Here's a Tip Tuesday!

Welcome to another HATT!

I could eat an entire can of chocolate icing with an entire box of graham crackers and consider it a well balanced meal. What's that you say? I could double the amount of frosting from that little can?

Thats right!

All you need to do it whip it for a few mintues in a mixer and you can double it in size. Not only will you be able to frost more cupcakes (or graham crackers) with the same jar, there will be less sugar and calories per serving. And who ever thought that more chocolate icing=less calories. Have I died and gone to heaven?



I NEED this cake pan.

** Forgot my camera at work last night so I didn't even get to take any pictures but I tell you what, I made 24 of the cutest little Green Velvet Cupcakes, got them all liberally frosted and had some to spare!

Here's a Tip Tuesday...

Will actually be "Here's a Tip Wednesday" this week. I know, it doesnt have the same ring to it, but I won't be able to get any photographs until tonight.

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday and if you have any tips you wish to share and want to be featured here on My Quarter Life Crisis, email me!!


**that picture up top makes it sound like SUPER exciting, it's not really (haha) so don't get your hopes up :)

Do-It-Herself Workshop!

Mark your calenders! Home Depot is hosting another Do-It-Herself workshop on April 15 from 7pm-8:30pm.

This FREE workshop is all about interior painting techniques. The class features the line from the only person I look up to whose been in prison, Martha Stewart Living!

Here are a few highlights of the class:
-Learn how to choose paint and paint colors using the Martha Stewart Living color center
-See the tools and materials you will need for a professional finish
-Prepare and mask walls and trim for paint
-Watch and learn the best methods for painting ceilings, wall, and trim

This might seem like common knowledge to you long time painters, but I haven't painted but a few room in my lifetime so I think this could be really helpful!

Sounds like a great frugal girls night out to me :)

Head on over here and sign up now!
(no obligation if you change you mind or can't make it)

If anyone makes it, make sure you stop back by and let us know how it went!

Weekly Deal Round-Up!

Hey everybody!! I'm at the beach this weekend and didn't get a chance to fnish up my Weekly Deal Round Up so I took some help from Jenny @ Southernsavers.com, Collin @ Hip2save.com and Kerry @ TotallyTarget.com. For a full list of store deals, go visit these wonderful women!
Here are the highlights for the week of 3/14-3/20!
This week is fairly quiet one after such an awesome week last week!



Revlon Cosmetics BOGO Free
Use (2) $2/1 from the 2/21 SS
Final cost: Varies (but should make for some cheap makeup!)


Spend $15 in Dove or Degree, $2.50= 5ECB's. (Limit 1)Use any combo of coupons from here
Final cost: as low as $.15 each!
(there are more things included in this deal, but nothing will get you better prices than this)

Aussie or Herbal Essence Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler $2.99= 1 ECB (Limit 1)
Use $1/1 off Aussie Product from the 2/14 RP
Use the $1/1 Herbal Essence from the 3/14 RP
FREE Herbal Essences Styler wyb Herbal Essence Hair Care Product from the 2/07 PG
Final cost: $.99 for shampoo and stlyer (Herbal Essence)

Gillette Cartridges 4-12 ct, starting at $9.99= 3ECB's (Limit 1)
Use the FREE Gillette Fusion Razor wyb Gillette Fusion Cartridge Pack from the 3/07 PG
Final cost: $6.99 for razor and refills

Schick Quattro Titanium $8.99= 5ECB's (Limit 1)
Final cost: $3.99

Right Guard Sport, Xtreme or Dry Idea $2.50= 2 ECB's WYB 2 (Limit 1)
Use the $2/2 any Right Guard Deodorant here
Final cost: $.50 each WYB 2

Kashi TLC Bars or Crackers $2.50
Use the $1.50/1 Kashi Crackers printable
Final cost: $1.50

South Beach or Kudos Cereal Bars $2.50 (that ones for you Jan)
Use the $1/1 printable (South Beach bars)
Final cost: $1.50

Colgate Total Advanced or Sensitive Toothpaste BOGO Free
Use 2 $1/1 Colgate Total or Sensitive from the 3/7 SS
Final cost: ?





Planters Mixed Nuts, Cashews, Dry Roasted or Cocktail Peanuts Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Get a $3 Single Check Rebate #47 (must purchase $15 of Planters products)
Deal Scenario (based on on-line price):
Buy 10 Planters Peanuts 12 oz. $3.29 each
Minus BOGO sale = $16.45 total
Use the $3/$15 Rite Aid coupon found here
Use 5 $1/2 coupons from the 3/7 SS
Pay $8.45
Get back a $3 SCR
Final Cost $0.55 each!


Prilosec OTC 28 count + 14 count free $18.99
Get a $5 Single Check Rebate #14
Use the $3/1 coupon from the 2/7 PG
Final Cost $10.99!

Claritin 24-30 count
Get a $3 Single Check Rebate #9
Buy 1 Claritin 12 Hour Redi-tabs 30 count $22.99 (based on on-line price)
Use the $5/$20 Rite Aid Video Values coupon found here
Use the $4/1 in-ad coupon
Use the $4/1 coupon from the 2/21 SS
Final Cost $6.99!

Almay Foundation, Concealer, Powder or Blush Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Get a $5 Single Check Rebate #7 (when you buy 2)
Buy 2 Almay Clear Complexion Concealer $7.99 each (based on on-line price)
Use 2 $2/1 coupons from the 2/7 SS (expires 3/14!); there is also a $1/1 coupon from the 3/7 SS
Pay $3.99
Get back a $5 SCR
Final Cost FREE + a $1 moneymaker!

Starburst Jelly Beans 2/$3
Use the $1/2 coupon from the 3/7 RP
Final Cost $1 each!

Select Post Cereal $1.88
Use the $2/1 coupon found here
Final Cost FREE!

Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers $2.99
Buy 1 Herbal Essences Styling Product
Buy 1 Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner or Styling Product
Use the Buy 1 Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers and Get 1 Styler free coupon from the 2/7 PG
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 3/14 RP
Final Cost $0.99 each!

Right Guard Extreme Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Buy 2 Right Guard Extreme Deodorant $3.99 each (based on on-line price)
Use the $2/2 coupon found here
Final Cost $1 each

Tide Stain Release 20 oz. $3.99
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 3/7 PG
Final Cost $2.99!



FREE $5 GC wyb any 2 Gillette Razors or Cartridges Listed:
*Fusion, Venus Embrace or Breeze on sale $7.00 each.
*Cartridges for Fusion, Venus Embrace and Breeze
-$4/1 Gillette Fusion Razor, Any – 02-07-10 PG x3/31
-FREE Gillette Fusion Razor wyb Gillette Fusion Cartridge Pack 03-07-10 PG
-$2/1 Venus Embrace or Spa Breeze System Razor3-07-10 PG
-FREE Venus Embrace Razor wyb Olay Pro-X Facial Moisturizer Or Facial Cleanser 02-21-10 PG
-$2/1 Venus Embrace Spa Breeze System Razor 2-7-10 PG x3/31

Herbal Essence Shampoo & Select Others $3
-$1/1 Herbal Essence Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler 3-14-10 RP
-B1G1 FREE Herbal Essences styling product wyb HE shampoo, conditioner or styling product, Any – 02-07-10 PG x3/31
Buy a Shampoo and a Styler and use a BOGO Q & a $1/1 to pay $1 each. Also look for certain lower priced HE Hydralicious Shampoos sold at some stores for $2.68

Pepperidge Farm Swirl Bread $2
-.55/1 Pepperidge Farm Bread Any PRINT
The .55/1 makes it 1.45 each

Lifesavers Jelly Beans 14 oz $2
-$1/2 Lifesavers Jelly Beans PRINT
$1.50 for each bag after Q wyb 2

Clorox Bleach 82 or 96oz on sale 3/$5
-.50/2; $1/2 Clorox Regular Bleach, any (2) 82 oz+ – 01-31-10 SS x3/15
If you got the $1/2 it will be $1.17 each

Ill be back next week with more goodies for you!! (thanks ladies!!)

No Good News

Okay, well the surprise in question is no longer in question, and it didn't turn out the way I wanted. Guess that means it's just not the right time for it! If you're curious, I was planning on buying a boat! One that I would finally be able to learn how to wake board on. The one we would spend many a summer night out on. I was heartbroken. But, there is a time for everything and now I'm looking forward to what's in store next!

*image from Flickr

Here's a Tip Tuesday: Where's the beef? (and chicken)

I have found the toughest thing to coupon for is fresh meat. I just want to let you know, it can be done! The best part, NO COUPONS! Very simple. And this brings me to...

TODAY'S TIP:
THINK AHEAD. Do not, I repeat, do NOT say, "I think I'll make chicken tonight" and then proceed to the grocery store to pay some $4/lb for chicken breast. You are being R-O-B-B-E-D.
The solution, scan the meat case every time you are in the store, whether you are planning on buying meat or not. Trust me, I know I sound like the anti-couponer, but impulse buys for meat are the only ones that fly with me.
There is a catch of course. FYI: Never in a million years did I think a shot of raw meat would make it on my blog.

Those little orange stickers are the ticket.


You see there, this chicken was being sold at $4.99/lb last week, no freaking wonder it's still sitting on the shelf.
Do you also see the Sell By date? It's the 22nd. I bought these on the 21st and they are now nestled happily in my freezer, and my money nestled happily in my pocket.

Not convinced?

How about a Pot Roast for a family of 4? Or for just Jason and I and then 3 lunches for me during the week?


Let me tell you, it was yummy. I crock-potted it yesterday with potatoes and carrots.

The moral of the story:
Look for meat that is going out of date within a day or so. Take it home and freeze it so when you do want to cook it, you aren't forced to pay what the store is asking for it that week.
I'm just saying.

GO GET Make-Up at Rite Aid!

Happy Tuesday All!

I felt the need to share this infomation in case any of my couponing readers are looking to snag almost FREE MAKEUP. And when I say almost free, I mean I bought all of this...


2 Cover Girl Tru Blend Mineral Foundation- $25.98
1 Cover Girl Tru Blend Mineral Blush-12.99
1 Cover Girl Tru Blend Bronzer- $12.99
1 Cover Girl Tru Blend Compact- 12.99
1 Cover Girl/Olay Simply Ageless Eye Concealer- $12.99
1 Almay Intense i-color Mascara- $7.49
1 Almay Intense i-color Liquid Liner- $7.49
1 Almay Intense i-color Pencil- $7.49
1 Almay Intense i-color Shadow Trio- $7.49
1 Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara- $2.49
RETAIL TOTAL: $110.39 (ouch)

I PAID: $.98+tax (and even made $.50 on the Rimmel)

I know, it was amazing and the Almay stuff is what I use daily. I will also be getting a $5 Single Check Rebate back from Rite-Aid (Buy 2 Almay Cosmetics get $5)!

Here is how it's done:
SALES:
This week at Rite-Aid all Cover Girl cosmetics are BOGO FREE. On top of that, all Almay cosmetics are BOGO FREE!
COUPONS:
In the 2/7 PG insert there is a BOGO Free Covergirl Coupon (face products).
In the 3/7 RP there are $1/1 Almay i-color coupons.
You need this $5/$20 purchase for watching a series of Ad-Perk videos at riteaid.com (so simple, only takes a few minutes)

I get multiple Sunday Papers so I was able to do this transaction a couple of times, but even if you only get 1 or 2 you will still be fine!

Deal Scenerio:
Buy 2 CoverGirl Face Products @ 12.99 (most of the higher end stuff is at that price. You can also buy one thing at $12.99 and one at any price LOWER)
Buy 2 Almay i-color products @ $7.49 (most everything in this line is about that price. Again, it could also be one at $7.49 and one priced LOWER)
TOTAL BEFORE TAX HAS TO BE ABOVE $20. The lower priced item of each pair will ring up at 0$ because they are on sale for BOGO Free
Total for this scenerio is: $20.48

Use:
$5/$20
BOGO Free Cover Girl Product
2 $1/1 Almay products

So that looks like this:
20.48-5-12.99-2= $.49
I was able to do that transaction twice, and then just one Cover Girl BOGO transaction by itself.
Here is the Rite-Aid Coupon policy. I didn't have any trouble, but print it out and take it with you just incase. It states clearly here that using the coupons in this manner is 100% completely acceptable!

IF TOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK!! I know it can be hard to explain deals like this in writing, so if you need further clarification, leave me a note :)

**The Rimmel came from Target. I had a $3 coupon for any Rimmel Mascara from the March 2010 All You Magazine!

Busting at the Seams

No, this isn't a sewing post, thought it's a good name for one. I just want to let you know all know why I have been sparce on the home decor posts here lately. Sadly, I can't until Tuesday. No I'm not pregnant, though that seems to be the trend around here (sorry Mom-haha).

So hopefully I can spill the beans in just another 2 days! I will tell you, it will bring lots of fun before and after posts!

Thanks for hanging with me and I hope to be back to normal activity soon.

Weekly Deal Round Up!

Here are the highlights of the best deals for the WEEK OF 3/7-3/13



Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush $4=4 ECB (Limit 2)
$.75/1 Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage Toothbrush, from the 2/07 or 2/21 PG
Final cost: $.75 Moneymaker!

Nivea Lip Care $2.99=2.99 ECB (Limit 1)
B1G1 Nivea Lip Care Product, .17 oz or 0.35 oz from the 2/07 RP ONLY GOOD 3/7
Final cost: 2 Free!

Stayfree Pads, Regular 24ct at $3.89= 2 ECB (Limit 4)
B1G1 Stayfree Pads from the 1/03 RP
$1/1 off Stayfree printable
Final cost: $.89 for 2 (since the limit is 4, this deal gets sweeter)

Gillette Fusion, Venus Embrace or Breeze Razor $8.99=4 ECB (Limit 1)
$4/1 off Gillette Fusion Razor from the 2/07 PG
Free Razor wyb Fusion Cartridge Pack from the 3/07 PG
$2/1 off Venus Embrace or Spa Breeze System Razor from the 2/07 PG
FREE Olay Body Wash wyb Venus Embrace or Venus Breeze Razor from the 2/07 PG
Final cost: varies

Kellogg’s Cereals, 8.7-15 oz, Pop tarts or Rice Krispies Treats 8 ct. $2.50 ea= 5 ECB WYB 4 (Limit 1)
$1/3 Kellogg’s Cereal from the 2/07 RP
$1/3 Kellogg’s Pop Tarts 8 ct, from the 2/07 RP
$1/2 Kellogg’s All-Bran, Frosted Mini-Wheats and/or Raisin Bran - 11.4 oz from the 3/7 RP
$1/2 Kellogg’s Fruit Loops, Corn Pops and/or Apple Jacks cereal - 10 oz from the 3/07 RP
Final cost: varies

Clairol Nice N’ Easy Hair Color, root touch up Gray Solution $4.97=1 ECB (Limit 2)
$1/1 off Clairol Nice N’ Easy Hair Color from the 2/7 PG
$1/1 off Clairol hair color from the 3/07 PG
$5/2 Clairol hair color from the 3/07 PG
Final Cost: As low as $1.97 each wyb 2

Crest Whitestrips 3D White Vivid 10 ct, 3D Professional 20 ct or Advanced Seal 14 ct= 10 ECB (Limit 1)
$10/1 off Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal 14ct or 3D White Vivid Whitestrips 14ct from the 2/07 PG
$7/1 off Crest White Strips from the 3/7 PG
Final cost: not sure of the cost of these, based on the online price they are starting around $45.00

Almay Cosmetics B1G1 Free
$2/1 off Almay Cosmetics from the 2/07 SS
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Dont forget your $3/$15 or $5/$25 coupons!

Proctor and Gamble Rebate
$10 Right Aid Gift card wyb $30 in P&G products (limit 1)
Align $28.99
Submit for $10 SCR #15 (limit 1)
$3/1 Align from the 3/07 PG
$5/1 off Align from the 2/07 PG
final cost: $13.99
Metamucil $9.99
Submit for $5 SCR #13 (limit 1)
$3/1 Metamucil from the 3/07 or 2/07 PG
final cost: $1.99
Crest Toothpaste or Oral B 3D Toothbrush $2.74
Submit for $1 SCR #39 (limit 1)
$1/1 Crest Toothpaste from the 2/21 PG
B1G1 Oral B 3D White from the 3/07 PG
.75/1 Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage Toothbrush, fro the 2/07 or 2/21 PG
final cost: 74¢/2 (use BOGO and $1/1 both)
Vicks NyQuil or DayQuil 10 oz, 20ct or Childrens 6 oz, $4.99
Submit for $2 SCR #19 (limit 1)
$1.50/1 Vicks from the 3/7 PG
$1.50/1 off NyQuil or Day Quil from the 2/7 PG
final cost: $1.49
Prilosec OTC 42 ct $24.99
Sumbit for $5 SCR #6 (limit 1)
$3/1 Prilosec from the 2/7 or 3/07 PG
final cost: $16.99
Always Pads 20-48 ct or Liners 68-80 ct $5.99
-$1/1 Always from the 3/7 PG
Tampax 40 ct $5.99
$1/1 Tampax from the 3/7 PG
Fixodent 2-2.7 oz $3.50
$1/1 Fixodent from the 2/7 PG
Glide Floss 35-50 meters $3.50-$1 Glide Floss PG 2/21
Scope 710-1000 mL $3.50-$1 Scope PG 2/21
Pampers Diapers Jumbo pk $9.99-$2 Pampers PG 2/21
$1.50/1 off Pampers Diapers or Pants from the 2/07 PG
Pampers Wipes 60-77 ct $2.49
.50/1 Pampers Wipes from the 2/07 PG
Gillette Razor Cartridges or Shave Gel-$1 SCR #3 wyb Gillette Fusion or Satin Care
$1/1 off Gillette Fusion Gel from the 2/07 PG
$1/1 Satin Care Shave Gel from the 2/7 PG

Almay Cosmetics B1G1
Submit for $5 SCR wyb (2) any cosmetics
$2/1 off Almay Cosmetics from the 2/07 SS

Secret, Gillette or Old Spice Clinical Deodorant $7.99
Sumbit for $2 SCR #32
$1/1 off Secret Clinical Strength from the 3/07 PG
$3/1 off Gillette Clinical Deodorant from the 2/21 PG
$2/1 off Old Spice Pro Strength from the 2/21 PG
final cost: as low as $2.99

Jergens Natural Glow or Moisturizers, Biore Products, Ban Deodorant $5 ea
Submit for $5 SCR #41 wyb 3 (limit 3)
$1/1 off Biore Product printable (Rite-Aid store coupon)
$1/1 off Jergens from the 1/17 SS
Free Biore Cleanser wyb any Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips from the 3/07 SS
final cost: varies

You can check out a full list of CVS and Rite-Aid deals at Southern Savers! (thanks!)


Dial Handsoap Select 7.5 oz Pumps $1.49
$1/1 any body wash, bar, or liquid hand soap printable
final cost: $0.49

Get a FREE $5 Gift Card WYB (2) All or Snuggle Featured items
*All detergent 100oz $7.99
$1/1 All Liquid Laundry Detergent, Any 50 Oz. Or Larger from the 2/7 RP
$2/1 All Liquid Laundry Detergent, Any 50 Oz. Or Larger from the 2/7 RP
$1/1 All Small & Mighty or 2x Ultra 75 oz printable
*Snuggle 100oz liquid or 275 ct. dryer sheets $7.99
.75/1; $1.50/2 Snuggle Fabric Softener, from the 1/31 RP

FREE $5 Gift Card wyb 2 Select Tampax & Always Products
$2/1 Always Infinity Save 14ct or larger from the 3/7 PG
$2/1 Tampax Pearl or Compak Pearl Save 18ct or larger from the 3/7 PG
$1/1 Always Pantyliners Save 34ct or larger from the 3/7 PG
$1/1 Always Pads Save Clean or Feminine Cleansing Cloths from the 3/7 PG
$1/1 Tampax 18ct or higher from the 3/7 PG

Check out a full list of Target deals at Totally Target (thanks!)

Almost Spring Fever

Spring, for me, seems more like the right time to make changes and resolutions than January 1. Just something about the first warm days of the year when you can walk to the mailbox barefooted, or take the dog out without having to put a coat on. Don't even get me started on Daylight Savings. Nothing is sweeter than watching the sunset at 8:45pm.

Here are a few photos to get you in the mood :)

photo credit: country living


photo credit: martha stewart


photo credit: pottery barn


photo credit: pottery barn


photo credit: crate and barrel


photo credit: martha stewart

If you're a lover of beachy decor, this is a super cute idea!

photo credit: martha stewart


photo credit: country living


photo credit: coastal living


photo credit: olivia cundy

Would love to hear what everyone loves most about the spring!!