Brown Sugar

Have any of you ever started a baking project only to find that your brown sugar is as hard as a rock? We all know it doesn't store well, so it's pretty hard to have a year's supply of the stuff. But, you can make it yourself! In fact I have stopped buying brown sugar because making it is a simple as blending white granulated sugar and molasses together. If I'm making a recipe that calls for brown sugar, I just add the sugar and molasses rather than blend it first. So easy--and no more brown sugar rocks!

Brown Sugar

Blend together 1 cup of white granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon molasses

Mac & Cheese please

I wasn't feeling very well yesterday and one of the only things that sounded good was my mom's home made mac & cheese. It is really easy and very yummy.

Home made mac & cheese

2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1 c. grated cheese
1 c. macaroni

Boil macaroni until it is tender. Drain and return to pan. Stir in butter until melted then add flour. Add milk and stir until thick. Then add cheese. Salt and pepper to taste.

Bread

I just had to share what I did on Saturday. I've been spring cleaning and Saturday I attacked my kitchen. I deep cleaned and organized just about everything. Now that it's clean it looks bare, I really need to paint and decorate, but that's a whole other story. While I was cleaning I pulled out my bread maker. It was acting funny the last time I used it (about 3 years ago) so I thought I would try making a loaf to see if it was still on the fritz. It is. It isn't kneading the dough. So instead of just throwing the ingredients away I thought I'd try and just make it on my own. I kneaded it for a little while and let it rise. Then I kneaded it again and let it rise again. Then I cooked it @350* for 30 min. It looked and smelled wonderful, but I was nervous to try it. It was by no means the best bread I've ever tasted, but it was still pretty good. I've really wanted to learn how to make bread for a while now and I guess this is a pretty good start.

I got the recipe from my bread maker's user manual

Homestyle White Bread

1 c. 2 Tbsp. water (75*-85* F)

1 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened

2 Tbsp. Sugar

1 Tbsp. non-fat dry milk powder

1 1/2 tsp. salt

3 c. bread flour (I only had regular)

2 1/2 tsp bread machine yeast

After in sat in my bread maker doing nothing for a half an hour I pulled it out and kneaded it. Then I let it rise for about a half an hour. Then I kneaded it again and let it rise for about an hour before I baked it.

Does any one have any good bread recipes or tips?

Cheap Cereal and a few other things...

I just got this e-mail from Nicole and thought I'd share.

Albertsons Sunday ad *HOT POST SALE*

Post cereal 1.57 each when you buy 2
Honey Bunches of Oats 13-18 oz.
Raisin Bran 20 oz.
Shredded Wheat 13-20 oz.
Post Selects 13-16 oz.
Grape Nuts 24 oz.

Additional Catalina - Voucher will print after you pay

Buy any Post cereal (10 oz or larger) during purchase dates and save up to $5 off your next order
buy 3 get $2 off
buy 4 Get $3 off
buy 5 or more and get $5 off

Between 3/27/09 and 4/19/09

So you'll need to buy 6 in a transaction.
You'll pay $9.42, and get a $5 Catalina voucher off your next shopping order.
That's .74 a box WITHOUT coupons.

Use one of these coupons from your Sunday inserts:
Post Selects Cereals, any $1/2 (4-12-09) SS-3/1
Post Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran, Grape-Nuts Nuggets or Flakes, any 10 oz. or larger boxes $1/2 (5-10-09) SS-3/29
Final price on these varieties...... .24 a box!

Or...print this coupon:Post Trail Mix Crunch$2/1 http://www.postcereals.com/trailmixcrunch/
This variety will be free after coupon/instant discount/Catalina.



HOT! Breastfeeding cover
Udder Covers only $7.95!! Reg $32 (makes a great baby shower gift!!!)
If you put the promo code "onefree" you can get one for free...you just pay shipping..$7.95. They are selling out fast! Click on "shop now" in the top left corner and then put in the promo code to see what is left.

Udder Covers Link



For those of you who have not yet used the $5 huggies diaper coupons from a few weeks ago, here is a great way to use them since they expire this week...read here on PYP for more info.

http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118151

Powdered Milk

I know this is one of the biggest issues people have with food storage, BUT if this is you, I think you would be surprised. Last night I went to my food storage support group and we taste tested instant potatoes (Walmart brand vs. the LDS Cannery's Potato Pearls) and powdered milk (Morning Moo's Alternative Milk, Morning Moo's Soy Milk, Carnation Instant, Country Cream & LDS Cannery). This is what the group thought of them

" . . . the worst was the Soy and the LDS Cannery brands. These might be just great when it comes to baking or cooking with them, but to drink like a regular glass of milk...YUCK! Now, the best we found was the Morning Moo's Alternative and the Country Cream followed close behind by the Carnation Instant. The Carnation Instant was by far the most expensive and comes in a small box (only makes 3 quarts) but the others make up to 5 gallons."

I personally really liked all three, Morning Moo's Alternative, Country Cream and the Carnation Instant. I love milk. We go through about 4 gallons a week at our house. I couldn't even tell the difference with some of these. So today I took the plunge and used some powdered milk in one of our favorite recipes.

One of our favorite cold day meals is chili and corn bread. We like Stagg's classic chili with beans with home made corn bread. I like Quaker's yellow corn meal and use the easy corn bread recipe on the back of the can with a few substitutions.

Easy Corn Bread
1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
3/4 c. corn meal
1/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder (I use 1 tsp. baking powder & 1tsp. baking soda)
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1 c. skim milk (I use butter milk)
1/4 c. vegetable oil (I use butter and let it melt in the pan while the oven pre-heats to grease the pan)
2 egg whites or 1 egg beaten

Heat oven to 400*F. Grease 8 or 9 inch pan. Combine dry ingredients. Stir in milk, oil and egg, mixing just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown and wooden pick inserted in center come out clean. Serve warm. 9 servings.

I found a great milk conversion chart for cooking with powdered milk at Everyday Food Storage. It also includes instructions on how to make your own Sweetened Condensed Milk,
Evaporated Milk, and Buttermilk. So I pulled out my box of Carnation Instant milk and made my own buttermilk. The corn bread turned out great. I also made up quart to keep in the fridge and use. I am now a powdered milk believer. Try it. I really think you will be surprised. Then, if you are ever in the position that you have to use powered milk, you'll already know what to expect.

Summer Salsa

this is the salsa that I make at the partys

chop 1 small onion
chop 1 celery stick
chop 2 green peppers
chop 1 jalipino pepper
2 cans hunts tomato sause
and a dash of crushed red pepper

If you have the pampered chef chopper that is what I use, the taste is kinda Hot but I guess it depends on who you are!!!

Best Grocery Deals this week

Best Grocery Deals this week… (from PYP)

Tip from Shelley (at PYP’s Crystal Ball)

Print this coupon for an upcoming sale.
Post Trail Mix Crunch$2/1 http://www.postcereals.com/trailmixcrunch/
You may also want to save any Post coupons you have for an upcoming sale.

Albertsons:
Best deals are,
$1.99lb butcher block bacon,
$2.88 Deli sliced Carolina Turkey (watch for rebate at deli counter),
$.97 Kellogs cereal (buy 3 get Milk free—see list for more details),
$2.99 Freschetta Pizza,
$.99 24 ct. Guerrero tostada shells,
$1.99 snuggle fabric softener,

http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/coupons/store_sales.php?id=UT_Albertsons_Mar25_Mar31

**Be sure to see the special Albertsons offer at this link for additional Albertsons coupons!

**Additional printables:
$1/2 Frosted Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios or Yogurt Burst Cheerios
link
link
link
.75/1 Total (if these varieties included)
link

Catalina offers:
Taco Bell Home Originals Dinner Kits or ShellsPurchase between 3/27/09 & 4/19/09 (Doesn't start until Friday!)
Buy 2 & get $1 OYNSO
Buy 3 & get $2 OYNSO
Buy 4 or more & get $3 OYNSO

Suave products
Purchase between 3/29 - 4/15 (Doesn't start until Sunday!)
buy $10 worth of products get $3 OYNSO

Crystal Light
Buy (3) crystal light To-Go boxes Get $2.00 off OYNSO(unknown ending date - if you know the date, please post it)

Kraft Cheese
Buy 2 & get $1 OYNSO
Buy 3 & get $2 OYNSO
Buy 4 or more & get $3 OYNSO
Buy Kraft 2% Natural Chunk, Shreds and Snacking Cheese 6oz or larger. Includes 2% Natural Chunk, 2% Natural Slices, 2% Cracker Cuts, 2% Cubes, Crumbles and 2% Shredded Cheese.Ends 3/29

Smiths:
(Hot Quaker Sale)
$1.49 Milk,
$1 dozen eggs,
Free Quaker Quakes,
$.49 Quaker High and Omega Fiber Bars ,
$.49 Quaker true delights bars,
Other Quaker Cereals around $.99.
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/coupons/store_sales.php?id=UT_Smiths_Mar25_Mar31

Maceys:
$.69lb Tomatoes,
$1.88 London Broil,
$1.59 milk,
$.99 dozen eggs,
$3.98 2 lb. Medium cheese,
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/coupons/store_sales.php?id=UT_Maceys_Mar25_Mar31

Associated Foods:
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/coupons/store_sales.php?id=UT_Associated_Mar22_Mar28

Harmons:
http://www.grocerysmarts.com/utah/lists/indexg84rcm.php?h84ar2

Reams in Springville:
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117827

Reams in SLC: (meat and produce deals) http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/coupons/store_sales.php?id=UT_Reams_Mar24_Mar30

Sunflower Market:
pineapple 4/$5,
avocado 2/$1,
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117832

Buy Low Market:

Here is the first page's deals and their Wednesday produce and Friday meat deals. To view the whole ad visit http://www.buylowmarket-utah.com/.
Hass Avocados 3/$1
Foster Farms Whole Fryers .79/lb
Iceburg Lettuce 2/$1
Red Delicious Apples 3lbs/$1
Fresh Whole Pork Leg Roast .69/lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Roast $1.99/lb
Shasta Soda .69
Maid of Clover Milk (2%,1% or skim) 3/$5
WF Canned Fruit .99 each
WF Tuna 4/$5
Jiffy Muffin Mix 2/$1
Doritos 2/$4
Grandma Sycamore Bread 2/$4
WF Yogurt 6oz 10/$5
Stouffer's Dinners 57-96oz. $9.99
Palermos' Thin Crust Pizza 2/$8
Kingsford Charcoal 13.5-18 lb $8.99

Wednesday Only
Oranges 4lbs/$1
Kiwi 8/$1
Red Potatoes 4lbs/$1
1lb bag Carrots 4/$1
Red Onions 4lbs/$1
Honeydew Melons 4lbs/$1

Friday Only
Beef T-Bone Steak or Roast $2.99 lb
71-90 Ct. Cooked Tail-on Shrimps $7.99/lb
Breaded Tilapia Fish Fillet $2.99/lb
Fresh Pork Spare Ribs $1.39/lb
Meaty Lean Beef Short Ribs $1.99/lb
Ground Chicken Breast $1.39/lb

Kmart Doubles 3/22-3/28 Click here to read more:
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117413

Thanks again Nicole and PYP!

Food storage baby steps

If you haven't already checked out the Fun With Food Storage network I highly suggest it. While you are there go to Jodi & Julie's Food Storage Made Easy and sign up for their baby steps check list e-mails. This is a great way to get started on your food storage. I have been receiving their check lists since the beginning of the year, but I have been slacking and haven't done much with them. Today I decided to get serious. With getting started Jodi & Julie focus on having a basic emergency plan in place for your family complete with emergency contact info, meeting locations, 72-Hour Kit, Emergency Binder, a list of important things to grab and a car kit. This is what I'm starting on today. Thanks to my Job I already have 72 hour and car kits. I recently cleaned out the closet by my front door so I could put all of this in one location that would be easy to access on the way out the door. Today I started on my Emergency Binder and next I'm going to get a storage tub to put everything in. Where is everyone else in their food storage journey?

Exclusive PYP grocery offer worth over $20 in savings!

Go HERE to find out more!

Albertsons Double Coupons

Today's paper had Albertsons Double Coupons again. I am NOT going so if any of you would like my coupons they are all yours. I have 5 sets and would hate to see them go to waste. They are good 3/22 - 3/24 (not long at all) on any coupon up to $1.00 and there is a limit of 4 per trip.

Some suggested uses for these coupons are:

Hormel Natural Choice lunch meat 7 oz. (3 days only! 3/20-3/22) 2.38
Hormel Natural Choice Deli Sandwich Meat, any .55/1 (4-19-09) SS-2/8
Final price after doubled coupon: 1.28

Dannon Activia 4 ct. 2.00
Dannon Activia or Activia Light, any 4-pack $1/1 DND (4-30-09) SS-1/11
Final price after doubled coupon: FREE

Dannon Activia drinks 4 ct. 3.00
Dannon Activia Drinks, any 4-pack $1/1 DND (6-30-09) SS-3/1
Final price after doubled coupon: 1.00
Dannon DanActive 4 ct. 2.00
Dannon DanActive or DanActive Light, any 4-pack $1/1 DND (4-30-09) SS-1/11 and SS-3/1 Final price after doubled coupon: FREE

TreeTop Trim juice blends 46 oz. 2.50
Tree Top trim, 46 oz. $1/1 (3-31-09) SS-1/4
Final price after doubled coupon: .50

Hershey's Bliss Easter eggs 8.8 oz. 3.00
Hershey’s Bliss Chocolates or Reese’s Select Clusters bags, 8.6 oz. or larger $1/1(5-1-09) SS-3/1
Final price after doubled coupon: 1.00

Quaker Simple Harvest oatmeal 2.99
Quaker Simple Harvest All Natural MultigrainChewyGranola Bars,any box$1/1(3-31-09)RP2/1
Final price after doubled coupon: .99

Red Baron Single Serve pizza or Panini 5.625-12 oz. 2.50
Red Baron pizzas, any $1/2 (4-9-09) SS-1/11 and RP-3/1
Final price after doubled coupon: 1.50

Aleve pain relief 24 ct. 2.99
Aleve, any 20 ct. or larger $1/1 (3-31-09) NestleSS-1/4
Final price after doubled coupon: .99

Lysol sanitizing wipes 80 ct. B1G1FREE
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, any $1/1 (5-11-09) SS-3/15
Final price after 2 doubled coupons: 2/3.29

**Kellogg's promo: Save $10 instantly when you buy 10 participating products.**Sale price shown is BEFORE/AFTER purchase of 10. Must purchase 10 to get $1.50 price. Discount is 1.00 per item when you purchase 10.

Kellogg's cereal 9-21.5 oz. 2.50/1.50
Kellogg’s Cereal, any flavor 10 oz. or larger .70/1 (4-5-09) RP-2/22
Final price after doubled coupon: .10

Kellogg's cereal 9-21.5 oz. - Jumbo Multi Grain Rice Krispies (Pictured) Raisin Bran Extra! and Frosted Mini Wheats Little Bites (If these varieties are included!)
2.50/1.50Kellogg’s Jumbo Multi-Grain Krispies, Raisin Bran Extra!, Mini-Wheats Little Bites, Special K Blueberry, or Disney Hannah Montana Cereal, any flavor 11.2 oz. or larger $1/1 (4-5-09) RP-2/22
Final price after doubled coupon: FREE

Kellogg's Pop Tarts 21-22 oz. 2.50/1.50
Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts toaster pastries, any flavor 8 ct. or larger $1/2 (4-19-09) RP-2/22
Final price after doubled coupon: .50

Kellogg's Rice Krispie Treats 5.9-6.2 oz. 2.50/1.50
Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats, any flavor 8 ct. or larger. $1/2 (5-10-09) RP 3-15
Final price after doubled coupon: .50

(Thanks Shelley & PYP!!!)

I also have many of these coupons I'd be willing to part with. Let me know!

Using Food Storage

Before I got my food storage organized, I would go to the dry pack cannery and just guess at what I needed. When I got my rotator shelf and began filling it up, I found that I had 3 times as much oatmeal as I thought. Although I'm fond of oatmeal, I'm not 20 cans fond of it, so I began brainstorming how I could use more oatmeal. I came up with this oatmeal pancake recipe. I'll make a couple of batches at one time and freeze the pancakes, put them in freezer bags, and then pop them in the microwave for 2 minutes. I have been having 1 every morning now for a couple of months. I have yet to get tired of them! Here's the recipe:

Combine in a large bowl:

4 cups oatmeal

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

Combine in a smaller bowl:

4 cups (1 quart) buttermilk or regular milk

4 beaten eggs

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup melted butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

Add liquid all at once to dry ingredients. Stir until dry and wet ingredients are combined, but don't over beat. Let the batter stand for 45 minutes. The batter will thicken, so add regular milk until it is the right consistency. Cook on a hot griddle and enjoy.

I place cooked pancakes on cookie sheets and freeze; then I transfer them to freezer bags and stick in the freeze. I'll take one out, microwave for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, and it's ready. Brooklyn asks for them every Saturday morning she's at my house. With the applesauce in the batter, she doesn't want any 'dippin' (pancake syrup).

Cafe Rio

I made the Cafe Rio pork & rice recipe's tonight. They were amazing. I broke my no more shopping this month rule again today =( I really wanted to make this recipe and didn't have most of what I needed. So I went to Smith's and took advantage their RX transfer promotion. They loaded $25 on to my Fresh Values card so I only ended up spending about $10. Anyways, I highly recommend the Cafe Rio recipe's. They were fairly simple and turned out wonderful.

This weeks best grocrey deals

I'm not planning on hitting any sales this week (like I said, I've already spent my budget), but for those of you looking for good deals this week here they are . . .

(click on the name of the store for the complete list)

Albertsons
$3.99 2lb. cheese
4/$8.97 Pepsi and Mtn Dew 12 packs
Kellogs cereals and poptarts


Smiths
$1.49 milk
$.69 Big K 2 liters
$.80 Quaker Oatmeal
$.49 Dannon Smoothie and Yogurt 4 packs
$.25 Colgate toothpaste
$1.99 hunts pudding 12 pack
$.69 Kellogs Cereal
$.44 Land o lakes butter
Free Quaker quakes.

****For those who live in American Fork/Highland area, the smiths in AF will price match the cheaper front page deals of the Smiths Marketplace. Check your add for prices. Usually milk, meat and produce on front page are $.10 cheaper.****


Maceys
Case Lot:
$1.99 lb petite sirloin steak
$1.39 lb boneless country style ribs
$1.59 milk, $5.00 2lb cheese
$1 Freschetta breadsticks
$6.99 #10 can of Morning Moos potato gems
$18.99 Morning Moos 45lb bucket of red and white wheat


Pleasant Grove Maceys Only
Macey's Customer Appreciation Days Pleasant Grove store only March 16-28

Dannon Spring water 24-pk. half liter bottles 2 for $5
Keebler graham crackers 2 lb. box 2 for $4 w/in-store coupon
WF 36 roll bathroom tissue $6.99
Bananas $0.39/lb.
Western Family cereal 28-32 oz. 2 for $5
BC Fudge Brownies $0.88
Powerad sports drinks 32 oz. $0.69
Yoplait yogurt 6oz. original only $0.39
Shur Saving Milk gallon skim, 1%, 2% $1.49
Sunbelt granola bars 10-12 oz. 2 for $3
Macey's farm bread 32 oz. 4 for $5
WF marshmallows 16 oz. regular $0.69
Gatorade 8 pk. 20 oz. $2.99 w/in-store coupon
MG ice cream sandwiches 6 for $1
Kellogg's cereals 12-20 oz. 2 for $6 (purchase 2 boxes, receive 18 ct. large eggs free)
Hershey's XL candy bars 4.25 oz $0.88
Gold Medal flour 50 lb. bag $11.99
Glauceau Smart Water 1 liter bottles $0.79
MG fudge or orange dream bars 6 ct. box 4 for $5
MG butter 1 lb. quarters 3 for $5
Suave shampoo & conditioner 15 oz. $0.77
Swanson chicken broth 14-14.5 oz. 2 for $1

Also:
*Free helium balloons for all the kids, 12 noon until 6 pm daily
*Free Macey's farm bread 24oz loaf coupon for first 50 people in store each day beginning @7am
*Free coloring contest for the kids (10 and under), win a $25 gc to Toys R Us
*$0.25 hot dogs Saturday only 12 noon until 6 pm

Sunflower Market
$.77 lb Green Grapes
$1.77lb Ground Beef


Harmons:
http://www.grocerysmarts.com/utah/lists/indexg84rcm.php?h84ar2

Associated Foods:
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/coupons/store_sales.phpid=UT_Associated_Mar15_Mar21
Reams in SLC:
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/coupons/store_sales.phpd=UT_Reams_Mar17_Mar23

Buy Low Market

Roma Tomatoes 3lb/$1
honeydew melon 3lb/$1
pink lady apples 3lb/$1
TJ Farms Orange Juice $1
Spring Water $3
Broccoli 2lb/$1
loose carrots 3lb/$1
sirloin steak $1.99lb
marinated chicken fajita meat $1.49lb
10lb bag potatoes $1.50,


Wed. Only:
avocados 3/$1
lemons 8/$1
granny smith apples 3lb/$1
yellow onions 5lb/$1
green cabbage 5lb/$1
oranges 3lb/$1


Fri only:
Cross rib roast $1.79lb
Pork stew meat $1.19lb
chicken leg quarters $.49lb

(Thanks Nicole & PYP for the info!)

Walgreens

I wasn't going to go shopping anymore this month (unless I REALLY needed something) because I'm at my budget limit, but . . . I've been waiting for Listerene to go on sale and this week it did. Walgreens had it on sale 3/$9. I had .50/1 coupons making them $2.50 each. THEN . . . a $6 Rregister Reward coupon (like a catalina) printed out. Earlier that day I had gone to another Walgreens, but they were out of the Listerene so I took advantage of their other RR promotion going on. DOVE Buy 4, get $2 RR, Buy 6, get $6 RR, Buy 8, get $8 RR when you buy participating Dove products (also on 25% sale). Somehow I got a $10 RR instead of just the $8 for buying 8 Dove products.

So trip #1 I got

2 body washes
2 deodorants
1 Hair Spray
1 Mouse
1 Shampoo
1 Conditioner

Retail $38.39
Paid $18.73
Saved $19.66

BUT Walgreens also has a promotion going where if you transfer a RX (that you have never filled there before) to their pharmacy from another pharmacy, they will give you a $25 gift card (Limit 2 per person). Since Brooklyn and I are currently on monthly RX's I had $50 in gift cards to use. I didn't spend a dime.

Then I took my $10 RR to the next Walgreens that had the Listerene and got

Trip #2

3 Listerene's 500ml
1 Halls cough drop
1 new board book for my kids (to make my total more that $10)

Retail $17.91
Spent $2.94
Saved $14.97

and I still have my $6 RR left over for next time.

Breakfast for dinner

Brooklyn wanted waffles for breakfast this morning, but I was a mean mom and didn't make them. To make it up to her we had breakfast for dinner.


Waffles (From my Mom's recipe book)


1 1/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 Tbs. sugar
1 c. milk
4 Tbs. oil or butter
2 eggs


Mix and sift dry ingredients. Add egg yolks and oil to milk. Add to dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Beat whites and fold into batter. Allow 4 to 5 minutes to cook(Or when your waffle maker light says their done). Serve hot.


I thought it would be fun to try something a little different with them. I had some apples in the fridge so I Googled apple filling and this is what I got.

Ingredients

3 c thinly sliced apples, ripe .
1 c unsalted margarine, softened .
6 tbsps brown sugar .
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice .
6 tbsps clover honey .
1 1/2 tsps ground cinnamon


Directions

Step #1 Heat 3 tbsps of margarine In a large-ish sauté pan over med-heat/flame.
Step #2 When bubbling, add the fruit & sauté 4 to 6 mins until softened.
Step #3 Stir in all remaining ingredients & put set aside to cool on the counter or in the refrigerator.
Step #4 When cool, fill crepes with desired amount (or in this case top waffles with filling)

This was the end result. YUMMY!!!

Albertsons Refund Rewards

Just thought some of you might be interested.

**Albertsons Refund Rewards: Buy an Albertson's gift card for $250, get $20 added for free. Buy an Albertson's gift card for $300, get $30 added for free. Limit $1250 per person, plus additional bonus amount. Valid 3/15-4/15.**

Food storage

I mentioned that I might do a little bit about food storage on here. I personally am just starting my food storage. How about you? I felt really over whelmed by the whole idea of food storage for a long time.

Then I found the Fun With Food Storage network and got really excited about it. Not long after I found this web site my ward started a food storage support group. Now I have lots of information and two methods to choose from.

My ward's group is a very basic method where we are given a monthly shopping list and at the end of one year you will have a year supply for two adults. We meet once a month. During our meetings we talk about food storage (where every one's at, what their doing, what they want to do, etc.) and usually have a treat made from food storage. Last month we talked about canning your own meat and this month there is talk of dry milk taste tests =) For more information about this group visit www.foodstoragesupport.blogspot.com.

The Fun With Food Storage network is a little more in depth and detailed method. They are 4 ladies with three blogs that have come together to share their wisdom. Jodi & Julie's blog Food Storage Made Ease have come up with baby steps to get your food storage going. They have lots of great tips & tools. Shauntell's blog The Obsessive Shopper focuses on buying your food storage and of course couponing. She also has a lot of great tools & tips in her system. Everyday Food Storage with Crystal helps get over the myths and misconceptions most people have about eating food storage. She has lots of yummy recipes made from food storage as well as tips on organizing your kitchen & pantry.

If you have wanted to start your food storage, but haven't know where to start, these resources are amazing so take advantage of them.

I'll keep you up to date on my progress, but I also want to hear about yours. Good luck and let me know!

Pineapple Pork Chops

I got this recipe from my sister's best friend a few years ago and it became an instant favorite!

4 pork chops
1 can pineapple; reserve juice
1/4 c soy sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 c. brown sugar
parsley

Trim pork chops; place in ungreased 8x8 baking dish. Mix juice, brown sugar, soy sauce & garlic powder together and pour over pork chops. Cover & marinate approx 8 hrs, turning once. Heat oven to 350* Top with pineapple. Cover with foil & bake for 45 min. Uncover & bake for an additional 5 min. Garnish with parsley.

(I usually serve this over rice)

Campbell's Hearty Chicken & Noodle Casserole

I needed a quick and easy dinner and found this on the Campbell's Kitchen website. My family loved it.

Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 c. milk
1 c. frozen mixed vegetables
2 c. cubed cooked chicken
1/4 of a 12-ounce package medium egg noodles (about 2 cups), cooked and drained
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
Heat the oven to 400°F. Stir the soup, milk, vegetables, chicken, noodles, Parmesan cheese and black pepper in a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the chicken mixture. Top with the cheese.

Cafe Rio recipes

I got this from a recent Relifsocity activity. I haven't made it yet, but it was really yummy!

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork
One 3-4 lbs. pork roast
16 oz. salsa
1 can regular Coca-Cola 12 oz.
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbs. fajita seasoning
2 Tbs. taco seasoning
1 can diced green chilies 4oz.

Place roast in crock pot. Fill crock pot 1/2 way with water. Cook on high for 5 hours. Remove roast and dispose of juices. Cut roast into 3 or 4 sections and place back into the crock pot. Puree salsa in blender and transfer to a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients to the salsa and mix. Pour mixture over roast and cook on high for 3 more hours. Remove roast and shred. Return shredded meat to the crock pot of juices and stir. Serves 12.

Cafe Rio Green Chile Rice

2 c. rice
2 Tbs. cooking oil
3 1/2 c. chicken broth
2 cans diced green chiles 4oz.
1 medium to large onion, diced
2/3 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cumin
6 green onions, chopped

Heat 2 Tbs. cooking oil in large frying pan. Pour in rice and saute for 2 min. or until rice begins to brown. Transfer rice into a greased 9" x 13" pan. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover pan with foil and back at 350* for approx 55 min. Take pan from oven. Remove foil and let rice stand for 5-10 min. Fluff with fork. Serves 12. (Note: For a smaller batch, you can half all ingredients and cook for the same amount of time in the same size pan.)

Cafe Rio Creamy Cilantro Salad Dressing

1 pkg. dry ranch dressing mix
1 c. buttermilk
1/3 - 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeds removed(or not if you like it hot)
1 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. lime juice
1-2 tomatillos (remove outer papery skin)
1 garlic clove

Blend all ingredients in blender. Makes one pint.

Albertson's Double Coupons

(Thanks for the info Nicole!!!)

Albertsons had some doubler coupons in the Sunday paper this week. The doubler coupons are valid 3/15-3/17. Sunday through Tuesday.. Don't forget to cut them out so you can double the manufacturer coupons that you have.

Here is where to find them....
Salt Lake Tribune, page a7
Deseret News, page a9
It's on page A6 in the Daily Herald

Here are some ideas of what to use them on....

Tree Top Trim juice blends 46 oz. 2.50 Tree Top trim, 46 oz. $1/1 (3-31-09) SS-1/4 Final price after doubled coupon: .50

Ken's salad dressing 16 oz. 2.50 Ken’s Dressing, any $1/1 (4-30-09) SS-3/8 Final price after doubled coupon: .50

BirdsEye Steamfresh frozen vegetables 10-12 oz. 1.00 BirdsEye Steamfresh Vegetable or Rice Varieties, any $1/3 (4-11-09) RP-3/1 Final price after doubled coupon: .34

Michelina's Budget Gourmet entrees 5.5-8 oz. 1.00 Michelina’s entrees, any excluding pizzas $1/5 (3-22-09) SS-2/8 Final price after doubled coupon: .60

Campbell's V8 soup 18.3 oz. 2.50 Campbell’s V8 Soup, any $1/1 (3-31-09) SS-1/18 Final price after doubled coupon: .50

2 Resolve Carpet or Fabric cleaner 32 oz. 2/7.98Use 3.00/2 in-ad store coupon. Also use 2 manufacturers coupons: Resolve product, any $1/1 (4-19-09) SS-3/8Final price after doubled coupons: 2/.98

**Kraft promo: Save $10 instantly when you spend $25 on participating products.** Mix or Match. Sale prices shown are BEFORE/AFTER $10 instant discount. Use the first number to add up to $25. Discount is essentially 40%.

Kraft Bagel-fuls 10 oz. 3.00/1.801.00/1 printable (see shopping list)Final price after doubled coupon: FREE

Jell-O pudding or gelatin 19-24 oz. ready to serve/refrigerated 3.00/1.80Jell-O Refrigerated Pudding or Gelatin Snacks, any .60/1 (4-1-09) SS-3/1Final price after doubled coupon: .60

Nabisco 100 calorie pack snacks 4.4-8.8 oz. Chewy granola bars 3.00/1.80Planters Big Nut Bars, 100 Calorie Pack Honey Maid Delight Bars, or 100 Calorie Pack Chewy Granola Bars, box .75/1 (4-30-09) SS-2/22Final price after doubled coupon: .30

Planters Mr. Peanut Big Bars multipack or HoneyMaid Delight bars 2.50/1.50Planters Big Nut Bars, 100 Calorie Pack Honey Maid Delight Bars, or 100 Calorie Pack Chewy Granola Bars, box .75/1 (4-30-09) SS-2/22Final price after doubled coupon: FREE

South Beach Fiber Fit bars or Diet 100 calorie snack bars 6.15-8.4 oz. or South Beach cereal or Live Active bars 6.15 oz. 2.50/1.50South Beach Living Fiber Fit Granola Bars, High Protein Cereal Bars, Sweet Nut Creations Bars or 100 Calorie Snack Bars, any box $1/1 (3-31-09) SS-2/8Final price after doubled coupon: FREE

Other deals in their 3 day ad: (valid 3/15-3/17)

Bakery croissants 4 ct large or 8 ct mini B1G1FREE 2/2.99

Santitas tortilla chips 14 oz. 1.59

Milk, gallon 2%, 1%, or skim (First 3) 1.67

Green seedless grapes .99 lb.

Boneless pork sirloin chops or roasts 1.99 lb.

Boneless beef cross rib roasts 1.99 lb.

Extra Lean ground beef 85% 1.99 lb.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Butcher Block 1.99 lb.

My first Smith's sale

I hit my first Smith's sale today and it went pretty well. Not as well as I had hoped, I wasn't as organized as I should have been. I'm still learning, so I'm calling it a learning experience.


This is what I got:





4 pkgs of Dixie plates/bowls
7 btls Classico pasta sauce
11 pkgs American Beauty pasta
5 boxes Kotex liners
5 Colgate toothpastes
5 Colgate toothbrushes
5 bags Tyson chicken nuggets
5 Freschetta frozen pizzas



Retail $163.90
Paid $77.90
Saved $86.oo



The Smith's promo was ** MEGA EVENT Promo: Buy any 10 participating items and get $5 off instantly at checkout. Limit (3) $5 rewards per transaction. ** This is where I messed up a little. Like I said, I wasn't as organized as I should have been and since I was new to Smith's I was also a little flustered. I lost count and should have gotten 3 more items and done 2 separate transactions. The Promo limits (3)$5 rewards per transaction so I only saved $15 when I should have savde $25. Oh well. Like I said, live and learn. I still saved $86.



Another note I wanted to share in relation to this sale is something called Beer Rebates. I know what you're thinking, BEER?!? but it's not what you think. Beer Rebates are mail in rebates sponsored by Beer companies. They require NO beer purchase in the state of Utah. The way it works is on the beer isle or a beer display there are sometimes rebate forms. With these rebate forms, if you spend a specific amount of money on specific items (usually party foods: chips, meat, pizza's, etc.), you mail in your receipts with the rebate form and the beer company sends you a check. No questions asked. I recently found a rebate form for $7.50 back with the purchase of $30 worth of Freschetta frozen pizzas. I almost didn't keep it because it's not a brand I usually buy, but luckily I did. Smith's had them on sale for $4.49. They were part of the $5/10 Promo making them 3.99 and I had $1 off coupons off coupons making my final price $2.99. I also got 5 for my mom in-law to reach $30 for the rebate. So, I paid 31.15 for 10 pizza's, with the $7.50 rebate that makes each pizza $2.37. Not too shabby.

Couponing rocks!

I've gotten pretty serious about my couponing. I now get 5 Sunday papers, but I'm still working on an organization method I really like. I have successfully cut our grocery bill in half and am working on building up my food storage. Today I went to Albertson's big sale. Right now they have a promotion where when you buy 10 participating items, you get a $10 coupon, called a Catalina, good toward your next purchase. When you combine this with their sales and coupons it makes for a great deal. (For more details click here) Anyways, I just had to share my excitement in my shopping trip today. Thanks Nicole for getting me started!

4 gallons of milk
24 boxes of cereal
6 Pillsbury ready to bake cookies
5 cans of chili
5 cans of olives
5 cans of tomato soup
5 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 bag of carrots
2 sour cream
5 cake mixes
10 brownie mixes
5 frostings
5 cookie mixes
2 boxes of tissues
1 juice
6 boxes of butter
10 grands biscuits
5 crescent rolls
5 cinnamon rolls
4 loaves of bread (not pictured)
I'm going back and hopefully getting
10 warm delights
7 toasterstrudels
16 fruit snacks
4 cheese slices
they were out.
Retail, that is $356.08, but I only spent 137.84! A savings of $218.24 That's .83 an item! Gotta love it!

Round 2

Today I hit the SF Albertsons as well as Provo center st. I got . . .

11 warm delights
17 fruit snacks
2 toaster strudels
3 Alb.'s brand american cheese slices

Retail that is 93.54
I paid 15.65
and saved 77.89

I'm hoping to make one more trip today.

I love this sale!

The results are in

My grand total for the week is . . .

4 gallons of milk
24 boxes of cereal
6 Pillsbury ready to bake cookies
5 cans of chili
5 cans of olives
5 cans of tomato soup
5 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 bag of carrots
2 sour creams
5 cake mixes
10 brownie mixes
5 frostings
5 cookie mixes
2 boxes of tissues
1 juice
6 boxes of butter
10 grands biscuits
5 crescent rolls
5 cinnamon rolls
4 loaves of bread
20 warm delights
7 toasterstrudels
22 fruit snacks
3 Alb's brand cheese slices

Retail, that is $505.52, but I only spent $162.01! And (yes I said and) I still have 2 $10 Catalina's left! Now I just need to find a place to put it all =)

Thank you Nicole for introducing me to couponing, Albertson's for this amazing sale, PYP and their amazing site, the fun with food storage network and their wonderful site, but most importantly my family and friends for their love, support and encouragement in my new addiction! For those that would like to learn how to do this, I'd love to teach you!!! Just let me know! Have a great day and happy shopping!

Learn to be a coupon-er

Due to the overwhelming response to my new hobby I have decided to write more about it and teach you what I know. I am by no means an expert, but I have a wealth of information that has been shared with me that I'd be happy to pass along.

I have three main resources. The first is my step cousin Nicole. She is the one who introduced me to couponing. She teaches a class called coupons 101. I'm going to start with her outline.

1. The purpose of using coupons
a. To be able to save more money
b. Build Food Storage (so you never run out of anything)
c. Get out of Debt
d. Reduce weekly/monthly grocery budget and make the money you have go further
e. To have fun

2. Obtaining Coupons
Sunday Newspaper Inserts
Online Coupons
Blinkies
Tearpads
Catalinas
Peelies
Rebates
Store coupons vs. Manufacturer Coupons

3. Getting Organized
. . . choose what works best for you!
a. Binder Method (zip binder, baseball card holders or photo sheets)
b. Coupon Caddie or Coupon Box (box with dividers and categories)
c. Envelopes (with different categories
d. Filing Cabinet or Filing Box (with dates on top)
e. Flexible File (with categories or dates)
Be organized Before you go to the store!
4. Finding the Best Deals

Pinching Your Pennies: http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/
- - click on Screaming Deals by state, click on your state
Things PYP does for you:
Gives you weekly lists of grocery, and other stores best deals, with and without coupons.
Threads and Fourms that I find most helpful:
1. Individual Grocery Stores (Albertsons, Smiths, Maceys)
2. Best Baby Deals
3. Free or Dirt cheap for the week of . . .
4. Best price on perishables for the week of . . .
5. Screaming Deals around the town (Target, Walmart, Kmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.)
6. Screaming Deals Online (online deals and codes to go along with them
Other Things PYP does:
a. They post other great deals that people find as they come up
b. You know what some of the upcoming sales are going to be and when they start.
This website works with a lot of the local grocery stores.
c. You can ask questions and they are nice to explain things.

Understanding Coupon info and lingo
French's mustard, any .35/1 (2-29-08) SS - 12/9
The date in parentheses is the expiration date.
The information at the end is where the coupon can be found, and the date it was issued:
SS=Smartsource RP=Red Plum/Valassis P&G=Proctor&Gamble K=Kraft

Is that enough info for you? Don't worry. I'm going to break it down. Feel free to ask any questions along the way.

Lets start with 2. Obtaining Coupons, since that has been the biggest question I've gotten so far.

I currently get 5 Sunday papers with coupons in them.

I get The Daily Herald's SavvyShopper Subscription Special
2 Sundays & 1 Thursday$10.36/month with EZ-Pay
3 Sundays & 1 Thursday$12.30/month with EZ-Pay
4 Sundays & 1 Thursday$14.24/month with EZ-Pay
5 Sundays & 1 Thursday$16.40/month with EZ-Pay

Their number is(801)375-5103

Every week I get between 1 & 5 booklets of coupons

They are
Smartsource (SS)
Redplum (RP)
Proctor&Gamble (PG)
Kraft(K)

This week I got three: SS, RP & P&G

I also use some of the other coupons mentioned above, but we'll go into those another day.

I'll let you digest what I've given you today.

Your homework is to decide how you want to start collecting your coupons. Weather that be subscribing to a newspaper, collecting coupons from friends and family that get the Sunday paper, etc.

For extra credit check out my other two resources http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/ and http://theobsessiveshopper.net/.

Next time I'll go over getting organized.

Until then happy shopping =)

Albertson's sale 3/4/09 Round one and how I did it

Because food storage isn't just about food, I was excited about albertson's sale this week.

I got:

2 Bounty Paper Towels 8ct
4 Charmin Bath Tissue 12ct
4 Pampers Diapers Boxes 88ct
3 Tide laundry detergent 100oz
3 Crest pro health toothpaste 4.2oz
2 Aveeno lotion 18oz
2 Stayfree pads 18ct
2 Carefree liners 46c t

2 Johnson&Johnson Baby Oil 14oz
1 Johnson&Johnson shampoo 13oz
4 Zyrtec liquid 4oz

Retail all of this is $355.79

I paid $187.39

and saved $168.40

Here's how I did it.

First I went to pinchingyourpennies.com and got the Albertson's list.

Second I decided what I wanted and made a list

Albertsons
(Item) (Sale price) (Coupon) (Final price) (Qty)
Pop tarts 1.67 $1/2 RP 2/22 1.17
20Yogos 1.67 $1/2 RP 2/1 1.17
10Tombstone Pizza B3G3 2.80 6
$20/$5 (For every $20 you spend on these items you get a $5 catalina*)
*catalina - a coupon good for a specific amount to use on your next shopping order
(Item) (Sale price/price after calalina) (Coupon) (Final price) (Qty)
Bounty Paper Towels 8ct 10.99/8.24 .25/1P&G 3/1 7.99
10Charmin 6 Mega Roll 6.99/5.24 .25/1P&G 3/1 4.99
10Crest Toothpaste 2.50/1.88 $1/1 P&G 2/8 0.88 52.50/1.88 .75/P&G 2/8 1.13
5Pampers 19.99/14.99 $1/1 P&G 3/1 13.99
11Tide 75-100 oz 11.99/8.99 .35 P&G 2/8 3/1 8.64 9
$30/$10 (For every $30 you spend on these items you get a $10 catalina*)
(Item) (Sale price/price after calalina) (Coupon) (Final price) (Qty)
Zyrtec 9.99/6.69 Printable* 4.69 4
*Printable - an online coupon you print out
Johnson's baby oil 3.00/2.01 $1/1 RP 1-4 1.01
2Johnson's detangler 3.00/2.01 Printable 0.51
1Aveeno lotion 3.5-16oz 6.99/4.68 Printable 2.68
2Carefree liners 3.00/2.01 Printable 0.51
2Stayfree 3.00/2.01 Printable 1.01 2

Third I got out my coupons and found the ones I needed.

I'll post soon about organizing your coupons!
(This is where I'll probably loose you, but I promise I'll explain it all)

Fourth made second list for separate transactions.

To get the most out of this sale the best thing to do is separate your transactions and roll over your catalinas.

1
(Item) (Sale Price/after catalina) (coupon) (Qty)
Pampers 19.99/14.99 $1/1 P&G 3/1 1
Crest toothpaste 2.50/1.88 $1/1 P&G 3/1 1
22.49 total
20.49 after coupons
10.49 after $10 Catalina (I had left over from the last sale)

2
Pampers 19.99/14.99 $1/1 P&G 3/1 19.99 18.99 1 18.99
Crest toothpaste 2.50/1.88 $1/1 P&G 3/1 2.5 1.5 1 1.5
22.49 total
20.49 after coupons
15.49 after $5 Catalina (from the previous transaction)

3
Pampers 19.99/14.99 $1/1 P&G 3/1 19.99 18.99 1
18.99Crest toothpaste 2.50/1.88 .75/P&G 2/8 2.5 1.75 1 1.75
22.49 total
20.74 after coupons
15.74 after $5 Catalina

4
Bounty Paper Towels 8ct 10.99/8.24 .25/1P&G 3/1 10.99 10.74 2 21.98
21.98 total
21.48 after coupons
16.48 after $5 Catalina

5
Charmin 6 Mega roll 6.99/5.24 .25/1P&G 3/1 6.99 6.74 3
20.97 total
20.22 after coupons
15.22 after $5 Catalina

6
Tide 75-100 oz 11.99/8.99 .35 P&G 2/8 3/1 11.99 11.64 2
23.98 total
23.28 after coupons
18.28after $5 Catalina

7
Zyrtec 9.99/6.69 Printable 9.99 7.99 4
39.96 total
31.96 after coupons
26.96 after $5 Catalina

8
Johnson's baby oil 3.00/2.01 $1/1 RP 1-4 3 2 2 6
Johnson's detangler 3.00/2.01 Printable 3 1.5 1 3
Aveeno lotion 3.5-16oz 6.99/4.68 Printable 6.99 4.99 2 13.9 8
Carefree liners 3.00/2.01 Printable 3 1.5 2 6
Stayfree 3.00/2.01 Printable 3 2 2 6
34.98 total
22.48 after coupons
12.48 after $10 Catalina

9
Pop tarts 1.67 $1/2 RP 1/18 2/22 1.17 20 23.4
Yogos 1.67 $1/2 RP 2/1 1.17 10 11.7
Tombstone Pizza B3G3 2.8 6 16.8
51.90 after coupons
41.90 after $10 Catalina

10
Tide 75-100 oz 11.99/8.99 .35 P&G 2/8 3/1 11.99 11.64 1 11.64
Charmin 6 Mega roll 6.99/5.24 .25/1P&G 3/1 6.99 6.74 1 6.74
Pampers 19.99/14.99 $1/1 P&G 3/1 19.99 18.99 1 18.99 38.97
37.37 after coupons
32.37 after $5 Catalina

Then I went shopping =)

When shopping it's not really nice to all of the other shoppers and checker to do a lot of transactions back to back so I usually only do two or three depending on how busy the store is. (Today, however, I did 9 because it was dead and my step aunt was the checker =)
Doing two or three transactions and then getting back in line or going back to the store later is usually the best approach.

That's my shopping process. I hope this helps you on your way to learning the coupon system.

P.S. I have some coupons left over that I will not be using before they expire. If you are interested in this sale I would be more than happy to show you how it's done!

Albertson's sale 3/11 and orginization

For this weeks Albertson's list click here and click here to go to the PYP Alberston's forum. It wasn't an amazing sale, but I stocked up on some things I needed.

This weeks promotions are:

**Kraft promo: Save $10 instantly when you spend $25 on participating products.
**Campbell's promo: Spend $10 on participating products, get 300 Bonus Labels for Education
**Clip & Save promo: Buy the items shown, in the quantities listed, and save $3 or $5. No limits!(Look for these coupons in your ad, but they usually have extras at the store)

With these (and more) catalina offers:

Crystal Light
Buy (3) crystal light To Go boxesGet $2.00 off OYNSO(unknown ending date)
Kraft Cheese
Buy 2 & get $1 OYNSO(On Your Next Shopping Order)
Buy 3 & get $2 OYNSO
Buy 4 or more & get $3 OYNSO
Buy Kraft 2% Natural Chunk, Shreds and Snacking Cheese 6oz or larger. Includes 2% Natural Chunk, 2% Natural Slices, 2% Cracker Cuts, 2% Cubes, Crumbles and 2% Shredded Cheese.(Be careful on this one, I bought the wrong cheese and didn't get it =( Watch for the 2%)

I took advantage of the Kraft promo with the Crystal Light catalina'a as well as the Clip & Save promo.

I started with my list:
Albertsons
(Item) (Sale$) (Coupon) ($after Qpon) (Qty) (Final$) (Retail) (Saved)
Tree Top Trim Juice 64oz $2.5 $1/1 SS 1-4 $1.5 $4 $6 $10 $4
BrdsEyeStmFrshFrznveg10-12oz 1 $1/3 RP 3-1 0.67 6 4.02 6
Shoppers Value milk - gallon 1.99 n/a 1.99 2 3.98 3.98
Shoppers Value Ice Cream 64oz 1.39 In ad 1.39 2 2.78 2.78
Kraft promo:Save$10 instantly when you spend$25 on participating products
Crystal Light on the Go 7-10 ct. $3/1.80 $1/2 printable 1.3 6 7.8 18
Kraft BBQ sauce 18 oz. $1.5/.90 Instant savings 1.2 5 6 7.5
Kraft Miracle Whip 24-32 oz. $3/1.80 Instant savings 1.8 3 5.4 9
Taco Bell taco shells 18 ct. 1.5/.9 Instant savings 0.9 5 4.5 7.5
Kraft natural cheese slices7-8oz $3/1.80 n/a 1.8 4 7.2 6
Nabisco Oreo cookies 17-20 oz. 2.50/1.50 Instant savings 1.5 2 3 5
Campbell's promo
Campbell's Crm Mush 10.75oz 1 Printable 0.5 6 3 6
Clip & Save promo: Buy the items shown, in the quantities listed&save $3/$5
1 Spring! natural spring 24pck 7.79 In ad 2.79 2 5.58 15.581
Kraft Mac&Cheese 12 pck 12.99 In ad 7.99 1 7.99 12.99

Cut out my coupons(see below for organizing ideas) . . .

And went shopping!

Retail that is $164.59. I spent 68.58. That's a saving of $96.01. (I love saving more than I spent!!!)

OK, so by now you should have all done your homework right?!? And you have a source of coupons. Now, what to do with them all. There are several methods. The tick is finding one that works best for you. So back to our outline

#3. Getting Organized. . . choose what works best for you!

a. Binder Method (zip binder, baseball card holders or photo sheets)
b. Coupon Caddie or Coupon Box (box with dividers and categories)
c. Envelopes (with different categories
d. Filing Cabinet or Filing Box (with dates on top)
e. Flexible File (with categories or dates)
Be organized Before you go to the store!

a. Binder Method (zip binder, baseball card holders or photo sheets)
This is the one my 'teacher' prefers and some day, if I can get organized enough, I might switch to this method. She has a zipper binder full of baseball card holders. Each card holder is the perfect size for most coupons. Then card holders are separated into categories.
(If you would like an example list of categories let me know)

b. Coupon Caddie or Coupon Box (box with dividers and categories)
This is a popular method with couponers. You can actually buy special caddies that already have categorized dividers.

c. Envelopes (with different categories)I've never actually seen this one, but I'm assuming it would be similar to the previous two.

(These first three are great for those who like to take all of their coupons with them to the store for hidden deals. Requires cutting coupons)

d. Filing Cabinet or Filing Box (with dates on top)
This is the method I use. I love it because you only have to cut the coupons you need when you need them.
For great how to videos using this method, click here.

e. Flexible File (with categories or dates)
Another one I've never seen, but it seems pretty self explanatory.

I hope this answers a few more of your questions. If you have more PLEASE feel free to ask!Also check out more of Shauntell's system at http://theobsessiveshopper.net/ part of the http://funwithfoodstorage.net/ network.

Happy shopping!

Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy 30% off coupon

In case anyone is interested . . .

The parent company for Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy have issued this coupon for 30% off your entire purchase on March 12-15. You can use it as many times as you want during those 4 days. 5% of your purchase goes toward the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Welcome

Hi everyone. I've been playing with the idea of starting a new blog for a while now and today I just decided to go for it. I'm going to combine my couponing with recipes and maybe even some food storage, but I need your help. I'm looking for some of you that would be interested in contributing. My goal is for all of us to save money, find/share/try yummy new recipes and maybe even build up and/or use some of our food storage. I really think this is going to be a lot of fun. Let me know if you are interested!