Crest Foods Pop Tart deal

Crest has Pop Tarts (12 ct S'mores flavor only) 3/$5 and the boxes have a peelie on them for $1.50/3 and $1.50/1 Gallon of milk when you purchase 2 boxes.

*** Deal Idea***
Purchase 3 boxes of S'more Pop Tarts for $5
Purchase 1 gallon of Crest brand 2% milk for $2.54

Use $1.50/3
Use $1.50/Milk

Total for 3 boxes of Pop Tarts and 1 gallon of milk
$4.54!

Home Made Simple Coupon Booklet Link!!!

I love this coupon book. Sign up here to receive a free coupon book mailed to you with over $30 in high value coupons for brands like Cascade & Dawn!! I am able to score a lot of my cleaning products for free or very cheap with these coupons. Hurry- they will go fast!!

Super Sunday Shopping!

I'm so excited about my shopping trip at Homeland today. I think it may be my best one yet! I purchased everything in the picture for $8.63 (including tax!). I did this in the two transactions:

1st Transaction:

5 boxes of Kellogg's cereal for $12

$5 was automatically deducted since I purchased 5 which made it 5/$7

I used 2 $1/2 3/7 RP coupons (one for the Raisin Bran & one for the Apple Jacks) so they both doubled which made my

Final cost: 5/$3!!!

Ritz Crackerfuls $2.50

Used $1/1 1/10SS DND

Final cost: $1.50

2 Yakisoba Noodles $1.00 each

Used $1/2 3/14SS

Final cost: 2/FREE

I will donate these.

Crystal Light Lemonade $2

Used $1/1 3/21SS

Final cost: FREE

Tornado $1.99

Used $1/1 12/6SS

Final cost: FREE

2 Musselman's Healthy Picks Applesauce $1.39 each

Used $1/2 found in package

Final cost: $.39 each

Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread $2.00

Rhodes Multi Grain Warm 'n Serve Rolls $2.49

Used $1/1 1/24 RP or 2/14RP

Final cost: $.49

Hiland Cottage Cheese $2.35

Used $.55/1 DND

Final cost: $1.80

I also used $5/$25 purchase coupon from the Thunder Basketball program.

Since I purchased 5 Kellogg's cereals I received 2 catalina's for 2 FREE gallons of milk which I used on the next transaction.

2nd Transaction:

2 Hiland 2% Gallons of Milk $3.79 each

Used catalinas from 1st transaction

Final cost: 2/FREE

2 Musselman's Healthy Picks Applesauce $1.39 each

Used $1/2 found in package

Final cost: $.39 each

5 boxes of Kellogg's cereal

I did the same as in the first transaction except I only used 1 coupon

Final cost: 5/$5

I received 2 more catalina's for free milk with this purchase!

DiGiorno 12" pizza and bread stick combo $8.59

Used free coupon from my DiGiorno House Party!

Coupon was free only up to $8.00 so

Final cost: $.59

I used another $5/$25 purchase coupon from the Thunder Basketball program to sweeten the deal!

I'm hosting a DIGIORNO Champions House Party!!

I'm so excited. I was chosen as a host for a Digiorno Champions House Party! If you haven't heard of HouseParty.com, check it out here. I was a host for a Hunt's Backyard House Party back in October and it was awesome. As a host, you receive lots of coupons for free food and coupons to give away to your guests as well as a variety of other gifts for your guests. It is also a great reason to get family and friends together for a party.

Homemade Bread Crumbs

What do you do with the left over crust from your bread and the heels no one eats?

Here's an idea: have a gallon size zip top freezer bag labeled "bread crumbs" and when the package of bread is finished except for the heels, throw them in the bag and keep in the freezer. The next time your recipe calls for bread crumbs, make your own!

Bread Crumbs Recipe

Take frozen heels from freezer and put in food processor and process into crumbs. Put back in freezer bag and save for use in future recipes.

Italian Bread Crumbs Recipe

1 cup homemade bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Mix by hand or put in food processor and process just enough to mix.

All Purpose Seasoned Bread Crumbs Recipe

2 cups dry homemade breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/8 teaspoon sage
1 pinch onion powder
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch garlic

Mix by hand or put in food processor and process just enough to mix.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Just Between Friends Spring Consignment Sale is February 22-27 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Norman, OK.

Select items are 25% off on Friday, February 26 and 50% off on Saturday, February 27. 9am - 6 pm.

OKC's Spring 2010 Sale is March 22-27 at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds .

Consignment sales are a great way to get affordable children's clothes as well as make a little money by consigning clothes your children have outgrown.

Happy Shopping!

Meal Preparation Made Easy!

When I come across a good deal on ground beef I buy extra and prepare an All Purpose Meat Mixture for future recipes.

All Purpose Meat Mixture

5 lbs ground meat
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups onion, chopped
1 cup green pepper, diced
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp salt (optional)

In a large pot, brown ground beef. Drain. Stir in garlic, onion, green pepper, salt and pepper; cover and simmer about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender but not soft.
This should make approximately 12 cups. Divide mixture into freezer bags (about 2 cups in each bag), label and freeze for use in future recipes.

Walgreens FREE 8x10 print today only!

Today (Thursday, 2/24) only, you can score a FREE 8x10 print. Go to Walgreens Photo and at check out enter coupon code FREEPHOTO.

These are great Mother's Day gifts!

Ebates - My Big Fat Check!!!!

Yea! I just received my first Big Fat Check (that is what they call it...) from Ebates.

If you haven't signed up for Ebates, go here and sign up. After your account is set up you can begin making your internet purchases through their website and will earn your very own Big Fat Check!! It is so easy.

Another Homeland Coupon Match-up!

This week Homeland has Bumble Bee Tuna pouches on sale for $1 and in today's SmartSource there is a coupon for $.55/1 which would make this a money maker of $.10! If you don't like tuna this is always a good donation item.

FREE Pancakes at IHOP! (Oklahoma)

IHOP will serve every one of all ages a free short stack (three) of buttermilk pancakes in celebration of IHOP’s fifth National Pancake Day. In exchange for a tasty short stack of pancakes, IHOP guests are invited to make a donation to Children’s Hospital Foundation, a local affiliate of Children’s Miracle Network. This yummy celebration is planned for Tuesday, February 23 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at all Oklahoma IHOP locations. For more info go here.

Friends of the Library 31st Annual Booksale!

Friends of the Metropolitan Library System is hosting their 31st Annual Booksale Saturday and Sunday February 20-21, 20109am- 5:30pm at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in the the Oklahoma Expo Hall. For more info go here.

ArtsCow Customized Umbrella shipped for $15.99!

ArtsCow is offering a customized umbrella for $15.99 with free shipping. I have ordered from ArtsCow a couple of times and like their products. To get started, go here and sign up for an account if you don't already have one. Use coupon code UMBR1599 which expires 3/31/10.

This would make a great Mother's Day gift!

Homeland Coupon Match-up 2/17 thru 2/23

I'm not really excited about this week's Homeland Ad but there are a few good deals. Here are my favorites:

Eckrich Smoked Sausage $2.99
Use $0.55/1 SS 1/31
Final Cost: $1.89!

Yoplait Yogurt Smoothies 2/$5
Use $1.00/1 GM 2/7
Final Cost: $0.50!

Wish Bone Salad Dressing or Spritzers 3/$5
Use $1.00/1 Spritzer RP 1/31
Use $1.25/2 Dressing or Spritzer RP 1/31
Final Cost: FREE - $1.04 ea!

Quilted Northern 9 or 12 rolls $5.99
Use $1.00/1 RP 1/24
Final Cost: $3.99!

Crest Toothpaste $1.79
Use $0.75/1 PG 2/7 or 1/17
Final Cost: $0.29 ea!

Capri Sun $1.97
Use $1.00/2 printable here or here
Final Cost: $0.97 ea! (wyb 2)

For a complete list of this week's ad coupon match-up, visit Simple Saving Savvy.

Also, don't forget to get a $5/$25 coupon from the Thunder Basketball program if you go to a game or know someone who does...it is a great coupon to sweeten the deal at Homeland!

Another homemade cleaning product (that smells good!)

My aunt sent me a recipe that she uses for an All Purpose Cleaner. She also said you can make homemade cleaning supplies smell great and relax you while you clean! Just add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the bottle. You can pick it up at the health food store for around $10 and it lasts forever.

In a gallon bottle mix:
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup white vinegar
2 cup ammonia

Fill the rest of the way with water. Shake gently then pour into spray bottles.
Add some lavender essential oil, maybe 8 drops or so. Shake gently before using.



You can check out my post on other homemade cleaning supplies HERE.

Enjoy!

Target Gift Card for Transferred or New RX

In yesterday's ad (2/14/10) there was a coupon to receive a $10 Target gift card with any new or transferred prescription. These offers help stretch the grocery dollars!

Olay $15 Rebate!

Olay is offering a $15 mail-in rebate when you purchase three Olay products. All you have to do is purchase 3 Olay products between February 12, 2010 through March 12, 2010 and submit the original receipt(s) and this printable rebate form by March 26, 2010. One per household, and it's void in Maine.

Hip2Save has some great deal scenarios for this rebate!

SC Johnson Rebate still going!!

Don't forget about the SC Johnson Rebate I posted about here.

All you have to do is purchase ANY 3 SC Johnson Products, including:
Ziploc
Glade
Windex
Scrubbing Bubbles
Pledge
Shout
Fantastik
Drano
Raid
Off
Saran
Nature's Source

This rebate can be submitted three times per household for a total of $15! The dates of purchase are between 10/1/09 through 6/30/10!

Staples: FREE printing calculator!

Hurry! I'm sure these will go fast. Staples has a Sharp printing calculator for $14.99 with a $14.99 Easy Rebate which makes it FREE. You can submit 2 rebates per household. You can find the calulator on page 7 of the ad. I have submitted numerous Staples Easy Rebates over the years and they are exactly that- easy.

Staples is also having a Dollar Days sale which includes:
5 pk Sharpies
5 pk Bic highlighters
12 pk mechanical pencils
125 pk 1/2" page flags
and many other items!

Crest Foods Anniversary Sale!

Crest Foods is having their Anniversary Sale and there are some great deals. Here are a few of my favorites:

Ragu Pasta Sauce $0.99
Use $0.75/2 RP 1/31
Final Cost: $0.62 ea.

McCormick Chili Seasoning 3/$1.00

Pepsi 2ltr $0.68

Ken's Salad Dressing 4/$5
Use $1.00/1
Final Cost: $0.25

Crest Shredded Cheese $0.99

Suave Deo $0.68
Use $0.50/1 RP 1/31
Final Cost: $0.18

Ziploc Containers (various sizes) $0.99
Used $1.50/2 SS 12/6 or 1/10 or from inside previously purchased package
Final Cost: $0.24 ea.

Home Pride Wheat Bread $0.99

Thanks, Simple Saving Savvy (you can see more of her Crest Deals here)

REMEMBER: Crest does not accept internet printed coupons!

FREE Science in Action 2010

Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Oklahoma is hosting "Science in Action and Object ID Day" on Sunday, February 7. This event is free and is great for families that are looking for fun ways to engage their brains and learn more about all kinds of science. You will enjoy the hands-on activities at 20 science and activity stations scattered throughout the museum. Museum curators and other natural history experts will be available to identify objects brought in by visitors, and several museum departments and partner organizations will offer activities, demonstrations and presentations on scientific themes.

What does $10 buy at the store?

I made a quick trip to Homeland today and this is what I got for $10!

DiGiorno Rising Crust Pizza
Rhodes Multi Grain rolls
Wholly Quacamole
Two 2 ltrs of Coke
Dole Romaine Hearts
Solo plates
Fiber I muffin mix
Two Williams Taco Seasonings
Cheese Nips
Two Peter Pan Peanut Butters

Here are the coupon match-ups:

DiGiorno or California Pizza Kitchen 2/$9
Use $1.00/1 SS 1/24
Final Cost: $2.50

Rhodes Multi Grain Heat 'n Serve $2.69
Use $1.00/1 RP 1/24
Final Cost: $.69

Wholly Guacamole 2/$4
Use $1.00/1 SS 1/31
Final Cost: FREE

Solo Plates 2/$4
Use $1.00/1 SS 12/6
Final Cost: FREE

Fiber One Muffin Mix $2.50
Use $.50/1 GM 1/3
Final Cost: $1.50

Williams Taco Seasoning $.79
Use $.55/2
Final Cost: $.24

Nabisco Cheese Nips $1.75
Use $1/1 DND SS 1/24
Final Cost: Free + $.25 overage
(they let the coupon double)

Peter Pan Peanut Butter $1.99 each
Use $.50/2 SS 1/10
Final Cost: $1.50 each

I also used a $5/$25 Homeland coupon found in the Thunder Basketball program.

Oklahoma Snow Days

This is our third day out of school and I think we are all experiencing a little cabin fever. I'm praying for the sun to shine and the streets to clear up so the school buses can pick up kiddos and we can all get back to our routine! Here are some pictures of our fun in the snow this go around.

Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Haven't found any good deals on cleaning supplies lately? Being frugal and saving money is all about being flexible and creative. The following are some recipes for homemade cleaning supplies. They don't always have a good scent but I have used some of these and in a pinch they work well.

Homemade Spray Cleaner Recipe

Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water

This mixture can be used to clean kitchen countertops and appliances. It can also be used in the bathroom to clean countertops, floors, and exterior surfaces of the toilet. For really tough bathroom surfaces such as shower walls, pump up the cleaning power by removing the sprayer element and heating the solution in the microwave until barely hot. Spray shower walls with the warmed solution, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps soften stubborn soap scum and loosens hard water deposits.

Other ways to use White Vinegar:
You can use undiluted white vinegar for tougher cleaning problems involving hard water deposits or soap scum. Clogged shower heads can be cleaned by placing 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag and secure the bag to the shower head with a rubber band. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture to a shiny finish. White vinegar is also a good fabric softener for people with sensitive skin. Just add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener.

Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe

Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol1 cup water1 tablespoon white vinegar

Furniture Polish Recipe

Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup olive oil1/2 cup lemon juice

Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.

I'm reading a GREAT book!

My friend recently recommended a book called The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews. I borrowed it from her and started reading it and couldn't put it down. I told my husband when I was finished reading it he should read it because it was very profound and thought provoking. Then I decided to start over and read it aloud with my husband every evening. We have learned two of the seven decisions that determine personal success and I am going to blog about them here so don't continue to read if you would rather read the book yourself!

The First Decision For Success is: The buck stops here. The author discusses the fact that we cannot blame anyone or any situation for anything. We must accept responsibility for our past and know that the future is of our choosing.

The Traveler's Gift is a very easy, entertaining read that combines self-help with fiction and my husband and I are enjoying it together.

The Second Decision For Success to be continued.

Coors & Tostitos $10 Rebate (no beer purchase required)

UPDATE: There are four different rebates (two that require a beer purchase and two that don't require a beer purchase.) The rebate that does not require a beer purchase is not valid in Oklahoma!

I'm so excited about this rebate! Coors has several different rebate options available and the reason I'm excited is that I have purchased the necessary items and spent the required amount of money and I didn't even set out to do that!

Here is the scoop: purchase $30 worth of Tositos chips or dips, Pepsi carbonated soft drinks, condiments, plastic cups, ice, paper plates, and/or deli items (any brand, any size).

Send in your original, dated cash-register receipt(s) with the price circled along with a completed official mail-in certificate and they will send you $10.

Items must be purchased between 12/11/09 and 2/8/10.

I went through my grocery receipts and found that I have spent enough on the above listed items to submit for a $10 rebate which is extra money in my pocket. The other cool thing is that I didn't really spend $30 on those items since I'm sure I used coupons for 99% of them!

Homeland Coupon Match-up 1/20 thru 1/26

Homeland has a few good coupon match-ups this week!

Hiland Dips or Sour Cream $1
use $.40/1 DND 12/6 SS
Final: $.60 each

Crest Toothpaste $1
buy two and
use $.50/1 12/27 P&G and $.75/1 1/17 P&G
Final: two for FREE

Kotex Tampons $2.79
use $1.50/2 1/10SS
Final: $4.08/2

Quaker Products (including Aunt Jemima Syrup)
Buy 5 Participating Quaker items for $8.00 (which is $1.60 each)
Have 2 of the items be Aunt Jemima Syrup
use $3/5 Quaker coupon in Homeland Ad
use $1/2 Aunt Jemima Syrup 1/3 RP
Final: $3/5 Quaker products!!!
UPDATE: The $5/Quaker coupon is actually a manufacturer coupon so it can't be stacked with the Aunt Jemima coupon! However, you still get 5 items for $5 which is a good deal.

Birds Eye Vegetables $1
use $.35/1 1/10SS
Final: $.30

Carnation Evaporated Milk $1
use $.50/2 11/1 RP
Final: Two for $1

Dawn Dish Liquid 10.3oz $1
use $.25/1 12/27 P&G or
use $.50/1 from Home Made Simple coupon booklet (Thanks, SimpleSavingSavvy)
Final $.50 - FREE

For more Homeland Deals visit Simple Saving Savvy.

Homemade Pancake Syrup!

Like every Saturday morning, my kids wanted pancakes and scrambled eggs. I whipped up the batter and then discovered I didn't have any syrup! I began to wonder if I could improvise with staples I already had in my pantry and started looking for recipes on the internet and there were a bunch. I chose a recipe and the pancakes were saved. The syrup was good but not as good as store bought. However, in a pinch it tasted great! If you are interested in making homemade syrup try this recipe I found on AllRecipes.com.

Homemade Pancake Syrup

Ingredients:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugars, water and corn syrup; bring to a boil over medium heat. Broil for 7 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in maple flavoring and vanilla. Cool for 15 minutes. Serve over pancakes, waffles or French toast.

3 FREE issues of Family Circle Magazine!

Sign up HERE for 3 free issues of Family Circle magazine. You will enjoy the May, June, and July 2010 issues delivered to your door. No strings attached and you will never receive a bill!
Thanks, MomsByHeart

UPDATE: Unfortunately the offer for a subscription to Family Circle has expired.

My shopping trip today

I went shopping today at Walgreens and Homeland and spent a total of $16.01 out of pocket and that includes tax! Here is how I did it:

Walgreens: I had register rewards left over from my awesome bargain last week and so I bought the Angel Soft toilet paper, 2 gallons of milk and 2 plastic sport bottles and spent $2.06 out of pocket after my register rewards.

Homeland: I purchased
5 Totino Pizzas for $6.25 and used $1/5 coupon (which doubled to $2)
2 8pks of Juicy Juice for $2.49 each and used $1/2 coupon (which doubled to $2)
Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner for $3.66 each & used $3/2 coupon
10 pk of Mission Tortillas for $1.99 and used $.75/1 coupon (which doubled to $1.50)
Ivory 3 pk for $1.49 which would have been free but I forgot to give them my coupon!
2 Best Choice diced tomatoes for $.59 each (no coupon)
2 lb bag of carrots for $1.99 (no coupon)
Homeland hot dog buns for $1.49 (no coupon)

I also used a $5/$25 Homeland coupon from the Thunder program!

This made my total out of pocket at Homeland $13.95 and would have been less if I wouldn't have forgot my Ivory coupon.

Cleaning for A Reason

Cleaning for A Reason offers free professional housecleaning and maid services to improve the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer - any type of cancer. What a wonderful service to help out those that are going through such a difficult illness.

DOLE 30-Day Challenge and FREE Dole Fruit Cups

Take the Dole Challenge to earn (4) four-packs of Dole Fruit Cups FREE!

Here's how it works: Purchase (8) four-packs of Dole Fruit Cups between now and 2/10. Print the rebate form and send your UPC's and receipts from the purchases to address shown. Get four coupons for FREE four-packs by mail!

Don't forget to use the coupons from the 1/10 insert to get $1/3 and sweeten this deal.

Thanks, Moms by Heart

How to Coupon Class

Saving Money Plan is starting a Coupon Class today (1/11/10). If you are new to couponing and overwhelmed, head on over here and start learning how to save money!

Amazon: Presto Pressure Cooker 58% off!!

Amazon is offering a Presto 8-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker for $24.99–down from $59.99! This also ships FREE with Amazon Prime or Super Saver Shipping (on $25 or more).
Thanks, Hip2Save

FREE light bulbs at Ace Hardware!

Visit your nearest Ace Hardware to get GE Energy Smart light bulbs for just $1. Use the $1 coupon from 1/3 SS and get them FREE ($1/2 printable also available HERE). Sale price valid thru 1/31.