Grocery Game Plan: Kroger

Here are my favorite stockpilable items this week, 11/30- 12/6, at Kroger!

Feel free to visit Kroger.com to view the complete ad.

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Delmonte canned fruit, $1/can
Spend the $1/8 Manufacturer's coupon
Total: $.88/can when you purchase 8

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, Grands Biscuits & Cinnamon Rolls, $1/each
Spend the $.50/2 for Crescent rolls = $.50/each when purchasing 2
Spend the $.25/1 for Crescent rolls, = $.50/each
Spend the $.40/3 for Grands Biscuits = $.73/each when purchasing 3
Spend the $.40/2 for Sweet rolls = $.60/each when purchasing 2
Spend the $.55/2 for Grands Sweet rolls = $.73/each when purchasing 2

Kroger brand trash and zip top bags, $1

Kroger brand sour cream, dip & cottage cheese, $1

Oscar Mayer bacon, BOGO sale, $5.99/2
Spend the $.75 Manufacturer's coupon
*spend 2 coupons
Total: $2.24/each when purchasing 2

Visit macombmoneysavers for the entire listing of sales this week at Kroger for the Metro Detroit area.

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*Kroger sale prices are available to those who shop with a Kroger Savings Club Card. You will only receive the sale price discounts when you shop with your card. If you don't have a Kroger Savings Club Card, just stop by the Customer Service desk and sign up for a card so that you may begin reaping the discounts immediately.

*Kroger will double Manufacturer coupons up to and including $.50.

*NEW!!! Kroger now limits the number of coupons allowable to 3 identical coupons per like items. Purchasing several flavors/varieties side steps this limit!

*Rain checks for out of stock items are available at the customer service desk.

*Kroger offers a 'brought my own bag' discount of $.05 per bag.

*If you are headed to SUPER Kroger (108 W. Highland Rd., Howell MI 48843 (517) 552-0126) the most local Kroger that doubles coupons up to and including $1 (up to THREE identical coupons) visit 123Save for the best deals for the current week's promotions.

AND AS ALWAYS, please leave me a comment if I have missed a deal... Thank you!

Grocery Game Plan: Meijer

Here are my favorite stockpilable items this week, 11/29- 12/5, at Meijer.

To check out the full online ad for this week at Meijer, click here.

KEY: MFC = Manufacturer's Coupon, MBC = Mealbox Coupon

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Oscar Mayer Bacon, $2.69/package
Spend the $.75 MFC
Total: $1.94/package

Dannon Activia yogurt, $1.99/pack
Spend the $1 MFC
Total: $.99/pack

Meijer pasta (select varieties), $.59/box

Kraft (blue box) Mac-n-Cheese, $.44/box
*Limit 10

McCormick's dry seasoning packets, $.50/each
Spend the $1/4 MBC
Total: $.25/each when you purchase 4
NOTE: I purchased these packets last night, but unfortunately they were not advertising the sale priced packets... I purchased chili, sloppy Joe, stroganoff and spaghetti sauce seasoning packets! This is the spaghetti sauce seasonings that I used to make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce!

Check out the rest of this week's Metro Detroit Meijer Match-ups, visit macombmoneysavers!

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To access Meijer Mealbox coupons (MBC): Mealbox Generator to print multiple Mealbox coupons per page. Or visit Meijer online (look for the 'Special's tab in the blue box to the right!) to print a single coupon per page. I offer two printing locations because the Mealbox Generator is not as extensive as the Meijer online site.

Keep in Mind:

*Meijer will only double the first TWO identical MANUFACTURER coupons. This may mean that you will need to break your purchasing into ONE large transaction and SEVERAL smaller transactions to ensure that ALL of your coupons are able to double.

*Meijer will never double a Mealbox coupon.

*Meijer allows the 'Stacking' of one Manufacturer coupon and one Mealbox coupon per item purchased unless either coupon states otherwise. For example, a coupon may say save $1 on two items, then you would need to follow the purchasing rules for that specific coupon.

*Rain checks are available at the customer service desk, at the podium in front of the cash register lines or with your cashier. Remember that Meijer rain checks have an expiration date 30 days from printing along with a limited quantity printed on the rain check. The quantity limited depends on your stores location.

AND AS ALWAYS, please leave me a comment if I have missed a deal... Thank you!

Meijer: Shop, Collect, Combine

Meijer is currently running a holiday promotion for earning up to 20% off of a single grocery shopping trip! (Remember, Meijer ran a similar promotion earlier in the year.)

For ever general merchandise purchase of $100* you will earn a coupon (in Catalina form) for 5% off of a single grocery purchase. You can actually earn up to (4) 5% off coupons per visit/transaction if you are making some hefty purchases. * Some exclusions apply.

Otherwise, you may collect your 5% off coupons today through 7pm on 12/24.

The 5% coupons are redeemable individually or by stacking up to (4) coupons for a 20% discount an a single transaction... the last day for spending is 12/31.

So if you are in the market for pricier gifts this season, Meijer may be a store worth gift shopping at.

Sunday Survey

Well, with Thanksgiving officially over, its time to gear up for Christmas!

We pick a real tree from the beautiful forest that we call Home Depot (wink!). Our Little Guy turns TWO this week, and so we will most likely wait to decorate for Christmas until his birthday has been celebrated!

Have you/ will you set up your Christmas tree this weekend? Its traditionary (I LOVE making up new words!!!) right?

Light Posting this Weekend

My apologies for being light handed with my postings this weekend,

so much to celebrate...

Thanksgiving

PINK Friday

A Family Wedding...

I'll be business as usual come Monday!

Have a great weekend!

WELL???

OK, the truth is I only went to Target and JoAnn's, and I spent very little... BUT I enjoyed the shopping FRENZY like none other!!!

How'd you fare? Did you spend any coupons? I did at JoAnn's!

Helpful Hints for Black (PINK) Friday Shopping

Ah, I recognize a TRUE fellow shopper when I see them bright and chipper in the wee hours of the morning on the day following Thanksgiving!!!

To my 'REAL' friends, (just kidding to the rest of you!) here are some of my most helpful hints!

1. Plan your breakfast the night before... so you can grab it easily and eat in the car! (I eat a slice of leftover turkey... its protein ya know!)

2. Skip the shower... you'll get toasty and possibly even sweaty strolling the aisles- so why bother!

3. Pack a drink and a snack (or two, depending on how long you shop for!)... why waste valuable time going through the McDonald's drive through because you've developed a bad case of shoppers starvation!

4. Wear comfy clothes and shoes... this goes without saying!

5. Plan your attack the night before! If you suffer from the 'Four AM Stupor...' than I'd advise giving yourself a detailed list and setting it on the front seat of your car before you hop into bed!

6. Speaking of bedtime... GO TO SLEEP EARLY!

Any of these hints ringing a bell?

Happy shopping tomorrow, be kind and safe (look both ways before you cross the parking lot- it'll be CRAZY in the morning!).

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that your day is filled with good food and good company and your time is spent reflecting on the many things that you have to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving, Laura

Grocery Shopping at Meijer

Grocery Total: $30.62

Spent: $19.33 & Saved: $11.29

13 coupons spent

Nothing too exciting this week... unless you like Oreo's. I found a peelie coupon on the shelf that displayed the Oreo's for saving $1.50 on a package when you purchase a gallon of milk. ALL three Webber's are suckers for Oreo's and milk!

I also picked up a couple of boxes of butter to tide me over until the Land O Lakes sale hits just like it did last year... my fingers are crossed!

Bonus Tutorial: Cranberry Relish

This easy and delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes start to finish, but the best results (tastily speaking) are when these ingredients have been combined at least 12 hours before serving!

Ingredients: fresh cranberries, orangy- citrus fruit and sugar.

Begin by rinsing your berries.

While you are rinsing your berries, look for odd-ball squishable (past their prime) cranberries and toss them aside. Berries that are wrinkly, yet firm are still good to use, but the smushy ones need to go!

Fill your food chopper with berries.

NOTE: Do not fill to capacity, the berries need room to move around to get thoroughly chopped.

Just for the record... I LOVE the smell of cranberries! This step is heavily scented!

The two bags that I had purchased yielded about 8 cups of chopped cranberries.

One cup of sugar needs to be added to each bag of chopped berries. Here are my two cups!

NOTE: This is a once a year side dish... live it up and ENJOY the sugary goodness!

Next it is time to prepare the citrus fruit. This year I am using two clementines (we're totally addicted!) instead of the typical single orange. You may choose your own preference!

I warmed my clementines in the microwave (20 seconds) to provoke their juiciness!

Then, while the fruit is still warm, roll it between the palm of your hand and the counter to really get the juices flowing!

The original recipe calls for zesting of the citrus peel. I have zested and lacked in zest over the years- and have found that this step isn't essential.

Clementines, in fact, cannot be zested... FYI!

NOTE: I have even substituted straight up orange juice when I have forgotten to bring an orange home from the grocery store... don't worry, this recipe is very forgiving!!!

Slice your fruit in half...

And squeeze all of the juiciness out!

Its OK if a few plump pieces of pulp fall into your dish... they'll be yummy!

Next add your sugar and mix thoroughly! (It *could* be tempting to lick the spoon post stirring, but I wouldn't advise it! Allow your ingredients to meld for a while before sampling to allow the bitter berries to absorb the sweetness!)

Keep in mind that your recipe will shrink due to the sugar added. Just after mixing, my 8 cups of cranberries + 2 cups of sugar are equalling about 6 cups of relish. When the relish is done combining, I will most likely have between 3 & 4 cups of cranberry relish!

Recipe Recap:

2 bags of fresh cranberries

2 cups of sugar

1 large or 2 small citrus-y fruits

Personal NOTE: I don't care for gravy so I have always slathered my turkey with this cranberry relish- try a bite in my honor... you'll thank me!!!

Bonus Tutorial Tomorrow!

If you have yet to make (or even start thinking about making) your cranberry side dish for Thanksgiving... check back here tomorrow morning, and I'll have a BONUS tutorial for how I have made Cranberry Relish for the last 20-ish years! If I could make it as a kid, you can make this sweet, and simple relish too!

See ya tomorrow!

PS: If you plan to grocery shop between now and tomorrow, pick up 2 bags of fresh cranberries and an orange... plus you'll need sugar to prepare this dish.

Bags of fresh cranberries this week:
Meijer: $1.50/bag
Kroger: $2/bag

Tutorial Tuesday: Faux Shepherd's Pie

Tutorial Tuesday

Tutorial Tuesday's design is to visually share money saving food preparation techniques along with easy and inexpensive recipes. This week I am happy to share how to make a delicious One Pan Wonder... Faux Shepherd's Pie.

An extra special thank you to Jolyn (author of Macomb Money Savers) and her yummy recipe sharing friend Lisa... I dedicate this week's post to you ladies!!!

Ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, mixed veggies, cream of chicken soup, milk and corn starch... how could you go wrong? Simple. Inexpensive. Yummy.

*Note: I'm pretty sure that I have never used corn starch before- so I had to make a mad dash last minute run to get some... don't worry if you need to purchase some too, mine was only $1.29!

I decided to start with the potatoes. I peeled and boiled 5 good sized potatoes. I did have a bit left over- but I'm OK with that... wink!

The recipe calls for STIFF mashed potatoes, which means NO milk or butter can be added. So I decided to whip out my Kitchen-Aid stand mixer and let it do the hard work of mashing for me! (I WILL NEVER HAND MASH AGAIN...EVER!)

Bonus features from using a mixer (just in time for Thanksgiving... you're welcome!)
1. Perfectly smooth mashed potatoes!
2. All of the swirling helped to cool the potatoes more quickly.
3. I could attend to making the rest of the recipe- I simply just walked away!
4. No muscle fatigue or cranky attitude flare up mid-mashing!

I added one pound of my previously cooked ground beef. It is important NOT to drain the beef, as this adds to the flavoring of the dish. I used Angus, which left me with less 'juices' than other varieties may have.

Once the ground beef has been thoroughly cooked, I added the contents of one can of cream of chicken soup. Mix well and heat thoroughly.

While my meat and soup were melding together on the stove top, I stirred one cup of milk and one tablespoon of cornstarch together.

It is important not to have any cornstarch lumps - so I made sure to smash the back of my spoon into the side of the measuring cup while stirring to break apart any lumps that I found.

TIP: Once you are satisfied that your contents are thoroughly mixed, pour immediately into the pot on the stove. The cornstarch will settle to the bottom of the container when you stop stirring.

Next add a package of frozen mixed veggies (I LOVE adding my FREE after doubled coupon veggies into meals!!!).

Keep stirring until all of your ingredients are heated thoroughly and are combined well.

I lightly sprayed the bottom of my casserole dish and poured my beef and veggie mixture inside.

Next, I loaded up a piping bag with an extra large decorating tip (I knew these would come in handy someday...) and I squeezed little dollops of mashed potatoes, coating the top. In truth, you could just spread a thin layer of potatoes on top with a spatula... but where is the fun in that? AND... I loved cutting perfect pieces between the potato dollops...

TIP: The warmer the mashed potatoes, the easier the squeezing and the better the presentation. I actually made a second Shepherd's Pie to freeze, and the time between piping the two batches allowed my potatoes to cool significantly. I also noticed that the first pie was far more attractively piped, so next time I will microwave my potatoes if necessary.

Bake at 400* for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed!

And let me say, this is delicious!!!

Recipe Recap: serves 4
1 pound of undrained ground beef
4-5 medium/large potatoes
1 package of mixed vegetables
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon of cornstarch

This recipe *may* be the perfect answer to what to do with your leftover potatoes after Thanksgiving...

And the WINNERS are:

Hey lucky winners, I'm ready to be WOWed by your recipes!!!

Just as a reminder, myself and the Sharpen Your Scissors reading community are looking forward to receiving your delicious chicken recipes!

Remember, YOU now have to submit your recipe and pictures for judging no later than Tuesday December 1st.

Then, the Sharpen Your Scissors readers will judge between the FIVE recipes based on:

*price per serving

*complexity of the recipe

*presentation

The ULTIMATE recipe winner will be selected on Friday December 4th at 7pm- to win a $25 gift card to Meijer!

# 27 ldholmes said...
I am a faithful follower!

#24 Mikekimpohlandfamily said...
(I think not sure if this counts or not) I also twittered on my account.

#17 PAM said...

I'm a faithful follower, Laura, and we're loving your biscuit recipe. Delish! Thanks for sharing!

#46 Candice said...
My fav SYS recipe was the amazing roles! Congrats on over 300 followers!

#8 Sandy said...
Even though I am gluten free those easy rolls look yummy for my family and EASY for me to make! THANKS for ALL you do Laura!

***I guess that it goes without saying, but please email me your address so that I can pop your $5 gift card into the mail...

Grocery Game Plan: Kroger

Here are my favorite items this week, 11/23- 11/29 at Kroger!

Feel free to visit Kroger.com to view the complete ad.

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Turkey, $.49/pound, limit 1, with an additional $10 purchase

Kroger frozen veggies, $.88/package

Kroger orange juice, $1/half gallon

Kroger cottage cheese/cream cheese/sour cream, $1/each

Heinz gravy, $1/jar
I *believe* that there is a $1/3 Manufacturer's coupon
Total: $.66/jar

Ocean Spray cranberry jelly, $1/can

Duracell batteries, $1.88/package
Spend the $1 Manufacturer's coupon
Total: $.88/package

Oscar Mayer bacon, (BOGO sale) $5.99/2
Spend (2) $.75/1 Manufacturer's coupons
Total: $4.49/2 or $2.25/each

Ritz crackers or Wheat Thins, $1.99/box
Spend the $1/1 Manufacturer's coupon
Total: $.99

Visit macombmoneysavers for the entire listing of sales this week at Kroger for the Metro Detroit area.

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*Kroger sale prices are available to those who shop with a Kroger Savings Club Card. You will only receive the sale price discounts when you shop with your card. If you don't have a Kroger Savings Club Card, just stop by the Customer Service desk and sign up for a card so that you may begin reaping the discounts immediately.

*Kroger will double Manufacturer coupons up to and including $.50.

*NEW!!! Kroger now limits the number of coupons allowable to 3 identical coupons per like items. Purchasing several flavors/varieties side steps this limit!

*Rain checks for out of stock items are available at the customer service desk.

*Kroger offers a 'brought my own bag' discount of $.05 per bag.

*If you are headed to SUPER Kroger (108 W. Highland Rd., Howell MI 48843 (517) 552-0126) the most local Kroger that doubles coupons up to and including $1 (up to THREE identical coupons) visit 123Save for the best deals for the current week's promotions.

AND AS ALWAYS, please leave me a comment if I have missed a deal... Thank you!

Grocery Game Plan: Meijer

Here are my favorite stockpilable items this week, 11/22-11/30 at Meijer.

To check out the full Meijer weekly ad online, click here.

KEY: MFC= Manufacturer's coupon, MBC= Meijer Mealbox coupon

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Turkey Deals:
Purchase a 10-16 pound turkey, receive $8 off (with an additional 20 purchase).
Purchase a 16.1+ pound turkey, receive $14 off (with an additional $20 purchase).

Steamfresh vegetable, $.98/package
Spend the $.35 (doubles) MFC
Total: $.28/package

Meijer butter quarters, $1.50/pound

Meijer chunk cheese, $1.29/block

Meijer condensed soup, $.49/can

Meijer chicken broth, $.49/can

Meijer canned veggies, $.49/can

Grand's biscuits, $.99/tube
Spend the $1/3 MFC
Total: $.66/tube when you purchase 3

Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough, $2/package
Spend the $1/1 MFC
Spend the $1/2 MBC
Total: $.50/package when you purchase 2

Nestle Chocolate chips, $1.99
Spend the $.50 (doubles) MFC
Spend the $1/6 MBC
Total: $.83/bag when you purchase 6
*Or $.99/bag when only spending the MFC

Dial foaming hand soap, $1.69/pump
Spend the $.35 (doubles) MFC
Total: $.99/pump

Check out the rest of this week's Metro Detroit Meijer Match-ups, visit macombmoneysavers!

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To access Meijer Mealbox coupons (MBC): Mealbox Generator to print multiple Mealbox coupons per page. Or visit Meijer online (look for the 'Special's tab in the blue box to the right!) to print a single coupon per page. I offer two printing locations because the Mealbox Generator is not as extensive as the Meijer online site.

Keep in Mind:

*Meijer will only double the first TWO identical MANUFACTURER coupons. This may mean that you will need to break your purchasing into ONE large transaction and SEVERAL smaller transactions to ensure that ALL of your coupons are able to double.

*Meijer will never double a Mealbox coupon.

*Meijer allows the 'Stacking' of one Manufacturer coupon and one Mealbox coupon per item purchased unless either coupon states otherwise. For example, a coupon may say save $1 on two items, then you would need to follow the purchasing rules for that specific coupon.

*Rain checks are available at the customer service desk, at the podium in front of the cash register lines or with your cashier. Remember that Meijer rain checks have an expiration date 30 days from printing along with a limited quantity printed on the rain check. The quantity limited depends on your stores location.

AND AS ALWAYS, please leave me a comment if I have missed a deal... Thank you!

Reminder: Enter to WIN a $25 Meijer Gift Card!

In honor of

CELEBRATING 300+ Sharpen Your Scissors followers,

I have concocted another

Gift Card Give Away CHALLENGE!

FIVE winners (finalists) will be drawn tonight

(Monday 11/23) at 9pm!

Enter to WIN here!

Q & A

Coupon Clipper: Recently it seems that every coupon I have any interest in clipping say DO NOT DOUBLE? This is becoming very frustrating, does the grocery store follow their rules on this and double it anyway or follow the manufacturer? Do you find you still can find a deal with these types of coupons?

Me: Many coupons say do not double, but still double when scanned into the system.

If your coupons bar code begins with a tiny 5 and then a rash of numbers- the coupon will double automatically when scanned by the cashier. If the first number in your coupon's bar code is a tiny 9, than the coupon will NOT double unless it is entered manually by the cashier.

The choice of doubling is actually set by the store and not so much by the Manufacturer. The Manufacturer offers the face value of the coupon as a discount to the shopper, and the store offers the coupon doubling as their thank you for shopping with them!

If a store chooses to override the Manufacturer's recommendation of not doubling a coupon, they may do so. When a Manufacturer feels very adamantly about their coupon not being doubled, they "code" their coupon's bar code in a way the the cash register reads- and the coupon can not be double without a manual override.

Sunday Survey

Thanksgiving '08

I LIVE for Thanksgiving dinner! Honestly, if I were to judge each holiday by the food served- Thanksgiving would win every year!!!

I feel like this is the year to begin new family traditions in our little family, since Boaz is just on the cusp of turning TWO! How do you celebrate thankfulness in your family?

And what do you do creatively speaking, with your Thanksgiving leftovers?

Purchasing Habits Revisted

Personal Note: Please, please, please read this post with the gentleness (even humor) that I intended in writing this post. I make my best effort to read all of the comments posted below each entry and I really appreciate readers taking the time to share their thoughts! I've revisited an earlier topic due to comments regarding the post. I have shared more of my personal insight and even information that you may not have ever been aware of at the bottom of the post. I apologize for the length in advance- sometimes I just can't help myself... Love, Laura


Earlier this week I was asked to address how to purchase items gracefully. Gracefully, in my opinion is purchasing ethically, honestly and with the awareness that other shoppers are most likely seeking the same deals that you are.

My purpose in answering emailed questions here on my blog are to teach new strategies and to bring new (possibly even challenging) ideas to the fore front of your thinking. I believe that we can learn and grow together as a community- and building each other up with fresh perspectives and best practices are great tools for us to encourage one another with!

While catching up reading some of the comments left by readers today, I feel the need to address some of the ideas, concerns and misconceptions spoken through comments left on my Purchasing Habits post.

I must start by sharing that my intent in posing open ended questions, like "what are you thoughts on shelf clearing?" is simply because many of my readers may never have thought about other shoppers disappointment with empty shelves. Many coupon shoppers have the mentality that 'you win some/you lose some... and then you ask for a rain check!' While other shoppers may get irritated and feel like other coupon shoppers are out to gyp them from being able to spend their coupons. Each unique shopper has a unique set of family needs. I raised this question to make us aware of shoppers other than ourselves!!

Secondly, I think that it important to keep in mind that the entire family may not be represented when the shopping cart is being strolled down the aisles. Take, for instance, my friend and loyal shopping buddy Sandy. Sandy has six kids! SIX!

Let's compare Sandy's family of 8's needs to my own family of 3's needs:

Sandy should be purchasing about three times the amount of items that I purchase just to accommodate her family's needs.

Sandy's children are all older than my son, ensuring that they eat a heck of a lot more than my little scrawny-kins!

Sandy needs to purchase multiples of products just to make it through the week- even through the day... I shopped with Sandy over the summer and she was considering purchasing a certain kind of specialty ice cream treat for her kids. The box that she was looking at only had 5 treats in it, and Sandy needs to purchase boxes that have at least six treats to feed her kids ONCE! My son would have 6 desserts from a single box. See the difference!

(Hey Sandy, thanks for unknowingly allowing me to use you as an example!!!)

I feel that judging a cart by its contents has the potential to cause us to stumble with our own grace-filled purchasing attitude.

When posting about owning our own purchasing habits (stepping back to take a good look at ourselves) another intention of mine was to address the knowing when enough is enough. I think that this is a toughie- even for me. I believe that wisely saving money in the area of grocery spending only to blow the saved funds on other 'meaningless' stuff - even if its a great deal, needs to be addressed. It is easy to get so wrapped up in the saving that what is actually being spent has been lost sight of. Nickles and dimes quickly add up to dollars, and more stuff lying around is still just stuff!

I view my posing of questions as betterment for us all! We (myself included) may need to hear that we need to work on some of our shopping ideas/habits... not that we want to hear it, but it may be just what we need to hear!

One commenter described her need to re-evaluate her shopping as "possibly robbing someone else of the joy in finding a great deal!" Words like that kind of sting don't they? But it is a good kind of sting, a lasting mental image kind of reminder. I sure know how I feel when I approach a shelf filled with the items that I am looking for- and on the flip side, I know how it feels to leave empty handed.

I also received comments in regards to how coupons impact the Manufacturers, stores and their policies and wording printed in the sales flyer or on the coupon itself- please bear with me, but I'd love to take this opportunity to share more behind the scenes coupon information.

A Coupons Impact on the Manufacturer:
I'm sure that you are aware that the Manufacturer's goal in making coupons available to you and I, is to lure you into purchasing their product. Plain. Simple.

But did you know that the Manufacturer goes to great lengths (and expense) to make their coupons available to the public. First, the manufacturer needs to decide what items they would like to market with coupons, then the coupon needs to be designed, the Manufacturer then must pay to have the coupons printed (in either a newspaper, magazine, home mailer or in store grab-able) or they may decide to have their coupons made available through an online printing company like Coupons.com. This step comes at a HUGE financial expense to the Manufacturer.

Then, the Manufacturer must PAY to have their items highlighted in the weekly sales flyers, online media, as well as radio and TV commercials. Stores MAKE money from selling their ad space!

The stores also MAKE money by hosting shelf space for the Manufacturer's to rent. The prime shelf locations are right at chest level, where not so savvy shoppers can easily purchase name brand items. Less expensive rentable shelf space is the very top and bottom shelves- which is where you normally find the store placing their own brand merchandise.

Since the Manufacturer is aware of what products they place out into the market, how much money they have spent for advertising, product location on store shelving, sale prices that they have agreed upon, and what coupons they have made available to the public- it is NO SHOCK to them at the deep discounts that shoppers are able to receive if they have wisely done their homework. (Read more here.)

Even though nearly every single American will claim to spend coupons (oil changes, ordering pizza's and grocery coupons are all lumped together as 'coupons'), the truth is that very few people actually spend coupons as intently as you and I do.

It may *feel* differently since you read about other like minded shoppers here at Sharpen Your Scissors and on other shopping blogs- and you may have hooked your circle of influence into your savvy savings at the grocery store, but the truth still remains... we are an oddity, a sliver of how the average American shops for their family.

Manufacturers are aware of us, but even banded together- we don't threaten their infrastructure! We probably feel like an (single) ingrown hair on their long freshly shaven leg... not their favorite follicle, but not overwhelming either!!!

We mustn't flatter ourselves so much that we think that our deeply discounted or even FREE purchases are making even a small dent in the cornerstone of manufacturism.

Stores and Store Coupon Policies:
As I eluded to above, stores make the money that they need to pay both their employees and their bills + turn a profit by selling their influence. Shoppers are deeply influenced by advertised sales and attractive merchandising.

Stores are in the business of MAKING money. In addition to selling product advertising, stores also receive $.08 per coupon that they accept from smart coupon-spending shoppers like you and I! That is $.08 + the face value of the coupon.

Stores, along with Manufacturer's also are vying for your spending attention.

Many grocery stores will offer to 'double' your coupons. This is the store's effort to get you to shop at their location. When you spend a coupon at a store that doubles- the Manufacturer pays the face value of the coupon (+$.08/coupon) and the store itself offers the second price discount as a thank you for shopping with them. It is the store's discretion on whether or not to implement a doubling policy, as well as it is another luring tactic to keep you and I from shopping with their direct competitor.

Super Kroger, a local Kroger that doubles coupons up to and including $1, has tweaked their coupon acceptance policy a bit recently, but I view that as their right keep their policies in the best interest of the store, and my right to decide if I want to take advantage of what their stores have to offer to me.

Target has also streamlined their coupon printing policy. I could become frustrated, but I've decided to roll with the punches, and be thankful that Target is keeping my kind of shopping in mind when they are updating their policies. I'm actually grateful that Target is moving forward in unifying their corporate policies (can I get an Amen?)

And lastly, I'd like to address Coupon Verbiage. Wording printed in sales flyer and on the coupons themselves can be quite confusing.

Is one per transaction the same as one per customer? To be honest, this may very from store chain to store chain or even from location to location... If you have uncertain feelings about how to handle your transactions and you are in a store, just ask a store manager. If you are wondering before you have headed out to the store, call the 800 number and ask in advance of your purchase.

I think that transaction insinuates that you may have more than one, after all is there are store that would turn you away from shopping again later in the week?

Normally, a purchase that includes a store reward (like earning money back on a purchase) will have the register print a single reward per transaction... so purchasing two or three like items in a single transaction will only allow for one reward. One per customer can vary from store to store (one per customer per day, or can you have your kids each check out with the specific product?) so feel free to ask a manager to define this term for you!

Bottom line, lets all choose to move forward gracefully, keeping in mind our ethics, honesty and the awareness of others.

YAY! YAY! GIVEAWAY!!!

Thanks for all 301 of you who have

joined the ranks as Followers of Sharpen Your Scissors!

I love having each of you here!

In honor of reaching the 300 Followers mark,

I am thrilled to offer a

Gift Card Challenge!

I will be awarding FIVE $5 gift cards to Meijer to FIVE lucky winners! In return, the $5 gift card winners will submit a recipe for a meal that includes chicken! *An ingredient picture and a finished product picture, as well as the approximate cost, ingredient list and other recipe information must be submitted for the judging process! **The $5 gift card is to cover the expense of the chicken! Hmm, you may ever want to purchase a whole chicken to use for your recipe!

The FIVE $5 gift card winners will be selected (at random) Monday, November 23 at 9pm. The winners will have to submit their recipe and pictures for judging no later than Tuesday December 1st. Then, the Sharpen Your Scissors readers will judge (kindly!) the recipes based on the price per serving, complexity of the recipe and the presentation!

The ULTIMATE recipe winner will be selected on Friday December 4th at 7pm- to win a $25 gift card to Meijer!

How to enter to win: make sure to enter more than once!!!

1. Sign up to become a FOLLOWER of Sharpen Your Scissors, and tell me which recipe you will submit to hopefully be selected as a winner!!!

2. If you are already a Sharpen Your Scissors FOLLOWER than flaunt your follower status and include which recipe you are thinking that you *may* share with all of us if you win!

3. For each friend/family member/co-worker/neighbor that you recruit to become a FOLLOWER of Sharpen Your Scissors you will receive another entry to win!

4. Share with me which recipe shared here at SYS has been your favorite!

5. Link this page to your blog, Facebook page or Tweet about this give away! (I'm @mrsdavewebber on Twitter!) Then let me know that you've put out your broadcast!

Remember the lucky FIVE first round winners will be announced at 9PM Monday 11/23!!!

*NOTE: If you do not live near a Meijer, I will happily send you your winnings in cash!

I'm feeling Antsy...

OK, so the truth is, I feel a bit antsy when I realize that I am on the verge of another GIVE AWAY!!! I get so excited (although my husband *may* call it dramatic!!!)!

As I write I am 4 followers away from launching another celebratory CHALLENGE! But an all honesty, the more the merrier!!!

I've been plotting this one for a while... its a recipe challenge with a grocery gift card to the winner!!!

Go ahead, now is the time to join the ranks of the SYS Follower-hood... I double dog dare you!

Past milestone Give Aways:

100 Followers

200 Followers (296 YTD)

500+ Families have taken a Sharpen Your Scissors class this year! (836 YTD)

$5,000 Raised for Raincatchers! ($6,410 YTD)

5,000 Unique visitors in 30 days!

Thought Provoking Thursday

Thought Provoking Thursday

Thought Provoking Thursday's goal it to offer a new-ish perspective to saving on necessary items aside from our grocery and household needs. Each week I will bring an idea to the table to share how I personally tackle areas of my own family's spending. I am hopeful that my faithful readers will feel the freedom to offer more advice through comments below each post.


How do YOU spend your gift cards?

Me? I'm a squirreler-awayer! I LOVE to have 'Fun Money!'

Currently, our family has a collection of 39 gift cards to drug stores, department stores, restaurants, grocery stores, iTunes, movie theaters, home improvement stores and a couple of little gift cards that I have received as rebates. Isn't it interesting that some companies are now sending rebates in the form of credit rather than a check.

I've written about rebates before, and how our family saves each rebate check throughout the year and saves the money for Christmas gifts. Since I earmark rebate money received for our end of the year spending, I had a hard time knowing exactly what to do when a rebate credit card was sent instead of the typical check.

At the very beginning of the year (January, I think) I purchased two Oil of Olay products and earned a $15 rebate card. (You know me, I purchased the products with store rewards so that I would earn the $15 rebate FREE and clear of my own finances!). A few weeks after mailing my rebate information, I received my rebate card... and I sat on it.

It is pretty typical for me to want to hold on to my 'Fun Money' until the last possible spending moment, just to ensure that I am purchasing something that I really want. And so I waited until the week of August 31 (the rebate card's expiration date) to make my final $15 spending decision. (Its one of my quirks, sorry!).

My thought, when I first received the rebate card, was to purchase items that I would earn rebate checks from- so I'd still be placing that money in our rebates received account, but that proved harder to do than I had anticipated. I felt like the summer season was a bit dry for 'good' rebates.

Then I considered purchasing diapers (it goes without saying that I'd match a sale with coupons... right?), or something else to lessen our families 'real money' spending. I just couldn't find the 'prefect deal! (Hello quirk!!!)'

So finally, I settled on purchasing a $15 Walgreen's gift card (since I have plenty from CVS from transferring prescriptions). I decided that spending the $15 a little bit at a time was better than blowing the funds on just another something.

So my Walgreen's gift card now allows me to spend my rebate money without the pressure of an expiration date! And true to form, I just began spending my August purchased gift card last week!

I've posted about purchasing glucose monitors to donate- especially when you are able to purchase the monitor for FREE after a coupon + you can earn store reward money (Extra Care Bucks at CVS and Register Rewards at Walgreens'). Last week I spent $.90 (tax) from my Walgreen's gift card on a glucose monitor and then earned $5 in store rewards.

And since Register Rewards are actually Manufacturer's coupons, I spent my Register reward money at the grocery store, and purchased ground beef for our family. *NOTE: not all stores will accept the Register Reward from Walgreen's even though it specifically states that it is a Manufacturer's coupon. Ask your grocery store manager the next time you are shopping in your store. I have had luck with Meijer grocery stores, in fact the Walled Lake, MI location is my favorite!

So here is the quick chain of events:
1. Spend store reward money to purchase rebatable items... $0
2. Earn a $15 credit card... +$15
3. Purchase a store gift card with the rebate card... +$15
4. Purchase an item, pay the tax (- $.90)... +$14.10
5. Earn store reward money from the purchase... = +$19.10
6. Spend store reward money on meat, an item that makes a larger financial impact on our grocery spending. (Hmmm, my quirk payed off!)

The moral of this story is to encourage you to become a thoughtful spender. Don't just run out and spend your gift card (or even store reward money for that matter) on the first item that you set your eyes on. My early in the year purchasing allowed my late in the year meat buying for my family.

Are you looking to just buy stuff, or are you looking to spend less on the items that your family consumes?

Shop Your Way to FREE Phone Coverage!

KROGER HAS THEIR OWN PAY AS YOU GO PHONE.

Shocking isn't it?

My friend Amy just picked up a Blackberry knock off (full keyboard) for $49!

Amy excitedly says "The "fees" and terms (rollover, unlimited text, etc) are the "same" (basically) as a Virgin Mobile pay as you go phone. It even runs on the Sprint Network, just like Virgin Mobile, but the best part of this "Kroger phone" is that you can tie up to 2 store rewards cards and earn free minutes!!! 20 minutes for every $100 you spend in a 30 period.Then phone itself was $49 (with Kroger card) and it comes with 300 minutes and you get an additional 200 minutes when you register your store card to the phone. I'm so excited the shopping I do now, will pay for my CELL PHONE =)"

Check out http://www.iwirelesshome.com/ for additional information~ ...Just think of all of the talking, texting, and tweeting that Amy can do now!!!

Target Store Coupons Update:

Mindy, at Moms Need to Know, has the latest scoop about Target's Internet printable coupon. Sadly (but not devastatingly sad), Target has changed their printable coupon policy to two prints per computer instead of unlimited printing. This may mean fewer coupons to spend, but at least we can all agree that Target offers great coupons right?

Read Mindy's detailed post here.

Purchasing Habits

Coupon Clipper: I’d love to know your thoughts on the ethics of “shelf-clearing.”

When I first started couponing, I got so excited about finding products for free or nearly free that I would buy ridiculous quantities, far more than my needs. I promised myself that I would give the extras to those in need –and I did--but looking back, I suspect that pride had a lot to do with that impulse. I wanted the “high” that you talk about, that comes from getting a great deal and doing a good deed, but I think I wanted it for the wrong reasons. Part of me wanted to be seen carrying bags upon bags of products to food drives, wanting people to assume that I was a person who sacrificed to give so much. Meanwhile, I would leave the shelves bare, inconveniencing other shoppers and store employees.

I see this controversy on coupon blogs a lot now, particularly with the Christmas-is-coming crazy deals on toys. People are buying 5, 8, even 10 units of the toy in question. I’m sure that many, even most of them give the excess away, but when I think about the mom with a single coupon looking for an affordable birthday present for her child and finding only a bare shelf, it makes me wonder. I’d love your thoughts!

Me: Here are some of my personal thoughts for purchasing:

1. Purchasing several items when they are on sale (stockpiling) is wise for your family. I don't think of this as selfish shopping, but stockpiling for my family means that we are able to give generously when the need arises.

2. When a sale is advertised, it is the responsibility of the store to:
A) Order enough quantity for the demand of the local consumers.
B) Offer a rain check for shoppers to receive the same discount at a later date.
* If a store fails to do so, it isn't the consumers responsibility, and feel free to make the manager aware of your disappointment!

3. Clearance items have become clearance items for good reason. If someone wants to purchase several previously unpopular items now that the prices are low- have at it!

4. Items that are limited in quantity and that are without the availability of a rain check do, in my opinion, need to be purchased with thoughtfulness. Spectacular deals are sought after by several savvy consumers, be gracious and share!

The problem is that there is no Coupon Clipper Code of Conduct that all shoppers must abide by. (And just for the record, I have yet to master the 'know when to say when' art of coupon shopping!) I do think that it is important to know WHY we are purchasing products- especially in what quantity.

I will purchase certain products, like Electrosol dish detergent tabs in mass quantity three times a year, when the $2.50 coupon are available for spending. This heavy purchase keeps our dishes clean until the next big sale and our grocery budget intact.

I also keep a stash of gift type items for future giving, but not to the detriment of other bargain shoppers. I shared several months ago that I also had changed my perspective for my shopping. It is easy to get caught up in the 'high' of sweet bargaineering, but the responsibility of what to do with the items that we bring home is just as important as learning to save in the first place.

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Tutorial Tuesday: Easy Dinner Rolls

Tutorial Tuesday

Tutorial Tuesday's design is to visually share money saving food preparation techniques along with easy and inexpensive recipes. This week I am happy to share how I make Easy (super yummy) Dinner Rolls!

I recently found this recipe and couldn't wait to try it out! I have really been enjoying making yummy foods from scratch! The taste of a little bit of time mixed with effort has been delicious!

To begin making the dinner rolls, first add 1/2 C. milk to 1/4 C. of water, and add 2T. of butter. Warm these ingredients on the stove top (Do not boil! I just watched the butter chunks melt to know when the liquids were warm enough!)

While the milk, butter and water are warming, mix 3/4 C. flour, 1/2t. salt, 2T. sugar and an envelope of rapid rise yeast.

Add wet mix to the flour mix and beat for 2 minutes in your mixer.

Add 1/4 C. flour and beat on high for 2 more minutes.

Slowly, add 1C. of flour... I did this step 1/4 C. at a time!

Next, the dough needs to be kneaded! Generously flour your work surface, and knead for 8-10 minutes. *If you have never kneaded dough before, it is very simple! Smush the dough with the heels of your hands, pressing the dough away from your body. Then spin the dough 45 degrees and knead again!

Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes.

After kneading, the dough needs to rest for 10 minutes. I made my dough into a ball, and then I laid a damp paper towel over the dough while it rested.

Then I cut the dough into 12 even pieces.

I should have taken more time to shape the dough into balls... next time!

The 12 dinner rolls need to be placed into a well greased round baking pan.

(I placed 9 rolls around the edges and three in the center!)

The dinner rolls now need to rise.

I covered my pan with aluminum foil and set the pan on our stove top with the burner on the lowest setting. The rolls need to rise for 30 minutes.

After the rolls have had half an hour to rise (the warmth from the burner really helps!), brush the tops with a little bit of melted butter and gently sprinkle with salt!

Bake the rolls for 20 minutes at 375*. Mmm, these rolls were delicious- even a little bit sweet!

I think that the next time that I make these rolls, that I will multiply the quantity. I am thinking that I will not allow the dough to rise, I will just roll into balls, after the dough has rested, and then freeze the dough for individual rolls for a later date. I'll keep you posted!

Recipe Recap:

2-2 1/4 C. all purpose flour

1 envelope yeast

2T. sugar

1/2t. salt

1/2 C. milk

1/4 C. water

2T. butter