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  • Save A Lot | Rite Aid: Deals for the week of December 1-7, 2010

    Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot | Rite Aid stores.

    Meats and Seafood

    2 lb bag Frozen Cooked Shrimp – $9.99

    Oscar Mayer Ready to Eat Bacon – $2.49

    Chicken Leg Quarters (10 lb) – $4.90

    Pork Chops – $1.99 per lb

    Fresh Ground Beef (3 lb) – $5.67

    Fridge and Freezer

    Chef Antonio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza – $2.99

    Banquet Family Size Entrees – $1.79
    Use $0.35/1 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
    Use $0.60/6 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
    As low as $1.44 each after coupon

    Banquet Pot Pies or Fruit Pies – $0.50
    Use $0.35/1 coupon from 10/24 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/15/2010)
    Use $0.60/6 coupon found in Banquet Package (Expires 2/1/2011)
    As low as $0.15 each after coupon

    World’s Fair Ice Cream – $1.99

    Country Crossings Marvella Cheese Spread – $3.49

    Hickory Springs Breakfast Originals – $0.99

    Wylwood Frozen Vegetables – $0.99

    Household

    Wrightware Foam Plates – $0.99

    Produce

    3lb Bag of Navel Oranges, Tangerines, or Grapefruit – $1.50

    Grocery

    Coke & Coke Products (12 Packs)* – $2.50
    *You must buy 4 to get this price

    Honey Nut Cheerios – $1.79
    Use $0.75/1 coupon found in package (Expires 12/30/2010)
    Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
    Use $1/2 coupon from 11/7 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/18/2010)
    As low as $1.04 each after coupon

    Lucky Charms – $1.79
    Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
    $1.29 each after coupon

    Cookie Crisp – $1.79
    Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
    $1.29 each after coupon

    Trix – $1.79
    Use $0.55/1 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
    Use $1/2 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/11/2010)
    As low as $1.24 each after coupon

    M&M’s – B1G1F
    Use $1/2 coupon from 11/14 Red Plum (Expires 12/25/2010)

    Cheez-It Snack Crackers – $1.79
    Use $1/3 printable coupon from Kelloggs
    $1.46 each after coupon

    Morning Delight Crescent Rolls – $1.49

    Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – $1.50

    Morning Delight Pancake Mix – $1.00

    Morning Delight Syrup – $1.00

    Del Pino’s Canned Pasta – $0.69

    Portmann’s Cocktail Sauce – $1.29

    Enhance Coffee Creamer – $1.49

    J. Higg’s Original or BBQ Cornies – $0.99

    Maruchan Ramen Cups – $0.33

    Chicken or Beef Rice on the Side – $0.69

    Nescafe Clasico Instant Coffee – $4.99
    Use $1/1  coupon from 9/12 Red Plum (Expires 12/12/2010)
    $3.99 each after coupon

    Ensure – $6.49

    Mantia Italiano Pasta – $0.79

    Health & Beauty

    All Nature Made Vitamins & Herbal Supplements – B1G1F
    Use $1/1 coupon from November All You (Expires 1/30/2011)
    Use $3/1 SAM-e printable coupon from SAM-e (Expires 1/30/2011)
    Use $1/1 SAM-e coupon from December All You (Expires 2/28/2011)
    Use $2/1 CholestOFF coupon from September All You (Expires 12/31/2010)

    Rite Aid Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, & Naproxen Sodium – B1G1F
    Get $5 UP Rewards when you buy $20

    Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color – $2
    Use $1/1 coupon from September Allure (Expires 3/31/2011)
    Use $1/1 coupon from October Cosmopolitan (Expires 3/31/2011)
    $1.00 each after coupon

    Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, & Stylers – $2.49
    Use $2/1 printable Sleek & Shine Blow Dry coupon from Garnier
    Use $1/1 Garnier Styling coupon from 11/7 Red Plum (Expires 12/15/2010)
    Use $1/1 Garnier Shampoo or Conditioner coupon from 11/7 Red Plum (Expires 12/15/2010)
    As low as $0.49 each after coupon

    Osteo Bi-Flex – B1G50%
    Get $2 UP Reward when you buy 2
    Use $5/1 printable coupon from Osteo Bi-Flex
    Use $4/1 coupon from 11/7 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/21/2010)
    Use $3/1 printable coupon from Coupons
    Use $1/1 coupon from 11/7 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/21/2010)

    Nivea and Vaseline Intensive Care Lotions – $4.99
    Use $1/1 coupon attached to the WalMart Nivea Sample (Expires 10/31/2011)
    Use $1/1 printable coupon from Print Coupons
    $3.99 each after coupon

    Abreva – $14.99
    Get $2 UP Rewards
    Use $3/1 coupon from 10/17 Red Plum insert (Expires 12/15/2010)
    Use $2/1 coupon found in package (Expires 12/31/2010)
    As low as $9.99 each after coupon and rewards

    Schick Quattro, Xtreme 3, Slim Twin, or Disposable Razor – B1G1F
    Use $3/1 printable coupon from Coupons
    Use $2/1 coupon from 10/24 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/5/2010)
    Use $1/1 coupon from 10/31 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/12/2010)
    Use $1/1 coupon from 10/24 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/5/2010)Use $1/1 coupon from peelie found at CVS (Expires 7/31/2011)
    Use $1/1 coupon from 11/21 Smart Source insert (Expires 1/2/2011)

    Efferdent Denture Cleaning Tablets – B1G1F

    Rite Aid Omeprazole – $19.99
    Get $5 UP Rewards$14.99 each after UP Rewards

    Prilosec OTC – $16.99
    Get $3 UP Rewards
    Use $3/1 coupon from 11/28 Protector & Gamble  insert (Expires 12/31/2010)
    Use $2/1 coupon found in package (Expires 8/31/2012)
    Use $1/1 coupon from 10/17  Red Plum insert (Expires 12/17/2010)
    As low as $10.99 each after coupon and rewards

    Theraflu or Triaminic – $4.00
    Get $1 UP Rewards when you buy 2
    Use $2/1 coupon from 10/17 Smart Source insert (Expires 12/4/2010)
    Use $2/1 printable coupon from Theraflu
    Use $3/2 coupon from the 11/14 Parade insert (Expires 12/31/2010)
    Use $1/1 coupon from 11/21 Smart Source insert (Expires 1/2/2011)
    As low as $1.50 each after coupon and rewards

    Enroll in the free Rite Aid Wellness Rewards Program and earn up to 20% off drugstore purchases as well as UP Rewards.  Remember to use any UP Rewards you currently have to get additional savings on your purchase.

    For more information about Save A Lot | Rite Aid’s coupon policies go here.

    If you discovery another coupon for additional savings let me know and I will add it.

  • Easy Recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

    Jake made some amazing roasted pumpkin seeds during our evening carving the pumpkins.  Here is a super easy and great recipe for roasting pumpkins seeds:

    • 2 c pumpkin seeds
    • 2 T butter
    • Sprinkle Seasoned Salt (or substitute a 1/2 package ranch package mix)

    Rinse the pumpkin seeds.  Saute pumpkin seeds in the butter for about 5 minutes (until they start to turn brown).  Sprinkle the Seasoned Salt or Ranch Mix on the  seeds.  Spread seeds into a shallow baking pan and baked at 250 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until crispy.  Stirring every 10 minutes.

    We made half with the sprinkled seasoned salt and half with the ranch package mix this year.  Delicious snacks for the whole family!

  • Reviving Relationships

    happy girl with globeAs the days fly by you may not necessarily realize how long its been since reconnecting with certain people in your life.  While at a family members house during a recent trip to the Midwest I was able to attend a local BBQ.  There were multiple people at the BBQ that I hadn’t seen in years, a few it had been 20 plus years.  When people get busy with their lives and you live across the country from each other you just cannot get together on a regular basis.  The reunion was not planned but it was really neat that we all timed our visit right around the same time.  It was an avenue to reunite with each other and catch up on the lives of those we have not seen for quite awhile.

    We are grateful to have so many different ways of communicating these days through phone, email, Facebook and other Social Media.  Although even with distance between family, friends, and business connections we have more ways to interact with each other regularly.  However, face to face interaction is definitely more personal and more memories can be created together.   Having these multiple venues for staying connected in between the face to face reunions help us stay involved in the lives of family, friends, and business acquaintances.  You may meet someone and get to know them first online before meeting them in person.   Many great business relationships have been started via Social Media.  We are thankful to have these tools available for us to both initiate and continue conversations with people in our lives.

    How do you stay connected to family, friends, and business contacts?

  • (Part II) Making Your Commitments – Well Done

    Beef Kabobs - Well DoneEvery day we makes choices on how to spend our time and energy.  It is important to the people in our lives that we  follow through with the commitments we make both personally and professionally.  Great satisfaction comes from a job that is  done well and wonderful feedback is given when a relationship is built on quality characteristics.  We all have vital roles in life and you will make a huge impact on the people your life touches.  The question is will your impact be positive one for the people in your life?  What are some of the common the characteristics of people who keep their commitments to others:

    • Integrity – adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character (Dictionary.com) Someone who does the right thing no matter what especially when they make a mistake or miss a deadline.  Take responsibility for your actions.
    • Honesty – whether it is someone in your personal or professional life you will quickly learn who do and those who do not tell the truth.  The truth can sting and be hurtful, however, it is the best way to handle any situation.  You can try to cover something up but eventually the truth will be revealed.  Make sure to always speak the truth in love.  Be honest today in your relationships.
    • Dependable – do what you say you will do and be where you say you will be.  Be punctual as much as possible.  A dependable person demonstrates to  others that they are valuable and their time is appreciated.  When you tell a friend you are coming, it’s pretty simple…..come.  Unforeseeable things can happen and if that is the case contact them as soon as possible.  Be considerate of the person who is expecting to see you or receive something from you.
    • Trustworthy – when someone shares with you they are opening up their hearts and minds to you.  Whether it is a client you are helping complete a project or a friend going through a tough time.  Listen and help.  If someone shares with you in confidence it simply must remain in confidence.  When you make a promise follow through.  It takes work to build healthy relationships with the people in your life.

    We all desire to be appreciated and know who we can trust to be honest, trustworthy, and dependable.  It is important to have people in your life you can count on to come through for you both personally and professionally.  Life is short and we need the positive impacts in our lives.  Take time to evaluate the characteristics that shine through in your life to your family, friends, business partners, etc…  Make sure you have commitments that are – well done.  What are some positive characteristics you have that help you build positive relationships and keep your commitments?  Do you have areas you need to improve in as well?

  • How Do You Like Your Commitments? Rare or Medium or Well Done

    Steak When you make a commitment do you follow through until completion?  Do you do what you say you will do?  It seems pretty simple, however, I am finding that it really is more difficult then people realize.  There can be many reasons for not following through with a promise or commitment.  Here are some common trends I have noticed:

    • Forgetfulness – did not write it down or completely forgot to do it for whatever reason.  Maybe it was a conversation in passing, for example, you ran into a friend that you haven’t spoken to in a long time at the grocery store and you mention that you need to get together for lunch sometime to catch up.  You promised send an email that night with available times to meet for lunch.  You didn’t have a place to write it down and you truly forgot.  If this happens follow up as soon as you remember with apologies.
    • Over Booked –  promises to too many people therefore making it impossible to complete all the commitments you have made.  You are in the doctors office for an appointment with your little one and they have to run tests.  The doctor promises to call tomorrow with the results and  the next day comes and goes with no word from the doctor.  We only have 24 hours a day, until we figure out a way to increase that amount of time we have make sure to allot enough time to fulfill those commitments that must be done each day.
    • Something Better – a promise was made to help someone but something more exciting comes up.   What if you had a babysitter lined up to watch your kids while you were at a business event and she decided to go bowling with her friends instead that night leaving you scrambling to find someone to watch the kids.  Be considerate and treat others with respect.
    • Emergency – this is a valid reason for postponing a commitment, however, if everything is an emergency people will quickly realize that it is an excuse.  It is important to not over use this one.  Car accidents, death in the family, and other true emergencies are understandable and most people will allow you plenty of time to catch up.  Make sure to let people know what is going on as soon as possible.
    • Miscommunication – we all have different ways of communicating and a commitment can get muddle in translation from one party to the next.  When someone says they will send the information over to you “soon” what does that mean (today, tomorrow, within the next week or within the next month, etc….)  What you say can be translated into something very different for those on the receiving end.  Make sure to be as specific as possible and clarify as often as necessary.  If your schedule is booked this week offer to do it the following week.  Be honest and make sure you understand what the expectations are before making the commitment.

    Use common sense when making promises to family, friends, and business acquaintances.  Whenever possible try to use definite and attainable goals.  Give people a deadline or point of reference.  If you do state a specific day or time make sure you follow through.  When possible get it done earlier then promised and you will win even more brownie points for future projects.  Treat others with the respect and honesty you would want.

    Have you noticed other common reasons for not following through?  What ways do you keep track of the commitments you make?  How do you make sure that you have followed through on your promises?

  • Spread the Entrepreneurial Spirit

    team Are you a contagious entrepreneur?  Have you considered starting a business?  Do you own a small business?  I love spotting the entrepreneurial spirit in people.  They are excited about their business and their passion shines through in their lives.

    Growing up in a family business instilled the passion for entrepreneurship in me at an early age.  I felt compelled to start my first business in junior high school with my siblings doing custom hay and harvesting work for local farmers.  Again in college I started a residential cleaning company to help pay for college.  I am excited to have the opportunity to interact with some of the most amazing entrepreneurs through my current business InSource Executives and Enterprise Launch.  I want to encourage those who are entrepreneurs, small business owners, or new startups because you can accomplish anything you want.

    Signs you are a contagious entrepreneur:

    • Share your Excitement – as an entrepreneur you are passionate about the products and services you have to offer.  When someone sees your excitement they will want to know more.  Many entrepreneurs are passionate about what they do and it shows!
    • Help Others – when you have the opportunity to pitch in and help someone do it.  Whether it is in your personal or professional life you need to be a part of their journeys as well.  Be giving of your time and energy when you can.  Everyone needs to be treated with respect and we all have times when help from a friend is the perfect pick-me-up.  Bring a meal to a new Mom, help a friend move, spend time to help a client complete a project, babysit so your friends can have a night out, share contact information that will be beneficial to someone else, etc…
    • Spread the Positive – what comes around goes around.  I truly believe that sharing the positive will stimulate a positive chain of reactions.  Always remember to spread good cheer to those around you.  Life is full of hurdles so try to look at the bright side of every situation.  Positive attitudes are contagious and much more encouraging to be around.

    The entrepreneurs that I have the opportunity to meet are incredible!  Seeing their entrepreneurial spirit shine through is encouraging.  I am thrilled to be a part of the business community and look forward to meeting the more great people this week.  Are you a contagious entrepreneur?  What are ways you spread the entrepreneurial spirit?

  • A Balanced Life

    Kreativität Life can be a juggling act when trying to balance your schedule with work, family, friends, appointments, social activities and everything that squeezes into a day.  The days fill up and schedules will overlap but we can still use our time effectively.  Here are some quick ways to help organize your schedule so you have the joy of accomplishment without the extra stress:

    • Color Coded Calendar – our family has a color coded calendar on the wall so everyone can see the activities for the day.  We know what each family member is doing at a quick glance.  Even our young children get excited to see a special family event with their color on the calendar.  You can have a color coded calendar just for you with one color for business appointments, another color for social time, a color for doctor visits, etc….
    • Clean Out Your Inbox – some days it feels like I can spend the entire day writing and responding to emails.  Try scheduling an hour first thing in the morning when you get into work and an hour at the end of the day to focus on sending and responding to emails.  Handle your work emails during those times and respond to personal emails in the evenings and on weekends.  Focus completely on emails during that time, put your phone on silence or close your office door if you need to.  Avoid interruptions so you can get it done.  If you think you’ll go too long set a timer and when it buzzes, stop.
    • Time to Talk – schedule phone time each day for returning calls, initiating calls, scheduling appointments, and completing projects.  It is important to follow up with business connections as well as family and friends.  Keep your personal calls during work hours to a minimum and utilize that time to schedule business appointments and work related calls.  Call family and friends in the evenings or weekends to make sure you have enough time to catch up with them.
    • Plan your Dinner – plan your week of meals prior to going to the grocery store.  Lay out the recipe  and any items you can prior to leaving for work that morning so when you get home it is ready to be put together.  If you have a crockpot they are fabulous for people working that want to come home to a meal.  Put the main course in before work and when you come home add a side of veggies and fruit then your dinner is ready.  Pack the leftovers for lunch at work.
    • Double Duty Meals – you can easily accomplish multiple tasks when you work through an occasional breakfast and lunch.  Have lunch with your business partner and brainstorm about the business.  Meet a friend for lunch to catch up and let the kids run out their energy while you talk.  Take lunch at your desk so you can get through an extra project.  You have to eat so mix up your meals and pick a couple days when you will meet someone during a mealtime.  If on a budget or tight schedule grab coffee together.
    • Project Creativity – time needs to be set aside daily to complete projects both personally and professionally.  Determine what needs to be accomplished that day and make sure you have time allocated to get it done including projects that you are doing with your clients.  Same goes for the personal side of life somehow the laundry doesn’t get done on its own and the house cleaned unless you take the time to do it.  Take into consideration the amount of energy and concentration you will need for the project and make sure it fits into your day at an ideal time.
    • Quick Sweep – clean off your desk, organize your office, file papers, and other office work items 15 minutes a day (set a timer if you need to).  By dedicating even a brief time to this on a daily basis you will be able to maintain a cleaner more organized office space. I have been known to let it pile up over several days and then it can take hours to dig myself back out.  Make it brief and daily so that it is more effective and organized.

    It is important that your time is utilized efficiently.  You will have  interruptions, however, doing your best to schedule time to complete specific tasks throughout the day will allow you to be more productive and focused.  Every one of us has the same 24 hours in a day and we must make choices on how to use the time given to us.  What are some activities you do that help keep your day balanced?

  • What Are You Missing?

    crowds in subway Do you have days that get filled with so many activities and projects that you feel as if you are rushing from one item to the next?  Maybe it is just our schedule…… although I think we all need reminded occasionally of the important things in our lives. It is rather easy to fill your day with appointments, projects, and errands that need to be done both in our personal and professional lives.  Then there are days that unexpected emergencies pop up and demand our attention as well…..finishing an extra project at work with a co-worker that has a deadline, taking a sick child to the Doctor, visiting a friend that needs encouragement, a flat tire on the vehicle you are driving, and so many more.

    During these busy days I want to encourage you to remember those things that you are truly passionate about and the people in your life who are important to you.  We miss out on so many blessings in our lives because we do not pause long enough to notice and appreciate them.  I am blessed beyond measure with a loving husband, two beautiful daughters, amazing friends, a great business that helps others, comfortable home, food to eat, clothes to wear, and so much more.  However, on those rushed days it is harder to relax and be content even with the many blessings in my life because the little issues seem bigger and more stressful.  On those days it is even more critical that I focus any extra energy I have on that which is truly valuable.  It is amazing how quickly a thankful heart can lift your spirits.

    My heart goes out to so many who are going through a tough season in their lives right now.  May you be encouraged and know that no matter what your current circumstance may be we all have something to be thankful for in our lives.  As we go into the weekend think about what you are thankful for and pause for a moment to focus on that instead of all the inconveniences of life.  Relax and enjoy an incredible weekend focusing on your passions and the people in your life.  What are your passions?  Who are you thankful in your life?

  • Dream It, Believe It, Do It

    Book and Quill Pen Yes, it is true we are nearly halfway through the first month of 2010.  Have you taken the time to evaluate the things that drive you personally and professionally?  What are you passionate about?  It is amazing to think we are already off to another great start and yet some have not taken the time to think about what you want to accomplish this week, month, year, and in your lifetime.  Although it is difficult to sit down and write out your goals it is important take  time to do it.  Great quote……

    “It’s a dream until you write it down…then it’s a goal.”  – Anonymous

    • Brainstorm and Get Your Ideas Out – every day for the next several days take time to write out your thoughts, goals, hopes, and wishes both personally and professionally.  Write about what you want for yourself, your family, friends, business, and career.  It doesn’t have to be written neatly or in complete sentences the purpose is to get it out of your head and onto paper.
    • Write them down – take the information from your brainstorming sessions and write down specific goals that you want to accomplish in 2010 and beyond.  Do this for the areas in your life that are important to you – personally, physically, spiritually, family, friends, professionally, and any other areas that you want to improve.
    • Make them Measurable – you need to be able to gauge your advancement towards the goals.  Found time regularly to review how you are doing.  Believe in yourself and that you can accomplish your dreams.  If you are starting to get behind on a goal step it up a few notches and make sure to find ways to stay positive.  Keep moving forward, you can do it.
    • Challenging and Accomplishable – if you can reach all your goals by the end of the first quarter they are not challenging enough.  Or if it is impossible to reach them within the time period you set than you need to review the goals.  You want constantly to stretch yourself to reach new levels of success.
    • Recharge – share your goals with your accountability partners and meet with them regularly.  It is wise to have people in your life that will be honest with you.  They will help encourage you to continue reaching for those areas where you are wanting to grow.

    Wishing you a truly wonderful 2010 year full of happiness, success, great memories, and joy.  Continue to evaluate your goals and push forward.  Be positive and celebrate your successes!  What are some of your goals for 2010 and beyond?