Saw this on That's Just Nifty Thrifty
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Coffee Filters
Coffee filters ...who knew! And you can buy 1,000 at the Dollar Tree for almost nothing.
1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China. Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Filter broken cork from wine. If you break the cork when opening a wine bottle, filter the wine through a coffee filter.
5. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
6. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
7. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
8. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
9. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
10. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.
11. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.
12. Do you think we used expensive strips to wax eyebrows? Use strips of coffee filters.
13. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
14. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."
OH YEAH THEY ARE GREAT TO USE IN YOUR COFFEE MAKERS
This really brought me back to when I first worked in RCC with the small group. We didn't like to get up for napkins and paper towels all the time so we used coffee filters - they are like super large muffin cups. It was a the best way to divid food. I think I might have fallen in love with coffee filters at that time, because I do use them all over th house - number 1 on the list above is my favorite, because I am against using plastic to cover items, and this makes it so I have less of a mess to clean up.
Are you creative? What besides the list above do you use coffee filters for?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Walgreens
So - I had $18 in register rewards burning a hole in my coupon book. Plus they were expiring on Feb 27th. So when the Walgreen ads came out on Sunday, I immediately started to plan my attack.
Now please keep in mind, I counted these savings (the $18) on another post so I can only say my out of pocket expense today were minimal - but that is all part of the plan. Buy items to get the RR and use them later for **FREE** stuff.
So here is the take home and break down
4 dove deodorants - retails for $3.29, used in ad coupon taking it to $1.99 each, and then the 2 coupons I had for $1.50/2 = $1.24 each (not the best - but i was running out..and we would hate to stink.
2 triaminc meds on sale for 2/$10.00 - had 2 $1.00 off coupons, and will get $3.00 back on each bottle = 2/$2.00 - or $1.00 each. Great time to stock up!
2 theraflu meds on sale for 2/$10.00 - had 2 $1.00 off coupons, and will get $3.00 back on each bottle = 2/$2.00 - or $1.00 each.
picked up another Gillette razor - for me :) on sale for $8.99, had a $2.00 off coupon, and received another $6.00 RR. Did pay $7.61 out of pocket - but used the RR I received on the rest of my shopping trip.
They had M&M's on CLEARANCE!!! YEA - Peanut butter, not sure if this is a blessing or a curse, because these are my FAVORITE. So I picked up a few bags. They were $0.99 each - there was a coupon in the easy saver packet for $1.00 off two bags - so each bag was $0.50. Not bad, just need to stash the bags till Easter. I did send one home with Grandma though, 1 less temptation in my house.
Speaking of Temptation - they also had an easy saver coupon for Starbucks candy - save $6.00 on the purchase of 2. I have to say they are priced a little high at Walgreen's, so the coupon doesn't make it all that tempting on it's own What made it tempting was the $1.00 off coupons I found in the blinki next to the candy. So that made it 2/$4.00 or $2.00 each for Startbuck Candy!! YUM YUM!! Plus I have a few extra coupons for later!!
I picked up some Q-Tips on sale for $1.99 and I had a $0.30 = $1.69.
And finally 2 wax papers - 75 ft retails for $1.99 used in store coupon to make it $0.89 each. The aluminium foil is also on sale - but they were out Darn.
Total out of pocket today - $16.68
Rebates to come for today's purchases - $6.00
Total savings - $ 78.41 - this includes the WAGS sale prices, in ad coupons, and the coupons I brought in.
I should be getting my first rebate back from Walgreens in the next week or so. Although it is only $5.50 - but this is a 10% increase on the original rebate because I choose to have the rebate on a gift card. I think my February rebates that should come in March will really help me to spend less of our money to buy items!!
I have $50.00 in Rite Aid Gift Cards from transferring my prescriptions there. My next goal is to see how much I can get for my $50.00. Rite Aid also has a rebate program, in store coupons, and of course other coupons from the newspaper and on line. So - watch for updates on this.
Now please keep in mind, I counted these savings (the $18) on another post so I can only say my out of pocket expense today were minimal - but that is all part of the plan. Buy items to get the RR and use them later for **FREE** stuff.
So here is the take home and break down
4 dove deodorants - retails for $3.29, used in ad coupon taking it to $1.99 each, and then the 2 coupons I had for $1.50/2 = $1.24 each (not the best - but i was running out..and we would hate to stink.
2 triaminc meds on sale for 2/$10.00 - had 2 $1.00 off coupons, and will get $3.00 back on each bottle = 2/$2.00 - or $1.00 each. Great time to stock up!
2 theraflu meds on sale for 2/$10.00 - had 2 $1.00 off coupons, and will get $3.00 back on each bottle = 2/$2.00 - or $1.00 each.
picked up another Gillette razor - for me :) on sale for $8.99, had a $2.00 off coupon, and received another $6.00 RR. Did pay $7.61 out of pocket - but used the RR I received on the rest of my shopping trip.
They had M&M's on CLEARANCE!!! YEA - Peanut butter, not sure if this is a blessing or a curse, because these are my FAVORITE. So I picked up a few bags. They were $0.99 each - there was a coupon in the easy saver packet for $1.00 off two bags - so each bag was $0.50. Not bad, just need to stash the bags till Easter. I did send one home with Grandma though, 1 less temptation in my house.
Speaking of Temptation - they also had an easy saver coupon for Starbucks candy - save $6.00 on the purchase of 2. I have to say they are priced a little high at Walgreen's, so the coupon doesn't make it all that tempting on it's own What made it tempting was the $1.00 off coupons I found in the blinki next to the candy. So that made it 2/$4.00 or $2.00 each for Startbuck Candy!! YUM YUM!! Plus I have a few extra coupons for later!!
I picked up some Q-Tips on sale for $1.99 and I had a $0.30 = $1.69.
And finally 2 wax papers - 75 ft retails for $1.99 used in store coupon to make it $0.89 each. The aluminium foil is also on sale - but they were out Darn.
Total out of pocket today - $16.68
Rebates to come for today's purchases - $6.00
Total savings - $ 78.41 - this includes the WAGS sale prices, in ad coupons, and the coupons I brought in.
I should be getting my first rebate back from Walgreens in the next week or so. Although it is only $5.50 - but this is a 10% increase on the original rebate because I choose to have the rebate on a gift card. I think my February rebates that should come in March will really help me to spend less of our money to buy items!!
I have $50.00 in Rite Aid Gift Cards from transferring my prescriptions there. My next goal is to see how much I can get for my $50.00. Rite Aid also has a rebate program, in store coupons, and of course other coupons from the newspaper and on line. So - watch for updates on this.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
More shopping
I had not planned on any real shopping over the next few weeks unless I found meat on sale. But of course Albertsons has a great sale going on. So I gathered my coupons, made my lists (yes more then one) and headed out last night after Kass got home from work (10:45 pm)
Although they are mostly items we could do with out - I do buy them and this allowed me to buy them with very little money.
I will have to give some exacts on what I bought later - but it is the buy 10 get $10 off sale they are having. I spent out of pocket $40.70 (and I still have a coupon for $10.00 off my next purchase in my purse) and saved $161.38. That is a savings of 79.85%. I am patting my self on the back. At least the kids will love the fruit snacks, and roll ups we have - for months to come! Oh and if you need to make cookies - just let me know I have about 10 mixes or frozen dough.
Although they are mostly items we could do with out - I do buy them and this allowed me to buy them with very little money.
I will have to give some exacts on what I bought later - but it is the buy 10 get $10 off sale they are having. I spent out of pocket $40.70 (and I still have a coupon for $10.00 off my next purchase in my purse) and saved $161.38. That is a savings of 79.85%. I am patting my self on the back. At least the kids will love the fruit snacks, and roll ups we have - for months to come! Oh and if you need to make cookies - just let me know I have about 10 mixes or frozen dough.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Monster (Truck) of a Brithday
Zane had a birthday week last week. We had such a great time, and really enjoyed watching our loving little baby boy - become a great big 5 year old. Starting on Monday, I joined him at the end of preschool, to tell them all about Zane and what a wonderful child he is - and them pass out a treat of course.
Tuesday, he got to choose what he wanted for lunch, and we opened presents from Mom, Dad and Jacob, and ate cake before Kass went to work. After a quick nap for both Zane and Jacob, we met one of Zane's school friends for swimming at the gym. (she happens to have a little brother that is only 1 day older then Jacob). He really enjoyed. Jacob, not as much a first, this was his first time at the gym, and I think it was a bit loud for him.
And the big day - we counted down after his birthday to his friend party. We had 14 kids over to the house for pizza, cake and presents - then we wisked them off to the MONSTER TRUCK JAM! The house was full - oh how glad I was we have part of the basement completed.
And now for the pictures
Friday, February 13, 2009
Savings.... :) and Freezer Cooking
Well I found that I might have spent a little much on stocking up last month. The good news, we are fully stocked on most pantry items. I plan to only buy milk, fresh produce and meat for the next few weeks. (especially because Reams has their boneless skin less chicken breast for $1.49 lb - great time to get some in the freezer)
I did do some freezer cooking last weekend with a few friends. We did soooo many meals. I think it is great to have stuff pre made and ready to warm and eat. Here is a list of all I brought home...
Spaghetti sauce - with meat and tomatoes - very healthy :)
Taco Meat - more tomatoes - great way to hide the veggies from the kids
SOUPS
Taco Soup - a lot like a chili
Chicken white bean Chili
Vegetable Beef
Broccoli Cheese
(these are mainly for Kass, as I don't really like soup)
Lasagna (YUM YUM - this is one of my favorite recipes)
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Teryiaki (sp)
Sounds good huh??
And the savings
Today I did some Walgreen's shopping, let me break it down
Windex Wipes are on sale for 2/$5 - I had 2 $1.50 coupons taking it to 2/$2 - I will then submit for the easy saver rebate (online) and receive $2 back. = FREE I also have a mail in rebate for this from Windex - I will mail it in and receive my purchase price back - netting me $2.50
Scrubbing bubble toilet wipes 2/$5 - I had 1 $3.00/2 coupon taking it to 2/$2 - I will then submit for the easy saver rebate (online) and receive $2 = FREE
Shout Laundry cleaner 2/$5.00 - I had 2 $1.00 off coupons taking it to 2/$3 - I will then submit for the easy saver rebate(online) and receive $2 = 2/$1.00 - or $0.50 each
Zucol cold medicine $7.99 each - I had 1 $2.00 coupon taking it down to $5.99 - I will then submit for the easy saver rebate (online) and receive $7.99 back = FREE and netting me $2.00
2 Thermacare trial size heat wraps for $2.29 each = $4.58. I will submit for the easy saver rebates...you guess it! and receive $2.292 each = FREE
2 Colgate toothpastes on sale for $1.50 each. I had 2 $0.75 coupons taking it down to 2/$1.50. I then received a $1.00 Register Reward = 2/$0.50. If I had been a little smarter on this sale, and done them separately I would have netted $0.50 . But I don't think that $0.25 each is pretty good. (As a note, you can't use the Register reward on this purchase, but on a future purchase)
2 Gillette Gamer Razors on sale for $8.99 each. I had 2 $4/1 coupons making each Razor only $4.99. And because I was smarter this time, I did my transactions separately in order to capitalize on the great $6.00 register reward for each razor = FREE and netting me $1.01 per razor or $2.02
Gillette Spa Breeze Razor on sale for $8.99 I had 1/$2.00 coupon taking it to $6.99. I also received $6.00 in register rewards = $0.99 out of pocket
So I will be paying $2.00 for everything above, plus taxes. NOT BAD!! Of course I do have to pay upfront and will recieve the rebates a few weeks into March. But I think it will all work out. :)
I did do some freezer cooking last weekend with a few friends. We did soooo many meals. I think it is great to have stuff pre made and ready to warm and eat. Here is a list of all I brought home...
Spaghetti sauce - with meat and tomatoes - very healthy :)
Taco Meat - more tomatoes - great way to hide the veggies from the kids
SOUPS
Taco Soup - a lot like a chili
Chicken white bean Chili
Vegetable Beef
Broccoli Cheese
(these are mainly for Kass, as I don't really like soup)
Lasagna (YUM YUM - this is one of my favorite recipes)
Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken Teryiaki (sp)
Sounds good huh??
And the savings
Today I did some Walgreen's shopping, let me break it down
Windex Wipes are on sale for 2/$5 - I had 2 $1.50 coupons taking it to 2/$2 - I will then submit for the easy saver rebate (online) and receive $2 back. = FREE I also have a mail in rebate for this from Windex - I will mail it in and receive my purchase price back - netting me $2.50
Scrubbing bubble toilet wipes 2/$5 - I had 1 $3.00/2 coupon taking it to 2/$2 - I will then submit for the easy saver rebate (online) and receive $2 = FREE
Shout Laundry cleaner 2/$5.00 - I had 2 $1.00 off coupons taking it to 2/$3 - I will then submit for the easy saver rebate(online) and receive $2 = 2/$1.00 - or $0.50 each
Zucol cold medicine $7.99 each - I had 1 $2.00 coupon taking it down to $5.99 - I will then submit for the easy saver rebate (online) and receive $7.99 back = FREE and netting me $2.00
2 Thermacare trial size heat wraps for $2.29 each = $4.58. I will submit for the easy saver rebates...you guess it! and receive $2.292 each = FREE
2 Colgate toothpastes on sale for $1.50 each. I had 2 $0.75 coupons taking it down to 2/$1.50. I then received a $1.00 Register Reward = 2/$0.50. If I had been a little smarter on this sale, and done them separately I would have netted $0.50 . But I don't think that $0.25 each is pretty good. (As a note, you can't use the Register reward on this purchase, but on a future purchase)
2 Gillette Gamer Razors on sale for $8.99 each. I had 2 $4/1 coupons making each Razor only $4.99. And because I was smarter this time, I did my transactions separately in order to capitalize on the great $6.00 register reward for each razor = FREE and netting me $1.01 per razor or $2.02
Gillette Spa Breeze Razor on sale for $8.99 I had 1/$2.00 coupon taking it to $6.99. I also received $6.00 in register rewards = $0.99 out of pocket
So I will be paying $2.00 for everything above, plus taxes. NOT BAD!! Of course I do have to pay upfront and will recieve the rebates a few weeks into March. But I think it will all work out. :)
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