Some new Pinterest recipes:

I'm looking forward to the weekend for many reasons, including trying out some new recipes! The first 2 are recipes I tried already earlier this week (all in one meal!). The last 3 are new to me (found on Pinterest of course!) that I'm planning to try this weekend.  Trying anything new this weekend?


Baked chicken fingers- these were super tasty but a bit messy to make. (Chicken was on sale last week.)

Source: sweetpeaskitchen.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Roasted new potatoes and asparagus- REALLY good, and easy to do! (Asparagus was on sale last week.)

Source: cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com via Jessica on Pinterest

To try this weekend:


Chili's-style salsa: (tomatoes are on sale this week)

Source: sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Smashed & Baked potatoes (still have half a bag of potatoes left from last week):

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Cheesy Broccoli Bites (I think these will be perfect with turkey meatloaf & smashed potatoes):

Source: staceysnacksonline.com via Jessica on Pinterest

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.

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Basics & Baking (2/1-2/8)

This week I'm stocking up on my pantry basics and a few baking treats for Valentine's Day. Here are the best prices I've found for Lawrence. Prices good 2/1- 2/7 unless otherwise noted.

Asparagus- $1.98/lb @ Checkers

Avocados- $0.29/ea @ Aldi

Bananas- $0.44/lb @ Aldi or $0.19/lb on Thursdays @ Checkers

Broccoli- $0.99/16 oz @ Aldi

Cauliflower- $0.99/head @ Aldi
Green Onions- $0.77/bunch @ HyVee
Kiwi fruit- 5/$1 @ Checkers
Onions- $1.89/3lbs @ Aldi
Peppers (Red Bell)- $0.78/ea @ Checkers
Potatoes (Russet)- $1.98/10lbs @ Checkers
Strawberries- $1.98/lb @ Checkers
Tomatoes (Hot house)- $0.78/lb @ Checkers
Tomatoes (Roma)- $0.79/lb @ HyVee

Beans (Kidney or Chili)- $0.48/15oz @ HyVee
Cheese (shredded or block)- $1.66/8oz @ Dillons
Frozen Vegetables (variety)- $0.72/16oz  w/ printable coupon @ Target ($0.99 without coupon)

Lentils (dried)- $0.79/16oz @ Aldi
Tortillas- $1.28/pk @ HyVee
Tuna (canned in water)- $0.59/can @ Aldi

Cake Mix (Red Velvet, & others)- $0.99/ea @ Aldi or $0.99/ea @ HyVee
Eggs (grade A large)- $1/29/doz @ Aldi or $1.18 w/ in-ad coupon @ HyVee

Frosting (all flavors)- $1.29/ 16oz @ Aldi
Soy Milk- $2.39/ 64oz @ Aldi
Sugar (White)- $2.79/5lbs @ Aldi

We go through a lot of brown rice at my house, and I have not yet figured out the cheapest source in town- anyone know? 

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Fresh & Healthy

Here are the extra-great deals I noticed in the grocery stores this week, with a focus on fresh & healthy.

Prices good Jan 25- Jan 31

Avocados- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Baby Carrots- $0.49/16 oz bag @ Aldi
Broccoli Crowns- $0.88/ea @ Checkers
Celery- $0.69/bunch @ Aldi
Grapefruit- $2.48/ 6lb bag @ Checkers
Peppers (Red)- 2/$3 @ HyVee
Pineapple (whole)- $0.99/ea @ Aldi
Radishes $1/ 2 bunches @ HyVee
Roma Tomatoes- $0.58/lb @ Checkers

Chicken Breasts (boneless)- $1.69/lb @ Aldi
Chicken Breasts (bone-in)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs- $0.97/lb @ HyVee
Hummus - $1.69/ea @ Aldi
Peanuts (In-shell, salted)- $1.69/16oz @ Aldi
Soy Milk (Silk)- 2/$5 @ Checkers
V8 Juice (Weekly pack)- $2.69/ea @ Aldi
Yogurt (Weight Watchers) 10/$5 @ HyVee

Also remember to check the January: Month by Month Guide to Sales before doing your shopping.

I looked at Aldi, Checkers, Dillons, and Hy-Vee. If you see great deals elsewhere, please comment! Also note these prices are all without coupons. I only rarely use coupons because I am specific about what I want, and there are infrequently coupons for those items that make them a better deal than store-brand or sale prices. Though I do always look at them to double-check.

Stay tuned for the next Grocery Deals Round-Up, typically posted on Wednesdays.

photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1206145

Frugal blog round-up

It could be winter talking, but I've been feeling pretty low-energy lately, and when that happens, I want to shop! I've been pretty good, but I did buy a dress and boots online last week (I really didn't need them.)  They were delivered yesterday... and neither fit! Ha! Laughing at myself now- that's what I get for spending money on a dress and boots I couldn't try on. So, planning to either return or sell them- we'll see which will get me more of my money back.

ANYWAY... that is neither here nor there. The point, here, people, is that when I feel my "frugal vigor" slipping, it always helps me to read some really good frugal blogs I follow. And of course, it is always helpful to revisit the book that inspired it all, The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. (pictured) I follow dozens (perhaps... hundreds?) of blogs on various frugal topics: personal finance, DIY projects, couponing, cooking and so forth. (Full disclosure: None of these blogs know I'm "promoting" them, so no worries, they didn't buy my love!)

Here are a few of my very most favorite frugal blogs, in no particular order:


Give Me Back My Five Bucks: "A quest for financial independence through the eyes of a 20-something Candian blogger" by Krystal. I love that she posts her actual weekly spending totals!

Budget Bytes: "On a mission to save money and eat well!" by Beth.  Really great healthy and tasty recipes here, and she posts very detailed accounts of what each ingredient costs.

Get Rich Slowly: "Personal Finance That Makes Cents" Give them a pass on the dorky subtitle- I have learned a lot of valuable information from this blog, and it's fun to read, too.

Mr. Money Moustache: "Financial Freedom Through Badassity" I LOVE THIS BLOG. Love the quirky attitude, and even more, I love that this man retired before he was 40 and he tells us how he did it.

Tip Junkie: "15,000+ tutorials on Crafts, DIY Decor, Food, Holidays, Gifts, Parties, Printables and more!" by Laurie.  This site was like Pinterest before there was Pinterest. She's got it separated by category, and I find a zillion great projects on here.

I'll keep the rest of my favorites for next time. What are you favorite "frugal blogs"?