Quick Coupon CVS Trip!

Well, it's that time of the month, I mean the end of the month when a lot of coupons expire, gesh, get your head out of the gutter (he, he)! Anyway, I found a LOT of good coupons that are nearing their expiration, so Joe and I went to CVS to pick up a prescription, and another FREE $25 gift card, and while I was there I picked up what items I could get for free after my coupons, as well as turned in several rain checks! Here's what we ended up with...
1 Vitamin Water $1.69 - $0.69 Sale - Free Item MC (took off $1.69) = FREE + $0.69 MM!
1 BIC Soleil 4 ct Bonus pk Razors* $6.69 - $1.70 (Rain check) - $4 ECB (RC) - $2/1 MC = FREE + $1.01 MM!
1 Degree Ultra Clear Deodorant $4.79 - $0.79 (Rain check) - $4 ECB (RC) - $1/1 MC = FREE + $1 MM!
1 bottle Dial Nutri-skin Body Wash* $5.49 - $5 ECB (Rain check) - $1/1 MC = FREE + $0.51 MM!
2 pkgs Reach Total Care Dental Floss* $3.99 ea - BOGO Free MC ($3.99) - $2 ECB ea (Rain check) = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM!
15 - 2 pk Schick Disposable Razors* $1.29 ea - $0.30 ea Sale - $3/1 MC x 5 (1 reduced to $2.85) = 15 FREE
2 CVS Sunscreens $2.39 ea - $5 ECB wyb 2 = 2 FREE + $0.22 MM!
1 Rimmell Mascara $5.99 - Free item MC = FREE
5 St. Ives Travel Size Apricot Scrub Face Washes* $1.49 ea - $1.50/1 MC x 5 (1 reduced to $1.45) = 5 FREE
+ Tax $3.40
Total OOP: $67.31 - $44.97 Coupons (includes $7 ECB's used to pay) - $7.38 Sales = $14.96, paid with FREE CVS gift card + Earned $22 in ECB's for next time!
*These items were donated

Rollin' those RR's @ Wag's This Week!

Joe and I stopped into Walgreen's yesterday as well to roll my RR's, we ended up with some pretty good deals I think. Here's how it went down...
Transaction #1:
1 Ink Cartridge Refill from Earth Day $1
+ $0.06 Tax
Total OOP: $1.06 (Saved $11.99)

Transaction #2:
Joe was with me and saw those cookies and since I had an extra RR I let him use it to pay for them...
1 pkg Frosted Cookies $2.50 (on Sale, saved $1.09)
- $2.50 RR
Total OOP: ZERO!

Transaction #3:
1 pkg Placker's Floss Picks $2.99 - $2 RR = $0.99
1 pkg Stay-free Maxi pads $2.99 - $2/1 MC - $3 RR = FREE + $2.01 MM!
1 Skintimate Shave Cream $2.99 - $3 RR = FREE + $0.01 MM!
2 Nestle Morsels $1.64 ea (on Clearance)- $0.75/1 MC x 2 = 2/$1.78
+ Tax $0.36
- $5 RR
Total OOP: $4.11 + Earned $2, $3 & $3 RR back!

Transaction #3:
1 pkg Placker's Mint Floss Picks $2 - $0.50/1 MC - $2 RR = FREE + $0.01 MM!
1 pkg Stay-free Maxi pads $2.99 - $2/1 MC - $3 RR = FREE + $2.01 MM!
1 box Velveeta Shells & Cheese $1.50 on Sale
1 box Hawaiian Ice Pops $1
+ Tax $0.12
- $5 & $2 RR's
Total OOP: $0.61 + Earned $2 & $3 RR for next time!

Small but Productive Martin's Trip this Week!

I stopped into Martin's yesterday after work and was able to grab up some GREAT freebie deals! Here's what I ended up with...
3 rolls Reynold's Recycled Tin Foil $1.34 ea - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.34 x 3 = 3 FREE
2 - 1 lb pkgs Carolina Rice $1.09 ea - $0.10 Sale ea - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = 2 FREE
1 Hallmark Card (Not pictured) $0.99 - $0.10 Bonus Savings - $0.50/1 Martin's C = $0.39
1 Taco Bell Salsa $2.17 - $0.67 Sale - $1/1 MC = $0.50
2 - 16 oz Pompeian EVOO $4.59 ea - BOGO Free (rain check) - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$2.59
+ Tax $0.19
Total OOP: $18.73 - $15.06 Sales & Coupons = Net OOP: $3.67!!! Savings of 81%!!!

Menu Plan Monday - April 26, 2010

This weekend is the Civil War Event here at the museum, so if you live in the area and know where the Carroll County Farm Museum is, come on out and visit us, I's love to meet you if you do... :-)
Any way, due to all the crazy hub-bub going on around here this week, the menu plan shows it!
Breakfasts: Cereal or Banana Nut Bread
Lunches: PB&J or Left overs & Chicken Salad for the Weekend (Recipe to follow)
Dinners:
Sunday - Salad & Pizza
Monday - McDonald's -- YUMMY!
Tuesday - Tacos with Salad
Wednesday - Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake with Salad
Thursday - Harry's Hot dogs with some re-enactor friends :-)
Friday - Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Chips
Saturday - Not sure yet, but I will be sure to update with pictures, what ever it is, it will be prepared on the open fire!

SCR Rite Aid Trip 04/25/2010

My Rite-Aid Trip was AWESOME this week! Make sure to check the clearance area at your Rite-Aid for the Dove Shampoo with coupons attached to them and do the $3 SCR deal!

Transaction #1:
2 - 60 ct Rite-Aid Cetirizine (allergy Medicine) $22.99 ea - BOGO free Sale - $5/1 Rite-Aid C x 2 = 2/$12.99
1 M&M and Skittle Egg $3.99 - 90% off = $0.39
1 pk Stay-free Pads $3.99 - $2 Sale - $2/1 MC = FREE + $0.01 MM!
1 box OB Tampons $4.99 - $3 Sale - $1/1 MC = $0.99
- $5/25 Rite-Aid C
Total OOP: $9.36, Paid with FREE gift card + Should Earn my $25 Rite-Aid Gift card for this Allergy Purchase (I have made previous purchases as well)

Transaction #2:
1 Raid Bug Spray $8.99 - $2 Sale - $10 my Mommy gave me to buy it for her = FREE + $3.01 MM
4 boxes OB Tampons $4.99 ea - $3 Sale ea - $1/1 MC x 4 = $0.99 ea = 4/$3.96
2 Dove Shine Control Conditioners* $4.99 ea - $2.50 Clearance - $1.50/1 MC x 2 - $3 SCR = 2 FREE + $1.02 MM!
2 - 60 ct boxes Rite-Aid Trash Bags $6.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale = $6.99/2
+ Tax $0.84
- $5/25 Rite-Aid C
- $11 SCR Check
Total OOP: $4.76, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $3 SCR, and $10 Refund from my Mom = MM!
*These Items were Donated

CVS Trip for this Week!

There weren't a lot of great deals this week, so I only took advantage of a few that we could really use. However, I will definitely be going back to grab the free/money-making CVS Sunscreen (Deal Here). Here's what I ended up with...
10 boxes Various Nabisco Cookies and Crackers $1.99 ea - $0.99 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 5 = 10/$5
1 Schick Quattro Trimmer $10.99 - $2 Sale - $4/1 MC - $4 ECB = $0.99
1 Carroll County Times Newspaper (COUPONS!) $1
1 Twin pk CVS Contact Solution $11.49 - $1.50 Sale - $3 ECB = $6.99
And then we stumbled upon the 90% off clearance section and bought quite a few Christmas presents :-) (And yes we are almost done for Christmas 2010!)
2 Camera Binoculars $29.99 - 90% off = $2.99 ea = 2/$5.98
3 Steamers (1 for me & 2 for Gifts) $14.99 ea - 90% off = $1.49 ea = 3/$4.47
1 Chair Massage Pad $19.99 - 90% off = $1.99
2 Photo Cubes $5.99 ea - 90% off = $0.59 ea = 2/$1.18
2 Watches (1 for Joe and 1 for a gift) $5.99 ea - 90% off = $0.59 ea = 2/$1.18
+ Tax $1.86
- $5/40 CVS C
- $17.77 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $14.87 + Earned $7 ECB's for next week! This week's return wasn't so hot, but to know that we got quite a few more Christmas presents out of the way makes it so... worth it! So if you are going to be near a CVS make sure to stop in and check around the seasonal section for some major clearance deals. The one in Westminster is no where near cleaned out, they still have plenty of the things we bought, along with slider grills, books, clothing, throws and toys! Happy shopping!

Last Week's Spending Totals

This past week's spending was a little higher than I like it to be, but a trip to Aldi for pantry staples and fruits and veggies can tend to do that for some reason. Any way, here's how we did...
Food - $32.87
Health & Beauty - $3.74
Household - $11.91
Total: $48.52

Eating Out: $23.72

Last Week's CVS Trip!

Last week's CVS Trip was short and sweet, my favorite kind of shopping!
2 Thermacare Heat Wraps $2.79 ea - $0.30 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 - $2.49 ECB x 2 = 2 FREE + $2 MM!
1 - 500 ct bottle CVS Ibuprofen $12.79 - $2.80 Sale - $3 ECB = $6.99
3 Gold Emblem 24 ct Bottled H2O (not pictured) $3.99 ea - $1.55 ea Sale = $2.44 ea or 3/$7.32
1 - 50 ct Advil $5.49 - $1.50 Sale - $2/1 MC - $1 ECB = $0.99
1 Colgate Total Toothpaste* $3.89 - $0.90 Sale - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = FREE
1 Edge Shave Gel $3.29 - $0.50 Sale - $1.80 ECB = $0.99
1 Cover Girl Mascara $7.99 - $2 Sale - $1/1 MC - $4 ECB = $0.99
1 CVS Green Bag Tag $0.99 - $0.99 ECB = FREE
1 CVS Allergy Medicine $6.99 - $3 ECB = $3.99
+ Tax $1.05
- $5/30 CVS C
- $20.49 in ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $18.59, paid with FREE gift card & Earned $20.77 in ECB's for next time!
*These Items were Donated

Walgreen's Trip from last week!

My Walgreen's trip was also a small, quick and easy trip! My main need was the Benedryl, so I created two transaction to fit those in. I think it went pretty well, here's what I ended up with... (FYI - make sure to check your Wag's clearance section(s), they are filling them up!)
Transaction #1:
2 Benedryl $5.99 ea - $5/2 MC - $5 RR wyb 2 = 2/$1.98
1 Kotex U Tampons* $3.49 - $1/1 MC - $2.50 RR = FREE
1 Ajax Cleaner $0.89 - $0.39 in-ad C = $0.50
1 '5' Gum $0.99
- $10 RR used to Pay
+ Tax $0.09
Total OOP: $1.09 + Earned $5 & $2.50 RR

Transaction #2:
2 Benedryl $5.99 ea - $5/2 MC - $5 RR wyb 2 = 2/$1.98
1 Ajax Cleaner $0.89 - $0.39 in-ad C = $0.50
1 Swanson Beef Broth $0.69 (Clearance)
1 Baking Powder $0.49 (Clearance)
- $6 RR used to Pay
+ Tax $0.03
Total OOP: $2.69 + Earned $5 RR
*These Items were Donated

Last Week's Martin's Trip

Last week I took it easy on shopping. I was in-charge of cooking lunch for the people taking classes here at the museum all of last week, and while it is always fun, it is also very tiring! My Martin's trip was easy, quick and to the point, here's what I ended up with...
5 - 80 ct boxes Snuggle Dryer Sheets $3.52 ea - $0.53 ea Sale - $3/1 MC x 5, 1 adjusted to $2.99 = All FREE + $0.04 MM!
3 cartons Welch's Fruit Cocktail Juices $2.63 ea - $0.34 ea Sale - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.50 x 3 = $0.79 ea or 3/$2.37
2 jars Kraft Mayo $4.39 ea - $1.90 ea Sale - $0.98 Bonus Savings wyb 2 = 2/$4 (- $2 being reimbursed by the museum) = 2/$2
1 box Oscar Mayer Bacon $3.69 - $0.70 Sale - $1.50/1 MC = $1.49
+ Tax $0.90
Total OOP: $38.86 - $30.14 Sales/Coupons = Net OOP: $8.72 -- Savings of 76%!!!

Weekly Spending Totals 04/11-04/17

I must say that I think we did an excellent job this week with keeping our spending down! I hope that next week we continue to have success!
Food: $28.31
Health & Beauty: ZERO!
Household: $2.79
Total Spent: $31.10!!!

Eating Out: $11.66 @ Subway!
How did everyone else do this week?

Cake Mix Cookies -- New Recipe!

I have found the most DELICIOUS Cookie recipe! These cake mix cookies are very frugal, very tasty and extremely easy to make! First pour 1 - 18 oz pkg of cake mix (any flavor) into a mixing bowl. To the mix add 1/2 c of softened butter and 1 egg, if you are using a chocolate cake mix you will also need to add 2 tbsp of water at this point.

Mix the ingredients together until well blended. You can also add mix-in's to your batter at this stage if you would like. I used some FREE Christmas M&M's that were lurking in the freezer, but nuts, marshmallows, oatmeal, morsels, really anything that you like would do beautifully.

Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, place the cookie dough onto the cookie sheet in rounded tablespoons about 2" apart. Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes depending on your oven. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack and then place them into an air-tight container as they will dry out VERY quickly if you do not.
1 Batch makes about 2-3 dozen cookies depending on size

My new Easter Dress!

Just thought you might like to see my new Easter dress I got this year! I thought I was super cute and so did all of the ladies at church! YAY!

Martin's, how I LOVE thee, let me count the ways...

Well, Tuesday I was able to make a quick stop at Martin's after work, and I got some AWESOME deals!!! I love it when that happens :-)
2 Chex Mixes $1.99 ea - $0.49 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = 2/$1
2 Del Monte Fruit Smoothie Cups $2.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$.99
4 bags Sargento Shredded Reduced Sodium Cheese $3.39 ea - $1.39 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.50 x 2 = 4/$3
1 bag Care One Cotton Balls $0.99 - $0.50/1 Martin's C = $0.49
8 Meow Mix Wet Cat Food Cups $0.62 ea - $0.12 ea Sale - $1/4 MC x 2 = 8/$2
+ Tax $0.30
Total OOP: $29.77 - $23.99 Sales & Coupons = OOP: $5.78!!! Savings of 81%!!!

Rite Aid SCR Stop :-)

I also stopped into Rite-Aid quickly on Sunday and was able to pick up a few good deals there as well...
1 Complete Contact Solution $9.99 - $2 Sale - $7.99 SCR = FREE
2 Puffs Plus Tissues $1.99 ea - $1 ea Sale - $1/1 MC & $0.50/1 MC = 2/$0.49
1 Nivea Chap Stick* $2.99 - $2 SCR - $0.50/1 MC = $0.49
1 Schick Hydro Razor* $8.99 - SCR $6 = $2.99
1 Visine $4.99 - $2/1 in-ad C - $2/1 MC = $0.99
1 - 12 pk Rite-Aid TP $5.29 - $2.65 Clearance = $2.64
+ Tax $0.52
- $5/25 Purchase RA C
Total OOP: $19.10, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $15.99 SCR = Net Cost: $3.11!!!
*These Items were Donated

CVS Trip for this Week -- Back in action!

Sorry for the lack of posts the past week or so, but with Easter, the museum opening for the season and then a death in the family, things have been a little hectic around here to say the least! But I was able to sneak in a few quick deal-shopping trips this week. This is how CVS went on Sunday...
2 - 25 ct Pepcid AC $9.49 - $1.50 ea Sale - $2/1 MC x 2 - $4 ECB wyb 2 = 2/$7.98
1 Dove Shampoo* $4.49 - $1.50/1 MC - $4.49 ECB = FREE + $1.50 MM!
1 Olive Oil $8.49 - $4.50 Sale - $1/1 MC = $2.99
2 Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds Cereals $4.79 ea - $2.91 ea Sale - $1/2 MC = 2/$2.76
1 Schick Hydro Razor $9.99 - $1.02 Sale - $6 ECB = $2.97
1 Colgate Pro-Clinical Toothpaste* $4.99 - $1 Sale - $2 ECB
1 CVS Advanced Healing Lotion (For Joe) $4.99 - $1/1 CVS C = $3.99
1 CVS Advanced Healing Lotion $1.49 - $1/1 CVS C = $0.49
2 rolls CVS Paper Towels $1.29 ea - $1/1 CVS C x 2 = $0.29 ea or 2/$0.58
1 - 1/2 Gallon 2% Milk $2.49
+ Tax $1.35
- $22.98 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $11.60, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $17.49 (includes $1 Green Bag Tag ECB) for next time!!!
*These Items were Donated

Salsa Chicken -- NEW RECIPE!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix 2/3 C Bisquick and 1 egg with 1/8 C H2O and Spread into greased 9" round glass casserole dish.

Mix 3 cubed/diced cooked chicken breasts with 1/2 a 16 oz jar of Salsa and spread on top of Bisquick layer in dish. Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and top with 1&1/4 C Shredded Cheese (Taco Blend Mild Cheddar, whatever your preference) and return to the oven and bake 5 minutes longer or until the cheese has melted.

I served this dish with steamed broccoli and a salad and topped the casserole with sour cream and diced scallions. Rating -- Definitely 5 STARS!

*Double this Recipe to make a 9x13" Baking dish
Serves: 2+ Leftovers in 9" Round or 6 in 9x13" dish

Happy Easter!

Just wanted to wish everyone a VERY HAPPY EASTER!

Luke 24:1-12

Crock Pot Chicken - Cook Once, Eat Twice!

The other week I made this DELICIOUS crock-pot chicken, and I knew I just had to share the recipe with all of my readers! It is so simple to make. All you do is put your whole. rinsed chicken in the crock-pot. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder and paprika, and add a couple bay leaves. You don't need to add any water. Turn the crock-pot on low and let it go all day, or high for probably 4-5 hours. When it's done it will look like this. De-bone and eat; I served the chicken with mashed red potatoes and salad. YUMMY! This chicken is so moist. After eating, add all of the skin and bones from cleaning the chicken back into the crock-pot with the liquid that is already in there. Add 5 cups of water and let the crock-pot cook on low overnight. In the morning you will have wonderful homemade chicken stock that you can use or freeze for later. I had about 5 cups of broth, so you don't lose much in the cooking process.
Dinner Day #1

Dinner Day #2:

I took some of the cooked chicken and added it to a bag of cook-in-bag rice with 1 can of cream of chicken soup, some leftover broccoli from the fridge, and some carrot coins from the freezer. Mix all of the ingredients together and place in a greased baking dish, I used a 9" round. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees. Pull the baking dish and cover the mixture with cheese, and then bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted. I served this dish with a salad.

You could stretch your chicken even farther if you would like. Joe and I had enough chicken left over to eat sandwiches for the rest of the week for lunch. I could have easily made chicken noodle soup the next day and still had some for sandwiches left -- and this was from a chicken that cost me less than $4!!!!!

**Frugal Tip of the Day: Stretch those proteins!!**

CVS, Again?!

Yes, I stopped into CVS again this week. But the actually reason was a prescription and a FREE $25 gift card, not to shop, but you know how it works, while I was there, I figured I might as well grab some deals...
2 Shampoos* $0.99 ea - $1/1 CVS C x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM!
1 Crest Pro-Health Rinse* (used a rain check) $3.50 - $2/1 MC - $4 ECB = FREE + $2.50 MM!
2 CG Eye Shadows $3.49 ea - BOGO Free MC = 2/$3.49 + 1 CG Blush Brush $12.99 - $4/20 CVS C - $1/1 CVS C - $8 ECB wyb $20 = All 3 for $3.48!
+ Tax $1.17
- ECB's used to Pay $6
Total OOP: $8.13 paid with FREE gift card + Earned $12 ECB's for next time!!
*These Items were Donated