Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Publix Savings as of 6/30

I don't have all my Publix receipts available. I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including today's shopping trip:

Amount spent: $438.76
Amount saved: $1,496.16
Percent savings: 77.3%

Shooting for an average savings of 80%!

Publix, 6/30 -- 81% savings!

What a whirlwind trip! I started planning this trip at about 9:00 pm, and my store closes at 10:00! I made it, though! Not all of the items I wanted were there, so I missed out on some deals.
Here's how I did:

4 assorted Kraft sandwich shop mayo -- BOGO -- 2 for $1.99
Used 4 $1 coupons from 6/20 SS
Used 4 $1 coupons from the Yellow Advantage flier
Paid: FREE for all 4!

2 Crystal Farms Egg Whites (in cartons) -- 2 for $4
Used $1 coupon from Publix Smart Savings booklet
Used BOGO coupon from Yellow Advantage flier (The cashier took off $2.50 instead of $2.)
Paid: $.50 for both!

2 Cool Whip 8 oz. tubs -- BOGO -- 2 for $1.55
Used $.20/2 from 6/27 SS
Paid: $1.35 for both, or $.68 each!

2 Breakstone sour cream -- BOGO -- 2 for $1.89
Used $.55 printable coupon (I printed 2 coupons, but the second didn't print -- printer error. I could have used 2 $.55 coupons to save even more!)
Paid: $1.34 for both, or $.67 each!

2 Muir Glen 16 oz. tomatoes -- $.89 clearance price
no coupon
Paid: $1.78 for both!

4 Muir Glen 8 oz. tomato sauce -- $.45 clearance price
no coupon
Paid: $1.80 for all 4!

5 Michelina's Lean Gourmet meals -- $1 each
Used $1/5 coupon from Publix Smart Savings booklet
Paid: $4 for all 5, or $.80 each!

Paid: $5.82
Saved: $25.52
Percent savings: 81.4%

Sunday, June 27, 2010

No Sunday Shopping Today!

For the first time in a really long time, I didn't hit the drug stores today. In fact, I didn't even get a second newspaper! I don't remember the last time (except for vacation) that I only had one newspaper.

I shared in another post that we didn't as yet have a set spending budget. That we just spent the same amount as we used to, basically. After the school year starts (and I get a regular paycheck again), we'll be instituting the budget I outlined in this post.

Since my drug store budget will be $10 a week, I thought I'd share what I would have gotten this week if I had done my weekly CVS shopping. I am getting my information from multiple blogs, and I'm not planning to confirm whether or not our area got these coupons. It is hypothetical, after all. Oh, and I'm a bit lazy on this Sunday night.

I'm starting with no ECB's because I used them at Publix yesterday. :)

CVS

Transaction 1

Kodak Picture Movie DVD -- $9.99
Pay: $9.99
ECB generated: $9.99

Transaction 2

Buy 4 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel 2/$5
Buy 4 Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush (free with coupon below)
Total $10
Use 4 $1/1 Toilet Gel coupons from the 5/16 SS (expire 6/30!)
Use 4 Buy 1 Toilet Gel, Get 1 Fresh Brush Free internet printable coupon
Pay $6
Get back a $5 Ecb
Final Cost $1 for all 8 items!


Buy 2 John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo, Conditioner 8.45-10 oz. or Styler 3-12 oz. $5
Use 2 $3/1 coupons from the 6/6 SS
Pay $4
Get back a $3 Ecb
Final Cost $0.50 each!


Pay: $9.99 ECB
ECB generated: $8
Plus, a $5 SC Johnson rebate!

Transaction 3

2 Xtra 2X Laundry Detergent 28 loads 2/$3
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 6/6 SS
Final cost ONLY $1.00 for both!

Buy 2 Stayfree products on sale buy one get one free
Use the new buy one get one free coupon from the 6/27 RP
Final cost both Stayfree products FREE!

Pretzel M&M’s Snack size bags buy one at $0.89, get one FREE
Use the buy one get one free coupon from the 6/27 RP
Pay: FREE for both!

2 Kellogg’s Cereal 8.7-18.3 oz. 2/$5
Use the $1.50/2 printable coupon
Pay: $3.50 for both

ECB generated: $1

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish 6.6-8 oz. 2/$3
Use 2 $0.50/1 printable coupons
Pay: $2 for both!

2 Betty Crocker Warm Delights $0.88
Use $.75/2 printable
Pay: $1.01 for both!

Use $8 ECB (May have to be adjusted to match the total.)

Pay: $0 out of pocket

ECB generated: $1

Total paid in my hypothetical trip: around $10

Total value of purchases: $62.51

ECB remaining: $1

To find the internet printable coupons I mentioned, try hotcouponworld.com.



Saturday, June 26, 2010

Publix Savings as of 6/26

I don't have all my Publix receipts available. I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including my last 2 shopping trips:

Amount spent: $432.94
Amount saved: $1,470.64
Percent savings: 77%

Shooting for an average savings of 80%!

Publix, 6/26 -- 59% savings

Man, is it HOT in Pensacola today! Our thermometer says it's 100 degrees in the shade outside our house. It's a day for staying inside and staying cool.

Spent a while this morning looking at Vera Bradley stuff and wanting to buy every bit. I'm really digging purple punch. I like Bali gold, too, but it's retiring. Didn't buy anything. But I've promised myself to go back and get something special as a treat once the school year starts again.

Then on to Publix! Two transactions today:

Transaction 1:

Whole bottom round -- $1.99 lb.
Paid: $31.50

1 lb. shrimp -- $5.99 lb.
Paid: $5.99

Used $5/$25 CVS coupon I got in the mail from freecycle.com.

Total paid: $32.11
Total saved: $16.91
Percent savings: 34% (Ouch!)

Transaction 2

2 Yakisoba -- $.79 each
Used $1/2 coupon from 5/16 SS
Paid: $.58 for both, or $.29 each!

4 Musselman apple sauce 6-pks. -- 2 for $2.33
Used 4 $.75 coupons from the Publix Stock Up and Save coupon booklet
Paid: $1.66 for all 4, or $.41 each!

Glad Force-Flex garbage bags -- $5.49
Used $.50 coupon from 6/6 RP
Used $1 printable coupon from target.com
Paid: $3.99!

3 Fisher Fusions snack mix -- $1 each
Used 3 $1 coupons from 6/13 SS
Paid: FREE for all 3!

1 Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Medleys pouch -- $1.99
Used FREE coupon I got in the mail
Paid: FREE!

1 Natural Instincts haircolor -- $7.99
Used FREE coupon I got in the mail
Paid: FREE!

2 Betty Crocker white cake mixes -- 2 for $1.95
no coupon
Paid: $1.95 for both, or $.98 each!

Used $5 ECB from CVS

Total Paid: $3.75
Total Saved: $34.06
Percent savings: 90%

GRAND TOTALS:

Paid: $35.86
Saved: $50.97
Percent Savings: 59%

Thursday, June 24, 2010

A Few Other Blogs to Check Out

There are so many great savings blogs out there! I've only scratched the surface of the blogosphere since I started couponing and blogging about my own adventures just a few short months ago. I was browsing tonight and came across several great blogs that you should check out.

www.zealforadeal.com -- find her posts about "change for a change". Tiffany shares how $3 a week can provide a ton of donate-able items.

www.passionatepennypincher.com -- I love her 5-minute-challenges. Half of the proceeds of her website goes directly to missions; that's a cool idea.

www.afewshortcuts.com
-- great cooking and shopping tips.

These bloggers so have it together. Maybe some day I can manage my life like that. Like after I retire from the classroom. Anyhoo, I've learned a lot from these ladies tonight.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Publix Savings as of 6/21

I don't have all my Publix receipts available. I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including my last 2 shopping trips:

Amount spent: $397.08
Amount saved: $1,419.67
Percent savings: 78%

Shooting for an average savings of 80%! Great trips like today really help!

Publix, 6/21 -- 98% savings!


What a great trip! One for the Hall of Fame!

1 pt. blueberries -- $1.50
Used $1.50 Publix printable coupon
Paid: FREE!

1 Sundown vitamin B -- $3.59
1 Sundown vitamin B softgels -- $3.29
Used $3/2 printable coupon
Used $6/2 coupon from the Green Advantage flier
Paid: FREE! plus $2.12 overage!

4 Uncle Ben's Boil-in-Bag white rice -- 2 for $2.29
8 Uncle Ben's Fast Cook brown rice -- 2 for $2.29
Used 11 $1 coupons I purchased from the 5/16 RP
Paid: $2.74 for all 12, or $.23 each!

Total paid: $.62
Total saved: $37.33
Percent savings: 98%


Friday, June 18, 2010

Publix, 6/18 -- saved 86%!

Shopped at Mobile Hwy. Di was the cashier. Very nice. But she wouldn't take my $5/$25 CVS coupon because my total was less than $25 after she rang all my other coupons.

Here's what I bought:

2 Fresh Expressions salad mixes -- 2 for $3.79
Used 2 $1 blinkie coupons
Paid: $1.79 for both, or $.90 each!

2 Athenos feta cheese -- $2.49 each
2 $1 from the 5/16 or 5/23 RP or SS (sorry I don't remember more about where I got that coupon.)
Paid: $2.98 for both, or $1.49 each!

Green bell pepper -- $.99/lb
Paid: $.58

bag of celery -- $1.79

1 yellow onion -- $1.49/lb
Paid: $.97

1 pt. blueberries -- $1.50
Used $1.50 printable coupon
Paid: FREE!

1 Sundown kids' vitamins -- $5.99
3 Sundown vitamin D -- $2.99 each
Used 2 $6/2 from Publix Green Advantage flier
Used $3/2 printable coupon
Used 2 $1 coupons from 5/23 RP
Paid: FREE! plus $2.04 overage!

2 Starbucks icecream -- 2 for $3.91
2 Starbucks coffee-free icecream -- 2 for $3.91
Used 2 $1.50 coupons (for the coffee-free) from the 5/23 RP
Used 2 $1.00 coupons from the 5/23 RP
Paid: $2.82 for all 4, or an average of $.71 each!

2 Scrubbin' Bubbles shower spray starter kit -- $7.99 each
Used 2 $5 coupons from the
Used 2 $3 Target printable coupons
Paid: FREE! for both!

1 jalapeno pepper -- $1.99/lb
Paid: $.14!

Tried to use a $5/$25 CVS coupon. Failed.

Spent: $9.35
Saved: $58.84
Percent savings: 86%



Publix Savings as of 6/17

I don't have all my Publix receipts available.I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including Wednesday's shopping trip:

Amount spent: $387.11
Amount saved: $1,323.50
Percent savings: 77%

Shooting for an average savings of 80%! Great trips like today really help!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

How-To for Walgreens and Publix, 6/16



Get ready, get set, GO SHOPPING! The deals in this trip are SO easy to re-create since I used printed coupons and store coupons almost exclusively. The Walgreens deal is good through the end of June, and the Publix sales just started today (6/16) and run through next Tuesday (6/22).

Don't know which Publix to get the coupons from? I HATE trying to find new coupon booklets at Publix; it seems like they are always out when I finally get there. That's why I like the Mobile Highway store. Most coupon booklets are kept at Customer Service, and each customer is limited to 4 copies of each booklet. That usually ensures that there will still be some left by the time I get off work and get to the store. :)

Here are the links to those awesome internet printable coupons!

Tony's frozen pizza ($1 each)
Starbucks icecream (BOGO @ $3.91 -- print and use 2 coupons!)
Eggo waffles (BOGO @ $2.69 -- Don't forget to look for the $1 / 2 blinkie!)
Bailey's creamer (BOGO @ $2.09 -- print and use 2 coupons!)
Combat ant/roach killer ($3.69 each! Don't forget the Yellow Advantage Flier coupon!)
GE Lighting coupon (Don't forget the Target printable found here! You'll need 2 Target printables!)

So I made a really fun (for me, at least) video of all the goodies I got at Walgreens and Publix, but I couldn't get it to load. I don't know what I'm doing. So, I have to go the old-fashioned route and write everything out for you.

Go to Walgreens first.

Get 3 Neutrogena products. Look for the basic cleansing bar (I don't know the real name for it, but it's well under $3 each right now.). It's part of the Neutrogena 25% off sale. Plus, you may be able to use the $1 off coupon from the 6/13 Smart Source. You need 3 items, so get 3 bars of soap. Use 3 coupons if you have that many.
The soap wasn't in stock when I was there, so I got 3 of the Neutrogena lip moisturizers. They are not part of the 25% off sale, but they are part of the Register Reward deal. There is a coupon for $1 off sun care products in the 6/13 SS. I didn't bring that coupon, so I don't know if it would work or not. It's worth a shot; I justify it because the lip moisturizer has an spf of 15. Sounds like sun care to me!
Anyway, get three items, each less than $3. You'll pay right around $9 and get back $10 in RR.

Here's how I did:

3 Neutrogena lip moisturizers -- $2.89 each
Used $6 RR
Paid: $2.67
RR generated: $10
Don't get too attached to that RR. You're going to part with it very soon.

On to Publix!

You'll need the Yellow Advantage flier and the Summer Savings booklet. Both of these were available at Customer Service at the Mobile Hwy store.

4 Tony's Party Time Crispy Crust pizzas -- $1 each, on sale
Use 2 $1/2 printable coupons
Pay: $2.00 for all 4, or $.50 each!

2 Starbucks ice cream -- 2 for $3.91
Use 2 printable coupons (I got $1 and $.75; you might get both $1 or both $.75.)
Pay: $2.16 for both, or $1.08 each!
This could vary by $.25 more or less, depending on what coupons you get.

2 Eggo waffles -- 2 for $2.69
Use 2 $1 internet printables (I could only use one. The price I am using below refers to your savings. I paid $.69 for both boxes.)
Use $1/2 blinkie found right in front of the waffles in the freezer section
Pay: FREE! plus $.31 overage!

2 Athenos feta cheese -- $2.49 and $3.99
no coupon
Pay: $5.48 for both, or an average of $2.74 each

2 Bailey's coffee creamer -- 2 for $2.09
Use 2 $1 internet printables
Use 2 $.55 coupons from the Yellow Advantage flier
Pay: FREE! plus $1.01 overage!

2 Gatorade recover -- $1 each, on sale
Use $1/2 coupon from Publix Summer Savings booklet
Pay: $1 for both, or $.50 each!

1 lb. (approx) tomatoes -- $.79/lb.
I paid $.88

2 Salad Expressions bagged mixed greens -- 2 for $3.79
use 2 $1 blinkies found right in front of the product (when you buy Salad Expressions and Athenos feta cheese)
Pay: $1.79 for both, or $.90 each!

1 Combat Quick Kill ant killer -- $3.69
Use $2 internet printable
Use $3 Yellow Advantage flier coupon
Pay: FREE! plus $1.31 overage!

2 4-pk. GE Reveal lightbulbs -- 2 for $3.49
Use 2 $1.50 Target internet printable coupons
Use $1/2 manufacturer internet coupon
Pay: FREE! plus $.51 overage!

Look for Brandi the cashier. If you can find her, go to her. She's amazing. It would probably make her day to know that random customers are praising her behind her back.

Use your $10 Walgreens Register Reward.

Pay: less than $3! (I spent $2.92)
Save: more than $50! (I saved $54.42)

Obviously, your results may differ from mine. Some things to think about:

1. Try to print more than 1 Eggo coupon. I only could print one, so I must have printed it previously. The more you print the more you save!

2. Try to get 2 (or more) of the Combat coupons, too. Each one you "buy" with your set of coupons, you get another $1 in overage!

3. Publix won't give you change back for your overage. Make sure you have enough to cover it. I like to use the overage to buy produce and meat, so if you have a bit of overage think, "Grapes or chicken?" :)

Whether you have good results or bad, I hope you'll comment here and let me know how your trip went!




Sunday, June 13, 2010

On A Somewhat Related Note . . .

Actually, I have two topics to discuss in this post . . .

Since we started couponing in January (or very late December) we have not set a weekly spending limit. It's time for that. We have such a great stockpile of necessities that we can easily set a limit and stick with it. In fact, we have a plan for the overages we'll accumulate. Now, we have decided that the new limit will officially take affect in September, when I start getting regular school year paychecks again. We will probably be way under the spending limit during summer weeks, but won't be able to set aside any overages. Once September comes, my limit for CVS and Walgreens is going to be $10 per week each. At first, I thought that I would likely miss out on a lot of deals by not being willing to spend a little more, but after today's mis-adventure of this wannabe cheapskate, I think $10 each per week will completely cover any deals I need and many I want. I spent less than $5 total between the two stores today. If this same thing happens in the fall or later, I will either use the remaining $15 to shop on the weekend (I've done lots of Saturday shopping posts.) or put the $15 into that savings!

I have been trying to faithfully keep track of spending and savings at Publix over the past few weeks, but I love that CVS does some of that same tracking for me. I don't know how much I've spent at CVS this year. I suppose I could go back through all my CVS posts and figure it out. I'll wait until I am much more bored than I am today before I resort to that. Since CVS keeps track of the savings, that part will be super easy. Since I started CVS shopping in late December (see that first CVS post here), and through 6/8, I have saved $836.30 at CVS! My husband has saved around $230 in that same time. Over $1,000 savings at CVS!! WOW!

My Disappointing Trip to CVS and Walgreens

As always, my early morning Sunday Shopping deals rely on getting certain coupons in our local paper. I peruse my favorite blogs (find links to the right of my posts) and decide what I'm going after. I make my list, and get set to leave the house early. This morning, I left around 6:30. I bought my 3 papers at Wal-Mart. I used up a gift card that had only $1.50 on it, then paid $1.70 for my papers.

In the Walmart parking lot, I looked through the inserts for the 3 or 4 coupons I needed to make today's deals work. Do you know, we didn't get a single one? grr. I try not to get frustrated because I was going after items that I don't need and another deal will come along before too long. But I can't help getting a little worked up. I wanted those items because of the ECB and RR they would generate.

Off to CVS to get the one item I still wanted to try for:

1 Covergirl Lipslicks AmazeMINT lip gloss -- $4.99
TRIED to use a $2 catalina coupon I got at Walgreens (It had the Walgreens logo on it but stated "manufacturer's coupon"). The register beeped, and the manager wouldn't accept the coupon.
Used a $2.97 ECB
Paid: $2.40
ECB generated: $3

Paid: $2.40
Saved: $3.97
Percent savings: 62%

Then to Walgreens for the 2 items I wanted:

3 Neutrogena bar soaps -- NOPE! OUT OF STOCK!!
grr.

1 Nivea for Men body wash -- $5.99
Used $3 coupon from 5/2 RP
Paid: $2.99
RR generated: $6

3 pkgs. Walgreens foam plates -- $.99 each w/in-ad coupon
Paid: $2.97 for all 3

1 Butterfinger bar -- $.39
yum. helps with the coupon frustration.
Paid: $.39

Used $5 RR

Paid: $2.06
Saved: $9.64
Percent savings:82%

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Publix Savings as of 6/12

I don't have all my Publix receipts available.I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including today's shopping trip:

Amount spent: $384.19
Amount saved: $1,269.08
Percent savings: 77%

Shooting for an average savings of 80%! Great trips like today really help!

Saturday Savings, 6/12 -- Publix

I just can't help it, it seems. I was at Publix AGAIN today. I really want to get that Infusium 23! Not because I'm desperate for hair products, mind you. I just want to get 100% savings on $24 worth!

Here's what I did get:

4 assorted Ragu pasta sauces -- 2 for $3.69
Used 4 $.60/1 coupons purchased from thecouponclippers (click their button on the top right of my blog to get to their site for more info.)
Paid: $4.98 for all 4, or $1.25 each!

2 crackers and peanut butter -- 3 for $1 (rang up as $.34 and $.33)
no coupons
Paid: $.67 for both, or $.34 each!

Used $5 RR from Walgreens

Total spent: $.65
Total saved: $14.78
Percent savings: 96%

Saturday Savings, 6/12 -- Walgreens

Fun at Walgreens today. I tried to think through my transactions to see if I could come up with a cheaper way of going about my purchases. I definitely struggle with that. And if anything goes wrong in my transactions, I get flustered and completely lose my place.

Here's how I did today:

Transaction 1

3 assorted John Frieda products -- 3 for $15
Used 3 $2 coupons I bought from thecouponclippers (click button at top right of blog for their site)
Paid: $10.13 after tax
RR generated: $5

Total spent: $10.13
Total saved: $11.37
Percent savings: 53%
Total RR generated: $5

Transaction 2

1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide razor -- $9.89
Used $4 coupon from 6/6 PG
Paid: $5.89
RR generated: $5

1 bag Walgreens gummy worms -- $.39
no coupon
Paid: $.39

Used $5 RR from previous transaction

Total paid: $2.06
Total saved: $12.70
Percent savings: 87%

Transaction 3

3 Bayer Aspirin products -- $.99 each with in-ad coupon
Used 3 $1 coupon purchased from thecouponclippers
Paid: FREE for all 3!

1 bag Walgreens orange slices -- $.39
no coupon
Paid: $.39

3 John Frieda Root Awakening products -- 3 for $15
Used 3 $3 coupons purchased from thecouponclippers
Paid: $6
RR generated: $5

Used $5 RR from previous transaction

Total paid: $2.52
Total saved: $29.37
Percent savings: 92%
Total RR generated: $5

Transaction 4

3 John Frieda Root Awakening products -- 3 for $15
Used 3 $3 coupons purchased from thecouponclippers
Paid: $6 for all 3, or $2 each!
RR generated: $5

2 assorted Walgreens candies -- $.39 each
no coupons
Paid: $.78 for both, or $.39 each

Total paid: $7.97
Total savings: $14.97
Percent savings: 65%
Total RR generated: $5

TOTALS:

Total paid: $22.68
Total saved: $68.41
Total percent savings: 75%
Total RR remaining: $10

Friday, June 11, 2010

Publix Savings as of 6/11

I don't have all my Publix receipts available.I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including today's shopping trip:

Amount spent: $383.54
Amount saved: $1,254.30
Percent savings: 77%

Shooting for an average savings of 80%! Great trips like today really help!

Publix -- Friday, 6/11

Ha! You thought I was done Publix shopping for today, didn't you? I'm glad I decided to go to the store in Gulf Breeze after leaving the beach.

Here's how I did:

1 loaf of multigrain bread -- $2.89
Paid: $2.89

2 12-pk. Phazyme -- $3.49
Used 2 $2 internet printables
Used $5/2 Publix coupon from the Green Advantage flier
Paid: FREE! plus $2.02 overage!

2 Mott's Medley juice -- 2 for $3.07
Used 2 $1 coupons from the Publix Summer Savings booklet
Paid: $1.07 for both, or $.54 each!

Total paid: $1.94
Total saved: $14.77
Percent savings: 88%

GET SWAGBUCKS NOW!!

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Swagbucks.com is a search engine site. When you search on swagbucks, you get all the same results as if you were using google or bing or whatever. Only you can win swagbucks by searching. You probably won't get rich; I've won enough swagbucks since December 2009 to redeem for $30 worth of gift cards. I've done Amazon.com and paypal. But, hey, $30 is not bad for doing something I would be doing anyway. I used my Amazon gift cards to buy my Disney guide books this year. I bought 2 (instead of my usual 1) and paid less than I've ever paid before. Thanks, swagbucks.com!
I've used the paypal ones to buy coupons on thecouponclippers.com. I recently bought $5.02 worth of coupons from that site, and I only had to pay $.02 out of pocket. (Click on the banner for thecouponclippers found near the top right of the blog to find out more about the great service they offer!)Thanks, swagbucks.com!

Publix Savings as of 6/11

I don't have all my Publix receipts available.I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including today's shopping trip:

Amount spent: $381.60
Amount saved: $1,239.53
Percent savings: 76.4%

Shooting for an average savings of 80%! Great trips like today really help!

Publix -- Friday, 6/11

I've been looking for a couple of specific items for the past more-than-a-week, and haven't been able to find either in stock at any of the 3 Publix stores I've been to in the Pensacola area.

I went ahead and got some things I needed/wanted anyway. I had 2 $5/$15 CVS coupons that expire today, so I wanted to use them. My percent of savings was no where near where I like it to be.

Transaction 1:

2 assorted Dole salad mixes -- 2 for $5
Used 2 $1/1 blinkies found in front of the product
Paid: $3 for both, or $1.50 each!

1.04 lb. tomatoes (won't Jarod be excited?) -- $.99 per pound
Paid: $1.03

Publix chicken breast -- $2.99/lb. (YIKES!)
Paid: $11.51

Publix orange blossom honey -- $4.49
Paid: $4.49

Used a $5/$15 CVS coupon.

Total paid: $15.03
Total saved: $14.94
Percent savings: 49.8%

Transaction 2:

Whole sirloin tip -- $2.79 lb.
Paid: $25.22

Used $5/$15 coupon

Total paid: $20.22
Total saved: $6.80
Percent savings: 25% (YUCK!)

TOTALS:
Paid: $35.25
Saved: $21.74
Percent: 37.7%

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Our First Tiny Harvest


We picked some tomatoes today.
My original intent for this garden was for it to be a salsa-and-spaghetti-sauce garden. I planted tomatoes, onion, cilantro, oregano, green peppers, and jalapenos.
I learned a lot. Like that cilantro will be ready WAY WAY WAY before tomatoes.
I doubt that I will make any salsa or spaghetti sauce with the garden. Nothing, and I mean nothing is ready at the same time. Plus, my son loves tomatoes so much, I will get more enjoyment from watching him eat the tomatoes (once they turn red) than I would get from making or eating salsa.
I think next year I plant only tomatoes, and lots of them. Some for salsa; some for spaghetti sauce; some for Jarod.

Publix Deals, week of 6/9

30 Buy One Get One deals this week!

I'm compiling my information from publix.com and hotcouponworld.com.

Arnold Select Sandwich Thins -- save up to $2.99

Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes -- save up to $2.77

Aunt Jemima syrup -- save up to $3.79
-$1/2 from 5/2 RP

Back to Nature granola -- save up to $3.59
-various coupons are out there, but none that I have seen or had access to. Hope you have better luck.

Doritos tortilla chips -- save up to $3.99
-various tearpad and/or peelies are available.

Edwards pie slices or singles desserts -- save up to $3.09
-$1/1 from 4/25 SS

General Mill Cheerios cereal -- save up to $4.09
-$1/2 from 6/6 SS
-$.55/1 from here

Hellmann's Easy-Out mayonnaise -- save up to $4.69
-$.40/2 or $.25/1 from 5/23 RP

Lysol Neutra Air Sanitizing Spray -- save up to $3.59
-various $1/2 from 6/6 SS

Mennen Speed Stick Anti-Perspirant -- save up to $2.89
-$1 coupon from here

Mini Doughnuts -- suprisingly low price

Mott's 100% Apple Juice -- save up to $3.07
-$1/1 coupon for Mott's Medleys from the Publix Summer Savings booklet

Mt. Olive Sweet Relish -- save up to $2.19
-various $.50 or $.75 blinkies have been available at one time or another. I haven't seen any. Hope you have better luck.

Nabisco family size crackers -- save up to $4.49
-various peelies, blinkies, and tearpads have been or are available to make this an even better deal.

Nabisco Nilla Wafers or Fig Newtons -- save up to $3.89
-$1/2 and milk peelie may be available

Near East rice pilaf or couscous -- save up to $2.19
-$1/1 coupon received in the mail by some who have sent a comment to Near East via internet

Nestle Tollhouse refrigerated dough -- save up to $3.49
-several $1/1 printables from here

Ocean Spray Craisins -- save up to $2.25
-$1 peelie

Pompeian imported olive oil -- save up to $5.99
-$1 from 5/23 RP

Pop Secret Premium popcorn -- save up to $4.83

Popsicle Ice Pops -- save up to $4.13
-$1/2 blinkies and tearpads reported

Post cereal -- save up to $3.79
-$1/2 from 5/16 SS
-various amounts found inside Post cereal packages

Propel Fitness Water -- save up to $4.13
-$1/2 found inside Pepsi 24-can packages

Publix Deli Homestyle Red Potato salad -- save up to $2.89

Ragu pasta sauce -- save up to $3.69
-$1/2, $.30/1, $1.25/3 from 5/23 RP

Ronzoni pasta (some varieties excluded) -- save up to $1.39
-$.50/1 blinkies

Snickers fun size snacks -- save up to $6.59

Starkist Chunk Light Tuna -- save up to $3.89
-$1/4 blinkie

Stouffer's French Bread pizza -- save up to $2.99

Thomas bagels -- save up to $3.99
-$.55/1 on Bagel Thins (if included) from 4/11 SS

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Publix Savings as of 6/9

I don't have all my Publix receipts available.I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including today's shopping trip:
Amount spent: $346.35
Amount saved: $1,217.79
Percent savings: 78%
Shooting for an average savings of 80%! Great trips like today really help!

Publix, 6/9

I love all this time to search and shop while on vacation at home! I could get used to this.
1 Publix keep-everything-cold bag -- $2.99
no coupon
Paid: $2.99
1 Oil of Olay body wash -- $5.19
Used $2 Target coupon (Don't remember the origin.)
Used $4 coupon from 6/6 PG
Paid: FREE! plus $.42 overage after tax!
4-pack Ivory bar soap -- $2.69
Used FREE coupon (wyb Oil of Olay body wash)
Paid: FREE!
Publix brand pumpkin pie -- $1.99
no coupon
Paid: $1.99!
4 Gold Peak bottled sweet tea -- $1 each
Used 2 B1G1 free from tear pad I found in the soda aisle
Paid: $2 for all 4, or $.50 each!
Used $5 ECB
Total paid: $2.14
Total saved: $20.95
Percent saved: 91%

Wal-Mart, 6/9

It's a rare thing, but I had a successful trip to Wal-Mart today! I was there with family who needed some things, so I thought I'd look for a few items I had coupons for. Here's what I ended up with:

3 tubs Pampers wipes -- $1.97 each
Used 3 $2 coupons from 6/6 PG
Paid: FREE! ($.36 in tax)

4 Tums 4-pack antacid -- $2.23 each
Used 2 $4/2 coupons from ??
Paid: $.92 for all 4, or $.23 plus tax each!

Total paid: $1.28
Total saved: $14.00 in coupons
Percent savings: 92%

Today's Frugal Breakfast, 6/9

Made a yummy breakfast casserole today. We gobbled it up so quickly that I didn't even get a picture!

Yummy Breakfast Casserole

6 or more eggs, or 1 container Egg Beaters (I used a Garden Vegetable variety of Egg Beaters.)
3/4 lb. pork sausage (I used Jimmy Dean Italian style)
1/2 c. or more shredded cheese (I used at least a cup!)
1 tube refrigerated croissants (optional; I didn't use any since I didn't have any!)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet. (I browned the whole pkg and put the leftover in the freezer for spaghetti sauce some time.)
3. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. (I used the 9x13, but I wish I had used the 9x9.)
4. Pour in uncooked Egg Beaters.
5. Add sausage evenly.
6. Unroll croissants and lay over egg mixture.
7. Sprinkle with cheese.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
9. Enjoy -- I like it with a little taco sauce.

Cost breakdown:
Egg Beaters -- $.40
Pork sausage -- $1.50 for the whole package
Cheese -- $.75
Croissants -- $1.25 or so (I didn't use any, so I'm not calculating this in my total.)

Total for today's breakfast casserole -- $2.65 (served 8!)
Served with bagels, $.58 additional

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

My Don't-Miss List for 6/9 -- Publix

These are the items and their coupon match-ups that I am most hoping to find at Publix this week. Some of these deals may be regional and not valid in our area. Here's hoping!

Mott’s Juice, Assorted Varieties, BOGO $2.99
Use 2 $1 coupons from the Summer Savings booklet
Pay: $1 for 2, or $.50 each!

Benefiber Stick Packs, $3.49 each
$2/1 Benefiber Product (Green Adv Buy Flyer - exp 6/11)
$2/1 Benfiber printable
$2/1 Benefiber printable
Use one store coupon and one printable to score these for free plus $.25 overage after tax!

~Damp Rid Refill, $5.39!
$3/1 DampRid Easy-Fill System or Refill Green Advantage Buy Flyer (exp 6/11)
$3/1 DampRid Easy Fill System or Refill – 05-23-10 SS
Use both coupons and get the refill for FREE, plus $.20 overage each!

2 Pack Schick Disposable Razor (in travel section), 99¢
$2/1 Schick Disposable Razor package, any – 05-23-10 SS (exp 7/4)
Pay: Free, plus $.93 overage each!

I got my information from iheartpublix.com. I'll have to check up on some of the coupons to see if we got them in our area!
Happy shopping!

CVS, 6/8

I used a total of 3 transactions with 2 Extra Care cards to get these deals.

Transaction 1:

1 Gillette ProGlide razor -- $9.97
forgot to use the coupon!
Paid: $9.97

3 PowerBars -- $2.97
no coupon
Paid: $2.97

Used $8 ECB



Paid: $5.69
Saved: $11.02
Percent saved: 66%
ECB generated: $5 and $2.97
Also generated $5/$15 coupon!

Transaction 2

1 Gillette ProGlide razor -- $9.97
Used $4 from 6/6 PG
Paid: $5.97

Used $2.97 ECB

Paid: $3.75
Saved $9.99
Percent saved: 73%
ECB generated: $5 and $1 (for using the green bag tag)

Transaction 3
1 Gillette ProGlide razor -- $9.97
Used $4 from 6/6 PG
Paid: $5.97

Paid: $6.72
Saved: $7.02
Percent saved: 51%
ECB generated: $5

TOTAL FOR ALL THREE TRANSACTIONS:

Total spent: $16.16
Total saved: $28.03
Percent saved: 63%
ECB generated: $15

Walgreens, 6/8


I really like the Walgreens on University and Nine Mile. I've gone in there later in the evening several times (including tonight, 9:07 pm), and the cashier Kellen (a guy) has been so knowledgeable and helpful.



2 Bengay pain reliever and massage -- $4.99 (marked up to $5 to make the coupon work)
Used $5 printable
Paid: FREE!


1 bag Walgreen's candy -- $.39
no coupon
Paid: $.39


Paid: $.42!
Saved: $10.60
Percent saved: 96%

Target, 6/8


3-pk Blistex -- $.74
no coupon
Paid: $.74
^^^^^
4 Rolaids 4-pk -- $2.24 each
Used 2 $4/2 from 6/6 RP
Paid: $.96 for all 4, or $.24 each!


Used a reusable bag, for another $.05 off!


Paid: $1.65
Saved: $8.05
Percent saved: 83%

Publix Savings as of 6/8


I don't have all my Publix receipts available.
I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!
Here's my new total, including today's shopping trip:
Amount spent: $344.21
Amount saved: $1,196.87
Percent savings: 78%
Shooting for an average savings of 80%! Great trips like today really help!

Publix, 6/8







3 Muir Glen tomato sauce, 8 oz -- $.89 each
Used 3 printable coupons from here and here
Paid: FREE! plus $.11 overage each!


2 Glass Plus -- 2 for $2.49
Used 2 printables
Paid: $.49 for both, or $.25 each!



2 Combat Ant and Roach killer -- $3.69 and $3.99
Used 2 printables
Used 2 $3 from the Yellow Advantage
Paid: FREE! plus $2.32 in overage!
2 Dial hand soaps -- $1 each
no coupons
Paid: $2


Meat -- $3.32
no coupon
Paid: $3.32
Total paid: $4.08
Total saved: $22.01
Percent saved: 84%

Another Couponing Blog to Check Out!

I just came across this blog. It's so cute! Christy is in Washington state, so there will probably be lots of store deals that don't apply to us in Florida's panhandle. That's okay, though. She's got some recipes and a bunch of other cool stuff that you will want to make note of. I'm hadding her to my list of blogs that I follow. Check it out! www.thriftyandthriving.com

Publix Savings as of 6/8

I don't have all my Publix receipts available.

I am reporting on those I have available, and will try to do a better job of keeping track!

Here's my new total, including both yesterday's and today's shopping trips:

Amount spent: $340.13

Amount saved: $1,174.86

Percent savings: 78%

Shooting for an average savings of 80%! Great trips like today really help!

Publix -- Tuesday, 6/8

I've been out of the loop a little because of vacation, so it was nice to get out today and do some shopping. I went to Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Publix. In true Pensacola fashion, each store was out of some of the things I wanted to buy. I will likely try again this evening to do some bargain hunting. My Publix trip is the only one worth reporting at this time, and I'm planning to hit Publix again this evening to pick up some more great deals before the sale ends and the new one starts tomorrow. Here's how I did:

10 Edy's/Skinny Cow ice cream cups -- $1 each
Used 3 $1/3 coupons from All You (Don't remember which month. These coupons were expired, but the manager allowed me to use 3 of the 6 anyway. So I could have saved $3 more, but I also could have been denied completely.)
Paid: $7 for all 10, or $.70 each!

2 Reddi Whip light -- 2 for $3.89
Used 2 $1 coupons from June All You
Paid: $1.89 for both, or $.90 each!

2 Egg Beaters -- 2 for $2.79
Used 2 $1 coupons from June All You
Paid: $.79 for both, or $.40 each!

4 Hebrew National Franks -- 2 for $5.19
Used 2 $1/2 coupons from June All You
Paid: $8.38 for all 4, or $2.10 each!

Used $10 Walgreens RR

Paid: $8.81
Saved: $38.76
Percent Saved: 81.5%!

Friday, June 4, 2010

CVS and Walgreens in Orlando, 6/4

Had to make a trip out of the World tonight for milk. I knew that CVS was doing a ECB deal with milk, so that prompted my stop there. Then I read that Walgreens had an RR deal going that would be a moneymaker, and that was too tempting to resist. Here's how it went:

CVS:

2 pkgs. Oreos -- 2 for $6 (sale price)
no coupon
Paid: $6
1 gal 2% milk -- $3.19
no coupon
Paid: $3.19
CVS brand muscle rub -- $6.79
no coupon
Paid: $6.79
Pumice stone -- $6.79
no coupon
Paid: $6.79
Nail file -- $2.19
no coupon
Paid: $2.19
Used $eight ECB (Sorry, my eight button is broken.)
Paid: $11.something. I paid with a FREE CVS gift card, so I didn't pay a thing out of pocket! Then, I got $3 back for buying 2 pkgs. Oreos and milk!
Walgreens:
3 Neutrogena facial cleansing bars -- $2.eighty-9 each
no coupon
Paid: $eight.67 for all 3
Used $3 RR
Paid: $6.24 or $6.42 (can't remember)
Received $10 RR back!
So, tonight, I spent $6.and change out of pocket and received back $13 in various rewards! And I didn't use a single coupon! I'm certain there are coupons out there for Oreos or Neutrogena to make these deals even better, but I didn't bring my massive coupon file on vacation!
Since I've gotten into Publix so much, I think of the RR and ECB in terms of what I can get at Publix. If I can save 70% before RR and ECB, I can get almost $50 worth of groceries using the RR and ECB I got today!