Deals/freebies the week of 9/25/11

Although I got a bunch of great stuff from my Sunday haul, there were various freebies and cheap, cheap deals that cropped up this week. There must be something special about the last week of the month. Below is a snapshot of my great finds!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freebies/deals the week of 9/25/11

Aveda Damage Remedy Sample: free

CVS:
Carmex ultra hydrating lip balm: $3.50
Total (no tax): $3.50
Rebate offer from Carmex: $2.99
Total cost to me: 51 cents

Petco: Hill’s Science Diet Ideal Balance Adult Dog Food: $11.99
Total with tax: $13.04
Rebate offer from Hill’s Science Diet: $12.99
Total cost: paid 5 cents

Target trip #1:
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste (travel size): $0.99
$1/1 coupon
Total with tax: 9 cents
Paid using Target gift card from 9/25/11 purchase
Total cost: free!

Target trip #2:
Orbitz gum 3-pack Wintermint: $2 on sale
$1/1 coupon
Total (no tax): $1.00
Paid using Target gift card from 9/25/11 purchase
Total cost: free!

Walmart trip #1:
(2) Lysol dual action wipes: $2.48 each
$0.50/2 coupon
Total with tax: $4.89
Rebate offer from Lysol: $5
Total cost: Made 11 cents!

Walmart trip #2
Brita Slim pitcher (5 cups): $8.97
$5/1 coupon
Total with tax: $4.74
Paid with $5 gift card from several years ago when a new store opened in St. Louis
Rebate from Brita: $10
Total cost: Made $10!

(Not pictured, oops!)
Staples:
Staples brand multipurpose ream of paper: $5.99
Total with tax: $6.51
Rebate offer from Staples: $5.99
Total cost to me: 52 cents

Final cost: I made $9!!

9/25/11 Haul

Below is a snapshot of my “haul” of savings from last weekend.

CVS:
4 cans of Progresso soup (we love the Lentil soup): sale 4/$5
$1 off CVS coupon
$1 off Mfr coupon
Total: $3.00

Rite Aid:
Purchase #1
2 bottles Aussie brand shampoo, conditioner: sale 2/$6
$1 off Mfr coupon
Total with tax: $5.53
Received $2 +up rewards

Purchase #2
Crest Whitening plus Scope toothpaste: $3.99
$1 Mfr coupon
$2 +up reward for purchase #1
Total with tax: 1.34

Walgreens:
Purchase #1
Schick Quattro for Women 4 count refill cartridge: sale $8.99
$4 Mfr coupon
Total with tax: 5.78
Received $5 register rewards

Purchase #2
3 Hunts tomato sauce 8oz.: Walgreens sale coupon $1
Claritin 30 count reditabs: $22.99
$4 Walgreens coupon
$4 Mfr coupon
$5 register rewards from Purchase #1
Total with tax: 12.65

Target:
4 Playtex 36 count tampons: sale $7.34
$4 off 2 boxes x2 coupons
Total with tax: $23.05
Received 2 $5 Target gift cards as part of promotion

Grand Total: $51.35 less $10 Target gift cards = $41.35

Half Marathon Training!

I started my half marathon training this week! On Tuesday I did 2 miles, 4×1 minute aerobic intervals (running at a faster pace than usual), and 2 miles back home. It was ridiculously cold outside and I was quite worn out when I got home. It took me awhile to recover from that run despite immediately downing tons of water and eating salty pretzels (gotta replenish your salt!). I felt chilled for about 3 hours afterward and stayed on the couch under the blanket while I did homework. On Thursday I went to the gym and started on the treadmill. My shin immediately started hurting me and I had to finish on the elliptical for a total of about 45 minutes. I was supposed to do 4 miles so this is fairly comparable. Today the back of my right knee was very tight. I’m supposed to do 3-4 miles tomorrow and then 6-7 on Sunday. We’ll see how I feel and what  the weather is like. Let’s just say that I miss my running partner from first year! She never complained about the weather and always made me go outside despite my multiple complaints and excuses.

A day of chocolate

Accomplishments

Ate a bagel for breakfast

Ordered a small meal at the Pasta House and brought home leftovers

Walked to and from class

Brought my own lunch to school

Learned more programming

Ordered a sample of Kashi cereal

Oops!

Ate 5 dark chocolate brownies

Watched 5 hours of TV

Goals for tomorrow:

30 minutes of activity

Eat only 1 brownie

Watch 1 hour of TV

Complete occupation essay!

Cook dinner

Eat a reasonable portion for dinner and lunch

Season Premieres

Season premieres I’m excited about: Grey’s Anatomy (Sept 24) and Gossip Girl (Sept 14). I’ve given up on the Hills, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Real Housewives of NYC, and most of all Jon and Kate plus 8. There’s just something about the whole divorce/affair thing that irritates me. I can’t even watch old episodes because it reminds of everything they have and are putting their children through. I guess I still have my one guilt show and one decent show to keep me entertained. Let September come!

my new blackberry

I recently acquired a Blackberry curve as my two year contract was ready for renewal. I’m still getting used to all of the fun things I can do with it (like blogging!). Stay posted for more updates!

Restaurant Review: La Pizza

Located at: 8137 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO

For those who are originally from NY, this is the real thing! Coming from Long Island, I’m used to having 6 pizza parlors within 15 mintues of my house. Around here, we were lucky enough to move 10 houses down from the most authentic pizza parlor I’ve ever encountered outside of NY. Complete with the flour on my hands after holding a slice and the little white table in the pizza boxes. ::Sigh:: The downside is that it is more expensive than your standard to-go pizza places (ie. Papa John’s, Dominos). The owner is really nice; he’s from Queens. He’s willing to go out of his way for excellent and personal service. Enjoy!

A Family Favorite

This recipie has two variations on the same basic principle. It’s simple, yummy and quick to make.

Variation #1: Tuna Stroganoff (aka Tuna Slop)

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 “can” of milk

2 cans tuna fish

1/2 package of wide egg noodles

frozen peas

In a skillet, empty cream of mushroom soup can. Fill empty can 3/4 full with milk and stir to remove soup remnants. Add to saucepan. Add tuna to saucepan.

Meanwhile, boil water for noodles and cook noodles as indicated on package.

During the last few minutes, cook frozen peas.

Serve tuna mix over noodles with peas on the side, or, if you’re feeling really adventurous (or you’re backpacking), mix peas in and eat as one yummy, scrumptious dish!

 

Variation #2- Turkey (Beef) Stroganoff (Cream of Mushroom Slop)

1 lb. ground turkey

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 “can” milk

4 cups Minute Rice or preferred white rice (brown if you’re really on a health kick)

ground pepper to taste

Brown tukey in a skillet. Drain fat. Add can of mushroom soup and 3/4 can of milk into skillet. Heat. Add ground pepper to taste.

Meanwhile, cook rice according to package. Serve together and mix for a yummy main dish. Serve with your vegetable of choice.

Chili/Taco cheese dip

For the simple chef…

Taco Chili Cheese Dip

1 lb. ground turkey or beef

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can chili without meat

16 oz. (1 block) Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes

Salsa or Rotel to taste (optional)

Brown meat in skillet. Drain fat. Add taco seasoning according to package. Heat. Add seasoned meat, chili and Velveeta to crockpot and put on medium heat. Stir occasionally until all cheese melts. Keep warm and serve with taco chips!

This is one of my favorite things to make for parties or gatherings. Everyone loves it so don’t be afraid to make a double batch!

Wonderful Raisin Bran Muffins

This is a wonderful recipie I found online when I had excess Raisin Bran and no desire to eat it as my breakfast cereal. These muffins are a great little snack or bite for breakfast on-the-go. Enjoy!

6-Week Raisin Bran Muffins

1 (15oz.) box Raisin Bran cereal
3 cups granulated sugar
5 cups all-purpose flour
5 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. salt
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, beaten
1 quart buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350F.

Mix cereal, sugar, flour, baking soda and salt in an extra large bowl.  In a separate large bowl, combine oil, eggs and buttermilk; mix well.  Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix well.  Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake for 25 minutes.  The muffins may look done earlier but keep in for the full 25 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and cool on a wire rack.

Store unused muffin batter in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator until ready to use.  Batter will last up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.

 

(from www.zimbio.com)