Monday Savings

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $11.68 and saved $11.44. Budget Gourmet was on sale for $.69, Hillshire Farms sausage $2.50, Fritos/Cheetos 4 for $5, and a 2 pound bag of carrots $.99. I would've saved $.75 more, but when I got home and was putting away my groceries, I noticed a coupon! I forgot I had a $.75 coupon for the sausage and it was unfortunately, still attached to my shopping list. I hate it when that happens!

At Fresh and Easy, I spent $3.98. Their brand orange juice is always on sale for $1.99, and I also bought a container of chocolate covered pretzels for the kids for $1.99.

At Albertsons, I spent $11.82 and saved $17.24. I actually saved a lot more than that, but because I had a rain check for Campbell's tomato soup for $.39 each, the cashier just had to ring them up at that price, so the savings doesn't show. Honey Nut Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch were on sale for $1.75 + 2 - $.55 coupons + $1 coupon, and Skippy peanut butter was 2 for $2. I also bought some breakfast pastries for $.99 and French bread, but neither were on sale.

Friday Savings

Today at Walmart, I spent $62.07 and had $3.75 in coupons. Since it's the end of the month, I needed to use some of my coupons that were expiring, so that's why today was a little more. One of my expiring coupons was for $1.50 off Pedialyte, and Pedialyte is expensive - $8.17! Thankfully we don't need to buy that very often. I also had to buy some Playtex gloves for wearing while I wash the dishes because it's so dry here that my hands are starting to crack. The gloves were $1.97 for only 1 pair, so when I go to Costco this week, I'm going to see if they sell them for a cheaper price.

At Vons, I spent $19.20 and saved $25.06, which is 57%. Gatorade was on sale for $.79, Gala apples $.77/pound, and Ruffles and Lays Kettle chips $1.88. I also had a Vons coupon for free Mission flour tortillas, which saved me $3.29. I'm so glad they finally had Gatorade on sale - I was out of Gatorade! For awhile, Gatorade was on sale almost every week, and then it hasn't been on sale again for a long time. I hope I bought enough this time to last me to the next sale.

Ralphs didn't have any sales items that I wanted/needed this week.

Yesterday at CVS, I spent $.83 and saved $8.30! Crest Pro-Health Rinse was on sale for $3.99 + $3.99 extra bucks, and eggs for $1.49. I also had $5 in extra bucks to use from last time.

A Beautiful Song

Our family has been struggling a little bit lately with all of the issues that come along with kids and being married. This song by Sanctus Real has been playing on the radio station KLOVE a lot lately, and it's just beautiful. It really sums up everything the kids and I are feeling right now and everything we need.


Lead Me lyrics

Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”

I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Monday Savings

On Friday at CVS, I spent $.63 and saved $17.93! Dawn was on sale for $.97 + $.25 coupon + $.50 coupon + $1 coupon(charity), Neccos sweethearts $.88, Tom's Deodorant $3.99 + $3 extra bucks(charity), and Oral-B floss $2.99 + $2 extra bucks + $.75 coupon. I had one more coupon to use on the Dawn, but when I gave them to the cashier, I thought I counted out 4, unfortunately I was wrong. Oh well! I also used $7.24 in extra bucks to pay for the purchase.

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $8.50 and saved $7.60. I really saved more, but their vegetables only show up at the sale price, it doesn't show what the original price was. Dole juice was on sale for $1.99, Stater Bros. shredded cheese $1.49, and zucchini $.99/pound.

Albertsons or Fresh and Easy didn't have any good sales items this week.

Vons had a special sale for only Sun., Mon., and Tues, and the deals were really good on things I buy, so I went there again today. I spent $22.04 and saved $24.74, which is 53%. Danimals were on sale for $1.88. Hormel bacon $2.99, Ragu pasta sauce $.99(us & charity), Pop Tarts $1.49, and Lucerne ice cream $1.79. Since I bought $20 worth of products, I could use 2 free coupons so I got a free 1 pound Safeway rice(charity) and a free 16 oz. frozen corn.

Friday Savings

Today at Walmart, I had to spend my usual amount, $58.11 and I had $2.90 in coupons. I only had $1.90 in coupons at first, but my son's Deli Creations had a $1 coupon on the front of it, so that was lucky. I didn't really have a lot to buy, but my parents are coming over for dinner tomorrow night and I'm making a pork loin roast, which is expensive. It is about 4.5 pounds and costs $13.20. I only need 3 pounds, so when my husband comes home from work, I'm going to ask him to freeze the rest with his special sealing machine.

Today at Vons, I spent $22.06 and saved $30.66, which is 59%. I actually saved more because I had a coupon for free salad dressing which was $2.19, but when I checked my receipt(while still in the store), I noticed the coupon wasn't on there. So, I told the cashier and he had the cashier next to him, give me the money back. That's why I always check my receipts before I leave. Anyway, Kelloggs cereal was on sale for $1.49 + $1 coupon, can fruit $.77, Goldfish $.88, oranges $.33/pound, Lucerne ice cream $1.99, and Scrubbing Bubbles $1.99 + $1 coupon.

At Ralphs, I spent $6.23 and saved $8.29. Broccoli and cauliflower were on sale for $.77/pound, Starkist tuna $.50(us & charity), and brown onions for $.50/pound.

Monday Savings

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $31.57 and saved $28.89. Stater Bros. pasta was on sale for $.49(us & charity), SB pasta sauce $.99, Oscar Meyer hot dogs $.99, Goldfish $.99, asparagus $1.29/pound, Hostess $1.99, Danimals/Danino $1.99, and green beans $1.50/pound. They also had Suave deodorant on sale for $.99, but there was only one left and it was all sticky. I was buying this to give away, and I didn't want to give them something sticky, so I didn't buy it. I already have some deodorant in my charity box anyway.

At Fresh and Easy, I just bought orange juice for $1.99. According to their flier, this is just their everyday price, which is a really good price!

At Albertsons, I spent $19.03 and saved $11.76. Campbells chicken noodle soup was on sale for $.39(us & charity), Colgate toothbrush and toothpaste $.99 + $.75 + $.50 coupon(charity), Albertsons can vegetables $.44(us & charity), Albertsons can beans $.79, and Pop Tarts $2.50. Walmart brand of Pop Tarts is cheaper than $2.50, but they don't have very many flavor choices, so once in awhile I'll let my daughter pick some Pop Tarts when they're on sale, so she can have some more variety. Albertsons was all out of Campbells tomato soup, so I asked for a rain check - the clerk knows me, so she didn't write a limit on the rain check, she said I could just write it in myself. It helps to be friendly with the cashiers. :)

Friday Savings

Today at Walmart, I spent $38.90 and had $8 in coupons. I was able to do a good job shopping again today, by using what's already in my cupboard for most of the dinners I'm making this week. Three things I bought were completely free, and actually I got "paid" for them. Reach floss was $.97 and I had $1 coupons, so I bought 2 - 1 for each kid that uses floss(my 4 year old doesn't use it yet), and Maalox was $4.52 and I had a $5 coupon(charity). Even the cashier was impressed with my Maalox purchase!

At Vons, I spent $21.92 and saved $20.15, which is 49%, almost 50%! Cheerios were on sale for $2 + $1 coupon, Little Debbies muffins $2.29, Refreshe soda $1.88, Hunts pudding $.88 + $.60( doubled to = $1) coupon, and I used my rain check for $.69 Kraft Mac & Cheese(I bought 10, so, some for us and some for charity). We also found a little boy, probably 3 or 4 years old. I was on my way to check out, when he walked in front of us, looking very sad and scared. I told the cashier there was a lost boy, and in the meantime, a man pulled in front of my cart to check out in front of me, how rude! Anyway, so she called for her manager and proceeded to check out the man. So, I told my 12 year old and 4 year old to stay with the boy while I continued to check out - all the while I kept checking on them every few seconds. When I was almost done, I saw a lady looking at the boy and I asked if he belonged to her. She said yes, and I told her we found him and were watching him for her. She didn't say anything, she just yelled at him to stay close. The cashier thanked us for our help. Then, while we were in the parking lot loading up the car, I saw the boy run into the street while the lady(I think it's his grandma) was on the sidewalk; luckily there were no cars. She never held his hand in the parking lot and never paid any attention to him - I think she was texting, because she was looking down at something she held in her hand. So, as I drove away, I said a prayer for God to watch over that precious boy.

At Ralphs, I spent $2.55 and saved $4.20. Lunchmeat tubs were 50% off, so Hillshire Farms was $2.34 + $.55 coupon, which was doubled, and Gala apples were $.99/pound.

At CVS, I spent $.97 and saved $8.05. The cashier said I did a good job only having to spend $.97! Hershey's Drops were on sale for $1.59 + $1.59 extra bucks(this bag is so small, I never would have paid this price for it if I wasn't technically getting it for free), Twix $.89 + $.89 extra bucks, 3 bars of Ivory $.99, and Mitchum deodorant $1.99 + $.75 coupon. I also had $4 in extra bucks from last week to pay for it.

Zulily

Isn't that just a precious picture? :) Anyway, I wanted to tell you about Zulily. It's a new online store offering daily sales events on top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids. They carry the best brands at the lowest prices. Members enjoy savings of up to 70% off retail prices. Zulily loves to find deals on favorite styles, and they love introducing our members to exciting new brands, too. Zulily is not a traditional online store. Instead, they feature new items every day. They find great buys from lots of brands and work with them to ship you the goods. Zulily events last 72 hours . . . then they're gone! New brands move in and get their three days on the site. Each weekday, they offer at least five limited-time shopping events. Membership is free. You can check it out for yourself here.

Monday Savings

On Friday night at CVS, I spent $.96 and saved $5.09. Palmolive was on sale for $.88 and V05 for $.69 - both are for charity. I used $3 of my extra bucks to pay for it. I have more extra bucks, but they don't refund you the difference, and you can't use the extra bucks to pay the taxes; that's why I had to pay $.96. When I checked out, I received $4 in extra buck for my last quarter's spending.

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $9.59 and saved $10.95. Trix yogurt/Gogurt was on sale for $1.49 + $.75 coupon, Toaster Strudels $1.49 + $.50 coupon, Stater Bros. bacon $2.99, and zucchini $.99/pound. I think I drove the other lady in the produce dept. crazy, because I took so long to pick just the right zucchini, while she just grabbed a vegetable and kept going. I just want to get the best one with the least amount of defects.

At Albertsons today, I spent $11.93 and saved $7.90. Three of the items I bought weren't on sale, but they are always only $.99 - a box of various breakfast pastries. Kelloggs Smorz and Eggo cereal were on sale for $1.99 + $1 coupon, and Lloyds barbecue meat tub $3.99.

At Fresh and easy, I spent $14.66 and I don't know what I saved because the receipt only shows the sale price, not the original price. Yoplait was on sale for $.40 and their orange juice for $1.99. I also bought fruit jellies, chocolate pretzel bits, and milk - because we like the first 2 and their inexpensive and we need milk and it was cheaper here. I found out that they don't accept manufacturer's coupons. I had one for $1 off my 10 Yoplait yogurts, but the cashier said they only accept coupons from their store! I bought the yogurt anyway because Walmart's yogurt is the same price - if it was cheaper I probably wouldn't have bought it.

Friday Savings

Today was a fantastic shopping today! I wish every Friday could be as great as today! At Walmart, I spent $25.14 and had a coupon for $.50. This is so low because I only needed to buy 3 things for our dinners this week, because I already have the rest, and we only needed a few extra things for lunch and snacks. We already had almost everything we need! I try to do this every week, but of course it doesn't usually work out; but, when it does work out, it makes my day!

Today at Ralphs, I spent $10.25 and saved $6.03. Deluxe ice cream was on sale 2 for $5, bananas for $.39/pound, Gala apples $.99/pound, and Dole juice $2.50.

The sales items I wanted at Vons, were beat by Stater Bros. sales this week, so I didn't go to Vons today.

DYMO LabelWriter 450 Duo Review

As a BzzAgent, I received a DYMO LabelWriter 450 Duo to review. It is a machine for printing postage, shipping labels, address labels, file folder labels, name badge labels, and bar code labels. This DYMO printer is compact so it doesn't take up a lot of space on a desk, it's fast - it prints up to 71 labels per minute, it uses built-in thermal technology so there's no need for ink and toner, and it's very easy to use.

The first time set-up is very easy. My husband just had to install the software, connect the printer to a power source and to the computer, and load the labels. Then, he just had to click on the DYMO icon, pick a label, enter text, and print it. It was a very quick process. My address labels came out very nice. It already comes with some stamp labels and a roll of address labels, so that was really convenient.

That week, I decided I wanted to print shipping labels because I was receiving a lot of orders for Christmas from my Etsy shop, and I wanted to make them look more professional. So, I went to Staples and purchased the appropriate shipping labels. Since my husband was at work and I wanted to package my items right away, I decided to read the instruction book myself and try to change out the labels. The instructions are very easy to understand and have pictures to show you each step. I was able to take out the address labels and put in the shipping labels all by myself; which is amazing for me because I am not tech savvy at all! I clicked on the DYMO icon, clicked on the shipping label, entered the customer's address, and hit print. It was easy!

I really love this DYMO label writer machine and plan to use it for all my future business shipping needs. I may even try to use the official US postage. After reading my review, if you are interested in knowing more about this machine, here's the link to DYMO. Also, here's a link to the actual DYMO machine I received click here. I also have a $50 coupon code, which I can give you if you are interested in buying a machine for yourself/your business. Just email me: brendashandmade@yahoo.com

Beating the Marriage Odds Book Review

Bring It On Communications sent me Beating the Marriage Odds by William R. Campbell to read and review. It is published by VMI Publishers in Sister, Oregon(I didn't even know there was a city named Sister) in 2009. After reading my review, if you're interested in getting a copy of this book for yourself, here's the ISBN number: 1-935265-03-2. It is available from Amazon.com for about $11.

Beating the Marriage Odds can be for an engaged couple, an already married couple who needs to review some marriage basics, or for a Christian counselor to use as a pre-marital counseling guide. Each chapter focuses on different aspects of marriage and ends with a principle to sum up the chapter and Scripture references to back it up. Also, throughout the book, the author references several other books that you can go to for additional help on a specific topic or principle. The end of the book has a review of all of the principles from each chapter, and review questions and answers for each chapter. There is also a wedding planner form and an outline for a counselor to use, broken into four counseling sessions.

There are several things that I liked about this book. I like that a lot of his examples of situations that other couples have gone through are usually taken from real couples, including the author and his wife. I like that Chapter 4 "True Love" includes a section on salvation, because any time someone is presenting Christian principles is a great time to talk about salvation! Chapter 6 is about communication and it includes a running example of a fictional couple - I found this chapter very helpful. I also liked Chapter 13 "Advice for Troubled Times," when the author explained the different types of counselors available and where you can find them. He doesn't just tell you to get help and leave you hanging, he actually gives you practical resources.

There is only one thing about the book I didn't like. Several times within each chapter, the author refers to a previous or future chapter for additional info. on a topic he mentions. I didn't like that because I don't want to keep flipping back and forth in the book to find out what the author is referring to. I'd rather be able to just read through it all the first time, and then go back to whatever topics peaked my interest.

Overall, I thing Beating the Marriage Odds is a great book. I've been married 15 years and I found some helpful advice in it, but I think the book is best for engaged couples and a great resource for pre-marital counselors. If you would like to look at the book from the publisher's website click here.

Follow Me Back Tuesday

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It's everyone's favorite day of the week again, Tuesday..

So that means it's time to link up & follow for

Follow Me Back Tuesday

Hosted By: 

  Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's &  Boobies,BabiesAndABlog 

 

& This Week's Guest Host's Are...

Shanna from Mommy of One 

& 

Brenda from Brenda's Handmade

 

 How it Works

• Follow all 3 Hosts & Guest Host's - Spots 1-5   leave a comment w/ a link to your blog so we can follow you back  ( only leave a comment that you follow if you actually follow )

• Snag our button & make a F.M.B.T. post.


• After you post use that link to add your blog to the hop along with your blog name  

( NO BLOG HOPs & GIVEAWAYS PLEASE  ) These entries will be deleted.

• Follow the blogs you like & Follow Back who follows you ( Remember to leave a comment so you can be followed back )


• And most importantly - Have Fun and Come back and see us every Tuesday !!

 

Link up every Tuesday at 12:00 am est

Monday Savings

Today at Stater Bros, I spent $7.97 and saved $22.49. Lays and Doritos were on sale for 3 for $5, and Hansen's apple juice was on sale for $.99(us & charity). My 4 year old son and I happened to go there right when it was really pouring rain. I told him to pick up his feet so they wouldn't get so wet in the puddles. Well, of course he ended up making big splashes and an older lady, who was getting out of her car with her umbrella, got a good chuckle watching us. :)

At Albertsons, I spent $16.68 and saved $21.68. Boneless/skinless chicken breasts were on sale for $1.99/pound, Hunt pudding $.88 + $.60 coupon, Chef Boyardee/Manwich(charity) $.80 + $.35 coupon, Swiss Miss cocoa $.80, and sliced olives $1.49. Normally I buy the olives on sale for $1, but I ran out and needed some more. Next time they're on sale, I'll have to buy more than I did the last time they were on sale, so that they'll last.