Let me start by saying that I have never been a fan of frozen pizza so I was really not sure I was going to be able to take more than a bite or two of the Tony’s Cheese Pizza I tried.  Since I couldn’t personally try Tony’s Pepperoni, I had Barry try that one while I added some turkey pepperoni slices I had in the fridge to the cheese pizza.  We popped them in the oven for a few minutes and voila!  Dinner is served.

You know the first sign of a disgusting frozen pizza?  For me it is when I go to cut the pizza.  If I don’t hear that distinctive crunch sound I know things are only going to go downhill from here.  Tony’s passed the crunch test with flying colors – on both the cheese and the pepperoni pies. 

Then comes the real test – how does this thing taste?  I am happy to report that for the first time in more than 20 years I ate several slices of frozen pizza and actually enjoyed them!  Don’t get me wrong, they aren’t really a substitute for homemade pizza by any stretch.  What they are though is inexpensive, tasty, fast and simple to prepare.

Don’t take my word for it though, check them out for yourself.  They are so sure you’ll love it, they want me to give some away!  The first five (5) people to respond to this post either on the website or the Facebook page will receive a coupon for a free Tony’s Pizza of your own! 

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Tony’s Pizza. All opinions are 100% mine.

In this shopping trip I purchased every item you see in the photo above to include:

• (5) Bumble Bee Tuna Pouch
• (4) Kraft Shredded Cheese
• (3) Tony’s Frozen Pizza
• (1) Reynolds Wrap 100% Recycled Foil
• 7.25 lbs Tyson Split Chicken Breasts

At regular price, these items would have come out to $45.73 before tax.  By combining coupons and sales I saved an amazing 80% (well actually it was 79.64%) and paid just $9.31 before tax.  Just in case you doubt me, here is a scan of my register receipt:

Once again folks, here’s proof that with just a little effort you really can save a ton on your grocery bill.  I don’t pretend that I’m able to save 80% on every shopping trip but even saving just 20% on this bill would have kept more than $9 in my pocket.

Coupons are your friends.  They are free money.  I can’t repeat this enough!

Here are 4 kitchen timesavers for the freezer you might not have thought about before:

1.  Chop Your Onions

Okay, so nobody likes to chop onions but so many recipes call for onion that you have to chop whether you like it or not.  Why not chop once and be done with it for a few weeks?  It’s possible and easier than you might think.

When you bring your onions home from the supermarket simply set aside 10-15 minutes and chop them all at once.  When I do my big chop, I then add 1 cup of chopped onions into individual sandwich baggies and place those baggies into a larger freezer bag that is clearly labeled.  Now anytime I need chopped onions for a recipe I just reach into the freezer and grab a baggie; they are already chopped and recipe-ready.

SIDE NOTE:  I do the same thing with peppers (both sweet and hot) when I see that I won’t be able to use them before they spoil.

2.  Ground Beef Mix

So many of my recipes call for browned ground beef and onions, I had a thought that couldn’t possibly have been original (I’ve since seen it mentioned on several blogs).  I buy ground beef in the larger bulk “family” sizes because that will usually save me an extra $.20 per pound which can really add up.

When I get home I separate my ground beef into allotments for the various meals I like to prepare.  My hamburger recipe will be mixed up and formed into patties which are then frozen.  Then the rest of the ground beef is browned in a large skillet with chopped onion and drained. 

Once it cools completely, I fill quart-sized freezer bags with my pre-browned ground beef mix.  Now anytime I need a pound of browned ground beef for a recipe I have just saved myself at least 10-15 minutes which can often mean the difference in cooking at home or grabbing something because it is faster.

3.  Make-Ahead Pancakes

Not only do I think I have one of the best pancake recipes around, it gets even better by adding the time savings I get every time I make a batch. How’s that, you ask?  Because when I make pancakes, I make a lot of pancakes.  Those stacks aren’t wasted, they are frozen for lightning fast breakfasts anytime.

You can freeze as many together as you like.  For me the magic number is two because I can thaw two for a quick breakfast with syrup or to use as a breakfast sandwich with an egg and a couple of slices of bacon.

4.  Freezer Soup

Don’t you hate it when you have just a little bit of leftover veggies after dinner ?  You know what I mean, not quite enough for a serving but you don’t really know what to do with it.  Well I have the answer – Freezer Soup!

This isn’t a new idea but it is an effective one:  You start with a freezer container.  When you have a few spoonfuls of corn, carrots, peas or other veggies, you just drop the leftovers into the container and return it to the freezer.  I’ll add leftover pasta and chopped or shredded meat as well. 

Got beans?  Add ‘em!  Tomato juice, puree or sauce?  You guessed it!  When the container is close to being full, dump the lot into the crock pot with some homemade stock and let it do its magic on low heat for a few hours.  Oftentimes the leftover bits have enough seasoning between them that I don’t even have to add anything to the mix and I am greeted with a pot full of yummy freezer soup that evening!

How do you enter the drawing for a free coupon?

There are three ways to enter the giveaway and each one earns you another chance to win:

1.  Become a fan on Facebook.
All Facebook fans are eligible and will automatically receive one entry.

2.  Invite your friends to become Facebook fans.
Tell your friends!  For every new fan who mentions your name when they join us you will receive another entry.

3.  Leave a comment telling us why you want a free coupon from Tony’s Pizza.
You may comment on the website or on the Facebook page.

Pillsbury Frozen Grands! Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any TWO Frozen Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits, Cinnamon Rolls, OR Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Betty Crocker Potatoes Save $.40
Save $.40 when you buy any flavor Box or Pouch Betty Crocker® Potatoes (Except Potato Buds®).

Romano’s Mac Grill kit Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy any flavor Romano’s Macaroni Grill® Restaurant Favorites® Dinner Kit.

Yoplait® 32oz Save $.55
Save $.55 when you buy any flavor 32 OZ. Yoplait® Yogurt.

Honey Nut Cheerios Save $.55
Save $0.55 when you buy ONE BOX Honey Nut Cheerios® cereal.

Select Cheerios® Save $.75
Save $.75 when you buy ONE BOX cereal listed- Frosted Cheerios®, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios®, Banana Nut Cheerios®, Fruity Cheerios®, Chocolate Cheerios®

Pillsbury Holiday Cookies Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Refrigerated Holiday Cookies

Pillsbury Cookie Dough Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy TWO PACKAGES any variety Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough.

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any flavor 17.5 OZ. OR LARGER Betty Crocker® Cookie Mix.

Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO BOXES Betty Crocker® Fruit by the Foot®   Fruit Gushers®   Fruit Roll-Ups® OR Fruit Roll-Ups® Fruit Stickerz® Fruit Flavored Snacks.

Green Giant® vegetables Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO any variety Green Giant® Frozen Boxed Vegetables.

Nature Valley Granola Bars Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor/variety Nature Valley® Granola Bars.

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy ONE BAG any flavor Nature Valley® Granola Nut Clusters.

Pillsbury Italian Meal Bread Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Italian Meal Breads (Includes any Loaves  Breadsticks  Dinner Rolls  and Pizza Crust).

Pillsbury Toaster Strudel® Save $.55
Save $0.55 when you buy any TWO Pillsbury® Toaster Strudel® Pastries.

Yoplait Kids Zone Save $.80
Save $0.80 when you buy TWO any flavor Yoplait® products listed: – Yoplait® Go-GURT® Yogurt – Yoplait® Trix® Multipack Yogurt.

Yoplait® Delights(tm) Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy any flavor Yoplait® Delights Yogurt Multipack.

SAFEWAY ONLY DEALS

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix/Frosting Save $1
Save $1.00 on TWO when you buy any flavor 17.5 OZ OR LARGER Betty Crocker® Cookie Mix AND ONE TUB any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Frosting.

Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mix Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® Cake Mixes.

Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy any flavor Betty Crocker® Box Supreme Brownie Mixes.

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy ONE any flavor Betty Crocker® Warm Delights® Bowls OR Betty Crocker® Warm Delights® Minis Bowls.

Bisquick® Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy 20 OZ. OR LARGER Original Bisquick® OR Bisquick Heart Smart® Baking Mix, OR 10.6 OZ. Bisquick® Shake n Pour® Pancake Mix

KROGER/SHOPRITE ONLY DEALS

Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Save $.75 
Save $0.75 when you buy TWO any flavor Betty Crocker® Box Supreme Brownie Mixes.

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Save $.50   
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE any flavor Betty Crocker® Warm Delights® Bowls OR Betty Crocker® Warm Delights® Minis Bowls.

Scotch Fur Fighter Refills Save $1
Save $1 off Scotch Fur Fighter Refills for Upholstery.

Scotch Fur Fighter Save $4
Save $4 on a Scotch(tm) Fur Fighter(tm) Hair Remover Starter Kit.

[clip it] Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $.40 off
[clip it] Betty Crocker Frosting $.50 off
[clip it] Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $.50 off
[clip it] Betty Crocker Muffin Mix $.50 off
[clip it] Betty Crocker Warm Delights $.50 off
[clip it] Chex Mix $.50 off
[clip it] Chex 100 Calorie Snack Packs $.50 off
[clip it] Fiber One Muffin Mix $.50 off
[clip it] Fiber One Chewy Bar $.40 off
[clip it] Green Giant Frozen Boxed Veggies $.50 off
[clip it] Hamburger Helper $.75 off
[clip it] Nature Valley Granola Bars $.40 off
[clip it] Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters $1.00 off
[clip it] Pillsbuy Italian Meal Breads $.40 off
[clip it] Pillsbury Sweet Rolls $.40 off
[clip it] Pillsbury Toaster Strudel $.55 off
[clip it] Pillsbury Savorings $1.00 off
[clip it] Reeses Puffs Cereal $.55 off
[clip it] Yoplait Kids Yogurt $.80 off
[clip it] Yoplait Cups $.50 off
[clip it] Yoplait Delights $1.00 off
[clip it] Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt $1.00 off

* You will know whether the produce is truly organic or not.  Believe it or not, it isn’t always cut and dry as to whether or not the stuff in the produce aisle is really grown organically.  Grow it yourself and you can be sure.

* Help the environment by decreasing food miles.  The term food miles refers to the number of miles a food item must travel from its point of origin to your plate.  Decrease the number of food miles and you decrease the amount of fuel needed to transport the food.  This helps the environment tremendously!

How about some free basil seeds – three different types – to help you start gardening right away?  All you have to do is sign up for an email newsletter from Tomato Heirlooms and they will send you free basil seeds!

Click here to sign up and get growing.

Here are some of the great printable coupons available for youright now  from gonefrugal.com/coupons:

Personal & Baby Care

Kotex: $1 off any one Kotex product

Huggies:  $2.00 off 1 Huggies Diapers

Huggies:  $2.00 off 1 Huggies Overnites Diapers

Pull-Ups:  $2.00 off 1 Pull-Ups Training Pants (mega pack or larger)

Food

Betty Crocker:  $.50 off when you buy cake mix and frosting

Frosted Mini-Wheats: $1.50 off 2 boxes

Gold Medal Flour:  $.75 off one 5lb or larger bag

Welch’s Juice:  $1.00 off when you buy 2

To print these coupons and lots more, just click here to visit gonefrugal.com/coupons!

As recently as a few years ago, the person in the supermarket who is thumbing through her coupon organizer and handing that stack of coupons to the cashier would be looked down upon though for the life of me I simply am unable to comprehend why.  In my mind I don’t see using coupons as anything other than a different form of currency and if you learn how to use coupons properly you will never again see them as anything other than money in your wallet.

Somehow we – the few, the proud, the couponers – have become less laughable these days as more and more people are looking for ways to save money where ever and whenever possible.  Now it isn’t quite so cool to spend ridiculous amounts of money when you don’t have to.

Even with a recession I get people who tell me things like:

“Using coupons takes too much time.”

People say this to me all the time and I generally debunk it in under a minute by asking them how much they get paid for an hour at work.  In an hour of coupon research I can make anywhere from $20 – $50 or more. 

Notice I didn’t say I could save $20 – $50?  That’s right folks, I make that money.  I have to eat so I am going to the supermarket one way or the other -with or without coupons and sales.  I’m going to buy (for example) a can of corn regardless, but I have a choice.

A choice?  Yes, a choice.  The supermarket is having a BOGO sale on a different brand of corn (Buy One, Get One Free).  You can spend $1 on one can of the brand you usually get or get two cans for the same price.  Saving money will sometimes require us to be brand flexible, so be prepared for that.  You opt to get the BOGO corn and feel pretty good about yourself, but wait – there’s more!

The brand of corn that’s on sale? There’s a coupon online worth $.55 when you buy two cans of corn.  Now I know what you’re thinking, I didn’t buy two, I got one of them free and while you may technically be right, it is still seen as you purchasing two of the item.  Now let’s do some quick math:

2 cans of Corn @  $1 each  =   $2.00

BOGO price for same 2 cans= $1.00
coupon worth $.55 off 2 cans=$  .55
FINAL PRICE BEFORE TAX          $ .45

And just like that you bought two cans for forty-five cents.  You saved $1.55 – more than 75% off the original price.

I’m not going to suggest that you are always going to save 75% off your grocery bill but if you saved that much just once every other month wouldn’t it be worth it?  What if you only managed to save 25% every week?  Let’s say your weekly grocery budget is $100.  And let’s do some more math:

52 weeks of groceries @ $100/week  =  $5,200.00
                                                                                    – 25%
                                                                            $1,300.00

Again this is just an estimate; I know people who save 25% without trying.  If you put in a little effort you can routinely save 40-50%. 

Now can you say that it isn’t worth it?

This time Nabisco has jumped on the bandwagon to provide you with a great BOGO (Buy One, Get One) coupon offer just for being a fan of the Nabisco Cookies Facebook Page.

Of course you are already a fan of Gone Frugal on Facebook, right?  If not, visit: facebook.com/gonefrugal today!