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Basic Couponing

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I believe I have formed a habit on using coupons on things like laundry detergent, toothpaste, toilet tissue, trash bags and other household type items.  With all the cooking I had to get real about how much time I could spend couponing so focusing on these things helped.  Plus, with the “real food” I don’t buy the food items that have coupons (I know, I know…you told me so!) I check www.coupondad.net each weekend and make a short list of those items I can get a deal on and then throughout the week, as time and routing permits, I stop in to Walgreens, CVS and sometimes Target.

Yesterday, I was able to stock up on sensitive formula toothpaste (5 tubes), body wash (6 bottles), laundry detergent (2 bottles for 30 loads each)–all for $20.  While that isn’t extreme couponing, it is a savings and every bit counts!

Remember when I tried to make my own laundry detergent?!  I’m still laughing at that one!  I think that’s when the co-workers were most concered about me…when I shared that adventure!  One of them really cracked me up with the comment:  “I’m worried you are going to walk in Amish!”  (Please don’t take offense to that Amish comment if the Amish are somehow near and dear to your heart…you get the funny point there).  The laundry detergent thing definitely didn’t work for us even though it really would cost so little.  The various recipes I used always ended up chunky and just didn’t get the laundry clean.  I’m sure it is user error!

I’m getting more comfortable with our new routines and habits and have enjoyed cooking great real food today.  I started at 11 am and finished at 3:30 and have all 5 meals ready for the week, lunch items ready, 3 loaves of super easy artisan bread  (http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/4GYIYK/www.makeandtakes.com/warning-easiest-recipe-for-homemade-bread/).  This bread is so easy and so yummy–I made ours with whole wheat flour so more water was required.  Such a great feeling of accomplishment to have all of the food ready!  And I was careful in my recipe selection this go ’round to make sure it wasn’t a 12 hour day in the kitchen.  4.5 hours in the kitchen today will save me about 10 hours this week!  That’s a good trade off!

 


6 Comments

  • Reply Yvette |

    Now you’ve got me curious, what all did you make for your meals for the week? I’ll be making a huge batch of granola and some zucchini muffins today or tomorrow for snacks (Monday’s a day off up here in Canada). 🙂

    • Reply Claire |

      I knew I should have been Canadian! 😉 Thanks for asking Yvette…I always WANT to share but don’t want to bore those who just aren’t interested. I started the day by making the whole wheat tortillas from www.100daysofrealfood.com. With those I prepared two large casserole dishes (one for the week, one to freeze) of turkey spinach enchiladas. Next, I prepared everything for veggie wraps using more of those tortillas (I made 36!) using sweet potatoes, fresh corn, black beans, sweet onion and red pepper. Moved on to a turkey meatloaf and the sides of new potatoes and carrots. Readied everything for the boys to enjoy turkey paninis for lunch and then tonight had the BEST Italian Caprese Pasta Salad with whole wheat bowtie pasta, red onion, artichokes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil with a spinach salad on the side. Wow! That was the best meal!!! Most of these recipes are from www.thescramble.com which I am finding to be worth EVERY penny of the $20 or so per quarter

  • Reply maureen |

    I have wanted to do that make meals ahead thing for the longest time…unfortunately Sundays never turn out to be a free day for me…But last week I did plan what I would have for dinner each night on Sunday night. I did not have to go to the supermarket once all week..till friday night, which I know saved me at least $20.00…I think planning or making meals ahead can really save money! Keep at it! I’m working on this weeks list now!

    • Reply Claire |

      Isn’t such a huge relief to have a plan? I guess that goes for anything but man do I LOVE having our meals planned!

  • Reply Jim |

    Keep it up!!! This year I was able to score 40 bottles of tide for about $30. Keep an eye on the ads and stock up accordingly

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