The $50 Grocery Budget

Kroger Trip #42

2009-07-02T13:45:00.002-04:00

Spent 9.29

Saved 19.86

Meijer Trip #29

2009-07-02T13:43:00.005-04:00

Spent 44.85

Saved 96.23

Kroger Trip #41

2009-06-26T13:53:00.004-04:00

Spent 87.41

Saved 87.38

Kroger Trip #40

2009-06-19T14:11:00.001-04:00

Spent 10.25

Saved 10.00

Meijer Trip #28

2009-06-15T13:46:00.002-04:00

Spent 46.50

Saved 49.67

Meijer Trip #27

2009-06-12T13:48:00.002-04:00

Spent 11.98

Saved 9.00

9 boxes of Caprisun Sunrise Drinks

Kmart Trip #3

2009-06-10T22:24:00.003-04:00

Spent $12.79

Saved $25.49

Sam's Club Trip #3

2009-06-05T22:33:00.004-04:00

Spent $36.94

Saved ?

Meijer Trip #26

2009-06-05T13:22:00.002-04:00

Spent $11.18

Saved $12.25

Kmart Trip #2

2009-06-04T15:32:00.003-04:00

Spent $4.22

Saved $8.50

Kmart Trip #1

2009-06-02T19:30:00.004-04:00

Spent $10.69

Saved $10.00

Kroger Trip #39

2009-06-02T15:04:00.003-04:00

Spent $16.67

Saved $48.31

Meijer Trip #25

2009-05-25T11:49:00.003-04:00

Next week ads are pretty boring so I am buying for two weeks this week.

Spent $60.02
Saved $122.03

Meijer Trip #24 It's rare that all the coupons align so beautifully as they did today!

2009-05-20T22:22:00.005-04:00

I did 2 transactions to take advantage of the buy 2 crackers get cheese for a dollar deal.

Total Spent $16.08

Total Saved 122.85 Yes, you read that right!

Meijer Trip #23 The start of a great week!

2009-05-20T22:17:00.001-04:00

I did 4 transactions on this trip to maximize the $2.00 catalina on Kraft mac&chs.

Total Spent $43.77

Total Saved 148.20

Kroger Trip #38

2009-05-17T22:26:00.004-04:00

Spent 3.16
Saved 2.81

Kroger Trip #37

2009-05-08T15:03:00.004-04:00

Spent 75.78

Saved 58.39

This trip started out bad from the start. I am totally not into couponing and cooking lately and the toddler needed a nap. After ringing up the order with one hand I was just glad to go. I am working on getting motivated again. The sales have been just terrible lately which is no help.

Sam's Trip #3

2009-05-04T13:31:00.001-04:00

Spent 23.97
Saved $20 with a gift card I won at a business convention. Yey for me!

Somebody is sneaking up on my chicken.

Meijer Trip #22

2009-05-02T15:01:00.003-04:00

Spent 14.00

Saved 7.95

Yes, I really need to mop.

Kroger Trip #36

2009-04-28T15:05:00.003-04:00

Marked Down Bread
tortillas
and a gallon of spring water

Spent 6.23

Saved 2.82

Kroger Trip #35

2009-04-27T15:07:00.002-04:00

Spent 10.94

Saved 18.86

The picture is missing for this one and it is one of my best one's yet. But here is what I bought:

2 jumbo bags of Comforts diapers
4 Scott paper towels
2 frozen Kroger pizzas
2 canisters of pringles
2 gallons of Kroger milk
2 packs of baby wipes
a bag of popcorn
1 box of spaghetti

Sam's Club Trip #2

2009-04-23T15:31:00.002-04:00

This is a strange post for me because there is no savings on my receipt. The sales are rather so-so this week and we are hungry for fresh produce. I wish I could get deals on produce the way I do on our other groceries but there are just isn't any to be had. Sometimes I can get a deal buying loss leaders and using Cat's but not enough for a family of 5 that insists on variety.

Sam's is better priced than most places and the quality is excellent.

Are there better deals on produce?

Spent $36.98

Meijer Trip #21

2009-04-21T22:00:00.002-04:00

I actually went though the line twice to use the mealbox coupons on bread and yogurt twice.

I am continuing to love shopping on Tuesday nights. This time I got out minus the kids and husband put hem to bed!

However, when they heard we carrying on about my savings they were up stealing the yogurts.

Spent 16.08
Saved 64.76

Kroger Trip #34

2009-04-20T21:00:00.000-04:00

Spent $5.29
Saved 6.32

Kroger Trip #32

2009-04-17T12:57:00.004-04:00

Spent $10.68
Saved 6.00

Kroger Trip #30

2009-04-17T10:31:00.004-04:00

No picture this time.

I bought a container of cool whip for .79. Saved .46

We wanted pumpkin pie. Yummy.

Kroger Trip #31

2009-04-16T12:56:00.000-04:00

Spent $11.47
Saved 33.56

Meijer Trip #20

2009-04-14T23:00:00.002-04:00

Spent 27.01
Saved 64.04

My husband went shopping with me this time and found some great deals. I think he may be catching on! It turns out the Meijer in Cumberland is wonderfully empty on Tuesday nights. I hope me make a Tuesday evening Meijer trip a regular thing. It was fun. We had the niced cashier. She told me that she loves to watch people use coupons and see how much they save. When I finished the order and the money off my next order cats did not print I just let it go. I don't need to stress out over every dollar to save money.

Also of interest the Cumberland Meijer now has a Redbox so if I arrive before 9pm I can return my free Monday movies!

Kroger Trip #29

2009-04-14T10:30:00.002-04:00

Spent 26.06
Saved 42.87

Cheese was only .99!

Meijer trip #19

2009-04-10T13:44:00.002-04:00

Spent $14.06
Saved 77.54

Plus I got $4.50 worth of catalinas good on my next orders!

Kroger Trip #28

2009-04-09T18:00:00.004-04:00

Spent 32.49

Saved 43.99

Kroger Trip #27

2009-04-08T22:33:00.001-04:00

Spent 5.61
Saved 3.39

Nearly Free Heinz Vinegar

2009-04-08T17:41:00.001-04:00

There is a printable bricks here for .50. If your store doubles the small bottle will be nearly free! Don't forget to hit the back botton a few times after the first coupon prints and print a second coupon.

Aldi Trip #1

2009-04-02T22:22:00.007-04:00

Well, the ads were terrible this week so I decided to shop at Aldi. We were desperate for produce and I really can't beat there prices altough their quality not always as good.

I use to shop at Aldi for everything before I started couponing and I spent two to three times what I do now. There store brand is actually very good and much less than name brands but not with sales and coupons. However, there are some good deals at Aldi that my family misses.

Spent $40.02

Here are some of the prices:

Whipped Cream 1.39

Generic Hot Dogs .75

2# Great Northerns 1.98

2# Pintos 1.59

Parmesan 2.39

Moo tubes 1.99

2oz Real Vanilla 1.99

Kroger Trip #26

2009-04-01T15:43:00.001-04:00

spent 49.06
saved 34.77

Meijer Trip #18

2009-04-01T15:39:00.001-04:00

Spent 10.72
Saved 35.29

Kroger Trip #25

2009-03-31T15:41:00.001-04:00

Spent 3.55
Saved 11.35

Meijer Trip #17

2009-03-25T23:00:00.003-04:00

Spent $24.59
Saved $50.21

By the way that large organic yogurt was reduced to $.40. Smoothies!

Meijer #16

2009-03-25T22:59:00.002-04:00

Spent $17.20
Saved $43.46

Kroger Trip #24

2009-03-25T22:28:00.002-04:00

Spent $11.99
Saved $33.23

Kroger Trip #23

2009-03-20T20:49:00.005-04:00

Spent 21.22
Saved 46.94

I have had people ask me how I save so much on my grocery trips for the next few trips I am going try explain a little better.

I bought 2 boxes of Instant Quaker Oats that are $3.98 each
They were on sale for $2 a box
Kroger is running a promotion were you buy 2 boxes and get $1 off at the bottom of your reciept
I used a $1.35 off 2 coupon

(3.98*2)7.96-3.96(to make them 2 a box on sale)-$1-$1.35 coupon=$1.65 versus 7.96

I bought 5 country crock that are $2.14
They were on sale for $1.49
Kroger is running a promotion were you buy 10 items mix and match and get $5 off
I used a .50 coupon on each-my kroger doubles

(5*2.14)10.70-3.25(to make them $1.49 each on sale)-$2.50(half the $5 off promo)-$5(5 .50 coupons doubled=-.05 I made money! versus 10.70

I bought 3 Freshetta pizzas that are $7.49 each and one for $6.79
They are on sale for $4.49
Kroger is running a promotion were you buy 10 items mix and match and gt $5 off
I used a $1 coupon on each

(3*7.49+1*$6.79)29.26-11.30(to make them $4.49 each on sale)-$2(part of the $5 promo)$5 with a $1 coupon for each=$10.96 versus $29.26

I bought 1 Gortons fish sticks for $5.49
It was on sale for $2.99
Kroger is running a promotion were you buy 10 items mix and match and get $5 off
I used a .40 coupon and my kroger doubles

$5.49-2.50(to make it 2.99 on sale)-.50(part of the $5 promo)-.40 coupon that doubled to .80=$1.69 versus $5.49

I bought 2 boxes of kroger baby wipes for 2.29 each
They were on sale for $2 each
I found coupons for $2 off any comforts product in the baby aisle early inthe week I used $2

($2.29*2)4.58-.58(to make them $2 each on sale)-$4(2 $2 coupons)=0 versus $4.58

I bought 3 boxes of icecream for $3.39 each
They were on sale for $1.99

(3.39*3)10.17-4.20(to make them $1.99 each on sale)=5.97 versus $10.17

Kroger Deals 3/19-3/24

2009-03-19T10:50:00.004-04:00

Kroger is running the same Mega Sale this week this that they ran last week. Here's last week list.

Also eggs are $.79 a dozen.
Milk is still on sale.
Cantaloupes are .99 each again
And Quaker instant oats are back for $2 a box/buy 2 get another $1 off and there are $1.35/2 coupons out making these $.83 a box!

Meijer Deals 3/19-3/24

2009-03-19T00:06:00.003-04:00

There are a few fun deals this week. Meijer is having a 10 for 10 sale which at Meijer means all the items in the sale are $1 but if you buy 10 you get an 11th free. During these sales I find the best strategy to be buy in multiplues 11 (22,33,etc.) that way I always get my free item. On the other hand it can be near impossible to count with my kids with me so sometimes I just get what I want and then have a nice surprise at the register.

Dentek floss will be free with the coupon
Crest Toothpaste will be free
Hormel Pepperoni is included for $1. I don't believe there are any coupon out but $1 for pepperoni is excellent regardless.
Meijer applesauce is included fro $1
Warm delights will free after the coupon
Kraft bagelfuls are on sale for $1.88 there was a $1 off Internet coupon for these you may still have.
Coffeemate is $1.50 which makes it free with this printable
or use 2 .50/1 coupons with the the $1/2 mealbox coupon to get them free as well.
Betty Crocker helpers will be .67 after your coupon.
Freshetta Pizza will be $2.99 after coupon
Pizza rolls will be $.30 each!
Also Meijer is running their Lysol again. I got to much last year and will not be buying any this year but this sale is fantastic. The Lysol products are on sale for 1/2 off and then off course you use your coupon that double and get cleaners for almost nothing.

For a complete list of deals much better than mine you ought to check out Bargain Brianna she has got a fantastic list.

Kroger Trip #22

2009-03-18T23:40:00.004-04:00

Spent $14.49
Saved $30.05

"Ask and you Shall receive" More free baby wipes. If you are lucky enough to find them Kroger has $2 off any comfort product coupons on their baby products and on the shelves in the baby section. Wipes are $2. Very Cool, thanks Kroger we were out.

Of interest the diapers were $3.50 with the $3 off coupon from Kroger's website and we actually really like these diapers. The other items are a Mega Sale promotion were you buy 10 items and get $5 off your bill. Kroger is running this same sale for the third week but that's cool because I forgot to get the fish sticks the last two weeks. Hi, to my sister in Bremen who chatted with me while I shopped.

Meijer Trip #15

2009-03-18T23:34:00.003-04:00

Spent $4.75
Saved $18.44

I finally found some natural care wipes to use with my $5 off a natural care diaper product coupons! We were almost out of wipes.

Meijer Trip #14

2009-03-16T21:52:00.002-04:00

Spent $37.33
Saved $36.37

I'd like to note here that we also bought 3 lbs of grapes that are included in my numbers but not pictured because they we already being eaten at the time and a 24 pack of bottled water. I was really impressed this time because although I took my 2 younger children and my husband we got some good deals and only bought what was on sale. I do think our beverage choices are a reflection of his help but I can live that. We didn't need much this week since I keep such a well stocked pantry. At least he is starting to catch on and I will not be asked to buy pop for quite a while.

Menu Plan for the Next Week

2009-03-15T22:04:00.003-04:00

Breakfast Options:

Oatmeal of all sorts
Warm rice with milk and honey
Raisin bread and Cinnamon Bread
Whole Wheat Toast
Pancakes/waffles/french toast however we are out of maple syrup
Cereal of course
Eggs
Sausage Links
Fruit

Lunch:
Chicken Nuggets or leftover Lasagna/Sliced Apples/Cheese Sticks/Chex Mix
Whole Wheat Pasta with margarine (we usually do butter but toddler can't handle the dairy)/grapes/carrot sticks
Leftovers
Baked potatoes with cheddar cheese/Green Giant Steamers/Grapes
PB&J/carrot sticks/string cheese/leftovers
Hamburgers/Home fries/Canned Veggies
Eggs, Sausage,Jelly Biscuits, apple slices

Dinner:
Hearty Campfire Stew
Turkey dinner from the freezer (time to make room for frozen food month)
FREE NIGHT-Lenten supper at Church
Beans and Cornbread/Vegetables of some sort
Turkey Manhattans/Vegetables of some sort, Popcorn
Something with Chicken and Rice
Spaghetti and Meatballs/Garlic Bread

Kroger Trip #21

2009-03-15T14:20:00.008-04:00

These are mostly lasagna ingredients I paid full price for because husband wanted lasagna.

Saved $24.45
Spent $14.45

Borrowed the kids computer for this pic so its not cropped. Sorry

More Markdowns, my freezer is filling up!

The milk is marked down to $1 and the bread $.75 or less!

I am changing the rules because this is my blog and I can if I want

2009-03-14T14:27:00.003-04:00

I am no longer going to include all my toddlers soymilk in our grocery budget. When I began this challenge I new she had special nutritional needs but I had no idea she would need 4 or more cartons of milk that cost almost $4 each every week to stay healthy. Her health is a concern to me and to my pediatrician because of her food issues and I am not willing to compromise on her milk for the sake of my budget so I will no longer include her milk which cost us between $12 and $16 a week. I do not consider her soymilk groceries but medicine at this point.

On a side note I am including all my husbands snacks in my budget. I set up up a snack budget for him but have changed my mind. All my husbands snacks are included in our $50 weekly food bill.

Kroger Post #20

2009-03-14T14:04:00.004-04:00

Stumbled on a great bread markdown!

Saved $28.31

Spent $8.88 had a rain check for the cheese

Yes, that is dagger under the table. Is that odd?

How's it Going

2009-03-13T16:08:00.001-04:00

I am starting to realize that I need to learn to cook. I have expermenting with this recipie for flour tortillas at Hillbilly Housewife and getting pretty good at baking them. Tortillas are something I can never find cheap enough at the grocery even with coupons.

Kroger Deals 3/12-3/18

2009-03-12T16:19:00.004-04:00

Kroger is having a Mega Sale this week. In order to get the deal you need to buy 10 items included in the Mega Sale (mix and match). When you buy 10 your get $5 off or .50 on each item. There are a few deals.

Activa yogurt is $2.49-.50-$1coupon=$1
Land O Lakes Spread is $1.49 buy 2-$50x2-$1/2 coupon (must buy 2)=$.49 each
Armour Meatballs are $2.49-.50=$1.99 there is coupon out for free pasta when you buy meatballs
Freshetta Pizza is $4.49-.50-$1coupon=$2.99each
Gortons are $2.99-.50-.40coupon doubled=$1.69each
Toaster Strudel are $1.99-.50-.70coupon=$.79each
Purex is $2.99-.50-.70coupon=$1.79each
Ken's Salad Dressing is $1.99-.50-$1/2coupon (must buy 2)=$.99each
Colgate Toothbrushes will be .25 after the mega sale and the .75/1 coupon
Powerade will be $.50 each with the mega sale
Quaker rice snacks will be $.50 each with the mega sale
Corned Beef, Cabbage, and pork loin are at great sale prices
Comforts diapers are $6.49 There are $3off coupons at the Kroger website!

Interesting News Story Eat Healthy on $1 a Day

2009-03-12T12:41:00.002-04:00

I saw this on yahoo this morning about a lady named Rebecca Currie Durham North Carolina and I am planning to read her blog later today. It looks like an awesome read. One tip she gave that I plan to check put ASAP is to visit the local Mexican grocery for produce. I live in a area that has a huge Hispanic community so there are plenty of grocers to choose from and it ought to be interesting.

Meijer Deals 3/12-3/18

2009-03-12T00:27:00.000-04:00

The only deals I see this week that are stockup worthy are:

Jif peanut butter after the sale and coupon it will be $5 for 3 which is pretty good for Jif.
Sobe life water will be free is you have the .50/1 peelie.
And Quaker rice snacks are $1 again if you have any $1 coupons left they will be free as well!
There is a General Mills Deal. Buy any 4 participating items and get $5 off at the register. Depending on your coupons this could be some cheap cereal or fiber one bars.
Ice Mountain 24 ct. $3.79.
Tyson Anytizers are on Sale for $2.50. There are coupons out for .75/2 and .55/1 making these $1.50 to $2 at the Cumberland Meijer.
Dole and Welchs frozen juices are 10 for 10 get the 11th free.
The produce on the first page looks great!

On Saturday there will be a One Day Sale and Tyson 40oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts will be $3.99. That's less than $1.60lb!

Meijer Trip #13

2009-03-09T14:18:00.003-04:00

I did two orders because the Dole fruit is producing a Cat for .75 OYNO when you buy 4 and the Barilla is a mealbox coupon ($1/3) so I could only use one on each order.

Order 1
Spent 21.02
Saved 10.55 got .75 OYNO cat

Order 2
Spent 6.89
Saved 7.74 got another .75 OYNO cat

Not great deals but these are things we needed that haven't been on sale in ages.

Kroger Deals 3/5-3/11

2009-03-08T19:56:00.003-04:00

Kroger is having a Mega Sale this week but the prices are not all that good.

The deals I do see are:

Folgers Ground Coffee for $4.99. (limit 2)There is a .25 coupon out (this is the huge canister)
Cantaloupes for .99
Angus Ground Chuck $1.77 a pound
Quaker Instant Oatmeal is $1.50 a box when you buy 2. There are $1.35/2 coupons out making these $.82 a box!!

Kroger Trip #19

2009-03-08T17:48:00.001-04:00

1 half gallon of Silk soy
1 half gallon of milk

Spent $4.56
Saved $1.54

Marsh $1 Pizza Rolls!

2009-03-05T23:13:00.002-05:00

There are lots of coupons out for these. Personally I already have a raincheck for Meijer and will go Marsh this weekend looking for another raincheck.

Meijer Deals 3/5-3/11

2009-03-05T22:13:00.004-05:00

There a couple of good ones to note this week.

Dole Fruit fruit in the plastic jar will be $1.50 each after the $1/.55 coupon. My friend at the Pantry tells me this is the best price you can find for these.
Bob Evan’s Sausage Roll will be $1.80. They are on sale for $2.50 and there are .35/1 coupons that will double.
Del Monte Vegetables will be less than $.66 ea after the $2/3 sale and the $1/12 coupon.
Barilla Pasta is $.88 on sale and you can use the mealbox coupon to get $1/3 making these $.55 each! Barilla plus is 3/$4.
Crescent rolls are $1.50 each but surely you do not need any!
Michelina's will $.29 each after the 69¢ sale and the $1/5 coupon.
Bertolli Oven Bake Meals will be $3.00 each plus a free garlic bread. This one is bit complicated. The sale is 2 for $11 and there are $2/1 IP Print Here (registration required). In the ad this week there are Meijer store coupons that can be used with a manufacturer coupon. There is one for $1/2 Bertolli. Use this one as well. Math: $11.00 - $4.00 IPs - $1.00 ad q = $6.00/2 The price of a Pepridge Farm Garlic Bread is subtracted at the register this month when you purchase 2 Bertolli meals.
Ritz go-packs should be free with the $2/2 Ritz coupon.
Kraft Mac and Chs is $.50
Milk $2 a gallon!!
And there are some nice prices on fruit!

Meijer Trip #12

2009-03-05T13:29:00.000-05:00

Raincheck Deals!

Original Price $71.10

Saved $40.01

Out of Pocket $31.09

Kroger Trip # 18

2009-03-05T10:12:00.000-05:00

Cheap Dr. Pepper raincheck $12 Saved 11.96
Manager Mark Down for Baby $6.86 Saved $8.80

The Caregivers Martketplace - Refunds on Cottonelle and Huggies

2009-03-04T22:14:00.002-05:00

Well you learn sometihing new everyday. I just discovered you register at http://www.caregiversmarketplace.com/FrameSetup.asp you can claim a refund of $.75 on Huggies diapers packages, $.50 on Cottonelle wipes, $1 on Balmax products, $1 on Cortaid creams and this is the highlights. Register and check it out!

Kroger Trip #17

2009-03-04T12:12:00.003-05:00

Spent $1.35
Saved 11.97 using coupons, sales, and $6 Pillsbury catalinas from earlier in the week

Run to Coupon.com! $5 off Huggies

2009-03-01T16:14:00.002-05:00

www.coupons.com has awesome printables up. Included are $5 and $3 coupons for Huggies. Check it out before they run out!

Kroger Pillsbury Trips #16

2009-02-26T14:25:00.012-05:00

Spent $11.19

Saved 54.34 Plus I have 2 $3 oyno Cats!

These I did one after the other so I could roll the $3 off your next order right away. However, I came across a cashier that didn't like the idea of me doing multiple transactions and would not accept my $3 on my third order. So I paid for that order and took the rest to different register.

Sam's Club Trip #1

2009-02-26T11:29:00.003-05:00

My husband made this trip for me. I friend turned me on these bags. I don't think I can ever beat this price. A years worth of trash bags for $8.50.

Kroger Trip #15

2009-02-26T11:26:00.003-05:00

Spent $ 4.94

Saved 31.92

Kroger Trip #14

2009-02-26T11:21:00.002-05:00

Spent $13.34

Saved $24.78

Kroger Trip #13

2009-02-26T10:00:00.004-05:00

Bought 1 Bottle of Olive Oil 8.79
OUCH!

Saved .39

Kroger Deals Week 2/26-3/4 Some Great Cheap Groceries this Week!

2009-02-26T08:54:00.004-05:00

You do not want to miss the Pillsbury sale. Crescents, Grands Biscuits and Sweet Rolls are all $1 this week for select varieties. There are several coupons out however most of them are only goo though the 28th so don't wait. The bonus with this deal is there is a Cat out:

Save $3.00 when you buy Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescents, Cookies, Sweet Rolls, Grands Biscuits, Cinnamon Rolls, Dinner Rolls, Bread sticks, or Pizza Crust.

Buy (3) & get $1.50

Buy (4) & get $2.00

Buy (5) or more & get $3.00 ...

Coupon good On Your Next Order.Offer good between 2/23 &3/22.

This Cat will make these free or a money maker!

Healthy One's Lunch meat is $1 this week. With the .75 coupon this will be $25!
Chef Boyardee is once again .88 if you have any more .35/3 coupons they will be .65 each.
Gorton's Frozen Breaded Fish is $3.99. However they are $3.50 at Meijer this week. You may be able to print a $1/3 coupon here.
Krogers Comforts Diapers are $6.49. Other areas have gotten these for $5.99 but I am beginnings to think we will not be so lucky. You can print a $3 coupon here making these $3.49!
Kraft 2% Cheddar Cheese Singles are $2 again this week. If you have any .75/1 blinkies left from last week these will be $1.25.
Hot Pockets are 1.59. There are no coupons out for these but I do have a box insert coupon.
Dial Hand Soap is once again .88. With the .35/1 coupon these will be .18 each!
StarKist Tuna Pouches are $1. There are buy 2 get one free coupons however our area may not have gotten them.
Tennessee Pride sausage gravy is $1. With the $1/2 coupons these will be .50 a box
Hormel Chili is $1. If you have any left there are .55/2 coupons.

Meat, Dairy and Produce highlights

Fresh Ground Beef $1.48lb
Chiquita Bananas .39lb
Milk $1 1/2 gallon
Perdue Chicken Breasts 1.87lb
Catfish Nuggets $1.39
Avocados 4 for $3
Fresh asparagus $1.28lb
Gala apples 3 for $1
Red and White Seedless Grapes .99lb

Kroger Trip #12

2009-02-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

Spent $1.04

Saved 8.30

Marsh Trip #3

2009-02-23T15:36:00.002-05:00

2 1/2 gallons of Very Vanilla Silk Soy for Toddler

Spent $5
Saved $2.38

Meijer Trip #11

2009-02-22T13:14:00.004-05:00

Milk, Cookies and Produce Oh My!

I got some nice prices on marked down produce at Meijer this week. Three grapefruits for $1 and an eggplant for $.98! The summer squash was full price but cheap anyways. We haven't had much produce around here for a while so it was nice but you can definitely tell its our of season. Can't wait till summer.
Original Price (estimating original cost of produce) $47.88

Saved 31.96

______________

Out of Pocket $17.07

Kroger Trip #11

2009-02-22T10:02:00.004-05:00

I call this pic "Dairy on the Cheap"

Spent $4.60

Saved $17.75

Buy the way this milk was marked down to .50. I have no idea why since is dated for 2011. But that's great for me since I got if free with my .50/2 coupon doubled!

Marsh Trip #2

2009-02-20T23:20:00.001-05:00

Bought 1/2 Gallon of Soy Milk for the baby with a raincheck from last week.

She drinks a special kind formulated for kids and they only had one in stock. My raincheck was for 4 so I asked at customer service and she was able to write me a raincheck for the other 3. Marsh is not my favorite store because it is small and the prices are generally much higher than elsewhere. But I must say I have been very happy with their customer service.

Spent $3.00

Saved .69

Kroger unadvertised Deal on Cheese 2/19-2/25

2009-02-20T11:36:00.003-05:00

I found I great unadvertised special at Kroger on Kraft Cheese. Apparently Kroger has decided follow Meijer and put their Kraft cheese on sale for $2. However at Kroger the cheese bars and individually wrapped slices are included as well. The Blinkies at my Kroger is still spitting out $.75 off coupons so I was able to buy %2 individually wrapped slices for $1.25!

Kroger Trip #10

2009-02-20T11:23:00.006-05:00

Spent $20.53

Saved $27.47

I actually bought the wrong Saltines. These were $1 instead of .88. The shampoo I had free bottle of Suave coupon for from a promotion I signed up for online months ago. The bags of chips are smaller than I thought and normally sell for 1.29 so the savings weren't as good as I had hoped. I had Internet coupons for the cottonelle making them free and my photogenic found $1/2 coupons for Distinctly Dole right next to the marked down salad. The green pepper was .98. Produce is getting so expensive.

I did find a great unadvertised special on cheese. Kroger has their Kraft for $2 the same price Meijer does this week. My store is still stocked with .75/1 coupons. The fantastic part is that at Kroger %2 cheese slices are included! My kids just finished off the ones I bought 2 weeks ago and I was hoping to get some for a good price but $1.25 is better than good. I am going to try to go back for more.

Marsh Deals 2/19-2/25

2009-02-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Milk is back at $2 a gallon again!

Grapes are .98 lb

Broccoli .98 a bunch

Aunt Millie Homestyle Breads are $1.39

Meijer Deals in Indy 2/19-2/25

2009-02-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

Apples are $1/lb
7-up is $3 for a 12 pack-You can print a $1 coupon for cherry here
Aunt Millie's breads are on sale for $1.25 and there are lots of good coupons out for these
Select Beech nut Baby foods on sale. Several items in the Let's Grow line will be very cheap withe the .75/1 coupons bumped to a $1 at the Cumberland Meijer
Dial hand soap will be .30 after coupon. However it is .18 at Kroger this week.
Freshetta pizzas will be $3 each after the $1/1 coupon
Select Kellogg's cereals are $2 a box. When you buy 5 a gallon of Meijer milk is free at the register. This could be a good deal if you have enough coupons that match the cereal
Meijer milk is $2 a gallon this week!
Kraft shredded cheese is $2 for 6-8z packages. The picture shows the %2 variety. There are blinkies out for the %2 (.75/1). At the Cumber land Meijer these will get you $1 off each package making these $1 each. I found lots of the blinkies at Kroger's near the Parmesan cheese in the dairy case.
Breakstone's Sour Cream is $1.29 this week. With the .55/1 coupon it will be .29 at my Meijer.
Trident gum is free this week with coupon.

There is a 10 for 10 sale going on this week. When you buy 10 items for $10 the 11th item is free!

Mushroom, baby carrots, and fresh broccoli are included
Green Giant Steamers are included in some areas and if you have any more .50/1 coupons these will be free!
Pizza Rolls are included and there are lots of coupons out.
Chef Boyardee is included and there are .35/3 coupons out that will double.
Michelina's Entrees are included this week for $1 or $.80 with this coupon
Juicy Juice Harvest Surprise is $2.50 this week and there are $1 coupons out making these $1.50each.
Old Orchard Frozen juice concentrates will be $.80 this week with this coupon.
Aunt Millie's English Muffins are included and there are .35/1 coupons out.
Bumblebee tuna is included.

Weekly Menu 2/19-2/25

2009-02-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

Breakfast Options this week include:

Cereal
Eggs
Oatmeal of all kinds
Bagels w/ cream cheese
Toast
homemade waffles
Coffee with Evaporated Milk
Fruit

Lunch:

Pizza Rolls, Fruit
Super Pretzels, Campbell's soup
PB&J, Leftovers
Sunday Brunch
Cheesy Oven Baked French Fries, Veggies
Fend for Yourself
Tuna Salad, Veggies

Dinner:

Stick to your ribs man pleasing night: Chicken Fired Steak Patties w/gravy, biscuits, Green Giant Steamers, Mashed Potatoes
Shepard's Pie
Grilled Chicken Marinated in a little Italian Dressing, Canned Veggies, rice
Chicken w/ vegetables tossed w/ pasta and Alfredo sauce
Black beans and rice burritos, chips, fruit
Cheesy broccoli and rice soup w/ homemade bread, fruit, grilled tuna sandwiched
Homemade pizza night, fruit or salad

Kroger Deals in Indy 2/19-2/25

2009-02-19T09:49:00.000-05:00

Not a whole lot of great deals this week.

Dr. Pepper is 4 12-packs for $12
Hot Pockets are $1.59 (I have some Catalina coupons for these and some box inserts from last time I bought them)
Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream is $2
Honey Nut Cheerios are $3 for 5 (you may have coupons left)
Kroger Saltines and tortilla chips are $.88 (I am all out of these)
Boneless Pork Loin is 1.77lb at my store this week. I like to have these sliced into pork chops. Kroger's butchers will slice nay meek you buy for free.
Strawberries are on sale for $1.50 for 16oz
Dial Hand Soap is .88 again this week. There are coupons for .35 off that double making these .18 each!

The Coupon Goddess

2009-02-18T14:24:00.000-05:00

Check out this Mom's Blog Post!

I'm not worthy.

http://thecoupongoddess.blogspot.com/2009/02/go-big-or-go-home.html#comments

Meijer Trip #9 and #10

2009-02-17T23:30:00.001-05:00

I did two transactions on this trip so I could use the $3.50 General Mills Catalina I earned buying the Fiber One Bars in the first transaction to pay for the Jif I bought at full price with no coupon in the second transaction just because my husband loves Jif. (Wow that was one crazy long run on sentence wasn't it?)

Transaction #9

Original Cost $48.30

Non-Coupon Savings (15.15)

Coupon Savings (26.50)

___________________

Total Spent $6.38 + I received a $3.50 Catalina off my next order

Transaction #10

Original Cost $14.52

Non-Coupon Savings (4.44)

Coupon Savings (9.50) (includes that $3.50)

___________________

Total spent $.58

Meijer Trip #8

2009-02-17T23:26:00.001-05:00

Original Cost $82.49

Non-Coupon Savings (32.09)

Coupon Savings (22.70)

____________________

Total Spent 27.70

Excuse my kid she gets a kick out of being on the web.

Kroger Trip #9

2009-02-14T23:12:00.001-05:00

Total Spent $18.85

Savings From buying on sale and Datona Sale Savings $10.94

Savings from Coupons $8.51

Total Savings $27.96

Check out this yahoo video about Fellow Coupon Bloggers

2009-02-14T09:54:00.002-05:00

Great How To Tips Here
http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/12016411/abc/20090212/av_abc_gma/_goodmorningyahoo_abc090212_gma_leamy

Meijer Granola Bar Deal 2/12-2/19

2009-02-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

Here is an excellent blog with coupon links and a ton more info about the great Catalina at Meijer this week.
Keep in mind our Meijers only double up to $.50 but are usually friendly about using multiple coupons.
Coupon Coach: Nature Valley Granola Bar Deal. .02 a Box at Meijer!!!(Updated!)

Kroger Daytona Sale Continues 2/12-2/18 Cheap Dial Hand Soap and Diapers

2009-02-12T17:27:00.002-05:00

The Daytona Sale continues this week. Too bad the Gatorade price has increased. Otherwise the sale appears to be the same and than the blueberries and $.99 eggs Kroger is looking a bit uneventful this week.

Dial liquid Hand Soap is .88 minus the .35 coupon doubled makes these .30 each!

Kroger Comforts diapers are $6.49 this week. You can print a $3 off coupon on the kroger website. I've never tried these but the price is right. These are $5.99 a pack in Cinncinnati so you may want to wait till next week and see if we get the better sale price.

Meijer Deals 2/12-2/18 .45 Skippy, .25 Wishbone, free frosting, Nature Valley Granola Bars $.30 a box

2009-02-12T16:40:00.002-05:00

Nature Valley Granola Bars and Chex Mix Bars are sale this week for $2. There are coupons out for these making them $1 after the coupon doubles. But hold on it gets better. A Catalina is available. I have not tried it yet but other areas are reporting Buy 3 get a $1.50/Buy 4 get a $2.50/Buy 5 or more get a $3.50 coupon OYNO , expires 2/22. If you buy 5 these will be $.30 each after the Catalina is spent on your next order.

Progresso Soup is $1.25 each. With the $.50/2 coupon doubled these will be $.75 each which is a good price.

Sargento Cheese Snacks are half price and we have coupons

Pringles will be $.80 after coupon but I have heard they often get much lower than this so I plan to Wait

Warm Delights will be $.25 after coupon but usually I can get these free after coupon so I might wait. However last time they did not even go on sale and we really like these. I'm trying decide.

Chex Mix is on sale for $1 a bag making it free with the $.50 coupons doubled

Betty Crocker Frosting will be free after the $.50 coupon is doubled

Skippy Peanut Butter will be fantastically cheap. On sale for 1.25 the .4o coupon doubled makes it only .45 !!!

Superpretzels are half off. Indy never seems to get coupons for these but should you luck out and have any they should be less than .70 a box after coupon.

Wishbone dressing is on sale for 1.25. There are .60 coupons out that will double to $1 at the Cumberland store making these .25 each.

Soft soap will .29 after coupon

Vaseline intensive care rescue lotion will be .50 after the $1.50 coupon

Lysol Disinfecting Spray will be about .44 after the 1/2 off sale and $2 coupon

Check out the cheap yogurt and farm rich deals posted on Savings makes Sense complete with the printables!

How's it Going

2009-02-11T17:09:00.000-05:00

I am still struggling to get my budget down to $50 dollars a week. I did not think it would be quite this hard. The problem I seem to have is deciding when to buy the good deals and when to let them go. There are some things I may just not be able to afford on this budget.

My new tactic is to make a list before I go shopping and check my new pantry to be sure what I am buying fills an actually need. We have yet to waste anything I have bought but how much Chef Boyardee are we really going to want to eat? No matter how cheap the cans get with my coupons spaghetti and and sauce will still be a cheap options as well.

Kroger Trip #8

2009-02-11T17:05:00.001-05:00

Saved 75.67

Spent 38.45

Kroger Trip #7

2009-02-11T16:40:00.000-05:00

Spent $2.14
Saved $6.49

Marsh Trip #1

2009-02-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

Spent 19.34

Saved 20.90

Thanks to The Pantry for pointing out the deal on bread. Only $.60 a loaf! after buy one get one free and .50 coupons doubled.

CVS Deals 2/8-2/14 A Few good ones this week!

2009-02-08T00:05:00.001-05:00

Gillette Fusion Gamer razors are 7.99 this week. There is a $4 coupon in the P&G insert this week plus when you buy one you get $4 ECBs back for your next trip making this razor essentially free. These are my husbands favorite. Limit 1 per card.

Colgate Toothpaste is But one get one at $1.99. So if you buy two for $1.99 and use 2 $1 off coupons (I found these at our dentist office) or $ .75 coupons from last weeks paper they are free or .49 each.

Wheat Thins, Ritz and Triscuits are $1 and there are $2/2 coupons out making these crackers free. These are the small convenience store size.

February Freebies
These are all free after ECBs

CVS Children's Chewable Aspirin 36ct $1.99 get $1.99 ECBs Limit 1
Earinse $7.99 get 7.999 ECBs Limit 2
Extreme Energy 6 hour shot $4.99 get 4.99 ECBs Limit 1
BodiHeat Pain Relieving Heat Pad 3 ct. $3.99 get 3.99 ECBs Limit 5
Gillette Shampoo or Conditioner $4.99 get 3 ECB's use the $2/1 coupon in the P&G insert

Meijer Deals 2/5-2/11

2009-02-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

A few deals worth noting this week

Meijer brand milk is $2.39 a gallon (check out my milk sale post here first)
$.49 for Meijer brand Macaroni amd Spaghetti
Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Golden Grahams are 1.89
apples $.99lb
Dole salad mix $3 for 5 is better than Marsh's sale price
With your poptarts coupon poptarts are $1 a box this week
Silk Soymilk is $2.50 a half gallon-My toddler depends on this for most her calories and this is about as cheap as it gets. I have tons of $1/2 coupons. I wonder how it would freeze?

Meijer Ads, Sales, Specials, Discounts, Coupons, Savings and Lower Prices, Grocery, Pharmacy, Electronics, Baby, Pet, Home Fashions, Furniture, Music, Movies, Kitchen, Clothing, Jewelry, Shoes

Marsh Deals 2/5-2/11

2009-02-05T11:08:00.000-05:00

There are some good deals at Marsh this week.

1 Gallon of Marsh Milk is $2
10 lb bag of Russet is $1.98 (these are sale at Krogers for more)
Fresh Roma Tomatoes $.77 lb I am taking into account these are out of season
Sweet Potatoes $.88lb
I also potentionally good prices on whole carrots, dole salad mix, onions, chicken breast, and pork
Kellogg's Cereal is $2.25 a box and there are coupons out
Marsh Supermarkets Weekly Savings Ad

Indy Milk Sale!! Weird

2009-02-05T10:19:00.000-05:00

All three major groceries in the Indy area have their store brand milk on sale for great prices. I plan to buy a few more for the freezer. Yes, you can freeze milk it thaws great but you may need to shake it if the fat seperates out from the liquid. My family can not tell the differenc enad since we got the deep freeze it never seperates anymore. I assume the faster freezing time keeps it from seperating.

Marsh $2.00 a Gallon
Meijer $2.39 a Gallon
Kroger $1.25 a 1/2 Gallon

Guess I'll be buying a few at Marsh this week.

My Husband is Awesome! Look what he did for me!!

2009-02-04T23:01:00.001-05:00

Complete with mood lighting so we can find snacks in the dark! I have wanted a pantry forever and I just love it. Not only did he clear the shelves for me but he loaded them as well!

Meijer Trip #7

2009-02-04T22:56:00.001-05:00

Again, I am way overbudget but I know it will pay off as sales slack of in February.

Original Price $ 137.22

Coupon Savings 29.86

Sale Savings 58.28

_______________

Cost out of Pocket $34.11

I got a free kid with my cheese!

Kroger Trip #6

2009-02-04T22:50:00.000-05:00

I am way over budget but couldn't pass these up.

Starting Price $74.23

Amount Paid 28.82

Savings in Mega Sale, Regular Sale and Coupons = $45.41