Welcome to our Go Green Challenge: 4 Weeks to an Earth-Friendly Home! Find more posts from this series here.
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We have hit the one-week “using cloth wipes instead of toilet paper” mark and we haven’t died. Nor have I given up shaving my armpits. So win-win.

Many of you, after throwing up a bit in your mouth, wondered why people go the reusable toilet paper/cloth wipes/family cloth route. Here’s a big list of reasons why one might ditch the tp. To be clear, we switched to reusable wipes as an experiment. Some of the reasons listed below are personally compelling to me, some are not.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Most modern toilet paper in the developed world is designed to decompose in septic tanks, so there’s no information I could find indicating it messes with our sewage. I’m assuming there’s little to no environmental concern with tp once it is flushed, but I could be totally wrong and the stuff could be causing fish death or the increasing growth of female facial hair.

The environmental issue comes from the manufacturing and delivery of the toilet paper. The average American uses 50 pounds of tissue paper per year which is 50% more than the average of Western countries or Japan. We use more toilet paper because much of the world use bidets or spray hoses to clean off the poop and we wipe it.

Toilet paper requires trees and Americans like their soft, fluffy toilet paper. From a NY Times article:

Fluffiness comes at a price: millions of trees harvested in North America and in Latin American countries, including some percentage of trees from rare old-growth forests in Canada. Although toilet tissue can be made at similar cost from recycled material, it is the fiber taken from standing trees that help give it that plush feel, and most large manufacturers rely on them.

Customers “demand soft and comfortable,” said James Malone, a spokesman for Georgia Pacific, the maker of Quilted Northern. “Recycled fiber cannot do it.”

Our wonderfully soft, white toilet paper requires using standing trees, and oftentimes it’s old-growth forests.

Recycled toilet paper is certainly a better environmental choice, given that it doesn’t require cutting down trees, but there is still the manufacturing that uses natural resources and I think it’s naive to discount the amount of energy, water, chemicals, and fuel it takes to make the toilet paper.

Using reusable wipes means:

• You’re not using trees to make the toilet paper.
• You’re not using the chemicals and resources required to manufacture the toilet paper.
• You don’t need the packaging to keep the rolls together (plastic shell and the paper covering individual rolls in some cases).
• You don’t need the fuel to transport the resources to the toilet paper making plant and the product from the plant to the store.

PERSONAL

Every single person out there reporting on their experience with reusable wipes rave about how it feels. After the first few uses, everyone sees the wipes as an actual upgrade from toilet paper, even the fluffy three-ply stuff.

• Wipes are soft.
• They clean your parts better (and don’t leave bits of paper behind), partly because you’re using a wet cloth for #2.
• No chance of “finger break-through” that puts you in contact with feces (urine is sterile, so you’re good with that type of contact).
• They help prevent hemorrhoid irritation (you know that wiping paper on those things makes it worse, right?).
• Toilet paper creation requires chemicals. Wipes means no bleach, BPA, BPS, or other processing chemicals coming in contact with your body.

FINANCIAL

Many, many, many of you commented that washing the wipes would negate any savings over buying toilet paper. Wrong. It’s actually much cheaper to buy and wash reusable wipes.

Cost of using toilet paper:

Americans use an average of 20,000 sheets of toilet paper a year. Here’s the math for my family of 6 (I’m not counting Baby Lucy), using the average sheets per person:

20,000 sheets x 6 people = 120,000 sheets used by our family per year

120,000 sheets / 264 sheets (the # of sheets in an Angel Soft double roll — the Amazon deal we often promote) = 454 rolls

454 rolls x $.50 (the most I’d pay for a double roll) = $227 per year

I don’t like paying $.50 per double roll — I shoot for $.30, so that would be $136.20 per year spent on toilet paper for our family.

Cost of using reusable wipes:

SUPPLIES

$21 for 7 yards of cotton flannel fabric at JoAnn’s to make the wipes

$2 for 2 plastic garbage bins

$4 for 2 sweater-sized laundry mesh bags to line the garbage bins so I don’t have to touch my husband’s wipes

WASHING

Our entire wipes supply fill up about one-fifth of our front-loading washing machine. I end up needing to wash them about three times a week and they do get washed with other clothing in hot water. I used the calculator here to determine it costs about $.50 per load using our equipment (washed with hot water and dried on hot, including detergent costs).

0.6 loads per week x $.50 per load = $.30 per week to wash the wipes

$.30 per week x 52 weeks = $15.60 per year

YEARLY COST COMPARISON:

Toilet paper = $136.20

Reusable wipes = $42.60

Obviously, the price of wipes in the second year will plummet because you’re not factoring in the cost making them. Also, you could just cut up an old towel, shirt, whatever to make the wipes for free.

In the next (and last) wipes post I will explain my washing regimen and answer any of your questions, so please leave them in the comments section!

Amazon has the Tie-Not Water Balloon Filling Set for $6.91 right now. If you have a water balloon party coming up or just kids who love them this might be key to your sanity of not having to tie them off. The reviews are great too!

• Tie-Not makes filling and tying balloons fast and easy
• Excellent product for kids
• 2 steps to big splash
• Made from recycled materials

Shipping is FREE with an Amazon Prime account, an Amazon Mom account, an Amazon Student account or when you spend $25 on eligible items.

Find more Amazon deals here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted.  The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

Starbucks is running a great Memorial Day weekend special — get a FREE Starbucks Grande Frappuccino with the purchase of 16 oz Frappuccino Cold To-Go Cup ($12.95). This offer is valid from 5/24 – 5/30.

Thanks, Deal Seeking Mom!

I shared last week about the spiral slicer in my Thai cooking class but I’ve found another one for cheaper. Amazon has the Joyce Chen Saladacco Spiral Slicer for $16.10 right now. This would be a great grad or dad gift if they enjoy cooking.

• Spiral food slicer; great for garnishes or Asian salads
• Quickly creates spiral strands, ribbons, or slices
• Durable plastic construction; 2 slicing variations
• Clear plastic catch tray; simple clean-up; handle keeps hands away from cutting surface
• Dishwasher-safe; 9-1/2 inches tall; comes gift-boxed

Shipping is FREE with an Amazon Prime account, an Amazon Mom account, an Amazon Student account or when you spend $25 on eligible items.

Find more Amazon deals here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted.  The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

Here’s a great deal at Target that I spotted but didn’t realize there was a coupon.

Mott’s for Tots Juice on sale $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon
$.99 after coupon

Find more Target deals here.

Thanks, All Things Target!

Here are the best deals at Safeway this week. The Safeway ad runs Wednesday-Tuesday in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure you check the current list of Catalina promotions before you plan your deals.

Red Seedless Watermelon on sale $3.99

Lucerne Eggs (dozen) on sale $.99 with weekly ad coupon (limit 2)

Lucerne Cream Cheese (8 oz brick) on sale $.99 with weekly ad coupon (limit 4)

Nabisco Snack Crackers on sale $1.88
Buy 2
Use $.75/2 coupon from 5/19 SS insert (DND)
$1.51 each after coupon

Capri Sun (10 pack) on sale $1.79 with weekly ad coupon
Buy 1, Get $1 Ibotta offer
Pay $1.79, Get $1 from Ibotta
$.79 after coupon & Ibotta offer

Digiorno Original Pizza (27-34 oz) on sale $5
Use $2/1 coupon, $1/1 coupon, or $1/1 coupon from 5/12 RP insert
$3 after coupon (if included)

C&H Sugar (4 lb) on sale $2.49
Buy 2
Buy 1, Get $.50 Ibotta offer
Use $.75/2 coupon from 3/17 RP insert
Use Safeway double (-$.50)
Pay $3.73, Get $.50 from Ibotta
$1.62 after coupon, double, & Ibotta offer

Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce (18 oz) on sale $.99
Buy 4
Use $1/4 coupon from 5/19 SS insert
Use Safeway double (-$.50)
$.62 each after coupon & double

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts (8 ct) on sale $1.49 with weekly ad coupon
Buy 3
Use $1/3 coupon
$1.13 each after coupon & double

Reynolds Wrap (75 sq ft) on sale $2.99 with weekly ad coupon
Use $.75/1 coupon from 3/17 or 5/19 SS inserts
Use Safeway double (-$.50)
$1.74 after coupon & double

$5 Friday

Lucerne Milk (64 oz) on sale $1.25

Smores Package on sale $5
(1 Nabisco Honey Maid Graham Crackers, 1 Kraft Marshmallows, 1 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (6 pack))
Use $1/3 coupon from 5/12 SS insert
Use Safeway double (-$.50)
$1.16 each after coupon & double

Bar S Franks (16 oz) on sale $1
Use $.75/1 coupon
$.25 after coupon

Kellogg’s Raisin Bran on sale $1.67
Buy 2
Use $1/2 coupon
$1.17 each after coupon

Banana Boat Sport Sun Care (6-8 oz) on sale $5
Buy 2
Use $3/2 coupon from 5/19 SS insert
Use Safeway double (-$.50)
$3.25 after coupon & double

Just4U Coupons (These should be available to load Wednesday, read about Just4U coupon stacking)
*Some of these may not be store coupons, We can’t know until they are available to load

Nabisco Chips Ahoy (9.5-14 oz) on sale $3
Buy 2
Use $.75/2 coupon from 5/19 SS insert (DND)
Use $1/1 Just4U coupon (limit 1)
$2.13 each after coupon

Frosted Mini Wheats (14-18 oz) on sale $2.49
Buy 2
Use $1/2 coupon
Use $.50/1 Just4U coupon (limit 1)
$1.75 each after coupon

4-Day Sale (Friday-Monday)

White or Yellow Corn on sale $.25

Best Foods Mayonnaise (22-30 oz) on sale $2.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/19 RP insert or $1/1 coupon
Use Safeway double (-$.50)
$1.49 each after coupon & double

Most of these deals use a Safeway double coupon, which is available at Oregon & SW Washington (Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania & Klickitat Counties) Safeways only. You can double up to 4 manufacturer’s coupons per transaction, up to $.50 each. You may not double a coupon marked with “Do Not Double” or an internet printable coupon. The double coupon is found in the weekly ad at the bottom of the middle page and look’s like this:

Questions about Safeway’s Just4U Personalized Deals program? Go here for our Just4U Program Guide. New to couponing? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Couponing.

For a limited time, you can download Juice Love: Guide to Detox, Lose Weight and Feel Great with Juicing – Plus Recipes!
for FREE ($8.99 value)! This eBook is designed for your Kindle or the Kindle Fire, but you can also download it to your tablet, computer or smart phone. Find more free and popular ebooks on Amazon here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted. If the price reads “$0.00 — borrow for free from your Kindle” when you click over the deal is no longer available. The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

Looking to purchase an eReader?

Check out Amazon’s wildly popular Kindles — there’s one for every price range!

Here’s what I picked up at Target this week. Not terribly exciting unless you are into workout gear and looking for a way to avoid paying and arm and a leg to be cute at the gym.

First, the Clorox 2 stain remover was free. Pay attention to those catalina coupons you receive at checkout. They usually come with a long expiration date and if you’re lucky, a high value. I happened to get a $2/1 coupon and I thought about using it last week when the stain remover was priced $2.59. I’m glad I waited. It was $1.99 this week.

Target Up & Up Nasal strips. I am a faithful user and the generic work just fine. I’m sure they are $.10 cheaper at Walmart but with gas prices as high as they are I’m not driving all over for a $.10 discount.

The workout tank. I am so stinkin’ excited about this and I completely blew my budget buying it. But you know the rule about Target, right? If you see a cute item one week it WILL NOT be there the next week. And as you can see the rack was running thin. For those who don’t practice yoga or workout this will not be as exciting but I’ve been longing after this $64 No Limits Lululemon tank. Unless a check showed up in the mail for $70 there was no way my clothing budget could support that expense. The tank above was only $22 and just as adorable. I caved. I will be taking money out of next month’s clothing budget to make up for this fantastic purchase.

What have you picked up at Target this week?

Find more Target deals here.

Some days a girl just needs to take a break from her weekly shopping trips to Rite Aid. Some days, after looking at the ad 150 times, reading through Melody’s post sixty times and even finding the Top 10 Deals for the week, a girl still can’t find something she needs in order to spend her $4 +UP Rewards from last week.

It is a good thing those +UP Rewards have a two week window before they expire or we’d really be up a creek without a paddle. There has got to be something decent in next week’s ad or those +UP Rewards will be spent on something useful like milk.

Did you find something to spend your +UP Rewards on this week? Was it me or was it a really slow week? Share your awesome, unadvertised finds in the comments to inspire us before the week runs out!

Remember, you can typically print two coupons per computer. Find more printable coupons here.

Looking for a specific coupon? Search the Frugal Living NW Coupon Database!

Zulily has a Costco membership for new or existing members for $55. This is the regular price of a membership (or at least it was the last time I renewed) but with this deal you get a few perks. You will receive $50 in coupons, FREE Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken, FREE Kirkland Signature batteries (48 pk), and FREE Kirkland Signature Water (24 pk).

Here’s a great deal at Fred Meyer that I forgot to post on Saturday, and it’s a good one.

Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce on sale $.89 with weekly ad coupon – limit 4
Buy 4
Use $1/4 coupon from 5/19 SS insert
$.64 each after coupon when you buy 4

Find more Fred Meyer deals here.

Here are this week’s top 10 deals at Rite Aid and Target.

RITE AID

Bayer Contour Next EZ Meter on sale $9.99
Buy 1, Get $5 +UP Reward – limit 1
Use $10/1 coupon from 1/6 SS insert
Pay $0, Get $5 +UP
FREE + $5 overage after coupon and reward

Crystal Rock Body Spray Deodorant on sale $2.99
Buy 1, Get $1 +UP Reward – limit 2
Use $2/1 coupon
Pay $.99, Get $1 +UP
FREE after coupon and reward

Bic FlameDisk Alternative or Multi-Purpose Lighter on sale $2.99
Use $2/1 FlameDisk coupon
Use $1/1 Rite Aid Video Values store coupon
As low as FREE after coupons

Sundown Vitamins on sale BOGO
Buy 1 Sundown Calcium plus Vitamin D3 (600 mg), Get $5 +UP Reward – limit 2 (through 6/1)
Buy 2 Sundown Calcium $11.69/$0
Use $1/1 coupon or from 5/5 RP insert
Pay $10.69, Get $10 in +UPs
$.34 each after coupon and rewards

Find more Rite Aid deals here.

TARGET

Corn on the Cob on sale $.25
Buy 4
Use $1 off Fresh Vegetable Purchase Target Mobile Coupon (text PICNIC or SPRING (exp. 5/22) to 827438)
FREE after coupon when you buy 4

Aveeno Gift Card Promotion
Buy 3 Aveeno products, get $5 Target gift card
Buy 3 Aveeno Hand Lotion on sale $2.99
Use (3) $1/1 coupon from 4/7 RP insert
Pay $5.97, get $5 gift card
$.33 each after coupon when you buy 3

Van’s Waffles on sale $2.50
Use $2/1 coupon
$.50 after coupon

Kellogg’s Gift Card Promotion
Buy 5 Kellogg’s cereals, get $5 Target gift card
Buy 3 Frosted Mini-Wheats Crunch
Buy 2 Raisin Bran
Subtotal $13.75
Use $1/2 Frosted Mini-Wheats coupon
Use $.50/1 coupon
Use $1.35/2 coupon (limit 1)
Pay $10.90, get $5 gift card
$1.18 each after coupon & gift card

Kashi Berry Fruitfuls Cereal on sale $2.28
Buy 2
Use $2/2 coupon
$1.28 after coupon when you buy 2
*Fantastic price for Kashi

Starbucks Via (6-8 ct) on sale $6.89
Buy 4, get $10 Starbucks gift card
Buy 4
Use (2) $3/2 coupon from 5/12 SS insert
Pay $21.56, get $10 gift card
$2.89 each after coupons & gift card when you buy 4

Find more Target deals here.

If this is your first visit at Frugal Living NW, welcome! Our goal is to help you save money so you can reach your family’s financial goals. We focus on deals in and around the Pacific Northwest, with a special focus on Oregon and Southwest Washington. To stay up to date on the deals, subscribe to the daily email (it’s FREE!) and “like” Frugal Living NW on Facebook.
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Looking for ways to enjoy Portland without breaking the bank? The following is a list of fun and frugal activities, events, and attractions to get your imagination started! This list can be enjoyed by vacationers, newly transplanted Portlanders, and those who have lived in Portlandia for decades. Each listing includes a general pricing guide:

• FREE — won’t cost you penny!
• $ — Under $5 per person
• $$ — Under $10 per person
• $$$ — Over $10 per person

PLAY

• Portland Parks & Rec Swimming Pools (Portland, $): Enjoy a dip in a public indoor or outdoor pool! Be sure to also check out the summer movie events — enjoy a family movie from your floatie!

• OMSI (SE Portland, $$): Special dedicated area for preschool kids plus exhibits that will interest the entire family! $2 admission on the first Sunday of every month.

• Portland Children’s Museum (SW Portland, $$): Check out Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice, the new summer exhibit, along with all other types of educational fun for little ones. Get FREE passes through your public library and on the first Friday evening of the month.

• Jamison Square (Downtown Portland, FREE): Cool off at the huge outdoor fountains.

• Yoshida’s Sand in the City (Downtown Portland, FREE): July 19-21, 2013 — Watch teams of sand artists create gigantic sand sculptures to benefit Kids on the Block. Pioneer Courthouse Square.

• Washington Park (SW Portland, FREE-$$): Includes Portland’s Children’s Museum, The Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, World Forestry Center, International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and one killer playground. Easily accessible by the MAX train.

• Kennedy School Soaking Pool (NE Portland, $): Enjoy a refreshing soak in the non-chlorinated saltwater pool. A local favorite.

• Portland Timbers (Downtown Portland, $$$): Catch one of Portland’s two professional sports teams. Not a soccer fan? Don’t worry. Watching the Timbers Army is worth the price of admission so try to grab a seat at the north end of the park. You can also pick up cheap seats to watch the Timbers Reserve team play for just $10.

• Oaks Park Amusement Park Preschool Rides (SE Portland, $$): Kids ages six and under get the run of Oaks Park every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from 9:30-11:30 throughout the summer. Admission includes unlimited preschool rides, milk and cookies plus storytime with an Oregon Dairy Princess.

• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (Vancouver, WA, $, FREE for kids): Explore the lands and structures at the center of fur trade and military history in the Pacific Northwest. Great fun for kids.

CHILL

• Powell’s City of Books (Downtown Portland, FREE): Peruse the largest used and new bookstore in the world.

• Portland Saturday Market (Downtown Portland, FREE): Open every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas.

• Portland Rose Festival (Portland, FREE – $$$): Memorial Day weekend – mid-June — Celebrate all things Portland during this three-week city-wide festival. Includes two parades, a 5K run, amusement rides, and so much more! Get an unlimited ride wristband plus two games at the Rose Festival CityPark for $25 (Tom McCall Waterfront Park).

• Portland Festival Symphony (Portland, FREE): Summer — Experience the music at seven events at area parks.

• Movies in the Park (Portland, FREE): End of June – early September — Catch a summer flick at Portland area parks. Movies start at dusk; pre-movie entertainment begins at 6:30 pm.

• Concerts in the Park (Portland, FREE): July – August — Enjoy a free concert at Portland area parks. Starts at 6:00 or 6:30 pm.

• Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express (Portland Metro, $): Family friendly movies for $1 per person at participating Regal Cinemas on Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings. Also check out Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse for more options.

• Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series (Downtown Portland, FREE): July – August — Enjoy music from local bands every Tuesday and Thursday from Noon – 1 pm at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

• Flicks on the Bricks (Downtown Portland, FREE): End of July – August — Free movies each Friday at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

• Portland Actors Ensemble (Portland Metro area parks, FREE): Experience The Merchant of Venice in area parks (June-July) and The Tale of Cymbeline (August – September).

EAT

• Portland’s Food Carts (Portland, $$): Explore an incredible array of cheap and unique eats with carts located around Portland. You can even take a guided tour!

• Portland’s Farmers Markets (Portland Metro, FREE): Hit a market every day and enjoy local food and wares.

• McMennamins (Portland Metro, $$$): Unique pubs, restaurants, breweries, winery and hotels. The food is good, but go to experience the renovated historical locations. Well, and the food.

• Burgerville (Portland Metro, $-$$): The very best in fast-food. High quality ingredients, great prices, and crazy about local sustainability. Conveniently located throughout the Portland Metro area.

BIKE

• Marine Drive Trail (N Portland, FREE): Easy, 12+ miles of paved trail along the Columbia River.

• Powell Butte Nature Park (SE Portland, FREE): Mountain bike and hiking trails in the middle of suburbia.

• The Springwater Corridor (East Portland, FREE): A scenic, widely paved trail, encompassing wetlands, buttes, agricultural fields and pastures, residential and industrial neighborhoods. Bike and pedestrian friendly.

• Eastbank Esplanade (SE Portland, FREE): 1.5 mile trail that travels the Willamette River to Waterfront Park or wind your way back to The Springwater Corridor.

• Providence Bridge Pedal (Downtown Portland, $$$ for adults, kids are FREE ): Sunday, August 11, 2013 — The only way to truly enjoy the Willamette River bridges – including the top decks of the Fremont and Marquam bridges. Bike and walk options available.

EXPLORE

• 4T Trail (Portland, $$): Explore the city with this four-mile hiking trail and the combined rides on the OHSU tram, Portland trolley, and MAX train. Takes about 4 hours to complete.

• Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (SE Portland, $): Enjoy over 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and companion plants.

• Forest Park (Portland, FREE): Eighty+ miles of jogging, hiking, and biking trails with 19 trailheads for easy access (maps are available at REI, New Seasons, Powell’s and other PDX locations).

• Japanese Gardens (SW Portland, $$): Proclaimed the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. Free guided tours with admission.

• Multhomah Falls (Columbia Gorge, FREE): Discover Oregon’s tallest waterfall from both the bottom and the top. Depending on your energy level, you can take the moderate 2.2 mile hike to the top, a difficult 5.4 mile look that includes Wahkeena Falls, or just enjoy the view from the bottom at Multnomah Falls Lodge.

• Pittock Mansion (NW Portland, $$): Take a self-guided tour of the home of Henry & Georgiana Pittock, Portland pioneers.

Find more fun at our Ultimate Guide to Portland Family Fun.
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Leave a comment with your favorite Portland-area activities!

Get a one-year subscription to Yoga Journal Magazine for just $4.99 today only (5/20). Use the code FRUGALNW at checkout and your total will drop from $15.97 to $4.99.

Yoga Journal has been a valuable resource for information about physical and spiritual well-being through the practice of yoga. Yoga Journal is your guide to better health, nutrition, personal growth, fitness and inner peace. You ll learn revitalizing yoga techniques taught by the masters.

You may get up to a two year subscription at this price (new or renewal). This deal will expire at 8:59 pm Pacific tonight.

Amazon has a number of Blu-Ray family movie combo packs for $21.99 right now:

• The Diary of a Wimpy Kid 1, 2 & 3 — $21.99
• Ice Age Trilogy — $21.99
• Alvin and the Chipmunks 1, 2 & 3 — $21.99
• Robots, Horton Hears a Who, & Rio 3-Movie Collection — $21.99

Shipping is FREE with an Amazon Prime account or when you spend $25 on eligible items. Find more Amazon deals here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted. The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

Thanks, Deal Seeking Mom!

Here are few more Safeway deals you might want to jump on this week.

Cliff Mojo Bars on sale $1
Use $.50/1 coupon from 4/7 SS insert
Use Safeway double (-$.50)
FREE after coupon

Gillette Series Shave Gel or Cream on sale $1.99
Use $2/1 coupon from 5/12 P&G insert
FREE after coupon (Thanks, Coupon Connections!)

Nivea Shave Cream on sale $1.99
Buy 2
Use $3/2 coupon
$.49 each after coupon (Thanks, Cents’Able Shopin’!)

Safeway doubles most manufacturer’s coupons to to $.50 each in Oregon and SW Washington. Find more Safeway deals here.

Menu Plan by Laurie

I have been in a planning funk lately. This time of year always feels like the “home stretch” for our family with school and the many activities we are involved in.  More often than not, I get overwhelmed trying to keep up with everything going on, and dinner is the big loser. Thankfully, my family loves surprises like “breakfast for dinner!” It’s always so much easier to carry on when my lack of planning is met with grace.

Now that the sun is back behind the clouds where it’s supposed to be I am ready to jump back into this and commit to having a dinner plan for the week.

Here’s what’s for dinner at my house this week:

Monday – Cherry Balsamic Short Ribs (I use home canned cherries and juice instead of frozen and cherry cola), Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Swiss Chard with Feta

Tuesday – Falafel (We like the recipe from The Moosewood Cookbook) on Corn Tortillas with Lemon-Feta Yogurt Sauce, Home-Canned Pears, Chips and Hummus

Wednesday – Parmesan Garlic Quinoa with Al Fresco Roasted Pepper and Asiago Chicken Sausages, Raw Tuscan Kale Salad, Applesauce

Thursday – Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos (Have you tried these yet? They are so good!), Black Bean and Sweet Corn Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette, Fresh Fruit

Friday – Cowboy Dinner, Coleslaw, Canned Apricots

Saturday – G.F. Pasta with Pesto and Asparagus, Dinner Rolls (this is seriously the best GF bread recipe I have ever made. My awesome friend Alyssa introduced it to me, and it is so versatile.  Try it; you will love it!), Spinach Salad

Sunday – Leftover Buffet

Find more great recipes on Frugal Living NW! Find more frugal homemaking posts here. Find past menu plans here.

What are you making for dinner this week? Be sure to leave a link to any recipes in the comments!

Amazon has the Babyganics Cover Up Baby On-the-go Sunscreen Moisturizing Lotion 50 SPF (Pack of 4) for $12.12 with FREE shipping right now when you select the “Subscribe & Save” option. Baby sunscreens without all the chemicals in the stores are spendy — these two-ounce tubes are the perfect size for diaper bags and traveling!

Find more Amazon deals here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted.  The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

Thanks, This Beautiful Frugal Life!

Here are the best deals at Target this week. The Target ad runs Sunday-Saturday in the Pacific Northwest. Target prices vary by store and region. Some deals are unadvertised and may or may not be found in your store.

There are several ways to maximize your savings at Target:

• Combine a Target store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon. You can find Target coupons here.
• You can sign up for Target Mobile coupons which are delivered to your smart phone. These coupons are Target store coupons, so you can stack a manufacturer’s coupon with them. To use your mobile coupons, you pull them up on your phone at checkout and have the cashier scan the bar code. To start receiving the coupons simply text OFFERS to 827438.
• Cartwheel by Target
• Sign up for the TargetRED Debit Card to save 5% off every purchase.
• Bring your own shopping bag! Target will give you $.05 off for each bag you use.
• Don’t forget to take Target’s Coupon Policy with you in case you run into any problems.

GROCERY

Hebrew National on sale $2.87
*A good price. I haven’t checked Costco but these hot dogs only go on sale once a year. Now through 4th of July and they freeze great.

Corn on the Cob on sale $.25
Buy 4
Use $1 off Fresh Vegetable Purchase Target Mobile Coupon (text PICNIC or SPRING (exp. 5/22) to 827438)
FREE after coupon when you buy 4

Driscoll’s strawberries (1 lb) on sale $1.99
Use $1 off Fresh Fruit Purchase Target Mobile Coupon (text PICNIC to 827438)
$.99 after coupon
*Save an additional 5% with Target Cartwheel Offer 

Diet Pepsi 12 pk on sale $2.75 
Use $1/1 Target Mobile Coupon
$1.75 after coupon
*Save an additional 5% with Target Cartwheel offer

Gift Card Promtion: Buy any 5 frozen treats (choose from 4 or 6 pack Fruttare Fruit Bars, Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers Ice Cream, and select other ice cream), get $5 Target gift card

****Deal Scenarios****

Buy 2 Fruttare Bars on sale $3.25
Buy 3 Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream on sale $3.25
Use (2) $1/1 coupon
Use $1/1 Target coupon
Use (2) $1/1 Ben & Jerry’s coupon from 5/19 RP insert
Pay $11.25, get $5 gift card
$1.25 each after coupons & gift card when you buy 5

Starbucks Via (6-8 ct) on sale $6.89
Buy 4, get $10 Starbucks gift card
Buy 4
Use (2) $3/2 coupon from 5/12 SS insert
Pay $21.56, get $10 gift card
$2.89 each after coupons & gift card when you buy 4

Buy 2 Hershey’s 6-packs @ $2.99 each
Buy 2 Honey Maid Graham Crackers @ $2.99 each
Buy 2 bags of Kraft Marshmallows (FREE with purchases above)
Use $.75/2 coupon from 5/19 SS insert
Use $1/2 Target mobile coupon (text PICNIC to 827438)
Use $1/2 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar
$1.54 each after coupon when you buy all items above

Large Hormel Party Trays on sale $10.99
Use $3/1 coupon
Use $3/1 Taret coupon
$4.99 after coupon

Market Pantry fruit snacks on sale $1.39
Buy 2
Use $1/2 Target coupon
$.89 each after coupon when you buy 2

Kellogg’s Gift Card Promotion: Buy 5 Kellogg’s cereals, get $5 Target gift card

****Deal Scenario****
Buy 3 Frosted Mini-Wheats Crunch
Buy 2 Raisin Bran
Subtotal $13.75
Use $1/2 Frosted Mini-Wheats coupon
Use $.50/1 coupon
Use $1.35/2 coupon (limit 1)
Pay $10.90, get $5 gift card
$1.18 each after coupon & gift card

Folgers Coffee (10 oz) on sale $3.99
Use $1.50/1 coupon
$2.49 after coupon
*FREE 16 oz Coffeemate creamer with purchase of 2 bags and I left a $1.50/1 catalina coupon for the first person who gets there

Seattle’s Best Coffee on sale $5.39
Use $1.50/1 coupon
$3.89 after coupon

Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Lunch meat $2.66
Buy 2
Use $1/2 Target mobile coupon (text PICNIC to 827438) or $1/2 Target coupon
$1.66 after coupon when you buy 2

Kashi Berry Fruitfuls Cereal on sale $2.28
Buy 2
Use $2/2 coupon
$1.28 after coupon when you buy 2
*Fantastic price for Kashi

Kashi Single Serve Cereals on sale $1.35
Buy 2
Use $2/2 coupon 
$.35 each after coupon when you buy 2

Van’s Waffles on sale $2.50
Use $2/1 coupon
$.50 after coupon

Welch’s Light Juice (64 oz) on sale $2.49
Use $.75/1 coupon
$1.74 after coupon

Balance Bars on sale $.97
Buy 2
Use $1/2 coupon from 5/11 RP insert
$.47 after coupon

Amy’s Frozen Meal on sale $3.49
Use $1.50/1 coupon
$1.99 after coupon

Jennie-O Turkey Franks on sale $.99
Buy 2
Use $.55/2 coupon
$.72 each after coupon when you buy 2

Mott’s Snack & Go Applesauce (4-Pack) on sale $2.50
Use $1.10/1 coupon
$1.40 after coupon

Duncan Hines Red Velvet Cake Mix on sale $1.29
Use $.35/1 coupon or $.50/1 coupon
As low as $.79 after coupon
*This is a great to stock up on for 4th of July!

HOUSEHOLD

Scott Extra Soft Double Roll Bath Tissue (24 pk) on sale $9.99
Use $.75/1 coupon from 5/12 SS insert
$9.24 after coupon
*Save and additional 5% with Target Cartwheel offer

PERSONAL USE

Nivea for Men Face Scrub or Face Wash on sale $3.99 (Price Cut through 5/25)
Use $3/1 coupon
$.99 after coupon

Aveeno Gift Card Promotion: Buy 3 Aveeno products, get $5 Target gift card

****Deal Scenarios****
Buy 2 Aveeno Foaming Cleanser @ $6.49
Buy 1 Cleansing Bar @ $2.89
Subtotal $15.87
Use $1/1 coupon from 4/7 RP insert
Use $2/1 coupon
Use $3/2 Target coupon
Pay $9.87, get $5 gift card
$1.62 each after coupon & gift card when you buy 3

Buy 3 Aveeno Hand Lotion on sale $2.99
Use (3) $1/1 coupon from 4/7 RP insert
Pay $5.97, get $5 gift card
$.33 each after coupon when you buy 3

Banana Boat Kids 50 SPF or Sport CoolZone SPF50 on sale $6.49
Buy 2, Get $5 gift card
Buy 1, Get $.75 Ibotta offer
Use (2) $2/1 coupon from 4/21 SS insert or $3/2 coupon from 5/19 RP insert or $1/1 coupon from 5/19 RP insert or $3.25/2 coupon
Use $2/2 Target coupon
Pay $6.98, get $5 Gift Card, Get $.75 Ibotta
$.61 each after coupon, gift card, & Ibotta offer
*Save an additional 5% with Target Cartwheel offer

CoverGirl Single Eye Shadow on sale $3.24
Buy 2
Use (2) $2/1 coupon from 4/28 P&G insert
Use $2/2 Target mobile coupon (text SUMMER to 827438)
$.24 each after coupons when you buy 2

CLOTHING

The $5 off $20 Women’s Plus & regular apparel purchase coupon is back! You can use this on clearance items to save even more. And there are some seriously cute maxi dresses.

Solid Flip Flops on sale $2
Use $2/1 Target coupon (NLA)
FREE after coupon

Merona, Mossimo flip flops on sale $12
Use $2/1 Target Women’s sandals coupon
$10 after coupon
*Save and additional 10% with Target Cartwheel offer

OTHER

Purina Beggin’ Strips Dog Snacks on sale $2.69
Use $1/1 coupon from 4/7 RP insert
Use $1/1 Target coupon
$.69 after coupons

Purina Dog Chow (18.5 lb bags) on sale $10.99
Buy 2, Get $5 Target gift card
Buy 2
Use (2) $.99/1 coupon
Use $5/2 Target coupon from 5/19 RP insert (I haven’t confirmed if the Oregonian received this)
Pay $14.97, get $5 gift card
$4.97 each after coupon & gift card when you buy 2
*$.30/lb

New to couponing?  Check out the Ultimate Guide to Couponing here.

Just in case you missed the great deal on Sundown vitamins this week at Rite Aid, here is a quick reminder.

Sundown Vitamins on sale BOGO
Buy 1 Sundown Calcium plus Vitamin D3 (600 mg), Get $5 +UP Reward – limit 2 (through 6/1)
Buy 2 Sundown Calcium $11.69/$0
Use $1/1 coupon or from 5/5 RP insert
Pay $10.69, Get $10 in +UPs
$.34 each after coupon and rewards

Reader Brenda also let us know about another great monthly find.  Keep an eye out for these and let us know if you find any at your store.  I haven’t personally verified this deal, so let us know as well if it works for you.

Crystal Rock Body Spray Deodorant on sale $2.99
Buy 1, Get $1 +UP Reward – limit 2
Use $2/1 coupon
Pay $.99, Get $1 +UP
FREE after coupon and reward

What has been your favorite deal this week?

Find more Rite Aid deals here.

Oh, I love me some Amy Grant! Get two general admission tickets to see Amy Grant and Brandon Heath at Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin on July 19 for $25. The $25 includes all fees (so you’re just paying the $25).

You purchase the Groupon now, then take your voucher to Rolling Hills at 6 pm on July 19 (an hour before the concert begins) to get your tickets. Rolling Hills is a great concert venue — there are no bad seats.

Text between my sister-in-law and me. She’s actually a member of the Amy Grant fan club. For real.

Amazon has the Annie Chun’s Seaweed Snacks, Sesame Grab N Go (Pack of 12) for $15.51 right now after you clip the “50% off” coupon located under the product description. Each box has 5 packages and you’re getting 12 boxes, making each individually packaged snack just $.26 each.

Shipping is FREE with an Amazon Prime account, an Amazon Mom account, an Amazon Student account or when you spend $25 on eligible items.

Find more Amazon deals here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted.  The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

Thanks, Queen Bee Coupons!

There’s a great deal running this week on five “real food” ebooks by Katie Kimball from KitchenStewardship.com — just $7.40!

From soaking grains and using beans to stretch your budget to dozens of snack recipes for busy families on the go and tasty desserts that won’t leave you feeling deprived, Katie’s ebooks offer recipes and kitchen tips for every meal of the day.

Healthy Snacks to Go (2nd Edition)
With over 45 healthy snack recipes and ideas including traditional granola bars, iron-packed Popeye bars, and a dozen “larabar” style variations, Healthy Snacks To Go is the resource you need for healthy snack ideas. Complete with time-saving tips, frugal options and allergy notes, plus diaper-bag friendly snacks that are toddler-approved, this will become your “go-to” cookbook to keep your cupboards filled with nourishing yet quick choices.

The Everything Beans Book — Check out our popular All About Beans series as well!
This comprehensive resource explaining everything you want to know about beans and legumes. In The Everything Beans Book, you’ll find recipes for homemade beans and rice, refried beans, wraps, Mexican fare, soups, pasta dishes, and even a dessert, plus frugal tips and substitution ideas! Beyond recipes, this ebook also offers over 20 pages of information to facilitate your new love of beans and make sure you can cook with dry beans without any stress.

Smart Sweets
Katie’s goal with Smart Sweets: 30 Desserts to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth is to give you options that are way better for you than you’ll find in the grocery store, usually better for you than another homemade version, and sometimes downright good for you. You’ll find less sugar, healthier sweeteners, whole grains, soaked and sprouted grains, no grains, probiotics and even some vegetables in these desserts recipes, without sacrificing taste or enjoyment!

Is Your Flour Wet? – This is a great follow-up to our Frugal Fermented Foods post
In Is Your Flour Wet? Soaked, Sprouted, or Soured: Grains Recipes from Our Kitchens to Yours, Katie offers a basic introduction to soaking, sprouting and sourdough, plenty of how-to tutorials and more than 45 recipes from a variety of real food bloggers, including breads, snacks, pancakes and waffles, oatmeal, cakes and more!

The Family Camping Handbook
If you’ve always wanted to try camping as a frugal family vacation but are nervous because you have little ones, The Family Camping Handbook will show you how to survive and even thrive out in the woods with young children. You’ll find an overview to help you get started camping, packing and to-do lists and, of course, real food adaptations to standard camping fare. This ebook includes a total of 36 camping recipes and techniques, including paleo/primal/grain-free adaptations.

Ready to start reading? Buy your Kitchen Stewardship eBook Bundle for just $7.40 here!

If you found us from this morning’s segment on the Bob Miller Show on KPAM 860 AM, welcome! This blog is here for one reason: to help you save money so you can achieve your financial goals.

Take some time, click around and see what we are all about. If you like what you see, go here to have the deals sent directly to your email inbox and become a Facebook Fan and get our updates directly to your Facebook feed.

During the interview, I mentioned a few deals running right now in the area. Here are links to the specific deals:

:: Fred Meyer – Wild Caught Mahi Mahi Fillets for $3.99 per pound

:: Albertsons — Dozen eggs just $.79, French’s Mustard for $.19 after coupon

If you are a local business owner or work for a company looking to reach thousands of value-conscious women and families in Oregon and SW Washington, contact me to discuss how we can work together to promote your brand on Frugal Living NW.

Get a one-year subscription to Weight Watchers Magazine for just $4.49 today only (5/20). Use the code FRUGALNW at checkout and your total will drop from $13.95 to $4.49.

Weight Watchers Magazine is the perfect companion for women or men who are dedicated to their health and fitness goals. Issues of Weight Watchers provide great quick-recipe ideas, seven-day menu plans, exercise tips, and other great health and lifestyle advice that can help the reader stay on track. Weight Watchers Magazine brings many inspirational stories from Weight Watchers members that will be sure to keep motivation high. Whether already enrolled in a weight loss program or simply trying to maintain current fitness, Weight Watchers is a valuable tool for success.

You may get up to a ofour year subscription at this price (new or renewal). This deal will expire at 8:59 pm Pacific tonight.

Amazon is having a killer deal on two different classic book collections — great titles in a beautifully designed set:

The Adventure Collection for $9.74:

• Treasure Island
• The Jungle Book
• Gulliver’s Travels
• White Fang
• The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

The Enchanted Collection for $8.63:

• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
• The Secret Garden
• Black Beauty
• The Wind in the Willows
• Little Women

Shipping is FREE with an Amazon Prime account, an Amazon Mom account, an Amazon Student account or when you spend $25 on eligible items.

Find more Amazon deals here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted.  The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

Thanks, Queen Bee Coupons!

Amazon has the LEGO Lord of the Rings for $14.99 right now (reg. $29.99)

• Explore all of the open-world of Middle-earth and experience epic battles with Orcs, Uruk-hai, the Balrog, the Witch-king, and other fearsome creatures.
• Wield the power of the Palantír or Seeing-stone (?one that looks far-away?), and jump between multiple storylines.
• Experience the LEGO The Lord of the Rings heroes come to life in an all new way with the minifig characters delivering the dialogue from the films.
• Discover and unlock over more than 60 playable characters, including Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf, and many others.
• Collect and use a variety of weaponry and magical items, including the Light of Earendil, Elven rope, swords, and bows.

Shipping is FREE with an Amazon Prime account, an Amazon Mom account, an Amazon Student account or when you spend $25 on eligible items.

Find more Amazon deals here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted.  The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

For a limited time, you can download Weight Watchers 360 Plan Amazingly Delicious Italian, Spanish and Cuban Points Plus Recipes Cookbook for FREE ($9.97 value)! This eBook is designed for your Kindle or the Kindle Fire, but you can also download it to your tablet, computer or smart phone. Find more free and popular ebooks on Amazon here.

As with all Amazon deals, the price could change without notice. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time the deal was posted. If the price reads “$0.00 — borrow for free from your Kindle” when you click over the deal is no longer available. The price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase is applicable to the purchase of this product.

Looking to purchase an eReader?

Check out Amazon’s wildly popular Kindles — there’s one for every price range!

Thanks, Lady Savings!

Target has introduced a new way to save – Cartwheel. You will need to have a Facebook account to access the savings. As if Ibotta, Shopkick, Mobile coupons & Target printable coupons weren’t enough. With this amount of deductions involved we should be getting items for free!

Here’s how Cartwheel by Target works:

• Sign up for Cartwheel (*Facebook is required)
• Click one of the Collections buttons (Hot Deals seems like a great place to start)

• Find a useful item and click on it.
• The image will flip. Click add for the offer to be added to your Cartwheel account.
• Each person has 10 offer spots to start and can earn more when you accumulate badges.

How to redeem your Cartwheel offers:

• Show your Cartwheel barcode on your phone at checkout (you can find it via Facebook).
• If you don’t have a smartphone, click on ‘My Cartwheel’, then ‘Redeem in Store’ and hand the paper to the cashier.

That’s it, folks!

Has anyone tried this out yet? What did you think?

*Please don’t leave comments complaining about the Facebook account thing. I don’t know why they linked it this way and it’s best if you take it up with Target on their Facebook page.

Find more Target deals here.

A big thanks to All Things Target for explaining this so well!