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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Mar 12, 2013 20:42:13 GMT -5
Yikes! I go out of town for a few days and there is no action on this board to come back to!
Got home from Vegas/Grand Canyon/Phoenix last night. Had a GREAT time but WOW is Vegas expensive! I thought we'd have options at least but most food there is pretty pricey for my taste. DH and I did the best we could, and luckily his job had given him a per diem rate for food. He made that stretch Sunday-Wednesday for him (all meals) and Thursday-Friday night for both of us. Between all of our meals and probably some of our cab fares we used up all of the money he was given. Going to Phoenix was much better price wise. All in all, it wasn't the cheapest trip that we've done but I'm SO glad that we did it. Going back to work today wasn't so easy ... oh well
I received a box of samples and coupons for P and G products in the mail. There's a .75 coupon for dental floss which will double and I'll get free. Nice sized samples too.
Glad you had a good time Monica. Life is just too short not to splurge sometimes.
When asked which is the most important law, Jesus responded in saying, " Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." Kindness, especially when you don't want to be kind, is the greatest prayer prayed. Unfortunately there are times I fall short of this.
I took a box of old books, DVD's etc. to Half Price Books and sold them for $19.00! It was nice to get the pile of multimedia out of my living room. Than, while I was at the store I found a great (I believe) present for someone and I was able to get it for 40% off the price! I walked out with almost $10 to put towards my bills.
Post by MonicaLee5186 on Mar 16, 2013 18:04:54 GMT -5
Today I ran some errands -- dropped more stuff off at the animal shelter, used some high value coupons at BJs, and hit up Target. They are all in the same area so bundling them was helpful. At Target I picked up 3 bottles of shaving cream for free with manufacturers coupons and 3 boxes of dryer sheets for $1 with target and manufacturers coupons. People posted about these deals on the WIR boards and I happened to be going there, so it al worked out well.
Tonight we are meeting my sister and her boyfriend for a cheap meal and then seeing a movie. DH's family owns the theatre, so no cost involved there for us
Quit when you’ll be mediocre, when the returns aren’t worth the investment, when you no longer think you’ll enjoy the ends. Stick when the dip is the obstacle that creates scarcity, when you’re simply bridging the gap between beginner’s luck and mastery.The Dip, Seth Godin
In all circumstances "Be strong and courageous" (Josh.1:9)
Every day stand guard at the door of your mind, and you alone will decide on what thoughts and beliefs you let into your life. Tony Robbins
Post by Iggy aka IG on Mar 18, 2013 13:08:14 GMT -5
Okay! Did my monthly grocery shopping over the weekend. Best finds:
Pistachios (my splurge ) on sale w/ coupon: $2.50 was $4.99 Kellogg's cereal for DH on sale w/ coupon: $2.67 was $3.89 4 pack pre made Jello on sale w/ ecoupon: $1.59 was $2.49 2 packages of 1 LB ground turkey (much to DH's chagrin, LOL!) Manager's Sale section: $1.89 each Corned beef on sale: $4.69 was $9.14 Hillshire sausage on sale, ecoupon: $1.50 was $3.19 Marzetti dressing on sale, coupon: $1.50 was $3.99 6 bottles Pantene shampoo/conditioner on sale w/ BOGO coupons and a $3 off for 3 (yay stockpiling!): $6.87 was $23.94
And, dang it! I just noticed we were charged for two Jimmy Dean sausage rolls, and I only got one. I need to stop socializing so much during check out.
BUT, I now have 4 more 10% off at the liquor store coupons.
The impulse was GREAT to rent or buy a carpet steamer with the upholstery attachment to clean our living room after Sierra was skunked on Monday. Instead, DH and I researched. I picked up DRY carpet and upholstery cleaner (water or moisture makes the skunk smell stronger) and used Arm and Hammer Dry cleaner on our couch, loveseat and rug. I did this when Sierra went for a really good spa day, and, besides using a whole lot of vinegar for many surfaces in the kitchen, we also used it on linens, slipcovers, curtains, clothing, floors, cabinets No bad smell now.
The dry cleaning item was purchased on clearance for $6.88. Vinegar, 3 gal at $1.98 each. The elbow grease was free (ouch) and Sierra's spa day was $50.00. It's all good.
4 pack pre made Jello on sale w/ ecoupon: $1.59 was $2.49
Just an observation, wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to buy some small plastic containers & make your own jello? You could also add fruit if desired. Our jello is only $1 per box and I think it would make more than a 4 pk.
4 pack pre made Jello on sale w/ ecoupon: $1.59 was $2.49
Just an observation, wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to buy some small plastic containers & make your own jello? You could also add fruit if desired. Our jello is only $1 per box and I think it would make more than a 4 pk.
Yup. And I usually do. Sometimes when I make it, however, there are the undissolved chunks in it, it gets the film on top, etc. I mean, how much is my time and pallet vs cost worth? And, actually, our Jello is $1.49 a box. I am low carbing it so it's one of my "allowable" treats.
Just an observation, wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to buy some small plastic containers & make your own jello? You could also add fruit if desired. Our jello is only $1 per box and I think it would make more than a 4 pk.
Yup. And I usually do. Sometimes when I make it, however, there are the undissolved chunks in it, it gets the film on top, etc. I mean, how much is my time and pallet vs cost worth? And, actually, our Jello is $1.49 a box. I am low carbing it so it's one of my "allowable" treats.
To prevent all this mess I mix the jello in one bowl with a wooden spoon (Jello does not do well with a metal spoon), then pour the jello in it's final resting place. (a clean bowl)
When asked which is the most important law, Jesus responded in saying, " Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." Kindness, especially when you don't want to be kind, is the greatest prayer prayed. Unfortunately there are times I fall short of this.
Post by Iggy aka IG on Mar 29, 2013 11:36:17 GMT -5
Went cherry picking the store last night for a total savings of 45% off my order!
Among the winners:
Cottonelle TP 12 pack on mega event sale w/ doubled coupon: $4.49 was $7.49 Birdseye Steamers on sale w/ .50 coupon doubled up to $1: 50 cents each, they were $2.49 each Broth 50 cents a can Kraft mayo on sale w/ a $2 off chicken coupon if you buy two: Mayo $2.69 each (was $4.99), whole chicken $3.31 Jimmy Dean sausage roll with Kroger/City Market's Your Personal Price (check their website for more info) with coupon: .74 each
Next up: Using a clothing and iTunes gift cards from my birthday.
Post by Happy prose on Mar 29, 2013 17:42:39 GMT -5
My supermarket has the deal on holidays where you spend $400 over a couple of months, get a free turkey, ham, or frozen boxed lasagna. I don't really care for any of it. During Thanksgiving, they advertised you could get a $15 store gift card instead, but did not offer that for this Easter. This morning I went to the courtesy desk and asked, and I got it! I love my supermarket.
Post by MonicaLee5186 on Mar 31, 2013 19:26:40 GMT -5
My mom sent me home with some delish leftovers from Easter dinner so that will be dinner tomorrow night!
I made a big pot of soup tonight to take for lunches this week. It was just a bunch of odds and ends in the fridge and pantry -- half a head of cabbage from St. Paddy's Day for .07/lb, can of tomatos, some onion and garlic, beans, spinach ... that will feed both of us lunch all week so I'm thrilled to have used everthing up and to not have to think about lunch again for several days
Post by MonicaLee5186 on Apr 8, 2013 18:09:53 GMT -5
We made chicken quesadillas tonight with things we had on hand: chicken breast from the freezer, peppers, onions, broccoli, cheese, and whole wheat tortillas. healthy, frugal, and delicious!
I've been saving money because I brought my stockpile with me from NY. I have not bought any 1. toothpaste in a year 2. or aspirin 3. toothbrushes 4. dental floss (except free) 5. I just bought shampoo 6. Soap and body wash
I'm not getting any items, unless they're free, until I am close to using up the stockpile.
No grocery shopping for 2 weeks so I can use what's here.
When asked which is the most important law, Jesus responded in saying, " Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." Kindness, especially when you don't want to be kind, is the greatest prayer prayed. Unfortunately there are times I fall short of this.
Post by MonicaLee5186 on Apr 9, 2013 19:06:22 GMT -5
Dutt -- that's something that I'm working on. I have plenty of shampoo/conditioner/bodywash/toothpaste on hand but there are plenty of times that I see something on sale and I have a coupon. It's hard to pass up a sale, so I'm trying to not purchase anything for more than .50 or $1 depending on the size. Toothpaste now I won't get it unless it's free. For so long my attitude was "it won't go bad, why not??" But now I'm realizing that spending the money OOP when I have a closet full of bodywash is silly.
In our many talks about starting a family my stockpile is a great resource. I know that I'll coupon pretty hard once we get pregnant and just live off the stockpile for awhile afterwards. It's just become a way of life for us now.
Post by Iggy aka IG on Apr 13, 2013 13:40:38 GMT -5
Happy weekend, gals!
Yesterday: Saved 20% off my grocery order including $2 boxes of cereal for DH, a 45 cent broccoli crown, $1 Dole pineapple, and Roma tomatoes for 20 cents each. I also saved 50% utilizing an online shopper's discount for new bras and used my birthday gift card.
Today I: Ate bacon which was bought on sale w/ a coupon Retrieved a bar of soap and razor from my stock pile. Went to the library and perused 3 magazines I refuse to pay the subscription price for. Next I'm going to cut old t-shirts into rag friendly sized pieces.
Post by Artemis Windsong on Apr 14, 2013 14:13:55 GMT -5
Snowing an inch an hour so I stay on-plan to save 10 cents a gallon on gasoline and use a coupon for a reduced car wash. I only got slightly stuck in the station entry way because I could not see the curbs. Onward trudging through the snow to get the free item at the grocery store but I had to buy milk at full grocery store price .
I then slipped on the parking lot on the way to my car where only my esteem was injured. The only thing in the church parking lot was the snow remover so that was cancelled.
Quit when you’ll be mediocre, when the returns aren’t worth the investment, when you no longer think you’ll enjoy the ends. Stick when the dip is the obstacle that creates scarcity, when you’re simply bridging the gap between beginner’s luck and mastery.The Dip, Seth Godin
In all circumstances "Be strong and courageous" (Josh.1:9)
Every day stand guard at the door of your mind, and you alone will decide on what thoughts and beliefs you let into your life. Tony Robbins
This falls under the improve my life catagory. I was watching the Barefoot Contesa while she was making white chocolate bark. I used milk chocolate, but had the other ingredients. Yum yum. I doled most of it out to my DDs and am enjoying the rest.
When asked which is the most important law, Jesus responded in saying, " Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." Kindness, especially when you don't want to be kind, is the greatest prayer prayed. Unfortunately there are times I fall short of this.
Post by Iggy aka IG on Apr 17, 2013 16:22:28 GMT -5
Dutt, I'll be right over!
Something I've been meaning to share to those of you who use eye drops: If the bottle seems empty, it may not be. Starting last week, when it seemed to be empty, I turned the bottle of allergy drops upside down, propped up against the side of the sink. I got at least 10 more drops out of it. And, something else I read months ago: Only one drop per eye is sufficient - the lid ends up squeezing out the excess anyway.
Something I've been meaning to share to those of you who use eye drops: If the bottle seems empty, it may not be. Starting last week, when it seemed to be empty, I turned the bottle of allergy drops upside down, propped up against the side of the sink. I got at least 10 more drops out of it. And, something else I read months ago: Only one drop per eye is sufficient - the lid ends up squeezing out the excess anyway.
This sounds kind of like the toothpaste myth. You need a lot, just like on TV! [img]http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png[/img]
When asked which is the most important law, Jesus responded in saying, " Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." Kindness, especially when you don't want to be kind, is the greatest prayer prayed. Unfortunately there are times I fall short of this.
Something I've been meaning to share to those of you who use eye drops: If the bottle seems empty, it may not be. Starting last week, when it seemed to be empty, I turned the bottle of allergy drops upside down, propped up against the side of the sink. I got at least 10 more drops out of it. And, something else I read months ago: Only one drop per eye is sufficient - the lid ends up squeezing out the excess anyway.
This sounds kind of like the toothpaste myth. You need a lot, just like on TV!
Yup! Some people may judge us for it, but hey! I dislike spending money on HBAs so....
Post by MonicaLee5186 on Apr 22, 2013 19:25:54 GMT -5
I had a store coupon that made ground beef $2.79/lb. That is the absolute cheapest I have found ground beef in forever -- even at BJs it is over $3/lb ! So I bought a big pack and mixed up two meatloafs. I cooked the rest and split it into 4 different baggies for quick meals. Isn't it sad that I used to be able to find ground beef for .99/lb on sale and now it NEVER goes on sale!
This week I have a huge grocery list for my two local stores. It will be a big stock up week for me, which hasn't happened in months! I'm pretty excited about it ... which is silly, I know, but I haven't had a good haul in so long. I'm really hoping the stores keep a good stock, otherwise I'll be rainchecking like crazy.
Post by MonicaLee5186 on Apr 22, 2013 19:27:36 GMT -5
Also -- I needed my brakes replaced. The dealership quoted me $400. I bought the parts for $150 and paid my cousin $50 to put them in. He's incredibly meticulous about things like this and has an insane amount of knowledge in that brain! I got the job done for half price and a broke college kid made extra money. win-win!
Also -- I needed my brakes replaced. The dealership quoted me $400. I bought the parts for $150 and paid my cousin $50 to put them in. He's incredibly meticulous about things like this and has an insane amount of knowledge in that brain! I got the job done for half price and a broke college kid made extra money. win-win!
Isn't it amazing how much of a mark up you have to pay for auto repair? I was quoted over $600 to get my brakes done...I spent $80 on the parts from the dealer and paid a friend $40 to replace my brakes which took about a half hour tops.
Through yesterday, Albertson's had boxed Velveeta chicken casserole kits on sale with a buy 5/get each for 99 cents offer. Walked by the display and noticed that many of the boxes had a "$1 off one box" instant coupon affixed to it. Picked up five (different varieties) of the ones with coupons, with the contented knowledge that free is indeed good.