Temporary hiatus- follow on Facebook!

 Hi all- for the next few months, I won't be regularly updating this blog. However, I will continue to update the Frugal Townie facebook page with deals I find, so be sure to follow and tune in there.

 Remember to check out the grocery ads before you go shopping!

Weekly Ads for Lawrence:

• Aldi Weekly Ad
• Checkers Weekly Ad  
• HyVee Weekly Ad
• Dillon's Weekly Ad
• Target Weekly Ad
• Wal-Mart Weekly Ad

Back To School Supplies- check out Frugal Fritzie

Thanks to Frugal Fritzie for being so organized- she has put up a chart of where to get the best deal on each different kind of school supply! Generally with this kind of update I would just put it on the Frugal Townie facebook page or Twitter page, but this is so cool I thought it deserved it's own blog entry.

P.S. Other people are as obsessed with school supplies as I am, right? :)


photo credit

Grocery Deals Round-Up: 7/11 - 7/17 Back To School Already?!

Can't believe it's back to school time already. But it is one of my favorite times of the year because I love school supplies. :)

Aldi is selling back to school college dorm room gear this week including a great deal on collapsible storage cubes $5.99 for 2 and nice prices on bedding and cheap kitchen stuff. 

Dillons has back to school supplies in their ad,  including Crayola Crayons 24 pk for $0.29 and notebooks for $0.19.

HyVee is doing a "One Day" sale on Friday July 13- click the link for the ad, but the highlights include half gallon milk for $0.99 (limit 2) and Banquet meals for $0.69. I'm not sure the prices on the other stuff is anything to get super excited about when you compare to Aldi or Checkers.

Great deals on strawberries abound. Romance on a Dime is featuring a 30 Minute Strawberry Freezer Jam this week- check it out!

Produce:
Apricots- $1.48/lb @ Checkers 
Avocados (Large)- $0.88/ea
Bananas- $0.19/lb @ Checkers on THURS only.
Bing Cherries- $2.48/lb @ Checkers
Blueberries- $1.29/lb @ Aldi
Cherries - $1.29/lb @ Aldi
Sweet Corn- 5 / $2 @ Dillons
Broccoli Crowns- $0.88/lb@ Checkers
Carrots- $0.88/ 2lb bag @ Checkers
Iceberg Lettuce- $0.78/ head @ Checkers
Limes- 6 / $1 @ Checkers
Peaches or Nectarines- $1.28/lb @ Checkers
Pineapple- $1.29/ea @ Aldi
Strawberries- $0.99/lb @ Aldi

Other Grocery:
Bacon (Private Selection)- $2.88/ lb @ Dillons
Bottled Water- $2.29/ 24 pack @ Aldi
Butter (salted or unsalted)- 2/ $4 @ Dillons
Chicken Breasts (boneless skinless)- $1.88/lb @ Checkers OR Dillons
Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks- $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Cheese (block or shred)- $1.79/ea @ Dillons
Cottage Cheese- $1.49/ea @ HyVee
Feta Cheese- 2/ $5.00 @ Dillons
Greek Yogurt (HyVee brand)- $0.89/ea @ HyVee
Milk (half gal)- $0.99 (limit 2) @ HyVee Friday only, OR Dillons $1.25/ea all week
Pork Steak (Bone in)- $1.98/lb @ Checkers
Vinegar (gallon)- $1.98 @ HyVee (vinegar is SO useful, click here for uses)
Yogurt (Yoplait)- $0.50/ea @ Dillons

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/984616

Grocery Deals Round-Up 5/16 - 5/22

 Hi all- there are some nice produce deals this week, plus good prices on some standard pantry / freezer items. This week I have also included some of the best "everyday" non-sale prices I've pulled from the price book I keep. It's always good to be informed, and I noticed when looking at the ads today that some of the sale prices on items at the other stores are higher than the everyday prices on the same items at Aldi. These are things I buy there all the time and have always been completely satisfied with the quality of the items. This week I also made sure to include cookout type items. Enjoy!

The coordinating frugal recipe from Romance on a Dime this week is Summer Berry & Plum Pudding - try it and let us know what you think!

Produce:

Avocados- $0.89/ea @Aldi (everyday price)
Blueberries - $3.98/ 18 oz pkg @ Checkers
Carrots (baby)- $0.59/bag @ Aldi
Corn (Sweet)- $0.99/ 4 ears @ Aldi
Cucumbers- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Green Beans- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Lettuce (Iceberg) - $0.59/ head @ Aldi
Limes- $1.00/ 10 limes @ Checkers 
Mushrooms- $0.99/ pkg @ Aldi (everyday price)
Onions (Vidalia)- $0.50/lb @ Checkers
Peppers (Bell multi color)- $2.29 for pk of 3 ($0.75/ea) @ Aldi (everyday price)
Pineapple- $1.29/ea @ Aldi
Raspberries- $1.98/ 6oz @ Checkers
Strawberries- $0.99/ lb @ Aldi
Tomatoes (Vine)- $0.99/ 24oz bag @ Aldi
Watermelon (seedless)- $3.69/ea @ Aldi

Grocery:

Bacon (Farmland)- $2.98/ lb pkg @ Checkers
Beef (ground, 85% lean)- $2.69/lb @ HyVee
Buns (Dog or Burger)- $0.79/ea @ Aldi
Cheese (shred, slice, or block Kroger)- $1.79/ pkg @ Dillons
Chicken Breasts (frozen)- $5.49/ 3lb bag @ Aldi
Chicken (drumsticks or thighs)- $0.99/lb @ Aldi  OR $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Coffee Creamer (assted flavors)- $2.19/ 32oz @ Aldi (everyday price)
Cottage Cheese- $5/ 3 ($1.67/ea) @ Dillons
Hot Dogs- $0.75/ pkg @ Aldi
Ketchup- $1.19/ 32oz @ Aldi (everyday price)
Milk (vit D, 2% or 1%)- $1.99/gal @ Aldi (everyday price)
Mustard (yellow)- $0.69/ 14oz @ Aldi (everyday price)
Olive Oil (extra virgin)- $3.49/ 16oz @ ALdi (everyday price)
Soy Milk (organic)- $2.39/ 64oz @ Aldi  (everyday price)
Suddenly Pasta Salad Mix - 3/$3 @ HyVee
Vegetables (assted, canned Kroger)- $0.69/ea @ Dillons
Yogurt (Kroger Greek)- $4/5 ($0.80/ea) @ Dillons

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/721013

Grocery Deal Round-Up: May 9 - May 15 & Mother's Day

I’ve highlighted the best deals for this week. Remember, Mother’s Day is on Sunday. A frugal way to celebrate is to cook a nice meal at home, that is what I’ll be doing. You can also cut flowers from your garden or make a gift or card.

This week's frugal recipe (that coordinates with the sales!) from Romance on a Dime is BBQ Yardbird Pizza. Sounds awesome!

Best Deals on Whole Foods this week:

Cabbage (Napa)- $0.68/lb @ Checkers
Carrots (baby)- $0.49/lb pk @ Aldi
Celery- $0.68/ea stalk @ Checkers
Corn (Sweet)- $2/ 5 @ Dillons
Cucumbers- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Grapes (red seedless)- $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Mushrooms- $0.79/ 8oz pk @ Aldi
Onions (Sweet Vidalia)- $0.59/lb @ Checkers
Peppers (Bell Multi-Colored) - $1.59/ 3 pk @ Aldi
Strawberries- $1.48/lb @ Checkers OR HyVee
Tomatoes (Grape)- $0.79/ 10oz pk @ Aldi
Tomatoes (Vine)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers


Bacon (Wrights)- $5.88/ 24 oz “stack pack” @ Checkers
Bacon (HyVee)- $2.99/ 12 oz @ HyVee
Butter- $1.88/ lb @ HyVee
Cheese (Kroger block/sliced/shred)- $1.79/ea @ Dillons
Chicken (breast, boneless/skinless)- $1.58/lb @ Checkers
Eggs (Simple Truth Cage Free)- $5 / 2 @ Dillons
Healthy Choice or Lean Cuisine (select varieites)- $2/ ea @ HyVee
Peanut Butter (Jif)- $1.77/ea @ HyVee
Turkey Tenderloins (Bacon Wrapped) - $5/ 3 @ HyVee
Vegetables (frozen, HyVee)- $0.69/ea @ HyVee
Yogurt (HyVee)- $0.29/ea @ HyVee
Yogurt (Kroger Greek)- $4 / 5 @ Dillons

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/575645

Grocery Deal Round Up: 5/2 - 5/8

Both Aldi and HyVee had big ads this week with a lot of picnic/ grilling foods and things, I didn’t list them all here, so be sure to look at their ads if you are in the market for those items. Also HyVee has a lot of paper goods (cups, napkins, tp, etc.) on sale, so check the ad for those as well.  All the stores have sales on frozen chicken breast this week, but I've done the research for you and HyVee has the best price with their store ad coupon.  Is it just me or is HyVee starting to be a real contender? The only thing they lack, in my opinion, are great deals on produce. See also the monthly sale items for May.

The frugal recipe this week from Romance on a Dime is Spring Salad with Grilled Veggies. Check it out!

 

Avocados- $0.29/ea @ Aldi

Bananas- $0.19/lb @ Checkers

Broccoli Crowns- $0.78/lb @ Checkers

Carrots- $1.98/ 5lb bag @ Checkers

Carrots (baby)- $0.88/lb @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Corn- $1/ 3 ($0.33 ea) @ Checkers

Grapes (Red)- $1.88/lb @Checkers

Mangoes- $0.29/ ea @ Aldi

Mushrooms (Monterey, sliced)- $1.49/ 8oz pk @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Pears- $0.99/ 4 pk @ Aldi

Peppers (hot varieties)- $0.68/lb @ Checkers

Strawberries- $0.99/lb @ Aldi

Tomatoes- Roma- $0.99/ 20oz pk @ Aldi

Bacon (Farmland)- $3.99/ 16oz @HyVee

Beef Chuck Filet (bacon wrapped)- $5/2 @ Dillons

Beef Franks (Farmland)- $0.98/ea

Cauliflower Florets (frozen)- $1.39/lb bag @ HyVee

Chicken (whole fryer)- $0.69/lb @ Aldi (WEDS ONLY)

Chicken (breasts frozen)- $3.99/ 2.5/lb @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Cottage Cheese- $0.88/ea @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Eggs- $10/ 10 ($1.00/ea) @ Dillons OR $0.88/ea @ HyVee May 3 & 4 only

Smart Ones frozen meals- $10/6 ($1.66/ea) @ Dillons

Three Bean Salad (can)- $0.99/ea @ Aldi

Tomato Sauce- $1/4 ($0.25 ea) @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Turkey Franks- $1.29/pk @ Aldi

Vegetables (frozen, Kroger)- $10/10 ($1.00ea) @ Dillons

Yogurt (Kroger)- $1/ 3 @ Dillons



photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/631904

Grocery Deals Round-Up 4/11 - 4/17

This is the week to stock up on chicken. Lots of good deals on difference cuts of chicken at a few different places. Also though I don't usually include these types of items, there are lots of great prices on garden/yard stuff at Aldi this week- check out the ad for more details: Aldi Weekly Ad for Lawrence.

This week's coordinating frugal recipe from Romance on a Dime is Wine & Tomato Braised Chicken. Try it out and let us know what you think!

Avocados (Hass)- $0.98/ea @ Checkers
Broccoli Crowns- $0.78/lb @ Checkers
Brussels Sprouts- $0.99/lb @ HyVee
Grapes (red seedless)- $1.88/lb @ Dillons
Mangoes- $0.59/ea @ Aldi OR Checkers
Onions (Yellow)- $0.98/ 3lb bag @ Checkers
Pears (Anjou)- $0.79/ pk of 4 @ Aldi
Peppers (Red)- $0.69/ea @ HyVee
Pineapple- $1.29/ea @ Aldi
Strawberries- $1.29/ 16oz @ Aldi
Sweet Corn- $1.00/ 3 ears @ Checkers OR Dillons

Almond Milk- $2.49/ 64oz @ Aldi (new item) OR HyVee
Boca Meatless Entress- 2/$5.00 @ HyVee
Cheese (shredded)- 2/ $4.00 @ HyVee OR Dillons
Cheese (string)- $2.98/ bag @ HyVee
Chicken Bratwurst- $3.99/ 12oz pk @ Aldi
Chicken Breasts (fresh)- Meat Special Buy Today: $1.69/lb@ Aldi OR $1.68/lb (all week) @ Checkers
Chicken Split Breast, Drumstick or Thighs- $0.99/lb @ Dillons
Chicken Leg Quarters- $0.59/lb @ Aldi (sold in frozen 10lb bag) 
Chicken (whole fryer)- $0.69lb @ HyVee
Cottage Cheese- $0.98/ea @ HyVee
Lean Cuisine Meals- 6/$10 ($1.66/ea) @ HyVee
Pork Loin Chops- $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Swai Fillets- $6.99/ 2lb pkg @ HyVee
Vegetables (HyVee brand)- $0.88/ ea @ HyVee
Yogurt (Greek, AE)-  $0.99/ea @ HyVee OR Checkers (everyday price)
Yougrt (HyVee brand)- $0.29/ ea @ HyVee

Grocery Deals Round-up: 4/4 - 4/10

Somewhat slim pickings this week, though do take a look at the item's I've marked in bold. Especially good deals there!  Looking forward to next week when all the hams are on sale! Good price on asparagus, check out this Asparagus Pizza recipe from Romance on a Dime.

Produce:
Asparagus- $0.98/lb @ HyVee

Cantaloupe- $0.99/ea @ Aldi
Lemons- $1.99/ 2lb bag @ Aldi
Pineapple (whole)- $0.99/ea @ Aldi
Radishes (red)- $0.99/lb @ HyVee
Strawberries- $0.99/ 16oz @ Aldi
Sweet potatoes- $0.99/ 3lb bag @ Aldi
Tomatoes (on the vine)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers

Easter Items:
Butter Quarter- $1.48/ea @ Checkers OR $1.58/ea @ HyVee
Food Coloring- $1.49/ea @ HyVee
Ham (variety types)- $1.19/lb - $1.69/lb @ Aldi, $1.49-1.59/lb @ Checkers
Pie Crust (variety tpes, Keebler)- $1.69/ea @ HyVee
Sugar - $1.98/ 4lb bag @ HyVee
Turkey Breast (bone-in)- $1.69/lb @ HyVee
Turkey (whole)- $1.29/lb @ HyVee

photo http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1336400

Easter Dinner Grocery Deals

In my family, the traditional Easter dinner includes:

• Ham
• A Potato Dish
• An Asparagus Dish or Green Bean Dish
• A Fruit Salad
• Bread or Rolls
• Pie or Cake for dessert

•  And don't forget extra eggs for decorating!

I'll let you pick your own favorite recipes, but with those in mind, here are the best prices I found on items you might need for your Easter dinner. I'll post again next week with the new deals.





Easter Dinner Items On Sale This Week:

Bread (Italian or French loaf)- $1.00/ea (10/$10) @ Dillons
Butter (quarters)- $1.99/ea @ Aldi
Carrots (baby)- $1.00/bag @ Dillons OR Aldi
Cream cheese- $1.00/ea @ Dillons OR Aldi
Cream of Mushroom soup- $0.59/ea @ Aldi
Duck (whole)- $2.49/lb @ Aldi
Eggs (large)- $1.00/ dozen (10/ $10) @ Dillons - (but you don’t have to buy 10 to get the price!)
Green Beans (canned)- $0.59/ea @ Aldi
Green Beans (fresh)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Hams (variety of types)- $1.19lb to $1.69/lb @ Aldi
Pie Crust (graham)- $1.18/ea @ HyVee
Pie Crust (regular)- $2.28 / 2pk @ HyVee
Potatoes - $0.20/lb ($1.99/ 10lb bag) @ Aldi
Red Potatoes (new baby)- $0.88/lb @ HyVee
Roast (boneless round)- $2.99/lb @ Dillons
Rolls (Brown-n-serve)- $1.00/ pk (10/$10) @ Dillons
Sweet Potatoes $0.33/lb ($0.99/ 3lb bag) @ Aldi
Whipped Topping - $0.89/ea @ Aldi

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1162559

Grocery Deals Round-up: 3/27 - 4/3

Hi All- some good deals to be had this week. Looks like you can get a good price on frozen vegetables pretty much anywhere. This week I looked at Aldi, Checkers, Dillons, HyVee, Target, and Walmart. Note: many items @ Dillons are 10 for $10. You do not have to buy 10 to get them at $1.00/ea! Just a Dillon’s card.

This week's frugal recipe from Romance on a Dime is Creamy & Crunchy Potato Salad

Later today or tomorrow I will be posting a "Frugal Easter Dinner"- stay tuned!

 

Produce Deals:
Broccoli Crowns - $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Cantaloupe- $0.99/ ea @ Aldi
Carrots (baby)- $1.00/bag @ Dillons OR Aldi
Garden Salad Mix- $0.49/ 12 oz bag @ Aldi
Grapes (red seedless)- $1.48/lb @ Checkers
Green Beans (fresh)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Onions (Texas sweet)- $0.48/lb @ Checkers
Red New Potatoes - $0.88/lb @ HyVee
Strawberries- $0.99/ 16oz @ Aldi
Sweet Potatoes $0.33/lb ($0.99/ 3lb bag) @ Aldi

Other Deals:
Bread (Italian or French loaf)- $1.00/ea (10/$10) @ Dillons
Butter (quarters)- $1.99/ea @ Aldi
Chicken breasts (natural, split)- $0.99/lb @ HyVee
Chicken thighs or drumsticks- $0.88/lb in econo.pk @ Checkers
Eggs (large)- $1.00/ dozen (10/ $10) @ Dillons
Frozen vegetables- $1.00/bag (10/$10) @ Dillons OR HyVee OR Aldi
Hams (variety of types)- $1.19lb to $1.69/lb @ Aldi
Olive Oil (Palermo extra v.)- $3.49/ 17oz bottle @ Checkers
Roast (boneless round)- $2.99/lb @ Dillons
Split Green Peas (dried)- $0.69/ 16oz @ Aldi
Swai Fillets (whoel)- $3.88/ 1lb bag @ Checkers
Yogurt (Greek)- $0.80/ea (5/$4) @ Dillons

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/794719

'Tis the Season! Yard sales, auctions, flea markets are back!

My favorite time of year is here! Spring, which for me means not only warm weather and gardening, but sales! Yard sales, garage sales, auctions, estate sales, flea markets, sidewalk sales, all the best kinds of sales!

Here are some of the ways I stay in the know about second-hand sales, which are not always easy to find. Please share your tips in the comments!

Yard/Garage Sales: My "method" is somewhat haphazard- I usually look at the garage sale listings on Craigslist, write down a few that look promising, and head out relatively early on a Saturday.  I always find more sales along the way to the addresses I've written down, and stop at any that look good. I also don't always make it to all I've written down- either I decide to quit for the day if I've already gone to a bunch, or sometimes I just can't find them, ha.  Garage sale tips: 1. Get there as early as you can (but not before the "starting time" the seller listed!) 2. Always carry cash, in small bills and coins. 3. Have fun, and don't be afraid to talk to people- you never know who you might meet or what you might learn. 4. Always be polite: don't make a mess, say please and thank you, offer correct change if you can, and while some haggling is ok, don't be rude about it.

Flea Markets: Lawrence only has one outdoor flea market, as far as I know. It is held the first Sat. of the month at Tee Pee Junction north of town. They have a facebook they keep updated: http://www.facebook.com/Lawrenceflea  The first market of the season is April 7! The closest thing to an indoor flea market is the Lawrence Antiques Mall on Mass St., which is kind of a mixed bag- some over-priced antiques to be sure, but often good deals can be found as well.

Estate Sales/ Auctions: Possibly my most favorite kind of all the sales! I keep up with these by looking at the LJ World Classifieds and KansasAuctions.net - I actually follow them on Twitter @kansasauctions. I was at first very timid when I went to my first auction, because things can move pretty fast, and I didn't know the vocabulary. I would recommend observing at first, then try your first bid on a low priced item, just to see how it goes. Now I'm addicted and looove auctions!

Secondhand Stores/ Thrift Stores: Of course these are not seasonal, but during yard sale season it seems like more things come in to these places. Check out my list of Lawrence thrift & bargain stores here.

I've got a list of items I keep that I'm "looking for" and try not to buy much that is not on my list. It also helps to set a budget and stick with it, especially at auctions where it is easy to get carried away. That being said, I have gotten amazing deals on a lot of things at yard sales, flea markets, and auctions. Happy hunting!

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/756816/?forcedownload=1

Grocery Deals Round-Up: 3/14- 3/20

It's a good week for groceries, folks. Wondering what to do with these frugal foods? Try Romance On A Dime's Frugal Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Produce:
Broccoli Crowns: $0.78/lb @ Checkers
Brussel Sprouts: $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Cabbage: $0.49/ea @ Aldi
Cantaloupe: $1.39 /ea @ Aldi
Carrots: $1.98/ 5lb bag @ Checkers
Green Beans: $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Pears: $0.99/ tray of 4 @ Aldi
Pineapple: $0.99/ea @ Aldi
Potatoes (Red!): $0.99/ 5lb bag @ Aldi
Strawberries: $1.69/lb @ Checkers OR Aldi
Tomatoes (Roma): $0.59/lb @ Checkers

Other Items:
Applesauce: $0.99/ 24 oz @ HyVee
Canned Green Beans or Corn: $0.39/ can @ HyVee
Canned Fruit (variety): $0.99/ can @ HyVee
Cheese (block): 2/$3 ($1.50ea) / 8oz @ HyVee
Cheese (shredded): 3/$4 ($1.33ea)/ 8oz @ HyVee
Chicker (Fryer): $0.69/lb @ HyVee
Frozen Vegetables (variety): $0.99/bag @ HyVee OR Aldi
Frozen Meals (Hungry Man or Smart Ones) $1.49/ea when you buy 10 @ Dillons
Goat Cheese: $2.99/ 6oz @ Aldi
Greek Yogurt (Kroger): 5/$4 ($0.80/ea) @ Dillons
Pasta (various): $0.99/ box @ HyVee OR Aldi
Salsa- $1.49/24 oz @ Aldi
Tofu (Melissa’s Organic)- 2/$4 @ HyVee
Tortilla Chips- $0.99/13 oz @ Aldi 

Grocery Deals Round-Up: 3/7 to 3/13

Wondering what the criteria is for my weekly grocery deals? Unless otherwise noted, they are:

1. Limited time sale prices, not everyday regular prices.
2. The sale price is low compared to food prices in general (meaning, I tend to list the cheapest foods. Notice that few things are more than a dollar or two per unit.)
3. Sale price is considerably lower than regular price, or compared to prices at other stores.
4. Basic, whole foods rather than processed/packaged foods. Whole foods are often healthier and cheaper! The idea being you could make many different things from these basic ingredients. (Occasionally I will add packaged foods when they are a really good deal, though, or if they are something that is hard to make yourself.)
5. I bold items that are especially good deals that I am excited about!

That being said, here are the deals for this week!

Produce Items:
Asparagus- $1.18/lb @ Checkers
Avocados (Hass)- $0.88/ea @ Checkers
Broccoli- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Carrots- $0.99/ 2lb bag @ HyVee
Grapefruit- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Grapes (Green)- $1.00/lb @ HyVee
Green Beans- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Kiwi Fruit- $0.99/ 16oz @ Aldi
Lettuce (Romain, Red, Green) - $0.78/bunch @ Checkers
Mangoes- $0.78/ea @ Checkers
Oranges-  $1.48/bag ($0.37/lb) @ Aldi
Peaces/Plums/Nectarines- $0.20/ea @ Aldi
Potatoes (Russet)- $1.18/ 5lb bag @ Checkers
Strawberries- $1.29/16oz @ Aldi
Yellow Squash or Zuchinni- $0.58/lb @ Checkers

Other Items:
Chicken (thighs or drumsticks)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers OR Dillons
Breakfast items: cereals, meats, pancake mixes, frozen meals, etc- on sale @ Aldi
Steel Cut Oats- $2.49/ 28oz @ Aldi
Tortillas- var. sizes- 2/$3.00 @ HyVee
Pet Food- many varities on sale @ HyVee

photo from:  http://www.sxc.hu/photo/609376

In our continuing weekly series, here is the coordinating recipe from Romance on a Dime: Fruit Smoothies!  There are such good deals on fruit right now, what a great way to use it up! 

The value of a freezer- more than just ice.

The sales on Haier freezers at HyVee and Dillons this week have me thinking about freezers. We just got our freezer about 3 months ago (for Christmas from my Dad, a rather frugal guy), and it is about a 4 cubic foot size. Generally, I would highly recommend anyone get a stand alone freezer, even if you are a household of 1! We are a household of 2.25 (the .25 being our small dog, haha.) and I use the heck out of ours.

Here are some highlights of what I've used/saved in the brief time we've had ours:

-Frozen meals- Lean Cuisines (I take these to work for lunch when I'm too lazy to pack something good). I caught a deal at Checkers when they were 6 for $10 (that is $1.66/ea). They are regularly priced between $0.50 and $1.00 more than that. I bought 12, and thus saved $6.00 to $12.00 compared to what I normally would have paid for them. (Saved  ~$8.00)

-Hams- Oh, the hams! I bought so much ham on sale after Christmas. I got a mega great deal on these at Aldi, and I bought 3 hams (about 6 lbs each) for $0.50/lb. I've seen hams range from $2.99/lb to $3.99/lb, so total I spent $9.00 on ham when at regular price I would have spent more than $50! I made so much good ham & bean soup, split pea soup, and baked ham with these. Mr. Townie could attest to that.  (Saved ~$40)

-Chicken- I've bought whole chickens and chicken thighs when they were on sale for $0.88/lb. That saved me about $1.00/lb, and I bought probably 10 lbs. I've also stocked up when boneless/skinless chicken breast was on sale- I bought about 8lb for something like $10, and it would have regularly been more like $14. (Saved ~$14)

-Frozen vegetables- There was a good deal on Target brand frozen vegetables with some coupon stacking, where I got bags of corn, peas, mixed vegs, carrots, onions for something like $0.59/bag. They are regularly $1.09/bag (maybe more?), so I saved $0.50/bag, and bought 10 bags. (Saved ~$5)

-Ground beef- Checkers recently had a deal on 85% lean ground beef for $1.89/lb, if you bought 10 lbs. So, feeling very pleased with myself, I went on down and bought 10lbs (that is a huge, gross looking tube of meat, by the way). Brought it home (Mr. Townie looked at me like I was crazy), divided it up into 1 lb portions, wrapped in them in plastic wrap, and put them in 2 big zip-top bags, put them in the freezer. We don't eat much beef, so that should last us several months! Usually costs about $1 more than that a pound. (Saved ~$10)

-Various fresh produce (Red peppers, strawberries, corn on the cob, tomatoes, etc)-  I'm not going to have numbers on these, but there have been many times I've bought produce when it was on sale (or had it given to me by friends, family, etc.) that I couldn't use up before it went bad. So, I chop it up, cook it, or whatever and then freeze it to use later! Not sure what the monetary savings have been, but we have certainly wasted a lot less food.

-Bread, buns, etc.- The monetary savings here is negligible, but the convenience is a big bonus. When I buy bread (almost always at Aldi, they have such good multi-grain bread for like $1.69!) I buy an extra loaf or two and put them in the freezer. That way we always have some on hand for emergency grilled cheese sandwiches or what have you. Also, when I find hamburger buns on sale (have gotten them for $0.50/bag at Aldi and Dillons) I can grab some of those and put them in the freezer as well- then they are there when we want to have turkey burgers.

***
Obviously I don't have the exact prices and savings on all of these, but even with my conservative estimates, that is a lot of money (AT LEAST $77!) I didn't have to spend over the last 3 months! Secondly, as dopey as this may sound, it gives me peace of mind to know that we have a freezer with at least a couple of week's worth of food in it, should a zombie apocalypse or bank collapse occur. :)

And while I said an extra freezer is about more than just ice-, it IS nice to have a place to stash an extra bag of ice for parties..

So if you are thinking about buying a freezer, go for it. If you bought one for $159, and you shop like I do, it should "pay for itself" by the 6 month mark, and after that it's all gravy!

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Produce & Dairy

Good deals on cheese this week- did you know you can freeze cheese? (Shredded freezes best, in my opinion.) Speaking of freezing- I blew my grocery budget this month by $50! Major, I know- but I can tell you that I spent $20 on 10 lbs of ground beef, $12 on 8 lbs of chicken breasts, and another $10 on 6 Smart Ones frozen meals- big purchases but were great deals for stocking up my freezer. Not sure what I spent that other $8 on.  Probably bags and bags of Cuties clementines (best price on these is at Aldi, btw.)- I love those things!
Annoyed with the HyVee ad this week- some pages arranged by COLOR rather than type of food. Seriously?

Apples (Organic Pink Lady)- $2.98 / 3lb bag @ Checkers
Asparagus- $1.48/lb @ Checkers
Baby Carrots- $0.99/ 1 lb bag @ Checkers OR Aldi
Bell Peppers (asstd)- $1.29 / tray of 3 @ Aldi
Broccoli Crowns- $0.79/lb @ Aldi OR Checkers
Clementines (Cuties)- $4.99/ 5lb box @ Target
Grapes (Red seedless)- $1.48/lb @ Checkers
Kiwi- 4/$1 @  Checkers OR 5/$1 @ HyVee
Lemons 3/$1 @ Checkers
Mushrooms- $0.79/8oz @ Aldi
Onions (Yellow)- $0.79/3lb bag @ Aldi
Pineapple (whole) - $1.99/ea @ Aldi OR Dillons
Tomatoes (Roma)- $0.58/lb @ Checkers
Yellow Squash or Zuchini- $0.48/lb @ Checkers

Balsamic Vinegar- $1.99/ 16oz @ Aldi
Butter - $1.98/ lb box @ Checkers
Cheese (block)- $1.79/ 8oz @ Aldi OR $1.66/ 8oz @ Dillons
Cheese (shredded)- $2.99/16oz @ Aldi
Chicken (split breast, thighs, or drumsticks) - $0.89/lb @ HyVee
Cottage Cheese or Sour Cream $1.99/ 24oz @ Dillons
Coffee (store brand)- $6.99/ 32 oz @ Dillons OR Aldi
Dog Food (Iams, Beneful, Pedigree)- large bags on sale @ Target OR HyVee
Milk (store brand)- $2.88/gal @ Dillons
Olive Oil- $2.99/ 17oz @ Aldi
Pesto sauce - $1.99/8oz @ Aldi
Soy Milk - $2.39/ half gal @ Aldi (regular price) OR $4.99/ 2 half gals @ Dillons
Tomatoes, Italian style diced (canned)- $0.59 @ Aldi
Tuna (store brand)- $0.48/can @ HyVee

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Stock Up & Save! (2/8-2/14)

Lots of good deals this week- not as many produce deals but lots of good prices on other staples, especially at Hy-Vee. Also I cannot recommend highly enough that people invest in freezers. You can usually find used ones at good prices, and they pay for themselves very quickly on your food savings, because you can buy in bulk when you get a good price.

Asparagus $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Bananas- $0.19/lb @ Checkers (THURSDAYS)
Broccoli (Crowns)- $0.68/lb @ Checkers
Celery- $0.77/bunch @ HyVee (coupon*)
Cucumbers- 2/$1 @ HyVee
Grapes- $0.89/lb @ Aldi
Lettuce (Iceberg)- $0.78/head @ Checkers
Oranges (Navel)- $0.39/lb @ Aldi
Potatoes- $1.18/ 5lb bag @ Checkers
Strawberries- $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Tomatoes $0.68/lb @ Checkers
Zucchini & Yellow Squash-  $0.68/lb @ Aldi

Cake Mix (D. Hines)- $0.99/box @ HyVee
Beans (Kidney or Chili)- $0.49/can @ HyVee
Chicken (Whole)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Chicken (Boneless Breast)- $4.88/ 2.5lb bag @ Checkers
Cottage Cheese- $1.49/ea @ HyVee (coupon*)
Eggs- $1.18/doz @ Aldi (reg. price) OR @ HyVee (coupon*)
Lentils (dried)- $0.79/16oz @ Aldi
Peanut Butter (Peter Pan)- $2.18 @ HyVee
Pizza Crust Mix (Jiffy)- 2/$1 @ HyVee (coupon*)
Popcorn (Orville Red.) 2/$3 @ HyVee
Pork Loin (boneless)- $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Soup (Tomato or Chicken Noodle)- $0.33/ea @ HyVee
SmartOnes frozen meals- 5/$8 @ HyVee (coupon*)
Sugar (granulated)- $1.99/4lb bag @ HyVee (coupon*)
Yogurt (Reg. & Non-Fat)- $0.39/ea @ Aldi
Yogurt (Whipped Mousse style)- $0.49/ea @ Aldi
Yogurt (Greek style)- $0.89 @ Aldi
@HyVee check if you need paper towels, plastic baggies, foil, laundry detergent, etc. because they are having good sales on lots of these types of items.

Wondering what to make with your bargains? My friend Betsy at Romance On A Dime (another Lawrence, KS blogger!) is posting a great recipe using deals from this week!  Roasted Potato, Sausage, and Veggies

*HyVee had lots more coupons in their weekly circular that usual, so make sure to grab one if you are headed that way.

DIY Valentine's Day Cards (frugally, of course!)

I think I am suffering from wedding-craft withdrawal. Friday I decided to start making Valentine's Day cards... a full 2 weeks ahead of time. I knew I didn't want to spend a single cent buying any new supplies, so here is what I made with what I had on hand.  I used leftover blank white cards that I bought super-cheap in bulk for wedding stuff. I have used these blank bulk cards so many times for so many card-giving occasions. They come in lots of colors at craft stores, great to have on hand. (If you don't have blank cards & envelopes on hand, you can easily make your own from whatever paper you have around.)

I made more than a dozen, but these are my two favorites:

This was so easy but I think it looks really cute- imagine getting a white envelope in the mail and pulling this out!  I used Elmer's glue (blue gel type) to write out the word, dumped glitter on it, and voila! 

This one is for my grandma (Grandma if you see this, please pretend to be surprised when you get it!)- I used my single-hole punch to make the holes, then threaded pink and lavender ribbon through them to make the border. (If you don't have pink ribbon on hand, perhaps you have red & white leftover from Christmas. You could also use strips of fabric, shoelaces, twine, yarn, etc. ) Then I tied two more pieces into a bow and glued on with my trusty Elmer's. 

You could do a lot of variations on these cards- your creativity is your only limit there. Use whatever you already have on hand!

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DIY Cleaning Solvents and Laundry Tips

Make a New Year's resolution to get your home in shape? Vow to save money on household expenses? Or maybe like me you can't stand the chemical smell of commercial cleaners? Perhaps you're interested in environmentally-friendly products? Then this list is for you! A good source for spray-bottles and other containers for your cleaners is a dollar store (Dollar Tree is the only one in Lawrence, I believe.)

• Hand Sanitizer, Yoga mat cleaner, Produce Wash from Fit Sugar -- I particularly love the idea of making your own produce wash. 
• To clean grills, oven racks, etc.- "On a hot, sunny day place them in a dark plastic bag. Pour a cup of ammonia into the bag, seal with a twist tie, and leave out to cook in the sun. At the end of the day take out the grills and wash under hose water. Most of the crud will wipe off. - Marian Hukle Tonganoxie, KS" (from The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn)
• Bathtub Scrub "Wet the surface, sprinkle it with cream of tartar, and rub this with the cut surface of a lemon. Then, with some elbow grease, the tub will be as white as new within 20-30 minutes. I use two lemons and about 1/2 can of cream of tartar on my tub, and it does not have to be done very often. -Sally Weitlauf Dayton, OH." (from The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn)
• Pots, Pans, Burner Plates "Here's a tip for pots with burned-on gook: Put enough water in the pot  to cover the stain. Add 2 tablespoon of any brand of powdered dishwashing detergent. Boil for 15 to 30 minutes. This also works for dirty burner plates if boiled in a pot of water.-Anna Johnson Kingfield, ME" (from The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn)
• Drain Cleaner "When drains get sluggish, use this tested, inexpensive remedy: 1. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain. 2. Follow the soda with 1 cup of vinegar. 3. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain and follow through with the plunger. -Jan Mitchell Salinas, CA" (from The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn)
• All Purpose Cleaner  1/2 cup ammonia, 1 pint rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon blue Dawn dish soap, add water to make a gallon. From my Great Aunt Daisy Atteberry! (She says blue Dawn specifically- but perhaps another soap would work.)
• Hardwood Floor Cleaner "Mix 1 cup of distilled vinegar with 1 cup of vegetable oil, says the Michigan State University Extension Service. Apply a thin film of it to your floor. Rub it thoroughly. The N.Y. Consumer Site says that even without the oil, vinegar is a great hardwood floor cleaner. Simply add 1 cup of it to a pail of hot water, and damp mop your floors. The vinegar's odor will evaporate with the water. This cleaner is suitable for other floor surfaces as well." from Ehow.com
• Swiffer mop refill alternative:  use old socks, towels, or rags cut to size and dampened with your DIY all-purpose cleaner or hardwood floor cleaner. When it gets too dirty, just drop it in the washing machine with whatever else you're washing. 

• Static Eliminator "Mix 1 part fabric softener and 20 parts water. Put in a spritzer bottle and spray just the amount that is needed. -Elaine Hodgman Ludlow, MA" (from The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn) Note: I am trying this SOON- I hate the smell of StaticGuard! -jgb
• Laundry Pretreatment "1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup Wisk, 1/2 cup water. Spray on grease or food spots, or dirty collars and cuffs. Wash garment as usual." (from The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn)

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1193877

Grocery deals round-up: Let's Make Some Soup!

The holidays are over, and I don't know about you, but I am tired of cooking/baking for a while. I'm ready to get out my slow-cooker and make some easy soup, roasts, and casseroles! Frugal tip: make a double or triple batch and freeze the extra for lunches or future dinners. There are some great deals on ingredients this week that will make it worth your while. Frugal tip 2: Don't forget to use up the leftovers in your fridge.

Prices below good until 1/3/12 unless otherwise noted.

Beans (Kidney, Chili, etc.)- $0.59/can @ HyVee & Aldi

Bell Peppers (Red/Yellow/Orange)- $0.88/ea @ Checkers

Cabbage- $0.39/lb @ Dillons // $.038/lb @ HyVee

Carrots (whole)- $1.19/2 lb @ Aldi

Onions- $1.69/3 lb bag @ Aldi

Potatoes- $2.49/ 5 lb bag @ Aldi 

Sweet potatoes- $1.59/ 3 lb bag @ Aldi

Tomatoes (Roma)- $0.68/lb @ Checkers

Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce (large can)- $0.99/29oz @ HyVee

Chicken Breasts (Boneless & Skinless)- $1.58/lb @ Checkers

Chicken Breasts (Bone In)- $0.88/lb @ HyVee

Beef Sirloin Filet Bacon Wrapped- $1.88/5oz @ HyVee (12/29 only)

Beef (Ground 80/20)- $5.97/3 lb roll @ HyVee (12/29 only)

Pork Sirloin Roast or Chops (Bone In)- $1.38/lb @ Checkers

Pork Butt Roast (Bone In)- $1.99/lb @ Aldi // $1.79/lb @ Dillons

Sausage Roll- $1.98/lb @ Checkers

Milk (Half Gallon)- 2/$3.00 @ Dillons

Noodles (Yolk Free)- $0.99/12 oz @ Aldi

Onion Soup Mix- $0.79/2 oz @ Aldi

Salsa (Picante)- $1.98/24oz @ WalMart

Sauerkraut (canned)- $0.65/ea @ Aldi

Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1360604

Frugal holiday sweets

Lots of people make sweet treats for the holidays, but have you considered the expense (especially if you are buying pre-made dough, frosting, etc.)? There are certainly some goodies that are more frugal than others, and here is a list of my favorite "budget friendly" holiday treats! Better yet, they are pretty easy and won't take up too much time.

Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/920495

• Slice & Bake Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies I haven't made these but they sound DELICIOUS and look really easy! 

• Chocolate Butter Cookies  I like these with buttercream-frosting accents, and they are really adaptable.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Very similar to my grandma's recipe.

• Sugar Cookies This is the same recipe I use. I cut out shapes and decorate with buttercream frosting and/or sprinkles.

• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies I omit the nuts and add a few drops of green food coloring to make them "mint green". 

• Quick and Easy Gingerbread Classic!

• Betty Crocker's Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Easy to make and tastes so much better than store bought!

• Easy Microwave Fudge

• DIY Vanilla Extract!

And remember, homemade treats are a great gift!