Clipping Coupons and Driving for Cow

I have been wondering how the Alberston's buyout would change the coupon situation... not too much I guess?! Anybody have info that would throw a wrench in our coupon world?

Many of you know about the Redplum coupons... I paid for a year subscription, so it sucks for me I guess!
For those of you who are thinking about getting the newspaper for coupons...
FYI- the Deseret News is no longer carrying Redplum coupons
FYI- the Daily Herald still does.
(I don't want to get in trouble... I'm not saying don't get the Deseret News... just don't expect all the coupons!)

I found another great website (FREE) for anyone who's into the coupon shopping. It is just one store, no running around town. I will keep ya'll posted on how good the info is!

Also... has anyone traveled to our nearest Buy Low? I know of the one in Provo... is there one closer? Rumor has it that their deals on meat are worth the drive! One day a week they have a crazy sale on produce, and one day a week on meat.
I'm kind of picky about my produce... but I figure if I hit the sale once a month, I can freeze the meat and use it whenever. I'm going to check it out. If anybody wants to come with... we can load up the mini-van and save on gas :)

Sherian

**I've had a few questions on the co-op.
The Church will not allow a site, and a little bird told me that the School District won't either. Sooooo... that eliminates those. My only other thought is the businesses right in the entry to HH? If I'm feeling friendly, I'll maybe stop by and see what we've got down there. Pretty much... the business owner would either have to be REALLY into the co-op thing, or just REALLY, REALLY nice about sharing their space with us! Odds are not good for either.
... so there you go!

Gardens and Food Rotation

Okay... summer's over, so I want to see some more action around here ;)

A few things...
How's the garden thing going? Any tips or good info for growing a good garden in our are? I had killer grasshoppers this year! I'm still not sure what I need to grow to supplement feeding my family. And even the things I've tried are hit and miss.
My tomatoes are coming in good now (Good for sandwiches and salads) My onions are getting there.
Does anyone do canning? If so, what do you can/bottle?

Another thing...
I have a constant struggle rotating my food storage. Not the regular stuff so much, specifically the church #10 can stuff.
Does anyone have recipes or tips on using ANY of the following...
potato pearls
regular oats
powdered milk
rice
and of course the dreaded... hard wheat!

I remember some wheat recipes from a few months back, thanks! I just need all the help I can get. (but that's not a surprise to anyone I'm sure!)

Sherian :)

PS- Would anyone be interested in a group canning get-together. I've got some 50 lb. bags of milk and sugar I need to put in #10 cans. We can rent the sealer from the church cannery and have a party! (you can order things to can from the church, just check out the Provident Living website for prices and what's available.)

Update on www.alice.com

Well I tried out www.alice.com and I have to say it was a great deal on your non food items. I bought some Tide laundry detergent and I checked it against Smith's and Walmart and it was atleast between $1-$3 difference plus you get $1 off at Alice. You do have to pay taxes which you would at either stores and you get free shipping. I am impressed with this website and encourage all to take a look at it.

Packing School Lunches

Well, summer break is gone. Things have been so quite around here. It's not that I've stopped trying to pinch pennies... I think my time and my patience have both been lost somewhere in a family reunion or summer vacation.
I thought it might be fitting to post a little sumpin'-sumpin' bout school lunches.
I like to think of myself as an advocate for healthy eating. Unfortunately, healthy and cheap are not often possible. I seem to find myself choosing between one or the other.
I wanted some ideas and feedback on affordable (and somewhat healthy) options to put in my kids' lunches. My kids LOVE those 'lunchable' packs, but I've never had the stomach to pay that much for a tiny lunch. Has anyone ever made their own 'lunchable' pack? I know there are amazing Mom's who pack their kids awesome lunches (I know, I've seen them when I visit the lunchroom)

Here is a list of what I pack, I just chose one from each category:

Drinks- Capri Sun, juice box, $0.35 milk

Snacks-(items bought in bulk or on sale and divided into small ziplocs)- Triscuts, Cheez-it's, almonds, raisins, string cheese

Fruit/Veggie- carrots, apples, grapes, pears

Protein- hard boiled egg (peeled and sprinkled with salt in a small ziploc), meat and cheese sandwich, ham/cheese/olive kabob (chunks of each stuck on a toothpick)

It seems that it takes up such a chunk of our grocery budget, but I'm stuck in a rut. Out of ideas for saving money and lacking creativity.
So what kind of things do you pack? Has anyone found a way to work the weekly ad's into packing lunches?

www.alice.com

I was on vacation this weekend and saw a news story on CNN about www.alice.com. It is a website were you can buy household items on namebrand stuff for discounted pricing and the shipping is free. I guess with the economy people have been buying store brands, which is ok, but it looks like the name brands are wanting to help save you money and the shipping is free. I signed up but haven't bought anything yet but I thought all you coupon shoppers would like it. Again, shipping is free! See what you think and let us all know. I think that the prices look good but I am definately not a veterian in savy coupon shopping. Again, shipping is free!

Thanks, Marianne

We'll give it a try!

We have 6... and I can think of one more I know of. 8 of us could probably manage, it would mean we would probably have to take every-other month. I really think that once we start... there will be much more interest.

I sent the co-op our info, we are good to go. I'm excited to get it pulled together. My only obstacle is the building (which we only need in poor weather) I am working on using a LDS church building, I should hear back soon. I keep you all posted on the progress.

Thanks for supporting our community... we are going to rock this!

Deals

So I went grocery shopping this morning at both Albertsons and Smiths because of the good deals that both are having. I spent a total of 165.13 but get this....it would have cost $338.95. That is over a 50% savings. Most of the things I bought were on sale and I did have about $48 in coupons. I was able to get everything I needed for my weekly menu (should last about 1 1/2 weeks) plus I got a lot of items to put in my food storage that we usually use like snacks, salad dressing, soda, and cereal. I just thought I would share this info. I spent a little time on the Savvy shoppers shopping wizard to come up with my shopping list and menu but I think it paid off.
On a side note, if it isn't too personal, how much does it cost you to feed your families? I have a family of 5 and I am trying to only spend $130 max a week on food, paper goods, diapers, etc. Do you think that is too high, too low, just about right? I am really sticking to a budget lately and I would love any suggestions. I was able to spend $165 this week because I had leftover $ from last week. I am hoping it works. Thanks to all.
I am excited to go get my co-op food on Saturday from EM. If anyone wants to catch a ride with me just let me know.