What I Did to Save Money or Not Spend Money Today!

Now that my broken ribs are feeling better, I am starting my posts back up on what I did today to save money or not spend money, as promised! So today I:

1. Keeping lights off till dark.

2. I turned off the heat and opened the windows. It is 77 here today!

3. We like bigger breakfasts on the weekend and considered going to IHOP. But instead I made a nice ham and eggs breakfast here - at least $ 15.00 not spent.

4. Took my navy shower thereby saving on hot water.

5. Made my homemade dips for superbowl tomorrow rather than buy dips.

6. Washed a load of laundry in cold water and hung it to dry since off peak hours are all day today.

7. Totaled our spending for the month to make sure that our annual budget is on target.

8. I have been saving all my bread ends and stale bread in a bag in the freezer. It was full so I made bread crumbs today.

9. Worked an hour on a Christmas present for 2009 that I am making.

10. Double checked my menu for my Superbowl party tomorrow to make sure that I had everything. I am so thrilled with how cheaply I am able to give this party because of couponing and refunding.

11. Called a friend in NY using my free weekend minutes on my cellphone.

12. Used my gasoline points on my Fry's card to fill the van up saving $ .10 a gallon.

13. Made out and mailed some January Rebates.

Babies R Us and Safeway!

I just love finding great buys on clothes for my grandaughter! I stopped in at Babies R Us this morning and got these cute onsies, jeans, and skirt for a grand total of $ 39.36! I was thrilled that they were having a 30% extra off clearance prices sale!

While I was out I stopped at Safeway and got:

4 - 12 packs of Coke Zero - $ 7.99 with Safeway coupon - Used (2) $ 1. off wyb 1 Coke Zero and 1 other Coke product Mfrs. Cpns (Thank you Leanne for the coupons) = $ 5.99

Total Out of Pocket was $ 5.99!

My monthly rollover budget was $ 8.13 minus the $ 5.99 I spent today leaves $ 2.14 for the rest of the month!

Hallelujah! The taxes are in the mail!

I have spent the last two days doing the Federal and State Income taxes. I swear they get more complicated every year. You have no idea how frustrated I was waiting on hold for over an hour this morning to ask a question of the IRS. When I finally got to speak to someone, they answered my question and I was able to write the checks for what we owed and get them all in the mail. I know, why would I mail them so early when they aren't due till April? Because the little bit of interest you earn today on bank accounts wasn't worth the aggravation of keeping track of when to mail them! They are done, gone and I don't have to think about them again for a year! Hallelujah!

So then I was able to get out this afternoon and do a little shopping. With the exception of the Mega Deal being continued at Fry's which I will do next week, there weren't too many deals.

This is what I purchased today:

Albertsons:

1 Bag of Chex Mix - $1.00 - Used $ .50/1 Mfrs. Cpn = Free

Total Out of Pocket was $ .00!

Fresh and Easy:

1- 4 lb. 11 oz. Grill Mix Package( 4 hamburgers, 4 Italian Sausage, 8 pieces of citrus and cilantro marinated chicken) - on sale for $ 5.99 ( about $ 1.28 a lb.)

2 Ears of Corn on the Cob - Reduced for quick sale - $ 1.35

2 jars of Salsa - $ .99 each = $ 1.98

Total Out of Pocket was $ 9.32.

My monthly rollover budget was $ 17.45 minus the $ 9.32 I spent today leaves $ 8.13 for the rest of the month!

This Week's Menu!

Thursday: Pigs in a Blanket, Baked Beans, Broccoli

Friday: Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday: Grilled Sirloin Steak, Baked Potatoes, Corn

Superbowl Sunday Party (GO CARDINALS!!): Velvetta Dip and Tortilla Chips, Velvetta Mac and Cheese, Popcorn, Chips and Dip, Cheese and Crackers, Asst. Sausages, DH's Homemade All Meat Chili served on Rice, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Samuel Adams Beer, Asst Wines, Asst. Cocktails

Monday: Leftover Chili on Rice

Tuesday: Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Wednesday: Leftovers

Albertsons and Fry's!

I was off early this morning to the bank to deposit some checks and then to Albertsons and Frys. A little birdie told me that the Cool Whip in the can was $ 1.00 each. My store had them for $2.00. When I questioned it, they told me I was incorrect. I didn't argue because there is always another deal. However can someone explain to me if they were wrong and where you saw that $ 1.00 price. Here is what I purchased today:


Albertsons:


6 cans of Cool Whip - $ 2.00 each - Used $ .50/1 Mfrs. cpns dbled = $ 1.00 each

6 Trident Xtra Gum - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .75/1 Mfrs. cpns dbled = Free


Total Out of Pocket was $ 6.00!



Frys:


2 cans of Hormel Turkey Chili - $ 1.00 each - used $ .55/2 Mfrs. Cpns Dbled = $ .50 a can

3 Franks Red Hot Sauce - $ 1.50 each - Used $ .35/1 Mfrs. Cpns Dbled = $ .80 each

2 Kraft Singles - $ 1.50 each - Used $ .75/1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .75 each

7 cans of Rotel Tomatoes and Chiles - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .30/1 Mfrs. cpns Dbled = $ .40 each

3 Frenchs Mustard - $ 1.50 each - Used $ .50/1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .50 each

2 boxes of Kleenex- $ 1.25 each -Used $ .40/1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .45 each


Received (2) $ 5.00 Instant Rebates for Mega Deals


Total Out of Pocket was $ .71 including $ .16 tax!


My monthly rollover budget was $ 23.61 minus the $ 6.16 I spent today leaves $ 17.45 for the rest of the month!

The Winner of the Jeff Foxworthy DVD is........

The winner is: silverhartgirl! Congratulations!

She didn't leave a note on the blog BUT she did sign up to follow during the period so to be fair she was included. She has until 6 PM MT to leave me her e-mail in a comment to this post and claim the DVD!

Sunday at CVS and Walgreens!

What a morning of shopping at CVS and Walgreens! I am tired already and it is only 11:16am. I think I now have enough snacks and soda for the Superbowl Party between this week and last! This is what I purchased:

CVS Store #1:

5 Bags of Indiana Movie Theater Popcorn - on sale B1G1F(they only had 5 so she charged me 1/2 price for the 5th) -Used $ .50/1 IP Cpns = $ 1.19 for each 2 bags

4 Newspapers - $ 2.00 each

Used $ 10.00 in ECB's

Total was $ .98 which I paid with a Free CVS Prescription Giftcard so nothing OOP!

CVS Store # 2:

2 Bags of Stacys Pita Chips - $ 3.00 each - Used $ 1.50/1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ 1.50 each

7 Bags of Lays Potato Chips - $ 2.00 each = $ 14.00 and I received $10.00 in ECBS for buying $20. in Lays and Stacys- this is a new deal this week.

1 Gillette Shampoo - $ 4.99 - Used $ 2./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 2.99 and I received a $ 3.00 ECB

10 Bags of Indiana Popcorn - on sale B1G1F - Used $ .50/1 IP cpns - $ 1.19 for each 2 bags

Used $ 15.00 in ECBS

Total was $10.94 of which I paid $ 9.02 using a Free CVS Giftcard so OOP was $ 1.92 and I received $ 13.00 in ECB's!

CVS Store # 3:

4 Bags of Indiana Popcorn - on sale B1G1F - Used $ .50/1 IP cpns

Total out of pocket was $ 2.38!

Walgreens:

2 - 2 ltr. Diet A&W Beer - on sale 3 for $ 4.00

1- Canada Dry Diet Ginger Ale -on sale 3 for $ 4.00 and I received a $ 4.00 RR for buying this and the A & W

2 Listerine on sale for $ 4.50 each - used $2.00/1 IP cpns = $ 2.50 each and I received a $ 4.50 RR for buying 2

2 - 20 sq. ft. Reynolds Foil with in Ad cpn .89 each - used $ 1.00 /1 Mfrs. cpn on each = Free

Total was $ 10.07 which was paid with ESR Giftcard so nothing OOP and I received $ 6.50 in RR's!

My monthly rollover budget was $ 27.91 minus the $ 4.30 I spent today leaves $ 23.61 left for the rest of the month!

Saving On Postage Costs!

My DIL is giving me her BTFE today because she needs postage. I trade hers along with mine with a regular trader for stamps. This is the most economical way I know of to get stamps cheaply. We each have our ways of using less and less stamps each year and that got me to thinking about those ways. If you don't have someone to trade for these on a regular basis, here are other ways to save on postage costs:

1. Pay your bills through online banking.

2. Pay your bills through automatic deductions from your checking account.

3. Buy rolls of 100 stamps at a discount at Costco. Although I wouldn't buy a membership just to save on stamps; it would not be cost effective.

4. Use those Free with prescription Giftcards to buy stamps.

5. Use your Walgreens ESR Giftcard to buy them.

6. Buy discounted old stamps on E-Bay, Craigslist or from a collector.

7. Some supermarkets at Christmas time discount postage. It is a good time to stock up.

8. Buy Forever stamps so when prices go up, your cost doesn't.

9. Buy discounted drugstore or supermarket Giftcards on Ebay or Craiglists and use them to buy stamps.

10. Earmark your Ebates check to buy stamps.

11. Use those My Points or other points programs to get giftcards to buy postage stamps.

12. Sign up for a Free Trial at Stamps.com where you can usually get some free postage during that trial, nut make sure to cancel during that trial period before they start billing you.

13. There are many dealers online where you can buy discount postage. Just google for them.

14. If you pay off your credit card in full every month, sign up for a credit card that gives you a percentage back and charge those postage stamps.


These are all of the ways that I can think of to save on your postage costs. If you know of other ways, please leave a comment and share your tips with others!

My Order Came! WooHoo!

My Hickory Farms order just arrived and I am thrilled. I opened one of the boxes of Sugar Free Petit Fours so DH could test one :-) I can't believe I got all of this for $ 27.79 + shipping and will get back $ 1.11 from Ebates . What is realy nice is the expiration dates on most of the meats and cheeses is 10/09 and 11/09, so I don't even have to freeze them!

Walgreens and Bashas

I needed a change of scenery, so ventured out very quickly to Walgreens and Bashas this morning. Keeping DH in salsa is quite a chore around here. But since it is so healthy, I don't mind. This was a good deal on the Pace Salsa especially since the jars had 25% more in them. This is what I purchased:


Walgreens:


2 pkgs. of Mauna Loa Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts - $ 2.00 each - Used $3./2 ESR Coupon = $ .50 each


Total was $ 1.00 which I paid with my Walgreens ESR Giftcard so nothing OOP!


Bashas:

4 - 30 oz. Pace Chunky Salsa - $ 2.99 each - Used $ .50/1 Mfrs. Cpns Dbled


Total Out of Pocket was $ 9.96!


My monthly rollover budget was $ 37.87 minus the $ 9.96 I spent today leaves $ $ 27.91 left for the rest of the month!

French Dip Sandwiches!

AJ, whose wonderful blog is here: Coupon Girl Learns to Juggle asked me to post the recipe for the French Dip Sandwich that is on my menu in the post below. I am more than happy to oblige with my subsitutions.


French Dip Roast Beef for Sandwiches:


1 sliced onion
1 roast beef- 2-3 lbs.
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups of beef broth ( enough to cover roast in crockpot)
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 tsp. onion powder

Put onion and beef in crockpot. Dissolve beef cubes and onion powder in beef broth. Pour that and the wine over roast. Cook covered on high for 6-7 hours. You could use a package of au jus mix instead of the bouillon cubes and onion powder if you have it. I didn't so took the frugal way of substitution. You can use any roast beef - bottom or top round or rib eye like I did. Slice the meat thin and serve on French rolls like I did or buns, hoagies, etc. Put the juice in a bowl for dipping. Ours was delicious tonight!

This Week's Menu & Some Questions

Thursday: French Dip Sandwiches, Fruit cocktail

Friday: Leftover French Dip Sandwiches from Thursday, Applesauce

Saturday: Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Pickles and Chips

Sunday: Black Bean and Spanish Rice Skillet

Monday: Meatless Spaghetti, Homemade Garlic Toast

Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Pork Chops, Applesauce and Roasted Potatoes

The picture is the French Dip Roast Beef in my crockpot. My DIL sent me the recipe a few days ago because she knows how much I love this. So this morning I decided to try it out. The recipe called for 2 items that I did not have. One was a bottom round beef roast and the other was an Au Jus packet mix. So I have made my own substitutions. I had a boneless ribeye roast in the freezer so I am using that which will make for much tender meat. And I made my au jus mix from beef bouillon and onion powder.

Now for the Questions:

Some of the people who frequent my blog have asked me to start my series up again on " How I Saved Money Today". They say it keeps them motivated and on track with their saving of money. I am more than willing to do this if people are interested. Would you like me to continue this daily? If so, leave me a comment and if enough people are interested I will start the series back up when I am feeling better.

Safeway & Fry's!

Well, I had to go to my dentist appointment this morning so on the way home I had DH stop with me at Safeway and Fry's. I was hoping that Safeway would have some of the cheese blinkies for the Kraft cheese for the sale at Fry's but no such luck! But here is what I purchased:


Safeway:


1 can Progresso Light Soup - $ 2.89 - Used Free Coupon = Free

1 box of Kleenex Anti Viral Kleenex - $ 1.67 - Used Free Coupon = Free


Total was just tax was $ .14



Fry's:


1 Fry's Hamburg Buns - $ 1.50 ( Bought the wrong ones- Kroger are $ .88!)

3 Kleenex Anti Viral - $ 1.25 each - Used $ .40/1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .45 each

1 Philadelphia Cream Cheese - $ 1.25 - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ .25

2 - 4 packs of Cottonelle Toilet Paper - $ .99 each - used $ .50/1 IP cpns = Free

3 Frank's Hot Sauce - $ 1.50 each - Used $ .35/1 = $ .80 each

3 - 16oz. Daisy Sour Cream - $ 1.50 each - Used $ .50/1 IP cpns = $ .50 each


Received $ 5.00 Instant Rebate for Buying 10 Mega Deal Products


Total Out of Pocket was $2.54 including $ .54 tax!


My monthly rollover budget was $ 40.55 minus the $ 2.68 I spent today leaves $ 37.87 for the rest of the month!

Thank You All for the Award!

I received this nice Lemonade award from Debtfreemommy whose blog is here:

http://www.debtfreegroceryhound.com/ AND Abigail's Mommy whose blog is here:

http://abigails-mommy.blogspot.com/ AND Frugalsuz whose blog is here:

Frugalsuz

Please take some time to read their wonderful blogs! I do everyday!

I want to Thank Each of them so much for nominating me. But I hope they will all understand that I am so doped up from the pain meds the Doctor gave me yesterday that I am just not up to continuing it on and nominating 10 people. I seem to be sleeping all the time. I hope you will forgive me for not continuing it on right now. But I did want to make sure that everyone saw your wonderful blogs!

I LOVE CVS!

Well, the painful ribs got the better of me, so I went to the Dr's. this afternoon. Diagnosis: a couple of cracked ribs. I have to take it easy for 6-8 weeks plus he gave me some drugs. On the way home I stopped at CVS to fill them where I got a $10. Giftcard for doing that. I also did a separate order. Here is what I purchased:


3- 12 packs of Diet Pepsi - $3.00 each

2 - 2 ltr. bottles of Diet Pepsi - $ 1.25 each

3 bags of Lays Potato Chips - $ 3.00 each - Used (2) $ 1./1 IP coupons = $ 7.00 for all and I received $10.00 in ECB's for purchasing $20. in Pepsi Products plus I will send for the $15.00 Coupon Rebate

15 Hallmark Greeting Cards - $ .99 each = $ 14.85 and I received $ 15.00 in ECB's( Loved this because it stocked me for the year!)

I JuJu Valentine Heart Candies - $ .99

Used $ 7.99 in ECB's


Total was $ 26.90 of which I paid $ 23.34 on a Free Giftcard so my OOP was $ 3.56 and I received $ 25.00 in ECB's and will send for the Pepsi $15. Coupon Rebate!

My rollover monthly grocery budget was $ 70.79 minus the $26.68 I spent on the Hickory Farms food order minus the $ 3.56 I spent today leaves $ 40.55 for the rest of the month!

It's All About Your Choices!

I had so many nice comments about the early retirement series when I wrote it. I also had some e-mails from others suggesting that we must have made a rich salary all those years to be able to retire early and that on their salaries, they could not do it. First let me assure you that we only had a middle income salary during our working years. I think the first year we were marrried we made $ 2600. for the year. That was back in 1967. For 6 years in the 1980's and 1990's we made a 6 figure income because I was working fulltime but we never spent the money that I earned on anything but private high school and college expenses for our sons. The majority of the working years, DH was the only one who worked and we made a middle income salary.

For some reason, people think it was easy for us to save for retirement and they could never do it. We have friends who made as much as we did over those years who will never be able to retire because they can't afford it. Why you ask? The answer is the poor choices they made!

Yes, it is about choices! The choices you make day after day! We retired early because of the choices we made. Was it easy? No! Do we regret the choices we made? Absolutely not!

So lets talk about those choices! I think the easiest way to do that is to compare what we did to what friends of ours who will never be able to retire did!

Our friends saved or invested their money whenever they had money left at the end of the month. We saved a percentage of our salary at the beginning of the month before the bills were paid. By taking 10% or 20% or whatever you want to save and putting it away before you pay bills, you build a nest egg. Our friends rarely had any money to save or invest at the end of the month because they spent it all. And to this day, they can't tell you on what! Our money earned more money while theirs got spent on ?

When we got married, DH had an AAS degree in Electrical Technology. Over the next few years, he got a a BS in Engineering and a Masters Degree. Was it easy? No! We paid a lot of money for tuition, books and transportation costs. He did it while we had 2 babies so that he could better himself in his job to provide for our family. He worked hard days and went to college nights. Our friend had a BS Degree but never went on for a graduate degree.

DH changed jobs twice in the early couple of years and then stuck with his last job for 37 years working hard and being promoted . Our friend's DH switched jobs every couple of years because he hated the job he had. Our friend was never satisfied with working the job he had. He always felt there was something better down the road. He always complained about his job and was never happy. DH never complained although I know there were many times he could have. He always left work at the office when he came home. To this day I admire him for that. Our friend complained to everyone about how awful his job was. He was never satisfied and kept moving on. The costs to them everytime they had to relocate were phenomenal. Closing costs and moving costs ate up whatever salary increase he got and they just fell farther behind each time he got restless. I could understand it if he was getting 50% -75% increase in salary when he switched jobs, but he never did.

We have purchased 3 homes over the years. The first one was a small raised ranch that quickly became too crowded when we had the 2 boys. So we bought a home a little bigger. The third one was our retirement home which we downsized since there was only the 2 of us after the boys were on their own. Our friends bought 5 homes in the first 10 years they were married always upgrading to a bigger one. They then bought 2 more. We paid every one of our mortgages off years early and our retirement home was paid for in cash before we moved here. They made their mortgage payments every month figuring they made out on the tax deduction. What a myth that is! They paid $12,000. a year, year after year after year paying 8% interest ( for example) on a $100,000 home. They were in a 25% tax bracket and they thought they were making money because of the tax deduction. How misguided is that? The last two homes they bought before the one they are in now, they lost to foreclosure 12 years apart. They own a condo now only because of an inheritance they received recently and were able to pay cash. Without the inheritance, they would still be paying rent because they could not get credit.

Our friends traded their cars in every 2-3 years and bought new ones. They never looked at how much their cars were really costing them but at how much payment they could afford a month. They would spend much more for their cars than we would as long as they could or thought they could afford that payment. I don't think they ever knew what it was like to not have a car payment until they went bankrupt and had to save for a junker. DH and I kept our new cars for 7-10 years basically running them into the ground before we would purchase a new one. When we retired we donated one car and have only had one car since. No one needs more than one car in retirement. It would be a waste to have two with insurance costs, registration and plates, wear and tear, etc. The only time DH and I might need a car is if ours breaks and will be tied up being repaired for a week. It is cheaper to rent a car for a week than to pay on one all year long. I would much rather invest the other 51 weeks costs.

We looked at the opportunity cost of buying something. They looked at what can we buy today. Hence they spent money on meals out, morning coffees, movies every week, purchased lunches at work, drinks after work, vacations 6 or 7 times a year even if they were mini ones, etc. They bought excessive new clothes, purses, handbags etc. We would eat dinner out occasionally, rarely buy coffee out, go to a movie every 6-8 weeks, bring lunches to work and only eat out on payday once every 2 weeks, never do drinks after work, and only vacation once a year if that. Our sons went on plenty of vacations with their private school and were happy to be in our pool during the summers with their friends. They were involved in many different sports and other activities. They were never bored! Our friends always had to buy their kids the latest fashions and the latest toys because the kids would beg for them or say they were bored. They never taught their kids the value of money or any discipline. My sons didn't get everything they asked for. They knew the money we earned was our money not theirs. Their kids never worked. Ours had paper routes from the time they were old enough and part time jobs in high school and college. We looked at what those extra movies, lunches out etc. would cost us over a year period. If it is was $ 1,000. a year, we knew that we had the opportunity to earn 6-8% a year on that money, year after year after year and if we spent it, that opportunity was gone.

I would visit my friend almost every week and she would show me the excessive clothes, shoes and accessories she would buy. She had closets full of clothes with the tags still on them. I have no idea why she was collecting them or who she was trying to impress. It certainly wasn't me. She would have an annual garage sale and put those clothes out to sell for pennies. Whatever she had leftover after the sale, she would throw out. I used to add up in my head how much money she wasted. The saddest thing about this is they were all bought on credit which she was making minimum payments on and paying exhorbitant interest to garage sale those items. Of course she got rid of the credit card debt through the bankruptcies twice.

They wasted food daily. They never ever ate leftovers. They would just throw them out. I used to cringe watching that perfectly good food go into the garbage or disposal.

We went out to dinner with them once in a while and their children would order the most expensive items on the menu. Then they would proceed to pick at their food and leave most of it. If my sons had done that, I would have left them home. Their kids weren't taught the first thing about money. No wasn't a word in that household!

They used credit cards to buy almost everything. They would put their property and school taxes on credit cards. Why you ask? Because it would have never occurred to them to save money ahead for any expense, let alone their taxes. They always lived above their means. If they made $50,000. a year they spent $70,000. putting the excess on their credit cards. They paid for clothes, dinners out, movies, groceries, just about everything with credit cards.

They needed the latest designer clothes, gadget or whatever was popular at the moment. We would buy classic quality clothes and shoes that would last for years. I used my appliances. Theirs sat in closets!

Over the years I saw the waste and would make comments to her when she would complain about their lack of money but it was like talking to a brick wall. In one ear and out the other!

We retired with a nest egg that has us well set for life. They can't afford to retire and when and if they do, they will not live very well. She keeps telling me how lucky we are that we could retire early. That comment really ticks me off! She still doesn't get it! It had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with being disciplined with our money! We knew that no one would take care of us in retirement but us! They are learning that but it is a little late now!

Also their lack of discipline with money has rubbed off on their children. One is doing okay since he has never married and only has himself to pay for. The other one has moved back home with her children for Mommy and Daddy to take care of. When she was married, they were always asking Mom and Dad for money and they always gave it to them. They still don't know how to say no to their children. My children have never asked me for money. They know that our money is our money. If we want to give them a gift that is our choice and they know it.

There is a lot more that I could write on this subject but I will leave that for another day! I think you get the idea! We didn't get to where we are today through luck or money falling out of the sky. It took years of discipline and making the right choices!

If you haven't made the right choices in your life, it is never to late to start! I see so many of my blogger friends paying off their credit cards and their debt and I applaud all of them! Their futures will be so much richer for it.

Chicken in Wine Sauce

I changed my menu around a little bit to accommodate my broken ribs. I decided to make our favorite chicken in wine sauce today and make enough for tomorrow night as a leftover night. It's comfort food and that makes me feel better!


I have been making this dish since we were married in 1967. My family loves it including my sons and DIL's. The flavor is just outstanding. I can't think of another recipe that has withstood the test of time like this one has in our household. So here is the recipe:


Chicken in Wine Sauce:


1/4 cup butter or margarine
4 boneless chicken breasts chunked or diced
1 medium onion sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. Flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 cup hot water
10 new potatoes or just cut up any fresh potatoes into chunks ( about 1 potato per serving)
1/4 cup red wine ( I like merlot but any red wine will do - the alcohol burns off after cooking for a few minutes after adding it)
Snipped parsley


Saute chicken until brown on all sides. Heap them over to the side of the pan and saute the onion and garlic in butter. Add more butter if you need it.

Meanwhile combine the flour, salt and pepper. Set aside. Slowly stir the bouillon cube into the hot water till dissolved. Add the flour, salt and pepper to the chicken bouillon water and stir till mostly dissolved. HINT: I always make double or triple the chicken bouillon water and flour, salt and pepper mixture because we love the gravy it makes and I like the potatoes, onions and chicken covered in the pan while it is simmering. Pour the chicken bouillon mixture over the chicken and onions in the pan and add the potatoes. Simmer on about medium heat or low heat depending on what your stove just boils at for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Then stir in the red wine and simmer for a minute longer. Garnish with snipped parsley and serve. This makes 4 servings! I use my chicken fryer for this but any large frypan or stockpot would work.

Not Much Stops Me From Shopping!

Last night I fell when I tripped over the leaf blower in the garage and cracked a couple of ribs! I woke up with my side hurting this morning and it hurts to take a deep breath. In my younger years I broke 3 ribs so believe me I know what it feels like. All they do is X-ray you, give you pain pills and send you home to heal. So I decided I would just take it easy this week and write some posts on frugality and just let it mend. That was until I saw the Smartsource in our home delivered paper and decided I needed more. So off to CVS I went and here is what I purchased:


CVS:


6 Newspapers - $ 2.00 = $ 12.00

1 - 64oz Tropicana OJ- $ 4.39 ( YIKES! But I was desperate!)

1 - GE Dry Roasted Peanuts - $ 3.33

1 Box of Dum Dum Candy Canes - on clearance at 90% off = $ .35

2 Boxes of Hallmark Christmas Cards at 90% off = 1 for $ .99 and 1 for $ 1.39

2 St. Ives Body Wash - $ 2.99 each - Used $ 2./1 IP Cpns = $ .99 each

2 Excedrin Migraine - $ 1.99 each - Used $ 2./1 IP Cpns = Free

Used $ 4./20. CVS Cpn

Used $ 15.50 in ECB's

Total was $ 4.93 which I paid for with a CVS Giftcard that I got free with a prescription so nothing out of pocket!

RUN! HICKORY FARMS!

For those of you who can use cheese and sausages over the next few months, Hickory Farms has 85% off their gift baskets, etc. right now on their site. Go to Hickory Farms through Ebates here: Ebates and get an additional 4% cashback from Ebates and then use code 833551 for an additional 15% off your order! The additional 15% did not show up until my confirmation e-mail but I did get it! You do have to pay shipping and handling.

I got $ 199.00 worth of cheese and sausages for $ 27.79+ shipping and will get an additional $ 1.11 back from Ebates . These keep wonderfully in the refrigerator or freezer and will give me enough for at least 6 months if not a year! I love these after Christmas deals on food!

This Week's Menu Plan!

Since I was away on vacation I am a little late posting this. I will be going back to Thursday night so that I can get back on my regular menu schedule.

Thursday: Dinner out on Vacation

Friday: Roast Beef Sandwiches, Fruit Cups

Saturday: Dinner out with Family

Sunday: Pork Chops with Apples and Onions, Brown Rice, Green Beans

Monday: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Homemade Garlic Bread

Tuesday: Leftover Night

Wednesday: Chicken in Wine Sauce, Broccoli

Our Mini Vacation in Las Vegas!

DH and I flew midday on Monday to Las Vegas and arrived home about 10pm last night. We met up with my sister, brother-in-law and nephew, who flew in from New York the night before and stayed at their timeshare at the Marriott Grand Chateau directly across the street from Planet Hollywood. We had a wonderful visit with them and wore ourselves out gambling, eating and sightseeing. The backs of my legs hurt from all the walking we did.

The two top pictures were taken from the rooftop(up 38 floors) one evening. The views from up there were incredible. In the first one you will see Planet Hollywood and the second picture is New York, New York and the one that looks like a castle is the Excalibur. The next two pictures- on the left is the Luxor and on the right is "Old Town Las Vegas" or Fremont Street. The last picture on the bottom is in front of New York, New York.

I only get to see my sister usually every couple of years so since they were going to be so close this was the perfect opportunity. We thank them for being so gracious as to let us stay with them in their very nice 2 bedroom, living room, dining room and full kitchen timeshare.

DH and I planned this trip to see them as a belated Christmas present for ourselves. Being an accountant, I kept track of very penny we spent on this trip and I will share that with you.

We had planned on driving to Las Vegas but decided 2 weeks before our trip that we didn't want to chance having snow in northern Arizona. So I was lucky enough to be able to get US Airways tickets round trip for $ 268.00 for the two of us. The Park N Ride was $33.00 including shuttle driver tips.

When we arrived on Monday afternoon, we grabbed a taxi cab to the Grand Chateau for a cost of $20.00. That evening we went over to Planet Hollywood and did a little gambling and then ate dinner at a nice sports grill called Blondies. Dinner for the 2 of us was $51.00. Then we all walked down to CVS to score some cheap snacks with the $3.00 CVS any product coupons for a total of $2.17. On the way back, we stopped at the Bellagio and watched the water show which was just spectacular.

After a much needed good nights sleep, we took the Grand Chateau Shuttle in the morning to Albertsons to pick up some groceries so that we could eat breakfasts in the room and have some beverages on hand. Our grocery bill came to $ 38.92. We also hit the CVS there for more snacks after coupon and a newspaper for DH totaling $ 1.73. We paid the shuttle driver a $ 2.00 tip. When we got back, I made all 5 of us Egg McMuffins on Grand Biscuits. Then we headed back out to the Coke store and the M&M store. The M&M store was the best with 4 floors of everything M&M. Of course I had to pick up a little present for my grandaughter that was only $ 5.45. Then we went to Mandalay Bay to see the inside and outside and do a little more gambling. We stopped at the Deli inside and enjoyed a soda and fries for a cost of $ 8.00 and just sat and chatted for a while. We were so thirsty all of the time because the casinos pump oxygen in to make you buy drinks. The oxygen dries you out. We took the tram in the afternoon between Mandalay Bay, the Luxor and The Excalibur Hotels. We did some more gambling and lots of sightseeing. We finally made our way back to the Border Grille for dinner where we each had fabulous Mexican food for dinner. I certainly enjoyed my Margarita! Cost for dinner and beverages for the two of us was $85.00. My body was just worn out after the long day and I insisted that we get a taxi outside of the hotel to go back to our hotel, so I paid the $ 15.00 for that. I just couldn't take another step!

On Wednesday morning, we had a very leisurely breakfast and then went over to Planet Hollywood again. After playing a few slot machines, we picked up lunch at the Earl of Sandwich there and brought it back to the hotel to eat- cost: $ 11.15. About 3 PM we caught the transit bus buying day passes for the two of us for a cost of $14.00 to make our way down to Fremont Street which is where all the older casinos are like Binions, the 4 Queens and the Golden Nugget. I loved this part of town. The casinos are so close together and so not as much walking as on Las Vegas Blvd. where all the newer, bigger casinos were. We did slots again at 4 Queens and a few others and DH played blackjack for a while.

We had planned on paying for dinner for the five of us that evening as a Thank You to my sister and BIL. However we did not tell them because we wanted to surprise them. My nephew spotted a Prime Rib Special at Magnolia's in the 4 Queens and he was very insistent on eating there. I tried to talk my BIL out of it telling him that DH didn't want Prime Rib. We were hoping to take them to some place a little nicer for dinner. But he said they had plenty of other food that DH could pick from and even went and found B1G1F coupons. Since they were so insistent, we ate there. It turned out to be an excellent prime rib dinner as I can attest to since I ordered that. DH had his chicken sandwich and fries and even with beers and sodas, after getting 2 dinners Free and 1 at 50% off, it only cost us $ 53.44 for dinner for the five of us. After dinner we continued to enjoy the Fremont Experience and stayed to watch the laser light show.

Yesterday, we got up early and after breakfast, we caught the bus to the Venetian. Ever since this hotel was built, I have wanted to take a private gondola ride on the canal in the hotel with DH. We did that and the picture I posted last night was taken by DH while we were having our ride. It was very romantic with the gondolier serenading us with Love Songs with her beautiful voice. They took our picture and after the ride we went in and picked out the one we wanted so we have a souvenir of this experience. The private gondola ride cost us $64.00 and the photograph was $ 23.65. Afterward we all ate lunch at the Rialto in the Venetian which cost us $ 25.97. We then took the bus back to Planet Hollywood for a while and then back to the hotel where we said goodbye to our family and took a taxi which the valet hailed for us- tip: $2.00. The taxi to the airport was $ 20.00. Our plane ended up being delayed and knowing that we would not get home until after 10pm, we shared some nachos and 2 beers at the airport for a total cost of $24.64.

DH and I are not big gamblers. This is the first time in all of our years that we have gambled in a casino. We have casinos all over Phoenix that we can go to at any time and don't. We both did a few dollars at each of the casinos we visited at the slot machines and DH loves blackjack so he played at that table for a while. After adding up what we spent and what we won, we came out ahead in the amount of $ 28.20! I also have a $5.00 bet on my Arizona Cardinals in the football playoffs on Sunday. So I will include that money as money spent not knowing the result of that game yet.

So the grand total for our 3 day vacation adds up to: $ 774.12 minus the $ 28.20 that we won = $ 745.92! Remember that this does not include any cost for hotel stays so if you were to have to pay for a 3 night stay right now, you could probably add on a couple hundred dollars per night.

I had some quality time and lots of fun with my sister. The cost for that: Priceless!

I can't end without giving you our thoughts on Las Vegas. The hotels and landscaping are gorgeous. The people are friendly! The entire way this city is marketed is genius! You have your choice of any kind of food you could possibly want and tons of restaurants to pick from. We weren't there long enough to go to a show and besides we wanted to spend our evenings with our family since they were so few. Many of the shows there come and show in Phoenix so we can see them here. My BIL and sister had booked tickets in advance to see Phantom of the Opera( this has been here in Phoenix) last night after we left, so we decided not to leave them for an evening to go see a show on our own. The architecture and insides of some of these hotels is incredible.

My thoughts on the down side are the cigarette smoke would kill you. The casinos are just thick with it. All of our clothes just wreaked of smoke and I couldn't wait to put them in the washing machine to clean them. Alcohol just flows and you will see people quite drunk in the casinos and on the street. DH and I actually witnessed a passenger on our flight last night from Las Vegas to Phoenix that was so drunk when he boarded that he couldn't fasten his seatbelt. The stewardess kept an eye on him as we all did!

The last thing I want to tell you about is something we have never witnessed before. One of the reasons the plane was late arriving in Las Vegas to take us to Phoenix is they had a woman aboard who caused some kind of distrubance with a flight attendant. When the plane arrived there was 5 Las Vegas Police Officers and a TSA Inspector waiting to board the plane. When it landed they let no one off till they got on. So it took a while deboarding and then cleaning the plane. The police took a woman who looked maybe college age off the plane and they and the TSA agent were questioning her right in front of where we were sitting in the airport. All I could hear her telling them is that what they were doing was harassment. When we boarded the plane we heard from some passengers who were going onto Phoenix that she had caused a disturbance with the flight attendant. In this day and age, you just don't do those things. I have no idea if they arrested her or not.

I will be back to my usual posting in the next day or so after I rest and get caught up from our trip!

I've Been Away!

We just got home from a little mini vacation! It is late and I am off to bed! I will be back tomorrow and tell you about our trip! But here is a teaser picture! Can anyone guess where we were? Alane and Lisa B. don't give it away!

While Watching TV Yesterday!

I happened to catch Clark Howard's new TV show on CNN. He did a segment on his top 10 things that he always buys at the $ store that are cheaper. He said his favorite $ stores are Dollar Tree and the 99 Cent Store. I listened and took notes but I only caught 9 of the items( I am not sure he did 10) and I have to say I agree with some of the things but not all. Here is his list and my analysis:

1. Ibuprofen
2. Antacid Tablets
3. Hairbrush
4. Liquid Plumber type drain uncloggers
5. Sunglasses
6. Vanilla Tootsie Rolls
7. Colgate Toothpaste
8. Barbasol Shave Cream
9. Umbrellas

My analysis: I would buy the ibuprofen, antacid tablets, Colgate toothpaste if they are not made in China. There have been too many issues with Chinese products having lead or other undesirables in them. Sometimes the Colgate is really not Colgate but labeled 1 letter off. Of course, I get Free Ibuprofen all the time with coupons and deals. The same goes for toothpaste. Tums are a little harder to come by for a $1.00 but sometimes there are good deals with coupons, ECB's or RR's if you like the brand names.

The hairbrushes at my $ store are pretty good quality and I have one I use now that is 4 years old and still going strong plus I don't think I could have purchased this particular brush cheaper elsewhere.

I purchase the drain cleaners all the time and they work well.

I have also purchased sunglasses that are UV rated at the 99 Cent Store.

I hate vanilla tootsie rolls but if they are truly the Tootsie Brand then they should be fine. Of course I love FREE candy at drug stores with deals better, like the $ 3.00 off CVS product coupon that is good right now.

The Barbasol Shave Cream I would buy. I used to be able to get shave cream for DH for a dollar or less but since prices started going up 2 years ago, I can't anymore. I, myself, use hair conditioner to shave my legs. I get that Free all the time.

The umbrella is a good deal for those of us who live here in the desert where it rarely rains. I don't know how these umbrellas would hold up if you were using them all the time.

Just thought I would post these for everyone to make up their own minds!

Dinner Choices!

DH and I have been extremely busy today - about twice as busy as usual! Since we knew that we had a hectic day, we had planned on going out to dinner. However, we both decided that we were just too exhausted to go.

So since we didn't want to go out to dinner. We decided to look at our choices. DH or I could cook dinner but neither one of us were energetic enough to do that. We could go and pick up fast food and bring it home. But neither one of us is really crazy about fast food.

What I finally decided to do was go to the Safeway which is a block away and pick up a Stouffers Family Size lasagna and a store brand 5 cheese garlic bread. The lasagna was $ 6.79 minus a $1./1 coupon so final cost was $ 5.79. The bread was $ 2.59. So the total meal cost was $ 8.38. This made dinner for the two of us and we have enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

If we had gone out to dinner, we would have spent a minimum of $30. and we would have been too tired to enjoy it. Fast food would have cost us at least $10. or more. So $ 8.38 for 2 meals worked well for us and I really didn't have to do anything but throw it all in the oven.

I would not normally spend that amount for dinner eaten at home unless it was steak but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do - SPLURGE!

My rollover monthly budget was $ 79.17 minus the $ 8.38 I spent today leaves $ 70.79 for the rest of the month!

Crockpot Chicken Dinner

Well, this picture is not as blurry as yesterdays! Sorry about that! Since we spent the afternoon with my son, DIL and grandaughter, I wanted something easy for when we got home. So this morning I threw this chicken dinner in the crockpot.


Just 2 chickens breasts that I purchased for $ 1.49lb. at Albertsons on January 2nd. The two weighed just about a pound so $ 1.49 for those. Then I poured a can of turkey gravy on top of them. We don't mind turkey gravy on our chicken but you could use chicken gravy instead. The can of gravy cost $ .25 at Albertsons on November 19th. It simmered on low all day.

When we got home I made some white rice. The rice was purchased on December 22nd for $ 1.99 for the entire bag which was 2lbs. We used about 1 cup of rice so that cost about $.50. Then I cooked a bag of Green Giant Steamer green beans that was
purchased on December 9th at Alberstons. They were $1.00 but with my doubled coupon they cost $ .00!

This really easy, quick dinner cost us $ 2.24 for the two of us tonight and we have leftover green beans for dinner tomorrow night.

PIZZA NIGHT FOR $ 1.10

Well you know what they say about the best laid plans! I had planned on having a chicken dish in the crockpot tonight, but I slept until 10:30am this morning and it was too late to do that. So we had a loaded pizza tonight - onions, black olives, pepperoni and extra cheese.
There were plenty of leftovers for lunch tomorrow too.

I purchased a Pillsbury thin pizza crust on December 9th for $ .50 and used 1 can of tomato sauce purchased on October 16th for $ .15. Then for toppings I added 1/2 package of Hormel pepperoni purchased on January 7th for $ .45 for the package so $ .23 for the 1/2 package,
about 10 cents worth of diced onion, about $ .05 worth of Italian seasoning and garlic salt, a 1/2 can of Black Olives purchased on November for $ .13 for the can so $ .07 for the 1/2 can and finally 1 package of shredded mozzarella cheese for free with a coupon on October 29th.

So we had dinner tonight and have enough left for both of us for lunch tomorrow for a total cost of $ 1.10! That sure beats having pizza delivered for $ 10.+

Some Very Quick Shopping This Morning!

I needed to go out to get my haircut this morning. I always go to Great Clips aned I was all prepared with a 25% off coupon from my Entertainment Book. Then I saw on TV last night that they are running a $ 7.99 haircut sale. So I put the coupon away for when I have to pay fullprice.

On the way home I stopped at the Post Office with the mail and then at Walgreens, Fry's and CVS. Walgreens has a great deal on South Beach Bars that I saw on Erin's and Crystal's blogs. I also saw a great tip on here:
http://www.savingsmakescents.com/2009/01/free-cookies-and-milk-anyone.html for the
Kashi, but alas my Kroger store which is Fry's didn't have the double packs.Thanks for the tip anyhow Tosha and perhaps someone else can find them at their store.

So here is what I purchased today:





Fry's:

1 Box of Kashi Cookies - $ 3.00 - Used B1G1 Free Mfrs. Cpn = Free


Total Out of Pocket was $ .00!





Walgreens:

6 Boxes of South Beach Cereal Bars - $ 2.50 each -Used $ 2./1 IP coupons = $ .50 each or $ 3.00 and I will submit for the Walgreens Easy Saver Rebate of $ 5.00 for buy $15. in participating Kraft Products


Total Out Of Pocket was $ 3.00 and I will receive the ESR of $ 5.00 + 10% = $ 5.50! I still has Free Giftcard money that I could have used and forgot!!!!





CVS:

2 Boxes of Gold Emblem Cheese Crackers - B1G1 at 50% off = $ 2.98 for both boxes

1 Dove Chocolate Bar - $ .50( I had to buy this to get my total over $ 3.00 so the computer would take the coupon- per my cashier)

Used a $ 3.00/1 off any CVS product coupon! I think the cashier should have entered the coupon as $ 2.98 but I love chocolate so no problem!

Total Out of Pocket was $ .48!





My rollover monthly budget is $ 82.65 minus the $ 3.48 I spent today leaves $ 79.17 for the rest of the month!

Fifty Cent Dinner For Two!!

Since I didn't post my menu yet, I decided I would show you what we had for dinner tonight.

We had applewood smoked ham steak, au gratin potatoes and steamed broccoli. Our beverage of choice tonight was a big glass of ice water.

When I read about and hear of so many people having a hard time coming up with the money to buy a healthy dinner, I want to teach a class to show them how it is done. No one in this country should go hungry. With all of the coupons out there, club cards to give you savings and some practice, anyone can put a good meal on the table for their families spending very little money.

Our dinner tonight is an example of eating healthy out of our stockpile. I know some people would say cheese potatoes are not healthy nor is ham. But I believe all things in moderation are just fine.

The ham steak you see on my plate was purchased on December 6, 2008 at Super Target with the $ 2.00 off Target Coupon good on Archer Farm Ham. I bought 30 ham steaks for Free using a coupon for each one. These are very lean and flavorful ham steaks. One is just about perfect for DH and I for a meal. Anyone could have printed these coupons and used them to get these Free. I had my store manager order me 30 steaks so that I wouldn't clear the shelf in my store. I gave some of these to my DIL and son and the rest will be included all this year in my menu plans. So many people tell me they don't have coupons for meat; I guess this proves that theory wrong. If they ever have this coupon out again I will be getting more. DH loves them!

The steamed broccoli was purchased at Albertsons on December 9, 2008. It is from a package of Green Giant Valley Steamers that were on sale for $1.00 a bag. Since I used a $ .50 coupon that they doubled, the bag was Free.

Lastly, the augratin potatoes are from a box of Betty Crocker. It was purchased on November 16, 2008 at Fry's. The box was $ 1.50 and I used a $.35/1 manufacturers coupon that they tripled to $ 1.00. So the cost to me was $ .50! Of course I had to add a 1/2 cup of milk and 2 Tbsps. of butter to them to make them. But since we ended up with leftovers for one person for lunch tomorrow, that cost is small!

So I think this meal at $ .50 for 2 people for dinner and one lunch for 1 is affordable for just about anyone even with the slight extra cost for the milk and butter. If money is really tight, you could go without the potatoes and just have the ham and a larger serving of broccoli.

Wednesday Shopping!

UPDATE: Blogger finally fixed the picture problem, so I got it up! Yeah!

Well, I did my usual Ad Day Shopping today but for some reason blogger won't let me put my picture up! I will try it again later. But this is what I purchased:

CVS 1st Order:

6 Bottles of Gold Emblem Peach Sparkling Waters - $ .89 each on sale B1G1 50% off- Used $ 3./1 CVS on any purchase coupon = $ .99 for all ( Thanks to Frugalsuz who you can find here: Frugalsuz for the tip on these!)

Total Out of Pocket was $ .99!


CVS 2nd Order:

6 Bottles of Gold Emblem Peach Sparkling Waters - $ .89 each on sale for B1G1 50% off - Used $ 3./1 CVS on any purchase coupon = $ .99 for all

Total Out of Pocket was $ .99!


CVS 3rd Order:

2 Scotch Pop Up Tapes - on clearance for $ .49 each - used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpn = Free
1 box of CVS Storage Bags - $ 2.79 - Used $ 3./1 CVS on any purchase cpn - Free

Total Out of Pocket was $ .00!


Albertsons:

6 pkgs. of Hormel Pepperoni - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .55/1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ 2.70

Received 10% Senior Citizen Discount of $ .27

Total Out of Pocket was $ 2.43!


Safeway:

3 bottles of Tree Top Apple Juice $ 2.50 each -Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ 4.50

2 bottles of Ocean Spray Cranenergy Juice - $ 2.00 each - Used $ .55/1 cpns dbled = $ 2.00

Received Instant Juice Rebate for buying 5 of $ 5.00

Total Out of Pocket was $ 1.62 including $ .12 tax!


Fry's- many trips in and out since they will only double 3 like item coupons - I am going to consolidate since it is just easier:


5 - 4 packs of Cottonelle Toilet Paper - $ .99 each - used $ .50/1 Mfrs. Cpns Dbled = All Free

7 - 32 oz. Powerade Zero - $ .66 each - used $ .40/1 Mfrs. Cpns Dbled = All Free

13 Softsoap Liquid Handsoap - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .35/1 Mfrs. Cpns Dbled = $ .30 each

10 Suave Anti Perspirant Deodorant - $ 1.00 each - Used $ .75/1 Dbled = All Free

2.06 lbs. of Bananas at $ .69 a lb. = $ 1.42

6 Del Monte Fruit Naturals - $ 1.50 each - Used B1G1F Mfrs. Cpn and (2) $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpns = $ 5.50

1 Box Cheerios - $ 2.99

Received Senior Discount of $ 3.62

Total Out of Pocket was $ 11.15 including $ .96 tax!


My monthly rollover budget was $ 98.84 minus the $ 16.19 I spent today leaves $ 82.65 left for the rest of the month!

Tuesday Shopping - My Feet Hurt from Shopping!

I have been out running errands and shopping for about 4 hours. My feet hurt so bad; I didn't think I would ever see the day that I would say that about shopping. Today is that day! UGH!
This is what I purchased:

Walgreens Trip # 1:

2 boxes of Reynolds Foil - $ .99 each with In Ad Coupon - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpns = Got 1 Free and made a $ .01 on one(It is the way the cashier scanned the coupons)

1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo - $ 2.99 - Used $2./1 ESR Cpn - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = Made $ .01

2 Garnier Fructis Gels - on clearance for $ 2.19 - Used $ 2./1 ESR cpn = $ .19 each

2 Reeses Whipps - $ .50 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpns = All Free

My Total was $ 1.11 including $ .75 tax which I paid with my Walgreens Rebate Giftcard so nothing OOP!

Walgreens Trip # 2:

1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo - $ 2.99 - Used $ 2.00 ESR Cpn and $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = Made $ .01

4 Garnier Fructis Instant Melting Conditioners - on clearance for $ 2.19 - Used $ 2.00 ESR Cpns = $ .19 each

2 boxes Reynolds Foil - $ .99 each with In Ad Cpn = Made $ .01 on each

6 Reeses Whipps - $ .50 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpns = All Free

Total was $ 2.02 including $ 1.29 tax which I paid with my Walgreens Rebate Giftcard so nothing OOP!

Walgreens Trip # 3:

4 -10 ct. Quaker Instant Oatmeal - $ 1.99 with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .99 each

1 Garnier Fructis Power Putty - on clearance for $ 2.19 - Used $ 2./1 ESR Cpn= $ .19

2 Reynolds Foil - $ .99 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpns = Made $ .01 on each

3 Revlon Lip Palettes - on clearance for $ 2.59 each - Used $ 2./1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .59 each

6 Reeses Whipps - $ .50 each with In Ad Cpn - used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpns = All Free

1 Garnier Fructis Reshapeable Putty - on clearance for $ 2.19 - Used $ 2./1 ESR Cpn = $ .19

1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo - $ 2.99 - Used $2./1 ESR Cpn and $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = Made $ .01

1 Electrasol 20 count - $ 3.49 - Used $ 2.50/1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ .99 and I will submit for $ 1.50 Easy Saver Rebate

Total was $ 5.38 including $ 1.30 tax which I paid with my Walgreens Rebate Giftcard so nothing OOP! I can not figure out how from my receipt how the cashier came up with this total.

Walgreens Trip #4:

2 boxes of Reynolds Foil - $ .99 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpns - Made $ .01 on each

3 - 10 ct. boxes of Quaker Instant Oatmeal - $ 1.99 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpns = $ .99 each

1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo - $ 2.99 - Used $ 2./1 ESR Cpn and $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = Made $ .01

6 Reeses Whipps - $ .50 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpns = All Free

Total was $ 4.61 of which $ .68 was tax and I paid with my Walgreens Rebate Giftcard so nothing OOP!

Walgreens Trip #5:

1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo - $ 2.99 - Used $ 2./1 ESR Cpn and $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = Made $ .01

1 Garnier Fructis Endurance Gel - on clearance for $ 2.19 - Used $ 2./1 ESR Cpn = $ .19

2 boxes Reynolds Foil - $ .99 each with In Ad Cpn = Used $1./1 Mfrs. Cpns - Free for 1 and Made $01. on 1

Total was $ .75 of which $ .58 was tax which I paid with my Walgreens Rebate Giftcard so nothing OOP!

CVS Trip #1:

1 - 15 ct. CVS Freezer Bags - $ 2.99 - Used $ 3./1 CVs Cpn = Free

Total OOP was $ .00!

CVS Trip #2:

2 Lifesaver Storybooks - On clearance for 75% off - $ .87 each

2 Scotch Pop Up Tapes - on clearance for $ .49 each - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpn = Both Free

1 Gold Emblem Dry Roasted Peanuts - $ 3.49 - Used $ 3./1 CVS any product cpn = $ .49

1 Nasogel - $ 7.99 - Used $ 2./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 5.99 and I received $ 7.99 in ECB's and I am sending for a $3.00 Rebate

1 -20 oz. Dr. Pepper - $ 1.39 - Used Free Product Cpn = Free

1 pkg of Trim Nail Sticks - $ 2.19

Used $ 3./15. CVS Cpn

Total was $ 8.02 of which $ .61 was tax & I got $ 7.99 in ECB's and will get a $ 3.00 Rebate!

CVS Trip # 3:

2 Christmas Jumbo Coloring Books- on clearance at 75% off - $ .49

2- 2 packs of XChristmas Votive Candle Holders - on clearance for $ .99 each

1 cans of Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce on clearance - $ .42 each

Total Out of Pocket was $ 3.55 of which $ 24. was tax.

Frys:

2.30 lbs of Braebrun Apples at $ 1.49 lb = $ 3.43

4 Hard Rolls - $ 1.78

1 Simply Orange OJ with Pineapple - $ 3.49 - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ 2.49

1 Kroger Sugar Free Pancake Syrup -$ 2.19

Total Out of Pocket was $ 9.89

My rollover budget was $ 120.30 minus the $ 21.46 I spent today = $ 98.84 left for the rest of the month!

Some Walgreen's Deals!

After spending a lovely day with my DIL and grandaughter, I did some Walgreens shopping. They had very little of what I wanted but I did get a few deals. Here is what I purchased:


Walgreens:


4 - 10 packs of Quaker Instant Oatmeal - with In Ad Coupon they were $ 1.99 each - Used $1./1 IP Cpns = $ .99 each

2- 20 sq. ft. pkgs. of Reynolds Foil - $ .99 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpns = Made $ .01 each

1- Garnier Fructis Shampoo -$ 2.99 - Used $ 2.00 Easy Saver Booklet Cpn- Used $ 1./1 Mfrs. Cpn = Made $ .01

6 Reeses Whipps Candy Bars - $ .50 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1./2 Mfrs. Cpns = All Free

2 Progresso Soup - $ 1.25 each with In Ad Cpn - Used $ 1.10/1 IP Cpns = $ .15 each

1 L'Oreal QuickStick Balancing Foundation - on clearance for $ 3.59 - Used $ 3./1 Mfrs. Cpn = $ .59

2 pints of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream - $ 3.00 each - Used $ 3./1 IP Cpns = Free

Total was $ 4.82 + $ .69 tax = $ 5.51 which I paid with my Walgreens Rebate Card so nothing out of pocket!

The End of the Second Hand Market for Children's Clothing and Toys

My DIL made me aware of the following article that was in the Los Angeles Times on January 2nd:



http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-thrift2-2009jan02,0,2083247.story



I understand that possibly the government may be doing it to protect children but I would be more likely after all I have seen in my 60 years to believe that is only one of the reasons and a minor one. I think this is being done to bolster tax revenue and keep the retail stores who sell new in business. Think about it how many of you who sell in the second hand market pay sales tax? With the economy as bad as it is, a huge percentage of people are now buying their children's clothing and toys at thrift stores and consignment shops, on E-Bay and Craigslist, etc. What is next- garage sales? This is going to cost consumers with children a fortune! Again this is a sign that the Congress and Senate of the U.S. do not care about main street's interests! How dare they think that the American Public is so stupid as to believe their motives? How dare they, if their motive is truly lead and phthalates to think that we are so stupid that we can not protect our own children?



I will be writing my Congressman and my Senators to get this bill overturned. I would suggest that all of you who are furious about this do the same. Here is the link to find and write your Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm



Here is the link for the Congressmen: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

CVS Shopping!

Well, I was up and out at the crack of dawn to get my extra papers at CVS and a few other things. This is what I purchased:

CVS 1st Order:

9 Newspapers at $2.00 each = $ 18.00

Used $ 3./15. CVS Cpn

Used $ 14.95 in ECB's

Total Out of Pocket was $ .05!

CVS Order # 2:

3 Newspapers - $ 6.00

1 Sudoku Puzzle Book - $ 2.49

1 Bag of Tostitos - $ 3.00

4 Jello on clearance - $ .39 each = $ 1.56

2 CVS Pro Vitamin Shampoo - on clearance for $ 2.62 each -used CVS $ 3.00 Haircare Cpn =$ 2.24

1 CVS Gallon Size Freezer Bags - $ 2.99 - Used $ 3.00 CVS any product cpn = Made $ .01

Used $ 3./15. CVS Cpn

Used $ 11.98 in ECB's

Total Out of Pocket was $ .30

My monthly rollover grocery budget was $ 120.65 minus the $ .35 I spent today = $ 120.30 left for the rest of the month!

Analysis:

The coupons were terrific so since I had ECB's expiring, I purchased 12 additional papers. We already have one home delivered. I should of picked up a $ 3.00 CVS product with my first order but so many people were buying up the newspapers I wanted to make sure I got the ones I wanted so I rushed and forgot. One of those kick me moments! The Sudoku Book was to keep DH happy. He is just about finished with book he has. I needed a filler and we always can use Tostitos so since they were on sale, I got a bag. We had absolutely no Jello at home so these were a bargain. I can always use shampoo and the coupon was expiring in a few days. Lastly I can always use Freezer bags so I plan on stocking on these this week! Now I am off to start cutting and filing coupons!

I Need YOUR HELP this time!!!!!!

I have not been feeling well for about 7 weeks now. Those people who know me well know that I am not a complainer and I have a very high tolerance for pain. But this time the pain really got to me. After seeing my Doctor and a # of tests, he determined that I have an ulcer and he wrote me a prescription for Nexium. He gave me some samples to see if this drug would work. It started to work after only 48 hours on it and it is helpfully healing the ulcer.

Today, I tried to have my prescription filled only to find out that effective January 1, 2009, my drug plan has stopped covering this drug. I called my insurance company to see if some kind of mistake had been made and unfortunately they no longer cover it. There is no generic and there is no other drug of any kind to replace it according to my Doctor. It is the only one that will work for me. Both my Doctor and I are appealing this to the insurance company in writing. Of course that will take weeks and with the attitude of the people that I spoke to there today, it is highly unlikely that I will win the appeal.

I need this drug. Without it my stomach will perforate in time and that is not a good situation. My pharmacy told me the cost is $ 507. for 90 pills. That totals $ 2028. a year for this daily pill. What is truly scary to me is that the insurance company has not posted online this years drugs that they are covering yet nor have they mailed it to us. I am hoping we have no more surprises on drugs that they may have dropped.

Since I can't go without it, I need your help. This is the first time I have run into a situation where I could not get a drug under my insurance. I need all of you smart people out there to help me brainstorm how I can get this drug cheaper. I do have a $ 30. Coupon from Nexium that I can use 6 times over a year period so that will help a little. I also have the Maricopa County Drug Card which everyone who resides fulltime in Maricopa County can get to save 20% off. This is not an income based card; anyone who lives in the county can get this card. Those two things would bring my yearly cost down to $ 1442.24!

Now I know that I can call all the pharmacies in the supermarkets and drugstores to find out all of their prices which I do plan on doing over the weekend. I also know that I can probably scout out a Prescription Coupon to get possibly a $ 25.00 Gift card with my prescription.
What I need to know from all of you is who do you think has the lowest drug prices on name brands. I also need to know any other tips you use to get your prescription drugs cheaper.

I will thank you in advance for any advice you can give me by leaving a comment.

Friday Shopping!

Well, I did a little shopping today. I couldn't pass up the $5./15. Ranchers Reserve Coupon for Safeway that was in this mornings paper. I also got some trash bags at CVS and I picked up 6 lbs. of chicken that I had a raincheck for at Albertsons. While I was out, DH made a delicious loaf of homemade cranberry nut bread for our snacks this week. Here is what I purchased today:

Albertsons:


2 - 3 lb. bags of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts- on raincheck for $ 1.49 a lb. = $ 4.47 each

Received $ .05 Cloth Bag Credit


Total Out of Pocket was $ 8.89


Safeway:


1 pkg. of Ranchers Reserve Ribeye Boneless Steak- Reduced for quick sale by 30% = $ 6.29

1 Ranchers Reserve Boneless Ribeye Roast - Reduced for quick sale by 50% = $ 7.55

1 pkg. of Ranchers Reserve NY Strip Steak - Reduced for quick sale by 30% = $ 6.05


Used $ 5./15. Safeway Ranchers Reserve Coupon


Total Out of Pocket was $ 14.89


CVS 1st Store:

1 pkg. of CVS Drawstring Trash Bags - $ 3.69 - Used $ 3.00 on any product CVS coupon = $ .69

Total Out of Pocket was $ .73 including tax.


CVS 2nd Store:

2 pkgs. of CVS Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags - on sale B1G1 at 50% off - Used $ 3.00 off any CVS product cpn = $ 4.48 for both


Total Out of Pocket was $ 4.84 including tax. Also my $ 15.50 Quarterly ECB's printed today.


My monthly grocery budget is $ 150.00 minus the $ 29.35 that I spent today = $ 120.65 for the rest of the month!


Analysis:

About the only beef I had in the fridge was steakburgers, 4 - 4oz. sirloins and a pkg. of ground round, so when I saw the $ 5./15. coupon I decided that if I could get reduced price beef I would use it. It is the cheapest way to buy beef.

I had only one pkg. of chicken left in the fridge so after I used that this week I would have none. I had a raincheck for the chicken which was expiring on the 5th, so I decided to get the 6 lbs. while I could get it for such a low price of $ 1.49 a lb.

I am on my last pkg. of trash bags and tall kitchen bags, so decided to use the $ 3.00 CVS coupon to score some cheap bags. Thanks Frugalsuz for giving me that tip. Her blog can be found here: http://frugalsuz.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all! In my quest to spend as little as possible for 2009 and greatly increase my net worth, I am posting our menu for the week. We will be eating from our stockpile this week using the grocery goals that I posted here:

http://frugalmakescents.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-2009-grocery-plan.html


I will be shopping all year according to those guidelines. I much prefer to line my pockets with money rather than the corporations pockets. Since today is the first day of the year and my grocery budget for the month starts today, I will be posting my menus every Thursday in January.

All breakfasts for the week will include juice and coffee:


Blueberry Waffles with Maple Syrup
Cold Cereal with Milk ( 2 meals)
Turkey Bacon and Eggs
Oatmeal with Peaches
Homemade Cranberry Muffins
Sausage and Egg Biscuits


All lunches will include ice water, milk, iced tea or lemonade:


Tuna and Apple Salad on Ritz Crackers
Assorted Soups ( 2 meals)
Tossed Salad and Fruit
Dinner Leftovers ( 2 meals)
Nachos


All dinners will include a glass of wine or beverage of our choice:


Beef Tips on Noodles, Green Beans ( I made the beef tips in the crockpot yesterday with leftover Prime Rib Roast from Christmas; there is more than enough left for dinner.)
Homemade Cheese, Black Olive and Onion Pizza
Crab Scampi, Rice, Broccoli
Shake and Bake Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Corn
Meatless Spaghetti, Homemade Garlic Bread
Leftovers ( 2 nights)

I will be shopping for any free sale items or along any of the other guidelines in my grocery goal budget. One thing that I will definitely be doing is using a raincheck for boneless chicken at $ 1.49 a lb that expires this week. Very rarely can you get chicken for this price and after doing the shake n bake this week, my chicken will be all gone.