Shopping this week

I know it's been awhile, I was sick last week and then my daughter got sick, couponing was not a priority.  I'm back this week in full force and had a big haul I wanted to share with you.

Here's what I got:

Ok here's the scoop, 3 stores and a bunch of savings.

First stop Stop 'n Shop.

They didn't have everything I wanted it, but since I wasn't looking to make money (store dollars) it didn't hurt the trip.

1 - Old El Paso Vegetarian Refried Beans $1.00 on sale

2 - 8 oz Daisy Sour Cream $1.00 each  on sale

Green Grapes on sale for $1.99/lb = $ 4.12

Total before in store savings $12.81

Total savings                        $ 5.69

Total OOP                          $ 7.12

Savings                                   44%

Next stop Acme.

2 - Mrs. T's Pierogies on sale 2/ $5 - used 1 - $1 off 2

2 - Perfect Portion Perdue Chicken Breasts on sale BOGO - used 2 - $1 off 1

Total before savings           $  29.76

Total Savings                     $  16.77

Total OOP                        $  12.99

Savings                                    56%

Final stop Shop Rite.  This was the big stop.  Shop Rite is having their Dollar Days promotion going on for the next couple weeks.  This is a good time to stock up on snacks and paper products.  Not only do you save with their on sale items and using coupons, but you also get money back to use on future orders.  I love this time of year!  I didn't break up my shopping trip to use the bucks I earned, but I saved them all for my next trip to use on meat, fruits and veggies. 

On to the loot!

First Deal (Buy any 12 General Mills items listed in circular and get $10 for your next trip)

2 - Nature Valley Granola Bars 2/$5 - used 1 - $.50 off 2 coupon (doubled)
4 - Betty Crocker Fruit Grushers 2/$4 - used 2 - $.50 off 2 coupons (doubled)
2 - Chex Mix 2/$4 - used 1 - $.50 off 2 coupon (doubled)
2 - Betty Crocker Fun da-Middles cupcake mixes - used 2 $.50 off 1 coupons (doubled) 
2 - Simply Go-Gurt - used 1 $.75 off 2 (doubled)

Second Deal (Buy any 5 Kimberly Clark items listed in circular and get $5 for your next trip)

1 - 3 pack Kleenex Tissues $5.49 - used 1 - $.50 off 3 pack (doubled)
1 - Kleenex Hand Towels $ 2.79 - used 1 - $.75 off 1 (doubled)
3 - U by Kotex $3.49 each - used 3 - $1.00 off 1

Third Deal (buy any 6 Unilever items listed in circular and get $3 for your next trip)

3 - Ragu Lite No Sugar pasta sauce 3/$4 - used 1 - $1 off 2
2 - Wish Bone Salad Dressings 2/$4 - used 1 - $.65 off 2 (doubled)
2 - Knorr Pasta Sides (10 for $10) - used 1 - $.50 off 2 (doubled)

Other items not included in a Shop Rite Dollar Day deal:

2 - Scott Moist Wipes $1.99 each - used 2 - $.50 off 1 (doubled)
2 - Chi-Chi's tortillas $1.99 each - used 2 - $.50 off 1 (doubled)
3 - Chicken of the Sea tuna $1.00 each
1 lb Black Bear White American Cheese $4.99/lb ($5.03)
1 Cucumber  $.66
5 lb Potatoes $1.99
Bananas $ .49/lb ($.98)
Red Peppers $1,99/lb ($1.39)
Broccolli Crown $.99/lb ($1.56)
1 - VO5 Shampoo $.77
1 - VO5 Conditioner $.77
2 - Hotel Bar Butter $2.99 each
Baby Carrots $1.69
Lettuce $1.69
Sweet Onions $1.29/lb ($.94)
1- 22 count Hefty Trash Bags $3.00 - used 1 - $1 off 1

Trip Total    $130.32
Amount Saved $ 56.28
Total OOP   $  74.04
Total Saved 43%
Total Future Bucks $18!

Well after this trip we are fulled stocked on snacks for a few months and the cupboards are full!  Dare I say it?  Bring on the snow!  LOL

OH I almost forgot!  For each of those deals I completed above you also get a coupon for a free reusuable shopping bag!  So there's 3 more of those. (regular price $.99 each)

There are a lot of different ways to get the Shop Rite deals, check your circulars and coupons and see what works best for you and if you need any help, please let me know.  I'd be glad to help you save money!  Figuring out Dollar Day deals is one of my favorite things.  What 12 items can I get for the least money OOP and still get the bucks back?! 

Anyway, it was a decent day all in all, with an average savings of 48% for the day.  Any savings are good savings.

Also, I have a lot of coupons expiring, so when you are looking at the circular, making your lists and don't have a coupon for a certain item, let me know, I may have what you are looking for and am more than happy to share!  (Just ask the women I gave 2 Chi Chi tortilla coupons to today :) )

Happy Shopping!

Acme Trip Tomorrow 2/12/12

Tomorrow my daughter will be selling Girl Scout Cookies at our local Acme, this is the perfect time for a shopping trip for me! 

Last time I went to Acme, I shopped the wrong circular, I forgot they changed over for Fridays and not Sundays like other stores I shop.  A quick adjustment to my list and I got a couple things I needed.

Anyway,  I going to give me my list, with coupons and transactions, and then I'll let you know about a few other good deals out there in Acme world.

Transaction #1:

2 Emerald Nuts 16 oz jars 2/$4
use 2 $1/1 coupon = $2  (get back $1 coupon to be used later, I'm going to call these Acme Bucks from here on out.)

3 Yoplait with Granola 3/$6
use 3 $.75/1 (doubled) = 1.50 (get back $1 Acme Buck)

2 Oral B toothbrushes 2/$4
Use 1 $.75/2 (doubled) = $2.50 (get back $1 Acme Buck)

Total OOP = $6.00

Transaction # 2:

2 Blue Diamond Almonds 2/$5
Use 2 $1/1 = $3.00
1  Betty Crocker cake mix
use 1 in circular coupon $.88
use 1 $.35/1 = $.18

Total OOP $ 3.18

Transaction # 3

1 Scott Toilet Paper $ 7.99
Use 1 $1/1 8 rolls or more Scott Extra Soft
Use 3 $1 Acme bucks = $3.99 (get back $1 Acme Buck)

Total OOP = $3.99

Transaction # 4
2 Skippy Peanut Butter $1.99 each
Use $1 Acme Buck = $2.98

Total OOP $ 2.98

Total spent on the day (before tax)  = $ 16.15

Hopefully this trip goes as planned.  I'll let you know tomorrow.
Once again I know it doesn't seem like I buy a lot of food stuffs, but this house is stocked and Shop Rite has better prices on produce this week -  $.99/lb for Grapes and $.49/lb for Bananas Whoo Hoo!

Other good buys at Acme this week - based on coupons I have...

Ken's Salad Dressing $1
Buy 3 and use 1 Buy 2 Get one free coupon = $2 for 3
Tysen Chicken Strips  or Seasoned Steak Strips 6 oz package $2.99 each get back $1 Acme Buck
Use 2 $1/1 = $3.98
Tidy Cat Litter  14 lbs $5.99 Get Back $1 Acme Buck
Use 1 $1/1 7lbs or larger = $4.99

This is what I found based on my coupons, hopefully you'll find more using your own coupons!

Happy Shopping!

A Mini Vacation Tip

A friend of mine informed me about a good deal off a mid-week stat at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. 

20% off of you stay Sunday - Thursday use coupon code Kids181A when making your reservation! 

Have fun, I have never been, but I co- worker was there last week and said the kids had a blast.  The water park is awesome! 

Happy Shopping and Vacationing!

50 % Savings at Stop 'n Shop

I wasn't planning on going to Stop 'n Shop this week, until I looked at the circular.  I forgot that Stop 'n Shop and Giant have the same parent company.  Stop 'n Shop has a better coupon policy than Giant though, so I may leave Giant behind and stick with Stop 'n Shop. (Can I say Stop 'n Shop more?  :) ) The coupon policy for Giant is; you can use 4 like coupons, but only the first one is doubled up to $ .99.  Stop 'n Shop will let you use (from my purchase today) at least 4 like coupons and they double each one up to $ .99.  I asked at the customer service desk and she thought, but wasn't sure, that they will double up to 6 like coupons.  I'll have to check the website for the official policy, but this is what I know for fact right now.  The most important thing is to ask if you don't know, that's why they are there.

On to my purchase:  (I had to separate lists, one for Shop Rite and one for Giant, I was able to knock both out at this one store for almost the same price.  I paid a bit more on a couple things, but not enough to make much of a difference.) 


4 - Purina One Beyond Dog Food  2/ $12
 used 4 - $5 off 1 bag
4 - Viva Paper Towels $ 2.45
 used 4 - $.75 off 1 (doubled)
 3 Hamburger Helper 2/$3
  used 1 - $.75 off 3 (doubled)
1 Hefty gallon storage bags 2/$4
1 Hefty quart freezer bags
 used 1 - $.75 off 3 (doubled)
2 Laughing Cow wedges 2/$6
 used 1 - $1 off 2
2 Gushers $2.89 each (hate this wasn't on sale)
 used 1 - $.50 off 3 (doubled)
Pack of Beef stew meat (managers special)  - $2.37
2 Steaks (managers special) - $4.02
2 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel 2/7
 used 1 - $1 off 2
2 Sugar Free Jello Puddings 2/$6
 used 2 - $.60 off 1 (doubled)
1 Pillsbury Cake mix $1 - Homemade Valentine's Day gift for Hubby and only $1!
1 Friendship sour cream $1.16
used 1 $.55 off 1 {did not double :( }
Store brand sharp cheddar cheese block $ 3.29 ( hated this price too, but I didn't have to go to Shop Rite)
2 Kraft Shredded cheeses 2/$6
 used 1 - $.55 off 2 (doubled)
3 Scott Tissues 10/$10
 used 1 - $.30 off 3 (doubled)
Flour - $2.29
5 lbs Potato's $ 2.99 ( if you are going to Shop Rite this is one sale for $1.49)
1 case Poland Spring water bottles $3.99

Total before coupons $ 128.97 (includes tax)
Total OOP                $   65.68 that's 51% savings

Before you all think I am like one of those nuts on TLC's Extreme Couponing - I have a lot of fruits and veg already at home.  I didn't need any this trip, I like my produce to be nice and fresh, I'll go when we are running low. 

There you have it!  I pretty decent shopping trip. I think any savings are good savings, would like to break the 60% mark someday.  That's my goal. 

Happy Shopping!

Coupons Up For Grabs

I have gone through most of my coupons, I'll probably post more tomorrow, but here's what I have so far.  Please let me know in comments what coupons you would like. 

I have 5 of each of the following, lesser amounts are noted.

$1/1  Dove Hair Product exp 2/26/12
$.75/1 Caress Body wash or 6 pack of soap.  2/26/12
$.50/2 Knorr Rice or Pasta Sides 2/26/12
$.50/2 Knorr Recipes Sauce/Gravy Mix 2/26/12
$1/1 Vaseline Total Moisture lotion 2/26/12
$1/1 Vaseline Intensive Rescue 2/26/12
$1/1 Degree Women's  Premium Deodorant 2/26/12
$1/1 Dove Beauty Bar 2/26/12
$1/1 Dove Body Wash 2/26/12
$.75/1 Purina Cat Chow (6 lb or larger) 3/25/12
$1/1 Tidy Cats (7lbs or larger) 4/29/12
$.55/1 Edge Shave Gel 2/26/12
$3/1 Vicks Nature Fusion 2/29/12
$1/1 Vicks Product 2/29/12
$2/1 Downey Unstoppables 2/29/12
$.50/1 Cascade Action Packs 2/29/12
$2/1 Clariol hair Color 2/29/12
$.75/1 Crest Rinse 2/29/12
$1/1 Scope Mouthwash 2/29/12
$1/2 Crest Toothpaste 2/29/12
$1/1 Gillette Fusion Shave Prep 2/29/12
$1/1 Gillette Deodorant (excludes travel size) 2/29/12
$5/1 Olay Professional Pro-X facial Moisturizer (excludes cleansers and trial size) 2/29/12
$3/1 Iams dry Dog or Cat food 2/29/12
$1/1 Secret Outlast Deodorant 2/29/12
$2.50/2 Covergirl Products
$1/1 Olay bar, body wash, in shower lotion (excludes travel/trial size)2/29/12
(4) $1/2 Tide, Downey, Bounce, Stain Release (no trial size) 2/29/12
(4) $2/3 Tide, Downey, Bounce, Stain Release (no trial size) 2/29/12
(4) $.30/1 Q-Tips (170 ct or larger) 2/26/12
(3) $.60/2 Lipton Recipe Secrets products (excludes travel and trial) 2/26/12

There you have it tonights coupons up for grabs.  I'll have more tomorrow and a shopping list.

Happy Shopping!

I'm overdue

Ok my bansheettes, tonight I am clipping  a boatload of coupons and going through the circulars.  I'll be posting either really late tonight or tomorrow with, what I think are the best deals.  I will also try to get together a list of coupons that I do not need and if anyone can use them please comment and I'll get them to you.  I still know who all of you are, so I'll get them to you.

Happy Shopping!

Just a quick one

You can get some Super Bowl supplies at Shop Rite through tomorrow for a really good price.

Friendship sour cream is on sale for $1.34 and there is a coupon out there from 1/22/12 ( I think) for $.55 off.  If you store doubles, like mine does, you can score this sour cream for $.24!

Also Lipton dry soups are on sale for $.99 per box.  There is a coupon in the Red Plum circular from 1/29/12 for $.60 off 2.   Buy 2 boxes of onion soup mix will come to $1.98 use this coupon and you will get 2 boxes of onion soup for $ .78! (with double coupons)

 I did this deal for myself and my sister today.  She paid me in full $ 1.26 (actually she owes me a penny, good thing I know where she lives :) )

Great deals to be had for your Super Bowl parties!

Happy Shopping!

CVS Savings 80%

CVS is one of my favorite placs to shop, you can get awesome deals for very little out of pocket (OOP) is you look for the deals and are willing to do multiple transactions. 

Here's what I scored today during my lunch hour.

I know it may not look like a lot of stuff or it may look like too much deodorant, but wait until I tell you how I, and you can get this and save almost 80%.


Transaction # 1

6 Lady Speed stick sale price 1.99
used (3) BOGO Lady Speed Stick coupons found in 1/29/12 Smart Source (SS)
1.99 x 3 = 5.97 +tax = 6.39
Got back 6 Extra Care Bucks (ECB's)

Transaction # 2

2 Pantene Shampoo sale price 2/$ 6.97
used the $6 ECB's from first transaction
.97 + tax = $ 1.46
plus I got back $1 ECB for my next trip.
Total saved $  24.58
Total out of pocket (oop)  $ 7.85

That's a savings of  76%!

I'm going to do  a couple posts on the best ways to save at pharmacies.  Hopefully I'll get the first one up this weekend. 

CVS deals are pretty wide spread so just because you do not live in the central NJ or eastern PA area, check your circular (or go on line) I'll bet you can do the same where ever you live.

Happy Shopping!

Let's Get Started

As Maria would say "Let's start at the beginning,  A very good place to start"

The first thing you want to do is make a list of want you need, want or desire.  Use an excel spreadsheet, paper and pencil, or an app on your phone.  I don't care how you do it, just make a list!  :) 

The next piece of advice I give anyone when they want to start saving money in the grocery store (besides using coupons) is to read your circular. 

The circular tells you what is on sale and how much it costs.  I know it's pretty basic, but I recently met someone who never looked at the circular.  I would say she went grocery shopping "blind", walking up and down the aisles looking to see what is on sale and what she needed.  Shopping blind is the best way to overspend in the supermarket.

I personally look at 3 or 4 circulars to see who has the best deals for the items I want.  Going to 2, 3 or 4 stores may sound crazy, but when you are trying to spend less money at the grocers, it pays to shop around.  We all shop around for the best deal for a TV or car, why not do it on groceries?  All if not most of the local grocery stores have their circulars on line, so you don't even need to leave your house to see if it is worth a trip to Shop Rite, Acme, Shop 'n Stop or Giant. 

This is what I do.  With my list next to me, I look at each circular and see if any of the stores have my items on sale and I, hopefully, will have a coupon for it.  The good part at looking on line, most stores will also post the next weeks circular no later than mid week, so if I have something on my list that isn't on sale the current week and I am not desperate for it, I will wait until it goes on sale the following week and get it then. 

Is couponing a lot of work? Kinda, but not really once you develop the skills needed, it is easy and I think a lot of fun.  I love looking for deals and finding a great buy!

I will share my deals and great buys with you all,  please post your great finds, savings, and deals you have found! 

Happy Shopping!

My Big OOOPS Today

I just got back from Giant.  I had my whole order planned out to the penny.

I knew exactly what I was going to get, I knew exactly how much it was going to cost and then I rang it up.  Now don't get me wrong I LOVE U-scan, it truly is the best thing since sliced bread, BUT...
Sometimes you forget to ring something up and it completely messes up your order.

Yup that's what I did today.  I had everything good to go, exactly what I wanted and then I forgot to ring up the A-1 sauce.  Doesn't sound like a big deal right.. well it was.  I was buying enough stuff, all with coupons, to purchase $20 worth of items to get an additional $7 back from the store.  Well after I paid for my order, even with the oops, I went to customer service and told them what I did. 

No problem there, I paid for the A-1 and they in turn handed $7 back to me. 

I guess what I am saying is don't be afraid to go to customer service if you make an error, be nice and don't freak out and they will help you the best way possible.

The final outcome of the day: (The Giant I go to doubles coupons up to $.99)

2 Tysens Anytizers (2 for $5) $1.00 off 2 coupon
2 Blue Diamond Almonds (2 for $5) $.75 off 2 coupon
2 Knorr Pasta Sides  ($1.00 each) $ .50 off 2 coupon
1 Bertolli dinner ($5.99) $1.00 off 1 coupon
1 A- 1 Steak Sauce ($2.99 each) $1.00 off 1 coupon
All of the above also qualified for an automatic $7.00 off,  in store Catalina, at check out
2 All Laundry Soap ($3.99 each) 2 - $1.00 off 1 coupons

Total before coupons:                                                $  43.18
Savings (Giant sales, coupons and the $7 Catalina):    $  28.72

Total Out of Pocket (OOP):                                       $  14.82

I saved 67%  my best yet!

Just a note

I really wanted to try and post once a day, but that isn't going to happen until I get my thoughts straight and this boo-boo on my finger heals enough for me to type properly (which will be tomorrow).

I have tons of topics I want to share with everyone and can't wait to get started.

Tomorrow we start at the beginning.

Have a good night and I'll see you tomorrow.

Beginnings

So this is it, I'm joining the blogging world, my passion; saving money, how I do that, coupons, coupons, coupons!

Before I get to the joy of couponing, I am going to make a few remarks about my blog page, yeah, I don't have a logo, nor do I have any type of banner, need to get my sister to help me set all that up.  Not sure if my logo should be a crazy banshee or just a piture of me, a crazy banshee.

A little about me, I learned to coupon a little on my own, a little trial and error and with some help of the internet and an awesome website.  I did notice the coupon websites I found were pretty regional, just not for my region.  Since I am in New Jersey I am going to focus on my tri state area. 

In this blog I will not tell you what to buy, how much to buy or anything like that.  I'll tell you what I am buying for the week, where I think this best deal is (with or without coupons) and what other ways I have found to save money here and there. 

Any questions, comments or good deals you have found please post them in the comments section so we can all get these deals!