Menu Plan Monday: 07/22/2013

This week Joe and I need to go to his grandfather's house to load up for a steam show were setting up at the following week.  I also work several days this week, and Joe has to take my dad to an eye appointment.  Add to that unwinterizing the trailer, and cleaning, and packing it to go away next week, and you get one busy week.  That's okay though, I have plenty of easy meals up my sleeve, and in the freezer.  Here's what's on the menu this week...

Breakfasts: Cold Cereal, Waffles

Lunches: Leftovers, Salad, and/or Sandwiches

Dinners: (all served with salad or steamed veggies)

Sunday - Taco Salads

Monday - Crock-pot Chili

Tuesday - Working at Joe's Grandfather's, so we'll probably eat out with him  :-)

Wednesday - Crock-pot Pork with Baked Potatoes and Rolls

Thursday - Spaghetti with Garlic Bread

Friday - Homemade Pizza

Saturday - Out or Leftovers

Extras: Chocolate PB No-bake Cookies, and White Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 07/14-20/2013

This week was crazy.  There was a lot of great deals to be had.  I did some major stocking up, but I also spent a good bit to get stocked up.  Next week should be better though.  Here's how the week went down...

• Sunday's Walgreen's Trip (6-24 pks H2O): $12.66 oop
• Sunday's ALDI Trip (1 pkg Spaghetti, and 2 loaves White Bread): $2.89 oop
• Sunday's Big Lots Trip: $22.85 oop (used 20% off coupon and saved $5.52)

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $29.08 oop
• Sunday's CVS Trip: $26.51 oop, Earned $3 ECB's
• Tuesday's ALDI Trip (just Quick Oats): $2.29 oop
• Tuesday's Wal-mart Trip (stomach and allergy medicines): $11.28 oop
• Friday's Walgreen's Trip (3 more 24 pks H2O): $6.33 oop
• Friday's Kohl's Trip (used a $10 coupon, got 3 Christmas presents): $1.26 oop
• Friday's Rite-Aid Trip (1 Clear Shampoo, 2 Gillette Body Washes, and 1-4 pk Cheap TP, used coupons and $2 UP+Rewards to Pay): $6.73 oop, Earned $3 UP+Rewards
• Saturday's Shopper's Trip (donuts): $2.61 oop 
• Saturday's Flea Market Trip (3 children's books, 1 ironing board holder, 3 boxes toilet scrubbers, 1 litter box): $10.50 oop

Total OOP: $134.99 - $6 Rewards Earned = Net OOP: $128.99 - ouch!  I did get stocked up on a lot of great deals though.  Hopefully next week will be better!

Linked to Couponaholic! 

Frugal Finds Friday: Shop a Flea Market

Shopping at yard sales and flea markets can save you a boat-load of money, as long as you only purchase needed items, and stay within your budget.  Joe and I frequent the flea markets in our area, and stop at year sales when they are available.  Pictured above is one of our flea market stops from June.  I was in the process of redoing our hall closet, which has no doors, so everything is visible, and baskets are so much nicer to look at then just stuff.  So, I knew what I needed, approximately, and out I went in search.  I was able to pick up 2 large baskets, one of which now holds pillow cases (1 is on my basket shelf, waiting for a use), for just $1 each.  These baskets would have cost at least $10-$12 each at Micheal's prior to a coupon, that's at least an $18 savings!  The 3 smaller flat baskets, also just $1 ea are from some fancy store, maybe Pier One; the seller told me his wife paid about $8 a piece for them --- wow!  That's a $21 savings!  Lastly we picked up beef jerky for Joe 3/$1, and Crystal Light sticks for me for $1.  I'm not sure the savings on these since we usually don't buy the jerky, and Crystal Light sometimes has sales and coupons.  But, the baskets alone saved me $39, and I have a beautiful hall closet, and utensil drawer to show for it...

 7 baskets in the Hall Closet, total cost: $4.25

Misc Utensil Drawer, 3 baskets, total cost: $3


What's your frugal find for this week?

Linked to Works for Me Wednesday!

Sunday's Giant Trip

Sunday Joe and I also stopped into Giant while we were out running errands, and I loaded up on some great deals.  I am especially loving the $2 jars of organic pasta sauce!  Here's what we ended up with...

4 pkgs Simply Smart Perdue Chicken Tenders $5.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale - $1/1 MC x 4 = 4/$7.98

8 jars Newman's Own Pasta Sauce $2.99 ea - $0.49 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 4 = $2 ea or 8/$16

2 bottles Wisk Laundry Detergent $6.29 ea - $4.30 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$1.98

2 loaves Italian Bakery Bread $2.49 ea - $0.50/1 day-old Coupon x 2 = 2/$3.98

+ $0.24 Tax

- $0.10 Reusable Bag Credit 

- $1 off you next order Coupon

Total OOP: $65.44 - $36.60 Discounts and Coupons = $29.08 oop!!! Savings of 56%

Sunday's CVS Trip

This week at CVS Joe and I stopped in to roll our rewards, and use up 2 $3/$15 CVS Coupons we had.  We spent more than normal, but we are now stocked up on vitamins/probiotics for a while, and have sodas for our vacation next month.  Here's what we ended up with...

3-12 pks Coke Products $6.29 ea - $8.87 Sale - $1 ECB's wyb 3 = 3/$8.99

2-100 ct CVS Probiotics $9.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale = 2/$9.99

2-100 ct CVS Prenatal Vitamins $10.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale = 2/$10.99

2 Colgate 360 Toothbrushes $5.49 ea - $2.99 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 - $2 ECB's wyb 2 = 2/$1

1 box Reese's Pieces $1.67 - $0.67 Sale - $0.25/1 CVS Coupon = $0.75

+ $0.78 Tax

- $3/$15 Vitamin Purchase CVS Coupon

- $3/$15 Total Purchase CVS Coupon

- $3 ECB's used to Pay

Total OOP: $26.51, Earned $3 ECB's for next week!  Savings of $50.75 or 68%!!

Linked to Simply CVS!

ALDI Deals, Starting 07/17/2013

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

• Weds. 07/17 ONLY: Backyard Grill Fresh Green Chile Cheddar Burgers 1.33 lbs $5.99 ea
• Zucchini 24 oz $0.79 ea
• Baby Lettuce 14 oz $1.59 ea
• Multicolored Peppers 20 oz 3 pk $2.19 ea
• Blueberries pint $1.29 ea
• Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums $0.39 ea
• Pineapple $1.79 ea
• Friendly Farms Milk Gallons, all varieties $1.99 ea
• Kirkwood Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 48 oz $5.99 ea
• Peanut Delight Natural Creamy Peanut Butter 16 oz $1.89 ea
• Benton's Ice Cream Cups 24 ct 3.5 oz $0.99 ea
• Stonemill Essentials Grilling Marinade Mixes Assorted Varieties 0.87-1.25 oz $0.59 ea
• Bolthouse Farms Strawberry Banana Smoothie 32 oz $2.99 ea 
• Milky Way and Snicker's Minis Ice Cream Bars 12 oz $2.99 ea
• Easy Home Cordless Wet and Dry Hand Vacuum $39.99 ea
• Easy Home Toilet Brush (with Caddy) White or Gray $2.99 ea
• Easy Home Stacking Shelves White or Black 19.75" L x 12" W x 8.6" H $3.99 ea
• Freshine Glass Cleaner 32 oz $0.89 ea
• Anchor Hocking 6 piece Glass Storage Bowls with Lids 2, 4, and 7 c set $9.99 ea

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

Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday: Big Mac Salad

 Last week I gave you the low-down on some tasty Thousand Island dressing, so this week I'll share one of my favorite ways to use it: a Big Mac Salad!  Other than the pickles, it's all there, beef, 'special sauce,' lettuce, cheese, onions, and 'bun' (croutons).  This recipe is simple, and easy - my favorite kind of recipe!  It also takes only a handful of ingredients, and is hearty enough that even my husband considers it a meal.  That's a win in my book!  Here's what you need...

• Fried Ground Beef with Diced Onions (I fry this up ahead of time and freeze it is 1/2 lb portions, so all I have to do is nuke it when it's dinner time)
• Lettuce and Veggies of your choice (I like to add tomatoes and cucumbers to mine, Joe likes bell pepper and tomatoes in his, so it's up to you)
• Shredded Cheese (anything with cheddar is good, I've used the Mexican blend before, and it's just fine tasting)
• Croutons
• Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

1.  Fry ground beef with onions and drain (or nuke like me if you cook and freeze ahead).
2. Add lettuce and veggies to bowls, top with beef/onions, cheese, and croutons.
3. Dress salad with Thousand Island Dressing, to your liking.
4. Enjoy!

Linked to The Inspiration Exchange, The Natural Living Link-up, Make Your Own Monday, and Homemade Mondays!

Menu Plan Monday: 07/15/2013

This week is going to be a little crazy.  I'm use to working about 3 days a week, this week, I work 5.  Which is nice for my paycheck, but not for my back, which gave out on Sunday.  My dad is having some eye problems, and since I'm working, my husband Joe has to chauffeur him around for me.  And we have an event this Saturday at the museum, so like I said, crazy!  Anyway, this is what were eating this week...

Breakfasts: Cinnamon Sugar Granola Bread Toast (using up a loaf from the freezer), and Waffles

Lunches: Leftovers, Salads, and/or Salads

Dinners: (all served with Salad or Steamed Veggies)

Sunday - Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese

Monday - Spaghetti with Garlic Bread

Tuesday - Chipped Beef Gravy with Pancakes

Wednesday - LO Chipped Beef Gravy and Pancakes

Thursday - Crock-pot Pork Roast with Baked Potatoes

Friday - Grilled Hot Dogs with Garlic Potato Salad

Saturday - Pizza Pockets (probably Ham and Cheese)

Extras: No Bake Cookies

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 07/07-13/2013

This week was a little crazy, but I got an okay paycheck, so it was time to stock the kitchen back up on some essentials.  Here's what I ended up with...

• Tuesday's Giant Trip: $28.34 oop, Earned $1 Off my Next Order Coupon
• Tuesday's Hoffman's Trip (1 gal Chocolate Almond Ice Cream): $12.50 oop
• Friday's ALDI Trip: $20.73 oop

• Friday's CVS Trip: $6.35 oop, Earned $3 ECB's (Glucose Tablets were free with CVS coupon)

• Saturday's Rite-Aid Trip (2 Newspapers): $4.24 oop
• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $11.36 oop

Total OOP: $83.52 - $4 Earned Rewards = Net OOP: $79.52

Last Tuesday's Giant Trip

Tuesday Joe and I stopped into Giant after I was finished at my dentist appointment.  I had a $5 off a $30 purchase coupon, so I tried to stay as close to $30 as I could.  I am so glad to have some snack cheese and yogurt back in the house, and overall, I think we did pretty good.  Here's what we ended up with...

4 Loaves Oatnut Bread $4.29 ea - $1.79 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 - $1 OYNO Coupon wyb 2 = 4/$7

1 Loaf Italian Bakery Bread $2.49 - $0.50/1 Reduced Bakery Coupon = $1.99

2-4 pks Dannon Light and Fit Yogurt $2.09 - $0.20 ea Sale = $1.89 ea or 2/$3.98

4 pkgs Cracker Barrel Cheese $3.69 - $0.70 ea Sale - $1.96 Special Deal - $1/2 MC x 2 = 4/$8

2 cans Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes $1.99 and $2.19 - $1/2 MC = 2/$3.18 ($1.59 ea)

1 Newman's Own Frozen Pizza $6.99 - $1/1 MC = $5.99

1 bunch Bananas 2.22 lbs @ $0.59/lb = $1.31

1 bottle Rubbing Alcohol on clearance $1.19

- $5/$30 Giant Coupon

- $0.10 Reusable Bag Credit

Total OOP: $28.34, Earned $1 Coupon off my next order for buying the Oatnut Bread