My Shopping Trip

I was finally able to use my rain check at Smith's to get free pasta.  I got 30 boxes.  20 of those are for my sisters.  I went to Smith's and Winco.  Total I spent just under $35.

At Smith's I bought pasta, lettuce, grapes, apples, sour cream(on sale for $0.98) and BBQ Sauce, and bread marked down to $0.99 and spent $10.93.

At Winco I got bannanas, yeast, soy sauce, flax seed, tortillas, milk (4 gallons to last 2 weeks), pasta sauce, and apple juice and spent $23.13.

With menu planning & using items from our pantry we were able to go 2 weeks between shopping trips.  Our plan is to continue doing that to save time and money on fuel. 

My Walgreens Trip

Total Spent: $6.71

One of the big adjustments of living in a smaller town is not being able to go to the store every time there is a great deal.  Luckily we had plans to be in Pocatello today, so I was able to swing by Walgreens and get a few things.

I did 6 transactions and bought 15 items for a grand total of $6.71. ($2.26 was tax) I was pretty excited.  I admitt, I am addicted to getting great deals.  The whole way home from Pocatello I kept thinking of scenarios that would allow me to get even more items for pennies.  We will see if I can justify a trip to Pocatello before the deals end on Saturday.  Here is a list of what I purchased:

(1) Almay Make up Remover

(1) Almay Mascera

(1) Almay Conceler

(2) Method Hand Soap

(1) Laytex Cleaning Gloves

(1) Comet Cleaner

(2) Always Odor Lock Packs

(2) Hunts Tomatoe Sauce

(1) Morton Salt

(2) Special K Cereal

(Daniel was a great sport to take me to Walgreens, so I used my left over Register Rewards to get him cereal.  I was able to use a $1.00/2 coupon from Snackpicks.com)

1 Dozen Eggs

See a list of the deals match ups here.

I was excited to be albe to get such a great deal on cosmetics while getting so many other items that I will use- eggs, cereal, cleaner, and feminine care products.  The drug store game takes a little work and patients, but it can really save you a lot of money!

Walgreens Trip- Olay Body Wash & Lotion for $0.50!!

I had $7 in Register Rewards I needed to use, so I decided to stock up on shampoo and conditioner.   I was able to get Olay Body Wash and Lotion for $0.50!!  Here is how that worked:

Deal Idea:
Buy (1) Olay Body Wash $4.99

Buy (1) Olay Body Lotion $4.99

Used Buy One Olay Body Wash, get Olay Lotion Free 11/28 or 12/26 P&G Insert
Used $2.00/1 Olay Body Wash, Body Bar, Body Lotion 12/16 P&G Insert
-$2.50 Olay Buy One Get One 50% off Sale


Final Price: $0.50 for both Lotion and Body Wash!!


My Transaction Details:
(2) Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner $3.50 ea.
(1) Herbal Essence Conditioner $2.39 (clearance)
(1) Herbal Essence Hair Spray $2.99
(1) Olay Body Wash $4.99
(1) Olay Quench Body Lotion $4.99
(2) Royal Pudding (Filler Item) $0.39 ea.

Used B1G1 Pantene Shampoo WYB Pantene 11/28 P&G Insert
Used B1G1 Herbal Essences or Aussie Styler WYB 1 12/26 P&G Insert
Used Buy One Olay Body Wash, get Olay Lotion Free 11/28 or 12/26 P&G Insert
Used $2.00/1 Olay Body Wash, Body Bar, Body Lotion 12/16 P&G Insert
-$2.50 Olay Buy One Get One 50% off SaleUsed $5.00 RR & $2.00 RR from 2 weeks ago



Subtotal: $0.16
Total Out Of Pocket: $1.39
Received: $2.00 RR from Pantene, $1.00 RR from Herbal Essence

I already submitted the P&G $20 Mail In Rebate, or I would definately be using it with this weeks sale!  After coupons and register rewards, I spent $5.40 (4.01 in Register Rewards & $1.39 out of pocket).  The value of the P&G products in this transaction is $22.16!  That is almost half of the $50 needed to submit the rebate.  The rebate ends 12/31.

Walgreens Trip

I made a quick stop by Walgreens this evening to see if the Hallmark Tissue deal really worked- and it did!  I was very excited because we needed eggs.  Here is how I got everything in the picture for $2.49!
Transaction 1:
(6) Hallmark Tissue Paper 20 ct. $.99
Used 3/$1.00 In Add Coupon (-$3.94)

Paid: $2.12
Received: $5.00 Register Reward!

Transaction 2:
(3) Royal Instant Pudding 3/$1.00 (Holiday Baking anyone?)
(1) Mead Envelopes 45 ct. $.99 w/ in add coupon
(1) Kleenex 210 ct. $1.09 w/ in add coupon
(2) Cartons Large Eggs $.99 (on sale)

Used $5.00 Register Reward from Transaction 1
Paid: $.37

Total Paid: $2.49!

I was very excited.  I would have paid $2 and some change for eggs anyway, so it felt like I was getting everything else as a bonus.  I love playing the drug store game!

Walgreens Trip- Lots of Diapers!

I had $5.00 in RR that I needed to use, so I decided to stock up on diapers.  I could not get the $1.00/1 coupon to show up for me.  (I have been told to make sure you enter your zip code, and then it should show up.  So you might try that.)

My Transaction:
(6) Walgreens Premium Diapers $8.99 ea.
(1) Poise Liner $4.00

-$26.97 for BOGO Diaper Sale
Used $4.00/1 Poise Walgreens Coupon (Printed out on my last trip)
Used $5.00 in register rewards from previous trip

Paid $23.08, received $10.00 in Jingle Cash (Valid 12/12-12/18)
That is $2.18 per package of diapers!
This Jingle Cash- earn $5.00 for every $25 you spend- is not valid until the following week and expires the end of the following week. 

I was dissapointed that the diapers at my Walgreens were $8.99 instead of $7.99, but for less than $0.06 per diaper, I can't complain!  I will be glad to have a stash of diapers once our baby gets here.

Black Friday Walgreens Trip- Success!

Total Paid: $13.07 (5.02+8.05 tax!)

Register Rewards to Start: $3.00

Register Rewards Left Over: $11.00

I made it to Walgreens today- and they had everything I wanted- Yuppee! Here is a list of what I was able to get:

(1) Advil PM $0.99
Earn $.99 RR
(3) A&W Root Beer $0.99
Earn $.99 RR
(3) Bic Soilel Razors $0.99 after Coupon 
Earn $2.00 RR
(3) Colgate Total Toothpaste $2.00-$2.25 after Coupon
Earn $3.00 RR
(1) Covergirl Mascera $2.99 after Coupon
Earn $2.00 RR
(1) Cottonelle Toilet Paper $3.99 w/ in add Coupon
(2) Herbal Essence Hair Care $0.49 after Coupon
Earn $1.50 RR
(1) Herbal Essence Hair Care $2.00 after Coupon
Earn $1.50 RR
(3) Hydrogen Peroxide $.25 ea. w/ in add Coupon
(6) Kleenex 110 Count $.79 ea. w/ in add Coupon
Earn $3.00 RR WYB 6
(2) Olay Body Wash FREE WYB one Secret
Earn $2.50 RR
(2) Old Spice Body Spray FREE WYB 2 Secret
Earn $4.00 RR
(2) Secret Body Mist $3.50 ea.
Earn $3.50 RR
(4) Secret Deoderant (Trial Size) $0.99
(1) Sunkist $0.99
Earn $0.99 RR
(1) ThermaCare Heat Wrap $1.50 after Coupon
Earn $2.50 RR
(12) Tuf Paper Towels $0.49 ea. w. in add Coupon

Total we did 8 transactions (I will spare you the details) and bought 48 items!  We are in California visiting family and tax here is higher than Idaho.  I ended up spending $8.05 in tax.  My actual cost ($13.07 Out of Pocket+$3.00 RR spent -$11.00 RR Remaining) is only $5.07!  I hope to use the Register Rewards I have left over on good sales over the next few weeks. 

For now we are stocked up on paper towels and razors and have a good stock of other essentials.  I love coupons!

See a list of the Walgreens Black Friday Deals here.

My Walgreens Trip

I decided to try and get most of my shopping out of the way at the beginning of the week.  I went to Walgreens, Smiths, and Winco.  Total I spent $15.71 on the items pictured above.  I was very excited about my Walgreens trip.  Here are all the details:

Walgreens
(2) Chocolate Pudding $.39 ea
(6) Reach Dental Floss $.99 ea with in add coupon
(2) Simply Orange Juice $2.99 ea
(2) Clabber Girl Baking Powder $.50 ea with in add coupon
(1) Schick Disposable Razors 4 pack $5.99

Coupons Used:
(2) $0.75/1 Clabber Girl Printable Coupon
(6) $1/1 Reach Floss Printable Coupon
(2) $1/1 Simply Lemonade, Orange, or Apple Juice Printable Coupon
Stack with $0.50/1 Simply Juice (Walgreens Nov. Coupon Booklet)
$3/1 Schick Xtreme3 4 count Printable Coupon
$6.00 Register Reward from last week

Total: $1.37 (1.18 of this was tax!)
Received $3.00 RR from the razor

Smith's
This mega event ends today
(6) Rozoni Garden Delight Pasta $.99
(2) Rozoni Healthy Harvest Pasta $.99
(2) Nestle Hot Cocoa $.99 ea

Coupons Used:
(6) $.75/1 Rozoni Garden Delight Printable Coupon
(1) $1.00/2 Healthy Harvest Pasta Printable Coupon

Received $5.00 instant Mega Event savings for buying 10 participating items
Total: $3.93

I also stopped by Winco and spent $10.41 on bread, tortillas, bannanas, and milk.  I plan to go to Walgreens again sometime this week to get more baking powder, some reach toothbrushes, and another packet of free razors.  Other than that, this will be our shopping for the week.

Smith's Shopping Trip

I gathered my coupons and went to Smith's today to stock up on pasta,  hot cocoa, and evaporated milk.  Here is how it went: 

Purchased:
(13) Nestle Cocoa $0.99
(22) Rozoni Pasta $1.49
(2) American Beauty Pasta $0.99
(4) Colgate Toothpaste $1.50
(10) Evaporated Milk $1.39
(6) Cambels Chunky Soup $1.49
(3) Best Life Buttery Spread $1.99

Coupons:
Used (2) $.55/1 Rozoni Pasta Printable Coupons (No Longer Available)
Used (4) $1.00/2 Smart Taste Pasta Printable Coupons and here
Used (6) $1.00/2 Healthy Harvest Pasta Printable Coupons, here, and here
Used (2) $0.50/1 American Beauty Pasta Printable Coupons
Used (4) $1.00/1 Colgate Toothbrush Printable Coupons
Used (4) $0.50/2 Carnation Evaporated Milk Printable Coupons
Used (1) $0.50/2 Carnation Evaporate Milk  from SS insert 9/26Used (2) $1.50/3 Cambels Chunk Soup Printable Coupons

Used (3) $1.00/1 Best Life Buttery Spread Printable Coupons

(6) $5.00 off Instant savings for buying 60 participating products.

Total: $27.87 ($24.84+$3.03 tax)!!

I was pretty excited to be able to stock up on pasta at $.49 a box.  I was a dissapointed that it was not $0.29 per box like I originally thought.  They were already out of the Rozoni Garden Delight Pasta (it is $0.29 after coupon), so I will be stopping by tomorrow to get 10 more boxes of pasta. I will also be picking up more hot cocoa. I love hot cocoa in the winter, and this is definately a stock up price. This pasta and hot cocoa should last us almost a year.

Successful Shopping Trip!

I had a great shopping trip today.  I went to Walgreens to take advantage of all the cold medicine deals.  Then I went to Albertsons to use my doublers from yesterday's paper.  I was able to stock up on medicine and wipes!  I am trying to stock up on baby items whenever I find a good deal.  Hopefully that will help keep our grocery budget low once the baby is here.

Used from Previous Trip: $4.50 RR

Total Spent Out of Pocket: $9.53 

Total Left Over: $6.00 RR

Walgreens

Transaction 1
(2) Hunts Tomatoe Sauce 8 oz.
1 Vicks Sinex Dayquil
1 Vicks Niquil

3/$1.00 Hunts in add coupon
$4.00/1 Vicks coupon from 10/10 P&G insert
$1.50/1 Vicks coupon from 10/10 or 10/31 P&G
$3.50 RR from last week
$1.00 RR from last week

Paid: $0.67 +$0.64 tax
Earn $5.00 RR

Transaction 2
1 ZarBee's Cough Syrup $5.99
1 Cottonelle Wipes $1.99 w/ in add coupon
1 Breath Right Strips $6.29
1 Hunts Tomatoe Sauce 8 oz.

$3/1 ZarBee’s Cough Syrup (no longer available)
$3.00/1 Breath Right coupon (printed w/ transaction 1)
$3.00/1 Breath Right Coupon (Walgreens coupon Booklet)
3/$1.00 Hunts in add coupon
$5.00 RR from Transaction 1

Paid: $0.27+ $0.86 tax
Earned: $6.00 RR

Transaction 3
1 Hunts Tomatoe Sauce 8 oz.
1 Vicks Dayquil
1 Vicks Niquil

3/$1.00 Hunts in add coupon
(2) $1.50/1 Vicks coupon from 10/10 or 10/31 P&G
$6.00 RR from transaction 2

Paid: $1.34 +$0.62 tax
Earn $5.00 RR

Transaction 4
1 ZarBee's Cough Syrup $5.99
1 Cottonelle Wipes $1.99 w/ in add coupon
1 Hunts Tomatoe Sauce 8 oz.

$3/1 ZarBee’s Cough Syrup (no longer available)
3/$1.00 Hunts in add coupon
$5.00 RR from Transaction 3

Paid: $0.32+ $0.50 tax
Earned: $6.00 RR

Transaction 5
(2) Afrin Nasal Spray .5 oz.
1 Cottonelle Wipes $1.99 w/ in add coupon
1 Hunts Tomatoe Sauce 8 oz.

3/$1.00 Hunts in add coupon
(2)  $3/1 Afrin 12 hour Nasal Spray printable
$6.00 RR from transation 4

Paid: $0.33 +$0.74 tax
Earn $2.00 RR

Transaction 6
1 ZarBee's Cough Syrup $5.99
1 Hunts Tomatoe Sauce 8 oz.

$3/1 ZarBee’s Cough Syrup (no longer available)
3/$1.00 Hunts in add coupon
$2.00 RR from Transaction 1

Paid: $1.33+ $0.38 tax
Earned: $6.00 RR

Albertsons
(1) Idahoan Instant Potatoe Pouch $1.50
(2) Rozoni Pasta $1.69
(3) Albertsons Medium eggs $.59 ea. w/ rain check
(1) Crest Toothpaste $1.99
(1) Colgate Toothpaste $1.99

FREE Idahoan Potatoe Catalina
(2) $1.00/1 Healthy Harvest Pasta (Facebook)

$0.50/1 Crest Toothpaste 10/31 P&G Insert
$1.00/1 Colgate Toothpaste  10/10 Smart Source Insert

(4) Albertsons Double Coupons

Paid: $1.13+$0.40 tax


Shopping Trip Total: $9.53

I was so happy to be able to use my Register Rewards to stock up on wipes for our upcomming baby!  It will be so nice to have a small stockpile.  I am also very excited to have cold medicine for the upcomming cold & flu season.

Successful Shopping Trip!

Total Spent: $10.96

Walgreens

I used my register rewards to purchase the nasal spray that is free after Register Rewards.  I was able to get some cheap soup and a few freebies too!

(2) Coffee Mate Coffee Creamer

(2) Oreo Fudge Creams

(1) Mucinex

(6) Cambels Cream of Chicken & Cream of Mushroom Soup

(1) Nivea Body Wash for Men

(1) Ricola Cough Drops

Used (2) $1.50/1 off Coffee-Mate Creamer printable

Used (2) $1/50/3 Cooking Soups printable

Used $0.50/1 Ricola Cough Drops from Walgreens October Coupon Booklet

Used $3/1 Nivea for Men Body Wash from 10/17 RP

Used (2) $1.00/1 Oreo Fudge Creams Printable

Used (2) $3 RR from previous shopping trips 

Paid: $5.48

Received: $8.00 RR

Smiths

These deals ended yesterday- so I will spare you the details.  I was excited to get more free cream cheese!

(10) Cream Cheese $1.00 ea.

(2) Gallons of Milk 1.69 ea.

(1) Dozen Eggs $.79

Used (2) $5.00/5 Kraft Printable Coupon

Paid: $4.91

Albertsons

I made a quick stop to use my double coupons. I also grabbed a rain check for $0.59 Medium eggs.

Crest Toothpaste

(2) Idahoan Instant Potatoes

Bannanas

Used $0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste 9/26 P&G

Used $1.00/1 Idahoan Potatoes Printable

Used (3) Double Coupons

Paid: $0.57

In the end I spent $10.96 on 30 items.  That is just $0.37 per item!  I am hoping that I can donate some of the Idahoan Instant Potatoes to the Scouting for food drive this weekend.  Does anyone know if they are allowed?

Weekend Shopping Trips

Friday I went to Smith's & Winco to do our shopping for next week. Because we did a menu plan for the whole month, I was able to get all of the ingredients that I will need for our meals this month. We will only need to go shopping for fresh produce, milk, and really good deals for the rest of the month.

Smiths
Mega Event Items (Buy 10, get $5.00 off)
(4) Kraft BBQ Sauce $0.99 ea.
Kellogg's Fruit Snacks $1.99
(2) Kraft Easy Mac $0.99 ea.
Green Giant Vegetable Steamers $2.00
(2) Butterfingers $2.49 ea.

Other Items
Aussie Mouse $2.37
(2) Gallons Milk $1.68 ea.
1 Carton Eggs $1.74
Idahoan Potatoes $1.49

-$5.00 for Mega Event Savings (-$0.50 per item)
- Free Smith's Egg Coupon (Coupon mailer)
-$1/1 Aussie Hair Care (Smart Source Insert 09/12)
-$0.50/1 Green Giant Frozen Vegies Printable
-Free Idahoan Potatoes Coupon (a catalina from Albertsons)
-$1/1 Kellogg's Fruit Snacks Printable
-$1/2 Butterfingers (Red Plum Insert 10/3)

Total Paid: $13.17

Winco
I bought lettuce, vegetable oil, pineapple, margerine, and sour cream.
Total Paid: 7.38

Saturday I made a quick trip to the store to get a few more things at Smith's and Walgreens that they had been out of. It was a very successful trip. I spent $6.72 on all of this! I also earned a $3 RR to use next week.

Walgreens
I was finally able to get some free Nivea Lip Care at Walgreens! They have been out all week, so I was excited when they had some today. I was also able to get more cheap toilet paper. I got a coupon in the mail for a free tub of Cottonelle Wipes, and that paired with the RR deal made the Wipes and Toilet paper only $1.50+ tax after register rewards!

Total Paid: $6.23
Earned: $3 RR

Smith's
If you eat cream cheese and you have not gone to Smith's this week, you should print the $5/5 Kraft coupon and get some free cream cheese! The sale last until next Tuesday. I would call your store ahead to see if they have any or when they will get more in. It is a great deal, so it goes fast!.

(10) Philadelphia Cream Cheese $0.99
(these are $.99 ea. after the $5.00 Mega Event Savings for buying 10 items)
Use $5.00/5 Kraft Printable Coupon

Pay $0.49 tax for 10!

Total Spent: $27.27

It has been so good to be able to stock up on items like Toilet paper and wipes!

Albertsons Trip

Daniel insisted that I needed to make my pictures more interesting.  If our little boy is anything like his father, he will be one mischievous little man!

I made a trip to Albertsons today after work to take advantage of the double coupons from Sunday's paper.  I was pretty excited to get a good deal on cereal and granola bars.

Transaction 1
(4) Nature Valley Granola Bars $2.50
Used (4) $0.50/1 Nature Valley Printable Coupons
Used (3) Albertsons Double Coupons
Received $3.00 off automatically for General Mills Promo
Paid: $3.80, Received a $2.50 Catalina!

Transaction 2
(2) Nature Valley Granola Bars
(2) Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
Used (2) $0.65/1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch Printable Coupons
Used (1) $0.50/1 Nature Valley Printable Coupon (I could have used 2, but that is all I had)
Used (3) Albertsons Double Coupons
Used $2.50 Catalina from Transaction 1

Received $3.00 off automatically for General Mills Promo
Paid: $1.21

Transaction 3
(2) 11 oz. Malt-O-Meal Cereal 2 for $1.00
(2) 3lb Farm Fresh Chicken Tenders $1.88/lb w/ in add coupon
Paid: $13.08

Total Paid: $18.12
Total Coupons Used: $12.34

After the coupons & Catalina, the cereal and granola bars averaged at $0.63 each!  I was pretty excited.  Daniel loves Nature Valley Granola bars, and I love Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal- so I was excited to get them cheap. 

I also went to Walgreen's to use the $2.00/1 Cottonelle Wipes coupon that printed after my last transaction. I spent $5.73 and received a $3.00 Register Reward.  Overall that is like paying $2.73 for 12 rolls of toilet paper and a tub of wipes!

Walgreens Trip

I went to Walgreens yesterday and was sad to find that they were already completely out of the Nivea Lip Care that was free after coupons this week.

I was able to get the Cottonelle Wipes & Toilet Paper deal though. It not only printed a $3.00 RR, it also printed a $2.00 off Cottonelle Wipes coupon! Here is my plan for using that later this week:

Buy 1 Cottonelle Wipes $3.00
Buy 1 Cottonelle Toilet Paper $5.00
Use $0.50/1 Cottonelle TP Printable
Use $2.00/1 Cottonelle Wipes Catalina

Pay $5.50, Recieve a $3.00 RR
Final Price: $2.50 for Wipes & Toilet Paper!

Hopefully I will be able to snag some cheap lip care too.

My Walgreens Trip- $19.86 worth for $3.50!!

There are some awesome deals at Walgreens this week! I went last night and some of the items on really good sales were already gone. I am going to try and go back later this week to get them.

I got 7 items (candy bar not pictured), spent $7 and have $3.50 left over to use on my next trip!  I mostly followed the basic scenario from Saving a Bundle's How Low can You Go post.  Here are the details:

Transaction 1
Buy 1 Vicks Sinex VapoSpray or 12 hour Ultra Fine Mist .5 oz. $6.00, earn $2.00 RR
Use $4/1 Sinex Product from 9/26 PG
PAY $2.36 ($2+tax) & earn a $2.00 Register Reward

Transaction 2
Buy 1 Emergen-C Vitamin C Supplement $3.49, earn $3.50 RR

Use $2.00 Vicks RR from Transaction 1
PAY $1.70 ($1.49+tax) & earn a $3.50 Register Reward

Transaction 3
2 Clorox Wipes 35 count $2.50, earn a $2 RR wyb 2
1 Kleenex 110 ct. $1.39
1 Candy Bar $.49
(I could not find the Halloween cup to use as a filler item)
Use two $1/1 Clorox Wipes any size coupon, visit the “Clorox Home” tab then click “Product & Offers”
Use $.55/1 Kleenex product from Mailer
Use $3.50 Emergen-C RR from transaction 2
PAY $1.25 ($.83+tax) earn $2.00 in Register Rewards
Transaction 4

Buy 1 Emergen-C Vitamin C Supplement $3.49, earn $3.50 RR
Use $2.00 Clorox RR from Transaction 3
PAY $1.70 ($1.49 plus taxes) & earn a $3.50 Register Reward

Total Paid: $7.01
RR Left Over: $3.50

There are 3 other items that I am going to try to get this week:

Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion 6.8 oz. $5.99, earn $5.00 RR = it's like paying $0.99

Hyland's Cold ' Cough 4Kids 4 oz. $4.99, earn $5.00 RR
Use $1.50/1 Hyland's printable (click on "All Brands" drop down box to select Hyland's-sent via e-mail)
Pay $3.49, earn $5.00 RR = it's like making $1.51!

Tilex $2.50, earn a $2 RR wyb 2
Use two $1/1 Tilex Mold & Mildew Products printables
Pay $3.00 earn $2.00 RR = it's like paying $1.00 for two!


Thanks Saving a Bundle for Compiling these deals!

It Pays to Pay Attention

Yesterday I made a quick trip to Albertsons to use my Kraft Salad Dressing Rain Check from last week. I also grabbed some Farm Fresh Frozen Chicken Tenders because they were on sale for $5.97 for 3 lbs. (I always try to buy chicken for $2.00/lb or less).

I did two transactions so that I could use the Kraft Dressing Catalina (buy 5 get $5.00 OYNO).  The first transaction went great, I paid $5.10 for 5 Kraft Salad Dressings and received a $5.00 Catalina.  On Transaction 2 the chicken rang up at $6.99 instead of $5.97. 

Normally I might not have caught this, but I only had 1 item in the transaction.  I asked the Cashier if that was right and she called the meat department to verify.  In the end they gave me the chicken for FREE because they had charged me too much!

How did my little shopping trip turn out?
(5) Kraft Salad Dressing
3 lbs of Frozen Chicken Tenders
Total Paid: $0.10!!

I learned 2 big lessons on this trip.  First, it really pays to pay attention at check out.  Second, Albertsons can have great customer service.  I could have left the store a disgruntled customer, but I was a very happy camper!

My Albertsons Trip

5 Quaker Items $1.60 ea.
-$3.00/5 In add Coupon

Assort. Pork Chops 3.05lbs @ $1.69/lb (Managers Special)
Used $2.00 off coupon from taking a survey

Total Spent: $8.74

The Albertsons on 17th & Holmes was out of the Kraft salad dressing that was on sale, so I got a rain check. The Kraft Catalina does not end until 9/7. I also found a $1.00/2 coupon in the Fall into Good Things coupon book at Albertsons. (It was on a display shelf in my Albertsons) This will make the Salad dressing an even better deal! Here is my plan:

Buy (5) Kraft Ranch & Zesty Italian Salad Dressing $1.34
(If you want to do this after the sale ends tomorrow, you need to get a rain check)
Use (2) $1.00/2 Kraft Dressing Coupons
Use (1) $.35/1 Coupon (Peelie on bottle)
Pay: $4.35 Plus Tax, Get $5.00 OYNO Catalina

Yeah for free salad dressing!  Hopefully there are some good deals in this weeks Albertsons add that I can use the $5.00 Catalina on.

Target & Walgreens Trip

I love using coupons.  We get to the check out, ring up the items, see a big total on the screen, then hand over a bunch of paper that cuts the total in half or better- cha-ching!

We made a quick trip to Target and Walgreens to get a few sale items.

Total Spent: $13.53

Value of Coupons Used: $16.28

Target
(2) Bic Stationary $.99 &$1.20
Used -$1.00/1 Target Printable (I printed this a while ago, I am not sure if it is still available )
Stacked with -$1.00/1 Printable (no longer available)
(1) Chef Boyardee $.78
Used -$1.00/1 Target Printable (It adjusted to $.78)
(1) Simply Juice Apple Juice $2.74
-$1.00/1 Target Printable
(2) Nature Valley Granola Bars $2.39 ea.
Used (2) -$1.00/2 Target Printable
(2) Wishbone Italian Salad Dressing $1.50
Used (2) $.75/1 Target Printable

Paid: $6.21 w/ a Gift Card

Walgreens
I normally only buy cereal for less than $1.00 a box, but we are nearly out.  It is nice to have a quick breakfast for when we sleep in and our running late!
Transaction 1:
(2) Kelloggs Raisin Bran $2.50 ea., earn $2.00 WYB 2
-$1.00/2 Printable Coupon

Paid: $4.30
Earned $2.00 RR ($1.00/box after coupon & RR)

Transaction 2:
(1) Angel Soft 9 Roll TP $4.00
(2) Listerine Zero $2.99 ea. (FREE after Coupons)
-$2.00 in add coupon (making it $1.99 ea.)
Stacked with (2) $2.00/1 Listerine Zero Printable

-$2.00 RR from transaction 1

Paid: $2.58

I thought it was a very successful trip.  It is so nice to be able to purchase things for half price (or less) with coupons that we normaly could not afford!  Daniel loves Nature Valley Granola bars, and $1.39 is a great price to get him 12 snacks that he loves.

We have gone over our normal budget of $100.00 a month this month to make up for our lack of shopping in July.  Our combined total for July and August is $170.02, so we are still under budget.  Over the next few months we will be re-stocking our depleted supply of food.  I am looking forward to fall grocery deals.  The deals in the summer months seam to be less frequent.  I don't mind too much, because my motivation and time are in low supply in the summer as well. 

We will also be stockpiling for our baby- both baby essentials and easy foods for the last month of maternity and first few months with a newborn.  I plan to experiment more with freezer cooking- so stay tuned!  We have enjoyed our garden & will be doing some canning and freezing this fall from that as well.

My Smith's Trip!!

I went to Smith's last night to stock up on snacks, soup, and meat.  They are having a mega event- so it was a pretty intense trip.  I was proud of the results.  I paid less than $1.00 per item (35 items for $31.25) and that includes the meat!! Excluding the meat I paid closer to $.60 per item.  I am very excited to have granola bars and fruit snacks for lunches.  Here is a summary:

Total Spent: $31.25
Coupon Savings: $32.67
Fresh Value Savings: $50.77
Total Savings:$83.44!!
Of course, I would never pay full price for these items, but the total savings number still looks awesome.  I do love the fact that I saved more with coupons than I spent!  Here is a list of what I got.

Mega Event Items
These prices include a $4.00 discount for every 8 included items. (I bought 24 included items total)

Cinnamin Toast Crunch $2.99  Used $1.00/1 from Mail (came a few months ago)
  Loaded $0.55/1 e-Coupon on Shortcuts

(6) Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $1.49
  *Catalina* Buy 5 or more get $3.00 OYNO
    Loaded $.50/1 e-Coupon from Cellfire, and Shortcuts
    Used (3) $.50/2 Printable Coupons from Coupons, Betty Crocker, and Smart Source

(5) Nature Valley Granolla Bars $1.99
   *Catalina* Buy 5 get $3.50 OYNO
   Used two $0.50/1 Sweet & Salty Bars printables and here

   Used three $0.50/1 Nature Valley Granola Thins printable or here and here
   Loaded $0.75/2 Bars and three $0.50/1 thin e-coupon from Cellfire, Shortcuts, and Kroger

(8) Progresso Soups $1.00   *Catalina* Buy 8 get $3.00 OYNO
(My catalina actually did not print, and I was tired of dealing with the cashier so I did not push it.  Our Smith's does not have great customer service in the evenings.  I might go back and see if I can somehow get it.)
   Used (4) $0.50/2 Progresso printable and here
   Loaded $.50/1 e-Coupon from Shortcuts

(2) Betty Crocker Warm Delights $.87 (Select Varieties)
   Used (2) $0.50/1 Warm Delights printable
   Loaded $0.50/1 Cellfire e-coupon, $0.50/1 Kroger e-coupon, or $0.50/1 Shortcuts e-coupon

Pillsbury Cookies and Sweet Moments $1.99
   Used $1/1 Sweet Moment printable here or here
   Loaded $1/1 Sweet Moments e-coupon from Cellfire

Sobe $0.49
  (There is a buy one get one free coupon here that I did not use)

Non-Mega Event Items

Kroger Frozen Chicken Breasts (4 lbs) $7.96
Ground Hamburger @ 1.99/lb $3.80
Paper Towels $1.09
Kool Aid Lemmon Fiz Drops $1.99
  Used Free Coupon from Kraft First Taste
Dawn Detergent $1.49
  Used $1.00/1 from Home Made Simple
Ritz Crackerfulls $2.50
  Used Free Coupon from Kraft First Taste
Homestyle Kraft Mac & Cheese $2.99
  Used Free Coupon from Kraft First Taste
Plastic Utensils $1.49
(2) Kroger Margerine $0.65
1% Milk $1.69

Visit Saving a Bundle for a complete list of deals and coupons.  Remember that her prices vary from Idaho prices. Also Smith's does not double coupons like Kroger does.

Free Pasta!!

I really love Smith's Mega Event sales!  Yup- I bought more pasta.  I usually pay close to $1.00 a package for pasta- so free is a great price.

Total Spent: $9.36

Total Saved: $27.78

This sale ends Tuesday, so here are the details for those of you who have not gone:

Buy 8 items included in the Mega Event & get $4 off automatically at the register.  These prices reflect the $.50 per item savings

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest and Smart Taste Pasta $0.75

Use $1.00/2 Healthy Harvest printable
Use $1.00/2 Smart Taste Printable
Use $0.75 Smart Taste Printables
Use $0.75 Smart Taste printables
Use $0.75 Smart Taste printables
Free- $.25 per box!!
Smart Balance Butter $1.49

Use $1.00 Butter Sticks coupon
Use $1.00/2 Smart Balance Butter Coupon
Use $1.00/2 Smart Balance Spread Coupon
Pay as low as $0.49!

Powerade $.25
Non- Mega Event Items:

Sunny-D $.79
1% Milk $1.69
Eggs $1.49

Total: $8.14+$1.22 Tax!!

The Beauty of Twice Value Coupons!

I love Twice Value Coupons!!  Before I began couponing I usually avoided Albertsons because of their overall high prices.  Now it is one of my favorite stores!  Here are the top 3 reasons I shop at Albertsons:
1. Promotions
  Albertsons has a promotion with a Catalina nearly every week.  They are not always great deals, but often  the Catalinas combined with coupons equals great deals!
2. Twice Value Coupons
  I wish that these were offered every week!  I can usually find something free of close to free when there are twice value coupons.
3.  Location
   Albertsons is close to Wal-Mart. I like being able to price match with Walmarts prices.  Today we wanted to buy bacon using the $1.50 Oscar Myer Coupon.  It was over $6 at Albertsons, so I had Daniel go check Wal-Mart's price.  The same bacon was $2.76!!

Here is my shopping trip with Twice Value Coupons today:

Dawn Dish Soap $1.97
Used $1.00 Coupon from Refresh Your Nest Booklet
Used Twice Value Coupon
Free!!

Dutch Country Bread  $1.50
Used $.75 Catalina from previous trip
Used Twice Value Coupon
Free!!

Sara Lee Bread $2.49
Used $.55/1 Coupon (I forget which insert, sorry!)
(This one said, "do not double", so I could not use a Twice Value Coupon)
Paid: $1.94

(3) Dryers Ice Cream 3 for $6.49
Used $1.00 coupon from 1/31 Used Twice Value Coupon

Paid: $4.49 for 3!
(I love ice cream...)

Cameo Apples $1.35

Bananas $1.02

Total: $9.49