I've Got An Idea Y'all, But I Need Some Help!!! - Updated

It's 4th of July weekend this week and I want to hand out frozen hot dogs to our homeless friends - I've been waiting on a great deal to pop up and I think it's here!  The problem is that I don't know if I can pull off the quantity I need by myself.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE if you live in Huntsville, or the surrounding area and you can grab this deal do it!  I just need them by Thursday night in order to have them passed out Friday morning - or you guys can get them to Rusty, etc., etc.   I've tried to work it out so there is very little out of pocket.  Now on to the scenario:

Beginning 6/29 at Publix - UPDATED - Pricing is Confirmed!!!!

Bar S Franks  - $1.00.  You will pay $.45 per package.
Use the $.55/1 Ball Park printable or there may be a "Summer Grilling" booklet available with the coupon in it at the kiosk.  The store I frequent most often (on Bailey Cove/Mt. Gap) will take any Publix store coupon and enter it up to 10 times (yes with only 1 coupon, just tell the cashier when you check out - BUT NOT EVERY STORE DOES THIS).  I'm shooting for 10 at a time (of course).

Frenchs Mustard 14oz- $1.85 BOGO.  You will pay up to a $-1.25!!! MM ON 2.
First, use the $.55/1 Frenchs Mustard Publix coupon  (again tell them how many times to enter it IF your store will allow it) AND if you have it 2 of the $.50/1 Frenchs Mustard from the 5/11 SS insert (they will both double to $1).  Be careful with these, because there is a limit of 2 per shopping trip!
If you don't have the 5/11 SS coupon you still have a few options that will be a MM to help pay for the hot dogs!!!
Use the Publix coupon AND the $.30/1 Frenchs from the 6/15 SS insert for each bottle you buy (it will double to $.60), making it a $.45 MM wyb(when you buy) 2.
OR
Use the Publix coupon AND $.30/1 Frenchs printable for each bottle you buy (it will double to $.60), making it a $.45 MM wyb(when you buy) 2.

So, in this very straightforward scenario, if you buy 2 packs of hot dogs and 2 mustards with the 2 of $.50/1 mustard newspaper coupon AND the 2 store coupons entered twice, they will pay you $.06 after tax.  

If you buy 2 packs of hot dogs and 2 mustards with 2 of the $.30/1 mustard coupons AND the 2 store coupons entered twice, your total will be $.45, or $.74 after tax.  

I already picked up 12 packs this morning to get a jump on things.

I'm crossing my fingers some of you can help me out so we can get the quantity for this weekend!

Don't forget, there is another MM you can use this week:

I would buy at least 2 of these:
2 Betty Crocker Cornbread & Muffin Mix - 2/$1.  Pay $-.50!!!
Use 1 of the $1.50/2 Betty Crocker Mixes Publix Best Meals coupons for every 2 you buy(on display in the store).  


A HUGE thanks to couponaholic.net for the info - couldn't do what I do without other couponing sites!!!

Week 47 - My Publix Haul

I had an awesome trip to Publix today despite the fact that my Publix only had one Right Guard Xtreme Clear left.  I usually debate whether or not I'm going to do the gas card deal - not because I won't spend $50 to qualify, but because I don't usually have the gas card on me when I need it.  But, after reading this article:  http://www.thecouponingcouple.com/publix-gas-card-deal-whats-the-big-deal/ I decided to go for it - especially since I needed gas and I was going to head straight to the gas station afterwards with no chance of misplacing said card.  So, this shop has an additional $10 saving from the Publix gas card coupon AND an additional $5 off from my $5/$50 Star Market competitor coupon.  Here's the breakdown:

2 6-packs Sunkist - $3.99 BOGO.  I paid $1 each or $2 total
I used the BOGO 7-Up, A&W, Sunkist, etc Publix coupon from Green Advantage Flyer.

4 Betty Crocker Cornbread & Muffin Mix - 2/$1.  I paid $-1.00!!!
I used 2 of the $1.50/2 Betty Crocker Mixes Publix Best Meals coupons (on display in the store).  I was really hoping they would have more of these so I can make something up for my homeless friends.

3 Fruit Loops - $3.69 BOGO.  I paid $.84 each, or $2.53 for all 3.
1 Gallon Milk - $3.39.  I paid FREE.
I used 3 of the $.50/1 Fruit Loops printable (which all doubled to $1) AND 1 FREE gallon of Milk wyb 3 Kelloggs Fruit Loops Publix coupon from the green flyer.

4 30oz Heinz Ketchup - $3.09 BOGO.  I paid $2.18 for all 4.
I used 4 of the $.50/1 Heinz (which all doubled to $1) from 6/22 RP insert.

2 Dixie Plates - 2/$4.  I paid $.90 for both.
I used 1 $2/2 Dixie products Publix coupon from $5 Children's Miracle Network donation sheet AND 2 of the $.55/1 Dixie from 5/18 RP insert.

6 Zatarains Frozen Entrees - 2/$3.19.  I paid $.59 each or $3.57 for all 6.
I used 6 of the $.50/1 Zatarains (which doubled to $1) from 6/22 RP insert.

2 Hellman's Mayo - $4.73 BOGO.  I paid $2.73 for both.
I used 2 of the $1/1 Hellman's from 6/22 RP insert.

4 Cheezit - $3.39 BOGO.  I paid $.69 each, or $2.78 for all 4.
I used 2 of the $2/2 Cheezit Publix coupon from the $5 Children's Micracle Network donation sheet.

1 Right Guard Xtreme Clear - $2.83 BOGO.  I paid $-.59!!!!
I used 1 of the $2/1 Right Guard Xtreme from 6/15 RP insert.

2 M&M - $3.89 BOGO.  I paid $1.89 for both.
I used the $1/2 M&M Target printable coupon AND the $1/2 Mars, M&M etc. from 6/22 RP insert.

I also used the $5 Star Market and $10 gas card coupons.

My total at the register was $2.00, or $6.67 after tax, saving $93.00.  BUT if you want to get technical, I paid $56.67 total because I walked out with my $50 gas card...which I spent immediately.  ;-)

Week 47 - My Frantic Publix Shop This Morning

It is super hot outside and that just doesn't bode well when shopping with three children.  Everyone gets cranky, including Mommy because it seems to take 20 minutes just to get in and out of the car (how spoiled did school make me???).  So, I decided to shop before the hubs had to leave for work today - KID FREE -and since Publix doesn't open until 7am here, I had about 15 minutes to run in, check out, and be on the way back home - not a problem considering I would still be out in the parking lot getting the kids out of the car on a normal day.  Keep in mind that I don't really need anything at my house - this is by no means our groceries for the week.  My garden is producing AND I've worked out a swap for more garden veg from a friend (more on that later), so this shop is primarily for the homeless.  I will say that the normal route for the homeless is changing, so I will probably be cooking more so there will be more food to hand out during the week.

2 Maxwell House Coffee - $4.39 BOGO.  I paid $3.39 for both.
I used 1 of the $1/2 Maxwell House Publix Go on a Stocking Spree coupons.

1 Dial Pump - $10/10.  I paid $.50.
1 Dial Bar Soap - $2.79 BOGO.  I paid $.90, but received $1 back from Ibotta (for some reason the soap keeps popping up on my Ibotta app).
I used 1 of the $1/2 Dial from 6/15 RP insert which covered both Dial items.

6 Suddenly Salad - $1.99 BOGO.  I paid $-.03!!!
I used 3 of the $.50/2 Suddenly Salad from 6/8 SS insert (which doubled to $1) AND 3 of the $1/2 Suddenly Salad Publix coupons hang tags or Best Meals coupons.  I bought these to go with some of the boxes I bought last week to cook up to serve to the homeless - I'll probably add tuna and peas or cucumbers to make it more of a meal.

10 BC Cornbread and Muffin Mix - 2/$1.  I paid $-2.50!!!
I used 5 of the $1.50/2 Betty Crocker (BC) baking mixes Publix Best Meals Hang Tag coupons located in the store.  I'm actually going to try and get my hands on a few more of these and maybe do some type of Mexican cornbread salad or something next week to hand out or I will give them to my buddy Theresa with Feed the Flock so she can make them up to pass out with the hot meals.

6 Zatarians - $2.09 BOGO  I paid $1.09 for 2, or $3.27 total.
I used 3 of the $.50/2 Zatarains from 6/22 RP insert (which doubled to $1 AND had no limits).

10 Campbells Soup - $10/10.  I paid $.56 each, or $5.60 for all 10.
I used 3 of the .40/3 Campbells soup printable (which doubled to $.80) AND 2 of the $1/5 Campbells Publix Best Meals Hang Tag coupons. These are for the homeless.

4 Alka Selter - $1.94 (after 25% off - originally $2.59).  I paid $-.24!!!
I used 2 of the $4/2 Bayer, One A Day, or Alka Seltzer from 6/15 RP insert.  These are for the homeless.

2 Nature's Bounty Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc - $5.19.  I paid $.19 each, or $.38 for both.
I used 2 of the $2/1 Nature's Bounty from 6/22 RP insert AND 2 of the $3/1 Natures Bounty Publix coupons from the purple advantage flyer.

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

My total at the register was $7.28, which was higher than I thought it should be but I did not have time to figure it out.  Somehow, I did not get the Dial coupon for $1 to the cashier, or it was lost in the shuffle - next time I go to Publix I will have that corrected.  Soooo....my total really was $6.28, or $11.26 after tax, saving $73.43.

Week 46 - End of Week Totals

Last week was really the first week in a long time that I didn't have any real wiggle room past my $5 weekly donation (I spent my last $10 donation at CVS).  Thankfully I had such a good week the week before with personal care that I'm not too far over again for these totals.  Here's what I donated:

Kroger:

4 Secret Deo - $1.29.  I paid $.29 each, or $1.16 for all 4.
I used the 4 of the $1/1 Secret from 6/1 PG insert.  

6 Gillette Deo - $1.29.  I paid $.29, or $1.74 for all 6.  That's all they had!!!
I used 3 of the $2/2 Gillette Deo or Body Wash from 6/1 PG insert (limit 4 like coupons) OR
$2/2 Gillette Kroger Digital coupon OR
$1/1 Gillette Clear Gel printable (if applicable)  

4 EAS Bars - $1.  I paid FREE!  
I used 4 of the $1/1 any EAS products from 5/11 SS insert.  

6 Herbal Essence Shampoo - $1.99.  I paid $.49 each, or $2.94 for all 6.
I used 4 of the $3/2 Herbal Essence from 5/11 PG.  I actually bought 8, but only donated 6.

Publix:


4 Musselman's - $2.29 BOGO.  I paid $1.78 for all 4.
I used 2 of the $.40/1 Musselman's printable - zip code 19606 (which doubled to $.80) AND 2 of the $.60/1 Musselman's printable (zip code 62946).  

2 Luzianne Tea - $2.79 BOGO.  I paid .79.
I used 2 of the $.50/1 Luzianne from 6/8 SS insert (which doubled to $1).

Totals for the Week

My Cost:  $8.41
Products:  $36.21

Running Tally - End of Week 46

My Cost:  $231.85

Products:  $1106.67

So, I'm $1.85 over for next week - hopefully something good will pop up!!!

Week 46 - My Weekly Publix Shop

I had an ok trip to Publix this week.  I was super excited that my store finally stocked back up on the Beneful from last week because I had a raincheck, AND since it was Wednesday, they had just set up the hangtags for the Best Meals coupons.  And because I've spent most of my money already this week on personal care with my Kroger shopping trip for the homeless, there is not a lot for them in this trip.  I will say that I will be switching back to food - primarily Campbell's soup for our homeless friends before this ad is over.  Here's the breakdown:

4 Beneful - $5.99 BOGO.  I paid FREE!
I used 4 of the $2/1 Beneful from 4/27 SS insert AND 4 of the $1/1 Beneful Target printable.

2 Purina Cat Chow - $5.49 BOGO.  I paid $3.49 for both.
I used 2 of the $1/1 Purina from 6/8 SS insert.

4 Maxwell House Coffee - $4.39 BOGO.  I paid $6.78 for all 4.
I used 2 of the $1/2 Maxwell House Publix Go on a Stocking Spree coupons.

2 Smithfield Ham Slice - $3.59 BOGO.
No coupons used.

2 Birds Eye Recipe Ready - $2.59 BOGO.  I paid $.59 for both.
I used 2 of the $1/1 Birds Eye Recipe Ready from 4/13 SS insert.

4 Musselman's - $2.29 BOGO.  I paid $1.78 for all 4.
I used 2 of the $.40/1 Musselman's printable - zip code 19606 (which doubled to $.80) AND 2 of the $.60/1 Musselman's printable (zip code 62946).  These are for the homeless.

1 Luzianne Tea - $2.79 BOGO.  I paid .39.
I used 1 of the $.50/1 Luzianne from 6/8 SS insert (which doubled to $1).

2 Dial Bar Soap - $2.29 BOGO.  I paid $1.29, but received $3 back from Ibotta with the Dial Bonus.
I used 1 of the $1/2 Dial from 6/15 RP insert.

4 Suddenly Salad - $1.99 BOGO.  I paid $-.02!!!
I used 2 of the $.50/2 Suddenly Salad from 6/8 SS insert (which doubled to $1) AND 2 of the $1/2 Suddenly Salad Publix coupons hang tags.  I also received $.50 back from Upromise.

1 Angel Soft Bath Tissue - $3.19.  I paid $2.29.
I used 1 of the $.45/1 Angel Soft from 5/18 RP insert which doubled to $.90.

1 2-pack Sparkle - $2.99.  I paid FREE.
I used 1 $.50/1 Sparkle from 5/18 RP insert which doubled to $1 AND the $2/2 Any Angel Soft or Sparkle from the Children's Miracle Network donation sheet.

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

My total at the register was $15.17, or $21.59 after tax, saving $71.28 BUT I made $3.50 in rebates.

Week 46 - My Insane Shops at CVS this Week

I've toyed with this Ban cooling cloths deal all month long and debated whether or not I was going to do it because we did not receive that awesome Ban coupon in our region.  Our homeless friends need wipes right now, so I liked that part, but these are expensive!  I finally bit the bullet though and just did it because it meant I would be able to buy all the little shampoos and such that were on clearance.  I don't know if this was the smartest way to spend the money, but I'm all out of coupons for deodorant and such to pick up at Kroger (see those shops HERE and HERE).  Keep in mind that the only way that this worked out this way is that I do have an employee discount, and it is multiple, multiple transactions (luckily I work with these folks and they knew what I was doing!)  Keep in mind also that I started out this week with $2 ECB.

Hold on to your hat for this one guys:

Transaction 1:
2 Right Guard Xtreme Deo - $2/6, but receive $2 ECB wyb 2.
4 Men's Deo - $10/10. (CVS actually has an awesome $10/10 section - you should check it out!)
I used 2 of the $2/1 Right Guard Xtreme from 6/15 RP insert.
I used $2/$10 Deodorant purchase CVS coupon from the bottom of my previous receipt.
I used $2 ECB from last week.
My total at the register was $2, but I received $2 ECB.

Transaction 2:  (This is the only part for my household)
2 Colgate Toothbrushes - $2.99, but receive $2 ECB wyb 1.
I used 2 of the $1/1 Colgate 360 or Slim Toothbrushes from 6/1 SS insert.
I used $1/5 Toothbrush or Toothpaste CVS coupon from bottom of my receipt.
I used $2 ECB from Transaction 1.
My total at the register was $.98, but I received $4 ECB.

Transactions 3-5:
2 Ban Cooling Clothes - $3.49 each, but receive $4 ECB wyb 2.
My employee discount applied, deducting $.70 each, or $1.40 for both.
I used $4 ECB.
My total was $1.58, but received $4 ECB, for each transaction.

Transaction 6:
2 Charmin Basic Rolls - $1.57 each.
8 Clear Shampoo - $.62 each, or $4.96 total (clearance price).
7 Garnier Fructis - $.37 each, or $2.59 total (clearance price).
I used $3/2 Charmin CVS coupon from Red Coupon Machine.
I used $4 ECB from transaction 5.
My employee discount applied to the Charmin deducting $.62.
My total was $3.07, but I'm left with no ECB.

My total out of pocket for the homeless was $9.81, but I saved $70.98.  So this is my final $10 donation spent and will not count towards my personal totals.  I still don't know if this was a great shop, but it's done now!!!!

Week 46 - Personal Care Again at Kroger

So, I basically did the same thing as last week at Kroger, but had a few changes based on what they were out of.  It's the second week of the Mega Sale, so everything is the same.  I was reminded that we are in need of lots of shampoos and such because of how hot it is outside, so that's going to be my goal again this week.  Because of that AND the fact that personal care is so cheap again, I think I'm going to be utilizing my final $10 donation in order to buy as much as possible.  Here's the deets:

4 Secret Deo - $1.29.  I paid $.29 each, or $1.16 for all 4.
I used the 4 of the $1/1 Secret from 6/1 PG insert.  These are for the homeless.

2 Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel - $1.29.  I paid $.64 each or $1.28 for all 2.  These are for my cousin.
I used 2 of the $.55/1 Gillette Satin Care from 5/18 RP insert.  (Limit 4 coupons).  OR
$1/2 Gillette Satin Care OR
$.40/1 Satin Care printable  These are for my cousin.

6 Gillette Deo - $1.29.  I paid $.29, or $1.74 for all 6.  That's all they had!!!
I used 3 of the $2/2 Gillette Deo or Body Wash from 6/1 PG insert (limit 4 like coupons) OR
$2/2 Gillette Kroger Digital coupon OR
$1/1 Gillette Clear Gel printable (if applicable)  These are for the homeless.

4 EAS Bars - $1.  I paid FREE!  
I used 4 of the $1/1 any EAS products from 5/11 SS insert.  These are for the homeless.

8 Herbal Essence Shampoo - $1.99.  I paid $.49 each, or $3.92 for all 8.
I used 4 of the $3/2 Herbal Essence from 5/11 PG.  I will most likely donate all to the homeless depending on how much I spend this week.

My total at the register was $8.10, or $11.27 after tax, saving $54.10.  

I'm calling this a good start to the week!!!

Week 45 - End of Week Totals - I HIT MY GOAL ALREADY!!!!!

Personal care last week....

At Kroger:
8 Gillette Deo - $1.29.  I paid $.29, or $2.32 for all 8.  These are for the homeless.
I used 4 of the $2/2 Gillette Deo or Body Wash from 6/1 PG insert (limit 4 like coupons) OR
$2/2 Gillette Kroger Digital coupon OR
$1/1 Gillette Clear Gel printable (if applicable)

10 EAS Bars - $1.  I paid FREE!  
I used 10 of the $1/1 any EAS products from 5/11 SS insert.

At Publix:  This is very tricky, but it's 3 different shops with the $5/$15 Target coupon:

4 Dove Body Wash - $3.99 each.  

I used 2 of $2/2 Dove for Men or Axe Publix Purple Advantage Flyer coupon.

4 Dove Shampoo - $4.49 each.
I used 4 of the Free Dove Fortifying Shampoo wyb Dove Body Wash from 6/1 RP insert (both deducted $4.49) AND 2 of the $2/2 Dove for Men or Axe Publix Purple Advantage Flyer coupon.

6 Herbal Essence Shampoo - 2/$5.  
I used 3 of the $3/2 Herbal Essence Shampoo from 5/11 PG insert AND 2 of the $1/2 Herbal Essence Publix go on a Stocking Spree mailer booklets.

1 Ivory Soap - $1.39.  I paid $-.41!!!
I used the $1/1 Ivory Publix Go on a Stocking Spree coupon AND $.40/1 Ivory from 6/1 PG insert (which doubled to $.80).

Because this was 3 different transactions, all using the $5/$15 Target coupon, I'm calling all of these items from Publix $-.46 (since I was not smart enough to have the Stocking Spree coupon on one of the shops for the Herbal Essence).  A less confusing breakdown HERE.

At CVS:

2 Speedstick Gear - 2/$8.  I paid FREE, and received $2 ECB (holding for next week).
I used 1 $4/1 Speedstick Gear CVS coupon that printed at the bottom of my receipt the week before AND 2 of the $2/1 Speedstick Gear from 6/15 SS insert.

4 Aloe Lotion - $.31 each (clearance).  I paid $.24 for all 4.
I used a $1/2 Lotions CVS coupon from bottom of my receipt.

I honestly had no idea that I did not spend enough last week!!!!

End of Week Totals

My Cost:  $2.22!!!!!
Products:  $79.87

(Told y'all it was personal care time - hehe!!!)

Running Tally - End of Week 45

My Cost:  $223.44

Products:  $1070.46

At this point, I still have an extra $10, and a little extra to go on for next week.  YAY!!!!!

Week 44 - End of Week Totals

Week 44 - Everything from Publix this Week:

10 Zatarins - $10/10.  I paid $.50 each, or $5.00.

I used 5 of the $.50/2 Zatarins from 5/4 RP insert (no limits on this one, which all doubled to $1.00.)  

2 Tetley Tea - $1.29.  I paid $.29 each, or $.58.
I used 2 of the $1/1 Tetley printable.   I also received $1 rebate from Shopmium, so I'm calling these $.16.

1 Ivory Bar Soap - $1.39.  I paid $-.41!!!!
I used the $.40/1 Ivory or Safeguard from 6/1 PG insert (which doubled to $.80) AND the $1/1 Ivory Publix coupon from Go on a Stocking Spree mailer booklet.  

End of Week Totals:

My Cost:  $4.75
Products:  $13.97

Running Tally - End of Week 44

My Cost:  $221.22

Products:  $990.59

I also still have $10 leftover from a donation I'm waiting to see what I'd like to use on.

Week 43 - End of Week Totals

Playing catch up guys - totals for week 43.

At Publix:

10 Chef Boyardee Ravioli - $10/10. 
I used 2 of the $1/3 Chef Boyardee blinkie coupons and 1 of the $1/4 Chef Boyardee coupons from End Child Hunger Publix booklet..  My entire total at the register was $1.62, so that is what I'm calling the price of these.

2 Knorr Sides - $1.19

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

End of Week 43 Totals:

My Cost:  $2.81
Products:  $20.19

Running Tally - End of Week 43

My Cost:  $216.47

Products:  $976.62

I also still have $10 left to spend from a previous donation, but I'm back on track at week 43, as I should be at $215.00 spend!

Week 45 - I'm loving this Target coupon!!!!

Sooo....I promised another couple of scenarios for personal care items.  I wanted to have 3 or 4 different scenarios but its really not possible for me this week - my babies turned 5 and we are 1 party down and another to go.  This is 2 different scenarios and shops at Publix with 2 of those $5/$15 personal care items Target coupon that was in Sunday's paper.  There are obviously a million different ways you could use this, but for me I'm going for shampoos and such since I am going strictly personal care this week for my donation (we had a huge food donation so I can focus on something else!)  I did find out that my area will not accept the Target coupon with another $$$ off coupon so, I'm keeping these shops short and sweet.

Transaction 1:

2 Dove Body Wash - $3.99 each.  
I used $2/2 Dove for Men or Axe Publix Purple Advantage Flyer coupon.

2 Dove Shampoo - $4.49 each.
I used 2 of the Free Dove Fortifying Shampoo wyb Dove Body Wash from 6/1 RP insert (both deducted $4.49) AND $2/2 Dove for Men or Axe Publix Purple Advantage Flyer coupon.

I also used the $5/$15 Personal Care items Target coupon.

My total at the register was $-1.02, or $.06 after tax, saving $19.98.  (It was nice not to pay tax on something I'm donating!)

Transaction 2:

4 Herbal Essence Shampoo - 2/$5.  
I used 2 of the $3/2 Herbal Essence Shampoo from 5/11 PG insert AND 2 of the $1/2 Herbal Essence Publix go on a Stocking Spree mailer booklets.

1 Pantene - $3.91.
I used $3/1 Pantene from End Child Hunger Booklet.

1 Ivory Soap - $1.39.  
I used the $1/1 Ivory Publix Go on a Stocking Spree coupon AND $.40/1 Ivory from 6/1 PG insert (which doubled to $.80).

2 Betty Crocker Frosting - $1.99 each.
No coupons used.  I got these because I've got one more cake to make and I knew that I had $2.50 MM when I was buying all this.

I also used the $5/$15 Target personal care items coupon.

My total at the register was $1.48, or $2.73 after tax, saving $17.80.

All in all, I paid $2.79 after tax for $37.78 worth of products.  

Note:  Since I have so many Herbal Essence coupons, I will probably go back and continue to buy those with the Target coupon for part of my donation.  

Thanks to Catherine at Capturing Inspirations.com for posting the Dove deal earlier in the week!!!

Week 45 - Need any Personal Care Items??

It appears to be "That" time again - when all the stores seem to be blowing out personal care items.  That means it is time to stock up!!!!  I've got a couple of scenarios for you, but this first one is going to start with my shop to Kroger.  It's Mega Sales Event time, and Kroger appears to have come back down to reality with their pricing.  This shop is good for deodorant, shave prep, and shampoos, but I would go to Publix to stock up on razors, and body wash beginning today.  Sooo...here are a couple of great deals at Kroger:

Pricing reflects the Mega Sales Event pricing - wyb 5, you save $5 instantly at checkout:

1 Secret Deo - $1.29.  I paid $.29!
I used the $1/1 Secret from the End Child Hunger booklet Or
$1/1 Secret Kroger digital coupon OR
$1/1 Secret from 6/1 PG insert.

4 Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel - $1.29.  I paid $.64 each or $2.56 for all 4.  These are for my cousin.
I used 4 of the $.55/1 Gillette Satin Care from 5/18 RP insert.  (Limit 4 coupons).  OR
$1/2 Gillette Satin Care OR
$.40/1 Satin Care printable

8 Gillette Deo - $1.29.  I paid $.29, or $2.32 for all 8.  These are for the homeless.
I used 4 of the $2/2 Gillette Deo or Body Wash from 6/1 PG insert (limit 4 like coupons) OR
$2/2 Gillette Kroger Digital coupon OR
$1/1 Gillette Clear Gel printable (if applicable)

10 EAS Bars - $1.  I paid FREE!  These are for the homeless.
I used 10 of the $1/1 any EAS products from 5/11 SS insert.

2 Kraft Cheese 8oz - $1.99 each, I paid $2.98 for both.
I used the $1/2 Kraft cheese printable from coupons.com.  Zip code 77477.  

I paid $8.77 at the register, or $10.92 after tax, saving $30.75.

A couple of other items at Kroger that may interest you:

Herbal Essence Shampoo or Conditioner are $1.99.  Buy 2, use the $3/2 Herbal Essence from 5/11 PG, making them $.49 each.

Gillette Shave Gel is $1.19.  Use a $.50/1 Gillette Shave Gel printable, making it $.69.

Week 44 - One Publix Shop

I really haven't been shopping this week.  I wanted to spend as much time with my kids and outside as possible, since I knew it was going to rain this weekend.  So, I basically planned this shop primarily with the homeless in mind.

10 Zatarins - $10/10.  I paid $.50 each, or $5.00.
I used 5 of the $.50/2 Zatarins from 5/4 RP insert (no limits on this one, which all doubled to $1.00.)  These are for the homeless.

2 Tetley Tea - $1.29.  I paid $.29 each, or $.58.
I used 2 of the $1/1 Tetley printable.  These are for the homeless.  I also received $1 rebate from Shopmium.

1 6-pack Charmin - $4.99.  I paid $-.49!!!!?????
This should totally not have happened.  I used the $.25/1 Charmin (which doubled to $.50) from 6/1 PG insert AND the B1G1 Charmin 6-pack, get a Charmin Freshmates free up to $2.69-BUT the cashier deducted $4.99 instead of the $2.69 at the register.

1 Charmin Freshmates - $2.69.  I paid $1.69.
I used the $.50/1 Charmin from the End Child Hunger Booklet (which doubled to $1.00).

1 Ivory Bar Soap - $1.39.  I paid $-.41!!!!
I used the $.40/1 Ivory or Safeguard from 6/1 PG insert (which doubled to $.80) AND the $1/1 Ivory Publix coupon from Go on a Stocking Spree mailer booklet.  This is for the homeless.

My total at the register was $6.37, or $7.95 after tax, saving $20.61.

The Power of Coupons

I've mentioned before I've been working on a project for my cousin.  She lives 1000 miles away so this is a big deal for us!  Somewhere in talking we decided to do a swap, and that was about 3 months ago? She's bringing me things I would have to pay full price for (which I despise!!!) and I was putting together a box of things for her that she would have to come out of pocket for as well.   Neither one of us are rich by any means, and we both garden in order to supplement our budgets.  I'm showing this "work in progress" for a few reasons:

1. Couponing has and will continue to be such a blessing for my family.  It is a lot of work, but all of those free razors and deodorants and shampoos are the things that really break the grocery budget at the end of the day if you don't coupon.  Being able to buy and donate or give to others has given me an opportunity that I could not afford otherwise.

2. Couponing gives me a sense of power that I could never have as a SAHM not making any money.  When things are super tight in my household (say we need a new set of tires for the vehicle), I know that we can pay cash for that and rely on our stock to make it through those tough times.  Or use a money-maker in order to buy milk and produce.  Our personal finance goal is to always live within our means, even with the unexpected expenses.  

So, here it is for those of you that asked:

I've still got a month to go, and will be adding to this, but for now I call this $9 out of pocket.  Don't get me wrong, I pulled 5 vitamins, 2 packs of razors, 3 body wash, and 4 shampoos from my personal stock-BUT the rest has been from the last few months. I'm hoping it's enough for her family for a year.

My goal is to add to "the box" and make it a total of $0 spent.  Wouldn't that be fun?  Seriously, who knows what deals and money-makers will pop up!