Sonday Sunday

In 1 Peter we are told to:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 3:15

Now the obvious lesson from this verse is that we need to "be prepared to give an answer"- but what sticks out to me is the part about "the reason for the hope that you have." It can be scary or intimidating to just walk up to someone and strike up a "Jesus Saves" conversation but imagine how much easier it would be if someone actually opened the door of conversation by asking "Why do you have so much hope?" What a challenge. I want to live such a hope filled life that others can't help but ask "What's your secret? What is the source of your HOPE?"

Application:
I think the best way to start living a life that reflects HOPE is to start focusing on His Hope. Therefore, this week when I am tempted to get down about our current economy or when I start to worry about my children or when I am about to complain about my workload, I ask that the Lord remind me of His gift of guaranteed HOPE. When reminded of this HOPE I betcha my negativity, worrying, and complaining will quickly be replaced with happiness, peace, and contentment. Virtues that are sure to stand out in such a dark world. Let the witnessing begin.

Scrapbook Saturday

Hi DRSers. This is going to be a slow post weekend because we are out of town, visiting my parents. My Dad turned 59 this week. WOW! I brought my camera with me so I could get a picture of my dear OLD Dad but wouldn't you know it my camera battery is dead. Hope ya'll have a restful weekend, a great time with your families, and that you all are enjoying this beautiful weather. What a great weekend for FREE admission to the Little Rock Zoo!

Craft Time

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner- March 17th. So I thought it might be fun to focus our next couple of craft times around that theme. Today we are going to make rainbow streamers. To be honest, I picked this craft because it looked easy, it won't take a lot of time, and I had all the needed materials. (I actually don't have "streamers" but will make do with either tissue paper or scrapbook paper. You can go here for the step by step directions. Maybe next week we will make a pot of gold.

Devotional Time

Today I think it is high time the boys and I take a look at "The Lord's Prayer." (Luke 11: 1-4) Although I appreciate the fact that Colby always insists on saying our before meal prayers; he has gotten into a bad "habit" of saying the same prayer meal after meal after meal. And it is not so much WHAT he is saying but HOW he is saying it.

"Dear Jesus, Thank you for Mommy, Thank you for Daddy, Thank you for You- Amen"

Sweet? Yes, But what you can't see from the written words above is that he says them as fast as he can, usually in between bites of food. I have even heard him say this prayer in route from the living room to the kitchen table so that the second he is seated at the table he can start eating. Hardly reverent, hardly sincere. Not to mention the fact that he NEVER remembers to thank Jesus for his little brother.

Now, I have to admit that often my mealtime prayers are more "habitual" then heartfelt so today's lesson will be great for me too.

For Cohen, we are going to practice bowing our head when we pray. It would be great if I could also teach him to say "Amen"..... but that would require talking.

Familytime Friday

TGIF! It's Familytime Friday- boy have I been slacking in this area the last few weeks. Today, I fear, will be no better because we are packing up for a weekend trip. But what's the best way to ensure something happens.... plan it! So that is what I'm going to do. Coming soon my "plan" for Devotional Time, Learning Time, and Craft Time.

I'd love your ideas for "times" with your family.

Let me set the record straight!!!

Ok here's the 411. I do NOT have a STD!!!

I'm sorry to be so blunt, and it is probably socially unacceptable to write STD on a family friendly blog, BUT I felt I needed to set the record straight. Here's the story....

So today I am meeting with a teenager for nutrition counseling and I was trying my best to be "cool" and get on her level and everything. So when she started complaining about the acne on her face and neck I told her "I totally knew what she was talking about." I said "Even at 30 (yes there it is for the world to see, I AM THIRTY) I still have breakouts." I then added, "especially on my chin and around my mouth." To which she said "Oh-That's bad! People probably think you have an STD or something." WHAT!!! I was fully aware that the bags under my eyes clearly marked me as a DRS sufferer BUT I had no idea that an occasional zit could potentially flag me as an STD carrier. Now I am totally self-conscious, and therefore, have taken the liberty to use this blog to set the record straight. (Plus I need accountability to get an appointment with a dermatologist- and a recommendation for a good concealer)

Now to those of you that really know me the idea of me having a STD is absolutely ludicrous. And for the rest of you- look forward to February 2010 when I kick off a series that chronicles my love life from birth to present. Not only will my story clear up any pimple misconceptions it will show you what a miracle it is that I have any "children" at all.

And now back to our regular DRS topics...

PS If a pimple between the eyebrows indicates a drug addiction- I don't have that either.

Annual Budget Countdown

Last week I went to Kroger 2 times and Walgreens 1 time. Here is what I spent

Walgreens:
Total Spent: $12.67
Total Saved $12.66 + I did get back a $6RR and will submit for a $4 rebate
(So just for the record I spent $2.67 and saved $22.66 but I will not count those savings at this time in my annual budget!)

Kroger Trip #1
Total Spent: $88.14 for 47 items
Total Saved: $32.43

Kroger Trip #2
Total Spent: $13.46 for 8 items
Total Saved: $8.88

Weekly Total:
Total Spent: $114.27 Ridiculous!
Total Saved: $53.97
Total Spent for Year: $943.12
Total Saved for Year: $670.76
Total Left for Year: $4056.88

I am addicted to sales! I must stop spending! There... I feel better now that I admitted I have a problem. I can do better now.... right?

Deal Alert- Kroger

This week Kroger is having another "Buy 10 Participating Items Get $5 Off" event. Below are my favorite deals of the week. To get the most out of these type of events be very careful to get exactly 10 or 20 or 30 items. Click here to see a complete list of participating items.

Lean Cuisine Entrees on sale $1.99 or $1.49 with Buy 10 Event
There has been several different catalinas print for lean cuisines ($1.50 off 8 or $1 of 2)
There was also a $2 off 3 Kroger mailer coupon
Final Price: Varies but even without a coupon $1.49 is not a bad price for Lean Cuisines

Pepperidge Farm Breads on sale $1.99 or $1.49 with Buy 10 Event
Use $0.40 off 1 from 1/18 SS
Final Price: $0.69 with Buy 10 Event

That is all I am personally interested in with "the event" But there is some other good deals...

Quaker Simple Harvest or Instant Oatmeal on sale $1.50 each when you buy 2 (must buy 2 to get the deal)
Use $1.35 off 2 from 1/4 SS or $1 off 2 from 2/8 RP or use one of several printables that were available
Final Price: $0.83 to $1 each when you buy 2

Sanderson Farms Boneless Skinless Chicken on sale $1.79 per lb.
Time to stock up again!

Black Seedless Grapes on sale $0.99 per lb

Dannon Activia on sale $2
Use $1 off 1 from 1/11 SS
Final Price: $1

Kellogg's Pop Tarts on sale 3 for $5 or 1.66 ea
Supposedly some of the whole grain poptarts have $1 off 1 peelies on the package
Final Price: $0.66 each

Hormel Seasoned Pork Fillets or Tenderloins (found by the butcher station) on sale $4.99
Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 SS
Final Price: $3.99
This is a great deal and can be used to make the pork tenderloin dish I made this week!

Williams and John Morrell sausage is on sale so I'm going to pick up a reduced fat variety for the breakfast casserole his month

There is some other good meat sales going on so be sure to check out the Kroger weekly ad.

Deal Alert

The Little Rock Zoo is FREE! this Saturday, March 7th from 9am to 5pm!

I took this deal alert off my sweet neighbor's blog- she's got one of those cute blogs complete with music I was telling you about last weekend. Thanks Becke'

Deal Alert- Walgreens

A new month means a NEW EasySaver Catalog (ES). Make sure to pick yours up next time your in Walgreens. And remember the unconfirmed rumor is we are on our last days of the EasySaver Rebate program so enjoy it now!!

The following are my favorite deals with thanks to The Thrifty Mama and Money Saving Mom!

Colgate Total Toothpaste 4 oz priced between $2.99 - $3.49

Use $1 off 1 from 2/22 SS or $1.50 off from recent mailer AND $2.50 off 1 from ES (EasySaver catalog)
Final Price: FREE to almost free after both coupons

Nabisco Ritz Crackers 4-8oz on sale buy 1 get 1 FREE or 2 for $1.99

Use $2 off 2 from 1/25 SS

Final Price: FREE for 2 boxes!

*My recipes often call for Ritz crackers

Fiber One Bars on sale $1.99

Use $0.50 off 1 from 1/25 SS or use$1.35 off 1 here

Final Price: $0.64 or $1.49

Reach Toothbrush on sale $0.99 with Walgreens flyer coupon

Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 RP

Final Price: FREE

Revlon Emery Boards priced around $1.59

Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 SS AND $1 off 1 from ES

Final Price: FREE after both coupons

Sambucol priced around $12.99

Use $4 off 1 here AND $10 off 1 from ES

Final Price: FREE after both coupons (I don't think you get overages except on rebate and RR items)

Walgreens Brand Jumbo Diapers or Training Pants on sale 2 for $9

Final Price: $4.50 per pack

Register Rewards (RR)

Buy 1 Blink Tears Eye Drops 0.33-0.5 oz. at $7.99, Get $7.99 RR
Use $1.50 off 1 here

Final Price: FREE plus$1.50 in overages after coupon and RR

Buy 1 Colgate Max Fresh or Max White Toothpaste at $3.49, Get $3.49 RR

Use $0.75 off 1 from 2/22 SS

Final Price: Free plus $0.75 in overage after coupon and RR

Buy 1 Vaseline Intensive Care Rescue Lotion at $2.69; Get $2 in RR

Use $1.50 off 1 from 1/18 RP

Final Price: Free plus $0.81 in overage after coupon and RR

Dove Bath Bar Soaps on sale for $0.99 with Walgreens flyer coupon, Buy 8 get $10 RR

Final Price: FREE plus $2 in overage after RR

Dove trial size Deodarants for $0.99, Buy 8 get $10 RR

Use $1.50 off 2 coupons from 1/18 RP

Final Price: FREE plus $2 in overage with no additional coupons and up to $8.08 in overage if you have 4 coupons and RR!!!!

From what I understand the two dove deals can be combined so you could get a mixture of soaps and deoderants

March FREE After ES Rebate Products

No additional coupons for these products so far. As of right now I don't think I will be getting any of these unless Walgreens offers a $10 off $50 purchase coupon (which they have YET to do this year)

Advanced Memory Formula 45 count soft gels for $19.99

Final Price: FREE after rebate

Axe Hair Care $5.99

Final Price: FREE after rebate

Wal-Zyr 24 allergy relief 5 count $3.99

Final Price: FREE after rebate

Extra Strength Headache Relief 20 count gel for $2.99

Final Price: FREE after rebate

DRS Couponing 101- common coupon lingo

So today I am going to catch you up to speed on some common abbreviations and lingo used in the coupon world- yes it is a whole other language. From now on I am going to put "bilingual" on all my resumes.


In respect to all the coupon newbies I have kept my coupon language to a minimum to this point on DRS. BUT I would like to start incorporating more of it into my Thrifty Thursday posts to help save on time when writing up your deal alerts. My goal is to eventually have the lingo available on the side bar for quick reference whenever I get that new fancy blog design I was telling you about last weekend. A girl can dream!


So here it is-in no particular order:


SS: SmartSource Insert


RP: RedPlum Insert


PG: Proctor & Gamble Insert


PGE: Proctor & Gamble Esaver Kroger loadable coupons

SC: ShortCuts Kroger loadable coupons


CF: Cell Fire Kroger loadable coupons


BOGO or B1G1: Buy 1 Get 1 Free


WAGS: Walgreens coupon found in the weekly flyer


ES: Walgreens EasySaver Catalog


CAT: Catalina


COP: Coupon on Package


B: Blinkie


IP: Internet Printable


OOP: Out of Pocket


RR: Register Reward


FAR: Free after Rebate


MIR: Mail in Rebate


MFR: Manufacturer

Thrifty Thursday

It's that time again... Thrifty Thursday!!! Woo Hoo!

How is everyone doing out there? Any one finding any great deals? Is anyone finding these deal alerts helpful? I would looooove your input, comments, or stories. I get lonely sometimes when I'm the only one posting. Sorry.... no more pity parties.

Seriously, there are some AWESOME deals this week at Walgreens. So you will definitely want to check back for that deal alert. There is also another exciting lesson posting in our DRS Couponing 101 series coming up next hour.

Have a Terrific Thrifty Thursday- Ta Ta for now! (what a dork!)

Deal Alert

Your gonna want to take advantage of this offer! Betty Crocker is offering a free sample of their Warm Delights. I signed up for this last year and LOVED IT! Think Chili's Chocolate Molten cake with only 150 Calories!!! Yeah I am serious- it's that good! Go here to sign up.

Product of the Week

Well, Tambrey told me they were good, so when Morning Star products went nearly half off last week at Kroger I decided to give the Corn Dogs a try. To be honest, I bought the corn dogs for the boys, I thought "here is a way to give my boys good nutrition under the guise of a classic "kid food." I warmed one up for lunch the next day, placed a squirt of mustard right beside it, and proudly presented it with a handful of grapes to my 4 year old son. While I had pictured Colby getting really excited about the "fun" lunch I proudly served him complete with a "Hooray" and "Thanks Mom- Your the Best!!;" what I got was a shoulders slumped "I don't like corn dogs." (please read with a whine). What!?!?! What kid doesn't like corn dogs? AND Where had my child eaten a corn dog before that he knew "he didn't like corn dogs"?

So now I have an uneaten vegetable stick masquerading as a corn dog sitting warmly on a plate with no kid to eat it. I look over at my next born... Will he eat the corn dog? Probably not, but I give it a try. I cut 1/2 the dog off the stick and cut it up into choke proof sizes for my 17 month old and then sit and wait........ Corn Dog goes into the mouth... wait, wait, wait,.... Corn dog comes out of the mouth. Now What?

You should know I am NOT a hot dog kind of girl. Never was after some kid told me how and from what hot dogs were made. But, even at a sale price of $2.50 per box with only 4 in a package these fancy dogs were quite expensive. So after reading the ingredient list to confirm there was absolutely NO hint of mystery meat- I dipped that dog in mustard and gave it a try. Wow! I liked it, I REALLY liked it. Before I knew it my half of the dog was gone and I started eating the bite size pieces off my son's highchair tray. At only 150 Calories I seriously thought about going for a second but decided to hold off. I made it until 10:30am the next day, when I decided I couldn't wait another minute for another bite of the delectable corn wrapped dog and had it for a snack.

I am also proud to announce that Cohen (the baby) gave the corn dog another try yesterday and know he too shares my love of the "Vegy" corn dog!!!

Now, before you all rush out to buy this product, I feel I must warn you of 2 things. First, please note, I have not had a "real" corn dog in probably 20+ years so I have no idea how the Morning Star variety compares to the real thing; in other words- you might not share my enthusiasm. Secondly, they might not be available at our Kroger because last night I rushed out and bought the last of the corn dogs before the "Morning Star" sale ended- sorry!

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 corn dog

Meal Plan: 150 Calories, 1 meat, 1.5 starches

Wellness Wednesday

In honor of National Nutrition Month (you did have your calenders marked, didn't you?) I though it might be nice to reacquaint ourselves with the mascot of the nutrition world "The Food Guide Pyramid." As many of you already know, the pyramid received a face lift in 2005 and now has vertical lines running up the pyramid to distinguish between food groups vs. the old horizontal lines.

The new and improved pyramid continues to emphasize the importance of balance, variety, and portion control but now recognizes that in nutrition "One Size Does Not Fit All." To reflect this new attitude the pyramid is now called "MyPyramid" and comes complete with an interactive website designed to help users individualize the pyramid to reflect their personal dietary and weight management goals. The website offers a personalized "MyPyramid Tracker" where you can enter your daily food intake to evaluate how your food choices match up with the recommended guidelines. It also has MyPyramid tools for children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Check it out at mypyramid.gov.

Slow Blog Day

Sorry so few posts today. I had one of those super busy days but I got nothing done kind of days. I searched the Internet over looking for a fabulous deal alert for you but was unable to find anything applicable to our area. I did work on our Thrifty Thursday Deals for Walgreens today- it's gonna be good! Lots of Freebies! Well I hope everyone had a great Tuesday. I still have not done my zone work or bedtime routine so I'm gonna get off this thing and get busy- Night!

Zone 4- Office and Playroom

Day 1- Tuesday

• Dust Playroom Furniture
• Sanitize Toys
• Clean Playroom Windows and Fan

Day 2- Wednesday

• Organize Craft Closet
• Playroom Baseboards and Floors
• Office Baseboards and Floors

Day 3 - Thursday

• Dust office Furniture
• Organize Desk
• Organize Cedar Chest

Day 4- Friday

• Clean Office Window
• Organize Coupon Center
• Organize Window Seat

Day 5- Saturday

• Dust Computer and other Electronics
• Sort Magazines and File
• Organize and Update all Files

Tidy Tuesday

Well we are back to the dreaded PLAYROOM for clean up this week. Right now my consignment clothes/toys are spread out all over my office, so I think I am actually more nervous about the office part of this zone this month. Anyone up for zone accountability this week?

Spinach Calzones- verdicts in

We loved them!! Colby even loved them and didn't seem to notice the green stuff (spinach). Cohen threw his off his highchair- oh well... More for me!!!!

Going to bed now- no really, I am!

March thus far

So it has been 2.. no make that 3 days since I posted my new goals for the month on Super Saturday. Let's see how I'm doing....

• Meal Prep- done
• Tidy Tuesday- N/A yet
• AM routine- nope
• afternoon routine- nope
• PM routine- no *
• Wellness Wednesday- Well I did make that back appointment. BUT by the looks of the post time for this message it is clear I did not make my bedtime*
• Thrifty Thursday- I used my FREE rental code for redbox to get Colby a movie for rest time
• Familytime- We did do learning and devotional time today. Devotional time ended with one child crying and the other in time out.
• Quiet Time- Yes
• Project of the Month- I priced 10 items for consignment (my goal is 10 items a day)

*I must confess the reason I am not in bed at a decent hour AND the reason I'm going to bed with an untidy kitchen and untidy.... well everything else is because I started watching "The Bachelor- Final Rose Ceremony."- Pure TRASH!!! Now let me say, this was the first and only episode I watched all season and I was still sucked in. Not only did I watch the sappy "final rose ceremony" I even tuned into the "After the Final Rose Show." "What a world we live in" is all I can say!! Sad. The only good that came from me watching that show was that it reminded me that I had NOT had my daily time with the Lord. Thus the "yes" next to Quiet Time.

Please excuse my bragging!

I have two things I am very proud to tell you.

#1 Today I fulfilled my January Goal to call and make an appointment with a back doctor!!!!! I have suffered with mid to upper back pain for over 10 years and no ONE or no THING has been able to help me; so I am not getting my hopes up. BUT at least I finally followed through with my goal and now maybe my Mom will stop asking "Did you call and make an appointment today?" (I know your just concerned Mom- thanks)

AND

#2 This one is HUGE! Last week on Biggest Loser the contestants had to do "Up Downs*" for their physical challenge. The first contestant to reach 100 Up Downs won.... well, I can't remember exactly what they won but anyways... Ever since I watched that episode I have wondered "Could I do 100 Up Downs?" Well...... Tonight I challenged my husband to see who could do the most Up Downs. I never really thought he would play with me (you see, he is a lot cooler then me) BUT he did. And guess who one???...................... ME! Woo Hoo! That's Right! DH did 101 and yours truly did 110! Anyone up for breaking my record?! Double Dog Dare You! Sorry I'm a little annoying when I win!

*Up Downs- From a standing position drop to your belly (belly must touch the ground) and then stand back up and touch the rope (or in our case we touched the chain on the living room fan). Do that over and over and over.....

You all asked for it!

Well, technically just one person asked to see my picture..... but she practically begged ;) Well here at DRS, I aim to please, so Amy here is my couch dirt!!!

Deal Alert

Go here to print coupons for Seventh Generation products including a $2 off 1 coupon for any Seventh Generation baby product. I'm thinking FREE to nearly free baby wipes!

Mealtime Monday- accountability

What are you serving this week around your table?

Deal Alert

The Free Monday rental redbox code is: MS72K3

Remember this code is good until midnight tonight. And you must return your rental in one day or you will be charged $1/each additional night.

Chili

Nothing extraordinary about the chili I'm making. Just following the recipe on the back on the McCormick or Williams Chili Seasoning. I do add a can of spicy V8 just to spice it up a bit.

Chili

1 pkg on favorite chili seasoning
1 lb of extra lean ground beef
2 cans (8 oz) tomato sauce or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (I went ahead and used 1 of each)
1 can kidney or pinto beans (I used 2 cans Kroger Chili beans- I love beans)
1 6oz can Spicy V8 (optional)

Brown Beef, drain fat, then add all the other ingredients to a pot. Bring to boil; cover. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe (how I made it)
Meal Plan: 226 Calories, 2.5 meats, 1 starch, 2 vegetables
What great nutrition!

I won't lie I will be serving this with 2% cheese and FRITOS!
32 Fritos = 160 Calories, 1 starch, 2 Fats!

Spinach Calzones

I thought this looked like a yummy vegy dish this week. You could easily add chicken to it if you wanted some meat. Of course Donna would have made her own bread dough BUT for time sake this Donna wannabe stuck with frozen dough (wish it could have been whole wheat- but oh well). I am hoping this recipe is a winner- it sure sounds good and it just might be a way to get some spinach down my boys!

Spinach Calzones

Go here for the recipe.
I lightened the recipe by using part skim ricotta cheese, only 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Nutrition Information (for modified recipe)
Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
Meal Plan: ~350 Calories, 2.5 meats, 2 starches, 1 vegetable, 1.5 fats
(nutrition information for modified recipe is my best estimate)

I am going to serve this with marinara sauce and a side salad

Crockpot Pork Pineapple Tenderloin

I found a new website (thanks Jenny's Blog) that is an awesome resource for crockpot recipes. It's called A Year of CrockPotting. The creator of this blog challenged herself to use her crockpot every day in the year 2008. From what I gather she must have someone in her family with a gluten allergy because most, if not all, of her recipes are gluten free. She has a very entertaining blog- I think we could be friends in real life. I don't know she is probably way cooler then me! Anyways... this crockpot recipe was found on her blog. This will be my first time to prepare the dish so as always- I'll let you know how it goes.

Pork Pineapple Tenderloin

Go here to see the recipe.

I did choose to use canned pineapple over frozen
(Dole pineapple on sale at Kroger this week)
I also only used a 1.75lb pork tenderloin

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 4 oz of pork (1/7th of all the fixens and sauce)
Meal Plan: 215 Calories, 4 lean meats, 1/2 fruit

I am going to serve this with rice and might add another vegetable from my stockpile.

Chicken Quesadillas

This is a fun recipe for quesadillas that uses chickpeas as a base. For those of you new to chickpeas they are also know as Garbanzo beans. Add those beans to high fiber tortillas and you've got one fiber packed meal. Bowels beware! (sorry I just mentioned bowels on the same post as your recipe!)

Chicken Quesadillas

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and mashed
1/2 cup low fat sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
1 large clove of garlic, minced
8 7" flour tortillas (high fiber)
2 tsp vegetable oil (I'll just use Pam)
1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1/4 cup each finely chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions
1 Tbs chopped cilantro (optional)
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack Cheese

Preheat oven to 400

Combine mashed chickpeas, 2 Tbs sour cream, 2 Tbs salsa, and garlic in a small bowl. Mix well. Set aside.

Brush one side of each tortilla with oil (or spray with Pam). Arrange 4 tortillas, oil-side down, on a baking sheet. Spread 1/4th chickpea mixture over each tortilla, leaving a 1/2" border.

Combine shredded chicken, red pepper, green pepper, green onions, and cilantro in a small bowl. Spread 1/4th chicken mixture over chickpeas, followed by 1/4th cheese. Cover with remaining tortillas, oil-side up.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until tortillas are a light golden brown. Remove from oven. Let cool 5 minutes before cutting (this is important, otherwise tortillas will slide apart). Cut each quesadilla into 6 wedges. Serve with remaining sour cream and salsa.
Makes 24 wedges.

Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 wedge (1/24th of recipe)
Meal Plan: 65 Calories, 1/2 meat, 1/2 starch

This recipe was found in a really cute cook book called "Looney Spoons" by Janet an Greta Podleski

PS To make the chicken I used for this recipe, I put chicken breasts in crockpot with 1 can rotel and cooked on high until done (about 3-4 hours) or could cook on low all day.

Salmon-Potato Cakes

This is a recipe that is compliments of Better Homes and Gardens. What a tasty way to have Salmon. I did use the frozen Salmon fillets for this recipe but for a cheaper meal I'm sure canned salmon would work fine. Although it has been awhile, I have fixed these before and can confirm they are gooood!

Salmon- Potato Cakes

Go here for the recipe.
To lighten up this meal I used microwaved mashed potatoes (from box) with no added margarine. I also found a bottle of light Honey Mustard dressing.

Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe (nutrition info for salmon cakes only)
Meal Plan: 395 Calories, 3 meats, 2 starches, 2 fats

I am going to serve this with a side salad (as recipe states)

Mealtime Mondays

Ok, once again I didn't quite make my 1 hour 30 minute goal for all meal preparation. Nope- it took me 1 hour 37 minutes. Darn! And no drama to blame the overage on this week. But everything looks pretty yummy so I am sure it will be worth the extra 7 minutes. The following describes the prep steps I took and how I plan to store each meal until final preparations:

Monday Night: Spinach Calzones. I am most anxious to try these and I am not sure how the bread dough would do for an extended time in fridge sooo I am going to eat these tonight. I prepared up until the baking step and stored in fridge until time to bake.

Tuesday Night: Chicken Quesadillas. The quesadillas were fully prepared, wrapped in foil, then stored in the fridge. I will just throw the quesadillas wrapped in foil in the oven Tuesday night.

Wednesday Night: Crockpot Pork Pineapple Tenderloin. I prepared Pork in a freeze ziplock bag. I dumped all ingredients except the peppers and pineapple into bag to let pork marinate. (My pork was actually still frozen so it will have from Sunday night until Wednesday morning to defrost in marinade in the fridge). I went ahead and chopped peppers but I chose not to add to marinade. I stored both pork and peppers in fridge. Wednesday morning I will dump contents of pork bag into crockpot followed by the can of drained pineapples and peppers. Cook on low all day.

Thursday: Salmon-Potato Cakes. I formed my salmon patties and then placed them in a freezer safe dish in the freezer. I will try my best to remember to transfer patties to fridge Thursday morning to begin thawing. Thursday night I will just spray my electric griddle down with Pam and sizzle these cakes up!

Friday - Saturday: Out of Town

Sunday- After browning beef, I dumped all ingredients into a freezer safe ziplock and stuck it in the freezer. I am going to try to remember to get chili out of freezer Friday to let thaw in fridge over weekend. Sunday I will put chili in crockpot before church and then come home to a nice bowl of hot chili!

Me vs Couch

Well tonight I finally got around to decrumbing the couch. Disgusting! You know I am dying to show you the picture I took, BUT in fear you are getting sick of seeing my dust, clutter, lint, etc. I have decided to spare you (however, if just one person requests to see the picture I am sooo posting it). The most unusual thing I found hidden in the couch crevices was a packet of apple cider. I also found a picture of DH grandparents (frame and all), scooby band aid, several pens, shorts, the battery cover to the remote, a sucker stick, and crumbs of everything from cereal and granola bars to raisens and popcorn. Where was all the money that I was suppose to find? Don't all couches have hidden money? Anyways.... The worst part of the experience was that I caught Cohen eating the crumbs. GROOOOOSSSS!!! Why should we get a dog when we have a 17 month old.

Sonday Sunday- Scripture Accountability

Here's your Mr. Linky for those that want to share their verse of the week.

Sonday Sunday

Last week I got sick. I felt like my throat was closing in, I totally lost my voice, and my eyes were a lovely shade of red but I kept right on trucking. That is until my body just wouldn't go another minute. At that point I was forced to crawl into bed and just sleep. When I awoke from this "unplanned" slumber I could not find the motivation to climb out of bed so I picked up my bible from the nightstand. I had no destination in mind so I just let the pages fall where they may. God is sooo Good! Guess where I landed?.... Psalms 127 Read this:

It's useless to rise early and go to bed late,

and work your worried fingers to the bone.

Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves!

Psalms 127: 2 (The Message)

I shut my bible and lay there in awe. In that moment I realized that He had brought REST to me when I wasn't willing to get it for myself. I had pushed myself to the limit but He, in his infinite wisdom, had a plan to force me to stop and REST. And ultimately my rest led to spending a little more time with HIM. I love that!

Question?

How do all you "cute" bloggers get music on your blogs? I sooo want some music.

Ah Man!

Darn! I didn't qualify for that survey! I can kiss that $5 goodbye! Pickles!

Deal Alert

Free Biscuits!! I just got back from Kroger and can confirm that Kroger is giving "Money Off your Next Purchase" catalinas for the $1 Grands Biscuits.

Buy any Pillsbury Refrigerated Baked Good Between 2/23 and 3/22:

• Buy 3 and Get $1.50
• Buy 4 and Get $2.00
• Buy 5 and Get $3.00

Best Scenario: Use 2 $0.50 off 2 coupons here

Final Price: $2 for 4 cans of biscuits then get $2 back making them FREEEE!

I am personally really excited about this deal because we have biscuits and gravy day every Friday Morning!

Kroger also surprised me with another interesting Catalina tonight: A "Give us your Opinion and We'll Pay you $5" catalina. I have never received anything like this before but I am soo going to take that survey and put that $5 back into my grocery budget! What a gift!

Sonday Confessions

Yet again I feel led to confess that I have been very hit or miss with my daily quiet times. If it wasn't for Sonday Sunday devotionals, I am embarrassed to say, my Bible would have stayed on my bedside table a couple of weeks last month. The days I find quiet time to "Be Still" with the Lord- I am able to approach the day with a more Christlike perspective. I find I am more patient and loving with the children, more empathetic with my clients, and better able to keep my actions in line with my priorities. Days I hit the floor running without so much as a glance at my Bible or Whispered prayer to the Giver of Time- I find are much more chaotic, less fulfilling, and I lose site of what is really important. Why do I do this?!?! Can't help but think of Romans 7: 15


I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.


Therefore in March priority #1 is going to be daily rejuvenation with the Lord!

Project of the Month

Well I didn't exactly accomplish my February Project of the Month: Repaint the Hall. BUT we did repaint the master bath or at least did touch ups. So I am gonna count that.

My March Project is going to be to get ready for the local Spring Consignment Event. I hope to sell enough of the boys old clothes and toys to pay for their Spring wardrobe. We'll see....

Familytime Friday

Ok, I have really been slacking in this area the last 2 weeks. I have let "busyness" take priority over familytime. My lack of sleep and never ending to-do list have left me short tempered and impatient with the boys on what is supposed to be "Mommy Days-" days devoted to just me and the boys. In March I must do better about not letting other things crowd out my familytime. After all, the whole reason I started this blog to begin with was to hopefully replace my income so I could eventually be home more with the boys!!! I think the quote on my friend Kelly's blog says it best (Kelly has one of those cute blogs I was telling you about earlier)

"You're gonna miss this, you're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days, hadn't gone so fast

These are some good times, so take a good look around...

You may not know it now, but your gonna miss this"

I tear up every time I read that! How many times have I been told that "they grow up so fast" and yet I take my time with my children for granted instead of treasuring each moment. My ultimate goal this month is to slow down and just spend more time "playing" with and enjoying my family.

Refill Envelopes Reminder

For those of us following the envelope system of budgeting- it's time to refill our envelopes for the month.

Thrifty Thursday

Thrifty Thursdays in March will continue to host the DRS Couponing 101 Lessons for the next couple of weeks. I hope someone out there has found the lessons helpful!

My personal goal for the month is to get back on track with my budget. I am officially nervous about meeting my annual $5000 goal because I truly thought I would be caught up by now. And I'm almost out of all that chicken I bought in January! BUT I'm NOT giving up! The good news is I have almost $60 coming my way from Walgreens' rebates so that will really help the budget if I spend it wisely.

I do love hearing about all your savings success stories so keep me updated!

Wellness Wednesday March Goals

One again I have to confess that although I have dished out the Wellness advice faithfully I have not been taking care of my own wellness.

• I have yet to follow through with my January Wellness Goal to schedule a doctor's appointment for my back. Goal: Call next week- REALLY!
• Although I did much better on my sleep as a whole, I still broke my midnight curfew at least 2 times a week. Goal: This month I am going to move my bedtime goal down to 11:30pm. We'll see......

What about you? How are you doing on your own personal Wellness Goals?

Day Task Reminder

Day Tasks are weekly chores or activities, not included in the zone work, that are assigned to specific days of the week.

Monday: Library Day, Pay Bills and Office Filing

Tuesday: Vacuum or Swiffer floors throughout house

Wednesday: Clean inside Microwave and Mop Kitchen Floors

Thursday: Date Night (in my dreams!), Swish Toilets (swish v. 1. the action of inserting the toilet brush into the toilet bowl and swirling it around thus cleaning the toilet bowl)

Friday: Errand Day, Project Day, Feather Dust House

Saturday: Change Bedsheets, Family Fun Day, Clean out Refrigerator, Grocery Shop (if grocery game posts early enough)

Sunday: Cut up fruit and vegetables for snacks, Iron clothes for coming week, REST

Daily Routine Reminder

Morning Routine- usually 7am - 8am (Please note I am NOT a morning person, therefore I try to keep my morning routine as light as possible):

• Quiet Time
• Breakfast
• Take Vitamins
• Get dressed for day
• Get kids dressed
• Dishwasher emptied and refilled
• Clothes in dryer
• Crockpot turned on (if applicable)
• Kitchen and Bathroom counters wiped down

Afternoon Routine- usually take 1-2 hours (this is done during rest time for boys or after work on days I work)

• Zone Work (Flylady says to spend no more then 15 minutes on this)
• Day Tasks
• Fold laundry
• Prepare Dinner
• Straighten up all rooms
• Return phone calls and check emails

Bedtime Routine- this starts after supper

• Clean up supper
• Pack lunches, backpack and diaper bag for next day (only on work days)
• Start Dishwasher
• Boys bathtime
• Start load of laundry (I do one load a day and alternate between permanent press and regular- but NEVER take laundry advice from me- I am horrible!!!)
• Wipe down toilet (this is done everyday because I live with 3 boys), sink, counters and Spray Shower Cleaner
• Bedtime routine with boys
• Gather up stuff for next day ex: phone, planner, etc.
• Lay out clothes for next day (work days only- I totally wing it on days I am home:)
• Plan for next day
• Reading time

March Cleaning Schedule

Effective Dates (Tuesday - Monday); Zone; Supplies

March 3 - 9, Office and Playroom, Windex, Dusting Spray, Electrical Appliance Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaner or other Sanitizer, Swiffer Wet and Dry or mop and broom, vacuum, paper towels

March 10 -16; Outside, Garage, Laundry Room; All-Purpose cleaner, broom, mop, leaf blower (optional), windex, coins for the car wash, vacuum, trash bags, containers to sort: donate, garage sale, keep, etc., paper towels

March 17 - 23; Kitchen and Dining Room; Windex, All-Purpose cleaner, Oven Cleaner (I have an older oven with no automatic oven cleaner), Turtle Wax (to shine sink), broom, mop or Wet Swiffer, vacuum, paper towels. Dusting Spray or Furniture Polish (ex. Pledge)

March 24 - 30; Bedrooms and Closets; Windex, Dusting Spray, vacuum, Wet and Dry Swiffer (we have stained concrete in our bedrooms), paper towels

Remember to check out flylady.net for the ultimate cleaning plan.

Tidy Tuesdays in March

I continue to have HIGH hopes that one day I can conquer the house. Although there are many days I just want to wave my white flag and surrender to the clutter. It really does make a world of difference when I follow my morning, afternoon, and bedtime routine- I just have to do it!!! I did best when I held myself accountable with Mr. Linky.

Anyone out there up for some Tidy Tuesday in March?

Coming up soon.... Master Cleaning Schedule and Daytime Routine Reminder

March Month of Meals

Here is the March Line up of Meals!

Week 1:

• Salmon-Potato Cakes with side salad and Honey Dijon Sauce
• Chicken Quesadillas with salsa
• Pork Pineapple Tenderloin (crockpot) with rice
• Spinach Calzones with marinara sauce
• Chili

Week 2:

• Fish Tacos with Black Bean and Corn Salsa and side salad
• Greek Chicken Pasta with side salad
• Crockpot Rotisserie Style Chicken with Baked Potatoes and green beans
• Black Bean Burgers with tomato salad
• Breakfast Casserole

Week 3:

• Salmon Teriyaki with Vegetable Stir fry and rice
• Blackened Chicken Salad
• Roast with carrots and potatoes (crockpot)
• Vegetable Pizza
• Mexican Casserole

Week 4:

• Spicy Grilled Shrimp with rice and stir fry broccoli
• Chicken Squares with green beans
• Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken with Mango Lettuce Wraps and rice
• Vegetable Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Cream Tacos

March Mealtime Mondays

How is everyone doing on their meal planning? Are you ready for some new healthy recipes? Well your March Month of Meals Menu is coming soon!!!

Remember that I have decided not to provide a master grocery list for the month. If you have any specific questions about ingredients prior to the actual recipe posting just let me know!

Ultimate Long Term Blog Plan- Phase One

Aaaaand I'm BACK! Sooo I was just about to tell you about phase one of my Master Plan to Make this Blog profitable:

In a word.... CUTE! That's right- I think it's my blog's lack of curb appeal that is holding me back from making the big bucks (even $1 per day would be nice). From my statcounter website I have been able to click over to other DRS readers' blogs, and let me tell ya- they have got it going on! No generic blogger templates there- nothing but genuine CUTENESS! I'm talking Pizazz! Being on their sites just make me want to smile and stay awhile. Then I come back over to DRS and if it wasn't for the picture of Donna Reed herself, I think I would fall asleep!

Therefore, in order to create a more enjoyable DRS experience for you dear readers, I am going to invest in a new Blog template that better reflects the DRS personality. In the redesign I also hope to accomplish a better layout for the blog that will enable easier navigation around DRS. However, my "Ultimate Long Term Blog Plan- Phase 1" plan does not allow me to go forth with the redesign until I have had 50 return visitors for 5 days (does not have to be consecutive). My goal is that this will happen by April 30th (my birthday) and I can relaunch the "New Face of DRS" that weekend! So tell your friends and tune in often! please

I do realize that this is extra dorky that I have guidelines for when I will allow myself to "cutify" my blog- But does it surprise anyone?! All you cool people out there with your cool blogs- cross over to the nerdy side- I dare ya!

Ultimate Long Term Blog Plan

Well you know I can't do anything without a plan, and here lately I can't make any plan without telling you about it, so here it is......... I'm going to let you in on my Ultimate Dream for this here Blog........... Now don't laugh.................

My Ultimate Goal for this blog is not only to educate the world about DRS, a disease that so often goes undiagnosed, but also to eventually make a little money off the process. Now I have been told by a number of professional bloggers that this is a far fetched dream BUT they don't understand the power of a DONNA wannabe with a PLAN!

You will notice on my sidebar I have a couple of different ads. As of right now, that is my only source of income from DRS. Every time someone clicks on one of those ads or purchases something from amazon from this site I get a tinsy portion. Let me give you an idea of how this is working for me: As of February 27th I have made a total of $5.95 for the Year! Woo Hoo!!! If you break that down to an average profit per day I am racking in a whole $0.10 per day! So you can see I'm a loooooong way off from being able to quit my day job. BUT my DRS makes me think that this whole dream could still work..... with the proper plan, of course.

I am not ready to present the full master plan of how I plan to launch this whole DRS business (partly because I haven't yet figured that out myself) but I do want to let you in on the first phase of my plan............................................. AFTER I COME BACK! Cue music. (Sorry I just got done watching the DVRd American Idol's Result Show- Go Kris Allen!!)

Super Saturday!!!

It's that time again! Time to roll out the master plan for the NEW month. Each new month brings hope and a fresh start to the DRS afflicted. Through our DRS tinted glasses we see the new month as our opportunity to get it right, to get it all together, to get reDONNAfied. For those of you that have practiced safe blogging and have avoided catching DRS- you know that in reality there is no way this side of Heaven any of us could achieve full Donna Reed Status but ain't it entertaining watching us try!

Stay tuned for a post packed day here at DRS central!

Deal Alert

This just in: $5 off 1 coupon for Huggies Gentle Care Diapers here !!!! WOW, this kind of deal doesn't come around very often! Hurry and print 2 off before the print limit has been reached!!! This deal will not last long.

While there, go ahead and print a couple of $3 off 1 coupons for Huggies Natural Fit Diapers.

Then go here to learn about an upcoming Walgreens deal that will score you some really cheap diapers!

Thanks Common Sense with Money!

Deal Alert

Don't forget to check out the coupons.com sidebar. There are some great new coupons including several organic food discounts and even a $10 off LeapFrog product!

Deal Alert

I have not personally tried "Naked" Fruit Juice but I have had several patients tell me about it. Go here to print 2 $1 off 1 coupons to possibly get some FREE Naked Fruit! Thanks Thrifty Mama!

Deal Alert

We don't have any pets in our family BUT for those that do, Money Saving Mom told me (and everyone else that looks at her blog) about a $3.50 off 1 coupon for Purina Brand Pet Food. Sounds like a good deal to me! Go here to fill out a brief questionnaire and print your coupon.

Deal Alert

ABC or A Bright Child Toys in Downtown Conway is having a 50% off sale this Friday and Saturday. The ENTIRE store is 50% off. This would be a great time to stock up on future birthday and even Christmas gifts for the kiddos.

PS Tell them Donna sent you. They won't have a clue what your talking about but tell em anyways- just for fun. (I'm so weird)

Familytime Friday

TGIF! Guess what I'm doing right now as this post hits the blog? SLEEEEEPING! Sorry to rub this in, BUT my Mom is down visiting and she insisted I sleep in today while she watched the boys. And who am I to disrespect my mother- right?! So I am going to do what normal people call "wing it" today and not plan out our day of activities. I know- what a rebel!
If we do anything extraordinary I'll let you know. Talk to you soon!

Deal Alert

Go here to print a Buy 1 Get 1 Free (B1G1) coupon for Glade Sense and Spray Automatic Spray OR Glade Plug-ins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions.
If you can catch a B1G1 store sale that could equal 2 FREE products!

Change in Plans

Ok folks, it was a hard decision but for my sanity and health I have decided NOT to provide a master grocery list for the month of meals. I do apologize to those that utilized this list in the past. To make it up to you, I will try to give you deal alerts for ingredients you will need for the month of meals to help you with your stockpile. I WILL still be providing the Master Menu on Super Saturday so you will have an idea of main ingredients (ex. chicken, beef, fish etc.) I'm just looking for ways to make this blog more manageable so I don't get burned out. Don't get me wrong, I'm really enjoying the blog world it is just that it is taking over my life (or so I've been told). I hope you understand. I'll go ahead and throw up a Mr. Linky for any of you that have a strong opinion on the matter- you know I always love comments! Thanks and Love!

Annual Budget Countdown

As I mentioned last week I shopped at 4 different stores last week. You can read about my Walmart, Target, and Walgreens run here. My total from the first 3 stores was $64.15 out of pocket (does not include rebates).

On Sunday I made my weekly Kroger run:
Total Spent: $61.57
Total Saved: $41.49

Total for week Spent: $125.72 (OUCH!!!!) (By the way this use to be my weekly budget B.C.(before coupons) and I ALWAYS went over)
Total Saved: $41.49 (this is not accurate because I saved a lot of money at Walmart, Walgreens, and Target I just did not figure those numbers in)

Total Spent for 2009: $828.85
Total Saved for 2009: $616.79 (Kroger only)
Total $ left for year: $4171.15

I am about $60 over budget BUT I should have around that amount coming back in rebates. Still I have got to do better. No more Walmart!!!

Deal Alert

Looking for fiber? How about FREE fiber! Go here to print off a rebate form for a FREE All Bran product up to $4.99 value. Choose from:

• All Bran Strawberry Medley cereal
• All Bran Fiber Bar
• All Bran Fiber Drink Mix
• All Bran Rolled Fiber Wafers

Deal Alert

How about some free formula? Go here for a free sample of Parent's Choice Formula (not sure of sample size). My babies are past this stage of life but I am sure we have friends who would love a FREE sample of Formula so you betcha I signed up!

Walgreen's deals of the week

Here are my favorite deals of the week:

Reynolds Wrap on sale for $0.89 with Walgreens weekly flyer coupon (limit 2)
Use $1 off 1 from 2/8 SS
Final Price: FREE + $0.11 overage

Stayfree Maxi Pads 16-24 packs on sale $2
Buy 2 and use 1 B1G1 coupon from 1/4 RP and use this coupon for $1 off 1
Final Price: $0.50 each

Register Reward Deals (RR)

Buy 1 Excedrin 20 or 24 count at $1.99 get $1 RR
Use $1 for 1 from 1/4 SS
Final Price: FREE after coupons and RR

Gillette Fushion Razor on sale for $8.99 get $6 in RR
Use $4 off 1 from 2/8 PG
Final Price: FREE plus $1.01 after coupon and RR

Gillete Embrace Razor on sale for $8.99 get $6 in RR
Use $2 for 1 from 2/8 PG
Final Price: $0.99 after coupon and RR

This week Easy Saver Rebate Offers

Walgreens Brand Nutritional Drink 6 pack on sale for $4.00
Submit for $4 Rebate in EasySaver Catalog (Rebate #14)
Final Price: FREE

Theraflu on sale 2 for $10
Use 2 $2 for 1 here or 2 $1.50 off 1 from 1/4 SS and Submit for $6 Rebate when you buy 2 (Rebate #12)
Final Price: FREE or $0.50 each after rebate and 2 coupons

Oust Air Sanitizer or Surface Disinfectant on sale for $2.99
Buy 2 and Use B1G1 from 1/4 or 2/8 SS and submit for $2 back (Rebate #31)
Final Price: $0.50 each after coupon and rebate

Glade Scented Oil Refill pack on sale 2 for $5
Use $1 off 1 from 2/1 SS and submit for $1 back (Rebate #31)
Final Price: $0.50 after coupon and rebate

February Free after Rebate Items (last week to take advantage of ES savings)

Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler up to $4.29
Use $1 off 1 from 1/4 RP
Final Price: Free plus $1 overage after coupon and rebate

Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer or Spa Foundation up to $10
Use $2 for 1 from 1/11 SS
Final Price: Free plus $2 overage after coupon and rebate

Revlon Creme Lip Gloss up to $10
Use $2 for 1 from 1/11 SS
Final Price: Free plus $2 overage after coupon and rebate

Thermacare Trial Size Neck, Shoulder and Wrist Heat Wrap up to $2.49
Final Price: Free after rebate

Walgreens Multi-Purpose No Rub Solution 4 oz up to $1.99
Final Price: Free after rebate

Zucol Cold Care Lozenges 18 pk up to $7.99
Use $2 for 1 from 2/1 SS
Final Price: Free plus $2 overage after

Deal Alert- Kroger

It's Dollar Days at Kroger!! Sounds like fun huh. Go here to see a copy of this weeks Kroger Flyer to see a complete list of $1 items. Following are the items I am most excited about:

Martha White muffin mix for $1
Supposedly (have not confirmed) there are $0.55 off 2 peelies on select Martha White Baking mixes
Final Price: $0.90 for 2

Cameo or Braeburn Apples on sale $1 per lb

Dorritos, Lay's, Funyuns, or Cheetos (2-5oz bags)on sale $1
I plan on getting some Cheetos for the boys (No there is not some hidden nutrition secret found in Cheetos- my boys will just think I'm really "cool")

Dole or Kroger canned Pineapple on sale $1
(Pineapple is an ingredient I will need for next months menu!)

Hunts Tomato Sauce or Paste on sale $1
Use $0.40 off 2 from 1/18 SS (expires 2/28)
Final Price: $1.20 for 2


Knorr Rice or Pasta Sides on sale $1
Use $0.50 off 2 from 1/18 RP
Final Price: $1 for 2

Kroger Frozen Vegetables on sale $1

Pillsbury Homestyle 10 ct. or Grands! 5 ct. Biscuits on sale $1
These coupons are found in almost all the SS most recently use $0.40 off 3 for the homestyle or $0.50 off 3 for the Grands in 2/8 SS or go here to print 2 $0.50 off 2 coupons for Grands! Biscuits.
Final Price: anywhere from $0.50 to $0.73 per can depending on coupon
PS There is a rumor that a $3 catalina will print when you buy 5 Pillsbury products but has not been confirmed in our area!

Colgate Toothbrush on sale $1
Use $0.75 off 1 from 2/22 SS
Final Price: $0.25

Dole Cole Slaw on sale $1
(If you decide to make that yummy Pork BBQ this would make a great side!)

Fresh Express Garden Salad on sale $1
Use $1 off from recent Kroger mailer
Final Price: FREE

Kroger mini Carrots on sale $1

Other Deals:

Pork Loin on sale $1.97/lb

Sanderson Farms Whole Fryer on sale $0.67/lb
(normally I would not be interested in a whole chicken but I have a rotisserie chicken on my March meals so I am going to stock up now!)

Healthy Choice Entrees or Steamers on sale 5 for $11 (you don't have to buy 5!)
There is a $0.50 off 1 cellfire coupon but it had to be loaded by 2/23 and use $1 off 2 Healthy Choice Steamers from January All You Magazine
Final Price: $1.45 each for 2 with both coupons

For those of you still using Baby Formula: Comforts Baby Formula on sale for $8.99
Use $3 off 1 Kroger Mailer coupon
Final Price: $5.99

And my favorite deal: Morning Star Farms Meat Free products on sale $2.50 (Awesome deal for Kroger!)

And there you have it. Not as much FREE stuff as I like but anyways.... I'll let you know if I find any other great deals when I actually shop Saturday night.

DRS couponing 101- organizing coupons

So last week we started our basic couponing class with learning where and how to collect a nice coupon stash. This week we are going to look at ORGANIZING your coupons. That word just makes me smile. I LOVE everything about organizing: brainstorming and development of the organizational plan; shopping for organizational products; using my label maker (double smile); implementing the plan; and seeing the final product. (I know- more conformation of my nerdyness- I accept it)

Anyways... I want to share with you my method of coupon organization and then give you some additional ideas that might work for you.

At first, when I was just a casual couponer, I would go through the weekly newspaper inserts and just clip coupons I thought I might need and file the clipped coupons in my handy dandy coupon organizer notebook that I bought at Walmart- see pictures.

As you can see it had little pockets for different coupon categories such as: baking, beverages, breakfast, canned goods, cleaning, dairy, frozen, meats, paper products, pasta, personal care, etc.

Pros: Very portable. I was able to slip the little organizer in my purse to take with me to the grocery store.

Cons: Clipping coupons is very time consuming. Because I only clipped coupons I thought I would need I often threw out coupons that I later wished I had. Plus there is no way this little organizer could have held all my coupons once I became a hard core coupon addict.

Once I became a hard core couponer my method of coupon organization changed:

As many of you know my true couponing addiction began with "The Grocery Game." This service matches weekly store savings (Kroger and Walgreens in our area) with manufacturer coupons to help gamers purchase products at "rock bottom prices." The game references coupons by type of insert (RedPlum, Smart Source, Proctor and Gamble, etc) and date (date the insert was in the newspaper) Therefore, I revamped my coupon organizational system to help me better locate the appropriate coupons when the game suggested I use them. I did this by implementing a coupon file box in which I would file coupons by date and insert type. Even though, these days, my weekly deal hunts extend way beyond "The Grocery Game," I still find that this method works great for me.

I knew I would be storing my coupon container on an open shelf in one of our main living areas so I chose to spend a little more money on my container to make it blend in with our decor. I started out with just one file box and then within 2 months of collecting coupons I went back to The Container Store to purchase my second box. I could easily go for a third, but I don't have room for another so I just try to do better about throwing out expired coupons and inserts. If your coupon container is not going to be "on display" you could use a cheaper filing box or plastic filing container. (The more it will hold the better, if you ask me)

Inside my coupon box I have hanging files that are labeled by date. Inside each hanging file I have folders labeled "SS," "RP," and "PG" for SmartSource, RedPlum, and Proctor and Gamble. Every week when I get my collection of newspapers all I have to do is pull out all the coupon inserts and place them in their appropriate file folder and I'm done. This takes seconds verses the hours it might take me to clip all of the coupons. Often I don't even take the time to look in the inserts until a coupon is referenced on one of the many couponing sites I watch. I keep all inserts filed for at least 4 months (by then most coupons are expired).

For my printable coupons I have file folders labeled: "Food," Self-Care," "Cleaning," and "Medicines." When I print off a coupon I file it in one of these folders. Because the printables are often not referenced on the couponing sites I make it a habit to go through each of these files once a week before I head out to the grocery store. I also store my Kroger Mailer coupons, Catalinas, and unused coupons (coupons I thought I would use at the grocery store and then didn't and now I have no idea what file they came from) in this section. I also have a hanging file for Restaurants, Clothing, Home Improvement, and Walgreens (this is where I store my EasySaver catalog)

Pros:

• Time Saver! Don't have to take all Sunday afternoon clipping and filing individual coupons
• I can easily find coupons when "The Grocery Game" or other couponing sites reference them by date.
• Saves all coupons. Who would have ever thought I would buy "Bald Head Cream" but last year when this was going to be a money maker at Walgreens I was sure glad I hadn't thrown out this coupon!

Cons:

• Sometimes hard to find coupons if it is not referenced by one of the coupon sites. For example, if we are out of soap and soap is not on sale this week the couponing sites are not going to reference soap so now I have to go digging though all my files until I find a soap coupon.
• Not very portable. Depends on the filing box you use, I guess, but there is no way I could take my coupon boxes with me when I shop. This means I might miss out on special deals that were not necessarily advertised on any of the couponing sites. For example, lets say "our" Kroger has placed Ragu Tomato Sauce on the clearance aisle (Did you know there was a clearance aisle? There is, it is over near the razors and self-checkout aisles), I know that I have a coupon for this tomatoe sauce but because this sale was just true at our Kroger I didn't know to bring this coupon. Soooo if I want to take advantage of this sale I will have to go home dig through all my coupons until I find the Ragu one. Does that make sense?

There are lots of other methods for coupon organization. Below I have provided links to other ideas for coupon organization. The best tip: Find the method that works best for YOU! And then come back to DRS and share it with me!!!

Money Saving Mom's Coupon Box

Out of the Overflow's binder method

If you have found this lesson helpful let me know. If you have additional questions let me know that too!

Thrifty Thursday

Yea! It's Thrifty Thursday. There is some pretty good deals out there this week ladies! After my Walmart debacle last week I have decided I am not going to take the time to write up a bunch on Walmart deals because there is a good chance they are not accurate for this area. So if you want to see "possible" Walmart deals go here courtesy of Deal Seeking Mom.

Coming up later this morning another exciting lesson in the DRS Couponing 101 series!

Let me know about the deals you have snagged this week!

PS

I have not written in about the condition of my house lately- total disaster. So there you go, your up to date. Good night.

BBQ Pork- Verdict

Well I think I told you that I was a little nervous about the BBQ because I used a pork loin instead of pork roast. Well fear no more- it was capital Deeeeelicious! I will never go back to a pork roast again. Cohen (America's pickiest eater) even liked it! Highly recommend it! And guess what- pork loin is on sale this week at Kroger! More on that tomorrow!

Deal Alert

Go here to print off 2 $5 off 1 coupons for Glucerna cereal. Glucerna is a brand that is marketed toward people with diabetes; but would be a healthy choice for anyone. At $5 off 1 this should make for some FREE cereal. I have seen this cereal at Walgreens near the diabetes testing supplies (not with the food).