Publix Trip 3/31/11

I spent $18.96 for $50.98 worth of groceries, saving $32.02 or 63%!
(2)Sabra Hummus BOGO $3.99
   -(2) $1/1 Printables (No longer available)
(2)Vitamuffin BOGO $4.49
(2) Friskies Treats BOGO $1.75
   -(2) $1/1 Publix Pet Club HERE
(4) Goldfish 10/$10
   -(1) B1G1 Baby Club Coupon
(8)Campbell's Soups 10/$10
   -(2) 40¢/4 from 2/13/2011 SS
(1) Argo Baking Powder $1.39
   -(1) 30¢/1 from 11/07/2010 SS
(2)Whikas Trays 45¢
   -(1) B1G1 Printable (no longer available)
(1) Tomato $1.41
(1) Broccoli 2/$4
(1) Grapes $2.42

-$5/$30 purchase Winn-Dixie Coupon

Shopping List

I spent the day at the beach today, and so I haven't had a chance to type up the shopping list. So, that being said, I'll just give you the match-ups tomorrow on the show-and-tell post.

Making It Do: Thoughts and Reminder

With all the natural disasters occuring lately, I thought it would be a great week to remind you that if you haven't put together a 72 hour kit, then you should definitely get on that!
If you have put together a 72 hour kit, it would be a good time to make sure it still matches your needs and that nothing is expired!

Need help with putting together a 72 hour kit? Check out my FAQ!

In other news, I'm going to take a few weeks off of the "How Do I Use It?" segment, while I do some more research on the next few items. In the mean time, I'll be covering some more emergency prep subjects.

New Uses for Cooking Spray

Cooking spray is a wonderful thing that makes for less work in cleaning up, but also has less calories than butter, oil, or shortening that you could use. However, that cooking spray can also be a handy helper in other ways. Check out the list below for more helpful ideas.

• Grating Cheese. It takes less work to grate (and makes the grater easier to clean) if you spray it with cooking oil first.
• Preventing tomato stains on your tupperware. Spray the container first to prevent stains.
• Debugging your car. Spray the grille with cooking spray and wipe.
• Lubricate a bicycle chain.
• Lubricate the hinge on a door.
• Remove paint and grease from your hands by coating it with cooking spray and then work it in. Wash again with soap and water.
• Dry nail polish. Spray the nail polish with cooking oil.
• Moisturize your hands. Oil (not just cooking spray) is a great moisturizer for your hands (and body)!
• Spray fishing line so the line will cast easier.
• Spray the underside of your mower to keep grass from sticking.
• Spray your shovel before shoveling snow.
• Spray your car wheels after cleaning them to prevent build-up of brake dust and debris from the road.
• Spray it on keys to make them enter the lock better.
• Spray cleats before a game so grass and mud doesn't stick.
• Spray the bottom of a sled or inner tube for a faster slide in the snow.
• Coat measuring cups and spoons to help sticky foods (like honey or peanut butter) come out easier.
• Spray your satellite dish to keep snow from piling on it.

Do you have any new uses for cooking oil? Comment below and I will add them to the list!

Publix Ad

Michelle over at iheartpublix has the new ad up, you can find it HERE.

There's a few exciting things, but overall it's an average ad to me...

Meal Plan Monday

Monday- Pierogies, Asparagus
Tuesday-  Sloppy Joes, Tater Tots, Veggie
Wednesday- Smoked Sausage, Mac and Cheese, Veggie
Thursday- Turkey Burgers and veggie
Friday- DIY/Leftovers 
Saturday-  Applesauce and Brown Sugar porkchops, couscous, veggie
Sunday- Pasta with Chicken Sausage, Tomatoes, and Broccoli
What's your menu for the week?
Don't forget to link up below!

Friday Favorites- Website!

A friend on facebook posted this website the other day, and it has given me a bunch of good laughs. It is called {Bleep} My Kids Ruined. It's so funny because if you have kids you've been there, and sometimes you just sit there and go "if I didn't see this with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it." So go check it out and have a laugh. I also enjoy their sister site {Bleep} My Pets Ruined. *Warning* There are times that there may be questionable material on these sites, as they are user submitted. Also, while they bleep out the name on the website, the address contains a less than favorable word. Just a word of caution because I always like a warning.

In other news, you might have noticed the lack of posts this week. It's been pretty hectic here. I promise next week will be better. :-)

Publix Trip 3/24/11

I spent $20.75 for $76.87 worth of groceries, saving $56.12 or 73%!

See my original list here.

Added:
(2)Kraft 2% Cheese $2.99
   -(2)$1/1 Printable

Deleted:
Nothing!

Prices, Price Changes, Coupons, and Coupon Changes:
Weight Watchers Ice Cream BOGO $5.29 not $4.89
John Frieda $3.49 (after $2 off sale)
Also added $5/$30 purchase Winn-Dixie Coupon

Good trip, fairly straight forward.

Shopping List for 3/24/2011

Blue= Manufacturer's
Red= Competitor
Green= Publix

(2)Thomas English Muffins BOGO $3.69

(2)Weight Watcher's Ice Cream Bars BOGO $4.89
   -(2)$1/1 HERE

(2)Kibbles n' Bits Dog Food BOGO $4.99
   -(2)$2/1 from 2/20/11 RP

(4) Beech-Nut Steam BOGO $2
   -(2)Free product coupon
   -(2) $1/1 HERE

(2)John Frieda $2 off
    -(2) $2/1 from 3/6/11 SS
    -(1) $3/2 from Target

(1) Strawberries 3/$5
(1)Zucchini $1.29/lb
(1)Asparagus $2.99/lb

(1) Puppy Chow $9.99
   -(1) $2/1 HERE
   -(1) $1/1 Who Loves You Booklet

New Uses for Dental Floss

Dental floss has a lot of surprising uses because it is quite durable! Of course the best use for dental floss is cleaning those pearly whites, and avoiding huge expenses at the dentist. Since it is one of those things that goes on sale often, and you can get it free, I figured I'd give you a few uses for it!

• Cutting cheese or cakes (or cheesecakes). Works like a charm, just make sure it isn't flavored!
• Secure a button. Great substitute for thread. Also great if you have a button that is always breaking because floss is stronger than thread.
• Lift cookies off a tray. Hold it taut, and slide it under the cookies.
• Remove a ring stuck on your finger. Wrap your finger in dental floss from the ring to the nail, then slide the ring off over it.
• Separate photos. Photos sometimes get stuck together, so instead of ruining them ripping them apart, try working floss between them.
• Hang pictures with it.
• Wrap the ends of ropes with floss to keep them from fraying.
• Use the mint kind to tie back garland at Christmas,
• Clean tools, works well in the small crevices.
• Make parachutes for army men with papertowels and floss.
• Replacement strand for a necklace.
• String popcorn for garland
• Make a clothesline in the bathroom for swimsuits.

If you have any ideas, share them below and I will add them to the list!

Meal Plan Monday

Monday- Quesadilla Burgers, Baked Beans, Salad
Tuesday-  Pork Chops, Couscous, Veggie
Wednesday- Grilled Ham and Cheese
Thursday- Grilled Chicken, Pasta, Veggie
Friday- Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Veggie
Saturday-  DIY/Leftovers
Sunday- Breakfast

What's your menu for the week?
Don't forget to link up below!

Publix Ad

Michelle over at iheartpublix has the new ad up, you can find it HERE.

Looks like there are a few super deals this week!

Friday Favorites- My Faith

As I've mentioned before, my faith is an important part of me, and an important reason for my blog. Unfortunately, my faith is also one that isn't understood very well by many, and often the target of rumors and sometimes even persecution. My church has recently rolled out a new program allowing everyday people of our church to create profiles about who they are, and why they follow this faith. I hope you will check it out, and check out some others while you are there. (Sorry for any grammar issues, it takes a few days between updating something and it being published that way on the website.)

Frugality- Drug Stores

This is a day late, but better late then never I guess!

I've only just begun getting into working the drug store deals, in fact I've only dabbled into CVS.

But it really is a great way to stock up on personal care items, so I thought I would share with you how it works.

Basically, each week the drug stores offer some form of money back for making a purchase. Generally, you break up what you would buy into several little purchases rolling over the money back to the next purchase, allowing you to save money out-of-pocket. Any extra after buying all you wish to buy you roll over to the next week. It does take a little more time then regular grocery store couponing, but it really helps cut down on the budget for those personal products.

My best advice though is to check-out Southern Savers. In the top right of the website you will find all the drug stores. She usually is pretty good about posting a getting started scenario for each one. She also has information on how it works, policies, and tips. So check it out, and be on your way to saving even more money.

Shopping List for 3/17/11

I actually think I'm sitting this one out this week. There were few things I was thinking I might get, but tomorrow is kind of a long day.

What are you picking up with this sale cycle?

How Do I Use It? Oats Part IV: Special Concerns

Here are some special concerns for having oats in your storage.

• Which type? For long term storage you want old-fashioned, quick, or steel-cut oats, not instant. Most instant oatmeals have some sort of mix-in or other ingredients that can make the shelf-life shorter.
• Liquid- Unless you are making cookies or other baked goads, you'll need some liquid.

That's really all there are for special concerns. Oats are a pretty awesome thing to store.

Oats Part I, II, III

New Uses for Berry Baskets

Spring is right around the corner, and already Strawberries are in season! With those yummy berries comes a bunch of berry baskets. Here are some creative uses for those baskets.

• Use it as a sink strainer
• Use it as a container to hold sponges and scouring pads on the sink ledger
• Use it as a colander to wash fruits and veggies, or other small items.
• Use it as a basket for small items in the dishwasher (top rack only!)
• Use it as a basket to organize medication bottles or make-up. 
• Protect seedlings by placing a basket over them.
• Use it as a yarn or string dispenser
• Cut it to make a bubble wand.
• Use it to wrangle all your handheld electronic devices
• Use them to make small easter baskets (or large if you buy the large containers)
• Store golf balls in them
• Use them to organize the sock and underwear drawer
• Use them to hold cotton balls.

Do you have any ideas for an alternative use for berry baskets? Share them below and I will add them to the list!

Publix Ad

Michelle over at iheartpublix has the new ad up, you can find it HERE.

I haven't had much of a chance to look at it yet, so I can't tell you if there's anything worthwhile. I just wanted to let you know, so you could take a look.

Meal Plan Monday

Monday- Mac and Cheese, Salad
Tuesday-  Left-overs
Wednesday- Pretzel Crusted Chicken Nuggets, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Veggie
Thursday- Italian Chicken Sausage and Pasta Bake, Salad
Friday- Stuffed Peppers, Rice
Saturday-  Chicken Enchilada Bake
Sunday- Leftovers

What's your menu for the week?
Don't forget to link up below!

Friday Favorites- Website.

With the price of gas the way it is, one of the best ways to save money is to plan your errands. The best thing is to do as many as you can in one stretch, and plan the most effective route. That way you aren't driving to one side of town and back, or to home and back out several times.

So here is a handy website to plan your route.

Of course you can always use websites like google maps and add multiple stops as well.

Publix Trip 3/10/11

I spent $22.79 for $70.99 worth of groceries, saving $58.20 or 72%! Plus I got the $50 gas card for $40 (different budget category, so I didn't include it in the total...)! Not too bad in my book!

See my original list here.

Added:
(2)Cheerios Cereal 2/$5
   -(1)$2/2 Peelie
   -(1)$1/2 in Current Ad

Deleted:
Broccoli- Somehow I missed it even when I rechecked my list. Oh well I have frozen anyway.

Prices, Price Changes, Coupons, and Coupon Changes:
Raisin Bran BOGO $3.99 not $4.49
Lemons 3/$1.29 not 2/$1
Birds Eye Veggies that I purchased were 89¢-$1.19 each

It was a good trip especially since most of what I bought was produce in some form, and other than that it was cheese, yogurt, bread, and cereal. Not bad at all!

Shopping List for 3/10/11

Blue=Manufacturer's
Green=Publix
Red= Competitor's

(2)Kellogg's Raisin Bran Crunch BOGO $4.49
   -(2)70¢/1 HERE
(2)Arnold Bread BOGO $3.99
   -(2)55¢/1 HERE
(2)YoPlus Yogurt BOGO $2
   -(2)$1/1 HERE
(2)Voskos Yogurt 10/$10
   -(2)$1/1 HERE
(4)Sargento Cheese 2/$4
   -(4)$1.50/1 HERE
(6)Birds Eye Veggies 50% off
   -(2)$1/3 HERE
   -(3)$1/2 from Yellow Advantage Buy
(2)Land O Frost Lunch Meat $3.49
   -(2)$1/1 HERE
(1)Florida Strawberries 3/$5
   -(1)$1 off Produce wyb (2) Kellogg's Cereals Peelie
(2)Lemon's 2/$1
(1)Cantaloupe 2/$4
(1)Cabbage 29¢/lb
(1)Fresh Broccoli 2/$4
(1)Petite Red Potatoes 2/$5

$10/$50 Gas Card Purchase

How Do I Use It? Oats Part III: Cooking

When it comes to oats, cooking is relatively simple. You may not even need too, depending on what you are making. I'm going to assume (correct me if I'm wrong) you know how to cook instant oats (the ones that come in the packets) and focus on old-fashioned and quick oats.

First we are going to focus on using them for oatmeal:

• Old-fashioned: The first thing to remember is a 2-1 ratio of liquid to oats. To cook boil liquid (milk or water) and a dash of salt. Stir in oats. Cook for 5 minute over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Quick Oats: The only difference for quick oat is you only cook for 1 minute instead of 5.

When it comes to baking Quick and Old-Fashioned can be used interchangeably. Some people prefer to toast the oats before use, but you don't have to. It's really a personal preference.

If using steel-cut oats, remember it will take longer to cook them.

Cooking with oats is so versatile, and simple!

New Uses for Used Water

I know you just read the title and thought, "Is she crazy?" I'd probably think the same thing, but let me explain. We use a lot of water in our daily activities. Washing dishes and clothes, bathing, cooking, and yes using the toilet, and I bet most of that water just goes right down the drain. While reading a book, the author mentioned reusing some of these "dirty" waters in other ways. I thought to myself, "well why not?" Check-out some of these tips to see where you could cut back on water usage.

• Do you have a fish tank? Have you ever changed the water in it and just dumped it down the drain? If you have a garden or just landscaping, pour it there, plants love the minerals from fish waste, and you save on watering and fertilizer.
• Did you just boil potatoes? Typically you just pour it down the drain, but did you know that potato water can be a great silver polish? More ideas for potato water here. Many of these work for pasta too!
• Did you steam some veggies? You can use the water from that in other components of your dish to add those nutrients to it.
• Washing money down the drain during a shower? You could fit your house with a system that uses that water to fill your toilet. Sounds kind of cool because honestly who needs fresh tap water to pee in?
• Just had a sink of dish water from washing dishes. Put some in a spray bottle and spray plants in your garden. Bugs hate dish soap.
• Rain water. I live in Florida, and we are about to hit rainy season really soon. A rain barrel can be a great way to water your plants and lawn when it isn't raining. They also come in lots of decorative options that blend in with your landscaping.
• Water left in your water bottle at the end of the day? I tend to put this in the dogs dish. Why pour it down the drain when it is still good? I just want to clean the container, and they need water. For what it's worth if I drop ice on the ground when getting some I also put that in their dish.

There are tons of safe ways to reuse water. You just have to use your imagination. I might add these tips are also useful in case of an emergency when water may be scarce.

Have an idea? Share it below and I will add it to the list!

Meal Plan Monday

Monday- Chick-fil-a
Tuesday-  Tortellini, Brocolli
Wednesday- Hotdogs, Tater Tots, Veggie
Thursday- Italian Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Veggie
Friday- Homemade Pizza
Saturday-  Baked Pork Chops, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Veggie
Sunday- Corned Beef and Cabbage

What's your menu for the week?
Don't forget to link up below!

Publix Ad

Michelle over at iheartpublix has the new ad up, you can find it HERE.

There's a few good things I see so far! Also, this week there is $10/$50 Gas Card wyb $25 worth of groceries, would be a great thing to have considering gas prices lately.

Publix Trip

I spent $24.69 for $78.09 worth of groceries, saving $53.40 or 68%!
Here's the match-ups:
(2)Thomas English Muffins BOGO $3.69
(4)Milk Bone BOGO $3.69
   -(2)$1.50/2 from 2/6/11 RP
(8)Old Orchard Juice BOGO $1.50
   -(2)$1/4 HERE
(2)Chef Boyardee BOGO $1.49
   -(1)Free product coupon
(2)Milk Bone Soft and Chewy $2.99
   -(2)Free wyb (2)Milk Bone
(2)Athenos Yogurt 10/$10
   -(1)$2/2 printable (unsure where from)
(1)Food Should Taste Good Chips $3.29
   -(1)Free product coupon
(1)Oreo Family Size $3.99
   -(1)Free Product coupon
(2)Reach Dental Floss 99¢
   -(2)$1/1 printable (not sure where from)
(1)Strawberries 3/$5
(2)Arm and Hammer Baking Soda 69¢
BuyTheirs, Get Ours Promotion:
(1)Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice $3.85
(1)Publix Cranberry $2.99
(1)Del Monte Peaches $1.89
(1)Publix Peaches $1.29
(1)Bush's Baked Beans $2.29
(1)Publix Baked Beans $2.09

Getting back into the swing of things after being gone a week is a little hard, I must admit.

And the randomly selected winner of the Green Giant Gift Pack is....

TheCoexistCafe (thecoexistcafe@)

Congratulations! Be looking for an email from me shortly.

Thanks again to everyone who entered!