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.