Raising a Family on a Budget

The SuperBowl is just over a week away, so I figured this week’s Flavorful Friday post should be all about delicious game day fare.  When I think SuperBowl, I don’t think healthy.  I think spicy, cheesy, small bites, and pretty much anything that will go well with a cold beer.  Here are a few items that may make it onto my table for game day (but more likely will be served during my Thirty-One party earlier in the day).

Spicy Chicken Tortilla Roll-ups shared from Homemade by Holman

Cool Veggie Pizza shared from The Pampered Chef

Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza Puffs shared from Plain Chicken

Cheese Sauce for Fries or Nachos shared from Serious Eats

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese shared from Closet Cooking

January is going out the way it came in, with a ton of HOT coupons in the Sunday newspaper.

This week there will four inserts in the Sunday paper – SamrtSource, P&G Brandsaver, Unilever, and RedPlum.  Below is a preview of what should be in this week’s inserts, however some coupons/values may be regional so what you receive in your newspapers may vary.

:: SmartSource

Air Wick Save $1.50/1 Freshmatic refill (2/26)
Air Wick Save $1/1 Flip & Fresh (2/26)
Air Wick Save $2/1 Freshmatic Ultra Starter Kit or Gadget Only Pack excludes free item packs (2/26)
Alka-Seltzer Save $1/1 product (4/30)
Alka-Seltzer Save $2/1 Plus product (4/30)
Bayer Save $1/1 Aspirin product 20+ (4/30)
Biz Save $2/1 any size (3/31)
Biz Save $4/both any Biz and Disney’s Lady & the Tramp Blu-ray combo pack dnd (3/31)
Blue Diamond Save $1/1 almonds 6oz+ can (4/30)
Boston Market Save $1/1 large turkey or meatloaf individual meal (2/26)
Boston Market Save $1/1 sandwich, sandwich combo or entree salad (2/26)
Boston Market Save $33/1 family meal for 5 or 6 (2/26)
Chex Save $.40/2 4.5oz+ Mix or 100 Calorie Snack (3/ 24)
Colgate Save $.40/1 adult or kids manual toothbrush excluding Plus and Extra Clean (2/18)
Colgate Save $.50/1 toothpaste 4oz+ (2/18)
Colgate Save $1/1 360 battery powered toothbrush or refill (2/18)
Dole Save $.75/1 Parfaits (4/30)
Dole Save $.75/2 Gels (4/30)
Don Francisco’s Save $.75/1 coffee (3/15)
Don Francisco’s Save $1/1 Family Reserve coffee (3/15)
Efferdent/Effergrip Save $.75/1 product (3/30)
Eggland’s Best Save $.50/1 eggs (6/30)
Eggland’s Best Save $.75/1 cage free dozen or organic dozen eggs (6/30)
El Monterey Save $.75/1 Mexican snacks (4/30)
Everybody’s Nuts Save $1/1 7oz+ bag (5/31)
Fiber One Save $.50/1 cereal (3/10)
Foster Farms Save $1/1 Frozen Cooked Chicken(excludes Breast Nuggets) or Turkey Meatballs (4/30)
Frigo Save $.55/1 Cheese Heads string cheese 10oz+ (4/ 30)
Hartz Save $1/1 Crunch’n Clean (3/15)
Hasbro Save $5/$15+ Sesame Street Plush purchase (2/ 19)
Hill’s Save $2/1 Science Diet Ideal Balance cat or dog food (3/31)
ICAPS Save $2.50/1 Eye Vitamin and Mineral Product (3/ 30)
Irish Spring Save $.50/1 multi-bar pack 3pk+ (2/18)
Irish Spring Save $1/1 body wash excluding 2.5oz size (2/18)
Irish Spring Save $1/1 deodorant (2/18)
Kaukauna Save $1.50/2 varieties or sizes of cups, balls or logs (4/30)
Kleenex Save $.75/1 hand towels (3/26)
MiraLAX Save $1/1 10 or 14 dose (3/11)
MiraLAX Save $3/1 30 dose (3/11) Nature Made Save $1/1 product (2/29)
Nature Made Save $3/2 products (2/29)
Old El Paso Save $.50/1 product excluding refrigerated, frozen or soup (3/24)
Opti-Free Save $1.50/1 RepleniSH or Express 10oz+ solution (3/30)
Palmolive Save $.25/1 Ultra dish liquid (2/18)
Palmolive Save $.50/1 Ultra Soft Touch dish liquid 20oz+ (2/18)
Pillsbury Save $.40/2 Crescent Dinner Rolls (4/21)
Pillsbury Save $.40/2 Refrigerated Pizza Crust, Breadsticks, Loaves or Dinner Rolls (4/21)
Planters Save $1.50/2 peanuts 4-21.25oz dnd (4/30)
Prevacid B1G1 free 42 count up to Save $29 MAIL IN REBATE
Revlon Save $1/1 beauty tool (2/26) Softsoap Save $.40/1 hand soap pump 8oz+ or refill (2/18)
Softsoap Save $.50/1 bar soap 2 bar pack+ (2/18)
Softsoap Save $.75/1 body wash 12oz+ (2/18)
Speed Stick B1G1 free Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick antiperspirant/deodorant up to $3.99 (2/15)
Systane/GenTeal Save $1/1 product (3/30)
Tai Pei Save $.55/1 regular or Stir Fry Creations snack or entree 7.8-24oz (3/31)
Totino’s Save $.35/1 Rolls snacks (4/21)
Totino’s Save $.75/1 Pizza Stuffers (4/21)
Totino’s Save $.75/3 Crisp Crust party pizza (4/21)
Vlasic Save $.75/1 any jar of pickles (3/31)

:: P&G Brandsaver (Expire 2/29/12)

Bounce/Gain Save $1.50/1 dryer bars
Bounty Save $.25/1 towels or napkins
Cascade Save $.50/1 ActionPacs
Charmin Save $.25/1
Clairol Save $2/1 hair color ETS
Clairol Save $5/2 Natural Instincts hair color ETS
Covergirl Save $1/1 product ETS
Covergirl Save $2.50/2 product sets
Crest Save $.75/1 Rinse 458mL+
Crest Save $1/2 toothpastes4oz+ or liquid gel
Crest Save $10/1 3D White 2Hour Express, Professional Effects or Intensive Professional Effects Whitestrips
Dawn Save $.50/1 Power Clean,Oxi or Bleach Alternative
Downy/Gain Save $2/1 Unstopables or Fireworks
Duracell Save $.50/1 CopperTop, Ultra Power, Ultra Photo Lithium or Specialty batteries
Duracell Save $1.50/1 rechargeable batteries, charge or 6pk+ hearing aid batteries
Duracell Save $1/1 Ultra Power
Febreze Save $1/1 candle excludes Home Collection
Febreze Save $1/1 Luminary device refill
Febreze Save $1/1 Set & Refresh
Febreze Save $2/1 Home Collection Diffuser or Candle
Febreze B1 Fabric Refresher, G1 Air Effects or Fabric Refresher free up to Save $5.50
Febreze B1 Flameless Luminary Wooden Lamp Base, G1 Scented Shades refill free up to Save $5.99
Febreze B1 NOTICEables refill, G1 NOTICEables warmer free up to Save $3.29
Gillette Save $1/1 body wash ETS
Gillette Save $1/1 deodorant ETS
Gillette Save $1/1 Fusion ProSeries skin care product ETS
Gillette Save $1/1 Fusion Shave Prep ETS
Gillette Save $3/1 Fusion ProGlide razor wyb 4ct+ cartridge ETS
Head &Shoulders Save $1/2shampoos or conditioners ETS
Iams Save $3/1 dry dog or cat food
Ivory/Safeguard Save $.25/1 Ivory bar or body wash or Safeguard bar ETS
Metamucil Save $1/1 ETS
Metamucil Save $1/1 Fiber Singles,Capsules or Wafers ETS
Olay Save $1/1 bar, body wash or in-shower body lotion ETS
Olay Save $5/1 Pro-X facial moisturizer ETS
Olay B1 Professional Pro-X, Regenerist or Total Effects Facial Moisturizer or Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo, G1 4-bar soap pack free up to Save $5.99 ETS
Old Spice Save $.50/1 body spray or fragrance ETS
Old Spice Save $.50/2 products ETS
Old Spice B1 deodorant, get Save $1 off body wash ETS
Oral-B Save $.75/1 floss or floss picks 30ct+
Oral-B Save $.75/1 Pulsar, 3DWhite, Pro-Health or Complete or Save $.75/2 Indicator or Cavity Defense manual toothbrushes
Oral-B Save $20/1 Pulsonic or Professional Care rechargeable toothbrush MAIL IN REBATE
Oral-B Save $5/1 replacement brush heads 3ct+
Pampers Save $.60/1 wipes 60ct+
Pampers Save $1.50/1 diapers or pants
Pantene Save $1/2 products ETS
Prilosec OTC Save $2/1
Puffs Save $.25/3 singles or$.25/1 3pack
Scope Save $1/1 mouthwash710mL+
Secret Save $1/1 Outlast ETS
Swiffer Save $.50/1 refill or Dust & Shine ETS
Swiffer Save $1/1
Swiffer Save $1/1 Dusters 6ct,Dry Cloth 32ct, Wet Cloths 24ct, WetJet pads 17ct+ ETS
Tide/Downy Save $.50/1 Tide detergents, Downy Bounce or Tide Stain Release ETS
Tide/Downy Save $1/2 Tide detergents, Downy Bounce or Tide Stain Release ETS
Tide/Downy Save $2/3 Tide detergents,Downy Bounce or Tide Stain Release ETS
Vicks Save $1/1 product excludes trial and Vapo drops
Vicks Save $3/1 Nature Fusion product

:: RedPlum Unilever 

Abreva Save $3/1 product (8/29)
Advantage Brands Save $1/1 Tagamet 30ct, Debrox, Gaviscon, Sominex, Nytol, Gly-Oxide or Massengill 4pk (4/30)
Bertoli Save $1/1 frozen meal or meal soup (2/26)
Best Foods Save $.40/1 product 16.5oz+ (2/26)
Breathe Right Save $1.50/1 12ct or smaller (3/15)
Breathe Right Save $2/1 26ct+ (3/15)
Caress Save $.75/1 12oz+ body wash or 6 bar pack+ ets (2/26)
Citrucel Save $1.50/1 Fiber product (4/30)
Degree Save $1/1 Men Adrenaline Series anti-perspirant & deodoratn ets (2/26)
Degree Save $1/1 Women Premium anti-perspirant & deodorant or body mist ets (2/26)
Dove Save $.75/1 go sleeveless or go fresh anti-perspirant/deodorant excludes trial size, multi-packs and Men+Care (2/26)
Dove Save $1/1 Beauty Bar 6 pack+ excludes trial size and Men+Care (2/26)
Dove Save $1/1 body wash 12oz+ excludes trial size and Men+Care (2/26)
Dove Save $1/1 Hair Care product ets (2/26)
Dove Save $1/1 Men+Care antiperspirant 2.7oz or deodorant 3oz ets (2/26)
Dove Save $1/1 Men+Care Body and Face Bar 6 bar pack+ ets (2/26)
Dove Save $1/1 Men+Care Body and Face Wash 13.5oz+ or Active Clean Shower Tool ets (2/26)
Dove Save $2/1 Clinical Protection anti-perspirant/deodorant excludes trial size, multi-packs and Men+Care (2/26)
Ecotrin Save $1.50/1 Aspirin Therapy product (4/30)
Hillshire Farm Save $.55/1 Rope Smoked Sausage dnd (3/24)
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Save $.50/1 product (2/26)
Keebler/Sunshine Save $1/2 Keebler Crackers and/or Sunshine Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers 8oz-16oz (3/25)
Knorr Save $.50/2 Recipe/Sauce/Gravy Mix products (2/26)
Knorr Save $.50/2 Rice and Pasta Sides (2/26)
Lipton Save $.40/1 Tea Bags, To Go or Iced Tea Mix (2/26)
Lipton Save $.50/1 Tea Bags (2/26)
Mars Save $1/2 Valentine’s Day products dnd (2/14)
Monterey Gourmet Foods Save $1/1 pasta or sauce dnd (3/31)
Nalley Save $1/1 Pickle 16oz+ (3/24)
Os-Cal Save $1.50/1 Calcium Supplement product (4/30)
Pedigree Save $1/2 Dentastix 5.5oz+, Marrobone 8oz+, Jumbone 6.34oz+, Breathbuster or Goodbites (3/3)
Porcelana Save $2/1 product (3/31)
Q-tips Save $.30/1 cotton swabs product 170ct+ (2/26)
Ragu Save $.50/1 pasta sauce ets (2/26)
Tums Save $1/2 24ct+ (3/29)
Vaseline Save $1/1 Intensive Rescue 3oz+ ets (2/26)
Vaseline Save $1/1 Total Moisture, Aloe Fresh or Cocoa Radiant 3oz+ ets (2/26)
Wildwood Organic Save $.50/1 Emerald Valley Kitchen Organic Salsa or Hummus dnd (3/31)
Wildwood Organic Save $.75/1 Water Pack or Vacuum Pack Tofu dnd (3/31)
Wish-Bone Save $.50/1 dressing ets (2/26)

:: RedPlum 

Advil/Dimetapp/Robitussin$1/1 bottle or package of congestion relief ets (3/31)
Advil/Thermacare Save $1/1 bottle orpackage of Advil 40ct+, Advil PM 16ct+, Children’s Advil 4oz+ or Thermacare2ct+ ets (3/31)
Carnation Save $.50/2 12oz cans of evaporated milk (4/30)
Centrum Save $1/1 bottle or package of Centrum, Centrum Specialist, ProNutrients or Caltrate ets (3/31)
Coffee-Mate Save $.55/1 NaturalBliss product (4/22)
DiGiorno Save $2/2 large pizzas (2/5)
Dole Save $.50/2 cans of pineapple (4/30)
Emerald Nuts Save $1.50/2 products9oz+ dnd (3/11)
Fancy Feast Save $1/1 3lb+ dry cat food bag (4/29)
Fancy Feast Save $1/18 cans Elegant Medleys (4/29)
Fancy Feast Save $1/24 cans(4/29)
Fancy Feast Save $1/4 2oz trays Appetizers for Cats (4/29)
Kettle Brand Save $1/1 chips 4oz+ dnd(3/11)
L’Oreal Save $1/1 Paris lip product (3/25)
L’Oreal Save $1/1 Paris nail product (3/25)
L’Oreal Save $1/1 Paris skincare product ets (3/25)
L’Oreal Save $2/1 Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition product (3/25)
L’Oreal Save $2/1 Excellence or Excellence To-Go shade (3/25)
L’Oreal Save $2/1 True Matchmakeup or Paris face cosmetic product excludes Magic Perfecting Base .17 floz mini size (3/25)
L’Oreal Save $3/1 11oz standard size Elnett hairspray excludes 2.2oz trial size (3/25)
L’Oreal Save $4/2 Paris face cosmetic product excludes Magic Perfecting Base .17floz mini size (3/25)
Marcal Save $1/1 Small Steps Towel 8 roll+ or Save $1/1 Bath Tissue 12 roll+ or Save $1/2 Napkins (3/10)
Minute Rice Save $.50/1 product(4/30)
Nasoya Save $.75/1 pasta product (4/30)
Nasoya Save $1.25/2 products(4/30)
Nestle/Wonka Save $1/2 fun size bags9oz+ (2/29)
Pop Secret Save $.50/2 products dnd(3/11)
Pringles Save $.50/1 Snack Stackets (2/29)
Pringles Save $1/4 Super Stack cans 180g+ ets (2/29)
Purina Save $.75/1 6lb+ Ca tChow or Kitten Chow (3/25)
Purina Save $1/1 4lb+ bag of Puppy Chow, Dog Chow, Active Senior 7+, Little Bites, Healthy Morsels or Fit& Trim (3/4)
Purina Save $1/1 7lb+ Tidy Cats(4/29)
Purina Save $1/1 T-Bonz or Tin yT-Bonz (4/29)
Purina Save $1/2 Whisker Lickin’s (4/29)
Purina Save $2/1 4.5lb+ bag of Chef Michael’s Canine Creations dry dinners (2/26)
Purina Save $2/12 cans or Save $2/112 ct variety pack of Mighty Dog (3/19)
Purina B4G2 free cans of Chef Michael’s Canine Creations up to Save $1.86 (2/26)
Sarna Save $2/1 anti-itch product (3/31)
Stouffer’s Save $2/1 multi-serve entree 28-96oz (4/30)

In a previous life, before children, before grad school, many moons ago I used to sell homemade cookies and cakes, jams and jellies, and the like to supplement my income.  I loved baking cookies and decorating them for different occasions.  I finally think that I’m at a point where I can start baking like that again, but this time for family & friends.

I was looking for some cookie ideas, when David saw these and asked if we could make them.  He found my cookie cutters around Christmas, and has been anxious to use them, so I promised that we will be making these for Valentine’s Day.  Now to decide if these become his Valentine’s to his friends at school, or if we just make a pile of cookies to have for dessert at home.

Thank you, Brown Eyed Baker for sharing these cookies.

I saw this craft on Pinterest and just had to pin it, and share it with all of you!

This is a great craft to list the members of your family on conversation hearts, but I think I may make one using our house number to hang on the front door instead.

I plan on hitting Michael’s this weekend to get my supplies, and there is a great coupon available for $5 off of $25 through 1/28/2012.

Thanks to The Peanut Paintshop for sharing this craft.

January is now coming to a close. 

Make sure to print all of the coupons you want from the sites below before they reset in February.

Coupons.com

Coupon Network

SmartSource

RedPlum

Mambo Sprouts

Stonyfield Farm

This is just a reminder that it’s Mega Swag Bucks Day. Every Friday you have a higher chance of winning the Mega Bills (30 – 1,000 Swagbucks!). So, if you haven’t been searching all week, then at least remember to search today!

Don’t know what a Swag Buck is?

Swag Bucks is a search engine powered by Google and Ask.com. Whenever you search on Swagbucks.com, you have the chance to win points (aka Swag Bucks) that you can redeem for prizes and gift cards. You can easily earn enough points to get a $5 Amazon gift card every month if you do regular searches!

So, go do some searches and see if you win some of the big bills today! Check out all the other ways to win Swag Bucks!

I am working towards a $100 Lowe’s Gift Card to use towards putting in a garden this spring.  I am well on my way, and can’t wait to achieve my goal!

How are you going to use your SwagBucks?

Is one of your goals for 2012 to save more money on the things you buy anyway? We all want to be able to stretch our budgets a little bit farther and learn the tricks to getting things for just pennies, or better yet, for FREE!

Join us for our 2012 Kick Off to Frugal Living Classes at Playdrome Cherry Hill!

Topics Include:

:: Couponing 101 – where to find coupons and how to use them to save at the grocery store

:: Building a Stockpile

:: How to get paid for shopping online

:: The Basics of Swagbucks

:: Smartphone Apps that will save you time and money

Classes are approximately 2hrs long and will start promptly at 7pm. There will be time allotted for Q&A. Feel free to bring a notebook to class and any questions that you have so that I may address them throughout the program.

Cost is $12 in advance, $20 at the door.

Confirmations will be emailed out the week of the class.

Please complete the registration form below, and make your payment to be registered for this class.

Save $.65/4 YoCrunch Yogurt Cups Granola, Candy/Cookie Crunch or Parfait.

Our free weekly newsletter is sent out on Fridays, and includes highlights from the week, the upcoming coupon preview, information on upcoming events, and occasional special coupons and deals not found on the main site.

Sign up below!

Get $10 off any copy or print purchase of $10 or more at Office Depot. This coupon expires on 2/14/2012.

Thanks, Frugality is Free!