Wow! Lots of free stuff this week if the stores are well-stocked! Here's a few deals for each store:
Kroger
Pillsbury Sweet Moments Refrigerated Desserts - $2.49
General Mills 8/8 - $1.00/1
Cellfire - $1.00/1
Buy 8 mix & match participating products, Get $4 Off Deal - $.50
Total OOP - FREE
Caramel Bugles - $1.49
General Mills 8/8 - $.50/1
Buy 8, Get $4 Off - $.50
Total OOP - FREE
Revlon Emery Boards, 10ct - $.94
Smartsource 8/15 - $1.00/1
Total OOP - FREE
CVS
Blink Tears Eye Drops - $7.99
Printable Coupon - $1.50/1 (CVS on University does not always accept printables, not sure about Teasley)
Total OOP - $6.49 (or $7.99 with no coupon)
ECBs Earned - $7.99
2 Right Guard or Dry Idea - Buy 1, Get 1 FREE
Red Plum 7/25 - B1G1
Total OOP - FREE for both
Glide Pro-Health Floss - $3.49
Proctor & Gamble 8/1 - $1.00/1
Total OOP - $2.49
ECBs earned - $2.50
Walgreen's
2 Right Guard or Dry Idea - Buy 1, Get 1 FREE
Red Plum 7/25 - B1G1
Total OOP - FREE for both
1 Stride Gum & 1 Stride Shift Gum
Smartsource 5/16 - Buy 1 Stride Gum, Get 1 Stride Shift Gum
Walgreen's Weekly Ad - B1G1 Stride Gum
Total OOP - FREE for both
3 M&Ms - $.49 each (make sure sizes match coupon)
Red Plum 7/25 - $1 off 3
Total OOP - $.47
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Top Ten Reasons to Count Calories
10. Pen to Paper...All you need is a pen and paper or an iPhone app.
9. Technology Rules...Free online databases make it easy to find all kinds of foods,
even from restaurants.
8. KISS...Keeps It Simple, Stupid.
7. Results Don't Vary...If you do it consistently you WILL see results.
6. 100 + 100 = 200...If you're going to count something (i.e., points) you may as well
count calories. It's less math, just with bigger numbers.
5. Self-Control...It helps create a positive form of discipline in your life.
4. The Tortoise Wins...It's not a fad diet; it's the correct way to lose weight - slow
and steady.
3. Excessive or Lacking...It helps you realize how much is too much AND how much
is not enough.
2. Eat What You Want...You don't have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods.
1. MetaCheck...Blatant advertising coming! It's easy to personalize to YOUR body. All
you need to do is take our metabolism test. Contact us or look on our home page for
more information.
9. Technology Rules...Free online databases make it easy to find all kinds of foods,
even from restaurants.
8. KISS...Keeps It Simple, Stupid.
7. Results Don't Vary...If you do it consistently you WILL see results.
6. 100 + 100 = 200...If you're going to count something (i.e., points) you may as well
count calories. It's less math, just with bigger numbers.
5. Self-Control...It helps create a positive form of discipline in your life.
4. The Tortoise Wins...It's not a fad diet; it's the correct way to lose weight - slow
and steady.
3. Excessive or Lacking...It helps you realize how much is too much AND how much
is not enough.
2. Eat What You Want...You don't have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods.
1. MetaCheck...Blatant advertising coming! It's easy to personalize to YOUR body. All
you need to do is take our metabolism test. Contact us or look on our home page for
more information.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
So You Wanna Be A Runner?
It is my belief that almost anyone can become a "runner". My goals when I began the transformation to a "runner" a year and a half ago were to lose weight and be able to run in a few races.
Let's take a look at how and why you too should get into running.
1. Running is a Great Way to Lose Weight
If you walk a mile you can burn about 70 calories; run a mile and you can burn about 100.
While these numbers vary depending on your weight and age, it's obvious you'll lose
faster by running. One reason running burns so many calories is because of the amount
of large muscles being used. By using these large muscles, you'll burn calories when at
rest while your muscles recover. Lastly, running gives you more energy to be able to
accomplish more in all areas of your life.
2. Anyone Can Run a 5K!
Why running a 5K is so great:
- Feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish
- Meeting other runners
- Great way to raise money for a cause
- You usually get a pretty good t-shirt
Hints for running your first 5k...
- Don't run every day. If you try to go every day there's a greater chance of fatigue or
injury. Start with 20 minutes 3-4 times a week. As your endurance level increases,
you can up the time and/or mileage.
- Don't worry about pace or time. Once you've run a few 5K races you can start going
for a personal record. Until then try to make running straight for 30 minutes your first
goal. Be happy about any time for your first race. Passing the finish line is the best
part.
- Invest in some good shoes. Your feet are the most important parts of your running
effort. Take care of them. Don't go to a store where you can buy groceries to get your
first pair of running shoes. It is worth the money to get the only equipment you'll really
need. I suggest a specialty running store like Fleet Feet or Run-On, where trained
runners show you what kind of running shoe will fit your feet.
Example of an 8-week training program for your first 5k:
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
Week 1 Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run 20-30 min jog
Week 2 Rest 1.75 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 1.75 mi run 20-30 min jog
Week 3 Rest 2 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 2 mi run 20-30 min jog
Week 4 Rest 2.25 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 2.25 mi run 25-35 min jog
Week 5 Rest 2.5 mi run Rest 2 mi run Rest 2.5 mi run 25-35 min jog
Week 6 Rest 2.75 mi run Rest 2 mi run Rest 2.75 mi run 35-45 min jog
Week 7 Rest 3 mi run Rest 2 mi run Rest 3 mi run 40 min jog
Week 8 Rest 3 mi run Rest 2 mi run Rest Rest 5K Race!
When's your first race??
Let's take a look at how and why you too should get into running.
1. Running is a Great Way to Lose Weight
If you walk a mile you can burn about 70 calories; run a mile and you can burn about 100.
While these numbers vary depending on your weight and age, it's obvious you'll lose
faster by running. One reason running burns so many calories is because of the amount
of large muscles being used. By using these large muscles, you'll burn calories when at
rest while your muscles recover. Lastly, running gives you more energy to be able to
accomplish more in all areas of your life.
2. Anyone Can Run a 5K!
Why running a 5K is so great:
- Feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish
- Meeting other runners
- Great way to raise money for a cause
- You usually get a pretty good t-shirt
Hints for running your first 5k...
- Don't run every day. If you try to go every day there's a greater chance of fatigue or
injury. Start with 20 minutes 3-4 times a week. As your endurance level increases,
you can up the time and/or mileage.
- Don't worry about pace or time. Once you've run a few 5K races you can start going
for a personal record. Until then try to make running straight for 30 minutes your first
goal. Be happy about any time for your first race. Passing the finish line is the best
part.
- Invest in some good shoes. Your feet are the most important parts of your running
effort. Take care of them. Don't go to a store where you can buy groceries to get your
first pair of running shoes. It is worth the money to get the only equipment you'll really
need. I suggest a specialty running store like Fleet Feet or Run-On, where trained
runners show you what kind of running shoe will fit your feet.
Example of an 8-week training program for your first 5k:
Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
Week 1 Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run 20-30 min jog
Week 2 Rest 1.75 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 1.75 mi run 20-30 min jog
Week 3 Rest 2 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 2 mi run 20-30 min jog
Week 4 Rest 2.25 mi run Rest 1.5 mi run Rest 2.25 mi run 25-35 min jog
Week 5 Rest 2.5 mi run Rest 2 mi run Rest 2.5 mi run 25-35 min jog
Week 6 Rest 2.75 mi run Rest 2 mi run Rest 2.75 mi run 35-45 min jog
Week 7 Rest 3 mi run Rest 2 mi run Rest 3 mi run 40 min jog
Week 8 Rest 3 mi run Rest 2 mi run Rest Rest 5K Race!
When's your first race??
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Expensive Week, But Under Budget
Ughh! What a frustrating shopping night! It took me 2-1/2 hours and I did pretty good, but I know I could have done it better and faster and that annoys me. Oh well, at least I stayed under budget.
My first stop was to CVS where they had nothing I was looking for so I drove to the other CVS where I found almost everything. I did my math wrong though and spent $4 instead of $2. Good thing is that I saved $45!!
I went to Wal-Mart next and spent almost $100, but finished off the school supply list (after searching, searching and more searching) and got about a 3-week supply of chips, corn dogs and waffles. I meant to look for a coupon at Wal-Mart to use at Walgreen's, but I was so involved in searching for school supplies that I forgot. So, that got me off to a slow start at Walgreen's. I spent $9.65 and only saved $9.58.
To top the night off, I went to Kroger to get gas and for the first time in a long time I did not get the $.10 off per gallon. At least it was still cheaper than across the street.
Even though I could have done better, I was still successful at CVS, so here's what I did:
Transaction #1
Dulcolax Balance - $9.99
Dulcolax SS 5/16 - $4
ECBs from last week - $5
OOP - $.99
ECBs earned - $9.99
Transaction #2
Lysol Hands Free Starter Kit - $9.99
2 - Betty Crocker Warm Delights (B1G1) - $2.29
Softsoap - $.99
2 - Composition Notebooks - $.66 each (only $.20 at Walgreen's, another mistake I made)
2 - Kotex - $2.50 each
Lysol SS 7/11 - $3 (in my head this was for $5, that's why I spent an extra $2)
2 - Warm Delights SS 6/27 and GM 8/8 - $.75 each
Softsoap SS 7/25 - $.35
Kotex SS 8/8 - $2
ECBs from Trans #1 - $9.99
OOP - $3.06
ECBs earned - $5
How did you do this week??
My first stop was to CVS where they had nothing I was looking for so I drove to the other CVS where I found almost everything. I did my math wrong though and spent $4 instead of $2. Good thing is that I saved $45!!
I went to Wal-Mart next and spent almost $100, but finished off the school supply list (after searching, searching and more searching) and got about a 3-week supply of chips, corn dogs and waffles. I meant to look for a coupon at Wal-Mart to use at Walgreen's, but I was so involved in searching for school supplies that I forgot. So, that got me off to a slow start at Walgreen's. I spent $9.65 and only saved $9.58.
To top the night off, I went to Kroger to get gas and for the first time in a long time I did not get the $.10 off per gallon. At least it was still cheaper than across the street.
Even though I could have done better, I was still successful at CVS, so here's what I did:
Transaction #1
Dulcolax Balance - $9.99
Dulcolax SS 5/16 - $4
ECBs from last week - $5
OOP - $.99
ECBs earned - $9.99
Transaction #2
Lysol Hands Free Starter Kit - $9.99
2 - Betty Crocker Warm Delights (B1G1) - $2.29
Softsoap - $.99
2 - Composition Notebooks - $.66 each (only $.20 at Walgreen's, another mistake I made)
2 - Kotex - $2.50 each
Lysol SS 7/11 - $3 (in my head this was for $5, that's why I spent an extra $2)
2 - Warm Delights SS 6/27 and GM 8/8 - $.75 each
Softsoap SS 7/25 - $.35
Kotex SS 8/8 - $2
ECBs from Trans #1 - $9.99
OOP - $3.06
ECBs earned - $5
How did you do this week??
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Top Ten Disney Planning Tips
We love going to Disney World! Here's our top ten tips when planning your own trip to Disney:
10. It WILL Rain...Especially in the summer months, using a poncho will make you more sweaty than wet. There are always buildings to duck into. We dress accordingly and welcome the cooler temperatures and chance to cool off.
9. Extra Magic Hours...Take full advantage of the time to be in the park with fewer people. But, also realize that when the park opens to regular guests it will be more crowded. That is why we suggest....
8. Park Hopper Passes...This way you can hit a few rides or attractions in the Morning Extra Magic Hours and then move on to a different park that will be less crowded. It is definitely worth the money to be able to move around; just keep in mind the travel time between parks.
7. Stay on Disney Property...There are many advantages including Extra Magic Hours, Disney transportation from park to park and Disney transportation to and from the airport. Plus, the MAGIC!
6. Don't Expect to See Everything...Disney Parks are ginormous!! It would take way more than a week to see and do everything. Don't even try!! It's ok to take breaks in the middle of the day to go swim or hang out at the hotel. Have each family member make a list of their "have-to-do" attractions; do those and try to add in what you can.
5. FASTPASS...For Disney's most popular attractions you can use their complimentary FASTPASS system. This allows you to reserve a time to come back to the attraction and not have to wait in a long line. On our last trip to Disney World during Peak Season our longest wait was 45 minutes and that was in an air-conditioned building to see the Fairies. Figure out the FASTPASS system before you go and use it to your advantage.
4. Dining Reservations...Especially if you want Character Dining experiences, be prepared to make your dining reservations 180 days before you arrive.
3. Budget...Know your budget before you even make your reservations. Disney World's hotels are set up in different budget categories. Decide on a category and then pick a hotel. You can also find menus with prices to just about every Disney restaurant on allears.net. There should be no "sticker-shock" if you....
2. Research and Plan...There are lots of resources online or at your local bookstore. Use them!! We plan which parks we are going to every morning and evening. The main thing for us is making sure that we see all of the nighttime entertainment at each park. Even within each park you should have an idea of what order you plan to do the attractions in. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but with a plan you will be able to enjoy more attractions in less time.
1. HAVE FUN!...Leave the attitude and stress at home! You will all be overstimulated and at least one of you will have a meltdown while you are at Disney World. Let it pass and move on to more fun. Don't sweat the small stuff! If you are going with kids, it may not be a relaxing vacation, but it should never be a stressful vacation.
HAVE A MAGICAL VACATION!!
10. It WILL Rain...Especially in the summer months, using a poncho will make you more sweaty than wet. There are always buildings to duck into. We dress accordingly and welcome the cooler temperatures and chance to cool off.
9. Extra Magic Hours...Take full advantage of the time to be in the park with fewer people. But, also realize that when the park opens to regular guests it will be more crowded. That is why we suggest....
8. Park Hopper Passes...This way you can hit a few rides or attractions in the Morning Extra Magic Hours and then move on to a different park that will be less crowded. It is definitely worth the money to be able to move around; just keep in mind the travel time between parks.
7. Stay on Disney Property...There are many advantages including Extra Magic Hours, Disney transportation from park to park and Disney transportation to and from the airport. Plus, the MAGIC!
6. Don't Expect to See Everything...Disney Parks are ginormous!! It would take way more than a week to see and do everything. Don't even try!! It's ok to take breaks in the middle of the day to go swim or hang out at the hotel. Have each family member make a list of their "have-to-do" attractions; do those and try to add in what you can.
5. FASTPASS...For Disney's most popular attractions you can use their complimentary FASTPASS system. This allows you to reserve a time to come back to the attraction and not have to wait in a long line. On our last trip to Disney World during Peak Season our longest wait was 45 minutes and that was in an air-conditioned building to see the Fairies. Figure out the FASTPASS system before you go and use it to your advantage.
4. Dining Reservations...Especially if you want Character Dining experiences, be prepared to make your dining reservations 180 days before you arrive.
3. Budget...Know your budget before you even make your reservations. Disney World's hotels are set up in different budget categories. Decide on a category and then pick a hotel. You can also find menus with prices to just about every Disney restaurant on allears.net. There should be no "sticker-shock" if you....
2. Research and Plan...There are lots of resources online or at your local bookstore. Use them!! We plan which parks we are going to every morning and evening. The main thing for us is making sure that we see all of the nighttime entertainment at each park. Even within each park you should have an idea of what order you plan to do the attractions in. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but with a plan you will be able to enjoy more attractions in less time.
1. HAVE FUN!...Leave the attitude and stress at home! You will all be overstimulated and at least one of you will have a meltdown while you are at Disney World. Let it pass and move on to more fun. Don't sweat the small stuff! If you are going with kids, it may not be a relaxing vacation, but it should never be a stressful vacation.
HAVE A MAGICAL VACATION!!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Movie Review: "Inception"
One word comes to mind when I think back to the 2-1/2 hours I spent watching Inception. CRAZY!! My "conscience" was tossed and turned for the entire 148 minutes. The whole time I thought of what my dreams would look like if I could put them on the big screen. Evidently it took writer/director Christopher Nolan (Dark Knight
) ten years to complete this project pen-to-projector. I can only imagine how many versions of this script probably went through his imagination at any one time.
What Nolan was able to accomplish was the ultimate in cinematic eye-candy. We had some of the best visuals ever seen from start to finish. My absolute favorite was the bending of the city on top of itself. I wanted to hit rewind on my DVR remote. Guess I'll wait a few weeks for the Blu-Ray.
As far as acting goes, it was a distant second for a movie of this magnitude. But, I thought Leonardo DiCaprio was his normal Oscar-worthy self. Everyone else I could have done without. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock from the Sun) and Ellen Page (Juno) were OK, but certainly they could have come up with two that were a better fit. French actress Marion Cotillard was very good as Cobb's (DiCaprio) wife, Mal. I kept wanting her to get out of the way, and was somewhat frightened of her in a "I see dead people..." kind of way.
Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the time I spent watching Inception. After Dark Knightand this follow-up, I am very excited to see what Christopher Nolan can come up with next.
Bring on the Blu-Ray!!! I want extras!
) ten years to complete this project pen-to-projector. I can only imagine how many versions of this script probably went through his imagination at any one time.What Nolan was able to accomplish was the ultimate in cinematic eye-candy. We had some of the best visuals ever seen from start to finish. My absolute favorite was the bending of the city on top of itself. I wanted to hit rewind on my DVR remote. Guess I'll wait a few weeks for the Blu-Ray.
As far as acting goes, it was a distant second for a movie of this magnitude. But, I thought Leonardo DiCaprio was his normal Oscar-worthy self. Everyone else I could have done without. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock from the Sun) and Ellen Page (Juno) were OK, but certainly they could have come up with two that were a better fit. French actress Marion Cotillard was very good as Cobb's (DiCaprio) wife, Mal. I kept wanting her to get out of the way, and was somewhat frightened of her in a "I see dead people..." kind of way.
Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the time I spent watching Inception. After Dark Knight
and this follow-up, I am very excited to see what Christopher Nolan can come up with next.Bring on the Blu-Ray!!! I want extras!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Four Good Stores This Week
I went into this week hoping for the best, but not really expecting much to work. The only store that was out of stuff was Kroger with the $4 off instantly promotion. My first stop was CVS:
Transaction #1
3 20-ct boxes of Toy Story Band Aids - $3.59 each
M&Ms - $.50
ECBs from last week's photo book - $7.99
Band Aid 8/1 Smartsource - $3 off 3
Total OOP - $.28
ECBs earned - $5
Transaction #2
Gillette Fusion Power Razor - $9.79
ECBs from Trans #1 - $5
Gillette Fusion 8/1 Proctor & Gamble - $4
Total OOP - $.86
ECBs earned - $5
Not only did I get all of that stuff for just $1.14 out of pocket, but I can send in the proofs of purchase from the Band Aids to receive a free Toy Story 3 book! My next stop was Walgreen's. I messed up there by missing a $3 off coupon, but I still think I did great:
Transaction #1
Alive! Multivitamins 50ct - $10
Total OOP - $10
Register Rewards earned - $10
Transaction #2
Bayer Aspirin AM 50ct (this is the Walgreen's $3 off that I missed)
Dawn Dish Detergent
Visine
2x Highlighter 6pk
Erasers cap 15pk
2x Erasers big pink 2pk
Pointed Scissors
Crayola Crayons 24pk
Wooden Ruler
Plastic School Box
Filler Paper 280shts
2x Spiral Notebook 70shts
2x 2-Pocket Folder with Prongs
Bayer AM 8/1 RedPlum - $2
Bayer AM Walgreen's August Book - $3 (the one I missed)
Dawn 8/1 Proctor & Gamble - $.25
Visine 6/13 RedPlum - $1
Visine Walgreen's August Book - $2
Register Rewards from Transaction #1 - $10
Total OOP - $.75
So, while I got a lot of great stuff, I could have used another $2.25 if I had been paying closer attention. Oh well! My next stop was Kroger where I wanted to do one transaction of the Proctor & Gamble $4 off instantly promotion plus get some free toothpaste. They were out of most of the P&G items that I was looking for, so I bought the Crest toothpaste that was on sale 10 for $10 and used the $.50 off coupon from 8/1 P&G to get it for free. I also bought some Act II popcorn because our WalMart doesn't carry it.
I had planned to go to WalMart for the rest of our groceries, but then on Wednesday I was going to Albertson's to buy the Frito-Lay 22ct Chips with their coupon for $4.99. Well, WalMart had those chip packs on sale for $5.69 (I've never seen them under $6.29) plus each bag had a coupon for $1 off any loaf of bread. So, it saved me a trip to Albertson's and $.30 on each bag of chips.
Overall, it was a great day of shopping! I only spent $8 more than half of my budget!! I love coupons!! :-)
Transaction #1
3 20-ct boxes of Toy Story Band Aids - $3.59 each
M&Ms - $.50
ECBs from last week's photo book - $7.99
Band Aid 8/1 Smartsource - $3 off 3
Total OOP - $.28
ECBs earned - $5
Transaction #2
Gillette Fusion Power Razor - $9.79
ECBs from Trans #1 - $5
Gillette Fusion 8/1 Proctor & Gamble - $4
Total OOP - $.86
ECBs earned - $5
Not only did I get all of that stuff for just $1.14 out of pocket, but I can send in the proofs of purchase from the Band Aids to receive a free Toy Story 3 book! My next stop was Walgreen's. I messed up there by missing a $3 off coupon, but I still think I did great:
Transaction #1
Alive! Multivitamins 50ct - $10
Total OOP - $10
Register Rewards earned - $10
Transaction #2
Bayer Aspirin AM 50ct (this is the Walgreen's $3 off that I missed)
Dawn Dish Detergent
Visine
2x Highlighter 6pk
Erasers cap 15pk
2x Erasers big pink 2pk
Pointed Scissors
Crayola Crayons 24pk
Wooden Ruler
Plastic School Box
Filler Paper 280shts
2x Spiral Notebook 70shts
2x 2-Pocket Folder with Prongs
Bayer AM 8/1 RedPlum - $2
Bayer AM Walgreen's August Book - $3 (the one I missed)
Dawn 8/1 Proctor & Gamble - $.25
Visine 6/13 RedPlum - $1
Visine Walgreen's August Book - $2
Register Rewards from Transaction #1 - $10
Total OOP - $.75
So, while I got a lot of great stuff, I could have used another $2.25 if I had been paying closer attention. Oh well! My next stop was Kroger where I wanted to do one transaction of the Proctor & Gamble $4 off instantly promotion plus get some free toothpaste. They were out of most of the P&G items that I was looking for, so I bought the Crest toothpaste that was on sale 10 for $10 and used the $.50 off coupon from 8/1 P&G to get it for free. I also bought some Act II popcorn because our WalMart doesn't carry it.
I had planned to go to WalMart for the rest of our groceries, but then on Wednesday I was going to Albertson's to buy the Frito-Lay 22ct Chips with their coupon for $4.99. Well, WalMart had those chip packs on sale for $5.69 (I've never seen them under $6.29) plus each bag had a coupon for $1 off any loaf of bread. So, it saved me a trip to Albertson's and $.30 on each bag of chips.
Overall, it was a great day of shopping! I only spent $8 more than half of my budget!! I love coupons!! :-)
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