Being Frugal = Being Green

 I read this GREAT ARTICLE  in Relish Magazine today, and I thought it was totally in line with yesterday's post! You see Bloggy Buddies, we are being FRUGAL and GREEN!!! I guess my hypothesis that being  frugal and being green go hand in hand! You can also click HERE, if you want to read some more of my thoughts on the subject.

What do you all think? Can being frugal naturally make you more conscientious about sustaining our planet?

Ridley's (Nel's BiLo) Case Lot Sale

This starts the second week of the Ridley's (Nel's BiLo) case lot sale. If you haven't already stocked up; you still have until Monday March 14th. Case lot sales are a great way to start or add to your food storage. I have heard from several reliable sources than food prices are going to continue to rise this year. Even if you only purchase a couple of items it's still a great start. The following items are a excellent buys:

• W.F. (15 oz) canned corn or green beans $11.72 (24 cans)
• W.F. (15 oz) canned beans $12.72 (24 cans)
• W.F. ( 4 oz) canned mushrooms $9.78 (24 cans)
• First Harvest (29oz) canned peaches or pears $11.58 (12 cans)
• Liberty Gold (20 oz.) canned pineapple $20.35 (24 cans)
• Liberty Gold (14.5 oz) fruit cocktail, peaches, or pears $13.98 (24 cans)
• 10 pound box of  frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast $15.87
• 40 pound box of FRESH boneless, skinless chicken breasts $59.95
• W.F. (36 regular or 18 double rolls) toilet paper $5.95
• W.F. (24 oz) ketchup $10.44 (12 count) or $13.92 (16 count)
• W.F. (7 pound) pancake mix $5.49 each
• W.F. (128 oz) pancake syrup 5.49 each
• W.F. (16 oz) frozen vegetables $9.48 (12 bags)
• 25 pound bag Pendleton white all purpose flour $5.85 each (this is the cheapest I have found flour!)
• W.F. (20 pound bag) white long grain rice $9.99
• Campbell's Spaghettios $6.64 (12 count) or $13.28 (24 count)
• W.F.  (16 oz) hydrogen peroxide or alcohol 2 for $1.00
• Tide (100oz) liquid laundry detergent $8.98 each
  
• Clorox (96 oz) regular bleach $1.44 each
• W.F. seasoning packets (spaghetti, taco, stew, etc.) $6.95(24 count)
• Nissin (3 oz) Top Ramen noodles $2.88 (24 packages)
  

Click on the highlighted store names below to see the ads.


Ridley's                                    Nel's Bi Lo Marketplace

This Week's Groceries And Menu 2/20

 

It was another big grocery shopping week! I ended up purchasing a full basket from Bountiful Baskets this week. They have closed one of our local sites temporarily, so there are fewer baskets available for the next several weeks. I decided to get a full basket (vs. splitting one with my friend), and stretching it for two weeks. I'm hoping this will get me by until my normal site reopens. This week's basket contribution was $21.75, which includes a full basket of produce and 3 1/2 dozen tortillas.

I also took advantage of a couple great sales at my local grocery stores to stock up on a few things. At Ridley's I stocked up on Yoplait  yogurt. With coupons I ended up getting 20 yogurts for $6.60 ($.33 each). Smith's is running their annual Daytona 500 promotion. If you buy ten participating items you earn a $3.00 instant saving at checkout, plus you get a $3.00 off coupon to use on your next purchase. The Oreo's, Macaroni and Cheese, Pasta Sauce, and soap were part of the promotion ($15.93 after coupons and promo's) the toothpaste, toothbrushes, cottage cheese, and eggs were regular grocery items (all were on sale). I spent $7.67 for these items.

Finally, I spent $90.41 at Costco. I also bought a 50 lb. bag of Dog Food (not pictured), as well as, everything in the picture. I was very excited because the light bulbs included an instant rebate, so the flood lights were $3.59 and the regular bulbs were $2.99. I am switching out my old bulbs for energy saving bulbs.

This week I spent a total of $135.76. That brings my total for the month up to $477.65. That puts me $77.65 over my self imposed $400.00 grocery budget. I'm not super proud of that, but this seems to be my restocking month. I will definitely have to rein in next months grocery spending!

This week's  menu will consist of:

Sunday

Soft Tacos

Refried Beans

Lettuce and Tomatoes

Monday

Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes ( I will be baking extra potatoes for Tuesday's dinner)

Green Beans

Coleslaw

Tuesday

Breakfast Hash

Pumpkin Struesel Muffins

Cantaloupe

Wednesday

Lasanga

Spinach Salad

Easy Breadsticks

Thursday

Leftover Night

Friday

Pigs in Blankets

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Orange Slices

Saturday

Chicken Noodle Soup

 Potato Refrigerator Rolls

A Little Mama Pride and Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals 2/15 - 2/21

First, I wanted to show off my children's ingenuity.  The kids in child #4's grade in school were challenged by a local bank to create a piggy bank. Of course, Child #4 is a sucker for contests of any kind (and being nine is totally optimistic he will win any or all competitions), and has been badgering me to help him create the perfect piggy bank. I have been a little short on time, lately, and hadn't gotten around to it. Last night when I came home from my night out with my Valentine, Child #2 had pulled out all sorts of household items (a.k.a. garbage) and helped him create his piggy bank. It warmed my little ol' heart to see them cooperating for a change (maybe there is hope for them, yet!). Isn't this the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?

  Okay, maybe it is a face only a mother could love! The body is an empty vinegar bottle. The leg's and ears are disposable paper cups. The tail is a pipe cleaner, and the eyes are buttons salvaged from my button box. The paint came out of my stash of acrylic paint. The cost ...FREE! I was informed that he has green feet, ears, and a stripe to make him a MANLY looking pig!

Now, on to the real reason for this post. This week's Ridley (Associated Foods) deals. There are a few good sales, but not as many as I had hoped.

• Yoplait (6 oz) yogurt cups (assorted varieties) $.37 each (for the first 10)
• W.F. (18 count) carton of large eggs $1.77 each ($.09 per egg)
• Two liters of Pepsi Products (assorted varieties) $.98 each
• Angel Soft ( 9 mega, 12 double, or 24 single rolls) Toilet Paper $4.68 each
• Sparkle (8 roll) Paper Towels $4.68 each
• Large Box of Navel Oranges $11.97 ($.33 pound)
• Small Pink Grapefruit 4 for $1.00
• Jonagold, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious Apples $.87 pound

As a heads up, Ridley's and Nel's BiLo will be starting their case lot sales March 1st. Now is a good time to go inventory your pantries, so you can take advantage of the case lot sales.

This Week's Groceries And Menu 2/13

 (my half of this week's Bountiful Basket)

(this week's trip to the grocery store)

This week I spent $8.25 on my weekly contribution to Bountiful Basket, and $9.01 at the grocery store; for a grand total of $17.26. So far I have spent  $341.89 on groceries this month.  After last week's monstrous  restocking trip I didn't need a whole lot of extra things. The hash browns were going to be  included into this week's menu, until I realized that the family schedule this week is too hectic to incorporate the recipe I was going to make. I guess, I will save the hash browns for next week. Bananas are a staple at our house, so I always grab a bunch when I am the grocery store. This week I am going to start baking our bread again, so the mashed potato flakes will be used in my weekly bread (roll) baking. 

 It is a crazy week at my house with every body going different directions every night, so dinner's will be simple this week.  For some reason I thought when my children got older that life would be easier.......... apparently I have been deceiving myself! :D Anyway, this week's menu will consist of :

Sunday

Roast with Gravy

Mashed Potatoes (the leftover's will be used in bread this week)

Steamed Carrots

Banana Cake

Monday 

Dinner Date with my Valentine

The kid's will be having Macaroni with Tomato Sauce (they love the stuff)

Home Canned Pears 

Tuesday

BBQ Beef Sandwiches (with the leftover roast)

Homemade Buns

Stawberry Banana Salad

Steamed Broccoli

Wednesday

Chicken Noodle Casserole (from the freezer)

Green Salad 

Rolls 

Thursday

Breakfast Hash

Pumpkin or Blueberry Muffins (haven't decided yet)

Cantalope

Friday

Leftover Night or Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Saturday

Beans, Bacon, and Potatoes (bumped from last week)

Cornbread

Fruit Salad 

Have I mentioned that for somebody who used to dread planning a menu, I am actually starting to enjoy it. Our food waste has also decreased significantly since I have started consistently planning a menu each week. I guess you CAN  teach an old dog new tricks!

Grocery Spending And This Week's Menu 2/6

This month I thought I would post pictures from my weekly grocery shopping trips, as well as, my weekly menu. Unfortunately, I have been scrimping along  for several months now, so it was time to stock up on some essential items. Yesterday's shopping trip also included extra food I don't normally buy, because Dear Hubby's brother's family has invited us to his house for a Super Bowl Party.

This is what I bought at Ridley's and Smith's on their sales. I combined coupons this sales for the crackers, canned tomatoes, cheese, toothpaste, and cream cheese (the cream cheese was $.50 each after coupons). The potato chips, some of the crackers, and two of the sour creams will be taken to the Super Bowl Party. I also bought the 5 twelve packs of Diet Coke from the previous post and  2 twenty packs of Diet Pepsi and a Shrimp Ring (all of which aren't pictured). I spent $32.41 at Smith's and $69.54 at Ridley's:

Of course, I picked up our weekly basket from Bountiful Basket (my half of the weekly contribution is $8.25):

At Winco (the cheapest grocery store in my area) I spent $109.07. I love that Winco has a fabulous bulk foods section. It makes it nice when I have to restock pantry staples.

The budget breaker this week was my trip to Costco to stock up on staples. We ran out of toilet paper, fabric softener, and garbage bags at the same time. I usually try to keep a back stock of these items and stagger what I buy each month so I don't have this problem. Oops!! I spent $105.36 at Costco.

  

I spent a Grand Total of $324.63 this week. That is also the lion's share of my grocery budget for this month. Luckily I have  restocked the larder, and other than milk and my weekly Bountiful Basket contribution I shouldn't have to buy many more groceries.

This week's menu includes a lot of family favorites, again. That's okay, at least I know everyone will eat dinner!

Sunday

Super Bowl Party (I am bringing a shrimp ring, veggie tray, and chips, crackers and dip)

Monday

Shrimp Lo Mein

Green Salad

Leftover Rolls

Tuesday 

Eating at Child #4's Cub Scout Banquet

Wednesday

Beans, Bacon, and Red Potatoes

Banana Muffins (I should have some black bananas that need used up)

Jello Salad with Fruit

Thursday

Turkey Fricasee

Mashed Potatoes

Steamed Carrots

Friday

Cream of Garbage Soup

Cornbread

Spinach Salad

Saturday

Leftovers

I hope everybody enjoys their Super Bowl Sunday. I personally am not a football fan,but I sure do enjoy the commercials.........and the yummy party food!

Meal Planning

I was e mailed a great article a few days ago, and I thought I'd share it with all my bloggy friends! This article includes simple no nonsense ways to plan a menu. Since, I must confess, that it is only recently that I have jumped on the plan a menu bandwagon, I found the ideas in this article helpful. Planning a menu around weekly sales, pantry staples, and freezer inventory is one of the best ways to keep your budget in check. Serving home cooked meals is also far healthier and cheaper that eating take out or fast food! Anyhow, go check this article:

Ten Secret For Planning Meals For Your Family

I'd love to hear from all of you!!!!!! What tactics do you use to plan your menus and save money on groceries?

Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals 2/1 - 2/7

 There are some really fabulous deals this week at Ridley's. In fact, I am assuming most grocery stores will be posting Super Bowl Deals this week. I am certainly hoping that one of our local grocery stores has a sale on Diet Coke this week. I am down to my last 12 pack, and I am starting to worry. I can't justify paying $4.78 a twelve pack (the current price in our area) to support my bad habit. So, everybody pray with me that there is a great sale on my favorite vice this week. Better yet, pray for my children's health and safety, if it doesn't go on sale, and I have to quit COLD TURKEY! Some of the troops haven't learned that it is not wise to "poke a stick in the Badger hole when the Mama Badger is cranky"!

Anyway, on to the great deals. Check out your local Associated Food store for similar sale prices.

• Medium Hass Avocados 2 for $.88
• Navel Oranges $.49 pound
• Green Onions 2 for $1.00
• Roma Tomatoes $.68 pound
• Petite Sirlion Steak $2.67 pound
• Johnsonville Brats 3 for $10.00
• Nautilus (16 oz.) Large Tail On Shrimp $3.87 each
• W.F. (16 oz.) Sour Cream $.77 each
• W.F. (6 oz.) yogurt (assorted varieties) $.37 each
• W.F. (24 oz.) Tomato Ketchup $.87 each
• 24 packs of Pepsi Products 2 for $4.88 (for your 1st two)
• Red Baron Pizza 2 for $5.00
• Lay's Potato Chips (assorted varieties) $1.85 each
• Clover Club Potato Chips (assorted varieties) $1.58 each
• Don Julio Tortilla Chips $.88 each
• Nabisco Snack Crackers (assorted varieties) $1.88 each
• Colgate Toothpaste (original ) $.97 each
• VO5 (15 oz.) Shampoo or Conditioner $.77 each
• Foamy (11 oz.) Shaving Cream 3 for $5.00

Don't forget to check out the great deals at Nel's Bi Lo Market. They offer weekly in house and local specials, in addition to the Associated Food's specials!

Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals1/18 - 1/24 ( And A Thought Or Two)

 I know it's been awhile since I posted Ridley's weekly deals. I didn't really grocery shop during the holidays this year. I really relied on the plethora of  meat and veggies residing in my freezer, and pantry basics (not to mention all those home canned goodies I "put up" this summer and fall). Throw in holiday parties, dinners, and bless the fabulous friends and neighbors who kept my family fed the week before Christmas while Dear Daughter recuperated from surgery; and I really didn't need to buy a lot of grocery extras. Now that I am back in the frugal saddle trying to stretch the grocery dollar a little further, so that I can pay down medical bills, perusing the grocery ads has become a necessity, again.

I am a little disheartened, though. I have noticed a trend the last few months. The grocery ads for my local grocery stores are offering fewer sales items each week. Those items that go on sale really aren't a super cheap price, and coupon match ups are not fabulous, either. Pair that with the fact that I am trying to remove most prepackaged and processed foods out of my families diet (cold cereal is still a staple I just have been buying "healthier" options)  has kind of made me revamp how I shop. Ridley's has actually been offering better sales prices than either Smith's or Albertson's, lately. So, I will be going back to posting the weekly deals, if only for my benefit. Here are this week's deals:

• Quaker Cereal (Life, Oatmeal Squares, Capt'n Crunch) $1.89 each
• 2 liter Pepsi products $.93 each
• W.F. (4oz) Diced Chilies 2 for $1.00
• Dole (12 oz) frozen 100% Orange or Pineapple Juice concentrate 4 for $5.00
• Old Orchard (12 oz) frozen  100% Juice Blend concentrate 5 for $5.00
• Libby (12 pack) canned Corn, Green Beans, and Peas $6.00
• Fresh Pineapple $.79 pound
• Broccoli or Cauliflower $.79 pound
• Hunts (26 oz) cans of Spaghetti sauce 11 for $10.00
• American Beauty (12-16 oz) packages of pasta 11 for $10.00
• Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (4 pack) $2.32 each ($.58 per individual box)
• W.F. Cream of Mushroom or Chicken soup $.69 each
• Tillamook (5 pound) brick of Medium Cheddar Cheese $11.95 ($2.39 per pound)
• 10 pound box of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts $13.95 each ($1.39 pound)
• Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs $1.79 pound
• Tide (100 oz) Laundry Detergent $9.69 each
• Sauve (15 oz) Shampoo or Conditioner $.88 each

Harper's Home Made Bread (White, Honey Wheat, and Bran) are still 4 for $5.00. A little heads up for any couponers. Ridley's no longer accepts internet coupons, but still accept regular manufacturer's coupons.

I'm just curious, have the local grocery stores in your area changed their sales tactics, as well?

This Is Why I Was Late Posting This Week's Ridley's (Associated Foods) Deals

I am a day late posting this week's Ridleys deals, but I think I have a very good reason! Last night was our Church's Annual Christmas Dinner and program. I am President of the Primary Organization of our Church(Ward) (children ages 18 months to 11 years). This year the Chair Person for the party (who happens to be a very good friend) asked if the children would sing a couple of Christmas Songs (in costume) for the program. I spend a busy day, yesterday, rounding up and organizing extra costumes. All the hard work  was worth it, though, when I heard all the darling children belting out "Away In A Manger" (in fact, I must admit that I teared up a little bit).

 

 

Of course, I had VIP seating for the event! That's me hunkered down in the corner by the stable. We had a baby Angel and a little lamb that weren't so sure they wanted to make their theatrical debut, last night! I guess your never to old to participate in the Nativity. As far as I'm concerned, this is the best part of Christmas! Bless all the other ladies that helped put our little production together! P.S. Plastic tablecloths, tissue paper, clothes line, and garland from the Dollar Store make fabulous Nativity costumes (inexpensive and disposable).

 

 

 

Now that I have bragged a little bit, I will get back to the real reason for this post. There are several great sales this week at Ridley's. I will be stocking up on a few things for the Holiday.

• Chex Cereal, assorted varieties, 3 for $3.00 (for your first 3)
• W.F. Boxed Cereal (assorted varieties) $1.35 each
• 2 liter Coke Products $.98 each
• 2 liter AW or 7UP $.98 each
• Terry's Chocolate Oranges $1.85 each (these are on all 4 children's Christmas lists)
• Don Julio (8 inch) 10 count, Flour Tortillas $.98 each
• Nestle Hot Chocolate (8-10 count box) $.98 each
• American Beauty Pasta (12-16 oz) $.94 each
• Sugar Tree Spiral Cut Ham $1.27 pound
• Super Saver packs of bone in Chicken Breast $.1.19 pound
• Super Saver packs of Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs $.57 pound
• Land O Frost Deli Shaved Lunch Meat (10 oz, assorted varieties) $1.99 each
• W. F. (16 oz) Cottage Cheese $1.29 each
• 5 pound bags of Russet Potatoes $.88 each
• Medium Yellow Onions 3 pounds for $1.00
• Navel Oranges $.39 pound
• Small Grapefruit 4 for $1.00
• 3 pound bag of Clementines $2.88 each
• 38 pound box of Sunkist Navel Oranges $12.49 each (a great Christmas gift)

Look For Extra Savings During The Holidays

Lately, I have noticed on my weekly grocery shopping trips that there have been a lot of displays of seasonal products in the aisles. Many of them have had manufacture's coupons attached to the displays. I do love a good coupon, so I have snagged a few (okay, a lot!). This week I took advantage of quite a few of those coupons, matching coupons with sales and promo prices. This week I got all of these items for great prices:

 

• 14 large boxes of Jello. On sale for $.79 each. After using coupons for $1.00 off 3 boxes; final price $.46 each. The best part is Jello was running a promotion that if you bought 3 large boxes of  Jello you go a free Jello jiggler mold. I ended up with 5 free Jello jiggler molds.
• 6 large boxes of Jello pudding mix. On sale for $.79 each. After using coupons  for $1.00 off 3 boxes; final price $.46 each. These will come in handy for making my own pudding packs for school lunches.
• 8 boxes of gallon Ziploc holiday edition bags and 8 boxes of quart Ziploc holiday edition bags. On sale for $1.48 each. After using 5 coupons for $1.00 off 2 boxes; final price $.98 each. I love stocking up on Ziploc bags when they are cheap! The gallon bags will be great for storing freezer meals in the freezer.
• 17 bricks of cream cheese. On sale for $1.16 each. After using coupons for $1.00 off 2 boxes; final price $.66 each. I know that is a ton of cream cheese, but I am already committed to baking 4 cheesecakes this holiday season ( that's 12 bricks spoken for already!). Plus my kid's love flavored cream cheese on their toast and bagels.

It's definitely worth watching the aisles at your local grocery store for great coupons and deals, while you do your holiday shopping this weekend. Don't forget that November and December are the two months when most baking supplies go on sale for cheap. Be on the lookout for sales (especially loss leader prices) on flour, sugar,brown and powdered sugar, oil, shortening, baking chips, eggs, butter, spices, cooking extracts, yeast, cake mixes, and baking mixes. Most of these supplies can be stored for up to a year. I usually buy 6 months worth of basic baking supplies to get me by until the next great sale!

Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals11/9- 11-15

Sorry I am a day late posting this week deals at Ridley's. I rented a carpet cleaner yesterday to do a little carpet cleaning, and it sort of snowballed into a ginormous project! I am happy to report I did survive my project. The carpet in the whole house is clean and smelling springtime fresh. Hopefully, I burned a few calories in the process.... I think carpet cleaning counts as an aerobic activity!

Anyway, here are this week's deals:

• 12 packs of Coke products 5 for $14.00
• W.F . boxed stuffing mixes $.75 each
• Progresso soup $.89 each
• Land o Frost (10oz) packages lunchmeat $1.99 each
• W.F. (2 count packages) refrigerated pie crusts  3 for $5.00
• 18 pack W.F. large eggs $1.57 each
• W.F. evaporated milk $.59 each
• Gold Medal flour (10 pound bag)$2.88 each
• W.F. (8 oz) cans tomato sauce 3 for $1.00
• Boneless skinless chicken breast $1.47 pound (in the Super Saver pack)
• Sugar Tree spiral cut hams $1.17 pound
• 5 pound bag of potatoes $.67 each
• Jazz of Braeburn apples $.67 pound
• Bell peppers $.39 each
• Leaf lettuce $.79 each
• Cucumbers 2 for $.89

Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals11/2 - 11-8

There are some really great deals this week at Ridley's (or your local Associated Foods store)! This week is also their Baking Sale! Don't miss out on stocking up for Holiday baking season! Here are this weeks fabulous deals:

• Malt O Meal assorted bagged cereals (42-50 oz) $2.35 each
• 12 pack Shasta soda (assorted varieties) $1.29
• Angel Soft toilet paper (assorted varieties)$3.99 each
• Don Julio (10 count) flour tortillas $.87 each
• Swiss Miss cocoa (10 count package) $.95 each
• Kraft macaroni and cheese (4 pack) $2.39 each
• Sugar Tree (bone in) spiral cut hams $1.17 pound
• Norbest frozen turkey breast $1.29 pound
• Norbest frozen turkey $.09 pound (with a $125.00 purchase)
• Lean ground beef $1.79 pound
• W.F. soft cream cheese (8 oz container) $1.49 each
• Green cabbage 3 pounds for $1.00
• Fresh pineapple $.79 pound
• Yellow onions 3 pounds for $1.00
• Fresh baking potatoes 3 pounds for $1.00

The Baking Sale includes:

• W.F. brown or powdered sugar $.95 each (this is a great deal so stock up!)
• W.F. 12 pack large eggs $.69 each
• W.F. evaporated milk $.63 each
• W.F. graham crust pie crusts 4 for $5.00
• W.F. all purpose flour (10 pound bag) $2.29 each
• White Satin granulated sugar (10 pound bag) $4.38 each (this is a great deal, too!)
• W.F. shortening (butter flavor or vegetable) $.3.49 each
• W.F. cooking oil (assorted varieties) $2.49 each

A Few Grocery Shopping Tips and Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals 10/26 - 11/1 and

A lot of you probably wonder why I post my local Associated Food stores sales deals each week. I do it for a couple of reasons.

1. I use it to create my grocery list for the week as I map out my errand run. I try to group my errands according to geographic area, to save on time and gas (Ridley's is several blocks from our local library, so I always stop there on my way home from my weekly library visit).
2. It gives my local blog readers (and those with an Associated Food store in their area) an idea of the weekly sales items that are a great deal. Ridley's and Nel's BiLo do not put their weekly grocery ads in our newspaper (which keeps costs down for them, but is inconvenient for shoppers).

I learned along time ago that in order to save the most money on my grocery bill, it is a good idea to shop several places. I take advantage of the grocery ads in my local newspaper to stock up on the things I use regularly. I usually only buy the sales items (paired with a coupon, if possible) at those stores, because regularly priced items are more expensive. For my regularly grocery shopping I go to my local Winco Foods store. It is a step above an Aldi's (which I wish I had in my area). Winco has very few frills, a scaled back deli and bakery area (which is okay because I rarely buy those items anyway), and you bag your own groceries. The prices are the lowest in town (they are usually lower than Walmart).

Here are this week deals at Ridley's and Nel's BiLo. It looks like there are some really great produce deals this week! Check them out:

• Pepsi products (12 pack (12 oz) cans or 6(20oz) bottles) 4 for $5.00
• W.F. (5 quart) ice cream buckets $4.88 each
• Old Orchard frozen juice concentrate (12oz) $.85 each
• Crisco shortening (butter flavor or regular) $3.88 each
• Gold n Plump chicken (20 - 24 oz. package thighs, legs, or bone in breasts) $.95 each
• Boneless pork country style spareribs $1.59 pound
• Frozen turkeys $.89 pound
• Fresh spinach $.69 a bunch
• Butternut, Acorn, or Spaghetti squash $.59 pound

On Friday and Saturday Ridley's is having another 2 day produce sale. These items will be on sale:

• Dole salad (12oz bag)  $.87 each
• Fuji apples $.57 pound
• Cucumbers 5 for $1.00
• Roma tomatoes $.57 pound
• Medium sized yams 3 for $1.00
• Radishes or green onions 4 bunches for $1.00

Ridley's (Associated Foods) Deals 10/19 - 10/25

Wow! There are some really great deals at Ridley's this week! Be sure to check your local Associated Food Store for similar deals. It's definitely worth checking out! I thought that the following items were very good price:

• Capri Sun juice drinks (10ct.) 3 for $5.00
• Cheetos or Fritos (7.5 - 11 oz) $1.48 each
• Country style spare ribs (bone in) $1.27 pound
• Honeysuckle brand one pound chubs of ground turkey $1.69 each
• W.F. all purpose flour (10 pound bag) 2 for $5.00
• W.F. sour cream $.99 each
• W.F. (18 ct.) large eggs $1.09 each
• W.F. (2 pound) brick medium cheddar cheese $3.99 each
• Pumpkins $.09 a pound (this is a FABULOUS price)
• Broccoli or cauliflower $.49 pound
• Yellow onions 3 pounds for $1.00

Also CLICK HERE to check out the in store coupons for extra savings. The coupons are on the back page of the sales circular. Sales ads can be found by the front door of the store.

Don't forget to check out the great weekly specials at Nel's Bi-Lo, too. They offer great produce deals every Thursday and meat deals on Saturday!

Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals 10/12 - 10/18

Ridley's and Nel's Bi Lo both have some good deals in their ad this week! There are some especially great produce sales.

• 2 liters of Shasta soda $.49 each
• 2 liters of Pepsi products $.99 each
• Betty Crocker cake mixes $.79 each
• 7 pound bag of Krustez pancake mix $4.99 each
• W.F. (6 oz) cartons of yogurt $.39 each
• W.F. (8 oz) package cream cheese $.99 each
• 15 pound bags of russet potatoes $1.47 each
• Red or black grapes $.97 pound
• Red bell peppers $.59 each
• Green bell peppers 3 for $1.00
• Cucumbers 3 for $1.00
• Apples (Granny Smith, Gala, Yellow or Red Delicious, Jonagold, and Braeburn) $.57 pound

Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals10/5 - 10/11

It's the second week of the Gigantic Case Lot Sale at Ridley's and Nel's BiLo. I asked the clerk last night and she informed me that shipments come on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights; so if they are out of something you need check back today, Thursday, or Saturday morning. In addition to the case lot savings I noticed that:

• 20 pack of Pepsi products are $3.88 each for your first two
• Iceberg lettuce is $.69 each

They are also having there One Day Produce Sale on Friday, October 8th. It includes:

• Fuji or Jonagold apples $.77 pound
• Bananas $.42 pound
• Yellow onions 4 pounds for a $1.00 (this is a great price. Stock up and store in a cool dark place)
• Strawberries (1 pound container) $1.87 each
• Dole (12 oz) bag of salad $.97 each
• Mushrooms (8 oz) containers 2 for $3.00

Case Lot Sale At Ridley's And Why I Love Case Lot Sales

Ridley's and Nel's BiLo are both having their semi annual case lot sale for the next two weeks (Sept. 28th thru Oct. 11)! There are a lot of great deals (although I am disappointed that there 25 pound bags of sugar are $11.88. It is cheaper to buy at Winco for $11.18.)

Case lot sales are a great way to build up food storage, and stock the pantry with staples for fairly cheap. I try to set aside a little bit of money out of each weeks grocery budget, so that I can restock my food storage when these sales roll around. I try to keep six months worth of pantry staples downstairs in the storage room I have set aside for that purpose. I am sold on having at least a few months of pantry basics always set aside. You never know when unemployment, or unexpected trials will hit. If you have some necessities stockpiled the money you would be using to buy groceries can be rerouted to other areas in the budget. I have been relying on my own stash of food quite a lot; due to the fact that we have had a plethora of unexpected medical bills, car repairs, plumbing repairs, and employment setbacks this year. Basic non food items, such as soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, and razors are also another thing that it nice to have a supply of. Having a stockpile also helps me keep my grocery budget under control. It is much easier to plan and cook a menu when all the key ingredients are already easily accessible. When I notice that I am starting to run low on a particular item, I write it down on a list stuck to my fridge. That way I know what I need and I can start looking for good deals on that item.

Ridley's and BiLo's (Associated Food) Deals 9/21 - 9/27

There are some fabulous prices on produce this week at Ridley's. On Friday, Sept. 24th, Ridley's is having a One Day Produce Sale. There are some great deals! Check it out! The case lot sale begins next Tuesday, Sept. 28th at Ridley's and Nel's BiLo . Nel's BiLo still has local canning produce available.

• 15 pound bag of russet potatoes $1.87 each
• Small grapefruit 3 for $1.00
• Leaf lettuce $.99 each
• Yellow onions 3 pounds for $1.00 (great price)
• Cantaloupe 3 pounds for $1.00
• Tyson (40 oz) bag boneless, skinless chicken breast $4.88 each ($1.95 pound)
• Fresh pork country style sausage $1.59 pound
• Land of Frost (10 oz) deli shaved lunchmeat $1.99 each
• W.F. (18 count) carton large eggs $1.25 each
• W.F. (1/2 gallon) chocolate milk $1.28 each
• 2 liter Coke products $.99 each
• Pasta Louigi pasta (assorted varieties) $.68 each
• W.F. (6 pack) paper towels $3.45 each

Ridley's Friday's One Day Sale

• Tomatoes $.88 pound
• 10 pound bag Idaho potatoes $.97 each
• Local peaches or nectarines $.87 pound
• Cucumbers 4 for $1.00
• Green peppers 4 for $1.00
• 5 pounds Gala apples $1.99 each
• 24 pound box Idaho Bartlett pears $15.97 each ($.67 pound)
  

Caselot Sale!

Here is what I grabbed at the Smith's (Kroger) case lot sale this week. There were really great deals on:

• Cream soup (I really like there cream soups. They come out of the can creamy, and have a great flavor)
  
• Tomato soup
  
• Evaporated milk
• Tomato sauce
  
• Tomato paste
• Spaghettios
• Assorted broths
• Apple juice
• Canned vegetables
• Bumblebee tuna
• Canned beans
• Canned tomatoes
• Mandarin oranges
• I also notice Kroger Peanut Butter (assorted varieties are still 10 for $10.00)

The sale is on until September 21st. Case lot sales are a great way to stock up on pantry staples at a cheap price. I am going to try living out of my pantry (and food storage) for the next 30 days (Yes, I am starting another self imposed challenge....silly me!). I am only going to the store for milk (there might be a revolt if I start slapping a big old pitcher of reconstituted powder milk on the dinner table. Baby steps!) and I am still going to participate in Bountiful Baskets. I'm hoping this will give me an idea of what I need to stock up on, and use up what I have excess off. I will be posting ideas and menus of ways to use pantry basics over the next month.