The Shopping Adventures of Cheapo McFrugalpants

Freebie Deebies: So You Say It's Your Birthday...

2010-07-03T12:10:00.003-05:00

...It's my son's birthday too, YEAH!

How painful to even write about this, but my son is going to be...

*gulp*

...eleven years old next week.

*sniffle*

ELEVEN YEARS. Eleven years we've had him. Eleven years since I was pregnant.
Not ten, but eleven. Everyone says this, but I can hardly believe it.

*snaps back into reality*

As if it's not enough that he is reminding me every, single day - the emails are coming. Oh, these aren't junk emails by any means; they are birthday emails filled with FREEBIES!

Periodically through the year, I sign each of us up for restaurant birthday clubs. When your special day comes around, you start getting flooded with free goodies...it's fun.
So far, he has received:

A card in the mail from Bob Evans for a free kid's meal
Email coupon from Culver's for a free sundae
Email coupon from Baskin Robbins for a free scoop
Email coupon from Red Robin for a free Birthday Burger or Kid's meal

So many programs, like these, are available. Try googling Birthday Freebies. Surprise, surprise, there is even a site dedicated to the subject called...you guessed it...Birthday Freebies. As with any program, you will want to make sure your local site is participating.

Psstt...Here's the "secret" to benefiting from these Freebie Deebies. Unless you are going to that particular store anyway, ONLY GET THE ITEM THAT IS OFFERED FOR FREE.

For example, we rarely ever go to Baskin Robbins for ice cream (it's not exactly close to our house.) If the coupon draws us in and we spend $8 on other cones...did the coupon really save us money? No...it forced us to spend eight bucks that we normally would not spend.

Now, if going out for ice cream was a regular family activity of ours, the coupon WOULD save us the money we would have spent on our son's treat.
Does that make sense?

I understand, you may feel silly (at first) for going into a shop for only a free item. But remember, it's YOUR hard earned money that you are blowing.
Don't let others decide how YOU spend it.

*sigh...eleven years...*

Can I Have Your Attention...

2010-07-03T12:02:00.004-05:00

Please ~~excuse my excitement~~ bare with me.

The Shopping Adventures of Cheapo McFrugalpants will be going through a bit of a redesign.

I know...you can wait...me neither.

In the meantime, if things look a little wonky, it's because they are. If you tried getting here though www.cheapomcfrugalpants.com - you won't find it. I'm switching hosts.

Since I just KNOW you want to tell ALL of your friends about my blog...give them the www.cheapomcfrugalpants.blogspot.com address. *wink*

And now back to your regularly scheduled blog hopping, twittering, facebooking...

Frugal Friday: Chummy Recipe

2010-07-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

port.man.teau \port-'MAN.-toe\: a word or morpheme whose form and meaning are derived from a blending of two or more distinct forms (as "chummy" from cheap and yummy)

Wow! I haven't posted a Chummy Recipe in a long time...way overdue, don't you think?

Remember on Monday when I mentioned our big announcement? The peppers? Our very first garden harvest? Oh YEAH...that's the post I'm referring to. Anyway...at my house, fresh green peppers immediately equals Stuffed Green Peppers.

Quite a few years ago, Mr. McFrug's grandmother started buying me the Taste of Home annual cookbooks for my birthday. In the 2003 edition, page 195 to be exact, is my very-bestest-most-favorite-raved-about recipe for Classic Stuffed Peppers. No really...it may look simple, but the end result comes out so flavorful and tender - everyone will love them.

Seriously.

I have altered it a tiny bit to suit our individual tastes. The recipe makes four large stuffed peppers, using 1/2 pepper each (a whole pepper, in my opinion, is just too.much.)

Ingredients:

2 medium/large green peppers
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 c spaghetti sauce, divided
1/2 c. uncooked instant rice (I sometimes sub Parmesan cheese if I'm making them low-carb)
2 TB finely chopped onion
1/2 t. salt
1 t. Worcestershire sauce
dash pepper
1 lb. uncooked lean ground beef

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350
(easy enough, right?)

Step 2: Cut tops off peppers and discard [right into your compost bin - you do have one I'm sure *wink*] Remove seeds. In a large saucepan, cook peppers in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place on paper towel to drain while making filling.
(you're still with me?)

In a bowl, combine eggs, 1/2 c. spaghetti sauce, rice, onion, salt, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Crumble beef over the mixture and mix well
(just use your clean hands, it's easiest.)

Stuff the peppers, each with 1/4 of the mixture. Place in non-stick sprayed baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the peppers. Cover and bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160.

During the last 5 minutes or so of baking, I like to slice a little cheese over the top so it gets nice and ooey-gooey.

Even if you aren't a master in the kitchen, this recipe is for you.
I have faith. *wink*

How is this a Chummy Recipe?

I paid $2.00 for the grain fed beef (at a local farm)
The spaghetti sauce was bought on sale AND used a coupon
Peppers are from our garden
Coupon used on the eggs too

Do you have an abundance of peppers in YOUR garden this year? Make a HUGE batch and freeze them. It will be nice to be eating a little taste of summer in the middle of the cold winter.

More Frugal Friday at Life As Mom

Thrifty Thursday: The Power of Wind

2010-07-01T08:04:00.006-05:00

Let's talk gas & electric bills....your favorite subject, right? Mine too *uh-hem*

Last year, I was SO totally jazzed that we were able to lower our budget payment by $121.00 per month. Here it is...that time of year when the budget gets re-evaluated.

With regret, I am here to tell you, our bill has now gone UP by $27 per month. *tears up* I think I know why. With a hurt ankle last summer, I barely got to use my outdoor clothesline. It was just too much (I was lucky to get laundry up and down the stairs at all!) Then, by the end of the summer, SOMEhow *looks at children playing in yard* the clothesline got broken.

Relying on the dryer is the only reason I can think of for the bump in budget (unless the rates are just going up dramatically.)

So, guess where I headed - straight to Lowe's.

About $55 later, I had myself a new clothesline and three packs of clothespins.
Since I have only used my dryer twice in the past month, I'm really hoping this will pay off come next year's budget. For now, I can puke about paying the extra $27. Bleh.

If anything, anything at all, I feel good about using the gifts of nature to get by. Not to mention, the clothes smell great (especially sheets & blankets!)
Want to start using the power of wind?

Here are a few tips:

Decide what clothesline would work best for you: an umbrella type (like I have) or a clothesline stretched from tree to tree
Find some nice, strong clips. To be honest, the ones I have are wimpy. Whatever happened to the big, hefty ones? Remember clipping them to your lips and earlobes as a kid? Um..yeah...me neither.
Keep your clips in a reusable bag that you can carry in and out with your laundry. If you leave the wooden ones on the line, they will start to weather and turn black. It is not favorable to have black clothespin marks on your white clothing. It's just not.
If the weather is nice, be sure to get the clothes out early in the morning. Jeans take a long time to dry...like...all day. If you try sneaking them out in the afternoon, you'll only have to rehang...or use the dryer to finish them up. Defeats the purpose.
Shake out your clothes before bringing them in. Sometimes little buggies like to catch a ride into the house. No hitchhikers allowed.
Lastly, always remember - even if there is NO rain in the forecast...it will rain on your clothes...just for the mere fact that they are out there. Oh, this rule also applies to washing your car.

Peace. Love. Save Money. Save the Earth.

More Thrifty Thursday at My Coupon Teacher

CVS Deals: 6/27 - 7/3 ($19.17 for only $2.39)

2010-06-30T21:57:00.005-05:00

Holy smokes!

Today is June 30th....JUNE 30TH.

I realized this at 8:30 tonight. Of course, I almost panicked when I remembered that some of my CVS Extra Care bucks were expiring TODAY (isn't that the first thing on EVERYONE'S mind at all times?)

What do I do? Is the store going to close? Where are my coupons? I can.not let them expire. That's EIGHT dollars!

Whirlwind. Whirlwind. Five minutes and my plan is done.

Oh please, oh please have all of the items I want...otherwise my CVS mojo will be ALL messed up. Lucky for them, everything was in stock.

Check this out!

2 Extra Detergent: $3.00 - (2x) $1 Sunday Q = $1.00 for TWO
2 M&M's: $1.78 - $.89 BOGOF sale - $.75 on 2 Sunday Q = $.14 for TWO
6 Warm Delights: $5.28 - 3 $1.00 on 2 peelies = $2.28 for SIX
Oust Air Sanitizer: $2.50 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.50
Glade Air & Fabric Spray: $2.50 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.50
2 Glade Oil Refills: $5.00 - $2.00 on 2 prior package insert Q = $3.00 for TWO

Total: $19.17
Coupons: $9.75
Prior ECB's: $8.00
Subtotal: $1.42 + $.97 tax
My Cash Total: $2.39
Received: $5.00 ECB (Spend $10 on Glade/Cleaners get $5 ECB Deal)

Now, can you see why I almost panicked? *wink*

How did you do at CVS this week?

CVS $5 Challenge at Kingdom First Mom

The Big Toy Book's Private Sale Sneak-Peek

2010-06-30T13:51:00.007-05:00

Guess what guys?

The Bad News: We're halfway to Christmas...eeekk...yikess...shut.up.Cheapo!

The Good News: Now is the time to start buying gifts...at a discount!

I know...none of us can even think about the holiday season when summer has barely begun. Though, by spreading out your shopping time over several months, you will not only lessen your gift buying stress, but it's easier on the budget. Seriously, who enjoys waiting until weeks before to Christmas to buy EVERYTHING and then be so short on money that you can barely pay your bills or have to resort to using credit cards (which you'll end up paying MORE just to use?)

NOT ME.

With that being said, I bring to you...

The Big Toy Book Private Sale SNEAK PEEK!

It's not even open to the public until Sunday, July 4th...but if you are reading this blog, you can get in early. Visit the link above and enter the code CHEAPOMCFRUGALPANTS - not only will you get discounts to:

Melissa & Doug
Pawparazzi
Citibloks
Cloud B

You will also get $10 off your first purchase! This code is good through July 9th, so be sure to pass it along to your friends.

You don't want to miss this! As a member of the Big Toy Book community, you will receive email on private sales featuring kid's toys, games and more! You can save up to 70% off retail prices from the hottest brands and up-and-coming products at irresistible savings.

What are you waiting for?

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus...

Honest Blogger Found Here: I received a $15 credit to shop at The Big Toy Book Private Sale along with a referral credit & blogger incentive. As always, 100% my opinion.

Pan Envy: Part 2

2010-06-30T06:50:00.008-05:00

Are you a Pan Peeker?

You know...you just HAVE to open the lid while rice is cooking. You just HAVE to open the oven to check on cookies. You just HAVE to take one, tiny, itsy-bitsy, little peek at that cheesecake knowing darn well it could fall at any minute?

Yeah. Me too.

But guess what...my newest little Calphalon 2.5 qt. shallow sauce pan comes with...wait for it...a GLASS LID! Okay, I understand that this is NOT some new invention; glass lids have been around for years. Although, I, Me, Myself have never had one
(I first talked about this little guy HERE.)

Look! No more Pan Peeking! Rice can just bubble and boil away without any disturbance at all...and can turn out like this. Can you say "YUM?"

What's so good about this pan, you ask?

Even though it's shallow, it still holds 2.5 qts.
You can use it to boil items or use it as a saucepan (because of it's width)
As with all Calphalon, it's easy peasy to clean
It distributes heat extremely well. Take a look at this picture to the left. See how even the boiling is? Would you believe this is on HIGH heat? My other pans would have boiled right over the top. This one did not. Impressive.

What don't I don't like?

So far, nothing in particular that I have noticed. My two usual Calphalon complaints: they are rather heavy (for those of you with hand/wrist problems) and they scratch easily (I store mine with thin towels in between.)

Calphalon pans are not exactly what I would call "frugal" cookware. Many can run a few hundred dollars each. *pass out* Though, start by finding the $40 (and under) little gems to supplement what you already have. Believe it or not, nice cookware does help you to obtain mad cooking skillz.*

*For those of you who are kitchen disasters, the said cookware does not perform miracles.
Just sayin'.

Honest Blogger Found Here: CSN Stores is providing me with product to adequately facilitate an honest review. 100% My opinion - as always.

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday: The Adventure Continues...

2010-06-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week, Cheapo fears "Death By Coupon" (said in, none other than, a booming voice.)

Overloaded.[dramatic pause] Overwhelmed.[dramatic pause]
Secretly loves it.

Will she make it out alive?

Stay Tuned...

Silliness.

Okay, I know...but it's all I got today.
(and don't even ask...it's a doll)

More Wordless Wednesday

Kroger Deals and Steals: $141.48 for $34.40 cash

2010-06-29T19:53:00.005-05:00

**If you are in the Kroger Central Region, our sales run from Thursday to Wednesday each week. So, go today or tomorrow if you want to take advantage of any of these deals. Also remember, Kroger doubles coupons up to a $.50 face value every day - so some of my amounts listed have been doubled.**

You ever have those weeks where you really don't need much from the grocery store? If it wasn't for the basics (milk, bread, coffee, etc), I probably didn't need to go shopping at all! Though, do you really think I could pass up sales if they added to my stock up shopping?

No need to answer.

Here's how it all breaks down:

Total: $141.48
Minus Sales: $39.85
If I ONLY shopped using store sales, my cash total would have been: $101.63
But, by using $37.33 in coupons...my total ended up as:
$64.30
But wait...it gets better. During the Build-A-Bear Workshop Brand event last week, I was given a $30 gift card to cover dinner on the first night. Well, you know me...I decided to save the money and use it for groceries this week. Savvy shopping at it's best!

$64.30 Minus the $30.00 gift card...makes a grand total of:
$34.30

Here are a few of the coupons I used:

Coffee mate creamer:$2.99 - $.100 Sunday Q = $1.99
Aunt Millie's Bread: $1.59 - $.55 Sunday Q = $1.04
Activia Yogurt: $1.99 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $.99
Poise Liners: $3.45 FREE with Kroger coupon
Millstone Coffee: $6.79 - $2.00 Sunday Q (that some sweet soul left on the shelf) = $4.79
4 Sobe: $3.52 - (2x) BOGOF printable = $1.76 for FOUR
2 Eckrich Sausages: $4.00 - (2x) $.75 Sunday Q = $2.50 for TWO
3 Hamburger Helper: $3.00 - $.75 on 3 Sunday Q - $.75 cellfire = $1.50 for THREE
2 Ball Park Franks: $3.00 - $.75 on 2 Sunday Q = $2.25 for TWO
2 Cheetos: $3.36 - (2x) $1 Sunday Q = $1.36 for TWO
Splenda 100 pks: $5.09 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $4.09 (I hate this price but was needed)
2 Trident White Gum: $2.58 - (2x) $1.00 Facebook Q = $.58 for TWO
Betty Crocker Cake Mix & Frosting: $2.49 - $1.00 on both printable = $1.49 for TWO (I thought I had a digital coupon on this as well, but it must have expired. grrrr)
Yoplait Delights: $2.49 - $1.00 Sunday Q - $1.00 Shortcuts = $.49
Nut Clusters: (another screwed up deal with digital coupons) $3.79 - $1.00 Sunday Q - $1.00 Shortcuts = $1.79

You DO know you can use coupons even on clearance items, don't you?

4 Nesquick Milkshakes: $3.16 - (2x) $1.00 on 2 Sunday Q's = $1.16 for FOUR
4 Crescent Rolls: $2.00 - (2x) $.80 Sunday Q's = $.40 for FOUR

Kroger is also having some sort of Daytona Deal this week - buy any 10 of participating items, get $3.00 off instantly at the register - no limit on deals, but all items have to be bought at the same time.

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix: $1.99 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $.99
Pam Grilling Spray: $2.49 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.49
Capri Sun: $1.99
Chef Boyardee: $1.00
6 Fruit Snacks: $11.94 - $1.00 Shortcuts - $.50 Cellfire - (3x) $1.00 on 2 printables = $7.44 for SIX

On top of getting the $3.00 off, General Mills is running a Catalina Coupon - if you buy 5 or more fruit snacks, you receive a coupon for $3.50 off of your next trip! Woot! THAT was a nice surprise, as I wasn't aware of the deal when I was shopping. Stocking up on fruit snacks is just a practice of mine.

With originally only needing a few basics, I would say I really cleaned up this week.
Don't ya think? *wink*

Thrifty Tip Tuesday: Free-lanthropy

2010-06-28T22:20:00.003-05:00

What comes around, goes around.

Give and you shall receive.

Treat other people as we wish to be treated ourselves.

Whatever explanation you choose, everything points back to "giving."

You may be asking, "Whaatt? THAT is today's Thrifty Tip? How does giving make you thrifty?"

I don't know. It just does. Maybe I'm just lucky?

It. Never. Fails. Every single time I give items away, it comes back to me in one form or another! I gave toothpaste away, I received two free that week. I donate a bag of food to the pantry, someone brings us dinner. I gave non perishables and cereal to a youth food drive; that same week, my friend brought me cereal and a freezer full of frozen pancakes that her son won't eat anymore.

It's SO obvious...and amazing...how it all seems to work.

Just last Friday, my husband came home with a pork shoulder, a few pounds of pork chops, neck bones and beef short ribs! A woman in his office was clearing her freezer of meat she had raised and butchered. How generous was that?!? And talk about thrifty? Guess who doesn't have to spend grocery money on meat today?

*raises hand*

By living a rather frugal lifestyle, I have several goals in mind. My main goal is to help myself [and others] save money on everyday items and activities in order to give back to their families and charities without affecting their budget.

I call this "Free-lanthropy."

So many people out there feel like they can't "afford" to give...but if you get items for free or very little cost...you can't afford NOT to give!

Sift through your stockpiles and pull out your extra food - won't you help someone today? Don't be surprised when it comes right back to YOU!

***Added: Could there be more perfect timing? When I came into work this morning, guess what was waiting for me? An entire container of freshly caught & cleaned Blue Gill! Guess what's for dinner tonight?***

Healthy & Homegrown: Garden Announcement

2010-06-28T07:14:00.010-05:00

Attention Please...attention please...

Mr. & Mrs. McFrugalpants would like to announce...

they are the proud parents of...

PEPPERS!

Their very first batch!

Green Peppers: 4 1/2 inches long, 4 inches wide and 12 1/2 oz. each.

What little chunkers they are! Can you believe it? 3/4 lb. each?
(okay, there is a little runt there - but we had to pick it early because some little critter was using it as a snack. No worries. It got sauteed and put in the morning omelet)

In one month...one measly month...the garden went from THIS (on May 27th) to THIS (June 27th)

Can you say JUNG-LE? AM-A-ZON? Wow! Though, let me admit that here in northwest Indiana, we have had the perfect growing season - rain, sun, rain, sun - Mother Nature has made gardening rather easy and time efficient for us this year.

Even the jalapenos have decided to finally rear their tiny green heads. We were getting ~~impatient~~ a little concerned about them. Even though the plants were covered in buds, peppers were yet to be seen...until now! We were told that they take a bit longer to start forming, but once they do, look out!

Arrribbaa! Yip yip yip!

It's salsa time.

And poppers time. And pickled peppers time. And beef roast time. And. And. Anddd...burnt fingers and taste buds time. Oh, which leads me to warn you: Whenever working with hot peppers, be sure to wear plastic or rubber gloves (baggies over your hands at the least.) If they are super hot, you may want to wear eye protection (for fear of flinging pepper parts or accidentally rubbing your eyes with contaminated fingers.) If you happen to be cooking with them, or boiling them...just open the windows and leave the kitchen all together...because you will start coughing.

Trust me. Really. Learn from my mistakes.

*squeeeee* See that? Even our very first tomato is beginning.to.turn.RED. Tomatoes can now be found on every plant...waiting...waiting...

Gardening is a REAL test of patience.

And, of course, the lovely containers. Onions are growing nicely and the greens obviously need a hair cut. We have already been clipping and making salads from the little yummies. We just re-seed as we consume. Hint: a salad spinner comes in REAL handy with the delicate leaves. Otherwise, they tend to just fold up when you rinse them. Spinners are $10 or less...and can easily be found at yard sales for barely anything.

Isn't this pot amazing? Okay...so it's not edible...but it 'shore is purty. Which brings me to the fact, that we love Miracle Grow. The Mr. waters all of the blooming plants with Bloom Buster and all of the veggie plants with Tomato & Vegetable blend - every Sunday. If you happen to use any sort of fertilizer, be sure it is the right type. Putting regular Miracle Grow on your blooming plants, will only help it to become more green, not necessarily filled with flowers.

So...how is all of this helping us?

For one, it gives us sanity. How nice to walk out in the mornings, when the town is quiet, to give a little care to something living, that will end up giving us so much.
I haven't had to buy lettuce for a few weeks. Now we won't be buying peppers and tomatoes will soon follow. When the abundance arrives, we will start canning. Throughout the winter, we'll be able to pop open a jar and enjoy the fruits of our labor the whole season!
I have this strange belief...call me crazy...that when you freshly pick produce it still thinks it is "alive." If you eat it right away...it just tastes different.
Yummy. Better. Fresh.

Alive.

Do you agree with me?

Saving at Walmart

2010-06-26T21:52:00.003-05:00

As many of you already know, Walmart is not my very favorite place to shop. Though, sometimes you just have to go there.

Today was one of those times.

I made the most of it...especially since it seems like every time I go there for deals they neverhavewhatIwant...oh anyway...

We bought what we needed to buy for our youth group outing tomorrow and since I just *happened* to have my coupon organizer with me...I picked up these little goodies as well.

Wanna know what I spent?

14 Pampers Wipes: $31.36 - (14x) $2.00 Brandsaver Q's = $3.36 for FOURTEEN
2 Packs Schick Disposable Razors: $3.94 - (2x) $2.00 Sunday Q = FREE plus $.06
2 Kotex Liners: $2.00 - $2 Sunday Q = FREE for TWO
Ziploc Evolve Baggies: $1.97 - $.40 Sunday Q = $1.57
Reynold's Wrap 80 sq. ft.: $2.50 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.50

Subtotal: $41.77
Minus Coupons: $35.40
Total: $6.37

BAM!

I avoided the money vacuum.

How did you do at Wally World this week? Link up in the comments. *wink*

Build -A- Bear Workshop Connect: St. Louis, Here I Come!

2010-06-22T22:40:00.003-05:00

I have been invited to participate in the first ever Build-A-Bear Workshop brand building learning session.

I am only slightly excited.

From June 23 to 25th, I'll be at the World Bearquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.

So, if you don't see me here...that's why.

I want to keep you posted on all of the cool education I'll be receiving - but I'm unsure on just how much time I'll have to be blogging. So, in the meantime, be sure to follow me on twitter as @ItsToni or you can see what the whole group is up to by following the #BABWConnect hashtag.

Healthy & Homegrown: Gardening

2010-06-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

"Hey Cheapo, how can I afford healthy, organic produce for my family on a $50 weekly grocery budget?"

Simple. Grow it yourself!

I'm serious! It doesn't take much room and isn't difficult at all. If you think you need a farm, 100 acres, a tractor and a few cows in order to have a garden, think again.

See, we have this small spot in our backyard. For the past few years, it has been more of a decorative type space...well...the weeds started taking over a bit so I'm not sure it was REALLY decorative anymore, but anyway. This year, we decided it needed to be used in a more practical, economical way. We should have done this WAY before now, but for the past four summers, I have managed to hurt myself in some shape or form (remember the cankle?) This season, I am taking NO chances. With a goal in mind, we pulled ivy, removed pine trees and even dug out an old, stubborn tree stump that was right in the middle of it all (we didn't have the heart to take out the rose bush or the lilies - though we will transplant those this fall.)

Next, we turned in a few bags of organic composted manure and we were ready to plant (this is only about $2 per bag.) Oh how nice is the dirt! So dark black and rich - filled with earthworms - what a good sign! (here in the Midwest, we can talk dirt all day long - about how you can "Throw your hat down and grow it!")

We ended up planting: 2 green peppers, 1 hot banana pepper, 2 jalapenos, 1 Early Girl tomato, 1 Better Boy tomato, 1 cherry tomato, 2 yellow pear tomatoes and 1 German Queen (which are tomatoes that grow bigger than baseballs.) Around the edges are 17 Buttercrunch lettuce plants and there in a pot stands the Basil. When the planting was finished, we did cover the area with a chunky mulch to help in reducing the weeds and for retaining moisture.

Finally, here it is. I took these pictures on May 27th.

Nineteen days later, on June 15th, I took this picture. Can you believe the difference? Talk about short term goal satisfaction, holy cow! It's like a jungle out there.

The hot banana peppers have gone from this...

To THIS!

And...I started counting the buds and there are over 30 of them on this plant alone! One plant...we may end up with over 50 peppers by the time it's done.

Even with the small area of land we have here in town, I know others have even less. Whether you live in a house, duplex or apartment, you most likely have an area to keep plant containers, right?

After our garden was planted and we stood and stared at it for a bit (like it was going to grow right before our eyes), we decided we needed something else to mess with. So, we pulled out some decorative containers and planted some onion and mesculin leaf lettuce seeds (which is just a mix of tender greens.) Around the corner, I have a huge container FULL of chives. I *heart* them. I started that container about 6 or 7 years ago. I never have to do anything to it except harvest the herb. It just keeps coming back on it's own every year. Plants that require no attention, how I love thee.

You can also plant peppers or tomatoes in the containers as well. Just make sure the container is big enough to support the plant as it grows, start with good dirt and keep it watered.

Even with only a few plants in our garden, my little family of three is going to have WAY more produce than we can ever eat. We plan on making salsa and canning peppers and tomatoes to use over the winter. Also, we find so much joy in being able to give to other people: family, friends or food programs!

How is keeping a garden a frugal effort? Yes, starting this garden cost us somewhere in the range of $100, but we will greatly profit in produce. Expense could have been lowered by buying smaller plants or starting them from seed, but we chose to purchase bigger plants that were marked down on clearance. Even with paying $3.98 for a pepper plant, each pepper is only costing around seven cents.

Next year, our expenses should be even lower. Reasons?

We will already have the tomato cages from this year.
We are starting a compost pile with our yard and produce scraps - will eliminate the need for manure. (or, if you know someone with a farm, ask them for some old, composted horse or cow doo-doo.)
Now that our garden area is prepared, we can plant "on time", eliminating the need to buy more established plants.

So, have you decided to grow veggies of your own now? Grab some seeds and dirt...and get planting!

OH! And don't forget about the little ones - did you know that when children take part in growing their own food, they are more apt to eat healthy vegetables? Get yours involved today!

**Something interesting...as we removed the ivy from the garden area, we found this mortared into the stonework...what's it's story?**

Also linked to Coupon Teacher's Thrifty Thursday.

Kroger Deals and Steals

2010-06-16T07:15:00.005-05:00

**If you are in the Kroger Central Region, today is the last day of this sale. Our sales run from Thursday to Wednesday each week. So, go today if you want to take advantage of any of these deals**

I don't know if you had a chance to read this yet - it's all about how using coupons takes me to an extra level of savings. Three shopping trips ago, I decided to try and lower my weekly grocery budget to $50 (from $60-$75.) I AM coming close, but have yet to hit that $50 mark. Though, without my little stack of money saving clippings, I would NEVER be able to do it.

Here's the run down from yesterday:
Total: $122.18
- Sales: $36.73
If I ONLY shopped using store sales, my cash total would have been: $85.45
But, by using $29.00 in coupons...my total ended up as:
$56.45

I could have gotten closer to my fifty dollar target...but wouldn't you know it? No sooner did I get through the produce section, my calculator STOPPED WORKING! Of course, I tried keeping track in my head, but you know how that goes - the phone is ringing, my deli meat wasn't priced correctly (because I would have NEVER paid $8 for a pound of lunch meat) AND I forgot my pen to keep my list in order.

Total tragedy. Really.

Had I realized I was a whole six bucks over my goal, the extra bag of Sunchips and extra box of Drumstix would have gone back - because we don't need those anyway.

Here is how some of the deals work out:
(Attention At-Home players, please follow along. Also, please remember, Kroger doubles coupons $.50 and under everyday, so some of my values stated are doubled.)

4 Boxes Kellogg's cereal: $7.52 - (2x) $1/2 Cellfire - (2x) $1/2 Sunday Q's = $3.52 for FOUR
2 Nestle Drumstix: $5.00 - (2x) $1 Sunday Q's = $3.00 for TWO boxes
2 Ragu Sauce: $3.46 - $1/2 Sunday Q = $2.46 for TWO
2 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish: $2.50 - (2x) $.70 printables = $1.10 for TWO
1 lb. Sara Lee deli meat: $5.99 lb. - $1 Sunday Q = $4.99
2 Chicken of the Sea Tuna Salad Packs: $3.12 - (2x) $1 Facebook Q = $1.12 for TWO packs
2 Sunchips: $5.58 - (2x) $.55 Sunday Q's = $4.48 for TWO
2 Skinny Cow Cups: $3.18 - (2x) $1 Facebook Q = $1.18 for TWO
8 Yoplaits: $4.00 - (2x) $1.00 printables - $.40/6 = $1.60 for EIGHT
Fresh Mozzarella: $4.49 - $.55 Sunday Q = $3.94 (this is a luxury...it IS!)
Smart Balance Milk: $4.09 - $4.09 Kroger Summer of Savings WINNER - $2.00 Sunday Q = FREE PLUS $2.00! (see what I did there? I stacked a paper coupon on top of an Ecoupon and gained $2.00 off of my groceries - remember that.)
4 Jello Cook & Serve Pudding: $4.00 - (2x) $1 Sunday Q's = $2.00 for FOUR
1 Gal. Milk: $2.29 - $2.29 Kroger Deal - free gallon of milk with 2 boxes of Kellogg's cereal = FREE (so, in all, I got 4 boxes of cereal and a gallon of milk for $3.52)
Trop 50 OJ: $2.93 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.93
3 rolls Bounty Basics paper towels: $3.72 - (3x) $1 Bounty P&G rebate Q's = $.72 for THREE
Coffeemate Vanilla Creamer: $2.99 - $1 Sunday Q = $1.99
Eggland's Best Eggs: $2.59 - $1 magazine Q - $1.59
Aunt Millie's Whole Wheat Bread: $1.59 - $55 Sunday Q = $1.04
Activia Yogurt: $.99 - $1 Sunday Q = FREE plus $.01 (Hey, I take every penny I can get!)

Even though I went over my budget a few bucks, not too shabby, eh?

Now, go gather your coupons and get saving!

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-15T22:07:00.004-05:00

Take up your china doll, take up your china doll
It's only fractured and just a little nervous from the fall.
- The Grateful Dead

More Wordless Wednesday.

Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest & Giveaway

2010-06-14T06:30:00.005-05:00

Calling all photographers...or even if you just pretend to be a photographer, this means you too!

National Geographic and Energizer are once again teaming up for their Third Annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest! Now though June 30th, photo enthusiasts of all levels can submit their photos for a chance to have one featured in the December issue of National Geographic Magazine (in an ad for Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries.) Prize descriptions can be found here.

If that is not a dream in itself, the winner will also be awarded with a trip of a lifetime - a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles. Oh, be still my heart. Could you imagine? And the best part about the whole contest...you don't have to be a pro to win! "You don't have to be an expert or have professional equipment to capture a magnificent shot," said 20- year National Geographic photographer and contest judge Jim Richardson. "One of last year's category winning photos was shot by a zoo employee with a regular point and shoot camera. Great photography is often about being in the right place at the right time and making sure you're there to capture the moment when it happens."

Aspiring photographers can visit nationalgeographic.com/lithium to enter one photo in each of six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather, action/energy. And...you better believe I will be entering in EACH of the categories, maximizing my chances of winning...ya know? Click here for the official rules.

And, so you don't run out of power while you are waiting for *JUST* the right shot, Energizer is giving you a chance to win $45 worth of Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries - the world's longest lasting battery in high-tech devices. And trust me, I know ALL about running out of juice. I might as well be the Queen of Dead Tech. Seriously.

Prize: Two 4 packs of AA and two 4 packs of AAA Energizer Lithium Batteries
Contest Ends: Monday, June 21 at 7:00 pm CST. Winners chosen using Random.org
How to enter: TWO possible entries - be sure to leave a comment for each.

Leave a comment telling me what category/categories you might be entering

and/or

Tweet this: I want to win a $45 Lithium Battery gift pack from @ItsToni to prepare for the @NatGeoSociety @Energizer Photo Contest http://bit.ly/bv7kKN

Be sure to leave a form of contact. I have actually chosen winners in the past with no contact information and had to pick another winner. Don't let that be you!

Good Luck! Bon Chance! Buena Suerte!

Honest Blogger Found Here: Energizer is giving me a battery gift pack free of charge to help promote the photography contest & giveaway. 100% my opinion.

Cheapo's Q & A

2010-06-13T12:00:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, a question was posed to me:

"What would be your biggest piece of advice about saving money?"

You know, that was a tough question to answer. I like to combine MANY money saving tactics to get the most bang for my buck. But, after a second of thinking, I had to say COUPONS.

Seemed like my answer surprised her, because she responded with, "Really?"

Within our few minutes of chatting, I learned that she, too, was a frugal queen. She shopped clearance bins, discounted meat and at Aldi - which are all wonderful places to save some money. She went on to tell me, "I find that we really don't eat the types of foods that coupons are for." EEEKKK

Read THIS.

Nowadays, coupons aren't just for processed foods and new-on-the-market items (though there ARE coupons for those products.) Many will give you discounts on eggs, cheese, meats, fruits and cereal. And let's not stop at food...no one should EVER pay full price for cleaning supplies, pet foods, toiletries or laundry detergent. By using coupons for those items alone, you will save bundles.

Let's take a look at my last two shopping trips to Kroger.
(which, by the way, I am now trying my best to now stay around $50 weekly)

Also, remember, I participate in "Stock Up Shopping" - so what you see here isn't only what we are eating during the week.

Total: $116.10
- Sales: $19.26
If I ONLY shopped using store sales, my cash total would have been: $96.84
But, by using $43.60 in coupons...my total ended up as:
$53.24

See how using those coupons (Sunday coupons, internet printables and digital) helped me to save even MORE?

Let's take a look at this week.

Total: $132.59
- Sales: $41.40
If I ONLY shopped using store sales, my cash total would have been: $91.19
But, by using $38.87 in coupons...my total ended up as:
$52.32

So, yes...couponing is my biggest piece of money saving advice. You may not even go to the extreme that I do...but what if you only saved $10 per week on your grocery bill? That's $40.00 per month!

What could YOU do with an extra forty dollars?

**By the way - Kroger has been running this awesome deal on the All Laundry Detergent - $2.99. The Oxi type is included, and there have been $2.00 coupons in recent Sunday papers, making these only $.99 per bottle. The sale is STILL going on. I believe I have now bought six - because I can never have too much laundry soap. Ever. Even if you don't have that particular coupon, you can print one HERE for $1.00 off, which still makes it a great deal. It's even an HE formula. **

The Wilton "Sweet-Up"

2010-06-12T20:23:00.012-05:00

Last week, I was one of the lucky recipients of an invite to the first ever Wilton "Sweet up" in Woodridge, Illinois. I knew I would probably run into traffic (I did, three times) and I knew the drive was a "bit" long (it was, two hours), but being quite the baker, I just had to go.

I'm so glad I did! How colorful was the "Sweet Up" room! Tables were set up everywhere with examples of cakes and products...and the vanilla smell was heavenly! They proceeded to have demonstrations, question and answer sessions and gave us a tour of the decorator's room (where all of the items are made and decorated for product labels and photography.)
While we were in the decorator's room, I talked with a lady who has worked there for 20 years. She was making "cake pops" - which are sort of these balls of cake on a stick. These are rather new to me. Basically, you bake a cake and crumble it. Add a bit of preserves of some sort. Then, add enough homemade or pre-made frosting in order to form it into a ball. Put them on wax paper, put a stick in each one and harden in the fridge. Then, dip each one in melted chocolate and let cool - then decorate if you wish. She said chocolate cake, chocolate frosting with raspberry preserves is her favorite, but you can make whatever combination you want. I think I would like chocolate with chocolate with a bit of orange marmalade - because chocolate and orange together are just the bomb. She did warn that when you mush it all together, it looks grosser than all heck - but never fear, the delicious yumminess is hiding inside.
(You can almost always find a printable coupon for cake mix and frosting HERE. Stack this on top of a store sale...and a better bonus if your store doubles coupons!)

Look at this generosity! After the sweet-up was officially over, the kind people at Wilton gave us each a swag bag full of these wonderful products. We were all blown away.
See that yearbook? It was *hot* off the press. Really. We were the first ones to see it and it is FILLED with awesome ideas.

Then, we all headed over to the annual tent sale...wait...when I say "tent", I mean four-aisles-of-I-want-everything-I-see-covered-by-a-tent-as-big-as-a-football-field." Get this...it was all marked 50 to 75% off AND...we got an EXTRA 20% off.
Needless to say, I was overwhelmed. All I could do was just stand there and stare.
(by the way, if you live close to the Wilton headquarters, the sale is going until June 22.)

I finally got myself moving. I could have spent THOUSANDS of dollars in there. That is NOT an exaggeration. I wish I DID have thousands to spend...it was amazing. I did a lot of picking things up, putting them in the cart and then putting them back. I knew I had to be practical and that I wasn't there for a shopping spree. So many people have asked me what I bought, so here it is. $43.00 worth of items I "needed." Upon second look, it appears I left out the little mini-cookie cutter set that I found.
(A pastry mat, 2 jumbo cookie sheets, 2 double rolls parchment, mini cookie cutters, a round cake carrier with 2 round cake pans inside, stickers and candy melts)
And if you were ever lucky enough to receive one of Cheapo's Peanut Butter & Chocolate Hat Suckers, you now know where the candy melts come from. Mmmm...Thanks so much @WiltonCakes - it was a really "Sweet" time!

Kroger Summer of Savings: 92 Days Left

2010-06-11T12:43:00.004-05:00

You read it right - enter and play Kroger's Summer of Savings Spin the Wheel Contest every day until September 11, 2010. There are over 150,000 instant prizes to be won. You know what I love about Kroger's online instant win games? There is no waiting around for a coupon...no printing of a coupon...they load your prize RIGHT onto your shopper's card. How convenient is THAT?

I already spun the wheel today. Guess what I won?

A big, fat ZONK! But that's okay, I'll play again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, and..the...day...after.....that.....

Freebie Deebies: To Sample or Not To Sample

2010-06-11T11:52:00.002-05:00

Honestly, I don't have the time to sit around filling out online forms for free samples all day.
I really don't.

But, every now and then I'll have a few minutes to spare to sign up for ~~what I think are~~ the pretty good ones (like Prilosec - please send me all of yours.)

Why? Not because I *really* need a 1 ounce bottle of shampoo or a mini roll of toilet paper, but mainly because samples will often come with high dollar coupons for full sized items. If I add all of them up, THOSE are worth my time...okay...and I find mini TP rolls pretty cute and sort of funny and come in handy when you least expect it.

Here are a few I have signed up for as of lately:

Kotex Sample Pack: Pick from several different packs
Dove Conditioner: Pick from two different types
Walmart Samples: The Sample Mother load - Cottonelle, Nivea, Playtex, All, Crest 3D White, Zantac and Prilosec (again, I'll take yours.)
P & G Brand Sampler: A whole box of goodies and coupons delivered to your door periodically

Have fun with your Freebie Deebies!

Frugal Friday: Saving The World...and a Buck or Two

2010-06-11T10:29:00.005-05:00

Let me begin by saying, "The Lord did not bless me with skills for sewing."

One day, while channeling through blogland, I happened across a site that mentioned making Homemade Fabric Sandwich Wraps. I thought, "hmmm...what a great idea! And - how convenient...I'm out of waxed bags AND baggies right now! These look easy enough. Gosh, I'll even be able to make...like...5 or 6 of them. Cool!"

I made one...and it took me all evening.

Don't let that discourage you. I just...well...I don't know. I guess I just don't sew enough to know how to do things quickly. My thread kept breaking, I couldn't get the pattern quite straight, the thread was bunching up, I don't know how to "close" something properly after turning right side out. *sigh*

Regardless of all that - I'm very pleased with the way it finished and couldn't help but smile while turning it right-side-out. Not too shabby for my first go at it.

I followed the directions on the site mentioned above, but here are a few tips from me:

Make your pattern on the white side of Christmas wrapping paper; it's big enough and easy to pin through.

Make sure you measure and cut rather precisely. I should have cut both pieces at the same time - as you can see, one is larger than the other. Be sure to line the corners up nice and straight. Mine is 15 x 15".

I used Ripstop for the food surface on the inside and a vintage fabric on the outside. The Ripstop can be wiped down easily as it is water repellent and easy to sew. It was $6.99 a yard at Joanne Fabrics - but be sure to print your 40% Q from the internet first - made it cheaper.

When you iron your pieces after cutting, remember: when the ripstop says cool iron...it means cool iron. Lesson learned.

When you insert the velcro, make sure the fastening part is "up" (away from the fabric print). You'll see when you get that far.

I'm not sure how my husband is going to feel when he opens his lunch to a sandwich wrapped in rooster cloth, but I'm anxious for the reaction. I think he'll appreciate helping to save the world, but would rather be doing it with ~~Yankees~~ White Sox fabric.

More Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.

Pan Envy

2010-06-10T11:35:00.004-05:00

Isn't it funny how monetary needs all seem to hit at once? Not so much the every day items...I'm talking big money jobs like getting new brakes, fixing the roof, painting the house, tiling the kitchen floor, painting the walls, and someday, OH SOMEDAY, replacing any of the three bathrooms and changing the vanity.

Excuse me. I need a moment. Thoughts of too much expense. Overwhelmed.

Ok...whew.

It's hard to verify "little" expenses when you know you have big ones around the corner. Let me explain. Ten years ago, I got my first ever, full set of Circulon pans for my wedding shower. I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread. Seriously. And ya know? They were! Keyword being WERE.

See what they look like now?
(oh geesh...it looks even WORSE in the picture!)

I spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere in my house. With being a constant cook and baker, one would think I would NEVER put off buying new pans. Sorry. I just can't justify it - especially with what they cost these days - HUNDREDS of dollars for the really nice ones. With bigger expenses on the horizon, they may just have to wait. Of course, you can always find really good deals like the Calphalon Pans I reviewed for CSN Stores.
Let's face it...I *big puffy heart* Calphalon.

Wondering about next addition to my little Calphalon family?

Stay Tuned!!

Honest Blogger Found Here: CSN Stores is providing me with product to adequately facilitate an honest review. 100% My opinion.

Thrifty Thursday: Kids Summer Movies

2010-06-10T08:59:00.002-05:00

So, school is out.

Are you going crazy yet?

"I'm bored."

"It's too hot outside."

"There's NOTHING to do!"

From June 13 to August 13, Goodrich Quality Theaters is offering NINE family friendly movies, Monday through Friday at 10:00 am, for only ONE DOLLAR per ticket. Click HERE to see your local listings.

Of course, they are also offering concession stand specials (like $3 and $4 kid's packs.)
Ack.

I have to say, I would hate to take advantage of a $1 movie and then end up spending $40 on popcorn, snacks and the like. Now, I'm not encouraging you to "sneak" in snacks - how embarrassing to get thrown out of a $1 movie for snarfing forbidden munchies. Though, make sure you and your kids eat BEFORE going to the movie so upon entering, the smell of buttery popcorn doesn't immediately tempt your pocketbook.

Many movie houses around the country offer free or discounted summer time kid's movies. Check with your local theater so your kids will not be bored, stay cool and have something to do over summer break.

Know of another great movie offer? Leave a link in the comments and share with us.

More Thrifty Thursday ideas HERE.

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's never enough

Until you've got all the stuff
When the going gets rough
Just shop with somebody tough
- Barenaked Ladies

More [Almost] Wordless Wednesday.

Walmart: Saving with Frustration

2010-06-08T21:13:00.006-05:00

Let me start by saying...I typically avoid Walmart at all costs.

Yeah, some items are cheaper, you can get a bunch of stuff all in one trip, yada, yada, yada.

A money vacuum, that is what I call it. You go in for a $5.00 item, you walk out crying, wondering where your paycheck went. Am I right?

Well...every now and then I'll start checking out some deals online; items I can get for little or no cost with coupons. I'll save them all up, make a list and drive on over. The secret here is to ONLY buy what is on your list...that's it...nothing more. Otherwise, SWWOOPP, into the money vacuum you'll go.

Today was my day to go. Let me start with the facts.
Total: $68.22
I paid: $14.41

Was the savings worth going? You bet! Was it a usual frustrating trip? You bet!

The annoyance comes with missing items, non-carried items, online v/s store price differences...that sort of thing (I hear this is a common complaint of online deal grabbers.) Price variances are to be expected across the country, but when you are walking and re-walking MILES around the store looking for certain items, and they aren't there, it's easy to become a hateful shopper. Though, I can't help but gleam when I'm only handing over $15 for a cart load of products. *cheesy smile*

Here are a few of the better deals I DID find:

8 bags Kitten Chow: $14.96 - (8x) 1.87 Sunday Q = 8 for FREE (I had planned on donating these to the Humane Society, but then remembered a stray cat gave birth to 5 kittens at my mom's house - so she's getting them. By the way, does anyone want a kitten in about 2 weeks? Two of them look Siamese.)
2 Armor All Protectant: $6.34 - (2x) $2 printable **MAN-PON ALERT** = 2 for $2.34
8 Kotex Liners: $8.00 - (4x) $2.00 Sunday Q = 8 for FREE (Umm..yeeah...I don't know. I'm building a Kotex liner castle? They make great party favors? Sending them to BP to soak up the oil spill? Aww, heck...I get them because they are free.)
2 STP Oil Treatments: $4.94 - (2x) $2 printables **MAN-PON ALERT** = 2 for $.94
2 Muir Glen Tomato Paste: $1.92 - (2x) $1 printable = 2 for FREE + $.08
2 Muir Glen Diced Tomatoes: $2.76 - (2x) $1 printable = 2 for $.76
4 Mac & Cheese: $2.96 - (2x) $.55 printable = 4 for $1.86
Simply Go-Gurt: $2.25 - $2.25 Mailer (Facebook?) = FREE
3 EZ Mac: $2.64 - B2GOF $.88 = 3 for $1.76
4 100 Calorie Snacks: $9.52 - (2x) BOGOF printable = $4.76 for 4 (I needed to bring snacks to my son's baseball game tonight, so why not get half of them for free? I even got the box with 33% more in it - so I hope they like chocolate covered pretzels.)
2 Red Baron by the Slice Pizza: $6.00 - (2x) $1 Sunday Q = $4.00 for 2 boxes

Anyway, all of this plus a few extra things pictured for $14.41. Can you believe it?

My poor cashier. This time...this ONE time...I actually felt sort of bad. She had coupons everywhere. At one point, I had no clue on what she HAD rang in and what she HADN'T. Though, even though it took a while to get everything straight, she was very patient and even inquisitive about couponing. ~~So I gave her a biz card.~~ Of course, the lady behind me had a small touch of the Coupon Stink Eye going on. She could have gone to another lane. If she would have gotten in line before the cashier started ringing up my items, I would have let her go first...with her measly six ears of corn. *sorry*

Just always remember, it's YOUR dollar. Don't let anyone else's actions determine how you spend it...despite that nasty stink eye.

MORE Free Cards from Shutterfly

2010-06-07T22:52:00.005-05:00

Cards from my Chicago Series of photographs

Recently, I have really started a nice collection of photo cards from Shutterfly. Doesn't it seem like each month there has been SOME sort of promo code for 3 Free cards? I think I am up to about twelve now.

It's awesome!

I love cards...but I refuse to pay ridiculously high prices for them in the store. With the free cards, you do have to pay shipping and tax, which comes to $1.06 here in Indiana. For my twelve, it has cost $4.24, the price of one card at the drug store. Normal price? $29.88. GADS! Plus, writing a few words of your own, in a card designed by you, will ALWAYS trump someone's sappy poem in my book. Always.

Until June 10th, you can your get your three 5 x 7 designed cards for free by using the code: CARDS4DAD. Make your Father's Day cards, birthday Cards, blank photo cards (my favorite because I can use them at any occasion), whatever you want...just get them.

Not only does having cards on hand save you money throughout the year, it will brighten someone's day when you send them. I mean, we all know how it feels to check the mail, sort through all of the junk...and then there, peeking out from under the newspaper is an actual, for real, hand-written-letter. I know, right?

Go order your cards. *wink*

Cheapo at the Dollar General

2010-06-07T22:22:00.005-05:00

For the past five years, I have lived ONE block away from the Dollar General. Literally...one block...walk down the road, step over the railroad tracks and BINGO, you are there. I walk down there maybe once a month - just to pick up a last minute item or this and that. It wasn't always my first choice in shopping venues, mainly because I didn't know their coupon policy. I knew they took newspaper coupons, but once tried an internet printable (IP) and they said they didn't accept them. Sooo...you know how that goes...FORGET YOU!

But...guess what? Recently (April) their corporate policy has changed and they now accept all sorts of coupons. Whoopeee for me!

Guess where I went today?

4 Snuggle 40 ct. sheets: $8.00 - (4x) $.75 Snuggle Sunday Q's = $5.00 for four
3 Pedigree Dentastix: $6.00 - (3x) $2.00 Sunday Q's = 3 FREE
3 Carefree Liners: $3.00 - (3x) $1.00 Sunday Q's = 3 FREE
12 pk Cascade Action Tabs: $3.00 - $1.00 Mailer = $2.00
4 Reg. Size Suave Deo: $7.00 - (2x) $3.00/2 Printable Q = $1.00 for four
Suave small Deo: $1.00 - $.75 Sunday Q = $.25

Total: $28.00
- Coupons: $19.75
Grand Total: $8.25 + $1.98 tax = $10.23

Have you found any Dollar General deals lately? Link up with a comment. *wink*

In Case You are Wondering Where I Am...

2010-06-05T09:00:00.002-05:00

...And I'm sure you are...right?

RIGHT?

I'm trying to learn all about Wordpress so I can run my new blog.

Yup! The Shopping Adventures of Cheapo McFrugalpants will soon be getting a face lift.

I can't wait. *wink*

PS - I'll be tweeting with #wcchicago if you want to follow along - @ItsToni

**Added: Ok...so I ended up not going on Sunday - which totally was the suck because I probably would have understood a bit more during the second day sessions. But, of course, the story of my life reads:

Chapter 1: By the time I got everything gathered and the household ready for the weekend, I ended up with about 5 hours of sleep on Friday night.
Chapter 2: I wanted to take the train because it's WAY cheaper (plus I could sleep) so I had to get up at 3:30am.
Chapter 3: Wouldn't one think by rising at 3:30, one could get to the train by 5:41? Not if the coffee wasn't made and there was no gas in the car and...and...I missed the train.
Chapter 4: An hour and forty minutes later, I found the venue and even found parking that was $10 cheaper than expected. So, then, I was really, really early...and I had to pee (thank you Starbucks, even though it was a MAZE to find the bathroom.)
Chapter 5: (the wrap-up because this is getting ridiculous) I had a great time on Saturday, met wonderful people, learned some, ignored some, got really frustrated with the terrible wifi. All in all, I was spent. Drove home in a daze. Went to bed by nine - lo and behold, the tornado sirens went off at 11:30 waking us up from a dead sleep. Up until 1/1:30 am - got up at 6am - took shower...put pj's back on and decided to stay home. I know I missed some great connections and lots of useful information - but I just couldn't fathom the thought of driving BACK into the city again today (though I did follow the #wcchicago twitter feed and got some valuable info there!) It happens.
The End.

Uncle Ben's at The Chopping Block

2010-06-04T17:46:00.008-05:00

We're cookin' it up Chicago Style!

Last week, I got the chance to meet some awesome bloggers and participate in an event at Chicago's very own, Chopping Block (courtesy of Mom Central and Uncle Bens.) First of all, can I just say that The Chopping Block is a chef's DREAM?!? Appetizers, drinks, awesome music - it had it all. Not to mention everyone there was extremely friendly and helpful. By the way, if you live in the area, I would totally recommend checking out their cooking classes. They are available seven days a week and geared for every level of chef. ME WANT.

A few weeks back, I attended the Bread Art Project event sponsored by the National Grain's Council...and that got me thinking about how so many children in America are not getting the correct amount of whole grains in their diets. New Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White rice is the first and only whole grain rice that looks and tastes like white rice. The new product provides moms (and dads) with a secret weapon to incorporate whole grains at dinner. Made with natural ingredients and low in fat, Whole Grain White Rice combines the familiar taste, texture and cooking time of white rice with the goodness of whole grains. Just one serving of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice is a good source of fiber and nearly delivers the recommended daily amount of whole grains.

Ready to eat in just 10 minutes, this rice is the perfect meal-time solution for families that are time-crunched, but want to enjoy a complete, satisfying meal together. And, did you know that it comes in six different varieties: Long Grain White, Broccoli Cheddar, Creamy Chicken, Taco Style, Sweet Tomato and Garden Vegetable. Starting in July, the rice will be available at grocery stores nationwide.

So...if it looks like rice...then your kids won't eat it, right? Well, guess what? During this hands-on event, we made FOUR different recipes - all with "hidden" nutrition from the rice mixes! My favorite one is called "Uncle Ben's Sneaky Chef Chicken Parmesan Casserole." And, I'm going to share the recipe with you!

4 C. Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice Cream Chicken, cooked (2 boxes)
1 med. sweet potato
3 carrots
3 to 4 T water
2 c. cubed, roasted or rotisserie chicken, ideally white meat
2 c. store bought tomato sauce or marinara
3 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1. Prepare rice as instructed on box.
2. Preheat oven to 375 and spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with non-stick spray.
3. Make Puree: Peel, chop and boil sweet potato and carrots for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain and add to food processor with 3 to 4 tablespoons of water and puree until smooth.
4. Place cooked rice and chicken in the prepared baking dish. Mix tomato sauce and 1 c. orange puree (or baby food carrots) in a bowl.
5. Toss chicken and rice with the sauce mixture and 1 c. of the mozzarella cheese. Top the casserole with a combination of the Parmesan and the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, sprinkling evenly over the top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover. Bake another 5 to 10 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
Recipe created by Missy Chase Lapine, author of The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals.

As if the event itself wasn't fantastic enough, they sent each of us home with all of THIS!
Don't worry - I've already shared it with two other families and donated some to the local food pantry. Gotta' pay it forward!

Oh! And while you are waiting for the rice to hit your local grocery store, enjoy THESE Uncle Ben's printable coupons!

Honest Blogger Found Here: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Bens and received the product necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. 100% my opinion.

No "Me" in Memorial Day

2010-06-03T07:13:00.001-05:00

Oh, little Podunk Midwestern towns...we do love our parades, don't we?

Homecoming, Harvest Days, Memorial Day...damn hell, you say the girls' basketball team won sectionals? Wellll, let's have a parade!

All in all, it does sound kind of silly, doesn't it? Lights and sirens, firetrucks and floats - people setting up their folding lawn chairs along the parade route an hour ahead of time (you can't ever be TOO early to get a good candy catchin' seat.)

Is it all a waste of time? Some may think so.

"Another parade?"

"The streets are blocked off AGAIN?"

"We don't have time to sit and watch all of this. It's the same thing...over...and over..."

It's easy to get caught up in; the rush-rush of everyday life. No time for anything. at. all.

But then, Monday morning came. Memorial Day. A chance to look at these faces.

I stood there on that small town corner of the Courthouse square. Summer haze hung over the clock bell tower. A tuning squeal of a young trumpet player startled the birds. Tinkling of uniform medals and clicking of boots on the old brick roads reminded me of why I was there.

Time had stopped. I swear it did.

I almost cried.

Not because I had other things to do. Not because it was hot and humid and sticky and all arm pitty. I choked back the tears for I was watching a small piece of Americana whither away right before my eyes.

Where was everyone?

Sure, a handful of people were around mostly consisting of the older generation (or the "grey hairs" as they are lovingly referred to.) Of course, all of the organizations were there with their memorial wreaths: VFW, Masonic Lodge, Churches, Legions, Auxiliaries - they were all.there. Where was my generation? Where were their children? No sounds of running or giggling were heard this morning. Why is that? Has it just become another day off of work? Another day to spend grilling out, doing gardening or watching television? Have we forgotten WHY we are able to laze around on this special day?

I hope not.

Our parade started at the Courthouse and ended up at Crown Hill Cemetery. Wreaths were laid, songs were sung, speeches were made (however downhill they may have gone) and people remembered. Freedom. People have, and are, giving our lives for our freedom. Gives a whole new meaning to the word "FREE", doesn't it? Though, in one man's speech, he said, "As Americans, we have the responsibility to not abuse our freedoms." If we all could only keep that in mind.

(And then... an older gentleman passed out. Yup. Right there in the cemetery, hitting his back on a tombstone. Good thing the fire department was still around from the parade. He's okay, by the way. It's just not a ceremony without SOMEthing happening, right? Oh, and we were all being attacked by beetles the whole time. It's hard to be reverent when you are constantly swatting and picking bugs out of your hair.)

If you have never been to a local ceremony, such as this, please make it a point to attend next year. Bring your kids. Go as a family and remember. When the 21 gun salute startles you, stop and remember. When taps is played atop the hill at the cemetery, stop and remember.

Giving up a few hours of my morning to remember, is such a small sacrifice...because there is no "Me" in Memorial Day.

In memory of Officer Christopher Yonkers and Mr. Dale Snearly.
We miss and love you - thank you for your service.

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T06:42:00.003-05:00

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me.

- Lee Greenwood

More Wordless Wednesday HERE.

CVS - May 30, 2010

2010-05-31T21:31:00.003-05:00

I hate when I get so busy that I can't even stop to pick up my CVS deals.

Not THIS week!

I must say, the deals aren't really the best. But, I managed to find a few items. I may go back for a second trip - not sure how I can work it yet.

Here is what I scored:

3 Wheat Thins: Rain check for $1.00 - (3x) $1 printables Q's = FREE
Ban Deodorant: $2.99 - $1 Sunday Q = $1.99 + $2.00 ECB
3 Suave Kid's Shampoo: $6.00 - $1 Magazine Q - $.50 Magazine Q = $4.50 + $2.00 ECB
2 Scope Mouthwash: $7.98 - (2x) $1 P&G Mailer Q = $5.98 + $4.00 ECB

Total: $19.97
Coupons: $7.50
Prior ECB: $8.00
My Total: $4.47 = $1.19 tax = $5.66 CASH
Received: $8.00 ECB

How did you do?

More CVS Challenges at Kingdom First Mom & Deal Seeking Mom

Freebie Deebies

2010-05-19T16:05:00.002-05:00

Hey!

A couple of nice freebies for you real quick.

Shutterfly - 3 free 5x7 photo cards with code CARD4GRAD - all you do is pay tax and shipping - $1.06 for me. Hurry though, it ends TODAY, May 19th. While you are there, you can receive up to 60 free prints when you create a photo Share Site. That offer ends May 26.
Taco Bel l - Printable coupon for FREE Limeade Sparkler drink - print two.
Athenos Hummus - Printable Buy One Get One Free coupon for hummus products. (I love this stuff and the coupon is worth $5.49 - print two!)

Enjoy!

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-19T06:45:00.002-05:00

Sign, Sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin' out the scenery, Breakin' my mind
Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?
- Five Man Electrical Band

More Wordless Wednesday HERE.

The Bread Art Project

2010-05-14T09:30:00.006-05:00

"Cheapo, what is the Bread Art Project?"

Some thought it was a bread making class. Others thought was art made with bread...that you can eat! Hmmm...both of those are rather good ideas actually. Though, this was not either of them.

The Bread Art Project is an event sponsored by The Grain Foods Foundation to help raise money for Share Our Strength - the leading national organization working to end childhood hunger in America by 2015.

Hosted by the Sprouts Academy in Chicago, many bloggers gathered with Melissa D'Arabian (from the Food Network's Ten Dollar Dinners) to help raise awareness for this project.

Melissa shared with us stories from her childhood. She was raised in a single family home, often going without meals while her mother worked and attended school. She worked in the school cafeteria in order to get free lunches and was so thankful for the lady who offered that opportunity to her. Not only did it impact her well being as a child, it affected her life. Melissa is now an advocate of feeding hungry children wholesome, nutritious meals.

Not only did she share some helpful tips and recipes with us, we were offered wonderful foods to try made with whole grains - muffins, grilled sandwiches and even little clay pots filled with hummus and baby carrots!

One of her tips was about bread crusts. All of us pretty much admit that our children will not eat the crust from their bread. Don't waste it! You can do two things with the crusts:

Place them in a baggie and freeze. When you need bread crumbs for a recipe, grind them up and use them! Much cheaper and nicer color than Panko.
Cut off the crusts and use them as "dippers." She has found that her children will not eat them on a sandwich, but if she arranges the crusts on a plate with some "dip" (peanut butter, jelly, etc.) the kids love them!

Here's where you come in. Would you like to help this cause and participate in the Bread Art Project? I promise, it won't cost you a thing - except a few minutes of your time and a little creativity (and I KNOW you can afford that.) Go HERE and design your own piece of Bread Art. You can even get your kids involved! For every piece of Bread Art created by June 30, 2010, The Grain Foods Foundation will donate $1 to Share our Strength (up to $100,000.)

All it takes is one dollar to provide three nutritious meals to a hungry child. You can imagine what $100,000 can do!

Won't you please help?

BIG BlogHer Announcement!!

2010-05-13T06:38:00.011-05:00

Okay.

Are you ready for this?

Ladies and Gentlemen...I am extremely pleased to announce... my sponsor for BlogHer '10 will be...

*insert drum roll here*

Feld Entertainment !!!

- producer of shows such as Disney on Ice, Disney Live, Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus and Feld Motor Sports!

Behold an empire built on big funny shoes

Call it a coup d'entertainment, if you will. A masterful capturing of the hearts of audiences in over 65 countries and six continents since the company's inception in 1967. A feat that makes Feld Entertainment the largest provider of live family entertainment in the world. And it's no wonder, really. Armed with the magic that makes everyone feel like a kid again, how could anyone resist? In fact, over 30 million people flock to Feld Entertainment's productions every year. On any given day, families from every corner of the globe rush to take their seats at more than 30 live performances that bear the Feld Entertainment name. And in offices and production facilities worldwide, more than 300 employees fill their days finding new ways to thrill, dazzle and delight audiences so they keep coming back for more.

- from Feld Entertainment History

Over the past year, we have been pampered at a Disney on Ice party, met the drivers of Monster Jam and was even levitated at the Circus! One of the greatest things about Feld Entertainment shows? It's Frugal Family Fun! Quality family entertainment that is affordable. You can't beat that...or the memories these shows provide.

I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with Feld Entertainment and just want to say ~~in my best Micky Mouse voice~~ a huge "THANK YOU" to everyone who made this possible.

And for all of you out there, be sure to stay tuned for some awesome pre-BlogHer giveaways and the latest buzz on this fall's show schedules.
You don't want to miss it!

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T06:30:00.002-05:00

A sleeping tiger wakes
An ancient echo is heard
From the dawn of creation
Old as the father's first words
- Celtic Tiger

More Wordless Wednesday here , here and here.

Cheap Winners

2010-05-11T07:07:00.005-05:00

Five more winners this week! Is one of the tickets yours?
(Hey - I admit, I'm so behind on this contest that if I don't pull five at a time, I'll NEVER get through all of the tickets.)

862715, 862706, 862671, 862672, 862714

Time to claim! First come, first serve.

Here is what you have to choose from:

From Kindermusik: an official shaker egg and music CD featuring 14 children's songs
Congrats to @BOREDmommy ! From Scotch Brite: ~~Greener Clean sponges, bamboo wipes, absorbent sponges & bamboo cleaning cloth~~
From BitMoms: Made exclusively for BitDefender by Nature's Edge Herb Farm: Handmade Natural Soap 5 oz., Natural Lotion Bar 2 oz. and all Natural Lip Balm - all in Lemon Sugar (and might I add these smell good enough to eat?)
From 1800Baskets: a book titled "celebrating mom: share, remember, cherish" written by Jim McCann, founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.com ($9.99)
From Energizer & LovesArmy.org: Stephanie Johnson designer make up bag and Loves Army rubber bracelet - both promoting Breast Cancer Awareness
Congrats to @sherendipity !! - From Peapod Grocery Delivery: ~~A travel coffee mug and code for $20 off first order (exp. 7/1/10) - be sure to check and see if they deliver in your area~~

Is any of them yours? You have until Monday, May 17th at 7:00 pm CST to claim your prize.

Hurry, Hurry! Who shall be this week's "Cheap Winner?"

cheapo[dot]mcfrugalpants[at]gmail[dot]com or @ItsToni

Quick Rules:
1.) All Rules are Cheapo's Rules and she has the rights to those rules.
2.) One number will be announced every Monday evening. You will have ONE week to email or twitpic me a picture of your ticket...otherwise, whah-whaah - you're out of luck.
(unless of course, I just GAVE you a number, in that case just recognize that it's yours. I'll know if it's you.)
3.) Email your address to me so I can send your prize. Also, leave your website so I can congratulate and link you up.
(your email address will ONLY be used for this purpose - rest assured)
4.) If a weekly prize goes unclaimed, it may go to another winner for another week.

5.) Some prizes may be sponsored. If so, they will state themselves as so.

6.) Um...I think that's it. If another rule comes up, I will post it - because I have all rights, remember? *wink*

Pssst...Pillsbury My Get Together GIVEAWAY

2010-05-10T13:51:00.013-05:00

Recently, I was chosen to host a My Get Together party from the General Mills Pssst Network. If you have never heard of this program, it's sort of like Houseparty.com. If chosen, they send you a box of "goodies" to host a theme party. Any excuse to gather and eat is good in my book!

One of the requirements is that they ask you to make a few recipes using the featured product, which happened to be Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough. My recipes included: Bacon Cheese Tartlets (BACON, I know, right?), Veggie Pizza and Cherry Cheese Strudel Braid. Through the whole party, everyone kept asking me what they were all made of - Crescent rolls! Many people are not aware of how versatile the dough is. Rolls, appetizers, breakfasts, dinners and desserts - you can use it everywhere! Which recipe was a hit? The Strudel! Do you want to know how good it was? I made one braid for the party. Before we knew it, we chowed down the entire thing! So, I had to run to the grocery store and get more supplies. I decided I should make TWO for the party...yes...they were THAT yummy (I did use homemade strawberry preserves instead of the cherry.) Unless you tell them, no one would ever guess it was made with Crescent rolls...and so, SO simple! It was the easiest recipe I made.

Here it is for you to try.

Ingredients:
1 8 oz. can Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls or 1 8oz. can Pillsbury crescent recipe creations dough
1/4 c. cream cheese spread (from 8 oz. tub)
1/3 c. cherry preserves (I used strawberry)
1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 to 3 t. milk
1/4 t. almond extract

1. Heat oven to 375. Spray large cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
2. If using crescent rolls: unroll dough into 2 long rectangles. Place dough on cookie sheet; overlap long sides to form 13x7 " rectangle. Firmly press perforations and edges to seal. If using dough sheet: unroll dough; cut into 2 long rectangles. Place dough on cookie sheet; overlap long sides to form 13x7 " rectangle. Firmly press edges to seal.
3. Spread cream cheese in 2 inch wide strip lengthwise down center of cough. Top with preserves. Make cuts 1 inch on each side of rectangle just to edge of filling. Alternating from side to side, fold cut strips of dough at an angle halfway across filling, slightly overlapping ends. Tres facile! 4. Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheet. Cool at least 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk and almond extract., adding enough milk for desired drizzling consistency; mix well. Drizzle over warm coffee braid. Store in the refrigerator.

Giveaway!!
***Congratulations to Susanbft!! I have emailed you. Please respond ASAP. Thanks to everyone who entered!***

Lucky for you, I have some swag left from my party. Would you like to win some?

Prize: 1 self adjusting Pillsbury apron
1 Crescent/Pizza recipe book includes coupons
1 $.75 coupon for Crescent rolls
(which makes them a good deal if you find them already on sale)

Entry:
There are two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing to make with crescent rolls

and/or

2. Twitter this: ~~I want to win an Apron package from @ItsToni and @PillsburyTreats http://bit.ly/d4pmFw #giveaways~~

Be sure to leave a blog comment for each entry for them to count. Contests ends Wednesday, May 19th at NOON CST.

Good Luck and Happy Baking!

CVS - Week of May 2 - Round TWO

2010-05-08T21:00:00.002-05:00

You really didn't think I was going to pass up more CVS deals just because it was Saturday evening, did you? Kind of late to help anyone out with a scenario, but at least you can see how the deal was worked. You can check out my first trip of the week HERE.
And, by the way, this coming week looks jam packed full of deals AND moneymakers! Excuse me while I clear my schedule.

4 Lifewaters: $6.36 - $3.18 BOGOF sale - (2x) BOGOF printables = FOUR FREE

(Cheap-o-nomics 101 Tip - If a store is offering a Buy One Get One Free sale on an item, and you have a Buy One Get One Free coupon - you end up getting BOTH items for free. You wonder how this works? Registers typically allow one discount per item. So...
- You buy item #1
- You get item #2 FREE with sale (the discount)
- You use Buy one get one free coupon which zero's out #1
Therefore, both items are free.)

Welch's Juice: $3.00 - $1.00 printable = $2.00
Crest 3-D Whitening Rinse: $3.99 - $1.00 P&G Mailer = $2.99 w/$2 ECB
2 Bar Irish Spring Soap: $1.49 - $2.00 CVS machine Q = FREE + $.51
Colgate Total: $2.99 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.99 w/$2 ECB
2 Total Care Floss: $7.98 - BOGOF $3.99 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $2.99 for TWO w/$4 ECB
Received $1 ECB for Green Bag Tag

Total: $25.81
Used Coupons & $9.00 prior ECB's
My Cash Total: $.46 + $1.37 tax = $1.83 with $9.00 ECB's Back

It was a good trip. *wink*

More CVS deals at Keeping the Kingdom First and Money Saving Mom.

Stamp Out Hunger

2010-05-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's TODAY people!

Hurry, hurry! Start going through some of that "stock up" food and help feed some folks. You have no excuse not to donate - you don't even have to leave your house!

Stamp Out Hunger is the world's largest single day food drive...and they need you to help.
Here's how:
1. Place non-perishable food products in a bag
2. Leave at your mailbox TODAY, May 8th.
3. Your letter carrier will pick up and deliver food to local food banks or pantries.

How easy is that? Want to help some more? Become a fan of Stamp out Hunger and Campbell's will make a 1 can of soup donation to Feeding America.

A trickle can become a stream very quickly. Let's all make a difference!

CVS - Week of May 2

2010-05-07T22:17:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I waited all week before shopping at CVS. Typically, I don't like to wait that long because many of the deals are sold out. Then, you have to deal with rain checks and it messes up your whole shopping mojo. Sunday mornings are best. Anyway, here is what I found.

2 Welch's Juices: $6.00 - (2x) $1.00 Printables = $4.00
2 Dawns: $1.94 - (2x) $1.00 P & G mailer Q's = TWO FREE
3 Warm Delights: $3.00 - (2x) $.75 Sunday Q + $.50 Printable Q = $1.00 for THREE

Total: $10.94
Paid with coupons & $1.00 prior ECB
My total: $4.00 + $.14 tax = $4.14 cash

I should have gotten a $1.00 ECB back for my green bag tag, but the cashier and I got to talking about printable coupons and both of us forgot! Oh well, I'll get that extra buck tomorrow.

How did you do?

More CVS Challenges at Keeping the Kingdom First and Money Saving Mom.

Frugal Friday: Nix the Souvenirs

2010-05-07T09:43:00.004-05:00

How many parents are with me when I say, "I hate meaningless, overpriced, junk toy souvenirs."

Holy wow! Look at all of those hands go up!

I was a child once. I remember the time that I just HAD to bring home that little stuffed black bear from the Smokey Mountains. I just HAAAD to...it needed a home. Of course, my dad bought it. My mom, on the other hand, preferred something more practical - like these little markers that all stuck together end to end. Guess what I used more? The markers. Guess what I loved more? The bear. Guess where they both ended up? In the next yard sale.

As a family, we do like to travel whenever possible. Whether it's a drive across the country or taking the train to Chicago, the three of us love spending time together and experiencing anything we can. Early on, I knew I didn't want my house full of overpriced little toys from each trip or vacation. To me, they are a waste of money. By the time you get home, the "toy memory" typically has already been broken, kicked under the van seat or has immediately been replaced by the DS or IPod. It's just not worth it.

Now, I'm not a scrooge by any means. I DO want my son to have memories of trips and find exciting treasures as we make our way around this world of ours. Here is our remedy.

Elongated Pennies.

For something so small, they really are a LOT of fun! Fifty one cents for a memory that lasts a lifetime? That's a good value. My son has been collecting them for quite a few years now. Penny Passport albums can be bought on Ebay for $4 to $7; each album holds 36 pennies. What's great about this collection? It takes up NO room at all! It doesn't lay all over the floor and it doesn't collect dust. There is even a website dedicated to elongated penny collecting - PennyCollector.com. Searching by state, you will be sure to never miss a penny pressing machine again! Pictures of each press are also included - EXCEPT, it kind of ruins the "hunt" in my opinion. We enjoy being surprised at the different designs.

Most of all, when you get the albums out and look through them together, each penny brings you back to that special family trip.

"Oh! This was when we went to Pennsylvania!'

"Remember THAT ballpark?"

"The museum trip with grandma & grandpa was fun!"

A "frugal" collection we can continue for years? You bet!

More Frugal Friday at Life As Mom

Thrifty Thursday: Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2010-05-06T06:53:00.004-05:00

Springtime: n. the season of spring

Otherwise known as "Baseball Season" in the McFrugalpants household.

We live in a house divided. My "baseball savant" husband and "pitcher" son are both Chicago White Sox Fans ~~boo hiss~~. I, on the other hand, am a ~~Jeter~~ New York Yankees fan.

Of course, those are both major league teams. Taking a family of three (or 4 or more) out to the ole' ball game can cost about as much as a small vacation! Once you add up the tickets, food, transportation, parking, pennants, etc., I'm talking way over a hundred or hundreds of dollars depending on where you sit ~~and how much beer you drink.~~

One thing the three of us DO agree on, is how much we enjoy Minor League and Independent team baseball. The parks are small, interactive and very family oriented. The ticket prices? CHEAP! We like to frequent the South Bend Silverhawks who is the minor league team for the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's about a 40 minute drive from our house. Tickets are $6.00 each with parking of $4.00 or free on the street if you get there early enough. The park is always doing some sort of promotion whether it be Fireworks Friday, Canines at the Cove or Mustache Appreciation Night (hee hee).

Our first Canine Night at the Cove. They even give you a water dish and doggie "bag."

Not only do they offer the "fun" promotions, they have several money saving options as well.

Dollar Mondays - $1.00 hot dogs, Pepsi products and bleacher seat tickets
Twofer Tuesdays - Buy two tickets for the price of one with online purchase. Also on Tuesdays, if you bring in a KRAFT singles wrapper, tickets are buy one get one FREE!
Wacky Wednesdays - Crazy theme nights and also, unused ticket night. Meaning, if you have a ticket that wasn't used for a previous game, you can bring it in and they'll replace it for you!
Thirsty Thursdays - $1.00 Draft beers and Pepsi products
Souvenir Saturdays - Premium giveaway and souvenir stand discounts

So, as you can see, it doesn't cost and arm and a leg to have some summertime family fun. Be sure to check Minorleaguebaseball.com to see if there is a ball park in your area. Also, whether it be Major or Minor league, always check your favorite team's website for their promotional (usually free) kids clubs. So far this year, my son has recieved 2 free tickets to the White Sox (with a kids packet) and 2 free tickets to the Gary Railcats. We missed the sign up date for the Silverhawks tickets but DID notice that Tropicana Juicy Rewards has Joliet Jackhammers tickets buy one get one free. A few years back, he even got a free t-shirt at the Harrisburg Senators game. The savings are everywhere!

Be sure to get yours!

"...Buy me some peanuts and crack-er jacks..."

Pepperidge Farm Twitter GIVEAWAY

2010-05-05T19:00:00.004-05:00

I don't know about in your neck of the woods, but around here, it's sports season. If we weren't at the basketball court, we were at the swimming pool. If not at the pool, you could find us at the soccer field. Don't see us at soccer? There we are, watching a baseball game. Every year the scheduling drives us absolutely CRAZY - but we love it. How fortunate are the kids in our community to have so many wonderful programs? It's awesome.

Though, along with sport's season comes "snack" season. After every game, baseball and soccer, a parent is asked to bring a snack and drinks for the team (because it just wouldn't be right to play a healthy activity without following it up with a kool aid drink and oatmeal pie *grrr*.)

So what is a parent to do? Yes, it's much easier and cheaper to grab the dollar boxes of snacks and drinks for a team of 12 to 15 kids. But, is the nutritional value even worth a dollar?
Most likely not.

Recently, Pepperidge Farm sent me three products to try: Vanilla Goldfish Grahams, New Lemon Cookies and Improved Sugar Cookies. How long did they last? Umm...not long. Does that tell you anything about how they tasted? I must say, the goldfish were rather addictive and actually pretty fun! We even made small pudding desserts swimming with the little buggers. The best part? The Vanilla Goldfish Grahams are a sweet, crunchy treat made with whole grain, real vanilla, contain no artificial preservatives and less than 10% of a serving's calories are from saturated fat. The cookies? Five new and improved varieties weighing in at 160 calories or less per serving.

Would you like to try these for yourself? Pepperidge Farm is giving one lucky twitter member THREE bags of their choice of cookies (Oatmeal, Lemon, Shortbread, Sugar or Gingerman.)

How do you win?

The 50th person to tweet the following, will be the winner!
**Congrats to @midnight_sky33! Thanks to everyone for playing along.**
~~Twitter Contest:I want to win & try NEW & IMPROVED @PepperidgeFarm cookies from @ItsToni #giveaways~~ ~~http://bit.ly/c2fgBr~~ ~~50th retweet wins~~

Start your tweeting...and Good Luck!

Oh...and for those of you not playing along on twitter, here is a Pepperidge Farm printable coupon to keep you busy!

$1.00 off Pepperidge Farm Baked Natural Snack Crackers

Honest Blogger Found Here: Samples and prizes provided by supplier without blogging requirements. 100% my opinion.

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

And then a mighty roar
Will start the sky to cryin'
But not even lightening
Will be frightening to my lion.
- Diana Ross, Be A Lion

More Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Tackle It Tuesday: How to Organize the Disorganized

2010-05-04T12:17:00.001-05:00

I once read somewhere (I wish I could remember where), "the more stuff you have, the more time you have to spend dealing with that stuff." Isn't that the frustrating truth? How many times have you found yourself wasting away hours looking for a warranty, owner's manual or title to your car? You could be doing so much more in your life with that time if you were organized...and, could possibly save you some money!

Let me explain. For the past few years, we have played the "out of sight, out of mind" game with boxes of paperwork. You know that game don't you? Just keep putting everything in these boxes that are stuffed in the farthest corner of the basement because at least it's all together and someday you do plan-to-get-it-all-organized-and...and...and...*sigh* Oh, it's a great game alright until you desperately need something in that box - like a Nikon camera receipt or a dishwasher warranty certificate.

Yes, I've needed both of those recently. Pathetically, I spent over a week looking for that receipt. I never found it. All of that wasted time. Oh - and I never found the Sears dishwasher warranty either. Luckily for me, both of these companies had their A games on and had us in the system. Whew!! Do you know how much money a broken lens AND a busted dishwasher might have cost us? All because we weren't organized? THAT makes me want to puke.

After managing to avoid both fiascos, I knew it was time to start on that dreaded, SEVEN box pile up growing in the basement. To be honest, I think I have put off this task for so long because it is just overwhelming. I wasn't even sure where to start. The last thing I wanted to do was unload a bunch of boxes, only to move things around and re-box them again.

I pulled out the first box and started lightly sifting. Pay stubs from 2003? Receipts so faded that you can't read what they say? An owner's manual to my son's crib???

He's almost eleven.

Grrr...how did I let it get this far?

At that point, my eyes glazed over. I started to envision myself old and gray, covered in cobwebs, sitting in a dark, dank basement STILL going through paperwork. Well, ok...that's pretty far fetched, but you get the picture.

I needed a plan. Let me walk you through a few steps on how to get started.

What do you want the end product to be? In other words, where are you planning on putting the paperwork you need to keep? In a file cabinet, Rubbermaid tote or fire safe? I have this portable filer that is filled with hanging paper files. Seems like an impossible task to fit seven boxes worth of stuff into this little box, doesn't it?

How much time do you have to spend on a project? The last thing you want to do is pull a dump load of stuff up into your computer office and not have time to finish. Then what? You are left with a MESS, right in the area that you often work in. Not fun. If you only have two hours to work, only bring up one box of stuff. Be realistic on how much you can get done in the time allowed.
Don't leave messes until the end of the project. File and shred paperwork as you go. Maybe not sheet by sheet, but about every fifteen minutes or so (or when your shredder cools down - more on that later.) Like any project, when you have been working on it for a long time, the last thing you want to do is clean up a huge, leftover mess.
Make good decisions on what to keep and what to pitch. Unless you are looking to take a trip down memory lane, try to avoid that venture. Rehashing memories with cards and such can easily turn a one hour project into a three hour tour. With official paperwork, do some research on the internet on what you SHOULD keep and what you don't need (ex: keep tax forms, real estate, insurance policies - pitch: bank statements after a year, monthly bills once they have been paid, etc.) You don't have to rid of everything if you don't want to. Though, just make sure it has a place in your filing system.

Fortunately, I was given a Brother Personal Labeler Machine from Ebay Classifieds at the recent SV Moms event in Chicago. What a perfect time to use it! Not only did the labels make my filer look nice and neat, it was fun to use. The labels I needed to make were: Automobile (for titles, work records), Auto Insurance (policy), Life Insurance (policies), Medical, Personal (copies of birth certificates, etc), Receipts, Mortgage, Savings, Tax Info (receipts for deductions throughout the year) and Veterinary. Behind all of that, I have just filed my past years tax folders. Really, that is all I needed. I ended up spending an entire day organizing; getting through about 5 1/2 boxes. I was left with my planned filer, a small box of mementos (which I plan on putting in a labeled tote) and a small stack of product owner manuals (which I will do the same with.)

Oh...also...I burned up my shredder. GRRmpuffttbbzzzzzz and it was on it's way to the landfill. It was old anyway. Be SURE to let yours cool down according to it's specifications. Good thing I have $30 in Staples Rewards to put towards a new one.

I'm so glad to have dwindled that pile. Obviously, it has been weighing on me for YEARS. Do you have any other suggestions for tackling an organization project? Let me know!

Edward Scissorhands, Will You Please Stand Up?

2010-05-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Just Sayin'.

Muahaha-ha-HA!

Read how to get your Sunday Stack Mother Load HERE.

Cheap Winners

2010-05-03T20:57:00.005-05:00

"So Cheapo, what ever happened to the 52 Weeks of Cheap Winners giveaway?"

Well...um...err...there were these bad earthquakes you see and then all of a sudden I was laying in Hawaii...yeah...and we thought a tsunami was coming but then a volcano erupted and spread ash all over the world which caused major flooding in Tennesee...oh...nevermind...

Just check your tickets if you still have them.

Here are the winning numbers - is one of them yours?

862693, 862701, 862686, 862716, 862722

Time to claim! First come, first serve.

Here is what you have to choose from:

From Kindermusik: an official shaker egg and music CD featuring 14 children's songs
From Scotch Brite: Greener Clean sponges, bamboo wipes, absorbent sponges & bamboo cleaning cloth
From BitMoms: Made exclusively for BitDefender by Nature's Edge Herb Farm: Handmade Natural Soap 5 oz., Natural Lotion Bar 2 oz. and all Natural Lip Balm - all in Lemon Sugar (and might I add these smell good enough to eat?)
From 1800Baskets: a book titled "celebrating mom: share, remember, cherish" written by Jim McCann, founder of 1-800-FLOWERS.com ($9.99)
From Energizer & LovesArmy.org: Stephanie Johnson designer make up bag and Loves Army rubber bracelet - both promoting Breast Cancer Awareness
From Peapod Grocery Delivery: A travel coffee mug and code for $20 off first order (exp. 7/1/10) - be sure to check and see if they deliver in your area

Is any of them yours? You have until Monday, May 10th at 7:00 pm CST to claim your prize.

Hurry, Hurry! Who shall be this week's "Cheap Winner?"

cheapo[dot]mcfrugalpants[at]gmail[dot]com or @ItsToni

Quick Rules:
1.) All Rules are Cheapo's Rules and she has the rights to those rules.
2.) One number will be announced every Monday evening. You will have ONE week to email or twitpic me a picture of your ticket...otherwise, whah-whaah - you're out of luck.
(unless of course, I just GAVE you a number, in that case just recognize that it's yours. I'll know if it's you.)
3.) Email your address to me so I can send your prize. Also, leave your website so I can congratulate and link you up.
(your email address will ONLY be used for this purpose - rest assured)
4.) If a weekly prize goes unclaimed, it may go to another winner for another week.

5.) Some prizes may be sponsored. If so, they will state themselves as so.

6.) Um...I think that's it. If another rule comes up, I will post it - because I have all rights, remember? *wink*

Dog's Day Out

2010-05-03T06:52:00.007-05:00

"Hey Cheapo, where can you get pet food for a good price?"

I have a cat and a dog. They are both older and don't require much as far as food goes. Dry food in a bag is the special of the day around here and they are fine with that (not that they are hurting any since they both have been referred to as "well fed.") Generally, I walk two blocks to the local Dollar General and pick up a bag or two with whatever coupons I have available.

Every now and then ~~twice~~, I will gather a few coupons, load up the dog and drive to Pet Smart. It's more of an "outing" for the pooch than it is a practical trip for pet food. I don't mind as long as I'm getting a good deal.

Did you know that Pet Smart has a Pet Perks shopper's card? Um...yeah...if you want to get ANY of the sale prices, be sure to pick one up at the register (they are free just like any other.) On top of the sales, be sure to bring your coupons. I've had no coupon stink eye from Pet Smart and they have accepted both Sunday Q's and printables. On our last trip, we came home with about $60 worth of free food just by using coupons. This time? Not so free, but $.93 per item isn't bad either! Here's how it breaks down:

2 Boxes Milkbone Essentials: $7.98 - $3.99 BOGOF Sunday Q - $2.00 printable = $1.99 for TWO

(Cheap-o-nomics 101 Tip: See how I used a Buy one get one free coupon AND a manufacturer's coupon together for maximum savings? Registers ring up one coupon per item. The BOGOF coupon takes the price off of the free box, leaving the original item bought. The printable takes two dollars off of that.)

2 Busy Bones: $6.00 - BOGOF Sunday Q = $3.00 for TWO
2 Party Mix Cat Treats = $2.66 - (2x) $1.00 Printables = $.66 for TWO
3 Pouches Pro Plan dog food: $2.97 - (3x) FREE Pouch Sunday Q's = Three FREE
Pro Plan Dog Food: $10.99 - $3.00 coupon from last bag = $7.99
2 Cans Iams Dog Food: $2.50 - BOGOF P & G Sampler Mailer = $1.25 for TWO
2 Cans Iams Cat Food: $1.26 - BOGOF P& G Sampler Mailer - $.63 for TWO
8 Cans Pro Plan Dog Food: $10.00 - 3 BOGOF Sunday Q's = $6.25 for EIGHT

(Oopss...I just realized that I screwed up here...crud. I grabbed eight cans instead of six. Even the best of us mess up every now and then. *wink)

8 Whiska's Cat Food: $4.72 - (4x) BOGOF Sunday Q's = $2.36 for EIGHT

Grand total: $45.51 (sale prices)
My Total: $23.50 + $3.35 tax = $26.85

Gotta treat the animals every now then...keep them happy so they don't get on the furniture, tear up the house, puke on the floor, get in the garbage - all of those things my animals NEVER do.

Thrifty Thursday: The Coupon Mother Load

2010-04-29T07:17:00.002-05:00

Um...riduclous...yee-aahh...

And believe it or not, I never buy a Sunday paper. I'm fortunate enough that my ~~ever so gracious~~ aunt owns a local gas station. She saves the inserts and gives me a pile, about this size, every two weeks or so. Did you know that if there are any newspapers leftover at a store, managers only have to tear off and turn in the date for credit? The rest of the paper either gets thrown away or recycled! D'oh! All of those coupons down the drain? For shame!

But, here is where you may benefit. Even if your family doesn't run a convenience store, it might be worth talking to a local manager about saving the coupons for you. Try several gas stations, the library, local restaurants - anywhere that carries the Sunday paper. You might just find yourself with coupons coming out your ears!

Excuse me while I go get a Q-Tip. *wink*

More Thrifty Thursday tips HERE.

Calphalon and Bacon

2010-04-28T16:00:00.001-05:00

Does it get any better?

'Nuff said.

For those of you who follow my Twitter feed, (@ItsToni - and if you don't follow me, you really should. Go ahead. Click.) you may have noticed that I do all of my cooking in Calphalon pans. I have become a Calphalon brand snob ever since my husband bought me my first pan a few years back. There just is no other in my humble opinion.

Why?

Because it distributes heat evenly
Because it is SO nonstick - actually, it tends to REPEL food. See this picture? That is enchilada sauce - partially consisting of sour cream and cheese. Look how it does.not.stick.
Cleans up with barely any effort
They can go straight from the stove top to the oven
Because they are an affordable, quality item - the price you pay is way under the use you get out of them (How can you pass up the $49.95 Calphalon 10-Inch & 12-Inch Contemporary Nonstick Omelet Combo Pack)

What don't I like?

They scratch rather easily. I prefer to use utensils such as the Oxo Good Grips Locking Tongs with Nylon Heads. Anything nylon or silicon coated is sure to work just fine. Also, to prevent storage scratching, I lay thin towels between my pans when they are in the cabinet.
I don't put them in the dishwasher. Ok - so you really shouldn't put ANY cookware in the dishwasher. But...can't they make SOMEthing? I hate doing dishes by hand. This is a con in my book.
The large pan IS a bit heavy. I like it that way. Some may not.

So, the next time you are up to your armpits in suds, scrubbing crud from your old, worn out cookware, remember this review. *wink*

Honest Blogger Found Here: I was given product in exchange for a review. No monetary exchange. 100% my opinion. Affiliate links included.

Angel Food Ministries: April

2010-04-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

Once again, I ordered the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable box from Angel Food Ministries and picked it up on Saturday. I got all of that for $24 (priced at $22 but because I choose to order online, there is a $2.00 fee - I should stop being inconvenienced by the convenience fee.) Was I happy with my order?

Pros: When fresh fruits and veggies are readily available, we eat more of them! I love having a basket of fruit on my counter. In a typical week's grocery shopping, I would have never afforded this much fresh produce. (though, soon, we'll have our OWN GARDEN!) Easy to pick up on delivery day, as the site is across the street from my house. (BONUS!)
Cons: I'm chalking this up to the Florida frosting, but my citrus fruit isn't the best. The pineapple? Wonderful (though that is not from Florida.) I have already thrown away one of the lemons due to mold. The tangerines are really brown and soft. On the other hand, the oranges are really good. Also, the cabbage looked as if it had gotten frozen on one side (see the darkness?) Regardless, I figured I needed to use it quickly, so I made an altered form of these Old Fashioned Cabbage Rolls. Mmmm...I believe they would freeze well too!

Photo by Taste of Home

Everything aside, I will keep ordering until summer. When local produce comes in season, I'll start getting my items from the Farmer's Market...oh, and did I mention we will have our OWN GARDEN?!?

Angel Food Ministries is now accepting May orders. Check their website for ordering times and delivery sites near you. Menus change each month. You can take a peek at my past orders HERE. For May, there are twelve boxes and specials available, ranging in price from $16 to $35 each. I will be receiving: 1 head cello lettuce, 1 head sleeved romaine lettuce, 1 lb. bag fresh carrots, 6 oz. bag radishes, 1 red onion, 5 oz. bag gourmet salad croutons, 16 oz. salad dressing, 3 lb. Idaho Potatoes, 2 lb. bag Jazz apples, 3 lb. bag oranges, 1 pkg. Roma tomatoes and 6 lemons (sounds like a pie to me!)

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T07:08:00.007-05:00

she marked our trail
up the backbone ridge
how many times can one dog pee
she keeps me high as an eagle
when i'm on the skids
i guess you gotta come down eventually
- john hiatt

(OBviously...not a "she"...but the lyrics work - Oh, and before you think I'm some sick, gross nut ~~I am~~ for taking a picture of a dog peeing - it's a statue.)

More Wordless Wednesday here and here.

CVS - April 25, 2010 - Round TWO

2010-04-26T21:34:00.008-05:00

Body Wash, anyone?

Here I am again with ROUND TWO of the $5 CVS Challenge for this week. Too many great items on sale to pass up! Here's how it went down:

2 Fig Newtons: $2.00 - (2x) $1.00 Facebook Q = TWO FREE
2 2 oz. CVS Sunblock: $4.38 w/ $5.00 ECB back = I made $.62 on these
(*Hint - this size is not advertised to be part of the deal, but it does work!)
Kotex Liners: $4.99 - $1.00 Sunday Q - $1.00 CVS Store Q = $2.99 w/ $1.00 ECB back
(*Hint - dont' forget that you can use STORE coupons on top of MANUFACTURER'S coupons)
3 Pantene Nature Fusion: $7.50 - (3x) $2.00 Vocal Point Q = $1.50 for THREE
2 Nivea Wash for Men & Nivea Wash w/bonus lotion: $15.97 - (3x) $2.00 Sunday Q = $9.97 w/ $5.00 ECB back
2 Softsoap Nutriserums: $5.98 w/$4.00 ECB back

I used my $5/$40 CVS printout plus $17 in past ECB's...and of course I ALWAYS bring my own cloth bags and remind them to scan my Green Bag Tag - those add up quick (especially when you visit the store 2 or 3 times a week.)

Grand Total: $40.82
Subtotal: $2.82
Tax: $2.38
My Cash out of Pocket: $5.20 w/ $15 ECB back

How much do you love it? *wink*
You can read about my first trip this week HERE.

Cashier: Wow, you must really have a LOT of storage space at your house.
Me: Yeah, I do...well...and I give a lot of this stuff away.
Cashier: Really? That's great...especially if you are only paying five bucks for all of this!
Me: Anytime I can get things for free, I do...then, when I give it away, it makes me feel good and helps someone else at the same time!
Cashier: Yeah, that's awesome.

What do you do with your freebies? Share with us!

More CVS Challenges at Keeping the Kingdom First, The Centsible Sawyer, Deal Seeking Mom and Money Saving Mom.

CVS - April 25, 2010

2010-04-25T18:48:00.006-05:00

As of lately, I'm sure the girls at CVS have wondered if I dropped off the face of the Earth.

I just haven't had time to organize my trips and go. *GASP* I know, right?

But...I'm back...and here is what I scored today.

4 Vitamin Waters: $4.00 - (2x) $1/2 Sunday Q = $2.00
3 First Aid Kits: $2.97 - (3x) $1 Sunday Q = THREE FREE
2 Oral B Toothbrushes: $5.98 - BOGO Sunday Q = $2.99 w/$2 ECB
Puffs w/Lotion: $1.50 - $1 Vocal Point Q = $.50
2 Fig Newtons: $2.00 - (2x) $1 Facebook Q = TWO FREE
Biore/John Frieda Deal: $18.49 - $6.00 Biore BOGO Sunday Q - $2.50 John Frieda Printable = $9.99 w/$5.00 ECB

Total: $34.94
After coupons and prior ECB's, I paid...

$.98 + $1.48 tax = $2.46.
Received $7.00 ECB
Yup...for all of that.

Also - do you have a CVS coupon printer at your store...ya know...the one where you scan your shopper card and it spits out store coupons? Today I received four coupons and one was for $5 off $40! Had the Colgate Clinical been in stock, I would've used this coupon immediately (BTW, I did get a rain check for the toothpaste. Don't fail to do that!) Though, with the Nivea deal going on, I figured I would be back again this week.

What did you find for under five bucks?

Find more CVS Deals at Keeping The Kingdom First, The Centsible Sawyer and Money Saving Mom.

**Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway for an Energizer Recharge Smart Charge HERE - Ends April 29th!**

Earth Day Giveaway from Energizer

2010-04-21T21:07:00.012-05:00

Forty years.

FORTY YEARS.

April 22, 1970.

Around twenty million Americans participated in the "modern environmental movement" in which we so lovingly call Earth Day. It wasn't all about flowers and peace and tree hugging. Earth Day was MORE than that. It was protesting and organizing and believing that the oil spills, power plant pollution and extinction of animals HAD to stop.

Serious stuff.

It still is very. serious. stuff.

And here we are. April 22, 2010. Happy Earth Day everyone.

How are you spending today? I don't suggest protesting or causing destruction to prove a point. Hypocritical? Yes...and also, getting arrested on Earth Day would not be a line item I would like typed on my life's resume. Instead, today should be used to bring awareness and INSPIRE other people to take small steps in making our world a better place to live, to survive, to thrive. Let's teach our children, and each other, to celebrate Earth Day EVERY day...so in the future, we have an Earth to celebrate.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Conserve. Cloth Bags. Less Packaging. Less Energy. Drive less. Walk more. Carbon Footprint. Plant a Tree.

We all talk a lot, don't we? Talk. Talk. Talk. Blah. Blah. Blah.
It's time for less talk and more action.
Don't you think?

And what about household batteries? My local environmental center recycles batteries, but some communities aren't so fortunate. Don't you just hate throwing those away, knowing they are going straight into a landfill? I can't even stand the thought. Actually, I go as far as collecting them from my workplace and my neighbor! Sound familiar? If so...check this out.

Just in time for Earth Day, Energizer_® has just launched their new reusable battery charging system! The Energizer_® Recharge Smart Charger was developed in response to consumer interest in understanding more about the charging status of their batteries, so they’ll know if they will last for as long as needed. Energizer developed a charger that delivers on consumer demand by communicating information about rechargeable batteries and the charging process in three ways:

· A countdown clock with large LCD numbers displays how much charging time remains

· A fuel gauge communicates the current level of power in the batteries

· A bad-battery alerts users if the batteries are no longer useful or if they’ve inserted a disposable battery by mistake

“There is nothing more disappointing than a toy or camera running out of battery power right at a critical moment. Knowing more about the charging process can help people avoid this. It is very empowering,” said Olsen, Brand Manager, Energizer Charger and Rechargeable Systems. “Think of it like a car’s fuel gauge: you don’t always need a full tank to drive the car, and you can make a decision about how far to travel and when to get a refill because you know how much gas is in the tank.”

The Energizer_® Recharge Smart Charger also features a slow charge rate, which extends the number of life cycles, charges 2 or 4 AA or AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries, and is ENERGY STAR®-certified.

Energizer is introducing the new charger by getting consumers involved in a video campaign to drive donations to their favorite charity. The “Kids Take Charge” video campaign asks families across the country to post a video of their child explaining the mischief they can get into when the toys that keep them occupied run out of battery power. The top ten creative entries will receive a portion of the $10,000 donation – based on an online poll – for their charity. Parents can get inspiration from the online ad campaign and viewable at www.Energizer.com/SmartCharge, which features kids talking about everything from having tantrums to telling family secrets, each closing with a “Try the Smart Charger….or Else” message.

The first 250 people to enter a video will receive a free Energizer_® Recharge Smart Charger. Energizer will select ten finalists based on originality, humor and alignment with the, “Kids Take Charge or Else” theme. Consumers can help determine the amount of money each charity receives by voting for their favorite at www.Energizer.com/SmartCharge. The funds will be allocated based on the percentage of views that each video receives. To enter, visit www.Energizer.com/Smartcharge to review rules and submit a link to an online video posting with the hashtag #SmartCharge before May 17, 2010.

Giveaway!!

***Congratulations to Gianna! I have sent you an email. You have 24 hours to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen. Thanks to everyone who entered!***

***This giveaway has been chosen as a Prizey Editor's Pick for prize quality, ease of entry or by popular demand!***

Sooo...you can't wait to see if you were one of the first 250 people to enter the contest? You want to try out a new charger NOW, you say? Listen up!

I am giving away one Engergizer Recharge Smart Charger to a lucky reader!

There are FOUR ways to enter:

Visit www.Energizer.com/Recharge and let me know which video is your favorite
Tweet the following: Happy Earth Day! Win an @Energizer Recharge Smart Charger from @ItsToni http://bit.ly/9DKlXa #giveaways
Tweet the following: Win cash for your favorite charity! RT and you might win an @Energizer #Recharge Smart Charger: www.Energizer.com/Recharge

For five extra entries, submit a video to the Energizer^®Kids Take Charge contest and post your link within the comment section of this blog!

Be SURE to come back and leave links in the comments section, or your entries will not count.

Contest will end on April 29th at Noon (CST) A winner will be chosen using Random.org at that time. I will need need to contact you, right? Don't forget an email address!

Good Luck...and, hey, plant a tree or something today...would ya? *wink*

Honest Blogger Found Here: I received a Recharge Smart Charger at the recent SVMoms Chicago event - though no reciprocation was required. I am doing the giveaway...well...because I want to :)

Info & photo credit: Wikipedia

SVMoms Chevy Missions Event in Chicago

2010-04-21T13:38:00.020-05:00

What am I supposed to wear?

Should I bring anything?

Will I know anyone...at all?

If you were invited to attend the recent SVMoms Chevy Missions event in Chicago, don't even TELL me you weren't asking yourself those questions (especially if you are like me and are totally OCD about things like this - though, it's not like I shopped for two days for an outfit or anything *shifts eyes*)

Let me just say, I felt so honored to be at this Chicago Moms Blog Brand & Blogger Roundtable and Mixer. Oh. my. goodness. Sometimes I wonder if I can ever get enough of blogger conferences, workshops and meet-ups. I feel like a sponge just soaking it all in. And what more beautiful place to gather than the Hard Rock Hotel on Michigan Avenue, downtown Chicago! ALL of the details were paid attention to - do you know how much I appreciate this? I'm sure there are others, but I want to specifically say a huge thank you to @mjtam and @jillasher for doing such a fabulous job.

We began the day with a roundtable discussion, allowing bloggers and brands to interact with one another. How informative what this? Conversation lasted two hours, though I could have sat through this for ANOTHER two hours...easily. Of all of the questions and answers, the word of the day seemed to be "communication." Plain and simple - brands need to communicate better with bloggers. Bloggers need to communicate better with brands.
1 + 1 = 2. No faint chalkboard lines should be drawn here.

Recommendations from Brands

Have an organized, clear demographic
Easily accessible PR page on your blog
Know your reach: Twitter, Facebook, Visitors, etc.
If you want brands to contact you, the easiest way is to have a clickable link
Be clear on your PR pitch guidelines

Recommendations from Bloggers

Please know or familiarize yourself with the blogger before pitching
Give allowable time for bloggers to respond to emails, reviews, etc.
Not a good idea to try and get something for nothing
Be specific on what you are wanting: brand ambassadors, brand enthusiasts, twitter events, paid posting/advertising, giveaways, etc.

Good Stuff.

We then moved on to the mixer event. Fifteen plus brands were present to mingle with and chat with all of the bloggers. Represented were: @yodelingmamas, @eBayClassifieds, @1800bask ets, @ArmyofWomen, @BitDefender, @BusyBodyBooks, @ChevyMissions, @CinnabonInc, @EasyPrintDesign, @Energizer, @FocusFeatures, @GarrettPopcorn, @HardRockChicago, @iGo_Inc, @Stonyfield, @TheOprahStore, @SchlageLINK, @Powerade_zero, @PeapodDelivers.

Believe it or not, each one of these companies gave us free items to take home. We were overwhelmed with their kindness and generosity! How nice it was to be able to talk face to face with these people, directly acquiring feedback about their product and brands. You just can't get that type of connection through email alone.

Hey! Look! Someone I DID know was there. Jen from Mommy Instincts - we rocked BlogHer for a bit in 2009...but that's for sharing on another day.

And somehow, we even sneaked in on this shot. See us peeking in back there?

All in all, it did not matter what I wore.

It did not matter if I brought a laptop or not.

It did not matter if I was there with a group or alone.

All that mattered, was that I was invited. I was courageous.
I was there.

The only question left...can one just "move in" to the Hard Rock and stay for...like...ever?

Thanks to Lahleyoo for providing the event pictures!

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T06:38:00.003-05:00

"Bases are loaded
And Casey's at bat
Playin' it play by play...
Time to change the batter"

If you don't see me online, I'll most likely be sitting riiiight there.

More Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Cascade Action Pacs - Another Dollar General Find!

2010-04-20T06:52:00.003-05:00

I'm definitely a brand-name snob when it comes to dishwasher liquid. Have you ever thought, "Oh, I'll just buy the generic this week - it'll get us by." Let me just tell you...no it won't. I mean, if you want to rewash your dishes and then have to hand wash some of them to try and chip off the stuck on crud, then by all means, go ahead and get the cheap stuff.

For the life of me, I can't remember where I acquired this coupon - $2 off Cascade Action Pacs or Action Pacs Complete. It's a stiff coupon that has perforations around the edges - I'm thinking it came in the mail with something or other. Anyway, if you have this coupon, take it to your local Dollar General. In my area, they have 15 pks. for $3.50 and 12 pks. for $3.00. After the coupon, you are only paying a dollar or buck fifty for dishwasher soap! That is my kind of deal.

From my experience, when you request samples online, they typically come with high value coupons. So, sometimes it's worth taking a few seconds to fill out a form. The next thing you know, you have a surprise in the mail...hey, anything that is NOT a bill is a surprise, right?

Right now, if you sign up for P & G Everyday Solutions, you can get a 2 ct. sample of Cascade Action Pacs in the mail. Also, every quarter, you can request a P & G Brand Sampler which is a whole box of goodies! I just received one a week or so ago and it was filled with Tide, Iams cat food, diapers, shampoo, coupons, etc.

Do you have any other great Dollar General finds? Comment and let us all know!

Freebie Deebies: To Help Your Tax Day Blues

2010-04-15T06:19:00.004-05:00

April 15th.

Here it is.

Tax Day in the US.

For some of us, it's really no big deal...more of a hassle than anything.

For others? Woe is you.

To help alleviate your Tax Day Blues, ~~take a Prozac~~ some companies are offering free items today...ya know...to take your mind off of things...and in hopes you might actually BUY and pay TAX on other things while you are there. At any rate, never pass up a free cup of coffee.

Starbucks - Bring a reusable travel mug into any Starbucks and get a free brewed coffee. Save the Earth. Seriously, shouldn't we be doing this with or without the free coffee? The costless joe is a nice perk though.

**Edited: Mr. McFrugalpants just called. He took his travel mug to a Starbucks INSIDE of a Martin's Supermarket. Apparently, those types of shops run a bit different. They have to have store approval for promotions. Long story short, the lady knew nothing about today's FREE coffee and had to call a store manager. Yup, they voted and agreed on the promo. Wouldn't it have been nice to let the barista at Starbucks know about it? Anyway, he got his free coffee and couldn't be happier. Just some FYI in case you run into the same situation.**

MaggieMoo's - Free slice of MaggieMia's dessert ice cream pizza from 3 to 7 pm. Check here to see if a location by you is participating. Hey...free ice cream.
Cinnabon: Two free cupcake bites from 6 to 8 pm - combine this with your free Starbucks coffee and you are golden. Let me just say, I had the chance to taste the Cinnabon cupcakes this past weekend at the SVMoms Chevy Event in Chicago. Trust me when I say, you don't want to miss this freebie. (psst...get the original...it's like a moist crumb cake with frosting)
Subway: NBC reports that Subway is giving customers a free cookie today. Available while supplies last. Unsure if this is only NYC or not? Move at your own pace.
Shutterfly: Up to 3 free Mothers Day Greeting Cards from Shutterfly.com!Use promo code: CARDS4MOM Offer valid 4.15.10-4.28.10. Not really a tax day freebie...but it does START today.

No matter how you spend this April 15th (for Pete's sake, we talk about it like it's a holiday or something), file or don't file, pay or don't pay, live freely or be arrested - never turn down something free.

Angel Food Ministries: April

2010-04-14T20:03:00.004-05:00

"Hey Cheapo! Are you still ordering from Angel Food Ministries?"

Of course I am! I am still choosing to order the fresh fruit and vegetable box (there are many others.) See everything I got for $24.00*? Potatoes, sweet potatoes, pineapple, avocado, mango, cantaloupe, grapes, celery, cabbage, carrots, onions and garlic ! We tend to eat the fruit rather quickly, but the rest of the produce tends to stick around for a few weeks. Here's a tip: Celery and carrots hiding in the refrigerator drawer, never to be seen again? Take a few minutes to wash, clean and cut them up. It's amazing how "convenient" they become to grab and snack on! I recently did this and packaged them each in reusable containers. The carrots are now gone and we have made a huge dent in the celery.
It really does work - try it!
*The box is $22.00 but I chose to order online instead of in person so there is a $2.00 ordering fee

Are you lost in all of this? Is Angel Food Ministries foreign to you? If so, you can read more about it HERE and check out some of my past orders HERE.

Ordering time lines for April vary across the country. Although, the deadline in my area for online orders is tomorrow! Be sure to check out this month's menu as there are a few new items, like "After School" boxes. Delivery will be on Saturday, April 24th.

Do you participate in this program? Let us know!

I May Be Cheap...But I Sure Smell Good!

2010-04-14T19:25:00.002-05:00

Just a little advice real quick...If you have stacks of Sunday coupon fliers laying around that you haven't sorted through yet...say...from the past 3 or 4 weeks, be sure to quickly take a peek. I apologize for not knowing the date, but there is a high dollar coupon hiding in there for Snuggle Fabric Softener.

THREE...DOLLARS...OFF!

Dude.

Every now and then, you may see it come on sale for $2.99, most of the time $3.99. But, if you have a Dollar General around, they are normally priced there at $3.75 each - making them only $.75 per bottle. How can you beat that? The picture above shows the three that I bought...well, okay, I'm a glutton.

I bought six.

But, but, but...how can you pass up 6 bottles of Snuggle for $4.50?? ANY time I see laundry products THAT cheap, I stock up when I can. It's a product you always use and need.

And...I like to smell good even if I AM cheap. *wink*

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T06:44:00.006-05:00

"Whatcha gonna do with all that junk, all that junk inside that trunk?"

More Wordless Wednesday here and here.

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T06:05:00.005-06:00

Ever watched the sun rise from above the cloud line...at 10,000 feet from the top of a volcano?

If not...you should.

Haleakala Crater, Maui, HI

More Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Hershey's Better Basket Blog Hop

2010-03-23T05:59:00.005-06:00

I've been sent a virtual Easter Basket by @CorrinRenee at
Broke As A Spoke.

What is a virtual Easter Basket and why am I posting about it?
Well, nothing pleases me more than being able to help a person or charity for free...and that is what this #BetterBasket program does.

Hershey has partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network for over 20 years. CMN is a non-profit alliance of children’s hospitals dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care, life-saving research and preventative education across North America.

For every blog post written and turned in, Hershey will donate $10 to CMN (up to $5,000.) How easy is that? Can you help? It won't cost you anything except a minute of your time.

Here's how:

Participate to Hershey’s Better Basket Blog Hop of giving away virtual Easter Baskets by creating a blog post with specific rules described here.
Hershey Company will donate $10 per each blog post to CMN, up to total of $5,000.
One blog post per URL counts towards the donation, but you can give as many virtual Easter baskets as you want.
The Hershey’s Better Basket Blog Hop will officially begin at 12 AM EST on March 18th and end at 12 PM EST on April 4th, 2010. Blog posts submitted to us before or after that time period will not be counted for.
The blog post link has to be submitted to us for the donation to be counted.
In addition copy and paste the following text in your blog post:

HERSHEY’S BETTER BASKET BLOG HOP RULES

Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.
Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger – you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want.
Link back to person who gave you an Easter Basket.
Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.
Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop comment section. You can also find the official rules of this #betterbasket blog hop, and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.
Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 by blog posts written by April 4th, 2010).
Please note that only one blog post by each blog url will count towards the donation.

As to pay it forward, I am sending a virtual Easter basket to Jennifer at Savor the Thyme and Clair over at Mummy Deals. Haven't received a basket yet? No worries - you can still post and send in your link for a donation!

"Thanks Easter Bunny...Bawk! Bawk!"

Kroger Deals and Steals

2010-03-22T05:37:00.010-06:00

Have you been shopping Kroger lately? They have had some awesome stock up deals the past few weeks, starting with the Cart Busters and now the March to Savings event (which is for every 8 of certain items you buy, you receive $4.00 off at the register.)

I must say that I love these types of deals because typically, the products involved, are ones we use on a regular basis...AND, they often have coupons (paper AND digital coupons!)

What did I pay for some of these items?

Kettle Chips: Mark down $1.24 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $.24 per bag
Chex Mix: $1.50 - $.50 Cellfire or Shortcuts - $1.00 Sunday Q = FREE
Nut Clusters: $2.29 - $1.00 Cellfire - $1.00 Sunday Q = $.29 per bag
Trix Yogurts: $2.00 - $.80 Cellfire - $.80 Sunday Q = $.40 6 pk.
Large Dawn Hand Renewal: $1.99 - $1.00 Sunday Q (or booklet) = $.99 each

I could go on and on how I saved that week - but it's been two weeks ago and I think you get the picture. Over all:
Total: $179.69
After sales & coupons: $76.94

Now we are on to last week...still the Cart Buster event.
All of the items above, I bought with coupons. Yeah, it's a lot, but I saved a bundle!
(see Coupon Stink Eye) A few of the deals:

Pillsbury Simply cookies: $2.00 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.00
Eggland's Cage Free Eggs: $3.19 - $3.19 FREE coupon (I won) = FREE
Barilla Mini pasta: $1.00 - $.55 Sunday Q = $.45 per box
More Kettle Chips, more Dawn, more Nut clusters, more Chex Mix
Millstone Whole Bean coffee: $7.79 - $2.00 Sunday Q = $5.79
Qt. Coffeemate Vanilla Creamer: $2.88 - $.75 printable = $2.13
Edy's Ice cream: $2.49 - $1.00 Sunday Q = $1.49
Softsoap: $1.00 - $.70 printable = $.30
Steamers: $1.28 - $1.00 on two Sunday Q's = $.78 each

(remember, Kroger doubles coupons so some of the amounts listed are the doubled amounts)

And again..on and on and on...
Total: $207.37
Total after sales & coupons: $96.99

So, in two weeks, I have saved $213.13 by stacking paper coupons on top of digital coupons on top of already sale marked items. It takes a little bit of time, but SO worth it!

These were my "on sale" and "clearance" items. Some items you just need even without a coupon.

Now, this week, starts their March to Savings event. At the website, you can get a printable list of all of the items that are involved. I have already started making my list and can't wait to see how it all pans out. Also, don't forget to play the "Hit the Hoops" daily game - you may just win money or prizes! It appears that you can win twice. I've already picked up Oscar Mayer Hot dogs and Kraft cheese snacks - which are loaded directly to my shopper card. And guess what? Those two items are included in the March to Savings event, so I'm already up two freebies!
Will let you know how I do this week. *wink*

The Coupon Stink Eye

2010-03-19T06:35:00.007-06:00

Coupon Stink Eye: n. a discouraged look (ie: scowl, pursed lips, raised eyebrows, squinty eyes, etc.) given to a patron checking out with any number of coupons. May also be accompanied with rude remarks, deep breaths or occasional, audible heavy sighs. Can be performed by cashiers, managers or other patrons of the store.

Is this you?

If so, can you please knock it off? It's very rude, insensitive and annoying.

Those of us who spend lots of time clipping coupons, making lists and shopping carefully don't usually do it because it's "fun." We do it for a reason; each of us having our own, personal reasons. Some people might HAVE to clip coupons to properly feed their families. Maybe others do it so they can donate all of the food to pantries or homeless shelters. Those people may not be able to make this donation without saving a few dollars first. Some of us coupon shop so we may be able to help others with the money that was saved. And then, there are a few that just like to get a good rush out of scoring a deal. Whatever the case, it's not your concern.

Have some patience please.

For example, I went grocery shopping at Kroger on Wednesday. I made my list, cut my coupons and shopped as I usually do (I must make a note that early Wednesday afternoons it seems the store is empty.) I got to the front of the store where there was only one cashier open with only one person checking out ahead of me. So, I methodically started unloading my cart: cloth bags first, grocery items next, items I am getting free with coupons last*. As I am unloading, a lady with about 2 or 3 bags worth of stuff gets behind me in line. She quickly becomes impatient (after like 20 seconds) and walks to another line (the express), only to walk back to my line (I am watching this because I find it rather amusing.)

The cashier now asks me if I have any coupons (yeah, like 50.) I hand her my coupons; pre-sorted with all of the free items last. Right away, I could tell that the cashier was rather new at the job. At the first beep of one of the coupons, she calls a manager over
(at this point, I can see the lady behind me shifting from one leg to another.) The manager proceeds to teach her how to override a coupon, how to enter a free item, etc. - she was doing her job perfectly! After a minute or two...seriously, it was less than three minutes...the lady behind me says, "I didn't think it was going to be all this," complete with tight lipped expression.

Wait a second...BE ALL THIS? What the heck did you expect? OH, I know, you didn't expect people to be checking out in the check out line, did ya? That makes sense. *roll eyes here*

So, I immediately turned to her and said, "Yeah...well...I just saved fifty bucks, sooo..."

Oh...you didn't expect that? You didn't think that you could open your rude, big, fat mouth and no one would say anything back to you?

She then bobbled her head a bit, took a step back and quietly said, "well, that's one way to do it."

And you all know about that little thing called Karma? If you are not familiar, it's a belief that basically means, "What comes around goes around." Here is the point where little Miss K steps herself right in. After making her wait for what she probably thought was forEVer, she must have taken notice of the Kroger check writing policy. As I gathered my items, I overheard heard her tell the cashier, "Can you hold these items for me? I want them, but I don't have all of the proper requirements to write a check." The cashier looked at her like whhaaat and then asks, "sooo...you still want them?" The impatient lady had to repeat herself AGAIN on why SHE was now holding up the line. All the while, I just smiled and thought to myself, "Karma's a b!@tch, isn't it?"

So please people, have a little patience. Be kind to the elderly lady struggling with her wallet. Have some sympathy for the single parent trying to juggle three children and a cart load of groceries. Be supportive to those of us who work hard for our dollars and would like to keep them in our families where they belong.

And in case you just can't get rid of your stink eye, you can print a $2.00 coupon for Visine here.

Coupon Stink Eye sighted in Austin as well! Read about it here.

*I always try to put my "free with coupon" items at the end of the check out counter because the cashiers need to write in the sale price on each coupon. This is done as a courtesy as they will not have to scroll all the way up the receipt to find prices. It's much easier if they are all located together at the end of the tape.

More Frugal Friday at Life As Mom

Angel Food Ministries: March

2010-03-17T06:08:00.014-06:00

"Hey Cheapo! Are you still ordering from Angel Food Ministries?"

Of course I am! I always choose to order the fresh fruit and vegetable box (there are many others.) See everything I got for $24.00*? Oranges, Fuji apples, potatoes, plums, grapefruit, pears, onions, carrots, cabbage, tangelos, red apples, raisins and navy beans! I have to say, it's been SO nice having this much fresh fruit around the house during the winter. Here in northwest Indiana, fresh fruit is rather pricey during the winter - which means it's rather scarce around my house. During the summer, I may not order this box anymore because produce becomes rather cheap and ABUNDANT! As they say about the midwest, you can throw your hat down and grow it. *said with sort of a farmer's drawl*
*The box is $22.00 but I chose to order online instead of in person so there is a $2.00 ordering fee

Are you lost in all of this? Is Angel Food Ministries foreign to you? If so, you can read more about it HERE and check out some of my past orders HERE.

Ordering time lines for March vary across the country. Although, the deadline in my area for online orders is tomorrow! Be sure to check out this month's menu as there are a few new items, one being an "After School" box.

Do you participate in this program? Let us know!

[Almost] Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-17T05:38:00.003-06:00

Need Jesus?

More Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Thrifty Tip Tuesday: Cleaners At Hand

2010-03-16T13:42:00.004-06:00

I'll admit it.

I am one of those people that is always in search of better ways to save or use time. Honestly, I rarely ever even watch TV because it just seems like such a waste of life hours. Multi-tasking is my middle name. Seriously. It's Cheapo Multi-tasking McFrugalpants. How would you like to learn how to write THAT in Kindergarten?

Anyway...about 5 and a half years ago we bought our house. It's not a small house. Matter of fact, it's the first house in my adult life that has multi-level floors...counting the basement, there are four to be exact. Did I mention it's 100 years old this year? Except for a laundry chute from the second floor to the basement, nothing in this old house is of convenience. Nothing.

Very soon after moving in, I realized how tiring it is constantly going up and down the stairs for this and that and this. We had to come up with efficient ways to lessen our trips through the stairwell. For example, we keep a small toolbox on each level filled just with the basics: screwdrivers, pliers and measuring tape. Trust me when I say it's a time saver. You know how frustrating it is to need a screwdriver, go down and up the [22] stairs to get one, only to find out you needed a Phillips instead?

Something else I found to be very time efficient - keep a set of cleaners wherever you use them most. See this picture above? Yes, it's four bottles of window cleaner. One belongs in the upstairs bathroom, one in the downstairs bathroom, one in the kitchen and one on the glassed front porch. You wouldn't believe how much easier this makes cleaning (keep a roll of paper towels with each one as well.) Think about it for a second...if I was upstairs and noticed that the mirror needed cleaned, I am more likely to clean it right away if I don't have to travel half way around the world just to get the cleaner. Am I right?

And why do I label them? If I didn't, all four bottles would eventually end up under the kitchen sink, defeating the entire purpose. This way, when someone uses a bottle, they know exactly where to put it when they are finished. Therefore, it's there when you need it for the next time.

Yes, cleaners can get expensive. But, there are ALWAYS coupons available for cleaning supplies. If you don't do coupons, pick up a few bottles at a dollar store somewhere. Spending those extra few dollars to have multiple items is SO worth the time and energy you will save with your everyday household duties.
(this rule also applies to bathroom cleaner and air freshener)

More Thrifty Tip Tuesday over at I Am a Money Magnet

Interview With Cheapo: Online Shopping

2010-03-15T20:00:00.000-06:00

Toni: So, here we are talking with Cheapo McFrugalpants from The Shopping Adventures of Cheapo McFrugalpants...how aptly named. I wonder how you came up with such a unique and original blog title. It is literally perfect. Anyway Cheapo, we all know of your many techniques on saving money in stores, but do you have any secrets on how to save money while shopping online?

Cheapo: Oh yes! Actually, I prefer shopping online for many, many items - especially during the holidays - no gas money, no traffic, no dealing with crowds - it's the best! My first suggestion is ALWAYS to search for promo codes that will give you free shipping. It really doesn't make much sense to avoid spending money on gas only to spend even more to get an item shipped to you, right? RIGHT! So, whether you are shopping for kids bedding, cookware, clothing or...well...whatever...take advantage of any free shipping offers.

Toni: But, we know how much you love your coupons. Do you get just as many savings online as you do when you walk into a store?

Cheapo: Yes, many times...and sometimes even more! When you start browsing and shopping online, you may find discounted items featured that aren't marked down in the actual store. That's a real added bonus. Plus, be sure to see if you can "stack" promo codes (each store will vary.)

Toni: What does "stacking promo codes" mean?

Cheapo: You don't know what "stacking" means? Oh, where have you been? Not only can you "stack" coupons in a store, you can sometimes "stack" them online. For instance, when I buy groceries, I use digital coupons ON TOP OF paper coupons ON TOP OF sales ON TOP OF store promotions. This gives me maximum savings. The same goes for online promo codes. You may be able to enter more than one code. So, not only will you be getting free shipping, but you may find a code for 50% off or $10 off of $30. Don't ever think that one level of saving is enough.

Toni: Well, now that we understand all of that *cough*, let me ask you this. What is your favorite thing to buy online?

Cheapo: Whatever is on clearance, of course! No, just kidding...sort of. I'm not sure I have a favorite item. It's usually the sale prices that draw me in and then I browse from there. In the past, I've ordered many toys, books and clothes - though I usually have to try on clothing so I avoid that unless I know EXACTLY what I'm ordering (many stores have great exchange programs.) One thing I do love is cookware and kitchen accessories. I spend mucho time in the kitchen so why not have the things I like and enjoy?

Toni: Kitchen items, eh? What's the one item that is most convenient and you couldn't imagine being without?

Cheapo: If anyone follows me on twitter, you have probably noticed that I cook everything in Calphalon pans. I use them every.single.day. OH! And guess what? I'll be reviewing a set of them in the very near future. After what I tell you about them, you won't be able to stop yourself from ordering a few of your own (CSN Stores has a GREAT deal on a double set.)

Toni: Well then, I suppose we will just have to Stay Tuned!

Honest Blogger Found Here: I am given product in exchange for a review. No monetary exchange. 100% my opinion.

What's On Your Plate?

2010-03-15T17:38:00.006-06:00

Do you ever get that strong sense of accomplishment by using up all of your food resources; not letting anything go to waste? Am I just totally OCD? Please tell me I'm not the only one. It's not just, "Oh, what a good meal and nothing went to waste." I'm talkin' about head held high, can't stop chatting about it, walking around with a pride patch pinned to my shirt.

I just love the way it feels; like we aren't wasting a thing - and yes, I AM very proud. Some people of the world would give their right arm for what we have here in our country. Do we take our abundance for granted? Yes, absolutely. Though, here in our house, we try to consciously make an effort to be thankful and resourceful. For my family to stop for a second and take notice of what they have, THAT is what I am most proud of...not so much the fact that I'm filled with mad cooking skills...eh-hem.

Anyway...

That brings me to my Menu Plan. After taking a look at my "end of the week" groceries (since my shopping usually takes place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays), I knew I had some odds and ends to use up: half of a rump roast, half a bag of potatoes, some other "seen-better-days" produce. This is what I came up with:

Monday - Crockpot rump roast, seasoned steak fries, broccoli & cheese, salad (made with lettuce, baby spinach, onion, pecans, golden raisins, celery & grape halves)

Seasoned Steak Fries 5 washed potatoes; skin on; cut into 6 wedges each Toss them in olive oil, sea salt (I used Hawaiian sea salt) and steak seasoning. Bake at 400 for about 45 mins or until tender. Put under broiler to crisp up if necessary.

Tuesday - BLT sandwiches, Dill Pasta salad, Orange slices
Wednesday - Balsamic Grilled Tuscan Chicken (trying something new), rice, capresse salad

Balsamic-Grilled Tuscan Chicken
1/2 c. olive oil, 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar, 2 tsp Dijon-style mustard
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 pkg. Pepperidge Farm Tuscan Inspired Sourdough bread
(can you tell where I might have gotten this recipe? LOL)
Mix first 3 ingredients in resealable plastic bag or container. Add chicken to coat. Cover and refrigerate 20 min. or overnight. Prepare bread according to package directions (or toast a loaf of your choice) Cut break into 2" diagonal slices. Meanwhile, grill chicken until cooked through. Serve together.

Thursday - Blue Cheese & Bacon stuffed grilled burgers (with leftover bacon from Tuesday and blue cheese that I found on clearance for $1.49), White shoe-peg corn
Friday - Apricot Jalapeno glazed grilled pork chops, Mashed potatoes, salad, deviled eggs

I am rather unsure on how the weekend is going to play out, so I'll stop there.

Sounds pretty good, right? Just because you are a frugal shopper, doesn't mean you have to eat plain, boxed, boring food! Be creative and plan your menu around what's on sale (or free!)

Okay...now back to my awesome feeling of accomplishment (I told you that I can't stop talking about it.) Last week, my mother in law brought me a stack of recipes to flip through...just to see if there was anything I could use. Many were recipes that I already had favorites for, but there was one for Apple Oatmeal cookies that I put aside for further reading. I started to skim over the ingredients. Quick oats? Yup! *just* enough in the bottom of the the canister. Apples? *quick glance to the fruit basket* Yes! and they need to be used, like, yesterday. Honey? Of course! I have three different containers all with just a little bit left in the bottom of each one.

Anyway...you can see where this is going. A half hour later, I had a batch of these soft, healthy little goodies! Except,I totally had to ruin the healthiness by turning them into Whoopie Pies with ~~a can of butter cream frosting that I got cheap at Kroger last week~~ homemade cream cheese frosting.

*shrug*

It could be worse.

In case you have all of the same ingredients lingering around your house, you can find this Apple-Oatmeal Cookie recipe HERE.

So, what's on YOUR plate this week?

More Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

$5 CVS Challenge - 3/14

2010-03-15T14:17:00.005-06:00

I am sloowwly getting back into my CVS savings groove.

Many of you know that I spent a little time in Maui a few weeks back. Right before I left, I was "forced" to use up all of my ECB's, as they would be expired by the time I came home. I wasn't ABOUT to forfeit them...no way!

So, during the past week or so, I have gradually been stocking them up by buying items that I need which give ECB's. I've finally reached a point where I can start "playing" again. Sometimes you just need to refresh your stock and start over. That's my excuse anyway.

I plan on making several trips to CVS this week, as they have been out of stock on many of the items I've wanted. I even picked up two rain checks* last week, just to make sure I didn't lose out on any deals. *Did you know that rain checks include ECB's? So, if a hot item is on sale, don't hesitate to ask for one!

Here is what I picked up today:
(I planned on picking up a few more items, but the shelves were sadly empty)

3 Dove Men + Care face & body wash: $15.00 - $1.25 Sunday Q - (2x) $1.50 Printables - $2/10 Skin Care Machine Printout/CRT = $8.75

Used: $6.00 prior ECB
Total Cash: $2.75 + $1.05 tax = $3.80
Received: $6.00 ECB ($5.00 Dove deal + $1.00 Green Bag Tag)

Stay tuned for more CVS visits this week.

More CVS savings at Money Saving Mom, The Centsible Sawyer and Keeping the Kingdom First

Ragu Recipe for a Good Start Contest

2010-03-14T11:31:00.007-06:00

Does this picture seem oddly familiar to you?

If so, you must have attended BlogHer Chicago last August.

I know, I know...why am I standing in front of a WAY too big, Ragu sculpture made entirely out of vegetables? (no joke - tomatoes, zucchini, peppers...you get the idea) Well...maybe they didn't feed me enough at lunch and I wanted to pluck a few veggies for a snack? Okaaayy...

Actually, Ragu was a sponsor of BlogHer and they provided this fan-tabulous lunch for all of us! At first, I thought, "Oh no...a spaghetti lunch...just what a low-carber LOVES to hear." But guess what? I was totally wrong! The menu consisted of many other creative items made with Ragu sauce, such as Chicken Parmesan and an Italian pot pie. Why was I being so narrow minded about the luncheon and thinking only spaghetti? That's usually not like me. Maybe I was just too overcome with how cool the whole place was decorated. Isn't that pretty amazing?

Are you open minded enough to use Ragu sauce for something other than spaghetti dinners? If so, you may be interested in their latest "Ragu Recipe for a Good Start Contest."

"Ragú® offers moms hundreds of nutritious, convenient, delicious and affordable meal ideas- perfect for busy families on the go. From making sure the kids get their veggies (Ragú® red sauces contain more than a full serving of veggies in every half cup of sauce) to skip-a-step recipes like No Boiling Lasagna and No Frying Chicken Parmesan, Ragú® understands your hectic lifestyle and desire to feed your family quality meals at a great value.

Now, Ragú® is teaming up with actress and mom Molly Ringwald to promote the Recipe for a Good Start Contest asking moms to share their recipes for a good start for a chance to win a $5,000 college scholarship. By visiting www.recipeforagoodstart.com , you'll have a chance to submit your recipe for a good start in life and your original Ragú® recipe that has the family running to the dinner table! Three first prize winners will be awarded a family trip to New York City where they will compete in a nationally televised Ragú® Recipe Challenge for the chance to win the ultimate prize of a $5,000 college scholarship."

So, what are you waiting for? Submit your recipe now! And if you win, tell them Cheapo McFrugalpants sent ya. *wink*

Honest Blogger Found Here: I was entered for a chance to win a Ragu Family Package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place. 100% my opinion.