New Year: New Address!

I am excited to announce that my blog can now be found at www.mycouponteacher.com! It may take a few days for all the kinks to be worked out, so hang in there. I appreciate each and every one of you! Until then, you should be able to see my blog exactly as normal.

From everything I have read, this should not effect any of my followers, except that you will be redirected from couponteacher.blogspot.com. Please email me, if you have any trouble or any questions!

Thrifty Thursday (A New Year!)

Welcome to my weekly gathering of Thrifty Thursday!  I am going to encourage everyone to link up their thriftiest deal of the week, a thrifty tip, or an article focused on the thrifty lifestyle we are trying to lead.

This week the main thing I am starting to try to be more thrifty is the Eat From the Pantry Challenge by Money Saving Mom and Life As a Mom.  I have enough food in this house that we could probably take this challenge for 3 months and be OK.  Are you up to the challenge?  It has been inspiring to me to read all the other blogs out there with families who are participating!

I hope you are still out there searching for some really thrifty Christmas, toy, and winter clearance deals.  I picked up this 75% off Christmas stuff at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet for less than $7!!! It will go in storage under the bed until I need it next year!  Other than that, I am on a spending sabbatical this month.  I plan to save as much as I can, because we have been very blessed this year! Deal Seeking Mom has a guest post about the items you should be looking for!



Finally this week, I want to remind you to take around 5-10 minutes each day to do some online work to help make some extra cash around your house!  Very thrifty!

Bloggers: Please link up your thrifty deals and ideas below.  Link back to Coupon Teacher so that we can all share ideas!


Readers:  If you do not have a blog, I still want your participation! You can leave me a comment or send me an email with pictures of your thrifty ideas.

This is also posted at the gathering at Life As a Mom.

New Year Goals (Resolutions get broken!)

Family and Marriage

Try to be the best wife I can be focused around Proverbs 31.  Stay involved at church and study the Bible more. Visit family in WV more often.  Get and stay organized around the house!

Financial

Pay off our personal loan once and for all!  Keep fully funded small emergency fund.  Pay off hubby’s motorcycle.  Go on a nice vacation with hubby. (These are some big goals!) Continue to donate and give whenever possible.

School

Get working on a blog for my students more.  Build relationships with coworkers.  Start saving $$ to renew my national board certification.

Blog

Make my first payout from one of my advertisers (yes it is true I have not made any money from my blog yet).  Continue writing daily.  Focusing more on helping teach more about coupons (check back for a daily coupon 101 tip).

Physical

Go to the gym 2-3 times per week.  Continue walking with kids each day at recess.  Eat smaller portions and more vegetables.

These are almost all things I do already, but I want to step things up a notch this year!

CVS Moneymaker

I spent $2.10 at CVS this week. What is so great about that you may ask? Well, I submitted my receipt for a $15 rebate! Yes, you read that right, I paid $2.10 and will get $15 back. What did I buy?

I bought two regenerist cleaners for $6.99 each, used two $3/1 coupons from the 11/29 PG, and $7 in ECB.  This brought my total to $2.10!  The form for this rebate is found here, but hurry the $3 coupons expire tomorrow.  (You can still get the deal without the coupons. Two cleansers=$13.98+tax) I saw this deal on too many blogs to give credit, but thanks to all who shared!

Happy Shopping!

Target Deals!

Yesterday I stopped in Target really quickly.  The Christmas was only 50% off still, but I was able to get this order for only $1.36!  The batteries were in the dollar spot 50% off and I had 3 $1/2 coupons.  The coupons did beep, but they were clearly for the right items, so the cashier pushed them through.  The hooks were $2.96, but I had a $1 target coupon and $1 manufacturers coupon!  Pretty great deals if you ask me!

5 Things I Learned in 2009

Lynn at Midday Escapades always has the best ideas, so here are my 5 things I learned in 2009. Tomorrow I will be posting some resolutions, so here it goes.

1. If you quit going to the gym regularly and eat more, you gain weight.  (Say it isn’t so!)

2. Blogging is fun and hard work at the same time.  Writing a blog with more than a few followers leans more toward the work side. (Don’t worry, I still enjoy it.)

3. My husband is a truly great man.  What other man will just grin and bear it when his wife spends too much time blogging, leaves coupons everywhere, and sets stockpile booby traps so that everything falls on him?

4. When life seems to be rolling smoothly, something always comes along to remind you God is in control.

5. Kids today have more problems and shorter attention spans than in 2002 when I started teaching.  In contrast, they are more intuitive and overall more caring.

Get Out of Debt: Ways to Earn Extra Cash

This is a repost with some additions.  I am sure that some of you overspent a little on the holidays (thankfully I didn’t, but I still have debt).  I want you to know how I am earning some extra cash to pay off debt.  

I only recommend companies that I have personally worked with and received compensation from.  I will disclose that by clicking any links below, I will earn commission or referral points.  Although I will be compensated, all opinions written below are my 100%own and for your benefit, not mine.  I will not recommend you companies that are unreliable.  I do however recommend that you keep a separate email account for the email reading companies. 

Between all these companies, I have earned over $250 this year from signing up and using them daily(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 $75 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 dwonloading the toolbar to remind you to search.  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 above 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 over $40 in surveys and referrals since the end of June.  The money can be taken immediately in the form of an Amazon gift card code.

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.  (I have applied to be an affiliate for MyPoints, but am awaiting approval.  Until then search for it in Swagbucks to try to earn some extra “bucks”.)

Send Earnings and Inbox Dollars

This is another email clicking site, although they also offer surveys and advertising.  So far I have earned $16 since July, and the payout is at $30.  I estimate that will take me until June of next year, but with very minimal effort. Click below to find out more.

I haven’t been a member of Inbox Dollars for very long, but it seems a lot like Send Earnings (I think they may even have the same parent company).  There are surveys for $.50 and payout is at $30.

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 $101 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;

Shop At Home

Another cash back site for online shopping is Shop at Home.  I just got a $35 check in the mail for doing a Blockbuster Online trial.  I spent $18 and received $35 back!  This site has a daily double that is often a great deal.

Shopping Pictures (Finally!)

I had someone comment that they were missing my shopping pictures. I am sorry! To be honest, I haven't been shopping a whole lot. Here are my two trips to the grocery store today.
Harris Teeter

This was $5.20 after coupons and e-vic special! 

Lowes

I spent only $8.62 for all this.  The pizzas were free after coupon, and I had a $1.00 coupon for the pork.  I saved over $13!

Harris Teeter Matchups 12/30-1/5

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

Warning: Several of these coupons (too many to signify) expire on 12/31.  Please watch while shopping to not use expired coupons.

E-VIC MEMBER SPECIALS
HT Assorted Crackers (8.5-16 oz.) Limit 1 E-VIC Member Price $1.27 (limit 1)

BOGO (all prices are for 1)

BOGO Farmers Market Blueberries (6 oz.)  $2.49
BOGO Deer Park Water (24 pack,)  $3.74 $1/2 All You
BOGO Coca-Cola Products (6 pack, .5 liter bottles)
Orville Redenbacher's  $2.79 $.40/1 11/15 SS or $1/1 All You
Poppycock (8.5 oz.) $2.09 $.75/1 11/15 SS
Tidy Cats Litter (20 lb. bag)  $2.94 $1/1 10/4 RP
Emerald Nuts (10 oz.) $3.22 $1.50/2 11/8 SS

Beverages

HT Milk (1 gal.) $2.47
Hi-C (10 pack, 67.5 oz.) $1.97
7 Up or Diet 7 Up (12 pack cans) 3/$10.00
Dasani Water (24 pack, .5 liter bottles) $4.99                                           V8 V-Fusion (46 oz.) 2/$5.00  $1/1 IP
HT Soda (2 liter) $.87/each 

DAIRY/REFRIGERATED/FROZEN

California Pizza Kitchen or DiGiorno Pizza (12 in.) 2/$10.00
HT Yogurt (6 oz.) 3/$1.00
HT French Onion Dip (12 oz.) $.87
T.G.I. Friday's Appetizers (7.6-14 oz.) 3/$10.00
Tony's Crispy Pizza (9-10 oz.)$.99 $.50/1 (DND) 12/13 SS             Tyson All Natural Chicken Nuggets  3/$10.00  $.55/1 10/11 SS
SuperPretzel (13 oz.) 2/$5.00 $.50/1 10/18 RP                               Jell-O (6 pack) 2/$5.00 $1/2 or $.50/1 12/13 SS

MEATS & SEAFOOD

Smithfield Whole Boston Butt Pork Roast $.98/per lb.
HT Rancher Beef Boneless NY Strip Steak or Steakhouse Roast $5.88/per lb.
Alaska King Crab Clusters $5.99/per lb. 
Jimmy Dean Fully Cooked Sausage 2/$7.00  $1/1 11/1 RP
Armour Meatballs (14-16 oz.) 2/$6.00

PRODUCE

Earthbound Farm Organic Salad Mix (Assorted) 2/$7.00
Farmers Market Jumbo Cantaloupe Melons 2/$3.00
Farmers Market HT Russet Potatoes (5 lbs.) 2/$6.00
Farmers Market Russet Potatoes (8 lbs.) $3.97/each 
Farmers Market Fresh Bunch Collard Greens or Blackeye Peas (11 oz.) 2/$3.00

OTHER FOODS

Mission Tortillas Burrito, Soft Taco, Fajita (17.6-23 oz.) 2/$3.00
Nature's Own 100% Whole Grain Bread (20 oz.) 2/$3.00
General Mills Cheerios (14 oz.) or Honey Nut Cheerios (12.25 oz.) 2/$5.00  $1/1 IP or $1/3 12/13 GM                                                   
Hunt's Choice Tomatoes (14.5 oz.) 4/$5.00 $1/4 Dec. All You
Campbell's Chunky Soup (18.6-19 oz.) 4/$6.00   $.75/3 12/13 SS
Pringles (5.71-6.42 oz.) 3/$5.00  $1/2 or $.50/1 11/15 RP
Smucker's Strawberry Jam (32 oz.) 2/$5.00  $.25/1 11/8 RP
Betty Crocker Family Size Brownies 4/$5.00  $.75/2 IP
Starkist Chunk White Albacore Tuna  4/$5.00  $.50/1 or $1/2 IP
Hunt's Snack Pack (4 pack) 5/$5.00 B3G1 Jan. All You
Post Select Great Grains or Just Bunches  2/$5.00 $1/2 12/6 SS
Nabisco Cheese Nips (11-12 oz.) 2/$3.00  $1/2 12/13 SS
Nabisco Ritz Crackers (14-16 oz.) $2.99/each   $1/2 12/13 SS
Nabisco Premium Saltines (16 oz.) 2/$5.00  $1/2 12/13 SS
Kleenex Facial Tissue (3 pack) $3.99 $.50/1 12/6 SS 
Hefty CinchSak Tall Kitchen Bags (20-22 ) $3.99 $1/2 11/15 RP 
Cape Cod Potato Chips (8-9 oz.) 2/$5.00  $.55/1 or $1/2 11/1 SS
Snyder's Pretzels (16 oz.) 2/$5.00  $.75/1 12/6 SS

P&G GO FOR THE GOLD--PURCHASE $25 OR MORE IN 1 TRANSACTIONS & RECEIVE A FREE $10 VISA PREPAID CARD BY MAIL

Tide Liquid Detergent (100 oz.) $11.99 $1/1 12/27 PG                Tide Stain Release $10.99 $1/1 or $3/1 12/27 PG
Downy Liquid Fabric Softener (52-60 load) $4.49                          Bounce Dryer Sheets (80 count) $3.69 $.25/1 12/27 PG                   Bounce Dryer Bar (2 month) $3.79  $.50/1 12/27 PG    
Bounty Napkins (180-200 count) $2.99 $.25/1 12/27 PG
Bounty Paper Towels (8 roll) $6.99  $.25/1 12/27 PG
Charmin  Tissue (6 Mega/12 Big Roll) $6.99  $.25/1 12/27 PG
Cascade Liquid or  Action Pacs $3.99 $.50/1 12/27 PG
Dawn Dish Detergent (19-24 oz.) $1.99 $.25/1 or $.50/1 12/27 PG
Dawn Hand Care (19 oz.) $1.99  $.50/1 12/27 PG
IAMS Dry Dog Food (17.5 lb.) $16.88
Pringles (5.71-6.42 oz.) 3/$5.00 $1/2 or $.50/1 11/15 RP
Pampers Diapers (Big Pack) $19.99 $2/1 12/6 RP
Pampers Wipes (3X Refill) $5.49                                                             Luvs Diapers (Jumbo Pack) $5.99
Duracell Batteries (8 count AA/AAA) 2/$10.00 $.75/1 12/13 RP
Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner  2/$7.00 $3/2 12/27 PG
Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner $2.49  $1/1 12/27 PG
Secret Flawless Deodorant (2.6 oz.) $3.99  $.25/1 12/27 PG      Nice N Easy (1 Application) $5.99  $1/1 12/27 PG   
Olay Regenerist (50 ml.) $15.99 $3/1 11/29 PG
Olay Body Wash (12 oz.) $3.99 $1/1 12/27 PG
Gillette Fusion Razor  $7.99 $4/1 11/29 PG or $2/1 12/27 PG
Gillette Body Wash (12 oz.) $2.99 $1/1 12/27 PG
Old Spice Ever Clear Deodorant (2.6 oz.) 2/$7.00  $1/2 12/27 PG
Prilosec OTC (42 count) $24.99 $7/2 11/29 PG
Vick DayQuil or NyQuil (6 oz.) $3.99 $1.50/1 12/27 PG
Always Infinity (16 count) 2/$10.00 BOGO coupons? 12/27 PG
Glide Floss (50 m.) $2.99 $1/1 12/27 PG
Crest Paste (6 oz.) $2.50 $.75/1 11/29 PG
Oral-B Advantage Toothbrush (1 count) $2.49 $1/1 12/27 PG
Crest White Strips Advanced Seal$34.99 $5/1 12/27 PG
Crest Rinse (1 liter) $4.99 $1/1 12/27 PG
Always or Tampax 2/$10.00 BOGO coupons? 12/27 PG

NON FOOD

HT Soft White Light Bulbs (4 pack) 5/$5.00
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids 30% off  $1/1 11/8 SS
HT yourhome Bleach (96 oz.) 3/$4.00
HT yourhome Napkins (400 count) $2.37/each

MEAL OF THE WEEK
Fishermans Market Tilapia (12 oz.), Farmers Market Garden Salad (2 lb. bag), HT Frozen Green Beans Cut, Whole, French Style, or Italian Style Pole Beans (16 oz.) $5.99

If you work out a great scenario for the PG offer, please leave a comment to share with everyone!

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

Eat From the Pantry Challenge

I am really excited to join Money Saving Mom and Life as Mom for a month long challenge of eating from my pantry or stockpile as I call it. I actually do this quite a bit anyway, but I have never concentrated on NOT shopping.  I have quite a bit of stock in my stockpile that is near its expiration, and I am looking forward to using it so it won’t be wasted. My Menu Plan Monday is going to be a little different for the month of January, because I plan to include the ingredients I already have on hand!

Goals for January:

1. Move all items expiring in January and February from the stockpile to my pantry. (I am actually going to do this in the next few days, because I am out of school.)

2.  I will only buy freebies and fresh foods (milk, bread, produce) from the store.  (If Harris Teeter triples coupons this month, I may have to revise this goal a little.)

3. Take all my leftover money at the end of each week (I use envelopes) and apply it to debt.

4. Be able to defrost  and have space in the chest freezer. I have a 1/4 beef coming from my in law’s Christmas present and I don’t have room for it.

5. Eat out only with friends on Wednesdays and two date nights (using gift cards).

If your stockpile is over flowing or is even beginning to look healthy,  join me at Money Saving Mom to link up you own goals. I would love to hear about them here too!

Lowes Foods Matchups 12/27-1/5

It seems like the Lowes Brand sales have taken over this week.  Note: The sale has already started! It seems like a slow week, but I am definitely picking up some free pizzas!

Fresh Rewards Deals:

Earn $2 FRC wyb 2 Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwiches  2/$10  $.75/1 RP 12/6

Earn $2 FRC wyb 2 Fast Fixin Chicken Entrees at 2/$10  $.75/1 October All You

Earn $2 FRC wyb 2 Jimmy Dean D-Lights Sandwiches at 2/$10 $.75/1 RP 11/1

Earn $2 FRC wyb 1 each Crest Toothpaste $2.49 and Scope Outlast Mouth Rinse $3.99   $1/1 PG 12/27, 11/29

Earn $1 FRC wyb Citrus Adobo Chicken Roaster 5.99

Earn $2 FRC wyb (4) LF Soups at 2/$3 and (2) LF Saltines at BOGO

Earn $1 FRC wyb (1) LF Coffee at 2.49 and (1) LF Cinnamon or Orange Sweet Rolls at 2/$3

Earn $2 FRC wyb (1) Full Circle Milk at 3.59 and (1) Full Circle Cereal at 2/$5

Earn $2 FRC wyb (1) Paws Chunk Dog Food at 6.99 and (1) Paws Dog Biscuits at 2.99

Earn $5 FRC wyb (1) Top Care Diapers at 16.99 and (1) Top Care Wipes

Earn $2 FRC wyb (4) LF Salty Snacks at 4/$5

Earn $2 FRC wyb (4) LF Soda 12 packs at 1.99

Earn $3 FRC wyb 2 Tyson Strips, Fillets, or Wings at 7.99

Buy 2 Crackers and Nuts Get $2 FRC: Ritz Crackers 2/$5 and Planter's Nuts 2/$5   $1/2  Jingle in Your Holiday Booklet

E-Offers:

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 0.19, limit 2
Bush's Best Greens 0.39, limit 2
Luck's Blackeye Peas 0.39, limit 2

Grocery:

Lay's Potato Chips BOGO
Contessa Shrimp BOGO
Star's Salads BOGO                                                                                             
Turkey Hill Tea 1.39  $1/2 11/8 RP                                                  
Tony's Pizza 5/$5 $.50/1  10/4 SS
Hungry Jack Pancake Mix 1.79 $.55/1  11/8 RP
Hungry Jack Syrup 2/$5  $.55/1  11/8 RP                                                
Lipton Onion Soup Mix 1.19  $.60/2 11/15 RP                                
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 2/0.88                                                                      
Carolina Pride Smokies $2.50  $1.50/2  6/21 SS (exp. 12/31)

Produce
Fresh Express 0.99                                                                                
Grimmway Baby Carrots, 1 lb 0.99
Hass Avocados 0.99 each
South Mill Whole White Mushrooms, 8 oz. 0.99
Tropical Mangos 0.99
Lemons or Limes 3/0.99                                                                     
Cabbage 0.49
Collards 2/$5
Loose Baking Potatoes 0.79

Meats:
T-Bone steak 3.99/lb
Boston Butt 0.99/lb
Perdue Chicken breast 1.99/lb
Carolina medium shrimp 43-50 ct. 3.99/lb
Large Cocktail Shrimp 5.99/lb
Live Lobsters 9.99/lb
Carolina Pride Cocktail Smokies 2/$5


Please let me know if you find any other great deals!


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

Menu Plan Monday

Monday-Baked Steak in Crockpot
Tuesday-Sticky Chicken with rice and broccoli
Wednesday-Dinner with Friends
Thursday-Chicken Alfredo (with leftover sticky chicken)
Friday-Homemade Pizza
Saturday-Smoked Boston Butt (pulled pork) and maybe we will give black eyed peas a try!

Happy New Year!

For more menu ideas, check out Organizing Junkie.

Publix Deals 12/26-12/31

Here is Meg from Frugal Fun and Fortune for the Publix deals this week! Click on over to her blog for the rest.

Kellogg's Cereal: Frosted Mini Wheats or Unfrosted Mini Wheats $3.89
$5/4 printable coupon (manufacturer with Target logo)
$1.50/2 printable coupon
$1/2 printable coupon
*Best Deal: Buy 4, use the $5/4 coupon, and pay only $.70 each!

Fresh Express Salad Blends or Greens BOGO $3.99
$2/2 Tearpad
$1/1 Tearpad
$.55/1 Tearpad
$.55/1 printable coupon
$1/2 Happy Holidays Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer found in-store up front
*Stack a $1/2 store coupon with either (1) $2/2 or (2) $1/1 tearpad coupons to pay only $.50 each!

Emerald Nuts (16 oz jar) BOGO $3.29
$1.50/2 or $1/1 from 11-8-09 SS (depends on region)
$1/1 peelie
$1/2 blinkie
*Best Deal: Use (2) $1/1 coupons to pay only $.65 each!

Lay's Potato Chips (excluding Baked, Light, or Natural) BOGO $3.99
$1/1 Tearpad
*Pay only $1 each after (2) $1/1 coupons!

Selected Canada Dry, 7-Up, A&W, or Diet Rite (2 Liters) BOGO $1.59
*Good price

Bertolli Complete Skillet Dinner For Two or Oven Bake Meals $4.99
$2/1 printable coupon
$2/1 from 10-25-09 SS
*Pay only $2.99 with coupon!

Print Your Coupons

The end of the month is coming quickly, so don’t forget to print your coupons for January.  I see several that I plan to snag before coupons are reset later this week. Click below to go to coupons.com!

Pillsbury Giveaway Winner

I am finally back in town and back in business! We had a great Christmas, and a great visit with my family. The winner of the Pillsbury giveaway is #37 Candace who said, "I love pancakes with syrup!" She was chosen using random.org and will have 48 hours to claim her prize! Check back soon for another great giveaway!

Harris Teeter 4 Day Sale

Here is a link to the 4 day sale ad that I received from Harris Teeter. Looks like there are a few good deals. I will post a picture of my shopping trip, when I get back in town to shop!

I am especially interested in the Deer Park water for $2.57! Happy Shopping!

My Drug Store Picks

Don't forget to watch for Christmas clearance items. I think they will go fast this year, but at least wait for 75% off! Here are the drug store freebies, I will be picking up this week!

Walgreens

Buy 2 Fiber One, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios 2/$4 and 1 Gallon Milk Get $2 RR (I have free coupons for the cereal, and I will need milk when I get back in town. This seems like a good deal for that!)

Playtex Gloves 99¢ after in-ad coupon $1/1 10/4 SS (Give the manufacturer's coupon first to avoid beeps.)

CVS

Colgate Total Advanced $2.99 Limit 1 Get $2 ECB $1/1 11/16 SS or Dec. or Jan. All You

Riteaid

Kotex Pads, Tampons, or Liners, $2.99 $2 Rebate $1/1 IP

Oral B Cross Action Power Brush $5.00 $2 Rebate $3/1 12/27 PG

Soyjoy Bars 5/$3.00 $3 Rebate wyb 5 BOGO coupon 11/1 SS

Tampax Pearl 36-40ct., $6.99 $2 Rebate Free Tampax 18-20ct. wyb any 36-60ct. 12/27 PG (I have somehow let my supplies dwindle!)

Coupon Preview

There will only be a P&G insert in tomorrow's paper. I plan to buy the local paper instead of the expensive Charlotte one. Link here to find out what should be in the insert.

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Thrifty Thursday (Christmas Eve Style)

Welcome to my weekly gathering of Thrifty Thursday!   I am definitely coupon savvy, but sometimes, I forget to be thrifty.  The dictionary says that thrifty is “thriving by industry and frugality”. I would say if you are reading this blog that you are in some way trying to be thrifty!

I am going to encourage everyone to link up their thriftiest deal of the week, a thrifty tip, or an article focused on the thrifty lifestyle we are trying to lead.

I know today is Christmas Eve, so one of two things is happening at your house right now! 

1. You are finished with all preparations and enjoying family.

2. You are not finished and running around like a chicken with its head cut off. 

Either way, I hope you join us for a short while today. This week I am dedicating this post to having a thrifty holiday.

My number one thrifty tip this week is actually things you should buy between Dec. 26th and Jan. 1st.  You should stock up on wrapping paper, ribbon, Christmas cards, and other Christmas clearance items at 75% off or more. The time between Christmas and New Year’s is the only time these items will be this cheap. So try to buy ahead what you can store for next year.

Life as a Mom encourages us to stay home at Christmas to save money.

Here is a link to a free craft e-book. These activities can keep your child entertained while out of school and make great gifts.

Jolly Mom teaches how to make an easy Christmas card holder.

A big thanks to my blogging friend Lynn.  She claims she isn’t thrifty, but she checks out my deals all the time.  Click here to see her Christmas feature on my Thrifty Thursday.

Bloggers:  Link your posts below.  If it is a new post, please link back to Coupon Teacher, so that everyone can share ideas through the linky.

Readers:  If you do not have a blog, I still want your participation! You can leave me a comment or send me an email with pictures of your thrifty ideas.

Starbucks Winner

Yesterday, I did a quick giveaway for followers. #3 the Bookworm was chosen for the $5 giftcard! Merry Christmas!

Great Lowes Foods Buy

Hubby very rarely shops with me, but stopped in Lowes Foods with me yesterday. I stumped him and the cashier. First of all the cashier swiped my card second, so my subtotal for the ham and the candy bar was over $15. Then I handed her my $5 FRC, $2 catalina coupon, and $1 off any meat purchase coupon. So when she hit subtotal again, and it said ninety cents, she thought she did something wrong. As we were walking to the parking lot, hubby said $9 isn't bad for a ham. I said, "$9?, my total was $.90." He promptly told me to go get another one! Too bad I didn't have any more coupons, because I enjoy amazing people!

Christmas Fun (2 days 'til Christmas)

Dear Santa,

Can I ask for two things this year?  I know you have been busy and it is a little late, so I will try to keep this short.  First of all, please make sure and stop by each house of my 21 children.  Yes, I know they are not really my children, but I would still like you to visit them.  I hope each one gets at least one present to open this year, and I truly hope they feel the love that is the true meaning of the holiday.  Because I am not magical like you, I can't be there for each one. Could you do that for me Santa?  Second, I want for my family to have a magical Christmas as well.  There won't be as many presents, and there won't be many children.  But Santa, I want everyone to enjoy being together.  I know these are two tall requests.  Thanks for your Christmas magic, I still believe in it.

Grocery Store Matchups

This week is pretty easy for the grocery store matchups! Neither store is planning new sales until after Friday.

Lowes Foods from last week continues through 12/26.

Harris Teeter from last week continues through 12/24.

We will have to wait until after Christmas to see if either store has any surprises up their sleeve!

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

Christmas Fun (3 days ‘til Christmas)

Today is a quick, fun giveaway for all my Google Friend Connect Followers (new and old).

I have a $5 Starbucks gift card for one lucky winner. 

To enter, you have to meet the following two requirements:

1. Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

2. Leave a comment telling me which gift you are most looking forward to giving on Friday.

Merry Christmas!  This giveaway will end at 12:00 Midnight tonight!

Christmas Questions (4 Days ‘til Christmas!)

Lynn at Midday Escapades has our Christmas Fun for today. 

1. Have you started your Christmas shopping?

Yes, I have started and finished!

2. Tell me about one of your special traditions.

I love host my Christmas cookie party, so I can bake and share with others.

3. Are you a Black Friday Shopper?

Absolutely! It is a tradition with my mom and sister.  I finished most of my shopping that day.

4. When do you put up your Tree?

I am sad to say, I usually don’t put up a tree.  I travel at Thanksgiving and Christmas, so it is a lot of work to do for a short amount of time.  Luckily, my family in WV always has a beautiful one.

5. Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home?

We travel, but this year, we are spending some time at home too.

6. What is your funniest Christmas memory?

The Christmas that my cousin opened all his presents under the tree at his house at 3 AM.  (And I do mean all!)

7. What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time?

The Grinch is my favorite. 

8. Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat?

I love to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip cookies.  They are hubby’s favorite.

9. Fake or Real Tree?

Neither or both, if you include my mom and mother-in-law.

10. What day does the actual panic set in to get it all done?

I don’t usually panic, although I do get antsy to see my family.

11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?

Not mine, but sometimes my mom’s (sorry mom).

12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?

Opening presents, especially watching my nephews.

13. What Christmas craft do you like the best?

Crafts? Who me?

14.Christmas music. Yes or No? If yes what is your favorite song?

My favorite is Let It Snow.  I have it as a ringtone right now!

15. When do you plan to finish all your shopping?

Already finished.

Now, it is time for your part.  I don’t expect you to answer 15 questions for me, but choose one and share your answer in the comments!

Merry Christmas!

Menu Plan Monday

I am taking another break from cooking this week.  My mom and mother-in-law will be in charge. 

Sunday-Hubby finally made his yummy ribs!!!!

Monday-Baked Steak and mashed potatoes

Tuesday-Saturday Mom’s Choice

Although I am not cooking for Christmas, I wanted to give you my favorite, juicy turkey breast recipe (the mix could be used on a large turkey too).

Herbed Turkey Breast (easy and delicious!)

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!

For some new, easy recipes to try this week for Christmas, download a Free eCookbook: 33 Hearty Slow Cooker Recipes featuring 50 pages of quick and easy recipes Click Here.

For more menu ideas, check out Organizing Junkie.

CVS Shopping

I picked these up at CVS yesterday for $3.62 I used around $12 in ECB and got back $15! I love freebies!

Lowe's Foods Reminder

I have gotten 12 bottles of spices through the week for under $4, and I have $5 in FRC and $2 in coupons left.  Remember, the deal is to buy any 3 McCormick spices, get $5 FRC.  In addition to this, a $2 catalina coupon prints out.  The spices range in price from $1.01 to over $4.  If you choose 3 that are under $7 total, they are free after coupons.  I have heard that there is a limit of 4 with this deal, which is why I have stopped at 12 spices.  I hope you are able to stock your spice cabinet this week too!

Christmas Fun

Each day this week leading up to Christmas, I plan to do something fun.  Today I have a question for you.  What is your favorite Christmas memory?

I have a hard time answering my own question, because I have a favorite memory from childhood and adulthood.

When I was a little girl, my dad and mom bought me a stereo system with a turntable. It was my first tape player and record player.  The white and purple system would probably make us laugh now, but my sister and I loved that thing.  We played my dad's old records all day long.  I will never forget that Christmas!

When I was a young woman, I received my engagement ring on Christmas along with a dozen red roses.  Being proposed to is a Christmas memory I will certainly never forget!

Leave me a comment telling me your favorite memory!

My Favorite Advertising Company

Because of my terrible experience with Google Adsense (advertising), I sought out other advertising companies for my blog.  I haven’t earned a bundle yet, but I really like this company the best.  They are easy to work with, and I highly recommend them to any of my readers who are also bloggers.

I love making little changes to my blog!

Here is my new signature!  This is fun! As you have probably already noticed, I try to improve my blog a little each week, so that it is prettier or more user friendly.  In addition to that, I try to only use advertising that is something I would click on or use myself.  My next two items on my improvement wishlist are a favicon (a little icon on my address bar) (I created my own favicon today aren't you impressed??!?!)  and a nice graphic for Thrifty Thursday.  If any of my readers out there have any suggestions, tips, or help, I am open for suggestions.  I want my blog to be enjoyable, readable, and nice to look at for you!

My Drug Store Picks

Well, the snow is melting a little here in NC.  I am not sure if I will be able to venture out to shop tomorrow or not, but if I can, here is what I will be looking for at the drug stores. 
I have $12 in ECB, $0 RR, and only $10 until payday on Tuesday!

CVS

Glade Products Spend $12 Get $4 ECBs Limit 1 (I may do this with the Sense and Spray $4 coupons)

Alteril Sleep Aid 4 ct. $1.99 Get $1.99 ECBs Limit 1

Listerine Antiseptic 500ml or Pocket Packs 72 ct. $3.99  Get $3 ECBs Limit 1  $1/1  12/6 RP

Nivea Body Wash $5.99 Get $5 ECBs Limit 1  $2/1  IP

Revlon Super Lustrious or Moon Drop Lip Stick $6.99 Get $5 ECBs Limit 3   $2/1 12/13 SS

ThermaCare Neck to Arm Wrap 1 ct. $2.49 Get $2.49 ECBs Limit 5

Riteaid-Nothing

I haven’t done very well with the Gift of Savings this time, and I haven’t had a lot of extra cash.  So nothing thrills me this week.

Walgreens-Nothing

I have no RR, and there is nothing I need this week.
Sorry for the short lists, but I plan on concentrating on my family, travel, and Christmas plans this week!

No Coupons This Week

I just wanted my readers to know to not buy extra papers tomorrow. There will be NO inserts this week! I won't be buying any! Next week, there will only be the P and G.

Snow Day!

I just have to say, what a perfect day!  Sometimes I am so glad that I live in the South with no snow removal equipment! It is snowing and freezing rain here, so the kids went home from school at 9:30. I am home safe now for a two week Christmas vacation!  Yipppeee!

Publix Deals 12/17-12/24

 Here is Meg from Frugal Fun and Fortune for the Publix deals this week! Click on over to her blog for the rest.

Barber Foods Stuffed Chicken Breasts (Assorted Varieties) BOGO $4.99

$1/1 printable coupon

$1/1 printable coupon

$1/1 store coupon from "Publix Winter Family Savings" booklet found in-store
*Stack (2) manufacturer coupons with (2) Publix store coupons to pay only $.50 each!

Buitoni Pasta (Fettucine, Linguine, or Angel Hair, 9 oz) BOGO $2.39
$1/1 from 10-4-09 SS

$1/1 peelie

*Use 2 coupons to pay only $.20 each!

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (spread or spray, assorted varieties and sizes) BOGO $2.99
$1/1 printable coupon

$.75/2, $.50/1, or $1/2 from 11-18-09 RP (depends on region)

*If your store doubles, use (2) $.50/1 coupons to pay only $.50 each! If your store does not double, use (2) $1/1 coupons for the same price!

Campbell's Gravy (10.25 or 10.75 oz cans) BOGO $1.19

$.35/1, $.40/2, $.50/3, $.50/4, or $1/4 from 11-8-09 SS (depends on region)

$1/4 printable coupon

*Best Deal: Buy 4, use the $1/4 coupon, and pay only $.35 each!

Mueller's Pasta - regular or 100% whole wheat (excluding lasagna or jumbo shells) BOGO $1.39

$1/2 from 11-15-09 SS

$.55/1 whole wheat printable coupon

*Best Deal: Use (2) $.55/1 coupons to pay only $.15 each!

Nabisco Crackers, Ritz Crackers, or Ritz Crackerfuls (5.5 to 10 oz box, Assorted Varieties) BOGO $3.79

$1/2 from 12-13-09 SS

$1/1 from 11-8-09 SS

$1/2 Nabisco calendar (home mailer)

$1/2 printable coupon

*Best Deal: Use (2) $1/1 coupons to pay only $.90 each!

***$10 Rebate when you buy 10 boxes HERE
***Keep The Jingle In Your Holidays rebate HERE

Christmas Challenge (Mission Accomplished)

I have checked my list twice and not only am I finished, everyone is on the nice list!
My Family

Mom- finished ($14)
Dad-finished ($40)
Sister-finished ($6) RR, rebate and prescription transfers
Brother-finished GC from My Points($0)                                            
BIL-finished ($12) ($10 off $10 Penney’s and $10 Old Navy)
Nephew #1 finished ($3) for a $70 CD player (used Swagbucks)
Nephew #2-finished ($25)
My total for my family so far is $100 on the dot!  !  I also sent my $100 toward debt off and have donated well over the $100 to charity by adopting a couple of students at school.

Hubby’s Family

Mom-Finished ($25) ($10 off at HT)
Dad-Finished ($38) (I got what he asked for!)
SIL and Boyfriend-finished($39) after rebate
Grandma and Boyfriend-($50) gift card, will get $10 back
Uncle-finished ($40) at Bass Pro Shop

I am finished with hubby’s family, and I am really excited for Christmas!

Gift Exchanges

I was able to pick up some lotion and body wash at Bath and Body Works for $5 each.  These went to my Secret Santa at school.

I spent around $35 on my teacher’s assistant and about $100 for hubby, shhhhh, don’t tell! 
So believe it or not, I am finished with my Christmas shopping!!!

Did I make the bugdet?!?!?  Well, if you recall, I wanted to spend only $600 including the debt reduction and charity.

If you leave out the charitiable donations and the gifts I bought for myself (I went a little overboard on Black Friday), I definitely made it.  Otherwise, I guess I went a little over!  I spent more on the little girls at school than I intended, but they have nothing, and I mean nothing.  This will hopefully be their best Christmas ever.  It was hard to stay within reason and budget for them.  For around $150, they will both get 3 outfits, 2 pairs of shoes, 1 pair of pj’s, and 3 toys to open.  I can’t complain one bit about that! 

How are you doing so far? Any great gift ideas?

Looking for a Delicious Christmas Breakfast Recipe? (Bargain Meal of the Week at Harris Teeter)

This week the biscuits are on sale everywhere, including Harris Teeter.  I decided to make a great breakfast Bargain Meal today.

Try some Monkey Bread! This is one of hubby’s favorites.  I made this one for a Christmas brunch at school this week.



Here is the fattening recipe:
1/2 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 big cans or 3 small cans of Pillsbury Grands Homestyle Biscuits
1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup of butter, melted
(you can add 1/2 cup of walnuts and/or raisins)
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a tube pan
2. Mix sugar and cinnamon in large ziploc bag. Separate dough and cut into fourths. Shake dough in bag to coat, and arrange in pan.
3. Mix brown sugar and butter, pour over biscuits.
4. Bake 28 to 32 minutes, until golden brown, and not doughy
5. Cool for 10 min, turn upside on serving plate, and serve warm.

This is a great recipe for brunches as well!

For more Bargain Meal ideas, check out $5 Dinners.

This recipe is also posted at Tasty Tuesday.