5 minute rule



Ok, so I try hard to save my family money, after all I am the stay at home mom that takes pride in well, the little things. I like to pride myself with wow, I did this for half the cost, or because I am able to stay at home I am able to make bread, you get the idea right? So when reading coupon mom's strategic shopping book. She mention the 5 minute rule, I loved it and it's now my ah ha moment at the grocery store. Its simple, when ever I want to buy something already packaged and ready to go, I think to my self, is this something I can make or do, in five minutes? If it is then I don't get it and save more money. I suppose this rule might apply to those that loves to be in the kitchen with kiddo's running around, and trying to help you with Disney princess music in the back ground, I don't know but that is the way it is at our house.

The rule has saved me extra money, I wish I could tell you but for the most part it's a simple way to save some real money at the grocery store. Here are some things that I don't buy any more and my reasoning

baking mixes, I know I have posted some before but you gotta love them. My reasoning is, if your buying a cookie mix, and you still have to dirty dishes, why not make a big batch of cookie mix and store it in a 20 cup rubber maid container. and yes it takes me about 10 minutes to make the whole mix, but I got 20 cups of mix or 10 batches of cookies at hand, and your saving a ton of money! Other baking mixes I have already prepared that I don't buy any more are: corn bread mix, bisquick, and pancake mix

Produce, some things I see working out while others not so much, bag lettuce is marked up at least 50% pre cut fruit and veggies, up wards to %100.

Fabric softener, like I mention in my last post

bread, it takes no time in the kitchen, and who doesn't love home made bread

Meat, buy  meat when it's on sale and freeze it, 5min to repackage and divy out the portions, or cook the ground beef with what ever seasoning you need and you are all most done making a dinner to prepare, I like to buy 3lb-4lbs and cook it and then freeze it in four portions, so I am only dirtying up one pan one time instead of 4 times.

Cheese, my kiddo's love the cheese cubes, I hate the price, but for what seems like half the cost you can cut up your cheese cubes your self, takes 5 mins. I also like to grate my cheese, this takes me less than 5 min. to do.

I hope this helps you to save some extra money at the grocery store, like me this was an ah ha moment that I thought was a simple way to save some money.

Home Made Fabric Softener and Hy-Vee's deal on suave conditioner

I really am not the person to make home made cleaners and detergents, don't get me wrong I use Borax Acid in my dishwasher, and Vinegar is my favorite cleaning agent, however I didn't think spending 4 bucks on fabric softener every month was worth it when all you need is two ingredients, vinegar and water, super simple and easy to make. So for $4 a month I am saving, and with my new 5 minute rule in place I thought yep that's worth saving the $4 a month, I love it. Here is the recipe that I like to use oh yes and did I mention that Hy-Vee has Suave Conditioner on sale for .88, I stocked up for a year (12 bottles.)


liquid fabric Softener
3 cups water
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1 cup hair conditioner
poor everything together mix/shake well. use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry

FamilySearch.org

Something that you might not know about me is the fact that I love Family History, LOVE IT, along with preserving family memories and so on. So I thought I would just mention one of my favorite things that is free that I couldn't live with out. FamilySearch.org.

If you ever want to learn more about your family history this is a great place to start, unlike Ancestory.com this website lets you view any census record, documents, county records and more that they have in their systems (ancestory.com) gets these records also, but this site is free to view, you can create your family tree, it's really cool! This site also has some fantastic tutorials as to how to start a family history, and tutorials for getting more information from around the world, a huge library right at your finger tips, you don't have to leave the house to find your ancestors!

Go to FamilySearch.org, and click getting started, to get loged in. Or go here to start an account.



 Happy Searching!
This is what I have been working on! Awesome stuff right?

Sales Cycles and how it can benefit you

I know that I have posted this post before but I always like a good refresher. I always like to know what season is a good time to buy what grocery items, and when a specific item will be on sale at what time of the year. so here is my list, keep in mind that months run into each other meaning that just because Frozen food month is March expect frozen food stuff to also be on sale at a rock bottom price in February also, so always know your price points and snag the deal when you see it.

So want to know how sales cycles work? it's super easy, once a year a product will be at it's rock bottom price, that also means Manufacturers will send out coupons for this product, you should also find a bunch of these type of coupons on line, It's a savings haven! so we will take frozen pizza (since they were on sale just a couple weeks ago) this is the time to stock up on frozen food. Digorno pizza was on sale for a rock bottom price at 2/9 I had a buy 2 get one free coupon so I got 3 Digorno Pizza's for 9 or for $3 a piece. If you could see my freezer  I almost need anther one since it's almost full of frozen food items that my family will use this coming year. That is how you can use sale cycles to your benefit  stock up once a year on the items that are on sale at it's rock bottom price so you don't pay double 6 months from now for the same item.



January

National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach
Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February

Hy-Vee usually have lots of good deals on frozen food this month
National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon
National Hot Breakfast Month:  Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines:  Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc
Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts
Seasonal Produce:  Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach
grocery store sales cycles

March

Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

April

Easter:  Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales

May

Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June

National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool Whip
End of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
Seasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July

National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips
End of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Seasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August

Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, Lunchboxes
Disinfectant:  Clorox, Purell
Clearance:  Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, charcoal
Seasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Squash, Summer, Tomatillo, Tomato

September

Back to School Sales through Labor Day:  Crayons, Pencils, Folders, Binders
Diabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna Cereal
Seasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Baby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October

Halloween: Candy, Fresh Pumpkin
Beginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking Chips
Daylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke Detectors
National Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, Purina
Seasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams

November

Best month of the year to stock up on lots of grocery items, ( a little secret, my grocery bill doubles this month- but so does the savings, buget for a big grocery bill the sales are endless it seems)
Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake Mixes
Canned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Thanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, Yams
Clearance: After Halloween Sales

December

Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, Ham
Baking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped cream
Canned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti Sauce
Seasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales




HyVee Weekly Ad Coupon & Deals Matchups for the Week of 2/20 – 2/26

Go here Penny Pinchin Moms for the matchups, she does a great job posting the deals. I wish I could say there was a good deal this week on things, however I am not seeing anything great that I gotta go out and stock up on, Bummer I was hoping for a good add this week.

Here are my Fuel Saver items that I must purchase: opg means off per gallon of gas
Life Cereal 2.49/.2 opg
Hy-Vee kitchen utensils 3/6 .6opg wyb 3 or .2opg/1
Old Orchard Apple Juice or plends, 64 oz. .3opg
Honeysuckle White ground turkey 1.2 lb 3.49 .2opg


Happy savings!



sensory table for small children

Cheep toys are my favorite for one year olds, they love the everyday items in their life, so what to do? Put those items in a tub and let them play: I used lids and plastic large animals (choking hazards if the items are too small) I like to play with them and ask them open ended questions like where is a big lid, or where is the lizard? Big Man had a ton of fun playing while i did dishes!

Hy-Vee's coupon Match ups for 2/13-2/19

Hy-Vee's add this week is slim pickin's this week, go here for the match ups, (note that I am not to thrilled but I'll save my money for next weeks add)


However We had a wonderful Valentines Day filled with Hy-Vee's influence - Thank you Kathy for all your hard work during this Valentines day, my lilly's my DH gave me are beautiful and the Chocolate Covered Strawberries we made for DH were super yummy!

Hy-Vee Deals for 2-6-13 through 2-12-13




IN-AD COUPONS
BABY / CHILD
BAKERY / BREAD
BAKING / INGREDIENTS
BEVERAGES
BREAKFAST
BOXED / CANNED / JARRED
CONDIMENTS
DAIRY / REFRIGERATED
FROZEN
MEAT / SEAFOOD
PAPER / PLASTIC
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