Children's Choir

Thank you to Pam Liptak for forwarding this information to me.
Lisa Ward is forming a children's choir and has placed information to the elementary schools.  However, I did not hear it this way.  Perhaps you have.  In any event, if you do not know Lisa Ward, she is a very accomplished choir director, formerly directing the choirs at LTCHS.  She is now directing choirs privately, including ihana and soliloquy, renown adult/young adult choirs.  When I heard that she is forming a children's choir, I was very excited.  Her skills are well known in the choir community and we would be very fortunate to have her molding our young childrens' voices.  Here is the link to the website.  One catch - the information meeting it TONIGHT!!
The choir is set to start in the new year.

 http://www.lisalward.com/?page_id=1129 

Groupon ski deal at Canyon

Here's something you  may not be signed up for yet.  It's called groupon.  It's a site that sells deals from a variety of businesses.  This week there is a $39 lift ticket for 2 at Canyon.  Not valid during the Christmas break or Family Day weeked.  But you can either buy a weekend or weekday pass.  Your choice.  It's time sensitive - there are only 3 days left to purchase the coupon.
Here's the link.
http://www.groupon.com/calgary

Slim Pickins'

Why has there been a dearth of posts, my friends?
Well, deals are not as abundant as they used to be.
Here's a few generic ones:
Safeway has one-day sales on Fridays quite often. Sign up for their e-mail to get advanced notice if you don't get the flyers.
No Frills still has awesome deals. (Cheese is less than $1.00 for 100g this week, I think $6 for 800g block?) check out their flyer on-line and it's worth the drive to Sylvan, Innisfail or Lacombe. As well, I find there are often deals that are not in the flyer.
Superstore: spend $250, get $25 gift card. You can combine two receipts from the same day. I asked the lady in front of me for her receipt, gave her $10 and got the $25 gift card. That's right, I'm $15 ahead now.
Favorite Stores: I get emails from Old Navy, Body Shop and few others. They have really good sales sometimes, so as long as you can weed through the junk you get, you can save some decent coin (I saved about $50 at Body Shop today)
BULK BARN - wahoo. My favorite store. Just opened next to Chapters in Red Deer. Know your prices because it's not always a great deal but great variety to be had.

That's it for now.
Life get's busy and usually by the time I get around to thinking about posting it's already the last day of the sale. Sorry.

I phone charger

Does anyone have a spare I-phone 3, 4 or 4s charger they don't need?  We lost one and before we buy another thought we'd see if there's an extra out there? 
Thanks,
Luella

Grocery Deals of the week - Shop on Discount Tuesday!!

Glade Coupon in red plum flyer today, spen 15 on glade products, get $5.00 off.

IDA has $.66 Tuna starting tomorrow.

Sobeys on Tuesday:
Mandarins 2.95 = 2.49
McCain Pizza $3.99 = 3.39
Kraft Peanut Butter $3.99 = 3.39
They also have the cereal and milk coupon, and purchase your milk and eggs and you'll have your$50.00 worth to get the discount. 
$10 off a $50 I-Tunes Card

Safeway on Tuesday
1.36 KG Imperial Margarine - 2 for $6.00 = 2.55 each
Kellogs Jumbo Cereal - 6.99 = 5.94
Kraft singles cheese slices - 2 for $7 = 2.97 each


I have coupons for Fisher Price Thomas and Friends Trackmaster,  Little People Disney Princess Songs Palace or Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle, Wheelies Loops n' Swoops Amusement Park Jumperoo, Laugh and Learn Stride to ride puppy all $10 off, Fantastic Gymnastics Dora, Jakes Musical pirate ship or M3Master Moves Mickey, Stand up Ballcano, Amazing Animals Sing Along Choo Choo, Laugh and Learn Dance and play Puppy all $5 off.  Fisher Price Swing 129 and up save $15.  If you want a coupon let me know.

Luella

JoAnn's Grocery Picks for the Week

As Liesel mentioned, nothing earth shaking this week, but a few treasures here and there.

Superstore:This week is the gas coupon, so if you have groceries to purchase regardless of deals or nor deals, may as well go here.  You will need to spend a minimum $100 to qualify and the discount ranges from $.10-$.35 depending on how much you spend and whether or not you have a PC mastercard.  the flyer has all the details and the coupon.  If you don't have a flyer, they are always found at the front doors.
Kraft peanut butter $7.98/2kg  It's hard to believe that I am even considering this a good deal.  I've never paid more than $5.98, but in the past year I know it has been as high as $13.00, so I guess it's all relative.  This is why I have food storage and believe in stocking up when prices are decent.  I have been able to weather the peanut crop failure last year and will be okay for a while still.  It has happened with flour, sugar, orange juice, beef, chicken and pork, just to name a few.  Very grateful my mother taught me preparedness and self-reliance.
Produce -  romaine $.76
                  grapes tomatoes 2/$3.00
                  20 lbs red potatoes $4.98
                  orchard run apples $.76/lb or better.  Now is the season to take advantage of fresh apples until the apple order comes in.  Each week the Superstore and NoFrills will feature a different variety of apple and the price is $.76 or better.  But the apples from the Church orchard are a better price - only risk is they are sight unseen.  Otherwise, great deal.

I really cannot see anything else worthy of my time to record for you.  However, I do not get the Walmart flyer (yes I know, it's a real downer) so perhaps you may be able post a comment if you see anything.  I understand toilet paper is featured again this week.
               

Grocery Deal Drought

If you're wondering whether JoAnn and I are still alive and reading flyers, worry no more. We are alive and well but there have not been too many earth-shattering deals in the past few months, maybe entire year? We'll post if we see anything super amazing but otherwise, keep checking the flyers for deals on your usual purchases.
However, I would recommend signing up for the Safeway e-mails. They have been having one-day sales on Fridays with some pretty good deals. These deals are in the flyer as well but it's nice to get the heads up e-mail as well.

Free Stuff

Cleaning house and the following are FREE, Free, Free! I can bring to the Relief Society meeting on Thursday.
1. George Foreman Grill, good used condition

2. Stuffed Carrot  (about 2ft tall)

3. Mirrored Baby Boy picture frame, fits 4x6 photo

4. 2010 Children's Sacrament meeting presentation outline x 7. The picture on the front is really pretty and can be cut out and framed, approx 8x8". I've made a bunch of gifts for people from these and think they turn out cute.

5. Books (Being the Mom, How to feel great about being a mother, Agent Bishop). DVD: The Mouths of Babes (cute video of little kids being asked gospel questions and their unusual responses)

6. Picture frames, fit 4x6 photo, outer measurement approx. 12x12. Take these before I chicken out.

Grocery Deals This Week

On Friday I had one of those "Start THE CAR!!!" moments (hopefully you all recall the IKEA commercial from a few years ago.
I found Lean Ground Beef at Superstore for $3.26/kg. That works out to $1.49/lb. I don't know if it's still on but if so, stock up because that is a fantastic price.
I like to fry up the beef with onions and freeze in 1-2 cup portions so it's quick and ready for spaghetti sauce, chili, whatever. (See how I snuck in a frugal living tip in the grocery section, so tricky)
On to the deals.
Sobey's has some good deals but I'm leaving that to JoAnn because she reads that flyer better than me.

SuperStore
boneless, skinless chicken breasts, frozen, $2.98/lb (in 4kg boxes, works out to $26.28/box)
blueberries $3.96/2lb
Michelina's frozen meals $1
mixed sweet peppers $3.88/2 lb bag
Hunt's snack pack puddings $1
NN dill pickles 2/$3 (usually $2 each)
Select Kellogg's cereals $4.98 (watch because I saw in other flyers boxes with the $5 gas card so you could be getting the cereal for free basically)
school supplies - almost all on sale, especially Crayola and paper and duotangs, etc

WalMart
Delissio pizza $4.97
Christie cookies (oreo's, fudge-o's etc) $1.88 (my benchmark is under $2)
avocados $0.77 each (I think I paid $1.28 at SS)
Peanut butter is still expensive, compared to last year. Your best price is $8.99/2kg which i've seen most places, but if you want a smaller size, the 1kg is $5.47 at WM is okay)

Self Reliance - Let's Work Together

Anyone want to learn or hone some homemaking skills like:

• baking bread
• making pies
• canning
• sewing
• budgetting
• crafting / 'home beautification'
• handiwork (crocheting, knitting, cross-stitching, etc)
• Blogging

Feel free to add to the list.

Maybe we could share skills? In other words, one or two people go to another person's house who knows a certain skill and we learn from each other. A few years ago 4 of us, including my amazing mother-in-law got together in the fall and made apple pies. It was so much fun, we got to know each other better and we made over 20 pies in an afternoon to divvy up between us. Someone taught me how to machine quilt.

I feel confident in my ability to preserve food (jams, canned fruit), make cinnamon buns and sew some basic things. If you want to learn more, please contact me.

I would like to learn how to trade stock on the internet (not now but someday) and how to get music onto my iPod.

If you have skills and want to share please comment.

If you want to learn skills please comment.

Then we can match people up.

Sounds like a good time to me. Total Win-Win situation.

Summer Fun - Deals

Here are a few fun things in and around Red Deer that I found:
This Wednesday is the Westerner Days parade. FREE
FREE Family swimming: City of Red Deer site is not available right now but I think it's Tuesday July 17 at Dawe and Thursday July 19 at Collicutt in the evening.
MAGnificent Saturdays at the Red Deer museum: fun things for your kids each Saturday afternnon, activity included in admission.
Drive in Movie Nights at Parkland Mall: $10 per car. July 21 Twister, Aug 10 Ferris Bueller's Day Off, August 24 ET: The Extra Terrestrial
July 27-29 - Centre Fest Street Performer's Festival FREE, good idea to bring some loonies and toonies for the performers
August 18 - Fiestaval Latin Festival - so much fun!! FREE (admission free, bring money if you want to eat)
August 18-19 Pioneer Days at Sunnybrook Farms (not sure of admission price but this is fun)

Google for more details.

Grocery Deals This Week

Safeway: Today only, 1lb Lucerne butter 2 for $5
Sign up for their e-mails to get some e-mail only coupons and other deals.

No Frills: roast beast $2/lb
and some other deals, check out their flyer on-line (www.nofrills.ca)

Low Cost Snacks

I purchased a large amount of snacks from the Children's Festival at a reduced price and quickly realized that there is far too much for our Nursery kids. So, I have for sale:
Bear Paws cookies, chocolate chip or banana bread, $25 for a case (12 boxes/case). Each box has 8 packages of cookies. I will sell the boxes separately for $2 each (retails for $3.47 each at Superstore)
Gold Fish crackers (individual packages) $40 for a case (18 boxes/case). Each box has 6 packages of gold fish. I will sell the boxes separately for $2.25 each (retails at $2.97 each at Superstore)
These would make great snacks for all your summer adventures. I will check the dates to see if they will be good into the fall for school snacks (I would think so, but will check to make sure).
Let me know if you're interested.
Please note that I am not making any money off of these, I am selling for the same price I purchased which is well below retail cost.

Grocery Deals this Week

Safeway has an awesome deal TODAY only:
10kg sugar for $7.99
6oz/170g raspberries $0.99 (not great but fun to have once in a while)
Crest toothpast $0.75 (75-130ml)

And for the rest of the week, $5 days including:
Kraft Dinner 5 for $5
frozen pizza $5
peppers (all colours) $1/lb
strawberries 3lbs/$5
There's a few more deals too, but worth checking out.
Also, spend $100 get 100 airmiles.

I got Armstrong cheese (700g) for $7 today. It was in the flyer last week but still at that price today, not sure if it will be for the rest of the week or not.

Mark's Work Wearhouse has their special evening THIS Thursday, just in time for Father's day: 20% off everything including sale price that evening. Plus there is a coupon on the flyer for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. Good deal.

I'll post more later.

Collicutt Passes and Sobeys Cards

Madolin and Jenna are going to Morrocco. For some fundraisers they are doing the monthly sobeys cards as well as collicutt passes. You can purchase 25, 50 and 100 dollar gift cards for sobeys. 12 child or youth passes or 3 family passes to the collicutt for 30 dollars. Let us know if you want any of these, and THANK YOU in  advance!!!  

JoAnn's Grocery Pick for the Week

I know it's been a while, but truly there hasn't been much to talk about.  However, this week, I'm pumped.

Co-op

It's their warehouse sale this week and they've got meat on if you need to stock up.

chicken breast, frozen $25.40/box

lean ground beef $2.49/lb (limit 1)

fresh pork loin $1.99/lb  not sure if they are whole or cut into chops, but they are definitely boneless.  Super

Campbell soups $4.99/case of 12  that's $.41/can (limit 2 cases)

Kellog's jumbo cereals $3.99

Strawberries big 5lb pkg $5.88  However, SS has their 2lb pkg for $2.86 which is slightly cheaper.  Both is good.

Haven't really studies the rest of the flyer, but if it's meat you want, here's your chance

Superstore

A few things here:

Strawberries $2.86/2 lbs

asparagus $1.96/lb

head lettuce $.86

NN peanut butter $8.48 2kg.  While 6 months ago this would have been totally outrageous, it's a good price for today.  However, if you have enough to last you another 6 months, my suspicions are the price will contiue to soften as the new peanut crop is harvested.  Just a thought.

Now for the best part

NoFrills  It's Dollar Days!!!

fresh chicken legs $1/lb  Even taking into account the extra back bones, this is still a great deal.  Makes terrific soups, bbq (parboil first)

Cook's ham steaks 170g/$1  Now I'm not a purchaser of ham steaks, but with bbq season here, you could get a couple of steaks for very little and because they are large, they could go a long way.  If you are used to the /100g price for cured meats, this is $.59/100g  Very good for a steak.

Buddig sliced meat (tiny pkg of ultra thin sliced meats) 2/$1  That's $.70/100g

Pork Souvlaki  2/pkg $1.00  Not exactly a staple item, but perhaps an enticing treat.  regularily $1.99

sour ream 500mL $1

Ricotta (Silani) 300g tub $1

gala apples $1/lb

tomatoes $1/lb

broccoli $1

frozen spinach $1.

Bagels 6/$1  I usually get these at the Bread Basket, but I think this is good for fresh

Dare cookies $1/350g

NN marshmallows $1/400g pkg  If you are used to buying the giant 1kg bag, this would be only $2.50!!! instead of over $5.00

pickles $1/L jar

V8 vegetable cocktail $1/almost 1L jar.  I don't buy this, but I see it's less than 1/2 price

Quaker rice chips or cakes $1

Soda crackers $1

canned veggies 2/$1

Several brands of shampoo $1/bottle

Colgate toothpaste $1

NN perogies $1/kg bag

Happy shopping

Casual Laborer Wanted

I'm looking for someone to do my yardwork this summer, mainly mowing and weedwacking the lawn. We have a fairly small yard so it wouldn't take more than 1 hour every few weeks. If you or someone you know is interested, please let me know and we can discuss pay.
Thanks, Liesel

Mark's Work Wearhouse

Mark's is having their Ladies Night THIS Thursday (May 10) from 5-10pm. That means 20% off everything in store, and if you got your flyer this week there was a coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase!
They have nice clothes for adults: nurses uniforms, dressy work clothes, casual clothes, heavy duty work clothes and steel-toed boots (always a must for my family).
And, according to some people they have nice jeans (right in between MOM jeans and low-rise) - I'm going to check it out this week.

JoAnn's Grocery Picks

Okay, Liesel, nothing like twisting my arm. Here's what I see in the flyers this week. And by the way, thanks for posting Walmart. Seems Westpark doesn't rate to receive Walmart flyers. So thanks for keeping me in the loop. Sobeys When I did a quick scan last week at the upcoming flyers, I determined that Sobeys was the place to go. Now when I look at the few things I marked, I wonder why I decided it. There's not that much, but I will still go there on Tuesday. I'll put the flyer price first and the Tuesday price in brackets. Strawberries $2.88/2 lb ($2.45/2lb)Let me put this into perspective for you. If you buy the 2kg bag of frozen at SS or Costco, then you know that you have probably not seen them cheaper than $8.00 Tuesday's price for FRESH would equate to $5.42 for 2kg!! How about this comparison. Ever buy the 600g frozen bag? They have been $3.99 on the best day. $1.63/600g for these fresh - not frozen berries. So this is what I do. I buy a ridiculous amount, let the kids eat to their hearts' content and then freeze the rest for smoothies, fruit salads, etc. Just another reason why I have no freezer space. Cucumbers $.88 ($.65) So I guess unless you go on Tuesday, Walmart has this beat. Mini cucumbers $2.49/6 pack tray ($2.11) celery $1.00 ($.85) head lettuce $.88 ($.75) Compliments salad dressings $2.29 ($1.95) Canned tomatoes $1.00 ($.85) Sour cream $1.00/250mL ($.85) That would equate to $2.55 for the large 750mL tub Armstrong cheese $9.99/900g While that's not great by any stretch of the imagination, Tuesday is $8.49 which is palatable, but not stupendous. I get spoiled when I can get it for $6.00. Then nothing else looks good for a long time after that. Signal (Sobeys house brand) frozen punches (not to be confused with juices) $.50/can ($.42) So that's it. But if you go, don't forget to stock up on milk and eggs since you will get your discount on them as well. Makes milk under $4.00/jug This is very annoying. The new format has me stumped. None of my line returns were saved, so everything is jumbled into one single paragraph. Very difficult to read. If someone is smarter than I (that wouldn't be hard) can you fix my post and also tell me what I did wrong so it doesn't happen again. Thanks

Grocery Picks

It's the first Tuesday of the Month this week, so discount days at Safeway, Sobey's and Save-On. I think Co-Op is the first Monday so that won't be until the following week.
JoAnn has almost promised that she will do Sobey's, so here are my picks for the other stores:

Safeway:
Spend minimum of $35, get 15% on Tuesday.
Chicken breasts, frozen, 4kg box $26.36 ($2.99/lb)
Kraft Dinner BOGO, not sure of regular price but probably works out okay
Buy 3 Carlton cards, save $5 (coupon at store). We've all got a few Mom's who need cards.
Corn on the Cob 10 for $5 (who knows where it was grown but it's okay for this time of year)

WalMart:
Tomatoes $0.77/lb
Cucumber $0.77 each
Dairyland Chocolate milk 1L $1
Danone Silhouettes or Creamy yogurt 16x100g, $4.47
Kraft peanut butter 500g $2
Now, that doesn't look like a great deal, but, peanut butter prices have gone up recently and this is the best price I've seen in the past while. So, to put things in perspective, you could get 2kg (4x500g) for $8 at WalMart, or it's $10.47 for 2kg at Superstore.

Superstore:
Spend $250, get $25 gift card
NN cheese, 800g $7.98
Strawberries 2lb, $2.86
Ziggy's Internationale black forest ham (deli meat) $0.98/100g (pre-packaged)
Kellogg's Rice Krispies 340-525g $3.98, reg $4.99
Kellogg's Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops, Mini Wheats $4.97, reg $4.96
Reactine extra strength 48-58s $19.97, reg $29.99 (google for a coupon too, there might be something out there)

This is not exhaustive by any means, but should help.

Nutrition Tip: Thanks to Dr. Reese on Saturday night for reminding us of this simple advice:
Eat Food (not processed, but real, as close to the farm as possible)
Not Too Much
Mostly Plants

(Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food)

Mother's Day Fun

Julie B sent me this really awesome idea for Mother's Day involving M&M's: you pick one and depending on the colour, it gives you a question to ask the other person. However, I don't know how to upload a pdf to the blog. So, if you want it, send me an e-mail and I'll forward it on.
lieselmeldrum@hotmail.com

To Give Away

I have a dishwasher that needs a new home. Kenmore, white, well taken care of. Works fine. Just been replaced with a newer model. Call JoAnn if interested. 403 346 8328

His Grace is Sufficient

I read this the other day and think it's too good not to share.
It explained grace in a way that I can understand and hope that it helps you too.
http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=13436&x=33&y=2

Grocery Deals

Here's a few for this week at Superstore:
Gas coupon: when you spend a minimum of $100 you get a coupon for $0.10/L off your gas, that's in addition to your regular superbuck. I managed to save $15. Pretty good deal.
Chicken: 4kg box, individual quick frozen chicken breasts $26.28, limit 4
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze beverage: chocolate and vanilla 2/$2.27, unsweetened vanilla $1.50 each when you buy 12
JoAnn says the 'Real Salt' is the best deal at superstore.
Vector cereal $2.98 (all out on saturday :(, combine with $3 off coupon when you buy 3 kellogg's and it's an amazing deal)
Strawberries $2.86/2lb
Delissio pizza $4.97, limit 2
Primo soup $0.98, limit 2
Quaker oats $2.48/900g-1kg (not sure if this is great or not)
Aerius $27.96/50 pills (limit 2, reg $39.99)
Pampers club sized diapers $35.97, reg 44.99 (Huggies were on sale too but not in the flyer)
Christies crackers $1.88, limit 4
Kraft dips (mmm, dill pickle) $1.97, limit 2, reg $2.67
Miracle whip (650-890ml)$3.47
Kraft salad dressing $2.47, limit 2 (will often go down to $1.99 but if you're out, this is okay)
Kraft BBQ sauce $0.97 (bring on the pulled pork!)

Greening Red Deer

Greening Red Deer starts tonight with a BBQ to kick it off. From 5-6:30 down at Kerry Wood Nature Centre is the BBQ and you can also sign up for an area to clean up. They provide you with garbage bags and other supplies. Great Family Home Evening activity, invite your friends and neighbors!!! Register a group and you can enter a draw for a BBQ. Hope to see you there!! Luella

JoAnn's Grocery pick for the week

Hi All. This week at NoFrills is a continuation of last week's sale. It's a good one. Here's a few of the things I think are worth the drive.

Cantaloupe $1.88 ea

broccoli $.88/bunch

Cauliflower $1.88 ea

Romaine hearts $1.88/3pk

tomatoes $.88/lb

Boneless pork loin (says slices into chops, but remember this is BONELESS, so I plan to take those slices and freeze them separately to use for a quick stir fry meat.) $1.88/lb

Pork side ribs $1.88/lb Good for ribs, but I'm not a fan of paying for a bunch of bones when I can get ZERO bones for the same price.

Silani cheese blocks $3.88/500g bars!!! Provolone, cheddar and mozza. They didn't have any last week, hopefully they will this week. It's not a regular item, so cross your fingers.

Unico kidney beans, and others as well $.88/540mL cans

Quaker oats $1.88/1Kg bag

Old El Paso taco seasoning mixes or Club House gravy mixes $.88 (Not too bad)

Pizza pops $1.88/box of 4

McCain Ultra Thin pizza $2.88

General Mills cereal (oatmeal crisp, Fibre 1) $2.88

Glade air fresheners $.88

Arm and Hammer liquid laundry detergent $3.88 for an 80 load jug. I've tried this detergent and I really like it. The last time I bought it at Superstore, it was $4.95 and that was on sale. This is a great deal.

Safeway

Strawberries 3 lbs/$4.99 That's $1.67/lb

Cheez Whiz $4.99

Oranges $4.99/10lb box

Sobeys

All 3 items listed for their 3 day sale (Fri, Sat,Sun) are good buys:

Boneless pork loin chops or roast $2/lb If you will note, this is a bit more than at NoFrills above, but if you can't get out there, or don't want to, this is a great price. It also says that you can get the roast as well as the chops, so if you prefer the roast, you have an option.

head lettuce $.77

Large eggs $2/doz Is limited to 2 though, so don't wait too long.

For the rest of the week, here's what I thought was noteworthy.

mushrooms, white or brown $2./lb Not spectacular, but is okay

grape tomatoes $2/clamshell

mini cukes $2/pack of 6

Sour cream $2/500mL

Signal frozen veggies $2.79/lKg bag

Kraft bbq sauce $.99 (Does this mean that winter is over??)

cats

Sis. Ryries' Aunt passed away and left 2 cats in need of a home-It is unclear whether or not the like kids. M & F older cats, litter trained. if you are interested call Mykaela Ryrie at 403.986.3980 or email fr32bme@hotmail.com.
Thanks!

Free Stuff

Cleaning out my closet and want to get rid of some things, thought I'd post here before hitting up Value Village. Contact me by phone or email (lieselmeldrum@hotmail.com) if you want anything as I don't check back on comments too often.

JoAnn's Grocery Picks for the Week

NoFrills has much of the same deals as last week. (please refer back to last week's post)

plus blueberries $2.00/pint basket.

Sobeys for the next 3 days (Friday-Sunday) sugar 4kg bag $2.99 That's $7.49 for the big bag!! Limit of 2

Safeway 4L ice cream $3.00!! Thanks Liesel for pointing that out.

The rest I will try to update later today.

School boundary meetings information

RDPS has announced the building of a new school in Timberstone. Discussions are in progress as to changes to the school boundaries.
The meetings are:
http://www.rdpsd.ab.ca/Boundary.php

Monday, March 5 at Mountview Elementary from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m * (focussed on French Immersion)
Tuesday, March 20 at GH Dawe School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m

JoAnn's Grocery Picks for the Week

So sorry to have missed the coupon tutorial last night. Hope those who attended are now armed with the power of information.

Here's my picks for the week. Once again, NoFrills is my first choice, but I will say that Sobeys has eggs on for $1.99 (limit 2) for the next 3 days only.

NoFrills - $1,2,3 sale (like dollar days)

broccoli $1

tomatoes $1/lb

romaine hearts (3pk) $2

red peppers (4pk) $2 I always weigh the package and decide if it's cheaper to buy them packaged or loose/lb

pork loin frozen, cut into chops $2/lb

fish fillets, frozen (pollock, tilapia, haddock, cod, or sole) $3/400g pkg

Extra lean hamburger $3/lb I usually buy lean, Liesel, is this a good price for extra lean?

Carl Buddig packaged deli meats 2/$1 These are those tiny packages (55-65g) but when calculated by weight, it's only$.77-90/100g which is good for deli ham and chicken. Just need lots of packages lol

Aylmer soups $.40 each

Clark beans (never seen this variety)3/$2 or $.67/can

Unico pasta sauce 3/$2 or $.67/can I have never tried this brand, but for $.67, when other brands don't go below $1.00, it may be worth trying.

Duncan Hines cake mixes $1

NN marshmallows $1/400g pkg This is a steal since it would be the same as paying $2.50 for the big 1kg bag that is currently selling for nearly $6.00!!

Bits&Bites $1

Mini wheats, Vector, corn flakes or Raisin bran $3

Philidelphia spreadable cream cheese $3/400g tub

Axe body wash or shower gel. $3 each If anyone still has the $2 off coupon from SmartSource that came out 3 weeks ago, then you are in business!

Outrageous shampoo $1

Pizza pops, , Pogos, $2/pkg of 4

Schneiders Hot stuffs or Bagel bites $1

Highliner seasoned fish fillets $2/300g (6 portions)

Sobeys - Bogo Event

As I mentioned, $1.99 for a dozen eggs for the next 3 days. Limit 2

Compliments diapers $12.99 $6.50 on Bogo

Asparagus $1.49/lb Yum Yum

Pogos $8.49/10 $4.25/10 on Bogo.That's cheaper than at NoFrills

Romaine hearts $3.49 $$1.75 on Bogo. Also cheaper than NoFrills

fresh mushrooms $2.29/200g pkg $1.15/200g on Bogo

Superstore - Free box of chicken breast with $250 purchase

Avocados - $2.95 bag of 5 ?? Someone help me on these. Never bought them

Apples (spartan, delicious, ambrosia) $2.95/5lb bag = $.59/lb

Potatoes 20 lbs red or white $4.96 That's less than half price!

Five Alive/Fruitopia cartons 1.75L $1.47 each

McCain pizza $4.00

NN cake mixes $1.00

NN granola bars $1.32/box of 8

50% off oven safe glass bowls and casserole dishes

50% off corningware

40% off Rubermaid food storage containers

50% off Bakers secret

JoAnn's Grocery Picks for the Week

Well, here's my second attempt. I had to leave 3/4 through the first one and when I came back . . .it was gone. Kids - gotta love 'em!
I'll see if I can remember what I was saying.
First of all this coming week is discount days at the following stores:
Safeway, Save-on, Sobeys, Nutters, Co-op (Monday), Living Nutrition (EVERY Tuesday. Located Gaetz Northbound between Hitch Warehouse and Boston Pizza.

NoFrills:
green or red grapes $1.67/lb Not spectacular, but it is off-season
English Cukes $.97 ea
English Muffins $.99/6 pk
Imperial Marg $1.99/2lb tub
Purex laundry (liquid) 40 loads $3.97. I mentions this because in the SmartSource flyer (found in Wed flyer bundle)is a coupon for $2.50 off when buy 2 jugs. I will save the few I have, but I'm sure Alisha won't be using the 40 she has lol
whole toupie-style ham $1.79/lb or $3.95/kg
fresh pineapple $1.97 (non clue how big they are)
Black Diamond cheese strings $4.44/336g I don't buy these, but it says save $2.85
Delmonte canned vegetables $.79/can Good alternative to frozen for your food storage

IDA Drugs (Westpark and Mountview)
Admiral tuna $.66/can If you are holding out for $.50/can Im sure it will show up in the next few months.

Rexall has 2 pages of coupons that range from $1.49 - $10.00 off various products. Since their prices generally higher than other stores, if you know who accepts competitors coupons, you could save even more. I see there is a $10 off coupon for Oral-B replacement heads for electric toothbrush, which incidentally I need to get. But can someone tell me who will accept this coupon? Superstore? London Drugs?
I have at least 30 extra flyers and will have them till Monday when they go out for recycle. Come on over. They are in the blue garbage can by the front door.

Co-op (Monday should be 10% off, but you may want to double-check)
McCain pizza $3.99
Avocados $.67 Never bought these, but I understand this is a good price
Cheez Whiz $4.99/kg jar

Safeway (Tuesday 15%)
Boneless chicken breast $26.36 but would be only $22.40 on Tuesday
green grapes $1.79 $1.52 on Tuesday
Post cereals $3.00 each $2.55 on Tuesday
Glade solids or aerosols $1.00 $.85 on Tuesday

Sobeys (Tuesday 15%)
colored peppers $2.49/lb $2.11 on Tuesday
Axe products $3.79 $3.22 on Tuesday, plus there's a $2.00 off coupon on Redplum (Thurs flyers)
mushrooms $1.99/lb $1.69/lb on Tuesday
navel oranges $.69/lb $.59/lb on Tuesday
French bread $.99 $.84 on Tuesday

Superstore - free case of mangoes with $175 purchase
pineapple $1.96
cocomuts 2/$3.00 Don't know, but I may have to get one just for fun
apples - Ambrosia, Red Delicious, Fuji or Spartans $2.96/5 lbs That's $.59/lb
Grapefruit $2.86/5lbs ($.57/lb)
frozen spinach $1.00
Black Diamond cheese slices $5.97kg pkg

Save-on(15% on Tuesday)
Schnieders sausage rings BOGO (sorry, they do not list their price)
navel oranges $.59/lb $.50/lb on Tuesday
Asparagus $1.99/lb $1.69/lb on Tuesday
Celery $.79/lb $.67/lb on Tuesday Since celery generally is sold by the bunch, you would need to weigh it and calculate how much it would cost. If it's less than $1.00 then it's a good price.
tomatoes $.99/lb $.84/lb on Tuesday
Red grapes $1.69/lb $1.44/lb on Tuesday This is the best price for this week
fresh chicken legs $1.59/lb $1.35/lb on Tuesday. It's the warehouse pack, but sine they are fresh, not frozen, you can repackage when you get home to smaller quantities
Western family frozen fruit $5.00/600g That's not a deal, but on Tuesday $4.25 which is not too bad. Plus, you get a box of frozen waffles or French toast when you buy 2 bags of fruit.

You've Got to Move It

New Year, New You: let's think about exercising. Some people have thought about doing some form of activity at the church to get moving.
Here's what I've thought of so far:
Exercise videos (we've all got em, who actually uses them at home?)
'boot camp' - I printed off a version we could do, it's not low impact
Come to my house to do something on the xbox kinect (could only have about 2-3 people)

Bower Mall:
Mall Walkers Club & Program Strollercise program

Enjoy Intersport's free, drop-in Mall Walkers and Strollercise program! Located throughout Bower Place Shopping Centre! It‘s free, safe and available year round. Intersport generously sponsors the program, with monthly prizes and milestone incentives! Stop by Guest Services today to learn more about the fantastic program and walk your way toward a pocketful of prizes! Bower Place and Intersport proudly support community wellness.
Bower Place Shopping Centre's Mall Walkers monthly appreciation days are every second Wednesday, of each month at 7:30 - 9:00 am at Good Earth! Join our Mall Walkers group for fun and fitness!

Walking and strolling times start at 7:00 am Monday to Saturday and at 9:00 am Sundays.

Outdoor Gyms (summer only unless you're really hard-core)
For groups of 4 or more interested in learning how to use the Outdoor Gyms and maximizing your workout, call the Primary Care Network at 403.343.9100 to book a Health Basics Coach for an outdoor gym experience.

To learn about the outdoor gym machines and workout techniques on your own see our video at http://www.reddeerpcn.com/flash.aspx?Outdoor_Gym_Demo  
 
Red Deer Primary Care Network Homepage
 
If you're interested in meeting on a regular basis, please provide feedback so that we can book the church.

Chicken, Barley, Apple Stew

Here's my newest favorite recipe from Pam L. Amazing! I could eat it all myself.

Chicken, Barley & Apple Stew

4 cups diced raw Chicken (I used way less)
1 tbsp Oil
1 large Onion diced
1 clove Garlic
5 Carrots diced
3 stalks Celery diced
2/3 cup Barley (uncooked)
10 Cups Water
1/3 cup Chicken OXO (I use Epicure chicken bouillon, use whatever)
1 Bay Leaf
1/2 tsp. each Thyme & Marjoram
3 Apples

Dice all vegetables and chicken.
Heat oil and saute Onion, Carrots, Celery & Garlic. Cook gently for at least 5 minutes. (I cooked the chicken at this point).

Stir in Water, Chicken, Chicken OXO, Barley and Herbs. Bring to a boil, then gradually lower the heat. Cover and cook for at least 1 hour. (I simmer it for at least 3 hrs.)

Core and peel Apples. Slice 1/4 inch thick. Add to soup and cook covered for an additional 15 minutes or until soft.
Amazing!!!!

Super Easy Bread sticks
(Makes 15-30 bread sticks)

1 1/2 cups of hot water
2 Tb. sugar
1 Tb. yeast
3 cup of flour (I usually use up to four)
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup of melted margarine or butter ( I usually use a little less)

Any type of topping you like such as garlic salt, parmesan, an italian herb and cheese seasoning
Dissolve sugar in hot water. Add yeast when water has cooled. Stir in salt and enough flour to form a moderately stiff dough. Knead 3 minutes. Melt margarine/butter. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into the shape of a large jelly roll pan. Pour half of the margarine on the pan (baking sheet). Spread it around. Arrange dough on baking sheet and pour the other half of the margarine over the dough. Spread it around. Sprinkle with one or more of the suggested toppings. Cut into thin strips using a pizza cutter. Let rise 10-15 minutes. Pre heat oven to 350. Bake bread sticks for 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned.

Frugal Friday

Beans, Beans, Beans.
Seriously, if you're not cooking with beans and lentils yet, it's never been a better time to start.
They are healthy, full of fiber and lots of goodness and wonderfully cheap.
Click here for a wonderful basic cookbook (you can download or order a print copy). This book tells/shows you what beans and lentils are, how to cook and store and some great recipes to try.
For starters, buy some canned beans. when you're ready, cook your own.
If your family isn't on board yet, start by mixing with meat: I add black beans to ground beef and white beans to chicken.
I like soups (think minestrone, split pea & ham), chili without meat, etc.

JoAnn's Grocery Picks for the Week

Nothing much to post for this week but here we go.

Co-op:

Frozen boneless chicken breast 4kg box $26.36. ($2.99/lb)This is the lowest price these boxes ever sell for. However, I did post Nofrills had theirs (in smaller resealable bags) for $2.00/lb The reason I like this better is because you can find a small space for a bag of 4-6 pieces, but good luck trying to fit a giant box in my freezer!! Plus, you can have 1 bag in your fridge freezer and pull out 1 or 2 for supper, put the rest back and its right handy. The rest can hide in your chest freezer. But alas, this price is no longer, as of closing today. But I did post it last week. So if you missed out, you will just have to wait till next time (2-3 months from now probably)

pork loin cut into chops $1.97/lb

red potatoes $5.99/15 lbs (not a typo - 15 lbs) That's the same as $3.99/10lb bag

navel oranges $3.99/8lb box ($.50/lb)

Sobeys:

snap peas $5.99

cucumbers $.99

NoFrills:

Asparagus $1.79/lb If anyone is going out this week, please call me. I would like some

Blueberries $2.49/pint Not as good as 2 weeks ago

PC granola bars Club pack $6.99 (.14-.23 each depending on which variety you choose)

McCain Crescendo pizza $3.97

NN lasagne $5.99 Not as good as homemade, but will do in a pinch.

oranges $2.97/5 lbs $.60/lb, so not quite as good as Co-op

Mars bar $.58 each. That's just for you Liesel lol

Westpark Drugs

Admiral Tuna $.69 No this isnt $.50/can and it will most likely be that in the next while, but if you are running low and can't wait, this isn't all that bad.

Jo

Old Navy Super CASH

JoAnn has $30 worth of Old Navy Super Cash. The way it works is, if you spend $60, you use the coupon to get $30 off! I believe if you spend <$20 you get $10, $20-$40 you get $20 and >$60 you get $30 off.
It is good for Jan 27-Feb 8 (I think). I also have a $20 superCASH. Let us know if you want them.

Frugal Friday

So it's a day late for this title but I can't resist alliteration.
In follow-up to JoAnn's wonderful presentation here are a few ideas that I'm going to try. I'll do a full post on groceries another day.
In no specific order, here are some items on my budget that I would like to cut back on:
Insurance: I'm going to actually call my company to review what coverage I have for home and auto and then get quotes from 2-3 other companies to make sure I'm getting the best deal out there.
Clothing: I already try to make full use of hand-me-downs and second-hand stores for me and the kids. I also have two sisters roughly the same size so we trade clothes. Unfortunately I don't have the same size feet. Some people also take full advantage of 50% off days at Value Village, sales at Once Upon a Child (sign up for their e-mails). I guess for me the question remains - do I (or my kids) need this item of clothing or is it just to keep up with the Jones'?
Childcare: Swap childcare as much as possible to avoid paying for a sitter. For example, if you want to go to the temple but the idea of paying for a sitter for 6-7 hours is daunting, consider swapping with another family. I know of many families that already do this.
Power/Energy: are you on the best plan for your family? I have called the company to get them to explain things before and it's been so helpful. For example: floating versus set rate, budget payments, etc.
Phone/Cable/Internet - we currently have cable because it's a better deal than just phone and internet. However, once the intro deal is done, we'll cancel. The library is a wonderful place to get movies and tv series for the low price of $10/year.
Gifts: budget ahead. I try to count up how many people we will be buying for at Christmas, birthdays, etc (remember to include things like Mother's Day, Father's Day, Teacher appreciation, etc), average price and then average it out for the year. I know some families who don't give gifts for many events including Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversaries, etc. We don't do gifts for extended family at Christmas or birthdays.
I think my 'love language' is gift giving so I tend to want to give everyone and their dog something but really, isn't a nice card or service better sometimes?

So, how do you save money?

Remember: Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.

JoAnn's Grocery Picks for the Week

I'm back. Since teaching last night, I realized that I have failed you all in keeping this post up to date. However, Liesel is doing such a fantastic job when I do log in that I think she should just take over.
This week I pick NoFrills again. Most of what Liesel posted for last week is carried over to this week - with 2 very important exceptions: Cooks' ham and Armstrong cheese (very sad that I can't get another case!)
check out last weeks list and add:
bottled water $1/15 bottles.
frozen, boneless chicken (not my favorite because it lacks chicken flavor and texture, but is great for a quick stir fry or casserole) $2.00/lb
Campbells soups 2/$1
Sunlight dish soap $1 limit of 4
green peppers $1/lb (I think I had that for last week. Can't remember)
pizza pockets
chunky soups $1
Catelli pasta sauce (in jars) $1 I like the parmesan cheese variety but tried the mushroom this week. The kids liked it.

Superstore - Free item for $175 purchase - 2kg box of chicken strips or nuggets
oranges .56/lb
English muffins $1/6 pack
NN ice cream $4
various large bags of rice. I won't butcher this as I am not the expert. Consult Luella on what type of rice is best.
Rice Kristies $2.97/555g box I see they are introducing "brown rice" Krispies. Liesel - thoughts?
Mini wheats $2.97 both cereals are limit of 4
Heinze baby cereal $2.97 limit 4
various other baby items - no longer the expert on that either.

Sobeys - Dollar days - not so great this time, but here's a few things
mushrooms $1/200g pkg
lettuce $1.
baby carrots $1
Parkay marg $1/1 lb tub. Not my favorite marg, but if you are desperate . . .
celery $1
roma tomatoes $1/lb
$50 itunes card - $10 off untill February 2

Zumba

Sister Missy Sharpe is still graciously teaching Zumba classes at the Bower chapel gym
Monday mornings 9am
Thursday evenings 8:30pm

45 min classes. Wear comfy clothes, good shoes and bring a water bottle. Children are welcome to play on the stage but there is no supervised childcare.

No Frills

I talked with JoAnn and she says the best deals this week are at No Frills. Check out their on-line flyer for more details but here are her comments, un-editted:
Produce:
blueberries $2/pint
lettuce $1
celery $1
onions $1 for 3lbs
carrots (reg, not peeled) $1/2lbs
grape tomatoes $1/pint
green peppers $1/lb
pineapple, fresh $2 each

Meat:
cooks ham, bone-in $1/lb WOW
seaquest pollock or blue cod fillets $2/400g WOW!
bacon (if you eat that stuff) $1/250g
oktoberfest sausage or steakettes $2/450g ($2/lb)
Armstrong cheese $2/300g (that's like $6 for 900g block) AWESOME
chocolate milk $1/1L

Frozen
orange or grapefruit juice (minute maid) $1/can
NN frzn veggies $1/750g pack
michelina's flatbreads $1
stouffer's bistro crostini, panini etc $2

Grocery/Snacks
Christie cookies (oreos etc) $2/550g box
Munchie Mix $2/300g bag
corn flakes (525g), Raisin Bran (475g), Rice Krispies (305g) $2
Crispers $1

And,
Remember. JoAnn is teaching 'enrichment' this Thursday at 7pm at Kentwood. BUDGETTING! Believe me, she knows her stuff when it comes to finances. She will have lots of great information and recommends bringing your budget or what you have spent for the past few months to get the most from the class (you won't be sharing the numbers with others, don't worry)

Coupons for Yogurt

http://www.danone.ca/en/products/activia/activia-challenge-2012

By signing up for this you will receive $20 worth of Danone coupons.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!

Just want to send a Happy New Year to Everyone!! May this year be better than the last!