Frugal Friday With Marsha -- Little of This, Little of That

Last week was tremendously more busy than what my life usually is, and I didn't get a Frugal Friday post written up.  This past week has also been busy!

Frugally in my own life, I'm not sure what's gone on really.

Dillon's (Kroger) has had a catalina deal going that for every $15 you spend in Pet Pride products you get a coupon that is good for $2 off your next shopping order.  It's good through October 7th.  When I seen that a month ago, I stopped ordering my cat food from amazon with earned amazon codes and started buying the cat food at Dillon's.
Honestly, it's cheaper to buy it at the store anyway as it's $9.99 for 16 lbs.

Here are a couple of good blogs to follow to keep up with the current Catalina deals:
TheCentsableShoppin and
PennyPinchinPaul

October 7th will be here too soon when the offer ends though.  This morning I used my most recent $2 off any purchase coupon and was able to only pay 50 cents for a gallon of milk.

Funny story when I was buying the milk......there was a lady in the store also buying milk.  She asked me if I had heard about the kidnapping.  Here I thought she was being serious until she then told me it turned out ok because he woke up.  LOL!
Her next joke was to ask me why seagulls live by the sea.  Well, if they lived by the bay they would be baygulls (bagels).
It was pretty early for my brain to be processing jokes  hehe.  They were both cute jokes though.

Laugh Own Jokes Funny Quote Postcard

by EnvyClothing


The Kansas State Fair had it's last day this past Sunday.  I love going to the fair and just walking around, but it sure is a hard thing to do without money!  I had my 6 gate passes that I got for just $3 each for entering items in to the fair and hubby got 2 free gate passes from work.  
We found that we could go take an agriculture test and get a coupon for a free ice cream cone at the Dairy Bar.  We did that twice.
We took our own food and drinks in with us, which we always do.  It's a really rare occasion that we actually buy any food inside the fair----as good as it is, it's so expensive (and unhealthy).
You walk through the buildings and pick up free items---notepads, pens, pencils, clips, toothpicks, emery boards, books, and more.  There are also all the dips and soups and other foods that you get to sample as well.
We couldn't afford to go to a concert so we just stood outside the grandstand and watched it for free on the big screen as we listened to the music.  It was Charlie Daniels that I wanted to hear this year.
Here is one of the pictures I took that night of a ferris wheel, and one that I took at the free acrobat show as well.

I think I will end this post with some sweepstakes you might want to enter:

Win a $500 Amazon Gift Card

Win a Popcorn Factory NFL Tin worth $45

Win a Set of Cast Iron Skillets

Win a Google Pixel Phone from Android Authority

Win a 2017 Honda Civic Coupe in the Hot Wheels Sweepstakes

Hurry for 4X the Fuel Points from Your Kroger Co. Family of Stores!

From mid-November to early December you will receive 4X the fuel points when you buy a 3rd party gift card from your Kroger Co. store!! 

Stores in the Kroger family are:
Kroger
Baker's

Market City
Loaf 'N Jug
fry's
Gerbes
Dillons
Kwik hop
King Soopers
Smith's
Turkey Hill
Tom Thumb
Jay C Food Stores

Normally you do earn 2 fuel points for every $1 in 3rd party gift card purchased.  ****See your store for the end date in early December.****

Choose from these gift cards:
Google Play
Lowes
Itunes
Subway
McDonalds
Amazon
Kohl's
Toys R Us
Olive Garden
Applebee's
and LOTS more!!!


Here is an awesome plan:  Purchase gift cards for your own use. Purchase them prior to Black Friday and Cyber Monday to spend them where you already plan to shop.  It's a win-win situation since you are also getting the fuel points!   Every $1 spent is 4 times or 4 points....and every 100 pts is .10 off per gallon of gas!  (Good at every qualifying Kroger Fuel Center)  Wow!  1,000 pts is $1 off per gallon!

Gift cards make the most convenient gifts (and the free the recipient up from having to return that ugly sweater).

Give gift cards to:
teachers
coaches
babysitters
neighbors
your boss, co-workers, or employees
mail man
hairdresser
Hosts of parties
etc.


Disclosure:  This information was shared with me as a bzz agent to pass along to my readers.

Private Selections Make Your Summer Meals

As a bzzagent I've had the opportunity to try some more of the Private Selections foods.  Private Selections is Kroger's exclusive store brand.

I was sent coupons in order to try the Private Selections Angus Ground Beef, Private Selections Ice Cream and a Private Selections 6 inch apple or cherry pie.  I was also sent a bag of the Private Selections chips in Sea Salt and Black Pepper.  The kit I received is pictured here:

Upon arriving at the store I found that our Dillon's store does not carry the Angus Ground Beef.  I chatted with the meat manager at our largest store and he hadn't heard about it.  He assured me that my coupon doesn't expire until August 1st so to keep checking back.  A few weeks later, no such luck, so let's start by talking about the chips.

My husband and daughter are big pepper fans, I'm not.  I tried the Sea Salt and Black Pepper chips though.  They weren't bad.  The pepper did come in after a few bites.  Hubby and daughter liked them, but felt they were too hard and thick.  Four of my grandkids were over and hungry--they finished off the bag of chips, not saying a word about the pepper.

But......the store has the chips on sale 2 bags for $5 and they put out a coupon to buy 1 bag get 1 free.  How could I resist not trying some of the other chips with such a great deal?  Here is what we bought:

 The Tortilla Thins were eaten by my teenage daughter.  I asked her what she thought.  She replied that they were good, but tasted like they were fried in a different oil.  I checked the bag and it says vegetable oil.  She did like them and finished off the bag in 2 days.  She did let the grandkids have a few tastes.  My 4 yr old granddaughter especially liked them.
But.....let's talk about those Sea Salt Rice and Bean Chips.    Wow!  These are outstanding and so delicious!  Thin and crisp with just the right amount of salt.  
Since buying those 2 bags, I went back to the store and bought 2 more bags of the Beans and Rice Chips in other flavors.   I chose Salsa Picante Rice and Bean Chips and Chipotle Cheese Rice and Bean Chips.   Both just as grand as the Sea Salt ones.
I noticed they had quite a variety in the Private Selections chips, even including cinnamon and sugar chips.   I can't wait to try even more of them.

Now let's move on to the pie and ice cream.   I chose to use my coupon to get the half gallon of the Private Selections Ice Cream.  I bought Crushed Vanilla Bean flavor.   I also chose to get the 6 inch Apple in the Private Selection Pie.

Just look at this photo of a little slice of the pie, warmed up, with the melting ice cream on it!

 It was yummy.  The apples tasted great.  I did think the pie crust was a little too thick for my taste.

Do you have a Kroger store in your area?  If so, I encourage you to try the Private Selections brand.  Lots more food is available on top of the items that I have reviewed.

Disclaimer:  I received a Private Selections campaign kit as a bzz agent (http://www.bzzagent.com)  in order to try the products for this review.  I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions of the products are my own.

Pork--Be Inspired With the New USDA Recommendations!

As a bzz agent with bzzagent.com, I am doing a campaign on pork and the new USDA recommendations for cooking pork chops, tenderloins, and roasts.  

The new recommendation is to cook these until a digital thermometer reaches a temp of 145.  Then let the pork rest for 3 minutes.  This will result in a flavorful, tender and juicy eating experience.  The pork will be pinker than you are used to.

I encourage you to check out the new pork cooking temperatures HERE.   Keep in mind that for ground pork, just like all ground meat should be cooked to 160 degrees.  140 degrees for pre-cooked ham.

Here is as picture of my bzz kit:

 I headed to our local Kroger-owned store and used the $5 coupon provided to me to buy pork chops.
Here they are cooking--hubby is checking the temp one last time.  Hurry please, I'm hungry! (These are made using a Fat Boy rub)

 aahhh  finally my portion is on my plate along with some macaroni salad, potato salad and cinnamon applesauce.  Time to dig in!

Here is a whole list of websites you will want to be sure to check out:
http://www.porkbeinspired.com   You can find a lot of recipes, cuts, nutrition, freebies and more!
Follow over on twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/allaboutpork
Hop over to pinterest and pin some photos of your personal pork creations as see those of others.  http://pinterest.com/PorkBeInspired/
You will also want to head to facebook and like their page as well! https://www.facebook.com/PorkBeInspired

Here is an inspired recipe that you might want to try:

BBQ Pork Salad with Summer Fruits and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
4 cooked pork chops, sliced*
8 cups mixed greens
2 nectarines, cut into 12-wedges each
1 grapefruit, segmented
2 avocados, cut into wedges
16 cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon salad oil
2 tablespoons toasted almonds, slivered
Salt and black pepper
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette:
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
3/8 cup salad oil
Cooking Directions
For the Vinaigrette:
In a blender, combine all ingredients except oil. Blend at medium speed for one minute. Next, with blender at medium speed, pour oil very slowly into blender. Add salt and pepper.
For each serving, toss 2 cups greens with 2 tablespoons dressing, top with 4 cherry tomatoes, 1 sliced pork chop, 1/2 avocado, sliced in wedges, 1/2 nectarine sliced in wedges, 1/4 grapefruit segments. Drizzle with more dressing and sprinkle with toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings
  

Did you know that there are 5 chop cuts to choose from?  Loin chop, blade chop, rib chop, top loin chop, and sirloin chop.  We chose sirloin chops for the meal I show above.

Hubby went a step further and bought pork ribs to smoke for our supper last night.  They were oh so good, smoked with a rub and then cooked with bbq sauce.  I took a picture of them with the rub, and then a picture of him putting on the bbq sauce.

Kroger-owned stores are your go-to source for pork.  Head to the store where you already shop.  The friendly staff will happily answer your questions.  Be sure to check out Kroger.com for recipes, coupons, and offers exclusive to your area.  

Disclaimer:  As a bzzagent I was sent a campaign kit for Pork (as pictured above).  This post is part of my sharing by word of mouth.  I was not compensated in any other way.  Any opinions in this post are my own.

New Cellfire Coupons Available!

New Cellfire Coupons are available now!  Click HERE to download now!

The offers below are available from 1/10 - 1/23 and they expire on 2/6. These offers are valid at Kroger and Kroger subsidiaries, Safeway subsidiaries, Shop 'n Save, Lowe's Food, Foodtown, and D'Agostino.

Totinos Pizza Rolls Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy TWO PACKAGES any flavor/variety Totinos Rolls Snacks.

PB Sweet Rolls Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury Sweet Rolls OR Grands! Sweet Rolls.

Pillsbury Crescents Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls.

Pillsbury Italian Meal Bread $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust, Breadsticks, Loaves or Dinner Rolls.

Hamburger Helper Save $.80
Save $0.80 when you buy FOUR any flavor Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper OR Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meals.

BC Fruit Snacks Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO BOXES any flavor/variety Betty Crocker Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Gushers OR Fruit Roll-Ups fruit flavored snacks.

Total cereal Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any ONE BOX Total cereal listed: Whole Grain Total, Total Raisin Bran, Total Cranberry Crunch, Total Cinnamon Crunch, Total Plus Omega-3s Honey Almond Flax.

Yoplait Cups Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy SIX CUPS any variety Yoplait Yogurt (Includes Original, Light, Thick & Creamy, OR Whips!).

Kix cereal Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any ONE BOX Kix cereal listed: Kix, Berry Berry Kix, Honey Kix.

Cheerios Cereal Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX Original Cheerios cereal (the one in the yellow box).

Chex Mix or Snacks Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any flavor 4.5 OZ. OR LARGER Chex Mix OR Chex 100 Calorie Snack.

PB Toaster Strudel Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any flavor/variety Pillsbury Toaster Strudel OR Toaster Scrambles Pastries OR Pillsbury Pancakes.

PB Cookie Dough Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy TWO PACKAGES any variety Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough.

Gogurt, Trix, Splitz Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy TWO any flavor Yoplait products listed: Yoplait Go-GURT Yogurt, Yoplait Kids Cup Yogurt, Yoplait Trix Multipack Yogurt, Yoplait Splitz Yogurt.

Fiber One Bars Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Fiber One 90 Calorie Chewy Bars or Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies.

Yoplait Frzn Smthie Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy ONE any flavor Yoplait Frozen Smoothie.

Yoplait Greek yogurt Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO CUPS any flavor Yoplait Greek yogurt.

Chex Mix Treats Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Lucky Charms Treats, Golden Grahams Treats, Chex Mix Treats, OR Milk n Cereal Bars.

Fun da-middles Mix Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX Fun da-middles Cupcake Mix.

Nature Valley Save $0.75
Save $0.75 when you buy TWO BOXES any Nature Valley Granola Bars (6 count or larger), Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters OR Nature Valley Granola Thins.

Totinos Pizza Stuffers Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy ONE any flavor/variety Totinos Pizza Stuffers.


Again.....click HERE to download the coupons to your card and watch the savings roll in!

Private Selections Appetizer, Pizza, and Dessert--Good Stuff!

As a bzz agent through bzzagent.com, I was thrilled to get the Private Selections campaign.  I've been seeing this brand in my local Dillon's (Kroger) store and had been wanting to try them.

My kit included 3 free coupons--one for an appetizer, one for a pizza, and one for a dessert.
Pictured below are the boxes of the choices we made for our meal.   Also included were 5-$2 coupons to use and/or pass out.

There was a wide variety of appetizers to choose from.  We aren't eggplant or mushroom eaters in this house, and most all of them had one or the other, or both in them.  I chose the Southwestern Style Chicken Trumpets (on sale for $7.29) because they had neither.
The pizza's on are the gourmet side.  My daughter and I enjoy the different types of pizza--my husband doesn't.  I chose the Pepperoni and Roasted Garlic (on sale for $5.49).  The dessert was the hardest to choose---there were so many of them and each and every one of them looked scrumptious.   I chose the Mini Eclairs (on sale for $3.99).


Here is a photo of our table just before we sat down to eat:

 What did we think?  We loved all of it!  The pizza is only intended to serve 2, but I cut it in to 6 pieces giving us each 2.  The Trumpets were meant to serve 3, with 9 in the box, so we each got 3.  The eclairs have 4 servings in the box.  My husband can't have sugar and was surprised to see the sugar content per serving of 5 pieces to only have 10g sugar.  He ate a couple and really enjoyed them.  My daughter also only ate a couple as well.  That left the rest of the box for me!

Would I buy these Private Selections products?  Yes, I would buy more, especially if they are on sale and even better if I also have coupons.  I wouldn't be able to buy them on a regular basis though based on the price.

Good-to-know facts:

• Private Selection® Frozen Appetizers ($3 - $7) Individually handcrafted and filled with unique combinations of high-quality, savory ingredients. Hand-crafted offerings include Mediterranean Inspired Hors D'Oeuvres collection, Southwestern Style Chicken Trumpets, Mushroom Walnut Profiteroles, Spanakopita.
• Private Selection™ Frozen Pizza (Around $5) is set with oval-shaped crust that is baked in an Italian marble oven to create a thin and flaky base for authentic, high-quality ingredients. Mouth-watering offerings include BBQ Chicken, Margherita, Roasted Vegetable and Pepperoni
• Private Selection® Frozen Desserts ($3 - $5) have rich, delicious flavors, making them a divine indulgence. Decadent treats include Blueberry Peach Panna Cotta, Northern Spy Apple Crisp, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and a wide selection of Ice Creams (like Strawberry Harvest, Vanilla Bean and SeaSalt Caramel)

Private Selection® offerings vary amongst the Kroger family of stores. Check out your store's aisles to see which foods and meals are available.
12/10 In-store Sampling Event!
On December 12th Kroger will be hosting an in-store sampling of Private Selection™ Pizza and Ice Cream in select locations. It's already marked down in our calendars!

Also, from now until December 31 when you buy 3 Private Selections appetizers, pizza, or desserts you receive a catalina print out to save $3 off your next shopping trip.

The Kroger Family of Stores spans many states and operate under nearly two dozen banners, all of which share the same belief in building strong local ties and brand loyalty with their customers. They are proud to fly one of these banners in your neighborhood.

Visit kroger.com to learn more about the Private Selection® line of tastefully prepared products.

Kroger The truly Awesome homestyle chocolate chip cookies Review

(I originally shared this in a post on gather here.) 



My latest bzz campaign with bzzagent.com is for the Kroger The truly Awesome homestyle chocolate chip cookies.
Cookies.....yum!  I was very excited to be able to get in on this campaign.  I've been wanting to try these cookies, and having sweets in the house, as of late, has been slim.
I was xcited to open the box when the mailman came to the door with it.  Inside I found 2 boxes of the Kroger The truly Awesome homestyle chocolate chip cookies.
It didn't take Jasmine and I long to devour one box by ourselves.



There are 8 large cookies per box.  Oops, only 7 in the photo above.  One was broken in half and I scarfed it down before taking the photo.

The other box we shared with 3 of the grandkids.  They sure got excited when I got out the cups, the milk and the cookies for a bedtime snack the other night.  hhmmm    5 people and 8 cookies.  We each got 1 1/2 cookies with 1/2 a cookie left over that everyone was fighting over.  (Grandma, that's me, won and ate it  he he)
1-2-3 dunk!


Final thoughts:  I think these cookies taste truly awesome as the name says.  They are a hard cookie, over the soft that I prefer.   I found them to have plety of chocolate chips in each cookie.
There are only 8 cookies in a package with a retail price of $2.99.  I find that a little steep in price for myself.  I was sent 5-$1 off coupons to share though and fully intend to share a couple of them with myself.  I will buy them for $1.99.

Further information:  Serving size is 1 cookie.  Per serving there is 120 calories 10 grams of sugar, 125 mg of sodium and 6 grams of total fat.  Each cookies does provide 4% of the recommended daily intake of iron and 4% of vitamin a.
Contains: wheat, milk, soy, and eggs.  May contain peanuts, coconut, pecans, cashews, and macadamia nuts.

Disclaimer:  I rec'd the Kroger The truly Awesome homestyle chocolate chip cookies as part of a bzz campaign with bzzagent.com.  I was not compensated in any other way.  All opinions are my own.

Mailbox Monday 11/21/11

I was thinking it was a pretty boring week then I remembered a book I had gotten that didn't get in the whole picture, but I had taken a picture of it by itself as a jump start for my review.  Oh yes, and 2 boxes of cookies from bzzagent!









In my email this past week I rec'd $5 amazon from swagbucks and $5 amazon from superpoints.  I was also paid $10 paypal from gather.

Dillon's (Kroger) Shopping 5/22/11--72% Savings

I'm already happier because I say I saved 72%!

This week the mega event includes only frozen items.  The deal is still the same--buy 10 get an additional $5 off your order.  Pricing below will reflect the price after the additional .50 off per item.  Also, my store doubles coupons up to $1 off.

 2-New York Texas Toast on sale for $1.79 each.  Used .40 and .50 coupons making them .99 and .79 each.
5-Sister Shubert dinner rolls on sale for $1.79.  Used 2-$1 coupons and 3-.50 coupons making them .79 each.
2-Green Giant boxed veggies on sale for .99 each.  No coupons (what has happened to our GG coupons?)
Ore-Ida Sweet Potato Fries on sale for $2.49.  Used $1 coupon making them $1.49
3-Kool-Aid on sale 6 for $1.  I used the buy 2 get 1 free coupon.  Register took off .25 and then doubled making them free.
2 half gallons milk on sale 2 for $3.
2 Lipton side dishes $1 each, used .50/2 coupon making them .50 each.
2 Colgate toothpaste on sale for .88 each.  Used 2-.75 coupons making them free plus .24 total overage.
2-Colgate toothbrushes at .98 each.  Used 2-.75 coupons making them free plus .04 total overage. (The store was out of the .88 toothbrushes on sale so I just grabbed the cheap ones)


I spent $14.70 OOP of which $1.78 was sales tax.  I saved $18.30 with coupons including the additional $5 off.  With sales and coupons I saved 72%!


I made a trip to Aldi this last week where I did a little grocery stock up with a lot of meat and canned fruits and veggies.  This will allow me to concentrate on my coupon shopping, and hopefully I can get it more mastered.  I spent $159 at Aldi, which also included several non-food household items as well.

Santa Savings with Cellfire and Kroger!!

This doesn't start until tomorrow, but I wanted to get the word out!

Cellfire is running another special promotion for Kroger stores this week. Their Santa Savings campaign will launch at 10AM Pacific on Thursday, December 16 for four hours (it ends at 2PM Pacific). Anyone with a Kroger or Kroger-owned loyalty card who logs in will receive a $$ off coupon. The fun starts when they login to see whether they've won a $0.50, $1.00, $2.00 or $5.00 coupon of their next shopping trip. Please see the attached graphic for details.



These Coupons are for Kroger and Kroger-owned stores.

HERSHEY’S KISSES brand Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy any two bags of HERSHEY'S KISSES chocolates 7.5oz. or larger.

Colgate® Wisp® Save $.75
Save $0.75 on any Colgate® Wisp® 4 count or larger.

PILLSBURY® Rolled Pie Crusts Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO packages of Pillsbury® Rolled Refrigerated Pie Crusts.

PILLSBURY® Frozen Grands! Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any TWO Frozen Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits.

Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables Save $.60
Save $0.60 when you buy THREE any variety Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables.

Just for One® Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy any variety Green Giant® Just for One® vegetables.

PILLSBURY® Sweet Rolls Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Sweet Rolls OR Grands!® Sweet Rolls.

Pillsbury® Crescents Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Crescent Dinner Rolls.

PILLSBURY® Refrigerated Grands! Save $.30
Save $0.30 when you buy TWO any size/variety Refrigerated Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits
.
PILLSBURY® Italian Meal Bread Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Italian Meal Breads (Includes any Loaves, Breadsticks, Dinner Rolls, and Pizza Crust).

PILLSBURY® Cookie Dough Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy TWO PACKAGES any variety Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough.

Progresso® Soups Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO CANS any flavor Progresso® Soups.

Nature Valley® Granola Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor/variety Nature Valley® Granola Bars (excludes Nature Valley® Granola Thins).

Betty Crocker® Fruit Snacks Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO BOXES any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot®, Fruit Gushers® OR Fruit Roll-Ups® fruit flavored snacks.

Chex® Cereals Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any ONE BOX Chex® cereal listed: Rice Chex® Corn Chex® Wheat Chex® Honey Nut Chex® Chocolate Chex® Multi-Bran Chex® Cinnamon Chex®.

Fiber One® Chewy Bar Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Fiber One® Chewy Bars OR Fiber One® 90 Calorie Chewy Bars.

Honey Nut Cheerios Save $.55
Save $0.55 when you buy ONE BOX Honey Nut Cheerios® cereal.

Lucky Charms® Cereal Save $.55
Save $0.55 when you buy ONE BOX Lucky Charms® cereal.

Green Giant Bagged Vegetables Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any variety 19 OZ. - 24 OZ. ONLY Green Giant® Frozen Bagged Vegetables.

Betty Crocker Cake Mix/Frosting Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy BOTH Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® Cake Mix AND Betty Crocker® Ready to Spread Frosting (any flavors/varieties).

PILLSBURY® Holiday Cookies Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Refrigerated Holiday Cookies.

Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers® Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any variety Green Giant® Valley Fresh Steamers® frozen vegetables.

Chex Mix® Treats Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Chex Mix® Treats, Golden Grahams® Treats OR Milk 'n Cereal Bars.

Betty Crocker® Potatoes Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any flavor Betty Crocker® boxed Potatoes (Except Potato Buds® and Betty Crocker® Pouch).
 

Chex and Kroger Winner Announcement!

Thanks to all who entered the Chex/Kroger giveaway!  One lucky winner has been chosen using random.org.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.

Without further ado......the winner is........

and.......commenter 16 was............

Karen said... 16 I buy Corn, Rice & Wheat Chex as we all are mad crazy for Chex Party Mix at the holidays. I have always wanted to make the Muddy Buddies cuz I love anything with peanut butter. :-)

~K


Congrats to Karen!!


I hope to be doing another giveaway soon!

Chex and Kroger Giveaway (including $25 gift card!)

Kroger^® and Chex^® Cereal have joined forces to help you whip up recipes for your holiday entertaining that are easy on your time as well as your budget!

There are so many great tasting Chex Party Mix recipes that you can make in the microwave in only 15 minutes! Try The Original Chex® Party Mix or Chex® Ginger-Honey Crunch for sure crowd pleasers.

Looking for an easy gift idea for friends, family or co-workers? Try wrapping your favorite Chex Party Mix in a colorful tin or bag and personalize it with your own recipe card.

To make things even sweeter, Kroger Family of Stores will have Chex cereal on sale so you can impress your guests without stressing your wallet. For 3 weeks, from December 2nd – December 25th, Kroger will offer Chex cereal at their lowest prices of the year! (Be sure to scroll down my blog and click to print your savings coupon!  Chex cereal is part of the current Mega Event at Kroger right now.)

Don’t forget to visit Kroger and Chex on Facebook to“Like” their pages and keep up with recipes, news and their latest and greatest products.

Upon receiving my prize pack, shown below, I couldn't wait to open it.  My 14 yr. old daughter, Jasmine couldn't wait to get herself a bowl of Chex cereal and opened a box right away. (please note the gift card taped to the front of one of the boxes.)

For the last 3 years I have made the Muddy Buddies as part of my holiday goodies presents for friends and family.  It's been a hit.  I had already planned on buying the ingredients to make it this year as well.  I was thrilled to receive the package from Kroger and Chex to help with my holiday baking. (Muddy Buddy Recipe to follow the photo of my ingredients)
I have bought the ingredients as you will see pictured below, but won't make them until closer to Christmas.  I went ahead and bought additional boxes of Chex cereal to use for the holidays....have to let the rest of us enjoy the cereal for breakfast.

Recipe courtesy of the chex.com website where you will find lots of great recipes!

Chex® Muddy Buddies®

Another popular name for this favorite mix is "puppy food". Chow down; it's doggone good! Prep Time:15 min Start to Finish:15 min Makes:18 servings (1/2 cup each)  687 ratings

Cooking Gluten Free?

Always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is gluten free. Products and ingredient sources can change.

Substitution

Peanut butter and chocolate are a favorite flavor combo, but peanut butter lovers can substitute peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips to intensify that flavor.

9	cups Rice Chex®, Corn Chex® or Chocolate Chex® cereal (or combination)
1	cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2	cup peanut butter
1/4	cup butter or margarine
1	teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2	cups powdered sugar

1.	Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2.	In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3.	Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

1 Serving: Calories 210 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 16g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 6%; Iron 25% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 1 tsp Fats & Oils
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

On to the fun!  Chex and Kroger via myblogspark have graciously offered to allow me to giveaway the same prize package that I rec'd.  One of  my lucky blog readers will win 2 boxes of Chex cereal as well as the $25 Kroger gift card to help with your holiday recipes!

Contest rules:  Open to United States residents 18 yrs of age or older.   Entry deadline is Sunday December 12 at 9 PM CST.  I will use random.org to choose the winner.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me.

How to enter:

Mandatory entry:  Comment and tell me which of your favorite Chex cereals you plan to stock up on during the event.  Make sure that I have a way to contact you if you win.

Additional entries:  (Please leave a separate comment for each entry) 

1.  Share this giveaway on twitter, including the link to the giveaway post as well as the hashtag #myblogspark --comment with the link to your tweet.

2.  Follow me on twitter (marsha32) --if you already do, just comment letting me know.

3.  Follow my blog publicly with google friend connect.--if you already follow, comment to let me know.

4.  Friend me on facebook (Marsha Seiberling)--if you already are, comment to let me know.

5.  Follow me with networked blogs.--if you already do, comment to let me know.

6.  Post this giveaway on your own blog or to other websites that allow such posting.  Post must include the link back to this giveaway to be eligible.  Comment with the link to your post.

7.  Add my button to your blog or website.  (2 entries, please leave 2 comments)

Disclosure:  I was not paid for this review.  Any opinions within are my own.  I was provided with a prize pack from Kroger and Chex through myblogspot for the purpose of this review and giveaway.

Kroger Shopping---Just $7.48 Out of Pocket For ALL of This!!!!!

..

You read that right.....I bought all of this (plus the margarine I forgot to take back out of the fridge) for just $7.48 out of pocket!!!!  Of the $7.48, $5.07 of that was sales tax)   The actual total after coupons was $32.48, but I had a $25 Kroger card to spend as part of my current blogspark.

It's one of the Mega Event weeks, where if you buy 10 of the items on the list you get an additional $5 off your total.  I bought 40 of the items.
Please note I am subtracting the additional .50 off for buying the 10 items off each item.  My store doubles coupon up to $1 off total.
Mega event items:
12-Temptations Cat Treats--.91 each, used 11-.55 coupons doubled to $1 (I had 12 coupons, but once home realized one of them didn't scan) FREE with 8 cents overage.
2-Birdseye vegetables-$1.49 each, used 1-.50 coupon doubled to $1, so $1.49 and .99 each.  (I had in my mind that I printed 2 coupons, but one home remembered the 2nd coupon hadn't printed)
2-Hot Pockets, $1.49 each, used 2-.50 coupons doubled to $1, .49 each.
1-Wolf Chili--.75--used .50 coupon doubled to $1  FREE plus .25 overage.
4-Carnation Evaporated milk--.49 each, used 2-.50/2 coupons--FREE plus 4 cents overage
1-Armour meatballs--$1.99--used .55 coupon doubled to $1--.99
5-Krusteaz Cookie Mix--.99 each--used 5-$1 coupons--FREE pus 5 cents overage.
2-Barilla Pasta--$1.49--used buy 1 get 1 free coupon--register took off full price of $2.19 so I paid .79 for both.
3-Gillette deoderant--$3.50 each--used 2 $2 coupons and a buy 2 get 1 free coupon--register took off $4.95 for the coupon so I paid just 5 cents for each one!
2-Chex Cereal--$1.79--used $1/2 coupon--$1.29 each
2-Ziploc Freezer bags--$1.99 each--used $1/2 coupon--$1.49 each
1 Wesson Oil--$1.99--used .40 coupon doubled to .80--$1.19
1-Best Life Spread--$1.49--used $1 coupon--.49
2-Tidy Cat litter--$1.89--used 2-$1 coupons--.89 each

Other purchases:
Kroger peanut butter--$1.65
Kroger chocolate chips--$1.99
Kroger 12 pack soda--$2--used .50 coupon--$1.50
2-Duracell battery 4 packs, on sale for $1.98--used 2-$1.50 coupons--.48 each.
Kroger Powdered Sugar $1.43
Idahoan potatoes--$1--used .40 coupon doubles to .80--.20
Carnation Instant Breakfast--on sale for $4.29--used $1 coupon--$3.29
2 dozen eggs-on sale for $1.50 each, used .55 coupon doubled to $1--$1 per dozen.

My receipt says that I saved 75%, which includes sale prices plus coupons used.  ($94.12 savings)
I used $44.74 in coupons plus the extra $20 off for a total savings of $64.74 not including the sale prices.

Want to know more about the $25 Kroger gift card that I had to use?  It's part of my next blogspark prize pack with Chex cereal that will be offered for giveaway on my blog!  Watch for the giveaway in the next couple of days.

Even if I hadn't had the Kroger gift card, spending $32.48 for all of it would have still been great.  Some things I would not have bought though as they are ingredients to go with my blog post coming up.

Dillon's (Kroger) Shopping--70% Savings!!

Another week where my store is offering where you buy 10 of the certain items and you get an additional $5 off your order.  Woo Hoo!  You all know how I love these sales.
I purchased 30 items for a total of $15.00 off my total order.  The prices I put behind the item reflects the price after the .50 is taken off each one.  Also, remember that my store doubles coupons up to $1 total taken off.
Special items:
5-Green Giant Steamers--on sale for $1.39, used 1-$1/2 coupon, 2-.50/2 coupons as well as .50/2 from each cellfire and shortcuts-- each .69.
3-Honest Tea--on sale for .75--used 3-.50 coupons--profit of .25 on each
4-Carnation Evaporated Milk--on sale for .49 each--used 2-.50/2--profit of .01 on each
3 Heinz Turkey Gravy--on sale for .79 each--used $1/3 coupon --.46/.47 each
5 Swanson Broth--on sale for .49 each, use $1/5 coupon--.28/.29 each
1-Temptations for cats--on sale for $1.09, used .55 coupon--.09
4- Pringles--on sale for .99 each, used $3/1 coupon and a free coupon--each one .65/.66 each
1-Red Baron Pizza--on sale for $2.99--used $1 coupon--$1.99
1- Advil--sale $3--used free coupon and register took off reg.  of $4.35
1-Miracle Whip--sale $2.49--used free coupon and register took off $2.99
1-Colgate toothbrush--on sale for $1--used $1 coupon--free
1-Chunky Soup--$1.15--used .50 coupon--.15

Other items bought:
Idahoan potatoes pouch--on sale for $1--used .40 coupon--.20
Carnation Instant Breakfast--$5.99--used $1 coupon--$4.99
Gallon of milk--$3.08
2 jars of Dole fruit--on sale for $1 each, used $.50/2 coupon--.50 each
Cottonelle Wipes--$2.95--used free coupon
2-Kroger 12 pack soda--$2 each, used $1.2 coupon--$1.50 each
9-Lives dry cat food--on sale for $3.99--used $1 coupon--$2.99
3 cans of store brand wet cat food--$3 for 1
Green Giant Steamers--(this was a mistake, meant to get the smaller size)  It's all good since I saved so much, but this bag was $3.34 , so after .50 on one of the coupons used above $2.84.

So.....I used $33.59 in coupons, plus the extra $15 for a total of $48.59.
I paid $29.39.....woo hoo!!
My receipt shows that I saved 70%, but that takes in the sale prices as well as coupons.
Here is a photo, but I did forget to take the pizza back out of the freezer, or the milk out of the fridge, so they are not in the photo.