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Couponing 1/12/11: Saved over 70%!

It's a GREAT week at Publix... if you're store isn't out of everything due to all the snow/ ice in the south that is keeping the trucks from delivering to the stores. I lucked out and was able to get most of everything on my list, but I think it's because I went first thing this afternoon! I am floating on couponing cloud 9 as I have broken a personal record of saving! It also helped that I had over $40 of coupons applied. Here's how I did:

Total Spent: 36.06

Total SAVED: $67.04

• 1 Box Cheese It's (B1G1): $1.60
• 1 Box Uncle Ben's White Rice (B1G1 & $0.75 coupon): $0.25
• 2 boxes of Keebler Cookies (B1G1): $3.49
• Publix Coffee (penny item): $0.01
• 1 Bag Tyson Chicken Patties (B1G1): $3.30
• 2 Boxes Jimmy Dean D-Lights Sandwiches (B1G1 & $5 coupons): $0.99
• 2 boxes Power of Fruit Bars (B1G1 & 2 $1 coupons): $1.39
• 2 32 oz. Coffeemate liquid creamers (B1G1 & 2 $1 coupons...just noticed a ring up error I will have to get fixed: 1 creamer rang up as 2 for $2.50 and the other as 2 for $7...): $2.75 (SHOUD have been $0.25 each w/ coupons)
• 1 pkg of Breaded cubed Steak: $3.07
• 1 pkg Pork Chops: $3.88
• 1 pkg NY Strip Steak: $8.39
• 2 pkgs Stayfree pads (2 $1 Publix coupons, 1 $1 man. and 1 B1G1 man. coupons): $0.45
• Trash bags: $3.49
• 2 Maalox Advanced Liquid medicine (2 $5 man. coupons): FREE w/ $0.02 profit!
• 2 boxes J & J First Aid to Go Kits ($2/2 Publix coupon & $2 man. coupons): FREE w/ $1.06 profit!
• 2 Sundown Vitamin D (1 $6/2 Publix coupon (forgot to bring this coupon...another fix), 1 $3/2 coupon): $2.98 (will be Free w/ $3.02 profit when I get it fixed tomorrow!)
• Publix Hot Dog buns: $0.97

So, how about I'm really glad I'm blogging all of this because I wouldn't have caught the mistake w/ the coffee creamer and the lack of a coupon on the vitamins?! So, when I get these things fixed tomorrow, my fixed total should be $27.81 with $75.29 savings! Good day, but I need to start watching the screen when everything rings up so I don't leave the store with those mistakes!

Couponing 1/6/11: Saving money while eating healthy...

Hey Friends!

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. To tell you the truth, I haven't been couponing much lately. Shane and I got a deal through Groupon a month ago to try Medical Weight Loss Solutions for 4 weeks. Basically they put us on a STRICT (in my opinion as I love my carbs and junk food) diet, gave us Lipotropic injections weekly (amazing stuff: it's vitamin B6 and some other vitamins in a shot form. It helps your kidneys speed up the fat burning process and as a result increases your metabolism), and they weighed us weekly to view our progress. Long story short (and 10 lbs lighter ;-) ), I couldn't just buy whatever was on sale. I had to eat very lean meats, only certain kinds of veggies, and little to no carbs. Not to say I didn't save any money through my Publix shopping; I did save almost 50% each week.

Well, I finished my sessions with MWLS on Tuesday, but started working with a personal trainer this week so I still have to watch what I eat. This is a pretty good week to shop at Publix for those of you like me. Here's how I did:

Total Spent: 27.24

Total SAVED: $29.33

• 3 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pastas @ B1G1 & 1 Ronzoni Lasagna noodles (not b1g1) (2 $1/2 coupons applied): $2.69 (BTW, the Ronzoni wheat pastas have a lot less calories than the Mueller's wheat pasta!)
• 2 boxes Keebler crackers (B1G1): $3.89
• 1 box 100 calorie packs of Chips Deluxe (B1G1): $1.60
• 1 Box Duncan Hines Brownie Mix (not on sale; not healthy, but I cannot make it through a diet w/ out splurging a little ;-) ): $2.59
• 1 bag FlatOut bread (B1G1 & $2 off coupon when you buy ground beef): free w/ $0.55 overage!
• 2 boxes Vitamuffin Tops (B1G1): $4.49
• 2 bags Publix deli meat (supposed to grab the 2 for $5 ones but we did not): $6.79
• 1 lb ground beef: $3.90
• 2 carts of egg beaters (B1G1 and 2 $1 off coupons): $0.79
• 1 gal Milk: $3.59

And as always, I also applied a $5 off $25 Save-A-Lot coupon to my total purchase. I've had them try to not take my Save-A-Lot coupons before just because it's not that popular of a store around here, but once I tell them where the closest one is (in Alabaster next to the thrift store), they'll take it. By the way, that Flatout bread is AMAZING! It's got less calories than regular bread, and Shane and I used them tonight to make the best burgers ever! I highly recommend them :-)

Menu Ideas using Couponed Food: 11/8- 11/11

Hey Friends! In case you were wondering, I did not go grocery shopping this week. I just don't have enough room available to stock up on anything else in my fridge and pantry, plus I was not intrigued by any of the deals in this week's Publix ad. I may or may not be shopping next week, depending on the deals, and will be out of town for the following week.

Anyway here's what I cooked this week using the ingredients I've purchased since I started couponing:

Monday:

• Chicken Marsala:

- Chicken: $2

- Macaroni Grill Dinner Kit: $1 (on sale w/ coupons at Target a while ago)

• Publix Italian Salad Mix: $2.50 (2 for $5 2 grocery week's ago)

• New York Ciabatta Bread: $0.91 (50% off w/ coupons last grocery week)

Total: $5.41

Fed 4

Tuesday:

• Tortilla Soup:

- Chicken: $2

- Chicken Broth: $1.25 (b1g1 last week)

- Can tomatoes: on hand (stocked up in August from sale and coupons)

- green chilli's: $1

- corn tortillas: $1

- Kraft Cheddar Cheese: $1.31 (deal after coupons 3 grocery weeks ago)

-Seasonings on hand

• Sopapillas:

- Left over Flour tortillas from last week’s tacos/sopapillas: on hand

-veggie oil & honey on hand

Total: $6.56

Fed 4

Thursday:

• Chicken Parmesan:

-Chicken: $2

- Progressive Bread Crumbs (free after sale and coupons at Publix last month)

- Kraft Mozzarella Cheese: $1.31

- Jar Barilla Sauce: $1.29 (B1G1 2 weeks ago)

- Barilla noodles: $0.69 (B1G1 last week)

• Green Beans: $0.14
• 1/2 box New York Garlic Bread: $0.46

Total: $5.89

Fed 3

Menu Ideas for 11/1 - 11/5 2010

I have way too many groceries to not be cooking! Here's what I have made this week:

Monday:

• Breaded BBQ Chicken

- 2 Boneless Chicken Breasts (divided into 4...they were huge): $2

- Shake N' Bake: $0.90

- BBQ Seasoning: on hand

• Chicken & Broccoli Noodles (Knorr sides): $0.65
• Cole's Garlic Sticks: $1
• Publix Waldorf Salad Kit: $2.50

Total: $7.05

4 Servings

Tuesday:

• Teriaki Chicken

- 1 Chicken Breast cut in strips: $1

- Knorr Teriaki Lomein Pasta Noodles: $0.65

- Seasonings: On Hand

Total: $1.65

2 Servings

Thursday:

• Tacos

- Old El Paso Soft & Hard Shell Taco Dinner Kit: $0.44

- 1 lb Ground Beef: $1

• Black Beans & Rice: $2 (picked up at store w/out coupons or sale...don't remember the name of the package)
• Sopapillas

- Flour Tortillas (from dinner kit)

- Veggie Oil, Cinn. Sugar, Honey: On Hand

Total: $3.44

4 Servings

Couponing Week 6

Welcome to my freezer. It is packed FULL of food I've purchased since couponing. It is so full that I had to duct tape it shut- no lie! I even tried to remove the ice bin, and rearrange everything, but it is still too full to shut on its own!

I didn't do really well this week at catching the best deals. Frankly, this week's ad had nothing that interested me. I almost just skipped a week of grocery shopping since I don't need anything, and I still feel like I should have. The only thing that really saved me were those 2 $5 Publix gift cards I received from Kellogg's in the mail, and a $5 off Food Giant competitor's coupon (which my cashier debated on taking, but I'm glad he decided to accept it).

Total Spent: $38.05

Total Saved: $67.12 (including gift cards)

• 5 boxes New York breads (50% off and $3.20 coupons): $4.55
• 2 Boxes TGI Fridays snacks (on sale & $3 coupons): $5
• 2 Digiorno Pizzas (2 for $10): $10
• 2 boxes Pillsbury Holiday Cookies (3 for $6 & $1 coupon): $3
• 2 boxes Toaster Strudels (B1G1 & $1 coupon): $1.45
• 1 box Cream Puffs & 1 box Eclairs (B1G1): $5.59 (oh I feel fat by just listing these...)
• 6 64 oz Gatorades (3 for $5): $10
• 2 jugs Louana Veggie Oil (2 for $5 & $1 coupon): $4
• Barilla Thin Spaghetti (B1G1): $0.69
• Publix Oatmeal (penny item): $0.01
• 2 boxes College Inn Chicken Broth (B1G1): $2.49
• 2 can Green Giant Green Beans (B1G1 & $1 coupons): $0.29
• Glass Plus Cleaner (B1G1 & $1 coupon): $0.25
• Scotch Packaging Tape (B1G1 & $1 off): $0.75
• 2 boxes of Publix Diet Coke (2 for $5): $5

I apologize for being such a fat kid this week. It didn't help that I went to the grocery store HUNGRY and in a hurry. I don't apologize for the fat kid stuff I bought that I got a good deal on with coupons, but I definitely didn't need to buy Eclairs and Cream Puffs.

On a different note, I want to introduce all of you to something that might be just as good as couponing. It's a company called Angel Food Ministries. They sell good food for CHEAP and you pick it up at your local churches/ schools once a month. They are a Christian company, but I really love the fact that when you pick up your food, they don't try to save you. You just drive over, show your receipt, pop your trunk, they load the boxes of food, then you're good to go! There's also no limit of food you can buy, and the more people that purchase from them, the cheaper the food gets! If you've ever been to my house for dinner, there's a good chance I cooked you something I purchased from Angel Food, and you liked it! They've also got complete Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners!

Check them out: www.angelfoodministries.com

This Week's Menu and Great Buys

I confess I only cooked one meal for dinner this week. It's been kind of a crazy week, and I've also got a bunch of restaurant coupons that expire on Monday, so we've been eating out a lot. Here's the one meal I cooked on Tuesday:

• Spicy Beef and Sausage Ravioli:

- 2 bags Ravioli (purchased on sale w/ coupons last week): $5
- 1/2 Jar Ragu (B1G1 w/ coupons applied a couple of weeks ago): $0.73 worth

• Sister Shubert Rolls: on hand
  
• Green Beans: $0.70

Total Cost: $6.43
Fed 4 Adults

On a different note, I wanted to share with you some sweet deals we got on a couple of BIG purchases this month. We got into a wreck in July that totaled our Fusion. We ended up coming out of it with a chiropractor bill and a BIG settlement check. We were struggling with what to do with the money. We saught the advice of family and friends- half of them told us to be wise and pay off some debt, and the other half told us we should just spend it because when would we have this kind of money again? Well, we took both sets of advice. We paid off a credit card, and we took the rest of the money and "blew" it, but in a very smart way...

Purchase #1

Shane bought a new drum set. He has been teaching for over 5 years now, and has yet to own some nice music gear. He had 2 drum sets at one point this summer, but they were not very good kits. He sold one of them and the other is being rented by one of his students. So, we decided it was time for him to get a drum set that he liked and that was better than mediocre.

So, he shopped around and found a Gretsch set through Musician's Friend that he really liked that was on sale for $650. Before he made the big purchase, he emailed Musician's Friend to inquire a little about the set, and ended up getting a response that the one he wanted was sold out. Shane emailed the guy back and asked that they would at least give him a coupon for his next purchase since they were advertising something they did not have in stock. They agreed to give him a 5% off coupon. In the meantime, he emailed Gretsch and asked if they knew of where he could get this drum set he loved that was sold out. Well, they told Shane they made very few of this one set he wanted, and that according to their records, Musician's Friend should have at least 1 left in stock and Shane should have them look for it. Shane asked, and they found the 1 left in the back of their warehouse. So, Shane bought it and said, "Here's my coupon!" So, he ended up getting this sweet drum set worth over $1000 for $600 shipped!

Purchase #2

I struggled to figure out what I wanted to do with my part of the extra money. I always buy clothes in these kind of situations, but I wanted do be different this time. I wanted to purchase something that I would enjoy like Shane does his drums. I went with new cookware. When we got married, someone gave us Caphalon pots and pans (that were on our registry, and I am VERY thankful for having them the last 3 years), which are top of the line in the cooking world. Well, they were the non-stick kind, which I have decided that I hate and are not good for me to own because I will never spend the time handwashing that stuff. Through so many runs through the dishwasher, the non-stick stuff has come off and rusted. I cook a lot so it's important for me to have some decent cookware.

I noticed in the Bed, Bath, and Beyond ad this week that if you buy $300 of Caphalon products they give you a $50 gift card. I also found the set I wanted: Caphalon 13 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel piece set of pots and pans for $399.99. I also had a 20% off coupon to BB&B, so I went in last night and made my purchase. Well, not only did I get the set and a $50 gift card for $320, but they also threw in a Caphalon Dutch oven (worth $140 on it's own) for free! So, I got $590 worth of stuff for $320, plus a $50 gift card, and the pots and pans have a lifetime warranty! My omlet this morning has never tasted so good and come out so perfect. :-)


Not only have we been able to take our stretched dollars from Grocery money and buy more things, but we have been able to stretch our stretched out dollars! I don't think Shane and I have ever been able to have so much food on our table, give so much away, and buy ourselves nice things as much as we have this semester! It's because of GOD, and partly Shane doing well in the job world (because of God), but I feel a huge contributor has been coupons (it's a God thing I got into coupons so I it's really all from God)! I really look forward to calculating my costs vs savings for groceries after a year of blogging about them.

Are you convinced to coupon yet?

Couponing Week 5

I have broken a new personal record! I could kick myself in the pants though because I received 2 free $5 Publix gift cards in the mail last week and completely forgot to use them this trip! But I might print off more coupons and return to Publix this week, so I'll have to remember to use those gift cards then! Details are as follows...

Total Spent: $28.62

Total Saved: $60.83!

• 2 25 oz bags of Tyson Anytizers (B1G1 & $2 coupons): $6.99

• 2 Contessa Green Cuisine Meals (B1G1 & $4 Publix coupons): $3.99

• 2 bags Publix Salad Mix (2 for $5): $5

• 2 boxes Coles Bread Sticks (B1G1): $2.79

• 2 boxes Starbucks Ice Cream (B1G1 & $1.50 coupons): $2.29

• 2 bags Lenders Bagels (B1G1): $2.09

• 25 oz bag Beggin' Strips (B1G1 & $4 competitor and man. coupons): $1.50

• Taco Bell Dinner Kit (B1G1 & $1 coupon): $0.35

• Publix Peanut Butter (penny item): $0.01

• Barilla Pasta Sauce (B1G1): $1.29

• 2 boxes Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta (B1G1 & $2 coupons): FREE!

• 2 boxes Cascadian Farm Granola Bars (B1G1 & $4 coupons): FREE!

• bananas: $1.99

So, it was a good week! The better I get at this, the harder it is to wait for the next week's sales ad to come in. It's like Christmas every Wednesday for me!

Couponed Menu Ideas for 10/18-10/22

Here are the meals I made this week based on food I purchased for cheap through sales and coupons at Publix the past couple of weeks.

Monday:

• Manicotti:

- Manicotti Shells (got at Walmart, no sale): $1.50

- 1 lb Ground Beef: $3
- 1/2 Big Jar Ragu (B1G1 a couple weeks ago): $0.73
- Mozzarela Cheese: $1.31
- Ricotta Cheese: $1

• Cole's Garlic Bread (2 for $3 last week w/ coupons): $1

• Dunkan Hines Brownies:

- Mix: $0.99
- Eggs: $0.10 worth
- Veggie Oil (on hand...we'll say it's free)

Total Cost: $9.63

Fed 3 with PLENTY left over

Tuesday:

• Meatloaf:

- 1 lb. Ground Beef: $3

- Brown Sugar, seasonings, ketchup: on hand

• Macaroni and Cheese:

- 1/2 box Mueller's Elbow Mac (B1G1 last week w/ coupons): $0.37

- sauce and seasonings (my secret recipe): on hand

- 1 bag Kraft Sharp Cheddar (on sale with w/ coupons last week): $1.31

• 1 Cole's Garlic Bread Mini Loaf (Sale w/ coupons last week): $1

• Salad (sale w/ coupons): $1.73

Total Cost: $7.41

Fed 4 Adults w/ left overs

Thursday:

• Wanchai Ferri Mongolian Beef Skillet Meal (B1G1 a few weeks ago w/ coupon): $2.49

• PF Changs Sweet and Sour Chicken Skillet Meal (sale a few weeks ago w/ coupons): $3

• Uncle Ben's Whole Grain White Rice with Veggies (sale w/ coupons this week): $0.75

• Nestle White Chocolate Chip Maccadamia Nut Cookies (sale w/ coupons this week): $0.60

Total Spent: $6.84

Cooked Enough for 4 Adults

This was another great week of complete family meals for under $10 each. Thursday night's meal was the least favorite though. I decided that when it comes to Chinese food, I should just leave it for the restaurants. I thought the Sweet and Sour Chicken from PF Changs was surprisingly gross, which my mother liked more than the Mongolian Beef. When Shane came home for dinner and saw the chinese food, he decided he would rather eat the left over Manicotti from Monday night. So, i'll probably end up throwing away the chinese food. I need to find a way to use up the big dish of left over mac n' cheese from Tuesday tonight!

Couponing Week 4

This was fat kid week at Publix, but get who FINALLY saved more then she spent? This girl, yeah!! Here's how I did:

Total Spent: $51.25

Total Saved: $57.70

• 2 Bags Buitoni beef and sausage ravioli (2 for $7 & $2 coupons): $5
• 2 big boxes TGI Fridays Chicken Quesadillas (b1g1 & $1.50 coupon): $7.50
• 1 small box TGI Fridays Cheeseburgers ($2 coupon): $4
• 2 bags Nestle ready to bake Cookies (b1g1 & $2 coupons): $1.29
• 1 Tombstone Pizza (B1G1): $2.87
• 3 Fun Size bags on Mars candy (B1G1 & $2.50 coupons): $12.50
• 2 bags Lay's Kettle Chips (2 for $5): $5
• 2 boxes of General Mills Cereal (B1g1 & $1.20 coupons...just noticed one box did not ring up as b1g1 :-/): $4.27
• Pepperidge Farm Cookies (B1G1 & $0.75 coupon): $0.95
• 1 bag Knorr Pasta Sides (B1G1): $0.65
• 2 boxes Uncle Ben's Garden Veggie Rice (2 for $3 and B1G1 coupon): $1.50
• Arnold 12 Grain Bread (B1G1 & $1 coupon): $0.95

I know I said last week that I was only going to the store this week if items were free or close to free, but I couldn't help myself. I did however configure my grocery list so I would have to save more then I spent, and I am one happy camper because of it. I do have to confess that I had to start stocking my groceries in my mother's fridge and pantry because I really don't have room for any more food! I am really looking forward to my grocery experience in two weeks because the Food World here in Pelham is going out of business and I should be able to get a lot of stuff for ridiculously cheap. I plan on going the day before they are scheduled to shut down so I can get the BEST deal possible!

I hope that you all have a good week grocery shopping and save lots of money! Btw, if you have kids, you should have them stop by my house for trick or treating on Halloween. I have SOOOO much candy to give away! Shane and I are also thinking about having a Halloween party. Let me know if that sounds like something you'd be interested in attending, and we'll plan it!

Weekly Menus Using Couponed Food

Southern Savers posts every week a couple of menu ideas based on the sales items at Publix, and I think it's a great idea; so much so that I decided to start filling you in every week on what I'm serving for dinners based on what I'm buying. Here's this week (Starting Tuesday since I already told you about the Chicken and Orzo soup served Monday):

Tuesday, October 12 2010

• Baked, breaded Pork Chops:
  

- 3 Boneless Pork Chops: $3 (I buy meat in bulk at Sam's)
- Shake N' Bake: $0.90

• Publix Chicken Flav. Rice: $Free (got it on the last buy theirs get ours deal)
• Zucchini Casserole:

- 2 Zucchini: $1.50
- Onion: $0.20 worth
- Ritz Crackers: $0.10 worth
- Cheese: $free (used mom's)
- Eggs: $0.12 worth
- Milk: $Free (used mom's)
- Butter: $0.10 worth (of one of the jugs I got for $0.39 2 weeks ago)

• Rolls: $1.24 (divided bag of them up between this and Thursday's dinners)

Total Cost: $7.16!
This meal fed 4 very hungry adults

Thursday, October 14 2010

• Jambalaya:

- Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice Mix: $0.75
- 1 Chicken Breast: $1
- 1/2 lb Cajun Sausage: $2

• Rolls: $1.24
• Salad Mix: $1.45
  

Total Cost: $6.44!
This meal fed 3 Hungry Adults (supposed to have 6 servings worth, haha)

I'll go ahead an conclude this week's with those 2 meals, and update with more depending on how much I cook this weekend (which is usually next to none). Other than couponing, I live frugally by eating dinner with my mom 3 nights a week and splitting the grocery bill with her. This saves the both of us a TON of money, and it's nice for me to have someone to eat with at nights, since Shane works until 8 or 9pm every night. On Tuesday nights, my mother's boyfriend comes to eat dinner with us and makes a little contribution. I actually made money off of this Tuesday's dinner!

Coupon Experience Week 3

I really thought that this week would be the week that I actually saved more than I spent. Not so, and I was disappointed, until Shane made me realize just how MUCH food I've been getting every week for a very low price. My cart is filled up to the max every week, and I don't think I ever spend more than $60 for it all. In fact, I have so much food stocked up, that I think next week I will only be buying stuff if it is free or close to free because I don't need anything! I also signed up for an Upromise Publix card today, which will give me money towards my student loans every week I buy groceries there, so I'm pretty excited about that. Anyway, here's how I did this week:

Total Spent: $52.46

Total Saved: $44.91 ($15 worth of coupons included)

Here's the breakdown:

- Publix Chocolate Almonds (Penny Item): $0.01

- Bag of Nestle Crunch (B1G1): $3

- 2 Gal Publix Drinking Water: $1.58

- 3 Gatorades (the big jugs: 3 for $5): $5

- 2 bags of Cape Cod Kettle Chips (2 for $5): $5

- 2 bags Ritz Toasted Chips (B1G1 & $1 coupon): $2.39

- Mueller's Elbow Mac (B1G1): $0.75

- 4 Zataran's Dinner Box Kits (B1G1 & $1 coupon): $3

- Duncan Hines Brownie Mix (B1G1): $0.99

- Publix and Planter's Honey Roasted Peanuts (Buy theirs, get ours free deal) $3.19

- Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce (B1G1): $1.18

- 2 Box New York Bread (2 for $5 & $0.80 coupon): $4.20

- Klondike Bars (B1G1): $1.80

- 5 things of cheese: 2 Phil. Cream Cheese, 3 bags Kraft Shredded Cheese ($5/5 coupon, $2 Target coupon, & $1 Publix Coupon): $6.55

- 2 Bags of Salad (B1G1 & $0.55 coupon): $3.45

- 2 Cole's Garlic Bread (2 for $3 & $1 coupon): $2

- 1 Pineapple (on sale): $2.99

My shopping deals this week were good, but nothing amazing to me. I do look forward to all the Zataran's meals I will be making within the next month. Speaking of meals, I made homemade Chicken and Orzo soup last week with Coffee Cake for dessert, and I realized it was the first meal I've cooked from scratch where I had purchased everything (minus the chicken and veggies, but I got those for cheap) on sale. The total cost was around $8 and it fed 4 HUNGRY adults! I look forward to more meals like that!

Anyway, I hope some of you are reading this and being encouraged to start couponing. If you are pro-couponers already, then I would appreciate your feedback and where you see I could improve on my deals. Thanks for reading!

Couponing Experience Week 2

I stole this pic from a Kroger ad. Apparently they have a card that all your coupons can go on now, instead of carrying and handling all your different coupons? Cool idea I suppose, although I like to throw all my coupons I'm going to use at the store in an envelope and surprise the cashier after she rings everything up! This also keeps the people in line behind me from getting pissed off :-)

Anyway, here's how I did this week. I'm not as impressed as I was last week or the week before, but I got some stuff I wasn't planning on getting and didn't have coupons for. I'm striving for the day where I can save more than I have spent. One lady commented on Southernsavers under the Publix ad this week that she got $120 of groceries and spent $40. I'm hoping for that day soon.

This week I spent $83.43 and saved $49.26 (16.73 of that was coupons) Here's the Breakdown:

- $25 Itunes Gift Card ($5 off Winn Dixie Coupon) $20

- 2 Gal. Publix Drinking Water (not on sale) $1.58

- 4 12 packs of coke (buy 3 get one free) $12

- 4 Powerades (b1g1) $2.50

- 2 Boxes Keebler Crackers/Snack Sticks (b1g1) $3.89

- 2 Jugs Swanson Chicken Broth (B1G1) $2.59

- Progresso Bread Crumbs (b1g1 & $1 off) $Free!

- Helman's Mayo (B1G1) $2.35

- Ronzoni Orzo Pasta (B1g1) $0.70

- Nabisco Munch Pack (B1G1) $3.00

- Publix Coffee (Penny Item) $0.01

- 2 cans Campbell's Chunky Soups (sale $1.29 each & $2 coupons) $0.58

- 3 cans Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup (3 for $5, didn't bring my coupons :-( ) $5

- Oscar Mayer Carving Board Turkey and Ham Deli Meat ($4.29/each Applied $2 man. coupons and $1 Target coupon) $5.58

- 3 bags Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies (3 for $6 and $1.55 coupons) $4.45

- 2 Gal. Publix Ice Cream (2 for $6) $6

- Kraft Montery Jack Cheese (no sale) $2.99

- Squash Zucchini (sale for 99 cents/ lb) $1.31

- Fresh Green Beans (sale for 99 cents/lb) $0.66

- 2 bags Thomas Bagels (b1g1 & $1 coupon) $2.99

So, not as good of a week as it could have been, but I'm very excited about two of the meals I'm making using the stuff I bought this week! I'm making that Party Chicken in the Publix ad this week (go to Publix and try it...it's real good!), and Chicken and Orzo soup. Shane will be happy because I haven't really been cooking since I started couponing since most the the good deals I get are on those frozen skillet meals and mexican food. I'm also looking forward to making something with the Zucchini squash I got!

Couponing: The Experience!

So, I've had some people that have shown interest in learning to coupon, and others that have asked me to teach them (or their wives, haha) to coupon, but since most of you aren't sure if you're interested enough to sit down and learn it, I thought I might entice you by sharing my grocery list total/details with you every week. This will also be a way for me to keep track of how I'm doing with it.

When reading these, keep in mind that I have only been couponing for 5 months now. The key to couponing is to be stocking up on items on sale that you need/use (most items go on sale every 6-8 weeks) and I have just gotten established with saving/using coupons and knowing the rules to couponing in stores.

For reference, B1G1= Buy 1 Get 1 Free deal. I put in red what my favorite deals were.

At Publix yesterday, I spent $38.08, and saved $31.91 ($10.16 of that was coupons). Here's the breakdown:

• 2 Gal. Drinking Water (not on sale) $1.58
• Shake N' Bake ($2.35 - $0.55 coupon) $1.80
• 2 Large Jars Ragu ($3.55 each: B1G1 & $0.60 off 2 coupon) $2.95
• 1 Can refried beans (didn't grab sale & no coupon) $1.25
• 2 Jars Pace Chunky Salsa ($2.79 each: B1G1 & $0.60/2 coupon) $2.19
• 3 Bags Knorr Pasta Sides ($1.29/each: B1g1) $1.94
• 2 Bags Lays Kettle Chips (not on sale & never on sale but Shane likes them) $6.58
• 2 boxes Martha White Muffin Mix (on sale for $0.75 & $0.70 each coupon) $0.10
• 1 Bag Dove Candy (again, not on sale, and I wish Shane would have spotted the Nestle B1G1 deal before grabbing them) $4.29
• 2 Boxes of Old El Paso Dinner Kits ($2.89 each: B1G1 & $1 each coupon) $0.89
• Krusteaz Cinn. Crumb Cake Mix (2.59: B1G1) $1.30
• Loaf White Sandwich Bread ($1: Publix Penny Item) $0.01
• 2 Loaves Natures Own Bread ($3.49 each: B1G1 & $0.75 coupon) $2.74
• 2 things of Country Crock Spread (1.99 each: B1G1 & $0.80 off each coupon) $0.39
• 1 Can Pillsbury Grands Cinn. Rolls ($3.49 & $1 off coupon) $2.49
• 1 Bag Bertolli Skillet Meals ($4.99 & $1 off Target coupon) $3.99 (I could have waited for the Manufactures $1 coupon in this coming Sunday's newspaper but didn't.)

So there you go! Some of these items I didn't even need, but I was getting such a good deal I purchased them anyway. Anyone need butter? If you're wondering why there's no meat, or anything to prepare dinners on this list, I have everything I need for dinners this week from the last few grocery trips this month. You should also know that Publix doesn't ever put their meats on sale; when it's about to go bad, they donate it to local charities. So, I buy and stock up on my meats at Sam's. I also usually buy milk at Sam's because it's only $2 a gallon there.

I love shopping at Publix because they:

1) double coupons that are $0.50 or less (7 of my coupons totals above were doubled)

2) take competitor's coupons (Target included at my store and there are a lot of Target coupons available online!)

3) take one Manufactures coupon and store coupon per item

4) don't require you to buy 2 items when they are B1G1. It'll just ring up as half off each!

If you are interested in couponing, visit www.southernsavers.com. This is where I learned to coupon, and the website makes it really easy! You can create your grocery list on the website based on what's for sale at your store, then under each item, it tells you what coupons you should have, or if it's a printable coupon, it lets you click on the link to print it.

TOP 20 THINGS I MISS IN EL PASO, TX

TOP 20 THINGS I MISS IN EL PASO, TX

1. CHICO'S TACOS

My cousin Cassie and I would like to give Chico’s Taco’s a slogan, “It’s all about the experience.” No one can really experience El Paso, until they’ve tried Chico’s Tacos. This is a cheap fast food restaurant on the east side of town. It’s greasy, you don’t know if the meat is cow, cat, or human, it makes you feel terrible after consuming it, but it’s delicious and worth it.

2. DESERT AND ROCK YARDS

Funny Story. When Shane and I moved into our townhouse here in Pelham, AL, we were estimating what changes we would have to our utility bills going into a bigger place than our small apartment. I told him we needed to remember to water the yard so our grass would grow, and that would up our water bill. He thought it was so funny, he called his dad and told him the story (Shane’s family is from Louisiana). Needless to say, I found out you don’t have to water the yard to get grass here because it rains enough to make life greener here in the south east. Well, this is not the case in El Paso. People in El Paso have to water their yards to have grass, and if they want to conserve water, they have rocks put in their yards. I kind of miss seeing this.

3. FRANKLIN MOUNTAINS

I miss the mountains. If you look at the picture closely, you see some red dirt that in the middle of the mountain, and it’s kind of in the shape of a bird. The first high school I went to (Coronado High) got their mascot from this. They’re the Thunder Birds, which sounds like the lamest mascot ever if you didn’t know about the mountain.

4. BYLER’S HOUSE DURING HALOWEEN

If you have ever traveled down Belvedere Road on the west side of El Paso, chances are you have taken notice in an old white truck parked on the side of the road with “Jesus Saves” spray painted in blue on the back of it. This truck belongs to the Bylers, and I have seldom seen it anywhere else but parked on the side of the road by their house. Anyway, the Bylars are the coolest family ever, and their favorite time of year is fall, and favorite holiday is Halloween. They deck out, and it’s the best place to stop for anyone in the neighborhood on Halloween night.

5. MAGIC PAN

The Magic Pan is my favorite restaurant of all time. It’s kind of a girly place. It’s a little restaurant and shop tied together, and this restaurant has the perfect food for the perfect atmosphere. They serve soup/ sandwich kind of stuff (gourmet and delicious) and you have the choice of sitting inside or outside in their garden patio area. At one point in time my mom and I were coming in every Saturday for lunch, and had a the same waitress every time, whom eventually stopped asking us for our order and just brought what we wanted to us within 5 minutes of us sitting down. I love this place so much I wish I could influence them to set up a restaurant here in Birmingham

6. THE GREENERY

Oh, the Greenery. Think of any muffin you would like to enjoy. The Greenery probably has it, and it’s delicious. They, like the Magic Pan, are a soup/salad/sandwich kind of place, but they also have a really good breakfast selection.

7. CASA JURARDO

Casa “Jurardo” is hard to pronounce for my family, so we refer to this delightful restaurant as “Casa J’s.” Their salsa is my favorite, which is why I brought it into my “Top 20” list.

8. AVILA’S

There are two Mexican restaurants that are owned and operated by the same family have been around for years, and years, and years and they are Leo’s and Avila’s. My family, and my family’s family used to go to Leo’s on a regular basis, but then my family soon discovered their family’s other Mexican restaurant Avila’s. I would come with my family every Friday night to eat dinner at Avila’s. Not only do I love the food, and the free sopapillas, but what I really enjoy about this place is when I walk in I feel like I’m at my family reunion. Most of the staff has been there since I was an infant, and I delight in seeing everyone when I come visit.

9. THE MEXICAN STORE THAT'S BEEN “GOING OUT OF BUSINESS” FOR 3+ YEARS

This is probably Shane’s favorite thing about El Paso. There’s this Mexican Store in the mall that has been supposedly going out of business for probably 3 years now. Their stuff is fairly cheap, and Shane loves to pick up his El Paso souveniers here.

10. MARIACHI BANDS

Ok, this is obviously not a pure El Paso thing, but how often can I see Mariachi bands in Birmingham, AL? I remember seeing a mariachi band play at the first high school I went to during our lunch break. How many people can say that in the southeast?

11. JACKSON'S

There’s really nothing super special about Jackson’s, other than they are a local restaurant that has been around for years, and are really delicious. I like their burgers. And everything on their menu.

12. TAX-FREE GROCERIES

Enough said.

13. THE FACT THAT I LIVED IN TEXAS BUT WENT TO SCHOOL EVERYDAY IN NEW MEXICO

Where else can you go to TX, NM, and Mexico in the same day?

14. BLOWING UP 4^TH OF JULY FIREWORKS IN THE DESERT

Cause we don’t have to worry about forest fires.

15. THE WALKING TRAIL ON RESLER DR. WHERE THE CITY IS TO YOUR LEFT, AND DESERT AND MOUNTAINS ARE TO YOUR RIGHT

16. THE FACT THAT WHEN IT RAINS, IT FLOODS

It’s obviously not cool for the semi truck in this picture, or any of the houses that get damaged, but it’s fun when you’re a kid and you get together with your neighborhood friends and basically swim in the street. There’s no real drainage for rain because I guess it doesn’t rain often enough to justify it.

17. SCORPIONS IN POPSICLES

Not an El Paso original, but not something you would see…definitely not something you would see kids eating here in Alabama.

18. PUTT PUTT GOLF, ADVENTURE ZONE, AND BOB-OS.

I thought it was normal for people to have several places in their local town to play putt putt golf, go cart, and archade games, but apparently not.

19. THE CITY LIGHTS

You can’t see that when there are trees everywhere. The star on the mountain is pretty cool too. I miss seeing that.

20. COWBOYS AND RODEOS

I think any man that puts on a cowboy hat looks way hotter than without. Maybe that’s the Texan girl inside of me, but yeah.

FREE WRITING!!!!

So, we haven't blogged on here in a while, and I want to blog about something, but haven't decided what yet. Sorry I never continued my last post in January, but I'm no longer interested in the subject and it's not important enough to continue. I will say we did do as we said (invited our neighbors over for dinner and giving stuff away kind of things) and the updates are our neighbors were not interested or "too busy" to come over for dinner, but we might watch a football game this semester.

On to my new subject. Since I couldn't find a topic to write about, but really wanted to write, I decided to free write. My English teacher in high school had us free write sometimes and I loved it. All it is is writing what you're thinking and not stopping until a timer or something goes off. So, here it goes!

I have to pick up Shane at 8:30 I think so I have about 30 minutes to type. I'm sitting on the couch next to my mom and her boyfriend. My mom's boyfriend started coming over on Tuesday nights to eat my dinner I cook, and I allow it because he pays me, which means more free groceries/ food for Shane and I. The boyfriend is an alright guy, but still too awekward to talk to him. I cannot spell awekward. It's amazing that I passed English classes in high school and college because I suck pretty hard at spelling and grammer. I love food. I love cooking and eating, but I've been sick for the past 48 hours, which makes me sad because I haven't been able to enjoy my meals like normal. Shane says that if I didn't worship God, I'd worship food. It's true. Good thing I love God because if food was it for me i'd be fat and lonely. I've been watching this show lately called Cake Boss and it's pretty awesome. It's about this bakery in New Jersey and this Italian family owns/ operates it and makes these amazing and intricate cakes but they're so good they charge $1000 to $2500 for each cake they design. They're so cool though that I'm thinking I really need to start learning how to cake decorate. I'm really interested in it, but I am very subborn and try to learn things on my own without asking others to help me. If you see that I am interested in doing something, and you're good at it, you should teach me and make me learn. I went to a sewing class that taught me how to use my sewing machine, but because of that all I can make is ghetto placemats. I'm so stubborn about learning it on my own that I haven't asked and I have some people wanting to teach me, but I just don't ask. I need to work on that. Anyway, cakes are so cool and it looks like fun. I want to play with fondant because it looks like it's as fun as playing with play-doe. I hear it doesn't taste as good, so I figure i'd cover all my cakes with buttercream frosting and then lie the fondant over that. That way people can enjoy the cool designs on the cake, but peel them off and eat a delicious cake. I also notice they do this in Cake Boss. I would like to go to New Jersey and ask them to teach me but I understand from their online reviews that you have to wait 3 hours just to buy an $18 cupcake. I think it's worth it though. I also want to design cupcakes. Man there's so much I still need to do. I need to learn how to make stuff that's more complicated then placemats, and how to design cakes. Then I'll have passed my own housewife class I have designed for myself. You know when I lost my job last year and we decided I should become a housewife, I was really scared and afraid of what people would think and say about me. I had and still have people think/ say stuff about me that I feared would happen, but I don't care about that anymore. I'm learning that the people that are saying/thinking stuff don't know me well enough to be doing that, and I know I'm doing what God has called me to do, so think what you want, but I'd be dumb not to follow God's will for my life. It's funny how when I really want things and don't get them, how i'm better off without them in the end. Shane and I really wanted this '05 Murano from this car dealership here in Pelham that was souped up (leather seats, back-up camera, sunroof, adjustable/saved drivers seat, etc) but the financing just wouldn't work out (I am talking about this car because our car was totaled in July and if you've ever had your car totaled, you know how quickly you have to get in a new vehicle). Anyway, we found this Murano before our rental was taken from us and we didn't get it. I cried all day. We went to Carmax that evening and they had a blue Mazda CX-7 um...lost my train of thought because I'm watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition. This show is soooo cool. Anyway, so the CX-7 worked out and it's an '07 with 33k miles whereas the Murano had 90k miles. So, God knew what He was doing when He wouldn't let us get that car. This show is so cool, oh no....Mark (the mom's boyfriend) just started singing "I wanna be a cowboy baby" by Kid Rock. Ok, so this show is so cool. Anyway, we're at a comercial. I can't spell. I am sitting next to my mom and her bf to make sure they don't start making out. Gross. I only have 10 minutes though. Ok. What I love right next to food is traveling. We're trying to decided where to go for our Anniversary this coming year. We go out of town every year during our anniversary, because, why not? I think it's the best time of year to vacation and get away from distractions. For our honeymoon we went to Destin (I LOVE Destin and am so glad the oil is gone from the beach!). Our 1st year anniversary we went on a cruise to Mexico. Our 2nd we went to Disney World. The last one was Vegas. This year I think we want to go on a cruise, but I think we want to try out Royal Caribbean this year instead of Carnival. But I don't know. We'll see. Ugh, stomache's starting to hurt again, but there's only 5 minutes left. Something I wanted to blog about was missionaries and why we think they need to live in poverty. But, I came to the conclusion that if we think they need to live in poverty, then we need to live in poverty because we think we're doing missions everyday. So, there ya go. Stomache hurts, but i've lost 3 lbs since yesterday! I would like to keep it off as I am trying to lose 30 lbs, but I would like to do it in the healthy way. I'm the fattest I've ever been, which I guess isn't so bad since i'm not obese, but I've never lost 30 lbs before. But, we have an excersize bike sitting in our living room and it's been helping a lot, especially since that's where we spend the most of our time when home. I've been like a hampster with that bike; just constantly on and off. Other than my stomache problems, I've been feeling better and energetic with that bike. I need to start dancing to my Zumba dvd's, but I need to do it when Shane is not there because he makes fun of me. 1 minute left. Oop! Times up! Good night to all!

A Talk with a random person at Wal-Mart… (Part 1)

So, Shane and I were at Wal-Mart last night when we bumped into an employee who looked familiar to both of us. I shouted “Hey!” to him when we made eye contact, thinking he was giving me a look back like he knew me…turns out we never met before (I think Shane and I are just familiar with seeing him around Wal-Mart) but somehow he got into a conversation with us about the Bible and Christianity. He started by asking, “So…Baptism is what gets you saved, right?” I laughed inappropriately and said, “Uh, no.” When I realized how offensive I was, I explained that some Christians believe that, but I feel like the Bible more proves that it’s a denial of self and relationship with Christ that brings one to salvation. He disagreed and went on to give me all these verses (quoted) about being baptized with water that gets you saved (he pulled them out of context but I will explain later in my next blog). After Shane and I showed disagreement, he changed the subject and went into talking about how there are so many churches in the Birmingham area and none of them seem to be doing any ministry. We actually agreed with him here, and got into a conversation about how we’re in the Bible belt and people here go to church because they always have and feel like it’s what gets them to heaven. Let me also add that no one will admit to this, but will say that it’s an obligation and to those who stop going they will say, “If you stop going to church now, you will never come back,” as if they fearfully think if you drop out of church you will lose Christ. Anyway, after talking about all of this, dude at Wal-Mart gives us his church business card and asks us to come to service on Sunday.

At the beginning of our conversation, I was glad to talk to the guy, thinking that he was not a Christian, but I thought he had started reading the Bible (since he had all those verses in mind). At the end of the conversation, I was just angry. First of all, why the hell would you complain about not hearing of churches doing ministry in our area, then give us a card to your church? I’m sorry, but I have never heard of your church before (there are hundreds of churches in the Birmingham area) and think that if your church was doing some awesome ministry, I would have heard about it by now, right? As frustrated as I was about him handing us his card, I realized that most churches in the area are like this. I’ve had PLENTY of church members tell me about how awesome their services and church ministry are (so please don’t comment and brag to me about your church here) and ask me to come check it out… but none of them have shown genuine concern for me. And it’s not just me. I have several friends and acquaintances that have experienced the same frustrations. If your church is doing awesome ministry, people outside of the church should know about it experientially. You shouldn’t have to tell people that your church does awesome ministry. They should see it and experience it. Talk is cheap. Sorry I just went on a rant, but I just wished we all as Christians would practice the first two commandments, “Love the Lord Your God with all your heart,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These are the two most important commandments and for some reason they are the hardest to follow. Might I also just complain about myself and confess I am always talking about how I want to go out of my way and care for others, showing them the love of Christ, but I am more talk then I do. I’ve been trying to do the “Love your neighbor” literally and find ways to care for them and build a relationship with them. The best way I know how to show love is through cooking and giving. So, I have been cooking/baking food and bringing it to my neighbors and was feeling pretty good about it. I know the family next door on a first-name basis and have been talking forever about having them over for dinner. I have told some friends about this, and one of them told me the other day, “I pulled a Shauna and had my neighbor over for dinner last night.” Ouch! I had been talking about it so long that my friend had beat me to it, and actually thought she was just following after me! Christ says, “Whatsoever you do to the least of these, you also have done for Me.” So my dear friends, what are we doing for Christ? Are we trying to get Him into our church (wanting his tithe money more than anything) or are we bringing Him food when He is poor? Are we complaining about His rebellion during our church services, or are we loving Him unconditionally? I confess I am guilty of all of this and I need to go out and just do. I am going to make my first step in changing this attitude of mine and go invite my neighbors over for dinner!

Update on us, our lives, ministry opportunities, etc.

Hey Everyone! Sorry we haven't updated this in a while! Anyway, here is what is going on....

I (Shauna) got laid off from my job in June. Shane and I have been praying about what I should do now, and here's how it looks: I am still doing the housewife thing and I LOVE it. I spend my days cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, practicing cake decorating, and I think I'm about to take up sewing and learn to make my own clothes. So, I really want to be the 50's kind of mother/wife. Both my parents (and Shane's) worked full time when we were growing up, and it was hard on us (they rarely were able to go to my games, concerts, award ceremonies, etc, and not to mention how hard it was finding a ride from someone else home every day!), and we don't want that for our kids. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents and feel like they were the best they could be! I want to cook my family amazing dinners, help them with homework, and I'm even toying with the idea of homeschooling them. All this to say that I think I'm going to take this year and build up my home economic skills and get ready for my kids to come into the world (don't worry, I'm not pregnant yet!).

Shane is still working at Hunter Street as a teacher and worship leader for Route 56. As all of you know, we had a financial scare (if you will) this summer, and we found ourselves getting worried again when 20 out of 40 of Shane's students dropped before the fall semester started! Nevertheless, God had been showing us and bulding our faith in His provision. Shane started teaching at First Baptist Pelham on Fridays, and it seems to be making up most of what he is losing financially at Hunter Street (plus it's closer to our home!). Either way, we are surviving and growing in our Faith. Let me just say that we do not want the American dream. We want to be neither rich, nor poor. We want to have enough to live on, and give extra to others in need. Pray that God would continue to hold us accountable to this.

We mentioned in a previous blog that we had to postpone our trip to Israel. E3 has applied the funds we received to the '10 trip. The exact dates have not been determined yet, but I will let you know as I receive updates. Thank you all for your prayers and those who gave. I will be sending out a letter soon with more details.

All of you faithful blog readers also know that we are praying about what ministry(s) we are to be involved with. We are still praying about missions, but we have some local ministry updates:

The first update we have is about something we started up this month we are calling, "Worship Jam" The way it works is we have people come over to have dinner (me and my friend Liv cook), then we hang out in the living room and worship in song together. Those who play bring their guitars, drums, shakers, etc) and we just leave it open to whomever wants to choose and lead a song. Anyway, it is going really well. The first night we had 4 or 5 of us, and this last Sunday we had 11 and 2 kids! We are doing it every other Sunday night, and all are welcome! Shane will have to tell you all more about this in a different blog, but we are toying around with starting a house church, and it might come out of the Worship Jam.

The second ministry we may be involved with is through First Baptist Pelham. We have been attending a small group with them, and they are about to kick off a twenty something ministry. They are looking/praying about a building (right across from our house) that would work well for this. This will basically be a place where anyone in their 20's and 30's can come and hang out, worship, and even each lunch at a coffee shop inside. If all works out, Shane and I will be helping this ministry. I love to cook/bake so I hope to help with the coffee shop. Shane is volunteering to lead worship, and offer to teach Theology, Bible Studies, and maybe Hermeneutics? Anyway, nothing has happened with this yet, but all of us in the small group are excited and ready to help!

That is all the updates we have now. Look for a blog in the near future about the house church idea and thoughts on Christian community. Thank you again for your continued prayers and support!
-Shauna