Kroger Ad Matches 6/27/12-7/3/12 - Daytona 500

I hope to post weekly ad matches for our local stores that will help those who have participated in my coupon classes as well as any of my other readers who want/need a place to start when looking at ad matches.

This week Kroger has what they call the Daytona 500 sale.  This sale has certain items that when you purchase 10 of a particular item (or 10 within that sale group) you will receive $5.00 discount automatically.  Take note: $3.00 is taken off at the register.  The other $2.00 will not come off the total but will be given to you after payment in the form of a Catalina to be applied to a future purchase. 

This can be an excellent way to save and stockpile, but please take not of what your actual out of pocket costs in this situation will be.  The sale prices listed in the flyers does show your cost after the $3.00 discount at register - the additional $2.00 is like a bonus after purchase.  I will make sure the prices I list in this ad match will show your out of pocket expense.  I will also list how much you should expect to receive in Catalina's to apply toward a future purchase.

CocoCola Products - 4/$13 - still expensive but not a bad price all things considered.  Be aware that you only get this price on the first 4 purchased per transaction.  To get 4/$13 you would have to purchase in separate transactions for bulk quantities.

Gatorade - .69 cents per bottle - when you buy any 10 participating items

Hot or Lean Pockets - $1.49 each - when you buy 10 participating items
Less .95 cent off 2 Boxes (www.coupons.com)
Final Price: $1.02 each when you buy 2

General Mills Cereal $1.99 - when you buy 10 participating items.  Prices vary per variety - must double check to make sure you get the lowest priced flavor
Less $1.00/2 General Mills Cereal - (www.coupons.com)
Less $1.00/3 General Mills Cereal - (www.coupons.com)
Less $1.00/2 General Mills Cereal - (www.coupons.com)
Final Price: as low as $1.59 per box 

Banana Boat Sunscreen: Buy One Get One Free
Less $1.00 off coupon on second sunscreen
Final Price: varies on variety but found one lotion yesterday for $6.99 - could easily get 2 bottles of sunscreen for only $5.99

Kellogg's Pop Tarts: $1.99 each when you buy 10 participating items
Less $1.00/3 coupon from Red Plum Insert (was handed out in class)
Final Price: $1.66 per box when 3 purchased

General Mills Treats: $1.69 Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puff, Lucky Charms or Golden Grahams Treat Bars- when you buy 10 participating items
Less .50 cent off 1 coupon from SmartSource 6/24
Coupon doubles to $1.00/1
Final Price: .69 cents per box  


These items are what I consider the best deals in this weeks ad.  There may be other items with coupons that I have missed - if you know of some, please comment and I will add them as we find them.  This is a good start to understanding how to ad match and stock up on lower priced items your family will use.  

NOTES: 
(1) Remember - on any of the items under the Daytona 500 - when you buy 10 of the participating items, you also get an additional $2.00 Catalina at purchase. 
(2) You may only double coupons on 5 like items per transaction (different flavors do not count)
(3) To get the full discount price you must purchase items in groups of 10 when it says (good when 10 participating items are purchased)

Good luck!  Can't wait to hear more from each of you on what you have found or done this week! 

 

Summer Fit Learning Review

I love the opportunity as a blogger to review items I can use with my kids for educational purposes.  With two sons ages 4 and 8 being homeschooled this year I know we will have a lot of work ahead of us.  The chance to prep my youngest son and review over the summer is a huge blessing.  

Summer Fit: Exercises for the Brain and Body While Away from School is a great unit that covers basic concepts in Reading, Writing, Math, Fitness and Nutrition Values.  Designed to be done over the summer as a supplement and review program it also preps the student for the coming school year. 

I received the P-K program that was designed on a level that my 4 year old could understand and easily use.  Although there are some reading concepts that are a bit elevated for him at this juncture, he was still able to sit down without my assistance and complete many of the basic letter/number pages in his own time. 

Things we loved:

• The cool Albert Einstein cartoon that introduces each weeks activities
• The summer FIT program includes recommend exercises to do on a daily basis that get kids moving.  They include basic things like going for walks, riding bikes, swimming and other activities that area easy to fit into a busy summer schedule  
• Almost all of the counting activities also encourage coloring and color recognition   
• All aspects blend well together with much crossover so that all the important concepts are covered over and over again in easy ways
• Having picked up many supplemental booklets and pieces of literature through the years to assist my boys in learning more and being prepared for the next school year, this one is by far the best laid out I have ever seen.  Dividing into weekly units makes this program one that is easy to use and helps keep the kids from being overwhelmed and Mommy or Daddy on track.  Often workbooks are divided solely into one unit of study or another (math, science, reading, colors).  I loved that this book includes them all together and cross trains our children in the most important areas of development.   

**Thanks to Media Guests for allowing me the opportunity to review this awesome kids program! I was not monetarily compensated for this review.  I received the book mentioned within this post in exchange for my honest review and opinion on this blog.

Latest Kroger Haul from 6/26/12

To my out of state readers (which seem to be the bulk!) I have recently started sharing my couponing knowledge in our community.  A few classes, a new Facebook group later and I have renewed inspiration for sharing my deals, tips and ad matches here on my blog.  In the coming days I plan on revamping my blog with added pages/links to the information I share in my local classes.  This will include our coupon policies as well as a video of the presentation to download.  

In an effort to help teach those who attended a bit more about how to get great deals, I wanted to share a recent trip to Kroger here today.  

Check out the picture below for the deals I got for only $19.56!!!

 6 Boxes Cereal, 10 packets StarKist Tuna, 5 Idahoan Instant Potatoes, 5 Cans DelMonte Whole Kernel Corn,2 Knorr Pasta Sides, 1 Bag Peeled Mini Carrots, Bananas, Yellow Squash, Peaches and a 5 pound bag Russet Potatoes!  Not too shabby for only $19.56

 

Here is the breakdown of how I got all of this stuff so inexpensively:

2 boxes Raisin Bran Crunch

2 Boxes Frosted Mini Wheats

1 Box Crunchy Nut O's

1 Box Crunch Nut Flakes 

Each box on sale for $1.88 = $11.28

Less 1 $1.00 off 3 boxes from RedPlum Insert

Less 2 FREE Boxes Raisin Bran Crunch from KROGER mailed coupons 

Total for cereal:  $6.52 or $1.08 per box

5 Packets Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water

5 Packets Starkist Tuna Salad 

Each packet on sale for $1.00 (10/$10) = $10

Less 5x .50 cent off ANY 2 packets from Red Plum insert that doubled to $1 off any 2 =  $5.00 off

Less 2 Buy one Get one FREE coupons sent from Starkist = additional $2.00 off

Total for Tuna: $3.00 or .30 cents per packet

5 Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn 

Each Can on sale for $1.00 (10/$10)

Less $1.00 off any 5 cans Del Monte Vegetables = $1.00 off

Total for Corn: $4.00

2 Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Instant Mashed Potatoes

2 Idahoan Baby Reds Instant Mashed Potatoes

1 Idahoan Loaded Potato Instant Mashed Potatoes

Each Packet on Sale for $1.00 (10/$10)

Less 3 FREE Idahoan Product ($1.19 or less) product coupons (mailed from Idahoan) = $3.00 off

Total for Instant Potatoes: $2.00

2 Knorr Parmesan Pasta Sides

Each Packet on Sale for $1.00 

No coupons.  These were filler to meet 10/$10 requirement

Total on Pasta Sides: $2.00

1 5lb bag Russet Potatoes: $3.39

Yellow Squash: $1.55

Bananas: $1.34

Peaches: $2.12

Less $3.00 off any $5.00 Produce Purchase (Kroger coupon)

Total for Produce: $5.40

Peeled Mini Baby Carrots: $1.00 

Less FREE Carrot Coupon from Kroger = FREE

Less $5 off any $35 or more purchase

TOTAL: $19.56

This ad is no longer active, but I will be posting the match ups for this weeks ad in the next day or two.  I will be making a trip out to verify the stores have in stock what is listed in the ad.  Also, I will be including direct coupon links for those available to print online in my ad matches for you.

To some this trip would seem disjointed and wouldn't make sense.  How can you make a meal with those items?  Well, the cereal is enough for my entire family for breakfast for at minimum 3 weeks.  The tuna is enough lunch for one of us for 10 days.  The instant potatoes and corn are side dishes for 5 evening meals.  The pasta sides are another 2 sides.  The carrots and bananas are snacks for a week for my youngest.  The potatoes can be used over the course of a couple of weeks to supplement meals, be a lunch in themselves or part of a casserole.  The squash is one of our favorite items to toss on the grill.  Although it may seem to be a hodgepodge, this is a good base for a over half a month of meals/side dishes.  Deals like this make it possible to stay under a $200 food/household budget in our house.  

Take advantage of calling that 800 number on the back of your Kroger Plus card and ask to be added to the "mailed coupon list".  They track your purchases for approximately one quarter and will send you cents or dollar off coupons for your most commonly purchased items AND high value $1.00 off coupons for departments (such as the produce/meat/health and beauty coupons I often get for $1.00 -$5.00 off a small purchase).  Not to mention all of the totally FREE product coupons you will receive.  It is not unusual for me to get 3-4 dozen eggs, 3-4 bags mini carrots, 1 -2 boxes of cereal, 1-2 boxes potato chips and 1-2 containers of juice for completely FREE each month with these coupons.  

Any questions?  Please comment below!  Good luck couponing!

Nutrisystem Weeks 18 & 19

Once again I found myself overwhelmed with outside activities and have neglected my poor blog.  This week may indeed be overloaded with tons of posts (especially review/giveaway) as I am behind and need to catch up. 

Let's start though with the important stuff.  You know - the how much have I lost lately post.  Well, since starting Nutrisystem Success Program in late January - I have yo-yo'd up and down, up and down, up and down.  I have lost some weight and managed to not jump above my starting weight during this time, but the amounts I had hoped and planned to see fall off, simply haven't. 

I do really well with the breakfast part of Nutrisystem.  I eat cereal or granola and yogurt nearly every day.  Although their frozen omelet's, pancakes and french toast are decent - I still prefer the cereal. Nutriflakes (aka bran flakes) with a banana fill me up, taste good and aren't too heavy on my tummy early in the morning.  I may be a morning person, but my tummy isn't!  Lol. 

Lunch I have a more difficult time with.  The options are good - I simply have totally/completely gotten tired of them.  I am one of those people who needs a ton of variety, and although they have tons of options - those same options over and over and over...yeah...you get the picture.  I find I do worse with the lunches and managing proper protein/veg/starch ad ins than any other time of day. 

One plus in the last few weeks of this journey is that I have been exercising a lot more.  I haven't hit the gym, but we have been in the pool 3-4 times a week.  The kids have swam, we have leaned back - floated and relaxed, but I've also done my fair share of water aerobics.  Don't knock it! I have often giggled at the little group of older ladies that line up in the pool on Tuesday and Thursday nights in our area to do the class - well, after a few days of doing some leg work in the water, I discovered that I was quite sore and really feeling "the burn".  Plus, the scales dropped a bit more!  

Week 18 I jumped up in the scales by a few pounds.  Week 19 I dropped by a few pounds.  So, at this point - I am holding my own at 210.1 and happy with that.  No major loss, but I feel really good about my choices and how I am improving my health.  THAT alone is an improvement over the depression regarding my body/health in the former months. 

**I was not monetarily compensated for my review of the Nutrisystem Success Program.  I received the products and support as part of the Nutrisystem Blog Nation program in exchange for my honest review on this blog.**

Thanks to Nutrisystem for including me in this awesome opportunity!  Are you overweight and need a boost of help to drop a few or a lot of extra pounds?  Check out Nutrisystem today!  Or call them at 1-888-853-4689!

Teenager that's Part Angel? You got it!

I love being a blogger and getting to read books for my kids.  Having a 4 year old son who loves to be read to and an 8 year old son who much like his mother devours any book you put in front of him can prove to be tiring at times.  I'm glad that I can read and review books through programs like Book Sneeze, and for the most part I have been very pleased with what I have read.  

I recently received the book Spirit Fighter by Jerel Law.  This is the first in his new series Son of Angels:Jonah Stone.  I'll be honest from the beginning - I loved reading this book, but I really don't know how I feel about the plot.  I try to be objective in my reviews.  There are some subjects I don't care much for, others I love to read about and still yet some that fall in the middle that I like to call "fluff" reading.  I also like to realize that I may be reading something geared toward a particular stereotype, so it might not be "meant for me" but still a good book. 

This book is in a whole new category for me.  Spirit Fighter introduces you to the hero of this series, Jonah Stone.  Jonah along with his two siblings is the son of minister Benjamin and housewife Eleanor.  Right away you are spun into a strange world of angelic behavior, half human/half angel beings and spiritual warfare.  Jonah along with his sister Eliza learn that they are indeed part angel (quarterlings) and along with that discovery, find their mother has been kidnapped by a fallen angel and they have been assigned by God the task of rescuing her. Enter the world of the Nephilim where Jonah and Eliza discovered super hero strength, speed and cool "tricks" using their faith in God and the real armor of God in ways you'd never before imagined. 

Okay - here's my take on this book: 

(1) Jerel Law is an excellent story teller.  His writing skills are superb and he definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole book. 

(2) Although geared toward middle aged children, I think the story would be cool enough to interest the tween/teen ages and a few younger adults. 

(3) Not too "over your head" for younger readers but not too simplistic for older/adult readers. 

(4) Could cause some questions/confusion and tough to answer talks with kids.  The subject of Nephilim is a tricky issue in denominational and Christian realms.  I won't weigh in with my thoughts on the subject at this time as it would take WAY too long for a book review, but suffice it to say this book is not a lightweight fantasy read for kids.  It could be, and I would hope it would be, but I fear it could lead to some pretty intense question/answer sessions with those who are curious.  

Overall, I loved the story concept.  The idea of a superhero kid is of course what kids want to read.  Pulling in the armor of God as being the power behind the "hero" skill is an awesome teaching element.  I do have concerns about kids being impressionable, wondering and hoping they too could be part angel.  I see this as a series I look forward to reading with my kids, but probably won't until I feel fully prepared to answer the Biblical questions they are sure to throw my way!  The book gets 4 stars in my book.  Would be 5 stars if the subject matter wasn't a bit over the top and difficult for younger kids to comprehend. 

**I was not monetarily compensated for this book review.  I received the book mentioned above from Book Sneeze a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review on this blog.

Nutrisystem Weeks 16 & 17: The yo-yo scale

As I enter into week 18 of my Nutrisystem Success Program journey, I find myself feeling more and more like a yo-yo. I do great for two or three days sticking to my Nutrisystem meals and add-ins, then I go off the wagon with something simple and healthy that I make out of my own pantry...and then I start snacking..and then I find myself enjoying a luscious plate of fajitas from the local Mexican place covered in cheese and guacamole.

The thing is, I love food.  Nutrisystem foods are for the most part, really good.  But I miss cooking.  I miss creating meals for my family.  I miss trying new flavors and tasting new things.  Yet, at the same time - I miss being thinner and healthier. 

It's so hard to get on the scale on Monday (last week) and see a 1 pound gain.  Then the rest of the week I struggled with some stomach issues where I was either not eating at all or eating a ton of comfort foods like pasta, grilled cheese and such.  I turn around and this morning, after a Saturday evening of Mexican, I have lost 2 pounds.  Technically only down 1 pound from week 15 results.  It is a loss.  I should be happy about it.  But I am just down right mad. 

I hate that I have so little will power.  I hate that I can't manage to create work out time in my schedule.  I hate that I grew up in the South where food was so creamy and yummy and the biggest part of fellowship with other people.  It's hard for me to go out and have a good time with friends, family, my boyfriend or anyone without food being involved.  I also hate that fresh fruits and vegetables are truly so expensive these days.  And, weighing in the cost of water to keep a garden in good shape - plus the time spent working it - it still ends up cheaper for me to pay the outrageous supermarket prices for my veggies. 

I am definitely on the end of being frustrated.  Not because Nutrisystem is a bad program or that it doesn't work.  No, just mad at myself for not doing better.  I turn 30 in just a little over 2 months.  I started out this year focused on getting healthy before that point.  I wanted to wear a swimsuit at the pool this year with no shame.  Sadly, I'm not finding the "success" in this program that I'd like.  And I have no person or program to blame but myself. 

Next week - I hope to see it better.  I hope that I can stay focused on my daily schedule this week, get a lot accomplished and manage to work out at least once or twice. 

Last Week Weight: 212.4

Current Week Weight: 210.3

Total Weight Loss: 2.1  pounds

**I was not monetarily compensated for my review of the Nutrisystem Success Program.  I received the products and support as part of the Nutrisystem Blog Nation program in exchange for my honest review on this blog.**

Thanks to Nutrisystem for including me in this awesome opportunity!  Are you overweight and need a boost of help to drop a few or a lot of extra pounds?  Check out Nutrisystem today!  Or call them at 1-888-853-4689!

Summer Mom & Child Giveaway

Kids are out of school now...summer camps, community pools, theme parks and Vacation Bible School are all on your agenda.  But what about a little "Take Care of Mom" time?  Well, I want to help you do that!

Because I have such amazingly loyal readers and fans - I want to give you each a chance to win a little prize pack from me.  Taking some of my favorite products, books and samples I will bring together a box of fun for Mommy that also includes a little treat for your son or daughter as well!

Included in the prize box will be: 

For Child: 

1 copy of The Cutest Little Duckie Book

1 Summer Themed Surprise Toy  (bubbles, jump rope, blow up pool, etc.)

1 Tube Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen

1 Summer Fun Coloring Book or Activity Pad

1 box Crayola Crayons

For Mom: 

1 Copy God Loves Broken People by Sheila Walsh

1 Copy Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato
1 Book God's Promises

1 Set Faux Pearl Black & White Dangle Earrings

1 Surprise "feel good" gift of lotion, shower gel, etc.
1 Package of Crystal Light "Mocktails"

Now it's a very easy entry process - check out the Rafflecopter form below! 

        a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wild Sea Captain + Beautiful Lady with a Secret = Prize of my Heart Book Review

I recently received the book Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato from Bethany House Publishers to review. 

The book introduces you to Captain Brogan Talvis as he begins his attempt to steal back his long lost son from a family that adopted him when he was thought lost at sea.  Lorena Huntley is of course the beautiful young daughter of the man who adopted Talvis' son.  You follow the two as they both have an obviously fierce love for the young boy in question.  Brogan with questions that need answers and a burning desire to run away with the son who doesn't seem to remember him.  Lorena hiding the origins of the young boy and protecting him as only a mother could, despite the fact she is indeed not the boys young mother. 

This book is what I classify as a typical fluff Christian fiction book.  Throw in some historical things, a handsome man, beautiful woman and a few secrets that could make or break the relationship and you have a standard Christian romance novel.  Lisa Norato is indeed a good author who does something many in this genre fail so much to do.  She is a master at dialogue and description.  You feel like you are in the scene alongside the characters, but her descriptions are not over the top to the "inth" degree making you feel the author is trying too hard.  Dialogue between the characters flows well and does indeed bring you right into the scene and make you feel like you are there with them. 

Although this book is one I easily read in an afternoon and not what I would call a deep read by any means, it's a nice romance if you like the light variety of this type.  Reminding me of the "always ends up nice" in the end Little House on the Prairie types, it is a decent read if you like that sort of story.  

The story was a bit more on the original side than the typical Christian romance novel, so that was a great plus for me.  As much as I like a good story - I do tend to get tired of the "all work out in the end" types because to me, that just isn't reality.  Yes, yes - to all my scoffers - I realize a book is all about taking you outside the norm.  I get it, but some are so far from reality in this category that it is just simply annoying.  

For ease of reading, good plot and well developed characters I easily give this book 4 stars.  The author is obviously not a novice, but in comparison to some of the greater known Christian romance novelists of the day - she could use a little spit polishing here and there. 

Thanks to Lisa Norato and Bethany House Publishing for allowing me the chance to review this book on my blog.  All thoughts and opinions stated within this post are mine alone. 

Farm Rich Product Review & Giveaway

One of my biggest comfort foods as a kid and even now into adulthood is Mozzarella Cheese Sticks.  Part of it is simply that I LOVE cheese - oh yes - do not doubt - I could easily and readily eat a block of cheese all by myself every single day (I do refrain).  Part of it is that as a child a local hamburger joint made what I still consider some of the best cheese sticks around, and eating there was always a special treat for us.  Usually done with my grandparents, but on occasion my Dad would have a craving and we'd run to The Shack and grab burgers, milkshakes and for me an order of mozzarella cheese sticks.

When I got the chance to host a review (and giveaway!) for Farm Rich I was THRILLED!  The moment I opened their email and saw they were asking little ole me to review their products, I knew exactly what I was going to try....Yep!  You guessed it!  The Mozzarella Cheese Sticks were on the top of my list!

I grabbed my coupons when they came in the mail and hit the frozen food section in Walmart armed and ready to enjoy one of my favorite snacks.  But then, I had the job of choosing one other product to review by Farm Rich.  I had already browsed their website some and knew from memory they carried things like Philly Cheese Steaks, Pizza Slices, Mushrooms and Stuffed Pretzels.  But as I stood in front of the frozen food section, one particular item popped out at me.  Turkey Meatballs!!!  Yes I am currently trying to stay as close to my diet plan as possible, and when I saw this option I KNEW it was the one I had to grab.  A great lean protein in perfect easy to portion sizes.  Oh yeah!!

When I got home, we of course had ourselves a few of the delicious cheese sticks!  I have tried them baked in the oven (my preferred way) and microwaved and frankly they are delicious either way.  Of course deep frying is the obvious option, but as stated we are trying to be healthier so that was out for us.  These did not disappoint.  And for the pricing, I was truly surprised at how many were in a bag!  SEVERAL servings for us to enjoy over the next few weeks.  Additionally, the meatballs have become a brand I will definitely grab in the future.  We love the ease of tossing a spaghetti and meatball meal together with a pack of pasta, jar of sauce and ready made meatballs, but the fat content in regular ones are so bad.  These turkey meatballs are definitely AWESOME as my 4 year old said.  He ate them without any sauce and loved the flavor..with sauce a complete hit for us as well!  Versatile, cheap and delicious.  What more could I ask for?!

Now, TWO lucky readers will win a coupon for themselves to get a FREE Farm Rich product!!!  Check out the Rafflecopter form below for easy entries!


a Rafflecopter giveaway