Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

I finally got my sales ads at a decent time of day!! Yeah!! So here are the best deals that I found in this weeks ads:

First, if you can get to these stores today (WEDNESDAY), these are some great deals:
Pros Ranch Market:
Bananas 4 lbs/$0.99
Cherries $0.99/lb
Lettuce 3/$0.99
Potatoes 10 lbs/$0.99
Carrots 4 lbs/$0.99
Granny Smith Apples 5 lbs/$0.99

Food City:
Tilapia Fillets $1.99/lb
Boneless Beef Cross Rib Steak $1.49/lb
Beef Back Ribs $0.79/lb

The rest of these deals run the whole week, unless otherwise noted:

Albertsons
Pork Loin Chops $0.97/lb
1/2 Gallon Milk $0.88
Drumsticks, Thighs or Leg Quarters $0.77/lb
Pork Loin Roast $1.67/lb
Cantaloupe 10/$10
Calidad Tortilla Chips, Corn or Flour Tortillas 10/$10
Aqua Fresh Toothpaste or Toothbrush or Oral B Floss 10/$10
Hormel Little Sizzlers, Bar-S Jumbo Meat Franks or Cacique Chorizo 10/$10
Kellogg's Cereal $1.25 each when you buy 4
Roma Tomatoes $0.99/lb

Bashas'
Split Chicken Breast (bone-in) $0.77/lb
90% Lean Ground Beef (value pack 4 lbs or more) $1.77/lb
Red Cherries $1.18/lb
Milk $1.39/gallon
Large Eggs $0.77/dozen
Barilla Pasta 10/$10
Ragu Pasta Sauce 2/$3
Food Club Butter $1.99/lb

Food City
Mangos 3/$0.99
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.79/lb
Food City Medium Eggs $2.99 for 5 dozen
Kellogg's Cereal 4 for $1.75 each
Peaches or Nectarines $0.99/lb
Plums $0.99/lb
Valencia Oranges 2 lbs/$1
THURSDAY ONLY: Bananas 3 lbs/$0.99

Fresh & Easy
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.97/lb
Large Eggs $1.47/dozen
Pepsi products 12 pk 3/$6.99
Peaches $0.98/lb
Block or Shredded Cheese $1.67/8 oz.
Family Pack String Cheese $4.99 24 count
Long Grain White Rice or Pinto Beans $0.79/lb
Black Beans $1.05/lb
Red Lentils $1.95/lb

Fry's
1/2 gallon Milk $0.77/lb
Strawberries $1/lb
Mini Peeled Carrots $1/lb
Roma Tomatoes $1/lb
Dole Premium Classic Salads $1/10-12oz. bag
93% lean Ground Beef $1.88/lb
Sugar 4 lb./$1.75
Vegetable Oil $1.99/48 oz.
Peanut Butter $1/18 oz.
Powerade 32 oz. $0.50 each

Pros Ranch Market
Roma Tomatoes 3 lbs/$0.99
Mazola Corn Oil $1.99/40 oz.
Mangos 4/$0.99
Cucumbers 6/$0.99
Oranges 5 lbs/$0.99
Green Cabbage 5 lbs/$0.99
Mushrooms 8 oz. pkg $0.99
Red Radishes 4 bunches/$0.99
Kiwi 7 for $0.99

Safeway
Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts $1.58/lb
White or Yellow Corn 5/$1
Yellow or White Peaches $0.77/lb
Rancher's Reserve Boneless Beef Round Steak $1.48/lb
Lucerne 18 ct. Large Eggs $0.99 w/ in ad coupon

Sprouts
Strawberries 4 lbs/$3.49 or 2 lbs/$2
Mushrooms - whole or sliced $0.99 8 oz.
Peaches or Nectarines $0.99/lb
Pink Lady Apples $0.99/lb
Fresh Apricots $1.49/lb
Walnut Halves & Pieces $3.99/lb
Mild Cheddar $1.99/lb
Sprouts Chicken Sausage $2.99/lb variety of flavors
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs $1.99/lb
Blue Cheese $3.99/lb
Roasted Cashew Pieces $3.99/lb


Happy Grocery Shopping!!

Great Deals on Cereal This Week!!

There are some great deals this week on cereal, so take this chance to stock up - cereal has a pretty long expiration date.

At Basha's, you can get Kellogg's cereals for $1.50 each with their in-ad coupon ($6.00 off) and their 4 for $12 sale.

And at Safeway, they have a deal on General Mills cereals for $2.00 each, use some $0.75 off coupons found here, here, or here and you SHOULD get a $4.50 catalina for milk if you buy 3. Also, you can sign up for Cellfire and Shortcuts.com to get even more coupons loaded right onto your Safeway card. You could end up with really cheap cereal and free milk, too!

I already bought the Kellogg's at Bashas and will be trying out the deal at Safeway today, so I will let you know how it goes.

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

Sorry for the missing post last week - was up in the White Mountains on a missions trip to the Apache Reservation. I got my ads really late yesterday, so I am posting this today.

SuperTarget
Sweet corn in the husk 10/$1
(best deal on corn in the area!!)

World Market
Savini Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 liters $7.99 (great price on EVOO!!)

Walgreens
Pringles for $0.99
Reusable Shopping Bags 3/$1
Puffs Facial Tissue 60, 72, or 108 sheets $0.99

Albertsons
Ribeye Steak $3.77/lb
Seedless Watermelon $0.12/lb

Bashas
Dole Pineapples $1 each
Mangos 2/$1
Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip $1.88 w/in ad coupon
Kraft BBQ Sauce $0.68 w/in ad coupon
Sargento Shredded Cheese 5-8 oz. $0.88 w/in ad coupon
Boneless Top Sirloin Steak $1.99/lb
Pork Spareribs $0.99/lb
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Buy 1, Get 2 FREE!
Kellogg's Cereal $1.50 each when you buy 4 w/ in ad coupon
Blue Bunny Ice Cream and Treats $1.99 each when you buy 4 w/in ad coupon

Food City
Boneless Beef Chuck Steak $1.69/lb
Bone-in Country Style Pork Ribs $0.89/lb
Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs $0.99/lb
Roma Tomatoes 2 lbs/$1
Strawberries 2 lbs/$3
Cucumbers 4/$1
Green Onions 3/$0.99
Bananas 2 lbs/$0.98
Plums, Peaches or Nectarines $0.99/lb
Beef Back Ribs $0.79/lb
Bar S Jumbo Meat Franks $0.69
Drinking Water 24 btls $2.50

Fresh & Easy
$3 off $30 purchase coupon on top of ad
Original Grill Pack $5.99
John Morrell Family Pack Bun Length Franks 2.5 lbs $2.99
Corn on the Cob 4 count $0.99
Dole 100% Juice $1.99

Fry's
Gatorade 32 oz. $0.59 when you buy 10 mix n match
Pillsbury Grand Biscuits $0.99 (10 mix n match)
Brown n Serve Saursage $0.58 (10 mix n match)
Manwich or Chef Boyardee $0.69 (10 mix n match)
Klondike or Breyers Ice Cream $1.99 (10 mix n match)
Boneless USDA Choice Rib Eye $3.97/lb
Chicken Drumsticks, Thighs or Leg Quarters $0.69/lb
Fresh Wild Caught Keta Salmon $3.77/lb (great price)
Lay's Potato Chips $1.77
Coke or Pepsi 12 pack of cans $1.99 (first 4)
Goldfish Crackers $0.99
Milk $1.99 gallon
(A number of good deals on the mix n match 10 items deal)

Pro's Ranch Market
Watermelon $0.14/lb
Cantaloupe 4 lbs/$0.99
Bone-in Country Style Pork Ribs $0.98/lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Steak or Roast $1.78/lb
Bar-S Franks 2/$1
Aquarius Spring Water 24 pack $2.39 (limit 4)
Tortilla Chips 14 oz. $1.08 (they make them fresh there!)
Doritos $1.99
C & H Cane Sugar 5 lb $1.99
Foam Plates 150 ct. $2.99
Red Plums 2 lbs/$0.99
Mexican Limes 3 lbs/$0.99
Cilantro 5/$0.99
Garlic 2 lbs/$0.99
Green Beans $0.99/lb

Safeway
Best Foods Mayo $1.99 w/ in ad coupon
Kraft American Singles 12oz $0.99 w/in ad coupon
Refreshe Bottled Water 24 pack $2.77
Rancher's Reserve Ribeye or New York Steak $3.75/lb
93% lean ground beef $1.99/lb
Pork Shoulder Country Style Ribs $0.99/lb
Cherries $0.99/lb
Whole Seedless Watermelons $2.88 each
Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs $1.99/lb

Sprouts
Cherries $0.99/lb
Fuji & Braeburn Apples $0.99/lb
Red & Black Plums or Yellow Peaches $0.99/lb
Extra Lean ground beef $1.99/lb
Jarlsberg Swiss Bulk $4.99/lb
Virginia Peanuts $1.49/lb (great price for homemade peanut butter!!)
Brazil Nuts $3.99/lb

And don't forget to make a trip to Superstition Ranch Market for the best prices on produce!! Last time I went I got a whole cart full of stuff for only $14!!!!! Incredible! You never know what is on sale, but their prices are always great for produce!

Happy Grocery Shopping!

Apache Reservation Missions Trip - Day 3

Last evening, in spite of the rain, the Lord gave us the promise of a good day today with a little help from a beautiful sunset and two stunning rainbows! Mind you, it was still RAINING! But this morning, the work started at about 5:30am and the breeze overnight dried most of the building, with a lot of help from the sun this morning.

Check out the double rainbow, with them being mirror images of each other! We were sitting on the porch of the church eating dinner when this beautiful sight appeared right in front of our eyes and spanned the church perfectly! What a neat sign in the heavens for us!

Dinner was tacos, spanish rice, salad and desserts. The gang from Tracy, CA, sure are great at improvising and being creative with what they have to work with! They kept their spirits up and didn't let the rain wash them out.
Some of the guys had to take a break from time to time and be silly. Here they are just showing some of their unique personality.
Some of our fearless leaders: Mike Sorg from Tracy, CA and Darrell Martin from FreedomGate Church in Tempe, AZ. They are heading up most of the construction project and the work is moving along so very well!
The group from West Virginia are building a playground for the kids at Riverside Church.
Here is a shot of the whole gang who were working so hard today on the construction, as well as VBS and the playground.
Lunch was served: Ranch Chicken Wraps, Zucchini and Celery sticks with dip, oranges, chocolate chip bars, pasta salad and more!! A huge thanks to the great folks up in PineTop preparing all of the wonderful meals!! Nothing could be getting done at the sites without the fuel to keep us all going, so THANKS!!!
Aaaahhhhhhh!!! Relief at last!! Those Porta Potties were getting REALLY FULL!!! Thank goodness that they finally came and emptied them!!! You have never seen a group of people so thankful to see this guy as our crew was!!! Now we no longer have "Stinkum Muchum" at the church (and that's a long story:-)
Last night, there were alot more kids at VBS. They had a great time sharing with the children and having fun! Tonight there is a play, so it should be tremendous!! And I am sure even more kids will show up.

Here they are, hard at work first thing this morning up on the roof. Some of the guys and gals from the WV group have come to help get the roof finished, too!

Some folks are still hanging sheetrock inside. These kids have got it down to an art!
So far, a tremendous day! We are praying that the rain will pass over and not fall in East Fork, AZ today!! Great progress has been made on the building today and we don't want to see rain until the roof is completed. These guys and gals are working so hard for SO many long hours today! God will truly bless them for their hard work and serving hearts!!

Apache Reservation Missions Trip - Day 2

It has been a great day - until it started RAINING!!! The ONE thing we really didn't need was rain! The roof is wide open on the ends, the tar paper is a mess and they haven't begun to shingle yet! Oh, tomorrow should be VERY interesting!!!
The kids have been having a great time on the roof, as you can see here. They are alot like monkeys! They spent alot of time today chasing bundles of shingles as they slid down the roof! Seems to be a little silly.
Here are "Los Jefes" (The Bosses:-) - at least they think that they are! Supervision is VERY exhausting work - I should know!! And what exactly are they supervising, you may ask??????

The crazy guys hanging the eaves!! They look a little like monkeys in a cage, don't you think? These young guys are learning a TON of stuff from their fearless leaders (I'm serious now).

And here are even more monkeys climbing all over the roof!! Sure wish there were shingles on that roof BEFORE it started pouring down rain!! Pray for good weather tonight and tomorrow, please!
And I bet you were wondering just what new skills our young ladies were learning. Well, here are some of them hanging sheetrock. Mike Sorg is so wonderful about teaching and organizing these young people as they learn to do things they never even tried before!

All in all, it has been a great day! In spite of the rain, they are making good progress and having a great time! Time to take dinner down the mountain for this hard-working crew - Tacos!! Check back tomorrow for more updates (and hopefully I won't be so tired and silly:-)

Apache Reservation Missions Trip - Day 1

We are up in the White Mountains of Arizona on the Apache Reservation. The group from Southwinds Church in Tracy, CA, arrived yesterday afternoon after driving about 17 hours straight! They were very tired, but real troopers! They had to set up camp, move the porta potties, camp out in the sanctuary and unfinished fellowship hall, and rig some electricity to have lights when it got dark.

Today, they are hard at work both on the construction project of the new fellowship hall, and also preparing to begin their Vacation Bible School for the children that begins this evening. Most of them are hard at work doing whatever is presented to them to do. They are a great group with great leaders!!

It has been such a blessing getting to see some of our friends from their trip down to Mexico last year!

Feels Like A Million Muffins!!

The last few days, I have been baking muffins for our upcoming missions trip to the Apache Reservation in the White Mountains of Arizona. I am baking for a total of about 120 people, so it is ALOT of muffins. Add to that the fact that we are making MINI muffins, and you can imagine how many that is!!

I have baked apple muffins, banana muffins and blueberry muffins - about 4 dozen of each - if they were normal sized. I don't even know how many hundreds it came out to, but I would estimate about 400 or more total muffins! Ok, that is ALOT of muffins!! I am very glad I am done and don't want to eat any until at least next week:-)

Great Tasting, Crispy Homemade Potato Chips in Minutes

I just tried this for the first time tonight because I was craving potato chips! I sliced two potatoes on the back of the cheese grater into thin slices. Then I laid them on a paper towel and patted them dry. I sprayed some olive oil on a microwave-safe plate and placed the potato slices on the plate (only one potato worth of slices fit at a time). Then I sprayed the slices with a little more olive oil. I put the plate into the microwave for about 6 1/2 minutes - until the chips started to brown in the middle. I am sure times will very from one microwave to another, so just watch them. I took them out and sprinkled with a little sea salt and ate them - yummy!!!

And then my daughter wanted some, so I just told her how to make them and she made her own, too! I would show you a picture, but I ate them too fast to stop and take photos! I was really craving:-)

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

This week looks a little better for deals, so we will get to them right away!

Albertsons
Boneless, Skinless chicken breasts $1.67/lb
Petite Sirloin Steaks $2.99/lb
Dozen Large Eggs $0.75 w/in ad coupon (limit 2)
Aquarius Spring Water 24 pk. 2/$5 w/in ad coupon (limit 2)
Donald Duck Orange Juice 64 oz. $1 w/in ad coupon (limit 2)
Brown N Serve Breakfast Sausage $0.77 w/in ad coupon (limit 4)
Oroweat Bread 2/$3 w/in ad coupon (limit 2)
Carolina Smoked Turkey $2.88 w/in ad coupon (limit 2 lbs.)
General Mills or Kellogg's Cereal $1.75 when you buy 4
Blueberries 11 oz. 2/$3
Mangos 2/$1
Grape Tomatoes - dry pint 2/$3
Red Bell Peppers $0.88 each
Blue Bunny Ice Cream or Novelties $2 each when you buy 4
Honeysuckle Turkeys 10-22lbs frozen $0.79/lb

Bashas'
Split Chicken Breasts $0.87/lb
Red Seedless Grapes $0.99/lb
Fresh Green Beans $0.99/lb
Chuck Roast $1.17/lb
Euro Fresh Tomatoes on the Vine $0.99/lb
Large Eggs $0.99/dozen
Milk $1.47/gallon
Donald Duck Orange Juice $1.59 64 oz.
Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna 5 oz. $0.59
Pepsi Products 2 liter $0.98

Food City
Mangos 3/$0.99
Cucumbers 4/$1
Green Chiles 2 lbs/$0.88
Jumex Fruit Nectar 4/$1
Clemente Jacques Whole Jalapenos $0.99 27.5 oz can
Peaches or Nectarines $0.99/lb
Red or Gold Bell Peppers 3/$0.99
Boneless Beef Chuck Steak $1.79/lb
Strawberries 2 lbs./$3
Beef Back Ribs $0.99/lb
Imitation Crab Meat $1.99/lb
Angel Soft Bath Tissue (4 roll) or Brawny Paper Towel $0.99

Fresh & Easy
Hansen's Soda 2/ 6 packs for $4

Fry's
Gold, Red or Green D'Anjou Pears $1/lb
Mangos 2/$1
Kiwis 3/$0.99
On the Vine Tomatoes $1/lb
Del Monte Gold Pineapple $1 each
Roma Tomatoes $1/lb
Boneless Half Pork Loin $1.97/lb
USDA Choice T-Bone Steak $3.97/lb
Milk $0.88/half gallon
Water 24 pk. 2/$5
80% lean ground beef $1.77/lb

Pro's Ranch Market
Boneless Beef Bottom Round Steak or Roast $1.68/lb
Strawberries $0.89/lb
Oranges 6 lbs/$0.99
Coca Cola products 2 liter $0.77
White Onions 5 lbs/$0.99
Key Limes 3 lbs/$0.99
Nectarines 2 lbs/$0.99
Cilantro 6/$0.99
Kiwis 8 for $0.99
Radishes 4/$0.99
WEDNESDAY ONLY:
Avocados 4/$0.99
Potatoes 10 lbs/$0.99
Granny Smith Apples 4/$0.99
Cherries $0.99/lb

Safeway
93% lean ground beef $1.87/lb
Nectarines $0.88/lb
Mix & Match - Buy 10 and get $5 off
Some good deals with this promo
Barilla Pasta $0.89/lb
Kraft BBQ Sauce $0.75

Sprouts
Lettuce, Green, Red or Romaine $0.49 each
Yellow Peaches or Nectarines $0.99/lb
Strawberries (1 lb), Blueberries (6 oz.), Raspberries (6 oz.) 2/$3
Red or Black Plums $0.99/lb
Roasted Almonds $3.99/lb
Cascade Fresh yogurt 32 oz. 2/$4
Mild Cheddar Cheese $1.99/lb
Provolone $2.99/lb
Shamrock Milk $1.99/gallon

So go get the good deals this week!! Happy Shopping!

My First Batch of Homemade Soap!!

I finally did it! I made soap! I have been wanting to do this for months, planning for many weeks, and procrastinating for a few days:-) I was very nervous to do it the first time! I have watched a DVD about making soap, read MANY websites about it, subscribe to a newsletter about it, and finally.....I have made my own soap.

I don't get nervous very often about anything, but even my husband realized how nervous I was about making soap the first time. He kept checking on me and asking how it was going. He is very dear!

I have been using natural, homemade shampoo and body bars for quite a while and it is pretty costly. I LOVE the difference they make on your hair and your skin, so I just knew I had to try to make my own. I found a recipe for Luxury Soap that uses all the best oils that I love, but they are pretty expensive. So I used money I earned via Mystery Shopping over the last couple months to buy the items/oils I needed. I have enough of most of them to make several more batches of soap. I also needed to get the necessary equipment (stainless steel pot, wooden spoon, scale, rubber gloves, etc.) which I acquired from friends and yard sales over the past several months. The last item I needed to find was the lye - it is hard to find 100% lye! But, thanks to some recommendations on soapmaking forums, I found it at Ace Hardware right around the corner from my house.

So then the day came that I was determined to make soap. I actually made shampoo bars because I added Castor Oil to the recipe (and used a soap calculator to figure the proper amounts of everything) because these we can use for hair and body. I had already decided not to add any scent, and I am happy that I made that decision. These soap bars smell so clean and fresh!

I mixed the lye with the water and set it aside. Then I began heating the oils and mixing them all together, including the shea butter and palm kernel flakes. When this was all melted, I checked the temperatures on the lye solution and the oils - both were way too hot to mix! So I let them sit....and sit....and sit....and finally a couple hours later, they were close to 95 degrees so I mixed them together. I used my stick mixer and it only took about 5-8 minutes to "come to trace" (which means it is ready to pour into the mold). I used a Rubbermaid container for the mold and purposely made the bars a little thicker than normal. Then I wrapped the mold up in many towels to keep the heat in so it would cool slowly.

Later that evening, I peeked and saw that the middle had turned a brown color. Fortunately, I had read about that - it is the gel phase! And it is an important phase that the soap should go through, so I was happy. The next morning, I unwrapped my soap and it had a slight tinge of brown still in the center and was a little soft, so I waited until later in the day to unmold it and cut it. It was nice and soft to cut and I was so please with the creamy white color! I cut 8 large bars and then some smaller pieces for samples for many of my friends who want to try it.

Now it is sitting on a rack drying and I have to be patient for 3 more weeks!! The soap/shampoo bars must cure for 3 weeks before the saponfication process is complete and it is mild enough to use. I am just happy to look at my wonderful bars of soap and anticipate the pleasure of washing my hair and body with them! I know, that sounds really weird! But there are some simple pleasures in life that make me happy - like baking bread for my family! I guess that makes me a little "old-fashioned", but I have lived the busy, career life and wouldn't trade my simple life now for any amount of money!!
For more frugal fun, check out the Festival of Frugality over at Stupid Cents.

Oil Cleansing Method for GREAT SKIN!!!

I waited several months before posting about the oil cleansing method because I wanted to make sure it works really well before recommending. Well, not only am I thrilled with it myself, but both my teenage kids and several friends (and their teens) have been using it and loving it, too!

First, I want to say that the reason we have breakouts and blackheads and such on our faces is because we are not cleansing correctly and then we often use harsh chemicals in an attempt to "control" oil. Well, oil is not the problem. Your skin needs oils to function properly and cleanse itself. By stripping your skin of oils, you are causing your skin to produce even more oils which results in "oily skin".

By using this oil cleansing method, you will clear up any acne, moisturize your skin properly and maintain and clean healthy environment on your face. I also use oil to moisturize instead of lotions (either olive oil or kukui nut oil - my favorite!!).

Castor oil is the cleansing oil and how much you use will depend on the type of skin you have. I also add a little sweet almond oil, but mostly use extra virgin olive oil. And I use kukui nut oil to moisturize daily. It is so nice! It leaves no oil residue and it does wonders for your skin, especially if you have dry skin like me. My husband used it on a patch of skin on his side that chronically was so dry and itchy. After just a few days of use, the dry skin disappeared completely!

It took quite a while to convince my kids to use this oil cleansing method regularly, but they are now convinced as to how well it works. A friend of mine's daughter was really struggling with acne. She used this method for two weeks and completely cleared up her face!

I promise that, if you follow the directions for the oil cleansing method, your skin will love you for it!! Check it out and try it for yourself. Not only will your skin love you, but you will save a TON of money, if you use any costly cleansers and moisturizers now.

For more great ideas, check out Works For Me Wednesday hosted by We Are That Family!

Restaurant.com Deals!!

Do you like to eat out, but don't like the high cost? Well, this is a deal for you!! Starting today, and only for a limited time (and limited number), Restaurant.com has an 80% sale going on. That means you can buy a $25 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice for only $2.00!!! Make sure you read the details, some are good if you purchase $35, some $50. And they usually add 18% gratuity to the bill before discount. But this is a GREAT DEAL!!!

I have used several at places like George's Famous Gyros and other places, and have been very pleased with the deal! All four of us ate our fill (and then another meal the next day, too) for just about $10 (plus the $2 I paid for the g.c.)!!! That's cheaper than fast food or ice cream at DQ, so it works for me! I bought 3 more gift certificates today, including My Big Fat Greek and The Landmark!! Can't wait to have the chance to use these:-) And they are good for a year from the date of purchase, but you can only use one per restaurant per month. There are a few other terms and conditions, but nothing difficult.

Hope you get a chance to take advantage of this deal! And each restaurant only offers a limited amount, so hurry to get yours before they are gone!

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

Well, I'm not very impressed with the deals this week - hope you aren't in need of alot of groceries this week! I am hoping that, like me, you have been stocking up on the great deals each week so you can plan your menus mostly from your pantry and freezer. If not, just buy the bare necessities and wait until next week. There are a few items that are good deals, though. Here they are:

Albertsons
93% lean ground beef $1.87/lb
Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Total Raisin Bran, Kix, Honey Kix or Golden Grahams 3 for $5
Bar-S Jumbo Meat Franks, Bologna or American Cheese Slices 10/$10
Jumbo Cantaloupe $0.99

Bashas'
Strawberries 1 lb pkg $0.99
Blueberries, Blackberries or Raspberries 6 oz 2/$3
Mini Peeled Carrots 16 oz bag $0.88
Red, Gold or Orange Bell Peppers $0.88
Kellogg's Cereal Buy 3, Get 3 Free! Final Price $2 each
Popsicle Frozen Treats 3 for $5
Milk $1.99/gallon

Food City
Bone0In Country Style Pork Ribs $0.89
Roma Tomatoes 2 lbs/$1
Bananas 3 lbs/$0.99
Iceberg Lettuce $0.69
Russet Potatoes 15 lb/$1.99
Chicken Leg Quarters $0.39/lb
73% lean ground beef $0.99/lb
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts $1.69/lb
Bone-in Chuck Steak $1.29/lb
Cucumbers 4/$1
Green Bell Peppers 4/$1
Valencia Oranges 3 lbs/$0.99
Dole Orange Juice 64 oz. $1.79
Peaches or Nectarines $0.99/lb
Avocados 2/$1
Key Limes 3 lbs/$0.99
Green Onions 3/$0.99
Red or Golden Delicious Apples $0.69/lb
Mangos 3/$0.99 THURSDAY ONLY

Fresh & Easy
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts $1.97/lb
Pure Drinking Water 24 btls 16.9 oz. $2.99

Fry's
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts $1.67/lb
Mangos 2/$1
Artichokes $1 each
Milk $1.99/gallon
Kellogg's Cereal or Pop-Tarts $2.47
Kroger Butter $1.88/lb

Pro's Ranch Market
Roma Tomatoes 3 lbs/$0.99
Iceberg Lettuce 3/$0.99
Bar-S Bologna $0.59
Key Limes 3 lbs./$0.99
Peaches 2 lbs./$0.99
Celery 2 for $0.99
Carrots 1 lb. bags 3/$0.99
Red Onions 3 lbs/$0.99
Cilantro 6 bunches for $0.99
Beef Stew Meat $1.99/lb

Safeway
Boneless Beef Round Steak $1.48/lb
Raspberries 5.6 oz. $0.99
Bone-in Split Chicken Breasts $0.88/lb
Mix & Match $5 off instantly for every 10 participating items that you buy:
Betty Crocker Cake Mix $0.79
CapriSun Drinks (10 ct) $1.49
Refreshe Water 24 btls. $2.83
Some good deals with this promo.

Sprouts
Dried Cranberries $2.99/lb
Yellow Peaches or Nectarines $0.99
Cherries $1.69/lb
Cantaloupes $0.99 each
Fresh Spinach $0.49/bunch
Fuji & Braeburn Apples $0.99/lb
Hot House Tomatoes $0.99/lb
Granola Breakfast Bonanza - 18 varieties $1.99/lb
Chicken Breast Tenders $1.99/lb
Apricots, Red or Black Plums 2 lbs/$3
Western or Wild West Trail Mix $2.99/lb

So, if you need to buy bottled water or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can find some good deals this week. Some produce on good sales, too. Don't worry, sales cycle around, so the next week or so will find more good deals, I am sure!

I haven't made it out to the Superstition Ranch Market in a while to know what they have on good deals, so if you have, let us know what you found.

Happy Grocery Shopping!!

FREE Redbox Movie - Today ONLY!!

If you would like to watch a family movie (or any movie) today for FREE, use this code FM63H7 at your nearest Redbox and you can get a movie for free!! This is good TODAY ONLY, Monday, June 1, 2009, so don't miss out! They only have free movies the first Monday of each month now, so they are fewer and farther between.

Now, what to watch????

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

Here are the best deals I have found this week in the grocery stores around the Phoenix area. Good deals on milk and eggs. Some good 10/$10 deals and Basha's is running Super Double Coupons up to $1 through June 2nd, so don't forget to use those coupons this week!

Albertsons
Milk $1.47/gallon
Sanderson Farms Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Buy one, Get one FREE
Mini Carrots 1 lb. 10/$10
Raspberries 6 oz. 10/$10
Fresh Express Garden Salad 12 oz. 10/$10
Large Eggs 10/$10
Albertsons Fruit Snacks or Cereal 10/$10
Albertsons pasta Sauce, Pasta or Olives 10/$10
Butterball Turkey Bacon or Farmland Breakfast Sausage 10/$10
Popsicles 10/$10
Del Monte Tomatoes or Zatarain's Rice 10/$10
There are many more 10/$10 deals this week, some good deals, some not so great. Just check them out and know your prices elsewhere to get good deals.

Basha's - Super Double Coupons up to $1.00!!!!
Boneless Cross Rib or Chuck Steaks or Roasts $1.57/lb
Applewood Smoked Old Fashioned Sliced Bacon $1.99/lb
Russet Potatoes 4 lb bag $0.99
Milk $1.57/gallon
Barilla Pasta 10/$10
Hunt's Pasta Sauce, Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce 10/$10
Campbells' Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 20/$10
Stokely's Canned Vegetables 20/$10
Macaroni & Cheese Dinner 20/$10
Powerade Drinks 15 for $10 w/in ad coupon

Food City
Bone-in Split Chicken Breasts $0.99/lb
Avocados 2/$1
California Peaches $0.99/lb
Bananas 2 lbs/$0.98
Food Club Vegetable Oil 24 oz. 2/$3
Food City Drinking Water 24 pack 2/$5
Imitation Crab Meat $1.69/lb
73% lean ground meat $0.99/lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Steak $1.69/lb
Kiwi 8/$0.96
Lemons $0.69/lb
Jalapenos $0.69/lb
Red Delicious Apples $0.69/lb
THURSDAY ONLY:
Red Potatoes 4lbs/$1
Cantaloupe 3 lbs/$0.99
Valencia Oranges 3 lbs/$0.99
Green Chiles 2 lbs/$1

Fresh & Easy
80/20 ground beef 2 lb pack $3.38 ($1.69/lb)
Eggs $0.99/dozen
Oranges 5 lb bag $1.68 ($0.34/lb)
Fritos Classic 36-count variety Pack or Sun Chips 30 count Variety Pack $9.99
Hansen's Sodas 6 pack 2/$4

Fry's
7-Bone or Blade Chuck Steak $1.47/lb
93% lean ground beef $1.88/lb
Chicken Leg Quarters $0.69/lb
Red Seedless Grapes $0.88/lb
Large Eggs $0.77/dozen
Fry's Macaroni & Cheese 3/$1
Hunt's Tomatoes or Hatch Diced tomatoes w/green chiles 20/$10
Campbell's Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 20/$10
Milk $1.47/gallon
Cantaloups $1 each
Roma Tomatoes $1/lb
Fresh Mangos $0.88 each
Blueberries, Raspberries or Blackberries 2/$4
Colgate Base Toothpaste, Colgate Plus Toothbrush or Oral B toothbrush $1
Dial Soap Pumps $1
Rice a Roni or Pasta Roni $0.97
Frito Lay Fun Sacks 36 count $8.88
Peanut Butter 4 lb $5.99
Post Cereal 2/$5
Dole 100% Juice $2.18 64 oz.

Pro's Ranch Markets
Pork Chops $0.88/lb
73% lean ground beef $0.98/lb
Tomatoes 4 lbs/$0.99
Cantaloupe 6 lbs/$0.99
Starkist Chunk Light Tuna $0.59/5 oz. can
Hickman's Farm XL Eggs $0.89/dozen
Corn Tortillas (fresh made daily) $1.59/60 ct.
Nectarines $0.69/lb
Cucumbers 6/$0.99
Key Limes 3 lbs/$0.99
Mangos Manila 4/$0.99
Broccoli 2 lbs./$0.99
Garlic 2 lbs./$0.99
Kiwi 7/$0.99
Lemons 2 lbs/$0.99
Green Onions 5/$0.99
Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce $0.99

Safeway
Boneless Beef Top Round Steak $1.77/lb
Pork Shoulder Country Style Ribs $0.97/lb
White or Yellow Peaches $0.99/lb
Milk $1.57/gallon
Post Honey Bunches of Oats or Fruity Pebbles $1.88
Baby Carrots 1 lb bag 10/$10
Kellogg's Raisin Bran 2/$5

Sprouts
Monterey Jack Cheese $1.88/lb
Strawberries $0.99/lb
Pink Lady Apples $0.88/lb
Yellow or White Peaches $0.99/lb
Cluster Tomatoes $0.99/lb
Large Cantaloupe 4/$5
Earth First paper Towels B1G1 Free
Boneless Chuck Roast $1.99/lb
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs $1.99/lb
41/50 ct. Raw Shrimp $2.99/lb
Muenster Cheese $2.99/lb
Chicken Parmesan Sausage $2.99/lb
Roasted Mixed Nuts $5.99/lb (no peanuts)
Roasted Trail Mix $2.49/lb
Walnuts Halves & Pieces $3.99/lb

Hope you have great success in your grocery shopping this week! Let me know if you see any great deals I missed, since I don't buy alot of processed foods, so don't know a good deal when I see one!

Happy Shopping!

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

I apologize for not getting this done and out to you last week. I did not receive my sales ads on Wednesday because our dogs broke through the fence and were in the front yard. So the mailperson would not come to my house. Then I got too busy preparing for the huge yard sale we had on Saturday to raise funds for our kids' missions trips this summer and never got back to it.

But, I have received my ads today (although rather late) and am posting this for this weeks' great Memorial Day sales!! Yay!

Albertsons
Baby Back Ribs Buy 1, get 2 free with in ad coupon ($6.99/lb reg. for 1st)
Sweet Corn on Cob 5/$1
Coke 12 Packs 4 for $8.88 plus free 2 liter Dr. Pepper Cherry
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts $1.67/lb
Wheat Thins, Triscuits or Lays $1.88
Nestle' Pure Life Water 24 pk 3 for $9
Bar S Jumbo Meat Franks $0.59

Bashas
Rib Eye or New York Strip Steaks $3.67/lb
Strawberries 2 lb for $1.99
Bar S Jumbo Meat Franks $0.69
80% lean ground beef $1.77/lb
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts buy one, get 2 free
General Mills Cereal $1.88
Nabisco Snack Crackers or Lays $1.88
Milk $1.99/gal

Food City
Chicken Leg Quarters $0.49/lb
Boneless beef chuck steak $1.69/lb
Roma Tomatoes 2 lbs/$1
Green Bell Peppers 4/$1
Hefty Foam Plates 50 ct $0.99
Bar-S Jumbo Meat Franks $0.69
Key Limes 3 lbs/$0.99

Fresh & Easy
Whole Seedless Watermelon $1.98
Red or Green Seedless Grapes $0.98/lb
Dole 100% Juice 64 oz. $1.99

Frys
Tyson Split Chicken Breasts (bone-in) $0.88/lb
Strawberries $1/lb
Coke 12 pack 4/$8.88 plus free Popsicles or Ice cream sandwiches
Milk $1.99/gal
Oscar Mayer Bologna or Salami $1
Minute Maid Juice Drinks $1/64oz
Popsicle or Cool Classic Ice Pops $1
Michelina's Entrees $1
Kroger Cream Cheese $1
Trans Ocean Imitation Krab Flakes, Legs or Chunks 12 oz. $1
There are lots of $1 deals at Fry's this week, so check it out!!!

Pro's Ranch Market
THURSDAY MEAT SPECIALS:
Chicken Wings $0.98/lb
Beef Short Ribs $1.48/lb
WEDNESDAY PRODUCE SPECIALS:
Tomatoes 5lbs/$0.99
Cantaloups 6lbs/$0.99
Granny Smith Apples 5 lbs/$0.99
Oranges 7lbs/$0.99
Manila Mangos 5/$0.99
Cherries $0.89/lb

Watermelon $0.12/lb
Mangos 4/$0.99
Key Limes 3lbs/$0.99
Peaches $0.69/lb
Green Beans $0.99/lb
Mushrooms 8oz $0.99
Cilantro 6/$0.99
Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs $0.78/lb
Beef Back Ribs $0.99/lb
Foster Farms White Turkey Breast $1.99/lb
THEY HAVE LOTS OF GREAT DEALS IF YOU CAN GET TO ONE!!!

Safeway
93% lean ground beef $1.77/lb
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts $1.77/lb
Grape Tomatoes pint/$0.99
Cherries $1.96/lb
Some great in-ad coupons when you buy $20 of stuff!

Sprouts
Blueberries 4.4oz $0.99
Apricots $0.99/lb
Green Beans $0.99/lb
Top Round Roast $1.99/lb
Extra Lean Ground Beef $1.99/lb
London Broil $1.99/lb
American or Hot Pepper Jack Cheese $2.99/lb
Virginia Peanuts $1.49/lb (great price if you make your own peanut butter!!)
Glazed Pecan & Cherry Trail Mix $2.99/lb
Brazil Nuts $4.99/lb
Emergen-C $7.99/30 packets
Boulder Canyon Potato Chips 2/$3
Jumbo Fancy Pecan Halves $4.99/lb

So go out and get the great deals for your Memorial Day celebrations!!

Happy Grocery Shopping!

Free Movie from Redbox

Redbox is now only doing free codes the first Monday of each month, but there are a few other codes on the Inside Redbox site that I am going to share on the Mondays that Redbox doesn't offer them, at least until I run out of them!

So here is one you can use anytime, but only once: DVDONME

So have a family night and enjoy a free Redbox movie!

Watch a Movie for FREE from Redbox Today!

Some of you may know that each Monday and Wednesday, you can get a code from Redbox to get a movie for free. Well, for those who don't know this, I am going to start sharing this code whenever I get it so you can indulge in a free movie, too.

Today, Monday, May 11th, the free Redbox code is: 6A43JK

Have a family night and watch a movie together! It actually works really well for us since Monday is my hubby's day off.

My Mother's Day Gift from my Hubby!!

My dear, sweet hubby wrote me the most beautiful note on Facebook yesterday that I just had to share with you all. Warning: it will probably make you cry!

To my wife, Erica, on Mother's Day

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. Prov. 31:10 NIV

My wife, Erica, the mother of our two children, Cody age 14 and Alissa age 12, is a rare and wonderful creation. She chose to marry me and begin our adventure together rather than pursue a career or attend college even though she graduated 2nd in her class from a private school and had a grade point average over 4.0. She has, faithfully, followed after the heart of the Father in times of plenty and times of want. Her love for me has never wavered; her devotion never waned as we walked through the deserts or rejoiced on the mountains.

Erica has persevered in loving our children and remained steadfast in her commit to teach them by home schooling. She has laid down her life for them and for me. Even when all others seemed to abandon us, she remained faithful to the call of God placed on our lives. In times of despair and loneliness, we clung to each other and prayed, seeking the face and heart of God.

I am eternally grateful to the Father for choosing her for me and me for her. I have the blessing and privilege of being married to my best friend.

There are those who do not believe that God has chosen a specific “help meet” for each of us. To those I present this challenge. Do you not believe that the Father has established all your days before any one of them existed? Can you not recognize that each of us was created with specific talents, giftings and abilities from in our mother’s womb for a specific calling? Are you unaware that even your physical makeup, your skeletal structure was determined by God? Read Psalm 139.

You might say that it was just chance DNA. Then you would be a fool to believe in chance. I choose to believe in divine intervention. It is called procreation or perhaps it should more appropriately be named “co-creation” in that we are participating with God in the creation of a unique, living, eternal being.

From before the foundations of the earth, God, our Father, chose for Erica and me to walk this journey together.

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Gen 2:18 NIV

Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called 'woman,'
for she was taken out of man."
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Gen 2:22-25 NIV

Do not think it chance or “dumb luck” to choose a person with whom you shall be one flesh, a union symbolizing, typifying the union between Christ and His church.

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery-but I am talking about Christ and the church. Eph 5:31-32 NIV

Erica was and is the will of God for me and for my children now, even after almost 27 years, and until we finish our course. For that, I thank God daily!

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

Well, the deals seem few and far between this week, so hold off on buying the things that aren't on sale if you can until next week - hopefully, they will be back next week! Even the Superstition Ranch Market was a little slim on deals this week. Best deals overall are at Food City this week - might be worth the drive even if there isn't one real close to you.

Albertsons
General Mills Stock Up Event (10 for $10, 2 for $3 and 2 for $4)
Seedless Watermelon $0.17/lb
Milk $1.47/gal.
Campbell's Tomato and Chicken Noodle Soup 2 for $1
Artichokes $0.99 each

Bashas
Split Chicken Breast $0.97/lb
Eggs $0.88/dozen
Milk $1.57/gal.
Oreos 2 for $4 (in ad coupon for $1 off gal. of milk when you buy 2 pkg of Oreos)

Food City
Kiwi 6 for $0.96
15 lbs. Russet Potatoes for $1.99
Milk 2 gal. for $3
Bone-In Chuck Steak $1.49/lb
Watermelon 4 lbs./$1
Boneless Chicken Breasts $1.69/lb
Cucumbers 5/$1
Key Limes 2 lbs/$1
Bar-S Meat Franks or Bologna 2 for $1
Chicken Leg Quarters $0.39/lb
Bone-in Pork Shoulder Roast $0.89/lb
Bone-In Pork Should Steak $0.99/lb
Farm Joh Sausage Links 8oz 10/$10
Doritos 2 for $4
Jif Peanut Butter 18oz. $1.99
Bone-In Beef Chuck Roast $1.49/lb
Tilapia Fillets $2.49/lb
Bananas 2 lbs./$0.98
Honeydew Melon 2 lbs/$1

Fresh & Easy
80/20 Ground Beef $3.38/2 lbs. (=$1.69/lb)
Brawny Paper Towels (select-a-size) 3 rolls $2.99
Pasta Roni, Rice a Roni, Knorr Pasta Sides and Hamburger Helper 10/$10

Fry's
Tyson All Natural Chicken B1 Get 1Free
Milk $1.47/gal
Kellogg's Cereal $1.97 (use with coupon for $0.97 each!!)
Pepsi 2 ltr. $0.88

Safeway
Split Chicken Breasts, Thighs, Drumsticks or Leg Quarters $0.88/lb
White Corn 5/$1
Mix & Match Sale: Buy any 5, get $5 off
Motts or Capri Sun $1.49 (after discount)
V-8 or Ocean Sprau $1.99 (after discount)
V-8 Fusion or Langer's $2.49 (after discount)
Fresh Ground Turkey $1.99/lb
Duncan Hines Cake Mixes Buy 2, get 3 FREE
Strawberries $1.99/lb (print coupon on Safeway website for $1 off)

Smart & Final
3 lb Ready Pac Garden Salad $1.99
Capri Sun 40 ct. $6.99
Gala Apples 3 lb. $1.99

Sprouts
White Corn 10/$2
Roasted Almonds $3.99/lb.
Seedless Watermelon 4 lbs./$1
Broccoli Crowns $0.88/lb
Sharp Cheddar Cheese $3.99/lb

Happy Shopping!

Great Deals at KMart this week!!

I am not normally a big fan of KMart (just haven't had great experiences there), but this week they are offering double coupons and there are some great deals to be had. Over at Common Sense With Money, Mercedes has a huge list of great match-ups for coupons and deals. Go over to her site and check it out. Then make your list, gather your coupons and go grad some of those deals!!! There are lots of "FREE after double coupon" items, as well as other great deals. Don't miss out - these deals only last until Saturday, May 9th!!

UPDATE: I called several Phoenix area KMarts today, and they say they are only honoring double coupons up to $0.75, so most of these deals won't work like in other areas. Sorry! And I am very sad:-(

Best Grocery Deals This Week in Phoenix Area

First, I apologize to all of you who rely on this blog to find the best deals. I didn't get my ads until late on Wednesday, then my power source on my laptop got broken and now I am borrowing my dear hubby's laptop to do my blog.

So without further adieu, here are the best deals I have found:

Albertsons
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts $1.67/lb
Mangos 4 for $1
Boneless Tilapia Fillets $2.99/lb
Lots of 10 for $10 deals, just make sure it is a good price compared to other stores like Walmart
Ultimate Meat Sale - Buy 1, Get 1 Free! Lots of pretty good deals on meat.
Moran's Ground Beef 85% lean $1.99/lb
Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce 10 for $10

Basha's
Watermelon, seeded or seedless $0.18.lb
Bulk Cut Cheese $2.99/lb Colby longhorn, colby jack, monterrey jack or pepper jack
Sweet Corn 4/$1
Post Cereal 2/$4
Chicken Leg Quarters $0.47/lb

Food City
Bone-In Country Style Pork Ribs $0.89/lb
Chicken Leg Quarters $0.49/lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Steaks $1.69/lb
Bulk Pinto Beans 2 lbs/$1
Bar-S Smoked Bacon 12 oz $1.29
Bulk Rice 2 lbs./$1
Broccoli 2 lbs./$1
Bananas 4 lbs./$0.99
Russet Potatoes 15 lbs/$1.99
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.49/lb
Milk 2 gal. for $3
Navel Oranges $0.59/lb
Beef Back Ribs $0.99/lb
White Onions 4 lbs./$1
Gala Apples 2 lbs/$1
Key Limes 2 lbs/$1

Fresh & Easy
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts $1.97/lb
Avocados 8 count for $3.48

Fry's
Boneless Beef Chuck Steak $1.77/lb
Strawberries $0.97/lb
Navel Oranges $0.77/lb
Mangos 2 for $1

Pro's Ranch Market - GRAND OPENING in MESA!!!! GREAT SALES THIS WEEK!!
Oranges 10lbs/$0.99
Bananas 4 lbs/$0.99
Boneless Beef Bottom Round Steak or Roast $.1.48/lb
Chicken Leg Quarters 10lb bag $0.38/lb
Corn Tortillas 75ct $1.99
Strawberries $0.89/lb
Cucumbers 8 for $0.99
White Onions 8 lbs/$0.99
Cantaloupe 3 lbs. $0.99
Carrots 1 lb bags 3/$0.99
Mushrooms 8 oz $0.99
Broccoli 2 lbs/$0.99
Lemons 3 lbs/$0.99
Cilantro 7/$0.99
Jumex Juice 12 pack $2.99
Lechera (sweetened condensed milk) $1.39
70% lean ground beef $0.98/lb
Marinated Chicken Fajitas $0.98/lb
Sliced White Turkey Breast $1.99/lb

LOTS OF GREAT DEALS - DON'T MISS OUT!!!

Safeway
London Broil $1.77/lb
73% lean ground beef $1.69
Tostitos $1.99
Avocados $0.69 each
Honeysuckle White Whole Turkey Breast $1/lb
Snyder's Pretzel Rods $1
Lucerne Milk $1.57/gal.
Kellogg's Raisin Bran or Life Cereal 3/$5
Mangos 4/$1 (limit 12)

Smart & Final
Tomatoes 2 lbs/$1
Onions 10lbs/$1

Also, don't forget to check out Superstition Ranch Market on Main Street between Greenfield and Higley for the best produce deals in the area!!! Let me know if you are looking for something and I will let you know if they have it.

Have a wonderful shopping experience this week!!!

Facebook is an amazing tool!

I have been on Facebook for a little while now and have been absolutely amazed at the folks I have been able to reconnect with! And just this week my dh joined Facebook and has gotten in touch with friends going all the way back to elementary school!!! There is no way you could ever get back in touch with people from so far back in your past without the incredible tool known as Facebook. If you haven't joined yet, I recommend you try it and see what old friends you can reconnect with. But watch out! It CAN be addicting! And being able to chat with these friends in live time, too - what an amazing thing!

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

This is the week to stock up on 93% lean ground beef, whole chickens and strawberries are still a good price, so stock up and freeze them for later. Also, because today is Earth Day, you can get a free reusable shopping bag for free at many different places although some require a minimum or specific item purchase.

Albertsons
Strawberries 1 lb $0.97
Donald Duck Orange Juice 64 oz. $0.99
Kellogg's Cereal 3 for $7.00 and you can get free gallon of milk and Oroweat Bread
Gallon of Milk $1.47

Bashas
Boneless London Broil Steak $1.88/lb
Shamrock Milk $1.57 gallon
18 pack eggs $1.99
Sanderson Farms Whole Chicken $0.68/lb
Fresh Green Beans $0.88/lb
Food club Ice Cream or Sherbet 56 oz. $1.99
Ramen Noodles 10 for $1.00
Food Club Tomato Sauce $0.17
Food Club Vegetables (can) $0.48

Food City
Chicken drumsticks or thighs $0.69/lb
Food City Bacon $1.29
Mangos 2/$1
Green Seedless Grapes $0.99/lb
Whole Chickens $0.79/lb
Gala Apples $0.79/lb

THURSDAY ONLY Produce Specials:
Bananas 3 lbs./$0.99
Navel Oranges 3 lbs./$0.99
Lemons 2 lbs./$1
Russet Potatoes $1.99 15 lb bag

Fresh & Easy
Chicken Leg Quarters $0.88/lb
Tri Tip Roast $2.99/lb
Activia Yogurt $1.50 each for 4 pack
Trix, Cocoa Puffs or Reese's Puffs 3 for $6
Charmin Basic Bath Tissue $5.48 12 rolls

Fry's
Assorted Pork Loin Chops $0.97/lb
Chicken drumsticks, thighs or whole fryer $0.77/lb
On the Vine Tomatoes $0.77/lb
English Cucumbers $1 each
Sliced or Whole Mushrooms $1
Blackberries 5.6 oz $1.
93% Lean Ground Beef $1.88/lb
Kroger Orange Juice 1/2 gal $1.00
Kroger Shredded or Bar Cheese 6-8 oz $1.00
Peanut Butter, Jelly or Bread $1.00 each
Popsicle 12 count $1.00
Cool Classics Novelty Ice Cream $1.00
Angel Soft Bath Tissue (4 rolls) or Scott Paper Towels (mega roll) $1
Kroger Cream Cheese or Bagels $1.00
Kellogg's Cereal 2 for $5
Apples $1.00/lb
Baby Carrots $1.00/lb

Safeway
Boneless Beef Round Steak $1.47/lb
Boneless skinless Chicken Breasts $1.77/lb
Sara Lee Mix & Match 2 for $5 (includes Jimmy Dean, Ball Park, Hillshire Farms)

48 HOUR SALE - SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY:
93% lean ground beef $1.97/lb
On the vine cluster tomatoes $1/lb
Wish-Bone Salad Dressing $0.99

Smart & Final
Foster Farms Chicken Thighs $0.99/lb
Henry's Chunk Cheese 2 lbs for $5
Mangos 3/$0.99
Ready Pac 3 lb Garden Salad $1.99
Boneless Beef Brisket $1.89/lb
Butter $1.79/lb

Sprouts
Pineapples $0.97 each
Organic Apples - Fuji or Golden Delicious $0.88/lb
Mangos $0.69/each
Hot House Tomatoes $0.97/lb
Navel Oranges $0.69/lb
Red or Golden Delicious Apples $0.77/lb
Skinless boneless chick breasts $1.99/lb
Yellow onions 3 lbs. for $1.
Bartlett or Bosc pears $0.99/lb
Idaho Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag 2 for $3
Colby Jack Cheese $1.99/lb
Provolone Cheese $3.99/lb

Happy shopping this week!

Foolin' Around - Kitty Litter Cake!

Since two Wednesdays ago was April Fool's Day and I have a reputation to uphold, I scoured the internet to find another food prank that I could pull on my kids. Well, I found one but couldn't figure out how to pull it off without the kids seeing the preparations. After all, they are with me all day since we homeschool:-).

On Wednesday evenings, our church's Youth Group meets at our home and both my kids are involved with that, so I decided we would do this prank on the Youth Group instead and all be in on the prank together. So we bought our supplies and made up the Kitty Litter cake and then just left it sitting on the table near where they enter our house.

It was really funny because most of them tried to pretend they didn't notice the "kitty litter", complete with Tootsie Roll "poop", sitting there. So then I had to point it out and explain it was April Fool's Day and that was their snack. Needless to say, very few of them partook of the cake:-) But it does taste really good, if you can overcome the queasiness in your stomach:-)

Well, it was fun and I enjoyed freaking them all out! And I upheld my reputation, too. Some of the previous years I have done the Meatloaf cupcakes and the pound cake grilled cheese. My children recall these with very fond memories!

Just a note: I am very careful to never pull a prank on my kids that will upset them in any way. It has to be totally funny for all involved and not cause them to feel betrayed by their mom. So if you want to do something really fun for April Fool's Day, check into some of the food pranks or other silliness you can find on the internet. There are great ideas out there!

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

I scoured the ads again this week, and while there aren't any giant or mega sales, there are some good deals on a few items. Mangos, artichokes and skinless, boneless chicken breasts are the best overall deals this week. So take advantage and stock your freezer with chicken. Here are the best deals I found:

Albertsons
Drumsticks, thighs, leg quarters or whole fryers $0.77/lb
London Broil $1.87/lb
Milk $0.88/half gallon
California Sweet Corn 5 for $1
General Mills Breakfast Sale Buy 4 , Save $4 = $1.75 each when you buy 4
Mangos $0.88/each
Navel Oranges $0.88/lb
Carrots 2 lb bag $0.99

Bashas'
Chuck Roast $1.17/lb
Boneless, skinless chicken breast Buy one, get 2 free!!
Milk $1.57/gallon
5 lbs C & H Sugar $1.48 with in ad coupon & $10 purchase
Charmin Ultra Soft Bath Tissue $4.88 for 24 roll with in ad coupon & $10 purchase
Bounty Paper Towels white 8 roll $4.88 with in ad coupon & $10 purchase
Gala, Red Delicious or Jazz Apple $0.99/lb
Russet Potatoes 4 lb bag for $1
Santitas Chips $1

Food City
Boneless Top Sirloin Steak $1.79/lb
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts $1.49/lb
Red Delicious Apples 2 lbs for $1
Green Cabbage 4 lbs for $0.99
Strawberries $0.99/lb
Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce 10 for $10
Carrots 3 lbs. for $0.99
Mexican Key Limes 2 lbs for $1
Bosc Pears $0.69/lb
Green Seedless Grapes $0.99/lb

Thursday ONLY Produce Specials at Food City:
Brown Onions 5 lbs/$1
Navel Oranges 2 lbs/$1
Garlic 2 lbs/$1

Fresh & Easy
Milk $1.57/gallon

Fry's

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts $1.67/lb
Hass Avocados $0.77/each
Mangos 2 for $1 (BEST PRICE THIS WEEK!!)
Kellogg's Cereal $2.17
Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream $1.99 48 oz.
American Cheese, white or yellow $2.99/lb
Angel Soft Bath Tissue 10 for $10
Pure Honey 32 oz. $4.85
Kroger Value Foam Plates 150 count $3.59

Safeway
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese $0.49
Navel Oranges 10 lb bag $3.99
Honeysuckle White Whole Turkey Breast $0.99/lb
Strawberries $0.88/lb
General Mills Trix or Golden Grahams 3 for $5
Fuji Apples $0.98/lb
Red Seedless Grapes $1.79/lb

Smart & Final
Foster Farms Whole Chicken $0.89/lb
Hass Avocados 5 for $1
C & F Extra Fancy Long Grain Rice 10 lbs/$3.99
Red Seedless Grapes 2 lbs $2.49

Sprouts
Pecan Halves $4.99/lb
Navel Oranges $0.69/lb
Mangos $0.69/lb
Fuji or Braeburn Apples $0.77/lb
Red or Orange Bell Peppers $0.77/lb
Hass Avocados $0.77/lb
Monterey Jack Cheese $1.99/lb
Thompson Seedless Raisins $0.99/lb
Sliced or Slivered Almonds $4.99/lb
Hulled Sunflower Seeds $1.99/lb

If you like mango salsa, this is a good week for you to buy mangos!! I happen to LOVE it and here is how I make it:

Peel, seed and cut into small cubes about 3-4 mangos
Chop 4-5 green onions
Sprinkle liberally with Tajin (chile powder with lime)
Eat with tortilla chips!!!

Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

There are some great buys this week, so don't miss out!

Here are the best of the best that I found in the sales ads:

Albertsons
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts of Pork Loin Roast $1.57/lb
Strawberries 4 lbs. for $3.77
5 Coke 12 packs for $12
Dreyer's Ice Cream $2.27
Hormel Spiral Ham $1.27/lb
T-Bone Steak $3.97/lb
Bottom Round Roast $1.87/lb
Pineapple $0.77/lb
Pictsweet Vegetables $0.67/16oz
8oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese or Hormel Little Sizzlers 10 for $10
Minute Maid Premium OJ, Albertson's Butter or Gold Medal Flour 2 for $3

Basha's
T-Bone Steak $3.77/lb
Eggs $0.99/dozen
Cook's Smoked Ham or Norbest Turkey $0.77/lb
Butter $0.99/lb w/in ad coupon
Hormel Bacon $1.68 w/in ad coupon
Dreyer's Ice Cream $1.88/1.5 quart w/in ad coupon
Lay's and Doritos $1.88

Food City
Moran's 73% lean ground beef $0.99/lb
Pork spare ribs $0.99/lb
Farmland boneless whole ham $0.99/lb
Red Delicious Apples 2 lbs/$1
Avocados 2 for $1
Bar S Jumbo Meat Franks $0.79
Dole OJ $1.99
Navel Oranges 3 lbs for $0.99
Green seedless grapes $0.99
Green Cabbage 4 lbs/$1

Fresh & Easy
Smithfield Ham Shank portions $0.77/lb
Eggs $0.99/dozen
Lemon Meringue Pie $3.99
Asparagus Spears $0.99/lb
Mayo (no sugar) $1.99

Fry's
T-Bone Steak $3.77/lb
Del Monte Pineapples $1.88
Mini Peeled Carrots $0.88/lb
Russet Potatoes 5 lbs /$0.67
Butter 2 lbs for $3
Gallon Milk $1.47
Pictsweet Vegetables $0.77/lb
Philadelphia Cream Cheese $0.99/8 oz
Celery $0.79
Kroger Hash Browns and Fries $1.88/22-32 oz.
Cool Whip Topping 8 oz. 10 for $10

Safeway
Shank Half Ham $0.87/lb
Spiral Sliced Ham $1.27/lb
Skinless boneless chicken breasts $1.77/lb
Lay's $1.88

Smart & Final
Eggs $0.99/dozen
Russet Potatoes 10 lbs/$1.39
Pineapples $1.99
Navel Oranges 3 lbs/$0.99

Sprouts
Whole Cashews $3.99/lb
Blackberries 5-6 oz $0.88
Bell Peppers (red, gold or orange) $0.77 each
Hot House Tomatoes $0.77/lb
Pink Lady or Jonagold Apples $0.77/lb
Green, Red or Romaine Lettuce $0.77 each
Italian Squash $0.77/lb
Avocados $0.77 each
Mild Cheddar Cheese $2.49/lb
Cantare Fresh Mozzarella Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Virginia Peanuts $1.49/lb

Again, don't forget to visit the Superstition Ranch Market on Main Street between Higley and Greenfield for the best produce prices in the valley! Strawberries were 2 lbs. for $1.00 last week and much, much more!!

HAPPY SHOPPING AND HAVE A WONDERFULLY BLESSED EASTER CELEBRATION!

Generations of Virtue

I was very excited to receive products from Generations of Virtue since I have been looking at and hearing about their products for some time. I had plans to purchase some of their products for my children and was thrilled to be able to review Beautifully Made!

Beautifully Made! is a 3 book set and is such a great help for moms and their daughters who are just coming into womanhood. Book 1 is Approaching Womanhood and is written for you to give to or read with your daughter who is nearing the time for her first period. This book is so gently and beautifully written to explain many things to your daughter about what is happening in her body, both physically and emotionally. I don't know about you, but beginning my menses was never viewed as something to celebrate. If you are like me, then you need to have your heart reprogrammed so that you can help your daughter realize what a gift and blessing it is to be the bearer of children and what God intended for women. I really appreciate this book for its gentle manner. It focuses on the positives only and helps to ease a girl's anxiety as she approaches this passage from girlhood to womanhood.

The second book, Celebrating Womanhood, is for you to give to your daughter when she begins her first period. It has more details about what to expect, what products to use and about PMS. It also still focuses on the positive and celebrates this passage for your daughter in to womanhood. Again, it is very gently written and positive in focus.

The third book is written for you, Mom, and is entitled Wisdom from a Woman - Mother's Guide. This book contains ideas on how to celebrate this momentous occasion with your daughter and help her walk through this potentially difficult time. This biblically-focused book can help every mother explain some of the intricacies of womanhood to her precious girl.

The entire 3 book series Beautifully Made! is only $18.99 and is worth every cent to help a mom and her daughter walk through this passage from girlhood to womanhood with a positive and celebratory attitude.

You will want to take some time to check out many of their other products. They have purity rings and jewelry, books for boys, girls and parents, gift ideas and much more! Their goal is to "equip parents to empower their kids for purity in our world today." With my kids entering their teen years, you can be sure I will be turning to Generations of Virtue for more help along the way. They also have Technology Tools to help make the Internet and movies/dvds, etc. safe for your children.

Special Edition: Best Grocery Deals in Phoenix Area

Sunday's paper arrived with inserts from several grocery stores running Easter specials this week, and some of them are for 3 days only. So I wanted to make sure you knew about them and don't miss out on these great deals!

Basha's 3 Day Sale (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 4/5-7)
Cook's Smoked Ham or Norbest Turkeys $0.77/lb
Dole Pineapples $1.99 each
Large Eggs $0.99/dozen
Hormel Black Label Bacon $1.68 w/ in ad coupon
Dreyers Ice Cream 48 oz $1.88 w/in ad coupon
Lay's Potato Chips or Nabisco Snack Crackers $1.88
Coke 12 packs 3 for $7.00\
Angel Food Cake $3.99

Fry's
3 Days Only (Sunday through Tuesday, 4/5-7): 1/2 Gallon Milk $0.88
Sugar 4 lb for $1.27
Big K Soft Drinks 2 for $1

April 5 - 12:
Cook's Spiral Sliced Ham or Half Ham $1.17/lb
5 lb bag of Russet Potatoes $0.88
Del Monte Pineapples $1.88
Mini Peeled Carrots 1 lb $0.88
Large Eggs 2 for $3.00
Butter 2 lbs. for $3.00

Safeway: April 5-12
Smoked Whole or Shank Half Ham $0.87/lb
Spiral Sliced Ham $1.27/lb
Ritz Crackers $1.99 w/ in ad coupon
24 pack of water $2.77 w/in ad coupon
Gold Pineapple $1.99 each

And if you haven't yet heard about the Superstition Ranch Market located on Main Street between Higley and Greenfield, then you are missing out on the best produce prices in the valley!! It is worth the trip: strawberries for $0.50/lb, blackberries HUGE container for $2, potatoes 5 lbs. for $0.69 and much more!

Happy Shopping!

Write Shop Storybuilders

If you have any trouble getting your kids to write because they can't think of what to write about, this is an excellent tool! WriteShop Storybuilders are a fantastic aid to help kids with topics to write about. It comes as an instantly available download which is a set of cards that become the starting point for creative writing projects. Your students (or you) can choose cards for the character, character traits, setting and plot. Then your student just uses their imagination to create a story based on these cards. It can be fun and silly or serious and intense, depending on how you and your children choose to use these Storybuilders. They are appropriate for all ages and can be used again and again, making them a great tool to keep handy anytime your young writers encounter "writer's block."

There are several different series of these Storybuilders, including World of People, World of Sports, World of Animals and a special mini set for Christmas. The full sets run just $7.95 and the mini set $3.95, so they are very reasonably priced and with the ebooks, you can get them right away! We received the World of People and the Christmas mini set and my kids were very interested in creating stories using these cards. Try them out with your kids to give their creative writing a boost.