cashing in on rain checks

I think Safeway is one of the best stores for honoring rain checks.  They will do the best they can to get the product to you and if that is not possible they will make it up.
About a month ago I tried to get their 3 pound Jenny O ground turkey 80/20 that was on a 4 day sale for $5 with no limit.  The only day I could get to Safeway was the last day of their sale and they sold out.  I received a rain check and asked for 3, 3lb packages of ground turkey.  I made several attempts to collect on this offer and thought I would forever be known as the crazy turkey lady being how they knew exactly why I was there when I rang the bell at the meat department.  They tried to special order this item but it was no longer available.  They made it up to me by giving me 10 pounds of 93/7 a much leaner meat and an extra pound for the same price I would pay for 9 pounds of 80% lean.  This is an even better deal.  Thank you to Safeway for making the crazy turkey lady happy.
I used my $5 catalina coupons from the week before and ended up paying only $10 for all of this turkey. 

Stuffed bell peppers

This is my recipe for stuffed peppers.  It is one of my Dad's favorite recipes and I made it for him a lot when they came to visit.  We spent a lot of time cooking and sitting around my table.  I love cooking for my family and when every chair is full of happy eaters, it makes my day.
I like to use red bell peppers but green peppers have been on sale so that is what I bought.  I used 1 pound of ground sirloin I had the meat department grind it for me when they had a good sale on sirloin steaks. 
Brown the sirloin and add 1/2 onion and 2 garlic cloves, season with salt pepper and cumin . 
I like short grain brown rice and I buy it in bulk at the health food store and store it in Tupperware.  Boil 2 cups of water seasoned with beef bullion and then add 1 cup of rice, cook for 25 min on low.  When the rice and sirloin is done mix them together and add 1/2 cup Velveeta cheese and 1/4 C salsa.  Stir in 1T of soy sauce and 28oz can diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup sour cream.  While the cheese is melting cut the tops off of your peppers and get them ready to fill with meat mixture. 
Preheat oven to 350 and then stuff the peppers.  Mix 2C hot water and 3t beef bullion together and poor in dish you are cooking the peppers in, this will help them get soft while in oven.  Cover with foil and bake for 30 min.
If you do not have picky eaters these are a meal on its own but my kids do not like them very much so I put a few taquitos in the oven and heat up a can of refried beans to complete the meal so I know they are getting enough food that they will eat.
I use 4 bell peppers and cut the tops off of two of them and then make the other two half peppers so the kids can eat the stuffing in a pepper bowl (more fun for them).  I also freeze the remaining stuffing mixture so that the next time I want to make this dinner I just have to stuff the peppers and that saves a lot of time.

It is May.... 31 days of BEAUTY

I love the month of May, it should be savored and enjoyed..  We have 31 days of perfect weather before it gets too hot to play outside.  The flowers are showing their blooms, the birds are chirping and wildlife starts to come out.  The sun and the warm air feels so good we spend most of our time outside.  We like to watch the kids ride bikes and have scooter races.  We catch each others shadows, fly kites and find caterpillars.  We like to BBQ and enjoy our meal on the porch, it is amazing how much better the same dinner tastes outside.
There are also a lot of ways to save money in May.  Many stores discount picnic supplies just before Memorial day.  Great time to stock up on paper plates and plastic utensils.  Pick up enough supplies now to get you through picnics and birthdays the rest of the year.   Stores are also putting winter items on clearance racks.  I buy long sleeve shirts, jackets, pants, boots, gloves and hats  for my kids in the next size up so that next winter they are fully stocked.
May is also skin cancer awareness month so you can find a lot of facilities that are doing free screenings.  This could save you a co-pay for your insurance and can save your life.
Mothers day is in May, I like to stock up on gift's for girls this month.  You can find huge discounts on lotions, aprons, pamper products, purses, candles, flowers and vases. 
Last but not least, my kids celebrate their birthday in May so we know there is a party to be had.

Get your Sunday paper and start clipping

www,sundaycouponpreview.com Is where I can see how many coupon inserts will be in the Sunday paper.  I get the paper delivered to my home and if there are good coupons I will buy some extras that day.  This Sunday there will be 4 coupon books so I will buy 3 additional papers (4 papers total, 4 people in my home).  I cut out every coupon even if I know I will not use that product just in case I can buy that item with overage, the store would be paying me to buy the item.

Enjoying the mall

I used to think shopping at the mall was just throwing hard earned money away.  I looked at the tag on clothes, roll my eyes and walk right out of the store.  I look at the mall different now and I like going to the mall for many reasons.  The best part is you can get a lot of stuff FREE at the mall just by doing some homework before you shop.  We do not have a mall where I live so it is a nice change when I am in the city.  Most mall's have a kids play area that is free and after walking around for hours it is nice to put your feet up and watch your kids burn the rest of their energy. 
My cousin will be a first time Dad in just a couple of months so I will be doing some shopping for the new baby this weekend.  While I am at the mall I will be picking up some items that I found great deals on this week.
VICTORIA SECRET - I downloaded a coupon for a free ruched back panty with any purchase.  I also have a coupon $10 off a pink bra.  They have a special going on right now 2 for $32.  With my coupon I can get 2 for $22 and a free panty. 
BUCKLE - 50% off necklaces.  I found several necklaces for $6.99.  If I buy two I can get one free.  Three birthday/ Christmas gifts done and I am only out $14.  Now I have all year to think about who to give them to.
DISNEY- I love going into the Disney store with my kids.  Even if I am not buying anything it is fun to look around.  Right now they have a good deal on sleepwear,  2 for $24 .  They also have Phineas and ferb sunglasses for $1.99, that will put a big smile on my Son's super cute face indeed.
FAMOUS FOOTWEAR- Now that winter is over they are doing a clearance on all winter boots 70%OFF I found a cute pair of boots for my Daughter for $15 I will just buy the next size up and we will be all set for next year.  If she happens to grow a lot and they do not fit her, I have a niece that loves shoes.
DILLARD'S- spend $32.00 (I need some makeup so this will not be hard to do) and receive a free Lancome gift.  You choose the bag and 6 lancome items to put in the bag. You receive more free merchandise then you spend, love when that happens.
BATH AND BODY WORKS - Here is the best deal.  Buy 3 signature collection products and you get 2 free.  Just for buying a signature collection product you receive a free tote and 10 full size items inside that tote. 

Get ready for summer with great flip flop sale

My kids love flip flops and wear them most of the summer.  So great for going to the pool or a quick errand just slip them on and go.  Kohls is having a great deal right now.  Go to kohls website and type in so flip flops for kids.  You will find them starting at $1.99.  When you check out use code SPRING15 and get 15% off making them $1.69 a pair and then use code SHIP4FREE and the shipping is free no matter how much you spend.

Getting back to what I am good at..... saving money

I have been through a lot these past couple of months and I am working every day to get my life back to the way it used to be.  I am putting more time and energy back into my coupons and it feels great.  Just wanted to share today's savings with you.  I shopped at Fry's, Safeway and CVS.  I spent $43.96 and saved $136.57 ($35 of that was from coupons and the rest was for using my store cards for in store discounts.  I am  happy when I save over 60% so this was excellent!
I bought 9 boxes of cereal, 5 boxes of cream cheese, 4 large tubes of tooth paste, 2 bags tortillas, 4 boxes of frozen pizza, two bags of chips, 2 bottles of salad dressing, 4 boxes of cookies, crackers, dole fruit cups, 2 pounds deli turkey, 2 deodorants, 15 lunch ables, 3 grill seasonings, 8 Greek yogurt, 2 16oz sour cream, 2 mayo and one pack of gum. 
I also took advantage of Safeway's hallmark card deal they have right now.  I bought 3 cards (have to be over 1.49 each) and received $5 for my next visit.  When I checked out from all of my stores I ended up with $8 to use on my next purchase so I actually bought all of my groceries for about $35 after tax.