Thanks to a post on one of my favorite blogs, MoneySavingMom, I found out about a wonderful family business called Marie-Madeline Studio. This is a sewing business ran by a mother and her daughters and they have some beautiful and feminine products! They sell ready-made items such as skirts (for both women and girls), aprons, handbags, jumpers, etc.  they also sell a couple of patterns for their items and some lovely fabrics for those of you who sew. Though I believe their products are very reasonably priced considered they are hand-made and come from a small family-owned business, I know that it still may be out of budget for most of us "Dollar Stretchers". But I thought that it was worth sharing this great find. Especially since....

They are having a free giveaway each week until Christmas!  Visit their blog

It's that time of year again! Let the craziness begin!

Perhaps I'm being an optimist for once, but I'm thinking that we may see even better deals this year than we've seen in a long time. It's no secret that the economy is in the tank and it doesn't seem to be improving much. Stores are reporting some seriously low sales. In order to encourage more spending, stores have started to run holiday ads even earlier this year. I'm hoping that with all this going on, there will be some great deals to be had the day after Thanksgiving. Let's hope I'm right! See below the ads I've been able to find so far. I will also post information that I've found about what we can expect from certain stores. I'm also posting my gift ideas (just throwing in my 2cents). Let's start our game plan!

The Stores

Walmart --> this ad hasn't been released yet. But there are some major changes to note. After last year, when a store employee got killed in the stampeed (seriously!), they are changing their Black Friday plan. Stores will open Thanksgiving day at 6am and stay open through Friday evening. Depending on what the ad has, I may consider going Thanksgiving morning.

Kmart --> opens 6am

• $3.99 Disney infant toddler sets

Target --> opens 5am, I think Target gets my "best deals" vote so far! I've never gone to Target on Black Friday (usually go to the mall) but I may consider it this year.

• $3 Chefmate appliances (great for a teen on their way or already in college!)
• $5 kids pajama sets (great filler gift!)
• $5 women and men sleep pants (great for teens)
• $35 electronic drum set (have no idea if this is a good deal but looks like a cool gift for a pre-teen boy; comes with headphones! LOL)
• $29 digital photo frame (great for the office worker who has everything; great for grandparents if you program it for them)
• $3.99 and $5.99 DVDS (stocking stuffers)
• $7.49 Disney Cars 4pk Speedway Vehicles (great kid gift!)
• $9.99 Leap Frog fridge sets (I have several of these and my kids love them!)
• $10 Doodle Pro (I'm thinking this would be great for my almost 3yr old; great car toy for long trips)
• lots of older kid games for $10
• $10 Thomas the Train thing (perfect for little boys)
• $16.99 Easybake Oven (what young girl wouldn't love this?)
• $7.99 Transformer
• $5 preschool games
• $6.99 Playdoh set (maybe I'm crazy but going to try to get this for my almost 3yo)
• $12 Queen Size Air Bed (perfect if you have guests coming from out of town; or good gift for someone who goes camping)
• $9 Dirt Devil Stick Vac (good gift for teen on their way or already in college)
• $15 Armor All Gift Pack (got this for DH last year and he loved it! Would be great for a teen boy too!)
• $7 Disney Princess Activity Sets
• Fleece jackets for the family
• $5 scarfs (great stocking stuffer)
• $10 slippers for girls and $12 slippers for women
• $5 women or men graphic tees (great for teens); $10 women and men lined hoodies (perfect for adults and teens; filler gifts for under the tree)
• $7 infant, toddler, boys and girls lined hoodies. $3 infant, toddler, boys and girls graphic tees (great filler gifts for under the tree)
• $10 Digital KeyChain (great stocking stuffer for anyone!)

Home Depot --> open 6am

• 99cent ponsetias (good hostest gift)
• several tool gifts int he $10 price range (great stocking stuffers for the guys!)
• $9.99 LED flashlight 6pk combo (again, great stocking stuffer)
• $9.99 60pk Rayovak AA batterie set (this would be a great time to stock up for around the house)

Lowes --> opens 6am (be sure to type in your zip code to pull up ad for your area)

• $10 tool set
• $2.99 12Gallon flip-top storage containers (the forums are saying that these aren't great quality but for that price you can find something to do wtih them!)

Toys R Us --> opens midnight on Thanksgiving Day. I think this place is an over-rated nightmare. You can find most of these toys elsewhere. Plus, they usuallly have just as good online deals (check there Cyber Monday instead!)

Best Buy --> opens 5am; not that great this year

Sears --> opens 4am YIKES! This is my favorite place to go b/c I usually get DH tools for Christmas. I'm going to skip this year, though. I find that they have the same tool deals after BF.

• Great place for deals on tools and electronics
• $9.99 Disney Pix Micro Digital Cameras (this looks really cute for a kid's gift)
• 60% off dresses for infant and toddler girls (great time to buy that Christmas outfit!)
• $9.99 Hamilton Beach 4qt Slow Cooker
• DVDs for $3.99
• Craftsman 13inch tool bag $4.99 (I get these bags almost every year. They are very sturdy and hold a lot. It's a great misc. gift for a guy)

JcPenny --> opens 4am

Kohls --> opens 4am; $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend!

• $3.99 small kid board games
• $4.99 games for older kids & adults
• $3.99 stainless steal water bottles (great stocking stuffer; specially for teens!)
• I see lots of good deals on clothes for juniors and adults
• $7.99 mens pj pants
• $29.99 Hamilton Beach roaster that comes with 3 buffet-style insert trays (looks like a cool gift for the mom that likes to entertain!)

CVS --> the ad hasn't been posted yet but see this blog for info on the freebies.

Walgreens --> opens 9am Thanksgiving day; lots of great RR freebie deals

Office Depot --> opens 6am

• great laptop and printer deals
• $29.99 digital photo frame (this is a good gift for the office worker who has everything or the grandparent, as long as you program it for them!)

Tanger Outlet Stores --> I have one of these near me. It looks like they have some great deals this year. They usually have a great Thanksgiving sale too that is at night.

 Note: I'll be adding more adds as they are released. So, be sure to check back often!

Send me a comment: Do you plan to shop Black Friday this year? Do you plan to stand in line or sit in your pjs at home and shop online? What are your Black Friday traditions? Do you think all the chaos is worth the deals? Last year I noticed a whole lot more after-Black-Firday-deals that were pretty much the same as what you get that day. So, if you noticed the same, do you plan on staying home this year?

Great Deals

CVS Weekly Deals 11/15 thru 11/21

View Ad Here

For information on how to get a $5 off $30 coupon go here. Also, get a $5 off $20 coupon here.

Cold and Flu Remedies 

Deal = $10 Extra Care Bucks When You Buy $20 Worth of Cold and Flu Remedies

This has endless possibilities and is totally worth taking the time to go through your coupons, search online and put together some deal scenerios. Stock up! Here are a few online coupons ot help you out:

• $2.00 off Theraflu here and here
• $2.00 off Robitussin here and here

Lindsay Olives

Price = $1.99 Buy One Get One Free

Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off 2 found here

Final Price = 99cents for two!

Walgreens Weekly Deals 11/15 thru 11/21

View Ad Here

Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce

• Price = 79 cents with in-ad coupon
• Final Price = 79 cents (GDA)

Lindsay Olives

• Price = 99 cents with in-ad coupon
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off 2 found here
• Final Price = 49cents each

Betty Crocker Au Gratin Potatoes

• Price = 99cents with in-ad coupon
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off two found in the 10/4 SmartSource insert, 40cents off found here and here
• Final Price = 49cents or 59cents (depending on coupon used)

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers

• Price = 2 for $5.00
• Manf. Coupon = $2.00 off one found here
• Final Price = 50cents

Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice

• Price = 2 for $5.00 with in-ad coupon
• Manf. Coupon = $2.00 off found here
• Final Price = 50cent

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish

• Price = 2 for $3.00
• Manf. Coupon = 75cents off found here
• Final Price = 75cents (great stocking stuffer for toddlers!)

Skippy Peanut Butter

• Price = 2 for $3.00
• Manf. Coupon = 60cents off found in the 11/15 RedPlum insert
• Final Price = 90cents

Ricola Mixes Berry Cough Drops 19ct

• Price = $1.00
• RR = $1.00 Register Rewards
• Final Price = FREE!

Aussie Hair Care Product

• Price = $2.99
• RR = $2.00 Register Rewards
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off found in the 10/11 P&G insert
• Final Price = FREE!

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk (this is a deal for the month!)

• Price = $2.49
• RR = $2.49 Register Rewards
• Final Price = FREE!   

Almay Pure Blends Foundation (this is a deal for the month!)

• Price = $9.99
• RR = $9.99 Register Rewards
• Final Price = FREE!

Cool Coupons

If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out Coupons.com, SmartSource and RedPlum for their latest coupons. Be sure to print out any and all baking, soup, canned goods, holiday-related coupons. You'll definitely be able to use them within the next few weeks!

Check out Eat Better America for a variety of coupons, including Progresso! Also, as a side note, be sure to take some time to glance through all the great recipes this site offers. They have some wonderful "healthified" recipes of your favorites. I've tried several from here and think they are great!

More Progresso coupons, along with coupons for those Betty Crocker Potatoes that are really cheap right now, can be found at Betty Crocker's coupon page.

Go here for this deal: Save $2.00 on a Butterball^® Turkey when you buy any combination of 5 6oz. Stove Top^® Stuffing Mix or 12oz. Heinz^® Homestyle Gravy.

$1.00 off Campbell's Select Harvest Soup

$1.00 off 4 Campbell's Cooking Soups

$2.00 off a box of Huggie's Diapers

$1.10 off Progresso Panko Bread Crumbs

$1.00 off 3 Heniz Homestyle Gravy

This Tylenol Calendar has some printable coupons in it.

Awesome Freebies

Tampax Pearl

3 Year Subscription to Town and Country Magazine

1 Year Subscription to Dime Magazine

1 Year Subscription to Wine Spectator Magazine

Huggies Little Movers

Pampers Extra Protection

TENA For Men

Other Tips/Deals

A Cool Deal on Food Saver Items

Here is a post about a great deal on a bundle of food saver items. This would be great if you already have a food saver and could also be a great gift to someone who already has one.

Get $10 More When you Change $40 At Coinstar

This is a great deal, just in time for holiday shopping! Go to any Coinstar location (found in many places such as Walmart and other grocery stores) and change $40 for a giftcertificate (i.e. instead of just getting cash back) and you'll get an extra $10!!! This would be a great way to take care of someone on your Christmas list! Just gather up all the loose change you have and cash it in. Go here for more details.

Ok guys. I'm sorry for such an extended (and unannounced) dissapearing act. LOL. Things have been very busy at work and at home. There just hasn't been much time for blogging and, to be honest, my heart hasn't been in to it lately. But I think I'm back on track now.

Here is a brief update: Work is work and it's been busy. I'm very thankful for my job (especially at a time when so many are laid off). But I don't enjoy my job or the environment the least bit. I've done my best to "make the best of it" but sometimes that is easier said than done. Anyway. I interviewed for a new job that I was super excited about. Same pay (possibly more), same benefits, MUCH closer to home, great work environment, friendly people, etc. I learned I was the top pick for the job, they even contacted my current employer to reference check...... and then...... nothing........ Make a long story short: after a long and stressful wait for a call back, they decided to hire the runner up who was already an employee there (which, I do believe is good policy. If I lost the opportunity I'd rather it go to someone internally). I've been pretty dissapointed and feel stuck. But, again, I keep trying to remember that I'm blessed to have the job that I have and make the best of it. But, it has gotten me down for a while.

On top of that (which is the main reason why I shouldn't be complaining LOL), DH has been out of work for a few months now. In his line of work, time between jobs is usual, expected and planned for (as much as possible). But the money is running out. Thankfully we had SOME money saved, I get a paycheck that covers most of our bills and he's done a few side jobs here and there to buffer things some. But I'm starting to get a little nervous. Christmas is around the corner and I'm desperate to get back on track with paying off our debt. We were doing so great but had to put off the pay-back-plan until he went back to work. But, we are making it. We are very blessed and all my frugal learning for the past few years is really paying off lately. It's a challenge to finally put things into practice more out of need than just... well.... practice.

As a little side note, I want to remind you all of something that I know I've been posting alot about lately: the importance of food storage!!! It's important to learn how to make your grocery budget stretch both for the short and long term. When you do your weekly shopping, if possible, try to pick up a few pantry extras for a rainy day. Money isn't so tight now to where we can't afford groceries (and we haven't had to request food stamps assistance by any means). But it has been a big blessing to have the food storage that I have on hand so that our money can be spent elsewhere to get us through this time between jobs (notice the positive tone? LOL).

On a more positive note, regarding updates, we are all VERY blessed.

So, stay tuned. Regular posting is now resuming. LOL. Thank you for your patience and thank you for continuing to visit Stretching Dollars Mommy Style and the Dollar Stretcher website.

Have a blessed day,

Julie

Thanks to a link I found on one of my favorite blogs (Survival Blog), I found a really cook site: the North Dakota State University Extension Site. This site has tons of free plans for things like making your own meat cure box, veggie cellar, a smoke house, roadside stand, sheltered BBQ pit, a fruit drier, a rabbit hutch, etc. They have the pdf plans for free but you can also pay $4 for blueprints. What an awesome resource! It's definitely one to check out (and drool over!) and add to your bookmarks for later.

And, that brings up an important side note. It's a really great idea to check out the resources available from your state's cooperative extension system. I'm pretty sure that each state has at least one. These university programs (or whatever the technical name actually is, I don't know LOL) offer tons of information. For instance, the program for the university in my area offers TONS of gardening info that's specific to my area and zone. They have these wonderful pdf print outs on their website on just about every veggie, fruit, nut, tree, etc. that can and is grown in my state. They also have many great (and free) publications on things like nutrition, household topics, emergency topics, they do soil testing, etc. They also have extension offices in each county that offer additional resources. You can go here to see a list of the programs in each state to find one near you!

On my way to work this morning, I saw an advertisement on Walgreen's lighted board for hydrogen peroxide for only 29cents! Now, this stuff is usually really cheap to start with but even cheaper is even better! I think everyone knows that it's good to have a bottle of this stuff lying around for minor cuts and things like that. But this got me to thinking: what else can we use this frugal item for around the home?

• Use as a general mouthwash (don't swallow!). It works great for whitening teeth (forget those expensive strips!) and is an awesome remedy for canker sores. But from what I read, it's recommended that you don't use this daily or for an extended period of time. It'll damage tooth enamel.
• Soak toothbrushes and hair brushes in peroxide to get rid of the germmies. You can do the same with things like finger nail clippers, tweezers, scissors, etc.
• After you've used your cutting board for meat, pour a little peroxide on it to get rid of salmonella and other bacteria.
• Mix peroxide and water (50/50) in a spray bottle to gently spray down the tub/shower after each use. You can use the same spray as a disinfectant in the kitchen too!
• Use it to treat stains on white clothing (especially tough ones like blood stains!). Just remember - it'll have the same whitening effect as bleach so be careful!
• Mix peroxide and water (50/50) in a spray bottle and apply to fungi-infected plants
• I've heard that it's used to lighten hair.... but I, personally, would be scared to try this. LOL.
• Use it to kill mold and mildew

Please note that hydrogen peroxide comes in different strengths. Therefore, for these uses and for safety reasons, stick to the pharmaceutical grade 3% found in the first aid section.

Also, did you know that hydrogen peroxide is NOT harmful to the environment like so many other chemicals are? Though this stuff in the bottle is man-produced, it's a copy of what is found naturally in nature (including the human body!). So, it's a "green" item. That's an added bonus!

I already keep 2 bottles in the house. But perhaps I'll stop and grab a few bottles on the way home...

Gary Foreman of The Dollar Stretcher posted a blog titled What You Should Do Now. Read it. Think about it.

I'm a worry-wart by nature. Anybody that knows me personally will say that without hesitation. It's something I'm always working on. I know that most things I worry about are not within my control anyway and that the proper way to handle this is to just give it to God. Matthew 6:34 says "Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." What does this mean to me? Well, though many disagree with me, I DO NOT think it means that you should not think about or prepare for things that could happen. I believe that it is just telling us not to dwell on these things and not to make ourselves sick with worry about all the "what if's?". God blesses each and every one of us. It's up to us what we do with those blessings (i.e. tithing, giving to others, staying out of debt, living simply, etc.). There are times when we have a little extra and there are times were we are barely keeping a shelter over our heads or food on the table. But during those times of abundance, even if it's just a little, that's the time to squirrel away some things for the down times. This doesn't mean hoarding. This doesn't mean being greedy. And this doesn't mean go into panic mode. It's our first "duty" to prepare ourselves spiritually for the things that may happen and the things that the Word warns us will happen. But I believe it's also important to make wise use of God's blessings to prepare our homes. Proverbs 6:6 says "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." I don't mean to get off on a Biblical tangent for those of you who many not be believers. But it's to address the many Christians who respond to topics of "preparation" by saying that we are to rely on God for our needs. Well, if you are earning a paycheck right now then count your blessings and use them wisely. God IS providing for you - but it's your responsibility to make the best use of those provisions. And those preparations in your home should not only be for your family but also for others who may be in need. If you have a well-stocked pantry, that enables you to put a box together of non-perishables to bring to a neighbor in need or to donate during a food drive. SOMEONE has to prepare. If you aren't preparing (and if your excuse is that "God will provide") then that means that you will be relying on the generosity and ability of others who DID prepare. It's my personal belief that God calls us to prepare hearts, our family and our homes for the rough times ahead. And, as Christians, God does not tell us that we will be free from hard times. He promises us that we will indeed face them. But he promises also that he will be there by our side and will not abandon us.

I love this story. It gets send around in email chains all the time:

A man was trapped on his roof during a flood. As he sat and waited, he prayed to God for help. When one of his neighbors passed by in his boat and offered a ride to safety, the man refused because he wanted to wait on God.  The neighbor left and the water continued to rise. Later on in the day, a life-raft came by and offered him a ride, but again, the man decided to hold off for God’s rescue.  Finally, a Red Cross team arrived in a helicopter. As they lowered a rope to save the man, he waved the rope away because he knew God was going to save him. Not long after that, the flood water swept over the top of the house and the man drowned. When he arrived in heaven, the man asked God why He never answered his prayer and saved him from the flood. God answered, “I sent a boat, a life raft, and a helicopter and you refused each one – what did you expect?!”  

It's just a story... but think about it in realisitc terms: chances are, the man heard a flood warning on the radio or tv, weighed his pros and cons and choose to stay anyway. Chances are he knew whether or not he was in an area prone to flooding but didn't prepare for that possibility. Perhaps he is disabled or financially unable to get out of dodge when the warnings were known. Well, once in that situation, he asked for God's help. God works in so many ways and one of the main ways he helps us get through tough times is through others. God's blessing to others prepared them not only to get out of harms way, but it also enabled them to reach out a helping hand to a neighbor in need. God's financial blessings to some enabled them to donate to the Red Cross who was able to help those in need during a crises. Well, if God has provided a little extra for you NOW, then use it wisely so that you are at least somewhat prepared for what may come... not only to help yourself and your family but to also reach out a helping hand to others.

There are tons of commentary out there, both on the internet and on the television, attempting to "predict" what's going to happen to the economy in the near future. I tend to have negative feelings about the direction things are going. I personally believe they will get worse before they get better. But I'm absolutely no expert (even typing that makes me want to laugh). And my understanding of economics and the current situations our country (and the world) are facing is soooo limited. But I at least try to keep up with what is going on, am careful where I get my information from, and make sure that I'm doing what I can to prepare my home while I can afford to do so. We are working to pay our unsecured debt off and I add to my food storage each and every time I go grocery shopping. I buy clothes and shoes on clearance for us and the kids (mostly by shopping after season) and store away in a big tupperware bin (about half or more of my kids' Christmas and bday gifts are clothes!). I stay well stocked up on toiletries and household goods through my shopping trips to CVS and Walgreens (get almost all of it for free!) and through buying some items in bulk. Those are just some examples. You can read more about my thoughts and advise on Family Emergency Preparedness. But my point is that I always try to stay ahead while I have the ability to do so. That way, when hard times come, I am at least somewhat prepared.

We can speculate, but we won't know what will happen with the economy until it happens. And sometimes we know that a job loss may be a possibility in the near future and other times we (and our pocket book) are caught completely by surprise! But if we don't prepare at least for the likely scenerios then by the time we know for sure that      (fill in blank here)    will happen, it'll be too late to prepare then. So, if you are financially able to even put aside $20 a month towards prepareing your household for what may lie ahead in the future, do it! It's worth sacrificing eating out or a movie to have that small bit of peace. Pay off what you can now and now is definitely NOT the time to build up any more debt. Consolidate bills now; eliminate those unecessary ones. Don't depend on the grocery store down the street for your food for the next 6 months. Get an in-home supply yourself! It's easier than you realize. Buy a few extra can goods during your next shopping trip (and especially load up during and after the Thanksgiving holiday!). Beans are cheap, a protein source and store a long time. Stock up and start experimenting with them now (be on the look-out for a post about this in the near future). Our local mom-pop stores had hot dogs on sale last week for really cheap, along with shredded cheese. And I found bacon on clearance for next to nothing. I stocked up these items and my freezer is full! If times got tough or the grocery store shelves are empty, I could make the food in my house stretch for 6 months comfortably.

So, what's my point for this blog? My point is that preparing for hard times is a very important to-do for any home. But I find that so many have an all or nothing approach. Either they don't do anything at all because 1) funds are lacking or 2) they don't beleive that    (fill event in here)    will happen. Or they have the "end of the world is around the corner" mentality to the T and spend too much time living in fear of what MAY be around the corner. People on this end of the spectrum often go into debt buying food storage they don't know how to use, probably wouldn't eat any way and don't even know how to store properly. They buy gadgets they don't know how to use and spend more time worrying about what the future may hold instead of enjoying the abundance they may have at that moment. But it's important for every household to find a happy medium. Some may not have an extra dime each month for preparing their homes. But I'm speaking to those who do: those who, if they budgeted and prioritized properly CAN prepare.

You may believe that it's a slim chance that something will interupt the delivery of the groceries in the 18 wheelers to the local grocery store tomorrow. You may believe that the chance of our country getting bombed is just something for a movie. You may believe that a horrible virus killing off a large fraction of our population is an exggaeration. You may believe that you and/or your husband's job is secure. You may believe that you've saved well and you have a nice fall-back in your retirement and/or bank account and the chance of it evaporating over night is slim. You wouldn't expect the electrical grid to go down overnight. You may think that the chance of your child getting sick or serious injured, causing you or your husband to have to take a break from the work force at the same time that you are flooded with medical bills to be a "it's not going to happen to me" situation. But the chances of AT LEAST ONE of these things happening is pretty good! Are you prepared? It's recommended that all households have at least a 3 month food and water supply on hand. Do you have it?

I can't prepare for everything. And the chance of this, that, and whatever happening may be slim when looked at on an individual basis. But what is certain is that most (if not all of us) will face rough times ahead. It can be tomorrow, next year or 10 years from now. But it's my opinion that IF you are able to, use the extra you have now (even if you think it's just a little) to prepare for what tomorow may bring. Change your way of thinking. Spend wisely. Shop thinking long-term. Use what you have wisely. If you are blessed enough to be employed, have a decent income right now, and over all are doing at least "ok" then don't take it for granted!

Stretching Dollars is about making the most of what you have... whether by necessity or by choice.

Even if it's not a necessity, MAKE it your choice. Make it a priority!

I have several blogs that I read and something that seems to be a really popular theme lately is what is referred to as a "Baking Day". This is a day where you make a to-do list of items to bake for the freezer, to be taken out later when you want to eat them. Items such as pancakes, muffins, quick breads, etc. are perfect for this. It's a great idea because, in the long run, it saves you a lot of time in the kitchen and the items end up being a lot cheaper than any other on-the-go breakfast item (not to mention much healthier!). Here is an example of a Baking Day at one of my favorite blogs Money Saving Mom. I think this is an excellent idea, especially for those with kids and those who work during the week (outside the home).

I don't necessarily do "Baking Day" but I do a general "Cooking Day" pretty much each weekend. My main method of meal preparation is to do freezer meals. These are meals that I cook in large batches and then freeze in individual portions (enough for a meal for a family of four) to be taken out later for dinner. I started this while in preparation for maternity leave with my first child and have been cooking this way ever since! It's saved me tons of money, time and stress! My typical freezer meals are: spaghetti sauce, gumbo, taco meat, various kinds of soup, beef stew, BBQ pulled pork, red beans, white beans, lasagna, muffins, pancakes, banana bread, etc. Another bonus of cooking in bulk is that I get to purchase in bulk! And I can purchase things cheaper in season and cook for the next few months. If you want to give freezer meals a try slowly, then just get in the habit of cooking larger meals and freezing the extra. If you do this at least a couple times a week, you will fill your freezer quicker than you'd realize!

On Sunday, I make my menu for the week. I USUALLY write it down on a menu pad I have on the fridge but will admit that sometimes I just make a mental menu. I then go to my freezer and take out the items that we will eat for the week. I put them all in a pan and put in the fridge to defrost. Having a menu plan for the week helps me to remember to defrost things in time, eleminates the constant "what are we having for dinner?" question and it helps me to make sure that I am using things before they expire and rotating my food storage.

This weekend I've "cooked" a couple of things. Yesterday (and I'm finishing up today), I dehyrated two large batches of mushrooms. I've dehydrated many things but never mushrooms so this is a first for me. I also have a large basket of apples (they are on sale for $1.00 per pound at Walmart right now) to dehydrate but I don't know if I'll have time for that today (I may do them over night and just put up in the morning before I go to work). I cooked a large breakfast casserole this morning and once it cools I will wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and put in my freezer breakfast bin (a tupperware container just for breakfast things). Tonight I plan to do some blueberry pancakes too.

So, you get the idea. Why don't you give it a try? Schedule a Baking Day or just a general Cooking Day and save yourself some time during the week! If your kids are old enough, get them involved!

Happy Cooking!

Great Deals

CVS Weekly Deals 10/11 thru 10/17

View Ad Here

*** Note: CVS is advertising that if you go in their store and inquire about their flu shots, you can get a free coupon book! According to the advertisement, you don't have to actually get the flu shot.

Brach's Candy Corn  Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only!

• Price = 88cents for 2 bags

4-in-1 Carving Tool (Limit 2) Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only!

• Price = $1.99
• ECB = $1.99 Extra Care Bucks
• Final Price = FREE!

Halloween Nylon Treat Bag (Limit 1) Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Only!

• Price = 99cents
• ECB = 99cents
• Final Price = FREE!

Kashi Go Lean Cereal

• Price = $3.00
• Manf. Coupon = $3.00 off coupon from Vocalpoint home mailer (if you received these)
• Final Price = FREE!

Schick Disposable Razors

• Price = Buy One, Get One 50% Off (prices starting at $1.29)
• Manf. Coupon = $2.00 off coupon from the 9/13 or 10/11 Smart Source inserts (use 2 coupons)
• Final Price = FREE!

Clean and Clear (trial size)

• Price = 99cents
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off from the 8/23 Smart Source insert or $2.00 off found here
• Final Price = FREE!
  
  

Walgreens Weekly Deals 10/11 thru 10/17

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Campbell's Cream of Chicken or Mushroom Soup

• Price = Buy One Get One Free (or two for $1.59) with in-ad coupon
• Manf. Coupon = Use two $1.00 off found here
• Final Price = 30cents each after coupons

Witch Hazel Natural Toner (16 oz.)

• Price = $1.99 (buy 2)
• Manf. Coupon = $3.00 off two found here
• Final Price = $0.49 each

Healthy Choice Cafe steamers

• Price = two for $5.00
• Manf. Coupon = $2.00 off found here
• Final Price = 50cents each!
  

Monthly Deals

Crest Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste (6.4oz)

• Price = $2.00 (buy two)
• RR = $2.00 Register Rewards (for two)
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off found in the 9/27 P&G insert (use two coupons)
• Final Price = FREE!

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion (6.8 oz.)

• Price = $6.99
• RR = $6.99 Register Rewards
• Manf. Coupon = $1.50 off found in the 8.2 RedPlum insert or get $1.50 off here and here
• Final Price = FREE plus overage!

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System (until 10/24???)

• Price = $8.99
• RR = $6.00 Register Rewards
• Manf. Coupon = $4.00 off found in the 9/27 P&G insert
• Final Price = FREE plus overage!

Halls Refresh Sugar-Free 20ct

• Price = $1.00
• RR = $1.00 Register Rewards
• Manf. Coupon = 75cents off coupon from the 9/27 insert or 50cents off from October All You magazine
• Final Price = FREE plus overage! 

Chapstick Fresh Effects

• Price = $2.99
• RR = $2.99 Register Rewards
• Final Price = FREE!

Robitussin DM To Go 2pk

• Price = $2.49
• RR = $2.49 Register Rewards
• Final Price = FREE!

Emergen-C Booster

• Price = $3.49
• RR = $3.49 Register Rewards
• Final Price = FREE!

Cool Coupons

75 cents off No Yolk or Wacky Mac pasta

$2.00 off Bic Soleil Razors or Cartridges

Awesome Freebies

Playtex Sport

Kotex Ultra Thin Overnight w/ Wings

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals SPF15 Foundation 10-Day Trial and Mini Brush at Sephora

Astroglide X

K-Y Intrigue Personal Lubricant

Great Deals

CVS Weekly Deals 10/4 thru 10/10

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Bayer Breeze 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System (Limit 2)

• Price = $14.99
• ECB = $5.00 Extra Care Bucks
• Manf. Coupon = Up to $30 off Bayer Breeze2 or Contour Meter found in the 3/22 SmartSource insert
• Final Price = FREE plus overage!

Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 4oz or 360* Acti Flex Toothbrush (Limit 1)

• Price = $2.99
• ECB = $2.00 Extra Care Bucks
• Manf. Coupon =  $1.00 off Colgate Total Enamel Strength, Advanced Whitening, Advanced Clean or Advanced Fresh Toothpastes only, 4oz or larger found in the 9/27 SmartSource insert or $1.00 off Colgate® 360°® ActiFlex Manual Toothbrush
• Final Price = FREE!

Dial, Tone or Coast Bar Soap 2-3pk (Limit 1)

• Price = $1.88
• ECB = $1.00 off Extra Care Bucks
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off Tone Body Wash or Bar Soap
• Final Price = FREE plus overage!

Revlon Nail (Limit 6)

• Price = $3.99
• ECB = $3.00 Extra Care Bucks
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off Revlon Color Cosmetic Product found in the 9/13 SmartSource insert
• Final Price = FREE!

Walgreens Weekly Deals 10/4 thru 10/10

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Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup

• Price = 2 for a $1.00 (or 50cents each) with in-ad coupon
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off 2 Campbell's Cooking Soups
• Final Price = FREE!

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System

• Price = $8.99
• RR = $6.00 Register Rewards
• Manf. Coupon = $4.00 off Gillette Fusion Razor found in the 9/27 P&G insert
• Final Price = FREE plus overage!

Playtex Gloves

• Price = 99cents with in-ad coupon
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off Playtex Disposable Gloves found in the 6/28 SmartSource insert
• Final Price = FREE!

Trident Xtra Care or Layers Gum

• Price = 2 for $2.00
• RR = $1.00 Register Rewards when you buy 2
• Manf. Coupon = $1.00 off 2 Trident; 75cents off Trident Layers Gum (some are reporting it's letting them print 5 of these!)
• Final Price = FREE!

Hersey Bars (Limit 4)

• Price = 29cents each
• *** maybe not free but that's a pretty good deal and would make a great filler item!

Cool Coupons

It's the beginning of a new month and that means new coupons! Yay! Be sure to visit Coupons.com, SmartSource and Redplum to see what new coupons are up.

Quiznos Buy One Sub and Drink and Get Another Sub Free

$1.50 off 3 boxes of Dreamfield Pasta

$1.00 off Coffee-Mate

$1.00 off Yo-Plus Yogurt

$1.00 off True North 100% Natural Snacks

$1.00 off Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls (Hurry! These will go fast!)

Awesome Freebies

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Hair Products

Nutri-Dog Chews

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (Sam's members only)

Quick and Thrifty Crochet Free PDF Book Download

Other Tips/Deals

Blockbuster Express Kiosks Free Rental Code

I'm not sure if this is today only... but go to any Blockbuster Express kiosks and use rental code GW99A5 to get a free rental! Go here to find out more details and to find a kiosk location near you.

RedBox Free Rental Codes

Take these codes to any RedBox and receive a free DVD rental. Each code can be used once per credit card. Promotional codes are: KRJX6M3, RXGVGMV, 9H2VEE27 (this code is valid at Hy-Vee locations only) and DVDATWAG (This code is valid at Walgreens locations only). For a location near you and more about RedBox, visit their website here.

Cheap Clothes at Aeropostale

Aeropostale offers an additional 30% off their already-reduced Clearance Items when you enter code FALLCLEAR at checkout. Shipping is a flat-rate $7 for your entire order. There are some great deals to be had and many items look like they'd make great Christmas gifts, especially for pre-teens, teens and young adults. So get an early start on your shopping! Visit Aeropostale here.