I found out last week that I am “self-employed.” My employer labeled me as a contract laborer and I got a different form instead of a W2. I tried to file this using Turbotax, like I do every year. Because I am self-employed, I was not able to use Turbotax, unless I wanted to upgrade and pay $14.95. Last night, I decided to use the upgraded version and Turbotax would take the fee at the end of the process.
As I delved further into this process, I wanted to write off my miles, because, as you guess, my employer did not reimburse me for my mileage either. As I was filling out Turbotax, it would not let me imput my miles, I had to call for assistance. I got so fed up, that Hubs and I made an appointment with H&R Block for tomorrow (this afternoon).
Boy, are we glad we did.
We brought all of our documents and talked with a really nice lady who asked us lots of questions to make sure we got all sorts of stuff written off, like Al’s school and books for school. My office supplies for my job, etc.
Because I was self-employed, my taxes were not taken out. Come to find out, when you are employed by a company, the company matches the taxes that are taken out of your paycheck. So if you are self-employed, you owe 7.65% of what you made PLUS the other 7.65% of what your employer would have paid. Ouch. My employer did not tell me that…
Due to my situation being so complicated, it cost us $368 to talk to this lady. I know, very expensive. But here’s the kicker: I didn’t have to pay any taxes. We got a refund. How much you may ask? $1450.
$1450!!!! Plus the 10% of each paycheck for 2009 I’ve been saving in an account in order to pay back my taxes.
Now we’ve got some money for a down payment on a house!
The morale of this story is, don’t do your taxes yourself. Go to H&R Block.
I have been neglecting my blog. I have no excuse, other than I just didn’t want to have to go through my receipts and add totals anymore. Yes, I am still saving LOADS of money using coupons, but no, I will no longer be telling you about it. It was for my benefit anyway. But if there is a great sale going on, I will definitely share that info with you.
I will be keeping this blog for things that most people blog about. Since you last heard from me, I have read the classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll in honor of the new movie coming out that I am looking forward to seeing! 
This book was short, an easy read, and fun. When it ended, I was left confused because the way I have heard the story ended with much more information. Come to find out, Lewis Carroll had written a sequel, Through the Looking Glassand I believe that is where the remainder of the story lies.
Now I am reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. 
It’s a bit tough to read because it is told by Huck, who uses deep south jargon and accent. The adventurs are getting exciting though!
I have only seen two movies since my last post: Avatar and Avatar. The first time I was left amazed, just as everyone is. The second time I realized how OK it actually was. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciated it as much as the next guy, but I believe I got caught up in a lot of hype. Come on, the lead actor, Sam Worthington: not that impressive.
Tom Thumb has put a lot of money into advertising that they have now lower prices. I can remember my first trip to Tom Thumb – it was a short one. About two years ago, Alex and I had just moved to Dallas, and we stopped into Tom Thumb one Saturday for some milk. It was $1 more than the milk at Kroger. We left very quickly.
I decided to investigate these new “lower prices” today on my shopping trip. I had my coupons, bags and shopping list Ipod app ready. Inside it was a whole new world. In produce, the produce dude followed me around and handed me plastic bags. He picked out the best mushrooms for me. On the caned food aisle, a stocker dude asked me if there was anything I needed help finding, or if I needed a recommendation. Wow! This was very different than the man at Albertson’s that walks around shouting, “Hot bread!” It was a good experience. I bought most of my groceries here. As far as prices, there were some very good deals, for example, Quaker Oats granola bars at Kroger are $2.79 and every once in a while they will go on sale for $2.50. At Tom Thumb, they were on sale for $1.99. At the end of my receipt, it actually print my percentage savings! A little disappointing 27% stared me in the face, but still cool.
Tom Thumb total before coupons: $54.41
Tom Thumb total after sales and coupons: $38.47
Savings: $15.94
Next I went to Kroger to pick up some free and nearly free items. An old lady with cake-y turquoise eyeshadow on a motorized scooter asked me to reach up and hand her some toilet paper. “Of course, ma’am.” She began to tell me that this type of Kroger brand toilet paper is on unadvertised sale for $2 and she went to a Kroger near here and they were out, so she came here. Then she asked me to grab her two more. “Sure thing.” I walked on and she said, “Excuse me, could you grab me one more?” “Okaaaaaaaaaaay.” I walked on to the trash bags. She scooted behind me. “Now which of these do you recommend?” she asked. “I just never know which to pick?” I responded that my favorite was the Glad Forceflex because – she interrupted me and asked me to get another toilet paper. I gave it to her and turned the aisle and she followed. I made a u-turn and she followed. I stood in the checkout line and she followed. I faked that I forgot something and left her in line I continued my shopping. I went back to that great toilet paper sale and, surprisingly, the ol’ lady had left me one. I grabbed the $2 and threw it into my cart. I finished my shopping and made sure grandma had gone before I went into a checkout line. My bill was $35! I stowed my items in my trunk and looked at my receipt. I bought a .99 cent bag to use and saw that it was insulated when I unloaded my groceries. The bill was $2.99! Too late to return; it’s been used. I was charged $6.35 for that $2 toilet paper! I went back in, lugging my 12 pack of paper, and stood in line at the customer service desk. When it was my turn, I explained about the unadvertised sale. So, naturally, the attendant began looking through the sale ad searching for the “unadvertised sale” on Kroger toilet paper. I hinted, “Um… I think it’s UNadvertised.” Turns out, after all that fuss, the 6-pack is on sale for $2, not the 12-pack. Someone had put a 12-pack in the empty slot. I exchanged my 12-pack for a 6-pack. I wasn’t going to pay more than three times the amount for only double the product.
Kroger total before coupons: 45.12
Kroger actual total: $30.85
Total Savings: $14.27
My last stop was at Albertson’s to pick up more free items. Uneventful. Except I didn’t have to get out my wallet.
Albertson’s total before coupons: $3.68
Albertson’s actual total: $0.00
Total savings: $3.68
What my total would have been: $103.21
What I paid: $69.32
What I saved with sales and coupons: $33.89
Free items
-Kraft Mac and CHeese (Tom Thumb – used a buy 3 get one free coupon)
-2 Progresso Soups (TT – on sale for $1.11, used a .50 off two coupon that was doubled, .30 off coupon on pgesaver.com)
-Gatorade G2 (TT – on sale for $1, used $1 off coupon that was in this Sunday’s paper)(not pictured, Alex couldn’t wait)
-2 Rolaids (TT – on sale for $1.79 each, used $4/2 Rolaids coupon that was in this Sunday’s paper)
-Keebler Butter Crackers (Kroger – buy one get one free sale)
-Bird’s Eye Frozen Peas (Albertson’s – on sale for $1, I used a .35 cents off coupon that was tripled)
-Ivory bar soap 3-pack (A – on sale for $1, I used a .35 off coupon that was tripled)
Nearly free:
Quaker Oats Granola Bars (TT – reg. $2.19, on sale for $1.99. I used a .75 off coupon, paying $1.24)
3 Campbell’s Soup (TT – reg. $1.39, used .35 off 3 coupon that was tripled, paying .34 each)
No Yolks Noodles (TT – reg. $1.89, used .50 off coupon that was doubled, paying .89)
Sunny D (Kroger – reg. $1.75, on sale for $1)
Smart Source Sour Cream (K – reg. $2.19, on sale for $1.99, used a $1 off coupon, paying .99)
Yoplait Yogurt (K – reg. 50, used a .50 off 6 that was doubled, paying .33 each)
We have two meals from last week we have yet to eat, so here’s this week’s shorter meal plan:
Pasta and Veggies with Miso Soup, serves 4, cost for me to make $16.44 WOW
16 oz. bag of medium or wide noodles, uncooked (.89)
4 cans (14.5 oz.) chicken broth, or equivalent in powdered bouillon
4 c. chopped fresh broccoli
8 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms (1.00)
1 c. shredded or chopped carrots (1.99)
1/4 c. soy sauce (1.29)
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
3 Tbsp. sesame oil (3.89)
4 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
In a large pot, heat chicken broth, and add the noodles.
Bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Add vegetables, and cover and simmer for about 2 more minutes.
Pour off any excess broth.
Stir the soy sauce mix into the pot, and stir until well combined.
5 c chicken stock
1/3 c miso (soybean paste) (.99)
1 pkg. hard tofu (soy bean curd) (2.00)
chives (4.39)
1. Add miso to chicken stock
2. Boil over medium heat.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Cut tofu into cubes and add to stock
5. Heat high 5 minutes
6. Sprinkle with chives.
Shepherd’s Pie, serves 3, cost for me to make $3.70
12 oz frozen mashed potatoes
1/2 lb ground beef (3.70)
1/4 c frozen sliced carrot, thawed
1 T flour
1 T salt
1/4 t pepper
1/2 c beef broth
1 egg, beaten
1 oz shredded cheddar
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Cook potatoes, set aside
3. Cook beef in skillet 5-6 minutes
4. drain and return. Add carrot
5. Stir in flour, 1 t salt, 1/4 t pepper
6. Add broth and stir 3 minutes
7. Spoon mixture into greased baking dish
8. Stir together potatoes, egg, remaining salt and pepper
9. Spoon over beef mixture
10. Bake 25 minutes
11. Sprinkle with cheddar
12. Bake 5 minutes
Tomato Bisque, serves 2, cost for me to make $4.13
1 c vegetable broth (1.09)
1 c peeled and stewed tomatoes or chopped canned tomatoes (.75)
1 c milk or cream (2.29)
3 T finely chopped onion
nutmeg
1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
parsley sprig
bay leaf
salt
Simmer broth and tomatoes together for 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir in the milk, nutmeg, celery, parsley, bay leaf, and onion.
Heat slowly, without boiling.
Strain and reheat, adding salt before serving.
Beef Stroganoff, serves 4, cost for me to make $1.42
1/2 lb ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup (.43)
1/2 t onion powder
1 can condensed beef broth
4 oz dairy sour cream (.99)
1 t salt
In large skillet, brwn beef; drain.
Return meat to skillet and add all other ingredients, except noodles
Blend together well and heat thoroughly on med-low.
Boil noodles.
Serve stroganoff over cooked noodles.
Alex is on a diet. Ugh. That means we’re not eating as much bread and fattening things. Yes, “we.”
Here’s the loot.
Kroger total before coupons: $16.24 for 15 items.
Total actually spent: $6.92
Amount saved with coupons: $9.32
Albertson’s Total before coupons: $57.06
Total actually spent: $39.50
Amount saved with coupons: $17.56
I got the following for free:
-Sara Lee Classic Bread, they were buy one get one free! (Albertson’s)
-Sanderson Farms Chicken Breast Tenderloin, they were buy one get one free! (A)
-Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles (the kind you add water and put in the microwave for five minutes), orig. .99, on sale for .89. I used a .50 off coupon, which was doubled, making it free! (Kroger)
-Softsoap Hand Soap 7.5oz, orig. $1.59, on sale for $1. I used a .35 off coupon which was tripled, making it free! (K)
-2 packs of 3 ct. Rolaids tubes, orig. $1.59 each. I used a coupon for $4/2, making them both free! (K)
This Week’s Menu
If you have what I have in my kitchen, you can make these seven meals for $31.21 total.
Broccoli, Chicken and Rice serves 4, cost for me to make: about $3.50
14 oz chicken broth
2 c cooked chicken, chopped (1.37 lbs for $6.97)
2 c broccoli florets (1 crown for .99)
2 c rice, uncooked
8 oz sliced cheese (1 lb for $2.99)
Combine broth, chicken, broccoli and rice in large skillet.
Bring to boil.
Reduce heat to low and cover.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Add cheese and cover.
Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
Stir until well-blended.
Serve with fruit cocktail and hot hawaiian rolls.
Crockpot Tortellini, serves 2, cost for me to make: about $5
1/2 lb mild ground sausage, cooked, drained
16 oz marinara sauce
14 oz can diced Italian tomatoes, undrained (.57)
4 oz can mushroom pieces, drained (.59)
9 oz three cheese tortellini ($2.99)
1 c shredded cheddar (1 lb for $2.99)
In crockpot, combine cooked sausage, marinara sauce, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Cook on low 4-8 hours.
For last 20 minutes, stir in tortellini and sprinkle cheese over the top.
Cover.
Serve with homemade garlic bread.
Balsamic Garlic Chicken, serves 4, cost for me to make: $10.15
2 lbs chicken breasts (1.37 lbs for $6.97)
2 T olive oil
1 c apple juice ($1.39 for 64oz)
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 t oregano
salt and pepper
1/4 c parmesan cheese
3 T balsamic vinegar
Preheat oven to 450.
Place chicken in baking dish.
Sprinkle olive oil over chicken.
Pour apple juice over chicken.
Sprinkle garlic over chicken.
Bake 45-60 minutes.
Pour balsamic vinegar over chicken and serve.
Serve with rice and green beans.
Pork Medallions in White Sauce, serves 4, cost for me to make: $2
l lb. pork tenderloin
2 tsp. margarine
1 small onion, chopped ($1.36)
1 large, peeled, cored apple, chopped (3lb bag for $3.99)
1 tsp. minced garlic in water
5 oz. can fat-free evaporated skim milk
pinch of nutmeg
2 Tbsp. snipped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
Trim all fat possible from the pork tenderloin, and slice into 1-inch slices.
Using a mallot, pound the pork into 1/4 – 1/2 inch slices.
Spray a large, nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray, and heat over medium heat.
Place the pork medallions in a single layer, and fry for about 5 minutes per side, or until pork is no longer pink.
Remove the pork from the skillet.
Place on a piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and put into the oven to keep warm.
Melt the margarine in the same skillet, keeping the heat on medium.
Add the onion and apple and cook about 5 minutes, or until onion is tender.
Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer for about another minute, uncovered.
Return the pork to the skillet, and heat for several more minutes to blend flavors.
Serve with peas and mashed potatoes.
Creamy Chicken Casserole, serves 2, cost for me to make: about $3
1.5 c chopped cooked chicken (1.37lbs for $6.97)
6 oz can cream of chicken soup
4 oz sour cream
1/2 T poppy seeds
3/4 c crushed buttery crackers (20 crackers)
1 tab butter, melted
Combine first four ingredients.
Spoon into a lightly greased 8×8 baking dish.
Combine crushed crackers and butter and sprinkle over chicken mixture.
Bake uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes.
Serve with green beans and apple pie for dessert.
Italian Skillet Dinner, serves 4, cost for me to make: .59
3/4 lb bulk pork sausage
1/8 c chopped onion
1/8 c chopped green pepper (.59)
9 oz can tomato juice
3 oz can tomato paste
1/2 t dried chopped basil
3/4 c macaroni
Cook sausage, onion and green pepper in skillet until meat is browned and vegetables are tender
Drain off fat
Stir in tomato juice, paste, basil, 1 1/4 c water and 1/4 t salt
Boil
Stir in macaroni and reduce heat
cover and simmer 20 minutes
Uncover and simmer 5 minutes.
Honey Lemon Rosemary Chicken, serves 6, cost for me to make: $6.97
1/4 t crushed red pepper
1/4 c lemon juice
2 t crushed rosemary leaves
1/3 c honey
6 chicken breasts (1.37lb for $6.97)
Combine all ingredients and brush half of mixture over chicken
Bake for 1 hour at 350*, brushing occassionally with remaining sauce.
Serve with mashed potatoes and sweet corn.
Alex was hiding a secret from me about going somewhere for New Years Eve. But, like with all secrets, Alex could not hold it in. He told me about two weeks ago we were going on a romantic getaway to Hot Springs for New Years! We booked a suite on Hotwire.com for $60-something a night for two nights. It turns out to be Baymont Suites and, BONUS, the suites have hot tubs in the rooms!
Pulling off of I-30 onto Random Creepy highway was a trip. Right on the corner there is a rock shop. Many tables are on display with rocks the size of cantaloupes. Across the street there is a Furniture, Bait and Pawn shop. After a 15 minute curvy drive we entered the ghetto. I believe Alex’s words were, “Are we in Mexico? Not the good part?” It was a bit trashy, literally. Trash lined the road and most of the stores were dilapidated. 15 minutes later on the curvy road, we emerged from Creepytown into Laketown. Our hotel was inconveniently at the most southern end of Hot Springs. No big deal; we ere out of the ghetto and it was places right on the lake. We checked in with smiles on our faces and the attendent hands us our room cards and receipt and stated, “Room 220.” I noticed on the receipt it read, “2 Queen.” Hmm… Not a suite. Alex said, “How much is it for an upgrade to one of the jacuzzi rooms?” The man responded, “Oh those sell out fast. We’re booked.” Yeah… those 3 other cars in the parking lot got them before we did… We thought $60 was too low for a suite. Oh well.
We threw down our bags, put on our coats and went out on the town for New Years Eve. We drove north toward the Arlington, the famous hotel in Hot Springs. Al Capone used to come here to gamble and hide out from the coppers. Hot Springs has really gone downhill. Most of the shops are abandoned. It is really sad. We parked nearby in a parking garage. It had parking meters in front of each spot. We looked for the sign that read, “Parking meters enforced 9-5,” but did not see it. Nor did we see the one that read, “Parking enforced 24 hours.” Hmm… There was one other car in the garage. Creepy. He did not pay the meter, or he stayed out too long because the light was blinking. Then we noticed he had a day-pass on his rearview mirror issued by this parking garage. We walked around looking for an attendant. None to be found. Weird. And creepy. So we put in 3 quarters, being the good citizens we are, and left.
It was night, so, of course, all of the neat shops are closed. We walked inside of the Arlington and see all of the over-60 crowd dressed in their evening wear, waiting on their black tie New Years Eve party to start. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring $150 or Al’s tux. So we went back outside and walked among the old bathhouses. Very cool! Just like the old bath houses in Sicily, only indoors. We walked around the park next to the Arlington and played in the hot springs and looked at Christmas lights. The water in the springs was 143 degrees, naturally! It just comes out of the mountain that hot.
I get earaches when it is really cold outside and that night I got one big time. It pretty much ruined the evening. We went back to the parking garage, with one hour remaining on our meter, and started the truck. Only 6:30. We saw signs advertising great Christmas light displays. We drove all throughout the stupid town looking, got lost, got found, and never found the lights. I had lost my appetite due to the earache, and we had nothing else to do before midnight, so we decided to go to a movie. We found the mall and drove around each entrance, looking for the movie theater. Hmm… No entrance for the theater. There has to be one, because we saw the sign. Across the street, we found it: “Mall Movie Theater.” Yes, that was the name. Not in the mall at all. 5 movies. We decided to see Sherlock Holmes at 6:45. We stood in the line that was out the door. These people, let me tell you. I did not realize I was a city snob until I noticed my lip was curling and I was sneering at these people in their camo and “suthern aksints.” Everyone in line was talking to each other, even though they didn’t know each other. Alex and I kept looking at each other, hoping no one would talk to us. Then this: a lady walked out and offered the mob in line a free ticket. She just gave it away, for no profit. We live in a different world. I was ashamed of my sneering.
15 minutes later, we had moved forward ten feet. We found out that tickets were being purchased at the concession stand, where people were also buying their popcorn. We had missed the previews, our favorite part, so we decided to see Avatar at 7pm. 10 minutes later and 3 people forward, we saw that Avatar was only shown in 3D and there was a $2.50 surcharge on top of each $8 ticket. At this point, we were sick of waiting, missed Avatar’s previews as well, and decided to try again tomorrow afternoon, when it would be half the price.
My appetite had resurfaced at this point and we chose Osaka Japanese Steakhouse. Japanese is my favorite style. We walk in and there are twenty people standing in the waiting area. Alex asks, “How much is the wait for two people?” She responds, “50 minutes to one hour for Hibachi, or I can seat you now for dining.” Um, hello, dining! We’ve seen the show before. There were only 3 other full tables. All those people wanted to wait an hour for the Hibachi show. Turns out, the menu is not the same. There wasn’t a single stir-fry option. Alex got day-old sticky sushi and I got a fried pounded chicken breast, served on lettuce leaves. Our waitress was horrible. She was impatient and asked Alex to stack the plates himself before handing them to her. Actually she didn’t ask. She just pointed, huffed, and pointed again. After the $22 bill for chicken and sushi, I gave this place 2 stars. I’m sure the Hibachi would have been good. I guess that’s why they were waiting: they knew.
The next morning we got up early and set out for the town. We stopped by Walmart and picked me up a beanie hat to combat the cold. We parked at another parking meter and went into the Arlington’s Starbucks and got some coffee. Alex got a normal up of coffee. I got a normal cup of hot chocolate. The bill? $7.38. Bad, Starbucks, bad. 1 star.
Walking through the town was a bit disappointing. Most shops were closed because it was New Years Day. Romancing the Stone was open, but we’ve got that in Dallas. We finally found an Antique store that was open. We walked in and an orange sun conure squawked at us. We tooled around and found a headboard and footboard made in the 1700s for $3000. As Alex inspected the furniture, he whispered, “This is fake!” He informed me plywood had not been invented in the 1700s and most definitely wouldn’t be the back panel of the headboard. Hmm… We continued on and found a couch from the same time period with wheels on the legs. Wheels. $4500 for a fake old couch. We decided to leave. Walking along the sidewalks was also interesting. Lots of joggers, saying, “Hi,” as they passed by. A man walking his dog asked us how our New Years Eve was. In Dallas, if you are walking and someone walking a dog is approaching, it is socially acceptable to squat down, pet and talk to the dog, but it is not acceptable to talk to the human. In Hot Springs, all social rules are out the window. It felt great.
We drove through the National Park and up to the lookout tower. Boo, closed on New Years Day. We walked back to the remaining open bath house. Closed.
We ate lunch at Bella Arti, an Italian Ristorante. I ordered Chicken and Vodka Cream sauce. Delicioso. Next we went back to the “Mall Move Theater” and saw Sherlock Holmes. It was blurry throughout and I fell asleep halfway through, but overall it was great! No, really. Don’t take that I fell asleep as a bad review. It was New Years Day. I stayed up late! Robert Downey Jr was great, as expected. Jude Law showed that he can play a variety of roles. Rachel McAdams… a little disappointing. She did an OK job, I just thought they should have cast someone more exotic for her role. A Catherine Zeta-Jones type. Lots of action and mystey. Very good. 4 stars. We wanted to see Avatar right after, but Alex snobbed out and said he wasn’t going to pay that much for a blurry 3D movie.
We went back to the hotel to regroup and that’s when it happened. I spent the rest of the evening revisiting my Vodka cream chicken. That kind of ruined the rest of the day. I fell asleep early and Alex watched TV. Sorry Alex.
The next morning, we decided we’d had it with Hot SPrings and got the heck outta there. Even with all of our mishaps, it was the best New Years Eve we’ve ever had. If you’re with the one you love, every day is a vacation. Cheesy, sorry. Happy New Year every one. I hope you get to spend it with your loved ones.
Wow, sorry I have been neglecting my blog! I’ve been in and out of town like a fugitive.
Here’s a quick update:
November’s grocery total was $190.44. That’s about $47.61 per week. Right on par!
I saved $69.06 during the month of November by using coupons only when things I bought were on sale.
That Bounce dryer bar I bought in September is still going strong! That’s a whole four months of laundry that I have not used a single dryer sheet and my clothes are coming out Spring Air fresh!
The Disney movie UP is incredible. I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob. Rent it, better yet, BUY IT! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I finished “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant. It was an entertaining story about Jacob and Esau, and then Dinah, Jacob’s daughter. The disappointing thing about the book it is just ends. There is no closure/justice. Not that it’s a sad or happy ending, just an ending. 3out of 5 stars.
On the cruise, I read “The Shack” by William Paul Young. Now this is a book! It is about a man who’s daughter is kidnapped and murdered by a serial killer. Rough, I know. But the beauty of the story is how he overcomes his sorrow, finds his faith in God, and rebuilds his unity with his family. Let me tell ya, this is a must read. It changed my perception of God and how I pray to him, along with what he is able to do. 5 out of 5 stars.
For the first week of December, my groceries were bought on November 30, which is included in the November totals. The second week, we went on vacation. The third week, Alex bought bread, eggs, and milk at Albertson’s for $3.83. We lived off of leftover frozen chicken and pork and sandwiches. I couldn’t go shopping, I needed recovery time from my vacation! The third week was Christmas week. I thought it was dumb to go to the grocery store for two days of groceries since we were traveling out of town. So… more sandwiches, chicken, and pork. Now we’re in the fourth week. Alex and I are going on a romantic getaway tomorrow morning. So… no groceries this week. Just (you guessed it) sandwiches, chicken and pork.
December grocery total: $3.83
No coupons used.
That comes out to about 95 cents per week on groceries in December.
HOW YA LIKE THEM APPLES?
Well, wait, that Sunday we got home after Christmas, we ordered CHinese take out from our favorite Chinese food place, SKillman Wok, conveniently located one block away. You get a whole to-go box full of chicken friend rice for $5.99. I’m talking the box is laid open, they pile and smash both sides down as full as they can, then quickly shut it and when you open it, magic. I ate on that rice for 3 days, lunches and dinners. So technically, we spent $9.82. And I’m ok with that.
With a Borders gift card Uncle Mike gave us (thanks Uncle Mike!) I bought a $7 feeds your family book. It has some great tips to stretch your dollar and how to plan meals so that all ingredients are used, instead of throwing away half of that can of tomato paste… I will begin to incorporate some of those yummy meals in my meal plan in the new year.
I also graduated, finally, from the University of Texas at Dallas. Now I sign my name with an M.S. How pretentious is that? Well, at least I earned the right to do so.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas, yes, I said the “C” word, and have a Happy New Year!
As you may know, I am not a grocery fan of Walmart. I am an inexpensive clothing fan, a broad choice of generic medicines fan and a Christmas decor fan of Walmart.
Hubby and I dared to do the unlikable. We are going on vacation on Sunday. Since he needed some last-minute items, we decided to make it a one-stop shop for groceries as well.
If you are not aware of my feelings about Walmart, I suggest you read this post.
We purchased 32 items. Totaling 73.96. That’s right. $73.96.
I used five coupons, none of which were doubled or tripled. No free items.
After we checked out, Hubby said, “Well, I think saving $40 each week at Kroger is worth it.” I agree!
Here’s this week’s menu:
Benihana Onion Soup (yes, again. We loved it soooo much, we’re making it for family when they come in Saturday night), serves 4, cost for me to make: $6.52
5 cups water
6 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tsp salt
1 white onion (.52)
1/2 carrot (.84 for 12)
1/2 celery stalk
1 cup veg oil
milk (1.98)
flour
thinly sliced mushrooms (3.18 for 16oz)
sliced green onions
Combine the water, bouillon cubes and salt in crock pot and turn on high.
Cut the white onion in half and coarsely chop the half onion, half carrot, and half celery stalk and add to the crock pot.
Put the lid on and let it cook for two hours on high and two hours on low.
When the broth is done, set the crock pot to “warm”.
Add the oil to a small skillet or sauce pan and very thinly slice the other half of the white onion, separating the pieces, then cut in half.
Dip in the milk and then toss in the flour until coated.
Fry a handful at a time in the oil till golden brown, then drain on a paper towel.
Strain the veggies out of the broth.
Put around 1 cup of soup into a bowl, and add sliced mushrooms and green onions, and toss in a few fried onions.
Serve with:
Chicken Basil Stir-Fry
, serves 4, cost for me to make: $3.22
1 1/2 lbs chicken breast halves, sliced
1 T corn starch
salt and pepper
6 t vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped (.52)
2 bell peppers, stripped
6 minced garlic cloves (1.58 for jar)
2 T rice vinegar
2 T soy sauce
1 1/2 c basil leaves
Toss chicken w/ cornstarch. Add salt and pepper
2. Heat 2 t oil in skillet.
3. Cook chicken 2-3 minutes and transfer to plate.
4. Wipe out skillet and add remaining oil, onion, and bell peppers, and toss 3 minutes.
5. add garlic and cook 1 minute
6. Add 1/4 c water, vinegar, soy sauce, and chicken to pan.
7. Toss 1 minute, then remove from heat.
8. Add basil leaves
Serve with:
Fried Rice
Serves 4, cost for me to make: $1.12
2 Tbl butter, divided
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup bean sprouts
3 cups cooked long-grain rice (1.12 for 8oz)
2 Tbl soy sauce
1/2 c shredded carrot
1/4 t ginger
1/8 t pepper
1 minced garlic clove
3/4 c sweet peas
1. Heat 1 Tbl butter in wok with carrot, ginger and garlic.
2. Stir in rice and soy sauce and cook over low heat 5 minutes.
3. Transfer rice and add eggs and pepper in wok.
4. Scramble eggs in 1 T butter.
5. Remove and set aside.
6. Add bean sprouts and peas. Stir fry about 1 minute.
7. Add rice and continue sauteing until rice is hot, turning temperature down if necessary.
Three-Pepper Pork Cutlets
serves 2, cost for me to make: free! I had all ingredients
1/2 lb pork tenderloin
1/2 t paprika
1/2 t dried thyme
1/4 t dried oregano
1/4 t dried rosemary, crushed
salt and pepper
1/8 t black pepper
1/8 t ground red pepper
1/2 t olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
cooking spray
Cut pork crosswise into 6 slices.
Place each pork slice between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap and flatten with the heel of your palm to 1/4″ thickness.
Combine paprika and next nine ingredients and rub on both sides of pork.
Place pork on a broiler rack coated with cooking spray and place rack in broiling pan.
Broil 5.5″ from heat for 3-4 minutes on each side and keep oven door partially open.
Serve with Rice Pilaf, Fried Apples and Cinnamon Ice Cream for dessert.
Croque Monsieur
Serves 2, cost for me to make: $12.06
8 slices firm white bread (.79 [on sale!])
unsalted butter, softened
4 oz shredded Gruyere cheese (8.39 WOWZA!) (try provalone for a less good, but cheaper version)
4 sliced cooked ham (2.88 for 16oz)
dijon mustard
salads greens and parsley springs, to garnish
Preheat broiler.
Butter one side of each bread slice.
Sprinkle half the cheese over buttered sides of four slices, top each with a slice of ham and spread ham with a little mustard.
Cover ham with remaining cheese, then put remaining bread on top, buttered side down, and press together.
Broil sandwiches on both sides until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
Cut in half, garnish with salad greens and parsley springs and serve hot.
Herbed Pea Soup
serves 4, cost for me to make: $2.73
1/4 c unsalted butter
1 leek, finely chopped (2.27 for a 3 pack)
1 small head butter lettuce, separated into leaves (did not have at walmart, I’ll check Kroger tomorrow, but I’m guessing $1)
3 3/4 c vegetable or chicken stock
several springs of chervil
few springs of parsley
1 lb greens peas
salt and pepper
half and half, to garnish (.97)
Melt butter in saucepan, add leek and cook, stirring occassionally, 5 minutes or until soft.
Add lettuce and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until leaves have wilted.
Add stock, chervil, parsley and peas.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes if using fresh peas. If using frozen peas, simmer 5 minutes or until peas are tender.
Puree soup in a food processor and return to rinsed-out pan.
Add salt and ppper and reheat gently without boiling.
If soup is too thick, add some boiling stock.
Swirl half-and-half and serve.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have no menu this week. I did not go grocery shopping. We’re leaving in the morning for Thanksgiving so I’ll be back Sunday with more groceries and more yummy food!
Chicken in Cream Sauce, serves 4, cost for me to make: $5.47
4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced (9.99 for 40 oz)
1 T butter
1 small onion, chopped (.72)
4 boneless chicken breasts (7.99 for 3 lbs frozen)
1 lb celeriac, chopped (could not find! use rutabaga instead)
1 bay leaf
1 c dry white wine
2/3 c creme fraiche or whipping cream (1.79 for 16 oz)
salt and pepper
Melt butter in pan, add onion and cook, stirring occassionally, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add chicken and celeriac and cook, stirring occassionally and turning chicken once or twice, 5 minutes.
Add bacon, bay leaf, wine, and enough water to cover.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken, bacon and vegetables with a slotted spoon, transfer to a warm plate and keep warm.
Boil cooking liquid to thicken slightly.
Discard bay leaf, stir in cream fraiche, return to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 3 to 4 minutes.
Return chicken, bacon and vegetables to pan, season with salt and pepper and heat gently to warm through.
Serve hot with buttery green beans and mashed potatoes.
Creamy Bacon Tortellini, serves 2, cost for me to make: $4.99
9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini (3.49)
6 bacon slices (used bacon from above)
1/3 c shredded parmesan
1/4 c whipping cream
1 T minced garlic
1 t dried parsley
1/8 t pepper
In large saucepan, boil tortellini as package directs.
Drain and remove from pan.
Cook bacon in same pan, reserving 1 1/2 T drippings in pan.
Return tortellini, crumbled bacon and remaining ingredients to pan.
Toss gently. Serve with garlic bread.
Baked Chicken Fingers, serves 4, cost for me to make: $5.65
10 soft wheat crackers (2.99 for box)
1 t oregano
1/2 t paprika
1/2 t garlic powder
1 t olive oil
2 chicken breasts (used from 3 lb bag)
Preheat oven to 400.
Place crackers in sandwich bag and crush into a fine power.
Add spices to sandwich bag.
Pour olive oil into a shallow baking dish.
Cut chicken into fingers.
Shake each chicken piece in the crumb mixture until well-coated.
Place in baking dish.
Bake 10-15 minutes until no longer pink inside. Serve with ketchup and honey mustard sauce.
Kung Pao Pork, serves 2, cost for me to make: $5.77
1/4 lb. lean pork, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
4 T. Kikkoman soy sauce, divided
2 T. ea. Real Lemon lemon juice from concentrate and sugar
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. extra light olive oil
1 small red bell pepper, chunked (1.99)
1/2 small onion, chunked (.79)
1/4 c. unsalted roasted peanuts (2.99)
Combine pork and 2 tablespoons soy sauce; refrigerate 30 minutes. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, lemon juice from concentrate, sugar, cornstarch, crushed pepper and 1/4 cup water. In wok or large skillet, stir-fry pork and garlic in hot oil 3 minutes, or until brown. Add bell pepper and onion; stir-fry 3 minutes. Add cornstarch mixture; cook and stir until slightly thickened. Add peanuts. Refrigerate leftovers. Serve with fried rice
and
Benihana Onion Soup, serves 4, cost for me to make: $3.58
5 cups water
6 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tsp salt
1 white onion (.79)
1/2 carrot (.99 for 
1/2 celery stalk (1.79 for bunch)
1 cup veggie oil
milk
flour
thinly sliced mushrooms (2.09 for
sliced green onions (.89 for bunch)
Combine the water, bouillon cubes and salt in crock pot and turn on high.
Cut the white onion in half and coarsely chop the half onion, half carrot, and half celery stalk.
Add to the crock pot. Put the lid on and let it cook for 4-5 hours; 2 hours on high and 2 hours on low.
Add the oil to a small skillet or sauce pan and very thinly slice the other half of the white onion, separating the pieces.
Dip in the milk and then toss in the flour until coated.
Fry a handful at a time in the oil till golden brown, then drain on a paper towel.
Strain the veggies out of the broth.
Put around 1 cup of soup into a bowl, and add sliced mushrooms and green onions, and toss in a few fried onions.
Grilled Italian Club Sandwiches, serves 2, cost for me to make: $13.35 wow, no wonder they cost so much in cafes!
1 head lettuce (1.29)
1 tomato (.44)
1 small pkg pepperoni (2.50)
9-10 oz sliced turkey (4.39)
1 pkg sliced cheddar cheese
1 pkg sliced provolone cheese (2.59)
parmesan
Italian dressing
sliced sandwich bread (2.14)
butter
salt and pepper
Build each sandwich with turkey, pepperoni and cheese slices.
Spread butter on each side of sandwich and cook in a hot skillet until browned on both sides.
Open and add tomato, lettuce, dressing or sub oil/vinegar, salt and pepper.
Chalupas, serves 4, cost for me to make: $4.08
1 lb ground beef
1.25 oz taco seasoning
2/3 c salsa (1.69)
1/4 c jalepeno juice (2.39)
1/4 c canola oil
4 to 6 four tortillas
Shredded mexican cheese blend
Shredded lettuce
Brown beef in large skillet
Add taco seasoning, salsa and juice
Add water if too dry
Reduce heat and simmer 10 min
In another large skillet heat oil
Fry tortillas until crispy
Cover with meat mixture on individual platter
Spread cheese atop
Broil 6″ from heat 2 min
Top with lettuce
Serve with Mexican rice.
And for dessert:
Frosty Pumpkin Pie, serves 6, cost for me to make: $4.98
9 inch graham cracker crust (2.19)
1 pt. vanilla ice cream (2.50 for 1.5 qt)
1 c. canned 100 % pumpkin (.99)
1 c. sugar
slightly less than 1/2 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. whipped topping (not lite), divided (1.00)
Soften ice cream slightly. Spread in the pie crust, and freeze until ice cream is solid again. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, spices, and salt. Fold 1 cup of whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture. Pour over the ice cream in the pie shell. Freeze several hours. Remove from freezer 15-30 minutes before serving. Top pie with the other cup of whipped topping before serving.
Albertson’s total before: $31.61
Total saved with coupons and sales: $10.58
Total spent: $21.03
Kroger total before: $88.88
Total saved with coupons and sales: $30.04
Total spent: $58.84
Grocery total: $79.87
Total saved: $40.62, not so good
Free items:
I bought the 40oz of bacon for 9.99 and got english muffins, sausage, eggs, and a fruit cup for free.
Carl Buddig lunchmeat was buy one get one free.
Free items (no picture this week):
Dawn dish soap (on sale for .99, used .50 off coupon that was doubled)
Smart Source Sour Cream (used buy smart source butter get ss sour cream free coupon)
Albertson’s total before: $14.70
Total spent: $11.70
Total saved with sales and coupons: $3
Kroger total before: $69.24
Total spent: $45.81
Total saved with sales and coupons: $23.43
Grand total before: $83.94
Total spent: $57.51
Total saved with sales and coupons: $26.43
This week’s meal plan:
Breakfasts: Raisin Bran (.99) and granola bars (2.39)
Lunches: Sandwiches=bread (.99), sandwich meat (2.99)
Pesto Chicken Wrap (serves 2)
1 chicken breast, pounded (had it)
Flour tortillas (1.79)
1 small jar pesto (had it)
4 oz shredded mozzarella (2.77)
Sauté chicken until just done. Slice in thin strips. On 8 tortillas, spread pesto, sprinkle cheese and add cooked chicken strips. Roll and place in 13 x 9. Cover and heat @350 for 25 min. Serve with fruit salad.
Easy Chili (serves 4)
1 lb. ground beef (from last week)
1/2 onion (diced) (from last week)
1 can rotel tomatoes (.50)
1 pkg. chili mix (any kind) (from last week)
water as directed on chili mix
1 can baked beans (any kind) (.89)
shredded cheddar or mexican cheese (2.49)
Brown ground beef with diced onion until done. Drain off excess grease and rinse with hot water if needed.
Chop Rotel tomatoes in the blender (optional). Add tomatoes, chili mix, and water to the beef and cook down for about 5 minutes or so. Add beans and continue to cook until beans are warm.
Individually sprinkle with cheese and serve with crackers or cornbread.
Dinners:
Beef and Cheese Enchiladas (serves 2)
1/2 lb ground beef (from last week)
1/2 onion, chopped (from last week)
1/2 c sour cream (free with coupon)
1/2 c corn (had it)
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
4 to 5 flour tortillas
1 small can enchilada sauce (had it)
Cook / drain beef & onion. Stir in sour cream and
corn. Spoon about 1/3 c beef mixture onto each
tortilla; top w/ a few drops of enchilada sauce. Roll
tortillas & place seam side down on cheese in
sprayed 8×8 dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce
over enchiladas. Sprinkle w/ 1 c cheese. Bake
uncovered @350 until cheese is bubbly.
Mexi Macaroni
We had this last night and loved it!
4 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked (had it)
1/2 lb ground beef (from last week)
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (.50)
1 can corn, undrained (had it)
1 pkt taco seasoning (.43)
Cook macaroni. In large no-stick skillet,
cook / crumble / drain beef. Add pasta,
tomatoes, corn, and taco seas. Bring to boil;
reduce 5 min.
Santa Fe Soup
¾ lb ground beef, cooked (from last week)
3 cans diced tomatoes (.50 each)
1 can of pinto beans (.89)
1 can of kidney beans (.89)
1 can whole kernel corn (had it)
1 pkt taco seasoning (.43)
1 pkt ranch party dip (.69)
In large soup pot, combine all ingredients. Do not drain cans. Heat thoroughly; then simmer 20 min.
Serve with garlic bread
Pork Chops with Apple and Raisins
6 thick, boneless pork chops, trimmed of fat (about 4 oz. each) (had it)
2/3 c. apple juice (1.69)
1/4 tsp. curry powder (had it)
1/4 tsp. black pepper (had it)
1 large golden delicious apple, unpeeled and cored (.34)
1/4 c. raisins (2.29)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Spray a large, nonstick pan with cooking spray and brown pork chops evenly on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, and place the pork chops in the dish. Pour the apple juice over the pork chops, and sprinkle with curry powder and pepper.
Slice the apple into 6 rings. Place one slice on each pork chop, and fill the center of each apple with an even amount of raisins. Cover and bake for one hour.
Turn heat back to 200 degrees, and continue baking for an additional 2 hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the pork chops. Check every so often to see if the apple juice hasn’t evaporated; you may need to add a little more to prevent the pork chops from drying out. Serve immediately. Serve with green beans.
Hawaiian Bacon Pizza
1 can refrigerated pizza dough (2.19)
(1/2 c barbecue sauce) (had it)
1 pkg real bacon pieces (from last week)
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained (.59)
1 1/2 c shredded cheddar
Spread crust on sprayed cookie sheet.
Cook for 8 min @400. Remove pizza crust
from oven. Spread BBQ sauce, bacon
pieces, pineapple, then cheese. Cook 5+
more min @ 400, until cheese melts.
