tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25586877521294035362024-02-06T20:29:55.076-06:00The Peculiar HomemakerRamblings of my everyday quests as a homemaker; from cleaning and cooking to couponing and scrapbooking.The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-73496679973692228582011-06-26T23:00:00.000-05:002011-06-26T23:00:51.313-05:00It's been awhile!Well, I made my 1st wedding cake! I think it turned out nice and the recipes I used for my cake were VERY good. Here are the pictures of the Wedding cake and Groom's cake:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQc4TDg9I5JJ3KpnifUX3cGmQQA0l3VijWigg3QeusD1GOflg0jrciVpC7zQsS4zUtI-QrDYKUcVsfy879PLXneLAgBepJG6Gr3RNpPLyB9ZhPDjDSReYljPshZiLMBZXZSWXh5DGTKNq/s1600/wedding+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQc4TDg9I5JJ3KpnifUX3cGmQQA0l3VijWigg3QeusD1GOflg0jrciVpC7zQsS4zUtI-QrDYKUcVsfy879PLXneLAgBepJG6Gr3RNpPLyB9ZhPDjDSReYljPshZiLMBZXZSWXh5DGTKNq/s320/wedding+cake.jpg" width="191px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to see, but the cake is covered in pearl dust!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjLVsMEygRMg5z8gdZYGgVuCTRigH3nl-VGbgPGwC1TazHJ4Afa_eykHKtwuOm1JOzTBZbqHjt4QTCumiuDsRxC-vaXOeQn6o_sWuAqe5_kR0qivclclEfp3Q-Jo9HSzgIwtDKD4IdtDu/s1600/grooms+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjLVsMEygRMg5z8gdZYGgVuCTRigH3nl-VGbgPGwC1TazHJ4Afa_eykHKtwuOm1JOzTBZbqHjt4QTCumiuDsRxC-vaXOeQn6o_sWuAqe5_kR0qivclclEfp3Q-Jo9HSzgIwtDKD4IdtDu/s320/grooms+cake.jpg" width="191px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hand cut this horse with an exacto knife!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I enjoyed making these for my cousin's wedding, however, I have to admit that I can't handle wedding cakes until BOTH my kiddos are in school! It was very stressful to juggle taking care of all their needs, the house all day and manage to get the cake done. I will continue to do Groom's, Birthday, Anniversary, Baby Shower, Graduation, and other fun cakes in the meantime. Once my little one, now 19m, is in preschool I can accommodate Wedding cakes so much easier.<br />
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I've had a couple runs this past couple weeks with coupons. With VBS and the wedding, I really didn't have much time. I was getting antsy, all these great deals I was passing...but tonight I pushed through organizing 2 weeks worth of coupons, got my list together and headed out to get my fix, LOL! It's like a drug and is easily addictive. I get a high at saving so much money! It amazes me STILL that I would just give someone my husband's hard earned dollars so easily before. It's not about being cheap, it's about doing the most with what you have. I don't care how much money you make, why waste it? My husband provides enough we don't have to coupon, period, BUT doing this allows us a few vacations a year. New "toys" for us :) and 2 date nights along with a paid babysitter a month. <br />
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Here were my last 2 trips:<br />
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6/19<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxa39xSevRKFDi6sS01NrF0CfsSS9RHpK7Nt66rGX1ILs2Zko7dwJ2E-MW8HyRuHtVhyppdhEDu-fLUeYt_PgOtb5C-enCnYVuHLhmsl4sz5W9KXtiHBTQnCL7Y7LsRNSSK_jFDFeuAi8/s1600/CVS+Walgreens+6-19-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxa39xSevRKFDi6sS01NrF0CfsSS9RHpK7Nt66rGX1ILs2Zko7dwJ2E-MW8HyRuHtVhyppdhEDu-fLUeYt_PgOtb5C-enCnYVuHLhmsl4sz5W9KXtiHBTQnCL7Y7LsRNSSK_jFDFeuAi8/s320/CVS+Walgreens+6-19-11.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-jsid="text"> <div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">CVS: Colgate toothpaste $2.79-$2ecb -$1 coupon($ maker!), Powerbar bites $2.49-$2.49ecb -.50 coupon ($ maker! Gas station coupons), power bars .99 each, buy 2 get 1 free - (3) .50 coupons, cottonelle wipes $1.99 - FREE product coupon (♥ my <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">free sample fill outs!), cotton balls were buy 1 get 1 half off, I need those and the nail polish (regular price)<br />
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Walgreens: foil .89 -$1 coupon ($ maker!), got 2 B products $5.99 buy 1 get 1 free - (2) $2 coupons (ALL YOU magazine)<br />
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Spent $6 in ecbs and $3.91 out of pocket but got $6.50 back in ecbs!</span><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><span style="color: #3b5998; font-size: xx-small;">See More</span></span></span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><span style="color: #3b5998; font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span> </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><span style="color: #3b5998; font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></span> </div></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>6/26<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqtzAHNZatdqgkn53NB5EVZC2VBBkshYIeN3H2gKoT5a2SSXA7L5-EQv3BtbmaA7cFKejM4DKcbf-f0eJtl3nahMhUzPFRBFVOr8pQfquF1j6PZl6bDb_isTvrfTqjUMhJUOxmv-eHQ0u/s1600/walgreens+cvs+6-26-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqtzAHNZatdqgkn53NB5EVZC2VBBkshYIeN3H2gKoT5a2SSXA7L5-EQv3BtbmaA7cFKejM4DKcbf-f0eJtl3nahMhUzPFRBFVOr8pQfquF1j6PZl6bDb_isTvrfTqjUMhJUOxmv-eHQ0u/s320/walgreens+cvs+6-26-11.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-jsid="text">CVS: Finish 20ct sale $2.99 - $3 coupon (I had some of my previous pacs come open and emailed them, they mailed me coupons! NICE company!), Palmolive $.88 - .$25 coupon, Bayer (Rain Check!) $3 - $1 ECB -$2 coupon (PLUS this has a $2 M.I.R.!!!), Tic Tacs (Rain Check!) .99, buy 3 get 1 for .01 - .75 coupons</span><br />
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<span data-jsid="text"><span data-jsid="text">Walgreen's: Dove Men's Bars 3/$18 - $6 ECB - $4 coupons (3) FREE!, Dove Men's Body Wash 4/$15 - $5 ECB - Buy Wash get a Body Scrubber FREE (so all 6 items end up being .60 each!), Pringles 4/$6 -$2 ECB - $1/3 coupon, Two boxes of Nail Stuff ($9.99 and $4.99 each) have M.I.R. and are FREE!!!</span></span></td></tr>
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I also have received so much FREE stuff in the mail that I've filled 2 boxes in less than a month! From steak rub to personal care products to T-Shirts to dog toys! Seriously, it's crazy! In a good way though ;). Freebie Shark, I Crave Freebies & Deal Seeking Mom are the 3 I "LIKED" on facebook and I just randomly check my feeds. 90% can be filled out using my phone, the other 10% are facebook and have to be done by the full site. I'm hoping that when I switch from my Droid to an IPhone (due to upgrade very soon) that I'm able to do it all from my phone. We'll see!<br />
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I hope everyone is having an awesome Summer! We are taking our trip to St. Louis, the one I previously blogged about getting so cheap, soon. The kids are excited and I can't wait to spend so much uninterrupted one on one time with my family!The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-23530855570634508872011-06-01T06:44:00.000-05:002011-06-01T06:44:02.031-05:00FREEBIES in the mail!!!I absolutely LOVE checking my mail now! Every day I have something new and the best part is it's FREE!!! It beats just getting bills, LOL :)<br />
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In the past month (which I really just started doing this in the past month) I got 6 Atkins snack bars, 1 bag (coupon for a full size bag!) of dog food treats, 2 tubs (coupon for a full size ones!) of cottonelle moist wipes, a Neti pot with 3 packets of sinus rinse, and a sample of Frutis Shampoo & Conditioner (perfect for vacations & camping). <br />
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I still have a T-shirt (Baccardi), weeks worth of fish oil, Purex with Zout, Tide stain release packets (10pk), Wellness vitamin pack, Pull-Ups Flushable Moist Wipes, Dove Shampoo & Conditioner, Free Country Bob's BBQ sauce, Always Feminine Products, Avery sticky notes, Naturopathica Skin Care samples, platex sports body wipes, Purina dog treats & Kong ball, Eucerin lotion, Racheal Ray Nutrish dog food, Breathe Right Strips, Arm & Hammer toothpaste, Philosophy eye treatment, Beach First-Aid Kit, Newsweek Magazine for a year, Ocean Spray drinks, Nescafe Tasters Choice, Alpo Prime can dog food, quart of Glidden Paint...I'm sure there is more that I can't think of right now.<br />
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These "Forms" take me less than 30 sec to fill out. Most I do right from my phone. In my opinion it's worth that 30 sec or less of my time; LOOK at all the stuff I am getting FREE just in the very short time I have been doing this! I get all my info from 1 site, <a href="http://www.freebieshark.com/">http://www.freebieshark.com/</a>. Just LIKE his facebook page and you'll get the feeds each time a new product posts. Good Luck! This can be a great way to stock up on items absolutely free!The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-45139579401026146592011-05-15T07:15:00.000-05:002011-05-15T07:15:37.697-05:00Deals so far this week!Hyvee was the best purchase!!! 3 (150 oz - 96 loads each!) jugs of Purex laundry detergent for .99 each!!! It was a 1-day sale I actually just happen to walk into on Friday. From $8.99 on sale for $3.99 - $3 coupons (expire pretty soon!) made them .99. They are still on sale, just $4.99, so you can get them for $1.99...which is the deal my mom got, but hey it's still an awesome price for that amount!!!<br />
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In the same trip I also got 6 bags (individual size) of M&Ms for .50 total! Pays off to snag the coupons from the candy isles in gas stations ;), with .50/2 coupon coupled with Hyvee's sale 3/$1 we scored!<br />
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I also restocked my cat food. Purina One Beyond $2 off coupons expire soon, however in EVERY box of the 16oz cat food is another $2 off coupon that doesn't expire until December. Hyvee is the ONLY store local to me that I have found the box size and it's only $2.48, so I get them for .48! Great deal for high quality cat food.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHyzMZlybEUtC-hk7FyyVpeiA34RTkMaMjL-0ayRlN9YYfKlvMBAzMwnlS7lp4492y82YmYeVXH1MtzVO1S8YBjYpXoTL8j3V_OpVM1w3vyuyIjthG71qdagl3DKtJa89Aex-GH2e66rv/s1600/Hyvee+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHyzMZlybEUtC-hk7FyyVpeiA34RTkMaMjL-0ayRlN9YYfKlvMBAzMwnlS7lp4492y82YmYeVXH1MtzVO1S8YBjYpXoTL8j3V_OpVM1w3vyuyIjthG71qdagl3DKtJa89Aex-GH2e66rv/s320/Hyvee+Friday.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$6.86 total</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Price Chopper has Weber Grill Mates Seasonings 2/$3, cheapest I have seen them! The $1/1 coupons expire at the end of this month and Price Choppers sale runs until early July. I got them for .50 each. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN74v5QyflfZ3Wk2R_2JNvKItiw25KPkvR3vg1dfsBWxpGAFaMzvpSSmHRRYk0kWnZOZKQWBxUb2Dgtw5EenilMd98tlSfVbu5O1TUsJr9RiGIHUnkaxxOl7rL5hXfi-1NEwibDRtWN3ri/s1600/Price+Chopper+5-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN74v5QyflfZ3Wk2R_2JNvKItiw25KPkvR3vg1dfsBWxpGAFaMzvpSSmHRRYk0kWnZOZKQWBxUb2Dgtw5EenilMd98tlSfVbu5O1TUsJr9RiGIHUnkaxxOl7rL5hXfi-1NEwibDRtWN3ri/s1600/Price+Chopper+5-14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$1.50 plus tax</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<a href="http://www.restaurant.com/">http://www.restaurant.com/</a> is running a special for $25 gift certificates pay only $4. Watch the details of the certificates at each restaurant, like mentioned in a previous post. <br />
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Tide is giving away FREE 10 count pks of In wash stain release every day for a week. So far, it's been 2 days. You need to LIKE them on facebook first so you can see when they post that it's open! Here is the link: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepromotionaloffer.com%2Ftidechallenge%2Fwog_2017%2F&h=4ac7e">http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepromotionaloffer.com%2Ftidechallenge%2Fwog_2017%2F&h=4ac7e</a><br />
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I still have Walgreens and CVS to hit this week and I'll post those next time :)The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-27806694767855985172011-05-13T11:37:00.001-05:002011-05-13T11:37:36.638-05:00MIR – Have you heard of the term before?Mail in Rebates are awesome! After getting into the world of couponing, I decided it was time to try a new task ;) and MIRs it was. You love FREE product, right? Who doesn’t?!?! Well, using MIRs you can now expand your FREE product stash! This week it’s Nexcare Band-Aids, Sun Burnt Gel (why not stock before Summer?), $12 cash back off a $15 purchase at GAP, FREE Finesse Shampoo or Conditioner after coupon and MIR, up to $6 back for Filtrete Filters (Furnace filters, something you NEVER see coupons on!), $10 gas card with 10 Kellogg’s UPCs (you come out ahead after this one b.c you can get boxes of Kellogg's cereal for $.90 or less!)…oh the list goes on and on!<br />
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I am still sticking to my challenge of a $25 a week grocery budget (which I have to confess I went $8 over budget while on vacation. My son was sick from dinner and I had to pick up unexpected meds! It’ll teach me to pack better. Now I’m less $8 this next week!), however after talking with my husband, I think I’m going to start an initial set amount for MIRs. It takes up to 8 weeks sometimes to see your money back, but being patient pays off. My starting budget will be $75 total. Now, I won’t add to this other than the $ I get back from the MIRs. I wonder how many FREE items I can get (or items our family needs that you never get discounts on…like furnace filters!) without running out of money :). Oh boy, I see another challenge!!!<br />
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VERY IMPORTANT! You have to stay organized to make this work! It’s not hard or time consuming, just find a system. I keep an envelope in my coupon binder that I wrote MIRs on. I immediately stick my receipt for the MIR items in there. I MAKE myself fill out the form that day or the next. If you don’t you forget and waste money. So far, I have 4 MIRs out – total out of pocket is approx $25. Sorry, I don’t have my receipts sitting in front of me! I will get all of my money back less the stamps – but I used .55 off coupons on my band-aids so technically I’ll break even with paying taxes. (1 of the MIRs is my mothers’ so that’s not out of my budget!), still a great deal for 6 boxes of band-aids and 2 tubes of Sun Burnt Gel!<br />
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Here are the sites I have been visiting to find out about MIRs:<br />
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http://mail-in-rebate-forms.blogspot.com/<br />
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http://mygoodcents.net/2011/01/39-mail-in-rebate-offers/<br />
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Sites for FREE samples:<br />
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http://www.mysavings.com/free-product-samples-section/<br />
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http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-Free-Samples.aspx<br />
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Products Facebook pages always have giveaways for free products. Redbox, Tide Stain Release, Old Spice, Country Bobs…TONS! So, go LIKE every product page you can find It’s worth the all those feeds on your page!The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-57021961701746887642011-05-04T14:14:00.000-05:002011-05-04T14:14:43.601-05:00Unplanned Vacation - CHEAP!I used some of the $ I saved from couponing to "buy" us a trip to St. Louis over 4th of July weekend! This was unplanned, we've talked about it, but just never made the effort to budget for it :)<br />
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We are going 4 days, 3 nights and our ENTIRE trip will be under $500...including hotel and food! I have never used <a href="http://www.hotwire.com/">http://www.hotwire.com/</a> before, but NO WAY was I going to pay $200 a night to stay at a hotel that was 1m or less to the arch. On this website you purchase a star-rated "package" before you even know the hotel. Oh, I prayed the whole time that it wasn't a joke and that it wouldn't come back to bite me, LOL! However, trying out something new paid off!!!! I got us a room at the Sheraton City Center Hotel for $75 a night!!! I couldn't believe it! On top of that, <a href="http://www.restaurant.com/">http://www.restaurant.com/</a> was having 80% off again (they have this ALL THE TIME! Just google a code) so I got us 3 dinners and 4 lunches (7 - $25 gift certificates, grand total of $175) for just $11 out of pocket! Score! When using that site, READ the minimum ticket amount required and look over the menu to make sure you'll like the place. ALL of my certificates had 0 minimum or $35 order. So at most I have to spend $10 more per restaurant for dinner. Hey, we are eating at a dine-in restaurant for the price of McDonald's!<br />
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Most things to do in St. Louis are FREE, or at a small price. You can bet that I will be hunting more coupons over the next couple months to use on this trip :)<br />
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Try these sites out! Maybe you'll get a trip you weren't able to take before OR cheap date nights using the restaurant.com site. I bought 6 - $25 certificates for just $2 each for our date nights. Now we can afford to go twice a month and hire a babysitter!The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-89105931222144284862011-05-03T14:38:00.000-05:002011-05-03T14:38:24.423-05:00Starting a $25 a week grocery budget challenge!I used the last month and a half using my FULL ($400-$450 a month) grocery budget to stock up on everything I can. I still couponed and shopped sales like crazy so that means I literally got 4 times the amount of product for the same budget! Now I have AT LEAST a FULL 2 months worth of food (other than the perishables of course!) to make my meals from. My friend (thanks Maureen!!!) encouraged me to drastically cut my budget now and challenge myself. "Why not take vacations or save" she was saying, so I decided to do just that. I went from a $400 budget to $100, that's $3600 a year! God truly has blessed me with the knowledge to do this successfully for my family. He has opened so many opportunities up to us (a vacation we didn't have the budget for, padding savings, blessing others with knowledge and products, paying our student loans off sooner) and for that I am SO GRATEFUL!<br />
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I am very excited to share my first week was a success!!!! Even after I had to buy extra food to make meals to feed 3 families (family vacation this weekend), I STILL stayed in budget using coupons and shopping smart. Hopefully, I am as successful the next 7 weeks :)<br />
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Here are my weeks matchups, everything you see below cost me a grand total of <u><strong><span style="color: red;">$3.72 </span></strong></u>(I will be adding 3 -3pk Ivory soaps & at least 1 bottle of Bob's BBQ sauce to this (all FREE) sometime this week!:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYC_iuOHDXlvwfuJMIrIkRGDHYSB0vzq0OmWdnxSb_xw48fAl-dxGn0nZQw1TDFxTw2RMTZivOit_retlh4_uh_6H5NGua3nAah_kjvUIiV3H0XcwwdeUbTmKUFiUaKLN0LAOgHvdkOCw/s1600/CVS+5-2-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYC_iuOHDXlvwfuJMIrIkRGDHYSB0vzq0OmWdnxSb_xw48fAl-dxGn0nZQw1TDFxTw2RMTZivOit_retlh4_uh_6H5NGua3nAah_kjvUIiV3H0XcwwdeUbTmKUFiUaKLN0LAOgHvdkOCw/s320/CVS+5-2-11.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeD7R88RV6au7OxUuGiZj0ANAZ3MhTzi20nHh-r1LNJuy0SNtTIKqfsqE-6dk-nsT1eSkp1fnxPfnroNrBHOF-c_Xy3UwCpwQBaBtOIkQmvbLg1Brtq5D1Sz1yVvW3A7JggNprgVOBTn9/s1600/walgreens+5-2-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeD7R88RV6au7OxUuGiZj0ANAZ3MhTzi20nHh-r1LNJuy0SNtTIKqfsqE-6dk-nsT1eSkp1fnxPfnroNrBHOF-c_Xy3UwCpwQBaBtOIkQmvbLg1Brtq5D1Sz1yVvW3A7JggNprgVOBTn9/s320/walgreens+5-2-11.jpg" width="191px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI98krPyUiTraAzJGS2UJVueZgq_tIINOciUZ7Xe9IeYDeA5Jz2FWbzJlvL-YeYdaugh_Bm5B5feZ05eHQN1HpDz6Wb9-liLPAjR7EsXhuNz5g1MhYND8TuHeXJ7lBtl5qVBmWH3rQ98vU/s1600/Walgreens+CVS+5-2-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI98krPyUiTraAzJGS2UJVueZgq_tIINOciUZ7Xe9IeYDeA5Jz2FWbzJlvL-YeYdaugh_Bm5B5feZ05eHQN1HpDz6Wb9-liLPAjR7EsXhuNz5g1MhYND8TuHeXJ7lBtl5qVBmWH3rQ98vU/s320/Walgreens+CVS+5-2-11.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>CVS: <br />
Vlasic Pickles $1 - $1 off 2 coupon (in the FREE magazine as you enter country mart, by meat warmers)<br />
Colgate Toothpaste $2.77 - $2.77 ECBs (BONUS if you have the $1 off 1 coupon or .75 off 1 coupon, money maker!!!! Which was the case for me!)<br />
Bic Soleil $6.99 - $3 ECB - $3 coupon, only .99!!!<br />
<br />
Walgreens:<br />
Fixodent $3.99 - $1RR - $3 coupon, FREE!<br />
Gillette Pro Glide $12.89 (sale $9.89) - $5RR - $4 coupon, ONLY .89!<br />
Comet $1.00 (sale .50!) - .25 coupon, only .25! Grandma uses this stuff and I find it AWESOME for washing outdoor lawn furniture or the kids plastic outdoor toys :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
SOON TO COME DEALS:<br />
CVS, Walmart & Krogers all have Ivory bar soap (3pk) for .97-$1, use the $1 coupon from this sunday paper, FREE<br />
<br />
Country Bob's BBQ sauce has a printable FREE coupon. Site is down, probably overloaded, but it's carried at Walmart.The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-91013657481447806762011-04-22T14:26:00.000-05:002011-04-22T14:26:27.477-05:00Recent trip to Dollar General & Target<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWrWOOmeeF8w9sZrb-Tz8En18dndkF8ts_QFiEWgO5u9IxS2ERLv54-FN48HLZlprZLOjh5gaUcGqur8XFwa7Wt321vcSxIU4AV4joCed5_yTPvushEOgwuBMKc7S8VRUgS1HKSBjkn8F/s1600/Dollar+General+1st+transaction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWrWOOmeeF8w9sZrb-Tz8En18dndkF8ts_QFiEWgO5u9IxS2ERLv54-FN48HLZlprZLOjh5gaUcGqur8XFwa7Wt321vcSxIU4AV4joCed5_yTPvushEOgwuBMKc7S8VRUgS1HKSBjkn8F/s320/Dollar+General+1st+transaction.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$3.61 total at Dollar General</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Airwick Room Sprays $1, - B1G1 FREE coupon (was in a past Sunday paper), .50 each!<br />
Airwick Gadget sale $4.50 - $4 coupon (this past Sunday paper), .50 each!<br />
Vaseline Trial Size $1 - $1 coupons (coupon doesn't specify size), FREE, great for traveling, diaper bag or car!<br />
Lysol products are all 3/$5, which make them $1.67 each...- Lysol printable wipes coupon $1.50 (facebook page), .17 each!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphRV7ROLpm0MFaGJH3gIIwKOKDIv6HHsvouJiymFDmkb8q-C2ZdMB_So27ZGtKJ_DNZZuH53risNOqGeyCg-xVh0Esw23-XWd526bvgozyWrlA57N1F_Mibvv8DNqu4qSfozbmkKBruE_/s1600/Target+buy+4-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphRV7ROLpm0MFaGJH3gIIwKOKDIv6HHsvouJiymFDmkb8q-C2ZdMB_So27ZGtKJ_DNZZuH53risNOqGeyCg-xVh0Esw23-XWd526bvgozyWrlA57N1F_Mibvv8DNqu4qSfozbmkKBruE_/s320/Target+buy+4-22.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$10 Target (AD match to Walmart from Sunday's paper)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ritz Muchables sale $2 - $1 coupon (printable on smartsource.com or coupons.com), $1 each!<br />
Play-Doh 24pk (FULL SIZE!), Walmart AD match of $10 (savings of $4.99 right there) - $3 coupon, $7!!!<br />
Toy Story 3 Operation, Walmart AD match of $5 (savings of $10.99 right there!) - $3 coupon, $2!!!!!!!<br />
Neutrogena Naturals Lip Balm $2.99, (Walmart's website has a manuf. coupon to print for B1G1 FREE) - $2.99, Target printable coupons -(2) $1 off any Neutrogena Naturals Product, -$1 Manuf coupon from a previous Sunday paper, FREE for both!!!<br />
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<br />
A good tip here is to ALWAYS visit Targets website weekly and print coupons! They change and you never know when you'll get a good coupon to match up with a Sunday paper one later. So, make it a point to check and print their coupons often! It's worth your time ;)The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-67598969730239041132011-04-19T06:40:00.000-05:002011-04-19T06:40:31.948-05:00Monday evening shopping trip 4-18Maureen & I did our usual Monday night shopping (CVS, Walgreens as usual and Target!) and this week I saved $97 AND got $5RR (Walgreens $ to use next time) AND $12ECB (CVS $ to use next time). <br />
<br />
I am at the point that I have a years stock of Men & Women's body wash, deodorant, face wash, tooth paste, mouth rinse, pretty much at least a 6m supply of every personal care item we need!!! I didn't spend more than $20 TOTAL out of pocket for it ALL either :) <br />
<br />
I have a huge stock of snack items, all for $1.25 or less each, an 8m supply of cereal all $1.33 (and that was my special K) or less a box, most were .90 or less. Pop Tarts, I have a TON of those! Pasta, pasta sauce, condiments, paper goods, laundry detergent, bleach. I could go 3-4m with ONLY buying produce and be just fine!<br />
<br />
However, I decided to pass my savings on. There are so many people that I feel God has sent my way...so 1 by 1 here I go!<br />
<br />
Don't forget Friday night at 7:30pm my friend and I are hosting a "how to coupon right" meeting at my house. Please come, I really want to share with you how to do this. No matter how much you make, you CAN benefit from this! Extra money is always nice, saving on these products is a no brainer...just let me show you how and you can figure out what to do with YOUR SAVINGS!!!! <br />
<br />
My first month I used my regular grocery budget, but started "stocking". I got 3-4 times the amount of stuff with the same budget. It was easier to stock on personal care items first. Then, the next month I moved on to grocery items. "Stocking" shelf or freezer items was my next step. Here I sit, 2 months after starting this journey and I have learned SO MUCH! I will NEVER pay regular price for anything again! My $450 grocery budget (when I say grocery, this means EVERYTHING, pets, household, food) is now down to $300...I didn't cut it more yet b.c I was still "Stocking". I will probably keep $150 for produce/perishable items a month and $100 for coupon money a month in the end. So my $450 just got reduced to $200 a month. What can your family do with $200 a month?????????<br />
<br />
My Monday shopping trip was to CVS, Walgreens & Target:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZvNUV42tVLbwigZd578ADyP290MG-eeyKNrmQKsof_zfAzIsmHkU_MAvFzaDyBAGrittf1YoqdEmOk2G9NsH6XpUXscZXNND6CHRPYOfmvpTGrM4G8TTYoeoQOQfZ7Y0hoQYYt1Nr6hy/s1600/Monday+night+4-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZvNUV42tVLbwigZd578ADyP290MG-eeyKNrmQKsof_zfAzIsmHkU_MAvFzaDyBAGrittf1YoqdEmOk2G9NsH6XpUXscZXNND6CHRPYOfmvpTGrM4G8TTYoeoQOQfZ7Y0hoQYYt1Nr6hy/s320/Monday+night+4-18.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$21.53 total (after $5RR & $12ECB)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Target: Nivea Body Wash (I grabbed the last one and no rain checks, so hopefully they restock!!!) <br />
SALE $3.04 - $3 coupon (Sunday paper), use a reusable bag - .05...she handed me a penny!!!<br />
<br />
Walgreens: Ocello Sponges B1G1 FREE ($3.99 each) - [2] $1 off coupons, I paid $1 per 3 pk!<br />
Chocolate Covered Peeps 2/$1 - [1] $1 off 2 peeps coupon, FREE<br />
3M Magic Tape B1G2 FREE ($1.99 each) - [1] $1 off coupons, I got them .33 each!<br />
Nivea Body Wash $4.99 - $1.20 Instant Reward - [1] $3 off coupon, .79 each!!!!<br />
Schick Items B1G1 FREE (Shave gel $3.79) - [2] .75 off each coupons, $1.15 each.<br />
Scott Natural 6pk paper towels ($5) - $1 Walgreens coupon - [1] $1.50 Scott coupon<br />
$2.50 for the pack!<br />
Gilette Fusion Razor $10.99 - $1 Instant Reward - [1] $4 off coupon - [1] $4 RR,<br />
I got this for $1.99!!!<br />
<br />
CVS: Bertoli Alfredo Sauce 3/$5 (purchased 4) - [2] $1.50 off 2 coupons, only .91 Each!!<br />
Head & Shoulders $4.99 - $2 ECB - [1] $2 off coupon, .99 is all I paid!<br />
John Freda Products (sale $5, buy $10 worth get $5 ECB), I bought 2 hair sprays - [2] .75 off any JF product - $5 ECBs, only $1.50 each!<br />
GE Energy Star Light bulb $2.99 - $2 ECB, only .99!<br />
Nature Valley Granola Thins B1G1 ($3.69 each) - [2] .75 off each, $1.09 a box!!!<br />
Paas Classic Easter Egg Decorating Kit $1.99 - $1.99 ECB, FREE<br />
Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer, coupon for a FREE full size one!The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-39290580952165888492011-04-17T21:04:00.000-05:002011-04-17T21:04:42.117-05:00Target's Buys 4-17Really good deals today! Stocked up on stove top stuffing (normally $1.78 a box everywhere, but they had it on sale for .99!) and some snacks on sale for $2 (which is AT LEAST .50 savings a box!)...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLCiyjxBMxL02ierJzLTZYYf4ZXHmxIf7ktTYYSZS9jfGfrlmGX-A4LAzwoIPNvXV2vpAEvoFv6p9M4AlXjZcHR8Yaq9sIcb9Jd4ZSzK5rO64a-AaHZBWc47w6D4lNPmAi2Ntq9Pb2nmx/s1600/Target+4-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLCiyjxBMxL02ierJzLTZYYf4ZXHmxIf7ktTYYSZS9jfGfrlmGX-A4LAzwoIPNvXV2vpAEvoFv6p9M4AlXjZcHR8Yaq9sIcb9Jd4ZSzK5rO64a-AaHZBWc47w6D4lNPmAi2Ntq9Pb2nmx/s320/Target+4-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$20.08 that includes tax!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Stove Top stuffing .99 each (5) - Buy 3 get 1 FREE coupon - .55 off 1 coupon (if you can find more of these it would be an EVEN BETTER deal!), .68 a box - still an awesome deal! 62% savings!<br />
<br />
Always products buy 3 get $5 gift card, Well, I had $2 off each infinity products, so I bought 3 @ $5.54 each, after coupons and $5 gift card they were $1.87 a box! 70% savings a box!<br />
<br />
Ritz's Muchables SALE $2 - $1 off each coupon. STOCK UP for $1!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Ritz's Cracker Sandwiches SALE $2 - $1 off each coupon. STOCK UP for $1!!!!!<br />
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Knorr Rice Sale .83 a pkg - .50 off 2 target coupon, that's only .58 a pkg!<br />
<br />
Aveeno Lotion $2.99 - $3 off 2 Aveeno products - Target $1 off 1 Aveeno product, ended up being $1 each! Even better deal is if my 2nd $1 off Target coupon wasn't expired :/The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-84671219849571818652011-04-17T15:55:00.000-05:002011-04-17T15:55:53.331-05:00Gathering CouponsWe all know that purchasing a Sunday paper (at least one, 3 for me this week!) is worth your $2. Don't forget there are SO MANY more ways to get coupons! They are on displays throughout stores, in magazines (ALL YOU is my fav) and websites:<br />
(<a href="http://www.couponnetwork.com/">http://www.couponnetwork.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.coupons.com/">http://www.coupons.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.smartsource.com/">http://www.smartsource.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redplum.com/">http://www.redplum.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.afullcup.com/">http://www.afullcup.com/</a>)<br />
<br />
BUT did you know you can get mobile coupons???? Target is a GREAT example! Here is a link: <a href="http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=text_alerts">http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=text_alerts</a>, I also get mobile coupons and on-line only ads (meaning special pricing you get in store, but get the ad on your phone, prices aren't posted anywhere in store on product) from Hyvee & Costco.<br />
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Don't miss out! Get signed up!The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-35087188915762428832011-04-15T11:06:00.000-05:002011-04-15T11:06:29.956-05:00Great Mustard Buy :)I was out for a doctor appt. this morning and Walmart was right there, so I decided to stop in for some deals I found posted on <a href="http://www.pennypinchingmom.com/">http://www.pennypinchingmom.com/</a> (you can find links to some of the coupons I used there too). Well, like I always say NEVER GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT YOUR COUPON BINDER, because you never know what great deals you'll run into! Toaster Strudels and French's Mustard was 2!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVyLG7AdIsCxExtuEo5HQ_7aKIK39GzDb3FLxu9Al7u953cSmnYkXLlmL_wMzYdMRPFJZWEU7SJUEOLXKPVl25-5fZqQEHlB_bDEapbrB7jbQO4-RcWq_EL7cXG9agy7Wof1AZlnZ48PJ/s1600/Walmart+4-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVyLG7AdIsCxExtuEo5HQ_7aKIK39GzDb3FLxu9Al7u953cSmnYkXLlmL_wMzYdMRPFJZWEU7SJUEOLXKPVl25-5fZqQEHlB_bDEapbrB7jbQO4-RcWq_EL7cXG9agy7Wof1AZlnZ48PJ/s320/Walmart+4-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$11 for everything you see!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great sales on mustard!!!! Most were already reduced .50-$1 <br />
<br />
Frenchs Dijon 12oz $1.97- $1 coupon <br />
Classic mustard 20oz 40% more one, $1.37 -.30 coupon <br />
Frenchs spicy brown mustard 18oz 50% more one, $1.37 -.30 coupon <br />
<br />
Toaster Strudels $1.98 -$1 off each coupon <br />
<br />
Idahoan original instant potatoes, .42 -$1 off 3 coupon <br />
<br />
Vinegar (I bought Apple cider one so a little more) $1.36 -.50 coupon (STILL .20 cheaper than the cheapest brand)</span><br />
<br />
Also, Country Mart was having a great sale on Land O Lakes butter 2/$6, go to <a href="http://www.mycountrymart.com/">http://www.mycountrymart.com/</a> to print a $1 off 2 coupon and also use your .50 off 2 coupon - end price only $2.25 each!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
***********For anyone interested my friend and I are hosting a "how to coupon right" meeting next Friday 4/22 at 7pm. Send me a message if you want to come!****************************The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-68142053915158708362011-04-14T13:46:00.000-05:002011-04-14T13:46:17.705-05:00Today's Deals 4/14Price Chopper is having 10/$10! Oh, how I love those sales coupled with coupons!!!<br />
<br />
$16.07 is what I spent, $21.67 is what I saved (sales & coupons!) - 26 items.<br />
<br />
Texas Toast Crutons $1 (sale from $1.55) - .50 coupons<br />
Little Debbie Snacks $1 (sale from $1.59) no coupon, but still a great deal to stock up on<br />
Pilsbury Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits $1 (sale from $1.39) - .75 off 3 coupon<br />
Act II popcorn 3ct pk $1 (sale from $2.19!) - .50 coupon<br />
Birdseye Frozen Veggies (large bags!) $1 (sale from $1.39) - $1 off 3 coupon<br />
Buddig pk of sliced deli meat 2/$1 (sale from .89 each!) - .50 off 4 <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_R6yG4UanquQjumdH12_WRUiJPG57jUQJn_MHCuh4zVs3GXfL4Z4o6FYtvntD9TkH6XGCq8I6sdfG7fq2aT797uuoKOodM6ei33oOO8YcgNuPhEcQVco9cIW0sv_Mju0DdHvQr0VliBi/s1600/price+chopper+april+14+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_R6yG4UanquQjumdH12_WRUiJPG57jUQJn_MHCuh4zVs3GXfL4Z4o6FYtvntD9TkH6XGCq8I6sdfG7fq2aT797uuoKOodM6ei33oOO8YcgNuPhEcQVco9cIW0sv_Mju0DdHvQr0VliBi/s320/price+chopper+april+14+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-30719022466441158322011-04-12T01:47:00.001-05:002011-04-13T04:47:11.507-05:00Here we go...another week of AWESOME DEALS!!!OK, I will try my very best to remember what the prices were and the coupons. Double check before you go! My coupons this time came from the sunday paper inserts, the 'spring essentials' coupon paper (see previous coupon post to get link), isle coupon tags and printables.<br />
<br />
Price Chopper: (yes, 2 trips today! A friend and I shop together and she needed to go anyways, plus I found more coupons lying around product...so how could I not buy????)<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk__CrUOyuzpHVYfxdjAxV94CSqCYIQ3-Ehp0x4RBRCs65PkySHdwRsGCW5L3n0DHTZXNuSovpbloPZ62nM69AkztijGbTXlYwj1HQdz-UGK_-PhakyQ1MDhB7KFbNOD2Yw3GhNRNOi-bq/s1600/price+chopper+30.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk__CrUOyuzpHVYfxdjAxV94CSqCYIQ3-Ehp0x4RBRCs65PkySHdwRsGCW5L3n0DHTZXNuSovpbloPZ62nM69AkztijGbTXlYwj1HQdz-UGK_-PhakyQ1MDhB7KFbNOD2Yw3GhNRNOi-bq/s320/price+chopper+30.09.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$30.09 (tax included!)<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Frosted Flakes, Fruit Loops, Pops & Apple Jacks all on sale $1.49 (norm $3.69!) - $1.50 off 3 coupon.<br />
Edy's Icecream $1.99 ($4.89-$5.29 each!) <br />
Farmland Sausage Links $2.19 (norm $2.50) - $1 off each<br />
Laughing Cow Cheese $2.99 (norm $3.99) - $1 off two<br />
Smart Balance Butter sale 2/$4 - $1 off two<br />
Freschetta Pizza $4.99 sale (norm $6.89) - $1 off each<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTJ1I3Ytp5pid2uU1uulZGNrOk10qQgKUt2R7frhNIH8aiAwKd-8FnNOUed4o2fbkKGqxpGbZQDri7Tlw86CBI-0SvIAVy8fix_8pi_EBuitLObbnRixi8n15spp_o6HiS25iQlGYAmO_/s1600/price+chopper+26.64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTJ1I3Ytp5pid2uU1uulZGNrOk10qQgKUt2R7frhNIH8aiAwKd-8FnNOUed4o2fbkKGqxpGbZQDri7Tlw86CBI-0SvIAVy8fix_8pi_EBuitLObbnRixi8n15spp_o6HiS25iQlGYAmO_/s320/price+chopper+26.64.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$26.64</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Pop Tarts $1.49 a box - $1 off two<br />
American Beauty Pasta (Quick Cook) sale $1.29 - $.55 off a box<br />
Arm & Hammer Softener Sheets (100ct each) Sale $2.50 - $3.00 off two<br />
French's Worchester Sauce $1.45 - $.50 off one<br />
Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans $2.49 - $.55 coupon<br />
Butterfinger Nestle Eggs $2.48 - $.55 coupon<br />
Animal shaped Ring pops sale $.29 (purchased 2, 1 not pictured)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hyvee (by FAR the best buy of the entire night!!!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8zS9t6a78NhVrVyV4XkTnhMdyGas0mGp_eNEyp7yZ59-E3urwHoVowPI9RDlxJc8XHHey6uoOoE9wQAf2X6K7FeBo6dqGWcg94oL0X8eI1w3puaHPxkNttf13auRZMsMMrZN8E6SDKrO/s1600/hyvee+38.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8zS9t6a78NhVrVyV4XkTnhMdyGas0mGp_eNEyp7yZ59-E3urwHoVowPI9RDlxJc8XHHey6uoOoE9wQAf2X6K7FeBo6dqGWcg94oL0X8eI1w3puaHPxkNttf13auRZMsMMrZN8E6SDKrO/s320/hyvee+38.09.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$38.09 for 69 items!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcTJZqxeer2yM4AI1E4uTpGdkJ3TxeeKUiRCdD8Oz0FaqpviU4M9k8UEl1KEYoHMXMm9eICF2E41J3WZQg6Kq9mJAvLNz75PuEmKTBVvdVEdp9wuoko1fT8esh9Dt1mizMV6RvjP00oYl/s1600/hyvee+part+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcTJZqxeer2yM4AI1E4uTpGdkJ3TxeeKUiRCdD8Oz0FaqpviU4M9k8UEl1KEYoHMXMm9eICF2E41J3WZQg6Kq9mJAvLNz75PuEmKTBVvdVEdp9wuoko1fT8esh9Dt1mizMV6RvjP00oYl/s320/hyvee+part+1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg1keqEcEboYWAihle5wPqiQVmIrsdGgM6V6ccT07RYYCiOR5k4eiDQ6MbnLYwFj-8kyfIDu0GEY4suubZh-8-ZGLKB9vS1HuhGV2Hry3KORd6XEdC_cnohfDXxqRcuyZcwzJio75LWUk/s1600/hyvee+part+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg1keqEcEboYWAihle5wPqiQVmIrsdGgM6V6ccT07RYYCiOR5k4eiDQ6MbnLYwFj-8kyfIDu0GEY4suubZh-8-ZGLKB9vS1HuhGV2Hry3KORd6XEdC_cnohfDXxqRcuyZcwzJio75LWUk/s320/hyvee+part+2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QAqwG8Vdemot0Z0ULJBHYOxv_CB6elZdF8pG_zxVk-rpRVNYy6Nh0zTQvItZplq3EYW3i__iwB9CeEetaFwmcUQTO2SQRZj69PvRbV30FuiJfUMZUeKxUKTPt3TbEHwP9dA09z0OJM7y/s1600/hyvee+part+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QAqwG8Vdemot0Z0ULJBHYOxv_CB6elZdF8pG_zxVk-rpRVNYy6Nh0zTQvItZplq3EYW3i__iwB9CeEetaFwmcUQTO2SQRZj69PvRbV30FuiJfUMZUeKxUKTPt3TbEHwP9dA09z0OJM7y/s320/hyvee+part+3.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Clorox bleach on sale $1.69 each, coupon $2 off 3 (spring essential coupon book)<br />
Dole Salad 2/$3 -$.75 off coupon (each)<br />
Sargento Natural Cheese Blend Sticks sale $3.98 (already reduced $1.00) - $.75 off each coupon<br />
Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta 10/$10 - $1 off two coupon (.50 a box!!!)<br />
Purina One Cat Food $2.48 - $3.00 off one! (I got 10lbs for FREE!!!!!!!!!)<br />
Jolly Time Popcorn 10/$10 (3 or 4 ct) - $1 off two coupons & .$55 off one<br />
Krunchers 2/$6 (after I used my coupon I found out Price Chopper has them 2/$5 :( ) - $1 off each coupon<br />
Candy Bars (in a center aisle just before personal care products) 2/$1 - $1 off 2 coupon (20 candy bars FREE!!!!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
CVS<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIMX6821i0QuaN9VrxRDMXfxMCMs5SZF3z32p37HIO-0jHlebmAiWPxCM8ny-Lkxqz4uSSwJZlmYpP4SJXwqChL0musHsJPYZvPGLV6ZP3lCh_11_gwoWAeh6T_opIAPsmr8_eyOVEpoc/s1600/CVS+8.58+after+ecb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIMX6821i0QuaN9VrxRDMXfxMCMs5SZF3z32p37HIO-0jHlebmAiWPxCM8ny-Lkxqz4uSSwJZlmYpP4SJXwqChL0musHsJPYZvPGLV6ZP3lCh_11_gwoWAeh6T_opIAPsmr8_eyOVEpoc/s320/CVS+8.58+after+ecb.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$8.58 after ECBs (rain check for the Right Guard from last week used here)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lysol Neutra Air 2/$5 - $1.50 off each coupon<br />
Finish Products & Jet Dry sale $3 each (3 - $.75 off coupons & 2 - $.50 off coupons)<br />
BUY $20 in the product above get $10 ECBs<br />
<br />
Right Guard (rain check) $3.88 - $3 ECB - buy one get one FREE coupon (.44 each!)<br />
Pretzel M&Ms $1.97 - $1 off coupon<br />
Marshmallow Egg .74 - .74 ECB<br />
Miracle Bubbles $1.99 - $1.99 ECB<br />
Special K Crackers & Chips $1.99 each - $.50 off each<br />
Raisin Bran $1.66 a box - $1 off two coupon<br />
<br />
(Kibbles & Bits pictured was WALGREENS!!!! sale $3.99 - $2.50 coupon)<br />
<br />
<br />
Walgreens<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7CfqBg0-APBku2AwFEKK2j4IrMRGLKZtCiyjtFR7LTnssOTdynI-CIbTQl67TYQ_RoU_4Oh52CRJmFVd7R4OsRt7j8T6tzzprQUyAIZ38S31ovaKYiw-1v3c817zCgI5GFR4-sAZ53ZS/s1600/walgreens+9.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7CfqBg0-APBku2AwFEKK2j4IrMRGLKZtCiyjtFR7LTnssOTdynI-CIbTQl67TYQ_RoU_4Oh52CRJmFVd7R4OsRt7j8T6tzzprQUyAIZ38S31ovaKYiw-1v3c817zCgI5GFR4-sAZ53ZS/s320/walgreens+9.43.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$9.43 includes the 2 bags of dog food pictured above!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Resolve Stain Spray $1.99 - $.75 off one coupon (I had to use a $.50 off one as well)<br />
Lysol Neutra Air (rain check from last week!) 2/$6 - $1 Walgreens coupon - $1.50 off each coupons<br />
Bic Comfort 3 4pk razors (CLEARANCE!) $4.19 each, Sale of buy one get one half off - $3 off each coupons...........$.14 per pack!!!!!!<br />
Mars candy filled Eggs .75 each - $1 off 2 Mars candies coupons<br />
Bandaids with ointment CLEARANCE .75 (save over $2!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Seriously stocked up this week!!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
************************ADDITION APRIL 12TH*******************************************<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEhejANXhrfir5QcXnOkHsWImMxF1FnPdilFyL51rhyphenhyphenFkiNONMF_s5yIRfnz3hR6RGl0Ly4ObLJjnPRwjUIBl1NU7aUaXwmZFB8XQNjoF6pRNc0UF2GECuHvtlcfRrGxTTbpfuwGWVoJk/s1600/country+mart+april+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEhejANXhrfir5QcXnOkHsWImMxF1FnPdilFyL51rhyphenhyphenFkiNONMF_s5yIRfnz3hR6RGl0Ly4ObLJjnPRwjUIBl1NU7aUaXwmZFB8XQNjoF6pRNc0UF2GECuHvtlcfRrGxTTbpfuwGWVoJk/s320/country+mart+april+12.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">COUNTRY MART: $34 in product for $17<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bananas on Tuesday are only .39 cents a lb! This is where I'm going to start buying mine. That's .30 a lb cheaper than sale prices anywhere else!!!<br />
<br />
Kraft Cheese with a touch of philly $1.89 sale - $1 off coupons (Price Chopper had the coupons in their cheese section)<br />
<br />
Philly Cooking Cremes $2.19 sale - $1.50 coupon (.69 each!) again price chopper had these during my last shopping trip.<br />
<br />
Miracle Whip, 1pt jars, sale 2/$6 (norm around $4 and change) - $1 off 2, $2.50 a jar!<br />
(AND for the ladies in the CRAVE bible study with me, the calorie option on the fat free is actually quite decent!)The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-81408806595184427562011-04-06T06:45:00.000-05:002011-04-06T06:45:06.926-05:00In one of those "stocking up the freezer & pantry" moods.I randomly get in these moods every few months, where I bake and cook a few things every day (in bulk) and stock up my freezer and pantry. I find that if I have already prepared meals that I can take out and bake we don't eat out as often. It saves us money and is a better alternative to fast food. Which we all pay for later ;)<br />
<br />
It really doesn't take any more time than preparing one meal, you just do it in an assembly line and use foil pans to freeze in. I write all the baking instructions on the top of the foil with a permanent marker, that way I don't have to look anything up and it's idiot proof, LOL! I really like doing this b.c when I've had a busy day of 10 loads of laundry, floors to clean, a kid to run back and forth to preschool, baths to give, a house to clean and breakfast and lunch to make and clean up from....sometimes by dinner I'm just wiped out! At least I know I can grab a GOOD meal from the freezer, steam some veggies and throw crescent rolls in and the family will be happy.<br />
<br />
I LOVE <a href="http://www.stolenmomentscooking.com/">http://www.stolenmomentscooking.com/</a>, not only is everything made from scratch (SO EASY), you usually have everything on hand! I found 3 desserts/snacks I'm going to make today and I have all the ingredients already in the house. So far, I have found that we like every recipe we tried! Seriously, my kids have NOT turned their little noses up to anything!<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I made Pizza Stuffed Meatloaf (<a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/pizza-stuffed-meatloaf/">http://stolenmomentscooking.com/pizza-stuffed-meatloaf/</a>). Just double (about 2 1/2lbs of beef) the recipe and you can get 3 full size loaf pans of this meal made. What I like about this particular recipe is I make my stuffing supreme! I add a TON of veggies and my kiddos eat it up like it's going out of style. On a busy day I can just grab one out of the freezer that morning to thaw and toss it in the oven for an hour. I just make some bread & butter with this and we are good to go.<br />
<br />
I also made breakfast burritos. We are not a cereal family. My kids think cereal is a snack, then ask for breakfast, LOL! I guess that's really my fault! I love making breakfast items and freezing them. It's cheaper, super easy and always something yummy a step away. I use whole wheat burrito shells, I try to pick better items if I can, plus they were on sale for .99 a couple weeks ago...I have a FULL stock! I just cook up some breakfast sausage, use the peppers & onions I sauteed from my above meal, and scramble up some eggs. I just stuff them with whatever ingredients I have on hand and toss some cheese in there, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Just toss in the microwave from the freezer and you have an instant hot breakfast.<br />
<br />
That day, I was in the mood for blueberry pancakes...yummy!!! Make whatever recipe you desire. I use packaged blueberry muffin mixes and convert them to pancakes (<a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090221085601AAlwRKH">http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090221085601AAlwRKH</a>). I had blueberries that I had to use, so I smashed those up and tossed them in. I find they freeze better not whole. Anyways, I made a TON of pancakes (a few dozen). Just let them cool (warm to touch so you seal in the freshness when you freeze them) stack them in a Ziploc bag and freeze. I put about 6 or so per bag, since it's just the kiddos and I at breakfast during the week, nothing goes to waste when I thaw. I do this same technique for waffles. If you want those crispy put in the toaster. Oh, and french toast freezes very nicely too!<br />
<br />
So, on my agenda today is Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti (<a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/buffalo-chicken-spaghetti/">http://stolenmomentscooking.com/buffalo-chicken-spaghetti/</a>), so so good!!! I use a Chicken leg quarter put it in the crockpot frozen with some water and cook all day until it's falling off the bone. I also save my juice in containers for chicken broth for cooking! I love my own and stock up when I do this. You can just cook a chicken breast like the recipe calls for, however, I find dark meat is so much tastier in this recipe, plus I like my chicken stock :). To stock up on this sometimes I'll cook 2 quarters and make my sauce, add my chicken and freeze in large storage containers. Then when we decide to have this I can just cook some noodles, bake french bread and warm this up in the microwave. Simple!<br />
<br />
I'm also going to make Ranch Cheesy Potatoes with Ham (<a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/ranch-cheesy-potatoes-ham/">http://stolenmomentscooking.com/ranch-cheesy-potatoes-ham/</a>). I find this freezes well. For the ham you can buy already diced ham for $3 a container. I buy 2 and just make a few 9x9 foil containers of this recipe. Again, an easy recipe to pull out with and bake! It's also a nice change from always having beef or chicken!<br />
<br />
If I make it this far, then I'm baking some items and freezing some cookie dough. On my list of wants:<br />
<br />
Doughs to freeze, so I can make homemade cookies anytime, without a mess everytime!<br />
<br />
Apple Jacks Cereal Cookies - you can use any cookies really! Great way to use a box before it goes stale - <a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/apple-jacks-cereal-cookies/">http://stolenmomentscooking.com/apple-jacks-cereal-cookies/</a><br />
<br />
Snickerdoodles - <a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/snickerdoodles/">http://stolenmomentscooking.com/snickerdoodles/</a><br />
<br />
I'm going to make and freeze these (most likely over the next few days - a week):<br />
<br />
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownie cups - <a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/chocolate-chip-cheesecake-brownie-cups/">http://stolenmomentscooking.com/chocolate-chip-cheesecake-brownie-cups/</a> <br />
I have brownie mix (bought in bulk when I got it cheap) so I'll use a box on that part, vs. the homemade recipe.<br />
<br />
Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles (basically, no bake cookies) - <a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-oat-truffles/">http://stolenmomentscooking.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-oat-truffles/</a><br />
<br />
Dreamy Jam Bars - <a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/dreamy-jam-bars/">http://stolenmomentscooking.com/dreamy-jam-bars/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Honestly, it really won't take much time to prepare the very first 2 meals. I just make more and freeze it. It will be like making my families dinner early tonight, but I will have 4 extra meals on hand! The cookie dough is a matter of mixing, which we all know doesn't take long. It's the baking and waiting to cool off part that does! <br />
<br />
If you don't freeze meals, you should try it! I bet it will cut down the cost of you dining out and the frustration on dinner when you have been running all day, don't have any food in the house, or just need a night off!The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-76790706454494399122011-04-05T01:26:00.001-05:002011-04-05T01:32:40.847-05:00My weekly deals - This weeks total $29.63, 29 itemsI've decided to post what deals I've found this week and in the future. I will share my deals in as much detail as possible (that I can remember b.c when I go shopping, I usually get it all done at the same time.) and which store. If you find a better deal on an item please share! I actually ran into that today, which I will post about too.<br />
<br />
Here goes...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pdEF6A6fKWg1mBEFhw949vYPNMKOvpB14Cw-CZmKmIh4agKv4ivOkBYqcmZzjK4dboFrXMazH2aFWLjx_3hhQ4u84nXUQ2VSO2TJxOdMraYwP2GCXSKo-ZrMT6qFSfkoc1e4DtXLCk1J/s1600/April+5th+deals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pdEF6A6fKWg1mBEFhw949vYPNMKOvpB14Cw-CZmKmIh4agKv4ivOkBYqcmZzjK4dboFrXMazH2aFWLjx_3hhQ4u84nXUQ2VSO2TJxOdMraYwP2GCXSKo-ZrMT6qFSfkoc1e4DtXLCk1J/s320/April+5th+deals.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$29.63 is what ALL of this costs (after ECB's & gift cards)<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>CVS <br />
(by the way they WILL write you a rain check - the one in Belton - for any items they are out of including for you ECBs!!!)<br />
<br />
Crest Pro Health Rinse $3.49 (2) - $2 coupon ($2)- $2.50 ECB (prints AFTER purchase) = .48!<br />
<br />
Right Body Guard Body Wash (rain check!) $3.88 - buy one get one free coupon - $3 ECB = .88 for 2!<br />
<br />
Gold Bond Body Wash $5.88 - $2 coupon - $3 ECB = .88!<br />
<br />
Special K Cereal $10/3 - $2 coupon for 3 - $4 ECB = $4, that's $1.33 A BOX!<br />
<br />
Special K Bars $10/3 - $1 coupon for 2 (didn't have double of coupon above) - $4 ECB = $5, $1.66 A BOX!<br />
<br />
Pantene (select shampoos & conditioners) $6.97/2 - $2 off coupon 1 product - $1 off coupon 1 product - $2 ECB = $1.97, that's .98 each!<br />
<br />
Got 2B products are on sale:<br />
<br />
Got 2B Glued $3.99 (which is $2.50 cheaper to start with!) - $2.00 coupon = $1.99 for a $6.50 product!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Walgreens<br />
<br />
Scotts Natural 6pk paper towels $5 - $1 Walgreens coupon (in booklet at front of store) - $1 off coupon = $3!<br />
<br />
Purex sale $1.99 - $1 coupon = $.99<br />
<br />
Lysol Neutra Air (Rain Check!!!!) $2.50 - $ 1.50 off coupon = $1 each!<br />
<br />
<br />
Target<br />
<br />
Olay Face Wash (same deal for lotion, but they are all sold out!) 2/$4.69 (I bought 4!) - $2 off coupons (4) - $5 gift card (2) (for purchasing 2 olay products) = $.76, that's .19 each!!!<br />
<br />
Finish Quantum 10ct $2.99 ($2 off!) (found out later walmart has them for $2.75 :/) - $.75 off coupon = $2.24 from the original price of $4.99!!!<br />
<br />
Clorox Bleach 3/$4.98 - $2 off coupon = $2.98, that's .99 each!<br />
<br />
<br />
Walmart<br />
<br />
Freschetta Single Slice Pizza $1.98 each - mail in rebate buy one get one free (inside of box!) = $1.98 for 2, that's .99 each!<br />
<br />
Smuckers Jams (range in prices, listed were my selection) $2.12 - $.75 off coupon = $1.37 a jar, the off brand wasn't event close in price!<br />
<br />
McCormick Taco Seasonings .52 each (I bought 2, $1.04) - $1 off coupon = .04 total!<br />
<br />
Girads Salad Dressings $2.98 - $2 coupon = .98 a jar!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Good Luck with your shopping!!!!!! If you come across any other deals PLEASE comment and post!!!<br />
<br />
Now it is late, so if you see a miscalculation I'm sorry ;)The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-90572567485877128592011-03-31T23:11:00.000-05:002011-03-31T23:11:23.666-05:00I can't believe how much $$$ I used to just GIVE AWAY!!!Would you walk into a store and just hand the clerk a $20 bill for nothing? Heck no! That's basically what I was doing prior to discovering how to coupon AND do it correctly. Now, are there people out there who are more successful than I? Sure! However, I know that I am doing well and get better and better every month. It's a way to make our families $1 go further. The extra money is nice! This past month I saved $200 or so, I stopped counting. Well, the reward...we bought guitar hero for Wii. Something we've wanted for awhile, a new hobby for DH & I, but since we only pay cash for everything now, we had to wait...until NOW! :) <br />
<br />
Really though, I'm amazed that I use to pay $3-$4 for a tube of toothpaste and just this week I got PAID .50 a tube to take it home! I don't pay over $2 for laundry detergent now (a stock of 6, less than $12!), most of our body wash is $1 or less (Dove, Gillette, Axe) and deodorant is usually FREE or $1 or less. <br />
<br />
No, I'm not bragging, I really want to share with you how to be just as successful! It was so easy, I can't believe I didn't start sooner. All it took was reading some coupon sites to get started. Most list a beginners page to read and that's where I started. You really learn the ins and outs of how to use your coupons most effectively and not waste money doing it. It took me a month to really get the hang of it and I still miss out on some things now, but it's always a learning process.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the sites I used to get started:<br />
<a href="http://www.southersavers.com/">http://www.southersavers.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hotcouponworld.com/">http://www.hotcouponworld.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pennypinchingmom.com/">http://www.pennypinchingmom.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.couponmom.com/">http://www.couponmom.com/</a><br />
<br />
There are many more, but I can't remember them all right now. If you want to share any please feel free to add them! I'm always looking for new stuff :)<br />
<br />
It IS worth your time one evening to look this over. Here are some of my more recent deals:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p2b3JhUl5y3zIC0aAi_5JBPCSaAZdcA5kcn5Nx1VprIKLdwA0NP3rM8j8jw9UekqtkKRX1ySfnd6s_l5sbAQCE6LWtRRjF_FmlZa-C6lT2PTOTCmYw2IfZXZUPOQ-rUikd_6xQSpWDAd/s1600/Walgreens+%252411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p2b3JhUl5y3zIC0aAi_5JBPCSaAZdcA5kcn5Nx1VprIKLdwA0NP3rM8j8jw9UekqtkKRX1ySfnd6s_l5sbAQCE6LWtRRjF_FmlZa-C6lT2PTOTCmYw2IfZXZUPOQ-rUikd_6xQSpWDAd/s320/Walgreens+%252411.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$11!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZJaZ6F9ny3Dyw-gTfbA2h9HirN4EI7vVgk4x_NT9JPY9OPH_uujGIVTe44FFWm5N_3I5Mme2HUqTrrIZY646xDamKD1SCAwHibNS8xyHRedXuUZg3eKq6pdf092giQ1HsS6nIFkDFDep/s1600/Target+CVS+and+Dollar+General+%25244.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZJaZ6F9ny3Dyw-gTfbA2h9HirN4EI7vVgk4x_NT9JPY9OPH_uujGIVTe44FFWm5N_3I5Mme2HUqTrrIZY646xDamKD1SCAwHibNS8xyHRedXuUZg3eKq6pdf092giQ1HsS6nIFkDFDep/s320/Target+CVS+and+Dollar+General+%25244.19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$4.19 for everything pictured above (CVS, Target & Dollar General)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cO8zGWRIfLDxHcZoH7SGM_hVHB2RyiGIxrW8aVr0Wm9Ce8TIn7cOmzwL-H6e3ZLcKXfIx5JkbmgPyv0WTWAXztYc_s57b27ZVXGA_RyYx1aBuCTz8s-NOsWsCrCIgGqk7vL-IFjwOxuF/s1600/Target+%25248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cO8zGWRIfLDxHcZoH7SGM_hVHB2RyiGIxrW8aVr0Wm9Ce8TIn7cOmzwL-H6e3ZLcKXfIx5JkbmgPyv0WTWAXztYc_s57b27ZVXGA_RyYx1aBuCTz8s-NOsWsCrCIgGqk7vL-IFjwOxuF/s320/Target+%25248.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$8 for this transaction</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSFOCVcHo8APTB60TPpeQQIn6zOAsbNluYT2aow4d8ORkuQhfcu8pFXMzz24gGXpVs71Pz8Dcu3nMqsoq_1YNhUhhehVDsphkmNSihgGPsXzddqj4VLxTlaOxUf3U0fFTNJ3m70x1BPUc/s1600/%252414.73.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSFOCVcHo8APTB60TPpeQQIn6zOAsbNluYT2aow4d8ORkuQhfcu8pFXMzz24gGXpVs71Pz8Dcu3nMqsoq_1YNhUhhehVDsphkmNSihgGPsXzddqj4VLxTlaOxUf3U0fFTNJ3m70x1BPUc/s320/%252414.73.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$10.73 is all I paid for all of this!</td><><><><><><> </td></></></></></></></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
You can do this too! I collect coupons from the Sunday paper, our local county paper, P&G mailers, Val-pak, back of receipts, store printed coupons, coupons that spit out of a printer at the end of your transaction, off shelves in grocery stores...anywhere basically! Another thing you have to be open to, to make this work, is using different brands. There are some things I can't switch up, but for the most part I'm open when it comes to laundry detergent, fabric softener, dish soap, body wash, deodorant, razors, chips, pasta and sauces...the list can go on!<br />
<br />
There is one way I keep organized. IMO a coupon binder is a MUST if you are going to be successful at this! You have to keep VERY organized, be able to glance at your coupons at any moment (you never know when you'll find a great deal not advertised or on clearance) and I keep it with me at all times...due to the prior statement. Today I got Purex fabric softener crystals FREE b.c I had my binder with me and had all the coupons right there. <br />
<br />
So here is my binder, organize your however you would like. The tip I used was to organize the tabs by the store you shop most in (mine is Hyvee grocery)...since you know most of the isles in order, you'll be familiar with your binder right away.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyD4u6ZwKi8qWsTCH-3w6PL61b5ZwR5MSweU7EI02EXB2j8jhJuPRNharDkvmaBs7UIuk6whms_FGJTdvAoOjWGjCZ-zm8lG_Sn1AdIY8SIKA_J1LermtRMAonBfpW2NOCbCvG0XCMYvl/s1600/binder.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyD4u6ZwKi8qWsTCH-3w6PL61b5ZwR5MSweU7EI02EXB2j8jhJuPRNharDkvmaBs7UIuk6whms_FGJTdvAoOjWGjCZ-zm8lG_Sn1AdIY8SIKA_J1LermtRMAonBfpW2NOCbCvG0XCMYvl/s320/binder.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip binder keeps everything from coming out when you are taking it places</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vsXIPVTJQ2BYDt7-JVcqMS8WTMTULS7wSxdBWHKh7D5zMUMB6h90mMP6kaL_UdCP-IZFh2bIMGuV2Sfxc_UG_kIe2fIjEHHAlD1_baFSo-S-Nqj2Ql_sqaGSOjxwd6CECWMj7E83cI3_/s1600/tabs.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vsXIPVTJQ2BYDt7-JVcqMS8WTMTULS7wSxdBWHKh7D5zMUMB6h90mMP6kaL_UdCP-IZFh2bIMGuV2Sfxc_UG_kIe2fIjEHHAlD1_baFSo-S-Nqj2Ql_sqaGSOjxwd6CECWMj7E83cI3_/s320/tabs.bmp" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tabs, list what works best for you. I use baseball card sleeves to hold my coupons. A little pricey but worth it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoJefYxEqcNUzbJSRC1kAJgjXXXoUgGVjWz1LN0x3-bEZ981qsDHWIdwkDbJrJ-TQc4FUKveI168kMA9qrtCkpQ7WkdNYBsUkZVLELwbjMsWfyGSILQceW7KZOSW0iDpOxCzO-n3elIVd/s1600/inside.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoJefYxEqcNUzbJSRC1kAJgjXXXoUgGVjWz1LN0x3-bEZ981qsDHWIdwkDbJrJ-TQc4FUKveI168kMA9qrtCkpQ7WkdNYBsUkZVLELwbjMsWfyGSILQceW7KZOSW0iDpOxCzO-n3elIVd/s320/inside.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I keep cut but not filed coupons here and coupons I pick up while out, but still need to go through.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDeUWg-LJd-l5zTNs4iagde2RsLwAdGTUtzLHChsvA8qbTZBzx7wHs5dRMONRqy5kfx9QmXxSVVDCAhbHsPFqocNoyKB9emzoDmJf6hZmPk583vFoxcYavXxj94N_5k0fHAfY0IerOC4d/s1600/back.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDeUWg-LJd-l5zTNs4iagde2RsLwAdGTUtzLHChsvA8qbTZBzx7wHs5dRMONRqy5kfx9QmXxSVVDCAhbHsPFqocNoyKB9emzoDmJf6hZmPk583vFoxcYavXxj94N_5k0fHAfY0IerOC4d/s320/back.bmp" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where I place my coupons as I pull them in a store after finding the product. Then when I check out I can just hand them my stack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
You may laugh at my binder, but I laugh thinking I use to spend $200 a month on products I now get FREE! I actually had one lady say in a very snotty way "Well, aren't you organized". Well, this same lady was in the check out lane next to me and I just smiled at her when MY total went from $40 to $20 and she paid FULL price for everything! Well mam, who's laughing now??? LOL!<br />
<br />
If you decide to take this journey, good luck to you! I know you can do this. I just can't believe how much $$$$ I use to just give away walking into stores. Now they pay me to walk out of stores with their products ;)The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-52370097860953531792011-03-29T16:01:00.000-05:002011-03-29T16:01:56.447-05:00Cricut Cake Success!I was able to get my awesome buttercream fondant to cut with my cricut cake! I tried my original MMF recipe some time back with no success, but my new fondant recipe cuts very well! Some things are still tricky, but I feel I got the hang of it. Now I can use my 20+ cartridges to decorate cakes with.<br />
<br />
Months ago I read TONS of blogs and watched a lot of You Tube videos on tips and tricks to using the cricut cake machine. You CAN'T expect to pull this thing out of the box and use it with success. Just like any new machine, it takes practice. There still are times some of my cuts don't come out well. I end up rolling the fondant out and trying again with a larger image.<br />
<br />
Also, I'm not sure how anyone uses this machine without a gypsy. I know exactly where to roll my fondant at and I don't waste my dye, fondant or time. Another tip, make sure you have more than 1 mat. It makes the process go much faster. I'm due to buy new mats, the machine (regardless of the pressure setting) really cut into the mats. It leaves imprints on the back of your cut product.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77iEwPSrAe36lnR27ZHKUL8yjAJRzeqES2RPwAaL9eqyfxCCzaw4ji0D1oxIPELX0IXHDyim7ivXQHT_0TYBI7n8vdHFmZEboQagMMaleyOGN82PM5GpY3U1OAoBooK1vu2SIEDq3CciE/s1600/IMAG0519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77iEwPSrAe36lnR27ZHKUL8yjAJRzeqES2RPwAaL9eqyfxCCzaw4ji0D1oxIPELX0IXHDyim7ivXQHT_0TYBI7n8vdHFmZEboQagMMaleyOGN82PM5GpY3U1OAoBooK1vu2SIEDq3CciE/s320/IMAG0519.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure you have everything you may need out and within arms reach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtnKpp7XhuI_u4tY-hne82cE_b3x3EJZG1StsiUffotfeZDICcp1dFVKWNOP8kqZYcda9nA5JxM3zZmXqMLail0Vc2hlZa8ZEiNhuaiJlECb-izWLEI4YJqUrcsXN6Vdr7ltzn5ZZrVis/s1600/IMAG0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtnKpp7XhuI_u4tY-hne82cE_b3x3EJZG1StsiUffotfeZDICcp1dFVKWNOP8kqZYcda9nA5JxM3zZmXqMLail0Vc2hlZa8ZEiNhuaiJlECb-izWLEI4YJqUrcsXN6Vdr7ltzn5ZZrVis/s320/IMAG0521.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brush Crisco on your mat, thin! I'm actually going to try cake release my next time around to see if it will release my cut items easier</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Take your prepared fondant <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I use </span><a href="http://cakecentral.com/recipes/16228/buttercream-flavored-marshmallow-fondant"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Buttercream MMF</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> )</span> and color it, then roll it thin enough you can see the lines of the mat through it. This is the tricky part! Roll it too thin and it sticks after cutting making it impossible to get off the mat. Roll it too thick and it will drag and bunch as the machine cuts it. I had to practice this many, many times to get it right. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxR1M13-KsG_PEYXX6bzzWYgAfyrYqg5056tu5HDLzHFATA7yy03YMuphbgt1Mtc3qRG7eSmXfC37qeVPOXLKT85hqBZ51Vi9EhvTOED3wjpXzwibQbp0u-QbhmKcscc11m_gL9diPO7M/s1600/IMAG0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxR1M13-KsG_PEYXX6bzzWYgAfyrYqg5056tu5HDLzHFATA7yy03YMuphbgt1Mtc3qRG7eSmXfC37qeVPOXLKT85hqBZ51Vi9EhvTOED3wjpXzwibQbp0u-QbhmKcscc11m_gL9diPO7M/s320/IMAG0530.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my fully prepared mat ready to cut. I find that if you give it 10-15min of air to "harden" prior to cutting it cuts cleaner.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now you are ready to insert the mat into your cricut cake machine and begin cutting. The settings that have worked best for me is MEDIUM PRESSURE and LOW SPEED. By all means try out a few different settings to see what cuts best for you!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZdLm2Yrn6-mp4EyWZWEcmpkQYnymBWR3avLnLL0D8cw_NtrJv3Lwh-GNpEFSkn2zvTnetfENh6mhcflngzJG6g9n8YiL76IVK9HP320HXdTcTQ7bVPLRsY4KWaSKdN3hYqo1afF1tHSc/s1600/IMAG0531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZdLm2Yrn6-mp4EyWZWEcmpkQYnymBWR3avLnLL0D8cw_NtrJv3Lwh-GNpEFSkn2zvTnetfENh6mhcflngzJG6g9n8YiL76IVK9HP320HXdTcTQ7bVPLRsY4KWaSKdN3hYqo1afF1tHSc/s320/IMAG0531.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting my cuts<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Overall, I have found that images 3" and larger cut perfect. When you start cutting small, very detailed items it's VERY hard to get them perfect! Example of this is the name KENZ on the crown below. Not only was it hard to cut (drug some) it was also almost impossible to get off the mat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToeeZVBFNh2wiP-UHRBPo36JOVv0VLmKo34O7uFIrREj3XWFX57qgy05pIn2eG1TV_M5Dl5hbTaelgszINv4xViNKJ-xZdWDT3aCQ2l2I6xheOuMW-73OzrwoG7oFnREpf_uPS6xSt3od/s1600/IMAG0535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToeeZVBFNh2wiP-UHRBPo36JOVv0VLmKo34O7uFIrREj3XWFX57qgy05pIn2eG1TV_M5Dl5hbTaelgszINv4xViNKJ-xZdWDT3aCQ2l2I6xheOuMW-73OzrwoG7oFnREpf_uPS6xSt3od/s320/IMAG0535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My finished creations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the end, I am happy with my machine! I have many more options to decorate my cakes with!!!! Maybe I'll make a fun Easter cake or cupcakes for my son's preschool class. :)The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2558687752129403536.post-51441109705881964892011-03-29T02:22:00.000-05:002011-03-29T02:22:50.128-05:00Rambling thought about what I eat...Over the past few weeks I have been really thinking about the stuff I eat. I'm not talking main food, I try to eat well in general. I'm talking about all the empty calories I put on top of stuff, mix in with stuff and dip stuff in. When I really started looking at labels I just could not believe how many calories I was taking in for no reason! Is food REALLY that bad that I can't just enjoy the taste of it?<br />
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I came across a brand (Walden Farms <a href="http://www.waldenfarms.com/">http://www.waldenfarms.com/</a>) in the health food section at Hyvee and decided to try it. Now, it's not what I am use too (a bit thinner and sometimes less sweet), however it has really good taste for being 0 calories, 0 sugar, 0 fat, 0 carbs! They have more than just salad dressings, they have pasta sauces, PB&J and even chocolate dip for strawberries!!! I must say that it is pretty decent and they have done a good job with their products. <br />
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No, I'm not getting paid to endorse them! I just want to share with you what I have discovered. Just think if you can cut 100 calories per day from everyday items you eat, what weight you can lose or maintain????<br />
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Now if only I can get them to send me coupons! That is my next order of business this week :)The Peculiar Homemakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10849079821529026055noreply@blogger.com1