Monday, February 28, 2011
Be right back.....
I'm taking a couple of days off to finish a project at work. I'll be back before the end of the week. Check www.iheartpublix.com for current Publix deals.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tip of the Week, Creative Storage Solution
Here's a great way to maximize space at very little to no cost. I recycle spaghetti jars into storage containers for everyday staples. (Corn meal, brown sugar, dry pasta, grits, etc.)
I prefer the jars that look like canning jars. (Note: canning lids will not fit and these are not recommended for home canning. They do work well for dry and refrigerated storage. )
To make a more uniform look, I spray paint the lids to match using a leftover can of metallic spray paint. Soak your lids in a baking soda and water bath for several days after washing to eliminate the spaghetti smell. If that doesn't work, use pour a little apple cider vinegar in the lid for a while. If you're in a hurry, a small piece of plastic wrap acts as a barrier.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Another Deal of the Week
Save Now and Later with this deal.
These Totino's pizzas are priced at $1.25 during the Viva Italia sale at Publix. I got .40 off each using the $5/20 coupon and I used a .75/2 manufacturer's coupon.
Net price was .48 each. (I wish I had a litttle more freezer room!)
Then, there's a coupon on the back for $1/2 pizza rolls.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Deal of the Week
What a Deal!
These Chick Peas were only .01 during the Viva Italia sale at Publix. They are on buy one get one free for only .67 per can. Utilizing the $1/4 Publix Coupon and the $5/20 participating items, they were ONLY .01 each.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Menu Monday
Sunday - Talapia, Chicken and sides
Monday - Stuffed Chicken Breasts and side
Tuesday - Left over Vegetable Beef Soup
Wednesday - Waffles and Sausage
Thursday - Spaghetti and meatsauce
Friday - TBD
Alternate - BBQ sandwiches
Monday - Stuffed Chicken Breasts and side
Tuesday - Left over Vegetable Beef Soup
Wednesday - Waffles and Sausage
Thursday - Spaghetti and meatsauce
Friday - TBD
Alternate - BBQ sandwiches
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Shopping Recap
This has been a big grocery shopping weekend. I always enjoy the Viva Italia sale at Publix.
My first trip was Saturday. My OOP was 82.30 with a savings of $72.88. (That's a 47% savings, if you didn't have your calculator handy.)
The best deals, of course, were the sale items. By combining manufacturer's coupons, Publix coupons, the $5 off 20 item coupon and Publix's weekly buy one get one free sales, I was able to score big. Keep in mind that that OOP included several items that were not part of the sale, including four meals worth of meat which was not on sale. I was able to use two of the $5 coupon and at least one each of the Publix coupons for Green Giant, Muir Glen, and Progresso. I was disappointed that Publix was not carrying any of the Progresso Kidney Beans. (I seem to remember buying these at one time before - I think.)
The deals were so good that I decided to go back Sunday to do it all again. I picked up two items that I forgot Saturday (paper towels and napkins) along with a package of Chicken Breasts. (For some reason I thought Kroger had these for $1.99 a pound but alas I was wrong. I must have missed that sale by a day.)
My OOP for Sunday was $20.22 with a savings of $20.28. Great deal right? No.. I was not feeling well in Publix and apparently picked up the wrong Bertolli Spaghetti Sauce. Instead of getting 2 jars for $2.57, I paid a whopping $3.75 for each jar. I think I'm going to have to take that back. I expected a net price of $1 for two after the $1.50 MQ in today's paper. What a shock. If I'm able to return those, my OOP will reduce to about $13 with a $20 savings. That would be much better.
Here's a tip: For your twenty items, get 4 Progresso beans (they're the cheapest Progresso Items) and use the PQ. Get 4 Green Giant canned vegetables at .65 each and use the PQ. Get two Muir Glen tomato pastes at $1.09 and use the PQ. To finish your twenty items, get 8 Hunts Tomato Sauce (8 oz) at .33 - there's no coupon but the overage on these items reduce the price of the other 12. Use the PQ for $5 off 20 items. Your net price should be less than two bucks.
My first trip was Saturday. My OOP was 82.30 with a savings of $72.88. (That's a 47% savings, if you didn't have your calculator handy.)
The best deals, of course, were the sale items. By combining manufacturer's coupons, Publix coupons, the $5 off 20 item coupon and Publix's weekly buy one get one free sales, I was able to score big. Keep in mind that that OOP included several items that were not part of the sale, including four meals worth of meat which was not on sale. I was able to use two of the $5 coupon and at least one each of the Publix coupons for Green Giant, Muir Glen, and Progresso. I was disappointed that Publix was not carrying any of the Progresso Kidney Beans. (I seem to remember buying these at one time before - I think.)
The deals were so good that I decided to go back Sunday to do it all again. I picked up two items that I forgot Saturday (paper towels and napkins) along with a package of Chicken Breasts. (For some reason I thought Kroger had these for $1.99 a pound but alas I was wrong. I must have missed that sale by a day.)
My OOP for Sunday was $20.22 with a savings of $20.28. Great deal right? No.. I was not feeling well in Publix and apparently picked up the wrong Bertolli Spaghetti Sauce. Instead of getting 2 jars for $2.57, I paid a whopping $3.75 for each jar. I think I'm going to have to take that back. I expected a net price of $1 for two after the $1.50 MQ in today's paper. What a shock. If I'm able to return those, my OOP will reduce to about $13 with a $20 savings. That would be much better.
Here's a tip: For your twenty items, get 4 Progresso beans (they're the cheapest Progresso Items) and use the PQ. Get 4 Green Giant canned vegetables at .65 each and use the PQ. Get two Muir Glen tomato pastes at $1.09 and use the PQ. To finish your twenty items, get 8 Hunts Tomato Sauce (8 oz) at .33 - there's no coupon but the overage on these items reduce the price of the other 12. Use the PQ for $5 off 20 items. Your net price should be less than two bucks.
We use a lot of tomato paste and tomato sauce. I may make just one more trip.....besides, I need to return the spaghetti sauce. Edited: I returned the spaghetti sauce and got $7.50 back. That makes my second trip only $12.72 OOP with a $20.28 savings ( 61% savings!!!!!)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Product Review
A while back, I posted about finding a deal on the Finish Dishwasher Dispenser. After going through the first one and halfway through the second one, I feel ready to offer my opinion.
First the pros. It is extremely convenient. No searching for a tablet of packet every time you need to run the dishes.
Cons: The regular price of these makes it considerably more expensive that the tablets and gelpacs on sale. I don't like the fact that I have to remove the unit to run a rinse only cycle. I don't like the fact that I loose valuable space on the upper rack for the dispenser.
I'd buy these, but only if the price was competitive.
Original Post: http://isurmise.blogspot.com/2011/01/deal-of-week.html
First the pros. It is extremely convenient. No searching for a tablet of packet every time you need to run the dishes.
Cons: The regular price of these makes it considerably more expensive that the tablets and gelpacs on sale. I don't like the fact that I have to remove the unit to run a rinse only cycle. I don't like the fact that I loose valuable space on the upper rack for the dispenser.
I'd buy these, but only if the price was competitive.
Original Post: http://isurmise.blogspot.com/2011/01/deal-of-week.html
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Deal of the Week
I found two of these gems plus another brand of apple pie for ONLY $1 each. What a bargain.
DH loves pumpkin pie and I've been promising to make him one but I haven't found the time. This will help me keep my promise.
We'll enjoy the first one Thursday night!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Italian is coming...
....looks like Publix will be having their Italian days starting this Wednesday/Thursday. Great store coupons are available on line and in the store. Start gathering your manufacturer's coupons to stack. $5 off 20 items is also a bonus.
Shopping Recap
I focused on two things this week, one expected and one was a surprise.
My first goal for pantry building was to focus on some canned fruit. The best prices were at Walmart where I found 4-5 kinds of fruit for just under $1 per can. I bought 9 cans plus a few extra items.
As a surprise, I found that Publix had many of their store brand canned vegetables for only .60 per can. I purchased 8-10 cans of various vegetables. I found that it was a slow week for buy one, get one free deals at Publix. I did find a special deal by accident that will be featured as the Deal of the Week in a few days.
Unfortunately, I don't have my receipt handy so I'll have to estimate my spending. I think I spent about $25-30 at Walmart and just around $70 at Publix. I think my Publix savings were around $25. (Final figures will be updated as soon as I find that elusive receipt(s).)
My first goal for pantry building was to focus on some canned fruit. The best prices were at Walmart where I found 4-5 kinds of fruit for just under $1 per can. I bought 9 cans plus a few extra items.
As a surprise, I found that Publix had many of their store brand canned vegetables for only .60 per can. I purchased 8-10 cans of various vegetables. I found that it was a slow week for buy one, get one free deals at Publix. I did find a special deal by accident that will be featured as the Deal of the Week in a few days.
Unfortunately, I don't have my receipt handy so I'll have to estimate my spending. I think I spent about $25-30 at Walmart and just around $70 at Publix. I think my Publix savings were around $25. (Final figures will be updated as soon as I find that elusive receipt(s).)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Menu Monday
Sunday - Crockpot Roast
Monday - Stuffed Chicken Breasts and Scalloped Potatoes
Tuesday - Leftover Roast
Wednesday - Pancakes and Sausage
Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Savannah Red Rice
Friday - TBD
Monday - Stuffed Chicken Breasts and Scalloped Potatoes
Tuesday - Leftover Roast
Wednesday - Pancakes and Sausage
Thursday - Smoked Sausage and Savannah Red Rice
Friday - TBD
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tip of the Week
I don't know about you but I find changing bedding a challenging job. I always had some difficulty determining how the sheets should go on the bed, is that the top or the side?
I found a nifty solution to this that cost me absolutely nothing. Place a safety pin on the corner of the sheet nearest YOUR head. If you put it in the hem, you'll never know it's there and it will save you all the time of twisting and turning that sheet to find the right fit.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Re-visiting the Grocery Budget
After spending a week watching the crisis in Egypt and thinking about the possible global consequences, DH and I have decided to up the grocery budget slightly (to $100) and expand our stockpile slightly. I have tentatively increased the budget for six weeks to see where we are at that time. We need to focus on bottled water and basic items. If we find some really good deals, I'm considering that budget amount flexible to allow for bigger purchases.
I picked up two cases of bottled water along with two bags of grits, two five-pound bags of flour and a bag of cornmeal at Walmart last weekend. Next week I will focus on canned fruit. Walmart seems to have the best price at just about $1 per can. I also will stock up on kidney beans at Walmart since they have the best everyday price.
I managed to put four packages of ground beef in the freezer in the last two weeks because Publix had a good price on lean ground beef and ground sirloin.
I've been thinking for some time that my groceries, even with the sales and coupons, seem to keep getting more expensive. The base price is going up and up. Items that don't usually have coupons make it more difficult to get to that great savings percentages.
My goal for the first full weekend of March is to inventory and organize the dry goods and freezer.
I picked up two cases of bottled water along with two bags of grits, two five-pound bags of flour and a bag of cornmeal at Walmart last weekend. Next week I will focus on canned fruit. Walmart seems to have the best price at just about $1 per can. I also will stock up on kidney beans at Walmart since they have the best everyday price.
I managed to put four packages of ground beef in the freezer in the last two weeks because Publix had a good price on lean ground beef and ground sirloin.
I've been thinking for some time that my groceries, even with the sales and coupons, seem to keep getting more expensive. The base price is going up and up. Items that don't usually have coupons make it more difficult to get to that great savings percentages.
My goal for the first full weekend of March is to inventory and organize the dry goods and freezer.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Deal of the Week
Publix has these beauties on the BOGOF sale this week.
They are $1.40 per jar less a .50 coupon (doubled) makes
them only .40 per jar. What a bargain.
It's the deal of the week.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Weekly Grocery Recap.
My shopping trip was postponed to Sunday this week but that gave me a little extra time to get my coupons together. I found that there were a few really good deals this week. Of note were:
Johnsonville Sausage, Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Hillshire Farms Sausage
State Fair Corn Dogs, Rotel, Mt. Olive Pickles and Krusteaz mixes
I was disappointed that the stock of Krusteaz pancake mix was limited to chocolate chip and blueberry. I like the blueberry but I need a variety in my stockpile.
I bought another newspaper Sunday just to get another set of coupons. (I may stop at another store tomorrow to see if I can get some Pancake Mix and another package of Johnsonville Sausages.) I'm stocking up on the Crisco Olive Oil for the Publix Italian Sale which I expect will come along soon.
OOP was $69.70.......savings of $47.70 or 40.6%
Johnsonville Sausage, Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Hillshire Farms Sausage
State Fair Corn Dogs, Rotel, Mt. Olive Pickles and Krusteaz mixes
I was disappointed that the stock of Krusteaz pancake mix was limited to chocolate chip and blueberry. I like the blueberry but I need a variety in my stockpile.
I bought another newspaper Sunday just to get another set of coupons. (I may stop at another store tomorrow to see if I can get some Pancake Mix and another package of Johnsonville Sausages.) I'm stocking up on the Crisco Olive Oil for the Publix Italian Sale which I expect will come along soon.
OOP was $69.70.......savings of $47.70 or 40.6%
Monday, February 7, 2011
Menu Monday
Saturday - Take Out Subs
Sunday - Chicken Fingers, Mashed Potatoes and Chips/Salsa
Monday - Beef Pot Pies
Tuesday - Pancakes and Sausage
Wednesday - TBD
Thursday - Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Friday - TBD
I'm running a little late with my grocery shopping round up. Check back tomorrow evening for a new post.
Sunday - Chicken Fingers, Mashed Potatoes and Chips/Salsa
Monday - Beef Pot Pies
Tuesday - Pancakes and Sausage
Wednesday - TBD
Thursday - Spaghetti with Sausage and Peppers
Friday - TBD
I'm running a little late with my grocery shopping round up. Check back tomorrow evening for a new post.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Schedule
I've decided I need a little more structure concerning my home duties. (Work gets very crazy for me in February and only slows down after March 1.) I've given some catchy titles for each day to try to specify the kinds of things that need to get done.
Money Monday - work on bills, budgets, mail. Clip coupons, etc. Anything that helps to track, save or make money.
Trashy Tuesday - Gather and take out all the garbage in the house. (Our pick up is always on Wednesday.) If there's a certain area of the house that needs organization or cleaning, this is the day to do it.
Washing Wednesday - To keep my weekend laundry volume down, I will wash 1-2 loads of clothes on Wednesday. This will also be the day to iron or repair any clothing items.
Touchup Thursday - Family Dinner night, run the dishwasher after cleaning the kitchen. Complete any item from earlier in the week.
Fun Friday - One of our favorite shows is now on Friday nights. We're home by 9 from dinner or Walmart. I may start a load of clothes or run the vacuum if time permits. Mostly Friday nights is about de-stressing after a long work week.
Shopping Saturday - Miscellaneous shopping and grocery shopping. In the spring and fall, a yard project will also be included. During the summer and winter, indoor projects and repairs are tackled. Saturday night is movie night - a $1 redbox or something from our collection - popcorn and coke is optional.
Sunday - Catch up day.
I can think of a billion things that need to be done but usually things are prioritized by urgency and are addressed in that order. Sometimes they're little things like scraping glue off the back door glass and other times, they would be bigger projects like painting or household repairs. Right now, we have no major projects planned for 2011 except for getting the outside of our house painted. We're still waiting on a price.
Money Monday - work on bills, budgets, mail. Clip coupons, etc. Anything that helps to track, save or make money.
Trashy Tuesday - Gather and take out all the garbage in the house. (Our pick up is always on Wednesday.) If there's a certain area of the house that needs organization or cleaning, this is the day to do it.
Washing Wednesday - To keep my weekend laundry volume down, I will wash 1-2 loads of clothes on Wednesday. This will also be the day to iron or repair any clothing items.
Touchup Thursday - Family Dinner night, run the dishwasher after cleaning the kitchen. Complete any item from earlier in the week.
Fun Friday - One of our favorite shows is now on Friday nights. We're home by 9 from dinner or Walmart. I may start a load of clothes or run the vacuum if time permits. Mostly Friday nights is about de-stressing after a long work week.
Shopping Saturday - Miscellaneous shopping and grocery shopping. In the spring and fall, a yard project will also be included. During the summer and winter, indoor projects and repairs are tackled. Saturday night is movie night - a $1 redbox or something from our collection - popcorn and coke is optional.
Sunday - Catch up day.
I can think of a billion things that need to be done but usually things are prioritized by urgency and are addressed in that order. Sometimes they're little things like scraping glue off the back door glass and other times, they would be bigger projects like painting or household repairs. Right now, we have no major projects planned for 2011 except for getting the outside of our house painted. We're still waiting on a price.
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