Check out the paper today for Jumbo's one day sales

I'm gone today for my daughter's wedding reception, but be sure and check out today's newspaper to see if Jumbo's has any good one day deals available!

Product review: Purex Ultra Packs

I recently got a free sample of the new Purex Ultra Packs to try. The premise is that the detergent is in the little packets and you just toss them in the washer and do not have to worry about measuring or pouring your detergent in.

What I liked about it:
I was a little concerned about what the smell would be like but it was pleasant and gentle, not overpowering.

It was easy to use, I just tossed it in and ran the washer.

My concerns:
Well, since it's just Tom and I, there are lots of times that we do not have a full load of laundry and I'd rather use a little less detergent. So for that purpose, I prefer measuring out for my laundry.

Since Tom tends to have allergy issues, I was worried it would cause problems for him, but it did not. Phew!

Would I buy this again? Possibly, if I found a really good deal on it.

Review: Half.com "Instant Sale"

A few weeks ago, Natasha asked me to see if I could sell some of her textbooks on half.com. They had been listed for a while, but sometimes it will give you the option to sell instantly to someone who is looking for the book for a certain price. So I went in to check it out and see if there was anyone looking for those books. There wasn't, but I discovered that Half.com has started a new program called "Instant Sale" where you look up what you have and a 3rd party company will evaluate the books (or other items) and make you a tentative offer. You are then able to accept that offer, print off a pre-paid mailing label and mail the books at no cost to you. I was offered $28 for the two books and so I accepted it and mailed the books in. That was on April 3rd. The website said you could expect payment within 5 days of the item being received and approved. On April 10th, I got an e-mail saying the items had been received and when I logged in, it said that not only were they approved, but they offered me a little more than originally offered-$32 instead of the $28. (After they get the books and make the offer, you have the right to refuse it if it's lower than originally quoted and they will mail the books back to you at no cost.) So...expecting the money in a few days, I went ahead and transferred the money to Tasha on that Friday, the 13th.

On Monday the 23rd, I still hadn't got the payment, so I sent in a contact form asking about it. I was told it could take up to 22 days from the original date (which was April 3rd). My payment was finally there this morning (April 26th). I went and looked again after getting the reply and it says nothing about 22 days, it says:

Once items are received by Elovations, Elovations will evaluate the items within 48 hours. Payments for accepted items are made within 5 days from the receipt of the item.

So, anyway, my review of this service is this. Would I recommend it? Sure, it was a great program and I was glad for Tasha to be able to sell her books. Just don't expect to sell and get "paid quickly" as they are advertising on their main page. As long as you're aware of that, then I say, try it out and see if you can get some extra $'s!

Facebook page contest!

If you haven't already, head on over to my Facebook page and "Like" it for a chance to win a coupon binder. I'll have the next drawing when I reach 100 likes! 

Jumbo Sale Ad: April 25th-May 1st

This week at Jumbo's:

Post Cereals: 2/$4 (there are printable Post cereal coupons out right now)
Hormel assorted pork chops: $1.59 a pound
Hunt's Ketchup, 24 oz: 89 cents (limit 4)
Hunt's pasta sauce: 89 cents (24 oz select varieties)
Chef Boyardee Canned pasta: 89 cents
Van Camp Pork & Beans: 2/$1 (limit 6)

United sale ad: April 25th-May1st

Wow, can you believe it's already almost May?

This week at United:
Dole classic salad mix: 96 cents
Banquet Dinners: 88 cents
Jeno's crisp and tasty pizzas: 79 cents (limit 2)
There is an in-store coupon to get Cheetos or Fritos 3/$5
Red Gold sloppy joe sauce: $1
Hamburger Helper (Cheeseburger Macaroni, Cheesy Beef Pasta or Beef Stroganoff), 99 cents. Use with 75 cents off 3 coupon to get for 74 cents a box

Blogger paragraph problem

After searching through the forums, I figured out how to fix the paragraph problem. When you're composing, up in the left hand corner of your screen, there are "compose" and "html" buttons. Make sure the "compose" button is pushed.

Trying it out...

Hoping it works.

Here we go...

Really annoyed with Blogger

I am really annoyed with Blogger. It upgraded last week and now my posts have no paragraph breaks. I don't know what to do to fix it and it's annoying me. Just wanted you guys to know that I do not write all in one big blob like these posts have been showing up. GRRRRRR.

Site Review: Coupon Chief

I have been asked by the site Coupon Chief to review their site for compensation. All the opinions stated in this post are my own.
What I liked about the site: I like the way they have the coupons organized. It is very easy to find what you like on the site and there is also a tag section to search for popular items like Mother's Day or gifts. For example, in the Mother's Day section, there is currently a Shutterfly coupon to get a free 5x7 photo with 99 cents shipping. Another thing I really like is the "Did it work" feature letting readers know whether the coupon worked for other people. After clicking on the Shutterfly coupon, I got a button asking if the coupon worked for me.

 Besides the "popular" tags, the site is divided into different stores. For example, if you are looking specifically for a coupon to Staples, you can go to the Staples section and explore the coupons there. Subscribers can add their own coupons as they find them.

On the right side of the coupons, it will have a logo saying whether it worked for others and on some coupons, it had "success" rates, like 10%, etc.

 On the Coupon Chief blog, they list current promotions.

 On the tutorial page, you can watch a video and learn more about how Coupon Chief works.

 Joining the site is simple and free and there is also a free e-mail newsletter that you can sign up for. There is also a Pays 2 Share section where you can get paid for uploading coupons; you'll get a percentage of the sales from anyone who actually clicks on and uses that coupon.

 Coupon Chief is also an Facebook, Twitter, and has an RSS feed.

 What I didn't like: I had to wonder why coupons that had a o% success rate were left on the site. Why aren't they pulled down if they do not work?

 Overall, I am very impressed with Coupon Chief and will definitely be looking to it first for coupon codes when I need to save $'s. I highly recommend everyone check it out!

Mexican Chicken

This recipe is so simple and it's one of Tom's favorites. I got it from my favorite cookbook: Dining on a Dime, from Living on a Dime. She cooks it in the oven, but you know me, I cook it in the crock-pot!

You just need:
1-2 pounds chicken (I use boneless, skinless breasts)
1 cup salsa
shredded cheese (optional)

Spray your crock-pot or slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the bottom and pour the salsa over the top. I cook it on high for about an hour, then turn it down to low. I can start this around 11:00 or noon and it will be ready in plenty of time for supper. Simple and healthy and did I mention yummy????

United and Jumbo sale ads: April 17th-23rd

This week at United:
Did not see any good match-ups, but did see:
Van Camp's pork and beans: 2/$1
Coke & Dr. Pepper 20 packs: $4.98
There is a buy 5 of specified items, get $5 off:
Kraft shredded cheese, Kraft chunk cheese, Kraft Fresh Take, Philadelphia cooking creme, Mayo or Miracle Whip, Oscar Mayer bacon, Nabisco Chips Ahoy or Ritz crackers, MIO liquid water enhancer, planters peanuts, Kool-Aid or Country Time, Kraft salad dressing, Capri-Sun drink pouches, Fun Pack lunchables.

Jumbo's:
Fresh sweet corn: 3/98 cents
Malt-o-Meal cereals: 2/$4
Kraft cheeses 4.5-8 oz: 2/$4
Pioneer gravy mixes: 59 cents (these are 94 cents at Wal-Mart, so that is a good deal). We love the pepper gravy. It's so good and much easier than making homemade gravy. LOL.
There is also a coupon in the ad for free pasta with purchase of two Ragu pasta sauces, the 45 oz is on sale 2/$5

Review: Quaker Oatmeal Squares

I got a free box of Quaker Oatmeal Squares in the mail recently. They were the Honey Nut variety. And what can I say? I LOVED them! They were lightly sweetened but not so much that they sent my blood sugar crazy and they stayed crunchy in the milk. Some of the best cereal I have ever eaten. I got a $1 off coupon with the box and I can't wait to find a good sale and get some more!

Tax Day specials

Tomorrow, April 17th is Tax Day 2012. Lots of businesses are doing promotions.

I saw that Sonic is having Happy Hour (half price drinks and slushies all day).

If you are on Chili's e-mail list or Facebook page, they have a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert tomorrow.

I found this great post on the Couponing 101 site: Tax Day 2012 Deals and Freebies

United sale ad: April 11th-17th

United is having a Best Choice brand sale this week. No coupons, but some good deals.

Best Choice ice cream: 2/$3. We've had this and it's pretty good, even the sugar free vanilla.
Best choice granulated sugar 4#: $1.99. I should say here that Save-a-Lot has C&H sugar on sale for $1.99 and there are coupons for 40 cents off out on that right now. So you may want to get your sugar at Save-a-Lot (sale ends Saturday)
Best Choice shredded cheese: $1.69
3# Best Choice boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders: $4.99 (limit 1)

Jumbo's sale ad April 11th-17th

Goodness! This week is getting away from me. April is so crazy busy!

Anyway, this week at Jumbo's. Didn't see alot of coupon match-ups but there are some good sales to note.

Del Monte ketchup: 99 cents
Best Choice shredded cheese: (6-8 oz): 3/$5
Coke and Dr. Pepper 20 packs: $4.98
Large head of lettuce: 98 cents

Lemon Pepper Chicken

This is one of my family's favorite chicken recipes. We chop it up and eat it in salads, make chicken salad out of it, or just eat it as an entree. Very simple and easy:

Lemon Pepper Chicken

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (bone-in works too)
1-2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
Lemon pepper seasoning to taste

Put the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker, pour the melted margarine over the top, and sprinkle with lemon pepper. I like to cook it on high for an hour or so, then turn it down. I can start this around noon and it will be done in plenty of time for supper.

Brown Derby Steaks

This is the recipe I posted about on Facebook. These things are AMAZING! They are kind of time consuming, but well worth it! They are really good over rice or mashed potatoes.


BROWN DERBY STEAKS

2 Pounds hamburger meat
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp prepared mustard
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Combine beef, egg, broth, mustard, salt, pepper, and worcestershire sauce. Shape into 8 patties (Patties will be soft). Brown in a bit of butter. Arrange in baking dish (I use a cake pan)

Gravy
2 cans beef gravy (or 2 packages brown gravy)
1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp butter

In saucepan, combine beef gravy, worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and butter. Simmer for 2 minutes, and pour over patties. Bake for 30 minutes in 350 oven.

Remember to check out the after holiday clearance sales!

Remember to watch the after Easter clearance sales for good deals! If you find good deals, you can send me pics and details and I'll post them on the blog.

Walgreen's weekly ad April 8th-14th

This week at Walgreen's:

Progresso Soups: 4/$5 (or $1.99 each). Use with $1 off 4 coupons to get for $1 a can. You might also want to price match this at Wal-Mart because they'll have a bigger selection.

General Mills cereals (10.7-12.8 oz boxes): 2/$5 (or $2.99 each) with a $1 Register Reward. Use with $1 off 3 coupons to get for $2.22 a box.

Through Wednesday: Get 4x6 prints for 10 cents each when you order 75 or more. Use coupon code: SPRINGPIC or buy one 8x10 enlargement, get one free, use coupon code LARGEBOGO.

Friday, April 6th: Today's Walgreen's photo deal

The Walgreen's photo deal for today is 60% off posters, use code POSTFOR60

Free pictures today only from Walgreen's

Today (Thursday, April 5th) only, you can get 25 free 4x6 pictures from Walgreen's. Upload your pics online and use the code FREEDEAL

66% off collage prints today at Walgreen's

Use this code to get 66% off collage prints (today, April 4th only): CREATECLG

United sale ad: April 4th-10th

This week at United:

16 oz Best Choice butter: $1.79

Bird's Eye frozen vegetables (corn, mixed vegetables, broccoli, green beans) 99 cents. Use with 50 cents off 2 coupon from Sunday's paper to get for 74 cents a bag

Chinet 8-35 count products: 2/$5, use with 55 cent coupons in Sunday's paper to get for $1.95.

Coke and Dr. Pepper 20 pack cans: $4.99

Jumbo Food's Ad: April 4th-10th

This week at Jumbo's:

I haven't clipped coupons for last weekend yet, so please let me know if I missed anything!

Hormel Cure 81 spiral sliced ham: $1.69 a pound

Del Monte vegetables: 69 cents

Best Choice eggs: 99 cents a dozen (limit 4)

Coke and Dr. Pepper 20 packs: $4.98

9 oz Dawn dish soap: 99 cents, use with 25 cent off coupons to get for 74 cents

Remember the Facebook page contest!

I am up to 70 likes on the Facebook page. When I get to 100, I'll have a drawing for a coupon binder like the one below. If you haven't already, head on over the the Facebook page and "like" it!

And remember, these binders are also for sale. If you're interested, they are $20 each or 2/$30. I also have extra inserts (the 9 slot ones)

60% off photo mugs today at Walgreen's

Today you can get 60% off photo mugs at Walgreen's. Use the code MUGME at checkout.

Free photo collage today at Walgreen's

You can get a free 8x10 photo collage today only at Walgreen's. Use the code 77DCOLLG