BOGO Athenos Feta Cheese Coupon

I am so excited about this Facebook coupon for BOGO Athenos Feta Cheese. You just have to like them here and then you can print. (It's a bricks coupon that pops up.) Our family has a favorite pizza place that makes a pizza with feta, greek olives, spinach and mozzarella with only a little olive oil and garlic for the sauce. This is my all time favorite pizza. Since I love to make pizzas at home I can't wait to use my coupons to make my favorite pizza. My secret is to cook it on the grill so that it tastes authentic. I am getting hungry just thinking about it.

Cake Mix Cookie Recipes

I found a bunch of cake mix cookie recipes to use with all those cake mixes you may have picked up at Albertson's from the last sale. I plan on giving cake mix(probably in a mason jar), frosting and these recipes to neighbors and teachers this year for Christmas. It's never too soon to start thinking about presents.

Cake Mix Recipe 1:

1 pkg. any flavor Pillsbury Plus Cake Mix

1/2 c. margarine or butter, softened

1 egg

Combine all ingredients at low speed until thoroughly moistened. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 9-12 minutes. Cool two minutes; remove from pans.

Tips: If using chocolate cake mix, add 2 Tbsp. water to ingredients

If desired, stir in 1 c. chocolate chips or 1/2 c. chopped nuts.

If desired, frost cookies with your favorite flavor of frosting.

For sandwich cookies, spread frosting between 2 cookies.

Cake Mix Cookie Recipe 2:

Yields about 4 dozen cookies

1 box cake mix (any variety)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (can substitute caramel or peanut butter chips or do a combination)

1/ 2 -1 cup oatmeal (I always put in as much as I can!)

1 /2 cup oil

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/ 2 cup raisins (optional)

1 tsp. vanilla (optional)

nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, blending well. If the mixture is too stiff, add a little water. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute before removing form the cookie sheets.

For altitudes above 3500 feet, add 1/ 4 cup flour to dry cake mix.

Variation: Use white cake mix and add a pudding mix. I added strawberry, for tasty pink cookies. If you use pudding, you will need to add some water (about 1/4 cup). Also, the pudding tends to make the cookies sweeter.

Cake Mix Cookie Recipe 3:

Yields about 2 dozen.

1 (9 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix (or your favorite flavor)

2/3 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

1 egg

*1/2 cup chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, M&Ms (your preference)

* For a healthier cookie, substitute raisins in place of the chips.

Preheat oven to 375. In a mixing bowl, beat the cake mix, oatmeal, butter and egg. Stir in the chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately remove to wire racks to cool.

I think they all look so good. I may have to make some soon just to see what they are like. Yummy!

Albertson's Preview 8/18

The Albertson's preview for the ad that starts 8/18 is up on Pinching Your Pennies here. I don't think that we will see any doublers this week since we just had them. There are no big promos and it looks like a really slow week. Here are some of my favorite deals:

Strawberries 4lb. $5.98 limit 2

Coke 2 liters $.88 each when you buy 3
Look for peelies for $1.00/3
final: $.54 each wyb 3

Wacky Mac Spirals $1.00
use $.50/1 from 5/16 SS
final: $.50

Skippy Peanut Butter $1.50
use $1.00/2 in ad manufactures coupon
final: $1.00

Are Buying Coupons Online Worth It?

I have been asked by many people while on my coupon adventures if buying coupons from the internet is worth it? Do they really come? If you pay for the coupons then how much money do you really save?

In response to this yes for me buying coupons is totally worth it. (Most of the time.)
There have been many instances where I would have missed out on a deal if I hadn't gotten coupons from ebay because my area didn't get the coupon that I needed. I have been able to get Capri Suns, mac and cheese, cereal, soap, sugar, and many other products for just the price of tax and the coupon because I thought ahead and bought them.

In fact I was able to do that this week with the Albertson's sale. Here's what I did:

Bought from Ebay (last Tuesday):
20-$.75/2 when you buy both frosting and cake mix from Betty Crocker
Paid: $1.98 (shipping included)

20- $.50/1 Old El Paso Product Any
Paid: $8.24 (shipping included)
Yes this is a lot to pay for the coupons but wait and see what I did with them.

Then I called my local Albertson's store(On Wednesday) and special ordered 20 cake mixes, 20 frostings and 20 Old El Paso re-fried beans.
I took a chance that there would be doublers since it was around the 15th of the month and waited until Monday to do my deals.

I did five transactions that looked like this:

3 Cake Mixes $.50 each (with 10 item discount)
3 frosting mixes $1.00 each (with 10 item discount)
4 Refried Beans $.50 each (with 10 item discount)

Coupons used:
3- $.75/2 cake/frosting coupons
4- .50/1 beans coupons
3- doublers
total: free (paid $.26 tax) for each transaction

Then I did 1- other transaction:

5 cake mixes $.50 each (with 10 item discount)
5 frostings $1.00 each (with 10 item discount)

Coupons used:
5-$.75/2 cake and frosting
3-doublers
total: $1.50 (plus $.32 tax)

So I paid $3.12 out of pocket at the store. If you add in the $10.22 I spent on coupons then I only paid $.22 for each item (this includes tax). This is a great price point for everything that I got. Although I had to spend a little bit on the coupons; I was able to lower the amount of money spent at the store therefore it was worth it to me.

About 98% of the time this is what happens when I have purchased coupons. The trick is to order them as early as possible and to be prepared that maybe the deal wont work out.
I have had several times when I have gotten coupons and the deal was not as good as the one I had planned. This isn't a problem because I take the cost of the coupons out of the weekly budget no matter whether I used them or not; that way I don't go over budget that week.

Also I also would mention that I only purchase things from ebay. I have looked into coupon clipping services and just don't feel like they are a good enough value for me. On ebay I choose to buy only the buy it now coupons with free or very low shipping. And I only buy from sellers that have really good feedback. By doing this I have always gotten my coupons on time for the sale and it is always what I expect it to be.

Overall buying coupons for me is a great way to stock up on things my family uses. What have all of you experienced when buying coupons? Do you find it a help or a hindrance?


Side Note: My family is not going to eat all the cake mix and frosting that I got. I am going to use it for gifts to neighbors, and teachers around Christmas time. My friend has a really yummy recipe on how to make cookies out of cake mix. I'll post it when I get it.

My Super Nap And A Heads Up

Today has been such a crazy crazy day. I did lots of shopping this morning. With kids and husband in tote I was totally wiped out when I got home and sat down on the couch to take a small rest. Well I totally fell asleep (kind of just passed out). My husband did the honorable thing and let me sleep. Two and a half hours later I woke up.
It was so awesome. I haven't gotten a real nap on a week day since my son was a baby so this was wonderful. Anyways my super great nap is why there have been no posts today. I will be back tomorrow with a few things but this weeks going to be pretty slow on my end. We are having a stacation this week and my family is taking up more of my time.

Heads Up: I heard from an Albertson's employee today that on the 25th they will be having another Quaker sale. If you have done these before then you'll know that they are usually smoking hot. I don't have any details yet but I am thinking that there will be more doublers that Sunday. I already bought some granola bar coupons on ebay. If you are feeling risky you might want to buy some coupons soon. Coupons tend to go for a lot as it gets closer to a sale. I was able to get 20- $1.00/2 coupons for Quaker granola bars today for only $1.75 on a buy it now auction. I will post more when I find out more on the sale.

(I found this picture of a kitten who fell asleep while eating. So cute. This is exactly how I felt today.)

Sunday Coupon Preview 8/15

This Sunday there will be two coupon inserts in the paper a Red Plum and a Smart Source. Below is a list of coupons that may be included; as always what you will receive may vary. My favorites are in red.


RedPlum Coupon Insert

Blink Tears or Blink Gel Tears Lubricating Eye Drops Save $1.00/1
Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops or Blink Contacts Lubricant Eye Drops Save $1.00/1
Caltrate, excludes 30ct Save $1.00/1
Centrum Save $1.00/1
Centrum Kids Save $1.00/1
Complete Multipurpose Solution fro Contacts, 12oz+ Save $1.00/1
Cooking Light Save $0.50 on next issue
Covergirl Face or Lip Product, Excludes eye products Save $1.00/1
Covergirl Face or Lip Product, Excludes eye products Save $2.00/2
Del Monte Fruit Naturals Cups Save $1.00/3
Del Monte Ready to Blend Fruit Smoothie Kit Save $1.00/1
Dove Brand promises Silky Smooth Chocolate Bag, 8.5-9.5oz Save $1.00/1
Emerald Nuts, 3.5oz+ Save $1.00/1

Head and Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner Save $1.00/1 ETS
Health Magazine Save $0.50 on next issue
Hillshire Farm Deli Select Hearty Slices, 8oz+ Save $0.55/1
Hillshire Farm Deli Select, 8oz+ Save $0.35/1
Ideal No Calorie Sweetener B1G1 50 ct
Imodium Save $2.00/1 ETS
Johnson’s Baby Lotion Save $1.00/1
Johnson’s Baby Powder Save $1.00/1
Keebler Cookies Save $1.00/2
Keebler or Sunshine Multi-packs Save $1.00/1
Keebler Rice Krispies Treats Save $1.00/2
Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes, All-Bran, Crispix and/or Smart Start Cereals Save $1.00/2
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and/or Cocoa Krispies Cereals Save $1.00/2
Kettle Brand Potato Chip Bags, 4oz+ Save $1.00/1
L’Oreal Haircolor Save $3.00/1
L’Oreal Lash Boosting Serum, Mascara or Power System Save $2.00/1
L’Oreal Paris Eye Cosmetics Item Save $1.00/1
Met-Rx Bars B1G1
Minute Maid Frozen Novelty Save $0.50/1
Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce, Salsa, Marinade, Lemonade or Popcorn Save $0.50/1
Newman’s Own Salad Dressing Save $0.75/1
Newman’s Own Thin & Crispy Pizza (Frozen) Save $1.00/1
Olay Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser Save $1.00/1 ETS
Olay Pro-X professional Facial Cleanser Save $5.00/1 ETS
Pedigree Dentastix, 5.57oz+ Save $2.00/1
Pedigree Jumbone Treats for Dogs Save $1.00/1
Pedigree Marrobone Treats for Dogs Save $1.00/1
Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets, Excludes 2 Load “To-Go: pack Save $3.00/1
Purex Ultra Concentrate Liquid Laundry Detergent Save $0.35/1
Renuzit Adjustables, 3 singles or 1 multipack Save $0.55
Right Guard or Dry Idea Save $1.50/2
Soft Pretzel Save $0.50/1
Soft Scrub Save $0.50/1
The Goodlife Recipe Treats for Cats Save $1.00/1
Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain Rice Products Save $0.75/1
Welch’s Fruit Snacks, 40 count box Save $1.00/1
Welch’s Fruit Snacks, 8,10 or 24 ct boxes Save $1.00/2
Whiskas Dry Cat Food (bags) Save $1.50/1
Whiskas Multipack Save $1.50/1
Whiskas Tray B1G1

Smartsource coupon insert

Air Wick Scented Oil Twin Pack OR 2 Single Refills Save $1.00 off (9/26)
Air Wick Warmer Unit FREE wyb any Air Wick Scented Oil REfill Fragarance Save up to $2.19 (9/26)
Archway Brand Cookies Save $1.00/2 (9/30) DND5
Biotrue Multi-Purpose Solution, 10oz+ Save $1.50/1 (12/31/10)
Brownberry Health-ful or any 24oz Brownberry Bread Save $.55/1 (10/2) DND5
Campbell’s Chunky Soup cans or microwavable bowls Save $.50/4 (9/26)
Campbell’s Select Harvest can or bowl Save $.50/3 (9/26)
Chef Boyardee Can or Microwave Pasta Save $.35/3 (9/30)
Chiquita Bites Single FREE wyb any

PediaSure prdouct Save $1.00 (11/30)
Cottonelle Bathroom Tissue 2 4pks OR 1 12pk Save $.50/1 (9/26)
Dannon 6 6oz Single Serve Cups OR 1 Light & Fit 4pk Save $.40/1 (9/12)
Dannon Dan-o-nino product Save $.50/1 (9/15)
Dannon Danimals product listed: Smoothie 6pk or 12pk, Crush Cup 4pk, Coolision 6pk Save $1.00/1 (9/15)
Digiorno Pizza & Breadsticks Save $1.00/1 (9/30)
Egg Beaters Original or Flavors Save $.35/1 (10/15)
Egg Beaters Whites Save $.35/1 (10/15)
Good Earth Restaurant Favorites Dinner Kit Save $1.00/1 (10/9)
Jose Ole item, 16oz+ Save $1.00/1 (10/15)
Ken’s 16oz Dressings or Lite Accents Save $1.00/2 (9/30)
Ken’s 8oz Dressings Save $1.00/2 (9/30)
Ken’s Marinade Save $1.00/1 (9/30)
Kleenex Facial Tissues, 3 Packages OR 1 Bundle Pack Save $.50/1 (10/10)
Lance Sandwich CRackers or Cookies, 8ct+ Save $1.00/1 (11/5)
Land O Lakes 30% Less Sodium American Deli Cheese or 2% Milk American Deli Cheese, 1lb Save $1.00/1 (10/31) DND5
Land O Lakes Deli Cheese product, 1lb Save $1.00/1(10/31) DND5
Land O Lakes Deli Cheese product, packages Save $1.00/2 (10/31) DND5
Land O Lakes Eggs, package Save $.50/1 (10/10) DND5
Mini Babybel Cheese, any size/variety Save $.55/1 (11/30)
Poise Pads Save $1.00/1 (9/26)
Poise Thin Comfort Liners or Ultra Thins Save $1.00/1 (9/26)
Post-it Super Sticky Notes product Save $1.00/1 (9/30)
Purina One Brand Dry Cat Food, any size/variety Save $2.00/1 (9/15)
Purina One Brand Dry Dog Food, any size/variety Save $2.00/1 (9/15)
Purina One Brand Dry Dog or Cat Food, 6oz package FREE up to $1.00 max value (OR) Save $1.00/1 Purina One Brand Dry Dog or Cat Food, 3.5lbs+ (9/15)
Reese’s or Kit Kat Snack Size Candy, 9oz-22oz Save $1.00/3 (9/26)
Resolve Laundry Pre-treat product Save $.50/1 (9/26)
Revlon Beauty Tools product Save $1.00/1 (9/19)
Revlon Color Cosmetic product Save $1.00/1 (9/19)
Romano’s Macaroni Grill Frozen Entree Save $1.50/1 (10/9)
The Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges Save $1.00/2 (11/30)
TheraTears product Save $2.00/1 (11/30) ETS
Tyson Frozen Breaded Chicken, bag Save $1.00/1 (11/15)
Tyson Grilled & Ready Fillets, bag Save $1.00/1 (11/15)
(2)Tyson Any’tizers Snacks, bag Save $1.00/1 (11/15)
Zegerid OTC, 14or 28ct only Save $3.00/1 (9/30)
Zegerid OTC, 42ct only Save $5.00/1 (9/30)

From Idaho With Love: Day 5

Every day this week I am going to tell you about some of my favorite cheap family outings right here in Idaho. You see my husband has taken next week off for vacation. The catch is that we opted to not go anywhere far and to spend our vacation money on a new bed and couch (we desperately needed them. Our bed was a hand-me-down and was about 20+ years old and our couch well I can't tell you how many back aches I got from it.)
Since we are staying around here, I am in charge of coming up with fun things for us to do. I thought I would include all of you in my planning. All the places that I am going to tell you about my family loves and have a lot of fun at but don't break the bank.





Today is my last day of doing these posts and I have a great one for you. It's the Discovery Center of Idaho located at131 Myrtle St., Boise . DCI is an interactive science center providing exhibits and educational programs that offer authentic, sensory experiences making the sciences, math and technology tangible. Imagine the possibilities. Explore the unexpected. Discover the wonder of science. Challenge your senses at the Discovery Center! See, touch and hear more than 130 hands-on science exhibits. You'll be surprised at what you can make happen . . . blow a 3-foot bubble, build an arch and capture your shadow.
The normal cost is:
General: $6.50
Seniors: $5.50
Children (3-17): $4.00
Members/Children 2 & under: Free

But from now until November 19th every Friday you can get in for FREE!
Yes free. We are so excited about this. In the past we had a membership and didn't use it enough to make it worth our while. We do love going there though and it's even better for free!

Go here to find out more and to see what their hours are.



If you want to get a free treat after doing all that science then I would suggest going to Arctic Circle for a free courtesy cone. They come in chocolate, vanilla or twist. They can also be dipped in chocolate, bubble gum or peanut butter. I suggest trying chocolate dipped in peanut butter. So good!