MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Apr 24, 2013 20:50:09 GMT -5
I got pretty much everything on my grocery list, not many rainchecks! that was good. I bought a bunch of bags of frozen spinach for .38/bag which is awesome bc DH loves spinach as a side and I love it in omelets, soup, etc. I'm headed back later this week to pick up more strawberries @ 1.49/lb. You were only allowed 2 lbs per purchase. We'll eat those up quick -- I cut them up and mixed them in with a pineapple for .99 from aldis -- and have another 2 for next week. They also have pork ribs for .99/lb that I got a raincheck for and I'll look for when I go back this weekend. DH LOVES ribs on the grill and this is a cheap treat for him. He's been working really hard on hitting the gym and eating well, so he deserves it. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/smiley.png) This weekend I'm going to make my own hummus -- any good recipies or ideas for what I should throw in there??
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Apr 28, 2013 17:13:51 GMT -5
we got a TON of stuff done this weekend, errands and chores alike. so happy with being productive! and we're finally able to leave the windows and door open all day. the fresh air is awesome. When we were out and about on our errands today we did stop and meet my sister for lunch, but it was healthy and one of our favorite places. we also rarely see her due to conflicting work schedules, so it was a nice treat. I made homemade hummus today for the first time, i'm pretty happy with the results! I added garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper. We will eat this as a snack on veggies -- family beach trip in July so we need to drop a few lbs! I bought 4 of my DH's deodorant today with coupons that were about to expire. They auto-deducted, so I got 4 deodorants for $4. Pretty happy with that. Otherwise tons of spring cleaning, yard work, and laundry got done this weekend, it feels great to have it off of our list. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/smiley.png)
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dogmom
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Post by dogmom on Apr 29, 2013 9:04:38 GMT -5
Today I called our local newspaper and changed the way they bill us. Savings for doing this: $136.80 for the year. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/smiley.png)
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on May 3, 2013 16:20:47 GMT -5
I finally did it! I wrote everything up for donation, took photos and stuck it all in the car to be dropped off tonight on the way home. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png) It's such a nice and freeing moment.
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on May 4, 2013 14:09:03 GMT -5
I took a huge bag of donations to sal-val today and stoped to buy potting soil. Miracle Gro was 5.99 with a $4 rebate, maximum you could do was 2 rebates. So I bought the two bags and will submit for $8 back, making my total $4 for all of my potting soil for this year!
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on May 4, 2013 16:24:53 GMT -5
MONICA: Is it a manufacter's rebate? Where did you find the rebate products?
I've been cherry picking most of my groceries for quite a while now. I got 5 lb bag of russet potatoes for .99 cents. A lb of broccoli was the same.
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dogmom
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Post by dogmom on May 5, 2013 6:36:23 GMT -5
I played the cut the cost on the cable bill yesterday. It's an annual thing. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/tongue.png) Also used a $15.00 off coupon for the oil change for my car.
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on May 5, 2013 20:30:52 GMT -5
It is a manufacturer's rebate -- it was advertised in the True Value/Steeles flyer and they gave me the form at the checkout counter. Maybe it's online too ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/huh.gif)
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on May 10, 2013 6:29:58 GMT -5
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on May 10, 2013 10:41:44 GMT -5
I'll check it out, Dutt. Thank you for sharing! Monthly grocery trip last night. Among the money saving winners: 50 cent cans of pork and beans (for camping and stock piling purposes) Chicken breast on sale for 2.49 / lb (that's an excellent price around here!) bone in pork roast 4.29 lb Crest - Free (coupon, ecoupon, sale) Pantene - Free (coupon, ecoupon, sale) Ester C - $2.50 a bottle (coupon, ecoupon, BOGO) Bananas 23 cents each Cucumber .67 Zuch .38 each ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/smiley.png)
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on May 16, 2013 12:09:07 GMT -5
Another mini grocery trip last night: Eggs $1/dozen sale Was charged $2.69 for frozen veggies that were marked 10/$10, and I caught it while still at the store. The Customer Service desk refunded my $ and let me keep the product. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png) Only saved 12% off my order. I usually average at least 20%. Hmmmm... Going to try the store brand tissue since they were $1/box compared to Puffs at $2.19. Will keep you posted. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png)
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on May 27, 2013 10:05:27 GMT -5
Yesterday we spent $60 on plants and cages and planted 6 tomato plants, 4 bell pepper plants, 4 hot pepper plants, and 2 zucchini plants. I wanted 2 cucumber plants too but they didn't look so hot, so I'll try again next weekend and see what we come up with. Although that was significant $ spent yesterday, I like having the container garden and I love having fresh produce to use instead of store bought.
We also spent time with our 18 month old niece. It was fun to see her running around our yard and playing with our dog.
We were invited to a BBQ yesterday with DH's family. We had lots of great food and played whiffle ball in the yard for awhile, then came inside and played guitar and sang. It was a great night.
Today I'm working half a day for a full day's credit. While I wasn't thrilled to get out of bed this morning, I'm even happier to save my PTO days for summer vacations. Because I work in a healthcare facility we don't have dedicated holidays off, we all rotate. Because I'm management, I usually work Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, etc. to save my PTO time. It's quiet because nothing is open, so I don't have constant phone calls or emails interrupting me and I get a lot done.
DH is leaving to chaperone a service trip to Jamaica on Thursday, so it will just be me and the dog for 10 days! We will miss him terribly but I'm starting a running list of chores and errands to do this weekend while he's not home.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on May 27, 2013 11:15:33 GMT -5
I went to the DAV thirft store this week and found a Williams and Sonoma white serving dish for 2.99. I also got a tablecloth, never used, for 4.99. Adding to that the large picture for my bedroom and I walked out a happy girl. I went to VS and got my free pair of undies and 10.00 off a bra. Then to BB and B to get my free travel lotion. I had a gc with 2.69 on it and got another free item for 2.63. She gave me the .06 cents back that was left on the card. At the commissary they were handing out free bags of dog food, so she gave me 2 - just because she wanted to. I also found 2 lb. blocks of Kraft cheese for 2.00 a lb. I don't see these in the regular stores, just the 6 - 8 oz. ones. My Greek yogurt was .91 too. I spent money on DD2 so I can send her a care package. The baby will be getting enough. I want to take care of my baby.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on May 27, 2013 11:15:33 GMT -5
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on May 30, 2013 10:21:19 GMT -5
Hi SSers, Well, I was going to tell you about my successful cherry picking trip last night, but, when reviewing my receipt just now, I noticed the cashier did NOT scan my three coupons. He was too busy figuring out how to process my BOGO Honey Bunches of Oats. The weekly ad had them listed as BOGO, but they didn't register that way. He ended up giving me the BOGO by processing a $2.50 store coupon. But, alas, I wasn't diligent in ensuring he processed the other coupons. Yes, I plan on going back to the store after work. That's $4 they owe me! ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/angry.png) I need to stop chatting so much while in the check out line.... ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/charmed.png)
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Jun 1, 2013 22:18:32 GMT -5
DH is out of the country on a service trip for the next 8 days. I'm very proud of the work that he's doing, but sad to be without him for so long. He's been gone two days already and I've taken the dog out on a long walk in the heat by myself both days. I'm hoping to keep this up everyday from here on out! It's easy to make excuses after working all day but now that the dog is home alone all day it's only fair. Plus the 12 lbs I've put on in the last few months need to go before our beach trip in July! I did no grocery shopping this week, just ate out of the fridge/freezer/pantry. Mixed up some delish homemade guacamole and salsa which have been so nice in this 90 degree heat. Today I did some house hunting with my aunt, which was really fun for me because I've never done it before! We bought a house that we were renting. We found the winner and it was a day of free entertainment. Tonight I switched out all of my winter clothes for my summer ones. Our weather has been so fickle the last few weeks but I think summer heat is here to stay. We are putting together a food and household items basket for a woman at work who is out on FMLA. She is the only working person in the household and was so worried about finances the last few months that she really worked herself into the ground and needed to go out on medical leave. Every little bit helps, so I know she'll be appreciative of the basket. I'm happy to pull from my stockpile and so thankful that I have one! Tomorrow I plan on heading out to do some stockpiling with a fistful of coupons ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/smiley.png)
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on Jun 3, 2013 12:11:56 GMT -5
Monica Lee - that basket is a really sweet and thoughtful thing to give to a co-worker.
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on Jun 3, 2013 12:16:18 GMT -5
I called the phone company and changed my service -- I had reg phone, internet and long distance bundled together and it was costing about $85.00 together. I now have basic phone service and internet and it is supposed to drop the bill by half! So about $40 a month in savings that I can use for food or bills depending. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png)
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Jun 3, 2013 12:36:03 GMT -5
MONICA: ![](http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/JiminiChristmas/smileys/hug.gif) My SIL just hung the sheers in the bedroom at the ceiling. I've had those 95 inch sheers for 7 years and now they are being used again. YEA! A local grocery had double coupons up to and including 2.00. I had 4 coupons. I remember 2 of the items; Fabreeze for .36 cents and cookies for the grands at 1.46.
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Jun 3, 2013 13:03:51 GMT -5
Hi gals! Monica, ![](http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/JiminiChristmas/smileys/hug.gif) from here, too! I mentioned on the prior page the fact the grocery store clerk didn't run my three coupons I gave him last Wednesday. Well, after work Friday, I stopped in, and the same floor manager who helped me with the BOGO cereal Wednesday was working the Customer Service Department. I reminded him of our conversation Wed., and because we were distracted with that, we didn't run the other coupons. He credited me $3.90! That means I got a free 16 oz sour cream, free bottle of Kraft dressing, and $1 off 2 pints Ben and Jerry's. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png) And, an interesting conversation took place at our house last Thursday. I threw together a quick homemade pasta sauce, using Hunts as recommended here, for DH's pasta because we had a meeting that evening. I told DH I used Hunts because Ragu has gotten so expensive, something like $1.70 or so, and it used to be $1.30. He made a noise. I retorted by saying that's how I roll now. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/laugh.png) Other savings: Used a container of dressing last night we received with our take out Friday, and a hamburger bun leftover from a volunteering Saturday. We've also been eating leftover hamburger patties and hot dogs from the volunteer event. For DH's lunch produce, I also reused the baggies a local take out place puts plastic utensils, a napkin, S & P, and little ketchup and mustard packets. And, we've received free eggs from one of DH's co-workers. 4 dozen so far! ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/thumbsup.png)
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Jun 3, 2013 19:49:12 GMT -5
thanks for all of the hugs, friends!
This is actually one of the things I can say without a doubt about the people I work with: when someone is in a jam, they step up to help without question. Every holiday we identify 1 person from each department who is struggling and make up a big holiday food basket with a gift card to go get a turkey, ham, whatever. Then we announce it over the intercom that the following employees have won the holiday basket raffle. This way no ones feelings or pride get hurt because we make it seem that every employee's name goes into the hat.
We do dress down Friday, but in order to wear jeans you have to pay $2 into the employee fund. Initially I was annoyed by that, but we have a huge Christmas party with great food and great raffle prizes and that's how it is funded. We also do bake sales and employee participation things throughout the year and any money earned goes into the fund. Every month we do a themed basket (this month is BBQ, next month is beach) and people can donate dollar store items to make a really cute basket that is raffled off to anyone who buys a ticket -- staff, residents, families, visitors, etc. and that money all goes into the fund.
We also use the fund to help people out in a crisis. One woman and her husband needed bus tickets for a family emergency and couldn't afford it -- we bought them and gave her $100 spending money. We paid to fix a hot water heater that was broken for months before she said anything. Things that people with no EF and are living paycheck to paycheck may run into from time to time.
Amongst all of the petty arguments and drama than can come with working in my building, the managers try to set the example that we all need to be a family. So far, they are slowly starting to come around. I hope. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/smiley.png)
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Jun 4, 2013 14:20:59 GMT -5
MonicaLee! I LOVE the office holiday basket idea for the struggling family. ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/heart.png)
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Jun 6, 2013 15:43:25 GMT -5
Recent stockpile shopping from my HBA storage cubicle in the master closet: Toothpaste: Free Bar of Caress: 70-ish cents...? IDK, bought in a 6 pack. I'll make note of the cost break down next time. Cotton swabs: I now buy the kroger brand, which are just as good as the Q-tip brand, IMHO. 500 for $2.17 Pantene shamp/cond: 67 cents each Secret deodorant: $1 bought on sale w/ a coupon To be able to shop like this means so much with an unpredictable income. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/smiley.png)
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Jun 6, 2013 21:05:01 GMT -5
patstab I don't know how you're doing that! That's crazy. DH was only leaving for 10 days and I cried like a baby. He'll be home Sunday but it can't come soon enough for me!
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Jun 7, 2013 8:15:13 GMT -5
I got 7 boxes of jello for .16 cents a box at Rite Aid yesterday. Edit: I also picked up a nice picture for the kitchen for 1.66 at a thrift shop. Senior discount! LOL ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png)
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Artemis Windsong
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The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Jun 11, 2013 19:00:28 GMT -5
I used a K-mart coupon for $5 off a pair of shoes. I found a multi-color pair of sneakers for $10. DH said they were a funny color. He's out of the fitness center loop where bright sneakers are in with the late teen, early 20s.
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Jun 16, 2013 14:49:56 GMT -5
Today is our 1 year wedding anniversary. Being the low-key, frugal people that we are, we took the dog on a 5 mile beautiful hike this morning and will go out to dinner to a very nice local restaurant with a gift card tonight. In the meantime, I went over the flyers for this week and DH is watching golf.
The gift card was a Christmas gift. I think last year we got over $200 in food gift cards, which shows you how rarely we go out to eat! Everyone had the same idea ... because we never spend money on it for ourselves. The funny part is, we still don't go out often with a gift card. We always try to save them for special occasions.
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mrsdutt
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Post by mrsdutt on Jun 16, 2013 15:06:02 GMT -5
Today is our 1 year wedding anniversary. Being the low-key, frugal people that we are, we took the dog on a 5 mile beautiful hike this morning and will go out to dinner to a very nice local restaurant with a gift card tonight. In the meantime, I went over the flyers for this week and DH is watching golf. The gift card was a Christmas gift. I think last year we got over $200 in food gift cards, which shows you how rarely we go out to eat! Everyone had the same idea ... because we never spend money on it for ourselves. The funny part is, we still don't go out often with a gift card. We always try to save them for special occasions. Happy anniversary! ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/present.gif)
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MonicaLee5186
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Jun 16, 2013 19:35:16 GMT -5
Thanks! Dinner was delicious, but a once-in-awhile thing!
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Jun 18, 2013 16:45:56 GMT -5
Hi there SSers! My monthly grocery/Wally World shopping trip successes: Toothpaste .67 Canned chicken $1.78 Honey Bunches of Oats strawberry $2.58 Del Monte veggies .75 Pork and beans .50 Duncan Hines cake mix $1.25 Canned olives $1 Farmland bacon (on sale, with my kroger Personal Price) $2.69 Sargento sliced cheese (which I rarely buy b/c of the price). Buy 2 get one free, plus I had a $1 off coupon = $2.32 each kroger cheese with my personal price $1.59 each BOGO Nature made vitamins Fresh produce Cuke .89 each Bell peppers 1.25 (I prefer them to be on sale for $1, but oh, well) Roma tomatoes $1.19/lb Avocados $1 each Bagged spinach, Manager's special $1.29 Quart of blueberries $3.88 Total kroger savings 27% ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/smiley.png) ETA: And we got a free bottle of BBQ sauce at the rib place last Friday using a coupon since I am on their mailing list. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/grin.png)
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