Sunday - Chicken and Dumplins with a wedge Salad
Monday - Meatball Subs
Tuesday - Potato Soup and BLTs
Wednesday - Sub Sandwiches
Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Red Rice
Friday - As usual, TBD
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Weekend Savings - all in one post
Super Savings September Continues.
First, DH and I decided to tackle the second garage door ourselves. We found replacement pulleys at Lowes for less than $5 each. We bought a set of cables and some chain lubricant but we didn't need them. It probably took about an hour and a half to systematically replace the pulleys and get things all matched up to the other door (professionally done).
Since the garage door service man charged $150 to replace the four pulleys on the broken door, I think we clearly saved $130 in doing it ourselves. It took a little time, but no one had to take off from work. We still need to replace the bottom panel on one of the doors but that needs to wait until the window gets installed in case there are any unexpected obstacles or expenses.
Grocery store savings.
In my opinion, this wasn't a great week for deals at Publix. There were a few good deals but nothing outstanding. I picked up three bottles of WishBone dressing and used MQ and TQ. I was unhappy that my cashier would not let me stack any coupons. Edge Shave Gel was on sale for $1.67 each. I was able to use a buy one, get one free coupon making each one only .84 cents. I found a $2 MQ on a package of Advil Liquid Gels. It made the box only $2.49 for the box. My OOP at Publix was $75 with a savings of $30.
DH was gracious enough to drive and drop me off at Kroger so I could pick up some $1.99 a pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I got four packages for $14 with a savings of $11.
My total OOP was $89 for the week with a savings of $41. That's a savings of about 31%.
Drug Store Savings.
Finally, DH had a new prescription that he needed to fill. The doctor had cautioned him not to fill it at one of the national drug store chains because they charged $30. He recommended Kroger. We checked out Walmart's $4 drug list (we were heading there anyway) and found that it WAS on the list. We picked up a 30 day supply for only $4 and did not even have to send it through the drug plan. Now, depending on how you look at it, that's either a $26 or $6 savings. Either way, it was a smart move and more savings for Super Savings September.
First, DH and I decided to tackle the second garage door ourselves. We found replacement pulleys at Lowes for less than $5 each. We bought a set of cables and some chain lubricant but we didn't need them. It probably took about an hour and a half to systematically replace the pulleys and get things all matched up to the other door (professionally done).
Since the garage door service man charged $150 to replace the four pulleys on the broken door, I think we clearly saved $130 in doing it ourselves. It took a little time, but no one had to take off from work. We still need to replace the bottom panel on one of the doors but that needs to wait until the window gets installed in case there are any unexpected obstacles or expenses.
Grocery store savings.
In my opinion, this wasn't a great week for deals at Publix. There were a few good deals but nothing outstanding. I picked up three bottles of WishBone dressing and used MQ and TQ. I was unhappy that my cashier would not let me stack any coupons. Edge Shave Gel was on sale for $1.67 each. I was able to use a buy one, get one free coupon making each one only .84 cents. I found a $2 MQ on a package of Advil Liquid Gels. It made the box only $2.49 for the box. My OOP at Publix was $75 with a savings of $30.
DH was gracious enough to drive and drop me off at Kroger so I could pick up some $1.99 a pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I got four packages for $14 with a savings of $11.
My total OOP was $89 for the week with a savings of $41. That's a savings of about 31%.
Drug Store Savings.
Finally, DH had a new prescription that he needed to fill. The doctor had cautioned him not to fill it at one of the national drug store chains because they charged $30. He recommended Kroger. We checked out Walmart's $4 drug list (we were heading there anyway) and found that it WAS on the list. We picked up a 30 day supply for only $4 and did not even have to send it through the drug plan. Now, depending on how you look at it, that's either a $26 or $6 savings. Either way, it was a smart move and more savings for Super Savings September.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Delicious Cookie Recipe
DH loves the molasses cookies at Starbucks. I've been looking for a recipe to make these at home since the 'bucks can cost you lotsa bucks. I found a recipe that claimed to be 'just like' those but I made a few minor modifications. The result is a soft, chewy cookie that is bursting with all those fall spices. It's similar to a soft gingerbread but not quite as strong.
Molasses Cookies
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup light brown sugar
1/8 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (generous) salt (coarse grind preferred)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup white sugar, reserved for rolling
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and molasses until well combined.
Sift together flour, soda, salt and spices. Add slowly to butter mixture, scraping down sides. Batter will be very soft. Chill for at least one hour.
Roll into 1" balls (just smaller than a golf ball) and roll in sugar. Return to chill for an additional 20 minutes. Bake on parchment lined baking sheets at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will rise, remove when set but before bottoms begin to brown.
Makes about 32-36 depending on size. Storing in airtight container keeps the cookies soft. Best within the first few days.
These cookies got good reviews when I took them to work.
Molasses Cookies
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup light brown sugar
1/8 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (generous) salt (coarse grind preferred)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup white sugar, reserved for rolling
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg and molasses until well combined.
Sift together flour, soda, salt and spices. Add slowly to butter mixture, scraping down sides. Batter will be very soft. Chill for at least one hour.
Roll into 1" balls (just smaller than a golf ball) and roll in sugar. Return to chill for an additional 20 minutes. Bake on parchment lined baking sheets at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will rise, remove when set but before bottoms begin to brown.
Makes about 32-36 depending on size. Storing in airtight container keeps the cookies soft. Best within the first few days.
These cookies got good reviews when I took them to work.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The accidental saver
After I finished my work Wednesday, I went down to Walgreens to pick up a prescription I had called in for refill. I went into the store to make sure that they had applied the manufacturer's coupon before they started checking me out. This particular drug manufacturer is offering a $25 coupon for every renewal through the end of the year. That's almost half my co-pay so it is really important to make sure that we get that savings!
While I was leaving the store, I noticed that they had marked down some Planters Flavor Grove Almond snack packs. They are usually .99 each but they were marked down to - GET THIS - 10 for $1. They only had one flavor so I passed on the onion and garlic kind and chose the Sea Salt and Olive Oil flavor. There were only 10 so I got all 10. They are very tasty! And you are probably wondering why they were marked down!? Because they are "best by" 9/23/10. I guess Walgreens doesn't want to risk not being able to sell them OR risking the liability of selling something past the "best by" date. Generally, I consider these as a guideline. As long as we don't go toooooooo far past the date, all should be well - besides, nuts go rancid so it will be easy to tell when they are 'past their prime.'
While I was leaving the store, I noticed that they had marked down some Planters Flavor Grove Almond snack packs. They are usually .99 each but they were marked down to - GET THIS - 10 for $1. They only had one flavor so I passed on the onion and garlic kind and chose the Sea Salt and Olive Oil flavor. There were only 10 so I got all 10. They are very tasty! And you are probably wondering why they were marked down!? Because they are "best by" 9/23/10. I guess Walgreens doesn't want to risk not being able to sell them OR risking the liability of selling something past the "best by" date. Generally, I consider these as a guideline. As long as we don't go toooooooo far past the date, all should be well - besides, nuts go rancid so it will be easy to tell when they are 'past their prime.'
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
I guess Murphy has moved in.......(updated)
or, why does everything have to break at the same time?
I've been trying to get a new window installed in my kitchen for a couple of years now. I wanted a casement window that would crank out because it is impossible to lift open a window over a sink. No one carries the casement windows in stock so it had to be measured and ordered. I guess when the building industry was booming, no window guy wanted to be bothered with just one window. Well, one good thing about a down economy, I finally found someone who can get that window ordered and installed. It's been ordered and should be delivered in about two weeks. It will be more expensive than I anticipated but I hope that the improvement in limiting the cold air in the winter and allowing some of the hot air out in the summer will be worth the cost.
Then, as soon as we gave the ok on the window order, the garage door fell yesterday and broke the cabling and pulley system. In addition, we've got to order a replacement panel for the bottom of the door because of some wood rot issues. We've braced and patched this up over the last year but now, while we can afford it, we need to get it replaced. (Updated: The repair company came by today and quoted $179 to repair the door. Fortunately, the cables did not have to be replaced - only the pulleys - so the total bill was $152. It only took the technician about 30 minutes to complete. He wanted $100 to replace the pulleys on the second door. That will have to wait!)
I don't know what's next. Help me by keeping your fingers crossed that we're done. We really want to focus on some small improvements for the remainder of the year. We hope to get some repairs done to the wood trim on the house and get it painted in the spring. Our front porch also needs some TLC which is problematic because no one makes the balusters any more. We will either have to get some custom made or completely change the design.
It's always something!
I've been trying to get a new window installed in my kitchen for a couple of years now. I wanted a casement window that would crank out because it is impossible to lift open a window over a sink. No one carries the casement windows in stock so it had to be measured and ordered. I guess when the building industry was booming, no window guy wanted to be bothered with just one window. Well, one good thing about a down economy, I finally found someone who can get that window ordered and installed. It's been ordered and should be delivered in about two weeks. It will be more expensive than I anticipated but I hope that the improvement in limiting the cold air in the winter and allowing some of the hot air out in the summer will be worth the cost.
Then, as soon as we gave the ok on the window order, the garage door fell yesterday and broke the cabling and pulley system. In addition, we've got to order a replacement panel for the bottom of the door because of some wood rot issues. We've braced and patched this up over the last year but now, while we can afford it, we need to get it replaced. (Updated: The repair company came by today and quoted $179 to repair the door. Fortunately, the cables did not have to be replaced - only the pulleys - so the total bill was $152. It only took the technician about 30 minutes to complete. He wanted $100 to replace the pulleys on the second door. That will have to wait!)
I don't know what's next. Help me by keeping your fingers crossed that we're done. We really want to focus on some small improvements for the remainder of the year. We hope to get some repairs done to the wood trim on the house and get it painted in the spring. Our front porch also needs some TLC which is problematic because no one makes the balusters any more. We will either have to get some custom made or completely change the design.
It's always something!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Non-grocery savings...
I found a great bargain at Target last Saturday, a set of 400 count sheets for half price. They were the right size (deep pockets for a tall mattress) and the right color, so the price of $25 was the clincher. Regular price was $50.
My second deal (I guess it was a deal) was finding replacement parts for my pressure washer. I was considering a new pressure washer and the cheapest I could find was a slow seller that had been marked down to $90. The defective part was available on line for $25 plus $7 shipping but it would be 15 days before I would get it. That part would still limit me to the turbo wand. I went to Home Depot to see if they carried the parts. (That's where I originally bought it.) They did not have that part but I was able to buy a universal wand with a quick exchange connection for the nozzle. With the turbo nozzle, it was $40 but I have the option to purchase different tips for different purposes and I have a longer, stronger wand that could - if necessary - be used on a different pressure washer later on.
At Walmart, I found a package of bleached muslin 108" x 108" for only $5. That's cheaper than the fabric store - with a coupon.
My second deal (I guess it was a deal) was finding replacement parts for my pressure washer. I was considering a new pressure washer and the cheapest I could find was a slow seller that had been marked down to $90. The defective part was available on line for $25 plus $7 shipping but it would be 15 days before I would get it. That part would still limit me to the turbo wand. I went to Home Depot to see if they carried the parts. (That's where I originally bought it.) They did not have that part but I was able to buy a universal wand with a quick exchange connection for the nozzle. With the turbo nozzle, it was $40 but I have the option to purchase different tips for different purposes and I have a longer, stronger wand that could - if necessary - be used on a different pressure washer later on.
At Walmart, I found a package of bleached muslin 108" x 108" for only $5. That's cheaper than the fabric store - with a coupon.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Menu Monday
Saturday - Chicken Tenders and Mashed Potatoes
Sunday - Honey Lime Grilled Chicken and Yellow Rice
Monday - Homemade Subs
Tuesday - Vegetable Fried Rice and Egg Rolls
Wednesday - Waffles
Thursday - Chicken Enchillada Casserole
Friday - Manwhich or Pizza/Pizza
Sunday - Honey Lime Grilled Chicken and Yellow Rice
Monday - Homemade Subs
Tuesday - Vegetable Fried Rice and Egg Rolls
Wednesday - Waffles
Thursday - Chicken Enchillada Casserole
Friday - Manwhich or Pizza/Pizza
Grocery Deals
I picked up four packages of boneless, skinless Tyson chicken breasts at Kroger. At only $1.99 a pound, these are always a bargain and about half the price that Publix normally charges. Along with the chicken, I bought a small container of sour cream. Net OOP was $11, savings of $15. I love those trips! How can't you like saving more money than you spent.
Then, over to Publix. I spent just at $100. My savings were $57.
The best deals were the All Small and Mighty detergent. At $2.99 each (BOGOF), I used a combination of Publix, Target and Manufacturers coupons to pick up four at about $1.50 each. Since these last me two months each, I am set for laundry detergent through the end of the year - and then some. I also picked up two packages of Finish dishwashing detergent. I got all the usual items - milk, bread, potatoes, etc. I splurged a little on some chili oil and spent about $20 in deli purchases - ham, salami, potato salad and chicken tenders.
Funny thing, I picked up about $10 of chicken tenders (I really recommend these for a quick and delicious dinner) with intentions to have them for dinner Saturday night. I'm not really sure what happened but my watch stopped and started again an hour and a half later. I didn't realize it was so late when we went over to Target. When I questioned the time, DH said that he wondered why we had gone out instead of eating at our normal time. To fix the problem (we were both starved by then), we dropped back by Publix and picked up some fresh tenders and some heat and eat mashed potatoes. That original order went straight into the freezer for later this week.
Then, over to Publix. I spent just at $100. My savings were $57.
The best deals were the All Small and Mighty detergent. At $2.99 each (BOGOF), I used a combination of Publix, Target and Manufacturers coupons to pick up four at about $1.50 each. Since these last me two months each, I am set for laundry detergent through the end of the year - and then some. I also picked up two packages of Finish dishwashing detergent. I got all the usual items - milk, bread, potatoes, etc. I splurged a little on some chili oil and spent about $20 in deli purchases - ham, salami, potato salad and chicken tenders.
Funny thing, I picked up about $10 of chicken tenders (I really recommend these for a quick and delicious dinner) with intentions to have them for dinner Saturday night. I'm not really sure what happened but my watch stopped and started again an hour and a half later. I didn't realize it was so late when we went over to Target. When I questioned the time, DH said that he wondered why we had gone out instead of eating at our normal time. To fix the problem (we were both starved by then), we dropped back by Publix and picked up some fresh tenders and some heat and eat mashed potatoes. That original order went straight into the freezer for later this week.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Grocery Deals
By far, the best deal at Publix this week was the BeechNut baby food. It was BOGOF at .55 for two. I found a coupon for $1 off 10. I picked up 20 assorted jars for a net price of .17 each. Sweet. I also picked up two packages of cookie mix, some LouAna oil and Pam. Not a lot in the way of specials this week that I was interested in. I guess that's to be expected after the great deals last week.
Publix did have ground sirloin and beef brisket on sale. I picked up three pounds of ground sirloin and two briskets (one is safely tucked in the freezer for a later dinner).
Kroger has the Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts on sale again for $1.99 a pound. I picked up three packages and a five pound bag of potatoes. Kroger has a four day sale going with Blue Bell ice cream for only $3.33. That's a really great price but my freezer is full and I don't have any coupons left.
Publix did have ground sirloin and beef brisket on sale. I picked up three pounds of ground sirloin and two briskets (one is safely tucked in the freezer for a later dinner).
Kroger has the Tyson boneless, skinless chicken breasts on sale again for $1.99 a pound. I picked up three packages and a five pound bag of potatoes. Kroger has a four day sale going with Blue Bell ice cream for only $3.33. That's a really great price but my freezer is full and I don't have any coupons left.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Menu Monday
Saturday - Homemade Burgers and Tater Tots
Sunday - Crockpot Brisket, Buttered Noodles and BLT Wedge Salad
Monday - Grilled Chicken, Mashed Potatoes
Tuesday - French Dip
Wednesday/Thursday (interchangeable):
Tacos and Spanish Rice or Vegetable Fried Rice with Egg Rolls
Friday - TBD
Sunday - Crockpot Brisket, Buttered Noodles and BLT Wedge Salad
Monday - Grilled Chicken, Mashed Potatoes
Tuesday - French Dip
Wednesday/Thursday (interchangeable):
Tacos and Spanish Rice or Vegetable Fried Rice with Egg Rolls
Friday - TBD
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Weekend Bargain Shopping
I went to my new favorite store Saturday and got two little gems.
First, I picked up an off white long sleeve blouse with a large peter pan collar. I was looking for something to wear under a tan and black plaid jumper for the fall. I would have preferred short sleeve or 3/4 sleeve but I can wear the long sleeve into winter. It was only $4.64. I also found a brand new tan turtleneck - with the tags still on it - but whoever had tried it on before, left an unbearable perfume odor. Just can't do that.
My second bargain was a sweet brown alligator purse by Liz Claiborne. It's in PERFECT condition. I even found the original 'inspected by' tag in the bag. I'm not sure it was ever used. It's a little smaller than I'm used to carrying but it will work for a while. It was only $2.64! That's right TWO DOLLARS AND SIXTY FOUR CENTS. I would guess that it would be somewhere in the $30 range retail.
Oh, did you want to know the store - Goodwill.
First, I picked up an off white long sleeve blouse with a large peter pan collar. I was looking for something to wear under a tan and black plaid jumper for the fall. I would have preferred short sleeve or 3/4 sleeve but I can wear the long sleeve into winter. It was only $4.64. I also found a brand new tan turtleneck - with the tags still on it - but whoever had tried it on before, left an unbearable perfume odor. Just can't do that.
My second bargain was a sweet brown alligator purse by Liz Claiborne. It's in PERFECT condition. I even found the original 'inspected by' tag in the bag. I'm not sure it was ever used. It's a little smaller than I'm used to carrying but it will work for a while. It was only $2.64! That's right TWO DOLLARS AND SIXTY FOUR CENTS. I would guess that it would be somewhere in the $30 range retail.
Oh, did you want to know the store - Goodwill.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Super Saving September
With some new uncertainty with work longevity (layoffs pending), I've decided that September will be an opportunity to pack the pantry and take advantage of some super savings. Savings percentages and amounts will be more important that total OOP. I picked up a few random items on two trips to Walmart over the weekend.
By far, the best savings adventure was at Publix. Combining the excellent buy one, get one free offers along with some high value coupons allowed me to purchase 10 boxes (1 pound each), 6 jars of Newman's Pasta Sauce, 6 blocks of cheese, some other random and regular items along with a 7 pound Boston Butt. My OOP was only $75 AND I saved $75. I have a few more coupons so I'll be making another trip to Publix tomorrow for 10 more boxes of pasta and some more cheese. (I heard that the velveta cheese is BOGOF at Publix and it makes a good deal with the $5/5 Kraft coupon.)
My second trip to Publix netted another 10 boxes of pasta, one sauce (found another coupon), six more blocks of cheese, bread and a pint of milk. OOP was $11, saved $22. That makes my savings $97 on a $86 OOP. Woo Hoo!
By far, the best savings adventure was at Publix. Combining the excellent buy one, get one free offers along with some high value coupons allowed me to purchase 10 boxes (1 pound each), 6 jars of Newman's Pasta Sauce, 6 blocks of cheese, some other random and regular items along with a 7 pound Boston Butt. My OOP was only $75 AND I saved $75. I have a few more coupons so I'll be making another trip to Publix tomorrow for 10 more boxes of pasta and some more cheese. (I heard that the velveta cheese is BOGOF at Publix and it makes a good deal with the $5/5 Kraft coupon.)
My second trip to Publix netted another 10 boxes of pasta, one sauce (found another coupon), six more blocks of cheese, bread and a pint of milk. OOP was $11, saved $22. That makes my savings $97 on a $86 OOP. Woo Hoo!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Menu Monday
Saturday - Dinner out with Friends
Sunday - Crockpot BBQ Sandwiches
Monday - Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
Tuesday - BBQ Sandwiches
Wednesday - Frozen Chineese Dinner
Thursday - Ball Game Night - TBD
Friday - TBD
Our menu is pretty fluid this week with the holiday, friends in town, and a Braves game on Thursday. Almost everything is subject to change or substitutions.
Sunday - Crockpot BBQ Sandwiches
Monday - Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
Tuesday - BBQ Sandwiches
Wednesday - Frozen Chineese Dinner
Thursday - Ball Game Night - TBD
Friday - TBD
Our menu is pretty fluid this week with the holiday, friends in town, and a Braves game on Thursday. Almost everything is subject to change or substitutions.
Honey Lime Chicken
1/3 cup lime juice
6 Tablespoons Olive Oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 Jalapeno chopped (without seeds)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 Tablespoons Honey
1/3 cup fresh cilanto, chopped
Mix all ingredients in plastic bag and add chicken breasts. Marinate at least one hour or overnight. Oil grill grid and place chicken on grid over high heat. Grill five minutes, turn (oiling grid again) and reduce heat to medium. Cook until fully done. Remove to upper grate or place over foil if it begins to get too dark or burn.
6 Tablespoons Olive Oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 Jalapeno chopped (without seeds)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 Tablespoons Honey
1/3 cup fresh cilanto, chopped
Mix all ingredients in plastic bag and add chicken breasts. Marinate at least one hour or overnight. Oil grill grid and place chicken on grid over high heat. Grill five minutes, turn (oiling grid again) and reduce heat to medium. Cook until fully done. Remove to upper grate or place over foil if it begins to get too dark or burn.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Another Awesome Publix Trip
My grocery trip on Saturday again included little ones so I made a second trip Monday night. I was at a loss as to what we were having for dinner when it occurred to me that I had the August Deli Coupon ($5/$10 purchase). I made a quick run to Publix to pick up some deli meat and potato salad - using that coupon - and some of the other weekly deals.
Two cartons of Blue Bell ice cream, normally $6.59 each on sale for $3.99 less $1 MQ on each. Four OR popcorn, regularly $2.75, on sale for $1.37 less a .40 coupon doubled making them only .57 per box. I also picked up three more packages of Rico Rice (.99 for 3 pounds) and two bags of sugar (coupon and sale priced). Along with these specials, I also picked up some cheese (on sale) some fresh veggies and two mailing envelopes.
When the register finished, my OOP was $44.84 with a total savings of $32.45. Not bad! $4 of manufacturer's coupons, $7 of store coupons - includes the double portion of the MQs, and $21.45 in Special Price Savings. That the key. You have to buy what you ANTICIPATE needing WHEN it's on sale - not when you want it and not when you need it. As always, planning ahead saves money.
Two cartons of Blue Bell ice cream, normally $6.59 each on sale for $3.99 less $1 MQ on each. Four OR popcorn, regularly $2.75, on sale for $1.37 less a .40 coupon doubled making them only .57 per box. I also picked up three more packages of Rico Rice (.99 for 3 pounds) and two bags of sugar (coupon and sale priced). Along with these specials, I also picked up some cheese (on sale) some fresh veggies and two mailing envelopes.
When the register finished, my OOP was $44.84 with a total savings of $32.45. Not bad! $4 of manufacturer's coupons, $7 of store coupons - includes the double portion of the MQs, and $21.45 in Special Price Savings. That the key. You have to buy what you ANTICIPATE needing WHEN it's on sale - not when you want it and not when you need it. As always, planning ahead saves money.
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