Walgreens Deals-Friends and Family!

Normally I am not a big shopper of Walgreen's but it is right across the street from Publix so if I do shop there, I do it right afterwards to save on gas!  I am all about saving where I can =)  I got an email from Walgreens about a friends and family discount of 15%..hey it's not much but I'll take it!  I saw that they had these items for a great price and paired with 15% off it made the deal sweeter!

Charmin was $3.30 a pack
Water was $1.99 a pack
Purex all natural high eff detergent was $1.69 each

Total $ 15.67

Earth Fare Deals-Pantry Revolution

So as soon as I got done shopping at Publix I got an email about Earth Fare's Pantry Revolution..all 5 products for just $5!  Can't beat great Organic products for a $1!  I am TOTALLY a fan of Earth Fare!

Publix Deals

Today I grabbed some great deals at Publix.  Mind you, there are a few items here that are totally unhealthy BUT my kids just love ice cream (which I rarely buy due to it's price). ... Plus I have family visiting this weekend!   My kids also love cinnamon rolls as these are a treat on Saturday mornings =)

TOTAL SPENT $18.96

Here is the breakdown:

Motts Totts 8 pk $1
Tortilla Chips .01 (PENNY ITEM)
Rolls $1
Ground Beef FREE (Since I bought the rolls and guac,I got the beef FREE)
Guac $3.49 (no savings here but the beef was free and I love guac)
Chex Mix $.83
Pickles $.60
Reynolds Foil $2.10
Planters nuts $1.20
Silk Protein Drink $1 (Kendra's fav)
Soft Scrub cleanser $1.50
Pillsbury Cinn Rolls $.60
Sargento cheese $1.50
Breyers Ice Cream $2.00
Vitamins $.17 (I never pay more than that for vitamins, sometimes they are FREE)

Greek Meat Surprise Snacks

I found this recipe on fastpaleo.com  I was already planning to make burgers for dinner so I figured I would use part of the meat to try these out.  I used a mini cupcake pan but you could also use a reg cupcake size.

Ingredients

• 1 lb uncooked meat (pork, beef, lamb, combination of whatever!)
• 2 eggs
• 1 can of whole pitted black olives
• 1c of feta cheese (I used fat free since it was on hand)
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 red onion
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• bunch of cherry tomatoes
• pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Preheat oven to 350.
Stick the onion, black olives and garlic in the food processor and whizz them ’round to chop.
Add in your herbs, salt and pepper and eggs.  I added a little feta to my meat mixture.
Pour all this into a big bowl and mix it up with the minced meat until well combined.

Cut your cherry tomatoes in half and scrap out the seeds/insides using your thumb or finger nails. Don’t waste that bit – just stick the seeds and insides in with the minced meat filling.

Cut the feta into tiny pieces and stick an itty bitty block inside each cherry tomato half.
Spoon (or scoop with your hands – whatever!) the meat mixture into silicone muffin cups.

Press the cherry tomato halves on top.

Cook for about half an hour in the oven. Your time might vary –
These actually taste even nicer once they’ve cooled. So good to keep in the fridge for snacking on!

Publix Deals

Here are my publix deals for this week!  Thankfully one of my "guys" were working the register this week...for some reason they never question or have issues with my coupons..unlike the awful mean lady I got last week!  Note to self--always go to a man's register ;) 

Motts 8pk Juice Boxes (I got 3 packs--super deal) $1

Shave gel $1.25

Aquafresh toothpaste $FREE

Hefty Freezer bags $1.39

Publix cheese Pizza $0.01

Lunchables $1

Chips a hoy $1.19

Gluten Free Chex Cereal (I got 3 boxes) $.84

Cinn Toast Crunch Cereal $.84

Schick Intuition Razor $2.70

Feta Fat Free Cheese Crumbles $1.70

Seattles Best Coffee (I got 2) $2.49

Reynolds Recycled Alum Foil 50 sq ft $2.09

Cover Girl Eye Shadow $.99

Colgate Tooth Brush $FREE

Organic Extra Virg Olive Oil $2.33



Spent $34.55...............Saved $66.45

Spice it up Salmon

This recipe I got from Everyday Paleo!  I checked it out from the library and found SO many great recipes!  This one was pretty easy as I had all the ingredients on hand!  I tweaked the recipe a bit!

2 wild caught salmon fillets
2 pinches of sea salt
ground black pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh thyme (I was out so I skipped this one)
1/4 tsp ginger **I used 1 1/2 tbsp ginger**
2 pinches of cayenne pepper (I used crushed red pepper)
2 pinches of cumin
olive oil – enough to make a paste (3 tbsp aprox)

In a small bowl mix together all of your spices and olive oil.  Be sure to really smash your garlic...Justin was not home to do it for me so mine was a lil chunky but still good.

Take a baking dish or cookie sheet and place the salmon fillets skin down on a large sheet of tin foil.   Rub the spice mixture on top of the salmon fillets.

 Cook at 350 for about 30 min depending on how big your salmon is making sure it comes out moist and flaky.  Enjoy!

Pork Carnita's

Tonight I made Pork Carnita's...I found this recipe a while back online. It is very good!

　
1 (5-7 pound) pork shoulder
2 tablespoons coarse salt
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
4 whole cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 c. bone suckin sauce
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup orange juice

Place pork shoulder in crock pot and add all other ingredients.  Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 5 hours (in my case I got mine in kind of late so therefore I used the high option-Low is better).

Next, use 2 forks and shred the pork.  I put all my spices on top of my pork therefore it looks really dark in this pic!

Place shredded pork back into crock pot and mix well.  I use large romaine lettuce leaves to eat my carnita's.  Enjoy!

My shopping trip today!

Today I decided to actually shop for myself!  After months of not buying one piece of clothing, today was MY day!  I had gotten an email from LOFT about the 40% off sale (the entire store) which included sale and reg priced items.  I was so excited to go and check it out!  About  a year ago I decided that anytime I buy clothing it needs to really be great for church, work (preschool teaching) and going out to dinner/date night.  With that in mind I actually found a few great pieces!

I really loved this classy outfit!  The top was a new arrival and the skirt was on sale (11.99)..I was thrilled!  I also found a few great sleeveless tops that I can wear with just about anything under the sun and speaking of sun....I hear the weather is hot in Florida...just saying!  This white top is a flutter style top and I LOVE it!

Now my next purchase I can blame the hubby for.....he sent me to GAP to buy a few of his fav t shirts
(Best Crew) and today GAP had 30% off everything in the store...well I had no intentions of buying myself anything as I really don't fit into their clothes well (they seem huge...as if they are making styles bigger and bigger) anyhow I did browse the GAPFIT area and I REALLY liked the style of their stuff...so I tried on a few running shorts and tanks and they fit GREAT!  I was totally surprised and their stuff is really cute, esp at 30% off!   

Well...that is all the shopping for me for a LONG time!  It was fun!

Broccoli, Bacon, and Cashew Salad

Tonight I made one of my fav paleo side dishes to go with dinner.  It's easy, cheap, and quick to make!

You will need:

1 broccoli, cut in florets (or use steamfresh broccoli florets)
5 pieces of bacon, cooked and diced
1/2 c toasted cashews
Sea Salt
Pepper

Cook bacon  in frying pan for 4-5 min or until crispy .  Remove bacon from pan, dice and place in serving bowl. 

Boil broccoli in water on high heat for 5-7 minutes until tender and cooked through (or use steamfresh broccoli and cook in microwave according to directions)

While Broccoli is cooking, toast cashews for 3-4 min on low/med.

Toss everything in serving bowl.  Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Enjoy this yummy salad with some Pork Shoulder Country Style Ribs! 

Our shopping trip today

Today I decided after 3 months to finally go shopping and use a gift card I got from one of my students.  We headed to Brookwood Village and the kids really loved the "mall" there as it was quite different from the Galleria Mall that they are used too.  They really got a kick out of the parking garage between Belks and the other stores....go figure?!?  We actually found some really great deals and cute stuff and did not spend a whole lot which was even better! 

I found a great pair of shoes that I had been wanting for months on sale for about 70% off.  These shoes are so comfy and great for work, church, and going out to dinner!    I was so thankful to see them on sale in my size...what luck?!?  They were $89.50 and I got them for $29.75!  Score!

I found a few swim shirts for Trent which were a great deal at $4.49 each.  Trent is very pale and he won't go  to the pool/beach without one on so I was thankful to find these as well! 

Kendra begged me to take her into this girly store with all these fancy dresses called Monsoon and of course I did after seeing the 70% off signs...and I am glad I did.  She got a bathing suit for $7.20

(reg $25) , a dress for $14.40 (reg $68), a cute top for $7.40 (reg $28) and some hair clips for $2.10.  She was quite the happy girl with her finds!

I also got my Clinique Bonus which was perfect timing as I was almost out of Foundation and Mascara....this bonus came with a chubby pink/nude gloss stick, tinted moisturizer w/spf, moisture gel, a small mascara, eyeshadow/blush duo, and toner.  Hey, any gree gift w/purchase is nice!





Paleo Pepper Steak

Tonight I made Paleo Pepper Steak...I have made it many times and it is REALLY good!  Pretty easy and cheap to make as well!

1 lb beef round steak, about 1/2" thick
2 Tbs coconut or olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
2 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp garlic salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 large carrots, shredded


Cut steak into 1/4" - 1/2" slices.
Wash and prepare vegetables.
Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the meat and onions in hot oil until the onions turn slightly translucent.

Stir in the green peppers, water and garlic salt. Cook another 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Season with black pepper and serve on a bed of shredded carrots.

Pecan Crusted Chicken from Everyday Paleo

I am back at trying new recipes....this week I am trying a few recipes out of Everyday Paleo that I borrowed from the library and so far it's been great.  Tonight I made Pecan Crusted Chicken!  Easy and Delish!  I made a few adjustments.....all you need is:

4-Chicken Breasts (I used Bare chicken from Target ...it's on sale this week for $4.12 for 4  
                               breasts).
3/4 C. Organic Gluten Free Dijon Mustard
3 TBSP Raw Honey
1 1/2 c. chopped/crushed pecans

Preheat Oven to 350.
In Medium bowl, whisk together mustard and honey.
Taking one chicken at a time, roll the chicken in the mustard/honey mixture and coat on BOTH sides.
Transfer the coated chicken into the chopped pecans and again cover both sides.
Place the crusted chicken into a greased glass baking dish and sprinkle each chicken breast with a lil sea salt if desired. 

Bake 45 min or until the chicken juices run clear.
Enjoy!

 

Back to school shopping.....

I hit Target today for my back to school shopping with my coupons in hand!  I got a great mailer from Target with lots of great coupons in it plus today is the last day for tax free (partial) shopping.  I was thankful Justin was off today (he has worked 6 days this week) so I could go solo!  Happy Day!
I got just about everything except for some Playdoh, watercolor paint, plastic folders, and BIG Elmers Glue Sticks for Kendra's class in which they were sold out of.  Luckily everything on Trent's small list was available!  I had about $20 in coupons which was great and after I calculated everything up I had leftover $ on my gift card for a bottle of my fav wine and a school outfit for Kendra + I still have $23 left on that gift card which I will use to get the items they were out of in a couple of weeks when they replenish the shelves!

I also had a great coupon for Roseart brand items.  Although teachers do not want that brand in the classroom, I went ahead and used it for my own personal use as I always have kids in my basement begging to color and make crafts!  These items cost me 1.48 total!  Roseart was .49 each and I had $1 off any 3 roseart items.  The papermate pens were $1 and I had $1 off cpn = FREE, the Bic pens were .99 each and I had $1 off 2.  Can't ever have too many pens around!

The Target brand pizza's below were a great deal at $3.14 each plus $1 off cpn = $2.64 a pizza!  Our family has pizza night once a week!  Yum!

Easy Egg Muffins

I have made these several times and each time I use whatever ingredients I have on hand. 
This time I used:

5 cage free eggs (or however many you need-1 per person aprox)
Fresh Spinach
Tomatoes
Red Onion
Green Onion
Cooked Bacon
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder

Scramble about 1 egg per muffin cup (I acutally used 4 eggs and it made 5 cups due to all the veggies I used).  Pour in all the veggies and  seasonings.  Mix together.

Spray muffin cups with non stick spray and Bake at 350 for about 25 min or so (I did not time it so check back often) just to be sure.  Enjoy!



Publix Deals!

I had a ton of coupons today.....spent $40 and saved over $70!  Planning on using a lot of it for back to school lunches in the next few weeks!

Here is the run down:
Motts 6 pk applesauce $1.12
Motts on the go applesauce FREE since I bought the 6pk's (these were reg $2.79 each)
Motts apple juice $1.00
Smuckers uncrustables (reduced sugar whole wheat bread) $.57
Chobani Greek Yogurt 4pks $.50
Trix Yogurt $2.00
Dora Yogurt $1.25
Yoplait yogurt single cups .36
Juicy Juice 8 pk $.01 (Penny item this week)
Lance Crackers $.93
Butter $.55
Skinny Cow 6 pk bars $1.15
Kids toothpaste $.99
Colgate optic white toothpaste $2.00
Mitchum Deod $.79
Reach Floss $1.75
Eye Shadow $.50
Makeup Pencil Sharp .49
Barbie 2 pk toothbrushes $1.99
Boys toothbrush .79

We are def stocked in yogurt and applesauce which are great for the kids lunches!

Earth Fare Deals...5 for $5

Earth Fare is a new store in Hoover, about 3 miles from my house that is like "Whole foods" kind of...Justin likes Whole Foods better but it is too far away...I mean far!  Earth Fare is great and each week they send out a text coupon and an email coupon.  Today I got an email for an amazing deal!  All 5 products below for $5!  They want you to clean out your pantry and switch to organic.   At this price, why not?  (The eggs were not part of the deal but at $2.28 for cage free, it was a deal). 

I got a box of organic crackers (not sure what I will use them for), a package of maple creme organic cookies that are to die for, organic peanut butter, organic grape jelly, and 4 packs of organic applesauce--perfect for school lunches!