Grocery shopping this week = $43.59

Here's a look at our grocery shopping this week. Our total was $43.59. A couple dollars over, but still pretty good!

Pictured below was from County Market. Spent $11.51.

Pictured below is a trip to IGA. Total spent was $11.89.

Pop Tarts are on sale for $1 each. I had a coupon for buy 2 get $1 off, so each box was $0.50! The yogurt was on sale for 10/$4, and I had a $1 off 8 coupon.

We went to visit my mom and dad on their farm, and brought home some range free chicken eggs! Can't wait to cook 'em!

Pictured below is our trip to Schnucks. Total spent was $13.15.

The Lays were on sale for 2/$4, and I had $2 in coupons, making them $1/bag. The dressing was $2.50/each, then I had $4 in coupons, making them $0.50 each. The Scotties tissue was free because I became a fan of them on Facebook, therefore printing off a $1 coupon. The fish sticks were BOGO, and I had $1 off 2 boxes, which made them $2.70/box.

Pictured below is our stop at Walgreens. Total spent was $7.04.

I did not include the toothpaste in our grocery budget. I had 2 $1.50 coupons for the bacon, and the trail mix was free because I became a fan of them on Facebook, therefore printing off $1.50 coupon. And the ice cream was cheap this week! Yum!

Baking Bread Bowls & Soup

For my birthday, my mom bought me a Best of Taste of Home Magazine, that had a recipe in it for bread bowls. And if you know me, whenever I go to Panera, I always get their bread bowls with soup in them. YUM! So I decided to be adventurous and try my luck at making them from scratch.

First I whipped out my in-laws bread machine. And had the dough made in there.

This took about 1 1/2 hours. Which was great because it also rose in the machine as well. My husband loved the aroma it gave off as well.

I punched that dough down and made them into round balls:

Here's what they looked like after rising for 30-40 min.:

------------- Taste of Home Photo and Recipe ------------------

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water (70° to 80°)
• 1 cup warm milk (70° to 80°)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• VEGETABLE CHOWDER:
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 3-1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4-1/2 cups milk
• 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
• 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• In bread machine pan, place the first seven ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).
• When the cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into six portions; shape into balls. Place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Brush with egg white. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
• To make bowl, cut the top fourth off of bread; carefully hollow out bottom of each, leaving a 1/4-in. shell (discard removed bread or save for another use).
• For chowder, in a large saucepan, saute onion and celery in butter until tender. Add mixed vegetables. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in milk until combined. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in bacon, bouillon, seasoned salt and pepper until bouillon is dissolved. Serve in bread bowls. Yield: 6 servings.
• 
  

• Here's the final result of what mine looked like:

Traveling Anywhere?

Are you traveling anywhere soon? KLM is offering 2 free luggage tags with a photo when you become a fan of theirs on Facebook. I'm excited to get mine in the mail because I'm going on a cruise soon!!

Thanks, Common Sense With Money.

Our Garden to Come

I'm so excited about our garden that will be planted this spring. We've already planted some seeds indoor and are anxiously awaiting the garden bed to be done. Here's where we've decided to have it:

It's quite a daunting project because first we need to remove all those rocks and twigs and find another spot for them. It might take awhile, but we're determined to have a garden this year in our backyard.

Luckily the weather has been great the past couple of days where we can fill up our buckets with rocks and transplant them elsewhere. My husband has been a great help with this! I think he loves the thought of having a garden there as well.

So, I'll have to keep you all posted on how we are progressing. Hopefully the warm weather will stick around so we can continue to haul rocks away.

Saturday Movie Outing

Today was the first Saturday that we could attend the free Saturday movies at our local movie theater. I'd never heard of the movie, Imagine That, with Eddie Murphy. So we decided with the chilly weather out today that it'd be fun to take the boys and see how they liked the whole experience. Last time we tried to have both the boys sit through a movie at a theater, Pudge was not up for that. This time he did ALOT better. And what movie theater experience is complete without the popcorn and drink! (except our boys wanted water.) So funny!

When we got there for the 10am showing, they were all out of tickets, so we decided to stay for the 11am showing. Luckily, the Savoy Fire Department was outside with their fire truck and talking "Sparky" for all the kids to interact with. It was so cold out that we didn't visit Sparky for too long.

The boys sure got a kick out of Sparky though! So that was a fun surprise to see some firemen out at the Theater. One of them even took the time to sneak in a picture for us.

So just another adventurous day with the Fishers!

Free Pastry at Starbucks

On March 23rd head on over to your local Starbucks and get a free pastry with the purchase of a drink. For more information check out their website.

Thanks, Frugal, Freebies and Deals.

Special One Day Event

This Saturday, March 20th, Babies R Us and Toys R Us are having a promotion on Pampers Diapers. If you purchase ANY 2 value boxes of Pampers diapers (92-252 ct.), you will get a $20 gift card for their store! This deal is from 12-4pm, or while supplies last. I have a feeling that this deal will go fast, so plan it into your Saturday errands!

Click here to find a store near you. And always, I would suggest calling your local store before hand to make sure they are running this deal.

If you would like to subscribe to Toys R Us and Babies R Us email list, click here.

Thanks to my friend Kate for this information.

Grocery shopping this week = $40.71

I was daring today and took Pudge with me on my grocery excursion to 5 different stores! He was a trooper, let me tell you. I'm just glad that I had brought snacks with me. It makes a world of difference to a toddler.

Total spent = $40.71 ($0.71 over budget, bummer!)

Pictured below is our stop at IGA. I used a majority of in-store coupons, combined with manufacturer coupons, so total here was: $18.20.

Pictured below is our stop at Schnucks. We spent a total on food: $8.35.

Pictured below is our stop at Target for some cheap eggs and diapers. (I don't count the diapers in our grocery bill). Total spent on food: $2.31.

I just wanted to share my excitement in finding eggs that were harvested from IL!! It was odd that we found these in our Target. If you're curious (like I was) about this farm, check out the Mussman family farm.

Pictured below is our stop at County Market. Total spent there was $8.61. The Kotex pads were only $0.39 each (at least that's what it said on my receipt), and I had 2 $2 off 2 coupons, so that gave me $2.40 towards my food bill! Woo-hoo!

And our last photo here is from Walgreens. Total spent here was only $3.24. The toothpaste was free with register rewards (and I had a coupon). So I used those register rewards to pay for our soap and flour!

Stride Gum on Facebook

Become a fan of Stride Gum on Facebook and check to see if you qualify to get a coupon for a free pack of gum. Just click here and become a fan. Then there will be a page for you to fill out your information and if you qualify, they'll send you a free coupon in the mail.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Redbox Free Code

If you become a fan of Redbox on Facebook, you will get a free code to rent a movie on 3/17! Become a fan here and your code will appear next.

Thanks, Common Sense With Money!

Mrs. Fisher's Findings is 1 year old! I just realized this today!

I can't believe that a year has gone by already. And I can't believe that I've stuck with it! There have been times where I had no clue of what to blog about, and other times it's just been a lot of fun to post the fun adventures my family and I go on.

So thanks for being a part of it!

Happy 1 year!!

Grocery Shopping Savings

Here's our grocery shopping for this week. I only made it to Schnucks and County Market. Pictured below is the trip to County Market, where $31.96 was spent. County Market had some great coupons this week!


Pictured below is the trip to Schnucks. They also had some pretty good coupon match-ups. The soap was free. The romaine lettuce was $0.89!! And the vinegars were $0.50 each! If you're curious how to save money at Schnucks, I highly recommend following Coupon STL's blog, where she matches up weekly deals and coupons. Amount for purchased below: $9.01.

Total spent was $40.97

Free Snikiddy Product

Here's a coupon to get a free Snikiddy product for free! Just click on this link and it will take you there. I've never heard of this Snikiddy product before, so if you're curious as to where to find this product, click here. There are no preservative, no hydrogenated oils or tans fats, no corn syrup, it's gluten free and wheat free. I'm curious to see what they taste like.

Thanks, Money Saving Mom!

Free Matinee Information

For those of you who live in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Missouri - Quality Theaters are offering free Matinee movies for kids! Click on this link to find out if your local theater is participating.

Thanks to My Take On Parenting's blog for the information.

Dunkin Donuts Coffee Sample

Get a free sample of Dunkin Donuts coffee when you click on this link. I don't drink coffee, bu ti think I might use the sample to make mocha brownies. Thanks, moneysavingmom!

My new shoes!

My husband and I went on a date...to Goodwill! I already know what you're thinking. But here's what we came out with for a little over $11. Check out my new Mary Jane shoes! They only cost $3!! I was so excited to try them on. Here they are up close:

Cute, right? Because I found these lovely shoes, I got rid of 2 pairs of brown shoes that I needed to give away. So I'm very pleased with them. Did you shop at Goodwill this week? If so, what'd ya find?

Shutterfly: $10 Credit

Shutterfly is celebrating it's 10 years, and with that they've given out a special code, MARCH10, to use. This code will take $10 off your total of $10 or more. This is before shipping is included, so make sure that your total is over $10.

What you need to do is register or log in to Shutterfly by clicking here. From there you will need to click on the tab that says 'My Account' (at the top of the page). Then there is an option to enter in a special code (at the bottom of the page). Enter MARCH10 and your account will be credited the $10. From there you can order whatever floats your boat!

Thanks The Frugal Girls!

Sprouting Seeds and Growing Boys

We are all very excited here at our home (well at least I am the most), because the sun is shining out and our seeds are starting to sprout!! I discovered them sprouting the other day, but waited till this morning to show the boys. Earlier, we had a family activity of planting our seeds for our summer garden (you can read more here), and today we are finally seeing the product of our labor.

Sorry this photo is blurry, our camera couldn't focus in on what we were trying to aim at:

As far as growing boys, our little Pudge is doing very well at potty training. I was so impressed today when we were running errands. He told me twice (two different times) that he had to go potty, and he went in the toilet! We came home after 2 hours of errands with a dry diaper! I am so proud of him! Here is a photo of last week's chart and the stickers represent going on the potty:

And a new chart was put up today for this week's accomplishments:

This is our spectacular update on our sprouting seeds and growing boys! Hope you enjoyed!

Blog Party!

I found a new blog that I seem to enjoy so far,

She suggested having a blog party, where readers can get to know each other better. I think it's a great idea! Enjoy!

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?

My favorite time of the day would definitely be after our two boys go to bed. It's so relaxing just vegging out by watching tv, reading a book, or reading other people's blogs.

2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?

I would most definitely have to say chocolate chips. I'm never without them!

3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?

I would probably have all my stupid insecurities taken away and just being able to love who God created me to be.

4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?

Hmm, I guess it would have to be how thrifty I am and how I dig through people's trash to find treasures.

5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?

I don't know if I'd want to spend my life in this TV show, but I would LOVE to be on The Amazing Race!! It looks so exciting, frustrating, fulfilling and adventurous all

at the same time! And I would definitely bring my husband with me for a partner.

6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?

I would love to have the talent to be able to run for miles. It looks so rewarding and freeing. I absolutely can not stand to run.

7.If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?

I would love to go to Italy where my grandparents grew up and to visit some of the family that we have there. I heard it's beautiful and I would love to visit a vineyard!

8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?

Probably Praise and Worship music.

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?

Target. It's my all-in-one store, where I can buy diapers and get clothes for myself!

Oh yeah, and I can get popcorn too!

10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?

Little House on the Prairie times! I know this sounds dumb, but I wish I lived where you had to grow your own food, and take care of your farm animals, and the doctor would come to your own home when you are sick.

11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?

Brown.

12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?
(Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Happy, or Dopey)

Sleepy. I just can't stop yawning these days!

13. What's the last album you listened to?

I checked out Third Eye Blind from the Library and it's okay, I don't think I'd go out and buy it.

14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?

I am a troublemaker. Before I had kids, or when it's just my husband and I, I can cause all sorts of trouble. Now I'm starting to see some of this behavior in my 2 year old. :)

County Market: $0.50 Old Orchard Apple Juice

There is a new Old Orchard coupon for $0.50 off any juice. In a recent mailer, there was a coupon booklet for County Market that has an in-store coupon for $0.99 Old Orchard Apple Juice. Combine that coupon with the manufacturer coupon of $0.50 off, and you can get a 64 oz. bottle of Apple Juice for $0.50!! That's a great deal for Old Orchard Juice!

Cheap Kleenex at Walgreens

I was excited to read that Walgreens was having a sale on Kleenex, because we ran out of our last box yesterday! Here's what Pudge and I got at Walgreens today:

Kleenex is on sale this week at $2.19, and if you buy one, you get one free. So it's like getting 2 boxes for $2.19. Also they have a Register Rewards deal where if you buy 6, then you get $3 RR back. There is a coupon here for $0.50 off 3 boxes (you can print it twice). Use these coupons towards your purchase, and you get each box for $0.43 each!! What a steal!

Thanks for the tip, Common Sense with Money.

We'll take it!

I love my mother-in-law, simply for the fact that when she cleans out her kitchen cabinets, she gives us her unused items! This year for Lent, she took on the challenge of eating better and taking better care of herself. She knows how frugal we are and thought we could use some of these items. She has such a giving heart, that I hope to be like her someday. This is what she brought over for us.

I just thought it would be a fun post to share with you all! Looks like we'll be making puppy chow sometime this week!

Free Redbox Code

Thanks to Coupon STL, there is a free Redbox code for today, (3-1-10), and that code is RBXLUV4U. So if you have free time tonight, go out and get a rental for free!