The lady behind me in line at Publix asked if I were a super-couponer. Hmmm. I replied that I didn't think I was all that "super." After all, I'm no where near the extreme couponers shown on tv. I don't buy multiple buggies of food and I usually save somewhere between 20 and 50% on my groceries.
It got me to thinking about things. I remember as a young married finding it odd that my mother-in-law purchased two of everything. I had never seen that done before and I thought it was very odd. She was feeding her family including two teenage boys. Being newly married, we were on a very tight budget. I distinctly remember having $25 per week to spend on groceries. It wasn't long before we had to squeeze diapers and formula into this budget as well. We were able to meet our budget by cooking frugally and eating with relatives a lot.
Flash forward to today, a $25 budget each week would certainly not be possible. But, what would? I've spent the last three years learning how to shop, save and stockpile. Coupons used in conjunction with store sales have allowed me to build a generous stockpile. We have a hedge against price increases, unemployment or other financial difficulties. My grocery expenditures average between $80 - 100 per week. If I need to cut expenses, I can rely on what we have on hand or make minimum purchases for the week. If necessary, I could cut my grocery budget to $25 a week by using what we have on hand. Let's hope it doesn't come to that!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Supplemental Savings
I stopped back by the Publix this afternoon to pick up some more great deals. Scotties were on sale for .63 each less coupons making them only .13 each. I got six. Domino Sugar (5#) on sale for $2.99 less coupons. 3 net at 1.99, 2 at 2.39. BOGOF coupon on Bob Evans sides. 2 for only $3
My OOP as $30.50 with a savings of $25.90!
My OOP as $30.50 with a savings of $25.90!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Grocery Deals
My savings this week at Publix was 42%.
Special deals were: (prices are net of sales and coupons)
Whole Fruit Sorbet for only .50
5# Domino Sugar for 2.34
Finish for only 2.50
2 Dove Deodorants $2.49
Kebbler Cookies 3 for $2.50 total
I picked up three bags of sugar and found at least two more coupons so I will be going back to Publix on Tuesday to get more. At $2.34, this is cheaper than Walmart for their store brand. The holidays will mean more baking.
I wish I had thought to get two of the Dove Deodorant deals. Unfortunately, my BOGOF coupon expired Sunday. They have a similar deal on Degree deodorant, I will try to match up the sale items with my coupons Tuesday.
Next week looks very promising for cheap pasta and sauce (Newman's). I am currently stocking up like a bear preparing for hibernation. I'd like to go into the holidays with a minimum of six months of food available. I suspect that we will not see significant improvement in our economy in 2012 and food prices will continue to climb.
Special deals were: (prices are net of sales and coupons)
Whole Fruit Sorbet for only .50
5# Domino Sugar for 2.34
Finish for only 2.50
2 Dove Deodorants $2.49
Kebbler Cookies 3 for $2.50 total
I picked up three bags of sugar and found at least two more coupons so I will be going back to Publix on Tuesday to get more. At $2.34, this is cheaper than Walmart for their store brand. The holidays will mean more baking.
I wish I had thought to get two of the Dove Deodorant deals. Unfortunately, my BOGOF coupon expired Sunday. They have a similar deal on Degree deodorant, I will try to match up the sale items with my coupons Tuesday.
Next week looks very promising for cheap pasta and sauce (Newman's). I am currently stocking up like a bear preparing for hibernation. I'd like to go into the holidays with a minimum of six months of food available. I suspect that we will not see significant improvement in our economy in 2012 and food prices will continue to climb.
Mini Projects
I've taken on a few mini projects over the past few days.
1. All the videos have been organized.
2. A box of cds waits a few spare minutes.
3. The junk drawer was cleaned out.*
4. Tablecloth soaking to remove pollen stains.
5. Sewing table waiting for organization and new projects.
* I am so very fortunate that DS rebuilt our deteriorating drawer. It had been patched by the former owners and after eight additional years of use, it was just about to fall apart. The quality of the new drawer box is much nicer than the original drawer. Here's a pic of the new drawer: (Thanks, DS!)
1. All the videos have been organized.
2. A box of cds waits a few spare minutes.
3. The junk drawer was cleaned out.*
4. Tablecloth soaking to remove pollen stains.
5. Sewing table waiting for organization and new projects.
* I am so very fortunate that DS rebuilt our deteriorating drawer. It had been patched by the former owners and after eight additional years of use, it was just about to fall apart. The quality of the new drawer box is much nicer than the original drawer. Here's a pic of the new drawer: (Thanks, DS!)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Menu Monday - ahead of time.
Saturday - Publix chicken fingers, mashed potatoes*
Sunday - BBQ/Grilled Chicken, homemade baked mac and cheese
Monday - Stuffed Potatoes (Broccoli, Cheese, Bacon)
Tuesday - Salad with grilled chicken
Wednesday - Spaghetti with Italian Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Thursday - BBQ Sandwiches
Friday - TBD/Dinner Out
* we had O'Charley's Honey Mustard and it was just like being there.
Sunday - BBQ/Grilled Chicken, homemade baked mac and cheese
Monday - Stuffed Potatoes (Broccoli, Cheese, Bacon)
Tuesday - Salad with grilled chicken
Wednesday - Spaghetti with Italian Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Thursday - BBQ Sandwiches
Friday - TBD/Dinner Out
* we had O'Charley's Honey Mustard and it was just like being there.
Clothing Deals....
I came across a great deal last week at Kohl's. I had a $10 Kohl's cash and a coupon for $10 off $30. I was able to get a Men's two piece shirt set and two packages of women's dress socks for only $15 after the discounts. My receipt reflects a savings of $52.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Tuesday Tip
Did you know that shredded cheese (that will later be melted) freezes beautifully? If you find yourself with a little cheese leftover, just toss it in the freezer for that next pizza or lasagna. I also use little bits and pieces of frozen shredded cheese to make my homemade baked macaroni and cheese extra cheesy.
I've heard that block cheese does not freeze well but some folks have good luck. I guess it depends on your personal tastes and what you plan to use it for.
I've heard that block cheese does not freeze well but some folks have good luck. I guess it depends on your personal tastes and what you plan to use it for.
Menu Monday
Saturday - Salad with Turkey and Mandarin Oranges
Sunday - Beef Stew, Caprese Salad
Monday - leftover Beef Stew, Sliced Cucumber Salad
Tuesday - Garden Salad
Wednesday - Tacos and Spanish Rice
Thursday - Spaghetti with Sausage
Sunday - Beef Stew, Caprese Salad
Monday - leftover Beef Stew, Sliced Cucumber Salad
Tuesday - Garden Salad
Wednesday - Tacos and Spanish Rice
Thursday - Spaghetti with Sausage
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Coupon Organization
Reports are that there is only one insert in Tomorrow's paper. I was able to get all my coupons filed this prior week. I have printed a few more and will use the "down time" to further organize, purge and file my coupons this week. It's an excellent opportunity to get your "coupon house" in order.
Shopping for Bargains Saturday
My day started at a huge kids consignment sale at 9am sharp. DD and I were in line somewhere behind DDIL but we never saw her. (That's how big this sale is!) I was able to find several fall outfits for the little boys (2T and 3T) but nothing suited me for the little girls (size 5). The sale was wall-to-wall people. I spent $28 for all the clothing plus a kids potty seat attachment.
After lunch, I headed to the grocery store. My OOP was $75 and I saved $46. That's about average for my weekly shopping including deals and regular items. The best deals this week was a bag of Seattle's Best Coffee - regular price of $7.99 on sale for $4 less a coupon for $1.50. I also picked up two boxes of Piccolini pasta for .06 and .07 each! It was not marked as included in the BOGOF Barilla sale but it was not excluded so I took a chance. Yea! These will be cute as the pasta in soup or chili this winter. Another good deal was the 45 oz Country Crock spread on sale for $2.99 less a $1 in store (or online) Publix coupon and a .40 MQ doubled. Net price was $1.19 each. One went into the freezer and one to the fridge for more immediate use.
I found a couple of unexpected deals. Carolina Pride smoked sausage was on sale for $1.79 (half price) and I had a .50 coupon which was doubled. Nearly a pound of beef smoked sausage for only .79! Carolina Pride bacon was also on sale for $3. (On a side note, have you noticed how expensive bacon is?) I had .50 coupons for this as well, so nearly a pound of bacon for just $2 each. (Of course, I got two!)
I also stocked up on some Hunts tomato products, Ziploc bags and Del Monte canned vegetables. To finish up my order, I picked up one spray bottle of Resolve spot remover for only .50 after sale price and coupon. I used a few Publix coupons from the baby club as well.
After lunch, I headed to the grocery store. My OOP was $75 and I saved $46. That's about average for my weekly shopping including deals and regular items. The best deals this week was a bag of Seattle's Best Coffee - regular price of $7.99 on sale for $4 less a coupon for $1.50. I also picked up two boxes of Piccolini pasta for .06 and .07 each! It was not marked as included in the BOGOF Barilla sale but it was not excluded so I took a chance. Yea! These will be cute as the pasta in soup or chili this winter. Another good deal was the 45 oz Country Crock spread on sale for $2.99 less a $1 in store (or online) Publix coupon and a .40 MQ doubled. Net price was $1.19 each. One went into the freezer and one to the fridge for more immediate use.
I found a couple of unexpected deals. Carolina Pride smoked sausage was on sale for $1.79 (half price) and I had a .50 coupon which was doubled. Nearly a pound of beef smoked sausage for only .79! Carolina Pride bacon was also on sale for $3. (On a side note, have you noticed how expensive bacon is?) I had .50 coupons for this as well, so nearly a pound of bacon for just $2 each. (Of course, I got two!)
I also stocked up on some Hunts tomato products, Ziploc bags and Del Monte canned vegetables. To finish up my order, I picked up one spray bottle of Resolve spot remover for only .50 after sale price and coupon. I used a few Publix coupons from the baby club as well.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Facts and Figures
I just added a bunch of receipts into my tracking spreadsheet and have some up-to-date figures on grocery expenditures.
Retail value of groceries $4,082.
OOP $2,898.
Savings $1,184.
or...... 29%
I may have missed a few things here and there, especially the grocery items from Walmart. Of course, they don't document the savings on their receipts. Even if I were to add up the coupons, it would be like comparing apples (Walmart) to oranges (Publix). Walmart starts at a lower price but the sales aren't as good and they don't double coupons. Publix starts high but has great sales and double coupons.
If you're just starting with couponing, I highly recommend you track prices. For me, I have a pretty good idea what things cost - especially the items we buy all the time. A price book will be invaluable if you are shopping more than two stores. (I saw a woman shopping with an ipad the other day.)
Retail value of groceries $4,082.
OOP $2,898.
Savings $1,184.
or...... 29%
I may have missed a few things here and there, especially the grocery items from Walmart. Of course, they don't document the savings on their receipts. Even if I were to add up the coupons, it would be like comparing apples (Walmart) to oranges (Publix). Walmart starts at a lower price but the sales aren't as good and they don't double coupons. Publix starts high but has great sales and double coupons.
If you're just starting with couponing, I highly recommend you track prices. For me, I have a pretty good idea what things cost - especially the items we buy all the time. A price book will be invaluable if you are shopping more than two stores. (I saw a woman shopping with an ipad the other day.)
Catching up....
It's Wednesday and I haven't posted about my groceries or what we're eating..... I'm bad. OK, here goes.
As for the groceries, my OOP was $115 which included a $50 gas card. My savings were just over $40 which did not include the $10 coupon against the gas card. A few good deals: the collector tin with the Finish tablets included a .50 coupon. I got two packages of pasta for free and two items (ketchup) for only .38.
The weekly menu was a celebration of summer as follows:
Saturday - BLTs
Sunday - Hamburgers
Monday - Grilled (BBQ) chicken
Tuesday - Salad
Wednesday - BBQ Sandwiches, Corn on the Cob
Thursday - Veggie Dinner
As for the groceries, my OOP was $115 which included a $50 gas card. My savings were just over $40 which did not include the $10 coupon against the gas card. A few good deals: the collector tin with the Finish tablets included a .50 coupon. I got two packages of pasta for free and two items (ketchup) for only .38.
The weekly menu was a celebration of summer as follows:
Saturday - BLTs
Sunday - Hamburgers
Monday - Grilled (BBQ) chicken
Tuesday - Salad
Wednesday - BBQ Sandwiches, Corn on the Cob
Thursday - Veggie Dinner
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Garden Review
I've been a bit disappointed with my garden this year.
Tomatoes: My tomatoes have produced four medium sized tomatoes, two of which were spoiled before I could harvest. I notice that I have a blush of new tomatoes forming and hope that there will be a second harvest soon.
Cucumbers: A few of my cucumber plants died early on. I replaced them with a few new ones and had high hopes for a bumper crop. I've harvested only two thus far and there are more still to come but it's taking more time than I expected.
Jalapenos: I years past, I've had many, many peppers. I've been planting these in the same pots at the tomatoes but decided this year to grow the peppers separately. The plants we slow to flower and I have had very few peppers to harvest. I did plant one other hot pepper and it has been fruitful however, the pepper is so hot we cannot eat it.
Basil: The only bright spot is my basil plant. The first plant did about what all the others had done - grow a little and then peter out. I planted a second plant in a larger planter and it is growing gangbusters. I think I have enough to make some pesto!
Next year, I'll get my plants in earlier and go back to the paired plantings of tomatoes and peppers.
Tomatoes: My tomatoes have produced four medium sized tomatoes, two of which were spoiled before I could harvest. I notice that I have a blush of new tomatoes forming and hope that there will be a second harvest soon.
Cucumbers: A few of my cucumber plants died early on. I replaced them with a few new ones and had high hopes for a bumper crop. I've harvested only two thus far and there are more still to come but it's taking more time than I expected.
Jalapenos: I years past, I've had many, many peppers. I've been planting these in the same pots at the tomatoes but decided this year to grow the peppers separately. The plants we slow to flower and I have had very few peppers to harvest. I did plant one other hot pepper and it has been fruitful however, the pepper is so hot we cannot eat it.
Basil: The only bright spot is my basil plant. The first plant did about what all the others had done - grow a little and then peter out. I planted a second plant in a larger planter and it is growing gangbusters. I think I have enough to make some pesto!
Next year, I'll get my plants in earlier and go back to the paired plantings of tomatoes and peppers.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday Tips
I have two handy tips for using common household utensils.
A sturdy straw, or even the cover to your meat thermometer makes an excellent cherry pitter. Be sure to push the cherry remains out of the utensil when finished.
Lumpy grits can be remedied using a whisk to break up the lumps. Add just a little water and continue cooking as usual.
A sturdy straw, or even the cover to your meat thermometer makes an excellent cherry pitter. Be sure to push the cherry remains out of the utensil when finished.
Lumpy grits can be remedied using a whisk to break up the lumps. Add just a little water and continue cooking as usual.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Menu Monday
Saturday - Taco Salad with Margaritas
Sunday - Cranberry Pork Roast (crockpot)
Monday - BBQ/Grilled Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Tuesday - Salad
Wednesday - Smoked Sausage and Red Rice
Thursday - Veggie Dinner
Sunday - Cranberry Pork Roast (crockpot)
Monday - BBQ/Grilled Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Tuesday - Salad
Wednesday - Smoked Sausage and Red Rice
Thursday - Veggie Dinner
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Little Jobs Completed
We tackled a few little jobs around the house today. While DH mowed the grass (not his usual outdoor job), I pressure washed one half of the front porch in preparation for primer and new paint. Just the pressure washing makes the existing balusters brighter and cleaner. I was hoping that the pressure washing would eliminate the need for primer but I now believe that the primer is still needed to get the paint to "stick." There were a couple of areas that I previously painted that came right off when I washed them.
Our second project was installing some decorative medallions around the new light we put in the front porch. They needed to have the opening enlarged so DH used his Dremel's cutting wheels to do this. We'll have those installed by the end of the day.
DH also worked on a project for me. He took some scrap wood we picked up from Lowes (literally out the trash barrel) and constructed a simple platform just large enough for two cases of bottled water to sit side-by-side. Now, all the bottled water has been efficiently stacked and protected against sitting on the concrete floor.
Thanks to DH for getting these little projects wrapped up today.
Our second project was installing some decorative medallions around the new light we put in the front porch. They needed to have the opening enlarged so DH used his Dremel's cutting wheels to do this. We'll have those installed by the end of the day.
DH also worked on a project for me. He took some scrap wood we picked up from Lowes (literally out the trash barrel) and constructed a simple platform just large enough for two cases of bottled water to sit side-by-side. Now, all the bottled water has been efficiently stacked and protected against sitting on the concrete floor.
Thanks to DH for getting these little projects wrapped up today.
Sunday Dinner (Updated)
We're trying something new for dinner Sunday night. I'm going to cook this Crockpot Pork Roast (link). I found a pork roast in the freezer and true to my plan to utilize freezer and pantry items, this will work. I hope everyone likes it. After much consideration, I've decided to serve it with Stovetop stuffing - nothing else seemed quite right.
I'll report back as to it's failure or success. (I should note that we have both a Dominos and Little Caesar Pizza shop within a block of our house for those last minute runs.)
(Update: This got two and one half stars out of four. DD didn't care for it but she's not a pork fan. DH and DSIL both liked it. I like it but it's not a favorite - hence the half star. It's a simple recipe with just a few ingredients. I'm curious how it would be with a turkey breast? Hmmm. Maybe I'll try that next.)
I'll report back as to it's failure or success. (I should note that we have both a Dominos and Little Caesar Pizza shop within a block of our house for those last minute runs.)
(Update: This got two and one half stars out of four. DD didn't care for it but she's not a pork fan. DH and DSIL both liked it. I like it but it's not a favorite - hence the half star. It's a simple recipe with just a few ingredients. I'm curious how it would be with a turkey breast? Hmmm. Maybe I'll try that next.)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Shopping Lowdown
I was able to save 50% on my groceries today thanks to some sweet coupons (see previous post) and the neat $5 off $30 Publix deal.
I mostly purchased the sale deals and had several coupons to apply against them. In addition to some lettuce, tomatoes, loaf of bread, cheese, taco sauce, and chips, my deals were as follows:
Classico Pasta Sauce - bogof at $2 each less a $1 coupon off two
Ronzoni Pasta - two boxes on bogof
Crisco Olive Oil - on bogof plus a $1 off coupon
Two Wishbone Dressings - on bogof and two coupons
G2 pens - bogof
Two tostada bowls - absolutely free!
I also did two of the buy theirs, get ours free: I used a .30 Q-Tips coupons to buy the brand name and got the Publix brand free. I also bought the Dove soap and got Publix Moisturing Bar for free.
Fortunately, not needing any meat this week (utilizing freezer and pantry items this week)really made a difference in the total price. I was able to focus on a few things I needed to fill the gaps and pick up the deals. My OOP was $59 as was my savings.
I mostly purchased the sale deals and had several coupons to apply against them. In addition to some lettuce, tomatoes, loaf of bread, cheese, taco sauce, and chips, my deals were as follows:
Classico Pasta Sauce - bogof at $2 each less a $1 coupon off two
Ronzoni Pasta - two boxes on bogof
Crisco Olive Oil - on bogof plus a $1 off coupon
Two Wishbone Dressings - on bogof and two coupons
G2 pens - bogof
Two tostada bowls - absolutely free!
I also did two of the buy theirs, get ours free: I used a .30 Q-Tips coupons to buy the brand name and got the Publix brand free. I also bought the Dove soap and got Publix Moisturing Bar for free.
Fortunately, not needing any meat this week (utilizing freezer and pantry items this week)really made a difference in the total price. I was able to focus on a few things I needed to fill the gaps and pick up the deals. My OOP was $59 as was my savings.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Why it pays to give companies feedback on their products....
Several weeks ago I purchased some taco salad bowls from Walmart. They were four dollars and change for a package of four - which I considered to be expensive. When I opened them up, every single bowl was broken despite the elaborate packaging.
There was a coupon inside to receive a rebate of a $1 in the form of a coupon on your next purchase. I filled out the form and mailed it, along with the proof of purchase and a letter to the company. I expressed my disappointment with the product.
In today's mail, I received a letter from the company along with TWO coupons for free product and four coupons for .50 off. Wow, that's customer service. I'll probably use the free coupons at Publix (they charge $7 for the box) to see if the bowls are broken. I guess it goes without saying that the .50 coupons will be used at Walmart because I just can't justify spending $7 at Publix for a $4 product at Walmart.
I'll certainly give them another chance but I still believe that $4 is too much to pay for 4 taco salad bowls.
There was a coupon inside to receive a rebate of a $1 in the form of a coupon on your next purchase. I filled out the form and mailed it, along with the proof of purchase and a letter to the company. I expressed my disappointment with the product.
In today's mail, I received a letter from the company along with TWO coupons for free product and four coupons for .50 off. Wow, that's customer service. I'll probably use the free coupons at Publix (they charge $7 for the box) to see if the bowls are broken. I guess it goes without saying that the .50 coupons will be used at Walmart because I just can't justify spending $7 at Publix for a $4 product at Walmart.
I'll certainly give them another chance but I still believe that $4 is too much to pay for 4 taco salad bowls.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Grocery Deals.....
I picked up a few odds and ends at Aldi's Friday afternoon including two 24 packs of spring water. My total was about $17. I was still disappointed not finding any crispy fried onions. Friday evening we made our weekly trek to Walmart. I took the opportunity to pick up some items we wanted to stock up on: yeast, bread flour, baked beans, and more water. If you need something now, Walmart is the place to buy. The prices much better than regular (non sale) prices at Publix or Kroger.
Saturday was busy but I did manage to stop by Kroger to pick up (only) two packages of Chicken Breasts under the $1.99 per pound sale. I was going to use chicken from the freezer but time was running short so I opted to take the easy route.
I didn't get to Publix until Sunday. I was able to clip the Ragu coupon from Sunday's paper before I headed over. Pop Tarts were the best deal. I purchased three for about .35 each after the buy one free price and both a manufacturer's coupon AND a target coupon. I also picked up four Velveeta Shells and Cheese (BOGOF), two Rice Krispies (sale), four Ragu (BOGOF plus coupons) and six Mueller's pastas (BOGOF). Together with these deals, I also got shampoo and conditioner, coffee, fresh cherries, lettuce, broccoli and cheese. My OOP was just over $60 with tax and my savings was $59.
We are eating (mostly) out of the freezer and pantry this week: (This may be a full month adventure. My freezer is so full right now I can't get anything else in it. Even if they were giving something away, I could not bring it home!)
Sunday - Crispy Onion Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Monday - BBQ Sandwich with baked beans and corn
Tuesday - Spaghetti and Italian Sausage
Wednesday - Chicken Fingers and Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli
Thursday - Garden Salad
Friday - TBD (maybe a homemade pizza)
Saturday was busy but I did manage to stop by Kroger to pick up (only) two packages of Chicken Breasts under the $1.99 per pound sale. I was going to use chicken from the freezer but time was running short so I opted to take the easy route.
I didn't get to Publix until Sunday. I was able to clip the Ragu coupon from Sunday's paper before I headed over. Pop Tarts were the best deal. I purchased three for about .35 each after the buy one free price and both a manufacturer's coupon AND a target coupon. I also picked up four Velveeta Shells and Cheese (BOGOF), two Rice Krispies (sale), four Ragu (BOGOF plus coupons) and six Mueller's pastas (BOGOF). Together with these deals, I also got shampoo and conditioner, coffee, fresh cherries, lettuce, broccoli and cheese. My OOP was just over $60 with tax and my savings was $59.
We are eating (mostly) out of the freezer and pantry this week: (This may be a full month adventure. My freezer is so full right now I can't get anything else in it. Even if they were giving something away, I could not bring it home!)
Sunday - Crispy Onion Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Monday - BBQ Sandwich with baked beans and corn
Tuesday - Spaghetti and Italian Sausage
Wednesday - Chicken Fingers and Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli
Thursday - Garden Salad
Friday - TBD (maybe a homemade pizza)
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