I prepared a wonderful meal yesterday, completely out of stockpile. I made chicken cornbread dressing and 4, count'em, 4 side dishes to go along. I ate well early in the evening, then, I went to bed about 9 or so, woke up about an hour later, and heated up another plate of food! I'm thinking of hitting it again for lunch today. I'm not tired of it, yet.
I can't wait for the sales flyers to come in the newspaper tomorrow so that I can see what great deals I'm NOT going to do! Ignoring good deals is a lot harder than it seems.
I don't know of any free goodies or free restaurant food being offered right now. I'll be on the lookout and let you know what I find.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I'm Not Supposed To Be Stockpiling!
I know I'm supposed to be living off of stockpile, but, I got 12 rolls of aluminum foil this week, all free. I also did a pretty impressive job of stockpiling Stouffer's mac/cheese which was .99 ea. at Walgreens this week. It also helped to eat up the overage on the foil.
I do not plan to buy anything else this month (2 days left; I can see that far ahead). My year to date totals are thusly:
Money Spent: $302.87
Rebates Recvd: $85.77
Net Amt. Spent: $217.10
Qs Redeemed: $629.68
The Qs represent 67.5% of all groceries brought into the house this year. I'm slightly over my projected monthly average of $100. I am $17.10 over through this much of the year. That's not hard to make up later.
You all know how hard it is to turn down something "free." At my local grocery, if you spend at least $35 each visit and have 7 of these purchases before Easter, you get a free ham. I've been using free Qs to get to the $35 threshhold a couple of times. Now that I've started with 2 ham points, I would feel like I'd wasted them if I didn't plunge in and do it 5 more times. I have enough free Qs to get another $35 purchase. From then on, I'm going to have to spend REAL MONEY! Of course, 2 bags of cat food and milk and bread will get me to $35 and I will have to do that soon.
Who went to IHOP on free pancake day? I admit I went. I was somewhat surprised to find that a cup of coffee is $1.89 plus tax. That's more than Starbucks! Free isn't always free, is it?
Update on my dad's condition; he is on painkillers and nothing else. He's considering chemo and/or radiation, but, hasn't made a decision yet. He can still drive and live fairly normally, although I suppose he isn't going to put tomatoes in the ground this year as he will be unable to take care of them. He will likely be gone before the first tomatoes are ripe enough to pick. I feel quite helpless right now. There is nothing I can do for him, other than bake a cake every now and then and just "be there." All these years he's been doing so much for me and now, when it is important, I can't return it.
I think he's in a bit of trouble now, though. I often cook for him and he always raves about the dishes I make even though I know that they are mediocre, at best. Now, I'm going to make all those things he's raved about in the past and he's going to have to eat them!
I do not plan to buy anything else this month (2 days left; I can see that far ahead). My year to date totals are thusly:
Money Spent: $302.87
Rebates Recvd: $85.77
Net Amt. Spent: $217.10
Qs Redeemed: $629.68
The Qs represent 67.5% of all groceries brought into the house this year. I'm slightly over my projected monthly average of $100. I am $17.10 over through this much of the year. That's not hard to make up later.
You all know how hard it is to turn down something "free." At my local grocery, if you spend at least $35 each visit and have 7 of these purchases before Easter, you get a free ham. I've been using free Qs to get to the $35 threshhold a couple of times. Now that I've started with 2 ham points, I would feel like I'd wasted them if I didn't plunge in and do it 5 more times. I have enough free Qs to get another $35 purchase. From then on, I'm going to have to spend REAL MONEY! Of course, 2 bags of cat food and milk and bread will get me to $35 and I will have to do that soon.
Who went to IHOP on free pancake day? I admit I went. I was somewhat surprised to find that a cup of coffee is $1.89 plus tax. That's more than Starbucks! Free isn't always free, is it?
Update on my dad's condition; he is on painkillers and nothing else. He's considering chemo and/or radiation, but, hasn't made a decision yet. He can still drive and live fairly normally, although I suppose he isn't going to put tomatoes in the ground this year as he will be unable to take care of them. He will likely be gone before the first tomatoes are ripe enough to pick. I feel quite helpless right now. There is nothing I can do for him, other than bake a cake every now and then and just "be there." All these years he's been doing so much for me and now, when it is important, I can't return it.
I think he's in a bit of trouble now, though. I often cook for him and he always raves about the dishes I make even though I know that they are mediocre, at best. Now, I'm going to make all those things he's raved about in the past and he's going to have to eat them!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My spaghetti sauce has taken on a life of its own.
I think I mentioned several days ago that I made some spaghetti sauce. I use jar sauce, but, add ground beef and garlic to it. When the sauce seems too thick, I add a can of diced tomatoes to it. I still have as much sauce as I started out with days ago! I froze it for about a week, then took it out for another run. Don't get me wrong; I like spaghetti and meat sauce. I just hate to think of this thing as growing instead of diminishing!
I really messed up. I told you that free pancake day at IHOP was 7-10 am. In fact, it was 7am-10pm. I really need to put my glasses on and read the fine print a bit more often!
It's the end of the month and I have some Qs that I really (roll eyes!) need to use. I think, though, that my shopping trip tomorrow is going to be mostly free and high value Qs, so, I'm not going to blow it this month. Friday night, I will get all my "year to date" figures in order and give an accounting for myself.
I just took a peak in the freezer and found that I have about 15 boxes of Green Giant vegetables. I should be able to make veggie meals forever with that. I also have many packages of rice and potato side dishes. I've really got to make an effort to eat better. I ran into my gastrointerologist yesterday when my dad was in the hospital and he said, "I don't like this weight loss." I'm trying, really, I am.
I've gotten some of that Boost Kid Essentials and trying to drink that once a day. It has a lot of nutrients that I know I need. It's not bad tasting. I was always afraid of trying Boost or Ensure because I thought they would taste horrid. This is working out fairly well.
I really messed up. I told you that free pancake day at IHOP was 7-10 am. In fact, it was 7am-10pm. I really need to put my glasses on and read the fine print a bit more often!
It's the end of the month and I have some Qs that I really (roll eyes!) need to use. I think, though, that my shopping trip tomorrow is going to be mostly free and high value Qs, so, I'm not going to blow it this month. Friday night, I will get all my "year to date" figures in order and give an accounting for myself.
I just took a peak in the freezer and found that I have about 15 boxes of Green Giant vegetables. I should be able to make veggie meals forever with that. I also have many packages of rice and potato side dishes. I've really got to make an effort to eat better. I ran into my gastrointerologist yesterday when my dad was in the hospital and he said, "I don't like this weight loss." I'm trying, really, I am.
I've gotten some of that Boost Kid Essentials and trying to drink that once a day. It has a lot of nutrients that I know I need. It's not bad tasting. I was always afraid of trying Boost or Ensure because I thought they would taste horrid. This is working out fairly well.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Free Aluminum Foil and Free GC
I transferred an $8 prescription to Rite Aid today and received a $30 GC for my efforts. Not a bad deal at all. I noticed in the Walgreens prescription Qs, they now say that you can only take advantage of a GC deal once every 6 months. Rite Aid has not put that kind of limit on theirs...yet.
I've hit several Walgreens today and have gotten 6 rolls of Reynolds aluminum foil free. It is regularly $1.69, the weekly flyer has an .80 Q and I used a $1 manufacturer's Q. I also took advantage of the Stouffer's mac/cheese Walgreens Q. At .99 each, I cannot make mac/cheese that cheaply (not to mention as great tasting as Stouffer's). Also, they helped eat up the overage from the foil deal. As an added bonus, the Stouffer's products have the codes inside. I have yet to "win" any of the auctioned items, but, there's nothing like saving up for something big.
I'm afraid that I have not been eating well lately. I just have no appetite. I hate to cook a meal and then just sit there and stare at it. Once we know more about my dad's condition, perhaps I will be able to eat a bit better. I've been depending entirely too much on cokes and breakfast cereal. Neither require any preparation or even thought beforehand.
I don't think I'm going to get the free Easter ham from Bi-Lo this year. I had discussed earlier about buying GC to satisfy the purchase requirement; tried that and it did not give me a ham point. I rarely buy $35 worth of groceries at one time, so, no free ham this year. It was a good plan, it just didn't work out for me.
What special promo does your store have at Easter? Will you participate?
I've hit several Walgreens today and have gotten 6 rolls of Reynolds aluminum foil free. It is regularly $1.69, the weekly flyer has an .80 Q and I used a $1 manufacturer's Q. I also took advantage of the Stouffer's mac/cheese Walgreens Q. At .99 each, I cannot make mac/cheese that cheaply (not to mention as great tasting as Stouffer's). Also, they helped eat up the overage from the foil deal. As an added bonus, the Stouffer's products have the codes inside. I have yet to "win" any of the auctioned items, but, there's nothing like saving up for something big.
I'm afraid that I have not been eating well lately. I just have no appetite. I hate to cook a meal and then just sit there and stare at it. Once we know more about my dad's condition, perhaps I will be able to eat a bit better. I've been depending entirely too much on cokes and breakfast cereal. Neither require any preparation or even thought beforehand.
I don't think I'm going to get the free Easter ham from Bi-Lo this year. I had discussed earlier about buying GC to satisfy the purchase requirement; tried that and it did not give me a ham point. I rarely buy $35 worth of groceries at one time, so, no free ham this year. It was a good plan, it just didn't work out for me.
What special promo does your store have at Easter? Will you participate?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Free Qs, Again
I reported to you that I was a winner in the Kraft instant win and received Qs for crackers, cheese, and nuts. Well, a few days later, I received the same free Qs again. I didn't win twice, they just paid off twice. O.K. by me.
I admit that I have not been eating well lately. My appetite comes and goes and right now, it's completely gone. I've been drinking Boost Kid Essentials for the nutrients I'm missing. Got'em free so I guess it's a good thing that they are good for me! Free cokes would be more welcome, though.
Allow me to take a hard left turn here. My dad has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the doctor says he has 1-3 months left. It's almost impossible to believe. He's as healthy as a horse up until about 2 months ago. I am well into my 50's, but, I am very dependent on him for many things since I live alone and have no "man around the house." I'm not sure what I should be thinking or feeling right now. I just feel numb. I'm sure in the days and weeks to come, I will feel it more acutely. Right now, I just don't feel...anything.
The challenge will go forward. I will share my thoughts and frugal ways with you. I will try to contribute some good free things that I find along the way. Feel free to chime in on goodies you have found or better ways of making more of what you have. I am always eager to learn from others.
I admit that I have not been eating well lately. My appetite comes and goes and right now, it's completely gone. I've been drinking Boost Kid Essentials for the nutrients I'm missing. Got'em free so I guess it's a good thing that they are good for me! Free cokes would be more welcome, though.
Allow me to take a hard left turn here. My dad has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the doctor says he has 1-3 months left. It's almost impossible to believe. He's as healthy as a horse up until about 2 months ago. I am well into my 50's, but, I am very dependent on him for many things since I live alone and have no "man around the house." I'm not sure what I should be thinking or feeling right now. I just feel numb. I'm sure in the days and weeks to come, I will feel it more acutely. Right now, I just don't feel...anything.
The challenge will go forward. I will share my thoughts and frugal ways with you. I will try to contribute some good free things that I find along the way. Feel free to chime in on goodies you have found or better ways of making more of what you have. I am always eager to learn from others.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Deals Were Just Too Good To Pass On
I really only needed milk and bread, but, you know what happens when you go in the store to get "just a couple of things." I ended up spending $28.81; however, I used $28.30 in Qs. Some things I purchased were necessary to go with items I already have; for example, canned green beans need help and I like to cook a smoked ham hock in my beans to give them a good "southern" flavor. I had a couple of Del Monte .30 IP and doubled, got 2 free cans of veggies. I also stocked up on StarKist tuna pouches. I had 8 of the $1 off and the price at my store is $1.09. I had earlier gone to Target where they are .99 each. They wouldn't accept my $1 Qs. They say now that they cannot take a Q for less than the purchase price. In the past, they would modify the Q value to match the price. I was extremely ticked off, snatched the coupons out of the cashier's hand, took my reusable bag and dumped all their tuna out on the counter, and left. I guess I did make a bit of a scene, but, geez, they want to lose all my business in the future over a penny? I can't believe the stupidity of the cashiers and so-called supervisors at these places. They apparently don't know that Target would get back every $1 for these Qs plus the .08 handling fee. They aren't losing a thing! O.K. Somebody talk me down.
I'm still at only about $50 in groceries for the month. Also, my Q usage is hovering around 62% so far this year. I think that's an excellent figure.
I guess my cat food purchases will increase soon. I just saw one of my regular strays and she's showing signs of pregnancy, i.e. saddlebags. Anybody need a kitten? Put in your order now. Will deliver in about 3 months.
I'm still at only about $50 in groceries for the month. Also, my Q usage is hovering around 62% so far this year. I think that's an excellent figure.
I guess my cat food purchases will increase soon. I just saw one of my regular strays and she's showing signs of pregnancy, i.e. saddlebags. Anybody need a kitten? Put in your order now. Will deliver in about 3 months.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Spend A Little, Receive A Lot
Rite Aid has a promo right now where you buy 3 Bayer products, you will receive a $10 GC. I bought the 3 items, used Qs on everything, final cost $1.68. I can also use my parents' address for another rebate outlet and I bought the 3 items again, this time $2.68 and will receive a $10 GC for that purchase, too. I should add that between the two purchases, I used $43 in Qs. I know what you're asking and the answer is, "No, there wasn't anything in the purchases that I needed."
I took advantage of what I suppose is a good deal on cokes at CVS today. They are 4/$11 and I used 4 $1/1 Qs. While I was there, I found a bin of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce @ 75% off. I guess most people think of this only at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but, I enjoy it much more often. I thought .42 a can was a tremendous bargain and I bought 6. Oh, yeah, I know I'm not supposed to be stockpiling! Sometimes, though, you have to grab a good deal while you can.
I'm a 1/3 of the way through the month and I have spent less than $20 on groceries. I think my cat food is going to last a bit longer that I originally thought; it seems that some of the stray cats I've been feeding have moved on. I can count on the females to come back when it's time to give birth! They seem to love my house for that.
There are some tempting deals at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid this week, but, I am trying with all I've got to refuse to be seduced by them. Let me feel the love from you as I say no to "deals."
I took advantage of what I suppose is a good deal on cokes at CVS today. They are 4/$11 and I used 4 $1/1 Qs. While I was there, I found a bin of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce @ 75% off. I guess most people think of this only at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but, I enjoy it much more often. I thought .42 a can was a tremendous bargain and I bought 6. Oh, yeah, I know I'm not supposed to be stockpiling! Sometimes, though, you have to grab a good deal while you can.
I'm a 1/3 of the way through the month and I have spent less than $20 on groceries. I think my cat food is going to last a bit longer that I originally thought; it seems that some of the stray cats I've been feeding have moved on. I can count on the females to come back when it's time to give birth! They seem to love my house for that.
There are some tempting deals at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid this week, but, I am trying with all I've got to refuse to be seduced by them. Let me feel the love from you as I say no to "deals."
Friday, February 6, 2009
Read The Fine Print!
I had (2) $5 Chevron GC and I was saving them for "lean" times. I was at the gas station a couple of days ago and whipped them out. After the pump rejected them, I read the back; expiration 12/31/08. AAAGG!! I just lost $10 because I didn't pay attention. That made me go back to check all my restaurant GC. I had a Chili's card that had the $2 a month fee in the fine print. Went to Chili's just to see if I lost all of it and it gave me full credit. I know I've been carrying that card around for a couple of years. I just got lucky on that one.
As couponers, the first thing we look for on a Q is the expiration date. Why, oh why, don't I do that for everything? Well, learned my lesson. Please don't make the same mistake.
Made another great veggie meal for lunch today with all stockpile items. I'm really trying to eat at least one substantial meal a day. I received a Q for a free pack of Boost Kid Essentials. When very cold, the chocolate tastes pretty good. I'm trying to drink one of those every day to get the needed nutrients. That, and trying to cook once a day, ought to keep me on track physically.
As couponers, the first thing we look for on a Q is the expiration date. Why, oh why, don't I do that for everything? Well, learned my lesson. Please don't make the same mistake.
Made another great veggie meal for lunch today with all stockpile items. I'm really trying to eat at least one substantial meal a day. I received a Q for a free pack of Boost Kid Essentials. When very cold, the chocolate tastes pretty good. I'm trying to drink one of those every day to get the needed nutrients. That, and trying to cook once a day, ought to keep me on track physically.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I Won Some Free Qs!
I played an instant win game in the past 2 weeks or so and won! I received my Qs today; free Nabisco crackers, free Planter's product, and free Kraft cheese. They total about $15.
There is a current promotion to request a Q for a free 6-pack of Boost Kids Essentials. I received my Q yesterday. I may have mentioned before that I have been ill for a while and lost a lot of weight. I'm going to try the Boost Kids to try to get essential nutrients that I'm missing. I've been told that they taste very good. I hadn't tried any variety of Boost in the past because I wasn't sure it would be palatable. When it comes to new products, I so appreciate getting a free Q to try it so that I don't feel like I've wasted my money if it doesn't work out for me.
I have a pretty good balance in the MyCokeRewards promotion. I redeemed some points for the BOGOF Qs for coke products. I found cokes on "sale" for 3/$11 (some sale!) at CVS this week. With my BOGOF Qs and an ECB, I paid $8.38 for 6 12-packs of cokes. That figures out to a fraction less than 12 cents per can of coke. I admit that I drink far too many cokes. I enjoy them. I enjoy the "fizz" when poured over ice. I enjoy everything about an icy cold Coca-Cola. I don't think I could give them up.
I think I went a bit overboard in grocery spending in January. February is definitely going to be a belt-tightening month.
I hope some of you were able to take advantage of the free breakfast at Denny's today. The nearest to me is about 35 miles and I just didn't think it was cost-effective to drive 70 miles for some scrambled eggs!
Don't forget that February 24 is free pancake day at IHOP. I believe that promo runs from 7am-10am, perhaps 11am. Be sure to visit one or two locations in your city.
There is a current promotion to request a Q for a free 6-pack of Boost Kids Essentials. I received my Q yesterday. I may have mentioned before that I have been ill for a while and lost a lot of weight. I'm going to try the Boost Kids to try to get essential nutrients that I'm missing. I've been told that they taste very good. I hadn't tried any variety of Boost in the past because I wasn't sure it would be palatable. When it comes to new products, I so appreciate getting a free Q to try it so that I don't feel like I've wasted my money if it doesn't work out for me.
I have a pretty good balance in the MyCokeRewards promotion. I redeemed some points for the BOGOF Qs for coke products. I found cokes on "sale" for 3/$11 (some sale!) at CVS this week. With my BOGOF Qs and an ECB, I paid $8.38 for 6 12-packs of cokes. That figures out to a fraction less than 12 cents per can of coke. I admit that I drink far too many cokes. I enjoy them. I enjoy the "fizz" when poured over ice. I enjoy everything about an icy cold Coca-Cola. I don't think I could give them up.
I think I went a bit overboard in grocery spending in January. February is definitely going to be a belt-tightening month.
I hope some of you were able to take advantage of the free breakfast at Denny's today. The nearest to me is about 35 miles and I just didn't think it was cost-effective to drive 70 miles for some scrambled eggs!
Don't forget that February 24 is free pancake day at IHOP. I believe that promo runs from 7am-10am, perhaps 11am. Be sure to visit one or two locations in your city.
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