1-25-10

Tagged along with mom while she went shopping at Meijer.
I usually do to help her with carrying groceries.
All I had to get was some 10 pound potatoes for $1.69.

I lingered around the store to see if I could find
any mark down specials. One item I found was a
box of allergy tablets. It said it was marked
down 90% off and was .75 cents. That means it should
have been around $7.50 regular price.
Remember me saying
to always check your prices when you don't know
how much something is to begin with???
I did just that.
And come to find out this item was not 90% off as stated!!
They were regularly $4.00 and 90% off would have been .40 cents!!!
Caught Meijers at it again with their so called mark downs.

I did manage to find 5 items marked down that I got.

1 Can of Pringles
was $1.34
marked down to .67 cents
50% off
SAVED .67 cents

4 Grands Jr. Biscuits
was $1.20 a can x's 4 is $4.80
Marked down 50% off at .60 cents each x's 4 is $2.40
I had 2 coupons .60 cents off 2 cans so $1.20 off 4 cans
Made it $1.20 for 4 cans or .30 cents each.
SAVED $3.60

------------------------------------

I saw this today on Yahoo groups, and thought it was a pretty nifty idea.
It's for a no sew t-shirt diaper for those
who may have younger children.
Good way to recycle t-shirts.


----------------------------------

Tuesday's supper...Beef Stew
Have it in the crock pot now.
Tonight mom's taking us out to eat
for Tony's early birthday present.

Mom sent over last night her leftover beef stew.
I already had beef tips thawing in the fridge
so decided to make up my own to add to hers.

Beef Tips- free
1 package Lipton onion beef soup mix .75 cents
1 can carrots- .29 cents
3-4 potatoes- about .20 cents worth out of 10 pound bag

So to make a big pot of stew will cost me $1.14

---------------------------------------


Free Kotex Samples from All You

-----------------------------------------

Free Walmart Samples

-Tena Bladder Protection
-Prilosec OTC
-Gold Bond Ultimate
-Benefiber Orange

-----------------------------------------

MAIL CALL

Today I received in the mail a coupon for
a FREE bag of Stacy's chips.



Not that this next one is from the mail
but I also got through to get a free
package of Golden Double Stuff Oreos.
FACEBOOK OREO

------------------------------------------

Rumor has it that a printable coupon site
may have a virus. I have noticed my computer
acting funny since I started printing coupons.

Here are free Malware, Spyware and Virus
removal programs you can use.
These are the ones I am running.

You will need more than one program to run
on your computer as they each can detect different things!!

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.44

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.730

Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415

Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware 8.1.3

---------------------------------------

We had a very nice time tonight at Logan's Roadhouse.
We actually got to sit in a different area.
This time it was next to a real fireplace.
That felt wonderful considering it's getting colder out!
I do have one recommendation. Do not get kids meals
off their menu!!! Those meals look like something a
2 year could eat. When I asked the waitress what ages
those kids meals were designed for she told me up to 12 years.
NOT!! Christopher's meal looked like a white castle
cheeseburger and about a tablespoon of rice, literally!
I gave the kids half the food off my plate and split
it between them. I hate to say this but a McDonald's
Happy Meal has more to offer than the Logan's $3.00
kids meal!

------------------------------------

After supper we had to go to kroger to get
Tony's prescriptions. He had a doctor's appointment
today and doc was able to call all his meds in.
And do you know one prescription was a paper one
he gave the pharmacist. Turns out we couldn't get
this so called prescription with our insurance
because it was an over the counter ointment?!
Why did the doctor write a prescription for something
like this???? It was actually on sale for $11.40
and I found a $2.00 coupon on it. So it was $9.40.
Still that was a little more than I was hoping
to spend.

And people wonder why I don't like doctors!

What do people do to entertain themselves while
waiting for prescriptions???
Browse the greeting cards and find the greeting
cards that record a message. Leave different
messages on cards for others to hear when they
pick it up! LMAO
------------------------------------------------

Going to Walgreens tomorrow to get the
Stayfree Maxi Pads and Sure Deodorant.

I've already mentioned all the coupons that could
be used on them. But I found another thing to
add to it.
On the Sure Deodorant for men there is a rebate
form for it which can be found here:
TRY SURE FOR MEN FREE
Just be sure to buy one that has that sticker on the
front of it. Limit to one per address so if you buy
more than one and want to get in on multiple rebates
do as I do and have another one sent to family or friends.

Here's another Walgreen deal I found tonight:
Pert Plus Shampoo Plus Conditioner
Sale price 2 for $5.00 ($2.50 each)
Buy 2 and get 2 register rewards (RR's)
for $2.00 off your next order.
Use 2 manufacture coupons from this past
coupon insert for $1.50 off any Pert Plus For Men.
So with your Register Reward it's like
getting them for FREE.
Oh but it doesn't stop there!
Get a rebate for one bottle here:
TRY PERT PLUS MEN FOR FREE.

-------------------------------

When the kids brush their teeth they sometimes
leave a little puddle of water on the sink counter.
Then someone would come in and put my extra
toilet paper roll in that water. I used
to unravel whatever got wet and throw it away.
I discovered if I sat the toilet
paper roll on the register to dry I could
save the roll from going to waste.

1-24-10

Just browsing through the Dispatch ads.

Target is advertising SWIMSUITS and SHORTS!!
Hello people, it's JANUARY!!!

The only thing I saw in the ads worthwhile
with a coupon match up was:

16-24ct. Stayfree Maxi Pads $1.99
Use the buy 1 get 1 free manufacture coupon.
Averages out to be .99 cents each.
I am guessing that these are regularly
around $4.00 plus each.

Carefree Pantiliners $1.99
Printable coupon for $1.00 off
makes it .99 cents each.

Sure Deodorant $1.50
use Walgreen coupon limit 4
Printable .75 cents off coupon
makes it .75 cents each.
OR
use $1.00 off manufacture coupon
makes it .50 cents each
OR
use $1.50 off manufacture coupon
makes it FREE!

***Kendra- could use these coupons if you have them
as that's the only kind of deodorant Tony can use
that doesn't break him out.***

-------------------------------------

For those of you looking for an easy way
to organize coupons I made a video describing
how I set up my coupon notebook.
COUPON ORGANIZER

----------------------------------------

KROGER

Buy any Pillsbury refrigerated baked goods
such as Grands, Cinnamon Rolls, Sweet Rolls,
Crescents, Cookies, Pie Crusts, Dinner Rolls,
Pizza Crusts or Loaves,
Between 1/25 and 2/21 save up to $4.00 off your next order.

Buy 4 get $2.00 OYNO
Buy 5 get $3.00 OYNO
Buy 6 or more get $4.00 OYNO

------------------------------------------

My KROGER specials of the day (Karl Rd.)

Half of the baking supplies are my moms
but I will list them all. Whenever I am
at Kroger and see a manager special I'll
call mom to see if she wants me to get her
anything.

TOTAL REGULAR PRICE OF EVERYTHING BELOW: $55.44
I PAID: $13.27
TOTAL SAVINGS: $42.17!!!!


8 bags of Kroger semi-sweet chocolate chips
Regular price $1.69 each x's 8 is $13.52
Manager Special price .50 cents each x's 8 is $4.00
SAVED: $9.52


4 bags of Kroger 14 ounce bags coconut
Regular price $2.69 x's 4 is $10.76
Manager Special price .50 cents each x's 4 is $2.00
SAVED $8.76



2 bags Kraft caramel bits
Regular $3.09 x's 2 is $6.18
Manager Special price .50 cents x's 2 is $1.00
SAVED $5.18

1 Kroger Canola Oil Cooking Spray
Regular $1.99
Manager Special price .99 cents
SAVED $1.00

2- 2 packs of Sweet Italian Bread
Regular $2.69 x's 2 is $5.38
Manager Special price $1.39 x's 2 is $2.78
SAVED $2.60


The sweet bread loaves are great to make pizzas with!
Split each loaf in half then cut the halves in half
and top like a pizza. I use tomato soup as sauce.
It's not as bity as regular pizza sauce.
2 loaves will make 8 pizzas.

The second bag of sweet bread I will use to make Meatball Boats.
Cut out the centers. Use the extra cut out bread to mix
with ground deer burger to make meatballs. Put meatballs,
sauce (I use tomato soup)and cheese in them then bake.
2 loaves will make 4 meatballs boats (subs)


4 Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie Mixes
Regular $2.40 x's 4 is $9.60
Manager Special price .50 cents x's 4 is $2.00
SAVED $7.60


1 Clairol Hair Coloring
Regular $8.01
Manager Special price $2.50
Minus $2.00 manufacture coupon
made it .50 cents


--------------------------------------

Still not feeling the greatest today.
Leg muscles are hurting. While at the store
today my hands and nose got extremely cold!
Now as I'm sitting here I got cold chills again!
Trying to get motivated to do laundry and haul
Christmas things down to the basement.
Yesterday while it was half way decent outside,
Tony took down all the lights and decorations.

---------------------------------------

2009 TOP 20 MOST FRUGAL CITIES REVEALED

The 3 "C's" made the top 20!

Cincinnati #3

Cleveland #8

Columbus #20

-----------------------------------------

Photo of my food stockpile.
When hubby used to remodel the kitchens at
his work I would have him save me some cabinets.
Those cabinets now house food & non food items
that I store in the basement in my makeshift pantry.

1-23-10

THE BAG GROCERY ADS

If you get The Bag Saturday and want to make
a grocery list but don't know what coupons to
expect Sunday here is a Sunday coupon preview
for the upcoming Sunday.

I didn't see a whole lot of coupon match ups for any
great deals this week!!
So in my opinion the grocery sales suck this week.

MEIJER

Meijer canned vegetables .33 cents
Corn, Peas, Green Beans

Meijer Pasta .50 cents
12-16 ounce varieties

Meijer gallon milk $1.79
not including chocolate

Homegrown Russet Potatoes 10 lbs. $1.69

Meijer Shredded Cheese $1.67
5-8 ounce package

Meijer Creamed or Condensed Soups .50 cents

Meijer Cooking Spray $1.00

Meijer Split Top White Or Wheat Bread $1.00

Meijer Dressing $1.00

Meijer Ketchup 32 ounces $1.00

Meijer Baggies $1.00
fold top 150 count
freezer 10-15 count
storage 15-20 count
reclosable sandwich or snack 50 count

Meijer Pizza Snacks 15 count $1.00

Joy Dish Soap 30 ounces $1.00

------------------------------------------

KROGER

Buy any 10 participating items get $5.00 off

I didn't see anything worthwhile with this deal.

Kroger Gallon Milk $1.99

----------------------------------------------

FREE FLOWER SHEARS

--------------------------------------

12 pages of printable Target coupons.
Can be combine with manufacture coupons.
Coupons do not double at Target and are at face value.

Target coupon $1.00 off 2 Frank's Red Hot Sauce
Printable coupon .50 cents off 1 (print 2)

----------------------------------------

Printable Walgreens coupons.
Can be combined with manufacture coupons.
Coupons do not double and are at face value.

Ricola cough drops
Wags coupon .99 cents limit 2
Manf coupon $1.00 off 2
makes it .98 cents for 2 or .49 cents each

Possible deal for this upcoming week:

-------------------------------------

Brunch/Lunch

Fried taters, smoked sausage and onions

I had 1/2 smoked sausage link leftover from
making sauerkraut-sausage soup.
Then still had 4 potatoes lingering
in the fridge, so this is how this came about
to use up leftovers.



Supper

Cream chipped beef over toast.

Had a loaf of bread that's been sitting too
long and wanted to use it up before it went bad.
Didn't have any cheese to throw in it so instead used
up the rest of the bottle of 3 cheese ranch dressing
and mixed it in when adding the milk.



----------------------------------------

Took everyone to the library today.

Tony needed a manual about our Suburban.
The kids each got an armful of books.

I decided since I was there to grab a couple
books that looked interesting.

I got:

1/2 Priced Living
Secrets to living on one income

-I just browsed through this book and it must
be for the rich trying to cut back! When I read
a chapter about home improvement and it said
to spend $6,000 to $7,000 to replace your
toilet, sink and fixtures! I knew this was
not my kind of book. I tossed it aside and
read no further!!!
My kind of home improvement involves Craigslist,
Habitat or a clearance section!

Live Your Life For Half The Price
without sacrificing the life you love

Frugal Living For Dummies
Practical ideas to help you spend less,
save more and live well.

----------------------------------------

Kroger sent me an email today.
They want me to take a survey about
my shopping habits. Then I will be entered
in their contest to try and win
10- $100 prizes. Crossing fingers!
This is the first one I ever got from them.

I also received in the mail from Kroger
today a couple coupons for Clorox bleach.

-----------------------------------------

Oh my goodness! We are sitting here watching
The Real Housewives of Orange County.
One son was preparing a meal wearing an apron
around his waist. On this apron was a picture
of a penis. They didn't block it out!!
I rewound it on the DVR and sure enough
it was what we thought it was. Just something
you don't see on tv everyday. Heck on the
National Geographic channel they cover up
the genitals with blurred spots!!

-------------------------------------------

Going to bed. Just took some more ibuprofen.
Body and head still hurts! Hoping for a
better day tomorrow.

---------------------------------------------


COFFEE FILTER USES

Coffee filters ..... Who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing even the large ones.

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.

2. Clean windows, mirrors, and chrome... Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.

3. Protect China by separating your good dishes with a coffee filter between each dish.

4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.

5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.

6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.

7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.

8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.

10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.

11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter..

12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters..

13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. It soaks out all the grease.

14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

15. As a sewing backing. Use a filter as an easy-to-tear backing for embroidering or appliqueing soft fabrics.

16. Put baking soda into a coffee filter and insert into shoes or a closet to absorb or prevent odors.

17. Use them to strain soup stock and to tie fresh herbs in to put in soups and stews.

18. Use a coffee filter to prevent spilling when you add fluids to your car.

19. Use them as a spoon rest while cooking and clean up small counter spills.

20. Can use to hold dry ingredients when baking or when cutting a piece of fruit or veggies.. Saves on having extra bowls to wash.

21. Use them to wrap Christmas ornaments for storage.

22. Use them to remove fingernail polish when out of cotton balls.

23. Use them to sprout seeds.. Simply dampen the coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold it and place it into a plastic baggie until they sprout.

24. Use coffee filters as blotting paper for pressed flowers. Place the flowers between two coffee filters and put the coffee filters in phone book..

25. Use as a disposable "snack bowl" for popcorn, chips, etc.

1-22-10

4 more items found in another apartment move out!

MTX Thunder 5500 12" subwoofer new in box!
Found online a value of $100!


1,500 watt Farenheit car stereo amplifier
Found online for $250!


2 Snow Boogie Boards
$60 value


Also stopped in Kroger on Olentangy since I hadn't been in there
awhile to check out their manager specials. I also had a coupon
for FREE Always Infinity!
Here's what I found:

REGULAR PRICE: $26.30
I PAID: $10.88
SAVED: $15.42

3 large boxes Captain Crunch Cereal - 1 pound 6 oz each

Turkey Stuffing 6 oz.

2 double packs of chicken stuffing - 12 oz each

3 cans tuna fish

box of 16ct Always Inifinity pads

Small bottle of honey

1 can green beans

1 can carrots





Me and mom also stopped by the thrift store today.
I found the kids each a pair of shoes.
I returned the $30 shoes to Meijer the other day
so got these instead at $1.99 each.

Tony Hawk Tennis Shoes




I also found a purse for $1.49!
It's pretty cool as it looks like it has it's own
filing area in it! This would be excellent for my coupons!
Big cheap purses with many compartments are hard to come by.
I need something big because at times I am carrying
all the kids snacks, pop bottles and toys.
And other times it could be a camera, cell phone, magazines, newspaper ads,
notebooks, grocery lists, books.
And lastly I sometimes carry hubby's tools, LOL.
So you understand why I need my "suitcase" as hubby calls it!!

I showed hubby my "new" purse tonight. His first comment
was that he could go to the junk yard now. So I say waddya mean?
He says, "Look at all that room in the purse. We can haul more tools
now" LMAO.
SEE I TOLD YOU SO!!!








----------------------------------

BIG LOTS

Printable coupon for 20% off entire purchase.
Good January 23 to January 31.

-------------------------------------

Tonight's supper Chicken Marinara

I didn't have time to throw chicken in the crock
today so used Redi-Serve chicken nuggets.

2 batches of noodles .25 cents
jar of marinara sauce FREE
2 packages Redi-Serve chicken nuggets $3.60

Total cost for supper: $3.85
Serves 7 @ .55 cents a serving


--------------------------------

Today I signed up for another survey site
called Zoom Panel.
You accumulate points to turn in for gifts.
If interested in it I can send you a referral.

---------------------------------

MAIL CALL

Here is another way to get free products or coupons,
Fill out those Consumer Product Surveys.
I got one in the mail today.



---------------------------

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS

Enter for the chance to win a $250 gift card.
Also you get a printable coupon $10 off a $25 purchase!

----------------------------

I have had my new printer for 20 days, almost 3 weeks
and tonight is the first time I set it up!
I hate when it comes time to figure out how to set
electronics up. I don't have the patience for it.
Anyway I got it all figured out and it's up and running now.
Now I can get to printing all those coupons! YEAH!

Printer's going crazy with all the coupons I'm printing out.
Oh yeah, I'm on a roll!!! I was going through withdrawal!
Advance Auto
Save-A-Lot
Betty Crocker
Coupon Mom
A Full Cup
Red Plum
Smart Source
Big Lots

Time to head off to bed and plug in my heating pad.
Ibuprofen is finally kicking in and now need a little
heat for all my aches and pains.
The things a couponer and deal seeker will do
with the pains that we have. I probably should
have stayed home and rested today but instead went
shopping. Oh well it's the weekend now so I can rest then
in between housework.

--------------------------------

Just saw this ad on tv.
Huge list of stores and coupons.
Not grocery.
DEAL TAKER

------------------------------------

WALMART FREE SAMPLES

-------------------------------------

Found another printable Cottonelle coupon.

1-21-10

Here are a couple subjects that came to mind today
about wasting money.

THE H1N1 VACCINE

There is/was a mad rush to be able to get the H1N1 vaccine.
But does anyone actually know if it works???
Is it yet another scam to get more of your
hard earned money and at the same time polluting
your body with unknown things???
I found where National News
and Consumer Wellness Center is offering a reward
of $10,000 for any scientific proof that the
H1N1 vaccine actually works!!
Makes you wonder doesn't it as that seems like a lot
of money as a reward!

DRIVER'S LICENSE AND TAG RENEWAL FEES

I saw this on the front of The Columbus Dispatch
this morning. I took interest in reading the article
because I felt like I was one of those who got scammed
because of a late fee I had never heard of before.
For many, many years I would wait til the end of
November to renew my car tags. My birthday falls in the
middle of November. I was never once charged a late fee
for renewing after my birthday but before the end of the month!
I was never made aware
that as of October 1st, 2009, there was going to be a $20 late
fee applied if you had not renewed your license or tags
7 days after being due!! This year I renewed my tags
8 days after my birthday and it cost me around $75.
They charged me the $20 late fee and I was like, what the hell?
The highway patrol gets $19.50 of that late fee.
And I am not the only one that didn't know!!
In the last 3 months, because people did not know about
the late fees, they have managed to collect more than
$6.4 MILLION from us!!! After doing some of my own figuring
that is more than 320,000 people!!!!!!
It says the BMV tried to tell people about it. YEAH RIGHT!
by posting on their web site and in their offices.
Give me a break. If they can send out license and tag renewals
in the mail why the hell couldn't they have sent this notice
as well to make everyone aware of it???!!!
IT'S ALL A SCAM!! They sneak ways in of legally taking your money!!

-----------------------------------

This past weekend I decided to clean out my cupboards.
I now have a donation box full of plastic bowls/lids
and a few bakeware items. I figured if these items
didn't get used over the holidays it was time to go.

I had a crock pot that no longer worked. I threw out the base
but I kept the dish and removable lid.
After checking out the crock pot web site I found useful
information that others may wonder about using these
dishes to bake in.

From CrockPot.com:

Is my Crock-Pot® slow cooker oven or microwave safe?

All Crock-Pot® slow cooker removable crockery inserts (without lid) may be used safely in the oven set up to 400°F. In addition, all Crock-Pot® slow cooker removable crockery inserts are microwavable (without lid). If you own another brand slow cooker, please refer to your owner’s manual for specific crockery cooking medium tolerances.

Can I put my stoneware in the oven or microwave?

Removable stoneware is ovenproof up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and microwave safe. Do not use removable stoneware on gas or electric burner or under broiler unless the product specifically calls out that it can be used on the stovetop.

----------------------------------

COUPONS

ALL YOU MAGAZINE FEBRUARY

Rianxeira Tuna Snack Bites-
coupon to try free up to $1.88

Cottenelle 12 pack
$1.00 off coupon ($4.88 at Kroger with coupon)

$1.00 Printable Aloe & E Cottenelle coupon
($4.88 at Kroger with coupon)

------------------------------------


Spin for you chance to win a free bar of Dove soap.

------------------------------------

My Sausage Sauerkraut Potato Soup

Can of cream of chicken soup
can of water
1 package smoked sausage sliced
1 can sauerkraut
about 4 potatoes cubed
2 Tablespoons Splenda
1 small jar carrots baby food- just because I had it sitting around
and wanted something else to sweeten the sauerkraut
without using brown sugar or sugar- Tony diabetic.



--------------------------------------

Tomorrow's supper will be Chicken Marinara

I made up 2 batches of egg noodles tonight
and they should be dry by tomorrow.

1 cup flour
1 egg
Tablespoon or two of water

A bag of store bought noodles $2.00 plus
A bag of flour .79 cents manager special, 20 cups in 5 pound bag
eggs @ .15 cents each x's 20 eggs is $3.00

I can make 30 batches of noodles for only $3.79!!
Compare that to one bag of premade noodles!
30 bags of noodles at $2.00 is $60.00.
You can easily save yourself $56.21 by making your own!!


-------------------------------------

Not feeling the greatest with aches and pains today.
Waiting for Ibuprofen to kick in at the moment.

------------------------------------

NORTHLAND NEWS

"Columbus will be increasing it's city utility rates.
Residential bills will rise by 4.89 percent, said Steve Snedaker, assistant director of public utilities. That's an 8.5 percent increase in water rates, a 2 percent increase in sewer rates and a 9 percent increase in stormwater rates."

-----------------------------------

WAYS TO CUT BACK ON WATER USAGE

-fill a plastic half gallon milk jug and
put it in your toilet's tank

-reduce the amount of flushes.
"If it's yellow let it mellow.
If it's brown flush it down."

-Fix any faucet drips.

- Check your toilets for leaks
Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

-Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks
Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

-Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators.

-Use Your Dishwasher
Contrary to popular belief, it takes more water to hand-wash dishes than it takes to wash them in the dishwasher.

-Shower Instead of Taking Baths
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it takes 35 gallons of water to fill the average bathtub. Switch to a five-minute shower with a low-flow showerhead, and you'll save 22.5 gallons each time you scrub up!

-Switch to a Low-Flow Toilet
When it's time to replace your toilet, replace it with a low-flow model that uses 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to a traditional toilet, which use 3.6 gallons.

-Wear Clothes More than Once
Pants and outwear usually don't get very dirty. Wear them twice before washing, and you'll cut down on your water use and your housework. Now that's hard to argue with

-Install a Tankless Hot Water Heater
When it's time to replace your hot water heater, consider upgrading to a tankless unit (also known as an on-demand water heater), it heats water faster and only when you need it – a water savings and an energy savings.

-Collect Rain Water for Plants
Attach rain barrels to the end of your gutter drain spouts to collect rainwater. Then, use it to water your plants and to wash your car.

-Use a Wading Pool Instead of a Sprinkler
Fill a wading pool for your kids, instead of letting them play in the sprinkler. They can splash around for hours without the continuous flow of water.

-Stop weekly or monthly fish tank cleanings. Pouring the old water down the sink and refilling the tank with fresh water wastes gallons of water. Instead, you should install a filtration system that will cut down on the number of times that you need to clean the tank. When you do clean the fish tank, use the old water to irrigate your plants.

-Wash your car at a coin operated car washing establishment. You are less likely to waste water if you must complete washing your car within a set time.

-Don't use the commode to dispose of such items as facial tissues, cotton swabs, and cotton balls. Put them in a waste-paper basket. Using the commode for trash disposal probably will lead to unnecessary flushings.

-The permanent press cycle on most automatic clothes washers uses approximately one-third more water than the regular cycle. Therefore, limiting your use of the permanent press cycle will save water.

-Install your water heater as near as possible to the area in which the most hot water is used. The farther the water heater is away from the point of use, the greater the amount of cool water which must be run off before hot water reaches the tap.

-Cover wading and swimming pools when they are not in use to reduce evaporation. Evaporation necessitates the use of more water to keep the pools filled.

-Don't Pre-Rinse Dishes
Scrape food from plates, and let your dishwasher do the rest.

-Keep Drinking Water in the Fridge
Then, you won't waste water while you wait for the tap to get cold.

-Insulate your water pipes.
It's easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

-Take shorter showers.
One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.

-Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush
There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.

-Rinse your razor in the sink
Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste of water.

-Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads

-Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal units

-When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing

-Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables

-Plant drought-resistant lawns, shrubs and plants

- Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth. Adding 2 - 4 inches of organic material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture. Press the mulch down around the dripline of each plant to form a slight depression which will prevent or minimize water runoff.

-. Water your lawn only when it needs it
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil.
Most lawns only need about 1" of water each week. During dry spells, you can stop watering altogether and the lawn will go brown and dormant. Once cooler weather arrives, the morning dew and rainfall will bring the lawn back to its usual vigor. This may result in a brown summer lawn, but it saves a lot of water.

-Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it's windy
Early morning is generally better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Early watering, and late watering, also reduce water loss to evaporation. Watering early in the day is also the best defence against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it's windy - wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.

-Don't run the hose while washing your car
Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing - this simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as EcoTouch, which are now on the market.

-Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks

1-20-10

Not long ago I talked about favorite places to eat breakfast.
Now you can post on Good Day Columbus the name of your favorite
breakfast restaurant or diner. I chose Tee Jays as my favorite.

-------------------------------------

This week for groceries (food and non food)
I have spent a total of $41.60.
$30 to $40 is about my weekly budget for the grocery store.

------------------------------------

This is from today:

WALGREENS

Dawn
Regular- $1.79
with coupon- .99 cents

Aquafresh Advanced Toothpaste
Regular- $3.29
with coupons- .54 cents
(not in photo as I gave it to mom)

2 Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color
Regular- $8.58
with coupons- $2.98

TOTAL REGULAR- $13.66
TOTAL WITH COUPONS- $4.51
I SAVED- $9.15



---------------------------

KROGER

2 Loreal Natural Match Hair Color
Regular- $11.80
with coupons- FREE

2 Loreal Preference Hair Color
Regular- $11.26
with coupons/manager special- $1.58

3 Kroger Smoked Sausage
Regular- $7.50
Manager Special- $3.87

6 Hunts Pudding Snack Packs
Regular- $6.00
with coupons/sale- $4.20

2 Danimal Yogurts
Regular- $4.58
with coupons/sale- $1.76

Caramel International Delight coffee creamer
Regular- $2.29
with coupon- FREE

Gallon milk
regular- $2.29
sale- $1.88

2 packages corned beef
Regular $1.18
sale- $1.00

Can Sauerkraut
Regular $1.01

6 bottles Big K 2 liters
Regular- $4.50

2 bunches bananas
Regular- $2.75
Manager Special- $2.20

Kroger Wavy Chips
Regular- $1.84

Doritos
Regular- $3.30
sale- $2.18

4 Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate
Regular- $11.16
With sale and coupons- $2.00

Cottonelle 12 Double Roll Aloe & E Toilet Paper
Regular- $7.99
With sale and coupon- $4.88

TOTAL REGULAR PRICE- $78.33
PRICE WITH COUPONS AND SALES- $32.90
I SAVED- $45.43

I also saw today they had Smart Balance Tubs of butter
marked down to .99 cents. I didn't bring my coupons
for them so might send hubby back over tomorrow to get them.

6 Smart Balance Butter Tubs
Manager Special- $5.94 (.99 cents each)
With coupons would make it- $2.94 or .49 cents each.








--------------------------------

MAIL CALL

Today I received:
-coupon for FREE Always Infinity up to 18 count
-3 FREE Tampons
-2 FREE Panty Liners
-1 FREE Regular maxi pad
-1 Feminine Wipe


------------------------------

Once in a blue moon I do hubby's hair and use
the women's hair coloring that I get free or cheap.
It works just the same.
So please tell me why they have coloring just for men????
And for those of you who wish to spend that extra
$7 to $8 on Just For Men hair color, here is
a $2.00 off printable coupon.
I'll just stick with my el cheapo and free coloring for him!!
I realize Just For Men only takes 5 minutes compared to regular
hair coloring but they should have to suffer through those
20-40 minutes like us if they want us to save money, LMAO.

-------------------------------

I did notice that Walgreens had a
coupon for $3.00 off Loreal Preference hair color.
It's in a Walgreens coupon booklet.
There is also a manufacture coupon for $3.00 off
to combine with it.
Regular $9.99 minus $6.00 would make it $3.99

---------------------------------

For those of you who do your own hair cutting
at home, Walgreens has a $5.00 off coupon in their
booklet on Wahl's 24 piece styling kit.
I don't know what the regular price is though.

--------------------------------

Crockpot Sausage-Sauerkraut Soup


Ingredients

* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 2 1/2 cups water
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 pound sauerkraut
* 1 onion, finely diced
* 1 (15 ounce) can carrots, drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can sliced potatoes, drained
* 1 pound smoked sausage of your choice, sliced
* 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
* salt and pepper to taste

1. In a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker, blend the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, and chicken broth. Stir in sauerkraut, onion, carrots, potatoes, and sausage. Season with dill and garlic.
2. Cover, and cook on High for 4 hours, or Low for up to 8 hours. Taste, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

---------------------------------

Here's an idea. If every you lose power you can
bring in those solar powered lights out in your yard.
Use those indoors instead of lighting candles.
Then put back outside during daylight hours
to recharge. Sure wish I had them when we lost
power for several days!


-------------------------------

Everyone's heard of Ebay and everyone's heard
of Goodwill. How about a combination of both.
Goodwill has a site where some dontations are auctioned
off online. It's their own auction site, not Ebay!
Shipping seems a little high as they ship UPS or FedEx.
Plus I saw they put in a handling fee.
So I guess it depends what kind of deal you get
as to whether or not the shipping seams reasonable.
But you should get the item pretty quick with their
shipping methods.
Here's an example:
To ship a small headset that looks like ear buds
it is 1 pound. From Indiana to ohio costs $7.59.
That's a little much!
SHOPGOODWILL

-------------------------------

Well tonight I made the Dawn and vinegar bathtub cleaner.
I wasn't impressed with the results.
While it did clean good it did not remove the bathtub
stains. The clear coat on the tub is no longer there
in areas and that's where the stains are. It's a 50
year old tub. I guess it's good as a regular bathtub
and tile cleaner as it did shine up the walls.
I did manage to disinfect my lungs and sinuses from the potent
smell of vinegar! But I guess it's better than toxic fumes
from other chemicals.
So I guess my next step will be to try
a mix of baking powder and vinegar and let it set then scrub.

--------------------------

SMALL SMILES DENTAL CLINICS

This was on the news tonight. And while I can't find
it on channel 10's website I did find many websites
about it when I googled it.

Small Smiles is doing unnecessary work to children
and overcharging them! Now they have a law suit against
them!

SMALL SMILES

CBSNEWS

CLEVELAND



I took one of my children to Small Smiles a couple years ago.
I vowed to never ever go back there after that visit!!!
I did NOT have a medical card and had to pay CASH!
for the visit as we did not have any kind of medical insurance.

For starters they would not allow parents to be with their
children when they worked on them! Only when getting a consultation.
Makes you wonder what the hell was really going on behind closed doors.

Next thing I didn't like was they would strap your child down
with restraints, boards with velcro straps!!!
That'll make a kid want to visit a dentist again.
And this was my child's first visit to a dentist!!

Next they wouldn't do any work on him unless he got a cleaning
and whatever else there was! So that was extra expenses!
That didn't make sense to me because I knew other dentists
didn't require all that crap!

Next the waiting room was jammed packed and it took forever
to be seen!

And lastly and my BIGGEST complaint was that we told them to
pull my son's tooth that he had a toothache and cavity in.
We considered his age and that it was a baby tooth. Why spend
all that money for other services when he would be losing
it soon anyway.
When we got home we looked in his mouth to see where he got his
tooth pulled. THEY DID NOT PULL IT. THEY PUT A CAP ON THE TOOTH
AND CHARGED US FOR IT. THEY DID IT WITHOUT OUR CONSENT!!

My mom called and even went back over there to ream their asses
for what they did!!! It got us absolutely nowhere!!
That's when I knew something was up and never went back
and told everyone I knew, or didn't know, TO NEVER GO THERE.

So now that there is a big law suit over the whole Small Smiles
doing crap they shouldn't have who gets to reap the rewards of the law
suit???? Probably not the people who paid cash BUT the welfare offices!!
Once again we the people are SCREWED!!!
WHERE IS OUR PAIN, SUFFERING, TIME AND COST RECOUPED FROM THIS????

1-19-10

Decided to keep Jonathan home from school today.
On top of his ear infections he starting getting
a cough last night. I'm sure he didn't sleep
well as I could hear him coughing all hours
of the night.
I hate this time of year with everyone getting
sick!!
Got a pot of boiling water mixed with vinegar on
the stove. Vinegar is also a disinfectant. I also
use it in my vaporizers. I'm hoping to disinfect
the air around here.

Cleaning your vents and furnace filters regularly
can also helps to remove viruses and germs which
can pollute your home's air.

----------------------------

While we find all kinds of things at Tony's
work I just wanted to let everyone know
this is not an all time thing. I know it
seem like we've gotten a lot here lately
but that is not typical this time of year.
I got another pic of a few more items
he recently brought home for us.
A rechargable hand vac and a box of trash bags.


--------------------------------------

HOMEMADE NON-TOXIC CLEANING SUPPLIES

FEBREZE

1 empty spray bottle
1 1/2 cups water
1 Tablespoon vinegar
2 Tablespoons fabric softener

I once accidentally picked up my homemade Febreze
bottle thinking it was my water spray bottle for my
hair. I sprayed the febreze mixture on my hair.
I discovered this makes an excellent hair detangler!!
My spray bottle didn't have the vinegar in it though.
I have long, thick hair so this was a wonderful
discovery!

GLASS CLEANER

1/2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water (or 2 tablespoons per quart)

FOG FREE MIRRORS

Apply regular old shaving cream to your mirror in small amounts in a thin layer and wipe clean with a clean rag. Not only does it keep your bathroom mirrors clean they also do not fog over.

LAUNDRY STAIN REMOVAL

Equal parts of white vinegar and liquid dishwashing soap put into a spray bottle and spray on spots

FURNITURE POLISH

Mix in a sprayer bottle:

1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice

Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.

OXYCLEAN

1 cup water
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/2 cup baking soda

SHOWER & BATHTUB CLEANER

1 (16-oz) spray bottle
2 cups white vinegar
1/2 cup dawn dish washing liquid (not ultra Dawn...if that's all you got, try 1/4 cup instead)

1. Put 2 cups of vinegar into spray bottle. Add this FIRST or the mix will foam on you.
2. Then add 1/2 cup Dawn dish washing liquid.
3. Replace top and gently shake.

--------------------------------------------

Today I decided to start going through coupons
once again. I'll get on a roll for awhile
then take breaks every now and then.
But I need to get started back up since
we have a decrease in income.

If you save coupons here are some good deals I came
across with sales and coupons combined.

WALGREENS

Revlon ColorSilk Hair Color
Use Walgreens coupon to purchase 2 at a time per visit.
$1.99 x's 2 is $3.98
- $1.00 off 2 MF (manufacture coupon)
makes 2 of them $2.98 or $1.49 each

Walgreens coupon for $2.00 off Auquafresh
.75 cents off MF coupon
Don't know final price

Campbell's chunky soup $1.50
$1.50 x's 2 is $3.00
minus .40 cents coupon
makes it 2 for $2.60 or $1.30 each





KROGER (any coupons listed I doubled)

Pasta or Rice-A-Roni $1.00
$1.00 x's 3 is $3.00
minus $1.00/3 coupon
makes it 3 for $2.00 or .67 cents each

Campbells soup $1.00
$1.00 x's 4 is $4.00
minus .50 cents
makes it $3.50 for 4 or .87 cents each

Cottenelle 12 Double Rolls $5.88 (cheaper than Meijer's sale)
minus $1.00 coupon
makes it $4.88

Danimals Yogurt $1.88
minus $1.00 coupon
makes it .88 cents each

Birdseye frozen vegetables $1.00
minus $1.00 coupon
makes it FREE

Hunts snack pack 4 pk Pudding or Gelatin $1.00
$1.00 x's 2 is $2.00
minus .60/2 coupon
makes it $1.40 for 2 or .70 cents each

Swiss Miss hot cocoa $1.00
$1.00 x's 2 is $2.00
minus $1.00/2 coupon
makes it $1.00 for 2 or .50 cents each

Manwich $1.00
$1.00 x's 3 is $3.00
minus .50 cents/3 Shortcuts electronic coupon
makes it $2.50 for 3 or .83 cents eacho



MEIJER

Irish Spring Bar Soap 3 pack $1.50
minus .40 cent coupon
makes it $1.10/3 pack

-----------------------------

Hoping to get over to my favorite Kroger tomorrow
to pick up a few of the above sales items.
Plus I noticed the other day they had a ton
of hair coloring in their mark down bin.
Found a bunch of hair color coupons so
am hoping to get a bunch of deals on those!!

----------------------------

BANANA BREAD PANCAKES (from Aunt Jemima)

* 2 medium firm-ripe bananas, peeled, sliced
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
* 2 cups Aunt Jemima® Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 cup Aunt Jemima® Syrup, warmed
* 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted if desired


1. Combine sliced bananas and sugar in small bowl; set aside.
2. For pancakes, combine pancake mix, water, mashed bananas and cinnamon in medium bowl; stir with wire whisk until large lumps disappear.
3. For each pancake, pour scant 1/4 cup batter onto hot lightly greased griddle; top with 3 to 4 banana slices.
4. Turn when pancakes bubble and bottoms are golden brown.
5. Serve topped with warm Aunt Jemima® Syrup and pecans.

* Chopped pecans can be found in the baking section. To toast, place in single layer on microwave-safe plate. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, until fragrant, stirring once.

Recipe Yield: 16 Pancakes

Serving Size: 2 pancakes

Nutrition Information:
Calories: 340, Calories from Fat: 60, Total Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 380mg, Total Carbohydrates: 66g, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 42g, Protein: 5g

AUNT JEMIMA WHOLE WHEAT BLEND BANANA BREAD

1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup Aunt Jemima whole wheat blend pancake mix
1/2 cup walnuts chopped
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 Tablespoons milk
1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium)

preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray 8" x 4" loaf pan with non stick cooking spray.

Combine: flour, mix, walnuts, baking powder and baking soda
in large bowl. Set aside.

In mixer bowl combine sugar and shortening on medium speed for
1 minute. Add eggs and milk, mix 1 minute or until smooth.

Add flour mixture and bananas alternately, mix just until
dry ingredients are incorporated.

Pour into prepared pan. Bake 50-55 minutes or until toothpick
inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan: cool completely.

--------------------------------

MAIL CALL

Received in the mail today...

Free Smart Balance Magazine
with four $1.00 coupons in it.

Coupon for a FREE pint of
International Delight coffee creamer.

And lastly a coupon for
Buy 1 Get 1 free Starkist



---------------------

Tonight's supper will be
Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna

Was sitting here thinking about what I had that needed
used up.
I have:
half pound bacon,
hamburger thawed out in the fridge,
can of cheddar cheese soup that I didn't use in my potato soup yesterday,
onions &
American cheese slices

I rolled out some homemade lasagna noodles.

Homemade noodles are a cinch to make!
I made 3 batches today.
for each batch you will need:

1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons milk or water

I add flour as needed to make the consistency
like a thick playdough.





----------------------------------

Jonathan discovered today that a pasta roller
set on spaghetti noodles makes a great paper shredder.
AhhhHH!!

--------------------------------