I have lots of cookbooks. I have a recipe box. I also have a large binder chuck full of recipes I have printed off the internet.

Even when I menu plan I have to look through ALL those recipes to find the ones I need, and sometimes that is a real pain! Every now and then I can’t find the recipe…which poses a slight problem..if you know what I mean. And since I am trying to cut my grocery budget, I want to be organized.

So this time I decided to do something different. I got an empty binder I wasn’t using and made tabs for the first 6 months of the year.

Behind each menu month, I am placing all my recipes that I need for that month. Now I have them all in the same place, so there is no frantic search at the last minute or printing it again from the internet.

I also have some blank shopping lists behind each month so I can write down what I need to buy for those recipes. I usually only purchase any perishables and anything else I need to stock up on. It is really helpful to have the paper right there to write things down as I am going over things at the beginning of each week.

Now I have everything I need for the month in ONE PLACE. I don’t have to search all over. This will make it a whole lot easier!

Here is what you will need to make one for yourself:

binder (I used one I already had at home)
sheet protectors (to keep your recipes clean)
dividers for each month
blank shopping lists (or just plain lined paper works good too)

Check out these other posts if you haven’t already. Join me in cutting your grocery budget this year!
2012 Grocery Budget Crack-Down Plan
2012 Grocery Budget Crack-Down Plan: Menu Planning

There are some great new coupons on Group C this morning, like this Newman’s Own Lite Salad Dressing .75/1 coupon.  Group C coupons tend to disappear FAST, so print the quickly!  Remember, you can print each coupon twice.

Print these Chex Mix .50/2 coupons at Group A and Coupon Network quickly, before they disappear.  Starting tomorrow, Walgreens has a great deal on these.  They will be on sale for $1.50 each.  There is a Walgreens In-Store Coupon for $1.00 off of 4.  You can also use a .50/2 printable manufacturer coupon.  This brings your total down to $1.00 each when you buy 4.  There is also a Catalina Promotion running where you get a $2.00 voucher valid on your next shopping order when you buy 4.  Final Price is $2.00 for 4, or just .50 each!  Remember, you can print each coupon twice.

Finally in Northern Utah we have received a good snow storm! Today is a perfect day to hang out at home, watch movies, drink a yummy warm drink and my favorite pass-time SHOPPING! The gals in the Screaming Deals Online Forum have been working hard today posting great deals! Check them out!

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With all of the white sales going on this week I was reminded of a project that I’ve been wanting to do. I’ve seen this idea in several places online and I’m sure I’ve pinned it at least once! This is such a simple way to organize scarves. You just put shower curtain rings on a hanger and voila, instant scarf organizer! This could be used for ties as well. This is one I need to do today! You could spend $14 and buy one, but you can make it yourself for so much cheaper.

Smart Ones Entrees on sale for $1.88 from 1/8/12-1/14/12 at Target
– $3 off 10 Smart Ones Entrees printable (Target coupon)
– $3 off 10 Smart Ones Entrees printable (manfacturer’s coupon)
= $12.90 for 10
PLUS, earn a $5 Target gift card when purchase 10
~ .79 each (when factor in gift card – it must be used on separate purchase though)