Homemaking Plan Week 10 of 2012

As I sit down to write the menu for the week, I'm writing out my 4 weekly "to do" lists (personal tasks, blogging tasks, cleaning chores, less common maintenance cleaning tasks).  It's helping me to accomplish things that easily get pushed aside otherwise, even if I don't get them all checked off!


I'm starting to notice that I get sidetracked easily (ok, so I've always been easily sidetracked) and end up doing other chores around the house.  (yeah, chores- that's the part that's new to me!) I've even made several lists of normal chores that I've nearly completed over the past week.  It's still far from a routine, but my house is getting there! 


This week's maintenance chores in addition to daily functioning cleaning chores.

1. Dust all blinds.  (does looking up tips for cleaning them count for last week?)
2. Weed flower beds and/or plant seeds for garden.  I may plant some flowers as well if Home Depot has a good sale (I still have a GC)
3. 15 minutes daily tidy after the kids go to bed

See?  Nothing too involved, just things that will help me stay on top of things at home instead of letting the week slip away from me because none of those things seem pressing to be done immediately.

Frugal $5 Dinner Menu Week 10 of 2012

My goal is to provide dinner for my family for an average of $5 except on special occasions. We don't have to eat beans and rice to accomplish this goal!  I shop the grocery sales each week.  Then I plan my menu based on the foods I have already at home (at a great price). I balance more expensive meals with less expensive ones. We typically only cook a main dish 4 or 5 times a week. Each main dish cooked will serve 4-6, and the leftovers will be for easy dinners on the weekend, or to freeze for another week. This cuts down on cleaning, cooking, and meal planning- saving at us lots of time!

  

Come link up your chicken recipes in our March Dishing it Up recipe hop! 

Each month we have a theme for the recipes in our hop.  We'd love to have you come join us.  

Plus this month we're giving away 40 lbs. of chicken!

This week we'll be cooking (in no particular order)

 

Taco Salad

Oven Fried Chicken, Peach Slices, and Green Beans (2 meals)

Chicken n Dumplin's, Fruit Cocktail, Sweet Peas

(I can't decide between this recipe and my mother-in-law's recipe)

Jalepeno Cheddar Smoked Sausage, Fruit Cocktail and Cinnamon Toast

Little Caesar's Pizza and Apple Slices

For 2012, I will no longer be showing the cost breakdown for our meals.  This is very time consuming and for little purpose since I've spent the past 18 months showing that a family of 4 could eat for an average of $5 per dinner.  If you'd like to see some $5 menu ideas with cost breakdowns, please browse my pages for $5 Dinner Plans. 

This post is being linked up to Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie.

My Drugstore Shopping 3/4 $30.26 for $1.21 OOP

Updated with my Walgreens shop

I wasn't able to find the Softsoap bar soap that was on sale at CVS (this store didn't carry it) so I got a raincheck to try at another store.  Unfortunately it's written for just 1, so I'll still have to make it to another store this week :-(   The Revlon eye shadow was $5.29 but I decided to just get it rather than hunt it down later in the week at another store.  This store (5th and the Loop) did have the coupon insert from the Reinventing Beauty magazine out at the register though- score!

Since my husband had to work this weekend I had both kids in tow.  I purposely went to the store with the car carts for the kids, but I neglected to buckle Little One.  As a result I ended up buying a cadbury cream egg that she swiped from the register and began eating (foil and all) while I checked out.  I about flipped out to see it ring up for $.99, but at least it was BOGO so I threw in an extra at no cost for hubby.  $.50 each isn't too terrible is it? LOL- yes it is!

Transaction 1
Combos @ 2.00 (raincheck)
Revlon Eye shadow @ 5.29
subtotal: $7.29
$1/1 revlon
$6.32 on my GC from the last GC deal
New total: $0.00, got $2 ECB for Combos (raincheck from prior deal) and $4 ECB from Revlon
The Revlon also counts towards my Beauty Club rewards.

Transaction 2
Oreos @ 1.50
Jelly Beans @ .99
Revlon Eye Shadow @ 5.29
2 Cadbury eggs @ .99
subtotal: 8.77
$1/1 Revlon
$1.50/1 Oreo from scanner
$2 and $4 ECBs from T1
$.27 on my GC
New total: $0.00, got $4 ECB and $.99 ECB
The Revlon also counts towards my Beauty Club rewards.

Total shelf value: $18.19 

Total OOP $0.00

Started with $10.32 on GCs, end with $4.99 in ECBs and $3.68 on GC ($.37 tax)

I made a quick dash into Walgreens this evening.

Transaction 1
Colgate @ 3
Mandarin Oranges @ 1.49
subtotal $4.49
used $.75/1 colgate
used $2 RR
used in ad Q for Mandarin oranges (took off $.90)
new total: $.84, got $3 RR


Transaction 2
Colgate @ 3
Sweethearts @ .12 (clearance)
subtotal: $3.12
used $.75/1 colgate
used $2 RR
new total: $.37, got $3 RR

Total shelf value: $12.07

Total OOP $1.21

Started with $9.50 in RRs, end with $11.50 in RRs.

My other scenarios for 3/4 - 3/10:
CVS: $32.95 for $0.00 OOP and gain $4 in ECBs
Walgreens: $31.25 for $3.45 OOP

Walgreens Scenario 3/4 - 3/10 $31.25 for $3.45 OOP

Walgreens Rules in a Nutshell:
You may only do each deal once per transaction.
You cannot use the RR from one deal to pay for the same deal if you want to get another RR.
You may not use more manu Qs (including RRs) than the number of items in your transaction.
A RR cannot pay tax and it's value will not be reduced.
For a more in depth explanation of these rules, you can read my post "How to Roll With Walgreens"

Last week our scenario ended with a $4 RR from Natrol and a $2 RR from Belvita.  We're still waiting to get our $4.40 GC from the February ESRs  and now we can submit for another $6.60 to be added to that GC. 


Transaction 1
Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste 4 oz  @ 3
use $1/1 from 2/26 SS
New total: $2, get $3 RR (save)



Transaction 2
Walgreens Saline Nasal Mist 4.25 oz @ 5
Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste 4 oz  @ 3
Easter Tumbler @ .39
subtotal: $8.39
use $1/1 Colgate
use $4 RR and $2 RR from last week
new total: $1.39, get $5 RR and $3 RR


Transaction 3
Schick Hydro Power Razor @ 9.99
2 Johnson's Naturals (if included in the RR deal - check tags at your store) @ 6
3 Eclipse, Orbit of Wrigley's singles @ 3.87
subtotal: $19.86
use $4/1 Schick from 2/26 SS
use (2) $1.50/1 Johnson's Naturals printable (again, check to be sure they're included in the sale) 
use in ad Q for gum (takes off $1.80)
use $3 RR from T1
use $5 RR and $3 RR from T2

New total: $.06, get $4 RR and $2 RR


Totals: $31.25 at sale prices for $3.45 OOP (89% savings) Start with $6 in RRs and end with $6 in RRs.

CVS Scenario 3/4 - 3/10 $32.95 for $0.00 - Gain $4 in ECBs

If you're new to shopping at CVS, be sure to read my CVS tutorial.

This week there are two separate ads.  This scenario is written for the regular ad.  Check here to see if your area is part of the new test market area.  

 
We're starting this week with a $1 ECB, $3.79 ECB and $8 ECB as well as $4.47 left on your GC.

Transaction 1 (On Sunday)
2 Revlon Eye Shadow @ 9.98 (some areas these are priced higher) (counts towards beauty club)
2 Colgate Max @ 5.00
Gold Emblem Jelly Beans @ .99
subtotal: 15.97
use (2) $1/1 Revlon from 1/29 SS (expires Sunday 3/4)
use (2) $1/1 Colgate from 2/26 SS (some areas got $.35/1 or $.75/1)
use $8 ECB from last week
use $3.79 ECB from last week
use $.18 on your GC
new total: $0.00, get $8 ECB, $4 ECB and $.99 ECB


Transaction 2
2 Softsoap bar soap @ 7
CVS diapers @ 6.99
subtotal: $13.99
use (2) $1.50/1 softsoap from 2/12 SS
use $3/1 CVS diapers scanner Q printing week of 2/19
use $8 ECB (will be reduced to $7.99)
new total: $0.00, get $5 ECB and $2 ECB


Transaction 3
Milk @ 2.99 (prices regional)
use $2 ECB from T2
use $.99 ECB from T1
new total: $0.00, get $1 ECB

The purchases in this scenario bring us to $53.79 in Beauty Club purchases from this year's scenarios, so you should be expecting a $5 ECB as well!

Totals: $32.95 at sale prices for $0.00 OOP.  Start with $11.79 in ECBs and $4.47 on a GC, end with
$16 in ECBs ($1 from 2 weeks ago that we'll have to spend next week) and $4.28 on a GC.

Click here to see the list of matchups I pulled these deals from.

Walgreens Deals and Coupon Matchups 3/4 - 3/10

Walgreens Rules in a Nutshell:
You may only do each deal once per transaction.
You cannot use the RR from one deal to pay for the same deal if you want to get another RR.
You may not use more manu Qs (including RRs) than the number of items in your transaction.
A RR cannot pay tax and it's value will not be reduced.
For a more in depth explanation of these rules, you can read my post "How to Roll With Walgreens"
 
1 Dozen Large Eggs $1.29 limit 3


Nice Dried Fruit $1

Nice Honey 32 oz $4.99 with in ad Q limit 3

Kettle Chips $1.99
use $1/1 from 1/29 RP
Price after Q = $.99


Purina Beneful or Pet Chow 3.5 - 4.4 lbs. 2/$10 (must buy 2)
use $2.50/1 from 2/29 RP
use $.75/1 from 1/29 RP
use 1/1 from 1/29 RP (expires 3/4)
Price after Qs = as low as $2.50 each


Select Gillette, Old Spice, Olay, Ivory or Safeguard BOGO 50%
Combine with the $15 MIR WYB $50 select PG products
The only decent deal is with the Olay Q:
use $2/1 Olay bar, body wash or in shower body lotion from 3/4 PG
Price after BOGO 50% and Q unknown


Schick Hydro Razor $9.99, get $4 RR
use $2/1 from 2/12 or 2/26 SS
use $4/1 power from 2/26 SS
Price after Q and RR = as low as $1.99


Arrid or Arm n Hammer Deo $.99


Select Johnson's Products 6.5 - 15 oz or Desitin 2 oz 2/$6, get $2 RR
Be sure to verify these products are included-I'm listing all Johnson's baby and Desitin Qs
$1.50/1 Desitin Soothing Rash Bath Treatment printable
$1/1 Desitin Soothing Rash Bath Treatment printable
$1/1 Desitin printable
$1/1 Johnson's Baby Lotion printable
$1.50/1 Johnson's Naturals printable
$1/1 Baby Oil printable
$.75/1 Johnson's Baby Lotion printable (I really thought there was an insert Q as well, but it didn't pull up in the database)
Price after Qs and RR = as low as $.50 each if Naturals are included.


Walgreens Saline Nasal Mist 4.25 oz $5, get $5 RR


Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste 4 oz $3, get $3 RR
use $.35/1, $.75/1  or $1/1 from 2/26 SS
Price after Q and RR = as low as $1 moneymaker


Softsoap Body Wash 15 - 18 oz 2/$6, get $3 RR
use $.50/1 from 2/12 SS
Price after Qs and RR = $1 each WYB 2


Good Fillers
Nice Salt or Baking Soda $.50 with in ad Q limit 4
Bowl Fresh 1.7 oz or Ajax 14 oz $.59 with in ad Q limit 4
Geisha Mushrooms or Madam Mandarin Oranges $.59 with in ad Q limit 3
Eclipse, Orbit, Wrigley's gum 12-15 pc $.69 with in ad Q limit 3
W Candy 3-9.5 oz $.69 with in ad Q limit 3
Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Color $.99 with in ad Q limit 3
Nice Dried Fruit $1
1 Dozen Large Eggs $1.29
Nice Honey 32 oz $4.99 with in ad W limit 3

Drugstore Shopping Feb. 26 - Mar. 3

So far this week I've had 8 Walgreens transactions on 5 different trips
 
Transaction 1
2 Cortaid @ $5.99 each = $11.98
1 pullups @ $9.49
2 Bumblebee salmon @ $3.59 each = $7.18
Subtotal $28.65
Used (2) $3/1 Cortaid (one was reduced to $2.99)
Bogo Cortaid took off $5.99
$2/1 pullups
In ad Q for salmon took off $2.80
(2) $4 RRs
New total $3.87 got $2 RR for Huggies

Transaction 2
Ultimate Flora @ $10
Huggies wipes @ $2.49
Subtotal $12.49
Used $3/1 ultimate flora
$.50/1 wipes
New total $8.99 got $10 RR and $2 RR

Transaction 3
Ultimate Flora @ $10
Huggies wipes @ $2.49
Subtotal $12.49
Used $3/1 ultimate flora
$.50/1 wipes
New total $8.99 got $10 RR and $2 RR

Transaction 4
Pullups @ $9.49
2 Welchs jelly @ $4
1 Valentine's pencil @ $.12
Subtotal $13.61
Used $2/1 pullups
(2) $.55/1 welchs
$10 RR
New total $.51 got $2 RR for Huggies





Transaction 5
Burt Bees @$1.99
Valentine's pencils @$.12
Subtotal $2.11
Used $2 RR from Huggies
New total $.11 got $2 RR for Burt Bees

Transaction 6
Huggies wipes @ 2.49
Burt Bees @ 1.99
Natrol @ 4
BumbleBee Salmon @3.59
2 Stride @ 2.98
subtotal: $15.05
used $.75/1 wipes (from a mailer)
$1/2 Stride
in ad Q for salmon (took off $1.40)
in ad Q for stride (took off $1.60)
$10 RR from Ultimate Flora
new total $.30, got $2 RR for Huggies, $2 RR for Burt Bees, and $4 RR for Natrol


Transaction 7
Huggies @ 9.49
Lotion @ .25
Hot Chocolate @ .38
Sweethearts @ .12
subtotal: 10.24
used $1.50/1 huggies
$4 RR from Natrol
(2) $2 RRs from Burt Bees
new total: $.74, got $2 RR for Huggies





Transaction 8
Glade Expressions Starter @ 3.49
Burt Bees @ 1.99
2 Stride @ 2.58
1 Morton Salt @ .62
subtotal: $8.68
used $2/1 Glade
$1/2 Stride
in ad Q for Stride (took off $1.20)
(2) $2 RRs from Huggies
new total: $.48, got $1.50 RR for Glade and $2 RR for Burt Bees

So far this week I've bought $103.32 (not counting clearances) for $23.99 OOP.  That's less than the sale price for just the 3 packs of Huggies I bought! $11 of my OOP was spent on grocery items. That brings the price of my diapers/pullups down to about $4 each and I have $1.50 more in RRs than when I started. I'm hoping to find one more box of Ultimate Flora tomorrow to roll my $9.50 in RRs to. :-)

Link to 3/4 - 3/10 Walgreens RR Deals

I'm sort of having a boycott work day.  :-)  To be honest- after being dehydrated Sunday and Monday and being gone nearly all day on Tuesday, my house is finally starting to bother me.  I'm going to go outside and ride bikes with little Turkey and play in the yard for awhile, then tackle my kitchen this afternoon while he takes a whininess mandated nap.  Who knows, I may end up tackling the blinds too- or maybe just the bag of M&Ms that's begging for some help LOL.

Here are my Walgreens matchups for this week. I think I'll skip Wags and just shop CVS :-)  And just in case you're wondering what I ended up tackling this weekend- it was the M&Ms. 

Everyone enjoy your beautiful weather this at weekend!