Giant Trips 4/25 - 5/1

I ventured into Giant because C was completely out of juice for school. And I really wanted to have some burgers on the grill. So I printed out some coupons and away we went...

I should have known better but of course I had an issue. The cashier accused me of fraud AGAIN. For the same reason - using Internet printable. I was so close to just leaving everything on the belt and walking out when the bagger said "Just see if they scan." And by golly, they did.

 Here's what we got this trip:

 

2 8-pack Juicy Juice juice boxes

Fruitables juice boxes

1 lb Laura's Lean Beef

Dan-o-nino yogurt

Chi-Chi's whole wheat tortillas

Apple and Eve juice

12 pack hamburger rolls

Total OOP : $9.48

So then today I realized we didn't have a birthday card for the birthday party we're going to... Save A Lot doesn't sell them so it was into Giant again.  I went to the self check out hoping to avoid any issues. I was so excited to find Laura's Ground Beef on mark down!

I got:

4 lbs Laura's (all natural) Ground Beef

jet dry (marked down)

2 puff's plus with lotion

birthday card

Total OOP: $6.05

Coupons used:

(2) $1 off any Laura's Beef product

$.75 off jet dry (doubled to $1.34)

$1 off Puff Plus

$.50 off Puff Plus (doubled to $1)

$4 ONYO Catalina

The checkout lady told me they wouldn't take my meat coupons because the item was marked down. But I told her the manager had to come over ride it because I AM buying the item on the coupon. So she did the over ride. At least she was friendly about it.

Did you get any good deals this week?

Easy Lunch Boxes - Review and Giveaway **CLOSED**

How long does it take you to pack lunches for your family? How long do you spend hunting for just the right sized Tupperware container? Oh, and then you have to find the lid for it too! I used to spend at least 20 minutes packing lunch for C. Then I came across the Easy Lunch Box system. I was thrilled when Kelly agreed to send me a set to try out.

I was a little nervous at first because I didn't think C would take very well to the new lunch box. He is very attached to his spiderman lunch box. But once he saw the new lunch box (which looks just like daddy's!) he was so excited. He carried it around for three days before he finally got to take it to school with him.

Now it usually takes me less than 10 minutes to pack his lunch. (And the only reason it takes me that long is because I struggle to pack him a healthy, filling lunch that he will actually eat.) No more hunting in the cabinets/dishwasher/freezer for that one Tupperware container. There is just one container and one lid and it's perfect.

C struggles to open most Tupperware containers. But some things you just can not send in a plastic baggie (strawberries, cantaloupe and even his sandwich get squished most of the time!) The Easy Lunch Box system solve both of these problems. He can easily open and close it and nothing gets smashed. This is a big relief for me because it means as soon as C gets to his table, he can start eating. He doesn't have to wait around for his teachers to get to him to open his containers.

These containers are sturdy and durable. They are safe for use in the fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher (top rack). The set is fits together nicely and the lids sit on top of one another for easy storage. And they don't leak! I can't tell you how many times C has come home from school with a sticky lunch box from where something has leaked out of the container. Not since we've switched to the Easy Lunch Box system!

Buy it!
You can buy your own Easy Lunch Box System for only $13.95! This includes 4 containers and lids. The cooler bag comes in black, red, aqua, olive and purple and is only $7.95. Order yours HERE!

Win it!
Kelly, the awesome mom who created the Easy Lunch Box system is giving away an Easy Lunch Box system and cooler bag to one lucky Feeding Four reader!

(US & Canada only please! And EasyLunchBoxes.com has the right to right to disqualify a winner if they have won or received free product from them within the past 3 months.)

To Enter:

• Subscribe to Feeding Four via RSS, Google Friend Connect, or E-mail. (If you are already a subscriber, just let me know!) (2 entries)
• Leave a comment telling me where you heard about this giveaway!
• Change your Facebook status to mention this giveaway - leave a link to this site - come back and leave a comment with a link to your status.
• Blog about this giveaway. Comment back here with the blog address so that your entry can be verified. (2 entries - please leave separate comments for each entry!)
• "Like" Feeding Four on Facebook
• "Like" Easy Lunch Boxes on Facebook
• Follow Easy Lunch Boxes on Twitter

The giveaway ends on May 11th at midnight EST. I will pick a winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email and has 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, I will pick a new winner.

Bread Machine Rye Bread

Hubby has been asking for some rye bread. I had made loaf a few months ago but couldn't find the recipe. So the other day I searched the World Wide Web for a good recipe. I was very surprised I couldn't find one. I didn't have a lot of the ingredients the recipes called for and I wasn't running to the store. I came up with a very simple recipe that turned out so good. It makes two loaves and both of ours are already gone.

3 1/2 cups water
4 cups bread flour
2 cups rye flour
1 packet yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons vital wheat gluten

Add all ingredients to bread machine in order specified by the manufacturer. Set machine to dough cycle. (I stopped my machine 10 minutes before the end of the cycle because I thought the dough might rise out the container.) Divide dough into two loaves and place in loaf pans. Cover with a towel and let rise while you preheat oven to 450. Bake for 30 minutes. Enjoy right out of the oven with some butter - it's delish!

WalMart Trip 4/28

7 Benadryl No Itch Sticks (I was only supposed to buy 6...)
Tuna Snacks
Shick Disposables
Fish Boy Fish Sticks
Miracle Grow Potting Mix

Total OOP: $9.53

Coupons Used:
(3) $5 off any two benadryl
free tuna snacks
free fish boy product

I'm not sure what is up with me and nasty cashiers but I had another one today at Wal Mart! She gave me heck about using Internet printable coupons. I have always used more than one printable in a transaction at Wal Mart but she would not let me do it and I didn't push. She also gave me heck for using free item coupons. I checked the Wal Mart coupon policy and it says nothing about using one printable per transaction. Have you heard of this before?

CVS Trip 4/28

1 Pampers Cruisers - $8.49

2 CVS sunscreen - $2.39 each

1 Coke - $1

Total before coupons: $14.27

Total OOP: $1.08

Coupons used:

$3 Pampers (CVS coupon)

$2 Pampers (manufacturer's)

$5.28 ECB

$3.60 gift card

Received : $6 ECB

(I should have only spent $0.08 OOP but I forgot to use a coupon for the sunscreen!)

WFMW - Free Diapers!

I have been a MyPoints member since 11/1/09. What is MyPoints you ask? Why, it's an online survey company! And it's so easy to use. You earn points that can be traded in for giftcards! How do you earn points?

• Emails - read the email and follow the link and get 5 points (how easy is that?)
• Take the offer in the email. Some are worth a flat number of points, some are based on the dollar amount you spend (usually 2-5 points per dollar)
• Surveys - usually 50-100 points (In my experience, no survey has been more than 10 minutes long)
• Searches - get 75 points for searching 31 or more times in a month
• Referring friends - 150 points  

A few weeks ago I took a survey about diapers. They asked if they sent me diapers if I would be willing to take an additional survey on these diapers. (Free diapers?! I'd take 5 surveys!) I never thought anything more of it until yesterday when I recieved a package of diapers in the mail. Free from Mypoints!

Free diapers?! MyPoints works for me!

Do You Use a CVS Pharmacy?

Do you use a CVS Pharmacy? If you do, be on the look out for this sign:

 

They were all over the pharmacy and still the pharmacist did not use my name. That is how I walked out of the store with $15 in giftcards instead of $10. I'm not sure if this was just in my store or in multiple stores, so just make sure you look!

CVS Scenario 4/25 - 5/1

New to CVS? Start HERE.

This scenario assumes you are starting with no ECB. You'll buy $19.95 in product spend $3.97 OOP and end up with $4 ECB for next week. If your store is busy, I recommend splitting your transactions up and going to the back of the line between each one. This also gives you time to regroup and get your ECB and coupons ready for the next transaction. Don't forget to register your Extra Care Card to get coupons in your inbox.

Transaction 1:
Buy:
2 Oral B Toothbrush $2.99

Use:
$2/1 coupon (4/4 P&G)
Buy One Get, One Free (3/7 P&G)
Spend:
$.99, Get $1 ECB

Transaction 2:
Buy:
2 CVS sunscreens (2-oz.) $2.49 each

Use:
 $1 CVS skincare coupon
$1 ECB from Transaction 1
Spend:
$2.98 OOP, Get $5 ECBs

Transaction 3:
Buy:
Schick Quattro $8.99

Use:
$4/1 Schick Quattro or Xtreme3 Razors, exp. 5-2 (SS 3/21/10)
$4.99 ECB from Transaction 2 (adjusted down)
Spend:
$0 OOP , Get back $4 ECB

$19.95 in product for $3.97 OOP and get back $4 ECB for next week!
Visit Kingdom First Mom for more scenarios!

My 5 Things 4/27

1. finish planting the flowers I bought for in the front beds
2. "pack" the boys stuff for the March of Dimes
3. return my phone to Verizon
4. Finish cleaning our room
5. Clean the "cat" room

 Last week was a good week. This 5 things list is really helping me to get done because I don't want to fail! I am so close to being finished our room that I went ahead and crossed it off. I just need to get all the donations that we will be making to the local thrift store out of there and vaccum. And I'm almost done the boys room too!

 

 For this week...

1. Send rebate to Verizon
2. Clean out our closet
3. Organize coupon area
4. Start decluttering for yardsale.
5. Buy stamps! (I have been putting off doing this and have like 5 envelopes on my desk that need mailed)

What do you need to get done this week?

This post is linked to 5 things to do.

 

Giant Coupon Matchups 4/25 - 5/1

These are the best deals and coupon matchups that I see at Giant this week.

Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent $4.99 BOGO
$1.00/2 Arm & Hammer Laundry Products(04/11 SS)
$2.00 each after coupon wyb 2

Maruchan Yakisoba Meal $.85
$1.00/2(03/14 SS)
$.35 after coupon

Birdseye Steam Fresh Meals $1.66
$0.50/1 Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables(04/18 SS)
$.66 after coupon

Carolina Rice $1.69
$.50/1 (04/25 RP)
$.69 after coupon

Carolina Yellow Saffron Rice Mix, $0.59
$.75/2 Carolina Rice Mixes (4/25/RP) Insert
2 FREE after coupon
Dole Frozen Whole Strawberries, $2.49

$0.75/1 Dole Frozen Fruit (3/7/RP)
$0.99 each after doubled coupon
 
Rice A Roni $1.00
$1.00/3 Rice-A-Roni or Pasta Roni(01/31 RP)
$.67 after coupon
Tyson Any’tizers $3.19
$1.00/1 Tyson Any’tizers Snacks Bag (01/24 SS)
$2.19 after coupon

Red Baron Pan Pizza $5.00
$1.50/1 Red Baron Pan Pizza(04/25 SS)
$3.50 after coupon

V8 Splash $2.00
$1/1 V8 V-Fusion Juice printable
$1.00 after coupon
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter $1.79
$.50/1(03/28 RP)
$.79 after coupon

On-Cor Classic Entrees $2.50
$0.30/1 On-Cor Entree (03/07 RP)
$1.90 after coupon

Reynolds Wrap Recycled Foil $2.00
$1.25/1 printable coupon
$.75 after coupon

Buy $12.00 worth of Edy’s Ice Cream Products and get $4.00 off
Edy’s Ice Cream $3.00
$2 each WYB 4

Meat Deals
Giant Eye Round Roast $6.39 BOGO
Giant Split Chicken Breast $1.00/lb
Pork Tenderloin BOGO
Giant Ham Steak $3.99 BOGO

Produce Deals
Kiwi Fruit 3/$1
Cantaloupes $3.99 BOGO
Red Seedless Grapes $1.49/lb
See any deals I missed? Post them in the comments!

Meal Plan Monday 4/25- 5/1

Is it Sunday already? Wow. This week went by fast!

Our menu last week proved to be a pretty good one. We loved the Chicken to Go Biscuits. Hubby did not like the mini pizzas on the biscuits but the boys and I loved them. (C ate two!) I ended up making a sausage pasta bake that, once again, the boys and I liked but hubs did not. The stir fry we had was actually Curry Chicken. I realized at dinner time that I had nothing ready for a stir fry so I pulled Chicken Curry out of the freezer. It was my last freezer meal so I really need to get my behind in gear and do some more freezer cooking!


Breakfast:
cold cereal
oatmeal
eggs

Lunches:
Ham Salad
leftover dinners
cold cut sandwiches

Dinner:
baked ham
bourbon chicken
pizza
honey mustard chicken pasta (similar to THIS one)
chili (didn't have last week)
Ham and potato casserole
leftovers

Be sure to check out Orgjunkie.com for other great meal ideas!
How did your week go? What are you eating this week? Leave a comment and I'll come check out your menu!

Giant Trips - Week of 4/18

I made quite a few trips to Giant this week. I was really excited about the free Snuggle so I decided to try again with the customer service. I went to two different stores and I liked the different one much better. Not everything we got is pictured.

13 liquid Snuggle fabric softner
8 Snuggle dryer sheets
2 boxes Ronzoni Smart Taste
2 packs Apple & Eve juice boxes
3 Lunchables (for hubby)
3 loaves whole wheat bread
2 Bush's Grillin' Beans
Breyers Icecream
Puffs tissue
Jet Dry
Franks Hot Sauce
yogurt
Giant ketchup
Giant mustard
single serve pizza
Pepsi
Kraft Parmasean Cheese
8 pack of Pansy (flowers)
mushrooms
2 kiwi
3 lbs strawberries
1 lb organic carrots (seriously, if the organic is the same price as the "non-organic" why wouldn't you buy organic??)
1 avacado
1 lb mushrooms

Total OOP : $33.02

So I went over budget by $8.02 but look at everything I got! I have been contemplating raising our budget by a couple dollars (I'm thinking $10) so I can buy more fresh fruits and veggies. I have noticed that most of my spending is on stuff we really don't need. Most of the going over this week came from taking hubby to the store with me, something I try so hard not to do.

How did you do with sticking to your budget this week?

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

The season finale of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution was tonight! I have been watching his show faithfully for the past few weeks. Tonight he asked America to sign his petition to help improve school lunches. You can sign the petition HERE. There is also tips and information there to help you start your own food revolution in your town!

Free Gillette Fusin ProGlide

According to the Gillete Facebook Fan Page

"Hey Fans! The time has come . . .would you like to be among the FIRST to try the new Fusion ProGlide? We’re celebrating our Facebook fans & our new innovation by giving away 1,000 FREE samples a day for the next 10 days RIGHT HERE on our fan page"

Today's giveaway starts at 3:30pm ET. Good luck trying to get your free razor!

Winner Of The Lysol Giveaway Is....

The winner of our Lysol Disinfecting Wipes & Disinfectant Spray Review and Giveaway is......

Char!!

Char said...

"With 3 kids, a dog and 2 cats in our house, we are forever cleaning up something. Lysol wipes are awesome because the kids can use them and help"

Congrats! I'm going to send you an email, if you don't respond within 48 hours, I'll have to pick a new winner.

 Bummed because you didn't win? Cheer up! There's more giveaways coming very soon! (I hope to get one posted this afternoon!)

Are you Picky Eater? I am!

One of the blogs I have been following since I've decided to change the way we eat, is Food With Kid Appeal. She is taking the journey, like so many of us, to get her kids (and hubby!) to eat healthier.

Jenna is challenging you and I to become a recovering picky eater. She is trying to get 1000 people in 30 days to become a recovering picky eater. She is looking for people who :

• want better access to health through real food.
• are committed to eating better but are stuck because some of that healthy food doesn't taste good like that other stuff you prefer to eat.
• want to change their mind-set about food

Jenna is challenging you (and I) to learn to like foods we used to dislike. She says you need to "change your thinking about {food item}, learn what {food item} does for your body, experiment with recipes and cooking methods until you find a way you don't mind eating {food item}"

 You can sign her petition HERE.

I am starting my challenge with broccoli - yuck. I am hoping that if the boys see me trying to eat something I don't like, they will also try new foods they "don't like." 

What will you start your challenge with?

My $0.98 Compost Bin

I tried composting last year. It did. not. work. There were little bugs crawling everywhere. Seriously, it looked like the compost was alive. This year, I'm trying again. I have hope that it will work! While I really wanted to buy a fancy compost bin, I really think that is a waste of my money right now. Why buy what I can make for cheap? Hubby brought home some 5 gallon buckets from his work (so the bucket was free) and we bought a lid at Home Depot for $.98. (Lowes had them too but they were almost $2!)

All hubby did was drill some holes in the top of the lid and around the top edge of the bucket and bam! I have a compost bin! The lid is kind of tight on the bucket which is a good thing because instead of mixing the contents, I just give the (tightly closed) bucket to the boys and let them roll it around the yard.

Do you compost?

My Money Maker Trip to Rite Aid

I am beginning to love Rite Aid. Although the cashiers are never super friendly, I haven't really had a horrible experience either. (Except this one time, but it's a reallllly long story, one I try to forget :) )

2 GE Reveal Lightbulbs

1 U Kotex

1 Cadbury Mini Eggs

Total OOP: $6.95 (paid with a gift card)

I'll get back $7.49 in SCR

For a whole list of Rite Aid Deals, visit For The Mommas.

5 Things to do This Week

1. get the front flower garden planted. (except I got more plants...)
2. clean the kitchen.
3. finish cleaning our bedroom (I worked on it alot!)
4. take bird bath back to the store and get a new one.
5. Get some clothes for me. (my sister gave me a bunch)

 Last week was a good week. Although I didn't get done cleaning our room, I did get done most of it. And I got a lot of things done that weren't on my list. Always a plus!

For this week :

1. finish planting the flowers I bought for in the front beds
2. "pack" the boys stuff for the March of Dimes
3. return my phone to Verizon
4. Finish cleaning our room
5. Clean the "cat" room

What do you need to get done this week?

This is linked to 5 things to do.

CVS Trip 4/18

2 baskets (one for $.49, one for $.59)
Method Laundry Detergent ($5.99)
ThermaCare Heat Wrap ($2.49)
Schick Shaving Cream ($2.79)
Total OOP : $1.40 (paid with a giftcard)
Got back : $5.28 to use on future purchases
Coupons used:
$10 in ECB (I had to make my purchase $10 or more, that was HARD!)
$2 off Method detergent

Meal Plan Monday 4/18 - 4/24

I have absoluely no motivation to menu plan this week. And I know I need to. Last week, we ended up having chicken fajitas, pulled pork and, [leftover] enchiladas in ONE night. (hubby used the pork for the fajitas). So I had three nights where I had no dinner planned. I was like a deer in headlights, no clue what to do. And I know I'll be that way this week too.

It's suppposed to be chilly this week so I'm going to try and throw in some comfort foods that will (hopefully) help warm us up too. I really wanted to do some potato soup, but I'm out of potatoes and don't really feel like going and getting some. :) So I'm going to work on using up some of the free biscuits from Giant a few weeks back.

So far I have planned...
Breakfasts -
cold cereal
oatmeal
eggs
pancakes

Lunches -
egg salad
PB&J
pigs in a blanket
leftover dinners

Dinners -
Tacos
Mini Pizza - using biscuits
Chicken To Go Biscuits
Chili
Spaghetti - I'm thinking I might use the leftover pork that was leftover last week to do this (if it's still good!)
Some kind of stir fry - I've been craving rice and veggies

Be sure to check out Orgjunkie.com for oher great meal ideas!

 
How did your week go? What are you eating this week? Leave a comment and I'll come check out your menu!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Giant Coupon Matchups 4/18 - 4/24

These are the best deals and coupon matchups that I see at Giant this week - lots of freebies!

Campbell’s Condensed Soup $1.00
$1/2 Campbell’s Condensed coupon
$.50 each after coupon

Snuggle $2.99
$3.00/1 (03/28 RP)
Free after coupon

Kens Dressing $1.00
$1.00/1 (03/07 SS)
Free after coupon

Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta $1.00
$.75/1 coupon
Free after coupon

GE Energy Smart CFL bulbs $1
$1/1 GE Energy Product (4/18 SS ) OR
$1/1 GE Energy Smart Product Apr 2010 All You Magazine
FREE after coupon
Ortega Salsa $1.66
$0.75/2 Ortega Product (04/18 SS)
$1.16 each after coupon

Clorox Greenworks Cleaner $2.50

$.75/1 Green Works Natural Cleaner
$1 after (doubled) coupon
Barilla Pasta $1.00
$1/2 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta (03/07 SS)
$.50 after coupon

Post Shredded Wheat Cereal $2.00
$2/1 coupon
Free after coupon

Olivio Spreadable Butter $1.00
$0.55/1 Olivio Product(01/03 SS )
Free after coupon

J&J SuperPretzel $2.00
$.55/1 coupon
$1.00 after coupon

GE Energy Smart Compact Light Bulbs $1.49
$1.00/1 coupon
$.49 after coupon

Chex Mix $1.50
$.50/1 (03/07 SS)
$.50 after coupon

See any deals I missed? Feel free to share them in the comments.

CVS Scenario 4/18 - 4/24

This scenario assumes you are starting with no ECB. You'll buy $9.26 in product spend $2.97 OOP and end up with $2.99 ECB for next week. If your store is busy, I recommend splitting your transactions up and going to the back of the line between each one. This also gives you time to regroup and get your ECB and coupons ready for the next transaction. Don't forget to register your Extra Care Card to get coupons in your inbox.

Transaction #1:
Buy:
1 Thermacare @ $2.49
Use:
$1/1 Thermacare HeatWraps
Spend:
$1.49 OPP; get back $2.49 in ECB

Transaction #2:
Buy:
Edge Infused or Schick Hydro Shave Gel @ $2.79
Use:
$2.49 ECB from first transaction
Spend:
$.30 OOP; get back $1.80 in ECB

Transaction #3:Buy:
Colgate Total Advanced or Enamel Strength @ $2.99
CVS/Pharmacy Green Bag Tag @ $0.99
Use:
$1/1 Colgate Total April 2010 All You Magazine
$1.80 ECB from Transaction #2
Spend:
$1.18 OOP; get back $2.99 in ECB

$9.26 worth of product for $2.97 and get back $2.99 in ECB for next week!  

For more CVS deals visit Common Sense with Money.

Neat FREE Toys for Your Kids This Summer

Looking for some cheap toys for your little ones this summer? How about some empty flower pot containers? Or empty baby food jars?

Since we put in flower beds this spring, we have tons of these lying around. The boys scooped them up and now they love to play with them. They fill them up with sand, dirt, rocks, or water. Honestly, they will spend hours playing outside with these. And yes, there are holes in the bottoms of the pots. I think that is part of the fun!

This works for me!

How Many Dishes do You Have?

I'm working on spring cleaning my kitchen. You know how unorganized I am. And how much I hate to clean. But my kitchen needs help. There is stuff everywhere. How is it that everyone's things end up in the kitchen?

Anyway. I was going through the cabinet where I keep all my baking dishes and I realized that I really don't have that many dishes to use for casseroles. I have three 13X9 pans, a smaller 8X10 and an 8X8. But those aren't good for ziti or macaroni and cheese. I have this one and that's it. I use it all the time and I really wish I had something better to cook broccoli casserole in.

So you can imagine my excitement when I was contacted about doing a review on Rachael Ray's Bubble and Brown 2-Piece Stoneware Baker Set. I was browsing the company's site and I could not believe how many items this company sells! You can buy anything from barstools for your kitchen to beds for your kids rooms; decor for your house to tools for your man. Seriously, you can buy almost anything through them!
 

Look for my review on Rachael Ray's Bubble and Brown 2-Piece Stoneware Baker Set here in the next few weeks! (And really, you have to go check out how many awesome products this company sells! I'm really thinking about buying the boys some new kitchen barstools for at my mom's.)

**CLOSED**LYSOL Disinfecting Wipes & Disinfectant Spray - Review and Giveaway

Allergy season has been in full swing in our house for the past couple of weeks. Runny noses, coughing and lots and lots of tissues being used. My boys have been miserable and nothing I gave them seemed to help.

When Lysol contacted me about reviewing Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and Lysol Disinfectant Spray I was a little confused. I thought Lysol was simply used to clean and kill bacteria. What does Lysol have to do with allergies?

Turns out, Lysol has a lot to do with allergies. Did you know that using Lysol Disinfecting Wipes on your countertops will help to remove 90% of pollen particles and dust mite debris? Lysol Disinfectant Spray can be used to kill the source of mold allergens on hard surfaces.

Cassie, with Lysol, sent me a can of Lysol Disinfectant Spray and a container of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes to review. I started using them right away and in a few days, I saw a significant improvement in the boys allergies. Their noses haven't been running as much, and the coughing is all but gone.

(I am really excited about the Lysol Disinfecting Spray because it got rid of a smell that has been on my couch for months! Lysol Disinfecting Spray also helps fight the fungus that causes Athlete’s Foot.)

Lysol has offered one of my readers the chance to win a container of LYSOL Disinfecting Wipes and can of LYSOL Disinfectant Spray to help reduce your allergy suffering this season.

To enter: (Please leave your email or a way to contact you in your comments)

1. Subscribe to Feeding Four via RSS, Google Friend Connect, or E-mail. (If you are already a subscriber, just let me know!) (2 entries)
2. Become a fan of Feeding Four on Facebook (1 entry)
3. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this giveaway! (1 entry)
4. Blog about this giveaway. Comment back here with the blog address so that your entry can be verified. (2 entries - please leave separate comments for each entry!)

The giveaway ends on April 22nd at midnight EST. I will pick a winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email and has 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, I will pick a new winner.

Disclaimer: Lysol contacted me about doing a review & giveaway. Lysol sent me a container of LYSOL Disinfecting Wipes and can of LYSOL Disinfectant Spray to review in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no other compensation

Works for Me Wednesday - Keeping Kids Busy in the Car

We live about an hour away from any of our family. Yet, we seem to see them at least every other week. That's a long trip for a 4 year old and a 19 month old. And it's mostly farm land or woods. They're usually fine for the first 5 minutes, then they either fall asleep or get tired of their books. There is only so many cows they can find or trees they can count.


Staples had whiteboards on sale for $1 a few weeks ago so I picked up a couple. I thought I would use them to keep my freezers organized or to write a to-do list on. Well, the procrastinator in me never did get around to organizing the freezers. So when C and A were begging me to “play” with the boards, I gave in and handed them over. They sat for half an hour and did nothing but color and write. So I brought them with us on a trip to see the family and the boys colored almost the whole time. I had to keep checking to make sure they were both awake! So now, the white boards stay in the car and they get to use them on trips to see our family.

This works for me!

5 Things to do This Week

1. clean out the fridge
2. clean off the front porch - we were digging out new flower beds this weekend and the porch is covered in grass and dirt and some of the boys' toys.
3. vaccumm the living room - you'd think this would be easy, but I haven't done it in a while..
4. clean our bedroom
5. find C shorts - the poor kid has no shorts out and it's hit 80 everyday this past week. I think I need to get off my 'hind and dig the poor kids shorts out

I didn't do too bad last week. I actually did clean out the fridge, but I didn't scrub it down. And I worked on our bedroom, but there's still a lot to do. So for this week...

1. get the front flower garden planted. I have most of the plants I just need to plant them.
2. clean the kitchen. How does everyone's stuff end up there?!
3. finish cleaning our bedroom
4. take bird bath back to the store and get a new one. We took the one we had bought out of the box and it was broken.
5. Get some clothes for me. Today a trial sized bleach busted all over the dirty clothes hamper and of course all my good clothes were right on top.

What do you need to get done this week?

Free Mac and Cheese!

Become a Fan of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese on Facebook and sign up for a free box or cup of Karft Cheesy Explosion Mac and Cheese. Your coupon will be mailed to you in 4 - 6 weeks.

While you're on Facebook, don't forget to become a fan of Feeding Four!

Meal Plan Monday 4/11 - 4/17

Last week went by so fast! We did a lot of shopping on Friday/Saturday because I had to get a new phone. A was talking to his daddy and decided my phone needed a bath. So I got a Blackberry and the next day decided I didn't want to pay the extra money a month. So we took it back and the salesperson talked me into keeping it for a little while. But I think I'm going to take it back again because I am just not liking the whole package! I'm not crazy about the phone and I don't like the internet on it!

We ended up having quesadillas twice last week. And we went out twice (once was on date night) I made Pillsbury Pizza and although the process was horrible (that day was also the day A gave my phone a bath) the end result was wonderful.

This week we're eating:

Grilled Chicken, green beans, cantalope

chicken fajitas

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Enchiladas

Burgers (on the grill!)

Steak/leftovers

Something ham

Be sure to check out Orgjunkie.com for oher great meal ideas!

How did your week go? What are you eating this week? Leave a comment and I'll come check out your menu!

Food Lion Trip 4/9

I went to Food Lion to get chicken... saw the B1G1 Lucky Charms and I had to buy some. C has been begging for some for a while now. B1G1 plus I had a coupon. I think I might go get a few more boxes if I can get a hold of some more coupons...

7 packages (boneless/skinless) chicken breast/tenders - $1.77/lb
2 boxes Lucky Charms - $1.72 each
Total OOP : $22.08

Kmart Doubles Trips 4/9

I went to KMart Doubles simply because I was in the area (twice). I spent maybe 10 minutes in the store for both trips. I'm not crazy about KMart, but I was already there and the doubled coupons up to $2 lured me in.

First Trip:

1 OxiClean - $3.50

1 All- $4

Right Guard - $2.50

15 cans Cat Food - $6

Total : $ 16.96

Total OOP : $ 4.30

Second Trip:
2 Oxiclean - $7
1 Stayfree - $3.59
1 Right Guard - $2.50
Total: $ 13.88
Total OOP: $ 1.78

Target Trip 4/9

I had to run into Target to get C cleats for soccer and I decided to do a little "shopping".

1 (trial sized) Beneful dog food -$1.24

1 FINISH® QUANTUMATIC $ 5.99

5 (trial sized) tide - $4.85

1 Snuggle fabric softner $3.99

1 giftwrap -$ .49

1 Hello Kitty Game pack $4.99

2 Airwick Sense and Sprays - $12

Total : $33.70 (not including the cleats)

Total OOP : $5.88

CVS Trip 4/9/10 - Updated

I went to CVS to get diapers. Of course, they had nothing left for the buy $25 in baby product, get $10 ECB. So I'm going to go to a different store to see if they have any in stock. Here's what I picked up last night.

2 Pantene - $2.99 each
2 Head and Shoulders - $4.99 each
2 Cadbury Mini Eggs - $1.75 each
1 Listerene - $3.99
Total OOP : $9.46 (paid with ECB)
Got Back $5 ECB for future transactions

UPDATE:

1 Pampers Cruisers - $19.99

Pedialyte Freezer Pops - $4.99

Pedialyte - $4.99

Total : $31.77

Total OOP: $3.44

UGH! My rant for the day. (And my Giant Trip)

So I went into Giant today, armed with the new $2 off $5 meat purchase. I was going to buy 2 Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved Meats (2/$6). I also got some produce and was going to use the $2 off $5 produce coupon. Long story short, I got to the register and separated my transactions, (there was only two and the with the produce I was using WIC also) First she told me I couldn't use he $2 off $5 produce because I had copied it! I was furious because I had just printed it off the Giant web site this morning. They got that straightened out (2 managers said no until I said "I got it off your web site, would you like me to show you?") So we did the next transaction and she wouldn't let me use the $2 off $5 meat on the 2 Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved Meats. So I said "forget it, take them off my order." I think I might stick to Save-A-Lot from now on...

I did end up getting :
2 Cantaloupes (B1G1)
1 tomato
3 lbs bananas
1 lb strawberries
watermelon
.95 lb broccoli
2 loaves whole wheat bread
12 cups dannon yogurt
3.9 lbs chicken breast
Total OOP : $7.90

So it wasn't a total loss. I'm thinking of heading to Kmart tonight (double event is back!) but I'm not sure I even want to mess with coupons after being called a fraud!

Hubby's Pillsbury Pizza

You'll need:

2 packages Pillsbury Pizza Crust
pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese
ham
pepperonis

Preheat oven to 375. Spread one pizza crust on pizza pan and bake for about 5 minutes.

Spread sauce on pre-baked crust. Add cheese, pepperoni and ham. (And any other topping you want. We usually add provolone cheese too but I was out. Sometimes we add pineapple, peppers, etc. Just throw in whatever you want!)

Spread second pizza crust on top and pinch at the edges to "seal."

(it usually looks prettier than this, but the pizza crust had some issues coming out of the container)

Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cut into peices and serve with more pizza sauce.

(it is flat because I pre-baked my crust too long and had to flip the pizza in the middle of baking.)

.

Giant Deals 4/4 - 4/10

I think it's a slow week at Giant... here are the best deals and coupon matchups that I see this week.

Welch’s Grape Jam or Jelly $1.79
$.75/1  (1/3 SS)
$.29 after (doubled) coupon

Dannon Crush Cups $2.00
$1.00/1 (3/28 SS)
$1.00 after coupon

Dannon Danimals Drinkables $2.00
$1.00/1  (3/28 SS)
$1.00 after coupon

Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread, $1.99
$0.55/1 Pepperidge Farm Bread Mar 2010 All You
$.89 after doubled coupon

Sunshine Cheez-it Crackers, $2
$.75/1 Cheez-It Italian Four Cheese Crackers
$.50 after doubled coupon
 
Giant Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $1.99/lb
Giant Fresh Whole Pork Butt Roast $1.59/lb

Cantaloupe BOGO

See any deals I missed? Feel free to share them in the comments.

Works for Me Wednesday - Sleeping "Late"

My little one is an early riser. Like, 5 am early. I have always been a night owl, sleeping until at least 9. My first son was the same, just the other morning he slept until 10:30am!

I have found the easiest way to get just a half hour more sleep each morning is to bring up a drink and a snack for A. I bring up a (reclosable) bowl of cereal, a cup of juice. And I auto tune the TV to Blue's Clues. This is the kicker. My boys don't watch that much TV, especially in the summer. So when the TV is on, the boys are both glued to it. I know it isn't the best thing for him, but it helps me get some more sleep to let me function. And its only a half hour. (OK...sometimes it's an hour)

The only thing I haven't figured out is what to do when I cancel the cable...

CVS Scenario Week of 4/4 - 4/10

New to CVS? Start HERE.

This scenario assumes you are starting with no ECB. You'll buy $15.95 in product spend $6.45 OOP and end up with $4.99 ECB for next week. If your store is busy, I recommend splitting your transactions up and going to the back of the line between each one. This also gives you time to regroup and get your ECB and coupons ready for the next transaction. Don't forget to register your Extra Care Card to get coupons in your inbox.



Transaction # 1 :
Buy:
Buy 2 Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner $2.99
Use:
$3/2 Pantene coupon (3/7 P&G)
Spend:
$2.98 OOP, Get back $2 ECB

Transaction # 2:
Buy:
1 Clairol Natural Instincts or Loving Care Hair Color $5.99

1 Colgate Total Defense or Enamel Strength Toothpaste $2.99
1 Stride Shift Gum $0.99
Use:
$3/1 Clairol Natural Instincts coupon (4/4 P&G)
$1/1 Colgate (April All You)
$0.50/1 Stride Mega Mystery Printable or (SS 03/14)
$2 ECB from Pantene
Spend:
$3.47 OOP, Get back $4.99 ECB

$15.95 worth of product for $6.45 and get back $4.99 in ECB for next week!

5 Things to Do This Week

I was visiting a fellow blogger's blog when I came upon a post that listed 5 things she wanted to get done that week. I want to try the same thing. I am hoping that since I'm  posting them, it will motivate me to get them done!

1. clean out the fridge
2. clean off the front porch - we were digging out new flower beds this weekend and the porch is covered in grass and dirt and some of the boys' toys.
3. vaccumm the living room  - you'd think this would be easy, but I haven't done it in a while..
4. clean our bedroom
5. find C shorts - the poor kid has no shorts out and it's hit 80 everyday this past week. I think I need to get off my 'hind and dig the poor kids shorts out.

Meal Plan Monday 4/4 - 4/10

How was your Easter? Mine was exhausting. We were in the car for the majority of the day. The boys were angels. And it was really good seeing all of the family.


Our week went by really fast. We ended up going to a friends house for dinner (and smores!) one night. The honey chicken was amazing. The boys and I ate the leftovers for lunch the next day and it was even better. It would be a great meal for OAMC. The beef nacho casserole is always a favorite in our house. We still have not eaten the Santa Fe Foldovers. My sister in law butchered three pigs this weekend. Hubby went over to help and ended up coming home with a box full of pork. So there will be lots of pig in our diet for the next few weeks.

Here's what we're eating this week.

Out with Family
Pillsbury Pizza (a request from hubby)
BLTs (if I get a tomato)
Quesadillas
Pulled Pork Sandwiches (leftovers from last week)
Something ham
Something ham

How did your week go? What are you eating this week? Leave a comment and I'll come check out your menu!

Check out lots more menus at OrgJunkie.com.

Giant Trip 4/1

I only got ahold of two sets of dollar doublers this week for my Giant trips so here is what I picked up.

Transaction One :
1 betty crocker warm delights (should have been free but I forgot to use the coupon!)

1 - 12 pack hamburger rolls
1 baby goldfish
6 Pillsbury biscuits
20 cans of del monte vegetables
 
Transaction Two:
20 cans of del monte fruit
2 cans dole pineapple
3 cans Pillsbury biscuits
2 cans Pillsbury pizza crust (a request from hubby)
1 can cinnamon rolls
1 bottle vinegar

Total before coupons : $76.93
Total OOP : $24.45
Savings of : $52.48

I also received two $4 OYNO from the Pillsbury.

Home Depot Garden club

Sign up for the Home Depot Garden Club and you can get valuable gardening coupons sent to your house! I received  these in the mail today:

Free Lighter Fluid wyb Kingsford Briquets Twin Pack

Save $2.00 on Clorox Pro Outdoors

Save $5.00 on Fiskars Titanium Hand Tools

Save $3.00 or $5.00 on Vigoro Lawn Care

Food Bank Trip

We made a trip to our local food bank today. It wasn't much, just this one bag of freezer meals. We had gotten some through Angel Food Ministries, and a few free after coupons. I cleaned them all out of the freezer and off to the food bank it went! It feels wonderful knowing we are helping others in our community.