What I Saved: I hit the coupon jackpot!

It was a pretty decent week for inserts.  I was excited because I had a coworker meet me at Books A Million for our Raleigh News and Observers this morning.  We were the first few people in line and by 9:50 that line had to be over 40 people deep!  It was NUTS!

There was chatter on Facebook that some Raleigh papers were missing the Smart Source insert.

SIDE NOTE:  For those of you who don't coupon newspapers (at least those in the South?) typically have two types of inserts, the Red Plum and Smart Source.  Some weeks you get both, some weeks only one and some weeks you may get two of the same but with different coupons in each

Anyway, I let my fellow coupons know what I had read this morning and we all decided to check our papers super carefully.  I was planning on getting four this morning but wanted to make sure I got all of my inserts.

I was the fourth person in line and all three women before me were missing their Smart Source and returning some of the papers they had initially asked for.

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE:  The newspapers are kept behind the counter to prevent insert theft on Sunday!

When it was my turn I asked for two, but I specifically asked that they come from a different part of the stack.  I did a quick check but didn't see the SS (Smart Source) either.  I grabbed two local papers because I knew it would have both inserts, although the coupons would not be as good.

FINAL SIDE NOTE:  The bigger the paper the better the inserts.  Our regional inserts are never as good as the larger city.

We all wait for each other and go through our papers together after we're done - it's a great group, it really is!  While were were doing that, I decided to go through my N&O again and what do you know, I found a SS in BOTH of my papers!  I was so excited.  One of the ladies told me I hit the coupon jackpot!  I felt bad because only one other person had the SS and it was only in one of her two papers.

I'm going to search for the Charlotte paper next weekend when we go to Asheville (I'm looking forward to some new writing material from the trip!) and if I can find them bring some back from my coupon friend!

After all of that, I had a pretty low key shopping weekend.  I really stocked up two weeks ago during Super Doubles so I've needed very little these past few weeks.

Total Value: $79.26
OOP: $27.02
Savings: 66% (not my best week but still pretty good - I like to hit at least 70% though)

I was also excited when this bad boy printed out.

For those of you who don't know, this is a "Catalina," which is a manufacturer's coupon.  Sometimes you just get random Catalina's and sometimes they are running promotions that if you purchase the correct quantity of a certain brand you can get dollars off of your next purchase.  I had heard about the Kraft promotion but didn't really pay attention (SO NOT LIKE ME!) so I was excited when this printed off, although I'm not totally sure what triggered it.  I purchases two bags of shredded cheese and a block of cheese as well (just in case you want to try it).

A few other great deals I was able to get are:
12 pack of Diet Pepsi for $1.97 - this was the Saturday Special at HT
Oscar Meyer bacon for $0.49 (using the $3 evic coupon)
Dozen eggs for $0.97
8 bags of Steamfresh frozen veggies for $5.56

Finally, I spent some time getting coupons ready to send to CoupsForTroops.

Basically, they take expired coupons and send them to military families overseas, where they can be used for six months past the expiration date!  If you coupon, you should really check them out!

So I'll leave you with this:
Do you have any hobbies that you get super excited about?
Did you coupon this weekend?  If so, how did you do?

"Blogger's" Block!

I'm not sure how it happened, all I know is that It Has Happened!

Writers Block!  Or in this case, Blogger's Block!

I remember when I started this blog (almost nine months ago) I had no problem coming up with material to write about.  I guess when you're planning a wedding, remodeling a house and trying to rent out another house you have lots of great material!

With our Wedding Party!

And I love writing about my couponing successes, but let's face it, unless you're on the coupon train you probably don't care if deodorant is free after coupon or if a clearance deal make something that typically goes for $8 about $1.50!

So I've been sitting at my computer night after night trying to come up with something exciting to write about.  And I'm stuck!  Not that things aren't great, they are!! They've just really settled down.  Darrin and I have found our rhythm in this whole marriage thing, our floors haven't ripped in months, and our rental tenants are a dream!

But where does that leave you, my loyal followers ( all four of you!)?  I'll tell you where it leaves you - with a very frustrated blogging wife! 

So while I'm working on getting my grove back I thought I'd leave you with something entertaining...or at least entertaining for me!  AMERICAN IDOL!

Now if you've been reading this blog for a while you know that I am a huge Reality Television Junkie!  I can't get enough of it!  And I was SO excited for American Idol to start back.  The auditions, Hollywood week and Vegas results were awesome but I knew the live shows were going to ROCK this year!

The Top 25 didn't disappoint and I'm pretty sure I've narrowed down my two favorites already this year.  I mean, with performances like these how could they not win!

 Phillip Phillips is Amazing!

I am so happy Colton Dixon came back this season!

All that said and done I was little sad to see some of the guys go home on Thursday night.  My third favorite, Jazzy and Wacky Reed Grimm didn't make the cut this round but I would still pay to see him live!

So while I go off to ponder how to get my blogging mojo back I hope I've left you with some entertaining video clips!


Do you watch American Idol?  Any favorites so far?  
Have you ever had writter's block?  How did you move past it?

What I Saved: I heart clearance items!

Our weekend has been pretty uneventful - and I've loved it!  We spent a lot of time just hanging around the house, catching up on tv, and reading! 

Have I mentioned that I'm currently obsessed with White Collar? 

How can you not love a show that stars Kelly Kapowski?

I started watching the series on Netflix Watch Instantly and I'm hooked!

Also amazing, Matt Bomer is set to play Blaine's brother on Glee (and yes, I squealed like a girl when I found out!).

On to our typical Sunday topic: How much did I save this weekend?

I love the Meal Deal at HT this week!

Total Value: $97.45
OOP: $32.05
Total Saved: 67%

My best purchases include:

Colgate toothpaste at HT (2/$3)
Used $0.75 coupon from today's SS
Total: FREE

Schick Men's Shave get at CVS ($1.99)
Used $0.75 coupon from today's SS
Total: $1.24 plus tax

The best part of today were the clearance items I was able to scoop up at Harris Teeter today!

Glade Carpet Powder - select scents($1.32)
$0.55 coupon (printable)
Total: $0.22

Glade Room Spray - select scents ($1.99)
$0.55 coupon 2/12 SS
Total: $0.89

Carpet Fresh Carpet Powder - select scents ($1.09)
$1 coupon
Total: $0.09

Febreze Candle - select scents ($3.87)
$1 coupon P&G
$1 evic coupon
Total: $1.87

Dove Men's Bar Soap - select scents ($4.09)
$1 off coupon 1/29 RP - expires 2/26
Total: $3.09

I have to admit that I LOVE when I get great clearance deals at Harris Teeter!  I get really excited for some reason.

Question for the night: Any TV shows that you're currently hooked on?  Any great savings this week so far? 

Cold Day, Hot Soup

First, I use the word, "cold," very VERY loosely.  Living at the beach where it typically doesn't drop below 50 degrees I can't really complain...and yet, I still do...anytime it get below 60 that is!

We lead a rough life!

I'm am slowly turning into a Southern Belle...wait, no...a Southern GIRL!  A few things that living down here means though is that there is a limited time when wearing turtleneck sweaters is appropriate and soup is not as widely sold in restaurants as it is in the 'burgh and other Yankee cities!

I've found a few recipes lately that I really like.  Like I said before, I'm really digging my Everyday by Rachel Ray subscription.  Below is another winner from her December 2011 issue that I've modified a little.  It's perfect for a cold (or if you live at the beach, cold-ISH) day!

Cheesy Chicken-Potato Soup (Everyday by Rachel Ray - December 2011 issue) MODIFIED
Serves 4, Prep 5 minutes, Cooks in 20 minutes
Ingredients:
3 tbsp butter
2 cups leeks, chopped (white parts only)
1 1/2 lbs of red potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
1 qt chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (this made it SO easy)
7 oz of shredded cheddar
4 tbsp of sour cream
Red pepper flakes

Prep your potatoes and leeks

In pot, melt butter over medium heat; cook leeks 2 minutes
Add potatoes and cook 5 minutes
Add broth; bring to a boil.  Simmer until potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes.

I always use granules instead of buying stock!

Remove one-third of the potatoes, reserve.
Puree remaining soup with 1 cup water (this part was tricky b/c my food processor was not big enough)
Stir in chicken, reserved potatoes, cheese and sour cream and red pepper flakes (to taste)

Serve topped with a little more sour cream, if you'd like

This was pretty easy and came out really well.  It would be really quick for lunch on a winter day.


Can you eat soup in warm weather?  What's your favorite cold weather food?

A Break From the Scissors and A Tasty Dinner

No, I'm not giving up couponing, I just feel like that is ALL I've talked about on this blog recently.  I never intended for this to turn into a coupon blog - there are already so many great ones out there and I don't think I can compete!

So, sorry to all of those I have bored with my % saved and my grocery trips for the past few weeks.  I'll start talking about fun stuff again, I promise!

My wonderful mother got me a subscription to Rachel Ray's Everyday Magazine for Christmas this year!

My Mommy and Me in Vegas a few years ago!

Note to self: You know you're a married woman when you're asking for magazines about food/cooking/etc for Christmas!

I've already gotten my first two subscriptions and I LOVE IT!

I really want to bake cookies every time I read this issue!

Confession time: I am currently seeking treatment for a DINNER RUT.  I was starting to DREAD menu planning for the week.  In my mind I was cooking the same thing over and over!  Darrin didn't seem to mind, although I'm pretty sure he'd eat the same thing every night if I cooked it, just to make me happy!

He's so good to me!

I decided it was time for a change!  So after much blog reading, magazine scouring, and soul searching...okay, maybe that's taking it a bit too far...but anyway, I started feeling pretty adventurous and have started cooking outside of my comfort zone.  And man am I digging it!  This little Italian girl is backing away from pasta and sauce and embracing some new things.

I really like the following recipe and hope you all do to.


Glazed Pork Loin with Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes (Everyday by Rachel Ray - December 2011 issue)
Serves 4, Prep 15 minutes, Cooks in 50 minutes
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs pork loin, tied
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp grainy mustard
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 lb brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
thyme
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 bear, cut into chunks

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Season the pork all over with salt and pepper and place in the center of a roasting pan.

In a small bowl, stir together the mustard, vinegar and brown sugar and brush over the pork.  Scatter the brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and thyme around the pork.  Sprinkle with oil, any remaining mustard mixture and salt and pepper.  Stir to coat.

Place and oven and roast, tossing the veggies occasionally until they are almost tender - about 30 minutes. (At this point the recipes says if the veggies stick add 2 tbsp of water, but I didn't have that issue).

Stir in the pear and roast until the veggies are tender and the pork is at 150 degrees (about 15 minutes).
Let the roast sit for 5 minutes, then thinly slice and serve with the veggies.

I served with extra mustard for dipping!

If you're looking for something really good and pretty easy, I highly suggest giving this a try.  Lots of veggies and lean pork make it a pretty healthy meal!


What's your favorite pork recipe?  Have you ever been in a "food rut?"

Harris Teeter Super Doubles: The Final Counts

WOW!  Yep, that's all I can say.  This was a great Super Doubles event for me at Harris Teeter.  It's always made even better by the amazing staff at the Harris Teeter I shop at.  They go above and beyond for their customers and it's great!

I've been posting updates throughout the week of how I've been doing.  You can find those here:
Round One
Round Two
Round Three and Four

Here are some final numbers. 

I made five trips to HT, some I have photos of and some I do not.

Trip One

Trip Two

Trip Four

BIG trip!

I've broken down the first few trips and those links are above so I'm only going to talk about my big trip here.

Some of the big things for me are:
4 boxes of Fiber One bars
4 Greek yogurts
3 Coffeemate coffee cream
2 bags of chips
B1G1 Steak
Johnsonville Chicken Sausage
Lite Kolbasa
Blue Bunny ice cream
gud Handsoap (To make it really work out for you, only buy one per transaction.  It ends up a MM if you only do one per transaction but you end up paying about $0.49 if you do two in a transaction).

I forgot batteries for Darrin and since the gud ecoupon reloaded for me I decided and trip off one more coupon and make $1.24 that I applied to the batteries we needed, so that was my fifth (and final trip).

Overall Super Doubles numbers look like this:
Total value: $262.60
OOP: $54.56
Total savings: 80% (which I am really happy about!)

To be totally fair though, I did run to Target for some Lean Cuisine meals and vitamins for Darrin.

My weekly totals therefore look more like this:
Total value: $281.05
OOP: $68.81
Total savings: 76% (which I'm still happy about!)

Any of my Southern friends hit up Super Doubles at HT?  How'd it go for you?  Any other great savings this week?

HT Super Doubles: Round 3 and 4

There are so many amazing deals right now that I am LOVING this HT Super Doubles week!

Yesterday I stopped in to pick up a few quick things.  I was able to get:

Lysol Neutra Air Fabric Spray (3 bottles)
Smithfields bacon (1 package)
Kikkoman soy sauce (1 bottle)

Total value: $23.93
Total spent: $2.93
Savings: 88%

How I did it:
Lysol was on clearance for $2.82
$1 off coupon from SS 2/5
Total: $0.82 each

Smithfield bacon evic speical $2.47
$1 off coupon from SS 1/29
Total: $0.49

Kikkoman soy sauce $1.59
$1 off coupon (printable)
Total: FREE

I also had a REALLY successful trip this afternoon:

Total value: $30.09
Total spent: $3.00
Savings: 90%

Here's what I got:

McCain Sweet Potato fries (2 for $5)
$1 off coupon (printable)
Total: $0.50

Smithfields bacon$2.49 on evic
$1.00 off coupon SS 1/29
Total: $0.49

CrunchMaster crackers ($1.99) - purchased 2
$1 off printable coupon x 2
Total: FREE

Pure Protein bars (2/3.00) - purchased 2
$1 off printable coupon x 2
Total: FREE

Wholly Guacamole ($2.79)
$1 off printable coupon
Total: $0.79

gud Handwash ($4.99)
evic offers
$1 off printable coupon
$0.50 evic coupon
Total: -$1.24 - OVERAGE that I got to use!

MY SUPER DOUBLES RUNNING TOTAL:
Total value: $103.28
Total spent: $9.75
SAVINGS: 91%

My big trip is tomorrow - stay tuned to see how it turns out!