Saturday, October 31, 2009

Putting the Strawberries to Bed for the Winter

Hubby got my strawberries all boxed in today. From this picture it looks like it takes up half of my garden. It doesn't though, only about 1/3. The box measure about 10'x23'. My patch really grew this year. While I didn't get very many strawberries I am anticipating that I will get a good crop next year (fingers crossed). I have been having a MAJOR issue with deer though, even now. They are always out there eating the shoots. Today after hubby made my box I covered the plants with straw to help protect them this winter. Has anyone ever done this?

Last year I didn't do anything to the bed over the winter. I moved them in the Spring and I didn't really get any strawberries this year. Then late Summer they went crazy shooting and spreading all over the place. Since I have gotten such a nice crop going I decided to do a little research and make sure that they survive the Winter ok. I read that you should protect your berries from the cold temperatures. Dormant strawberry buds can be damaged in temperatures that reach below 15 degrees F. Along with the cold temperatures the constant freezing and thawing of the soil can cause the roots to break.

Mulching is recommended to keep your strawberries safe from the extreme cold. Hay or straw is best. Leaves and grass clippings are not recommended because they tend to get matted down and suffocate the plant. 3" of mulch is about all you should need. I used one bale of straw that I bought from the Tractor Supply store. It costs me $5.99 and it covered my entire bed.

Hopefully this will protect them from the cold and maybe keep the deer out for the rest of the Winter.

Free Sample of Kashi Chewy Granola Bar

You can go here to request a free sample of Kashi All Natural Chewy Granola Bar.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Update

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. Things have been a little hectic around my house. My father-in-law had open heart surgery this week. He is recovering very well. Along with spending time at the hospital I have also been busy with appointments of my own and school conferences. Lots of things, including blogging, have been shoved to the back burner for the week. Once things get semi-back to normal I will be back posting again. For this week, I will not be posting Fareway or Hy-Vee deals. For Hy-Vee you can head over to BeCentsable for a list of blogs with deals.

Thanks and have a great week.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Menu Plan Monday

Monday...Leftovers.
Tuesday...Tacos and fruit.
Wednesday...Chicken nuggets, fries, fruit.
Thursday...Homemade chicken and noodles with homemade dinner rolls.
Friday...Spaghetti, lettuce salad, bread.

For more meal ideas head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Free Sample of Pampers Extra Protection Diapers

You can go here to request a free sample of Pampers Extra Protection Diapers. Also go here to join Pampers.com and register for coupons and a chance to win free diapers for 1 year!

Target Deals Week of 10/25-10/31


Looks like a slow week for Target deals. Not very impressive to me. I am going to send you over to Stretching a Buck to view her list of match-ups.

Walgreens Deals Week of 10/25-10/31

I am not very excited about this weeks Walgreens deals. I am going to send you over to Common Sense With Money for her list of match ups if you are interested.



Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Frugal Halloween Costumes

With Halloween right around the corner it is time to start thinking about that costume for your child (or yourself!) if you haven't done so already. Halloween costumes don't have to be expensive. There are many options. See the little pumpkin man above? That costume has been around the block. My 11-year-old wore that when he was 4. My 4-year-old wore it last year and now this year my 3-year-old will wear it.

The crazy looking skeleton man and the ninja, both of those costumes were bought at Target last year at the end of the season for 90% off. I spent $2.50 for the skeleton and $1.30 for the ninja. So watch for clearance costumes at the end of this season.

Of course you can always watch garage sales and thrift stores for cheap costumes.

Making your own costume is also a very frugal and fun option. My niece made a clever costume a few years ago that I remember. She went as a "smarty pants" and glued smarties candy all over an old pair of pants. Here is a helpful website with hundreds of costume ideas. Simple ideas like cotton candy...dress yourself in a white sweatsuit for the stick and wrap your upper body and head with pink tulle!

For more frugal ideas visit Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.

Fareway Deals 10/20-10/26

Welcome Grocery Gathering readers! Here is a list of current deals that I see at Fareway. I use central Iowas ad when making this list. My store takes printable coupons as well as manufacturer coupons from the paper. Please check your local ad to confirm these deals in your area. I know they run different ads in different locations. Grocery
Fastco Saltines $.88
All Purpose Gold Medel Flour 5lb $1.58
GW Brown or Powdered Sugar 2lb $.99
Tendersweet Canned Veggies $.50
Fastco Quick Oats 18 oz $.69 (in ad coupon)
Lays Potato Chips $2.49

Meat
Pork Spare Ribs $1.59 lb (in ad coupon)

Produce
Yellow Onions 3 lb $.99
Carrots 2 lb $.99
Cucumbers 2/$.89
Jazz Apples $.88 lb

Dairy
Sunny D 64 oz $.99
Large Eggs 18 ct $1.49 (in ad coupon)
AE Dips $.77

Beverage
Coke, Sprite or Barqs 2 Liters $.88
Mrs. Clarks Apple Juice 64 oz $1.50

Frozen
Aunt Jemima Waffles 10 ct $.99

Totinos Pizza $1.00
- $1.00/5 (8/9 GM) or
- $1.00/4 (9/13 and 10/4 GM)
= 4/$3.00 or $.75 each or 5/$4.00 or $.80 each

Hot Pockets $2.00
- $1.00/3 (8/23 RP) or
- $.50/1 (9/13 RP)
= $1.50 or 3/$5.00 or $1.67 each

Tony's Pizza $2.00
- $1.00/2 (10/4 SS)
= $1.50 each when you buy 2

Let me know if you see any deals that I missed. Looks to be a pretty slow week.

Hy-Vee Deals Week of 10/20-10/26

Welcome Grocery Gathering readers! Here is a preview of the deals that I see at Hy-Vee for this week. I use central Iowas ad when making this list. My store takes both printable coupons and manufacturer coupons from the paper. Please check your local ad to confirm these deals in your area.Hy-Vee is offering some new printable coupons. You can go here to check them out, just look under the online ad. The coupons are on pages 4 and 5. Some of my favorites are the $.99 5lb Pillsbury Flour, $1.00 any Feminine Hygiene and the $.25 off any Halloween candy. Remember you can stack these coupons with your manufacturer coupons for an even better deal. For example, you can combine the candy coupon with your Nestle coupon for the sale this week making for some really cheap Halloween candy.

Grocery

Hy-Vee Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup $.38
Post Cereal 3/$5 or $1.68 each
Midwest Country Fare Sugar 4lb $1.58
Chicken of the Sea Chunk Tuna $.58 (in ad coupon)
Duncan Hines Cake Mix $.88
Hy-Vee Sandwich Bread $1.18

Nestle Fun Size Candy $1.77
(should be some manufacturer coupons out there for this, also combine with the Hy-vee coupon found here)

Nestle Toll House Morsels $1.77
- $1.00/2 (9/13 RP)
= $1.27 each

Meat
80% Fresh Ground Beef 16oz Roll $1.58
Blue Ribbon Pork Steak $.99 lb

Produce
Buy 2 Marzetti Carmel Apple Dips and receive $2 off Apples
Honeycrisp Apples $1.38 lb
Baby Carrots 3lb $2.50
Dole Broccoli $.99

Dairy
Large Eggs $.99 (in ad coupon)
Hy-Vee Margarine 16 oz sticks $.58
Hy-Vee Shredded Cheese 6 or 8 oz $1.25
Hy-Vee Cheese Block 8 oz $1.47

Frozen
Hot, Lean, Croissant, Breakfast, Subs, Calzones or Paninis $2.00
- $1.00/3 (8/23 RP) or
- $.75/1 Breakfast Pocket (9/27 RP) or
- $.50/1 (9/13 RP)
= $1.25-$1.67

Reames Egg Noodles or Dumplings 12 oz $1.99
- $.50 (9/27 SS)
= $1.49

Tony's Pouches $1.25
- $.50 (10/4 SS)
= $.75

Beverage
7 UP 6 pack bottles Buy 4 for $10 get one free (in ad coupon)

Non-Food
Charmin Bathroom Tissue 12 Big Rolls $5.48
- $.25 (9/27 P&G)
= $5.24

Bounty Basics Paper Towels $5.48
- $.25 (9/27 P&G)
= $5.24

Let me know if you see any deals that I missed.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Walgreens Deals Week of 10/18-10/24

Thank you to Common Sense With Money for helping me compile this weeks Walgreens deals.

Walgreens Pantiliners 22 pack $.79 (in ad coupon)
Walgreens Bandages 40-60 count $.99 (in ad coupon)
Walgreens Aluminum Foil 20 sq feet $.59 (in ad coupon)

Dawn Dish Liquid $.99
- $.25 (9/27 P&G)
= $.74

Scotch Magic or Gift Wrap Tape 3 pack $1.99 (in ad coupon)
- $.50 (8/9 RP)
= $1.49

Hefty One Zip Bags 13-18 Freezer or 17-22 Storage B1 at $3.29 G1 Free
- $1.00/2 (8/30 RP)
- 2/$2.29 or about $1.15 each

Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue 9 rolls $3.99

- $1.00 (10/11 RP)
= $2.99

Sure Deodorant 2/$3 (in ad coupon)
- $1.00/1 or $1.50/1 (10/18 SS)
= free-$.50

Starbucks Frappucino $1.29 (in ad coupon)
-$1.00 printable IE coupon here or FF coupon here

Ester C 500 mg 90ct on sale BOGO or 2/$10.99

- two $5/1 coupon from 10/4 RP inserts
= $0.99 for two after coupons

Ricola 2/$3 after in-ad coupon
- BOGO coupon from 10/11 SS insert
-$0.50/1 coupon from Walgreens Healthy Savings coupon booklet
= $0.50 for two after coupons

Tylenol Cold 20-24 ct or 8oz liquid
- $2/1 printable coupon
=$2.99 each after coupon

Weekly Register Rewards Deals

Herbal Essence Shampoo or Conditioner 23.7 oz (Large Size) $5.99, Earn $2 RR wyb one
- $1.00 (9/13 RP)
= $2.99

Zantac 24 or 30 ct $8.99, Earn a $8.99 RR wyb one
-$5/1 printable coupon
=FREE plus $5 in overage after coupon and register rewards

Pert Plus hair products 13.5oz 2/$5, Earn a $2 RR wyb two
- two $1/1 coupon from 9/13 SS or 10/18 SS inserts
= $1 for two after coupons and register rewards

Glade Jar Candles 2/$5, Earn a $2 RR when you buy two
-$1/1 from 10/4 SS insert
= $2 for two after coupon and register rewards

Oral B Crossaction Toothbrush 2/$6, Earn a $3 RR wyb two
- two $1/1 coupon from 10/11 or 9/27 P& G insert
=$1 for two after coupons and register rewards

Zyrtec 30 ct $18.99, Earn a $7 RR wyb one
- $4/1 coupon from 9/13 or 10/11 RP inserts
=$7.99 each after coupon and register rewards

Monthly Register Rewards

Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99, Receive $2.99 RR

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk; $2.49, Receive $2.49 wyb one

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System $8.99, Earn a $6 RR wyb one (ends on 10/24)
- $4/1 coupon from 9/27 P&G insert
= plus $1.01 in overage after coupon and register reward

Halls Refresh Sugar Free (20ct; $1), Receive $1 RR
- $0.75/1 coupon from 9/27 insert or $0.50/1 from October all You Magazine
= plus up to $0.75 in overage after coupon and register reward

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8oz; $6.99), Receive $6.99 RR wyb one
- $1.50/1 coupon from 8/2 RP insert
= plus $1.50 in overage after coupon and register reward

Emergen-C Booster ($3.49), Receive $3.49 RR wyb one

Target Deals Week of 10/18-10/24

Thank you to Marci at Stretching a Buck for helping me compile this weeks Targets deals.

You can print off Target coupons here to match with manufacturer coupons. You can also sign up with a Full Cup here to view other Target coupons and to print off multiple coupons at once.

Apples Gala, Granny Smith or Fuji $.99 lb
Doritos 14.4 oz $2.00 each

Lean or Hot Pockets $1.80
- $1.00/3 (8/23 RP) or
- $.50/1 (9/13 RP)
= $1.30 off of one or $1.47 each when you buy 3

Lean Cuisine Entrees $1.80
- $1.00/4 printable here for IE or here for FF
- $1.00/5 (9/13 RP)
= $1.60 each if you buy five or $1.55 if you buy 4

Cheez-It Crackers $1.99
- $1.50/2 (10/4 RP)
= $1.24 each when you buy 2

Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup $.60
- $.40/4 (10/4 SS)
= $.50 each when you buy 4

Hefty One Zip Bags 12-40 ct $2.50
- $1.00/2 (8/30) or
- $1.00 (9/27 RP)
= $1.50 when you buy 2 or $2.00 when you buy 1

Hasbro Hungry Hippos Travel Game $4.99
- $4.00 printable here
= $.99

Playskool Musical Sit and Spin $20.00
- $10.00 (10/18 SS)
= $10.00

Get a $5 Target Gift Card when you buy 2 Vaseline Skin Care Products

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8 oz) - $5.99/ea
Use $1.50/1 here (print 2)
Final Price = $4.49/ea; It's like getting this for $1.99/ea when you buy 2, w/gift card

Vaseline Body Lotion (20.3 or 24.5 oz) - $5/ea
Use $1/1 in 10/18 Red Plum insert or in November All You Magazine
Final Price = $4/ea; It's like getting this for $1.50/ea when you buy 2, w/gift card

Get a $5 Target Gift Card When you Buy 2 Venus Breeze or Fusion Power Razors or Cartridges

Fusion Power Razor - $7.94/ea
Use $4/1 in 9/27 P&G insert
Final Price = $3.94/ea; It's like getting this for $1.44/ea when you buy 2, w/gift card

Venus Breeze Razor - $7.94/ea
Use $2/1 in 9/27 P&G insert
Final Price = $5.94/ea; It's like getting this for $3.44/ea when you buy 2, w/gift card


Let me know if you see any other deals this week.

Seventh Generation Free Sample and Coupon


You can go here to request a free sample of Seventh Generation Laundry Soap. You can also print off a $1.00 coupon.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Keeping the Food Budget Low on Vacation

Going on vacation can still be frugal if you plan ahead. Food is one area where we tend to spend alot of money. Here are some ideas that can keep your food budget down.

Breakfast...Bring bagels, fresh fruit or rolls. Make ahead homemade bread or muffins and bring them with you. Some hotels have refrigerators in the rooms, if so, bring a carton of milk and a box of cereal. Or better yet stay at a hotel with FREE continental breakfast!

Snacks...Pack your own snacks. This will stop impulse buys at the gas station where you will pay double the price. Pretzels, peanuts, or chex mix are all good options. If your staying at a hotel and your room is equipped with a microwave, popcorn is always fun too.

Drinks...Water is the best drink to bring. You can bring your own water bottle from home and if it spills, no sticky mess.

Dinner...Pack a cooler with sandwiches. Another good idea is to pack a crockpot and some soup or stew and you can have a meal in your room. You can plug it in before you leave in the morning and dinner will be ready when you get home.

Do you have any tips to keep your vacation grocery budget down?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Coupon Preview for Sunday 10/18

There will be 2 inserts this Sunday. Smart Source and Red Plum. Here is a list of the individual coupons. Please remember coupons may vary by region.

Thanks Common Sense With Money.

SmartSource

Arm & Hammer Spinbrush powered toothbrush – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Arm & Hammer Spinbrush refill – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Sonic Brush or Refill – $2.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Bic Comfort 3 Advance 4pk, Soleil Disposable 3pk or 4pk, Bic 3 8pk, Bic Comfort 3 4pk or 8pk, Comfort Twin 5pk or 10pk, Twin Select 10pk, Silky Touch 8pk or 10pk, or Sensitive Shaver 12pk – $2.00 off any 1 (x11/29)
Bird’s Eye or Steamfresh variety bag – 50 cents off any 1 (x11/28)
Bird’s Eye Steamfresh Lightly Sauced Vegetables and Pasta bag – 50 cents off any 1 (x11/28)
Bird’s Eye Steamfresh Meals – BOGO up to $8.99 value (x11/28)
Brunswick Sardines – $1.00 off any 3 (x1/31/10)
Bumble Bee Crab or Shrimp – $1.00 off any 3 (x1/31/10)
Clear Care Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution OR AQuify Multi-Purpose Solution 12oz+ – $1.50 off any 1 (x2/28/10)
Enfagrow Powder Formula – $2.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Excedrin product 20ct+ – 75 cents off any 1 (x12/06/09)
Excedrin product 80ct+ – $1.50 off any 1 (x12/06/09)
Fancy Feast Gourmet Cat Food cans, 3oz – B24G3 FREE up to $2.10 (x1/31/10) *Excludes Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys
Fancy Feast Gourmet Cat Food cans, 3oz – B36G5 FREE up to $3.50 (x1/31/10) *Excludes Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys
Fancy Feast Gourmet Cat Food cans, 3oz – B3G1 FREE up to 70 cents (x1/31/10) *Excludes Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys
General Mills Cereals (Boo Berry, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cookie Crisp, Count Chocula, Dora, Franken Berry, Golden Grahams, Kix, Lucky Charms, Reese’s, Trix) – $1.00 off any 3 (x11/28)
GenTeal – $1.50 off any 1 (x2/28/10)
Glade Sense & Spray Refill – $1.00 off any 1 (x11/28)
Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit – $4.00 off any 1 (x11/28)
GoodNites Sleep Pants, jumbo pack+ – $1.50 off any 1 (x11/30)
Healthy Ones Packaged Lunchmeat, deli presliced, or 1lb or deli meat – 55 cents off (x11/30)
Hershey’s, Reese’s or Kit Kat Snack Size Bag Candy, 9oz-22oz – B3G1 FREE up to $3.00 value (x10/31)
Jose Ole item 16oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x11/30)
Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter products – $1.00 off any 2 (x12/12/09) DND-5
Marcal Small Steps – FREE single roll towel, bath tissue or facial tissue up to $1.00 value OR $1.00 off any Marcal Small Steps towel, napkin, bath tissue or facial tissue (x11/30) *Limit one coupon per person (in very small print)
Marcal Small Steps Super Soft 2-ply Bath Tissue – $2.00 off any 1 (x11/30) *Limit one coupon per person (in very small print)
Orajel product – $1.00 off any 1 (x4/30/10)
Over the Moon Milk, half gallon – $1.00 off any 1 (x11/30)
Pert Plus Family Size, 25.4oz+ – $2.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Pert Plus for Men – $1.50 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Pert Plus or Pert Plus for Men, 12oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Pillsbury Refrigerated Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls – 40 cents off any 2 (x1/09/10)
Playskool Hatchlings – $5.00 off any 1 (x1/15/10)
Playskool Musical Sit ‘n Spin – $10.00 off any 1 (x1/15/10)
Purina Beneful Dry Dog Food, any size/variety AND Purina Beneful Snackin Slices 11oz+ – $2.00 off wyb BOTH (x12/31/09)
Purina Beneful Prepared Meals FREE wyb Purina Beneful Dry Dog Food, any size/variety – up to $2.29 value (x12/31/09)
Purina One brand Dry Cat Food, any size/variety – $2.00 off any 1 (x11/18)
Purina Puppy Chow, Dog Chow, Little Bites, Healthy Morsels, Active Senior, Fit&Trim, or Naturally Complete dog food, 15.5lb+ – $1.50 off any 1 (x10/31)
Purina Puppy Chow, Dog Chow, Little Bites, Healthy Morsels, Active Senior, Fit&Trim, or Naturally Complete dog food, 3.5lb+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x10/31)
Red Baron Singles product – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/20/09) DND-5
Revlon Beauty Tool – $1.00 off any 1 (x11/18)
Simply Saline Nasal product – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/12) *yes, 2012)
Snow’s Chowder or Clam products – $1.00 off any 2 (x1/31/10)
Spray ‘n Wash Bright & White only – $1.25 off any 1 (x11/29)
Starbucks Coffee 12oz bag, available where you buy groceries – $1.50 off any 1 (x12/31/09) *Not valid at Starbucks Cafes
Sure Anti-perspirant & Deodorant 2oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Sure for Men Anti-perspirant & Deodorant – $1.50 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Theraflu product – $2.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Triaminic product – $1.50 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Triaminic product – $3.00 off any 2 (x12/31/09)
Trident Layers Gum, single pack – BOGO up to $1.49 value (x12/12/09)
Tyson Heat-and-Eat Entrée – 55 cents off any 1 (x1/18/10)
Woolite Detergent, 50oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x11/29)
(2)Yoplait Yogurt Cups, includes Original, Light, Thick & Creamy, or Whips!) or Yoplait Original or Light Smoothie – 40 cents off any 6 (x12/12/09)
Zantac 8ct+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)

Red Plum

Advil Cold and Sinus or Allergy Sinus – Save $1.00 on any 1
Breathe Right – Save $1.00 on any 1
Breyers Ice Cream, 1.5-1.75qt – Save .75 on any 1
Brita Multipack Fliters – Save $1.00 on any 1
Brita pour-through or Faucet Mount System – Save $4.00 on any 1
Caltrate, Excludes 30 ct. – Save $1.00 on any 1
Centrum Cardio – Save $2.00 on any 1
Centrum Ultra – Save $1.00 on any 1
Centrum Ultra Women’s, Ultra Men’s Caltrate – Save $3.00 on any 2
Cheer BrightClean – Save .35 on any 1
Domino Organic or Demerara Sugar 24 oz – Save .30 on any 1
Domino Sugar, 2 lbs or larger – Save .50 on any 2
Goodlife Recipe for Cats – Save $1.50 on any 1
Goodlife Recipe for Dogs – Save $1.50 on any 1
Ideal No Cal Sweetener Packets or Bags – Save $1.00 on any 1
Knox Powder or NutraMix for Strong Nails 5.5 oz – Save $4.00 on any 1
L’Oreal EverPure Shampoo conditioner or treatment – Save $2.00 on any 1
L’Oreal Excellence Crème or Excellence to-Go – Save $2.00 on any 1
L’Oreal Skincare Products – Save $3.00 on any 2
L’Oreal Skincare Products – Save $1.00 on any 1
L’Oreal True Match or L’Oreal Makeup, Powder, Blush or Concealer – Save $2.00 on any 1
Listerene antiseptic 900ml or Listerene PocketPacks 24 ct or Listerene PocketMist or Plax Rinse or Listerene Essential Care Toothpaste – Save .50 on any 1
Listerene Whitening Quick Dissloving Strips or Pen or Rembrandt Products – Save $3.00 on any 1
Listerene Whitening Rinse 16 fl oz or larger or Listerene Agent Cool Blue or Listerene Smart Rinse – Save $1.00 on any 1
McCormick Black Pepper, Spice or Herb in a Bottle, Extract or Food Color – Save $1.00 on any 1
Nestle or Wonka Bags, 11.5oz or larger – Save $1.00 on any 2
Nevella No Cal Sweetener Packets or Bags – Save $1.00 on any 1
Nutra Joint Powder or Caplets, 11oz or larger – Save $7.00 on any 1
Pedigree Good Bites Treats for Cats – Save $1.00 on any 1
Pedigree Jumbone Treats for Dogs – Save $1.00 on any 1
Reach Dental Floss or Reach Access Flosser – Save $1.00 on any 1
Reach Toothbrush or Value Pack – Save $1.00 on any 1
Real Simple Magazine – Save $1.00 on 1
Restoring Listerene or Listerene Total Care Mouthwash 500ml or larger – Save $1.00 on any 1
SlimShots Liquid Portion Control, Excludes 2 ct – Save $3.00 on any 1
Smart Balance Butter Blend Sticks – Save $1.00 on any 1
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads – Save $1.00 on any 2
Smart Balance Cooking Oil or Cooking Spray – Save $1.00 on any 1
Smart Balance HeartRight Spread – Save $1.00 on any 1
Smart Balance Peanut Butter – Save $1.00 on any 1
Superpretzel – Save .50 on any 1
Vaseline Lotion 200ml or larger, Except Renewal or Glow – Save $1.00 on any 1

Free Sample From Stayfree

Go here to sign up for your free sample from Stayfree.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Fareway Deals Week of 10/13-10/19

Welcome Grocery Gathering readers! Here is a list of current deals that I see at Fareway. I use central Iowas ad when making this list. My store takes printable coupons as well as manufacturer coupons from the paper. Please check your local ad to confirm these deals in your area. I know they run different ads in different locations. Grocery
Post Cereal Cocoa Pebbles 11oz , Fruity Pebbles 11oz , Golden Crisp 14.75oz and Raisin Bran 20oz $1.50
Jiffy Corn Muffin or Pizza Crust Mix 3 for $1.00
Crystal Sugar 4 lb $1.48
Crystal Brown or Powdered Sugar 2 lb $1.18
Geisha Mandarin Oranges 11 oz $.50
Sara Lee Whole Grain White Bread $.99

Select General Mills Cereal Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahms, Chex Cereals $2.99
- $4.00 (in ad coupon, if you buy 4 GM cereals) combine with
- $1.00/2 printable blue banner to your left (print twice) or
-$1.00/3 (9/13 or 10/4 GM)
= as low as $1.49 per box

Meat
Center Cut Pork Chops $1.49 lb
Chicken Hindquarters 10lb Bag $3.99
(My Fareway is still running this sale)
Boneless Arm Roast $2.49 lb
93% Lean Ground Beef $1.99 sold in 10 lb Tubes
(in ad coupon)

Produce
Strawberries $1.29 lb
Green Grapes $.79 lb
(The grapes and strawberries are not advertised but when I did my shopping yesterday this was their price)
Braeburn Apples $.88 lb
Bartlett Pears $.79 lb

Dairy
Kraft Shredded or Chunk Cheese 3 for $5
-$1.00/2 printable here
= 2/$2.33 or 3/$4.00

Beverage
Dr. Pepper 6 pack .5 liter $2.00
7-Up, Diet 7-Up or Cherry 7-Up 2 liter $.79

Frozen
Blue Bunny Ice Cream Pail $4.88

Red Baron Pizza 3 for $10.00 or $3.33 each
- $1.00 (9/20 SS)
= 3/$7.00 or $2.33 each

Birdseye Steamfresh Veggies $.99
-$.35 (9/13 SS)
= $.64

Jack's Frozen Pizza 5 for $11.00 or $2.20 each
- $.40 (8/23 SS)
= $1.80

Let me know if you see any deals that I missed.

Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day

I whipped up a batch of Artisan Bread dough the other day. I have never made it before. I made my first loaf last night and it was so easy. I wish I had been doing this a long time ago. It really does only take about 5 minutes. If you aren't aware of Artisan 5 minutes a Day Bread Mother Earth wrote a great article about it here.

With this Artisan bread you can mix up a large batch of dough, let it sit for 2 hours, pull off a chunk and shape it into a loaf and bake it. There is no kneading required. Then just refrigerate the remaining dough for up to 2 weeks. Whenever you are hungry for a fresh loaf of homemade bread pull off another chunk of dough, let it rise and bake. It's that easy.

Here is the dough in the container I keep it in.The loaf as it is rising.The finished bread. Ummmm.Here is the basic recipe. This makes (4) 1 pound loaves.
3 Cups water
1 1/2 Tablespoons yeast
1 1/2 Tablespoons salt
6 1/2 Cups flour

You can read more about how to make the bread here. Or check the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes blog which has lots of awesome recipes.

Linked to Works for Me Wednesday at We are That Family.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Hy-Vee Deals Week of 10/13-10/19

Welcome Grocery Gathering readers! Here is a preview of the deals that I see at Hy-Vee for this week. I use central Iowas ad when making this list. My store takes both printable coupons and manufacturer coupons from the paper. Please check your local ad to confirm these deals in your area.Looks like a pretty decent week this week. If you can brave the 1-Day sale there could be some good stock up items. I had really bad luck at the last 6 hour sale a couple weeks ago but since this one runs all day and it is during the week and not on a Saturday I just might brave it!

Grocery

Hy-Vee Cottage Bread $.99
Knorr Sides $.88
Select Hy-Vee Cereal $1.48
Hy-Vee Chili or Kidney Beans 15 oz $.50

Pure Cane White Sugar 4lb $1.69 (in ad coupon)
-$.35 ( I have this coupon in my binder from a RP, not sure of date)
= $1.34

Campbell's Chunky, Homestyle or Traditional Soups $.99
- $1.00/4 (9/20 and 10/11 SS)
= $2.96/4 or $.74 each when you buy 4

Skippy Peanut Butter $1.48
-$.75 (10/4 RP)
= $.73

Ragu Pasta Sauce $.99
- $.75/2 (9/13 RP)
=$1.23/2

Meat
Boneless Sirloin Steak $2.88 lb
Hy-Vee Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs $.99 lb
Pork Shoulder Roast $.99 lb
Corn King Sliced Bacon 16oz $1.77
Hormel Little Sizzlers $.88 (in ad coupon)

Produce
Bananas $.39 lb
Monterey Whole Mushrooms 8 oz $.98 (in ad coupon)
Raspberries 6 oz $1.99
Hy-Vee Garden Salad or Cole Slaw 16 oz $.88
Dole Celery $.88

Dairy
Hy-Vee butter 1 lb$1.48
Hy-Vee Cheese Block 16 oz $2.77
Hy-Vee Cheese Slices 8 oz $1.77
Hy-Vee Sour Cream 16 oz $.88

Frozen
Birdseye Steamfresh Veggies $.99
-$.35 (9/13 SS)
= $.64

Non-Food
Buy 3 A&W 12 pack cans get $3 off a Pumpkin (in ad coupon)

Right Guard Deodorant $.99
- $1.00/2 (8/16 SS)
= $.98/2

Quilted Northern Bath Tissue 9 Mega, 12 Double or 24 Regular Rolls $5.99 (in ad coupon)
- $1.00 (10/11 RP)
=$4.99

Halls Cough Drops $1.18
- $.35 (9/27 SS)
= $.83
(Walgreens has these on sale this week for $1.00)

Purchase any 2 Clorox products and get Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 35 ct Free. Clorox Cleaners are $2.50 and Clorox Bleach is $1.77 (in ad coupon, states it is a Manufactures coupon) So I am not sure how coupons work but I think you could try this scenario...

Clorox Bleach $1.77 x 2 = $3.54
- $.50/2 (10/4 RP)
= $3.04 for 2 bleaches and Clorox Wipes.

One Day Only Sale Thursday October 15th
Russet Potatoes 5 lb $.88
Boneless Pork Loin $1.88 lb
Large Eggs $.88
Tostidos Tortilla Chips $1.99
Hy-Vee Juice $.99
Midwest Country Fare Bathroom Tissue $.88
Midwest Country Fare Paper Towels $.88
Duracell Batteries 50% off (-$.75 P&G)
Colgate Toothpaste or Toothbrush $.88
Hy-Vee Mac and Cheese $.25
7-Up 2 Liters $.79
Hunts Tomato Sauce 8 oz $.25
M&M /Mars Fun Size Candy Bars $1.77
Banquet Meat Pies $.39
Buy 1 lb Hy-Vee Ham at $4.99 lb get 1 lb Turkey ($2.99 value) Free (in ad coupon)
Hy-Vee 1 entree Chinese meal $3.99
Hy-Vee Cinnamon Rolls B1G1 Free

Let me know if you see any deals that I missed.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Once-A-Month Cooking Book Giveaway Winner

I had to pick another winner for the book giveaway. And the new winner is...
Here are your random numbers:
32

Timestamp: 2009-10-13 02:30:46 UTC

Autumn, she wrote "I also left a blog post about it...sorry forgot to mention it in the other comment!!"

Congrats Autumn, I have emailed you.

Target Deals Week of 10/11-10/17

Thank you to Marci at Stretching a Buck for helping me compile this weeks Targets deals.

You can print off Target coupons here to match with manufacturer coupons. You can also sign up with a Full Cup here to view other Target coupons and to print off multiple coupons at once.

Target has a FREE $10 Target Gift Card with purchase of any new or transferred prescription expiring 10/26/09 in this weeks ad.

Also a new list of Target coupons is up. You can view the new list here. Coupons include...

$1.00/1 Archer Farms Crackers
$1.00/1 Fuze Drink - 6 pack
$1.00/2 Halloween Oreo Cookies
$1.00/1 Archer Farms Bread
$0.75/2 Act II Popcorn
$1.00/2 Chex Mix 7 oz+
$1.00/2 Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies
$0.50/1 Quaker Bars or Bites
$1.00/1 Skippy Peanut Butter 15oz+
$1.00/2 General Mills Cereals 8 oz+ (excl cups and variety packs)
$1.00/1 Jimmy Dean Frozen Breakfast Product
$0.50/1 Tropicana Juice, 64 oz+

Looks like another week to stock up on some cheap peanut butter!

This weeks Deals
Market Pantry Sandwich Bread $.99 (I'll be stocking up on this one)
Market Pantry Water 24 pk 16.9 oz $2.99
Market Pantry Block Cheese or Shredded 8oz $1.50
Market Pantry Fruit Snacks $1.25
Market Pantry Cranberry and Other Select Juice $1.80

Nature Valley Granola Bars (6 ct), Nut Clusters (5 oz) - $2.50/ea
Get a FREE bag of Nut Clusters when you buy 3 boxes of NV Granola Bars
Use $0.40/1 Granola Bars in 9/13 GM insert or $0.70/2 in 10/4 GM insert or

Use $1/1 Nut Clusters in 9/13 GM insert or $0.50/1 in 10/4 GM insert
Final Price = $1.50-2.10/ea + FREE Nut Clusters if you buy 4 Granola Bars

Snack Size Candy (Butterfinger, Kit Kat, selected others) - $2.50/ea
Use $1/1 Nestle here
Final Price = $1.50/ea

Herbal Essences - $2.99/ea
Use $1/1 in 9/13 Red Plum insert
Final Price = $1.99/ea

Aussie Hair Spray - $2.99/ea
Use $1/1 in 10/11 P&G insert
Final Price = $1.99/ea

Charmin 18 pk Big Roll $8.99
- $.25 (9/27 P&G)
= $8.74

Hasbro Hungry Hippos Travel Game $4.99
- $4.00 printable here
= $.99

Let me know if you see any other deals this week.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Menu Plan Monday

Looks like it is going to be a chilly week ahead. Bringing out the crockpot for some nice warm meals!

Monday...Pulled pork sandwiches, lettuce salad and apples.
Tuesday...Potato Soup, homemade bread.
Wednesday...Chicken quesidillas, chips and salsa, carrot sticks.
Thursday...Crockpot BBQ ribs, broccoli, homemade applesauce, and homemade bread.
Friday...Steak, baked potatoes, grilled bread, peaches, and green beans.

To see what others are having this week head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Walgreens Deals Week of 10/11-10/17

Thank you to Nicole at Being Frugal is Fabulous for helping me compile this weeks Walgreens deals.

Register Reward Deals
Unilever: Buy 8 select products, get $8.00 in RR, buy 6 get $4.00 in RR. Participating iteems are:
  • Bertolli Meals: $5.99 $1.00 off printable coupon
  • Ragu: $1.67 $.60/2 MC from 9/13 RP
  • Skippy Peanut Butter: $1.67 $.75 off MC from 10/4 SS
  • Hellman’s/Best Foods Mayonnaise: $2.50 $.50 off MC from 8/2 RP or $1.00/2 Light printable coupon

**Deal Idea**
Buy 4 Skippy and 4 Ragu: $13.34
Use (4) $.75 off Skippy: -$3.00
Use (2) $.60/2 Ragu: -$1.20

Final Price: Pay $9.14 and get $8.00 RR back = $1.14

Dental Care-Oral B ProHealth Toothbrush, Scope White 24oz or Outlast 7.6oz or Extra Whitening Plus Scope Toothpaste 2/$7
Receive $4.00 RR
-$.75 Scope Mouthwash (9/27 or 10/11 P&G) and/or
-$1.00 Crest Toothpaste
(Crest Multicare, Extra Whitening, Whitening Expressions, any Whitening Plus Scope, any Vivid White, Sensitivity, any Pro Health or Weekly Clean)
=2/$1.00-$1.50

Renuzit Odor Neutralizer: $1.99
Receive $1.00 in RR

Final Price: $.99

Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers: 2/$18.00
Receive $4.00 in RR when you buy 2
Use (2) $2.00 off printable coupon for diapers or printable coupon for Pull-Ups

Final Price: 2/$10.00

Ban Anti-Perspirant: 2/$3.00
Receive $1.00 in RR
Use (2) $.40 off MC from 10/11 SS

Final Price: 2/$1.20

Vicks DayQuil or NyQuil: 2/$10.00
Receive $5.00 in RR
Use (2) $1.00 off MC from 9/27 or 10/11 P&G insert

Final Price: 2/$3.00

Garnier Styling Products; $3.99
Receive $2.00 in RR
$.75 off MC from 9/13 SS

Final Price: $1.24

Other Deals

Lysol Cleaners Buy 1 Get 1 Free (All Purpose, Bathroom or Anti-bacteria) must be the same price.

-$.50 (9/13 SS)

= Prices vary

Halls Lozenges 25 or 30 Count 2/$2 (in ad coupon)

-$.35 (9/27 SS)

=$.65

Walgreens Hydrogen Peroxide, 16 oz.: $.29

Walgreens Disposable Plates, (40 ct. foam, 72 ct. paper): $.99 (with in-ad coupon)

Wonder Bread: $1.50
$.55 off MC from 8/30 RP

Final Price: $.95

Wrigley’s Gum, 3 pk.: $1.50 (with in-ad coupon)
$1.00 off MC from 7/12 SS (**Coupon expires 10/12)

Final Price: $.50

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers: $2.50
$2.00 off printable coupon

Final Price: $.50

Monthly Register Reward Deals
Trident Layers Gum: 2/$2.00
Receive $1.00 in RR when you buy 2
Use (2) $.75 off printable coupon

Final Price: OVERAGE $.50


E
mergen-C Booster, 2 pk.: $3.49
Receive $3.49 in RR

Final Price: FREE


Robitussin DM To Go, 2 pk.: $2.49
Receive $2.49 in RR

Final Price: FREE


Vaseline Sheer Infusion: $6.99
Receive $6.99 in RR

$1.50 off printable coupon

Final Price: OVERAGE of $1.50


ChapStick Fresh Effects: $2.99
Receive $2.99 in RR

Final Price: FREE


Gillette Fusion Razor: $8.99
Receive $6.00 in RR
(only through 10/24)
$4.00 off MC from 9/27 P&G insert

Final Price: OVERAGE of $1.01

Friday, October 9, 2009

Coupon Preview for Sunday 10/11

There should be 3 inserts in this Sundays paper. Smart Source, Red Plum and Proctor and Gamble. Here is a list of the individual coupons. Remember, coupons may vary by region.

Thanks A Thrifty Mom.

SmartSource

$4 off Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra i-Motion Starter Kit or Compact i-Motion Starter Kit (exp 11/22)
$4 off Air Wick Scented Oil i-Motion Started Kit (exp 11/22)
$1 off Air Wick Scented Oil twin refill, or (2) single refills (exp 11/22)
.40/1 Ban Antiperspirant-deodorant (exp 12/31)
$1 off Biore product (exp 12/31)
$3 off Biore Skin Preservation product (exp 12/31)
$1.50/2 Birds Eye Voila bags (exp 11/21)
.50/1 Bob Evans Breakfast Sandwiches (exp 12/13)
.35/1 Bob Evans Frozen Breakfast Item (exp 12/13)
.50/1 Breyers Inspirations Multipack Yogurt (exp 1/03/10)
.75/1 Breyers Swirled Lowfat Yogurt Disney Multipack (exp 1/03/10)
.55/1 Butterball Turkey Bacon, 12oz. (exp 12/31)
.75/4 Campbell’s Chunky Soup Cans (exp 11/22)
.30/4 Campbell’s Condensed “Great for Cooking” soups (exp 12/31)
.75/1 Colgate Total, Max White, Max Fresh, Sensitive, or Kids Toothpaste, 4oz.+ (exp 10/31)
.35/1 Comet Soft Cleanser or Comet Spray product (exp 12/11)
$1/2 Crush, diet, or regular, 2L. (exp 11/30)
$2 off Curel Itch Defense Moisture Lotion (exp 12/31)
.75/1 Curel Moisturizer, 3.5oz.+ (exp 12/31)
B1G1 Denny’s Restaurant – Denny’s Restaurant Coupons, All expire 11/22
.55/2 Duncan Hines Cake, Brownie Mix, or Frosting (exp 1/31/10)
.55/1 Eckrich Smoked Sausage product (exp 11/15)
$2 off Farmland Quarter Spiral Ham (exp 12/31)
$1/2 Farmland Sliced Bacon, 12 or 16oz. (exp 12/31)
$1 off Farmland Special Select Sliced Ham or Ham Cubes (exp 12/31)
.25 /1 Finish/Electrasol Powder or Gel (exp 11/08)
.50/1 Finish/Electrasol Quantum, Powerball Tabs, or Gelpacs (exp 11/08)
$1 off Hormel Refrigerated Entrée (exp 1/10/10)
.75/1 Jergens Moisturizer, 7.5oz.+, Natural Glow Moisturizer, Face 2oz. or Body 4oz.+ (exp 12/31)
$1 off John Frieda Collection product (exp 12/31)
.55/1 Mentos Gum (exp 1/31/10)
$1 off Mucinex Adult product (exp 1/03/10)
$1 off Mucinex Children’s product (exp 1/03/10)
$1 off Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough (exp 11/30)
$1.50/1 Newman’s Own Organics Coffee, 10oz. Bag or 12ct. K-Cup (exp 12/26)
$1 off Ocean Spray Instant Oatmeal, 12.1oz. (exp 12/31)
$2 off PediaSure, 6pk. (exp 12/31)
$1 off Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons (exp 12/31)
$1 off Playtex Sport Tampons (exp 12/31)
$3 off Purina Chef Michaels Canine Creations Bag Dry Dog Food, any size (exp 11/23)
B1G1 Purina Chef Michaels Canine Creations Can Dog Food (exp 11/23)
$1.50/1 Purina Dog Chow, 3.5lb.+ (exp 10/25)
(Puppy Chow, Little Bites, Active Senior 7+, Healthy Morsels, Fit & Trim, or Naturally Complete)
B4G1 Purina Mighty Dog, 5.5oz. (exp 11/30)
$2 off Purina One brand Dog Food package, any size/variety (exp 12/10)
B1G1 Purina One brand Wholesome Entrees Dog Food (exp 12/10)
$3 off Purina Pro Plan Dog Food, any size/variety bag (exp 12/31)
$1 off Purina Tiny T Bonz, Beggin Littles, or Busy Bone Mini package (exp 1/10/10)
.75/1 Reynolds Parchment Paper (exp 12/31)
Free Ricola Natural Mixed Berry with Vitamin C bag WYB any Ricola bag 19ct.+ (exp 11/08)
$2 off Schick Disposable Razor package (exp 11/22)
.50/1 SHOP ‘n SAVE Tomatoes, 28oz. (exp 10/31)
.50/1 SHOP ‘n SAVE Shredded Cheese, 8oz. (exp 10/31)
1.50/1 Tyson Any’tizers Chicken Breast Chunks or Crispy Breaded Wings w/ Sauce (exp 1/31/10)
$1 off Tyson Frozen Breaded Chicken bag (exp 1/11/10)
.55/1 Tyson Frozen Breaded Chicken box (exp 1/11/10)
.85/1 Viva Towels Big Roll Package (exp 11/21)
$1/2 Wet Ones Wipes Canisters or Boxes of Singles (exp 1/11/10)

RedPlum

$10/3 Advantage Brand Products
$7/2 Advantage Brand Products
$3 off Citrucel w/ Smartfiber Fiber Therapy Product
$1 off Colossal Volum Express Mascara or any Maybelline Mascara
$2/1 Contac Cold & Flu
$2/1 Ecotrin Aspirin Therapy
.75/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment
.75/1 Garnier Fructis Style Hairspray
$2 off Garnier Nutrissee Shade, Multi-Lights Kit or 100% Color
$1 off Garnier Nutritioniste Cleanser or Moisturizer
$2 off Gaviscon Antacid
$2 off Lubriderm Body Lotion, Cream or Ointment (except 1oz. or 3.3oz.)
$1 off Maybelline Eye Shadow or Eyeliner
$1 off Nature’s Bounty product
$2 off Nature’s Bounty Your Life Men’s and Women’s Multi
$2 off Neutrogena Face Cosmetics
$2 off Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lipstick
$1 off Nivea Body Wash for Women, 16.9oz.
$1 off Nivea for Men Face Scrub, Face Wash, Post Shave Balm 2.5-5oz. OR $1/2 Shave Gels
$2 off Nivea for Men-Revitalizing Lotion Q10 or Eye Crème Q10, 0.5-1oz.
$3 off Os-Cal Calcium Supplement
$2 off Phazyme Anti-Gas Product (except 12ct.)
$1/2 Quaker Chewy Granola Bars
$1 off Quilted Northern Soft & Strong or Ultra Plush Bath Tissues – (6 Double Roll or Larger Pkg)
$1 off Snausages Dog Snacks, 10oz.+
$1 off SnawSomes Dog Snacks, 9.5oz.+
$1/2 Starkist Pouch products
.50/1 Starkist Sandwich-Ready Tuna Salad Pouch
$1 off Surf Laundry Detergent
.50/1 Thai Kitchen product
$4 off Zyrtec, 24ct.+

P&G

$1 off Aussie product
$1 off Bounce Dryer Bar
.25/1 Bounce Sheets
$2 off Clairol Natural Instincts or Loving Care
$1 off CoverGirl product
.75/1 Crest Toothpaste 4.1oz.+ or Liquid Gel
.25/1 Downy Liquid Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets
B1G1 Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner or styler
$1/2 Olay Bodywashes, Bar Packs, or In-shower Body lotions
$1 off Olay Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser
$1/2 Olay Hand or Body Lotions
$5 off Olay Pro-X product
$3 off Olay Definity Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser
.75/1 Oral-B Plusar, CrossAction, or Advantage Toothbrush, or (2) Indicator Toothbrushes
$1 off Oral-B Floss Pick 45ct.+, Satin Floss or Any Glide product
$1/2 Pantene products
$3 off Prilosec OTC
.75/1 Scope Mouthwash 710mL.+
$1 off Vicks NyQuil or DayQuil
$1 off Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care
$1 off Vicks Vapo product or Baby Rub

Free Sample of Playtex Sport


You can go here to get a free sample pack of Playtex Sport. Playtex has been shelling out a ton of freebies lately!
Thanks Crystal.

Once-A-Month Cooking Book Giveaway Winner

Out of 107 entries the winner is...

#42 Anonymous
They wrote,

"I need this cookbook. I really want to start doing this. Being a working mom leaves little time for dinner"

I have emailed you and you have 48 hours to claim your book otherwise I will pick a new winner.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Cheap Snuggle at Hy-Vee and Wal-Mart

If you were one of the lucky ones to receive the $3 off Snuggle coupon in this past Sundays Redplum insert when I went to Hy-Vee Wednesday night to stock up on Yogurt, Purex and flour I saw that they had Snuggle 80 sheets for $3.48. Using the coupons made them $.48. Pretty good deal! Surprisingly this is the same price as Wal-mart.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Last Day to Enter Once-A-Month Cooking Book Giveaway

Today is the last day to enter my giveaway for a copy of Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg. This would be a great book to add to anyones collection weather they are looking at starting to bulk cook or just looking for some new recipes to try.

Go HERE to enter!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Great Clothing Exchange

It's that time of year again. The changing of the seasons. With 4 boys its tough to keep up with all the clothing sometimes. Here is how I organize everyone's clothing by season.

Rubber totes.

I buy alot of clothes from garage sales. When I find things that fit for the following season I store them away in rubber totes. Also, when one boy outgrows something I put that in the tub for the next boy down to wear. Each child has their own tote and some totes are organized by items or sizes. Labeling the box is the most important part.

When the seasons change I just pull out the correct tote. I go through all the clothing in the tote and get rid of anything that doesn't fit anymore. I fill the tote back up with the off season clothing make new labels for the outside if needed and back down to the basement it goes.

It works for me! To see what works for others visits We are That Family.

Fareway Deals Week of 10/6-10/12

Welcome Grocery Gathering readers! Here is a list of current deals that I see at Fareway. I use central Iowas ad when making this list. My store takes printable coupons as well as manufacturer coupons from the paper. Please check your local ad to confirm these deals in your area. I know they run different ads in different locations. Grocery
Snickers, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers Fun Size Candy Bars $2.29
Hungry Jack Syrup $2.50 24-27.6 oz

Campbell's Healthy Request Soups $1.00
- $.40/2 (9/20 SS)
= $.80 each when you buy 2

Ragu Pasta Sauce $1.50
- $1.00/2 (9/13 RP)
= $1.00

Folger's Coffee 34.5 oz $5.99
- $.25 (9/20 RP)
= $5.74

Kraft Cheese Nips 12 oz $.99
(in ad coupon)

Meat
Lean Pork Steak $.99 lb

Boneless Pork Ribs $1.49 lb
(in ad coupon)

Chicken Hindquarters 10lb Bag $3.99
(in ad coupon)


Produce
Russet Potatoes 15lbs $2.99
Red Delicious Apples $.79 lb
Celery $.69
Strawberries $1.69 lb
Bulk White Onions $.49 lb
Whole Mushrooms $.99

Dairy

Fastco Cheese Singles 12 oz $.99

Frozen
Old Orchard Frozen Orange Juice $.99
Fastco Whipped Topping $.88

Reames Frozen Noodles 16 oz $1.99
- $.50 (9/27 SS)
= $1.49

Totinos Pizza Rolls 15 ct $1.00
- $.35 (8/9 and 9/13 GM)
= $.65

Tombstone Frozen Pizza $2.50
- $.75/2 (9/27 SS)
= $4.25 for 2 pizzas

Non-Food
Tide 100 oz $10.88
- $1.00 (9/27 P&G)
= $9.88

Let me know if you see any deals that I missed.

Hy-Vee Deals Week of 10/6-10/12

Welcome Grocery Gathering readers! Here is a preview of the deals that I see at Hy-Vee for this week. I use central Iowas ad when making this list. My store takes both printable coupons and manufacturer coupons from the paper. Please check your local ad to confirm these deals in your area.
Grocery

Hy-Vee Tomato Sauce 8 oz $.25
Barilla Pasta $.99
Hy-Vee Canned Veggies $.50
Hy-Vee Baking Chips $.99 (in ad coupon)
Hy-Vee Split Top Bread $.99 (in ad coupon)

Hy-Vee Flour 5lb $1.48
( I usually buy flour in 25 lb bags at Wal-mart for $8.48 so this is a great buy at $7.40 for 25 lbs)

Select Post Cereal $2.00
-Grape Nuts
-Honey Bunches of Oat w/ strawberries
-Shredded Frosted Wheats Bites

Swanson Broth $.68
- $.40/3 (9/27 SS)
= $.55 each when you buy 3

Campbell's Chunky Soups $1.25 each
- $1.00/2 (8/30 SS) or
-$1.00/4 (9/20 SS) or
- $.40/2 (9/20 SS)
= as low as $.75

Meat
Hy-Vee Whole Chicken $.68lb

CornKing Lean Boneless Ham 4lb $5.00
(in ad coupon)

Produce
Dole Iceberg Lettuce $.79 (in ad coupon)
Bartlett Pears $.88 lb
Washington Jonathon Apples $.88 lb
Monterey Whole White Mushrooms 8 oz $.99

Dairy
Hy-Vee Large Eggs 18 ct $1.49
(in ad coupon)

Yoplait Yogurt $.39 each
- $.50/6 coupons.com printable blue banner to your left or
- $.40/6 (9/13 GM) or
buy 6 get one free (10/4 GM)
= as low as .31 each

Non-Food
Era Laundry Detergent 52-64 Loads $5.99
Hy-Vee 4 count Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs $3.99

Purex Laundry Detergent 44-50 oz $2.50
- $.35 (5816 and 10/4 SS)
= $2.15

3 Day Stock Up Sale Thursday, Friday and Saturday October 8, 9, and 10
Hormel Always Tender Bone In Pork Shoulder Roast $.88lb
Fully Cooked Tail on Shrimp 2lb 51-60 ct $8.88
Kandy Cantaloupe $1.58
Hy-Vee Sliced Bacon or Fully Cooked Sausage $1.88
50% off Hallmark Greeting Cards
Hy-Vee Water 24ct .5 lt 3 for $10
Pampers Diapers 48-96 ct. $18.88
Pampers Wipes 320-385 $8.99
Not Less than 80% Lean Ground Chuck 10lb tube $16.90
25% off Spices
Banquet Meals $.90 each
Baby Carrots 1lb $1.00

Let me know if you see any deals that I missed.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Free Redbox Code for Today 10/5


Here is the free monthly movie code for October. The code is:

QNGJ7KD

This code will be valid until midnight tonight.

To use the code, do the following: on the first screen select "Rent With Promo, enter the code, choose your movie and swipe your debit or credit card (this is in case you don't bring the movie back. They will put a $1 charge on your card to hold the movie, but if you return the movie by 9 pm the next day, the charge will be removed).


You can use 1 code for each debit/credit card that you have, so to rent multiple movies, just do the above process with each card. It is really easy. If you want to find a Redbox near you, you can go here.

Once-A-Month Cooking Book Review and Giveaway

I was honored to be chosen to review the book Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg.

While I have always toyed with the idea of freezer cooking this book actually got me excited and motivated to try it. This book is great for those of us who are beginners to bulk cooking and freezing meals for future use. By doing so you will save money on groceries and time in the kitchen because you won't be panicking about what's for dinner each night. You will be able to sit down to a nice home cooked meal that has already been prepared ahead of time. And for those of you who are experienced bulk cookers, there are some great new recipes to add to your collection.

The concept is easy. Plan your meals for the month, or if you want plan two two week cycles. Buy the bulk of your groceries needed for these meals. You can incorporate weekly grocery trips for fresh produce if needed. Set aside one or two days to prepare and bake all of the meals for the month and freeze them. Select an entree from the freezer on any given night. Check off the meals you have served so you know what you have left.

In Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites the recipes are chosen by of course their freezability, taste, variety, appeal to adults as well as child (great in my household since I have 4 children) and ease of preparation. Four of the menu cycles are classic to be used any time of the year. There are two one month cycles and two two week cycles Three addition cycles are added to this book, a Summer two week cycle, a Gourmet two week cycle, and a Gluten -Free two week cycle.

The book provides you with not only all the recipes, but it also provides the grocery lists, the preparation instructions, the assembly order, and a list of the equipment you will need along with some other helpful tips.

Like I said this book got me excited about bulk cooking. I will definitely be trying this in the near future and letting you all know how it turns out. I am always looking at ways to not only save money, but time as well. Also, there are some great looking recipes in this book. For instance I will be making the Upside-Down Fettuccine Bake this week!

If your interested in this book you can visit their website to get a taste of what they have to offer. Right now they have a free one week cooking cycle on their website at http://www.once-a-monthcooking.com.

I am excited to announce that I have an extra copy of the Once-a-Month Cooking Family Favorites to giveaway to one of my fantastic readers!! There are 4 chances to enter.

1. Leave a comment. Do you bulk cook and freeze ahead?
2. Become a follower and leave me a comment letting me know you did so.
3. Subscribe to Learning the Frugal Life, leave a comment letting me know you did.
4. Post about this giveaway on your blog and leave a link. Leave a comment letting me know you did so.

The contest ends Thursday 10/8 at midnight. I will draw a winner Friday 10/9. Good luck.

Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites authors Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg. You can visit their website at http://www.once-a-monthcooking.com.

Linked to Heavenly Homemakers Fall Giveaway Carnival.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Menu Plan Monday

Here is what is on the menu for our week.

Monday...Pork Chops, broccoli, peaches.
Tuesday...Upside down Fettuccine Bake (I'll post recipe later), lettuce salad.
Wednesday...Meatloaf, steamed carrots, fruit cocktail.
Thursday...Leftovers.
Friday...Steak, baked potatoes, fruit

To see what others are having this week head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Hy-Vee Deals

Looks like Hy-Vee is running all their online ads on Tuesday mornings now. This means I won't be able to give you a preview of whats to come for the week. I will get the deals up as soon as I can on Tuesday though. I know this is a bummer!

Walgreens Deals Week of 10/4-10/10

Thank you to Nicole at Being Frugal is Fabulous for compiling this weeks Walgreens deals. Looks like there is lots of free or nearly free items this week.

Register Reward Deals
Purell Hand Sanitizer, 8 oz.: $2.99
Receive $2.00 in RR
$1.00 off MC from 8/2 SS

Final Price: FREE


Schick Quattro Titanium or Quattro for Women Razor or Refill: $8.99
Receive $3.00 in RR
$4.00 off MC from 8/23 SS **Coupon Expires 10/4
$2.00 off Titanium Razor or Refill MC from 10/4 SS

Final Price: $1.99-$3.99


Ben Gay Pain Relief, 4-5 pk. or 4 oz.: 2/$10.00
Receive $5.00 in RR

Use (2) $2.00 off MC from 8/2 SS

Final Price: 2/$1.00


Other Deals

Hershey Chocolate Bar: $.29
W Honey, 32 oz.: $3.99 (with in-ad coupon) *$1.99/lb. is the lowest price I ever see on honey in my area, so this is a great buy


Campbell’s Tomato Soup: 2/$1.00 (with in-ad coupon)
$1.00/2 printable coupon
$1.00/2 printable coupon

Final Price: FREE


Coffee-Mate Creamer, 16 oz.: $1.50
$1.00 off printable coupon

Final Price: $.50


Walgreens Brand Wax Paper, 75 sq. ft.: $.89 (with in-ad coupon)


Playtex Disposable Gloves: $.99 (with in-ad coupon)
$1.00 off MC from 5/3 SS or 6/28 SS

Final Price: FREE (give MC first and then in-ad coupon to avoid beeps)


Jell-O Gelatin: 2/$1.00 (with in-ad coupon)
$.50/2 printable coupon

Final Price: 2/$.50


Rimmel Cosmetics: B1G1 Free
Use (2) of the following coupons (YMMV):
$2.00 off Mascara MC from 8/23 RP
$1.00 off MC from 8/23 RP
$1.00 off MC from 9/13 RP

Final Price: PSA 2/$1.49


Carefree Pantiliners: $.99 (with in-ad coupon)
$.50 off printable coupon

Final Price: $.49


Neutrogena Foundation: PSA $6.99 with in-ad coupon
$3.00 off MC from October All You Magazine

Final Price: $3.99


Monthly Register Reward Deals
Trident Layers Gum: 2/$2.00
Receive $1.00 in RR when you buy 2
Use (2) $.75 off printable coupon

Final Price: OVERAGE $.50


E
mergen-C Booster, 2 pk.: $3.49
Receive $3.49 in RR

Final Price: FREE


Robitussin DM To Go, 2 pk.: $2.49
Receive $2.49 in RR

Final Price: FREE


Vaseline Sheer Infusion: $6.99
Receive $6.99 in RR

$1.50 off printable coupon

Final Price: OVERAGE of $1.50


ChapStick Fresh Effects: $2.99
Receive $2.99 in RR

Final Price: FREE


Gillette Fusion Razor: $8.99
Receive $6.00 in RR
(only through 10/24)
$4.00 off MC from 9/27 P&G insert

Final Price: OVERAGE of $1.01