Sale at Dillard's

I was at Dillard's last night at the Chandler Mall, and they're having a big sale. I didn't make it past the men's department, so I don't know about the other departments, but I got dress pants for my husband that are usually $50 for $15. (They were 50% off plus 40% off sale items.) I don't know if this is helpful to anyone, but I thought I'd pass it along. I don't know how long the sale lasts.

From Nicole. Thanks!

Grocery Deals-Fry's and Basha's: 7/30-8/5

Fry's Deals:

Buy 10, Save 10 Promo is still running. Most of the items are the same. Click here to see participating items from the promo.

If you didn't pre-order Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer, it is $13.79 @ Fry's. (CAN'T WAIT!!!!)

Pepsi 24 packs: $3.99 each wyb 3

Yoplait Yogurt: $.50
Use: $.40/6 (7/13 SS)
Final: $.36 each

Kroger Cheese: 50% off

Hamburger Helper: $1.00
Use: $.75/3 (6/8 SS)
Final: $.67 each

Navel Oranges: 10 lbs/$1.00

Sweet Corn: 3/$.99

Sterilite Shoe Boxes: $1.00 (These are great for organizing all those FREE toiletries and medicines!)

Powerade: $.69
Use: $1/1
Final: FREE plus overage

Cottonelle TP was still $.99 at Combs and Gantzel!

Basha's Deals:

Triple Coupons (.34 - .99 will be redeemed for $1)

Bashas Sandwich Bread .99ea

La Victoria Salsa 16oz 2 for $3
USE: La Victoria products, any 12 oz. or larger .75/2 (9-30-08) SS-6/29
Final Price: $1.00

Promotions:

Save $8.00 OYNSO wyb $20 or more in participating products
Save $5.00 OYNSO wyb $15 or more in participating products
Save $3.00 OYNSO wyb $10 or more in participating products
*Limit one coupon per transaction.
Coupon expires 4 weeks from issuance.

Participating Products:
Any Kellogg’s Cereal 5oz or larger
Froot Loops 12.2oz, Frosted Flakes 14oz, Mini Wheats Blueberry Muffin 16oz, Mini Wheats Bite Size 18oz, Pops 12.5oz, Apple Jacks 12.2oz, Frosted Flakes Fold 16.9oz, Mini Wheats unfrosted 18oz 4 for $10

Any Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts (8ct or larger) 2 for $4

Any Keebler Product (8oz or larger)

12 Count Selected Varieties $3.99

Any Sunshine Product (8oz or larger)

Cheez-It 12 count $3.99

Any Eggo Product (8ct or larger)

Any Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats Squares (8ct or larger) 2 for $5

Any Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks (6ct or larger) 2 for $5

Purchase $25 in P&G Brands and Save $10 OYNSO : (check P&G 7/6 for coupons for a lot of these!)

Pampers (Diapers, Cruisers or Swaddlers 62-100ct $18.88)
USE: Pampers Diapers, any jumbo pack or larger $1.50/1 (8-31-08) RP-7/27 Pampers Diapers, any Jumbo pack or larger $1/1 (7-31-08) P&G-7/6
Final Price: $17.38 - $17.88 (not including catalina)

Herbal Essence (6-12 oz 2 for $5)
USE: Herbal Essences shampoos or conditioners, any excluding trial size $3/2 (7-31-08) P&G-7/6
Final Price: 2 for $2 (free after promo wyb $25 P&G)

Produce:

Green Seedless Grapes or New Crop Bartlett Pears .79lb

Iceberg Head Lettuce .69ea

Romaine, Red or Green Leaf Lettuce .99ea

Thanks, PYP for some information!

Walgreen's Deals: August Monthly Rebates

I don't go to Walgreen's too often unless there is a deal I can't pass up, or about every 4 weeks for the free after rebate items.

This month, I highly recommend you stop by to get started because I LOVE one of the freebie products they have. You can get two bottles of BioInfusion shampoo and/or conditioner. I bought the eucalyptus and lavender scent. I absolutely love it! It smells amazing! I don't usually get excited about a product, but I highly recommend this.

Walgreen's Free After Rebate:

Buy 1 Pert Plus 2-in-1 Shampoo or Conditioner (13.5 oz.) at $4.29, Get $4.29 Rebate
Use $2/1 coupon or $3/1 coupon from 06/29 SmartSource insert
Free plus overage after coupon and rebate!

Buy 1 jane Be Pure Mineral Powder, Brush or Foundation at $4.99, Get $4.99 Rebate

Buy 1 Walgreens Soft White Light Bulbs 4 Pack or 3 Way Single at $1.99, Get $1.99 Rebate

Buy 1 BioINFUSION Organics or Olive Hair Care at $5.99, Get $5.99 Rebate (LIMIT 2)

Click here for Money Saving Mom's Walgreen's 101.

If you are new to Walgreen's I recommend just getting a few of the items (like the shampoo!) to start out. Then next month, when the new rebate items come out, use the money to buy more items for which you will receive a rebate.

Good to Know:

-You can request your rebate online.
-When you have the money put onto a Walgreen's gift card, they will add an extra 10%.
-Walgreen's gift cards never expire.
-Click here for all offers from Walgreen's and to claim your rebates.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom, for some of this information.

Canning Tomatoes and Italian Herbs

Bountiful Baskets (Phoenix metro area) has 23 pounds of canning tomatoes for $10.50.

Italian canning pack is only $5. (onions, garlic, mushrooms, and italian herbs)

Order deadline is today, first come, first serve.

They also have the regular basket of fruits and veggies, as well as nut butters, oils, and bread.

Visit http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/ for more information.

Emergency Essentials Group Order

I will be placing the July group order from Emergency Essentials (this is for anyone in the Queen Creek area). When ordered as a group, we get free shipping.

If you would like to participate, you can look through their products online at www.beprepared.com.

They also have tons of free resources for emergency preparedness on their site.

The deadline is Saturday, July 26th to have your order and money into me.

To see some of the group specials, click here. Please note that you there must be a minimum quantity in order to get the advertised low price.

If you would like to participate in the potato slices ($6/#10 can), this requirement has already been met so you may get this price for as many or as few as you would like. They are on backorder, however.

E-mail me at livingprovidently@gmail.com if you would like to order or have any questions.

CVS Deals: 7/27-8/2

ECB Deals:

Buy $10 participating candy, get $5 ECB. (Limit 5)

Deal: Buy 20 candy bars (2/$1)
Spend $10 oop.
Get $5 ECB
Final Price: $.25 each

Revlon Limited Edition Make-up: $9.99
Get $9.99 ECB (Limit 1)
Use: $2/1 (07/20-SS)
Final Price: FREE, plus $2 overage

Band-Aid Ultra Strips: $2.99
Get $2 ECB wyb 1 (Limit 1)
Use: $1/1 (06/22-RP)
Final Price: FREE

Non ECB Deals:
Schick Intuition Razor: $3.99
Use: $4/1 (06/29-SS)
Final: FREE

Fry's Deals: July 23-29

Fry's currently has a promo where you buy 10 products (mix and match) and you receive $5 off your order. Prices will assume you are purchasing in quantities of 10 to receive discount. Here are my favorite deals. Go to http://www.frysfood.com/ to see the full ad. There are many other great buys with this promo!

Buy 10 Save $5 Promo

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix: FREE-$.50 (if coupon doubles?)
Use printable at http://www.bettycrocker.com/

Fry's 64 oz apple juice: $1.00

Kellogs Cereal: $1.00

Cattelman's BBQ sauce (5-18 S .75/1)=FREE

Daisy Sour Cream 16 oz!!!! (6-1 RP .50/1)=FREE

Ball Park Meat Franks (6-29 RP 1.00/2)=$1.00

Dove Ice Cream (5-4 RP 1.00/1)=$.50

Edge or Skinmate shave gel (7-13 S .55/1)=$.50

Kraft Bagelfuls (there was a coupon from that extra Fry's flyer in last weeks paper, for .55/1)Final: $.50

Lysol all purpose cleaner (6-22 S .50/1)=$.50

Tidy Cats Cat litter (4-27 S and 6-29 S 1.00/1)=$.50

Advil Pain relief 20-24 ct (7-13 RP 2.00/1)=FREE

Huggies Wipes 64-80 ct tub (6-22 S .50/1)=$1.00

Other deals

Grapes: $.77/lb

Cottonelle 4 pack TP: $.99 (Combs and Gantzel)
Use: $.25/1
Final: $.49
(I am not sure how long this sale will stay, but is has been this price since the store opened, too bad they are not tripling coupons right now...)

Kraft Drink Mix from Amazon.com

Tang, Kool-aid and Crystal Light are only about $2/24 oz. container (this price is for the Tang).

Simply purchase $39 of qualifying drink mixes and enter promo SUMBEV39 to get $15 off your order.

I bought two packages of the Tang and my total came out to $25. There is free shipping and no tax.

Click here for more details. They have a lot of other grocery deals as well. Since it is in bulk, you can always split the case with family and/or friends.

Tomato Boullion @ Amazon

Nicole's spanish rice recipe is very tasty. Click here for the recipe.

Amazon.com has the Knorr Tomato Boullion as a 12 pack case for 25.20. I have amazon prime so I get free shipping and there is no tax. If anyone here in Queen Creek would like to go in on that with me let me know. I don't think I need all 12, but this seems like a pretty good price.

It is $2.10 per jar. I would like to keep 2. E-mail me at livingprovidently@gmail.com if you would like some.

HTH!

Using and Rotating Food Storage

It is important that we know how to use our food storage. The easiest way is to incorporate it in to our regular diet and menus. There are several cookbooks and recipes that have food storage related ingredients.

We need to also rotate it. Click here to see a chart showing the shelf life of common food storage items.

Click here to see more about how long "longer term" food storage items last.

Long Term Storage Recipes

Click here to view a PDF of recipes using long term food storage items.

Please note that these also come with the cases of #10 cans if you order them from http://www.ldscatalog.com/.

Emergency Essentials also has several recipes and ideas on their site. Click here to view them.

Rice Recipes

Rice Pilaf

2 Tbsp. margarine
1/3 c. finely chopped celery
1/4 c. green onions, including tops finely chopped
1 c. uncooked rice
3 tsp. chicken bullion dissolved in 3 c. hot water

Melt margarine in skillet. Add onions, celery, and rice. Stir until rice is slightly browned. Pour in water with dissolved bullion. Cover tightly and cook over low heat for about 25 minutes until moisture is absorbed and rice is tender.

Spanish Rice

Heat up about 2 Tbsp. of cooking oil in skillet. Add about 1 c. of long grain rice. Brown the rice, stirring it until it is slightly brown. Add diced onion and saute. Add cold water, enough to cover the rice (about 3 cups). Add 2-3 Tbsp. Knorr's tomato bullion, and add a clove of garlic. Cover tightly. Turn down heat as soon as it starts to boil. Do not stir the rice. Cook for about 25 minutes or until the water is absorbed by the rice. (Note: If you do not have tomato bullion, you can use chicken bullion and add a little tomato sauce instead.)

Thanks, Nicole!

Ray Family Tortillas

Here is my favorite recipe using long term food storage items. I usually cook a crock pot of beans for about 6-7 hours. I only add a little bit of salt to my beans.

Ray Family Tortilla Recipe

Ingredients:

3 c. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
¼ c. oil
1-1 ½ c. hot water

Directions:

Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and hot water until dough feels soft and pliable. Wrap in plastic wrap and let dough rest for 10-20 minutes. Make into 12 balls. Roll out and cook on medium-high griddle (about 10 seconds for the first side, 5 seconds for the second). Serve with beans.

Alternate:

For fry bread, use 3 ½ c. flour and add 2 tbsp. sugar. Roll out and slice, or form small circles the thickness of sugar cookies. Fry in medium high oil and cool on rack or paper towels.

Remember to Coupon with Integrity

Gordon B. Hinckley stated:

The thirteenth Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirms that “we believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.”

We cannot be less than honest, we cannot be less than true, we cannot be less than virtuous if we are to keep sacred the trust given us. Once it was said among our people that a man’s word was as good as his bond. Shall any of us be less reliable, less honest than our forebears?

Those who are living the principle of honesty know that the Lord does bless them. Theirs is the precious right to hold their heads in the sunlight of truth, unashamed before any man. On the other hand, if there be need for reformation in any member of this Church, let it begin where we now stand.

Brothers and sisters, the Lord requires his people to be honest. May we desire with all our hearts to be honest in all our relationships and in all the things that we do. God will help us if we seek the strength that comes from him. Sweet then will be our peace of mind and our lives. Blessed will be those with whom we live and associate. And God will bless and guide us with his loving care.

Please remember to be honest when using coupons. If coupons are not used correctly, it costs the economy and everyone. This is one reason for rising grocery prices. Fraudulent use of coupons become absorbed in the prices of the product in the long run.

This is coupon misredemption according to http://www.centsoff.com/.

Coupon misredemption occurs whenever someone attempts to redeem a coupon that is void for a product that he/she has NOT purchased. This activity is often in violation of Federal or State laws.Coupon misredemption costs consumer product manufacturers hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Estimates of this cost vary from a low of about $300 million annually to more than twice that amount.Coupon misredemption also increases costs for consumers, because the costs of misredemption often must be reflected in consumer prices.

I am not perfect, and I do not pretend to be. However, we can work towards living the gospel principles and being honest in all of our dealings. A few dollars is not worth losing your personal integrity over.

It is great to get good deals, but we must follow the rules. I believe by following the rules, we will be blessed and have an even larger abundance.

I recently gave a box of food away to someone in need, but some of the items I put in were really hard for me to give away because I didn't feel I had a lot of it for my own use. The next week, there were some great deals and I was able to replenish my stock, plus more. I really felt blessed for this and I was able to give more. (Time to put together another food box...)

Please remember why we are doing this. It is to help assist others and provide for our families. I hope we can all strive to do what is right. I do not want to seem like I am on a high horse, but I really feel strongly about honesty. (I am that weirdo that takes something back into the store that I wasn't charged for because it was on the bottom of my cart...at least my conscience is clear).

It is not about how we handle ourselves when people are watching, but who we are when no one is watching. I know that I strive to do what is right and live the gospel. I hope we can all listen to the wise advice from our prophets and continue to be a "peculiar" people by choosing the right.

Interest Group Meeting

Don't forget about the interest group meeting tomorrow at 7:00.

Click here for details.

See ya there!

Diapers: CVS and Walgreens

There are some decent deals on diapers this week.

CVS:

Buy $15 worth of CVS baby products, get $5 ECB.

Deal Idea:

2 packs of CVS brand diapers ($12)
1 pack CVS wipes ($2)
1 lotion ($2)

Total: $16
Use: $2/$10 CVS brand purchase (these were on a tearpad by the front)
Use: $2/cvs skincare (from the beauty handbook)

Total after coupons: $12
Total - 5 ECB: $7

Walgreens:

Buy 3 Walgreens brand diapers @ $5.99
Use coupon for $5/2 from July Easysaver.
Total will be 10.47 after coupon. (It will take 2.50 off for each pack.
You will also get a $5 register reward.
So that is like paying $5.47 for 3 packs of diapers.

For more deals this week, check out www.moneysavingmom.com.

Target and Wal-Mart Deals

Target:

Powerade is $.62
Use $1/1 coupon to get it FREE plus overage

Electrasol tablets are $2.79.Use $2.25/1
Final: .54

Bic Pens: 2/$1 (thru Saturday)
Use printable from www.boodle.com
Final: FREE

Ziploc 25 count sandwich bags: $1.00
Use: $1.50/any 2 Ziploc from 6/8 SS
Final: .25 each
These are located by the checkout.

Wal-Mart:

Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleanser Pads - $5.44
Use $5/1 coupon here
$0.44 after coupon! (Thanks, Melinda!)

Huggies Clean Team Wipes 42 count: 1.64
Use: $3/2 coming Sunday 7/20 (see www.taylortownpreview.com)
Final: .14 each

Powerade should be free at Wal-Mart as well with coupon.

Click here for more Wal-Mart Deals.

Hand Crank Grain Mill

I bought this mill from ebay a month ago. It is also available from amazon.com. I had been trying to get the same one, but was labeled under the Back to Basics brand for over a month. However, it was out of stock and on back order everywhere I looked.

It costs about 69.95 and does not require electricity.

I made my first loaves of wheat bread using a kitchen aid recipe and it turned out great.

It's a great way to start using your long term food storage.

I am very happy with this grinder.

Anyone have any great recipes using freshly ground wheat flour?

CVS Coupon and Raincheck Policy

After having problems with a manager not accepting a coupon because it was worth more than the sale price, I contacted corporate.

Also, in regards to ECB items, they are supposed to issue a raincheck for the item, minus the ECBs.

I made a photobook and was told they were out of the covers when I went to scan the ticket. I am okay with the fact that they were out, but someone should have said something or posted a sign to let customers they were out BEFORE I spent 20 minutes making it. When I asked for a raincheck, she said that they could not do that for ECB items. Here is the e-mail from corporate. I printed it out and will take it into the stores with me. So we should ALWAYS be able to receive a raincheck for ECB items if they are out. Looks like Rittenhouse and Ocotillo will be issuing a lot of rainchecks because they are out of things so often.

Dear Kolina Romney:

Thank you for contacting CVS/pharmacy. I am in receipt of your e-mail concerning coupons. I can help you with this.

If you have a coupon that offers more off than the CVS sales price the coupon should be accepted and adjusted.

Coupons can only be used one time. Unfortunately when a coupon is scanned and states that it has been used, then we cannot accept it. I do apologize for the unprofessional manner in which the store manager handled this issue.

There is a policy for rainchecks on ExtraCare buck items. If the item has an Extra Buck offer, then the Extra Buck offer is subtracted from the sale price on the raincheck.

Again, thank you for contacting us with your concerns. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.


Sincerely,

Kathy Tobin
CVS/pharmacy
Customer Relations
#05866615r

Hope this helps! I am going to be frequenting Power/Germann or Higley/Pecos if I can. Their customer service is so much better.

Great Prices on #10 Cans Delivered to Your Home

For those of you who don't know, you can now order home food storage items directly online through the LDS church website. You do not have to be a member and they have great prices. Each case of #10 cans also includes a small recipe book. This has been an easy way for me to work on my basic year supply needs. I just order a few cases a month and they arrive on my doorstep. It does cost a little bit more than buying from the cannery, but not if you consider the cost of shipping and gas. It has worked great for me.

Click here to purchase these items.

Here are the items available for purchase online:

04008000
All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage.
Free

06602000
Family Home Storage Pinto Beans
$36.75 USD

06603000
Family Home Storage Quick Oats
$23.25 USD

06604000
Family Home Storage Starter Kit
$34.25 USD

06601000
Family Home Storage Wheat
$30.50 USD

06605000
Family Home Storage White Rice
$43.50 USD

81383000
110 Volt Automatic Impulse Pouch Sealer
$350.00 USD

06600000
All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage Basic Recipes.
Free

81381000
Dry-Pack Pouches. Foil pouches, case of 250
$94.00 USD

81382000
Oxygen Absorber Packets. Oxygen absorber, pkg. of 100
$12.00 USD

Coupon Organizing

Coupon Binder:

I use a binder with baseball card holders to organize my coupons. They can be found at Target and Wal-Mart near the baseball cards for about $5/pack. It is a easy visual way to see all of my coupons quickly.

Here are the categories I use for my binder:

Baking
Beverages
Boxed Foods
Breads and Grains
Candy
Canned
Cereal
Condiments/Spices
Deli and Meat
Diet and Nutrition
Frozen
Refigerated
Snacks

Cleaning
Feminine Care
Hair Care
Make-Up
Miscellaneous
Oral Care
Paper
Razors
Restaurants
Rx
Skin Care
Soap and Deoderant
Store Coupons

Baby

Pet Care

The first half is food items. The second half is non food items. I used printer labels and placed them on the actual card holder pages. Some like to use dividers, but I think they take up too much space in my already large binder.

I have a small coupon organizer labeled by store that I put my coupons in when I go shopping. I got it for $1 at the Dollar Spot in Target. I believe they still have them there with the back to school supplies. I also have a small one simply devoted to CVS. I have each transaction separted in that organizer and keep all of my CVS CRTs and ECBs in that one.

More on Organizing:

I don't clip all of my coupons. I only clip the ones that I know I will more than likely use. I ask myself if it is something we get a great price on, would I buy it? I will also clip coupons I know I can give to others, or use for charitable donations.

I don't throw away the coupons I did not clip. I have a hanging file folder bin that I got at Wal-Mart for around $8 and I have about 25 file folders. Each week I label a folder with the date of the inserts and place those unclipped coupons in the bin. That way if there is something I want to use that I didn't clip I can easily find it. Pinchingyourpennies.com has a great sortable coupon list (this one originates here in AZ). Click here to get to the list. I can easily see if I have a coupon and which week and insert it came out in. Here are the abbreviations for the inserts:

SS=Smartsource

V=Valassis

RP=RedPlum

P&G=Proctor&Gamble

Money Saving Mom has a great way that she organizes her coupons. Click here to see her method.

Click here to see how another couponer uses a binder. (I would upload my own pics, but I still can't find the cord to my camera...).

You have to do what works for you. Some people don't like the binder because they think it takes too much time. I don't think it takes much time, mainly because I don't clip every single coupon from the paper. I usually file them while I am watching TV.

Happy Clipping!

Cashiers and Long Term Storage

Often when I check out, cashiers are often amazed at the quantity of items I purchase. (Sidenote: I always get these things at rock bottom prices).

I recently had a cashier asking me if I was preparing for Armageddon. We had a laugh.

I guess in a way I am. I am also preparing for risk of financial hardship (you can never predict the future). I am preparing for any type of unexpected event. I know that my family would be provided for. I also am able to give to others in ways that I could not if I did not bargain shop. Plus, I LOVE shopping and this gets my fix while providing for my family and not going broke.

In response to the Armageddon comment, I love the following quote.

"The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah" (Ezra Taft Benson, "Prepare for the Days of Tribulation," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 33).

Some may think I am crazy, but I am just trying to be self reliant with what I have.

Education and Music Classes

One of the principles for self-reliance is education. Church leaders have counseled members to get all of the education they can. This is easy for me since I am still in school and teach as well. However, there are many other disciplines where I am still learning. I have the black thumb of death, and can't seem to keep plants alive. I am trying to learn so I can begin my own garden this fall. (Maybe this will be a topic for the next meeting, with someone who has experience presenting...let me know if you are interested!) I think no matter what position you are in whether it is formal education or informal, there is always time to learn and grow. President Hinckley speaks of education in the following quote:

"Get all the education you can, I wish to say to the young people. Cultivate skills of mind and hands. Education is the key to opportunity. The Lord has placed upon you, as members of this Church, the obligation to study and to learn of things spiritual, yes, but of things temporal also. Acquire all of the education that you can, even if it means great sacrifice while you are young. You will bless the lives of your children. You will bless the Church because you will reflect honor to this work" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 172).

My biggest challenge is fitting in the spiritual education. I need to get better about that. Does anyone have any suggestions on how they fit scripture reading into their daily schedules?

On another note, I believe in providing many learning opportunities for children at a young age. Last summer we took Cailyn to Kindermusik classes where she was able to learn about music and sign language. She absolutely loved it.

I received an e-mail last night that Kindermusik will now take place at the Villages at Queen Creek Clubhouse on Saturdays only. There are classes geared towards 18 months to 7 years. I am definitely enrolling Cailyn now that it is closer and works with my work schedule. It is a pretty affordable program. Just thought I would pass this information along because I was so excited to be able to get Cailyn back into this program! The website is http://www.kmwithdianaalbert.com/ and her phone number is 480-987-1020.

Now I need to get to learning! Hope this helps someone.

Reusable Grocery Bags

Fry's, Albertson's and Basha's will all give you $.05 off your grocery bill per bag you bring into the store. It applies to plastic or reusable bags. You may need to remind your cashier to give you this discount. Because of this discount, I have had cashiers give me $.10 when I was buying items that were free.

My favorite is the Trader Joe's bags. They cost $.99 and are extremely durable. They will eventually pay for themselves. Mine have been paid for over and over again and I am also keeping plastic bags out of the landfills.

I also use a insulated bag that I got at Costco for my cold items. This is especially nice when you go to a store that is far. It's also great keeping food cold on long trips.




Another favorite bag of mine is the IKEA blue bag. It is only $.59 and I use them for everything from laundry (this is the BEST space saving laundry basket ever) to picking up the toys in the living room and placing them back in the child zone to shopping at IKEA (of course!). They have also proved useful for traveling.



Plus, I really love bags. As a child my mom called me the "bag lady" because I always drug several of the around the house filled with toys and canned goods. I was a born shopper! It is my humble opinion that a girl can never have too many bags.

Article "Lay Up in Store"

I always feel good that I am on my way towards working on a nice stockpile, but knowing that I have what I need for my family helps me sleep at night.

This article is addressed to priesthood holders, but has great points for everyone.

Here are some highlights quotes I liked from the article:

From President James E. Faust, Second Counselor, we hear: "Every father and mother are the family's storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency . . . [and] God will sustain us through our trials."14

From President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, we hear: "Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year's supply of food . . . and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free."15

From President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Lord's prophet, we hear:
"The best place to have some food set aside is within our homes. . . .

"We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week's food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. . . . I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all.

"Begin in a small way, . . . and gradually build toward a reasonable objective."16

Click here to read the article.

I am thankful that my husband doesn't think I am completely crazy with my OCD (obsessive coupon disorder). He knows that I am supporting him in our family's preparedness plan and that this allows us to help and serve others through these hard times we are all facing.

I love the way that the church is now focusing on telling members to work on a small supply first and then gradually building. Buying more than what you need when it is at its cheapest is a great way to do this. Plus, when you start building up your short term supply, you can then focus on also getting long term supply. I have a small budget every month that goes to our long term supply. I either order from www.beprepared.com, or straight from the church, I order a few cases of #10 cans. They have wheat, pinto beans, rice, and quick oats that is delivered straight to your doorstep. Click here to shop through the LDS Catalog.

Don't forget our meeting on July 22 where we will discuss using our food storage supply. Click here for details.

Deals on Clothing

I like to shop the gently used consignment clothes for my daughter. If you buy a size bigger when things are on sale, you can get some great deals.

My favorite store is Once Upon a Child. Their website is www.ouac.com. About every 6 months they have a moonlight madness sale where you can save up to 70% off their low prices. I got several pairs of Old Navy and Baby Gap jeans that look almost brand new for only a few dollars. She is set on jeans until she is about 3 or 4.

In AZ, they are located at Val Vista and Baseline. Sign up for e-mail offers and receive $5 off your next purchase. Plus, you get updated on all of their great sales and discounts.

Children's Orchard is a nice store too. They often have fill a bag sales where you can fill a bag for $5 or $6. This store is not as large, but still has a good selection. Click here for Money Saving Mom's Review. They are at Lindsay and Warner. Visit www.childrensorchard.com.

Any other good children's consignment stores?

Here's why I love shopping at the consignment stores:

1. I spend less!
2. I have a year supply of clothes for my daughter.
3. My daughter is wearing clothes from a few years ago, so she doesn't match everyone else.
4. I get high quality name brand clothes.
5. I often get clothing with the tags still on them.
6. I love to shop and I don't have to feel guilty.
7. I am doing my part for the environment by recycling.
8. There is a great selection.
9. The employees are always great!
10. I love to shop and find great deals! (oh wait, I already said that...)

Any other great stores, or ways that you cut back on the clothing cost?

Fry's Deals: July 16-July 22

Here are the best deals I saw looking through the ad. Let me know if you see anything I missed! Happy shopping! It's a pretty decent week.

Produce:

Peaches: $.67/lb
Watermelon: $.12/lb
Strawberries: 10/$10
Corn: 2/$1 (okay deal, I love grilled corn!)
Romain Lettuce: 10/$1-
Bananas: 2 lbs/$1

Groceries:

20 Powerade + 2 FREE cases of Dasani Water: $15.oo
Use Powerade coupons from inserts to get both FREE!

French's Mustard: $1
Use: .35/1 from 6/22 SS
Final: .30

Hunt's Ketchup: $1
Use: .20/1 from 6/22 SS
Final: .60

Rice or Pasta Roni: $1
Use: Printable at Smartsource.com (no longer available??)
Final: FREE

Coke 12 pack: $2.50

Bar-S Hot Dogs: $1
Use: .25/1 printable here
Final: .50

Fry's Bread: $1

Fry's Bagels and Cream Cheese: $1

Fry's Saltine Crackers: $1

Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream: $2.27
Use: printable $1/2 (no longer available??)
Final: 1.77
(YUM! Good price for Ben and Jerry's)

Personal Care:

Suave Deoderant: $1.49
Use: .75/1 from 7/13 RP
Final: .49

Suave Body Wash: $1.69
Use: .50/1 from 5/18 RP
Final: .69

Aquafresh Toothpaste: $1.99
Use: .75/1 from 7/13 SS
Final: .99

Stayfree Pad: $2.50
Use : B1G1 and $2/2 from 6/29 RP and 4/27 RP
Final: 1.25 each, or .25 each if you have both coupons

Herbal Essences shampoo or conditioner 2 for $5
USE: Herbal Essences shampoos or conditioners, any excluding trial size $3/2 (7-31-08) P&G-7/6 + P&G $3 off when you buy 3
Buy 6, use (3) coupons and get (2) discounts = FREE(look for specially marked bottles to get a free manicure or pedicure)

CVS Deals: Week of 7/13

Here are my deals of the week. I recommend changing your transactions based on how many ECBs you have and what you need.

Transaction 1:

2 6x8 photo books (7.99x2)
1 4x6 photo book (3.99)
1 CVS hand sanitizer spray (1.79)

Coupons-
3/15
1.79 for hand sanitizer (got this when I scanned my card)
(2) $3/1 photo book
10.99 in ECB

Total: -.02, plus tax
ECB Earned: 15.98, 3.99
Saved 35.78

Transaction 2:

1 Neutrogena Mascara 5.99
1 Bayer Heart Aspirin 4.99
6 Sally Hansen Nail Polish 6x.99
2 Honey Nut Cheerios B1G1 4.29
1 CVS Face Wipes 2.99
1 Excedrin PM 5.29
2 Gas X 2x5.69
1 Excedrin Migraine 8.29

Coupons-

$4/20 -I updated my e-mail and they sent me this.
$44.42 in ECB and other coupons

Total: .74+tax
ECB Earned: 1, 2, 10, 4
Saved: 66.59

Transaction 3:

1 Neutrogena Mascara 5.99
1 CVS Face Wipes 2.99

Used 8.99 in ECB and coupons

Total: -.01+tax
ECB Earned: 1, 4
Saved: 10.99


TOTAL SAVED: 113.36

My Year to Date Savings: 2051.55

Plus, I still have $22 in ECB to roll!

Check out www.moneysavingmom.com for more great deals this week!

Anyone see any other great deals? How did you do this week at CVS?

Target Deals

Powerade is $.62
Use $1/1 coupon to get it FREE plus overage. From today's paper.

Electrasol tablets are $2.79.
Use $2.25/1 from today's paper.
Final: .54

Prices are close to or similar at Wal-Mart.

Living Providently Meeting-July 22

Our next meeting will take place July 22 at 7:00 p.m. at my home.

This meeting will focus on starting, using, and rotating long term food storage.

• Bring a recipe using food storage items (and a sample if you would like).
• There will be food using basic items from food storage. :)
• If you don't want to make copies of your recipe, you can e-mail it to me and I will post it on the blog.
• We will also be placing an order from Emergency Essentials. Check out www.beprepared.com if you are interested. Check out the group discounts. We also get free shipping as a group.
• As always, if you have any questions regarding couponing and bargain shopping, there will be time after the meeting if you would like to stay. Bring your coupons to exchange!

See you there.

E-mail me at livingprovidently@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Best CVS Deals: Week of 7/6

Buy $10 Worth of Febreeze Products, Get $5 ECBs (Limit 1)

*DEAL*
Buy 2 Febreeze sprays at $3.99 each
Buy 2 Febreeze Air Effects at $2.50 each
Use 2 B1G1 coupons from the 07/06 P&G insert
Spend $7.98 out of pocket plus taxGet $5 ECBs

July Deals:

Buy 1 CVS Pantiliners at $0.99, Get $0.99 ECBs (Limit 2)
Free after ECBs!

Buy 1 5-ct. CVS Tampons at $1.49, Get $1.49 ECBs (Limit 2)
Free after ECBs!

Click here for more deals. Thanks, Money Saving Mom.

Order Multiple Sunday Paper from the AZ Republic!

You don't have to belong to one of those subscription only coupon sites now to get multiple sunday papers delivered to your website. Thanks to the awesome people at Pinching Your Pennies, you can get additional Sundays for only $.50.

Here is the link:

https://subscribe.azcentral.com/circpromos/promopages/pinchingyourpennies.php

Click here for the AZ PYP forum.

Free Farmland Bacon and Sausage

Basha's

Farmland Bacon: $1.99
Use $2/1 coupon from 6/8 Red Plum
Final Price: FREE

Albertson's

Farmland Sausage: 10/$10
Use $1/1 coupon from 6/8 Red Plum
Final Price: FREE

Wal-Mart carries these as well, so you can Ad-Match.
For future reference their bacon is $2.50 every day low price and $1.38 for the sausage.

Fry's Deals 7/9-7/15

Some of these prices are only good at the new Combs and Gantzel location.

General Mills Cereal: $1.50
Various Coupons from the Paper
Go to http://www.coupons.com/ and http://www.bettycrocker.com/ for coupons. Several varieties are included.
There will be more coupons for Cocoa Puffs on Sunday (see http://www.taylortownpreview.com/).
(Trix, Kix, Cocoa Puffs, Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios, Yogurt Burst Cheerios)
After coupons many cereals are only $.50.
(This price is only good at QC)

Rice or Pasta Roni: 10/$10
Use coupon from www.smartsource.com
Final Price: FREE

Milk: $1.88/gallon (Limit 2)

Red or green seedless grapes: $.77/pound

Broccoli: 10lbs./$1.00

On the Vine Tomatoes: $.88/lb.

Duracell Batteries: $1.00 final after $.50 coupon and P&G Promo. (Buy 3 get $3 off)

Johnson's Buddies Bars: Coupon for $2/2 here.
Free after coupon.
This is a new coupon, so you should be able to print two and get 4 for free.
This is an everyday price. They are also available at CVS and Wal-Mart for .99, and .94.

There is also a coupon for $20 in FREE groceries with a new or transferred prescription. This coupon does not expire until 9/5/08. It is good to have on hand if you get sick. I grabbed a few extra. CVS also takes these.