Hearty, Healthy & Cheap: Barley and Lentil Soup

Here is a recipe with all the qualities I love. It's super healthy, super easy, it sticks-to-your-ribs, and it's inexpensive. Oh, and it's very, very tasty, too! In the photo, I served it with a big slice of bread machine whole wheat bread. Yumm-a-ramma!

Barley and Lentil Soup

1 c. onion, chopped

1 c. celery, chopped

2 c. carrots, sliced thin

1/8 t. garlic powder

1 x 14-oz. can diced tomatoes

1/4 c. lentils

3/4 c. pearl or hulled barley

7 c. water

3 vegetarian or chicken bouillon cubes, or 3 t. granules

1/2 t. dried rosemary, crushed

3/4 t. dried oregano, crushed

1/4 or more pepper

Add all ingredients to heavy soup pot. Cook 40 minutes or more until vegetables and barley are tender.

Enjoy

Great Publix Shopping. 89% Savings

Well, I've been shopping at Publix, but it's been a while since I have posted. Here are my finds this week.

10 x Fiber One yogurt, $1.25 - $1.35 MQs = FREE plus $1.00 total overage

(I received these from a coupon trade. They are not from a newspaper insert.)

Cover Girl Powder, $3.19 - $2 Publix Q from green flyer - $1 MQ = 19c

Publix Chocolate Milk, $2.65 - FREE coupon WYB 2 gallons white milk, any brand.

(This coupon rang up at $3.75, but the cashier manually adjusted it, so I did not receive overage.)

3 x Alexia Waffle Fries, $1.45 each - $1 Q = 45c each. These should have rung up at $1 each per the ad, making them free, but I did not catch it. I will take my receipt back next time, and should receive the Publix Promise. They should refund my money on one, and adjust the price to the advertised level on the other two.

2 x Kotex, $1.60 each - $1 MQ - $1 Target competitor Q = Free plus 80c overage total

4 x Fisher Fusion trail mixes, $0.90 each - $1 Qs = Free plus 40c overage total

Publix Frozen Pizza, penny item, 1c

With my overage I bought 2 gallons of milk, bread, and a big carton of Stoneyfield yogurt (for my beloved husband!)

Total before Taxes $9.77

Should receive $2.35 for Publix Promise price adjustment

Adjusted total: $7.42

Total Saved: $62.84 or 89%

Free Doll Clothes Sewing Patterns

If you have a little time and a little bit of sewing skill, here are some fabulous and free sewing patterns for American Girl Dolls and other dolls. Some are simple, and some more involved.

YouCanMakeThis.com lists a few simple patterns, including some which are suggested for giving to Toys for Tots. What a fabulous idea! They even provide a free downloadable certificate to accompany your creation when dropping off the doll clothes that you make.

Click HERE for "Twirls for Girls" skirt and top patterns.

Click HERE for a "pettiskirt" for doll and child

AG Playthings offers free downloadable original American Girl patterns for six of American Girl's historical dolls. Click HERE to see the doll patterns.

The Prudent Homemaker also lists many great sewing for less ideas. Click HERE for inspiration.

I'm not sure if I have enough time this December to make the Toys for Tots doll clothes, but I'm thinking that it will be a great activity to make up some of these next summer with my daughters, when I will have more free time. Maybe I can squeeze a few in this month!

Do you have any sewing for less ideas?

Lighter Fare for a Holiday Potluck

This time of year, the yummy, heavy, starchy food seems to come at us from all sides. Not that I don't enjoy it. I do, but we all just don't need to eat too much of it. I'm usually invited to a few pot-luck meals during this season, so I usually try to bring a lighter dish. Here's a colorful spinach and spring mix salad, easy on the hips. I'm pairing it up with some of my free salad dressings that I snagged earlier in the year.

Helathy blessings this season to you!

For more Thanksgiving recipes, go to the Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom.

Publix Savings/ Spent $47 Saved $114 (71%)

Free and Super-Cheap at Publix

6 x Yoplait Fiber One yogurt, $1.25 (raincheck) - $1 MQs = 25c/4-pack

Blue Bell Ice Cream, $3.99 - $1.50 MQ = $2.49

Nature Valley Nut Clusters, $2.50 - $1.60 = 90c each

(I had a Food Lion Q for $1/2, but my Publix apparently stopped taking Food Lion, otherwise these would have been 40c each.)

Pears, 69c/lb

Eggland's Best Eggs, $2 - 50c Q, doubled = $1

Snuggle, $3-$3 MQ = FREE

Bird's eye Lightly Sauced Veggies, $1.19 - 50cQ, doubled = 19c each

Bird's eye Mixed Veggies, 89c - 50c Q, doubled = FREE plus 11c overage

2 x Bandaids, 79c each - $3/2 = Free plus overage

4 x Sundown Vitamin D, $2.99 - 2 x $6/2 Publix Q - 4 x $1/1 Sundown Q = Free plus $4

overage, total

4 x Children's Tylenol Meltaways, $4.09 each - 4 x $2 Publix Q - 2 x $3/2 MQ = 59c each

Arm & Hammer Toothpaste, 2/$2.99 - 2 x $1.50 Q = FREE

(I am still on a quest for free toothpaste that doesn't bother my husband's gums!)

2 x Lactaid, $3.49 each - $4/2 MQ = $1.49 each

3 x Glade Fragrance Collection Mini Candles, $3.19 each - $3 Qs = 19c each, Plus this qualifies for a $5 rebate from S.C. Johnson. Spend 57c, get back $5 rebate!

2 x Scott wipes, $1.10 in-store special - 50c Qs, doubled = 10c each!

Publix Candy Corn, Penny item, 1c

Skintimate Shave Gel, $2.17 - $1.50 MQ - $1.50 Target competitor Q = Free plus 83c overage!

Yakisoba Noodle Bowl, 79c - 50c Q, doubled = Free plus overage

The Rest of the Haul

Other Deals of Note

2 x Fresh Express Spring Mix, BOGO $3.99/2 - 55c/2 Q = $1.72 each

Progresso Broth, $2 each - 50c Qs, doubled = $1 each

Sun Chips, $3 - $1 Q = $2

Aunt Jemima Syrup, 2/$3.79 (raincheck) - $1/2 MQ = 2/$2.79

A Great Read: Coupon Burnout

OK, I admit it. I get coupon burnout sometimes. In fact, I burned out last week with coupons. That is one reason I decided to shop at Aldi this week. If you feel burned out, this article at Southern Savers will help you to put it all into perspective. Read and enjoy.

The Great Aldi Experiment

All this for $37.18 plus tax

I've been reading on some of my favorite Frugal blogs about how much Frugals love to shop at Aldi. Up until recently, I wasn't willing to drive the half-hour to my closest store to take advantage of the savings. Just in the last few weeks, a new Aldi has opened up about 10 minutes from my house. I was determined only to buy the very basics this week (milk, produce, cheese) and I didn't want to stock up on any major coupon deals at the regular grocery stores.

Here are my observations from my fun Aldi trip:

(1) Bring your own bags and a quarter. Aldi strives hard to minimize their overhead costs. A few of the amenities we are accustomed to at traditional grocery stores do not exist at Aldi. They do not employ baggers or courtesy clerks. If you want to use a grocery cart, pop a quarter into the receptacle to check out a cart. The quarter is returned when you return your cart. Also, bring your own bags, and plan on spending a few minutes at the "bagging area" after you check out.

(2) Aldi is a small grocery store. They mostly carry house brands to minimize costs, and they do not accept coupons. They have a fairly good selection of groceries, but did not carry everything I wanted. For example, they had only white rice, and not brown rice. The dried bean selection consisted only of pinto beans. They were also out of spring mix salad blend, but did carry other bagged salad selections.

(3) Some of the produce prices were amazing! The produce section was small, but the quality of the produce looked good. Here are some of the amazing prices I found:

3 lbs. large gala apples, $1.19/bag (I bought 2 bags!)

whole Dole pineapple, 99c ($2.99-$3.99 elsewhere)

48 oz. zucchini, 99c

large pumpkin, $2.49 (These are $5.99 at other stores!)

bananas, 39c/lb (69c at other stores!)

broccoli crowns, $1.49

(4) Aldi is a good place to buy basic baking supplies. I bought a bag of all-purpose flour for $1.49. I'd have paid at least a dollar more at Publix or Kroger. I also bought a 2 c. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips for $1.69. Basic baking supplies rarely go on sale, except for a little bit around Thanksgiving and Christmas. I usually do not stock up at the holidays enough to last all year, so it's nice to have a lower cost source.

(5) Aldi has great prices on dairy products. Dairy is another thing we go through quickly. I bought skim milk for $1.49/gallon. Whole milk was an incredible 99c/gallon. I also bought blocks of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for $1.49/8 oz., a good price.

(6) Aldi has a double guarantee on their house brands. If you don't like something, they will refund your money and replace the product.

Have you shopped at Aldi? Do you have any good tips to share?

100% Free at Publix

We all had a wonderful time on vacation, and I'm still working to get back into the swing of things.

An unexpected trip to the pediatrician, a minor infection, and a trip to fill an antibiotic prescription brought me to Publix, even though I had not planned to go there this week. To my delight, the Rx was on the list of Free antibiotics! My daughter has so many drug allergies, I didn't thing any of the free ones were safe for her, but there was one! Hurray!

I also snagged three of the free Snuggle fabric softeners while I was there. I had stashed these coupons in my wallet just in case!

Snuggle fabric softener, $3 each - $3/1 coupons = FREE

Blogging Break

Hello Readers,

I'm taking a short blogging break for a family vacation. I will see you all next week.

Homemade "Magic" Sore Throat Elixir

No that the weather is changing for the lower temperatures, invariably there are allergies, sore throats and sniffles just around the corner, or maybe already here. I wanted to share with you a little recipe to ease the inflamed throats and stuffy sinuses.

My husband and I really think this sore throat tea is magic. It is incredibly soothing. The combination of the mint, lemon, honey, and tea really works a comforting wonder on an ailing upper respiratory system.

"Magic" Sore Throat Tea

One mug of boiling water

One green or black tea bag

One mint tea bag (peppermint or spearmint, or blend)

1-2 tsp honey, or to taste

1 T. lemon juice, or to taste

Have a healthy happy fall!

Black Beans Part 2: Five-Veggie Chili

I wanted to take a picture of this beautiful chili, but it was consumed all too quickly! When I make an extra big pot of black beans, half of it gets saved and goes into this chili. What we really like about it is the assortment of veggies that goes into it.

Margery's Five-Veggie Chili

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

diced small onion

diced bell pepper

1/2 lb. mushrooms, chopped small (portobello taste great!)

2 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes

black beans (about 1/2 lb dry, cooked into about 3-4 cups)

1 T. Chili powder

1 t. paprika

1 t. oregano

1 T. parsley

1 t. cumin

3/8 t. cayenne pepper, or to taste

1-2 cups water to thin, according to preference.

Saute first four ingredients in large skillet until meat is cooked through. Add all ingredients to large pot, and simmer 30 minutes or longer.

Top with cheese if desired. I hope you like this as much as we do!

Healthy Eating: Black Beans & Rice

Here's another meal that makes its way into our once-per-week vegetarian dinner: Classic Black Beans and Brown Rice. We like to serve it with lots of cheese and something green. This is one of my son's favorite dinners. He never fails to compliment me on it and asks for seconds, too, an amazing thing for a 10-year-old meat-loving boy!!

I double the recipe and use the extra beans for chili con carne later in the week.

Classic Black Beans & Rice

(from Better Homes & Gardens "New" Cookbook, c. 1989 - lol)

1-1/8 c. black beans (1/2 pound)

1/2 c. shopped onion (I use onion powder usually.)

2 cloves garlic, minced (I use 1/2 t. garlic powder.)

1 bay leaf

3/4 t. salt, or to taste

1/2 t. fennel seed, crushed (I use my coffee bean grinder.)

1/4 to 1/2 t. ground red pepper

2 c. hot, cooked rice (We prefer brown rice.)

Rinse beans. In a large saucepan combine beans and 3 c. water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain beans in a colander and rinse. Return beans to the saucepan. Stir in onion and spices and 3 cups of fresh water. Bring to boiling;reduce heat. Cober and simmer about 2 hours, or until beans are tender, adding more water if necessary. Serves 4.

Publix Wrap-up, 82% or $234 Savings

In addition to my windfall of free cat food, I did scrape together some other deals at Publix this week. Sorry, no detailed photos. It was a crazy-busy day, and I just didn't take the time.

Publix Wrap Up

4 x Yo-Plus Yogurt, $1.25 - $1 MQs = 25c each

3 x Bird-Eye Steam Fresh Veggies, $1.24 - 3 x 50c MQs, doubled = 24c each

3 x Birds-Eye Lightly Seasoned Veggies, $1.19 - 3 x 50c MQs, doubled = 19c each

2 x Smart Balance 50/50 Butter Blend Sticks, $1.74 - 2 x $1.50

4 x Nutrigrain Eggo Waffles, 99c each

Used 2 x $2 off Fresh Fruit WYB 2 Eggo Waffles (MQs from package insert). Since I was buying fruit anyway, this makes the Eggos FREE

Sorrento Cheese Sticks, $3.99 - $1 Publix Q - $1 MQ peelie = $1.99

3 x Hamburger Helper (for a school food drive), $1.59 each - 75c/3 MQs

I used 3 x $1 off Ground Beef WYB Hamburger Helper. I needed this anyway for chili later this week, so it sort of made the Hamburger Helper 29c each

8 x Muir Glen Organic Tomato Sauce, 89c - $1/1 MQs = FREE plus overage

3 Suave Shampoo, $1.19 each - $2/3 MQ from Kroger home mailer = 52c each

4 Kashi Granola Bars, $2.50 each - 2 x $1.50/2 MQs - 2 x $1.50/2 Whole Foods Competitor Qs = $1/box

4 x Quaker Oatmeal, $1.33 each - 2 x $1.25/2 MQs = 70c each

Yakisoba Noodle Bowl, 79c - 50c/1 MQ, doubled = FREE plus overage

Mt Olive Pickles, $1.10 - 50c MQ, doubled = 10c

St. Ives Facial Cleanser, $2.50 - $1.00 MQ = $1.50 (Boy, I just ran out, so I was glad to find this deal!)

3 x Sun Maid Raisin 6-packs, $1.50 - 3 x 75c/1 Publix coupons from the yellow flyer = 75c each

3 Bandaid travel size, 79c each + 1 J&J First Aid kit travel size, $1.47 - 2 x $3/2 any J&J = Free plus overage

Publix Spring Water 6-pack, 1c Penny Item

This was overall an incredible trip. I am not posting all of my items for the whole trip; it's just too time-consuming. I used a $6/$60 Kroger competitor coupon and a $5/$25 Rite Aid competitor coupon. I also used $30 in Publix gift cards which I earned from a rebate. Here are the stats:

Value of Groceries, $284.91

Store coupon: $50.40

Vendor Coupons: $79.75

Ad Special Savings: $70.63

Advantage Buy savings: $3.39

Total Savings: $204.17

Gift Card Savings: $30

Out of Pocket Cost: $50.74

but overall I

A Great Read: Are Coupons Only for Junk Food?

Crystal has posted a fantastic article HERE about couponing and healthy eating. Since Coupons and Healthy Eating are two of my favorite subjects, I found her post very compelling. Hop on over and have a great read!

Holy Cat Food, Batman!

My kitties are *soooo* happy!

Publix

11 bags Purina One cat food, $4.99 each - 11 x $3/1 Manufacturer's Coupons - 11 x $2/1 Target Coupons (competitor coupons) = FREE

I will post the rest of my Publix deals tomorrow.

Generous Living

One of the wonderful effects of frugal shopping is being able to be generous with our stockpiles towards others. I'm so grateful for all that we have, and when an opportunity comes along to share with others, I jump for joy at the chance to do so.

A dear extended family member is without a job and has had a terrible run of bad luck lately. I'm happy to be able to put this nice basket together to help out a little. Everything in the basket was free after sales and coupons. The basket was from Michael's at a 50% off sale. The cello wrap is from the dollar store.

My good friend is collecting gifts and toiletries for a home for teen girls. The girls have been abandoned by their families and are victims of child sex trafficking in Atlanta. I made a quick pass through my stockpille and pulled out some things to donate. I will probably make another pas again to collect more things for this donation.

A Great Deal on Raisins

I found a great deal on raisins, so I bought a great deal of raisins. (I hope to buy some more, too.)

Six pack of Sunmaid Raisins, $1.50 Advantage Buy at Publix. Use the 75c/1 store coupon from the Yellow Advantage Buy Flyer. This makes it 75c per pack!

Griddle Toasted Tortilla Chips

It's so true that necessity is the mother of invention. I had made a batch of our family's favorite Homemade Salsa but we ran out of store-bought corn tortilla chips before we ran out of salsa. I had made flour tortillas on a previous day for fajitas, and we had some left over. My husband was salivating over the salsa and despaired that there were no more chips left! What to do???

Whip out your griddle, slice up the tortillas, and toast them on medium high-heat until nicely browned! I flipped them a couple of times per side. They were surprisingly crisp and didn't get soggy in the salsa. Delicious!

Publix in the Flood! 9/22

After raining for 7 days straight, and flooding all over the Atlanta area, I finally made it back to Publix today for some goodies, but I missed the Monday penny item! The weather was just too bad yesterday!

Here are some fun freebies and cheapies after the flooding was over.

Lender's Bagel, $1.79/2 (raincheck) - 2 x 75c/1 Publix Qs from "Toss for Cash" = 15c each

5 YoPlus Yogurt, $1.25 each (not pictured & with a raincheck)- $1 Qs = 25c each.

Breyer's Ice Cream (not pictured), $2.50 - $1.50 Food Lion Q = $1!

2 Marathon Bars, clearanced for 50c - 50c/2, doubled = FREE

Kashi Honey Sunshine, FREE with Q from Vocalpoint.

Sorrento Cheese Sticks, $3.99 - $1 Peelie MQ - $1 Publix Q = $1.99

4 x Pringles, $1.25 each - 2x$1/2 = 75c each

6 Muir Glen tomato sauce, 89c - $1 MQs from "Better at Home" booklet from Publix = FREE plus overage

Green Works Toilet Cleaner = $2.99 - $2 MQ - $2 Food Lion Q = FREE plus $1 overage

4 Band-Aid travel sizes, 79c - 2x $3/2 any J&J product = FREE plus overage

Log Cabin Syrup, $3.49 - $.75 Publix Q - 50cMQ, doubled = $1.74

Yakisoba, 79c - 50c MQ, doubled = FREE plus overage

J&J Baby Wash, $3.19 - $1 MQ - $1 Target competitor Q = $1.19

Sargento Salad Finishers, $2.50 - $1.50 Publix Q from "Family Style Magazine" - 75c MQ = 25c

2 Quaker Chewy Bars, $1.50 each - 75c/2 = $1.12 each

Honey Nut Cheerios Cup, $1 - $1/1 any size = FREE

Blessings!

Shave Gel Giveaway Winners

Thank you for all your green and frugal and cooking tips. I enjoyed reading your responses. I am happy to announce the results of the Edge and Skintimate Target coupon giveaway.

Results were generated from random.org

#2 - Ursula Page (left a comment on your blog.)

#6 - Jessica C (emailed ya.)

#12 - me, oops that doesn't work. Gotta random.org again

#1 - Sherryl, Georgia Coupon Fan. (emailed ya.)

Please contact me with your snail mail addresses, and I will send your coupons our right away (or at least as soon as I buy some more stamps!)

May your lives be less hairy ;-).