Week 26 - My Publix Trip

I bought very little for the homeless yesterday.  I figure since I took so much to Grateful Life Church on Monday that I was already about half-way through my "homeless budget."  I stocked up on crackers and such for my family and went slightly over my personal budget for the week, but I am seriously happy about the items in my cupboards and freezer.  I also bought some higher dollar items like charcoal and dog food so my overall totals are not that great.  Here's how it went:

Transaction 1 (so I could use 2 $5/$50 Star Market coupons - 1 for each transaction):

10 Chapstick - Sales Price $.97.  My Price $-.30!  Used 5 $1/2 Chapstick Publix coupon from Purple Health and Beauty Flyer (ends today) AND 5 $.50/2 Chapstick from 1/26 RP insert. (For the homeless).

5 Minute Rice - Sales Price $1.69.  My Price $.69 each.  Used 5 $.50/1 Minute Rice from 1/26 RP insert. (For the homeless.)

2 Mahatma Rice - Sales Price $.89.  My Price $1.03 for both.  Used $.75/2 Mahatma Rice from 1/26 RP insert. (For the homeless).

8 Cheezit - Sales Price BOGO $3.39.  Used 4 $1/2 Sunshine or Cheezit from 1/26 RP (limit 4).

2 Rotel - Sales Price BOGO $1.19.  No coupons used.

3 Kibbles N Bits - Sales Price $4.79 BOGO.  My Price $1.40 each.  Used 3 $1/1 Kibbles N Bits from 1/5 RP insert.

2 Publix Yogurt - Sales Price $.25.  No coupons used.

2 Nissan Noodles - Sales Price $.89 BOGO.  No coupons used.

1 16lb Kingsford Charcoal - Sales Price $7.99.  My Price $5.99.  Used 1 $2/1 Kingsford Publix coupon from Game Day Flyer.

Again I used $5/$50 Star Market coupon, making my total after tax $19.72, saving $60.75.

Transaction 2:

8 Cheezit - Sales Price BOGO $3.39.  Used 4 $1/2 Sunshine or Cheezit from 1/26 RP (limit 4).

1 Stouffers Family Size - Sales Price $4.99.  My Price $2.99.  Used $1/1 Stouffer's from 1/26 RP insert AND $1/1 Stouffer's Publix coupon from Delicious Inspirations.

1 Eckrich Smoked Sausage - Sales Price $3.29 BOGO.  My Price $.65 for 1.  Used $1/1 Eckrich printable.

1 Lloyd's BBQ - Sales Price $5.99 BOGO.  My Price $1.99.  Used $1/1 Lloyds from 1/19 SS insert.

4 Angel Soft Tissue - Sales Price $1.50 BOGO.  My Price FREE for all 4.  Used 2 $1/2 Angel Soft from 1/5 RP insert AND $1/3 Tissue Kroger mailer coupon.

1 Publix Romano/Parm Cheese - Sales Price $1.99.  My Price $1.49.  Used $.50/1 Parm cheese Kroger mailer coupon.

2 Sargento Sliced Cheese - Sales Price 2/$5.00.  My Price $2.50 for both.  Used $1/2 Sargento Target printable AND 2 $.75/1 Sargento from SS insert.

2 Breakstone Sour Cream - Sales Price $2.59 BOGO.  My Price $.60 for both.  Used 2 $1/1 Breakstone printable.

3 Pillsbury Cookie Dough - Sales Price 3/$6.  My Price $.99.  Used $2/3 Pillsbury Target printable AND 3 $1/1 Pillsbury Cookie Dough from 12/8 SS insert.

1 Celentano Ravioli - Sales Price $3.99 BOGO.  My Price $1.00.  Used $1/1 Celentano from 1/26 insert.

2 Pepsi Multi-packs - Sales Price 2/$4.  My Price $2.00 for both.  Used 1 $2/2 Pepsi multi from 1/5 SS.

1 Red Diamond Tea - Sales Price $2.49.  No coupons used.

1 ChowMein Noodle - Sales Price $.89.  No coupons used.

I used another $5/$50 Star coupon and my total after tax was $25.87, saving $63.12.

In all honesty, I haven't been out of pocket that much money in a single shopping trip in a very long time.  It kind of made my heart skip a bit!  Oh well, everyone has to stock up eventually!

Week 26 - Kroger Trip

I'm going to be 100% honest in saying that I've basically boycotted Kroger ever since they stopped doubling coupons.  I didn't feel like they lowered prices enough to justify that change, and quite frankly I refused to spend our money there.  Over the last few weeks, my view has changed slightly...I mean very slightly.  However, I was excited to see that this week they were doing the 7-up Ten as part of the Mega sale again, and that DiGiorno pizza was cheaper than Publix even with the coupon stack.  What turned out super cool was all the clearance items!  Here's the breakdown:

I bought 12 items as part of the Mega Sale which automatically deducted $6.00 (the sales price reflects this):

5 Bird's Eye Recipe Ready  - Sales Price $1.49.  My Price $-.05! for all 5.  Used 5 of the $1.50/1 Bird's Eye Recipe Ready from 1/12 SS insert.

3 DiGiorno Pizzas - Sales Price $3.99.  My Price $7.48 for all 3.  Used B2G1 DiGiorno Pizza from 1/26 RP insert and the cashier deducted $4.49.

4 7-Up Ten - Sales Price $.99.  My Price $1.00 for all 4.  Used 4 of the $.75/1 7-UP Ten, A&W Ten etc. from 1/12 SS insert.

And I found awesome stuff on clearance:

2 Nice N Easy Hair Color - Clearance Price $2.49 each! My Price $-.02! Used $5/2 Clairol Hair color from 12/29 PG insert.

2 John Frieda Frizz Ease - Clearance Price $2.49 each!  My Price $-1.02!  Used 2 $3/1 John Frieda Frizz Ease from 1/19 SS insert.

After tax I paid $10.06 for everything.  I thought that was pretty good for pizza, hair color, pop and veggies!

Week 26 - CVS trip

I haven't shopped since Monday because of weather and sick babies, so today I seriously made up for it.  The reason why I am going to begin posting all of my shopping trips is to show how I use coupons in order to keep our grocery expense around $50/week (there will be more on that later).  Anyway...I really wasn't inspired at CVS this week for the homeless and just picked up a few things for my family; of course the twins were with me and that does change things a bit!

2 Colgate 360 Toothbrushes:  Sales Price $2.99 (receive $2 ECB WYB 1 - limit 2).  I used 2 $1/1 Colgate Toothbrush from 1/19 SS insert.

4 Wet N Wild Products  (all Wet N Wild B1G1 50% off):
2 Wet N Wild Nail Polish:  Sales Price $.99 and $.49
1 Wet N Wild Lip Gloss:  Sales Price $1.99.
1 Wet N Wild Eye Liner:  Sales Price $.49
    Used 4 $1/1 Wet N Wild or Fergie from 1/26 RP insert.  I followed Steve's scenario from couponaholic.net, which made all 4 items free!

1 CVS trial pack pullups - $.99.  No coupons used.  I just want to try these.
1 Gummy Bears - $.99.  No coupons used.  Yes, they are open....they were opened in the car!

I used $6 ECB from last week, paid $.95 out of pocket, and received $4 ECB for next trip!

Week 25 - End of Week Totals

Saturday went really well distributing food and items to the homeless (unfortunately I had to leave early again -it's been about 3 weeks since I've stayed to the end!).  I was actually shocked and amazed when I saw our homeless friend Chuck.  He looked so happy and at peace!  I can't help thinking about the first time he received a button down shirt and some shoes...he said, "I may actually look like somebody now."  Many weeks later, he not only looks like somebody but he seems to have found some happiness.  Here are Chuck and my buddy Beth who is another wonderful friend I've made through this journey:

As far as items that I took to distribute:

Publix

4 V-8 Refreshers Juice - Sales Price $2.00.  My Price $.50 each.  Used 1 of the $2/4 Participating Products (Campbell's Go Soup, Slow Kettle, Spaghettios with Meat, and V-8 Fushion Refreshers 46 oz) Publix coupon from Green Game Favorites Flyer AND 4 of $.50/1 V-8 Refreshers from 1/5 RP insert.

4 Campbell's Spaghettios with Meat - Sales Price $10/10.  My Price $.25 each.  Used 2 of the $.50/3 Campbell's spaghettios AND 2 of the $.40/3 Campbell's spaghettios AND 1 $.40/3 Campbell's spaghettios Publix Digital coupon.  I stacked all of those with 4 of the $2/4 Participating Products (Campbell's Go Soup, Slow Kettle, Spaghettios with Meat, and V-8 Fushion Refreshers 46 oz) Publix coupon from Green Game Favorites Flyer. I kept the rest for my family.

6 Campbell's Homestyle Soup - Sales Price $2.49 BOGO.  My Price $.20 each.  Used 3 of the $.75/2 Campbell's Homestyle soup  AND 2 of the $2/3 Campbell's Homestyle Soup Publix Coupon Best Meals Happen at Home emailed coupon.

16 Cans Campbell's Homestyle Soup - Sale Price $2.49 BOGO.  My Price $1.92 for all 16!  I used 5 of the $2/3 Campbell's Homestyle Soup Publix Coupon Best Meals Happen at Home emailed AND 8 of $.50/2 Campbell's Soup from 1/12 SS insert.  IF I had bought in groups of 6, my price would have been $.08/can instead of $.12/can but I jumped the gun! Note - the Best Meals coupon ends 1/23!

CVS

6 Speedstick - Sales Price $1.99, My Price $1.00 each.  Used 2 B1G1 Speedstick from 1/19 SS insert.

2 Boost Nutritional Shakes 6-packs  - Sales Price $6.99 each.  My Price $3.99 and $2.99 respectively.  Used $3/1 and $4/1 Boost Products from 1/5 SS inset.

I used $10 ECB from last week, and my price at the register was $2.95.  BUT I received $10 ECB back!

Totals for Week 25

My Price:  $9.07
Products:  $65.31

****Remember I'm splitting my total in half for weeks to come****

Running Tally - End of Week 25

My Price:  $127.71

Products:  $616.02

Week 26 - Publix Trip for Grateful Life Church

First of all, today starts the beginning of an extreme cold snap here in Huntsville.  Since the city hasn't opened a warming station at all, some of the local churches are opening their doors to the homeless and their pets!  One of these churches is Grateful Life Community Church which we visited on our Saturday route.  Since they have so graciously taken in our homeless friends, a few of us are trying to provide some of the extra food items they will need over the next few days.

Secondly, I have to say that I'm kicking myself over and over about this trip.  I was totally rushed and forgot to split it up into 2 groups of $50.00 so I could used 2 of my $5/$50 Star Market coupons, which would have made my total MUCH smaller.  That's what I get for running around trying to finish everything while the babies are in preschool!  Here's what I bought:

20 Naturally Fresh salad dressing - Sales Price 3.69 BOGO or 36.90 for all 20.  My Price $-8.10 MM!  Used 10 $2.50/2 Naturally Fresh dressings from 1/26 RP insert AND 20 $1/1 Naturally Fresh Publix coupon from Game Day Favorites.

-NOTE - I did not clear the shelves or take all of one kind. That is RUDE!!!! There were 26 jars left after I took mine. Also I believe that the homeless will enjoy a little variety!!!!

10 Publix Bread - Sales Price $1.39.  My Price $13.90.  No coupons used.

2 2lb Mahatma Rice  - Sales Price $2.49 each.  My Price $1.49 each.  Used $.50/1 Mahatma Rice from 1/26 RP.  (Obviously if I had bought the smaller bags for $1.00 they would have been free.  I did so yesterday for my family, but I don't usually post all of my shopping trips!)

2 Emergen-C - Sales Price $3.99 each.  My Price $-.02 MM.  Used $5/2 Caltrate, Centrum or Emergen-C Publix pharmacy booklet coupon AND 2 $1.50/1 Emergen-C from 1/12 RP insert.

I only used 1 $5/$50 coupon leaving my total $3.76 before tax, saving $96.80.

I do not have the normal pictures because I took everything straight to the church in order to be back in time to pick up the babies.  Surprisingly, when I got there they wanted ALL of the salad dressing with everything else, so that worked out perfectly.  Again, wonderful, beautiful people opening up their doors for our homeless friends!

Week 25 - Publix Trip #2

I went ahead and did another Publix trip this week.  Turns out the coupon swap was a bust for more soup coupons - guess the word is getting out about soup at Publix!!!  Of course the trip did not go as planned because they were out of Emergen-C, Lysol and the Dove coupons I had did not match; but thems the breaks!  At the end of the day I was slightly more out of pocket than planned but I was able to score a couple of great items.

8 V-8 Refreshers Juice - Sales Price $2.00.  My Price $.50 each.  Used 2 of the $2/4 Participating Products (Campbell's Go Soup, Slow Kettle, Spaghettios with Meat, and V-8 Fushion Refreshers 46 oz) Publix coupon from Green Game Favorites Flyer AND 8 of $.50/1 V-8 Refreshers from 1/5 RP insert.

16 Campbell's Spaghettios with Meat - Sales Price $10/10.  My Price $.25 each.  Used 2 of the $.50/3 Campbell's spaghettios AND 2 of the $.40/3 Campbell's spaghettios AND 1 $.40/3 Campbell's spaghettios Publix Digital coupon.  I stacked all of those with 4 of the $2/4 Participating Products (Campbell's Go Soup, Slow Kettle, Spaghettios with Meat, and V-8 Fushion Refreshers 46 oz) Publix coupon from Green Game Favorites Flyer.

6 Campbell's Homestyle Soup - Sales Price $2.49 BOGO.  My Price $.20 each.  Used 3 of the $.75/2 Campbell's Homestyle soup  AND 2 of the $2/3 Campbell's Homestyle Soup Publix Coupon Best Meals Happen at Home emailed coupon.

2 Ronzoni 150 Calorie Pasta - Sales Price $1.49 BOGO.  My Price $-.01! for both!  Used 2 $.75/1 Ronzoni 150 Pasta.

2 Smithfield Ham Slice - Sales Price $3.49 BOGO.  My Price $2.49 for both.  Used $1/2 Smithfield Ham Slice from Publix Game Day Favorites.

1 GE Reveal Lightbulbs - Sales Price $5.49 BOGO.  My Price $.74 for 1.  Used $2/1 GE Reveal light bulbs Target printable coupon.

1 Jones Canadian Bacon - Sales Price $3.79.  My Price $2.79.  Used $1/1 Jones Canadian bacon from 1/12 RP insert.

1 Goldfish flakes - Price $1.99.  No coupons used.

I also used a $5/$50 Star Market competitor coupon and ended up with a total of $11.63, saving $69.66 total.

The goldfish flakes are not pictured and I noticed that I cut off a row of spaghettios - I really suck at picture taking!!!

Happy Shopping!

As always, thanks to iheartpublix.com and couponaholic.net for the tips!

Publix Trip

I had an AWESOME trip to Publix today!!  I really just bought a few soups and I wanted to check out which pastas were included in the BOGO sale, but I'm calling this one a success!  In all honesty I messed up my total by not buying the soup in groups of 6, but this was just my first round.  I am doing a coupon swap with my friend Steph today and hope to find more of the Campbell's coupons so I can go back!

16 Cans Campbell's Homestyle Soup - Sale Price $2.49 BOGO.  My Price $1.92 for all 16!  I used 5 of the $2/3 Campbell's Homestyle Soup Publix Coupon Best Meals Happen at Home emailed AND 8 of $.50/2 Campbell's Soup from 1/12 SS insert.  IF I had bought in groups of 6, my price would have been $.08/can instead of $.12/can but I jumped the gun! Note - the Best Meals coupon ends 1/23!

5 French's Mustard - Sales Price $1.85 BOGO.  My Price - ($-.37)!  Used 5 $.50/1 French's Yellow Mustard from 1/19 SS insert.  No, the mustard isn't for the homeless - but I may donate them to my friend Theresa  (Feed the Flock) who cooks each Saturday if she needs them!

My total was $1.55 for 21 items.  Yes Publix is.....where Shopping is a Pleasure!  Lol!!!!

Week 25 - CVS trip

I had a super quick run into CVS on Monday.  The hubs was home and we had major yard work to do, so I was kid free and and a speed demon while shopping. I did want to take advantage of Steve's shopping scenario (at couponaholic.net) before everything was sold out!

For the Homeless:

6 Speedstick - Sales Price $1.99, My Price $1.00 each.  Used 2 B1G1 Speedstick from 1/19 SS insert.
2 Boost Nutritional Shakes 6-packs  - Sales Price $6.99 each.  My Price $3.99 and $2.99 respectively.  Used $3/1 and $4/1 Boost Products from 1/5 SS inset.

I used $10 ECB from last week, and my price at the register was $2.95.  BUT I received $10 ECB back!

For Myself:

1 Softsoap Shower Gel - Sales Price $3.00, My Price $2.25.  Used $.75/1 from 1/19 SS insert.
1 6-pack Irish Spring - Sales Price $3.00, My Price $2.50.  Used $.50/1 Irish Spring from 1/19 SS insert.
1 Palmolive - Sales Price $.99.  My Price $.25.  Used $..25/1 Palmolive from Red Coupon Machine AND 1 $.50/1 Palmolive from 1/19 SS insert.

I used $1.50/$5 any soap purchase CVS Red machine coupon AND $1.99 ECB leaving my price at the register $1.51!

Week 24 - End of Week Tally

I feel pretty good about this week.  I was really disappointed with CVS - I couldn't wait to score big this week with the $12 ECB I was holding for the homeless, but it simply didn't work out that way.  I was able to pick up a few things, but they were basically free with the ECBs.  On the other hand, I was able to pull it out at Publix.  Here's the breakdown:

PUBLIX
2 Emergen-C - Sales Price $3.99 each.  My Price $0.  See How.
5 Campbell's Condensed Soup - Sales Price $10/10.  My Price $3.20.  Used $1/5 Publix in ad coupon AND $.40/3 Campbells condensed soup.
4 GG Veggie Chips - Sales Price $2.49 BOGO.  My Price ($-1.02).  Used 4 $1/1 Green Giant Veggie Chips Publix display AND 2 $.50/2 Chex Mix, Gardettos or Veggie Chips.
6 GG Veggie Chips - Sales Price $2.49 BOGO.  My Price $1.47.  Used 6 $1/1 Green Giant Veggie Chips Publix display.
2 Carmex Lip Balm - Sales Price $.99.  My Price FREE.  Used $1/2 Carmex Kroger mailer coupon AND $1/2 Carmex from 1/5 SS insert.
6 10-packs Quaker instant oatmeal - Sales Price $2.98 BOGO.  My Price $1.12 each.  Used $.75/2 Quaker oatmeal from 1/12 RP insert.

CVS
2 4-packs Colgate Toothpaste - Sales Price $3.19.  My Price $.38 (I used $6 ECB so truly only $.38 BUT received $6 ECB back). No coupons used.
1 Camplbells Chicken Noodle Soup - Sales Price $1.00.  My Price $.50.  Used $.50/1 Campbells CVS coupon from Red Coupon machine.

Totals for Week 24

My Price:  $11.25
Products:  $43.73

***Remember that I am dividing this in half for the next 20 weeks.....

Running Tally - End of Week 24

My Cost:  $123.17

Products:  $583.36

As always, thank you to IHeartPublix.com and Couponaholic.net!!!

Week 24 - Quick Run To Publix

I had a super quick run to Publix yesterday - there are so many really cheap or free items available I just couoldn't pass them up!

2 Mueller's Pasta - BOGO $1.69.  My Price $.19 for BOTH!  I used 2 $.75/1 Mueller's Pot Sized Pasta Blinkie found on my last Kroger trip!

2 Hormel Cure 81 Diced Ham - Sales Price $3.00.  My Price $1.00.  Used 2 $2/1 Hormel Cure 81 printable.

2 Muir Glen Tomato Paste - Sales Price $1.09.  My Price $.18 for BOTH!  Used 2 $.50/1 Muir Glen (zip code 03103).

6 Bird's Eye Recipe Ready Frozen Vegetables - Sales Price $1.30 (50% off.)  My Price (-$1.20!)  Used 6 $1.50/1 Birds Eye Receipe Ready from 1/12 SS insert.

1 New York Brand Texas Toast - Sales Price $1.45 (50%).  My Price (.15)Used 1 $.50/1 New York item Kroger mailer coupon AND $.40/1 New York Texas Toast from 11/10 SS insert.

2 Emergen C  - Sales Price $3.99.  My Price FREE!  Used $5/2 Caltrate, Centrum or Emergen-C Publix pharmacy booklet coupon AND 2 $1.50/1 Emergen-C from 1/12 RP insert.  These are for our homeless friends.

2 VitaMelts - Sales Price $5.35.  My Price $.35 each!  Used 2 $3/1 VitaMelts Target coupon AND 2 $2/1 NatureMade VitaMelts from 1/5 SS insert.

1 Publix Market Ground Pork - Sales Price $3.09.  My Price $2.09.  Used $1/1 Birds Eye wyb Publix meat Publix game day coupon.

1 Publix Market Ground Beef - Sales Price $4.19.  My Price $3.19.  Used $1/1 Birds Eye wyb Publix meat Publix game day coupon.

Considering I bought meat and I'm all out of the $5/$50 competitor coupons, paying $7.28 for $45 worth of groceries made me pretty happy. They can't all be killer days!!!

Happy Shopping!

A huge thanks to IHeartPublix.com!

Kroger Shopping Trip with Donated Gift Card

I was tasked Wednesday with spending $50 at Kroger for the Help Our Homeless Veterans and Citizens organization.  We were donated a gift card and since I coupon....it fell to me.
I have to say that I do NOT typically shop at Kroger, but I think that knowing what we had to give out Saturday and what we needed, I honestly did the best I could.
Here's the breakdown:

10 Hormel Chili - on sale $10/10 - used $.55/2 coupon.
10 Campbell's soup - on sale $.79 - used $1/5 Campbells soup
5 Angel Soft TP - on sale $10/10 - used $.45/1 Angel Soft
5 Wolf Chili - on sale $10/10 - used $1/5 Wolf Kroger digital
10 Kroger Ravioli - on sale $.77 - no coupons used
5 Brawny Paper Towel - on sale $10/10 - used $.55/1
5 10-packs Swiss Miss - on sale $10/10 - no coupons used
4 12-packs razors - on sale $2.55 - used B1G1 Bic disposables
1 Shave Prep - on sale $1.45 - used $2 any shave item Kroger mailer
5lb Halos - on sale $6.99 - used $.50/1 Halos

When it was all said and done I was only $2 over my $50.  I was supposed to receive $3.00 catalina for the Gillette items, but the system was down so of course it didn't print.  GRRRRRR Kroger!!!

Thank you iheartkroger.com!!

Week 23 - End of Week Tally

It really has been a good shopping week for our homeless friends.  I have $12 in ECB at CVS for next week, and I was able to score a few MM so I could grab more stuff.  I did have a major mishap in which 2 of the SlimFast were destroyed by my children (my fault for leaving them out!), but I was able to replace them with free Kids Boost (same nutritional value) so it all worked out in the end.  Whew.  Here's the breakdown:

CVS
4 4-packs SlimFast - Sale Price 2/$10 or $20.00 total.  My Price $5.00.  See how here.  And made $12 ECB.  Don't forget 2 of the 4-packs died.

Publix
6 Ricola Cough Drops - Sales Price $1.45 BOGO.  My Price $.45 for 2.  Used $1/1 Ricola from 1/5 RP insert.

6 Knorr Pasta Sides - Sales Price $10/10.  My Price $.50 each.  Used $.50/2 Knorr sides from 1/5 RP insert.

2 Purina One Cat Food - Sales Price $.75.  My Price FREE.  Used Free 3.5 oz Cat Food from Purina bag.

4 Nature Valley Granola Bars - Sales Price 1.99 each.  My Price $.74 each.  Used 1 $2/4 Nature Valley Kroger mailer coupon AND 2 $.50/1 Nature Valley from 1/5 SS AND $.50/2 Nature Valley from coupons.com printable.

2 4-packs Kids Boost - Sales Price $4.99 each.  My Price FREE.  Used $2/1 Boost nutritional from Publix Delicious Inspirations AND $3/1 Boost Nutritional from 1/5 SS insert.

2 4-packs Kids Boost - Sales Price $4.99.  My Price ($-2.02).  Used Use $2/1 Boost nutritional from Publix Delicious Inspirations (found by the customer service at my store) AND $4/1 Boost Nutritional from 1/5 SS insert.

The evaporated milk is for veteran Rick and I'm not sure why I put it in the pic.  It was nice to be able to expand a bit from soup this week, but I knew with my Kroger shopping trip coming up with the donated gift card we would have plenty of soup and other foods.

Total for the Week - End of Week 23

My Cost - $10.29
Products - $59.77

Remember that over the course of 20 weeks I will be splitting the totals in half:

Running Tally - End of Week 23

My Cost - $117.54

Products - $561.49

As always, thank you iheartpublix.com and couponaholic.net!

Week 23 - Money-makers at Publix

Sundown Natural Vitamins - Price $3.29-$4.5
  Use $5/2 Sundown Naturals Publix Health and Beauty advantage flyer AND
  Use 2 of the $2/1 Sundown Vitamins from 1/5 Kroger insert (this will be a money-maker as long as you      don't go over $4.5 for each bottle.  If you do it is at least very cheap vitamins!)

Boost Kid Essentials - Price $4.99
  Use $2/1 Boost nutritional from Publix Delicious Inspirations (found by the customer service at my store) AND
  Use $4/1 (makes it $1.01 MM) or $3/1 Boost Nutritional from 1/5 SS insert

Snapware - Price 50% off.  Buy an item priced less than or at $4.00.
  Use $2/1 Snapware from 1/5 SS insert.  MM varies or FREE.


Thank you IHeartPublix.com and Couponaholic.net!!!!

Week 23 - CVS Trip

I had thought this week I would be picking up more Progresso soup from Publix yesterday, but as the bitter cold set in I became more and more worried about our homeless friends. So I abandoned my shopping time in order to join some other folks and help feed chili and coffee to our homeless friends and just make sure everyone was doing OK.  Thank goodness we are finally warming up today!  That being said, after a little research and the help of couponaholic.net, I was able to broaden my horizons and play at CVS.  I actually really enjoy shopping at the drugstores and think once you get a few ECB or RR going that you can make a killing, BUT I can't always dedicate my ECBs to the homeless (my family needs things too!)  But this week I was in luck. Here's how it went down:

Transaction 1 for the Homeless:

1 Bayer Contour Next EZ Meter - Sales Price $10, My Price $0, BUT received $10 ECB.  Used $10/1 Bayer Contour Portfolio Meter.  Not sure who is going to receive this, but I wanted to build up my ECB.

Transaction 2 for the Homeless:

6 4-Packs SlimFast Shakes - Sales Price 2/$10, My Price $5.00 for all 6.  Used 2 BOGO SlimFast coupons from 1/5 RP insert and 1 $5/2 SlimFast printable AND my $10 ECB from transaction 1.  I received $12 ECB for spending $30 of diet products.  (OK, I know that it seems a little funny to hand out diet shakes to homeless folks BUT they do have protein and lots of vitamins!)

Transaction 3 for Myself, My Children, and My Sanity:  (I had my personal $10 ECB from last week)

3 MET-RX minis - Sales Price $.99 each, My Price .99 for all 3.  Used $2/3 Met-RX bars (no longer available?) AND received $1 ECB.

1 Sundown Naturals Adult Gummies - Sales Price $7, My Price $5.00.  I used $2/1 Sundown Gummies from 1/5 RP insert AND received $4 ECB.

1 PediaCare Fever Reducer - Sales Price $5.99, My Price $4.99.  I used $1/1 PediaCare from 1/5 SS insert AND received $5 ECB.

2 BIC Soleil Disposable Razors - Sales Price $6.99 each.  My Price $2.99.  I used 1 BOGO BIC disposable from 1/5 SS insert AND $4 off $10 razors from CVS red coupon machine AND received $2 ECB.

3 M&Ms - Sales Price $.75 each.  My Price $.75 for all 3.  I used 1 Free M&M or Snickers from CVS red coupon machine AND 1 B2G1 Mars Chocolate.  These are not pictured because this is what I considered Hush Money well spent after switching my 4-year old twins for the 10th time around in the cart AND untangling my 6-year olds hair from somehow getting tangled up in the handle of the cart??  It worked too for those last few minutes...at least I was prepared with candy coupons this time!

1 Swanson Stock - $3.39 No coupons used.  We were NOT going to make it in and out of another store for cheaper stock!!! Not pictured either - I needed it!!!

1 Package Christmas Tags - $.29.

After the coupons and my $10 ECB my total was $8.38 BUT I received $11.99 in ECB for myself, and I have $12 ECB to spend for the homeless.  Overall, I'm sure I could have prepared more, not picked up the extras, etc. etc., but I'm going to call it a successful trip!

For all of You Beginners

I know I've spoken to many of you who either have or want to start couponing.  Today's paper is a great way to start out.  Head out to your closest Dollar Tree and grab 2-3 papers.  There are a great many match ups that will be coming up this week, one of which is the $..50/2 Progresso soup that matchs the current Publix ad which makes each can of soup $.47 each wyb 2 (when you buy).

Personally, I will be snatching up more soup for our homeless friends and of course will let you know how else to use the other coupons.  Feel free to contact me if you need help!

Happy Shopping!!!!

Week 21? Nope, Nope. Week 22!

It finally occurred to me as I posted A Call For Help on the facebook page for food this week that I had an extra week to make up for!  Why not buy enough for last week and this week?  So....I did.  Here's the breakdown:

18 Cans Progresso Soup - Sales Price $1.97 BOGO, My Price $.97 for 2.  Used 9 of the $.50/2 Progresso soup coupons, from newspaper inserts and coupons.com.

8 Cans Progresso Soup - Same as above except My Price was $5.22 (.74/can).  Used Publix digital coupon for $2/8 cans Progresso.

The rest of the "stuff" and how I got it can be seen Here.

Overall, I think that between Beth, Melissa, Rusty and myself, we were able to pull it out this week and will be able to provide a least a few meals for our homeless friends.  I'm heading out this morning with hot soup to hand out and my vehicle stuffed full of blankets, coats and other warm things.  I hope we can help a little in this cold weather!

Weekly Totals - End of Week 22 

My Cost:  $10.41
Products:  $27.75

***Don't forget that this is 2 weeks AND I split the whole thing  in half because of my extra donation!

Running Tally - End of Week 22

My Cost:  112.39

Products:  531.60

Happy New Years Eve!!!

I have to confess that I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed last week and decided to take it totally off.  I didn't buy for the homeless and I wasn't able to hand out food last Saturday because of our family Christmas celebration.  But I'm Back Jack!!!  I hit the gate running for Week 21....super excited to get out there with my new budget....only to realize that the sales/coupon match ups are horrible this week! That being said, it's only Tuesday and I've already been able to pick up quite a few things...combine that with all the super clearance items in the stores right now and I'm hoping that I'll be able to rack up for our homeless friends.  Here are a couple of the transactions I've done this week:

Walgreens:
2 Almay Mascara - Sale Price $7.99 and $3.89 (B1G1 50% off), My Price $2.88 for Both!  Used 1 $5/2 Almay printable (coupons.com) AND $2/1 Almay from Walgreens January savings booklet.  These are obviously for me and I could have probably scored a money-maker with all the clearance items, but I left my purse out in the cold with my mascara in it and it died.  All the way dead.
4 Chap-Aid - Sales Price 2/$2, BUT they rang up BIGI 50% off??? My Price $.98 for all 4.  I used the $.49 Walgreens coupon from the ad, limit 4.

Kroger:
4 BIC disposable razors - Sales Price $2.49 each, My Price $1.96 for all 4.  Used 4 $2/1 BIC disposable manufacturer coupon.
4 Gillette Deodorant - Sales Price $1.37 each (with Mega event), My Price $1.48.  Used $1/1 Gillette deodorant or body wash printable from coupons.com.

Publix:
10 Green Giant Veggie Chips - Sales Price $2.49 BOGO (for 2).  My Price $2.45 for all 10.  Used 10 $1/1 Green Giant Veggie Chips Publix coupons from All the Trimmings.

So, I'm already at close to $6 and normally I would be freaking out because I don't have a lot of food (not that veggie chips aren't food but seriously?) BUT don't forget my budget has expanded!!!  Wednesday the new Publix ad comes out and Progresso soup is going to be around $.74 with coupons and the BOGO sale so that is what I will be focusing on.  Happy New Year everyone and Happy Shopping!!!!  ****Update- Progresso is actually $.49/can with the $.50/2 Progresso coupons.

As always, a huge thanks to the folks over at couponaholic.net and iheartpublix.com for all the heads up.  I couldn't do what I do without their help!!!