Cooking up an August challenge!

Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4 a day

A perfect and irresistible idea: A cookbook filled with delicious, healthful recipes created for everyone on a tight budget—and a cookbook with a strong charitable component: With every copy of Good and Cheap purchased, a second copy will be given to a person or family in need.

I ordered this book about 6 months ago and just received it in the "mail" today. You can either order a copy on Amazon via the link above for about $12, or you can download the FREE PDF here. Receiving the cookbook reignited my fervor to stick to my budget and be better about meal planning. Honestly, even with the help of coupons and sales, I don't think I could eat on $4 a day, but I think I could come close! After delving into the book at bit, Leanne Brown gives tons of tips and tricks on saving money on your grocery bill, and you don't have to print or use a single coupon. The main point is to learn how to prepare food, and keep basic staples on hand so you can throw a healthy meal together quickly.

Now, for the challenge! I've let my grocery budget slip lately and I need to reign that back in. I'm going to challenge myself to get as close as possible to $4 a day for food, or $30 a week ($2 wiggle room for treats) while sticking to a healthy eating plan. Here's what a typical weekday looks like for me right now:
 Breakfast 
 Cereal $0.33
 Fruit $0.33
 Almond Milk $0.25
Total  $0.92
Lunch 
 Frozen meal $2.00
 Apple $0.50
 Yogurt $1.00
 Snacks $1.00
Total  $4.50
Dinner 
 Protein $0.75
 Grain $0.31
 Veggie $0.25
 juice $0.17
Total  $1.48
Total Day  $6.90

I usually allow myself $50 a week for groceries, but that includes supplies for the furkids and all those things that food stamps doesn't cover like toilet paper and shampoo. For the month of August I will be diligent about meal planning and recording how much I spent on just food for human consumption. I don't have any major life events happening in August, and it's a super month for fresh veggies. The challenge for me will be committing to cooking in the summer. I have a feeling I will be doing some freezer meals, crock pot dinners and some batch cooking on the cooler days.

So what do you think? Want to join me in this adventure? You can download the free PDF to get you started with meal planning, maybe order the book later when your budget allows, and post your progress in the comments after I post my weekly update? I think we can learn from each other through this, but I'm happy to get it rolling!
I will still post weekly deals, as a separate post.

Target diaper deal

Here’s how the deal works:
Buy:
(8) up & up Diapers Giant Pack, $24.99 = $199.92
(1) up & up Baby Wipes Tub, Unscented, 72 ct. $1.89
-$1.50 Target printable coupon 1.50 off With purchase of both up & up™ baby care items • Boxed diapers and • 72-ct. or larger wipes 
Total out of pocket = $200.31
Get Back:
 $40 Target Gift card for $200 in baby items
 (4) $10 Target Gift cards for purchase of 2 up & up diapers

Don't have $200 to lay out on diapers this week? You can dial this deal down a bit.
Buy:
(5) boxes of diapers @ $24.99 = $124.95
(1) package of wipes @ $1.89
- $1.50 Target coupon
Total out of pocket: $125.34
Get Back:
$20 Target gift card for $125 in baby items
(2) $10 gift cards for purchase of 2 up & up diapers

There are other promotions for Pampers and Huggies (the above combo was the least out of pocket that I could find), combined with printable coupons, you can really stock up if you have the funds!

You’ll get FREE shipping with this deal and, if you’re a REDcard member, you can save an additional 5% on this order.

This offer ends 7/11.

Additional note: food stamps and WIC do not cover diapers and wipes. Food pantries, shelters and other charities LOVE getting Target gift cards to help those in need or to buy their own miscellaneous supplies.

You could also use the gift cards you earn to buy more baby items and earn more gift cards with less out of pocket money.

Happy saving!

Deals for the week of 7/5/2015

Market Basket

Great stock up sale on Pampers diapers and wipes!
The economy packs (104-168 count) are a "special purchase" this week for $29.99, that's $17 less than Wal-Mart and Target. HOLY SMOKES!
The 192 count of Pampers wipes are also on sale for $4.99.
Check out your favorite coupon printing site, there are multiple coupons available to print as well as newspaper coupons.
special note: food stamps and WIC do not pay for diapers and wipes

Always pads on sale 2/$5 use this $1.50 off 2 printable coupon, or the $1 off one newspaper coupon for an even better deal.

Shaw's

Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad 10/$10 (you don't have to buy 10) and use this printable 50 cents off 2 it will double to $1 making each box 50 cents. I personally love to use these and doctor them up with veggies and bits of cheese for a cool summer side or lunch.
General Mills cereals, select varieties, 4/$10 (you don't have to buy 4) so $2.50 a box. Use this printable 50 cents off one box of original Cheerios it will double, making your Cheerios $1.50 a box. Not the best deal, but still cheaper than the store brand :-)
select varieties = Cheerios, Honey Nut, Medley Crunch, most varieties of Chex, Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Wanted to try and get these up earlier so you could decide if it was worth buying the newspaper. There is only one P&G insert today, but the diaper coupon might be worth buying multiples if you want to stock up.
I encourage you to comment any deals you've found that I haven't mentioned here. I only post deals that I know for certain will work.
Happy shopping!

Update 7/1/2015

Hey all, sorry for the lack of posts recently, I got busy with life and participating in Relay for Life.
Since it's already Wednesday, here's my quick picks :)

Shaw's has 12 can packs of all Coke products on sale 5/$10, limit 5. You don't have to buy 5 to get this price and the stores are pretty well stocked so you can get what you need without a rain check.
Blueberries are on sale for 97 cents a pint, limit 2. This is cheaper than picking them yourself!
Bulk chicken packs are $1.77/pound, minimum 3 pound package.

Market Basket has started carrying gallons of the Almond Breeze almond milk. They were $3.99 at my store in Seabrook, and if you use this printable $1 off coupon you'll be getting your almond milk for the same price as the half gallons.



And since today is the first of the month, printable coupons have refreshed! Go print 2 of every coupon you think you might use from each computer.

Deals for the week of June 14th, 2015

Target

Another great freebie at Target with printable coupons!
Head over to http://coupons.target.com/ and print 2 of the $3 Nivea body wash coupons (looks like these coupons are already gone, updated 6/15)
And print $3 off two Nivea body wash
= TWO FREE body washes ($3.99 each, regular price)

This purchase will also count towards the $5 gift card with $20 personal care purchase promotion.

Market Basket

~ Blueberry pints 2/$4 (even better than the Shaw's BOGO last week!)
~ Special K cereal 2/$6, this didn't seem like a great deal until I realized it was for the larger 14.7-18oz sizes. There's also a brand new printable 50 cents off ONE Special K Red Berries
~ Schick Quattro Shavers $4.99, combine with this $3 off one or $7 off two printable coupons to get a great deal. And you might as well get some free shaving cream while you're at it with this printable Buy razor, get shave gel free
There's also a Schick promotion to get 2 free movie tickets with the purchase of 2 Schick razors, more details here

Shaw's

~Cherries $1.99 a pound (these are my "treat" food when they go on sale)
~ boneless chicken breast is $1.88 a pound, but you have to buy the 3+ package for that price
~ Weight Watchers Smart Ones $1.88 each
~ Almond Breeze gallons $4.49 (price until July 9) and use this printable $1 off Almond Breeze almondmilk
~ Simply Lemonade is on sale 2/$5 until July 9, use this printable for 75 cents off which will double to $1.50, making it a buck a bottle!

Did you find a great deal? Post it in the comments :-)

13 essential items you never thought to donate to those in need

Original article here , I have copied the meat and potatoes below:


There are items we all use daily that we would never think to donate. Besides the resilient canned food items and secondhand clothing, think about those extras that are necessities to many of us, yet luxuries to those who frequent donation centers for their basic needs.
Along with your regular donations of food and clothes, consider dropping off one of these essentials next time you hit the donation center. Consider it added insurance that your donation definitely made an impact on someone's life.

1. Toilet paper

Toilet paper is often the first item to go at donation centers. It’s a constant need that is rarely ever filled. Bring a couple of wrapped rolls on your next giving trip, and you’re guaranteed to make a difference.
Consider donating: Unscented rolls of toilet paper in large and small quantities.

2. Small bottles of bath essentials

Bathroom products such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and deodorant are toiletries many of us take for granted. Small bottles save space and make it possible for someone without regular shelter to stay clean while relying on public rest areas for bathing. Just make sure the products you purchase still have an intact seal.
Consider donating: Allergy-friendly brands of soap and deodorant.

3. Dental hygiene essentials

Dental access is often blocked for those who can’t afford health insurance. To help people in need keep their teeth healthy and pain-free on their own, donating dental supplies is a must.
Consider donating: Toothbrushes and toothpaste for normal and sensitive teeth.

4. First-aid items

Especially for people impacted by homelessness, bandages are often needed but not easily accessible. Help those in need keep their wounds properly cared for by donating sealed first-aid essentials.
Consider donating: Band-Aids, ointments, medicated wipes and ace bandages.

5. Pads and tampons

When period products go on sale, buy a few extra boxes to donate. These necessities get to be an expensive, unavoidable monthly cost for many families, making them ideal donations. Plus, no one should ever have to worry about access to feminine hygiene.
Consider donating: Pads and tampons for all scenarios and body types. Think heavy, light and moderate needs.

6. Diapers

Babies get plenty of love in the clothing donation department. But other non-recyclable needs, such as diapers and the extra accessories needed to make a happy baby bottom, are few and far between. Even assistance programs like WIC and SNAP don’t cover diaper costs, so they are in constant demand.
Consider donating: Diapers for all ages, especially for older children, as well as baby wipes and baby powder.

7. Underwear and socks

Sure, you donate your gently used clothing to charity, but underwear and socks don’t get a second life. Consider spending a few bucks to help out those who can't afford the cost.
Consider donating: Large packs of plain underwear and socks to get more impact for your buck.

8. Spices

If someone is solely shopping at a food pantry for necessities, his or her food may end up bland without something to spice it up. Accidentally buy two containers of pepper? Donate one. The extras matter.
Consider donating: The most common spices, such as salt, pepper, thyme, paprika and cinnamon.

9. Blankets

Blankets are strategic items to donate, even when it’s not the dead of winter. Check your local temperature at the coldest point of the night — if the weather reads a temperature you wouldn’t want your thermostat reading, consider donating a blanket.
Blankets are a much-needed necessity for those living without proper access to heat, including those sleeping on the street.
Consider donating: All-weather blankets, or blankets made of wool or fleece.

10. School supplies in the middle of the school year.

Donation centers get a surplus of school supplies at the beginning of every school year, but in the middle of the year, supplies run low. Pencils become stubs, math notebooks are on their last pages and backpack seams rip.
Help out by donating school essentials when kids need them most.
Consider donating: Notebooks, pencils, erasers and sturdy backpacks.

11. Gently used bicycles

Have an old bicycle in good condition? Consider donating it as a form of transportation. A reliable bicycle could mean a free and fast commute to and from work for a person struggling to make ends meet.
Consider donating: A bicycle that is already in running condition, with a bike lock for security.

12. Old cellphones

If you're on a regular cellphone plan, chances are you upgrade your device for a fee every year or two. Instead of piling up devices in a drawer, consider donating all but one backup phone. Your old phones still have a little life in them for people who can’t easily get an upgrade or don’t have a phone for emergencies.
Consider donating: A modern phone with little wear and tear.

13. Sturdy bags and boxes to easily carry goods.

If you have too many reusable bags piled in your closet, donate a few to your local food pantry. Bags make carrying items a lot easier for families who might rely on public transportation or walking to get their donated essentials.
Consider donating: Large bags with some integrity and strong stitching, or boxes with built-in handles.

Deals for the week of June 7th, 2015

Shaw's

~See previous post for Cheerios deal, all varieties are included in the sale except for the +protein variety.
~Chobani and Mueller yogurt on sale for 79 cents each when you buy 10 participating items (I bought my yogurt for the week and some frozen veggies to make the 10). There are printable coupons for Chobani for $1 off 3.
~Blackberries, blueberries and raspberries are BOGO, even the organic varieties. I got the Dole pints of blueberries for $4.99, one for this week, one for the freezer. 

Market Basket

~Almond Breeze 2/$5, this is my favorite almond milk and this is the same price as the store brands.
~Langer's PLUS juice 2/$4
~Bananas $0.39/pound (they were all very green at my store, so I'm going to check back later this week)

Target

Schick Slim Twin 12 count razors $5.99 each	$11.98
Target Coupon on 2	-$3.00
Target net price	$8.98
Cartwheel offer %	20.00%
in dollars	-$1.80
Manufacturer's coupon on 2	-$7.00
Total paid at register	$0.18

 
link to MFG coupon here, print the Target coupon from the website, this is an awesome item to donate!


Did you find any incredible deals this week? Please share them in the comments.