I usually have a large stockpile of items that I get from couponing, adding to my short-term food storage, and the cannery. Unfortunately, I don’t have a basement or a pantry in my kitchen so I set up my “store” in the garage. It’s all I have and I am making do with it! This photo is actually 11 months old, but this will give you a rough idea of my food items. It looks quite different now. I am always changing stuff around and organizing differently as our family grows and our needs change.

(Those who know me know that we always have a lot of cold cereal. That is not pictured, as the cereal is kept on a small shelf high up by the ceiling, past the top right corner of the photo.)

I have set up a few rules for making our food last. I explained to my kids that although the food was super cheap (and often free!) that doesn’t mean we can go crazy with it. I only stock up like this when the deals are really good and I won’t replenish at full price. After I explained this I told them how things would work:

1. When we do have granola bars, only one per day. For the school kids this means most likely one in their lunch, but after school snacks include fresh fruit, toast, or something like that. Or sometimes a bowl of cold cereal if they didn’t have it for breakfast. My kids actually like muffins for an after school snack too.
2. Even though our family are self-proclaimed “cereal freaks” (according to my husband) we don’t have cold cereal everyday. We would go through it way too quickly, and its not the healthiest thing to eat everyday. So I set up a breakfast schedule for us that I will explain below.
3. You need to ask permission if you want to get anything.

Now I know these rules will probably be broken at some point, but I like having them in place. Here is a loose breakfast schedule I have in place so the kids know they will still have something to eat in place of cold cereal. I don’t have specific days for each type of food, because my food desires or schedule may change. Like I said, it’s a loose schedule! And we mix up all the options to form all sorts of combinations to fit our tastes for the day.

BREAKFAST OPTIONS (besides cold cereal)

Oatmeal & fruit/yogurt
Pancakes or Waffles (we love this healthy homemade mix right now)
Muffins & breakfast smoothies
Biscuits & poached eggs
Omelets or eggs and toast
Breakfast Burritos (tortillas w/scrambled eggs & spices, hashbrowns, salsa)
Homemade “Egg McMuffins” (my hubby loves these)

I am at least trying to make my deals last as long as possible. So far the kids have been really good about sticking to the rules. They know I won’t go out and just buy lots more. One time they got into some Juicy Juice boxes I got free with doubles that I was saving for an upcoming picnic. When I didn’t go buy more they knew I was serious! I don’t really have a problem with them getting into stuff anymore.

How do you make your stockpile last?

What is Groupon?
A website that features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in a variety of cities across the United States and has been recently featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and named the #1 Hottest Website for 2010 by Fox Business News!

Don’t forget to check back everyday for another awesome Groupon!

*Don’t see your city listed? You can give them your email address and zip code and they will notify you when the deals are in your city.

Lots of great deals! There are online exclusives and more!
While supplies last!
Tupperware.com LINK
Servalier Bowls $12.99
Tabletop Tumblers $14.99
Dining Trays $19.99
Stacking Canister Set $13.99
See all of the deals we found HERE!

Its that time again…

Target:

.50 each: Rose Art 10-ct Markers or 12-ct Colored Pencils

.20 each: 2-ct Glue Sticks

$2 each: 6-ct magnetic markers or 9×12 double-sided lap board

$1 each: Mead composition book. Selected fasion notebooks, 1-subject poly notebooks

Crayloa 52ct Sidewalk Chalk or 5-ct 3-D Sidewalk Chalk

$3.79 each: Embark 400mL water bottle in assorted colors, Embark insulated lunch bag in assorted colors, Thermos insulated snack jar with spoon, 14oz Aladdin Chill Snack Pack with removable Ice Pack

$9 each: 16inch licensed backpacks, assorted styles

$6 each: Licensed insulated lunch kits

Walmart

$2.50 each: 18-oz Mini Water Bottle, Pencil Pouch, Pencil Clutch, 3 pack folders, 1 subject notebooks, composition notebook or 1inch fashion binders.

.25 each: Composition Notebooks

$1 each: Post-it notes (90 sheet), 2-pack Sharpie Fine Point Markers, 6-pack Bic Mechanical Pencils, 10-ct Papermate Recycled Pens, Magic Tape (300”)

$2.50 each. Georgia-Pacific Copy Paper 500 sheet, Avery 5-Tab Style Edge Dividers.

Toys R Us

All Crayola Crayons Buy 1 Get 1 Free

All Crayola Markers Buy1 Get 1 Free

All Story Readers and Story Reader Books 20% off

Free Lunch Kit ,up to $9.99 value when you buy ANY backpack priced $12.99 or more

K-Mart

.10 each: 2 pocket, 3-prong folders (limit 10)

.50 each: Composition Books or 150ct Filler Paper (limit 10)

Free Lunch Kit ($5.99 value) with any backpack

.50 each: Fashion and Licensed portfolios, 12-ct RoseArt colored pencils (limit 4), Bic Black, Blue or Red 10pack round stick (limit 4) or Paper Mate 2ct or Scool Select 2 count erasers, Acme Twist-It Flexible 12” Ruler (limit 4)

$1 each: Pencil Boxes, 2pack Fine or Ultra-Fine Black Sharpie Markers, 36ct Yellow #2 Pencils (limit 4), Crayola 8-ct Watercolors (limit 4) Westcott Pointed or Blunt 5” scissors (limit 4 each), Avery 2-ct retractable highlighters.

$3 each Georgia-Pacific 500 ct Paper (limit 4) or 96-ct Crayola Crayons.

15% off all Dividers, School Select Pencil Sharpeners, Avery Economy or Durable View 1” Binders, Office Select or Mead Index Cards.

Walgreens

Notebooks: 3 Subject, 120 Sheet; Composition 80 Sheet

Retractable Pens 4pack Paper Mate Profile or 2 Pack Uniball 207 Gel Pens 2 for $3

Expo Dry Erase Markesr 4pack $1.99

5 pack Bic Grip Pencils, 10 Pack Crayola Markers .99 each

Penway 24pack Crayons, 12 pack colored pencils, 8 pack Jumbo Crayons .49 each

130 Sheet Filler Paper 2 for $1

Penway 24 pack Yellow Pencils or 5pack Mechanical with Grip .79 each

Sharpie Fine Point Markers, 12 count $3.99 each

Mead Poly Notebook 1 Subject $1.99

Mead Poly Notebook 3 Subject $2.99

Mead Poly Notebook 5 Subject $3.99

Fiskars Scissors Blunt or Pointed .99 each

Elmers Glue Jumbo Glue Stick or School Glue .99 each

Coupons:

2 Pocket Folders with Prongs 8 for $1 (limit 16)

Paper Mate Write Brothers Mechanical Pencils 10pack .39 (Limit 6)

Penway School Supplies: Flexible Ruler, Pencil or Crayon Sharpener .29 each (limit 6)

Novelty Pencils or Mini Highlighters .09 each (limit 12)

Legal Pads 5×8 or 8.5×11.75 .29 (limit 4)

Mead Envelopes 40-100 pack .69 (limit 6)

Corner Office Index Cards 100 pack White or 70Pack Colored .39 each (limit 6)

Crayola Posterboard 3 for $1 (limit 6

Staples

.01 Deals Valid Sunday-Wednesday

2-pocket folders .01 each with any $5 purchase (limit 10)
8 pack #2 Yellow Pencils .01 each with any $5 purchase (limit 2)
Staples multipurpose paper .01 after rebate (limit 2 rebates per household)

Dollar Days Sale- All Items $1

Bic Atlantis Ballpoint Pens, assorted 4 pack
Staples Mini Stapler Assorted
Staples Translucent Pencil Box
Staples Hype Grip Highlighters, 6 pack
Wescot 5” Scissors 2 pack
Staples glue sticks 4 pack
Post It Novelty Shaped Notes, Assorted 2 pack
Rose Art Colored Pencils 15pack
Scotch Magic Tape
Quartet 8.5 x 11” dry erase board
Staples #10 Envelopes pull and seal, 25pack
Staples Photo Supreme 8.5 x 11 paper, 50 pack (after rebate, limit 2 rebates per household)

Avery 1” Durable EZ Turn Binders $1.50

25-50% off All Backpacks

Office Max

Buy 2 Get 1 Free

All Officemax 8.5×11 Inkjet or Lazer Paper
All Officemax Legal Pads
All Officemax Clips, Fasteners, Scissors, Staplers or Tape
All Officemax Duralbe View Binders
All Officemax Hanging File Folders
All Officemax File Storage Boxes
All Officemax #10 Envelopes,
All Officemax Self-Stick Notes

If you are new to shopping at Rite Aid, check out my Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along you way! Remember, you can use a Rite Aid in-ad manufacturer coupon with a manufacturer coupon from the newspaper or online. Read the Rite Aid coupon policy HERE.

Also, this list was made with the Idaho ad. Please verify prices in your area before shopping.

I am only listing the BEST offers this week here. Go to the Rite Aid forum thread for the entire weekly list plus discussion. Additionally, you can use this $5/$20 coupon from Rite Aid Video Values to save you more this week!

I have noticed the past few months that you can get additional $5/$25 purchase coupons when you watch certain Rite Aid videos in the Video Values. Look under the category labeled “Rite Aid.” Awesome!

AND….if you have not signed up for the Wellness Program yet at Rite Aid, when you do you can print a $5/$25 coupon to use on your next shopping trip. Plus you can earn +UP coupons with your Wellness card too, so don’t forget to sign up for one today!

A new thing Rite Aid is doing is offering +UP Rewards. When you purchase designated items with your Wellness Card, you will get a coupon that prints out at the register you can use on your next purchase. It’s basically cash in your pocket!

Crest Extra White plus Scope Outlast Toothpaste $2.69
Use Crest Toothpaste, any 4 oz. or larger or Liquid Gel .75/1 (7-31-10) PG-7/4
Get a $2.69 SCR
Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupon and rebate!

Crest 3D mouth rinse, 237 ml., or 3D White Vivid Toothpaste $2.99
Use Crest Toothpaste, any 4 oz. or larger or Liquid Gel .75/1 (7-31-10) PG-7/4 (for the toothpaste)
Get a $2 SCR
Final Price: FREE plus overage after coupon and rebate!

Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers 2 for $7
Use (2) $2/1 coupon from 6/27 Parade magazine
Get a $2 +UP Reward on two
Final Price: $.50 cents each after coupons and reward!

Nivea Lip Care $2.49
Use $2/2 printable coupon OR
B1G1 free from June 2010 All You Magazine
Get a $1 +UP Reward
Final Price: As low as $.74 cents each after coupon and rewards!
(Remember you will only get one +Up reward per transaction. So if you are using the $2/2 printable coupon you will only get one +Up reward).

Coppertone Sun Care $8.99
Use $1/1 printable coupon AND
$2/1 in ad coupon AND
$3/1 Video Values coupon
Get a $1 +UP Reward
Final Price: $1.99 after coupons and reward! (Qualifies for the Skin Care rebate)

Neutrogena Clinical $39.99
Use $5/1 coupon from March 2010 All You magazine
Get $2 +UP Reward
Final Price: $32.99 after coupon and reward
Then send in for the Clinical Rebate to make this deal a moneymaker!

Just for Men Touch of Gray hair color $7.99
Use $2/1 printable coupon
Get a $1 +UP Reward
Final Price: $4.99 after coupon and reward
Then send in for Touch of Gray rebate to make this deal a moneymaker!

Claritin $8.99
Use $2/1 printable
$3/1 Video Values (from last month so you need already have printed it)
Get a $2 +UP Reward
Final Price: $1.99 after coupon and reward!

Scenario Idea:

Coppertone $8.99
Just for Men $7.99
Crest toothpaste $2.69
$.79 VO5 Shampoo (filler item)
Total: $20.46

Use:
$5/$20 Video Values coupon
$6 in Coppertone coupons
$2 Just for Men coupon
$.75 crest coupon
Total OOP: $6.71

Get $2 in +Up Rewards
$2.69 Crest rebate
$7.99 Just for Men rebate
GRAND TOTAL after rebates: $5.97 overage!!

Prilosec OTC, any size $1/1 (7-31-10) PG-6/6
Prilosec OTC, any size $3/1 (7-31-10) PG-6/6

Pantene Products, any excluding trial size $1/2 (7-31-10) SS-6/13
Pantene products, any excluding trial size $1/2 (7-31-10) PG-7/4
Pantene Styler, Treatment or Hairspray, any $1/1 (7-31-10) PG-7/4

Tampax Pearl or Compak Pearl, ay 18 ct. or higher $2/1 (7-31-10) PG-7/4
Tampax, any 18 ct or higher $1/1 (7-31-10) PG-6/6
Tampax, any 18 ct. or higher $1/1 (7-31-10) PG-7/4

Tide Detergent, any size $1/1 (7-31-10) PG-7/4

Tide Stain Release, any $1/1 (7-31-10) PG-7/4
Tide Stain Release, any size $1/1 (7-31-10) PG-6/6

Final Price: $6.49-$8.49

Bounty Towels or Napkins, any .25/1 (7-31-10) PG-7/4

Final Price $8.99

Skullcandy headphones 50% off! Thrash Guards 5.95!

The headphones don’t show as 50% off on the search page, but they reduce in price when you add them to your cart.
The Thrash Guards will show up as $5.95 in your cart as well.

Skullcandy Thrash Guards 2-Pack iTouch®
$5.95
70% off
MSRP $19.99

Skullcandy Nano Bright Stripe Case
$5.95
70% off
MSRP $19.95

Skullcandy iPhone 3 Clip-On Case
$5.95
80% off
MSRP $29.95

Skullcandy Lowrider 09
$19.98
50% off
MSRP $39.95

6PM.com LINK

Shipping is $6.95 for your entire order.

Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 10-Inch Stir Fry
List Price: $80.00
Price: $24.49
Eligible for free shipping with Amazon Prime or free Super Saver Shipping on $25 orders.
You Save: $55.51 (69%)
Want something fun and cheap to throw in to get the $25 free shipping?
These are cute!
Wilton Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Baking Cups
$1.79

One of our PYP members has a great recipe blog! It is wonderful.
Laura makes things that real moms (no chef training required) would serve. She also uses lots of the things we get great deals on by shopping with PYP.
Today she has a yummy looking Blueberry Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting! Looks sooooo good!
Check out her blog at https://realmomkitchen.com/

Kodak Easyshare 9.2 MP Digital Camera + 4GB SD Card = $69 shipped!

Walmart Daily Deal LINK
Kodak EasyShare C160 Teal 9.2MP Digital Camera & 4GB SDHC Memory Card Bundle
$69 + FREE shipping!

These crazy things are all the rage now and it is nice to get the real Silly Bandz at a good price and get free shipping!

Silly Bandz LINK
Lots of styles to choose from!
Some 24 packs are just $2.88 shipped!

On July 9, prove you’re no chicken and visit your local Chick-fil-A fully dressed like a cow and receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Meal in celebration of the Cows’ favorite holiday. And brings the kids, because calves get free meals, too!

See this link for more details

You can also just download your costume: LINK to printable costume

2 Movie Tickets + 2 Small Popcorns + 2 Small Drinks = $26 (Save 20%)

CityDeals LINK

All Cinemark Theaters

Combo Pack Includes: (2) Classic Supersaver Prepaid Admission Tickets, and (2) Concession Supersaver Prepaid Vouchers.

Concession Voucher Valid for one free junior popcorn and one free small fountain drink. May be redeemed at any participating Cinemark Theatre Nationwide. Present at concession stand. This ticket is non-refundable. Not redeemable or exchangeable for cash or equivalent. Ticket may be redeemed toward upgraded size. Must pay additional cost of upgrade. Not valid for bottled water or candy items.

We have been going camping for our summer vacations for several years. The cost is actually quite minimal once you have the necessary equipment. Once you have the equipment you need (which you may even be able to borrow from a friend) the only things you need are gas, food, and a campground to stay in.

How much can I expect to pay at a campground?



Plan on anywhere from about $12 to $30. The more amenities offered the more it will cost. Even when we were tent campers we liked staying somewhere with water and power. I usually take my crockpot, and I have used it even in a tent. For $12 you can expect a place to set up camp and not much else, for $30 you can usually expect bathrooms, showers, play areas and laundry facilities. There are many campgrounds where you can just show up and find a space and also many spaces you should reserve ahead of time. Be mindful of busy holiday weekends!

What recreational activities can I expect?

Hiking, watching animals, biking, fishing, boating and swimming are all fun things to do while you are camping. We always take games, crafts and books. In many state and national park area you will find specific nature programs for kids. I have a box of toys and games that we only use while camping. Scavenger hunts can be fun too.

What gear do I need?

Tent – get one that sleeps a couple more people than you actually have. I have no idea where they come up with the number of people that can fit into a tent, I like a little extra space.

Sleeping bags and extra blankets

Moms and dads might like a little extra comfort provided by a foam pad or an air mattress – this is not a necessity however.

A propane camp stove is great for cooking and heating water for dishes. Don’t forget to bring the propane.

A good cooler (or two). To save space in the cooler freeze everything that you can – things that you are not going to use for a couple of days. This will help keep everything cool and save on the space needed for ice.

Then just a few little incidentals: Pots and pans, plates and utensils, pillows, flashlights w/ extra batteries, a small hatchet, insect repellent, scissors (I seem to always need these) and matches or a lighter.

There is a bit of work involved in camping but it’s fun work. You can build memories that your kids will remember for a long time.

Here are some links to some great places to purchase camping supplies:

Camping World

Walmart

Target

Here are some links for locating campgrounds:

KOA

Reserve America