Here are some of my thrift finds over the past few weeks. I promise I'll post some after photos of some of the finds.

I thought this would be cute to put some pumpkins on. Black thing? .75 cents
I found the cute tea set in the middle for $2, far left .50 cents, far right $1. I plan displaying these in my hutch as soon as I get it painted.
Cute red lanterns $5 each.

I found these two gap items at a yard sale $2 each! Yep that stinkin cute sherpa gap coat was $2. It had some spots on it that I wondered if I'd be able to get out but they came out great, it looks brand new now.
Vases .75 cents each, glass thing (I have plans for it stay tuned) .50 cents, mail divider $2
Here is a closer look
Jumpers were $3 each, cardigan was $2
Some cute pillow cases for pillow case dresses, .50 cents each, vintage fabric $2 I'm thinking I'll make an apron out of it.
I didn't get these recently but I thought I would share a few of my favorite DI finds for Mylee. These were all $2 each. (far right is a denim gap jumper)

Jacket $3, dress $2 both are old navy

ruffled skirt $2, osh kosh bgosh overalls $2

left to right gap corduroy pants $2, velvet pants $2, gap denim pants $3

can you believe how cute those pink boots are, especially for $2! red gap boots $1, pink fuzzy boots $1

Mary jane's $1, black shoes $1, sandals $1 (don't worry I bought both shoes I just couldn't find the other one for the picture)

I love looking for such great buys for Mylee. You can find some cute clothes for kids at DI! I don't find these every time I go, but every once in a while some good stuff will show up.

Grocery deals 9/24

Sorry it has taken me so long to get this week's grocery deals posted. Honestly it's not as exciting as the past few weeks. I'll try and post some recipes soon but I have been so busy this week that I haven't even planned my meals yet, hopefully that will happen tomorrow.



Albertson's:

-Hershey's baking chips and Duncan Hines cake mix (look at ad for others) 10 for $10, -$3= .70 cents each
-C&W frozen veg. , sara lee bread, Albertson's icecream,ocean spray juice(look at ad for others) 5 for $10, -$3= $1.40 each
*click here for some coupons for the frozen veggies
-Kellog's start smart cereal (see ad for others) 3 for $10, - $3= $2.34
*get another $1 off the cereal by going here
-milk 2 for $5
-Renu contact solution $5.99
-Yoplait yogurt 20 for $10 see add for other yogurt and pillsbury offers
*spend $10 get free orange juice
-free wheat thins with in ad coupon
-kraft dressing 2 for $3 with in ad coupon

Lins:
-peaches .99/lb.
*I've got a couple super yummy peach pie recipes that I'll try and post soon
-cauliflower .69/lb
-roma tomatoes .69/lb
-milk 2 for $5
-western family yogurt 10 for $4
-zucchini .89/lb
-salad $1.69

At home alterations

On studio 5 they had a great segment showing you how to alter your clothes to be more modest. I thought this lady had some great ideas. You'll have to fast forward to about five minutes into the video to get to the good stuff. Go here to see the video.

Wicker chair makeover

Remember these chairs ?

Here they are now.

I've had them done for a while but I kept forgetting to take a picture. I also need to spray another coat on the chair on the right. (just don't look too close) Not bad for $25 for both.

Old Navy Sale!

Old Navy is having a great sale, you get 20% off and free shipping! Use this code: BFF They are especially having some great deals on children's clothes, here are a few that I thought were very cute!( I have an 18 month little girl so I that is what I shop for. ) P.S. Sale ends today so hurry over!

All of these are $4.99 + 20% off + free shipping!

These last two are $3.99 + 20% off +free shipping!

Check it out! 9/22

I thought I would start sharing some things worth checking out from other bloggers, so check it out:



*Love this dollar store craft project from joys of home

*Love the white pumpkin project from kimba at a soft place to land

*Cute polka dot dresser from at home redesigns

*Check out some amazing outdoor fall decor and planting at just a girl

*Anyone have an abundance of zucchini? Check out my happy little life for some zucchini recipes

*Need to recover some old furniture, I sure do check out pink and polka dot's slipcover tutorial

*The Happy Homebody has a super cute craft idea using a shutter

Creamy tomato pasta

Here is a recipe to use your free diced tomatoes with. This is also an excellent recipe for food storage, if you didn't use the sausage, substituted fresh onions for dry minced onions, and substituted garlic for garlic powder, you would be using all pantry items for this meal.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

1 12 oz pkg bow tie pasta
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
½ c. diced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 28oz. Italian style diced tomatoes
1 ½ c. evaporated milk
½ tsp. salt

*can add mushrooms
*can add Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 mins, or until dente; drain. Heat oil in a large , deep skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is evenly brown. Stir in onion and garlic, and cook until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, evaporated milk and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 mins. Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through. Serves 6.

Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken

Here is a recipe for the cream cheese and cream of chicken soup that is on sale this week.

Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
¼ c. water
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 can cream of chicken soup

Place chicken in crock pot. Combine salad dressing mix and water, pour over chicken. Cover, cook on low for 3 hours. Combine cream cheese and soup until blended, pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour or until chicken juices run clear. Serve over noodles or rice.

How to get good grocery deals

I thought I would share with you some of my secrets to getting good deals on groceries. I am not a pro and have just recently gotten into couponing. Some of you are experts on this.

First of all I go through the ads and make a list of what is on sale. I also base my meals for the week on what is on sale, so I'll try to share some of the recipes with you. I should also explain that my town only has three places to shop for groceries Wal-Mart, Albertson's, and Lins (associated foods). So, I only list the deals from those stores. I wish we had a Rite aid and CVS because people get stuff for free all the time at those stores.

Then I head over to coupon queen who has great links to coupons. Then I head over to pinching your pennies which is an awesome site for saving on groceries. Go to grocery guide enter your zip code and it will bring up a grocery list of what is on sale. Then I go to some printable coupon sites such as: grocery smarts, coupon mom, and betty crocker (click on coupons).

Now I haven't gotten a subscription to the newspaper yet. Notice I said not yet because I plan on getting one or two here soon. Go here and here for some discounted rates on newspapers.

Also another way to get some great coupons is to get all you magazine. I have been getting it at Wal-Mart off the stand for $1.77 an issue, but coupon queen has informed me of a place to subscribe to it for cheaper than that. I am going to subscribe to that as well because it has great coupons and I actually really like the magazine as well.

So there it is. I've told you everything I know. Do you have any grocery saving strategies or sites? Please share.

Grocery deals for the week of 9/17

Okay you don't want to miss this one, you can get some freebies this week!

Albertson's:
-Campbell's soup and swanson's chicken, beef or vegetable broth 20 for $10
*Next month the expanded food storage item is soup so this is a great time to stock up!
-Malt o meal cereal 4 for $9 - $5= 4 for $4
* here is how to get them for free and for .25 each go to this link and it will direct you from there. P.S. you can only get the -$5 one per transaction so you can only use four of your coupons per transaction.
-6.8 oz goldfish crackers 10 for $10
* cheaper than buying the bigger box
-muir glen organic tomatoes 10 for $10
* go to this link and this link and get them for free
-oreos 2 for $3 with in ad coupon
-free tree top apple juice with $25 purchase (with in ad coupon)
-green grapes .98/lb

Lins:
-Cream cheese .99 cents each
-apples .99/lb
-pinapple .99/lb
-pears .99/lb


Anyway Albertson's is having some great sales again as usual. I spent $54 and saved $101 and I ended up getting 9 items for free on my shopping trip! Found links via coupon queen.

Grocery deals for the week

Albertson's is having some great deals again this week. A great time to stock up on items. You will need to see the ad to find the specific items you want.

Albertsons:
-Quaker and Albertson's brand cereal and granola bars 10 for $15 -$5 = 10 for $10
* $1 for quaker granola bars is a great deal
-Quaker oatmeal etc. 10 for $20-$5= 10 for $15
* go here, here, here, here and here for quaker product coupons. Remember to print the coupons until your limit is reached. I ended up paying .50 cents each for the simple harvest oatmeal, and instant oatmeal! Also the 42 oz. quaker oats is an excellent deal. (even cheaper than Wal-Mart) So, if you are needing some short term storage stock up.
-General Mills cereal 5 for $10, buy 5 get free milk on your next purchase
* go here for some cereal coupons.Also here has some coupons just click on coupons. (you will have to register at that site)
-stouffers frozen entrees $1.88 ( I like to keep the lasagna's on hand)
-hot pockets 6 for $10
-Corn King sliced bacon $1.88, first 3
-Clorox cleaning products 2 for $4, buy 2 and get bleach or clorox wipes for free
-Swiss miss hot cocoa 10 for $10
* if you are following the food storage plan this is the cheapest I've seen for packets of hot cocoa.
-50% off spices
*another item on the food storage month by month plan
-salad 3 for $5
-milk 2 for $5
-get free orange juice with $25 purchase, see the ad for coupon

Lins or associated foods

-jimmy dean sausage $1.99
-peaches .99/lb.
-grapefruit .69/lb
-milk 2/$5
-eggs $1.29
-4 oz. green diced chilies 2 for $1
-yoplait yogurt 20 for $10
* go here for yoplait coupons
-progresso soup, hamburger helper, grand rolls, au gratin potatoes, etc.(see ad) 10 for $15 use coupon in ad 10 for $11
* go here an here for coupons. You might want to stock up on the soups because that is a food storage item for October. I really like the progresso soups for 72 hour kits because you don't have to add water to them. I'll do a post on 72 hour kits later.
-red onions .89/lb
-green beans 1.29/lb
-Dole salad 1.69

10 items under $10 at Target

Okay so I know that I have spent too much time window shopping on the internet lately, my house is definitely suffering. Here are ten items under $10 at Target

Darling little plaid wedge. $6.49
Perfect plum top for fall. $4.89



This looks like a shirt that I would buy for myself too bad it only comes in sizes 2t-5t. $6.99
Teal top $6.29

Lovely little floral top for your little one $6.29Who can resist this sweet polka dot wedge. $9.09
Classic black pencil skirt, a staple for every wardrobe. Too bad I just barely bought one, too bad not for this price: $4.99 Black shoes $7.49

I know, I admit my obsession for a red shoe. $6.24 Black patent heel= super sexy for just $6.24

Okay this last one is not under $10 but don't you just love it! I really want to get it for Mylee.

Old Navy Baby Sale

Old Navy is having some great sales on some really cute baby clothes. Here are a few that I really liked. (PS Spend $50 on baby or maternity and get free shipping with code: BABYMAT)

I think this shirt is cute, but I am too cheap to buy it for $12.00.

Cute plaid capris for $8.00.

Love this sweater dress, but not loving the price $20.00.

Navy ruffle neck dress, so cute! $11.70

I actually bought this one, but not for $6.99!

Darling plaid coat, $22

Butterfly jacket, $8.25

Sweet babydoll sweater, $11.70

I am a sucker for patterned tights especially for $3.90

How about a cute boot with those tights, $11.70

I want this skirt

I really, really like this skirt. I wish I could find some cute suede knee high boots to go with. I also really like these shoes from studio32.

Food Storage for September

In my ward besides being in the primary presidency, I am also the "food storage specialist". I have compiled a plan to get food storage month by month. I made this list up for my ward so I thought I would share it with you who are trying to get your food storage together. I have been working on that this year and I have done well so far. I have broken the food storage down into 3 categories: 1. Basic storage ( wheat, flour, beans, pasta, oil, etc.), 2. Expanded storage ( extra things such as peanut butter, baking soda and powder, spices, etc. ) 3. Non perishable items(toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, candles, etc.) If you want to follow this month by month plan it will give you enough food storage for one year. I didn't include amounts on the expanded storage and nonperishable items because I thought that is something you can decide on how much your family uses. I did follow the suggested amount of basic food storage items on http://www.providentliving.org/ Our home can only hold about 3 months of food storage so I have personally adjusted my amounts according to that time frame, but if you follow the amounts I have listed it will give you enough food for one year. So, each month I will list my food storage plan for the month. I hope this is helpful to those of you who are like me trying to get some food storage put away. If you are just starting please don't be overwhelmed, just buy what you can. Some storage is better than no storage.



Food Storage Month by Month
September

“Be honest, truthful, industrious, frugal, thrifty. In the day of plenty, prepare for the day of scarcity.”- Church section, the Deseret News

Basic Storage:
· Macaroni and spaghetti noodles 12 lbs (per person)
· Beans 20 lbs (per person)

Expanded Storage:
· Hot cocoa, spices

Nonperishable item:
· First aid kit

Also I love to get recipes on how to use your food storage so please share if you have any. I will also share some that I have compiled. So here is a recipe for hot chocolate mix: (good way to use your powdered milk and I actually like this mix better than the kind that you can buy at the store)

Hot Chocolate Mix
12 c. powdered milk
8 oz. nondairy creamer
½ c. powdered sugar
32 oz. powdered chocolate mix

Add desired amount to boiling water. Store in an airtight container.

Corn and Zucchini Melody

Here is a recipe to use the zuchinni , bacon and cheese that is on sale this week:

Corn and Zucchini Melody

Ingredients:
4 slices bacon
1 small red onion, chopped
2 c. chopped zucchini
1 ½ c. fresh corn kernels
¼ c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 pinch pepper

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over med-high heat until evenly brown. Reserve 1 Tbsp. of drippings. Drain bacon, chop, and set aside. Heat the bacon drippings in the skillet over med-high heat. Saute the zucchini, corn and onion until tender but still crisp, about 10 mins. Season with pepper. Spoon vegetables into a bowel, and sprinkle with chopped bacon and shredded cheese. Serves: 5

*could add minced garlic

Skillet Lasagna

Here is a recipe to use your cheese and cottage cheese that is on sale this week. I love to make this recipe during the summer because I hate to turn my oven on when it is so hot!

Skillet Lasagna

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. ground beef
8 lasagna noodles, each broken into 4 pieces
1 26 oz. jar tomato sauce
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper
¾ c. cottage cheese

Warm oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, cook 1 minute. Add ground beef, salt and pepper, and cook, breaking up meat, until it loses its pink color, 3 to 5 minutes. Scatter noodles over ground beef. Pour sauce and 2 cups of water on top. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover and cook until noodles are tender, stirring 20 minutes. Stir in most of cheeses. Remove from heat; spoon cottage cheese on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover, let stand 4 to 5 minutes. Serves: 4

Grape Broccoli Salad

Here is a recipe for the broccoli that is on sale this week:

Grape Broccoli Salad

6 c. fresh broccoli florets
6 green onions, sliced
1 c. diced celery
1 c. green grapes
1 c. seedless red grapes
1 c. slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 c. mayonnaise
1/3 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar

In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli, onions, celery and grapes. In another bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar; pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Stir in bacon and almonds just before serving.
Yield: 15 servings

Philly Cheese Steak Pizza

This is no gourmet meal by any means, but it is quick, easy and kid friendly. Here is a recipe to use your crescent rolls, cheese, onions and bell peppers that you can get on sale this week.

Philly Cheese Steak Crescent Pizza
INGREDIENTS

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet

8 oz thinly sliced cooked roast beef (from deli)

1 tablespoon Italian dressing

1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (4 to 6 oz)

2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

1 cup coarsely chopped green bell pepper { I like red better}

1 cup coarsely chopped onions

1/2 teaspoon beef-flavor instant bouillon { I didn't use and it still tasted fine}

DIRECTIONS

1.Heat oven to 375°F.
2. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Press in bottom and 1/2 inch up sides. Firmly press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Press in bottom and 1/2 inch up sides.
3.Wrap beef tightly in foil. Place dough and beef in oven.
4.Bake about 10 minutes or until crust is light golden brown. Arrange warm beef over partially baked crust. Brush with dressing. Sprinkle with cheese.
5.Bake 8 to 10 minutes longer or until edges of crust are golden brown and cheese is melted. Meanwhile, in 8-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add bell pepper, onions and bouillon; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Spoon cooked vegetables over melted cheese
Recipe found at www.pillsbury.com. { } - is what I added

Grocery deals for the week

Here is what I am buying this week:

Albertsons:

-Jimmy dean sausage $2.49
-Jimmy dean bacon $1.99
-8 bounty giant rolls paper towels $11.99
-strawberries $1.88/lb.
-green beans $1.48/lb.
This is what you don't want to miss out on:

General Mills cereal and snacks, pillsbury crescent rolls and cookie dough 10 for 20, but buy 10 and subtract $5 so that equals 10 for $15 ($1.50 each). I printed a bunch of online printable coupons over at http://www.couponmom.com/ (click on printable grocery coupons) and was able to get all of my cereals, snacks, pillsbury items for a $1 or less! Just keep printing your coupons until your limit is reached.

Lins:

- Gallon milk 2 for $5
-8 oz. cheese 3 for $5
-64 oz. minute maid OJ 2 for $5
-16 oz. western family jumbo biscuits $.99
-16 oz. western family cottage cheese 2 for $3
-Broccoli and cauliflower $.59/lb.
-Red or gold bell peppers 10 for $10
-sweet onions $.79/lb.
-zuchinni $.79/lb.