It's Amore!!

December 30th, I have a mami potluck planned. The dinner will include Italian dishes so I was looking for a great deal on a good sauce and pasta for my dish to share. I found it on Coupons.com !!

Barilla Sauce on sale now at Albertsons.

Barilla Sauce 24 oz

2 for $5.00

Use 2 $1.00 off Barilla Sauce printable coupon

Buy 2 Barilla Sauce and get 2 Barilla Pasta FREE!! ($2.50 value)

Final Price: $0.75 per item!!

I'm coming home with some good sauce and the pasta to make my dish!!

Double Your Savings

As of 12/27/2011

Here's a list of Tucson stores that offer to double your savings:

• Safeway - DC*
• Fry's - DC*
• Basha's - DT (Double)*

 *Here's the blog that explains the different deals. http://desertmamis.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html

Basha's has a change in the coupon policy. "We do not accept any Internet coupons over $3.00 or “free product” Internet coupons."

           

Comfort Food on a Budget

Cold days outside, Hot Spicy Chili inside

Here is my modified version of the Simple Chili Recipe, using only what I had in my pantry and items generously donated to our family from the local food bank.

 
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon of garlic salt
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder**
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 lb of cooked pinto beans

Directions:

Preparing beans;

• Sort and rinse pinto beans into a colander. Place beans in crock pot and fill it with water. Beans will cook on low overnight, seasoned with tablespoon of salt.

Preparing meat; (next day)

            Cook beef, onion and garlic salt until beef is brown.

Stir in remaining ingredients except beans.

Heat to boiling, reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Stir in prepared meat to beans in crock pot. I drained the beans of their juices before placing meat in it. 

            Cook on High setting for 1 hour and reduce heat to low.

Its ready to serve. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream on top of chips, Frito's.

Place leftovers into quart-size freezer bag. Make sure to release air from bag.

 ** I used the Mexican chili powder and it was very spicy. Next time I will use 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder.

For the original recipe please check out http://www.food.com/recipe/simple-chili-190598 

I just modified it to fit our family needs:) and share how it can be done.

I Did It Again!

I'm so excited to share my latest shopping trip. I found great deals and here they are...

Purchased;

2 Panko Bread Crumbs (-$2.28 w/coupons)

10 Yoplait Yogurts ($4.00 price match/coupon)

2 Dole Premium Salads (FREE pm w/coupons)

2 30 ct Excedrin (-$2.04 w/coupons)

2 large eggs ($1.98 price match)

2 Pantene shampoo/conditioner ($2.98 pm w/coupon)

Clorox Bleach ($1.73 w/coupon)

Dole Mandarins and Pineapples canned ($0.48 w/coupon)

Retail Value: $37.76

Saved: $10.16 in price match

Coupon Savings: $20.75

Paid: $ 7.84 w/tax

Coupons Doubled or Worth Up to a $1.00

Always be aware of coupon policy changes. I read the policy online in the corresponding store's website. Every store has its on policy. The ads will advise you when coupons are being doubled.
Stores offer two different ways to increase the worth of your coupons.

• Dollar Coupons Offer (DC)- All coupons are worth at least $1.00 every day!

Example: $0.25  MANUFACTURER coupon = $1.00

$0.10=$1.00  $0.25=$1.00  $0.50= $1.00  $1.00=$1.00

In-Store coupons are not part of the offer. Coupons that state can't be doubled are not part of the offer. $1.00 coupons are not increased in value.

• Double, Triple Coupons Offer (DT)- Value of the coupon is doubled or tripled

Example: $0.25 MANUFACTURER coupon = $0.50 doubled

                $0.10 MANUFACTURER coupon = $0.30 tripled

All values are doubled or tripled up to a $1.00 in value. A $0.75 coupon is not increased to $1.50, the register will only up it to $1.00.

As of 11/30/11 stores that offer these deals are;

Safeway (DC), Fry's (DC), & Basha's (DC)

               



Awe Poop!

Stock up on Diapers! Wipes!

& Baby Needs

Here are the coupons!

From Target.com

Target Up & Up Diapers 60 Count Packs $1.00 Off

$3.00 Off Avent Bottles Multi-Pack

$1.00 Off Butt Paste

From Safeway.com

(Walmart will take other store coupons)

From Pampers-diapers & wipes, Luvs and Enfamil. Click, print and save here.

Name Brand Items:

$2.00 Off Any 2 Johnson's Bedtime Bath Products (Registration Req.)

Pull Ups

$2 off Pull Ups (Registration Req.)

Get your Sunday Newspaper and Save on Huggies Diapers & Wipes

Here's more on what you can find in the inserts

Sunday Coupon Preview

Love Thy Self: Part II

We continue our journey with the next statements:

6. I am not my actions. I am the actor. My actions may be good or bad. That doesn't make me good or bad.

7. I am not free as to the things that will happen to me. But I am 100% free as to the attitude I have towards these things. My personal well-being or my suffering depend on my attitudes.

8. I do not have to prove myself to anyone. I need only to express myself as honestly and effectively as I am capable.

9. I am free of animosity or resentment.

10. My emotional well-being is dependent on how I love me.

Power to all the mamis! Let's keep taking care of us... we deserve it.

**Write these down and continue to add to your wall, mirror where you can read them everyday and make them part of how you always see and think of yourself.

Love Thy Self

Many days we feel so unappreciated, believe we should have done more, stressed and overwhelmed. As woman we have the feeling that we need to do it all. We carry the burden of everyone's problems on our shoulders. The world crumbles and we are there to piece it together. We are superwoman. We are always on the go, and do for everyone. We take care of loved ones but at the end of the day the one person negleted is ourselves. We need to change our thinking and do for the person who should be a priority,You!

So today I challenge you, as I challenge myself, to start changing that thinking.

Here is a start, read the following statements every day until they become part of your thinking.
I suggest writing them down on notecards, or paper and tape these to your mirror. They will be a constant reminder to read them.

1. I am a unique and precious human being, always doing the best I can, always growing in wisdom and love.

2. I am in charge of my own life.

3. My #1 responsibility is my own growth and well-being. The better I am to me, the better I will be to others.

4. I refuse to be put down by the attitudes or opinions of others.

5. I make my own decisions and assume the responsibility of any mistakes. However, I refuse to feel shame or guilt about them.

At the end of the third day, reflect on the statements and share how you are feeling. What are you experiencing? Were you reminded of these words in one occassion? Will you share?
Finish the week and more statements will follow.

Have fun. Reflect. You are loved. You deserve it.

**You can also share your feelings in our closed Desert Mamis group for privacy.
***Happy Homework

Safeway Meat Sale- Worth It!!

SAFEWAY -SILVERBELL/GRANT

10/14/2011

MEAT SALE

There's a great sale going on at Safeway with the meat,

time to stock up!!

Ground Beef 80/20 $1.99 lb.

Rancher's Reserve $1.99 lb.

(I saved over $19 on a pack)

Tyson Buy 1, Get 1 Free!



Tyson Any'tizers

Reg. price $10.49 ea.

$10.49*2=$20.98

I used a $1.00 coupon for each one 

-$2.00=$18.98

One pack free

$18.98-$10.49=$8.49

Grand total: $4.25 per pack!!

Total discount for 2/$12.48

Tyson Grilled Ready Pack

Reg. Price 10.49

Coupons available

Same savings apply to this pack!

Print out your Tyson savings at www.coupons.com

Don't miss out!!

Successful Shopping Trip

Bashas' Shopping Trip
10/13/11

Bashas will double your coupons and has some great deals on snacks and drinks!!

Some of the items in my order:

2 12 packs of Lipton Tea ($2.49 ea.)

2 4 packs of Starbucks Coffee ($2.99 ea.)

Eclairs! ($2.99)

4 Go Gurts Packs ($0.99 ea pack!)

Yoplait 32 oz yogurt ($0.49)

2 Poor Brothers Chips ($1.50 pack)

2 Fiber One 6 pack Box ($1.32 ea)

Fruit Roll Ups/Gushers ($0.99 ea)

and I saved on Gala apples and bell peppers

and so much more!!

Total without card savings and coupons: $128.66

Coupon Savings: $19.60

Card Savings: $53.90

Total Savings: $73.50

Total Paid: $55.16

Paid on Avg: $1.57 per items!

Decoding The Ads

Getting the best deals and making the most of your budget can be frustrating and overwhelming but well worth it. It takes time to organize your shopping trips, make a detailed list of items you really need and research the ads to find the right deals. It is not easy but with time it will just be the only way to shop for your families. You will start to learn new ways to shop and I'm here to offer you that information.

Let's begin with learning how to read the ads and understand the store sales.

• Grocery store ads change by every Wednesday. Get your ads and coupons on Tuesdays in the mail.

Tip: To get the most coupons, leave a note for your post office worker in your own mailbox and ask for extra flyers-Jolie

• Convenience stores (Walgreens), pharmacies (CVS) and stores like Walmart, Target change their sales by every Sunday.
• 10 for $10 sales - you don't have to buy the 10 items to get the sale.
• Mix and Match Savings- This means that you are asked to buy a set amount of items and instantly at the register you will receive a savings in dollar amount.

Tip: You don't have to buy all the same items. The ad will show different products added to this sale-mix and match. In addition you can use manufacturer coupons on each item in this transaction! This will increase your savings. The rewards do have a limit so read the fine print.

Example: Buy Any 8 participating items, save $4 instantly at the register. At checkout you have your groceries and along them include 8 of these items. When you pay, the register will instantly take $4.00 off. If I have 16 of the items but the limit is set to 1 reward per transaction, I place 8 items in one order and pay. Then I have the cashier ring up the other 8 in a separate transaction and I get another $4.00 off my order.

• Within ads there will be different dates set for sale items.

Example: Safeway will have a few items on sale only 3 days, Friday-Sunday.

• Buy one, get one Free - make sure its the equal or lesser value.
• Buy x=amount, Get x=% off . Here you are asked to buy a set amount of items in order to get the savings. You will need to buy that same item and get your discount. Make sure it reads MUST BUY.
• Use your discount card. If you don't have it, you can use the registered phone number used at sign up.
• Pay attention to special discount dates at the grocery store. They will give additional percent off to a certain group on a special day. 

Example: First Responder day, Senior day, Cardinals game day, ect. Read the restrictions and rules.

•  Ads will show the price effective dates. Make sure your ad is used on the correct week. I've gotten excited over a sale that was an old paper ad, not fun.
• Sale items not in stock? Ask for a rain check, it will enable you to buy the item at the advertised price when it is in stock. Most are good for one month after date of issue.
• Cut out the store coupons on the ad and combine them with Manufacturer coupons. Double your savings!
• Always pay attention to limits on rewards, or sale prices.

Read and pay attention to the ad. Write a product list with size and quantity you will buy along with the original and sale price. If its part of a mix and match, mark it. Be detailed and take your time understanding the sales. Compare store ads. This is how I started shopping smarter and getting the most for our hard earned money.

*I'm a novice couponista, I'm here to learn too so please any discrepancies, or questions please comment below.
**All stores, sales and policies vary by store become familiar with them by visiting their store sites or asking store managers.

FREE Community Event

HOPEFEST 2011
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
Kino Stadium, Tucson AZ

This is a free event that will provide dental care (cleanings), medical care (bp checks, pregnancy tests), groceries, haircuts, clothing and hygiene items those in need in our Tucson community. Over 175 providers will be part of this event. Sponsored by Pima Medical Institute and many contributors including Target and Sam Levitz.

Here is the flyer with all the information http://www.hopefest.com/uploads/hope_fest_flyer_11.pdf

Donations of clothes, stuff animals, hygiene items, canned food, and diapers will be accepted on October 21st. Check out the site for information on how to donate www.hopefest.com.

Desert Mamis & Family Tostada Fiesta

Celebrate! We welcome all Desert Mamis and their families to a Bean Tostada Potluck. We ask that everyone attending contribute to this meal. We will have a list of items needed, let us know what you would like to bring.

Activities planned for mamis, children will have toys and a room to have playtime. Dads don't be shy come, talk sports, enjoy the comfy couch, and watch some tv-Monday Night Football. We will not have alcoholic drinks, sorry.

• Mamis Trading Post will be open. Bring gently used clothes, books, toys and shoes. Leave your items, go home with what you can use from other mamis. http://mapq.st/pD5AlM
• We also accept canned food, cereals or items in your pantry.   

Date: Monday, October 3rd

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: Beatriz's Home 2655 W Calle Cuero de Vaca, Tucson 85745

RSVP: 331-7837

Fun in the Sun

Another successful day out with mommies. It all started in the free water park on River Road, Brandi Fenton. It was full but it didn't feel crowded. The new shaded area by the gated water feature was a great way to let the little ones get wet while moms talked. Zoe had some awesome cupcakes and we had drinks! We didn't do games there was so much for everyone to do. The older boys walked the park like big shots:) The little ones had the slides, climbing wall and steps to climb after getting soaked. 
So for those who attended, thank you it was great! Those who missed it, we hope you make it to the next one. 

Coupons! Savings! Fun!

How much do you really save with the coupons? I used to do the price match, clip coupons, buy only those things on sale and use a website to find online coupon forms, I did it all to save a few bucks. It was a game to see how much I would get back. Well then I got too lazy to clip that 50 cent off coupons, it seemed more work than what I was getting in return so I stopped. Now I see so many people taking advantage of getting free items just because there are so many stores doubling, triple and price match coupons. It has started to be a trend and I'm ready to jump into it.
This mornings trip to the grocery store was a $6.75 savings plus Safeway added $1.25 to up coupons to a $1.00 savings!! This savings is after the in-store cards savings and items on sale.  So lunch will be burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks with treats for tomorrows water park playdate! It has a success. So I will like to invite you to start saving, pass along some tips, or coupons! The economy sucks, jump aboard the coupons bandwagon!! All Aboard.

They Say The Darnest Things

Caleb my two year old son told us all at the table that he was going to be like his brother, Carlos. He will play football, basketball and baseball. He is so excited to be an athlete!

Cayla my three year old turns around looks at everyone and states in a matter of fact tone, "I play the princess".

Where do they come up with these things?

Here is my little pinata girl:)

Stay Home.Take Care Kids.Not Planned.Failed.

I am a stay at home mom, never planned it and never thought of the consequences of living off one income. I was too busy making babies and carrying for them. For me the kids were better off with mommy never could I leave them with anyone without being overwhelmed with guilt and sadness. I do love being with them, I get frustrated but I don't have to worry about their care. Caring for them is easy, paying for them is a different story. We have no savings, the rent gets paid in payments along with late fees, we have no cable and can barely afford to buy them clothes, especially the older boys! I try to make extra money with side businesses, some have failed, some slowly bringing in some money but its not enough. A single income family life is a hard one, it can be done if planned, but when it is not it is hard! I sit here thinking of going back to work. I should put more hours into my bow making business without compromising my time with family. Learn how to be a coupon clipper and find money saving tips. What more can I do if I chose to stay home without planning ahead of time? Did you plan you stay? How do you make it with one income?

Welcome.Bienvenida.Benvenuto.

Getting together to find a balance between being mothers and still staying true to ourselves. Motherhood is a blessing and it comes with its challenges. You are not alone. We all have felt the joys, the laughter, the love as well as the disappointments, frustrations and confusion. We work hard for our children, keep a happy home. Sometimes we get lost in those responsibilities and forget who we used to be. We can find ourselves alone and wondering does anyone else understand what I am going through? This group has started to let you know we all have the same feelings and we can help each other out. We will discuss issues that affect us from health, beauty, self-awareness, faith, parenting and simply some fun time. Are you ready to join?