Home Life

I am working on updatings, sorting reorganizing my recipes onto 4 X 6 homemade recipe cards which I will then print out. I didn't want borders or flowers just the template.

I had to find a Blank template for a 4 x 6 card found it @ Avery.com website ( postcard 2 per page)

Deciding on a font I can't make up my mind just yet.

Copy and Paste the files to the index card template and save documents

Then upload the recipe cards to Media Fire for others to pick up as needed :)

B-day gift for my 2nd child is to copy the recipes to postcards (pre-made found 2 boxes of nice leaf postcard stock paper at the thrift store about 8 months or longer ago for $1.99 each box or 50 ct)

I also at the same time picked up a 5 X 8 Index Card File Box with tab dividers for 99 cents to put the cards into..

Only issue is to get this done her B-day is the end of July.

Splurge Shopping

Decide to pick up a few items not on my month budget plan since I had saved some $$ I also took my kid to the store with me (which means mom I want $$ for this or that)

When I stopped at my local Fry's this morning this is what I purchased

(KID) Minute Maid Fruit Punch regular price $2.39 on sale for $1.00

(KID)Donuts from the bakery 2 for $1.18

(KID) Ground Beef 1 lbs on clearance for $1.09

(KID) Onion Soup Mix regular for $1.69 sale for $1.00 saved 19 cents

2 Mini Chocolate Donuts regular for $.75 sale for 2/$1.00

1 Gallon of Milk regular for$3.99 on sale for $1.99

2 Land o Lake Butter packages regular for$2.49 on sale for .99 saved $3.00 (I frozen them  : ) )

Fry's VIP Card Savings $7.08 Spend $12.64

• Use the Ground beef/Onion Soup Mix for Meatloaf for Fiance' and kid
  
• I pulled out a OAMC meal of Stuffed Bell Pepper Mix had that with Salad.

Coupon Trip 2

Walgreens

Renolds wrap foil regular price $1.69 sale price .89 cents used $1.00 off coupon free

Renolds wrap foil regular price $1.69 sale price .89 cents used $.75 off coupon paid $.14 cents

Q-tips sale price 2/$4.00 used $.30 off coupon paid $2.20

Edge Shaving gel sale price $1.99 with bonus $1.00 used 75 cents off coupon paid $1.24

2 bottles of Mitcheum Deodorant egular price $3.29 sale price $1.99 cents used $.75 off coupon paid $1.24 each

Walgreens coupons savings $5.41

Walgreens ad savings $1.30

MFG Coupons savings $4.05

Total orignal price $17.25 PAID $6.49

Coupon Shopping Trip 1

Fry's

Kraft Dressing for $2.99 sale price 3 bottle for $5.00 ($1.50 each) coupon $1.00 off

Smuckers syrup for $3.29 on sale 2 for $5.00 coupon $1.00 off 

Wacky Mac Noodles for $1.59 a package coupon  $. 75 cent off

Yakasobo noodles for $.99 cents each coupon $. 35 cent off

Weber Grill Seasoning $3.99 on sale for $1.00 coupon  $1.00 off  &  $. 75 cent off 

Mrg Coupons savings $6.95

Bonus Coupons savings $2.53

Vip Card Savings $12.37

Total Coupons $21.85  spent $9.79

Walmart 

Triscuit $2.00 on sale for $1.00 coupon off

Velveeta  Block regular $4.24 for $1.00 coupon off

Pringles regular $1.50 for $1.00 coupon off/2

Easy Mac and Cheese cups regular $.72 cents buy 2 get $1.00 off coupon 

Velvetta Mac cups regular $.98 cents buy 2 get $1.00 off coupon 

Dr. Pepper Syrup regular $2.12 cents $1.00 off coupon 

French's Brown and Honey mustard sale price  $1.27 each $75 cent off each

Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce  regular $2.50 cents $1.00 off coupon

Dixie Paper Plates  sale for 2 for $4  w/ $.50 coupon off each

Mac & Cheese  Box regular $1.50 cents $1.00 off coupon 

Plus other items  

Total was $47.08 Coupons savings $10.50 total $36.56

So with 2 fry's shopping trips and 1 walmart today I spent $68.20 should last me along w/ previous OAMC meals and clearances purchased this week  I should be able to make it 30 days and only have to pick up (milk, bread, butter cheese) and only have spent $100 so I will keep track and see how we do...WISH ME LUCK... for a family of 3 plus school is out of the summer ...

Clearance Shopping Day 1

First I stopped on my way home from work and picked up this clearance items first at Fry's

2 Loafs of French bread for 2/$3.00 regular price

1 jar of marinara $1.29  regular price

Candian Bacon in a 6oz package regular price $3.49 x 6= $20.94 got it for $1.79 x 6 =$ 10.74 saved $10.20 (purchased to use on/w pizza,casseroles, scrambled eggs)

Turkey Ham 16oz package regular price $3.24 x 3= $9.72 got it for $1.59 x 3 =$4.77 saved $4.95 (purchased use for sandwiches and w/scrambled eggs )

Turkey Breast 10oz package regular price $ 3.00 got it for $1.49  saved $1.51 (purchased use for sandwiches/ Salads )

Ham 9oz package regular price $ 3.00 got it for $1.79  saved $1.21 (purchased use for sandwiches/ Salads )

Total Regular Prices $36.66 got everthing for $21.67 SAVED $14.99

Budget Update Idea

I have decide to try couponing. 

You ask why? 

Too much work?

Now will it work for me I am not sure?

• I decided to cut the coupons from Sunday papers 
  
• Then  down loaded free printable coupons from the manufactors for savings online as well.
  
• Organized got a 3 ring binder with 9 pocket trading cards sleeves divide them into catagories with divider tabs.
  
• I picked up the store ads for this week it was cheaper then to buy the wedneday paper which was 75 cents but then decided to ever Sunday go online  to http://www.sundaysaver.com/were I can view them all for FREE!!
• I need to see if any of the coupons I just sorted I can find on sale in the papers and get ready to shop and save.

1st try to find items on sale that way the coupon saving is more

2nd Use CVS Pharmacy stores as you can earn Extra Bucks( AKA Free $$ ) to purchase more items for FREE!!!

I also found a few tips out this past week.

• Local stores will put food on clearance/markdown prices the day or two before the sale by date is up. 
  
• Then if it is labeled sale by say May 5 and today is May 5 they will mark even lower so I have been purchasing this meat for really good prices and freezing or pre-cooking to freeze for meals

Examples of a few deals I recently got this weeks

• Large 16 in pizza regular price $8.99 got it for $3.49 saved $5.50
• 2 packages of 4 pieces Hot ltalian Chicken Sausage  each pack for regular price per package $3.99 got it for $1.50  each saved  2.49
• 2 Family Packs of Chicken Breast regular price $11.50 got it for $5.95 saved $5.55 per pack

I also found a cheaper place to purchase my lentils that recently I have been cooking like crazy with for the last month.

Regular 16 oz package cost $1.00 I can now get them for $.59 cents saved $.41 cents

My plan for the $$$$$ I save 

• Place money saved after each trip to store in envelope.
• Track it for 2 months
• Use money for special items (Dinner out, rent a video or something)

Helpful Tip

I am constantly trying to remember to take my lunch or pack a lunch for work.

So I decided I would do the follow idea to help with this plus I can use it at home for leftover night. Just pick (BBQ chicken/Mexican Rice/dessert) and thaw really quick small meals ideas so that way if I want LENTIL and Family wants Meat then I can just grab for me:)

• I cooked Sloppy Sams recipe from AR Site then let cool then placed in lined muffin cups in the muffin cup tray placed in the freezer for 1-3 hours and then popped them out and placed in 1 Qt Ziplock for quick meal prep. 
• I cooked Mexican Rice II recipe from AR Site then let cool then placed in lined muffin cups in the muffin cup tray placed in the freezer for 1-3 hours and then popped them out and placed in 1 Qt Ziplock for quick meal prep. 
  

Now I plan to do this with lots of recipes then all I have to do is pick a few cups from different bags and drop into my plastic container for lunch:)

Pink Princess Tidbits

http://thefreebieblogger.com  this website has LOTS of Coupon Savings

FISH TACOS

My happy Tilaphia Baked Creole Fish for my first Fish Taco. It was more then great :) I can't wait to make again. For 2 pieces of fish I got them at Dollar Tree for guess what $1.00 for 2 pieces.

Clearance Meat Deal

I stopped at the local store to see this morning what meat items were on clearance. 

This is what I found lots of different meats from beef to pork to chicken and Fish.

I purchased 2 family packages of chicken each contained 10 pieces of chicken thighs one for $3.55 and $3.81. Well since I like to precook meat I baked all 20 pieces this morning while I ran a few errands so when I got home it was all done. They are currently sitting in the refig while I decide what to make with them....

SLOPPY SAMS

(This recipe has been modified to what I had in the house)

3 cups water

1 cup lentils, rinsed

salt to taste (optional)

1 Tbsp of Dried onion

2 cloves garlic, minced (I used minced 2 tbsp)

6 ounce can tomato paste (filled can twice with water)

1/4 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 tablespoon chili powder

3 tablespoons molasses

1 dash Worcestershire sauce

salt and ground black pepper to taste

4 hamburger buns, split

Combine water and lentils in a saucepan; season to taste with salt if desired,

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and

simmer until tender, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Dropped the dried onions and the garlic in to mix. Let simmer a few mins

Stirred in tomato paste filled the can with water twice poured in ketchup

mustard powder ( or mustard from the frig), chili powder, molasses and

Worcestershire sauce; simmer 5 to10 minutes until thickened.

"Sloppy joe"consistency. Serve on buns.

Tip of the Day!!!

I tend to just like everyone else buy things and forget that I have done that then 2 weeks later find a random bag somewhere in the house and find 3 cans of ???? (green chilies)

• 1st Add items that were not on the shopping list that I may purchase due to a discounted sale.
• 2nd Stop this problem start pulling all the items out of bags and putting the bags away.
• 3rd ...Is this going to work every time NO! I am human and I get lazy but atleast I can try this.
  

Other Printable Sites

I am sharing a few other printable things as well with you guys.

I am very addicted to many things. (Pens, Templates, Printables, Recipes etc)

I will keep adding more so stop back again..Soon

http://www.mintprintables.com/

http://www.allfreeprintables.com/checklists/index.shtml

http://www.paperprintout.com

http://www.debidawn.com/handyhelpers.htm

http://www.mylonglist.com/

http://www.myparentime.com/

Grocery Lists and Menu Planners

Recently on AR someone was requesting a menu planner and grocery list so I have been surfing for you guys and this is what I found.

http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/meal-planner.html

http://singleparents.about.com/library/Groceries.pdf

http://www.menus4moms.com/pdf/MenuPln.pdf

http://www.momadvice.com/resources/downloads.aspx

http://www.freeprintablegrocerylist.com/

http://www.grocerywiz.com/

http://www.davidwilliams.biz/free-printables.htm

http://www.eprintablecalendars.com/lists/grocery/

http://www.grocerylists.com/

http://www.scottcommonsense.com/toolbox.aspx

This is one of my Favorite sites for lots of different templates I use around the house

http://donnayoung.org/household/fullsize/kitchen-planner.htm

Free software

http://www.homeplansoftware.com/shoplist.htm

PinkPrincess' Helpful Tidbits-From AR

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner 

 http://www.johnfrieda.com/event.asp?eventcode=jf_djSample&action=entry&sod=WPLJ

Get a FREE 2oz Grime Fighter™ All Purpose On-the-Go Cleaner! * 

http://www.babyganics.com/Scripts/Special_Offers/Details.asp

Dove Deodorant: $2-Off Printable Coupon

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qeeseen64367506&bt=vi&o=56457&c=DV&p=yCnvowdK

 

Now here’s a cookbook with a name that speaks to me: Delicious Family Meals for Less. It’s a free download from Reynolds with recipes for Super Italian Meatballs, Chili Lime Pork, Orange Teriyaki Beef Roast and more. Yummy!

http://www.reynoldspkg.com/reynoldskitchens/en/promotions/delicious_family_meals.asp

print a coupon for a free shake with any entree purchase at Johnny Rockets. Coupon is good through May 31, 2009. Also, you can sign up for the Johnny Rockets email club here and you'll receive a coupon for a free hamburger with a purchase of any hamburger or sandwich, starter, and drink. 

 http://www.johnnyrockets.com/email/15643/index.html
 
Have you signed up for the Kohl's email updates? If not,  do so and you'll receive a $5 off any $5 or more purchase coupon in your inbox.

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/registration/sale_alert_signup.jsp

Free Pull-up samples and More

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid71356.aspx
 
May 6-12, 2009, Cinnabon Bakeries are offering a free Classic Cinnamon Roll to every nurse who stops by and shows their healthcare ID
http://www.cinnabon.com/DaisyFoundation/index.html
 
free sample of Cottonelle toilet paper and a sample of Cottonelle Ultra flushable wipes. 

These usually come with $1 off coupons too.

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/walmart/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100720&source=

gift certificate to take to your baby’s doctor’s office and receive an Enfamil Lipil breastfeeding support kit. If you are new to breastfeeding or having to supplement breastfeeding with formula, this is a great resource. 
Http://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/enfamil/certificate.do?dm=enf&id=/Consumer_Home2/Enf_Tools_Resources/Enf_Programs_Offers/BreastfeedingKit&iwpst=B2C&ls=0&csred=1&r=3419095272

Starting Friday (5/8), Mars will give away 250,000 coupons every Friday through September starting at 9 a.m. You’ll receive your coupon by mail within six weeks. Limit four coupons per household during the offer period.

http://www.realchocolate.com

 

On your next trip to Walmart, look out for the Febreze Noticeables, which are on rollback at $4.

Use the $4/1 coupon from the 5/3 P&G insert to get this for FREE.

Take this printable coupon with you next time you go to Einstein Bros. to get three free bagels when you buy three bagels. This is perfect if you’re buying bagels for co-workers or your family. Coupon expires 5/19. 

http://email.metsource.com/Einstein/4128_EBB/default.htm

 

$1 on 1 -(12pk of coke) There are no print limits and the coupon doesn’t expire until August 5. 

I doubt this will last long. 

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qefqeru92372540&bt=vi&o=54924&pt=&lang=&ws=&ct=&ci=&cl=&cp=&eb=1&c=CO&p=4174349733&z=&r=&pc=&tc=

This one is tricky and time consuming Go to eBay Motors. Search around. Watch for a banner ad at the top of the page. It will say free Armor All Starter Kit in large letters. Do not click it! Wait until the ad turns into the form that you'll fill out to get the kit.
(The kit contains: a sample of wash and wax, a car wipe sample, a micro fiber cloth and $1 coupons.)
Note: Offer begins on April 1, 2009 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on July 31, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET or until supplies are depleted, whichever comes sooner 

Go to eBay Motors. http://motors.shop.ebay.com/items/Cars-Trucks__W0QQ_sacatZ6001 

Menu Plan

Sunday-OAMC Freezer-Lasagna with French Bread

Cooked a batch of Crockpot Refried Beans for later this week and later use froze 3 x 1 qt bags

Monday-Purchased Chicken,Bacon Mac & Cheese for $4.00 on clearance

Skillet Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cooked a 2 batchs of Mexican Rice for later in the week and later use

Tuesday-Purchased hamburger buns on clearance for .64 cents so decided to make this

Cook Crockpot Beef for BBQ Beef Sandwiches for Fiance'

Turkey Burgers for me and daughter

Wednesday-Leftover Night

Thursday-OAMC Freezer-Stuffed Pepper Mix over Mexican Rice

Friday-Pending

Home Life

This past week I derailed my freezer meals and tried to just cook this or that and uses things up well let me tell you it is Friday night and I have no meal planned HELP!! Ok so I am realizing I need to get my freezer foods back to work ASAP. So I plan to pull out something tonight for tomorrow.

March 22 to April 30th I have realized I need to step up my meal ideas and try a few new recipes as well as plan better. I tend to just pull out what sounds good Monday night for Tuesday. But I want to basically say ok Monday is BBQ chicken and Friday is Lentil Tacos and not have to plan guess which day but I want to say plan it weekly on Sunday what to have for that week.

Hit the Dollar Store & purchased the following deal.

3 bags of Sara Lee Mini bagels for a $1.00 a bag

2 bags of Sara Lee Plain Regular bagels for a $1.00 a bag

1 bag of Sara Lee Blueberry bagels for a $1.00 a bag

Seperated the Mini bagels 2 or 3 per ziplock then placed all of the bags into a large gallon Freezer Ziplock bag for easier space saving, locating in the freezer and my keep freezer burn out better. That way when DFiance's reaches for his daily bagels for making Sausage Mcbagel they are easier to locate and stay fresher longer.

At Walmart I purchase a bag of frozen sausage patties pre-cooked approximently 18 patties for $4.99 he pulls out 2 nukes them as needed with the bagels for breakfast.

I also noticed at Wal-mart in the freezer area they have pre-cooked eggs patties for making Egg Mc Muffins as as well for about the same price so for under $10.00 if you purchase bagels, sausage patties and the eggs you have 18 sandwiches.