2 New Rewards Programs at Rite Aid

There are two new Rewards programs starting at Rite Aid today. First off is the Winter Rewards where you can earn a $20+UP when you buy $100 worth of these items between 1/23/11-2/26/11.  The purchases that count towards these rewards are tracked, so all items do not have to be purchased in the same transaction or on the same date.

The other Reward program is the Heart Health Rewards.  You can earn a $20+UP for purchasing $50 worth of select items, or a $10+UP for purchasing $30 worth of these items.For the full list of items, click here.

Also, don't forget that a new set of Video Values coupons are available today, including another $4/$20 purchase coupon and several $1/1 coupons.  Last month I even managed to learn something while watching the videos, I learned how to read the ratings on the new light bulbs that are available and determine which ones will give better lighting (which came in handy with all the light fixtures my hubby has been replacing around our house this last week).

It's like my Grocery Budget Keeps Multiplying (Week 3 Spending Totals)

I posted last week about how I was running into the end of my grocery money before the end of the month.  I had 2 weeks left to go in my budget and only $50 left of the $200 we'd budgeted.  It's like the "loaves and fishes" as it keeps seeming to never go away.

First off, I spent about $35 last week, so either I added wrong somewhere or some money just magically appeared in my grocery envelope because there's still $35 in there.

Next, I got a check from Steak-Umms after I sent them a complimentary email on their product, for $12.96.  Then today I got another check in the mail, this time from Proctor & Gamble, it was my $20 Beauty rebate, for purchasing $50 worth of product in the last quarter of last year. (that $50 worth of product actually cost me a total of $7.37 after coupons and rebate).

So I may actually start next month with a little extra in the grocery fund.  I've still got a trip to make to Publix before Tuesday is over and I'm figuring that trip will probably cost me about $25 (depending on how much of what I want is in stock, although most of what I figure they are likely to be sold out of is the stuff I plan to get for free).

So where do I stand after Week 3 of 2011? (Week 1) (Week 2)

• CVS $2.14 (for  $27.75 worth of purchases)
• Walgreens 4.40 (for $8.98 worth of purchases)
• Publix $20.40 (for $35.68 worth of purchases)
• Walgreens $8.06 (for$11.97 worth of purchases, plus got back a $5RR)

I don't normally include the RR, ECB or +UP in these totals but it's mainly because I started the year with ECBs and +UPs.  I haven't been to Walgreens in a while so this is the first one in quite a while.  It will factor in when I go back next week as there are a couple of different things in their ad next week that I want to pick up.

Soup Swap

You Show Me Yours & I'll Show You Mine.....  Today is National Soup Swap Day, so what kind of soup do you have for me?

For you, I have  Taco Soup

1 Can Dark Kidney Beans
1 Can Light Kidney Beans
1 Can Black Beans
1 lb ground beef - browned (or cooked chicken)
1 packet Ranch Dressing
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can corn
1 can mushrooms (or fresh equivalent)
1 green pepper (chopped)
1 small onion (chopped)


Add all items to stock pot and allow to simmer for 3-4 hours.  Serve with chips & tostito chips.  We like to use the Scoops tostitos as spoons.

You can also spice this up a bit by adding in some diced chili peppers or jalapenos.

This is by far our most favorite soup, and it has endless variety.  Don't like an ingredient, leave it out; wanna add something, add it.  You really can't screw it up!