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Once Upon A Coupon

Once upon a time, there was a young lady who lived in a beautiful castle with her husband and two darling children. When shopping for groceries or household items, this young lady and her family never used coupons or looked at the weekly ads. Frivolously, they wasted their hard-earned money on full-priced items, without the least bit of guilt. Then one day, the winds of change swept down upon them and carried off half of their annual income. Being from hard-working, practical families, they immediately went back to their roots to re-learn what they had forgotten.

The scissors came out and ads were browsed. Coupons were cut and money was saved. Now, the young lady is sharing her story to help others in similar situations learn how to spend less, yet still live well.

Printable Coupons Have Reset

September 2nd, 2010

coupons

Since a new month has begun, the printable coupons have reset!

Actually, I should say MOST have reset. The one I really wanted to print again was LaCroix Sparkling Water. Sadly, it has not reset.

Noteworthy to print again (in my opinion):

Groceries:

  • Save $.55 on one Cheerios
  • Save $.50 on one box of Nature Valley Granola Bars – Use at a store that doubles coupons to save big!

Refrigerated/Frozen:

  • Save $1 on two packages of Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs
  • Save $.50 on one Yoplait Delights or Fiber One Multipacks
  • Save $1 on one Power of Fruit Bars
  • Save $.40 on Green Giant Frozen Bagged Vegetables 19 – 24 oz.

Cleaning:

  • Save $1 on one Wisk

Health & Beauty:

  • Save $1 on one Listerine Total Care Plus Whitening
  • Save $2 on Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Pro Gravity Defying Creme
  • Save $3 on two packages of GoodNites Underpants

Publix Meal Planner: September 1 – 7, 2010

September 1st, 2010

Like the Publix Meal Planner? Become a fan of Once Upon a Coupon on Facebook.

Thank you to Michelle at i heart publix for posting all the coupon match-ups.

WHAT TO BUY

Grocery:

  • 2 Lay’s Potato Chips – BOGO $3.99
  • 2 Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce – BOGO $2.69 – Use two $.50/1 PRINTABLE coupons (coupon doubled = $1 savings)
  • 2 Mueller’s Pasta – BOGO $1.49
  • Can of Greenwise Garbanzo Beans – $1.29
  • Box of Greenwise Crackers – $2.50

Refrigerated:

  • 2 Yoplait YoPlus Yogurt – BOGO $2.50 – Use two $.50/1 coupons from 7/25/10 SmartSource, 8/8/10 General Mills, or 8/22/10 SmartSource (coupon doubled = $1 savings)
  • 2 Breakstone’s Cottage Cheese – 2/$5
  • 2 Kraft Chunk Cheese – 2/$4 – Use $1/2 PRINTABLE coupon

Frozen:

  • 2 Breyer’s Ice Cream – BOGO $4.99

Produce:

  • Green Beans (1 1/2 lbs.) – $.99 a pound
  • Squash (1 1/2 lbs.) – $.99 a pound
  • Gold Potatoes 5 lb. Bag – $3.49
  • Publix Coleslaw Cabbage Shreds – $1.49
  • Publix Baby Cut and Peeled Carrots – $1.29
  • Peaches (2 lbs.) – $1.79 a pound
  • Bananas (3 lbs.) – $.69 a pound
  • Bartlett Pears (2 lbs.) – $.99 a pound
  • Lemon – around $.75

Meat:

  • Pork Spareribs (3 lbs.) – $1.79 a pound
  • Lean Ground Beef (2 lbs.) – $3.69 a pound
  • Top Sirloin Filets (2 lbs.) – $4.99 a pound
  • Boston Butt Pork Roast (3 lbs.) – $1.99 a pound
  • Publix Mild Italian Sausage (2 lbs.) – $3.49 a pound
  • Perdue Fit & Easy Boneless Chicken Breast (2 lbs.) – $2.99 a pound

Deli:

  • Original Recipe Hot Dog Buns 8 ct. – $1.99
  • Original Recipe Hamburger Buns 8 ct. – $1.99
  • Italian Bread – $1.99
  • Breakfast Bread – $3.99
  • Kangaroo Brands Pita Chips – 2/$4

WHAT TO MAKE

Breakfast:

  • Cottage Cheese w/ Peaches
  • Yogurt w/ Bananas
  • Breakfast Bread w/ Fruit

Lunch:

  • BBQ Pork Sandwiches w/ Coleslaw – Use leftover pork from dinner.
  • Cheese and Crackers w/ Fruit – Good for lunch on-the-go!
  • Sausage Sandwiches w/ Potato Chips – Cook sausage in stovetop pan, then add 1 cup pasta sauce. Cover and simmer 5 minutes more and serve on rolls with potato chips.
  • Hummus w/ Pita Chips and Carrot Sticks

Dinner:

  • Sirloin Steaks w/ Green Beans – Grill steaks until cooked as desired, then serve with steamed green beans.
  • BBQ Spareribs w/ Baked Potato – Rinse spareribs and pat dry. Place in crock pot and add 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Set on high to cook for 4, then low for 3 hours more, or until ribs are fully cooked. Serve with a baked potato.
  • Marinated Chicken w/ Steamed Squash – Marinate chicken breasts in 1/2 c. oil, 1/4 water, 2 TBS vinegar and 1/4 tsp each oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Discard marinade and grill, bake or cook chicken on stovetop. Serve with steamed squash.
  • Grilled Hamburgers w/ Roasted PotatoesCook potatoes, along with hamburgers, on the grill. For potatoes: Wash and scrub potatoes, then prick with fork. Wrap in foil and place on grill. Note: Put potatoes on grill first, before hamburgers, as they will take a little longer to cook.
  • Cajun Pork Roast w/ Mashed Potatoes – Rinse roast and pat dry – place in crock pot. Mix together 1 TBS brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and rub over roast. Add half an onion (chopped) and 1 1/2 cups water. Cook on high 4 – 6 hours, or until fully cooked and tender. For potatoes: Wash and peel 5 – 6 potatoes; dice, then boil until potatoes are tender. Drain potatoes, then mash with 1/2 stick butter and 1/4 cup milk. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pasta w/ Meat Sauce – Brown one pound of ground beef, then add one jar of pasta sauce and any spices, as desired. Serve over cooked pasta.
  • This leaves you one night of leftovers or eating elsewhere with family and friends.

Snacks:

  • Pita Chips
  • Potato Chips
  • Ice Cream
  • Fruit and Carrot Sticks

Total Spent: $96.70 (before taxes)
$3.45 per person/per day (based on a family of four)

For more information about the Publix Meal Planner, check out my previous posts:

Like to shop at Costco?? Want to know how to feed your family for less than $100 a week using groceries from Costco?

Check out the new Costco Meal Planner, too!

* Note: I am not a dietician – please consult your doctor to determine what you and your family’s nutritional needs may be.

Join me at BeCentsAble’s Grocery Gathering, too.

CVS Deals: August 29 – September 4, 2010

August 29th, 2010

For the latest deals and money-saving articles, check out Once Upon a Coupon on Facebook!

Below are the best deals I found this week at CVS. Surprisingly, there were quite a few deals that were the same as last week. The good news is that if you happened to miss the deal, you’ve got another chance to pick it up. And if you already got the deal, you can now get another!

For extra savings, sign up for ExtraCare e-mail and instantly get a $4 coupon!

Be sure to bring a copy of the PRINTABLE SHOPPING LISTwhen you go shopping.

Philips In-Ear Headphones $6.99
Earn $6.99 in Extra Bucks
FREE after Extra Bucks.
Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Floss, Paste or Rinse $3.97
Use $.75/1 coupon from 8/29/10 Proctor & Gamble
Earn $2.50 in Extra Bucks
$.72 after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Mennen Speed Stick Deodorant 2/$6
Earn $3 in Extra Bucks for buying two
$1.50 after Extra Bucks.
Listerine Total Care Mouthwash 16.9 oz. $3.97
Use $1/1 coupon from 8/1/10 SmartSource
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks
$1.97 after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Purex Ultra Concentrate Liquid Laundry Detergent $3.99
Earn $2 in Extra Bucks for buying two
$1.99 after Extra Bucks.
CVS Nail Polish Remover or Cotton Balls $2.99
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks
$1.99 after Extra Bucks.
Bounce or Downy Dryer Sheets or Liquid $3.99
Use $.50/1 coupon from 8/29/10 Proctor & Gamble
$2.49 after coupon.
Gold Emblem Bagged Candy 2/$6
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks for buying two
$2.50 each after Extra Bucks.
Cascade Gel, Powder, or 2 in 1 Action Packs $3.99
Use $.25/1 coupon from 8/29/10 Proctor & Gamble
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks
$2.74 after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Gillette Venus Embrace or Breeze Razor $9.99
Use $2/1 coupon from 8/29/10 Proctor & Gamble
Earn $5 in Extra Bucks
$2.99 after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Maybelline Eye or Lip Products Spend $10, Get $3 in Extra Bucks
Scenario:
Buy Maybelline Falsies Volum’ Express for $6 AND Maybelline Great Lash for $5
Use two $1/1 coupons from 8/8/10 Red Plum
Earn $3 in Extra Bucks for spending $10
$3 each after coupons and Extra Bucks.
CVS Wet Wipes Twin Pk. 80 ct. total $5.98
Earn $2 in Extra Bucks
$3.98 after Extra Bucks.
CVS Ibuprofen Twin Pk. 100 ct. Total $4.99
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks
$3.99 after Extra Bucks.
CVS Extra Strength Pain Relief Bonus Pk. 100 ct. Total $4.99
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks
$3.99 after Extra Bucks.
CVS Low Dose Aspirin Value Pk. 240 ct. Total $4.99
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks
$3.99 after Extra Bucks.
Purelax Powder Laxative 12.4 oz. Total $8.99
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks
$7.99 after Extra Bucks.

Join me at BeCentsAble, too!

Free Yard Entertainment Guide

August 28th, 2010

pennington

Download a free copy of the Yard Entertainment Guide by Pennington Wild Bird Products.

Learn how to make birdhouses out of household items like popsicle sticks, milk cartons, and coffee cans.

Also, check out recipes and ideas on having fun in your backyard.

Save $1 On Revlon Nail Enamel

August 27th, 2010

nail polish

Use this printable coupon to save $1 on Revlon Nail Enamel.

Publix Meal Planner: August 25 – 31, 2010

August 25th, 2010

Like the Publix Meal Planner? Become a fan of Once Upon a Coupon on Facebook.

There’s something about that Breakfast Bread that always puts me $1 or so over…. So be it for now, it stays. (My family loves it!!!)

Thank you to Michelle at i heart publix for posting all the coupon match-ups.

WHAT TO BUY

Grocery:

  • 2 Cascadian Farm Granola – BOGO $3.99
  • 2 Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn – BOGO $2.65 – Use $1/2 coupon from 8/1/10 Red Plum
  • 2 Cape Cod Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips – 2/$5
  • Small Bag of Publix Tortilla Chips – $1.99
  • Jar of Newman’s Salsa – $2.49 – Use $.50/1 PRINTABLE coupon (coupon doubled = $1 savings)
  • Can of Greenwise Pinto Beans – $1.29
  • Small Bag of Rice – $.99

Refrigerated:

  • 2 Immaculate Baking Co. Cookie Dough – BOGO $3.29
  • Gallon of Publix Milk – $3.19
  • 2 Cabot Vermont Cheese Bar (one Cheddar, one Pepper Jack) – 2/$4

Frozen:

  • 2 Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream – BOGO $3.79 – Use $1/2 coupon from 8/15/10 Red Plum

Produce:

  • Green Beans (2 lbs.) – $.99 a pound
  • Squash (2 lbs.) – $.99 a pound
  • Tomatoes on the Vine (2 lbs.) – $1.49 a pound
  • 3 Eat Smart Vegetables (Broccoli) – 3/$5
  • Head of Lettuce – around $2.50
  • Bag of Carrots – $.89
  • Onion – around $1
  • Baking Potatoes 5 lb. Bag – $2.99
  • Bananas (4 lbs.) – $.59 a pound
  • Plums (2 lbs.) – $1.29 a pound

Meat:

  • Top Round London Broil (4 lbs.) – $3.49 a pound
  • Ground Chuck (3 lbs.) – $2.99 a pound
  • Top Round Steak (4 lbs.) – $3.79 a pound

Deli:

  • Breakfast Bread – $3.99
  • 2 Assorted Hoagie Rolls 4 ct. – 2.19 each
  • French Hamburger Buns – $2.59

WHAT TO MAKE

Breakfast:

  • Breakfast Bread w/ Fruit
  • Granola Cereal w/ Milk
  • Homemade Zucchini Bread – This recipe is great! (I put the zucchini on the Publix Meal Planner buy list.) The other ingredients needed are general “pantry” items.

Lunch:

  • Beef Hoagies w/ Pepper Jack and Potato Chips
  • Garden Salad w/ Steak, Tomatoes, Carrots, and Cheese
  • Sliced Steak Sandwiches w/ Fruit

Dinner:

  • Grilled Steak w/ Baked Potato – Marinate steak overnight in 2 TBS oil, 1 TBS vinegar, 1/4 c water, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1 TBS BBQ sauce. Discard marinade and grill 5 – 6 minutes per side (or until steak is safely cooked). Serve w/ baked potato. Save leftovers for lunch.
  • Grilled Cheeseburgers w/ Seasoned Fries – To make fries: Scrub and rinse 4 potatoes then cut into long, wedge shapes. Toss with 2 T olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp salt. Arrange fries on cookies sheet (covered with parchment paper) in thin layer and bake in oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Top grilled cheeseburgers with lettuce and tomato and serve w/ fries.
  • London Broil w/ Green Beans – Rinse meat and pat dry. Make several shallow criss-cross cuts on both sides of meat. Marinate meat overnight in 1/4 cup oil, 1/8 cup vinegar, 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper. Discard marinade and grill or broil meat, as desired. (As a general rule, cook 5 – 8 minutes per side, checking for doneness before serving.) Slice thin and serve with green beans. Save leftovers for lunch.
  • Baked Potato Bar – Top baked potatoes with steamed broccoli and cheddar cheese.
  • Mexican Casserole – Brown 1 lb. beef on stove top pan and drain. Return to heat and add onion, along with 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp paprika. Cook 2 – 3 minutes or until onion is softened. Spray casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, then spread tortilla chips across bottom. Top with meat and can of pinto bean (drained and rinsed). Sprinkle cheese across pan. Add another layer of chips, then top with jar of salsa that has had 1/2 cup water added to it. Sprinkle with more cheese and cover dish with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more.
  • Steak Stir Fry w/ Broccoli – Heat 2 TBS oil to medium high heat in stovetop skillet. Cut steak into thin, small strips and toss with 2 tsp corn starch. Add to pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Add 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp ground ginger and broccoli that has been rinsed and cut into small pieces. Stir, cover and let cook for 2 – 4 minutes or until broccoli is bright green and tender. Serve over rice.
  • This leaves you one night of leftovers or eating elsewhere with family and friends.

Snacks:

  • Ice Cream
  • Potato Chips
  • Cookies
  • Fruit/Veggies

Total Spent: $102.98 (before taxes)
$3.68 per person/per day (based on a family of four)

For more information about the Publix Meal Planner, check out my previous posts:

Like to shop at Costco?? Want to know how to feed your family for less than $100 a week using groceries from Costco?

Check out the new Costco Meal Planner, too!

* Note: I am not a dietician – please consult your doctor to determine what you and your family’s nutritional needs may be.

Join me at BeCentsAble’s Grocery Gathering, too.

New E-Book: Apron Sewing Patterns

August 24th, 2010

apron book

Download this new free e-book of Apron Sewing Patterns.

An idea:

  • Grab a 40% off coupon for JoAnn Fabric, Hobby Lobby or Hancock Fabric (found in your weekly newspaper)
  • Look for a chic washable fabric that hides dirt/food well, and use it  with your favorite pattern
  • Start cooking with your new apron – and don’t feel guilty about getting messy!

Save $2 Off AmeriGas Cylinder

August 23rd, 2010

amerigas

Save $2 off the exchange or purchase of an AmeriGas Cylinder with this new printable coupon.

Click HERE to find the nearest AmeriGas retailer.

Save On A Snuggie

August 23rd, 2010

snuggie

I know it might be hard to think about blankets when it’s still smokin’ hot outside, but I couldn’t pass up sharing this new coupon.

Use this printable coupon to save $5 off a Varsity Snuggie.

The Varsity Snuggie normally retails for $19.99 – using the coupon saves you 25%!

CVS Deals: August 22 – 28, 2010

August 22nd, 2010

For the latest deals and money-saving articles, check out Once Upon a Coupon on Facebook!

Here’s the best of what I found on sale this week at CVS.

For extra savings, sign up for ExtraCare e-mail and instantly get a $4 coupon!

Be sure to bring a copy of the PRINTABLE SHOPPING LISTwhen you go shopping.

Blink Gel Tears Eye Drops $7.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 8/15/10 Red Plum
Earn $7.99 in Extra Bucks
FREE after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Floss, Paste or Rinse $3.49
Use $1/1 coupon from 8/1/10 Proctor & Gamble
Earn $2.50 in Extra Bucks
FREE after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Fuze, Powerade or Vitaminwater Drinks 10/$10
Earn $5 in Extra Bucks for buying ten
$.50 each after Extra Bucks.
Gillette ProGlide Power or Manual Razor $9.97
Use $4/1 coupon from 8/1/10 Proctor & Gamble
Earn $5 in Extra Bucks
$.97 after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Listerine Total Care Mouthwash 16.9 oz. $3.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 8/1/10 SmartSource
Earn $2 in Extra Bucks
$.99 after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Lipton PureLeaf, Izze or Welch’s Drinks 3/$4
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks for buying three
$1 each after Extra Bucks.
Mitchum Deodorant 2/$5
Use two $.75/1 coupons from 8/22/10 SmartSource
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks for buying two
$1.25 each after coupons and Extra Bucks.
Chase & Sanborn Coffee 2/$3
$1.50 each with sale price.
South Beach Living High Protein Cereal Bars 2/$6
Earn $2 in Extra Bucks for buying two
$2 after Extra Bucks.
Old Spice or Secret Deodorant $3.49
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks
$2.49 after Extra Bucks.
Pepsi Products 4/$10
$2.50 each with sale price.
Tropicana Orange Juice 2/$6
Earn $1 in Extra Bucks for buying two
$2.50 each after Extra Bucks.
Planters Nuts (various) 2/$7
Earn $2 in Extra Bucks for buying two
$2.50 each after Extra Bucks.
SpinBrush Toothbrush 1 ct. or Brush Heads 2 ct. $4.99
Use $2/1 coupon from 8/22/10 SmartSource
$2.99 after coupon.
CVS Facial Tissue $4.99
Earn $2 in Extra Bucks
$2.99 after Extra Bucks.
Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain $7.00
Use $1/1 coupon from 8/15/10 Red Plum
Earn $3 in Extra Bucks
$3 after coupon and Extra Bucks.
Maybelline Mascaras Spend $10, Get $3 in Extra Bucks
Scenario:
Buy Maybelline Falsies Volum’ Express for $6 AND Maybelline Great Lash for $4
Use two $1/1 coupons from 8/8/10 Red Plum
Earn $3 in Extra Bucks for spending $10
$2.50 each after coupons and Extra Bucks.
CVS Wet Wipes $5.98
Earn $2 in Extra Bucks
$3.98 after Extra Bucks.

Join me at BeCentsAble, too!

Coupons and Money Saving Ideas by Once Upon a Coupon Copyright 2009. Disclosure Policy

Find great deals @ Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Costco, and more!