For the past year and a half or so I have been participating in a variety of food co-ops in my area. I started out by being part of a neighborhood co-op where we had one lady order and sort produce for 12 families every other week. It worked out pretty good. If I didn’t have the opportunity to participate in different co-ops I would definitely get this going again!

I then joined The Community Food Co-op of Utah. They have monthly pick-ups in convenient locations around Utah. They provide food from local sources. Backed by an army of volunteers they offer out-reach programs and delivery to the homebound.

Another co-op that I have been part of is Bountiful Baskets. They offer weekly pick-up locations in several western states. Bountiful Baskets offers conventional as well as organic options as well as bread.

There are a couple of relatively new co-op options. Utah has Field to Families and also Green Bee Produce in Arizona and Utah.

These are some of the local co-ops that I am aware of in my area. Each offers it’s own benefits and disadvantages.

I also recently learned of Angel Food Ministries. This program bring affordable fresh and frozen food items to people in 44 states (not available in Utah).

There seem to be new co-op’s popping up all over the place. A simple search online and checking around with neighbors you can easily find a food co-op in your own area. All of these co-op run with some sort of volunteer force. If you join a co-op please consider volunteering from time to time.

The main reason my family participates in co-ops is that we are able to try new things, expand our menu, eat healthy for a fraction of the cost, and help by volunteering to improve the quality of life for our community.

If you are new to shopping at Rite Aid, check out my Navigating Rite Aid posts to help you along you way! Remember, you can use a Rite Aid in-ad manufacturer coupon with a manufacturer coupon from the newspaper or online. Read the Rite Aid coupon policy HERE.

I am only listing best deals at Rite Aid this week here, although I must admit it is a slim pickins week. If you want to see the complete list, head on over to the PYP Rite Aid forum thread. You will also find helpful discussion on this weeks sale items.

Use these coupons to help you pinch your pennies this week! But hurry…some expire on Wednesday, March 31st!

$3/$15 or $3/$15
$5/$25
$5/$20 (Video Values) (after the 31st you can print one for April)

Bic Disposable Razors $4.99
Use BIC Disposable shaver, any $2/1 (5-9-10) EyeMastersSS-3/28
Get a $2 Single Check Rebate
Final Price: $.99 cents after coupon and rebate!

Infusium Shampoo or Conditioner $3.99
Use Infusium 23, any $2/1 (4-30-10) EyeMastersSS-3/28
Final Price: $1.99 after coupon!

Listerine Smart Rinse or Agent Cool Blue B1G1 Free ($5.49 based on online price)
Use (2) Listerine Agent Cool Blue, any or Smart Rinse, any 500 mL $1/1 (5-31-10) SS-6/14
Final Price: $3.49 for both after coupons!

Prevacid 24 hr 42 ct $25.99
Use Prevacid 24HR 42 count product $10/1 (4-24-10) EyeMastersSS-3/28
AND
Video Values $10/1 coupon
Final Price: $5.99 after coupons!

Scenario Idea:
Prevacid $25.99
Use $5/25 coupon
$10/1 video values
$10/1 manufacturer
=pay only $.99 cents (plus tax) for Prevacid!

Many areas around the country will get a nice surprise from Snuggle today in their RedPlum inserts – a $3.00 off coupon, good on any Snuggle liquid fabric softener (32 load or larger) or dryer sheets (70 count or more). With some good sales, this will surely make for some very cheap fabric softener!

We’ve had a thread in the Utah forum’s to discuss the best places to use this coupon and the deals that are available. We’ve also had some comments from PYP members about how to stretch your fabric softener and dryer sheets even further, and I wanted to share some of those ideas here.

Suggestions for making your own fabric softener dryer sheets:

• Mix 1 cup liquid fabric softener with 2 cups water in spray bottle. Spray a clean rag or washcloth 4-6 times with the mixture and then put the cloth in with the clothes to dry. Wash the rag occasionally to remove build-up.
• Dip a washcloth in liquid fabric softener, then hand to dry. Once dry, put the washcloth in with the clothes to dry. The washcloth can be used a dozen or so times before needing to be washed and re-dipped. You can make your fabric softener last even longer by dipping the washcloth in a mixture of equal parts water and liquid fabric softener. Or try a different ratio to see what works best for your laundry.
• Take a large jar or bucket, cut a sponge into 4-6 pieces, and place them in the container. Add a few capfuls (if using jar) or one full bottle (if using bucket) of liquid fabric softener, then fill the rest of the way with water. When you go to dry a load of laundry, take out a sponge, ring it out and throw it in the dryer. When done, just put the sponge back in the container for next time! (Tip from PYP member, WtrmlnLisa)
• To control static cling, try adding a wad of aluminum foil to your dryer load.
• If using dryer sheets, cut them in half and use only one half sheet per load. That way a box of 80 sheets automatically becomes a box of 160! (Tip from PYP member, tightwadteri)

Even if you don’t want to make your own dryer sheets, you can get extra use out of the commercially packaged ones by using the used sheets to dust around the house or clean bathtubs (they are great for removing soap scum).

Ready for some Easter Egg fun? In my family dying the eggs is one of the most exciting parts of our Easter traditions. For as far back as I can remember we always bought the little dye tablets in the holiday section of the store – or tried (mostly unsuccessfully to use the little squeeze bottles of food coloring). There are so many beautiful colors found in nature. What a fun time to experiment with coloring and a great opportunity to reduce the amount of artificial coloring in our food products.

One of the quickest ways to use natural ingredients is to boil the produce with the eggs as the eggs cook. Since your stove most likely only has 4 burners you can just do four colors at a time. Dyeing the eggs after they have been cooked takes as many dishes and more time, but may be more practical.

Try using both fresh and frozen produce. Canned produce will result in much paler colors. Boiling the colors with vinegar will result in deeper colors. Some of the fruits, vegetables, and spices can be used cold. To use a cold material, cover the boiled eggs with water, add dyeing materials, a teaspoon or less of vinegar, and let the eggs remain in the refrigerator until the desired color is achieved. In most cases, the longer you leave Easter eggs in the dye, the more deeply colored they will become.

Here is the method that I prefer for dyeing naturally:

1. Place the eggs in a single layer in a pan. Add water until the eggs are covered.
2. Add approximately one teaspoon of vinegar.
3. Add the natural dye. Use more dye material for more eggs or for a more intense color.
4. Bring water to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. If you are pleased with the color, remove the eggs from the liquid.
7. If you want more intensely colored eggs, temporarily remove the eggs from the liquid. Strain the dye through a paper towel.
8. Cover the eggs with the filtered dye and let them remain in the refrigerator overnight.
9. Naturally-colored eggs will not be glossy, but if you want a shiny appearance you can rub a bit of cooking oil onto the eggs once they are dry.

Here are some sources for beautifully naturally dyed Easter Eggs:

Lavender
Small Quantity of Purple Grape Juice
Violet Blossoms plus 2 tsp Lemon Juice
Red Zinger Tea
Beets

Violet Blue
Violet Blossoms
Small Quantity of Red Onions Skins (boiled)
Hibiscus Tea
Red Wine

Blue
Blueberries
Red Cabbage Leaves (boiled)
Purple Grape Juice

Green
Spinach Leaves (boiled)
Greenish Yellow Yellow Delicious Apple Peels (boiled)

Yellow
Orange or Lemon Peels (boiled)
Carrot Tops (boiled)
Celery Seed (boiled)
Ground Cumin (boiled)
Ground Turmeric (boiled)
Chamomile Tea
Green Tea

Golden Brown
Dill Seeds

Brown
Strong Coffee
Instant Coffee
Black Walnut Shells (boiled)
Black Tea

Orange
Yellow Onion Skins (boiled)
Cooked Carrots
Chili Powder
Paprika
Dried Peppers

Pink
Beets
Cranberries or Juice
Raspberries
Red Grape Juice
Juice from Pickled Beets

Red
Lots of Red Onions Skins (boiled)
Canned Cherries with Juice
Pomegranate Juice
Raspberries

Get out and have fun looking at the colors that nature has provided

Thank you to the Pinching Your Pennies member who brought this deal to our attention.

Standard text messaging fees will apply. Once you register your cell phone number you are agreeing to receive up to 3 texts per week from Subway, but your can opt out of this at anytime by following the instructions they include in the text messages.

The 50 bonus points will be added to your rewards card balance after your next purchase.

There maybe some cell phone carriers that don’t participate in this, I have heard that Cricket phones do not work with this promotion.

After your text your rewards card number you should receive a confirmation via text.

Don’t have a rewards card? Pick one up at any Subway store.

Babies R Us/Toys R Us ~ Various baby product coupons
Bath & Body Works ~ Free Signature Collection Travel Size Item with any purchase (up to $5 value) – valid thru 04/21/10
Borders ~ 40% off one item – valid thru 3/27/10
Carters ~ 20% off $50 or more – valid thru 3/30/10
Champs ~ 25% off entire order – valid thru 3/28/10
Family Christian Store ~ Extra 20% off your entire purchase – valid thru 4/25/10
Famous Footwear ~ 15% off your entire purchase – valid thru 4/4/10
Foot Action ~ 25% off entire order – valid thru 3/28/10
Footlocker ~ 25% off entire order – valid thru 3/28/10
Half Priced Books ~ 20%-50% off single item – valid thru 3/28/10
Justice ~ 40% off – valid thru 4/3/10
Kirklands ~ $5 off $25 purchase – valid thru 3/31/10
Lowe’s ~ various coupons – see blog post here
Osh Kosh B’Gosh ~ 20% off $50 or more – valid thru 3/31/10
Payless ~ 15% off in-store purchase – valid thru 4/4/10
Petco ~ 10% off Select Natural Dog Food Brands – valid thru 4/30/10
Steinmart ~ $10 off $25 & more – valid thru 3/27/10
Victoria’s Secret ~ Free bracelet with Pink Purchase + $10 off $50 Pink purchase – valid thru 4/19/10
World Market ~ $10 off $30 purchase – valid thru 4/4/10
Yankee Candle ~ $10 off $25 purchase – valid thru 4/24/10
Yankee Candle ~ Buy 2, Get 1 FREE Housewarmer large jar candles – valid thru 4/18/10

Dining:
Chevy’s Fresh Mex ~ 20% off any entree or Buy Fresh Mex Combo get 2nd for $2.99 – valid thru 4/24/10
Einstein Bagels ~ Free tub of cream cheese with purchase of a variety bucket – valid thru 3/29/10
Quizno’s ~ $1 off regular sub & more – valid thru 3/28/10
Sweet Tomatoes ~ Buy 1, Get 1 Free or $5.99 Weekend Lunch – valid thru 3/28/10

Coupons valid at Lowe’s:

Log in or create an account AT THIS LINK

• $3.25/1 off any Tide Total Care Laundry Detergent
• $1/1 any Method Hand Soap Bottle or Refill
• $1/1 any Lysol 19oz Disinfectant Spray
• $1/1 any Green Works Natural Cleaning Item
• FREE Simple Green naturals Hand Soap with any Simple Green Naturals purchase
• $1/1 any Arm & Hammer Dryer Sheets
• $2/1 any 3M Filtrete maximum Allergen Filters
• $2 off Brita Slim Pitcher
• $5 off PUR Horizontal Chrome Faucet mount Filter
• $5 off Large Capacity Whole House Filter
• $3 off Large Capacity Whole House Pleated Filter
• $2 off Standard Whole House Carbon Wrap Filter
• $20 off Encapsulated RO System

Welcome to all the GTU Viewers!!

Saving money at the grocery store is EASY with the FREE printable grocery lists at www.pinchingyourpennies.com.

This week at Smith’s Food and Grocery save BIG with the “March to Savings” Promotion! For every 8 items you purchase, you will save an additional $4! No limit on these rewards and you can mix and match between dozens of items!

For the complete Smith’s Grocery List (through 3/30), follow this link:

Some of the best deals include:

(Prices shown are before/after discount)

American Beauty Pasta, 12-16 oz .99/.49
Final Price: .49

Bumble Bee Tuna, 2.5 oz .99/.49
Use: .55 off 1 coupon found in Smartsource coupon insert issued 2/21
Final Price: FREE

California Pizza Kitchen Pizza, 11.9-34.2 oz 4.47/3.97
Extra Promo: California Pizza Kitchen Pizza (Purchase between 3/5-3/28)
Buy 2 get $1 coupon good on your next shopping order
Buy 3 get $2 coupon good on your next shopping order
Buy 4 or more get $3 coupon good on your next shopping order
Net Final Price: $3.22 each

Classico Pasta Sauce, 8.1-24 oz 1.99/1.49
Use: $1 off 2 coupon found here
AND
Use: $1.50 on Fresh Beef when you buy 2 Classico Pasta sauce coupon found in Smartsource coupon insert issued 3/14
Final Price: .99 each plus $1.50 off Fresh

Coke, 2 liter 1.25/.75
Final Price: .75

Del Monte Tomatoes, .99/.49
Use: $1 off 4 coupon found here
Final Price: .24 each

Hershey’s Pieces, 2.50/2.00
Use: $1 off 1 coupon found in Smartsource coupon insert issued 1/31
Final Price: $1

Kellogg’s Cereal: Assorted Mini Wheats, 15.8-16.3 oz, 2.49/1.99
Use: $1.50 off 2 coupon found here
Final Price: $1.24 ea

Ken’s Salad Dressing, 16 oz or Lite Accents, 7 oz 1.99/1.49
Use: $1 off 1 coupon found in Smartsource coupon insert issued 3/7
Final Price: .49

Lays Potato Chips, all natural 2.75/2.25
Use: $1 off 1 coupon found in Smartsource coupon insert issued 3/14
Final Price: $1.25

Motts Apple Juice, 64 oz 1.49/.99
Final Price: .99

Oscar Mayer Lunchables, 4.2-4.5 oz 1.49/.99
Use: $1 off 1 coupon found in Smartsource coupon insert issued 3/21
Final Price: FREE

Powerade, 32 oz (Limit 120 units per order) Limted to Stock/Quantity on Hand .75/.25
Final Price: .25

Ronzoni Pasta, .99/.49
Use: .75 coupon 1 Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta found here and
$1 off 2 coupons found here and here and here
Final Price: Free to .25

Tostitos Tortilla Chips, 9-13 oz 2.75/2.25 Watch for $1 peelie coupons attached to bag!
Final Price: $1.25

Wesson Oil, 48 oz 2.49/1.99
Final Price: $1.99

There is also a HOT deal on Hershey’s Easter Candy!

Purchase $15 worth of Hershey’s, Reese’s or Cadbury Easter Candy. These are on sale for $3 a bag or the Robin’s Eggs are on sale for $1.67 per bag.

Use: $2 off 3 coupon found in Smartsource coupon insert issued 3/14
OR
Print (2) $2 off 3 coupons found here

Possible Scenario’s:

Buy 9 bags for $15
Use 3 $2/3 coupons to make your total $9
Get a $5 Catalina to use like cash on your next order.
Final price: 9 bags for $4.00 (.44 per bag) after Catalina factored in!!

or Purchase 6 Hersheys, Reeses or Cadbury Candy at $3 each
Pay $18
Use 2 $2/3 coupons to make your total $14
Get a $5 Catalina to use like cash on your next order.
Final price: 6 bags for $9.00 ($1.50 per bag)after Catalina factored in!!

Or Purchase 4 Hersheys, Reeses or Cadbury Candy at $3 each and 2 Whoppers Robin Eggs at $1.67 each
Pay $15.33
Use 2 $2/3 coupons to make your total $11.33
Get a $5 Catalina to use like cash on your next order.
Final price: 6 bags for $6.33 ($1.06 per bag) after Catalina factored in!!

Other HOT deals:

Purchase (6) Pillsbury Grands Biscuits, on sale for .99
Use: (3) .30 on 2 coupons from either Smartsource coupon insert issued 1/3 or 3/ 7 or print coupons from here
Pay $5.04 and Receive a $4 coupon good on your next shopping order!

Purchase 3 Betty Crocker Pouch Potatoes for .99 each and receive a $3 coupon good on your next shopping order!
Final Price: 3 FREE Pouches!

Also, enter the March Madness Instant Win game at www.smithsfoodanddrug.com You can play each day in March.

1. Toy Story 1 Blu-Ray/DVD and Toy Story 2 Blu-Ray DVD $10 coupons for upgrading your old VHS tapes!

More info HERE

2. Sylvania NB530SLX Blu-ray Disc Player (Black) on sale for $59.99! (List price $199.99)

More info HERE

3. FOUR 11×14 prints – $3.99 shipped with coupon code at www.artscow.com!

More info HERE

4. Up to 75% at CityDeals.com! Get discount gift certificates for stores around town!

More info HERE

5. Just Between Friends Sales! March 26-27 at Spanish Fork Fairgrounds and April 23-24 at Farmington Fairgrounds!

More info HERE

6. Wii Super Mario Galaxy 2 with Bonus $20 Walmart.com eGift Card only $49.96!!

Walmart Link

7. Xbox 360 Halo Reach PRE-ORDER for $59.96 and get a Walmart.com $20 eGift card!

8. Wii Nerf N-Strike Elite Bundle on rollback at Walmart.com for only $20!

Walmart Link

9. Smith’s March to Savings Promo!

For a complete list of all the deals at Smith’s, click HERE

Pillsbury Grands .99 each
Catalina offer:
Purchase 6 get a $4 Catalina coupon to use just like cash on your next shopping order.
Purchase 5 get a $3 Catalina coupon to use just like cash on your next shopping order.
Purchase 4 get a $2 Catalina coupon to use just like cash on your next shopping order.

Buy 6 at .99 each = $5.94
Use three .30/2 coupons from your Sunday newspaper coupon inserts
Pillsbury Grands Refrigerated Biscuits, any size/variety .30/2 ( Expires 3-27-10) GeneralMills-1/3 AND (5-29-10) SS-3/7 slc
or printables at THIS LINK and THIS LINK and THIS LINK.
Final Price after $4.00 Catalina factored in: 1.04 for 6 cans or .17 each!

Betty Crocker potatoes

Hershey’s Easter candy – Buy $15 worth get a $5 Catalina
Combine with this coupon for great savings:
Hersheys, Reeses or Cadbury Candy, any 8 oz. bags or larger $2/3 (4-4-10) SS-3/14
Or 2.00/3 printable at THIS LINK.
Hershey’s Whoppers Robin Eggs 10 oz. are 3/5.00
Buy 9 bags for $15
Use 3 $2/3 coupons to make your total $9
Get a $5 Catalina to use like cash on your next order.
Final price: 9 bags/$4.00 after Catalina factored in

Just one of the awesome tools here at PYP…ready-made shopping lists.  We scour grocery ads to find the best deals at many of your favorite stores, and match them with available coupons.   Check the list below and see if you find your favorite store!

Get $25 Dining Certificate for $2.
Extra 80% off w/code COOK – exp 03/31/10
Be sure to read the fine print for each offer, not all offers have the same terms!

Restaurant.com LINK

Here are a couple of hot Smith’s deals!  See this link for more details on the ad that ends today.
See this link for the printable shopping list that ends today.

Oscar Mayer hot dogs 1.99

Head to Toys R Us tomorrow to get the new Toy Story Special Edition Blu-ray Combo Pack for Toy Story 1 and 2. They are on sale for $16.99 each when you buy both together. Use the $10 coupon on Disneymovierewards and you can get them for only $6.99 each!

They want you to get rid of your VHS Toy Story movies. All you need to do is register on Disneymovierewards, enter the UPC codes from the VHS movies, and you get the $10 coupons!

PLUS, there may also be a free movie ticket inside to Toy Story 3! So you can really come out ahead on this deal.

GO HERE and HERE to read discussion on the deal and more info on the sale.