Happy New Year!

Wow. It's been a week since my last post. These last few weeks of August have been so busy with work, the garden and "summer is almost over, let's have as much fun as possible". I've been hearing a lot lately about how back-to-school time is like New Year's. It like a fresh start and I have so many goals. Most of which revolve around being more productive. Promoting my businesses, nurturing my blog, putting food by and getting dinner on the table before 7pm are just a few of the things I need to improve on. Making money and saving money are also on the list of needed improvements so I hope to really be able to cronicle those efforts here. So come back often, I have a ton of cool stuff planned to make this one of those great blogs we all love. Thanks for reading.

Greek Tuna Salad Pasta

I took Mindi's challenge and made this pasta salad. It was pretty good. You can get the recipe from this link at "Moms Need To Know" Greek Tuna Salad Pasta - and a challenge!


This was my cost:
1 pound penne rigate pasta $1
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar $.27*
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil $.57*
2 plum tomatoes, chopped Free (from the garden)
1/2 cucumber, seeded and coarsely chopped Free (from the garden)
¼ red onion, finely chopped $.12
¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped $1.20 (used plain stuffed green olives)
¼ cup finely chopped parsley (used basil from the garden instead)
Salt and pepper
One 6-ounce can solid white tuna in water, drained and broken into chunks $.42
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese $.26

I made this for about $3. *I didn't know what these items cost me so I used the original numbers below.

Here are the original numbers, courtesy of Rachael Ray Magazine:
Pasta: $1.25
Red Wine Vinegar: $.27
Olive Oil: $.59
Tomatoes: $.96
Cucumber: $.50
Red Onion: $.30
Kalamata olives: $1.20
Parsley: $.33
Tuna: $1.80
Feta: $.96
Total: $8.16 or $2.04/serving
Let me know how cheaply YOU can make this!
(for more recipes, please visit http://www.rachaelraymag.com/; photography by Kana Okada)

Frugal Fashion DON'T!

I received this email today. I don't even know what to say. Someone please give her a 20% off Old Navy bag so she can stock up with a life-time supply of tank tops so this never happens again!


True Redneck Tube Top!!!! This was taken in front of Wal-Mart while she was going to the Flea market.This is hysterical! Look at it closely. Now I ask you...
Who but a redneck... stands and looks at a pair of men's briefs and says hummmm...I can make a nice summer top from these!!
On the other hand ... $6 for a three pack is a good price!

JC Penney Free Money and Other Deals

Tomorrow is the last day to use your $10 of $10 at JCPenneys. I posted about how to get this free money here. Carrie at Money Saving Methods commented that you don't have to sign up for the credit card, just get on the mailing list. I hadn't thought of this because I have always had a card since they sometimes offer a discount on your first purchase for applying for the credit card. And sometimes they offer a discount you can only get by using your JCP card. This, of course, is only a deal if you don't go overboard with spending just because you have a line of credit and if you pay your balance in full each month.

JCPenney is introducing a rewards program too. You can earn up to $120 in rewards a year. They give you a chance to earn $10 a month by earning 250 points like this:

-When you shop and spend $100 you earn 100 points
-You can double your points the following month if you had spent any amount of money in the previous month
-Use a JCP Card and earn a 25% bonus

You can sign up at jcprewards.com.

I just hope they don't do away with the free $10 just for being on the mailing list!

Get free shipping on children's apparel and shoe orders of $49 or more from jcp.com.
Click "checkout + promo code" and enter BTSPCARD. Offer ends Sept. 27th.

Storewide clearance 75% off original prices when you take an additional 50% off clearance-priced men's and women's apparel, family shoes, accessories and home. Valid through 8/23/08

And starting Wednesday Buy 1 Get 1 for $.88 selected items. Excludes jcp.com/catalog orders.

Free Orajel Advanced Tooth Desensitizer

This morning from Hooray for Free-bates

Free Orajel Advance Tooth Desensitizer

Free Arm & Hammer Essentials plus Overage for Postage

Here is another Free after Rebate Offer to add to the list. Buy any Arm & Hammer Essentials and get up to $3.50 back by mail. Here is a printable coupon to offset the postage.

This is a starter kit. It looks like there is a small bottle attached to a larger, refillable, spray bottle which you fill with water yourself. Just think of all the fuel saved to transport these products to the store! Not only that, these will save you money and are natural, biodegradable cleaners.

Thanks Money Saving Mom.

Giant Purchases 08/17

Here is how I did at Giant.

Ritz Crackers $2.99
Nabisco Cookies $2.50
Oscar Meyer Bacon 3 lb. $11.99
After sale and coupons
Kraft Dressing Free with above purchases with coupon from Sept. All You

Cream Cheese $1.79
Sharp Cheese $3.28
ColbyJack Cheese $3.28
After Sales
Free 16oz Wheat Thins with above purchases with coupon from Sept. All You

Mozzerella Slices $2.38
Deluxe Slice Cheese $4.73
Parmesan Grater $3.49
After Sales and coupons
Free Oscar Meyer Franks with above purchases with coupon form Sept. All You

Total Before Savings $54.60
Sales Savings $6.18
Coupons $12.99
Total After Savings $35.43

I was supposed to get a $3 off next order from the Catalina for buying 5 Kraft Cheeses. That's why so much cheese. I took advantage of 3 of the Free Product with purchases of 3 Kraft, Nabisco or Oscar Meyer Products. I was going to use it for the next transaction but I was handed a $4 off next order of $45. This threw me off a bit but it was more then I expected. Of course after sales and coupons the next transaction came to $39.99!

Prices shown are after sale price and coupon:
2 Chi-Chi's Salsa 16 oz $1.17 each
3 Knorr's Sides $.88 each
Treasure Cove Feta Cheese $1.29

Price is after sale:
3 Sara Lee Bread $2.09 each
Black Olives $1.59
Pork Chops $3.72
Kids Crest because all the free toothpaste I have in stock is too hot! $2.59
10 Celeste Pizza $1 each

Had a coupon for Free Friskies & Uncle Ben Ready Rice Cajun

No coupons or sales (for shame!)
Boboli Shell $4.39
Longo's Pitza $5.29
We like Pizza!

Before Savings $57.59
Sales $11.42
Coupons $6.18
Total after Savings $39.99

Now the cashier gives me my $3 catalina coupon for all the cheese I bought and I have a coupon for $4 off $45. I went to customer service and asked if I bought $5.01 more can I use the coupon and she said yes.

3rd Transaction
2 Bags Martins Chips $2.50 on sale and coupon
Solo Heavy Duty 110 cnt plates $3.27 after $2 off coupon I had been hanging onto because I heard Walmart had them on sale for $2 and some scents but I couldn't find them.
$8.59-$4=$4.59

I was afraid to use the $4 and the $3 coupon together so...
4th transaction
3 cans Chef-Boy-RD $1 each
Free after Coupon.

I figure I saved 37% this trip and now we have some food to eat, yeah!

Free Sandwiches at McDonalds

Free Southern Style Chicken Sandwiches

AM biscuit and PM Sandwich with the purchase of any medium or large beverage

Find coupons in the Sunday paper USA Weekend insert.

Staples Freebies 08/17

Dixon #2 Pencil 8 Pack
Plastic Rulers
Limit 2
While Supplies Last

Staples battery operated pencil sharpener Free after easy Rebate

Giant PA 08/17 to 08/23

Don't forget your Bonus Card!

Here are a couple of deals (may or may not be the best) I found at Giant before I realized I'm not thrilled with this weeks flyer. The items I need are just not on sale. Like Kraft and Nabisco. I have coupons from July papers, September All You and Giant Catalina but no sale!

Treasure Cave Cheese Crumbles $2.29 $.55 coupon here I don't see why Giant won't double this to $1

Chi-Chi's Salsa 16oz $1.67 Use $1/2 from 6/29SS

Snyders Of Hanover Flavored Pretzels 10oz 2/$5
05-11 S Snyders of Hanover flavored Nibblers pretzel pieces or nibblers 10 oz bag $1.00/2

Knorr's Pasta Sides $1.25 each Use $1/3 08/17 & 5/18 RP and get them for $.86 each

Orajel Toddler Toothpaste $2.99 Get $1.50 Rebate

What's not a deal?
Thomas' English Muffins 2/$6 These are on sale buy one get one more often than not. A few weeks ago, CVS had 12 packs for $1.99.

Do you see any deals or "deals" to stay away from like the English Muffins? I'd love to here from you.

Boo-Hoo I Missed a Week of Freebies

We left for vacation Sunday and I was a little bummed to miss out on the freebies this week. Sure, we returned Thursday but when I go shopping late in the week it's always a bust. No freebies left for me. So...I'm rested and ready to go for Sunday! I'm excited!

Here is how I did last week and the samples I got this week too. I have plans to post samples you can send for too. My samples posts along with my freebies are going to be for items you don't have to jump through hoops to get. ie. Spending 30 minutes answering question after question, then to find out they want your credit card or, gasp, your social security number! I will never post anything that will require you to spend more time than it's worth or risk your sensitive info. Until I get my sample links organized,

Walmart.com

always has some cool samples to send for. You can check out my favorite blogs too.

Walgreens
Glade Fabric & Air Pet Odor Eliminator
Pert Plus Shampoo
Bio-Infusions Conditioner
Glade Candle
Water Pitcher Filter
2 cans of Pledge (one came with a free duster)
Rite-Aid
Noxema pack of 4 shavers
Olay cleansing cloths
RENU Solution Twin pack
GE 2 pack light bulbs
Clairol Nice-N-Easy Hair Color
Charles Worthington Results Shampoo
Gillette Shampoo
Revlon Nail Polish

CVS
2 Sure Deoderant
Oral B Toothbrush

Dell
Cordless Number Pad for my laptop, I had a $50 gift card

Samples
Small box of Cherrieos that came with my Sunday paper
Free Am Greetings birthday card
Gillette Shampoo
Ponds Facial Cleansing Towellette
Pledge Wipe
Natures Bounty Fish Oil Caplets
Glad ForceFlex garbage bag
Of course lots of great coupons come with these.

All Free! Check out other Drugstore Divas.
I think I will go dust!

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Or is it PA Clam Chowder? You may have read in a previous post that we were recently on vacation in Maryland and did some clamming. We didn't have much luck with finding the little necks so we brought the long necks home to make chowder.

It's rare that I have all the ingredients for a new recipe and where we live, running to the store for a few things consists of at least 45 minutes time. Needless to say, I make a lot of adjustments and additions to use what we do have on hand.

Here is my version of Manhattan Clam Chowder. It will most likely be different next time.

Use fresh, frozen or canned vegatables. If fresh, saute for 5-10 minutes before adding to the pot. Frozen and canned vegatables and tomatoes can go in a few minutes after the potatoes start to boil.

2 Onions
3 peppers (any variety you want)
1 turnip
1 kolorabi
garlic (as much as you want)
3 bay leaves
Oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper, parsley, black pepper (I don't bother with measurements, whatever looks good goes here!)
3 cups or so diced potatoes
1 cup chicken stock
3, 4 or more tomatoes
corn
8 pounds of clams

Saute fresh vegatables (onion, pepper, turnip, kolorabi, garlic, corn) for about 5-10 minutes.

In 4-6 cups of water cook cleaned clams until they open, (if they don't open, don't eat them) When all clams are done and out of the water, ladle out as much of the water into your stock pot. This is your broth.

While bringing the water to a boil, add chicken stock, potatoes, vegatables and seasonings. Add water if the soup is too thick or salty. Chop clams and add to soup when vegatables are tender. If you allow the soup to sit an hour it will get better.

Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Store Card Tip

Just a quick tip about those store bonus, gold, vip card or whatever it maybe called where you are-if you find yourself without one, wether you left it at home or are on vacation and have to do some shopping, don't miss out and pay full price.

You may think that because you don't have a card you can't get those deals, especially if you're on vacation and happen to need a few things. Just ask the cashier if she can scan a card for you. Most have a card with them or may have to call a CSR. If they won't scan a card and the savings are worth 5 minutes of your time then apply for one. You can use it immediately.

We went camping this week and while I bought and packed enough food for our trip 1) to save money and 2) I really dislike spending time in grocery stores, especially on vacation-we did have to stop. We bought nearly $5 of organic vidalia onions because my husband wanted the bag for clamming. Very practical, wouldn't you say? Italian dressing for cucumber and tomatoe salad, since I failed plan for vegatables. I assumed my husband would bring lots of veggies from our garden but for some reason didn't. I never thought to get s'more ingredients because I don't eat that stuff but what else would the kids do without tv and computer? And, again my hubby needed a brush for scrubbing mussels. I don't even know how much that costs. I suggested he use the scouring pad on the sponge but he had none of that!

The bill came to $25. We saved $5 by asking the cashier to scan a card for us. That amount to a 20% savings on the bill which I didn't think was too bad considering I didn't think we needed any of those things to begin with.

If you found this post helpful, let me know, I'd love to get your feedback.

Free Attraction in Maryland

We just got back from vacation to Ocean City Maryland and I wanted to let everyone know about a great place to visit if you get to the area. It is the Salisbury Zoo in Salisbury Maryland. Admission and parking are free but donations are accepted (I donated enough for 2 monkey meals this time:-).

Some of my favorite things about the zoo is the jungle like foliage you meander through as you see and learn about the animals, there is an herb garden and a large playground that was designed by children (oh to be young again!). If you live nearby you can have birthday partys here and for scouts and youth groups a sleepover can be arranged. Now that is cool!

I am not fond of buying souvenirs but I didn't mind giving in to the kids since the proceeds would go to the zoo. Besides, you can never have too many stuffed animals (oh, am I being sarcastic again?)

The Salisbury Zoo is definitely a must see!

If you found this post helpful, let me know, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Coupons You Can Have!

In another post I mentioned that to save time searching different stores to find a product check the company website for retail locations. I should have done that before I ordered the Country Bob's coupon because the closest retailer to me is 123 miles away! I was looking forward to trying this too. So if you want it, let me know, it will be on a first come basis. GONE


I also have 3 $5 coupons for Accu-Check Aviva 50 or 100 ct. test strips and 2 $5 coupons for Accu-Check Multiclix 102 or 204 ct. lancets. If you read this far, you know what to do! Thanks. I hope these can help someone out.