5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 10/02-10/08

These deals are shared as part of this week's Be CentsAble Grocery Gathering.

Dollar doubler coupons are back! These will allow you to double a manufacturer's coupon valued at $1 - and up to four in a minimum $15 transaction. Recent months have not had these doubler coupons available in the in-store ads, so keep your newspaper ads' doublers! We haven't had time to check/print all of these links ourselves, so caveat printor!

Here we go, here we go:

1. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, 2/$4
   Use the $1/1 printable here and dollar double it to get it FREE!
   
   
2. Pillsbury Toaster Strudels, 2/$5
   Use the $1/1 printable here and dollar double it to get them for $0.50/box
   
   Note: there is also a $1/1 Pillsbury Grands biscuit coupon here which would probably make for some cheap Grands when dollar-doubled! Also a $1/1 Pillsbury Savorings coupon which, dollar doubled, would make them about half-price.
   
   
3. Pampers Jumbo Diapers, $8.88
   Coupons:
   $3/1 wipes and diapers, 06/28 RP
   $2/1 Cruisers, 08/02 SS2 and 09/20 SS
   $2/1 Swaddlers, 08/02 SS2 and 09/20 SS
   $6.88 for a jumbo pack of Pampers is a good deal!
   
   
4. Wisk 2X Liquid Laundry Detergent, BOGO
   $1/1 printable here, use two since you're buying two
   Dollar double them, too!
   Final price: 2 for $2.49, or $1.25/jug. Compare with original price of $6.49/each! That's 81% off!
   
   
5. Dannon Activia 4-Packs, 2/$4
   $1/1, 07/26, 08/09, 08/30 SS inserts
   Dollar double the coupons to get them FREE!
   
   
6. Bonus FREEBIE reason:
   Reach Dental Floss is 10/$10
   $1/1 coupons, 04/26 RP, 06/21 SS
   $0.50/1 coupons, 03/15 SS, 08/02 SS2
   $0.50/1 Reach Product
   $1.50/2 Reach Products
   

Other deals and Giant coupon matchups that we spotted for the week of October 2 through October 8:

Porterhouse of T-Bone Steak, $4.99/lb. (Save $5/lb.)

Strawberries, 1 lb. package, 2/$4 (Save $0.99/each)

Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops, $2.99/lb. (Save $2/lb.)

Pepsi 12-packs, 4/$10, must buy 4, and one of the four must be a diet 12-pack

SUPER G Roasting Chicken, 6-8 lb. average weight, $0.99/lb.

Weight Watchers Smart Ones, 6/$10
$1/5 printable available here
Dollar double it!
Final price: 5 for $6.33, or $1.27 each!
Also a $1/3 SmartOnes Flatbreads or Pizza Minis available here. (Not sure if these are included in the sale price.)

Banquet Frozen Chicken, $3.99
Use $1 coupon from August All You, dollar doubled
Final price: $1.99

Snow Crab Clusters, $4.99/lb., save at least $4/lb.
These crab clusters intimidate me - anybody have ideas about how to prepare them?

10/$10
Bumble Bee Tuna
Progresso Vegetable Classics Soup - $0.50/2 or $1/4, 09/13 insert (Final: $0.50/can) Also $1/3 here, final after dollar double: $0.33/can!
Giant Frozen Vegetables
Giant White Bread
Banquet Brown 'N Serve Links or Patties
Fresh Sweet Red Peppers (save at least $1.49/lb.!)
Chobani Greek Yoghurt, 6 oz.
Del Monte canned vegetables - use the $1/5, 09/20 RP, final price with dollar double = $0.60/can
Pasta Roni or Rice-A-Roni

Yoplait Yoghurt, 20/$10
$0.50/6, coupons.com
Final price: $0.33/cup

Stonyfield Farm Organic Yoghurt 6 oz. cups, 4/$3
$0.50/3 printable available here, should double
Final price: 3 for $1.25, or $0.42/each

Giant Cheese Board Cheese - 8 oz. blocks - 2/$4

Sargento Shredded Cheese, 2/$5

Eden Organic Quinoa, $3.99 (normally $4.99) - try a vegetable paella with the fresh red peppers, canned Del Monte veggies, and Hanover beans!

Chock Full o'Nuts Coffee, $2.99 (robust, tasty coffee, in my experience)
$0.75/1, 08/30 SS, should double
Final price: $1.49!

Hanover Beans, 4/$3

McCormick Sauce, Seasoning, or Gravy Mix, 10/$10

Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Breads, $2.49

Martin's Whole Wheat Potato Bread, $1.69

Stroehmann Dutch Country Breads, $1.99

CareOne Vitamins or Supplements, BOGO

Osteo Bi-Flex, BOGO
$5/1 printable here, use two!

Halls Cough Drops, 10/$10
$0.35/1, 09/27 SS, should double
Final price: $0.30/bag!

Pure Protein Bar, 10/$10
BOGO, 08/30 RP
Final price: $0.50/bar

Nestle Pretzel Flipz chocolate-covered pretzels, 4-5 oz. bags in milk, white, or dark chocolate, 10/$10
This is cheap for these! I should know because...uh...let's just say they're a constant craving.

Pillsbury Cake Mix, 10/$10

Betty Crocker Frosting, 3/$5
Betty Crocker Cake Mix, 10/$10
$0.50/frosting AND cake mix, should double
Final price: $1.66 for both

Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper, 3/$5
$0.75/3, should double
Final price: 3 for $3.50, or $1.17/each

Chex Mix, 2/$5
$0.50/1 4 oz.+
Final price: $1.50/bag

Betty Crocker Flavored Mashed Potatoes, 3/$5
Possible $1/1 - dollar double to get it free?
$0.40/1 pouch potatoes, 09/13 SS, final price: $0.86/each
$0.25/1, 09/13 GM insert
Final price: $1.16/box

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, 2/$4
$0.50/2, should double, or 08/09 SS2 insert for $0.50/2
Final price: $1.50/each

Chex Mix Bars, 2/$5

$0.60/1, should double
$1/1, dollar double it

Final price: $1.30-$1.50/box

Nature Valley Chewy or Crunchy Granola Bars (and other varieties)
$1/2 here
Final price, dollar doubled: $2/box

Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, 3/$5
$0.50/2 here, should double
Final price: $1.16/each

Pillsbury Cookie Dough, 2/$5
Use the $1/2 here
Final price, dollar doubled: 2/$3

Sobe Lifewater, $0.88
$0.25/1, should double
Final price: $0.38/bottle

Other $1 coupons bound to score some deals when dollar-doubled:

There also a $1/1 Cascadian Farm coupon here that will probably be usable with a dollar doubler. Since Cascadian Farm frozen fruits or veggies range $2-4, you can get some organic fruits or veggies very cheaply!

Go here to get a $1/1 bag of Nestle candy AND a coupon for $1/1 bag of Wonka Candy.

Go here to get a $1/1 Starbucks Frappuccino. Probably free Fraps!

Did you spot any other deals or matchups this week at Giant? Let us know! Post a comment! :)
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Works for Me Wednesday: Cleaning the Bathroom

It's Wednesday again - time for another "Works for Me!" tip, inspired by the blog carnival/series at We are THAT Family. To see this week's Works for Me Wednesday carnival, click here.

This week I wanted to share a tip I've picked up since having a baby. We do bathtime or shower time each night, and sometimes it involves significant waiting and sitting for me. Regardless, it's always at least 5 minutes, and the bathroom we use for bathing our toddler is the bathroom visitors to our home use.

That said, I feel obliged to keep it as clean as possible. To do this, I use those 5-10 minutes during bath/shower time to clean one thing at a time. Tonight I was able to scrub the toilet and scrub the sink. Sometimes I just disinfect the countertop, light switches, handles and faucet with a disinfectant wipe. Sometimes I Windex the mirrors. Other times I sweep the floor, and other times I take out the trash and replace the trash bag. Whatever the case, adding these small tasks up 3-5 times a week makes for a clean bathroom all the time. Not sparkling, but considerably clean. And that works for me!

Note: if you don't have a toddler bath time in your daily schedule, consider completing one cleaning task in your bathroom(s) each night regardless. Keeping up with one thing at a time and 5 minutes at a time is a lot easier than spending an hour on it twice a month!

Tuesday Deals Roundup - Free Redbox Movie Rentals, Free Giant Coupons, Free Cookbook, Free Photobook!

Today is the last day for Bloom's Super Duper Doubles! Check out our listing of matchups, and add some of your own if you are so inclined. There are a good number of freebies that you could snag if you live near a Bloom, so consider a trip some time today.

Penny Possibilities just wrote a post about a Giant grocery store magazine called Small Victories that includes in-store coupons. We're not sure if it is limited strictly to MD-address-based customers, but if you are in MD, it could definitely make for some freebies and cheap deals! Thanks for the heads-up, Penny Possibilities!

Frugal Coupon Mom posted a list of all active/valid freebie Redbox rental codes. Sweeeeeeeet! Thanks, FCM! Find your local Redbox locations here.

Bargain Briana told us how to get a FREE Gold Medal Whole Wheat cookbook here. She also posted about how to claim a FREE 5x7 photo book from Walgreens via Facebook. Thanks, Briana!

Menu Plan Monday

Menu Plan Monday is here already... and we finish September this week! Can you believe it?!

I'm transitioning to more of a fall menu mindset (and using my oven more and grill less) as I notice butternut squash and pumpkins in the grocery stores. Yeah!

Here's what's on our docket for this week:
Monday: Crock pot barbecue chicken, black bean & corn salad, sweet potatoes
Tuesday: Chicken cobb burgers, twice baked potatoes, grilled pineapple
Wednesday: Chili-Lime Shrimp, steamed veggies
Thursday: Leftover buffet!
Friday: Frozen Safeway pizza found on sale w/ Super Coupon yesterday, veggies & dip

Head over to Org Junkie for more Menu Plan Monday inspiration!

Bloom Super Duper Doubles Matchups, 09/25-09/29 - Includes FREEBIES!

Here are some Bloom matchups from this week's Bloom ad for Super Duper Double Coupons. These aren't all the deals; my main focus was on freebies, BOGOs, or matchups involving coupons valued at more than $1. If we catch wind of other deals or other blogs' deal coverage, we'll add the deals or others' deal links to this same post, so check back here later before you take off for your Bloom trip! Also - be sure to call your local Bloom to make sure that it is participating before you make the drive.

Feel free to post any other deals or matchups you've discovered in the comments!

Dannon Activia, 2/$4
$1/1 coupon, 07/26 SS, 08/09 SS, 08/30 SS
Final price: FREE!

Coffee Mate, 3/$5
$1.50/1 printable
Final price: FREE (or overage...?)

Arm & Hammer Complete Care Toothpaste, BOGO
Buy two at $3.79
Use two printable $1/1 coupons
Final price: FREE (or overage...?)

Purex Laundry Detergent, BOGO
Buy 2 for $5.29
Use two of the printable $0.50/1 coupons
Final price: 2/$3.29, or ~$1.65/each (compare with $5.29 each!)

Hunt's Snack Packs, $0.97
$1/4 Snack Packs, October All You magazine
Final price: $0.47

Dial Body Wash, 2/$7
$1 printable available here
Final price: $1.50/bottle

Campbell's V8 Soups, 2/$5
$1/2, September All You magazine or 09/20 SS
Final price: $1.50/each

Finish Gelpacs or Power Ball Tabs 20-packs, $3.97
$1/2 or $0.75/1, 08/30 SS
Lowest possible price: $2.47 (about half price)

Knorr Rice or Pasta Sides, $0.98
$0.50/, $0.60/, or $0.75/2, 08/02 RP
Lowest possible price: $0.23/each

DiGiorno Pizzas, 2/$11
$1/1 pizzas, 06/14 and 08/02 SS
Final price: $3.50

Reader Suzy did some cra-hazy trips at Bloom this past weekend. Check out her finds here.
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Whoa, Nelly! Bloom Doubles Coupons 09/25-09/29, up to $1.99

My mother-in-law gets the gold star today for grocery scoops: Bloom is doing Super Duper Double Coupons September 25-29. Her email had me digging to page A19 of today's Washington Post to find the Bloom ad. THANKS for the email! :)

Here are the parameters:

• Double manufacturer coupons up to $1.99 in face value
  
• Limit 20 coupons per visit, per day
• No cash back for transactions involving overage

I will do a quick sniff-through of the Bloom ad for any spectacular deals and report back later today. Edit: We posted Bloom Super Duper Double Coupons matchups here, including lots of freebies and cheapies! Be sure to call your local Bloom to make sure that it is participating before you make the drive.

And by the way...is that Sigourney Weaver on the bottom of the Bloom ad working some double coupon magic? :)
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Clothing Deals This Weekend - Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, Etc.!

What is it about this weekend? It's not even a holiday weekend, and the clothing retailers are coming out swinging.

Macy's orders over $99 ship free with code ALLFALL. Shoe sale has styles 40% off, and a dress sale is going on too. Clicking to Macy's through ebates earns you 5% cash back.

Through September 28, Ralph Lauren is offering an extra 20% off final sale items. No code required. Clicking to RalphLauren.com through ebates earns you 3% cash back.

Today is the last day to get 20% off sale items at Gap online, using code EXTRA20 at checkout. Clicking to Gap.com through ebates earns you 8% cash back.

Babies R Us is offering 30% off your entire clothing and shoe purchase, newborn through 4T, by using this in-store coupon.

Through September 27, Banana Republic is offering $20 off a $75 purchase. Enter code BRSAVE20 at checkout. Click to bananarepublic.com through ebates to earn 8% cash back.

Through 10/8/09, save 15% off an order of $75 or more - and get free shipping! - at Old Navy. Enter code ONPLUS15 at checkout. Click to oldnavy.com through ebates to earn 8% cash back.

Through 09/27, receive 40% off store-wide using the code 478 at The Limited. Orders over $100 ship free. Click to thelimited.com through ebates to earn 2.5% cash back.

Do you know of any other hot clothing deals this weekend? Post a comment if so! :)
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Hot Coupon - 30% Off Entire Babies R Us Clothing and Shoe Purchase

It's hot!! Use this Babies R Us coupon through October 4, 2009 to get 30% off your entire Babies R U clothing and shoe purchase - on clothes ages 0 through 48 months. (The fine print says: "Excludes sizes larger than 4T.") Find your local Babies R Us here.
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Free Shipping at English Tea Store ($20 Minimum)

Those of you who have spent any time in the UK know how embarrassingly easy it is to get hooked on British creature comforts. Does anybody else have Pavlovian reactions just reading the word Cadbury?

In any case, it can be hard to find authentic Brit treats with free shipping deals. Three or four times each year, English Tea Store does a low-minimum free shipping deal (their normal minimum required purchase amount is $75). Until October 31, if you use the code fall09, you can get free shipping on all orders over $20 in value. I've ordered from them before and have been very satisfied with their products and delivery in the past.

Among the selections at English Tea Store:

• All sorts of teas - bags, loose leaf, assortments, etc. A tea drinker's dream come true!
• Kettles
• Gift baskets
• Teapots and porcelain china
• Infusers and other accessories
• Clotted cream, honey, lemon curd, other jams
• Biscuits, cookies, shortbread
• Nestle, Cadbury, Mars, and other candies
• Other British snacks and treats
  

Ruminate on gift possibilities in the Christmas realm...

5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 09/25-10/01

OOOOooooowwweeeee, I was excited to see some BOGO deals in the Giant ad for this coming week!

These deals are shared as part of this week's Be CentsAble Grocery Gathering.

Top Five Reasons to Visit Giant This Week

1. Philadelphia Cream Cheese (8 oz. bar) is BOGO. In my Giant, there was a small coupon booklet at the front of the store, near the produce entrance. There was an elaborate display of baking items (chocolate chips, corn syrup, etc.), and this booklet of manufacturer coupons was presented on the display. One of the coupons was for $1.25 off the purchase of any three items - including Philly Cream Cheese. SO, if you pick up a couple of these booklets, and 6 cream cheeses, you will save $2.50 off the price of three, for six packages. I don't buy Philly regularly enough to know what it should cost (at least until this coming week!), but if it's normally $3/package, this scenario would give you 6 packs for $6.50 - and during the holiday season, $0.50-$1.50/package is a typical sale/coupon price. Also, its shelf life is pretty long, so you could consider this a cream cheese stockup.
   
   
2. Ragu Pasta sauce is BOGO.
   $0.60/2 printable here.
   Was also $0.60/2 in the 08/02 paper RP; could expire as soon as 09/27.
   Priced normally around $2.60/jar.
   Final after automatically doubled coupon: $0.70/jar.
   
   
3. Veggies! After a couple of sparse weeks in terms of produce loss-leaders, we have a good assortment of veggies available at lower prices:
   $1.77/bag for Giant European Salads and Dole Salad Blends. Salads are normally $2.50-$3/bag, so this is a deal. Look closely in your salad section for a Dole blinkie (these are often up in my Giant's salad section).
   $1.77/lb. for tomatoes on the vine.
   $1.77/lb. for fresh asparagus - this time of year, too! Otherwise it retails about $3/lb. so you are getting a good deal on asparagus with this. Try it roasted with wasabi (mmm!) or make some asparagus soup.
   
   
4. Deal: Buy Hormel Natural Choice Lunchmeat and get 1 free Nature's Promise Sandwich bread. I've tried this bread before and I like it!
   $0.55/1 printable Hormel Natural Choice coupon here; will likely double automatically.
   Final price: likely $2-$3 for lunch meat and a loaf of bread - yay! Cheap lunches abound!
   
   
5. Dannon Yoghurt cups, 20/$8.
   Coupons:
   $0.60/6 or $1/10, 08/16 SS, or 09/13 insert
   Lowest possible price: 6 for $1.20, or $0.20/cup
   

Other deals and coupon matchups that we spotted for Giant this week, September 25 through October 1:

Perdue Boneless Chicken Breast is BOGO (save $4.99)

Ground Beef, 80% lean, $1.99/lb. Check out Gina's Cook Once, Eat 10 Times tutorial for ground beef!

Fresh Pork Tenderloin, $3.99/lb. (save $2/lb.)

Stouffer's Entrees, 5/$10

Aquafina 24-packs, $3.99 (save $1.50)

Pepperidge Farm Cookies (Chunk, Soft Baked, or Granola) are BOGO.
$0.55/1 Pepperidge Farm Cookies, 09/27 SS (doubles)
Final: two packages for as low as $1.19, or ~$0.60/pack! Compare with $3.39-$3.59/pack! Nice!

Nathan's Beef Franks are BOGO (two packs for $5.29)

Gwaltney Sliced Bacon is BOGO (two packs for $3.99)

Tombstone 12" Pizzas are BOGO

Giant Baby Carrots are BOGO (two 1-lb. packs for $1.50)

Giant Fancy Shredded Cheese, 6-8 oz. bags, BOGO

Nature Made Vitamins or Supplements are BOGO
$3/1 Nature Made Sam-E
$1/1 Nature Made supplements, October All You magazine

Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkins, 12-14 lbs., 3/$12. This is the cheapest pumpkin price at Giant so far this year.

BOGO meats:
Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa
Bob Evans Express Fresh Breakfast Links and Pattie, $0.25/1, 08/23 SS (will double - remember to use two coupons!)
Perdue Breaded Chicken Nuggets or Cutlets
Steak-umm Chuck Beef Burgers

Healthy Ones Lunchmeats Tubs, 2/$5
$0.55/1, 08/16 SS
Final price: as low as $1.40/pack

Rondele Cheese Spreads or Pub Cheeses, 8 oz. packages, BOGO

The 3 free one-night rentals Redbox offer is still going. See past Giant posts here for matchup possibilities and product listings.

Birds Eye Vegetables (frozen) - 10/$10.
$1/4 printable
Final price: $0.75/each

Tropicana Pure Premium, 2/$6
$1/2 Trop50, 09/13 insert
Final price: $2.50/carton

Honey Bunches of Oats, $2.50
$2/1 printable here
Final price: $0.50/box
Note: This is also on Rollback at WalMart this week for close to $2, so if you're going to WalMart, you'll get the lowest price there.

Air Wick Air Freshener, 2/$1
BOGO coupon, 08/30 SS
Final price: $0.25/each

Hefty EZ Foil Bakeware, Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
$0.50/1, 06/21 RP (expires 09/30)
Final price, if it doubles: $2 off the price of 2, to get 3

Did you spot any other hot deals or coupon matchups at Giant this week? Dish, dish! :)
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Works for Me Wednesday: Feeding Your Toddler Soup

It's Wednesday again - time for another "Works for Me!" tip, inspired by the blog carnival/series at We are THAT Family. For this week's Works for Me Wednesday tips, check out the post here.

If you've been couponing and deal-running for any length of time, odds are good that you have more than a few cans of soup in your pantry. Great for a quick meal, right? Unless you have a toddler or a few around.

But take heart! A toddler can probably use one of the following three less-mess tips to slurp down some soup for lunch, too.

1) If your toddler has a pincer grip and is comfortable eating soft-cooked vegetables, sort some vegetables and noodles out of the soup - starting with softer, smaller pieces, until your child is comfortable with any larger pieces. Good candidates for this include chunks of carrot, green beans, egg noddles,and so on.

2) If the toddler's still learning to use a spoon steadily, try it this way: Designate one or two cheaper sippy cups for soup henceforth. I use The First Years sippy cups for this at our house. Using a knife, make one larger hole from the recessed spout pinholes and make sure to clear the newly-formed spout hole of any remaining debris or sharper edges. Then, I add to the sippy cup a creamier, less-chunky soup (tomato soup, butternut squash soup, or other highly-blended soups work well for this), and add it to half-and-half or whole milk - both to reduce the sodium content and thin the soup a little.

3) If your toddler can spoon thick yoghurt out of a bowl or cup, then he/she can try it this way: break up large toddler-spoon-sized chunks of bread into an empty toddler bowl, and drizzle a little of the warmed soup over, enough to soak the bread. Then add a few spoonfuls of the soup's chunky-soft vegetables, too. Now you can both sit at the table and enjoy your soup with spoon!

Additional disclaimers and fine print: Always check the temperature of the soup in the sippy cup before giving to your child. Use enlarged-sippy-spout method at your own discretion and risk. Give your child only soups with food textures to which he/she is accustomed as appropriate to his/her developmental stage, and always supervise your child while he/she is eating the soup.
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Tuesday Deals Roundup: $5/$25 CVS coupon, Super Doubles at Kmarts, free 8x10 at WalMart, $10/$25 Yankee Candle, and more!

Go here to take a quick test on your flu IQ and get a $5 off $25 coupon for CVS!

Ginger of Attention Target Shoppers has reported that Target checkouts have started posting some delightful signs about the acceptance of coupons (including stacking manufacturer coupons with Target coupons). Thanks, Ginger! Have you seen these signs at your own Targets? If you're feeling bold, post a comment to tell us where!

Money Saving Mom says that some Kmarts will be doing Super Doubles again next week. (Thanks, Crystal!) Be sure to call your local Kmart in advance to check that it is participating.

Freebies 4 Mom has a post about how to get a free 8x10 photo print with any 1-hr. order at WalMart. (Thanks!) Even if you order a $0.15 4x6 print in 1-hr. mode, this will count; you may simply need to wait a couple of hours for the code to show up in your email. 8x10 + inexpensive frame (Tuesday Morning, anyone?) = great gift for parents and grandparents!

Harris Teeter Triple Coupons ends today, 09/22. There are so many good deals to be had in this promo, though, so if you have an HT nearby, it's probably worth checking out. Frugal Friends did a great demo post showing a couple of HT triples trips, and FF also linked to three other blogs who posted HT triples matchups. Thanks, Frugal Friends!

Frugal Coupon Mom has a link to a $10 off $25 purchase coupon for Yankee Candle. Thanks!!

Frugal in Virginia reminds us of the incoming onslaught of freebie holiday cards - starting with 12 free Shutterfly holiday photo cards. If you can wrangle your family into some sweaters for a couple of shots, you'll have a few "holiday theme" pics on standby for early bird sample deals like this. Thanks, Dana!

A fun surprise: Family Dollar's $0.11 diapers got very positive reviews on Baby Cheapskate.

Happy wheeling and dealing! :)
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Menu Plan Monday - "What Am I Gonna Do With All This PAELLA?" Edition

We spent the weekend with family, where I tried out a new recipe: Fat Free Vegan's Quinoa Paella (pictured below, with my own veggie selection). This is cooked, seasoned quinoa with a variety of veggies. It was meant to serve 4-6 - which in my pan turned out to be a very, very hungry 4-6! (I guess vegans need to eat a good-sized serving to count as sufficient calories/nutrition for a meal.) The blended flavors were nice - very subtle. Would be great in a tortilla with some added spicy sausage, sour cream, and cheese (ooops...I think that just deveganized the concept).

I also have some a whole lot of leftover food from this weekend's trip with the relatives, so that will factor in to the menu planning as well. Notice my naive prediction that pumpkin bread will last at least 48 hours in our house.

Monday, 09/20:
B: Cereal with milk
L: Leftover paella burrito-style in tortilla (and yes...possibly w/shredded cheddar and sour cream)
D: Leftover steak, diced on top of salad. Papaya/yoghurt smoothies for dessert.

Tuesday, 09/21:
B: Yoghurt w/pumpkin flax granola and Craisins
L: Leftover paella added to Progresso Light Santa Fe soup, leftover roasted asparagus
D: Multi-cheese tortellini, Barilla basil tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella. Steamed brocolli florets. Cubed papaya for dessert.

Wednesday 09/22:
B: Oatmeal w/milk and raisins
L: Applesauce, pumpkin bread, cottage cheese (hoping the paella's gone by now!), cheap hummus w/baby carrots
D: London broil in crock pot w/carrots, potatoes, etc. Strawberries for dessert.

Thursday 09/23:
B: Pumpkin bread, milk, strawberries
L: Leftover London broil veggies, strawberries w/cottage cheese and honey.
D: Leftovers (London broil, tortellini, etc.). Pumpkin bread and/or yoghurt for dessert.

Friday 09/24:
B: Yoghurt, strawberries, pumpkin flax granola
L: Jasmine rice, vegetables (frozen, likely), Trader Joe's masala sauce, hummus w/baby carrots
D: BLTs, if nothing else at Giant has caught my eye yet for the new round of weekly deals

Head over to Org Junkie for more Menu Plan Monday inspiration!
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Friday Fun and Frugal Tidbits Roundup

Here's a outside-the-box frugal homemade cookie recipe with kick - Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles, courtesy of Post Punk Kitchen. Dairy-free and egg-free, too.

Saving sanity and time is just as important (if not more so, arguably) than saving money. Ergo, do yourself and everyone else a favor and wash your hands! The New York Times' Tara Parker-Pope reminds us of how crucial cleaning your hands is to avoiding flu in general and H1N1 (swine flu) this winter. So stock up on your couponed hand sanitizers and Softsoap!

The Washington Post is reporting on the lower grocery prices at D.C./Metro area grocery stores, including Safeway and Giant. It also mentions that a Super WalMart (WalMart with full-service grocery store) will be opening in Manassas soon. Woo hoo!

Slash Your Grocery Bill with Store-Brand Products - Get Rich Slowly highlighted the importance of not dismissing generics out of hand - with savings illustrated in a neato table.

This guest post on Frugal Coupon Living, by Mama Cheaps' Devon describes how you can send otherwise useless expired coupons to military bases overseas - where the military commissaries (grocery stores) will accept expired coupons up to 6 months past their expiration date! Very cool idea - and will mean that your clipping efforts aren't wasted. Check out the Overseas Coupon Program today!
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5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 09/18-09/24

These deals are shared as part of this week's Be CentsAble Grocery Gathering.

Sweet compressed folate-enriched wheat flour, there are a lot of hot cereal deals going around lately!

Check it out:

Top Five Reasons to Visit Giant This Week

1. General Mills Cereals - Kix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, or Trix, 2/$4. At $2/box, you can print the printable coupons available at coupons.com for:
   $0.55/1 Trix
   $0.55/1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch
   $0.75/1 Kix
   $0.75/1 Cocoa Puffs
   Print now! Quantities are limited on these puppies, and it's already the second half of the month.
   Other coupon:
   $1/2 General Mills cereal, August All You
   
   Depending on whether these coupons allow doubling or not, the lowest possible price could be as far down as $0.50/box!
   
   
2. Sabra Hummus, BOGO (normally priced around $4.49/each)
   $1.50/1 printable here
   Use two coupons to get the hummus for $0.75/tub!
   
   
3. Healthy Choice Entrees, 4/$10. Use the $2/1 printable here to get them for $0.50/each. (Note: these entrees are also hovering around the $2 mark in WalMart and Target.)
   
   
4. Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, 3/$5.
   $0.50/1, 09/13 RP, makes it $0.66/each
   $1/2, 09/13, makes it $1.16/each
   
   
5. Dannon Activia Yoghurt 4-Packs, 2/$4
   $1/1, 07/26 SS - $1/1, 08/09 SS - $1/1, 08/30 SS
   Final: $1 per 4-pack, or $0.25/cup.

Other Giant coupon matchups and deals that we spotted for the week of September 18 through September 24:

London Broil or Boneless Beef Chuck Steak/Roast, $1.99/lb. (Save at least $2.30/lb.)

SUPER G Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs or Whole Chicken, $0.99/lb. (Save at least $0.50/lb.)

Strawberries, 1 lb., 2/$4. (Save $0.99/lb.)

Center Cut Pork Loin Chops, $1.99/lb. (Save $2/lb.)

Fresh Boneless Atlantic Salmon Fillets, $6.99/lb. (Save $2/lb.)

CapriSun 10 Pack, $1.99. (Save $0.51/ea.)

National Beef Franks, BOGO. $1 printable here will get you two packages for $3.29.

Arm and Hammer 2X Liquid Detergent, 2/$5 (Save $1.89/each.)

Sparkle Paper Towels or Angel Soft Bath Tissue, 2/$10.
Sparkle - $0.50/1 - 09/13 RP - should make it $4.

10/$10 Sale:
StarKist Solid White Tuna
Del Monte Fruit
Del Monte Family Size Canned Vegetables
Francesco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce
Pasta Roni
Rice-a-Roni
Del Monte Tomatoes
Breakstone's Cottage Doubles
Chef Boyardee Pasta - August All You, $0.25/2 (08/16 SS)
San Giorgio Pasta

Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon, 2/$6 (normally around $5.50/pack).
$1.50/2, 08/30 SS
Final price: $2.25/each

Deal: Get 3 free one-night rentals from Redbox when you buy $12 worth of participating items, among them:
Bertolli Complete Dinners for Two, $6.79
Contessa Bagged Meals, $5.99, $1.50/2 printable for registering
Also qualifying for this deal:
Tyson Skillet Creations, $1/1, 07/26 SS
Buitoni Riserva Meals for Two, Register to get a printable $1/1 any Buitoni Product
Green Giant Wanchai Ferry Entrees, $2/1, 08/09 SS
Contessa MicroSteam Meals
Voila! from Birds Eye
Birds Eye Steamfresh ($1/4, $1.50/1 meal, 08/09 SS)
Bertolli Frozen Entrees
On-Cor Frozen Entrees
T.G.I. Friday's Complete Skillet Meals
Hungry-Man Dinners
Stouffer's Single Serve Entrees
Stouffer's Party Size Entrees

Freschetta Pizza, $5.99.
$1/1, 09/13 insert - also available as a $1/1 printable at coupons.com
Final: $4.99

Kraft Shredded Cheese, 2/$5.

Turkey Hill Drinks, 64 oz., 3/$5
$1/2, 06/21 RP, expires 09/21 - $1/2, 08/02 RP, expires 10/12
Final: $1.16/each

Kashi Cereal Catalina Deal: Get $5 off your next order when you buy $15 worth of Kashi Products. Note: remember that Target has a rockin' Kashi deal this week, too! Thanks, Money Saving Mom!
$1.50/1 Kashi Honey Sunshine
Coupons from Kashi Honey Sunshine VocalPoint mailer - 1 freebie, 4 $1.50/1 coupons
$1.50/1 printable Kashi cereal coupons here or here
$1/2 Kashi Trail Mix Bars printable
$1/1 GoLean Crunch printable
Kashi sale prices listed:
Kashi U Cereal, $3.99 (sale? seriously?)
Kashi GoLean Bars, 4/$5
Kashi Heart to Heart Oatmeal, $3.29
Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal, $3.29 (excludes Blueberry Flakes)
Kashi GoLean Cereal, 2/$6
Kashi TLC Crackers, 2/$6
Kashi Pizza, 2/$10
Kashi TLC Cookies, 2/$6
Kashi Granola Bars, 2/$6
Kashi TLC Cereal Bars, 2/$6

Nature's Promise Organic Beans, 10/$10

Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna, 4/$5

Swanson Broth, 5/$4

McCormick Chili Seasoning, $1
McCormick Mexican Mix, 3/$2 ($0.66/each)
Possible matches:
McCormick Spice, Herb, Extract, or Food Color, $1/1
McCormick Spice or Extract, $1/2, 11/02/2008 (expires 12/31/09)

Schiff Glucosamine or Vitamins, BOGO
$2/1 vitamins
$3/1 Glucosamine, 07/19 SS
$2/1 vitamin or supplement, 07/19 SS
Remember to use two coupons to get the lowest price for both!

Snickers and M&M's single candy bars, Buy 2, Get 1 FREE!
$1/2 Snickers, 08/02 SS, expires 09/20
Not sure how much these range in price, but guessing you could get 3 for about $1 using the coupon

Did you spot any other deals or coupon matchups for Giant this week? Do share! :)
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Works for Me Wednesday: Entertainment Book

It's Wednesday again - time for another "Works for Me!" tip, inspired by the blog carnival/series at We are THAT Family. To see this week's Works for Me Wednesday carnival and tips, click here.

Two years ago a friend turned me on to the Entertainment Book, and I am officially hooked! I'm so hooked that I bought 2 of them this year at great discounts (I never pay full price). Here's why I'm hooked:

• Entertainment Books contain restaurant coupons for freebies or BOGO deals that more than pay for the book's original cost. Often these coupons can be combined with promotions or deals that restaurants offer from time to time.
• Entertainment Books contain BOGO movie coupons, BOGO cultural event coupons (museums, concerts, shows, etc.) that are great for family outings or date nights.
• Entertainment Books contain Safeway coupons! The past 2 years' books have contained 4 Safeway coupons to use one per quarter for $5 off a $50 purchase.
• Entertainment Books feature retail coupons! The past 2 years I have scored great birthday and Christmas gifts using the coupons in the books from Dick's Sporting Goods. There are also promotional codes in the book which you can use for some retail websites.
• Entertainment Books contain travel promotions, coupons and coupon codes. These are useful when planning trips or buying travel gifts for others.
  
• The Entertainment Book website features even more discounts and printable coupons. For example, the Northern Virginia print version offers a coupon for a free medium sandwich at Firehouse Subs. By using the email address I used to purchase my Entertainment Book and logging into the Entertainment Book website with it, I was able to print one additional coupon. Double the freebies! Some of these coupons are available to folks who have not even purchased an Entertainment Book but simply create a profile at the website. Nice feature!
• Lastly, Entertainment Books make great gifts for people who have everything or for a friend who has moved to a new zip code. They're a great way to get to know an area.
  

We are going to start posting more tips and ways to capitalize on Entertainment Book coupons alongside restaurant or store promotions. Stay tuned! We'd love to hear your Entertainment Book ideas, too, so leave us a comment when you use yours!

Tuesday Deals Roundup - 10% off Gap Outlet Purchase, Starbucks/iTunes Freebies, Free Carrabba's Calamari, High-Value Printable Coupons, and More!

• Via Money Saving Mom (Thanks!) a $1/2 printable Campbell's soup coupon. This should yield some very cheap or free soups when combined with a sale. Think winter casseroles - or even food pantry staples for donation! MSM also recently posted this $1.50/1 printable Kashi coupon.
  
  
• Bargain Briana alerted us to the presence of a 10% off purchase coupon good at Gap Outlet, good through September 24. Sweet! Thanks!
  
  
• Snapfish's FREE SHIPPING Labor Day code (FREELABOR) has been extended for use through Wednesday 09/16. Sweet! A few more days to snag cheap prints and other photo gifts without high shipping costs. See our post here on this deal for how to maximize the savings, and get 10% cash back.
  
  
• Love calamari? You can get yours FREE through December 31, 2009 at Carrabba's Italian Grill with coupon. Thanks, Frugal Coupon Mom!
  
  
• Harris Teeter triples are rumored to be coming again, so if you are near one, time to spruce up your coupon file. :)
  
  
• The Bargain Jargon's Christy has a printable coupon for $1/1 Nestle Cookie Dough - just in time for a busy fall of bake sales and snack signups. Thanks, Christy!
  
  
• Rick Seaney reminded us that you can get FREE admission to any national park on September 26, 2009 - aka National Public Lands Day. Nice!
  
  
• As many, many blogs have reported in the last few days - Target's coupon acceptance policy has now been posted online. Sweet! In other Target developments, Ginger of Attention Target Shoppers just recently explained how to get freebie iTunes if your Target has a Starbucks inside. Thanks, Ginger!
  

And to top off the deals: a couple of blog giveaways - yee haw!

Check out Gina of Moneywise Moms' Safeway Gift Card Giveaway! She is giving away a $50 Safeway gift card every week in honor of Safeway's new lower prices. Woo hoo!

Head over to Scramp With Heart to behold Sarah's Scrapbooking Kit Giveaway! This giveaway ends Thursday, September 24.

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Menu Plan Monday

I didn't end up cooking as much as I had hoped last week, and I also didn't have a few ingredients I needed. By the time I get to the white chicken chili next week, hopefully I'll have all the ingredients I need!

I've also decided to start posting 5 meals since we end up eating leftovers or eating out the other nights.

Monday: Ground Turkey Tacos, a variation of this recipe, salad

Tuesday: Pasta Fagioli Soup

Wednesday: Grilled chicken, twice baked potatoes, steamed veggies *for my TB potatoes, I use a similar concoction of ingredients but don't include the butter or sour cream.

Thursday: Simple Sausage Pasta Toss

Friday: Grill night: hot dogs, hamburgers and other leftovers in the fridge

Head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie if you need more menu plan ideas.

$56.46 Worth of Freebies at Giant - Carbs Edition!

Remember me talking about being a crazed little squirrel, stocking up for winter and a December baby? I wasn't kidding, ladies and gents. Today I did a run to Giant with my family, and besides our usual milk and produce, I also stocked up on some Quaker instant oatmeal at $1.88/box (originally $3.99/box!) after coupons, some Barilla pasta sauce at $0.90/jar (originally $2.59/jar), and a few other items. Tip: If you're picking up the Quaker instant oatmeal, get the boxes marked with "2 Extra!", meaning 12 pouches (18 oz.) instead of 10 pouches (15 oz.). They both ring up as 2/$5, so you might as well get the most bang for your buck.

Catalina deal alert: My checkout coupons printed out a Catalina offer: Buy any two Skippy All Natural Peanut Butter Spreads between 09/07 and 11/1, and receive $1 off your next shopping order. If I hit the Skippy All Natural on a sale with a coupon, this $1 Catalina would be gravy. :)

But - truly, isn't this always the case? - today's freebies were the most fun part. Through a series of events, I ended up with 13 copies of the 08/23 insert, way more than I usually have. Thus, I had 13 coupons for $0.50 off Barilla Piccolini pasta - just one of the freebies. I also scooped up a few Reese's King Size freebies, originally mentioned in this past Giant post, and paid $9.20 after coupons for 10 Kellogg's products, which will qualify me for the Kellogg's Fuel for School Rebate.

Sum? I'll net a profit of $0.36 for $56.46 of the free groceries. To see more details, click on the picture below to see it largest! Click here to see our post with the list of all of this week's Giant coupon matchups.

By the way, if I'm invited to a potluck this fall at your house, don't be surprised if I bring pasta salad or Peanut Butter Cocoa Krispies treats. ;-)

5 Inserts This Weekend!

If ever there was a worthwhile weekend to acquire an extra insert (or ten), this is it! There are 5 inserts in this weekend's paper. Woo hoo!! Go find your local paper to get extra copies cheap orfree, or ask friends, neighbors, relatives, etc. if they are going to use your coupons.
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Friday Frugal Tidbits Roundup

Here are some tidbits that we've spotted the past week, a mix of eyebrow-raising headlines and common sense:

Overspending on Debit Cards is a Boon for Banks - Via NYT. "...banks now make more covering overdrafts than they do on penalty fees from credit cards." Great incentives to keep close track of your account balances!

How to Cook for Kids Who Aren't Foodies - Via Double X. A great reminder that, when you find frugal recipes using staples that your family loves - you shouldn't feel bad about putting them into regular rotation!

The Social Side of Obesity - You Are Who You Eat With - Via Time magazine. Your dining companions can dictate how much you do or don't eat, often to the tune of hundreds of calories! This applies to concepts of frugality, too. If you and your family members as a group don't overconsume on food, you'll save money and waistlines in the aggregate!

A Weak Back To School Season for Retailers - Again via NYT, from last week. Apparently, with college and high school students' summer jobs being slim pickings, and parents having budget 'reality checks' of their own, prestige retailers like Abercrombie and Fitch are suffering sales drops by as much as 29%. Maybe...just maybe... the consumers are paying half the price for classic jeans will last for a few years instead of those that aren't already professionally deconstructed and abraded.
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5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 09/11-09/17

Starting to see some shifting away from summer produce in the deals this week. I got a later start, so I may add some more tomorrow if anything catches my eye.

These deals are shared as part of this week's Be CentsAble Grocery Gathering.

Top Five Reasons to Visit Giant This Week

1. Save 60% on Pork Chops, $1.99/lb., normally $4.99/lb.
   
   
2. Kellogg's Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Cocoa Krispies, Apple Jacks, or Pop-Tarts 8 Packs, are 2/$4.
   $0.25/1 Pop-Tarts (doubles) when you register
   $0.55/1 Blueberry Muffin Flavor Pop-Tarts
   $1.50/2 Raisin Bran (same as $1.50/2 Frosted Mini Wheats coupon)
   $2/2, 08/30 RP (though may not qualify since this coupon is for the 'healthy' versions)
   Remember that the Kellogg's $10 Fuel for School rebate is still on!
   Sample deal: If you have two computers, print 4 of the $0.55 coupons for the Pop-Tarts and at least 3 of the Raisin Bran coupons.
   Total pre-coupons for 4 boxes of Pop-Tarts and 6 boxes of Raisin Bran = $20
   Coupons = $9.90
   Total post-coupons = $10.10
   Submit for rebate since you have 10 Kellogg's items on one receipt, receive $10 check.
   $0.10 net paid for it all.
   
   
3. Barilla Pasta 10/$10 (Save $0.50/box). Use the $0.50/1 Barilla Piccolini coupon from the 08/23 SS to snag some FREE! (Note: Barilla Pasta Sauce is still 2/$4. The $0.55 off 1 from (08/23 SS) will make it $0.90/jar. Get some to go with that free picollini!)
   
   
4. Yoplait, 20/$10. $0.40/6, 08/09 SS, will get you 6 for $2.20, or $0.37/each. The $0.50/6 at coupons.com will get you 6 for $2, or $0.33/each.
   
   
5. Breyers YoCrunch 100 Calorie Yoghurt 4-Packs, $2.50 each. Use the $0.50/1 (July All You), or the $0.75/1 or $1/1 in the 08/02 SS. Lowest possible price: $1 for a 4-pack, or $0.25/cup.
   
   
6. BONUS Reason: Skintimate Shave Gel or Cream is 2/$4. Use the $1.50/1 coupon from the October Women's Day to get one for $0.50, or use the $1/1 coupon from the 08/02 SS to get it for $1.
   

Here are other Giant coupon matchups and deals that we spotted for the week of 09/11 through 09/17.

Also save 60% on White Seedless Grapes, $0.99/lb. (Save $1.50/lb.)

Semi-Boneless Rib Steak, $5.99/lb. (Save $4.00/lb.)

Maine grown bunched broccoli or broccoli crowns, $0.88/lb. (Save $0.41/lb.)

Jumbo Raw Gulf Shrimp, wild caught, $6.99/lb. (Save $5.00/lb.) This sale price is more or less comparable with the price of Sam's Club bags of frozen shrimp.

All Entenmann's, Arnold, or Thomas' products (few exceptions) are 33% off.

Turkey Hill Ice Cream, 2/$5.

Pepsi products 2 liters, 10/$10. (Down from $1.79/each normally.)

SUPER G Homestyle Roasting Chicken, 6-8 lb. avg., $0.99/lb. Wondering about how to cook a whole roasting chicken? Try this out.

Bob Evans Sausage Rolls are 2/$6. Use the $0.25/1 (08/23 SS) to get them for $2.50/roll.

Quaker Instant Oatmeal is 2/$5. Use the $1.25/2 (08/30 RP) to get it for $1.88/box.

Campbell's Select Harvest Soups are 3 for $5. $0.50/2 (08/16 SS) will make them $1.16/can.

Deal: Get 3 free one-night rentals from Redbox when you buy $12 worth of participating items, among them:
Tyson Skillet Creations, $4.99 - $1/1, 07/26 SS
Buitoni Riserva Meals for Two, $9.99 - Register to get a printable $1/1 any Buitoni Product
Green Giant Wanchai Ferry Entrees, $6.99 - $2/1, 08/09 SS
Deal idea: Buy 2 Wanchai Ferry Entrees, use two $2 coupons, pay $11.98, receive $3 worth of rental codes. Could be a good, cheap date night.
Also qualifying for this deal:
Contessa MicroSteam Meals, Voila! from Birds Eye, Birds Eye Steamfresh ($1/4, $1.50/1 meal, 08/09 SS), Bertolli Frozen Entrees, On-Cor Frozen Entrees, T.G.I. Friday's Complete Skillet Meals, Hungry-Man Dinners, Stouffer's Single Serve Entrees, Stouffer's Party Size Entrees

What other deals and coupon matchups did you spot for this week? Post a comment to let us know!

Good Only 'Til 9 p.m. Tonight Sept. 09 - 20% off PLUS FREE SHIPPING at Banana Republic

It's a red hot deal!

Get 20% off "our favorite styles" at Banana Republic between 12 P.M. Eastern Time and 9 P.M. Eastern Time. (The ad in my email didn't specify what that means, but the fine print had no restrictions in terms of excluding sale and clearance items, etc.) If you have a Banana Republic credit card, you get 25% off. Orders with over $99 of BR merchandise ship free when you enter the code BR9HOURS at checkout (only 'til 9 p.m.!).

Go through ebates to get 2% cash back on your Banana Republic purchase.
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Works for Me Wednesday - Shortcut to a Clean Microwave

It's Wednesday again - time for another "Works for Me!" tip, inspired by the blog carnival/series at We are THAT Family. For this week's Works for Me Wednesday tips from across the blogosphere, click here.

This week's Works for Me Wednesday tip - cleaning out the microwave. If you're like us, this chore can make you shudder, but we've both recently learned a shortcut: Fill a bowl with water (add a few tablespoons of vinegar if you like for some extra cheap and natural cleaning power). Microwave the bowl for a few minutes, and then remove the bowl and wipe down the softened crud from the inside of the microwave. This saves you both time and muscle. :)

Do you have any microwave-crud-busting tips? Share, share! :)

Tuesday Deals Roundup - 80% off Uggs, Freebies at La Madeleine, and More!

We're going to post this early because the Uggs deal is moving so quickly - but check back through today for any other additions to the deals roundup. :)

• Sweet shearling linings, Uggs are 80% off until Sept. 15th at 6pm.com. The most common styles and sizes are moving lightning fast, so shop now for the biggest selection. Remember that unlike most shoe sites, this one charges a flat $6.95 shipping fee. With thanks to Frugal Coupon Mom.
  
  
• If you go to see Julie and Julia, keep your ticket stub - it will get you free small soup or salad at La Madeleine. Quelle bonne chance! Merci, Mommy's Wish List (Souhaites de Maman?)!
  
  
• In the weekly Diaper and Formula deals roundup, Baby Cheapskate calculates that buying Huggies at Target this week is an opportunity to stock up on diapers at $0.20/each for the size 3s. Thanks, BC!
  
  
• Orders over $10 ship free through Sept. 20 at ArtsCow.com. Use code FSOVER10.
  
  
• Through Thursday, Sept. 10, use the code EXTRA20 to get an additional 20% off final sale items at JCrew. Remember that all sales on these items are final. Going to JCrew through ebates will net you an additional 1.5% cash back.
  
  
• CVS Summer Clearance is on, baby, on! Pay pennies on the dollar prices for summer wear, summer deco, etc. Thanks go to Frugal in Virginia for sending up the alert.
  

And besides the deals, a few fun savings and frugality posts worth checking out:

• If you have a Shopper's Food Warehouse nearby, here is a sample scenario by Laura of Frugal Friends which shows how she used the Kraft Back to School promotion in combination with this week's sale prices to get $25.90 worth of Capri-Suns, Easy Mac, and Oreos for $5.90 (in her case, $0.90 after $5 Catalina!). Way to work it, girl!
  
  
• Gina busted out a Lego-themed party for her son. The Danish would be proud. Hygge!!
  
  
• Via The Simple Dollar's Time Machine, the value of creating versus consuming.

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FREE Redbox Rental Code, Good Today Monday 09/07 Only!

Here's the once-monthly Redbox rental freebie code:

T46T3Q7

Good today, September 7, only - expires at midnight.

Remember that you don't necessarily need to return your DVD to the same Redbox - they can be returned at any other Redbox machine at your local gas station, grocery store, Wal-Mart, etc.!

Find your local Redbox kiosks at nearby gas stations, grocery stores, and other locations.
Search the Redbox Movie Titles for tonight!
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Target Deals This Week - Includes Baby/Toddler Steals!

We told you it was coming, and now it's here! The big Target baby sale is on this week. Among the matchups with the baby coupon mailer that we saw was a matchup resulting in a big pack of Pampers for $16.99.

Check out this week's Target deals (not only the baby ones!) here. We're linking to those we've seen with coverage posted for this week:

Frugal Coupon Mom's Target Deals Coverage

Attention Target Shoppers' Target Deals Coverage

My Frugal Adventures' Target Deals Coverage (with thanks to Frugal in Virginia)

If you found Target deals anywhere else, please post a link! We love checking out readers' matchup resources.
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Menu Planning Monday

Hope you are enjoying your long weekend!

As I look ahead to our week, I realize how busy it is and how challenging it will be cook healthy meals around our schedules. We'll be eating out at least one night, and I'm trying to keep things simple by using things I already have in the house. We have a container of leftover tomato basil soup from 2 weeks ago that kept well in the freezer, so you'll see that on the menu again. We have some shrimp I'd like to use up, and I'm trying a Moroccan recipe for the first time, the chicken tagine. I have had the white chicken chili at The Cheesecake Factory the last two times I've been there, so I'm going to try the recipe below to see if it holds a candle.

I'm a fan of Cooking Light recipes, and I recently discovered a section on their recipe website that features 5-ingredient recipes. Check out the "5-Ingredient Cookbook: Fresh Food Fast" sometime!

Head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie if you need more menu planning ideas.

Monday Dinner with friends
Tuesday Chicken Tagine, whole wheat couscous
Wednesday Tomato Basil Soup, honey wheat bread
Thursday Chili-Lime Shrimp, steamed veggies
Friday Dinner out
Saturday Chicken with Cider and Bacon Sauce, steamed veggies
Sunday White Chicken Chili