Are rechargeable batteries a better deal??

Batteries are expensive and rough on the environment. But in keeping with the goal of saving money and still having my kids' toys putter around, is it better to keep buying regular batteries (on sale and with a coupon) or their more expensive counter-part, the rechargeable batteries?

Money Savings Mom did a great "Ask the Readers" question on this, check it out!

http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/05/ask-the-readers-is-it-a-better-deal-to-buy-disposable-batteries-or-invest-in-rechargeable-batteries.html

I'm Back!

After a bit of a break this spring, I am back to see just how much I can save over this summer!! So get out your scissors and notebooks let's get back to saving!

Fareway Deals Feb. 9-15 2011

It has taken me a bit of research to find the best blogs to that match up Fareway deals with coupons but the time has paid off! Check out the following links for the best Fareway match-ups!

• http://moneysavingmom.com/store_deals/category/fareway

• http://learningthefrugallife.blogspot.com/p/weekly-grocery-deals.html

Find your local Fareway here: http://www.fareway.com/index.cfm

Don't know what to make with all of your super finds??

Check out this great cooking blog:

http://iowagirleats.com/

Coupons.com New Coupons Out!

Here's a list of the new coupons out at http://www.coupons.com/


FREE Hasboro Card Game – when you buy a Hasboro Game $9.99 or more
$1.50 OFF 1 Philadelphia Cooking Creme
$1.50 OFF 1 Wanchai Ferry Frozen Entrée
$1.50 OFF 1 NESTLE BUTTERFINGER Funsize Bag
$1.00 OFF 2 Stove Top Stuffing Mix
$1.00 OFF 2 Yogi Granola Snack Crisps
$1.00 OFF 2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Holiday Cookies
$1.00 OFF 1 Pillsbury Sweet Moments Refrigerated Desserts
$1.00 OFF 1 Pemmican Beef Jerky or Beef Brisket
$1.00 OFF 1 LACTAID Lowfat Cottage Cheese
$1.00 OFF 1 Hidden Valley Salad Kit
$0.75 OFF 1 Refrigerated JELL-O Pudding or Mousse 6Pk
$0.75 OFF 1 Cinnamon Burst Cheerios cereal
$0.75 OFF 1 Chex Cereal
$0.75 OFF 2 Frozen Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits
$0.75 OFF 1 Muir Glen Flavored Tomatoes
$0.50 OFF 1 Gardetto’s Snack Mix
$0.50 OFF 1 any variety Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough
$1.00 OFF 1 Glade Premium Room Spray (9.7-oz)
$7.00 OFF any 1 Florastor Probiotic
$3.00 OFF 1 KY Brand Product
$2.50 OFF 2 U By Kotex Tampons
$2.50 OFF 2 U By Kotex Pads
$2.00 OFF 1 Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers
$1.00 OFF 1 LACTAID Supplement Product (32ct or larger)
$2.00 OFF any 1 Nature’s Bounty Your Life Vitamins
$1.00 OFF any one PediaCare Product
$10.00 OFF Purina BREEZE Litter System
$2.00 OFF 12 cans of Purina Mighty Dog
$3.00 OFF 1 bag ProPlan Select Cat Food
$3.00 OFF 1 bag ProPlan Select Dog Food
$10.00 OFF The Paul Newman Tribute Collection on DVD
$5.00 OFF 1 Thelma and Louise on Blu-ray
$4.00 OFF 1 Eat Pray Love Blu-ray or DVD
$4.00 OFF 1 The Karate Kid Blu-ray or DVD
$4.00 OFF 1 Grownups Blu-ray or DVD
$3.00 OFF 1 Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Blu-ray or DVD

Happiness is Homemade

With V-day just around the corner it is fun to see all of the great gifts out there that you can make yourself for your sweetie pie! Check out the site below for some fun ideas and frugal ways to celebrate any time!

http://www.skiptomylou.org/free-downloads/

Make Your Own Hair Conditioning Treatment!

Continuing with my "make it at home cheaper" series, I came across a really sweet Hair-Conditioning Treatment that really works! This is a once-in-a-while treatment to use to replace any expensive salon treatment.

• Here is what you do:

Mix together 3 eggs, 2 tablespoons of olive oil or safflower oil (I prefer the olive it smells awesome), and 1 teaspoon vinegar. Apply to hair, cover with a plastic cap and leave on for a half hour. Shampoo as usual.

This treatment leaves your hair really soft and shiny! It is perfect for this winter weather.

Last Day on Super Shipping Rate at Kohl's

Today is the last day of Kohl's $.99 per item shipped sale. They are running a clearance sale for 60%-80% off tons of items! I am stocking up on winter clothes for my kids. Here in the mid-west our winter can last easily until May! When cruising Kohl's site just make sure you note the items that are 'online' or NOT 'store only.' Happy Shopping!!

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/home.jsp?prtID=pfx&src=k3787&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliate-_-*FatWallet.Com*-_-Expect%20Great%20Things%20at%20Kohls.com

Coupon Booklets Now Available

New Coupon Books are available from Home Made Simple. This includes a $35 savings on P&G products like Dawn, Tide, Swiffer etc. Get yours quick before they run out. They will be sent out to your house in 4-6 weeks!

https://www.thepromotionaloffer.com/hmsdrtv/

Online Blow Out Sale!!

6pm.com is having a HUGE shoe sale right now. There are some really great choices at up to 80% off. They are also running a special $2.95 flat rate shipping deal until Feb. 14th. This is the perfect time to stock up on your summer flip-flops or trade up your work out shoes!

http://www.6pm.com/

Happy hunting!

Meal Planning Jan 31-Feb 6

Over the last few weeks I have been challenging myself to use up all my pantry goodies b/f hitting the stores. Last week had super deals all around so I find that I am now fully stocked therefore it is time to cook from my pantry this week! Here is what I have planned, with the caveat that I may change my mind any given day :)

• Monday: Chicken Tetrazzini

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chicken-tetrazzini/18a65d11-31f2-4656-ae95-1379551c8823

• Tuesday: Homemade Pizza

• Wednesday: Pasta with Tomatoes and Peas (family fav)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/pasta-with-tomato-and-peas-recipe/index.html

• Thursday: Leftover Buffet

• Friday: Dinner with Grandparents

• Saturday: Chicken Pot Pie

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-chicken-pot-pie/df0d82fa-a1de-4bc6-8952-a4a2533baf75

• Sunday: Breakfast for Dinner

I use divided lunch trays for the kids and add fresh fruit, a couple of cheese cubes and some kind of cut veggie they can dip in ranch (probably celery with cream cheese this week).

Typically I will make 1-2 desserts at the beginning of the week so this week it will be brownies (pouch) and banana cupcakes.

Easy Banana Cupcakes

1 pkg yellow cake mix

1/8 tsp. baking soda

1 c. mashed bananas (2-3 med. ripe bananas)

1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Mix together the cake mix as directedon the package, except, stir 1/8 tsp baking soda into dry mix before adding liquid. Also, use 1/4 less water than package directions. To cake mix add mashed bananas and nuts (if desired). Bake according to package directions.

Hopefully I will be able to stay on track this week!!