Just a very quick post today. One of my favorite coupon sites has new offerings today.
P&G (Procter & Gamble) Everyday solutions has new coupons out today to order.
https://www.brandsaver.ca/en_ca/coupons/ follow the link if you have not already set up an account with them do that then order away. New coupons are offered about every 3months here.
Watch this weekend as their glossy coupons should be coming out in the papers as well.
Do not forget, watch the sales circulars, match the coupon with a sale price to get the best deals.
These are my favorite to stack at London drugs.... I foresee much happy shopping in my future!
Have fun!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Blockbuster bonus.... WOHOOO! $72$
I wanted to post this yesterday but we were having serious Internet issues here. It was not working - and not having any portable devices that would allow me to hook up somewhere else things got delayed.
We do not have cable in our house, I know, shocking to many right? Over the years we have amassed quite a collection of DVD and VHS movies. Many we watch over and over, others we have watched once and there they sit. A friend told me about this great promotion on at Blockbuster video that we should check out. In checking it out I learned that BLOCKBUSTER video has some great promotions throughout the year. This has not been our video store of choice, as it's a little out of the way and we have a great little local family video store within walking distance from home. That may be changing. This past weekend we took my friends advice and took advantage of Blockbuster's DVD trade event. Take in your old DVDs and as long as they were in good condition and on their "approved" list they were giving a $4.00 store credit. WOOHOO that means free money to me. We have a very extensive video and DVD collection. Over the weekend we went through it and weeded out 24. Sunday after church we headed to the store to see what we could do. They accepted 18 of them and I now have a gift card in my purse for $72.00.
I am not sure how long the trade in event is going on, but it sounds like it is something that they do on an ongoing basis. If you have DVDs laying around the house that you are not watching - hop on down to a local Blockbuster & you too can score some free cash... (Well gift card).
We do not have cable in our house, I know, shocking to many right? Over the years we have amassed quite a collection of DVD and VHS movies. Many we watch over and over, others we have watched once and there they sit. A friend told me about this great promotion on at Blockbuster video that we should check out. In checking it out I learned that BLOCKBUSTER video has some great promotions throughout the year. This has not been our video store of choice, as it's a little out of the way and we have a great little local family video store within walking distance from home. That may be changing. This past weekend we took my friends advice and took advantage of Blockbuster's DVD trade event. Take in your old DVDs and as long as they were in good condition and on their "approved" list they were giving a $4.00 store credit. WOOHOO that means free money to me. We have a very extensive video and DVD collection. Over the weekend we went through it and weeded out 24. Sunday after church we headed to the store to see what we could do. They accepted 18 of them and I now have a gift card in my purse for $72.00.
I am not sure how long the trade in event is going on, but it sounds like it is something that they do on an ongoing basis. If you have DVDs laying around the house that you are not watching - hop on down to a local Blockbuster & you too can score some free cash... (Well gift card).
Saturday, March 26, 2011
What does your grocery list say about you?
I have been Spring cleaning my computer, my "favorites" files are getting the once over. During this cleaning binge I came across this goodie... http://www.grocerylists.org/top10/. A website dedicated to of all things grocery lists.... yes you truly can find anything you want online. It is an entertaining visit to be sure.
What does your grocery list look like? Do you even write one? Here is a copy of the current one that is on my fridge I am pretty sure that the creator of Gorcerylist.org would laugh if he found this list in his travels. Notice; TP- Butt & TP- teeth at the bottom of the list.. Yup that is pretty much how it get's listed. It started when I was dictating a grocery list to one of my girls while driving on the way to the store a number of years ago. The scribe asked .. hmm mom TP, what kind the kind for your butt or the kind for your teeth. (because you know you would not want to confuse the 2). I am not sure what the WOW is for, will have to ask. Everyone is welcome to add to this list at anytime however I have the final say when I make the master before I go to the store.
I am learning that shopping and sticking to a grocery list is the # 1 way to save in the grocery department. No excess buying, no impulse buys, I can have my coupons ready and attached to the list. It truly helps.
I also keep a list WHILE shopping. If I see something that I think we need I list it on the second list, then come home and check to see if we really do NEED it at this time. This cuts down on the impulse buys and unnecessary "extras" in my cupboards. The only exception to this is milk.. because I do not drink it, and am not always aware of what is left in the fridge, if one of the girls says we need milk... I buy milk. This double list system is working well for us.
What works for you when it comes to a grocery list?
I am learning that shopping and sticking to a grocery list is the # 1 way to save in the grocery department. No excess buying, no impulse buys, I can have my coupons ready and attached to the list. It truly helps.
I also keep a list WHILE shopping. If I see something that I think we need I list it on the second list, then come home and check to see if we really do NEED it at this time. This cuts down on the impulse buys and unnecessary "extras" in my cupboards. The only exception to this is milk.. because I do not drink it, and am not always aware of what is left in the fridge, if one of the girls says we need milk... I buy milk. This double list system is working well for us.
What works for you when it comes to a grocery list?
Friday, March 25, 2011
To stash or not to stash that is the question....
How much of a good thing is too much? Is there a limit?
When does stock piling or stashing items become hoarding? Is there a difference?
When does "Getting the good deal" feed a deeper issue than just trying to feed your family, and keep them and the house clean? (shopaholic? OCD?)
When does "getting the good deal" cost you more?
What about expiry dates and best before dates? Things like toothpaste can go bad.
I think these are questions you have to ask & answer for yourself. Each of us will have a different answer for each question - and that is o.k. I think that the problems come when we just shop and do not have limits and do not ask our selves the questions. One person could have a different answer 2 months from now too as their life situation changes. It's o.k. Life is about finding a balance that works for you.
When I watch some of the extreme coupon shows on YouTube (no cable in our house) I think wow excessive much? Do we really need 40 years worth of toilet paper in the house? Not likely, at least not here in North America where we have the convenience and privilege of a grocery store / department store or drug store on pretty much every corner. With each of those stores featuring something new on sale every week is there truly a NEED for such a stock pile? There comes a time when "being prepared" becomes being obsessed and neurotic. Sure in today's roller coaster economic situation it is good to be prepared, to look a head to save for a rainy day, but seriously, even the largest of families can not go through that much TP before things pick up or the next sale/coupon rolls around. I think that we need to be realistic, what does my family use? What does it really truly NEED? This too will be different for each family. I also very much realize and appreciate that these levels are different for different people and different family situations.
For example a family that lives a rural area far from decent stores will need a larger stash than a family like mine who has several shopping options within a 4 min drive.
People living in areas with threats of extreme weather ccertainly need to have more items on hand, especially in those extreme weather months.
A larger family will require much more "on hand" in an average month than my family of 5.
As with anything in this life the key balance. A balance that works well for your family. Balance that is not excessive and wasteful. I have a small stash, small for several reasons;
One I am limited by space.
Two I do not want to stock things my family will not use
Three I know the sale rotations of my local stores and know that the same product will be on sale again in 6 -9 weeks.
For me and my family my stash is limited to items we will use in the time before the next sale rolls around. OR the sale with coupons added is too good a deal to even consider passing up. Which means a 90 -100% savings. Even with coupon / sale combination I am considerate of the "shelf life" of the product. My major " stash" item would be feminine hygiene products.. with 4 girls in the house, that is pretty much obvious. With these items in my stash I have paid only taxes. Meaning that with coupons and sale combinations I have gotten them for FREE! Free is always good when I am going to pick them up and add them to the 'stash' Items like Shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes and deodorant are also items I will continually stock up on - simply because we go through them on a continuous basis. The other biggie in my stash is cleaning supplies, before I started couponing, and really watching sale prices cleaning supplies are one thing that I purchased sparingly, multi surface products that will do more than one job, not always the best job either, but it was a way of cutting corners. Now I find that there are tons of coupons out for cleaning supplies and I often can get them for next to nothing if not free (taxes only paid). So I have a 'collection' of cleaning supplies in my stash. I guess you could say that in the long run I have trouble spending money on things that literally go down the drain.
So what is it that you 'stash' and would hate to pay full price for?
When does stock piling or stashing items become hoarding? Is there a difference?
When does "Getting the good deal" feed a deeper issue than just trying to feed your family, and keep them and the house clean? (shopaholic? OCD?)
When does "getting the good deal" cost you more?
What about expiry dates and best before dates? Things like toothpaste can go bad.
I think these are questions you have to ask & answer for yourself. Each of us will have a different answer for each question - and that is o.k. I think that the problems come when we just shop and do not have limits and do not ask our selves the questions. One person could have a different answer 2 months from now too as their life situation changes. It's o.k. Life is about finding a balance that works for you.
When I watch some of the extreme coupon shows on YouTube (no cable in our house) I think wow excessive much? Do we really need 40 years worth of toilet paper in the house? Not likely, at least not here in North America where we have the convenience and privilege of a grocery store / department store or drug store on pretty much every corner. With each of those stores featuring something new on sale every week is there truly a NEED for such a stock pile? There comes a time when "being prepared" becomes being obsessed and neurotic. Sure in today's roller coaster economic situation it is good to be prepared, to look a head to save for a rainy day, but seriously, even the largest of families can not go through that much TP before things pick up or the next sale/coupon rolls around. I think that we need to be realistic, what does my family use? What does it really truly NEED? This too will be different for each family. I also very much realize and appreciate that these levels are different for different people and different family situations.
For example a family that lives a rural area far from decent stores will need a larger stash than a family like mine who has several shopping options within a 4 min drive.
People living in areas with threats of extreme weather ccertainly need to have more items on hand, especially in those extreme weather months.
A larger family will require much more "on hand" in an average month than my family of 5.
As with anything in this life the key balance. A balance that works well for your family. Balance that is not excessive and wasteful. I have a small stash, small for several reasons;
One I am limited by space.
Two I do not want to stock things my family will not use
Three I know the sale rotations of my local stores and know that the same product will be on sale again in 6 -9 weeks.
For me and my family my stash is limited to items we will use in the time before the next sale rolls around. OR the sale with coupons added is too good a deal to even consider passing up. Which means a 90 -100% savings. Even with coupon / sale combination I am considerate of the "shelf life" of the product. My major " stash" item would be feminine hygiene products.. with 4 girls in the house, that is pretty much obvious. With these items in my stash I have paid only taxes. Meaning that with coupons and sale combinations I have gotten them for FREE! Free is always good when I am going to pick them up and add them to the 'stash' Items like Shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes and deodorant are also items I will continually stock up on - simply because we go through them on a continuous basis. The other biggie in my stash is cleaning supplies, before I started couponing, and really watching sale prices cleaning supplies are one thing that I purchased sparingly, multi surface products that will do more than one job, not always the best job either, but it was a way of cutting corners. Now I find that there are tons of coupons out for cleaning supplies and I often can get them for next to nothing if not free (taxes only paid). So I have a 'collection' of cleaning supplies in my stash. I guess you could say that in the long run I have trouble spending money on things that literally go down the drain.
So what is it that you 'stash' and would hate to pay full price for?
Monday, March 21, 2011
10 things I will never pay full price for EVER
I'd like nothing better than to never pay full price for anything ever again. I know that this is not reality, I am however, committed to finding the best deal I can for the things my family needs. Anyone who uses coupons, or considers themselves a bargain hunter will appreciate that.
Since my girls were small we have always looked for used before new. Part of that was out of need, part of that was teaching them the value of a dollar, and the truth behind "one man's trash is another man's treasure." We have truly found some treasures, often finding new, not just new to us, in the second hand stores. The best was the time we found a brand new pair of $60.00 gap jeans for $1.99. That was just a week after seeing them at the mall and explaining to my soon to enter kindergarten daughter that paying $60.00 for a pair of jeans is insane for a 5 year old, that will out grow them in 6 months.
Since starting on this coupon journey, my eyes have been opened to a whole new list of things that I will never pay full price for again, heck, even just a sale price is not good enough for this girl on these items. Anyone who coupons has a list of things they will never again pull pay full price for. For me it is those things that literally either get flushed down the toilet, washed down the drain OR tossed in the trash.
10) Tooth paste
9) Shampoo / Conditioner
8) Deodorant
7) Dish soap
6) Any cleaning product
5) Hair Colour
4) Dental Floss
3) Razors
2) Shaving cream
And the # one item in this house I will never buy at full price.
1) Feminine hygiene products (referred to in our house as girlie goodies) with 4 females in the house I am sure you can all understand this. The savings are huge on that one item alone for our family.
All of these items often have easily found coupons. When you combine coupons and sale prices the savings truly add up and fast. Knowing what the rock bottom price is on these will net you the best deal possible.
If I can not get these items free or close to free I will not buy them unless the combined coupon / sale savings is over 60%. That is just my personal challenge. There are a few exceptions, the main thing being dire need. I try never to be in dire need. Having a small stash helps that along with an inventory list of what is on the shelves. More on that later.
Here is a link to a coupon to help you save Expires June 2011.
What do you like to save on? I'd love to hear from you.
Happy savings to you all.
Since my girls were small we have always looked for used before new. Part of that was out of need, part of that was teaching them the value of a dollar, and the truth behind "one man's trash is another man's treasure." We have truly found some treasures, often finding new, not just new to us, in the second hand stores. The best was the time we found a brand new pair of $60.00 gap jeans for $1.99. That was just a week after seeing them at the mall and explaining to my soon to enter kindergarten daughter that paying $60.00 for a pair of jeans is insane for a 5 year old, that will out grow them in 6 months.
Since starting on this coupon journey, my eyes have been opened to a whole new list of things that I will never pay full price for again, heck, even just a sale price is not good enough for this girl on these items. Anyone who coupons has a list of things they will never again pull pay full price for. For me it is those things that literally either get flushed down the toilet, washed down the drain OR tossed in the trash.
10) Tooth paste
9) Shampoo / Conditioner
8) Deodorant
7) Dish soap
6) Any cleaning product
5) Hair Colour
4) Dental Floss
3) Razors
2) Shaving cream
And the # one item in this house I will never buy at full price.
1) Feminine hygiene products (referred to in our house as girlie goodies) with 4 females in the house I am sure you can all understand this. The savings are huge on that one item alone for our family.
All of these items often have easily found coupons. When you combine coupons and sale prices the savings truly add up and fast. Knowing what the rock bottom price is on these will net you the best deal possible.
If I can not get these items free or close to free I will not buy them unless the combined coupon / sale savings is over 60%. That is just my personal challenge. There are a few exceptions, the main thing being dire need. I try never to be in dire need. Having a small stash helps that along with an inventory list of what is on the shelves. More on that later.
Here is a link to a coupon to help you save Expires June 2011.
What do you like to save on? I'd love to hear from you.
Happy savings to you all.
Fun spring break freebie....
Free is always good. Free entertainment over spring break, when the weather is supposed to be not so hot at the end of the week is even better. Here is my recommendation for FREE fun over spring break.
I would like to introduce you to Goovy Lime games. Free down loadable games for the whole family. The game creator is a close personal friend who likes to build computer games in his spare time and created the 
Groovy Lime website to share his games with the world out of the goodness of his heart. I am not suggesting this because he is a friend, but because the games are super fun, challenging, & creative.
Groovy Lime website to share his games with the world out of the goodness of his heart. I am not suggesting this because he is a friend, but because the games are super fun, challenging, & creative. Gliderman is our family favorite. A game of block busting, bomb (not in a violent sort of way) exploding race against ones self. The goal to turn the blue blocks green and advance to the next level. BEWARE of falling cows, soccer balls and UFO's oh and a few rockets tossed in to keep you on your toes. We have been playing for years, and now Trev has just finished the 3D version. I downloaded it on Friday night, when my middle daughter saw it her reaction was "Sweet, something fun to do over Spring break" I would highly recommend it for kids of all ages. The only down side is I will now have to fight for computer time even more than normal. Oh well it is all in a Groovy day's play.
Happy Spring break one and all.
Happy Spring break one and all.
Friday, March 18, 2011
N.F.F.F
No Frills Friday Fun
I LOVE No Frills - If you are not familiar with No Frills - it is a relatively new grocery store in our area (well in Coquitlam - which is 14 min down the road for me) and it lives up to it's name. No Frills - no fancy displays, no fancy lighting, no in store bakery or butcher (those things are EXPENSIVE to operate) what it lacks in those fancy things it makes up for in deals! They are a member of the Loblaw family (as is Extra foods & Real Canadian Super Store) so they are no stranger to the grocery shopper and the grocery shopper who loves to get value and quality without the high price. Every week, there are new deals to be had. I do not get the flyer delivered to my home so Thursday night at midnight it is No Frills flyer check time I check out their current flyer and start making a list. Then I go check my coupons and double check my list.
Just a F.Y.I. side note; Flyer Land is an awesome place to be able to see all those fliers that you do not get to your door.
I especially love the No Frills sale this week.
It's their $1, $2, & $3 sale! ( I like easy math )
I was hoping that cake mix would be on as we are running low, sadly it is not but there were other great sales to take advantage of.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice 950 ml $1 or FREE with coupon printed from here
http://www.oceanspray.ca/coupon.aspx?id=2331
Select zip lock bags $2 each or get 2 FREE with the coupon printed from here
http://rightathome.ca/default.aspx?sC=1 Note: you will need to take a moment to register at this site, then follow the link in the upper right hand corner of the home page then you can print the coupon.
Seasoned boneless skinless chicken breasts $2 lb. These are frozen and in small packages which is great, no having to break up a big block of frozen chicken to get a meal sized portion.
Milk 1 x 4L, (1 x 1L not in pic as it was for my mom)
I LOVE No Frills - If you are not familiar with No Frills - it is a relatively new grocery store in our area (well in Coquitlam - which is 14 min down the road for me) and it lives up to it's name. No Frills - no fancy displays, no fancy lighting, no in store bakery or butcher (those things are EXPENSIVE to operate) what it lacks in those fancy things it makes up for in deals! They are a member of the Loblaw family (as is Extra foods & Real Canadian Super Store) so they are no stranger to the grocery shopper and the grocery shopper who loves to get value and quality without the high price. Every week, there are new deals to be had. I do not get the flyer delivered to my home so Thursday night at midnight it is No Frills flyer check time I check out their current flyer and start making a list. Then I go check my coupons and double check my list.
Just a F.Y.I. side note; Flyer Land is an awesome place to be able to see all those fliers that you do not get to your door.
I especially love the No Frills sale this week.
It's their $1, $2, & $3 sale! ( I like easy math )
I was hoping that cake mix would be on as we are running low, sadly it is not but there were other great sales to take advantage of.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice 950 ml $1 or FREE with coupon printed from here
http://www.oceanspray.ca/coupon.aspx?id=2331
Select zip lock bags $2 each or get 2 FREE with the coupon printed from here
http://rightathome.ca/default.aspx?sC=1 Note: you will need to take a moment to register at this site, then follow the link in the upper right hand corner of the home page then you can print the coupon.
Seasoned boneless skinless chicken breasts $2 lb. These are frozen and in small packages which is great, no having to break up a big block of frozen chicken to get a meal sized portion.
Those are the items that caught my eye. Though I did not end up buying the juice as I had forgotten my coupon at home on the printer.. sigh I really should have double checked that thing in the morning.
Here is a quick rundown of my purchase
Milk 1 x 4L, (1 x 1L not in pic as it was for my mom)3 pkgs chicken breast (each around 3.50 per pkg)
6 boxes assorted zip lock bags (coupons used = FREE)
1 loaf of bread
2 lean cuisine (1 for us 1 for my mom to try - if we like it will be buying more)
1 package frozen cubes
HST 1.44
Total 24.36
Less $20.00 (gift card received in mail a couple of weeks ago for a Proctor and Gamble mail in rebate)
Total out of pocket $4.36 - Yippee!
Which was covered with the $5.00 my mom gave me to pick up milk for her.
MY PERSONAL OPP....0 Dollars and 00 Cents.
Total coupon savings this order $12.00!
Free Groceries make my day!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Getting creative with storage for my 'stash'
Weather you call it a 'stock pile' a 'stash' or practical hoarding one thing for sure is you need to have a designated space to put things. Oh how I wish I had a basement, a garage that was closed in, or even an extra closet. That is not the case so I have to get creative with the space I have. Creative is only the beginning, I have to make room, in our 4 bedroom town house is occupied with 5 adult sized bodies, this is not an easy task. It is a work in process, it has taken me some time, and quite honestly some sacrifice of my creative space to come up with something that will work. It has been a slow slog, it started with a major clean out of our linen closet....
Here is where my "stash" started about 8 or so months ago
It was apparent fairly soon that this space was going to be much too small. The wheel's were turning. Eventually the sewing machine (that is the white box in the bottom left of the first photo) moved to a new home which gave me almost double the room - however in a couple of months that was full. I needed some sort of shelving unit, but did not want to put out any $$$$ to make that happen. There were no shelves around home to make that happen so I turned to Craigslist and the free section, with in days I had new shelves that cost me nothing! They were in a neighbourhood that we frequent often. All the peices were coming together. You have got to love FREE! They are not pretty, but they are clean & sturdy and will do the job. I then cleaned out a corner in my creative space (studio) (oh there is so much more work to do there....) and set up the shelves. A Perfect fit!
A quick visit to my local dollar store where I picked up the coloured baskets for $1.00 each and the white wire hanging baskets for $1.50 (6.72 including tax).The plan is to put smaller items like dental floss, and tooth brushes into the baskets.
The little things that will get lost on a shelf.
Larger and boxed items will stand on the shelves.
There is space washer & dryer so I am able to store extra detergent & fabric care product extras there. As well as lots of space under my kitchen sink for dish washing supplies.
This worked out better than I had hoped, a little creativity and planning went a long way. I especially love that it took very little out of pocket expense to pull it all together. It makes me happy.
There is still lots of "creative" space in this room plus a little room for expansion if needed for the "stash" as my family refers to it as. The sewing machine is back in it's original home, shared only with the toilet paper, just like the good old days. The task at hand now is to get the other end of the room sorted and organized, so I could actually create in my creative space, a novel idea seeings as I can hardly get to the table, right now it looks like a disaster zone. Another project for another day.....
Monday, March 14, 2011
Are you ready?
We live in an amazing age, we are able to see real time footage of news around the world the good and the bad. I think the first time that hit me was the events of 911 in New York. Glued to the TV watching as planes crashed into the twin towers. Sitting in complete silence of disbelief. Then again on the weekend as images of earthquake & tsunami news rolled in from Japan. I sat stunned thinking.... that could happen here!
Are we ready?
I have a few things "ready" but until you are actually in a situation of that magnitude how do you really know? I'd like to think I could keep a cool head and remember my first aid training, where we stored the emergency supplies & be ready for what ever lies ahead, but how do you know? For my entire life I have heard.. the big one is coming - I do not doubt the possibility seeings as the southern west coast of Canada sits not far from where 3 of the earth's plates meet. It is bound to happen one day.
Well if and when ONE DAY comes I want to be ready...I want to have a plan, and be able to execute it. I think by doing so there will be less panic in our house, not to mention the urgent need to rush to the store for supplies will be eliminated thus saving us some money too. Therefore being prepared is not only smart, but frugal!
We are off to a very good start with our camping equipment. Most of it is packed year round and easily accessible. Propane stove, lantern and BBQ, first aid kit in addition we have water stored that we rotate every 3 to 6 months. Being tent campers, roughing it would not be a tough stretch for us if it came to that. We have had conversations with our girls about what to do, where to go, who to call etc. But there is so much more to being ready, and so many great sites to help you do that.
Safety & Protection
In an earthquake situation, one of the first things you should know is the following
DROP, COVER & HOLD ON , you initial concern is protection during the quake. Learning and practicing this could save you from injury or death in worse case scenario. These types of earthquake practices happen regularly in schools, in similar fashion to fire drills.
Emergency Supplies
The next thing to be concerned with is survival after. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 1 litre of water per person per day stored, just to drink, that is just a start. Here is a very comprehensive preparation list for our area. The more of these things you take care of before an earthquake takes place the better prepared you will be. A little time and investment in some cases now will save you in the event of need.
Of course no one wants to see this occur, however, true to my Girl Guide roots I want to be prepared.
Are we ready?
I have a few things "ready" but until you are actually in a situation of that magnitude how do you really know? I'd like to think I could keep a cool head and remember my first aid training, where we stored the emergency supplies & be ready for what ever lies ahead, but how do you know? For my entire life I have heard.. the big one is coming - I do not doubt the possibility seeings as the southern west coast of Canada sits not far from where 3 of the earth's plates meet. It is bound to happen one day.
Well if and when ONE DAY comes I want to be ready...I want to have a plan, and be able to execute it. I think by doing so there will be less panic in our house, not to mention the urgent need to rush to the store for supplies will be eliminated thus saving us some money too. Therefore being prepared is not only smart, but frugal!
We are off to a very good start with our camping equipment. Most of it is packed year round and easily accessible. Propane stove, lantern and BBQ, first aid kit in addition we have water stored that we rotate every 3 to 6 months. Being tent campers, roughing it would not be a tough stretch for us if it came to that. We have had conversations with our girls about what to do, where to go, who to call etc. But there is so much more to being ready, and so many great sites to help you do that.
Safety & Protection
In an earthquake situation, one of the first things you should know is the following
DROP, COVER & HOLD ON , you initial concern is protection during the quake. Learning and practicing this could save you from injury or death in worse case scenario. These types of earthquake practices happen regularly in schools, in similar fashion to fire drills.
Emergency Supplies
The next thing to be concerned with is survival after. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 1 litre of water per person per day stored, just to drink, that is just a start. Here is a very comprehensive preparation list for our area. The more of these things you take care of before an earthquake takes place the better prepared you will be. A little time and investment in some cases now will save you in the event of need.
Of course no one wants to see this occur, however, true to my Girl Guide roots I want to be prepared.
3.14 is Pi day
If you are a math wizzzzz (I am SO not!) you will understand that. ( for those in the non math wizzzz group with me in math Pi = 3.14 today is 3-14-2011 therefore it is Pi day) In honour of Pi day, I share with you our family favourite PIE recipe...
I can almost make this in my sleep, it is a recipe that I got from a friend shortly after R & I were married - and continues to be a family favorite. This is my 'go to' dessert recipe. It is fast, easy and can be kept in the freezer to "have on hand just in case" word of caution, you might want to hide it deep deep in the deep freezer so it really is on hand when you need it. I am posting the original recipe, it works equally well if you substitute Non or Low fat options if you would like.
I hope you enjoy... Pi Day!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pi(e)
1 prepared graham cracker pie crust (chocolate or original)
Filling
1 4oz package cream cheese
1 Cup icing / powdered sugar
1/3 Cup smooth peanut butter ( I like to add a little more, because we really like the peanut butter flavour)
1/2 Cup milk
1 small container prepared whipped topping (such as cool whip)
Cream all but the prepared whipped topping. When mixture is smooth fold in the whipped topping. Set aside while you mix the fudge layer.
Fudge Layer
3 squares of semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 Cup whip cream
2 Tbsp Peanut butter
1/4 Tsp Vanilla
Melt on medium heat until chocolate and Peanut Butter melt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
To assemble
Pour a little of the fudge mixture in the bottom of the pie shell in a criss-cross pattern.
Spread 1/2 of the cream cheese / peanut butter mixture over the fudge.
Spatter / sprinkle/ pour 1/2 of the remaining fudge mixture over the pie
Spread remaining cream cheese/ peanut butter mixture over the pie
Pour the remaining fudge mixture over the pie in circles.
Drag the tip of a butter knife through the fudge mixture on the top to make pretty patterns if desired. (think spider web)
Freeze pie overnight for best results.
Remove from freezer 10 min before serving.
Use a knife ran under hot water for an easier cut.
Eat Enjoy!
Note: This can be doubled and put into a 9x13 pan - substitute the prepared pie crusts for your favourite graham cracker or Oreo cookie base.
Happy 3-14 Pi Day everyone.
I can almost make this in my sleep, it is a recipe that I got from a friend shortly after R & I were married - and continues to be a family favorite. This is my 'go to' dessert recipe. It is fast, easy and can be kept in the freezer to "have on hand just in case" word of caution, you might want to hide it deep deep in the deep freezer so it really is on hand when you need it. I am posting the original recipe, it works equally well if you substitute Non or Low fat options if you would like.
I hope you enjoy... Pi Day!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pi(e)
1 prepared graham cracker pie crust (chocolate or original)
Filling
1 4oz package cream cheese
1 Cup icing / powdered sugar
1/3 Cup smooth peanut butter ( I like to add a little more, because we really like the peanut butter flavour)
1/2 Cup milk
1 small container prepared whipped topping (such as cool whip)
Cream all but the prepared whipped topping. When mixture is smooth fold in the whipped topping. Set aside while you mix the fudge layer.
Fudge Layer
3 squares of semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 Cup whip cream
2 Tbsp Peanut butter
1/4 Tsp Vanilla
Melt on medium heat until chocolate and Peanut Butter melt. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
To assemble
Pour a little of the fudge mixture in the bottom of the pie shell in a criss-cross pattern.
Spread 1/2 of the cream cheese / peanut butter mixture over the fudge.
Spatter / sprinkle/ pour 1/2 of the remaining fudge mixture over the pie
Spread remaining cream cheese/ peanut butter mixture over the pie
Pour the remaining fudge mixture over the pie in circles.
Drag the tip of a butter knife through the fudge mixture on the top to make pretty patterns if desired. (think spider web)
Freeze pie overnight for best results.
Remove from freezer 10 min before serving.
Use a knife ran under hot water for an easier cut.
Eat Enjoy!
Note: This can be doubled and put into a 9x13 pan - substitute the prepared pie crusts for your favourite graham cracker or Oreo cookie base.
Happy 3-14 Pi Day everyone.
Friday, March 11, 2011
6 for $11.00....
Often the most expensive element of any meal is the protein or meat portion. Finding a good deal is always a good thing. This week through to March 17th, our local No Frills has boneless half pork loins on for $1.87 lb / $4.12 kg, a great deal for sure. This is a stock up price for me, I picked up 2 yesterday, when I broke them down, I got 12 meal portions for 5 out of them. This is how.....
This package was 10.98 (the other slightly higher at 14.38)
It took me about an hour to break them both down, bag, label and get them into the freezer.
Start with a sharp knife. That being said, I have lousy knives in my house, but I do have just recently acquired a sharpening steel and can get a pretty decent edge on even my lousy knives. It makes such a difference, and is much safer using a sharp knife over a dull one. Learn how to sharpen a knife here, a valuable lesson for anyone to learn.
I started by cutting off the main loin portion and trimming the fat.
From the loin section of this one I got;
1 family sized roast
1 package of 5 chops. 1/2 inch thick
2 packages of larger pieces for pulled pork (recipe to be posted Monday)
From the smaller portion I cut away;
From the smaller portion I cut away;
1 package of pork cubes/ pieces for sweet and sour
1 package, 1 Cup of pork bits for fried rice.
A few tips:
As stated above, start with a sharp knife - it will save you a ton of time, and some elbow grease.
Have everything you need out and handy. Knives, cutting boards, bowls for different 'cuts' and one for the fat/discards. The last thing you want to do when everything is cut is to have to go find bags or conatainers or find you want a different knife part way through.
Use quality freezer bags or plastic containers that seal well.
Have a straw handy to suck out all the air out of the bags - this will keep your meat fresher longer in the freezer.
Lable and date each package. It can be hard to tell pork from beef or even chicken thighs when things are frozen. A sharpie pen works great for this.
Add each bag to your freezer inventory. That way you know what is in there without digging!
6 meals, plus a couple of left over lunches for sure, from this single package. From both loins I got 12 meal portions, the only difference is that from the second I got 2 larger "company" sized portions, thinking ahead just a little. I'd say that is not too bad. It works out to less than 2.00 per family serving, and if your family is smaller than mine this has the potential to stretch even more. I am a happy camper with this deal.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Deal of the day (well yesterday)
Available to March 11, 2011 Top row, third from the right.
Use this coupon ( I found mine at Shoppers right by the product in one store, and also at my local Safeway) Happy Hunting!
To get this product
At your local Shoppers Drug Mart. FOR FREE (you will have to pay the tax - which is still free enough for me!)
Do not forget your Shoppers Optimum card. There is a 1000 point bonus on this product as well.
Use this coupon ( I found mine at Shoppers right by the product in one store, and also at my local Safeway) Happy Hunting!
To get this product
At your local Shoppers Drug Mart. FOR FREE (you will have to pay the tax - which is still free enough for me!)
Do not forget your Shoppers Optimum card. There is a 1000 point bonus on this product as well.
Best $3.00 ever spent
It is such a simple thing, and has saved me TONS of time and even more frustration. This little treasure has saved me all of that & likely more. I no longer spend time rummaging in the van, or scavenging at the bottom of my hand bag for the dreaded needed coin. I can park and go, whew, it seems so simple in retrospect. Another added benefit a healthier back & neck, especially my shoulder muscles! Honestly, if I did not have the quarter or the loonie for the cart, I would shop with the hand held baskets over load them and my back was SORE! Not smart.
Grocery cart tokens on my key chain... Oh how I love thee. I picked these ones up at Price Smart Foods I believe, however I know that they are available at allot of other grocery stores. Each set has a quarter & a loonie sized token. AMAZING. If you do not have a set, buy them the next time you see them. As an added extra bonus, for each token set purchased a donation is made to BC Children's Hospital . And that is awesome! It's a win win all around!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
20 Dollars CAN get you all this.....
Acctually $18.93 to be exact.
With $8.02 of that being tax.
Regular price total would have come in at $85.83
(0% savings)
Sale price total with out coupons would have been $75.89
(a 12% savings)
With a coupon savings of $56.96
(a 78% savings)
I'd say that is not too shabby. All in a days fun!
Monday, March 7, 2011
B.C. Braces for hikes in food prices....
Yikes! That was the headline on the front page of yesterday's Province newspaper. Does that worry you? It worries me just a little, however it is not as scary as it would have sounded this time last year. What is the difference? Coupons baby! Yes I mean those save .50 off here and .25 off there, or the awesome BOGO (buy one get one) or even better the sought after FPC (free product coupon), that you see in stores, come in the local papers or even in the mail! Coupons, it's all about the coupons! These often neglected, and frequently tossed in the trash little bits of cash in your pocket goodness. Tossing them in the trash is insanity. Would you toss a quarter in the garbage? I think not.
So how do you make those .50 & .25 cent savings add up?
It is actually quite simple - USE them! You will be surprised at how quickly they can add up.
Use in combination with products already on sale.
Stock up when items are on sale - having a stock pile to pull from can save big time.
Be willing to wait so you can get the best deal.
Always shop with a list, mark items you have coupons for on your list so you do not forget to use them.
Be organized - keep all your coupons in one place, and attach them to your list as you shop. (a good paper clip will be your best friend)
Keep your eyes opened when shopping, coupons are often available on store shelves. Take them when you see them on the shelves at the store. You man not need the product now, but sometime before they expire you may, and likely the coupons will be gone next time you are at the store.
Know the coupon policy of the stores you shop at. They do vary from store to store.
A little planning and smart shopping will easily save you that 5 - 7%, in many cases you will save even more. My personal goal is 30%, coupon & sale savings. I working towards shaving our grocery bill from 700+ dollars per month to around $500. It will not happen over night, but it is slowly happening and that is a good thing.
5 - 7 % increase though not the best thing it simply sounds to me like the perfect time to kick up the coupon use. Happy savings.
Next up: See how far you can stretch $20.00.
So how do you make those .50 & .25 cent savings add up?
It is actually quite simple - USE them! You will be surprised at how quickly they can add up.
Use in combination with products already on sale.
Stock up when items are on sale - having a stock pile to pull from can save big time.
Be willing to wait so you can get the best deal.
Always shop with a list, mark items you have coupons for on your list so you do not forget to use them.
Be organized - keep all your coupons in one place, and attach them to your list as you shop. (a good paper clip will be your best friend)
Keep your eyes opened when shopping, coupons are often available on store shelves. Take them when you see them on the shelves at the store. You man not need the product now, but sometime before they expire you may, and likely the coupons will be gone next time you are at the store.
Know the coupon policy of the stores you shop at. They do vary from store to store.
A little planning and smart shopping will easily save you that 5 - 7%, in many cases you will save even more. My personal goal is 30%, coupon & sale savings. I working towards shaving our grocery bill from 700+ dollars per month to around $500. It will not happen over night, but it is slowly happening and that is a good thing.
5 - 7 % increase though not the best thing it simply sounds to me like the perfect time to kick up the coupon use. Happy savings.
Next up: See how far you can stretch $20.00.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Time... it is a ticking BUT it is well spent.
Yes, clipping coupons takes time.
Now that my system is in place and it is working for me it takes me a couple of hours a week to clip / sort / file. In the beginning it certainly took much more time as I was setting up my system and just getting used to it all. ( 8 to 10 hours is not unrealistic when you are first setting up, to get it all figured out, sorted, keep in mind you only want to be doing this once)
I spend about 30 - 45 min weekly checking the coupon sites on-line to make sure I have all the up-to date ones coming to me or that they are printed for the next time I go shopping.
Sunday afternoon when all the new fliers have landed in front of my door, I spend about an hour perusing them to see what is on sale, what I have coupons for and what I need. This is when I make my shopping list.
I do think that it is worth every minute, and I am saving $$ not pennies.
My goal is to save 100's a month and I think it is realistic.
Here are some things that I do to make the best use of my time.
I have one area I put the coupons when the arrive at the house so I am not spending time looking for them when I sit down to clip / sort / file. In this same place I also have scissors, paper clips, ruler, pen paper so I do not have to go looking for them.
I clip / sort / file when watching a movie or TV - this is time I was spending anyways, now I am productive when I am watching.
I enlist able bodied children when they are willing and watching. My youngest will clip and sort, while I file.
When I have multiples of the same flyer I cut them or tear them in sets of the same pages.
When I stared to think again about clipping coupons back in May as a way to save money I wondered if it would actually be worth it, I have found that it certainly is. Last week's coupon savings was over 50.00 for around 2 hours of time invested (not including the actual shopping) that would be like getting paid $25.00 per hour - that is not too shabby I'd say.
Now that my system is in place and it is working for me it takes me a couple of hours a week to clip / sort / file. In the beginning it certainly took much more time as I was setting up my system and just getting used to it all. ( 8 to 10 hours is not unrealistic when you are first setting up, to get it all figured out, sorted, keep in mind you only want to be doing this once)
I spend about 30 - 45 min weekly checking the coupon sites on-line to make sure I have all the up-to date ones coming to me or that they are printed for the next time I go shopping.
Sunday afternoon when all the new fliers have landed in front of my door, I spend about an hour perusing them to see what is on sale, what I have coupons for and what I need. This is when I make my shopping list.
I do think that it is worth every minute, and I am saving $$ not pennies.
My goal is to save 100's a month and I think it is realistic.
Here are some things that I do to make the best use of my time.
I have one area I put the coupons when the arrive at the house so I am not spending time looking for them when I sit down to clip / sort / file. In this same place I also have scissors, paper clips, ruler, pen paper so I do not have to go looking for them.
I clip / sort / file when watching a movie or TV - this is time I was spending anyways, now I am productive when I am watching.
I enlist able bodied children when they are willing and watching. My youngest will clip and sort, while I file.
When I have multiples of the same flyer I cut them or tear them in sets of the same pages.
When I stared to think again about clipping coupons back in May as a way to save money I wondered if it would actually be worth it, I have found that it certainly is. Last week's coupon savings was over 50.00 for around 2 hours of time invested (not including the actual shopping) that would be like getting paid $25.00 per hour - that is not too shabby I'd say.
Frugal is not a dirty word... neither is it CHEAP...
Is there a difference between being FRUGAL, and being CHEAP... I think there is a HUGE difference.
Frugal = 1) Economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or not wasteful
2) Entailing little expense; requiring few resources; meager; scanty
3) Practicing economy.
Synonyms - Thrifty, provident, careful, economical
Cheap = 1) Costing very little, relatively low in price, inexpensive.
2) of little account of small value, mean, shoddy, poor workmanship
Synonyms - Miserly, tightwad, stingy
Cheap often implies inferior quality, or unwillingness to part with ones money, possessions or time. To me it is a self serving inward looking way of living.
Frugal on the other hand implies wisdom and wise use of money, time and possessions, looking for the best value before spending.
I aim to be of the latter.
Often when saving money is discussed, people think you are saving for a big purchase item, fancy holiday or retirement. When you tell them you use coupons on a regular basis to save money, they think that you scrimp because you can not afford to spend. Which may be the case for many, me included at times. There are many things in this life that I would like to enjoy but can not afford, but there are many things that I can and do afford in my life that many could never dream of. Living in Canada, statistically speaking that puts me in the top 4% of the worlds wealth - that means that 96% of the worlds population live at a lesser level than my family and I. I know that even if there have been times "statistically speaking" we have lived below the poverty line we have never been with out the things that we truly need... Sustenance, Shelter and clothing. It certainly may have been difficult to make ends meet, but it was never impossible, for many it is nearly impossible. Perspective is powerful , I have found that couponing can be quite the challenge, and a fun one at that. Bring it on, I am ready for the challenge.
Frugal = 1) Economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or not wasteful
2) Entailing little expense; requiring few resources; meager; scanty
3) Practicing economy.
Synonyms - Thrifty, provident, careful, economical
Cheap = 1) Costing very little, relatively low in price, inexpensive.
2) of little account of small value, mean, shoddy, poor workmanship
Synonyms - Miserly, tightwad, stingy
Cheap often implies inferior quality, or unwillingness to part with ones money, possessions or time. To me it is a self serving inward looking way of living.
Frugal on the other hand implies wisdom and wise use of money, time and possessions, looking for the best value before spending.
I aim to be of the latter.
Often when saving money is discussed, people think you are saving for a big purchase item, fancy holiday or retirement. When you tell them you use coupons on a regular basis to save money, they think that you scrimp because you can not afford to spend. Which may be the case for many, me included at times. There are many things in this life that I would like to enjoy but can not afford, but there are many things that I can and do afford in my life that many could never dream of. Living in Canada, statistically speaking that puts me in the top 4% of the worlds wealth - that means that 96% of the worlds population live at a lesser level than my family and I. I know that even if there have been times "statistically speaking" we have lived below the poverty line we have never been with out the things that we truly need... Sustenance, Shelter and clothing. It certainly may have been difficult to make ends meet, but it was never impossible, for many it is nearly impossible. Perspective is powerful , I have found that couponing can be quite the challenge, and a fun one at that. Bring it on, I am ready for the challenge.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Way back when....
in 1988 when we first said I Do a new life was ahead of us. A life of promise, a life of hope, a new adventure. Like every newlywed couple, we were going to do things right. A budget was set up, envelopes were labled, life would be paid for on a cash basis where ever possible, when the envelope was empty it was empty! We purchased a freezer with our wedding gift money, some of the wisest $$ ever spent. Debt was going to be eliminated and we would have a nice next egg one day.
This is how things looked...
Combinded Take home pay 1600.00
Giving 180.00
Car loan: 225.05
Home expeses: 41.00
(hydro, phone etc.)
Debt reduction: 60.00
(credit card, wedding etc)
Groceries: 150.00
(including paper & cleaing products etc.)
(including paper & cleaing products etc.)
Gas: 45.00
(Oh how the 2011 version of me wishes!)
Running car 295.00 (Oh how the 2011 version of me wishes!)
(insurance, repair nest egg)
Entertainment 175.00
(Sports, crafts, eating out, gifts, and long term holidays & vacation savings. Only $50.00 was put into the envelope)
Which left 33.95 at the end that was tagged for savings, sometimes it made it others it did not.
We went shopping together,(date nights were exciting here) calculator & list in hand, coupons ready - we knew with in a few dollars exactly what our total would be when we reached the check out. It worked
!
! Then life got away from us, hubby went school, we were a single income family, kids arrived thankfully after college graduation - shopping together stopped, calulator gave way to speed shoping, list was made but rarely followed. Our cash envelopes went by the way side as we tried groceries on credit card to gain air miles, then debit card. And the budget... well for lack of a better term, went to hell in a hand basket, Sigh.. not totally but it was certainly not as well laid out, bills were paid, there was food on the table, and a roof over our head.
Fast froward to 2010 and I realized that I needed to get our 700.00 plus dollars a month grocery spending under control. I thought it was skyrocketing food prices and feeding 3 growing girls - in truth it was lack of planning on several levels. I started looking into saving money on groceries, I knew something would be changing and SOON. Google was my friend, I found sites like save.ca, and websaver.ca I ordered coupons, and waited. Then a friend invited me to a Mrs. Smith class on couponing. It was just the kick start I needed to motivate me.
So here we are in 2011, a family of 5, driving one car, looking towards college/university educations, living on one full time, and a smattering of other random incomes, in a suburb of the second largest city in Canada trying to make ends meet as best we can. This blog is a journey of what we are learning, the changes we are making and a way of sharing some of it. Thank you for joining in the fun... Let the blogging begin.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Welcome....
Thank you for joining me on this journey, it has been percolating for some time now. I have been planning this much like some would plan far off & distant vacations or a wedding. I have read, studied, prayed, looked for real life examples, I have a note book full of ideas, drawings, recipes, a schedule plan for some posts and I am excited to launch
Frugal is NOT a dirty word
(and it is not the same as cheap!)
It is basically a place for me to keep track of progress, post ideas, and to share with whom ever chooses to visit here and read along. I am happy you are here to join me on this road towards a more frugal life...
I think of FRUGAL as a conscious choice to make your life better, by being aware of your spending habits, and not living beyond your means. Making better use of your personal resources what ever those may be (finances, time, creativity, baking... ) It comes down to being a good steward of the gifts God has given.
We are a family of 5, living on a single full time wage, with a few part time hours tossed in for good measure. We are working towards reducing our expenses, increasing our savings and getting rid of debt. We are asking the question is this a NEED or a WANT and learning to live with in our means - if not under. I will talk coupons, shopping lists, menu plans and a few DIY projects tossed in for good creative measure. I hope it will be fun.
Please remember
I am not an expert
I am in progress
I am learning
I am not perfect
That this is a journey
That this is my interpretation of that journey
That this is simply my experience as I see it
That it is my hope that others will read and enjoy
That they may even learn a thing or two along the way
I am looking forward to writing again
I am excited to share some of my "bargains"
I anticipate many good things as this journey unwinds....
I think of FRUGAL as a conscious choice to make your life better, by being aware of your spending habits, and not living beyond your means. Making better use of your personal resources what ever those may be (finances, time, creativity, baking... ) It comes down to being a good steward of the gifts God has given.
We are a family of 5, living on a single full time wage, with a few part time hours tossed in for good measure. We are working towards reducing our expenses, increasing our savings and getting rid of debt. We are asking the question is this a NEED or a WANT and learning to live with in our means - if not under. I will talk coupons, shopping lists, menu plans and a few DIY projects tossed in for good creative measure. I hope it will be fun.
Please remember
I am not an expert
I am in progress
I am learning
I am not perfect
That this is a journey
That this is my interpretation of that journey
That this is simply my experience as I see it
That it is my hope that others will read and enjoy
That they may even learn a thing or two along the way
I am looking forward to writing again
I am excited to share some of my "bargains"
I anticipate many good things as this journey unwinds....
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