The Working Mom

Roasted Winter Root Vegetables

2011-01-19T22:43:00.000-05:00

3 parsnips washed, peeled and cut up
3 small potatoes washed, peeled and cut up
several baby carrots cut up
several radishes cut up
toss in a bowl with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper
(I did not measure these)
bake at 400F for 40 minutes, turn after 20 minutes

Eat right away- yummy! You could throw some onions in there too.

CVS Deal of the week

2011-01-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

I went to CVS in a snowstorm armed with some Cottonelle coupons from their website. When I scanned my CVS card at the kiosk I got 2 more Cottonelle coupons- you can stack CVS coupons with manufacturer coupons.

I bought 2 each 18-pk Cottonelle toilet paper @ $10 each, 2 tubs each Cottonelle wipes @ $2 each, 1 pk Cottonelle wipes refill @ $2 each, and 1 pk Kotex-U liners @ $1.49 each= $27.49 (before tax).

I had 3 each $0.50 off Cottonelle coupons for the toilet paper and wipes and 1 CVS coupon for $3 off Cottonelle and 1 CVS coupon for a free tub of wipes when I bought 1 pk of Kotex-U. I also had $10 ECB from a previous transaction and a $5 off CVS coupon for completing a CVS survey online. My total after coupon was $6.06 (with tax). I got $10 more ECB back.

I also got a coupon for 10% off all Beauty purchases for joining the CVS Beauty Club.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T20:30:00.002-05:00

(Ok, I'm a little late.)

There is this wonderful blog called Couponing To Disney. The author teaches you how to save money by shopping wisely and how to put that money aside for a trip to Disney (or whatever else you want to save up for). She also gives you some great tips on Disney World trips. Two years ago in 2009, I decided to have a garage sale in the summer and I also kept track of all the money I saved from bargain shopping, etc. Last year in 2010 I decided to try to double my efforts and we were able to go on a short Disney trip (mainly because of a large refund from the gas company).

This year in 2011 my goal is to save 2 and a 1/2 times the amount I saved that first year. What I do is tally any extra money that comes in- rebate checks, gift cards earned, prescription reimbursements, gifts received (money or gift cards), anything won, any money made selling things (garage sale, etc.), and any other unexpected money that shows up. I do not count regular paychecks or any store rewards credits such as Extra Bucks, catalinas, etc. I have been doing Swagbucks for a little while and I have earned a few Amazon gift cards, but I'm not that into it.

So, let the games begin! (Oh and maybe we'll plan another little vacation if everything goes well.)

WFMW- Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers

2010-12-01T08:56:00.003-05:00

Money is still tight with everyone this year so I was trying to think of some inexpensive but nice teacher gifts. First of all, I have some teacher friends and they all say- no coffee mugs or apple-themed items please! They get a lot of those. Most teachers would really appreciate a handwritten note from your child more than anything. Homemade ornaments or crafts are nice too. In my opinion a gift card, even in a small amount like $5, makes a really great gift. You can pair it with a candy bar or mints or gum. I usually save some $5 Target gift cards throughout the year to use as gifts. There was also an iTunes promotion on $10 gift cards a few weeks back. In addition to her regular teacher, my daughter also has some other helpers, bus drivers, etc. I usually give them candy or mints. You can usually find stuff on sale around Halloween time- just don't get Trick-or-Treat packaging! Different color M&M's look really cute in a plain jar with a bow. A really easy treat to make is pretzel-kisses-melts. Just put one layer of mini pretzels twists on a cookie sheet and top with one Hershey's Kiss (any flavor). Melt in the oven on 250 for a few minutes until soft (watch closely). Immediately top with one M&M- I use red and green. Cool and store in a Ziploc bag or other container. Very yummy salty and chocolate snack!

More WFMW at We Are That Family.

Menu Plan Monday August 30

2010-08-30T17:34:00.003-04:00

Here's what I have planned for this week- but you know it doesn't always work out!

Monday: Stuffed Pepper Casserole (I had in the freezer) with Field Greens salad
Tuesday: Crescent roll hot dogs (ok I know, I have to use them up)
Wednesday: ??? (I don't know yet)
Thursday: Macaroni & Beef (grass-fed beef), local green beans
Friday: Slow cooker chicken taco meat
Saturday: left-over buffet

More Menu Plan Monday here!

(My new blog starts Wednesday September 1st)

What to do with extra school supplies?

2010-08-29T14:02:00.004-04:00

The stores are still practically giving away school supplies this week. Here are 3 things you can do with the extra school supplies you bought.

Donate them to a food pantry. Food pantries often give out school supplies this time of year.
Donate them to a local school. Each year teachers spend hundreds of dollars of their own money to buy school supplies for their classrooms.
Save them to put in a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child- coming in November.

Changes are coming!

2010-08-26T11:02:00.002-04:00

Look for my new blog 90 Days of Change starting September 1st!

Find a Farmer's Market near you

2010-08-05T21:18:00.002-04:00

Use this website Local Harvest to find a farmer's market near you. Some farmer's markets we have visited this summer:

Munroe Falls Brust Park Rt 91 Tuesday 3pm-7pm
kind of small, found some good tomatoes here

Green YMCA Summa Health Parking Lot Tuesday 3pm-7pm
lots of Amish stuff, found good strawberries in June

Brimfield Town Center Rt 43 Wednesday 3pm-7pm
great eggs from Bowers farm

Twinsburg Rt 91 behind the Post Office Thursday 3pm-6pm
grass fed beef from Sirna Farms

Cuyahoga Falls 2nd Street next to City Hall Friday 3pm-7pm
kind of small, found some good corn here

Hudson Main Street Green Saturday 8am-12noon
kind of upscale- found good garlic here

Make your own daily shower cleaner

2010-08-04T12:22:00.006-04:00

Homemade shower spray cleaner- I've made this before- it's pretty easy and it works ok (not spectacular but ok). Save an old spray bottle- rinse it out well.

1 c rubbing alcohol
1 c hydrogen peroxide
6 drops Dawn dish detergent
1 tsp Jet Dry
fill rest of bottle with water
you can also add a few drops of a scented oil- I like Tea Tree Oil
spray daily after each shower

More WFMW at We Are That Family.

$1 clearance girls clothes at Walmart

2010-07-28T16:38:00.004-04:00

I got a bunch of cute girls back-to-school clothes at Walmart today reduced to $1 each! One hooded tunic top, one pair black pants, two dresses, one 3-piece outfit (top, skirt, pants) for $5 total (plus tax)!

$1.05 Target shopping trip

2010-06-23T23:43:00.004-04:00

Got all this for only $1.05 out of pocket at Target. 1 Scrubbing Bubbles power spray at $6.99 (used $5 manufacturer coupon plus $3 Target coupon= $8 off), 1 bag of rice reduced to $0.91, one can of green beans reduced to $0.48, one can of tomato paste reduced to $0.41.

McCormick vanilla extract deal

2010-04-02T15:38:00.005-04:00

Buy 3 McCormick vanilla extract on sale at Giant Eagle 2/$7 (the small bottle) total $10.50 for 3. Use 3- $1 off coupons from 3/14 Sunday newspaper insert. Spend $7.50 out of pocket. You will get a $2 catalina back from Giant Eagle and a $2.50 catalina back from McCormick. That's like spending $1 a bottle for vanilla extract.

Also if you buy 2 bags of Domino sugar at $3 ea and 2 cans of Carnation evaporated milk at $1 ea ($0.50 coupon in 3/21 newspaper insert) you will get another $2 catalina back. I would recommend doing these in two separate transactions and you can use the first catalinas to pay for the second.

Ziploc double dip at Giant Eagle

2010-03-27T16:40:00.004-04:00

Buy 3 boxes of Ziploc Slider close bags at Giant Eagle at $2.49 each get $2 catalina back from Ziploc PLUS $2 catalina back from S C Johnson. There are coupons in last Sunday's newspaper. I bought these today- 3 boxes for $7.50 used 2 coupons $2.10= $5.40 got back $4.00= $1.40 for 3 boxes of Ziploc bags. You have to buy the Slider kind.

Michelina's deal at Giant Eagle

2010-03-26T15:30:00.005-04:00

Go here and print two coupons $1 off when you buy 5 Michelina's. Go to Giant Eagle they are on sale for $1 each. Buy 10 get $2 catalina back. So $10 minus $2 coupons minus $2 cat back= $6 for 10 or $0.60 each.

Also at my Giant Eagle they were giving out coupon booklets for Yoplait products including $1 off 100 calorie Yoplait Delights- or there was a $0.50 coupon is Sunday's paper that will double- they are on sale for $2 so you pay $1. They are very yummy!

Pampers at CVS

2010-03-22T11:06:00.005-04:00

Pampers diapers at CVS $8.97- use $2 off coupon from 2/21 P&G newspaper insert get $3 Extra Care Bucks back- total cost= $3.97 for one pack of diapers- pretty good deal!

Giant Eagle Easy Fries get $5 back

2010-03-20T18:49:00.003-04:00

Go to Giant Eagle- buy 6 packages of Ore-Ida Easy Fries at $1 each, get back $5 catalina coupon. Buy 6 more- use your $5 catalina- spend $1- get another $5 catalina back, etc. etc.

Smart Ones deal at Giant Eagle

2010-03-19T14:09:00.004-04:00

Buy 6 Weight Watchers Smart Ones at Giant Eagle @ 5/$10 and get $5 catalina back. Plus if you buy $20 worth you will get and additional $2 catalina back and a code for a free Redbox rental. There are coupons online and from the 1/3/10 Smart Source newspaper insert.

Super Savings Saturday

2010-03-13T09:29:00.003-05:00

I forgot my grocery cash again! This week I bought some extra items I would not normally buy because I have to bring snacks next week for preschool- and I bought some baby items for my sister. I spend $69 OOP on $114 worth of stuff. Then I went back to customer service. One item rang up wrong so they gave me $2 back and I was supposed to get a $6 catalina for buying all the baby items- so they gave me a $6 gift card. (Shopping at Giant Eagle) See Money Saving Mom for more Super Savings Saturday.

Super Savings Saturday

2010-03-06T12:59:00.004-05:00

I started my experiment of shopping with cash only this week and I went to Giant Eagle and promptly forgot my cash envelope. My budget was $60 for the week for groceries and I did charge it on Discover (cash back rewards baby!) but I still did pretty good. Got $96 worth of groceries- spent $64 after coupons and got back $15.50 in catalinas ($$ coupons off future purchases). Check out Money Saving Mom for more Super Savings Saturday!

Happy New Year's Eve!

2009-12-31T10:53:00.003-05:00

Farewell to another year- if I have time I will write a post about how I came up with $1000 in 6 months from July to December of this year. Hoping to make it $2000 next year! Happy New Year!

So Long, Farewell...

2009-08-28T15:24:00.001-04:00

Hello friends. I am shutting down The Working Mom Blog for now. You can still follow my other blog or on Facebook.

ta-ta for now!

Easy Decorating Project

2009-08-19T22:03:00.002-04:00

I saw this project in a magazine. I bought 6 wooden pants hangers like these for $6 at Bed Bath & Beyond. I used them to hang some of my daughter's artwork. Looks pretty cool I think!

Walgreens 7 days of photo deals

2009-08-17T16:16:00.005-04:00

Go here to check out Walgreens photo deals this week. 25 4x6 prints for 25 cents today only- use the code PENNY. (thanks Jill G.)

Recycle your cell phone- get a phone card

2009-08-14T14:31:00.001-04:00

Recycle your old cell phone at an Ohio E-Check location and get a free 15-minute long distance phone card. They will give you a pre-paid mailer envelope and you will get the phone card by mail.

3 Sharpies and a folder for $0.04 at Office Max

2009-08-05T22:23:00.002-04:00

I got 3 single Sharpie markers and a 3-prong folder for a total of 4 cents (no sales tax charged) at Office Max tonight. Coupon for the Sharpies here.

Listerine Smart Rinse at CVS

2009-08-03T16:24:00.002-04:00

Listerine kids Smart Rinse and Agent Cool Blue was on clearance at my CVS for $2.45 (regular $4.99). Get $1 off printable coupon here.

Pepsi at CVS this week

2009-08-02T21:40:00.002-04:00

You know, something bugs me this week at CVS. In this week's ad Pepsi 12 packs are 4/$12 get $4 ECB back pay 4/$8 or $2 each (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday only) But for some reason- bloggers are reporting Pepsi prices of 5/$12- what gives? Are there different regional prices? I live in Ohio.

Free $10 food from Schwan's

2009-08-01T19:43:00.002-04:00

Go here to sign up for $10 free food and free delivery from Schwan's. We got free chicken nuggets.

Kashi Deal at Giant Eagle

2009-07-30T22:44:00.004-04:00

You need to sign up for Vocalpoint- you really do. Last month they sent me 6 coupons for Kashi waffles. I was holding on to these for a good deal and here it is...

Kashi GoLean waffles 2/$5 at Giant Eagle
I bought 6 boxes @ $15
I used 5 coupons @ $1.50 off and 1 coupon for a free box ($2.50)
$15 total - $10 in coupons= $5 for 6 boxes or less than $0.84 a box!

The Best CVS for deals

2009-07-27T16:58:00.003-04:00

It's official (in my opinion) the best CVS location to shop for ECB deals is the one in the Valley because no one apparently shops there and they are fully stocked! (hmm, maybe I shouldn't have said that)

SSS: How to get 4 boxes of cereal for $1

2009-07-25T15:02:00.003-04:00

Giant Eagle has several kinds of cereal 4 for $7 this week (when you buy 4). Buy 4 boxes of Multigrain Cheerios. Use 4 coupons here $0.75 which will double to $1.50 each (you may need to use 2 different computers).

Buy 4 boxes at 4/$7 minus $6 in coupons= $1 for 4 boxes Multigrain Cheerios or $0.25 each!

Check out Money Saving Mom's Super Savings Saturday post!

Milk prices

2009-07-24T21:15:00.001-04:00

Very interesting observation about milk prices. Gallon of milk is $1.99 at Giant Eagle and $1.99 at the CVS on Darrow Rd in Hudson but $3.29 at the CVS in the Valley. What gives?

Pinecone Research

2009-07-21T23:00:00.001-04:00

Would you like to get paid $1-$3 to take online surveys? Pinecone Research is adding new members
http://www.pineconeresearch.com/signup/ds552Referral1.asp
(yes it is legit)

ATT U-verse

2009-07-21T14:40:00.002-04:00

Want to dump cable TV? Sign up for ATT U-verse and I can get a $50 referral bonus with code JA1418054. Thank You!

Giant Eagle Catalina Deals

2009-07-19T20:27:00.003-04:00

Go here to see all the current Giant Eagle Catalina deals.

CVS get ready!

2009-07-10T22:02:00.002-04:00

There is a good week for freebies coming up next week at CVS and I have a $50 CVS gift card burnin' a hole in my pocket! Check out the CVS preview here.

Acme deals this week

2009-07-02T13:43:00.007-04:00

Acme has a new looking ad and definitely beats Giant Eagle this week!
Farmland ribs $2.99/lb
Gallon milk $1.77
Breyers Ice Cream $1.99
Gatorade $0.69
Klondike bars $1.88
3lb box burgers $6.99
Food Club hot dogs $1.09
80% lean ground beef $1.49/lb
Boneless skinless chicken breasts $1.79/lb
Hot dog or hamburger buns $0.99
Kraft cheese $1.97
Pepsi 12 pks 5/$11
Food Club can vegetables 2/$1
Sweet corn $1.92/doz
Watermelon $3.99 ea

KTT: Read those fruit labels

2009-06-30T16:04:00.003-04:00

This article is maybe a little biased shall we say- but it contains some useful information- like how to read the little labels on the fruit in the grocery store- yes those numbers mean something. Anyway- a number starting with a "9" indicates an organically grown product.

More Kitchen Tip Tuesday at Tammy's Recipes.

Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley

2009-06-26T12:37:00.004-04:00

When I was 13, Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42. I was staying at my grandmother's house that day and I remember it being on TV. 1977 had to best the BEST summer of all time by the way because Star Wars was out that year.

Yesterday, June 25, 2009 Michael Jackson died at age 50. It is on TV non-stop day and night. It is so weird. Maybe the only thing close is when Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997.

It's weird.

Free Chocolate

2009-06-26T09:33:00.001-04:00

It's free chocolate time! https://secure.realchocolate.com/

Giant Eagle deals this week

2009-06-25T19:44:00.004-04:00

There are two sites I like for weekly Giant Eagle deals-
Stretching A Buck and Cherrypicker. Enjoy!

Free photo prints and more...

2009-06-23T15:50:00.004-04:00

Giant Eagle get 35 free 4x6 prints with the code JUNE35 by 7/15/09.

Walgreens get 25 free 4x6 prints with the code SUMMER25 by 6/27/09.

CVS get 60 4x6 prints for the price of 40 with the code 60FOR40 by 7/27/09.

Kodak Gallery get 20 free prints for new members.

Snapfish get 50 free prints with your first order.

Frugal Friday: kid's activities

2009-06-19T17:14:00.005-04:00

Here's a few free or nearly free activities we have done so far this summer- with more on the way. (Also check out my other blog.)

1. Check out a State Park or National Park- we happen to live right next to a National Park.
2. Go berry picking- fun for the kids to see where fruit comes from beside the grocery store.
3. Find a friend with a pool- bring your own lunch and snacks.
4. Arrange for a tour of your local fire station- they are happy to oblige.
5. Visit a farm- we are going to visit a local farm next week.
6. Have a picnic lunch on the front lawn.

Check out more Frugal Friday at Life As Mom.

Get $2 off at Giant Eagle for viewing weekly specials

2009-06-18T11:29:00.002-04:00

Get $2 off with your advantage card at Giant Eagle just for entering your zip code and viewing weekly specials online here.

thanks Cherrypicker!

20 cent potatoes at Giant Eagle

2009-06-12T17:26:00.003-04:00

Idahoan brand instant potato pouches are on sale this week for $1 at Giant Eagle. The Romano cheese variety have $0.40 off peelie coupons that double- making them $0.20 each!

Strawberry shortcake

2009-06-10T21:25:00.004-04:00

Since we went strawberry picking today- I am making strawberry shortcake (Bisquick recipe) right now. Stay tuned...

DIY project- bathroom makeover

2009-06-09T22:47:00.004-04:00

Well sort of. I picked up a $5 can of mistinted paint. It looked pale green on the can. It turned out to be a medium sage color. The orginal color was a yellow faux-finish with blue accessories. Now I'm going with green and tan.

Before:

After:

Marc's deal of the week

2009-06-08T10:00:00.004-04:00

I got 3 pints of really ripe organic California raspberries for $1 at Marc's. Plus a bag of Cameo apples for $1. Unfortunately when I got the apples home they looked so bruised I had to throw half of them out.

Later I will post some photos of a DIY project I did over the weekend.

Frugal Friday: Trash Treasures

2009-06-05T12:36:00.005-04:00

I admit it- I pulled a couple things out of the neighbor's trash. But I knocked on the door and asked first. One was a plastic bench-type toy box that was dirty but otherwise fine. The other was a Rose Petal Cottage play house that is usually $60. Half of it was broken so I threw it away, but my daughter doesn't care. Do you trash pick?

More FF at Life As Mom.

Free Hunt's Ketchup

2009-05-29T21:59:00.003-04:00

It's not too late to request your Dollar Days Supercenter Savings coupon booklet from Simple & Delicious and ConAgra Foods- go here. Also includes a coupon for a FREE 24 oz. bottle of Hunt's Ketchup.

Marc's deal of the week

2009-05-28T21:06:00.002-04:00

Today I got a bag of 4 very large sweet potatoes for $1 at Marc's. I washed them and cut them in half (because they were so big) and put them in the crockpot on low with 1/2 stick of butter. After 6 hours they were perfect!

WFMW: Always Be Prepared

2009-05-27T17:44:00.005-04:00

Isn't that the Boyscout motto or something? Well anyway, when you have young children- always be prepared- for messes! My Works For Me Wednesday tip is always have an extra change of clothes. Either in your bag or in the car- it will be a lifesaver! When my daughter was very young I would stash an emergency diaper in the seat storage bins in the van- for just in case! We were at the zoo this weekend and a desperate looking dad approached me and asked if I had a spare diaper- well I don't carry them any more but I bet there is still one in the van!

More WFMW at We Are THAT Family.

Over The Moon Milk

2009-05-22T13:03:00.002-04:00

Over The Moon milk (from Reiter Dairy) on sale at Giant Eagle this week for 2/$5 half-gal. Use $1 off coupon from last week's Smart Source insert AND there is a $0.50 hidden catalina you will get back. That's milk for $1 half-gallon!

($1 off online coupon here.)

WFMW: Control garden pests and weeds

2009-05-20T10:58:00.005-04:00

Here's some natural garden tips- Works For Me Wednesday edition:

To control weeds in sidewalk or driveway cracks without spray chemicals like Round-Up, use white vinegar full-strength in a spray bottle. Spray liberally on weeds like dandelions. Also salt water works well. Add one cup table salt to one pint of tap water, heat in a pan on the stove to dissolve. Cool and also use in a spray bottle to kill weeds. To keep aphids and garden bugs at bay- make a weak solution of dish detergent in water- you can use a spray bottle or even an empty dish soap bottle to apply to your tomato plants, etc. Sprinkle Borax around the outside of your house to keep ants away. To kill an ant colony- douse it with boiling water. Finally, keep deer and rabbits away from your vegetable garden with human hair. Just scatter some hair clipping on top of your soil or mulch.

More WFMW at We Are THAT Family.

Easy Meal- Crock Pot Country Ribs

2009-05-18T19:37:00.004-04:00

My favorite easy meal to make is Crock Pot BBQ Country Ribs. I buy small packages of boneless pork loin ribs whenever I see them on price reduction- they are often very inexpensive- and throw them in the freezer until I have a few pounds of meat. You can brown the meat first in the oven- but I usually just throw it in the crock pot on low with one bottle of BBQ sauce. (All that Kraft BBQ sauce comes in handy!) Cook all day on low (about 6-8 hrs). I find it gets very watery- so I remove some of the liquid and add more BBQ sauce near the end. I serve with mashed potatoes and green beans- but mac-n-cheese would be good too. The best part is the leftover meat. Pull it apart with two forks, add more BBQ sauce and have some pulled pork sandwiches the next day- yum!

Garage Sale Season!

2009-05-15T14:43:00.004-04:00

Garage Sale season is in full swing here! Today I scored a bunch of kids toys for $5 total. A Little Tikes picnic table like this one-

and a red plastic kids wheelbarrow complete with little gardening tools, and a sack full of sand toys (shovels, pails, rakes, etc.) Did I say all for $5?

Kraft Mac & Cheese catalina deal at GE

2009-05-12T15:45:00.010-04:00

There is an unadvertised catalina deal at Giant Eagle this month for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese dinner- pair it with the buy 3 get 1 free coupon here. (thanks Cherry Picker)

Between 5/8-5/31 at Giant Eagle buy Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

buy 4 get $1.00 oyno (off your next order)
buy 5 get $1.50 oyno
buy 6 get $2.00 oyno
(items must be purchased in one shopping order)

(btw- shelf price is $0.92 a box)

Coupons, get your coupons here!

2009-05-11T20:43:00.007-04:00

Printable coupons:

$2.50 off Windex Outdoor starter kit here.

$1 off Tide to Go here.

Wet Ones $1 off here.

Dove antiperspirant or body lotion $1.50 off here.

$1 off Blue Bunny frozen yogurt here.

$1 off All Small & Mighty and $0.40 off All 2x here.

Johnson's baby wash $1 off here.

And the motherload of Kraft coupons here!

(Reminder: with most coupons, you can hit your browser back button twice to get 2 coupons to print.)

National Mom's Night Out- May 7

2009-05-07T17:51:00.001-04:00

Are you participating? http://www.momsniteout.com/

Wed May 6 only free 8x10 print at Walgreens

2009-05-05T23:04:00.001-04:00

Wednesday May 6 get a free 8x10 print at Walgreens when you use the code MOTHER. Makes a great gift!

$5 CVS Challenge week 5/3-5/9

2009-05-04T10:39:00.008-04:00

This is an easy week to learn how to roll some CVS Extra Care bucks into a few good deals. Here's what I got so far at CVS this week:

Buy 1 Colgate Fresh Max toothpaste $2.99- get $2 ECB back
(used $1 online Colgate coupon) spent $1.99 OOP get $2 ECB back

Buy 1 Adidas deodorant $3.99- get $3 ECB back
(used $1 coupon from paper and $2 ECB) spent $0.99 get $3 ECB back

Buy 3 Kellogg's Frosted Flakes @ 3/$10- get $5 ECB back
(used 3- $1 online Kellogg's coupons and $3 ECB) spent $4 OOP get $5 ECB back

I will be rolling this into the Coke deal
with $1 off coupons from http://www.mycokerewards.com/
(buy $20 get $10 ECB back)

More $5 Challenge at Keeping the Kingdom First

CVS & Walgreens changes

2009-05-02T21:25:00.002-04:00

Some changes in May for CVS & Walgreens. Walgreens has discontinued its monthly Easy Saver Rebate/coupon booklet. Instead they are having more register rewards and coupons in the weekly ad. CVS has eliminated its monthly Extra Care Bucks booklet- replacing it with a monthly clipless coupon program. Weekly deals in the CVS ad will remain the same- although it seems like there are less and less ECB deals.

50 cent Hot Dogs at Giant Eagle

2009-05-01T13:11:00.001-04:00

Bar-S hot dogs are 5/$5 this week at Giant Eagle or $1 a package. Look for $0.50 off coupon "blinkies" right next to the hotdogs making them $0.50 a package. (these coupons do not double)

Target Special K Cereal Deal

2009-05-01T12:25:00.002-04:00

Get a $5 gift card when you buy 5 Special K products. Read about it HERE and HERE to get coupons to make this a really good deal!

If you need more milk, it's still $1.99/gal at Giant Eagle (growth hormone-free milk).

FF: Do you shop outlets?

2009-04-30T16:08:00.007-04:00

Do you shop for clothes and household items at retail outlets? I have to say I'm not that big a fan except for when they're having really good sales. There are two I know about right now at Aurora Farms Premium Outlets- don't know how long they will continue.

First, at the Children's Place outlet- they have some misc. winter clothes marked down to $0.99 plus you can use a coupon if you are on their mailing list. Second, at the Crocs outlet they have some various adult and kids Crocs shoes marked down to $4.99 (which is a steal for brand-name Crocs). Also Jibbitz (the little charms you put on Crocs) are only $1 there.

More Frugal Friday at Life As Mom.

Redbox: Free Movie Monday

2009-04-27T16:51:00.001-04:00

Sign up with your cell phone number at Redbox and get a free rental code text message every Monday. Regular rentals are only $1 a day. Today's code is 4CW33N.

sad day

2009-04-27T15:17:00.000-04:00

I am having a very sad day today.

Frugal Friday: greeting cards

2009-04-24T15:54:00.006-04:00

I never buy greeting cards if I can help it. I go to American Greetings create and print and search for "free" cards. Especially for cards that go with a gift. You can personalize and print from your computer. (maybe this makes me cheap, not frugal- ha!)

More Frugal Friday at Life As MOM.

New Foodperks program at Giant Eagle- get 5% off now!

2009-04-23T13:57:00.006-04:00

Get 5% off your next grocery trip to Giant Eagle just for watching this short 80 second video about their new Foodperks program. Get 1% off your groceries for every 10 gallons of gas you buy at GetGo with your advantage card.
(thanks Stephanie)

WFMW gardening tip

2009-04-22T13:36:00.001-04:00

I'm not much of a gardener at all- but my tip today is put down some Preen weed preventer now! (in fact, it might be too late) Preen works by preventing new weeds from germinating- so don't apply anywhere you are going to plant from seed. I like to apply to my perennial beds before mulching. More WFMW at We Are THAT Family!

Rite Aid Rx coupons (and Kmart)

2009-04-20T22:18:00.002-04:00

Get a free $25 gift card when you transfer a prescription to Rite Aid with this coupon. CVS will also honor Rite Aid pharmacy coupons.

There is also a $10 gift card coupon in the Kmart ad (you can view here) and CVS will also honor Kmart pharmacy coupons.

CVS $5 Challenge week of April 19

2009-04-20T15:22:00.006-04:00

Here's all the stuff I got for $4.10 OOP this week at CVS:

1 bunch Tootsie pops (on clearance) $0.13
1 Act Total Care $4.99
1 Kleenex with lotion $0.99
1 Edge Infused $2.89
1 Bayer fast crystals $2.00
1 Claritin children's 10 ct $9.99
1 Claritin redimelt 10 ct $9.99
1 CVS cotton swabs $0.99 (I just needed them)

total before coupons= $31.97
Act $1 off coupon from paper
Kleenex $1 off CVS register coupon
Bayer $1 off coupon from paper
Claritin used 2- $2 off coupons found online
and 1- $5 off CVS register coupon for Claritin
spent $16.48 ECB from previous deals
paid $4.10 OOP (out of pocket) after tax
got $10.89 in new ECB back!

More CVS $5 Challenge from Alyssa at Keeping The Kingdom First.

Claritin printable coupons

2009-04-19T12:22:00.006-04:00

Go here for Claritin coupons- ($2 off) use at CVS this week. Claritin (Reditabs, Children's 10 ct, or liquid 4 oz) is $9.99 at CVS this week and get $2 ECB back. Pair this with the $5 off 2 Claritin CVS register coupon. There are also $2 off blinkie coupons in the store for Claritin.

There is also a printable $4 off Claritin 15 ct or larger here.

Iced Coffee Day at Dunkin' Donuts

2009-04-18T16:13:00.004-04:00

Get a 16 oz. Iced Coffee for $0.50 on Tuesday April 21 at Dunkin' Donuts in honor of Iced Coffee Day and support Home For Our Troops!

Deals of the Week

2009-04-17T16:16:00.003-04:00

CVS- buy one get one free Purex laundry detergent. Use this BOGO Purex coupon to get both free.

Giant Eagle- buy 2 Muir Glenn products, get a free reusable grocery bag. Use this $1 off coupon for Muir Glen.

WFMW- what Doesn't work

2009-04-15T20:20:00.003-04:00

How about "What doesn't work for me Wednesday"? I tried the new product from Tropicana called Trop50. It is basically watered-down orange juice sweetened with stevia. It is perhaps the worst tasting beverage I have ever had. Enough said. I love regular Tropicana orange juice so I'll be sticking with that, thank you very much.

More WFMW at We are THAT family.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday: nylon pan scraper

2009-04-14T10:55:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite kitchen "gadgets" is a Pampered Chef nylon pan scraper. I think they are really made for cleaning Pampered Chef stoneware, but I use them on any baked on or sticky mess on any metal pan or glass dish. I'm sure you can find them other places too but they are only 3 for $2.75 at Pampered Chef and they don't really wear out. Perfect for scraping stuck-on food out of stainless steel pans.

Check out Tammy's Recipes for more Kitchen Tip Tuesday hints.

$50 Coupon book from Walgreens

2009-04-10T08:35:00.002-04:00

Get a $50 coupon book from Walgreens when you visit the Take Care Clinic. Read more about Take Care Clinic Recovery Plan here.

Marc's trip this week

2009-04-09T09:40:00.007-04:00

Did I ever mention I love Arnold Bread? It is low calorie, high fiber and has no HFCS. The best price I found is at Marc's- loaf of Arnold bread is $1.88 and the Sandwich Thins (my favorite- only 100 calories!) are $2.28 at Marc's.

My deal of the week at Marc's was 2 packages of baby portobello mushrooms for $1. I love baby portobello mushrooms and I plan to make an egg and mushroom strata for Easter.

More Frugal Friday at Life as MOM.

No coupon inserts this week

2009-04-09T09:38:00.001-04:00

There will be no coupon inserts in this Sunday's paper due to the Easter holiday. So relax and enjoy the day!

WFMW- I no longer clip coupons

2009-04-08T09:33:00.003-04:00

What?!? Yes, I no longer cut out coupons. I found it takes too much time to do it ahead of time. What I do instead is keep a folder with each weeks newspaper inserts. I label the front of each insert like this "SS 4/5" or "RP 4/5" with a black Sharpie. That way when I am hunting for a coupon it's easier to find. I also remove any pages that have no coupons or are just ads. I keep a bag in my my car with all my coupon folders and periodically throw out the expired ones. I find with multiple sets of inserts, it's just too time consuming to cut the coupons out.

Any tips you'd like to share? Check out more Works For Me Wednesday tips at We Are THAT Family.

CVS: Coke/Diet Coke 12 pks...

2009-04-07T11:00:00.003-04:00

... or how to "roll" a deal at CVS. Coke/Diet Coke products 12 pks are on sale 3/$11 at CVS this week. Here is the deal I did:
First on April 1 I got my quarterly Extra Care Bucks (ECB) rewards= $5.50 back. On Monday I "hopped" on over to CVS and bought 2 Easter baskets for @ $1.99 ea and 2 Easter grass @ $0.79 ea. I used my $5.50 ECB to pay for them and got $5.56 ECB back (spent 6 cents OOP). Next I downloaded three $1 off Coke 12pk coupons from mycokerewards. (If you don't do mycokerewards you should- if you drink Coke products.) Now I took my $5.56 ECB and my 3 coupons and bought three 12 pks of Diet Coke. I paid $2.44 OOP and got $3 ECB back!

Any other CVS deals to share?

Keeping your sink clean

2009-04-07T10:07:00.008-04:00

I'm pretty good about keeping my kitchen sink clean by wiping it down after I do the dishes. I also heard Bar Keeper's Friend is a great product for shining your sink. But does anyone have a suggestion for cleaning the rubber flaps on the garbage disposal? My disposal always looks gunky (the part you can see). How about cleaning inside the garbage disposal itself? I put some baking soda and ice cubes down it occasionally. Any other ideas?

p.s. Here's some tips from the Fly Lady- enjoy!

CVS free sample and coupon

2009-04-07T09:54:00.001-04:00

I found a free sample of Essence of Beauty Creamy Fig Body Lotion at CVS with a $1 off coupon attached. My store had them near the register but maybe check in the beauty aisle also. The coupon may come in handy later- expires 6/30/09.

Leap Frog Tag and Leapster

2009-04-06T21:05:00.003-04:00

Leap Frog Tag on sale at Target for $39 and Leapster on sale for $34 at Target. Tag on sale for $39.99 at ToysRUs and Leapster on sale for $29.99 at ToysRUs. Leapster 2 on sale at Walmart for $49.97. Go here for $10 and $5 off coupons for Leap Frog toys and games. (Coupons also work online)

Battle of the Milk Prices

2009-04-04T20:41:00.002-04:00

There is a price war going on here for a gallon of milk. Giant Eagle has it at $1.99 and now Acme has it at $1.88. Bring it on!!!

Super Savings Saturday!

2009-04-04T15:25:00.005-04:00

Today I did not go grocery shopping- I went to the Moms of Twins rummage sale! In addition to some cute clothes from Gap and Gymboree- I scored a Playskool doll house for $3- my daughter loves it! It just needed a little cleaning up with a Mr. Clean Eraser. More Super Savings Saturday at Moneysavingmom.

Frugal Friday: Re-purposing Items

2009-04-03T12:28:00.006-04:00

I am a bit of a pack rat, so I often save containers and boxes and things thinking I will "re-purpose" them later. My favorite re-purposed item is a baby wipes box turned into a coupon organizer. Voila!

Got any great ideas for "re-purposed" items? Please share a comment! Get more Frugal Friday tips at Life As MOM.

Free Healthcare Services at Walgreens

2009-04-02T12:40:00.003-04:00

Walgreens Take Care Clinic will offer free healthcare service to families that suffer job loss and have no health insurance. Also free laboratory services will be offered by Quest Diagnostics as part of the Take Care Recovery Plan offered by Walgreens.

WFMW- Backwards Edition!

2009-04-01T19:16:00.004-04:00

Check out Works For Me Wednesday- Backwards Edition over at We Are THAT Family!
Here's my dilema of the week- how do you keep dust bunnies- especially pet hair- under control? Also cat hair on furniture. And cat hair on chair legs, and the back of couches, and clothes, and I could go on and on! Thanks!

Cash 4 Books

2009-04-01T19:06:00.002-04:00

Need to do some spring cleaning and make some extra cash? My mom just made some extra pocket money at Cash4Books.net
If you go there right now to sign up and use my referral link, I will make $5- thanks!

I'm Back At Work!

2009-03-31T22:48:00.004-04:00

It feels so strange- I am back at work! The first day was a little rough as my daughter had a meltdown on the way to school. But today was fine. It's kind of boring actually buy I am working for the 2010 U.S. Census. It is nice to talk to some other adults all day! Only problem is, I don't have much time to do any computer work.

Eating For a $1 a Day

2009-03-28T16:14:00.003-04:00

There is a very interesting woman named Rebecca Currie who did an experiment on living on just $1 a day for food. She literally spent one dollar a day for 30 days. Here is a summary of what she ate. It's pretty eye-opening. I think Americans generally spend WAY too much on just about everything. By the way, she pretty much only bought and ate fresh unprocessed food and grains.

Shopping For Grocery Markdowns

2009-03-27T17:20:00.005-04:00

One thing I have slowly learned over the last several months is how to shop for grocery markdowns. You have to get to know your stores and your store policies. The best time to shop for markdowns is usally the first thing in the morning. Here's a list of a few places I shop for markdowns. (I am in the NE Ohio area). Leave a comment if you have any other finds.

1. Giant Eagle. My local store usually has 2 or 3 grocery carts located near the health and beauty section. You can find anything from canned goods to organic products. Also if you check the meat case in the morning you can almost always find good deals on meat with that day's date. I have also heard you can get Deli markdowns around closing time but I don't shop that late. I occasionally find some markdown bananas or bagged salad but it's kind of rare.

2. Marc's. I usually try to stop at Marc's one morning a week when they first open to get score some $1 produce bags. You never know what the will have but I have gotten apples, zucchini, carrots, potatoes, etc. for $1 a bag.

3. Aldi's. The Aldi's store near us has a shelf for markdown items- not usually much to pick from though.

4. Krieger's. Krieger's Health Food Market is a local market. They usually have a reduced produce section- although I have found the produce to be pretty ripe!

5. Target (and/or Walmart). Check the endcaps of the non-main-aisle shelves for the red price stickers. You can find all kinds of things on clearance at Target. Ditto for Walmart.

6. Schwebel's bread outlet. I never pay full price for bread. You can save 70% or more on outlet bread.

More Frugal Friday ideas at Life As Mom.

Rite Aid

2009-03-27T14:24:00.003-04:00

I don't usually shop at Rite Aid- there isn't one that close to my house. But today I was visiting a friend and there was a Rite Aid store down the street so I stopped in for some Pull-Ups. They were on sale for $9.99 plus a $2 rebate and I had a $2 off coupon. I was not familiar with Rite Aid's rebates- but you simply go online at http://www.riteaid.com/ and click on the Single Check Rebate (SCR) link. It was very easy and I guess I will get a check in a couple weeks. I still like CVS Extra Care Bucks better- but Rite Aid's online system is pretty easy.

How I got my early-bird daughter to stay in bed!

2009-03-25T12:06:00.006-04:00

Works For Me Wednesday: How I got my early-bird daughter to stay in bed!

I have a 3 1/3 year old pre-schooler who likes to get up at the crack of dawn. First it was 6:30am- then 6:00am- then 5:30am- and she would get up and wander around the house. I finally had enough! Right around when the time changed I got her a small digital travel alarm clock. I covered the numbers with tape so only the first number shows. I told her she could get out of bed when the clock said "7". I also drew a number 7 on a piece of paper and put it next to the clock on her bedside table. I told her very morning she waited until the clock said "7" and she called mom or dad to come get her- she could put a marble in a jar. I got a small bag of marbles and a medium baby food jar. I put them on top of her dresser where she could see them but not reach. When the marble jar is full I told her she could shop for a small prize at Walmart or Target. For a couple weeks now I would say she has stayed in her room every morning except one or two times. She is excited to be close to getting her prize!

Check out more WFMW at We Are THAT Family.

Acme fuel rewards program

2009-03-24T21:35:00.003-04:00

I would really like to support Acme since it is a local company- but I can't get over the Giant Eagle Fuel Perks- maybe until now. Acme is testing a fuel rewards program with Circle K at its Parma location. Don't know when the program will be rolled out to all stores. Read the story here from the Plain Dealer.

Menu Plan Monday- Plan My Menu!

2009-03-23T22:47:00.004-04:00

I was checking out the post at MoneySavingMom about using what you have in your pantry- and I decided to do an inventory of what I have on hand. Here's where YOU come in- plan my weekly dinner menu from the list of things I have on hand- good luck and thanks! (just leave a comment)

Freezer:
1 bag meatballs
2 bx Mrs. T's Quick Ones
frozen corn
frozen carrots
frozen broccoli
1 bx Texas Toast
1 lg Stouffer's lasagna
1 bx fish sticks
1 bx chicken nuggets
1 lb beef for stew
2 steaks
1 lb ground turkey
2 split turkey breasts
2 lbs chicken thighs
Pantry:
2 bx Kraft mac & cheese
1 bx Suddenly Salad
1 bx brown rice
1 bx mashed sweet potatoes
3 jar spag. sauce
2 bx spaghetti
1 box elbow mac.
can corn
can diced tomatoes
can evap. milk
can black olives
can kidney beans
can chicken broth
can green beans
can sauerkraut
2 cans cream mushroom soup
Parmesan cheese
BBQ sauce
red potatoes
yellow onions
Frig:
raw carrots
leftover egg noodles
sour cream
Grands biscuits
4 eggs
lettuce
apple sauce
limes
apples
milk

Check out more menu plans at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

Free Kid's Books Downloads

2009-03-23T20:34:00.001-04:00

Go to AudibleKids for free kid's books downloads- titles like Rapunzel, Gift of the Magi, The Emperor's New Clothes.

Marc's March Madness

2009-03-18T11:16:00.003-04:00

I got an incredible deal on reduced produce at Marc's today. One bag of 6 apples (Golden Delicious and Granny Smith) for $1, one bag of 6 zucchini for $1 and 2 bags of organic baby cut carrots for $1. $3 total for quite a haul. They also had a large bunch of cilantro for $1 but I didn't know how long it would keep. Making zucchini bread now!