Haphazardly Hobbying

Head over & sign up for Gaggle of Chicks (yet another daily deal site!) to get a FREE $5 credit towards your first deal purchase….and while you’re there, make sure you follow the link to “like” them on Facebook. Sometime today they’re going to give one of their fans an iPad2! Crossing my fingers for all of us…

Woohoo! Kelly over at Kelly’s Coupon Addiction found a great $5/$30 printable Winn Dixie coupon that is good 4/27 to 5/3! Grab yours now!

Coming up in the new Winn Dixie ad that starts tomorrow is a great deal on Philadelphia Cooking Creme (if you don’t have tons of the stuff already!). If you have any of the $1.50/1 blinkies or insert coupons and the $1.50/1 Chicken peelies left, you’re going to be able to score FREE Cooking Creme AND $1 off each package of chicken!

Sanderson Farms Chicken is on sale this coming week, too – Thighs or Drumsticks will be 90¢/lb and Whole Cut-Up Chicken will be $1.49/lb…which means you’ll be able to score VERY cheap chicken to go with your FREE Cooking Creme!

Kraft Philadelphia Cooking Creme 10 oz, 2/$4
-$1.50/1 Kraft Philadelphia Cooking Creme blinkie (exp 5/30/2011)
-$1.50/1 Chicken wyb (1) Philadelphia Cooking Creme peelie found on packages of chicken (exp 6/30/2011)
-$1.50/1 Philadelphia Cooking Creme  3/6/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011)

Matt and I tried this when it first came out and were really impressed at how good it was! It also has a pretty nice long shelf life..so if you have the fridge space you might want to grab it while it’s free this week!

Thanks to True Couponing for the early ad info!

I found this booklet in a cardboard display at the head of the ethnic food aisle. It includes the following Winn Dixie coupons – the latest of which expire 5/20/2011:

$.75/1 Osem Mini Croutons Soup “Mandels” (exp 5/20/2011)
-$.50/1 Osem Mini Crouton (exp 5/10/2011)

$1/2 Any 2 Boxes of Streit’s Macaroons (exp 4/20/2011)
These are $2/2 at my store so if your store will take the expired coupon (mine did) you’ll pay just 50¢ each.

$2/1 Any 5 lb box of Streit’s Matzos (exp 4/20/2011)

$.75/1 telma soup mix 14.1 oz (exp 4/30/2011)

$1/1 Bartenura Olive Oil or Balsamic Vinegar (exp 4/30/2011)

$1/1 Manischewitz Macaroons 10 oz (Exp 4/26/2011)
-$.50/1 Manischewitz Product tearpad (exp 12/31/2012)

$1.50/2 Any 2 boxes of Streit’s Egg Matzos (exp 4/20/2011)

Save $1 wyb any (2) 64 oz bottles of Kedem Grape Juice and YEHUDA Cake Mix, Cake Meal or Farfel (exp 4/30/2011)

$1/1 Season Sardines (exp 4/26/2011)

$1/1 Manischewitz Passover Matzo Meal 27 oz (exp 4/26/11)

$.75/1 Osem Bamba/Bissli Multi Packs 6 oz (exp 5/20/2011)
-$.50/1 Osem Bissli Multipack (exp 5/10/2011)

$.60/1 Osem Mediterranean Olives 19.7 oz (exp 5/20/2011)

Happy Easter everyone…and if you don’t celebrate Easter, well then happy Spring and/or happy Sunday!

Ever since those great Winn Dixie Spring Forward booklets came out early last month I’ve been keeping an eye on the Winn Dixie deals and I’ve been really impressed with their prices! Even though it’s late in the week, I thought that I would share some of the best deals for this ad. Remember that you need your Winn Dixie card in order to get these prices…if you don’t have one yet, you can get one at the customer service desk and use it the same day!

Smithfield Bacon 12 oz Center Cut or 16 oz Thick Sliced, BOGO $5.99
Bacon is so expensive at this point that $3 a package is a good deal if you need it!

5 lb bag red or Premium idaho Russet Potatoes, BOGO $4.99
-$1 off potatoes wyb Breakstones (found on potato pkgs)
Makes each bag $1.50 if you’re buying Breakstone’s – which is also BOGO.

Pork Spareribs, $1.79/lb

Kraft Cheese 5 to 9.6 oz chunk, cracker cuts, cubes, shredded or crumbles, BOGO $3.99
-$1/2 Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese 3/13/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/24/2011)
-$1/2 Kraft Shredded Cheese with Philadelphia Rolling
-$0.50/1 Kraft Shredded Cheese with Philadelphia Rolling
-$1/1 Kraft Shredded with Touch of Philadelphia Blinkie or Tearpad
As low as $1 per bag!

Lay’s Potato Chips 10 to 11 oz, 6 oz Crackerfuls or 9.5 to 16 oz Ritz Crackers, BOGO $3.99
-$1/1 Ritz Crackerfuls Filled Crackers 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/10/2011)
-$0.75/1 Nabisco Ritz Multi-Grain Crackerfuls Product Rolling
-$0.75/1 Ritz Crackerfuls Product Rolling
-$1/1 Ritz Munchables Pretzel Rounds (exp 5/2/2011)
-$1/2 Lay’s Potato Chips 3/13/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/2/2011)
As low as $1 per item!

Winn Dixie Basted Turkeys, Frozen, 89¢/lb

Pork Baby Back Ribs 2 lb, BOGO $6.99

Pork Tenderloin 2 lb, BOGO $5.99

Sabra Hummus 10 oz, 2/$5
-$1/1 Sabra Hummus Rolling
$1.5o per container – I think this is the best hummus around so definitely worth it!

Alouette Cheese Spread, $3.99
-$0.75/1 Alouette Soft Spreadable Cheese 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
-$0.50/1 Alouette Crumbled Cheese 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
-$0.75/1 Alouette Brie Cheese 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/31/2011)
As low as $2.99 per item if your store doubles or $3.34 if it doesn’t.

Breakstone’s Sour Cream 16 oz, BOGO $2.34
- $0.50/1 Breakstone’s Sour Cream (IE) Rolling Printable (FF)
-$1/2 Breakstone Sour Cream 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011)
If your store doubles you’ll pay just $17¢ per item.
No doubles = 67¢ each.

Stove Top Stuffing 6 oz, BOGO $2.99
-$0.50/1 Stove Top Stuffing Mix 4/3/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/3/2011)
If your store doubles you’ll pay just 49¢ each…if no doubles then you’ll pay 99¢ each.

Progresso Broth 32 oz, BOGO $2.99
$1.50 per item for a big container of broth isn’t bad if you need it!

Birds Eye Vegetables, 10 to 16 oz, 10/$10
-$0.35/1 Birds Eye Steamfresh Lightly Sauced (IE) Rolling Printable (FF)
-$0.50/2 Birds Eye Steamfresh Products 3/20/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/15/2011)
-$1/3 Birds Eye Product 3/20/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/15/2011)
-$1/3 Birdseye Steamfresh 3/6/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/30/2011)
As low as 50¢ each!

Betty Crocker Cake Mix 18.25 oz, BOGO $1.99
-$0.75/2 Betty Crocker Cake AND Frosting 4/3/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/28/2011)
-$0.50/2 Betty Crocker Cake Mix AND Frosting Target.com (exp 5/5/2011)
Might not be a bad deal if frosting is cheap.

Chinet napkins 40 ct dinner or 90 ct all occasion, BOGO $2.29
-$0.75/1 Chinet Napkins 4/10/2011 SS Insert (exp 7/3/2011)
-$1/1 Chinet Product Rolling
As low as 15¢ per package!

McCormick Spices or Seasonings, 40% off (save up to $6)
-$1/1 McCormick Product 3/13/2011 RP Insert (exp 4/24/2011)
As low as FREE!

Pepperidge Farm 3-Layer Frozen cakes, 19.6 oz, BOGO $4.79
-$0.55/1 Pepperidge Farm Frozen 3 Layer Cake 2/27/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/22/2011)
Makes them $1.85 each!

Dixie Crystals Sugar 5 lb, $2.99
-$0.50/1 Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar Rolling
As low as 49¢ per item if your store doubles or 99¢ if it doesn’t.

Powerade 32 oz, 10/$10 (get 5 free wyb 10)
-B1G1 Powerade Zero (exp 6/30/2011)
-B1G1 Powerade Zero (exp 5/2/2011)
If you have or can print enough B1G1 coupons, you can get 15 bottles for just $5 or 30¢ each!

Crystal Light On the Go, 8 to 12 qt, Kool Aid, or Country Time, BOGO $4.19
-B2G1 Crystal Light Drink Mix Product 4/3/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/31/2011)
You should be able to get 6 for just 87¢ each after coupons!

Mueller’s Pasta BOGO $1.67
-$1/2 Mueller’s Products, any – 03/27/11 SS Insert (exp 4/30/2011)
Pay just 34¢ per item.

Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles or Honey Comb Cereal 11 to 12.5 oz, BOGO $3.99
-$0.75/1 Post Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles 3/13/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/24/2011)
Pay $1.25 per box.

Nabisco Snack Crackers 5 to 10 oz, BOGO $3.59
-$1/1 Wheat Thins Crunch Stix (exp 5/5/2011)
-$1/1 Wheat Thins Crunch Stix 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/26/2011)
-$1/1 Wheat Thins Crunch Stix Rolling
Just 80¢ per item after coupons!

Mt. Olive Pickles 24 to 32 oz, BOGO $3.99
-$0.50/1 Mt. Olive Product 4/17/2011 SS Insert (exp 6/19/2011)
If your store doubles pay just $1 per item.

Freschetta pizza, 2/$10
-$1.50/1 Freschetta Simply Inspired Pizza
Makes each one $3.50.

Ore Ida Steam n Mash, Hash Browns, Onion Rings, or Potatoes O’Brien, BOGO $4.49
-FREE Ore Ida French Fries or Hash Browns wyb any 2 Ore Ida Hash Browns or French Fries Publix Spring Into Savings Booklet (MQ) – Makes them $1.40 each
-$.55/1 Ore Ida Steam n Mash Potatoes Publix Spring Into Savings Booklet (MQ) - Makes them $1.70 each.

Sister Schubert’s Rolls, 11 to 15 oz, $2.99
-$1/1 Sister Schubert’s Product 2/27/2011 SS Insert (exp 5/27/2011)
-$0.35/1 Sister Schubert’s Frozen Product Upromise eCoupon (exp 4/30/2011)
Makes them $1.99 each plus 35¢ Upromise deposit.

Alexia Potatoes, Garlic baguettes, or onion rings, 2/$6
-$1/1 Alexia Frozen Product Rolling
-$1/1 Alexia Frozen Product Rolling
Makes them $2 each.

Green Giant Vegetables, 10/$10
-$0.50/1 Green Giant Boxed Vegetables Rolling
As low as FREE if your store doubles or 50¢ if it doesn’t.

Purex 2X liquid laundry detergent, BOGO $4.29
-$1/1 Purex Detergent or Complete 2-in-1 3/13/2011 RP Insert (exp 5/7/2011)
Just $1.14 each!

Carnation evaporated milk 12 oz. 10 FOR $10
-$0.50/2 Carnation Evaporated Milk 1/23/2011 SS Insert (exp 4/30/2011)
-$0.50/2 Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk
If your store doubles pay just 50¢…if not 75¢ per item.

I work in my office most of the day, and generally both the dogs and usually at least one cat hangs out in here with me. Last week it was pretty warm in the morning so Saffy spent a couple hours stretched out on the floor. Homer and Smudge were both sleeping on the futon (Homer can tolerate Smudge from about 3 feet away, but that’s about as close as he likes to get).

For whatever reason I noticed Saffy get up and look at the futon. Now, there was a perfectly reasonable spot on the left hand side – plenty of room for her to spread out – but that’s not what she wanted. She wanted to be right in the middle of her two boys. As soon as I saw this start to happen, I grabbed my phone and started snapping pics.

I had to wait for the stupid app to start so by the time I was actually able to take a photo Saffy had already started the operation. She slowly climbed on the couch and sat gently, trying to determine the best course of action. Note the “Why Me, Mom?” look on Homer’s face. Smudge is still oblivious.

She turns in tiny circles, hoping to widen the space a bit. Homer’s studiously ignoring her. Smudge is, I’m sure, awake at this point, but pretending to sleep and hoping she’ll just go away.

Sorry for the blurry, but this part is important. Saffy delicately settles in here – but what you don’t see is her shoving Homer further over so that she has plenty of room. Smudge has given up the game and is waiting to see if she’s going to actually lay on top of him (she’s been known to do it).

Ah, (tentative) success.

Who, me? I’ve been here the whole time.

I have no idea if it’s just me or if many people are like this…but so much of my day is made up of half-formed lists running through my head. I’m a relatively organized person but I’m sloppily organized, if that makes any sense. I make to-do lists on the back of envelopes and post it notes and index cards….and, probably not surprisingly, I even write little reminder notes to myself on expired coupons from time to time. I can usually keep track of these little scraps while I’m finishing up the tasks on the list….as long as it’s within a day or two…but then they get shoved to a corner of my massive (and usually massively cluttered) desk.

I am not even kidding.

And then there are the lists I don’t even let myself make anymore. The ones that would detail all of my unfinished projects and ideas and forgotten chores and dreamy plans. It would be pretty embarrassing to publish lists like those…and yet funnily enough when I started this site back in January of last year that’s just exactly what I wanted my newly-created internet space to be: a place to capture some of those fleeting ideas and dreams and half-baked schemes that are always floating around in my head. A place to hold myself accountable and show off and celebrate the few tiny things that I actually accomplish out of all the rest that go unrealized.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what to do with this site in the months that I’ve been neglecting it. Some of you may know that I actually make my living as a virtual assistant to a very good friend (and insane workaholic blogger). I’ve also very recently started doing a little side work for another blogger. So my world is kind of made up of blogs and blogging – writing posts, answering email, maintaining pages, approving comments, and all the other little things that have to happen to make the outside of a blog all nice an shiny. Don’t get me wrong, I really like what I do and I sometimes can’t quite believe that I managed to make something I did as a hobby into the closest thing to a career that I’ve seen in about five years….but after a full day of looking at WordPress windows the last thing in the WORLD I want to do is open up the back door to my site and type words into another blank post. Despite that, though, I’ve been feeling the pull lately to put words here. Enough of a pull, in fact, that at the end of a 12 hour day today I actually opened up that door I usually dread and started typing.

I haven’t given up on this site, that much is for sure. I re-upped my hosting and domain for another year last week, because I guess the one thing that I know for sure is that I’m not done with this space. I want to make it a place that’s fun for me again, a retreat more than yet another workspace.

So here’s the first entry in my list: I just want to be here  - and want to want to be here – more. I guess I can cross that one off, huh?

We got this great single-burner Lodge cast iron reversible griddle/flattop pan last week with the last of my amazon birthday money, and let me tell you, this pan has been working HARD. I don’t think there’s been a single day that we haven’t used it for something or other. It’s nicely pre-seasoned, it heats and retains heat well, and it’s the perfect size to make two meals (and to get tucked away quickly and easily when we don’t need it; that was a much bigger problem with this bohemoth, which I’ve had for years).

All this to say….here’s what my awesome husband made us for dinner tonight:

YUM!

Comfy, but ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice if Homer needs help defending the perimeter from encroaching squirrels, birds, or cats. I cannot imagine how her legs bend this way, but they do….and this is why we will likely be in debt to the vet for the rest of our natural lives.

Also, my lawn needs HELP. I wonder if there’s anything to be done, or if I should just give up now?

…he gets absolutely everything he wants.

These nice mornings have made it so much more enjoyable to go out with the dogs…and my newly-rediscovered love for the TiltShift Generator iPhone app means that y’all get lots of dog pics.

She may look like a brute, but Saffy is really all happiness and love, all the time. I love that this picture captures her I’m-a-happy-dog grin!

A scene caught in the yard this morning. Imagine what it would be like if they DIDN’T like each other?

While you’re on FB grabbing your Chipotle coupon, check out  Redbox…. click the “Freebie” tab to get a free rental code (valid today only!).

It’s shaping up to be a nice cheap day!

Thanks to I Heart Saving Money!

Now through 3/6, you can check out a quick 90 second video about America’s Next Great Restaurant on FB. When the video is over, you’ll be able to print a B1G1 (burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos) Chipotle coupon.

Guess what Matt and I had for lunch today??

Thanks to SlickDeals.