Sorry this is late this week! This is the first day I have felt more like myself. I had a viral infection that was hanging on for dear life. Due to my menu planning, I was able to put together some quick meals so we didn't eat out!
M: Spaghetti, Frozen Bread, Salad
T: Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomatoes
I HAVE NOT TRIED THIS RECIPE!!!! I had this at a great hotel in Poland called the The Blue Beetroot. I am just trying to recreate the magic of my meal there.
Recipe:
Use a paring knife to cut the small pocket into the chicken breasts. Serve this dish with orzo or rice to soak up the shallot-thyme sauce.
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half and 2 tablespoons sauce)
Ingredients
1 cup boiling water
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup chopped shallots, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water
Preparation
Combine boiling water and tomatoes in a bowl; cover and let stand 30 minutes or until soft. Drain and finely chop.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup shallots, sugar, and garlic; cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Spoon into a bowl; stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar.
Combine chopped tomatoes, shallot mixture, cheese, basil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well.
Cut a horizontal slit through thickest portion of each chicken breast half to form a pocket. Stuff about 2 tablespoons cheese mixture into each pocket. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; cover and keep warm. Add broth, remaining shallots, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and thyme; bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water, stirring with a whisk. Add cornstarch mixture to pan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until sauce is slightly thick, stirring constantly. Serve sauce over chicken.
W: Spinach Salad
This is an easy meal! I grill my chicken with a Italian dressing marinade (or whatever you please). Slice and serve on a bed of spinach, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds and top with balsamic vinegarette. So yummy!
H: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Recipe: I halve each bacon strip. Wrap it around small bite sized pieces of chicken. Put in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Serve with green beans and fruit salad. So delicious!
F: Hot Ham and Cheese
Made just like a grilled cheese but add ham also!
S: Pork and Zucchini Stir Fry (from the Quick and Easy Weeknight Favorites Southern Living)
4 servings of brown rice (can cook while you make stir fry)
1/4 c cornstarch
1/4 c water
1 lb boneless pork cut into thin strips
3 Tbsp veg oil, divided
3 sm zucchini, sliced (about 3 cups)
1/3 cup Hunan sauce
1 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
I personally don't use the cornstarch or the sesame seeds.
Combine cornstarch and water, stirring until smooth. Add pork, tossing well. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in lg skillet over med high heat until hot. Add pork mixture, stir fry 3 minutes or until pork is no longer pink. Remove from skillet. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp oil in skillet. Add zucchini; stir fry 3 minutes or until tender.
Return pork to skillet, add Hunan sauce and sesame seeds. Stir fry until thoroughly heated. Serve with rice.
If you can't find Hunan sauce, substitute hoisin or stir fry sauce.
S: Chicken Parmesan
Recipe:
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on how many are eating)
1 egg beaten
1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
1/2 c shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Red sauce
Whole wheat noodles
Addition Parmesan for topping
Flaten chicken to 1/4 inch thickness. You can do this by placing the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and then flatten using a rolling pin or meat mallet. Mix bread crumbs and cheese together. Dip chicken in egg and then coat with bread crumbs. Place in baking dish and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or chicken is done. Serve with whole wheat noodles and red sauce. Top with more Parmesan cheese.
I hope you can use at least one of these with your family. I know my boys will not be eating the chicken stuffed with goat cheese but they will have plain chicken. Have a great week! Cook some wonderful meals for your family!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Commissary Shopping Week of Jan 25- Feb 1
This week, I have felt lousy. In fact, I felt so bad yesterday that I didn't go shopping. I am a person who craves consistency so this was a bit hard but I knew I wouldn't feel like messing with the coupons. Today, I had to go because when you cut your grocery bill in half, it left little room for extra stuff to cook.
Well, I did it! Under $50 again! This week I saved 44% with sales and coupons. The commissary just figures what you save with coupons but I think it is important to factor in your sales as well. My total was $85.94 before coupons and $48.94 after. Of course, $3.62 is that surcharge! YUCK!
To let you know what I was buying, I thought I would share so you understand that Ramen noodles are not a staple on this 1/2 budget plan.
I did stock up on some items that were on sale and I love but would NEVER pay full price for! I purchased 4 Lysol wipes, 3 cans of chili for that unexpected chili dog night or fast meal needed, and a box of cereal that was already $1 off plus my 75 cent coupon! I also had to buy coffee, mahi mahi, onion powder, olive oil, minced garlic, pickles, milk (Organic by the way at $4 a half gallon), and shampoo and conditioner. I tell you this to encourage you that you can cut your own budget (by 1/2 perhaps not this early in your coupon experience). I have been couponing seriously for about 2 years now. Make a goal for your family: 10% or $10 for your first 2-3 shopping trips. Experience some success and then raise the bar. I look foward to you sharing your experiences. Leave a comment. I want to celebrate with you!
Next week, I will be back to regular budget in order to build my stock back up. In the next 3-4 months, I will be 1/2 my budget again!
Well, I did it! Under $50 again! This week I saved 44% with sales and coupons. The commissary just figures what you save with coupons but I think it is important to factor in your sales as well. My total was $85.94 before coupons and $48.94 after. Of course, $3.62 is that surcharge! YUCK!
To let you know what I was buying, I thought I would share so you understand that Ramen noodles are not a staple on this 1/2 budget plan.
I did stock up on some items that were on sale and I love but would NEVER pay full price for! I purchased 4 Lysol wipes, 3 cans of chili for that unexpected chili dog night or fast meal needed, and a box of cereal that was already $1 off plus my 75 cent coupon! I also had to buy coffee, mahi mahi, onion powder, olive oil, minced garlic, pickles, milk (Organic by the way at $4 a half gallon), and shampoo and conditioner. I tell you this to encourage you that you can cut your own budget (by 1/2 perhaps not this early in your coupon experience). I have been couponing seriously for about 2 years now. Make a goal for your family: 10% or $10 for your first 2-3 shopping trips. Experience some success and then raise the bar. I look foward to you sharing your experiences. Leave a comment. I want to celebrate with you!
Next week, I will be back to regular budget in order to build my stock back up. In the next 3-4 months, I will be 1/2 my budget again!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Commissary Coupon Policy
Well, I have had some questions about the acceptance (or lack thereof) of some of my coupons but now I have an answer for you all. One of my favorite websites, Hip2Save, just did a video shopping experience for all her readers at the commissary. I commented about the commissary not accepting my coupons that exceed the value of the item and she sent me the manual for training the cashiers. Here is the link that I would cut and paste to find it for yourself http://www.hip2serve.com/2009/10/does-commissary-provide-overage.html. It is on pages 45-48. On page 48 it states, 'Valid coupons will be entered at the value stated on the coupon. If the value of the coupon exceeds the cost of the product, the customer will be given the full value of the coupon.'
I am now armed with a printed copy of the coupon policy and will use it when necessary. My advice--print one out too and carry it with you. Let's be informed shoppers saving money rather than scared shoppers reluctantly using our coupons!
I am now armed with a printed copy of the coupon policy and will use it when necessary. My advice--print one out too and carry it with you. Let's be informed shoppers saving money rather than scared shoppers reluctantly using our coupons!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Coupon Class
Due to the snowy weather conditions and rough roads, the class was not as big as I expected. However, I did have a few ladies come and they all took away a freebie and some useful information. My plan is to try again in February. I am thinking the first part of the month will work best.
Have a great week and happy coupon shopping!
Have a great week and happy coupon shopping!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Coupons at the PX
For all my military friends out there, I confirmed what my friend, Kim Messer, told me a few weeks ago. Overseas PXs will accept coupons SIX months past the expiration date. They DON'T take internet or printable coupons though. I give full credit to Kim for setting me straight!
We learn something new everyday. Today that saved me $2! Yippee!
We learn something new everyday. Today that saved me $2! Yippee!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pizza Crust Recipe
Tonight, we had Make Your Own Pizza. I wanted to try out a new recipe for pizza dough before I shared. It was SO yummy and much healthier than buying one from the store so I had to share!
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
1 pkg dry yeast
1 c water (very warm)
1 Tbsp honey
2 1/2-3 cups whole wheat flour
Sprinkle yeast into the water. Add honey and stir. Leave for 10 minutes without touching. Add flour and work to form dough. I used 2 1/2 cups and it was enough. Knead and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Punch down. This made four individual pizzas to feed my whole family. I will tell you this is so SIMPLE. I normally don't make my own crust but will be from now on!
Enjoy!
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
1 pkg dry yeast
1 c water (very warm)
1 Tbsp honey
2 1/2-3 cups whole wheat flour
Sprinkle yeast into the water. Add honey and stir. Leave for 10 minutes without touching. Add flour and work to form dough. I used 2 1/2 cups and it was enough. Knead and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Punch down. This made four individual pizzas to feed my whole family. I will tell you this is so SIMPLE. I normally don't make my own crust but will be from now on!
Enjoy!
Menu for Jan. 25-31st
Hope you liked some of the new recipes I posted last week. There are a few more new ones this week as well!
M: Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Recipe: 1 pkg chicken tenders
3 Tbsp veg oil, divided
2 lg eggs, lightly beaten
1 lg sliced onion-finely chopped
1 10 oz pkg frozen veg, thawed
5 cups cooked brown rice (3 bags)
1/4 c teriyaki sauce
1/4 c soy sauce
Cut chicken in small pieces. Brown in 1 Tbsp of oil until brown.
Heat 1 Tbsp oil over med-high heat; add eggs and gently stir one minute or until soft scrambled. Removed eggs and set aside.
Heat remaining oil. Add chicken and vegs and fry 2 minutes. Add rice and remaining ingredients. Stir fry 5 min. Add in eggs.
T: Blackened Mahi-Mahi
This seasoning recipe comes from About.com. I make my own since I can control the amount of salt and other spices according to our likes and dislikes. You can buy this at the store if you choose. Ben will only eat fish that is grilled or pan fried. NO baked fish for him!
Recipe for Blackened Seasoning
•1 heaping tablespoon paprika
•2 teaspoons salt
•1 heaping teaspoon garlic powder
•1 heaping teaspoon onion powder
•1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
•2 teaspoons black pepper
•1/2 teaspoon leaf thyme
•1/2 teaspoon leaf oregano
Here is the recipe for the fish. This is from cooks.com.
Enjoy!
1 1/2 lb. firm-fleshed fish fillets (We use Mahi-Mahi).*carried at comm.
1/4 c. flour
3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. cooking oil
1 tbsp. blackened fish seasoning or Creole seasoning
Dust the fillets with flour. Heat the butter and oil in a large, heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the flour-covered fillets and cook 3 minutes on one side, turn, and sprinkle seasonings evenly over the browned side. Cook another 3 minutes and turn, sprinkling this side with seasonings. Turn the heat to high and sear each side for about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
We also have done this in our cast iron skillet on the grill. Yummo!
W: Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes
I will be using some of the BBQ from last Saturday. I will freeze what remains uneaten for this meal!
H: Honey Mustard and Bacon Smothered Chicken
Recipe: 4 6 oz. skinned and boned chicken breasts
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp veg oil
1/4 c honey mustard dressing
8 fully cooked bacon slices (I just cook while chicken is cooking.)
1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend
1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper
2. Melt butter with oil in large skillet over med-high heat; add chicken and cook 8 minutes on each side or until done. Reduce heat to med-low; brush chicken with honey mustard.
3. Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 2 minutes or cheese is melted.
ONLY 372 Calories! Serve with green beans and apple wedges
F: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu-NEW one for MY family!
Recipe: 1 5.5 oz box season croutons, finely crushed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
6 6 oz skinned and boned chicken breasts
6 1 oz cooked ham slices
6 1 oz swiss cheese slices
Optional: Honey Mustard Dressing
Preheat oven to 400. Combine crouton crumbs and Parmesan in lg. baggie; seal and shake well. Whisk egg whites and 2 Tbsp water in shallow bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper on chicken. Dip 1 chicken breast in egg and then place in baggie. Seal and shake to coat. Place chicken on lightly greased rack in a broiler pan. Repeat for remaining chicken.
Bake 20 minutes. Top each chicken breast with 1 slice ham and cheese. Bake 5 more minutes. Serve with honey mustard.
Can be served with wheat noodles or a salad with strawberries and vinegarette.
Cal: 469 Serves 6
S: Chili Dogs
*Funny story about this. Easton is a picky eater, and therefore, never eats in the cafeteria. We have been eating so healthy that the other day he was actually craving a hot dog on the school lunch tray. I figured we should add these to our menu since the boy wanted one so bad!
S: I am taking a BREAK! I have cooked almost every night for a month. Momma wants a break. Leftovers, cereal, etc!
M: Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Recipe: 1 pkg chicken tenders
3 Tbsp veg oil, divided
2 lg eggs, lightly beaten
1 lg sliced onion-finely chopped
1 10 oz pkg frozen veg, thawed
5 cups cooked brown rice (3 bags)
1/4 c teriyaki sauce
1/4 c soy sauce
Cut chicken in small pieces. Brown in 1 Tbsp of oil until brown.
Heat 1 Tbsp oil over med-high heat; add eggs and gently stir one minute or until soft scrambled. Removed eggs and set aside.
Heat remaining oil. Add chicken and vegs and fry 2 minutes. Add rice and remaining ingredients. Stir fry 5 min. Add in eggs.
T: Blackened Mahi-Mahi
This seasoning recipe comes from About.com. I make my own since I can control the amount of salt and other spices according to our likes and dislikes. You can buy this at the store if you choose. Ben will only eat fish that is grilled or pan fried. NO baked fish for him!
Recipe for Blackened Seasoning
•1 heaping tablespoon paprika
•2 teaspoons salt
•1 heaping teaspoon garlic powder
•1 heaping teaspoon onion powder
•1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
•2 teaspoons black pepper
•1/2 teaspoon leaf thyme
•1/2 teaspoon leaf oregano
Here is the recipe for the fish. This is from cooks.com.
Enjoy!
1 1/2 lb. firm-fleshed fish fillets (We use Mahi-Mahi).*carried at comm.
1/4 c. flour
3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. cooking oil
1 tbsp. blackened fish seasoning or Creole seasoning
Dust the fillets with flour. Heat the butter and oil in a large, heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the flour-covered fillets and cook 3 minutes on one side, turn, and sprinkle seasonings evenly over the browned side. Cook another 3 minutes and turn, sprinkling this side with seasonings. Turn the heat to high and sear each side for about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
We also have done this in our cast iron skillet on the grill. Yummo!
W: Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes
I will be using some of the BBQ from last Saturday. I will freeze what remains uneaten for this meal!
H: Honey Mustard and Bacon Smothered Chicken
Recipe: 4 6 oz. skinned and boned chicken breasts
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp veg oil
1/4 c honey mustard dressing
8 fully cooked bacon slices (I just cook while chicken is cooking.)
1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend
1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper
2. Melt butter with oil in large skillet over med-high heat; add chicken and cook 8 minutes on each side or until done. Reduce heat to med-low; brush chicken with honey mustard.
3. Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 2 minutes or cheese is melted.
ONLY 372 Calories! Serve with green beans and apple wedges
F: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu-NEW one for MY family!
Recipe: 1 5.5 oz box season croutons, finely crushed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
6 6 oz skinned and boned chicken breasts
6 1 oz cooked ham slices
6 1 oz swiss cheese slices
Optional: Honey Mustard Dressing
Preheat oven to 400. Combine crouton crumbs and Parmesan in lg. baggie; seal and shake well. Whisk egg whites and 2 Tbsp water in shallow bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper on chicken. Dip 1 chicken breast in egg and then place in baggie. Seal and shake to coat. Place chicken on lightly greased rack in a broiler pan. Repeat for remaining chicken.
Bake 20 minutes. Top each chicken breast with 1 slice ham and cheese. Bake 5 more minutes. Serve with honey mustard.
Can be served with wheat noodles or a salad with strawberries and vinegarette.
Cal: 469 Serves 6
S: Chili Dogs
*Funny story about this. Easton is a picky eater, and therefore, never eats in the cafeteria. We have been eating so healthy that the other day he was actually craving a hot dog on the school lunch tray. I figured we should add these to our menu since the boy wanted one so bad!
S: I am taking a BREAK! I have cooked almost every night for a month. Momma wants a break. Leftovers, cereal, etc!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
DEALS at the Commissary!
YMMV! (This means that it is more than likely a local deal-your mileage may vary!)
Some great deals I found today that I had to go pick up:
Strawberry Special K Bars reg. $2.33 now $1.17 plus I had coupon for $1/2 so only $0.67 a box!
1/3 Reduced Fat Cream Cheese reg. $1.79 now just $1 and I had $1/2! Just 50 cents each!
Pepperoni Bite Sized Pack reg. $2.50 only $1.25 plus 75 cents off one coupon! Only 50 cents each. These freeze well and are great for make your own pizza nights!
Amy's Organic Enchiladas reg. $3.99 now $2.54! Great deal for organic!
They had refrigerated Jello, ham, Lactaid milk, and other dairy marked down!
Just had to share these great deals with you!
Some great deals I found today that I had to go pick up:
Strawberry Special K Bars reg. $2.33 now $1.17 plus I had coupon for $1/2 so only $0.67 a box!
1/3 Reduced Fat Cream Cheese reg. $1.79 now just $1 and I had $1/2! Just 50 cents each!
Pepperoni Bite Sized Pack reg. $2.50 only $1.25 plus 75 cents off one coupon! Only 50 cents each. These freeze well and are great for make your own pizza nights!
Amy's Organic Enchiladas reg. $3.99 now $2.54! Great deal for organic!
They had refrigerated Jello, ham, Lactaid milk, and other dairy marked down!
Just had to share these great deals with you!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Baked Lays
Smartsource.com has just loaded a printable coupon for $1 off 1 bag of Baked Lays. Commissary shoppers these can run for $1.42 to $1.87 a bag and a much healthier treat than regular chips! Great in the Dorito Chicken recipe posted last week!
Don't miss this one! You can print it twice!
Don't miss this one! You can print it twice!
Giveaway to Win FREE Diapers
All my friends with kids in diapers, this is a MUST for you! You could win!
Wow! Pampers has a great promotion available on their Facebook page! Currently, when you become a fan of Pampers on Facebook, they’ll donate a diaper to charity (up to 200,000 fans)! Not only that, but everyday, for the next 25 days, one lucky fan will win a years supply of diapers! Plus, you can enter each day for even more chances to win!
Don't think you won't win! Instead think, what if I did? What would you do with ALL that extra diaper money? A trip? Pampering for mom? Clothes?
Enter today!
Wow! Pampers has a great promotion available on their Facebook page! Currently, when you become a fan of Pampers on Facebook, they’ll donate a diaper to charity (up to 200,000 fans)! Not only that, but everyday, for the next 25 days, one lucky fan will win a years supply of diapers! Plus, you can enter each day for even more chances to win!
Don't think you won't win! Instead think, what if I did? What would you do with ALL that extra diaper money? A trip? Pampering for mom? Clothes?
Enter today!
TAX PREP FREE for Military
Another one of my favorite sites made me aware of this awesome deal! Thanks Swaggrabber!
Prepare your 2009 taxes – state and federal – with this easy-to-use program. H&R Block At Home (formerly TaxCut) Basic Online is free to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members and their families. To access this free service provided by the Department of Defense, you must be registered and logged into the Military OneSource Web site.
Tax consultants are also available 7 days a week from 7 am - 11 pm ET by calling the Military OneSource Tax Hotline at 1-800-730-3802.
Go to this website for more info: http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/TaxFilingServices.aspx
Prepare your 2009 taxes – state and federal – with this easy-to-use program. H&R Block At Home (formerly TaxCut) Basic Online is free to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members and their families. To access this free service provided by the Department of Defense, you must be registered and logged into the Military OneSource Web site.
Tax consultants are also available 7 days a week from 7 am - 11 pm ET by calling the Military OneSource Tax Hotline at 1-800-730-3802.
Go to this website for more info: http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/TaxFilingServices.aspx
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
FREE Ensure 8 oz Shake or Coupon for Pack
Getting your hands on one of the creamy, delightful flavors of Ensure is easy. Just answer a few quick questions to receive a coupon — one for a free Ensure 8-fl-oz shake or one for savings on the many flavors and varieties of Ensure six-packs.
Go to http://ensure.com/free-ensure-sample to get your coupon!
Thanks Hip2Save!
Go to http://ensure.com/free-ensure-sample to get your coupon!
Thanks Hip2Save!
Soft Scrub Printable Coupons
Here is another deal thanks to Hip2Save!
Go here http://www.softscrub.com/special-offers to print out the following coupons:
$1.50 off one Soft Scrub Total Bath & Bowl or Soft Scrub Total Kitchen Cleanser
$1 off one Soft Scrub Cleanser
$1.50 off one Soft Scrub Bleach Clean Gel Cleanser
or go here http://www.softscrub.com/members/add and sign up for the Soft Scrub Club to print a buy one get one FREE Soft Scrub Cleanser coupon!
Love these coupon deals! NO clipping and easy to grab!
Go here http://www.softscrub.com/special-offers to print out the following coupons:
$1.50 off one Soft Scrub Total Bath & Bowl or Soft Scrub Total Kitchen Cleanser
$1 off one Soft Scrub Cleanser
$1.50 off one Soft Scrub Bleach Clean Gel Cleanser
or go here http://www.softscrub.com/members/add and sign up for the Soft Scrub Club to print a buy one get one FREE Soft Scrub Cleanser coupon!
Love these coupon deals! NO clipping and easy to grab!
FREE Sample of Playtex Sport and Coupon
Ladies, I love FREE!
Here is a good one. I got one just the other day that I requested at the end of 2009. It is being offered again.
Go here http://www.playtexsport.com/Demand-It.aspx and fill out the form. It takes 4-6 weeks for delivery!
LOVE samples and LOVE coupons!
Thanks Hip2Save!
Here is a good one. I got one just the other day that I requested at the end of 2009. It is being offered again.
Go here http://www.playtexsport.com/Demand-It.aspx and fill out the form. It takes 4-6 weeks for delivery!
LOVE samples and LOVE coupons!
Thanks Hip2Save!
DINNER was GROSS!
If you haven't made it yet, skip the Monterrey Black Bean Chicken and Rice. Needless to say, this would have been a meal where I would have sent Ben out for more food in the states. My options are MUCH more limited here so I am eating peanut butter toast, chips and a diet coke. I try to limit my carbs so you have to know it was bad!
Since I have been stretching our food budget for the month of January, I have quit buying convience foods as well. Plus the fact that they are so bad for you. In fact, Easton mentioned that he was craving a hot dog on the school lunch tray just the other day. So I have made sure that next week, we will have Chili Dogs.
Just had to share my disaster (Ben says it wasn't that bad) and let you have a great laugh!
Since I have been stretching our food budget for the month of January, I have quit buying convience foods as well. Plus the fact that they are so bad for you. In fact, Easton mentioned that he was craving a hot dog on the school lunch tray just the other day. So I have made sure that next week, we will have Chili Dogs.
Just had to share my disaster (Ben says it wasn't that bad) and let you have a great laugh!
How To Save Your Fresh Herbs
I love cooking with cilantro (coriander over here in Germany). I don't cook often enough with it, and it goes bad. I have been trying to stretch our money so I have divised a plan that will work. I am going to put small portions of cilantro in an ice cube tray, fill with a little water, and freeze. When they have frozen, I will take them out and put in a ziploc bag. Tada! Now you can have fresh herbs to cook with and not have to fix dishes that all contain that herb in one week! Make sure you label the baggie with name and date with a sharpie so you make sure to use them in a reasonable time period!
Have any money saving tips or stretchers! Share with us all!
Have any money saving tips or stretchers! Share with us all!
Shopping Trip
BUSTED my shopping budget by $10 this week.
Why, oh why? Well, you know I am always on the lookout for a great deal. This week, I found two! One was for Special K Blueberry Cereal (normally $3.31 a box) and on sale for $2.12 PLUS I had $1 off coupon per box! Needless to say, I stocked up using ALL of the coupons I had! So that explains $5.75.
The other great deal was on Lay's Kettle Chips. I am not much of a chip eater but Ben loves them for lunch! So they were discounted from $1.42 to $1.19 (not huge I know) and then I had a BOGO so I used my two coupons. There is another $2.50.
My last little problem was called Schweinfurt, Germany. Often, we will completely run out of a product for several weeks. This week was the 4 lb bags of chicken. So...I had to buy the smaller packages that are much more expensive. There went another $2.50. There is my sad story! HAHA!
I still saved over $30 and 34% (which honestly is much higher if you count sales). Not too bad for a week where I needed a rump roast, a 4 lb. bag of chicken, and baking stocks (like flour, sugar, butter, etc.).
We have saved about $200.00 this month and still have one week to go. Maybe you saved more money this week! I would love to hear about it. Post a comment!
Why, oh why? Well, you know I am always on the lookout for a great deal. This week, I found two! One was for Special K Blueberry Cereal (normally $3.31 a box) and on sale for $2.12 PLUS I had $1 off coupon per box! Needless to say, I stocked up using ALL of the coupons I had! So that explains $5.75.
The other great deal was on Lay's Kettle Chips. I am not much of a chip eater but Ben loves them for lunch! So they were discounted from $1.42 to $1.19 (not huge I know) and then I had a BOGO so I used my two coupons. There is another $2.50.
My last little problem was called Schweinfurt, Germany. Often, we will completely run out of a product for several weeks. This week was the 4 lb bags of chicken. So...I had to buy the smaller packages that are much more expensive. There went another $2.50. There is my sad story! HAHA!
I still saved over $30 and 34% (which honestly is much higher if you count sales). Not too bad for a week where I needed a rump roast, a 4 lb. bag of chicken, and baking stocks (like flour, sugar, butter, etc.).
We have saved about $200.00 this month and still have one week to go. Maybe you saved more money this week! I would love to hear about it. Post a comment!
Monday, January 18, 2010
HIGH Value Soy Milk Coupon
For all you soy milk drinkers, here is a great way to save some money on your milk.
Wa-hoo! There’s a super high value 8th Continent Facebook coupon available! Just go to http://www.facebook.com/8clopez and become a fan of Sara Lopez- 8th Continent Soymilk’s Own Soy-lebrity! …AND write on the wall, “I want my coupon!”. After doing so, you’ll receive a $2 off any 8th Continent Soy Milk Product coupon in your Facebook mailbox and also in your email account that you used to sign up for Facebook!
Thanks Hip2Save!
Wa-hoo! There’s a super high value 8th Continent Facebook coupon available! Just go to http://www.facebook.com/8clopez and become a fan of Sara Lopez- 8th Continent Soymilk’s Own Soy-lebrity! …AND write on the wall, “I want my coupon!”. After doing so, you’ll receive a $2 off any 8th Continent Soy Milk Product coupon in your Facebook mailbox and also in your email account that you used to sign up for Facebook!
Thanks Hip2Save!
HIGH Value Dog Food Coupon
Follow this link directly to the website and sign up to score a $10 off coupon for dog food! It should arrive in 6-8 weeks!
http://www.puppystart.com/EukGlobal/US/en/jsp/prepuppy/Landing.jsp
Have a great day saving money!
http://www.puppystart.com/EukGlobal/US/en/jsp/prepuppy/Landing.jsp
Have a great day saving money!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
FREE MILK!
This was taken from another money saving blogger's site!
Yay! I am so excited! Why? Well, the *HOT* milk instant win game I told you all about previously has a smokin’ HOT new coupon available to print! Just head on over here promotions.whymilk.com/ggg/ to enter to win FREE milk for a year and just for entering you’ll be able to print a coupon valid for a FREE gallon of milk (any brand) with a $100 grocery purchase (before coupons)! You’ll see this coupon offer advertised in the bottom left hand side after you find out if you’ve won or not. You’ll also receive this coupon link via email after entering.
As you may know, milk coupons are very RARE, so I always get excited when they’re available!
If you live in Germany, I am going to check with the commissary to see if they will accept this for our half gallons of milk. I will let you know!
Thanks Hip2Save for this amazing coupon opportunity!
Yay! I am so excited! Why? Well, the *HOT* milk instant win game I told you all about previously has a smokin’ HOT new coupon available to print! Just head on over here promotions.whymilk.com/ggg/ to enter to win FREE milk for a year and just for entering you’ll be able to print a coupon valid for a FREE gallon of milk (any brand) with a $100 grocery purchase (before coupons)! You’ll see this coupon offer advertised in the bottom left hand side after you find out if you’ve won or not. You’ll also receive this coupon link via email after entering.
As you may know, milk coupons are very RARE, so I always get excited when they’re available!
If you live in Germany, I am going to check with the commissary to see if they will accept this for our half gallons of milk. I will let you know!
Thanks Hip2Save for this amazing coupon opportunity!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Menu for January 18-24th
So I hope your families are enjoying some new cuisine or some old favorites that you haven't made in a while!
M: Breakfast for Dinner
For us this means, eggs, bacon and toast or biscuits.
T: Monterrey Black Bean Chicken and Rice
Ready in 20 MINUTES! Boy do I love that! 4 Servings
1 bag of boil in a bag rice; 2 cup size
PAM
3 Skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into large pieces
2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes (DON'T drain!)
1 16 oz can pinto beans (DON'T drain!)
1 15 oz can black beans (DON'T drain!)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp of Mexican-style dry seasoning blend
Prepare rice.
Preheat over to 350. Spray lg. casserold dish with PAM. Arrange chicken pieces and add remaining ingredients. Cover and place in oven. Cook 15-20 min.
Serve with rice. You can garnish with lime, green onion or cilantro (corriander for all you German stationed friends-in the produce section of local market or commissary)
THIS IS NEW TO ME! NEVER TRIED IT! Tell me what your family thinks!
W: Tangy BBQ Sandwiches with Sweet Potato Fries
For those of you who know, I am doing this without the carbs so I will forgo the bread. Still very yummy though!
Recipe: CROCKPOT Recipe! Yippee!
Cook 7-8 hours
3 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup ketchup
1 cup bbq sauce
1 cup water
2 Tbsp. vinegar
2 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 boneless chuck roast 3-4 lbs, trimmed
14-18 hamburger buns
In slow cooker, combine first 12 ingredients, mix well. Add roast. Cover and cook on high 7-8 hours (if you are using a 220V crockpot , don't cook on high. Cook on low.). Remove roast, cool. Shred meat and return to sauce. Heat through.
My recipe for sweet potato fries is just cut up the sweet potatoes into long strips. Spray with PAM and sprinkle with cinnmon. Cook about 15-20 or until tender!
H: Chicken Nachos
I cook my meat in my crock pot with some chicken broth during the day. When you get home , shred the chicken and then add all that you like. We use fat free refried beans, tomatoes, cheese, and chicken on blue corn chips. I bake these on 350 for about 6-8 minutes or the cheese is melted! Add tomatoes, sour cream and guac when you take them out of the oven.
F: Chicken Pesto Pasta (Wheat Noodles)
2/3 cup basil pesto (green stuff by the spaghetti sauce for the newbies)
9 oz pkg of fettucine
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups pulled cooked chicken meat (cook extra when you cook the chicken for nachoes or buy a rotissiere chicken)
2 cups sliced red bell peppers
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan plus LOTS more for the table
Put pesto in lg bowl.
Cook pasta according to packagae. Drain pasta but reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water. Whisk the pasta water into the pesto.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Add garlic until fragrant and soft. Add the chicken, peppers and olives. Cook and stir about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the pasta and cheese to the pesto. Toss to combine. Add the chicken mixture and combine. Serve immediately with extra cheese on top!
S: Pizza (make your own)
You can make your own crust or you can buy the already made pizza crust. We add our red sauce, pepperoni, ham, pineapple, peppers, mushrooms, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, banana pepper rings, and of course, mozzerella cheese on top! Bake 8-10 minutes. So much better than take out!
S: This is a leftover day for us since we ate out one day last week for Ben's job! Have fun and relax with your family!
Questions, tips, comments! Post them now! Have a great week and enjoy cooking for your family!
M: Breakfast for Dinner
For us this means, eggs, bacon and toast or biscuits.
T: Monterrey Black Bean Chicken and Rice
Ready in 20 MINUTES! Boy do I love that! 4 Servings
1 bag of boil in a bag rice; 2 cup size
PAM
3 Skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into large pieces
2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes (DON'T drain!)
1 16 oz can pinto beans (DON'T drain!)
1 15 oz can black beans (DON'T drain!)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp of Mexican-style dry seasoning blend
Prepare rice.
Preheat over to 350. Spray lg. casserold dish with PAM. Arrange chicken pieces and add remaining ingredients. Cover and place in oven. Cook 15-20 min.
Serve with rice. You can garnish with lime, green onion or cilantro (corriander for all you German stationed friends-in the produce section of local market or commissary)
THIS IS NEW TO ME! NEVER TRIED IT! Tell me what your family thinks!
W: Tangy BBQ Sandwiches with Sweet Potato Fries
For those of you who know, I am doing this without the carbs so I will forgo the bread. Still very yummy though!
Recipe: CROCKPOT Recipe! Yippee!
Cook 7-8 hours
3 cups chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup ketchup
1 cup bbq sauce
1 cup water
2 Tbsp. vinegar
2 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 boneless chuck roast 3-4 lbs, trimmed
14-18 hamburger buns
In slow cooker, combine first 12 ingredients, mix well. Add roast. Cover and cook on high 7-8 hours (if you are using a 220V crockpot , don't cook on high. Cook on low.). Remove roast, cool. Shred meat and return to sauce. Heat through.
My recipe for sweet potato fries is just cut up the sweet potatoes into long strips. Spray with PAM and sprinkle with cinnmon. Cook about 15-20 or until tender!
H: Chicken Nachos
I cook my meat in my crock pot with some chicken broth during the day. When you get home , shred the chicken and then add all that you like. We use fat free refried beans, tomatoes, cheese, and chicken on blue corn chips. I bake these on 350 for about 6-8 minutes or the cheese is melted! Add tomatoes, sour cream and guac when you take them out of the oven.
F: Chicken Pesto Pasta (Wheat Noodles)
2/3 cup basil pesto (green stuff by the spaghetti sauce for the newbies)
9 oz pkg of fettucine
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups pulled cooked chicken meat (cook extra when you cook the chicken for nachoes or buy a rotissiere chicken)
2 cups sliced red bell peppers
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan plus LOTS more for the table
Put pesto in lg bowl.
Cook pasta according to packagae. Drain pasta but reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water. Whisk the pasta water into the pesto.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Add garlic until fragrant and soft. Add the chicken, peppers and olives. Cook and stir about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the pasta and cheese to the pesto. Toss to combine. Add the chicken mixture and combine. Serve immediately with extra cheese on top!
S: Pizza (make your own)
You can make your own crust or you can buy the already made pizza crust. We add our red sauce, pepperoni, ham, pineapple, peppers, mushrooms, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, banana pepper rings, and of course, mozzerella cheese on top! Bake 8-10 minutes. So much better than take out!
S: This is a leftover day for us since we ate out one day last week for Ben's job! Have fun and relax with your family!
Questions, tips, comments! Post them now! Have a great week and enjoy cooking for your family!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Coupon and Keeping Them Handy
I have had several questions about where I get my coupons and how to I keep them organized so let me share what works for me!
I have a binder with baseball card holder sheets. I have used dividers to divide mine into sections such as:
Baking goods/Sweets
Self Care
Household
Paper/Plastic Goods
Frozen
Dairy
I know some of you will want to have more dividers and be more specific about your divisions. Again, this will only work for you if you organize in a way that is helpful to you!
Other ways to organize are to keep all the inserts together and label with the date. I need to actually see my coupons so this doesn't work for me. You can try and index card box or shoe box with envelopes. The key is organization so that you can find the coupon you need when you are looking for it! It doesn't help when you find it several weeks after you bought the product.
Now to share about where I find my coupons:
Since I am overseas, we are allowed to use coupons 6 months past the expiration date. We receive coupons from people in the states so I am able to go on post to collect them or I have friends who send them.
For those of you in the states, DO NOT buy a small town local paper. When we were at Ft Hood, I bought the Dallas Morning News or Austin American Statesman to get coupons. My mom is in Houston so she would buy the Houston paper for me.
I also go to coupons.com or redplum.com. There are two blogs that I love that also give links to coupons. They are hip2save.com and swaggrabber.com. These blogs will also let you know when a company is offering free samples. Sign up! There are often high dollar coupons sent inside these samples!
Side note: I would create an email account for just these types of sign ups to keep the junk mail out of your regular email account!
Check your magazines as well. Many times there are great coupons in those that you just skip right past.
There are sometimes valuable coupons on the product itself at the store or hanging coupons right beside the product. Use these if you need the product and don't have another coupon. Many times they will put these out though and raise the price. Take a few, store them for later and watch the price!
I know for many of you that couponing is new so ask questions and I will try to help you save money!
I have a binder with baseball card holder sheets. I have used dividers to divide mine into sections such as:
Baking goods/Sweets
Self Care
Household
Paper/Plastic Goods
Frozen
Dairy
I know some of you will want to have more dividers and be more specific about your divisions. Again, this will only work for you if you organize in a way that is helpful to you!
Other ways to organize are to keep all the inserts together and label with the date. I need to actually see my coupons so this doesn't work for me. You can try and index card box or shoe box with envelopes. The key is organization so that you can find the coupon you need when you are looking for it! It doesn't help when you find it several weeks after you bought the product.
Now to share about where I find my coupons:
Since I am overseas, we are allowed to use coupons 6 months past the expiration date. We receive coupons from people in the states so I am able to go on post to collect them or I have friends who send them.
For those of you in the states, DO NOT buy a small town local paper. When we were at Ft Hood, I bought the Dallas Morning News or Austin American Statesman to get coupons. My mom is in Houston so she would buy the Houston paper for me.
I also go to coupons.com or redplum.com. There are two blogs that I love that also give links to coupons. They are hip2save.com and swaggrabber.com. These blogs will also let you know when a company is offering free samples. Sign up! There are often high dollar coupons sent inside these samples!
Side note: I would create an email account for just these types of sign ups to keep the junk mail out of your regular email account!
Check your magazines as well. Many times there are great coupons in those that you just skip right past.
There are sometimes valuable coupons on the product itself at the store or hanging coupons right beside the product. Use these if you need the product and don't have another coupon. Many times they will put these out though and raise the price. Take a few, store them for later and watch the price!
I know for many of you that couponing is new so ask questions and I will try to help you save money!
Stocking Up at Rock Bottom Prices
I have taken the liberty of sharing a post on another blog that I read called thethriftymama.com. There Crystal shares how she decides when to buy as much of a product as she has coupons for and when to just buy what she will need for a few weeks.
Stock Up at Rock Bottom Prices to Save Money
by Crystal Collins on January 11, 2010
One of the ways to really cut your grocery spending, is to stock up on items when the price is either FREE or rock bottom. This can be hard to fathom when you are first starting out in the coupon game, because you feel very overwhelmed. The easiest way to get started is to make yourself a list of about five things that you use on a regular basis. This is besides your fresh fruit, vegetables and milk. After you start getting better at couponing, you can add more to your list. Here’s an example of what a beginning list would be for me:
Oatmeal
Cereal
Canned Veggies
Evaporated Milk
Pasta
So for the next few weeks, I would look at the sales that run on those items. I would also hunt down any coupons that are available for those items. One great resource I use to hunt down coupons is the Hot Coupon World Coupon Database. Just type in the name of the product you are looking for and it will give you a list of available coupons.
My stock up price is always lower than my buy price. There are times when the deal is good enough that I would buy a few of an item if I needed it. For example, I would buy oatmeal if it was under $1 for a bin of oats. However, if a bin of oatmeal is free or even .25 cents after coupons, then I would stock up. Stocking up would entail me getting several months worth or more of an item. Allow me to break this down for you all with some current examples:
Quaker Oats are .50 cents at Walgreens this week (1/10-1/16) after the in-ad coupon and this $1/1 printable HERE. .50 cents is a good price, and I would probably buy several bins if I was getting low in my stockpile. If I had Register Rewards from other deals, then I could lower my out of pocket even more buy paying for the oatmeal with my Register Rewards. However, Quaker Oats are free after the $1/1 printable at SuperFresh and Giant Eagle this week as well. I do not have either of those stores in my area, but I would be stocking up on oats at those stores if I had them. A .50 cent difference may not seem like much at the moment, but in the long run it is the key to maximizing your savings on grocery shopping.
Quick Facts for Stocking Up:
1. Go where the best deal is. Don’t be store loyal or brand loyal.
2. Watch your local sales, and start to become familiar with the sales (all sales are on a cycle).
3. Match coupons with those sales to maximize your savings.
4. Only stock up a lot when an item is FREE or a rock bottom price. There are many items that never end up free with coupons, so you need to figure out what rock bottom is for a particular item.
5. Once you get into a rhythm of only stocking up at rock bottom prices, then you are only buying sale items each week along with regular weekly purchases of dairy and produce.
So for my personal note (Jen) on all this: My stock up items are:
Cereal or Oatmeal
Peanut Butter
Popcorn
Almonds or Peanuts
Crackers
These are items that keep well, are eaten on a daily basis at my home, and can be found for great prices using sales and coupons. While I can't comparision shop, I can wait for the deals and then buy them up! It is not unheard of for me to buy 6-8 boxes of oatmeal or 10 boxes of cereal. Remember that this is a great way to save money. Have fun, ask questions, and keep practicing! It does get easier with time!
Stock Up at Rock Bottom Prices to Save Money
by Crystal Collins on January 11, 2010
One of the ways to really cut your grocery spending, is to stock up on items when the price is either FREE or rock bottom. This can be hard to fathom when you are first starting out in the coupon game, because you feel very overwhelmed. The easiest way to get started is to make yourself a list of about five things that you use on a regular basis. This is besides your fresh fruit, vegetables and milk. After you start getting better at couponing, you can add more to your list. Here’s an example of what a beginning list would be for me:
Oatmeal
Cereal
Canned Veggies
Evaporated Milk
Pasta
So for the next few weeks, I would look at the sales that run on those items. I would also hunt down any coupons that are available for those items. One great resource I use to hunt down coupons is the Hot Coupon World Coupon Database. Just type in the name of the product you are looking for and it will give you a list of available coupons.
My stock up price is always lower than my buy price. There are times when the deal is good enough that I would buy a few of an item if I needed it. For example, I would buy oatmeal if it was under $1 for a bin of oats. However, if a bin of oatmeal is free or even .25 cents after coupons, then I would stock up. Stocking up would entail me getting several months worth or more of an item. Allow me to break this down for you all with some current examples:
Quaker Oats are .50 cents at Walgreens this week (1/10-1/16) after the in-ad coupon and this $1/1 printable HERE. .50 cents is a good price, and I would probably buy several bins if I was getting low in my stockpile. If I had Register Rewards from other deals, then I could lower my out of pocket even more buy paying for the oatmeal with my Register Rewards. However, Quaker Oats are free after the $1/1 printable at SuperFresh and Giant Eagle this week as well. I do not have either of those stores in my area, but I would be stocking up on oats at those stores if I had them. A .50 cent difference may not seem like much at the moment, but in the long run it is the key to maximizing your savings on grocery shopping.
Quick Facts for Stocking Up:
1. Go where the best deal is. Don’t be store loyal or brand loyal.
2. Watch your local sales, and start to become familiar with the sales (all sales are on a cycle).
3. Match coupons with those sales to maximize your savings.
4. Only stock up a lot when an item is FREE or a rock bottom price. There are many items that never end up free with coupons, so you need to figure out what rock bottom is for a particular item.
5. Once you get into a rhythm of only stocking up at rock bottom prices, then you are only buying sale items each week along with regular weekly purchases of dairy and produce.
So for my personal note (Jen) on all this: My stock up items are:
Cereal or Oatmeal
Peanut Butter
Popcorn
Almonds or Peanuts
Crackers
These are items that keep well, are eaten on a daily basis at my home, and can be found for great prices using sales and coupons. While I can't comparision shop, I can wait for the deals and then buy them up! It is not unheard of for me to buy 6-8 boxes of oatmeal or 10 boxes of cereal. Remember that this is a great way to save money. Have fun, ask questions, and keep practicing! It does get easier with time!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Grocery Shopping
FUN TIMES SHOPPING!
This week's shopping trip was great! I know that I get a kick out of saving as much money as I can. Several of the checkers are really into watching my total fall! I was able to $88.88 worth of groceries for only $50.76. While over my $50 limit for the week, I did buy prizes to give away at my coupon class. While it was only about $4 worth of money for over $20 worth of stuff, every dollar has to go far on $50! I saved 42%! I am really enjoying my challenge for myself and Ben and I decided to purchase ourselves a special gift with all the money we saved this month.
My family would have to tell you that we have eaten better, been healthier, and I have even lost 7 pounds while doing this challenge. My trips to the grocery store are purposeful and short since I have a very defined list!
Many ask where I get my coupons and I will be doing another post soon to share where to get great coupons! Stay tuned!
This week's shopping trip was great! I know that I get a kick out of saving as much money as I can. Several of the checkers are really into watching my total fall! I was able to $88.88 worth of groceries for only $50.76. While over my $50 limit for the week, I did buy prizes to give away at my coupon class. While it was only about $4 worth of money for over $20 worth of stuff, every dollar has to go far on $50! I saved 42%! I am really enjoying my challenge for myself and Ben and I decided to purchase ourselves a special gift with all the money we saved this month.
My family would have to tell you that we have eaten better, been healthier, and I have even lost 7 pounds while doing this challenge. My trips to the grocery store are purposeful and short since I have a very defined list!
Many ask where I get my coupons and I will be doing another post soon to share where to get great coupons! Stay tuned!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Coupon Class
I have been asked to teach a coupon class on post here in Schweinfurt. The date has recently been changed to January 25th from 10-11:30. I will be giving away door prizes (which of course I used coupons to buy)and will have some great money saving tips for you! Please contact me via email if you are interested or the point of contact, Kim Messer.
Since reducing our food budget by half for the month of January (which I started a week early), I have dropped 7 pounds. Even more of an incentive to cook dinner, eat healthy, and coupon!
Since reducing our food budget by half for the month of January (which I started a week early), I have dropped 7 pounds. Even more of an incentive to cook dinner, eat healthy, and coupon!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Menu for Jan 11-17
This week, I will be introducing several new recipes to my family. We shall see what they think!
M: Ham, Roasted Carrots
Carrot Recipe:
1 lb bag baby carrots
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp House seasoning(1 cup salt, 1/4 cup garlic powder, 1/4 cup pepper-store in air tight container to use whenever necessary!)
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Heat oven to 350. In lg bowl, coat carrots with olive oil. Toss with house seasoning and place in 9 X 13 pan. Cook about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and toss carrots with butter and parsley. I leave out the last step and they are very yummy!
T: Dorito Chicken
4 chicken breasts (boiled and chopped)*
1 can cream of chicken
1 can rotel
2-3 c of shredded cheese
1 bag baked Doritos
Spread chips on bottom of 9X13 dish. In lg bowl, mix soup and rotel together. Layer your dish: chips, chicken, soup, cheese, etc. I layer twice. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
You could add cream of mushroom soup if you like it creamy, add onion, or use green chilis instead of rotel.
*I cook my chicken in the crockpot all day with chicken broth (7-8 hours) and then shred to use for this recipe.
W: Chili, Cornbread
I use Chili Magic which calls for a can of tomatoes and 1 lb of meat.
H: Breaded Chicken Breasts, Brown Rice, and Tomato and Cucumber Salad (chopped and tossed with Balsamic Vingerette)
Chicken Recipe
3/4 c dry bread crumbs
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
4 1/2 tsp minced fresh parsley
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 c butter or margarine, melted
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
dash of paprika
In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, and garlic. Dip chicken in butter mixture, then roll in crumbs.
Roll up chicken jelly-roll style and place seam side down in a greased 9X13 dish. sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, for 35 minutes at 350 degrees or until juices run clear.
F: Honey Grilled Butterfly Tenderloins, Sweet Potatoes, and Salad
Recipe:
2 pork tenderloins
1/4 c soy sauce
1 Tbsp bottled minced garlic
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 Tbsp brown sugar
3 Tbsp honey
2 tsp dark sesame oil
Make lengthwise cut down center of each tenderloin to within 1/4 inch of opposite side open tenderloin.
Combine soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a lg zip lock freezer bag, add tenderloins. Seal bag and chill for at least 30 min. turning occasionally.
Preheat grill to med-high. Stir sugar, honey and oil. Drain tenderloins, discard marinade. Grill, cover with lid, for 10 minutes on each side or 155 on meat thermometer. Bast often with honey mixture. Let stand 5 minutes.
S: Penne Puttanesca (from Feb Woman's Day)
Recipe:
1 lb penne pasta (whole wheat if you can find it)
1 5 oz can of tuna
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
1/2 c pitted olives, halved
2 Tbsp drained capers
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Cook pasta in lightly salted boiling water according to package directions.
Meanwhile, pour 2 tsp oil in large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, olives, capers, and pepper. Bring to boil. Readuce heat; simmer 5 minutes for flavors to blend. Add tuna.
Drain pasta, and return to pot. Add sauce and toss.
403 cal Serves 6
S: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Brown Rice and Green Beans
Recipe: Comes from Feb Woman's Day Magazine
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup scallions *I won't use.
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
Hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)
Heat oven to 475(I think this may be a mistake from the magazine. I am going to try 375). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. In a bowl, mix ground meat, bread crumbs, scallions, and spices. Roll into 32 inch balls; place on pan. Bake 10-12 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from oven and drizzle with hot pepper sauce. Toss to coat. Serve with blue cheese if desired.
Hope this inspires you to meal plan for your own family. We are trying four new dishes at our house. Ben even picked out the Penne Puttanesca himself!
Have a great week!
M: Ham, Roasted Carrots
Carrot Recipe:
1 lb bag baby carrots
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp House seasoning(1 cup salt, 1/4 cup garlic powder, 1/4 cup pepper-store in air tight container to use whenever necessary!)
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Heat oven to 350. In lg bowl, coat carrots with olive oil. Toss with house seasoning and place in 9 X 13 pan. Cook about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and toss carrots with butter and parsley. I leave out the last step and they are very yummy!
T: Dorito Chicken
4 chicken breasts (boiled and chopped)*
1 can cream of chicken
1 can rotel
2-3 c of shredded cheese
1 bag baked Doritos
Spread chips on bottom of 9X13 dish. In lg bowl, mix soup and rotel together. Layer your dish: chips, chicken, soup, cheese, etc. I layer twice. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
You could add cream of mushroom soup if you like it creamy, add onion, or use green chilis instead of rotel.
*I cook my chicken in the crockpot all day with chicken broth (7-8 hours) and then shred to use for this recipe.
W: Chili, Cornbread
I use Chili Magic which calls for a can of tomatoes and 1 lb of meat.
H: Breaded Chicken Breasts, Brown Rice, and Tomato and Cucumber Salad (chopped and tossed with Balsamic Vingerette)
Chicken Recipe
3/4 c dry bread crumbs
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
4 1/2 tsp minced fresh parsley
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 c butter or margarine, melted
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
dash of paprika
In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, and garlic. Dip chicken in butter mixture, then roll in crumbs.
Roll up chicken jelly-roll style and place seam side down in a greased 9X13 dish. sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, for 35 minutes at 350 degrees or until juices run clear.
F: Honey Grilled Butterfly Tenderloins, Sweet Potatoes, and Salad
Recipe:
2 pork tenderloins
1/4 c soy sauce
1 Tbsp bottled minced garlic
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 Tbsp brown sugar
3 Tbsp honey
2 tsp dark sesame oil
Make lengthwise cut down center of each tenderloin to within 1/4 inch of opposite side open tenderloin.
Combine soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a lg zip lock freezer bag, add tenderloins. Seal bag and chill for at least 30 min. turning occasionally.
Preheat grill to med-high. Stir sugar, honey and oil. Drain tenderloins, discard marinade. Grill, cover with lid, for 10 minutes on each side or 155 on meat thermometer. Bast often with honey mixture. Let stand 5 minutes.
S: Penne Puttanesca (from Feb Woman's Day)
Recipe:
1 lb penne pasta (whole wheat if you can find it)
1 5 oz can of tuna
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
1/2 c pitted olives, halved
2 Tbsp drained capers
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Cook pasta in lightly salted boiling water according to package directions.
Meanwhile, pour 2 tsp oil in large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, olives, capers, and pepper. Bring to boil. Readuce heat; simmer 5 minutes for flavors to blend. Add tuna.
Drain pasta, and return to pot. Add sauce and toss.
403 cal Serves 6
S: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Brown Rice and Green Beans
Recipe: Comes from Feb Woman's Day Magazine
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
1 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup scallions *I won't use.
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
Hot pepper sauce (Tabasco)
Heat oven to 475(I think this may be a mistake from the magazine. I am going to try 375). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. In a bowl, mix ground meat, bread crumbs, scallions, and spices. Roll into 32 inch balls; place on pan. Bake 10-12 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from oven and drizzle with hot pepper sauce. Toss to coat. Serve with blue cheese if desired.
Hope this inspires you to meal plan for your own family. We are trying four new dishes at our house. Ben even picked out the Penne Puttanesca himself!
Have a great week!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Money Saving Grocery Shopping
Yesterday was my weekly commissary shopping trip. I watched my total ring up to $149.68 and then watched the coupons do their magic and bring that total down to $88.98. I still thought that was high even though I had saved 42% and $61.30. I came home and checked my receipt as all good shoppers do. I realized some razors I bought rang up at $7.49 instead of $4. Even with my $4 high value coupon, I still paid $3.49 for the razors, and I had bought 9! I went back in today to double check the price and then asked the manager for a refund. We figured out what I was owed and it came to $33! Ouch! When I refigured my grocery bill savings, it came to 52% and a total of $55.98. I was $5.98 above my budget but that included pork chops and chicken that I will end up using for next week's meals. So really I spent $39.64 for a week's worth of groceries. Look at my meal plan, we aren't eating ramen noodles either!
With all this said, I do shop on the local economy to get my produce, bread, and eggs. This week I spent 10 euro or about $14. Not too bad for a family of four eating healthy in Germany!
With all this said, I do shop on the local economy to get my produce, bread, and eggs. This week I spent 10 euro or about $14. Not too bad for a family of four eating healthy in Germany!
Menu for the Week of Jan 4-12
Well ladies, here is my weekly menu. I have been trying out some new recipes as well as some old favorites.
M: Hamburgers, Fries, Salad
T: Pork Loin (in crockpot) with carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and onions; add in some chicken broth and it is done; cook 7-8 hours on low
W: Crispy Garlic Chicken: 1 tsp bottled minced garlic, 1/4 c olive oil, 3/4 c Italian seasoning bread crumbs, 1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp pepper, 4 6 oz skinned and boned chicken breasts
Preheat oven to 425 F. Combine garlic and olive oil. heat in microwave 30 sec or until warm.
Combine breadcrumbs, cheese and pepper. Dip chicken in olive oil and dredge in breadcrumbs. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. (Lazy way: cover baking sheet in foil!)
Bake 20-25 min or until chicken is golden. Serve with whole wheat angel hair and marinara (or in my case: brown rice)
CAL: 339
H: Chicken Fajita Salad with Guac (I just grill the chicken after marinating in Italian dressing or Soy Sauce).
F: Chicken Tortilla Soup (in crockpot): 3-4 chicken breasts, frozen, 1 carton of chicken broth, 1 can stewed tomatoes, 1 can corn, drained, 1 can pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 c salsa, 2 Tbsp cumin; Place chicken breasts in bottom of a PAM sprayed crock pot, dump everything on top; cook on low 7-9 hours; serve with tortilla chips, cheese, low fat sour cream and guac if desired!
S: Ben will take care of this since I will be gone!
S: Tacos
Enjoy the meals! I will post next weeks very soon!
M: Hamburgers, Fries, Salad
T: Pork Loin (in crockpot) with carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and onions; add in some chicken broth and it is done; cook 7-8 hours on low
W: Crispy Garlic Chicken: 1 tsp bottled minced garlic, 1/4 c olive oil, 3/4 c Italian seasoning bread crumbs, 1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp pepper, 4 6 oz skinned and boned chicken breasts
Preheat oven to 425 F. Combine garlic and olive oil. heat in microwave 30 sec or until warm.
Combine breadcrumbs, cheese and pepper. Dip chicken in olive oil and dredge in breadcrumbs. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. (Lazy way: cover baking sheet in foil!)
Bake 20-25 min or until chicken is golden. Serve with whole wheat angel hair and marinara (or in my case: brown rice)
CAL: 339
H: Chicken Fajita Salad with Guac (I just grill the chicken after marinating in Italian dressing or Soy Sauce).
F: Chicken Tortilla Soup (in crockpot): 3-4 chicken breasts, frozen, 1 carton of chicken broth, 1 can stewed tomatoes, 1 can corn, drained, 1 can pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 c salsa, 2 Tbsp cumin; Place chicken breasts in bottom of a PAM sprayed crock pot, dump everything on top; cook on low 7-9 hours; serve with tortilla chips, cheese, low fat sour cream and guac if desired!
S: Ben will take care of this since I will be gone!
S: Tacos
Enjoy the meals! I will post next weeks very soon!
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