Menu Plan/Eat from the Pantry in June

So, my stockpile in the basement has become redonkulous. I was organizing it earlier last week while the baby scooted around in her walker. (The three-year-old was reigning from her pile o'toys on the other side of the room.)

I concluded that I need to plan a mostly-eat-from-the-pantry-month again - and with the influx of fresh summer produce, I'm thinking that June's edition may be easier than January's edition.

Basically, my goal is to buy only fresh produce, dairy, eggs, etc. while maximizing my pantry's nonperishable offerings - which involves a LOT of the following, most stockpiled on some kind of discount and/or coupons:

• Brown rice (Minute and plain'ol' Mahatma)
  
• Annie's Mac'n'Cheese
• Canned pumpkin
• Canned coconut milk
• Molasses
• Chocolate chips ( bought @ $0.64/bag, yea, baby!)
  
• Teff flour
• Brown rice flour
• Arrowroot starch
  
• Peanut butter
• Shortening
• Shredded unsweetened coconut
• Mini marshmallows
• Kix and other cereals
  
• Yakisoba, acquired free after doubled coupons (I mostly use the noodles for a basis for other soups)
• Heart Healthy Bisquick
• Rolled oats
  

To top it off, we are spending much of the week in the presence of family who've flown in to visit, so between my mother-in-law (who is local) and sister-in-law (who flew in), there are several meals that I (yay!) won't have to plan or shop.

I'm kind of glad to have the menu mostly out of my hands for the week, because that gives me another 7 days to contemplate how I'm going to make use of this rather eclectic mix of stockpiled pantry staples through the end of June. Necessity is the mother of invention, am I right? (And boy, if you have recipes to suggest based on the above ingredients, please send'em or link'em my way via commenting on this post! I could sure use the inspiration.)

Here's a very general idea of how the week could proceed menu-wise. Between my mother-in-law's schnitzel and my sister-in-law's eggrolls, I could easily weigh a few more pounds by Saturday.

Tuesday:
Breakfast - Oatmeal with raisins, milk
Lunch - Annie's Macaroni and Cheese, salad
Dinner - A homemade German feast of schnitzel, mushroom gravy, sauerkraut, etc., courtesy of my mother-in-law. I'll provide the German chocolate cake, based on this recipe, which should also use this never-before-tried but highly-rated coconut pecan frosting.

Wednesday:
Breakfast - At IKEA, perhaps (doesn't get much cheaper to feed a crowd with $0.99 plates of eggs, home fries, and bacon!)
Lunch - $0.99-crust Trader Joe's pizzas with the extended family, Pioneer Woman Style
Dinner - Planned by my mother-in-law, so I'm not sure (?)

Thursday:
Breakfast - Banana bread, milk
Lunch - Unsure; planned by my in-laws after a family trip to the portrait studio
Dinner - By my sister-in-law, ergo bound to involve delicious Asian fare

Friday:
Breakfast - Blueberry pancakes, milk
Lunch - Leftovers?
Dinner - My nephew's birthday dinner party, hosted by my mother-in-law

Alice in Wonderland DVD Coupons - Combine with Deal at Giant This Week!

You might have noticed the Alice in Wonderland DVD offer in the original post of this week's Giant Deals. Well, thanks to Frugal Coupon Mom, I just found out about some coupons and rebate forms for the Alice in Wonderland DVD. (Thanks, Ashley!)

DVD deal: Save $6 instantly on any Disney Movie when you buy Alice in Wonderland (priced at $17.99). Use your Giant card; 1 deal per transaction

Maximum possible savings: Buy the Alice in Wonderland DVD and your Disney DVD. Save $6 instantly, use the $10 printable coupon listed by Ashley - basically getting you the Alice in Wonderland DVD for $1.99! (Or if you prefer to think of it another way, $16 off the cost of both DVDs.)

If anybody tries this, post a comment to let us know how it went!

Amazon: Great deal on Lipton Tea To Go Packs

Lipton Tea To Go packs are on sale at Amazon right now - just in time for summer drinks on the go!

Save an additional 40% when you use Subscribe & Save and enter code THEGO434 at checkout. Shipping is free. You may cancel Subscribe & Save anytime after placing your order.

Pricing per box after the 40% discount ranges from $7 - $13. Click through our store below to get the deal.

Thanks, Slickdeals for the heads-up! Someone posted on Slickdeals that the per-serving price would be $.11. Can't beat that!

Note: We are Amazon affiliates. Thanks for supporting us!

Super Savings Saturday: FREE body wash at CVS!

It's time for Super Savings Saturday!

I haven't been doing many CVS runs since my toddler moved out of diapers, but there was a deal I couldn't miss this week. My husband uses Old Spice body wash, and CVS is offering $4 in Extra Care Bucks(ECB's) with the purchase.

I found a BOGO Old Spice Red Zone body wash coupon from a P&G coupon mailer I received in the mail a few weeks ago, and I tried not to get too excited... but I should have because CVS paid me $5 to bring these items home!

Scenario:
Buy 2 Old Spice Red Zone for $4 each = $8
Buy 1 clearanced Zoothbrush = $1.65
Use $3 in ECB's
Use CVS giftcard for balance
Receive $8 in ECB's!!!

Giant Dollar Doubler Steals This Week

SO, I did yesterday's Giant writeup based on the online version of the circular. Spent the day at my mother-in-law's house with my girls because of noise from work being done on our house - and was shocked to see dollar doublers attached to her Giant ad!! My apologies for the oversight.




Needless to say this sweetens some of this week's deals, namely:

1. Heluva Good! Dips, 3/$5
   $1/2 or $0.50/1, 05/16 SS
   Final price: As low as $0.50/ea., if you can double a $1/2
   
   
2. Kellogg's Cereal, 4/$6, must buy 4
   Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops, Apple Jacks, Rice Krispies, Cocoa Krispies
   $1/2 (Red Plum)
   $1.50/3, 05/23 RP
   Final price: With a $1/2, as low as 4/$2, $0.50/box!
   
   
3. Nexcare Tattoo Waterproof Bandages, 3/$5 (Must buy 3)
   $0.55/1, 04/11 RP or 05/02 SS
   $1/1, any
   Final price, if the $1/1 doubles: FREE!
   
   
4. Oscar Mayer Bologna, BOGO
   $1/2 lunchmeats (not sure if bologna counts), 05/16 SS
   Also $1/2 (coupons.com)
   Final price: $2 off the price of one, for two!
   
   
5. Eckrich Smoked Sausage, 2/$5
   $1/2, 05/23 SS
   Final price: 2/$4
   
   
6. Yoplait Yoghurt, 20/$10
   $1/8, this past Sunday's Parade magazine
   $0.40/6, 05/16 SS and 04/18 SS
   Also see coupons.com
   Final price: As low as 8 for $2, or $0.25/ea.
   
   
7. Edy's Ice Cream, Haagen-Dazs ice cream, or Haagen-Dazs bars, 2/$5
   $1/2, 05/16 SS
   Final price: 2/$3
   
   
8. Uncle Ben's Rice, 10 lb., $8.99
   $1/2, 05/16 RP
   $1/2, any
   $0.75/2, any
   Final price: as low as $7.24, or $0.72/lb.
   
   
9. Excedrin, 3/$6 (Must buy 3)
   $1/1, 20 ct. +, 04/25 SS
   $1.50/1 80 ct. +, 04/25 SS
   Final price: FREE (?)
   
   
10. L'Oreal Vive Pro, 2/$6
    $1/1, 04/18 RP
    Final price: $1/ea.
    
    
11. Goody Hair Notions or Brushes, Save $3 on 2 (Must buy 2)
    $1/1, 03/21 RP
    Final price: When you use and double two $1/1 coupons, save $7 on 2
    
    
12. Wisk 2X Laundry Detergent, BOGO
    $1/1, 05/23 RP
    Final price: $4 off the price of 1, for two!
    
    
13. Gillette Deal: Save $5 off your next shopping order when you use your Giant card and purchase any Fusion ProGlide razor. Limit 1 per transaction.
    Gillette Fusion ProGLide, $8.99
    $1/1, 05/02 P&G
    Final price if it doubles: $6.99, plus $5 back on your next order, net $1.99 for the razor.
    
    
14. Maxwell House Coffee, 2/$5
    $1/2, 03/21 SS
    $1/1, 05/16 SS
    Final price: As low as $0.50/ea., perhaps!
    
    
15. Planters Mixed Nuts, $2.99
    $1/2, 03/07 SS
    Final price: $1.99
    
    
16. Bull's-Eye BBQ sauce, 2/$4
    $1/1 (bricks)
    Final price, if it doubles: FREE!
    
    
17. Good Seasons 4-pack mix, $2.99
    $1/1, 05/02 SS
    Final price: $0.99
    
    
18. Save $1 instantly on ground beef when you buy 2 Kraft Singles.
    $1/1, 04/25 SS
    Final price when you double two $1 coupons: $5 total off the two packs of Singles and the beef
    Also: Buy 1 ticket, get 1 FREE from Kraft singles with purchase - bring your package wrapper to a Minor League Baseball Game on Tuesdays for this deal - see giantfood.com for more information.
    

***

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering

What other Giant coupon matchups and deals did you spot for the coming week? Did we make any deal-calculating hiccups? Post a comment to let us know!

It's Friday: Earn Mega Swag Bucks Today!

Every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day!

Never heard of Swagbucks? It's one of our favorite websites because it's easy to earn free prizes by using the Swagbucks search engine. And on Fridays, users have better chances of winning Mega Swagbucks denominations.

The way it works:

• Go to Swagbucks through our referral link by clicking here.
  
• Sign up and create a new profile for yourself.
  
• Search a few times a day, and you'll start seeing points accumulate.

I use Swagbucks to search 2-3 times a day, 3-4 days a week for things I would normally research. I usually cash out my Swagbucks for Starbucks gift cards, but there are lots of other cool prizes in the Swagbucks store.

As a disclaimer, if you sign up under our referral link, we will receive Swagbucks thanks to you.

Memorial Day Weekend Shopportunities - BIG Discounts!

Well, if you were planning on shopping this weekend, you're in luck! Here are some deals going on:

At Gap.com, get 25% off your Gap purchase of $75 or more on regular-priced merchandise, and FREE shipping when you spend $100 or more. (Enter code GAPSUMMER at checkout, and go through ebates for at least 2% cash back!)

Yankee Candle's Semi-Annual sale is on, with the largest jar candles as cheap as 2/$25 (about as cheap as these get for a sale price)! $5 flat rate shipping on orders under $100.

Ralph Lauren Factory Stores (read: outlet stores) are offering 15% off your entire purchase May 27 through May 31. FREE SHIPPING on RalphLauren.com through Thursday, June 10. Click to RalphLauren.com through the ebates website to also get 3% cash back.

Eddie Bauer in-store coupon, 10% off, good through Monday, here (click to enlarge):


Through Monday at Ann Taylor Loft, save 40% off your entire purchase by entering code 40SAVE at checkout. (Orders over $150 ship free automatically, but this threshold must be met after the 40% discount.) Go through ebates for 3% cash back.

Free shipping on Bath and Body Works purchases over $40 when you enter code FREESHIP40 at checkout. Signature Collection Classics and Signature Collection Body Care are all Buy 3, Get 3 FREE in the current sale prices. Going to the B&BW site by clicking through ebates will net you 3% cash back as well.

FREE shipping on all orders through philosophy.com through Monday with the code memorial at checkout. Clicking to the philosophy website through ebates will get 3.5% cash back.

As a disclaimer, if you sign up for ebates under our ebates link (here), we will receive cash back thanks to you. You'll receive a starting bonus, too!.

5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 05/28-06/03

A lot of Memorial Day weekend deals coming up!

1. Ball Park Beef Franks, BOGO (Save at least $4.49)
   $0.75/1 Angus (bricks) - not sure if the Angus ones are BOGO, but it's worth mentioning!
   Also see 05/02 RP (values vary)
   Final price: Perhaps as low as $1.49 for two packs? Pair with a couple of $1 packs of buns and you've got enough to feed 16 a main dish for about three and a half bucks!
   
   
2. Heluva Good! Dips, 3/$5
   $1/2 or $0.50/1, 05/16 SS
   Final price: As low as $0.66/ea., if you have a $0.50/1 that doubles
   
   
3. Kellogg's Cereal, 4/$6, must buy 4
   Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops, Apple Jacks, Rice Krispies, Cocoa Krispies
   $1/2 (Red Plum)
   $1.50/3, 05/23 RP
   Final price: As low as 4/$4
   
   
4. Fruit2O six-pack, 2/$4
   $0.55/1 six-pack
   $0.75/2
   Final price: $0.90 - $1.25 for six!
   
   
5. Nexcare Tattoo Waterproof Bandages, 3/$5 (Must buy 3)
   $0.55/1, 04/11 RP or 05/02 SS
   $1/1, any
   Final price, if it doubles: $0.50-$0.56/box!

Other Reasons to Visit Giant This Week:

Porterhouse or T-Bone Steak, $4.99/lb. (Save at least $5/lb.)

Pork Spare Ribs, $1.99/lb. (Save at least $2/lb.)

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

Snow Crab Clusters, $4.99/lb. (Save at least $4/lb.)

SUPER G Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs, or Whole Chicken, $0.99/lb.

Oscar Mayer Bologna, BOGO
$1/2 lunchmeats (not sure if bologna counts), 05/16 SS
Also $1/2 (coupons.com)
Final price: $1 off the price of one, for two!

Hillshire Farm Deli Selects Lunchmeat, 3/$10
See 04/18 insert, 05/02 RP, typical value is $0.35/1
Final price: $2.63/ea.

Eckrich Smoked Sausage, 2/$5
$1/2, 05/23 SS
Final price: 2/$4

Johnsonville Italian Dinner Sausage Links, 33% off
$0.55/1, 05/02 SS
$0.55/1
Final price: Likely to double to $1.10 off of 66% of retail

Nature's Promise Boneless Chicken Breast, $3.99/lb. (normally ~$5+/lb.)
NP Chicken = No antibiotics, no hormones, all-vegetarian diet.

Tribe Hummus, 8 oz. package, 4/$10

Sweet White Corn, 12/$1.99 (Save at least $0.25)

Whole Seedless Watermelon, $3.99/ea. (Save at least $2)
Um, did you know that these will keep at room temp for a couple of weeks? Considering that our family could eat a whole one every couple of days, that works out to...lessssee...carry the 5...

Blueberries, 2 pints/$5 (Save at least $0.49)

Mangos, 10/$10

1 lb. baby carrots, 2/$3

Bolthouse Farms juices, 450 ml., 2/$5

Yoplait Yoghurt, 20/$10
$1/8, this past Sunday's Parade magazine
$0.40/6, 05/16 SS and 04/18 SS
Also see coupons.com
Final price: As low as $0.37/cup

Giant Butter, 1 lb., $1.99

Edy's Ice Cream, Haagen-Dazs ice cream, or Haagen-Dazs bars, 2/$5
$1/2, 05/16 SS
Final price: 2/$4

Uncle Ben's Rice, 10 lb., $8.99
$1/2, 05/16 RP
$1/2, any
$0.75/2, any
Final price: as low as $8.24, or $0.82/lb.

Nature's Promise Organic Ketchup, 20 oz., $1.79

Giant Hot Dog or Hamburger Rolls, 10/$10, or white bread, 10/$10

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, 5/$10

Tostitos tortilla chips, 3/$10 (I think that these are normally $3.99)

Emerald Peanuts, BOGO

Arizona gallon drinks (tea, etc.), 2/$5

Gatorade, $0.88/ea. (Save at least $0.37)

Pepsi 12-Packs, 4/$8, and Lay's Potato Chips, 2/$6, when you buy all 6 in one transaction.

Deer Park 24-Packs, 3/$10 (Must buy 3)

Dove Bar Soap 6-packs, 2/$10 (Must buy 2)

Clairol Nice 'n Easy, 2/$10 (Must buy 2)
$2/1, 04/18 RP
Final price: $3/ea.

Excedrin, 3/$6 (Must buy 3)
$1/1, 20 ct. +, 04/25 SS
$1.50/1 80 ct. +, 04/25 SS
Final price: Likely $1/ea.

L'Oreal Vive Pro, 2/$6
$1/1, 04/18 RP
Final price: $2/ea.

Goody Hair Notions or Brushes, Save $3 on 2 (Must buy 2)
$1/1, 03/21 RP
Final price: Save $5 on 2

Wisk 2X Laundry Detergent, BOGO
$1/1, 05/23 RP
Final price: $2 off the price of 1, for two!

***

DVD deal: Save $6 instantly on any Disney Movie when you buy Alice in Wonderland (priced at $17.99). Use your Giant card; 1 deal per transaction

***

Dixie Deal: Save $3 off your order instantly when you purchase $10 worth of any combination of Dixie and Vanity Fair plates, bowls, cups, or napkins in one transaction.

Dixie plates are 2/$5, so this should work out to make them $1.75/pack.

Dixie and Vanity Fair coupons:
Red Plum
03/14 RP
05/23 RP or SS

***

Alberto/Noxema deal: Save $5 off your order instantly when you use your Giant card and purchase $15 worth* of participating Alberto products in one transaction.
*After coupons and savings

VO5 Shampoo or conditioner or 2 in 1, $0.99

Noxzema Skin Care, Save $1 off Retail
$2/1 Spa Shave, 05/23 RP

Nexxus Hair Care, Save $2 off Retail

St. Ives Hand or Body Lotion, 20% off

TRESemme Shampoo or Conditioner, 3/$10

St. Ives Body Wash, 2/$5

St. Ives Apricot Scrub, 2/$7

***

Gillette Deal: Save $5 off your next shopping order when you use your Giant card and purchase any Fusion ProGlide razor. Limit 1 per transaction.

Gillette Fusion ProGLide, $8.99
$1/1, 05/02 P&G

***

Kraft Deal: Save $5 off your order instantly when you use your Giant card and purcahse $15 worth* of participating Kraft items in one transaction.
*After savings and coupons. Limit 1 offer per transaction.

Deal Idea: (This only works if you have access to a lot of computers:) Buy 15 bottles of Bull's Eye - ringing up at $30. Use 15 $1 coupons (This probably requires access to 8 different computers, so maybe work with a friend or two and split the booty?). Get $5 deducted instantly. Spend $10 on 15 bottles of BBQ sauce, or $0.66/bottle (versus sale price of $2/ea.).

Maxwell House Coffee, 2/$5
$1/2, 03/21 SS
$1/1, 05/16 SS
Final price: As low as $1.50/ea.

General Foods International Coffees, 2/$5

Kraft BBQ sauce, 10/$10

Nabisco Snack Crackers (Wheat Thins, Triscuits), 2/$5

Planters Mixed Nuts, $2.99
$1/2, 03/07 SS

Kool-Aid or Country Time Lemonade Drink Mix, BOGO

Crystal Light, 2/$4

Oscar Mayer Sliced Bacon, 2/$6

Oscar Mayer Bologna, BOGO

Claussen Pickles, 2/$6

Kraft Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, $3.99

Kool-Aid Jammers 10-Pack, $1.88

Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayonnaise, 2/$5

Grey Poupon Mustard, $2.99

Bull's-Eye BBQ sauce, 2/$4
$1/1 (bricks)

Good Seasons 4-pack mix, $2.99
$1/1, 05/02 SS

***

TWO Meal Deals this week:

Save $1 instantly on ground beef when you buy 2 Kraft Singles.
$1/1, 04/25 SS
Buy 1 ticket, get 1 FREE from Kraft singles with purchase - bring your package wrapper to a Minor League Baseball Game on Tuesdays for this deal - see giantfood.com for more information.

Enjoy FREE Giant pre-packaged cole slaw (15 oz.) when you buy Butcher's Prime BBQ Pulled Pork or Shredded Beef, & Miller's BBQ Beans with Beef.

***
2/$10 Specials in Prepared Foods:

Chicken Friday - Giant Rotisserie Chicken

Barbeque Saturday - Butcher's Prime Fully Cooked Pork BBQ Spare Ribs

Pizza Sunday - Uno Deep Dish Pizza

***

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering

What other Giant coupon matchups and deals did you spot for the coming week? Did we make any deal-calculating hiccups? Post a comment to let us know!

Restaurant.com: 80% off + 15% cash back through Ebates!

It's the end of the month, so that means that
gift certificates at Restaurant.com are 80% off!
Enter code FLAG at checkout to receive the discount.


Sweeten the deal by starting at Ebates, where you'll get an additional 15% cash back!

Disclaimer: If you go through our Ebates referral link, we will also receive cash back thanks to you.

Menu Plan

Unlike amazing baker Mel, I am sort of a dud in the department of dealing with yeasted doughs. Maybe I just need more practice with them, but until then, the delicious balls of ready-to-bake balls of pizza dough from Trader Joe's (just $0.99 ea.) fill the bill for me in terms of homemade pizza!

Monday:
Breakfast - Yoghurt and honey
Lunch - Salad with avocado ($1/ea. at Giant) and balsamic vinegar, blueberries and strawberries
Dinner - Marinated steaks, sweet corn, salad

Tuesday:
Breakfast - Instant oatmeal, banana, milk
Lunch - PB&H, cubed papaya
Dinner - Spinach pizza (Made with Trader Joe's $0.99 crust, yum!)

Wednesday:
Breakfast - Fruit salad, with fresh pineapple involved ($2 ea. at Giant this week!), milk
Lunch - Coconut curry quinoa with raisins and toasted shredded coconut
Dinner - BLT salads

Thursday:
Breakfast - Peanut butter banana smoothies
Lunch - Microwave-fried eggs, salad with avocado
Dinner - Lasagna, salad

Friday:
Breakfast - Chocolate chip banana bread (thawed from last freezer baking session), milk
Lunch - Leftovers
Dinner - Sausage, scrambled eggs

5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 05/21-05/27

1. Center Cut Pork Loin Chops, $1.99/lb. (Half price, so freeze if you like these!)
   
   
2. Butterball Thin & Crispy Turkey Bacon, 10/$10
   $1/2, 05/09 SS
   Final price: $0.50/pack!
   
   
3. Orchard Perfect Ripe Avocados, 10/$10 (Save at least $0.66)
   Is it guacamole season, or what?!
   
   
4. Hebrew National Franks, BOGO
   $0.75/1, 05/23 SS
   Final price: $3 off the price of one, for two!
   
   
5. Pineapples, $1.99/ea (Save $2/ea.! Half price!)
   

Other reasons to visit Giant this week, 05/21 through 05/27:

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast, $1.99/lb. (Save $1.50/lb.)

Pacific Dungeness Crab, $6.99/b.

SUPER G Chicken Wings, $1.99/lb. (Save $0.60/lb.)

Banquet Brown'n'Serve Links, 10/$10

Giant European Salads or 5 lb. Russet Potatoes, 2/$4

Nature's Promise Salad Dressing, 2/$5

Marzetti's Croutons, 10/$10

Del Monte Fruit Naturals, 10/$10

Giant Milk, 2/$6 (Save at least $0.28), limit 2

Chobani Greek Yoghurt, 10/$10

Celeste Pizza for One, 10/$10

Nature's Promise Frozen Breads, 2/$4

Giant Hamburger or Hot Dog 8-Pack Rolls, 10/$10

General Mills Cereal, Buy 2, Get 1 FREE
Ceerios, Kix, Honey Nut Cheerios, Multi-Grain Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, or Wheaties Fuel
$1/2 (bricks)
$1/2 coupons (coupons.com)
$1/2 GM cereals, 05/02 SS
Final price: If you bought 6 and used three $1/2 coupons, you'd get $3 off the price of 4, for 6.

Quaker Life Cereal, 3/$5, Must buy 3
Original, Cinnamon, or Maple & Brown Sugar, or Quaker Oatmeal Squares

Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats, $2.29
$1.50/2 (Red Plum)
$1/2 (Kellogg's site)
$1/2 (04/11 RP)
Final price: $1.79/box

StarKist Solid White Tuna, 10/$10

Emerald Peanuts, BOGO

San Giorgio Pasta, 10/$10

Francesco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce, 10/$10

Chef Boyardee Pasta, 10/$10
$0.50/2
$1/4

Del Monte Vegetables, 10/$10

Hunt's Tomatoes, 10/$10

Knorr Pasta Sides, 10/$10
$1/3, 05/23 RP
Final price: $0.66/ea.

Lawry's Marinades, 3/$5

Lay's Potato Chips, BOGO (Save at least $3.99)

Deer Park Water 24-Packs, 3/$10 (Must buy 3)

Minute Maid Chilled Punches, 10/$10

Save when you buy 4 Cokes and 2 Cheez-Its (Must buy all 6)
Coke 12-packs, 4/$8 and Sunshine Cheez-Its, 2/$4

Canada Dry or 7-Up 2-liters, 10/$10

Scott Bath Tissue 12-Pack, $6.99 (Save at least $2)
$1/1 March All You
$1/1 Naturals, or 04/18 SS or 05/23 SS

Pantene: FREE Styler or Treatment when you buy two Family Size shampoos or conditioners, @$5.88 ea.
$1/2 any, 05/02 P&G
$1/1 styler, 05/02 P&G

BOGO:
CareOne Pain Relief
Nature Made Vitamins
$3/1 Cholest Off
$2/1, CoQ10
$1/1 Fish Oil
$3/1 SAM-e
Foster Grant Sunglasses
Advil
$1/1, or coupons.com, or 05/23 RP
Soyjoy, BOGO, 05/23 SS
Note: I have not had luck getting BOGO sales and BOGO coupons to combine for freebies at Giant (though CVS and other stores allow this)
Banana Boat Suncare
$1/1, 05/23 SS
Mennen Speed Stick 24/7
Curad Bandages
$0.50/1, 05/16 SS, or BOGO, 05/16 SS
Note: I have not had luck getting BOGO sales and BOGO coupons to combine for freebies at Giant (though CVS and other stores allow this)
Hawaiian Tropic Suncare
$1/1, 04/25 SS and 05/23 SS (also see coupons.com)

Save $3 off your order instantly when you purchase $10 worth of participating Hallmark Party Express products in one transaction.

Kleenex White Facial Tissue, 10/$10

Deer Park Spring Water, 3 liters, 10/$10

***

Meal Deal: Enjoy a FREE Country Crock Side Dish when you by Lloyd's Ribs (These are marked as $5 off retail elsewhere in this week's Giant ad).

Country Crock:
Note: I haven't checked the specs on these, so they may apply only to Shedd's Spread. Use only if they are applicable on ANY Country Crock products or include the sides in the text.
$0.50/1, any, or coupons.com
$0.40/1, 05/23 RP

Lloyd's
$0.75/1, 05/16 SS

Final price: The price of one Lloyd's Ribs (already $5 off retail), minus up to $2.50, to get a Lloyd's and a FREE Country Crock.

***

Deli Deal: Use in-ad coupon to get $5 off any entertaining platter or floral arrangement of $29.99 or more. PLUS, receive a coupon in-store for FREE Pepsi and Lay's Chips when you purchase any deli platter $29.99 or more, now through July 8.

***

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering

What other Giant coupon matchups and deals did you spot for the coming week? Did we make any deal-calculating hiccups? Post a comment to let us know!

Works for Me Wednesday: Pandora Radio!

It's Wednesday, and that means time for another "Works for Me Wednesday" tip! Check out this week's WFMW carnival, hosted weekly by We Are THAT Family.

After years of hearing my younger, hipper sister tell me about using Pandora Internet Radio on her cel phone, I finally checked it out a couple months ago.

The verdict: I'm hooked!

There are several reasons why I really like this free, internet-based radio service:

• It's FREE!
  
• It's super simple to set up an account. It took me less then 5 minutes to do so.
• I can access my account from any computer by logging in.
• It's easy to set up "stations" based on music preferences, and Pandora is intuitive when it comes to spinning tunes. For instance, once you set up a station and enter a few artists, Pandora will stream other tunes and artists in that genre.
• It has a "thumbs-up" or "thumbs-down" feature. It's easy to tell Pandora if you don't like something and never want to hear it again, or the reverse!
• It has an exhaustive music collection! For someone like me(Mel) who memorizes tunes pretty easily, that matters. And don't forget, it's FREE! What a find.

If you haven't tried out Pandora yet, head on over and check it out.

Special thanks to my sister for introducing me to Pandora. Little sisters rock!

Menu Plan Monday

Now for this week's menu plan:

Monday:
Breakfast - Chocolate chip banana bread, milk
Lunch - Yoghurt, peanut butter sandwiches
Dinner - Crockpot chicken and potatoes, salad

Tuesday:
Breakfast - Chocolate chip banana bread, milk
Lunch - Spinach salad with avocado, tomato, shredded cheese, sweet corn, balsamic vinaigrette
Dinner - Chicken salad sandwiches, sliced mango

Wednesday:
Breakfast - Yoghurt with honey
Lunch - Trader Joe's Jaipur vegetables, salad
Dinner - Scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage

Thursday:
Breakfast - Oatmeal with raisins, milk
Lunch - Pumpkin soup, bread
Dinner - Stir-fry shrimp and asparagus

Friday:
Breakfast - Cereal, milk, banana
Lunch - Hummus with crackers, cheese slices
Dinner - Leftovers
.

Giant and Shell Loyalty Partnership: Save up to $2.20/gallon!

There is a new gas rewards program at Shell gas stations in partnership with Giant grocery stores -  details here! Basically, your gas rewards points (earned for every dollar spent at Giant) are no longer confined to just Giant gas stations; you can now swipe your card or type your phone number associated with your Giant card to get the discount - of up to $2.20 off per gallon! - at local Shell stations as well. (Not sure about whether nonlocal Shell stations participate...) As I understand it, every $100 spent at Giant translates to $0.10 off per gallon of gas - and points/savings earned expire after 30 days.

I will be mulling over the details of this and comparing Shell gas prices with those of other stations to determine how this would be worthwhile. In our family's case, our Sam's Club gasoline already goes $0.10-$0.15 less than most, and there's not a Shell station convenient to my usual errand-running routes, so I'm not sure whether I'll use the new program much, if at all.

Anybody else want to comment with thoughts or strategies on maximizing savings with this partnership?

5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 05/14-05/20

Check out the Johnson & Johnson deal below!

1. Red Seedless Grapes, $0.99/lb. (Save at least $2/lb.)
   
   
2. Yoplait Yoghurt, 20/$10
   $0.40/6, 03/21 SS, 04/18 SS, 04/25 SS and/or 05/16 SS
   Final price: 6 for $2.20 ($0.37/cup)
   
   
3. Orville Redenbacher Popcorn, 2/$4
   $0.40/1, 03/28 SS2
   $0.75/1 cheese flavor, 03/28 SS2
   Final price: As low as $0.50/1
   
   
4. All Liquid Laundry Detergent, $2.99 (Save at least $2.80)
   $1/2, 05/16 RP
   Final price: $2.49 (compare with retail of $5.79)
   
   
5. Fruit2O Essentials, 18 oz. bottles, $0.88
   Sign up for a $1/2 coupon
   Final price: $0.38/bottle!

Other reasons to visit Giant this week:

Top Round London Broil, or Boneless Beef Chuck Steak, BOGO
(Save at least $4.29/lb.)

Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops, $2.99/lb. (Save at least $1.50/lb.)

Fresh Sea Scallops or Extra Jumbo Raw Gulf Shrimp, $7.99/lb. (Save at least $2/lb.)

Sugardale or Giant Smoked Ham, $0.99/lb.

SUPER G Twin Pack Whole Chicken, $0.99/lb.

Giant European Salads, or Dole Salad Blends

Sabra Hummus, 2/$6

Boursin Cheese Spreads, BOGO

Yoplait Yo-Plus Low Fat Yoghurt, 2/$4
$1/1 (bricks)
$0.50/1, 04/28 SS
Final price: $1 for a four-pack ($0.25/cup!)

Breyers Ice Cream, 3/$6 (Must buy 3, Save at least $5.97 on 3)

Lean Cuisine Entrees, 5/$10 (Must buy 5)
$1/5, 05/02 SS
Final price: 5/$9 ($1.80/ea.)

Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, 3/$5
$0.50/1 any Green Giant Frozen vegetables
$0.60/3, 03/28 SS2
Final price: As low as $0.66

Hot Pockets, 5/$10
$1/3, 04/25 RP
Final price: 3 for $5 ($1.66/ea.)

General Mills Cereals, $2.22
Lucky Charms, Trix, Cocoa Puffs, or Cocoa Puffs Combo
$1/2, coupons.com
$1/2, bricks
$1/2, 05/02 SS
Final price: $1.72/box

BOGO Sale
Perdue Split Chicken Breast (Save at least $3.29/lb.)
Steak-umm Chuck Beef Burgers (Save at least $7.99)
Romaine, Red or Green Leaf Lettuce (Save at least $1.79)
Arnold Breads or Thomas' English Muffins 6-Pack (Mix or Match), $1/1 Thomas' Honey Wheat, March All You

Kraft Salad Dressing, 2/$4
$0.55/1, 05/02 SS
Final price: $0.90/bottle

Pepsi 2 Liters, 10/$10

Aquafina water 24-pack, 3/$10 (Must buy 3)

Crest Toothpaste or Oral-B Indicator Brush, 2/$4
See 05/02 P&G (values seem to vary)
$1.50/2, 03/28 RP
Final price: $1.25/ea.

Bounty 15-pack Paper Towels, 2/$20 (Must buy 2)
$0.75/1, 04/25 RP, and $0.25/1 or $1/1, 05/02 P&G

All Liquid Laundry Detergent, $2.99 (Save at least $2.80)
$1/2, 05/16 RP
Final price: $2.49 (compare with retail of $5.79)

***

Coke deal: Buy 3 Coke 12-pack cans for $12.99, and get a FREE 8-pack of mini cans when you buy them all in one transaction with your Giant card.

***

Save $5 off your order instantly when you use your Giant card and purchase $20 worth (after coupons and savings) of participating Johnson & Johnson products in one transaction. Limit 1 per transaction.

Neutrogena Skin Care or Aveeno Skincare, save $1
$5/1 Neutrogena Acne Kit
$3 and $2 Neutrogena Wave coupons
$1.50/1 Aveeno, 05/16 RP
$5/1 Aveeno Ageless Vitality, 04/25 SS
$5 Ageless Vitality and $10 Rebate
$1/1 Any Aveeno Product, 04/25 SS

Mylanta Ultimate or Maximum Strength, $4.99
$2/1 Ultimate Strength

Purell, Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
$1/2, 04/25 SS and 05/16 RP
Final price: Best way to work this is to buy SIX so that you can use three $1/2 coupons, so $3 off the price of 4, plus the instant discount if you can get it up to the deal threshold.

Sudafed cold or sinus, Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
$1/1 any, bricks (also check coupons.com)
$2/1 OR $2/2, 03/14 RP
$5/2, 04/11 RP

Reach Advanced Design Toothbrushes, Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
BOGO Reach adult toothbrush, 12/06/2009 RP, and 01/03/2010 RP2
$0.50/1, 04/11 SS, or maybe also 04/11 RP (AFC database is unclear)
$1/1, 06/14/2009 SS

Aveeno Shaving Gel, $3.99

Tylenol Sinus or Allergy, $4.99
$3/2, 02/07 RP
$1.50/1, 04/11 RP

Neutrogena Hair Care, Buy 2, Get 1 FREE
$2/1 Therapeutic Haircare

Benadryl, Buy 2, Get 1 FREE
See 03/14 RP, 04/11 RP, and 05/16 RP

Reach Ultra Clean Floss or Total Care Floss, Buy 2, Get 1 FREE
$0.50/1, 04/11 SS or 04/11 RP

Carefree Pantiliners, 2/$5
$0.50/1
Other Carefree coupons
$1/1, 04/25 SS
B1G1, 03/28 RP

Imodium A-D, $7.99
Imodium coupons

Listerine 1-Liter, Buy 2, Get 1 FREE
$1/1 Whitening Rinse
$1/1, 03/07 RP, 06/21/2009 SS (exp. 05/31/10), 12/06/2009, 10/04/2009 SS

Johnson & Johnson Dental Floss, Buy 2, Get 1 FREE

Aveeno Body Wash, Buy 2, Get 1 FREE

Aveeno Hand and Body Lotion, $6.99

Visine Eye Drops, Save $1
$2/1, 04/11 RP
$1 and $2 Visine Coupons

Monistat, Save $1
Monistat Coupons
$2/1, 01/03 RP2, or $3/1, 06/28/2009 SS (exp. 06/30/10)

Zyrtec 10 mg, $18.99
See 03/21 RP, 04/11 RP, and 05/02 RP for coupons ranging $2-$4

Neosporin Antibacterial, $3.99
$0.50/1, 03/14 RP (also see 04/25 SS and 05/16 RP)
Final price: $2.99

Band-Aid bandages, $2.99
$0.50/1, 03/14 RP, 04/25 SS, 05/16 RP
Final price: $1.99

***

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering

What other Giant coupon matchups and deals did you spot for the coming week? Did we make any deal-calculating hiccups? Post a comment to let us know!

Works for Me Wednesday: Rating Library Books for Future Gift Ideas

It's Wednesday, and that means time for another "Works for Me Wednesday" tip! Check out this week's WFMW carnival, hosted weekly by We Are THAT Family.

I just discovered our local library this spring.

...

...

I know. I KNOW. How is it that a supposed frugalista just now discovered the local library? *Momentarily smacks forehead...* To tell the truth, I'm not entirely sure what took me so long. (And to Mel's credit, she's been a longtime patron of her local library.)

But there was a major catalyst at play that spurred us to finally join: me getting sick of reading my three-year-old daughter the same books over and over. (And this, believe me, despite the fact that she has TONS of books via gifts, yard sales, etc.)

Now over the past few months we've averaged borrowing about 7 childrens' books or so per week. We've also discovered our library's once monthly book sale, wherein they liquidate excess inventory. Kids' hardbacks are just $0.50/each on the first day of the sale! (I really need to consider remodeling my daughter's bedroom to feature 20-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling bookshelving, and a freely gliding library ladder, a la Belle's library in Beauty and the Beast. But first, we should, you know, get a new water heater. Priorities!)

Every time we come home from the library, I take just a moment to document which books we've borrowed. As we read them, I put one star next to titles that I'd borrow again, and two stars next to titles which were so wonderful that I'd buy or gift.

This ongoing list gives me a quick reference for when a child's birthday or other occasion is approaching - I can quickly eyeball the "two-starred" books for inspiration. (Of course, this concept would be sweetened if I could then subsequently snag said titles brand new with a "30% off one item" Borders coupon, since there is a Borders just around the corner from me.)

Writing down the week's titles takes very little time, and the rating takes even less, since of those seven there are usually just a couple that get one star, and one or two that get two stars. I love the idea of giving books - but especially stories which we've also read and thoroughly enjoyed - to the kids in our life!

(And...when I one day return to the fold of those do lots of recreational reading...I'll probably apply this concept to grown-up oriented selections, too. :-p)

Rating library selections works for me!

Entertainment Books for $6 TODAY ONLY!

TODAY ONLY (May 11) Entertainment Books are $6 after rebate at Cashbaq!

Talk about a smokin' hot deal!

I've been tracking Entertainment Books for 3 years now, and this is HALF the lowest price I've seen. I just ordered a second one for our family - this one will more than pay for itself between the free Firehouse Subs sandwiches and $5/$50 Safeway coupons!



If you use our referral link above, we'll receive a small percentage on your purchase thanks to you! Click through above, create an account and then search for "entertainment book." Select the 12-hour May 11 sale to get an Entertainment Book for $12, plus $6 cash back!

Standard shipping is free!

In My Inbox - Deals Kicking Off the Week! Bath and Body Works freebie, Lands' End Swimwear 40% + shipping free, up to 48% off Ralph Lauren

Here are three deals that caught my eye this morning in my inbox:

• At Bath and Body Works, get a FREE Signature Collection Body Care item (up to $12 value) with any $10 purchase. Use the code BESTLOTION online, or print the offer and take it in-store to redeem. If you shop online, first click to the Bath and Body Works site through ebates to get 3% cash back on your purchase. This offer good through May 31.
  
  
• Regularly-priced Lands' End swimsuits are 40% off PLUS free shipping, today only! Simply enter the Promotion Code MAY10T and PIN 3132 in the spaces provided and checkout. How cute is this coral-hued vine-print tank? Oh, and if you click to the Lands' End storefront through ebates, you'll get an additional 2% cash back.
  
  
• Ralph Lauren has an online sale going on right now, with a 30% discount on many items, plus an extra 15% off when you enter code MAY0610 at checkout. Going through ebates will snag you an additional 3% cash back.

(If you sign up for ebates under our ebates link, we will receive cash back thanks to you. You'll receive a starting bonus, too!)

Menu Plan Monday

Hope that all of our mom readers had a wonderful Mother's Day. Now, it's already Monday, and back to the grind. ;o) Here we go!

Monday:
Breakfast - Peanut butter crackers, milk
Lunch - At a friend's house for playgroup; packing Trader Joe's Jaipur vegetables and fresh fruit
Dinner - Shrimp on salads

Tuesday:
Breakfast - Scrambled eggs
Lunch - Yoghurt, bananas, sliced tomatoes with ranch dressing
Dinner - Pumpkin soup, garlic toast

Wednesday:
Breakfast - Banana peanut butter yoghurt smoothies
Lunch - Spinach salad with shredded cheese, tomatoes, avocado
Dinner - Chicken strips (frozen), fresh veggies

Thursday:
Breakfast - Sausage, mango slices
Lunch - Mac'n'cheese
Dinner - Frozen pizza

Friday:
Breakfast - Yoghurt with honey
Lunch - Outing! Packing leftover pizza, bananas, milk
Dinner - Quinoa, some way, if there are no other leftovers

Dunkin Donuts: Free Drinks on Mothers Day AND May 11!

Laura over at Frugal Friends has confirmed that several local NOVA Dunkin Donuts stores will be offering a free drink to mothers on Sunday. Woot! For more details, click here.



In addition, you may have seen ads for a free small iced coffee at DD on Tuesday, May 11. You can bet I'll be trying to get there on both days if possible!

In the past few months I've tried to alternate my weekly Starbucks runs with Dunkin Donuts. Drinks are cheaper there, and I really like the flavor of DD's basic, regular coffee. After trying several variations, I realize that I don't like anything BUT their regular coffee, of course made sweeter and creamier with sugar and skim milk!

I've also discovered that the DD equivalent to Starbucks' skinny vanilla latte is the white chocolate latte. Mmmm!

You might wonder if I buy my toddler anything when I take him along. I usually plan ahead and pack him a sippy cup full of chocolate milk, then buy him one donut hole. The past two times, my son has asked for his own "chocolate donut hole, please" at the counter, and the cashiers have given it to him free. Our local store(Braddock Road in Fairfax) has been generous that way!

Thanks, Frugal Friends!

5 Reasons to Visit Giant This Week, 05/07-05/13

Strikes me as being somewhat slim pickins on the coupon deals this week, though there are some nice produce and meat deals!

1. Kellogg's Cereal, All Varieties, Save $6 on 4
   $1/2 All Bran, Crispix, Rice Krispies, Smart Start, Raisin Bran, and/or Corn Flakes, 04/11 RP
   $1.50/2, Kelloggs Rice Crispies, Crispiz, or Corn Flakes, 03/28 RP
   $1/3 Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, and/or Frosted Flakes, 04/11 RP
   $1/2 Frosted Mini Wheats, 04/11 RP
   Redplum.com and Coupons.com
   $1/1 Smart Start, 03/28 RP
   $1/2 Special K Cereal, 05/02 RP
   Final price: If you had four $1/1 coupons, you could get $10 off four boxes of Smart Start...could work out nicely!
   
   
2. 3-day Mother's Day Sale (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Only):
   Pepsi 12-Packs, 4/$10
   Semi-Boneless Rib Steak, $4.99/lb. (Save at least $5)
   North Atlantic Lobster Tails, $4.99/lb. (Save at least $5)
   
   
3. SUPER G Boneless Chicken Breast, $1.99/lb. (You save $2.30/lb. - This is stock-up price, so clear some freezer space!)
   
   
4. Dannon Danimals Crush Cup Yoghurt 4-Pack, 2/$4
   $0.75/1, 05/02 SS
   Final price: $0.50 for a four-pack! (?!)
   
   
5. Kraft Salad Dressing, 2/$4
   $0.55/1, 05/02 SS
   Final price: $0.90/bottle

Other Reasons to Visit Giant This Week:

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

Fresh Pork Tenderloin, $3.99/lb. (Save at least $2/lb.)

Country Style Pork Ribs, $1.69/lb. (Save at least $1.30/lb.)

Hillshire Farm Sausage/Kielbasa, BOGO
$1/2, 05/23
Final price: Around $3.49 for two

Tropical Mangoes, 10/$10

Pick your own sweet white corn, 8/$1.99
(Note: stick these still in their husks in the oven or toaster oven - ~400 degrees for 30-45 minutes, and they'll come out steamed to juicy perfection in-husk!)

Fresh Strawberries, 1 lb. package, 3/$5

Blackberries, 5.6-6 oz., 3/$5

Cedar's Hommus or Cedar's Wraps, BOGO

Tropicana Pure Premium, $3.99 (Save at least $0.70)
$1/1
$1/2, 04/25 RP
$1/1 Trop50, 03/14 RP
Final price: As low as $2.99

Tyson Any'tizers, $5.99 (Save at least $3)
$1.50/1 coupon
$1/1 or $0.55/1, 03/07 SS
Final price: $4.49 and up

Chobani Greek Yoghurt, 10/$10

Sargento Shredded Cheese, 2/$5
$0.75/1, 04/18 SS (this wasn't very specific in its database entry on AFC, so I'm not 100% sure that it applies)
Final price: $1

Land O Lakes All Natural Grade A Eggs, 2/$5
$0.50/1, 03/14 SS (expires 05/09)
Final price: $1.50/dozen

Edy's Ice Cream, 2/$5

Pepperidge Farm Cookies and Crackers, All Varieties and Sizes, 33% off
$1/1 Baked Naturals Snack Crackers

Post Honey Bunches of Oats, 2/$4

Glory Southern Vegetables, 10/$10

Francesco Rinadli Pasta Sauce, 4/$5

Green & Black's Organic Chocolate Bars, 2/$5 (Compare at mroe than $3)

Goya Canilla Rice, $8.99

Garden of Eatin' Tortilla Chips, $2.99
$1/1
Final price: $1.99

Deer Park Water 24-Pack, 3/$10 (Must buy 3)

Schiff Move Free Glucosamine or Vitamins, BOGO
$2/1
$2/1 MegaRed
$5/1, 04/25

Dozen long stem rose bouquet, $12.99

Russell Stover Chocolates, BOGO

Expressions from Hallmark Greeting Cards, Buy 2 Get 1 Free!

***

Meal Deal: Enjoy FREE Giant Dozen Eggs when you buy Folgers Coffee and Hungry Jack Pancake Mix.

Folgers, $1/2 or $0.75/1, 04/25 RP

***

Celebrate Mother's Day at Giant, Saturday May 8, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mother's Day card crafting for kids - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cookie Decorating for the kids! Purchase one oversized chocolate chip cookie and Giant will supply the icing and decorations needed to create a customized cookie.

Mother's Day raffle, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Drawings will be held every hour.

Sunday May 9, from 10 a.m. - FREE packet of Burpee seeds to the first 100 customers.

***

This post is part of BeCentsAble's Grocery Gathering

What other Giant coupon matchups and deals did you spot for the coming week? Did we make any deal-calculating hiccups? Post a comment to let us know!

Frugal Fridays: Thrift Store Shopping

It's Frugal Friday!


For those of you who subscribe to our RSS feed, sorry about the incomplete post! I've (Mel) been out of town all week and just finished this one.

I have become a huge thrift store shopper. I've familiarized myself with the layout of our local store in the past year, and I've also signed up for the store's email list for sales tracking. With 1 to 2 visits per month, my family is now getting outfitted with secondhand clothes more regularly. And with my new sewing hobby, I've scored some vintage fabrics at next to no cost!

There are two stores I highly recommend here in the Northern Virginia area.
Yesterday's Rose
9960 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22031-3902
(703) 385-9517‎
http://yesterdaysrose.org/

Salvation Army Thrift Store
13287 Gordon Boulevard
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 490-2396www.salvationarmy.org


Here are my tried and true tips for thrift shopping.

• Find & master a thrift store near you. Familiarize yourself with its store layout and sales cycles. I saw a thrift store advertised in my community newspaper for months before I visited it. At first I wasn't impressed with the store's organization, but over time I've become familiar with where things are and how staff put things on the racks. The staff is very helpful, though they're very busy. I signed up for the store's email list and now frequent "Thrifty Thursdays" when clothing & shoes are on sale for 50% off.
• Keep a running list of what your family needs. This helps me know how to shop (which section to hit first and where to spend my time) and limit what I buy. I'm learning not to buy something just because it's a good deal. If it's not on my list or something we'll use within the next 3 seasons, I don't buy it.
  
• Be willing to buy something for another season. This tactic has helped me plan our wardrobes within the coming year. I often find name brand items that I adore but know we won't use in the current season. If I know we have storage space for such items, I buy them. If not, I don't.
• Shop without kids whenever possible. Even though I know my store's layout well, I can't make it in & out of the store in less than an hour. My toddler would never hold up for such a long time, so I shop when I have coverage for him. Our store is open from 9 am - pm, so I have options on when I visit. Of course first thing in the morning offers me the best selection, so I aim for that when possible.
• Use a cart and snag things when you first see them. I like using a cart because it allows me to have both hands free. My shop organizes things by age (adults vs. kids) and sex, then loosely organizes things by color. There can be a lot to sort through, so it's crucial to have my hands free. I pull anything I might remotely buy, then I find an area of the store that has good lighting. I sort back through everything and weed out items that look the wrong size, have stains or other damages, etc.
• Enjoy the idea of bargain hunting! Twice in the past year I've had great runs where I find Banana Republic items for myself, Old Navy purses in mint condition, and name brand toddler clothing for my son. At least 2 other times I've left the store with next to nothing. I don't allow myself to get disappointed on the days I don't find much, because I know that I'm saving my family lots of money on the days when I DO find steals. Part of finding steals is having days where you don't!
  

Below are some pics of recent thrift shop finds.

$3 for this Disney brand tutu!

$9 for beautiful Naturalizer shoes!

Redemption Unlimited is for entertainment purposes only. Mel and A. are not a financial advisers and no information found on this site should be construed as financial advice.

It's Friday: Earn Mega Swag Bucks Today!

Every Friday is Mega Swag Bucks Day!

Never heard of Swagbucks? It's one of our favorite websites because it's easy to earn free prizes by using the Swagbucks search engine. And on Fridays, users have better chances of winning Mega Swagbucks denominations.

The way it works:

• Go to Swagbucks through our referral link by clicking here.
  
• Sign up and create a new profile for yourself.
  
• Search a few times a day, and you'll start seeing points accumulate.

I use Swagbucks to search 2-3 times a day, 3-4 days a week for things I would normally research. I usually cash out my Swagbucks for Starbucks gift cards, but there are lots of other cool prizes in the Swagbucks store.

As a disclaimer, if you sign up under our referral link, we will receive Swagbucks thanks to you.

Works for Me Wednesday: Tea Boxes as Cookie Gifting Containers

This idea is not at all mine originally, but it is one that I love and intend to use again and again. When you're gifting cookies, instead of putting them on a wrapped plate (kind of precarious) or in a Ziploc gallon bag (makes them liable to crumble) - both things I used to do - you should consider the Post Punk Kitchen suggestion (described here and linked with PPK's permission) of putting them in an empty tea box. Frugal and cute as can be.

The Post Punk Kitchen blog has some great-looking cookie recipes, too, like Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles, Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows (*drool*), and Magical Coconut Cookie Bars.

For additional inspiration, you could also head over to Amazon for the 5-star-reviewed Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar: 100 Dairy-Free Recipes for Everyone's Favorite Treats, written by the Post Punk Kitchen's Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero (meet'em here).

Other suggestions for snazzing up your tea box of cookies:

• Per Post Punk Kitchen, add some bags of tea that would complement the taste of the cookie
• I like separating mine with squares of wax paper.
• You could fancy up your boxes with wrapping paper or ribbons on the outside!

Gifting yummy cookies in tea boxes works for me!
.
Note: This post contains our Amazon affiliate link. Thanks for supporting Redemption Unlimited!

FREEBIE Meal at Let's Dish for New Moms! (Babies Born After 05/10/09)

Gina of Moneywise Moms alerted us to the details of this offer (thanks, Gina!):

Let's Dish! is a takeaway restaurant concept which lets customers preassemble meals in-store, to cook at home. May 09 through May 29, any new moms who have had a baby since last Mother's Day (05/10/09) can come to Let's Dish! for a freebie meal - no purchase required. Yum!

Let's Dish locations can be found here.

You can find out more about the offer at www.letsdish.com/moms.

$5/$20 Cox Farms Coupon, Good 05/04-05/09

In honor of Mother's Day, Cox Farms' website has a printable coupon good for $5 off a $20 purchase available to all registered members, good May 04 through May 09.

Cox Farms is at:

15621 Braddock Rd,
Centreville, VA 20120

(703) 830-4121‎

coxfarms.com

This would make for a great outing! If you can make it there before the weekend, things are sure to be less crowded. Happy farm shopping! :)
.

Menu Plan Monday

Is it already Monday? Egads.

Monday:
Breakfast - Quartered strawberries with whipped cream and honey
Lunch - Quesedillas with salsa, Cuties mini-oranges
Dinner - Shredded baked chicken on romaine salad and shredded cheese

Tuesday:
Breakfast - Yoghurt with honey
Lunch - Wasabi-roasted asparagus, spinach salad with tomatoes and shredded cheese
Dinner - Sausage, scrambled eggs

Wednesday:
Breakfast - Cubed papaya, cereal, milk
Lunch - Baked apples, cheese slices, carrot sticks
Dinner - Pasta bolognese with fresh tomatoes and fresh spinach in the sauce

Thursday:
Breakfast - Pancakes with fruit compote
Lunch - Black bean soup with sour cream and shredded cheese, salad
Dinner - Teriyaki stir-fry beef and brocolli

Friday:
Breakfast - Banana, cereal, milk
Lunch - Peanut butter rolled tortillas, sliced apples
Dinner - Frozen pizza
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Harris Teeter: Triple Coupons through May 4!

We're just catching up on grocery deals here at RU, and I (Mel) am stoked that Harris Teeter is offering another round of triple coupons through Tuesday, May 4!

As I clean out my April coupons I'll be looking for coupons up to $.99 for some triple deals. Limit of 20 coupons per day.

Southern Savers has a great matchup list here, and Mrs. Moneysaver has another here.

Dollar Doubler Coupons at Giant

I saw yesterday that my print Giant ad in the mail had four dollar doubler coupons! If your ad has these, be sure to ask your friends and neighbors for theirs if they are not going to use them, since the in-store ads do not typically include additional copies of the doubler coupons. You can use 4 in any transaction of $15 or more to double four $1 off coupons.

I will also try to post some dollar doubler matchups over the weekend in the original Giant deals post. One potential freebie I've already spotted is for the $1/2 Bertolli coupons (see in the top 5 deals), which could possibly double to get the 10/$10-priced Bertolli pastas for free!
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40% off All Regular-Price Merchandise at Ann Taylor Loft, Today Only!

Get 40% off your purchase of full-priced items at anntaylorloft.com when you use code SAVE40 at checkout, today only. Go through ebates for an additional 3% cash back.

(If you sign up for ebates under our ebates link, we will receive cash back thanks to you. You'll receive a starting bonus, too!)

30% Off Entire Site at Old Navy, This Weekend Only!

Get 30% off your purchase at oldnavy.com when you use code ONBIG30 at checkout, through tomorrow, May 2. Go through ebates for an additional 4% cash back.

(If you sign up for ebates under our ebates link, we will receive cash back thanks to you. You'll receive a starting bonus, too!)