Thrifty Texas Penny

$2.00 off Wisk Laundry Detergent

2012-02-13T20:02:00.000-06:00

This hot $2.00 off Wisk Laundry Detergent was just released this evening. Wisk is frequently on sale for $3 - $4, so let's hope for an uncoming sale!

Simple Homemaking Plan Week 7 of 2012

2012-02-13T16:42:00.000-06:00

As I sit down to write the menu for the week, I'm writing out my 4 weekly "to do" lists (personal tasks, blogging tasks, cleaning chores, less common maintenance cleaning tasks). It's helping me to accomplish things that easily get pushed aside otherwise, even if I don't get them all checked off!

My husband is home from work today and tomorrow so he's been helping me tackle some things around the house. This morning I came home from the dentist to find dinner already in the crockpot and our bathroom cleaned! He is such a sweetie :-) I only managed to get one item listed to sell, so I'm hoping to tackle 5-6 this week to make up for it.

This week's maintenance chores in addition to daily functioning cleaning chores.

Finishing up loose ends on taxes and file. I used the free online tax software without submitting any personal info and found that we will indeed get a refund, so I'm sending it in this week!
Enjoy watching a chick flick movie while doing all my paid to read e-mails (I mainly use Inbox Dollars, MyPoints and Reward Point) and spinning the super lucky button. If I finish before the movie is over I'll work on clearing out some e-mails.
Put 5 or 6 more items on Craigslist or Ebay to sell (I'm really trying to clear "stuff" and put the money on the mortgage without denting our savings)
15 minutes daily tidy after the kids go to bed (I've started slacking here again- I need a lock timer for my computer LOL)

See? Nothing too involved, just things that will help me stay on top of things at home instead of letting the week slip away from me because none of those things seem pressing to be done immediately.

Frugal $5 Dinner Menu Week 7 of 2012

2012-02-13T07:12:00.002-06:00

My goal is to provide dinner for my family for an average of $5 except on special occasions. We don't have to eat beans and rice to accomplish this goal! I shop the grocery sales each week. Then I plan my menu based on the foods I have already at home (at a great price). I balance more expensive meals with less expensive ones. We typically only cook a main dish 4 or 5 times a week. Each main dish cooked will serve 4-6, and the leftovers will be for easy dinners on the weekend, or to freeze for another week. This cuts down on cleaning, cooking, and meal planning- saving at us lots of time!

This week we'll be cooking (in no particular order)

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Bananas

Breakfast for Dinner: Eggs, Sausage and Blueberry Pancakes using this Bisquick recipe

Italian Alfredo Chicken Helper, Fresh Pears, and Garlic Butter Toast

Montreal Pork Chops, Green Beans, Canned Peaches and Cinnamon Sugar Toast

Little Caesar's Pizza and Apple Slices

For 2012, I will no longer be showing the cost breakdown for our meals. This is very time consuming and for little purpose since I've spent the past 18 months showing that a family of 4 could eat for an average of $5 per dinner. If you'd like to see some $5 menu ideas, please browse my pages for $5 Dinner Plans.

This post is being linked up to Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie.

CVS Scenario 2/12 - 2/18 $48.64 for $1.13 OOP

2012-02-11T23:45:00.001-06:00

If you're new to shopping at CVS, be sure to read my CVS tutorial.

Last week we ended our scenario with a $4 ECB, a $2 ECB and $3.57 on a GC.

Transaction 1
2 Colgate @ 5.50
2 Vaseline 3 oz Lotion Green or Brown Tubes @ 1.94
4 Maybelline Baby Lips @ 11.67 (after BOGO 50%)
subtotal:$19.11
use (2) $.75/1 Colgate from 1/29 or 2/12 SS
use (2) $1/1 Vaseline from 1/29 RP (should be reduced to $.97 each)
use (4) $2/1 Baby Lips from 2/5 RP
use $4 ECB and $2 ECB from last week
use $1.67 on your GC
new total: $0.00, get $4 ECB

Transaction 2
4 Nivea Lip @ 10
use (2) $3/2 from 2/12 RP
use $4 ECB from T1
new total: $0.00, get $3 ECB

Transaction 3
4 Sensodyne @ $17.96 (after BOGO 50%)
1 Biotene @ 1.57
subtotal: $19.53
use $5/$10 GlaxoSmithKline from CVS Reinventing Beauty Magazine Winter
use $2.50/2 Sensodyne from CVS Reinventing Beauty Magazine Winter
use (2) $2.50/2 Sensodyne from 1/1 RP
use $1/1 Biotene from 1/1 RP
use $3 ECB from T2
use $1.90 on your GC
new total: $1.13, get $10 Cash card

Totals: $48.64 at sale prices for $1.13 OOP. Start with $6 in ECBs and $3.57 on a GC. End with a $10 GC

Click here to see the list of matchups these were pulled from.

Drugstore Shopping Feb. 5 - 12

2012-02-11T17:05:00.000-06:00

I skipped out on CVS this week. My mom picked up a Zarbees and some pullups for me at her store though.

I made it by Walgreens this morning, even though I'm still mourning the loss of an $8 RR that I mentioned on Facebook earlier. (I'm certain that I threw away the Jan. IVC booklet it was last seen in)
I still picked up everything I wanted to get and was happy. My sweet cosmetics lady mourned my $8 RR with me LOL.

Transaction 1
Sheets Energy Strips @ 3.99
St. Joseph's Aspirin @ 2.00
2 Colgate Gum Defense @ 6
subtotal: $11.99
used $1/1 Colgate catalina Q
used $.50/1 Colgate from 1/29 SS
used an $8 RR from Blink last week
used a $2 RR from Pringles last week
new total: $.49, got (2) $4 RRs and a $2 RR

Transaction 2
2 Dozen Eggs 1.98
1 Sundown Vitamin D @ 4
subtotal: $5.98
used $1/1 Sundown
used (2) $2 RRs from St. Joseph's
new total: $.98, and will submit for $4.40 MIR for Sundown on a Wags GC

CVS Deals and Coupon Matchups 2/12 - 2/18

2012-02-10T16:40:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Didie at

for these matchups

If you're new to shopping at CVS, be sure to read my CVS tutorial.

Maybelline Eye, Face or Lip Products BOGO 50%, and are part of the Cash Card deal (plus beauty club)
Prices start @ $3.89
Buy 11 Baby Lips @ $33.07*
use (11) $2/1 from 2/5 RP
Price after Qs and Cash Card = $.11 each, plus $33 towards your beauty club rewards, so more lke a $2 moneymaker!
*You will need to break these into separate transactions/trips as the limit on the coupons is 4 at a time.

Vaseline 3 oz green or brown tubes of lotion $.97
use $1/1 from 1/29 RP (should be reduced to $.97)
Price after Q = FREE

Colgate Total 4-4.2 oz $2.75, get $2 ECB (limit 2)
use $.50/1 or $.75/1 from 1/29 SS
use $.75/1 from 2/12 SS
Price after Q and ECB = as low as FREE

Buy $15, get $5 ECB (limit 1)
Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring
Buy 8 Speed Stick @ 15.92
use (4) BOGO Speed Stick from 1/29 SS *
Price after Qs and ECBs = $.37 each
Submit for $5 MIR WYB $10 Colgate-Palmolive products from 1/29 SS
Price after Qs and MIR = $2.04 moneymaker
*There is a possibility that these could auto deduct the full limit of $3.99 each, but don't count on it! Wouldn't it be a super sweet deal if it did though? LOL

Nivea Spend $10, get $3 (limit 1)
Buy 4 Nivea Lip Care @ $10
use (2) $3/2 from 2/12 RP
Price after Qs and ECBs = $.25 each

Sensodyne Toothpaste 4 oz BOGO 50% And is part of the Cash Card deal!
use $5/$10 from RIB insert
use $2.50/2 from 1/1 RP
Price after Qs = $1.50 each (plus counts toward Cash Card)

$10 Cash Card Scenario
4 Sensodyne @ $17.96 (counting the 50% off)
4 Maybelline Baby Lips @ $11.67
subtotal: $29.63
use $5/$10 GlaxoSmithKline from RIB insert
use $2.50/2 Sensodyne from 1/1 RP
use (4) $2/2 Baby lips from 2/5 RP
New total: $11.63, get $10 Cash Card
Price after Qs and Cash Card = $.21 each

To see the rest of this week's matchups, head on over to We Use Coupons.

Walgreens Deals and Coupon Matchups 2/12 - 2/18

2012-02-10T15:52:00.000-06:00

Walgreens Rules in a Nutshell:

You may only do each deal once per transaction.

You cannot use the RR from one deal to pay for the same deal if you want to get another RR.

You may not use more manu Qs (including RRs) than the number of items in your transaction.

A RR cannot pay tax and it's value will not be reduced.

For a more in depth explanation of these rules, you can read my post "How to Roll With Walgreens"

Huggies Jumbo pack diapers, pull-ups or goodnights $8.99
use $2/2 Huggies from Wags Infant Care Booklet (code 5969)
Use $2/1 Huggies Slip ons from the Feb. IVC booklet found by ads
use $2/1 Huggies Movers, Snug & Dry or Overnights from 2/12 SS
use $2/1 Goodnights printable
use $1.50/1 Pullups from 2/12 SS
use $1.50/1 Huggies from 2/12 SS
Price after triple stacked Qs = as low as $3.99

M&Ms 10.9 - 14 oz 2/$5 (must buy 2) (buy Valentine's or Easter to use both Qs below)
use $1/2 from Feb. IVC booklet found by ads
use $1.50 off two Mars Seasonal Items
Price after stacked Qs = 1.50 each WYB 2

Purex Ultra 33 ld. $1.99

Dark & Lovely or Soft Sheen Optimum Care $6.99, get $5 RR
Price after RR = $1.99

Mitchum Deo $1.99 with in ad Q limit 6
use $.75/1 from 1/8 SS
use $1/1 Mitchum printable
Price after stacked Qs = as low as $.99 each

Buy $20, get $5 RR
Puffs 56, 68, or 100 sheets $.99, Vicks 24 ct DayQuil or NyQuil or Liquid 12 oz, 20 ct. Nature Fusion or Liquid 8 oz, 24 ct Sinex or Spray .5 oz $5.99
Buy 4 Nature Fusion @ $23.96
use (4) $3/1 Nature Fusion from 1/29 PG
Pay $11.96 and get $5 RR
Price after Qs and RR = $6.96 ($1.74 each)

LypSyl Extreme Cold Sore Relief .3 oz $5, get $5 RR
Price after RR = FREE

St. Joseph Enteric Aspirin 81 mg. 36 ct.$2, get $2 RR
Price after RR = FREE

Good Fillers
4x6 prints $.15 with in ad Q (order a single online using code BEMINE15)
Russell Stover Valentine Chocolate Hearts .87-1.25 oz $.39 with in ad Q limit 6
Nice! Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz $.69 with in ad Q limit 3
Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato soup $.69 with in ad Q limit 3
Wrigley's Orbit Gum 14 pk $.69 with in ad Q limit 4
W Candy 3 - 9.5 oz $.69 with in ad Q limit 3
No Nonsense Essential Basics Pantyhose $.79
Sinful Colors Nail Color $.99

FREE Premium Food on the Table Menu Planning Service for Life!

2012-02-10T11:57:00.000-06:00

I've posted about Food on the Table before. They are a menu planning service that offers 3 free meal plans per week based on your local sale ads and your family's food preferences. Now, they are offering their premium service absolutely FREE if you join during the month of February. Simply use the code FEBFREE to get the premium service free forever!

Valentine's Recipe Hop - Dishing It Up

2012-02-09T13:06:00.000-06:00

Everyone has their own ideas of romance and sweet treats. This week we're dishing up a good variety of items to give you some romantic inspiration.

Luxury Food Items - If You Buy Them, They Will Eat Them!

2012-02-09T07:12:00.013-06:00

A few weeks ago I was telling my husband there was a really good sale on honey coming up. I was trying to ask him to use it more in moderation than we had used the previous honey purchase, without upsetting him. Despite my efforts, he got irritated and in frustration said "If you don't want us to eat stuff, then don't buy it". I said "Exactly!"

I try to spend less than $1 per pound on food. I'll occasionally go up to $2 per pound for some meats or to splurge on chips. So buying 2 pounds of honey for $4.25 (nearly half the regular price) counts as a luxury in our family. I typically don't buy expensive food items because our budget doesn't allow for many luxuries. But when I do buy these "luxury foods", I don't want to consume them so quickly that we don't really take the time to enjoy them.

We're human. If there's something around to eat, we will eat it. It's sort of a variation of the "See not, want not" principle. Think about the last time you were out of ______ in the kitchen and it took you 2 weeks to remember to pick it up at the store. Was it really a big deal? Were you able to ~~live~~ make do without it?

Your husband may want to eat filet mignon 5 nights a week, but if you don't have it at home to cook- is he really going to send you to the store (or demand to eat out) instead of eat what you've cooked? Most likely not. If there are expensive foods your family eats like nobody's business, try not keeping them stocked (or well hidden at the back of your top shelves or behind the rarely used pots and pans) You may be surprised that they barely give it a mention or don't even notice the absence of those items from your pantry! Not only will it stretch your budget, but it will allow your family to especially enjoy those foods without them becoming everyday occurrences.

Make a Heart Shaped Cake Without a Heart Shaped Pan, and Other Valentine's Tricks

2012-02-09T00:20:00.000-06:00

If you're like me, you always have these grand ideas of things to make (whether it's baking or crafting). But then you're missing one important item and figure that it can't be made. I'm a big believer in making do with what you have, but I still find myself giving up way too easily. Not to mention waiting until the very. last. minute to fulfill a commitment like baking for a party. Here are some ideas to put together a Valentine's treat without the "necessary" equipment. :-)

Don't have a heart shaped pan? use a 9x9 square pan and a 9" circle pan instead. Pour the cake to the same height. Cut the circle in half and put one semi-circle on two neighboring sides of the square cake. Wah-lah!

Don't have a 9x9 square pan and a 9" circle pan? Make cupcakes instead. After decorating, arrange them into a heart shape on a platter - make one from cardboard covered with foil if necessary :-) The overhang from the cupcakes and their icing will take care of any gaps in the shape of the heart.

No paper cups for cupcakes? If the cupcakes will be served to adults on plates, just butter the cupcake tins well and don't worry about it. The party guests will be more interested in tasting your scrumptious cakes than whether you used paper cups.

Find you're out of cake mix? Either look up a recipe to make cake mix from scratch (It's really not that hard) or switch to cookies or brownies instead. Cookie batter would be easy to cut into a heart shape before baking. Brownies could be prepared in the square and circle pans like above. Both could be cut into hearts with a cookie cutter and arranged on a platter.

No matter what Valentine's dessert you bring to a party, it's sure to be a hit. 99% of the time it won't matter one bit if you had to alter the plan a wee bit to make it happen ;-)

Kroger Deals and Coupon Matchups 2/8 - 2/14

2012-02-08T21:10:00.000-06:00

This week's Kroger highlights are brought to you by

Roma Tomatoes $.88/lb.

Bosc or Anjou Pears $1/lb.

Red Seedless Grapes $1.29/lb.

King's Hawaiian Rolls $2.50
use $1/1 from 12/11 RP
Price after Q = $1.50

To see the rest of this week's Kroger matchups, head on over to Couponing101.

New Walgreens Infant Care Booklet and Free Magazine

2012-02-08T19:35:00.004-06:00

Many of you probably remember the fabulous Infant Care Booklet that was released late last winter. The Qs made for several great deals on diapers and wipes (we're talking $3 and under for diapers and $1.50 and under for refill wipes!) as well as very cheap children's advil and formula. Since they are Walgreens store Qs they don't have to be surrendered to the store and can be used multiple times! We were fortunate to find the booklets in Tyler, but many areas never got them at all. Several people across the country have reported finding a new edition of the Infant Care booklet in their stores this week. Will you be able to find it in yours?

Enter the American Baby magazine. Many subscribers to the American Baby magazine also got surprised with the Infant Care booklet in their magazines in April, July and September last year! It's a great magazine (I subscribed to it with our firstborn) that is currently available for free. Getting the Infant Care booklet again this year would just be icing on the cake. I would sign up now so they'll have time to get your subscription started before the April editions go out, just in case the Infant Care booklets are included again this year.

You can find the list of coupons and codes in the current Infant Care booklet here.

Albertson's Deals and Coupon Matchups 2/8 - 2/14

2012-02-08T17:42:00.000-06:00

Here are the best deals for East Texas Albertson's

Thanks to

for sharing her matchups with us!

Please note: Any information published on www.thriftytexaspenny.com is protected by copyright. Please contact Practically Virtuous directly if you would like to highlight or recap information found here. Information that is copied word for word is not permitted.

Albertson's Dozen Eggs $.99

Blue Bunny 56 oz Ice Cream $1.99
use $1/1 Blue Bunny printable

Price after Q = $.99 each

Activia Greek Yogurt $.88
use $1/1 Activia from 1/15 SS
Price after Q = FREE

To see the rest of this week's matchups, head on over to Practically Virtuous.

Super 1 Foods Deals and Coupon Matchups 2/8 - 2/14

2012-02-08T15:19:00.001-06:00

You can print a copy of the Super 1 coupon policy here

and the Super 1 internet printable coupon policy here.

Be sure to check out the current catalina deals for Super 1 also.
And don't forget to carry your reusable bags for a $.05 credit per bag used!

Buy 10 Food Club items and get 10% off your entire Food Club purchase (certain restrictions in Louisiana)

3 lb. Bag Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets $5
Price per lb. = $1.67

5 lb. Bag California Navel Oranges $3.98

Oscar Mayer Lunchables $1

Duncan Hines Cake Mix $.98
use $.35/1 from 2/5 SS
Price after Q = $.63

Food Club Diced Tomatoes, Blackeye Peas, or Pinto Beans 14.5 - 15.5 oz $.67

Price after Buy 10 and save 10% promo = $.60 each

Food Club Saltine Crackers 16 oz $1.47

Price after Buy 10 and save 10% promo = $1.32

Family Size Food Club Vegetables 28-29 oz $1.25

Price after Buy 10 and save 10% promo = $1.13

Nestle Hot Cocoa Mix 10 ct. $.88

Dr. Pepper or 7 Up 2 liter drinks $1

Jose Ole Appetizers $2.97
use $1/1 from 1/15 SS or $1/1 Jose Ole printable
Price after Q = $1.97 each

Riverside Turkey Breast Oven Roasted or Smoked (from the deli) $2.47/lb.

M&Ms for $1.50 a Bag Next Week

2012-02-08T14:29:00.001-06:00

Use this $1.50 off two Mars Seasonal Items: next week (2/12 - 2/18) at Walgreens. They'll be 2/$5 and there is a $1/2 in the Feb. IVC booklet found by the weekly ads. You can stack the two Qs to make your final price 2/$2.50. The coupon says available at Walmart (not redeemable only at Walmart) so you should be able to use it anywhere.

Brookshire's Deals and Coupon Matchups 2/8 - 2/14

2012-02-08T07:12:00.001-06:00

Our local stores in Tyler do not double any Qs, but they do offer the $.05 credit for each reusable bag that you use.

These are my favorite deals for Brookshire's this week. Thanks to

for allowing me to bring you these highlights and for doing the coupon matchups.

Please note: Any information published on www.thriftytexaspenny.com is protected by copyright. Please contact me if you would like to highlight or recap information found here. If you would like to highlight the Brookshire's matchups for this week, please contact Pary Moppins directly. Information that is copied word for word is not permitted.

Red Baron Pizza $3.33

use $1/2 from 1/22 RP

Price after Q = $2.83 each

Lloyd's BBQ BOGO

Use $1/1 from 1/15 SS

Final price unknown

California Oranges $.99/lb.

Food Club Crackers $1.19

Food Club 2ltr. Soft Drink. $.69

To see the rest of this week's matchups, head on over to Pary Moppins.

Creative Valentine's Gifts For Your Spouse

2012-02-07T11:44:00.000-06:00

My husband and I don't typically exchange gifts for holidays, anniversaries or birthdays. We've chosen to put that money into our vacation fund instead. But on the occasions that we do exchange gifts, we've set a $2, $3 or $5 limit for it. Most of these gifts have meant tremendously more to me than the gifts I was given that cost substantially more.

These are some things my husband has made me over the years for various occasions.


Home made gifts for Valentine's etc.

A - small handmade card with a stargazer lily- my favorite flower
B - Birthday card made to look like a Sudoku puzzle - I was an addict at the time LOL
C Vases of printed flowers
D A bouquet of printed individual flowers
E 3 printed roses (this came with a chocolate bar attached)
F This was attached to my mirror on our anniversary. The writing says start here. There are about a dozen sweet nothings written on the petals for my eyes only :-)

I have an entire file folder stuffed with things like this. Most were accompanied by candy or other sweets. The thoughtfulness, time and effort that were put into each of them make them so much more special than many of the store bought gifts I've recieved. Plus, I can keep them for years and years!

I'm not nearly as creative and romantic as my hubby, but one year we had a $5 limit and I was able to find a single steak that had been marked down at Walmart! (We rarely eat steak because of the expense) He was stumped when I handed him a present that was cold. :-) Another year I sat down and filled a page up with all the reasons why I loved him. There have been various heart shaped creations from his favorite candies, or silly puns written on packages of his favorite candies (he's a punny sort of guy).

While we're talking about gifts- does it really matter what day you exchange them? Would it be devastating to your relationship to celebrate Valentine's on the 15th or 16th? We decorate and the kids do holiday themed things at school for weeks beforehand, so what's the big who-ha about a specific day? If you're going out to eat, many specials aren't valid on special occasions like Mother's Day or Valentine's. You're more likely to find a friend willing to babysit then, as well as being able to shop the Valentine's section of the store at 50% off!

I find that I'm much more thoughtful when I have a very limited budget to work with.instead of just going to the store and throwing whatever I think my husband would like into the basket. I really have to think about the things he enjoys and appreciates. I have to put more of myself into the gift giving process, which endears my husband to me even more. Give a $5 budget a try- you might be surprised!

Basic Couponing and Frugal Living Class in Tyler Feb. 7, 2012

2012-02-06T19:48:00.001-06:00

We have a class coming up next week. It will be free of charge, but donations to cover copies and our time are gladly accepted. Julie of Pary Moppins and KK of Practically Virtuous will be teaching with me.

We'll cover basic couponing with some tips for frugal living, tips for budgeting and paying down debt, and a list of budget busters and how to avoid them. If you've got friends who are interested in learning how to coupon, this would be a great class to give them some practical tips for getting started. Bring them along, and you'll probably learn a few new things too- I always do!

Tuesday, February 7th
6:30 pm -8:30ish
Green Acres Baptist Church (the specific room will be sent to you in an e-mail)
1607 Troup Highway
Tyler, TX 75701

Click here to RSVP for the Tyler class

If you have been couponing for longer than 6 months and are interested in advanced classes, please e-mail me with what store you want to learn more about and whether you are closest to Longview, Marshall, or Tyler.

If you'd like me to speak at a local meeting or event, you can contact me here with the details.

I have details on a class in Palestine that is by ticket fee only and will be Feb. 16th. If you're interested in that class, e-mail me and I'll put you in contact with the lady who is teaching it.

There is a free beginning couponing class in Whitehouse on Monday, Feb. 20th taught by my friend Pamela. You can RSVP for that class here.

Frugal $5 Dinner Menu Week 6 of 2012

2012-02-06T07:52:00.003-06:00

This week we'll be cooking (in no particular order)
We actually ate the first 3 meals last week, so we'll be completing last week's meals this week.

Grilled Hot Dogs and Hamburgers, Chips and Cheese Dip

Grilled Chicken Salad

Season Salt Pork, Green Beans, Baked Apples and Grapes

Little Caesar's Pizza and Apple Slices

This post is being linked up to Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie.

Simple Homemaking Plan Week 6 of 2012

2012-02-06T07:02:00.002-06:00

As I sit down to write the menu for the week, I'm writing out my 4 weekly "to do" lists (personal tasks, blogging tasks, cleaning chores, less common maintenance cleaning tasks). It's helping me to accomplish things that easily get pushed aside otherwise, even if I don't get them all checked off!

I'm happy to report that I did much better this week. I didn't add anything new to my lists and I managed to get almost everything checked off my personal tasks, cleaning chores, and less common maintenance tasks lists. There's something about warm weather that motivates me to get things done. When it's cold I'm more likely to snuggle up on the couch and be a potato! This week I'm focusing on the taxes so they don't hang over my head for the next 10 weeks.

This week's maintenance chores in addition to daily functioning cleaning chores.

Spend 30 minutes Wednesday gathering paperwork for taxes
Spend 30 minutes Thursday tallying up charitable giving, medical and childcare receipts
Spend 30 minutes Friday finishing up loose ends on taxes and using the free online version to see whether I should file now (to get a refund) or file in April (to pay Uncle Sam!)
Put 2 or 3 more items on Craigslist or Ebay to sell (I'm really trying to clear "stuff" and put the money on the mortgage without denting our savings)
15 minutes daily tidy after the kids go to bed (I've started slacking here again- I need a lock timer for my computer LOL)

Make Your Own Girl Scout Cookies : Free Recipe E-Cookbook

2012-02-05T13:05:00.000-06:00

As we've cut our expenses over the years, one of the many things we've given up has been girl scout cookies. I remember selling them at $.50 a box. But the last time I bought them they were $4 each and the boxes had fewer cookies in them. I can bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies using my own ready to bake from the fridge recipe for much less and have 2 or 3 times as many cookies! I am so excited about this new FREE eCookbook collection of Girl Scout cookie varieties, perfect for when you're craving cookies. This eCookbook is full of mouth-watering and easy types of Girl Scout cookies like Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos, Samoas and more. No matter which tastefully simple copycat recipes you decide to make, this free eCookbook ensures that you can enjoy your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavors all year long!I think I just figured out what activity little Turkey and I can do on our next full day at home LOL. I'd love to hear which recipes you try and find to be a good imitation.

CVS Scenario 2/5 - 2/11 $25.94 for $0.00 OOP

2012-02-04T17:44:00.000-06:00

We're starting with (2) $3 ECBs and $3.57 on a GC from last week. You also probably earned another $1 ECB from using your Green Bag Tag last week.

Transaction 1
2 Suave Deo @ 2
Zarbee's Children's Cough Syrup 4 oz @ 6
subtotal: $8
use (2) $.75/1 Suave Deo from 1/8 RP
use both $3 ECBs from last week
use $.50 on your GC from last week.
New total: $0.00, get $6 ECB

Transaction 2
4 Suave Deo @ 4
4 Suave Kids Shampoo @ 6
2 Vaseline 3 oz brown or green tubes @ 1.94
2 Hershey's Bliss 8.6 - 9.6 oz @ 6
subtotal: $17.94

use (4) $.75/1 Suave Deo from 1/8 RP (only 4 are allowed per transaction)
use (2) $1/2 Kid Shampoo from 1/8 RP
use $2 off 2 any Deo Scanner Q printed week of 1/29
use (2) $1/1 from 1/29 RP (should each be reduced to $.97)
use (2) $1/1 Hershey's bliss from All You Feb '12
use $6 ECB from T1
use $1 ECB from using your Green Bag Tag
New total: $0.00, get $4 ECB and $2 ECB

Totals: $25.94 at sale prices for $0.00 OOP. Start with $7 in ECBs and $3.57 on a GC, end with $6 in ECBs and $3.07 on a GC.

Click here to see the list of matchups that I pulled these deals from.

Walgreens Scenario 2/5 - 2/11 $37.63 for $1.35 OOP

2012-02-04T15:17:00.000-06:00

Walgreens Rules in a Nutshell:

You may only do each deal once per transaction.

You cannot use the RR from one deal to pay for the same deal if you want to get another RR.

You may not use more manu Qs (including RRs) than the number of items in your transaction.

A RR cannot pay tax and it's value will not be reduced.

For a more in depth explanation of these rules, you can read my post "How to Roll With Walgreens"

We're starting this week with a $2 RR from St. Joseph's and a $8 RR from Blink.

Transaction 1
Reach Floss @ 2.99
Wet Synergy @ 10
1 Valentine's Bag @ .39
subtotal:13.38
use $1/1 Reach printable (no longer available)
use $1/1 Synergy printable
use in ad Q for bag (takes off $.26)
use $2 RR from St. Joseph's last week
use $8 RR from Blink last week
new total: 1.12, get $2 RR and $10 RR

Transaction 2
Sheets Energy Strips @ 3.99
2 Colgate @ 6
1 St. Joseph's @ 2
1 Valentine's Bag @ .39
subtotal: 12.38
use (2) $1/1 Colgate from Wags D&Y mag or catalinas
use in ad Q for bag (takes off $.26)
use $10 RR from T 1
new total: $.12, get $4 RR, $4 RR and $2 RR (save)

Transaction 3
Sundown Vitamin D-3 1000 IU 100 ct. @ 4
St. Joseph's @ 2
Aquafresh Kids TP @ 2.49
Reach Floss @ 2.99
1 Valentine Bag @ .39
subtotal: $11.87
use $1/1 Sundown printable
use $1/1 Reach floss printable (no longer available)
use in ad Q for Aquafresh (takes off $1.50)
use in ad Q for bag (takes off $.26)
use both $4 RRs from T2
new total: $.11, get $2 RR, $2 RR, and submit for $4.40 Easy Saver Rebate on the Sundown*
*Request your rebate on a Wags GC and get an extra 10% back ($.40)

Totals: $37.63 at sale prices for $1.35 OOP. Start with $10 in RRs and end with $6 in RRs and $4.40
on a GC (will come towards the end of March-but it won't expire!)

Superbowl Party Snack Recipes

2012-02-04T13:21:00.001-06:00

Need a little inspiration for a Superbowl party?
Maybe the Dishing It Up crew can help!

If you're reading this in an e-mail you'll need to click through to see the recipes.