cooking

Question from a reader:
“I’ve thought about freezer cooking, but it seems like the first time would take longer trying to plan out meals and then shop for the things you don’t have… … …I don’t usually have much more than an hour at a time (nap time!!) to get things done…What are your very favorite freezer meals?”

(photo source)

When I first started freezer cooking, I was surprised to discover that most recipes are freezer friendly.  While I haven’t been freezer cooking for a terribly long time, I can safely say that I’ve never noticed any change in food consistency or taste as a result of freezing.

I won’t take the time to go through lists of “all things freezable” when others have done a great job at compiling those lists for us already.  Here is one of the best lists of that nature that I’ve found.  Prepare to be amazed at what can be frozen!

In regard to not having a lot of time to freezer cook; I think you can do some aspects of freezer cooking in even tiny snippets of time!  As another reader suggested, you can always make double or triple your dinner meal on any given night and freeze the extras.  That shouldn’t take much longer than your normal dinner prep time.  When you grocery shop for the week, just buy extra of your ingredients…enough to make and freeze some extra meals!

A few simple freezer tips that I’ve learned:

One of my favorite things to freeze is pizza dough (*recipe coming soon*).  I make several batches of pizza dough, let it rise, punch it down, and freeze in gallon size freezer bags.  When I’m ready to make the pizza, I thaw out the dough the night before (in the fridge) or the morning of (on the counter) and make my pizza as normal.  I love how much time this saves!

Another very simple time saver is how I freeze my chicken!  I often buy chicken in large quantities when it goes on sale.

~A few pieces of chicken, I throw in a Ziploc bag and freeze as is.

~I boil a few chicken breasts, shred them, and freeze them for later use in a casserole, chicken salad, etc.

~Other pieces of chicken I will marinate.  I prick the chicken with a fork in several places, plop it in a freezer bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken.  Probably the easiest marinade is Italian salad dressing (or whatever your favorite flavor may be).  A marinade recipe we enjoy is  Zesty Chicken Marinade.  There are countless marinade recipes all over the internet, so go find one that will tickle your taste-buds.  When you’re ready to eat the chicken, you can bake it in the oven or crock pot!

I also freeze ground beef (well, actually ground turkey).  Obviously you can freeze it uncooked (which I do…check out this nifty tip), but I also cook up several pounds with onion, garlic, and green pepper and freeze it for use in tacos, casseroles, etc.  That little step really does save a lot of time!

I freeze casseroles quite often.  A few we enjoy are lasagna casserole, taco twist casserole (*recipe coming soon!*), hearty hamburger casserole, green rice casserole, etc.  Honestly though, you can freeze just about any casserole you want!

I freeze burritos, chicken wraps, etc. for quick lunches.  Just pull them out of the freezer, pop them in the microwave, and you have a hot lunch waiting for you!

I also freeze pancakes, cinnamon rolls, muffins, egg cups, and breakfast burritos for breakfasts on the go!  Having breakfast food ready made in the freezer helps Jared and I to actually eat breakfast, rather than skip it all together!  (shame-shame!)

Now, I’d love to know…what are your favorite freezer recipes?

Frugal Finds Friday

I am sorry for the icky picture…my camera battery died, so I had to pull out hubby’s old clunky camera for the picture.  😦

This week, I shopped at Rainbow Foods:

Newman’s Own pasta sauce:  Originally $2.89 each, on sale for $2.00 each…used a $1/2 printable coupon that doubled…paid $1.00 each.

Mom’s Best Oats:  $1.39 each…used a printable $0.55/2 coupon that doubled…paid $0.84 each.

Perdue boneless, skinless chicken breasts:  On sale for $1.49 a lb…paid $4.06.

Roundy’s chicken thighs:  On sale for $0.99 a lb…paid $4.41.

Grapes:  On sale for $0.99 a lb…paid $2.18.

Ocean Spray craisins:  Originally $2.49, on sale for $2.19.

Celery:  Originally $1.49, on sale for $0.98.

Carrots:  $0.48.

Roundy’s cheddar cheese (16 oz):  $5.29  (I need a cheese sale so badly!)

Philadelphia cream cheese tubs:  $2.55 each…used a printable $1/2 that doubled…paid $1.55 each.

Simply Orange juice:  Originally $3.99, on sale for $3.00…used a printable $1/1 coupon that doubled…paid $1.00.

Kemps gallons of milk:  Originally $3.89 each, on sale for $3.00 each…used a newspaper insert $1/2 coupon that doubled…paid $2.00 each.

Total OOP:  $30.25
Total Saved:  $27.79… … … that’s 47%