This was the last week, in fact the last day, that you could use the the recent coupon book.  Since we’ve had some stuff going on the last couple of weekends, this was the first time we were able to actually make use of it.  We ended up using 7 coupons.  Of course, thanks to the new and magical master coupons deal, I didn’t actually have to hand my coupons over but still got the savings.  There were also a bunch of new things we hadn’t seen before that we wanted to try out; I guess Costco’s getting ready for Fall (about time too since they’ve had Christmas stuff in stock for well over a month now).

Olivieri Spinach and Cheese Cannelloni -  Costco has lots of fresh pasta options, however, this was a new one that I’d not seen before.  I thought this would be great to try because I really like cannelloni but it can be somewhat labor and time intensive to make.  In the Costco package you get 1.37 pounds of pasta, which comes out to 12 cannelloni.  Certainly that is enough for a couple of nice and quick meals during the week.  You can bake it in the oven, or if you are in a real time crunch, you can put it in the microwave too.  So, you can see how this would be a nice time saving meal.  Unfortunately, I found it to be a little under filled.  I mean, perhaps I always over fill mine and everyone I’ve known who has made it does too, but it was a little on the thin side.  As in, so thin, at times it was hard to really get any taste of the ricotta filling.  Mind you, it wasn’t bad tasting in any way and the pasta cooked up very nicely.  My only complaint is that it needed a little more filling in there.  12 cannelloni for $9.79.

Adidas Blaze Running Shoes for Women – Okay, I must admit I am snooty about my exercise shoes.  I don’t buy any other kind of expensive shoe but would without hesitation spend a fair amount of money on buying decent shoes for running or walking.  The feet are the foundation, if they go, everything else is going to hurt.  But I did buy these shoes at Costco for running.  My last pair was getting to the point where the cushiony sole was less cushiony and just plain uncomfy.  I figured, if these work out for me for a few months that would be enough time for me to look around and find another pair of running shoes (I usually get mine at REI when they have the 20% off one item sale/coupon).  I was pleasantly surprised when they actually felt nice on my feet and were comfortable for running.  They aren’t made quite as nice as my current running shoes and have a few things that I can see wearing a little too quickly.  I don’t like that the laces seem too big or something for the holes which makes lacing them up a little annoying, plus every time I take my foot out the insole slides out too.  And yes, I have tried unlacing them more to avoid that but it didn’t seem to help.  They’ll do for the next few months though, I think.  Dave got a pair of the running shoes for men and we’ll be taking them back because they felt very uncomfortable when we were running and it felt like the toe box was smushing him, which apparently they were because he had a blister on one of his toes when we got home.  $37.99.

electraTrac 25′ Multi-Outlet Extension Cord -  It’s getting to be that time of year when you have to start thinking about putting up decorations for Halloween and Christmas and this is the perfect idea for all your outdoor lighting.  Everyone needs extension cords to put out all of the stuff but usually you have to string a bunch of things together or use multiple extension cord.  Well, this should relieve a bit of the pain.  It’s a 25 foot long extension cord, which in and of itself is nice to have, but it has 3 outlets spaced every 8 foot so you can plug in a few things that aren’t right next to each other even.  It’s just a really great idea.  The outlets are in line with the cord, have mounting anchors, and even weather guards in case you’re not using them all.  Also, it is a very heavy cord at 14 gauge and will (hopefully) stand up to several years of outdoor use without splitting or breaking.  Hey, it’s also made to meet OSHA specifications, for what it’s worth.  25′, 3 outlet extension cord for $15.99.

Bear & Wolf Premium Pink Salmon – They don’t seem to carry this item continually, perhaps it is just a fall and winter thing.  In any case, it is some of the best salmon in a can you will find.  Now, I know that some of you might think this is an abomination to put salmon in a can, but it a nice quick lunch when Dave is at work and can’t get away.   To start off with, it is skinless and boneless and not all of the canned salmon is, which can be totally nasty, especially if you aren’t expecting that.  Plus, they are using wild Alaskan salmon, which I’m sure does add to the quality.  If trying to compare it to tuna in a can, this is more like the albacore tuna: big pieces not little shredded bits.  It’s perfect for mixing in with a salad, making a salmon salad sandwich or crackers, or even just eating straight out of the can (which is the way Dave prefers it).  My mom says you can make a mean salmon patty using this stuff too.  6, 6 ounce cans for $8.99.

Sun Chips Variety Mix – I love the Sun Chips and they make a great lunch companion or an easy snack.  The individual bags are reasonably sized so you don’t feel like you’re getting cheated; we’ve all had those bags that you swear there are only 5 potato chips in it.  Plus, with the Costco variety box you get a nice mix of flavors (6 bags of each): Original, Harvest Cheddar, Garden Salsa, and French Onion.  All of them are really yummy just by themselves, straight from the bag.  However, they’re not bad with a little bit of hummus either.  I can’t decide which is my favorite flavor because I truly do like them all so much.  It just depends on what you’re having them with, I guess.  Each 1.5 ounce bag has 18g of whole grains, 30% less fat than regular potato chips, 3g of fiber and 4g of protein.  Plus, each bag is only 210 calories.  Healthy, delicious, and filling; can you ask for more?   24, 1.5 ounce bags for ($8.39 – $2.00 coupon) = $$6.39 (that’s just over $0.26 per bag).

Coupons:

• Bounty Paper Towels, 9 rolls: $16.99 – $2.00 = $14.99
• Charmin UltraSoft Toilet Tissue, 30 jumbo rolls: $17.99 – $2.00 =$15.99
• Kirkland Signature Environmentally Friendly Laundry Detergent: $12.99 – $2.00 = $10.99
• Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, 5 lbs: $7.79 – $2.00 = $5.59
• Nestle Variety Candy Bars, 30 ct: $12.39 – $5.00 = $7.39
• Sun Chips Variety Mix, 24 bags: $8.39 – $2.00 = $6.39
• Total Savings:  $15.00

And one last thing, for anyone awaiting the Sex and the City DVD like I was, you can get it at Costco for $21.49.  I haven’t watched it yet but I loved the series and everyone said the movie was great, so I’m really looking forward to finally getting to see it.