Today's Shopping - the $0.99 Store

I often forget about the 99 cent store.  It is similar to the dollar store, but (in our town anyway) it has lots more.  I took a quick trip today and made quite a haul.  While it does not take coupons, I think I still did pretty good.  Certainly stocked the snack cupboard!

Here's what I got - of course everything was $1

2 packages of Cheese & Pretzel Dippers
1 4-pack of Dannon Light yogurt - key lime flavor
1 box Suddenly Salad
6 boxes Betty Crocker instant potatoes
3 bags (10 count each) of Snyder's pretzels
2 boxes Curious George fruit snacks (a staple for us, we use them to treat low blood sugars)
2 packages Banquet brown and serve turkey sausage
2 boxes Strawberry Pop Tarts
6 individual packs of Pop Tarts
2 packages of Chocolate flavored Goldfish crackers (hope these are good)
2 boxes Quaker granola bars
2 English Muffins
2 loaves of bread
1 package of French Rolls
1 box Curad band-aids
Comet cleanser
1 men's speed stick deodorant (somehow hubby ran out!  eeks!)

Total Spent:  $47.00

I don't normally buy things like Pop-tarts, only rarely.  My kids have been asking for them and it's been over 6 months since I bought any, so I picked them up.  They are the high fiber variety (like that makes it OK!).  Same with the instant potatoes, but with the kids playing softball in the evenings right now, I need some quick sides to go along with dinner.

Grocery Shopping and Deals this week - June 7

Here are the 12 boxes of cereal I bought today at Savemart - can't fit them anywhere else in my pantry!

Along with the cereal, I bought everything else I was after (blogged about HERE) + a few more finds.

I became a fan of Atheno's Hummus on Facebook and printed 2 B1G1 coupons!  Save Mart has the 14 oz tubs for $4.99, so I got 2 for $5 (not a fantastic price, but we do love our hummus!)

They also had a clearance-priced fruit/veggie cart out - we were able to pick up 5 apples for $0.99, 2 yellow peppers with 2 orange peppers for $1.49, and a package of red raspberries with a package of yellow raspberries for only $0.69.  All this fruit appears good to me - we'll eat it in the next couple days.  I also got a huge batch of bananas on this cart for $0.99 - will be making banana bread!

My receipt is misplaced, but I think my total was just over $60.  After coupons I paid $47.  

Next stop was Winco........

(I didn't have time to put it all out on the table and take a photo - we had to get to The Queen's basketball game, so I show you my humble little pantry)

I won't bore you with all the details, but I shopped from my E-Mealz shopping list (after crossing off what we have in our stockpile).  I also did a fair amount of stocking up on this trip.  The kids are out of school and they eat us out of house and home during the summer!  Seems like I can't keep enough food around - we'll see if this lasts us a week.......

Here's some highlights from my trip:

Totino's Party pizzas - $1.05 each - used a $1 off 5 coupon = $4.25 for 5

(3) 4-packs of pillsbury refrigerated biscuits - $2.15 each, used a $1 off 3 coupon = $1.85 each

2 Jimmy Dean Sausage Skillets - $3.48 each - used (2) $1 off coupons = $2.48 each (we add about 8 eggs to make these for breakfast!)

Reser's mustard potato salad - $2.38, used $1 off coupon = $1.38

Oscar Mayer deli-shaved lunch meat - $1.98, used a $1.50 off coupon from Kraft First Taste = $0.48

2 Nestle chocolate syrups - $1.48 each, used $1 off 2 coupon = about $1 each

Foster Farm chicken drumsticks(fresh) - $2.81, used $1 coupon = $1.81 for 9 drums

2 Bisquicks $2.38 each, used (2) $0.60 coupons = $1.78 each (hubby uses this for pancakes - it's easier for him)

4 Betty Crocker cake mix/frosting combos - mix = $0.78 each, frosting = $0.98 each - used (4) $0.75 coupons (when you buy cake mix and frosting together) = $1.01 for each cake mix/frosting combo.

5 Taco Bell Home Originals products ( I bought 18 pack taco shells, 1 fajita seasoning, and 3 taco seasonings) - used $1 off 3 coupon from All You magazine and $1 off 2 coupon = $3.09

KC masterpiece BBQ sauce - $1.88, used $1 coupon = $0.88

Capri-Sun Sunrise coolers - $1.88, used $1 off coupon = $0.88 for 10 juice pouches

12 cans of Taco Bell refried beans @ $0.48 each = $5.76 (to me, this is a stock up price!)

4 Kraft Poppyseed salad dressings (Pigeon Man's favorite) - $1.98 each, used (2) $1 off 2 coupons = $5.92

All total I had $23.82 in coupons and paid $198 OOP

Just so that everyone maintains the correct perception of E-Mealz (a frugal meal-planning service that costs $5 a month) - the total spent on supplies to make a week's worth of meals from our E-Mealz menu = $48.68! (of course, I have a few things on hand, but it is still quite economical to feed a family of 7, and this includes meat!)

The rest of the money spent was either stuff we were out of, stock up stuff that was on sale & matched with coupons, easy lunch and breakfast items since I'm sleeping during those times and Daddy has to feed the hungry mob.  He usually makes breakfast, but they are on their own for lunch), and snack stuff.  

Here's the stocked fridge (ours is 26 cubic feet):

After the little one's went to bed, I ran to Target and picked up a few more things......

Febreze air effects - $1.54 after coupon

Downy - $7.79 after coupon (2 weeks worth, easy)

Up & Up bleach - $1.47

Up laundry detergent - $11.99 (2 weeks worth, easy)

2 packages of Bic Soleil disposable razors - $5.39, used $3 off coupon = $2.39 each

Nexcare and Bandaid deal (added 3 boxes of bandaids to my stash for a total of $1.85!

Also did the Armour All Deal and got 2 things of Orange cleaner wipes

Total savings = $16.25, OOP = $53 (several purchases not listed here - litter box, cat food, etc)

A Recipe to Spend Too Much Money

Combine:

1 Tired Mom

1 empty refrigerator

2 empty cupboards

1/2 c. Coupon Burnout

Fold in:

1 Trip to Costco (to pick up a prescription, of course!)

1 empty stomach

Cook in the slow-walk-around-Costco crockpot for 2 hours....

and......you get a tired, grumpy mom that just spent $365 at Costco.....

But seriously....prior to the trip, my hubby and were talking about how I go to the grocery store(s) and buy (what feels like) a ton...only to have everything look bare again in a few days.  Very frustrating....I just can't seem to get a handle on the correct quantity to buy of ANYTHING.....that being said, the older girls are at school all day, but when they come home we really don't police the snacking.  However, none of them are overweight, and they all eat a good amount at meals (we rarely have leftovers).....so where does all this food go (of course, Dad and I eat our fair share too) ???!!!???

Here's some of our standard quantites...........

Milk -> 8 gallons a week

Bread ->  1/2 to 1 loaf a day

Strawberries -> 1 pound in 1 sitting

Cereal -> 1 box a day (if they all eat the same one)

Instant Oatmeal ->  1 box every other day (if they eat oatmeal 2 days in a row)

Give you an idea?

You might recall that last trip (on May 9) I purchased 10 boxes of Quaker granola bars....

Today (May 18) we have 1 box left.....

Of course we would save money if I made more from scratch...and I like to do that....but I have to balance my time since I spend 36 hours a week working outside the home.....and there's also the laundry, the cleaning, the shopping, the diabetes, and the blogging.....oh ya, kids too...

Well...anyway.....we went on our merry way to Costco, thinking that we would buy the larger quanitities and see if it makes a difference.... ha ha....(don't laugh at me....)

Here's what we bought:

BIG bag of tortilla chips - $3.39

Frozen Meatballs (these are REALLY good) - $13.99

Eggos (60 count) - $7.99

Tilapia Fillets (fresh) - $18.23

Cheddar/Jack shredded cheese - $10.99

Cookies - 24 count - from the bakery - $6.49 (did i mention i had an empty stomach)

5 dozen eggs - $4.49 (that's less than $1 a dozen PEOPLE!)

A......cheesecake..with strawberry topping.....$14.99

3 lbs sour cream - $3.79 ($1.26 per pound, not good - Winco = $1.09/lb)

Crumbled bacon (real) - for salads - 7.99

Frozen chicken tenders - $13.99 (i think it is 6 lbs?)

BIG can of Yuban coffee - $7.99

4 lbs of bacon - $9.99

Pre-formed hamburgers, frozen (ground sirloin) - $14.99

Cocoa mix (70 envelopes)- $6.49 ($0.09 per envelope)

Nestle Chocolate chips (72 ounces = 4.5 normal bags) - $8.99 ($1.99 per bag)

Frozen corn dogs - $8.69

Frozen chicken chimichangas - $12.79

Frozen lasagna - $11.59

Honey Bunches of oats - $6.89 (i think this roughly equals 3 or 4 boxes of cereal)

4 pounds of butter - $7.19 (that's $1.79 per pound - AWESOME, if you use real butter)

Marinated Pork Loin (to BBQ) - $15.22

Minced Garlic - $3.39 (we eat garlic on everything.....except cheesecake)

Pepper grinder, with pepper - $3.99

1 gallon Best Foods Mayo - $6.89 (we go through 1-2 regular jars a week)

Panda Express Orange Chicken sauce (44 ounces) - $4.49

2 (2) loaf packages of Iron Kids bread - $4.49 each =   $8.98

3 jar pack of Classico Alfredo Sauce - $5.99 ($1.99 each)

2 pack Skippy Peanut butter (each jar is 3 lbs)- $8.39

3 jars of Classico Spaghetti Sauce - $6.99 ($2.33 each)

13 gallon trash bags (200)- $12.99  ($0.06 per bag)

1 Gallon Kosher Dill pickles (we are pickle eaters!) - $3.49

Pepsi (for Pigeon Man) - $9.50

Still need to go to Winco to get produce....

We also purchased paper plates ($13.79) and plastic cups ($10.99) - both are very large quantities.  We have curbside recycling here in California, so we keep a recycling container next to the trash can, plates are scraped then put in the recycling.....this is controversial, but we are going to try it in the name of simplification....and mom's sanity.....

So, your thoughts??? anyone???? some of these items truly were a good deal....

How do you balance warehouse club shopping with regular grocery shopping?

If you stick to a budget, how do you budget your warehouse shopping?

My shopping today - Savemart & Super Target

Happy Mother's Day!

After a great dinner with my in-laws, the kids and grandma did a little grocery shopping with me....

1st stop:  Save Mart

I took advantage of another GREAT Quaker promotion:  buy 5 select products, get each for $1.39 and get a FREE 1/2 gallon of Tropicana Orange Juice!

#1:  5 boxes Peanut Butter Crunch (Pigeon Man's favorite) @ $1.39 each:  $6.95 + free OJ

#2:  5 boxes of Quaker chewy granola bars = $6.95 + free OJ

Used (2) -$1.00/2 coupons (found inside instant oatmeal) + $0.75 off True Delights=  (-) $2.75

Net cost:  $4.20 (0.84 per box)

#3:  5 boxes granola bars = $6.95 + free OJ

Used (2) True Delights coupns = (-) $1.50

Net cost:  $5.45

Other items:  

2 Jimmy Dean Skillet Scrambles @ $3.99 each - got FREE 1 dozen eggs (this is very near Winco's price, so the eggs made it worth it to me)

In-ad coupon:  4 Rold Gold snacks @ 4/$5

Used (2) -$1 on 2 Rold Gold coupons

Net cost:  $0.75 each (got 2 bags pretzels, 1 bag twists, 1 bag cheesy pretzels)

In-ad coupons:  Apple juice, limit 1, $0.99 with $25 purchase

3 Activia yogurt - on sale for $2 each

Used (3) -$1 coupons

Net cost:  $1 each!

2 Danimals yogurt drinks - on sale for $2 each

Used (2) -$0.75 coupons

Net cost:  $1.25 each

3 Birds Eye Steamfresh frozen peas (LOVE these on green salads!) - on sale 4/$5

Used (1) -$1 on 3 coupon

Net cost:  $2.75 for 3 (about $0.90 each)

Pillsbury Chocolate chip cookie dough (yes, I admit - the Pre-formed ones) - on sale 2/$5

Used (1) $1/2 coupon

Net cost:  $2 each (with the cost of choc chips these days, not sure i could make them for less?)

1 bottle of Beringer White Zinfandel wine $4.98  (I only drink wine rarely, it just sounded good today)

1 pound fresh Driscoll Strawberries - $2.50 (expensive, but they look soooo good!)

TOTAL BEFORE COUPONS:  $66.68

TOTAL AFTER COUPONS:  $54.43 for 41 items

From the bottom of the receipt:

Special purchase discount (promotions):  $23.39

Mfg coupons:  $12.25

Savings on Sale items:  $43.80

TOTAL SAVINGS:  $79.44, which is a savings of 60%

2nd Stop:  Super Target

(Grandma's request, I didn't see much in the ad that appealed to me)

(2) 2 liter diet pepsi - on sale for $0.99

2 Gallons Milk @ 2.39 each

Market Pantry tortilla chips - on sale 3/$5

(2) 2 pound packages lean ground beef - on sale, $1.99 per pound = $3.98 each

Kitty Chow $4.98 (yes, we have adorable baby kittens - want one?????)

Kleenex hand towels (for upcoming road trips) - $2.99

Used $1 mfg coupon

Used $0.75 Target coupon

Net cost:  $1.24

Coffee-mate - $1.69

Used $0.50 coupon

Net cost:  $1.19

Up brand, disposable women's razors - package of 8 for $6.98

Aussie hairspray - on sale for $2.84

My total was around $50 - I think the receipt got tossed by accident

Running total of food spending (includes previous posts):  $339 + $104 (today's) = $443

Food Spending

Day #2 of the basketball tournament on Sunday.  Total spent on food = $40.  We went to Panda Express at 4pm.  Noone had had lunch as the game times were off schedule and running late.  The snacks I packed were gone in a split second and I felt bad as the older girls had not eater since 7 a.m.  So, we counted it as dinner and later in the evening I fixed oatmeal for the little girls and myself. 

This brings the total spent on food since 4/23 to $379!

Shopping Again!

The reality of it all.......

I've decided that I will detail our food shopping, eating out, etc here on my blog for 1 month - keepin it real!  While it is true, i planned meals and purchased what was needed, there always seems to be incidentals and extra trips to the store.  How much is necessary, how much is convenience, and what are alternatives?  Stick with me as I try to figure it all out......

I last shopped on 4/27/10 - see that post HERE.

I went back to Winco on 4/30 and picked up:

2 packages of pull-ups @ $6.89 each = $13.78  (yes, my 4 year old diabetic is still in pull-ups)
1 package of diapers = $8.99 (yes, the 2 year old is still in diapers)
3 pounds of bananas @ $0.56/lb = 1.69  (they ate the ones I bought on 4/27)
2.5 pounds of grapes @ $1.68/lb = 4.15 (yikes!)  (again, they ate them all!)
2 packages of Stride gum @ $1.19 each = 2.38  (keeps me from snacking too much at work)
1 can of Libby's pumpkin $1.98  (Thought I'd make pumpkin muffins)
1 pound of Darigold butter = $2.08  (made a quadruple batch of chocolate chip muffins and used a whole pound of butter - just replacing it)
2 packages of Hy-top chocolate chips @ 1.86 each = 3.72  (had bought 3 packages on 4/27 - used 1 in magic cookie bars and 2 in chocolate chip muffins)
1 pound of strawberries = 1.98  (they ate the 2 pounds I bought previously)
Corn dogs = 2.98  (had forgotten these on the original list - Pony girl is a corn-dog-a-holic)
brown sugar = 1.32  (discovered we were almost out when I made muffins)
2.7 pounds whole wheat flour @ 0.41/lb (in bulk section) $1.12  (hoping to make pumpkin muffins)
Sweetened condensed milk 1.19  (kids want more magic cookie bars)
Irish creamer for my coffee - 2.89  (LOVE my 2 cups of coffee when I wake up)
Welch's strawberry jam - 2.89  (we were out)
Hy-top coconut - 1.85  (for the magic cookie bars)

Subtotal = $57.37
Tax - $2.05

TOTAL:  $59.42

$$ spent on 4/27 = $245 + $60 above + Cost of eating lunch out:  $34 (see below) - $339

We have a basketball tournament this weekend, 30 min from home.  This is how our day looked today (Saturday): 

0300 (a.m.) - went to bed
0715 - got up, had coffee, got little ones dressed, packed snacks & diaper bag
0815 - Daddy and the Underdog left for her softball playoff game
0830 - showered and dressed
0900 - left to watch the softball game
1030 - left the softball game, came home, picked up the Queen, her friend, and the Athlete, went to Hanford, CA for basketball tournament.
1230 - 1st basketball game (we won!!) cost:  $10 in entry fees!
1:00 - Daddy and the Underdog begin softball game #2
2:00 - went to lunch - bought the little ones $0.79 corn dogs at Wienerschnitzel and the rest of us ate at Quiznos -> cost:  $34 total!
3:00 - returned to tournament site, older girls went inside, little ones and I stayed in the car and watched a movie
4:00 - went inside
4:30 - Daddy and the Underdog arrive
5:00 - basketball game #2 (we won!!),  cost:  $3 (purchased water for the team)
7:00 - got home, began dinner ->  Homemade Pizza
7:40 - ate dinner, got little ones ready for bed, sat down and fell asleep (Dad watched the Dodger game)
10:00 - still trying to get the Baby to sleep (she fell asleep during basketball game #2)
Dad goes to bed and it's up to me to put her down.  He didn't tell me Natasha's blood sugar was 456!
10:30 - she's asleep, yay!
10:45 - I look at the messy kitchen and walk away.......
11-12:00 - facebooking and playing games on computer, hoping my back pain will go away
12 - 0200 - blogging
0200 - check Natasha's blood sugar = 479, uggg....have to stay up another hour and recheck her.
Have to be back up at 7 a.m. for 1st basketball game @ 9 a.m.

This might be too much info for some, just trying to keep it real again!  Life with kids in sports is busy and unanticipated expenses come up. 

My Shopping this Week - 4/13 + Menu Plan Monday (a little late)

Alas....no pictures.  Too much of a hurry when I got home with the groceries, but here's a rundown of the highlights:

1st Stop:  Walgreens

1st transaction:  1 Schick Hydrocare shaving cream - cost $3.26 (we pay 9.25% sales tax)
                         Received:  $3 RR

2nd transaction:  2 cans Blue Diamond Almonds - on sale B1G1 - so, 2/$3.49
                          Right Guard Total Defense 5 - on sale for $2.50, used $1.50 off coupon
                          Applied the $3 RR from above
                          Net cost:  $1.49

3rd transaction:  Schick Hydrocare shaving cream - $3.26
                         Received $3 RR

4th transaction:  bobby pins on clearanced for $1
                         headbands on clearance for $2
                         Applied the $3 RR from above
                         Net cost:  cents

Recap: total OOP:  $8.01 for 7 items = just over $1 per item.  Not bad!!

2nd Stop:  Save Mart

1st transaction:  2 packages of pampers diapers @ 9.99 each
                         3 bottles of Downy fabric softener @ 4.99 each
                         Used (2) -$1.50 coupons for the diapers
                         Used (3) -$1 coupons for the downy
                         Received a $10 off coupon for my next trip!
                         OOP cost:  $28.95 (will apply the $10 later)

This was a Proctor & Gamble promotion, spend $30, get $10 off your next trip.  PLUS, i can apply it toward the Proctor & Gamble rebate/coupon book offer - see the details HERE.

2nd transaction:  5 Quaker instant oatmeals
                          3 Captain Crunch cereals + 2 Quaker chewy granola bars
                          1 quaker instant oatmeal + 2 Life cereals + 2 chewy granola bars
                        

                         By buying Quaker products in quantities of 5, the price each was $1.39
                               $1.39 x 15 = $20.85
                         Ground beef (2 packages of 1.3 pounds each) - $7
                         Sunchips - $2.99
                         Quaker rice cakes - $1.25
                         Strawberries (3 one pound packs, on sale for B1G2 free) - $4.99
                         4 boxes Fiber Plus bars - $2.19 each = $8.76

Used the following coupons:
                          $1 off 2 boxes of chewy granola bars
                          $1 off 2 boxes Life cereal
                          $0.75 off quaker oatmeal
                          $0.75 off quaker rice snack product
                          FREE item for Sunchips (-$2.99)
                          $1 off 2 boxes of fiber plus bars (used 2)
                          Applied the $10 P & G reward from 1st transaction


                           Net cost:  Just over $30 for transaction #2, total spent = about $60 
 Time spent to plan this trip:  reviewed the weekly ad, made a list, matched coupons:  30 min

3rd Stop:  Winco        

Purchased "everything else".....did not find any fantastic buys.  Here's a couple highlights:

Frigo Cheese Head string cheese - priced at $2.28, used $1 off printable HERE.
Best foods mayo - $2.48
Ghiradelli chocolate chips - $1.62 each
Broccoli crowns - $0.88 / pound
Ragu pasta sauce - $0.98 a jar
Total spent:  $105.00               
  

This week's meals based on shopping and what we have on hand:

Tuesday (tonight) - Burritos ->  taco meat ($2, from this trip), Taco Bell refried beans ($0.78/can at Winco), flour tortillas (costco - cents each), tomatoes, avocado ($0.78 each at Winco), grated cheese (costco), chopped onion mixed with Rotel canned tomatoes/cilantro/lime)

Wednesday - (will be selling concessions at softball game, 2 kids have basketball practice)
              Biscuits and gravy, eggs

Thursday - I work (3pm - 0330 a.m.), Dad has 2 softball games.  Planning on dinner out!

Friday - pork chops, baked beans, corn, french bread

Saturday - Pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans

Sunday - Nachos

Monday - Mom's choice, plan next week's menus!

Linking to Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie!
                  

My Shopping this Week - 3/31

1st stop = Toys R Us

Crayola Sidewalk Chalk - $2.99, B1G1 @ 50% ($1.50)

Playmobil - $6.99 (for these little sets), B1G1 @ 50% off 

My Little Pony - the ponies,B1G1 free, also had a coupon for B1G1 - lots of discussion with the store and a lady in front of me regarding how to use this coupon when paired with their sale.  I ended up paying for 2 @ $5.49 each, and getting 4 FREE!  I was happy with that.......

My Little Pony - the bigger toys.....also B1G1 free.  Paid $19.99 for the pony with the battery operated remote controlled buggy.....got the $9.99 playset free.

Plans - a pony and a playmobil set in each of the little ones Easter baskets.  Sidewalk chalk for the family to play with (we all like it), and the big pony sets for The Baby's birthday in August or as a surprise present when we are at The Queen/The Athlete/The Underdog's basketball tournaments.

Next stop........The Grocery Outlet (doesn't accept coupons)

Pretzels - $1.89

Crunch 'n Munch - $0.99 a box

Crackers - $1.29 a box

Saltines - $0.99 a box

Keeblers Cinnamon Graham crackers - $1.29 a box

Oscar Mayer beef hot dogs - $0.99 each

Kraft twists cheese sticks - $2.49

Strawberries - 2 pounds @ 2/$3

Deli Swiss cheese - $2.39

Deli Provolone cheese - $2.39

Cucumbers - 2/$1

Easter treats - cheap

Total spent:  $38.40 ...and I got a $3 off coupon on my next purchase over $25

Next stop.....Super Target (in Tulare, CA)

First, my meat story........I noticed the meat guy walking around putting coupons on some of the meat.  I went browsing behind him, picked up a roast for a fair price.....then noticed that some of the pork chops (Hormel Always Tender) were supposed to be $1.90 a pound (signage).  I asked him about it, and he looked at the sign then agreed.  He took them back and re-priced them......and left the $3 off coupons he had put on them!!!  well.....I LOVE A MEAT DEAL!!!  I bought 6 packages for an average of just over $3 a package.  They have about 8 pork chops in them each.....even if we make 2 packages for dinner and have leftovers for lunch...still a good deal.   Our Target has nice meat too.

Ok..moving on....some highlights:

Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra I-motion - $6, used $5 off coupon (insert).  

Net:  $1 (Target also had a $1 off coupon on their site, but I couldn't get it to print, then it disappeared when I re-loaded the page)

2 Soft Scrub Total spray cleaner - $3.49 each, used 2 -$1.50 coupons and 2 -$1 target coupons. 

Net:  $1

Mr Clean magic eraser - $2.99 (4 pack), used $0.75 off coupon

Net:  $2.24 (needed these or else I would've waited for a sale)

Clever Kids fruit snacks (Kelloggs) - $1.88, used $1.50 coupon (from vocalpoint awhile back)

Net:  $0.30

Market Pantry frozen Tilapia - $6.99

Beef Lil'Smokies - $2.54, used $1 coupon

Net:  $1.54

Rotel canned tomatoes (with lime juice & cilantro) - $0.96 each, used $1 off 3 coupon

Net:  $1.92 for 3

Starkist lunch kit (albacore tuna,crackers) - $2.19, used B1G1 coupon (took off $2.19) - these are great for picky teenagers to eat as a snack before practice after school!

Net:  $1.10 each

5 lb box of Clementine Cuties - $3.99, used $1 Target coupon (mailed to me) + $1 Mfg coupon (insert)

Net:  $1.99

2 Green Giant frozen veggies $1 - used $0.50 coupon 

Net:  $0.50 each

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers - $2.89, used $1 off coupon (mailer)

Net:  $1.89 (will take to work if it lasts that long)

2 Bryer's Yo Crunch yogurt - $0.59 each, used FREE item coupon (from vocalpoint)

Net:  FREE! 

5 Yoplait Fiber One yogurt packs - $2.19 each, used 4 $0.75 coupons + 1 $1 coupon

Net:  $1.19 to $1.44 each

(my youngest 3 love these, esp Kiwi Lime flavor)

2 Gilette Men's body wash - $3.99, used $2 off coupon (insert)

Net:  $1.99 each

Hubby is cuter when he smells good!

Ore-Ida potatoes - buy 2 @ 2/$5, get 1 free

Net:  $1.67 each

Can get the store brand cheaper, but we don't eat these often and I think the better brand does taste better.....at least to me.

Easter egg-dye kit (PAAS) - $0.99

7 ft striped beach towel - on sale for $7, used $2 off coupon from Target website

Net:  $5 

We have a pool and we are always in need of pool towels!  Hubby is a big guy, so the 7 ft works great for him!

Total spent:  $81.42

Next stop.....Walgreens

Transaction #1 - 2 Dove body wash @ 2/$12, used 2 $1.25 off coupons (printable)

Net:  $10.50 for 2, got a $4 Register Reward

Transaction #2 - 2 St.Ives body wash @ B1G1 for $3.29

2 Suavitel fabric softener @ $2.99 BIG1

Envelopes - $1.29

2 Hair clippies (fabric covered, never seen these before, except homemade) - $1.99 each

Ingrown nail cutter - $15.99, nothing thrifty about it, but needed.

**Note:  I don't think I necessarily did a good job at Walgreens.....but we needed the softener (my bounce dryer bar was a huge disappointment!), envelopes, & nail cutter.  Body wash is not a thrifty concept to begin with....but i have a lot of girls that like to smell good and we like it....

Applied the $4 RR from above, total spent:  $26.09 (tax was $2.55)

Last stop......Foods Co

2 English muffins - $1.18 (a baseline good deal)

Oscar Mayer cotto salami lunch meat - on sale 10/$10

Used 2 -$1 on 2 coupons (insert)

Net:  4 packages for $2 (in the freezer they go)

3 Stride Gum - $1.04

Used a buy 2, get 1 free coupon (insert)

Net:  $2.08 for 3

10 Celeste individual pizzas - $0.88 each

Net:  $8.80

These are good to have handy...snacks, a quick lunch, etc

Keebler cookies (Fudge shoppe) - 3/$5

Net:  $1.67 each

2 Always pads - $2.78 each

Used $1 coupons

Net:  $1.78 each

2 Kraft BBQ sauce - $0.78 each

2 FRESH pineapples @ $0.49/pound = $2.32 & $2.34

4 Cantaloupe @ $0.25/pound = about $0.80 each

Total spent:  $44.11

Total spent today on food/household items (doesn't include the beach towel or nail trimmer) = $184 ish - this is a bigger week for us, but we have a tournament next week in Oakhurst, CA so i'm trying to stock up a bit.....

Still have to hit Savemart tomorrow for a few deals and get Iron Kids bread & milk at Costco...

Of note, 1 package of the keebler cookies was eaten before the groceries were all inside the house....by daddy, the Queen, and the Athlete.....all the while, the Queen was announcing that she does not eat Salami because it isn't healthy!  LOL!

My Shopping

Alas.....I cannot get the camera to download!!  UGG!!  The USB cord is not working for some reason......
and I had such nice pictures....boo hoo.

Anyway,  I started with $160 cash today and here's a breakdown of what i spent:

SaveMart - just under $40
2- 3lb packages of hamburger @ 1.99 per pound - $2 manager's special coupon = about $4 per package
Bar S Smoked Sausage - B1G1 Free, used $1 coupon
Garden Salad (bagged) - $0.97
3 pounds Fuji apples @ 3 pounds for $0.99
2 Green Giant frozen veggies @ 0.99 - coupons for 0.50 off
3 All HE detergents - used in ad coupon + $1 off printable = $1.88 each
2 Fresh Express Caesar salad kits - $6

(see my previous Save Mart post for links to the printables)

Target - spent $23 out of pocket (includes $2.68 tax) & have a $5 gift card left over!
10 SoBe life waters - used 1 B1G1 free coupon + 2 $5 Gift cards = FREE
Pull-ups (size 4T-5T, 33 in package) on clearance for $13.25 - $2 coupon (mailed to me)= $11.25
Huggies little movers diapers, size 4 - $8.99, used $3 printable + $1.50 target coupon = $4.49
Johnson's buddies soap - 2 @ $0.97 each, used 2 -$1 printables (looks like this one is gone) = FREE
Up baby wash (needed this) - $1.19
Bounce dryer bar - $3.49 - $1 coupon = $2.49 - going to try this, i prefer Downy but it wasn't in the budget this week and I need softener.  The Bounce bar is supposed to last 2 months.  We'll see......I do A LOT of laundry!
Betty Crocker cream cheese frosting - $1 - wish i had a coupon!
Dove conditioner - $3.44, used $2 printable + $1 target coupon = $0.44 (bought the shampoo the other day using the same coupons.  My Target is fussy about the 1 target coupon per transaction rule)

Winco - spent $83.60
Won't list everything, just the highlights......

Yo-Plus yogurt - $2.39, used $1 printable = $1.39 (our 10 year old LOVES this stuff!)
Red Baron French bread pizzas - $2.48, used $0.75 blinkie (picked up in Save Mart)= $1.73
Challenge butter - $1.98, used a $0.55 printable + $0.45 mfg for "Real California Butter" = $1.53, $1.43 each
Post Grape Nuts - $1.98, used $2 printable (from Red Plum, not sure if it's still available)= FREE
Chocolate Cheerios - $2.48, used $0.55 printable = $1.93.  don't plan to use this for breakfast cereal but to bag it up in portion sizes and use for snacks on the go.....
Kellogg's Fiber Bars - $1.98, used $1 off 2 coupon (got at Save Mart @ cust. service counter) = $1.48 each
Planter's nut bars - $2.62, used $0.75 coupon = $1.87
Cheez-It snack mix & Cheddar Jack Cheez-Its - $2.28 each, used $1 off 2 coupon (got at Save Mart cust. service counter) = $1.78
Ken's Salad Dressing (Blue Cheese) - $1.98, used 2 $1 coupons = $0.98 each
Nalley pickles - $1.98, used $1 coupon = $0.98
Best Foods Mayo - on sale for $2.78
Van De Camps pork and beans - 4 cans @ $0.65 each = $2.60, used $1 off 4 coupon = $1.60 or $0.40 each
S & W pinto beans - 2 cans @ $0.68 each = $1.36, used $0.50 off 2 coupon = $0.86 or $0.43/can
Wesson Canola Oil 48 oz - $2.48, used $1 coupon (from a mailer) = $1.48
Folger's coffee - a full size can - on sale for $5.88
London Broil - $8
Top Round steak - $6
Boneless pork country ribs, lean - $5.68

Again, this isn't everything, but it's most of the deals...and the register locked up due to the number of coupons, so i had to meet the manager.  It went well, but my Winco is very scrutinizing of coupons.

Total Spent:  about $147, $13.40 left over
This seems like a lot compared to many of you, but please remember that we have 5 kids, 3 of which are pre-teen/teen and each competing in 2 different sports, they eat a TON!  Not to mention the 2 year old who eats from sun up to sun down!  then we have out little 4 year old that we are constantly trying to get to eat..... also our area does not have any stores that double coupons or offer a lot of promos (Save Mart does some, but not like Albertsons or Kroger).

School shopping

(image credit to www.financialfreedom.com)
Today i took 9 year old Sara school shopping. It's a challenge as she is not sized like the typical 9 year old. She is 5'3" and over 100 pounds. Here's the rundown:

**First stop**: SEARS (for girls plus sizes)
Black and gray shorts (sweatshirt material) = on clearance for 5.99 each + additional 40% off = about $4 a pair.
tank top - $8
gauchos (capris) - $12

Overall, was disappointed in the selection. Though had she been able to wear girls 7-16, we would have scored some major deals!

**Second stop**: DD's discounts (not sure if these are everywhere - it is very similar to Ross)
Skechers high top tennies - $20
Backpack - $13
Roxy purse (she has a thing for purses, like me!) - $ 9
Wallet - $3
Black terry cloth capris - $9.99

**Third stop**: Target
Didn't have as much on sale, but she got 3 pairs of shorts and 3 tops. About $15 an outfit...not too bad.

She still needs more shirts but we'll save that for another day!

Once a month shopping - should we try it?

I recently checked out the above book from the library (image from amazon.com). It is about a family with 5 kids that paid off their mortgage in 9 years on an income of around $35,000 a year. They are also authors of the Home Economiser - a subscription newsletter dedicated to helping people live a more frugal lifestyle. They have an interesting website here.

One of the strategies they advocate is to only shop once a month. They also cook and freeze about 18-21 meals a month (once a month cooking). They freeze everything and rotate their fruits and veggies so that the most perishable are used first.

Since I will get 3 paychecks in July, I talked to hubby about trying this....he wasn't too enthusiastic...i think he is just dreading the huge shopping trip. But he is supportive nonetheless...

Today i worked on the meal plan, which is almost put together, then took 9 year old Sara school shopping. I had wanted to go to Costco today as well, but we never made it. AND...it was so hot here - 110 degrees!! - that just isn't right!

We use about 6 gallons of milk a week, and we don't have the freezer room to hold all of that so i'll still have to run to the store and pick up milk and some fresh produce (have to have it...). The good news is that those trips could be delegated to the dear hubby. We also use about a loaf of bread every 2 days, so that is a lot of bread. Sometimes i try to make most of it from scratch but often don't have the time.

I have to work Monday and Tuesday - noon to midnight, so Wednesday is the soonest we can go to costco and winco and give this a whirl! stay tuned for a post on the meals i have planned.....

Where i struggle are with snacks - what do people do for snacks? i'm not home during most days, so i can't whip something up - it has to be grabable and ready - any ideas? (i think i have maybe 6 readers now??). I commonly use fresh fruit, cheese sticks, granola bars, pretzels, etc.

My Winco now accepts printable coupons!

Just called my local Winco to confirm and was told they accept them as long as they scan, they will not push through those that don't scan. YIPPEE!!! and...of course the product must match the coupon exactly....

This is very exciting!

Super Savings Saturday

Joining everyone at Money Saving Mom with this post. I went shopping today, first to Super Target and then to Winco. I had planned 2 other stops but met my budget before I got there (and was running late to my Sara's softball game).

Super Target

Sorry...no picture...(had to put things away and rush off to softball).

Total retail: $134 Total after coupons: $86

Best deals:

• 7 packages Kashi frozen waffles , on sale for $1.79 each - had $1.50 coupon for each= net cost of about $0.30 each
  
• Pantene shampoo and conditioner 6.7 oz, in clearance section for $1.75 total - $1 coupon=net cost of $0.75
• 4 Dry Idea deodorants, on sale for $2.49 each - $2 coupon for each=net cost of $0.49 each
• Skintimate shave gel, priced at $2.34 - $1 Target coupon - $0.75 = net cost of $0.59
• 2 Edge shave gel - same deal
• 4 Kraft BBQ sauce - FREE after coupons
• 6 mini packages of Crystal Light (by the register) - FREE after coupons

Winco

No coupons used, spent $151 on produce, 6 gallons milk @ $1.90 each(we go through 6-8 a week), butter - on sale for $1.98(I only like the real stuff), meat (pork for $1.48/lb), diapers, etc. Winco has a pretty awesome bulk foods section. I got the following there:

• Rice - $0.60/lb (white Jasmine)
• Hummus mix - $3.50/lb, but only need 1.5 cups to make a batch.
• Quick oats - $0.50/lb
• Chocolate chips - $2ish a pound
• Butterscotch chips - same
• Walnuts - $2.80/lb
• Barley - $0.50/lb

Oh...how i wish Winco would accept printables! but they won't......i am very poor at organizing my insert coupons right now....going to get some help from the kids. The other disadvantage to Winco is that they do not publish ads...online or mailed. This makes it difficult to plan my trip, know what is on sale, etc. However, most of the stuff i buy there are not coupon-friendly (produces, staples, etc).

Tomorrow I will post menus!

Super Target deals

I used to score some major deals at Albertsons but it has since closed in our area. I do most of our shopping at Winco as they generally have the lowest before coupon prices and are definitely lower on staple items. I am finding, however, that I can make some super-duper deals at Super Target.
I need to shop tomorrow, so i'm going to start perusing the deals posted around the blogosphere today. Here are some sites i use that routinely post Target deals:

Hot Coupon World (forums -> national chain stores -> target) Also has a target coupon generator (you can combine Target coupons with manufacturer coupons = great savings at times)
Money Saving Mom
Mommy Snacks
Attention Target Shoppers
Krazy Coupon Lady

As I begin my list, I will post the deals I think are out there (remember there can be some variation between different parts of the country). Some of the deals offer a printable versus insert option for coupons. I don't organize my coupon inserts by date (though i probably should) so on those posts i am relying on the source for accuracy. I file my coupons individually (for now, anyways).

First: My Super Target is very easy-going with coupons (for those local to me, I go to Tulare) but not all stores are (this is why i avoid my local Target). It can be very frustrating, but if challenged hold your own, be polite, and offer them a copy of their own coupon policy. (thanks Krazy Coupon Lady!). I would also place a call to your Target in advance and make sure they accept printable coupons.

Kashi frozen waffles (these are great! high fiber and protein - good breakfast for my diabetes)
Around $1.79 each
$1.5o coupon here (click on coupon tab at top) or here
Net cost: $0.29

Dry Idea deodorant
$2.49
$2.00 coupon here(there are lots of coupons here, look through the pages)
Net cost: $0.49

Smart Ones $1.80
$4/10 coupon here
$3/10 here
Net cost: $14.00 plus $5.00 gift card {$0.90 each. when you buy 10, after gift card savings}
Update: this link did not work for me. Sorry! try it anyway.

South Beach Bars 2/$5.00
$1/1 here
Net cost: $1.50 each
Update: this link did not work for me. Sorry! try it anyway.

Purex Complete $5.99

$1.00/1 Printable Coupon

Net cost::$4.99

Velveeta Shells & Cheese $1.50
$1/1 here
or here
Net cost:: $0.50 each, when you buy 2

Kraft Barbecue Sauce (18 oz.)--$0.99
Use $1/1 printable here or $0.75/1 from the 5/3 inserts
Net cost:Free or $0.24 after coupon

Edge Shaving Gel--$2.24
Use $1/1 Target printable here
Stack with $0.75/1 or $1/1 in 5/17 SmartSource insert
Net cost:$0.24-$0.49 after coupon

3M Command Hooks (2-pack medium)--$2.75
Use $2.50/1 coupon here
Net cost:$0.25 each after coupon

Aquafresh Toothpaste--$1.99
Use $1/1 Target printable here
Stack with $1/1 here
Free after coupons

Grocery shopping

Coming soon to a blog near you (uh..this one...) .....how the heck am i going to feed this tribe over the summer?!

i'm formulating a game plan.....

Shopping at Super Target 5/9/2009

Wow - I'm glad I went yesterday! Lots of deals and the ads for this week just don't look so good.

Here's the rundown of what we got - poor hubby Matthew was ever-so-patient and 3 year old Natasha was very easy to bring along.

Cleaning Supplies:

• Target brand sponges, single package. 3@$1.39 = 4.17 - 2.25 target Q's = 1.92 = 0.64 each
• Lysol antibacterial kitchen cleaner. $1.69ea - 0.55 mfg Q ea = 1.14 ea = 2.28
• Lysol all-purpose spray cleaner. $1.69 ea - 0.55 mfg Q = 1.14

Total on Lysol products: $3.42 -> will send for a $3 rebate for a net total cost of 0.42!
Grocery:

• 6 Hershey's Bliss candy bars @ 0.99 ea = 5.98 - 6.00 target Q's = overage of 0.02! (FREE)
• Sunchips, on sale for $3 - $1 mfq Q = $2
• Frito-lay Smartfood popcorn, on sale for $3 - $1 target Q - $1 mfq Q = $1
• 3 Planters sunflower seeds (by the registers) $0.50 ea - $3 target Q's = overage of $1.50 (FREE)
• 8 Pringles snack size cans (by the registers) $0.69 ea - $4.00 target Q's = $1.52 total
• 4 Nabisco 100 calorie packs, on sale for $1.93 - $4.00 target Q's - $4.00 mfq Q's = overage of $0.28! (FREE)
• 4 Chex Mix (snack size, by the register) $1 each - $4.oo target Q's = FREE
• 6 Quaker bites (snack size, by the register) $1 each - $6 target Q's = FREE
• 2 Quaker True Delight bars (with the granola/snack bars), $2.89 each = $5.78 - $2 mfq Q's - $2 target Q's = $1.78 -> $0.89 each!
• 6 Oscar Mayer lunchables, $1.50 each = $9.00 - $3 target Q's = $6 -> $1 each
• 2 Hillshire Farms cheddarwurst sausages, on sale for $2.50 each = $5 (easy dinner for one busy night!)
• Kraft poppyseed dressing (hubby's request) $1.59 ea - $1.59 mfq Q = FREE
• 4 Kraft Easy-Mac, $0.92 each = $3.68 - $1.84 (B1G1 Q) - $2 Target Q = overage of $0.16 (FREE)
• Lipton soup mix, $1.32 (GASP, no coupon)
• 1 pound Mahatma white rice, $1.19 - 0.50 mfq Q = $0.69 each (not bad...almost matches Winco's bulk price per pound)
• 3 pounds Gala apples (in bags of 3 - close to 1 pound each) @ $0.99 pound = $5.91 - $3 Target Q's = 2.91 (would have been better if I would have put 2 per bag, like Erin @ Jane4girls......)
• 4 SOBE life waters, on sale for $1 each = $4 - $2 (2 B1G1 Q's) = $2 (0.50 each)
• 2 avocados, on sale for $0.99 each = $1.98 (I LOVE avocado!)
• Raspberries, on sale for $2.49
• 3 Betty Crocker frostings, on sale for $1.25 each = $3.75 - 1.65 mfq Q's = $2.10/3 = $0.70 each
• Did 2 of the Fiber One gift card deals, combined with coupons - total = 17.44 -> got $10 gift cards back
• Sun Maid snack pack raisins $1.34 -> also helps qualify for DVD rebate: $4 on Pinocchio

Also got a few other items but these were the "deals" - total spent on groceries: about $75.00 - but we got a TON of stuff. SAVED $94.42 (per the receipt)