Budget Living

free gift cards

arizonacook — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:05:23 GMT

I've been earning FREE gift cards for places like Amazon just for doing a few searches on the net. I joined swagbucks and you get points for doing searches. this is REAL, I've gotten $30 so far for amazon (I like that more than the other places you can get gift cards for, but they have lots of prizes)

come on sign up, its free and fun and did I say FREE!!!

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/tucsoncook

Name 5 types of.....

jav4u — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:26:46 GMT

game..name 5 types of whatever is lister..then leave one for the next player...

here goes...

Name 5 types of cheeses...

whats your favorite shortcut in the kitchen?

jav4u — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:26:29 GMT

I love to use the microven to do my veggiees, i can control the heat more...

Whats your favorite shortcut?

Saving Money and Deals of the Week 11/16

buffetfan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:16:15 GMT

Let's mix it up a bit...tell us how you saved money and any great deals you've found. Share your national chain deals here for all of us!

Have you shopped at Alice.com?

Vera_ewash — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:44:04 GMT

I am just wondering how many have and did you find the price of products cheaper than your local prices?

I finally made my first order on Sunday Nov. 1st and received delivery on Friday, Nov. 6th. Yes, it only took 5 days from the time I placed the order to receive it!! Best of all, the shipping is always free! My box weighed 27lbs so imagine what the shipping charges would have been like?!

When you first set up your account, you can add general items that you normally buy (tp, foil, shampoo, soap, etc which is organized by room (kitchen, bathroom, pantry, etc.). Then when you shop you can shop by room. For instance you are shopping for bathroom items and you click on toilet paper. Once you click on toilet paper you can then browse through all the available brands...or you can shop by brand only or by coupons available. I also love the automatic coupon feature and how I can click on the coupon sticker next to any item and see how many are available and date of expiration. It is also notes the limit amount that each coupon can be used per costumer. You do not need to click on a coupon in order to use it, because if you add a product that has a coupon it is automatically attached to the item. One thing you should know however, is that because there are only so many coupons available you have to be cautious of how long you shop.....basically you haven't used it until you actually place and submit the order. A coupon just sitting in your shopping cart is still available for the next shopper to use!! So remember while you are ordering so are 100 other shoppers!! I didn't know I could click on coupns and check the available status and lost a $2.00. I was back and forth to the computer and then browsing at all of thier products whether I needed them or not just trying to get a feel of what was available :O

While you shop you can even view your shopping cart, sub-total and coupons located in a side frame to the right of the screen and keep track of your spending. Another great feature is that they have a re-order reminder system that you can set up for every 2 weeks, 4 weeks, etc. Every product you buy remaines in an organized compartment (picture of item included) so if you are in a hurry you can simply just drag and drop products right into your shopping cart the next time you come back to shop! Whiile browsing products and say you want to add a certain item, but don't need it today, you can add it to your shelf for a later order. New products are added to their inventory all the time too, so if you don't find it today, it may be there in the future. Note that there is a 5 item mininum purchase.

Also We live in a rural town and would normally have to drive 66 mile round trip just from home to the Spokane city limits and back home again. Once we reach city limits it's then another 30 or or so miles of driving around town to get to the stores! So not only did we save quite a bit on product prices, but it was big savings on both gas and time!!

Here is my first order of $71.60 and I've included the price and coupons redeemed:

Angel Soft 12 Double Roll....$7.47...-$.50...$6.97
Ivory Bar Soap, 4 pack....$2.43
Schick Razor, Slim Twin Fit Style for Him (12)....$6.10...-$1.00....$5.10
Bic Razor, Sensitive (12)...$2.96...-$2.00...$.96
Kotex, plastic, unsented, multi-pack...$5.50....-$.75....$4.75
Vaseline, Hydrating Body Lotion, Aloe & Cucumber 24.5oz....$5.45...-$1.00...$4.45
Colgate, Avanced Clean plus Whitening...$3.41...-$1.00...$2.41
Dawn Dish Soap, 24oz.....$3.16
Glad, Tall Kitchen Bags, 13 gal, 55 bags....$7.02
Ziplock Freezer, Quart, 40....$3.65...-$.45....$3.20
Ziplock, Sandwich, 100 bags....$2.88...-$.45...$2.33
Glad, Freezer, Gallon, 30 bags....$2.78
Lysol, 4-n-1, Anti-bacterial Kitchen Cleaner....$2.25
***-n-Span, Concentrate, Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 28oz....$1.97
Clorox Wipes, 2 pack, 150 wipes....$7.75....-$.50....$7.25
Fabreeze, Extra Duty, 27oz....$4.99
Renuzit Air Freshner, .....$1.32
Crystal Light, Lemon-Aid....4, pack-8qrts....$3.20

Sub-total $74.29, Coupon $7.65, Tax $4.96...Total $71.60

I will definitely shop Alice.com once a month! They only thing I cannot order through Alice would be the 40lb bags of dogfood...everthing else I can have shipped free to my door. If you have small dogs/cats there are a number of canned foods and small bags of dry available. The site also carries dog/cat treats, denta bones, and other pet supplies like shampoo, etc.

Interested in knowing others experiences!

Vera

Christmas 2009

Janetplanet — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:43:58 GMT

This group has been very slow. Let's hope we can liven things up a bit.

What are your recommendations for this Christmas season. I have heard and acknowledge people who tell me that things are tight this year, I totally understand since I was laid off from April to November and my husband was laid off last November and still hasn't been called back. So tired of doing the pity thing. What are doing this year to deal with the economic situation we are facing.

I made a lot of hot pepper mustard this summer and will incorporate them into gifts. Am going to cut back on Christmas cards, just send them to people who I don't see on a regular baeis. Might even use the email Christmas cards.

I used to send packages with goodies to my nephews and sisters, but will rethink this due to the UPS charges I was incurring. I would often spend as much on UPS as the package was worth. Last year I sent a box of Russel Stoffer candy to each of my husbands aunts, something I wanted to do since my MIL is now gone and I would like to recognize them, but I spent almost $80 on postage for those packages (there are six aunts).

What are you doing differently. I know that I need to fine tune things here, even though I was always frugal, this year is even more extreme.

Janetplanet

A more economical Thanksgiving this year?

ErikB — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:46:34 GMT

Is the current economy making you adjust your Thanksgiving menu this year?

For myself, I won't be buying two pies like I have in the past (before coming to Taste of Home!), instead I'll be making one Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Also, if you're able to avoid cutting back thanks to some money-saving tips for Thanksgiving, please share!

Erik

best local price on frozen turkey?

dianefromderby — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:12:48 GMT

Fareway Stores offered their own label of frozen, basted turkey for 40 cents/lb. I doubt it will go much lower (although it could, I suppose) and bought an 18# bird on Saturday.

What is the cheapest price you've seen locally? (nothing organic, nothing Butterball!)

Overabundance of green bell peppers and hot peppers

morbeto — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:57:39 GMT

We had an overabundance of green bell peppers and hot peppers from our garden this year. I diced a lot of green and red bell peppers and put in freezer bags for dishes or salads during the winter. I froze our hot peppers, jalepeno, aneheim, chili, cayenne, poblano and banana peppers whole so as to retain their heat when I can add them to any recipe. (We eat a lot of Mexican food). I also have put some of the peppers (not fully ripen) in brown paper bags to ripen them. I now have both red bell peppers and red, orange, hot peppers as well. I also decided to freeze bell peppers whole too, so that I can make stuffed peppers whenever I feel like it. I hung some of the hot peppers on a string to dry them out. There are endless possibilites when it comes to peppers.

great recipe for Christmas gifts

Janetplanet — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:09:11 GMT

Just discovered this and think it is a keeper. Will definitely include it in my gift baskets.

Caramel Corn Puffs

1 bag or box of corn puffs ( Like Kix or Corn Pops - check bulk bins - about 1 pound)

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup butter

1tsp baking soda

bring the brown sugar, corn syrup and butter to a boil. add the baking soda and stir. pour the corn puffs into a cake pan and pour the carmel over, stir to coat. bake at 250F stirring every 10 minutes for 45 minutes. let cool and enjoy.

Janetplanet

I have a coupon for a free box of Great Day Breakfast Piggies 'N Pancakes

JenniHusker — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:44:10 GMT

I can't use it. First interested person that sends me an private message may have it. I just don't want the coupon to go to waste. It expires 12/31/2009.

Hugs,

Jenni

Anoher food co-op

treehuggin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:44:18 GMT

This program works like Angel Food Ministries. It is called Great Food For All. www.greatfoodforall.com

From their website: "GFFA is a faith-based, non-denominational company which provides top-quality food products to virtually any interested person through local Host Sites on a monthly basis."

Here is the menu for December http://greatfoodforall.com/394328.ihtml

I have not tried it yet. You can find out if they have a site near you by going to the website.

Budget Secret Santa gift ideas

buffetfan — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:45:45 GMT

Times are tight for many and I've written an on-line article with some ideas for Secret Santa exchanges. They would also be great ideas for teachers. The link is below:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2390510/6_diy_secret_santa_gift_ideas_that.html?cat=46

I've also posted in recipes but thought this group would be good too. I hope you enjoy and get some good ideas.

Have you ever eaten quince jelly?

Janetplanet — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:29:39 GMT

A friend of mine gave me a grocery shopping bag full of quinces. I have directions for making jelly and understand that they have their own pectin. Hate wasting anything, but wonder what it tastes like. Will make them for Christmas presents if anyone here who has tasted it tells me it is a good thing. Let me know, and yes I know - I thought I was done canning.

Janetplanet

What can I do with leftover shampoo??

judylynn76_WV — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:51:42 GMT

I am guilty of buying new shampoo and never finishing the bottle. Usually, I don't like the way it makes my hair feel. What can I do with the leftovers?

CANNOT BELIEVE TARGET DUMPS FOOD RETURNS!!!!

schmit06 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:19:12 GMT

So, today I went to return some unused baby food that I bought a week ago, my infant seems to like fresh fruit and veggies and I did not want it to go to waste... I was shocked to see the sales clerk dump all 14 containers in the trash! I can understand if it was opened, but these were the Gerber type (I don't like to spend money on those, but it was a sale) and they were still in the cardboard box, still plastic sealed with the top and foil intact... what type of danger would that pose if it was resold??? I tried to re purchase, figuring I could just donate it and she would not sell it back to me! What a waste! I am so bothered by it.... money down the drain when so many people could use it.

How have you saved money this week? 11/2 - please share!

buffetfan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:03:57 GMT

I've saved money using coupons and planning my menu around my stores ad with B1G1 free deals!

Share your savings!

Costco KITCHENAID Mixer Offer - Great Deal (w coupon)

dutchmom4MI — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:37 GMT

When we left Costco this morning, we were given a coupon book for Thanksgiving weekend.

One of the coupons was ($50.00) off a KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixer (bowl lift) --- 475 watts, all metal construction, 5-quart stainless steel bowl.

Price with coupon: $229.99

~~Vicki

Free sample

arizonacook — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:44:00 GMT

I have been trying this new shampoo and conditioner that I got from a bzz kit, (If you want to know about bzz agent give me a PM) anyway I found this link so everyone else could try a free sample of it. I really like it. It says it could change your damaged hair in just 3 washes.

http://www.aveeno.com/hair-care/free-samples?epid=254&_mid=4903&_rid=4903.1800.4195\

Leftovers - Turkey, Ham & Other Holiday Foods

buffetfan — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:59:21 GMT

I thought it might be beneficial to some or all of us to start a thread of recipes that can easily use leftovers we may have from the upcoming holidays. We may cook turkey, ham, lamb (a splurge for sure!) or others for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah. We usually have leftovers and don't always want to eat them again the same way. Sometimes, though I get into a rut or an rushed to find something new to do with the leftovers. Share some of your favorite recipes that could use leftover turkey, ham, lamb, veggies, rice, potatoes, even herbs, etc.

If you have tips for freezing or any other ideas post those too. It's all about saving money, reusing and using up! Don't let things go to waste.

I'll get us started!

Name a FOOD that ends with the letter of my food!

jav4u — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:05:31 GMT

Yes, a Brain Game...

my food is EGGPLANT..

now you give a food that ends with a T..and leave on for the next person....this helps the brain think.....lol

Good article on your grocery budget. Includes some recipes

jeanna82 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:24:20 GMT

I found a good article on limiting your grocery budget, meal planning, and cooking basic things that are healthier for your family.

The first page is like the cover of the article (turned sideways) so scroll down a little to start the article.

JeannaMO

http://nchstd.documents.s3.amazonaws.com/More%20Month%20than%20Money%20PDF.pdf

KitchenAid mixer 42% off

ErikB — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:44:45 GMT

I get a daily e-mail from Amazon.com with the day's special sales. Usually it's nothing of interest, but today it's something so good I had to share. They have a KitchenAid mixer for $179 (42% off). With the holidays right around the corner I couldn't keep it to myself.

Here's the link.

Enjoy!

Erik

What's on YOUR Dinner Plate?

Little Miss Alicia — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:21:51 GMT

Just curios. I've been extremely busy with work and school lately, and this week is actually fairly calm. So, here I am. Tonight I had a couple of green bells peppers I have really been wanting to use, but haven't had the time to actually make a real meal, rather than sandwiches or cereal. So, I cooked some sausage, then realized I needed more to stuff the two peppers, so diced a couple of hotdogs and added them in the last minute to fry them a little. To that I added carrots, frozen celery, diced onions, and a drained can of corn. Seasoned it with whatever I had to imitate chili, and stuffed each half of pepper, and sprinkled with cheese... Not even noticeable that I had to "fake" food. What's for dinner at your house?

Have you ever not been able to afford things for a holiday meal?

enjoynature — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:54:53 GMT

Several times over the years,things were extremely tough and a traditional turkey or ham was no way affordable in the budget The Lord had someone in mind to bless us with a turkey for a meal one Thanksgiving. Someone handed me one because they were going away and wouldn't need the one they bought at the store. A Christimas meal one year we couldn't afford the traditional ham like other do. I made the food fancy with what I had on hand. I have always learned to cook and make something out of nothing and people be full. Sometimes in life you have to look at what you do have and make it worth it all. Don't look at what others have and you don't have. But be THANKFUL for what you do RICHLY have that the LORD has provided.