Thursday, January 17, 2008

Welcome 1/16/08 through 1/22/08

Welcome!! I hope that as the month ends everyone is starting to feel like they are saving some money and that grocery budgets are improving and loosening so that what you save can be applied to other areas that are tight. Start tracking your spending and savings so you feel that this hard work is benefitting you and you will feel empowered. Believe me.

I feel like I have lots of information to pass on to you this week.

I think I have said before that things can literally change overnight in the world of coupons, sometimes for the better and sometimes for more frustrating experiences. This week I would describe it as changes for the latter. Seems that Harris Teeter is changing their stance on coupons. I usually do not complain and like to live my life flying below the radar and hate confrontation so I was so frustrated with Harris Teeter that I contacted their corporate office to complain and seek clarification. They were vague and referred me to the store manager because apparently each manager has some discretion about what they will accept as a coupon. First, they do not accept expired coupons and said that they would fire any associate found to be taking them. Second, they said that they would honor competitors coupons but each manager could decide not to (like the CVS ones). Third, they said that their policy on using 2 coupons for BOGO is that they will accept only one coupon because the second item is free (even though they ring up half price). But if you buy just one, then it is going to ring up half price and you can use one coupon. My interpretation is that you need to separate the BOGO items into 2 orders and split up your coupons accordingly to be able to use both without the cashier giving you grief. Fourth, they said that you can use coupons on that BOGO item and they would be addressing the Adams Farm store that said you cannont use any coupons. on any BOGO items. So my overall take is that Harris Teeter is still my favorite store but I am going to have to plan my trips better there and become more strategic in separating my BOGO items so that they don't freak out and everytime I plan to use a CVS coupon I will head to the CSM counter to clear it before I begin shopping.

There are more rebates out there I have learned about since last week:

1. Red Stripe Beer: spend 5.01 on Deli Fried Chicken or Rotisserie Chicken and get 5.00 back. I found this one at the Food Lion on Main Street in Jamestown. It expires 2-9-08.

2. Michelob: spend 15.00 on seafood (shrimp, salmon, all fish, all crab, scallops) and get 10.00 back. This one I found at several Food Lions and will be good to use in conjuction with a BOGO sale. It expires 3-31-08.

3. Miller: spend 10.00 on party supplies (paper plates, cups, utensils, etc) and get 5.00 back. I found this one at several Food Lions and it is good until 2-5-08. This one is a good one. I had to buy some paper plates and napkins and easily the "etc" could generously be applied to other items.

4. Pepsi/Frito Lay $15.00 rebate. They have a list of things to buy and you will get back either 15.00 in pepsi/frito lay coupons or a credit for 15.00 at the NFLshop.com. This can be used with the current sales of BOGO Doritos and the CVS deal of spending 20.00 on pepsi and getting 10.00 in ECBs. There are many conbinations you can put together to get the deal. I am not doing this one since I still have about 30 12 packs from an earlier deal and if I buy chips, I will eat them and am trying to lose weight.

5. Go to LiveActiveFoods.com and research for the LiveActive 2 week guarantee and you can submit for free cheese.

Remember to check out the wine isles for hangtags. I found several this week for: 1.00 off shrimp, 2.00 off chocolate or flowers, 2.00 off Freschetta pizza, and 2.00 off pasta and or sauce.

If anyone is still not getting a Sunday paper and wants to, contact me if you live in Greensboro and I can help you get a cheap rate. If you don't want to do that, Walmart will sell the Sunday edition for .75 but remember a few things: that sometimes the coupons will vary from subscription issues to newstand issues, figure out your gas in going each Sunday to Walmart, and the subscription rate is a way lot cheaper than .75 an issue. Just a thought if you are on the fence about this whole couponing thing.

If anyone has any questions or finds a great deal, email me at justgenna@triad.rr.com

Have fun!!! Genna

ps the internet sites that I have used this week for coupons are:
www.afullcup.com
www.unclebens.com
www.coupons.com

Meals 1/16/08 through 1/22/08

Italian-Style Turkey Meat Loaf
Layered Enchilada Bake
Chili
Baked Spaghetti
Italian Pork Chops
Quick Cheeseburger and Vegetable Bake
Peanut Butter Waffle Toast
Spinach and Chicken Skillet
Cookies & Cream Fudge
Chocolate-Covered Oreo Cake
Dirt Cake


Italian-Style Turkey Meal Loaf: Thanks Becky!!
2 lbs ground turkey
1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves of garlis, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups pasta sauce
Heat the oven to 350. Spray a large pan and set it aside. Combine all ingredients except the pasta sauce in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix the ingredients lightly to evely distribute them and then knead the mixture well. (If the goo factor gets to you use forks to mix-- I did!) Transfer the mixture to your baking pan, shaping it into a loaf about 12 inches long and 5 inches wide. Bake it for 40 minutes, then remove it from the oven and spread a cup of pasta sauce over the top. Keep baking the meat loaf until it is cooked through, about 35 minutes more. Allow the loaf to sit in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing it. Serve it with more pasta sauce, if desired. I plan to serve with mashed potatoes or the betty crocker potatoes from last month's sale, salad, applesauce and rolls.

Layered Enchilada Bake:
1 lb lean ground beef (I use turkey)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups thick salsa
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup italian dressing (zesty if you have it)
2 tbsp taco seasoning mix (I keep an extra pouch for recipes like this)
6 flour tortillas (8 inch)
1 cup sour cream
1 pkg mexican style shredded cheese
Line a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of dish; set aside. Brown meat with onions in large skillet on med-high heat; drain. Add slasa, beans, dressing and taco seasoning mix; mix well. Arrange 3 of the tortillas in single layer on bottom of prepared baking dish; cover with layers of half each of the meat mixture, sour cream and cheese. Repeat all layers. Cover with foil. Preheat to 400 and bake, covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until casserole is heated through and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting to serve. You can top with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce and chopped cilantro. I will serve with homemade mexican rice (add a can of diced tomatoes to the rice when cooking) and refried beans.

Chili:
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 can of diced tomatoes ( I like to use 2)
2 cans of tomato soup
1 large onion, chopped
1 can of kidney beans, drained/rinsed (sometimes I do 2)
1-2 tsp chili powder
dash of salt and pepper
Brown meat, drain off grease. Add onions and cook til tender. Add other ingredients and cook til thickened, stirring often. I just eat it but my husband requires biscuits, rolls, crackers.....

Baked Spaghetti:
8 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 (24 oz) carton of fat-free cottage cheese
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
3 cups red pasta sauce (meat flavor or cheese)
4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Heat to 400. Cook spaghetti according to the directions, omitting oil. Drain pasta and mix with butter to coat it. Meanwhile, coat a 9 x 13 inch bakig dish with cooking spray. Arrange cooked spaghetti in an even layer in dish. Spread cottage cheese over spaghetti. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Heat pasta sauce until bubbly. Spoon sauce over cheeses. Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan cheese. Cover with nonstick foil. Bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake 15 more minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. I will serve with more of the free garlic bread from triples, italian green beans, peaches for the kids, and another veg.

Italian Pork Chops:
4 pork loin chops, 1/2 inch thick or about 1 1/2 lbs
1/2 cup bisquick mix
1/3 cup Italian dressing
1/2 cup garlic-herb dry bread crumbs
2 tbsp veg oil
Coat pork chops with bisquick mix. Dip coated pork into dressing, then coat with bread crumbs. Heat oil in 12 inch nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Cook pork in oil about 5 minutes or until golden brown; reduce heat to low. Carefully turn pork. Cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or until pork is slightly pink when cut near bone. Serve immediately. I will probably serve with rice and vegs or a Lipton pasta sides dish.

Ouick Cheeseburger and Vegetable Bake:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or turkey)
1 1/4 cups chopped onions (about 2 large)
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 1/4 cups frozen mixed vegs
1/2 cup milk
2 1/3 cups bisquick
2/3 cup water
1 1/3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Heat to 375. Generously spray bottom and sides of jelly roll pan (it looks like a cookie sheet with a slight side so you can have a crust), 15.5 x 10.5 x 1 inch, with cooking spray. Cook beef and onions in 12 inch skillet over med heat, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is brown. Drain. Stir in soup, vegs and milk. Stir bisquick mix and water until moistened. Spread evenly in pan. Spread beef mixture over batter. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 35 minutes. I will serve with chips.

Peanut Butter Waffle Toast:
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup bisquick mix
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
6 to 8 slices bread
6 to 8 tbsp minature semisweet chocoalte chips
powdered sugar, if desired
Heat waffle iron, grease wih vegetable oil if necessary or spray with cooking spray before heating. Stir milk, bisquick mix, peanut butter, granulated sugar, vanilla and egg until well blended. Carefully dip bread into batter on both sides. (if coating seems too thick, add milk, 1 tsp at a time until desired consistency is reached.) Place in waffle iron; close lid. Bake about 2 minutes or until steaming stops and "toast" is golden. Carefully remove waffle toast. Sprinkle each waffle toast with 1 tbsp chocolate chips and powdered sugar. Breakfast for dinner. Serve wih eggs or sausage.

Spinach and Chicken Skillet:
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves ( 1 3/4 lb)
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
1 med onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 bag (10 oz) washed fresh spinach, chopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Spray 12 nonstick skillet with cooking spray, heat over med heat. Cook chicken in skillet 2 minutes on each side; reduce heat to med-low. Stir in milk, broth and onion. Cook about 5 minutes, turning chicken occasionally until onion is tender. Stir in spinach. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spinach is completely wilted and juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Remove chicken from skillet, keep warm. Increase heat to med. Cook spinach mixture about 3 minutes or until liquid has almost evaporated. Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg. Serve chicken on spinach.
***note- I routinely find fresh spinach on sale at Lowes for .99- look for the produce special sale sticker- it is red and will be on the front of the prepackaged spinach.

These desserts are for all of you cashing in on the Oreo deal.....

Cookies & Cream Fudge:
3 cups granulate sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
2/3 cup (5 fl. oz can) evaporated milk
2 cups (12 oz) nestle toll house white morsels
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
1/2 cup finely crushed Oreos
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup crumbled Oreos
Line 9 inch square baking pan with foil. Combine sugar, butter and evaporated milk in medium, heavy duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in morsels, marshmallow creme, finely crushed cookies and vanilla extract. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle crumbled cookies on top. Gently swirl cookies into fudge using a knife without touching bottom of pan. Refrigerated for 1 hour or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 48 pieces.


Chocolate-Covered Oreo Cookie Cake:
1 pkg (2 layer size) devils food chocolate cake mix
4 squares Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, cut up
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups thawed Cool Whip
12 Oreos, coarsely crushed
Preheat to 350. Prepare and bake cake mix as directed on package in two 9-inch round baking pans. Cool 5 minutes and remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks. Microwave chocolate and butter in small micro bowl on high for 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cool 5 minutes. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping and crushed cookies. Place 1 cale layer, top-side down, on serving plate. Spread top of layer evely with cream cheese mixture. Cover with remaining cake layer, top-side up. Spoon chocolate galze over top of cake. Let stand until set. Store in refrigerator.

Dirt Cake:
14 oz Oreo cookie, crushed and pressed into 9 x 13 pan/dish
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1 large pkg vanilla instant pudding
1 cup confectionery sugar
3 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 lg Cool Whip
Beat cream cheese and sugar together, adding pudding, milk, salt and vanilla. Beat until thick. Do 2 layers of: 1. Oreo 2. mixtue 3. cool whip
Let chill.

Harris Teeter Deals 1/16/08 through 1/22/08

Remember that the Adams Farm location is no longer accepting 2 coupons for BOGO items and the Customer Service Manager is also giving people a hard time when they use a competitor's coupon for items. The cashiers told me that she is actually quite mean and has chewed out several customers and the staff. I am going to stop shopping there altogether and opt for less abrasive management that is at every other location in High Point and Greensboro. I did contact the corporate office about this location but they probably won't do anything unless they get a ton of complaints. I'll get off my box now.....

To be safe, separate your BOGO items into 2 orders if you have 2 coupons

Boston Butt Pork Roast .99 lb
EZ Peel shrimp 31-40 ct 9.98
Fresh Food Market sliced meats/cheeses 3.99 BOGO= 2.00 ea
green bell peppers .99
check out the bakery for reduced breads/rolls/desserts
Entenmans muffins 3.99 BOGO
Pretzel Crisps (by deli) 1.99- .35/1 IP coupons.com =1.29
Doritos 3.49 BOGO= 1.75 ea
Uncle Bens whole grain rice 32 oz 2.49 BOGO (1.25)- .75/1 IP (unclebens.com)=.26 overage
Bush's kidney beans 5/3= cheaper than Teeter brand for chili recipe
Muir Glen organic tomatoes 2/3- .75/1= FREE
NoYolks 2/3- .50/1= .50
Muellers whole grain pasta 1.00/2 coupon, can't remember price for whole grain
Ole El Paso tacos have .55/2 peelie on box, use on:
Old El Paso seasoning .99x2- .55/2= .88 or .44 ea
Old El Paso refried beans 1.19x2- .55/2= 1.28 or .64 ea
Dole fruit cups 2/4- .75/1= .50 ea
White House Straw-Banana-Applesauce 1.54- .35/1 =.84
Motts Scooby Doo applesauce .94
Emerald Trail mix 10/10- 1.00/1 = FREE
Progresso Soup 3/4 (1.33) - .25/1=.83 ea
Hungry Jack pancake mix 2/3- .55/1= .40
Post Honey Bunches of Oats cereal 3.49- 2.00 IP coupons.com= 1.49
Quaker Oats 2/3- .60/1= .30
Quaker instant oatmeal 2/4- .70/1= .60
Captain Crunch 2/5- .50/1= 1.50
Cheerios Honey Nut 2/5- Lowes coupon= 1.99 box
Quaker Squares cereal 2/6- .50/1= 2.00
Curves cereal 3/6- .75/1= 1.50
Curves granola bars 3/7 (2.33)- .50/1= 1.33
Nature Valley granola bars 3/7 (2.33)- .75/2= 1.58 ea
Fiber One granola bars 3/7 (2.33)- .48/1= 1.53
Yoplait yogurt 10/5- 1.00/10 Lowes coupon= 10/4= .40 ea
Breyers ice cream 5.59 BOGO (2.80)- 2.00 Food Lion IP= .80
Super Pretzels 2/5 - .65/1= 1.20
Steamfresh 2/5 BOGO (1.25)- .35/1= .55
Steamfresh Broccoli or green beans 1.89 BOGO- .35/1= .25
Totino's Pizza Rolls 3.99 BOGO- .40/1= 1.20
Healthy Choice meals 3.79 BOGO= 1.90
Ritz crackers 2/5- 1.00 Food Lion IP= 1.50


Deals:
#1: Remember that Teeter will accept competitor's coupons, including the 4 week coupons that came out with the Lowes Foods circular last week. Yoplait yogurt deal: Lowes coupons had a 1.00 off 10. Use this with the sale of 10 for 5.00. Now you will get 10 for 4.00.

#2: Quaker deal: Buy 7 participating products and get an instant $3.00 off. You can use coupons to make this deal sweeter but there have been reports that the coupons will not double. I think I have figured out a way to have them double, or at least 6 of the double. You give the cashier 6 of the 7 quaker products and have her scan them and your coupons and the rest of your order. The system should double them at the end like usual. The 7th should be the last item you let her put through the system. The system will recognize and take off the 3.00 of instant savings from the promotion and then give her that coupon for the 7th. It will not double so make sure you use the best ones with the original 6. I hope this makes sense. I know it sounds ridculous but it might allow for doubling of the 6 quaker coupons.

Lowes Foods Deals 1/15/08 through 1/22/08

Ground Turkey 2.29lb BOGO (1.14lb) AWESOME AM STOCKING UP THE DEEP FREEZER
Ground Beef 1.69 lb
Boneless center cut pork chops 4.99lb BOGO= 2.49 lb
Perdue boneless chicken 40% off= worth looking at
Kraft Select cheese slices 2/5- .75/1= 1.00
Kraft Live Active cheese 2/5- store coupon2/4- 1.00/1 mfg= 1.00 pack
Breakstone cottage cheese 24 oz 2.79 (best price for the recipe this week)
Lowes Brand cottage chesse 12 oz 1.89
Lowes Brand ice cream 3.99 BOGO= 1.99 ea
Wishbone salad dressing 2/4- .60/1= .80
Smuckers grape jelly or jam 2.19 BOGO (1.09) -.35/1= .39 ea
Dole fruit cups and parfaits 2/4- .75/1 (works on both)= .50
Oreo minis 2.09- 2.00 Food Lion IP= .09 bag
Goldfish 5/5= 1.00 ea
Orville Redenbacher micro popcorn 2/3- .40/1= .70 ea
Muir Glen organic tomatoes 3/3.99- .75/1= .17 overage on ea- worked for me as of 1/18
Hunts diced tomatoes 5/5- .25/1= .50
Swiss Miss cocoa .99 -- the .50/1 won't work on this one, will BEEP!
Swiss Miss cocoa, Flavors: French Vanilla, Dark Sensations, Caramel Creme, and Mocha Cap will are on sale 1.19 and .50/1 will work so they are .20 each


Deals:
#1: remember that you can stack a manufacturer's coupon on top of the Lowes coupons that came out two weeks ao with the ciruclar. So for instance the Kraft Live Active which is normally 3.75 a pack you can get for 1.00. There is also a rebate out their on the web (try looking at the Kraft homepage www.LiveActiveFoods.com or google 'kraft live active rebate' and you buy 2, send in receipt, upcs and they will rebate you back full amount.

Food Lion Deals 1-16-08 through 1-22-08

Boneless Chuck Roast 1.99 lb- 1.00 if you get one that is over 10.00, see #3 below
Armour Meatballs 2/4- 1.25/2= 1.38 ea
Budding Deli cuts 16 oz 2.99- 1.00 peelie on bag= 1.99
HealthyOnes sliced lunchmeat 3/4 (1.66)- 1.00/1= .67
Gwaltney Bolony 1.19
Weight Watchers frozen 50% off, ranges from 1.19 to 1.69
Ragu Pasta sauce .99- 1.00/3= .67 ea
Campbells micro soup bowls 10/10-1.00/2= .50 ea
Peter Pan peanut butter 2.09 BOGO (1.05 ea)-1.00/1= .05 ea
Goldfish crackers 10/10= 1.00
Oreo cookies 2/5- 2.00/1 IP= .50 (AWESOME DEAL)
Oreo minis 2/4- 2.00/1 IP= FREE
Blue Bird 100 cal muffins/cupcakes 2/5- 1.00 pad on display= 1.50
Food Lions chips 2.19 ea -1.00/2 IP= 1.69 ea
Doritos 3.49 BOGO= 1.75 ea
Captain Crunch 3.19 BOGO- .50/1= 1.10 ea
Food Lion Crispy Rice cereal 2.39 -1.00 IP= 1.39

Deals:
#1: go to www.afullcup.com and print up several of the 2.00 off Oreos. You can only use one per purchase at Food Lion but this is an incredible deal. Remember that the other grocery stores are advertising that they too will accept competitors coupons so happy Oreos!!

#2: Be on the lookout for the rebate forms in Food Lion. They usually, in my experience, have the best ones out there. I found several different ones for Miller this week.

#3: Be on the lookout for coupons for 1.00 off Butcher Brand meat with a min 10.00 order. I found this coupon in the middle of the freezer isle on a phamplet that said "Recipe Book Taste NFL".

#4: The IP's (internet printables) for the crispy cereal and the Food Lion chips should found on www.afullcup.com under the Food Lion category on the coupon menu.