Lunchbox Ideas for Kids--Easy, Fast, Healthy & Frugal Too!

Lunchbox Ideas for Kids--Easy, Fast, Healthy & Frugal Too!

With the kids back in school, we as parents often worry if they will be getting proper nutrition.  Let's face it, if we hand them a few dollars on the way out to door, they won't be buying vegetables, fruits & whole grains!  After all, they are kids and need guidance.  Then there's the big question, how healthy are school provided lunches?  With terms such as...pink slime(Eeek!) flying around, school lunch is not something I really want my child eating.  

Honestly, we have 2 reasons for packing our son's lunch daily.  The first and most important is his food allergy.  He is allergic(not intolerant) to dairy products.  All of them!  No cheese, no milk, no whey, no yogurt.  We have to be cautious of breaded foods, baked goods, breads, snacks...pretty much everything.  I'm sure some of you out there are dealing with similar allergies such as gluten or nut.  We have to be aware of EVERYTHING they eat!  We have to read every label in detail, double checking that the allergen is not included.  And in my opinion, no one will keep track of your child's diet like you do.

Our second reason for packing our son's lunch daily is cost.  I'm sure you knew I was going to say that.  School lunches can be expensive.  Our son attends a private school.  We love the school.  They do a great job!  But their lunches are pricey...$2.75 a day!  That's more then $600 a year!  Wow!  You can pack your child a healthy balanced lunch at home for a faction of the cost!

I complied a list of lunchbox ideas that are healthy, fast & easy to prepare and cost efficient too!

Not all the recipes are dairy, gluten and nut free.  Make substitutions as needed.  Since I'm accustom to dairy substitutions, I listed my ideas with the recipes.

Sandwiches

Polka Dot Sandwich

Dairy Free:  Skip the cream cheese!  I would use a fruit spread instead!

Round it out with:  Raw Veggies, such as carrots, celery or broccoli, add a fruit and water!

Banana Hot Dog

 Already Dairy Free!

Pack It Up Idea:  Spread the peanut butter on the bun.  Add topping and jelly(if desired).  Send the banana unpeeled.  Your child can peel and add the banana at school so it doesn't turn brown.

Round it out with: Milk(or Almond, Coconut Milk) and raw veggies & hummus.  Let them buy milk at school, if possible.  It's usually much cheaper than buying them at the grocery store.

Checkerboard Turkey Sandwich

 Dairy Free:  Skip the cream cheese!

Round it out with:  Fresh cucumber slices, Greek Yogurt & milk.

My idea:  Place a toothpick in each sandwich stack to keep them together.  I would also add a nice piece of romaine lettuce!

Pear & Avocado

Already Dairy Free!

Round it out with: Baked Pita chips, fresh berries, and milk or water.

Chicken & Waffle Sandwich

Dairy Free: Use dairy free buttermilk substitute found here 

Round it out with: Green or Red Grapes & Milk

Wraps

Turkey Wraps

Already Dairy Free!

Round it out with:  An orange, baked pita chips and milk

Pizza-dilla

 Dairy Free:  If your child can tolerate non cow's milk cheeses, such as goat cheese or buffalo mozzarella, go for it!  I'm sure it would taste great!  If they can't tolerate or do not like goat, sheep and other cheeses, consider leaving the cheese off.  

Round this out with: Grapes or any other fruit, 8oz of  Greek yogurt(not the neon stuff in a tube) and water

NOTE:  I think this will only work if the school cafeteria has a microwave they can use.

Taco Salad Wraps

 Dairy Free:  Skip the cheese!

Round this out with: An Apple & water.

NOTE:  Don't shy away from this recipe because of the long list of ingredients.  It call for several spices which makes it look much harder then it is!

Lara's Chicken Wraps

Already Dairy Free!

Round it out with: Carrot sticks, cheese stick & water

This recipe sounds great!  But here are a few minor changes I would make:

Sub iceberg lettuce for a leafy lettuce, such as romaine
Sub soy sauce for low sodium soy sauce
Sub Mayo for Mayo with olive oil or Greek yogurt

Salads

Shake-it-Up Chicken Caesar Salad

Dairy Free:  Watch the dressing, it may include Parmesan cheese!

Round it out with:  Grapes, banana & milk

NOTE:  If you want to make this recipe even healthier, try making your own dressing.  Kitchen Stewardship has wonderful recipes!  Prepare the salad the night before and add dressing to a small container.  Your child can add the dressing at school.  This will keep the veggies from getting soggy.

 Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella

Dairy Free:  Replace cow's milk mozzarella with buffalo mozzarella, if possible or leave cheese out.

Round it out with:  Fresh Berries(if in season) or an Orange and water.

Make it Healthier Options:  Salami is OK in moderation.  I think grilled chicken would work as well.  Whole wheat pasta can be used to add fiber.  Prepare this ahead of time to make your mornings quick & easy!

Tuna Dippers

Already Dairy Free!

Round it out with: Sliced cucumber & Greek yogurt, an apple and milk.

Snacks & Treats

No-Bake Energy Bites

Already Dairy Free!

Serving Size: 1 (1 inch in diameter)

I can't keep these in my home!  They get eaten within days!

Monkey Bars 

Dairy Free: Use dairy free buttermilk substitute found here.  Use Earth Balance Buttery Sticks in place of butter.  They are soy free as well!

Chocolate Granola Bars

Dairy Free:  Make sure the chocolate chips are dairy free.  I buy Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chips at Walmart.
NOTE:  There are several variations of these bars on The Marathon Mom.  I've tried a few and they are Yummy and very easy to make!

Trail Mix

Already Dairy Free!
A simple and easy snack that will keep for a month! 

 

Apple Smash

Already Dairy Free!

I love this idea!  It would a be a great addition in the lunchbox or as an after school snack.  And with apple season coming, now is the perfect time to whip up a batch!

100% Real Fruit Roll Ups

Already Dairy Free!

These take a awhile to prepare and would be a great weekend project.  I would make as many trays as possible at one time.  This idea excites me!  My kids love fruit snacks & fruit roll ups, but I really don't like to buy them.  They are packed with sugar and other things I can't pronounce.  I think I'll give this a try on Sunday!  Look for my full review soon!

I hope this post helps you provide a healthy and balanced lunch for your child.  I'm sure you noticed all these lunches are made at home.  Whether you get up 10 minutes early or prepare their lunch the night before,  the small amount of extra time will reap huge rewards!  Your child will have a balanced energizing lunch that was made with love!

Please keep in mind that a child's diet is higher in calories than an adults.  Don't worry about how many calories your child is eating.  Be sure that they are getting a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains & protein.  Try to limit sugar, including juice.

Recipe and Photo Credits: Kraft Foods, Disney Family Fun, Parenting, My Recipes, Martha Steward, Real Simple, Smashed Peas and Carrots, Cooking Light, The Marathon Mom, Love U Madly



Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Giant Eagle Matchups 8/30-9/5

Giant Eagle Matchups 8/30-9/5

Thanks to Tammy at Lady Savings for this weeks matchups!

Key: *** Good Deals, **** Great Deals, ***** Stock Up Deals

10¢ Bonus Fuelperks wyb $10 in participating items below:
($3 value wyb 30 gallons, $1.50 value wyb 15 gallons)
Campbell’s Soup $1
Final Price: As low as 70¢ each wyb 10 after fuelperks (85¢ wyb 15 gallons)

Progresso Classic Soup $1
Final Price: As low as 70¢ each wyb 10 after fuelperks (85¢ wyb 15 gallons)

Goldfish Cartons $1
Final Price: As low as 70¢ each wyb 10 after fuelperks (85¢ wyb 15 gallons)

$5 On Your next Gift Card purchase for back-to-school wyb 5 products below:
Nutri-Grain Bars $2.50

$1/2 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars  or from 8/5 RP
Pay: $2 each and get $5 Off Gift Card wyb 5 participating items
Final Price: It’s like paying $1 each!

FiberPlus Bars $2.50
70¢/1 coupon for FiberPlus Nutty Delights !
Pay: $1.10 each and get $5 Off Gift Card wyb 5 participating items
Final Price: It’s like paying 10¢ each!

Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks $2
75¢/2 from 8/5 RP
Pay: $1.25 each and get $5 Off Gift Card wyb 5 participating items
Final Price: It’s like paying 25¢ each!

Kellogg’s Cereal (8.7oz – 12oz) $2.20
*Cereals aren’t listed so – here are some coupons that you *may* need
50¢/1 Frosted Flakes Printable
$1/2 select Kellogg’s Cereal Printable
$1/2 Frosted Mini Wheats Printable
$1/3 Special K Printable
50¢/1 Special K Protein Cereals Printable
50¢/1 Apple Jacks Printable
$1/2 Rice Krispies Printable
$1/3 from 8/5 RP, 7/29 RP or 8/26 RP
Final Price:  it’s like paying as low as 20¢ each wyb 5 participating items (depending on what’s included)

Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts $2.20
70¢/1 Mini Crisps Printable
$1/3 from 7/29 RP or 8/26 RP
Final Price:  80¢ each if included *It’s like making 20¢ each wyb 5 participating items

Deal Scenario:
Buy (2) FiberPlus Bars $2.50
Buy (3) Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks $2
Total: $11
Use:  (2) 70¢/1 coupon for FiberPlus Nutty Delights!
Use: (1) 75¢/2 from 8/5 RP
Pay: $6.70 and get $5 Off Gift Card
Final Price: It’s like paying $1.70 for 5 boxes! (34¢ each!)

Please visit Lady Savings for a complete list of matchups! 

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Shopping Results--Giant Eagle 8/29 & My Experience with Using Competitor's Coupons

Shopping Results--Giant Eagle 8/29 & My Experience with Using Competitor's Coupons

I've been sitting here for about 45 minutes trying to decide how I should address my experience at Giant Eagle today.  I finally settled on telling you the whole story.  Be prepared for an incoming rant!

I'm sure if you are from an area that has a Giant Eagle, then you are aware of the recent change to their coupon policy, mainly that they are accepting competitors coupons.  If not, you can read more about it here.  Today I headed to the store to grab few things before the sale ended.  I had 3 competitor coupons with me.  One from the new Kuhn's ad for Kraft products and 2 IP Target coupons for Hefty bags.  As soon as I got to the store, I headed to the Customer Service desk to talk to them about competitors coupons and make sure I was on the same page as them.  Well, when I asked the girl at the desk about it, she looked at me as if I had 3 heads!  She honestly had no idea what I was talking about!  

So, she has a supervisor come over.  I talk to her(and she seemed to know exactly what I was talking about) and explain that a new policy was released last week stating that Giant Eagle will be accepting competitors coupons.  And I pull out my copy of the the policy to show her(this is a prime example of why to carry one along).  After she looks at the policy, she tells me that Aliquippa Gaint Eagle is privately owned and does not have to follow the corporate coupon policy.  OK...What!?!  I'm still being nice & calm but inside I'm getting pretty irritated.  The supervisor tells me that they will accept my competitors coupons today and when I'm ready to check out, tell the cashier to call for her to come and push the coupons through.  OK, good enough.

I go about my shopping and found just about everything I wanted and headed to the check out.  When I told the cashier what the supervisor said, she was nice and flicked the switch to make her lane light blink.  But instead of the supervisor coming over, the head cashier comes.  Well, let me just say...she was not nice at all.  In fact, she was downright rude.  Now I've been shopping at this Giant Eagle for years.  I've been couponing there for over a year.  I never once was treated badly until today.  

So I go over the entire issue...again...with the head cashier, who interrupts me mid sentence to tell me that they no longer take competitors coupons.  That they stopped several months ago for a "good reason".  Yes, I'm well aware of that, thank you!  No need to be rude!  Honestly, now I'm getting downright mad!  I ask for the supervisor and she comes over to push the coupons through.  

Meanwhile the head cashier is still going on & on, saying the coupon policy hasn't changed, even though I showed her the policy too.  And all she has to say is...we don't have to follow that because we're privately owned, not corporate.  Yep, I heard that already today, but see now I'm mad because she's being so downright rude.  I say to her...OK, but you do have a Giant Eagle sign hanging over your door, right?  So as a customer, how in the world am I supposed to know if you are corporate and play by the rules or privately owned and make up your own rules?...I probably should have bitten my tongue but I honestly couldn't help myself.  I was being treated like I was doing something wrong...like I was trying to pull a fast one on them or something.

Finally, the store manager comes over, because he sees there's an issue.  No one called for him.  He's a great guy who I've talked to a few times when issues have occurred, mainly with Bonus Fuelperks or something of that nature.  He's always been very polite and helpful.  And today, he lived up to reputation.  He asked what was going on.  I let the girls tell him since I couldn't have gotten a word in edgewise anyways.  Finally he stops them from talking and asks me directly what was going on.  I tell him.  He says to the supervisor, push the coupons through then turns to the head cashier and tells her to get back to her register.  I thank him and the supervisor for helping me out.  He gave a me big smile and a no problem!  Too bad he wasn't around when I first got there because it really would have been no problem!

When I got home, I did call corporate customer service because this is very confusing.  Basically I was told that any store, private or corporate, can change any part of the coupon policy.  Huh???  That makes even less sense to me.  Why should corporate owned stores be able to change the rules too?  And sorry, I still feel that if there's a Giant Eagle sign above the door, they should have to follow the policies that the corporate office makes.  It's like going to Wendy's, asking for a Frosty and they tell you the owner decided not to sell Frosty's at this location!  In any case, the customer service rep forwarded my issue to her supervisor, who I should hear from soon.  I'll give you an update after I speak to them.

Please, if you decide to use competitors coupons at Giant Eagle, talk to customer service first.   That way you'll know where they stand on the new policy!  And please carry a copy with you!  I can't stress this enough!  You can print it here.  Now for the shopping results, which ended being really great!

I spent $21.76 for $66.17 worth of groceries & household products for a savings of over 67%!

Transaction #1

(10) Kraft Shredded Cheese(8 oz) $2 each (Reg. $2.99)*
Special Promo from Coupon Network:  Buy 10 participating Kraft products, receive $10 OYNO(Read more here.)
-(1) $5/10 Kraft--Kuhn's In Ad Coupon
*Cheese freezes great, so stock up when you find prices this low!

Total after all Coupons: $15.00
Total Savings: $14.90(49.83%)
Catalina Earned:  $10 OYNO


Transaction #2

(2) Huggies Wipes (60ct) $1.99 each (Not on Sale)
-(2) 50¢/1
Final Price: 99¢ each

Giant Eagle Whole Milk-Gallon $3.77

(2) Hefty Storage Bags $2 each (Reg. $2.59)
-(2) 55¢/1
Final Price: 90¢ each

(2) Hefty Storage Bags $2 each (Reg. $2.59)
-(2) $1/1
Final Price: $1 each

(3) Good 'n Natural Bars $1.25 each (Not on Sale)
-(3) One FREE Bar
Final Price: FREE

(2) Hershey Simple Pleasures $2.89 each (Reg $3.99)
-(2) $2/1
Final Price: 89¢ each

(1) Helluva Good Dip $2 (Not on Sale)
-(1) $1/1
Final Price: $1

Giant Eagle Large Eggs 99¢

(1)Schwebels Whole Wheat Flatbread $3.09
-(1) 35¢/1 (DND)
Final Price:  $2.74

Total After all Coupons: $6.76
Total Savings: $29.51(81.36%)*
Catalina Earned: 0
Fuelperks! Earned: 10¢

*Keep in mind, if you redeem a competitors coupon at Giant Eagle, it will NOT be reflected in the "Total Savings Today" section of your receipt.  To find your true savings, simply add Total Saving plus total of all competitors coupons! 

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Shopping Results-Kuhn's 8/28

Shopping Results-Kuhn's 8/28

I made a quick run to Kuhn's tonight with my mom to grab a few deals that were going to end.  Everything went smooth and as planned!

Here's a few tips for beginners.  First, I never get TP for free.  Never ever ever!  So if you seen this on TV before, I would question how it was done.  I've been at this for over a year now and it just doesn't happen.  So, with that being said, my stock up price for TP is 45¢ per double roll or around 22¢ for single rolls.  Second, look for produce deals each week.  I know you may need salad ingredients more often, but things like potatoes, onions and garlic will keep much longer!  This week at Kuhn's, 5 pounds of red potatoes were $1.57!  At Bottom Dollar, 10 pounds of Russet Potatoes are $2.50!  These are both great deals!

I spent $15.92 for $32.72 worth of groceries & household products for a savings of over 51%!

Northern Bathroom Tissue $5.99 (Reg. $7.99)

-(1) $1/1

Final Price: $4.99 (41.5¢ per double roll)

1 Ritz Crackers $2.69

1 Ritz Bits $2.69

1 Teddy Grahams-Cinnamon $2.25

1 Teddy Grahams-Honey $2.25

-(1) $2/4 In Ad Coupon

-(2) $1/2 Manufacturer Coupons

Final Price:  $5.88 for all 4 or  $1.47 each!

(2) Domino Sugar -4lb $2.49 each

-(1) 75¢/2

Final Price: $1.74 each

Red Potatoes - 5lb $1.57

Total after all Coupons: $15.92

Total Savings: $16.80(51.34%)

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Giant Eagle New Coupon Policy--Some Questions Answered

Giant Eagle New Coupon Policy--Some Questions Answered

I called Giant Eagle yesterday about their New coupon policy to get some questions answered.  I did get some of the answers I was looking for, but honestly some are still up in the air.  Here's a rundown of what I asked and what they said:

1. Who is considered a competitor?  They DO consider Target, Walmart, Kuhn's, Costco, Sam's Club and ANYONE else who sells groceries a competitor!  Since Dollar General, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreen's, etc sell groceries, they are competitors as well.
2. Will they accept catalinas from other stores? NO.  They will NOT accept these.
3. Can you stack coupons?(i.e. manufacturer coupon and Target coupon on the same item)?  NO.  However there have been reports that stores are doing this.  Check with your stores Customer Service before you attempt stacking.
4. Will you accept "redeemable at" coupons(example: Redeemable at Target, Walmart, etc)?  YES!  They will accept these.
5. Will you accept ECBs, +UP and Register Rewards? The answer I got was NO.  Again, there are reports of some Giant Eagles accepting these so check with Customer Service before trying to redeem them.

My two cents...check with your store.  There always seems to be slight differences from store to store since many Giant Eagles are individually owned and operated.  Each store may interpret the new policy differently, so it's best to check.  If you get the heads up before shopping, you can save yourself a lot of hassle at the register.  Remember to print out a copy of the new policy here.  Carry it along with you.  And please, be kind & courteous to the cashier's.  After all, they are learning the new policy as well.

I will keep you updated on any changes that occur with the policy.  Honestly, I'm expecting revisions in the future.  I will also let you know, through My Shopping Results posts, what competitors coupons I was able to use.  Please feel free to comment on a this post or Shopping Results posts with any information you have.  

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Rite Aid Deals 8/26-9/1

Rite Aid Deals 8/26-9/1

Thanks to Tammy at Lady Savings for this week's deals!

Crest ProHealth Rinse 473ml – 1 liter – $4.99
Buy 1 Crest Pro Health 1 liter AND 1 Crest Pro Health 500 ml
FREE Crest Rinse (500-ml.) wyb Crest Rinse (946-ml.+) from 7/29 PG (exp. 8/31)
Stack with: 50¢/1 Crest Rinse from 8/26 PG (exp 9/30) IF Rite Aid allows and B1G1 coupon isn’t attached to both items
AND Use $1/1 Crest Pro Health Oral Coupon from Oral Health Coupon book (found in-store)
Pay: $3.49, get back (2) $4 +Up (limit 2)
Final Price: FREE plus Money Maker!

Stayfree Product – $3
$2/1 Stayfree Product from 7/22 SS (exp 8/31)  or from 8/26 SS
Pay: $1, Get Back $1 +up (limit 2)
Final Price: FREE

Glade Expression Mist Stater Kit – $2.99
$3/1 Glade Expression Mist Stater Kit Printable – adjusted down
Final Price: Free

Pampers Diapers or Pants – $8.99
$3/2 Pampers Diapers or Pants from 8/26 PG
or $1.50/1 Pampers Diapers or Pants from 7/29 PG (Exp 8/31)
Pay: $7.49, Get Back $2 +Up (limit 2)
Final Price:  $5.49

Herbal Essences or Aussie Product – $3
$3/2 Herbal Essences or Aussie Product from 8/5 RP
Pay: $3, Get Back $2 +Up wyb 2 (limit 2)
Final Price: 50¢ each
*you may have FREE product coupons from a facebook promo a while back 

Visine Deal Scenario:
Buy Visine Redness Relief $5.29
$2/1 Visine Product or Soothing Wipes Product from 7/29 RP
and Use $1 off in-ad coupon
Pay: $2.29, Get Back $2 +Up (limit 1)
Final Price: 29¢

Please visit Lady Savings for a complete list of deals! 

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

CVS Deals 8/26-9/1

CVS Deals 8/26-9/1

Thanks to Tammy at Lady Savings for this weeks deals!

Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip 22-30 oz 2/$4
$1/1 KRAFT Mayo or MIRACLE WHIP (30 oz or larger)
or 25¢/1 Kraft Mayo coupon from 8/19 SS
Final Price:  $1 each

Mars Chocolate Singles  2/$1.9
Get $1 on 2 | Limit 1
Final Price:  2/98¢

Hershey’s Simple Pleasures 2/$6
Get $1 ECB on 2 | Limit 1
$2/1 Hershey’s Simple Pleasures Chocolates from 8/19 SS
Final Price:  50¢ each

Heinz Tomato Ketchup $1
50¢/1 Heinz Tomato Ketchup from 8/19 SS (Pitt got 25¢/1)
Final Price:  As low as 50¢ each

Finesse Self Adjusting Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers $2.99
Get $2 ECB | Limit 1
Final Price:  99¢ each

Scope Mouthwash 1-liter $2.99
$1.50/1 Scope Product from 8/26 PG
Final Price:  $1.49

Please visit Lady Savings for a complete list of matchups! 

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

A Personal Note

A Personal Note

I'm ready to open up to now about my sudden drop off in posts and the 30 Day Challenge.  I trust(and hope) that you will understand.

 I haven't been feeling well lately.  In fact, I've been feeling pretty crappy.   On top of several health issues I've had recently, it is back to school time which made life at home a bit busier then usual.  I'm not making excuses for my sudden stop with the challenge.  I'm just being honest.  I got overwhelmed.

I am sitting here debating about how far into detail I should go about my health issues.  I'm not going to delve into the past because that's...well the past and I'd like to leave it there.  Maybe one day I'll want to share that story with you, but today I'd rather focus on now.

You probably already know my first hiccup was a shoulder/arm/hand injury.  Well, that's A LOT better now!  And I'm very happy about that!  I only have slight stiffness every now & then.  When that happens, I do the stretches my chiropractor taught me and helps so much!  My chiro is a angel by the way!  She's helped me in so many ways I can't even begin to thank her enough!  She's also a very good friend of mine that I've known since grade school.

Several weeks ago, during Assignment #21, you probably noticed I kind of just stopped.  I did post on my Facebook page that I wasn't feeling well and would resume as soon as possible.  Well that was nearly 3 weeks ago.  What happen to me?  Migraines...ugh...migraines!  Not just the regular a few hours to a day migraines, when I get them they last for days on end.  This episode lasted over 5 days.  I was worn out and beat up and very irritable by the end of it all.  On top of that, I always have a slight headache...nearly every day. 

During the episode, I did contact a highly recommended neurologist.  But I have to wait until the end of September to see him.  I've been to see a neurologist before.  I had all the tests done and there isn't anything physically there to cause these headaches.  No tumors or anything or that sort....Thank God!  But I didn't care for the neurologist.  Sometimes we have to search for a doctor we like.  This has been true for me on more than once occasion.  Never be afraid to go elsewhere if you feel you aren't getting the care you need.  Ask your family & friends for recommendations.  You'll be surprised how far that can get you.

So, I'll keep going to my chiropractor because it does help a lot when I do.  I don't think I'll ever stop going there unless one of us moves far away.  After an appointment, I'm always so relaxed and feel great!

This brings me to now.  My son started school Thursday!  He's in 4th grade now which is shocking to me.  It makes me realize how quickly time passes.  And just like every other parent, I was very busy the last 2 weeks getting school uniforms, shoes, a backpack and everything else.  Of course I was also hunting for the best bargain and coupons too!  In fact, I started buying his school supplies in mid-July.  

In the period of time since I sort of dropped off the map, I (err...we) got our daughter fully potty trained!  It was very exciting!  We are so proud of her!  It took just a few days of wearing big girl underpants plus a few accidents, then it just clicked one day.  She got a ton of praise and a few new toys!  No, I'm not above bribery lol!  So with her trained this means I was in a mad rush to get her enrolled in Preschool 3s.  I didn't enroll her in the Spring, because I had very little faith she would be ready.  I know....I know...I should have because she sure did prove me wrong!   The bad part is that it is now mid-August and every preschool I wanted her in was full.  After calling several churches and being put on a few waiting lists, we finally got a break this week.  She'll be attending the same Catholic school as our son.  Luckily for us they had so many families who were in need of a Pre 3 class, that they decided to add a second class!  I'm so happy!  My little girl will be going to school 2 days per week for 2 hours!

I'm still busy at home and now I have to get our daughter just a few things for preschool.  Once she starts after labor day, I'm hoping all will be well with my health and I can resume the Challenge.  It's something I want to finish.  Not only did I put the challenge out for my readers, but I challenged myself as well.  Not finishing it is not an option for me.  Plus my house still needs organizing done!  Look for an update around Labor Day on the Challenge and when it will resume.

You are all dear to me and I appreciate every single one of you who read my blog.  That's why I decided to let you into my personal life.  It's one of things I wanted to do when I started this blog.  I didn't want to hide behind a million and one posts and never let you know the real me.  Whether you come here for store matchups, recipes or to see my shopping results, I feel that you can probably relate in some way to my life.  Perhaps you are an overwhelmed parent at times.  Maybe you suffer from migraines occasionally too.  Maybe you just understand that life gets in the way sometimes.  Whatever it is, I appreciate your understanding more than you'll ever know.

Thank you for reading this because that means that you care,

Holly

Giant Eagle Coupon Policy Update!

Giant Eagle Coupon Policy Update!

Well it looks like Giant Eagle finally put it in writing...they will accept competitor coupons!

**UPDATE:  I'm working on getting more information from Giant Eagle Customer Service to answer a ton of questions buzzing around concerning the new policy.  Look for an update later today!

Here's the basic idea of what went on over the past few months at Giant Eagle stores in the Pittsburgh area:

In February,  Bottom Dollar came into the Pittsburgh area.  They are a discount store with name brand products.  Bottom Dollar put a damper on Giant Eagle's business.  To fix this issue and get customers back, Giant Eagle's that had a Bottom Dollar store open close to them started accepting competitor coupons.  Many of them still do.  However, the Giant Eagle nearest to me is privately owned and operated.  The owner stopped accepting competitors coupons a few months back due to loss in revenue.  

So, today Giant Eagle's corporate office officially released an updated coupon policy which included a section specifically about competitors coupons.  I'm assuming this means all Giant Eagles(including the privately owned) will have to follow these new guidelines.

Here's the details and I strongly suggest you print a copy from the Giant Eagle site and carry it along with you. 

Competitor Coupons

• We accept competitor coupons provided they are from a grocery, convenience store or pharmacy retailer. We will not accept restaurant coupons.
• Must be for dollars or cents off a total order or a specific product. We are not able to accept % off competitor coupons. 
• All competitor coupons must comply with the overall coupon policy above in terms of valid expiration dates, stacking, item limits, printed coupons, photocopies, etc.
• Competitor coupons will not be accepted through self-checkout register lanes.
• Competitor coupons are not subject to doubling.
• Management reserves the right to refuse any competitor coupon that appears to be fraudulent. 

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.

Kuhn's Matchups 8/22-8/28

Kuhn's Matchups 8/22-8/28

Thanks to Maureen at Save and Share With Coupons for this week's matchups!

Sweet Corn 6/$2

Zucchini or Yellow Squash $0.99/lb

Kraft Salad Dressing $1.67
Kraft Dressings, 16 oz $1/2 08/20/2012 CouponNetwork.com (exp 09/05/2012)
Final Cost: $1.17 ea wyb 2

K.C. Masterpiece BBQ Sauce $1.33
$0.75/2 KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce, 28 oz or Marinades, 16 oz SS Insert 06/24/2012 (exp 08/26/2012)
$1/2 KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce or Marinades, 16 oz+ SS Insert 06/24/2012 (exp 08/26/2012)
Final Cost: ala $0.58 ea wyb 2

Classico Pasta Sauce $2.50
Classico Jars, any $1/3 07/28/2012 Classico Rolling
Final Cost: $2.17 ea wyb 3

Domino Granulated Sugar 4lb bag $2.49

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix $1.00
Duncan Hines Brownie Mix $0.55/1 08/03/2012 SmartSource.com (exp 09/03/2012)
Duncan Hines Product $0.35/1 07/26/2012 Duncan Hines (exp 08/31/2012)
Final Cost: ala Free

Chex Mix or Bugles $1.50
Chex Mix or 100 Calorie Snack, 4.5 oz+ $0.60/1 08/09/2012 Betty Crocker (exp 09/10/2012)
$0.50/2 Chex Mix or 100 Calorie Snack GM Insert 08/05/2012 (exp 09/29/2012)
Final Cost: ala $0.30

Read more at http://saveandsharewithcoupons.com/2012/08/kuhns-coupon-match-ups-822-82812/#jEHvO8KxAFE5uJxL.99

Live Frugal.  Live Happy.