Super Savings Saturday 5/1

Here are my deals for the week:

Sunfresh is definitely the place to be in Kansas City this week!  They have some great deals and great in-ad coupons!!  Here is what I purchased.

• 
  
  2 SunBurst Laundry Detergent $1.79 each (used $.50 coupon that doubled and a FREE product coupon)
• 
  
  Kraft Mayo $2.99 (used $2 in ad coupon)
• 
  
  Lunchables Combo $1.99 (used $1 in-ad coupon)
• 
  
  Oscar Mayer Deli Creations $2.44 (used $1 in-ad coupon)
• 
  
  2 Country Time Drink Mixes (used in-ad coupon for FREE Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs wyb 2 Country Time)
• 
  
  Kraft Shredded Cheese $1.99 (used $1 in-ad coupon)
• 
  
  Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $.99 (used $.70 printable coupon- no longer available)

Total Before Coupons = $19.97

I saved $.05 for bringing my own reusable shopping bag.

Total Out of Pocket = $9.44

I purchased this 18 piece Rubbermaid set a Price Chopper on sale for $7.99 and used the $1 printable coupon here.  I saved $.05 for bringing my own reusable shopping bag.

Total Out of Pocket = $6.95

On Friday night, we stopped at one of my favorite thrift stores after dinner and found this Black & Decker Hedge trimmer for $14.96.  I was so excited to find this since earlier in the evening we were talking about buying a new one.  My husband has already tried it out and it works!!

Total Out of Pocket = $14.96

Here is what I purchased at Walgreens this week:

• 
  
  1 Walgreens Honey $3.99 with in ad coupon
• 
  
  3 Walgreens Aluminum Foil $.59 each with in ad coupon
• 
  
  3 Candy Bars $.39
• 
  
  1 Purex 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets $4.99 (used $2 coupon)
• 
  
  1 SunBurst Laundry Detergent $3.49 (used $.75 coupon)

I used $4.50 in Register Rewards from a previous week's deals.

Total Out of Pocket = $8.16

Here is what I purchased at CVS this week:

• 1 Irish Spring Body Wash $2.99 (used $.50 coupon)
• 1 Schick Hydro 5 Razor $8.97 (used $3 coupon)

I used $8.00 in Extra Bucks.

Total Out of Pocket = $ .46 and I earned $8.00 in Extra Bucks!



Total Money Spent this Week = $39.97

Declutter Challenge April Update

During the month of March I cleaned and organized our basement. I started collecting items for our April Gargage Sale. I also cleaned out closets, cupboards, drawers & dressers.   We had a total of 487 items in our garage sale!!  All of the items that did not sell were donated to the Salvation Army. 

I forgot to take pictures of our garage sale but here are the pictures of all of the stuff that was in the sale. 

487 things out of the house and 243 (at least) to go!  Now it's time to get started organizing the garage.

Frugal Friday: Reduce Your Electric Bill

In the spring and fall, I take advantage of nice weather and open the windows in the house.  I like the fresh air and it is a great way to cut back on heating/cooling costs.  Our electric & gas companies let us pay the average each month (just call or go online to request the average pay program).  This makes budgeting easy since I always know how much the gas and electric bills will be each month.  In the spring and fall I challenge myself to keep the heat or air conditioning off as long as I possibly can to help lower our average payment.  Here are some tips to try to keep the air conditioning off until at least June. Please keep in mind that weather, region & personal temperature choice will vary so this will not work for everyone.

1. Open the windows!  This is a great way to keep the house cool.  We are very lucky and have an attic fan which really helps to cool the house quickly.  We also take advantage of cooler evenings to cool the house down so it doesn't heat up as fast the next day.
2. Install ceiling fans in the kitchen, family room and/or bedrooms.  A ceiling fan can lower the temperature in a room by up to 4 degrees.
3. Take advantage of sunlight during the day and keep all the lights off.  This will save money on your electric bill and keep the house cooler.
4. Save errands and outings for the late afternoon.  This is usually when the temperature is the highest and you are most tempted to turn on the AC.  Leave the house during these times (usually between 3:00pm - 5:00 pm) and enjoy the AC in a store.
5. Run the appliances like the dishwasher, washer, dryer etc. in the evening.  Running these appliances can warm-up the house.
6. If you have a basement, use it!  Our basement is not finished but we have turned it into usable living space.  Spending time in the basement in the late afternoon helps to reduce the urge to turn on the AC.
7. Use your crockpot.  Most people use their crockpot more in the winter months for stews, soups & chilis but you can use it in the warmer months too.  The crockpot produces less heat than the oven and so it is perfect for warmer weather.
8. Wear cooler  clothes and take off your shoes.  Keeping your clothes light & simple and going barefoot will help you to feel cooler.
9. Enjoy the outdoors.   A lot of sunshine can make it warmer inside than outside.
10. Complete more active chores like cleaning & vaccuuming in the morning and save less active chores like bill paying for the afternoon.  You will stay much cooler if you are just seated instead of running around.

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

Ultimate Recipe Swap: Fruit Smoothies

Here are some of the recipes for our favorite Fruit Smoothies.

Peach Melba Smoothie (from Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids)

• 1 cup frozen sliced Peaches
• 1/2 cup fresh Raspberries
• 1 cup cold Milk
• 2 cups Raspberry, Peach or Vanilla Yogurt (you can also use a combination)

Strawberry-Banana Smoothie (from Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids)

• 1 ripe Banana cut up
• 2 cups frozen Strawberries
• 1 cup cold Milk
• 2 cups Strawberry or Vanilla Yogurt

Key Lime Banana Smoothie (from Taste of Home)

• 6oz. Key Lime Pie Yogurt
• 1 ripe Banana cut up
• 1/2 cup cold Milk
• 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dry Lemon-Lime flavored Drink Mix
• 1 cup Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

Very Fruity Smoothie (from Robert's Dairy)

• 1/2 cup Vanilla Yogurt
• 1/2 cup Orange Juice
• 1/2 Banana cut up
• 1/2 cup Strawberries

Gloomy Day Smoothie (from allrecipes.com)

• 1 cup frozen Mango
• 1 ripe Banana cut up
• 1 cup Orange Juice
• 1 cup Vanilla Yogurt

Berry Breakfast Drink (from allrecipes.com)

• 3/4 cup Orange Juice
• 1/3 cup Pineapple Juice
• 2 cups Vanilla Yogurt
• 1 cup frozen Blueberries
• 1/2 cup frozen Strawberries
• 1/2 Banana cut up

 Tropical Orange Freeze Smoothie (from Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids)

This is a recipe Connor found and he wants to try it.

•  1/2 cup frozen Orange Juice Concentrate, defrosted just enough to scoop
• 1/2 cup light Coconut Milk
• 1 cup frozen Strawberries
• 1 cup fresh Pineapple Chunks
• 2 cups Vanilla Yogurt

 For more recipes using fruit, visit Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom.

Freezer Cooking/Baking Day List

Here is what Connor and I willl be making this week during our FreezerCooking/Baking Days.

• Crockpot Granola
• Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins
• English Muffins
• Pancakes
• Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Cups
• Breakfast Burritos (recipe coming soon)
• Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
• Meatballs
• Pinto Beans

Ham & Cheese Casseole Recipe

Please excuse the picture of a half-eaten casserole, but husband and son dished it out while I went to get the camera.  They keep telling me that it is not normal to take a picture of dinner every night.  Is this true??

Ham and Cheese Casserole

• 3 cups Penne Pasta
• 2 cups cubed Ham
• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 3/4 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1 teaspoon Thyme
• 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Swiss Cheese
• 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz Crackers

1. Cook the Penne Pasta according to the package directions.  Drain.
2. In a large bowl combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, thyme, onion & garlic powder, salt & pepper to taste,cubed ham, 1 cup shredded swiss cheese and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
3. Add the cooked & drained pasta to the mixture and stir until it is completely coated.
4. Add the mixture to a lightly greased 1 qt. Casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minute. 
5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and crushed ritz crackers on top.
6. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until hot & bubbly.

This post is linked to:

Tasty Tuesday

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Tuesdays at the Table

Baskin Robbins $.31 Scoop Night 4/28

Wednesday 4/28/10 is $.31 Scoop Night at Baskin Robbins!


Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins® and help us honor America's firefighters. The Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation is donating $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation™. Participating stores will reduce prices of ice cream scoops to 31 cents*. At some locations, you may also have an opportunity to make a donation to your local fire charities.


*2.5 oz scoops are 31 cents plus tax where applicable. Limit 3 scoops per person.


Go here for more information.

FREE Sample Caress Silky Fragrance Infusion Body Wash

Go here to request a FREE sample of Caress Silky Fragrance Infusion Body Wash.  You get to choose one of the following fragrances: 

• Caress® Whipped Soufflé White Peach Cream Body Wash
• Caress® Whipped Soufflé Blackberry Cream Body Wash
• Caress® Velvet Bliss Body Wash with Blackberry & Vanilla Essence

Thanks MoJo Savings!

New Link for Aveeno Nourish Hair Care Sample

There is a new Facebook link here for an Aveeno Nourish Hair Care Sample.  Thanks MoJo Savings!

Freezer Cooking/Baking Week at Our House!

This week Connor and I will be having a Freezer Cooking/Baking Day.  I will be incorporating this into our Home Schooling Activities.  I have checked-out several kid's cookbooks from the library and Connor will be planning all of our baking (with a little help & encouragement from Mom of course).  Connor will be learning kitchen life skills,how to read a recipe, basic measurements & fractions and even some of the science involved in baking.  We are both excited about this week!  On Tuesday we will post our list and we will share recipes and our progress Wednesday 4/28 - Friday 4/30.  Come join us for some baking and learning fun!

Menu Plan Monday 4/26

Monday:  Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu, Green Beans


Tuesday:  Italian Shepherd's Pie, Broccoli


Wednesday:  French Dip Sandwiches, Ore Ida French Fries, Spinach Salad


Thursday:  Turkey Club Bake, Veggies & Dip


Friday:  Corny Salmon Cakes, Baked Potatoes, Spinach Salad


Saturday:  Peanut & Broccoli Slaw Wraps, Asian Cabbage Slaw

Sunday Lunch:  Shrimp Tostadas, Chips & Salsa

Sunday Dinner:  Leftovers



Breakfast Choices for the Week:

• Cereal, Fruit
• Yogurt, Banana Bread (from the freezer), Fruit
• Pancakes (from the freezer), Sausage Links, Fruit
• English Muffins, Fruit

This week is Freezer Cooking/Baking Week at our house.  I am even incorporating it into our Home School Activities.  Go here to see our progress for the week!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

One of the ways that I save money is by making my own cleaning products (go here for some of the other cleaning products I make).  When it comes to dishwasher detergent, I usually stock-up on Electrasol when there is a $2.50 coupon and I am able to get it super cheap or sometimes even FREE combined with a sale.  I use this recipe when I run out of Electrasol before the next coupon. 

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ingredients:

•1 Cup Baking Soda

•1 Cup Borax

•1 Cup Water

•2-3 Drops Lemon Essential Oil (optional)

Directions:

1.Mix baking soda, borax & water until dissolved and then mix in essential oil.

2.Store in a jar or squeeze bottle.

3.Use 2-3 tablespoons per load.

This is one of my favorite books for making Homemade Cleaning Products!

The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier

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

Ultimate Recipe Swap: Mexican Pizza

Mexican Pizza

• 8 Tortillas
• 1 cup Refried Beans (you can use canned but I prefer the easy recipe here)
• 1 cup cooked & shredded Chicken seasoned with Taco Seasoning
• 1 cup Salsa or Taco Sauce
• Shredded Cheese
• Shredded Lettuce
• Diced Tomatoes
• Sour Cream
• Sliced Avocado or guacamole
• Sliced Black Olives (optional)

Lightly spray tortillas with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.  Bake in a 400 degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until crispy.  Spread a layer of refried beans on the crispy tortillas.  Next, add a layer of salsa or taco sauce and then put on the chicken.  Top with shredded cheese.  Place the pizzas on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 2-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Add the toppings of your choice.


For more recipes using beans & lentils visit Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom.

Buttermilk Cheese Bread

Buttermilk Cheese Bread

• 1 1/8 cup Buttermilk (if you don't have buttermilk see substitution here)
• 3 cups Flour (I use 2 cups all purpose flour and 1 cup whole wheat flour)
• 2 tablespoons Wheat Gluten (in the baking aisle at the grocery store)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Sugar 
• 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Yeast

Place all ingredients in Bread Machine according to the manufacturer's directions and set on dough cycle.  When cycle is complete, place dough in a lightly greased loaf pan.  Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes. 


This Post is linked to:

Tasty Tuesday

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Tuesdays at the Table

Frugal Friday: 10 Quick Meals to Avoid the Drive-Thru

Every week I make a weekly Menu Plan and I usually have at least 1 Freezer Cooking/Baking Day a month.  For the most part this keeps us out of the drive-thru but sometimes life happens.  It could be that I am sick or have a sick child or worse yet a sick husband!  Maybe we are really busy or have unexpected things come up.  In order to avoid the drive-thru when things get crazy, I have a back-up Menu Plan.  This is just a list of very simple meals I can throw together in a short period of time with little or no effort.  Here are the meals I use to keep us out of the drive-thru.

1. Hamburger Helper- I know this is not the healthiest dinner choice but it is better than a Big Mac & fries.  It is simple to prepare and requires very little effort. This is a product that can usually be purchased really cheap (less than $1) with a sale and coupon.
2. Hot Dogs and Macaroni & Cheese- This is one of my family's favorite meals!  Someitmes I make Kraft or Velveeta Mac & Cheese but I also like to make Rice Cooker Mac & Cheese. 
3. Frozen Pizza- My favorite frozen pizza is Palermo's Pizza.  I like to serve it with a spinach salad.  You could also use a pizza kit (like Chef Boyardee) or make homemade pizza.
4. Freezer Meals- I keep at least 10 Freezer Meals in my freezer at all times.  If I know I am going to have a busy day or I am not feeling well, I can dump a frozen Freezer Meal in my crockpot at lunchtime (or earlier) and have a hot, homemade dinner ready to go at 6:00.  I just make a side dish and/or veggie and dinner is ready!
5. Sandwiches & Soup or Salad- You can serve sandwiches cold or grilled with soup in the winter or a crisp salad in the summer.
6. Baked Potatoes & Soup or Salad- Check-out the Crockpot Baked Potato instructions here to make this meal even easier.
7. Grilled Cheese & Soup or Salad- I know Grilled Cheese is a sandwich but I felt it needed it's own spot.
8. Breakfast for Dinner- We love having breakfast for dinner!  I usually make scrambled eggs and/or sausage, biscuits (from the freezer or canned) & gravy or pancakes (from the freezer) and fresh fruit.
9. Spaghetti- I keep at least 1 jar of spaghetti sauce in my pantry and I also keep a bag of homemade meatballs in the freezer.
10. Hamburgers- On the grill, broiler or in a skillet this is always a simple meal.  Serve with frozen or homemade french fries and veggies & dip.

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

Ultimate Recipe Swap: Hashbrown Potato Casserole

This is one of my family's all time favorite potato casseroles. It is not a low fat or healthy casserole but it is really yummy!! You could probably modify it and make it a little healthier but I think I will stick with the original recipe since I only make it for holidays and potluck dinners.

Hashbrown Potato Casserole

•1 package frozen Hashbrown Potatoes (thawed)

•2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup (I have substituted Cream of Mushroom & Cream of Onion with good results or you could use a combination of 2 of these cream soups)

•2 1/2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

•1/4 cup milk

•1 cup Sour Cream

•1 packet Dry Onion Soup Mix (or 4 tablespoons Homemade Gourmet Sunday Roast Seasoning)

•3 tablespoons Butter

•1 cup crushed Potato Chips

Combine soup, milk, sour cream.& onion soup mix in a large bowl. Mix in shredded cheese. Slowly add potatoes to the mixture and stir until potatoes are completely coated. Transfer to a 9x13 lightly greased baking dish. Top with crushed potato chips. Cut butter into small pieces and evenly sprinkle accross the top of the casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. This can also be prepared in the crockpot. Follow the same directions except put in a lightly greased crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.



For more recipes, visit Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom.
 

Planters Seed and Spice Company

I have been looking for a local store to buy bulk spices & seasonings.  A friend of mine recommended Planters Seed and Spice Company.  It is located at 513 Walnut (next to City Market), Kansas City, MO 64106.  I made a trip there this afternoon and I absolutely love this store!!  They have just about every spice and seasoning mix you can imagine and at great prices.  They also have bulk tea, coffee and even their own vanilla extract bottled in Kansas City.  I will definitely be going back to this store!

Ultimate Recipe Swap: Rosemary Scalloped Potatoes

One of my very favorite herbs is Rosemary.  Here is a very simple recipe for Scalloped Potatoes that has Rosemary.  You could substitute any of your favorite herbs or spices in this recipe.  The milk in the recipe combines with the starch in the potatoes to make a simple creamy white sauce without any effort.

Rosemary Scalloped Potatoes

• 6 Large Potatoes (you can substitute Red Potatoes)
• 1 can Evaporated Milk
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1 tablespoon dried or fresh Rosemary
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
• Salt

Wash potatoes and slice into round slices.  Place in a 9x13 baking dish & sprinkle with salt to taste (the potatoes will absorb a lot of the salt so be generous).  Pour the evaporated & regular milk over the potatoes.  Evenly sprinkle the Rosemary on top.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes and remove half way through cooking time to stir.  Add more salt, if desired.


For more great recipes using herbs & spices, visit Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom.

Menu Plan Monday 4/5

Monday:  Meatball Hashbrown Bake, Green Beans


Tuesday:  Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings, Corn


Wednesday:  Crockpot Lasagna, Spinach Salad, Soft Italian Breadsticks


Thursday:  Thai Peanut Chicken, Rice Noodles with Peanut Sauce, Broccoli


Friday:  Crab Cakes, Baked Potatoes, Asparagus


Saturday:  Italian Shepherd's Pie, Spinach Salad


Sunday Lunch:  Egg Salad Sandwiches on Homemade Pita Pockets, Carrots,  Beer Cheese Soup


Sunday Dinner:  Leftovers



Breakfast Choices for the Week:

• Cereal, Fruit
• Homemade English Muffins with Apple Butter, Fruit
• Scrambled Eggs & Cheese on Homemade Pita Pockets, Fruit
• Pancakes (from the freezer), Fruit

Molasses Cookie Recipe

Grandma Morgan's Molasses Cookies

• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 3/4 cup Shortening (I prefer the butter flavor shortening.)
• 1 Egg
• 2 cups Flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon All Spice
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Mix together in a bowl the sugar, molasses, shortening & egg.  Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, salt & all spice.  Shape the dough into a large ball and wrap in plastic wrap.  Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours (or freezer for 15-20 minutes). 

Form dough into balls and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. This recipe makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.


This post is linked to:

Tasty Tuesday

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Food on Fridays

Freezer Cooking Day Update

I just finished making the chocolate chip cookie dough.  My favorite recipe is the Nestle Tollhouse recipe.  I have tried others (the recipe here is ok) but I always go back to the Nestle recipe.  I also made the dough for the molasses cookies and it is chilling in the refrigerator.  I will bake them later tonight.

When I make chocolate chip cookie dough, I make the dough into balls and place them close together on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper.  I then put the cookie sheet in the freezer for 4-6 hours or until the balls are frozen.  Then I put them in a freezer bag and label it with baking directions.  This way we can bake 3 or 4 cookies at a time and always have fresh, hot from the oven cookies.

Freezer Cooking Day Update

I made a little progress on my Freezer Cooking Day list yesterday.  I was able to bake a loaf of Whole Wheat Sandwich bread and I made a dozen whole wheat hamburger/hot dog buns (6 of each).  The buns weren't on my original list but I decided to change my menu plan last night and I made one of our favorite dinners, hot dogs and  rice cooker macaroni & cheese.

I was also able to prepare 2 Freezer Meals with the pork I bought on sale at Price Chopper for $.97/lb. I added 2lbs. of pork for BBQ meat and 2 cups of BBQ sauce to a freezer bag.  Close the bag and label Rootbeer Pork BBQ.  Place in the freezer.  When I am ready to prepare it I place the frozen contents of the bag in my crockpot, add 1 can of rootbeer and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Serve on buns or hoagie rolls.



Tonight I am going to make the Chocolate Chip Cookie dough and  Molasses Cookies.  I will also assemble the Hashbrown Potato Casserole for Easter lunch and keep it in the refrigerator until Sunday.  Then I can just pop it in the oven for Easter Lunch.

I think I will save the English Muffins and Pancakes for Monday.

Frugal Friday: Homemade Carpet Steamer Shampoo

Several years ago I purchased a Dirt Devil Carpet Steamer.  This was definitely a good investment.  If you have kids or pets it is almost a neccessity! 

The carpet shampoo for the steamer is very expensive.  I have never seen this product on sale or coupons for this product.  Even the generic ones cost around $10 a bottle at Wal-Mart. 

I found a recipe for Homemade Carpet Steamer Shampoo in "The Naturally Clean Home" by Karyn Siegel-Maier.  If you like to or are interested in learning how to make homemade cleaning supplies this is a great book.

Homemade Carpet Steamer Shampoo

• 3/4 cup very Hot Water
• 1/2 cup White Vinegar
• 1 Tablepoon Liquid Castile Soap (available at health food stores)
• 30 drops Thyme Essential Oil (also available at health food stores)- this provides antibacterial properties and a very refreshing scent

Pour all ingredients into a container with a pour spout (or you can use a funnel) and blend well.  Add the formula to the appropriate compartment on your steam cleaner and clean your carpet according to the manufacturers directions.


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