Saturday, February 28, 2009

Meal plans based on this week's sales flyers

There are some good sales on this week. I thought I would put together a healthy meal plan based on the sales flyers this week.

NOTE: Walmart is great for price matching anyone's flyers if it is the exact same product. Just helps make one trip only when shopping or at least cuts down on many shopping trips.

Spaghetti Pie


  • 6 oz. spaghetti, cooked and still warm (Food Basics Primo Pasta 0.99)
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 well beaten egg
  • 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 c. cottage cheese (Food Basics 2.49)
  • 1/2 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 (28 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce (Food Basics Ragu 0.88)

Combine hot cooked spaghetti with butter until butter is melted. Add egg and Parmesan cheese. Place in pie dish and form a "crust" with a well in the center. Spread cottage cheese over spaghetti in pie dish. Cover with spaghetti sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 30 minutes at 350°F or until bubbly. Cut into slices and serve.

Spinach Salad
  • Spinach leaves* (baby) or spinach salad mix (RCSS 3.99)*will do 2 meals plus
  • Croutons
  • Sunflower seeds
  • grated carrot(A&P 1.00)
  • salad dressing

Wash greens thoroughly and pat dry. Mix half of spinach and "crunchy" ingredients together just before serving, Add salad dressing to taste just before serving.

Sloppy Joes
  • 1 Lb lean ground beef (RCSS 2.00)
  • 1/4 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped (Food Basics 0.99lb)
  • 1/2 Tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tsp prepared yellow mustard
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 Tsp brown sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste
  1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and green pepper; drain off liquids.
  2. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar; mix thoroughly. Reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper
  3. Save 2 cups from this for Sloppy Joe pizza later in the week.
I make my buns from scratch to go with this.

Steamed Broccoli (A&P 1.00)

Sloppy Joe Pizza
  • 2 cups Sloppy Joe sauce (from few nights before)
  • 3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1-1/2 cups colby-jack or Mexican blend* cheese
  • 1 recipe bread machine pizza dough, prepared and baked until almost done

In a skillet, combine Sloppy Joe sauce, corn, and green onions. Heat through. Spread mixture on top of baked pizza crust and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 425° for 12 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

**Serve spinach salad with this **


Chicken Noodle Soup

  • 2 1/2 cups wide egg noodles (No Yolk Egg Noodles 1.49-Food Basics)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 container chicken broth (1.99 - RCSS)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 cup chopped celery or Carrots or both
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 3 cups diced, cooked chicken meat (chicken thighs 2.00lb - RCSS)

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil chicken. Add egg noodles and oil, and boil for 8 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and rinse under cool running water.
  2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine broth, salt, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil. Stir in celery and onion. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water together until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Gradually add to soup, stirring constantly. Stir in noodles and chicken, and heat through.
**I have to be honest this is just the base I use pretty much for my recipe... I season as I feel like depending on the day. Always tastes different at my house but still very yummy!**

Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin

  • 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 2 (1 pound) pork tenderloins (2.00lb - RCSS or 1.49 - Food Basics)

  1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first seven ingredients; add pork. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain and discard marinade. Place the tenderloins in an 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees F for 25-35 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan drippings.
** tastes great served with rice and glazed carrots **

Glazed Carrots
  • 1 bag baby carrots
  • 2/3 c. honey
  • 6 tbsp. butter

Cook carrots in a small amount of water until tender crisp. Drain water, add honey and butter. Cook on med. low until carrots are glazed, turning carrots once or twice.


Put some quick meals into the mix with this not to mention the turkey on sale at Foodland for only 0.99/lb... think of all the meals you can get out of that... turkey dinner ... turkey wraps (A&P has wraps on for 1.99) and then maybe a turkey pot pie or just hot turkey sandwiches.

Other things that caught my eye...

Price Chopper
Yams - 0.79
Seedless Cucumbers 0.99 (couple this with tomatoes on sale at RCSS for 1.00/lb it would make a great tomato & Cucumber salad a favourite at our house)
Tortilla wraps 1.99

Real Canadian Superstore
Oasis Orange Juice 1.00
Shredded lettuce 1.00
Watermelon 2.99

A&P
Apple Juice 1.00
Baby Carrots 1.00
Broccoli 1.00
Granny Smith Apples 1.49/lb (cooked apples good desert one night as a treat)

Friday, February 27, 2009

Sam's Club closing in Ontario....

What deals today.... seriously!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4.55 - Black Forest Ham (lunch meat 2pkg)
1.49 - Celery Hearts (pkg of 3)
1.99 - Coleslaw Mix (ready to use large bag)
1.98 - Shredded Romaine (large bag ready to use)
2.49 - Baby Spinach (large container)
8.37 - Spare Ribs (3 meals worth)
2.20 - Mini Babybel Cheese (red pkg of 20)
0.75 - 3lbs of Bananas
3.32 - HellovaGood Dip French Onion (large container)
3.52 - Turkey Bacon Butterball (2pkg)
9.89 - Chicken Thighs (3 meals worth)
1.99 - 3lbs Lemons
1.88 - Eggs (18)
3.88 - Orange Juice (3x 1.89L)
3.56 - Frozen Broccoli, Corn (bought 3 bags)
3.28 - Kolbassa Coil (very large)
9.18 - CheeseCake Mix (16pcs) treat for us all

Birthday Gift for Little One
30.00 - Leapster 2 Gift Pack with case and game (reg. 99.99 here)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Coupons to go with Flyers... February 27th or 28th to March 5th of 6th

Please watch the dates I post for what the sales are running this coming week. I will update as I notice coupons that go with the ads.

Zellers - February 28th to March 6th
Kellogs nurti-grain or rice krispies bars $2 - $2 off and get it FREE (coupons found on cereal boxes)
Maple leaf flaked meats or holiday luncheon 2/$3 -Use your $1 off coupons and pay only $.50 each (coupon found in stores) msg me I have a few.
Secret or old spice deodorants 2/$3 - Use $0.50off coupon from save.ca (not available currently)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Why are you frugal?

We are frugal because we have to be. We are currently in a situation that allows for no other option but that being said I have to say that I have been frugal most of my life but not to the extreme I am now. I guess I am naturally frugal.

If I was extremely wealthy and money was not an object I don't think I would change my ways too much. I think it is important to be wise with our money. Like to many things in life it can change just like that.

I value value so I wouldn't say that I am cheap. I am definitely frugal. I like to buy things of quality and know that they are going to last. I don't like to waste and it just contributes to the environmental problems already out there and not a very wise thing to do with the resources that have been given to us.

So why are you frugal?

Friday, February 20, 2009

Big Grocery Day

Today we did a very large grocery shopping with tons of savings thanks to No Frills Dollar Deals. The store was not even busy because I don't think too many people knew that it was Dollar Deals. For a family trying to survive on what little money we do have we are doing very well at maintaining our household, eating well, and getting lots of freebies in the mean time. It is really helping to watch the boards and clipping coupons. I can't even begin to put into perspective how much I have saved in coupons. I have decided to keep a running total in the top right hand corner so I know how well I am doing with my shopping.


Zellers Deals Today and Walmart Deals from Wednesday

Zellers Deals



Glade Plugin Scented Oil - $7.49 - FPC = $0
Glade Wisp Flameless Candle - $9.99 - FPC = $0
ABC Laundry Detergent - $2.49 - $1 off = $1.49
Princess Heart Candy - $1.49 - 50%off = $0.74
Tissue Paper - $2.39 - 50%off = $1.17 (scanned wrong FREE with SCOP)
Mr Clean Wipes - $1.50 - $1off = $0.50
Mr Clean Wipes - $1.50 - $1off = $0.50
Dad's Cookies - $2.00 on sale = $2.00

Original Price - $ 34.88
Sale Price - $ 29.77 (taxes included)
Total Purchase Savings - $5.12
Coupon Total - $ 23.18 (includes SCOP)
Total OOP (out of pocket) - $6.59 (taxes included)
Total Savings - $ 28.30 (81.1%)

Walmart Deals

Nutrigrain Bars - $1.97 - $2off = $0
Glade Plugin Scented Oil - $5.87 - FPC = $0
Glade Wisp Flameless Candle - $9.99 - FPC = $0
Kelloggs Mini Wheats $3.44 - $1off = $2.44*
Kelloggs Mini Wheats $3.44 - $1off = $2.44*
*B2G$2 off coupon but boxes include $10 in coupons

Original Price - $ 27.75
Sale Price - $ 25.47(taxes included)
Coupon Total - $ 19.83 (includes SCOP)
Total OOP (out of pocket) - $5.64 (taxes included)
Total Savings - $ 22.11(79.7%)

Monday, February 16, 2009

Zellers Deals on Saturday....



Glade candles 2 for 2.50 had B1G1 Free coupon.... 2.50 for 2 so 1.25ea
Huggies diapers Mega pack 9.77 less $2 .... 7.77ea x 2
Huggies wipes large refill .... 8.97 less $5 ... 3.97
Soft & Dri .... 2 for 2.50 when you buy 2 .... 1.25 less $0.50 .... $0.75
Right Guard ... 2 for 2.50 when you buy 2 .... 1.25 less $0.50 .... $0.75
Mr Clean All purpose cleaner ... 2 for 3.00 less $3.00 .... $0.00


Regular Price - $59.04
Sale Price - $39.01
Total Coupons used - $15.50
OOP - $23.51
Saved - $35.53 (60.2%)

Friday, February 13, 2009

25% off one item at Chapters....

Thought I would share a wonderful coupon you can print out via smart canucks.... it is for 25% off one item at chapters until February 14th.

Click here for coupon and post about it.

Nothing like going to chapters for some browsing. I love books so for me this is exciting.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Toronto Zoo - 50% off Admission to everyone(Feb 13 to 16)

This is their way of celebrating Family Day. A whole weekend of savings.

General Admission (ages 13 - 64) $20.00
Senior (ages 65+) $14.00
Child (ages 4 - 12) $12.00
Child (ages 3 & younger) FREE

Take these prices and discount them by 50% off.

Parking is free until March 1st.

Rentals * (plus $5.00 refundable deposit)
Single Strollers (1 Child) $5.00*
Double Strollers (2 Children) $8.00 *
Wagons (2 Children) $6.00 *
Wheelchairs FREE *
Note: Rentals are sold through our Front Entrance Shop - Monday through Friday

How I save money...

I thought I would share how I save money where I live in Southwestern Ontario.

I buy cheaper cuts of meat and tenderize/marinate them. I find also by cooking them in the slowcooker it realy makes the meat tender because of the long slow cooking process. Our local grocery store has a large selection of meats on sale for 50% off first thing in the morning but you have to be there early to cash in on this deal. We have gotten a prime rib for $6 and it fed our large family. The meat deals are a hit and a miss first thing in the morning.

For us we attend a potluck two times a month currently and with everyone contributing to the meal you get wonderful company and lots of different food for a fraction of the cost.

Our local drug store has a great points program where you collect the points and it adds up to money in your pocket. I only shop on the 20 times the points weekend there and with coupons I might add so I get the benefits of both using coupons and earning money. I also find they do have great sales on health and beauty products as well as some food products.

We do have a few indulgences that we do like ... for instance my children really like French Vanilla Cappacino and we have it at our local Bulk Barn store so every now and then in their flyer they have coupons for $3 off a $10 order. I try to stick to the $10 as much as possible so it is like getting a 30% savings.

I also keep a list of when the coupons come out in the local newspaper and I will sometimes run out and buy it if the coupons are really good. Otherwise I will wait and pick up the coupons from my inlaws here in town who get two copies of the coupons and always keep them for me.

Weekly menu planning helps a whole lot with saving money and makes it a lot easier for not having to go out and buy any meals.

I try to buy clothes second hand from consignment shops, garage sales, and online sales.

Use coupons but I find to do this you can not have brand name loyalty to get the complete savings from it. If I can't find it on sale I end up buying store brand.

Budget creatively.... some people use envelope system for all their months or weeks spending and when the money is gone from that envelope than that's it no more spending in that area.

Grab your scissors and cut fabric softener sheets in half as well as sponges and scouring pads.

If you want to treat yourself by going out for dinner or lunch than remember to use coupons.

And lastly.... start a coupon group. I plan on doing this here shortly as soon as a come up with a method on how to run one. You might have coupons other might use and so forth.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Coupon Binder

I have a binder that I keep my coupons in as well as this weeks current flyers. I have all the coupons organize into a system I understand and so I can find them at the drop of a hat. I will take pictures of my coupon binder later today for you all to see.

Coupon alert

*** Shop & Save coupons were in February 7th newspaper ***
$1 any tide laundry detergent
.50 on any tide to go
$2.50 WUB any 2 spot shot products
$1.10 on any spot product
$1.20 on any No-Mess Pen
$1.80 on any 2 2000 flushes products
.80 on any 2000 flushes product
$2 on any Iams dry dog food
$2 on any Iams dry cat food
$5 on any one febreze noticeable starter kits
$2 on any febreze candle
$1 on any febreze fabric refresher
$1 on any febreze air effects
B1 cascade powder or gel and get 1 cascade actionpacs bag Free
.50 any cascade
.50 WUB any dawn product
$1 on any Gain laundry detergent
$1 on any Gain fabric softener
$10 off tax preparation services at Liberty tax service

*** Smart Source Coupon in February 14th newspaper ***


Pictures of coupon binder will follow sometime today.

Walmart Deals from Monday


Tampax Pearl....4.56... -1.00 off ..... paid 3.56
Corn Pops .... reg 5.88... sale 3.44.... -1.00off.... paid 2.44
Corn Pops .... reg 5.88... sale 3.44.... -1.00off.... paid 2.44
Olay Bars.... 3.82 x1
Olay Body Wash 3.82 x2 = 11.46 .... -10.00off... paid 1.46
Glade Flameless Candle ... 9.98... -9.98off.... paid 0.00
Glade Plugins scented oil warmer.... 5.87...-5.87off... paid 0.00
Herbal Essence Shampoo .... 2.43.... -0.50off... paid 1.93
regular prices 46.06
sale prices 41.18
total coupons 29.35
paid 11.83
***The corn pops had $10 worth of coupons on them so with this purchase I got back $20 worth of coupons. ***

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Things to do in your community for free...

  1. Check out your local community calendar online for those in my community check out the city's paper online they have the community listed on the right hand side. You will be amazed at the things you can do in your own community for free.
  2. Work on a puzzle.
  3. Visit your local library. I can't tell you how many books and DVD's we borrow from our local library. It works out great because we can put them on hold and make it a quick trip in to pick them up. But honestly going to the library for me is never quick. I love books.
  4. Start a workout routine.
  5. Do a makeover of a room by rearranging furniture in the room.
  6. Blow bubbles.
  7. Check out some podcasts online. There are so many different podcasts online for free of varying interests.
  8. Start a journal.
  9. Build paper airplanes. Let everyone try their hand at making them and see who can make their paper airplane go the furthest.
  10. Play Frisbee at the park.
  11. Play board games. We loved playing Settlers of Catan and it is on to buy list soon we will own it soon. Scrabble, Monopoly, Clue and Candy Land. (okay our daughter is 4)
  12. Take a long bath.
  13. Visit a local museum, zoo or art gallery for free. Many of these places allow free admission on certain days. Check out their websites and see when their free admission time is.
  14. Cook some meals ahead of time. This is fun to do with your kids and husband. What a great way to spend an afternoon cooking together.
  15. Donate some unneeded items to charity.
  16. Learn to juggle. This is on my list of things to learn but it is fun and you can impress your children or grand children by learning how. Check out youtube.com for a tutorial.
  17. Meet your neighbors. I think this is something that we need to do more intentionally to reach out to other.
  18. Play soccer.
  19. Organize a walking tour in your community. Every community has historical sites that we too often take forgranted and at the same time forget to remind our children of these historical sites. Pick a day and go for a walk.
  20. Build a blanket fort. My daughter loves making these and actually so do I.
  21. Teach yourself how to knit. You can pick up needles at a dollar store and yarn for that matter also. You can make some dishclothes or knit a hat or a scarf. Check out this tutorial on youtube.
  22. Visit your family and extended family.
  23. Go on a hike or long walk.
  24. Take some pictures. Go for a walk with your camera and take pictures of things that interest you.
  25. Read a book.
  26. Start a blog on a topic that interests you. That is what I have done. :)
  27. Do some stargazing.
  28. Make homemade cards.
  29. Have a DVD screening. Pop some popcorn and put in a favourite movie.. .invite some friends over and have a DVD screening party.
  30. Build a castle out of cardboard.
Does anyone else have any ideas?? I would love to add them to the list.

The heat debate...


My husband loves our house warm... beyond warm in my opinion... in the winter you can wear sweaters.... layer clothes so I have decided to turn the heat down in our house in an effort to conserve resources. (ie. decrease our bills) My husband has agreed to go along with it. So off on this journey we are going.

Other ways to stay warm in the colder temperatures:
  • put plastic over your windows (our windows are fairly new so we don't have to do this but trust me it helps)
  • Use heavy curtains over windows
  • caulk around windows that are drafty.
  • my favourite dress in layers.
What temperature do you keep your thermostat at during the winter?

Frugal is definitely a way of life...

I find that many people in our economic times are turning to being frugal but to be honest for us it has always been sort of a way of life. We have always been raising our family off of one income. It works best for our family.

There is one thing that I would love to try...and that is powder milk. I am seriously considering using it for baking. Here is an article I read today... Saving Money with Powdered Milk. Does anyone else use powdered milk??? I do use powdered buttermilk and it is fine so I guess this could be no problem.