So I'm a bit delayed writing this, but for good reason. I have finally finished up a huge project I have been working on for Christmas. I have lost track of how long it has taken me because I feel like it's been forever! Anyways, I'm really excited about it, but can't tell you what it is since some of the recipients of said project read this blog. So, you will find out soon enough. Anyways, here are the best grocery deals of the week.
I go through my coupons and pull out the ones I think I am most likely to use, and toss the rest. But if you are wondering exactly which week one of the coupons I refer to came, check out the master list over at Pinching Your Pennies!
Fry's - their coupon deal is still running
Fry's Light Brown Sugar - $1
Fry's powdered sugar - $1
Kroger Chocolate Chips - $1
Fry's flour - $1
Kroger Sour Cream - $1
Bashas
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast - $1.57
New York Steak - $2.99/lb
Milk - $1.58
Challenge Butter - $1.99 (and at the Basha's I was at, there was a Blinkie Coupon machine that had coupons for $0.75 off, making it $1.24)
Skippy Peanut Butter - $1.58 (make sure to use the $0.50 coupon that was in the newspaper two or three weeks ago. Basha's will double it, making your peanut butter $0.58)
Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta - $0.88 (this is a good price by itself, but when you add in the $1/2 coupon from coupons.com, then it makes for $0.38 pasta!)
Safeway - they are continuing their coupon deal
Milk - $1.49
Lucern Butter - $1.69
Tyson Chicken Nuggets - $3.99 ($1 coupon from the newspaper a while back) - SAT & SUN ONLY!
Pepsi or 7-up 2 liter bottles - $0.69 - SAT & SUN ONLY!
Post Honey Bunches of Oats or Fruity Pebbles- $0.99 - SAT & SUN ONLY!
Albertsons - doubling and tripling coupons!
*When I went this morning after taking Spencer to school, I was walking down the pasta aisle to get my free potatoes, and I saw that they had a bunch of the O Organics Whole Wheat pasta with $1 off store coupons attached to them. I remember seeing the coupons in one of the ad booklets Albertson's puts out, but it was so convenient to have them stuck right on the product! I picked up six of them for $0.79 each! And, my cashier today was actually the store director, so I told him what a great idea it was. So, if you go to Albertson's, keep and eye out for that deal.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast - $1.57/lb
3 lb. bag of Sunkist oranges - $1
Eggs - $1
Green Giant Valley Steamers frozen vegetables - $1 (use a $0.40 coupon from the newspaper a few weeks ago to make for free vegetables)
Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes - $1 (just the next page over from the vegetable coupon is a $0.35 coupon for these. Tripled, you will end up with free potatoes)
Albertson's cream cheese - $1
Albertson's light brown or powdered sugars - $1
Hefty Foam Plates - $1 (use the $0.50 coupon from the newspaper to get these free)
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Homemade Laundry Detergent
I just finished using my first batch of homemade laundry detergent, and had to make a new batch this morning, so I thought I would share.
Several months ago, I came across a post by Trent at Simple Dollar about his experiment of making homemade laundry detergent. It is one of his most popular posts ever, with over 500 comments, and he has written a follow-up post with 240 comments that is complete with pictures and detailed instructions.
I decided I didn't want to make a 5 gallon bucket's worth of laundry detergent because I don't have a place to store it. Also, I was curious as to how well it would work. So, I read all of the comments (yes, all 520 of them), and came up with a powdered version that I store in a 6 qt. container that I already had on hand. I was so please with the results that this morning I made a double batch that fits in the container just perfectly.
Having gone through a whole batch, I can tell you that I really like it. Not only is it cheaper than store bought detergent (even with a sale and coupon), but there are specific things I like such as a) my clothes don't smell like anything! This is great, especially with our allergies. I don't have this need to smell like a Mountain Meadow or a Lilac Breeze. And to me, not smelling like anything smells clean. Now, if I really wanted a scent, then I could easily add a drop - two at the most - of an essential oil to the water right after I add the detergent and before I add the clothes. b) it works well, just as well in my opinion as any store bought detergent. For typical loads, I use 2 heaping tablespoons, but if I am washing anything muddy or unusually dirty, I use 3 heaping tablespoons. That's it! c) I know exactly what is in it. This isn't a huge deal to me, but I do take comfort in knowing that I know the ingredients. It does bug me just a little bit that manufacturers don't tell you want is in there cleaning products. d) Price: so here's the break down. I can't get an exact estimate on how much it costs me to make because I already had the Zote bar soap on hand, as well as a HUGE tub of baking soda. However, since neither of these ingredient are necessary (you can use just about any bar of soap. Trent at Simple Dollar uses whatever cheap soap he has on hand. Lots of people recommend Ivory, especially if sensitive skin is an issue, and you can leave out the baking soda if you want, though I do like it), I didn't worry too much about them. I figure it is about $5 for a double batch, which is enough to wash 120 large loads of laundry. This makes it about $0.042 per load. I can usually get a 32 load container of Purex for $1.99 with a sale and coupon. This makes it $0.0625 per load. However, that is for regular loads of laundry. The last time I did a regular sized load of laundry was probably when I was away at college. In my experience, I only get about 25 loads out of the 32 load bottle. That makes Purex $0.08 per load.
A couple of notes: According to what I have read, the soaps that seem to work best are any type of "laundry bar soap" such as Zote (which you can get at the $0.99 Store - I bought mine at Target a few years ago because it is awesome for getting stains out) or Ivory. Also, you don't have to include the baking soda, but I do because it deodorizes the clothes, and also seems to help with our very, very hard Arizona water. Because we do have such hard water, I use vinegar in a Downy ball. This helps all of the soap rinse out of the clothes so that your whites don't get dingy. Also, it acts as a fabric softer so I don't have to use a dryer sheet. I was skeptical when I first read this tip, but it really works that there is no lingering vinegar smell at all. I use my Grater attachment for my Bosch to grate the soap. You can do it on the small holes of a box grater, but it's kind of hard.
I get the Borax at Target, and the Washing Soda at Fry's Marketplace (though I have heard that Basha's may also carry it).
Laundry Detergent
(powdered version - about 60 large loads)
3 C. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (exactly half of a 55 oz. box)
3 C. Mule Team Borax
1 1/2 C. Baking Soda
1 (14 oz.) Bar Zote Laundry Bar Soap, finely grated
Mix everything well in a large container with a lid.
Use 2 heaping tablespoons for a large load - 3 tablespoons if the clothes are really soiled. Start the washer on hot, add the detergent, and let it dissolve for 2 or 3 seconds. Change water temperature to cold (or desired setting). Fill a Downy Ball to the top line (x-large line) with vinegar and add it to the wash on top of the clothes.
You can add a drop or two of essential oil to the water after adding the soap, before adding the clothes if you want a light scent.
Several months ago, I came across a post by Trent at Simple Dollar about his experiment of making homemade laundry detergent. It is one of his most popular posts ever, with over 500 comments, and he has written a follow-up post with 240 comments that is complete with pictures and detailed instructions.
I decided I didn't want to make a 5 gallon bucket's worth of laundry detergent because I don't have a place to store it. Also, I was curious as to how well it would work. So, I read all of the comments (yes, all 520 of them), and came up with a powdered version that I store in a 6 qt. container that I already had on hand. I was so please with the results that this morning I made a double batch that fits in the container just perfectly.
Having gone through a whole batch, I can tell you that I really like it. Not only is it cheaper than store bought detergent (even with a sale and coupon), but there are specific things I like such as a) my clothes don't smell like anything! This is great, especially with our allergies. I don't have this need to smell like a Mountain Meadow or a Lilac Breeze. And to me, not smelling like anything smells clean. Now, if I really wanted a scent, then I could easily add a drop - two at the most - of an essential oil to the water right after I add the detergent and before I add the clothes. b) it works well, just as well in my opinion as any store bought detergent. For typical loads, I use 2 heaping tablespoons, but if I am washing anything muddy or unusually dirty, I use 3 heaping tablespoons. That's it! c) I know exactly what is in it. This isn't a huge deal to me, but I do take comfort in knowing that I know the ingredients. It does bug me just a little bit that manufacturers don't tell you want is in there cleaning products. d) Price: so here's the break down. I can't get an exact estimate on how much it costs me to make because I already had the Zote bar soap on hand, as well as a HUGE tub of baking soda. However, since neither of these ingredient are necessary (you can use just about any bar of soap. Trent at Simple Dollar uses whatever cheap soap he has on hand. Lots of people recommend Ivory, especially if sensitive skin is an issue, and you can leave out the baking soda if you want, though I do like it), I didn't worry too much about them. I figure it is about $5 for a double batch, which is enough to wash 120 large loads of laundry. This makes it about $0.042 per load. I can usually get a 32 load container of Purex for $1.99 with a sale and coupon. This makes it $0.0625 per load. However, that is for regular loads of laundry. The last time I did a regular sized load of laundry was probably when I was away at college. In my experience, I only get about 25 loads out of the 32 load bottle. That makes Purex $0.08 per load.
A couple of notes: According to what I have read, the soaps that seem to work best are any type of "laundry bar soap" such as Zote (which you can get at the $0.99 Store - I bought mine at Target a few years ago because it is awesome for getting stains out) or Ivory. Also, you don't have to include the baking soda, but I do because it deodorizes the clothes, and also seems to help with our very, very hard Arizona water. Because we do have such hard water, I use vinegar in a Downy ball. This helps all of the soap rinse out of the clothes so that your whites don't get dingy. Also, it acts as a fabric softer so I don't have to use a dryer sheet. I was skeptical when I first read this tip, but it really works that there is no lingering vinegar smell at all. I use my Grater attachment for my Bosch to grate the soap. You can do it on the small holes of a box grater, but it's kind of hard.
I get the Borax at Target, and the Washing Soda at Fry's Marketplace (though I have heard that Basha's may also carry it).
Laundry Detergent
(powdered version - about 60 large loads)
3 C. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (exactly half of a 55 oz. box)
3 C. Mule Team Borax
1 1/2 C. Baking Soda
1 (14 oz.) Bar Zote Laundry Bar Soap, finely grated
Mix everything well in a large container with a lid.
Use 2 heaping tablespoons for a large load - 3 tablespoons if the clothes are really soiled. Start the washer on hot, add the detergent, and let it dissolve for 2 or 3 seconds. Change water temperature to cold (or desired setting). Fill a Downy Ball to the top line (x-large line) with vinegar and add it to the wash on top of the clothes.
You can add a drop or two of essential oil to the water after adding the soap, before adding the clothes if you want a light scent.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Superstition Ranch
Today was a great morning to be at Superstition Ranch Market! There was hardly anyone there, and two of the cashiers didn't have a single person in their lines when I went to check out - AMAZING! I was able to get 5 lbs. of potatoes for $0.50, a sack of 12 cucumbers that looks great had just barely been marked down to $0.99, bananas had just been marked down, too, and were $0.25 a pound. They had awesome looking cherry tomatoes for pretty cheap (I don't remember how much), and pears were still $0.25 per pound. Cilantro was $0.25 per bunch, and pineapple was $1. Baby carrots were $0.50 per 1 lb. package. Pomegranates were $0.79 each, but since I am still up to my ears in pomegranates from my parents' tree, I didn't even look at them! (At least I think I will finish them up today, putting the seeds in the freezer, and making the last batch of pomegranate jelly.) Zucchini was 4 lbs for $1, and blackberries were $0.69 for a 12oz container. And they are pretty good, too. Anne has already eaten half of the box. I finally told her to stop or her tummy would hurt. That girl sure loves fruit!
However, my favorite buy was Cranberries: 3 8oz packages for $1. Just to compare, the cheapest I have seen the 12oz bags is for $1.50. So, I got twice as many for 2/3 of the price. I have no idea what I am going to do with them, so for now, they are just going in the freezer. I did sample a delightful cobbler at Trader Joe's two weeks ago that I might make. But first, I have to finish up pomegranates!
However, my favorite buy was Cranberries: 3 8oz packages for $1. Just to compare, the cheapest I have seen the 12oz bags is for $1.50. So, I got twice as many for 2/3 of the price. I have no idea what I am going to do with them, so for now, they are just going in the freezer. I did sample a delightful cobbler at Trader Joe's two weeks ago that I might make. But first, I have to finish up pomegranates!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Adding to the List
I'm adding to my gratitude list:
Now, I am trying to put pictures and everything back up in the Living Room. Hence, I am grateful for Laser Levels and Hammers.
- laser levels
- hammers
- broom and dustpan (the dustpan really is a great invention!)
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Painter's Tape
Now, I am trying to put pictures and everything back up in the Living Room. Hence, I am grateful for Laser Levels and Hammers.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Gratitude
Tonight, I am being very grateful for the things that make my life easier:
- My sister finding this video from Martha Stewart on how to get seeds out of a pomegranate - it is the easiest thing ever!!! I can get through 3 pomegranates in the time I used to spend picking the seeds out of one of them!
- A washing machine and dryer so that I don't have to wash everything by hand, and hang it on the line to dry.
- HP finally releasing a driver for my printer that will work with Windows 7. (Have I mentioned lately how much I am loving my wonderfully fast, fancy, amazing new computer?)
- The dishwasher and the Dish Washer (aka Johnny - he does the dishes for me often, and I really appreciate it).
- Pillows
- The Microwave
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Grocery Time Once Again
Fresh & Easy - $3/$30 and $5/$50 coupons on front page (these can be used at Fry's)
Mrs. Cubbison's Classic Dressing - $0.99
Cool Whip - $0.99
Celery - 2/$1 (must buy 2)
Cranberries (fresh) - 2/$3 (must buy 2)
Oven Bags (for your turkey, 2 count) - $1.99
Basha's
Granny Smith or Red Delicious Apples - $0.49
Milk - $1.49
Blue Bunny Ice Cream - $1.48 with coupon and $25 purchase
Food Club Butter - $0.98 with coupon and $25 purchase
Cool Whip - $1
Albertson's
Honeysuckle White Turkey - $0.43/lb.
Asparagus - $0.99/lb.
Green Beans - $0.99/lb.
Dreyer's Ice Cream - $2.27
Hormel Spiral Sliced Ham - $1.57/lb
Betty Crocker Cake Mix or Frosting in a can - $0.69 each (when you buy 5)
Gold Medal Flour - $1.50
Albertson's Butter - $1.50
Philidelphia Cream Cheese - $1
Campbell's Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken Soup - $0.79
Safeway **These prices are for the Safeway at Val Vista and Elliot. Prior to Monday, I had never had a problem with the Safeway by Spencer's preschool matching the prices, but that day I had a really cranky cashier. If you have the actual ad with you, it shouldn't be a problem, but if not, just know that they may or may not honor these prices.
*Still running their coupon deal*
Safeway Turkey - $0.39/lb.
Sara Lee Pies - $2.88
Broccoli Crowns - $0.68/lb
Potatoes - 10 lb bag - $0.97
Milk - $1.49
7-up 2 liter bottles - 3/$1 (Limit 3, must buy 3 - only valid through Saturday)
Fry's - Still running their coupon deal
Jennie O Turkey - $0.37/lb.
Cook's Spiral Sliced Ham - $1.47/lb
Potatoes - 5 lb. bag - $0.58
Bananas - $0.39/lb
Cranberries - $1.50
Baby Carrots - $0.88
Kroger Butter - $1.50
Kroger Shredded Cheese (or bar or deli slices) - $0.97 (limit 6)
Philidelphia Cream Cheese - $1
Cool Whip - $1
Stove Top Stuffing Mix - $1
Coke 12-packs - $1.88
Dreyer's Ice Cream - $1.98
Fry's Milk - $1.88
Oscar Mayer Bacon - $1.77 (and there were coupons in the paper this last Sunday) - limit 4
Golden or Red Yams - $0.79/lb
Mrs. Cubbison's Classic Dressing - $0.99
Cool Whip - $0.99
Celery - 2/$1 (must buy 2)
Cranberries (fresh) - 2/$3 (must buy 2)
Oven Bags (for your turkey, 2 count) - $1.99
Basha's
Granny Smith or Red Delicious Apples - $0.49
Milk - $1.49
Blue Bunny Ice Cream - $1.48 with coupon and $25 purchase
Food Club Butter - $0.98 with coupon and $25 purchase
Cool Whip - $1
Albertson's
Honeysuckle White Turkey - $0.43/lb.
Asparagus - $0.99/lb.
Green Beans - $0.99/lb.
Dreyer's Ice Cream - $2.27
Hormel Spiral Sliced Ham - $1.57/lb
Betty Crocker Cake Mix or Frosting in a can - $0.69 each (when you buy 5)
Gold Medal Flour - $1.50
Albertson's Butter - $1.50
Philidelphia Cream Cheese - $1
Campbell's Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken Soup - $0.79
Safeway **These prices are for the Safeway at Val Vista and Elliot. Prior to Monday, I had never had a problem with the Safeway by Spencer's preschool matching the prices, but that day I had a really cranky cashier. If you have the actual ad with you, it shouldn't be a problem, but if not, just know that they may or may not honor these prices.
*Still running their coupon deal*
Safeway Turkey - $0.39/lb.
Sara Lee Pies - $2.88
Broccoli Crowns - $0.68/lb
Potatoes - 10 lb bag - $0.97
Milk - $1.49
7-up 2 liter bottles - 3/$1 (Limit 3, must buy 3 - only valid through Saturday)
Fry's - Still running their coupon deal
Jennie O Turkey - $0.37/lb.
Cook's Spiral Sliced Ham - $1.47/lb
Potatoes - 5 lb. bag - $0.58
Bananas - $0.39/lb
Cranberries - $1.50
Baby Carrots - $0.88
Kroger Butter - $1.50
Kroger Shredded Cheese (or bar or deli slices) - $0.97 (limit 6)
Philidelphia Cream Cheese - $1
Cool Whip - $1
Stove Top Stuffing Mix - $1
Coke 12-packs - $1.88
Dreyer's Ice Cream - $1.98
Fry's Milk - $1.88
Oscar Mayer Bacon - $1.77 (and there were coupons in the paper this last Sunday) - limit 4
Golden or Red Yams - $0.79/lb
Friday, November 13, 2009
Grocery Ads for the Week
Sorry these are late. I've been busy canning stuff. There are some good sales on Turkey this week, but the baking supplies (flour, sugar, etc.) aren't as good as I was hoping. Maybe next week.
Albertson's
Honeysuckle White Turkey - $0.43/lb. (I just went an bought one this morning, and they had it price matched to $0.40/lb.)
Breyer's Ice Cream - $1.99 ($0.75 coupon from the Sunday Newspaper a while back - September, I think)
Dansani Water - $2.99 when you buy 2 - this is a great price if you are partial to this brand of water
Del Monte Vegetables - $0.44
Safeway -
Safeway Turkey - $0.43/lb
Asparagus - $0.99/lb
Green Giant Canned Vegetables - $0.33 (This is a pretty good price)
Lucern Butter - $1.49
2-Liter Pepsi or 7-Up - $0.67 (I rarely buy 2-liter bottles, but this is a great price. I'll probably buy 4 so that we have the Bottles for the annual Bottle Rocket Contest - hint, hint to my siblings!)
Fry's - they are continuing their $1 coupons and taking competitor coupons
Jennie-O Turkey - $0.43/lb.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast - $1.57/lb
Bananas - $0.39/lb
Pepsi Products - $1.97 each! (you don't even have to buy a specific amount to get that price! Limit 4)
Blue Bunny Ice Cream - $1.99
General Mills Cereals - $1.47 (When You Buy 4)
Fillipo Berrio Olive Oil - $4.99 (there was a $1 coupon at coupons.com last month - I don't know if it's still available.)
Kroger 4 lb. Value Sugar - $0.97
Fry's Eggs - $0.97
Land-O Lakes Butter - $1.99
Kroger Whipped Topping - $0.88
Kroger Cream Cheese - $1
Albertson's
Honeysuckle White Turkey - $0.43/lb. (I just went an bought one this morning, and they had it price matched to $0.40/lb.)
Breyer's Ice Cream - $1.99 ($0.75 coupon from the Sunday Newspaper a while back - September, I think)
Dansani Water - $2.99 when you buy 2 - this is a great price if you are partial to this brand of water
Del Monte Vegetables - $0.44
Safeway -
Safeway Turkey - $0.43/lb
Asparagus - $0.99/lb
Green Giant Canned Vegetables - $0.33 (This is a pretty good price)
Lucern Butter - $1.49
2-Liter Pepsi or 7-Up - $0.67 (I rarely buy 2-liter bottles, but this is a great price. I'll probably buy 4 so that we have the Bottles for the annual Bottle Rocket Contest - hint, hint to my siblings!)
Fry's - they are continuing their $1 coupons and taking competitor coupons
Jennie-O Turkey - $0.43/lb.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast - $1.57/lb
Bananas - $0.39/lb
Pepsi Products - $1.97 each! (you don't even have to buy a specific amount to get that price! Limit 4)
Blue Bunny Ice Cream - $1.99
General Mills Cereals - $1.47 (When You Buy 4)
Fillipo Berrio Olive Oil - $4.99 (there was a $1 coupon at coupons.com last month - I don't know if it's still available.)
Kroger 4 lb. Value Sugar - $0.97
Fry's Eggs - $0.97
Land-O Lakes Butter - $1.99
Kroger Whipped Topping - $0.88
Kroger Cream Cheese - $1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
