The Thrifty Groove: July 2009

Friday, July 31, 2009

Free Food From Schwann's

On August 1, the first 500,000 people who visit the Schwan site and sign up will receive $10.00 worth of Schwan products delivered to their house.

To check out the full details go HERE!

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Once again, it's the end of the month. Time to check out the coupons for printing and see if you want to grab any. Most of the ones I wanted I have already reached my limit but, if you haven't taken advantage of them yet, do so now. They will be going away and replaced with new coupons!

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This Sunday's Coupon Inserts

This Sunday's (8/2) paper will include 5 coupon inserts! This will be a good coupon week. So, if you may want to grab a couple extra papers this week if you want to build up your coupon stockpile. Also, make sure you check your paper to make sure you are getting all 5 inserts before you buy it!

If you want to see the full list of coupons that will be in this weeks paper, check it out HERE for the P&G insert and HERE for Red Plum and Smart Source inserts.

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School clothes time

I always looked forward to Back to School clothes shopping when I was a kid. My mom did a lot of layaways back then as well. Of course, very few stores offer layaway any more. Which is sad.

Right now, with the recession, many people aren't going to be able to afford new school clothes or their budgets are super tight and stretching them to include new clothes might be near impossible. Between getting school supplies and all the different fees and other out of pocket expenses that all need to be paid for the school year, it is a large drain on the wallet.

Since starting back to school takes place when the weather is still warm, put off buying new winter clothes until the end of September or October when the sales start up. Buy the clearanced summer clothes now for a few new things to start the year with. Summer clothes are being clearanced from 75%-90% right now. It just makes more sense to purchase the warmer weather clothes now for the first month or two of school. I know this doesn't work for everyone because many school require uniforms. How about a few other options?

* Yard Sales are still in full swing right now. Start thinking of clothes that your kids will need when you stop at one.

* Thrift stores can hold little surprises when it comes to clothes. Start stopping at them regularly to see what new items they get in.

* Check out Craigslist or Ebay. You might just snag some good deals there. Other people are trying to make a little extra money right now and are selling some of the clothes they no longer need. Quite often many people will have items for sale that are still brand new with the tags still on.

* Let your friends/neighbors/club members/church members know what you are looking for. Start a clothing exchange with them. Their kids might be older and outgrew last years clothing that are still in great shape.

* Don't forget the big discount stores like Big Lots, AJ Wrights, TJMaxx etc. for great marked down clothing. Even a lot of the Dollar Stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar have clothing and summer items are going very cheap.

The point is, don't get yourself further in debt trying to get your kids a new fall wardrobe to start school in. Build it gradually when you see a great deal.

This post is linked to:
"Hooked on Fridays" at Hooked on Houses
"Family Fridays" at Homemaker Barbi
"Finer Things Friday" at Amy's Finer Things
"Frugal Fridays" at Life As Mom

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Thursday, July 30, 2009

Walgreens

A couple of things regarding Walgreens. July 31 is "friends and family day". There is a coupon that will get you an additional 15% off eligible products and an additional 20% off Walgreen brand products. You can get the coupons HERE!

Also be on the look out for a new coupon booket at Walgreens. You will find it inside the childrens activity book (it is .99 cents). The coupons are good through 3/30/2010). Many are coupons that will work nicely with Register Rewards in future sales.

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Homemade Simple Coupons!

It's time to go sign up for a new Homemade Simple Coupon Booklet! I just used a couple of coupons from this booklet the other day and of course I already got my free Cascade Rinse Agent. I love this booklet! So, go sign up to get it HERE!

Here is a pic of a quick trip to Walmart the other day. I don't generally use a lot of coupons at Walmart because they don't double them. However, some things can be a deal.

I was able to get the following items using coupons from the Homemade Simple Coupon booklet I received last month:
a box of 2 Mr. Clean Erasers for .47 cents
Dawn Foam Pump Detergent for .77 cents
a Large Dawn Detergent for .81 cents

I got the full size Huggies Baby Wipes for .89 cents with a coupon I got when signing up with Huggie products.

The Chef Boyardee products and the Snack pack Pudding packs were bought because I had signed up with Congra foods and was sent coupons.
Chef Boyardee 4 were .35 cents each after coupon and 1 was free.
The snack pack Puddings were .40 cents after coupons

The Childrens Bayer Asprin was .45 cents after printed coupon (coupon.com)
Men's Irish Spring Shower Gel was $1.00 after printed coupon
The new Cinnabon pastries were .87 after printed coupon
Pecan Sandies was .50 after printed coupon

It really does help to sign up with companies who offer coupons. And check such coupon sites as coupon.com regularly.

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Toy Clearance At Target!

Common Sense With Money just annouced that Target has lots of toys clearanced 75% off. So, if you are out and about and have some extra money set aside for Christmas presents or gift buying, check it out. This really is the time to start shopping for Christmas. Take advantage of all the clearanced summer items. But remember, regardless of how cheap these items go, if you don't need them or are too tight on your budget right now, it is not a good bargain for you.

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Free Arby's-Michigan Area

Today only, free Arby sandwich at local Michigan Arby's! The Detroit Tigers hit 3 homeruns last night. Just go and print off the box score HERE!

Thanks Sherry!

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Tasty Thriftiness - Lemon Verbena

Okay, I am so far behind on my postings! Troy over at I refuse to recede posted his latest Herb article. This week (well, actually it was LAST week, but I am just catching up!) it is on Lemon Verbena.

The first thing that pops into my mind about lemon verbena is.....

And then the second thing is Miss Beetle from Little House on the Prairie

Both of these women wore Lemon Verbena perfume. Even today, Lemon Verbena is used in some of the most popular perfumes and beauty products.

Troy has been making us Lemon Verbena tea in the evening. He adds a little Mint and some Stevia, both fresh from our herb garden. The tea is very relaxing. It has been proven that Lemon Verbena has relaxing properties to it.

Also, since the scent is so fresh and strong, I have been making batches of Lemon Verbena and a few Mint leaves as simmering room fresheners. I just put the leaves of the 2 herbs into some water and either use a potpourri burner or a small pot on the back of the stove.

So, if you want some more information on this wonderful multi-use herb, head over to Troy's post HERE!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Fresh corn!

I have to say, fresh corn is one of my all time favorite veggies! Just quickly heat them up and bring on the butter! I take advantage of cheap corn season in many ways.

When one of our local nurseries start to sell the ears of corn at 20 ears for $1.00, I buy quite a bit. I will freeze them whole (without the husks and silk) and I will also cut the corn off the cob and freeze just packets of corn. some people say to blanch the ears first, I never have and I have been freezing corn for about 10 years now.

We also enjoy grilled ears of corn. Sometimes I will soak the ears, husks and all and add them to the grill. But, what I really like is to rub the ears of corn (after cleaning away all the husks and silk) in a little olive oil and fresh herbs. I let them kind of marinate for a couple of hours and then put them on the grill. You can make the same marinade and brush it on the ears of corn while you are grilling them.

Another favorite grilling idea for corn on the cob is to cut the cobs into about 2 inches and throw them into a ziplock bag to marinate with other chopped up veggies with your favorite marinade for a couple of hours and then skewer them and grill them.

I also really like fresh chopped salad. I cut the kernels off the cob and add a can of beans (use whatever you like, I use a can of kidney beans), chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumber, chopped onions, chopped green pepper and some fresh chopped garlic. Then I add some fresh herbs, squeeze about 1 lemon into the veggies and some salt and pepper. Toss it all and let it stand in the fridge for at least an hour to combine all the flavors.

The best part of this salad is you can add whatever veggies you want and whatever herbs you want. It is just super fresh tasting. the lemon acts as the marinade so, you don't have to add any oil to it. You can if you want, but I really like the clean simple taste of the veggies.

Here are a couple other recipes that I like to use fresh corn in:

Classic Corn Pudding. I made this for the first time this past Thanksgiving and it was a major hit! Now it has become a regular side dish in our menu. I of course used my corn that I froze last summer. I also make my own fresh bread crumbs with fresh herbs in them.

Amish Corn Pie. This another good one we like. It's easy and quick. If you want to turn it into more of a meal you can add some chopped up pre-cooked meat as well.
This post is linked to:

"Thrifty Thursday at Amanda's Cookin'

"Things I Love Thursdays" at The Diaper Diaries

This blog is new to me. You should check it out Tales From Bloggersville

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Using Fresh Savory for bug bites.

As you know by now, we grow a lot of our own herbs. And one of the cool things about herbs is the fact that they have a lot of other uses besides just cooking with them.

We try to search out the other uses for our herbs and then try it out. Well, this past weekend we were outside doing things and the mosquitoes were going insane. Both Troy and the Little Princess get bit pretty bad. And for them, the bites turn into welts that stick around for days. And of course, they itch like crazy.

We read that the herb Savory is suppose to help reduce the itching of mosquitoe bites. So, that night we went outside and picked a few leaves of Savory. We rubbed it on Troys multiple bites and on the princess's bites. And amazingly enough, the itching stopped immediately! We couldn't believe it.

So, instead of some kind of chemical product, get yourself a Savory plant and use the leaves to stop the itching of bug bite. And not to mention, you smell nicer that the commercial creams and ointments! And lets not forget, the cost for a fresh Savory plant at a nursery was only .99 cents!

For more WFMW posts, check out We are THAT family

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Building the Emergency fund pt 2

Last week I posted that just getting started with an Emergency Fund is the most important thing. I said scrounge around for loose change and put it into a container of some sort just to start you emergency fund.

I know a lot of you really are at the point where every bit of a paycheck coming in is going out as fast as it can just in paying bills to keep afloat. So, saving is such a hard thing to do.

This is what I want you to do this week to add a little bit more to your E.F. Every paycheck or any sort of money coming into your home, I want you to take out $1.00 and whatever the odd change amount is and add that to your E.F. Example: you receive a check for $45.61, you would add $1.61 to your E.F.

I know it is not a lot, but it is something! You are going to continue to add any loose change you find but, now you are stepping it up another notch.

The point is to not have you trying to figure out if you should pay extra on your credit card or put it into an emergency fund. By just adding this little amount, you can still direct your money to where it needs to be at this very moment. But, at the same time, you are sort of programming yourself slowly back into saving a little here and there.

So, that is all I want you to do this week. It is one more tiny baby step. Good Luck!

This post is linked to "Tightwad Tuesday" at Being frugal

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Menu Plan Monday

See how behind I am! this post should read "Menu Plan Wednesday!". Things, you know that crazy little thing we call reality and everyday life, has been very hectic as of late. So, I figured I might as well go ahead and do my menu up anyway. And as you will see, this is going to be a pretty easy and simple menu week. Lots going on.

MONDAY
(We had)
Homemade pizzas on Italian Bread
Garden Salad
peaches

TUESDAY
(We had)
We had dinner out because we were gone from early morning until late night on a road trip.

WEDNESDAY
Tuna salad sandwiches
corn on the cob
sliced tomatoes

THURSDAY
We will be at a birthday party but, I am bringing deviled eggs

FRIDAY
Pasta salad with Salmon
Grilled french bread with herbed oil, tomatoes and cheese

SATURDAY
Going to a cookout (will be bringing dessert)

SUNDAY
grilled pork chops
mac & cheese
fresh veggies and dip

Remember to stop by I'm an Organizing Junkie for more MPM posts!

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What I learned Wednesday

In August issue of Town & Country, this is what I learned:

* Page 37 - Long gold chains of all kinds are back in style. This is good news because I have several. Woohoo, it's nice to know I will be in style instead of just really liking the chains!

* Page 45 - A fun music site that when you pick a song, it studies this song and creates a collection of songs for you that you should like. It's called Pandora.

* Page 56 - Know when to use "lay" and "lie" and several other misused or mispronounced words. Okay, so, really I will probably continue to make some of these grammatically errors.

* Page 93 - There is a special section included all about Managing Stress and Anxiety. There are actually some good information in this section.

Of course, I also learned............

* Page 59 - I doubt I will be buying this Donna Karan New York dress for $1,495.00 this year.

* Page 51 - I probably won't find any BOGO coupons for any of the restaurants named in the "A Taste of Tokyo".

* Page 78 - I really need to figure out a way to put more into my "vacation" fund to visit Capri! It looks gorgeous!

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Free Sample of new Total Cereal

This one looks different and yummy. Try a free sample of Total Blueberry Pomegranate Cereal HERE!

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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Tuesday Tip

SHOP AT HIGHER END DEPARTMENT STORES!!

Yup, you heard me right! I am telling you to go and check out the higher end department stores. Do it often!

Wow great thrifty tip Diann.............NOT!! Is that what you are thinking?

The truth is, I am being serious. I shop at the higher end department stores several times a year. I go directly to the clearance area. These stores do NOT want clearanced items hanging around. That is not what they are about. Usually the clearance section is hidden back in some corner of the department you are shopping in.

It is actually thrifty to have some good quality items in your wardrobe. However, it is not thrifty to purchase them at those high prices. So, at the end of seasons, head to your local department store and start scouring the clearance racks. You would be shocked at what you can find for very low prices! Just be prepared to take your time and try some things on. People always over look certain items because they think that just "isn't my style" or "That would look horrible on me". Give things a try!

A while back, I purchased a 3 piece suit. They were all sold as separates. The pants were regularly $178.00, the jacket was $249.00 and the shirt was 74.00. Okay, you add all that together and that is more than what I spend every year on all of my clothes, the hubby's clothes and even the Little Princess' clothes!

My total on those three pieces? $17.34 (that was with tax)!

So, start checking out the higher end stores a few times a year to see what you can find that are great bargains. Don't forget items that you will need for gifts in the future. This is a great way to get some wonderful items at great prices. At the same time, do NOT buy items you aren't going to use just because they are a great price!! That is NEVER a deal!

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Free Sesame Street Downloads

Want some fun Sesame Street activities to occupy some of the kids time? Here are some Free downloads for ya! Seasame Street

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Marie Callander Coupons

Check out this page for a few Marie Callander coupons. And join their e-club for other specials.

Monday, July 27, 2009

2 FREE Sham Wow Cloths

You can receive to free Sham Wow cloths if you fill out the short survey HERE!

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Staples More "Back to School" sales

This week at Staples, more back to school sales. Some of the best deals are:
25 cents for the following:

* Elmers Glue (4oz)
* Pencil sharpeners
* Erasers (12 pack)
* Index cards (100 pack, 3x5)
* Slider pencil Cases
* BIC Matic Grip Assorted Mechanical Pencils (5 pack) (don't forget the $1/00 off 2 printable coupon HERE!

They also have some 2 for 3 sales. Some of them are good but, some of these items can be bought at the dollar stores for less.

If you didn't get Sundays paper and don't have an actual copy of the ad, go HERE and check out the sales ad online.

Also keep in mind, that some of these deals are great to stock up for future use. Whether it be for your kids, for your home office, for stocking stuffers or for birthday presents. This is the time to buy these kinds of items and take advantage of saving some money!

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Quizno's BOGO for $1.00

Participating Quiznos Subs are offering a 2nd sub, of the same size as the 1st sub (small, medium or large) for only a $1.00. I think it is valid only on the 4 tradional Quiznos subs. You will have to check with your local store. We just finished an assignment regarding this special at Quiznos and it seems that most of the stores are running this special.

To find out if your local Quiznos is offering this deal, check HERE. The store will have the little icon above next to it if it does offer this deal.

Thanks to

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