2 Fabulous Giveaways Ending Today!

I have two fabulous giveaways ending today!  Enter now!  You may not win MegaMillions, but you could be a Bargain Becky winner (your chances are a lot better here).

1.  A copy of the book Bitches on a Budget - CLICK HERE to enter.

2.  $25 worth of awesome hair covering products from CoverYourHair.com - CLICK HERE to enter.

Eddie Bauer - 30% off EVERYTHING Today Only!

In celebration of 90 years in business, Eddie Bauer is offering 30% off everything in their store.  You can also score 30% off everything online by entering code EB90TH.  Phone Code is 162. 

Thanks Lori for forwarding this spectacular deal to me!

Shaw's Healthy Deals 2/26-3/4

Still trucking on with trying to eat healthy and not spend a fortune.  February is not a good example of this - but I try to just keep thinking long term.  I really can care less what my week-to-week budget is, because it varies a lot, but I kind of dig the whole "year" goal. 

So what's shaking at Shaw's this week?  Go to Shaws.com to print off coupons.  This week's items include:

$1/3 lbs or more Semi-Boneless Rib Steak
$1/1 lbs or more Wild Sockeye Salmon
$1/1 lbs or more Shaw's Turkey Breast (deli)
$1/2 Culinary Circle Sides
$1/1 Wild Harvest Organic Salad ($4.99 reg. price)
$1/1 Purple Passion Flowers (if I was a stripper, I'd demand that my name be "Purple Passion")
$1/1 Culinary Circle Pasta Sauce
$1/1 Whole Care Dog or Cat Food
$1/2 Shaw's Cranberry Juice
$1/5 Shaw's Condensed Soup

Back Page Catalina (General Mills, Buy $20, Get $7 Off Your Next Purchase)
These have worked on Pre-Sale Prices in the past.  I'll probably plot out a few scenarios.  I'm going to be concentrating on the Progresso Soup, Fiber One Bars and maybe a few other things. 

Just C.H.I.L.L. Catalina - buy 10 products, Get $10 OYNP
See page 3 of the circular. 

Healthy Crap to Stock Up on This Week

Boneless Chicken Breast - $1.99

Lean Cuisines - $1.99 (I hate frozen dinners...but they are handy at times)

Shaw's Canned Vegetables - .66

Edy's Ice Cream - BOGO Free

8 oz. Whole Mushrooms - $1

16 oz. Baby Carrots - $1

28 oz. Pastene or Red Pack Tomatoes - $1

StarKist Albacore Tuna - $1

Softsoap Premium - $1 (.50/1 in this month's All You.  Will Double so this will be free)

Gordon's Fish - 50% off (MFCs from paper and on the Gorton's Website)

Shady Brook Farms Turkey Sausage (20 oz) - $3.99

Shaw's Yogurt (6 oz) - .49

StonyField Farm Yogurt (6 oz) - .59 (register at Stonyfieldfarm.com and print off a .50/3 MFC that will double)

StarKist Pouches - $1.39 (recent MFCs in paper for $1/2 pouches)

Hopefully more will come later after I go through my coupons and plot out some Catalina scenarios.  Happy and Healthy Shopping to all this week!

FREE Blockbuster Kiosk Code!

Blockbuster is launching a new program where you can reserve movies online and pick them up at your local kiosk.  No really.  Click HERE for more details and to DO IT!

To try it out, they'll let you get a free night by entering code GOLIVE.  This code is valid until 3/4/10 and I believe has to be used with the "online reserve" feature they are now offering. 

BJ's Coupon Policy - Straight From the SOURCE!

The kind people over at BJ's marketing company have contacted me a few times to promote some of their specials and whatnot.  I really like this because I do love shopping at BJ's and knowing about specials they are having.  They really love it because well, it's free marketing for them if I put it on my blog. 

Anyways.  BJ's emailed me with their coupon policy spilled out in Black & White (this is from the Senior Account Executive).  Here....I'll cut and paste it:

Many people don’t know that they (BJ's) are the only major wholesale club that accept both manufacturers’ coupons from the Sunday newspaper – or print them online from sites like www.eversave.com or www.coupons.com – and BJ’s own coupons that can be found in-club or on their website at http://www.bjs.com/coupons/. What’s more…shoppers can use multiple coupons on their more than 7,000 in-stock items.


Here’s how it works: If buying a three-pack of toothpaste, they can actually use three coupons – one for each individual tube – for additional savings on the grocery bill. Coupons are available for a host of products that the clubs stock, including everything from cosmetics to cleaning supplies to meat and prepared foods.

So if you are having issues at your BJ's with cashiers not accepting multiple coupons for multi-product packages, either print this out and show them (or point them to the check writing table right there at the register where this same exact policy is printed out very straightforward).  If you continue having problems, shoot me an email and I'll forward you contact information so you can voice your concerns or problems with coupons being accepted at your BJ's. 

Grocery Budget? What Grocery Budget? $57 at BJ's!

I went into BJ's already $10 over budget this month - but I didn't care - I have a House Party to host!

1 Gallon of 1% milk - $2.22
1 box of Cookie Crisp - $5.79 (kid's impulse buy)
2 dozen eggs - $2.99
2 lbs Vine Tomatoes  - $5.99 (sign said $4.99....hummmmmm)
3 pack Romaine Hearts - $1.99
Deli Turkey - $7.41 ($2 off when you buy deli meat and Arnold Thins)
Deli Roast Beef - $7.33
2 pack Breyers Ice Cream - $5.69
Deli Provolone Cheese - $2.43
3 lbs Grapes - $5.99
3 Arnold Thins - $4.29 ea (3 $4/1 MFCs) .29 ea
Big Ol'Box of Sweet N' Low - $10.99

Total Before Coupons:  $71.69
Coupons Used:  $14.00
Cash OOP:  $57.69

Random Runs (Roxie's, Christmas Tree Shop)

I've already gone over my $416 goal for this month.  Oh well.  That's life.  I'll try to be better in March (that stupid BJ's rebate killed me - but hopefully that $40 gift card will help me survive). 

Total:  $6.44

I ain't no gourmet cook over here.  I love me some Christmas Tree Shop spices.  They are only .89 cents and do the job fine for me.  Tea is $1.99.

Total:  $18.97

Coupons:  $1.99 (Free Ravioli)

I'm too lazy to separate this trip.  My big fine was the Purdue Perfect Portions for $2.99.  These are on sale at Shaw's for $8.99 this week. 

Shaw's Run!

Total Before Savings:  $54.31

Total Preferred Savings:  $16.63

Total Coupons Used:  $19.12

Cash OOP:  $18.56

2 Lobster Classic - BOGO Free @ $3.29.  2 $1/1 MFCs from SmartSource.com.  .60 ea!

2 Boulder Canyon Chips - $2.79 ea (BOGO Free MFC from Coupons.com) $1.40 ea

2 dozen eggs - $1.79 ea (BOGO Free from Incredible Edible Egg on Facebook) .90 ea

17 oz Carapelli Olive Oil - $3.49 ($1/1 MFC from paper) $2.49

3 Campbell's Soup at Hands - .99 ea (.50/1 MFC DOUBLES, $1/2 MFC) .33 ea

2 Wise Snacks - BOGO Free @ $2.99 (2 .50/1 MFCs DOUBLE from Wise.com) .50 ea!

1 Diet Dr. Pepper - $1.25 (FREE MFC in store today) FREE!

2 Danimals Crush Cups - $2.49 ea ($1/2 MFC) $2.00 ea

7 Yoplait Yogurts - .79 ea (1 Free WYB 6 MFC) .67 ea

2 Old Spice Red Zone Swagger scent Deodorant - Reg. $3.99, clearance $1.99 (exp. is 5/2011 - not sure why on Clearance).  ($3/2 Old Spice MFC from P&G Mom's Olympic Mailer that came this week in the mail).  .50 cents ea!

BJ's Run! ($97 to $100 Unilever Rebate)

Total Before Savings: $48.72

Total Coupons Used:  $10.50

Cash OOP:  $37.75

Unilever Rebate

1 Dove Shampoo - $6.99

1 Dove Conditioner - $6.99 ($2.50/2 MFC)

1 Skippy PB twin pack - $7.39 ($1/2)

1 Snuggle - $6.99

2 ICBINB Stick twin packs - $3.99 ea (2 $1/2 MFCs) $2.99 ea or $1.50 a pack

Other Stuff

1 lbs LOL cheese - $3.59 ($1/1lbs MFC) $2.59

1 big pack Arnold Sandwich Thins - $4.29 ($4/1 MFC) .29! (Thanks House Party)

Wonder twin pack bread - $3.19

Things from This Trip -

-  Only $3 until I get to my $100 to get my $40 rebate card!  Woohoo! 

-  I must have lost my mind because I bought two different kinds of Dove.  Blah.  I could return one but I'm kind of too lazy to do that.

Request a FREE Pampers Cruisers Sample!

Click HERE to request a free sample of the new Pampers Cruisers!  Thanks P&G!

Roche Bros. P&G Catalina Starts Today

Roche Bros. is starting a P&G catalina today.  I've never done a catalina at Rochey's before so I have no idea if it works on Pre-Sale Prices.  Furthermore, I have no idea if it doubles or whatnot.  The deal is Buy $25 worth of P&G products, get a $10 Visa card in the mail.  Remember to use coupons to make the sale even better!  Here's some of the products that are included:

Pampers - $3 off regular prices
Bounce Dryer Sheets  - $3.99
Downy - $3.99
Tide to Go - $2.99
Tide Stain Release Liquid - $4.99
Febreze Air Effects Air Freshener - $2.50
Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste - $2.50
Crest Pro-Health Rinse - $4.99
Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner - $3.33
Old Spice & Secret - $2.50
Always Maxi-Pads - $2.50
Gillette Body Wash - $3.99
Iams Cat or Dog Food - $3 off regular prices
Tide 100 oz - $9.99
Bounty 15 Roll - $9.99
Charmin 24 Roll - $9.99
Puffs Plus - $1.33
Cascade - $3.99
Dawn Dish Detergent - $2.99

It says you can get more details in store.  Happy Catalina-ing at Roche Bros.!

CVS Trip! (2 Purex Laundry Detergents for a PENNY!)

Total Before Savings:  $18.02

Coupons Used:  $7.49

Cash OOP:  $1.94

2 Purex Laundry Detergents - CVS Sale (Buy 1, Get 1 for .01 @ $6.49 ea).  BOGO Free MFC from this week's Red Plum insert.  Cashier took off $6.49 so I got both for .01.

2 CVS Tissues - .99 ea ($1/2 CVS coupon that printed off at the machine there)  .49 cents ea

1 bag of cheapo jelly beans - .88

Things from this Trip:

-Note:  If you are buying the Purex, the cashier will scan both and BOTH will show $6.49.  DON'T SAY ANYTHING.  Give her/him your BOGO MFC and they'll take $6.49 off (or whatever the price is in your area).  When the cashier hits "Total", the register then automatically takes off $6.48 - making your total a whopping .01! 

-  I miss CVSing like a loon but just don't have the energy in me to do it much anymore.  Hoping to get the drive this summer to stock up on products to donate to the food bank in the winter.  Can't let cheap things just sit there when someone can get use out of them!!!

Save $15 On Your First Peapod Order!

Want to try Peapod (through Stop & Shop)?  Get $15 off your first order with promo code SSVP15B.  This code is good until 4/30/10.  Minimum purchase is $60.  Delivery for orders under $100 is $9.99.  Over $100 is $6.99.  Peapod takes MFCs. 

I used them once and it was a pretty neat experience.  Definitely great if you just have a baby or gearing up for a big event.  Some of their prices are actually really good on their website each week. 

2 BOTTLES OF PUREX FOR A PENNY AT CVS!

PUREX BOGO (From the Red Plum insert with the grocery ads in the mail) COUPON DOES WORK PERFECTLY AT CVS THIS WEEK!

What you do:  Buy 2 bottles of Purex and have that "Buy One, Get One Free" MFC that was in today's Red Plum insert.  Here's what will happen so you don't freak out that you don't see .01 when the second Purex rings up: (they both ring up at $6.49, the cashier takes off $6.49 from the MFC, then when she presses "Total", the computer takes off $6.48 for the "Buy 1, Get 1 for .01" Sale CVS is having this week).

Verdict: Take that BOGO Purex coupon to CVS from now until Saturday night and score 2 bottles of laundry detergent for a PENNY! Woot Woot!

Healthy Deals at Shaw's 2/19-2/25

Below is what I think is all good and healthy (and on sale) at Shaw's starting Friday.  Gots to watch the waistlines while we watch the wallets!  Go to Shaw's to print out Shaw's coupons (not sure what they are yet)

***Saturday February 20th - FREE 2 liter bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry!  No purchase required.  Limit 1 free 2 liter per customer with in-store coupon, while supplies last.***

Campbell Soup (Microwavable Bowl & Soup at Hand) - .99 (I have a .50/1 MFC from the CT Post (Fairfield County) which will double to make this free, the MA coupon was $1/2 which makes them 50 cents ea)

Tropicana OJ - $2.99 ($1/2 MFC from this week's Red Plum insert)

Hood Ice Cream - $2.49 ($1/2 MFC HERE)

Progresso Soup - .99 ea ($1/4 and .50/2 MFCs from the paper out there)

Shady Brook Farms Turkey Breast - .99/lbs

Peaches & Nectarines - $1.49/lbs

Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey - BOGO Free

TransOcean Crab Classic - BOGO Free ($1/1 MFC HERE.  Print 2x)

Van De Kamps Seafood - 50% off

Canteloupe - $2.49

Wise Snacks (pretzels!) - BOGO Free (Join Wise Snacks HERE to get a coupon emailed to your monthly.  This month it's .50/1 MFC). 

Purex Detergent - $2.99 (BOGO Free MFC from Red Plum this week)

Edge Shaving Cream - $2 ($1/1 MFC from paper a while ago)

Caprapelli Olive Oil 17.oz - $3.49 ($1/1 MFC from paper that doesn't expire until May)

More deals might pop up through the week.  Sadly there hasn't been any good Catalinas lately...

$2 off Fisher Price Happy Days & Nights Diapers

Click HERE to print off a $2/1 coupon for Fisher Price Happy Days & Nights Diapers.  These are only sold at Babies R Us & Toys R Us.  I have never tried them and never heard of them actually.  Specially marked packs have coupon books in them for Fisher Price stuff.  If you have tried them, how are they?

Bitches On A Budget Book Giveaway Comment - This Needs It's Own Post!

Yo!  I'm doing a giveaway (in case you haven't seen it) - Click HERE to enter for your chance to win a copy of the book Bitches on a Budget by Rosalyn Hoffman.

Just needed to give a shout out to everyone who has left a comment already!  They are all great!  Terre wrote quite a comment - worthy of being published as a post. Terre is from Maine.  Lots of good bloggers come out of Maine.  Well the only other two I like and know of are Money Saving Maine-iac and Broke 207.   Well anyways, check out her blog (www.savingyourgreen.blogspot.com) and this blurb she typed up!: 

I love your Blog Becky! I recently checked out the Bitches on a Budget page, and I like you was greatly impressed.


It is nice to see others like yourself out there. By that I mean I have a serious sense of getting something for nothing where others just pay full price.

I also have a great sense of humor and love to find others that can laugh at the same things as I do.

Bitches on a Budget kinda says it all.


It represents me completely because I go to the mall and bring my Pepsi in my purse. While I am at the mall I run into Victoria Secret with my coupon for free panties. Then for fun we walk down to JC Penny's with my $10 coupon and get my two shirts on that are marked down 75% off with that coupon.


I am feeling kinda hungry so I walk over to the food court and get my free sandwich with a coupon I printed out from a cool site called Bargain Becky.


While I am eating I look down at my super cute BOGO shoes and realize that my entire outfit cost less than $20, but I look twice as good as my cousin does who brags all the time about how much she spent on her everything.


Then I might pop over to Walgreens and buy some pretty make-up for $10, use a $5 off coupon and get $10 in Register Rewards and spend that along with a few coupons on some Shampoo and conditioner that makes my hair look beautiful and a cool toy for my son.


I already have all of the stuff I need to look hot at home from my previous trips to Walgreens.


My teeth are movie star white and will stay that way with my 3 months supply of free tooth whiteners.


I will add the Gorgeous Hair Shampoo and Conditioner to my collection that takes up a shelf one its own.


I think my lips feel even more beautiful and soft when I put the FREE lip gloss and lipstick on it.


I am also so talented and creative that I can look at a decor piece at IKEA and make it myself with free paint my neighbor was throwing out from their last remodel and the free learn how to do it at Lowes.


I take my girlfriends to the hottest yard sales and thrift stores to scour for bargains that others left behind.


I have to stop off at Shaw's on my way home because they will double my coupons and I will get $100 worth of groceries for my family for $24, and Shaw's will give me a coupon worth $5 so I will come back and shop some more.


After a long hard day I will lay my pretty little head down on a a pillow I got for 75% off and a cover up with a goose down comforter that I got for $1.50 at the thrift store. All snuggled and warm I will dream of the deals to be had tomorrow at the Old Navy sale.


(The above is just a creative bitchy rant and some of the information may or may not be changed to depict my complete bitchiness.)

Cover Your Hair: Review & Giveaway

I was recently fortunate enough to sample a product from a great little company called "Cover Your Hair".  You can find them online at http://www.coveryourhair.com/.  I'm not really a big "head gear" person, but after looking at their site for a while, I wish I was!  They have tons of unique pieces including belts, bandanas, headbands, tichels, snoods, turbans, chappones, etc. etc.  Being a bargain hunter, I have to say, the prices on the site are fantastic!  I have a few relatives who are teenage girls and these products would make perfect gifts for them.  Cover Your Hair is currently offering $1 shipping, however, I do not know how long this deal is good for (So hurry!  Go buy something from them NOW!) 

If you are a housewife and reading this, you will see how Cover Your Hair can change your daily look.  Take a look of my before and after pictures...

BEFORE

(This is me in the morning.  I have my coffee and my coupons.  My hair is a mess.  I look like I am addicted to prescription drugs, but rest assured, I am not.)

AFTER

(The next morning, upon receiving a fabulous head piece from Cover Your Hair.  I threw it on in the morning before going downstairs.  I look happy.  I look healthy.  I look like I am ready to get my cleaning on.)

Cover Your Hair is going to give one of my lucky readers a free $25 box of surprise Hair Accessories! 

(Note, when leaving comments, leave your email address if it is not available on your blogger profile)

How To Enter:

1.  MANDATORY.  Visit http://www.coveryourhair.com/ and write in a comment which items you would love to have.

Additional Entries:

1) Join their Google Friend Connect:

Go to http://www.coveryourhair.com/blog/ Click "Join This Site" in the Google Friend Connect box.  Leave a comment telling me this.

2) Follow them on Networked Blogs,
Go to http://www.coveryourhair.com/blog/ and click "Follow This Blog" on the Networked Blog box.  Leave a comment telling me this.

3) Follow them on twitter:
Click http://twitter.com/coveryourhair  Leave a comment telling me this.

4) Subscribe to their Blog feed
Click http://feeds.feedburner.com/coveryourhaircom  Leave a comment telling me this.

5) Add http://www.coveryourhair.com/ to your blog roll.  Leave a comment telling me this.
 
Here's all the boring rules:
-  You can enter up to 6 times with the methods mentioned.  You do this by commenting on this blog post (see the "leave comment" link below?  Click that.)  Comments on Facebook and Twitter don't count. 
-  You can enter up until 11:59 pm EST on 2/28/10 .
-  I'll pick a winner on March 1st through Random.org.
-  I'll email and announce the winner that day. 
-  I'll appreciate all feedback that includes how sexy I look with head pieces. 
 
Thanks for reading and look forward to reading your comments (so you better make them good ones!).

Frugal & Fabulous: Giveaway & Review: Rubbermaid Drawer Organizer!

Just letting my readers know about a fantastic giveaway Lindsay at Frugal & Fabulous is hosting. Lindsay lives in Massachusetts which makes her even more awesome than she already is. She covers Big Y, Stop & Shop, Walgreens & CVS. She does a butt load of giveaways. Oh, and she doesn't have any rugrats so she's not all about the baby crap. Check out her giveaway and blog!

Frugal & Fabulous: Giveaway & Review: Rubbermaid Drawer Organizer!

Bad Karma ala Dollar Tree

Here is a tale of how my bad thoughts bit me in the arse.

A few days before Valentine's Day, I ran into CVS to pick up a prescription (I don't count these towards my grocery spending).  I saw a whole bunch of suckers looking at the cards for their true loves.  As I walked by them, all I was thinking was "These dumb asses are going to spend $3+ a card and if they just walked their butts next door to the Dollar Tree, they can get equally as thrilling cards for only .50 cents."  So after I got my prescription, I went to the Dollar Tree and picked up 6 cards for a whopping $3. 

So this morning, I was going through our checking account online and noticed two dual CVS charges for $5.30.  I knew my husband went to CVS on V-Day (he scored a $24.99 bouquet of flowers for $4.99 because it wasn't ringing up correctly and the cashier goes 'Oh, I think these are just $5'.  Worked for him.)  I assumed said cashier just scanned his card twice or something.  So I ask him.  His reply?  "Oh, one was for the flowers and I ran back in because I forgot to buy you a card."  Of course, my insensitive-self goes "You spent $4.99 on my card?" (note:  It was nothing too special - just your standard lovey dovey V-day card).  He goes, "Yeah, isn't that how much they all are?"  I informed him about how wonderful the Dollar Tree is. He now stands corrected. 

Moral of the story?  The Dollar Tree is freaking awesome.  It is unlike any other dollar store.  It is the master.  It honestly should be a church because it's so majestic.  If you have not been, go.  It's especially a great place for party supplies.

30 Free Pampers Gifts To Grow Points

If you are a Pampers Gifts-To-Grow person, earn 30 points with this code:

GTGPLAY2USA2010

How this Weight Watcher Thing Is Going....

So yeah.  I joined Weight Watchers at the start of the new year.  I've been going, religiously.  I did start going to one meeting for the first couple of weeks - but it was packed.  Jammed packed.  People standing.  Too many people makes me all frustrated.  So I switched my days and now I love it.  It's not as crowded and equally as rewarding.  It's chock full of older people who chat about how they try to save all their points to drink wine on the weekends and make jokes about how people who can honestly eat just one slice of pizza have problems. 

Well anyways - these 15 strangers have kept me motivated.  In the past 6 weeks, I've lost 10.2 lbs.  I don't really talk about it on the blog - but I do update Facebook with my weekly weight gain or loss.  Since my initial goal was to lose between 20 - 25 lbs, I guess I can safely safe that I'm pretty much half way there.  I doubt it will only take me 6 weeks to get to that goal - I'm thinking more like 12 weeks - which puts me at the most appropriate day to reach a goal for myself - Mother's Day! 

My grocery budget isn't out of control - in fact, I think I'm doing pretty good considering I've seen some success on the scale.  So how is this Weight Watcher thing going so far?  I say "Outfreakinstanding."

 

Roxie's Run!

Total Before Savings: 

Total Coupons:  $1.89

Cash OOP:  $14.73

6 Oranges - $2.79

4 pack Purdue Turkey Burgers - $1.49

6 Plum Tomatoes - $1.66

3 lbs Mac Apples - 1.49 (.50/1 Roxie's Coupon) .99

8 oz Mushrooms - $1.39

Balsamic Vinegar - $1.49

Country Fair Bread - $1.39 (Free Coupon with $10 purchase) FREE!

2.8 lbs Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast - $4.82

If you live in or around Quincy, you need to go to Roxie's. If this little shop ever goes out of business, I will seriously cry harder than ever before.  I would actually have to go to therapy because of it.  I hope insurance covers that.

Join Roxie's TLC Club by clicking HERE.  They email you a "Free" and a "Savings" coupon every week (I think Thursdays). 

If you want to check out what specials Roxie's has advertised, go to their homepage:  http://www.roxiesofquincy.com/

Quick BJ's Run Today

Cash OOP:  $19.36

$ Toward $40/$100 Rebate:  $5.99

4 Land O'Lakes Half & Halves - $1.79 ea

1 gallon 1% milk - $2.22

1 2 pack of Breyer's Ice Cream - $5.99

1 2 pack of BJ's Apple Juice - $3.99

Things From This Trip:

-  I was going to do more with the Rebate, but I forgot my coupons in the car!  I can be disorganized at times.

-  A good tip if you want to stick to the basics and not go overboard in a discount club, is use your stroller!  I have a Graco "whatever".  Just the middle of the line Graco - It has a basket on the bottom.  I could barely get all the junk I got in there.  If you want to get in the habit of going to BJ's, Costco, Sam's Club, etc with just picking up a few things, use your stroller!  There ain't no room in that thing for a 10 lbs. box of mozzarella sticks!

-  We spend WAY too much money on Half & Half.  But you know what?  We like it.  Coffee with milk is gross.  Life's too short.  Figure out what you really like in life and actually buy it for yourself.  If you love ice cream, buy it every week.  If you like fancy teas or coffee - buy it.  Just make sure you don't buy everything that you actually love all the time.  Pick the one thing that you and your family truly enjoys.  For my husband and I, it's Half & Half.  Boring, huh?

Bitches on a Budget - A Shout Out, A Review & a Giveaway

So about a month or two ago, a friend of mine posted a link to a Fan Page on Facebook called "Bitches on a Budget."  Ha ha ha ha.  I joined - for no other reason than I loved the name.  The group is currently up to over 50,000 fans!  Click HERE to see it and join!  Little did I know, it was a fan page for a book that recently came out and a blog that is out there (http://www.bitchesonabudget.com/).  And what did this Facebook marketing do?  It made me run out and buy the book.  I'm such a sucker sometimes.

Every Saturday, Bitches on a Budget features a person who gives back.  I wrote a little comment about how I like giving blood because it's free and good and all that jazz.  Little did I know, it was chosen to be highlighted this past Saturday.  No seriously.  Click HERE to check it out yourself.  (And you can see that in reality, I do not look like a possessed Barbie doll). 

Bitches on a Budget, written by Rosalyn Hoffman is an extremely witty take on how a pure bitch can survive during economic crisis.  If you lack a sense of humor, this book is not for you.  It reiterates basic strategies to save money and honestly, just tries to get people living in the money clouds back down to reality.  Simple things like drive your car until it doesn't run anymore.  If you don't have money to spend, go to the mall but leave your credit cards at home and bring just enough money for a cup of coffee.  Find fun (FREE!) things to do at home.  How to keep yourself looking like a proper bitch without spending a ton of money.  As well as a ton of other money saving strategies.  If you need a good laugh and/or a few savings tips - go to Amazon (or your local bookstore) and pick up this book. 

But wait!  I like this book so much that I'm going to give one away to my readers.  The entry is simple - tell me How or Why You Are a Bitch on a Budget by answering this in a form of a comment on this blog post.  I don't care if you follow me here, Facebook or Twitter.  One entry per person.  I'll delete spam and multiple entries.  This giveaway will end Sunday 2/28/10.  I'll pick a winner through Random.org on March 1st and tell the world. 

Again, check out Bitches on a Budget's Blog - HERE, On Facebook HERE, On Twitter HERE.
And me.  Well I can be found here.  Or on Facebook HERE, or on Twitter HERE.

Good Luck!

Shaw's $10 Givaway @ Money Savine Maine-iac!

I love Shaw's.  I love Maine.  I love Money Saving Maine-aic!

Teresa over at the Maine-iac has an awesome giveaway going on!  Win a Shaw's Reusable Tote and a $10 Gift Card!  Woot Woot!  All you have to do is CLICK THIS LINK to see her giveaway and enter. 

Many thanks to Teresa for hosting this SHAWSTASTIC Giveaway!

Recipe of the Week - Fettuccine with Salmon and Asparagus

I think this week's Weight Watcher/Shaw's sale recipe I picked out looks divine!  I will probably actually try it.  I'm actually trying to do a cabinet/fridge purge - and I actually have some asparagus and a pack of Gorton's Salmon in the freezer.  I could probably do this without going to the store.  All the wonderful wisdom in RED is stuff that I added. 

Fettuccine with Salmon and Asparagus - I took this recipe off the Weight Watchers website.  A direct link to it is HERE.

POINTS® Value: 5

Servings: 4 (or 2 big ones - but double the points to 10)
Preparation Time: 8 min
Cooking Time: 20 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

For variety, substitute broccoli for the asparagus.





Ingredients

8 oz asparagus ($1.88/lb, or .94 cents for 8 oz.)
2 tsp olive oil
3 medium garlic clove(s), finely chopped (bulbs of garlic are actually pretty cheap - under a $1)
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (I have this in my spice cabinet - so I guess most normal people do to)
1/4 cup(s) hot water
1/4 tsp table salt
4 oz uncooked fettuccine (Prince Pasta - .88 package.  Using half a package, so .44 cents)
6 oz salmon fillet(s), with or without skin, skinless (Gorton's Salmon is $3.99, but it's 50% off - so $1.99 for 6.3 oz.  Get extra savings by printing out this $1/2 MFC HERE).  If you want fresh salmon, the Wild Sockeye Fillets are $6.99/lbs this week.
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (I actually ran out but can't find those darn plastic lemons at my Shaw's!  I guess I have to buy a bottle - I dig the plastic lemon & limes though when I purchase their respective juices.)

Assuming you have most of the basic staples, you are looking at spending less than $5 to make this. 

Instructions

Snap off woody ends of asparagus; cut each stalk crosswise diagonally into 1-inch pieces.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 1 minute. Add asparagus and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in hot water and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cover skillet and cook asparagus 2 minutes or until almost tender. Uncover and cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. (I will do this in my FASTA PASTA - the most underrated "As-Seen-On-TV" product out there)  Meanwhile, place salmon in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Microwave 2 to 3 minutes or until fish is just cooked through. (Ahhh....microwaving seafood sounds extremely nasty in my opinion.  I guess it's because I'm a snob.  I'm just going to toaster oven my Gorton fillets and then cut them up in bite sized chunks.)  Separate fillet into bite-size chunks, and mix gently with cooking juices in bowl.

Drain pasta and mix with asparagus in skillet; add salmon with juices, gently toss and serve.

The Downsides of a Blog for Fun

So yeah.  I love my little blog.  Not as much as my kids, unicorns, french fries or Sarah Palin.  But yeah it's up there (and yeah, that was a joke). 

But what really sucks about blogging is spam.  For whatever reason, it seems that all the spam goes to my inbox of my "special" email and a lot of "real" emails get labeled as spam.  Why?  I don't know.  So apologies to anyone who I might have ignored in the past few months. 

I read through a few of my actual spammies - this by far was my favorite opening line:

Hello Becky,



I’m writing you because I think you have a great blog about beauty and fashion, and I was hoping we could find a way to work together.
 
I didn't realize I was blogging to be the next Cover Girl - but okay.  I'll be a diva.  I went to the bathroom, put on my makeup and the finest hair piece I could find.  I know I'm beautiful.  You can be too if you keep reading my blog.
 

Roxie's Run!

Cash OOP:  $21.50

Kahn's All Beef Franks - $2.99

Cantelope - $1.49

Blueberries - $2.99

Strawberries - $3.99

Romaine Lettuce - .99 (Woo!)

Lime - .50

5 Oranges - $2.37

Sliced Mushrooms - $1.39

Pineapple - $1.99

6 Plum Tomatoes - $1.81

Pickles - .99

I love Roxie's! 

Shaw's Healthy Deals - 2/12-2/18

Here's this upcoming week's "healthy" deals at Shaw's.  This sale starts Friday and runs until next Thursday.  (February 12-18th).  Go to Shaws.com to print off Shaw's coupons.

Asparagus - $1.88/lbs

transOCEAN crab meat - $1.99 ($1/1 MFC HERE - this coupon is for "Crab Classic" and "Crab Supreme" is on sale - so I don't think it will fly)

Hillshire Farms Kielbasa (turkey or low-fat varieties) - BOGO Free
Healthy Choice Entrees - $2.29 ea ($1/2 MFCs HERE)

Gorton's Seafood - 50% off ($1/2 MFC HERE)

Dannon Dan-o-nino - $2.29 ($1/1 MFC from paper)

Fiber Plus Bars - $1.99 ($1/1 MFCs from paper)

Frosted Mini-Wheats & Raisin Bran - $1.99 ($1/1 or $2/2 at Coupons.com)

Bounty Basic 8 pack - $4.99 ($1/1 Bounty from paper)

Hood Cottage Cheese - $2.49 (.50/1 MFC HERE - Should DOUBLE)

Simply Smart Milk 1/2 Gallon - $3.49 ($1/1 MFC HERE)

Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna - .88 (Sign up HERE to get $1/5 Bumble Bee products)

Del Monte Canned Vegetables - $1 ea (Sign up HERE to get $1/4 MFC)

Want a Valentine's Day Bargain? Start a New Tradition!

So with Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I just wanted to share something we do that's a little different, probably a little impersonal, but extra fun and sort of a bargain.  Instead of giving everyone hearts for Valentine's Day, we go up to CVS on the 15th (Hearts are 50% off) and we all pick out our own heart (well I don't - because I'm not a big chocolate fan and I just mooch off my family).  The kids get excited because they get a heart with a cartoon on it.  The husband is excited because he just grabs the biggest heart he can find.  Sentimental and all nice?  No.  Fun?  Heck yeah!

Recipe of the Week - Grilled Shrimp Salad

In case you don't know, I try to find a Weight Watcher's recipe every week that corrolates to sales at Shaw's.  It's not necessarily from Weight Watchers, but usually it is.  I'm late this week.  Oops. 

Grilled Shrimp Salad (I modified it) - taken from the Weight Watcher's website.

POINTS® Value: 1

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 4 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Works with Simply Filling

Ingredients

1/2 pound(s) shrimp, medium-sized (about 16 shrimp), peeled and deveined (1/2 lbs of Large Cooked Shrimp @ $5.99 lbs) $3
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 large head(s) lettuce, romaine (Use Fresh Express BOGO Sale - Reg. price is $3.99)
1 medium head(s) lettuce, radicchio
1 spray(s) cooking spray
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, aged variety (in your cabinet?  If not, pick up a small bottle for cheap)
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

My red babbling is Shaw's price babble.  If there is no red verbage after an ingredient, I assume most normal people have that in their cabinets. 

Instructions

Toss the shrimp, oregano, thyme and garlic powder together in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

Spray the grill rack or a large grill pan with nonstick spray; heat the grill or set the pan over medium heat. (Note: Never spray nonstick spray directly into a heat source, whether a grill or a stove.)

Lay the shrimp on the grill or in the pan. Cook until pink and firm, about 3 minutes, turning once (this is if you buy uncooked shrimp - you're just heating the $5.99/lbs shrimp up). Transfer to a serving bowl.

Roughly chop the romaine and radicchio (or in our case, open the bag of lettuce); add it to the bowl with the shrimp. Toss with the vinegar, salt and pepper. Serve at once. Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

A Pretty Big Shaw's Trip

Total Before Savings:  $132.66

Total Preferred Savings:  $38.59

Total Coupons:  $28.00

Cash OOP:  $66.07

CATs Earned:  $1.50

1 Cottonelle Fresh Wipes - $2.79 ($2/1 MFC) .79

1 Edge Shaving Cream - $2.69 ($1/1 MFC) $1.69

2 Land O'Frost Deli Meat - $3.99 (2 $1/1 MFCs) $2.99 ea

6 Shaw's Yogurts - .59 ea

2 Kraft Shredded Cheese - $2.49 ea ($1/2 MFC) $1.99 ea

2 Breakstone's Sour Cream - .99 ea ($1/2 MFC) .50 ea

1 Super Pretzel - $1.99 (.50/1 MFC) .99 ea

2 OreIda French Fries - $2.99 ea ($1/2 MFC) $2.49 ea

2 Bagel Bites - $1.49 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs from website) .49 ea

1 Shaw's Chili - $1.39

1 Sanititas Tortilla Chips - $1.88

3 Keebler Right Bites - $2.49 (3 $1/1 MFCs) $1.50 ea

2 Goldfish - $1 ea (2 .75/1 MFCs from Pepperidgefarm.com DOUBLE) Money Maker of .50 ea

9 Dole Fruit Cups - $2.29 ea (3 $1/3 MFCs) $1.97 ea

2 Dole Jars - $2.29 ea (2 .75/1 MFCs DOUBLE) .79 ea (each spitted out a .75 CAT)

4 CapriSun Waters - $1.99 ea (2 $1/2 MFCs from KraftSupervalu.com) $1.49 ea

1 Hormel Pork Tenderloin - $4.99 ($1/1 MFC from this week's paper) $3.99 (normally $9.99)

1 Lloyd's Pulled Pork - $5.79 ($2/1 MFC from Hormel Pork package) $3.79

1 Polar Diet Orange Dry Soda - $1.00

Things From This Trip:

-  My husband started working again - so I have to stock up on lunch stuff for him when the price is right.

-  The Dole Jars are spitting out .75 CATs.  The Dole Fruit cups have .75/1 MFCs for them in the wrapper. 

-  The Hormel Pork is a pretty good deal. These packaged meat logs are usually $9.99, but are on sale for $4.99 and there was just a $1/1 MFC in this week's newspaper.

-  If you haven't checked out Wicked Cool Deals yet, you should.  Michelle posted great coupons for the Goldfish and Bagel Bites.  The Goldfish coupon makes them a money maker and the Bagel Bites coupon gets you a 9 pack for .49 cents. 

-  Fruit is so darn expensive at Shaw's!  I guess it's because it's in the dead of winter. 

-  I've reorganized all my coupons once again.  I keep my coupons in a pencil box I picked up at A.C. Moore a long time ago.  But now I alphabetized them - which makes it so much easier if I happen to see something that I want to buy that wasn't on my list but seems like a good deal with the coupon. 

Quicky Stop & Shop and Walmart Runs

Stop & Shop

I went to Stop & Shop on Saturday.  Even though I just bought a huge container of coffee from BJ's, my husband took it to work with him and we were without.  Grabbed a small container until I can get back to BJ's this weekend.

1 Maxwell House 11.5 oz coffee - $2.50
Golden Double Stuff Oreo - $2.88 (Cashier took off full price with my free coupon - $3.69)
1.62 lbs of Grapes - $3.22

Total Before Savings:  $12.23
Stop & Shop Savings:  $3.42
Coupons:  $3.69
Cash OOP:  $4.91

Walmart

1 package of coffee filters - $1.24

Total:  $1.24 (we bought more - but this was the only grocery related item)

Shaw's Healthy Deals - 2/5-2/11

I found my circular!  It was in a folder with all my tax stuff - which is really a great place for it.  If you embarked on some "eat healthier" 2010 goal, how are you doing?  This week can be the start of a craptastic eating freenzy.  First we got the Super Bowl.  This doesn't bother me because I don't watch the Super Bowl and I've never really had a desire to go out and stock up on potato skins, mozzarella sticks or Pub Cheese for the big event.  It's just another day here for us.  Then next week, if you're the recipient of a chocolate heart for Valentine's Day, you have to battle that.  I don't do hearts either.  I get them for my husband and kids the day after Valentine's Day - I've told my husband that if he wants to woo me with food, to just come home with a Big Mac Extra Value meal.  I think he thought this was rather trashy of me to say, but this is me communicating my feelings to him.  Best of luck to all with the next to Sundays!  

So back to Shaw's:

Print off Shaw's coupons at Shaws.com

Get great coupons for Kraft products HERE.  Great deals at Shaw's with these coupons include, Breakstones's Sour Cream, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Velveeta, Planters, Capri Sun, and a few others.

Good, Healthy Deals

Cheerios, Total, Trix, Cocoa Puffs, Golden Grahams - $1.99 ($1/2 MFCs at Coupons.com & Betty Crocker)

Fresh Express Salad Blends - BOGO Free

Friendly's Ice Cream - BOGO Free (low-fat & yogurt varieties are included)

Goldfish - $1 (.75/1 MFCs at http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/)

CapriSun - $1.99 ($1/2 at KraftSuperValu) $1.49 ea

Split Chicken Breast - .99 (I'm a food snob and refuse to buy meat on the bone - but this might be a good deal for the un-food snobs)

Land O'Frost Deli Meat - $3.99 ($1/1 lbs from paper)

Weight Watchers Smart Ones - $2.29 (There were a bunch of MFCs for these in the paper a week or two ago.  Plus, if you buy 5 at Shaw's, a coupon will print at the register for a free one at your future trip). 

Dole Fruit Jars - $2.29 (I have .75/1 MFCs I took from a box...so there are a few floating around)

Dole Fruit Cups - $2.29 ($1/3 MFC from paper)

Huggies Boxes  - $19.99 ($3/off with in-ad coupon) $16.99.  This is an MFC so you can't combine it with other coupons.

The back page has a bunch of MFCs for select Kraft products.  Sadly, these are Manufacturer's Coupons so they cannot be combined with other MFCs. 

Go to Wicked Cool Deals for even more great deals at Shaw's this week.

Shaw's Deals this Week...To Come Whenever

I was going to blog about what is looking good at Shaw's this week for the healthy eater (or inspiring healthy eater) - but who knows where my circular has gone.  I did a big cleaning two nights ago and I'm hoping I didn't toss it by accident.  It's okay.   Go over to Wicked Cool Deals to see what Michelle has found for you.  She's really good at matching up internet coupons with sale items so you get stuff for cheap or free.  She also posts deals for Big Y (I think), Price Chopper and Stop & Shop.

Homemade Taco Seasoning - So Easy, So Cheap!

I've been using the following recipe for almost a year now.  Have you ever wanted to whip up a quick batch of Taco Soup or needed Taco Seasoning for something but didn't have it in the house?  I was on a big Salsa Chicken kick last year - and found that I'd start to make it only to find I didn't have one of those precious Old El Paso seasoning packets in the house.  Well, instead of making a trip to the grocery store just for some taco seasoning, you can pretty much just open up your spice cabinet and make your own.  The following recipe equates to 1 package of taco seasoning:  (and to be all legal and all, I grabbed it off Cooks.com by clicking HERE)

TACO SEASONING MIX
1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. ground oregano
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
Mix all ingredients together. Makes 3 tablespoon seasoning mix. Equivalent to a 1 1/4 ounce package of commercial taco seasoning.

If you use taco seasoning a lot, I suggest getting a container at BJ's.  I think it's like 6 bucks.  I was going to grab one a few weeks ago but my BJ's didn't have it in stock.  I checked again last week, and again, not in stock.  Boo. 

Discover Card Users - 5% Cash Back at Grocery Stores in March

If you have a Discover Card and use it - log into your account to sign up for the 5% cash back promo they are doing in March.  You'll get 5% back on purchases (up to $200) at grocery stores and drug stores for the entire month.  So yeah, it's only a max of $10 - but you'll probably spend $200 easily in a month at your grocery store so why not?

Click HERE to see all the details. 

Another $21 down on the Grocery Budget!

Ran to Target yesterday.  Grabbed some impulse groceries:

1 pkg of Cheese Sticks - $3.39
1 pkg of Dum Dums - $2
1 box of Trix - $2.99

Total:  $8.38

Ran to Shaw's this evening.  I told the boys we'd make pizza for dinner but we were out of cheese.  I wanted some of the $1 veggies too.  Sadly, both of my boys fell asleep on the ride home.  Not sure if them going to sleep at 6pm is going to mean a 9 pm wake up - or if they'll just sleep all night.  Hoping for the later.

Total Before Savings:  $22.41

Total Preferred Savings:  $9.56

Coupons:  0!

Cash OOP:  $12.85

4 Sargento Shredded Cheeses - $1.99 ea (got a little carried away, huh?)

1 bag of carrots - .89

2 packs of mushrooms - $1 ea (I have an obsession with cooked, fresh mushrooms these days.  I will never buy canned mushrooms again)

3 pack Tomatoes - $1

Cole Slaw mix - $1 (they were out of the lettuce shreds.  I wanted something shredded.  I don't know why.  I dig shredded things)

I've already spent $126 this month on groceries and it's only the 3rd!  We'll see how the rest of the shortest month of the year pans out.

Big Ol' BJ's Run

Total Before Savings:  $123.37

Coupons Used:  $18.50

Cash OOP:  $105.37

1 Hunts Snack Pack - $7.49 ($1/4 MFC) $6.49

2 dozen Eggs - $3.39

2 Half & Halves - $1.79 ea

2 pack BJ's apple juice - $3.99

1 lbs Black Pepper Deli Turkey - $6.92

1 16-pack Arnold Sandwich Thins - $4.29 ($2/ if you buy 1 lbs meat coupon) $2.29

Maxwell House Coffee - $6.98

Planters Individual Peanut Packs - $7.79 ($2/1 BJ's coupon) $5.79

1 gallon 1% milk - $2.22

1 Dole Fruit Cup Box - $6.99

Wonder Kids 2 pack - $3.19

Boboli 8 pack - $8.99 ($3/1 BJ's coupon) $5.99 (2 are $2.99 at Shaw's - so you get twice as much for the same price at Shaw's with the coupon)

Unilever Rebate (I'm determined to do this, even though there isn't that much stuff that I actually "need")

2 Ragu 3 packs (bigger than normal jars) - $6.99 ea (2 $1.25/3 MFCs) $1.91 per jar

1 Popsicles - $6.49

1 All (110 loads) - $12.99 ($2/1 MFC) $10.99

Solo mini-cups (I'm going to use these to plant seeds) - $8.99 ($1/1 MFC) $7.99

Solo plates - $6.99 ($1/1 MFC) $5.99

Suave Kids 4-pack - $5.99 ($1 instant rebate, 2 $1/2 MFCs) $2.99 or .74 cents per bottle

Total Pre-Coupon:  $55.43

Total Post Coupon:  $45.93

Total Pre-Coupon Needed to reach $100:  $44.57

-  So the Unilever deal is kind of good - if you need/want the stuff.  My goal is to spend around $80 post coupons ($100 pre coupons).  That would give me a $40 BJ's gift card.  If that pans out, I would net a 50% savings on all products.  That All detergent that cost me $10.99 - would be about $5.50.  That big bottle is about 3.4 "normal" bottles that are 32 loads.  That would be like getting those for $1.61 each.  The Suave Kids would be about .37 a bottle.  Ragu, .95 cents per container (a "normal" jar has 3 cups of sauce, these have 5 cups of sauce). 

-  My next course of action.  What to buy to hit my $45?  I do like the Dove Shampoo & Conditioner.  They have bonus packs with the normal bottles.  I'd get those to get more bang for my buck.

2 Dove Shampoos/Conditioner - $6.99 ea ($2.50/2 MFC from paper)

2 Big Skippy Peanut Butters - $7.49 ($1/2 MFC from paper)

Snuggle Dryer Sheets - $5.49 (coupon? - got to look!)

Breyer's Ice Cream - $5.99

Country Crock Butter - Price? 

Lipton Noodle Soup - Price? 

It's definitely a harder deal than most - because there isn't too much to stock up on - you almost have to just buy a variety of things. 

Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop - Good Deal at BJ's

Another good BJ's Healthy Find - Forgot actual numbers, but there is a coupon at the door for $s off 42 packs of Orville Redenbacher's 100 cal (1 WW point) Smart Pop boxes. It comes out to $5.99 for 42 packs (Normal price for 4 packs at Shaw's is $2.99 - or 8 packs for the same price as 42 at BJ's). There is a $1/2 MFC from the newspaper that you could probably use on this.

Good BJ's Coupon - Arnold Thin Breads!

If you're a BJ's member and you are doing the WW thing (or not) - here's a good deal for you.  Check out their coupons on their site HERE. 

My favorite is the "Save $2 on Arnold Thin Breads when you buy 1 lbs of Dietz & Watson deli meat".  Arnold Thin Breads are $2.29 at my BJ's - so if you are buying deli meat anyways, you'd get a package for .29. 

There is a $2 off coupon for Sensible Portions Pita Bites.  Not sure of the normal price, but I've had these before and they are okay. 

There is a $3 off Boboli Party Pack.  My husband and kids have been on board with my desire to "make" pizza once a week instead of ordering out.  Makes our grocery spending a little higher - but we aren't spending $15+ at the pizza shop and I don't go crazy with my points.

I'm about to head out to BJ's.  The husband started back up work and I have to stock up on lunch stuff for him.  This one will probably be a doozy (but rather spend $80 on lunch stuff for him for the month than have him spend $8 a day for lunch out and about...)