Friday, April 30, 2010
April Budget Summary
Woohoo!
One would think that only spending $200 a month on groceries would mean empty cupboards at the end of the month. This is definitely not true at our house! My pantry and cupboards are packed. The fridge and freezer are looking a little empty, but I have to go tonight and pick up some produce, so it won't look that way for long!
We did make a quick trip to Target last night. Even though it was still technically April, it won't come out of my bank until May, so it's going towards my May budget. Here's what we got:
Skippy Peanut Butter $2.04, Used $1/1 peelie = $1.04
KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce $1.42, Used $1/1 here = $0.42
Heinz Relish $1.22, Used $0.50/1 (no longer available) = $0.72
(2) Heinz Vinegar $1.19, Used $1/2 here = $1.38/both
(2) Mission Tortillas $1.97, Used 2 $0.75/1 here = $1.22 each
(2) Nescafe Taster's Choice Sticks $1, Used B1G1 & $0.75/1 newspaper coupons= $0.25/both
(2) Stouffers Corner Bistro Subs $2.50, Used 2 $1.50/1 here = $1 each
(2) Yoplait Simply Go-Gurt $2.19, Used 2 $1.10/1 (no longer available) = $1.09 each
Total: $12.43, Saved $12.92 AND got a $1/1 Target Catalina for any Mission Product
Remaining May Budget: $162.57
Free Food Friday - 4/30
Baker's Square - FREE pie on Wednesdays with any purchase!
Buffalo Wild Wings - Buy 8 boneless wings, get 4 FREE OR Buy 6 traditional wings, get 6 FREE OR $5/$25 food purchase. Valid through 5/7.
Carrabbas - Become a fan on Facebook to receive a coupon for a FREE mini dessert with the purchase of an entree! Thanks Couponing to Disney!
Einstein Bros. - FREE bagel on Fridays until 11 a.m. through 5/19.
Ruby Tuesday - B1G1 entree when you sign up for their "So Connected" club
Steak n Shake - Kids eat free all weekend!
Sweet Tomatoes - Sign up for Club Veg to receive monthly coupons.
Be sure to check out my growing list of Kid Freebies as well!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
May Freezer Cooking
Chicken/Bean Burritos - This coupon for $0.75/1 Mission Tortillas came along just in time!!
Chocolate Butterhorns
Seasoned Ground Beef - For tacos, meat sauce, nachos or chilli
Waffles
Chicken Tetrazzini - Gonna base it off of this recipe, with a few additions & substitutions.
That's the plan for now. I'll let you know if I make any changes.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Almost there!
I'm shocked and amazed that we're under budget and my pantry is full to overflowing!! I think we'll be doing a lot of cooking from the pantry in May. I'm also hoping to do a freezer day (or two) because lets face it: summer is coming and I don't want to be stuck in my kitchen when it's 90 degrees outside!
I'm going to try something new in May...I'm going to blog about every shopping trip I make and let you know what I bought, how much I spent, and most importantly, how much I saved. I think it will be interesting, because I've never really kept track of how much I've actually saved in a month. We are headed to Colorado for 4 days near the end of the month, so I'm going to be brave and drop my budget down to $175. We'll see how that goes!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
So Excited - New Desk!
(No, that's not my office...I wish!!) It's part of Peter Walsh's new "You.Organized" Collection at OfficeMax. My favorite thing about it is the file cabinet ottoman. I love functional furniture! We ordered it yesterday and should be able to pick it up sometime early this week. Yay! My husband is hoping that this desk will keep me more organized with all of my "couponing". We'll see. :)
FREE Bagel & Schmear at Einstein Bros. Bagels
Meal Plan Monday
Monday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Green Beans
Tuesday - Saucy Franks (recipe from my childhood! Will post this week!)
Wednesday - Mom's Night Out! (Frozen Pizza for everyone else)
Thursday - Grilled Marinade Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Friday - Chicken Strips & Macaroni & cheese
Saturday - Out (Church)
Sunday - Leaving this one open for now...I need to try to find something new to try this week!
Friday, April 23, 2010
HUGE Savings at Meijer!
Transaction 1:
(2) Kraft Macaroni & Cheese 5-pk $2.49
Used 2 $1/1 Meijer mealbox coupons = $2.98
(1) Nabisco Fudge Cremes $2.19
Used $1/1 here = $1.19
(1) Oreo Cakesters $2.19
Used $1/1 coupon from Kraft First Taste = $1.19
(1) Kraft Cheddar Cheese $2
$5 came off instantly when I purchased these 5 items.
(3) Kraft 100 Calorie Cheese Bites $2
Used 2 $1/1 here and $1/1 from 3/21 SS insert = $3
Used $1/$10 Meijer store purchase coupon from prior trip and $1/$6 cheese coupon
Total after tax, coupons and instant savings: $2.44 & Got a $3 Catalina for buying the cheese bites
Transaction 2:
(1) Beef Broth $0.75
(1) Onion $0.71
(1) Baby Carrots $1.50
(1) Grapes $1.70
Total $4.49, used $3 off Catalina from previous transaction = $1.49
When all was said and done, I spent $3.93, saved $24.93. Not bad if you ask me!! :)
The Mac & Cheese also had coupons for FREE Capri Sun Roarin' Waters, but they were sold out by the time I got there. I may try to go back tonight or tomorrow to see if they have restocked!!
Thanks to Bargains To Bounty for help with some of these matchups!
Free Food Friday - 4/23
Auntie Anne's Pretzels - Sign up for "pretzel perks" and receive a coupon for a free pretzel every month!
Baker's Square - FREE pie on Wednesdays with any purchase!
Boston Markert - B1G1 individual dinner plate through 4/18.
Buffalo Wild Wings - Buy 8 boneless wings, get 4 FREE OR Buy 6 traditional wings, get 6 FREE OR $5/$25 food purchase. Valid through 4/25.
Corner Bakery - FREE coffee when you "Connect at the Corner" through 4/26.
Dairy Queen - Buy 1 Blizzard, Get one for $0.25 through 4/25.
Einstein Bros. - FREE bagel on Fridays until 11 a.m. through 5/19.
Ikea - Get the 10-meatball plate for $1 on 4/23 & 4/24.
Ruby Tuesday - B1G1 entree when you sign up for their "So Connected" club
Steak n Shake - Kids eat free all weekend!
Sweet Tomatoes - Sign up for Club Veg to receive monthly coupons.
White Castle - B1G1 A1 Slider through 4/24.
Be sure to check out my growing list of Kid Freebies as well!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
CHEAP Seventh Generation Cleaning Products
I'm starting to become more aware of environmentally friendly cleaning products as well. I wanted to share this deal with you on Seventh Generation cleaning products:
25oz. Seventh Generation dish soap & multi surface cleaner are both on sale for $2.49 at Target this week
Use $1/1 Target coupon & $1/1 Manufacturer's coupon
= $0.49!
This is cheaper than buying regular dish soap and cleaner, and I'm excited that I can spray down my kid's toys without having to worry about the harsh chemicals in regular cleaner!
There are numerous other Seventh Generation products on sale at Target this week. You might also consider buying 3 and submitting for the $5 rebate I mentioned the other day, and having this be a moneymaker for you!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Ikea - Meatball Plate for $1
I'm seeing a trip to Ikea being in our plans for this weekend! :)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
FREE Whopper at Burger King
B1G1 FREE Lays Kettle Cooked Chips
Pizza Mac - Success!!
Pizza Mac
2 cups elbow macaroni
8 oz Velveeta (I used the kind made with 2% milk), cubed
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
3 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain. Let sit in collander while you combine remaining ingredients in your pasta pot.
Melt Velveeta over low heat. Add Rotel and pizza sauce. Stir. Add green pepper, onion & pepperoni. Stir. Add macaroni back into the pot. Mix well. Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
*I used my Rachael Ray pot which can be put in the oven, making this a one dish meal! Fewer dishes = Happy me!! Used the Ronzoni macaroni I got FREE at Meijer this week!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
B1G1 FREE Minor League Baseball Ticket!
Thanks for the heads up, Totally Target!
Meal Plan Monday
Monday - Pizza Mac (A new recipe I'm going to invent...I'll let you know how it goes!!)
Tuesday - Brats (Archer Farms (Target) makes a GREAT Jalapeno Cheese Brat!)
Wednesday - Mom's Night Out!
Thursday - Pasta Fagioli Soup & Biscuits
Friday - Burgers & French Fries
Saturday - Tuna Melts
Sunday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Friday, April 16, 2010
Free Food Friday - 4/16
Auntie Anne's Pretzels - Sign up for "pretzel perks" and receive a coupon for a free pretzel every month!
Baker's Square - FREE pie on Wednesdays with any purchase!
Boston Markert - B1G1 individual dinner plate through 4/18.
Buffalo Wild Wings - Buy 8 boneless wings, get 4 FREE OR Buy 6 traditional wings, get 6 FREE OR $5/$25 food purchase. Valid through 4/25.
Corner Bakery - FREE coffee when you "Connect at the Corner" through 4/26.
Einstein Bros. - FREE bagel on Fridays until 11 a.m. through 5/19.
Ruby Tuesday - B1G1 entree when you sign up for their "So Connected" club
Steak n Shake - Kids eat free all weekend!
Sweet Tomatoes - Sign up for Club Veg to receive monthly coupons.
White Castle - B1G1 A1 Slider through 4/24.
Be sure to check out my growing list of Kid Freebies as well!
Huggies Coupon Reset
The way they've been handing out coupons lately, I could probably stock up for a year!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Meijer Deals 4/15- 4/21
TGI Fridays Snacks $2
Use $1.50/1 = $0.50
Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers $1
Use $0.50/1 = $0.50
Breakstone Cottage Doubles $1
$3 off next purchase when you buy 3 = FREE after coupon!
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest $1
Use $1/1 coupon found in April & May Family Circle Magazine or Disney Family Fun Magazine = FREE!
Strawberries 1lb $1 (I'm not sure if I've ever seen strawberries this cheap!)
Bargains to Bounty has a more detailed list here, but keep in mind that she lives in an area where coupons double...not so much for me here in IL!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tax Day Freebies
Tomorrow is Tax Day, and here are some freebies that you might be interested in:
Starbucks - Bring in a reusable travel mug for FREE brewed coffee!
Maggie Moos - FREE sample of MaggieMia's Ice Cream Pizza from 3-7pm. Participating locations listed here.
Cinnabon - 2 FREE Cupcake Bites from 6-8pm.
PF Changs - 15% off food purchases all day!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Enjoy the Ride Rewards
You can get a list of past codes here.
Huggies is also giving away free diapers for a year everyday now through June 30! You are entered to win everytime you login to your rewards account (max of once per day). Wouldn't that be an awesome thing to win???
Huggies $3/1 Diapers Coupon
Buy 2 Huggies Big Pack Diapers, on sale for $19.79
Use 2 $3/1 Huggies coupons here
Use $1.50/1 Target coupon here if you haven't print it already!
= $32.08 PLUS you will receive at $5 Target gift card!
Your total will be $27.08 after gift card. There are 96 diapers in the size 3 Big Pack, making it a cost of $0.14 per diaper! Not bad!
Monday, April 12, 2010
FREE Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
L claims that mac & cheese is her favorite food, but doesn't get very excited about eating it at home. Crazy how fast kids get addicted to restaurant food!! Hopefully she will enjoy this new cheesy variety.
Thanks Money Saving Mom for the heads up!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
2010 Ultimate Blog Party
It's party time! Let me introduce myself for anyone who may be visiting my blog for the first time!
My name is Candace and I live in a southwest suburb of Chicago, Illinois with my husband and two children.
Adam and I have been married for a little over seven years. We relocated to Illinois from Omaha, Nebraska in 2005.
L is three and is a blast. She loves to sing and dance and ask questions CONSTANTLY. She loves to read books and is very interested in the world around her. School is a lot of fun for her and she loves to be on the go!
Z was born in August 2009, and is 8 months old. He is a mommy's boy!!! He studies strangers long and hard and either greats them with a smile or a terrified scream. He is very content to sit and play on his own, but does enjoy having his big sister around to entertain him.
I started this blog in the fall of 2009 when I discovered how much I could save on everyday items by using coupons and deals, and wanted to share what I know with everyone I know! I have been able to use the savings to make it possible for me to not have to go back to work after Z was born. It has been GREAT! I love having projects, and couponing is a never ending one! I have been able to cut my family's grocery budget in half in just a few short months.
So, that's a little about me. I would love to answer any questions that anyone might have, so feel free to leave me a comment! And don't forget to introduce yourself!
Here are the prizes that I would be interested in winning: 7, 15, 31, 32, 37, 39, 49 & 52!
Friday, April 9, 2010
FREE Seventh Generation Products after Rebate
Buy 3 Seventh Generation 35 ct wipes @ $2.99 ea at Target.
Use 3 $1/1 Seventh Generation Disinfecting Product (Spray or Wipes) here or here. You may need access to two computers, but I was able to print 3 from one computer.
Use $1/1 Seventh Generation Target coupon
= $4.97 out of pocket. Submit for $5 rebate for a money maker of $0.03!
Free Food Friday 4-9-10
Auntie Anne's Pretzels - Sign up for "pretzel perks" and receive a coupon for a free pretzel every month!
Baker's Square - FREE pie on Wednesdays with any purchase!
Buffalo Wild Wings - Buy 8 boneless wings, get 4 FREE OR Buy 6 traditional wings, get 6 FREE OR $5/$25 food purchase. Valid through 4/25.
Corner Bakery - FREE coffee when you "Connect at the Corner" through 4/26.
Einstein Bros. - FREE bagel on Fridays until 11 a.m. through 5/19.
Ruby Tuesday - B1G1 entree when you sign up for their "So Connected" club
Steak n Shake - Kids eat free all weekend!
Sweet Tomatoes - Sign up for Club Veg to receive monthly coupons.
White Castle - B1G1 A1 Slider through 4/24.
Be sure to check out my growing list of Kid Freebies as well!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Meijer Sales - 4/8-4/14
Barilla Pasta $0.89 - Use $1/3 Meijer Mealbox = $2.67/3 or $0.56 each
Teddy Grahams $2 - Use $1/2 Meijer Mealbox = $3 for 2 or $1.50 each
V8 V Fusion Juice $2.50 - Use 2 $1/1 here & $1/2 Meijer Mealbox = $1.98 for 2
Contadina Tomato Sauce $0.49 - Use $0.75/3 here & 3 $0.25/1 Meijer Mealbox = 3 for FREE! Hurry on this one...the Meijer coupon expires tomorrow! I had to have my cashier enter the Meijer ones manually because they didn't come off automatically for some reason.
Target Matchups
7th Generation Wipes 35-ct $2.99
Use $1/1 here & $1/1 Target coupon here = $0.99
Earth's Best Organic Baby Cereal - $2.34
Use $0.55/1 here & $0.75/1 Target Baby Mailer exp 5/13 = $1.09
Velveeta Cups - $0.99
Use B1G1 here = $0.99 for 2
GE CFL Lightbulb - $2.99
Use $1/1 here & $2/1 Target coupon here = FREE!
Buffalo Wild Wings - $5/$25 & FREE Wings
You can also print a coupon for Buy 6 Traditional Wings, Get 6 FREE here & Buy 8 Boneless Wings get 4 FREE here.
I see a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings in our future. It's L's favorite place to eat. She LOVES their mac & cheese!
FREE Bagel at Einstein Bros.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
B1G1 Coke or Dasani at Target
Staples - FREE Paper - After Rebate
Thanks Couponing to Disney!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Corner Bakery - FREE Coffee
Buffalo Wild Wings - FREE Wings!
White Castle BOGO
It's valid through 4/24.
We haven't eaten at White Castle in years. Kinda sounds good right now!!
Thanks Coupon Geek for the heads up!
Target Deals
CoffeeMate Liquid Creamer 16oz - $1.50
Buy 3, use B2G1 here & $1.50/2 here = $1.50 for 3 or $0.50 ea
Yoplait YoPlus 4 pk - $2.00
Use $1/1 here or here = $1.00
Fiber One 4 pk - $2.00
Use $1/1 here or here = $1.00
Starkist Tuna 2.4oz - $0.94
Buy 2, use $1/2 from 2/14 RP & $0.50/1 from Target Spring 2010 coupon book = $0.38 for 2!
Market Pantry Eggs - $1.39
Use $0.50/1 Target coupon from Spring 2010 coupon book = $0.89
Strawberries 1lb - $2.49
Use $1/1 Target coupon from Spring 2010 coupon book = $1.49
Gerber 2nd Foods - $0.90
Buy 12, use $2/$10 Target coupon from Baby coupon mailer exp 5/13 = $8.80 for 12 or $0.73 each
Huggies Diapers Jumbo Pack - $8.99
Use $3/1 here and $1.50/1 Target coupon from Baby coupon mailer exp 5/13 = $4.49
Thanks to Couponing to Disney for the heads up on a couple of these!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Finally Home!
I was very excited to open the mail today to see what kind of free stuff was waiting for me! I got two coupons for free vitamin water, a coupon for a free bag of Sunchips, and a bunch of Jewel, Target & Beech-nut coupons. Woot!
I hope you'll bear with me as I get back into the swing of things. Hopefully I'll be able to start posting some deals later today.