Bruschetta Spaghetti Recipe

So I have a ton of pasta now after so many great sale/coupon match-ups. We can only eat so much spaghetti, so tonight I decided to be daring and try a new recipe that was on the back of the Ronzoni box. Usually I won't try a new recipe unless I've read/heard reviews on it, but like I said, I decided to be daring. :) Anyway, the recipe was really good so I thought I'd share it.

BRUSCHETTA-STYLE THIN SPAGHETTI

Cook thin spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Heat a large sauté pan on medium high with olive oil. Sauté garlic until golden. Add balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, and herbs. Heat until warmed (about 2 minutes). Add thin spaghetti to tomato mixture and heat until warmed (about 2-3 minutes).  Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. I also added some spices from the McCormick Italian Herb Seasoning Grinder. 

Ingredients:

1/2 box Whole Wheat Blend Thin Ronzoni Thin Spaghetti (or other style of pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
Oregano and basil (fresh or dried) to taste
Shredded Parmesan cheese, cracked pepper, salt to taste 

Kroger Deals 5/12 - 5/18 (FREE PASTA!)

Kroger has some great deals right now with their “10 Item Mega Event” (buy 10 participating items and get $5 off instantly).

(All prices below reflect the discount after purchasing 10 participating items)

1. Ronzoni Pasta: $.49

    $1/2 Healthy Harvest, $1/2 Smart Taste, $1/2 Garden Delight 

    Final Cost: Free!

2. Mom’s Best Naturals Cereal: $.99

    $.75/1

    Final Cost: $.24

3. Boulder Canyon Potato Chips: $.99

    $1/2

     Final Cost: $.49 each WYB 2

4. Freschetta Pizza $4.99

    $2/1 Simply Inspired or $1/1 any variety

     Final Cost: $2.99 or $3.99

5. Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain White Rice: $1.29

     $.75/1 or $.75/1

     Final Cost: $.54

There are lots more participating items. Check out Kroger's website to see the full ad.

Meijer Milk for $.50

Here's a roundabout way to score a gallon of milk at Meijer this week for $.50!!!

• Purchase three Hormel Compleats Kids Meals on sale for $1.50 each (FYI: These aren't in the freezer section. I found them at my Meijer in the LunchSpot area, in the aisle with canned meats and condiments).
• Use three $1/1 coupons found here. (Hit the back button to print two, then you'll need another computer to print one more.)
• Use one $1/3 MMB coupon found here.
• Purchase a gallon of Meijer milk. With the promo Meijer has this week, when you buy three Hormel Compleats Kids Meals, you get a gallon of Meijer milk for FREE. (excludes chocolate and organic milk)
• So...the final cost for 3 meals AND 1 gallon of milk is $.50!

Blowout Sale - Save Big on Baby Gear!

Zulily, a site that offers discounted kids items, is currently having a BIG blowout sale where you can get items, including lots of baby items, for cheap. Here are some of my faves:

Beibi Shoes toddler shoes: $7.99

Fuzzibunz cloth diaper: $7.99

Prince Lionheart Booster: $18.99

 Baby Balboa Shopping Cart & High Chair Cover: $17.99

Prince Lionheart Seat Saver: $5.99
Prince Lionheart BebePOD: $15.99

And there's LOTS more to choose from! You have to join Zulily to get these deals. It's free and easy. If you haven't joined yet, would you mind joining through my referral link here? I'd appreciate it. Thanks and happy shopping! :) BTW, hurry because the good stuff sells out FAST!

Free Ronzoni Pasta at Kroger

**Sale prices good through Wednesday, March 23**

I post a lot of Meijer deals, but I'm also a big fan of Kroger. Right now they are having a March to Savings sale where if you buy 10 participating items you get $5 off instantly. Check out the ad here. (The online ad has 3 extra pages that my paper ad doesn't include, so be sure to check it out online).

One of the items included in the promotion is Ronzoni pasta (Smart Taste, Healthy Harvest, and Garden Delight varieties) for $.49 a box. Pair that up with $1/2 coupons found here and you can score free pasta! If you hit the back button on your browser after the first print it will let you print another set of coupons, so you could end up with 6 coupons, meaning you could get 10 free boxes of pasta!

Here are some other good deals included in this promotion (when you buy 10 participating items):

1. Wheat Thins, Wheat Thin Stix, and Triscuits: $1.99.
   $1/1 coupons that were on Facebook last week, no longer available
   Final Cost: $.99/box

2. Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent: $3.49
    $1/2 any variety
    Final Cost: $2.99 each WYB 2

3. Annie's Macaroni & Cheese: $.49
   No coupons for this, but it's a really good deal!

4. Powerade: $.49
   No coupons for this, but it's a really good deal!

5. Heluva Good Dip: $1.29
   $.50/1 (doubles to $1 off an my Kroger)
   Final Cost: $.29

Does anyone know if this promotion works if you buy more than 10 items; for example, if you buy 20 items does it take $5 off twice? I've only done it with 10 items.

Meijer Deals 3/6 - 3/12

1. Kellogg's Cereals, select varieties: $2
    $.70/1 Raisin Bran, $1/2 select varieties, $1/3 select varieties
    Final Cost: $1.30-$1.67

2. Gorton's Frozen Fish: $3.49
    $1/2 any variety
    Plus, Buy any two (6.3-24.5oz) get $1 off instantly
    Final Cost: $2.49 each WYB 2

3. Jell-O Pudding or Gelatin: $2.50
    $.75/1 Pudding
    Plus, Buy 1 Pudding or Gelatin, get 1 Temptations Pie or Cheesecake FREE
    Plus, Buy any refrigerated Jell-O snacks between 3/4 and 3/27, buy (2) & get
    $1 OYNO, buy (3) & get $2 OYNO, buy (4) or more & get $3 OYNO
    Deal Scenario: Get 4 Puddings and 4 Temptations, use (4) $.75/1 coupons
    Final Cost: $1 each WYB 4 Puddings, plus get 4 Temptations Free

4. Muir Glen Organic Tomato Sauce, 15 oz: $1.20
    $1/1 any Muir Glen product when you join their club
    Final Cost: $.20 (Other products are also on sale)

5. Chobani Greek Yogurt: $.99
    $.30/1 (doubles to $.60 off)
    Final Cost: $.39

6. Mrs. T's Pierogies: 3/$5
   $1/1 (enter zip code 34986)
   Plus buy 3 & get $1 off instantly
   Final Cost: $.34 each WYB 3 (if you can print 3 coupons)

7. Freschetta Pizza: $4.99
    $1/1
    Final Cost: $3.99

8. Gushers, Fruit by the Foot, or Fruit Roll-Ups: $1.67
    $.50/2 (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $1.17 each WYB 2

9. Goldfish Crackers: Buy One Get One Free
    $1/2 MMB coupon
    Final Cost: ?

*Be on the lookout for clearance food. I found some Bush's Grillin' Beans (22 oz cans!) on clearance for $.46! These were still in the "normal" aisle where they always are, not in a special clearance area.

Meijer Deals 2/27-3/5

1. Green Giant boxed veggies: $1
    $.50/1 (doubles to $1 off) *if you haven't printed this one yet*
    or use $.50/2 (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: Free or $.50 each WYB 2

2. Duncan Hines Brownie Mix: $1
   $.50/1 (doubles to $1 off)
   Final Cost: Free

3. Kraft 100 Calorie Cheese Bites: $1.88
   $1/1
   Final Cost: $.88

4. California Pizza Kitchen Frozen Pizza: $5
   $1.25/1
    Final Cost: $3.75

5. Old Orchard Frozen Juice: $1
    $1/4
    Final Cost: $.75 each WYB 4

6. Miracle Whip: $2.50
   $1/1
   Final Cost: $1.50

7. Country Crock Butter: $1
   $.40/1 (doubles to $.80 off)
   Final Cost: $.20

8. General Mills Cereal, select varieties: $2.50, plus buy 4, get $3 off instantly
    $.75/1 Golden Grahams, $.55/1 Cocoa Puffs, $1/2 select varieties,
    $.55/1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch, $.55/1 Lucky Charms, $.55/1 Honey Nut 
    Cheerios 
    Final Cost: $1-$1.25 each WYB 4

Meijer Deals 2/13 - 2/19

1. Gorton's Fish: $3.49
    $1/2
    Final Cost: $2.99 each WYB 2

2. Kraft Philadelphia Cooking Creme: $2.50
   $1.50/1
    Stack with MMB $.50/1
    Final Cost: $.50

3. Pillsbury Sweet Moments: $2
    $1/1
    Final Cost: $1

4. Toaster Strudels: $2
    $.50/2 (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $1.50 each WYB 2

5. Totino's Pizza Rolls: $1
    $.40/2 (doubles to $.80 off)
    Final Cost: $.60 each WYB 2

6. Finish Powerball or Quantum Tabs, Rinse Agent, or Glass Magic: $3
    $.50/1 Powerball (doubles to $1 off), $1/1 Quantum, or $.75/1 Rinse Agent
    Final Cost: $2 for Tabs, $2.25 for Rinse Agent

7. Ronzoni Pasta (Garden Delight, Smart Taste, or Healthy Harvest) : $1
   $1/2
   Final Cost: $.50 each WYB 2

8. Chex Mix: $1.25
    $.50/2 (doubles to $1 off)
    Plus Buy 4, get $1 off instantly
    Final Cost: $.50 each WYB 4 (use two coupons)

9. Palmolive Antibacterial Dish Soap: $2
   $.35/1 (doubles to $.70 off)
   Final Cost: $1.30

10. Log Cabin or Mrs. Buttersworth's Syrup: $2.50
     $1/2 MMB
     Final Cost: $2 each WYB 2

11. Bush's Baked Beans: $1.25
     $1/4 MMB
     Final Cost: $1 each WYB 4

12. Yoplait Yogurt Cups: $.50
      $.40/6 (doubles to $.80 off)
      Plus Buy 20, Get $2 OYNO (printed at checkout)
      Final Cost: $.28 each WYB 20 (using 3 coupons if possible) or $.36 each WYB 6

13. Pillsbury Cookie Dough: $2
     $.50/1 (doubles to $1 off)
     Final Cost: $1

14. Breakstone's Sour Cream: $1.39
      $.50/1 (doubles to $1 off)  **My printer is out of ink so I haven't been able to verify the amount of this coupon**
     Final Cost: $.39

Money Saving Moment: Bread

[This is the first post in a series of money-saving tips I will share every once and awhile.]

Today's tip: How to save money on bread

 
In South Bend we have an Aunt Millie's Bakery Outlet. (It's in front of Lowe's on Ireland.)  Their bread is usually half the price of what you'd pay at the grocery store. I always head to the back of the store first where they have their specials.  You can sometimes find bread, buns, bagels, powdered donuts, and english muffins for as low as $.59.  Plus they have specials on Mondays and Thursdays. On Mondays bread and buns are $.65. Today I spent a total of $2.97 for 1 loaf of bread ($.65), 1 pkg of 12ct buns ($.65), 1 pkg of bagels ($.59), 1 pkg of english muffins ($.59), and 1 loaf of cinnamon raisin bread ($.49). The catch with these stores is that their items are nearing their expiration date, so either eat them quickly or freeze them.

Check out Aunt Millie's website to find a location near you.  Also, check out IBC brands (Wonder, Hostess) outlets as well.  There aren't any in my area, but they have lots of locations.

Another great place to buy bread and buns is Kroger. When their items are about to expire they mark them down to as low as $.29! Look around the bread aisle - sometimes the marked down items are in a shopping cart, on a shelf, or mixed in with the regular-priced items. These items will be marked with an orange and yellow "Manager's Special" sticker.

Where do you buy bread? Any tips to share with us?

Meijer Deals 1/30 - 2/5

1. Marzetti's Organic Salad Dressing: $2.50
    $1/1
    Final Cost: $1.50

2. Kraft Singles: 50% off ($1.94 for 2% singles)
    $1/1 2% singles
    Final Cost: $.94

3. Philadelphia Cream Cheese: $1.25
    $.50/2 (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $.75 each WYB 2

4. French's Mustard: $1.50
    $.50/1 (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $.50

5. Marie Callender's Dinners: $2
   $1/1 Steamers
    Final Cost: $1

6. Nestle Toll House Morsels & Chips: $2
   $.50/2 (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $1.50 each WYB 2

7. Mueller's Pasta: $.89
   $.55/1 or $1/1 if you haven't already printed it (thanks Christy)
   Final Cost: Free or $.34

8. Hunt's Manwich or Wolf Chili: $1
    $1/2 MMB Coupon
    Final Cost: $.50 each WYB 2

9. Huggies Tub Baby Wipes: $1.99
    $2/3  or $.75/1
    Final Cost: $1.32 each WYB 3 or $1.24
   *Coupons.com just released a $.50/1 Huggies coupon, so now you can get a tub of wipes for just $.99!

Gino's East Deal

Groupon has a deal today on Gino's East deep dish pizza.  $10 for $20 worth of dine-in deep dish pizza, or $7 for $15 worth of carryout.  And it looks like you can use this deal for any of their locations, including the one in Granger.  So if you haven't tried Gino's delicious pizza yet, this is a great opportunity (or if you have tried it and want more...).  :)

Meijer Deals 1/23 - 1/29

1. Finish Powerball Tabs or Gelpacs, Quantum Tabs, Rinse Agent, Drying Agent: Buy One Get One Free
    $1/1 Quantum
    or $.50/1 Dishwasher Detergent (doubles to $1 off)
    or $.75/1 Rinse or Dry Agent
    Final Cost: Varies, but should be a great deal

2. Sara Lee Pre-Sliced Meat: $3.50
    $1/1
    Final Cost: $2.50

3. Nature Valley Bars: $2
    $.50/1  (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $1

4. Pillsbury Crescent or Cinnamon Rolls: $1.50
    $.50/2 crescent rolls (doubles to $1 off)
    or $1/2 cinnamon rolls
    Final Cost: $1 each WYB 2

5. Gushers: $1.67
    $.50/2 (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $1.17 each WYB 2

6. Toaster Strudels: $2
   $1/2
    Final Cost: $1.50 each WYB 2

7. Juicy Juice: $2
   $2/4 multi-pack, 64 oz, or 46 oz
   stack with MMB coupon Buy 5, Get One Free
   Final Cost: $1.33 each WYB 6, or $1.50 each WYB 4

8. Yoplait Go-Gurt, Splitz or Trix Yogurt: $1.67
   $.75/2
   Final Cost: $1.30 each WYB 2

9. Totino's Pizza or Pizza Rolls: $1.25
   $.50/2 Totinos products (doubles to $1 off)
   Final Cost: $.75 each WYB 2

10. Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers: $8.49
    $1.50/1 Snug & Dry Diapers
    Final Cost: $6.99

11. Marzetti Salad Dressing: $2.50
     $1/1
     Final Cost: $1.50

Meijer Deals 1/16 - 1/22

1. Old Orchard Juices: $1.67
    $.50/1 printable (doubles to $1 off)
    or Buy One Get One Free printable (on Healthy Balance juice, get this when you send an e-card to a friend)
    stack with $.75/3 MMB printable
    Final Cost: $.57 - $.67 each
    * Deal Scenario:
    Buy 4 juices (2 have to be the Healthy Balance variety)
    Use two $.50 ($1) coupons
    Use one Buy one get one free coupon
    Use MMB $.75/3 coupon
    Total = $5.01 - $2.75 coupons = $2.26, which equals $.57 each WYB 4
    
2. Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal: $2.50
    Plus Buy 2, get one Raisin variety free
    Final Cost: $1.67 each WYB 3

3. Valley Fresh canned chicken: $2
    $.75/2 MMB printable
    Final Cost: $1.63 each WYB 2

4. Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt 4 pk: $1.89
    $.50/1 printable (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $.89 

$20 Amazon gift card for $10

Purchase a $20 Amazon gift card for only $10 through livingsocial.com, a daily deal site.  I buy stuff on Amazon a lot, so I'm pretty excited about this deal!

Magazines.com - Sign Up & Save!

As I was looking for good deals on magazines over the holidays I discovered Magazines.com.  If you sign up for their emails you often get exclusive savings offers and coupon codes.  Plus if you purchase through Ebates.com you receive 21% cash back (or occasionally up to 50% cash back!).  (To see more info on Ebates, see this previous post).

Anyway, I've been able to score some sweet deals through Magazines.com.  For example, Sports Illustrated Kids for $3.70, Parenting for FREE, Woman's Day for $1.45, Outdoor Life and Field & Stream for FREE, and Highlights for $18.46. 

So if you're looking for some good deals on magazines I suggest checking this out!

Meijer Deals 1/9 - 1/15

1. Jimmy Dean Sausage: $2.69
    $1/1 printable
    Final Cost: $1.69

2. Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage: $2.69
    $.55/1 printable
    Final Cost: $2.14

3. Gorton's Breaded Fish: $3.49
    $1/2 printable
     Final Cost: $2.99 each WYB 2

4. Pillsbury Cookie Dough: $2
    $1/2 printable
    Final Cost: $1.50 each WYB 2

5. Kellogg's Cereals, select varieties $2.50
    $.70/1 printable (Cocoa Krispies & Raisin Bran)
    Final Cost: $1.80

6. Ronzoni Pasta: $1
   $1/2 printable 
    Final Cost: $.50 each WYB 2

Meijer Deals 1/2 - 1/8

I'm back!  Sorry for being absent for over a month...the holidays kept me busy!

Be sure to check the Meijer ad for lots of $1 items in the 10 for $10 sale (plus buy 10, get the 11th free).  If you are hungry for a good salad, it's your lucky week.  Meijer has lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, croutons, celery, and carrots (including organic ones) in the 10/$10 sale.

Here are a few deals I found this week:

1. Green Giant Frozen Vegetables: $1
    $.50/1 printable (doubles to $1 off)
   Final Cost: Free

2. Yoplait Yogurt: $.50 each
    $.50/4 printable (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $.25 each WYB 4

3. Fiber One Bars: $2.50
    $.50/1 printable (doubles to $1 off)
    Final Cost: $1.50

4. Old Orchard Frozen Juice: $1
    $1/4 printable
    Final Cost: $.75 each WYB 4

5. Campbells Select Harvest Soup: $1
    $1/2 printable
    Final Cost: $.50 each WYB 2

6. Special K Cereal: $2.50
    Buy One Get One Free coupon
    Final Cost: $1.25 each WYB 2

7. Pace Salsa: $2.00
    $1/2 MMB printable
    Final Cost: $1.50 each WYB 2