Just for Fun: Grocery Store GPS

My Shopping Trips: CVS & Target

CVS:
Transaction 1:
1 Hershey Eggs @ $2.50
1 York Peppermint Patties @ $2.50
2 Peanut Butter Snickers @ $0.50 each
3 Kellogg's Special K Cereal @ $2.50 each
2 Snickers @ $0.88 each
2 Cadbury Mini Eggs @ $3.79 B1G1
Coupons
-$2 off $10 worth of Easter Items
-$1/3 Kellogg's Special K Cereal
-$1/2 Mars Easter Candy
-$2 ECB
-$8.99 ECB
-$1 ECB
OOP $3.72
Saved $27.79
Received $4 ECB for Kellogg's and $2 for Hershey candy (I bought 2 Hershey candies last night also)

Transaction 2:
3 Kellogg's Cereals @ $2.50 each
Coupons:
-$1/3 Kellogg's Cereals
-$4 ECB
-$2 ECB
OOP: $0.50
Saved: $11.47
Received $4 ECB for Kellogg's

Target:
3 Glade Room Spray @ $0.99 each
1 Method Dish Soap @ $3.59
1 Green Works Bleach @ $3.99
1 Splenda Brown Sugar @ $3.43
1 GW Light bulb Pack @ $2.39
3 Market Pantry Soup $0.64 each
1 Lysol No Touch Kitchen System @ $9.99
Coupons:
-$1 Glade Room Spray (Target Coupon)
-$2/2 Glade Products
-$1 Method Dish Soap (Target Coupon)
-$1 Method Dish Soap
-$2 Greenworks Laundry Item (Target Coupon)
-$1 Greenworks item
-$1 Splenda itme (Target Coupon)
-$2 Splenda item
-$2 GE Light bulb pack (Target Coupon)
-$1/3 Market Pantry Soups (Target Coupon)
-$3 Lysol No Touch Kitchen System (Target Coupon)
-$3 Lysol No Touch Kitchen System
OOP $9.27 (used a gift card, so really I paid $0)
Saved $20.70

I also had  a coupon for a free item at Bath and Body Works worth $5 so I thought I would throw that in there.

Freebies: P&GbrandSAMPLER

Who doesn't love FREE stuff? I got my quarterly P&GbrandSAMPLER in the mail today filled with freebies and coupons!

How to get yours:
Create an account at the P&GbrandSAMPLER website.
Select the samples and coupons you want to receive.
Submit and wait for the mail!

The fine print:
You must be at least 18 years old.
The address you enter will be used as the shipping address for your coupons and samples.
When you choose your offers, there will be a limit of one order per registered user.
Only one sample and coupon request per household address per quarter.
Open to U.S. residents only.

My Shopping Trips: Walgreens & Target

Walgreens:
2 Jell-O Instant Pudding @ $1.19 ($0.59 with in-ad coupon)
2 Reynolds Foil @ $3.99 ($3.19 with in-ad coupon)
1 Reese Egg @ $1.09
Coupons:
-$1.50/2 Reynolds Wrap
-$0.50/2 Jell-O or Instant Pudding
-$4 RR
OOP $3.17
Saved $9.50

Target:
1 Glade Room Spray @ $0.99
1 Kashi Steam Meal @ $3.29
1 Up & Up Aluminum Foil $1.22
1 Candyland Board Game @ $5.00
2 Market Pantry Soup $0.64
1 Market Pantry Cream of Chicken @ $0.91
Coupons:
-$1 Glade Room Spray (Target Coupon)
-$1 Kashi Frozen Item (Target Coupon)
-$2 any Kashi item
-$0.75 Up & Up Food Storage item (Target Coupon)
-$2 Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, or Memory Board Game
-$1/3 Market Pantry Soups (Target Coupon)
-$0.05 Reusable Bag
OOP $4.55 (used a gift card, so really I paid $0)
Saved $11.44

Just For Fun: How Long Does Food Last?

[Source: Daily Savings from All You]

Just For Fun: What Kind of Couponer Are You?

Source: coupons.org

My Shopping Trips: CVS & Kroger

When I walked into CVS today, I overheard the cashier's talking and one of them said "She comes in here a lot." I laughed. Say what you want, but I saved over $50 and I think that's pretty good.

CVS:
3 Carefree Liners @ $1.00 each
5 Kellogg's Cereals @ $1.77 each
2 Colgate Optic White Toothpaste @ $3.49 each
1 Neosporin Essentials Trial Pack @ $12
1 Biore Steam Activated Cleanser @ $7.79
1 Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips @ $7.99
Coupons:
FREE Biore Cleanser WYB (1) Biore Pore Strip
-$5/5 Kellogg's Cereals
(3) -$1 Carefree Liners
-$5 Neosporin Essentials Trial Pack
(2) -$1 Colgate Optic White
-$5 ECB
-$5.99 ECB
OOP $15.47
Saved $52.98
Received $4 ECB from Biore and $4 ECB from Colgate
Will submit $12 Mail in Rebate for Neosporin Essentials Trial Pack

Kroger:
Mega Event Items (Buy 10, Save $5 instantly):
1 No Yolks Noodles @ $2.23
1 Kroger Cresent Rolls @ $1.49
1 Kraft Dressing @ $2.19
2 Kraft Fresh Takes @ $2.29 each
1 Aunt Jemima Frozen Waffles @ $1.88
2 Country Crock Spread @ $1.49 each
2 Philadelphia Cooking Creme @ $2.29 each
Non-Mega Event Items:
2 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta @ $1.00 each
1 Kroger BBQ Sauce @ $1.19
Coupons:
-$0.40 No Yolks Noodles (doubled)
(2) -$1.50/2 Kraft Fresh Takes or Cooking Creme
(2) -$1 Country Crock Spread
(2) -$1 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta
-$0.50 Aunt Jemima Frozen Waffles
-$5 instantly for Mega Event
OOP $9.32
Saved $21.17 (69%)


My Kroger doubles coupons $0.50 and under.

What's Cooking: Not So Evil Deviled Eggs

I used yogurt instead of cottage cheese. I also didn't have any pickle relish so I chopped up a small sweet pickle.

Ingredients:
- 12 eggs
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (or you could use plain greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard (you could also use dijon)
- 3 tablespoon light Miracle Whip (or light mayonnaise)
- Salt, Pepper, and Splenda (or stevia) to taste
*Optional: Paprika (adds the pretty ‘red spice’ to the eggs), or chopped parsley (for green color)
*Variations: Add finely chopped chives, red pepper, or celery for a healthy crunch


Cooking Directions:
1. Place your eggs into a saucepan. Add enough cool water to cover the eggs by at least 3 inches. Put the pot on a burner and set the temperature at high. When the water boils, lower the temp to med-high, and let the egg be in boiling water for 10 minutes. Turn off burner. Let eggs sit in hot water for 2 minutes.
2. After the eggs have sat in the hot water for 2 minutes, using tongs, carefully place the eggs one at a time into a bowl filled with ice water (or run the eggs under cold water continuously for about 2 minutes).
3. Peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. With a small spoon, carefully remove the yolks, reserving 6 yolks for another use.
4. In a blender, puree the cottage cheese until smooth. (If you are using yogurt, skip this step!)
5. In a medium bowl, mix the remaining 6 egg yolks with the cottage cheese mixture, Miracle Whip, relish, mustard, and seasonings to taste.
6. Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out egg whites. Arrange the eggs on a platter and sprinkle with paprika.
7. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Refrigerate leftovers.

Source: www.dashingdish.com

What's Cooking: Zucchini Chips

I am not a big fan of zucchini, but I wanted to try this recipe out for a healthier snack alternative. I found they are best when warm.

Ingredients:
- 2 large zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch disks
- 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs (I like Panko, but you could make your own ‘fiber one’ breadcrumbs or use whatever type of bread crumbs you like)
- 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese (or grated asiago cheese)
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
*Optional season variations: 1/4 teaspoon of any of the following: dried onion powder, oregano, Mrs.Dash seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Stevia, parsley, or basil

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil will work, but parchment paper works best), and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Wash zucchini and slice into 1/4 inch slices.
3. Mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan and seasoning in one bowl. Place the egg whites in another bowl.
4. Dip zucchini slices in the egg whites, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, coating them evenly.
5. Spread zucchini out on in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast 7 minutes. Turn zucchini over. Roast another 7-8 minutes, or until coating is crispy and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Sorry, no freezing instructions.

Servings: 4 (One Serving ~ About 1 Cup)
Calories: 60 Per Serving

Source: www.dashingdish.com

My Shopping Trips: Walgreens & CVS

Made some money this week on the Right Guard deodorant.

Walgreens:
4 Right Guard Deodorant @ $4.49 B1G1
1 Blood Glucose Monitor @ $14.99
2 Snickers Peanut Butter Eggs @ $0.49 each
-$3/2 Right Guard Deodorant
-$2/2 Right Guard Deodorant
-$1/2 Mars Easter Products
-$10 RR
(2) -$2 RR
OOP $5.65
Saved $32.18
Received $4 RR from Right Guard
Will submit $14.99 Mail in Rebate for Glucose Monitor

CVS:
1 PediaCare Mutli-Symptom Cold @ $5.99
1 Zrytec Tablets @ $5.99
-$1 PediaCare
-$7 ECB
-$2 ECB
OOP $2.82
Saved $13.30
Received $5.00 ECB from PediaCare and $5.99 ECB from Zyrtec

What's Cooking: "Baked" Apple Crisp for Two

This is a perfect portion without having to make an entire pan! It's so easy to make.

Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples, of your choice, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon light/whipped butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon stevia/splenda/low cal sweetener of choice, or more depending on desired sweetness and tartness of apples)
- 1/3 cup quick oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon all spice
- optional: 4 tablespoon light whipped topping

Cooking Directions:
- Arrange the apple slices along the bottom of a microwave safe dish and set aside.
- In small bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients until crumbly (everything except for the whipped topping of course!).
- Sprinkle the crumble over apples.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave safe cover, (saran wrap pierced with a fork a few times will do), and microwave for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the apples are soft and can be easily pierced with a knife.
- Serve warm, with 2 tablespoons of light whipped topping with each serving if desired!

Sorry, no freezing instructions. When you smell it, you won't want to freeze it anyways!

160 calories per serving

For a crispier topping, you could make this exact recipe in the oven! Simply bake the apple crisp in a 8×8 baking dish at 375 for 35-40 min or until apples are soft, and the topping is lightly browned.

Source: www.dashingdish.com

What's Cooking: Skinny Pizza Rolls

Pizza rolls are so tasty, but so bad for you! I was excited to find this recipe for a healthier version...and they taste GOOD!

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce
- 20 pepperonis (turkey pepperonis are healthier)
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon basil/oregano mix or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of sweetener such as sugar
- pinch of black pepper
- Optional: 1/3 cup chicken breast, diced or 1/3 cup light Italian sausage

Cooking Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450ºF. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or foil coated with non-stick cooking spray. Gather ingredients.
- Combine pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, seasoning and chicken, or sausage in a bowl. Stir until combined.
- Begin filling wonton wrappers by placing about a tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper. You could use a little more or less, just try not to over-fill them, or the filling will ooze out the sides when you are baking them.
- To seal them shut, place your finger in water, trace two of the corners with the water, and fold the wrapper in half to meet the two dry corners with the two wet corners. Press to seal the two sides together. (Note: the water acts like glue to seal the corners shut.)
- When wonton wrappers are filled, give them a light spray with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of each one. Lay pizza rolls out on prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven (450ºF) for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Serve or freeze.

Freezing Instructions:
 Cool completely and store in freezer bags. To serve: Warm in microwave or oven until heated through.

Source: www.dashingdish.com

My Shopping Trip: Meijer

General Mills cereals are $0.87 after coupons and sales this week, so I stocked up! I'm also getting ready to try and make healthy pizza rolls so I needed to get some pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.

Transaction:
(4) Cinnamon Toast Crunch @ $2.50 each
(4) Honey Nut Cheerios @ $2.50 each
(2) Kraft Shredded cheese @ $4.99 each
(1) Meijer Pepperoni @ $0.98
(2) Kraft Homestyle Mac & Cheese @ $1.88 each

Coupons Used:
(4) -$0.50 Cinnamon Toast Crunch
-$0.50 Cinnamon Toast Crunch (mPerks)
(4) -$0.50 Honey Nut Cheerios
-$0.50 Honey Nut Cheerios (mPerks)
(2) -$2 instantly WYB 4 General Mills Cereals
-$0.50/2 Kraft Shredded Cheese
-$1/2 Kraft Homestyle Mac & Cheese
-$1 Kraft Homestyle Mac & Cheese (mPerks)

OOP $18.72 with tax
Saved $24.3

My Meijer doubles coupons under $0.50 and allows manufacturer coupons to be stacked with mPerks digital coupons.

What's Cooking: French Toast Sticks

One of my favorite breakfast foods is french toast.

We have nonstick baking sheets, so I did not spray the pan and my french toast sticks stuck to the pan! I sprayed the next batch and that seemed to work much better. You could also add 1/2 cup vegetable puree (sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, or acorn squash is recommended) to make these a little healthier.

Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
- 8 eggs
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 1/3 cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice bread slices into thirds. In a large bowl mix all ingredients except sliced bread. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Dip bread pieces, one by one, in the batter until coated and then place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes turning over half-way through to ensure even cooking on both sides. When done, remove to cooling rack. Serve or freeze.

Freezing Instructions:
Allow to cool on cooling rack completely or place on a cool cookie sheet and place in freezer for 10-15 minutes or until partially frozen (flash freezing). Place in Ziploc freezer bag and place in freezer until ready to use. To serve: microwave 30-45 seconds.

Source: www.onceamonthmom.com

My Shopping Trips: Walgreens & CVS

I have been wanting to get more into freezer cooking and I was waiting for a decent deal on freezer bags. They had them B1G1 at Walgreens this past week, so I took advantage.

Walgreens:
4 Hefty Zip Gallon Freezer Bags @ $3.29 B1G1
1 Lypsyl Extreme Cold Sore Relief @ $5
(2) -$1/2 Hefty Zip Bags
(2) -$2 RR
OOP $6.39
Saved $17.37
Received $5 RR from Lypsyl

CVS:
1 Pretzel M&M's @ $4.19 each ($1.49 each with e-mail coupon)
1 OneTouch UltraMini Glucose Monitor @ $10
-$1 Pretzel M&M's
-$10 OneTouch Glucose Monitor
OOP $1.19
Saved $22.99

What's Cooking: Waldorf Chicken Salad Sandwiches

So yummy! I made mine with mayonnaise and no onions.

Ingredients:
- 1 Large chicken breast
- 1 Red apple, cut into small squares
- About a half a cup of chopped celery
- A large handful of red grapes- each grape sliced in half
- About half of a red onion, finely chopped
- A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans
- About 1/2 cup of low fat plain yogurt or mayonnaise
- Salt, pepper
- Bread

Cooking Directions:
Boil the chicken until fully cooked. Let it cool somewhat, then chop into small pieces. Add all ingredients into a large bowl and stir.

Freezing Instructions:
Place individual portions of salad into quart-size freezer bags. Label and freeze. To serve: Thaw in refrigerator. Serve chilled.

Source: www.healthyfortwo.com

My Shopping Trip: CVS

This was the most amount of money I have saved in a single CVS transaction!

Transaction:
(2) Colgate Total Toothpaste @ $2.75 each
(2) Nivea Lip Care @ $2.50 each
(2) Nature Made Fish Oil Vitamins @ $10.99 B1G1
(1) OneTouch UltraMini Glucose Monitoring System @ $9.99
(1) Nivea Body Wash @ $4.00
(1) Nivea Creme Tin @ $0.99
(1) Kotex U Liners

Coupons Used:
(2) -$0.75 Colgate Toothpaste
-$10 OneTouch Glucose Monitor
-$1 Kotex U product
-$2 Nivea Body Wash
(2) -$2 Nature Made Fish Oil
-$3/2 Nivea Lip Care
Free Nivea Creme Tin (from Beauty Club e-mail)
-$7 ECB
-$4 ECB
-$2 ECB

OOP $4.44 with tax
Received $8 total in ECB
$1 SavingStar deposit
Saved $61.32

My Shopping Trip: Target & Walgreens

I love getting stuff for FREE! Here are my shopping trips from Target and Walgreens this week.

Target:
2 Market Pantry Mac & Cheese @ $0.74 each
2 Travel Size Band Aids @ $0.97 each
1 Rectangular Labels @ $1.94
-$0.05 Reusable Bag
(2) -$1 Band Aids
(2) -$1 Market Pantry Mac & Cheese 
OOP $2.03
Saved $3.47

Walgreens:
4 Snickers Creme Valentine Candy @ $0.59 each ($0.39 each with in-ad coupon)
1 St. Joseph Enteric Aspirin @ $2
1 Sundown Vitamin D @ $4
-$1 Sundown Vitamin
-$1.50/2 Mars Seasonal Candy
-$5 RR 
OOP $0.59
Saved $10.42
Received $2 RR from aspirin
Will submit $4 MIR for vitamins