BOGO KFC DEAL

In today's PARADE MAGAZINE, there is a coupon for buy one get one free KFC 2-pc. Boneless combo. They are priced at $4.99 and you get 2!pieces of boneless chicken, 1 side, 1 biscuit, and a medium drink. Not a bad deal!

ETC BOOKS

If any of you are out of books, I just found three sets of 10 in my closet that I didn't know I had! You still have until the end of June to use these coupons. If you are interested, please let me know ASAP! First three who respond will get them!

CVS COUPON

Check your email for a great coupon from CVS! I got a 25% off coupon good until 5/1.

MONEYMAKER ON SUNLIGHT DISH DETERGENT

There is a moneymaker on Sunlight Dish Detergent this week at Publix. Go to coupons.com and use zipcode 10038 to print out a couple coupons for Sunlight Dish Item. They are on sale for $.69 each this week, so a MM of $.31!

BEACH PUBLIX AND NEW RULES

Boy, did I get a disturbing text today. A friend went to Publix at the beach and was told they will not take more than one coupon if it says "limit one per customer". I am guessing they will no longer take multiple Target coupons since this is printed on the coupon. Even at Target they will take multiple coupons. From what I understand, each Publix manager can make their own rules. Guess I won't be shopping at the beach publix anymore!

CHEAPER PRESCRIPTIONS

Have you ever wondered when you get a prescription where to get it filled to reduce your OOP expenses? Consumer Reports did a study on five drugs that have recently become available as generics. I won't bore you with the generic name because they are just too long! The drugs surveyed were Actos (for diabetes), Lexapro (antidepresent), Lipitor (high cholesterol, Plavix (blood thinner), and Singulair (asthma). The result? A whopping differrence of $749, or 447 percent, between the highest and lowest priced stores. Costco was the least expensive overall, and you don't need to be a member to use its pharmacy. You pay less there but you will not be able to fill a prescription on Sunday and typically they close earlier than a CVS would. For example, Lipitor was $17 at Costco but $150 at CVS and $65 at Walgreens. Plavix was $15 at Costco and $180 at CVS and $50 at Walgreens. Are you seeing a pattern here? The bottom line is make sure you price shop for your drugs!

JUMBLED UP POSTS

For some odd reason when I post something to this blog and separate thoughts with paragraphs, it doesn't show it when it posts. It just lumps everything together no matter what I try to do. Sorry for the next post with all the dates jumbled together. I didn't post it like that and I don't know how to fix it! Anyone have any suggestions?

CLEAN OUT YOUR COUPON BOX

Time to cleanout your coupon box again. This is what you should throw out from the last time I posted. 2013-03-03 PG 2013-01-27 PG 2013-01-06 RP 1& 2 2012-12-30 PG 2012-12-09 RP 2012-12-02 RP 2012-12-02 RP 2012-11-18 SS 2012-11-11 RP 2012-11-11 SS 2012-11-04 RP 2012-11-04 SS 2012-10-28 RP 2012-10-21 RP 2012-10-21 SS 2012-10-14 RP 2012-10-14 SS 2012-10-07 SS 2012-09-30 RP 2012-09-23 SS 2012-09-09 SS 1 & 2 2012-08-19 SS 2012-08-12 RP

VITAMIX BLENDER VERSUS NINJA

This one sure threw me for a loop! How many times have you been up at night watching those late night informercials and get sucked into buying something? I remember in March watching a Vitamix informercial and thought it would be neat to do all those things with a mixer. I think it might even prepare a meal or two for you and then clean up after itself!! NOT!! Believe it or not the BEST BLENDER was the Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004 for just a mere $60. The Vitamix came in a close second with the same rating of 91 for a pricy $450!! Their third choice was also a Ninja but it scored 87 and was priced at $100. Sounds like the Ninja Master Prep for $60 is the winner!

CONSUMER REPORTS RATES MATTRESSES

Here we go again! Consumer Reports did a study on mattresses, and again, I thought I would share the results. The mattresses that made their top picks scored at least Good for side and back support and resisted wear, teat, and sagging. The best also transferred relatively little movement and didn't make it hard to changes position. The CR BEST BUY was the Simmons Beautyrest Glover Park Firm Pillowtop (sears) for $780 with a score of 69. Next was Serta Perfect Sleeper Elite Pastel Firm Pillowtop (Macy's), with a score of 67 and a price of $835. For memory foam the top pick was Tempur-Pedic Tempur Simplicity, with a rating of 62 and a price of $1200. Their BEST BUY went to Costco for its Novafoam Memory Foam Collection Serafina for $900 also with a score of 62. They noted that the Tempur-Pedic maintained warmth in the winter but could prove to be slightly hotter in the summer months.

BEST IRONS

I need a new iron. About 1 1/2 years ago I noticed my iron had a big piece of plastic missing and the piece needed to turn up the temperature was broken. Turns out my daughter dropped it and never told me! Did she think I wouldn't see it? Now to turn on the iron, I have to stick the point of a knife in (I am sure that is very safe!) and push it to get it to the correct temperature. Now it has started leaking and will sometimes leave marks on my clothes. I think I can safely say it is time for a new iron. Have you ever gone iron shopping? It is not a task to take lightly. If you don't buy the right kind it won't steam enough, be too heavy, or seem to stay at the correct temperature. Thank heavens for Consumer Reports! I thought I would fill you in on their findings in case any of you are in the market for an iron as well. According to CR, the Panasonic NI-W950A was the best but with a whopping price tag of $220 and a score of 93. No thank you! The next was the Kenmore, model 80598, price $75, with a score of 88. The CR BEST BUY went to Singer Expert Finish EF, $60, with a score of 86. Number five on their list was also a CR BEST BUY. It is the Rowenta Effective Comfort DW2070, price $50, with a score of 85. Numbers 6, 7, and 8 were also Rowenta's with scores of 83, 84, and 81 respectively. Their cost were $75, $90 and $125. Which one will I buy? I will search for the Singer, O one of the two top Rowenta's. All of those produced a lot of steam at a reasonable cost. All these irons also have auto shut-off which I love. There you have it! I hope you could use this info about purchasing an iron!

HAS THIS HAPPENED TO YOU?

I received a phone call from Bev who told me she encountered something she has never run into before at the beach store. They gave her the total and then deducted her MQ'S. After that total, they told her it had to be at least $30 to use the $5/$30 coupon. Say what???? Has anyone else run into this problem before? I have not and this is the first time I have heard of it. Please let me know if any of you have had an incident like this or maybe it was an uninformed cashier. Let's all hope so!

$1 SMART BALANCE MILK

Smart balance milk is on sale for $2.50 each beginning Thursday. If you want the $1.50 coupon, go to weclipusave.com and get the coupons for just $.12 each. While you are there pick up some Right Guard deodorant coupons to get it very cheap also!

CHEAP KRAFT SHREDDED CHEESE FOR ME!

I think I have come up with the reason I keep writing this blog...it's because I know you guys get just as excited about a deal like I do! I had a raincheck for Kraft Shredded Cheese 2 for $5. Those $2 Kraft Cheese Publix coupons, that expired tomorrow, were burning a hole in my pocket, so I dug out the raincheck and got 8 bags for $.50 each! SCORE!!! Keep in mind the raincheck was 11 months old!! I never seem to have a problem using an old raincheck. It's times like these that make me happy I am a couponer. I was at the bottom of my stockpile for cheese because I gave it all to my daughter so I was thrilled!!

CVS DIAPER DEAL BEGINNING SUNDAY

For those of you with little ones, you might want to check out this diaper deal at CVS beginning tomorrow. Buy (3) Huggies Snug & Dry Jumbo Pk. Diapers, Pull-Ups or GoodNites, $9.99 Total = $29.97 (3) $2/1 Huggies Little Movers, Little Snugglers Diapers or Overnites Diapers, exp. 5/18/13 (SS 04/21/13) OR $1.50/1 Huggies Diapers, exp. 5/18/13 (SS 04/21/13) Total = $23.97, Get $10 Extrabucks Rewards = As low as $13.97 ($4.66 PER PACK)! My daughter has already called me and asked me if I had extra coupons!

DEBIT CARDS

I thought this was important enough to post something about this subject...debit cards. Everyone of us have them and use them on a daily basis. I went into my bank and asked them about using the debit card with a PIN number. They told me not to do it!! They said to always run my transaction through as a credit. Ever since they told me that I have never used my card with the PIN number. I tell you this because most people don't know that this is how your card is compromised. You are much safer running it through as credit. Some banks now will not guarantee a transaction that is compromised if run as debit. So a word to the wise...don't use as a debit card!

NOT YOUR DAUGHTER JEANS

Just as soon as I say I am tired of posting deals, I had to tell you about this one! If you love NOT YOUR DAUGHTER'S JEANS head over to Ross. I found three pairs of nice white jeans with silver stud details on the pockets. They had size 6, 10, and 14. They are $39.99. I would have purchased a pair but I needed a size 12. These normally sell for over $100 and are my favorite! They also had some capris but I forgot what size they were.

TIRED OF WRITING

I am sure many of you have noticed that I have been MIA lately. I just haven't been into writing on this blog. I find deals but I just don't have the time to post anything. When I did have the time, I had computer issues. It is just going to be a matter of time before I give it up completely. I am hoping to buy Enjoy the City books one more time before June and I want to be able to post it here to see if any of you want to go in on them. So bear with me as I take long breaks between postings. I just don't have it in me anymore! What I may do is ask anyone who is interested to email me at judiray56@yahoo.com When I decide to buy them, I will contact everyone via email and also post on this blog. Sorry for the inconvenience but I knew it was coming soon!

PUBLIX 4/16/13

I felt I could have done better with today's shopping trip, but I was in a hurry and didn't want to take the time to add up what was in my cart. Turns out if I had just added $9 more in groceries, I could have used another $5/$30. I didn't see much for me this week so I just bought the following: 2 Kraft Fresh Take 2 Dannon Yogurt Baby Carrots Bananas Cantelope 2 Tombstone Pizza 8 Edge Shave Gel Q-Tips Distilled Water 2 Clorox Foam Cleaner My total was $18.96. Edge Shave Gel is the only kind my husband will use so for $.50 each it was well worth it!

CHEAP TOMBSTONE PIZZA

Tombstone Pizza is BOGO this week until Wednesday. There is a $1 coupon HERE and it states it is only good for the Stuffed Pizza or Garlic Dipping Bites. I bought the regular Meat Pizza today and the coupon worked just fine. I think that made them just $2 each! If you haven't shopped yet and were wondering if this coupon would work, I can tell you that it does!

HOW TO COOK TOFU

Did anyone else buy the tofu last week when it was on sale? I did and gave it to my daughter. She was so excited! Recently I read an article about tofu that I thought was interesting. Have you ever e Been in a restaurant and noticed the tofu had a distinct spongy texture that allowed it to soak up more sauce in the dish? This texture is produced by freezing the tofu solid before thawing and cooking it. As it freezes, the ice crystals expand pushing apart the protein network. When thawed the water drains away leaving the tofu with a spongy consistency that is highly absorbent. To freeze, simply freeze extra-firm tofu into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick slabs, spread on a single layer on baking sheet, and freeze overnight. Then place in a freezer bag and stored in freezer for up to a month. To use, thaw at room temperature and press each slab gently to expel any remaining water before cooking.

SATURDAY AND BRUSSEL SPROUTS

For the past few weeks I have been going to the farmers market and buying fresh brussel sprouts. They offer a small bag for 3 already picked off the stalk. On the other hand, I buy the ones on the stalk for $4 and get three times the amount of brussel sprouts. I simply coat them with olive oil and roast for 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with kosher salt and they are delicious!! I don't think they will be available for long so I plan on buying them until they are gone!

EXPIRED DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN EXPIRED

I recently received my new issue of Cook's Illustrated and found this article that I thought you might find interesting. The 'best buy' date printed on some canned foods is not an 'expiration' date. It refers strictly to the manufacturer's recommendation for peak quality, not safety concerns. As long as the cans look good and have been stored in a dry place between 40 and 70 degrees, their contents should be safe to use indefinitely. Be sure to discard any cans that are bulging or spurt liquid when opening! Non-stick vegetable spray likewise lasts past it's 'best buy' dates. They tested this by making two sheet cakes. On one they sprayed with a can of PAM that was a year past the best by date and for the other they used a new can. The results? Both cans tasted the same. Good info to know! Especially when we get great deals on these items.

JC PENNEY COUPON

JC Penney is offering 20% off all purchases which includes on-line and store purchases! The deal is good through Wednesday, April 17th. Go HERE to print your coupon. Note that furniture purchases will only be 10% off.

STAIN REMOVAL

My Internet has been down again for the past few days. I sure wish we could switch to U-Verse but it will end up costing more than the $160 pet month we already pay now. So I have to live with my Internet going out now and then. I had to tell you what happened to me. I wore a new pink top to Carrabba's the other night when we went to dinner. I don't know what got on it, maybe olive oil, but it stained my shirt. I immediately sprayed Shout Spray and Wash on it and washed it. The oil stains were still there after I washed it. I consulted my daughter who is an expert at getting stains out of kids clothes, and she told me to get Clorox Spot Cleaner. She said all the others didn't work and hands down this was the best. By golly, she was right! I sprayed the shirt and washed it again and all the stains came out! Note to self...even if it is free, don't get Shout! It doesn't work!

WINN DIXIE DEALS

The summer is coming and so are those outdoor BBQ's. Winn Dixie has Premio Italian Sausage on sale BOGO. Use two $.55/1 coupons from HERE and pay just $1.99 each! They are also having a three-day sale beginning tomorrow and you could get Lobster Tails for $3.99 each. Also Hillshire Farm Sausage is $1.99 each. Use the $.75/2 coupon from the 3/24 RP to pay just $1.61 each. This is so easy when you use a boxed Jambayala Mix and you have dinner on the table in 20 minutes!

STRAWBERRIES

If you are going to buy strawberries, DO NOT buy them from the Farmers Market. He is selling his for $25 a flat! WOW! They must have some gold laced through them! I bought them today for $15 at my fruit guy on US 1 across from the car wash. They were really good! I also saw Stewart's had them for $12 a flat. I don't know how they are because I didn't taste this bunch. Just be careful when you are buying strawberries...all are not created equal. There are different varieties and some are better than others. I still think the $25 price is ridiculous!

MY SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT PURSE

My husband said he wants to buy me a nice purse for my birthday. So off we go to Belk and Dillard's today to find the elusive purse I am so excited to get! He was so patient as I walked through the store and picked up every bag, put it on my shoulder, took out the paper inside, zipped and unzipped it, and adjusted the shoulder straps. Not only did we go to those two stores, we went to two malls! You would think with all the choices I had I would find one. I want a nice soft leather bag, preferably one strap, a pocket on the outside and a neutral color. I didn't find any. No let's rephrase that...I did find one but it was $348. Dillard's was offering $50 off on any sale over $200 with the trade-in of any old purse to charity. For $300 I just couldn't justify how plain it was. Sure it was a nice Coach leather bag but I wish it had just a little bling to it. Maybe a silver buckle or something like that. In the end, after 5 hours between 4 stores, my frugal mind wouldn't let him pay $300 for a purse. Sure I would have it for years and enjoy carrying something nice but I just couldn't pull the plug. I will just continue to look at Marshall's and watch for sales at the end of the season. If you are in the market for a purse, Belk is offering 25 percent off this weekend and Dillard's is offering $50 for any bag over $200 and less for cheaper bags. Wish me luck as I search for the perfect bag!

LITTLE SHOPPING FOR ME THIS WEEK

I don't know about you but my shopping list this week is pretty sparse. And by that I mean VERY VERY sparse! I really need to use up some of my stockpile and the new ad isn't speaking to me so canned tomatoes will make up the main part of my trip. With that being said, I am hoping they are BOGO at our store this week. It was listed on IHP but I did not see it in our weekly ad. Hopefully it is an unadvertised sale. If they are this is my plan: 36 cans Red Gold Tomatoes BOGO $25.02 Cantelope $2.50 2 Greased Lightening BOGO $1.69 Use 18 $1/2 tomato coupons - minus $18.00 Use 2 $1/1 Greased Lightening coupons - minus $2 Use one $5/$30 WD coupon TOTAL FOR ABOVE $5.90 I am still fully stocked on eggs and milk thanks to the ad from last week. I also still have plenty of lunchmeat on hand and have frozen onion rye bread in my freezer from my trip to Miami! Looks like a light week for me AND I will get stocked up on canned tomatoes!

CVS COUPON

HURRY! Print this coupon HERE for 20% off anything in the store at CVS. This coupon is good for 4/2 and 4/3 only. I think I am going to use it on Olay Regenerist Face Cream. I LOVE this cream and I should be able to get a bottle for just under $20. Plus I will get to use some of those ECB's that I have so many of! I think what I am going to do for now is go down to 1 card instead of 2 so I don't have as much to keep track of. I will see if my burnout with CVS improves!