Offline again :(

Well, it looks like I will be offline for family things again until this weekend probably.  I am hoping to sneak in a few posts, but I can't guarantee anything.  Visit some of my favorite blogs on my blogroll to find some of the best deals!

New L'Oreal Coupons

Coupons.com just released a lot of high value L'Oreal coupons today.  Combined with a sale (especially at my favorite drugstores) this will make their high quality products pretty cheap. 

Click here to print these fabulous coupons:

• 
  
  $1/1 L’Oreal Eye Product
  
  
  
• 
  
  $2/1 L’Oreal Makeup, Powder, Blush or Concealer Product
  
  
  
• 
  
  $2/1 L’Oreal EverPure Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment
  
  
  
• 
  
  $2/1 L’Oreal Hair Color
  
  
  
• 
  
  $2/1 L’Oreal Lip Product
  
  
  
• 
  
  $1/1 L’Oreal Skincare Product
  
  
  
• 
  
  $1/1 L’Oreal Vive Pro Product 
  
  
  

Thanks, Mojosavings!

5 Inserts in Sunday's Paper!

If you have been reading about couponing, but have been just too afraid to start, now is the best time.  This Sunday there will be five, and yes I did say five inserts!  Woo hoo!  If you are new and this is scary, I've only been couponing for a few months, and if I can do it so can you! 

Also, for all of the experienced couponers out there, now is the time to buy multiple copies.  If you happen to live in Idaho, go here to learn how you can get really cheap multiple copies of your newspaper.  Go here to see the schedule of inserts for the new year.

$1/1 Budding Meats, and More Printable Coupons!

Go here to print these great coupons and more:

• Betty Crocker Warm Delights Bowls or Minis- save $.50
• Kellogg's Special K Blueberry Cereal- save $1
• King's Hawaiian Sandwich Rolls- save $.75
• General Mills Multigrain Cheerios- save $.75
• Budding Meats, $1.00
• Minute Rice, $0.50

Free Pregnancy Journal

Go here to sign up for a free pregnancy journal.  This journal from PreNexa includes tips from diet to travel and even exercise. There is also space for your notes and memorabilia collected during this exciting time.

Thanks, FreebieBlogger!

$2/1 Dove Visibly Smooth Deoderant Printable Coupon

Go here to print a $2/1 Dove Visibly Smooth Deoderant Printable Coupon.  According to DealSeekingMom, they are on sale at Walmart fro $2.47, which would make them only $.47 after coupon!

Bath and Body Works $10 off $40 Printable Coupon

Go here to print a $10 off $40 coupon for Bath and Body Works.  If you received gift cards for Christmas, this is a great way to stretch them.  Hurry, the coupon expires January 3!

Some of the sales they are running include:

• Classic Fragrances Body Lotion $3 (Dec 27-30)
• Wallflowers Plug-In Diffuser Starter Sets and Refills $5 (Dec 31-Jan 3)
• Anti-Bacterial Hand Soaps $3
• Candles 50% off
• Signature Collection Body Care Buy 2 get one free, Buy 3 get 2 free

2 Free Buttons and a quick Crocs shoe fix

Go here to sign up for a catalog and receive 2 free buttons. 

This freebie made me laugh because I just used buttons this morning in a different way.  My absolute favorite pair of shoes to teach in Crocs Alice are no longer made, so I treasure the pair that I have.  I have wait until they come up on Ebay to get any replacements. 

Well, about a month ago I somehow got my shoe caught under my computer chair and it snapped the button on one side of the shoe that keeps the strap attached.  Needless to say, I ended up with my shoe rubber-banded to my foot for the rest of the day.  Now that I am on break I decided that I would look at the shoe and see what could be done.  I decided to use a button on the outside and inside of the shoe to keep it attached.  I only wear these shoes when I am teaching, so I doubt they'll notice the button.  They are as good as new!

$1/1 Honey Nut Cheerios Printable Coupon

Go here to print off $1/1 Honey Nut Cheerios coupon.  If your store doubles to a dollar this could make for some free or cheap cereal.  Go here to see how you can use this coupon to get free cereal at Walgreens.

Free 1-year Subscription to Motor Trend

If you know any gear heads, now is a great time to get them a free gift (my brother is getting one:) ).  Go here to get a free one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine compliments of the Silicon Valley Motor Trend Show.  You will also receive a free ticket to the show, which might be fun if you live close by.

Thanks, FreebieBlogger!

Free Prilosec OTC sample

Go here for a free sample of Prilosec OTC.

Thanks, FreebieBlogger!

Free YoPlus

Go here and sign up for the Betty Crocker newsletter and receive a free YoPlus sample. 

Thanks, MoneySavingMom!

Eating from the Pantry Challenge: My Goals

Just like SpendLess2SaveMore, when I told my husband about the eat from the pantry challenge at MoneySavingMom and LifeAsMom he rolled his eyes and laughed at my excitement. 

As I set upon planning for this new challenge I decided that before I set some crazy goal for myself I had better make sure that it is realistic.  I calculated up my husband's Gatorade costs (he is a certified Gatoradeholic and there's no changing that-and yes he says there is a difference between Gatorade and cheap brand stuff) and my Carnation Instant Breakfast costs, milk, and bananas and added in some extra money to buy some other fresh fruits and veggies.  Currently I try to spend only about $30 per week on groceries*.  During the month of January I believe I can at least shave off $10 per week, so that I will only be spending $20 a week on groceries( $80 month)!  The extra $40 saved will go towards saving for a house. 

My freezer is full, my refrigerator is kind of full, and my pantry is full, so I have great faith that we'll be able to make it.  Come back next Monday to see the meals I have planned!

*Note: My husband and I go out to eat at least once a week and eat with family at least once a week-that leaves us only 4-5 meals at home.  My husband works outside in the cold during the winter, so in January he normally eats out for lunch just so that he can get warmed up again.  However, I always pack my lunch.  We have budgeted for these expenses in categories other than groceries.

**If perhaps, 93% lean ground beef goes on sale for less than $2.25/lb or boneless skinless chicken breast go on sale for $2/lb, I might go back to the original budget because we use tons and tons of that type of meat.

Gratituesday: Final 2009

This past Sunday while I was at church, our pastor gave a sermon that really focused on the upcoming holiday: New Year's Day.  What he said really struck me, because I thought he would start talking about the coming new year and the changes it may bring (our pastor is in the process of retiring after many many years as pastor at our church), but instead he encouraged us to take a moment to step back and look at this year.  His question to us was: Have you grown...spirtitually and emotionally?

Inside I paused and started to doubt myself, and began to wonder, have I really grown?  I took a mental trip down memory lane to look for signs of growth.

Last February my grandfather passed away after several months in the nursing home and hospital.  This was the first really "close" person that I knew that had died.  It was hard to see my grandmother in complete sorrow as they finally put his tired body to rest.  The upheaval after that day was large as we helped sell off many of my grandparents' belongings and moved my grandma into a much smaller home that was easier to take care off.  It reminded me of a song that my parents listened to growing up:

A mansion on a hill is a lovely sight to see
But like any other house, it's only temporary
Home is anywhere you choose to put your heart;
If there's no love inside, it'll soon fall apart.

You can drive around in a long limosine
If you don't know where you're going, it don't mean a thing
He who'd walk a mile, just to hold an empty hand
Knows what it means, to be a wealthy man

Worldly treasures will all pass away
There's just one thing that's put here to stay

Ashes to ashes, dust into dust
Buildings will crumble, bridges will rust
Mountains will disappear, rivers will dry up
And so it goes with everything but love

I learned so much about the value of family and friend relationships during this time vs. worldy goods, and was extremely grateful that we knew that my grandfather, a believer, would be waiting for us in heaven.

I graduated last December, and I was sure that I would be able to quickly find a maternity leave math position to take over in the spring.  Instead, all of last spring I substituted in many different area schools, and would often only teach one or two times per week.  This was extremely frustrating for me, as I felt that I should be able to land sub jobs every day, since I actually had a teaching degree.  During that time period God really had me look at my pride.  I had always assumed that I would be able to easily get a job; I had always done really well in school and had a glowing resume.  However, when there are no jobs open, it does not matter what your resume looks like.  I learned to trust that God would lead me in the way He so chooses and after six humbling months of having people ask me whether I had found a teaching job yet, in June I took my current position as a high school math teacher. (Note: I have the greatest respect for substitute teachers: I just thought that everyone would love me so much that I would easily be able to get a full-time teaching position)

In the summer, I worked at a daycare that I had worked at for the last few summers and was in charge of the elementary student summer program.  Many of the women that work there are divorced and have little money.  It reminded me of the importance of treating your spouse with respect as I saw many of their marriages fall apart due to the women not showing respect for their husbands by constantly nagging.  I'm sure that their husbands were not always perfect, but I am not surprised that their husbands left because these wives would always tear down their husbands.  I realized I was extremely wealthy if only because I had grown up in a home learning that when you are in a healthy marriage you have to be willing to give of yourself and that when the wife supports and encourages her husband he has the confidence to become a much better man.  Furthermore, many of these women were in a bad state because they had no idea how to save money.  I was thankful that I had been taught how to make wise decisions financially.

This fall, I again had to work out pride issues when I started teaching.  I of course thought that I knew a lot about teaching.  After the first day though, I was an emotional mess... things were just not going as planned.  It wasn't until later that first week when I realized that I had been thinking that I could do it all.  Instead, God wanted me to give the class to Him.  When I did I felt such a relief.  However, I did not learn this lesson easily.  Instead, I would constantly try and take control again, then it would be a disaster, and finally I would give up and give my class to God and things would go much better.

I decided after reviewing this past year that I have grown probably not as much as I should have, and that that any growth mainly happened in my weakness.  As I look forward to what the new year may bring, I am thankful for how God pushes us grow, and I pray for even more growth in the coming year, knowing that growth from above only happens by sometimes painful stretching and pruning.

New Freebie!

I don't have time to post too much about this, but go here to see details on how to get a weekender skincare kit.

Away from the computer!

It appears as if I will be away from the computer probably until Tuesday, however I might be able to sneek in a post or two in between family get-togethers. 

Restaurant.com is running their end of the month sale right now.  Use code CHEER to save an additional 80% off thru 12/31/09! That makes the $25 gift certificates only $2 or $3!  The best part is that you print the gift certificate from your computer, so you won't have to wait for it to ship.  My husband and I have used these for cheap date nights, and had no problems.  Many times there are are requirements such as, can only be used with a $35 purchase.  Even with the restrictions, it is a great deal!

Free Galaxy Granola

Go here to sign up for free Galaxy Granola.  You can choose from not-sweet vanilla or vanilla almond.

ConAgra Mail in Rebate

Right now if you spend $10 on ConAgra products, you can go here to print out a mail in rebate for $25 worth of ConAgra product coupons. 

ConAgra products include:

Orville Redenbacher's®

Crunch 'n Munch®

Banquet®

Snack Pack®

RO-TEL®

Hunt's®

Manwich®

Chef Boyardee®

Kid Cuisine®

Peter Pan®

Thanks, CommonSenseWithMoney!

$15 P&G Coupon Booklet

Go here to sign up for a free $15 P&G Coupon Booklet.

Thanks, FreebieBlogger!

New Printable Coupons

There are new printable coupons out.  Go here to print:

• $1/2 Aunt Jemima 24 oz or larger mix or syrup
• $2/1 Theraflu 
• $.75/1 Little Debbies
• $2/1 Caribou Coffee
• $1/1 Wonka Gummies
• $1.50/3 Kellogg's Cereals
• $.60/1 Morton Seasoned Salt 

Free Gillette Fusion Razor

 For those of you with unlimited texting, text PRUEBA to the number 467467, then reply with your age, and then reply with your state abbreviation.

Thanks, FreebieBlogger and AThriftyMom!

Aquafresh Sample and Printable Coupon

Go here to sign up for these samples and coupons:

• 
  
  Free sample of  Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste
  
  
  
• 
  
  $1/1 Aquafresh Iso-Active Whitening
  
  
  
• 
  
  $1/1 Advanced Enamelock Formula Toothpaste
  
  
  
• 
  
  $1/1 Advanced 2x whitening Toothpaste
  
  
  
• 
  
  $1/1 Any Aquafresh Extreme Clean
  
  
  
• 
  
  $1/1 Aquafresh Gel Flex or Deep Action toothbrush
  
  
  
• 
  
  $7/1 Aquafresh White Trays
  
  
  

Thanks, Savingyourcents!

Free Victoria's Secret Lip Gloss with any Purchase

Go here to print a coupon for a free Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss with any in-store purchase. 

Thanks, DealSeekingMom!

Worth Reading: Post on Contentment

Newlyweds, in general, I think struggle with contentment.  Maybe it's because we rent and want to own houses, are childless and want children, have old cars and college loans from college, and have to compromise on holiday gifts.

No matter the reason, it is something that newlyweds and many people struggle with.  I found a great article here today, entitled In Christ Alone.  It is a great encouragement to those feeling discontent during this season of their lives.

Free Airbourne Effervescent Sample

Go here to sign up for two tubes of 10 ct Airbourne Effervescent Tablets.  If these actually work, they could be nice to have during the flu season!

Thanks, FreebieBlogger!

Free Kashi Trail Mix Bar Sample

Go here to receive a free sample of Kashi Trail Mix Chewy Bars.  Their bars are packed full of all kinds of good for you things like fiber, protein, and such and are actually pretty tasty!

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In order to show my blog exists I must put this code on this post: MFP7D8U743M9

Thrifty Thursday: Stockpile of Gifts

This is my "Gift Box."  It is not glamorous by any means, but it serves its purpose.  I started having a gift box a couple of years ago when my friend got married and moved away.  When we roomed together in college, we both loved getting packages in the mail- we called it Christmas in the mail.  Seriously, if a package arrived we had to do a Christmas in the mail dance.... Ok, maybe it was just me doing the dance, but it was still exciting.  So after she moved away we tried to send each other something (it didn't have to be big or expensive) in the mail.  I started buying several months worth of gifts ahead of time so that I would always have something on hand to send if I realized it was the end of the month and I had forgotten to send anything.

This box has morphed as I have started couponing.  It now contains lots of candles (bought for free or near free from CVS), lotions (90% off a Bath & Body Works), movies, children's books, ties, and pretty much anything else I find on a great sale.  I also have a card basket which is now loaded with cards that I got with the $5 off $5 coupon from Hallmark recently.

The benefits of this box and basket are incredible.  First of all, I am a self-proclaimed space cadet.  By this I mean I will actually be thinking about how someone's birthday is coming up, but I will completely forget to think about the implications of that (there needs to be a gift).  Also, I can often get amazing gifts for free or near free if I shop ahead.

Finally, my suggestion is that go through your house/garage and find some box or bag or really anything that can hold gifts/cards (I included a picture of mine so that you could see that it doesn't have to be pretty), and start throwing in some of your CVS finds and after Christmas sale finds.  It will save you the stress of worrying too much about gifts and will save you wallet some too!

Free Codes for Blockbuster Express

Right now, at Blockbuster Express machines (similar to Redbox) use the GT11A – Expires 1/31/2010 and KIOSK – Expires 2/10/2010 for a free rental.

Thanks, Freestuff4free!

New Markets Upcoming Sale

This Saturday and Sunday New Markets are running some really great sales.  Here's some of the coupon matchups with their weekly ad (I'm iced in and can't get out to check out the store for more sales!).

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Sale $1.34
Use $.40/2 tripled
Final Price: $.74 wyb2

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls Sale $1.34
Use $.25 tripled
Final Price: $.59

Pillbsbury Grands Biscuits
Use $.30/2 tripled
Final Price: $.89 wyb2

Kraft Velveeta 2 lb $4.49
Use $.55/1 doubled (print here)
Final Price: $3.39

Betty Crocker Frosting Sale $1.25
Use $.50/1 (print here)
Final Price: $.75

Hillshire Lil' Smokies Sale $3
Use $1/2 doubled
Final Price: $2 wyb2

Chex Cereal (12.8-14oz) Sale $2
Use $1/2 doubled
Final Price: $1 wyb2

Keebler Club or Town House Crackers Sale $2
Use $1/2 doubled
Final Price: $1 wyb2

Chi Chi's Salsa Sale $2
Use $1/2 doubled
Final Price: $1 wyb2

Progresso Soups Sale $2
Use $.50/2 tripled
Final Price: $1.25 wyb2

Cheez-its Sale $2.50
Use $1/2 doubled
Final Price: $1.50 wyb2

Flavorite Frozen Vegetable $.77

Coupons from heaven and new deals!

Today I cleared out our bookshelves, coffee tables, baskets, and such of all old catalogs and unwanted magazines.  It is amazing how many I cleared out.  I took them to the recycle box, opened up the lid on the bin, and was welcomed with a gigantic pile of coupon inserts from the last two newspapers!  I swooped them up, dumped in my magazines and went on my merry way!

Some new deals that I have found:

• $1/1 Pillsbury Holiday Cookie Dough (print two), or $1/2 Pillsbury Holiday Cookie Dough use this with the after Christmas clearance for free or near free cookie dough!
• $1/1 Green Giant Broccoli or $1/1 Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa coupons at Target make them free or near free!
• FREE FRESCO TACO printable coupon at Taco Bell for first 1,000,000 (coupon expires in 7 days)
• Free sample of Huggies Pull-ups, or free sample of Huggies Pure and Natural (personalize them for a baby shower gift like I did here)
• Free: Redbox Code : ACME25 go here to find a location near you (my husband and I use these codes all of the time, you can use them once per credit card to get a movie for free for one night!)
• Free Computer Based Envelope System Download here
• $5 Graphic T-Shirt at Aeropostale here, $10 off $50 or $25 off $100 instore Aeropostale coupon here (don't forget to use ebates.com to get money back!
• Coupon for Free Sun-Rype Fruitsource Bar at GNC

Whew!  What a lot of deals to catch!
Thanks, Coupon Gal, Money Saving Mom, Mojo Savings, and Freebie Blogger!

One year subscription to Everyday with Rachel Ray for $4.99!

Money Saving Mom has details here on how to get a whole year's subscription to Everyday with Rachel Ray for only $4.99!  That's a great deal!

100 Free Photos!

I realize that it might be a little late for sending Christmas cards, but you could always send a New Year's card.  Right now,  you can get 100 Free* 4x6 Prints with promo code: prints at Fuji Film's photo sharing site called see here, *note that shipping costs about $5.19. 

Pictures for five cents a piece?  I think I can handle that.

More free tampons!

In my view the three most annoying things to buy are "feminine supplies," toilet paper, and trash bags.  All of them just end up getting thrown away, but you can't go too cheap on them (I learned the hard way with trash bags).  Luckily, many companies are giving things away for free.  Go here to request a free trial pack and carrying case of OB tampons. 

Easy Freebies!

I had completely forgot about my P&G ESaver account until I was reading Bargain Briana's blog today.  She reminded her readers to check their account for freebies and coupons that they can sign up for.  My favorite part about signing up for samples and coupons on P&G is that you only have to sign up and click all of the offers that you are interested in.  You don't have to sign up for each one individually. 

Here's the list of the offers available currently:

• Free sample of Head and Shoulders
• $1 small/ or $3 medium-large Tide Stain Release
• Free sample of Always Infinity
• $1/1 Downy Fabric Softener
• $1/1 Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast Toothpaste
• $1/1 Scope Outlast Mouthwash
• Free sample of Tampax Pearl and Tampax Compak Pearl
• Iams cat food coupon
• Iams dog food coupon
• $.25/1 Charmin Freshmates

Free Sample: Dove Intense Damage Therapy

At the Saving and Giving blog, I just read that you can go here to receive a sample of Dove's Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo.  I live "up north" and this winter weather just really drys out my hair, so I'll be looking forward to receiving this freebie in the mail!

$0.28 Beef Filets!

A friend just recently called me and told me about a great deal at Walmart.  Go here to get a $3/1 any 8oz or greater Chef's Requested Product and use it to buy Chef's Requested Bacon Wrapped Filets (10 oz) originally $3.28, now $0.28! 

She found this great deal at an awesome site called Southern Savers

Free Video on Demand!

Right now, you can get a $4 credit towards Amazon's Video on Demand.  They have lots of movies for $.99-$2.99, so I'm planning on popping some popcorn, grabbing a blanket, and trying to convince my husband Julie and Julia is the best movie to choose (I've been waiting to watch it since it came out in theatres!).

• Go here and sign in to your Amazon account (or sign up for one if you haven't yet).
• Then, use the code AVODGIFT.
• Click Apply.
• A $4 credit will be applied to your account to be used no later than January 3, 2010!

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Freezer Cooking: The results!

Well, after just a couple of hours work this morning I had eight meals made and four and half dozen oatmeal chocolate chip cookies baked and bagged.  I'm planning on using the meals in January when school starts up again (especially during parent teacher conference week).  The cookies are going to be brought to two family Christmases.  I am very happy with the results.

My husband will be very glad that I used the mixer that we got as a wedding gift (it sits on the counter most of the time-but I tell him that in the future when I am cooking for more than just two and when I learn more about baking I'll use it).

I bought one large green pepper which was much more than I needed for the chicken tetrazinni recipe.  I learned on Money Saving Mom's blog that you can freeze green pepper when it is chopped up.  So, I chopped up the whole pepper, used part of it, and froze the rest.  Evidentally, you can freeze a lot of leftover things (today I froze the extra chicken broth).  This is great news for people cooking for two!

The final results: large pan of Easy Chicken Bake, large bag of Chicken Tetrazinni, large pan of Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole, and 4.5 dozen cookies!

Worth Reading: Finding that perfect present for less

Woo!  I'm done with the freezer cooking, the kitchen is clean, the fifth load of laundry is in the washer, the fire is roaring, and I'm taking a break for a bit.  On my break I was searching through the blogosphere and ran across and interesting article.  Go here to read it. 

It suggests that if you are having difficulty finding a gift for someone on your list that you write down qualities about that person and then google those qualities.  Supposedly, you should be able to find or at least spark an idea about what to get that person.  Furthermore, since you are looking online you can price shop easier than at the mall and can use services like ebates.com to get money back.  Sounds like a good idea to me!

Gratituesday: Thankful for Vacation!

Ok, I know I'm going to sound like my students, but I am thankful for Christmas vacation.  Being away from the demands of the school helps me be able to answer the demands of home.  There are holes to be sewn up, floors to sweep, laundry to do, and bathrooms to clean.

Besides getting my house in order, I am able to take the energy that I would be giving my students, and give it to others that need it as well.  I am finally able to send out some cards of encouragement to a few people who I know will need it during this season.  I'm also able to do things like sew up holes in my husband's clothes that he has just been living with (holes happen a lot in the construction business).  I'm also planning on visiting lots of family and friends not just on Christmas, but through out the holidays.

Finally, although I am going to focus a lot on my home I am not going to completely forget about the future of me being back in the schools.  For many of my students the holidays are anything but merry and bright, and it is my duty to live out for them when I return the real reason for the joy I feel at Christmas.  If I plan ahead, I can create lessons that might intrigue them into looking further into this area of their lives without getting me in trouble.

Furthermore, I build up relationships with these students by talking to them about their lives and creating engaging lessons that bring up these real world situations (yes, it is possible to do that in math :D ).  It is my aim number one that I am a witness to Christ for them in the schools, and number two that I show them the importance of effort, determination, and problem solving.  I think that some of my students would be surprised that I didn't think that the triangle congruence theorems were the most important.

Looking forward to the last half of the school year also means preparing myself for limited time at home again.  Today, as I have been posting, I am making several frozen meals (go here to see the posts).  This will help immensely on busy nights.  They help keep the home a calm and restful place. 

So, whether or not I sound like a student, I have many reasons that I am thankful for these 14 days of  Christmas break!

Arm & Hammer Printables

Go here for some great Arm & Hammer Printable Coupons.  They include:

• 
  
  Save $0.75 on any Arm & Hammer Clean Shower Daily Shower Cleaner
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $0.75 on any Arm & Hammer Scrub Free Bathroom Cleaner
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $1 on any Arm @ Hammer Toothpaste (4 oz. or larger
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $0.50 on any Two 2 lb or 4 lb Arm & Hammer Baking Soda or Fridge Fresh Refrigerator Air Filter
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $0.50 on any Arm & Hammer Carpet & Fabric Odor Eliminator Powder
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $1 on any Arm & Hammer Premium Vacuum Bag or Filter
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $1 on any Arm & Hammer Floor Protection Pads
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $1 on Arm & Hammer Cat Litter Deoderizer Spray
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $1 on any Arm & Hammer Total 2-in-1 Dryer Cloths
  
  
  
• 
  
  Save $1 on any Arm & Hammer Clumping Cat Litter
  
  
  

Oops! Another recipe change!

Well, I have to make a confession.  I am awful at reading details.  I was just finishing up making the cookies and chopping up the green pepper, when I saw that the chicken still needed to thaw a bit.  So, I decided that I would make up the stuffing to go on top of the Farmhouse chicken recipe.  I went back to look at the recipe and saw that it called for 12 oz. of stuffing.  I only have a 6 oz box.  Oops!

I have been saved by a recipe on the back of the box.  Go here to see it.  I hope it is as tasty as the Farmhouse Chicken bake!

Freezer Cooking Day: Part 1

This morning I have scurried around getting my husband off to work, laundry started, and dishwasher going (oops we forgot to run it last night!).  I was looking through the recipes one last time this morning to make sure that I had everything and decided to change the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice recipe to this easier variation.  I had not noticed that on the first recipe there was a fairly difficult sauce to make.

Freezer cooking is not only nice because you have less clean up and cooking time on weeknights, it can also save you time cooking altogether.  By combining the times it would have taken me to cook up the chicken for three nights and doing it in one shot, I've bought myself some time.  This only works if you plan ahead when you freezer cook (i.e. don't make each recipe separately).  Try to use recipes that use many of the same ingredients.

Here's the plan for the day:
-thaw chicken (oops I forgot to do that last night!)
-make oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
-chop up green pepper
-cook chicken
-cook noodles
-cook veggies (frozen broccoli, frozen mixed veggies)
-cube chicken
-make stuffing
-make rest of Farmhouse Chicken recipe
-make rest of Chicken Tetrazinni recipe
-make rest of Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole
-freeze everything
-clean up!

Cheap Gift: Restaurant.com gift certificates for $2!

Restaurant.com is running a great sale right now.  Save 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Cert. orders! Use code SANTA and Pay $2 thru 12/25/09.  The best part is that you print the gift certificate from your computer, so you won't have to wait for it to ship.  My husband and I have used these for cheap date nights, and had no problems.  Make sure to tell whoever you give it to that they need to read the small print when they choose the restaurant that they will use the gift certificate on.  Many times there are are requirements such as, can only be used with a $35 purchase.  Even with the restrictions, it is a great deal!

Aldi Deals: 12/20-12/26

Aldi is one of my absolute favorite stores.  If you aren't familiar with it, it is a bit different.  They don't accept coupons, but their prices are rock bottom.  You also will need to bring you own bags and a quarter to receive a cart (you get it back when you return it).  Also, they take only cash or debit cards.  They carry mainly non-name brand products (however I know that many of their products are made by name brand companies and just relabeled for Aldi).  I don't get a newspaper (except Sundays of course), so I don't receive their ads.  I just found a great resource for Aldi deals.  Cinncinnati Cents has listed Aldi deals for the week here, and they include my favorite-$1.49 pineapple, yum!

$5 Magazines at Amazon

Remember the amazing $5 magazine Black Friday deals?  Well, they are back (for a limited time).  Amazon is offering many magazines this week for only $5.  These could be a really great Christmas gift.  Some of the highlights:

-Southern Living (has lots of recipes!)

-This Old House (great for husbands, dads, and brothers!)

-Women's Health (great exercise tips)

-Golf (for the golfer in your family)

$1/1 Kings Hawaiian Printable Coupon

Go here for a $1/1 King's Hawaiian Printable Manufacturer's Coupon.  If your store doubles, this will make really cheap or even free rolls.  These sweet rolls are my absolute favorite!

Menu Plan Monday: Freezer Cooking

Since school's out, this week I am a wonderfully free stay at home wife!  I have high hopes of getting through all of my three lists (home, school, and blog to-do lists).  I am hoping to even fit in some freezer cooking tomorrow.  For all of you newlyweds and new to freezer cooking people, do not be afraid.  I have tried freezer cooking only one time, and I am just diving in for more.  I'll let you know how it goes.  If it turns out to be a frugal flop, I figure I'll have learned something and that is worth a lot (to see things I learned about freezer cooking the first time go here and here).  Here is my menu plan for the week:

Monday:  Penne pasta with leftover spaghetti sauce, peas, strawberry banana jello

Tuesday: Freezer cooking: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies,
                                              Farmhouse Chicken + adding mixed veggies
                                              Chicken Tetrazinni
                                              Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
                 Dinner: Chicken Kievs, green beans, oranges

Wednesday: Chip and Dip Chicken (this is a new recipe for me) I will probably modify and use crackers instead of chips; broccoli, apples
Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Eating with family!

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For many more menu plans, visit organizing junkie.