Here is a link to some great Betty Crocker coupons! Print and hold on to them until Kroger or Walgreens has them on sale and you can get a hum-dinger of a deal!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Deal Alert
Pretty Good Deals at Kroger tonight. The Grocery Game posted around 8ish pm so I went ahead and knocked my trip out (there were not too many coupons from the 1/11 inserts that I needed). Here are my favorite finds at Kroger right now (good until 1/13/09)
Product, Kroger Sale Price, Coupons Used and Source with Date, Final Price
Yea! Sanderson Farms Family Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders, Final Price: $1.97 lb (I loaded up for the whole month plus enough to cover the first of next month! I also purchased some freezer ziplocks to store the chicken in once I cut off the last of the fat.)
Kroger is running a Kelloggs Cereal Promotion: Get $4 off instantly when you buy 3 Kellogg's breakfast products. Limit 2 rewards per transaction.
There are several Kelloggs cereals marked 3 for $8 or 2 for $6, Use 3 Kelloggs Cereal Coupons $1 off 1 or $1 off 2 from RP* 1/4 and RP 12/14, Final Price: $0.33 to $0.67 each
(This promotion was not announced on the aisles but it did work at the register!) (I made sure to pick up some Kelloggs All Bran for our Parmesan Chicken recipe this week!)
Barilla Plus Pasta, 2 for $4, Use $0.50 off 1 from SS* 1/4, Final Price: $1
I went ahead and bought one package of Mission Carb Balance Tortillas for one of the recipes this week, even though it was not on sale and used $0.55 off 1 from SS 1/4
Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap, 10 for $10, Use $0.50 or $0.35 off 1 from SS 1/4, Final Price: Free or $0.30
(I had 2 of the $0.50 coupons so I got 2 soaps FREE- Ha WALGREENS that will teach you to be out of product! I had intended on buying these soaps at Walgreens last week and would have had to pay $0.36 ea!)
The Jicama that is needed for a recipe this week was $5.99 lb. That really hurt my feelings but I felt I needed to go ahead and get it so I would not lead you astray. I was wondering why I had never cooked with jicama before- now I know. To be honest if I was not preparing this recipe for the www to see, I probably would have left this ingredient out!
Note: Kroger doubles all paper coupons up to 0.60
* Your newspaper inserts come from 3 different sources: RedPlum (RP), Smart Source (SS) and Proctor and Gamble (PG)
** At Kroger.com you can load your Kroger Card with coupons from 3 different sources: shortcuts.com (s.cuts), P&G esavers (esaver), and cellfire (cf). When you check out you should see the discount on your receipt.
These are just some of the deals that I found this week. For a complete list I strongly recommend joining thegrocerygame.com and checking out other coupon blogs.
More on couponing and my total trip $ on Thrifty Thursday!
Deal Alert
Go here to register for 3 Ziplock Brand Big Bags. Perfect for organizing your stuff! Hurry this offer is only available to the first 5000 who register! I'm excited I have always wanted to try these!
Who would have thought?
Guess what? I just googled Donna Reed Syndrome and it really exists!!!! Apparently I am not the only one who officially suffers from this disease. I honestly thought I had made DRS up, but I guess I am not so clever after all. Who knew?
Back to the Doctor
Well, ended up taking baby into doc this am. Dx: Double Ear Infection
So my question is: Does the dosage amount written on the antibiotic take into consideration the amount the child is predicted to spit back out? I was literally trying to suck the medicine off my baby's chin and kitchen countertop (thank goodness it was clean!) back into the dose dropper to try again. I finally had the most success holding Cohen upside down and squirting it down his throat. Sounds abusive, I know, but he thought it was funny
So my question is: Does the dosage amount written on the antibiotic take into consideration the amount the child is predicted to spit back out? I was literally trying to suck the medicine off my baby's chin and kitchen countertop (thank goodness it was clean!) back into the dose dropper to try again. I finally had the most success holding Cohen upside down and squirting it down his throat. Sounds abusive, I know, but he thought it was funny
Men! Gotta love um
This is funny!
Necessary Background Information: I am NOT a morning person and therefore I live for Saturday mornings because my DH (dear husband) gets up with our early-rising boys and lets me sleep. I am NEVER up before the boys on Saturdays.
On with the story:
So- you know this morning I told you I had to be at work at 6am! for a metabolism party (that means I had to get up at 4:50am- not really relevant to the story- just looking for pity). Well around 8am I get a frantic call from DH wondering where in the world I am (ok- he wasn't frantic- just makes for a better story). Now I had told DH several times about this am event but obviously he WASN'T LISTENING. So it just makes me laugh thinking about how panicked he must have felt when he rolled over this morning and saw that I was GONE! Panicked- not because he was worried about me but because that meant he and the boys would have to fend for themselves!
Is it awful that I find humor in this?
Disclaimer- DH is a very capable daddy and would have been fine if left alone with the boys. This story was not meant to harm reputation of DH in anyway.
Necessary Background Information: I am NOT a morning person and therefore I live for Saturday mornings because my DH (dear husband) gets up with our early-rising boys and lets me sleep. I am NEVER up before the boys on Saturdays.
On with the story:
So- you know this morning I told you I had to be at work at 6am! for a metabolism party (that means I had to get up at 4:50am- not really relevant to the story- just looking for pity). Well around 8am I get a frantic call from DH wondering where in the world I am (ok- he wasn't frantic- just makes for a better story). Now I had told DH several times about this am event but obviously he WASN'T LISTENING. So it just makes me laugh thinking about how panicked he must have felt when he rolled over this morning and saw that I was GONE! Panicked- not because he was worried about me but because that meant he and the boys would have to fend for themselves!
Is it awful that I find humor in this?
Disclaimer- DH is a very capable daddy and would have been fine if left alone with the boys. This story was not meant to harm reputation of DH in anyway.
Scrapbook Saturday
Scrapbook Saturday is here. Remember this can mean anything.... even I don't have a clue what is in store for today. I do know that when this message posts I will have been working for over 2 hours. Yeah that's right, this night owl scheduled a metabolism party at 6am today!!! So my BIG goal for today is a NAP! (Surely Donna took naps, right?) Have a great Saturday. Check in when you can.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Walgreens Bust
Ok, who got all my products?! Be cheerful, Be cheerful, Be cheerful
I didn't get to go to Walgreens until after husband got home from work (6ish). On my drive to the pharmacy I was almost giddy thinking about the transaction that was about to go down. I should have had a clue about what was to come when all the $2.99 slots for the Garnier Fructis Shampoo and Conditioners were empty. From there, every aisle I turned down I was faced with disappointment- aluminum foil-gone, electrasol tabs-gone, oatmeal and cereal- gone, gone. Even the Benefiber Stix-gone. I had thought I was the biggest fiber lover in this town- apparently not!
I was able to walk out with my 2 packages of Maxi Pads for $0.50 each (printable coupon had reached its limit); 2 bottles of Childrens Motrin for $2.74 each (normally $5.99 each, I used a $2 off Walgreen coupon found in insert & a $2.50 off 2 coupon found in a recent newspaper insert), I also picked up a 100 ct box of Splenda for $2.44 (normally $4.49, I used Walgreen coupon and $0.55 coupon from recent newspaper insert) and last I got a Christmas Pencil for $0.06 (I picked up the pencil because you can't have more coupons then items, so I looked for the cheapest thing I could find)
Final Price: $10.45 $ Saved: $21.87
This price was not deducted from my yearly budget because I used a Walgreen Rebate Giftcard from last month to pay for it.
I didn't get to go to Walgreens until after husband got home from work (6ish). On my drive to the pharmacy I was almost giddy thinking about the transaction that was about to go down. I should have had a clue about what was to come when all the $2.99 slots for the Garnier Fructis Shampoo and Conditioners were empty. From there, every aisle I turned down I was faced with disappointment- aluminum foil-gone, electrasol tabs-gone, oatmeal and cereal- gone, gone. Even the Benefiber Stix-gone. I had thought I was the biggest fiber lover in this town- apparently not!
I was able to walk out with my 2 packages of Maxi Pads for $0.50 each (printable coupon had reached its limit); 2 bottles of Childrens Motrin for $2.74 each (normally $5.99 each, I used a $2 off Walgreen coupon found in insert & a $2.50 off 2 coupon found in a recent newspaper insert), I also picked up a 100 ct box of Splenda for $2.44 (normally $4.49, I used Walgreen coupon and $0.55 coupon from recent newspaper insert) and last I got a Christmas Pencil for $0.06 (I picked up the pencil because you can't have more coupons then items, so I looked for the cheapest thing I could find)
Final Price: $10.45 $ Saved: $21.87
This price was not deducted from my yearly budget because I used a Walgreen Rebate Giftcard from last month to pay for it.
Familytime Failure- kind of
Well folks, I am sad to say I batted 0.5 out of 3 today for my "times." I had great plans to spend some quality, memorable, even picture worthy devotional, craft, and learning time with the boys today- and they had to go and get sick! My 4 year old was up most of last night with a high fever and cough so I decided to take him in to the doctor today; and baby is teething and fighting his own cold. Even still- I was determined to do our activities- I mean it was already marked in ink on my to-do list and eternally recorded on the world wide web!
I had just scooped the last of the out-of-date yogurt into a bowl for our "fingerpaint with yogurt" craft and was getting out the food coloring when Colby came into the kitchen and said "Mommy can we skip the craft and just do rest time." Now when your 4 year old would rather rest then take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to "play with his food"- you know he's got to be sick. Soooo reluctantly I put the out-of-date yogurt back in the fridge (what's a few more days) and accepted defeat.
I gave some thought to the idea of still attempting devotional time but had to admit to myself that I would only be doing it to "check it off" because the boys just weren't up for it! As I write, I now realize I missed a great opportunity to talk to the boys about and help them pray to the "Great Physician." Oh man!
I am happy to say that after reflecting on my goals for learning time; and facing the truth that my baby has been deprived of the same early learning experiences as his older brother- Cohen has now seen a flashcard! I feel confident that if we run across a Tropical Bird, Elephant, or Sea Turtle in the next few days he will have a look of recognition on his face.
This is going to sound just aweful- but I secretly enjoy when the boys are feeling puny because this is often the only time they are still enough for me to cuddle and love on them. And you know who our babies want when the don't feel good...... Mama!
I had just scooped the last of the out-of-date yogurt into a bowl for our "fingerpaint with yogurt" craft and was getting out the food coloring when Colby came into the kitchen and said "Mommy can we skip the craft and just do rest time." Now when your 4 year old would rather rest then take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to "play with his food"- you know he's got to be sick. Soooo reluctantly I put the out-of-date yogurt back in the fridge (what's a few more days) and accepted defeat.
I gave some thought to the idea of still attempting devotional time but had to admit to myself that I would only be doing it to "check it off" because the boys just weren't up for it! As I write, I now realize I missed a great opportunity to talk to the boys about and help them pray to the "Great Physician." Oh man!
I am happy to say that after reflecting on my goals for learning time; and facing the truth that my baby has been deprived of the same early learning experiences as his older brother- Cohen has now seen a flashcard! I feel confident that if we run across a Tropical Bird, Elephant, or Sea Turtle in the next few days he will have a look of recognition on his face.
This is going to sound just aweful- but I secretly enjoy when the boys are feeling puny because this is often the only time they are still enough for me to cuddle and love on them. And you know who our babies want when the don't feel good...... Mama!
Learning Time
Learning Time is really just a hodge podge of activities. If a "time" is going to get skipped it is usually this one. I usually justify this because many of our crafts could be considered educational. Every now and then I'll think "ooh we haven't done learning time" and I'll throw out a letter and ask my 4 year old what sound does it make? And we (meaning me) will think of words that start with that letter.
Now that I am going to try to be more intentional about learning time, I would really like to focus this time on writing with my 4 year old. As of right now the only way to identify Colby's work at school is by process of elimination. All the other kids can legibly write their names so I simply look for the one with the scribble. His teacher assures me it is nothing to worry about- he just hasn't developed a desire to write yet. So we gonna work on that desire!
As far as my 15 month old is concerned, poor little guy is lucky right now if once a week he gets a "where's your toes?" That, along with the multiple bumps to the head (we have concrete floors) I fear we have really messed him up. I was soooo much better with intentional learning time with my first born- we had flash cards, stacking blocks, daily patty-cake sessions, and a complete library of Baby Einsteine videos. Poor Cohen, if I don't start doing better he is going to be the only kid in high school who doesn't know where his belly button is. Oh the guilt! Quick, where's the flashcards.... COHEN !!!!!
Now that I am going to try to be more intentional about learning time, I would really like to focus this time on writing with my 4 year old. As of right now the only way to identify Colby's work at school is by process of elimination. All the other kids can legibly write their names so I simply look for the one with the scribble. His teacher assures me it is nothing to worry about- he just hasn't developed a desire to write yet. So we gonna work on that desire!
As far as my 15 month old is concerned, poor little guy is lucky right now if once a week he gets a "where's your toes?" That, along with the multiple bumps to the head (we have concrete floors) I fear we have really messed him up. I was soooo much better with intentional learning time with my first born- we had flash cards, stacking blocks, daily patty-cake sessions, and a complete library of Baby Einsteine videos. Poor Cohen, if I don't start doing better he is going to be the only kid in high school who doesn't know where his belly button is. Oh the guilt! Quick, where's the flashcards.... COHEN !!!!!
Craft Time
My four year old LOVES crafts!! Give him a glue stick and a paint brush and he will be happy for hours (ok more like minutes- but you get the point). I am always looking for craft ideas to do with him and one day I ran across a neat blog called notimeforflashcards.com- isn't that the perfect name! The author of this blog posts a new idea everyday to do with her child along with book ideas and even songs- she is such a Donna Reed Mom!
Craft time works out best for us, if I let Colby pick the craft. I don't care how cool my craft idea is, he always has a "better" idea. So most of the time I will let Colby scroll through her blog until he finds an idea that he wants to do. But today, I am going to do my best to sell him on my craft project find.... finger painting with yogurt!
Are you shocked I want the boys to do this craft? Well the reason this particular craft appeals to me is that I have some out-of-date yogurt in my fridge that I hate to see go to waste! So its an economic thing- but don't you think the boys will love it! I'll let you know how it goes!
Craft time works out best for us, if I let Colby pick the craft. I don't care how cool my craft idea is, he always has a "better" idea. So most of the time I will let Colby scroll through her blog until he finds an idea that he wants to do. But today, I am going to do my best to sell him on my craft project find.... finger painting with yogurt!
Are you shocked I want the boys to do this craft? Well the reason this particular craft appeals to me is that I have some out-of-date yogurt in my fridge that I hate to see go to waste! So its an economic thing- but don't you think the boys will love it! I'll let you know how it goes!
Devotional Time
I started Devotional Time (when I did it) with the boys when my work schedule changed and I was no longer able to take Colby to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) on Wednesday mornings. BSF is a wonderful ministry that provides an in depth bible study for both adults and children starting at 2 years old. I had no idea what children were capable of doing or understanding until I watched Colby go through this program. At 2 years old he very quickly learned that the bible was God's "true word" and even lay still on his mat for the 10 minute "quiet time" with Jesus while at BSF! And I cherished our ride homes together when he would repeat his rendition of the bible story or worship song he had learned that day.
This week we started using the book Gotta Have God 2, fun devotions for boys ages 2-5 by Lynn Marie-Ittner Klammer. I like this book because after each lesson it gives a project or craft idea. Which leads us into our next activity.... Craft Time.
So you can imagine how sad I was when my work schedule changed and I was no longer able to take Colby to BSF. I was discussing my guilt for having to take him out of such a wonderful program with a friend when she said something that stopped me in my tracks (I think I was actually on a treadmill, but that's beside the point); she said "couldn't you just do the same things at home with Colby that he was doing at BSF." That's when it hit me- It wasn't BSF's job or even the church's job to teach my child about Jesus and what it means to have a relationship with him- it was MINE! So out of this epiphany came "devotional time."
Now our devotional time is NOT 2 hours it usually only lasts 15 minutes (again- when we do it) but in that time we try to incorporate quiet time, worship time, bible study, and prayer. We only do "quiet time" for 4 minutes (1 minute per Colby's age). During this time Colby talks to God or here lately he has chosen to sing God a song that he has made up (I wish you could hear his songs- just warms a Mama's heart!) While Colby is doing his quiet time I usually try to read Cohen a book or sing him a song quietly. After quiet time we sing songs- usually old VBS songs I learned when I was a kid. For bible study we have done anything from randomly opening up the bible and reading from whatever page we opened, to reviewing his Awana study, to reading a church library book. And then we always end with a prayer that Colby uses to thank God for every friend, family member, toy, piece of furniture etc. etc. etc. I use this time to quietly thank God for my boys!
Familytime Friday
Today is Familytime Friday. I am soooo excited about you holding me accountable to this day- specifically about making "devotional time," "learning time," and "craft time" a priority that does not get pushed aside for errands or even cleaning. My boys thank you too!
In the past, when I have had a DRS flair-up, my familytime has greatly suffered because of my obsession of keeping a kept house, it was even easy to justify that I was doing it FOR my family. But I'll tell you just knowing that Familytime Friday was part of my master DRS plan, and that you would be holding me accountable, has really helped me keep my priorities straight. Add in the fact that God would timely whisper "be cheerful" when my 4 year old was complaining about supper or my baby was de-rolling the toilet paper-again, and I felt like I had a pretty good Mommy Week. But don't ask me- ask the boys!
Today I am going to post some ideas for devotional time, learning time, and craft time. I hope you will use today to share about different things you enjoy doing with your family.
In the past, when I have had a DRS flair-up, my familytime has greatly suffered because of my obsession of keeping a kept house, it was even easy to justify that I was doing it FOR my family. But I'll tell you just knowing that Familytime Friday was part of my master DRS plan, and that you would be holding me accountable, has really helped me keep my priorities straight. Add in the fact that God would timely whisper "be cheerful" when my 4 year old was complaining about supper or my baby was de-rolling the toilet paper-again, and I felt like I had a pretty good Mommy Week. But don't ask me- ask the boys!
Today I am going to post some ideas for devotional time, learning time, and craft time. I hope you will use today to share about different things you enjoy doing with your family.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Donna gone Wild!
Tonight I did the unexpected, I lived in the moment, I rebelled against the plan, I........ SWITCHED my Thursday Zone with Friday's Zone! That's right- even though the plan clearly states "Thursday- clean oven, stovetop, knick knacks, and microwave" I deliberately chose to "organize pantry, clean floors, behind fridge, and baseboards!" Who says I can't cut loose?
Incidentally, if you decide to stop by for a visit anytime soon, feel free to eat behind my fridge. You might have to, since that darn table is overflowing AGAIN!
Incidentally, if you decide to stop by for a visit anytime soon, feel free to eat behind my fridge. You might have to, since that darn table is overflowing AGAIN!
Deal Alert
My favorite coupon in all America is available again at coupons.com! I hate spending money on toilet paper, it's like flushing money down the potty! So I am always pumped when Cottenelle provides a $0.50 off coupon.
Cottonelle 4 packs are always $0.99 at Kroger, therefore when my coupon doubles guess what that means: FREE.
Hurry and print yours now before the print limit is met! Go to coupons.com or use the handy dandy coupon.com button on the leftside of this blog to print directly from this site! (You will only be able to print 2 coupons per computer.)
I also used the button to print a $0.55 off Little Debbie 100 Kcal Packs, $1 off Fiber One Bar, and $1 off velveta! Woopie!
Walgreen Deals
Here in our neck of the woods, I have found that Walgreens is the best place to get unbelievable deals! This week definitely proves my point. I don't even want to pretend I figured out these deals myself, I relied on the expertise of my favorite blogs: Money Saving Mom and The Thrifty Mama. Check them out for a more complete list of deals.
I like to shop Walgreens on Friday because Walgreens will often email out a $5 off $25 purchase or $10 off $50 purchase coupon for Friday and Saturday only. By waiting till Friday I do run the risk that Walgreens will be out of the sale product, but our Walgreens is usually pretty good about writing rainchecks for the items at sale price. I usually will use Thursday night to clip my coupons and map out my game plan.
Here is my game plan for the week:
Buy 2 Stayfree Maxi Pads 28ct at $6.99 each (hand your coupons to the register attendant in this order!)
Use Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon from your 1/4 RedPlum (RP) insert
Print and use the $1 of 1 coupon found here
Then use the $3 off 1 Walgreens coupon (found in weekly ad- should take off $6)
Final Price for 2: Free
Electrasol Gelpack (20 ct.) at $3.49
Use $2.50 for 1 in 1/4 SmartSource (SS) insert
Submit for January EasySaver Rebate #31 and get $1.50 back (Easysaver Rebate book found at front of store) Final Price: Free plus $0.51 in overages after coupons and rebate
Garnier Fructis Hair Products at $2.99
Use $1 for 1 in 1/4 RP and
$2/1 coupon in January EasySaver Book
Final Price: Free
Reynolds Wrap Foil at $0.99
Use $1 off 1 from either the 11/16 SS or 12/14 SS
Final Price: Free
Buy 2 Quaker Instant Oatmeal 10 pack for $1.99
Use $1.35 off 2 in 1/4 RP
Final Price: $2.63 for 2 boxes
Register Reward Deals (RR) RR are coupons that print with your receipt that provide $ off your next purchase- they usually expire in 2 weeks.
Buy 2 Benefiber sticks 16 ct at 2 for $10
Use 2 $2 off coupons from 12/14 or 1/4 SS
Get $5 back in RR for buying $10 worth of product
Final Price after coupons and RR: $1.00 for 2 boxes
Buy 4 Flintstone Children's Vitamins 60ct at $5 each
Use 4 $1 off 1 found in 1/4SS
Can also use $1 off 1 coupon found in Walgreen Coloring Book (found by the pharmacy desk)- should take off $4
Send in mail-in-rebate form in the 1/4SS (Bayer Special Half Price Offer up to $10 rebate)
Get $10 RR back for buying $20 worth of product
Final Price after coupons, mail-in-rebate, and RR: Free plus $6 in overages
Buy 4 boxes of Select Krogger Cereals for 4 for $10
Use 4 $1 off 1 coupons from 12/14RP
Get $3 back in RR for buying 4 boxes
Final Price after coupons and RR: $0.75 per box
January Free-After Rebate Deals- Each month the EasySaver Book has at least 1 free after rebate product. I always buy these when they have those $5 or $25 or $10 off $50 coupons I told you about because it helps me get to the $25 or $50 amount and yet I will get that $ back when my rebate check comes in the mail.
Revlon Matte Collection Blush or Eyeliner at $9.99 or Revlon Matte Collection Lipstick for $7.99 or Revlon Matte Collection Eye Shadow at $4.99Use $2 off 1 or $1 off 1 from 12/7 SS and other recent inserts
Final Price: Free plus $1 - $2 overages after coupon and rebate
Orajel Cold Sore Medicine for $8.49
Use $1/1 from 10/26 SS
Final Price: Free plus $1 overages after coupon and rebate
AutoExpressions Vent Fresh Elite Auto Air Freshener for $4.99
Send in for full manufacturer's rebate here
Final Price: Free plus $4.99 after both rebates
Note: If some of this Walgreen coupon lingo seems like a foreign language to you- I recommend reading Money Saving Moms Walgreens 101 Post.
Annual Budget Coutdown-update
If you remember, many posts ago, I told you about my personal challenge to keep our annual grocery budget to $5000.00 this year. This equates to about $96.00 per week to cover all food (not including dining out), personal hygiene, cleaning products, and OTC meds.
Last Sunday's Kroger trip was my first bite into the budget. With a ziplock full of coupons and the determination of a ??? (what's something that is known for it's determination, anyways...) to not stray from "the list," I felt confident that I would be off to a great start. So you can imagine my surprise when my grocery bill rang up to $123.04. $123.94- It was just week one and I was already $27.94 behind schedule!
I studied my receipt all the way home to see where I went wrong. (husband driving- not me) I discovered that I was not awarded my $5 discount for buying $25 worth of Proctor and Gamble products, and I had purposely bought some items just to get me to that amount; specifically: the bounty paper towels- 8 roll pack $6.99, although I do love them, they are a luxury item & the Folgers Gourmet Coffee Blends-$4.99 for a small bag.) Right then and there I decided- They must go back!!!
So the next day I loaded up my two boys in the two-door civic (that detail is important to the story, because you have to be really motivated to go anywhere when it means loading two boys into car seats in a two-door vehicle), swallowed my pride (actually I am way past that, but I know for some of you this would be extremely humiliating), ran across the parking lot in the frigid rain carrying a 15 month old on one hip, and an 8 roll pack of paper towels on the other, while begging my four year old not to drop the coffee or jump in the puddles. Soaking wet we presented our items to customer service.
It was all worth it when the cashier handed me back my $11.77 to go back into the budget. You might think that is where the story ends, but no my dear readers there is more....
You see when I got home and started preparing my weekly meals, I discovered an extra bag of Salmon. You don't know this, but I typically will make a special trip to Walmart to buy my fish because it is significantly cheaper then Kroger. I didn't think I would have time to get to Walmart before I started my marathon of meals so I had just closed my eyes and placed the $9.99 salmon in my basket when I had shopped on Sunday. So you know what I did, don't you? I made a second trip back to Kroger and returned that fish, for a refund of $11.57!
So I am very happy to report: $ Spent to date: $99.70 $Saved: $86.13 (found on Kroger receipt) $ Left: $4900.30 with 51 weeks to go!
Last Sunday's Kroger trip was my first bite into the budget. With a ziplock full of coupons and the determination of a ??? (what's something that is known for it's determination, anyways...) to not stray from "the list," I felt confident that I would be off to a great start. So you can imagine my surprise when my grocery bill rang up to $123.04. $123.94- It was just week one and I was already $27.94 behind schedule!
I studied my receipt all the way home to see where I went wrong. (husband driving- not me) I discovered that I was not awarded my $5 discount for buying $25 worth of Proctor and Gamble products, and I had purposely bought some items just to get me to that amount; specifically: the bounty paper towels- 8 roll pack $6.99, although I do love them, they are a luxury item & the Folgers Gourmet Coffee Blends-$4.99 for a small bag.) Right then and there I decided- They must go back!!!
So the next day I loaded up my two boys in the two-door civic (that detail is important to the story, because you have to be really motivated to go anywhere when it means loading two boys into car seats in a two-door vehicle), swallowed my pride (actually I am way past that, but I know for some of you this would be extremely humiliating), ran across the parking lot in the frigid rain carrying a 15 month old on one hip, and an 8 roll pack of paper towels on the other, while begging my four year old not to drop the coffee or jump in the puddles. Soaking wet we presented our items to customer service.
It was all worth it when the cashier handed me back my $11.77 to go back into the budget. You might think that is where the story ends, but no my dear readers there is more....
You see when I got home and started preparing my weekly meals, I discovered an extra bag of Salmon. You don't know this, but I typically will make a special trip to Walmart to buy my fish because it is significantly cheaper then Kroger. I didn't think I would have time to get to Walmart before I started my marathon of meals so I had just closed my eyes and placed the $9.99 salmon in my basket when I had shopped on Sunday. So you know what I did, don't you? I made a second trip back to Kroger and returned that fish, for a refund of $11.57!
So I am very happy to report: $ Spent to date: $99.70 $Saved: $86.13 (found on Kroger receipt) $ Left: $4900.30 with 51 weeks to go!
Thrifty Thursday
Thrifty Thursday is here! The day we get to share our thrifty finds of the week. Please remember that there are many websites/blogs devoted completely to couponing and saving money so for a more conclusive list of deals you will definitely want to seek outside this blog. I am simply going to share the deals I am most excited about and hope you will do the same for me. This is also the day I will update my annual budget countdown. Fun stuff!
Awesome Walgreen deals coming this afternoon! Get ready to get some free stuff! If you have never experienced a coupon high- watch out- today might be your day!
Awesome Walgreen deals coming this afternoon! Get ready to get some free stuff! If you have never experienced a coupon high- watch out- today might be your day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)