Family Finances

  • Walgreens: Spent $2 and Got $6 Back

    Groceries, Household Items, & Other Goodies from Walgreens

    I ran by Walgreens on the way home from an appointment this week to use up a couple coupons that were about ready to expire.  I spent $2.06 including tax at Walgreens this week for grocery, household, health and beauty purchases and received $6 Register Rewards back from that visit to use towards my next purchase at Walgreens.

    Here is what I got this week:

    • 4 – Nice Baking Soda for $2.00 ($0.50 each after coupon)
    • 2 – Dove Deodorants for $3.99 (received $3 Register Rewards.  Also, I was able to get 2 because there was a BONUS pack that included 2 full size deodorants in it making it an even better deal. Yay!)
    • 1 – Revlon TopSpeed Nail Polish for $3.99 (received $3 in Register Rewards back.)
    • 9 –  Snowman Tumbler Cups for $1.49 ($0.16 each after coupon)
    • 2 – Nice Wax Paper (75 feet) for $1.98 ($0.99 each after coupon)
    • 1 – Reynolds Aluminum Foil (20 feet) for $0.99 (each after coupon)
    • 4 – Wexford Tape (450 inches) for $2.38 ($0.59 each after coupon)
    • 3 – Nestle Chewy Spree Candy for $0.75 ($0.25 each after coupon)
    • 2 – Red Sharpie Markers for $0.58 ($0.29 each after coupon)
    • 2 – Green Sharpie Markers for $0.58 ($0.29 each after coupon)

    The total was over $36 with tax before using discounts & coupons.  Here are the coupons I used on the items.

    • Nice Baking Soda Coupons
    • Snowman Tumbler Coupons
    • Nice Wax Paper Coupons
    • Reynolds Aluminum Foil Coupons
    • Wexford Tape Coupons
    • Nestle Chewy Spree Candy Coupons
    • Sharpie Markers Coupons
    • Used $17 Register Rewards

    I received $6 Register Rewards back today:

    • $3.00 Register Rewards for Dove Product
    • $3.00 Register Rewards for Revlon Product

    Walgreen’s Register Rewards will expire two weeks from the date they are printed so you will need to make sure to use them before their expiration date.  I always keep the ones that are expiring the soonest on top of the stack to make sure to use them first.

    Another important fact regarding Walgreen’s Register Rewards you will need to know if you haven’t used them before is you can only use 1 coupon per item.  If you use a manufacturer’s coupon for every item you are purchasing you will not be able to use any Register Reward for that transaction.   If you do have a coupon for each item then check Walgreen’s weekly ad because they will have items on sale each week for pennies up to $1 that you can use as “filler” items but they won’t raise your total too much.  Once you get started using coupons and rewards you may discover, like I did, how to purchase many of your health and beauty items for nothing or very little.  Since using coupons and reward programs I rarely pay full price for any of our health and beauty items plus I usually have extra to share with guests visiting us or to give away.

    For those of you who shop regularly at Walgreens I encourage you to share how you were able to save this week!  Although the weekly ad sales are similar every family and situation is different so you may have found items better suited to your household.  In your comment please feel free to share how you saved at Walgreens (links to your blog article on how you saved are welcomed as well).

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of December 7 – 13, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.  You can start stocking up on some great deals for upcoming Holiday cooking.  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Sugardale Bone In Hank Potion Ham – $1.19 per lb

    Chicken Leg Quarters – $0.49 per lb

    Beef Eye of Round Roast – $3.99 per lb

    Cooked Cocktail Shrimp (41 to 50 count) – $4.99

    Hickory Springs Sliced Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99

    Farmington Pork Sausage, Hot or Mild (16 oz) – $1.99

    Fairgrounds Sliced Lunchmeats, Assorted Varieties (16 oz) – $2.99

    Fairgrounds Jumbo Hot Dogs (16 oz) – $0.99

    Portside Fish Fillets, Tilapia, Perch or Flounder (16 oz) – $3.99

    Matlaw’s Shrimp Ring with Sauce (10 oz) – $4.99

    Portside Imitation Crabmeat (16 oz) – $1.99

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Coburn Farms Cream Cheese – $1.00

    Land O’ Lakes Spreadable Butter (8 oz) – $1.99
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As low as $1.49 each after coupon

    Banquet Family Size Entrees (26 to 28 oz) – $2.00

    Tropicana Orange Juice (59 oz) – $2.99

    Chef Antonio Rising Crust Pizza, Pepperoni or Cheese – $3.49

    Eggo Waffles (10 count) – $1.79

     World’s Fair Vanilla Ice Cream (56 oz) – $2.79

    Mrs. Smith’s Pies, Pumpkin, Apple or Cherry – $2.99
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from pamphlet Target booklet (Expires 12/30/11)
    $2.49 each after coupon

    Gold Leaf Deep Dish Pie Shells – $2.33

    Coburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.59

    Morning Delight Crescent Rolls – $1.69

    Save A Lot Today Orange Juice (59 oz) – $1.99

    Curly’s Pulled Pork or Beef (18 oz) – $3.99

    Produce

    California Navel Oranges (4 lbs) – $2.99

    Mixed Bag of Fruit (4 lbs) – $2.99

    Idaho Potatoes (10 lbs) – $2.99

    Tomatoes (6 pack) – $1.99

    Red Grapefruit (3 lbs) – $1.50

    Sunburst Tangerines (3 lbs) – $1.50

    Household

    Tide Powder Laundry Detergent (20 oz) – $3.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 11/27 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 12/31/11)
    As low as $2.99 each after coupon

     Wrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $1.39

    Poly Steel Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil (37.5 sq ft) – $1.99

    Wrightware Napkins (250 count) – $1.69

    Chenard Plastic Cutlery, Knife, Fork, Spoon Assortment (48 count) – $1.69

    Max Force Alkaline Batteries, Assorted Varieties – $1.99

    Grocery

    Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee (22.6 oz) – $6.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 12/3/11)
    $5.99 each after coupon

    Crisco Vegetable or Canola Oil (48 oz) – $2.99
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 1/31/12)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 1/31/12)
    $2.49 each after coupon

    Cap ‘N Crunch Cereal, Assorted Varieties (12 to 14 oz) – $1.99

    Kraft Deluxe or Velveeta Dinners (9 to 14 oz) – $1.79

    Ritz Crackers, Assorted Varieties (14 to 15 oz) – $2.50

    Prego Pasta Sauce, Assorted Varieties (24 oz) – $1.50
    Use $0.75/2 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As low as $1.13 each after coupon

    Pregresso Traditional Soups, Assorted Varieties – $1.50

    Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Assorted Varieties – $2.49

    Welch’s Chillers Juice Drinks, Assorted Varieties (64 oz) – $1.99

    On the Border Tortilla Chips (12 oz) – $2.00

     Grissom’s Brown ‘n Serve Rolls ( 12 count) – $1.19

    Monet Entertainment Crackers (8 oz) – $1.69

    Lofthouse Snickerdoodle Cookies – $2.79

    Cafe Valley Fudge Bundt Cake – $3.39

    Portmann’s Mayonnaise – $2.49

    J Higgs Saltines – $1.19

    Wylwood Chili Beans – $0.75

    Hargis House Beef Stew (24 oz) – $2.39

    Hargis House Sloppy Joe Sauce (15.5 oz)  – $0.99

    Mantia’s Alfredo Sauce (15 oz) – $1.99

    Crisp Cranberry Lemon Lime Soda (2 liter) – $0.79

    Coburn Farms Evaporated Milk (15 oz) – $0.79

    Ginger Evans Cake Mix – $1.35

    Ginger Evans Ready to Spread Frosting – $1.49

    Ginger Evans Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz) – $2.29

    Morning Gem’s Frosted Flakes Cereal (17 oz) – $2.29

    Morning Delight Complete Buttermilk Pancake Mix (32 oz) – $1.89

    Morning Delight Country Style or Buttery Syrup (24 oz) – $1.89

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    I was back to my regular schedule for the most part this week.  It was a busy week with a lot of catching up to do from the Thanksgiving Holidays.  I wasn’t able to get everything crossed off the list but made some headway.

    Here is the update on last weeks goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
    4. Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed)
    5. Get the girls passport pictures taken

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – started the week well but flopped when it got really cold outside
    2. Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday and Thursday – did it about every other night
    3. Finish reading  The Money Saving Mom’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year by Crystal Paine who has a blog called Money Saving Mom (VERY excited about the opportunity to preview this book by a blogger I have been following for years and thankful to be featured on her blog weekly with the Save A Lot Deals!)
    4. Listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (I am going through this book with my Community Group)

    Home Management Goals

    1. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    2. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    3. Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday) – it was late a couple nights
    4. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    5. File the receipts and coupons for the last couple of months. – started, but not finished

    Business Goals

    1. Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
    2. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    3. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    4. Review my 2011 Business Goals and start planning ones for 2012 – pulled it out but didn’t get in depth time to work on it this week

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    3. Make at least $25 towards my Creative Cash goal this week so I can give more to others. – didn’t meet my goal this week
    4. Deliver a meal to a new Mom. was able to take meals to 2 new Moms!  What a blessing to share and meet the new little ones! 🙂

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt – made progress this week
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses – on hold until debt is paid off

    Here are my goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
    4. Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed)
    5. Do the 25 Day of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities with the girls this week

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
    2. Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday and Tuesday
    3. Finish reading The 60-Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay
    4. Listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (I am going through this book with my Community Group)

    Home Management Goals

    1. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    2. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    3. Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday)
    4. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    5. Start wrapping and send out Christmas Cards / Presents

    Business Goals

    1. Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
    2. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    3. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    4. Review my 2011 Business Goals and start planning ones for 2012

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    3. Make at least $25 towards my Creative Cash goal this week so I can give more to others.

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

    Why Share My Goals?

    • To keep me accountable
    • To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
    • To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
    • Create healthy habits in my life
    • To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn

    How did you do this week on your goals?  Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.

    The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results

  • Book: “Money Savings Mom’s Budget” by Crystal Paine

    I had the privilege of reading a preview copy of Crystal Paine’s first book “The Money Saving Mom’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year” which will be released on January 10, 2012!  I have been following Crystal’s blog Money Saving Mom for several years now and was thrilled to receive a copy of her new book to review.  As I expected the book was full of practical advice on life, home management, and finances.   Crystal discusses tips and resources that have worked well for her family as well as some of the challenges she has experienced along the way.

    In the book Crystal shares a step by step process to financial success through seven rules:

    • Rule #1 – SET BIG GOALS AND BREAK THEM DOWN INTO BITE-SIZED PIECES
    • Rule #2 – STREAMLINE YOUR LIFE AND CUT THE CLUTTER
    • Rule #3 – SET UP A REALISTIC, WORKABLE BUDGET
    • Rule #4 – TAKE THE CASH-ONLY CHALLENGE
    • Rule #5 – USE COUPONS
    • Rule #6 – NEVER PAY RETAIL
    • Rule #7 – CHOOSE CONTENTMENT

    She has these rules broken out over 12 months so you can focus on one at a time and within a year you may see amazing results in your personal life as well as with your family finances.   I like that Crystal gives manageable steps for someone starting out and challenges to those who are already practicing some of the principles in her book.  In the back of the book she gives worksheets to help get you started on your goals, priorities, budget, and more.  By making just a few changes you may start seeing positive results in your life right away.

    I wear many hats throughout the week, however, if my priorities and life are a mess I will not have any time or resources leftover to help others.  This book helps you streamline your life, household, and finances so you can be a blessing to your family, friends and to the people around you.  Her quote “Stop trying to do it all” rang loud and clear when I read it.  As women for some reason we feel like we have to be SuperMom or Superwoman yet we often fail because we cannot do everything.  When our priorities are in order we will have the time to focus on things that truly are important.

    Crystal wraps up the book perfectly by addressing her final rule, “Choose Contentment”.  This chapter was my favorite, it is a good reminder to practice contentment in all areas of our lives.  No matter what the circumstances are there is ALWAYS much to be thankful for in my life.  “Choose to bloom where you’re planted – even if it seems like it’s among thorns.”

    I am super excited to see how implementing a few key rules can make a positive impact in my family and hope to share them with you along the way.  The Money Saving Mom’s Budget is a practical, encouraging, and motivating book.  It would be a perfect gift for your Mom friends, graduates, or as a wedding gift.

    The best part…..is that all the profit for the sale of this book are going to Compassion International.  Compassion International is an organization that helps to feed and clothe needy children around the world.  You can pre-order The Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine now at Amazon it’s $11.09 right now, with a price-guarantee that if the price goes down any between when you order and the release date, you’ll get the lowest price. Plus you can get free shipping with your Amazon Mom account.

    Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4

    I didn’t get a post up last week with birthday celebrations and Thanksgiving taking up extra time.  I sent Jake to the store with a list of items to pick up and he came home with a few “extras” and I was told that they were for my birthday so they shouldn’t count in the normal weekly budget.  He did get everything on the list and the few extra items were delicious (shrimp, corn on the cob, etc….) .  I am back to a more regular routine this week.  Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.

    Groceries from Walmart and Ingles

    Walmart Groceries:

    • $21.40 at Walmart for 2 packs Yeast, 1 gallon of milk, 1 bag Purple Grapes, 1 bag Apples, 2 bottles Ocean Spray Juice, 2 bags Bread, and 1 bag Chicken.

    Ingles Groceries:

    • $7.74 at Ingles for 2 containers Strawberries, 1 box Wholly Guacamole, 1 container Mushrooms (Everything I bought this week at Ingles was on sale, marked down, or on clearance except the strawberries because they were for a new Mom’s dinner I was delivering this week.)
    Groceries from BiLo and Walgreens

     BiLo Groceries:

    • $3.27 at BiLo for 1 gallon of milk. (Somehow my family managed to drink a whole gallon in a day this week so I had to go back and get some more!)

    Walgreens Groceries:

    • $0.18 at Walgreens for 2 boxes of Brown Sugar after coupons.

    This week I spent $32.59 on groceries.  Even though I was only a little under on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on some items and to recover a little bit from last weeks birthday and Thanksgiving celebrations.  This week I had the privilege of taking meals to two new Moms and meet their little ones, what a blessing children are in our lives!  I hope that next week is better week and we can come under budget!

    It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks!  As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me.  I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too.  The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.

    Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances.  Life doesn’t always go as planned.  We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given.  Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life.  A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others.  There is so much more to life than having all the stuff.  We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.

  • Family Recipe: Cream Cheese Candies

    My cousin Rachel shared this recipe with me many years ago.  These are perfect for holidays, weddings, showers, birthdays, or any special celebrations.  You can make them any color to match the theme of the party.

    Cream Cheese Candies:

    • 1 package Cream Cheese, softened (8 oz)
    • 1/3 teaspoon Peppermint or Almond Extract
    • 3 cups Confectioners Sugar
    • Food Coloring
    • Colored Sugar, optional

    In a small mixing bowl combine cream cheese and extract.  Beat in 1 1/2 cup Confectioner’s Sugar.  Knead in remaining Confectioner’s Sugar until smooth.  Shape into 1/2 inch balls.  Roll in colored sugar if desired.  Place in ungreased baking sheets and flatten with a fork or form into the shape you want.  Let stand 1 hour to harden and store in airtight container in the refrigerator.  Yields – 6 dozen

    Photo by Jo Naylor

     

  • Living on a Budget: Creative Cash (November Update)

    November is my tenth month tracking my Creative Cash.  What is Creative Cash?  Creative Cash is finding ways to come up with extra cash to share with others as well as work on our current goal.  I am working part time, a stay at home Mom, and wear many other hats from day to day, however, I feel that it is important not only to save money for our family by using coupons and buying items on sale but to earn a little money to help with the extra expenses and to share with others.  The extra amount I bring in on top of the work is what I call “Creative Cash” which means finding ways to make money creatively or with items and talents I have already.  I have tested this goal over the last couple months as I am challenging myself to make my life more simplified.   I plan to continue this goal for the remaining months of the year.  Despite the many financial obstacles that we have faced as a family we have been blessed with so much.  We believe it is important to be accountable with our finances and give to others.

    Explanation: The creative cash will be made throughout the entire month through various endeavors.  As it comes in the money is placed into our savings account and withdrawn at the end of the month so it can be split.  It is my goal to make at least $100 extra a month to help with our goals as well as share with others.  At the end of the month the money will be split 50 / 50 with half going towards our current goal we are working on (which at the moment is paying down debt) and the other half going to charity.

    November was a pretty good month even though it was extremely active in many other areas of my life.  Thankfully I was able to save some extra cash however, I did not reach my my goal of $100.  I want to share with you the ways we did it so if you are looking for ways to make a little extra creative cash for your family hopefully we can be an inspiration in getting your creative juices flowing:

    • $8.96– Items sold on Ebay (after fees):   The all the items sold were coupons.  I encourage you to look around at some of the coupons you get the mail, newspapers, magazines, in your stockpile, or other places and if you will not have the opportunity to use them then consider selling them for a little extra creative cash
    • $44.08 – Other miscellaneous amounts earned  (rebates, returns, cash back,  extra money, etc…) that was added to my stash for the month.

    November’s “Creative Cash” total was $53.04 which means $26.52 extra that goes towards our current goal (paying down debt) and $26.52 goes towards charity.  I have plan of action on ways to earn creative cash in December so stayed tuned, hopefully, it will be another month where we can get closer to our goal and share with others.  Each month I do a variety activities to accomplish this goal, the items above are just the ones I did specifically in November.  I look forward to sharing more of the things that work well for our family as I do them in the upcoming months.

    I will share with you the challenges, successes, and updates as I go through this journey so you can keep me accountable or even go through it with me by participating  and sharing your story. Taking the extra time to find ways to help our family as well as invest in the lives of others is important to us.  I hope that we have been able to encourage you to find ways to come up with some creative cash for your household as well.  Obviously, each situation and family is unique so decide what works for you and go for it!  Do you know of another way to earn creative cash?   I would love to hear your idea!

    Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances.  Life doesn’t always go as planned.  We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given.  Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life.  A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others.  There is so much more to life than having all the stuff.  We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.

    Photo by StopNLook

  • Life Can Be Sweet – S’mores Brownies

    Our family loves brownies!  The nice thing about making brownies you can add in all kinds of goodies and it still tastes awesome.  You can also add items on top of the brownies after they are baked or use them as a base to sundaes!  As you may already know not all my brownies turn out perfect like my Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies I made for our church Community Group, but for the most part they turn out delicious.

    I had some extra items on hand so we added them to the brownies.  I cooked the brownies to almost done added some marshmallows, chocolate and butterscotch chips finished cookies then drizzled chocolate syrup over the top.  The results delicious brownies to share with family and friends! 🙂

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of November 30 – December 6, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.  You can start stocking up on some great deals for upcoming Holiday cooking.  Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Sugardale Bone In Hank Potion Ham – $1.19 per lb

    Chicken Leg Quarters – $0.49 per lb

    Beef Eye of Round Roast – $3.99 per lb

    Cooked Cocktail Shrimp (41 to 50 count) – $4.99

    Hickory Springs Sliced Bacon (12 oz) – $1.99

    Farmington Pork Sausage, Hot or Mild (16 oz) – $1.99

    Fairgrounds Sliced Lunchmeats, Assorted Varieties (16 oz) – $2.99

    Fairgrounds Jumbo Hot Dogs (16 oz) – $0.99

    Portside Fish Fillets, Tilapia, Perch or Flounder (16 oz) – $3.99

    Matlaw’s Shrimp Ring with Sauce (10 oz) – $4.99

    Portside Imitation Crabmeat (16 oz) – $1.99

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Coburn Farms Cream Cheese – $1.00

    Land O’ Lakes Spreadable Butter (8 oz) – $1.99
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As low as $1.49 each after coupon

    Banquet Family Size Entrees (26 to 28 oz) – $2.00

    Tropicana Orange Juice (59 oz) – $2.99

    Chef Antonio Rising Crust Pizza, Pepperoni or Cheese – $3.49

    Eggo Waffles (10 count) – $1.79

     World’s Fair Vanilla Ice Cream (56 oz) – $2.79

    Mrs. Smith’s Pies, Pumpkin, Apple or Cherry – $2.99
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from pamphlet Target booklet (Expires 12/30/11)
    $2.49 each after coupon

    Gold Leaf Deep Dish Pie Shells – $2.33

    Coburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.59

    Morning Delight Crescent Rolls – $1.69

    Save A Lot Today Orange Juice (59 oz) – $1.99

    Curly’s Pulled Pork or Beef (18 oz) – $3.99

    Produce

    California Navel Oranges (4 lbs) – $2.99

    Mixed Bag of Fruit (4 lbs) – $2.99

    Idaho Potatoes (10 lbs) – $2.99

    Tomatoes (6 pack) – $1.99

    Red Grapefruit (3 lbs) – $1.50

    Sunburst Tangerines (3 lbs) – $1.50

    Household

    Tide Powder Laundry Detergent (20 oz) – $3.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 10/23 Red Plum (Expires 11/30/11)
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 11/27 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 12/31/11)
    As low as $2.99 each after coupon

     Wrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $1.39

    Poly Steel Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil (37.5 sq ft) – $1.99

    Wrightware Napkins (250 count) – $1.69

    Chenard Plastic Cutlery, Knife, Fork, Spoon Assortment (48 count) – $1.69

    Max Force Alkaline Batteries, Assorted Varieties – $1.99

    Grocery

    Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee (22.6 oz) – $6.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 12/3/11)
    $5.99 each after coupon

    Crisco Vegetable or Canola Oil (48 oz) – $2.99
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 1/31/12)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 11/6 Red Plum (Expires 1/31/12)
    $2.49 each after coupon

    Cap ‘N Crunch Cereal, Assorted Varieties (12 to 14 oz) – $1.99

    Kraft Deluxe or Velveeta Dinners (9 to 14 oz) – $1.79
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from tearpad found in some stores (Expires 11/30/11)
    $1.29 each after coupon

    Ritz Crackers, Assorted Varieties (14 to 15 oz) – $2.50

    Prego Pasta Sauce, Assorted Varieties (24 oz) – $1.50
    Use $0.75/2 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from 10/16 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As low as $1.13 each after coupon

    Pregresso Traditional Soups, Assorted Varieties – $1.50

    Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Assorted Varieties – $2.49

    Welch’s Chillers Juice Drinks, Assorted Varieties (64 oz) – $1.99

    On the Border Tortilla Chips (12 oz) – $2.00

     Grissom’s Brown ‘n Serve Rolls ( 12 count) – $1.19

    Monet Entertainment Crackers (8 oz) – $1.69

    Lofthouse Snickerdoodle Cookies – $2.79

    Cafe Valley Fudge Bundt Cake – $3.39

    Portmann’s Mayonnaise – $2.49

    J Higgs Saltines – $1.19

    Wylwood Chili Beans – $0.75

    Hargis House Beef Stew (24 oz) – $2.39

    Hargis House Sloppy Joe Sauce (15.5 oz)  – $0.99

    Mantia’s Alfredo Sauce (15 oz) – $1.99

    Crisp Cranberry Lemon Lime Soda (2 liter) – $0.79

    Coburn Farms Evaporated Milk (15 oz) – $0.79

    Ginger Evans Cake Mix – $1.35

    Ginger Evans Ready to Spread Frosting – $1.49

    Ginger Evans Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 oz) – $2.29

    Morning Gem’s Frosted Flakes Cereal (17 oz) – $2.29

    Morning Delight Complete Buttermilk Pancake Mix (32 oz) – $1.89

    Morning Delight Country Style or Buttery Syrup (24 oz) – $1.89

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.