Cheap Mom in Charlotte

This week I have three very, very awesome deals.....

The first is the Kellog's cereal at Target. Here's the deal:
1. They're on sale for $2.66 per box.
2. They are buy 3, get one free, which brings them down to $2/box
3. Coupons.com had a coupon for 2 different ones, for $1 each, and then I had 2 coupons for .75 each from the back of a box of cereal. (This brings 4 boxes down to $1 each, the other 4 stayed at $2.)
4. Then, Target.com has a weekly coupons. I printed out 6 of the $1 Kellogs cereal. (Target won't let you use a coupon on a "free" box.) This brought 4 boxes to free, 2 to $1, and 2 stayed at $2....Basically, for 8 boxes of cereal I paid $6. Not too bad!

The 2nd deal was the half off Halloween costumes at Target. My son already knows what he wants to be next year...A clone trouper....Again. (He's been a different clone trouper for the past 2 years. Apparently, although they look the same, they are very different, or so I'm told.) We found his costume for $20....Compared to the $54 I spend this year.

The 3rd deal was at the Disney Store. Most of their costumes stayed at regular price. HOWEVER, there were several, including Mulan, Aladin, Jasmine, Alice, High School Musical, and TinkerBell that were discounted to 75% off....My daughter is going to be Jasmine next year, and for $14.99 each, we bought her Alice and a High School Musical cheer costume for Christmas gifts. Not bad for $44.50 and more as an original price!

In my world, I don't have much time to cook. So, I subscribe to the eat 1, freeze 2 philosophy. Each week, I make at least 3 of something, whether it's main dishes, sides, or dessert. I even do this with breakfast! My thought process is that it doesn't take that much longer to make 3, while I'm making the one, and I have extra for the following weeks. Also, I buy a good amount of the meat that's on sale, and we still get a good variety.

For example, last week chicken was on a very good sale. S, I purchased 12 pounds of chicken. I made 3 orders of chicken teriyaki and three of chicken cacciatore. We had one of each this week, and I have two meals of each in the freezer, which will tide us over until our next week that chicken is on sale. Next week, it may be pork. I spend less, and have meals on hand!

Okay, okay...First, and foremost STOCK UP on your baking supplies for the next few weeks! Flour and sugar don't go bad, and they are rarely on a super good sale, so get a bunch! Harris Teeter this week has their bags of flour on sale for $.99 a bag--Over half off! Also, e-Vic gets a $.99 bag of sugar--NOT BAD!

One thing I'm doing this week is baking some and freezing for the weeks to come--My October recipe for Chocolate Zucchini Cake is going to be made into cupcakes for the kid's lunches, as well as some banana bread muffins. Just make your favorite muffins/cupcakes (unfrosted), cool, and freeze individually. They are great for the kid's lunches, as well as quick snacks for my husband and myself.

In addition, this week Harris Teeter has their chicken breasts BOGO again. So, this week's recipe will be for "Cheesy Chicken Bundles" again from "Don't Panic-Dinner's in the Freezer!" These are great, juicy, and my kids love them--Even my dad would eat them! (hint, hint, mom!)

1 c. bread crumbs
1/2 c. cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 c. parmesan cheese, grated
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 c. butter (I use 1/4 c., but you be the judge)

For serving, 2T butter and 1/4c. grated parmesan

Mix together bread crumbs, cheeses, salt and pepper. Dip chicken in melted butter, then in cheese mixutre. tuck sides of chicken breasts under (I usually butterfly them and dip and then just fold back). To freeze, wrap each bundle in plastic wrap and then place in freezer bags.

To cook, defrost completely. Place in large shallow baking dish. Melt butter and pour over bundles. Sprinkle with parmesan. Bake at 350 deg for one hour.

Now, I know that butter is out of the question for some of you, but I'd like to point out, MOM, that each peice of chicken really only gets about 1 1/2 tsp total, if that....And, this is so juicy and yummy, that it's worth it!

For the week of October 30, HT has ground chicken BOGO, and since ground beef is pretty inexpensive, I'll make two meatloaves--My husband's favorite! This one is also from "Don't Panic--Dinner's in the Freezer!"...YUM!

1 T oil
2 minced onion
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 t thyme
2/3 c milk
2 eggs
1/2 c ketchup
1 c breadcrumbs
2 1/2 t salt
1 t pepper
2 lbs ground beef
1 lb ground chicken

Cook onions in oil about 2 min. Add garlic and tyme and cook 1 more minute, set aside. Combine all other ingredients. Add in onion mix and stir well. Freeze meat in loaves. (I make 2 from this...You may make 3 or 4, depending on appetites.)

To serve,
Thaw loaf and place in baking dish. Bake at 350 deg. for 1 1/2 hours. is 1/2 c katchup and 2 T brown sugar and pour over for the last 1/2 hour of baking time.

For the week of October 24, Harris Teeter has not only the chicken breasts BOGO, but also the Libby mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks, so it's the perfect week for "Don't Panic--Dinner's in The Freezer" 's Hawaiian Chicken. Here it is:

9 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 16 oz cans pineapple chunks, drained
3 15 oz cans mandarin oranges, drained
6 T. cornstarch
3/4 c brown sugar
6 T. soysauce
6 T. lemon juice
1 1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. ground ginger
3/4 t. ground red pepper

rice
green pepper chunks (optional)

Cut up chicken and divide between 3 gallon size freezer bags. mix together fruit, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, juice, salt, ginger, and pepper and pour over chicken. Freeze.

To serve:
place chicken in crock pot, cover, cook on low 4-5 hours. Add green pepper one hour before serving. Serve over rice.

**I chop up the pepper and bag it seperately. Also, this is really yummy with the chow mein noodles on top!

It's the week of October 15, and Harris Teeter's great deal seems to be on butter ($.97) and eggs for this week, so that's what I'm making and freezing.

Quick Quiche

3 pie crusts and 3 disposable pie pans
9 eggs
3 c. milk
3/4 tsp. salt
4 1/2 c. monterey jack, cheddar jack, or any cheese you like, shredded
3-9 inch pie crusts
3 cups grated cheddar
**Your choice of ingredients cut into bite size peices--Suggestion per quiche--Mix it up!-1 can green chilies, 1/2 c tomato, 1/4 c green onion, or 1/2 c onion 1/2 c crumbled bacon, or 1/2 c squash 1/4 c onion 1/2 c zuchini....Whatever you have in the house....

Oven to 400 degrees. Beat eggs, milk and salt. Spread 1 1/2 c. of your choice cheee on the bottom of each of the pie crusts. Spread your choice of ingredients over the cheese, then egg mixture. Top with 1 c. of your choice cheese.

Bake for 40 minutes or until a knife in the center comes out clean. Cool completely Freeze by double wrapping in plastic wrap.

To serve--Defrost completely and heat in 350 deg oven until warm.

Frittata

18 eggs
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
6 one gallon freezer bags (always, always double bag...)
Your choice of veggies/meats--You'll need roughly a total of 6-8 c of your choice for 3. See above. Also, cheese is pretty good on top. Also, the way the original of this recipe reads, you use asparagus and boiled potato, but I also add onion to it.

Divide your choice of veggies and meats into the 3 bags
Lightly beat 6 eggs and add in 1/2 c cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. Pour into one bag. Repeat for other 3. Seal bags.

To cook:
Grease 8x8 inch pan and pour frittata into it. Bake at 425 deg for 30 minutes, or until egg is done.

Also, I received a bunch of zucchini this week from the coop, so here's my chocolate zucchini cake recipe:

Chocolate Zucchini Cake (I like to make 24 "cupcakes" and freeze them for the kid's lunches.)

2 1/4 c flour
1/2c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1 3/4 c sugar
1/2 c butter, room temperature
1/2 c. apple sauce
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c milk
1 1/2 - 2 cups grated zucchini
2 cups chocolate chips

Oven to 325 deg
Flour 13/9 in pan, or use muffin cups

Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda, and salt in med bowl. In a large bowl, beat sugar, butter, applesauce until blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Beat in vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk in 3 additions each. Mix in grated zucchini and 1 c chocolate chips. Pour into pan and sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Bake about 50 minutes (35 min for cupcakes), or until toothpick comes out clean.

To freeze cupcakes: Cool completely on wire rack. Individually wrap each in plastic wrap and freeze. To serve, defrost to room temp, or a few seconds in the microwave.

I know, I know, the word "coupons" is riddled with anticipation of hard work, all to save money in increments of $.50, or even less.

First of all, I want to point out that, being one of the world's cheapest humans, I think that coupons are great! If you don't believe me, do this for one month: Use coupons religeously using the couponmom.com website. Every time you use a coupon, put that amount of money in a jar. At the end of the month, count up the money you save and see what you have....I'll bet it's around $30-$50...Try it and see.

Secondly, I wanted to point out that coupons aren't just for groceries. I use them for everything from photo studios to purchases at home improvement stores. When you know where you're headed, it's a great idea to go online to see what you can find. Also, when you encounter coupons in magazines, grab them! I'm a huge Gymboree shopper, and I grab the 20% off total purchase coupons everywhere I can.

The great thing about couponmom.com is that you don't have to clip and organize--All you do is write the date on the front of each circular, and stick it at the back of the pile. Then, when you're ready to go, you can clip and run. It totally only takes about 15-30 minutes from start to finish.

Be aware of a few thing--Many stores reciprocate. For example, Lowe's and Home Depot will allow you to use each other's coupons. Also, Target and CVS coupons for the $10 gift cards are interchangeable. In addition, Harris Teeter will honor all grocery store coupons from their area. And, even if they don't have the policy, don't hesitate to ask--Be brazen. I've had many honored just by mentioning that I could just go to that store instead, then.

A few coupons that aren't commonly known about:

Drug coupons/discount cards--When you are given a prescription, ask your doctor, even if their office doesn't give out samples, if they have any discount cards for that prescription. I have received a few over the years--One I received recently is totally picking up what the insurance doesn't pay for a prescription for 10 months! (And, I get it filled between Target and CVS, so I get the $10 gift card each time!)

Meat coupons--Wine bottles sometimes have "wine tags" on them, offering a discount of $1-$2 on meats. I recently learned this on a site, and lo and behold, went to Harris Teeter and found a few. North Carolina is a state that doesn't require the purchase of alcohol to use the discount, so grab those wine cards if you live here! If not, check out your state's policy...

Photo studio coupons--I have a friend who gets her daughter's photo taken monthly, and goes to three different studios in the same mall to get the photos done, only getting the free ones....Not too bad! I don't know if I have the time, but it would be interesting to try once I'm not nursing any more...

Home Improvement stores-Every so often, I get a coupon for 10% at my local home improvement store. These are interchangeable, so keep in mind that, even if you want something at another store, you can finagle it! Also, remember the price matching guarantee of many chains...When in doubt, just ask for the discount anyway....It can't hurt!

I know, I know, my first little exerpt really wasn't so informational. My point was, I hope, that I wanted to give you an overview of how I shop. Then, I was going in for the kill with the details....

I recently was shopping with my friend, Tanya. She really didn't believe that I spent less than half typically for my groceries and wanted to see for herself. I'm proud to say that, although the total for my groceries retail was $289, I ended up paying $140--Only because I FORGOT (What can I say, I was distracted) that I had a 10% my total grocery purchase from BILO from this year's Entertainment book (Yes, HT honors BILO coupons)!!! Oh, well. :)

Before I even get to Harris Teeter (or whatever grocery store you choose), I want to mention produce coops. Many communities have these--They're a non profit group that gets together to purchase produce wholesale. Ours, here in the Charlotte area is yourneighborhoodproduce.com. We get, for a mere $17.50, enough produce to last us 2 weeks. I do supplement every now and again with something on sale, but overall, for the price, you can't beat it!

Now, on to my grocery list. I have 3 categories of items that I purchase: The first is my needs--I have to buy these no matter what. I look up that item in the grocery coupon database to find my best deal, but I know I'm stuck either way. Diapers and milk fit into this category. Next, I look for items that I know that we'll use that are 50% or more off the purchase price. This category is for lunch meat (it can freeze nicely, so I can buy a good bit), cheese, and meats, and lunch box goodies for my kids, as well as cereal. The third are things that are so dirt cheap that, it doesn't matter whether or not I need them--I can donate them to the local food bank if I don't use them. (This brings to mind the salad dressings that were buy 2, get 3 free and I had 5 coupons, and I actually was paid $1.40 to take them off their hands!)

I did want you all to note that it seems that grocers go in cycles. For a while, I'll get cereal for $1, and then it won't go on sale again for a few months. So, buy up when you can, for tomorrow you shall have to buy retail!

Sometimes, things are out of stock, but don't give up--Many times, my local grocer will substitute items, and I can always get a rain check.

One word of warning--DO NOT BUY SOMETHING YOU WON'T EAT/USE--EVER. I do enjoy trying new items, but sometimes, you know it's a loser in advance. I compare this to frozen burritos to Savorings. I purchased 5 burritos about a year ago...Our family really doesn't eat burritos, and we tend to not eat packaged food. Guess where the burritos still are? In the freezer. They may have been cheap, but who cares? It's money thrown away. However, I did once pick up for about $1 a box of those Savorings. They are delicious, and when you need a quick munchie for guests, they're great! I tried one, and loved it! Try new things, but don't go nuts, just because you can!

I am amazed at how much folks spend these days on kid's clothes! Having 3 with such a wide age difference, I'm always out for a deal.

My rules for Gymboree are as follows:

1. NEVER, EVER shop there unless you have a 20% or 30% off coupon. These are in magazines, typically the "family" type. Also, get on their mailing list--You'll get them in the mail regularly that way.

2. Sign up, not for the credit card, but for the rewards program--$5 is still $5.

3. Never pay full price for something. I tend to buy a season ahead. Also, becuase they come out with so many lines each year, you can actually get fall items on a very deep sale in the fall. Typically, I won't look at an item unless it's at least 40% off the original price or really, really, really cute and 20% off.

4. Shop when they offer "Gymbucks"--You can apply these to another sale later on, typically 2 to 5 weeks after your original trip. You need to spend $50 to receive $25 in Gymbucks. To optimize your bucks, get as close as you can to the nearest increment without going too much over. You can typically get other items on your return trip to redeem the Gymbucks.

5. When redeeming Gymbucks, get as close as you can to the minimum you must spend to redeem the bucks. For example, the last time I shopped, my first trip I spent $118, which gave me $50 in Gymbucks. On the return trip to redeem the Gymbucks, I had to spend $100 to redeem them all. I spent a grand total of $101...On 3 dresses, 2 pairs of pants, 4 tops for my infant, 1 jumper for my infant, and 2 t-shirts for my daughter. My total that I had to pay was $56, after the Gymbucks were redeemed.

6. Find a sympathetic sales person. Most of the ladies that work there are just like me--A mom in search of a super cute outfit at a discount, hence the job. So, I will just ask them--What do you have in my daughter's size in the back that's on sale? They have a TON in the back usually--We've gotten shirts and shorts for under $3 each!

7. Don't bother with the outlets. They do start out at a much lower original price, but the sales aren't as good and they don't accept the coupons.

8. Remember, if they don't have it in your child's size, they can call and order it from the store to be delivered to your home free of charge--You just pay for the item right there over the phone. But, they have to call, so don't be afraid to ask!

If you follow these steps, just think--If a pair of jeans is marked down from $29.50 to $18.99, then you use the coupon, you'll get them for $15. If you use Gymbucks for the same pair of jeans, you'll get them for $9.50! My favorite sale ever was the romper with the classic car on it for my son, which was marked down to $6.99. I actually paid $3.50 for it, after the Gymbucks! Not too shabby!

Okay, pharmacies are overpriced, right? It is indeed true, BUT, they, too have low price leaders. I have friends who go every week to all three biggies in our area--CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. Personally, I have 2 CVS stores within a mile of my home, so that's the one I hit just about weekly.

Here's what CVS does: They offer items, and give you "CVS Bucks"--Dollar amount credit toward your next purchase. So, for example, let's say you purchase a toothbrush that is $1.99 with $1.99 CVS Bucks. You'll pay the $1.99 this week, but you have that amount to spend next week. The trick is to use the CVS Bucks to get more CVS Bucks.

You need to get a CVS store card to get these, and make sure to register it on CVS.com--You'll get all sorts of great discounts that way!

This is how to shop there. Run through your circular on Sunday, looking for free items. I also go to couponmom.com and see what they have for deals. I clip my coupons and make my list. Then, I head over to pick up my items, making sure to wander around in the pharmacy area to see if anyone has left them.

Typically, I find toothpaste, deoderant, and hair/skin products for free or very, very close. Also, I have an entire closet of school supplies I purchased for free. I actually purchased enough rulers for my son's entire class for....free! My criteria is that I have to spend less than $2, but save more than 75%....

Play the game!

Okay--Eating out is a luxury and not totally necessary. However, it is something that we really, really enjoy. Since I discovered restaurant.com, we don't eat out for free, but we do manage to eat out at nicer restaurants for McDonald's prices.

Here's how it works. You purchase a $25 credit toward a restaurant of your choice on the site for $10. (I NEVER pay that much--I pay less, but I'll get to that in a minute, so make sure you read to the end.) You typically are required to spend $35 at the restaurant to get this discount. Sometimes, we spend more, but typically, that's about right for our family of 4. When my husband and I have gone out by ourselves, we've occasionally had to order a pizza to go, or a dessert to make the amount, but still, we end up paying around $10-$15 out of pocket at the restaurant.

HERE'S HOW TO SAVE EVEN MORE!!!!! Restaurant.com has a sign up to receive emails from them--SIGN UP FOR IT!!!!! They will occasionally put their coupons on for 70% or even 80% off--So, you get a $25 restaurant credit for $2!!!! And, they're good for a year from purchase, so you can purchase a few, print them out and save them!

Your typical expenditure for a meal at a nicer restaurant will be well under $20!