Week 43 - One Publix Trip So Far this Week

I haven't shopped a ton this week - this ad doesn't have a lot that interests me, and I'm re-learning how to shop with my three little ones.  It's been an adventure!  I was pleasantly surprised that the vitamins were fully stocked, so we loaded up.  I also used a $5/$50 Star Market coupon which helped my totals out.

3 Dove Shampoo - 3/$9.  I paid $-.50!!!!
I used 1 $3/3 Dove products Publix Advantage Flyer AND 2 $2.50/1 Dove Hair Product from 5/18 RP insert AND 1 $1.50/1 Dove Hair Products from 5/4 RP insert.  NOTE:  There is a limit of 2 like coupons on these, so you can not use 3 of the same all at once.

4 Vlasic Relish - $1.39 each.  I paid $.39 each, or $1.56 total.
I used 4 of the $.50/1 Vlasic relish from 5/11 SS insert (which all doubled to $1)

6 Chef Boyardee Ravioli - $10/10.  I paid $.67 each, or $4.00 for all 6.
I used 2 of the $1/3 Chef Boyardee blinkie coupons.  These are for the homeless.

4 Chef Boyardee Beefaroni - $10/10.  I paid $.75 each, or $3.00 for all 4.
I used 1 of the $1/4 Chef Boyardee coupons from End Child Hunger Publix booklet.  These are for the homeless.

1 Hersheys Syrup - $2.15.  
No coupons used.

2 Barilla Pasta - $1.35 each.  I paid $.70 for both.
I used 1 $1/2 Barilla Pasta Publix Advantage flyer coupon AND $1/2 Barilla pasta printable Kroger mailer coupon (manufacturer).

2 Lady Speed Stick - $1.95 BOGO.  I paid $.97 for both.
I used the BOGO Speed Stick coupon from 5/11 SS insert which deducted $.97.  

1 Publix Eggs - $3.00.
No coupons used.

4 Sundown Melatonin - $3.99 each.  I paid $-4.04!!!!
I used 4 of the $3/1 Sundown Vitamins 120ct + Publix Advantage Flyer coupons AND 4 of the $2/1 Sundown from the 4/13 RP insert.  These are for the project I've been working on for my cousin.  NOTE:  This coupon did not have any limits on it like some of our Red Plum coupons.

3 Sundown B-6 - $3.59 each.  I paid $-4.23!!!
I used 3 of the $3/1 Sundown Vitamins 120ct + Publix Advantage Flyer coupons AND 3 of the $2/1 Sundown from the 4/13 RP insert.  These are for the project I've been working on for my cousin.  NOTE:  This coupon did not have any limits on it like some of our Red Plum coupons.

I also used a $5/$50 Star Market competitor coupon.

My total at the register was $1.62, or $6.49 after tax, saving $70.68.  Not a lot for my family in this shop because I spent $32 at Aldi this week on veg and milk.  Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Week 43 - A Quick Run into Kroger

I haven't donated personal care items for a while for a couple of reasons.  First, we have been overwhelmed with free-loaders lately.  Apparently word has gotten out about our route and people who have homes, drive their cars to our stops and get in line for all stuff we hand out.  It's a difficult thing to handle, but most importantly we don't want to take away from our homeless friends who we are there to help.  Secondly, while I know their are some personal care items in the storage facility, I haven't had the time to go and get them.  Finally, and most importantly, I've been working on a project for my cousin for a couple months now.  I have a box of personal care items for her family, I'm hoping enough for a year, that I will be sending home with her when she visits.  I'm super excited about this one because she is bringing me some specialty flours, seeds, etc. that I cannot easily get my hands on.  One of the things I love about couponing is that you can easily barter with your surplus or just give it away!

On with the shop:

9 Brut Deo - $10/10.  I paid FREE.
I used 9 of the $1/1 Brut from 5/18 SS insert.  For the homeless.

4 Sure Deo - 2/$3.  I paid $2.00 for all 4.
I used 4 of the $1/1 Sure from 5/18 SS insert.  2 of these will finish up deo for my cousin, and 2 are for my own stockpile.

My total at the register was $2, or $3.35 after tax.

Week 42 - End of Week Totals

I had such an incredible shopping week this week, that I cannot possibly count this donation as any money spent.  See for yourself HERE and HERE.  After thinking about it, I'm actually going to count this donation as a $-3.06 MM (I wasn't out of pocket for any of it anyway, and I need it to get closer to my totals).  Keep in mind that I did make a couple of mistakes by buying in quantity for the Knorr and Lipton together - just keep your eyes out for the limits - I'm sure you'll do a better job than I did.  Here it is:

12 Quaker Granola Bars - $2.34 BOGO.  I paid $1.34 for 2. 
I used 6 of the $1/2 Quaker Big Chewy bars from 5/4 RP insert.  

6 Lipton Tea - $1.29.  I paid $-3.06!!!!
I used 6 of the $1/1 Lipton Best Meals coupons AND 6 of the $.40/1 Lipton from 5/18 RP insert (which all doubled to $.80).  I wanted to buy the BOGO ones but my store was out!!!!  

10 Dole Pineapple - 3/$4.  I paid $.25 each. 
I used 5 of the $.50/2 Dole from 4/6 SS insert (which all doubled to $1).  

10 Knorr Sides - $1.19 BOGO.  I paid $.95 for all 10.
I used 5 of the $.50/2 Knorr sides from 5/18 RP insert (which all doubled to $1.00).  

End of Week Totals:

My Cost:  $-3.06
Products:  $35.23

Running Tally - End of Week 42

My Cost:  $213.66

Products:  $956.43

I still have $10 of donation money left (from my Dad to add to my weekly donations) AND now I am finally getting a little closer to where I'm supposed to be at ($210 at 42 weeks).

Week 41 - Catching up on Totals

I'm more than a little behind on totals because I really didn't want to face the fact that I was so grossly off.

As of Week 39 I was at $208.33 spent.  I should be at $195 at $5/week.

Week 40 I added another $8.87 for Powerade (which is the exact product cost).
http://mommiesusingcouponstohelp.blogspot.com/2014/05/thank-you-beth.html
That leaves my cost at $212.77, products at $902.25 after splitting them in half.  Horrible!!!

Week 41 - I should be at $205 spent.  So, I went pretty low key again to manage my totals, but really lucked out on the granola bars (I cannot stand not being able to buy something in quantity!)

9 5-ct Quaker Big Chewy Granola Bars - $2.34 BOGO.  I paid $.34 for 2, or $1.53 total!!!
I used 9 of the $1/1 Quaker Big Chewy from 5/4 RP insert.

2 Carefree Liners - $3.21 BOGO.  I paid $1.21 for both.
I used 2 of the $.50/1 Carefree from 4/27 SS insert (which doubled to $1).

2 Stayfree Pads - $3.21 BOGO.  I paid $1.21 for both.
I used 2 of the $1/1 Stayfree from 4/27 SS insert.

2 Playtex Tampons 4CT - $1, I paid FREE! 
Used 2 of the $1/1 Playtex 360 from 4/27 SS insert.

My Cost:  $3.95
Products:  $18.95

Running Tally - End of Week 41

My Cost:  $216.72

Products:  $921.20

At this point, I still have $10 left of donation money AND I'm closer to getting back on track!

Week 42 - Publix Shop #1

I mentioned Friday that I was waiting for that $10/$50 Target coupon in order to shop this week - well, this is the first of those trips.  I got up early and shopped this morning before my house was moving. It was AWESOME!  They had re-stocked the Loreal face wipes AND Bic razors so I really lucked out.  The best part about this trip (besides only paying 30 cents before tax) is that I really got a jump on the homeless.  I haven't done weekly totals in about 2 weeks because I know I'm ridiculously over, but trips like this will certainly help put me back on track.  Here we go:

10 Quaker Granola Bars - $2.34 BOGO.  I paid $1.34 for 2, or $6.70 for all 10.
I used 5 of the $1/2 Quaker Big Chewy bars from 5/4 RP insert.  These are for the homeless.

6 Lipton Tea - $1.29.  I paid $-3.06!!!!
I used 6 of the $1/1 Lipton Best Meals coupons AND 6 of the $.40/1 Lipton from 5/18 RP insert (which all doubled to $.80).  I wanted to buy the BOGO ones but my store was out!!!!  These are for the homeless.  NOTE - there is a limit of 2 like coupons on the Lipton tea that I overlooked.  I should not have bought all of these at once.

10 Kraft BBQ sauce - $1.33 BOGO.  I paid $1.65 for all 10.
I used 5 of the $1/2 Kraft BBQ sauce from 5/11 SS insert.

1 Stayfree Pads - $5.25 BOGO.  I paid $-2.63!!!!.
I used 1 free Carefree or Stayfree mailed coupon (up to $5.99).  SEE NOTE BELOW.

2 Bic Soleil Razors - $3.99 each (after Publix auto deducts $2).  I paid $.99 each or $1.98 total.
I used 2 of the $3/1 Bic Soleil from 5/4 SS insert.

3 Loreal Face Wipes - $1.99 each (after Publix auto deducts $5).  I paid $-2.00!!!!
I used 1 $3/1 Loreal Paris Kroger mailer coupon (MQ) AND the $5/2 Loreal Skincare from 4/13 RP insert.

6 Dole Pineapple - 3/$4.  I paid $.25 each or $1.50 total.
I used 3 of the $.50/2 Dole from 4/6 SS insert (which all doubled to $1).  These are for the homeless.

2 Hormel Pepperoni - $1.59 each.  I paid $1.18 for both.
I used $1/2 Hormel pepperoni from 5/11 SS insert AND $1/2 Hormel Target printable.

I also used the $10/$50 Target grocery coupon that deducted $5 off my total.

My total was .30, or $3.94 after tax, saving $92.05.

NOTE - it wasn't until I was typing this up that I realized that the Stayfree rang up as BOGO at $2.63 and the cashier deducted the full $5.25, making those pads a $2.63 MM.  Craziness!!!!

Week 42 - Publix Trip #2

I had an awesome trip to Publix yesterday!  You guys all know that I always plan to shop up to that $45 mark with as many freebies, super cheap items and money-makers as possible in order to use my competitor coupon - that is how I buy milk, meat, etc.  Somewhere along the way that typically includes the homeless donation, and helps keep me stocked up.  Well, let me tell you that all the cards lined up for me yesterday, and to be perfectly honest with you I was stunned at the register when the cashier took the full $10 off my total with the $10/$50 Target coupon (I spoke to another couponer and she said that this Publix always takes the full amount!!!)  So, thinking back, I should have just asked the bagger to grab another gallon of milk, but instead I was totally flustered.  I bought the cashier a pack of cookies and had my quarter ready to pay my $.17, and then I noticed she had one more coupon to go.  Man.  I really could have paid $1 and some change for another gallon of milk!!!  Oh well, now I know where I'm shopping when those high dollar Target coupons come out (Airport Rd)!!!  Here we go:

1 Publix Milk - $3.55.  No coupons used.

6 L'Oreal face wipes - $1.99 (after $5 auto deduct).  I paid $-6.06!!!
I used 6 of the $3/1 L'Oreal AgePerfect, Revitalift etc.  from 5-18 RP insert.

10 Knorr Sides - $1.19 BOGO.  I paid $.95 for all 10.
I used 5 of the $.50/2 Knorr sides from 5/18 RP insert (which all doubled to $1.00).  These are for the homeless and I am counting them as free of course!!!  Note:  It has been brought to my attention that there was a limit of 2 like coupons for these.  I should have ONLY bought 4 because the coupon is for 2 of the sides.  I aplogize everyone - I'm typically much more diligent than that and it will not happen again.  Please do not violate the coupon policy like I did.

4 Frenchs Mustard - $1.85 BOGO.  I paid $-.27!!!!
I used 4 of the $.50/1 Frenchs from 5/11 SS insert (2 of these doubled to $1.00, one only doubled to $.97??).

2 Planters Nuts - $3.99 BOGO.  I paid $2.99 for both.  
I used $1/2 Planters nuts from 4/13 SS insert.  (Yes, I know one is open and half gone but my not so little helpers really needed a snack!)

4 Kens Dressing - $3.51 BOGO.  I paid $3.02 for all 4.
I used 4 of the $.50/1 Kens 16oz from 5/4 RP insert (which all doubled to $1).

1 Bic Soleil Razor - $3.99.  I paid $.99.
I used the $3/1 Bic Soleil from 5/4 SS insert.

2 Lipton Tea - $1.29 each.  I paid $-1.02!!!
I used 2 of the $1/1 Lipton Best Meals Publix emailed coupons AND 2 of the $.40/1 Lipton from the 5/18 RP insert (which both doubled to $.80).

1 Publix Chocolate Syrup - $2.19.  No coupons used.

6 Vanity Fair Napkins 80ct, - $2.29 BOGO.  I paid $-.83!!!
I used 6 of the $.75/1 Vanity Fair Publix coupons from 5/11 RP insert AND 4 of the $.55/1 Vanity Fair peelies AND 1 of the $1/2 Vanity Fair from 4/6 RP insert.

1 Snackwells Cookies - .55.  No coupons used.
I gave these to the cashier.

I also used the $10/$50 Target coupon which deducted the entire $10!!!

My total at the register was $-3.94, or $-.83 after tax, saving $115.67.  Umm, and I received a $.50 back from Ibotta.  

Week 42 - Kroger trip

A couple weeks ago I loaded up on all that free Softsoap shower gel that pumped out the catalinas, so I had a $2 catalina that was very close to expiring.  Since I pretty much despise couponing at Kroger, I bought hot dogs and buns and got out!  Here it is:

9 Gwaltny Hot Dogs - $10/10.  I paid $.45 each or $4.05 total.
I used 9 of the $.55/1 Gwaltny from the 5/18 SS insert.

2 Kroger Hot Dog/Hamburger Buns - $10/10.  I paid $1.60 for both.
I used a $.40/2 Kroger Buns mailer coupon.

I also used my $2 catalina from the Soaftsoap promotion.

My total at the register was $3.65, or $4.60 after tax, saving $11.64.  Not a huge savings, but I am fully stocked on hot dogs for the kids!!!

Week 42 - Walmart trip

I think everyone knows by now that I have a serious problem paying full price for anything.  If I need to buy let's just say...lightbulbs, then I always look for a MM to offset the price if I cannot find a great deal on those said lightbulbs.  This shop is really just an example of that trip:

2 Silvania Light Bulbs - $1.68 each, or $3.36 total.
No coupons used.

10 Brachs Gummy Worms - $1.28 each.  I paid $-2.20!!!!
I used 10 of the $1.50/1 Brachs from 5/11 RP insert.

My total at the register was $1.16, or $2.61 after tax.  That was less than the price of the 2 lightbulbs, we have tons of gummy worms, and now have some light in my laundry room!!

A Huge Thank You!!!

I have to say a huge thank you to my Mom!!!  She donated $$$$ to the homeless cause last week, and it couldn't have come at a better time!  After much debate and price checking, I decided on sunscreen.  So many of our homeless friends that are working out in the sun all day have been asking for it, but quite frankly it's a hard thing on limited funds to buy sunscreen over food.  This really couldn't have come at a better time Mom!

At CVS - pricing good for all of May:

25 Sunscreen - $1.50.  I paid $37.50 for all 25 - my discount did not apply.
These will ONLY be going out to those who are out working!!!!

Total after tax was $40.88.  

Thank you again so, so much....this is really a blessing!!!

Week 41 - My Quick Run into Publix

So, I ran into Publix on the 14th with fingers crossed that they would not be out of Breyers!  I really wanted to keep my total at $10 or below because even with all of the awesome deals this week, I know that the $10/$50 Target coupon is coming out in Sundays paper and I want to wait to stock up on cheese crackers, BBQ sauce, more granola bars and feminine products with that.  So...the result is this short little trip:

9 Quaker Big Chewy Granola Bars - $2.34 BOGO.  I paid $.34 for 2, or $1.53 total!!!
I used 9 of the $1/1 Quaker Big Chewy from 5/4 RP insert.  These are for the homeless - I love this deal!  They are perfect for our homeless friends, especially now that it's heating up!

2 Carefree Liners - $3.21 BOGO.  I paid $1.21 for both.
I used 2 of the $.50/1 Carefree from 4/27 SS insert (which doubled to $1).  These are for the homeless.

2 Stayfree Pads - $3.21 BOGO.  I paid $1.21 for both.
I used 2 of the $1/1 Stayfree from 4/27 SS insert.  These are for the homeless.

6 Breyers Ice Cream - $4.89 BOGO.  I paid $2.67 for all 6!
I used 2 of the $3/3 Breyers, Klondike, Magnum etc. from 5/14 RP insert AND 6 of the $1/1 Breyers Publix Best Meals coupons.

My total was $6.62, or $10.79 after tax, saving $46.09.

Note - Because I am so far off on my totals (over on what I've been spending), these items and a few of the free tampons will be all of my donation this week.  I really lucked out with the 45 protein bars for $1.53 again!

A surprisingly nice trip to Wal-Mart?

So, my Wal-Mart finally stocked up on the markers.  They have been out ever since that coupon came out and I've been dying to find them!  But when they rang up at the register they were only $.75 so I had a surprise MM!  Woohoo!  Here's how this trip went down....it's the kind that makes me giggle:

6 Crayola Markers - $.75.  I paid $-1.50!!!!
Used 6 of the $1/1 Crayola Markers from 4/6 RP insert.  I know I will need these for school supplies next year!

1 Almay Eye Makeup Remover - $1.14.  I paid $-.86!!!!
Used $2/1 Almay eye that printed from a Walgreens receipt (it said manufacturer coupon!)

2 Top Soil - $1.36 each.  I paid $2.72.  
No coupons used.  I ended up getting 2 because the markers were $.75 instead of $.97 like I thought they would be!

My total at the register was $.36, or  $1.11 after tax.  Less than the 1 bag of soil I went into the store for! (Sorry for the pic-my back said NO to lifting those out!)

Dollar Store Freebies

I had an awesome couple of trips to the Dollar Store this week.  Because of their limit of 4 coupons per same items, I made 2 trips.   Here's the breakdown:

8 Playtex Tampons 4CT - $1, I paid FREE! 
Used 8 of the $1/1 Playtex 360 from 4/27 SS insert.

7 Firefly Toothbrushes - $1, I paid FREE!  
Used 7 of the $1/1 Firefly from 5/4 SS insert.

1 Firefly Mouthwash - $1.  I paid $1.  
Unfortunately the Firefly coupon did not apply to mouthwash!!!!

So, for 16 items after tax, I paid $2.44.  I was cool with that - LOL!

Thank you Beth!!!

I have to confess that I had a little bet going with my buddy Beth....and well I lost.  So instead of paying her back she asked me to buy for the homeless.  Unfortunately, what I had planned didn't exactly pan out (I had really hoped I was going to be able to use that $3/3 Coke products again on the BOGO Powerade sale, but it didn't work out).  So, in an effort to have the quantity that we need, I'm going to combine my donation this week with Beth's.  Pretty simple gig:

At Publix:

6 8-packs Powerade - BOGO $5.85.  Total $17.55.  No coupons used.

Thanks again Beth!  Since everyone has cut way back on cooking this will be an awesome way to get some needed calories and vitamins in our homeless friends!!!

Week 39 - End of Week Totals

Crazy week last week.  I'm now working mornings and nights - I'm going insane with all the end of school year activities and attempting to be a good Mommy!!!  Add that to virtually no good sales and here was last weeks donation:

Kroger:

10 Chicken Noodle Soup - $.69 each, or $6.90 total.  No coupons used.

Aldi:

10 Chicken Noodle Soup - $.69 each, or $6.90 total.  No coupons used.


End of Week Totals

My Cost:   $13.80
Products:  $13.80 

Running Tally - End of Week 39

My Cost:    $208.33

Products:  $897.81

I'm so far off where I'm supposed to be on my totals its ridiculous!  Hope I can come up with a good MM soon!!!

Week 39 - No Such Thing as a MM at Kroger

I went into Kroger to use that awesome $3/1 Advil Congestion coupon the other day on the smaller variety and it was REJECTED!  Their new system will not allow any overage on coupons.  That literally screwed up my entire game plan because I was going to use that overage to get back on track for my totals (I'm almost $5 over!).  I was going to use the overage to buy the soup for the homeless, and then pay out of pocket for the super cheap deodorant. As I said before that did not work out.  Here's the breakdown:

10 Chicken Noodle Soup - $.69 each, or $6.90 total.  No coupons used.  For the homeless.

4 Ladies Speed Stick - $.99 each with Mega event pricing wyb 4.  I paid $-.04.
I used 4 of the $1/1 Speed Stick from 4/27 SS insert.  I am assuming if it is within pennies they will accept the overage???

4 Speed Stick Gear - $2.49 each with Mega event pricing wyb 4.  I paid $.49 each or $1.96 total.
I used 4 of the $2/1 Speed Stick Gear from 4/27 SS insert.

4 Mens Speed Stick - $1.29 each with Mega event pricing wyb 4.  I paid $.29 each, or $1.16 total.

My total at the register was $9.98 before tax, on a total of $37.98 worth of groceries.  So, it looks like unless there is a serious Mega sale matchup going on at Kroger I'm not going to be shopping there!