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.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
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.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Friday, January 20, 2012
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
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
Sunday, January 15, 2012
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.
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)
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)
Monday, January 2, 2012
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.
By signing up for this you will receive $20 worth of Danone coupons.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!
Just want to send a Happy New Year to Everyone!! May this year be better than the last!
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