Bargain Meal of the Week for Harris Teeter

I got this idea from a co-worker, thanks Jody! These will be great for next Halloween, or maybe you can keep the Halloween fun going for a few more days.

Mummy Dogs

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
2 1/2 slices American cheese cut in quarters
10 large hot dogs (Ball Park are BOGO this week)
Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. Unroll dough and separate, creating 4 rectangles. Press perforations to seal.
3. With knife, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. .
4. Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to look like "bandages," stretching dough slightly to completely cover hot dog.
5. On ungreased large cookie sheet, place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down); spray dough lightly with cooking spray.
6. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot.

Serve with Apple Bites (BOGO) and your favorite condiments!

For more meal ideas, check out Erin at $5 dinners.

Harris Teeter Triple Coupons!

It is being reported that Harris Teeter will triple coupons from Nov. 4th-Nov. 10th. Of course, I have the flu and parent teacher conferences this week, if I am feeling better. But have no fear, I will post a great list for you all on Tuesday!

My Drug Store Picks

Don't forget to use any coupons for each store you might have. I have a couple $5/$25 for Riteaid.  Almost any deal blog posts the weekly coupon matches for the drug stores, but I try to only post the very best deals. These are the deals I am considering for myself! (That is if I get over the flu.) Luckily, it is looking like a slower week.

Walgreens

Mucinex 14 or 20ct. $10 each  $1/1  SS 10/11  get $5 RR wyb 2

DayQuil or NyQuil  $4.50   $1.50/1  PG 11/01  get  $5 RR wyb 2

Gillette Body Wash and  Gillette Antiperspirant/Deodorant, Free Gillette Body Wash wyb Gillette Deodorant, 11/01 PG
$1/1 Deodorant,  11/01  PG  get $2 RR wyb 2 at $4 each

Hunt’s Tomato Sauce 33¢ w/in-ad coupon
-$1/3 Hunt’s Tomato product, IP

CVS

Glade Scented Oil Candles or Refills Spend $10 get $3 ECBs  $2.50 each    BOGO  IP

Plackers Dental Flossers $2.99 get  $2 ECBs   $1/1 11/1 RP

Gold Emblem 24-pk Purified Water $2.66

Listerine Total Care  $3.99 get $1 ECB  $2 /1  4/26 RP 

Riteaid

Cross Action Power Toothbrush $ 5.00  $3/1 11/1 PG,  $2 Rebate

Febreze Air Effects 9.7 oz spray  $2.49  $1/1 11/1 PG, $1 Rebate

Kashi GoLean Cereal  $2.49  $1.50/1 or $3.00/1 VocalPoint coupons (.50 in ad coupon too)

Happy Halloween

I hope you all have a fun day. I will be spending today in bed and on the couch resting. Happy Halloween!

Publix Deals 10/29-11/4

I am starting a new partnership with Meg from Frugal Fun and Fortune. Here are a few great deals from Publix this week. I am constantly jealous of the Publix sales and wishing we had one nearby.

Green Giant frozen veggies BOGO $3.49
$.50/1 IP
$1/2 from 9/13 SS
$.40/1 from 10/4 SS or 9/13 GM
$4 off the purchase of 4 General Mills products (store coupon in the Publix ad)
*Best Deal: If your store doubles, use (4) $.50/1 coupons. Stack that with the $4 off Publix coupon to get all of them for FREE, plus overage! If your store does NOT double, you can still get them for $.25 each using these same coupons!

Pillsbury Ready To Bake or Simply Cookies 3/$6
$1/1 Simply Cookie from 9/13 GM
$1.25/1 Simply Cookie IP
$1/1 Simply Cookie IP
$4 off the purchase of 4 General Mills products (store coupon in the Publix ad )
*Best Deal: Buy 4 of them. Stack the $1/1 and $1.25/1 coupons with the $4 off Publix coupon! If you use all $1/1 coupons, you'll get them for FREE! If you use all $1.25/1 coupons, you'll get them for free plus overage (if your store allows.

General Mills Cereal (Cheerios, Cocoa Puffs, Trix, Golden Grahams, Cinnamon Toast Crunch) 4/$10
$.55/1 Honey Nut Cheerios IP
$1/1 Cheerios IP
$1/2 GM cereals from Better At Home booklet
$.55/1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch IP
$.40/1 Nature Valley IP
$1/2 or $.70/2 Nature Valley from 10/4 SS
$1/2 or $.40/1 Nature Valley from 9/13 GM
$4 off the purchase of 4 General Mills products (store coupon in the Publix)
*Absolute Best Deals: Cheerios - $.50 each after coupons. Honey Nut Cheerios or Cinnamon Toast Crunch - $.95 each.

To read the rest of the great Publix deals this week, visit Meg at Frugal Fun and Fortune.

Sunday Coupon Preview

Click here for the Sunday Coupon Preview. Three inserts this week! Time to buy an extra paper for my binder giveaway!

A Competition Giveaway (100 Facebook Fans!)

I got a great deal on this zippered binder at Riteaid.  I have decided that I am going to stick with filing by inserts, but I don’t want this great binder to go to waste.  I know that somewhere out in coupon land there is someone dreaming of trying the binder method, or someone whose binder is just worn out.  If you are either of these people, this giveaway is for you!  The only catch is that this giveaway winner is not going to be drawn by chance. 

The winner has to convince me in the comment section or via email that they need this binder the most.  (Pictures are very convincing. HINT! HINT!) If you would like to win this brand new binder, please leave me a comment telling me why.  Leave a link to a picture of your current coupon organization.  Email me pictures of your organization.  Anything you can think of to convince me that you are less organized than I am!  I thought this would be a fun way to giveaway this binder needing a home.  Please help me find it one! If you are really convincing, it will probably come with some coupons to go along with it!

I will choose a winner on November 10th at 3:00 PM.

Well, it has finally happened...

I have the flu! So I am at home today resting. We also reached 100 facebook fans, so the fun giveaway is to come shortly!

Link from Yesterday

I have to apologize about the Cool Savings link from yesterday. I signed up too, but one of my readers brought it to my attention that this company sends out some spam. I am very sorry and will be checking more closely in the future!

Christmas Challenge

I am just going to put this one on the table, so you all can help hold me accountable. I have $600 in my Christmas Club account that was deposited into my checking account today.  My goal is to get all my Christmas gifts and participate fully in my family’s Christmas challenge, excluding hubby’s gift from this amount.  We buy for the following people on a yearly basis:

My Family:
Mom, Dad, Sis, BIL, Brother, Nephew 1, Nephew 2
Plus a couple of gift exchange gifts for family Christmas parties
Hubby’s Family:
MIL, FIL, Sis/BF, Uncle, Grandma

We also have some gift exchanges at work.

$600 may seem like a lot to all of you, but the past few years, we have spent well over that amount.  It seems to grow every year, so this year we are focusing on quality, not quantity. Here is the challenge that my side of the family has agreed to this year:

This Christmas we wanted to focus on family, spending time together, and what is important to us. So we have decided to have a Christmas of thirds.
$100 to pay down debt
$100 to donate to charity (I plan on adopting a family at school.)
$100 to buy the five adults a gift (or around $20 each)
We are allowed to get the kids whatever we choose that fits our budget.

So in actuality, I am spending about $400 on Christmas presents, $100 on charity, and $100 on debt. I am also using swagbucks and survey points to add to my balance. Hubby’s side of the family is just going to pare things back a little this year.  I plan to update you along the way with how I am doing.  I will post pictures as I can, but many of my family members read my blog.  So far:

Nephew #1-He loves to sing and music. Click here for my idea.  I will have enough in survey cash and swagbucks to get this free.
Nephew #2-Done $10 OOP (sit’n’spin)
My Sister-Done $7 OOP (I was able to use a prescription transfer check, and a rebate to get this nice gift.)
Mom-Started $2 OOP

The only problem is that I don’t have many ideas for hubby’s family yet!

What are you planning for Christmas this year?

Saving on Groceries in a Tough Economy Part 2

Find Part 1 here.

Tip#3 Keep a Price Book or List

I do this in my head, but I realize not everyone can.  If you were one of my early followers, you know that I started out couponing doing The Grocery Game.  It is service that provides you with coupon match ups and has a great system for knowing when groceries are at their rock bottom price.  Because of my experience with this service for about a year (it does have a monthly fee), I know a lot more about the lowest prices that I will find. 

I recommend keeping a small notebook in your purse or coupon organizer with a list of the items that you usually buy and what the lowest price is.  This way you know if an item is a great price to buy extras for your stockpile.

Tip#4 Shop Alone and With a List

Usually when you shop with others, you are more easily distracted.  Other people often don’t understand how you shop or why you shop why you do.  Husbands and kids often have wants that they add to your cart, sometimes without you even knowing.  Buying things that aren’t on your list sabotages what you are trying to do.  If you are alone, you can stick to your list, finish quickly, and be back home sooner!

Check back soon for two more tips!

Bloom Super Doubles *Edit* NC Stores only

I have seen that those of you with Bloom stores are lucky again this week!  Click here for a list of coupons matchups!

Harris Teeter Matchups 10/28 (Slower Week!)

Remember when shopping:
* 20 double coupons per day per customer
* double manufacturer’s coupons up to face value of $0.99
* only 1 coupon is allowed on BOGO items (not one for each item)
* BOGO items ring up half price

E-VIC Special:
CapriSun 10 pack 0.99, limit 1 (non E-VIC price is 1.88)

Meal of the Week:
28-40 oz. Frozen Stouffer's Entrees
2 lb. bag HT Garden salad
2 Liter Pepsi Product
$5.99

BOGO:
Ball Park Beef Franks  $2.17  $1/2   10/18 RP
Driscoll's Raspberries, 6 oz. package
Arm &  Hammer  Detergent, 50 oz.$2.99 $ 2.00/2 10/11 SS
Electrasol Finish, 20 ct.- $3.99   $.50/1  10/11 SS
Nabisco Snack Crackers  $1.77
Healthy Balance Juice $1.47  $1/2  09/13 SS
Purina Dog Chow or Puppy Chow 17.6-22 lb $1.50/1   10/18 SS
Jolly Time Popcorn $1.35   $.50/1 9/27 SS
Martha White Muffin Mix $.59   $.55/2  08/09 RP
Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks- $3.74  $.75/1 Coupons

Meats/Packaged Meats/Seafood:
House of Raeford Whole Turkey Breast 0.99/lb
18-22 lb. Tom Turkey 0.89/lb
Mahi Mahi Fillets 5.99/lb

Beverages:
Pepsi 12 packs 4/$10
Aquafina 24 pack $3.99

Refrigerated/Dairy/Frozen:
Red Baron Pizza $2.99  $1/1 10/11 SS
Lean Cuisine 4/$10  $1/2, $1/3, $1/5   9/13 RP
DiGiorno Pizza for One $ 1.97  $1.50/1 on Print Free Coupons
Family Size El Monterey Enchiladas $5.99  $1.50/1  10/25 SS
CoffeeMate 32 oz. Creamer $3.39 $.50/1   08/09 RP
Activia or Danactive $1.99 $1/1 10/04 SS
Dannon Light & Fit $1.99  $.60/1 or $1/2 10/04 SS

Other Foods:
Newman's Own Pasta Sauce 2/$5  $.50/1 10/25 RP
Mueller's Spaghetti 5/$5   $.55/1  10/04 SS  (FREE!)
Newman's Own Dressing 2/$6   $.50/1 10/25 RP
Kashi Golean Cereal 2/$6  $1.50/1  IP
Pace Picante Sauce 2/$6  $.50/1, .75/2 or $1/1  8/30 SS
Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes 2/$4   $1/1 Muir Glen Product, Any (Bricks Link - IE)
Bertolli Olive Oil $5.99   $1/1 09/13 SS

Non-Foods:
Angel Soft 9 mega, 12 double or 24 regular rolls $5.77
$.50/1 or $1/2  09/13 RP
Solo 30 ct. cups or 22 ct. plates 2/$4  $.75/1 IP Solo Cups, Plates or Bowls, Any Package (Bricks Link)

I am proud to be a new contributor to BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

Two Blog Awards

This has been a busy month for Blog Awards.


Smart Cents Mom was kind enough to give me the Honest Scrap Award. She has a great blog too!
Here are the rules of this award:

1) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
2) Tell those 7 people that they have been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award.
3) Share “10 Honest Things” about myself.

1. I love God.
2. I love my husband and family.
3. I am good at bargain hunting.
4. I teach Bible class on Sunday.
5. Bones and House are my favorite T.V. shows.
6. I love teaching.
7. I hate cleaning house.
8. I like to read J.D. Robb books.
9. I spend too much time on the computer
10. I love to travel with my hubby.

5 Great Blogs/Bloggers (Hopefully 5 is enough, because these are the best of the best in my opinion!) All of these ladies have helped me out along the way!
Coupons, Deals, and More
Coupon Journey
Saving with Sara
Coupon Geek
Frugal Dr. Mom


NW Money Saving Mama gave me a best blog award this week too.

Saving on Groceries in a Tough Economy

Tip #1 Start a Stockpile

By stockpiling sale items you’ll eventually need, you will save hundreds of dollars each month. Supermarkets have about a 12 week sale cycle. (Most things go on sale about every twelve weeks.) There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, soup is mostly on sale during the winter and condiments during the summer. But no matter what, only a few items will be featured on sale each week. So if you shop only for what you need, you’ll save on a small percentage of these items and overspend on your other needs.

I realize some families do not have much space for a large stockpile, but a small one will suffice.  If you don’t have a lot of space or extra cash, start smaller.  Choose the ten items that you buy the most often, and try to stockpile those items when they are at a great price. 

Read here for a few more ideas.  Click here and here for my stockpile pictures.

Tip #2 Menu Planning

To maximize your grocery savings and utilize your new stockpile, the best thing to do (in my opinion) is to plan your weekly menu.  Plan your menu around store sales for the week and items in your stockpile.  The better you get at this, the less you will spend for needs each week.  Each week, I post my dinner menu. If you really want to maximize savings, you can actually plan menus for each meal. I don’t always stick to my plan, but it really helps me become more aware of what I have on hand.  It also helps me think of ways to stretch the meals I have to future meals and lunches.

Link back to this menu here for reference.  The only items I had to purchase for this week were hot dog buns and lettuce for salad.  This way, I was able to put my full grocery budget to stockpiling what was on sale for the week at the stores.

If you enjoyed this post, please check back soon for more tips on saving on your groceries.  If you have any questions, please leave me a comment below or on my Facebook page.

Lowes Foods Matchups 10/28

Fresh Rewards Cash (FRC) Weekly Specials:
Earn $3 FRC when you buy:
1 - 24oz Fresh Express Garden Salad  $2.49
1 - 12oz Naturally Fresh Dressing $2.49
1 - 5oz Fresh Gourmet Croutons $1.49
Earn $2 FRC when you buy 2:
- participating Marie Callender's Cream/Fruit Pie $5.99
Earn $1 FRC when you buy 2:
- Lowes Foods Gallon Milk
Earn $2 FRC when you buy 4:
- participating California Pizza Kitchen $2.50  $1/1  9/27 SS
- participating DiGiorno Pizzas for One $2.50
Earn $3 FRC when you buy 3:
- Lowes Foods Chunk Cheese $3.79 each
Earn $1 FRC When you buy 5:
- Lowes Foods 2LT Soda  $.58 each

Meat:

80% Ground Beef - $1.88lb
Baby Back Ribs - $2.99lb
Frozen Turkey Breast - $.99lb
Bar-S Franks - $.79 $1/2 10/25 RP
LF Sliced Ham/Turkey - B1G1 - $1.74
Smithfield Bacon $2.50 $.55/1 10/25 SS

Produce:
 
Eastern Gala Apples - $.89lb  5 lb bags
Grimmway Baby Carrots - $.79 (Limit 2 e-offer)
Limes - $.25

Dairy/Frozen:
Crystal Farms Shredded Cheese - B2G3 - $6.82 for 5
LF Crinkle Cut Fries - $.99 (Limit 2 e-offer)
Dannon Yogurt - $.40  $1/10  9/13 SS
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter - $2.00  $.75/1 IP
LF Chocolate Milk 64oz - $1.50  (Hubby will be Happy)
Bertolli Dinners - $5.99  $1/1  10/4 RP

Other:

LF Water 24pk - $2.99
Fritos/Cheetos - $1.88
Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper - $1.09  $.75/3 IP  Print Free Coupons Click Here
LF Ketchup - $.78 (Limit 2 e-offer)

Non-Food/Cleaners:
LF Laundry Detergent - B2G3 - $9.92 for 5 (must buy 5)
LF Napkins - $1.39 (Limit 2 e-offer)
Snuggle Fabric Softener - $2.99   $3/1  10/4 RP  (In case you still have any of these coupons, FREE!)

EDIT: a reader left a comment with this matchup: Mayfield ice cream BOGO $1/1 10/18 SS  
Thanks! 

I am proud to be a new contributor to BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering.

Facebook Fans

As of this morning, I have 46 facebook fans. Remember, when I reach 100, I have a fun, different giveaway planned for you. It is already drafted, just waiting for you!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday-Leftovers (I can’t believe I am saying that, but we have too much in the fridge.  There is chicken and noodles, brunswick stew, and a few other bits and pieces. Plus I have a meeting until 5.)

Tuesday-Cheeseburgers, baked potatoes, and broccoli with cheese

Wednesday-Dinner with friends

Thursday-Beef Stew (It sounded so good for the bargain meal, I just had to make it.)

Friday-Halloween Party with Friends (food, fun, and fellowship)

Saturday-Chicken Sandwiches, rice, and green beans

For more menu ideas, check out Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday.

Bargain Meal of the Week at Harris Teeter

 With the chill in the air, I thought I would share my favorite stew recipe.

Crockpot Stew

2 lbs. beef stew meat (BOGO this week at HT)
1/4 flour
1 cup sliced carrots
1 can diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup of water
1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
1 pkg. egg noodles cooked and drained
1 pkg Liption Recipe Onion Soup Mix

Put stew meat and flour in crockpot on high for about 30 minutes until browned.  Add all other ingredients, except the noodles and mushrooms.  Cook on low in crockpot for 3-4 hours.  Add mushrooms with about 30 minutes left.  Serve over noodles.

Enjoy!  If you are looking for more Bargain Meals, check out Erin at $5 dinners!

If you love cooking in the crockpot, click here for:

Free eCookbook: 33 Hearty Slow Cooker Recipes featuring 50 pages of quick and easy recipes.

Food Lion Flips=Cheap Food

This was $1.67 at Food Lion today! I printed a $1/1 egg flip, $1/2 buns flip, and $1/1 peanut butter flip.  I am loving the Food Lion Internet Printable coupons this week.  Plus I found a $5 off a $10 pumpkin purchase while I was there!

Target Candle Deals

I was able to pick these up for about $6.80 after coupons, tax and gift cards yesterday. The candles are all on sale for $2.50, and if you buy 5, you get a $5 gift card.  I will be submitting the receipts to SC Johnson for two $5 rebates.  So I made a little money after rebate and got some great smelling holiday candles.  (If you can find the buy a holder get a refill coupons somewhere, this will be an even better deal.) I couldn’t find any really great coupons just $1.50/1 holder or refills inside the holders, $1.50/2 jar candles and $2/2 refills, but I was excited with even this.

Walgreens Monthly Deals

This cost me $1.76, but I paid with $9 in RR and received $12 back in RR!  Not a bad trip at all!

Another Friendly Cashier

I picked up a few items at Lowes foods today.  The cashier was surprised when I handed her my Fresh Rewards Cash.  She looked at the total and said, “That will be .22 please?”  I handed her my quarter, and she said, “Don’t spend the change all in one place!”
Bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and wheat bread for .22?  Priceless! 

I started my Christmas Shopping today!

I was able to pick up this cute Sit and Spin for $10 at Target.  It will be perfect for my youngest nephew.  Check back on Friday, October 30th for more information on my Christmas Challenge this year!

Harris Teeter Trip

I spent $52.73!  Gulp.  How much? $52.73!  Take a deep breath Shelly.  You did get 4 racks of ribs and some stew meat.  The cake mixes were almost free.  The candy is all you will need for Halloween. Hubby was out of drinks.  You really wanted the pumpkins, plus they have a $5 rebate.  It will be ok........

I know you are probably laughing at me, but I usually don't spend that much at once.  Luckily I had enough money this week to splurge and get the ribs.  I still saved over $58 and I will get $5 back in the mail.  Not too shabby.

How did you do at Harris Teeter this week?

My Drug Store Picks (Slower Week!)

Don't forget to use any coupons for each store you might have. I have a couple $5/$25 for Riteaid, and I am going to try to print one of the $5/$25 for CVS flu quiz. Almost any deal blog posts the weekly coupon matches for the drug stores, but I try to only post the very best deals. These are the deals I am considering for myself!

CVS

There are no really really great deals this week, but I need this for a Christmas present! So I am going to check it out.

Picture Frames or Albums Buy 2 Earn $7 ECBs Limit 4

Walgreens

I have $11 in RR to start with this week.  As always, I will be using my newspapers as filler items.

Trident Xtra Care or Layers Gum, 2/$2 Get $1 RR  $0.75 IP and $1/2 on smartsource

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System, $8.99
Get $6.00 RR $4.00  9/27 PG

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk, $2.49  Get $2.49 RR

Emergency-C Immune System, $3.49  Get $3.49 RR

Chapstick Fresh Effects, $2.99 Get $2.99 RR

Halls Refresh Sugar Free Cough Drops, 20 ct., $1.00 Get $1.00 RR
$0.75/1  9/27 SS

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion, $6.99 Get $6.99 RR
$1.50 IP

Dulcolax Balance $7 $4 RR   $3/1 printable or peelie
    
Fiber Choice 10 ct or Beano To Go 12 ct $2.49  Get $2.49

Super Poligrip Denture Adhesive $2  Get $2
 
Riteaid

Vaseline Sheer Infusion, $4.99, $1.50/1 IP, $4 rebate

Kotex  $2.99  $1/1, October All You, $2.00 rebate

St. Ives  $3.99, $1/1 9/20 SS, $3.00 rebate

Soft White Light Bulbs 2/$2, $2 rebate

Another Blog Award!

This one is from Kristi at Spend Less and Save More!

The Blog Award Rules Are:

To accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have recently discovered and think are great! Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here the the two best new ones I have found recently!

Frugal Living and Having Fun

Midday Escapades

Thanks for the award Kristi!

Sunday Coupon Preview

Click here for the Sunday Coupon Preview. It seems like a kind of slow week to me.  Which coupons look the best to you?

Children's Place Coupon 15% off

Look at this Great Coupon!  Click on the picture to link to the coupon. I don't have any kids, but I know some of you do, so I wanted to share! This is good through Nov. 16th.  Enjoy!

30 Day Giving Challenge

I am going to try my best to participate in this 30 day giving challenge during the month of November.  Pop over to Kingdom First Mom, and then I would love to hear your ideas for ways to give!

Recipe for Chicken and Noodles

I am fixing Chicken and Noodles tonight.  Usually I would post the recipe, but I don't have a good one.  I would love to hear yours.  If you have a link, leave a comment.  If you don't have a blog, please feel free to email me or type it in the comments.  Would love to try something new tonight!

I hate loans and credit cards!

Hubby and I decided to go to school and work at the same time a few years ago.  It was a time before I knew much about coupons, and needless to say, between paying for school and eating out, we were in some debt pretty quickly.  We put most of it on a credit card, and paid a little above the minimum every month.  Although we were good at paying our card, Citi started raising our rates just about every month. 

So we finally got smart, stopped using the card, and looked into options for paying down the debt.  As a teacher, I got a personal loan through MBNA with a great low fixed rate (6.99), and it would be paid off in 5 years. Yea!  Well, then MBNA got bought out by Bank of America...  This year alone, we have paid off more than 1/4 of the original debt, and it is almost at half the original. Yea!  Yet still, in my mail this week, I received a letter about government changes, policies, and blah, blah, blah.  To make lawyer speak short, they are making our low fixed rate into a variable one.  Ughhh!  AND there is no opt out option.   

So we are renewing our committment to have this debt paid off by this time next year.  (I wish we could do it NOW!)  I am telling you this to encourage you as well.  If you are in debt of any kind, now is the time to commit to stop paying the credit card companies, and commit to making your life debt free (or at least credit card free).   I, personally, am going to boycott Bank of America for the near future.  It may not be their fault with all the new laws, etc, but I think they would be a little more willing to work with customers who are committed to paying down their debt!  I will try to keep you updated with our progress throughout the next year!  If you are going to join me in this journey, please leave me a comment so we can encourage each other along the way!

Harris Teeter Matchups 10/21

Remember when shopping:

* 20 double coupons per day per customer

* double manufacturer’s coupons up to face value of $0.99

* only 1 coupon is allowed on BOGO items (not one for each item)

* BOGO items ring up half price
E-VIC Special:
9-12 oz. Mars Fun Size Candy Bars, 0.99 limit 1
Mars Fun Size Candy 2/$4
$1/2 10/11 RP

Weekly Spotlight:
2 lb. bag 21-30 ct. EZ Peel White Shrimp B1G2, limit 6 bags

Meal of the Week:
16 oz. HT Ground Italian Sausage
16 oz. HT Lasagna
26 oz. HT Pasta Sauce
15 oz. HT Ricotta Cheese
8 oz. HT Mozzarella Cheese
16 oz. HT Garlic Bread
6 oz. HT Shredded Parmesan
$9.99

Footlong Subs $3.99 each all week long.


Produce:

Pumpkins, large 3.99
Hard Squash 0.99/lb
Ornamental Gourds or
Pumpkins 2/$1
Pie Pumpkins 2/$3

14.5-15.25 oz. HT Canned Veggies (select varieties corn, peas, green beans),B2G3 limit 10
Mystic Pizza, B2G3
Progresso Soup BOGO  $1.34 each $.50/2 10/4 GM
Breyers Ice Cream  BOGO $2.79 each   $0.75/1 10/18 RP
Purina Dog or Puppy Chow BOGO $7.74 each  $1.50 10/18 SS
Jumbo Cantaloupe BOGO $1.74 each
Coke 6 pack bottles BOGO  $2.29 each
Deer Park 24 pack  BOGO$3.74 each
Sargento Shredded Cheese  BOGO $1.67 each  $.55/1  All You, November
Smithfield Baby Back Ribs BOGO
Prego Pasta Sauce  BOGO $1.87 each $.40/2 10/4 SS
College Inn Broth  BOGO  $1.59 each $1.00/3 9/27 RP
Sun Crystals 50 ct.BOGO $1.74 each $2.00/1 9/20 RP  (FREE)
Hershey's Miniatures BOGO
Life Savers 6.25 oz. BOGO
Jose Ole Taquitos  BOGO $3.19 each $1/1 10/18 SS
Buitoni 4 Cheese Ravioli  BOGO $2.19 each $1/1 10/4 SS
Duncan Hines Cake Mix  BOGO $1.59/2 $0.55/2 10/11 SS (Hubby has been begging for cake!)
Healthy Choice or Marie Callendar's Meals 2.97 $2/1 IP
Birds Eye Steamfresh meals for 2 $5.99 each  BOGO coupon 10/18 SS
Uncle Ben's COuntry Inn Rice 5/$5  $1/2 9/13 RP
Heinz Ketchup 2/$5  $.75/1 10/4 SS
Campbell's Chunky Soup 4/$6 $.75/4 10/11 SS
Luvs Jumbo Packs 6.99  $5/1 Homemailer coupon  or $1/1 9/27 PG

Special K Sale:

There are several IP coupons on coupons.com.  Click my coupon bar to print!

Purchase any 5 Kellogg's Special K products in a single transaction with VIC card and save an additional $5. Limit one reward per transaction. No cash back. Mix or match.
All Special K Cereals 12-14 oz. 2/$5
All Special K Bars & Bliss Bars 3.8-4.86 oz. 2/$5
Special K K20 Protein Water Mix 2/$6
All Special K Protein Snack Bars 3.8-4.86 oz. 2/$8
All Special K Crackers 8 oz. 3.19
All Special K Protein Meal Bars and Shakes 2/$10

Lowes Foods, I love Fresh Rewards Cash!

This only cost me $.84.  Yes, you read that correctly!  I used three $.75/1 10/4 SS coupons for the ketchup. It was on sale for $2.50 for a 40 oz. bottle.  This is hubby's favorite kind and I can never get enough ketchup cheap to last me through the winter.  Anyway, I used one of my $5.00 fresh rewards coupons, and the cashier was certainly impressed!  Pretty good savings on needed items for my menu last night. 

Spent $.84

Saved $13.12!

Lowes Foods 10/18 Matchups

I am really enjoying the new Fresh Rewards Program, because it kind of reminds me of ECB or Kohl's Cash. That being said, I am not seeing much that will get me to Lowes foods this week

Earn $5 Fresh Rewards Cash (FRC) WYB:
(1) 12pk Bounty $13.99 $.25/1 09/27 PG OR use $1/1 instasave coupon
(1) 100oz Tide $11.99 $1/1 09/27 PG

Earn $2 FRC WYB:
(5) participating Birds Eye Frozen Veggies $2.00 $.50/1 10/11 SS

Earn $5 FRC WYB $20 of participating Gerber Products
I don't have any idea what these products are, but if you all find any great deals with this, let me know.
I will post for others.

Earn $3 FRC WYB:
(1) Bakery Chocolate Meltdown Double Layer Cake $8.99

Earn $2 FRC WYB:
(2) participating Starbucks Coffee $6.99

Earn $2 FRC WYB:
(4) participating Hershey's snack size $2.79 $1/2 09/27 SS

Earn $3 FRC WYB $10 participating Dove products

Dove Deodorant $2.50 $1/1 10/04 RP
Dove Facial Cleanser (my store didn't have this) $1/1 10/04 RP
Dove Body Wash $3.50 $1.50/1 10/04 RP

Meat:

T-Bone Steak - $5.99lb
Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops - $2.99
Jimmy Dean Bacon - B1G1 - $1.74
Beacon Light Tilapia Filet - B1G1 - $2.99

Bakery:

Focaccia Bread - $1.99 (e-offer, Limit 2)

Produce:

Bunch Broccoli - B1G1
Baby Carrots - B1G1
Whole Mushrooms - B1G1
Fall Squash - $.89lb
Cucumbers - $.50

Dairy/Frozen:

Breyers Ice Cream - B1G1 - $3.11 $.75/1 10/18 RP
Chobani Greek Yogurt - $1.00
Tombstone Pizza - $3.50 $.75/2 9/27 SS Edit: our area did not get this coupon (There is also a $10 off 4 mail in rebate out there.)
Healthy Choice Steamers - $2.50
Blue Bunny Ice Cream - B1G1 - $2.97 $1/1 IP
LF Grated Parmesan Cheese - $1.99 (e-offer, Limit 2) (This isn't a bad price.)

Other:

Kraft Caramels - $1.50
Nature's Own Honey Wheat Bread - B1G1 - $1.25
Kelloggs Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Honey Smacks - $1.73 $1/1 blinkie coupons
LF Pasta - $.49 (e-offer, Limit 2)
Ragu Pasta - $1.29 (e-offer, Limit 2)
Nestle Morsels - $1.99 $.50/1 9/13 RP (Prices will probably get better, but I use a lot of these during the holidays.)
BC Warm Delights - $1.50 $.50/1 9/13 RP
Wesson Oil - $2.50
Ragu Sauce - $1.66 $.60/2 9/13 RP
Wishbone Salad Dressing - $1.88 $1.25/2 8/2 RP
Campbells Chucky Soup - $1.50 $1/4 10/11 SS

Last Chance for a Great Small Coupon Class!

I will be holding my first coupon class on October 23rd from 3:00-5:00 P.M. in Taylorsville, NC. Please email me to RSVP if you would like to attend. This class will be free of cost. I will give more details about the location to anyone who sends me their RSVP.

• The class will focus on coupon organization, stockpiling, using a list, and using coupons at various stores, including the drug stores. 
• This class is for beginners to intermediate couponers.
• Door Prizes will be given.
• Snacks will be available for purchase.  

I am really looking forward to meeting some of my readers, so make plans to come on down! So far we only have 3 RSVPs!  I will hold the class whether large or small, but I would love to meet some of you!

Max Perks Deal for Teachers and Business Purchasers

I really like Office Max. I have been an Max Perks member for over a year, and collected several rewards. I paid for my first coupon binder with my Max Perks rewards. I wanted to share with you some great freebies for Max Perks members at Office Max and officemax.com this week. These three items are on sale this week at Office Max, and the best part is that rewards members get a reward back for the full price of the item. Each item is a limit of 3.  My store is not real friendly, but I stopped by today to check this out.  I picked this up for $28.xx and should receive $26 back in rewards. I was hoping to get an extra 20% off with a coupon, but the store wouldn't let me combine offers. In addition to the items being free after reward, teachers get $10 in rewards for every $75 they spend.  I might go online and order the rest of my limit (2 more of each).  Shipping is free after a $50 purchase.   That way the items would be free, and I would earn an extra $10 reward.  I will be using these rewards to buy some ink and maybe a few Christmas presents, and I can always use the paper, file folders, and pens. 

Update on my sickness, I am feeling a little better energy wise, but my voice is going.  I may have to make signs to communicate with the kids at school tomorrow!

New Coupons on coupons.com

Click on my coupon sidebar, or here to get some great new coupons from coupons.com.

$2/1 24 oz. Wonka candy
$2/1 24 oz. Nestle Bag candy
$.50/1 Starkist Pouch Product
$1.50/1 Ore-Ida Fries

The first two might come in handy if you haven't picked up your Halloween Candy yet!

Free Copycat Recipes

If you like to go out to eat as much as I do, you might like this link. I downloaded this file, and there were some pretty interesting recipes included. I know my mother-in-law makes several copycat recipes. My favorite is her version of Outback Bread, while that recipe isn't included in this download, there are some good ones.

Free eCookbook: 27 Secret Restaurant Copycat Recipes featuring 46-Pages of Quick and Easy Recipes + Quick & Easy Recipe Newsletter for FREE! Get this brand new FREE eCookbook collection of quick and easy restaurant copycat recipes, which has everything from favorite T.G.I. Friday’s, Applebee’s, Pizza Hut and Chili’s restaurant copycat recipes. The eCookbook has stunning colorful pictures and step-by-step instructions for favorites including Chili’s Boneless Buffalo Wings (page 9), The Cheesecake Factory’s Santa Fe Chicken Salad (page 38) and Applebee’s Classic Patty Melt (page 44). Learn to make your favorite restaurant recipes at home!
Click Here

Harris Teeter $1.92

I was able to pick up one more free Snuggle at Harris Teeter.  I also finally found a bottle of $2.50 Spot Shot in stock.  I used a $1 coupon, and only paid $1.92 for these two items.  The great deal of all this is that All You Magazine had a rebate form a couple of months ago for Spot Shot.  Purchase one bottle and get a free movie ticket.  So hopefully this will be a money maker and a cheap date for hubby and I in the future.

Menu Plan Monday

I haven't been feeling well, so we didn't do very good this week sticking to our menu. We ate some junk, some leftovers, and some fast food. Saturday night, my hubby made some yummy deer chili. I am still trying to clean out our freezer a little in preparation for some new deer meat and beef.

Monday-Hot dogs and salad
Tuesday-Sticky Chicken and garlic mashed potatoes, frozen veggies
Wednesday-Dinner with Friends
Thursday-Roast with potatoes and carrots
Friday-Chicken and noodles with leftover sticky chicken, frozen veggies
Saturday-Brunswick Stew with leftover pork, ham, and turkey from freezer

From more menu ideas, check out the gathering at Menu Plan Monday on Organizing Junkie.

Two More Quick Trips

I went out three times today, and I am beginning to think it was two times too many.  One was to church, and I am very glad I did that. The other two were to Walgreens to get my papers this morning, and Riteaid after church to make a little money.  (Picture me tired holding my hot tea for my sore throat.) Although I wish I felt better, I can't complain at all about my finds today.

Walgreens

I spent $2.19 for this.  I paid with $9 RR and got back $11 in RR.  So I basically paid $.19 for my papers.

Riteaid

This is the trip that did me in, and I am not sure why.  It didn't take more than 20 minutes, but I was pretty tired after.   This picture is missing two Reese's candies.  I paid $12.75 for these items, and I will receive around $25 back in rebates.  

Anyone have a cure for the common cold yet?!?

Ebates and MetroStyle

If you signed up for ebates, when I recommended it the other day, a great deal is waiting for you. MetroStyle has some great clearance items and a great coupon code. You can read about all the details on Money Saving Mom. I got a tall-sized dressy skirt suit for $8.98 shipped, plus I will get 3% back on ebates. I saw there were a ton of clearance jackets and coats as well. This expires tomorrow so hurry!

Bargain Meal of the Week at Harris Teeter

This one is for hubby.  He loves seafood and it makes me sick!

Steamed snow crab legs ($2.99 per/lb. this week)

1. Pour 2 cups of water in a steamer, add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil.
2. Add the crab legs, placing them into the steaming basket.
3. As the water starts to boil again, begin timing.
4. Steam the crab legs for between 5 - 7 minutes, until you can begin to smell their aroma and until they are warm. Don't overcook!
   
5. Remove from the heat and serve hot with melted butter and lemon wedges. 

Serve with Steamfresh Brown Rice and Veggies (free after coupon this week!)

For more meal ideas, check out Erin at $5 Dinners. 

New Facebook Page

I have updated my facebook account to include a fan page for Coupon Teacher. When I get 100 fans, I will host a special giveaway. Click on my sidebar to become a fan!

CVS Moneymaker

I picked up my free after ECB candle this afternoon.  I had to find some clearance items to pick up, because there weren't any other deals I was interested in.  I used $5 in ECB and paid $1.14 with my gift card.  I received $6.99 in ECB for next week.  

Quick trip and Great customer service

I am feeling a bit under the weather this weekend.  I think it is a sinus infection, so I have been laying pretty low.  I did need to run out for a while, so I grabbed a few deals at Lowes Foods.

I really can't say enough good things about the new Lowe's Foods program.  I used $5 in Fresh Rewards, paid $5.41, and received $10 back in fresh rewards!  I also have to tell you about a sweet cashier Jamie who read my blog and realized she was the cashier who had accidentally missed an item in my order last week.  She tracked me down today.  She rang me up for the tortillas and took an extra $3 off my order.  All I can say is thanks for your honesty and caring Jamie!

My Drug Store Picks (Only Freebies this week)

Wow! It seems like another great week for freebies at all three drugs stores. Don't forget to use any coupons for each store you might have. I have a couple $5/$25 for Riteaid, and I am going to try to print one of the $5/$25 for CVS flu quiz. Almost any deal blogs posts the weekly coupon matches for the drug stores, but I try to only post the very best deals. These are the deals I am considering for myself!   I have already picked up most of my Halloween candy, but this is a good week to get it at Riteaid or CVS.  Don't wait too much longer, because the week of Halloween last year was terrible for candy sales!

Riteaid

I don't have a lot of these coupons due to my binder loss this spring, but I am posting them for your benefit!  All rebates are a limit of 1.  If I were you, I would print two $5/$25 purchase coupons, and then split these freebies into two transactions. Don't forget to look out for peelie coupons, because Riteaid often has a lot of these! Right now, I have $68 in rebates for this month and my gift of savings $20 gift certificate.  I think this week will put me over the $100 mark for the first time ever!

Zantac 150, 24ct or Cool, 24ct or Zantac 75, 30ct $8.99, $8.99 rebate
$5 IP on manufacturers website  or $1/1 8/23 SS  (MONEYMAKER!)
   
Little Allergies Allergen Block 150 app. $9.99, $9.99 rebate
$3 5/3 SS (MONEYMAKER!)

Zucol Coldcare Lozenges, Orange Cream Flavored 18ct $5.99, $5.99 rebate
$2 3/8 SS (MONEYMAKER!)

Blink Tear Lubricant Eye Drop 15mL $7.99, $7.99 rebate
$3 8/2 RP (MONEYMAKER!)

Sinuflo Ready Rinse 8oz or NasoGel Drip Free Gel Spray 45mL $5.99, $5.99 rebate
     
Neilmed Nasal Mist Saline Spray 6oz $9.99, $9.99 rebate
    
Children’s Coldcalm Pellets 80ct or Chestal Honey Cough Syrup 8.45oz $7.99, $7.99 rebate
     
Little Colds Multi-Symptom Formula 1oz $3.99, $3.99 rebate

Little Colds Mucus Relief or Sore Throat Melt 12ct $5.49, $5.49 rebate

Chloraseptic Kids Throat Spray 6oz or Throat Relief Strips 40ct $4.49, $4.49 rebate

Sambucol Lozenges 30ct $7.99, $7.99 rebate

EOS Lip Balm .14-.25oz $1.99, $1.99 rebate

Cepacol Fizzlers Just for Sore Throats 12ct $4.99, $4.99 rebate
 
Walgreens



I have $9 in RR to start with this week.  As always, I will be using my newspapers as filler items.

Trident Xtra Care or Layers Gum, 2/$2 Get $1 RR  $0.75 IP and $1/2 on smartsource

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System, $8.99
Get $6.00 RR $4.00  9/27 PG

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk, $2.49  Get $2.49 RR

Emergency-C Immune System, $3.49  Get $3.49 RR

Chapstick Fresh Effects, $2.99 Get $2.99 RR

Halls Refresh Sugar Free Cough Drops, 20 ct., $1.00 Get $1.00 RR
$0.75/1  9/27 SS

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion, $6.99 Get $6.99 RR
$1.50 IP

Zantac 24 or 30 ct at $8.99, $8.99 RR
$5 IP on manufacturers website  or $1/1 8/23 SS
   
Bic Comfort3 4-pk Disposable Razors at $3.99, $1 RR
$3  9/20 SS

CVS - Slower week, but here are a few freebies!

Glade Reed Diffuser or any 4oz-10oz Candle at $6.99, Get $6 ECB
$3 10/4 SS  (MONEYMAKER!)
    
Neosporin Lip Therapy $4.99, $2.50 instant savings, $3 IP
  
Bic Disposable Razors 3-12ct B1G1 50% off starting at $3.39
$3 9/20 SS

Harris Teeter Trip

I made a quick Harris Teeter trip yesterday afternoon.  I got all this for $12.72 and saved $29.68! I would have been a little better, but my coupon for the Hefty bags was $1/2, and I didn't realize it.  I went ahead and got the one box anyway, because I am out of gallon bags. I was most excited about the Free Snuggle and Steamfresh veggies.  How did you do this week?

Free Snuggle at Harris Teeter

For those of you that haven't used your $3 coupons yet, Snuggle dryer sheets (free and clear, and the blue box scent) are on sale for $2.99 this week.  Go pick up a free box, if you get the chance!

Sunday Coupon Preview

There will be two inserts this week in most papers.  Remember to buy the biggest circulation paper you can find!  Click here for the coupon preview.

Thursday's Lowes Trip

This isn't my best picture ever, but this is my Lowes trip from yesterday afternoon.

I paid with $5 in fresh rewards and received $5 in fresh rewards for the spices.  I also banked $3 in rewards for the Clorox (fresh rewards are only paid out in increments of $5).  I spent $6.82 and saved $7.71.  If you factor in the rewards that I banked for next trip, I did pretty well!  Does anyone know if you can earn multiple of the same reward in one transaction?  If you can, I probably would have done the Clorox twice in this transaction.  The bleach were $.19 each after coupon and fresh rewards, and the wipes were .50 after coupon and fresh rewards.  Not too shabby!

Print your coupons here!

There are some great coupons on coupons.com this week. Print them here!

Ways to Earn Extra Cash

I am always looking for quick ways to supplement our income to help pay off debt and save more money.  I only recommend companies that I have personally worked with and received compensation from. Between all these companies, I have earned over $200 this year (and I haven't been with all the companies for this whole year).  Here are a few of the best ways to earn money and gift cards that I have found:

Swagbucks

Since the end of June, I have earned $60 in Amazon Gift Cards through Swagbucks.  I try to do all my searches at home and school using this search engine.  What is great about swagbucks is that I don't have to do anything else!  If you have already signed up for Swagbucks, and haven't been using it I recommend the toolbar.  It is a great way to make free money for gifts for Christmas and other holidays.  If you haven't signed up yet, it is FREE and easy to use!  Click on the banner below to sign up today.



Opinion Outpost

There are many survey companies out there, and some of them are less than reputable.  I love Pinecone Research, but they don't have open enrollment all the time.  My second favorite company is Opinion Outpost.  I have earned $19.20 in surveys and referrals since the end of June.  Not a ton of cash, but it will help around the holidays. 


My Points

I have been a member of My Points for about 1 year now.  I have never bought anything through the site.  I only click the emails and take the surveys.  You can also earn points by buying things online.  In the year I have been with them, I have earned enough points to receive $35 in gift cards.  Clicking the emails is not hard, but I would recommend you send these to your junk email account.  I get an average of 3-5 emails per day.

Send Earnings

This is another email clicking site, although they also offer surveys and advertising.  So far I have earned $12.64 since July, and the payout is at $30.  I estimate that will take me until July of next year, but with very minimal effort. Click below to find out more.




You Data

You Data pays you via Pay Pal for looking at their ads.  I don't think I fit their criteria very well, because I rarely have new ads.  I have heard of people making between $3-$5 per week just by quickly viewing ads.  So far, I have sent hubby around  $.09 a week.  Not a lot, but if you have kids, I know you can earn more.

Ebates

This is a cash back for shopping online site that I love.  I have earned $75 in one year by shopping online through this site for making purchases that I would have made anyway.  I highly recommend Ebates to anyone. I use some other cash back sites, but this is the most reliable and often the highest payout. 

I know this is not an exhaustive list, but I wanted some of you to be able to get a head start on earning before the holidays!  Does anyone else have any suggestions for other great companies?

Honest Couponing Summary

If you haven't had the chance to read it, I am finishing up a series on Honest Couponing. 

Part 1
Part 2 
Part 3


7. Don't take more than you can donate or use. If you use all your coupons and clear out the shelves, that means there will be other families that week not getting the great deals.  I had problems when I first started couponing with knowing how much to buy, but you get the hang of it after a while.  I know I don't need 10 free air fresheners.  But I might use 10 cans of tomato sauce before it goes on sale again.  Only buying what your family can use or donate helps everyone, including you.  (Think of an overflowing unorganized stockpile!) Remember sales cycle around, and everything will go back on sale again!

I think that honest couponing is all about educating yourself about coupons.  If you know the rules, you can try your best to follow them correctly.  Here is my rule of thumb:  If using a coupon or doing a deal makes my neck prickle, I probably shouldn't be doing it. I have backed out of a few deals for this very reason. There are enough deals out there that I shouldn't risk my conscience for a great deal.  If you follow your conscience and know the rules, you will be a happier, more successful couponer!

Harris Teeter Matchups 10/14

Maybe I am just fully stocked, but the only things I am really excited over are the free steamfresh veggies, the butter, the cheap nut clusters, and the water (under my buy price of $3.00 for 24). If the snow crab legs look good, I might pick up a few pounds for hubby.

Remember when shopping:

* 20 double coupons per day per customer

* double manufacturer’s coupons up to face value of $0.99

* only 1 coupon is allowed on BOGO items (not one for each item)

* BOGO items ring up half price

E-VIC Special:
1 lb. HT quarters butter 0.97, limit 1

Weekly Spotlight:
Snow Crab Clusters $2.99/lb. with an additional $10 purchase.

Meal of the Week:
13.5-16 oz. fully cooked Johnsonville Grilling links  $.55/1 09/13 SS
8 ct. HT hot dog buns
8.5-9 oz. HT Traders chips
2 liter HT soda
$6.99

12 pack Coke products BOGO

Tuttorosso 28-35 oz. tomatoes B2G3

Porterhouse or T-Bone steaks 4.99/lb

Angus Porterhouse or T-Bone steaks 5.99/lb

HT fresh split chicken breast 0.99/lb

Perdue Perfect Portions Chicken breast 6.99  $.75/1 10/04 RP

HT eggs, one dozen .97

Birds Eye Steamfresh 5/$5 .50/1  09/13 SS (FREE!)

Hot Pockets 5/$10 $1/2  09/27 RP

Tropicana 64 oz. or Trop50 59 oz. 2.97 Buy 2 Tropicana 59-64 oz. and receive 1 dozen HT large eggs free
$1/2 09/13 RP

Pillsbury Crescent rolls 3/$5  $0.50/2 10/04 SS or $1 IP
Buy 4 and get $2 OYNO, 5 and get $3 OYNO or 6 and get $4 OYNO

Yo-Plus or Fiber One 4 ct. 2/$4  $1/1 09/13 GM

Freschetta Pizza $3.99 $1/1  09/13 SS

Nestle Pure Life water 24 pack 3/$10 $.50/1 September All You

Nature Valley Nut Clusters 2/$5  $1.60 IP or .50/1 10/04 SS

Kellogg's Poptarts 2/$4  $.55/1  09/13 RP

Cheez-Its 2.99  $1.50/2  10/04 RP

Peter Pan PB 2/$4 $.50/1  October All You

Bear Naked Granola 2/$6 $1/1 and $2/1 IP

Smoked or Honey Smoked Turkey 4.99/lb

Quilted Northern 9 mega, 12 double, or 24 regular rolls 5.99  $1/1  10/11 RP

Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers 2/$5  $.75/1 10/11 RP

Hefty One Zip storage or freezer bags- $1.64 $1/1 08/30 RP

50 oz. All detergent $3.09  $1/1 10-04-09 RP

Mail Call!

I just wanted to let you know about my exciting mail this week:

$10 from tailgating rebate
$10 from Kellogg's rebate
2 $3 checks from Pinecone research
1 sample of Secret Clinical from Vocalpoint
Bookmarks from BookGiveaway's Blog giveaway


I love getting free stuff!  $26 more dollars to go into savings! What did you get in your mail this week?

Guest Post

Yea!  I am so excited!  I submitted a guest post to Deal Seeking Mom this summer, and today it is featured on her blog. Welcome to all my new followers!  Click here to check it out.

Lowes Foods 10/14 Matchups

Thanks to katncaed on Hot Coupon World for typing the ad early! I am especially excited about the McCormick spices this week.

Fresh Rewards Cash (FRC) Weekly Specials:
Earn $2 FRC when you buy 1lb of Boar's Head Ovengold Roast Turkey
Boar's Head Ovengold Roast Turkey - $7.99lb

Earn $3 FRC when you buy $10 participating Dove products

Dove Deodorant $1/1 10/04 RP
Dove Facial Cleanser $1/1 10/04 RP
Dove Body Wash $1.50/1 10/04 RP

Earn $5 FRC when you buy 5 participating Special K products

Special K cereal
Special K Protein Water
Special K Bars
Special K Protein Bars

Earn $5 FRC when you buy 5 participating McCormick products (30% off)

$1/1 IPs coupons.com
McCormick Black Pepper
McCormick Vanilla
McCormick Chili Powder
McCormick Ground Cinnamon
McCormick Garlic Powder

Earn $3 FRC when you buy 3 participating Clorox products

Clorox Bleach $.50/2 10/04 RP
Clorox Clean-Up $.50/1 10/04 RP
Clorox Wipes $.50/1 or $1/2 10/04 RP

Meat:
Sirloin Tip Roast - $2.49lb
Family Pack Boston Butt Southern Style Ribs - $1.69lb
LF Center Cut Bacon $1.99
Oscar Mayer Franks $1.64
Land O Frost Taste Escapes $1.64
Hormel Entrees $4.99 $1/1 09/13 SS

Produce:
Fresh Express $1.49
Grape Tomatoes $1.74

Dairy/Frozen:
Palermos Pizza $3.50 $1/1 ip
PictSweet Deluxe Veggies $1.99 (Limit 4) e-offers
LF Texas Style Biscuits $.39 (Limit 2) e-offers
TGI Fridays Appetizers $2.50 $2/4 09/27 SS
Buitoni Pasta $2.50 $1/1 06/21 SS

Other:
Campbell's Chicken Noodle/Tomato Soup $.50 $.40/4 10/04 SS
LF Canned Tuna $.50
LF Cream Soups $.55
Progresson Soup $1.25 $.50/2 10/04 SS
LF 12pk Soda - $2.00
Large Rotisserie Deli Chicken - $4.99 (Limit 2) e-offers
Motts Apple Juice - $1.99 (Limit 4) e-offers
Nature Valley Granola Bars $2.50 $.50/1, $.70/2 10/04 SS
Merita Bread $1.24
Cheez-it $1.62 $1.50/2 10/04 RP
Archway Cookies $2.00 $1/1, $.55/1 08/16 SS
LF Popcorn $.99

Non-Food/Cleaners:

Sparkle Paper Towels - $5.50 $.50/1 08/16 SS
Lysol Cleaners $2.00 $.50/1, $.75/1, $1/1 09-13-09 SS

Reminder of Coupon Class

I will be holding my first coupon class on October 23rd from 3:00-5:00 P.M. in Taylorsville, NC. Please email me to RSVP if you would like to attend. This class will be free of cost. I will give more details about the location to anyone who sends me their RSVP.

• The class will focus on coupon organization, stockpiling, using a list, and using coupons at various stores, including the drug stores. 
• This class is for beginners to intermediate couponers.
• Door Prizes will be given.
• Snacks will be available for purchase.  

I am really looking forward to meeting some of my readers, so make plans to come on down! So far we only have 3 RSVPs!  I will hold the class whether large or small, but I would love to meet some of you!

2nd Drug Store Trips!

I got all this at Riteaid for $22.15, and I will receive $21.27 back in rebates. Not too bad! The binder was 75% off for $4.75.  I am considering going back to the binder method.  If I don't, my coupon class will benefit, and someone will be taking this new binder home!

I paid $1.79 for all this at Walgreens. I paid with $6 in RR and received $9 back! Pretty great deal if you ask me!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday-Easy Chicken Quesadillas
Tuesday-Steaks, potatoes, and mixed veggies
Wednesday-Dinner with Friends
Thursday-Chicken Alfredo with Bowtie Pasta with steamed veggies
Friday-Hubby's Choice
Saturday-Fish Fry at church

For more ideas, check out the gathering at Organizing Junkie.

Very Quick Shopping!

I spent all day yesterday with my hubby in Blowing Rock, NC.  We had a great time.  Today, I went to church  from 9:35-12:20 and had friends over from 1-7, so I really had to squeeze in my trips today.  I can't say they were the best planned trips I have ever made, but I was happy with the results overall.

Walgreens (9:00-9:35, It takes ten minutes to get there! This was before church.)

I spent $3.26 for all this.  (The papers were $4.)  I used $7.50 in RR and got $6 in RR back!

I went to CVS and Riteaid after church.  It also takes $10 minutes to get to these, and I shopped from 12:20-1:05!  I told you I shopped fast!

CVS

This was all free after ECB and my gift card.  I can't say this was the best deal ever, but hubby really likes this body wash.

Riteaid

There is one item missing from this picture.  I sent the throat coolers home with my friends for their kids!  I spent over $22!  But as I am sure you know, I will get $26.42 in rebates, and this will finish off my Gift of Savings!

Whew!  I am glad I made a few minutes to shop today, and I am really glad to be sitting back to relax now!

Harris Teeter 67% off!

I got all this for $14.xx and saved over $26.xx.  I thought that was pretty good considering the strawberries, milk, and earthbound farms organic lettuce.  I also got back a $1 catalina for buying two McCormick seasonings.  I will use that next time I go to Harris Teeter. (P.S. I finally found one package of the free cat treats for Gizmo!)

Bargain Meal of the Week for Harris Teeter

This is a recipe repost, but it is totally worth it. This is the best turkey I have ever tasted!

Herbed Turkey Breast (easy and delicious!) (.99/lb)

1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 T soy sauce
2 T finely chopped onions
1 T sage
1 t thyme
1 t marjoram
1/4 t pepper

In a saucepan, combine all ingredients listed above. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Pour over thawed turkey breast in crockpot. This will take several hours depending on size of breast and your crockpot settings. Make sure the turkey is cooked through before serving!

Serve with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes ($3.99 per bag) and sweet carrots ($1.50).  

For more Bargain Meals, visit Erin at $5 dinners.

My Drug Store Picks

Riteaid is my favorite drug store this week (you know it always changes). Don't forget to use any coupons for each store you might have. I have a $4/$20 for CVS and a $5/$25 for Riteaid. Riteaidis so great this week, I might split my trips in two and use two coupons at two different stores! Almost any deal blogs posts the weekly coupon matches for the drug stores, but I try to only post the very best deals. These are the deals I am considering for myself!

CVS

Brach’s Candy Corn 2/.88 cents

4 in 1 Carving Tool $1.99 Earn 1.99 ECBs Limit 2

Halloween Nylon Treat Bag .99 Earn .99 ECBs Limit 1

Get $5 in ECB wyb $15 worth of Gillette Products:

Gillette Body Wash $1/1 9/27 PG (hubby likes this kind)

Walgreens

Still some great freebies from previous weeks, but not much new!

Trident Xtra Care or Layers Gum, 2/$2 Get $1 RR $0.75 IP

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System, $8.99
Get $6.00 RR $4.00 9/27 PG

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk, $2.49 Get $2.49 RR

Emergency-C Immune System, $3.49 Get $3.49 RR

Chapstick Fresh Effects, $2.99 Get $2.99 RR

Halls Refresh Sugar Free Cough Drops, 20 ct., $1.00 Get $1.00 RR
$0.75/1 9/27 SS

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion, $6.99 Get $6.99 RR
$1.50 IP

My stockpile is too full for the next two deals, but I think they are good enough to list!

$8 RR wyb 8 Unilever products:

Bertolli Meal $5.99 $1 10/4 RP

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise $2.50 $.60/1 8/2 RP

Ragu Pasta Sauce 26 oz. $1.66 $.60/2 9/13 RP

Skippy Peanut Butter $1.66 ea $.40/1 10/4 RP

Buy $10 Quaker products Get $5 RR

Quaker Instant Oatmeal $2.50 $1.25/2 8/30 RP

Quaker Granola Bars 10ct, $2.50 $1/2 8/30 RP

Riteaid

I can't wait to go to Riteaid this week and get all my freebies (after rebate)! This is also the last week for the gift of savings. Riteaid is known for having products with Peelie coupons, so be on the look out as you shop this week.

Air Wick Freshmatic i-Motion Starter Kit 50%    $6/1 9/13 SS

Simply Saline Nasal Mist $4.99, $4.99 rebate $1/1 7/26 SS

Simply Saline Children’s Nasal Mist $3.99, $3.99 rebate $1/1 7/26 SS

Chloraseptic Allergy Block Gel $9.99, $9.99 rebate $3/1 5/3 SS (I wish I had this coupon!)

Sinus Buster $8.99, $8.99 rebate

Breathe Again SinoMarine Nasal Spray $7.99, $7.99 rebate

Dr. Thompson’s coldwar $3.99, $3.99 rebate

Comtrex $3.99, $3.99 rebate

Sucrets Throat Lozenges or Ice Pops $2.99, $2.99 rebate

Beyond BodiHeat Pain Relieving Heat Pads $2.99, $2.99 rebate

Children’s Throat Cooler $2.99, $2.99 rebate

Bee MD Throat Drops $2.49, $2.49 rebate

Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm $2.29, $2.29 rebate

Carmex Lip Balm $1.99, $1.99 rebate

Poligrip Denture Adhesive Cream $1.99, $1.99 rebate and free coupon in 10/4 RP

Lowes Foods, Love the Program

Well, I got my first $5 fresh rewards at Lowes Foods today!  I only spent $10.79 on all this, and received the $5 coupon for my next order!  I saved $22.06!   I will say though that I have a had lot of coupon and scanning trouble at Lowe's foods lately.  Last trip, I had a free coupon for a $3 item, and the casher entered it as $0.00.  This trip, the cashier didn't scan one of my torillas, so I didn't get the reward for it.  I went before school and didn't have time to fix it once I figured it out.  If I can find the time sometime this weekend, I will go and pay for the tortilla and get the $3.00 rewards added to my account (they only give coupons in $5 increments.)  It is just such a hassle to return and rebuy, I may call it a wash this time! (I owe them $1.25 and they owe me $3 fresh rewards.) 

Sunday Coupon Preview

Here is a preview of this week's coupons.  It looks like there will be three inserts, and a bunch of pet coupons. 

Hubby's Favorite Dessert!

Well, I have been pretty busy with the beginning of school, but with fall comes fresh apples.  I do mean fresh too.  There are no less than three large apple orchards in my county, and we picked up the juiciest, sweetest gala apples recently.  Any men reading this probably know where I am going with this.  Hubby loves apple pie.  I rarely take the time to make it for him, but I finally made one on Saturday.

I use a simple recipe that can be found in any Betty Crocker recipe book.  Here is a link to a very similar recipe (I leave out the flour and butter, but everything else is the same.)

To make the dough, you mix the shortening and flour with a fork or a pastry fork.

Then you add the water a little at a time.  One thing I have discovered is that less is more when it comes to the water.

Divide the dough into two parts and roll it separately.

Put one crust into the pie pan.  As you can tell, I don't pay much attention to looks.

Then you take your sliced apples and add the cinnamon and sugar.

Mix well and put into the crust.

 

Cover with the other rolled crust and crimp the edges. Make a few small slices in the top.

 

 

Hubby likes to eat his plain, but I ate my piece warm with ice cream and caramel!    (Healthy I know.)

I will tell you that it always takes longer to bake than the recipe says.  Just bake until golden brown!  Leave me a comment with any tips or a dessert your family adores!

This is posted at the Recipe Swap on The Grocery Cart Challenge.

Quick Lowes Trip

I made a quick Lowe's trip today.  I mostly went to get my new card, and check out some of the pricing on the Fresh Rewards items.  I think this new program is going to be good for some deals, but I also read that you have to spend $300 in 3 months to earn any of the loyal customer rewards.  I don't think I spend that much there in one year!  Here is what I picked up:

I paid $4.30, and I have the receipt to submit for a $2.99 rebate for the Palmolive.  So OOP $1.31!

I will be making another trip later this week when I have a chance to put together a few scenarios to earn fresh rewards and use my instasave coupons. 

Coupon Class

I have great news!!! I will be holding my first coupon class on October 23rd from 3:00-5:00 P.M. in Taylorsville, NC. Please email me to RSVP if you would like to attend. This class will be open to my coworkers as well, so space will be limited. This class will be free of cost. I will give more details  about the location to anyone who sends me their RSVP.

• The class will focus on coupon organization, stockpiling, using a list, and using coupons at various stores, including the drug stores. 
• This class is for beginners to intermediate couponers.
• Door Prizes will be given.
• Snacks will be available for purchase.  

I am really looking forward to meeting some of my readers, so make plans to come on down!

Harris Teeter Matchups 10/7

Remember when shopping:

* 20 double coupons per day per customer

* double manufacturer’s coupons up to face value of $0.99

* only 1 coupon is allowed on BOGO items (not one for each item)

* BOGO items ring up half price

E-VIC Special:
1 dozen HT large eggs 0.39, limit 1

Buy 1, Get 2 Free:
1 lb. Strawberries

Buy 2, Get 3 Free:
HT 48 oz. All Natural Ice Cream
Fresh Foods Market Soups
HT Traders Coffee, 12 oz. bags
Jose Ole Chimichangas, 5 oz. $1/1 8/23 SS (you can use two coupons)

Meal of the Week:
17 oz. Hormel Dinner Entree $1/1 October All You
20-24 oz. TGI Friday's Mashed Potatoes
16 oz. HT Frozen Green Beans
32 oz. HT Garden Salad
$7.99

BOGO items:

Bertolli Pasta Sauce 1.44 (it seems like there was a coupon for this, but I couldn't find it!)
Country Crock Spread 1.87 $.40/1 9/20 RP
Pillsbury Grands 1.00 $.30/2 10/4 SS
Barber Foods Stuffed Chicken 2.94 $1/1 10/4 SS

Meats/Packaged Meats/Seafood:

Boneless NY Strip 4.99/lb
House of Raeford Turkey Breast 0.99/lb
Mahi Mahi Fillets 5.99/lb

Beverages:

V8 or V-Fusion 2/$6 $.40/2 9/20 SS
Maxwell House 33-39 oz. 4.99 $1/2 IP on coupons.com

Refrigerated/Dairy/Frozen:

Ht Milk, 128 oz. 1.97 (yea milk!)
Dannon Yogurt, Fruit on the Bottom or Light 10/$4 $1/10 9/27 SS
Activia or DanActive 1.99 $1/1 10/4 SS
Coffee-mate 16 oz. Creamer 1.89 $.50/1 8/9 RP
Eggo Homestyle Waffles 2/$3 $.55/1 10/4 RP
Bertolli Dinner for 2 5.99 $1/1 10/4 RP
Bertolli Bakes 5.99 $1/1 10/4 RP
Smart One Entrees, Desserts, and Breakfast Sandwiches 4/$10 (Various IPs available)
Bagel Bites 5/$10 $1 IP on manufacturer website
Ore Ida Fries 2/$6 $1.50/2 9/27 SS

Other Foods:

HT White Meat Chicken 4.5 oz. can 10/$10
Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 4/$3 $.40/4 10/4 SS

Honest Couponing-Part 3

If you are just joining us in this series, get caught up by reading Part 1 and Part 2.

5. Try your very best to not use expired coupons.

We all make mistakes (me included), but I am talking about using expired coupons on purpose.  Almost every coupon I have seen has an expiration date, and this date is clearly marked on coupons. Often the reason people use these coupons is because they think it won't matter. Once again, it could result in a store not getting reimbursed for the coupon.  It may not seem like it's hurting anyone to do this, but the fact is that it's dishonest. If you hate throwing those expired coupons each month, don't!  The Happy Housewife has a program to send expired coupons overseas to military families who can use them at the commissary (legally!).

 6. Be kind to your Cashiers and Managers.

I like to really try to develop relationships with cashiers at the stores that I usually shop at (and not just for my benefit, I see some of these ladies each week!).  They know I try to be honest in my couponing, so everything goes a little smoother at checkout.  If something doesn't work the way I expect it to, I nicely ask why and sometimes give an explanation.  Usually you know more about the store's policies than the cashier, but be nice when pointing this out. Many cashiers do not understand the rules of coupons. Some do not even understand that their store will be reimbursed for the coupon you are using. You always catch more flies with honey than vinegar!

Bloom Super Doubles

I wish I had a Bloom nearby, because the word from one of my readers is that they are doubling coupons up to $1.99 this week! Go check it out if there is one near you!

Here are a few match-ups from Staci:

Campbell's Tomato or Chicken Noodle soup $.59. $.40/4 10/4 SS = $.34 each
All Laundry Detergent (32 loads) $3.97. $1.00/1 10/4 RP = $1.97 each
Lean Cuisine Dinners and Entrees 5/$10. $1.00/5 9/13 RP, $1.60 each
Hellman's Mayonnaise 2/$6. $1.00/2 coupon (expires 10-9), $2 each

Maybe you can find some great deals too!

Lowes Foods 10/4 Matchups

Thanks to katncaed on Hot Coupon World for the early ad preview and some matchups!
For items without a price, there was no sale price listed.
If you want to print some of the coupons from this week's sales, click on my coupons.com sidebar to find them!

Earn $5 fresh rewards cash when you buy any 10 participating Betty Crocker items:

Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes 4/$5
$.40/1 IP coupons.com
Betty Crocker Suddenly Pasta Salad
Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper 4/$5
$.75/3 IP coupons.com

Earn $4 fresh rewards cash when you buy any 4 participating Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks:

Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers
Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-Ups
Betty Crocker Fruit Gummies
$.40/1 IP coupons.com

Earn $3 fresh rewards cash when you buy 6 participating Green Giant Vegetables:

Canned Sweet Peas
Canned Corn
Canned Green Beans

Earn $3 fresh rewards cash when you buy 6 participating Old El Paso items:

Old El Paso Taco Sauce
Old El Paso Green Chilies
Old El Paso Taco Dinners  $2.29
$.60/2 IP

Earn $2 fresh rewards cash when you buy 4 participating General Mills cereals:

Honey Nut Cheerios  2/$5
$.75/1 IP coupons.com
Cinnamon Toast Crunch  2/$5
$.55/1 coupons.com
Cocoa Puffs  2/$5
$.75/1 IP coupons.com

Earn $5 fresh rewards cash when you buy (2) $15 iTunes Gift Card, or (1) $25 or $50 iTunes Gift Card

Meat:

Whole Pork Tenderloin - $3.99
LF Lunch Meat - $1.99 (Limit 2 e-offer)

Produce:

Navel Oranges 4lb - B1G1 - $2.49/1
Rome Apples - $.99lb

Dairy/Frozen:

Green Giant Frozen Veggies - $1.00    $.60/3 10/4 SS
Borden Singles - $.99 (Limit 2 - e-offer)
Dannon Activia - $2.00 $1/1 10/4 SS
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - $1.66 $1/1 IP
Freschetta Pizza - $5.00 $1/1 9/13 SS
Hot/Lean/Croissant Pockets - $2.00 $.75/1 9/27 RP
Eggo Pancakes - $2.00 $.55/1 10/4 RP

Other:

Cheez-it - B1G1 - $2.10 sale price
Wonder Bread - B1G1 - $1.28 $.55/1 IP

Duke's Mayo - $1.49 (Limit 2 e-offers) $.55/1 IP from dukesmayo.com
LF Canned Soup - $.40 (Limit 10 e-offers)
Kelloggs Frosted Mini-Wheats/Raisan Bran - $2.00 $2/2 instasave
Barilla Pasta - $1.00 $.50/1 8/23 SS = FREE
Hunts Tomatoes - $1.00 $.45/3 10/4 SS
Kelloggs Pop Tarts - $1.66 $.55/1 instasave