Thrifty Thursday

Being Charitable and Thrifty…

It is hard to find a balance between giving and thriftiness.  I want to be more charitable, but I cannot afford to just give tons of money away.  Today I have some suggestions for giving that are very thrifty!

1. Clean out the closets.  Do you really need your favorite jeans that don’t fit you anymore? (Placing mine in the Goodwill bag now…sigh.)  Many of us have clothing, purses or shoes that aren’t in use, but are still in good condition.  Donating to your favorite local charity can get you a tax deduction and a warm fuzzy feeling.

2. Clean out your stockpile.  Did you buy 20 cans of sardines only to find out that no one likes them?  What about that cereal that your child decided they can’t stand?  Items in your stockpile that were cheap or free can be great food bank donation items.  Many churches also have food pantries and would happily accept any unopened and unexpired items.

3. The gift of time.  What is the one thing you have that won’t cost you any money?  Time.  Sit with an elderly neighbor to chat.  Visit your local elementary school to volunteer (I would be surprised if they turn you down).  Offer to babysit for a couple’s date night.  The gift of time is endless!

4. Give your expired coupons. Did you know that military families overseas can use your expired coupons?  If you are being super thrifty, this idea will only cost you some shipping.  You will be supporting those who help keep our country safe and strong.

5. Teach others. Of course, you know I am passionate about this one.  Think about what you know the most about in life.  Find someone to pass that skill to, just because.  I know that my great aunt really wanted to pass on her skill of crocheting, but I lived too far.  I wish I had that opportunity back again.  There are people out there wanting to learn.  Teach them!

What do you do to be thrifty and still give?

Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week?  Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share?

If so, please leave a comment or link up below!

Please leave a link back to Coupon Teacher so that we can all share ideas.

This is linked to Life as Mom and Madame Deals.

Food Lion Coupon Matchups 3/12

Here are a few great deals from Leslie @ Post Grad….Now What? . Don’t forget to hop on over to her blog to check out the other deals this week!

Limes - 5/$1

Ritz Crackers - BOGO @ $3.79
Use 2 $1/1   1/24 SS                                                                                        $0.90 each wyb 2

5 lb. bag of potatoes - $0.99

Kellogg's Cereals - 3/$5
Use $1/1   2/7 RP
$1.33 each wyb 3

Wisk Laundry Detergent - BOGO @ $6.29
Use 2 $1/1   1/31 RP
$2.14 each wyb 2

I actually made time to shop!

It seems like I haven’t had the time to shop much in the last month!  I have also been sick and trying to save money.  Here are two trips I made in the last two days.

Lowes Foods

Some of these items are still on sale using the 3 week coupons, but most of the sales ended Tuesday.  I spent $2.76 and saved over $20 on this order!!! (I did use $5 in Fresh Rewards Cash.)

Rite Aid

My cashier was perfect and took all my coupons without question.  I spent $6.31 and will receive $7 back in rebates!  I can also buy a few more P&G products this week to earn a $10 gift card from Rite Aid.  This receipt will also go toward my P&G rebate for the coupon book.  Wow!  That was a fun trip!

What successes have you had this week?

Blog Anniversary Winner

Congratulations to Varsha #64! She is a subscriber via email, and she has been chosen for the $25 gift card and coupons. I wish I could send you all a gift card, but there had to be one winner. The winner has been contacted and has 48 hours to respond. Please keep reading, because there will be more great giveaways to come!

Skin MD Review and Giveaway

I was recently sent a bottle of Skin MD Natural Face, Hand & Body Shielding Lotion from Skin MD to try and review.  The best part is that I get to give one of you a bottle too!

The Good:

This lotion was not greasy at all and absorbed well.  It made my hands feel soft, and I especially loved it on my rough winter elbows.  It also comes in lotion with SPF, which I would love to try.

The Bad:

I wanted to try it on my face, because it does say for use on the face.  I have sensitive facial skin and within a few days of trying this product, I had a pretty bad breakout.  In other words, I would stick to using this on my hands and body.

What they say :

Skin MD Natural uses only the finest natural ingredients, and is focused on urging the skin to be active, and to use its own moisture to effectively heal itself. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance, colorant and paraben free and dermatology tested.

Buy It!

You can buy Skin MD products online .

Win It!

Skin MD has generously offered to give one lucky reader their own bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion.

Entries (2 possible):

1. Follow my blog, and leave a comment telling me how you follow.
2. Visit the Skin MD website and tell me one thing you learned.

This giveaway ends March 25th at noon eastern time.

I disclose:  I was given lotion to try and Skin MD is providing lotion to the winner.

Harris Teeter Coupons Matchups 3/10

It seems like a slow week for me, but maybe you will find something you need!

E-VIC Specials:

8 pk. Bounty Paper Towels $5.77, limit 1  $1/1 or $.25/1  3/7 PG

12 big rolls or 6 mega rolls Charmin $5.77, limit 1  $.25/1 3/7 PG

100 oz. Tide $5.77, limit 1 $1/1  3/7 PG   This is $9.77, it was a typo, sorry!

96 oz. Clorox $1.47, limit 1  $.50/2  1/31 SS

19-24 oz. Dawn Dish Liquid $1.77, limit 1   $.25/1 or $.50/1 3/7 PG

Kellogg's Cereal Deal:

Get up to $5 off Kellogg's Cereal, any variety 12 oz. or larger. Buy 3, get $3 off. Buy 4, get $4 off. Buy 5, get $5 off. All items must be purchased in same transaction with VIC card. Maximum $5 reward per transaction. Limit one reward per transaction.

Buy 2, get 3 Free:

Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies $4.29 $.55/2  3/7 RP=$7.48 for 5

BOGO (Price for 1):

Smithfield Pork Baby Back Ribs

Strawberries, 1 lb. $2.49

USDA Choice HT Angus Beef Boneless Top Round London Broil or Top Round Roast  $5.82/lb.

Breyer's Ice Cream $1.99

Perdue 3 lb. IQF Boneless Chicken Breast  $6.49

HT Marinated Boneless Pork Tenderloin  $3.99

93% Lean Ground Turkey  $2.14

Steak-Umm Sliced Steaks $2.29

Nature's Bounty & Flex A Min Vitamins Various Prices  $1/1 2/14 RP and $1/1 IP

Mama Lucia Meatballs  $3.44

PictSweet Deluxe Broccoli Florets  $1.33

Klondike Ice Cream Bars $1.99

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail $2.99

Chex Mix or Bugles $1.37 $.50/1  3/7 SS

Tidy Cats Scoop 20 lb. Litter $5.09  $1/1  2/7 RP

No Yolk Noodles $1.14  $.75/1  2/21 SS=FREE

Glass Plus $1.42 (look for peelies)

Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn 6 pk. $2.79  $1/2  1/24 SS

Campbell's Select Soup $1.27  $.50/2  2/7 SS

Doritos $1.99

Emerald Nuts 10 oz.  $3.22 $1/1 or $1.50/2 1/31 SS

Arnold Wide Pan Breads  $1.84

Meats/Seafood:

51-60 ct. EZ Peel White Shrimp $3.99/lb

Corned Beef Brisket $2.99/lb

John Morrell Off the Bone Lunchmeat 2/$7  B3G1 1/31 SS or $1/2 IP

Armour Fully Coooked Meatballs 2/$6

Perdue Fun Shaped Nuggets 2/$6

Ball Park Angus Beef Franks 2/$8

Al Fresco Gourmet Chicken Sausage 2/$9

Plumrose Lunchmeat 2/$5

Johnsonville Grilling Brats or Italian Sausage $3.99  $1/2  3/7 SS

Perdue Oven Stuffer Roaster Chicken $1.29/lb

Smithfield Boneless Quartered Sliced Smoked Ham $2.99/lb

Rancher Beef Bone-In NY Strip Steak $5.99/lb

Angus Beef Bone-In NY Strip Steak $7.99/lb

HT Broccoli & Cheddar Stuffed Boneless Chicken Breast EZ Meal $3.99/lb

HT Fresh Italian Style Pork or Chicken Sausage $2.99/lb

MBA Smart Boneless Chicken Breast $4.99/lb

13-17 ct. Head-On Gulf Shrimp $5.99/lb

Skin-off Flounder Fillets $7.99/lb

16 ct. Littleneck Clams $4.99

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon $8.99/lb

Alaska Halibut Fillets $11.99/lb

Sashimi Grade Tilapia Fillets $3.99/lb

North Atlantic Haddock Fillets $5.98/lb

Alaska Sockeye Salmon Fillets $8.99/lb

Dungeness Crab Clusters $6.99/lb

Produce/Deli/Floral:

Green Cabbage 2 lbs. /$1

Rotisserie Chicken $4.99

Organic Celery Hearts or Romaine Hearts $2.99

Lemons and Navel Oranges 3/0.99

Blood Oranges $0.79 each

Cara Cara Navels $0.79 each

Minneola Tangelos $0.79 each

Extra Large California Navels $0.79 each

Ht Mushrooms 2/$5

5 lb. Red Potatoes 2/$7

Honeydew 2/$7

Green Bell Peppers $0.99 each

Bunch Broccoli 2/$4

Dole Pineapple 2/$5

1 lb. Brussel Sprouts $2.79

Blackberries or Blueberries 2/$6

1 pint Grape Tomatoes 2/$5

Red, Orange, Yellow Bell Peppers 2/$5

Fresh Express 5 Lettuce, Sweet Butter, or American 2/$6

Shamrock Plants 4.5 inch $3.99, 6 inch $7.99

Beverages:

Coke 12 packs 3/$10

HT Milk (1 gallon, exlcudes organic) $2.69

Coke 6 packs bottles 3/$10

Fuze 2/$2.22

Vitamin Water 5/$5

Amp Energy 4 pack $5.99

Sobe 3/$4

Lipton 12 pack $6.49

Dasani Water 8 pack 2/$6

HT 1 liter Seltzers & Mixers 4/$3

HT Simply Clear, 1 liter 5/$4

HT Spring Water 12 pack 2/$5

HT Simply Vitamin Water 20 oz. 5/$4

Gatorade 5/$5  $.50/1 (G2) 1/10 RP=FREE

Starbucks Coffee $6.99

Aquarius 24 pack water $2.99

Tropicana OJ or Trop50 2/$6  $1/2  2/21 RP

8 ct. Kool Aid Funfizz Drink Tablets $2.19

Refrigerated/Frozen/Dairy:

Yoplait Yogurt 10/$5  $.50/6 IP

Newman's Own Pizza 2/$10  $1/1  1/24 RP

Lean Pockets 5/$10

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches $3.99

Mrs. Paul's Flounder Fillets $3.99

Dole Strawberries & Bananas 2/$6  $.75/1 or $.75/2  3/7 RP

Haagen Dazs Ice Cream 2/$5

Amy's Organic Steel Cut Oats Bowls 2/$4

Daisy Sour Cream 3/$5

Oikos Greek Yogurt 4/$5  $.75/2 IP (register)

HT Grated Parmesan Cheese 2/$5

Jell-O Pudding Snacks 2/$5  $.50/1 Jan All You

Yobaby 4 ct. Meals 2/$5  $.50/1 or $1/1 IP (register)

Kraft Cheddar Cheese Bar 3/$5

Nabisco 100 Calorie Kraft Cheese Bites 2/$4

Kraft Singles Meltdown Nacho 2/$4

Kraft Deli Deluxe Jalapeno American & Old English Slices 2/$5  $1/1 IP

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Soft Mini Tubs 2/$3  $1/2 Booklet

Other Foods:
 
HT Kettle Chips 2/$5

HT Cashew Halves or Almonds 2/$7

HT Microwave Popcorn $1.47

HT Traders Cashews or Pecans $4.99

Kraft Deluxe Dinners 2/$4

Kellogg's Poptarts, 14 oz. 2/$4  $1/3 2/7 RP

Kellogg's Special K Cereal Bars 2/$5

Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 5/$3  $.40/4  1/3 SS

GM Cheerios, Total, or Golden Grahams 3/$6  $1/2  3/7 SS

Quaker Life Cereal 2/$5 

Aunt Jemima Syrup 2/$5  $1/2  1/3 RP

Orville Redenbacher Popcorn 32 oz. Kernels $4.49

Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce 5/$5

Newman's Own Pasta Sauce 2/$5  $.50/1  1/24 RP

Newman's Own Dressing $2.79  $.50/1  1/24 RP

Post Honey Bunches of Oats 2/$5  $1/2 2/28 SS

Hunt's Ketchup 4/$5 B2G1 Jan All You

Filippo Berio Olive Oil $5.99  $1/1 IP

Oreo Cookies $2.99  $1/2 Booklet

Chips Ahoy $2.49  $1/2 Booklet

Archway Iced Oatmeal Cookies 2/$6  $1/1 or $.55/1 2/7 SS DND

Premium saltines 2/$4

Ht Naturals Organic Oatmeal $3.49

Cape Cod Chips 2/$5

Frito Lay Dip 2/$6

Frito Lay Family Size Ruffles, Lays or Tostitos $3.99

Grande Chips 2/$5  $.55/1 1/24 SS

Krunchers Chips 2/$6  $1/1  1/10 SS

Nabisco Ritz Crackerfuls Garden Herb $2.99  $1/1  1/10 SS

Oreo Double Stuff Cakesters $2.99

Planter's Nut-trition Mix $4.99

Sugar Free Jell-O Mouse 2/$5

Planters Nut-trition Heart Health Bars 2/$5

South Beach Living Fiber Fit Bars 2/$5  $1/1 IP

Nabisco 100 Calorie Yogurt Covered Pretzels 2/$4

Kraft Cheesy Explosion, Cheddar Explosion, Extreme Cheese Explosion, or Grilled Cheese Explosion Mac and Cheese 5/$5

Non-Foods:

HT 20 lb. Bird Food 6.49

HT 14 lb. Clumping Cat Litter 3.97

Selected Rubbermaid Take Alongs 2/$6

Selected Brushes & Cloths Quickie Green Cleaning 25% off

Entire Line Nutritional Supplements Jay Robb 20% off

Kotex Pads, Liners, Tampons 2/$5  $1/1 IP

Advil 20-24 ct. $2.99

Alpo Canned Dog Food 10/$7  $1/2 or $1/4  2/7 RP

Bounce Dryer Bar $3.99  $1.50/1  2/21 PG

Febreeze Air Effects $2.99  $1/1  3/7 PG

Swiffer Refill Kit $3.99  $.50/1  3/7 PG

Dawn Hand Renewal $2.49  $.50/1  3/7 PG

Prilosec OTC 14 ct. 9.99  $3/1 2/7 PG

Crest Pro Health Rinse $3.99  $2/1  2/7 PG

Pantene 2/$7  $3/2  3/7 PG

Secret Clinical Strength $4.99  $1/1 3/7 PG

I am a proud contributor of the Grocery Gathering at BeCentsable.

I disclose: I earn a small amount when a coupon is printed.

Lowes Foods Coupon Matchups 3/10

BOGO (price for 1):

Premium strawberries, 1 lb. $1.99

Nabisco snack crackers  $1.77  $1/1  1/24 SS

Kellogg's Raisin Bran or Mini Wheats  $1/2  3/7 RP or $1.50/2 IP

Ocean Spray cranberry juice $1.45

Rye breads, from the bakery $1.74

Pillsbury pizza crust, breadsticks, or loaf  $1.23  $.40/2 1/31 SS, $1/2 1/24 RP, or $.40/2 IP

Furmano's tomatoes 28 oz.  $1.00  $1/3  2/7 SS  (This is a pretty good deal for the big cans.)

Tombstone Pizza $2.67

Lowes Foods Chips $1.00

FRC Deals:

Buy 2, earn $1 FRC: Kashi Crackers 2/$5  $1/1 Homemailer or $1.50/1 IP (if Heart to Heart included)

Buy 3, earn $3 FRC: Blue Bunny Ice Cream 3/$9   $1/1 IP (register)

Buy 8, earn $2 FRC: Totino's pizza 4/$5   $.60/3  2/7 SS

Buy 1 of each, earn $1 FRC: LF Cola, 2 liter $0.89 and LF Mixed Nuts $2.49

Buy 10, earn $1 FRC: LF Yogurt 10/$5  (The Dannon listed below is a much better deal!)

Buy 1 of each, earn $3 FRC: Fresh baked yeast rolls $1.99 and Fresh fried chicken 8 ct. $5.99

Meats:

Grobbel corned beef brisket $2.79/lb

USDA choice boneless ribeye steak $6.79/lb

Southern style pork ribs $1.69/lb

Sanderson Farms bone-in split chicken breast $0.99/lb

LF premium Italian sausage $2.49/lb

Carolina Pride sausage 2/$6

Roast Beef from the deli $6.99/lb

Pork steak $1.79/lb

Perdue chicken thighs or drumsticks $0.99/lb

Gorton's Fish Sticks or Shrimp Poppers (price not listed) Various Values 2/21 SS

Dairy/Refrigerated/Frozen:

Lean Cuisine 4/$10  $1/4 IP

Stonyfield Yogurt $0.49  $.50/3 IP

Simply Orange juice 2/$6

Kraft shredded cheese $1.79 (look for blinkies)

Bright & Early orange drink 5/$5

Bertolli Frozen Dinners $5.99  $1/1  IP

Aunt Jemima Pancakes or Entrees $.90 and up

Totino’s Pizza Rolls $3.00  $.60/3  2/7 SS

Egg Beaters $2.99  $1/1 ConAgra Booklet

Michelina's Entrees 5/$5  $1/5 (lean) IP

Other Foods:

GM Cereals: Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Oatmeal Crisp, Chex Cinnamon, Reese's Puffs 2/$4  $.55/1 IP (Reese’s), $.75/1 IP (Chex), and $1/2  3/7 SS

Wonder Bread $1.30

Mahatma $.59  $.75/2  2/7  RP

StarKist $1.29  $1/2  2/14  RP

Nature Valley Nut Cluster $2.50 $1/1  2/21  SS

Fiber Plus Bars $2.50 $.75/1  1/31 RP

Prego Sauce $2.99  $1/1 or $.50/2  2/7 SS

Beech Nut baby food, stage 2 2/$1  $2/16  1/3 SS

Hamburger Helper 5/$5   $.75/3  3/7 SS

Coke 12 packs $3.49

Golden pineapple $3.99

Tropical papaya 2/$5

Snapple $2.99  $1/1   1/31 SS

Resolve $3.99 $1/1  3/7  SS

Febreze Air Effects $2.49  $1/1  3/7 PG

Soft Scrub $3  $1.50 IP

Non-Foods:

LF 12 double roll bath tissue or 6 rolls paper towels $3.99

Tide 2x 64-80 loads $9.99  $1/1  3/7 PG

Dawn dish liquid $1.99  $.25/1 or $.50/1 3/7 PG

Cascade $3.99  $.25/1  3/7 PG

Xtra 2x detergent 44 loads $2.49

3 Week Coupons (These can be stacked with manufacturer coupons.)

Sunny D 0.99, limit 4  $.25/1  2/7 SS

LF Chunk Cheese 1.49. limit 4

LF Sour Cream 0.99, limit 2

TGI Friday's Appetizers 2/$5, limit 6

LF Frozen Potatoes 1.49, limit 4

Birds Eye Steamfresh Veggies 0.97, limit 8  $.35/1  2/28 SS or $.50/1  2/7 SS

Full Circle Organic Milk 3.99, limit 2

Sargento Shredded Cheese 1.49, limit 4 $.50/2 or Various values 1/31 SS

LF Butter 1.77, limit 2

Dannon Light & Fit 3/0.99, limit 9 $.75/6 IP =$.48/6!          

DiGiorno or California Pizza Kitchen for one or flatbread melts 2/$5, limit 8

LF Thin Crust Pizza 2.49, limit 4

Banquet Pot Pie 0.48, limit 4

Cool Whip 1.49, limit 4

Mayfield Ice Cream, 16 oz. 0.99, limit 4

Snapps Appetizers 0.77, limit 8

Sister Schubert's Rolls 2.49, limit 4  $.50/1 March and Feb. All You or IP

LF Spread 1.49, limit 2

Turkey Hill Tea 0.99, limit 4

Kraft Deli Fresh Cheese Slices 2.29, limit 4

LF French Onion or Ranch Dip 0.99, limit 4

I am a proud contributor of the Grocery Gathering at BeCentsable.

I disclose: I earn a small amount when a coupon is printed.

Last Chance!

You have until 12 noon today to enter to win the $25 grocery gift card and coupons that I am giving away!

The book giveaway doesn’t end until March 12.

Good Luck!

New Rite Aid Program Going National

There will be a new program at Rite Aid sometime this spring.  I have heard rave reviews from the ladies who have been a part of the pilot program.  Here is a link for some of the detail of what is to come!  Happy Shopping!

Mail Call

I haven’t told you all about my mail in ages!  I had a pretty good week last week!

1 product for review for Opinion Outpost (It is confidential, but let me just say that it cost more to ship it than for the product! I can’t complain though, it was free and I will get paid for the pre and post survey.)

1 $40 rebate check from a Christmas gift

1 $10 rebate check

1 $3 survey check from Pinecone Research

1 free coupon for Oreo Cakesters

1 Garden’s Alive catalog with a $25 off $25 purchase coupon

1 set of coupons from the Home Depot Garden club

1 set of great coupons from The Pink Crab Blog

1 set of Horizon coupons for an upcoming review and giveaway!!!

I know a lot of you get more free samples than me.  I do still request them for products I really like, but I stopped requesting every free sample.  My house was becoming a sample graveyard, and there was nothing I could do with most of the items.

How about you?  Have you gotten any great mail lately?