Cooking adventure - lunches!

I've decided that I'm sick of paying $2-4 for lunch every day..but I also don't want to have to eat a sandwich every day for lunch either....

I found this really great site : Gina's WW recipes. She's so great at making healthy food that tastes great! And, her photos of the food are amazing! Anyway, I decided to make her Puerto Rican Beans (and serve it with rice)

Made with my new favorite stuff:

I also decided to make her lasagna rolls.

All in all today, I made about 20 lunches -- no more buying frozen meals!

Rainbow shopping: 4/21

Today was a great shopping trip at Rainbow! They had double coupon day, doubling up to 10 coupons! I got all of the stuff below (missing 3 lean cuisines and one pkg of lunch meat) for only $3.97. Pretty good if you ask me =)

(fuzzy, I know)

OAMC COOKING ROUND 2

Today marked my second month of OAMC or once a month cooking.

I did not plan as much as I did before because I sort of knew what the process was like already. I have to say, all of our meals did last us just over a month (and I did throw one away because I did not like it at all. I love healthy food, but this one was too healthy).

Yesterday (Sat. 4/11) I cooked up all of my chicken in the slow cooker because I needed a lot of shredded/diced chicken for my recipes. I cooled it and cut it all last night so I would not have to do that today.

Then, I got all of my pots and pans ready.... (please note: you will need a VERY large saute pan if you want to work efficiently. I got a great one on sale at Kohls for about $20).

Then, got all of my  ingredients ready:

and more....

This time, I estimate that I spent about 4 hours cooking today. I had to boil pasta in 3 separate pans as well as cook brown rice on the stove, so that took up a lot of my time.

All in all, here is what I made:

Enchiladas (red sauce)

Enchiladas (white sauce)

Taco meat: 3 bags full

(yes, we really LOVE this stuff. I make tons of nachos, tostadas, salads, taquitos etc.)

Beef taco skillet

Buffalo shrimp and beans (2 lbs)

Easy Taco Bake

Weight Watchers chicken and cheese pasta casserole

Taco pie

"Magnificient" casserole

(yes, that is what it is called)

Pork and brown rice

Chicken and gravy

(will be good with mashed potatoes!)

Brown rice for my orange chicken (I buy it from Trader Joe's)

Brown bag burritos (for my lunch)

(this isn't even everything. I had to put some in my freezer in the garage!)

Please know that each of these meals will feed Louie and I for at least 2-6 servings (depending on how hungry we are and how large of a batch it made).

All in all I figure I spent about $115 for a month's worth of dinners (and about half or more of my lunches). I think that's pretty good considering my monthly budget for food is $200 or $50/week. That means I still have $85 to buy fresh fruit, veggies and a few splurges =)

To get the most for my money, I stock up on things I know I'll use when they are on sale for a great price. For example: cheese, boneless skinless chicken, ground beef, onions, beans, ground turkey, corn tortillas, shrimp, guacamole, pasta, sour cream, rice etc.

I won't pay more than $1.99/lb for boneless skinless chicken breast

I try not to pay more than .99/8 oz. of cheese

I don't pay more than .69 for cream of ____ soup (the 98% ff kind)

$2.49 or less for 93% ground turkey

I also add beans to just about everything I make to make the meat stretch farther. Also, we love beans and they cheap as well as super healthy.

The only thing I didn't get to today was homemade pizza dough and my muffins. I honestly don't even have room for them, so I didn't even attempt to make them. I'm pooped anyway!

I thought this was funny. I guess Noche was pretty tired too....she is so tired that she is sleeping with the chair as her pillow...

Rainbow shopping trip today: $8 total

Here is a pic of what I got:

12 boxes of cereal

1 carton of eggs

1 pkg breakfast sausages

1, 3 lb bag of apples

1 package lite hot dogs

1 package oatmeal

5 pizzas

Plus, I got 2 coupons for $3.25 off milk (can really be used on anything)

Pretty good if you ask me!

OAMC cooking!

So...I'm excited to start and share my OAMC (once a month cooking)! Basically, I'm going to try and use the food I get from using all of my coupons (plus a few additional ingredients) to try and cook all of our  meals for one month -- all in one weekend. This is a great way to make our meals even more affordable (who knew they could get any cheaper?!) as well as for those nights where I'm super tired after work and don't feel like cooking. When you buy pre-made foods, you really are paying a lot more. This way, I  have the best of both worlds, but it is a lot more affordable. I'm excited to start this new journey...

I took an hour or two yesterday to prep my recipies and buy the ingredients I needed to make all of my OAMC meals. Then today I made my first attempt to cook them all. Here are a few pics from along the way...

All of my pots for my meals

All of the meat/rice/beans I made for my meals...

Noche trying to get any scraps that fall on the floor...

Starting to put it all together...

All of my ingredients out on the counter to make things move along faster

And lastly: my freezer full of food!

For about 5 hours of work total (pre-planning, actual cooking and clean up) here is what I made:

Lasagna

Chicken spaghetti bake

sloppy joes

Meatballs

Meatloaf

Cheesy broccoli, chicken and rice

Taco meat

Easy taco bake

Buffalo shrimp

Chicken taco bake

Mexicali Casserole

Black bean burgers

Oatmeal bake (breakfast)

Walgreens .49 John Frieda shampoo

John Frieda volumizing products: $5.99 (this week only at Walgreens)
Use the $2.50 coupon  here
AND the $3 Walgreens coupon from the December booklet (found in the front of the store)
Final cost: .49!

Don't forget, you will need a filler item since you have 3 coupons and 2 products!
(Thanks, couponingtodisney)

Rainbow double coupons days plan for tomorrow

Hi everyone,

Are you getting ready for Rainbow's double coupons day tomorrow? Did you know they are doubling up to 10,  yes 10 manufacturer coupons?!?! Time for some really great deals! Here are some of the things on my list:

Buy 8 Kelloggs products @ $2.50 each, get $10 off your order
So, get 8 products for $10
(This will go GREAT with double coupons)
If you haven't printed out your kelloggs coupons yet, you can find them in many different places:

coupons.com
Kelloggs web site
RedPlum
Snackpicks
B1G1 Special K (if you have a $1/2 coupon, the B1G1 coupon makes them free plus OVERAGE!)

Asian Sensations: B1G1 (priced at $3.65 or so)
Use 2, $1/1 MQs
Free after both coupons

Sara Lee pies: B1G1 (usually priced around $5.99)
Use 2, $1/1 internet coupons from their web site
Final cost: $1 for each pie

Roundy's eggs: .88 (with a $25 purchase)

Milk: $1.68 (with a $25 purchase)

Nabisco, Wheath thins, Triscuit or chicken in a buskit: $1.78 (limit 2)
Use in-ad coupon (with $25 purchase)
Stack with $1/1 coupon from their web site
Final price: free plus OVERAGE after doubled coupon

Pepsi products: $1.45 WYB 4 (with $25 purchase)

Nestle jingles: 50% off
Use $1/1 MQ from smart source or from their web site
final cost: free or very low

*Buy 2 Milk bone or Pupperoni dog treats, get $1.50 OYNO (off your next order)
Pupperoni sticks: $3.29
Use $2/1 coupon (if you want to use other coupons for doubling) from coupons.com
Or, use $1/1 coupon doubled
Final cost: $1.39

Kings Hawaiin rolls: 2/$2
Use $1/1 MQ
Free after doubled coupon

Rainbow Double Coupon day deals-12/16

I  haven't posted in awhile, but I did so good at Ranbow today (and yesterday) I had to post a pic of most of my stuff from my 3 transactions today. I got all of the below for $0.85! Check out my recepits!

Yes, you are seeing that right! I got:

4 boxes of egg rolls (2 not shown b/c they are in the freezer already)

4 boxes of club crackers

4 boxes of flip crackers

2 boxes of club sticks

2 boxes of cookies

2 boxes of bagel bites (not shown as they are in the freezer already)

9 boxes of cereal (one not shown- I gave it to a co-worker)

1 carton of eggs

1 twix

1 box of all-bran crackers

1 box of cheez-its

Yesterday, I got 15 boxes of cereal, 2 boxies of cookies and 2 boxes of garlic bread for around $3

Not in the mood to use coupons?

Well, then I have some good news for you! Somtimes, I just don't feel like using coupons. Yes me, the coupon queen! I do have a few strategies that seem to work so that I can still plan to make some good, healthy meals but not have to use any coupons at the store!

First tip: shop at Aldis!

Have you ever tried shopping there? If not, here are a few things to keep in mind so you aren't totally shocked when you enter their not-so-typical store!
#1) You have to make sure you have a quarter so that you can check out a cart. Don't worry, you will get your quarter back as long as you return your cart! That is one of the many ways Aldis keeps their costs down and pass their savings onto us!

#2) Bring your own reusable shopping bags. For many retailers, they have to up the cost of their food simply by offering bags for your groceries. I have gathered a few up along the way and have even gotten some for free. They are great to use, plus you are really helping out the environment!

#3) You can't be brand-loyal. Sure, there are a few things that  I am super brand loyal - (one of them being Hidden Valley low-fat ranch. There is nothing better!) But for just about everything else, you should be open to other brands.

#4) Make sure to pay with cash or debit - they do NOT accept credit cards.

Those are my tips for shopping at Aldis. A few things that I regularly buy at Aldis that are much cheaper than at other stores:

Eggs: typically about .79 for a dozen eggs
Block of cheese: $1.69
Milk: $1.79 for a gallon!
93% lean ground turkey: $2.49
French fries: $1.69 or so
Apple juice: $1.19
Onions (very cheap) but this week I got a whole bag for just .49!
Celery: .99
Apples: $1.99 for a 3 lb bag!
Strawberries (when in season) .99
Grapes (whenin season) $1.99 for 2lbs!
Tangerines: $1.99 for an entire bag!
Soup (like cream of mushroom etc.) .49? I can't recall, but they are relatively cheap
Tortilla chips: .99
"doritos" off brand chips .99
"fritos"  off brand chips .99
jalapenos: $1.29/jar
refried beans: .69-.99
Pinto beans: .99 (for a 32 oz. jar)
Those are the main things I tend to buy there, but they also randomly have brand name things in their store on sale. I hope this helps show you how you can save money without using coupons!

I would also reccomend making a list of typical prices of things that your family uses on a regular basis. Then, when they go on sale at a "rock bottom" price, it is time to stock up!

Second tip: Use what you have in your pantry! I know you've probably heard this before, but you don't have to make every meal using meat. I try to eat 3 meatless meals a week - and they are still tasty and satisfying! One great meal I make are bean tostadas. I toast up some corn tortillas with a little cooking spray in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Then, once they are crispy, I use some pre-made refried beans I got from Aldis, along with some shredded cheese, lettuce, jalapenos and sour cream! Two of these are very filling, and delicious!

I know I also always have some frozen fish or chicken in the freezer that needs to be used up. You can always make an easy meal of chicken and rice! All you need are 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of brown rice and one can of reduced fat cream of mushroom soup (I have found the fit and active brand of reduced fat soup to be a great deal at Aldis). Combine the rice, soup and a can of water. Mix that up and put the chicken on top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for one hour and you have a delicious meal, that took no prep at all! Serve with some frozen veggies you have in the freezer and you have a balanced meal that took no effort at all!

Friday night movie

So I don't know about you, but sometimes (more often than not) I am exhausted when the work week rolls to and end. And especially this time of year, work has been VERY busy! Now I don't mind being busy, but when I go home I want to relax. How about renting a movie? I love watching movies, it is a great way to unwind and relax - that and a glass of 3 buck chuck from Trader Joes. Have you used this movie code ( DLLNS26, GANTS9, DVDONME or BREAKROOM) yet to score your FREE movie rental from Red Box? Nothing is better than FREE! :)

Another sale at the Limited

Are you sick of my posts about sales at the Limited? I guess I must shop there a LOT! I got another e-mail in my inbox about getting 40% off of everything in the store this Saturday ONLY! Yes, that means sale items too! Check it out here.

American Eagle- sweet deal!

Thanks, Hip2Save, for this deal.

American Eagle currently has a 20% off coupon code: 95877752 . You can use this 20% off your on clearance and sale items!  Did you know that all tops are on a buy one get one 50% off sale? The best part is, if you purchase any AE Gift Guide Styles item you'll score FREE shipping!


Here's a deal scenario:

Purchase this AE Black Vintage Bracelet $11.95 (Click on the under $25 women's gift category and you should see the bracelet)--this will get you FREE shipping since it's part of the AE Gift Guide Styles line!

Purchase 2 adorable $29.95 sweaters. These qualify for the buy one get one 50% off sale.

At checkout apply discount code 95877752 and your total will come to just $45.50 (no shipping charge)

Also, remember to go thru Ebates (like many of you did for the sweater deal at Victoria's Secret)! You'll get a $5 sign up bonus if you're a new member and 3% Cash back from your American Eagle purchases! Just go on over here and login or register, then in the store drop down menu find American Eagle.

Attention all you bride-to-be's!

Are you getting married but you still haven't found the right wedding dress? Well, after I was looking online last night as I am also looking for a wedding dress, I saw that Bridal Accents Coture in Savage, MN is going to be having a sample sale this Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m with sample gowns 30-90% off! Check out their site here...

Another Coach coupon

Yes, there is yet ANOTHER coach coupon available.....get an additional 20% off  here at any outlet store to get someone special in your life something nice! :) And don't worry, it is valid until Dec. 13th!

One more Rainbow trip

I made one more trip to Rainbow since I had so many great deals to score on double coupon day!

My last trip I got all of the below for just under $5

-6 lean cuisines
-4 coffee creamers


That means that for all 3 of my transactions at Rainbow yesterday, I only spent $11 and got:

18 lean cuisines
8 coffee creamers
2 packages of napkins

Pretty good considering I also get money off gas AND each lean cuisine runs around $3-4 when not on sale!

My deals at Rainbow today

Hi everyone,

I had a great trip today to Rainbow. I only spent $6.02 OOP and here is what I got:

-12 lean cuisines (great for lunch at work!)
-4 coffee creamers
-2 packages of napkins

Proof is here: :)  (click to enlarge)

Rainbow Double coupon days 12/2

Here is my plan of attack for today: (Remember, your total needs to reach $25 - SHELF price and you can double up to 5, $1 coupons)

Lean cuisines $1.99 (shelf price is around $2.50-$3.50) -(buy 6 of them)
Total: $12
Minus two, $1/3 coupons from their e-mail I signed up for or from Target's Web site b/c it is a MQ(doubled)
Total after coupons: $8
Total towards $25: about $20-$23)

International delights coffee creamer: $1 (buy 2)
Total: $2
Minus 2, $1/1 internet coupons from  here (doubled)
Total after coupons: FREE PLUS a $2 money maker!
Total towards $25 (not sure, but at least $1 each)

Marcal Napkins: $2 (buy 1)
Total: $2
Minus 1, $1/1 coupon from 11/15 SS (doubled)
Total after coupons (free)
Total towards $25 total: $2

Use $3 off coupon I got from last week for purchasing Freschetta pizza

*Total after all coupons: $3 (that means I get 6 lean cuisines, 2 coffee creamers and napkins)

Walgreens mid-week ad

Did you know that for the holiday season Walgreens will have  a mid-week ad available every week until Dec. 25? For this week, the ad starts today, 12/2 and runs through Saturday, 12/5!

Thanks to Hip2Save for these deal!

Here are the best deals that I see:

Register Reward Deals

-Coke 2 Liters $4.50/3=$2.50RR (on 3)

(Must buy 1 Diet Coke)

Final cost just $0.67 per 2 liter!


-Complete Multipurpose Solution $7.99=$8RR

Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/25RP

Final cost FREE + a $1 moneymaker!


-Dentek Floss Picks (35-90ct) or Floss (55yd) $1.99=$2RR

Use the $1/1 coupon from the 10/11SS or from here

Final cost FREE + a $1 moneymaker!


-Goody Ouchless hair Accessories $2=$2RR
Final cost FREE!


-Natrol Acai $4=$4RR

Use the $3/1 coupon from here

Final cost FREE + a $3 moneymaker!


-Quilted Nothern Toilet Tissue (9-rolls) $4.29=$1RR

Use the $1/1 coupon from here

Final cost $2.29!


-Soft & beautiful Botanicals $5=$5RR

Final cost FREE!


-Softsoap Ensembles Pump $5.99=$2RR

Use the $2/1 coupon from the Walgreens December coupon booklet

Final cost $1.99!


Other Deals


-Ricola Cough Drops (19-24ct) $0.99

Use the $0.50/1 coupon from the Walgreens Diabetes & You coupon booklet

Final cost $0.49!


-Big Roll Bathroom Tissue, 2/$1 with in ad coupon


-Deerfield Farm Cheese, 2/$3 with in ad coupon

-Starbucks Ice cream Pint $2.50

Use $1/1 coupon from here

Final cost $1.50!


-Sunkist 2 liter $1 with in ad coupon

Use the $1/2 coupon from the 11/15SS

Final cost just $0.50 per 2 liter!


-Ocean Spray Juice or Drink buy one at $4.79, get one FREE

Use 2 $1/1 peelie coupons found on the juice

Final cost $1.40 each!

SWEET Victoria's sweater deal

Thanks to Common Sense with Money for this deal:

Here’s another sweet deal from Victoria’s Secret: you can get three sweaters and a scarf for $31 or so, shipping included. Here’s how to get this deal:

Sign up or login to your Ebates account. Look for Victoria’s Secret in the Ebates search bar.

Once you are at the Victoria’s Secret website click on “Clothing” and then on the right side you will see the offer 3 Sweaters for $30. Click on that to see the eligible sweaters.

Choose three sweaters from that page. Then look for item EG-257630 and choose the scarf with the color of your choice.

Head to check out and use the following three codes at checkout (you can use up to three codes):

vssave20 to get 20% Off A Single Clothing Item

scarf09 to get Free Scarf

3for30 to get Three Sweaters for $30

Your total after you have done this should be $30.99 plus taxes. In addition to this, today is the last day of the Victoria Secret Secret Rewards card, so you will get a card included in this shipment that you can use from 12/1-12/24. The value of the card could be from $10-$500 but you won’t know until you go to the store to use it. But even a $10 card should get you some freebies. Going through Ebates will get you an additional 6% off your purchase in cashback, plus if you are new to Ebates you get $5 bonus for signing up. If you don’t want to bother with Ebates click on this page to see the 3/$30 sweaters.

A few good Walgreens deals for this week

Thanks to Hip2Save for compiling these:

Get a free Toblerone chocolate bar through 12/26. Toblerone chocolate is on a mega-saver 2/$3!
Buy two and use two $1/1 coupons from the 11/22SS + stack with the $1/2 coupon from the new Walgreens December coupon booklet.
Final cost 2 bars for nada!
___________________________________________________________________

Walgreens is offering up a promotion on Olay products: buy Olay Quench Body Lotion for $7.99 and get a FREE Olay In-Shower Body Lotion ($4.99 VALUE)! Combine this deal with manufacturer coupons to get an even better deal!


Deal Scenario:

Buy one Olay Ribbons body wash $2.99

Buy one Olay Quench body lotion $7.99

Buy one Olay in shower body lotion-- FREE with lotion purchase above

Use the buy Body Wash, get Lotion FREE coupon from the 11/29PG

(will deduct $7.99)

And use the $1/1 in shower body lotion coupon from the 11/1PG

(exp. 11/30)

Final cost ONLY $1.99 for all 3 products--just $0.66 each!

________________________________________________________________________

Revlon Eye Beauty Tools are on sale for $4.99 at Walgreens this week! Plus, in the new December Walgreens coupon booklet there's a $3/1 Revlon Beauty Tool coupon! Combine this with the Revlon manufacturer coupon to get an even better deal!

Deal Scenario:

Buy one Revlon Eye Beauty Tool $4.99

Use the $1/1 coupon from the 11/15SS (regional coupon)

Plus, use the $3/1 Walgreens December coupon booklet coupon

Final cost $0.99!

________________________________________________________________________
Also, another great deal is on the Nivea Lip care products and Nivea lotion!

Deal Scenario:

Buy 6 Nivea Lip Care Products $0.99 each

Buy 2 Nivea Lotions

Use 3 buy one get one FREE Nivea Lip Care coupons from the 11/1RP

Plus, use 2 buy 3 Lip Care products get lotion FREE coupon from the 11/1RP

Final cost ONLY $2.97 for 6 Lip Care products and 2 lotions!

Cyber Monday: 40% off at Limited and 30% off at Ann Taylor Loft!

Did you know that today is Cyber Monday? For those of you that already know your sizes in a particular store (like I do at the Limited) this is a great way to score some sweet deals! Everything online is 40% - please note that the prices online already show the discount. To make this an even BETTER deal, use code 276 to get an additional 20% off your already marked down stuff!

See the e-mail I got here.

If I were you, I'd also try to spend  $50 because you will get an adorable free red scarf!

Also, you can get 30% off of your total at Ann Taylor Loft today only! See more details here. Just enter code Monday at checkout!

Walgreens trip for $2.73

Hey everyone,

I made a trip to Walgreens today to get some of the Red Baron pizzas that were on sale for $1.99 today only. I ended up making three separate transactions - so between those three transactions I rolled my RRs to get all of the stuff pictured below for $2.73 (that INCLUDES tax- tax is killer!). That is pretty good considering one pizza is $1.99. Can I also say what a GREAT price $1.99 is? Red Baron typically costs at least $3-$4. =)

-6 Red Baron pizzas
-4 coffee creamers (don't expire until 3/10)
-2 infusium shampoos
-1 toothpaste
-2 triamincs
**Oh, and I still have $10 in RR to spend!

What deals did you get today?

Black Friday food deals

So with all of the black Friday shopping, you're going to need to fuel your body to keep going. In order to do that, here are some great specials! :)

big thanks to Hip2Save for compiling all of these:


If you become Baja Fresh's fan on Facebook here you can get Burritos for $1.99 on November 27th from 11am-8pm! Make sure to print the entire page advertising this promo on Facebook. Also, read the fine print as it states you must have your ID corresponding to the name on your Facebook page. Limit one $1.99 Burrito per person.

Boston Market has a coupon available here to use on November 27th-29th! This coupon will get you 50% any Family Meal or Market Feast.

IKEA is offering up lots of deals! On November 27th after 11am, you can get a Swedish Meatball dinner for $1 which includes 10 meatballs, mashed potatoes and cream sauce! Not valid at IKEA Hicksville, IKEA Houston and IKEA Direct. Check out more details here.

Caribou Coffee is offering up free sample of their new mocha beverages and a buy one mocha or hot chocolate beverage, get one FREE--No coupon needed! This is ONLY available on Black Friday, November 27th. You can go here for more details.

On November 27th only, Denny's is offering up a FREE Build Your Own grand Slam breakfast with the purchase of one. Just bring along this coupon available on their Facebook page.

P.F. Chang's is offering up FREE Lettuce Wraps with the purchase of an Entree on November 27th-28th! Just say the Black Friday secret phrase--LETTUCE WRAP YOUR GIFTS to your server from 10am-noon and you'll score FREE Lettuce Wraps. More details here.

Rainbow double coupon days 11/25

Hi everyone,

Did you make a trip to Rainbow today? I know I did and I am very glad! I did two separate transactions, and here is what I got:

Transaction #1
2 freshetta pizzas 2/$9
-use the $1/1 IP coupon from here
(doubled)
Total: $5 for both
PLUS got back $3 off my next purchase

2 coffee filters: $1 each
Plus, use the $1/2 coupon from here
(doubled)
Final cost: FREE

2 Sara Lee Pies: B1G1 @ $5.99
Use 2, $1/1 IP coupons from here
(doubled)
Final cost: $2 for both

Milk: $2.49 (is on sale for $1.78)
-used FREE milk coupon I got from 2 weeks ago
Final cost: FREE

Toal for all of the above: $2.07, PLUS I got a $3 coupon to use on any future purchase
That is really a $1 money maker!

Transaction #2 (I will post when I get home)

40% off everything at the Limited this Friday only!

I just got an e-mail from the Limited stating that everthing on Black Friday will be 40% off! I don't know about you, but I feel like this is one place that won't be overly crowded like Walmart or Target.

Also, did you see that you can get FREE shipping? That is also really great. You can ALSO get a free ruffle scarf with any $75 purchase.

One tip that I just read: You can go in right now and save things to your cart that catch your eye. Then, all you have to do on Black Friday is check-out and get an amazing 40% off! I think that sounds pretty sweet- and you never even have to change out of your pajamas or leave the house! I LOVE the Limited!!!!!

Coach outlet coupon

Do you have someone in your life that loves Coach purses? I absolutely love them, and probably have too many purses (I think I own about 5 purses and a few coin purses, too). I have some good news - Coach has released yet ANOTHER 20% off coupon to use at the outlet stores. The closest one for me is in Albertville. Anyway, get the coupon here to make someone really happy this holiday season!

Psst: They never have to know how LITTLE you spent on them! It can beour little secret :)

Thanks for the coupon, Hip2Save)

Black Friday shopping: Good or bad idea?

I read an interesting article in the Star Tribune about shopping on black Friday....you can read it here.

I am always wanting to go to the stores and buy the great deals advertised, but are the long lines and the headache worth it? Most stores that have such great deals have limited quantities and no rain checks. Remember the stampede at WalMart?

What John suggests, which many of my fellow Target shoppers already do, is to use a stores' price matching policy. We do know that Target does do price matching, with some limitations. Target doesn't match door busters, limited-time or quantity offers or coupon items, although most other items are matchable.

The most interesting part of the article is that someone mentioned they do all of their shopping on black Friday at WalMart because they price match all competitors' ad prices. John, the writer of the article, even called WalMart to verify that they would match the prices- and they will. This even includes door busters from 6-8 a.m. Even those ads with the fine print stating "limited quantities." The only issue you might encounter is that the item has to be EXACTLY the same.

You can check out Black Friday deals in advance on sites like www.bfads.net.

Cheap Magazines

Do you love getting magazines in the mail? I know I do, but I defintiely don't love how much they can cost. There are a few sites, yes they are legitimate, where you can get really cheap magazine subscriptions.

Best Deal Magazines - they offer some pretty good deals on magazines. A current deal that really sticks out to me is the Rachael Ray magazine. It is currently only $7.49 for a whole year. That is a GREAT price considering the fact that each magainze costs between $4-6! Check out other deals here.

Another site I frequent is Low price subs. They've got over 15 magainzes right now for about $2 for an entire year! A few ones that stick out to me are Marie Claire, Shape and Weight Watchers. That is a GREAT deal! Check out those specials here.

Deals for 11/22 at Wags/Cub (*with a pic now!)

I made two trips today, one to Walgreens and one to Cub.

Cub has birds eye frozen veggies on sale for .48...and I used the .35 MQ from the 11/15 SS. I got 4 bags for only .52!

I also made a trip to Walgreens where I scored a lot of great stuff for only $13....althought the receipt I have pictured here only shows my first transaction.

Overall today, here is what I got for around $14 (and I still have a $10 RR)

3 Lubriderm lotions
2 boxes Ritz Crackers
3 boxes triscuits
1 Almay Foundation
2 large bottles of Nexxus Shampoo
2 Lindt truffles
2 coffee mate creamers
2 children's triamincs
3 pkgs carefree liners
3 reynolds foil
4 bags frozen veggies
16 holiday cups

Bakery Outlet

I just wanted to post what I got today so that you can see how much you really can get at a bakery outlet:

4 loaves of bread
4 packages of hot dog buns
2 packages of lite hamburger buns (my fav)
1 package of Earth's best lite sammie buns
2 bags of mini bagels

The bread was on special for .50 as well as the hamburger/hot dog buns. And the bagels were $2/2.....plus when you spend $7 you get a FREE item (which I got the Earth's best sammie buns). I think that is pretty good since bread costs at least .90 at most stores :)