Menu Plan Monday: April 30th, 2012!

With an event this coming weekend, that Joe and I are in-charge of, as well as errands that need to be run with my mom, and misc things that need to be done around the house, it's going to be a crazy week.  I'm keeping the menu simple, hopefully we can stick with it, or at least not eat out too much!  Here's what's cooking...

Breakfasts: Cold Cereal, Fruit, Yogurt and Granola, and/or Toast

Lunches: Leftovers, Salads, Canned Soup with Crackers, and/or Sandwiches

Dinners:

• Salsa Chicken Bake with Salad and Sauteed Green Beans (Sun)
• French Toast with Strawberries and Bacon (Mon)
• Fettuccine with Homemade Alfredo Sauce and Shrimp with Garlic Bread and Salad (Tues) -- Having Company with is bringing dessert
• Baked Fried Shrimp with Crock-pot Baked Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli and Cheese (Weds)
• Homemade Pizza with Veggie Dippers (Thurs)
• Out! (Fri)
• Dinner at the Museum, provided by our wonderful hearth cook! (Sat)

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 04/22-28/2012

Here's this week's Weekly Spending Report...

• Sunday's Shopper's Trip: $8.68 oop
• Sunday's Walgreen's Trip: $14.70 oop, Earned $2 RR
• Monday's Shopper's Trip (no post, just more salad vegetables and Sage): $11.25 
• Wednesday's BJ's Trip: $32.95 oop 
• Wednesday's Rite-Aid Trip: $8.46 oop, Earned $5 UP+Rewards
• Saturday's Shopper's Trip (no post, just 2 newspapers): $3.99 oop
• Saturday's CVS Trip: $7.89 oop, Earned $12 ECB's and $6.99 MIR

Total OOP: $87.92 - $25.99 Earned Rewards/Rebates = Net OOP: $61.93!

Saturday's CVS Trip

Today Joe and I slipped into CVS to pick up/drop off some prescriptions, and got to meet a fellow coupon-binder wielding sales-shopper!  Hi!  We also picked up some awesome deals...

2-16 ct pouches Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergents $6.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale $6.99 - $1/2 MC (newspaper) - $6.99 MIR (peelie on pkg) = 2 FREE + $1 Money-maker!

1 Physician's Formula SPF Tinted Moisturizer $14.99 - $15/1 CVS Coupon (Red Coupon Machine, adjusted to $14.99) - $7 ECB = FREE + $7 Money-maker!

3 Hallmark Cards 2 @ $0.99 ea and 1 @ $2.79 - $3 ECB wyb 3 = 3/$1.77

1-18 ct Kotex U Sleek Tampons $5.79 - $1.80 Sale - $1/1 MC (newspaper) - $2 ECB = $0.99

+ $1.61 Tax

- $7.50 ECB's used to Pay

Total OOP: $7.86, Earned $12 ECB's and $6.99 MIR!

Wednesday's Rite-Aid Trip

My Mom and I also stopped into Rite-Aid while we were out grocery shopping.  Here's my haul for this week...

2 bags Doritos $4.29 ea - $1.79 ea Sale - $1/2 MC (store display) - $1 UP+Reward wyb 2 = 2/$3

1 bag Reese's Eggs $3.99 - $2 clearance = $1.99

1 Tylenol Precise Cream $7.99 - $2 Sale - $3/1 Rite-Aid Coupon - $2/1 MC (newspaper) = $0.99

6 pkgs Dentyne Ice Gum $1.29 ea - $0.29 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 3 (newspaper) - $2 UP+Rewards wyb 3 = 6 FREE + $1 Money-maker!

+ $0.48 Tax

- $2 UP+Rewards used to Pay

Total OOP: $8.46, Earned $5 UP+Rewards for next week!

Wednesday's BJ's Trip

Wednesday while I was out taking my mom to the grocery store, I stopped into BJ's to pick up some Crystal Light (which has been moved to the complete back of the store - ugh!), and decided to pick up some natural bacon there as well.

4-32 Qt pkgs of Crystal Light $5.99 ea - $1/2 MC (newspaper) x 2 = 4/$21.96 ($5.49 ea or $0.34/gallon)

1-3x12 oz pkg Natural Bacon $10.99 (or $4.88/lb)

Total OOP: $32.95

ALDI Deals, Starting 04/25/2012!

Here are some of the deals starting this week at ALDI...

• Baker's Corner All-purpose Baking Mix (i.e. Bisquick)  40 oz $1.99 ea
• Baker's Corner Southern-style Beer Bread Mix 18 oz $1.49 ea
• Beaumont Classic Roast Coffee 11.3 oz $2.79 ea
• Benita Premium Snack-sized Ice Cream Bars Variety pk 12-1.5 oz Bars $2.99 ea
• Benita Mamey Premium Ice Cream Bars 6-3 oz bars $2.89 ea
• Bremer Fully Cooked Meatballs, Turkey, Original, or Italian Styled 14 oz $1.99 ea
• Chaza Exotic Pomegranate Splash 750 ml $4.99 ea
• Crofton 3 qt Electric Skillet $17.99 ea
• Fit and Active Key Lime Pie Nonfat Yogurt 6 oz $0.39 ea
• Gardenline Clematis Flowering Vines $4.99 ea
• Gardenline Watering Wand 18" $5.99 ea
• Gardenline Watering Globes 3 pk Small or 2 pk Large $4.99 ea
• Happy Farms Blueberry Cream Cheese  8 oz $1.49 ea
• Happy Harvest Peas and Carrots (canned) 15 oz $0.79 ea
• L'oven Fresh Plain Bagel Skinnys  13 oz $1.99 ea
• Lunch Mate Bologna 16 oz $0.99 ea
• Millville Fruit and Grain or Fiber Now Cereal Bars 4.1-10.4 oz $1.49 ea
• Millville Honey Crunch and Oats Cereal, Assorted Varieties 14.5 oz $1.89 ea
• Millville Apple Rounds Cereal 12.2 oz $1.49 ea
• Sealtite 24-piece Durable Food Storage Set $8.99 ea
• Season's Choice Potatoes O'Brien 28 oz $1.89 ea
• St Cloud Solid Kitchen Rugs Assorted Colors 20x34" $6.99 ea
• Pineapple $1.39 ea
• Strawberries $1.49/lb
• Navel Oranges $1.39/4 lb bag
• Kiwi $0.79/4 pk
• Bananas $0.44/lb
• Gala Apples $1.79/3 lb bag

For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their Homepage!

Menu Plan Monday: April 23rd 2012!

This week things are finally starting to level out.  You'll notice a lot of salads on the dinner menu; Joe and I are both trying to lose weight, and eating lots of veggies is the most efficient way I know to make that happen.  Also, a trip to the farmer's market last week resulted in lots of fresh fruits and veggies in the house, so I hope to stop back again this week on either Tuesday or Wednesday.  Anyway, here's what's cooking...

Breakfasts: Cereal, Yogurt and Granola, and/or Fruit

Lunches: Leftovers, Salads, Canned Soup, and/or Sandwiches

Dinner Choices:

Out :-)

Cobb Salads

Taco Salads

Big Mac Salads (my new creation, recipe to come)

Homemade Pizza or Cheese Bread sticks with Salad

Shrimp Alfredo with Garlic Bread, Steamed Vegetable, and Salad

Popcorn Shrimp with Crock-pot Baked Potatoes and Steamed Vegetable

French Toast with Strawberries

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Sunday's Walgreen's Trip

I also stopped into Walgreen's on Sunday to get some Zantac before it was all gone.  I will be going back later in the week to get more.  Here's what I ended up with today...

3-24 ct Cool Mint Zantac $7.99 ea on Sale - $2/1 Walgreen's Coupon x 3 - $5/1 MC (newspaper) x 3 = $0.99 ea or 3/$2.97
2-16 oz bags Nice Raw Almonds $6.49 ea - BOGO 50% off Sale ($3.25) + 1-11 oz bag Nice Sunflower Seed Kernels $2 - $2 RR wyb $10 Nice Items = 3/$9.73 ($0.23/oz!)
Total OOP, no tax: $14.70!

Sunday's Shopper's Trip

Sunday I stopped into Shopper's just to grab some needed groceries and newspapers.  Here's what I picked-up...

1 head Iceberg Lettuce $1.69
2 Newspapers $1.88 ea = 2/$3.76
1 bag Potato Chips $3
+ $0.23 Tax
Total OOP: $8.68

Spring has Sprung!

 I thought that I would share a beautiful picture with you all illustrating that Spring has sprung here in Westminster!

Weekly Spending Report: April 15-21, 2012!

Here's this week's spending report...

• Tuesday's Rite-Aid Trip: $13.30 oop, Earned $2.99 SCR and $2 UP+Rewards
• Saturday's Target Trip: $21.32 oop
• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip (no post, just 2 drinks): $2.12 oop 
• Saturday's Flea Market Finds: $3.50

Total OOP: $40.24 - $4.99 Earned Rewards/Rebates = Net OOP: $35.25!

Saturday's Flea Market Finds!

Saturday Joe and I stopped out at a flea market before it was about to close, and we were able to score some awesome deals!  Here's what we ended up with...

1 Aluminum Roaster Pan (I have the next size larger than this already!) $0.50

1 small Grater (for homemade laundry detergent!) $0.50

1 Aluminum Pizza Cutter $1

1 pair Ball Jar Salt and Pepper Shakers $0.50/pair

1 Crystal Jar with a Sprayer + an Extra Sprayer $1

Total Spent: $3.50!

Saturday's Target Trip

Saturday afternoon, Joe and I stopped into Target to use a few coupons before they expired.  This is what we ended up with...

6 boxes Annie's Macaroni and Cheese $1.77 ea - $0.52 ea Sale = 6/$7.50
2 boxes Annie's Granola Bars $3.69 ea - $0.70 ea Sale - $0.75/1 TC x 2 = 2/$4.48
1 box Annie's Snack Mix $3.99 - $1 Sale = $2.99
2 boxes Up & Up Tissues $1.39 ea - $0.50/1 TC x 2 = $0.89 ea or 2/$1.78
2 bottles Method Spray Cleaner $2.69 ea - $1/1 TC x 2 - $1/1 MC x 2 =$0.69 ea or 2/$1.38
2 bottles Green Works Spray Cleaners $2.49 ea - $1/2 TC - $1/1 MC x 2 = $0.99 ea or 2/$1.98
1 box Up & Up Dryer Sheets $1.37 - $0.75/1 TC = $0.62
+ $0.59 Tax
Total OOP: $21.32
* I also picked up a pair of Sandals, but they come out of a different budget, so they are not listed here ($15.89 with Tax)

Assignment #14: Clean Utensil and Kitchen Junk Drawers!

I had just recently accomplished the task of cleaning out my junk and utensil drawers, so I didn't take any before pictures, but I will share my finished products with you...

This is the clean junk drawer.  I threw away a lot of misc things from the drawer, and just kept essentials, batteries and charger, fasteners and tape, a couple tools I use, and my take out menu organizer (which is going to be re-done soon!).  

 This is the everyday silverware drawer, it also holds my chef and paring knives, and apple corer.

 This is my misc kitchen utensil drawer (gotta love those utensil holders from the dollar store!)  I did clean quite a few utensils out for the flea market pile, and only kept what we use on a regular basis.

 This drawer holds my cutting boards, measuring cups and spoons (which I finally got a basket for).

Lastly, this is my baking utensil drawer.  Since I do a lot of baking for other people, it's necessary to keep my utensils organized, so things are easy and quickly located.

These are the things I ended up getting rid of: 1 Planter's jar I once used for coffee, 4 candy molds that I don't use anymore (I kept a few for different holidays though), 3 spatulas, and 1 cookie scooper (because it's the kind I don't use).

I'm linking up at Money Saving Mom!

Assignment #8: Clean Dresser Drawers

 Things have been so crazy here at the museum, but I finally got around to another one of Crystal's assignments.  There were only three of our drawers (1 of Joe's and 2 of mine) that need to be cleaned out.  The other drawers hold clothing, which was just cleaned out after Christmas, so I just focused my time on the drawers that tend to accumulate clutter.  First up, Joe's drawer.  Nothing really interesting, but I did re-fold the ties and sorted his hankies and bandanas nicely. 

 Next up were my two drawers.  The one on the right is for more important things, like my inhaler, change purse, nail scissors, mints, funeral cards, and extra contacts.  The one on the left is kind of my misc drawer.  It's for things that I need to keep some where I can easily get to them, but that I don't use too often.  I have my ear buds, extra travel pill holders, neck messager's for when I have a migraine, an extra pair of sunglasses, and a cooling wrap for my neck.

 After putting back the things that were needed, this is what I was left with for the donation/flea market boxes: 2 Men's Dress Belts, 2 Ties, 2 old Lanyards, 2 key chains, a velvet pouch, a small Change purse, and a handful of temporary tattoos.  This does not include the two handfuls of stuff that just went into the trash.

I'm linking up at Money Saving Mom!

Tuesday's Rite-Aid Trip

Tuesday while I was out grocery shopping with my mom, I stopped into Rite-Aid for a few deals this week, and was able to stock back up on my vitamins while I was there!  Here's what I ended up with...

1-4 pk Bodi Heat Patches $3.99 - $1 Sale - $2.99 SCR = FREE!
2 bottles Shout $4.19 and $3.99 - $1.69 and $1.49 Sale - $0.55/1 MC x 2 (magazines) - $2 UP+Reward wyb 2 = 2/$1.90
2-80 ct Sundown Naturals B-100 Vitamins $10.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale ($10.99) - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$8.99
2 small Jar Candles (these smell so yummy!) $1.29 ea - $0.29 ea Sale = 2/$2
+ $0.42 Tax
- $5 UP+Rewards used to Pay
Total OOP: $13.30, Earned $2.99 SCR and $2 UP+Reward!

ALDI Deals, Starting 04/18/2012!

Here are some of this week's ALDI Deals...

• Vine Ripe Tomatoes 24 oz $1.39 ea
• Baby Bella Mushrooms 8 oz $0.69 ea
• Multicolored Peppers 14 oz $1.59 ea
• Little Salad Bar Spring Mix $0.99 ea
• Red Onions 2 lbs $0.99 ea
• Cucumbers $0.29 ea
• Benton's Waffle Bowls 7 oz $1.69 ea
• Benton's Fudge Striped Shortbread Cookies 13 oz $1.19 ea
• Berryhill Ice Cream Toppings Hot Fudge or Caramel 16-17 oz $1.99 ea
• Fit and Active or Millville Cereal Bars, Assorted Varieties 4.86-10.4 oz $1.49 ea
• Fit and Active Super Fruit Bars 6 pk $1.99 ea
• Freshline Glass Cleaner 32 oz $0.89 ea
• Friendly Farms Aerosol Whipped Light Cream 7 oz $1.49 ea
• Mama Cozzi's Ciabatta Rolls with Cheese 10 oz $2.29 ea
• Nature's Nectar Fruit Juices, Assorted Varieties 64 oz $1.49 ea 
• Puraqua  Purified Water 6 pk $0.99 ea
• Range Master Grill Toppers, Flat or Wok Style $5.99 ea
• Savoritz Oyster Crackers 10 oz $0.89 ea
• Savoritz for Kids Cheese Dip and Cracker Sticks 5 oz $0.95 ea
• Season's Choice Whole Onion Rings 16 oz $1.99 ea
• Spectracide Ready-to-use Weed Stop, Bug Stop, or Weed and Grass Killer 1 gallon $4.99 ea

For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their homepage!

Menu Plan Monday: April 16th 2012!

This week is going to be slightly hectic.  There are errands to be run, a volunteer dinner to attend, and a flea market to get ready for.  Needless to say, the meals will be simple, with nothing new going on.  Here's what on the menu this week...

Breakfasts: Cereal, Toast, Yogurt and Granola, and/or Fruit

Lunches: Leftovers, Salad, Soup, Sandwiches, or a combination of any of the 4, or anything that doesn't get cooked for dinner and we have the ingredients for.

Dinner Choices:

Leftover Buffet

Popcorn Shrimp with Jasmine Rice and Steamed Asparagus 

Spaghetti with Garlic Bread, Salad, and a Vegetable

Fried Ham Slices with Hominy and a Vegetable

Cobb Salads (made with Leftover Ham and Turkey from the Freezer)

Volunteer Dinner

Out :-)

French Toast with Strawberries

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Saturday's CVS Trip

On Thursday I finally made it into CVS to get a few good deals.  This is what I ended up with...

1 Venus Breeze Razor $11.99 - $2.50 Sale - $2/1 MC (newspaper) - $4 ECB = $3.49

1 Lady Speed Stick Deodorant $3.69 - $0.70 Sale - $1/1 MC (newspaper) - $1.50 ECB = $0.49

1 box Always Pads $5.49 - $1.50 Sale - $1/1 MC (newspaper) - $2 ECB = $0.99

+ $0.59 Tax

- $5.50 ECB's used to Pay

- $3.09 Gift Card used to Pay

Total OOP: $4.47, Earned $7.50 ECB's!

Weekly Spending Report: 04/08-14/2012!

Here's this week's spending report...

• Monday's Rite-Aid Trip: $5.39 oop, Earned $14 UP+Rewards
• Tuesday's Rite-Aid Trip: $4.34 oop, Earned $5 UP+Rewards
• Thursday's ALDI Trip: $15.49 oop
• Thursday's CVS Trip: $4.47 oop, Earned $7.50 ECB's
• Saturday's Shopper's Trip (no post, just 2 newspapers and Organic Milk): $7.79 oop
• Saturday's Rite-Aid Liquors Trip (no post, just wine coolers): $8.70 oop

Total OOP: $46.18 - $26.50 Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $19.68!!!  Savings of 57%!

Thursday's ALDI Trip

Last Thursday I had the chance to stop into ALDI while my mom and I were up in Hanover.  Here's what I picked up...

2 boxes Spring Confetti Cake Mix $0.69 ea (marked-down) = 2/$1.38

2 boxes Honey and Oat Granola Bars (for mom, not pictured) $1.49 ea = 2/$2.98

4 boxes All-Natural Stevia Sweetener $1.99 ea = 4/$7.96

1 bag Pinto Beans $1.99

4 pouches Yogurt Raisins (for Joe) $1.79 ea = 4/$7.16

2 tubs Sour Cream (not pictured) $1.19 ea = 2/$2.38

3 blocks Colby Cheese (not pictured, 2 were for mom) $1.79 ea = 3/$5.37

1 lb Butter $2.29

2 tubs Shredded Parmesan Cheese $1.99 ea = 2/$3.98

- $20 from Mom for her items (and I was allowed to apply the rest to my purchases!)

Total OOP: $15.49!

Last Tuesday's Rite-Aid Trip!

I stopped into Rite-Aid again on Tuesday while I was out grocery shopping with my mom.  Here are the deals I managed to find...

2 pkgs Stay Free Pads $3.99 ea - $0.99 ea Sale - $2/2 MC (newspaper) - $3 UP+Rewards wyb 2 = 2/$1

1 pkg Always Pads $5.49 - $1.50 Sale - $1/1 MC (newspaper) - $2 UP+Rewards = $0.99

1 Colgate Optic White Toothbrush $4.99 - $1 card discount - $3/1 Rite-Aid Coupon = $0.99

2 small Candles (these smell so yummy!) $1.29 ea - $0.29 ea Sale wyb 2 = 2/$2

+ $0.36 Tax

- $6 UP+Rewards used to Pay

Total OOP: $4.34, Earned $5 UP+Rewards!

Last Monday's Rite-Aid Trip

Monday Joe and I ran a few errands in town, and stopped into Rite-Aid to pick up the deals for this week.  Here's what we managed to find...

4 EOS Shave Creams $3.99 ea - $1 ea Sale - $2 UP+Rewards x 4 = $0.99 ea or 4/$3.96

2 pkgs Stay Free Pads $3.99 ea - $0.99 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 (newspaper) - $3 UP+Rewards wyb 2 = 2/$1

2 pkgs OB Tampons $4.99 ea - $1.99 ea Sale - $0.75/1 MC x 2 (newspaper) - $3 UP+Rewards wyb 2 = 2/$1.50

2 Cadbury Creme Eggs (for Joe) $0.99 ea - $0.50 ea clearance - $0.50/2 Rite-Aid Coupon = 2/$0.48

2 tubes Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste $6.29 ea - BOGO Free Sale $6.29 - $1/1 MC x 2 (newspaper) - $3/1 Rite-Aid Coupon = 2/$1.29

+ $1.16 Tax
- $10 SCR Check used to Pay
- $8 UP+Rewards used to Pay

Total OOP: $5.39, Earned $14 UP+Rewards!

ALDI Deals, Starting 04/11/2012!

Here are a few deals for this week...

• Weds. April 11th ONLY: Jumbo Pk Fresh Chicken Breasts $1.69/lb!
• Del Monte Pineapple $1.59 ea
• Strawberries $1.59/lb
• Pears $0.99/4 pk
• Navel Oranges $1.39/4 lb bag
• Mangoes $0.59 ea
• Cantaloupes $0.99 ea
• Deutsche Kuche German Breads, assorted varieties 17.6 oz $1.49 ea
• Deutsche Kuche Pound Cake 14 oz $1.99 ea
• Deutsche Kuche Pretzel Crackers 6 oz $1.69 ea
• Deutsche Kuche German Style Sauerkraut or Red Cabbage with Apples 24 oz $1.69 ea
• Fit and Active 14 Calorie Bars (frozen) 17.5 oz $1.99 ea
• Friendly Farms All Natural Chocolate Almond Milk 64 oz $2.49 ea
• Gardenline Fruit and Vegetable Bulbs, assorted varieties $2.49 ea
• Gardenline Spring Bulbs and Perennials $1.69 ea
• Gardenline Tool Utility Rack 23x30x14.25" $9.99 ea
• Vanderwall Heavy-duty Black Shelving 18"Dx36"Wx72"H $39.99 (Great for your stockpile!)

For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their homepage!

Assignment #2: Fridge Organized and Cleaned!

This was an assignment that I have been dreading for some time now.  I have been putting it off again and again, and finally decided that I would wait until I did my spring cleaning.  Well, since Crystal at Money Saving Mom has started the series, '4 Weeks to a More Organized Home,' I decided to jump on the band-wagon with her and tackle this chore.  Below you will see my before pictures, don't judge, even someone as OCD as I am has things that they hate to do, mine is deep cleaning the fridge, in case you hadn't guess.  Here we go...

This spot was my main concern, as I have NO idea what the heck it is!

The door was stuff full of misc. items

The fruit and vegetable drawers were far from tidy

And, the shelves were disgusting.  You don't really notice how dirty your fridge is until you take all the food out and put it in natural light, and then you are horrified with yourself.  But anyway, this is the after...

So much more organized, clean, and sanitary!  Everything has a place, and it is going to stay sparkly, if it kills me, which it might!

This is the door after.  I cleaned out a few things, and after scraping condiment drippings from the inside of the cubbies, I decided to line each with a dish cloth for easy upkeep and clean-up.

While I was in the kitchen waiting for dinner to cook, I went through my misc kitchen utensil drawer, and decided that these items could go to a better home, and so into the flea market box they went.  

I'm linking up at Money Saving Mom!

Menu Plan Monday: April 9th, 2012!

This week is chocked full of appointments, spring cleaning, Easter, and a tour.  It's gonna be a little crazy around here, but I think we can handle it.  Here's what's on the menu for this week...

Breakfasts: Cereal, Yogurt and Granola, and/or Fruit

Lunches: Leftovers, Salad/Soup/Sandwich Combination of some kind

Dinner Choices:

• Easter Dinner at my Mom's house, I made a Cheesecake
• Leftovers at my Mom's house
• Fried Eggs, Potato, Meat, and Cheese Scrambles with Toast and FREE Fresh Eggs!
• Taco Salad
• Out :-)
• Popcorn Shrimp with Baked French Fries and Salad
• Homemade Pizza with Salad
• Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and a Vegetable

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 04/01-07/2012

Here are our shopping trips from this week, and our weekly spending report...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $1.73 oop, Earned $2 ECB and $5 Cash
• Sunday's Dollar Tree Trip: $13.24 oop
• Sunday's Liquor Store Trip (no post, just 2-4 pks girly beer): $8.70 oop
• Wednesday's Michael's Trip: $13.95 oop
• Wednesday's Big Lots Trip: $27.76 oop, Earned $19 Cash
• Friday's TSC Trip (no post, just some things that Joe needed to pick up for his grandfather, which he paid us back for): $66.71 oop, Earned $100 Cash
• Saturday's Rite-Aid Trip: $5.14 oop
• Saturday's Shopper's Trip (no post, just cream cheese, butter, and mayo): $12.44 oop
• Saturday's Walgreen's Trip: $1.98 oop
• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $7.06 oop

Total OOP: $158.71 (Ouch!) - $126 Earned Rewards/Cash = Net OOP: $32.71, ahh... much better!

Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip

Last stop on Saturday was the Dollar Tree to pick up a few first aid supplies to take to Joe's grandfather's (Pap) house, since Joe keeps getting hurt there!  Here's what we ended up with...

1 Hand Soap

1 Antibiotic Ointment

3 rolls Paper Tape (2 for us, 1 for Pap)

2-24 ct 'Tylenol' PM

+ $0.06 Tax

Total OOP: $7.06

Saturday's Rite-Aid Trip

Saturday I also stopped into Rite-Aid.  I was hoping to pick up some of the cheap Gillette body wash, but they were all out, so I just picked up a few other coupon deals while I was there...

 3 American Greetings Birthday Cards $0.99 ea - $0.20 ea card discount - $2/3 Rite-Aid Coupon = 3/$0.37

1-4 pk Salonpas Large Pain Patches $2.49 - $0.50 card discount - $2/1 Rite-Aid Coupon = FREE!

1 Eco Tools Pumice Stone $2.29 - $1.72 clearance = $0.57

1 Pepsi Next $1.69 - $0.70 sale = $0.99

2-10 ct Breathe Right Strips $5.99 ea - $2 ea Sale - $1.50/1 MC x 2 (newspaper) - $1/1 Rite-Aid Coupon x 2 (1 from March and 1 for April) = $1.49 ea or 2/$2.98

+ $0.24 Tax

Total OOP: $5.14

Saturday's Walgreen's Trip

I finally got to stop into Walgreen's Saturday before the end of the sale.  I used my two coupons that were close to expiration and saved the rest for later this month, when Walgreen's is having the sale on Zantac again -- I will stock up more then!

2-24 ct Cool Mint Zantac 150 $10.99 ea - $3 ea Sale - $2/1 Walgreen's Coupon (from monthly booklet), deducted $4 - $5/1 MC (newspaper) x 2 = 2/$1.98!

Total OOP: $1.98!!!  Savings of 91%

Last Week's Michael's Stop

I also got a chance to run into Michael's with my mom last week.  Usually I don't spend any money on these types of things, but since our tax check came this week, I decided to spurge on a few things...

2 Sand Toys (building castles at the beach isn't just for kids!) $0.99 ea = 2/$1.98

1-3 pk Finger Lights (Easter present for Joe) $2 - $0.80 coupons = $1.20

2 Photo Albums (I am working my way through a HUGE box of old photos, so I may need to go back and get a couple more this week...) on clearance for $4.99 ea = 2/$9.98

+ $0.79 Tax

Total OOP: $13.95

Last week's Big Lots Trip

Last week, my Mom and I were able to stop into Big Lots and pick up some good deals, as well as something for Joe's mom.  Here are the goodies we picked up...

2 bags Garden of Eatin' Tortilla Chips (these are so yummy!) $1.80 ea = 2/$3.60

1 bag Vanilla Almond Granola (also yummy, especially in strawberry yogurt!) $2

1 pouch Whisker Lickin's Cat Treats $1

1 small tube St Ives Whipped Silk Lotion (this was my FAVORITE kind, and they discontinued it, it was the last one left, but I would have bought every one they had if there was more though!) $0.90

1 Wahl Pet Clippers (for Joe's mom's long haired cats) $15 - $15 cash from Joe's mom = Zero for me
1 Grave Memorial Flower (bought for my mom to put on her grandmother's grave) $4 - $4 cash from mom = Zero for me

+ $1.26 Tax

Total OOP: $27.76 - $19 Cash back = Net OOP: $8.76!

ALDI Deals, Starting 04/04/2012!

Here are a few of this week's ALDI deals...

• Appleton Farms Various Hams $1.19-1.69/lb
• Bakehouse Creations Crescent Rolls 8 oz $0.99 ea
• Benton's Chocolate Chip Cookies with Candy Coated Gems 14 oz $1.89 ea
• Clancy's Cheese Balls 14 oz $1.49 ea
• Countryside Creamery Butter Quarters Regular or Unsalted 16 oz $1.99 ea
• Fit and Active Vitality Cereal Bars Assorted Varieties 4.86 oz $1.49 ea
• Fit and Active and Happy Farms Cream Cheeses 8 oz $0.99 ea
• Happy Farms Pepper Jack Cheese Block 8 oz $1.79 ea
• L'oven Fresh All Natural Ciabatta Bread 10.6 oz $1.69 ea
• Millville All Natural Granola 16 oz $3.99 ea
• Millville Chewy Dipped Granola Bars, PB or Chocolate Chip 8.4-8.7 oz/Sweet and Salty Nut Bars, Almond or Peanut 7.4 oz/Oats and Honey, Trail Mix,or Peanut Butter Bars 7.4-8.9 oz/Chewy Granola Bars, assorted varieties 8.4 oz/ Fruit and Grain Cereal Bars, Strawberry or Apple Cinnamon 10.4 oz/ Fiber Now Bars, assorted varieties 7 oz $1.49 ea 
• Season's Choice Diced Onion Rings 16 oz $1.19 ea
• Season's Choice Shoestring Fries 28 oz $1.79 ea
• Gardenline 50' Garden Hose $8.99 ea
• Gardenline Assorted Hose Nozzles $3.99 ea
• NK Lawn and Garden Speedy Green Grass Seed Mix 3 lb $3.99 ea
• Del Monte Pineapple $1.29 ea
• Strawberries $1.39/lb
• Cantaloupe $1.19 ea
• Romaine 18 oz pkg $0.99 ea
• Baby Carrots 1 lb bag $0.49 ea
• Sweet Potatoes $0.89/3 lbs

For more information about shopping at ALDI, visit their Homepage!

Sunday's Dollar Tree Stop

We also stopped into the Dollar Tree, where I was able to stock up on a few things!
Here's what we ended up with...

1 Bucket (for Joe)

1 bag All-Natural Chips

2 jars Velveeta Salsa con Queso (very yummy on chips, which we ate last night for dinner!)

3 bottles Milk and Honey Hand Soap

2 boxes Frozen Snacks (Mozzarella Sticks and Jalapeno Poppers, for the chest freezer, not pictured)

4 Pie Slices (for Joe, not pictured)

+ $0.24 Tax

Total OOP: $13.24