This is the first time in a while that I have actually had my grocery shopping done at the beginning of the week in order for me to have a menu planned for Monday. It is really quite calming to be done for the week, so let's hope this is a trend that will continue!Breakfast:* Waffles*Bob's Breakfast, aka: yogurt & granola with milk and fruit*eggs on toast*oatmealLunch:*tuna fish sandwiches (have to use up all that tuna somehow!)*PB&J's, fruit*Mac&Cheese, fruit smoothieSnacks:*strawberry banana smoothies*zucchini bread*hummus & crackers*almonds & cranberries*carrots from the garden (no really, they eat them like candy!)Dinner:*Tuna Keep Reading
Is Costco Really Worth It?
I just received a great question from Heidi, a new couponer: My family has a basic Costco membership (I think $40/year) and we shop there at least once a month. I also get my contact lenses there and we get some other household things there (toilet paper, etc.). Since I'm new to couponing, I'm still learning how to do the deals and combine discounts, but at this stage of the game, just running out to Costco seems a lot easier for some things (like TP). Could you please address if Costco is or isn't really cheaper than Walgreens, Target, Safeway, Albertsons (with coupons) and/or if it's worth paying for the "privilege" to shop there. Here's the short Keep Reading
My $40 Food Budget and Menu Planless Monday
Don't you hate it when you go into a store for "just one thing" and come out with a whole bag worth?!I went into Fred Meyers today to get the 5/$10 deal using my $1/1 Cheerios challenge coupons and ended up using half my food budget there. There were some good deals, though, so I'm actually glad I stopped. I will even admit, to the loyal Freddies fans, last week was a good week at Fred Meyer. Enjoy that, it doesn't happen often.Fred Meyer 6.07lbs. Foster Farms Chicken Breasts $6.01Cheerios $2 (only one left, but I got a rain check!)canteloupe $.37/lb. = $1.71bananas $.59/lb. = $1.61red grapes $.98/lb. = $1.78leaf lettuce $132 oz. Daisy sour cream Keep Reading
Saving Money On "Real Food"
photo by rhettmaxwellI received the following email from a reader, Janelle, and thought the discussion would be helpful to many of you. I've been reading your weblog off and on for a while, and have a question for you. I notice that most (not all) of the "deals" you get, and that are out there with coupons are for foods that I don't choose to feed my family. Processed, not organic, not local, containing high fructose corn syrup, etc. While I admit, we're not perfect, how does a family that often eats granola (from the bulk bins or homemade), homecooked meals, and uses natural or kitchen (vinegar, etc) products to clean, actually use the tips that Keep Reading
The Perfect Reusable Produce Bag!
Have you been ever so faithful at taking your reusable grocery bags while shopping in order to reduce the amount of plastic bags you bring home, only to end up with countless plastic bags from the produce section? I sure have, and I have been looking for an alternative bag for my produce for a long time with no success. There needed to be certain requirements for a produce bag that I just couldn't seem to find. It needed to be lightweight, see through and have an easy way to close. The cost was also a factor as I needed at least 3 or 4. Well, I am happy to report that I have found the perfect reusable produce bag! While shopping Keep Reading
Dressing Your Kids Well On A Budget
photo by Darwin BellThe following is a guest post by Christy, one of the organizers of the Ever After Resale Consignment Event.-------------------------------------------My name is Christy. My hobby is dressing my five young children in cute, quality, name brand clothing. Confession over, now on to tell you how I support my habit!When my first daughter was born my husband accused me of playing with a human doll. I loved dressing her up but out family budget did not allow for me to spend large amounts of money on her wardrobe. So, off to garage sales I went. I thoroughly enjoyed picking up cute clothing for her at just a couple of dollars per outfit. I Keep Reading
Childrens Clothing Consignment Events: An Introduction
It's consignment event season! I love consignment events for both purchasing inexpensive clothes for my kids and making some money on the clothes and accessories we don't need. I have sold at two different events in the Portland area and have found events to be the most profitable way of getting rid of our old stuff. Selling at consignment events are great for a number of reasons: :: You get maximum exposure. Garage sales are easy because you never have to leave your house, but you also get a limited amount of people. What if it rains? What if you fail to advertise well? Consignment event organizers work hard to get people in the door. You would Keep Reading