As a Coupon(er) Do You Expect Too Much?

I mentioned previously that I went to Kroger this week.  I was one of the very lucky few that loaded the $25/$50 worth of groceries before that link was shut down.  I was super excited about it because I knew that I could work it out to basically pay nothing at the register, and load up on meat and produce which is not the easiest thing to do.

First of all, I went prepared and researched what was very cheap or free.  Without going into detail, I had $20 worth of coupons for $25 worth of product that I was going to combine with my digital $25/$50.  So that meant I would be paying roughly $5 plus tax out of pocket for everything.  Everything looked great, and I just needed to see what I was going buy with my "free" $25.

Then, I hit the mother load!!!  Carts and carts full of Covergirl and Loreal hair care marked down to $1.79!!!  Of course I had coupons, and with those coupons there were overages, so I was looking at about $15.00 worth of MM!!!!  And, since I have a very distinct personal policy that a store should not pay me (I don't mind paying just change though - hehe) I bought $15 more worth of meat.

So I get to the register....my digital coupon comes off just fine, all the freebie stuff comes off just fine, and when we got to the hair color, the lady at the register says, "I'm sorry we do not allow overages on coupons anymore, I'm going to adjust the price."  I said, that's fine (I'm thinking in my head, ok they are still free and that will make my total around $20 before tax...it's ok because I need to stock on meat anyway).  BUT..and here is where it gets super hairy and I still can't follow all the way along and I was actually there...she takes my $2/1 coupons and enters them as $1.79 and even my $5/2 coupons, and enters them as $1.79.  I say, but that was for 2.  She says, I can't have my register down below the cost.  I'm standing amazed (because Kroger will get paid $5.08 for my coupon) as she hands me back 4 of the $3/1 coupons which she refuses to enter, and proceeds to tell me that my total is $42.99.  At this point, I had 11 boxes of hair color, all of which I had coupons for, some of the coupons not entered and 4 given back to me (keep in mind that I still do not have expectations of the overage...free is fine with me).

Ummm..."Just void the entire order," was my response.

At that point, a manager was called over, he absolutely could not believe she handed me back coupons and somehow with whatever they did my total got down to $15.00 even.  That was less than I had anticipated after I was told they no longer do overages!  Keep in mind I had $20 in free product, $40 in Meat and Produce, and 11 boxes of hair color and they wanted me to pay $15 after tax. 

I did. I did and I was angry walking out of the store. First angry because now I was running late. Angry because another policy change at this store. And seriously angry because I was so confused!!! 

Then....I thought....I got a whole bunch of meat and produce.  And free hair dye.  And all those protein bars and such.  

Hmmmmm.....

So, I ask you....do we expect too much?  

My Weekly Shop(s)

So....I went a little over budget this week.  Not by much, but we did get our taxes back and I spent some extra money stocking up on meat and produce at Kroger.  I had a quick trip to Publix at the beginning of the week and found it BOGO $3.59!, so I spent $7.15 total there.  I also spent more than usual at Publix this week but it included all of my homeless donation so I'm going to call it a success.  Here's the breakdown:

2 Pizza Dough - BOGO $2.79.  No coupons used.

1 Publix Bacon - Sales Price $5.99 BOGO.  My Price $2.75.  Used $1.25/1 Kroger bacon mailer coupon.

5 Mrs. Dash Chili Mix - Sales Price $.99.  My Price $-.05 MM.  Used 5 of the $.50/1 Mrs. Dash from 2/9 SS insert which doubled to $1.00.

2 Lipton Tea - Sales Price $1.29 each.  My Price $.58 for both.  Used 2 $1/1 Litpon Tea Publix Best Meals coupons.  For the homeless.

2 Kraft Parmesan Cheese - Sales Price $3.49 BOGO.  My Price $1.49 for both.  Used 2 $1 WYB 3 Kraft cheese and Hunts Tomatoes peelie.

1 Wishbone Dressing - Sales Price $2.63 BOGO.  Paid $1.32, no coupons used.

2 Publix Shredded Cheese - Sales Price 2/$5.00.  Paid $5.00.  No coupons used.

1 Boneless Thighs - Sales Price $4.27.  My Price $2.27.  Used $2 off chicken Publix coupon WYB 4 participating items Viva Italia coupon.

1 Boneless Thighs - Sales Price $4.31.  My Price $2.31.  Used $2 off chicken Publix coupon WYB 4 participating items Viva Italia coupon.

1 Chicken Drumsticks - Sales Price $3.49.  My Price $1.49. Used $2 off chicken Publix coupon WYB 4 participating items Viva Italia coupon.

2 Pepperidge Farm Texas Toast - Sales Price $2.39 BOGO.  My Price $.39 for both.  Used 2 $.50/1 Pepperidge Farm frozen bread printable coupon from coupons.com (doubled to $1.00).

16 Zatarain - Sales Price $10/10.  My Price $8.00 for all 16.  Used 8 of the $.50/2 Zatarains from 2/16 RP insert which doubled to $1.00.  10 of these are for the homeless.

12 Hunts Diced Tomatoes - Sales Price $1.19 BOGO.  My Price $4.14 for all 12.  Used 3 of the $1 off 4 Hunts diced tomatoes Publix Viva Italia coupons.

2 Sundown Natural Folic Acid - Sales Price $3.79.  My Price $.42 MM.  Used 2 $3/1 Sundown Naturals Publix coupon from Purple Advantage flyer AND 2 $1/1 Sundown Naturals from 1/5 or 1/26 RP insert.

4 Wolf Chili - Sales Price 3/$4.  My Price $3.13 for all 4.  Used 4 of the $.55/1 Wolf chili blinkie.

2 General Mills Cereal - Sales Price $3.59 BOGO.  My Price $1.74 for both.  Used $1/2 General Mills blinkie AND $.75/2 General Mills cereal Target coupon.

I also used a $5/$50 Star Market coupon and spent $38.92 after tax, saving $88.25, with $8.71 of that out of my homeless budget.  So, after all my trips I spent $52.33 on groceries for my family.

I have to say it was a good week.

Dollar Store Trip

Yep, I'm that chick who uses coupons at the Dollar Tree.  I went in to see if I could score free Softsoap, and I noticed that my store started carrying State Fair corn dogs - Yay! 

4 2-packs State Fair Corn Dogs - used 4 $.75/1 State Fair product from 1/26 RP insert, making them $.25 each.

2 Softsoap - Used 2 $1/1 8oz+ Softsoap from 2/23 SS insert making them FREE!

Money-makers and Freebies This Week

Here is a list of money-makers and freebies at Publix this week.  I will definitely update if I run across anything else.  Hope this helps your budget!

Money-makers

Lipton Tea - Sales Price $1.29.  Use $1/1 Lipton Publix Best Meals emailed coupon AND 1 $.40/1 Lipton from 1/26 RP insert which doubles to $.80, making this a $.51 MM!  

Sundown Natural Vitamins - Sales Price (any below $4.00 with 120+ tablets).  Use $3/1 Sundown Naturals Publix coupon from Purple Advantage flyer AND $1/1 Sundown Naturals from 1/5 or 1/26 RP insert.
  B6 50mg - $3.59, or $.41 MM after coupon stack.
  Folic Acid - $3.79, or $.21 MM after coupon stack.
  Melatonin - $3.99, or $.01 MM after coupon stack.

Old El Paso Taco or Fajita Seasoning - Sales Price $.65.  Use $.50/1 Any Old El Paso printable coupon which doubles to $1.00, making this a $.35 MM.

Freebies  (Ending Today)
Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Whole Grain White Bread - Sales Price $3.99 BOGO.  Use $.50/1 Pepperidge Farm Sandwich bread (which doubles to $1) from 2/9 SS insert AND $1/1 Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Bread Publix coupon from Green Advantage Sweet Deals flyer.

Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles - Sales Price $.99 BOGO.  Use $1/2 Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles from 1/12 SS insert.

Week 29 - End of Week Totals

So, my donation this week was a complete turn-around from what I had planned on.  I spent a ridiculous amount of time earlier in the week running around trying to buy the most I could with the donation money I was tasked to spend, and ended up with a decent haul for the money, but decided to use my personal donation monies to fill the gap.

At Publix:

10 Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles - Sales Price $.99 BOGO.  My Price Free.  Used 5 $1/2 Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles from 1/12 SS insert.

6 Progresso Soup - Sales Price $1.95 BOGO.  My Price $.48 each.  Used $.50/2 Progresso soup from 1/5 SS insert (which doubled to $1).  I absolutely could not believe I only had 3 of these coupons.  This definitely changed things for my donation this week.

4 Nissan Big Cup of Noodles - Sales Price 4/$1.00.  My Price $.50 all 4..  Used 1 of the B3G1 Nissan noodles from 2/2 SS insert. This coupon rang as $.25 and added a $.25 multiplied coupon.  Everytime I walk into Publix they only have 4 of these left - it's a shame too because our homeless friends LOVE these.

At Aldi:

24 Vienna Sausage - Sales Price $.39 or $9.36 for all 24.  No coupons used.

End of Week Totals

My Cost:  $12.71
Products:  $21.16

***Splitting in half for my totals purposes due to a donation****

Running Tally - End of Week 29

My Cost:  $143.65

Products:  $737.35

Here are a few pics of other things I bought with the donation money (utilizing coupons and sales of course!)

Another Publix Trip

I have done so much shopping this week that I'm terribly behind on posting.  Part of it was all the awesome money-makers this week (I didn't come out of pocket for milk once!) and part of it was trying to spend donation money for the Help Our Homeless Veterans and Citizens organization.  For this particular trip, I did veer from my list and take advantage of the Viva Italia sale, so my numbers aren't terribly good, but I'm still happy with the end result.  Here is my big "shop" for my family (and some for the homeless) this week:

6 Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Whole Grain White Bread - Sales Price $3.99 BOGO.  My Price $.03 MM.  Used 6 $.50/1 Pepperidge Farm Sandwich bread (which doubled to $1) from 2/9 SS insert AND 6 $1/1 Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Bread Publix coupon from Green Advantage Sweet Deals flyer.

1 pkg Publix Chicken Thighs - Sales Price $3.42.  My Price $1.42.  Used $2 off chicken or sausage Publix Viva Italia coupon wyb 4 participating products.

1 State Fair Whole Grain Corn Dogs - Sales Price 2/$6.  My Price $1.25.  Used $.75/1 State Fair product from 1/26 RP insert AND $1/1 State Fair Corn Dogs Publix coupon from Green Advantage Sweet Deals flyer.

1 Hanover Kidney Beans - Sales Price $.99.  My Price $.01MM.  Used $.50/1 Plain Hanover Beans (which doubled to $1) from coupons.com - no longer available.

2 Hanover Black Beans in Sauce - Sales Price $1.29 each.  My Price $.58 for both.  Used 2 $.50/1 Hanover Beans in sauce (which doubled to $1) from coupons.com - no longer available.

1 9Lives Cat Food - Price $3.99.  No coupons used.

26 Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles - Sales Price $.99 BOGO.  My Price $.13 MM.  Used 13 $1/2 Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles from 1/12 SS insert.

2 Breakstone Greek Sour Cream - Sales Price $2.59 each.  My Price $.59 for both!  Used 2 $1/1 Breakstone Greek sour cream printable coupons AND 1 BOGO Breakstone Greek Sour Cream Publix coupon from Green Advantage Sweet Deals flyer.

2 Capri Sun Roarin Waters - Sales Price $1.79 each.  My Price $2.58 for both.  Used $1/2 Capri Sun Roarin Waters from 2/2 SS insert.

1 Folgers Coffee - Sales Price $3.00.  My Price $2.50.  Used $.25/1 Folgers (which doubled to $.50) from 2/2 RP insert.

4 28oz Hunts Crushed Tomatoes - Sales Price $1.99 BOGO.  My Price $3.98.  No coupons used.

1 Publix Cuban Sandwhich - Sales Price $3.49.  No coupons used.

2 Kraft Parmesan Cheese - Sales Price $3.49 BOGO.  My Price $1.49 for both.  Used 2 of the $1/3 Kraft Parmesan Cheese and 2 cans Hunts tomatoes (14.5oz or larger) Peelie coupons.

2 Pam Cooking Spray - Sales Price $3.19 BOGO.  No coupons used.

5 Hunts Tomato Sauce - Sales Price 5/$2.  My Price $1.00 for all 5.  Used $1/5 Hunts sauce Viva Italia Publix coupon.

1 Publix Toaster Pastry - Sales Price $1.69.  No coupons used.

6 Progresso Soup - Sales Price $1.95 BOGO.  My Price $.48 each.  Used $.50/2 Progresso soup from 1/5 SS insert (which doubled to $1).  I absolutely could not believe I only had 3 of these coupons.  This definitely changes things for my donation this week.

7 Mueller Pot-sized Pasta - Sales Price $1.69 BOGO.  My Price $.67 for all 7.  Used 7 $.75/1 Mueller's Pasta peelies from the Hunts tomatoes.

I also used a $5/$50.00 Star Market coupon, which made my total $30.59 after tax, saving $110.50.

Publix Trip

I had a pretty rocking trip to Publix yesterday.  I think I even surprised myself!  I have to say that with so many money-makers lately is has been super easy to stay within budget.

4 Knorr Sides - Sales Price $1.19 BOGO.  My Price $1.62 MM!  Used 2 of the $1/2 Knorr sides Publix Best Meals emailed coupon AND 2 $.50/2 Knorr sides from 1/26 RP insert.

2 Lipton Tea - Sales Price $1.29.  My Price $1.02 MM.  Used $1/1 Lipton Publix Best Meals emailed coupon AND 1 $.40/1 Lipton from 1/26 RP insert.

2 BC Ultimate Helpers - Sales Price $2.99 BOGO.  My Price $1.00 for both.  Used $1/2 BC Ultimate Helper Publix coupon from Best Meals Happen at Home AND $1/2 BC Ultimate Helper from 1/12 SS insert.

1 Hanover Beans - Sales Price $.99.  My Price Free or $.01 MM.  Used $.50/1 Hanover Beans Plain (which doubled to $1.00).

4 Progresso Recipe Starters - Sales Price 2/$3.00.  My Price Free!  Used 2 of the $1/2 Progresso Recipe Starters Publix coupons from Best Meals Happen at Home emailed coupon AND stacked that with 4 of the $.50/1 Progresso recipe starter printable (each one doubles to $1.00).  You could also use .50/1 Progresso Recipe Starters coupons from here.

1 Package Publix Chicken - Price $2.29.  My Price $.29.  Used $2 off chicken or sausage WYB 4 participating items Publix Viva Italia coupon.

After tax my total was $.16, saving $28.63.

Week 28 - End of Week Totals

I didn't spend my normal budget for the homeless last week.  I knew we had quite a bit of food already, and the sales were just not there for what I wanted to buy.  Such is the life of a couponer.  That being said, I did have a sneak peek of the new sales and knew I would want some extra money "banked" for soup for week 29.  Here is all I bought:

1 Lipton Tea - Sales Price $1.29.  My Price FREE

2 Cream of Wheat - Sales Price $2.39.  My Price $.39 each.  Used 2 of the $1/1 Cream of Wheat Publix coupon from Healthy Savings booklet AND 2 of the $.50/1 Cream of Wheat from 1/12 SS insert.

4 Nissan Big Cup of Noodles - Sales Price 4/$1.00.  My Price $.50 all 4..  Used 1 of the B3G1 Nissan noodles from 2/2 SS insert. This coupon rang as $.25 and added a $.25 multiplied coupon.

5 Hungry Jack Hashbrowns - Sales Price 2/$3.00.  My Price $.50 each.  Used $.50/1 Hungry Jack from 1/26 SS insert.

2 AXE Shave Gel - Sales Price $3.07 each.  My Price $.07 each.  Used 2 $2/1 Axe face product from 1/26 RP AND $2/2 Axe products from purple Publix flyer.

4 Knorr Sides - Sales Price $1.19 BOGO.  My Price FREE.

1 Mahatma Rice - Sales Price $.89.  My Price FREE.

End of Week Totals

My Price:  $3.92
Products:  $23.98

****Splitting in half over the next several weeks

Running Tally - End of Week 28

My Price:  $137.29

Products:  $726.77

4 Free Progresso Recipe Starters and Cheap Meat at Publix!

Have any of you noticed this awesome coupon by the front kiosk?

It is $2 off Publix chicken or sausage WYB 4 Progresso recipe starters, bread crumbs, 100% natural broths, Artisan soups, or Hunts 28-29oz Crushed Tomatoes or 14.5 Diced Tomatoes.

Progresso Recipe Starters are 2 for $3.00.  Use 2 of the $1/2 Progresso Recipe Starters Publix coupons from Best Meals Happen at Home emailed coupon AND stack that with 4 of the $.50/1 Progresso recipe starter printable OR .50/1 Progresso Recipe Starters coupons which double to make 4 FREE.

Then buy sausage or chicken.  Use the Save $2 off chicken or sausage WYB 4 items Publix Viva Italia flyer.  Today I bought chicken legs (my girls love these grilled) for $2.29.

That made all 5 items $.29 before tax!!

***It looks like the Progresso Bread crumbs and Hunts tomatoes will be BOGO coming up in the new ad, so there will be lots of great combinations to use this coupon for!

Week 28 - Publix Trip and Pantry Challenge Fail!!!

Well, as the title says, I failed my own Pantry Challenge!  We were snowed in (of sorts) and we did eat all of the meals on the menu plan, but I didn't make the budget at all.  I spent $5.42 at ALDI at the beginning of the week for milk, lettuce, etc.  I went to Kroger today and spent another $4.84 on milk and 2 4-packs of avocados they had marked down to $.99.  Then....I went to Publix.....and had 2 transactions:

Transaction 1:

5lb Russet potatoes - $2.99.  No coupons used.

2 Cucumbers - $1.58.  No coupons used.

1 pkg Asparagus - $3.17.  No coupons used.

1/2 Cantaloupe - $1.10.  No coupons used.

1 Lettuce - $1.49.  No coupons used.

1 16oz Carrots - $1.69.  Used Free 16oz carrots Kroger mailer coupon.

.83lb Plum Tomato - $1.65.  No coupons used.

1 Snuggle - Sales Price $3.99.  My Price $2.99.  Used $1/1 Snuggle Kroger mailer coupon.

4 Nature Made Vit D3 - Sales Price $3.99.  My Price $1.96 MM.  Used 2 of the $5/2 Nature Made Publix coupons and 4 of the $2/1 Nature Made Vitamin D from 2/2 SS insert.

1 Lipton Tea - Sales Price $1.29.  My Price $.51 MM.  Used $1/1 Lipton Publix Best Meals emailed coupon AND 1 $.40/1 Lipton from 1/26 RP insert.

2 Publix Shredded Cheese - Sales Price 2/$5.00.  My Price $4.35.  Used $.65/2 Kroger shredded cheese mailer coupon.

2 Cream of Wheat - Sales Price $2.39.  My Price $.39 each.  Used 2 of the $1/1 Cream of Wheat Publix coupon from Healthy Savings booklet AND 2 of the $.50/1 Cream of Wheat from 1/12 SS insert.

8 Nissan Big Cup of Noodles - Sales Price 4/$1.00.  My Price $1.00 for all 8.  Used 2 of the B3G1 Nissan noodles from 2/2 SS insert. This coupon rang as $.25 and added a $.25 multiplied coupon.

5 Hungry Jack Hashbrowns - Sales Price 2/$3.00.  My Price $.50 each.  Used $.50/1 Hungry Jack from 1/26 SS insert.

2 AXE Shave Gel - Sales Price $3.07 each.  My Price $.07 each.  Used 2 $2/1 Axe face product from 1/26 RP AND $2/2 Axe products from purple Publix flyer.

4 Knorr Sides - Sales Price $1.19 BOGO.  My Price $1.62 MM.  Used 2 $1/2 Knorr Publix Best Meals emailed coupon AND 2 $1/2 Knorr sides from 1/26 RP insert.

1 Mahatma Rice - Sales Price $.89.  My Price $.11 MM.  Used $.50/1 Mahatma from 1/26 RP.

I also used a $5/$50.00 Star Market coupon and paid $18.13 after tax, saving $65.24.

Transaction 2:

4 Knorr Sides - Sales Price $1.19 BOGO.  My Price $1.62 MM.  Used 2 $1/2 Knorr Publix Best Meals emailed coupon AND 2 $1/2 Knorr sides from 1/26 RP insert.

1 Minute Brown Rice - Sales Price $1.99.  My Price $.99.  Used $.50/1 Minute Rice from 2/3 SS insert. (Not pictured because I gave it to the lady behind me for waiting so patiently).

1 Mentos - $.50.  The only reason I bought was because I do not believe that the store should pay me.  (I gave this to the cashier)

My total was $-.13, or $.14 after tax, saving $8.05.

So, to recap, I totally failed my pantry challenge.  I spent $29!!!!  At least we have a jump on veg for next week - sheesh!!!!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!!!!

Pantry/Freezer Challenge - Part 1 - The Meal Plan

This week I am challenging myself to limit the grocery shopping to $20.00 out-of-pocket (OOP) and make our meals from what I already have in the pantry and freezer.  The $20.00 will go towards milk and the few other things that we will need such as extra fresh veg AND my weekly allowance for the homeless.  I have been wanting to do an "online" challenge like this for quite some time, and with a little nudge from my cuz Rebecca, coupon buddy Russell, and Mother Nature (we might be snowed in!!!!) it feels like the right time.

First, I want everyone to understand that I have a garden every year, so I probably have more of a jump on what is in the freezer than most.  I don't have to buy a lot of the vegetables I cook with, and since I make our stock and rolls from scratch I can really keeps food costs down in those areas.  That being said, I am going to try to include at least 1-2 of the free or very cheap items that I have picked up over the last few weeks in each meal.

Dinners:

Pasta Carbonara with Ham/Side of Bird's Eye Primavera Blend.  Utilizing free noodles, very cheap Cure81 ham and free Bird's eye Recipe Ready veg as the side. 

Ravioli with Marinara and Pan-Seared Eggplant/Side salad.  Utilizing cheap Celentano ravioli, home-made marinara (includes cheap Ragu) from the freezer, pre-breaded and sliced eggplant from the freezer (last summer garden), using free salad dressing for the salad.

Chicken and Dumplings.  Utilizing free Knorr Homestyle stock (this will be a first for me) and free Grands Biscuits as the dumplings.

Brunswick Stew/Rolls.  Utilizing cheap Lloyds BBQ as the BBQ base, free Bird's Eye Southwest Blend, free mustard, okra and tomatoes from my garden.  Homemade rolls and ham stock.

Fish Sticks/Tator Tots/Sauteed Cabbage.  Utilizing really cheap Gortons fish sticks and Alexia tator tots.  The kids will love this one, but personally I'm not looking forward to it.

Smoked Pork Stir-Fry.  Utilizing free rice and Bird's Eye stir-fry blend, smoked pork from the freezer (the hubs is the best!)

Lunches:
For the kids:  PB&J with green peppers, ham &cheese rollups with carrots and cheese crackers, boiled eggs and muffins with purple cabbage.
Mommy and Daddy:  Leftovers, tomato soup and grilled cheese 1x, egg salad sandwiches, sliced pork sandwiches.

Breakfast:
Homemade banana muffins and boiled eggs with cantaloupe, pancakes and sausage with strawberries, ham and cheese omelet with cantaloupe and toast, oatmeal with blueberries, cereal (if it's warm enough or the weekend).

In all honesty, the items I can see myself buying this week for these meals is milk, lettuce and tomato.  I purposely excluded cheese (except Parmesan) to keep my cost down.  I don't think anyone will notice though!

Week 27 - End of Week Totals

It's been a great week for our homeless friends.  I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be able to provide so much in one week for such a small amount.  Here's the breakdown:

8 HYDROXYCUT - Price $3.98 each or $31.84 for all.  My Price FREE.  See How.  Yes, I know...again with the diet drinks....but seriously there are good nutrients and lots of protein in these things!!!

2 Tena Pads - Price $4.97 each or $9.94 for both.  My Price FREE.  See How.

6 Lipton Tea - Price $1.29 each or $7.74 for all.  My Price FREE.  See How.

6 Halls - Price $1.45 BOGO or $4.35 for all.  My Price $1.35.  See How.

16 Nissan Noodles - Price $.89 BOGO or $7.12 for all.  My Price $1.76 for all 16.  See How.

4 AXE Shave Gel - Price $3.07 each, or $12.28 for all.  My Price $.28.  See How.

10 Vienna Sausages - Price $.39 each at Aldi or $3.90 for all.  No coupons used.

6 Iams Cat Food - price $.60 each at Kroger or $3.60 for all.  My Price FREE.  Used 2 of the $2/3 Iams printable.

Totals for the Week

My Cost:  $7.29
Products:  $80.77

****Splitting in half for the next few weeks.....

Running Tally - End of Week 27

My Cost:  $135.33

Products:  $714.78

Publix, Publix, Publix, Publix, Publix!!!!

I think I ran into Publix about 6 times this week.  Doesn't that sound ridiculous?  There were so many freebies and money-makers though, lots with Limit 2, that I just had to do it.  Luckily, the Publix I normally shop at is literally blocks away from my oldest's school, so it's really not a big deal to do a quick run in.  I'm only going to list 2 of those trips here, but I wanted everyone to see how I can stick to my $40/week for a family of 5.  Keep in mind that I was extremely lucky to have a lot of fresh veg already in the fridge for the week so all I really needed to buy was milk, cheese, etc.  Most of the items I bought this week were to stock up.

Trip 1:  The New Best Meals Coupons came this morning and I saw 2 MM I had to get!

2 Red Baron Pizza - Sales Price $5.99 BOGO.  My Price $4.99.  Used $1/2 Red Baron.

2 16-ct Lipton Tea - Sales Price $1.29 each, My Price $1.02 MM!  Used 2 $1/1 Lipton Tea Publix coupon from Best Meals AND 2 $.40/1 Lipton.

2 Nature Made Vitamin D - Sales Price $3.99 each.  My Price $1.02 MM!  Used $5/2 Nature Made Publix coupon AND 2 of the $2/1 Nature Made vitamin D.

2 Halls Cough Drops - Sales Price $1.45 BOGO.  My Price $.45, BUT received $1 in my Checkout51 account.  Used $1/2 Halls Blinkie.

2 Knorr Homestyle Stock - Sales Price 2/$3.99.  My Price $.51 MM!  Used 2 $1.25 Knorr Homestyle stock Publix Best Meals coupon AND 2 $.50/1 Knorr Homestyle Stock coupons.

My total at the register was $3.89, actually $5.51 after tax, saving $29.50.  As usual, I am happy because I paid less than what I would have for just the pizza alone.

Trip 2:  This trip on 2/5 ended up larger than expected...

6 Grands Biscuits - Sales Price $10/10, My Price $.41 MM! AND I received $.40 deposit in the Upromise account.  I used 2 $2/3 Pilsbury Target printable AND 3 of the $.40/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Breadsticks, Loaves or Dinner Rolls exp 4/19.

6 cans Fancy Feast - Sales Price $.54 each.  My Price $.37 each.  Used $1/6 Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers exp 2/17.

1 Minute Maid Coolers - Sales Price $1.43, no coupons used.

2 Lipton Tea 16-ct - Sales Price $1.29 each.  My Price $..52 MM!  Used 2 $.75/1 Lipton Publix hang tag AND 2 $.40/1 Lipton.

6 Halls Cough Drops - Sales Price $1.45 BOGO.  My Price $1.35 for all 6.  AND received $1 deposited in my Checkout51 account.  Used 3 $1/2 Halls Blinkie.

2 Axe Shave Gel - Sales Price $3.07, My Price $.14.  Used 2 $2/1 Axe face product from 1/26 RP AND $2/2 Axe products from purple Publix flyer.

4 Nature Made Vitamin D - Sales Price $3.99 each.  My Price $1.04 MM!  Used 2 $5/2 Nature Made Publix coupon AND 3 of the $2/1 Nature Made vitamin D and 1 $1/1 Nature Made.

2 Hefty Slider Bags - Sales Price 2/$3.  My Price $1.00 for both.  Used 2 of the $.50/1 Hefty Target printable coupons AND 1 $1/2 Hefty from 1/5 RP.

2 V-8 Splash - Sales Price $2.69 BOGO.  Used $1/2 V-8 Splash from 1/12 SS insert.

2 Cheerios - Sales Price 2/$4.  My Price $1.25 for both.  Used B1G1 Cheerios AND $.75/2 General Mills Target printable.

2 Gortons Fish Sticks - Sales Price $4.38 BOGO.  My Price $3.38.  Used $1/2 Gortons printable AND 2 Free Alexia wyb Gorton's Publix Game Favoites (see below).

2 Alexia Potatoes - Sales Price $3.79 each.  My Price $2.00 MM!  Used 2 of the Free Alexia wyb Gortons Publix coupons AND 2 $1/1 Alexia from 1/19 SS insert.

At the register I used $5/$50 Star Market coupon and my total was $3.32, or $7.18 after tax, saving $85.28.

For my family and the homeless this week I spent almost $50.00, and I am completely stocked on tissue and ketchup and I have about enough laundry detergent for a month.  It was a good week.

CVS trip - I spent too much!!!

I hesitated to do this trip all week.  I am running low on ECBs and my actual out of pocket was going to be too much.  When I buy laundry detergent I usually try to stay around $1.25 tops.  Yes, I'm an ALL kind of gal, but as any coupon-er knows, you cannot be brand specific.  BUT, with the babies still not quite potty trained at night, I was in dire need of more detergent.  Here's the breakdown:

4 ALL Detergent - Sales Price $3.99, receive 1 ECB, limit 3.  My Price $7.96 for all 4.  Used 1 $3/2 ALL and 2 $1/1 ALL.

1 Glade Sense and Spray - Sales Price $5.00.  Used $3/1 Glade Sense and Spray.

1 Jelly Bean - Price $.99.  No coupons used.  Yes the twins were with me!!

At the register I used 4 ECB, leaving my total $9.95, or $11.71 after tax, receiving 3 ECB back.  That is sooo much out of my $40/week for groceries!  BUT, I did receive $5.00 in my Savingstar account for the ALL and $3.00 in my Checkout 51 account for the Glade.  If you look at it that way, I truly only spent $.71.  Personally, I don't look at it that way.  $11.71 came out of my account, and the other money does not go directly back in to offset the spend.  When I receive that money back in my account it will be like a little bonus.

Anyone else think like that?

Walmart Steals??

I did the dreaded, horrible thing today and went to Walmart.  Every single time I go it seems like the cashier doesn't want to take the coupons OR they are completely out of stock.  Either way it is typically a hassle.  Today however, I braved the unthinkable because the Money-makers were too much to pass up and I needed another gallon of milk.  A huge thank you to GSFFatTheMart for the heads up!

6 HYDROXYCUT Protein Shakes - Sales Price $3.98.  My Price $6.12 MM!  Used 6 $5/1 HYDROXYCUT from 2/2 SS insert.

3 Tena Pads - Sales Price $4.97.  My Price FREE.  Used $5/1 Tena from 1/5 SS insert.

1 Milk - Sales Price $3.38.  No coupons used.

I also bought $3.08 in other items for my family, leaving my total $.31 or $2.73 after tax!

Week 26 - End of Week Totals

I am running behind this week.  I have finally finished our taxes AND figured out how we are going to replace the hot water heater in our rental property (yes rental property sounds like we have money....it really means that we take a loss every month on the mortgage and have to rent where we are now - cross your fingers that changes over the next few months!).  Also, I forgot to take a picture of the rice and chapstick, so you're going to have to trust me on this one.  Here are the totals:

I spent $3.76 for $96.80 of groceries and took that to Grateful Life Church who housed so many of our homeless friends during the cold weather.  See how Here.

I also bought a few extra things to take on Saturday:

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).

Totals for Week 26

My Cost:  $7.94
Products:  $116.73

****Splitting in half for my totals purpose for the next several weeks....

Running Tally - End of Week 26

My Cost:  $131.68

Products:  $674.39

Publix Freebies and MM!! - Updated!!!

I went into Publix today just because I wanted to take advantage of the free Sea Best and ketchup, also see if I could take advantage of the last day of the Angel Soft MM....and I was out of potatoes.  My little Ella Lou said she wanted mashed potatoes tonight with roasted chicken, and when she says she wants mashed potatoes that baby means it!  She will physically bring me the bag of potatoes and peeler and tell me to get to work...gotta love a woman who knows what she wants.  Here's how it went down:

2 32oz Heinz Ketchup - Sales Price $2.00.  My Price FREE.  Used 2 of the $2/1 Heinz Ketchup or $2/4 Ore-IDA potatoes Publix Game Favorites coupon.

1 Sea Best Tilapia - Sales Price $7.99  My Price $-.75!  Used Publix Digital coupon for 1 Free Sea Best up to $7.99 AND $.75/1 product peelie.

4 Angel Soft Tissue - Sales Price $1.50 BOGO.  My Price $-1.00!  Used 4 of $.50/1 Angel Soft from 2/2 RP insert.  This ends today!!!

1 5lb bag Potatoes - Sales Price $2.99.  No coupons used.

My total at the register was $1.24 or $1.88 after tax, saving $23.92.  At the end of the day I spent less on the potatoes than I would just running in and picking them up so I call it a success....especially since Mommy would be in big trouble without them!

NOTE:  Nissan noodles are BOGO $.89 ending today.  Use the $1/3 Nissan noodles from 2/2 SS insert making them just $.11 each wyb 3!

UPDATE:

 Lipton Tea Bags 16 ct are $1.39.  Use $.75/1 Lipton Hang tag Publix coupon (located in front of store) AND $.40/1 Lipton from 1/26 RP insert for a $.16 MM!  The Publix coupon expires 2/6!!

Axe Shave Gel are $3.07.  Buy 2 and use $2/1 Axe face product from 1/26 RP AND $2/2 Axe products from purple Publix flyer.  This makes each shave gel $.07 wyb 2.

Thanks IHeartPublix.com!