Recession Survival: November 2010

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to my readers and friends. I know this time of year is depressing when you don't have any money. Everywhere we turn there are more ads and commercials and pressure to buy. Please remember you can have a Christmas without spending a lot of money. You really can. Read my Christmas posts, make crafts and presents, print out decorations and toys and even ornaments. The true holiday spirit is not in what you buy. It is in spending time with your loved ones and doing things together. Walk around the neighborhood and look at the lights, sing Christmas carols together, have a craft night....I think you get the idea. This Thanksgiving I ask everyone that reads this to think of one thing or person they are thankful for and share that thought with someone. It is hard to feel deprived when you are focusing on being thankful. Even if you are in a homeless shelter, you can be thankful you have somewhere to sleep and for the chance that next year will be better and you can change your situation for the better. Before all this commercialism changed the focus, our ancestors had it right with how they celebrated the holidays. They enjoyed the time spent together and took pleasure in homemade gifts. Maybe, just maybe we can get some of that back.
I will be posting more money saving tips, grocery shopping advice, freebies, and more Christmas posts soon. Today is going to be about my family and spending time with the ones I love.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Easy Thanksgiving Meal for Singles, Couples or Elderly

I wanted to share an easy way to have a Thanksgiving meal for singles, couples, or the elderly that is not labor intensive at all and is really good. The Hormel Fully Cooked Turkey is in the refrigerated part of the grocery store near the hot dogs, and other foods that are already cooked. It is microwaveable and has 5 slices of real turkey in it. It also has a great tasting turkey gravy in it. There is enough gravy in it to put on your mashed potatoes and stuffing. It is literally heat and serve and takes only minutes. Walmart super centers have them for $4.98 so, you don't have to wait for the grocery store to put them on sale. Heat a can of corn and a can of green beans. Make mashed potatoes and stuffing. heat some rolls and you have a Thanksgiving meal that tastes great and was not hard to make at all. Get a ready made pie to top it off and you will be eating like royalty.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Christmas helpers to make your life easier

Go to the link below to get a free Christmas Greeting Card list, template to make a small gift box (fits in a stocking perfectly), template for gift card envelopes, gift tags, money holders, Santa letters, grocery shopping list, stationery, wish list, and printable wrapper sheets in case you run out of wrapping paper at the last minute.
http://www.noelladesigns.com/KringleKrafts/KringleKrafts-02.htm
I just love this site.

Freebies for you

Tide is giving away 5,000 bottles of Tide Stain Release Pre-Treat Spray."Like" them on Facebook and be on the lookout for their announcements
http://www.tide.com/newsletter/en-US/2010/november/newsletter-november2010.html?utm_source=tfcn&utm_medium=201011&utm_campaign=201011_email

Free Christmas herbal candle
http://beautyherbalspa.com/GiftIdeasChristmas.html

Free handmade peach soap
http://salonanddayspa.org/freehandmadepeachsoap.html

Free golf grip
http://www.golfdigestpromotions.com/golfpride/

Free condoms
http://www.beyondsevencondoms.com/htmls/free_sample-eval.asp

Free Lube to go with the above freebie
http://www.playlubricants.com/offers/

Hopefully some of these freebies will come before Christmas. The soap and the candle would make great presents. The golf grip would be a great stocking stuffer. Freebies go fast so hurry to get yours. Also, you might want to use a different e-mail address set up for freebies in case you get some spam.
Have fun!!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Make a Puppet Theater for all the printable puppets

Here it is..my idea for all those printable puppet posts. Let's make a puppet theater.
Get a Cardboard file box or bank box and cut out the bottom. you aren't using the lid so this will make a box with no top or bottom. You can paint the box using tempra paint or wrap the box with wrapping paper. Hot glue or staple two pieces of fabric to the top back of the box. Leave an opening in the middle to create the back curtain. Put the puppet theater on a tabletop. You could use a table cloth on the table so, your kids' legs don't show.Your children kneel or sit behind the table and put the puppets between the theater and the curtains. The curtains hide their hands. Let the shows begin.

Free printable letter from Santa for your child.

I just found a great resource for parents to make their own letter from Santa. You are able to print it right then for free. Also, you can mail it to your child and they will feel so special getting a letter from Santa.
Here you go:
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/xmas/intro.htm
I know my son loves to receive mail. I can't wait to see his face when he gets a letter from Santa.

Free Farm printable Play Set includes animals

This is a cute farm set and includes printable animals and even a silo.
Here are the links:
http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-paper-crafts/printable-playsets/build-a-barnyard-scene-paper-craft-703308/
http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-paper-crafts/printable-playsets/fences-build-a-barnyard-scene-paper-craft-703311/
http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-paper-crafts/printable-playsets/silo-build-a-barnyard-scene-paper-craft-703314/
http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-paper-crafts/printable-playsets/animals-tree-build-a-barnyard-scene-paper-craft-703305/
I hope your little one has hours of fun with this. This would make a great present if put together and presented as a set.

Wonder Pets!, Mickey Mouse bowling pins & Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Play set Printables for you

Free Printable Toys for Ni-Hao-Kai-Lan, Team Umizoomi, and Backyardigans

Free printable toys for Pinky Dinky Doo, Moose & Zee, Yo Gabba Gabba, Wubbzy, Olivia, and Max & Ruby

Blue's Clues printables

The printable puppets from the link below would make a great Christmas present for any Blue's Clue lover. Just group them together and wrap or set them up under the tree to be found on Christmas morning.
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/blues-printable-puppets.jhtml?path=/printables/blues-clues/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml
If you laminate the placemats using clear contact paper or clear shelf paper, they will last a lot longer and you can write on them with dry erase markers.
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/blues-tic-tac-toe-placemat.jhtml?path=/printables/blues-clues/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/blues-snacktime-placemat.jhtml?path=/printables/blues-clues/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml
These small paw prints are just the thing to lead a trail to a present on Christmas
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/blues-small-paw-prints.jhtml?path=/printables/blues-clues/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml
Want to play Blue's clues? Here are some big paw prints to hide. Have fun playing.
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/blues-giant-paw-print.jhtml?path=/printables/blues-clues/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml

Diego printable toys for your little boy

I wanted to share these printables with you. My last post was Dora printables. It's only fair I post Diego too.
These would be cool put together as a present for a little boy.
http://www.nickjr.com/printables/diego-arctic-rescue-badges.jhtml?path=/printables/go-diego-go/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml

http://www.nickjr.com/printables/diego-video-watch.jhtml?path=/printables/go-diego-go/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml

http://www.nickjr.com/printables/diego-printable-pinwheel.jhtml?path=/printables/go-diego-go/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml

http://www.nickjr.com/printables/diego-paper-airplane.jhtml?path=/printables/go-diego-go/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml

http://www.nickjr.com/printables/dora-paper-dolls.jhtml?path=/printables/go-diego-go/paper-crafts/all-ages/index.jhtml (both Dora and Diego paper dolls)

Printable Dora toys for your little girl

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Printable Christmas Toys for your Little Boy: Car Mat, Street Signs, Car, & Planes

If your son likes to play with cars or planes, these are the printables for you. The thing I love, is if they get messed up or broken, all you have to do is print another one. You can't do that with store bought toys.

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/street-scene-mat-for-3d-cars-paper-craft-702959/

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-paper-crafts/transportation-paper-crafts/rules-of-the-road-street-signs-702963/

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/cool-cars-paper-craft-702953/

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/printable-paper-crafts/transportation-paper-crafts/full-throttle-paper-airplane-703302/

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/red-rocket-paper-airplane-703296/

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/target-for-paper-airplanes-703299/
I will be posting more toys soon. Enjoy!!!

Printable Toys For Your Little Girl's Christmas: Princess, Cinderella, Snow White, & Barbie

If your little girl loves to be a princess or loves Barbie, Cinderella or Snow White, then these are the printables for you.
Disney Preschool Printable: Ariel's Wand

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-758009-disney-preschool-printable-ariels-wand-t/
Disney Preschool Printable: Ariel's Crown

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-758011-disney-preschool-printable-ariels-crown-t/
Princess and the Frog

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-790053-disney-printable-princess-and-the-frog-tiana-crown-t/
Princess and the Frog

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-789850-disney-printable-tiana-princess-and-the-frog-t/
Princess and the Frog

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-790057-disney-printable-princess-and-the-frog-playset-t/
Princess and the Frog

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-790058-disney-printable-princess-and-the-frog-fan-t/
Snow White

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-759778-disney-princess-printable-snow-white-t/

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-printables/article-852855-disney-princess-printable-cinderella-t/
The next link is for a printable paper Barbie doll with outfits. The pictures/printables are right on the front page. Just print it out and there you go.
http://www.100megsfree4.com/gogators4/Barbie.html
I will be posting more printable toys soon. Enjoy!!!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Free Milk for Utah and Nevada

This offer is for residents of Utah and Nevada only.
Here's the link: http://winderrecoverymilk.com/free_sample.aspx
To receive a free 1/2 gallon of Winder's fantastic milk, 3 free samples of our new chocolate recovery milk and learn more about their service just fill in the form and click submit.

Heating Oil Assistance for select states

This is for the states:
Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, and Wisconsin.
Citizens Energy Oil Heat Program provides a one-time delivery of 100 gallons of home heating oil to low income families. Over 1.2 million families are helped each and every year.
Call 1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-563-4645) to learn more or apply for the Oil Heat program. The program does have limited funding and supplies, so be sure to apply early and do not wait.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Decorating the house for Christmas

Printable Christmas tree ornaments for the kids

Saturday, November 13, 2010

More free samples for you...think Christmas

Free sample of parents choice baby formula: http://www.parentschoiceformula.com/sample-premium-baby-formula.aspx

Free Style and smile magnet photo frame: http://www.scholastic.com/smiles/

Free Betty Crocker 2011 calendar: http://freecalendar.bettycrocker.com/BC2011Calendar/Default.aspx?rs=1

Free Let's Have Fun with Fire Safety: Marty & Jett's Activity Book: https://www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/publications/display.cfm?id=663

Free Sesame Street get ready for school freebies (includes Sesame Street DVD): http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com/parents_caregivers/happy_healthy.html

Free Pillsbury 2011 calendar: http://freecalendar.pillsbury.com/PB2011calendar/

Free first hug blanket for expecting moms: http://freefirsthug.com/

The blanket, photo frame, and formula would be a great gift if paired together for an expectant mother.
The Sesame Street freebies, photo frame, and the fire safety activity book would make great gifts for a child for Christmas.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Food Lion's $15.00 turkey certificate for shopping 6 weeks

I wanted to give a heads up about the Food Lion $15.00 turkey certificate for shopping the past 6 weeks. It does not have to be used for food. I repeat it does not have to be used for food. If you are on food stamps (EBT), use your EBT card for food and use the Food Lion certificate for paper products or other products you can not buy with food stamps. If you combine the certificate with coupons and sales, you will be able to stretch the certificate and get even more items you normally can't buy.

Free food samples for your cat or dog

Here are several pet food freebies for your pets. I suggest having a different e-mail address that is set up for only freebie offers because you will get some spam. I still love finding freebies in the mailbox.
http://www.petpantrydelivers.com/sample.php cat or dog food sample
http://caninecaviar.com/coupons.aspx?choice=3 dog food sample
http://www.frrinc.com/freesample.html cat or dog food sample
http://www.whites-premium.com/free-sample dog food sample
http://naturalnibbles.com/free_samples.html dog treat sample
http://petmaxi.com/free-artemis-holistic-canned-seafood-cat-food-5-5-oz/ cat food sample
http://promotions.petsmart.com/landing/pro-plan-offer/?code=rachelray&utm_source=rachaelray&utm_medium=directurl&utm_content=proplanprintad cat or dog food sample
http://www.halopets.com/ dog food sample
http://www.doggydelightz.com/page1.aspx dog treat sample

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Week of coupon shopping wrap up and how to do it yourself

Here's the past week wrap-up for shopping with coupons. Between Food Lion, Bi-lo, and 3 trips to Harris Teeter, I spent $188.33 and received $472.35 in groceries. That is $284.02 in free groceries. I saved anywhere from 41% to 77% for an average of 60% which isn't too shabby.
I hope by previous articles, I have shown what can be done to lower your grocery bill buy using coupons. Want to get in on the deals and try it yourself? The first step is to get as many coupons as you can. You can get coupons from the Sunday newspaper, sometimes the library has a coupon exchange box (if they don't, ask them to make one), from relatives and friends, and of course printable Internet coupons.
The biggest Internet coupon sites are: http://www.redplum.com/, http://www.smartsource.com/, and http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/index.aspxpid=13903&nid=10&zid=xh20&cid=0&bid=1152450001 which is coupons.com.
You can print each coupon twice.
The best website I have found for helping you match up coupons with the store weekly specials is:

Just click on the box and you are on your way.
They have price match ups for Harris Teeter, Bi-lo, Food Lion, Kroger, Publix, Bloom, Commissary, H-E-B, Harveys, Ingles, Lowes Foods, Sweetbay, and Winn Dixie. There are match ups for pharmacies and some super stores but, more on that later. I will also being doing an article on coupon organization soon.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

3rd Trip to Harris Teeter $65.68 in groceries for $16.67

This is from my final shopping trip to Harris Teeter during there double coupons up to $1.99 during the week of 11/3/2010-11/9/2010. I scored $65.68 in groceries for $16.67.

Here's the run down:

4 Betty Crocker potatoes on sale for $1.00 each. I had 2 $ .50/2 coupons which doubled to $1.00 each, making each box of potatoes $ .50.

2 cans of Clabber Girl baking powder for $2.00 each. I had 2 $ .75/1 coupons which doubled to $1.50 each. I paid $ .50/can.

2 Idahoan mashed potatoes packets on sale for $ .99 each. I had 2 $ .60 coupons, which doubled to make both packets free.

3 cans of pringles for $1.50 each. I had $1.00/3 coupon which doubled to $2.00. I paid $2.50 for 3 cans or $ .83 each.

1 can of Hot Shot ant and roach spray for $3.99. I had a $1.50 coupon which doubled to $3.00 making this $.99.

2 Friskies cat treats for $2.00 each. I had 2 $1.00 coupons, which doubled to make these both free.

2-7th generation dish washing detergents for $1.99 each. I had 2 $1.00 coupons, which doubled to make both detergents free.

1-4 count of wisps toothbrushes on sale for $1.50. I had a $.75/1 coupon which doubled to make this free.

3 packs of bagel bites pepperoni pizzas on sale for $2.59 each. I had $1.00/1 and $1.50/2 coupons. After doubling, I paid $2.77 for all 3 or $ .92 each.

6 green giant frozen vegetable boxes on sale for $1.00 each. I has 2 $ .40/3 coupons which doubled to $ .80 each. I paid $4.40 foe 6 or $ .73 each.

Country Crock margarine on sale for $1.14. I had a $ .40 coupon which doubled to $.80 making the Country Crock $ .34.

4 pack of Danactive on sale for $2.50. I had a $ .55 coupon which doubled to $1.10 making the cost $1.40.

1 Dannon Greek yogurt cup on sale for $1.00. I had a $ .30 coupon which doubled to $ .60. This cost me $ .40.

Harris Teeter large eggs on sale for $ .77.

Between VIC savings and coupons I had $49.01 in savings. I paid $15.76 EBT and $ .91 cash for a total of $16.67 for $65.68 in groceries. That is a savings of 75%.

Now Harris Teeter is back to doubling coupons up to $ .99. I can't wait for the next triple to $.99or double to $1.99 coupon sale comes again.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Food Lion $63.16 in groceries for $37.41

This is what I bought on my shopping trip to Food Lion last night. Food Lion does not double coupons but, you can still get some good buys. The receipt did not want to scan clear so, I will do a run down for you.

Sweet 16 sugar donuts on sale for $1.49 which is half off
Quaker Quick Oats Instant oatmeal on sale for $1.99. I had $1.00 coupon so, I paid $ .99
2 Bush Collard Greens $2.38
2 Duke's Mayonnaise BOGOF Paid $3.88 for both
Food Lion diet cola $ .88
4 Hunts snack sugar free chocolate puddings $5.00. I had a store coupon for $ .75 off of 4 so I paid $4.25 for 4 packs.
Brach's Candy Corn on clearance for $ .49
Smart Option peanut butter $1.79
2 Swiss Miss Hot Chocolates on sale for $1.00 each. I had a $1.00 off 2 coupon so, these were $ .50 each.
Food Lion hot dog buns for $1.17
Hormel Turkey Breast on sale for $4.99. I had a $1.00 coupon so, I paid $3.99
Gwaltney Hot Dogs $ .99
2 Holly Farms whole chickens for $ .59/lb. for a total of $4.58 for both chickens
1 tomato on sale for $1.99/lb. I paid $1.09
2 cucumbers on sale for 2 for $ .88
Iceberg lettuce $1.29. This was the cheapest at any of the stores I shopped this week.
Kid Cuisine kid's meal on sale for $2.00
2 Hershey's milkshakes on sale for $1.00 each. I had 2 coupons for $.35 off so, I paid $ .65 each.
3 Pillsbury Grands! Jr. Golden Layers 10 count biscuits on sale for $1.00 each. I had a $ .40 off 3 coupon so, I paid $2.60 for 3 or $ .87 each.
1 Cottonelle Flushable Wipes for $2.50. I had a coupon for free wipes so this was free for me.
I paid $37.41 in EBT and saved $25.75 in coupons and store sales so, I received $63.16 in groceries for $37.41. I saved right at 41%. Truthfully the savings are higher than that because some items like the peanut butter and lettuce were not on sale but were cheaper at Food Lion than at the other stores. Part of keeping food costs down is knowing where to buy for the lowest price but, more about that later.

Bi-Lo $179.57 in groceries for $88.84

This is what I bought at Bi-lo last night:

2 French Vanilla 8 O'Clock coffee

Dixie Crystals sugar

5 cans Del Monte diced tomatoes

Hunt's Ketchup

Taco Bell taco shells

can of Southern Home chili beans

can of Hormel chili beans

Clear Value party peanuts

Hormel Completes Pot Roast

2 Hormel Completes Chicken & Dumplings

4 cans Progresso French Onion Soup

2 cans Progresso Tomato Rotini Soup

2 cans Progresso 99% fat free Minestrone Soup

2 Wise Cheese Doodles

14 packs of Koolaid

2 Packs of Nabisco Iced Animal Cookies

Act II popcorn

Nerds rope candy

Southern Home snack mix

Southern Home pretzels

Southern Homes sugar substitute

4 Whiskas cat food (single serve)

Gain Dish washing detergent

Pampers baby wipes

Marcal Facial Tissue

Breakstone Sour Cream

Kraft Mild Cheddar Cheese

Southern Home Mild Cheddar Cheese

Smart Balance Milk

6 Banquet Frozen Meals

Healthy Choice frozen Shrimp Diavolo meal

2 Healthy Choice Sesame Chicken Steamers

5.88lbs. Ground Chuck

Bar-S bologna

3 lunchmakers

Land O Frost Turkey sandwich meat

Del Monte peach fruit cup

2 Del Monte Mandarin orange fruit cups

2lbs. carrots

Sweet Moments bite size brownies

Sweet Moments molten Lava brownies

Total before savings:$179.57

bonus card and coupon savings: $91.08

EBT total: $87.60

cash total: $1.24

Grand total: $88.84 for a savings of 49%

This isn't too bad considering Bi-lo only doubles coupons up to $ .99 and I bought 5.88 lbs. of ground chuck and nerd candy rope because my child was with me and had stuck it out this far so, I treated him. Several of the items ended up being free and I am able to try out some new products I have been wanting to try. Because of using coupons, I paid $1.24 cash for 4 Whiskas single serving cat food, gain dish washing detergent, Marcal facial Tissue, & pampers baby wipes.

Trip 2 to Harris Teeter $74.27 worth of groceries for $16.94

Here's the picture from my last night shopping trip to Harris Teeter during their double up to $1.99 coupon week. There is a limit of 20 coupons a day per household.

Here's the run down:
2 liquid original coffee mate creamers for $2.85 each. I had 2 $1.50 coupons which doubled to make both free.
2 Martha white muffin mixes. BOGOF + $ .55 coupon on 2 which doubled to $1.10. The muffins were $1.15 for both so, I paid $.05.
2 Jello instant sugar free chocolate puddings. $ .95 each and I had a coupon for $ .50/2 which doubled to $1.00. $1.90 - $1.00 = $ .90 for 2 or $.45 each
2 boxes of Ritz Munchables pretzels/crackers on sale for $2.99 each. I had 2 $1.00 off each coupons which doubled to $2.00 each. I paid $ .99 each.
2 Friskies treats for cats at $2.00 each. I had 2 $1.00 coupons which doubled to $2.00 each.These were both free.
Act II popcorn 3 count on sale for $1.99. I had a $ .75 coupon which doubled to $1.50. I paid $ .49.
2 Zone bars for $1.25 each. I had 2 $1.00 coupons. HT doesn't allow overage so it doubled the coupons $ .25 each to make them both free.
7th Generation dish washing detergent for $1.99. I had a $1.00 coupon that doubled making it free.
7th generation baby wipes for $2.99. I had a $1.00 coupon that doubled. I paid $ .99 for baby wipes.
2 Kotex pantiliners for $1.45 each. I had 2 $1.00 coupons that doubled to make them both free.
Jimmy Dean sausage, egg, & cheese biscuits on sale for $4.99. I had a $1.00 coupon that doubled. I paid $2.99 for sausage biscuits that are normally $5.99.
4 boxes of Totino's pizza rolls for $1.00 each. They are usually $2.19 each. I had 2 $ .40 off 2 coupons which each doubled to $ .80. I paid $ .60 for each box. On the back of each box are $1.00 off 3 Totino's pizza coupons.
10 Totino's pizzas on sale for $1.00 each. I had 2 $1.00 off 5 coupons which doubled to $2.00 each.
I paid $6.00 or $ .60 for each pizza.

My total was $15.50 food stamps and $1.44 cash for a total of $16.94. Between coupons and sales, I saved $57.33. That is $74.27 worth of groceries for $16.94 a savings of 77%.
I will be going to Harris Teeter one or two more times before the double coupon sale ends on Wednesday.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Are Coupons Worth It?

$89.67 worth of groceries for $28.47. This is the results of my shopping trip to Harris Teeter on Thursday.

I saved 68% off my bill this time. Normally, I can save between 35%-80% on a given shopping trip. How is this possible? Harris Teeters in NC are doubling 20 coupons per houshold per day up to $1.99 this week. It is a dream come true for couponers. Harris Teeters in other states may be doing this also. Just go to their website http://www.harristeeter.com/ and look at the weekly specials for your store to find out.

Here's the receipt from this trip:

I am going to go one or two more times before the sales change next Wednesday to see if I can do even better. I will post how I do here so stay tuned. I also will do some shopping at a store that doubles up to 99cents everyday and a store that does not double at all to show what can still be done to lower your grocery bill. If you want to try this and need some coupons, try http://www.redplum.com/, http://www.smartsource.com/, and http://www.coupons.com/ for printable coupons. Also try to get your Sunday's newspaper for more coupons. The double coupons at Harris Teeter don't stop until Wednesday so, you have time to use coupons from tomorrow's newspaper. Look at the advertised sales in the weekly specials section of http://www.harristeeter.com/ and see if you have any coupons for the same items and you should be able to score some great deals.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Lowering Your Grocery Bill

If you are looking to lower your grocery bill or wondering how are you going to survive on food stamps, then this article is for you. This is the first in a series of articles on grocery shopping that will help you survive the food price increases and shrinking product sizes and stretch your food dollar.

When you look on the Internet for tips on grocery shopping, most of the sites you find fall into one of two camps, the cooking everything from scratch camp and the shopping with coupons camp.
I fall right in the middle of these two camps. I believe to lower your grocery bill the lowest it can be, you need to use a variety of methods. I use a combination of cooking from scratch, using coupons, stockpiling, and obtaining free samples to keep my grocery bill down, provide for my family, and to be able to help others.

The first step is to stock your pantry with the basics to be able to cook from scratch. If you are on food stamps or have a small grocery budget, when your food supply starts running low and you don't have grocery money yet, you can cook from scratch. You can also stretch your groceries by cooking from scratch throughout the month.

Here are my suggestions for the bare minimum to stock your pantry with:

baking powder, baking soda, chocolate chips, cocoa, cornstarch, food coloring, salt, pepper, vinegar, yeast, ketchup, grape jelly, barbecue sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, powdered milk, boxed puddings, vegetable oil, cornmeal,
all purpose flour, white rice, egg noodles, elbow noodles, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti noodles, beef bouillon cubes, chicken bouillon cubes, maple flavoring or extract, vanilla, basil, oregano, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic powder, garlic salt, marjoram, onion powder, oregano, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, powdered sugar, white sugar, corn syrup, dried beans, peanut butter, ramen noodles, spaghetti sauce, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, tomato soup, can tomatoes diced, tomato paste, tomato sauce, graham crackers, saltines, bread, oatmeal, grits, instant mashed potatoes, popcorn

eggs, pickles, salsa (if you like it), sour cream, whole or skim milk (your preference), margarine or butter, American cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese

canned tuna, pepperoni, ham, ground beef, chicken (whole is the cheapest), pork chops, ground turkey (if you like it), sandwich meats

coffee, tea, kool-aid packets or comparable brand, orange juice (canned is the cheapest)

fresh fruits, canned fruits, canned vegetables, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, green peppers, mushrooms (add or take away as you like)

I know this seems like a big list. The spices can be bought at the dollar store or at a place like Big Lots fairly cheaply. I am writing this at the beginning of November and we are getting ready to be in the baking season. Baking supplies are on sale between now and Christmas so, it is a great time to stock up. Condiments and canned foods can be bought on sale and with coupons for fairly cheap. Meats should always be bought on sale. Even sandwich meat can be bought on sale and with coupons. Produce goes on sale and it is always cheaper to buy fruits and vegetables in season.

The idea is to use up the fresh fruits and vegetables first and then use your canned supply. That way nothing gets wasted and you are able to have fruits and vegetables throughout the month.

Let me give you an idea of what you can do from scratch: chicken & dumplings, muffins, pancakes, spaghetti sauce, barbecue sauce, you can even make spaghetti noodles, cookies, cakes, soups, & casseroles. The list is truly endless.

Check out http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/ and look at the articles and recipes for some great cooking from scratch recipes. Check out the old site and the new site. The link takes you to the new site but, everything hasn't been added yet, so there is a link there to go to the old site also. If you are looking at ways to save money, plan to stay awhile at this site because there are plenty of ideas and recipes there that can help.
The best frugal cookbook I have found by far is the "Dining On A Dime" cookbook by Tara Jean Kellam. This book used to be called "Not Just Beans" but, has been updated and is even available as an e-book.
This one costs some money but, I promise it is definitely worth every penny. It will save you money from the day you get it. Here is a link to get the e-book: http://www.livingonadime.com/go.php?offer=resurvival&pid=22&tid=resurvival. Not only does this book have recipes for food, it also has the mix in a jar recipes that are great Christmas presents and recipes for kids like finger paints, chalk, slime, play dough, & so much more. There are even recipes to make home made cleaners. I love this book and recommend it without any reservation.

My next article will be about shopping with coupons...so stay tuned.