Sorry for the lack of posts lately!  I just wanted to let you all know that I have been offered a very HUGE opportunity that will be taking up most of my time starting today, and therefore I will not be able to do any posting on Hooked on Bargains .  Please know that I am not leaving the blogging or money-saving world, but at this time I need to keep all details strictly confidential.  Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time!

“To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of life.” – Samuel Johnson

OK, so this is completely random and un-bargain related, but as I was pouring my kid’s cereal/milk this morning, it brought back memories of 5th grade Science Fair and having to create a project that would solve a problem.  Well, I clearly remember my Dad and I putting together a “Super Soggy Cereal Saver” to end all of our Soggy Cereal mornings!

We created a contraption that had a large Gallon pump bottle with milk in it sitting on the floor under our table with a hose attached to the pump spout that would go up and was also attached to our spoon.  Whenever we wanted milk on our cereal, we’d just hit the pump with our foot and out popped milk onto our spoon!  OH MY….GOODNESS.   Looking back, I remember thinking that the contraption we tried to create (I wish I still had pictures of it!) was such a great solution (yes, it was my idea…Dad just helped)!

I really think I should have marketed that contraption…I could have been a millionaire, don’t ya think?!   Can you imagine buying a huge jug and leaving it under your floor with milk in it and then putting it back in the fridge with a super long hose and spoon attached!?  Not to mention having to put a new spoon on the other end of the hose every morning?  Hmmm…fun memories.

If you’ve been couponing for a while, you may now have a HUGE stockpile of goodies in your pantry, closets, garage, laundry room, under your bed, under your kids bed, in your car …  One thing that I’ve tried to figure out since couponing (without going overboard) is how to stockpile in small spaces!?  Our house is pretty small (1800 s.f.), we live in the very HOT & humid Texas so it’s impossible to store food/items in our garage or attic, and we have no basement.  SO, that leaves me to “stockpile” in small spaces for our family of 5.  Our laundry room is very small, but last year I managed to find this tall 6-shelf bookcase on Freecycle (for free!) and it fits perfectly up against the wall!  I’m amazed at how much “stuff” I can store on this shelf . 

In addition to my regular size pantry and this shelf, I store food items above my microwave and in several kitchen cabinets.  That’s it!  Anything else that doesn’t fit in those spaces gets donated!  I also like to store my Cleaning items in a shoe organizer hidden behind my Laundry Room Door right next to the Food Shelf that I mentioned above.  I know some people like to store their goodies up on top of their cabinets or under their beds or kids beds, but I know if I did that, I’d find them 5 years later while we were packing up to move !  SO, that leaves me to this question…how do YOU stockpile and if you have a small house, what ways do you stockpile in small spaces?  What works for you!?

I definitely don’t stockpile like a lot of couponers just because I think it’s kind of unnecessary for us and I find that just stocking up enough to last us for 6 months at most works just fine, but that’s just my preference.   AND because I’m curious…what are your thoughts on the show Extreme Couponing!?  In case you’re wondering, the new season premiers April 6th!

OK…for all you Houston and Kroger shoppers, this is very sad news (I feel your pain!)!  I posted this information the other day on Facebook, but here’s a video to confirm if you haven’t heard the news already.  As of April 13th, Houston area Kroger stores will no longer be doubling/tripling coupons .  Here are the current cities affected by this new change, starting April 13th…

1. Texas City
2. Clute
3. Houston
4. Dickinson
5. Angleton
6. Pearland
7. La Porte
8. Alvin
9. Pasadena
10. Seabrook
11. League City
12. Friendswood
13. Missouri City
14. Rosenburg
15. Sugar Land
16. Richmond
17. Hedwig Village
18. Katy
19. Kingwood
20. Galveston
21. Cypress
22. Bryan-College Station
23. Crosby
24. Baytown
25. Humble
26. Beaumont
27. Porter
28. Orange
29. Spring
30. Huntsville
31. The Woodlands
32. Conroe
33. Magnolia
34. Tomball
35. Willis

I just hope that this new “trend” does not happen at Randall’s too!   Unfortunately, I think this “end to double/triples” will eventually spread nationwide and then I’ll start doing all of my shopping at Target and Walmart!  What are your thoughts on this new change?  Hopefully, their “new” policy that will be implemented will outweigh double/triple coupons…hmm, do you think that’s possible?  If you want to try to make a change or voice your concerns, head on over to the Kroger Couponers Facebook page.

(Thanks, Katy Couponers, I Heart the Mart, Becky, and Bel!)

I posted about this back in June of last year, but while I was shopping in Walmart the other day, I noticed that the offer was still available!  I’m pretty sure this promotion is regional (the Walmart is located next to a McDonald’s here), but it’s definitely worth looking for the signs if you have a McDonald’s fan shopping with you and you need a little treat to keep them busy!   This is a GREAT price for Kid’s Meals, especially since the Cheeseburger meals are over $3 here at McDonald’s.

And…the biggest McDonald’s fan in our house is my 5-year old son.  He absolutely LOVES McDonald’s!  While we were grabbing a quick bite the other day, I caught him busily drawing a picture of “Dad” on the back of my shopping list using my handy dandy VistaPrint pen.  Hehe…I just couldn’t help but chuckle (and he kinda got upset).  Aren’t kids cute!

Yikes!  If you’ve filled up your car at the pump lately (or watched the news), you’re probably well aware of the soaring gas prices!  AND unfortunately, oil industry experts say that the price of gas could possibly hit $5 per gallon before summer!  SO, how can we save money on gas?

Here are a few tips…

• Head on over to Mapquest Gas Prices and type in your zip code to find local gas stations with the lowest price per gallon that are on your daily commute or shopping route.  Keep in mind that it’s not worth driving all over town just to save a few cents per gallon.
• If you’re deal shopping at a grocery store that has a gas station, be sure to find out if they offer a discount on gas when you buy a certain amount of groceries (Randall’s and Kroger offer discounts).  Also, usually big warehouse stores, like Costco or Sam’s Club, as well as discount retailers (like Walmart, Kmart, etc.) tend to offer discounts on gas, so if you’re headed there anyway, be sure to fill up!
• Keep an eye out for new Gas Stations popping up around town and be sure to ask about possible promotions!  Recently, a local gas station here in Austin, TX had a Customer Appreciation Day for their newly opened store and offered a $.20 discount per gallon on select days only!
• Try to map out your shopping trips in a logical route BEFORE leaving your house so you’re not backtracking and wasting gas!
• If there’s a deal that’s just too good to pass up on, be sure to call your local store FIRST to make sure the item’s in stock before wasting your gas to drive there and find it out of stock.
• Keep an eye out for legitimate gas coupons!  There are often coupons for Kum & Go, Holiday, and a few other gas stations for money off per gallon!
• Try to carpool/deal shop with a friend or neighbor and take turns driving!  Plus, it’s always a lot more fun to snag bargains with a friend, right?!
• Don’t drive all over town with a trunk full of groceries or “stuff”!  For every 100 pounds you remove from your car, you’ll get 2% more gas mileage!
• Don’t drive unless you have to…use a bike, take a cab, use a public transportation method, walk, or just stay at home and do all of your shopping online using sites like Amazon, ShopatHome, Ebates, and more!  Personally, I’d love to have a Grocery Bike…wouldn’t you!?

What tips do you have for saving money on gasoline?  Please share!

I’ve been looking for a few new recipes lately and think I’ll try out this new Chicken Bruschetta Pasta recipe that I found on the container of Philadelphia Cooking Creme that I scored at Walmart!  Looks yummy!  I think it’ll pair nicely with a tossed salad, rolls and we’re good to go!

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Chicken Bruschetta Pasta - 

Ingredients -

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1/3 cup  fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tub  (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Original Cooking Creme
• 2 cups grape tomatoes (or can use regular tomato cut up…if so, omit chicken broth)
• 2 cups  hot cooked farfalle (i.e. – bow-tie pasta)
• 12 fresh basil leaves, torn

Directions -

• COOK chicken in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 5 to 6 min. or until done. Stir in broth and garlic powder; cook 3 min.
• ADD cooking creme and tomatoes; cook and stir 3 min.
• STIR in pasta. Top with basil.

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Do you have any quick dinner ideas?  If so, please share!

If you’re in need of a little daily motivation or encouragement to take charge of your finances, you’ll definitely want to sign up for FREE daily emails from Daily Worth!  You’ll receive daily emails in your Inbox about personal finances for women, including topics on self worth, net worth, saving, spending, earning, investing, taxes, entrepreneurship, financial feminism and much more!  I love reading a quick daily inspiration from my Inbox before going shopping…keeps me focused on my spending!  Go here to sign up if you haven’t already…and yes, it’s FREE!

Look what reader Katherine got in her mailbox today from Nielsen National Consumer Panel…$2 cash (it’s better than getting a bill anyday! )!  If you aren’t already a member of the Nielsen National Consumer Panel, I have good news!  They are currently accepting applications and are looking for new members!  The National Consumer Panel focuses on measuring consumer attitudes and behavior and is made up of people just like you, whose opinions help manufacturers and retailers make decisions on what products to develop or improve!

Member Benefits -

You’ll earn gift points that are redeemable for name-brand merchandise, including electronics equipment, jewelry, household items, toys, and much more!  You’ll also earn entries into their many exciting sweepstakes. But, above all, you’ll be making your opinions count!  Plus, reader Katherine received an envelope with $2 cash inside today…keep your eyes peelied and don’t throw away the envelope!  Awesome!

How does it work? -

As a panel member, the Nielsen National Consumer Panel will provide you with a hand-held scanner. Every time you or members of your household shop, you’ll use the scanner to scan the barcodes on all of your purchases. You can even have your kids join in on the fun and scan all your items…they’ll love it!    My kids were so excited when the hand-held scanner showed up on my doorstep…it was like Christmas!?!  Then, once a week, you’ll send in your purchase information.  It’s as easy as that!

Interested?  Go HERE and fill out the application and you’ll be on your way to becoming an NCP panelist!  Keep in mind that not all areas may be needing panelists at this time, so you’ll need to first register to find out if they’re currently needing panelists in your area.

(Thanks, Katherine!)

Where have I been today?  Well, today was the last day of my kiddos Spring Break so we decided to venture over to the Rodeo Austin Carnival for the day!  It was TONS of fun!  Did we use coupons? Nope!  Was it expensive? Yep!  Was it SO worth it?  Oh yes!  AND, am I as red as a lobster and exhausted?  Sure thing.