Monday's Giant Trip

Monday I also stopped into Giant for some good deals, and a few things for Easter dinner.  I spent a lot out of pocket, but Joe's grandfather gave me a check to help cover the cost of the meat/coffee/etc that I'll need for the family dinner this Saturday.  Here's what I ended up with...

1 box Maxwell House Coffee K-cups $7.49 - $1/1 MC = $6.49

1 Talenti Gelato $4.99 - $1 Sale - $1/1 MC = $2.99

1 pouch Hormel Bacon Bits $4.29 - $0.30 Sale = $3.99

1-1/2 gal Horizon Organic Milk $3.69

1 Brisket $34.56 - $5.77 Sale = $28.79

8 bags Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats $1.65 ea - $0.15 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 4 = $1 ea or 8/$8

+ $0.72 Tax

- $0.05 Reusable Bag Credit 

Total OOP: $68.22 - $14.32 Sales/Coupons = Net OOP: $54.62

Monday's CVS Trip

This week at CVS, I mostly just stocked up on snacks and candy for Joe.  Since Easter is this weekend, candy deals will be slim-pickings around here until Halloween, so I decided to splurge a little this week.  Here's what I ended up with...

4 bags York/Reese's/Hershey's $3.79 ea - $0.79 ea Sale - $2/3 MC - $4 ECB's wyb $12 = 4/$6
4 King-sized bags Mini Eggs $1.67 ea - $0.42 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 = 4/$3
3 bags Chex Mix $3.19 ea - $2.19 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC x 2 - $0.60/1 MC = 3/$1.40
2 bags Gardetto's $3.49 ea - $0.50//2 MC = 2/$1.50
1 Purex Naturals Detergent $6.29 - $3.41 Sale - $1/1 MC - $1/1 CVS Coupon = $0.88
+ $1.20 Tax
- $8 ECB's used to Pay

Total OOP: $9.98, Earned $4 ECB's

Linked to Simply CVS!

Monday's Target Trip

I was so happy to see the Annie's pastas on sale this week, and free razors!  So I grabbed my coupons, and ran to Target Monday!  ;-)  Here's what I ended up with...

1 Method All-purpose Spray (No Grapefruit scent at Target, ugh!) $2.66 on Sale - $1/1 Target Coupon (TC) - $1/1 MC = $0.66
6 boxes Annie's Mac and Cheese $1.25 ea on Sale - $0.50/2 x 2 TC - $0.35/1 MC = 6/$6.15
1 box Up and Up Freezer Bags $2.49 - $0.50/1 TC = $1.99
2 boxes Up and Up Tissues with Lotion $1.39 ea - $0.50/1 x 2 TC = $0.89 ea or 2/$1.78
2 Schick Hydro Silk Razors $9.49 ea on Sale - $5/1 MC x 2 - $5/2 TC - $5 Target Gift Card wyb 2 = 2 FREE + $1.02 Money-maker!
+ $0.87 Tax
- $5 Gift Card used to Pay (from past pet food deal)
Total OOP: $10.43, Earned $5 Target GC = Net OOP: $5.43!

Frugal Finds Friday: Homemade Foaming Dish Soap

Since I am the only 'dishwasher' we have, I use dish soap at least three times a day.  That can be expensive, even with coupons.  I have been making my own foaming hand soap for sometime, so I decided to give dish soap a try.  I had my mom save one of her foaming dish soap pumps for me awhile ago.  I just put a squirt (about 1 tbsp) of soap in the bottom (right now I'm using up all the Dawn I have), and fill the container up to the fill-line with water.  Gently shake/swish to combine, and start pumping!  Now that I am buying natural dish soap varieties (like 7th Generation and Method), this really saves money!

Linked to Homemade Mondays! 
Linked to Works for Me Wednesday!

What are your frugal finds for this week?

ALDI Deals, starting 03/27/2013

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

• Wednesday 03/27 ONLY: Tyson Fresh Pork Roast kit 2.75 lbs $6.99 ea
• Specially Selected Aged Reserved White Cheddar 10 oz $2.69 ea
• Sweet Harvest Chunky Applesauce Peach or Strawberry 23 oz $1.69 ea
• Baker's Corner All Purpose Baking Mix 40 oz $1.99 ea
• PurAqua 24 pk Bottled Water $2.29 ea
• Southern Grove 8 pk Trail Mix Indulgent or Mountain $3.99 ea
• Work Zone Storage Drawers 17 or 33 Drawer Model $9.99
• Work Zone Household Assortment Set Screws/Dowel, Nail, Household, or Hook Assortment $3.99 ea
• Deco Style Vinyl Floor Tiles Covers 30 sq ft $8.99 ea
• Sealtite 8-piece Home Storage Set $17.99 ea
• Easy Home Large Woven Tote Java, Black, or Cream $4.99 ea
• Huntington Home Berber or Plush Area Rug Assorted Styles 5x7' $19.99 ea
• Huntington Home All-purpose Mat Oynx or Walnut $6.99 ea
• Tulip Bouquet $2.99 ea
• Hyacinths, Tulips, or Lilies $3.99 ea
• Gardenline Jumbo #1 Rose Bushes Assorted Varieties $4.99 ea
• Oranges 4 lb bag $1.79 ea
• Green Grapes 2 lb container $2.38 ea
• Strawberries 16 oz $2.19 ea
• Pineapple $1.99 ea
• Sweet Potatoes 3 lb bag $1.19 ea
• Asparagus 16 oz $2.29 ea

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

Weekly Spending Report: 03/17-23/2013

Here are the deals I scored this week!

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $5.11 oop, Earned $8 ECB's
• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $9.77 oop

• Sunday's Wal-mart Trip: $8 oop (Used a Gift Card towards the balance)

• Sunday's Office Depot Trip (1 box Ink): $5.29 oop
• Sunday's Giant Trip: $22.52 oop
• Monday's ALDI Trip (6 lbs Potatoes, 2 tubs Shredded Parmesan Cheese): $9.16 oop 
• Wednesday's BJ's Trip (Eggo's, PB, Crystal Light, and Chips): $36.44 oop
• Friday's Big Lots Trip (4 bags Organic Pasta, 1 pkg Cookies, 2 bags Snacks): $10.85 oop
• Friday's Big Lots Trip #2 (1 shower curtain liner): $10.07 oop
• Saturday's Giant Trip (2 pints Gelato, 2 newspapers): $9.22 oop

Total OOP: $126.43, Earned $8 Rewards = Net OOP: $118.43

Menu Plan Monday: 03/25/2013

This week Joe and I are getting ready to do a flea market.  Which in-details a lot of unpacking and repacking.  Also we are having some family over for dinner on Saturday, and finishing our spring cleaning from last week.  Only one more room to go!  Here's what's on the menu this week...

Breakfasts: Waffles, Cold Cereal

Lunches: Leftovers, Fried Eggs and Toast, or Sandwiches

Dinners: (served with a vegetable or salad)

Sunday - Hot Dogs with Macaroni and Cheese

Monday -  Crock-pot Roast Pork and Baked Potatoes

Tuesday - Pizza Hut Pizza and Salads

Wednesday - Packing for the Flea Market at Joe's grandfather's house.  We'll probably eat with him.

Thursday - Potato and Ham Soup with Irish Soda Bread

Friday - Chipped Beef Gravy and Pancakes

Saturday - Easter Dinner: Brisket, Ham, Buttered Red Potatoes with Parsley, Broccoli, Sweet Corn, Homemade Rolls, French Apple and Apple Crumb Pies with Vanilla Ice Cream!  Yum-o!

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Linked to MSM

Frugal Finds Friday: Alcohol Deodorant

When I started my frugal journey, I started couponing.  Couponing when done correctly leads to a LOT of free stuff, including deodorant.  Then I entered the blog-world, and started reading a lot of posts and articles about more natural living, and all of the bad stuff that is lurking around every corner, including in your deodorant!  So, I read online that your can just use plain old alcohol as deodorant.  Since you are suppose to sweat (it's good for your body), it's the smell that needs to be dealt with.  That smell comes from bacteria on your skin, which alcohol kills.  I having been using alcohol as my deodorant for about a year now, and I love it.  I have a natural deodorant that I put on after I shave my under arms, just because the alcohol will burn.  But other than that I use the alcohol exclusively, and I have had no problems with smell.  A couple spritzes in the morning, and before bed, and you are good to go.  There was an adjustment period, where my body would sweat more, I guess just cause it could.  But it was a short one.  In my opinion it's frugal, natural, and totally worth it!

What was your frugal find this week?

Linked to Homemade Mondays!

ALDI Deals, Starting 03/20/2013!

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

• Wednesday 03/20 ONLY: Kirkwood Fresh Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon 24 oz $5.99 ea
• Specially Selected Spiral Cut Double Glazed Ham $1.99/lb
• Clancy's Butter Twist or Waffle Pretzel Tub 18-22 oz $3.49 ea
• Snyder's Cheddar Cheese or Peanut Butter Pretzel Sandwiches 8 oz $2.79 ea
• Reggano Pasta Sides 4 Cheese, Parmesan, or Creamy Garlic 4.1-4.9 oz $0.79 ea
• Friendly Farms Extra Creamy Whipped Topping 8 oz $0.89 ea
• Specially Selected Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans 7 oz $2.99 ea
• L'oven Fresh Cheesecake Sampler 40 oz $8.99 ea
• Countryside Creamery Butter Quarters Salted or Unsalted 16 oz $1.99 ea
• Happy Farms or Fit and Active Cream Cheese 8 oz $0.99 ea
• Happy Farms Cheese Blocks Assorted Varieties 8 oz $1.79 ea
• Happy Harvest Cut Green Beans 14.5 oz $0.49 ea
• Baker's Corner Cake Mixes Devil's Food, White, and Yellow 16.5 oz $0.99 ea
• Boulder Oval Roasting Pan $0.89 ea
• Huntington Home Allergy Free Bed Pillows 20x26" $6.99 ea
• Huntington Home Allergy Protection Pillow Protectors 2 pk 20x28" $4.99 ea
• Huntington Home Twin or Queen Allergy Protection Mattress Protector $14.99 ea
• Kitchen Living Thermometer Assortment 4 pc Grill and Steak, Oven, Meat, or Refrigerator/Freezer
• Sealtite 6 pc Latching Food Storage Set $3.99 ea 
• Crane Fitness Mat 73"x31"x15mm $14.99 ea
• Franklin 9.5" Youth Baseball Glove Left or Right-handed $5.99 ea
• Franklin Pitching Machine with 6 Balls $19.99 ea
• 6" Azaleas or Hydrangea $4.99 ea
• Oranges 4 lb bag $1.79 ea
• Strawberries $2.19/lb
• Green Grapes $2.38/2 lb pkg
• Mandarins 3 lb bag $2.49 ea
• Sweet Potatoes 3 lb bag $1.19 ea
• Asparagus 16 oz pkg $2.29 ea

For more information about ALDI, visit their Homepage!

Sunday's Giant Trip

Giant also had a lot of nice deals this week.  Unfortunately they didn't have many Alexia items left.  I'm going to go back and try again later this week, probably Wednesday, before the sale changes.  Here's what I was able to get today...

2 Newman's Own Pizzas $6.99 ea - $1.49 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 +
3 Alexia Items $4.29 ea - $1.29 ea Sale - $2.50/1 MC x 1 - $0.55/1 MC doubled to $1.10 x 2 - $5 wyb 5 Select Frozen Items = 5/$8.30 or $1.66 each!!!!
1-5 lb bag Gold Medal Unbleached Flour $3.29 - $0.79 Sale = $2.50
1 pint Buttermilk $0.99
2 pks Pamper's Wipes $2.39 ea - $0.40 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = 2/$1.98 or $0.99 each!!!
2-1 lb pkgs Laura's Lean Ground Beef $4.45 + $4.27 (both on Special) = 2/$8.72

- $0.15 Reusable Bags Credit
+ $0.18 Tax

Total OOP: $44.63 - $22.29 Savings/Coupons/Credits/Promo = $22.52 oop!!!  Savings of 50%!!!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday: Crock-pot Lasagne!

 Lasagne was something that my mom would make, and it was delicious!  It was one of my favorite things that she would make.  I, however, did not inherit her lasagne-making genes.  After she died last year, her lasagne was one of the many things I missed, so I had to learn to make my own.  Then, I discovered the crock-pot lasagne!  It's definitely not made the same way, but the taste is almost identical.  And this recipe is WAY simpler than making it in the oven!  Here's what you need...

•  lb Fried and Drain Ground Beef (I use 1/2 lb, and you could use sausage or turkey instead)
• 1-24 oz jar Spaghetti Sauce (I used Newman's Own Marinara, and it was really tasty)
• 1 c Water
• 1-15 oz container Ricotta Cheese (I got mine from ALDI)
• 1/4 c Grated Parmesan Cheese (I used shredded from ALDI as well)
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (I just sprinkled some dried in)
• 6 Uncooked Lasagne Noodles (I used more, and I also got these from ALDI $0.99 a box)
• About 7 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 

1. Mix together beef, water, and spaghetti sauce in one bowl.
2. Mix together ricotta, 1 1/2 c mozzarella, 2 tbsp Parmesan, 1 egg, and parsley in another bowl, until well blended.
3. Spray crock-pot with cooking spray.  Spoon 1 c sauce into crock-pot, top with layers of half of the noodles (broken to fit), and cheese.  Cover with 2 c of sauce.  Repeat layers, ending with sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella.  (I deviated from this and made 4 layers instead of just 2, using extra noodles and dividing the cheese and sauce up into 4's as well, but it's up to you).
4. Cook on low 4-6 hours.  (Mine was on for about 8 hours, and it did start to get a little black on the top edge on one side, but it was drier, as if you made it in the oven, and not soupy like the last time I made it in the crock-pot.  But, again, it's up to you and how you like your lasagne.)

   
For more tasty recipes, visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesday!
Linked to the Homestead Barn Hop!

Sunday's CVS Trip

This week CVS has some HOT bargains, so I made sure that Joe and I stopped there first after church Sunday.  Here's what we were able to stock up on...

4 boxes Kleenex Tissues $1.77 ea - $0.78 ea Sale - $1/3 CVS Coupon - $1/4 MC = 4/$1.96

1 BIC Soleil Savvy Razor $8.29 - $1.30 Sale - $3/1 MC - $2 ECB's = $1.99

1-12 ct ZzzQuil $5.99 - $2/1 MC - $2 ECB's = $1.99

1 Carmex Lotion $5.99 - $1 Sale - $1/1 MC - $3 ECB's = $0.99

1 Coke 2 lt $1.99 - $1 Sale (forgot to use $0.25/1 CVS Coupon!) = $0.99

2 bags Cadbury Mini Eggs $3.79 ea - $0.79 ea Sale - $2/2 CVS Coupon - $3/2 CVS Coupon - $1/2 MC - $1 ECB's/2 = 2 FREE + $1 Money-maker!

+ $1.19 Tax 

- $8 ECB's used to Pay

Total OOP: $5.11, Earned $8 ECB's!

Linked to Simply CVS!

Weekly Spending Report: 03/10-16/2013

This week I tried to keep my shopping to a minimum, since I went and spent half the monthly budget last week, whoops, but it was worth it.  Here's where I ended up this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $10.41 oop, Earned $8 ECB's
• Sunday's Rite-Aid Trip: $14.75 oop, Earned $5 UP+Rewards
• Sunday's Bed Bath and Beyond Trip (1 glass drink pitcher, used 20% coupon and gift card to pay): Zero oop
• Wednesday's Giant Trip (2 pints Gelato): $5.98 oop (used 2 $1/1 MC) 
• Thursday's Amish Market Trip (2 bags Raw Sugar, 1 tub homemade PB, 3 bags Cheezer Cracker Pretzels): $24.59 oop
• Thursday's Rite-Aid Trip (2-50 ct Aleve, 2 Utz Chips, 2-16 ct Arm and Hammer Detergents, used a LOT of coupons): $7.56, Earned $4 UP+Rewards
• Friday's Giant Trip (Tortilla Chips, Gelato, Waffles, Milk, Jalapenos and Olives off the salad bar for Nachos): $15.31 oop (used $2.50 in coupons)
• Saturday's Shopper's Trip (2 boxes Organic Penne, 2 Newspapers): $7.17 oop

Total OOP: $85.77 - $17 Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $68.77 -- Much better!!!

Linked up to Frugal Follies 
Linked to Couponaholic 

Menu Plan Monday: 03/18/2013

This week Joe and I are starting our spring cleaning, I plan to post an update each day to keep me accountable, and to show our progress.  I tried to keep our meals simple, with minimal ingredients and time involved.  'Cause when I've cleaned and organized all day, the last thing I want to do is cook too.  Here's what's on the menu this week...

Breakfasts: Waffles or Cold Cereal

Lunches: Leftovers, or Sandwiches

Dinners: (all served with a vegetable)

Sunday -  Homemade Pizza

Monday - Crock-pot Irish Stew and Irish Soda Bread

Tuesday - Chicken Fajitas with Mexican Rice and Homemade Salsa

Wednesday - We'll be at Joe's grandfather's working again, so we'll probably go to Chili's with him.

Thursday - Hamburger Helper

Friday - Shrimp Poppers with Baked French Fries

Saturday - Hot Dogs with Baked Onion Rings

Extras: Vanilla Pudding with Oreo Cookie Crumbles

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Frugal Finds Friday: Fried LEFTOVER Potatoes and Onions

Before I had to become frugal, I threw away a lot of food: leftovers past their prime, last night's dinner that wasn't as tasty as I thought it would be, pantry staples I'd let expire before I got to use them.  Then money got tight, and I realized I was wasting good food, and that was costing me money, and that was not good.  My husband wasn't really into leftovers, while I had eaten them my whole life.  So, in an effort to save money, but not serve the same meal all over again, I learned to 're-invent' leftovers.  Leftover sauce and noodles, became pizza and pasta salad, taco meat became nachos, and leftover baked potatoes, hash browns.  So, if you have some left over baked potatoes, you could make this...

1. Peel (on not, your choice) leftover potatoes, dice.  Also peel and dice 1 small-medium onion.

2. I use a large cast iron skillet, but any pan would work.  Add oil (I use lard) to your skillet, and heat it up.  Add the potatoes and onions.

3. Saute the potatoes and onions, until the potatoes are nicely browned, and the onions are translucent.  I serve mine with eggs, toast, and sometimes bacon or sausage, as dinner.  I like mine with ketchup, as you can tell from the picture, my husband likes to put A1 on them, but it's really up to you!  Enjoy!

Linked to Homemade Mondays!

What are your frugal finds for this week?

ALDI Deals, starting 03/13/2013

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

• Wednesday 03/13: Aspen Valley Fresh Tuscan Herb Veal Roast $4.49/lb
• L'oven Fresh Cinnamon Crumb Cake 26 oz $3.99 ea
• Baker's Corner Spring Confetti Cake Mix 16.5 oz $0.99 ea
• Baker's Corner Spring Frosting Pink or Yellow 16 oz $1.29 ea
• Boulder Spring Paper Ware Assortment $0.89 ea
• L'oven Fresh All Natural Ciabatta Bread or $1.99 ea
• L'oven Fresh Brown and Serve Rolls 12 oz $0.99 ea
• Happy Harvest Pickled Beets Sliced or Whole 16 oz $1.39 ea
• Lost Cellar White Wine 750 ml $6.99 ea
• Benton's Cookie Straw Lemon, Key Lime, or Raspberry 4.5 oz $1.99 ea
• Sweet Harvest Pineapple Slices 20 oz $0.89 ea
• Happy Harvest Yams 29 oz $1.29 ea
• Dakota's Pride Green Split Peas 16 oz $0.79 ea
• Sea Queen Popcorn Shrimp Original or Buffalo 8 oz $1.69 ea
• Season's Choice Frozen Strawberries, Peaches, or Mixed Fruit 16 oz $1.99 ea
• 8" Foliage Assorted Varieties $4.99 ea
• Cantaloupe $1.39 ea
• Mandarins $2.49/3 lb bag
• Green Grapes $1.19/lb ($2.38 for 2 lb pkg)
• Red Potatoes $1.39/5 lb bag
• Cabbage $0.79/head
• Baby Carrots $0.69/16 oz bag

For more information about ALDI, visit their Homepage!

Schick Hydro Silk Razor Review

BzzAgent sent me a Schick Hydro Silk razor to try out, and I must say, it is a great razor!  I loved the smoothness of use when shaving.  The fact that the blade didn't drag across my skin, but seemed to glide across it.  I also liked that the shape of the razor was comfortable in my hand, always a plus when shaving in the shower.  I also felt that the 5 blades gave me a close and comfortable shave.  The blade/cartridge has a moisturizing serum bar on the top, which at first made my legs a little itchy, but after a few uses, my skin got use to it, and it made them silky smooth.  Overall a really nice razor!

*I received the razor for free, but all opinions expressed here are my own!

Sunday's Rite-Aid Trip

We also stopped into Rite-Aid while we were out.  The deals this week are AWESOME!  I plan to stop back in later in the week and pick up a few more things if there are things left on the shelves.  Here's what I scored today...

2-50 ct Aleve $7.49 ea - $0.75 ea card discount - $2/1 MC x 2 - $2/1 in-ad Coupon x 2 - $1 UP+Reward x 2 = 2/$3.48 ($1.74 each!)
2 bags Utz Potato Chips $0.99 ea - $0.10 ea card discount - $1 UP+Reward (on 2?) = 2/$0.78 ($0.39 ea!)
2 Rite-Aid Rubbing Alcohol $2.79 ea - BOGO Free Sale = 2/$2.79
2 Visine for Contacts $5.29 ea - $0.53 ea card discount - $2/1 in-ad Coupon x 2 - $2/1 MC x 2 = 2/$1.52 ($0.76 ea!)
2 Got 2 Be Dry Shampoos $6.49 ea - BOGO Free Sale - $2/1 MC x 2 = 2/$2.49
2-20 ct Arm and Hammer Power Paks Detergent $6.99 ea - $4.49 ea Sale - $1/2 MC - $2 UP+Reward = 2/$2
+ $0.69 Tax
Total OOP: $14.75, Earned $5 UP+Rewards for next week!

Sunday's CVS Trip

Sunday Joe and I stopped into CVS for the deals.  This is what I ended up with....

3 bags Reese's Minis $3.79 ea - $0.79 ea Sale - $2/3 MC +

2 bags Mars Minis $4.79 ea - $1.79 ea Sale - $1/2 MC - $1/1 CVS Coupon x 2 - $5 ECB's wyb $15 = 5/$5

1 Di-Gel $7.49 - $2.49 Sale - $3.50/1 MC - $2 ECB's = FREE + $0.50 Money-maker

+ $0.90 Tax

- $1.99 ECB's used to Pay

Total OOP: $10.41 - $8 ECB's Earned (including $1 Green Bag Tag) = Net OOP: $2.41!!!!!

Linked to Simply CVS

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday: Homemade Pizza

Pizza has always been a Friday night staple, usually along with movie, and maybe some fresh-popped popcorn later in the evening.  However, when money got tight, a weekly pizza run just wasn't in the cards, or wallet; so I started to look for an alternative.  I got a bread machine from my mom for Christmas that year, and I tried out a pizza dough recipe, and it was a hit, and thus, a keeper!

To make homemade pizza, all you need is some dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings, and an oven of course.  But you can really use anything you like.  I've made pizza using leftover spaghetti sauce, or Alfredo sauce, even garlic and olive oil.  For cheeses, I've used Provolone, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella; mozzarella and provolone with a little Parmesan is my favorite blend (but I usually eat just a cheese pizza, so it adds a little more depth to a plain dish).  Toppings can really be anything you like, we've done sausage, bacon, grilled chicken, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms.  Really the combinations are endless, and it's a delicious way to get more mileage out of something that probably wouldn't have made a meal by itself, like a lone leftover grilled chicken breast, or a 1/2 c of leftover Alfredo sauce.

*if using the dough recipe above
1. Take dough out of bread machine, stretch into pizza pan, onto baking stone, or into round cake pans (for personal pizzas, this is our preferred method).
2. Bake 5 minutes at 400 degrees F.  Remove from oven.
3. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings to pizza crust.
4. Bake 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F depending on oven and amount of toppings.
5. Slice and enjoy - bon appetit!

See more delicious recipes at Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday!
Linked up to Make Your Own Monday!

Menu Plan Monday: 03/11/2013

This week Joe and I have a lot to do to get ready for the tool show this weekend.  So we'll be gone two whole days this week working at Joe's grandfather's house, and the rest of the meals, I tried to keep super simple.  The weather has started to warm up here in Westminster, but there is still a little chill in the air, so I'm getting in one more week of cozy crock-pot comfort foods while I can :-)  Here's what's on the menu this week...

Breakfasts: Cereal, Waffles, Bagels

Lunches: Leftovers, or Sandwiches with Chips

Dinners:

Sunday - Sandwiches

Monday - Crock-pot Lasagne, Garlic Bread, and Green Beans

Tuesday - Crock-pot Pork Roast with Baked Potatoes, and a Vegetable

Wednesday - Away at Joe's Grandfather's house

Thursday - Away at Joe's Grandfather's house

Friday - Nachos (with this meat)

Saturday - Homemade Pizza, and Veggies with Dip

Extras: Butterscotch Pudding

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie and Money Saving Mom

Weekly Spending Report: 03/03-09/2013

This week was the first full week of spending for March, and I think I did pretty good.  I spent close to half our budget for March, but I finally feel stocked back up again.  The freezers actually have enough things in them to make meals, which is nice.  I think my spending should be minimal the rest of the month, or at least I'm going to try and curb it.

• Sunday's Big Lots Trip: $19.46 oop
• Sunday's Giant Trip: $20.61 oop
• Sunday's CVS Trip: $8.20 oop, Earned $1.99 ECB's
• Sunday's Rite-Aid Trip: $7.46 oop, Earned $4 ECB's 
• Tuesday's Giant Trip (1 Gelato, 1 magazine): $5.10 oop
• Tuesday's BJ's Trip (1-2 pk Hotdogs, 1-3 pk Butter Spread, and 1 pkg Chicken Breasts): $24.44 oop (used $3 in coupons)

• Tuesday's ALDI Trip: $10.22 oop
• Friday's ALDI Trip: $ 18.26 oop
• Friday's BJ's Trip (1-2 pk Hotdogs, 1-2 pk Provolone Cheese): $10.98 oop

• Saturday's Giant Trip (Salads for dinner, 2 newspapers, and 1 gelato): $27.51 oop

Total OOP: $ - Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $152.24 - $5.99 Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $146.25 - That's a LOT, but I feel that we are stocked back up again.  Next week should be better!

Linked to Couponaholic 

Friday's ALDI Trip - Score on Organic Butter!

Today I made a major score at ALDI, if you have an ALDI near you, you might want to go check it out!  I ran in to pick up a few things while Joe was picking up his prescriptions at CVS; I was rounding the corner to the check-out, and I spotted it - Organic Butter $0.99/lb!!!!!!  Here's what I ended up with...

8 lbs Organic Butter marked down to $0.99 ea = 8/$7.92!

1 box no-cook Lasagne Shells $0.99

1 bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese $3.29

1 bag Yogurt Raisins $1.79

2 pkgs Sage Seeds $0.49 ea = 2/$0.98

1 Cabbage $0.79

1-5 lb bag Russet Potatoes $2.39

 + $0.11 Tax

Total OOP: $18.26

Frugal Finds Friday: Freezer Cooking - Garlic Bread

 Garlic bread is delicious paired with soup, or pasta, but can cost a pretty penny when you want the convenience of having it pre-made and ready to pop into the oven.  So I started getting bread from the bakery and making my own.  Then I thought, why not make it ahead of time and freeze it - DUH!  So that's what I do now, sometimes I even get lucky and can get the day-old bread from the bakery!

 All I do is spread the halved bread with butter (I use Land O Lakes Butter and Olive Oil spread), then I sprinkle on garlic powder, a little Italian seasoning, and some grated Parmesan.  I put the two halves together and wrap them in foil.  I can fit three wrapped 'loaves' per gallon freezer bag.

I usually get the bread down in the morning and let it thaw in the fridge, but if not, you can just bake it a little longer.  If I forget and have to bake it longer, I usually pop the two pieces apart half-way through.
Thawed: Bake at 400 degrees F 10 minutes
Frozen: Bake at 400 degrees F 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven
* this bread is also delicious topped with a little shredded mozzarella as pictured above - yummy!

What was your frugal find for this week?

Tuesday's ALDI Trip

Tuesday Joe and I stopped into ALDI to pick up a few things before the snow hit. The lasagne sheets are an amazing deal; I might stop in and get a couple more before they're all gone...

2 boxes no-cook Lasagne Sheets $0.99 ea = 2/$1.98

1 container Ricotta Cheese $1.79

1 tub Sour Cream $1.29 

Organic Bananas $1.38

1 bag Yogurt Raisins $1.79

1 pkg Hot Dog Buns $0.89

1 pkg Tortillas $0.99

+ $0.11 Tax

Total OOP: $10.22

Sunday's Big Lots Trip

Big Lots wasn't originally on the agenda for today, but when I found a 20% off coupon last night, I decided that it was worth a stop, and I'm so glad that we stopped in.  Joe, my husband, LOVES

his snacks, but they get expensive.  So I decided to stock up on snack for Joe, and they should last at least the month, probably into April.  (I'll share a frugal tip for keeping portions in check on Friday).  I also got some pudding/gelatin that I can make later, and stevia sweeteners.

2 bags Riesen Candies $1 ea - 20% Coupon = 2/$1.60
2 bags Buffalo Blue Cheese Combos $1.80 ea - 20% Coupon = 2/$2.88
2 bags Gardettos $1 ea - 20% Coupon = 2/$1.60
1 box Pop-Tarts $2.50 - 20% Coupon = $2
2 boxes Pyure Stevia 40 ct Sweeteners $1.80 ea - 20% Coupon = 2/$2.88
2 boxes Royal Strawberry Gelatin $0.40 ea - 20% Coupon = 2/$0.64
2 boxes Royal Chocolate Pudding $0.40 ea - 20% Coupon = 2/$0.64
2 bags Pop Weaver White Chocolate Covered Pretzels $0.85 ea - 20% Coupon = 2/$1.36
1 bag Garden of Eatin' Tortilla Chips $1.80 - 20% Coupon = $1.44
1 bag Doritos $2.75 - 20% Coupon = $2.20
1 bag Cable Ties $2.50 - 20% Coupon = $2
+ $0.22 Tax
Total OOP: $19.46, Saved $4.81!

Sunday's Giant Trip

Since I was out running errands Sunday afternoon, I decided to stop into Giant for a few things, some we needed for meals this week (chips, salsa, olives), and others were great deals (bread, BBQ, jelly).  Here's what I ended up with for this week...

Olives off Salad Bar $0.30
Gelato $4.99 - $1 Sale - $1/1 MC = $2.99
2 Bulls Eye BBQ Sauces $1.99 ea - $0.32 ea Sale = $1.67 ea or 2/$3.34
2 Newman's Own Salsa $2.79 ea - $1/2 MC = 2/$4.58
2 Welch's Natural Grape Spreads $3.19 ea - $1.19 ea Sale = 2/$4
1-2 pk Day-old Bakery Bread $2.59 - $1 Giant Coupon = $1.59
1 MintBag Tortilla Chips $3.79
+ $0.02 Tax
Total OOP: $20.61

ALDI Deals, Starting 03/06/2013

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

• Weds. March 6 ONLY: Cattlemen's Ranch Fresh Filet of Beef Original or Teriyaki 16 oz $5.99 ea
• Weds. March 6 ONLY: Cattlemen's Ranch Fresh Corned Beef Points $1.99/lb 
• Sea Queen Popcorn Shrimp, Buffalo or Original 8 oz $1.69 ea
• Season's Choice Frozen Blueberries 12 oz $1.99 ea
• Season's Choice Frozen  Berry Medley or Raspberries 12 oz $1.99 ea
• Season's Choice Frozen Sliced Peaches, Strawberries, or Mixed Fruit 16 oz $1.99 ea
• Fusia Mandarin Orange Chicken 26 oz $4.99 ea
• Millville Cereal Assorted Varieties 12-16.3 oz $1.99 ea
• Kitchen Living Microwave Cookware Assortment $4.99 ea
• Kitchen Living Waffle Stick or Mini Doughnut Maker $14.99 ea
• Sealtite 10 piece Durable Round Container Set $4.99 ea
• Sealtite Stackable File Box $8.99 ea
• Kitchen Living mini Aluminum Fry or Grill Pan $4.99 ea
• Millville Rainbow Chip Chewy Granola Bars 8.4 oz $1.69 ea
• Kerrygold Irish Cheese Blarney Castle or Dubliner 7 oz $2.99 ea
• Organic Russet Potatoes 3 lbs $2.29 ea
• Baby Carrots 16 oz $0.69 ea
• Cabbage $0.79/head
• Organic Fuji Apples 3 lbs $4.29 ea
• Blackberries 6 oz $0.99 ea
• Oranges 4 lbs $1.79 ea

For more information on ALDI, visit their Homepage!

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday: Pasta Bake

Pasta bake is a great meal on it's own or a great way to use up leftover sauce and pasta.  Sometimes I freeze the leftovers from pasta meals, separately of course, so I can use them for other recipes, or mix them together to make a delicious pasta bake.

To make this recipe from scratch...

1.) Cook pasta (of your choice) until done based on the directions on the box.

2.) Fry ground beef or turkey* with a diced onion until done, drain.  Add 1 jar marinara sauce.  

3.) Mix pasta, meat/onions, and sauce together and put in a greased pan.  Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.  Bake at 350 degrees F until the cheese is melted, about 10-15 minutes depending on your oven.  

4.) Serve hot with garlic bread and a side of veggies.  Enjoy!

* Meat is optional, I've made pasta bakes without any meat; I've also used pepperoni in a pinch.

Linked to One Project at a Time

Linked to Tempt my Tummy Tuesday

Menu Plan Monday: 03/04/2013

This week Joe and I are going to work on getting the office in order, I have a lot of organizing to do as well as a lot of projects we can both work on.  We will also be spending Wednesday at his grandfather's house helping him with some projects.  I kept things fairly simple in regards to the meals this week.  Here's what cooking...

Breakfasts: Bagels, Waffles, and/or Yogurt

Lunches: Leftovers, or Sandwiches

Dinners:

Sunday - Nachos

Monday - Smoked Ribs with Baked French Fries and a Vegetable

Tuesday - Newman's Own Bagged Meal: Chicken Florentine, Garlic Bread

Wednesday - Working at Joe's Grandfather's house - Probably Chili's for dinner with him.

Thursday - Ham and Potato Soup with Homemade Bread

Friday - Homemade Pizza with Veggies and Dip

Saturday -Undone Stuffed Pepper Casserole (new recipe), Vegetable

Extras: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pudding

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Sunday's Rite-Aid Trip

Rite-Aid didn't have much for me either this week, but I had rewards I needed to use or lose, so I went in and rolled them the best I could.  The Reese's are put away for now and will be in my husband's basket Easter morning :-)

2-6 pks Reese's Easter Eggs $5.99 ea - $2 ea Sale - $1/2 Rite-Aid Values Coupon - $1 UP+Rewards x 2 = 2/$4.98 ($2.49 ea!)

2 pkgs Band-aids $4.99 ea - $1.99 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC x 2 - $2 UP+Rewards wyb 2 = 2/$3

+ $0.48 Tax

- $5 UP+Rewards used to Pay

Total OOP: $7.46, Earned $4 UP+Rewards for next week!

Sunday's CVS Trip

There wasn't a whole lot going on at CVS this week for me, but I had a $5 off $15 purchase coupon burning a hole in my pocket and I was in need of some contact solution, so off I went, and this is what I ended up with...

1-24 pk Basic H2O $3.99 - $1.55 Sale = $2.44 oop (not pictured)

1 bag GE Jelly Beans $1.19 - $0.20 Sale - $0.99 ECB's = FREE

1 Twin Pk Opti-free Contact Solution $18.49 - $4 Sale - $1.50/1 MC - $1 ECB's = $11.99

+ $0.78 Tax

- $5/15 CVS Coupon 

- $4 ECB's used to Pay

Total OOP: $8.20, Earned $1.99 ECB's for next week!

Linked to Simply CVS!

Weekly Spending Report: 02/24-03/02/2013

This week ends our February budget and begins our March budget, thank God.  February was filled with shopping to restock our dwindling freezer, pantry, and stockpile.  Luckily I was able to stock up on lots of things we needed, and stay pretty close to budget.  March is going to be another tight month, but I think we can do it.  We are doing a tool show the middle of March, so that will bring in a little money, and I'll be listing some books on Amazon.  Other than that, we pretty much will just have to make due with what we have.  Here's our spending from this week...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $9.77 oop, Earned $4 ECB's
• Thursday's Giant Trip (Waffles, Butter, Gelato): $14.24 oop 
• Saturday's Shopper's Trip (Rubbing Alcohol, 2 Newspapers, Flavored Pretzel Bites, and Baked Cheetos): $14.16 oop

Total OOP: $38.17 - $4 Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $34.17 --- MUCH BETTER!  I'll be sharing my monthly budget update in a couple days, I went over for February, but came out under in January.  I hope that March balances things out!

 Linked to Frugal Follies
 Linked to Couponaholic  

What are your deals from this week?

Frugal Finds Friday - Homemade Pizza Crust

 Homemade pizza is a Friday night staple in the Rogers' household.  By making my own pizza every week, I not save money, but I can also control the ingredients that are in the pizza, making it better for us.  I have never calculated the cost of making a batch of pizza dough, which makes 2 individual pizzas for Joe and I twice, because all of the ingredients are staples that I keep on hand all the time.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 c Water
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Salt
4 c Flour (I use unbleached)
2 tsp Active Dry Yeast
1 tsp Italian Seasoning

1. Load ingredients into bread machine in order listed, making a well in the flour for the yeast.
2. Set the bread machine to the dough setting and push start.
3. Pull dough out of bread machine.  Use oiled or floured hands.  Dough will make 2 larger pizzas or 4 personal pizzas.
4. You can freeze the dough once it's cooled from the bread machine, or you can make your pizzas up (pre-bake crust 5 minutes at 400 degrees F, add toppings, bake 10-15 more minutes depending on how brown you like your pizza/cheese)
5. Serve and enjoy!

Talk about an easy, frugal recipe!  This dough freezes great, so I make a batch whenever I'm in the kitchen doing some other freezer-cooking, that way, I'm always prepared for a quick pizza meal!
Enjoy!

What Frugal Finds have you found this week?