For October, I am going to allow for $60 out-of-pocket for all groceries, both edible and non-edible. The cats need more food (so soon?) and litter. That will take about 1/2 of the money.
Here's what I have available:
Out-of-pocket: $60.00
Leftover Sept: .76
CVS GC: 27.46
CVS ECB: 11.99
Rite Aid GC: 2.20
Wags GC: 4.17
Bi-Lo GC: 5.10
I will use any rebates that come in during the month.
I will use any h/f I receive for trading Qs.
I have about $40 worth or so of free Qs.
Dinner tonight is only some leftover Jarlsburg cheese (dairy: use it or lose it!), some Keebler Toasted Crackers (found that while rummaging through the shelves), and a glass of wine. I cannot have anything after midnight tonight due to having a procedure tomorrow at the hospital. I don't like to eat heavily the night before one of these things.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Hurray! I came out on top again this month!
I just received $2.75 h/f for some Qs I traded to someone. Applying that to my overage for the month, I now am in the black with a whopping 76 cents! I made it through September on $50. Let's hear a cheer!
I'll come up with a challenge for October by tomorrow morning. I still haven't figured out exactly what I can reasonably expect to spend and still stick to the spirit of the challenge by living off stockpile.
Your comments are appreciated. How do you think I should "do" October?
I'll come up with a challenge for October by tomorrow morning. I still haven't figured out exactly what I can reasonably expect to spend and still stick to the spirit of the challenge by living off stockpile.
Your comments are appreciated. How do you think I should "do" October?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Woo-Hoo! I got a rebate today!
I received a $6.99 rebate today, so, I am only over budget by $1.99. That's great.
I was taken out to lunch today and had a lovely piece of salmon. Unfortunately, I was unable to eat even half of it, so, I brought it home and had it for supper tonight. That takes care of tonight's dinner in fine style.
Tomorrow is the last day of the month. What about October? What I am going to do? I need to hear from you.
I received a box of Romano's Macaroni Grill Boxed Dinner Kit in the mail today. I only need to add boneless, skinless, chicken breast. Oh, have I got that! Maybe some brocolli on the side, huh? Free food. That's what it's all about.
I was taken out to lunch today and had a lovely piece of salmon. Unfortunately, I was unable to eat even half of it, so, I brought it home and had it for supper tonight. That takes care of tonight's dinner in fine style.
Tomorrow is the last day of the month. What about October? What I am going to do? I need to hear from you.
I received a box of Romano's Macaroni Grill Boxed Dinner Kit in the mail today. I only need to add boneless, skinless, chicken breast. Oh, have I got that! Maybe some brocolli on the side, huh? Free food. That's what it's all about.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
I've just about cleaned out the fridge.
Well, the beef stew is gone, the spaghetti sauce is gone, and I used the last slice of bread yesterday. The freezer is full, if I could only get myself in gear to plan and prepare a meal. The pantry is full. I've been on this challenge in one way or another since June 26 and I haven't made a dent in the pantry food. I just can't even tell I've been using it for over 3 months.
I broke down and went to CVS today as I had 2 of the .50 Dawn Qs and it's .99 this week. I used my GC for the $1.16 I owed, so no money spent there. Truly, I should have let the Qs expire on the 30th. I have 2 liquor boxes full of dish detergent. The whole purpose of this challenge has been to use stockpile, not bring in more. There's some deals, though, that are just impossible to walk by. Free Dawn is just one of those times.
October 1st can't come too soon. I have about 3 days' worth of cat food in the basement for my 4 outdoor cats, plus the freeloaders.
What kind of challenge should I create for the month of October? Any ideas? I'm completely out of Walgreens GC, although I will have $4.37 put on a card within the next week. See? I really didn't chase the deals at Walgreens, just like I said! I've used almost all of my Rite Aid GC. I have a couple of dollars left on that. I have a $25 CVS GC, but, no grocery GC. I'm hoping for about $30 back in rebates during October. Those are hard to count on, though, as the processing times swing so wildly. I've got to spend about $12 in the next few days for cat food. That takes a chunk out of the $50 I've been allowing for a couple of months. I want to continue the challenge, but, I've got to be realistic about how much I need to spend to get through the month. I don't want to jack it up too much; it takes the spirit out of the challenge.
I'd like to hear from my readers for ideas about October. Is there a new twist I can put on it? Should I continue as before, with $50? I admit, saying that I spent no money oop in July is a little misleading; I had a goo-gob of gift cards to work with. Even into August and September, I had quite a bit left with Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS. That money is pretty much dried up. Please post your comments. I'd like to get a discussion started about October. I don't do anything special for Halloween. I have a bag of fun size candy bars, just in case, but, for the past few years, I haven't had a single child come to my door. I remember as a teenager that we went out like a marauding gang to score candy, roll yards, and throw eggs. Yes, I was a bit rebellious. Worse, I did this with my church group friends!
Chime in with your opinions and suggestions. We've only got a couple of days to come up with a plan. I can't do it without you!
I broke down and went to CVS today as I had 2 of the .50 Dawn Qs and it's .99 this week. I used my GC for the $1.16 I owed, so no money spent there. Truly, I should have let the Qs expire on the 30th. I have 2 liquor boxes full of dish detergent. The whole purpose of this challenge has been to use stockpile, not bring in more. There's some deals, though, that are just impossible to walk by. Free Dawn is just one of those times.
October 1st can't come too soon. I have about 3 days' worth of cat food in the basement for my 4 outdoor cats, plus the freeloaders.
What kind of challenge should I create for the month of October? Any ideas? I'm completely out of Walgreens GC, although I will have $4.37 put on a card within the next week. See? I really didn't chase the deals at Walgreens, just like I said! I've used almost all of my Rite Aid GC. I have a couple of dollars left on that. I have a $25 CVS GC, but, no grocery GC. I'm hoping for about $30 back in rebates during October. Those are hard to count on, though, as the processing times swing so wildly. I've got to spend about $12 in the next few days for cat food. That takes a chunk out of the $50 I've been allowing for a couple of months. I want to continue the challenge, but, I've got to be realistic about how much I need to spend to get through the month. I don't want to jack it up too much; it takes the spirit out of the challenge.
I'd like to hear from my readers for ideas about October. Is there a new twist I can put on it? Should I continue as before, with $50? I admit, saying that I spent no money oop in July is a little misleading; I had a goo-gob of gift cards to work with. Even into August and September, I had quite a bit left with Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS. That money is pretty much dried up. Please post your comments. I'd like to get a discussion started about October. I don't do anything special for Halloween. I have a bag of fun size candy bars, just in case, but, for the past few years, I haven't had a single child come to my door. I remember as a teenager that we went out like a marauding gang to score candy, roll yards, and throw eggs. Yes, I was a bit rebellious. Worse, I did this with my church group friends!
Chime in with your opinions and suggestions. We've only got a couple of days to come up with a plan. I can't do it without you!
Friday, September 26, 2008
I didn't run away from home!
Sorry I've been missing for a few days. I actually went out to lunch yesterday. I had a Q for a free appetizer at TGI Friday's and I stopped in to try out their new quesadilla. It was very good. I did have a glass of wine with lunch, so, I did have to pay a bit, but, much less because of the Q.
I've been totally out of the mood to cook lately. I've been relying on the single serve entrees in the freezer. I received a nice surprise today, though. My neighbor brought over some beef stew he made today, along with some corn muffins. It smells yummy! And, it looks like it will last about 3 days. Between that and the spaghetti sauce in the fridge, I won't have to actually cook through the end of the month.
I haven't spent any more money or GC since I last reported. I received a $25 CVS GC today from MyPoints. Rite Aid has a new offer; they will give up to 4 $30 GC for up to 4 transferred prescriptions. The Q is good through November. I have 2 prescriptions that I have to have all the time. I think I'll try to score $60 GC at RA. That would be a great boost. I'll probably wait until November to do it as I just did one a couple of months ago. Some people are just bolder than I am; I like to operate under the radar. If you have any prescriptions at drug stores other than RA, go in and ask the clerk for the brochure with the Qs in it.
I've been totally out of the mood to cook lately. I've been relying on the single serve entrees in the freezer. I received a nice surprise today, though. My neighbor brought over some beef stew he made today, along with some corn muffins. It smells yummy! And, it looks like it will last about 3 days. Between that and the spaghetti sauce in the fridge, I won't have to actually cook through the end of the month.
I haven't spent any more money or GC since I last reported. I received a $25 CVS GC today from MyPoints. Rite Aid has a new offer; they will give up to 4 $30 GC for up to 4 transferred prescriptions. The Q is good through November. I have 2 prescriptions that I have to have all the time. I think I'll try to score $60 GC at RA. That would be a great boost. I'll probably wait until November to do it as I just did one a couple of months ago. Some people are just bolder than I am; I like to operate under the radar. If you have any prescriptions at drug stores other than RA, go in and ask the clerk for the brochure with the Qs in it.
Monday, September 22, 2008
I finally got around to the spaghetti.
Just when I quit talking about making spaghetti for supper, that's what I did last night. I had a repeat tonight and it looks like I'll be eating it for another night or two. I had a jar of Emeril's Roasted Garlic and BAM! the garlic is quite heavy. Good, but, it'll burn your lips off. I not only used that jar out of stockpile, but, used a bag of cooked ground beef in the freezer and a couple of pieces of garlic toast. That's all gone now, but, I still have some bags of ground beef. I have some Pepperidge Farm garlic loaves in the freezer, but, when I'm eating alone, it's just too much to prepare. It doesn't keep well. When you reheat it, it's just kind of sad.
I've mentioned some of the medical difficulties I have. When I had my colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago, they also dilated my esophagus. I'm still having trouble with food getting stuck in my esophagus. It happened last night and I didn't eat very much of the spaghetti. The cat got most of it. Tonight it worked out a bit better, but, I do have to be sensitive to what I am trying to eat.
I've mentioned some of the medical difficulties I have. When I had my colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago, they also dilated my esophagus. I'm still having trouble with food getting stuck in my esophagus. It happened last night and I didn't eat very much of the spaghetti. The cat got most of it. Tonight it worked out a bit better, but, I do have to be sensitive to what I am trying to eat.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I have some shopping to "confess" to.
The whole point of my challenge is to live off stockpile for as long as possible and not add anything to it. On the other hand, the "art" of couponing is knowing when to jump on a deal when it's really great and it's something you'll definitely use. I used a CVS ECB yesterday to buy the L'Oreal Revitalift (O.K., I admit it, I need some wrinkle helper!) and paid the difference with a free GC. I got an ECB back of $11.99, so, I did O.K. there. I had to have milk and I had no Q for that; however, I found my Lactaid .69 off regular price yesterday and had a free GC to pay for it. Today, I bought 2 of the Joy for .99 ea. at Walgreens w/ (2) .30 Qs. I had a few cents left on 2 free GC, but, ended up paying out of pocket .64. I bought the 7Up on sale at Rite Aid and used a free GC for that. I think I have $2.20 left on that GC and that's what I bought 20 boxes of cereal with a few weeks ago. I had to have coffee cream, so, I stopped at the store and got 2, used Qs, and used a free GC. Now, my biggest "sin," if you will. Food Lion had my favorite single serve Stouffer's entrees 1/2 price just for yesterday and today. I had a $1/3 Q, so I bought 3 boxes of lasagna. That total was $4.14, all oop. So, I am now $8.98 over budget for the month and have used up about all of my free GC.
It was really a good thing that I shopped at Rite Aid today. There's a special promotion going on now where you get $30 GC for each of up to 4 prescriptions you transfer there and the Qs are good through November. I think you can only get a GC once every six months or something like that, so, by November, I will be eligible again to transfer and get the GC. I actually have 2 prescriptions that I have to pay for. All my other meds are covered under Medicare Part D and they are not eligible for the GC deal. I've got to really read the "fine print" on the offer, and , boy is it small print!
Looking back over the shopping I've done for these two days, I guess I really could have done without the L'Oreal and the Joy, but, they were both such good deals that I just couldn't resist. The rest that I bought are "real" groceries that get used up pretty fast. Please forgive me that I've now gone almost $9 over budget for the month. I did really well in July and August, so, I kind of expected things to not work out quite as well this month, although I worked really hard to stay "inside the lines."
I've eaten meatloaf and veggies for 3 straight nights. There's one mini-loaf left and I'm sorry, but, it's going outside to the cats. I just can't face it again tonight. Over those 3 nights, though, I have used up quite a few things in stockpile; the peas, brocolli, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and rolls. Oh, yeah, let's not forget that Key lime cheesecake. I'm still working on that bad boy.
Today and tonight are baseball games on several channels. I doubt that I will do anything in the kitchen today other than nuke a single serve entree between innings. I suppose I should take some chicken out of the freezer for tomorrow night. Umm, just not sure about that yet.
Just to keep up, here's a recap of what I have left to "spend" this month:
Money: -0-
CVS GC: 3.62
CVS ECB: 11.99
RA GC: 2.20
Bi-Lo GC: 5.10
I have a $25 CVS GC "on the way" from MyPoints, whenever that shows up.
Thank goodness there is only 9 days left in the month!
It was really a good thing that I shopped at Rite Aid today. There's a special promotion going on now where you get $30 GC for each of up to 4 prescriptions you transfer there and the Qs are good through November. I think you can only get a GC once every six months or something like that, so, by November, I will be eligible again to transfer and get the GC. I actually have 2 prescriptions that I have to pay for. All my other meds are covered under Medicare Part D and they are not eligible for the GC deal. I've got to really read the "fine print" on the offer, and , boy is it small print!
Looking back over the shopping I've done for these two days, I guess I really could have done without the L'Oreal and the Joy, but, they were both such good deals that I just couldn't resist. The rest that I bought are "real" groceries that get used up pretty fast. Please forgive me that I've now gone almost $9 over budget for the month. I did really well in July and August, so, I kind of expected things to not work out quite as well this month, although I worked really hard to stay "inside the lines."
I've eaten meatloaf and veggies for 3 straight nights. There's one mini-loaf left and I'm sorry, but, it's going outside to the cats. I just can't face it again tonight. Over those 3 nights, though, I have used up quite a few things in stockpile; the peas, brocolli, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and rolls. Oh, yeah, let's not forget that Key lime cheesecake. I'm still working on that bad boy.
Today and tonight are baseball games on several channels. I doubt that I will do anything in the kitchen today other than nuke a single serve entree between innings. I suppose I should take some chicken out of the freezer for tomorrow night. Umm, just not sure about that yet.
Just to keep up, here's a recap of what I have left to "spend" this month:
Money: -0-
CVS GC: 3.62
CVS ECB: 11.99
RA GC: 2.20
Bi-Lo GC: 5.10
I have a $25 CVS GC "on the way" from MyPoints, whenever that shows up.
Thank goodness there is only 9 days left in the month!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
I make good use of my stockpile.
My cousin is very good about saving coke codes for me, so, whenever I go to her house to pick them up, I take something from stockpile to give her. I think it's only right. Last week, for example, she had a Ziploc baggie full of caps. I gave her some floor cleaner and 6 cartons of sour cream. I had to move that sour cream. It will go bad, sooner or later. I had several Qs, it was on sale one week at my double coupon store, and I got 12 free, plus the dreaded tax, of course.
My neighbor, whom I speak about in my posts, is 85 years old. I often take him dinner, well, pretty much every time I cook dinner, I take him a plate. He gifted me a bottle of my favorite wine a little while back. I thanked him and gave him 2 boxes of tea bags (I only have about 85 boxes!). I try very hard to do the right thing when others help me in some way. My stockpile is one of the few ways I am able to reward others; I don't really have extra money to pass around.
My 77 year old dad does all my yard work for me. Sometimes he sees something on the shelf and he will ask if I have more or ask if I got it free or a good deal before he lets on that it is something he would like. I'd give him anything he wanted! There's no way I can repay him for all he does for me around here, but, sharing stockpile makes me feel a little better about the situation.
I would like to find more ways to trade or barter with my stockpile. I guess that's a situation that just has to present itself in some way, but, I'm always looking out for that.
I have presented these ideas of sharing and bartering stockpile to give you an idea of how to utilize what you have in order to get something you want. Everyone's situation is different, but, hopefully this has gotten you to think of your stockpile as more than just "all that stuff" in the house.
My neighbor, whom I speak about in my posts, is 85 years old. I often take him dinner, well, pretty much every time I cook dinner, I take him a plate. He gifted me a bottle of my favorite wine a little while back. I thanked him and gave him 2 boxes of tea bags (I only have about 85 boxes!). I try very hard to do the right thing when others help me in some way. My stockpile is one of the few ways I am able to reward others; I don't really have extra money to pass around.
My 77 year old dad does all my yard work for me. Sometimes he sees something on the shelf and he will ask if I have more or ask if I got it free or a good deal before he lets on that it is something he would like. I'd give him anything he wanted! There's no way I can repay him for all he does for me around here, but, sharing stockpile makes me feel a little better about the situation.
I would like to find more ways to trade or barter with my stockpile. I guess that's a situation that just has to present itself in some way, but, I'm always looking out for that.
I have presented these ideas of sharing and bartering stockpile to give you an idea of how to utilize what you have in order to get something you want. Everyone's situation is different, but, hopefully this has gotten you to think of your stockpile as more than just "all that stuff" in the house.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Dinner was a success.
I used quite a bit of stockpile last night for dinner; a Stouffer's meatloaf, a can of peas, a pouch of instant mashed potatoes, a jar of applesauce, leftover mac&cheese, and some Pillsbury crescent rolls. My neighbor made out like a bandit! I have quite a bit of the meatloaf left, so, I suppose I will eat leftovers for a couple of days. The Stouffer's actually comes in 6 mini-loaves of meat. They cook much faster in the microwave that one big one, and it's more portion control friendly.
I received another $1.55 in pphf for some Qs I traded. I've decided that the money I receive for trading Qs is "legal" to use to reduce my over-budget condition. That means that now I am only over by $4.20. I'm feeling much better about the month now that the balance sheet doesn't look so bad!
Living alone, HBA products seem to last a long time. Since I started the challenge in June, I've only dipped into the stockpile a few times for body wash, facial cleanser, maybe a couple of other things. That's where I really need to use, use, use!
I'm going to have to remember to go to TGI Friday's for lunch a couple of times in the near future. I have (2) certificates for a free appetizer. You don't have to buy anything else to redeem them. They expire soon and I'd really hate to lose them.
I still have a freezer full of chicken breasts, so, after the meatloaf is gone, I guess I'll be scouting out a new chicken recipe. Any suggestions are appreciated.
I received another $1.55 in pphf for some Qs I traded. I've decided that the money I receive for trading Qs is "legal" to use to reduce my over-budget condition. That means that now I am only over by $4.20. I'm feeling much better about the month now that the balance sheet doesn't look so bad!
Living alone, HBA products seem to last a long time. Since I started the challenge in June, I've only dipped into the stockpile a few times for body wash, facial cleanser, maybe a couple of other things. That's where I really need to use, use, use!
I'm going to have to remember to go to TGI Friday's for lunch a couple of times in the near future. I have (2) certificates for a free appetizer. You don't have to buy anything else to redeem them. They expire soon and I'd really hate to lose them.
I still have a freezer full of chicken breasts, so, after the meatloaf is gone, I guess I'll be scouting out a new chicken recipe. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Do you think this is "legal?"
O.K. I'm over budget by $10.85. In the past couple of days, I have traded some Qs for pphf to the tune of $5.10. Since this "income" was produced by Qs, is it "legal" for me to apply that amount to my budget overage? I've thought about it and I don't see a problem. I do have to sometimes make up the rules as I go because there have been situations that I didn't anticipate when I started back in June. If it seems like it is in the spirit of the challenge, then I am only over by $5.75.
I know that every time I say I'm going to do spaghetti that night, something happens and I don't. Same thing happened yesterday. I had Emeril's sauce on the kitchen counter to remind me and when I opened the freezer to get a bag of ground beef, I saw shrimp. Oh! You have no idea how much I love that. So, the spaghetti got pushed aside and I had about a dozen shrimp for dinner. Nothing else, just that.
I also found a Stouffer's meatloaf in the freezer the other day. It's one of those family size packages. I'm thinking about meatloaf tonight with mashed potatoes (boxed, stockpile), some peas (cans on the shelf or the frozen ones, stockpile), maybe some apple sauce (stockpile), but, unfortunately, no dinner rolls. Sister Schubert's are all gone. Oh, wait. I have several tubes of Pillsbury crescent rolls. Whew! That was close. I'm still working on that Key lime cheesecake. Sounds like a plan.
I feel like a fortune teller. I can see a grilled cheese sandwich in my near future, like maybe lunch today!
I know that every time I say I'm going to do spaghetti that night, something happens and I don't. Same thing happened yesterday. I had Emeril's sauce on the kitchen counter to remind me and when I opened the freezer to get a bag of ground beef, I saw shrimp. Oh! You have no idea how much I love that. So, the spaghetti got pushed aside and I had about a dozen shrimp for dinner. Nothing else, just that.
I also found a Stouffer's meatloaf in the freezer the other day. It's one of those family size packages. I'm thinking about meatloaf tonight with mashed potatoes (boxed, stockpile), some peas (cans on the shelf or the frozen ones, stockpile), maybe some apple sauce (stockpile), but, unfortunately, no dinner rolls. Sister Schubert's are all gone. Oh, wait. I have several tubes of Pillsbury crescent rolls. Whew! That was close. I'm still working on that Key lime cheesecake. Sounds like a plan.
I feel like a fortune teller. I can see a grilled cheese sandwich in my near future, like maybe lunch today!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
I'm back to cheese sandwiches again.
A coupon last week for a free loaf of bread, still lots and lots of that free cheese from last month, so, I guess I'm back on the grilled cheese sandwich train for a while. I had to work more than usual today. I drove over 110 miles, and as it turns out, all for nothing, but, it kept me out during the dinner hour. McD's looked inviting so I had French fries and coke for supper. I know. I'm bad. I had planned on a spaghetti dinner tonight, but, working late puts me out of the mood to cook. Besides, I got home just 5 minutes before the baseball game started. What was I supposed to do?
The month is only 1/2 over and I've completely blown my budget. If you want to beat up on me, go ahead, just let me go first.
The month is only 1/2 over and I've completely blown my budget. If you want to beat up on me, go ahead, just let me go first.
Monday, September 15, 2008
An update for today.
I was able to score a $25 GC to my local grocery for transferring a prescription today. I know that at the beginning of my challenge in July I said that I would not be stockpiling, but, that I would be using stockpile. Sometimes, though, you just can't pass up a really good deal. Since I had no money left to spend this month, this GC is a Godsend. There's a catalina deal at Bi-Lo right now, buy 5 or more Green Giant boxed veggies and get a $3 oyno. Even better, they are on sale for $1.50 each and I had Qs on all. I bought 11 boxes, divided into two orders, used $5 in Qs, and received $6 in oyno. I used my GC to pay, so, no oop. I'm feeling pretty good about the deal. I did buy a couple of other items I needed, so, I have $10 left on my GC plus a $3 oyno (I used one of them on the 2nd order).
I'm still $10.85 in the hole and hoping for rebates to roll in this month to get me out. I really want this challenge to work.
I'm still $10.85 in the hole and hoping for rebates to roll in this month to get me out. I really want this challenge to work.
I'm committed to cooking dinner tonight.
I took everything out of the freezer yesterday, just to get a better idea of what I have to work with. There are a half dozen packages of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins. I have 3 "instant" dinners, those single-serve entrees. I have several packages of ground beef already cooked, just ready for spaghetti sauce. I found a package of chicken breasts already flavored with lemon pepper or something like that. I took it out yesterday and put it down in the fridge so it would thaw by this evening. I think I'll have mac & cheese to go with it (I think I have about 20 boxes of m&c), I have some green beans on the shelf, I still have some Sister Schubert's rolls in the freezer, and I have an Edwards Key Lime Cheesecake in the freezer. That bad boy is coming out today to thaw for dinner. My neighbor will eat well tonight.
A bit off-topic, but, it's still all about saving. I am going to Manchester, NH next summer for the 20th annual sweepstaker's convention. I've been entering sweeps at least that long, but, had never heard of the annual convention until a few months ago. I have to pay $160 for registration to attend, however, I had enough frequent flyer miles to get a free airline ticket, I had enough Hilton Hhonors points to get a room for a week, completely free. I am flying into Boston a few days before the convention to visit a friend. I have enough hotel points to stay in Boston the first 2 nights before I go to NH. I am leaving NH a day before I fly out. I plan to stay in a hotel near the airport that night, mostly for convenience. I have enough hotel points to do that night free, as well. I have over $75 in GC to chain restaurants, so, eating out won't cost much. My hotel is comp'ing me breakfast every morning because I am a gold VIP in their program. Other than the convention registration, the only thing I am paying "real" money for is my car rental. I will be gone for 10 days and will not spend more than $500 for everything. I guess you could call me a "points junkie." It's only natural for a "coupon junkie" to also be a "points junkie."
A bit off-topic, but, it's still all about saving. I am going to Manchester, NH next summer for the 20th annual sweepstaker's convention. I've been entering sweeps at least that long, but, had never heard of the annual convention until a few months ago. I have to pay $160 for registration to attend, however, I had enough frequent flyer miles to get a free airline ticket, I had enough Hilton Hhonors points to get a room for a week, completely free. I am flying into Boston a few days before the convention to visit a friend. I have enough hotel points to stay in Boston the first 2 nights before I go to NH. I am leaving NH a day before I fly out. I plan to stay in a hotel near the airport that night, mostly for convenience. I have enough hotel points to do that night free, as well. I have over $75 in GC to chain restaurants, so, eating out won't cost much. My hotel is comp'ing me breakfast every morning because I am a gold VIP in their program. Other than the convention registration, the only thing I am paying "real" money for is my car rental. I will be gone for 10 days and will not spend more than $500 for everything. I guess you could call me a "points junkie." It's only natural for a "coupon junkie" to also be a "points junkie."
Sunday, September 14, 2008
I wasn't so bad after all.
A few days ago, I bought a bag of shrimp. I was able to get it 1/2 off regular price and I had a $1 Q for it. I divided it into 3 portions and put them in the freezer. I was just wondering how much I splurged and when I figured the cost plus tax and minus Q, I spent $2.81 per serving. Now, I think that's a respectable amount of money to spend on a generous serving of shrimp. Breaking it down to that level, I don't feel nearly so badly about buying it.
I noticed recently that you can now get "whole grain" fig newtons. Now, why would anybody mess with a perfectly good fig newton and try to make it "healthier," or whatever they're trying to do with it? Geez, can't I just have a cookie without being reminded that it's not the healthiest thing for me to eat?
I noticed recently that you can now get "whole grain" fig newtons. Now, why would anybody mess with a perfectly good fig newton and try to make it "healthier," or whatever they're trying to do with it? Geez, can't I just have a cookie without being reminded that it's not the healthiest thing for me to eat?
Friday, September 12, 2008
I Just Couldn't Resist!
I almost made it through the whole week without doing the SC Johnson deal at Walgreens. Sadly, I broke down today and bought 7 of the featured items to get a $10 RR. I used about $10 of Qs in that shopping trip and paid for the rest of it with a GC. No oop here. Then, when I had the $10 RR in my hand, I went back and did a completely different deal and used over $21 in Qs. Between the two trips, I have (2) Oust rebates, a Scrubbing Bubbles rebate, and a Walgreens rebate for Crest toothpaste. That's about $13 coming back to me and I didn't spend any money oop. I didn't even use up all of my $25 GC. I think I still have about $7 on it. Besides cleaning products and toothpaste, I have for my trouble 4 jars of Dole fruit and a box of cookies. Hey! I need to gain some weight! Cookies, good.
I'm still a little "off" today from my surgical procedure yesterday. I think I have a Michael Angelo's in the freezer. That's probably dinner tonight.
I'm awaiting lab results on the polyps and biopsies from yesterday's little adventure at the hospital. Doc says I need to gain 20-30 pounds. To tell me to eat is like telling a drowning man to take a big drink of water. It just doesn't work right now. I am the proud owner of a whole lot of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Maybe I can put it to good use!
I'm still a little "off" today from my surgical procedure yesterday. I think I have a Michael Angelo's in the freezer. That's probably dinner tonight.
I'm awaiting lab results on the polyps and biopsies from yesterday's little adventure at the hospital. Doc says I need to gain 20-30 pounds. To tell me to eat is like telling a drowning man to take a big drink of water. It just doesn't work right now. I am the proud owner of a whole lot of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Maybe I can put it to good use!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I blew it! You can beat me up over it.
There was a deal so good at my double coupon grocery that I had to do it; I bought 10 lbs. of Hormel Black Label bacon. After Qs, I paid $21.73 for 10 packages. I have gone over my budget by $10.85; however, I still have some outstanding rebates. If they come in before the end of the month, it might pull me out of the hole.
I talked to my neighbor this morning. He really went on and on about the chicken I cooked last night. He had to know what the coating was. When I told him that it was French's fried onions, he said he would have to try that sometime. I was cooking breast tenderloins and didn't really know how long to bake them, so, I just guessed. I put them in a 400 degree oven for 14 minutes. It was perfect! They were done through and through, but, still very moist and juicy. For once in my life, I didn't overcook the chicken.
As I mentioned before, I have to fast tomorrow, then have a surgical procedure on Thursday. I'm just going to forage out of the fridge today. I'm not going to cook anything.
A big thank you to the person who told me about using the French's fried onions to coat the chicken. It was a big hit.
I talked to my neighbor this morning. He really went on and on about the chicken I cooked last night. He had to know what the coating was. When I told him that it was French's fried onions, he said he would have to try that sometime. I was cooking breast tenderloins and didn't really know how long to bake them, so, I just guessed. I put them in a 400 degree oven for 14 minutes. It was perfect! They were done through and through, but, still very moist and juicy. For once in my life, I didn't overcook the chicken.
As I mentioned before, I have to fast tomorrow, then have a surgical procedure on Thursday. I'm just going to forage out of the fridge today. I'm not going to cook anything.
A big thank you to the person who told me about using the French's fried onions to coat the chicken. It was a big hit.
Monday, September 8, 2008
I did really well today at the grocery.
I had to buy cat food, no way around it. I had a $5 off a $40 order at the grocery and I only had about $40 left for the month. The subtotal was $43, I was able to use that $5 Q, then all the other Qs I had for everything else. Bottom line: $22.71. I think I am up to $46.04 spent this month, starting out with $50.42, so, I have, hm, $4.38 left. I also splurged and bought some shrimp. They were BOGOF and at my store, you can buy only one item and get it 1/2 price, so, I bought one bag. And still, I had 1/2 off my whole order in Qs. The cats are taken care of for the month and I can't think of a thing I need to buy for myself.
I also went to CVS. I know, I know, I promised not to chase the deals there, but, I fell off the wagon. The Right Guard deodorant was $2.99 w/ a $2 ECB. I had $1 Qs. I bought the limit, 5, and a couple of other items. I used a GC, so, no money oop. I now have $10 ECB to use later.
I just redeemed more MyPoints for another $25 CVS GC. They say to expect it in 2-6 weeks. Wow, don't they even know how long it takes to process it? That's a big window.
Well, tonight it's chicken breast tenderloins. I might fry it. I had some chicken tenderloins at Chick-Fil-A last week and they were really good. I don't know if I can do as good a job as they do, though.
I don't want to rub it in, but, that fried okra last night was fantastic. I'm pretty much weaned off of fried foods, but, sometimes I have to give in. When I was growing up, my grandmother fried everything. I'm not kidding. She could fry just about every vegetable. We'd even have fried corn. No joke!
O.K. Just had to add this note. I used a package of chicken breast tenderloins from the freezer, 2 cans of French's fried onions as the crumb crust for the chicken, some whole grain brown rice, a can of southwest veggies (I'm not really sure what it was), broccoli, and rolls. Everything from stockpile or freezer. Nothing from the store recently. Oh, yeah, and a sliced tomato from my dad's garden. He says the season's over and he's pulling up the vines tomorrow. I shared with my neighbor and I was able to cook just about enough for two. I do have one tenderloin left which I will probably have for lunch tomorrow. All in all, a good stockpile dinner.
I also went to CVS. I know, I know, I promised not to chase the deals there, but, I fell off the wagon. The Right Guard deodorant was $2.99 w/ a $2 ECB. I had $1 Qs. I bought the limit, 5, and a couple of other items. I used a GC, so, no money oop. I now have $10 ECB to use later.
I just redeemed more MyPoints for another $25 CVS GC. They say to expect it in 2-6 weeks. Wow, don't they even know how long it takes to process it? That's a big window.
Well, tonight it's chicken breast tenderloins. I might fry it. I had some chicken tenderloins at Chick-Fil-A last week and they were really good. I don't know if I can do as good a job as they do, though.
I don't want to rub it in, but, that fried okra last night was fantastic. I'm pretty much weaned off of fried foods, but, sometimes I have to give in. When I was growing up, my grandmother fried everything. I'm not kidding. She could fry just about every vegetable. We'd even have fried corn. No joke!
O.K. Just had to add this note. I used a package of chicken breast tenderloins from the freezer, 2 cans of French's fried onions as the crumb crust for the chicken, some whole grain brown rice, a can of southwest veggies (I'm not really sure what it was), broccoli, and rolls. Everything from stockpile or freezer. Nothing from the store recently. Oh, yeah, and a sliced tomato from my dad's garden. He says the season's over and he's pulling up the vines tomorrow. I shared with my neighbor and I was able to cook just about enough for two. I do have one tenderloin left which I will probably have for lunch tomorrow. All in all, a good stockpile dinner.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
I'm having fried okra tonight!
For those of you unfortunate enough to have been born somewhere other than the south, you do not know the ecstacy of fried okra. My dad had given me some several days ago and I just hadn't gotten around to cooking it. It's in the fry pan right now, the aroma wafting throughout the house. It's simple enough; cut okra into fairly thin slices, coat in a mixture of flour and cornmeal, season with salt and pepper, pour some vegetable oil in a skillet, and then, and then, you get this delicious dish. I'm rather embarrassed to say that I'm not making anything to go with it. When I eat fried okra, I tend to go overboard. I didn't want to have anything else on my plate to detract from this delicacy.
I'm taking some chicken out of the freezer this evening, so, I will be forced to do something with it tomorrow night. I have so many side dishes in my stockpile; potatoes, pasta, and rice of every flavor and description. Surely I can find something to compliment the chicken. I might even have ice cream for dessert. Who would have thought that?!
I'm going to have to buy cat food tomorrow. Those little critters eat like horses! The two kittens are growing bigger by the day. They need a lot of food. The two older females need to keep their "girlish" figures.
Beginning on Wednesday, I will not be able to eat anything. I can have clear liquids that day, then, in the evening, start the colon cleansing process. I shudder to think of the taste of that stuff you have to drink. The procedure is Thursday and I have a feeling that I will do nothing but come home and go to bed afterwards. Look for very light eating for a couple of days after that.
I'm taking some chicken out of the freezer this evening, so, I will be forced to do something with it tomorrow night. I have so many side dishes in my stockpile; potatoes, pasta, and rice of every flavor and description. Surely I can find something to compliment the chicken. I might even have ice cream for dessert. Who would have thought that?!
I'm going to have to buy cat food tomorrow. Those little critters eat like horses! The two kittens are growing bigger by the day. They need a lot of food. The two older females need to keep their "girlish" figures.
Beginning on Wednesday, I will not be able to eat anything. I can have clear liquids that day, then, in the evening, start the colon cleansing process. I shudder to think of the taste of that stuff you have to drink. The procedure is Thursday and I have a feeling that I will do nothing but come home and go to bed afterwards. Look for very light eating for a couple of days after that.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
I'm swimming in Haagen-Dazs
I had an unpleasant experience at a Walgreens last week and I complained to corporate. The manager called to smooth things over with me. I went back to the store to meet with her. She said she was going to give my a GC as an apology. I was expecting maybe $25; her idea of "I'm sorry" is a $10 GC. Anyway, I spent it all on Haagen-Dazs with those $2/2 Qs out right now. I'm in Atlanta right now and they have the 4 oz size of HD ice cream for $1 ea. The Q says $2/2 pints, but, I tried using them with the 4 oz and the register didn't beep. I now have 10 pints and 12 4oz cups.
I'll be here overnight. I really didn't want to fool with going out to dinner. There's too much baseball on TV this afternoon and tonight. While at Kroger scooping up all the ice cream, I bought a single-serve entree to microwave for dinner. I think I spent $2.68 of "real" money as well as $12 in Qs for the ice cream. Breakfast here is complimentary and usually pretty good.
I promise, I'm really going to buckle down next week and do some real meal planning and preparation. I'm going to use stockpile items and enjoy it! It's so easy to say and so hard to do. There's no excuse for me to go to the store again this month except for cat food.
I'll be here overnight. I really didn't want to fool with going out to dinner. There's too much baseball on TV this afternoon and tonight. While at Kroger scooping up all the ice cream, I bought a single-serve entree to microwave for dinner. I think I spent $2.68 of "real" money as well as $12 in Qs for the ice cream. Breakfast here is complimentary and usually pretty good.
I promise, I'm really going to buckle down next week and do some real meal planning and preparation. I'm going to use stockpile items and enjoy it! It's so easy to say and so hard to do. There's no excuse for me to go to the store again this month except for cat food.
Friday, September 5, 2008
I've been AWOL for a few days.
My apologies. I've been under the weather for a few days.
I'm off my grilled cheese sandwich kick, at least, for a while. Y'all knew I'd get tired of that soon enough. I had a great Q on deli meat last Monday, so, now I'm enjoying turkey and swiss sandwiches.
I hate like all heck to admit this, but, I left that leftover chicken just a little too long. I decided that it had to be thrown out. The cats loved it, but, I wanted to kick my own butt for not using it soon enough. I'm still going to try those new recipes I found on the Leftover Wizard, but, I can used canned chicken, which I have absolutely "goo-gobs" of. You do know that "goo-gob" is an actual numerical designation, don't you? I think it means "more than you can count."
I have a Walgreens GC and I'm going to use quite a bit of it before Sunday. They have Haagen-Dazs ice cream for $3 a pint. I have a lot of $2/2 Qs on that. I've lost a lot of weight lately, more than is healthy, so, I can safely eat the ice cream without worrying about extra pounds.
I know this blog is supposed to be about using stockpile, maximizing coupons, and saving. Just a little off-topic for a moment, though; I am having a colonoscopy on 9/11. I am past 50 and I know that I should have done it years ago. It just seems so "unfriendly." I have a history of ulcerative colitis, thankfully, no flare-ups in many years, but, the damage has been done to my colon. If you are 50 or older and have never had this done, you really should. Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the US and it is one of the most preventable kinds of cancer that we know of.
Now, back to our regular programming.
I didn't realize just how fast I can go through an 18 lb bag of cat food. It's time to buy once again. If my calculations are correct, I have spent $14.14 in "real" money this month, leaving me with $35.86. I may have to blow it all at once; I have a $5 off $40 purchase Q at Bi-Lo. I hope that means $40 before Qs. If that's the case, I can do pretty well with it. I was able to get a couple of good Qs on Purina. The Q pictures some varieties of Purina, but, not the Friskies, which was bought by Purina in the past few years and I would think, technically, Friskies is a variety of Purina. I guess I'll find out.
I'm off my grilled cheese sandwich kick, at least, for a while. Y'all knew I'd get tired of that soon enough. I had a great Q on deli meat last Monday, so, now I'm enjoying turkey and swiss sandwiches.
I hate like all heck to admit this, but, I left that leftover chicken just a little too long. I decided that it had to be thrown out. The cats loved it, but, I wanted to kick my own butt for not using it soon enough. I'm still going to try those new recipes I found on the Leftover Wizard, but, I can used canned chicken, which I have absolutely "goo-gobs" of. You do know that "goo-gob" is an actual numerical designation, don't you? I think it means "more than you can count."
I have a Walgreens GC and I'm going to use quite a bit of it before Sunday. They have Haagen-Dazs ice cream for $3 a pint. I have a lot of $2/2 Qs on that. I've lost a lot of weight lately, more than is healthy, so, I can safely eat the ice cream without worrying about extra pounds.
I know this blog is supposed to be about using stockpile, maximizing coupons, and saving. Just a little off-topic for a moment, though; I am having a colonoscopy on 9/11. I am past 50 and I know that I should have done it years ago. It just seems so "unfriendly." I have a history of ulcerative colitis, thankfully, no flare-ups in many years, but, the damage has been done to my colon. If you are 50 or older and have never had this done, you really should. Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the US and it is one of the most preventable kinds of cancer that we know of.
Now, back to our regular programming.
I didn't realize just how fast I can go through an 18 lb bag of cat food. It's time to buy once again. If my calculations are correct, I have spent $14.14 in "real" money this month, leaving me with $35.86. I may have to blow it all at once; I have a $5 off $40 purchase Q at Bi-Lo. I hope that means $40 before Qs. If that's the case, I can do pretty well with it. I was able to get a couple of good Qs on Purina. The Q pictures some varieties of Purina, but, not the Friskies, which was bought by Purina in the past few years and I would think, technically, Friskies is a variety of Purina. I guess I'll find out.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
20 boxes of cereal, no milk!
I reported yesterday that I took advantage of the Kellogg's rebate offer and bought 20 boxes of cereal. Of course, it made me want to open one, but, NO MILK! I had to make a quick trip to the grocery today for milk, nothing else.
I did a lot of housework today, very unusual for me. I am not a domestic goddess. Anyway, didn't get around to using those 2 new recipes I found to use up that leftover chicken. Will definitely do tomorrow. As I was rambling around the kitchen this morning, I spied some shrimp in a ziploc bag. I put it in the fridge to thaw. Just had a marvelous dinner of nothing but a 1/2 pound of shrimp and a glass of wine. I thought I was at the beach.
My dad was here today. We shared a big sandwich of meat and cheese that I had purchased yesterday with a $2 Q. He supplied the tomato for the sandwich. It was nice to visit with him and have someone to join me in a meal, even if it was just a sandwich.
One of my trading buddies is sending me some $2/2 Haagen-Dazs. It's on sale for $3 per pint at Walgreens this week. I think I will stock up. I know, I know, I said I wasn't going to stockpile, but, really, is having some ice cream on hand considered stockpiling? After all, it won't last long! I think it goes without saying that it is something that I will not be sharing!
Oh, I spent $4.46 today for milk. I require Lactaid for lactose intolerance. It jumped 5% in price since last week. I did get a nickel off for bringing my own cloth bag. That's the same as a Q, right?
I did a lot of housework today, very unusual for me. I am not a domestic goddess. Anyway, didn't get around to using those 2 new recipes I found to use up that leftover chicken. Will definitely do tomorrow. As I was rambling around the kitchen this morning, I spied some shrimp in a ziploc bag. I put it in the fridge to thaw. Just had a marvelous dinner of nothing but a 1/2 pound of shrimp and a glass of wine. I thought I was at the beach.
My dad was here today. We shared a big sandwich of meat and cheese that I had purchased yesterday with a $2 Q. He supplied the tomato for the sandwich. It was nice to visit with him and have someone to join me in a meal, even if it was just a sandwich.
One of my trading buddies is sending me some $2/2 Haagen-Dazs. It's on sale for $3 per pint at Walgreens this week. I think I will stock up. I know, I know, I said I wasn't going to stockpile, but, really, is having some ice cream on hand considered stockpiling? After all, it won't last long! I think it goes without saying that it is something that I will not be sharing!
Oh, I spent $4.46 today for milk. I require Lactaid for lactose intolerance. It jumped 5% in price since last week. I did get a nickel off for bringing my own cloth bag. That's the same as a Q, right?
Monday, September 1, 2008
I went a little crazy today.
I bought 20 boxes of cereal at Rite Aid today. I know that sounds like a lot, but, can you say rebate? I spent $44.27 of my GC there. I had to pick up a few things at the grocery today, too. I spent $9.68 of my $50.42 "real" money. I also used $12.35 in Qs. I was also able to get 6 trial size bottles of ReNu at Target. I also ate free today. Chick-Fil-A was having a promotion and I got 3 chicken planks there for lunch. I still had one more of the free chicken sandwich w/ drink purchase at McDonald's.
I used that leftover wizard I told you about earlier. I found a couple of ways to use the leftover chicken from the crock pot dinner a couple of nights ago. I'll let you know how they turn out. They both use several stockpile items; the only thing I had to buy was celery.
I'm definitely going to have to watch myself closely this month. Spending practically my whole Rite Aid GC on cereal probably wasn't the wisest use, but, I will get some of it back sooner or later.
I used that leftover wizard I told you about earlier. I found a couple of ways to use the leftover chicken from the crock pot dinner a couple of nights ago. I'll let you know how they turn out. They both use several stockpile items; the only thing I had to buy was celery.
I'm definitely going to have to watch myself closely this month. Spending practically my whole Rite Aid GC on cereal probably wasn't the wisest use, but, I will get some of it back sooner or later.
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