Saturday, February 28, 2015

Free or super cheap Taco Bell Products from Homeland


Homeland is having a sale right now, buy 5 participating Taco Bell Products and receive $3 off at checkout.

Taco Shells Original, 12 Count $.59 
Sauces Mild or Hot  $.59
TACO BELL Creamy Chipotle Sauce 8 Oz. $.89
Mild Salsa 16 Oz. $.89
Salsa Con Queso Mild or Medium $1.39 
15 Oz. or Dinner Kits Taco $1.39
Refried Beans $.39

Buy 5 Refried Beans $.39*5 = $1.95
Use the two $1.50/2 Coupon (Print you coupon here.)
Pay $0.00, no overage
Use one coupon, pay $.45 for 5 cans of refried beans
Mix or match.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Menu Madness Feb 15-21st



 

This use to be called "Menu Monday" but because I'm starting it technically on Sunday...it's just madness. 
 
I post the links to the original sites if you want to see the source and recipe. Just click on the item.

Here is your list that you should have on hand just in case you want to make it all on one day. It's so much easier to cook with what you have then to realize what you are out of.

If you have been keeping track of your spending, here is the grocery and expense list.

I've made a printable menu so you can download or print it. I've even made a spot for you to add your menu. I will post the recipes tomorrow. 

  • Sunday 
    Mcdonald's
    **I had games all day Saturday and Sunday**
  • Monday
    Lobster
    Crab Legs
    Rice Pilaf
  • Tuesday
    Steak Bites
    Baked Potatoes
    Mac & Cheese
  • Wednesday
    Pulled Pork Sandwiches - My husband's recipe...I'll try to steal it
    French Fries
  • Thursday
    Left Overs
  • Friday
    Chicken Enchiladas
    Spanish Rice
    Refried Beans
  • Saturday
    FFYS (Fend for yourself aka leftovers)

My menu this week cost me roughly $62.40, but remember we're having lobster and crab legs this week. Last time me and 2 kids went to Red Lobster for the same thing, it was $80. Yours will depend on the staples you have and the meat. Of course if you find better deals or coupons you can save more. Remember, I bought everything before, these are items I had on hand.

I hope this helps. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know.  

Remember at the end of the month we are going to see our total. We're working on saving money! :)






Rice Pilaf

I'll add a picture later. 
 

1 c rice
½ tsp pepper
1 c chopped onion
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp grated lemon grind or juice 

1 bay leaf
2 ½ c chicken broth 

2 oz angel hair or Vermicelli 
½ tsp salt

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, break the pasta into 1 inch pieces. Stir the pasta and rice into the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Gradually stir the broth into the pot. Add the bay leaf, lemon, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and fluff with a fork.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Shopping List for Feb 11 - 17th





How did you shopping list go last week? Did you save any money?

If you are new here, I bet you are wondering why I am giving you a shopping list with no menu. I am trying to get you a week ahead.  Usually when you make your menu, you make a list of what you want then go buy it. Well, some of the items may not be on sale. My goal is to let you buy what's on sale this week, then I'll have a menu off of what you already have.  If you do it this way, you buy what's on sale (save money), then I'll have a menu to go with you sale items (saves time). Saving time, money, and stress is Resolution 3 & 10.

Here is a printable shopping list of everything you will need for my menu next week. Plus I left a few extra spaces to add your additional items for snacks/breakfast/lunches.

Remember, some of the stuff I am using I bought on sale previously. If you follow my shopping list, you'll have the stock and save money too!

*I have added a bonus.*
I made an excel sheet with a list of prices and a place where you can add your prices too. Then you can see how much your menu actually cost each week. At the end of the month, see how much you spent and saved. :)

Mind you this will feed a family of 5. Some of the things on my list you should have or you can substitute for. Like garlic cloves, just use powder. 

If it has a coupon, I have included source. Even if you don't have time to clip coupons, this will still save you money.

If you haven't notice I missed this week for a menu..Sorry...

I also have the Homeland Care Books with $5 off purchase of $50.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Homeland
Pork Loin Roast $2.69
Lobster Tails $6.99
Snow Crab Legs $7.99 lb
Baking Potatoes $.65 lb

Buy 10 Save $2. You can mix or match
Hunts Tomatoes $.80 {Buy 3 use $.50/3 SS 1/18} =$1.40 for 3
Rosarita Refried Beans $.80 {Buy 3 use $.55/3 SS 1/18} =$1.30 for 3
Crunch N Munch $.80
Hunts Pasta Sauce X 2 $.80 each = $1.60

Country Crock $2.00 {Use $.50/1 RP 1/25} =$1.00
Kraft Mac & Cheese Cups 8 count $2.99
PF Changs Meals for 2 $5.99  {Use $1.00/1 SS 1/18} =$3.99
Post Cereal $2.50 {Buy 2 use Free Milk SS 1/18} =$5.00 for 2 cereals and gallon of milk

Non food:
Playtex Tampons $3.99 {Use $1.00/1 SS 2/8} =$1.99
That's a good price so I had to list it ^^^

Country Boy
Pork Roast $2.29 (Cheaper than Homeland)
Chuck Tenders $4.59 lb
Catfish Nuggets $1.79 lb

Firelake Grocery
Strawberries $1.50 lb
Wolf Chili $1.25
Pork Tenderloin 2.99 lb


My shopping list is going to cost roughly $65 depending on the size of meat I purchase. 

Even at $65, that's $260 a month and we're eating Lobster and Crab Legs next week. :D

I'll add Country Boys ad on Sunday if I see anything new.

Homeland match ups are complements of http://www.couponing4charity.com/

(Borrowed the picture from https://threebasicbees.files.wordpress.com)

Monday, February 9, 2015

Shopping List Feb 9th-10th





How did you shopping list go last week? Did you save any money?

If you are new here, I bet you are wondering why I am giving you a shopping list with no menu. I am trying to get you a week ahead.  Usually when you make your menu, you make a list of what you want then go buy it. Well, some of the items may not be on sale. My goal is to let you buy what's on sale this week, then I'll have a menu off of what you already have.  If you do it this way, you buy what's on sale (save money), then I'll have a menu to go with you sale items (saves time). Saving time, money, and stress is Resolution 3 & 10.

Here is a printable shopping list of everything you will need for my menu next week. Plus I left a few extra spaces to add your additional items for snacks/breakfast/lunches.

Remember, some of the stuff I am using I bought on sale previously. If you follow my shopping list, you'll have the stock and save money too!

*I have added a bonus.*
I made an excel sheet with a list of prices and a place where you can add your prices too. Then you can see how much your menu actually cost each week. At the end of the month, we will add it up and see how we are doing. I even added items I found on sale or at a cheaper price, since I went to Save-A-Lot and I rarely do. If you want to start fresh, start on Sunday when the month starts new. Then once or week, add what you bought in. At the end of the month, see how much you spent and saved. :)

Mind you this will feed a family of 5. Some of the things on my list you should have or you can substitute for. Like garlic cloves, just use powder. 

If it has a coupon, I have included source. Even if you don't have time to clip coupons, this will still save you money.

Because of the short notice, I am not listing everything and I will have a menu based on what we have already by tomorrow. Order pizza today. ;)
 
I also have the Homeland Care Books with $5 off purchase of $50.

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, please let me know. I will post my menu tomorrow for next week so you can see what you are buying for. 

Homeland match ups are complements of http://www.couponing4charity.com/

(Borrowed the picture from https://threebasicbees.files.wordpress.com)

Firelake Discount Foods Matchup Feb 4th - 10th




Firelake Discount Foods in Shawnee runs an ad about twice a month. Their regular ad usually starts on the Wednesday before the end of the month and ends on the 10th of the following month. Their other ad falls sometime in between. 

Firelake has a rewards card if you purchase the Shurfine items, you receive "Firelake points".  They can be used towards your next purchase. The down fall is you have to have your card. They can not look your phone number up. 

Firelake does except coupons but only clipped from a newspaper. They do not except printed coupons. They do not offer rain checks on sale items. 

Now, with all that said, here are the sale items starting Wednesday Feb 4th and ending Feb 10th.




Beef Shoulder Roast $3.99lb
 
Russet Potatoes $1.99 10lb
 
Folger's Coffee $5.99
 
Little Debbie Donuts $1.50
 
Chicken Breast Boneless Skinless $3.99 2.5 lb bag ($1.60 lb)
 
Armour Bacon $2.50 12oz
 
Pillsbury Cake Mix 99¢
 
Hiland Cottage Cheese 99¢ SS 1/25 40¢/1 = 59¢
 
Hiland Shredded Cheese $1.50 8oz
 
Stouffers Lasagna $9.99 RP 1/25 $1.50 = $8.49
 
Kraft Twin Pack Cheese $3.99
 
Clorox Bleach $1.69 64oz
 
If you are within 50 miles of Shawnee, you can price match the above items at Walmart. 

Happy Shopping!

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Homeland Match Ups Feb 4th - 10th




Homeland has a BOGO (Buy one get one) Free sale going on this week. Best thing is you don't have to buy 2 to get the price.

I only listed the items that are a good price or have a coupon with them from the last two weeks. So if you bought coupons on January 25th and February 1st, here are your deals. If you have been buying coupons longer, you can find more match ups at http://couponing4charity.com/. My match ups, for now, will only be for my new people.

Be sure to read my post, Baby steps to couponing, so you know what I'm talking about. 

Items at a good price without a coupon:
  • Best Choice Drinking Water 24 pk $1.29
  • Blue Bonnet Butter 69¢
  • Best Choice Eggs $1.29
  • Hiland Half Gallon Orange Juice $1.47
  • Chicken of Sea Tuna 64¢
  • Grands Jr Biscuits 84¢
Coupons out of Jan 25th Sunday paper
  • Farmland Sausage $1.25 - Use SS 1/25 75¢/1 DND = $.50
  • El Monterey Burritos $2.99 - Use SS 1/25 or print here $1/1 = $.99
  • Knorr Pasta Sides 77¢ (Buy 2) - Use RP 1/25 or add to your Homeland Card on their website under coupons 50¢/2 = $.54 for 2
Coupons out of Feb 1st Sunday paper
  • Oreos $2.99 (Buy 2) - Use SS 2/1 75¢/2 = $4.48: $2.24 each
  • Jergens Lotion $2.99 - Use SS 2/1 50¢/1 = $1.99
Coupons from different places:
  • Skippy Peanut Butter $2 (Buy 2) - Use Homeland Kiosk when you first walk in $1/2 = $3.00 for 2
  • Apples 3lbs for $2.50 - Will receive Savingstar reward of 50¢ = $2.00
  • Capri Sun (Buy 3) - Use Extra Savings Ad out front Homeland $1.50/3 = $1.74 each
  • Country Crock Butter $2.99 - Use Homeland Care Book (I sell) 50¢/1 DND = $2.49 
If you buy everything on this list, it will cost you $27.43 after you receive Savingstar reward. That's $1.37 item. Which will get better each time especially if you have more coupons.

 This list will update on Sunday when we receive our new paper. So check back.
Hope this helps.

Happy Shopping!

Crockpot Slop


This was on my menu for today. I've never tried it so I hope it turns out good. :)

Crockpot Slop

Put in crockpot in order..DO NOT STIR!!!!
1 LARGE CAN OF GREEN BEANS (do not drain)
8 cut up Russet Potatoes
2 Sliced Up Kielbasa Sausage
1 diced up onion
Put in enough water to cover the potatoes
Drop in 4 Chicken Buillion Cubes.
Salt and Pepper to taste!
Cook in Crockpot for 4-6 hours on High
Then Stir and Serve!!!

Baby steps how to coupon



This is just a baby step on how to coupon. I will keep adding items as we come across them. 

Please don't expect to be like the show "Extreme Coupon". Most the time it just doesn't work out like that. 

Also, don't think you have to have a huge stock pile in case of Zombie Apocalypse. It is very possible and easier than you think but it does requires several trips to the store a week. If you want to just save money and build up a stock for your family, I will teach you how. 

Always, ALways, ALWAYS use your reward card ex: Homeland, Firelake, CVS, or Walgreens. If you don't have one, sign up for one. Their free! You can use your Homeland at Shell stations and receive cheaper gas once you spend a certain amount or buy items that have special gas promotions. 

Sign up for Savingstar. Link all your reward cards when you sign up.
How it works:
You sign up, then add your reward cards. Right now, they have a "healthy" offer that changes every week. Go to Homeland and purchase a $1 worth of apples. Use your reward card. Then in a few days you will receive an email, your reward has posted. Now on Savingstar you have 20¢. Once you earn $5 you can have it deposited into your checking account or paypal. Each month they have a "Buy $$$ get $$$". 
Example:
Spend $15 on Pantene, get $5 back.{This is JUST an example}
Well CVS has Pantene on sale 2 for $6. You have a coupon for $2.00 on one item. You buy 2 Pantene's, because that's all that was left, and use 2 coupons (this is why you buy more than 1 paper). Your cost is $2.00 for both bottles. Then you go to Homeland and they have a Pantene for $3.99. (Make sure that's it's the Pantene that matches your savingstar) Use your coupon for $2.00 off and pay $1.99. 
So far you have spent out of your pocket $3.99. 
You have bought $15.99 worth of Pantene. 
In a few days, you have $5 posted on your Savingstar account. Once you withdraw that, you have "made" $1.01 for 3 bottles of Pantene.
Does it always work like that? No, but it's really close.
 
You can organize your coupons however is easier for you. A couple suggestions are:
   *Cut all coupons out each Sunday and organize them in a binder or filing system (great for little kids to do)
   *Keep a file of all inserts and only cut the coupons you need at that time

I have an expandable file that I bought at the dollar store. I keep all my inserts in there by week. Each week when I write down my match ups I pull each insert to cut the coupons. While looking through the inserts, if I see a coupon for something I might use, I go ahead and cut it. Homeland ALWAYS has something on clearance and if you have a coupon...extra cheap.
Example
  A couple of weeks ago they had a huge Pantene hairspray marked down for $2.41. I had a
  $2.00 off any Pantene Hair product. Made the hairspray 41¢. 
If I see something marked down and I don't have a coupon with me, I just make a note of it, go home and check for a coupon then come back the next day or two.

Here are a list of how some of the stores work with coupons. If you have any questions, please ask.

  • Firelake Grocery will only except newspaper or pre-printed coupons. 
  • Country Boy will double up to 50¢ and will not except printed coupons. 
  • Walgreens and CVS will take all manufacturer coupons. You can also add manufacturer/newspaper coupons with store coupons for extra savings.
  • Homeland will take almost any type of manufacturer coupon, printed or newspaper.
They also will double the first "like" coupon that is $1 or less. 
Example:
  • Angel Soft Toilet Paper sale price $1.00
You have a coupon for 45¢ off 1 package.
You buy 1 package with 1 coupon = $1.00 minus 90¢ (your coupon doubled) = 10¢ out of pocket (OOP)
You buy 2 packages with 2 coupons = $2.00 minus $1.35 (your first coupon doubled plus your second coupon) = 65¢ oop
  • Dove Shampoo sale price $3.99

You have a coupon for $2.00 off 1 item of Dove Shampoo.
You buy 1 package with 1 coupon = $3.99 minus $2.00 (your coupon does not double because it is over $1) = $1.99 out of pocket (OOP)



Now for the coupon lingo-
OOP = Out of pocket
SS 1/24 = Smart Source Newspaper Insert from January 24th
RP 1/24 = Redplum Newspaper Insert from January 24th






  • SS – can either mean Sunday Suppliment or Smartsource coupon insert from the Sunday paper.
  • RP – Redplum coupon insert from the Sunday paper
  • K – Kelloggs/Keebler insert from the Sunday paper
  • GM – General Mills
  • P&G (PG) –  Proctor & Gamble
  • UN- Unilever
  • BOGO or B1G1 – Buy One, Get One
  • WYB – When You Buy
  • NLA – No Longer Available
  • OYNO – On Your Next Order
  • DND – Do Not Double
  • YMMV – Your Milage May Vary ( deal will depend on your store)
  • OOP – Out Of Pocket
  • CRT – Cash Register Tape
  • FAR – Free After Rebate
  • MIR – Mail In Rebate
  • MFR – Manufacturer
  • RR – Register Rewards (Walgreens)
  • EB – ExtraCare Bucks (CVS)
  • - See more at: http://consumerqueen.com/saving-money-2/coupon-tips/lesson-5-learning-the-coupon-lingo#sthash.OLHVY4LU.dpuf
    K – Kelloggs/Keebler insert from the Sunday paper
    GM – General Mills
    P&G (PG) –  Proctor & Gamble
    BOGO or B1G1 – Buy One, Get One
    WYB – When You Buy
    DND – Do Not Double
    MIR – Mail In Rebate
    MFR – Manufacturer
    RR – Register Rewards (Walgreens)
    EB – ExtraCare Bucks (CVS)

    If you have any questions about the above, just ask. I don't mind answering any questions and if I don't have the answer, I will get it. 

    Happy Shopping!








  • SS – can either mean Sunday Suppliment or Smartsource coupon insert from the Sunday paper.
  • RP – Redplum coupon insert from the Sunday paper
  • K – Kelloggs/Keebler insert from the Sunday paper
  • GM – General Mills
  • P&G (PG) –  Proctor & Gamble
  • UN- Unilever
  • BOGO or B1G1 – Buy One, Get One
  • WYB – When You Buy
  • NLA – No Longer Available
  • OYNO – On Your Next Order
  • DND – Do Not Double
  • YMMV – Your Milage May Vary ( deal will depend on your store)
  • OOP – Out Of Pocket
  • CRT – Cash Register Tape
  • FAR – Free After Rebate
  • MIR – Mail In Rebate
  • MFR – Manufacturer
  • RR – Register Rewards (Walgreens)
  • EB – ExtraCare Bucks (CVS)
  • - See more at: http://consumerqueen.com/saving-money-2/coupon-tips/lesson-5-learning-the-coupon-lingo#sthash.OLHVY4LU.dpuf






  • SS – can either mean Sunday Suppliment or Smartsource coupon insert from the Sunday paper.
  • RP – Redplum coupon insert from the Sunday paper
  • K – Kelloggs/Keebler insert from the Sunday paper
  • GM – General Mills
  • P&G (PG) –  Proctor & Gamble
  • UN- Unilever
  • BOGO or B1G1 – Buy One, Get One
  • WYB – When You Buy
  • NLA – No Longer Available
  • OYNO – On Your Next Order
  • DND – Do Not Double
  • YMMV – Your Milage May Vary ( deal will depend on your store)
  • OOP – Out Of Pocket
  • CRT – Cash Register Tape
  • FAR – Free After Rebate
  • MIR – Mail In Rebate
  • MFR – Manufacturer
  • RR – Register Rewards (Walgreens)
  • EB – ExtraCare Bucks (CVS)
  • - See more at: http://consumerqueen.com/saving-money-2/coupon-tips/lesson-5-learning-the-coupon-lingo#sthash.OLHVY4LU.dpuf






  • SS – can either mean Sunday Suppliment or Smartsource coupon insert from the Sunday paper.
  • RP – Redplum coupon insert from the Sunday paper
  • K – Kelloggs/Keebler insert from the Sunday paper
  • GM – General Mills
  • P&G (PG) –  Proctor & Gamble
  • UN- Unilever
  • BOGO or B1G1 – Buy One, Get One
  • WYB – When You Buy
  • NLA – No Longer Available
  • OYNO – On Your Next Order
  • DND – Do Not Double
  • YMMV – Your Milage May Vary ( deal will depend on your store)
  • OOP – Out Of Pocket
  • CRT – Cash Register Tape
  • FAR – Free After Rebate
  • MIR – Mail In Rebate
  • MFR – Manufacturer
  • RR – Register Rewards (Walgreens)
  • EB – ExtraCare Bucks (CVS)
  • - See more at: http://consumerqueen.com/saving-money-2/coupon-tips/lesson-5-learning-the-coupon-lingo#sthash.OLHVY4LU.dpuf

    Monday, February 2, 2015

    Menu Madness Feb 1st - Feb 7th



     

    This use to be called "Menu Monday" but because I'm starting it technically on Sunday...it's just madness. 
     
    I post the links to the original sites if you want to see the source and recipe. Just click on the item.

    Here is your list that you should have on hand just in case you want to make it all on one day. It's so much easier to cook with what you have then to realize what you are out of.

    If you have been keeping track of your spending, here is the grocery and expense list. Yesterday being the first, this would been a great time to start for February. I have already posted a sales ad for Firelake that ends tomorrow.

    I've made a printable menu so you can download or print it. I've even made a spot for you to add your menu. I will post the recipes tomorrow. 

    • Sunday 
      I didn't make these last week plus it's Super Bowl Sunday so it works out
      Ribs
      Baked beans
      Potato salad or loaded potato
    • Monday
      FFYS (Fend for yourself aka leftovers)
    • Tuesday
      Coney Dogs
      Chips
    • Wednesday
      Crock Pot Slop - will post recipe
    • Thursday
      Chicken and Dumplings - Under my Recipe page
    • FridayOne Pot Tortellini & Sausage
    • Saturday
      FFYS (Fend for yourself aka leftovers)

    My menu this week cost me $29.16. Yours will depend on the staples you have and the meat. Of course if you find better deals or coupons you can save more. Remember, I bought everything before, these are items I had on hand.

    I hope this helps. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know.  

    Remember at the end of the month we are going to see our total. We're working on saving money! :)