Wedding Day

Wedding Day
Enjoy EVERY moment in your wedding gown. You can't stay in it forever...SO UNFAIR!!!!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Thrifty Tips for September 27, 2012

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WEBSITE

Now is the time to earn extra cash or get your foot in the door with seasonal employment.  Walmart announced they would be hiring about 50,000 seasonal employees,  and Kohl's plans to hire roughly 52,000 seasonal employees.  If you just want to make some extra holiday cash or again, if you are looking to get a foot in the door, seasonal employment in retail is a great way to go, and I have a wonderful website for you to check out.  Go to SnagAJob.com.  You can enter your zip code and get a good list to get your started with employers looking for new hires in your area.  Register and you can get job alerts sent right to your email.  

And remember that even if you do not see an advertisement for employment, check out your local retail stores.  Many will be hiring right now so they can get everyone comfortable and fully trained for Christmas sales. 


RECIPE

All kinds of roasts are on sale at Fry's.  Here is a great recipe for Slow Cooker Roast.  A slow cooked roast is a great way to tender up a piece of meat as it will cook all day.  It makes almost any meat perfect.  This recipe calls for a can of broth, but I use chicken stock that I always have on hand after making roast chicken.  Next time you make a whole chicken or even buy a rotisserie chicken, pop the carcass in a crock pot and fill half way with water.  Let that cook while you are at work, and you will come home to a great stock that you can freeze.  Use whatever works for you. 



FUN REWARDS PROGRAM

I do not know what took me so long to sign up for this one, but you should definitely check out Kellogg's Family Rewards.  When you buy participating Kellogg's products, be sure to check inside their boxes where you will find a 16 digit code. Enter the code at Kellogg's Family Rewards and trade them in for coupons, sweepstakes, books magazines and more.  Get all the details at Kellogg's Family Rewards.

FREE EBOOKS (These books were free at the time of my posting this.  That can change.  Always check to see the price before you commit to the download)

The Me I Want To Be- Becoming God's Best Version of You by John Ortberg (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)  (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM)

NIV Once-A-Day 31 Days of Wisdom - Zondervan (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE) (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM)

Retro Family Recipes - Old Fashioned Recipes from the 1960s - 1990s by LeeAnne Jones (AMAZON)

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

FreeCCM has five free music downloads including "The McGuire Side" by Gabriel Wilson.

FREEBIES

While supplies last you can sign up for a free sample of Pedia-Lax Probiotic Yums at Target online.

Download the free Redbox app for iPhone or Android phones and get a free movie rental and when you do you can get a free movie rental code by texgting the following codes:  
iPhone - RBAPP to 727272
Android - RBPLAY to 727272

Get a treat on your birthday when you join Hostess's SweetList.  You will also get other deals throughout the year.

While supplies last, sign up for a free sample of EmergenC


GROCERY SALES
These are my tops.  Each store name will also link to their website where you can learn more.

ALBERTSONS

Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag $1.99 each
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $1.77 lb
Driscoll's Raspberries 6 oz 88 cents (limit 4)
Kellogg's Cereal 10.52-14 oz, Pop Tarts 12 ct, Special K Bars 5-6 count or Crackers Select Varieties $1.99
Wish-Bone  Salad Dressing 16 oz 10/$10
Red, Green or Romaine Leaf Lettuce $1.00 each
Delicious Eggplant $1 each 
Yoplait Yogurt 4-6 oz Select Varieties 20/$10
Everyday Oatmeal Canisters 18 oz Select Varieties $1
Pillsbury Brownie 19.5 oz Family Size or Moist Supreme Cake Mix 15.25 oz 10 for $10

SAFEWAY

Whole Boneless Pork Loin Sold Whole in Bag $1.99 lb
Fresh 80% Lean Ground Beef $2.49 lb
Ripe Bananas 39 cents lb
Almond Breeze Milk 64 oz
Assorted Potatoes and Yams 99 cents lb
And don't forget you can download coupons directly to your Safeway Loyalty Card at Safeway.com

FRY'S

USDA Roast Sale Bottom Round, Sirloin Tip, eye of Round, top Round Beef Chuck or Shoulder Buy One Get One of Equal or Lesser Value Free (Not sure what to pick, check out this eHow article)
USDA Choice T-Bone Steak Bone-In Beef Loin Buy One Get One of Equal or Lesser Value Free (limit 4)
Fry's Milk Vitamin D, 2%, 1% or Skim 1 Gallon $1.59 (limit 2)
Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag 99 cents
Ocean Spray 100% Juice 64 oz $1.99
Broccoli or  Cauliflower 99 cents
Barilla Pasta Select Varieties 10/$10
Sara Lee Bread Select Varieties 20 oz or buns 8 ct $1.77
Kroger Butter 16 oz $2.39
Tostitos Tortilla Chips $1.88
Driscoll's Raspberries 88 cents (limit 4)







Thursday, September 20, 2012

Thrifty Tips for September 20, 2012

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HOUSEHOLD TIPS

Today instead of sharing a favorite savings website, I thought I would share some household tips on the cheap.

If you have hard water stains, you can clean them up by making a mixture of two parts salt and one part vinegar.  Rub it into the stains with a sponge or cloth.

I love this one, rub car wax on your stove top, buff it in, and messes will come off more easily!  Brilliant right?

Clean your mirrors with shaving cream (not gel) and they will not only shine, but they wont fog up as easily.

Mix olive oil and lemon juice for a homemade furniture polish.

Polish sliver ware with a paste made of corn starch and water.

Lastly, want to make your own laundry detergent?  Follow this link to a recipe I posted in March.  It is amazing and makes so much!  I made my last batch in September and I have only started using my second bottle.  I still have half a tub of concentrated cleaner left to fill up more bottles.  I figure I will easily get a  year and a half out of this recipe.

FREE EBOOKS (These were free at the time of my posting.  Always check the price before you download)

Springtime of the Spirit (The Great War) by Maureen Lang (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE) (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM)

Homestead: Modern Pioneers Pursuing the Edge of Possibility (AMAZON)

How to Crochet for Beginners by Judith Rogers (AMAZON)  Only free now for Amazon Prime!  That was fast!


FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

iTickets.com has three music downloads this week including "Stand" from Britt Nicole.

New Release Tuesday has five free downloads this week including "Resuscitate Me" from Remedy Drive.  You can also preview Remedy Drive's new album "Resuscitate" at New Release Tuesday this week.



FREE SAMPLE

While supplies last sign up for a free sample of Purina Healthy Weight at Walmart.

While supplies last sign up for a free sample of Finish Quantum for dishwashers. 

Sign up for your free sample of Fleur fragrance while supplies last.

Bio-True contact solution is offering an opportunity for a free sample too.


GROCERIES


Kroger Boneless Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins Fresh $1.67 lb (limit 4)
Pork Loin Back Ribs or St.  Louis Style Spare Ribs, Previously Frozen, Buy 1 Get 2 Free (limit two free per transaction)  Save up to $7.99 lb
Red Seedless Grapes 75 cents lb
Campbell's Soup Select Varieties 10.5-11.5 oz 99 cents (good time to stock up on the creamy recipe enhancing soups)
Barilla Pasta Select Varieties 12-16 oz 99 cents
Bar-S Meat Franks Select Varieties 16 oz 99 cents
Hunts Tomatoes Select Varieties 14.5 oz 99 cents
Quaker Cereal Select Varieties 12.5-14 oz $1.88
Colgate Toothpaste or Toothbrush Select Varieties 6.4 oz or 1 ct 99 cents



Fresh  Assorted Pork Loin Chops Bone-in $1.49 lb
Healthy Choice Meals 8.75-12.5 oz Selected Varieties Excludes Steamers 5/$10
Cacique Chorizo 10 oz 99 cents
Rotel Canned tomatoes 10 oz Selected Varieties 99 cents
Gerber 2nd Foods 2-pack 3.5 oz or 6 oz Gerber Graduates Lil' Meal Tubs, Selected Varieties
99 cents
Herdez Salsa 16 oz 2/$4
Lucerne Sour Cream 16 oz Selected Varieties $1.69




Assorted Pork Loin Chops bone-in $1.28 lb
Red Seedless  Grapes 68 cents lb
Malt-O-Meal Cereal 11-12 oz 88 cents
Michelina's Entrees 4.5-9.5 oz 88 cents
Red, Yellow, or Orange Bell Peppers 88 cents each
Tomatoes on the Vine $1.88 lb
Radishes, Green Onions or Cilantro 2/88 cents
Broccoli Crowns or Cauliflower 88 cents

PLUS GREAT FLYER COUPONS

Purex Ultra Liquid Detergent 50 oz $1.88
Albertsons Large Eggs 12 ct 98 cents (limit 2)
Albertsons Apple Juice 64 oz Select Varieties $1.48
Albertsons Vegetables 14-16 oz 88 cents
Blue Bell Ice Cream 64 oz $3.88 (limit 4)


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Saving Money By Cooking From My Pantry



Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.

My son is a high school senior, and although I thought I was pretty much prepared for this stage, I am not.  Emotionally it is taking its toll, but it has also taken a toll financially.  Having a child who is a senior in high school brings up lots of extra expenses.  Clothes have never been a major concern, my son is not a clothes horse.  Give him some jeans and a t-shirt, and he is good.  He also prefers clothing from Goodwill, well, other than his sneakers.  The thing that caught me off guard is the testing fees, admissions fees and the all important senior portraits.  Here I am accustomed to paying under $100 for a portrait package.  Not so in senior year.  It is PRICEY!  Mind you, the pictures are pretty outstanding, but again, something I really hadn't prepared for.  

So it is time to find some budget wiggle room, and the best place is the grocery budget.  By eating primarily from your pantry, a family can often shave a good $100 or more off of their grocery budget.  My goal is to shave about $200.  To do that takes planning.  Below are planning tips and links to help make that easier.

1 - Inventory what you have on hand.  It takes some time, and it is pretty boring, but by inventorying what you have, you can then plan what you will cook.  Use a notebook or print some inventory pages to help you out. This link is to a great inventory sheet you can print out from Organized Home.  

2 - Make your plan.  Once you know what you have you can make meal plans.  Make them for the week!  I like to go to the Menu Plan Monday feature at I'm an Organizing Junkie to get ideas.  Recipe Key is also a great resource for finding recipes that will work with your pantry ingredients.  

3 - Put aside what you would be spending on those groceries.  If you are trying to save $100 from your grocery budget, remove it now so you will not be tempted to use it.  You can't use what you cannot access.  And if you haven't started budgeting yet, here is a good link for that too.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Thrifty Tips for September 13, 2012

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WEBSITE

I got married a little over five years ago, and we did things pretty small.  We had an outdoor wedding and I bought sweet little sandalwood fans that I decorated with ribbon and silver hearts.  I still have LOTS of those fans.  Often after a wedding, the bride is left with favors and decorations that may be packed away only to be lost at some point or tossed.  Here is a place where brides can sell their left over decorations and favors.  It is called Ruffled.  Ruffled is also a great place where brides-to-be can get wonderful wedding ideas and DIY tips for the big day.

RECIPE

Chicken breasts and thighs are on sale at Albertsons, so are Hunts canned diced tomatoes follow this recipe for Bruschetta Chicken Bake to make a different chicken dinner out of these sales items and a few inexpensive store staples.  The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, I go for 1 cup to lighten the calories.


FREE EBOOKS
The books listed were free at the time of my posting.  They may not be now so check the price before you buy.

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM) (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

God Can't Sleep:  Waiting for Daylight on Life's Dark Nights by  Palmer Chinchen (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM) (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE)

Long Time Coming by Vanessa Miller (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM) (BARNES & NOBLE)

FREE SAMPLE

While supplies last sign up for your free sample of Garnier Fructis Fall Flight at Target's free sample site.  You do take a quick survey asking about age group and product use before you qualify.

While supplies last sign up for a free sample of Prilosec OTC to block frequent heartburn symptoms after a quick survey to see if you qualify.

FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

This is pretty neat but it does require a wee bit of work.  You can get $5 in MP3 credits from Amazon when you go to Scott Shared Values and answer a quick question.  If you are already a member, you sign if, if not you sign up.  After answering the question, follow the link to enter in the code they give you. 

GROCERIES


Boneless Half Pork Loin $1.88 lb
Foster Farms Whole Chicken Fresh, USDA Grade A 77 cents lb (limit 2)
Yellow Peaches 78 cents lb
Bartlett Pears or Red or Black Plums 88 cents lb
Romaine, Boston, Red or Green Leaf Lettuce 88 cents each
Zucchini or Yellow Squash 88 cents lb
Navel Oranges 99 cents lb
Green Bell Peppers or Cucumbers 2/$1

BUY 10 SAVE $5 (Prices reflect the discount when 10 participating items are purchased)
Old Spice or Secret Deodorant Select Varieties 2-3.25 oz  $1.49
V8 or V8  V-Fusion Select Varieties 46 oz $1.99
Coffee-Mate Creamer Refrigerated Select Varieties 32 oz $2.49
Nabisco Snack Crackers Select Varieties 5.5-10 oz $1.49
Capri Sun Select Varieties 10 ct $1.49 each



Boneless Pork Sirloin Country Style Ribs $1.49 lb
Fresh Safeway Drumsticks, Thighs or Leg Quarters Bone-in 99 cents
Red Raspberries 6 oz container 99 cents each
Safeway Farms Grape Tomatoes 10 oz Container 99 cents each
Whole Pork Shoulder Blade Roast Bone-in  Sold  whole in the bag $1.87 lb
Sweet White or Yellow Corn 3/$1.00



Lean Ground Beef 80% Lean 3 lbs or more $1.99 lb
Pork Loin Back Ribs Previously  Frozen by 1 get 2 free
Pork Sirloin Chop Boneless $1.99 lb
Roma  Tomatoes $1.00 lb
Large Eggplant $1.00 each
Red Ripe Strawberries 88 cents each (limit 2- Container size not listed)
Albertsons Gallon Milk Select Varieties $1.67 (limit 2)
Chicken Breast or Thighs Boneless, Skinless $1.77 lb
Powerade Sports Drink 32 oz Select Varieties 50 cents
Progresso Vegetable Classics Soup 18-19 oz Select Varieties 99 cents
Pillsbury Flour 5 lbs Select  Varieties $1.99











Monday, September 10, 2012

Made To Crave Study - Week 2 (Yep I took a week off) Chapter 1



Because of last Monday's holiday, I took the week off of posting about my reading through "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst.  

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

I would like nothing more than to not crave things like chips and candy, but it is hard to not crave them because my body knows exactly what they taste like and it likes what it tastes.  

In the not so distant past, my body got exactly what it wanted.  It wanted chips…no problem, a soda…you’ve got it…my cravings became cemented into my body’s desires.  My body got used to these things because I never denied it.  At 20 I didn’t need to…I could eat it all and not gain a pound.  Now it seems my body will gain a pound when I walk in a room with sweets and treats.  And it sill wants what it wants, because I have allowed it.  Now I understand that my body truly cannot function well when eating these empty albeit tasty foods.  Sure I get immediate satisfaction, but that is followed by not feeling great about myself once that fades, and satisfaction that relies on chips and candy fades fast!  In no time at all I not only want more of the same, but it is almost all I can think about until I can get it.  And after…when I look in the mirror, I am so not happy that I gave in. 

Lysa TerKuerst in her book Made to Crave puts it like this “We consume what we think about, and what we think about can consume us.”  I don't want to be consumed and controlled by a candy bar and a bag of Doritos!

So what do you and I do?  

Take control of your body.  Start replacing the negative foods and thoughts with the positive ones.  You can’t eat chips if they aren’t around.  Get healthy options in the house and prepack them up to be more convenient.  

Ask God for help in this fight.  This is probably the part where I have been the weakest.  I have been able to go to God in prayer for healing, for safety, for my family and for others, but I actually never went to God for my battle with food.  When I think about it, I am not sure if that is because I have felt that this is something I should be handling on my own or do I really want God to get involved?  Am I really read to release this issue with food to my creator?  I am ready and relying on this verse this week:  Matthew 26:41 says this:  “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 

I would love if you would join me on this journey.  I can use all the tips I can get!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Thrifty Tips for September 6, 2012

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WEBSITE

It is September and that means it is time for me to work on winning prizes for Christmas presents.  My favorite way is through blog giveaways.  Blog giveaways can have lots and entries, but your odds are still quite a bit better than the large company giveaways.  I have a lot of favorites, but to make it easier for those who aren't accustomed to blogging try The Steady Hand which is a gathering spot for many blog giveaways that use Rafflecopter entry forms.  Not sure how to use a Rafflecopter form?  Mommy Living the  Life of Riley explains it here.


RECIPE

Turkey lunch meat is at a great price at Albertsons, but unless you have a lot of sandwich eaters, you may need a recipe option for some of the extra lunch meat.  You can use the turkey to make a yummy stromboli or smoked turkey and cranberry pizza.  Oh if you can help it, go for making your own dough rather than ready made.  Here's a great recipe for pizza dough.

FREE ACTIVITIES

There is another free museum day, and this time it is brought to you by Smithsonian Magazine.  The free museum day is September 29th.  Follow this link to request two free tickets to a participating museum.  This link will tell you what museums are participating among those are the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Sharlot Hall in Prescott and much more. 


FREE EBOOKS

These books were free at the time of my posting.  They change quickly so always look at the price before you download.

The Widow of Larkspur Inn by Lawana Blackwell (AMAZON) (BARNES & NOBLE) (CHRISTIANBOOK.COM)

The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook by Christy Dorrity, Amanda Hocking, Devon Dorrity, and Jason Morrison (AMAZON)


FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

New Release Tuesday has six songs available for download including "I Know" from LeCrae's new album "Gravity."  While your there, you might also like to check out the free preview of Beckah Shae's new album "Rest." Free listen and downloads for members.



FREE SAMPLE

Get your free sample (while supplies last) of Twinings tea by following this link and scrolling to the bottom of the page.


GROCERIES


USDA Choice boneless Petite Sirloin buy 1 get 2 Free with in-store coupon ($8.99 lb)
Famous Driscoll Respberries 12 oz $1.88 each limit 2
Albertsons Gallon Milk Select Varieties $1.67 each limit 2
Campbell's Condensed Soup 10.5 to 11.5 oz Select Varieties 10 for $10
Jennie-O Blue Ribbon Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Sliced Fresh in the Deli $2.99 lb limit 2 lbs
Boneless Pork Loin roast Sold in the bag$1.88 lb
Fresh Broccoli Crowns or Cauliflower 99 cents lb
Extra  Large Slicing Tomatoes 99 cents lb



ALSO GREAT BUY 8 SAVE $4 INSTANTLY -Price listed reflects the discount when 8 participating items are purchased.
Nature's Own Honey Wheat Bread 20 oz $1.49
General Mills Cereal 8.9-12 oz $1.99
Fiber One Bars 5 ct Select Varieties $1.99
Zatarain's Rice Mix 5.7-8 oz 69 cents
Wish-Bone Salad Dressing 16 oz $1.49
Herdez Salsa 4.4-7.5 oz 99 cents
Dial Complete Foaming Hand Soap 7.5 oz or Bar Soap 3 pack Select Varieties $1.50


Hass Avocados 69 cents
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Rolls or fully Cooked Selections 9.6 -16 oz selected varieties
1/1 Free
Bartlett, Bosc or Red Pears 99 cents lb
Red or Orange Yams 79 cents lb
Chicken of the Sea Chunki Light tuna 5 oz 89 cents
Barilla Pasta 5/$5



Fry's Medium Eggs Grade AA 30 ct $3
Kroger Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 10.5 oz Can 55 cents
Spam 12 oz can $2.29
Libby's Vegetables Select Varieties 14.5 to 15 oz Can 50 cents
USDA Choice New York Strip Steaks Boneless or Bone-in, Beef Loin  50% off limit 4
Kroger boneless Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins Fresh USDA Inspected $1.88 lb limit 4
Gala Apples or Navel Oranges 77 cents lb
Bananas 57 cents lb