I've just posted my totals for November. I think I have a couple of additional receipts which I will hunt down in the next day or so. I want to review the month quickly and look at what is to come in December.
Rebates and Prizes: This is definitely the winner for the month. I cashed in on the Frova Rebate and got three checks for $35 each. (I need to fill this once more before the end of the year.) I also earned $96 by carpooling from the Clean Air Campaign. In addition to these two items, I won a couple of gift cards and transferred some prescriptions to total $319 in rebates and prizes for November. I don't expect the same for December.
On going savings: My total savings for November was $391.75 with a total for the year of $2,264.27. This is pretty good since I only started this process in late July. This total does not include savings DD scored from JC Penney last weekend or other savings from DH. I would expect to have a similar savings amount for December.
Stockpile: My stockpile is in pretty good shape. Some areas could use some reinforcements but I will steadily work on this through the coming months. I have prepared for Holiday baking by pre-buying many necessary items already in my stockpile. I still have several of the GCs from the local pharmacies.
Take care and keep clipping those coupons.
UPDATE: I have corrected my saved totals. There was a formula error on my spreadsheet.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
More Free Money!
The mailman brought more good news today. A check for $96.
I started carpooling back in August (gas was expensive then) as a way to cut my expenses and lessen the wear and tear on me and the car. It was quite easy since my carpool partner and I work at the same place and live in the same neighborhood. We carpooled 2-3 times a week (a total of $32 days for the 90 period eligible for reimbursement). We continue to carpool two times a week. That gives each of us one day a week free from driving.
Now that my 90 day period is up, I can no longer collect $3 a day BUT as long as I continue to carpool and log my commute, I am eligible to win a $25 gift card each month through a random drawing - I've already won one!
Now that gas is back down to less than $2 a gallon, carpooling doesn't have the same financial reward as it used to but as long as it's working for us, I will continue.
I started carpooling back in August (gas was expensive then) as a way to cut my expenses and lessen the wear and tear on me and the car. It was quite easy since my carpool partner and I work at the same place and live in the same neighborhood. We carpooled 2-3 times a week (a total of $32 days for the 90 period eligible for reimbursement). We continue to carpool two times a week. That gives each of us one day a week free from driving.
Now that my 90 day period is up, I can no longer collect $3 a day BUT as long as I continue to carpool and log my commute, I am eligible to win a $25 gift card each month through a random drawing - I've already won one!
Now that gas is back down to less than $2 a gallon, carpooling doesn't have the same financial reward as it used to but as long as it's working for us, I will continue.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Free Money!
I mentioned previously that if you take prescription drugs, there are sometimes opportunities to get coupons or rebates on those drugs. Sometimes, it's a free sample or a rebate on your first purchase but sometimes, you hit the mother lode.
I sent away for the Frova rebate at the beginning of November. (Frova is currently offering a $35 rebate per prescription refill for their drug, up to 6 per patient before 12/31/08.) I frequently take this and had receipts for three refills already. I mailed off the three and in today's mail I had three checks for $35 each. Woo Hoo! My cost associated with this $105 was the price of copies (for my records) and three stamps. I may have been able to mail these all together but since I was sending original receipts, I sent them separately.
I still qualify for three more but logistically, I can probably only refill the prescription once - maybe twice - before the end of the rebate period. Keep a lookout for rebates and coupons on the drugs that you use. They're out there!
I sent away for the Frova rebate at the beginning of November. (Frova is currently offering a $35 rebate per prescription refill for their drug, up to 6 per patient before 12/31/08.) I frequently take this and had receipts for three refills already. I mailed off the three and in today's mail I had three checks for $35 each. Woo Hoo! My cost associated with this $105 was the price of copies (for my records) and three stamps. I may have been able to mail these all together but since I was sending original receipts, I sent them separately.
I still qualify for three more but logistically, I can probably only refill the prescription once - maybe twice - before the end of the rebate period. Keep a lookout for rebates and coupons on the drugs that you use. They're out there!
Turning a piece of paper into $30. Learn How.
JC Penney was running a sale/coupon special this past weekend. They had printed ads at each door for $10 off a $50 purchase but the better deal came by way of a google search. I googled (wow, that looks weird) jcpenney coupons and found a $10 off $25 purchase.
DD and I went shopping Saturday and made three separate purchases saving $30 in total plus whatever amounts the items were already marked down. Each transaction was just at that $25 mark. Not a bad deal, spend $75, save $30.
DD and I went shopping Saturday and made three separate purchases saving $30 in total plus whatever amounts the items were already marked down. Each transaction was just at that $25 mark. Not a bad deal, spend $75, save $30.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Menu Planning Monday
Sunday - Homemade Chili with chips
Monday - (I have no idea.)
Tuesday - Chili topped Baked Potatoes
Wednesday - Eating out
Thursday - Turkey and Dressing
Friday - Eating out
This is a odd week for menu planning. Trying to fit in the perishable items, keep us fed for lunches and facilitate a holiday meal. There will obviously be some additional expenditures for eating out this week but that was expected. We will be able to more than make up for this in the coming weeks given the stockpile we have on hand.
I have been successful in stocking up on staples and a couple of meat items. I initially thought that I would stop stockpiling for the month of December but I have reconsidered and decided that stockpiling will continue until the first of the year. I will simply focus on holiday foods as well as regular shopping items. My only restriction is that my freezer is completely full and I would like to add a stand-alone, upright freezer in the spring or maybe, summer.
Monday - (I have no idea.)
Tuesday - Chili topped Baked Potatoes
Wednesday - Eating out
Thursday - Turkey and Dressing
Friday - Eating out
This is a odd week for menu planning. Trying to fit in the perishable items, keep us fed for lunches and facilitate a holiday meal. There will obviously be some additional expenditures for eating out this week but that was expected. We will be able to more than make up for this in the coming weeks given the stockpile we have on hand.
I have been successful in stocking up on staples and a couple of meat items. I initially thought that I would stop stockpiling for the month of December but I have reconsidered and decided that stockpiling will continue until the first of the year. I will simply focus on holiday foods as well as regular shopping items. My only restriction is that my freezer is completely full and I would like to add a stand-alone, upright freezer in the spring or maybe, summer.
Target
Target mailed me a $5 off $50 grocery purchase. I really didn't intend to take them up on their offer but I looked around and found some good deals. First, they had a Jenny-O turkey tenderloin that was marked at $5.99 off the regular price of $8.99. One pound packages of long grain rice was .97 each. (I bought four.) I also picked up some other items for the week - chicken, eggs, bread, canned vegetables, crescent rolls, etc.
I didn't get any real bargain but I did learn that the prices on some items at the Target Superstore are lower than the regular prices at Publix. This disappoints me because I would expect that Publix would have competitive prices. I think that my favorite grocery store is really just a deal, when it's a deal.
I didn't get any real bargain but I did learn that the prices on some items at the Target Superstore are lower than the regular prices at Publix. This disappoints me because I would expect that Publix would have competitive prices. I think that my favorite grocery store is really just a deal, when it's a deal.
Friday, November 21, 2008
First Run at Publix
I stopped by Publix this evening on the way home. (It's much easier to concentrate on what you're doing when the store is not packed.)
Deals I took advantage of: Betty Crocker Potatoes (7), Uncle Ben's Rice (4), Dom. Sugar (3) Betty Crocker Muffins (1), Wheat Thins (2), OM Bacon (1), Jimmy Dean Sausage (2), Hash Browns (2), Butter (1), Crisco Oil (1), Dixie Paper Plates (2), Muir Glen Tomatoes (2), and my Savorings Rain Check. Non-Deals: Milk (2), Sour Cream, Yeast, Broth, Green Beans, etc.
Down and Dirty: $32.04 OOP, Savings $59.95 ..... 65.17% Really!
Deals I took advantage of: Betty Crocker Potatoes (7), Uncle Ben's Rice (4), Dom. Sugar (3) Betty Crocker Muffins (1), Wheat Thins (2), OM Bacon (1), Jimmy Dean Sausage (2), Hash Browns (2), Butter (1), Crisco Oil (1), Dixie Paper Plates (2), Muir Glen Tomatoes (2), and my Savorings Rain Check. Non-Deals: Milk (2), Sour Cream, Yeast, Broth, Green Beans, etc.
Down and Dirty: $32.04 OOP, Savings $59.95 ..... 65.17% Really!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Early grocery planning.
I was just taking a look at the sneak peek for the new Publix ad which begins tomorrow and there are some good deals - as usual. If you're interested in any of these items, get your coupons ready:
Uncle Ben's Wild Rice
Betty Crocker Potatoes
Betty Crocker Muffin Mix
Wish Bone Dressing
It's Not Butter Spread
Lipton Tea Bags
Del Monte Vegetables
Duncan Hines Cake Mix
Sun Maid Raisins
Swiss Miss Cocoa
Wheat Thins
Chex Mix
Dixie Plates
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce
and
Oscar Mayer Bacon!
I've pulled my coupons and will try to get to the store early this weekend. As more and more folks start following what's on sale and who has coupons, the deals tend to run out earlier. At least one item a week is out of stock by Saturday afternoon and if you wait until Sunday, oh my! The good thing is that Publix will issue you a rain check that has no expiration date. I'm still holding rain checks for Voila! meals, Premium Minis, and Savorings.
On a good note, I was able to fill up my car today for less than $26. A full tank at only $1.82 per gallon. That's a bargain (half price) compared to prices last month. Carpooling has certainly helped to curb commute expenses but we recently lost our third rider. Her work and personal responsibilities were not a good match to our commuting needs so she has stopped carpooling with us through the end of the year. Now, I'm back to driving four days a week. It still helps.
Uncle Ben's Wild Rice
Betty Crocker Potatoes
Betty Crocker Muffin Mix
Wish Bone Dressing
It's Not Butter Spread
Lipton Tea Bags
Del Monte Vegetables
Duncan Hines Cake Mix
Sun Maid Raisins
Swiss Miss Cocoa
Wheat Thins
Chex Mix
Dixie Plates
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce
and
Oscar Mayer Bacon!
I've pulled my coupons and will try to get to the store early this weekend. As more and more folks start following what's on sale and who has coupons, the deals tend to run out earlier. At least one item a week is out of stock by Saturday afternoon and if you wait until Sunday, oh my! The good thing is that Publix will issue you a rain check that has no expiration date. I'm still holding rain checks for Voila! meals, Premium Minis, and Savorings.
On a good note, I was able to fill up my car today for less than $26. A full tank at only $1.82 per gallon. That's a bargain (half price) compared to prices last month. Carpooling has certainly helped to curb commute expenses but we recently lost our third rider. Her work and personal responsibilities were not a good match to our commuting needs so she has stopped carpooling with us through the end of the year. Now, I'm back to driving four days a week. It still helps.
Monday, November 17, 2008
HELLO.....HELLo....HELlo.....HEllo....Hello...hello
Is anybody out there? (Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself!)
Details on Saturday's Publix Trip
Just as an update to the second trip to Publix Saturday. My OOP was $42.71 which included meat for two meals and lunch time sandwiches AND $9.99 in chicken tenders from the deli. (This was a little pricey BUT it was as close as we've come to a restaurant since Friday, November 7th. WOW!) Additionally, we purchased some buy one get one free items, another free frosting, and two packages of ready-to-bake cookies. My savings of $21.77 included two (that's right, TWO) $5 off $20 Walgreens coupons and $7 in additional coupon savings. Could Walgreens run these coupons every week? What about Kroger, Ingles, or Whole Foods? Come on guys!
I think my total for grocery spending was about $100 for the week. Higher than I would like, but I have to keep in mind that not only am I feeding three but also stocking supplies for holiday cooking and building a stockpile.
We did NOT go to Walmart this weekend which did help significantly. (There's always some deal at Walmart!) In calculating my amount saved to amount spent since the first of November, I'm running about 47% which includes a trip to JoAnn's and a trip to Target that included some Christmas gifts, clothing items, and household things. I'm working on a way to refine this analysis for the future but at some point, the cost benefit of all the extra work would would be negligible.
That will probably be all the bargain shopping I do this week, it's going to be busy but maybe I can catch some deals Friday evening.
I think my total for grocery spending was about $100 for the week. Higher than I would like, but I have to keep in mind that not only am I feeding three but also stocking supplies for holiday cooking and building a stockpile.
We did NOT go to Walmart this weekend which did help significantly. (There's always some deal at Walmart!) In calculating my amount saved to amount spent since the first of November, I'm running about 47% which includes a trip to JoAnn's and a trip to Target that included some Christmas gifts, clothing items, and household things. I'm working on a way to refine this analysis for the future but at some point, the cost benefit of all the extra work would would be negligible.
That will probably be all the bargain shopping I do this week, it's going to be busy but maybe I can catch some deals Friday evening.
Menu Monday
Sunday - Roasted Turkey Breast with Stovetop, Green Beans, Carrots and Cranberry Sauce
Monday - Pasta with Sausage and Peppers
Tuesday - Turkey Breast's Triumphant Return
Wednesday - Chicken and Dumplings
Thursday - Homemade Sub Sandwiches and Potato Salad
Friday - Flex Days (more on this later)
Saturday - Flex Days (more on this later)
Monday - Pasta with Sausage and Peppers
Tuesday - Turkey Breast's Triumphant Return
Wednesday - Chicken and Dumplings
Thursday - Homemade Sub Sandwiches and Potato Salad
Friday - Flex Days (more on this later)
Saturday - Flex Days (more on this later)
Cooking with Gas - and alcohol
I found this great recipe for glazed carrots that I wanted to try. They looked like a great Thanksgiving dish but it always helps to test recipes. In this case, it was a good thing.
The carrots were cooked with a glaze of Bourbon, butter and brown sugar. Mmmm. (And, let me tell you that they were fabulous.) Now, let me tell you what I learned. NEVER add alcohol to a pan with a live flame. NEVER, ever.
I know it can be done, my I almost set the kitchen on fire. First the pan had BIG yellow and red flames and then it jumped up into the range hood and caught the filter on fire. Fortunately, I quickly found a lid that covered the pan so that issue was resolved and DH came quickly with a wet towel to assist with the filter issue while I grabbed the fire extinguisher. Luckily, we didn't have to use the extinguisher and the mess cleaned up quickly.
The only damage was to the actual filter in the exhaust hood. The grill part - obviously not real metal - melted and the paper filter material inside briefly caught on fire. It must be flame retardant. I'll be shopping for a new one of those this weekend.
After the mess was cleaned up, I decided to try this again. This time, I turned the flame off before I added the alcohol. Even then, when I turned the flame back on, the alcohol in the pan still flamed up but I was quickly able to put out the flame by putting the lid on. It probably would have burned out by itself, but I wasn't willing to take the chance.
As a final note, the glazed carrots were delicious and I will probably make these for Thanksgiving. However, I will prepare these ahead of time and reheat on the big day! We don't want to set the house on fire on Thanksgiving!!!
The carrots were cooked with a glaze of Bourbon, butter and brown sugar. Mmmm. (And, let me tell you that they were fabulous.) Now, let me tell you what I learned. NEVER add alcohol to a pan with a live flame. NEVER, ever.
I know it can be done, my I almost set the kitchen on fire. First the pan had BIG yellow and red flames and then it jumped up into the range hood and caught the filter on fire. Fortunately, I quickly found a lid that covered the pan so that issue was resolved and DH came quickly with a wet towel to assist with the filter issue while I grabbed the fire extinguisher. Luckily, we didn't have to use the extinguisher and the mess cleaned up quickly.
The only damage was to the actual filter in the exhaust hood. The grill part - obviously not real metal - melted and the paper filter material inside briefly caught on fire. It must be flame retardant. I'll be shopping for a new one of those this weekend.
After the mess was cleaned up, I decided to try this again. This time, I turned the flame off before I added the alcohol. Even then, when I turned the flame back on, the alcohol in the pan still flamed up but I was quickly able to put out the flame by putting the lid on. It probably would have burned out by itself, but I wasn't willing to take the chance.
As a final note, the glazed carrots were delicious and I will probably make these for Thanksgiving. However, I will prepare these ahead of time and reheat on the big day! We don't want to set the house on fire on Thanksgiving!!!
Saturday shopping Observations
I went to Walgreens to use the $5 off $20 coupon but I could not find a majority of the items I need to come up with $20. I picked up two deodorants we needed with a coupon from Sunday's paper and paid for it with a gift card. OOP $0.
I took my two remaining Walgreens coupons over to Publix to pick up what I did not get Friday evening. My total was $52 after manufacturer's coupons and special pricing. The cashier looked perplexed when the coupons would not work in the machine. He called a manager over who said that she did not think they took the WAGs coupons since they weren't a "direct competitor." (I'm thinking, here we go again.) She took them away and surprisingly came back with approval to use BOTH of them against my order. This made my total OOP $42! Way to go Walgreens! Funny thing is that I used three WAGS coupons this weekend ($15) and didn't use the first one at Walgreens.
On a side note, I can tell that the pricing at Publix has really begun to creep up. As an example, the Johnsonville Italian sausage that we really like jumped from $4.xx last week to $5.xx this week. I have some sweet coupons but just can't justify the price. (I found these same sausages at the Target Superstore for $4.64 less the coupon.) It really pays to watch your prices and buy only on sale. While it may be a little inconvenient to shop at two or three stores, it can really save you money if you buy larger quantities of items that either have long shelf life or can be frozen. These sausages freeze beautifully. I may have to go back to Target for more before my coupons expire.
I took my two remaining Walgreens coupons over to Publix to pick up what I did not get Friday evening. My total was $52 after manufacturer's coupons and special pricing. The cashier looked perplexed when the coupons would not work in the machine. He called a manager over who said that she did not think they took the WAGs coupons since they weren't a "direct competitor." (I'm thinking, here we go again.) She took them away and surprisingly came back with approval to use BOTH of them against my order. This made my total OOP $42! Way to go Walgreens! Funny thing is that I used three WAGS coupons this weekend ($15) and didn't use the first one at Walgreens.
On a side note, I can tell that the pricing at Publix has really begun to creep up. As an example, the Johnsonville Italian sausage that we really like jumped from $4.xx last week to $5.xx this week. I have some sweet coupons but just can't justify the price. (I found these same sausages at the Target Superstore for $4.64 less the coupon.) It really pays to watch your prices and buy only on sale. While it may be a little inconvenient to shop at two or three stores, it can really save you money if you buy larger quantities of items that either have long shelf life or can be frozen. These sausages freeze beautifully. I may have to go back to Target for more before my coupons expire.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Woo Hoo!
In case you don't know, Walgreens has a $5 off $20 purchase coupon out for today and tomorrow only. Well, my Publix took this coupon tonight. (YMMV-your mileage may vary)
I got some really good deals. My oop was $56.16 which included a $15 turkey breast and several non-sale, no coupon items. My total saved was $40.68!
Of special note were the following "deals" - Betty Crocker frosting (2) at free! Two baking soda boxes at .10 each. and six (count them - six) 12 oz bags of Toll House Morsels (different kinds) for a grand total of $3.50. That was a bargain. It was the third trip to the store to find them!
I was shocked to see that a 2-liter bottle of coke was $1.79. (We'll be drinking what we have or the .69 Black Cherry Soda I picked up.
Check that sale paper and match up your coupons. It's time to start stocking up for holiday baking. There are currently many coupons available for yeast, spices, extracts, sugar, etc. Publix also had the McCormick Vanilla on the buy one get one free list this week.
Now, I must plan for my trip to Walgreens and a follow-up trip to Publix tomorrow. (I still have two more $5 coupons!) Happy saving!
I got some really good deals. My oop was $56.16 which included a $15 turkey breast and several non-sale, no coupon items. My total saved was $40.68!
Of special note were the following "deals" - Betty Crocker frosting (2) at free! Two baking soda boxes at .10 each. and six (count them - six) 12 oz bags of Toll House Morsels (different kinds) for a grand total of $3.50. That was a bargain. It was the third trip to the store to find them!
I was shocked to see that a 2-liter bottle of coke was $1.79. (We'll be drinking what we have or the .69 Black Cherry Soda I picked up.
Check that sale paper and match up your coupons. It's time to start stocking up for holiday baking. There are currently many coupons available for yeast, spices, extracts, sugar, etc. Publix also had the McCormick Vanilla on the buy one get one free list this week.
Now, I must plan for my trip to Walgreens and a follow-up trip to Publix tomorrow. (I still have two more $5 coupons!) Happy saving!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Psst! Look over there......
I don't know about you but that little countdown over there is worrying me a little. Where does the time go?
If you're looking for a deal, don't forget to check out the Thursday morning markdowns at LLBean.com. Just click on sales, limited time offers. New item every Thursday morning. Sells until they're gone or the day is done. I've found two good deals this season.
If you're looking for a deal, don't forget to check out the Thursday morning markdowns at LLBean.com. Just click on sales, limited time offers. New item every Thursday morning. Sells until they're gone or the day is done. I've found two good deals this season.
Target Mini Deal
A couple of good buys at Target.
Dunkin Donuts coffee is on sale for $5.99 at Target this week. That's a good price if you've been watching the price of this stuff skyrocket from about $6 to upwards near $8.50. In addition, with the purchase of three bags, you get a $5 Target Gift Card. I also had a coupon for $2 off 2 bags, making my net $11/3 bags.
Also, I used one of those $2 Goody coupons and found some Goody items on clearance. (Stocking stuffers.)
They also still had some of the 25 count packages of Ziploc sandwich bags on clearance for .50 each. I purchased two and used a .75 coupon. Yea!
Not a bad little trip. My savings totals have been added up and I'm still saving about 50% of what I've spent for November.
I stopped by Publix also to pickup those three items they were out of Sunday only to find out that they are still out. I scored some rainchecks on those. New sale starts tomorrow. I think I need to get to the store before Sunday this week. The sales, bogof deals, and coupons are really taking off because the deals are sometimes gone by Sunday. I guess everyone is trying to save a little money where they can.
Dunkin Donuts coffee is on sale for $5.99 at Target this week. That's a good price if you've been watching the price of this stuff skyrocket from about $6 to upwards near $8.50. In addition, with the purchase of three bags, you get a $5 Target Gift Card. I also had a coupon for $2 off 2 bags, making my net $11/3 bags.
Also, I used one of those $2 Goody coupons and found some Goody items on clearance. (Stocking stuffers.)
They also still had some of the 25 count packages of Ziploc sandwich bags on clearance for .50 each. I purchased two and used a .75 coupon. Yea!
Not a bad little trip. My savings totals have been added up and I'm still saving about 50% of what I've spent for November.
I stopped by Publix also to pickup those three items they were out of Sunday only to find out that they are still out. I scored some rainchecks on those. New sale starts tomorrow. I think I need to get to the store before Sunday this week. The sales, bogof deals, and coupons are really taking off because the deals are sometimes gone by Sunday. I guess everyone is trying to save a little money where they can.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Progress against November Goals
I've been able to get one $25 prescription transfer gift card on a new rx. I should be able to get one more in before the end of the month. I've got a couple of other gift cards put away for holiday purchases but I may be relying on that ING Direct account to fill the gaps. (if necessary) (Update 11/24/08: I have two $25 GCs from Wags and CVS and a $25 Visa card from the clean air group. Have not been able to transfer more rx due to limitations on insurance plans. Should be able to transfer and refill this coming weekend.) Did NOT get a transfer at the end of November.
I've not started working on Christmas ornaments yet but I have been working on a project for Christmas (to be revealed later). These will serve as small gifts for family and friends. The set up took a little while but once started, these really began to come together. (Update 11/24/08: I have completed the Christmas ornaments and the projects mentioned above. I have also sarted a new project to be Christmas gifts for my two little ballerinas - hint, hint.) Tutus are complete.
I've started working on getting some baking supplies together. Paper goods were purchased at Walmart this past weekend and the Kroger sale helped with evaporated milk and sugar. I need to find a deal on flour and butter/margarine. Publix has vanilla on bogof this coming week according to the sneak peek I saw today. (Update 11/23/08: I have completed the butter and chocolate chip supplies for holiday baking. Flour is the only item still remaining and is on sale this week but the shelf is empty. I have vanilla.) Found flour and used a Pillsbury coupon - free.
Various rebates and refunds have been mailed off and I'm watching the mailbox for these each day. I have not found any new deals in the last few days but I'll keep looking. It is an on-going process. (Still waiting on those rebates.) All refunds and rebates are back.
I've not started working on Christmas ornaments yet but I have been working on a project for Christmas (to be revealed later). These will serve as small gifts for family and friends. The set up took a little while but once started, these really began to come together. (Update 11/24/08: I have completed the Christmas ornaments and the projects mentioned above. I have also sarted a new project to be Christmas gifts for my two little ballerinas - hint, hint.) Tutus are complete.
I've started working on getting some baking supplies together. Paper goods were purchased at Walmart this past weekend and the Kroger sale helped with evaporated milk and sugar. I need to find a deal on flour and butter/margarine. Publix has vanilla on bogof this coming week according to the sneak peek I saw today. (Update 11/23/08: I have completed the butter and chocolate chip supplies for holiday baking. Flour is the only item still remaining and is on sale this week but the shelf is empty. I have vanilla.) Found flour and used a Pillsbury coupon - free.
Various rebates and refunds have been mailed off and I'm watching the mailbox for these each day. I have not found any new deals in the last few days but I'll keep looking. It is an on-going process. (Still waiting on those rebates.) All refunds and rebates are back.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Weekend Success?
My shopping trip to Kroger was relatively successful but I had less luck at Walmart and Publix.
Walmart - I picked up mostly paper goods; toilet paper, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, baking cups and a few random food items.
Publix - Three of the buy one, get one items were gone: Savorings, Toll House Morsels and the Nabisco Premium Minis. As a result, my savings percentage was fairly low. This can be explained by my purchase of a medium sized beef roast, two packages of chicken breast (on sale), and a package of boneless pork chops. (I forgot to get my green and red peppers from Walmart so I paid full Publix prices for them.) I may make a trip to Publix Tuesday or Wednesday evening to see if I can pick up a couple of the Toll House Morsels and Premium Minis. I understand from a review that the Savorings are very small and not worth full price. I think I can pick these up for about $1 a box, so we may give them a try. (Think New Year's Eve!)
I've updated my savings totals and I'm keeping a running total of the amounts I spend to save these amounts beginning November 1st. (I'm running about 50% as of today.) I plan on doing this through December and I will set a budget for 2009 based on those two months. (Usually, food expenses for November and December are higher than most so I think this is a good starting place.)
Erin at jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com has an aggressive budget of $800 for the full year. Personally, I'd just like to trim about 25-30% off the total I spent for this year. Since I work full time and currently have two other adults in the home, the food budget has to take into consideration the others who eat here. Also included in our food budget is the fact that all three of us typically consume our lunch from our weekly food budget. DH works from home so he typically prepares his own lunch, DD is not able to leave her workplace at lunch so she almost always packs a lunch. I normally eat out once a week but pack a lunch the other four days.
Restaurant meals are typically limited to one or two a week (ideally one).
It will be an experiment and I will continuously report on how we're doing.
Walmart - I picked up mostly paper goods; toilet paper, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, baking cups and a few random food items.
Publix - Three of the buy one, get one items were gone: Savorings, Toll House Morsels and the Nabisco Premium Minis. As a result, my savings percentage was fairly low. This can be explained by my purchase of a medium sized beef roast, two packages of chicken breast (on sale), and a package of boneless pork chops. (I forgot to get my green and red peppers from Walmart so I paid full Publix prices for them.) I may make a trip to Publix Tuesday or Wednesday evening to see if I can pick up a couple of the Toll House Morsels and Premium Minis. I understand from a review that the Savorings are very small and not worth full price. I think I can pick these up for about $1 a box, so we may give them a try. (Think New Year's Eve!)
I've updated my savings totals and I'm keeping a running total of the amounts I spend to save these amounts beginning November 1st. (I'm running about 50% as of today.) I plan on doing this through December and I will set a budget for 2009 based on those two months. (Usually, food expenses for November and December are higher than most so I think this is a good starting place.)
Erin at jane4girls800dollarannualbudget.blogspot.com has an aggressive budget of $800 for the full year. Personally, I'd just like to trim about 25-30% off the total I spent for this year. Since I work full time and currently have two other adults in the home, the food budget has to take into consideration the others who eat here. Also included in our food budget is the fact that all three of us typically consume our lunch from our weekly food budget. DH works from home so he typically prepares his own lunch, DD is not able to leave her workplace at lunch so she almost always packs a lunch. I normally eat out once a week but pack a lunch the other four days.
Restaurant meals are typically limited to one or two a week (ideally one).
It will be an experiment and I will continuously report on how we're doing.
Menu Monday
Monday - Crockpot Roast with three bean salad and sliced tomatoes
Tuesday - Smoked Sausage and Savannah Red Rice
Wednesday - Encore Pot Roast
Thursday - C.O.R.N. (Veggie Dinner with any leftover side dishes)
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Mmmmm!
Tuesday - Smoked Sausage and Savannah Red Rice
Wednesday - Encore Pot Roast
Thursday - C.O.R.N. (Veggie Dinner with any leftover side dishes)
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Mmmmm!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Kroger Three Day Sale
Today is the last day for the Kroger Three Day Sale in the southeast. I made a quick trip to Kroger yesterday because Blue Bell Ice Cream was included at $2.98 per half gallon. (Mmmmm! I love that Blue Bell Light Neopolitan.)
I was also able to take advantage of the Mega Sale at Kroger - buy 10 items get $5 instantly off your order. I combined this with some double coupons, and I came away with this bounty.
picture to follow later
Two half gallons of Blue Bell Ice Cream (coupons)
Six cans of evaporated milk (think holiday baking and emergency milk supply) (coupons)
Four cans of Hunts Tomatoes (we use alot of tomatoes) (coupons)
One 5 pound Domino sugar (sale and coupon)
Two value Sugar (4 pound)
Two Cottonelle Tissue (coupons, one cent overage on each)
Three Betty Crocker Potatoes (coupons)
Two Altoid (for a project)
Total value of items was $55.14, my OOP was $15.33 with tax. Heck, the regular price of two Blue Bell Ice Creams would have been $12.58!
I was also able to take advantage of the Mega Sale at Kroger - buy 10 items get $5 instantly off your order. I combined this with some double coupons, and I came away with this bounty.
picture to follow later
Two half gallons of Blue Bell Ice Cream (coupons)
Six cans of evaporated milk (think holiday baking and emergency milk supply) (coupons)
Four cans of Hunts Tomatoes (we use alot of tomatoes) (coupons)
One 5 pound Domino sugar (sale and coupon)
Two value Sugar (4 pound)
Two Cottonelle Tissue (coupons, one cent overage on each)
Three Betty Crocker Potatoes (coupons)
Two Altoid (for a project)
Total value of items was $55.14, my OOP was $15.33 with tax. Heck, the regular price of two Blue Bell Ice Creams would have been $12.58!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
When coupons get out of hand.....
Oh My Word!
Contrary to what some people think, you can have too many coupons. Why? When you can't find something that you really need, you have too many coupons and that can cause problems for your budget.
Over the last week or so, I have amassed a great deal of new coupons. So many that I'm having some difficulty in keeping up with what I have.
My plan is simple.
Step One: Eliminate any expired coupons. (Done)
Step Two: Sort into three categories - Groceries, Paper and Cleaning, and Personal Care (Done)
Step Three: Group like coupons together and staple (I generally have 2-3 of each one)
Step Four: Pull coupons that I intend to use this week and place in store specific envelopes
Step Five: As time permits, pull coupons that I will not use for trading and sharing
Both Kroger and Publix are having good sales this week!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Frugal November Goals
Pro-actively search out opportunites to save and make money.
1. Limit lunches out to two for month of November. (Only 17 working days)
2. Transfer at least 2 prescriptions using gift card incentives (2 x $25).
3. Take advantage of rebate opportunities.
4. Seek new opportunities to save money on groceries. (Kroger deals)
5. Collect and save gift cards for holiday purchases.
Living easy.
1. Prepare list of grocery necessities for holiday baking and buy on sale.
2. Buy and prepare Christmas cards this month.
3. Gather and inventory wrapping supplies and buy as needed (or make)
4. Finish special holiday ornaments before Thanksgiving.
5. RAOK
1. Limit lunches out to two for month of November. (Only 17 working days)
2. Transfer at least 2 prescriptions using gift card incentives (2 x $25).
3. Take advantage of rebate opportunities.
4. Seek new opportunities to save money on groceries. (Kroger deals)
5. Collect and save gift cards for holiday purchases.
Living easy.
1. Prepare list of grocery necessities for holiday baking and buy on sale.
2. Buy and prepare Christmas cards this month.
3. Gather and inventory wrapping supplies and buy as needed (or make)
4. Finish special holiday ornaments before Thanksgiving.
5. RAOK
Menu Monday
I got a head start on cooking this week by preparing the Chicken Casserole on Sunday night and Making and freezing the Meatballs. This should make dinner prep quick and easy this week.
Sunday - Hamburger Steaks, Baked Potatoes and Italian Beans
Monday - Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Tuesday - Ham with Black-Eyed Peas
Wednesday - Enchilada Encore
Thursday - Spaghetti and Meatballs
Friday - Dine Out
Sunday - Hamburger Steaks, Baked Potatoes and Italian Beans
Monday - Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Tuesday - Ham with Black-Eyed Peas
Wednesday - Enchilada Encore
Thursday - Spaghetti and Meatballs
Friday - Dine Out
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)