Time to Own Up!

Well it is that time of the month again...time to figure out what I spent on my grocery bill this month. I am happy to report that it is still going down! I really thought that this month would be higher because we had a major eating holiday and I was stocking up so much on baking supplies. For example I have at this point what I figure to be my supply for 1 year of sugar (including granulated, powdered and brown). I know this seems a little excessive to some but I promise there is a method to my madness. The prices for baking items typically only go this low this time of year. I now have enough of these items that I do not need to purchase them again until next year when they hit that rock bottom price again. I am hoping to continue to stock up next month as I would also like to acquire what I figure to be a supply for the year of flour. That is my goal before the end of December. But enough about goals... geez I am sidetracked today. Lets get back to the budget.

For the month of November here are the stats.

Total I would have spent before sales and coupons

$966.12

The total I paid out of pocket

$388.77

That is a savings of 60% folks!

Also not included in this figure is that I received rebate checks this month totalling $30.00. Which means I actually only spent $358.77 this month OOP.

The best part is I have almost cut my grocery budget in half from where I started ($700 a month) just four short months ago! I really never thought that I could save that much when I started this. This is just the motivation I needed to get me through another month of couponing. :) It is a lot of work but it really pays off...literally. ;)

Menu Plan Monday

I am so sorry for the hiatus last week. I was a little overwhelmed with all of the Thanksgiving festivities...so much so that I didn't get to post anything. I will try to do better this week. As some of you know they do not typically put out new grocery ads the week of Thanksgiving, so the sales are pretty stinky this week. Because of this I made my menu trying to use things that I mostly have on hand. Luckily the produce deals last week were good enough that I still have a lot on hand. So fruit for snacks are taken care of this week. After making my menu I was so excited to realize the ONLY thing that I had to buy for this weeks menu was a can of black beans! That is really amazing to me considering my shopping trips this time last year. They were forever long. So on to the menu...here is what we are having this week.

Breakfast
Cereal & Fruit
Hard Boiled Eggs & Fruit
Oatmeal & Fruit
English Muffins & Fruit
French Toast (made previously and frozen) and Fruit

Lunch
PBJ & Cauliflower Florets
Grilled Cheese & Apple Slices
Nachos
Hot Dogs & Grapes
Chicken Nuggets & cut up veggies
Macaroni & Cheese & Pear Slices
Quesadillas and Clementines
Lots of Left Overs for the grown-ups

Dinner
Steak, Baked Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli
Grits, Eggs & Tomatoes
Sesame Chicken, Rice and Steamed Veggies
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Christmas Party @ Church
Pizza & Salad
Left Overs

Snacks
Grapes
Pears
Apples
Clementines
Bananas
Cheese & Crackers
Carrot Sticks
Celery Sticks
Grape Tomatoes
Popcorn
Granola Bars
Applesauce
Graham Crackers

What are you having this week?

Wal-Mart Deals 11/18-11/26

Well I don't think I have made it any secret that Wal-Mart has quickly become my least favorite store since I have started couponing BUT they had an ad come out today for Thanksgiving deals that I could not ignore so I thought I would post the ones I see that are the best. Also don't forget that Wal-Mart will price match competitors ads. On to the deals!

FROZEN DAIRY AND MEAT

Pilsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust
$2.25-$1.00/2 insert or printable coupon
FINAL PRICE $2.00 when you buy 2 (cheaper @ Kings)

Edwards Frozen Pies
$5.00- $1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE $4.00

Jimmy Dean Sausage
$2.00

Breyers Ice Cream
$2.59

GENERAL GROCERY

Green Giant Canned Vegetables
$0.50 each

Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce
$0.88 each

Campbells Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup
$0.58 -$1.00/4 printable coupon
FINAL PRICE $0.33 each (cheaper @ Target this week)

Fisher Pecans (16 oz.)
$5 cheaper than Sams but probably will go cheaper

Stove Top Twin pack
$1.50

PRODUCE

Sweet Potatoes/YTams
$0.25 /lb.

Fresh Cranberries
$1.67 (cheaper @ King Soopers)

Albertsons 11/18-11/26

Here are the deals I see at Albertson’s this week. I am not sure if they are doubling coupons this week or not. They have not advertised it for a few weeks but I know they were still doubling last week so keep that in mind when getting your list together.

FROZEN, MEAT AND DAIRY

Dryers ice cream
$2.27

Ribeye roast
$4.88/lb

Bar S Bacon
BOG2 (not sure if this is a good deal or not. I usually try not to pay more than $1.00/$1.25/lb)

Honeysuckle White Turkey
$0.35/lb

Philadelphia cream cheese
$1.00- $1.00/3 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE $0.66 each

Jimmy Dean sausage
$2.50

Rhodes Frozen Rolls
$2.50-$0.50/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE $2.00

Sarah Lee pies
$2.77

Simply Orange Juice
$2.00-good price if you are brand loyal

General Mills Cereal
$1.77-$1.00/2 insert coupon or various printable coupons available @ eatbetteramerica, smartsource and coupons.com

FINAL PRICE $1.02-$1.27 depending on the kind you buy and the coupons used

Butterball Turkey
$0.99/lb- $2.00/1 printable coupon
FINAL PRICE varies

GENERAL GROCERY

Gold Medal flour
$1.50-$0.50/1 printable coupon (no longer available)
FINAL PRICE
$1.00 (if you have already printed your coupon)

Betty Crocker Cake Mixes and Frostings (when you buy 5 limit 1 reward per transaction)
$0.69 -$0.50/1 insert or printable coupon (for frostings only)
FINAL PRICE $0.19 each (could possibly be free if Albertsons is doubling if they are not doubling they are actually cheaper @ Safeway this week b/c of e-coupons)

Nabisco Snack Crackers
$1.99-$1.00/2 printable or $1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE $1.50-$0.99 each- these would also be eligible to submit for this rebate

Coke 12 pks. (limit 4)
$10.00/4 (must buy four)

Dole Canned Fruit
$1.00-$1.00/3 (found in the homemade and heartfelt desserts booklet on store displays)
FINAL PRICE $0.66 each

Albertsons brown or powdered sugar (2 #)

$1.00

Stovetop
$1.00

PRODUCE

Fresh Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Beans or Asparagus
$0.99 /lb

Celery
$0.99 each

Red or Yellow Bell Peppers
$1.00

KING SOOPERS 11/18-11/26

Here are the best deals I see @ King Soopers this week

Ocean Spray Fresh Cranberries BOGO making them $1.50 each

Louisiana Yams $0.79/lb

Ocean Spray cranberry sauce $1.00

Sarah Lee Pies $3.49 (cheaper @ Albertson's )

Cool Whip $1.00

Rhodes Dough $3.33

use $0.50/1 insert coupon

FINAL PRICE $2.33 (cheaper @ Albertson's this week)

12 packs Coke 4 for $11.00-must buy 4

(cheaper @ Albertsons this week)

8oz. Pkg. Fresh Mushrooms BOGO making them $1.99/2

Kroger 6 oz. Deli Cheese Slices $1.50

Challenge Butter $1.99

use $0.50/1 blinkie(in store)

FINAL PRICE $1.49 each

Dole Pineapple $1.00

use$1.00/3 coupon (located in a homemade and heartfelt desserts booklet I found @ Safeway)FINAL PRICE $0.66 each

Pillsbury Pie Crusts $2.50

use $0.50/2 insert coupon and load e-coupons from here and here (saving an additional $1.00)FINAL PRICE $1.50 each when you buy 2

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $1.88

use $0.50/2 insert coupon and e-coupons from here orhere

$1.13 each when you buy 2 (cheaper @ Safeway)

King Soopers Sour Cream (16oz) $1.00

Nabisco Crackers $1.99

use $1.00/1 inset coupon

FINAL PRICE $0.99

Fresh Green beans or Broccoli $1.00/lb

See anything I missed or have a question? Leave a comment

SUNFLOWER MARKET 11/18-12/2

Here are the deals that I see @ Sunflower Market this week. Don't forget that Wednesday is double ad day so you can get the sale prices from this ad and last weeks ad.

3-Day Breakfast Bargains – 11/23-25

(Monday through Wednesday) Only

Sugar Hill Smoked Bacon (16 oz) $1.49

Clemetine Tangerines (5 lb) $3.99

Nature’s Path Natural Waffles (6 oz) $1.49

Sunflower Market Orange Juice (64 oz) $1.49

Deals Good All Week Long
Broccoli 77¢/ lb

Garnet or Jewel Yams 77¢/lb

Fresh Herbs Bunches $1.50

Celery 88¢

Collard, Mustard, Turnip, or Kale Greens 88¢/bunch

Cranberries (12 oz) $2

(cheaper @Kings this week)

Green or Red Cabbage 50¢/lb

ORGANIC Kiwi 33¢ each

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.67/lb.

Fresh, Free-Range Turkey $1.27/lb

Thanks Carrie @ Springs Bargains !

11.18.09

So I decided once again to change things up a bit (gotta keep you guys on your toes). I know for those who are just getting started that couponing and deal hunting can take a LOT of time and be overwhelming. I am going to try to make it a little easier for you guys. Each week I am going to post about each stores deals and try to match those deals with insert coupons, e-coupons, and printable coupons. I pretty much already do this for myself so I am hoping that it really will not take much longer to post it for you. I will offer this ONLY with a total disclaimer.

1. I am mostly going to be posting the deals that catch my eye. I will not post about every good deal available at the time. If you see something I missed or would like to add please feel free to leave a comment about it.

2. Although I will attempt to be as accurate as possible in the information and posting I am human and will most likely make mistakes. If you see something please accept my apology now and let me know so I can correct it.

Hopefully this will inspire you guys to jump in and get started. Don't be scared. If you are only able to score a few good deal that is still $$ saved. If you ever have questions or do not understand something I have posted PLEASE don't hesitate to ask.

11.17.09

So I went to Safeway last night to check out their deals this week. I had heard that a few of their prices from the Home for the Holiday's Promotion they have (through 11/29) running

might have changed. So my trip took me a little longer this week as I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting before I walked in. I had a general idea but had to work out a few of the kinks along the way. Overall I was very pleased with the results. I had some e-coupons that I had forgotten I had loaded that came off making items better deals than I originally thought. I am here to tell you it is totally worth it to use those. They really add up. As a side note the Gold Medal flour 5# bags they had last week at $1.50 (as part of the promotion) are now at $2.00 each. I was bummed. I was hoping to stock up a little at the lower price. I will just try to hold out with the hope that we will see $1.00 a bag again. :( So here is the breakdown.

I got all of this... including this... and this...

for $42.09!

My total before coupons and sales $160.45
Making my total % savings 74%

HERE IS THE WHAT I GOT

1st Transaction

7 (2#) pkg. C&H Brown Sugar
$1.69-$0.35 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.99 each

($0.65 each after promo discount)

7 (2#) pkg. C&H Powdered Sugar
$1.69-$0.35 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.99 each

($0.65 each after promo discount)

2 Betty Crocker Frosting
$1.50-$0.50/1 insert coupon- $0.50 e-coupon from here and here
FINAL PRICE
FREE

I used a $5 coupon from my last transaction doing the home

for the holidays promotion and I got another

$5 coupon to use on my 2nd transaction

2nd Transaction

2 liter bottle of Pepsi
$0.88

2 boxes Rice Chex
$1.67-$1.00/2 insert coupon-$1/1 e-coupon from here and here
FINAL PRICE
$0.17 each

2 Betty Crocker Frosting
$1.50-$0.50/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.50 each

($0.20 each after promo discount)

5 (5#) Bags Safeway Granulated Sugar
$2.00 each
($1.60 each after promo discount)

2 boxs Quaker Granola Bars (1 for me and 1 for my SIL)
$0.99 (with in-ad coupon)-$0.75/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.50 each

6 cans Dole Pineapple
$1.00-$1.00/3 tearpad coupon (found in booklet @ safeway)- $0.50/1 e-coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.58 each

($0.38 each with promo discount)

2 Boxes Progresso Chicken Broth
$3.49 (on sale for BOGO)-$0.50/1 insert coupon-(3)$0.50/ 1 e-coupon from here and here
FINAL PRICE
$0.01 overage on both

($0.36 overage each after promo discount)

I am not sure why 3 e-coupons came off when I only bought 2 but I'll take it.

2 Boxes Nabisco Saltines
$1.29 (with in-ad coupon)-$1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.29 each

3 bags Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips
$1.89 (with in-ad coupon)- $1.00/3 tearpad coupon
FINAL PRICE
$1.56 each

($1.06 after promo discount)

2 (16oz) Containers Corn Starch
$1.49-$0.50/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.49 each

($0.19 after promo discount)

1 pk. (12 double rolls) Cottonelle Toilet Paper
$4.99-$0.50/1 blinkie coupon-$0.25 e-coupon
FINAL PRICE
$4.24

1 bottle Windex
$1.99 (with in-ad coupon)-$0.55
FINAL PRICE
$0.99

1.85 # Asparagus
$1.77 per #

2 (1#)bag baby carrots
$1.00 each

2 (8oz) pkg. Mushrooms
$1.00 each

After all of this I got 1 more $5 coupon for my next transaction :)

Overall a great trip to Safeway and I have officially stocked up on sugar. Hopefully I wont have to buy any more anymore until the great sales next year this time. :)

11.16.09

Well I got the first half of my shopping done this morning. I will probably have to make a trip to Safeway tonight. But here are the results from my trip this morning. Since my photography skills are less than stellar I decided to take a couple of close ups as well so you can get an idea of how much there really was.

I got all of this...

and this...

for $74.35 !

My total before coupons and sales was $167.33
My total % Saved was 56%

HERE IS THE WHAT I GOT

KING SOOPERS
3 (4pk) AAA Duracell Batteries
$1.88-$0.50/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.88

1.74 # Bananas
$0.39 per #

1 bunch green onions
$0.50

4 Avocados
$0.88 each

2 # bag of kiwi
$2.00

6 Roma Tomatoes
$0.98 per #

1 loaf Orowheat 100% whole wheat Family Soft Bread
$1.50-$0.55/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.50 each

1 (12 Double Rolls) pk. Charmin
$5.99-1.00/1 e-coupon-$0.25/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$4.49

ALBERTSONS
2 Pillsbury Brownie Mix's
$1.00-$1.00/2 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.50 each

13 # 93% Lean Ground Beef
$1.67 per #

5-5# Bags Pillsbury Flour
$1.00 each

(with my rain check from last week)

4 # bottom round beef roast
$1.88 per #

1 Fresh Express Bagged Salad
$0.79

TARGET
Ocean Spray Cran-Grape Juice
$1.98- $1/1 Target Printable
FINAL PRICE
$0.98

1 Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes
$0.79-$0.35/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.44

4 cans Swanson Chicken Broth
$0.49-$0.25/4 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.43 each

9 cans Campbells Cream Chicken Soup
$0.49-$$0.25/3 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.41 each

2 mini-loaves French Bread
$0.85-$1.00/1 Target printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

1 pkg. American Beauty Pasta
$1.22

(not a rock bottom price but needed it to be able to submit

for a rebate for the deal mentioned here)

4 (8oz) block Kraft cheddar cheese
$1.66-$1.00/2 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$1.16 each

12 (8oz) pkg. Philidelphia Cream Cheese
$1.19-$1.25/3 tearpad coupon (found in a booklet @ Safeway)
FINAL PRICE
$0.77 each

SUNFLOWER MARKET
4 oranges
$0.49 per #

4 limes
$0.10 each

1 bunch broccoli
$0.77 per #

4 # yellow onions
$0.33 per #

I will update you with my Safeway trip probably tomorrow. :)

Menu Plan Monday

We have a few repeats from last week. It was a busy week so there were a few nights we just didn't cook (cold cereal anyone?). This weeks menu was a little easier for me to come up with, but I would still love to get some ideas from some of you.

For those who are wondering, the sesame chicken recipe from last week was super yummy. I think I will try to tweak the recipe a little bit to fit my tastes but its a great starter recipe. I would reduce the sesame oil a little bit and I am also going to see if I can adjust it to not be fried but sauteed with the sauce. I am just so excited to have made some Chinese food at home that was not only edible (that too is a first for us.lol) but pretty comparable to restauraunt taste. The bonus was that it cost us under $5.00 for 6-9 generous servings. That is so much cheaper than than takeout!

On to this weeks menu.

BREAKFAST

• French Toast & Fruit
• Cereal & Fruit
• English Muffins & Fruit
• Hard boiled Eggs & Fruit
• Oatmeal & Fruit

LUNCH

• PBJ & Grapes
• Chicken Nuggets & Apple Slices
• Cheese Quesadilla's & Carrot Slices
• Grilled Cheese & Orange Slices
• Baked Potatoes
• Lots of Left Overs

DINNER

• Hamburgers, Chips & Fresh Pineapple
• Chicken Enchiladas & Salad
• Grits & Eggs
• Summer Pasta Salad
• Date Night (Hot Dogs & Carrots for the kiddos)
• Steak, Baked Potatoes & Steamed Broccoli
• Pepsi Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots & Mushrooms

SNACKS

• Yogurts
• Applesauce
• Cheese Crackers
• Oranges
• pears
• Grapes
• Apples
• Bananas
• Rice Cakes
• Cucumber Slices
• Carrots Sticks
• Granola Bars
• Popcorn
• Mushrooms

Happy eating this week!

11.12.09

Sweet Deal on Disney Movies @ Target!

I wanted to share a fantastic deal that I found for possible Christmas gifts for the kiddos...or if we are being honest here, for my husband;). Head over to Target

Purchase
*UP on Blue Ray for $23.99 (price match Best Buy)
My Target had it priced @ $19.99 but bring the ad just in case

*Monsters Inc. on Blue Ray for $18.99 (price match Best Buy)

Use $10 off Disney Pixar UP Blu-ray Combo Pack printable
Use $8 off Monsters Inc. Blu-ray Combo Pack printable
Use $10 off wyb UP and Monsters Inc. Target printable

Final Price: $14.98 for both
or if your Target has Up priced @$19.99 then $10.98!!

BUT WAIT THERES MORE...
you can submit for two of these three rebates:
$5 Kernal Seasons mail-in rebate– $1/1 Kernel Seasons printable
$5 Birds Eye Voila mail-in rebate– $1/2 Birds Eye Voila printable
$4 Pasta and a Movie mail-in rebate– $1/2 Ronzoni Pasta printable
(These rebates not only allow for copies of the receipt, but they also just want one of the proof of purchase tabs on the back of the DVD (it has 2) and it DOES NOT require the UPC!)

Meaning you final price after coupons and rebates is (drumroll please)

$5.98-$0.98 for 2 Movies on Blue Ray!!!

I personally will be submitting for the $4 Pasta Rebate and the $5 Kernal Seasons. Meaning my total will be $1.98 for 2 movies. I know I say this a lot but Target rocks!!!

Thank you Deal Seeking Mom for the scenario!

11.11.09

WANNA LEARN HOW TO COUPON??

Have you ever bought something and wondered if it was really a good deal? Maybe you shop each week and feel like you don't really maximize your dollar. For all who would like to learn how to shop for the lowest prices on food, etc....now is your chance. I am having a very informal get together Friday @1:30pm to teach a few of my friends how to combine sales and coupons to save a lot of $$. If you would like to come please leave a comment or shoot me an email and I can email you the details.

11.10.09

Last but certainly not least in my long list of updates is my shopping trip this week. I am so happy to be caught up! I stopped at King Soopers, Safeway, Albertsons, and Target this week and got some pretty great deals (IMO). I wanted to get one more set of 5 $1 Pillsbury Bags of Flour but they were out so I got a rain check for next week. So on to the details.

I got all of this...

for $51.77!!

Total before Coupons and Sales & Promos $225.29
Total % Saved 77%

Since this is A LOT of food. I decided to take some close up pictures so you can

actually see what I got.

HERE IS THE WHAT I GOT

(sorry the list is long)

SAFEWAY
3-2# pkg. C&H Brown Sugar
$1.69- $0.35 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.99 each ($0.65 each after promotion discount)

2-2# pkg. C&H Powdered Sugar
$1.69-$1.00/2 printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
$1.19 each ($0.85 each after promotion discount)

4-5# Gold Medal Flour
$1.50-$0.50/1 printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.50 each ($0.20 each after promotion discount!! )

6 pkg. Safeway Sugar
$1.09-$1.09 in-ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
$1.69 each after promotion discount

1 Lunchable
$1.99
this was for my little one who was with me :)

I used my 2-$5 coupons from Saturday on my Safeway Purchase and got

another one to use on my next trip

KING SOOPERS
2 pkg. Hoagie Rolls
$1.50 each

1 loaf Texas Toast

$1.50

2.23 # Bananas
$0.50 per #

4 pkg. Halls Cough Drops
$0.49-$1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

4-4pk. Activia Yogurt
$1.49-$1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.49 each

12 cans Carnation Evaporated Milk
$0.49-$1.00/2 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

1 jar chili paste
$2.99

ALBERTSONS
3 Boxes Chex Mix Bars
$2.00-$0.50/1 insert coupon-$2.00/2 catalina promotion (used rain check from last week)
FINAL PRICE
FREE

1 bag Nature Valley Granola Clusters
$2.00-$1.00/1 insert coupon-$2.00/2 catalina promotion (used rain check from last week)
FINAL PRICE
FREE

6-5# Bags Pillsbury Flour
$1.00 each

1 Del Monte Pineapple
$1.00-$0.75 printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.25 !!

4 (32 load) Tide HE Laundry Detergent
$5.99-$1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$2.99 each after P&G promotion discount

that is just $0.09 per load compared to $0.17 per load at Sams!!!

1 box Puffs (45 ct)
$1.00-$0.25/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.50

2 Sanderson Farms Whole Chickens
$0.68 per # (with rain check)

TARGET
3 Glade Candle Scented Oil Tins
$2.50-$1.50 coupon inside tin
FINAL PRICE
$1.00 each

3 Glade Candle Scented Oil Refills (4pk)
$2.50-$2.50 blinkie coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

I got a $5 GC for the above purchase which I used on the following items

5 pkg. (48ct) Toddler Flushable Wipes
$0.97 -$1.00/1 Target printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

2 mini-loaves French Bread
$0.99-$1.00/1 Target printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

4.24 # Gala Apples
$0.99 per #- $1.00/2# Target printable coupons
FINAL PRICE
$0.49 per #

2.27 # red grapes
$0.99 per #

11.9.09

Saturday I made a quick run to Safeway. They had some great in-ad coupons this week making items cheap or free and I wanted to take advantage of it. While I was there I hit the jackpot or blinkie and tearpad coupons. They have a lot of holiday displays set up for products and most of them have some sort of coupon attached. Here is a picture of what I found.




November and December is the time of year to stock up on baking supplies. So that is just what I am doing. Safeway is having a great promotion on baking items that runs through November 29th. Buy $25 in participating products (there are many to choose from) and get a $5 coupon to use on your next order. The $25 is your cost before coupons but after Safeway discounts. Here are the details of my trip.

I got all of this...

for $63.08!

Plus I have 2-$5 off my next order coupons to use on my next trip

(and trust me there will be a next trip).

My total before coupons and sales $122.56
Total % Saved 49%

Although my % savings doesn't seem too high I am still very pleased with

what I got.,,well most of it. (read below)

HERE IS WHAT I GOT
23-5# pkg. Safeway Sugar
$1.99 each

The cost after you figure in the promotion (with the $5OYNO) is just $0.32 per #. This is much better than the price even at Sams Club which is $0.55 per #. To make the deal even sweeter. I don't have to try to lug the 25# bag from Sams. YAY!!!

2 (48oz) bottle Wesson Canola Oil
$2.99-$0.70 in ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
$2.29 each

The cost of this after the promotion is just $1.83 each. That is $0.04 per oz. compare to Sams big 1.25 gal jug @ $0.05 per oz.

1 (24 pk) Diet Dr. Pepper (my hubby says we need variety)
$6.49-$2.00 peelie
FINAL PRICE
$4.49

1 dozen Large Eggs
$1.09-$1.09 in-ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

2 (8oz) pkg. Lucern Cream Cheese
$1.49-$0.50 in-ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.99 each

1 Bottle Nesquick
$3.99

This is one of the hazards of getting something for free. Remember my free chocolate milk from Monday? Well apparently it wasn't enough for my hubby and he just happened to be with me on this trip so guess who this was for. (SIGH)

1 Tropicana OJ
$3.99-$3.99 in-ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

Safeway English Muffins
$1.89-$1.89 in-ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

1 pkg. thick sliced bacon
$3.99-$3.99 in-ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

Menu Plan Monday

This week looks to be another busy one...not quite as bad as last week though. I have to admit this week's menu was a little difficult for me to put together. I am really wanting to try some new recipes. If you have any great ones you would like to share. PLEASE email me at jennifer.blackford@comcast.net. I love getting new recipes to try...especially ones that are tried and true. Also I will post later this week with the recipe for the Chicken Stew from last week. All I have to say is my SIL is a genius in the kitchen! It was so yummy, and would be a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. Here is what we are having this week.

BREAKFAST
Oatmeal & Fruit
Scrambled Eggs & Fruit
Toasted English Muffins & Fruit
Cereal & Fruit
Toast & Fruit


LUNCH
Ham Sandwiches
Pizza & Cucumber slices
Quesadillas & Apple Slices
Lots of left Overs

DINNER
French Dip & French Fries
French Toast (does anyone sense a theme here?) & Turkey Bacon
Sesame Chicken (from here) , Rice & Potstickers
Hamburgers, Coleslaw and Corn
Maple Roasted Pork Tenderloin (from last week), Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Creamy Sunday Chicken, Rice & Peas
dinner out

SNACKS
Yogurt
Apples
Grapes
Pineapple
Pears
Celery Sticks
Carrots
Cucumber Slices
Applesauce
Rice Cakes
Peanut butter Crackers
Granola Bars

Happy cooking this week!!

11.5.09

Since October has come and gone (is it just me or did it fly by?!) I thought I would post what my totals were for the month. Although it is mostly for me to keep track of what I am spending, for those of you interested I have begun posting my running total for the month of what I have spent and what I have saved on "useable" items (that is my term for anything we will use up like food, toiletries, cleaners, paper products). This month I have also included a few other things in this total like air fresheners and candles, some birthday party preparation items as well as a new pair of shoes for Naomi simply because I didn't want to separate them out. I started doing this so I could get an idea of exactly how much I am spending now on these items. I was so excited about the results. My budget for these items was $700 a month or what I rounded down to $150 a week. I have been doing this now for 3 full months and my totals for this month are

$448.59

Total Out of Pocket!!!

I could hardly believe I was already at this point. Remember my goal in starting this was just to save $100 a month. Anything more was just gravy. Now for how much I saved...

$751.82!!!!!

Can you believe that!? I couldn't. I recalculated it like four times to make sure it was correct. This means that not only did I save myself $251.41 this month in actual cash...BUT I purchased more food. $1200.41 worth of food to be exact! In addition to this I am mailing my rebates in for this, this and 3 rebates for this to total an additional $45 I will get back.

I personally did not think that I would ever enjoy grocery shopping...much less LOVE IT! I also love that I am able to purchase things for my family that were luxuries before. We are eating more at home because we like what is on our menu. If you want to know more about how to save a little dough each month. I amtrying to organize a small get together later this week @ my house to go over some of the basics. If you are interested in coming please leave me a comment with your email and I will let you know when we have the date and time set.

11.05.09

WOW!!! last week was so crazy I didn't even have time to update with the rest of my shopping. I am sorry. :( I will try to get everything caught up today. Last week on Monday (11/02) I did a run to Albertsons, Sunflower, Super Target and King Soopers. Here is the breakdown of my trip.

I got all of this...

for $56.21 !

My total before Coupons and Sales $141.38
Total % Saved 60%

HERE IS THE WHAT I GOT
KING SOOPERS

2 pkg. Jose Ole Taquitos
$2.49- $1.00/1 coupon
FINAL PRICE
$1.49 each

2 pkg. Pillsbury Frozen Biscuits
$3.99-$0.50/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$2.99 each

(OUCH!!! I hate paying this much for something I know I can get cheaper)

3 bottles Gatorade (24 oz)
$0.49 each

3 Boxes Kleenex
$1.19-$1.00/3 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.86 each

2 Cans Dole Mandarin Oranges
$0.80-$1.00/2 printable coupon (cant remember where I got it)
FINAL PRICE
$0.30 each

2 cans Carnation Evaporated Milk
$0.49-$1.00/2 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

1 loaf Orowheat 100% whole wheat family style bread
$1.89-$1.00/1 peelie
FINAL PRICE
$0.89

3 Nesquick Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk
$1.00-$0.50 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

2 pkg. Nestle Morsels
$1.49-$0.50/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.49 each

2 Simply Orange Orange Juice
$2.49 each

3 pkg. Land O Lakes spreadable butter
$0.99-$0.50/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

1 pkg. Grandma's Frozen Egg Noodles
$2.99 each

SUNFLOWER MARKET
2 tomatoes
$1.49 per #

2 Reusable Shopping Bags
$0.99 each

1 avocado
$0.77

2.88 # pears
$0.25 per #

2 cucumbers
$0.33 each

1-1# bag carrots
$0.50

TARGET
1 Bottle Ocean Spray Cran Apple Juice
$1.98-$1.00/1 Target printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.98

2 mini-loaves Archer Farms French Bread
$0.99-$1.00/1 Target printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

1 bottle Hormel Dried Beef
$3.49

1 Bottle Archer Farms Rosemary
$3.99

6 Dunkin Heinz Cake Mixes
$1.17-$0.55/2 insert coupon-$0.50/1 Target printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.40 each

4.3 # Gala Apples
$0.99 per #-$1.00/2 #'s Target printable
FINAL PRICE
$0.49 per #

8 pkg. Kraft Marshmallows
$1.02-$0.50/1 Target printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.52 each

(In case you were wondering why on earth we would need this many marshmallows I thought I would mention that they are for some Christmas packages we will be putting together)

ALBERTSONS

2 pkg. (12oz.) Bacon
$2.00-$1.01 in-ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.99 each

1.86 # bananas
$0.39 per #

3 # bag red delicious apples
$2.99-$2.00/1 in-ad coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.99 each

1 bag Mission Tortilla Chips
$1.59

2 (6PK) Trix Yogurt
$2.00-$0.35/1 insert coupon-$2.00/2 catalina

(I did separate transactions so I could use it today)
FINAL PRICE
FREE

2 Reusable Shopping bags
$1.00 each

11.5.09

I am very late in getting my deals up this week. It has been a CRAZY busy week! I have a few separate deals to post as I broke up my shopping into two days. I will start with my King Soopers run on Friday. I had a couple of coupons that I wanted to use with their sale that were going to expire on Saturday so I went a little earlier this week. They are having an awesome “buy 10 items save $5” event and I cleaned up!!! The good news is they are running the sale until next Tuesday so you still have time to go and score some sweet deals yourself. Here is the breakdown of my trip.

I bought all of this

(sorry for the poor picture)

and paid $24.29!
Total before Coupons and Sales $203.16
Total % Saved 88%


HERE IS THE WHAT I GOT

2 Bottles All Detergent (32 load)
$3.49-$1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$2.49

4 pairs Playtex living gloves
$0.99-$1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
FREE

17 cans Del Monte Petite Diced Tomatoes
$0.49 each

6 (24 oz.) jars Pace Salsa
$1.99-$0.75/2 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$1.49 each

5 bottles Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
$0.99 each

10 cans Carnation Evaporated Milk
$0.49-$1.00/2
FINAL PRICE
FREE

4 (24oz.) bottles Gatorade
$0.49 each

4 Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter
$0.99-$0.40/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.19 each

2 pkg. Halls Cough Drops
$0.49-$0.75/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.50 overage each

6 pkg. Nestle Morsels
$1.49-$1.00/2 printable coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.99 each

4 Bumblebee Tuna Pouch
$0.49-$1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.50 overage each

2 Boxes Cheezit Crackers
$0.99-$1.50/2 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.24 each

2 (4pk) Activia Yogurt
$1.49-$1.00/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.49 each

3 pk. Kleenex Facial Tissue
$.99-$1.00/3 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.33 each

1 prescription
$4.00
The only reason I included this in the total is
because of this transferred prescription I got a $20 GC to use on this transaction
with a coupon in the Wednesday paper.


They were out of a few things that I still wanted to get so I will probably do 1 more Kings run on Monday. Did you see any great deals that I missed? If so let me know.

Menu Plan Monday

I am excited to make a new menu this week. This week is going to be a busy one so I have planned accordingly. ( Is it wierd that planning a weeks worth of food makes me so happy?) I have a church youth activity as well as a tastefully simple party this week so I am planning several easy quick fix/crockpot meals. We are also having friends over on Friday for dinner and Saturday going to a potluck. Please take a second and tell me what's on the menu at your house . :)

Breakfast

Cereal & Fruit

Bagels & Cream Cheese & Fruit

Waffles & Fruit

Oatmeal & Fruit

Banana Muffins & Fruit

Hard boiled Eggs & Fruit

Lunch

Ham & Cheese Hoagies & Carrot Sticks

Quesadillas & Cucumber Slices

Hot Dogs & Apple Slices

PBJ & Celery Sticks

Lots of Left Overs

Dinner

Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Salad (didn't get to make it last week)

Chicken Fajitas

Raspberry Chipolte Pork Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes and Spinach Salad

Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches & Tomato Soup

Chicken Stew & Salad ( This is so yummy. My SIL's recipe. I will post it as soon as I get it from her.)

Potluck (not sure what we are bringing yet...maybe rolls?)

Creamy Sunday Chicken & Rice & Peas

Snacks

Yogurt

Oranges

Pineapple

Pears

Apples

Carrots

Cucumbers

Celery

Crackers & Cheese

Granola Bars

Applesauce

Graham Crackers

Dessert

Pear Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream ( a new recipe I am trying. I found it here)

Happy cooking this week!! :)

10.29.09

WOW! I just found an awesome coupon I thought I would share with you guys. Click here to get a coupon for 50% EVERYTHING IN THE STORE to Payless Shoes. If you are in need of shoes (or just really love shoes) this could turn out to be a pretty sweet deal. The coolest part is you can get the coupon texted to your phone instead of wasting printer paper and ink. This coupon is only good today and tomorrow so get over there today...or if you are in Colorado don't brave the blizzard wait till tomorrow. There should still be lots of great stuff left by then. Happy Shopping!!!

10.28.09

What is a person to do when it looks like this outside?

Well since everyone is home today at my house for a snow day we decided to take a trip to Target. (I know we are crazy!) My daughter wanted to purchase some boots with the remainder of her birthday money and they happened to be on sale this week. (I am so proud! lol) Since we were at a different Target I looked to see if they had more glade candles so I could submit for my 3rd $5 Rebate. Sure enough they did! YAY! We also found a few more pleasant surprises while we were there. Here is the breakdown. We got all of this

Total before Coupons and Sales $61.86
Total out of pocket $5.85
Total % Saved 91%

HERE IS THE WHAT I GOT

Transactions #1
3 Glade Scented Oil Candle tins
$2.50-$1.50 coupon inside tin
FINAL PRICE
$1.50 each

3 Glade Scented Oil Candle Refills (4pk)
$2.50- Buy 1 Candle Tin Get 1 Refill Free blinkies
FINAL PRICE
FREE

For buying 5 glade products you get a $5 gift card to use on your next purchase. I chose to do my purchases in two transactions today so I used it on the next transaction. (to follow)
I also paid for this transaction with the $5 GC from the last glade deal I did and will submit for the $5 SC Johnson Rebate I mentioned earlier. So this transaction cost me nothing OOP.

Transaction #2
6 pkg. Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies
$2.00 (buy 2 get 1 free)-(3) $1.50/2 printable coupons-(2) $1/2 target printable coupons
FINAL PRICE
$0.25 each
These would have been $0.08 each if I had not lost another $1/2 target printable in the store :(. Oh well I guess $0.25 each is still a good price. These are great for my hubbies Sunday school class. They love treats!

2 Febreeze Noticables holiday scented oil starter kit
$4.99-$4/1 insert coupon
FINAL PRICE
$0.99 each

2 pkg. Nabisco Graham Crackers
$2.79-$1/2 mailer coupon -$1/2 target printable
FINAL PRICE
$1.79 each
These are the last two crackers I needed to mail in my Keebler rebate linked below. It will refund $1 per box making these $0.79 each. Not bad!

1 pr. Cute Brown Mary Jane Shoes for Naomi
on clearance for $4.98

Total was $12.74
I used my $5 GC from the 1st transaction, the left over GC that I paid for the 1st transaction with ($1.39)and 1 other gift card I had with a $0.50 balance left on it.

All said I paid $5.85 and will be submitting for this rebate and this rebate. Making my total OOP after all that -$1.15! :)

My advice...if you are crazy enough to go out in this to score some great deals...BE CAREFUL! The roads had gotten significantly worse by the time we headed home. The deals will be there all week so just stay inside and make yourself a steaming cup of hot cocoa!