Giant Eagle shopping trip 3-27-11

Big shopping trip on Sunday at Giant Eagle
Here's what I bought:

   BNLS WHOLE PORK TENDER 
    BNLS WHOLE PORK TENDER 
    TYS T1 CHKN BREAST PATTIES 26OZ 
    CASCADE POWDER LEMON 120OZ 
    CASCADE POWDER LEMON 120OZ 
    VT PIZZA CHEESE 6.50OZ 
    VT PIZZA PEPPERONI 6.50OZ 
    GE UNSALTED BUTTER 1/4'S 16OZ 
    GE UNSALTED BUTTER 1/4'S 16OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
    LANCE NEKOT COOKIES 14OZ 
   ORE-IDA SWEET POTATO FRIES 19OZ 
    NAB WHOLE WHEAT RITZ 15OZ 
    NAB WHOLE WHEAT RITZ 15OZ 
    GORT LG CRUNCHY FILLET 19OZ 
    GORT LG CRUNCHY FILLET 19OZ 
    GORT LG CRUNCHY BREAD STICKS 19OZ 
    GORT LG CRUNCHY BREAD STICKS 19OZ 
    VT PIZZA SUPREME 6.50OZ 
    OREIDA EXTRA CRSP FAST FD FRIE26OZ 
    GROUND BEEF-VP 1 LB 
    GRND BEEF ROUND VP 85% LEAN 1 LB 
YOPL GOGURT SCOOBY DOO BERRY 18OZ 
    YOPL GOGURT SCOOBY DOO BERRY 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    YOPL O-GURT GO-GURT 18OZ 
    TYS GRLD & READY CH BRST STRIP22OZ 
    SIMPLY JIF CRMY PEANUT BUTTER 27.30OZ 
    SIMPLY JIF CRMY PEANUT BUTTER 27.30OZ 
    SIMPLY JIF CRMY PEANUT BUTTER 27.30OZ 
    SIMPLY JIF CRMY PEANUT BUTTER 27.30OZ 
    PILL SIMPLY RUSTIC FRNCH LOAF 13.2OZ 
    PILL SIMPLY RUSTIC FRNCH LOAF 13.2OZ 
    PILL SIMPLY RUSTIC FRNCH LOAF 13.2OZ 
    PILLS SIMPLY BUTTERMILK 10CT 12OZ 
    BE EDAMAME BAG 12OZ 
    A&H 2X FREE LQ LAUNDRY DETERGT32LD 
    A&H 2X FREE LQ LAUNDRY DETERGT32LD 
    A&H 2X FREE LQ LAUNDRY DETERGT32LD 
    A&H 2X FREE LQ LAUNDRY DETERGT32LD 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    COCA COLA 12 OZ 12 PK FRIDGE 144OZ 
    C.F. DIET COKE 12Z 12P FRIDGE 144OZ 
    C.F. DIET COKE 12Z 12P FRIDGE 144OZ 
    C.F. DIET COKE 12Z 12P FRIDGE 144OZ 
    GE SHRIMP LINGUINI 24OZ 
    GE SHRIMP & SGE JAMBALAYA 27OZ 
    GE SHRIMP ALFREDO 24OZ 
    GE SHRIMP STIR FRY 24.20OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE THIN SPAGH14.50OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE THIN SPAGH14.50OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE PENNE RIG 14.50OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE PENNE RIG 14.50OZ 
    CHICKEN GE ROASTERS 855 USA 48LB 
    CHICKEN GE ROASTERS 855 USA 48LB 
    TOSTITOS LIME 13OZ 
    TOSTITOS LIME 13OZ 
    TOSTITOS SCOOPS 10OZ 
    TOSTITOS SCOOPS 10OZ 
    LOL ALL NATURAL LARGE BROWN 1DZ 
    LOL ALL NATURAL LARGE BROWN 1DZ 
    CAPRI SUN GRAPE 10 PACK 10%60OZ 
    CPR SN RRN WTRS GRAPE 10PK 0%60OZ 
    CPR SN RRN WTR TRP FR 10PK 0%60OZ 
    CPR SN RRN WTR STR KW 10PK 0%60OZ 
    CAPRI SUN STRAW COOL 10 PK 10%60OZ 
    CPRI SN TRP PNCH CLR 10 PK 10%60OZ 
    CAPRI SUN FRT PUNCH 10 PK 10%6OZ 
    KR 1/3 LESS FAT PHILA BRK 8OZ 
    KR IWS AMER MASTER CS 16OZ 
    KR IWS AMER MASTER CS 16OZ 
    CAPRI SUN STRBRY/KWI 10 PK 10%60OZ 
    GRAPE GREEN SEEDLES USA 1LB 
    APL GALA 3 LB USA 3LB 
    SMKR GRAPE JELLY 32OZ 
    SMKR STRAWBERRY JELLY 18OZ 
    KLNX WHITE FACIAL BOX 200CT 
    KLNX WHITE FACIAL BOX 200CT 
    KLNX WHITE FACIAL BOX 200CT 
    KLNX WHITE FACIAL BOX 200CT 
    BE STM PREM GOLD & WHITE CORN 12OZ 
    BE *STMFRSH BROCCOLI CUTS 12OZ 
    BE *STMFRSH BROCCOLI CUTS 12OZ 
    BE *STMFRSH SUPER SWEET CORN 12OZ 
    SF KRAZI CURLS 7.5OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE X-WIDE NDL12OZ 
    RONZONI SMART TASTE X-WIDE NDL12OZ 
    KASHI GO LEAN CRISP 15OZ 
    MIO SWEET TEA 1.62OZ 
    TYS BONUS FUN NUGGETS (DINO) 32OZ 
    TYS BONUS FUN NUGGETS (DINO) 32OZ 
    YOPL GOGURT BAN/STRAW MSHAKE 18OZ 
    YOPL GOGURT CANDY/BERRY 18OZ 
    TYS GRLD&READY CHK BRST FILLET22OZ 
    TYS GRLD&READY CHK BRST FILLET22OZ 
    APL FUJI USA 1LB 
    ONION SWEET 40 LB USA 1LB 
    BUSH BEANS VEGETARIAN 28OZ 
    BUSH BEANS VEGETARIAN 28OZ 
    BE *STMFRSH CUT GREEN BEANS 12OZ 
    BE STM SWEET MINI COB CORN 4CT 
    BE STM MIX BROC/CAUL/PEAS/CHST12OZ 
    BE STM MIX BROCC/CAULIFLOWER 12OZ 
    FOLGERS BREAKFAST BLEND 29.20OZ 
    FOLGERS BREAKFAST BLEND 29.20OZ 
    ZYRTEC LIQUID GELS 25CT 25CT 
    ZYRTEC LIQUID GELS 25CT 25CT

Total before using my Giant Eagle loyalty card   $498.80

Total after rewards card  $419.91

I had 44.19 in coupons and earned 20% (60.00) off with Giant Eagle Food perks from buying gasoline at their gas station.  I also earned an extra $.45 off a gallon ($1.15 total for this purchase) on gas for purchasing $60 worth of frozen foods and 15 Box tops for purchasing 4 Gogurt.

My OOP (out of pocket) total was $312.08  a savings of $182.06.

This was my biggest shopping trip yet.  When we break down and get a second freezer I'll be able to buy more meats and store them in foodsaver bags.

Items I used coupons for were:

Land o Lakes eggs 

Miso Water

Tysons

Kleenex

Kraft Singles

Steamfresh Vegetables

Ronzoni pasta

Ritz

Gortons Fish

Folgers

Gogurt

Pillsbury Simply (bread & biscuits)

Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Zyrtec

Kashi Crisp Cereal

Ore Ida French Fries

Arm & Hammer Laundry detergent

Since I was getting the 20% off there were many items I didn't have coupons that may or may not have been on sale.  This was my stock up shopping trip and it should last me about a month and a half.

Now that I'm working 5 hours a day I don't have the time to go store to store or shop the sales everyday.  I wait until I have that 20% discount to buy the necessities.  For items I use up quicker like milk, bread, juice concentrate and fresh fruit and veggies I stop in at Aldi's every few days.  They have the best prices on those items and I can get in and out quickly.

I don't "stockpile" too many items and only buy things I use frequently when I get down to the last few I'll look out for sales to replenish. I do have  a lot of Scott toilet tissue and Bounty Paper towels also now  I have enough laundry detergent to last me at least the next 6 mos.  One of the keys is to know  about how much you use of certain items and try to take advantage of sales and coupons for those items.

The Doctor Visit

Bob & I took Jake to the Doctor yesterday.  
He's 51.2 lbs & 48 inches tall his blood pressure is good and so are his reflexes. 

She looked at his hands and talked to him a bit about it but unfortunately, even with her research interest in  development, this is as far as She can take us on this journey.  Next step, Psychologist/Psychiatrist to determine where the behavior is stemming from and if he needs a medication change. 

I contacted the Psych's Dr. Sachs referred us to and at $350 and hour for the 3 hour evaluation, $175 for 1/2 hour appointments thereafter and out of network I decided to check out the Dr's on our insurance plan.  The first one isn't taking new patients until May and the receptionist at the second one I called, upon explaining the situation a bit, transferred me to the Crisis Department.  The Crisis Department was an answering machine saying they were unable to take my call and 13 hours later I have not received a call back.

Forgetting it was St. Patty's day I phoned a friend from the Developmental Center and caught her out on the town.   She's such a doll and listened to my story and will see who she can find for me through her work contacts.

So now it's 6 pm and time to get ready for Cub Scouts.  As the new Den Mother, I can't believe I agreed to this , even though I'm mentally not up to it we have to go to the meeting.  Luckily Bob can make it as well as I really needed him to help me focus the kids and discuss cloud formations with them.

Gotta wake the boy and start another day of adventures.  Luckily today is going to be great weather and we'll get to hang out outside after school.  Hurray!!!!!

Disturbing behavior from our son.

Having a child with ADHD makes mornings a trying time in our household.  Especially coupled with taking 10 days of antibiotics for strep throat.  Every morning and evening for the past 6 days has been the same mantra.  Take the pills, have you taken the pills, this is taking too long!!!!!  I've tried every trick in the book from rewards to taking away treasured toys and nothing works.

Today we're going for a Medicine checkup.  He's been on Metadate CD for almost a year now.  Things have been going well up until the last few months.   His concentration and behavior in class is sprialing downward.   I'm hoping a change in dosage will help.  

Recently Jake has started using a pencil to dig into his hands.  His palms are covered with little puncture marks.  I'm struggling to not shut down and spiral into despair. 

Bob and I have sat him down several times to try and figure out the cause.  We've told him he's not in trouble and we're not angry with him, but are concerned about him hurting himself.  When asked how it feels when he does this, he says it feels kind of good. 

He tell two different stories of why; one is that no one listens to him and the other is that he does it when he doesn't get his way.  Bob caught him picking at his hands last night when he we wouldn't let Jake sleep in our room.  Bob discussed it with him and asked if he's doing it for attention and he admitted to this.   But he's only 7 so who know how much of what he says is what he thinks we want to hear and how much is the truth.

I'm hoping the Doctor can shed some light on the situation.  I'm trying not to panic until I hear what she has to say. 

He's come so far in the past year, made many improvements in his school work and at home, but lately he's become argumentative and rude.  He trys to be a goofball for attention but doesn't understand that the things he says sometimes are inappropriate and hurtful.   He's not following directions and appears not to hear us when we ask him questions.   I know some of these things are typical 7 year old things but it's hard not to become frustrated and keep our patience. 

He's always had some social issues; i.e. not knowing when he's too close or listening when people ask him not to hug or to let go.  Social cues are hard for him to understand.  

I'll post more when I have some definitive answers later.

Tale of the price war: Walmart vs Target - KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |

Here's an intersting article I found on Target vs Walmart prices and who has the better deals.

I had been shopping at Target about a year and a half ago and was getting great deals but had to stop when i went back to work as it was one too many store to shop at with the limited time I had.   Now I am seriously rethinking this decision.  Target does offer many "store" coupons which can be used in conjunction with a manufacturers coupons.  This will give you a double discount and a great deal especially if the item is on sale.


Tale of the price war: Walmart vs Target - KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville

Frederick Maryland Marshalls Store - Frederick Maryland Clothing Stores

Frederick Maryland Marshalls Store - Frederick Maryland Clothing Stores

Just Another School Delay

Why is it that I always wake up at 3 am and can't go back to sleep on a day when we end up with a school delay?  

The wind was howling and it woke me up.  When I checked outside the cars were coated with ice and the grass had a thin layer of snow.  Somehow I missed the weather forcast yesterday.  Since it rained all day and the temperature dipped below freezing we ended up with ice. 

So now it's bright and sunny out and school opening is delayed for two hours.  Oy vey this will throw off the whole day.

Although it did give me some time to look into a question a friend asked about Bloom Grocery stores.  March 1st they did do what's called a Super Double. They will double coupons up to $1.99 (limit 20 per transaction) up to the regular retail price of the product.  Which means if the item is on sale for $2.00 but you have a $1.50 coupon you'll have an extra $1 off your total sale.  I don't shop at Bloom but I may have to give them a shot on there special coupon days.   From my research I also see that they have Triple coupon days as well.  I did see a post on http://www.weusecoupons.com/  in their Bloom forum that the manager at their store said this will be a monthly event and would suggest that you check the circular or the We Use Coupons website for advance circular or sale info.

It's finally Sunday, time to Relax?

I've hardly had a minute to catch my breath over the last couple of weeks. 

The PTA had our fall Scholastic Bookfair last week.  Annette, our Bookfair Organizer and Administrative Vice President, is my new hero.  She selflessly spend all day at the school organizing the volunteers and running the cash register.  Our profits increased over the past couple of years, we couldn't have done it without her. I was able to help out in the evenings and afterschool.

I got a taste of how hard it is by running the register on Family Fun night.  We had a huge line that seemed endless.  It was crazy, but so nice to see the parents and students buying books.

I'm still working part time doing Data Entry for a company that processes non-profit donations.  They've given me the job of entering the credit card donations so I haven't been able to go to the gym in the mornings since the workload has increased.  I'm surprised to find I miss it and will have to motivate myself to go in the evenings and on the weekends.  Spring is coming and I really need to get back in shape.

We recently enrolled our son, Jake, in cub scouts.  He's 7 1/2 and in second grade so he's a Wolf cub.  It's great to see him spending time with other boys.  I think he really enjoys it.  They've done some building and racing activities like the Raingutter Regatta, Rocket building and the Pinewood Derby.  He received to medals at the Derby.  One for best paint job and one for 2nd place in his racing group.  This qualified him for the Super Derby with the area scout groups. 

The pack leader approached me to become the Wolves Den Leader; he's currently running the meetings for all the groups.  I was hesitatant to get involved in another project since I'm the PTA Treasurer and working.  But he did make a valid point that I'm at the meetings and all the functions anyway.  So I decided to take the plunge.  I've completed my online Den Leader training and am meeting with him to discuss responsibilies.... today.  What have I gotten myself into???

I did get some time to myself yesterday, finally able to co-ordinate a hair appointment.  I sorely needed a haircut and my highlights touched up.  My friend Robyn clued me in to the local Paul Mitchell Hair School.  They have a school salon and the prices are very reasonable.  It does take a lot longer than if I went to a regular salon but I find the savings worth the extra time.  I've been going there for about 8 months. 

Yesterday it only cost me $68.55 for a cut, color and Paul Mitchell styling products; Extra Body Sculpting Foam (for thickening)  2 oz. and Express Style Round Trip liquid curl definer .85 oz. .  I decided to pay a bit extra and use a more experience phase II stylist instead of a newbie and I was only there for 3 1/2 hours.  Looking at their pricing table online the cut & style was $20 and I think the color was $35.
I would highly recommend checking out a School in your area  here's a link to our local school http://temple.paulmitchell.edu/frederick-md/guest-services

KP Update

Thought I'd give an update on the KP Products I've been using. 

I started out using the scrub only on my arms but have progressed to using it on my whole body.  All I can say is WOW!!!  First off my skin hasn't felt this smooth since I was in my 20's.  I dampen one hand the take a pinch of the scrub with the other mix it together and rub it in with my finger tips.  The exfoliation is very gentle and when I rinse it off in the shower my skin feels like silk. 

The lotions absorbs quickly and is non greasy.  I can see and feel an improvement in my skin already.  Since my pores are unblocked and my skin stimulated for new growth I anticipate that in a few weeks I will be bump and redness free.  I can't wait to wear short sleeves and not be self consious about my arms.