Weekly Shopping Trip

Would you believe I am under budget this week? Well, I am! I am way excited. This is the first time in a LOOONNNNGGG time that I have been under budget. On Monday night I braved the cold and the wind and the storms to go to Albertson's to used my doublers. I only got a few things, and I don't know if it was worth it, but...

Albertson's Transaction #1 2 crunch-n-munch - $2.00 (-$1.00 off 2 coupon doubled) = FREE

1 Marie Calendars Homestyle creation - $2.50 (-1.00 off coupon doubled) = $.50

1 Nestle chocolate chips - $2.50 (-.50 off coupon doubled) = $1.50

2 Banquet sausages - $2.00

I also found a $1.00 catalina on the floor on my way in! It was under the carts and looked like it had been run over a ton. I wonder if it was a $1.00 bill if it would have been gone long before??

Net OOP: $3.39

Transaction #2
1 Coke zero - $1.50 (-FREE coupon from My Coke Rewards) = FREE

2 Snuggle creme dryer sheets - $7.98 (-2 $3.00 off coupons) = $1.98

1 Little Debbie cupcakes - $2.50 (-1.00 off coupon doubled) = $.50

1 Alexia potato waffle fries - $2.00 (-1.00 off coupon doubled) = FREE

4 cans Rotel tomatoes - $4.00 (-1.00 off 4 coupon doubled) = $2.00

Net OOP: $5.38

I stopped by Walgreen's on my way home and got a few items.

Transaction#1
1 Vaseline Sheer Infusions lotion - $6.99 (-1.00 off coupon) = $5.99

Net OOP: $6.41 + I received a $7.00 Register Reward

Transaction #2

1 Hall's Refresh - $1.00

2 Ziploc bags - $5.00 w/in ad coupon (-1.00 off 2 coupon) = $4.00

2 Crystal light - $3.98 (-$2.00 off coupon) = $1.98

1 Hershey's w/ almonds - $.89

Used $7.00 RR from Transaction#1

Net OOP: $1.52 + I received a $1.00 RR for the Hall's


Then I hit up Fred Meyer for some great deals:

2 All detergent - $5.98 w/in ad coupon (-2 $1.00 off coupons) = $3.98

1 FF Cottage cheese - $.69 (clearanced)

2 Bar S Hot Dogs - $2.00 w/in ad coupon (-1.00 off 2 coupon) = $1.00

7 1/2 gallons milk - $7.00 w/in ad coupon

2 1/2 gallons OJ - $2.00 w/in ad coupon

1 1/2 gallon chocolate milk - $1.00 w/in ad coupon

Net OOP: $16.79

Finally I went to Boise Bargain Basket - I got some smokin' deals there. They are a closeout grocery store in Boise and they have some really great deals sometimes.

2 pkgs Grandma's cookies (not pictured) - $.66

10 pkgs Mentos sugar free candies - $1.00

4 cans tomato sauce - $1.00

2 5# bags whole wheat flour - $2.00

8 cans Veg-all corn - $2.00

1 pkg Keebler cookies - $1.50

2 pkgs Tennessee Pride sausage - $2.00

1 HUMONGOUS can of chow mein noodles - $.88

Net OOP: $11.66!

How did you do this week?

Weekly Shopping Trip

Computer problems + camera problems = ugly shopping trip post. Sorry, I don't know what is wrong with our camera, and I did take one pic with my cell phone, but ick - these are terrible. Anyway, I did have a pretty good week this week, however, I am frustrated with things not ringing up correctly and at myself for not catching these things as they happen. I was over budget by about $5.00 and had about $5.00 in errors at Albertson's and Walmart. I didn't notice this until I started looking at my receipts. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. I should go back and fix it, but ugh. It is always so annoying. Anyway, here's the scoop:

Boise Bargain Basket (not pictured):

1 big bag of yellow onions - $1.98

1 bag apples - $1.72

10 snack size doritos - $2.00

2 cans peaches - $1.76

4 cans tomato sauce - $1.00

Net OOP: $10.96

Then I hit up Albie's for the quaker deal and the other deal. I ran into some problems:2 cup o noodles - $1.00 (my kids totally wanted these...I know they are way cheaper elsewhere)

1 A&W rootbeer - $1.29 (again, kids)

5 Ronzoni pasta - $5.00 + 2 Sargento finishers - $5.00 (-3.00 for the spend $10 get $3.00 sale, plus used 2 $.75 off 2 coupons) = $5.50

Then I tried to do this deal again with Steamfresh meals, but the was an error:
2 Steamfresh meals - $10.69 (they were supposed to be $5.00 each, then generate a $3.00 discount) (-2 $1.50 off coupons) = $7.69

2 OM bacon - $5.49 (these were marked down to $1.99 each, one rang up correctly, one rang up at $3.50. Ugh!)

2 Quaker life + 2 Quaker oats + 2 Quaker true delights + 4 Quaker granola bars - $17.00 (-$5.00 for the buy 10 get $5.00 off, -$1.25 off 2 Quaker oats, -2 $1.00 off 2 True delights, -2 $.75 off 2 granola bars) = $7.25

Net OOP: $30.47

Then I got home and realized that I didn't buy any milk and we were totally out, and I didn't have as many diapers as I thought. So I made the (HUGE) mistake of going to Walmart. I hate that place for many reasons - which I will not go into right now. What made me so angry this time is that everything I purchased rang up wrong. In their favor. I got (not pictured)

3 gallons milk - $6.51 (these were $2.17 each, but rang up at $2.25, so I told the cashier and he fixed it.)

1 pkg diapers - $5.88 (what made me mad is that these were supposed to be $5.74 and I didn't catch that!)

Net OOP: $13.14

Anyway, that's it. I hope next week is better...how did you do this week?

Weekly Shopping Trip - and underbudget!

I've been pretty good at sticking to the budget - or at least very close for the past several weeks. This week I was underbudget by $.90 - woo hoo! It feels pretty dang good. I was happy to get in on some great deals at Fred Meyer: I lost my receipt and I looked everywhere so I am going to attempt to do this from memory...I know for a fact the total was $38.50 because it was an evenish amount. Here we go:


2 FM Butter - $2.50 (w/in ad coupon)

2 FM cheese - $7.98

2 FM chocolate milk - $2.00 (w/in ad coupon)

2 FM OJ - $2.00 (w/in ad coupon)

4 Kraft Singles - $5.00 (w/in ad coupon)

6 Yoplait yogurt - $3.00 (-1 $.40 off 6 coupon) = $2.60

2 All detergent - $5.98 (-2 $1.00 off coupons) = $3.98

3 bunches of broccoli - ??? I just know it was $.68/lb

1 pork tenderloin - $2.99 (clearanced)

1 bunch of chicken legs - $2.87 (clearanced)

1 pkg round steak - $2.94 (clearanced)

Net OOP: $38.50

Next I went to Winco. I just looked at the FM ad to get the prices of the stuff I bought and saw that I could have purchased the 18 ct. eggs for less at FM. I hate it when I do that. Anyway...

18 ct. eggs - $1.74

bulk bay leaves - $.04

bulk nutmeg - $.18

bulk cloves - $.12

3 gallons milk - $5.94

5# red potatoes - $1.98

Net OOP: $10.60

I'm pretty happy with how this turned out (other than the egg thing). How did you do this week? Check out some other trips HERE and HERE.

Weekly Shopping Trip

When I took a month off from blogging, I felt weird not taking pictures of my groceries. Then I got used to it. Now that I am doing it again, I feel weird again. Anyway, I did find some great deals this week! One super deal was a total accident!

For those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile, my annual goal for his year was $2,600 for groceries or $50.00 per week. This included food, household items, and diapers. If you notice, the word I used above is WAS not IS. Unfortunately, I have not been able to stick to the budget of $50.00 per week. My current total is $2,454.47. That leaves me $145.53 for the next 13 weeks of 2009. That is $11.00 per week. Yeah...not going to happen. I have learned a lot along the way though, and my stockpile is still pretty big. This makes my average for the year about $63/week. This is also way better than my average from last year, which was $118/week.

Now that I got that out of the way...here is my shopping trip:

Walgreen's:1 Glad trash bags - $7.99 (-$1.50 coupon in September savings booklet) - $6.49

2 Scott Bath Tissue - $5.00 (w/in ad coupon)

4 Domino sugar - $3.20 (yes, you read that right - this is 20 pounds of sugar for $3.20. I love clearance! This was the deal I found by accident!

2 Baskin Robbins chewy candies - $.64 (clearance)

Net OOP: $16.24

Then I hit Fred Meyer: 8 Country Oven bread - $10.00 (w/in ad coupon)

2 Cheerios - $3.00 (w/in ad coupon)(2 -$1.00 off coupons) = $1.00

2 Big K Rootbeer - $1.00

1 A&W Rootbeer - $1.69

1 Coke Zero - $1.39

2 FM tuna - $1.00

1 bunch bananas - $1.14

1 Oscar Meyer lunchmeat - $1.79 (marked down from $3.99)

2 Land o' Frost lunchmeat - $5.00 (w/in ad coupon) (-2 $1.00 off coupons) = $3.00

2 Fresh Express salad - $2.50

2 Oscar Meyer bacon - $5.00 (-1.25 off 2 coupon) = $3.75

3 gallons milk - $5.97

2 Bumble Bee Tuna bowls - $4.00 (-2 $1.00 off coupons) = $2.00

1 bunch celery - $.34

Net OOP: $38.95

So my total for the week is $55.19 - not terrible! How did you do this week?

Weekly Shopping Trip - the $5.00 budget edition!

So, I seem to have a problem. I am chronically over budget. My goal is $50.00 per week. My current average is $65.00 per week. Not terrible by any means, but above what I have budgeted. I set a goal for myself to see how far I could stretch $5.00 this week.

Yes, $5.00!

I needed bread, milk, toilet paper, and distilled water. I started the week with a $5.00 catalina for Albertson's and a $5.00 Register Reward from Walgreen's. I wasn't hurting for sure. I knew I could get some or a portion of all of those items with those two coupons that I had. I have been really low on cereal, and I REALLY wanted to get in on the deal Albertson's was having, so I got creative and came up with a pretty dang good scenario. If I do say so myself. And I do! Are you ready...? Here we go!

Albertson's Transaction#1 was:

4 boxes of Post Selects - $10.00 (-$4.00 instant discount - 1 $1.00 off 2 coupon doubled) = $4.00

2 Velveeta shells & cheese cups - $2.00 (-B1G1Free coupon) = $1.00

Used $5.00 catalina - paid $.42 tax + I received a $3.00 catalina for the cereal and a $1.00 catalina for the mac&cheese!

Transaction# 2 was: 4 boxes of Honey Bunches of Oats - $10.00 (-$4.00 instant discount -2 $1.00 off 2 coupons doubled) = $2.00

2 gallons milk(not pictured) - $3.98

Used $3.00 and $1.00 catalina from tran#1

Net OOP: $2.46!

Next I went to Walgreen's:

3 rolls of TP - $1.47

1 Soft Soap Serum - $3.99

Used $5.00 Register Reward

Net OOP: $.79 + I received a $4.00 Register Reward for the Soft Soap!

Transaction#2 was:

3 gallons of distilled water - $2.00 (w/in ad coupon)

1 can olives - $.99 (w/in ad coupon)

3 rolls of TP - $1.47

Used $4.00 RR from Transaction#1

Net OOP: $.73

So for everything you see here, I spent a total of $4.40! I have $.60 left and no bread.

Hmmm...we have been doing okay that past few days without it (we have 3 pieces left!), but I am going to make some bread and or bread items like Pita Pockets, rolls, and bread in my bread machine. I think we will make it until Monday!

Does anyone have any great bread recipes I should try?
-Michelle

See more shopping trips at The Grocery Cart Challenge!

Weekly Shopping Trip

This week I was under budget - YAY! I got some great deals and some fresh produce, so I was happy. Here is the scoop:

Fred Meyer

3 roma tomatoes - $.67 (which is funny because I didn't think the tomatoes in my garden were quite ready yet, the next day I was able to pick two roma tomatoes from my own plant!)

2 heads cauliflower - $2.73

several broccoli crowns - $.92

Green onions - $.50

1 coke zero - $1.39 (used FREE coupon I got from My Coke Rewards)

4 peaches - $1.57

1 cantaloupe - $2.59

1 bag "mojo mix" trail mix - $2.99 (clearanced)

Net OOP: $12.77 Albertson's was also good to me - however - there is some debate about the items in the rebate. I'm still going to send mine in and see what happens. My transactions did generate a rebate slip. Here is what I got:

2 Velveeta cheese cups - $2.00 (used B1G1FREE coupon) = $1.00

1 distilled water - $.99

1 Nilla wafers - $3.00

2 Kraft mayo - $5.00 (-$2.00 coupon) = $3.00

1 Ritz Cracker + 1 pkg wheat thins - $5.00 (used buy Ritz get Wheat thins FREE) = $2.50

1 log? velveeta - $5.99 (-$1.00 off coupon) = $4.99

1 Digiorno flatbread - $2.50 (-$.75 off coupon) = $1.75

1 California Pizza Kitchen - $2.50 (-$1.00 off coupon) = $1.50

1 beef roast - $5.35

2 pkgs ground beef - $5.32

Used my 3 $5.00 catalinas from last week

Net OOP: $16.66 + I got a $5.00 catalina back and may receive a $20.00 rebate!

So my total for the week was $29.43. My total for the year so far is $2137.75. My goal is $2,600.00 for the whole year so that means I only have $462.25 left and there are about 20 weeks left in the year that only give me just over $23.00 to spend each week! YIKES!

So, to even things out my goal/challenge for next week is to spend only $5.00 OOP. With the following needs:

1. I only have one gallon of milk - so I will need at least 1 gallon this week, maybe two.
2. We are down to 2 rolls of toilet paper. We use Scott and each roll lasts us about 1 to 1 1/2 days.
3. I just pulled my last loaf of bread out of the freezer - so I will need to make and/or buy some bread this week.

I have in my arsenal.

1. Some good Alberson's scenarios to get FREE groceries and/or catalinas back.
2. a $5.00 register reward my mom gave me because "she always forgets to use them"

Wish me luck. I am going to need it!

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

This week was a really good week - other than the fact that I am over budget yet again! My goal is to spend only $50.00/week or $2,600/year for groceries. For me this includes food, toiletries, household cleaning products, and diapers/wipes. So far this year I have spent $2108.32 or an average of about $66/week. The good news is that my refrigerator and freezer are both full to overflowing and my stockpile is very well stocked. So I should be able to cut back for a few weeks. Stay tuned.

So here is my shopping for this week. I got some seriously great deals and would be under budget but I went to Costco with my dad. Oops - but I only spent $40.00, which is pretty darn good for Costco. I don't have a picture of it, or an exact total (I lost the receipt), but I got:

6 gallons of milk
2 gallons of vinegar
the largest bag of tortilla chips I have ever seen
a bag of pot stickers
a three pack of turkey breast lunch meat
3#s of cream cheese

I think that was it. Hopefully the milk will last more than a few days - my family have been drinking milk like there is no tomorrow!

My first shopping trip of the week was to Albertson's on Tuesday night. I was able to use a total of 7 doublers from three different ads, which made me very happy! Here is how the transaction went.
2 BC Brownie mixes - $4.00 (-.75 off coupon doubled) = $2.50
3 Wishbone dressing - $5.00 (-3 .75 off coupons doubled) = $2.75
2 Best Foods mayo - $5.00 (-2 $.60 off coupons doubled) = 2.60
2 Reese's puff's - $4.00 (-$1.00 off 2 coupon doubled) = $2.00
4 Breyer's ice cream - $12.00 (-$4.00 off coupon) = $8.00

Net OOP: $16.83 + I received $15.00 in catalinas + I received a coupon for a FREE Sobe life water!

Today I went to Fred Meyer and did 2 transactions: Transaction#1
4 Honey Bunches of Oats - $6.68 (-2 $1.00 off 2 coupons) = $4.68

Net OOP: $5.07 + I received a $3.00 catalina for my next purchase!

Transaction#2

4#ish ground pork - $2.89 (clearanced)

1 dole juice - $.99 (clearanced)

1 half&half - $.69 (clearanced)

2 FM orange juice - $2.00 (w/in ad coupon)

2 FM chocolate milk - $2.00 (w/in ad coupon)

4 cobs of fresh corn - $1.00

4 butter - $6.00 (w/in ad coupon)

Used $3.00 off coupon from Transaction#1

Net OOP: $13.51

So I wasn't going to "roll" my catalina from Albertson's because when I was there earlier in the week they didn't have everything I wanted, but I decided to do it anyway and get some "non-necessities" - and another $15.00 in catalinas!

4 Knorr rice sides - $4.00 (-2 $.75 off coupons) = $2.50

1 Sobe life water - $1.49 (used FREE coupon from earlier transaction)

6 chocolate cake mixes - $6.00 (I totally ran out of chocolate cake mixes recently - I have a ton of yellow and carrot cakes, though!)

2 BC brownie mixes - $4.00 (-$.75 off coupon) = $3.25

2 All liquid laundry soap - $7.00 (-2 $1.00 off coupons, doubled) = $3.00

2 BC fruit snacks - $4.00 (-.60 off coupon) = $3.40

2 Chex mix bars - $5.00 (-2 .75 off coupons) = $3.50

Used $15.00 in catalinas from the earlier transaction.

Net OOP: $8.52 + I received $15.00 in catalinas for a future purchase!

So, my total for the week was $83.93 - again overbudget! Ugh, but I still have $15.00 in catalinas that I can use at Albertson's - I think I am going get some meat.

How did you do this week?

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip - and finding a new gem!

For some reason I ended up shopping a lot this week on several different days. I didn't get pics of everything...but I think you all know what spaghetti sauce looks like!

Long story short I am over budget. I am happy with what I bought, but I need to cut back if I am going to reach my $2,600/year goal. I just have to. However, I got an insert from Albertson's in the paper for a catalina that starts today, so I really want to stock up on this stuff while I can get it for nothing! (Spend $30 get a $15.00 catalina for your next shopping trip - it is General Mills/Betty Crocker/Lipton, etc. - all stuff I use all the time!)

Anyway, here are the trips for the last week and the breakdown.

Wonder Bakery Outlet:

I'm not sure on the individual prices, but the total here was $8.64.

Then I went to Fred Meyer (use your imagination)

8 cans Classico spaghetti sauce $12.00 (w/ in ad coupon) - this isn't the greatest deal on the planet, but we LOVE this spaghetti sauce and I never see it below $2.00. At $1.50 each, I wanted to stock up!

1 cantaloupe - $2.00

4 bottles Root Beer - $2.00

1 cold diet coke - $1.69

Net OOP: $18.22

For you locals - did you know that Honk's $1.00 store on Cole/Ustick sells everything for $.88 on Tuesdays? It is a fact! I don't usually go there, but I happened to be there on Tuesday so I stopped. I found some great stuff, but was excited that they had some food stuff that was a good deal. I got (again, use your imagination):

1 bag of 6 sourdough rolls

1 bag of Orowheat wheat hamburger buns

4 cans of spaghetti sauce (I know what you are thinking, but the Del Monte garlic and onion is our second favorite, and $.88 is a good deal!)

Net OOP: $5.60

Then I discovered a hidden gem of a store (for all you locals!) on Broadway (between Linden and Boise Ave) called Boise Bargain Basket. I was a bit skeptical because it looks kind of trendy, like the Boise Co-op and I thought their brand of bargain may not be my brand of bargain. But I was pleasantly surprised.

They have close-outs and scratch and dented items for really cheap. Some items were a bit overpriced, but as you will see I got some great deals. Their produce selection is small, but very reasonably priced.

I got all this stuff for $15.35! I was pretty impressed. Here is the breakdown:

2 loaves Classic white bread - $2.76 (this is good hearty white bread!)
2 pkgs Hidden Valley ranch dip - $.50
2 cantaloupes - $3.56
2 boxes of Honey Smacks - $3.32
5 individual bags of doritos - $1.00
1 pkg of muffin cups - $.48
4 cans of green chilies - $1.00
1 5# bag of potatoes - $.88
1 bag of Swedish Fish (yum!) and sour patch kids (yum!) - $.98

Net OOP: $15.35

IF I had stopped there (like I was planning to) I would have been under budget. HOORAY! But we ran out of milk, sugar, eggs, shortening, and butter (I was cooking for a bake sale!) So I had to go to Winco and I found a few "necessities." I am such a bad girl.

1 10# bag of sugar - $4.44
2 8ct package of Yoplait - $2.98 ($.37 each!)
2 pkgs butter - $3.92
5 dozen eggs - $3.96
2 gallons milk - $3.96
2 boxes Post Shredded Wheat - $4.96 (- $1.00 off 2 coupon) = $3.96 (there is a story here, my husband wants better cereal than what we have. I told him we should wait for a sale and he didn't agree :), funny thing - Fred Meyer has a great sale this week (3 for $5.00) on the same stuff, so I'll stock up!)
1 box Kellogg's Corn Pops (they are in there somewhere!) - $1.48
1 box Kellogg's Corn Flakes - $1.48
1 Breyer's ice cream - $2.78
2 whipped topping - $1.48
4 candy bars - $2.32 (-2 $1.00 off 2 coupons) = $.32
1 M&M peanut (not pictured) = $.48 (used FREE coupon) = FREE
1 shortening - $3.12
2# roast beef - $5.99 (another request of the hubs)
1 4# strawberries - $5.98
2.5#ish bananas - $1.12

Net OOP: $50.02 - yes, my budget for a whole week! Ugh!!!!!

Let's just say in the next few weeks, I'll be doing some "challenges" like my $100.00 budget mission I did last year. Stay tuned!

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

It has been awhile since I posted a shopping trip. This doesn't mean I haven't been shopping. It just means that things were way too crazy and I didn't get around to it etc., etc., etc!

Just an update for the year...YTD I have spent $1,928.56. My goal for the year is $2,600.00 or $50.00 per week for groceries (food, household items, and diapers). I am a little bit over this budget (my average has been $64/week), however, I am still happy with my spending. Last year, I spent more than $6,000 for the year!

With that, I spent $48.52 at Winco, got quite a few items, and used no coupons. This picture looks like a big mess because I mostly got produce and bulk foods items, so a lot of bags! Here is what I got:

4 gallons Milk - $6.72 ($1.68 each!)

2.5#ish grapes - $2.48

bulk Parmesan cheese - $1.59

1 pint heavy cream - $1.43

2.9# bananas - $1.38

1 artichoke - $.68

2 2# blocks cheese - $7.96

5# red potatoes - $2.98

1 Breyer's ice cream - $2.78

1 wedge Parmesan cheese - $2.39

bulk Fetuccine noodles - $.94

bulk Great Northern Beans - $1.01

bulk cocoa - $3.13

3#ish onions - $1.62

Pork roasts - $8.68 ( I think there are about 4-5 boneless pork roasts in this big bag - it was $1.28/lb! Score!)

Net OOP: $48.52

About the bag of ice...as I was walking out of the store, a gal offerred me this 1/2 bag of ice that she couldn't fit in her cooler. Who am I to turn down a freebie? I'll figure out a use for it.

How about you? How did you do this week?

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

Not a bad week if I do say so myself. And I do. I'm so glad I was able to get in on the end of the $10.00 catalina deal at Albies. (Buy $25.00 in certain products, get a $10.00 coupon good on your next purchase). Here is what I did:
Most of the coupons I used in this transaction came from a coupon book I signed up for from ConAgra several months ago. They are no longer available.

3 snack pack puddings - $3.00 (-1 $1.00 off 3 coupon) = $2.00

2 microwave popcorn - $3.34 (-1 $1.00 off 2 coupon) = $2.24

1 Hunt's Ketchup - $1.00

2 Wesson canola oil - $6.00

2 Manwich - $2.00 (-1 $.40 off 2 coupon)

2 Smart Water (one pictured, my hubby was drinking one of them) - $2.00

10 Chef Boyardee - $10.00 (-2 $.35 off 2 coupons, 1 $1.00 off 4 coupon) = $8.30

Net OOP: $24.88 + I received a $10.00 coupon good on my next purchase.

I did this transaction on Tuesday night.

2 Coke Zero - $2.78 (-2 FREE coupons I got from My Coke Rewards) = FREE

6 yoplait yogurt - $3.00 (-$.40 off 6 coupon) = $2.60

1 Dove chocolate bar - $.50 (Used FREE coupon) = FREE

2 Gallo hard salami - $6.00 (-2 $.50 off coupons) = $5.00

1 Sara Lee Cheesecake - $4.50 (-$1.00 off coupon) = $3.50

2 Sara Lee Simple Sweets - $6.00 (-2 $1.00 off coupons) = $4.00

2 Ronzone Smart Taste Pastas - $2.50 (-$1.00 off 2 coupon) = $1.50

Received $5.00 off for purchasing 5 SaraLee items (salami was included), used $10.00 catalina from transaction above.

Net OOP: $2.82

My net total for the week was $27.70 - under budget! YAY! This brings my YTD total to $1503.09. My budget for the year is $2,600 or $50.00 per week. I am a bit over for the year, but I am happy with my progress, which is a huge improvement over last year. Last year I spent $6111.87!

How did you do this week?

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

This week was a pretty good week although I am over budget. I took my hubby with me to the store and that is always a budget disaster! Here is the damage for the week:

This is our trip to Winco where I took my husband. I'll let you guess what wasn't on the list. :)

5#ish bulk popcorn - $3.36

8 cans green beans - $4.40

2.82# bulk powdered sugar - $1.64

1.90# bulk bulk rigatoni - $1.60

1 pkg frozen burritos - $2.48

2.80# bulk rice - $1.54

2 bags shredded lettuce - $2.56

1 Vlasic pickles - $1.98

1 family pack pork ribs - $4.17

1 bag pretzels - $1.68

1.5#ish tomatoes - $1.50

1 bag doritos - $2.98

Net OOP: $31.68

I also went to Albertson's on Monday before their Unilever sale ended. I got:
4 All laundry detergent - $18.00 (-2 $1.00 off 2 coupons doubled) = $14.00

1 Ragu pasta sauce - $1.50 (-$.60 off coupon) = $.90

1 M&M - $.69 (-FREE coupon) = FREE

2 Breyer's ice cream - $6.00 (-2 $1.00 off coupons (one doubled) ) - $3.00

Net OOP: $19.29 + received $10.00 catalina good on next purchase + a phone number for a survey was on the receipt. If I take the survey I get a code for $2.00 off my next purchase!

I swear I took a picture of my second Albertson's transaction, but it wasn't in my camera when I downloaded pictures. Just imagine...

3 pkgs ground beef (marked down to $1.69/lb) - $6.89

2 Kraft easy mac cups - $2.00 (-$1.00 off 2 coupon) = $1.00

6 Kraft velveeta shells and cheese cups - $6.00 (-1 $1.00 off 2 coupon, 1 b1g1Free coupon, 1 2 FREE coupon) = $2.00

Used $10.00 catalina from 1st transaction.

Net OOP: $.73

I was pretty much done, but I made a quick trip to Fred Meyer on Thursday night:
1 whipping cream - $.69 (clearanced)

1 head cauliflower - $3.96

1 package pepperoni bites - $3.00

2 salad mixes - $1.98 (clearanced)

1 bunch bananas - $1.63

1 pkg green onions - $.50

1 32oz sour cream - $.99 (clearanced)

Net OOP: $13.52

My total for the week was $65.22. This is $15.00 over my budget, but I'm okay with that! My budget is $2,600 for the year or $50.00 per week. This includes food, household items, and diapers. These purchases bring my total for the year to $1,475.39.

How did you do this week?

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

If you have been reading my blog you know that my goal for my grocery (food, household, diapers) budget is $50.00 per week with an overall total of $2,600/year. This is less than 1/2 of what I spent last year. So far, I have been over, but not by much and I am happy with my results so far this year.

This post will include a trip to Fred Meyer last Saturday night last week. Even with that, I would call this week a great week! Here we go...

1 bag corn chips - $2.00

1 pkg oreo cookies - $3.19 (total splurge...and soooooooo worth it!)

1 can refried beans - $1.00

2 32 oz. FM sour cream - $.99 (clearanced)

4 containers lunch meat - $5.96 (clearanced)

1 pkg honey ham - $1.76 (clearanced)

Net OOP: $16.87

Monday night I went to Albertson's and had a great transaction...even thought my cashier was less than friendly (I hate that!). I had the doubles from the paper and the doublers from the ad for a total of 6 doublers for this transaction.

1 Taco Bell Dinner kit - $2.50 (-$1.00 off coupon doubled) = $.50

1 can Taco Bell refried beans - $1.00

1 McCormick grinder - $2.00 (-$.75 off coupon doubled) = $.50

2 California Pizza Kitchen single serve pizzas - $5.00 (-2 $2.00 off coupons doubled) = $1.00

2 Edge Shave Gel - $3.00 (-2 $.75 off coupons doubled) = FREE

1 2.25# grapes - $2.23

1 pkg M&M's - $.69 (-FREE coupon) = FREE

There was also an automatic $3.00 off for purchasing $10.00 in certain products.

Net OOP: $2.72!

Finally I picked up a few deals at Fred Meyer.

6 loaves bread - $8.00 (w/in ad coupon)

3 pkgs butter - $5.00

2 FM hot dog buns - $.78 (these are $.39 each for the first two, so I plan on getting 2 every time I go until I have enough for all the hot dogs in my freezer!)

2 cans olives - $2.00

18 ct eggs - $1.99

1 pkg bacon - $2.49 (clearanced)

2 pkgs salad mix - $4.00

4 roma tomatoes - $.64

1 red onion - $.43

1 feta cheese - $2.00

1 cheddar cheese - $3.99 (w/in ad coupon)

1 bunch bananas - $1.68

Used $2.00 catalina from previous purchase.

Net OOP: $32.98

My total grocery expense for the year is $1,406.35. I have used just over 1/2 of my budget for the year, but we are not 1/2 way through the year. I will just try to slow it down as much as I can so that I can stay in line with my annual budget.

So, how did you do this week?

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

Grocery wise this was a great week. Blogging wise not so much. I have had some sick babies and I'm feeling out of it. I hope to be back up with my regular blogging schedule soon!

Here is my shopping this week:

Fred Meyer I got:

2 loaves Country Oven Bread - $3.34

2 Lysol floor cleaner - $3.28 (-2 $.75 off coupons) = $1.78

2 Lysol toilet bowl cleaner - $2.48 (-$1.00 off 2 coupon) = $1.48

3 Lysol spray (2 of them had a FREE hand sanitizer) - $7.32 (-3 $2.00 off coupons) = $1.32

4 Lipton sides - $4.00 (-2 $.75 off coupons) - $2.50

4 oranges - $1.37

2 pkgs Bar S hot dogs - $1.76 (w/in ad coupon) (-$1.00 off 2 coupons) = $.76

1 pkg Oscar Meyer hot dogs - $3.00 (-FREE coupon) = FREE!

1 coke zero - $1.39 (- FREE coupon I got from my coke rewards)

1#ish asparagus - $2.34

1 cantaloupe - $2.65

1 4pk fiber one yogurt - $1.29(clearanced) (-$1.00 off coupon) = $.29

Net OOP: $19.89 + I got a $2.00 catalina (a coupon good off my next purchase) (I'm not sure what it was for, it said thanks for purchasing GenTeal??? I didn't buy that, so it might have been from a prior customer...)

Next I hit up Albertson's to use the doublers from the Sunday paper.

3 V8 Fusion - $5.64 (-3 $1.00 off coupons doubled) = $.36 overage!!

3 gallons milk - $5.07

2 5pk Kraft mac&cheese - $5.69 (these were B1G1FREE)

2 Capri Sun 10 packs - $4.98 (-2 FREE coupons that were peelies on the mac&cheese!) = FREE

Net OOP: $11.49

Next I went to Winco. I haven't been there FOREVER and I was glad to find some great deals!

1.5#ish bulk powdered sugar - $.85

1.7#ish bulk penne pasta - $1.43

2#ish apples - $1.47

1.25#ish tomatoes - $1.09

1 bagged salad - $1.68

1 4# container strawberries - $2.98

Net OOP: $10.07

My total for the week was...$41.45 (for all that stuff! Can you believe it!)

This brings my annual total to $1,333.19 or just over 1/2 of my annual $2,600 budget for the year. My goal is to spend $50 per week (food, household, and diapers). I am a bit over for the year so I am trying to s...l...o...w...l...y catch back up by staying under as much as I can.

How did you do this week?

-Michelle

Catching up...Last Week's Shopping Trip

Did I mention I had a crazy week last week? I'm grateful to have both feet back on the ground!

Fred Meyer had a few really good deals I was glad to take advantage of. I got all this:

3 loaves bread - $4.01 (w/in ad coupon)

1 4# bag chicken breast - $6.36

8 boxes FM Mac & Cheese - $2.00 (w/in ad coupon)

2 OJ, 2 Chocolate Milk, 4 Milk 1/2 gallons - $8.00 w/in ad coupon

2 pkgs lunch meat - $4.00

1 18ct eggs - $1.89

1 4 pk Activia yogurt - $1.29 (clearanced -$1.00 off coupon) = $.29

4 apples - $1.36

1 Coke Zero - $1.39 (- FREE coupon from My Coke Rewards) = FREE

1 2# cheddar cheese - $3.99 (w/in ad coupon)

Net OOP: $33.95

I received a gift card as a gift so I paid nothing OOP for all this:

2 cucumbers - $.96

3 bunches broccoli - $1.28

2 5# bag carrots - $2.48

1 Digiorno Flatbread Melt - $2.78 (- FREE coupon from Kraft First Taste)

5 Roma tomatoes - $.92

2 1/2 gals Limeaid - $2.00

1 Triscuit - $2.00 (- $1.00 off coupon) = $1.00

1 Wheat Thins - $2.00 (-$1.00 off coupon) = $1.00

1 pkg M&M's cookie sandwiches (YUM!) - $3.88

1 Snickers ice cream - $2.57 (-$.75 off coupon) = $1.82

1 cantaloupe - $1.68

1 pineapple - $3.88

1 jar pickles - $2.58 (- $1.00 off coupon) = $1.58

1 bagged salad - $1.98

2 good value cream cheese - $1.76

5 good value sugar free drink mixes - $8.80

1 Kraft BBQ sauce - $.98 (-$1.00 off coupon) = $.02 overage!

12 cup of noodles - $3.36 (not pictured)

1 big ol' jug of olive oil - $15.12

1 bunch bananas - $1.40

2 pkgs hot dogs - $1.54 (- $1.00 off 2 coupon) = $.54

Would have been a total of $58.46 net, but I paid with a gift card so my net OOP: ZERO!

My budget for the year is $2,600 (or $50 per week). My total YTD is $1,291.74.

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

I must say this week went VERY well, even though I went over my $50.00 budget. What else is new? I made several stops this week on different days and it was well worth it!

First it was Walgreen's on Monday: 1 Glade lasting impression - $8.99 (- FREE coupon I received for completing a survey) = FREE + I earned a $1.50 RR

6 pouches of Starkist Tuna - $3.84

Used $3.00 RR I received from buying some Benadryl (not a grocery item)
Net OOP: $1.61

Then I headed to Albertson's with my doublers from the Sunday paper.1 Quaker rice cakes - $1.99 (- $1.00 off coupon doubled) = .01 overage!

2 boxes Wheat Thins - $3.34 (Used B1G1FREE coupon) = $1.67

1 Hunt's ketchup - $1.00

2 gallons milk - $4.00

1 dozen eggs - $1.69

6 Grand's biscuits - $10.00 (- 2 $1.00 off 3 coupons doubled)(- $4.00 Alb savings for purchasing $10.00 in certain items) = $2.00 for 6 cans!

Net OOP: $11.25

Thursday night I decided to head over to Albies to take advantage of this weeks doublers. This is the best transaction I have had in a long time!

4 Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce (my hubby's FAVE) - $4.00 (-2 $1.00 off 2 coupons doubled) = FREE

2 Kraft zesty Italian dressing - $3.00 (-2 $1.50 off coupons) = FREE

1 Hunt's ketchup - $1.00 (- FREE coupon I received in the mail) = FREE

2 Bar S hot dogs - $2.00 (- $1.00 off 2 coupon doubled) = FREE

My net total was $.02 overage but with the $.42 tax I paid $.40 OOP!!

Then I went to Fred Meyer. They have had some great deals lately.

1 15# bag potatoes - $2.49

2 pkgs hot dog buns - $.78

4 boxes whole wheat spaghetti - $3.16 (clearanced)

1 PS Ice cream - $2.99

1 Oscar Meyer Deli Creations - $1.29 (- $1.50 off coupon) = $.21 overage!

2 gallons milk - $3.98 (my family has been chugging this stuff lately!)

1 bunch bananas - $1.56

2# apples - $1.73

2#ish oranges - $1.41

Net OOP: $19.06

So I actually went to Walgreen's first because I new I wasn't buying anything cold, but this is the way the pics loaded - so anyway...

3 pkgs Pamper's - $29.97 (-3 $1.50 off coupons) = $25.47

Used $5.00 off $25.00 purchase

Net OOP: $21.97

My grand total for the week is $54.29 - not bad, just a bit over budget. My annual budget is $2,600 and so far I have spent $1,257.29 (BTW this includes a $15.89 rebate I received from the Unilever FREE turkey or ham promo, I added it back in to my annual total!)

How did you do this week?

-Michelle

One more small shopping trip last week...

I made a quick trip to Fred Meyer late Saturday and I am so glad I did! Here is what I ended up with:

3#ish bananas - $1.71

1 Oscar Meyer deli creations - $2.50 (- FREE coupon) = FREE I got the coupon for signing up for Kraft First Taste. You get a coupon to try a FREE product then you take a short survey after you try it! You can sign up here.

4 cans olives - $4.00

5 Finnish/Electrasol gel tabs - $14.95 (-5 $2.50 off coupons) = $2.45 SCORE!

2.25# apples - $1.53

3 tomatoes - $1.42

Net OOP: $12.68

This makes my total for the year $1219.39. My goal by year end is $2,600.00 (or $50.00 per week).

I don't plan on shopping much this week. Milk and eggs. Maybe some Albertson's doubler items...maybe!

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

I had a pretty good week this week. There were some great sales and I had some good coupons! Woo hoo! First I went to Albertson's on Monday to take advantage of some FREEbies and double coupons:

The cute boy was FREE!

1 box Ritz crackers - $1.88 w/in ad coupon

2 Sara Lee bread - $2.58 w/in ad coupon

2 gallons milk - $4.00

2 2# chunks of cheese - $7.98

2#ish pkg boneless skinless chicken breast - $4.12 (-$3.00 off coupon from El Paso purchase last week) = $1.12

3 Kraft BBQ sauce - $1.00 (-3 $.75 off coupons) = $.25

3 Capri Sun Sunrise - $7.47 (-3 $1.00 off coupons DOUBLED) = $1.47

Plus they took off $3.00 for the Kraft Promo for the BBQ sauce and Capri Sun items making an overage of $1.28!

My Net OOP for all this was $18.28!

Then I went to Fred Meyer for some more great deals:

3#ish of apples - $2.09

4 loaves bread - $5.00

1 pkg thick cut bacon - $1.99 (on clearance)

2 pkgs Lay's chips - $3.34(w/in ad coupon) (-$1.00 off 2 coupon) = $2.34

2 Oscar Meyer Deli Creations - $2.58 (-$1.00 off 2 coupon) = $1.58

2 pkgs Bar-S hot dogs - $2.00 (-$1.00 off 2 coupon) = $1.00

4 Tree Top Apple Juice - $6.00 (w/in ad coupon) (-2 $1.00 off 2 coupons) = $4.00

2 Jimmy Dean sausages - $2.58 (on clearance)

2 Iceberg lettuce salads - $1.00 (w/in ad coupon)

Net OOP - $23.18

Finally, I went to Walgreen's (not pictured) for some distilled water and diapers.

3 distilled water - $2.07

2 Walgreen's Premium diapers - $8.99 (they were B1G1Free)

Net OOP - $11.72

My total for the week was $53.18 or $3.18 over. Ugh! Darn those diapers! So far this year I have spent $1,206.71. My annual budget is $2,600 or $50.00 per week. With the total I have spent so far, my average is about $61.00 per week, which isn't terrible - just more than my goal.

How did you do this week?

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

I did pretty well this week, I stayed under my $50.00 budget and spent only $30.82. If you have read my blog for any length of time you know that I am usually over budget and that I have a $2,600.00 annual budget that I am trying to stay under. If I go over one week, I try to make it up and go under the next week, etc. My year to date expenses are $1,153.52.

This week I hit up the Hostess Bakery Outlet and spent $9.30. I SWEAR I took a picture, but I can't find it and I lost my receipt. But I got 5 loaves of bread and a package of cookies that I know was $1.94. I got it because my son fell asleep in the car and when we got into the store he laid on the floor and wanted to go to sleep. I BRIBED him with some cookies in order to save myself the embarrassment. It was a fair trade!

I also went to Fred Meyer and got:

These were on sale for $3.88 each (4# packages!!), my net OOP was $8.23! I used them to make 3 pints of freezer jam. Then I cut up a bunch added some sugar and put in the freezer for future strawberry shortcake. Then we just ate the rest of them. I love strawberries! Try making a dip with some sour cream and brown sugar to dip them in. It is to die for!

Finally it was Walmart. Have I mentioned that I HATE Walmart? They are remodeling and everything was moved AND several items rang up wrong, but I didn't pay attention, but I still got some good deals. I spent $13.29 for all this:

2 Minute Maid juices - $2.84 - these were supposed to be $1.00 each, but they were one of the items that rang up wrong. My son was throwing a fit because I put something on the conveyor belt that he wanted to put there, so I was trying to get him to zip it! I should not shop with kids!

1 Frank's red hot sauce - $2.29 (-$1.29 off coupon) = $1.00 This was a FREE item coupon I got in my coupon train. They didn't have the smaller size so I got this.

8 Yoplait yogurt - $3.84 (- $1.00 off 8 coupon from Eat Better America booklet no longer available) = $2.84 or $.36 each

3 pkgs Lender's bagels - $3.00

2 Wheat Thins artisan crackers - $4.00 (-B1G1FREE coupon) = $2.00

2 Johnson's cotton swabs - $2.76 (- 2 $1.00 off Johnson's coupons) = $.76

2 McCormick marinades - $1.50 (- 2 $1.00 off McCormick coupons) = $.50 overage!

2 Kotex pantyliners - $2.00 (- 2 $1.00 off coupons) = FREE

2 Colgate toothbrushes - $1.92 (- 2 $1.00 off coupons) = $.08 overage!

Net OOP: $13.29

How did your shopping go this week?

-Michelle

Weekly Shopping Trip

Okay, so I didn't technically go shopping last week. I picked up a few items for our trip, but I didn't take it from our grocery budget, I took it out of what I budgeted for our small vacation. This helped to bring me back in line with my $2,600 budget for the year. I have spent $1122.70 so far for the year - the figure I posted last week wasn't up to date with Quicken, but now it is. This also included what I purchased this week. There have been 22 weeks so far this year so this ends up being about $63.00 per week. This isn't bad, but I know I can do better. I know that I can do this. Limiting myself to $50.00 has been difficult. I have been able to catch up, but some weeks $50.00 doesn't go that far...like this week! I spent $104.63! I did get some major stock up items and diapers (I used my last diaper on my daughter last night and I had to go to WalMart at 11:00 pm!).

So here is the scoop for the week:

Albertson's on Tuesday (before their last awesome sale was over!)

6 cans enchilada sauce - $7.50

2 cans beans - $2.50

2 gallons skim milk - $4.00

1 family pack pork ribs - $7.78

1 family pack chicken breast - $7.09

3 pkgs ground beef - $8.34

Used $5.00 off if you spend $30.00 coupon I got in the mail.

Got $4.00 off for spending $10.00 on the Old El Paso stuff.

Net OOP: $29.91 + I recieved a $3.00 catalina for chicken or beef on my next purchase. I wish I knew that the Old El Paso would generate that because I would have purchased my meat in a different transaction! But I have it for next time.

My dad took me to Costco on Wednesday. He paid and I paid him back so I don't have the receipt. The total was around $33.00.

I got I got a ginormous box of 500 ziploc baggies for $7.99

A huge salad mix for $1.99

An enormous bag of Red Star yeast for $5.49 (or $3.99) or something

A humongous box of 700 baby wipes for $15.49 (I think?)

Then I was super excited to have enough Swagbucks to have $35.00 to spend at Amazon.com. I used it to by 40 rolls of toilet paper. My net cost was $3.50! You really should sign up for Swagbucks - you could get FREE toilet paper too :)!

Finally it was my nemesis...Walmart. I don't know why I hate going there, but I do. I had to buy some diapers at 11:00 pm last night so I had no choice. I can't believe I let myself run so low! I was happy to find several great deals that my family will enjoy.

2 pkgs Luvs diapers - $13.94

2 bunches bananas - $3.00

4 tomatoes - $1.31

5 apples - $1.21

1 tillamook cheese - $5.50

1 Minute Maid limeaid - $1.00

1 Minute Maid lemonade - $1.00

3 pkgs Lender's bagels - $3.00

3 cans olives - $2.91

1 jar Nalley pickles - $1.76 (- $1.00 off coupon) = $.76

1 feta cheese - $2.37

Net OOP: $38.22

I am going to go easy next week. Probably just milk, eggs, and maybe some potatoes. We are pretty set for awhile :).

-Michelle

p.s. be sure to check out some other great trips on Money Saving Mom and Grocery Cart Challenge!