Where have I been?

Well, it's no mystery that the economy isn't doing very well. I think we're all feeling the pinch. So, why haven't I been posting all the great deals? Well, I have a couple of reasons.
1- my favorite store Albertson's was bought out and my grocery world fell apart. The deals I love are gone and they quit honoring certain coupons or even honor their own sales. Not all the stores were bought out, but the one closest to me was, so check out you store before you take your ad in planning to get the killer deals.
2- I have been trying to save money. I realized that now would be a perfect time to eat up that food storage that I've been so carefully building over the months/years. The food needed to be recycled and I need to save money. It's been a win/win situation.

I have been keeping my shopping bill under $50.00 a week. And that's to feed a family of 6 and 2 dogs. All I really need each week is the basics and a few odds and ends here and there. The worst part about the basics is they're not always on sale, but you still need them. I have been getting a little creative and am starting to see results.

First, Smith's. I am starting to be ok with them. The prices are a little higher than I like, but their sales have gotten better. I recieved my first cash back check. It was for $6. Not a lot, but better than nothing. The best part is that the check came with about 12 other coupons that were based upon the type of things I purchased. And they were general. For example: $1.00 off canned vegitables. ANY canned vegies. Love those coupons. Also, take advantage of their mix and match. Buy 10 items get $5 off.

Next, the new Winco. They have some great deals and in-store coupons. A problem I have is they only take cash or debit. In my world that's not always possible. Secondly, there deli meat is nasty in my opinion. The kids ate it with out a complaint, but I couldn't finish a sandwich. The only good part about it was that it was $1.59/lb. You get what you pay for.

Remember Thanksgiving is coming up. Start buying things that are on sale now that will last.

Smith's: 10lb potatoes $.99

tutorial!

I am doing a little tutorial for a couple of friends tomorrow on how this whole shopping thing works. If you'd like to join us send me an email.

Smith's new rewards card

I am loving Smith's new rewards card. They will actually send you money back for shopping with them.

I've never been a great fan of Smith's. There prices can be high, and they are sneakier about the sales than other places. I consider myself a vetran of coupon shopping and they even trick me sometimes. But, that being said, they also have some of the best deals, if you're willing to sniff them out like a hound dog....All I can say is RUFF!

With Smith's new rewards card you earn points for the dollars you spend there. Some items will be a double or even triple point value. You earn $5 for the first 500 points then $1 for every 100 points there after. It's much easier to get to than it seems. I've spent about $150 there and have over 300 points, just take advantage of the triple point items.

But, this isn't my favorite part.

Once, you've gotten your new card log on to Smith's web site (click on post title for a link). Click on the rewards card logo at the top of the screen and register. You'll need you rewards card. After you register, it will bring you to a page with online coupons. Click on the links and register with your rewards card. Then select the coupons you want and they AUTOMATICALLY download to your card. When you go shopping and buy those items it takes the coupons off. How cool!

Disneyland trip

I am soooo excited to share this great news I just learned about.

Are you wondering how you could ever get to California and to Disneyland? Well, this year "go free on your Birthday" was a great way, but only one person got in free. You still had to pay for the rest of your family. Well, Disney is mixing it up next year.

Their new program is, Give a day get a Disney Day. How it works. Give a day of service, recieve a one day Disneyland/world pass. Everyone 6 and up can do it, and you can all do the service together and use the pass together.

What a great way to teach your kids about service and reward them for a job well done.

Those guys over at Disney are some smart people.

There are rules and restrictions. Click on the header and it will take you to their site. It doesn't start until January and they are only giving out 1 million tikets. (it sounds like a lot, but it's not considering this is Disney we're talking about)

Betty Crocker savings

Look to Albertson's for some great Betty Crocker savings.

Cake mix is 10 for $10. Frosting 2 for $3. General Mills cereals 2 for $4(check varieties). Frozen Green Giant Vegies 10 for $10. Plus more great deals (see add @ albertsons.com)

Plus get $5.00 off your next purchase coupon with a total purchase of $20.00.

Click on the title above or on link on my side notes for Betty Crocker online copouns.

Combine it with last weeks $5 off next purchase coupons and you could walk away owing mere pennies!

My receipt was:
purchases = 21.50
manufacture coupons = 6.75
store coupons = 12.50

Total = $2.25

I purchased: 4 cake mixes, 5 frostings, 3 progresso soups, and 3 boxes of Cocoa Puffs. Plus I recieved the coupon for $5 off next purchase.

Did you notice?

Did you notice that the Redplum coupon booklet is now being delivered in the mail? Now you don't have to subscribe to the paper to recieve the coupons. The only draw back is you can only get 1 set, instead of the 2 or 3 if you get that many papers delivered.

box top 4 education: UPDATE

So, yes it's true. The box top 4 education products are on sale. Not just at Albertson's, but at Smith's as well. I wanted to let you know the difference between the 2 stores sales. They both of pros and cons.

SALE
Albertson's: Spend $20.00 on selected bos top products recieve $5.00 off.

Smith's: Buy 10 of the same product get $0.50 off each on of those items.

PROS
Albertson's: You can mix and match products to get to the $20.00

Smith's: A lot more products to get the deals on

CONS
Albertson's: Limited products available on their sale

Smith's: You must buy 10 of the SAME thing to get the sale price, no mix and matching.

The products that are on sale at Albertson's are on sale at Smith's for the same price, if you factor in the .50 off or the $5.00 off.

Either way go to the link and print off your coupons and get the deals.

Happy shopping!

box top 4 education

I have heard throught the wire that the Box Top 4 education products will be going on sale soon. Use the title above to link to the website for more coupons and keep your eyes open for the sale.

Kraft Deal at Albertson's

Have you taken advantage of the Kraft Deal at Albertson's? You really should think about it. It's truley free food. Spend $25 in kraft foods and you get an instant $5.00 off your next purchase and a $20.00 mail-in rebate. Simple as that.

Things to keep in mind:

-make sure to use your coupons too.
-if you're buying something for any other rebate too, make sure you buy them in 2 transactions, because you have to mail in the original reciepts.
-Make sure the items you pick up are the "participating" products. Brand/size/flavor etc.
-Make sure you spend $25.00 not $24.99, but $25.00.

The title of this post is a link to the deal.

JetBlue | Airline Tickets, Flights, and Airfare

JetBlue | Airline Tickets, Flights, and Airfare
$599.00 for an all you can fly pass from Sept. 8th to Oct. 8th.

Yes this is for real.

Very few restrictions. You can fly from anywhere to anywhere as often as you like for one month for $600.00. Even international flights. Click on the link above for more details.

Happy Jetting

I'm telling the truth!

I was having my normal conversation after being asked how do you do your "shopping thing," when the girl made a comment that offended me a little. She said sure you save lots of money but you must just buy junk food and soft drinks. Truthfully I do buy some treats for the kids and my adult treat of soda, but I also buy milk, bread, cereal, fruit, vegitables and all the other stuff one needs to fill a pantry and feed a family of six.

So, today I had to go shopping for the upcoming long weekend camping trip. I bought food for 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner for 12 people. Plus, snacks for 3 days. I also bought other things that I needed for my house as well. Notice the 9 lbs of meat, 2 gallons of milk, all the produce, bread and even a bag of briquettes.

.......then, I couldn't help myself. I lined it all up pretty like, and took a picture. Total bill came to $139.08, with a $10.oo off next purchase coupon. This was an ok saving trip, but I still saved over $100.00.

Tip of the Week

Does the idea of shopping, let alone cooking make you want to sit down and cry? It does me. The only thing I want to make in this heat is reservations.

I was camping for 4 days this past week. The night time tempatures dropped so low there was frost on our pillows. All I wanted was a hot meal and cocoa. Then I come home and the over night low is 85 with a high of 108. All I want now is ice cream, with shaved ice on the side. I refuse to turn on the oven. So, here's your tip for the week:

Arby's has buy something get something free every Wed (usually buy a drink, get sandwich free)

Chic fil-A has free kids meals on Wed (fashion place mall location is Tues)

Lone Star has free kids meals too, used to be Tuesday, call and check before going.

Training Table has half price cheese fries Mon-Thurs.

For lunch I love to take my kids to the dollar movies. When the movie is a buck, you can afford popcorn and a drink. Buy the large size that comes with free refills and bring paper cups. Fill their cups up and keep their dirty little paws out of your popcorn. Do the same with the drink, but use sippies (even for the big kids) they will all spill, I guarentee it. Afterward if they were good during the movie stop in for an ice cream. I love our old fashioned creamery, Leatherby's.

Enjoy the summer heat and take out!

This weeks deals

Check out Albertson's mix and match sale. You have to by in groups of 10 again. Not neccissarly all the same products, but 10 of their mix and match items.

My favorite deals.:
JetPuffed marshmellows .49
Kraft Salad dressing= 1.49 with Sunday coupon of $1.00 off = .49
Capri Sun= 1.50
Ragu 1.49 (plus use coupon from Sunday ads)
Purex 2.79 (use online coupon, see links to the side)

Also, Albertson's ad has in store coupons.
Tillamook cheese 2lb block =5.49, (use online coupon for 1.00 off any cheese)
Dannon yogurt .39 each (online coupon .75 off of 4)= .90 for 4

Don't forget the double your coupon coupons on the back of the ad.

Happy Shopping

Did you freak out?

When you opened the paper this Sunday did you freak out when there were no ads? Well, the ad people take a day off on a holiday too. No coupons on major holidays. But you can still get coupons online and our favorite sights.

Grocery deals for tomorrow

It has been a crazy couple of weeks, and thank goodness for the stocked up cupboards because I haven't been to the store in 2 weeks. I've only had to send the hubby for milk and bread once.

But, tonight I'm back and here are the deals that I've found for this coming week.

Albertson's: Buy 10 save $5.
There are a lot of products that fall under this category. It is mix and match so it doesn't matter what items you buy as long as you get multiples of 10. The products of my choice are as follows (remember these prices are only if you buy groups of ten, but not neccessarily the same products):

Kellogs Cereal (check the variety, not all are on sale) $1.49
coupons: Raisin bran-$1.00 off total price= .50
apple Jacks- $1.50 total price = +.01
rice krispies- $1.00 total price = .50
Pop Tarts - 1.49
coupons - .55 total price 1.00
Dannon light & fit yogurt 1.49
coupon- 1.00 off 2. total price on two = 2.00
Kraft mayo 24 oz 3.49
coupon- .75 total price = 2.75
Mountain high yougurt 1.99
coupon- .50 total price = 1.50

Also check out the free milk deal.
Buy 3 General Mills cereal recieve a coupon for free milk. Make sure you use your buy 3 get 1.00 off.

1.00 off M&M's in this Sunday's paper to bribe the little ones with.

There is also 2 double your manufactures coupons at the bottom of the ad.

Don't forget to check the Kraft website for more coupons.

Happy Shopping!

Father day deals

Here's a father's day deal I came across. Sears is offering this deal:

Spend $50 Get $50 in Sears Reward Cash via mail with any combination of Men's Pants or Jeans.

What did I do? I hit the clearance racks and the sale table. I got a nice pair and jeans and some much needed dress slacks for $52.00 and am now waiting for my $50.00 gift card to come in the mail.

I plan on using the gift card on some needed appliance or new weed wacker. So exciting.

Disney deals

I am a huge sucker for Disney everything. Right now is their semi-annual sale. It's a great time to buy that Halloween princess costume, mark down to 29.99 from 44.99. Beach towels are buy 1 get one free. Girls swim suits are 9.99, originaly 22.00, boys 7.99 from 16.99. Even mom sizes start at 19.99 (I've got a Tinker Bell one. They run a little big, but give great coverage). While you're looking around the sale, in the search box, type in "outlet" There is always great deals in there. I love the PJ pals. 5.99 for the set, gotta love it. Does your little girl need a coat for next year? 19.99. T-shirts start at 3.99.

$5.00 shipping if you spend $89.99. Enter "shiptoday" when you check out. That seems like a lot when you were trying to save money right? Call up a friend or nieghbor and order together, or I like to take these sales and buy b-day gifts for the 30 birthday party the kids get invited too, or even Christmas gifts.

Click on header for a link to website. Have fun!!

This weeks deals

I've been browsing through todays ads and I'm not too impressed. No killer deals are screaming out at me. But that's they way it goes sometimes. For myself, I'm going to save my coupons and wait until next week. But if you're needing somethings here's the best I could find.

Sunflower Market:
strawberry $0.88
letuuce .88
tomatoes/avocados .88
apples .88/lb
reuseable bags are 25% off

Albertson's:
buy 3 pepsi 12 packs get 1 diet free = 2.99 each
G mills cereal 2.00 (coupons on betty crocker website/ads)
Ragu sauce 1.50 each
20 0z bisquik 1.50

Look for items including the bottom 3 listed above, spend 25.00 worth get a 10.00 off next shopping trip.

order the Sunday paper!!!!

The first and last thing I tell any one who wants to save money shopping is this: ORDER THE SUNDAY PAPER!

I can't say it enough. I personally would order at least 2, more if they'll let you. Coupons only come in the Sunday paper, the more editions you get, the more coupons you'll have. The paper cost about 1.25 each. You'll make your money back with one coupon, trust me.

So, I say again, ORDER THE SUNDAY PAPER, and do it NOW!

Shout out to Sunflower market

For the longest time I purchased my produce at Costco. Pound for pound it was a better deal than the adverage grocier store and a little better quality. The problem was that there was soooo much of one thing, half usually went bad.

Then the grocery fairy granted me my own special wish... Ta Da!

A market was built not 2 block from my house!!!!

My produce bill has dropped 75%. No kidding. I told my sister that I could buy a weeks worth of produce and fresh meat for $20.00. She didn't believe me. She gave me $20.00. Guess what I spent $21.54. $1 of it was for a reusable bag, because I like to be environmentally kind :) I had a total of 3 bags FULL of produce and a family pack of chicken breast. I have repeated this 3 weeks straight, just mixing up the type of meat.

Here's how:

My market of choice is the Sunflower Market. www.sfmarkets.com There are stores all over the SW. Locally for me is Murray and Orem. They try to sell items that are locally grown or as close to it as possible.

Their ads overlap on Wedensday. What that means is week 1's add ends Wed night, week 2 starts Wed morning. That equals twice the sales.

Buy only what you'll eat in 7 days. I try to underestimate. I'd rather wish I had more, than throw rotten apples away. If you are throwing rotten food away it's like throwing $$ in the garbage.

Mix it up. You may not know that your child loves aisan pears until you buy some. Start with 2. If they're on sale it will cost you about $.30. Better for them than fruit snacks and if they don't like it you're only out less than a dollar.

Sock up on meat when it's on sale. When hamburger is $1.50/lb buy a months worth. Take it home divided into your families portions, stick in a freezer bag, label it with the date, and freeze it. And the DON"T FORGET about it. This store always has at least one meat item for a killer price. I got pork ribs for $.97/lb one time, they're usually $4.00/lb.

Don't forget about it. I leave my produce on the counter in a bowl. If it's tucked away in a crisper it doesn't get eaten. When the kids see it on the counter, they ask for it. And because you've only purchased a few things they're not going to go bad if it's not refridgerated. Cut up things that take awhile right when you get home from the store, ie, watermelon, cantaloupe, even throw your salad together and put it in a ziploc bag. You're more likely to eat it if is ready to go.

Taming the Beasts

I have to do my shopping with up to 3 kids under the age of 6 sometimes. How do I accomplish such a task you ask. I'm not to proud to admit, BRIBERY. Works almost everytime. Also, play them off of each other. Here's what I do, and this will take a few trips, some tears, and even some on the floor screaming before it's perfected.

Let the kids know BEFORE you start shopping that they may have a treat at the checkout stand IF they are good in the store. They can only get it at the end. We're a baseball family so they get 3 strikes then they're out. If they've kept up their bargain they get to pick out a treat, if not they don't. And it's an individual thing.

So, a child starts to take off down the aisle. I say, get back here, and I count down from 5. If by 1, they're not standing next to me. Strike 1. And so on and so forth.

Here's the important part. If they get to strike 3 NO TREAT. You simply say, I would have loved to buy you that candy/gum/sucker but you chose to be naughty so now I can't. Maybe next time you'll behave.

For the older children you can let them pick it out first and when they misbahve, PUT it BACK.

The most important part. Don't threaten, follow through. It maybe rough the first couple of times, but they will get it. Trust me.

Also, let them help pick things off the shelf. Alot of sales you have to buy so many items. Let them help count them. I like to keep my cart organized by 10 for 10's and what's free, etc. Let them be apart of that. My little guy loves to hold the list. He pretends he's reading it off to me.

Good luck mom's. Let me know how it goes.

Have a Coke and a smile :)

Last summer when the price of gas went up, so did the price of my own personal fuel. COKE!!! It went from a $3.00 for a 12 pack to $5.00. It's so bad that I've even been seen drink Pepsi because it was on sale. Gasp! But today until next Tuesday you may pick up a 3- 6 pack of 16.9 oz bottles of Coke products for $7.00. These are the bottles you pay $1.50 a piece at the check out stand. You know what I'm talking about. The ones is the cooler that call to you while your checking out and are thirsty and exhausted after chasing your 3 kids through the cereal aisle.

To sum it up: buy three 6 packs of 16.9 oz bottles of coke for $7.00
that's $0.38 per bottle.

So Have a Coke and a Smile :)

My Favorite deals for June 4th

Do you like Crystal Light? Here's the great deal I found. First go to http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/kraftcoupons.aspx?cm_sp=CRM-_-MemorialDay_Coupon-_-Homepage and sign up for their online coupons. Once you have done that you can pick and choose which coupons you want to print. There are 3 different Crystal light coupons. Print all 3. Now, get your Albertson's add. They are on sell for 3 for $7 ($2.33 each, but you must by 3 for the deal) At the bottom of the add there is "double your manufacturer coupon" coupons. You'll need 2 for this.

You'll present the following with your coupons:

$1 off one crystal light

$2 off two crystal lights

Buy two crystal light get crystal light skin essentials free

2-Double your manufacturers coupon, coupons…..

Your total:

    3 for $10

    -$3 for buying 3

    -$1 coupon

    -$2 coupon

    -$1 for double

    -$1 for double

    -$3.50 for free coupon

Grand total= $2.00 for 3 cans crystal light and one crystal light skin essentials.

Another deal that's too good to pass up. Which means stock up! Get your coupon off of the same sight for Kraft BBQ sauce (original). It's on sale at Albertson's for $.70 if you buy 10 things out of that group.

Your total:

    One for .70

    -$1 coupon

    -$1 for double

Grand total= You make $1.30

Word of advice. You can only use 3 double coupons and they only double up to $1, so choose wisely. Make sure if it says Save $3 when you buy $10 worth, that you buy $10 worth.

Mom’s Tip Jar

Mom's Tip Jar

 

 

 

For the 12 loads of laundry done each week,

For the all the lost socks that you help seek.

For the dishes that won't do themselves,

For stacking the games back on the shelves.

For making the beds and scrubbing the floor,

For driving to practices and running to the store.

For every meal planned and prepared,

For all the wiped noses with nary a care.

For the coupons you cut and the pennies you pinch,

For the chart that measure each child's every inch.

For the kisses and band aid's on every skinned knee,

For chasing away ghost that only a child can see.

 

Here is a jar to keep the coins that you find,

Under cushions, in washers, even under the blinds.

For dollars crumpled and laundered,

Forgotten and never again pondered.

 

Here you can keep all these little treasures,

When you think your deeds go without measure.

By the end of the week you'll have enough for a treat,

By the end of the month you can pamper your feet.

We've kept it simple, even discreet,

So little hands will not be tempted to peek.

Mom's tip jar will keep all dues that are owed her,

From the people whom forget to say "thank you, mother."