Dierberg's Sales & Coupon Match Ups Oct 11 - 17th

Dierbergs deals this week:

Produce:

seedless red grapes $1.78 per lb

Washington apples $5 for 3 lbs

Barlett pears $5 for 3 lbs

sliced mushrooms 2/$4

complete salad kits 2/$6

Meat:

Center cut pork steaks $1.79 per lb

chicken drumsticks or thighs $0.99 per lb

Perdue chicken nuggets, strips, cutlets or turkey meatballs 2/$6

Pantry:

Marzetti salad dressing 4/$5

New York texas toast croutons 4/$5

Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce 5/$5

Mott's Applesauce 2/$3

Inko's Tea or energy drink 4/$5

Dairy/Cooler:

Weight watchers or Blue Bunny yogurt 2/$1

Aunt Jemima waffles or entrees 4/$5

Jello pudding or gels 2/$6

Powerade $0.79

Fuze drinks or Sobe Life Water or Tea 10/$10

Specials:

15 hour one day sale Thursday from 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Oscar Mayer ready to serve bacon $2.47

Iceberg lettuce $0.78

tomatoes on the vine $1.18 lb

Russet potatoes 5 lb bag $1.28 ea

Northstar ice cream $1.59 (limit 4)

Luzianne Tea Bags 24 ct family size $0.99 (limit 4)

Red Gold Tomato Sauce 5/$1 - limit 48

Sun Laundry detergent $1.99 - limit 4

Mr Dells Hashbrowns $1.97 - limit 4

Moms best natural cereals $1.18 - limit 4

Barefoot, Yellow Tail or St James wines $4.97 - limit 60

Special deals all week:

Buy any 10 select General Mills products save $5 instantly at checkout:

Scenario:

Buy 8 Progresso soups
Buy 2 Chex mix, use $0.50/2 MNFC (expires 11/25)
Total: $12 after savings for 10 items

Buy any four 2 ltr bottles of 7-Up, Dr Pepper or Sunkist save $2 instantly at checkout, final cost 4/$4

Wolf Brand Chili 4/$5, use 4 $0.40/1 MNFC SS 10/2, coupons will double to $0.80, final cost $1.80/4

Glad Trashbags $6.99, use $0.75 MNFC (expires 11/12), $6.24

Trop 50 orange juice 2/$6, use $1/2 MNFC expires 10/22, 2/$5 

Pillsbury Cookies $2.50, Buy 3, use $1/3 MNFC SS 9/25, 3/$6.50

Playtex Sport 36 ct $7.89, use $1 MNFC SS 10/2, $6.89

Pert $2.99, use $1 MNFC SS 10/2, $1.99

Edge shave gel $2.50, use $0.75 PMNFC or $0.55 MNFC expires 11/6, as low as $1.75

Welch's Grape juice $3, use $1 MNFC expires 12/31, $2

Green Giant boxed veggies 4/$5, use $0.60/3 MNFC expires 11/26, 4/$4.40

Pillsbury cresent rolls 2/$4, use $0.40/2 MNFC expires 12/24, coupon doubles to $0.80, 2/$3.20







Coupon match ups:

Shop n' Save Deals & Coupon Match Ups for 10/9 - 10/15

Shop n' Save deals this week:

This Thursday is coupon Thursday, save $10 on your purchase of $50 or more, limit one per household! Remember Shop n Save does not double coupons :)

Produce:

Pears $0.98 per lb

Apples $1.98 per lb

Fall squash $1.58 lb

peppers $0.98 ea

Meat:

Jumbo deli franks 10/$10

bologna or pickleloaf 10/$10

Gorton's sticks, portion's or fillets $3.98 ea

Johnsonville brats 2/$6

Pantry:

Gatorade 10/$10

Propel enchanced water $0.88

Prego pasta sauce 3/$5

Cheez-it $1.77

McCormick's recipe inspirations seasonings 10/$10

Pop Tarts 2/$4

Kellogg's cereal 5/$10

Krispy's crackers 3/$5

Oyster crackers 10/$10

Saltines $0.94

Sugar $1.98

Dairy/Coolers:

18 ct medium eggs $1.98

Prairie Farms 1 gallon ice cream $5.48

sour cream or french onion dip 2/$3

Specials:

Buy 10 participating Con Agra items in a single transaction save $2 instantly at checkout.

Scenario:

Buy 2 Banquet Brown & Serve sausage $2
Buy 4 Hunts snack pudding pks $4
Buy 4 Chef Boyardee Pastas $4
Total: 10 items for $8 after savings

Buy any six participating Heinz products, save $3 w/ in ad MNFC.

Scenario:

Buy 2 Smart Ones Bistro selections or desserts $4
Buy 2 Smart Ones Classics $3.34
Buy 2 Bagel Bites $4
Total: 6 products for $8.34 after savings

Buy any 8 Totino's Party Pizza save $2 instantly, 8/$10

Coupon match ups:

Snickers fun size candy $2.50 a bag, Buy 3, use $1.50/3 MNFC, $5.50/3

Yoplait light w/ granola 2/$4, use 2 $0.75/1 MNFC (expire 11/25), 2/$2.50

Pillsbury cookie dough $2.50 ea, buy 3, use $1/3 MNFC SS 9/25, 3/$6.50

Schnucks Coupon Match Ups & Sales Oct 10th - Oct 16th

Deals at Schnucks this week:

Produce:

Stemilt Washington Apples 4-lbs $5

Navel oranges 2/$1

Fall Squash 2/$1

Fresh Express Garden Salads 4/$5

Cauliflower 2/$4

Raspberries 6-oz or strawberries 16-oz 2/$7

Tomatoes $1.99 lb

Asparagus 2 lbs $5



Meat:

Buddig sliced meats 10/$6

Perdue ground turkey 2/$4

Pork roast $1.99 lb

Boneless pork steaks $2.69 per lb

Seapak shrimp $5.99

catfish nuggets $1.99 per lb

Eckrich smoked sausage 2/$5

Bratwurst $1.99 per lb


Pantry:

Syrup 2/$3

Classico pasta sauce 2/$4

Schnucks pasta 10/$10

Ragu Pasta 2/$6 (B2 get 1 free pasta w/ in store coupon)

Cheez it, Keebler crackers, Kellogg's fruit snacks 5/$10

Smucker's grape jelly or jam 2/$4

Skippy's peanut butter 2/$4

Gatorade 10/$10

Capri Suns 2/$4

Koolaid 10/$1

Hormel Tamales 4/$5

Wish-Bone salad dressing 2/$3



Dairy:

Kraft shredded cheese $2.74

Breyer's ice cream 2/$7

cottage cheese $1.48

Land o' Lakes maragine quarters $1.48

Cheese slices $2.28


Coupon match ups:

*Schnucks does double MNFC valued at $0.40 or less with a limit of 15 coupons doubled per transaction*

Ore-Ida Potatoes $2.86, buy 3, use $1.50 MNFC SS 10/9, 3/$7.08

Purina One dog or cat food $5.99, use $4 MNFC SS 10/9, $1.99

Campbell's Chunky soups 2/$3, buy 4, use $1 MNFC SS 10/9, 4/$5

Yoplait 10/$6.80, use $0.40 MNFC (expires 11/5), coupon doubles to $0.80, 10/$6

or

use $1/10 MNFC (expires 11/26), 10/$5.80

Pillsbury pancakes, scrambles, or toaster strudels 3/$6, use $0.75 MNFC (expires 12/24), 3/$5.25

Yoplait kids or Go-gurt 2/$4, use $0.75 MNFC (expires 11/26), 2/$3.25

Pedialyte $4.99, use $1.50 MNFC SS 10/2, $3.49



 

Aldi Deals for the week of Oct 9th - 15th

Deals at Aldi this week!

*Please remember - Aldi grocery stores do not accept coupons*


Produce:

Pears $0.99 per 28 oz pkg

Apples $1.19 per 3 lb bag

Large pumpkins $2.49 ea

Caramel apples 4-pk $1.39

Pantry:

Reggano Lasagna noodles $1.19

Chef's Cupboard ready to serve soups $1.99

Chef's Cupboard french fried onions $1.99

Stonemill Essentials chili seasoning $0.45

Happy Harvest Sweet Potatoes $1.29

Danish Butter Cookies Tin $2.99

Hot Cocoa mix $1.19

Coffee creamer $1.99

Peanut Butter 40 oz $3.49

Meat:

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast $3.79 per lb

Corned Beef Brisket $2.99 per lb

Cocktail Sausages $2.49

How to Have a Thrift-abulous Christmas This Year!

Christmas is less than 100 days away now, and if you haven't started shopping yet, YOU BETTER NOW!

I started getting my Christmas game plan together this past weekend, but I'm actually running behind this year.  I try to take advantage of summer clearance items on things like toys, tee shirts, and outdoor items.  It's a great way to start your shopping for the holiday season and avoid the hectic stores all together after Thanksgiving.

One of my favorite ways to help budget for the holidays is lay-a-way plans.  Kmart offers a great a plan, place as many items as you want in their lay-a-way, put 10% plus a $5 fee to start (start up fee in nonrefundable) and make biweekly payments over the next 8 weeks until paid in full.  I also love that I can place the lay-a-way online and make my payments this way.  Once I have completed payments, I just go to my local store and pick them up! Viola!

Walmart is also bringing back their lay-a-way plans for this 2011 shopping season! It begins Oct 16th and you have until Dec 16th to pay it off.  They are enforcing a few new rules, items must be at least worth $15, minimum $50 balance to start plan, 10% down plus $5 start up fee, cancellation fee is $10.  Also, items can only be from the toy department or electronics (they never stopped their jewelry plans) but no household or clothing. 

Marshalls is my go to store for putting clothes in lay-a-way.  Their terms are shorter, 30 days to pick up your items, but down payments are still only 10%.  Be sure to check availability in your area as some stores do not offer lay-a-way, you can check on the website by searching for your nearest location and looking for the hanger symbol in store features.

OK, not all but some area thrift stores are now also offering lay-a-way plans!  Refabulous offers a 14 day plan, where you select the items you want, pay a 25% deposit, but if you change your mind the deposit is non refundable, so be careful and don't go overboard!

Panache Plus  also offers a plan, 25% down, 45 days to pay off, minimum $45 purchase.  I haven't used their lay-a-way yet, so be sure to get the full details about payments and fees associated by calling or going in (info not provided on website) but I do love this store!! I posted a previous review on this adorable boutique and will be making another visit soon to stock up on winter clothing.

So we have established that clearance items are a great way to start your holiday shopping and using lay-a-way can help you spread out the cost (credit card free might I add) but we all know a big chunk of cash is spent on decorations, food, and travel expenses too.  How can we save on this stuff so we can stockpile gifts under the tree for our wonderful families??

Let's start with decorations.  I buy most of our decorations second hand from Ebay or thrift stores.  If I do buy new items, for example lights, I usually stock up on those during after Christmas sales.  We also make a lot of decorations as a family.  I buy inexpensive ornaments that we can paint or use glue on, we string kix cereal to hang around garland, and the kiddos decorate the windows with construction paper decor such as wreaths, trees, and snowflakes.  Another awesome tip my mother-n-law taught me was to use empty tic tac containers to wrap up like mini presents and stick them in glass vases or even to use as ornaments!  I'll be showing a few of these tricks in upcoming post :)

Disney has some amazing family crafts for the holidays as well: http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/christmas-decorations/christmas-ornaments/

Tons of great ideas!  Including this nifty tree and ornament template:
http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/pdf/printables/0606_christmas_tree_template.pdf


Now on to the food!  There is nothing better than the smell of Christmas cookies baking in the kitchen or a Christmas ham - yummm! I love cooking big holiday meals, but this year seems like it might very well be next to impossible with the cost of everything on the rise.  But - they don't call me Thrifty StL Mummy for nothing!! First and foremost, if you do not use coupons, you should start now, or send them to me! Clipping coupons now can help you fill your pantry with what you need for your holiday meals (including Thanksgiving) at a fraction of the retail cost and you'll have everything you need ahead of time!  I recommend making a list over the next week (before October) and start buying items according to weekly sales. Here is a super simple printable blank shopping list to get your juices flowing: http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/ajc/thanksgivingshoplist.pdf


Another idea to save on food cost is to do something less traditional.  A couple years back my entire family went to a buffet. Each family member paid for themselves and we ended up saving money.  But it wasn't a very intimate setting and we all agreed NEVER AGAIN!  Then again - there was no clean up...

Make sure to ask for help.  If you are hosting Christmas dinner in your home this year, it doesn't mean you have to cook everything alone.  Ask your aunt to bring one of her famous side dishes or your mom to make her Pecan Pie :) Trust me, they'll be honored you are including them in the meal preparations and it helps take some pressure off of you - cost wise & time wise!

Lastly, travel.  Unless you are blessed (or cursed) to have your entire family living within a 35 mile radius of you, traveling can mean big time charges on already stressed credit cards.  I always found it was actually cheaper to drive than to fly a family of four almost anywhere, but time does not always allow it and you can score great deals on plane tickets through one of the many travel sites.  If you know ahead of time (way ahead of time) buy your tickets early.  The earlier the better.  If you can, think of alternative modes of transportation, like Greyhound or Amtrak. And always have a back up plan!  Skype is great technology, just saying :)

Ok, hope this gets you in the holiday shopping spirit! My three favorite holidays are upon us; Halloween (i know it's a made up holiday but it's still a holiday in my book!), Thanksgiving, and Christmas!  So be preparred for lots of Thriftastic updates on planning for all three over the next few months and add even of your holiday thrift tips below or to our Facebook page!

Toodles!!

Grocery Sales for Sept 6th - 10th & Coupon Match Ups

Dierbergs:

One Day Only Beverage Sale - 9/10/2011:

Vess Soda $0.19ea

Buy 10 of any Vitamin water get 4 free 14/$9

Buy 10 of any Fuze Drinks get $3 off instantly at checkout, final 10/$6

Rest of sales good 6th - 12th:
10/$10
Mix & Match

Oscar Mayer Basic lunchables, basic sub, or deli combinations

Chicken of the Sea tuna or Pink Salmon

Baby Carrots

8 oz pkg of Giorgio Mushrooms

Barlett Pears ($1 per lb)

Ocean Eclipse Fish Fillets

Kleenex Tissue - buy 3  use $0.50 MNFC = 3/$2.50

Tribe All Natural Hummus Spread

Healthy Choice soup

Greek Yogurt

Marzetti Salad Dressing

Creamette or Ronzoni Pasta or Francesco Rinaldi Pasta sauce

Soft Soap Liquid handsoap

Gold Peak Tea

Scunci Kids hair accessories

Kellogg's Special K protein meal bars

_______End of ten for ten deals________

Keebler Cookies $1.99ea

Tide Stain Release $4.99

Sargento Shredded Cheese 2/$4 - $.40 MNFC doubled by store $0.80 = 2/$3.20

________________________________________

Schnucks Deals:

10/$10 Mix & Match:

Kangaroo 7inch honey wheat pita pocket bread

Oscar Mayer Bologna

Pillsbury Crescents, Cinnamon rolls or biscuits

Jif peanut butter to go

Marzetti Croutons

Navel Oranges

Bisquick Shake n Pour pancake mix

Simply Lemonade Juice 12 - 13.5 oz

Cole's Mini garlic bread or toast

Pictsweet deluxe sides vegetables

Old Orchard Juice

Schnucks bleach

Save Shampoo or conditioners

_______End of 10 for 10 deals_________

3/$5 Hunter Smoked Sausage

2/$4 Newman's Own Pasta Sauce

5/$10 Hot Pockets - $1/3 MNFC = 5/$9

______________________________________

Aldi's Deals:

$0.25 ea peaches, plums, or nectarines

$1.58 2lbs red or green grapes

$0.99 cantaloupe

$0.39 per lb bananas

$2.99 8inch pot garden mums

Grocery Sales for August 21 - 27 & Coupon Match Ups

Grocery deals this week:

Aldi:

Cantaloupe $0.99ea
Red Grapes $1.58 2 lbs
Mangoes $0.49
Sweet corn 4 pk $0.99


Shop n Save:

Land O'frost Wrap kits $5
Tailgate Brats $5
Frick's Boneless Ham Steaks 2/$6
Fresh Express Garden Salads $1
Farmstand baby carrots $1
Eat Smart Vegetable cutlets $1
Bartlett Pears $1 lb
Red or Golden Apples $1 lb
B1G1F MNFC in Shop n Save ad Country Crock side dish - on sale 2/$6 = 2/$3!
Old Orchard Apple Juice cocktails 4/$5
Planters Peanut Butter $1.88 - $0.75 MNFC 8/21/2011 = $1.13
Kellogg's Crunchy nut cereal $2.50 - $0.70 MNFC 8/21/2011 = $1.80


Schnucks

Powerade 10/$6.70 or $0.67ea
Bomb Pops $2ea
Navel Oranges 2/$1
Pictsweet Vegetables 4/$5

Grocery Sales for August 8th - 13th + Events Happening Around Town

Grocery Sales this week:

Aldi:

Peaches $0.19 ea
Plums $0.19 ea
Strawberries $0.99 lb
Red Grapes 2lb pkgs $1.58
Applesauce cups 6pk $1.29

Schnucks:

Kraft Mac&Cheese $0.79 ea
Nature Valley 2/$5 - $0.75/2 MNFC
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $2ea - $0.50/2 MNFC = 2/$3.50
Pillsbury Toaster Strudel $2.50 ea Buy 3 - $1/3 MNFC = 3/$6.50
Crescent Dinner Rolls 2/$4 - $0.40/2 MNFC (Schnucks doubles any coupons $.40 or less) = $3.20/2
Pillsbury Refridgerated Cookies $1.25 Buy 2 - $.30/2 MNFC (again, coupon doubled) = $1.90/2
Tortilla Stuffers $2.50 - $1 MNFC = $1.50
Yoplait Go Gurt 2/$4 - $0.75/2 MNFC = $3.25
Smuckers Preserves 2/$5 - $1/2 MNFC = $4/2


Shop N Save: **Coupon Thursday, August 11th, $10 off $50 purchase**

Sweet Corn 3/$0.98
Cucumbers/green peppers 2/$0.88
tomatoes $0.98 lb
Quaker Quakes snacks $1 ea
Bumble Bee Tuna $0.98 ea
VO5 Shampoo $0.65 ea
Kellog's Cereal $1.98 Buy 3 - $1/3 MNFC = $4.94
Buy 4 of any combination of the following products and save $3 w/ SC (in wkly ad):

Oreo Cookies $2.78 ea
Newtons Cookies $2.98 ea
Nabisco Wheat Thins/Triscuit crackers $3.48

Nutrigrain 2/$5 - $1/2 MNFC = $4/2
Capri Suns $1.98 - $1 MNFC = $0.98
Kellogs Fruit Snacks $1.78 Buy 2 - $1/2 MNFC = $3.56
Red/Black Plums $0.98 lb


Dierbergs:


Purple Eggplant $0.99 lb
Green Giant Veggies $1 ea
Skippy 2/$4 - $1/2 MNFC = $3/2 + see special in store add for FREE Bread
Welch's Grape Jelly 2/$4 - $1/2 MNFC in store
Off Deep Woods $4.99 - $0.75 MNFC = $4.24
Kotex U Tampons $3.99 - $1 MNFC = $2.99
Schick Quattro Womens Razor/cartridges $7.99 - $2 MNFC = $5.99
Kellog's Mini Wheats $2.49 Buy 2 - $1/2 MNFC = $3.98


Shoe Carnival B1G1H + $5 off $39.98 purchase coupon in wkly ad


Events:

August 10th - Parties in the Park in Downtown Clayton on Meramec Ave - 5pm - 8:30pm
description: Music lineup (Vote 4 Pedro), food and drink vendors, 1/2 price beer between 5pm - 5:30pm.
cost: free minus food and drinks if you wish to purchase
website: www.partiesinthepark.org


August 11th, Hard Rock Cafe St Louis
description: Live Music every Thursday from 5:30pm -7:30pm free to all ages. We will also feature happy hour during live music as well.

August 13th, Cheap Date Night, Science Center Planetarium
description: Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower at the Planetarium from 6:30 pm - 10pm. Enjoy live music, cash bar, and free parking in Planetarium lot.
cost: $7 a person
website: www.slsc.org

August 14th, Iron Barley Tomato Fest, 12 - 7pm
description: Join us as we attempt to make the World’s Biggest BLT! Also a tomato dodge pit, BLT eating contest, raffle tickets and live music. Event features a special tomato menu, drinks and beer. Bring your favorite tomato dish, tomato art & that “special looking” tomato for our contests. All entries due by 1 pm. Proceeds benefit Lift For Life Gym & Corporal Todd Nicely. For more information call 314.351.4500.
cost: FREE to attend - food & drinks regular price
location: Virginia & Bates Street


Make sure to follow our facebook and twitter pages for more instant updates and ways to get free stuff everyday!

Coupon Match ups for the week of August 7th - 13th

Quick match ups from Sunday's paper (look for grocery ad match ups later today):

Quick guide to coupon codes:

WAGS: Walgreens
TAG: Target
CVS: CVS Pharmacy
RR: Register rewards coupon that prints at WAGS, good on any purchase at next visit
EB: Coupon that prints at CVS, CVS allows you to use EB coupon on other items in your cart, or next visit
SC: Store coupon
MNFC: manufacturer's coupon
B1G1F: buy 1 item get the second item free
B1G1H: buy 1 item get the second item at half price
**Please note, at CVS to get items for their sales price, fill out a form to get their free rewards card**


WAGS:

Purex 2x Laundry detergent $1.99 - $0.50 MNFC= $1.49

Purex 3 in 1 Complete Sheets $4.99 - $2RR = $2.99

Renuzit Aroma Air Freshners $1.99 buy 2 - B2G1F MNFC = 3 pkgs/$3.98

Ziploc bags 2/$4 - $1/2 MNFC = $3/2

Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color $5.99 w/ SC - $2 MNFC = $3.99

Ban Solid Deodorant $1.49 w/ SC - B1G1F MNFC = 2/$0.75

Garnier Herba Shine $5.99 w/ SC - $3 MNFC = $2.99

Schick Hydro razor of 4 pk cartridges $8.49 - $2.50 RR = $5.99 - $2 MNFC = $3.99

Listerine Smartrinse $3 - $2 RR = $1

Mead Five Star Binder $9.99 - $2 MNFC = $7.99

Kotex Security Tampons 2/$5 - $1.50/2 MNFC = $3.50

Kotex Pads 2/$5 - $2 MNFC = $3

Colgate Advanced or Gum Defense toothpaste or 360 toothbrush 2/$6 - $4 RR = $2

Sinful nail polish 3/$4 w/ SC

TAG:

Ziploc containers $2.39 buy 2 = $4.78 - $1.50/2 MNFC = $3.28

CVS:

Spend $30 on select products and get a $10 gas card :)

Great lash mascara $4.99 - $1 MNFC = $3.99

Nutri Grain 2/$5 - $1 MNFC = $4/2

Keebler Fudge Stripes cookies $1.99 buy 2 = $3.98 - $1/2 MNFC = $2.98/2

Rice Krispies $1.79 buy 2 = $3.59 - $1/2 MNFC = $2.59/2

Fitness Thursday: Where Does Your Health Land on Your Priority List?

Everyone has a unique outlook on their own health, a general concession on their children's health, and most agree the last thing they need to hear from anyone is what they should or should not be doing, they already know.  Occasionally you might talk to your doctor or your friends, ask for advice, look up things on the net, even turn to a reality show or two and take notes.  But what are you really doing to promote over all health and well being for yourself?

I awoke today feeling a little queasy, tried to push it aside and get on with my normal routine, and headed out to run some errands this morning.  An hour later I am standing in line at the supermarket praying I don't blow chunks on the poor woman in front of me!  Thankfully, I made it through checkout, the drive home, and unloading it all.  I heard rumors of a stomach bug going around and evidently I am just another victim (at least according to my sister whom just dealt with the same scenario several days ago) who has to put life on hold for the next 24 hours and deal with it.

The funny thing, I thought I was just over stressed, usually for me stress leads to what I like to call "stress pains".  The kids are returning to school in two weeks, cut backs at my husband's work, and changes to my own schedule are just a few of those little stressers.  I have learned to cope with stress over the years in several ways to alleviate those stress pains and sometimes prevent them all together by working out and eating healthier.  Simple solutions really.  The more active you are the less time you (or your body) have to lay around and induce more worrisome thoughts upon yourself.  But, once I realized that yeah, this is a virus, you have to call it a day and get well, it got me to thinking, how many other moms put their own health to the side thinking they are doing the right thing by taking care of everyone else first?

This was an excellent point brought up at a recent health seminar I attended at my gym, Ellipse Fitness St. Louis.  The seminar is part of a 4 week program aimed at teaching you ways to rev up your metabolism and offering everything from group workout classes, nutrition support, to the online support.  All of the resources you need to take those next steps at becoming a healthier version of yourself are right there at your disposal.  I must say, what lead me to Ellipse was a horrible experience at a different gym.  I was so humiliated when a trainer pretty well refused to assist me in reaching my goals I almost gave up on the whole sha-bang!

Luckily, Ann, a trainer at Ellipse, offered for me to come out and give it a try.  She explained they were a "classes only" facility and it was a mix of strength training and kick boxing.  Hesitant, I decided to just go and see for myself.  The first class was amazing and hard! I had never kick boxed before and honestly hadn't worked out in years.  At the end of the first class I could feel it head to toe and the adrenaline stuck with me well into the next day.  Every class after has given me the same feeling and even better - a way to spend 45 minutes doing something important for myself.

At one time (until very recently) I would have thought it was selfish, taking 45 minutes out of my day just for my own pure benefit.  Then I attended the first seminar and Ann spoke very clearly, "You have to take care of yourself first, if you don't, you aren't going to benefit anyone else either.."  Those words struck a chord in me and for the first time it made a little more sense in my mind, it's okay to take care of me, I have to take care of me.

The biggest benefit I have received from classes at Ellipse; the support!  Every trainer is readily available to answer any questions I have, they take the time to insure I'm performing the exercises properly so I get the full benefit from each class, and they offer encouragement.  I never feel judged when I walk into class, we are all there for the same reason, to get a great workout!  If you'd like to check out Ellipse, they have a great deal going on right now for a FREE WEEK, just visit their website: www.ellipsefitness.com and print the coupon :)

Other quick tips for healthier living:

~ Avoid soda!  The carbonation in soda can reek havoc on your bones, your digestive system, and lead to unwanted weight gain.

~ Have fresh fruit and veggies readily available to snack on throughout the day. I cut up celery, add baby carrots, and peppers to ziploc bags so I can grab a bag anytime I am running errands.  Of course making a fruitty bag is just as tasty.

~ Note that after a workout your body needs time to rest to recover, especially when doing strength training (weights) you are tearing your muscles and need them to repair in order to properly build muscle. Plus it helps train your body to continue burning calories while at rest, a huge point when trying to loose weight.

~ Attend yearly doctors appointments.  A routine check up can catch signs of problems early and helps maintain your overall well being.



Hope this gets you thinking and as always, I am here for any questions or thoughts you may have!

A few Grocery deals this week:

Aldi:

$0.44 lb Bananas
$0.99 lb Strawberries
$1.49 lb Blueberries
$1.39 cantaloupe
$0.75 lb Red Grapes

Shop 'n' Save:

$2.98 Seedless Watermelon
$1.28 lb tomatoes
2/$0.88 cucumbers or green peppers


Dierbergs:


$0.99 lb purple eggplant
$0.99 lb zucchini or yellow squash
$1.99 Kellog's Cereal

10/$10 mix & match items:

Puffs tissue
Baby peeled carrots
mushrooms
broccoli crowns

Schnucks:

10/$10 mix & match:

Iceberg lettuce
turkey bologna
weber grilling spices
barlett pears
ocean eclipse seafood

2/$4 Jif Peanut Butter
3/$1 ears of corn

Coupon & Sales Match Ups for July 31st - August 6th

Saturday: early edition paper was waiting for me when I returned from my morning shift at work, looking bulkier than it has all summer long, and to my surprise it was overloaded with COUPONS!! 4 inserts to be exact! The joy on my face was evident, the kiddos must know my "time to clip" gaze, they ran and hid instantly.  Not because I ask for their assistance, but because the living room floor becomes coupon cutting central for the next hour or so, today make that two hours :)

Here are the deals I compiled for this weeks sale ads:

Office Max:

$0.01 twelve inch wooden rulers (limit 2)
$0.01 twenty-four pack of Schoolio Crayons (limit 2)
$0.50 Composition Books (limit 4)
$0.50 Glue sticks bonus packs (limit 3)
$0.10 Dixon 10 pack pencils (limit 2)
Expo dry erase markers B2G2

Walgreens:

$0.39 1 Subject notebooks/6 pack Papermate Highlighters
$0.59 Filler paper/12 pack colored pencils
$0.11 Wexford 2 pocket folders (limit 6)
Lipton tea bags 2/$5 WAGS SC + use $.40 MNFC = $4.60
Swiffer Wet Jet Starter Kit $18.99 + use $5 MNFC = $13.99 + FREE additional Wet Jet Cleaner Solution ($5.49 value)
Tide Stain Release $3.99 + use $0.50 MNFC = $3.49
Downy Liquid Fabric Softener $3.99 + $0.50 MNFC = $3.49
Pencil box $0.59 w/ SC
Fiskars Scissors $0.79 w/ SC
Penway or Wexford Pencil top erasers/2 pack pink erasers $0.29 w/ SC
Rubbermaid TagAlongs $1.99 buy 2 + use $1.00/2 MNFC = $2.98
Crayola Washable Markers $2 + $2 RR = FREE
Nivea Body wash $5.99 + $2 RR + $2 MNFC = $1.99
Oral B Advantage toothbrush & Glide Floss 2/$5 + use $0.75 MNFC Floss + $0.75 MNFC toothbrush = $3.50
Scope Mouthwash & Crest Complete w/ Scope toothpaste 2/$6 + $3 RR + $0.75 MNFC on mouthwash + $0.50 MNFC on toothpaste = $1.75
Tampax Pearl $6.99 + $2 RR + $1.00 MNFC = $3.99
Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash $3.99 + $1 RR + $2 MNFC = $0.99
Allegra Allergy $6.99 + $6.99 MIR (mail in rebate) = FREE
Cottonelle 12 rolls $5 + $1 instant in store coupon = $4
Goody Colour Snap Clip $2 + $2 RR = FREE

Walmart:

$0.20 1 Subject Notebooks
Listerine $3.97 + $1 MNFC = $2.97
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief $4.47 + $1.50 MNFC = $2.97
Clean & Clear Cleanser $4.47 + $1 MNFC = $3.47

Target:

Tees & Tanks $5
6 pack Elmer's Glue Sticks $1

CVS:

Gillette Fusion ProGlide $9.99 + $5 EB + $4 MNFC = $0.99
Skinny Cow Single $0.99 + $0.99 EB + use MNFC B1G1 = 2 for FREE
Bounce Dryer Bar $3.99 + $0.50 MNFC = $3.49
Puffs $0.88 buy 3 + use $0.25/3 MNFC = $2.39
Dawn $0.99 + $.50 MNFC = $0.49
Vaseline $4.99 + $1.50 MNFC = $3.49
Dove Men Care $5 + $1 MNFC = $4 (good towards free gas deal)
Dove Visible Care Body Wash $6 + $1.25 MNFC = $4.75 (good towards free gas deal)
Oral B Action toothbrush $5.99 + $3 MNFC + $1 EB = $1.99
Gillette Body wash $3.49 + $2 MNFC = $1.49
Q-tips $1.99 + $0.30 MNFC = $1.69
Bic Soleil Razor Starter Kit $5.99 + $3 EB + $2 MNFC = $0.99

Super Cuts $5 Value Card (coupon) good towards any product or service

I am working on a new way to streamline all the codes and discount descriptions for each individual store and hope to have it in place by Tuesday when the grocery deals will be posted.  Meanwhile, please feel free to comment if the "coupon code" is overwhelming and I will be happy to explain it in a more descriptive way. Also, Check my "Welcome to Thrifty StL Mummy" post, it contains tons of information to assist you in reading the weekly deals :)

More deals updated all week!

This Weeks Grocery Deals and Which Coupons to Match with Sales!

Tuesday's grocery sales rundown:

Stores: 

Aldi
Shop n Save
Dierbergs
Schnucks


Aldi's:
Cherries $1.99 lb
Red Grapes $1.99 2 lbs
Strawberries $0.99 lb
Baby Carrots $0.59

Dierbergs:
*Pick any 3 packages with "yellow dot" stickers for only $5 ea!
Perdue fresh ground turkey 3lbs 
Tenderbird Chicken Breast 3 lbs
Perdue Fresh Whole Chicken
Perdue Jumbo pack Chicken Drumsticks
Boneless Pork Country Style Ribs
Lemon Pepper Tilapia

Whole Seedless Watermelon $3.98
Fiber One deal: 4/$10 - mix and match on Fiber One Cereal, Granola Bars, or Brownies + use $0.75 Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies MNFC + $0.40 Fiber One Chewy Bars MNFC + $0.50 Fiber One Cereal MNFC + $0.75 Fiber One 80 Calories Cereal (whew that was alot lol) = $7.60 + Dierbergs gives you a free box of the New Fiber One 80 Calories Cereal or the new Fiber One Brownies, 5 Fiber One products for $1.52 an item! 

Special K cereal $2.49 + use $0.70 MNFC = $1.79


Schnucks:
Post Cereals 3/$6 + use $1/2 MNFC = 3/$5 and these boxes have free kids admission tickets to Six Flags inside, bonus!! :)

Hillshire Farm Smoked sausage $1.99
Birds Eye Steam Fresh Vegetables 4/$5
Eckert's Peaches $1.48 lb

Shop n Save:

Sweet Corn 3/$0.98
Watermelon (not seedless) $3.48
Land O Frost Shaved lunchmeat $3.50 + use $0.55 MNFC = $2.95 e
Oscar Mayer Bologna 2/$4
General Mills Deal: Save $4 instantly @ checkout when you buy any 4 participating GM products. Cheerios 2/$5 + use $1/2 MNFC = 2/$4 , Chex Mix 2/$4 + use $0.50 MNFC = 2/$3.50 for a total of $7.50 - $4 off @ checkout = $3.50!!

Great deals this week, happy shopping!