Save A Lot: Deals for the week of September 19 – 25, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meat and Seafood
Beef Stew Meat – $2.99 lb
Pork Sirloin Roast – $1.69 lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb
Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 lb
Hillshire Farm Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.00/1 printable coupon from Hillshire Farms Facebook
$0.99 each after couponChicken Drums or Thighs – $0.99 lb
*Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.
Fridge and Freezer
Bright & Early Juices, Grape, Orange or Apple (64 oz) – $1.00
Banquet Frozen Dinner, Assorted Varieties – $0.99
Redi-Serve Chicken Nibblers (30 – 36 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Chicken Strips (36 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Shrimp Poppers (24 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Charbroiled Rib Patties (26 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Pizza (26 – 28 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Corn Dogs (25 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Chicken Patties (35 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Seasoned Potato Wedges (2.5 pounds) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Produce
Carrots (1 pound) – $0.39
Celery – $0.59 each
Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb
Sweet Potatoes – $0.39 lb
Apples, Assorted Varieties – $0.99 lb
Grocery
Coca-Cola (6 pack bottles – .5 liter) – $2.50
Kaskey’s Onion Soup Mix (2 oz) – $0.89
Mantia’s Wide Egg Noodle (12 oz) – $0.99
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (8.5 oz) – $0.49
Marachun Ramon Noodles (6 pack) – $1.19
Mantia’s Pasta Sauce (24 oz) – $0.99
Panner Peanut Butter, Creamy or Crunchy (18 oz) – $1.99
Westcott Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.69
Wylwood Canned Green Beans 0r Whole Corn Vegetables (oz) – $0.59
Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $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. Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.
Travel & Vacation: Orange County Kabini, India
We made it to Orange County Kabini, India!
While we were in India we had the opportunity to spend some time with Jake’s cousin and his family who are currently living in Bangalore, India. The week we came to visit them was during an Indian Holiday so Matt had a few days off work and the kids didn’t have to go to school the last half of the week so we decided to make a last minute “road trip”. One of our FAVORITE adventures while in India was when we went to Orange County Kabini. Thanks Matt & Jen for showing us around India!
We took a road trip through the countryside of India you can see pictures of that adventure in my posts Traveling through MySore, India (and a Couple Small Villages) and Traveling to Orange County Kabini, India. It was an awesome place to visit, such great memories. I can see why Trip Advisor has Orange County Kabini listed as Travelers’ Choice® 2012 Winner with a 5 star rating.
As we tumbled out of our Scooby Doo van and went to check into the resort we were serenaded with music. These two musicians were at the front door playing music we each received our bindi blessing. The bindi blessing consisted of a dot placed on our foreheads made out of a red paste (wikipedia definition). What a great welcome for visitors!
Fresh flower design on the floor in the entry way. Every day they had a different floral design. It was always bright, colorful and beautiful.
Michael checking out the map of resort…….what should we do first Mikey?!
The plaque hanging next to the check-in desk. “WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EXPERIENCE WHICH MONEY CANNOT BUY” It was an amazing experience. If you are ever in India and have a chance to visit this place it is beautiful, the staff is awesome, the “huts” are wonderful and the food is delicious. It is a great place to relax or go on various adventures (stay tuned for a glimpse at some of the adventures in upcoming posts).
The fun crew we went to Orange County Kabini with Jen, Matt, Rachel, Michael, David, and Erica! This is right after we had our refreshing sugar cane drink brought to us by the staff. Now its time to plan our activities while at the resort.
Jake & I at Kabini!
Our hut for the next few days, it was AMAZING!
The kitchen & eating area in our hut. The ceiling was handmade out of a neat weave material.
A cute porch complete with cushy chairs to relax in after a busy day of sightseeing!
Very comfy bed…..we slept so well at Kabini!
Even our own private jacuzzi for our hut! This view is from our bedroom. The kids loved the private “pool” and were able to squeeze in a few more minutes of swim time each day! Rachel and Erica stayed in our cabin, it was fun spending some extra time hanging out with girls swapping stories and giggles.
Fresh tray of fruit on the table everyday. They also restocked our cookie bowl, drinks, chocolates and other snacks every day!
Aw……what a life it was for those days. We had a blast staying at the Orange County Kabini resort! THANKS Matt & Jen for showing us another awesome part of India. We were super excited to spend the extra time with family and create a lot of great memories along the way. Next time maybe I will remember my passport before making a 7 hour road trip! If you want to check out some more amazing adventures and get a glimpse into the culture in India check out Jen’s blog at Jenny from the Bangalore Block.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Pampers Gifts to Grow – 10 Free Points
You can receive another 10 free points from Pampers with a new Gifts to Grow code!
This code is different from the previous codes I have given.
- Use Code: SEPTFALL12SPNML
(Expires 9/30/12 at midnight CST)
You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts!
For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!
Song: “Great I Am” by New Life Worship
This song came to my mind recently while Jake was traveling for work. I was getting worked up because our little road was busy with a lot of extra traffic one night (which is very unusual unless our family or one of the retired neighbors were hosting a get together), Skipper was barking a lot, and our old house was making a lot of creaks and noises. Shortly after going to the door for what felt like the 50th time that night to see what Skipper barking about I decided to remind myself who was in control. I had the Great I Am, protector, and all knowing God looking out for me. Little creaks, noises, and a barking dog shouldn’t have me edge I need to trust in Him to keep me safe. Awesome song with a wonderful reminder that we serve a powerful Savior.
I wanna be close, close to Your side
So Heaven is real and death is a lie
I want to hear voices of angels above
Singing as oneHallelujah, holy, holy
God Almighty, the Great I am
Who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the Great I amI wanna be near, near to Your heart
Loving the world and hating the dark
I want to see dry bones living again
Singing as oneHallelujah, holy, holy
God Almighty, the Great I am
Who is worthy, none beside Thee
God Almighty, the Great I amWhat’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Everyone seems to be adjusting really well to the new routines and schedules. I am very thankful for a husband who pitches in and helps around the house. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Special Event – Back to School Night
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Kids in the Kitchen – Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Jalfrezi Curry, Jasmine rice
- Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Polish Sausage Bake, Sauerkraut
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week we packed in a lot of regular as well as fun activities. As I look over my goals for last week there were a lot of items that didn’t get done or weren’t done on time. We had a family member get sick the first half of last week and that set me back a couple of days on top of all the other little things that pop up from day to day. Hopefully next week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – the girls read to me every day last week but after school, activities, homework, dinner, baths, etc…..there wasn’t enough time left for me to read to them every night last week.
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the Family– we did a bonfire at the house and went to the fairGo on a Date Night with my Handsome Man –YAY! We were able to go out and celebrate our 12th anniversary together (a little delayed since it was in July, ha). We had a blast together and the girls had fun too! 🙂
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – had a few extra items put on my plate so didn’t get it done this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – almost did it
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center) – only a couple chapters remaining
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – I washed & folded in one day but put it away the following day
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – getting closer
Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Get caught up on blog items – not sure if I will ever get completely caught up
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – went over this week
- Payoff the Van – working on it, sold our 200 bushels of wheat so that will help pay down the van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Attend Back to School Night Event
- Schedule a Meet & Greet with 1 of the girls teachers
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center)
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Get caught up on 5 blog items
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
- Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
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.
Try Something New……
Left Center Right Dice Game
Our family loves to play games! The problem now that school, homework, and all the extra activities have started we do not have a lot of free time to squeeze in long games. One great game that doesn’t take a lot of time but is still fun for the whole family to play is Left Center Right Dice Game by Koplow Games. Left Center Right is fast-paced dice game with 3 cubes, the player rolls the dice and distributes their chips based on what the dice are showing (left, right, center, or keep). The last player with chips is the winner. The game is designed for 3 or more players.
Another positive is it helps teach younger kids the difference between right and left. It is easy to play even for younger kids and is a relatively short so we can play it after dinner. Since the game is small we have taken it with us to road trips to play as well. Sometimes just taking a few minutes to play together helps everyone relax after a busy day. What quick and easy games does your family like to play?
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
Groceries from Save A Lot | RiteAid
How is it possible we are already halfway through September, this month is FLYING!? I was super excited to score some 93% lean ground beef marked down to $2 a pound when it was originally almost $5 a pound. The downside is I went over my grocery budget for this week, thankfully last week I was under so I have some flexiblity for this week. Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Save A Lot | RiteAid Groceries:
- $31.61 at Save A Lot | RiteAid for 3 packs of 93% lean ground beef (marked down to $2 a pound), 1 pack Eye of Round Steaks (marked down), 1 pack fresh Ground Hamburger Patties (marked down), 1 gallon Milk, 1 container Whipped Topping, 2 Breakfast Doubles Cottage Cheese with Strawberries (marked down to 50 cents), 2 Breakfast Doubles Cottage Cheese with Peaches (marked down to 50 cents), 1 container low fat Cottage Cheese (marked down to $1.25), 1 bag Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, 1 package Grissom Hamburger Buns (sale), 8 Lunchable Variety Packs (marked down to 50 cents), 2 loafs Grissom Sandwich Bread, and 2 packs Oscar Mayer Rotisserie Chicken Breast (marked down to 50 cents). I spent a little more than I planned in the store but all the beef products that I picked up on this trip were marked down to $1 to $2 per pound. Hopefully the meat from this trip will last us at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Groceries from Big Lots
Big Lots Groceries:
- $10.40 at Big Lots for 6 large cans Whole Kernel Corn (clearance), 1 large bag Disney’s Cars Pretzel Snack Bag (35 count), 1 container Blue Diamond Breeze Almond Coconut Milk, and 1 container Blue Diamond Breeze Vanilla Almond Coconut Milk. I am still trying to figure out what foods are diary free, peanut free, and egg free, yet fun and healthy since we have a little one in our household who is not eating those items. Thankfully she LOVES the soy, almond, and coconut milk substitutes!
Groceries from Walmart
Walmart Groceries:
- $13.16 at Walmart for 1 large bag Chicken Breasts (5 pounds), 1 bunch fresh Bananas, 1 loaf Everything French Bread (clearance). Stocked up on 5 pounds of chicken breasts (the thighs and dark meat doesn’t agree with one family member so chicken breast are the only pieces we buy), bananas (one of the girls woke up in the middle of the night with a charlie horse cramp so we decided to pick up a bundle of bananas) and the clearance french bread is a great add on to a meal or can be frozen for later.
This week I spent $55.17 on groceries. I went over on the budget this week. It was going pretty good until I went by the store for milk and encountered some amazing meat deals. Thankfully I went under budget last week so I was able to cover the overage for this week. Some of the items that I picked up this week will last us for a few weeks which will help with next weeks grocery trips. Hopefully next week we can come under budget and September will be a better month for us!
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.
Recipe: Easy Baked Salmon
Delicious meal made by my sweet Husband!
Jake made an amazing meal last weekend! It was delicious! So thankful that he is a huge help in the kitchen. He put together salmon, seasoned rice, and steamed asparagus. I didn’t eat fish a lot before meeting Jake so I don’t cook it as often as he does but I have come to love it. Usually he has more time to cook on the weekends so he will make it for our evening meal or Sunday lunch. Our girls love seafood too.
Easy Baked Salmon:
- 16 oz Salmon (fresh or frozen)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons melted Butter
- Seafood Seasoning (we used Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Seafood Magic)
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a broiler pan and place the salmon on it. Melt the butter and spread it evenly over the top of each salmon. Sprinkle a little seafood seasoning on top and put in the oven to bake. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness) or until flaky. We used thawed salmon but you can do it from frozen you’ll just need to cook it a little longer.
