Tuesday, August 3, 2010

CVS'ing Late This Week

For something to do and to get some exercise, JJ and I went for a walk to CVS today. I did pretty good, here is what I got:

(2) Jumbo Pampers Diapers $8.88 ea - (2) $1.75 mfg coupons
(1) Tide Laundry Detergent 50oz - $5.97
(2) Dawn Dish Detergent $.97 ea - (1) $1.00 mfg coupon and (1) $.25 mfg coupon
(4) Single size Pretzel M&M's $.50 ea - (2) B1G1 coupons
(2) Ring Pops $.89 ea (for the boys)
(1) Bottle of water $1.29 (for the walk home)

Subtotal: $30.74 plus tax

In addition to the mfg coupons I used $10.00 in CVS bucks and a $4/20 CVS coupon

Total out of pocket: $12.08

No bucks back but I did get a rain check for a free 8 pack of Bounty Paper Towels for buying $25.00 worth of Procter and Gamble products.

Oh and to be good for the environment, I used my Penn State reusable grocery bag :)

All in all not a bad trip.

Spices

If you like cooking (which I am starting to more) you know that spices can be expensive right? Did you know that all spice, taco seasoning, seasoned salts, etc. are just common spices mixed together and sold under a different name? Why spend the extra money when you can make them up as you need them or even make them ahead of time with spices you probably already have?

Yesterday I was making a recipe that I found in a magazine and it called for seasoned salt. I checked my spice cabinet and found out that I didn't have any so I went online and found out what was in it and made up some of my own. It saved me a trip to the store and some money because not only did I not have to buy it but I also did not purchase any impulse items while I was there. It saved me about $20.00 or so that I probably would have spent.

Here is the recipe for the seasoned salt that I made yesterday. This makes a big batch so you can save some for later, just store it in an air tight container. If you need less you can always cut the recipe in half. It was REALLY good on the chicken that I made in the crock pot.

Seasoned Salt

What you need:

8 tbsp salt
3 tbsp pepper
2 tbsp paprika
1/2 tbsp onion powder
1/2 tbsp garlic powder

An airtight container


What to do:

Mix everything up. You might want to try using a food processor or a grinder for a fine grind.

Recipe credit goes to Life Spy.com

And if your curious, this is the recipe I made and it was REALLY good. I made one slight change, I put the chicken in the crock pot for 4 hours instead of grilling so it could cook while I did other things.

Carolina Shredded Chicken from Family Circle Magazine

Enjoy!