Tuesday, March 29, 2011

MARTIN’S–General Mills Deal

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Ok – So the graphic isn’t made to be large,  It says Buy Any 4 General Mills Cereal in one visit with your BONUSCARD, Select Varieties, 8.7-14oz box, excludes Cereal Cups Offer good 3/27-4/2/11 and get $6 off you General Mills Cereal Purchase.  Plus get up to $4.50 off a Gallon of Milk with your next shopping order!

They have run this deal several times in the last few months.  It is a great deal – remember think of it as getting $1.50 off of each box of cereal in addition to what you are already saving with your coupons.  When you add in the cost of the gallon of milk you could be close to getting everything for almost nothing.

Here is a list of the coupons available for General Mills Cereal:

$1/2 Select General Mills Cereal from 3/6 SmartSource Insert

$1/2 Select General Mills Cereal from 3/20 SmartSource Insert

$1/2 Select General Mills Cereal from 3/27 SmartSource Insert

$0.75/1 Fiber One Cereal

Multiple printables available here

Multiple printables available here

**Several of the internet printables have reached their print limit for the month and are no longer available.  Check these links on Friday, April 1st to see if the coupons have been reset.**

Smartsource.com

Bettycrocker.com

EatBetterAmerica.com

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of March 27th

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I realized that I was a little overwhelmed when I went back to look at my previous posts and had to page down through all of the special promotions in order to get to the “regular sale items” in the MARTIN’S ad.  So, to make it easier for me to post and for you to read(hopefully) I am going to be doing separate posts for the General Mills Cereal Deal, Big Appetites Call for Big Savings Deal, the March Manliness Deal, and the Coca-Cola Deal

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Check back on Thursdays for a weekly series I started called “Meal Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad”.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.  Praznow left me a comment on last week’s deals about free trash bags.  I have it posted with this week’s deals if you missed it.

Meat:

  • USDA Choice Boneless Chuck Roast – $2.99/lb
  • GIANT Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Value Pack (4-5lb) – $1.99/lb
  • GIANT Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – $1.89/lb
  • GIANT Fresh Whole Boneless Pork Loin (10-12lb) – $2.29/lb
  • Fresh 73% Lean Ground Beef Chub (5lb) – $6.45
  • Fresh Whole Pork Shoulder Roast – $0.99/lb
  • Kunzler Bacon – Buy One at $5.99 Get One Free
  • Tilapia Fillet (Previously Frozen) – $4.99/lb
  • Gorton’s Frozen Fish Sticks, Battered Fillets, or Tenders – $2.99
    • Use $1/1 from 1/16 SS
    • $1.99 after sale and coupon

Produce:

  • Jumbo Cantaloupe – $2
  • Jumbo Naval Oranges – $1
  • Red Grapefruit – $1
  • Jumbo Cara Cara Oranges – $1
  • Russet Potatoes (5lb) – $2
  • Onions (3lb) –$2
  • Baby Carrots (1lb) – $1
  • Whole or Sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms (8oz) – $1
  • Eastern Apples (Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, or Gala) (3lb) – $2.89

Dairy/Refrigerated:

  • Yoplait Fiber One 4 Pack – $2
    • Use $0.50/1 printable or $0.50/1 from 2/13 General Mills or 3/27 SmartSource insert
    • $1 after sale and coupon
  • Yoplait YoPlus 4 Pack – $2.09
  • Yoplait 4 Pack – $2.29
    • Buy 2 and use $0.50/2 from 3/27 SmartSource insert
    • $1.79 each after sale and coupon
  • Smart Balance Milk (64oz) – $2.99
    • $1/1 printable or $0.75/1 from  3/27 SmartSource insert
    • $1.99 after sale and coupon
  • Smart Balance Spread – $2.29
  • Silk Soymilk – $2.79
    • Use $0.75/1 from 2/6 SmartSource insert (expires 3/31)
    • $1.79 after sale and coupon
  • Coffee-mate Flavored Creamer (16oz)– $1.67
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from 1/30 RedPlum insert
    • $1.17 each after sale and coupon

Grocery:

  • Select Pepsi 6 Pack (16.9oz bottles) – 5/$11 (Must Buy 5)
  • GIANT Soft Cookies – $0.88
  • Campbell’s Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup – $0.60
    • Buy 4 and use $0.40/4 from 2/13 SmartSource Insert
    • $0.40 each after sale and coupon
  • Bumble Bee Solid White Tuna (5oz) –$1
  • Uncle Ben’s Ready Long Grain or Whole Grain Rice – $1.50
    • Use $0.75/1 from 2/20  RedPlum insert
    • $0.50 after sale and coupon
  • Hormel Microwave Compleats – Buy One at $2.49 Get One Free
    • Buy 2 and use $0.55/1 from 2/13 SmartSource insert
    • $0.75 each after sale and coupon
  • Old El Paso Dinner Kits – $2.35
  • Old El Paso Refried Beans (16oz) – $1
  • Old El Paso Seasoning Mix – $0.67
  • Red Pack Tomatoes (28oz) – $0.89
  • Jell-O Instant Pudding or Gelatin – $0.75
    • Buy 3 and use $1.25/3 from Deliciously Simple Holiday Recipes (if you still have it from Christmas expires 3/31)
    • $0.33 each after sale and coupon
  • Keebler Wheatables – $2.50
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from 2/13 RedPlum insert
    • $2 each after sale and coupon
  • Keebler Vienna Fingers or Sandies – $2.50
    • Buy 2 and use $0.55/2 from 3/6 RedPlum insert
    • $2 each after sale and coupon
  • Arnold Health-full Bread – $3
  • Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels – $2.50
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from 1/16 SmartSource (expires 3/31)
    • $2 each after sale and coupon
  • Pillsbury Ready to Spread Frosting – $1.29
    • Use $0.40/1 from 3/27 RedPlum insert
    • $0.49 after sale and coupon
  • Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding 4 pack – $0.99
    • Buy 4 and use Buy 3 Get 1 Free from the April 2011 issue of All You Magazine
    • $0.74 each after sale and coupon

Frozen Foods:

  • Edy’s Ice Cream (48oz) – $2.67
  • Aunt Jemima Waffles – $1.67
  • GIANT Steam Ready Vegetables – $1
  • Tony’s Pizza Original Crust – $2
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from 2/13 SmartSource insert
    • $1.50 each after sale and coupon

Household:

  • Hefty Blackout Bags (10 ct) – $1
    • Use $0.55/1 from 1/2 RedPlum insert
    • Free after sale and coupon (Thanks for the tip Praznow!)
  • Kleenex Tissues (260 ct.) – $2
    • Buy 4 and use the Buy 3 Get 1 Free from 2/13 SmartSource insert
    • $1.50 each after sale and coupon
  • Finish Automatic Dish Washer Detergent – $4.99
    • Use $0.75/1 from 3/6 SmartSource insert
    • $3.99 after sale and coupon

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

 

Friday, March 25, 2011

Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad

Menu planning and saving money really can go hand-in-hand.  It is important to realize that you can still enjoy some of your family’s favorite meals by menu planning with a sales flyer, you just need to be flexible. 

I am including ideas and recipes for four meals for the week.  As I’ve mentioned before, I have found that I really only cook on average four meals a week and that we end up having at least one left-over night, one meal out, and something easy like homemade pizza. 

Engagement Roast Chicken:

I happened to turn on Food Network the other day when I sat down to feed Michael and saw Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) make this recipe.  I had been thinking I wanted to try to do something a little different with the whole chicken in the back of my freezer and I think this is what I am going to try next week.  If you don’t have a whole chicken in your freezer you can get a GIANT Brand Homestyle Roaster for $0.99/lb (They are fresh so you don’t have to wait a few days for it to defrost like me.)  The lemons are also on sale this week for $0.50 each and sweet onions are $1.69/lb.  (Spanish Onions are large sweet onions with a yellow skin.)  I enjoy mashed potatoes with roasted chicken and the GIANT Brand Red or Yukon Gold are on sale this week for $3.49 for a 5lb bag.  You can have a salad for your something green with the Dole Salad Kits that are $2 this week.

Grilled London Broil:

Since the weather is warming up now we have been using our grill again.  I found this recipe for a marinade that sounds great for the Top Round London Broil on sale this week for $2.99/lb.  Be careful when you cook the London Broil, it gets tougher the longer it is cooked.  Don’t forget that meat continues to cook for a few minutes after it has been removed from the heat.  You could serve this on it’s own, as sandwiches, or give it a Mexican twist.  The choice is yours. 

Grilled Shrimp:

I wanted to add another grilling recipe to go with the warmer weather.  I found this recipe that can be made with fresh or frozen shrimp.  You can get a 2-lb bag of shrimp for $11.98 this week.  You can serve them with a Dole Salad kit that is $2 this week and either a baked potato or rice. 

Baked Pasta:

This recipe is one that I have made for a few years now.  I actually made it before both Megan and Michael were born to keep it in the freezer for those first few weeks of sleepless nights, endless feedings, and pure exhaustion.  I keep most of the ingredients on hand in my pantry and refrigerator.  If you don’t have provolone (I usually don’t) the Boar’s Head is on sale this week at the deli for $6.99/lb.  The GIANT Brand shredded mozzarella cheese is $1.67.  The Barilla Pasta is on sale for $1, and you can even pick up the Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce for $0.67 when you use the $0.50/1 coupon from the 3/20 RedPlum insert.  I usually have a salad – the $2 Dole Salad Kit would be great and crusty bread.  My favorite bread is the Ecce Panis Simple Neo Tuscan Boule also on sale this week for $2.50. 

Happy Menu Planning!

~Ann

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the week of March 20th

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Do you still have room in your freezer?  If so, this is the last week for the spend $100 on frozen foods and get $25 off a future shopping trip.  I got my $25 off this week and here is a post about what I bought with my $25 voucher.  There is a new deal this week that will help you fill your freezer and help you hit the $100 if you still haven’t reached it, or if you are trying for a second $25 voucher. 

Buy any six participating products below in one transaction with your BONUSCARD 3/20 through 3/26 and save $5 instantly

  • Swanson Hungry-Man Dinner – $2
  • Hanover Gold or Silver Line Frozen Vegetables – $1.67
    • “like” on facebook for a $1/2 coupon
  • Hanover Complements – $1.67
  • Ore-Ida Steam n’ Mash = $3
  • Pillsbury Toaster Strudel – $2
  • Marie Callender’s Dinner Bakes – $4.99
    • $1/1 from 2/6 SmartSource insert
  • Bertolli Complete Dinner for Two – $5.99
  • Popsicle Ice Pops – $3
  • Farm Rich Frozen Snacks – $4.99
  • Weight Watchers Smart Ones Novelties – $3.50
  • Marie Callender’s Fruit or Cream Pie – $5.99
  • Yoplait Smoothie – $2.99

I have read on-line from a few sources that there is a free milk catalina available when you buy 3 boxes of Kellogg’s cereal 8.7oz or larger until April 9th.  This works out well with the Kellogg’s Cereal on sale for $2:

  • Frosted Flakes (14oz)
  • Rice Krispies (12oz)
  • Froot Loops (12.2 oz)
  • Cocoa Krispies (16.5oz)
  • Raisin Bran (20oz)

There is a $1/3 printable (must register) or you can find $1/3 coupons in the 2/13 RedPlum or 3/6 RedPlum inserts.

There is also this deal for Suave products this week:

Buy 3 Participating Suave Products in one transaction with your BONUSCARD 3/20 thru 3/26 and receive $2 off instantly

Coupons available in the 3/20 RedPlum insert:

  • $1/2 Suave Body Lotions 18oz or larger
  • Buy 2 Suave Body Wash and get one free (up to $2)
  • $0.50/1 Suave Deodorant
  • $0.50/2 Suave Professionals Styling Products
  • $0.50/2 Suave Professionals Shampoo or Conditioner
  • $0.50/1 Suave Kids Shampoo or Conditioner

I don’t have prices for the Suave products but I did notice that the kid’s 2-in-1 shampoo are on sale 3/$5 and included in the deal. That would make them only $0.33 each when you buy 3 and use three $0.50/1 coupons. 

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Check back on Thursdays for a weekly series I started called “Meal Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad”.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

Meat:

  • USDA Choice Top Round London Broil – $2.99/lb
  • GIANT Sliced Bacon (12-16oz) – $3.33
  • Center Cut Boneless Pork Loin Roast – $2.49/lb
  • GIANT Homestyle Roaster – $0.99/lb
  • Fresh, Farm Raised Tilapia – $5.99/lb
  • Large Simple Peel Shrimp (31-40ct) – $5.99/lb
  • Cooked Perfect Italian Meatballs (2lb) – $5.99
    • Use $1/1 from 1/23 RedPlum insert
    • $4.99 after sale and coupon

Produce:

  • Green Seedless Grapes – $0.99/lb
  • Dole Special Blend Salads or Complete Kits – $2
  • Jumbo Naval Oranges – $1
  • Jumbo Red Grapefruit – $1
  • Jumbo Cara Cara Oranges – $1
  • Fresh Kiwi Fruit – $0.20
  • Lemons or Limes – $0.50
  • Fruit2Day – $1.50

Dairy/Refrigerated:

  • GIANT Chunk or Shredded Cheese (8-10oz) – $1.67
  • Buitoni Family Size Filled Pasta (20oz) – $5.99
    • $1/1 printable (must register) or $1/1 from 1/2 SmartSource insert
    • $4.99 after sale and coupon
  • Egglands Best Large Eggs (1 dozen) – $1.88
    • Use the $0.35/1 from 1/30 SmartSource insert
    • $1.18 after sale and coupon
  • Dannon Light & Fit 4 pack – $1.79
    • Use $0.40/1 from 1/30 SmartSource
    • $0.99 after sale and coupon
  • Yoplait Yogurt (6oz) – $0.50
    • Buy 6 and use $0.40/6 printable
    • Buy 10 and use $1/10 from 2/13 General Mills insert
    • As low as $0.37 each after sale and coupon
  • Dannon Danimals Coolision or Crush Cups (13.2 – 16oz) – $2
    • Use $1/1 from 2/27 SmartSource insert
    • $1 after sale and coupon
  • Dannon DanActive Yogurt (12.4 oz) – $2
    • Use $1/1 from 3/6 SmartSource insert
    • $1 after sale and coupon
  • Chobani Greek Yogurt (6oz) – $1
    • $0.30/1 printable (must register, if you have printed this before there is a print limit of 2 per customer/computer.)
    • $0.40 after sale and coupon

Grocery:

  • Lay’s Potato Chips – $2.99
    • Use $0.55/1 from 3/13 SmartSource insert
    • $1.99 after sale and coupon
  • Coca-Cola Fridge Pack – $3.33
  • Thomas’ English Muffins – $1.25
  • Rice-A-Roni or Pasta Roni – $1
    • Buy 3 Rice-A-Roni and 1 Pasta Roni – Use the buy 3 Get 1 free coupon from the 1/2 RedPlum insert
    • $0.75 each after sale and coupon
  • Nabisco Ritz Crackers – $2.50
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from 1/30 SmartSource insert or Kraft Food & Family
    • $2 each after sale and coupon
  • Nabisco Ritz Munchables – $2.50
  • Keebler Club Crackers – $2.50
    • Buy 3 and use $1/3 from 1/30 RedPlum or use $1/1 printable
    • As low as $1.50 after sale and coupon
  • Hormel SPAM (12oz) – $2
    • Buy 3 and use $1/3 from 2/13 SmartSource
    • Buy 3 and use $1.50/3 from the February 2011 issue of All You Magazine
    • As low as $1.50 each after sale and coupon
  • Green Giant Canned Vegetables – $0.80
  • Kraft Real Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip – $2.50
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from Kraft Food & Family
    • $2 each after sale and coupon
  • Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken Soup (10.75) – $0.80
    • Buy 4 and use $0.30/4 from 3/6 SmartSource Insert
    • $0.65 after sale and coupon
  • Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce (24oz) – $1.67
    • Use $0.50/1 from 3/20 RedPlum insert
    • $0.67 after sale and coupon
  • GIANT Canned Beans (15.5oz) – $0.50
  • GIANT Tomato Sauce (8oz) – $0.30
  • Betty Crocker Specialty Potatoes – $1.33
    • Buy 2 and use $0.50/2 from 2/13 General Mills insert
    • $0.83 each after sale and coupon
  • McCormick Recipe Inspirations – $1.50
    • $1/1 Spice, Herb, Extract or Food Color from 3/13 RedPlum insert
    • $0.50 after sale and coupon
  • Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts (8ct) – $1.99
    • Buy 3 and use $1/3 from 3/6 RedPlum insert
    • $1.66 each after sale and coupon
  • Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Bars – $2.69
    • Buy 2 and use $0.75/2 from 3/6 RedPlum insert

    • $2.19 each after sale and coupon

  • Nestle Wonka Chocolate Bar – $2

    • Use $1/1 from 3/6 SmartSource insert

    • $1 after sale and coupon

  • Splenda Granular Sweetner (100ct) – $3.99

Frozen Foods:

  • Mrs. Paul’s Breaded Seafood – 50% off
    • Don’t forget that the Buy One Mrs. Paul’s Frozen Seafood item and receive a Bird’s Eye Vegetable (up to 16oz) free promotion is going on thru 4/23
  • Eggo Healthy Waffles (NutriGrain or Fiber Plus) – $2.50
    • Buy 2 and use $0.75/2 from 3/13 RedPlum insert
    • $2 each after sale and coupon

Household:

  • Scotties Facial Tissues – $1
    • Buy 3 and use $1/3 from 3/13 RedPlum insert or use $0.50/1 printable
    • As low as free after sale and coupon
  • Hefty OneZip Storage Bags – $2
    • $1/2 from 2/20 RedPlum insert
    • $1.50 each after sale and coupon
  • Libman Freedom Spray Mop – $16.99
  • Dial Liquid Hand Soap – $1
    • Use $0.35/1 from 3/13 RedPlum insert
    • $0.30 after sale and coupon

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

Monday, March 21, 2011

How are you planning on using your $25 coupon?

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I was originally planning on using my $25 voucher on groceries so that I could come home and take a picture of a table full of groceries and proudly announce that I bought everything on the table for less than $1.  Then we saw the kid’s patio set in Martin’s one night while we were shopping.  (Actually I didn’t notice it, I had my list, my coupons, and I was on a mission.  The girls saw it and ran to sit down at the little chairs.)  Steve and I talked about it and thought that it would be a neat thing for them to have, especially now that we finally have our patio in the backyard.  So, today I went to Martin’s to get the last few points I needed for my 100 freezer points and I got the $25 voucher.  Unfortunately they had already sold the last set.  I ended up taking my chances and went to another store.  I bought the display, the only ladybug set left.  I did ask if I could get a discount and they told me no, but not having to put it together – priceless!  The set was $29.99 – I redeemed my $25 voucher and then I paid the balance with my $10 gift card that Martin’s sent me last week.  I got something that my girls will enjoy this summer and I didn’t have to pay anything!

How are you planning on using your $25 voucher?  Are you gong to get a table full of groceries for $1, are you planning on buying extra to help out a friend or donate, or are you planning on buying a new umbrella and base for your patio set?  I always enjoy hearing how other people use their “free money” – please feel free to share.

Friday, March 18, 2011

More MARTIN’S Frozen Food Deals

I want to pass on some info that readers have graciously shared about the spend $100 on frozen foods and get a coupon for $25 off your next order.  Thanks for sharing!

I am loving these frozen food deals!  I am almost to the point where I need to do a cost analysis to convince Steve to buy me another freezer – maybe an upright deep freeze to replace the chest freezer?  :)

Praznow shared this last week in the comments section of my weekly deal post (the 50% off Mrs. Paul’s expired, but the rest of the deal is valid through 4/23.)

There is a deal running through 4/23: Buy 1 Mrs Pauls get 1 Steamfresh vegetable free 8-16 oz. Of course get the bigger bag. The 50% sale ends sat but buy 1 fish get 1 vegetable free goes till 4/23. The free vegetables even count towards your points.
Basically Buy 6 fish sticks and 6 16oz. bags of vegetables. Use (2) $1.00/3 Birdseye coupon from 3/6 RP x4/30
Pay and receive 2 OYNO Mrs. Pauls Free Item up to $7.49.
(She is also referring to a Catalina promotion printing a free Mrs. Paul’s when you buy 3 Mrs. Paul’s items.  I am not sure when that promotion ends.)

I ran to two different MARTIN’S Friday night and Saturday and was able to get a total of 15 boxes of Mrs. Paul’s (fried clams and breaded tilapia) in addition to 15 bags of the Bird’s Eye Select Steamfresh (normally $2/bag) for about $17 after the sale and coupons.  I earned 67 freezer points!  Thanks for the tip Praznow!

I also received a comment today from Their Mommy His Wife about this deal.  She used a different coupon and got a great deal:

I went to my WV Martin's last night and there is an unadvertised deal - Buy ANY Mrs.Paul's Frozen Fish and get a FREE Bird's Eye Steamfresh Vegetable. I had a(Feb-All You) Coupon for the same deal, so I was able to get 2 free veggies with the Mrs Paul's item. There is a window clingie on the door of the Mrs Paul's section. I believe this deal will go through mid April.
I paid $4.15 for a small box of fish sticks and two bags of steamfresh veggies!

I also wanted to post what Lissa shared about earning and additional catalina and receiving your $25 coupon after you hit 100 freezer points.

…you get a .50 OYNO cat when you buy 3 Dole frozen fruits.  I saw a sign today at a different Martins that actually advertised the cat.  (She also shared that she bought 12 bags but only received 3 $0.50 off your next order catalinas so there must be limit per transaction.)

I reached my $100 total today, and the cash register beeped to alert the cashier that she had to scan a card so the register would print my coupon. We didn't know this at the time, so mine didn't print, but that's what the manager told me later. She said the register would beep again next time I was in and I could just print it then. She also confirmed that you can earn more than one $25 bonus.

Do you have any other shopping deals or helpful tips to share.  Please feel free to leave a comment!

~Ann

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad

Menu planning and saving money really can go hand-in-hand.  It is important to realize that you can still enjoy some of your family’s favorite meals by menu planning with a sales flyer, you just need to be flexible. 

I am including ideas and recipes for four meals for the week.  As I’ve mentioned before, I have found that I really only cook on average four meals a week and that we end up having at least one left-over night, one meal out, and something easy like homemade pizza. 

Have you tried any of the recipes that I have posted?  Do you have a family favorite that you would like to share

Corned Beef & Cabbage:

Just because St. Patrick’s Day is today doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the low price of Corned Beef ($1.49/lb.) and cabbage ($0.39/lb.) this week on next week’s menu plan.  This recipe is a slow cooker recipe that looks really easy and has great reviews.  The potatoes are on sale for $2 this week and a 2lb. bag of organic carrots is $2.  This recipe has all of your vegetables cooked with the beef so you just need some crusty bread to finish the meal. 

Tilapia:

If you haven’t tried Tilapia before it is a very mild “non-fishy” fish.   I found this recipe for Lemon Garlic Tilapia that I thought sounded really good.  It looks really easy and it is a healthy dish that would be good to try out with the Tilapia on sale this week for $3.99/lb.  I would serve this with steamed vegetables.  (If you don’t have any in your freezer the GIANT Steam Ready are $1 a bag and the Birds Eye Steamfresh Selects are $1.67 a bag.)  If you would like to serve this with a starch you could serve it with either rice, mashed potatoes, or baked potatoes.  The Minute Brown Rice is on sale for $0.79 after you use the $0.50/1 from 1/23 RedPlum or 2/27 SmartSource insert and the all-purpose potatoes are $2 for a 5lb. bag. 

Chicken Parmesan:

I really enjoy Chicken Parmesan, but it is not always the healthiest choice for us.  I have made this recipe before and it is not only a healthier chicken parmesan but it is also a really easy weeknight meal.  You can buy the Perdue Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breast that are 50% off and even less when you use the $0.75/1 coupon from the 1/23 RedPlum insert.  If you don’t have any spaghetti sauce or pasta in your pantry you can pick-up a jar of Francesco Rinaldi for $1 and San Giorgio pasta for $1.  If you want to make a quick salad the Dole Special Blend or Complete Kits are $2.50 a bag.  You can even pick up a loaf of GIANT Italian Bread for $1 or the New York Texas Toast for $1 after this $0.50/1 printable

French Toast:

We love breakfast for dinner.  One of our favorites is French Toast.  I like to make it “fancy” with Cinnamon Raisin Swirl bread.  If you need a basic French toast recipe here is one that will get you started.  The Pepperidge Farm Swirl Bread is 50% off.  You can pick up a 2 rolls of Bob Evans Sausage for for $5 when you buy 2 and use the $1/2 printable.  The strawberries that are on sale for $2/lb. would be a sweet and refreshing side to this meal.

Happy Menu Planning!

~Ann

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

MARTIN’S–Spend $25 and Save $10 off your next order

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I mentioned this deal in my weekly top deals post.  It is the deal that is definitely getting me to the store this week.  I have been cleaning out my freezer for the last 2 weeks (read we have been eating previously frozen meats or meals and lots of frozen veggies) to have room for the purchase $100 worth of frozen food and earn a $25 off your next order coupon. I was super excited when I read about this deal last week in several coupon forums and crossed my fingers that Richmond would also get the promotion.  I have read on-line (in coupon forums) that this deal does work toward the spend $100 deal.  If you have not accumulated any frozen food points this is the week to do so and you can save BIG – even without coupons!

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I realize that it may be hard to read, so I am going to list the items included in the sale and any coupons that are available.

  • Stouffer’s Red Box (Classic Recipes, Corner Bistro, Pot Pies, French Bread Pizza or Sides) – $2
    • $1/2 Stouffer’s Entrees from 2/6 RedPlum insert
    • $1/1 Farmer’s Harvest entrée from 3/13 SmartSource insert (I read on-line they are included in the sale, but haven’t verified it myself.)
  • Freschetta Pizza (Naturally Rising Crust, Flatbread, Brick Oven or California Style) – $5
  • Red Baron Pan Pizza or Pasta – $5
    • $1/1 from 1/23 SmartSource insert
  • Klondike Ice Cream Bars, Sandwiches, or Slim-a-Bear – $3
  • Aunt Jemima French Toast, Sticks, or Pancakes – $2
    • “like” Aunt Jemima on facebook for a $1/2 coupon
  • Dove Ice Cream Bars or Miniatures – $3.29
  • Twix Ice Cream Bars – $3.29
  • M&M’s Ice Cream Cones or Cookie Sandwich – $3.29
  • Snicker’s Ice Cream Bar or Cones – $3.29
  • McCain Potato Smiles, French Fries, Baby Cakes, Wedges, Roasters, or Sweet Potato Fries – $2.50
  • Ittibitz Cups – $1
  • New York Texas Garlic Toast – $2
  • Breyers All Natural Ice Cream – $2.50
  • Hot Pockets or Lean Pockets (Subs, Calzones, Sideshots, or Breakfast Sandwiches) – $2
  • Birds Eye Voila! – $3
  • Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entrée – $5.99
  • Romano’s Macaroni Grill Frozen Entrée – $5.99
  • Ellio’s Pizza – $2.50
  • Dole Frozen Fruit (Strawberries, Dark Sweet Cherries, Mixed Fruit, or Tropical Fruit Blend) – $2.79
    • $0.75/1 from 3/6 RedPlum insert
  • Mrs. T’s Pierogies – $2
    • $1/1 3/6 RedPlum insert
    • $1/1 1/30 RedPlum insert
    • $1/1 March 2011 issue of All You Magazine
  • Smucker’s Snack ‘n Waffles – $2

If you don’t have any freezer points you can follow all 4 of the scenarios listed spend a total of $42.03 (before tax) and leave with catalina coupons worth $35 towards a future order.  (You need to get the $25 based on the sale prices, not after coupons.)

Deal Scenario #1:

  • Buy (3) Dole Frozen Fruit = $8.37
    • Use (3) $0.75/1 coupons = (-$2.50)
  • Buy (2) New York Garlic Toast = $4
    • Use (1) $0.40/1 & (1) $0.50/1 coupon = (-$1.80)
  • Buy (2) McCain Sweet Potato Fries = $5
  • Buy (4) Aunt Jemima French Toast/Pancakes = $8
    • Use (2) $1/2 coupons = (-$2)

Price before coupons = $25.37

Price after coupons = $19.07 and earn a coupon for $10 off your next order

Earn 25 Freezer Points

Deal Scenario #2:

  • Buy (8) Stouffer’s Red Box = $16
    • Use (4) $1/2 coupons = (-$4)
  • Buy (2) Freschetta Pizzas = $10
    • Use (2) $1/1 coupons = (-$2)
  • Redeem the $10 off your next order from purchasing scenario #1

Price before coupons = $26

Price after coupons = $10 and earn another coupon for $10 off your next order

Earn 26 Freezer Points + Previous Balance (25) = 51 Freezer Points

Deal Scenarion #3:

  • Buy (12) boxes of Mrs. T’s Pierogies = $24
    • Use (12) $1/1 coupons = (-$12)
  • Buy (1) Ittibitz Cups = $1
  • Redeem the $10 off your next order from purchasing scenario #2

Price before coupons = $25

Price after coupons = $3 and earn another coupon for $10 off your next order

Earn 25 Freezer Points + Previous Balance (51) = 76 Freezer Points

Deal Scenario #4:

  • Buy (4) Green Giant Wanchai Ferry Entrees = $23.96
    • Use (4) $1.50/1 coupons = (-$6)
  • Buy (1) Smucker’s Snack ‘n Waffles = $2
  • Redeem the $10 off your next order from purchasing scenario #3

Price before coupons = $25.96

Price after coupons = $9.96 and earn another coupon for $10 off your next order

Earn 25 Freezer Points + Previous Balance (76) = 101 = Earn a coupon for $25 off your next order!!

Don’t forget that you can use the last $10 off your next order and the $25 off your next order on your weekly grocery shopping for the week and get your milk, bread, meat, and produce for almost free!

Feel free to share any scenarios or deals that you found.

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of March 13th

logo_MARTINS

The big deal this week really is the deal on the back page of this week’s ad – buy $25 worth of participating frozen food items and get $10 off your next order.  Combine this with the spend $100 on frozen foods and get $25 off a future shopping trip and you can pack your freezer for a fraction of the retail price.  I hate to be a tease,  but this deal really requires a separate post, so you will have to come back to see the details of this awesome deal.

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Check back on Thursdays for a weekly series I started called “Meal Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad”.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

Meat:

  • Colorado Corned Beef Brisket Point Cut – $1.49/lb
  • Perdue Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast – 50% off (I haven’t had a chance to run to the store to check the price but they should be ~$2.45/lb.)
    • Use the $0.75/1 from 1/23 RedPlum insert
  • Tilapia Fillet (previously frozen) – $3.99/lb
  • Mama Lucia Italian or Homestyle Meatballs (12oz) – Buy One Get One Free (Regularly $3.99 each)
  • Bob Evans Sausage Roll – $3
  • Phillps Pasteurized Claw Crabmeat (8oz) – $5.99

Produce:

  • All Purpose Potatoes (5lb) – $2
  • Yellow Onions (3lb) –$2
  • Strawberries (16oz) –$2
  • Gala or Fuji Apples – $0.99/lb
  • Nature’s Promise Organic Apples – $1.49/lb
  • Nature’s Promise Organic Pears – $1.49/lb
  • Nature’s Promise Organic Carrots (2lb) – $2

Dairy/Refrigerated:

  • Yoplait Trix Yogurt (6 ct.) – $2
    • $0.75/2 from 2/13 GM or 1/30 SS
    • $1.50 each after sale and coupon
  • Weight Watchers Yogurt (6oz) – $0.50
    • Buy 5 and use $1/5 from the January 2011 issue of All You Magazine
    • $0.30 each after sale and coupon
  • Dannon Yogurt – $0.50
    • Buy 6 and use the $0.40/6 from 1/30 SmartSource insert
    • $0.37 each after sale and coupon
  • Almond Breeze Almond Milk (64oz) – $2.50
    • Use $0.55/1 from 1/30 SmartSource insert
    • $1.50 after sale and coupon

Grocery:

  • San Giorgio Pasta – $1
  • Francesco Rinaldi Spaghetti Sauce – $1
  • Coca-Cola (2 Liter) – $1
  • Select General Mills Cereal – $2
    • $1/2 from 1/30 SmartSource Insert

    • $1/2 Cheerios 2/6 SmartSource Insert

    • $1/3 from 2/13 General Mills Insert

    • $1/2 from 3/6 SmartSource Insert

    • Numerous printables from here

    • Numerous printables from here

    • Numerous printables from here

    • Numerous printables from here

  • Nature Valley Granola Bars – $2.50

    • Use $0.50/1 printable or

    • $0.75/2 from 2/13 General Mills insert or 3/6 SmartSource insert

    • As low as $1.50 after sale and coupon

  • New York Texas Toast Croutons (5oz) – $1.25

    • Use $0.55/1 from 1/30 SmartSource insert

    • $0.25 after sale and coupon

  • GIANT Canned Vegetables – $0.67

  • Minute Brown Rice (14oz) – $1.79

    • Use $0.50/1 from 1/23 RedPlum or 2/27 SmartSource insert

    • $0.79 after sale and coupon

  • Keebler Cookies – $2.50

    • Buy 2 and use $0.55/2 from 3/6 RedPlum insert

    • $2 each after sale and coupon

  • Blue Diamond Almonds (6oz) – $3.33

    • Sign-up for a $0.50/1 printable or

    • Buy 2 and use $0.60/2 from 1/23 SS

    • As low as $2.33 after sale and coupon

  • Eight O’Clock Coffee (11-12oz) – $3.50

    • Use $0.75/1 from February 2011 issue of All You Magazine

    • $2.50 after sale and coupon

  • GIANT Acadia Drinking Water (24 pk) – $1.99 (with $1 off coupon on the back page – must have a $25 minimum purchase)

  • Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner (7.25oz) – $1

    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from Kraft Food & Family booklet

    • $0.50 each after sale and coupon

  • Trident Vitality Gum – $1

    • Buy 2 and use Buy One Get One Free from 3/6 SmartSource insert

    • $0.50 each after sale and coupon

Frozen Foods:

  • El Monterey Taquitos (22.4-24oz) – $4.99
    • $1/1 from 1/30 SmartSource insert or 3/6 RedPlum insert
    • $3.99 after sale and coupon
  • Lean Cuisine Market Creations – $2.50
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from 1/2 SmartSource insert
    • $2 each after sale and coupon
  • Select Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables (the bags that are normally $2) $1.67
    • Buy 3 and use the $1/3 from 3/6 RedPlum insert or $1/3 printable
    • $1.34 each after sale and coupon
  • Boca Burgers, Links, Patties, or Crumbles – $2.50

Household:

  • Scotties Facial Tissues – $1
  • Renuzit Adjustable Air Freshener (7.5oz) – $1
    • Buy 6 and use Buy 3 Get 3 Free Coupon from 3/13 RedPlum insert
    • $0.50 each after sale and coupon
  • Purex Crystals (28oz) – $3.99
    • Use $2/1 from 3/13 RedPlum insert
    • $1.99 after sale and coupon
  • Soft Scrub Total Cleanser (25.4oz) – $2.49
    • Use $1/1 from 3/13 RedPlum insert
    • $1.49 after sale and coupon

Don’t forget to check back for the Spend $25 get $10 off your next order promotion and scenarios.

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Did you get your $10 prepaid MasterCard rebate?

MARTIN’S had a promotion about 3 weeks ago in their ad stating that if you bought $30 worth of select Proctor & Gamble products you would be able to submit a rebate for a $10 prepaid MasterCard.  I went to the store late the Saturday night the promotion was ending and got my $30 worth of products.  I had Megan with me (my 2&1/2 year old).  She was getting tired, and I was trying to get in and out of the store quickly.  I realized when I got home that I didn’t get a rebate form at the bottom of my receipt or stop at the service center to pick up one.  I didn’t get back to the store until later the next week and asked around and no one at the service center or even one of the store managers had a clue about how to get the rebate.  I had purchased a big box of pampers, four Tide stain release, and a box of tissues.  I knew I had purchased the eligible items and if I couldn’t get the $10 rebate I was going to return them to the store.  I only got them because the $10 prepaid MasterCard lowered the price enough to make it a decent deal.  I got a comment from an anonymous poster saying that she (or he?) was also having trouble getting the rebate form.  I went to the MARTIN’S site earlier this week and sent them a note through the contact us link explaining that I had purchased the items but did not receive a rebate form.  I simply asked them to send me a copy of the submission form.  They called while we were out Saturday morning and left me a message informing me that the promotion was over and they couldn’t send me a form, but would be sending me a $10 MARTIN’S gift card.  (When I submitted the question there is a place for your phone number and address.)  I was very pleased that they not only got back with me, but that they were quick to remedy the problem.

Don’t forget that you can always contact MARTIN’S directly from their website.  I have sent them e-mails through their site regarding accepting internet printable coupons that are for free items and giving discounts to non-profit organizations.  They have always gotten back to me within a few days, once through e-mail and twice by actually calling me. 

Have you contacted MARTIN’S for an issue and had a positive experience you want to share?  Feel free to comment!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad–Kind of

Have you tried any of the recipes that I have posted?  Do you have a family favorite that you would like to share?  I made the Asian Lettuce Wraps (or at least a version that my family would like) last week.  I didn’t buy the sesame oil and I checked to see how much it was to have on hand for the next time I make the lettuce wraps – it was $5 for a 10oz bottle!  I will have to look in an Asian market.  They were really good and I definitely see us eating them again. 

I was really uninspired by this week’s MARTIN’S ad for recipes and thought that I would take the time to instead talk about freezer cooking.  I have talked about it several times in the past and I spent about 3 days working on preparing and freezing foods about 2 weeks before Michael was born this past summer.  I love having a freezer full of goodies that I can always go to and pull stuff together for a meal for us or someone else.  It is because I have a stockpile of frozen meat, vegetables, and even fruit among other items in my freezer that I can have shopping weeks like I had last week.  I want to share some of the things that I keep in my freezer and then a few recipes.

I actually have 3 freezers.  We have a refrigerator in our kitchen and one in our garage, it came with the house and after a year of me complaining about it I convinced Steve to get me a nice side by side during a tax-free weekend for my everyday use.  I also have a chest freezer in the garage.  I lose a chunk of space in that freezer for long-term storage of things like sliced peaches and apples I froze in the summer and fall, and baking ingredients like nuts and coconut.  I keep frozen vegetables, and frozen products like waffles, Texas toast, frozen pasta, and rolls in that freezer.  I keep most of my frozen meat, casseroles, sauces, and cheese in the refrigerator freezer outside.  I keep items that are getting ready to be used in the freezer inside.  Right now I have homemade baby food, and opened packages of things like frozen fruit, pasta, or waffles. 

I mentioned that I have casseroles in my freezer.  I know some people cringe when they hear the word casserole.  Yes, I did freeze a chicken casserole, but it is usually various pasta dishes that I have made.  When I buy large packages of meat I will routinely divide them into close to one pound portions and freeze them individually.  I also make things up to a certain point and then freeze them like meatloaf, meatballs, and sausage.  I like to keep things on hand like cooked chopped chicken breast, diced onions, and chicken broth.  Some family favorites that I either double when I am making them or they make so much I freeze the leftovers for quick meals are pork or chicken BBQ, pizza sauce, chili, and taco meat.

Pizza Sauce:

I enjoy making pizza at home.  My girls always want to help when I make homemade pizza and enjoy taking ownership in the part of the pizza they got to help with.  I found this recipe for pizza sauce or breadsticks dipping sauce and I try to double it because it is so good and easy to make and then pour the leftovers into a freezer bag for the next time.  It is something you can easily play around with and adjust to what you and your family like.  I freeze these flat so that after they freeze I can easily sit them upright in the freezer to conserve space.  If you want to make your own pizza dough try out this recipe it is really good and you can also bake just the crust and then freeze that for a quick meal.  It will taste better and is better for you than a DiGiorno pizza. :)

Chicken Broth:

I call it broth, but after looking for an on-line recipe I discovered that really I am making Chicken Stock.  (That explains the really rich flavor!)  I will freeze chicken bones from cooking bone-in chicken or if we have a rotisserie chicken.  When I have two “carcasses” I will add whatever vegetables I have on hand usually carrots and onions in addition to celery leaves and a few bay leaves.  I make mine overnight in the crock-pot and strain it and pour it into zip-top freezer bags the next morning.  Here is a link to a post I wrote about a year and a half ago about how I transfer the chicken stock to the individual bags.

How about you – do you have any family favorites you like to keep prepped and on hand in your freezer?  Do you have multiple freezers?  Do you like to save space for things like meat in your freezer so you avoid buying things like frozen pizzas and waffles?  Do you have any meals that are easy to make ahead or double and keep in the freezer for busy nights?  Feel free to share.  :)

Happy Cooking (and freezing)!

~Ann

MARTIN’S Top Deals for the Week of March 6th

logo_MARTINS

There are some great deals this week at MARTIN’S thanks to all of the promotions they are running in this week’s sales flyer.  Don’t forget about the Spend $100 on frozen foods get $25 off a future order promotion that is running through March 27th.  It looks like you can buy the items in  the Ice Cream Promotion, Kellogg’s Breakfast Promotion, or Mrs. Paul’s Promotion towards your $100 in frozen foods.  (Details below) What a great way to save even more money!

General Mills Promotion:

Buy any 4 General Mills Cereal (14.25-25.25oz) in one visit with your BONUSCARD and get $6 off

 **remember $1.50 off each box**

You will also get a Catalina coupon for a free gallon of milk up to $4.50 to use on your next shopping order. (When a similar promotion was going on about a month ago the free milk coupon came off as $4.50 regardless of how much the milk actually cost.) It could be a total of $10.50 off of 4 boxes of cereal in addition to coupons!

Coupons available:

  • $1/2 from 1/30 SmartSource Insert
  • $1/2 Cheerios 2/6 SmartSource Insert
  • $1/3 from 2/13 General Mills Insert
  • $0.75/1 Cinnamon Burst Cheerios from 2/13 General Mills Insert
  • $1/2 from 3/6 SmartSource Insert
  • $0.50/1 Total from 3/6 SmartSource Insert
  • $0.50/1 Chex from 3/6 SmartSource Insert
  • Numerous printables from here
  • Numerous printables from here
  • Numerous printables from here
  • Numerous printables from here

Ice Cream Promotion:

Buy $12 worth of Haagen Dazs, Edy’s, Nestle, or Skinny Cow Ice Cream in one transaction and receive a coupon for $4 off you’re your next shopping order

**Think $1 off each item since the listed items are $3 each**

  • Nestle Drumstick Ice Cream Cones – $3
  • Push-Ups – $3
  • Edy’s Dibs – $3
  • Edy’s Fruit Bars – $3 (I love the strawberry ones!)
  • Edy’s Ice Cream (48oz) – $3
  • Haagen-Dazs (14oz) – $3

Kellogg’s Breakfast Promotion:

Buy 5 Participating Items in one transaction with your BONUSCARD and receive 1 dozen GIANT Large White Eggs and 1 6ct GIANT White English Muffins FREE.  (I don’t know exact prices but each of these are about $1.80 each so think $3.60 off your total.)

  • Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks, Froot Loops, Corn Pops, or Rice Krispies – $3
  • Kellogg’s Special K Cereal Bars – $2.50
    • $0.75/2 from 2/6 RedPlum insert
  • Kellogg’s Fiber Plus Bars – $2.50
  • Kellogg’s Pop-tarts (12-pk) – $2.50
    • $1/3 from 3/6 RedPlum insert
  • Select Eggo Waffles – $2
  • Kellogg’s Nutri-grain Bars (10.4oz) – $2.69
    • $0.75/2 from 3/6 RedPlum insert
  • Morningstar Farms – $3.50
  • Simply Orange Premium Orange Juice – $4.49
  • Minute Maid Juice (6 pack) – $3
  • Dannon Yogurt or Activia Tubs (24-32oz) – $2
  • Eggo Frozen Pancakes, French Toast Sticks, or Cinnabon Pancakes – $2

Since you have to only buy 5 items to get the offer I would suggest buying the least expensive items that way you spend the least amount possible. (Example - $10 for 5 boxes of Eggos, a dozen eggs, and 6 english muffins)

Mrs. Paul’s Promotion:

Buy 3 Mrs. Paul’s Deviled Crab ($3) or Fried Clams ($2.10) and get a coupon for a Free Mrs. Paul’s Frozen Fish with your next shopping trip

    • Use Free BirdsEye Steamfresh item when you buy 1 Mrs. Paul’s Seafood item (up to $2) from February issue of All You Magazine

Buy 3 Fried Clams and a Birds Eye Steamfresh (not one of the $1 bags) for $6.30 and get a coupon for a free item on your next purchase.  Then buy a deviled crab or frozen fish for $3.  They should all go towards your $100 frozen food total.  You spend $6.30 and get about $11 in frozen food points!

I also found new eBONUSCARD Offers this week on my personal MARTIN’S page.  I got $0.75/3 Goya Beans and $0.75/2 Ortega items.  Feel free to share if you had some waiting for you and if so what they were. 

Click here to view an on-line version of this week’s ad. Click here for information about MARTIN’S coupon policy.  The ad and the coupon policy are for the Richmond, VA area.  There is the possibility of some variances in other areas.

Check out Money Saving Mom for my MARTIN’S top deals in addition to top deals for other grocery stores, drug stores, and discount stores from other deal seekers.

Check back on Thursdays for a weekly series I started called “Meal Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad”.

Here are what I consider to be the top deals this week at MARTIN’S.  I verify the coupons that I mention with what I receive in my local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch (RTD).  Coupons are regional so you may not have the exact same coupon or the same face value.  Remember what I consider to be a good deal and what you consider to be a good deal may differ.  Please feel free to leave me a comment with any deals that you find.

Meat:

  • GIANT Chicken Drumsticks & Thighs Value Pack – $0.99/lb
  • GIANT Whole Chickens – $0.99/lb
  • Tyson Chicken Strips (10oz) – Buy 1 Get 1 Free (Regularly $5.49)
    • Buy 2 and use 2 $1/1 coupons from 1/2 SmartSource Insert
    • $1.75 each after sale and coupon
  • Tyson Breaded Crispy Chicken Strips (25-32oz) – $6.99
    • Use $1/1 from 1/30 SmartSource Insert
    • $5.99 after sale and coupon
  • Sea Pak Dinner Entrees – Buy One Get One Free (prices vary)
    • Use $1/1 from 3/6 SmartSource Insert

Produce:

  • Blueberries (6oz) – $2
  • Blackberries (4.4oz) – $2
  • Naval Oranges – $1
  • Red Grapefruit – $1
  • Cara Cara Oranges – $1
  • Dole Special Blend Salads or Complete Kits – $2
  • Green Cabbage – $0.69/lb

Dairy/Refrigerated:

  • Kraft Cheese (Shredded or Cubes) – $2
  • Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese (10-12oz) – $3
    • Use $1/1 from 1/30 SmartSource insert
    • $2 after sale and coupon
  • Kraft Individually Wrapped Cheese Singles (16oz)– $2.50
    • Use $0.55/1 from 2/13 SmartSource insert
    • $1.50 after sale and coupon
  • White Wave Silk Soymilk (32oz) – $1.79
    • Use $0.75/1 from 2/6 SmartSource insert
    • $0.79 after sale and coupon

Grocery:

  • Rice-A-Roni or Pasta Roni – $1
    • Buy 3 Rice-A-Roni and 1 Pasta Roni – Use the buy 3 Get 1 free coupon from the 1/2 RedPlum insert
    • $0.75 each after sale and coupon
  • Keebler Cookies – $2.50
    • Buy 2 and use $0.55/2 coupon from 3/6 RedPlum insert
    • $2 each after sale and coupon
  • Quaker Instant Oatmeal – $2.50
    • Use $1/1 from 1/2 RedPlum insert
    • $1.50 after sale and coupon
  • Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken Soup – $0.89
    • Buy 4 and use $0.30/4 from 3/6 SmartSource Insert
    • $0.74 each after sale and coupon
  • Chi-Chi’s Salsa or Chi-Chi’s Snackers – $1.50
    • Use $0.50/1 from 1/16 SmartSource insert
    • $0.50 after sale and coupon
  • Classico Pasta Sauce – $2
    • Buy 2 jars and fresh beef and use $1 off coupon from 3/6 SmartSource Insert
    • $1.50 for each jar plus the cost of beef
  • Select Betty Crocker Potatoes – $1.33
    • Buy 2 and use $0.50/2 from 2/13 General Mills insert
    • $0.83 each after sale and coupon
  • Betty Crocker Premium Brownie Mix – $2
    • Use $0.50/1 from 2/13 General Mills insert
    • $1 after sale and coupon
  • Pepperide Farm Cookies – 33% off (Prices starting at $2.27)
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from 2/13 SmartSource insert
    • $1.77 each after sale and coupon
  • General Mills Chex Mix – $2
    • Buy 2 and use $0.50/2 from 1/30 SmartSource insert
    • $1.50 after sale and coupon
  • Barilla Pasta – $1

Frozen Foods:

  • Select Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables – $1
    • Buy 3 and use $1/3 printable or $1/3 from 1/23 or 3/6 Smartsource inserts
    • $0.67 each after sale and coupon
  • Gorton’s Breaded Seafood Value Pack – $3.99
    • Use $1/1 from 1/16 SmartSource or $1/2 from 2/13 SmartSource insert
    • As low as $2.99 after sale and coupon
  • On-Cor Traditional Dinners – $2
    • Use $0.30/1 from 3/6 RedPlum insert
    • $1.40 after sale and coupon

Household:

  • Wisk 2x or HE Original Detergent (50oz) – $4.99
    • Use $2/1 from 3/6 Red Plum insert
    • $2.99 after sale and coupon
  • Resolve Pre-Treat Triggers or Stain Sticks – $2
    • Use $0.50/1 from 2/27 SmartSource insert
    • $1 after sale and coupon
  • Hefty One Zip Value Pack Bags – $2
    • Buy 2 and use $1/2 from 2/20 RedPlum insert
    • $1.50 each after sale and coupon
  • Libman Freedom Spray Mop – $16.99
    • Save your receipt and submit for this $5 Mail-in Rebate
    • $11.99 after sale and rebate

Happy Shopping!

~Ann

 

 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

My MARTIN'S match-ups are coming

I have had a crazy week. Michael had some minor out-patient surgery Monday morning and my mom came up to help me take care of him and the girls. I also pulled a muscle in my upper back/neck that has made me very uncomfortable. I just got back in town after meeting my dad about half-way for my mom to go home and I have church this evening. I am planning on finishing and posting my match-ups after I get home. Thanks for understanding.

~Ann

Saturday, March 5, 2011

My Shopping for the week

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Yep – that is right you are looking at all of the groceries that I bought this week.  The beauty of having a stockpile is that if it is an “off” sales week or you just have a busy week and can’t get to the store you don’t have to.  I primarily ran to the store tonight to get the Bambi DVD/Blu-Ray (I am holding it until Easter to give to my girls) and the fruit.  I scanned my BONUSCARD and got a coupon for $1 off any $10 meat purchase.  I have a freezer full of ground beef, several roasts, barbeque pork,  a whole chicken, and lots of boneless skinless chicken breast.  I wasn’t planning on buying any meat this week.  I walked through the meat department and spotted these nice beef tenderloin steaks marked down from $13.43 to $10.75 with a sell-by date of Tuesday.  That is quite a splurge for my grocery budget, but I knew Steve would enjoy them and I was able to use the $1 off $10 coupon towards so they were less than $10.  I know we can’t get even one steak dinner at a restaurant for less than $10.  I picked up the Kedem sparkling juice after a tip I got from a friend from church.  She found them on sale for $1.99 each and they have a tag attached for a $1.50 mail in rebate.  You can submit up to 6 rebates per household.  These are kosher for Passover and I found them on an end-cap with a display of Passover foods. 

So here is the breakdown:

  • (2) Kedem Juice
  • Bambi DVD/Blu-Ray
  • 2.93lb. Bananas
  • (2) 16oz. Strawberries
  • 0.84lb. Beef Tenderloin Steaks

Shelf Total (before sales, coupons, and tax): $52.96

Final Total (after sales, coupons, bag credits, and before tax): $29.32

Total Savings: $23.64 (44%)

I saved $20.91 with my MARTIN’S BONUSCARD and I saved $2.68 by purchasing the steaks on manager’s special.  I didn’t use any manufacturer coupons.  I also saved $0.05 by bringing my own bag to MARTIN’S.  I will get $3 back when I submit the rebate for the juice.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Menu Planning with the MARTIN’S Ad

Menu planning and saving money really can go hand-in-hand.  It is important to realize that you can still enjoy some of your family’s favorite meals by menu planning with a sales flyer, you just need to be flexible. 

I am including ideas and recipes for four meals for the week.  As I’ve mentioned before, I have found that I really only cook on average four meals a week and that we end up having at least one left-over night, one meal out, and something easy like homemade pizza. 

Have you tried any of the recipes that I have posted?  Do you have a family favorite that you would like to share?  I finally got to try the Spaghetti with Parmesan and Bacon last week.    This is what my version looked like.

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I had started the recipe then realized while the pasta was cooking that I didn’t have any frozen peas.  Steve came up with the idea to pick the peas out of a bag of frozen mixed vegetables.  He willingly stood over the sink with a colander and measuring cup and said I think we are only going to have 1/2 cup of peas instead of a full cup.  :)  I thought the pasta was good, Steve said he would like for me to make it again, the girls weren’t in love with it. I did reduce the black pepper to only 1/2 tsp (I was using the stuff from a can, not freshly ground).  I would probably reduce the garlic next time– 3 cloves was a little overpowering and I think that may have been what turned the girls off.  I also substituted fat free evaporated milk for the 2% milk.  I was hoping the sauce would have a creamier flavor if I used the evaporated milk.  I think that my mistake was using the fat free milk.  I think it needed a little bit of fat to thicken the sauce more.  I obviously didn’t use spaghetti either – I used the spirals because that is easier for the girls to eat, and I was hoping the shape would hold the sauce better as well.

This week’s meal ideas are all about pork.  I have mentioned that I buy the eye of the round roast to grind and make my own extra lean ground beef.  I also do the same thing with a boneless pork tenderloin.  I cut it myself (although every time I tell myself I am going to have them cut it next time) and cut a roast, tenderloin chops, and grind the rest.  I know some people don’t eat pork for various reasons.  I encourage you to read on even if you don’t eat pork because some of these recipes can be adapted for chicken.

Roasted Pork:

I found this recipe on allrecipes.com  for Garlic Herb Roast Pork and thought it sounded so easy, delicious, and could impress your family or guests.  I like to read the reviews of people who made the dish and read that several people did not use the fresh herbs and thought it still tasted delicious.   I think you could adapt this to your slow cooker.  I only read one reviewer who did that.  They said they cooked it on low overnight with enough water to cover the meat so that it didn’t dry out.  I don’t see why you couldn’t cook it on low for 6-8 hours.  Just make sure you keep an eye on the temperature of your pork.  I am one of those people who doesn’t like to see pink in pork.   This would be great with roasted potatoes (buy the  5lb. bag of all purpose potatoes for $2) and frozen green beans (GIANT brand is $1) or fresh asparagus ($2.99/lb.).

Asian Lettuce Wraps:

I got 2 heads of butter lettuce last week at Costco with the idea to make lettuce wraps.  I was searching for a recipe and this is one that I thought looked delicious.  I think this is a recipe that is easy to adapt to a different protein – instead of ground pork try ground turkey or diced chicken.  I personally am not a fan of tofu – I know it is probably a mental thing – so I appreciate the footnote at the bottom of the recipe with suggestions for making this recipe one your family will like.  I don’t have sesame oil or hot chili paste in my kitchen.  I read that you can substitute olive oil for the sesame oil, but if you are going to the store it was highly suggested to buy the sesame oil, it evidently has a distinct flavor that will enhance the dish.  I read that you can substitute red pepper flakes, cayenne, or bottled hot sauce for the hot chili paste.  I would serve this with some asian stir fry vegetables or steamed edamame and rice.

Pork Chops:

I remember eating pork chops for dinner as a child, but I don’t really cook them on a regular basis.  I have trouble cooking my pork chops so that they don’t turn out dry.  I found this recipe about a year ago and it turned out really good.  I think that frying them just a little bit and then baking them is the secret.  I have made chicken breast or chicken tenders following this technique in this recipe.  You just have to adjust your cooking time.  You could serve one of the Knorr Pasta or Rice sides (just $1 this week) if you need a quick side dish.  You could also make mashed potatoes from the 5lb. bag of all purpose potatoes for $2.  I always like to have something “green” on our plates so you could use a bag of GIANT frozen vegetables for $1 or get a Dole salad kit for $2.50. 

Pork BBQ:

I like to pick up a Fresh Whole Shoulder Pork Roast when they are on sale ($0.99/lb this week) and just stick it in my slow cooker with a bottle of barbeque sauce (Kraft is on sale this week for $1.99 and part of the spend $15 get $5 off promotion).  Depending on the barbeque sauce I may add some brown sugar, soy sauce, hot sauce, or whatever I am in the mood for.  I cook it on low for 6-8 hours (varies with size of the roast), then I take it out and chop it.  You could make you own potato wedges with the all purpose potatoes on sale for $2 for something green you can add the GIANT frozen vegetables that are $1 this week or eat some fresh broccoli that is $1.69/lb and baby carrots that are $2.99 for a 2 lb. bag with some Ranch dressing (the Kraft is on sale for $1 and part of the spend $15 get $5 off promotion) .  This usually makes lots of barbeque, more than we need for even two meals so I routinely freeze the leftovers.   The leftovers make a great quick weekend meal.  (If you aren’t a pork eater I have done the same thing with boneless skinless chicken breast, they just cook up faster so keep an eye on them.)

Happy Menu Planning!

~Ann