Coupons

  • Recipe: Taco Lasagna

     

    Taco Lasagna, one of our family's favorites!

    Taco Lasagna is a favorite menu request in our household.  It is one that my husband requests at least once a month and it is super easy to make.  Our friend, Terry,  from church was kind enough to share the recipe with us.  If you like taco’s this is a great recipe to check out.  It uses flour tortillas instead of pasta to separate the layers.  Brina helped me put this one together, she even sliced the olives all by herself, did one complete layer and added cheese.  Glad that she enjoys helping Mommy in the kitchen!  Thanks for sharing the recipe Terry!

    Taco Lasagna:

    • 1 pound ground Beef or Turkey
    • 1/2 cup chopped Green Pepper (optional)
    • 1/2 cup chopped Onions
    • 2/3 cup Water
    • 1 package of Taco Seasoning
    • 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
    • 1 (14.5 oz ) can Mexican Tomatoes, undrained
    • 1 (16 oz) can Refried Beans
    • 6 (8 inch) Flour Tortillas
    • 3 cups shredded Mexican Cheese

    In a large skillet, cook the meat, green pepper, and onion over medium heat until done.  Add water and taco seasoning; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 2 minutes.  Stir in black beans and tomatoes.  Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.  Place 2 flour tortillas in a greased 13 x 9 pan.  Spread half of the refried beans then half of the beef mixture.  Sprinkle with 1 cup Mexican cheese.  Repeat layers.  Top with remaining tortillas and cheese (I try to add a little extra cheese if I have it and sliced olives if we have them in the pantry or fridge).  Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.  I usually take the foil off the last few minutes to let the cheese on top get a little crispy since our family likes it that way.

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of June 15 – 21, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   There are a lot of great deals that are continued this week at Save A Lot for $1.00. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Eckrich Hot Dogs or Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00

    Carolina Ground Turkey (16 oz ) – $1.00

    Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.65/1 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/10/11)
    $0.35 each after coupon

    Gwaltney Pork Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00

    Center Cut Beef Spare Ribs – $2.49 per lb

    Ground Beef (1 lb) – $2.49

    Sugardale Bratwurst – $1.99

    Smoked Sausage – $0.99

    Chicken Breast Strips – $0.99

    Meatballs (8 oz) – $0.99

    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

    Oscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00

    Reser’s Assorted Salads & Coleslaw – $1.00
    Use $1.00/1 printable coupon from Coupon Web
    Free after each coupon

    Minute Maid Lemonade or Fruit Punch – $1.00

    Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/31/11)
    Use $1.00/5 coupon from insert 4/17 Smart Source (Expires 7/9/11)
    Use $0.50/4 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 8/13/11)
    As low as $0.67 each after coupon

    Totino’s Pizza Rolls – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/31/11)
    Use $0.50/4 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 8/13/11)
    As low as $0.66 each after coupon

    Banquet Dinners – $1.00

    Fisher Boy Fish Sticks – $1.00
    $0.75/1 printable coupon Fisher Boy
    $0.25 each after coupon

    T. J. Farms Sweet Potato Fries – $1.00

    Party Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches (4 count) – $1.00

    World’s Fair Orange, Grape and Cherry Popsicles – $0.99

    Lemonade – $1.99

    Home Churned Squeeze Spread – $0.99

    Bright & Early Beverage Drink – $0.99

    Household

    Poly Steel Sandwich Zipper Bags (50 count) – $1.00

    Joy Dish Liquid – $1.00

    Produce

    Fresh Express Coleslaw (16 oz) – $1.00

    Fresh Express Salad Mix (12 oz) – $1.00

    Baby Carrots (16 oz) – $1.00

    California Cherries – $1.99 per lb

    Roma Tomatoes – $0.89 per lb

    Red & White Grapes – $1.29 per lb

    Grocery

    Knorr Side Dishes – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 5/22 Red Plum (Expires 6/19/11)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Hamburger Helper Dinner – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/16/11)
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/1 Smart Source (Expires 6/25/11)
    Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 5/1 Smart Source (Expires 6/25/11)
    As low as $0.67 each after coupon

    Save A Lot Apple Juice (64 oz) – $1.00

    Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00

    Red Gold Ketchup (40 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 printable coupon from Red Gold
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Woeber’s Mustard (24 oz) – $1.00

    Kurtz Sweet Relish – $1.00

    Shasta Soda (4 pack) – $1.00

    Deer Park Spring Water (3 liter) – $1.00

    Crunch & Munch Butter Toffee – $1.00

    Dippables – $1.00

    Mantia’s Pasta Sauce – $1.00

    Shelby’s Grove Sliced Peaches – $1.00

    J Higgs Pretzels – $1.00

    Chicken of the Sea Chunk White Tuna – $1.00

    Allure Zero Calorie Sweetener – $1.00

    Jade Dragon Soy Sauce – $1.00

    Kraft BBQ Sauce – $0.88

    Bugles – $0.79

    Harvest Select Juice Cocktails – $0.99

    On the Go Powder Drink Sticks – $1.00

    Crisp Lemonade – $0.99

    Swift Mac – $0.75

    Toast Em Strawberry or Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Ups – $0.99

    Malt O Meal Cereal – $0.99

    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.

  • CVS: Spent $1 and Got $18 ECB’s Back!

     

    CVS Deals

    CVS has a few good deals this week.  I was happy to stock up on some items including kids toothpaste and medicine this week while utilizing a few of my coupons.   I was able to use a couple of my raincheck items this week too.  Today I was able to get the items for $1.15 plus tax ($0.08) making my out of pocket cost $1.23 and received $18.99 ECB’s to use on my next CVS purchase.  Here is what I purchased this week.

    • 1 –  Zyrtc 10 mg (5 count) for $5.99
    • 1 – Bayer Advance 500 (20 count) for $3.00
    • 1 – Crest Pro Health Complete Fresh Mint Rinse (1 liter) for $4.50 (used a raincheck to get this price)
    • 1 – Crest Pro Health Complete Clean Rinse (1 liter) for $4.50 (used a raincheck to get this price)
    • 2 – Mitchum Deodorant for $1.99
    • 1 – Motrin Pm (20 count) for $4.00
    • 2 –  Colgate Dora Kids Toothpaste B1G1F (1 for $3.19 and 1 for $0.00)
    • 2 – Colgate Sponge Bob Kids Toothpaste B1G1F (1 for $3.19 and 1 for 0.00)
    • 1 – Revlon ColorStay Normal Makeup for $12.79
    • 1 – Mini Writing Tablets for $1.00

    Here are the coupons I used on the items.

    • Used $3.00 Zyrtc Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $2.00 Bayer Advance Coupon
    • Used $2.50 Colgate  Complete Rinse Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $2.50 Colgate Complete Rinse Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $1.00 Mitchum Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $1.00 Mitchum Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $1.00 Motrin PM Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $1.00 Colgate Kids Toothpaste Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $1.00 Colgate Kids Toothpaste Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $1.00 Colgate Kids Toothpaste Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $1.00 Colgate Kids Toothpaste Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $6.00 CVS Kiosk Coupon
    • Used $3.00 CVS Kiosk Coupon
    • Used $11.99 ECB coupons from prior purchases

    I received $18.99 ECB’s back today:

    • $5.99 ECB’s for Zyrtc Products
    • $1.00 ECB’s for Bayer Products
    • $5.00 ECB’s for Crest Pro Health Products ($2.50 each)
    • $3.00 ECB’s for Motrin Products
    • $4.00 ECB’s for Revlon Products

    Today I was able to save $64.83 at CVS by purchasing these items and using coupons.

    When you shop the CVS sales regularly and have ECB’s that you can roll over toward future purchases the bonus ECB’s start adding up (Green Bag Tags and Beauty Club).  As you can see from my shopping trip today you don’t have to purchase a lot to save money when shopping at CVS.  Plus you can use the additional ECB’s you receive towards your next purchase.  You can pick and chose what is best for your family.

    I would love to hear your CVS shopping story for this week!  For those of you who shop regularly at CVS please 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 a link to your blog article showing us how you were able to save shopping at CVS.

  • Summer Activities: Greenville Drive Baseball Game (Take 2)

     

    Greenville Drive Baseball Game - let's play ball!

    After getting rained out for the girls first Greenville Drive Game we decided to give it another shot and go again.  The day looked like it may rain but ended up being beautiful.  Since our first game was rained out we ended up being able to attend a double header.  The girls did great and enjoyed watching the two games and the fireworks afterward.  They had an amazing firework display following the second game.

     

    Brina having fun at the Greenville Drive Baseball game!
    Karlie having fun at the Greenville Drive game.
    Greenville Drive Team Players warming up before the second game.
    Karlie and Brina watching the Greenville Drive Team Players warm up before the second game.
    Brina and Karlie wanted a picture with the "Cow"
    Fireworks after the Greenville Drive Game!
    Amazing fireworks!

     

     

  • Mailbox Goodies: Free Gillette Razor, Garnier Gel, Mulch, BluApple, Book, Coupons, Magazines & More!

    Mailbox Goodies

    One of the best parts about getting the mail is when the mailbox full of goodies, especially when they are free! We got some great coupons, free samples, magazines and more stuff in the mail.  Some of these deals are still available so if you haven’t had a chance to sign up go ahead and do it now.   This week we were busy with traveling, house guests, visiting friends in the hospital and a variety of activities so I didn’t have the opportunity to keep up with all the mailbox goodies (some grew feet before I could catch them).   I will try to keep you posted of some of the new ones coming up as well.

    Here are some items we received in the mail:

    • Free Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel – Target Samples
    • Free Rubberific Redwood Mulch Sample – Recycled Rubber Mulch Facebook Page (still available)
    • Free 20% Off Bed Bath & Beyond Coupon – sign up at your local Bed Bath & Beyond store to receive these coupons (still available)
    • Free Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor and Coupons – Slam Dunk Central
    • Free BluApple Fruit & Vegetable Fresher Mamapedia
    • Free South Carolina State Museum Information and Coupons – Check your local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Center for these coupons, ours came in the mail but you can probably get similar ones
    • Free “No More Dreaded Mondays” by Dan Miller – my new book to review
    • Free Baseline Magazine
    • Free Field & Stream Magazine – Value Magazines
    • Free CIO Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
    • Free Financial Planning Magazine
    • Free Tech & Learning Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
    • Free Network World Magazine – this one has been coming for several years
    • Free Newsweek Magazine – Rewards Gold
    • Free Internet Retailer Magazine -this one has been coming for several years
    • Free Wallstreet & Technology Magazine
    • And more free magazines and local coupons!

    If you are like me it is nice when you get a mailbox with free coupons and samples in it.  The bills will come as well but when you get a mailbox full of free items it helps make the day a little more enjoyable.  Plus the coupons and samples are a great way to stretch your budget and share with others!

  • Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4

    Another week of doing Groceries $40 for 4. I was able to stock up on some items for our freezer and pantry so we should be good for awhile. I stocked up on a mix of perishable and non-perishable products this week.  A lot of the items we picked up will be great for the upcoming road trips we have this summer!  Below are my grocery shopping adventures for the week!

    Aldi’s Groceries Deal:

    • $30.02 at Aldi’s for Graham Crackers, Tator Tots, Vidalia Onions, 4 Cotton Candy, 3 packs 93% Lean Ground Beef (on clearance), Sandwich Wheat Bread, Celery, Ice Cream Cups, 3 packs Easter Frosting, Cheese Sharks, Baby Carrots, Cucumber, Parmesan Cheese, 2 cans Cut Green Beans, and Watermelon.

    I am excited to be back doing our Groceries $40 for 4 budget again.  This week I spent $30.02 on groceries.  Even though I was close to budget I was still able to stock up on several items.  Thankfully I was able to keep the amount within reason although I would like to see a little extra left over for those weeks when I find a really good deal or go a little over.

    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.

  • CVS: Spent $0.26 and Got $7 ECB’s Back!

     

    CVS Deals

    CVS has a few good deals this week, however, I didn’t get to go to the store until the end of the week.  I was happy to stock up on some items including toothpaste and diapers this week while utilizing a few of my coupons.   I was able to get a couple of good clearance items this week too.  For the items I was not able to pick up because they were out of stock I got rain checks.  Today I was able to get the items for $0.25 plus tax ($0.01) making my out of pocket cost $0.26 and received $7 ECB’s to use on my next CVS purchase.  Here is what I purchased this week.

    • 1 –  Wet & Wild Craze Purple Glitter Nail Polish for $0.99 (on clearance)
    • 1 – Huggies Supreme Jumbo Pack of Diapers for $8.99
    • 2 – Colgate Max Fresh Toothpastes for $2.79 each (total $5.58
    • 1 – Clear Plastic Wrap 100 SF for $1.00
    • 1 – Premium Jordan Almonds for $0.74
    • 1 –  CVS Chest Congestion Medicine for $1.95

    Here are the coupons I used on the items.

    • Used $3.00 Huggies Manufacturer Coupon
    • Used $3.00 CVS Kiosk Coupon
    • Used $13.00 ECB coupons from prior purchases

    I received $7.00 ECB’s back today:

    • $1.00 ECB’s for Green Tag Reward (every 4th visit you use your Green Tag you get a $1 ECB)
    • $4.00 ECB’s for Colgate Products ($2 Each)
    • $2.00 ECB’s for Huggies Products

    This week I was able to save over $32 at CVS by purchasing these items and using coupons.

    When you shop the CVS sales regularly and have ECB’s that you can roll over toward future purchases the bonus ECB’s start adding up (Green Bag Tags and Beauty Club).  As you can see from my shopping trip today you don’t have to purchase a lot to save money when shopping at CVS.  Plus you can use the additional ECB’s you receive towards your next purchase.  You can pick and chose what is best for your family.

    I would love to hear your CVS shopping story for this week!  For those of you who shop regularly at CVS please 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 a link to your blog article showing us how you were able to save shopping at CVS.

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of June 8 – 14, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   There are a lot of great deals that are continued this week at Save A Lot for $1.00. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Eckrich Hot Dogs or Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00

    Carolina Ground Turkey (16 oz ) – $1.00

    Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.65/1 coupon from insert 5/22 Red Plum (Expires 7/10/11)
    $0.35 each after coupon

    Gwaltney Pork Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00

    Fresh Pork Tenderloin – $3.88 per lb

    Boneless Chicken Breast – $1.88 per lb

    Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs – $0.88 per lb

    Half Boneless Pork Loin Roast – $2.49 per lb

    80% Lean Ground Chuck – $2.88 per lb

    Simmons Buffalo or BBQ Boneless Wings (32 oz)  – $6.59

    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

    Oscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00

    Reser’s Assorted Salads & Coleslaw – $1.00
    Use $1.00/1 printable coupon from Coupon Web
    Free after each coupon

    Minute Maid Lemonade or Fruit Punch – $1.00

    Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/31/11)
    Use $1.00/5 coupon from insert 4/17 Smart Source (Expires 7/9/11)
    Use $1.00/5 coupon from insert 3/20 Smart Source (Expires 6/11/11)
    Use $0.50/4 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 8/13/11)
    As low as $0.67 each after coupon

    Totino’s Pizza Rolls – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/31/11)
    Use $0.50/4 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 8/13/11)
    As low as $0.66 each after coupon

    Banquet Dinners – $1.00

    Fisher Boy Fish Sticks – $1.00

    T. J. Farms Sweet Potato Fries – $1.00

    Party Treats Ice Cream Sandwiches (4 count) – $1.00

    Tombstone Brick Oven Pizza – $2.49

    Curly’s BBQ Pulled Pork or Beef – $3.99

    Crisp Frozen Lemonade – $1.19

    World’s Fair Sundae Cups – $2.49

    Household

    Poly Steel Sandwich Zipper Bags (50 count) – $1.00

    Joy Dish Liquid – $1.00

    Bounty Basic Paper Towels (6 count) – $5.99
    Use $2.00/2 coupon from insert 4/10 Red Plum (Expires 6/30/11)
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 4/10 Red Plum (Expires 6/30/11)
    As low as $4.99 each after coupon

    Produce

    Iceberg Lettuce – $1.00

    Fresh Tomatoes (3 pack) – $1.00

    Baby Carrots (16 oz) – $1.00

    Seedless Watermelon – $3.99

    Fresh Strawberries – $1.99

    Valencia Oranges (3 lb) – $1.99

    Vidalia Onions (4 lb) – $1.99

    Grocery

    Pringles (Original and Sour Cream & Onion) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 5/22 Red Plum (Expires 6/30/11)
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/1 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 6/30/11)
    As low as $0.50 each after coupon

    Knorr Side Dishes – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 5/22 Red Plum (Expires 6/19/11)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Hamburger Helper Dinner – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/22 Smart Source (Expires 7/16/11)
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/1 Smart Source (Expires 6/25/11)
    Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 4/17 Smart Source (Expires 6/11/11)
    Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 5/1 Smart Source (Expires 6/25/11)
    As low as $0.67 each after coupon

    Save A Lot Apple Juice (64 oz) – $1.00

    Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00

    Red Gold Ketchup (40 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 printable coupon from Red Gold
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Woeber’s Mustard (24 oz) – $1.00

    Kurtz Sweet Relish – $1.00

    Shasta Soda (4 pack) – $1.00

    Deer Park Spring Water (3 liter) – $1.00

    Crunch & Munch Butter Toffee – $1.00

    Dippables – $1.00

    Mantia’s Pasta Sauce – $1.00

    Shelby’s Grove Sliced Peaches – $1.00

    J Higgs Pretzels – $1.00

    Chicken of the Sea Chunk White Tuna – $1.00

    Allure Zero Calorie Sweetener – $1.00

    Jade Dragon Soy Sauce – $1.00

    Kellogg’s Cereal – $1.88
    Use $1.00/2 printable coupon from Kellogg’s
    Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Kellogg’s
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 5/15 Red Plum (Expires 6/26/11)
    As low as $1.38 each after coupon

    Hawaiian Punch (1 gallon) – $1.88

    Baumann’s Best Barbeque Sauce – $1.19

    Cowboy Billy’s Baked Beans – $0.79

    Bakery

    Mini Cupcakes (12 count) – $2.49

    Bundt Cake – $5.99

    Bakery Fresh Cherry or Apple Pie – $2.99

    Sliced Loaf Cake – $2.99

    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.

  • Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4

    Another week of doing Groceries $40 for 4. I was able to stock up on some items for our pantry so we should be good for awhile now. Most of the items I stocked up were non-perishable products this week.  A lot of the items we picked up will be great for the upcoming road trips we have this summer!  Below are my grocery shopping adventures for the week!

    Walgreens Grocery Deals!

    Groceries from Walgreens:

    • $2.71 at Walgreens for 2 Pure Bottle Water Packages (24 count each), 4 Sugar Free Strawberry Jello, 1 Sugar Free Orange Jello, 1 Walgreens Cashew Halves, 1 Celsius Ice Tea, 1 Arizona Tea with Blueberry, 1 Arizona Tea with Pomegranate, 1 Arizona Tea with Raspberry, 1 Arizona Tea with Lemon, and 1 Illy Cappucino Coffee Drink.   With upcoming road trips and hot months these will come in handy.  I spent $2.71 but received $5 in Register Rewards back to use on future purchases.

    Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Save A Lot | Riteaid Groceries

    Groceries from Walmart:

    • $0.90 at Walmart for French Bread on Clearance

    Groceries from Dollar Tree:

    • $1.01 at Dollar Tree for 1 loaf of Nature’s Own Whole Wheat Bread

    Groceries from Save A Lot | Riteaid:

    • $21.64 at Save A Lot | Riteaid for 1 Whole Chicken on clearance, 5 packs of Hotdogs ($0.69 each), 1 bag of Carrots, 1 package String Cheese, 1 block of Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 1 can Pringles, 1 package of fresh Mushrooms (on clearance), 2 Ham Lunchables, 1 bag Red Delicious Apples, 1 bag Granny Smith Apples

    I am excited to be doing our Groceries $40 for 4 budget.  This week I spent $26.26 on groceries.  Even though I was under budget I was still able to stock up on a couple items.  Thankfully I was able to keep the amount within reason and I was able to have a extra left over for those weeks when I find a really good deal or go a little over.  I am grateful for the coupons and Register Rewards I was able to use this week on the few items I purchased.

    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.