The calm before the storm... leads to free gas!!

Well, I have to admit i sure do love slow weeks!This past weekend I was cooped up at home (Due to tropical storm Isaac) playing catch up on chores, rebates, clean out coupon files(I do not use a binder when i coupon), etc . Another reason why I  love them, is that its the calm before the storm. Usually when there is consecutive weeks of lame sales (ahem, CVS and even Publix shockingly) or when a holiday is approaching ( labor day) is when the good sales come in!

To give a better example, if you saw in my last weeks drugstore run that I completely neglected CVS  due to its lack luster Ad. Well, this week it is hot!

I paid .53 cents for the above pictured, got back a 10 dollar gas gift card!

Break down!

 Bought 

2 dawn @ .99 each ( used((2)) .50 q from 8/26 P&G )

1 Puffs @ .99 ( .50 q from a P&G Orgullosa insert from Latina Magazine)

1 good and natural bar @ 1.19 each ( used a free good and Natural Coupon from 8/12 RP)

2 Biore Cleanser @6.99 each ( used 2 BOGO Cleanser WYB pore strips or vice versa )

2 Biore pore strips @ 6.99 each

1 Heinz ketchup @ .99 ( used .50 q from 8/19 SS)

 Used also a 4 off of 20 CVS coupon that was sent to my inbox

I had 4 dollars ecb  from purchasing revlon lipstick on Saturday.

I also had a 10 giftcard  that i purchased for 5 bucks from Geico Rewards. 

I am in love with the Ad this week from CVS . Their is soo much scenarios you can pull and still profit  for the gas gift card deal! Not to mention the easy-peasy freebies like the money making razor, and Hershey Simple Pleasures. My store was out of Both of them and a the Dawn hand renewal cream, but I didn't sweat it. Honestly I can't gripe over getting 30 dollars worth of stuff and walk out with a giftcard by only paying tax.

I had also gone to Publix even though this week the ad was lame. However, William wanted to make garbanzos  and i had no meat to go with it , and the Near East couscous is on sale. I had no coupon for it but I love those things sooo much that I stocked up on it anyways. Needless to say, I shopped mostly BOGOS and only used 2 coupons, however is still managed to save around 50% !

Break down!

Pork steaks @ 5.99 

calabaza/pumpkin @ .53

malanga @ .66

chorizo  @ 2.19

2 Kettle chips BOGO @3.60 ( used a 1 dollar off 2 manu  printable)

2 Canned chicken BOGO @ 3.19 

2 Ben and Jerrys BOGO @ 4.60

6 Near east couscous/rice pilaf BOGO@ 2.19

1 twix @ .99 

Used a 5 off 30 Winn-Dixie competitor coupon

Payed 23.44 saved 25.68  over 50 % savings!

Also, there is a app called "Wrap",  and if you havent't DL it onto your phone your missing out. Every other week they give out free gift cards like Gap, MLB.com and recently was awarded a 5 dollar Office Depot card. Hey, free money is money, and luckily my Publix is next to Office Depot (Pembroke Commons shopping center <3) 

I paid .49 cents after gift card . The Wet wipes and Highlighters were both .50 cents and the Lysol wipes  were 4.19. Disinfectant wipes are my favorite things to stock up on BTW =).

There was also alot of buzz in the couponing world (Facebook coupon sites) about Dollar tree accepting Manufacturere coupons! I sneaked a peek in my store (also thankfully in the same Plaza as Publix), but I was Disappointed to find they didnt have a Freezer full of Frozen foods like other Dollar trees. i imagine those must be gold mines. I didnt  need anymore Softscrub or Comet but i was pleased to find out that the newspapers are a dollar (DUH) ! The sunday edition of the Sun Sentinel cost 2 bucks at Publix, so I saved a dollar (and then some with the Killer coupons in this weeks inserts) already!

I will gladly pay a dollar to save $999!

Lastly, I went to Super Target. I find that Target has better prices inBeans and AWESOME prices on  Brown Rice (since its in bulk) Than Publix. I also couldn't resist on getting some overage The stayfree Liners were free after coupons and Giftcard ( I'm starting to save up on the giftcard for the Holiday <3). Oh yeah and I also couldn't resist (as well as William) on some fruit rolls ups and Hello Pandas ( these remind me of My Otaku buddies from high school). These as well as the Lint roller were a a dollar each.

Overall i spent I about $39 on my weekly run, But saved almost 70 bucks ( 75% savings), I hope you guys had a great haul! I for one, I am devising another trip to CVS!  Also, as I mentioned earlier, usually when Ads suck one week , they kick Butt the next! If your a Publix Shopper and haven't checked out the weekly ad on iheartpublix.com, you can see that it totally makes up for this weeks sale! I 

Cena con la Famiglia (Dinner with the Family)

South Florida is pretty much hectic here. Publix was packed (drove by there to drop off meds for William) and co-workers were dreading to do the hurricane preparations. Me? All me and my Hub-to-be have to do is wheel in the grill and patio furniture bring in one car in the garage and done! Honestly, if someone living near Pembroke Pines, needs food after the hurricane, Holla at your girl! Its times like these that really do pay off being a couponer with an impressive stockpile.

Thankfully, instead of going crazy with the Hurricane madness, I decided to eat out today with my
family!(Woo hoo for no cooking!)I decided to take the family to none other than Buca Di Peppo (plus i had a coupon to burn)

My two best friends, My seester Nylia, and my beloved hub-to-be William.They are seen here talking techie jargon (both are IT Analyst for different companies). Me and my Brother were having great pleasure making fun of their techie nerd talk =D.

My Mom and Dad. Can you believe their in the 50's! Glad to know I may age gracefully!

Me and My brother Jeffrey before we were comparing triceps and farmers tan that we got for playing ball this summer. Difference is my brother is a beast at baseball, and where as I am not.

I love that the portions are family sized and meant for sharing. Makes dinner very affordable not to mention Yummy.

                      And to top it all off we finished it all off with the Collossal Brownie Sundae!!

                                                                       Sundae before

                                                                   

                                                             Sundae after! =O



On a personal, note, one of the biggest challenges I'm finding today is balance(Work, coupons, blogging, and family). Its one of the reasons why i wanted TMOACN to be an outlet for me. I love staying busy, but lately I have realized not to forget the biggest treasure I have is Family. Its been a while since we had a last seen them and I missed them like crazy! This was totally worth it though!Needless to say, I had a blast!

This weeks Publix run

The weekly sale ad for Publix and Doris was ending today, and I couldn't say no to cheap chips ahoy and lobster ( I aim no more than 6.00 a lbs for any indulgent meat) so I was determined to snag some cheap goodies....

                                                                Alas, I was too late   :(  

                                                          (Pardon, Fuzzy Phone Pictures)

                                               

However, I fared better at publix. I got to pay 8.47 oop (includes tax), saved 24.34!

**Update!
Here is the break down!
French bread = 1.99
Green Giant Steamers Broccoli BOGO 2.59= 2.59 (had no q's on me)
2 Silk 1/2 gal=2
2 Aquafresh toothpaste(1 each) = 0 (used 1 dollar target printable)
2 Chips ahoy cookies (BOGO2.99) = .25( used 2, 1 dollar publix q and .75 insert manu)
2 Jingos crackers(BOGO2.99)=1( used 2,1 dollar printable manu)

I do have to note though, my Publix sure is clever about product placement with the sweets next to the back to school supplies. Makes me want me want to make sure I don't bring my kiddos shopping in the future.

Wags trip!

So, I apologize for no post last week, but, rest assured there was not much to share.

Lately, the good deals that are out are school related or toy clearance (Did anyone get a hold of the 5 of Toys R Us coupon? that was a good one!). Those deals were tempting, but :

1. I have yet to have a kiddo. No need to take from the hard working mommys out there!

2. The weather here in South Florida, has been weird as usual. Scorching hot summer heat for half the day, and raining non-stop the rest of the day.

3. Gas. Ugh, its almost 4 bucks a gallon, Geez!

So, even if its for one measly thing i wanted like the free quaker bars at Publix, Its still not worth it getting one freebie.

Lately, I did find some things worth getting, well , at least at Wags (CVS was a let down this week)

So here's how i did:

I got all pictured, plus another candy bar (could not resist!) for 2.82, plus 5 bucks back in Registered Rewards ( RR)


Transaction no.1
(1) On the Border tortilla chips on sale for 1.99
(1) 3 Muskateer on clearance for .89
(1) Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet cleaner on sale for 6.99
(2) Crest Toothpaste 3d whitening on sale for 2 for 6
(2) Chex Mix bags on sale for 2 for 3

Used
(1) 5 dollar off manufacturer blinkie (got this from Publix!)
(2) .50 cent coupon (coupons.com, still available) for Chex Mix 4.5 oz or larger
(1 ) 1.50 manufacturer vocal pointmailer for any crest 4.0 oz or larger
(1) .75 coupon for any crest tooth paste from the 7/29 P&G insert

(1) 10 dollar RR from previous purchase

paid 1.46 Out of Pocket (OOP), saved 28.43( !) 98% (according to receipt)

got back
4 RR  for Crest deal
1 RR for Chex mix deal
2 RR for Scrubbing Bubbles Deal

***Will constantly remind myself to hold onto receipt for P&G Rebate

Transaction no.2

(1 ) Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet cleaner on sale for 6.99
(1) 3 Muskateer on clearance for .89

Used
5 dollar blinkie  for scubbing bubbles

AND this is where i messed up

I used the 2 RR from the Scrubbing Bubble deal instead of the Chex mix.

Paid 1.36

got back no RR , but saved 10.60, 92%

Please note from my mistake that when you roll your registered rewards to not use the same RR from the same deal or you will not get back the RR, the second time around. However, I can't really complain since, this retail for 10 bucks and its gonna keep my toilet clean,


I do have to note that my Walgreens has a new sleek register system. Rumor, has it that they are doing a rewards program similar to CVS. I'm a little skeptical about that but, I hear its a good way to limit deals ( prevent shelf clearing). I did like that the receipt has a total of my savings listed.

Procastination at its best!

So, yesterday just so happened to be the final day before the Publix ad ended, and as usual i wait until the last minute to get the stuff I want. So far the turn out was ok.

I originally had planned for getting all of this for free. However the liners you see above did not make the cut =(. The manager did not accept my target coupon because "its a target  item". I let it slide because 

1. I had the coupon policy but not the publix q&a print out.

2. I was tired from work and wanted to scram!

Please, if you a couponer always be prepared and take note from my mistake

However, my trip still rocked! 

 I had to pay a little over two bucks and saved 48!!  I also bought some super cheap-after-coupons glade  that had a try me free label , so WHOOP!  I got paid to buy over 48 dollars worth of stuff!

I promise Ill add my break down but, I am beat at the moment! 

* update*

Here is the break down:

2 skinny cow ( used 1.50 q off 2 skinny cow)=2.79

1 edys slow churned mini cup ( free item coupon from Edys FB page)=0

1 bic pencil( no coupon =(  , but needed filler)=1

1 publix liner (again filler, would of been free)=1

4 paper mate pens( used 4 Target papermate q's)=  2 dollar money maker

1 glade expressions pineapple diffuser (used 5 dollar coupon, w  try me free label) 1 dollar but money maker after rebate!

2 progresso soup cans (1 manu q, since someone cleared my store of the publix q's)=2

2 pantene hair stylers (used a 3 dollar manu and a 1off 2 target q)= over 1 dollar money maker(clearance find)

2 chobani yogurt packs (stacked a1 dollar off target and 1 dollar off manu) =1 

As you can see, the Glade and Pantene truly saved my butt, since I planned to spend no more than a dollar!

BTW, the Glade diffuser smells heavenly and all my co-workers compliment me for it! Not to mention the cute bamboo design is adorable!

<3 Jackie!

Drugstore run

o today I started of having a lazy Sunday with William. We went to go see Savages at the theater, and it was pretty good. We then used a giftcard and coupon at TGI Fridays for lunch, and call it a day. I was actually planning on not going at all to the drugstore today. I don't need tampons nor Shampoo or bodywash.   But I did need my papers, and then I was bored so off i went to get some free stuff!

 

 Just a heads up to those going to CVS. I was lucky enough to snag this for better than free with the store markdown and the coupon from the machine!




After CVS, I headed over to WAGS (Walgreens) to get some Lanacane First Aid spray. I also noticed that they have steep markdown's on toy. I don't have any kids but these are good deals, and great to spend you RR's from this weeks freebies!Most are these are at 70% off!

Cute! Not bad for  4.98( reg19.99!).

                                                 
                                            Another good find! Was 29.99 down to 6.99!

Although its hard to see from my dingy phone, this is marked down to 2.88 ( reg.10.99)

                                                          All this was a net cost of .06 cent !!

Break down!
Bought 1 chex mix @ 1.50
1 box of panty hose @ .87
1 womens trouser socks @.52
2 nivea tubes @bogo 3.79

Used
2 off any leggs CVS q from coupon machine
1 free item coupon for nivea lip balm
1 .50 chex mix

Also got a deposit for .50 to saving star and 1 ECB for using the green tag!

Walgreens was out most of the free stuff i wanted so all you see here i paid 8 bucks for and got back 6 registered rewards.

I love leftovers!

I love leftovers!

I am a big girl (who is trying to lose weight), thus i love food!

But I LOVE cheap food that taste like fireworks in my mouth!

Normally, as a kid growing up, I detested leftovers. Nothing says yum like reheated unfresh food.

 However, as a frugal foodie, I have to deal with leftover, end of story. I was not going to toss food away( a big no-no for me) to simply buy some more.Especially meat, the prices are insane now these days for anything with protein. So that's why I started meal planning with whats on sale and creating creative and frugal dishes that are also yummy. I highly encourage others to do the same!

Well, just what exactly I am I raving about? Well, If you read my previous post for this week you will notice that on my run i was making purchases to compliment dinner that night( Yuca, Cuban bread and I reheated Cuban style black beans that I froze). That day I was making lechon (cuban styled pork), and I got a great deal on the pork shoulder at Winn-Dixie. I believe I bought it two weeks prior, and it was .89 lbs! Now ANY meat that's under a dollar is a stock up price for me!

So I bought 8lbs.

The next day, we had Pork sandwiches and we still had plenty of pork. I was running out of ideas, until I remembered what my mother did one day with leftover pork.

Make pork taco's!

Ingredients
-leftover pork of any kind
- corn tortillas
-chopped onions( like 1/4)
-Some cilantro (depends on how much you love cilantro)
-Some jalapeno( depends if you can take the heat  from the jalapeno)
-salt to taste
-squirt of lime

Depending on how much you have leftover, you can pretty much feed a whole family. Again, this all varies since its based on leftover's


I wish i had better photography to highlight the yummy nom's! But, it was easy, yummy, and i had every thing on had.

Also do you remember the Tortilla chips I bought at wags(Walgreens) for filler.It complimented the meal very well! And I made a super easy mango salsa(Inspired by Melanie in the Middle's sunset chicken and mango salad) , to go with it!


 Ingredients
- one ripe mango( we had a overly riped one from our own mango tree and it tasted awesome)
- half an onion( vidalia or sweet goes great)
- 1/4 of  a bunch of cilantro ( or more if you like it)
-half a jalepeno ( more or less depending on your heat tolerance)
- a drizzle of honey
-half a lime
- a pinch of salt

Trust me this is yummy. My very picky-eating fiance gave it his approval so i know its blog worthy!