Here are some of my favorite freezer meal recipes:
Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Taco Roast
Asian Lemon Pork Tenderloin (sometimes I substitute chicken in this recipe)
Cheesy Mexican Chicken
Burgundy Beef Tips
Creamy Italian Chicken
Creamy Tortilla Chicken
Garlic Basil Chicken
Italian Pear Chicken
Go here for more great Freezer Meal Recipes.

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IDEA

Here is an alphabetical list of some of the terminology you will run into out there in the world of frugal living.

BOGO, B1G1F: “Buy 1, Get 1 Free”

Blinkies: coupons found in the little red boxes with blinking lights near the products in the grocery store

BTFE: Box Tops for Education

Catalinas: these coupons are typically generated at check-out for specific items, or to be used as cash on your next purchase.

CPN: coupon

ECB: Extra Care Bucks, these are printed on your receipt and can be used like cash at CVS, must be used with your CVS card, and other rules apply

Easy Saver Catalog: Walgreens own coupon book found right inside the door at Walgreens, contains coupons that are stackable with manufacturer’s coupons and rebate information

FAR: Free after rebate

IVC, Instant Value Coupon: another name for an Easy Saver Catalog coupon from Walgreens

IP: Internet printable coupon

MFC, MFR : manufacturer’s coupon, I have been spelling this one out but will use the abbreviation from now on. These come from you guessed it manufacturers and are mostly found in your newspaper

MIR: Mail in Rebate

Peelie: coupons found stuck on product packaging that you peel off

P&G: Proctor and Gamble coupon insert from newspaper

OAS: “one any size” Some coupons specifically state on them that they can be used on any size product.

OOP: out of pocket expense, how much you actually paid for something

Overage: when you save more than the items costs, store policies vary and you may or may not get to “keep” your overage

RP: Red Plum coupon insert from newspaper

RR: Register Rewards: Walgreens version of the ECB (see above) spendable like cash at Walgreens, earned by purchasing specific products

SS: Smart Source coupon insert from newspaper

Stacking: Using a MFC with a store cpn or other deal on the same item (doable at CVS, Walgreens, and Target quite easily)

Store coupons : Store specific coupons

Tear Pad: pad of refund forms or coupons found hanging from a store shelf or display

V, Valassis: Same as Red Plum

WSL: while supply lasts.

WYB: when you buy

Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV): This one is new to me and basically means that your savings may be different then what is posted because of regional variances such as sale prices and cpn availability.

Hope this helps and let me know if you have some to add to my list, I will do an updated post with your additions.

Dear Friends,

We have been asked to speak at a financial freedom seminar. This is not a COUPON WORKSHOP it is however, a time to learn some tips on organization and the basics of saving money. Our coupon system will be available for purchase if you would like.  We look forward to teaching you and remember; it is not what you save but what you spend that matters!

Please join us on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at the Double Tree Hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia for a completely FREE Financial Freedom Seminar sponsored by Divine Women of Destiny Ministries International.  This seminar normally valued at $50 per person is being offered complimentary to you in order to launch you on the path to financial freedom.

The other featured speaker will be CYNTHIA MURRAY who will be speaking on practical, Biblically based financial principles to help you to increase personal and business wealth, become debt free, maximize your tax returns and more!

To obtain more information and sign up click HERE

Wateroos are all natural flavored water drinks for kids. There is a $10 mail in rebate (MIR) available on the purchase of (4) six packs. The MIR will consist of a $10 gift card to Toysrus, Babiesrus or Whole Foods. The best place to get the Wateroos is this week at Toysrus since they are on sale for buy one, get one 50% off. Thanks Money Saving Mom for this great deal!

Its the little things that count.

With all that is going on in the world today, I have really been thinking about making the little things count. We hear a number of times, especially when we are stressed or under pressure, ” Don’t sweat the small stuff” but sometimes, it’s the small stuff that gets us through. ( In addition, stressed, is desserts spelled backwards The tips team and I have put together a number of ideas on how to have low to no cost time and experiences with not only your hubby but your kids in previous articles. Only recently, I realized that for all the planning and time and effort that may go into some of those times, my kids and I forget the small details of what happened.

So, how about having your kids make a scrapbook or perhaps the family making a scrapbook. It doesn’t have to be all *that* complicated. You can sometimes find theme photo albums that have the pretty paper as the back drop and all you have to do is insert the pictures. You can use photo graphs or your child(ren)’s drawings. You can also insert small index cards with text that your kids have written on about their experience or describing the picture nearby. You could also do something online. I have a photo blog link from Shutterfly. I periodically let my nine year old type about his experiences on there and can limit who sees these links to family and friends who have the link. This keeps them up to date on what we are doing – perhaps even see how a gift of a family membership to a children’s museum, amusement park, or movie gift card was being used.

Having your children journal their experiences may also be the start of a life-long activity that will hopefully show them the things that they have to be grateful for. It also creates a place of sanctuary that they can learn to write their feelings, hopes, and dreams. This can certainly be something that they will look back upon when they are older and marvel at if nothing more for the handwriting and spelling of words. My kids take a small journal pad with them when we take nature hikes. That way they can document (writing or drawing) what we saw, heard or even something that they may want to look up when we return home – such as an animal or type of leaf, etc.

Teaching your children to reach out and help others is another way that you can teach them how little things can have a big impact. Whether it is helping a neighbor or expectant mom with grocery shopping (obviously with your help) , helping to pick up sticks or leaves in someones yard who may have trouble doing it, or bringing in the trash can or recycle bin from the street for someone on vacation, etc. These are all little things that can help our children realize that the world does not revolve solely around them. Sit down with your kids and see if they can help with the brainstorming for ideas. You may be surprised at what your little ones notice or even think of as a way to help.

Let’s face it, if little things didn’t matter or add up, then the phrase “the straw that broke the camel’s back” wouldn’t be around. I challenge you to find what little ways you can your family can make a difference and possibly make the load a little lighter for someone else. Good luck!

Here are the Rock Bottom Deals for this week. The Buy $10 and get $3 off promotion is still running. Kroger doubles coupons up to $0.50. You can load electronic coupons on your Plus card through shortcuts, cellfire and Bring Hope. E-coupons do not double and they can be combined with paper coupons. Prices and coupons vary by region.

Non-Coupon Rock Bottom Deals

Kroger Grilling Sausage Links $1.99
Kroger Shrimp Ring BOGO
Center Cut half boneless pork loin $1.99/lb
Blueberries 18oz $2.99
Organic Blueberries 16oz $2.49
Organic Tomatoes on the vine $1.99/lb
Seedless English Cucumbers 10/$10
Organic Gold Delicious Apples 10 lbs/$10
Watermelon $3.38 each
Kroger Ice Cream $1.88
Kroger Bar and Shredded Cheese $1.33 each
Lays chips $1.88

Rock Bottom Deal Coupon Matchups

Kraft Singles Cheese .99¢ each wyb 5 in one transaction
-$1.00/2 coupon previously available to print

Oscar Mayer Meat Wieners .99¢ each
-$1.00/2 coupon from 6/7 SS, makes it .50¢ each

Tyson Fresh Chicken Leg Quarters $1.19/lb
-$1.00 coupon from 6/28 SS

Kraft Miracle Whip $1.97
-$1.00 coupon from coupons.com on out sidebar, makes it .97¢

Kraft Mayo $1.97
-$1/2 coupon from 6/21 SS, makes it $1.47 each
-.75¢ coupon from 6/21 SS, makes it $1.22

Bush’s Best Baked Beans $1.66 each
-$1.00/2 coupon HERE, makes it $1.16 each

Digirnio Pizza $5.00
-$1.25 Digirnio flatbread coupon HERE, makes it $3.75

Lean Cuisine $2.00
-buy2, get 1 free coupon from July All You magazine, makes it $1.33 each

Smart Water 20 oz $1.00
-$1.00/2 coupon from 6/28 SS, makes it .50¢ each

Aquafresh Toothpaste $1.00
-.75¢ coupon from recent insert, makes it .25¢

Buy 10, Get $3.00 off Promotion: Must buy 10 participating items in one transaction to get $3.00 off instantly (.30¢ per item). You can do this promotion (3) times per transaction; so 30 participating items. The price listed below reflects the promotional price.

• Chef Boyardee Cans or Cups .58¢
  -.50¢/4 from 5/31 SS, makes it .33¢ each
• Manwich .58¢
  -.40¢/2 from 5/31 SS, makes it .18¢ each
• Ragu $1.19
  -.60/2 coupon from 5/17 RP, makes it .89¢ each
  -$1.00/2 coupon HERE, makes it .69¢ each
• Oscar Mayer Meat Weiners .99¢
  -$1.00/2 coupon from 6/21 SS, makes it .49¢ each
• Kraft BBQ Sauce .70¢
  -.55¢ or .75¢ from 6/14 SS, makes it .15¢ to Free
• Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn $1.70
  -$1.00/2 coupon from 5/17 SS, makes it $1.20 each
• General Mills Cereal $2.19
  -$1.00/2 coupon HERE, makes it $1.69 each
  -$1.00/2 coupon from 6/14 SS
• Pop-Tarts $2.19
  -.55¢ coupon from 6/14 SS, makes it $1.64
• Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $1.49
  -.50¢/2 coupon HERE or HERE, makes it .99¢ each
• Betty Crocker Brownie or Muffin Mix $1.69
  -$.75/2 coupon HERE, makes it $1.32 each
• Country Crock Margarine $1.99
  -.55¢ coupon HERE, makes it $1.44
  -.50¢ coupon from 5/17 RP, makes it .99¢
• Purex Laundrey Detergant or Softner $2.19
  -.50¢ coupon IE or FF, makes it $1.19
  -.35¢ coupon from 6/14 SS, makes it $1.49
• Breyers Ice Cream $1.99
  -$1.00/2 coupon from 5/17 SS, makes it $1.49 each

Note: There are other items for the 10/$3.00 promotion. Check your circular and look for signs as you shop.

Thanks to Coupons, Deals and More for the Target Deals. It is a slow week at Target for new deals. You can see the list of last weeks deals that are still good HERE.

L’Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo $5.99
– $2 manufacturer coupon (from the 5/10/09 inserts) = $3.99
No Form Needed Everpure Money Back Guarantee

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets
– $2 printable = $1.99

Edy’s Ice Cream 3/$7
– $1 target printable = $1.33 (I also saw $1.00 off manufactures tearpad coupons at Walgreens, if you can find some, this is a fantastic deal .33¢ each)

                            Aldi Deals brought to you by Good True and Beautiful. If you’re new to Aldi, be sure to read Sharon’s tips for shopping at Aldi. It’s full of valuable insights about how this unique grocery store operates (if you don’t know about the carts you should definitely check it out!)

SPECIAL PURCHASES only available this week:
- Prianno garlic and herb chicken breast, $6.99
- Granger USDA Choice MiniBeef Chuck patties, $5.99
- Honeysuckle White Sweet Italian Sausage, $2.99
- Parkview by Vienna Beef Chicago Style Hotdogs, $2.99
- Cattlemen’s Ranch Beef Sirloin Skewers, $4.49
- Kirkwood Chicken Breast Skewers, $4.49
- Roseland Pork Riblets or Pork Rib Tips, $4.99
- Sea Queen Whole Mahi Mahi Fillet, $5.99
- Briargate Sauces, $0.99
- Tate’s Own Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce, $1.19
- Tuscan Garden Assorted Dressings, $1.49
- Salad Mate Squeezable Whipped Salad Dressing, $1.49
- Happy Harvest Pure Apple Cider Vinegar, $2.99
- Season’s Choice Corn on the Cob, $1.39
- Season’s Choice Prince Edward Veggie Medley, $1.49
- King’s Hawaiian Original Rolls, $1.99
- Clancy’s Honey Wheat Pretzels, $3.99
- Clancy’s Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips, $1.29
- El Sabroso Salsitas or Guacachips, $2.49
- New York Style bagel chips, $1.99
- Leland Party Cheese Aerosol, $1.89
- La Mas Rica Mexian Layer Dip, $3.29
- Grandessa Signature Premium Dips, $2.69
- Grandessa Signature Hummus, $1.69
- Baja Beach Drink Mix Buckets, $4.49

There are also some really yummy summer deserts available for special purchase this week, so visit here to see what else Aldi is offering (including a HUGE water slide – I think my husband would kill me if I brought this one home!).

Remember, Special Purchase prices start at different times across the country. Most stores will have these prices on Sundays, but as you can see from the map below, some stores will be delayed until Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Therefore, plan your trip accordingly!

Day 5

Renae and I will do the We Got it and You want it contest every month!! Yeah! Why? Well you guys like it and we have enough beauty products and samples. I am amazed at the amount of things I could get for free or under$.50 in the short amount of time I have been couponing. I have 6 months worth of toothpaste, mouthwash, sunscreen, tooth brushes for the family, hair shampoo (well maybe 2 years), make up (since you should throw away certain items after 6 months), dental floss, deodorant, personal care items, and body wash. That is right I have at least 6 of each of those items that I got for free or nearly so….

Have you signed up for our workshop Monday July 6th at Wild Wings Cafe? (look under the workshop tab for more info)