Menu Plan Monday 4/6

Here's the plan for this week........

M- Cheeseburgers, curly fries, cucumber slices
T- Breakfast for dinner
W- Mini pizzas made with free Target bread, salad
Th- Jambalaya with cornbread and green beans
F- Nephew's birthday party- sandwiches
S- Frozen ravioli with leftover spaghetti sauce, salad
S- Easter- ham and lots of yumminess! I love holidays!

This is the roast that never ends....

I wanted to share this about a roast. I made 2 roasts in the crockpot Sunday night. They were small roasts, about 2.5 lbs each. We had 2 guests for dinner so 4 adults ate, no kids. (My kids secretly want to be chicken nugget vegetarians.) Monday, I put the remaining meat in the crockpot again, with a can of diced tomatoes w/ onion and garlic. I served this meat over flour tortillas with rice and beans. Hubby and I each had 2 tacos each. Tonight, I put the remaining meat in a sauce pan with a little water (maybe 1/4 cup), and served it over mashed potatoes with green beans. I spent around 7.00 on the 2 roasts and it has fed us 3 yummy dinners. It sort of messed up my meal plan but I am glad to have used up the leftovers instead of throwing them out. And I have an extra meal for next weeks menu!

Menu Plan Monday 3/23

After sitting down with my calendar, I have a pretty short grocery list this week. Since I am constantly buying things at low, low prices (or FREE, my favorite) I thought I would post my grocery list. Hopefully, this will show what stockpiling can do for your grocery budget. Keep in mind, I budget $300/ month for a family of 4 for food. This is mostly spent on groceries but we occasionally go out for dinner.

M- Shredded beef on tortillas, beans and rice (This is using leftovers from the fridge.)
T- Beef tips, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread
W- BBQ ribs, mac & cheese, cucumber slices, biscuits
Th- Spaghetti Pie & garlic bread
F- French toast, bacon & eggs
S- Bertolli ravioli (& leftover spaghetti pie, in case it's yucky)
S- Tacos, black beans, corn

This is our grocery list. This includes breakfast and lunches.

bacon
parmesan
ricotta
black beans
tortillas
bread
milk
lunchmeat
strawberries
mozzarella
juice boxes

I'm also going to buy a couple of punds of Laura's Lean Beef if it's on sale at my Target. I'm down to one pound in the freezer. Hopefully Homeland will put their's on sale soon!! I'll update with a total when I return.

Edit: I spent $46 at Target. The beef was not on sale and they were out of razors. I ended up adding some things to the list like snacks for Peyton's class on Thursday, coffee filters, and vegetable oil. I also had to get children's tylenol. These extras added up quick, but I still came in under budget for the week.

Frugal Spring Break- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

We have had such a fun week I didn't have a chance to post the last couple of days. Wednesday we went to the park with Daddy and had a picnic and flew kites. It was a beautiful afternoon so the girls played, the dog walked (and got lots of attention from strangers) and Mommy layed in the sun for a minute. Here's the pics:

Our picnic (complete with the quilt)

Daddy and his girlies flying kites.

"I see my kite, Daddy!"
Total cost: $2.14 for kites from Dollar Tree

*****

Thursday we went to the Zoo with our neighbors. I got a free family pass from work last Spring and it doesn't expire until June. We took a picnic lunch and saw the Dinosaur exhibit.

Peyton and the baby T-Rex

Peyton, Maddy and our neighbor on the turtle sculpture.

The life size T-rex. It is animitronic and loud! Peyton screamed when she saw it.

Total cost: 1.00 for drink refills, 1.02 for smashed pennies.

Thursday evening the neighborhood girls put on a concert for the parents. They curled their hair, put on glitter and set up chairs. They had a stereo and 3 karaoke machines. They had made invitations earlier in the week. It was so cute to hear them sing Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. At the end they signed autographs for all of us!

Total cost for performance: 0.00! =)

*****

Friday, we had the first day of our garage sale. We sold old clothes, furniture and new items I had gotten free with coupons. Our first day was pretty profitable. Hopefully tomorrow will be better, and warmer! Maddy is trying to make money for a new bike. Today she sold stretch bracelets (aka my old black pantyhose with random household items attached) for $1. Tomorrow we are going to try a different approach. Stay tuned!

Bargain Meal of the Week- Homeland

We interupt this frugal Spring Break to bring you the bargain meal of the week. I made this for dinner last night and it is always so good!

Buy:
approximately a 2 lb. chuck roast= 4.00 (a 1.7 lb roast fed 3 hungry adults w/ leftovers)
2 lbs potatoes= .52
1 onion .50
baby carrots (1/2 bag) .75
____________________
$5.77

I use this recipe. It's so easy!
http://http//allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easiest-Pot-Roast-Ever/Detail.aspx

I don't use the celery. I just don't like the taste with roast. And instead of bouillon I just use 1 c. water and pot roast seasoning. You can use a packet or just find things in your spice rack. (salt, pepper, & steak seasoning is what I used last night- yum)

Frugal Spring Break- Tuesday

Spring Break- Day Two

First, the girls jumped on the trampoline in the warm morning sun.

(After they made invitations to their concert for later in the week.)

Peyton's herkie. Courtesy of The Jonas Brothers.

Sire the dog. He's wondering why these girls are in HIS backyard.

Maddy in mid toe touch.

******

After lunch, we hit the dollar movies. Tuesday is half price day so tickets are .50 before 6pm.

******

Finally, we hit the park again while we waited for the crockpot to finish dinner.

Heading home. Ready for another fun day.

Total cost for the day: 1.50 movie tickets, 3.75 popcorn= $5.25

Frugal Spring Break- Monday

Since Mom and Dad are busy "snowballing" our Spring Break will be a "stay-cation". I have different things planned for each day this week and I will be posting pics to go along with the fun. Today I was the kind of Mom I would be if I had all the time in the world. We shopped, we played, and we baked. This must be what Angelina does all day. Here are the pics...
After shopping for our supplies, the girls made aprons for our baking day. I helped Peyton and baked the cake while the big girls finished their aprons.

Then we had lunch. Crust-less grilled cheese, chips and fruit. On leftover birthday plates. Because I'm cool like that.

Then we were off to the "big" park that we pass in our neighborhood. Everytime we drive by Peyton asks if we can play there. I usually say no but not on Spring Break! And we stayed until they were tired of playing. Because I am also cool like THAT.

For Mommy! I love FREE magazine subscriptions!

After playing at the park, we came home to make Cupcake Pops. Ours didn't turn out as cute as Bakerella's but we had fun trying.







So there is our Day 1 of Spring Break. Total for all this fun?
2.99 x 2= aprons
1.99= sticks
.99 x 3= paint
.88= cake mix
1.00= frosting
2.00= almond bark
____________________
14.82

Menu Plan Monday 3/16

Ahhh, Spring Break. I think Spring Break is to remind parents what it's like to have the kids out of school. Kind of a summer preview. I don't usually post all 3 meals until summer but since we will be home I need to plan ahead to avoid the drive-thru. Here's the plan:

Monday- (B) scrambled eggs
(L) grilled cheese sandwiches & fruit
(D) grilled hamburgers & hot dogs
(S) cupcake pops (Thanks, Bakerella!)

Tuesday-(B) cold cereal
(L) frozen pizza & fruit
(D) Farmhouse Chicken casserole
(S) oranges

Wednesday-(B) granola bars
(L) spaghetti o's & fruit
(D) Roast, potatoes, carrots
(S) apples

Thursday- (B) pop-tarts
(L) beef hot dogs, chips
(D) BBQ ribs, mac & cheese, green beans
(S) fruit

Friday- (B) eggs & toast
(L) chicken nuggets, mac & cheese
(D) shredded beef burritos, beans & rice
(S) fruit

Saturday- (B) cold cereal
(L) grilled cheese
(D) spaghetti & garlic bread
(S) pretzels

Sunday- church all day
(D) beef stroganoff, egg noodles & green beans

Have a good week!

Stay tuned for my multi post "Frugal Spring Break"!

CVS & Walgreens 3/15

The deals are slim this week. Looks like a good week to roll your ECBs or Register Rewards that are about to expire.

CVS
(Sunday- Tuesday) Buy 1 Irish Spring Body Wash 15-18 oz. at $4.99, Get $4.99 ECBs (Limit 1)
-.50 coupon from the 3/15 SS
Free plus $0.50 overage after coupon and ECBs

Buy 1 Dry Idea deodorant at $2.99, Get $2 ECB (Limit 1)
- $2 coupon here http://print.coupons.com/Couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13306&zid=iq37&nid=10
Free plus a $1 overage after coupon and ECBs

Buy 1 Colgate Max Whitening Toothpaste (4.6-6 oz.) at $2.99, Get $2.99 ECBs (Limit 1)
-.75 coupon from the 2/22 or 3/15 SS
Free plus .75 overage after coupon and ECBs

Walgreens
Reese’s candy bar--$0.49 each after in-ad coupon
Buy two and use $1/2 coupon from 1/4 insert
Free after coupons

Trident Xtracare Gum--on sale 2 for $2
Use $0.75/1 coupon from 3/8 inserts
$0.25 each after coupon

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix--$1
Use $1/2 coupon from 2/1 inserts
$0.50 each after coupon

Register Rewards deal:

Buy selected Dove Products (on sale 25% off): Get $2 Register Rewards when you buy 4, Get $6 Register Rewards when you buy 6, Get $10 Register Rewards when you buy 8


*Deal Idea*
Buy 8 Dove soap single bars on sale for $1.04 (regularly priced at $1.59)
Spend $8.32 plus tax out of pocket
Get $10 Register Rewards
Free after Register Rewards

Saturday shopping.....

I love taking pictures of particularly good shopping trips. I'm sure some think it's strange that the only pictures that make it to my blog are of groceries, but I love saving! I spent 54.68 w/ tax but I saved 61.58! That isn't including what I saved on the 1/2 gallon of organic milk (marked down to .99/ expires the 17th) or the gallon of Homeland milk (marked down to .99 as well). With this coming week being Spring Break, I will have both kids home all day so I knew we would need more snacks, quick foods (in case of a babysitter) and lots of milk. If I would allow it, they would go through a gallon a day! If I could always get it for .99, I would probably let them. So, here is what we bought.....

V8 Splash x2
Tylenol x2 (This is for Mommy. It may be a long week!)
Dairy .99 (milk)
Choc/Van pudding (clearanced for 1.21)
Hefty trash bags
Honeycomb cereal x4
Choc pudding (clearanced for 1.21)
Jello x2 (I promised Peyton we would make 'Jigglers')
Kraft singles x2
PB crackers
Cat Chow .19
dog food can free
cat food can x2 b1g1 (I buy these when I get them super cheap to supplement the pets)
velveeta x2
chicken nuggets x2
milk .99
simply orange OJ
dz. eggs
Freshcetta pizza x2
whole fryer (.99/pd)
beef roast (1.99/pd)
pizza rolls x2
cucumbers x2
1/2 gal. milk (1.29 expires 3/30)

My basket was full to the brim. Along with the underneath. This is how I seperate my transactions. The bigger one goes in the main part and the smaller one goes to the underneath.

Check back tomorrow for the CVS and Walgreens deal for the week!

Freebie Friday

I'm sorry that these links aren't working. You can copy and paste them into your tool bar and it will take you to the spot. Sometimes my computer illiteracy is annoying!

The buddies soaps coupons have been reset! I use these at Target or Wal-Mart where they run about .97.
$1/1
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=sdtledk37508219&bt=wi&o=9778&c=JB&p=YVciHM3r&xpsp=xpsp
$2/2
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rgardzu38101945&bt=vi&o=51057&c=JB&p=LvUgYxHB
$2/2
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rgardzu38101945&bt=vi&o=51057&c=JB&p=LvUgYxHB
$3/3
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rkrpeos84985850&bt=wi&o=51049&c=JB&p=fJEldFXL

That, my friends, is 8 free bars of soap. I use these for baby gift baskets and put them in with pre-school bday gifts. But my favorite thing to do is sell them for .50 at my garage sales!

Iams kitten food
Wal-Mart has the 2 lb bags priced at 4.97 so with the $5 off coupon in the 3/1 P&G insert, that's free kitten food.

Gillette Shampoo,conditioner or body wash at Target is on sale for $2. Use the $2 off coupon in the 3/1 P&G insert to get them free. Pick up your buddies soap at the same time!

You can also use this coupon to get fresh broccoli or cauliflower for .50. Not free, but cheap for fresh veggies. This coupon expires Saturday and the sale ends Saturday. http://www.afullcup.com/?vbseourl=cmps_index.php&page=coupon_generator

One last Target deal. Mott's applesauce cups are on sale for 1.77. Use this coupon to save $1
http://www.afullcup.com/?vbseourl=cmps_index.php&page=coupon_generator
then stack it with this coupon for .55
http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qcilcjq3772653&bt=wi&o=55722&c=SL&p=iWbF7cGm
That makes each pack .22. Again, not free but cheap!

Last one for today is the Arby's roast burger. You get it free with the purchase of a small drink. This would make for a cheap weekend lunch. These expire Saturday so hurry! (BTW, we had these for dinner Wednesday and they are YUMMY!) http://www.arbys.com/arbyscoupon/?cid=bn_yahoo300x250030509

Homeland deals 3/11-3/17

There is a 3 day sale Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Best Choice large dozen eggs .99
1/2 gallon milk 1.29
Kraft singles 1.29 (there are $1/1 cpns in the kraft booklet recently=FREE)
Simply Orange 2/$5 - $1/1 1/25 SS = .50
Promise supershots 1.99- $1/1 2/08 RP = FREE
Totinos pizza rolls 1.00- $1/2 2/08 GM = FREE
Freschetta pizza 4.25- .75/1 2/08 SS = 2.75


These deals are all week:
Smart ones 5/$10 - $1.50/7 = 1.79 each
ozarka 24 pk 3.99-.75/1 2/08 RP = 2.49
Honeycomb cereal 1.99 -.55/1 3/01 SS = .89
(There is also a manf cpn for $1/2 honey bunches of oats, shredded wheat, etc in the homeland ad. This coupon should double.)
Hormel top loin or butterfly pork chops 3.99/lb - $1/1 2/08 SS = various
Hormel entrees 5.99-$1/2 2/08 SS = 4.99
Healthy choice dinners 2/$5 - B5G1F = 2.00 each
Kraft shreds/chunks 2.39- $1/1 from kraft booklet = .39
Coffee mate 3.49 - .50/1 1/04 SS = 2.49 or $1 IP= 1.49
Velveeta 3.39 - $1/1 IP= 1.39
Bounty 6 roll 5.99- .25/1 3/01 P&G = 5.49
Tide 10.99- .35/1 3/01 P&G = 10.29
Quilted Northern 6.99 - $1/1 1/18 RP = 4.99
Hefty trash bags 3.99- $1/1 1/25 RP = 1.99
chinet plates/platters 4.99 - 1/1 1/25 SS = 2.99
Garnier shampoo, etc 3/$8 - $1/1 3/08 RP = .67 each
Tylenol extra strength 2.99-$1/1 IP = .99
Vaseline lotion 4.99 - 1.50/1 3/01 RP = 3.49
Venus or Mach 3 razor 5.49 -$2/1 3/01 P&G = 3.49
wish bone dressing/spritzer 2/$5 - .75/1 IP = 1.00
V8/V8 Splash 2/$4 - $1/1 IP = FREE
Ocean Spray 2/$5 - $1/1 1/11 RP = .50
dinty Moore stew 2/$4 - $1/2 1/25 SS = 1.00
Hormel compleats 2/$4 - .75/1 2/08 SS = .50
GM chex cereal 2/$5 -.75/1 3/08 SS or IP = 1.00
Ritz crackers 2.99 - $2/2 1/25 Ss = 1.99
Ragu 2/$3 - .50/2 1/18 RP = 1.00
Lance crackers 2/$4 - $1/1 2/22 SS = FREE

Thanks to Jenny at www.afullcup.com for the match-up! Happy Shopping!

Bargain meal of the week- Homeland

I love this recipe. It is so good, my hubby asked for it again this week. We just had it on last week's meal plan and he is phobic of eating the same thing too close together.

Buy:
1 lb. boneless beef rump roast= 1.99
1 large bunch broccoli= 1.39
1 red bell pepper= .79
dozen eggs (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday)= .99

Make:
Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry

1 lb roast cut into 1/4 in. thick strips
4 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. worsterchire
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. minced ginger (I don't buy fresh ginger so I just sprinkle some ground ginger into the sauce.)

4 c. broccoli florets
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
2 tsp cornstarch

Combine first 7 ingredients and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Cook broccoli in a small pot of boiling, salted water until almost crisp-tender, about 2 minutes; drain. Rinse under cold water to cool.

Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over high heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef to pan- RESERVING MARINADE. Stir-fry beef until just no longer pink- about 2 minutes. Remove beef from pan. Add broccoli and peppers. Continue stir-frying until vegetables are just crisp tender about 3 minutes. Stir cornstarch into reserved marinade. Pour marinade over veggies in pan. Add beef and cook until liquid boils and thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Serve over white rice.

And make this: (My kids LOVE this soup and it is so easy!)
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Restaurant-Style-Egg-Drop-Soup/Detail.aspx

I omit the green onions, FYI.

Have a good week! Homeland deals to follow soon.

Menu Plan Monday 3/9

I think I should plan my menu when I'm hungry b/c if I do it right after a meal I can't think of anything! Here it is:
M- Beef & broccoli- again. It was so good!!
T- Jersey Mike's subs (I have coupons for a free sub when you donate a dollar to the boys and girls club.)
W- Jambalaya (First coupon class tonight. Think of me. I am so nervous!!)
T- Slow cooked beef fajitas
F- Taco ring
S- Arby's roastburger (Free with drink purchase coupon)
S- Mexican lasagna ( Ihave had this on every week for 3 weeks now and have yet to make it!)

Check out www.orgjunkie.com for more menu plans.

Walgreens 3/8-3/14

Holy cow! What a week at Wags! Even if you don't have a little one in diapers, it's a great week. My youngest is 4 and far out of diapers but I still did the diaper deal. I am planning a HUGE garage sale soon and I can make my money back quick on these. I also thought of keeping them for new baby gifts. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who is pregnant and I don't have a lot of extra space to store things we don't use. Without furthur ado, here are the deals!!
*I know there are more deals avaiable but I only posted the deals that I had the coupons for. I am in Oklahoma and I don't get all the coupons that other bloggers do. Please visit www.commonsensewithmoney.com or www.moneysavingmom.com for additional deals.

Trans 1
2 packs of Huggies Gentle Care diapers (Newborn, 1 & 2 only)= 20.00
1 pack of Huggies wipes (164ct)= 6.00
Use 2 $5 ip coupons
Use 1 $3 ip coupon
They are all here http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13306&zid=iq37&nid=10

2 Glade Scented Oil Sense and Spray Starter Kit= 15.98
Use one buy one get one ip coupon below
Use one $4/1 coupon from March All You magazine and 2/8 SS
Use $4 Easysaver catalog coupon (pg 29)
Free plus $4.01 in overage
Coupon here http://www.glade.com/offers.aspx?offerId=104

2 Glade Lasting Impressions= 15.98
Use one buy one get one ip coupon below
Use one $4/1 coupon from March All You magazine and 2/8 SS
Use $4 Easysaver catalog coupon (pg 29)
Free plus $4.01 in overage
Coupon here http://www.glade.com/offers.aspx?offerId=105

Total oop= 5.00 + tax
get 10 RR from Huggies

Trans 2
Gillette Fusion Gamer $8.99
Use $4/1 coupon from 2/8 P&G insert= 4.99

Garnier Fructis Hair Care $2.99
Use $1/1 manufacturer coupon from 2/8 RP
Use $2/1 from Walgreens Easysaver catalog
FREE after coupons

Sambucol (priced around $12.99)
Use $10 coupon from Easy saver catalog
Use $4 ip coupon here http://www.sambucolusa.com/pdf/sambucol-coupon.pdf
FREE after coupons

Walgreens 6 pack toilet paper 2/$5 (I hate generic toilet paper but I really love Wags brand!)

Red Baron 2/$5
-$1/2 from 1/11 SS
$4 for 2 pizzas

Total oop (after $10 Huggies RR)= 4.00 + tax

Other deals worth mentioning:

Coffee Mate creamer 2/2.49 (prices vary- +.50, .25 each, or .50 each)
-1.5o ip, $1 ip or $1.50/2 ip http://www.coffee-mate.com/SpecialOffers.aspx
I had already printed the $1.50/1 so I used 2 $1 ip and 2 $1.50/2 for a total of 6 creamers. They don't expire until June and we use this EVERY morning.

Orbit, Eclipse, and Eclipse White gum 3/1.98
- 3/.99 from Easy Saver catalog
= 3/.99 or .33 each

Have a good week!!

Bargain Meal of the Week- Homeland

My gift to you this week? Take the night off from cooking! Actually the deals on meal items are slim this week but Homeland does have a deal on Bertolli Meal Kits. If you buy 2, you get a box of New York Texas Toast and a bag of Dole salad. They are sale for $5 this week. Use this coupon http://villabertolli.com/registration_ovenbaked.aspx to receive $2 off. Be sure and print 2! If you have a small family (2 adults, 2 kids) this could easily be 2 meals. There are 8 slices of bread in these boxes.

Total cost for 2 meals: $6

Don't forget to use your Homeland card to be registered to win one of five GE 8.8 cubic foot chest freezers, plus a $200 Homeland Gift Card.

Hey Erin, does it count if you don't cook? =)

Free Menu Planning E-book

This is borrowed from another blog, www.moneysavingmom.com but I thought it was worth mentioning. Especially since it is Menu Plan Monday! Sign up for the weekly newsletter and you will get a link to the e-book download. http://www.econobusters.com/Free-Menu-Planning-E-Book.html

Menu Plan Monday- 3/1

Here's the plan:
M- Beef & broccoli stirfry

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry(epicurious.com)
8 oz top sirloin, cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips
6 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp sesame oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp minced ginger
2 cups broccoli florets

1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup Chinese pea pods, trimmed
6 green onions, cut into 1-inch-long pieces
2 tsp cornstarch

Combine first 7 ingredients and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.Cook broccoli in small pot of boiling, salted water until almost crisp-tender, about 2 minutes; drain. Rinse under cold water to cool.Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Using slotted spoon, tranfser beef to pan - RESERVING MARINADE. Stir-fry beef until just no longer pink - about 2 minutes. Remove beef from pan. Add broccoli, pea pods and green onions. Continue stir-frying until vegetables are just crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Stir cornstarch into reserved marinade. Pour marinade over veggies in pan. Add beef and cook until liquid boils and thickens, 2-3 minutes.Serve over rice.

T- BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, corn
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/BBQ-Pork-for-Sandwiches/Detail.aspx

W- Auto Show VIP night! (Lots of local restaurants will have free food, sample size. I'm sure there will be enough to fill our bellies!)

Th- Slow cooked beef fajitas with rice
http://dinnersonme.blogspot.com/2008/05/slow-cooked-steak-fajitas.html

F- Spaghetti & garlic bread

S- Mexican lasagna (I didn't make this last week.)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/08/cooking-with-pastor-ryan-delicious-mexican-lasagna/

S- Out with a restaurant.com certificate

Extra money for your snowball....

I heard about ChaCha from a friend. It is an online question answering service. The best part? They pay "guides" to answer questions. My friend said she makes between $150-200 a month for a few hours of work when she has the extra time. If you are interested in signing up I would appreciate you using my info. Just leave a comment and I will send you the info. $200 would really get our snowball rolling.......

Bargain Meal of the Week- Homeland

This is one of my favorite meals. It's easy and always turns out good.

Buy:
1 lb. stew meat @ 2.99/lb
1 can cream of mushroom soup (not sure of price, but here's a coupon)
http://promotion.familytime.com/cscc/default.asp
1 can lemon lime Shasta .20 (DO NOT buy diet. It matters. And it's gross. For your meat, especially.)
1 package onion soup mix
1 can Libby's peas .60
1 can B.C. biscuits .44 (that's Best Choice, not before Christ!)

Put stew meat in crockpot.
Sprinkle with onion soup mix.
Add cream of mushroom soup.
Pour in 8 oz of soda. (Give other 4 oz to your kiddo. You will be the coolest mom ever if you let her drink it from the can!)
Cook on low 5-6 hours or until meat is done.
Serve with white rice (my favorite) or egg noodles (hubby's favorite)

Total: app. 4.23

Menu Plan Monday 2/23

I cooked all afternoon so all I have to do this week is warm things up. I have been so lazy lately. We have not been very diligent with our menu. We are trying lots of new things this week so hopefully eating at home will be more exciting. I've got 2 crockpots going right now, one with tonights dinner and 1 with chicken for tomorrow's dinner. I cooked 3 lbs of ground beef, froze 2, put 1 into a semi-homemade spaghetti sauce. I bought Ragu when Walgreens had it on sale and I think it is disgusting! My recipe called for a jar of spaghetti sauce with a bunch of other ingredrients (onions, garlic, spices, etc) so I hope it's better. It smells good! Here's our week:

M- Saucy Chicken Thighs, broccoli, rice, rolls
Recipe: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Saucy-Chicken-Thighs
T- P.C. Broccoli and Chicken Braid, salad
W- Semi-Homemade Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread
Recipe: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Mom-s-Spaghetti-Sauce
T- BBQ Pork Ribs, pasta salad, corn
F- sandwiches
S- Chili from freezer, cornbread
S- Mexican lasagna
Recipe: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/?s=mexican+lasagna

I shopped Homeland, Target, and WM (ad matches) today. Total oop- 49.63 (And I got meat and fresh produce!)

Bargain meal of the week- Homeland

Chicken thighs are on sale for $1/lb. this week. I don't usually cook thighs but I have read on other blogs they cook up great in the crockpot. This is a 2 step recipe. Step 1- cook thighs in crockpot with some season salt. Shred the chicken when done. Then make these, http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Flautas/Detail.aspx Yummy! FYI- the reviews say to use more oil and to omit the cheddar cheese. I, personally, would use colby jack or mexican blend. This recipe makes 36 flautas so unless you are REALLY hungry, I would freeze some for an afternoon snack.

Chicken thighs (2lbs)- $2.00
-.75/1 1/25 SS= .50 (prices will vary by weight)
Season salt- $1
- $1/2 1/18 SS= 2 for free!
Corn tortillas (Santa Fe) - $1.00
6 ears of corn (Allens)- $1.00
Lipton rice sides (Taco is our favorite mexican variety)- $1.00
- .75/2 1/18 RP= .25
Bush's seasoned black beans (not on sale) .99


Meal- Chicken flautas, taco flavored rice, corn on the cob, seasoned black beans
Total oop- 3.74

Menu Plan Monday 2/15

I love weeks like this one. Every meal is from my freezer or pantry! We bought minimal groceries and could have bought less. Hope you all have a frugal week!

M- Crockpot chicken, rice, green beans, garlic bread
T- Leftover spaghetti (Mom works)
W- Lemon chicken, rice, green beans, rolls
Th- Dirty rice & cornbread
F- Tacos, rice, beans
S- Kids choice- hot dogs, mac and cheese, cucumber slices
S- Leftover chili & cornbread

CVS 2/15

The deals are slim to none at Wags this week so I am sticking to CVS. Has anyone else noticed that the coupons values have been really wonky lately? (Yes, wonky is a word. Ask my 4 yo!) It seems like my coupons never match up with ANYONE elses! Anyway, there is my rant. Since the deals are slim, it looks like a good week to organize my coupons.

Trans 1

2 Colgate Total 4 oz 5.98
-2 $1ip http://www.colgate.com/app/ColgateTotal/US/EN/SpecialOffers.cvsp
= 3.98oop, get 5.98 ecb

Trans 2

Gillette Shampoo 4.99
Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor 7.99
-2 Shampoo 2/8 p&g
-4 Razor 2/8 p&g
- 5.98 ecb
= 1 oop, get 7 ecb (3,4)

Trans 3

2 Herbal Essences Shampoo/Conditioner 5.98
-$3/2 2/8 p&g
-3 ecb
= 0 oop

4.98 oop, have 4 ecb for next week or anything else you need (milk, tp, paper towels, etc)

Have a good week!

Bargain Meal of the Week- Homeland

Here's the meal for the week of 2/11-2/17 Enjoy!

Pork tenderloin 1.99/lb- 2lbs
Use $1q from 2/8 SS= 1.98
Knorr Lipton sides (rice or pasta)
Use .75/2 from 1/18 RP= .25 each
Birds Eye Steamfresh Veggies
Use $1/3 from 1/4 SS= .58 each
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Use .30/1 from 2/8 GM= 1.40

Meal: Breaded Pork Tenderloin, rice or pasta, steamed veggies, crescent rolls
Total cost: $4.21
Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Breaded-Pork-Tenderloin/Detail.aspx

Bargain Meal of the Week- Homeland

I am super excited to team up with Erin from www.5dollardinners.com on her new Bargain Meal of the Week. I am going to be posting for Homeland. If you live in Oklahoma- great for you. If not, maybe you will find a good new recipe! Don't forget to use your $20 gift card with any transferred prescription. This was in the "grand opening" flyer. (Hope you got one!)

Boneless, skinless chicken breast- 1 lb.= 1.79
8 lb bag russet potatoes 1.99 (use half)= 1.00
Romaine lettuce for salad= .89
Best Choice Texas Style Biscuits 12oz= .79

Meal= BBQ chicken breast, baked potatoes, salad, biscuits
Price= 4.47

Recipe
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Zesty-Slow-Cooker-Chicken-Barbecue/Detail.aspx

Valentine's treats

I thought I would share my treats we are making for Peyton's class. I'm glad I decided to do these because they are economical, cute and easy. And since I got a note last week saying to bring 35, they better be all of those things.

We, Peyton & I, are making rice krispie treats. My store had peelies for $1 off marshmallows on the rice krispies, FYI. After they are made, we will be forming them into a funnel and wrapping them in foil. They look like a giant Hershey's kiss. You can use Valentine's curling ribbon for the tail, or I will be cutting thin strips of paper with "Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Peyton" printed on them. Total cost: less than $10

Do you have any homemade ideas for classes? Please share!!

Menu Plan Monday 2/9

In addition to the plan this week I have a good deal to share! One that I haven't seen blasted on every blog. Impressive, I know. Taste of Home is having a cookbook blowout. Many of their hardback cookbooks are on sale for only $5. To make the deal even sweeter, use code t0170 to receive 15% off plus free shipping. That makes them just $4.50 oop- woo hoo!! I got a Taste of Home cookbook for Christmas and I love it! I, personally, chose "Quick Cooking 2007". Here's the link: http://www.shoptasteofhome.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-STOH-Site/default/Search-Show?cgid=%245%20Cookbook%20Offer

And the weekly plan:

M- Whole chicken in the crockpot, rice, green beans, rolls
T- Chili & cornbread
W- Grilled hot dogs, baked beans, salad
T- Broccoli & chicken casserole
F- Oven BBQ chicken, leftover baked beans, salad
S- Valentine's Day!! out to dinner
S- Crockpot chicken, green beans, rice, rolls

I have some repeats that didn't get made last week. Wednesday I made pizzas because we had company, Thursday we had leftovers, Friday kids had breakfast & we had leftovers, Saturday we went out for Chinese. We spent $20 for the week, after groceries.

Checkout http://www.orgjunkie.com/ for more menu plans.

Menu Plan Monday 2/2

Since I won the envelopes last week (YAY ME!) I thought I should post again! I am incorporating leftovers into the plan this week.

M- Tacos, rice, black beans
T- Chili (using leftover taco meat) & cornbread
W- Whole chicken in crockpot, rice, green beans
T- Broccoli & chicken casserole (using leftover meat from whole chicken & reserving some of the broccoli for later)
F- Chili dogs (using leftover chili)
S- Breakfast
S- 'Deceptively Delicious' parmesan chicken (using leftover broccoli, pureed) salad & garlic bread

Have a good week!

Menu Plan Monday 1/26

Iwas not going to post my plan this week but I seriously want the cutie patootie envelopes on www.orgjunkie.com so without furthur ado.

Monday- Lasagna, garlic bread
Tuesday- Chicken and broccoli casserole, rolls
Wednesday- Lemon garlic chicken, rice, green beans, rolls
Thursday- Jambalaya, cornbread
Friday- Potato soup
Saturday- Sandwiches, mac and cheese
Sunday- Pot Roast

We were hit with an icy storm this morning and I tried to venture out but I only got as far as the CVS drive-thru. Since I slid out of there I thought it better to come straight home. Hopefully I will be able to get my groceries before the Homeland 1.69/lb ground beef goes off sale!

Menu Plan Monday 1/19

We didn't eat out last week but I did make some things that weren't on the menu plan. Therefore there are some things that are repeats this week. I'm including approximate prices for the meals. One of my favorite blog reads is www.5dollardinners.com My new goal is to spend as close to $5 as possible on dinner. This is also a good way to show how much stockpiling and buying things when they are on sale helps the budget.

Monday- Whole chicken in the crockpot 2.74
salad .50
baby carrots .50
chicken flavored rice .40
rolls .20
total- 4.34

Tuesday- Beef tips 2.68
mashed potatoes 1.50
green beans .25
rolls .20
total- 4.63

Wednesday- Lemon garlic chicken
chicken 3.00
lemon .25
rice .40
corn .25
rolls .20
total- 4.10

Thursday- BBQ Chicken
chicken 1.50
sauce .75
au gratin potatoes .35
green beans .25
rolls .20
total- 3.05

Friday- chicken nuggets .50
mac & cheese .67
total- 1.17

Saturday- breakfast
eggs .75
bacon .99
cinnamon rolls 1.88
total- 3.62

Sunday- chicken cheese steak
bread 1.00
chicken 1.50
spaghetti sauce .50
bell pepper .99
1/2 onion .35
total 4.34

Sunday Shopping

I clipped my coupons, made my lists, & made sure I had all the neccesary elements for a successful shopping afternoon. Unfortunately, when I went to Walgreens to collect my gift card I was told my doctor had not sent in the refill. Urg. This messed up my zero-out-of-pocket plan, seriously. I was going to wait and go back tomorrow until I remembered that I had $10 in RR that expired today. So I spent $7 oop to save $10. Urg, again. I'm going to post my Walgreens and grocery store list for the week and then explain how it goes with my menu plan for the week tomorrow. I am also going to * the items that were impulse purchases in order to show you, and myself, how much those things add up.

Walgreens
Transaction 1
4 Skippy p.b.= 7.98
4 Ragu= 7.98
dz. eggs= 1.59
- 1.20 in Skippy q's
- 1.00 in Ragu q's
- 10 rr (Frito Lay rr)
total 6.67, savings 20.28, get 10 rr from Unilever

I had to have an extra item in order to use the rr because I had a coupon for each of the p.b. and Ragu. I could have bought something cheaper, like a pencil or candy, but I needed eggs anyway. And when I made my plan I was using a gift card. The rr is considered a manufacturer coupon and you have to have as many items as coupons.

Transaction 2
8 bags Doritos= $20
- 10 rr (Unilever deal)
total 10, get 10 rr from Frito Lay

This is important. You can't use a rr from one deal to do the same deal again. It will not print. Since I used a Frito Lay rr in trans 1, I got another one from Unilever. Now, I used the Unilever rr on another Frito Lay deal, so I will receive another 10 rr from Frito Lay.

Transaction 3
Deerfield Farms cheese x2= $4
Kraft Mac n' cheese x3= $2
Tuf trashbags= 3.99
Extra gum x3= .99
- 10 rr
total .98
Since I already did transaction 1 I will have $14 left on my gift card.

Grocery store

BC cookie mix x3= 4.50*
Mini Pretzels x2= 2.50*
SCO Lays 2.00
Gallon Milk 2.74
Cheetos 1.67
Italian bread 1.99
Cinnamon rolls 1.88
Lays Stax x2 1.98
bread 1.97
ketchup .98
ritz 2.50*
BBQ sauce 1.50
bell pepper .99
cucumber x2 1.00
shrimp 4.47*
grapes 3.02
olives 1.09*
olives 1.29*
carrots 1.50
ground beef 3.01
popcorn chicken 1.69*
- $1 off milk when you buy Sara Lee bread
total 47.77

Most of these "impulse" buys were snacks hubby wanted to take to work. This will cut down on his lunch or snack machine spending so it all works out. The shrimp has been on my list the last couple of weeks but I always seem to go when the meat counter is closed. I will be making a meal with it but 7.99/pd. for protein is RIDICULOUS! This will have to be a special treat meal. It better be good! Come back tomorrow for my meal plan for the week.

Weekly Round-up- Food Envelope

Since my much more than usual grocery spending last week, I am glad to say I spent $10 this week on food. Unfortunately, it was also money I could have not spent. The goal for this coming week will be to buy a few things to complete this weeks menu plan, including breakfasts and lunches, AND NOTHING MORE! I plan on hitting Walgreens this week to stock up on peanut butter and spaghetti sauce but I will be using a gift card that I got for transferring a prescription, and $10 in register rewards. I will post my trip, with money spent, and savings. Wish me luck!

Menu Plan Monday 1/12

I'm actually on time this week! I'm feeling more organized already. I spent the weekend cleaning my house and getting it some what back in order. I have to finish up tomorrow and take Peyton to the doctor so without further ado....

Monday- Paella
Tuesday- Crockpot Chicken
Wednesday- Chicken Fajitas
Thursday- Spaghetti Pie
Friday- Quesadillas (made with leftover fajita chicken)
Saturday- Homemade Pizza
Sunday- Beef Stroganoff (We didn't have this last week. Madison wanted breakfast instead.)

Have a good week!!

Groceries......

I have noticed since I have been serious about couponing that I have a lot of random groceries. While I get them either free or close to free, they take up space. And it looks like I have LOTS of stuff. Which I do, just nothing I can make a meal out of. So tonight I went to three different stores. Instead of holding myself to a tight budget, I bought things we needed and some things we wanted. It does me no good to save money on things that no one really wants, like Bagelfuls. I got 2 boxes for free a few months back, and still they sit. Taking up space in my freezer. Valuable space. The point is, if we have a house full of groceries that no one will eat, I am not accomplishing anything. I have given myself such a mental block that it made me sick to pay full price for peanut butter. But we love peanut butter. I got so much for soooooooo cheap last summer that I didn't want to BUY it. I think what I am trying to say is, from this point forward, I will only buy things that we will use. Or that I can get for free. But I must have a place to store it, in order to sell it at my next garage sale.
I spent $110 on groceries today. I couldn't tell you the last time I spent more than $50 in one week. I feel like I'm confessing!! I'm okay with it because it will save us in the long run. Everyone has some of their favorite things so no one will be whining about wanting to go out to dinner. Sometimes it's better to spend a little more and keep the peace.

Menu Plan

I know it's Wednesday. I'm still behind so I included Monday of next week, and what we have had so far this week.

Sunday 1/11- Chicken Picatta, green beans, penne pasta
Monday 1/12- Chili and cornbread
Tuesday 1/13- Church/ out to dinner with gift cards
Wednesday 1/14- Breakfast for dinner
Thursday 1/15- National Championship- Go OU! (We got tickets to go to a buffet and to see the game at a local movie theater. Should be fun!)
Friday 1/16- Homemade Pizza
Saturday 1/17- Chicken strips and mac n' cheese (Hubby works late and we usually have neighbor kids joining us for dinner.)
Sunday 1/18- Beef Stroganoff, green beans, rice
Monday 1/19- Paella (I got a new cookbook for Christmas so this will be a first run for us.)

Happy 2009!

As you can tell from last post, over 2 months ago, the last couple of months have been long, busy and stressful. This was the first holiday season without my mom. That makes me sad every time I think about it. I also have a 4 year old and an 11 year old, which is stressful any time of year! Those of you who have lots of kids, hats off. I don't think I could do it, unless I had a bigger house, more money, and no job! On top of all that, my "job" is catering. Obviously from Thanksgiving to Christmas is my busiest time of year with work. I forget every year how busy the year before was and don't prepare very well. I'm thinking of writing my Christmas cards in August this year. Seriously. So, I haven't been blogging. Or really checking my e-mail (I have 7,550, at last pop up). I only jump online to check a couple of good deal sites and rush out the door.

My resolution for 2009, to be more organized and more calm. Those 2 things will help me to stay focused on our budget, which will in turn help us to get out of debt, buy a new-to-us car, and start working on our savings.

I won't make any "I promise to blog everyday" promises but I do hope to use this blog as a platform to keep me accountable to our goals as a family. HAPPY 2009!