April 30, 2012

Steals and Deals

So I am still pretty sick, probably will be for a while. However, I mustered all I had yesterday and made my way to Albertsons for some deals. I know, I have no life and I'm a nerd. I had to though ha. They've been having such good deals lately that I'm afraid they will 'dry up' as you would say for a while. Who knows though, but just in case! ;) Anyway they were having doublers. I should mention that some deals may be confusing because on the b1g1 free sales, you can use a coupon on the free item. You can also use a b1g1 free coupon if the item is on a b1g1 free sale (making them both free). After the last few weeks of both doublers and round ups. Needless to say I am couponed out. I kind of hope they don't have anything going on soon. Bare with me by the way because this will be a long one! I also will post deals from Safeway and Rite Aid. Since it's all broken up, I'll tell you right now that I saved 87% overall. It should have all been worth $247 and I paid a total of $32!

The one thing I liked the most was this older lady who came up to me and congratulated me on my well done. She saw my binder and stopped to talk to me for a second. She just said I was doing a good job and that it must be time consuming, but well worth it. All I could do was agree haha. It's good to know there are people out there who don't give you dirty looks and think you're crazy. Can't judge a book by it's cover. I'm not like most 'couponers' out there!

Worth $180, paid $27 (85 % savings)
 Peanut Butter Cherrios - (got 5)
On sale for $2.50 each
$0.75/1 (doubled) = $1 each (two boxes were $1.75)
**plus I got a $5 cat back when you buy 5 boxes, so technically it worked to $0.30 a box**

Tillamook Cheese - $7.49/$9.69 (got 3)
On sale for $6.99 and $8.99
$1/1 (doubled)  = $4.99/$6.99
+ $3/1 managers special = $1.99 and $3.99

Velveeta Skillets - $2.29 (got 3)
On sale for $1.99
$0.55/1 (doubled)  = $0.89 each
Barilla Pasta - $2.19  (got 2)
On sale buy 1 get 1 free
$1/1 (doubled) = Both FREE

Baileys Creamer
- $2.79 (got 4) 
On sale for $1.59
$1/2 (doubled) = about $0.39 each

Hillshire Sausage - $5.99 (got 2)
On sale buy 1 get 1 free
$0.55/1 (didn't double) = about $2.44 each
+ $2/1 managers special = about $0.44 each

Oscar Meyer Bacon
- $7.39 (got 2)
On clearance for $3.99
$1/2 (doubled) = about $0.99 each
+ $3/1 managers special = both FREE + $4.01 overage

Men's Speed Stick - $4.49  (got 4)
On sale buy 1 get 1 free
Buy 1 Get 1 Free (up to $3.99) = $0.25 each


Lady Speed Stick - $3.29  (got 4)
On sale buy 1 get 1 free
Buy 1 Get 1 Free (up to $3.99) = All 4 FREE

All Detergent - $6.19  (got 3)
On sale for $3.99
$1/1 (doubled) = $1.99 each

Snuggle Dryer Sheets - $4.89 (got 3) 
Get one free when you buy All detergent
Cost = All 3 FREE
 Arm & Hammer Cat Litter - $10.99 (got 1)
On sale for $5.99
$1/1 (doubled) = $3.99

Baby Food
- $1.29 (got 4)
On sale for $1.11
$0.80 (didn't double) = $0.91 each
Worth $41, paid nothing - FREE (100% savings)
 [Albertsons] Pepsi Next - $1.79 (got 6)

On sale for $1.25
$0.55/1 (doubled)  = $0.15 each
 [Safeway] Starbucks Refreshers - $2.39  (got 6)
On sale for $1.50
Free Coupon = All FREE + $5.34 overage

[Safeway] Ken's Dressing - $4.69 (got 3)
On sale for $0.99
$1/1  = FREE + $0.03 overage


**no coupons for the $2.99 milk, but it was free from the overage**


Worth $26, paid $5 (80% savings)
[Safeway] Starbucks Refreshers - $2.39  (got 2)
On sale for $1.50
Free Coupon = All FREE + $5.34 overage
[Safeway] Philadelphia Cream Cheese - $2.99  (got 2)
On sale for $2.79
+ buy 1 get 1 free = about $1.39 each
**got them both for $1 with refreshers overage**

[Rite Aid] Mike & Ikes - $1.49 (got 2) 
On sale for $1
Got $2 up reward = FREE
[Rite Aid] Skinny Cow Candy - $0.99 (got 3) 
On sale for $0.50
Buy 2, get 1 Free = about $0.33 each

[Rite Aid]  Sucrets Cough Drops - $4.99 (got 2) 
On sale for $1.50
$1/1 = $1.00 for two
+ Got $1 up reward = FREE

April 28, 2012

Sorry I Haven't Been Around

Somehow I caught a horrible cold and sinus infection. My whole head is congested, including jaw pain and a horrible headache. Even my ears are plugged. I gave up the other day and went to urgent care. I'm just glad it isn't strep, since I've had that twice already. I left the clinic with a 100.4 degree fever. Let's face it, I was downright miserable! I bought sudafed right before and then they gave me a prescription for amoxicillin. Aside from the nausea, my fever broke atleast. I still feel like crap but ill survive. Anyway, just thought I'd let you all in as to why I haven't been posting. I'm just hoping Liam doesn't catch this.

April 25, 2012

Wordless Wednesday [Late]


I love his toothy grin and the fact that he loves the bath toy we got him from our anniversary trip!

April 24, 2012

What's In Your Diaper Bag?

I found such a cute blog hop, that I had to participate and share. I know, I know. I am a little late, but it's better late than never, right? Anyway, this is our diaper bag by JJ Cole (Mode Tote). I absolutely love it! One day I might get a bigger, better one. For now, this one is just fine.


Contents:
1. Diaper bag
2. Changing pad (came with)
3. Formula (not too much longer though yay), sippy cup, juice (just incase), baby food
4. Mommy needs (wallet, hand sanitizer, chapstick)
5. Coat (sometimes extra clothes)
6. Wipes and diapers
7. Snacks (currently cherrios and mum mums)
8. Lotion, teething tablets, diaper rash cream, disposable diaper bags
9. WIC stuff and immunization records
10. Bib and receiving blanket (just in case of messes)

+ various toys we grab for him


For you mamas, what is in YOUR diaper bag? Feel free to tag along and share!

April 22, 2012

Steals and Deals: Round Two

I promise this is my final post from Albertsons' round up week. To refresh your memory, it's when they round anything over $0.25 (coupons) to $1.00 and then anything under is quadrupled (coupons $1 or more stay at that face value). Basically, it's a great time to use very low valued coupons. I actually went back because they restocked on Franks Red Hot, so I snatched up those. I stumbled on some other deals that I didn't find last time as well. =]

*** One thing I need to mention. If you care to know why some were so cheap. At Albertsons, if you have a sale like the buy 2, get 1 free sales - it's ok to have 3 coupons! That means you can use a coupon on the free item. For instance, the Lawry's Marinade was buy 2 get, 1 free. They were on sale for $1.49 each (x2 = $2.98 because the 3rd is free). Plus I had 3 coupons (each $1 off 1 marinade). That made them all free. Hopefully I didn't confuse you. Have any questions? Just click on my 'lets connect' button! ***

$70 worth, spent $10 (85% savings)

Johnsonville Brats - $4.99 (got 2)
On sale for $2.99
$0.35/1 (rounded to $1) = $1.99
**Plus I got $3 off each for managers special making them FREE plus overage**
 
Lawry's Marinade - $3.99 (got 3)
On sale for $1.49 (plus buy 2 get 1 free)
$1/1 = FREE


Lawry's Seasonings - $5.49/$5.69 (got 2) 
On sale for 2/$4 ($2 each)
$0.50/1 (rounded to $1) = $1.00 each

Franks Red Hot - $1.89 (got 3)On sale for $1.49 (plus buy 2 get 1 free)
$0.35/1 (rounded to $1) = FREE
 
Doritos - $4.29 (got 2)
On sale for 2/$5
= $2.50 each
 
Teddy's Soda - $1.49 (got 3)
On sale for $1.00 (plus buy 2 get 1 free)
= $0.66 each (about)

Dole Fruit Crips - $2.59 (got 3)
On sale for $2.49 (plus buy 2 get 1 free)
$0.75/1 (rounded to $1)  = $0.99 each


Gerber Baby Food - $1.29 (got 4)
On sale for 9/$10 (about $1.11 each)
$0.50/4 (rounded to $1)  = $0.86 each
 
Land O'Lakes Butter - $4.99  (got 1)
On clearance for $2.00
$0.60/1 (rounded to $1) = $1.00

April 21, 2012

Steals and Deals


Albertson's had their round up deal where they round anything over $0.25 (coupons) to $1.00 and then anything under is quadrupled (coupons $1 or more stay at that face value). Hopefully that made a little sense ha. Basically, it's a great time to use very low valued coupons. I pulled off good deals, but I was bummed about the Franks Red Hot because my husband uses that a lot and they only had one bottle left (I needed three for the good deal), but you can't win them all!

Worth $73, paid $9 (87%)
Johnsonville Hot Dogs - $4.99 (got 4)
On sale for $2.99
$0.35/1 (rounded to $1) = $1.99
**Plus I got $2-$3 off each for managers special making them FREE**
 
Grands Biscuits - $3.29  (got 3)
On clearance for $0.75
$0.30/3 (rounded to $1) = $0.41 each


Betty Crocker Potatoes - $1.29  (got 4) 
On clearance for $0.99
$0.50/2 (rounded to $1) = $0.49 each

Franks Red Hot - $1.89 (got 1)
On sale for $1.49
$0.35/1 (rounded to $1) = $0.49
**If I could have gotten 3 I could get them all for free :( **
 
French's Fried Onion - $4.29 (got 2)
On clearance for $1
$0.75/1 (rounded to $1) = FREE
 
Chobani Yogurt - $1.49 (got 4)
On sale for $1.39
$0.30/1 (rounded to $1) = $0.39 each

Yoplait Yogurt - $0.99 (got 4)
On sale for $0.70
$0.30/1 (rounded to $1)  = FREE


Lee Kum Kee Orange Chicken Sauce - $4.19 (got 1)
On clearance for $1.40
$0.35/1 (rounded to $1)  = $0.40
 
Betty Crocker Icing - $3.99  (got 2)
On sale for $0.99
$1/1  = FREE

**not pictured**
Jello Gelatin/Pudding
- $1.49 (got 4) 
On clearance for $0.52
$0.50/2 (rounded to $1)  = $0.02 each

April 20, 2012

Our Third Anniversary

Bare with me, I have a ton of pictures to show you all. The husband and I ended up choosing Astoria, Oregon for our anniversary this year. We left Liam with his grandma and headed down. Luckily, if we went the 'back way' as I call it, they are on the way down anyhow. We ended up staying for two nights and came home yesterday. We had a fantastic time and visited a lot of places. We even bought wine (since it was way cheaper to do a 'case' of six bottles of wine) and did a mini wine tasting in our room ha. Although, we still have three bottles unopened and another two or three that are 3/4 the way full.

First off, we went to the Maritime Museum where were toured the Columbia ship and looked at all kinds of neat exhibits. They had a lot of rooms open on the Columbia light ship. You can view were they slept and ate even. After that, we went to our hotel room and enjoyed our tub and movies. The next day, we ended up going to Fort Clatsop with Lewis and Clark. They had the fort open and all kinds of exhibits for that as well. We walked down and viewed the canoe, the water and the 'river' where they caught fish and drinking water.


After Fort Clatsop, we ended up viewing the Astoria Column. It is 124 feet high and has 164 stairs to the top. I was extremely winded, but I made it to the top! They even had little wooden airplanes to drop from the top. I could view all of Astoria, which is bigger than you think. I could see the whole bridge as well, which is my favorite. Let me tell you, I definitely did not stay up there too long. It was so windy and I was a bit terrified (not going to lie). I had fun though, but I doubt I will ever climb it again if I end up in Astoria again. At least I can check that off my accomplished book.

The day before, we ended up going to this nice place called Bridgewater Bistro, along the water. It was really nice and that was the gift from my dad. Adam had prime rib, while I had duck. We also shared cheese fondue. It was a nice dinner and a nice night. I'm glad we chose that place. I would definitely go back. The next night, we had dinner at the Rogue Public House. Something less 'classy' where Adam could get a few beers and such. We each had Kobe burgers and beers. For the rest of the night, we enjoyed more movies and our lovely view from the hotel.

On the way home, we took a different route. First off, we noticed there were sea lions on the docks by the pub. We ended up coming back that morning to see them before we left. We also decided to visit Cape Disappointment on the way home. The weather was crappy and I am pretty sure I am getting sick now, but we enjoyed ourselves. It was a lot of fun. One day I want to go back there because we had a lot of fun. I am glad to be home though. We both missed Liam a lot and I can tell he missed us too. It was nice to get away for a while though. It was a great anniversary. Here's to many more!

April 17, 2012

Take Two (Steals and Deals)


Well, as I am waiting to leave, thought I would update real fast on my second trip from yesterday. You can say I am addicted. However, I mostly went back for a few things I couldn't get last night. I am a big cleaning nut when it comes to the kitchen. I love to use Lysol wipes and my husband uses cleaning spray (hence the bottles from yesterday ha). Anyway, I didn't have the wipes coupon yesterday, but I have it today! Anyway, here were my deals. I spend only $12 on $60 worth! Nice random little haul!

On another note, we are getting ready to head down to Oregon for our anniversary. The mother in law is watching Liam for us and luckily she is on the way down there if we go the back way. Should be a good time, although it may be cloudy and/or rainy. Expect a blog post later this week! Until then, I hope you all have a great week and I can't wait to get back and share with you all, plus catch up on posts myself!

$60 worth, for $12 (80% savings)
 
Lysol Wipes - $3.99 (got 4)
On sale for 2/$5
$1/2 (doubled x2) = $1.50 each
*Plus (2) $1 manufacture catalinas (for buying 2) good on next transaction (that I doubled)
PLUS I have a mail in rebate form for one can ($3.99 so it's all free).
 
Healthy Choice - $3.19 (got 4)
On sale for 4/$6 ($1.50 each)
$1/2 (doubled x2) = $0.50 each
Zatarain's Rice - $1.99/$2.49 (got 3)
On sale for 10/$10
$0.50/1 (doubled) = $0.66 each

Wonderful Pistachios - $4.99  (got 1)
$1/1 (doubled) = $2.99
 
Hostess Donettes - $1.69 (got 1)
On sale for 10/$10
$0.50/1 (doubled) = FREE

Nexcare Bandaids - $3.99 (got 1)
On clearance for $1.50
$0.55/1 (doubled)  = $0.40

Ocean Spray Craisins - $3.19 (got 1)
Coupon for FREE item  = FREE


Loreal Hair Color - $9.99 (got 1)
On clearance for $3.77
$1/1 (doubled)  = $1.77

April 16, 2012

Steals and Deals


Albertson's had doublers once again. We went to visit family with my dad, so I didn't get a chance to prepare as much as I usually do. I did pretty decent though. I always shoot for 70% or better and that's what  I did yesterday. I'm glad it's not all junk. I loaded up with Vitamin Water and cleaning products haha. This run was my first time with my binder completely done. I know, I'm a nerd, but having a coupon binder is amazing. I found some deals I didn't plan on because of it.

Just and FYI: Sorry if I am not around for the next few. My husband and I have our 3rd anniversary coming up on Tuesday, so we are leaving to Astoria, OR for 2 nights at a hotel we found. Hopefully I will take plenty of pictures to share!

$118 worth, $34 spent (71% savings)


Vitamin Water - $1.49 (got 20)
On sale for 10/$10, plus get 10 FREE Fuze when you buy 10
**Since they ran out of Fuze, they let me just get VW instead**
= $0.50 each
 
Crunchy Nut Cereal - $4.79  (got 4)
On sale for $1.99 when you buy 4
$0.70/1 (doubled) = $0.59 each



Velveeta Skillet - $2.29  (got 2) 
$0.75/1 (doubled) = $0.79 each

Scrubbing Bubbles - $4.29 (got 2)
On sale for 2/$6
$1/1 (doubled) = $1 each
*Plus $1 manufacture catalina (for buying 2) good on next transaction (that I doubled)
 
Windex Spray - $4.39 (got 2)
On sale for 2/$6
$0.55/1 (doubled) = $1.90 each
*Plus $1 manufacture catalina (for buying 2) good on next transaction (that I doubled)
 
Country Crock Sides - $3.99 (got 2)
On sale for $3.00
$1/2 (doubled) = $1.00 each

Yakisoba Noodles - $1.39 (got 4)
On sale for $1.19
$0.50/1 (doubled)  = $0.19 each

French's Fried Onion - $4.29 (got 1)
On clearance for $1
$0.75/1 (doubled)  = FREE



Macaroni Grill Skillet - $8.99 (got 1)
On clearance for $4.99
$1/1 (doubled)  = $2.99
 
Wonderful Pistachios - $4.99  (got 1)
$1/1 (doubled) = $2.99

Land O'Frost Lunchmeat - $3.99 (got 3) 
On sale for $2.99
$2/1 managers special (doubled) = $0.99 each

Baja Cafe Burritos - $3.49 (got 2)
On clearance for $1.99

April 11, 2012

Nine Months Old

I have been so busy lately, I forgot to share Liam's nine month appointment! We couldn't get the pediatrician we always get until a week after his nine month mark, so we just did that yesterday morning! He is 19lbs, 11oz and 27.5 inches long. His head though, is in the 86th percentile! He is a little guy (32% and 23% for weight and height) with a big head ha. Take a look at my husband and I; we are pretty short as well. He is growing fine though! He is also exceeding skills. He is walking pretty good now, is kind of getting the waving down, can clap his hands, says 'dada' and is working on 'mama.' He is a big ball of energy and is just perfect. I can't believe he is almost a year old. Speaking of, we are getting his birthday plans figured out. I found a nice park with a shelter to have a big potluck type party. I made an event on facebook ha and I am working on invites. Good thing I still have two and a half months. I can't wait though. I'm excited for the 'fun' stage.

April 8, 2012

First Easter

I hope everyone has a great Easter Sunday! We went down to the in-laws and had an early Easter yesterday. We had a nice bbq dinner and a little egg hunt for the children. It was so nice out, I am glad we did it then. It's trying to be nice today as well, so hopefully anyone out doing Easter festivities has a nice time. We helped Liam look for an egg and that's all he found. Once he got it, he just sat there and played with it haha. We also had dinner with bbq chicken and lots of goodies. I love family time!


April 5, 2012

Homemade Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

I felt like baking the other day, so I ended up making scones. I had never made them before, but they were so good! Even better the next day for breakfast! I will definitely be making these again soon!!

Blueberry Scones:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut in chunks
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing the scones
  • 1 egg

Lemon Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 lemon, zest finely grated

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Sift together the dry ingredients; the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Using 2 forks or a pastry blender, cut in the butter to coat the pieces with the flour. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Fold the blueberries into the batter. Take care not to mash or bruise the blueberries because their strong color will bleed into the dough. Make a well in the center and pour in the heavy cream. Fold everything together just to incorporate; do not overwork the dough.

Press the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Cut the rectangle in 1/2 then cut the pieces in 1/2 again, giving you 4 squares. Cut the squares in 1/2 on a diagonal to give you the classic triangle shape. Place the scones on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush the tops with a little heavy cream. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until beautiful and brown. Let the scones cool a bit before you apply the glaze.

You can make the lemon glaze in the microwave. Mix the lemon juice with the confectioners' until dissolved in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water for the double-boiler method, or in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in the butter and lemon zest. Either nuke the glaze for 30 seconds or continue whisking in the double boiler. Whisk the glaze to smooth out any lumps, then drizzle the glaze over the top of the scones. Let it set a minute before serving.

April 4, 2012

Wordless-ish Wednesdays

We had a 'family' day a few days ago and went down to the park with Liam.


April 2, 2012

Steals and Deals


Albertson's this week was a little more stressful than normal because a few deals weren't the same as others online (since your store may vary from others). Also, my first transaction was messed up because the lady scanned the wrong item (I was confused and it was super early so they only had the self check outs open). Anyway, everything turned out well in the end despite all that. I also did regular grocery shopping at Walmart and found some baby stuff, as well as Walgreens for some chips and almonds.

$135 worth, $32 spent (76% savings)
Propel - $4.89 (got 2)
On sale for 2/$7
= $3.50 each


Vitamin Water - $1.49 (got 15)
On sale for 10/$10, plus get 5 FREE when you buy 10
= $0.66 each (about)
 
Brawny - $1.99  (got 1)

$1/1 (doubled) = FREE
 
Alexia Fries - $4.69  (got 2)
On sale for $3.50
$1/1 (doubled) = $1.50*Plus $1 manufacture catalina (for buying 2) good on next transaction (that I doubled) 
 
Clorox Toilet Cleaner - $2.79 (got 2)
On sale for $2.00
$1/2 (doubled) = $1 each (or $2 for 2)
*Plus $1 manufacture catalina (for buying 2) good on next transaction (that I doubled)
 
Mr Clean Magic Eraser - $3.49 (got 1)
On sale for 2/$6

$1/1 (doubled) = $1 each
 
Mr Clean Spray - $3.99 (got 1)
On sale for 2/$6
$1/1 (doubled) = $1 each
*Plus $1 manufacture catalina (for buying 2 mr clean products) good on next transaction (that I doubled)
 
Jet Puff Marshmallows - $2.19 (got 4)
On sale for $1
$0.40/2 (doubled) = $0.60 each
*Plus (2) $1 manufacture catalina (each for buying 2) good on next transaction (that I doubled)

Campbells Cooking Soups - $1.49 (got 4)
On sale for 10/$10
In-ad coupon for $0.69 each
$1/4 (doubled)  = $0.50 each
 
Progresso Soup - $2.79 (got 4)
On sale for 10/$10
$1/4 (doubled)  = $0.50 each

Clorox Trial Size Wipes - $1.00 (got 2)
$2/2 = FREE
 
Baby Food - $0.89/$1.29  (got 8)
$1.29 was on sale for 9/$10 (about $1.11 each)
$0.50/$0.60 (doubled) = $0.64/$0.81 each
 
Nivea Chapstick - $2.99 (got 4) 
On sale for $1.99
$1/1 (doubled) = FREE
 
Baby Plates & Spoons (Walmart) - $3.xx/$4.xx (got 1 each)
Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon = 2 for $3.xx

Popcorn Indiana Chips - $3.99 (got 2)
On sale for $1.99/$1.29
$1/1 = $0.29/$0.99
 
Blue Diamond Almonds - $3.79 (got 6)
On sale for Buy 1 Get 1 Free
$1/1 = 2/$3.79 (about $1.89 each)

April 1, 2012

Hello April!

Can you believe it's a new month? This year is just flying by!! We had my husband's birthday yesterday. It was pretty good. I got him a North Face hoodie (that he definitely needed) and a shirt from REI that looked like one he once had and loved. We went down to the in-laws for a homemade spaghetti dinner and some dessert. It was quite good! Other than that,we have been home. We will also have our anniversary coming up this month! April 17th to be exact. We will be married for 3 years, I can't believe it! I am not sure if we are doing anything yet. It depends on if we can find a babysitter or not. We shall see though!

Nothing else exciting going on this month. Although Liam has his 9 month check up, two weeks late, but it works. I shall give stats then. We are just enjoying being home together a lot as a family. It is nice, i'll tell you. I just wanted to check in! Did anyone else do anything this weekend or do any of you have plans this month? Please share!! Stay tuned tomorrow for my post from today's couponing trip haha.