Cookbook or "Whatever" ?

While reading some of my favorite blogs, it occured to me that many moms out there actually use cookbooks (or recipes off the internet) to plot out their grocery list.  Then I was talking to some friends, only to find out that they pretty much do the same thing.  I am obviously a freak.  Almost every day around 4 pm, I just open my freezer and cupboards and decide what to cook.  If I'm having a good day, I'll start cooking around 10 am - in the crockpot.  

I hate cooking.  Most of our meals are a meat, frozen vegetable and a starch (Rice-A-Roni, Betty Crocker Potatoes, etc).  If not that, it's either something out of the crockpot or spaghetti.  I have always thought cookbooks were something you whipped out at Christmas time to find cookie recipes.  I hate trying to cook new things, only because I usually screw them up (following directions is not my thing).  Gourmet Cooking for me means heating up Totino's Pizza Rolls in the toaster over instead of the microwave.  My husband gets all giddy when they're a little crunchy thanks to the toaster oven's magic ways and not all limpy and goopy from the microwave.  Sometimes I'm nice to him like that (but it's usually only because I want him to do something on the house).  

I've tried to be a good "homemaker" and make some things, but my husband, my wallet and I all  know it's best if I just stick to the basics.  If you're bored and feel like commenting, let me know if you are like Martha Stewart's long lost twin who prepares and cooks to the nines, or are you more like me (a.k.a. a real life Peg Bundy).  

(Thanks for reading - I haven't been to the store in a few days and needed to blog.  It's an addiction).

Kohl's!

Did you know if you just sign up to get Kohl's emails, they'll email you a coupon for $5 off any puchase?  The coupon comes a couple days after you sign up (at least mine did).  The $5 is off any purchase - so if you buy a $5 pair of shorts for your wee little one, they'd be free!  

Click HERE to sign up!

Old Navy!

Great Deals At Old Navy!  Shipping is $7!  Here is an email I got that offers an additional 50% off all Clearance items!

Take an EXTRA 50% off Old Navy Clearance!*

5 DAYS ONLY--exclusively online

Don't miss your chance to save even more on already low prices,
now through February 2.

Enter promo code HALFOFF at checkout.

Shop Now:

Women
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF4w.2qGy.DOFEEXR0

Women's Plus
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF4y.2qGy.DOKYEXT0

Maternity
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF4%5f.2qGy.DMBUEWZ0

Shoes & Accessories
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF50.2qGy.DIAKEVL0

Men
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF52.2qGy.DIFeEVN0

Girls
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF54.2qGy.DILSEVP0

Boys
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF56.2qGy.DIRGEVR0

Baby Girls
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF58.2qGy.DIWaEVT0

Baby Boys
http://oldnavy1.r.delivery.net/r/r?2.1.23.2VX.1dY%2a6v.FWnAJ2..T.DF5A.2qGy.DJQEEVc0

*Offer valid on Old Navy Clearance merchandise only from 1/29/2009
at 12:01 am ET through 2/2/2009 at 11:59 pm ET in the U.S.
(including Puerto Rico) at gap.com, bananarepublic.com, oldnavy.com,
piperlime.com while supplies last. Not valid at Old Navy Stores.
Select styles and colors only. Discount applies to Clearance
merchandise only, not value of gift cards purchased, packaging,
applicable taxes or shipping & handling charges. Online code limited
to one-time use only. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not
valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other
offers or discounts, including Gap Inc. employee discount. Gap Inc.
is not responsible for lost or stolen coupons.

Ikea!

Free Breakfast at Ikea this weekend!  Friday - Sunday until 10:30 am!  Click HERE if you don't believe me!  Who's going to meet me at Ikea on Friday at 10??  ;)  

Staples!

I got one of those automatic return address stampers for $6.08 at Staples.com today!  Reg. $21.99!  They are running a promo where you get $20 off any stamper.  You can go to the store to avoid paying shipping charges - but I'm just too lazy to do that.

How?  Click HERE!  I ordered the Evostamp 11/16" x 2".  Use coupon code 47328.  It was $3.80 to ship and some tax.   I went through the Cashbaq website to get 2% back in my Cashbaq account.  I strongly encourage people to use CASHBAQ because it has virtually every online store and you earn a % of each purchase you make online if you go through it.  

Quaker Rice Cake Sample!

Get your free Quacker Rice Cake Snack Sample HERE!

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings:  $65.88

Total Coupons Used:  $18.99

Total OYNP Coupons Used:  $20

Total Tax Rebate:  $3.03

Total Cash OOP:  $2.58

20 Yoplait Yogurts - 20 for $10 (.50/6 MFC DOUBLES, .40/6 MFC DOUBLES, $1/8 MFC)

2 Johnsonville Ground Sausage - 2 for $5 ($1/2 MFC)

3 Orville Natural Gourmet Popcorn - BOGO @ $2.89 (2 $1/1 MFCs, Get One Free MFC on display)  - 3 boxes for .89 cents!

4 Pringles - $1 ea (2 .20/2 MFCs DOUBLES)

1 Kraft BBQ Sauce - .99 (.50/1 MFC DOUBLES)

1 Kraft Shredded Cheese - $2.34 ($1/1 MFC Peelie there)

1 Activia Yogurt - $2 ($1/1 MFC)

1 Formula 409 - $3 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES from Parade)

1 Clorox Spray - $3 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES)

1 Clorox 35 ct Wipes - $2.50 (Free if you buy 2 products Coupon)

1 Quilted Northern Toilet Paper - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC)

Overall, great day at Shaw's!  Still can't get the 100 Calorie Oreo Cakesters!  They are never in stock!!

CVS!

First, I want to say that CVS is discriminatory!  I wanted to get the Pantene Red Expressions but my CVS did not have it!  They had Expressions for brunettes, blondes and our silver headed friends.  Red Heads are out of luck!  I tried a sample of the Red Expressions and liked it so maybe I'll check another CVS!

Total Before Savings:  $35.12

Total Coupons Used:  $11.79

Total ECBs Used:  $15.00

Total Cash OOP:  $1.47

Total ECBs Earned:  $9.00

1 Head & Shoulders - $4.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($3 ECB)

2 Gillette Shampoos - $4.99 ea (2 $2/1 MFCs) ($6 ECB)

1 Windex Canister - $2.50 ($1/1 MFC) (Plus, Mail-In-Rebate Form to make this free)

3 Stacy's Pita Chips - $3 ea (3 $1.50/1 MFCs) ($9 out of $20 towards Pepsi Deal)

1 CVS 30 ct Cough Drops - $1.29 (Free CVS Coupon)

I'm going to go back to get 3 packs of Pepsi and a 2-Liter to get to my $20 Pepsi spending to earn $10 ECBs.  

BJs!

This isn't some sort of money saving extravaganza, but it shows just how much we have to spend on essentials!  It's unfortunate chickens and cows don't send out coupons to us so we can buy their products!

Total:  $18.00

2 Gallons of Milk - $2.67 ea

2 Dozen Eggs - $3.49

2 Loaves of Wonder Bread - $2.99

1 Dozen Bagels (my impulse purchase) - $3.49

Light Cream (they were out of Half & Half!!!) - $2.69

Toys R Us & A.C. Moore!!

If you have toddlers or little ones, you probably know by now that Melissa & Doug toys are "the thing" for them.  They are basic, fun and cute.  Obviously, if a child has Melissa & Doug toys, they are going to grow up to be a genius!  By the way, these make great gifts for all kids aged 0-4ish.  

Toys R Us is having a sale on their Melissa & Doug line.  Click HERE to see all that is on sale.

Another great store to pick up Melissa & Doug toys is A.C. Moore!  They are not on sale this week, but if you print off their handy dandy 40% off one item coupon HERE, well then you can get a Melissa & Doug toy for 40% off!  Or anything else that is not on sale.  

Also, if you happen to have little ones who are addicted to Thomas the Tank Engine Trains, the entire line is 40% off this week at A.C. Moore!  No coupon needed!  This isn't the "best" sale on these little guys.  Sometimes they go "Buy One, Get One Free" or during holidays, they might list them at 50% off.  Thinking of starting your little one on Thomas?  The basic Figure 8 track set goes for $39.99 but with this sale, it will run you $23.99.  A great deal to be had!

Less Than A Week To Go!

I'm glad to report that I have 5 days left of this month and still have $140 in my grocery budget!  There is no way I will spend $140 this week.  I might spend $40.  Tops.  Even though I'm glad I have managed to stay well under budget this month, I do know that birthday months are going to kill me.  Plus, a good budgeter (not a word - I know!) actually gets very close to his or her own budget.  For instance, if I only spend $4,000 this year on groceries, then the husband will expect me to spend this every year.  

Honestly, I don't know where I picked up "$5,000 is my goal for grocery spending this year."  It's not some percentage of income.  It's nothing I read about on the Internet.  I guess it's just a challenging, yet realistic goal for us.  I always tell people I spend about $70 a week on groceries.  I have to say - yeah, I probably average $70 a week at Shaw's.  But I never took into consideration my random trips to BJ's (which almost always go over $100), Target, CVS and Walmart.  So even though in the past, I probably did spend less than $300 at the grocery store each month, I probably spent close to double that if I included my other stuff.  This year, I'm trying to see what I actually do spend on groceries.  This includes everything - from garbage bags, to makeup, to diapers, to cat stuff, and food.  For the most part, anything disposable.

It's still pretty early in 2009 if you want to jump on this bandwagon!  Someday, I hope to be able to budget all of our money.  I have tried and tried in the past, but I get overwhelmed and bored so I stop.  I'm hoping if I just stick to groceries, I will stay focused and energetic about it.  I might add something to track next year if I can stick with this one expense this year.

If you want the spreadsheet I use to track my grocery spending, Click on my "A Whole Lot of Babble" label on the right and within one of those past posts, you will see a link to a Google Document you can download.  Thanks to MommySnacks again!  

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings:  $45.27

Total Coupons Used:  $8.50

Total OYNP Coupons Used:  $17.00 ($5 Baby, $2 Hellman's, $10 Unilever)

Total Tax Rebate:  $1.60

Total Cash OOP:  $1.88

Total OYNP Coupons Earned:  $15.00

My husband thinks I'm crazy for buying 9 things of peanut butter and 13 things of tomato sauce this past week.  Thankfully, I don't listen to him much.  But I say to him, "Look at the expiration date!  All the Peanut Butter expires January 2010, the pasta sauce is August 2010 - It will all be eaten!"  Plus, I have developed a strong addiction to Muddy Buddies so all this peanut butter will be gone in no time. 

6 Skippys - Reg. $2.50, Sale $1.67 (3 $1/2 MFCs)

6 Ragus - Reg. $2.79, Sale $1.67 (2 $1/3 MFCs)

5 Lipton Knoor - Reg. $1.79, Sale $1 ($1/3 MFC, .75/2 MFC DOUBLES)

Pre Sale:   $40.69

After Sale and Coupons:  $17.50

Earned $15.00 OYNP Coupons

2 Basic Baby Shampoos - Reg. 2.29, Sale $1.99 ($1/2 Shaw's Coupon).  Bought this so I could use my $5 off baby purchase coupon.  

The Children's Place!

Great Deals to Be had at The Children's Place!  Code SA19 gets you 15% off your entire order and it's $5 to ship any amount of stuff.

Here's what I got for $30!  And that's $30 shipped to my door!  I ordered in my pajama's in the comfort of my own home and didn't have to drag the kids to the mall!  Yey!

A Sweater

A Sweatshirt hoodie

4 Long Sleeved T's

3 T-shirts

2 pairs of mittens

Thanks to Baby Cheapskate and a few others on my blog roll for pointing this out!

Shaw's

Total Before Savings:  $103.09

Total Coupons Used:  $26.59

Total Recycling Return:  $2.50

Cash OOP:  $38.44 (Should have been $36.86)

Total OYNP Coupons Earned:  $17.00

I worked the Unilever Deal and the "Spend $20, Get $5 off" deal.  Here's how it panned out:

Unilever

3 Skippy PBs - Reg. $2.50, Sale $1.67 ($1/2 MFC, .35/1 MFC DOUBLES)

7 Ragus - Reg. $2.79, Sale $1.67 (2 $1/3 MFCs, .25/1 MFC DOUBLES)

2 Hellman's Mayo - Reg. $4.29, Sale $3 ($1/2 MFC)

2 I Can't Believe It's Not Butter - Reg. $3.49, Sale $2 ($1/2 MFC)

Total Pre-Sale:  $42.59

Total Sale:  $26.67

Total Coupons:  $6.20

Total After Coupons:  $20.47

Received $17.00 OYNP - So you can kind of think if it as $3.47 for those things.  Buying 2 Hellman's get's you $2 extra OYNP coupons.

$5/$20 Deal

2 Betty Crocker Skillet Potatoes - $2.39 ea (Ad says $1.50 ea - so I might try to get my $1.78 back!) ($1/2 MFC)

2 Warm Delights - $2 ea ($1/2 MFC)

2 Cheerios Mix - $2 ea (2 .60/1 MFCs DOUBLE)

3 Totino's Pizza Rolls - $1.50 ea ($1/2 MFC, .35/1 MFC DOUBLES)

3 Green Giant Steamers - $1.50 ea (3 $1/1 MFCs)

Total Pre Coupon:  $21.78 (Should Have Been $20)

Total After MFC's and $5/$20 Coupon:  $7.68 - Should have been $5.90

Other items: 

Shopper Value Preserves - $2.50

Fluff - $2.29

1 Near East Rice Mix - $1 (.50/1 MFC DOUBLES) - FREE!

2 Motts for Tots 9 pack - $2.50 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs) - $1.50 for 9 juice boxes

10 Dannon Yogurt - 10/$4 ($1/10 MFC) - .30 cents ea!

3 16-oz Shaw's Sour Creams - $1 ea ($1/3 Shaw's Coupon - .66 ea!

1 Trident Extra Care Gum - $1.29 (.75/1 MFC - Doubled to price) - FREE!

CVS!

Tis Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the husband is a working.  So I packed up the kids and headed off to two CVS' and the grocery store.  Great deals to be had at CVS!

Round 1

Total Before Savings:  $22.76

Total Coupons Used:  $6

Total ECBs Used:  $10

Cash OOP:  $1.48

Total ECBs Earned:  $9.00

6 99 cent Hallmark Cards - $5.94 (Buy 3, Get $3 ECBs!  MONEY MAKER!)

2 Reese's Whipps Candy Bars - 2/$1 ($1/2 MFC) - FREE!

1 Revlon Concealer - Reg. $8.99, Clear. $4.49 ($2/1 CVS Coupon, $2/1 MFC) .49 cents!

1 Cottonelle Fresh Wipes - $5.98 ($1/1 MFC) ($3 ECB)

Round 2 

Total Before Savings:  $22.37

Coupons Used:  $3.00

Total ECBs Used:  $10.99

Cash OOP:  .65 cents

ECBs Earned:  $9.00

9 99-cent Hallmark Cards - $8.91 ($9 ECB)

1 Almay Mascara - Reg. $7.99, Clear. $3.99 ($2/1 CVS Coupon, $1/1 MFC) 99 cents!

1 Hanukkah Gift Tags - Reg. $2.49, Clear. .25 cents

2 Campbell's Condensed Chicken Soup - BOGO @ $1.49 (filler to go over $10.99)

Overall, I saved $43.00, Spent $2.13, and I have $15 ECBs banked.  Also, I think the Cottonelle wipes will score me $1.00 from Caregivers Marketplace.  They offer .50 cents for a tub and .50 for a refill - so we'll see what happens with that.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE - if you are a CVSer, please take advantage of the Hallmark deal going on now!  The ad says "Buy 3 Hallmark Cards, get $3 ECBs" Limit 5.  The 99 cent Hallmark cards are part of this!!!  You can get 15 of these 99 cent cards for FREE if you are rolling ECBs!!!!  Many thanks to I Heart CVS for pointing this out to us!

Shaw's Stores Closing!

I was reading my Sunday paper today (if I'm spending $3.23 on it, I'm going to get more than just my coupons worth!)...and sadly, some of our beloved Shaw's stores are closing soon!  Thankfully my favorite one isn't on the list.  I'd be heartbroken!  

Taken from the Sunday Boston Globe:

BROCKTON

SHAW'S TO CLOSE STORE - Shaw's Supermarkets is tightening its belt, and that could mean the loss of jobs for as many as 110 workers at its southside store. The store, at 2077 Main St. near the West Bridgewater line, is being closed for failing to meet business targets. The owner of Shaw's parent company, Supervalu Inc. of Minnesota plans to close 50 stores this year, including the Shaw's in Brockton and stores in North Reading, Westport, Conn., and Gorham, N.H.

- Steve Hatch

KMart!

For the gazillionth time, I HATE K-Mart.  But their ad is boasting double coupons up to $3 this week!  It was reported they were doing double coupons last week.  I actually went in (I think I picked up a disease just by entering that place).  There were no double coupon deals to be had.  I think I'm going to skip it this week just because again, I hate K-Mart.  

If you work at K-Mart or love K-Mart, I do not mean to offend you.  Maybe it's just my local K-Mart I hate so much.  If I have to tell a cashier that I do not want a Sears credit card one more time I'm going to punch them.  And it's never just a simple "Oh you want to open a credit card?"  It's always pestering and "are you sure?"  "are you really sure?"  "are you really, really sure?"  

Click HERE for proof of double couponage!

Free Dunkin Donuts Coffee if You Donate Blood!

Thinking of donating blood?  Do it this month at any Red Cross Blood drive and receive a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin Donuts ground coffee!  Click HERE for more info!

Circuit City!

Circuit City has announced they are starting to liquidate today!  We've been scoping out TVs for the past year so maybe we'll actually get one!  Click HERE for more details!

Target the New Dollar Store?

I ditched the husband and kids last night to go to Target.  I don't go to Target often as it's not very close.  It was worth the trip though!  I filled up a shopping cart and spent $65!  Deals to be had at Target people!  Here are some of the things I got and things I spotted:

Toddler Turtlenecks - 94 cents (reg. $3.88)

Toddler Hanes Sweatshirts and Sweatpants - 98 cents (reg. $3.99)

Toddler Polo Shirts - $2.24 (reg. $9.99)

Toddler Winter Jackets - $6.74 (reg. $29.99)

Mens Hanes Hooded Sweatshirts - $2.74 (reg. $10)

Mens Sweaters - $3.74 (they had a bunch of sweaters all on clearance ranging from $3.74 and up)

Mens Flannel Sleep Pants - $2.74 (reg. $9.99)

Mens Short Sleeved Polo Shirts - $3.74 (reg. $14.99)

Kids Character Slippers - $1.99 (reg. $7.99)

Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas Set - $6.98 (reg. $27.99)

Some puzzles - 98 cents (reg. $3.99)

Cars Movie car sets - $3.74 (reg. $14.99)

Those Fancy Plastic Animals that are normally $6 each - $1.37

Hot Wheels track with cars - $5.74 (reg. $21.99)

100 piece Wooden Block set - $3.74 (reg. $14.99)

Some Outdoor Toy Sets - $4.98 (reg. $9.99)

Reusable Insulated Lunch Bags were marked at 30% off

Some water bottles and travel coffee mugs were marked at 50% off

Air Mattresses were marked at 50% off

Outdoor Kid Stuff was all marked 50% off

I didn't even touch on women's or household stuff.  I did notice their "Tranquility Line" or whatever it is (seasonal home decor junk) is already all marked at 30% off clearance (had the little red stickers already).  I tried to find super finds in the household cleaner section but there were none to be had.  At least I couldn't find anything.  

Of course the "grass is always greener on the other side" but I swear that the "girl" bargains are way better than the "boy" bargains.  In both clothing and toys.  Honestly, the mens section had the greatest deals.  Dress shirts, khakis, bathrobes, EVERYTHING was on clearance. 

When Is A Bargain a Bargain?

I went to Roxie's today.  The best little market this side of the Mississippi.  I spent $37 and nothing was on sale.  But look at some of the things I did get (and compare them to Shaw's pricing).

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Tenders - $1.88/lbs.  Shaw's has Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts on sale for $3.99 this week.  

Pork Tips (like steak tips, but with pork) - $1.78/lbs.  I don't think these exist at Shaw's.  

Land O'Lakes American Cheese - $3.99/lbs.  It's $6.49/lbs. at Shaw's.  

Turkey Pastrami (very tasty!) - $3.49/lbs.  I have no idea what it would be at Shaw's.  Probably over $6/lbs.  

A big old Honking Corned Beef - $1.99/lbs.  It's only this price at Shaw's during the St. Patrick's Day sales.

Ground Beef (80/20 - I like my meat fatty!) - $2.28/lbs.  I think Shaw's is $3.59.  

Blueberries - $1.49 a pint.  This week they are BOGO at Shaw's so it's probably the same price.  

Bananas - 49 cents/lbs.  69 cents at Shaw's.

Red Peppers - $1.29/lbs.  At Shaw's?  Who knows.  Probably $3 if not $3.99/lbs.  

Purdue Chicken Shortcuts - $3.99 for a big box.  $9.99 at Shaw's.

A wise lady once said "It's not what you save, it's what you spend."  It's one of those Moms on my side bar (Deal Finding Mom, Frugal Mom, Money Saving Mom...I'm not really sure which one).  I guess I'm trying to see that now.  I don't have a fancy receipt showing that I got $438.68 worth of groceries for $42.57 - but I did get great deals just by purchasing my produce and meat at an alternative location than a super market chain.  

Oh no, don't worry!  I'm not giving up on Shaw's at all!  I cannot live by Pork Tips and Blueberries alone!  Sometimes it pays to give those Mom & Pop stores you drive by every now and then a serious consideration!!  

If I misrepresented Shaw's in anyway, please let me know!

Stop & Shop!

I got this in my email today.  Get a free reusable S&S bag from now until the 31st!  Enjoy!

It’s free for you: our cheery, reusable bag! 
Simply pick up a reusable Stop & Shop bag in-store and present it, along with your card, to the cashier at checkout. One free reusable bag per household, please. Free bag offer ends Saturday, January 31, 2009.*

CVS!

Total Before Savings:  $11.98

Total Coupons Used:  $1.75 (could have been $2)

Total ECBs Used:  $4.00

Total Cash OOP:  .99 cents

Total ECBs Earned:  $4.99

1 Loreal Hip Eye Shadow - Reg. $6.99, Clear. $1.75 ($2/1 MFC) - the cashier did an override on the coupon so I could only have $1.75 off.

1 Kid Throat Ice Pops Things - $4.99 ($4.99 ECBs)

I had every intention of getting 2 of the throat things - but they only had one left and I just took it.  I mean, it was "free".  

Total ECBs Banked:  $17.99.  My husband actually has $5 ECBs that expired on the 10th but I'm just going to use them to pick up something and take a break on his card for a while.  

Getting Your Money's Worth At BJ's Just on Milk

I did a quick BJ's run tonight to get milk and bread.  At the checkout, it really dawned on me how much I would save this year if I bought all my milk at BJ's.  I have two young boys and a husband who drinks more milk than you'd imagine.  We go through about 2 gallons a week.  But to make this simple, I'll say we drink 100 gallons a year.

The price of a gallon of Garelick Farms Milk at BJ's is $2.59.  Thus, $259 per year.

The price of a gallon of Garelick Farms Milk at my Shaw's is $4.39.  Thus, $439 per year.

The price of a gallon of Shaw's Milk at my Shaw's is $3.99.  Thus, $399 per year.

So a consumer buying Garelick Farms milk would save $180 per year if they bought it exclusively at BJ's.  That more than covers the $35 yearly fee (It's $45 but they offer you a $10 gift card if you join).  A consumer buying Garelick Farms at BJ's vs. Shaw's milk would save $140.  

I'll be honest - even though I like to think of myself as frugal, I will just grab a gallon of milk at most Shaw's runs.  Good thing it's a new year and I can add milk savings to my long list of resolutions!

KMart!

Although I hate K-Mart, I must report that they are doing their double coupons (up to $2 this week). 

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for pointing this out.  Click HERE for more details.

Starbucks!

Looking to slack off from work at around 2 pm today?  Go to Starbucks and get yourself some free tea!  

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Home Goods!

In order to make room for all your great bargains, you sometimes need to purge the closets, attic and basement!  If you have blankets or linens or towels you've been itching to get rid of, why not drop them off at your local Home Goods store?   They are accepting donations from now until January 25th.

Speaking of purging - remember how you bought all that soup because you got it for like 7 cents a can but you don't really like it?  It's okay to admit it.  We all have food that's been sitting in our cabinets for a while.  Or food we know we just aren't going to eat.  While you're purging your closets of old blankets, why don't you take a few minutes to clean out those kitchen cabinets and swing by your local food pantry on your way to Home Goods!  Don't worry - Shaw's will be giving away more free food in a few weeks ;) !!  

If you live in the South Shore of Massachusetts, click HERE for food pantries in your area.  If you do not live in the South Shore but need to get rid of your unwanted food, it's easy:  Go toGoogle.com and search "YOUR TOWN Food Pantry".  You'll find results.

Michaels!

It wasn't until my first son was about 15 months old that I discovered the best place to buy toys and other junk for kids - Art & Craft stores!  I'm personally a fan of A.C. Moore (they carry a great stock of Thomas and Friends as well as Melissa & Doug stuff).  Almost every week, a coupon comes in the Sunday paper for A.C. Moore for 40% off one regularly priced item.  For the most part, you can also go to their website HERE to print one off.  

We moved last year - so now the closest A.C. Moore is about 10 miles away, but there is a Michael's relatively close.  It's been a hard transition!  Pretty much the same store but A.C. has more umph.  Well I just recently discoved that you can sign up at the Michael's website and they'll just email you coupons each week!  When I registed, I clicked that I wanted to be part of The Knack (a kid thing), and after registration, they emailed me 2 40% off coupons.  

I also want to point out that Michael's has some sort of Teacher Program.  The Knack Faculty. 

CVS!

Had to make a trip to CVS to finish my $20/$10 deal!  

1 Thomas English Muffin 2-pk - $1.99

1 Colgate Kids - $2.50 ($1/1 MFC)

1 Colgate Total - $2.50 ($1/1 MFC) ($2 ECBs WYB 2)

1 Garnier Shampoo - $2.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($2 ECBs WYB 1)

1 Band Aid - $3

1 Viactiv - $6 ($1/1 MFC)

Total Before Savings:  $29.31

Total Coupons Used:  $4

Total ECBs Used:  $11.96

Total Cash OOP:  $2.97

Total ECBs Earned:  $14.00

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings:  $60.43

Total Coupons Used: $7.50

Tax Rebate:  $2.11

Total OYNP Coupons Used:  $15.00

Cash OOP:  $19.04

I ran in for Apple Juice.  My kids are addicted to it.  Thankfully I still dilute it but we go through it like it's water.  I tried getting that Free Milk Coupon by purchasing one of those "New" GM cereals - it didn't work.  Must be a typo.

1 Viva 8 Roll - $9.88 ($4/1 MFC)

2 Plumrose Bacon - BOGO @ $4.99 ($1/2 Shaw's Coupon)

1 Banana Nut Cheerios - $2.50 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES)

3 Shaw's Apple Juice - 3/$5

1 Iceburg Lettuce - $1.79

1 Box of Clementines - $3.99 (4 Day Sale)

1/2 lbs Shaw's American Cheese - $3.05 (rip off)

1 lbs Shaw's Roast Beef - Sale $6.99 lb ($7.41)

1 lbs Margarita Salami - Sale $4.99 lb ($5.04) ($1/1 lbs MFC at Deli Counter)

Overall, not great.  The husband has been asking for deli meat - and that alone ran me $14.50 and I got things on sale and had a coupon.  I only did the Viva because I would have punched myself if I let a $4 coupon go to waste (bad, I know).   Still, a 68% savings between Shaw's sales and coupons I used.  Not bad.  

Thanks to Mommysnacks at www.Mommysnacks.blogspot.com, I am tracking my grocery spending this year.  I usually average about $70 a week at Shaw's but I never take into account my random BJ's purchases as well as WalMart or Target excursions on household products.  This year, I'm trying to see if I can spend less than $5,000 on our groceries, beauty and household items.  Diapers included.  

If you want to track your spending, there is a great spreadsheet MommySnacks is sharing.  Click HERE to download your own spreadsheet.  Many thanks to MommySnacks for sharing such a wonderful thing!

Shaw's & Proctor & Gamble!

Just a reminder - especially if you did Shaw's runs last week!  You can send in your receipts containing $50 of P&G items from 12/14-1/31 and they'll send you a coupon book with $120 worth of coupons in it!  

Click HERE for items included (like Pampers and Bounty!) and a link to the request form.  I already mailed in my request the week before the Shaw's deal, but I added up all my P&G items from Shaw's and I had $134.44 worth to circle on my receipts!  That's almost 3 more requests worth!   

Also just a note - that total is Post-Sale but Pre-Coupon amount.  You just have to circle the items and the price.  Shaw's always puts the coupons somewhere else on the receipt.  

Shaw's!

I ran up to Shaw's with the kids again today just do the diaper deal.  Fantabulous!  

2 pkgs Cruisers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10 ($1.50/1 MFC)

1 pkg Swipers - Reg. $6.99, Sale $5 

1 1-liter bottle of Shaw's Seltzer Water - Reg. $1.19, Sale .50.  I thought I deserved an award for all my hard work this week at Shaw's!  That's why I splurged for the water.  Sometimes I'm just too good to myself!

Total Before Savings:  $31.97

Total After Savings:  $25.55

Total Coupons Used:  $1.50

Total OYNP Coupons Used:  $20

Total Tax Rebate:  $2.08

Total Cash OOP:  $1.97

Total OYNP Coupons Earned:  $20

I'm assuming I am not going back tonight as I am pretty Shawsed Out.  I went every day of this sale, and only one of those times was without kids.  Exhausting.  

Overall this week, I spent $90.46 at Shaw's.  I saved $262.81.  That's right!  If I was just some average Joe walking in and buying all of this stuff with no coupons and not on sale, my total would have been $353.27.  

This is everything I got...

9 pkgs Pampers Cruisers (52 Size 5s + 274 Size 4 = 266 diapers)

4 3-pks of Pampers Wipes (753 Wipes)

5 Fiber One Muffin Mixes

1 Organic Tomato Sauce

2 Fuze Slenderize Drink

1 Puffs Plus Tissues

2 Fiber One Toaster Pastries

2 Curves Granola Bar boxes

2 YoPlus Yogurt packs

1 Bounty 8 pack

12 Betty Crocker Potatoes

1 Chex Mix 

2 Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis 

6 Green Giant Boxes

3 boxes of Toaster Strudels 

1 Bisquick 

1 Dawn Dishsoap 

1 Tag Spray

1 Fusion Razor 

10 boxes Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks 

1 Gerber Puffs 

1 1-liter of Seltzer Water

2 gallons of Milk

3 loaves of bread

2 dozen eggs

3 lbs of bananas

20 Yoplait Yogurts

1 2.5 lbs Pot Roast

1 lbs. Shaw's Sausage

1 pack of Dora Yogurts

  

Shaw's!

By far my easiest and most rewarding transaction this week!

2 pkgs of Cruisers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10 ($1.50/1 MFC)

1 pkg of Swipers - Reg. $6.99, Sale $5 (.20/1 MFC)

Total Before Savings:  $31.97

Total After Savings:  $25

Total Coupons Used:  $1.90

Total OYNP Coupons Used:  $20

Total Tax Rebate:  $2.02

Total Cash OOP:  $1.08

Total OYNP Coupons Earned:  $20

Simple as pie!  I am happy.  2 packs of diapers and a bunch of wipes for $1.08.  I am tempted to do one more single round tomorrow - as I got another $1.50/1 MFC in one of the packs of Cruisers.  

Shaw's and Gerber!

Looking through my coupons I received from Shaw's yesterday, I see they are starting a new promo starting 1/9 and good through 2/1.  Good on all Gerber Baby Food, Baby Juice, & Graduates from Gerber.

Spend $10 in one trip, get $2 OYNO

Spend $15, get $3 OYNO

Spend $20, get $4 OYNO

Not great, but better than nothing.  I have no idea if this is pre-sale prices  or not.  I don't have a baby anymore so I probably won't be taking part in this deal - but wanted to pass it along to all who may use baby food.  

Quincy Market!

Are you in or around downtown Boston the first Wednesday of every month?  If so, check out Quincy Market for free samples from all the popular venders from 5pm -7pm the first Wednesday of every month!  That's today!  Click HERE for more details!  Many thanks to the Boston Family Life Blog for letting us know about this!

Pass this on to anyone you know who may work downtown and wants free food after work!  

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings:  $62.83

Total Coupons Used:  $13.40

Total OYNP Coupons Used:  $25

Total Cash OOP:  $11.80

Total OYNP Coupons Earned:  $20

Once again, I did got get my $35 OYNP coupons printed!  I did get $20 and that's pretty good.  Especially since I have lots of diapers now!  My husband thinks I'm having bad luck in this promotion, but honestly, it's still a great deal.  Just not as great as it could be.

1 Dawn Dishsoap - Reg. $3.99, Sale $2.50 (.20/1 MFC DOUBLES)

1 Tag Spray - Reg. $4.99, Sale $3.33 ($1/1 MFC)

1 Fusion Razor - Reg. $10.99, Sale $10 ($4/1 MFC)

6 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks - Reg. $2.99, Sale $2 (3 $1/2 MFCs, $1.50/5 Shaw's Coupon)

1 Pampers Baby Dry - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10.69 ($1.50/1 MFC)

1 Pampers Cruisers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10 ($2/1 MFC)

1 Gerber Puffs (filler to get $25 in baby) - Reg. $2.50, Sale $1.67

I did buy other things - eggs, bread, milk, bananas, other impulse purchases.  My overall savings and spending was Reg. $93.19, Cash OOP $32.12.  Not bad.  I think I'm done trying to work this deal for the most part.  I'm pretty much out of coupons on the things that we need.  I might do another round or 2 with the baby stuff - only because even without coupons, it's a great bargain! For instance my next round may look like this:

2 Cruisers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10 (1 $1.50/1 MFC)

1 Puffs - Reg. $2.50, Sale $1.67

2 Fruit Snacks - Reg. $2.99, Sale $2 ($1/2 MFC)

Total Pre-Sale:  $30.96

Total Before Coupons:  $24.67

Use $20 OYNP Coupons and $2.50 in MFCs:  $3.17

Earn $20 Off your next Purchase!  How can that be bad?  

Even if you were just working with $20 OYNP and NO MFCs, you'd be paying $5.67 for 2 pkgs of diapers, 1 Puffs and 2 boxes of Fruit Snacks (or whatever $5.02+ pre-sale items you wanted in the promotion).

Shaw's!

Here's a great scenario if you still need to stock up on baby and other things.  I think I will attempt this today.  All coupons were ones from the paper (except the Pampers which I got through a pack of diapers).   

1 Pampers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10 ($1.50/1 MFC) - $8.50

2 Pampers Wipes  - Reg. $6.99, Sale $5 (2 .20/1 MFCs) - $4.60 ea

2 Tags - Reg. $5.29, Sale $3.33 (2 $1/1 MFCs) - $2.33 ea

1 Bounty - Reg. $13.29, Sale $10 ($1/1 MFC) - $9

1 Fusion Razor - Reg. $11.99, Sale $10 ($4/1 MFC) - $6

Total before savings:  $62.33

I have $5 off Baby and $20 OYNP.  This would be $12.36 OOP and will generate $35 OYNO.

If you have your $5 Baby and $30 OYNP, this would cost you $2.36 OOP and give you $35 OYNO!!!

Pampers!

3 Free points from Pampers Gift-To-Grow program.  Enter code:  HAPPYHOLIDAY089

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings:  $59.57

Total Coupons Used:  $13.70

Total OYNP Coupons Used:  $25

Total Cash OOP:  $1.11

Total OYNP Coupons Earned:  $20

I screwed up.  Big time.  I calculate my list first at home and then I actually add everything again with my calculator at the store.  My kids drove me absolutely bonkers and I drove the cashiers bonkers.  My list (and calculations) called for 7 boxes of Betty Crocker potatoes (we have a slight addiction to scalloped potatoes here).  I grabbed 6.  I thought I grabbed 7.  But I didn't.  I should have known when the register beeped at me, but I didn't.  

6 boxes Betty Crocker Potatoes - Reg. $2.39, Sale $1.67 (A bunch of MFCs)

1 Bisquick - Reg. $3.79, Sale $2.50 (.60/1 MFC DOUBLES)

1 Curves Granola Bar - Reg. $3.29, Sale $2.50 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES)

2 Fiber One Muffin Mixes - Reg. $3.79, Sale $2.50 (2 .45/1 MFC DOUBLES)

2 Green Giant Veggie Boxes - Reg. $2, Sale $1.67 ($1/2 MFC)

1 Pampers Wipes - Reg. $6.99, Sale $5 ($1/1 MFC)

1 Pampers Swipers - Reg. $6.99, Sale $5 ($1/1 MFC)

1 Pampers Cruisers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10 ($1.50/1 MFC)

I did get money off for the potatoes that I didn't buy and my tax was -$3.53.  I'm mad at myself, but at the same time, what can you do?  I did get my free RedBox movie today there too - so I have an excuse to go back tomorrow.

CVS!

Total Before Savings:  $38.47

Total Coupons Used:  $7.00

Total ECBs Used:  $5.59

Total Cash OOP:  $4.08

Total ECBs Earned:  $3.00 (Winter Spending)

After I got to the car, I was mad because my Garnier Fructis ECBs didn't print - but looking at my receipt I realized the reason it didn't print was because the cashier didn't ring it up!  But the register took my $1 off coupon!  I also was going to do the Loreal BOGO deal - but I found 2 75% clearnance items in the Loreal line - hoping they too would be BOGO, but they weren't.  Still a good deal though.

1 Loreal Hip Eye Liner - $1.99 (reg. $7.99) ($2/1 MFC)

1 Loreal Lip Stick - $2.49 (reg. $9.99) ($2/1 MFC)

1 Viactiv Vitamins - $6 ($1/1 MFC)

1 Tylenol Warming Liquid - $6 ($1/1 MFC)

1 Garnier Fructis Hair Spray - $2.99 ($1/1 MFC) - This didn't even ring up

I'm going back to finish my $20/$10 deal.  Which is a great deal if you need a bunch of misc. stuff!  Check out pages 14 and 15 of the circular to see if you can make out well too!

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings:  $61.89

Total Coupons Used:  $13.00

Total After Savings:  $33.87

Total OYNP Coupons Earned:  $30

Thanks to my dear friend Celeste,  I was able to knock out two transactions in one purchase last night!  That Glen Muir tomato sauce was the culprit in my last transaction - that's exactly why I don't eat organic food!  ha ha!

1 Bounty 8 pack - Reg. $13.29, Sale $10 ($1/1 MFC)

4 Fruit Roll Ups - Reg. $2.99, Sale $2 (2 .75/2 MFCs DOUBLE) - $1.25 ea

3 Betty Crocker Potatoes - Reg. $2.39, Sale $1.67 (2 .40/1 MFC, 1 .35/1 MFC DOUBLES) - .87 & .97 ea

1 Chex Mix - Reg. $2.69, Sale $2 (.50/1 MFC DOUBLES) - $1 ea

1 Fuze Drink - Reg. $1.39, Sale $1.25 (.25/1 MFC DOUBLES) - .89 ea

2 Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis - Reg. $2.89, Sale $2 ($1/2 MFC) - $1.50 ea

1 Fiber One Toaster Pastries - Reg. $2.19, Sale $2 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES) - .50 ea

4 Green Giant Boxes - Reg. $2, Sale $1.67 (2 $1/2 MFCs) - $1.17 ea

3 Toaster Strudels - Reg. $2.99, Sale $2.50 ($1/2 MFC, .35/1 MFC DOUBLES) - $2 & $1.80 ea.

The trick that I'm trying to use is to match up the bigger ticket items with the smaller "money makers" to try to break even.  In my head, I try to get my OOP cost to be half of the original sale price.  Just in case you needed tips on how to maximize your trip.  The rumor is if you spend $25 on baby stuff, you get an extra $5 coupon.  Even though I'm out of Pampers coupons, I might do 2 wipes and 1 pack of diapers in my next trip to see if it works.  

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings:  $30.24

Total Coupons Used:  $21.00

Total Cash OOP:  $1.51

Total OYNP Coupons Received:  $0!!

Even though everything I bought was on the $30/$15 catalina, I didn't get my $15 OYNP coupons!  I can't ask for them because I only paid $1.51 OOP.  That would just be kind of tacky.  I'm a whimp sometimes.  I figure that this is God's way of telling me I'm being greedy.  But I'm still going to do some more rounds - because it's still a great deal!

1 Pampers Cruisers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10 ($1/1 MFC)

3 Betty Crocker Fiber One Muffin Mixes - Reg. $3.79, Sale $2.50 (3 .45/1 MFCs that DOUBLE) - $1.60 ea!

1 Muir Glen Tomato Sauce - Reg. $3.99, Sale $3.33 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES) - $1.83 ea!

1 Betty Crocker Potato Mix - Reg. $2.39, Sale $1.67 (.40/1 MFC DOUBLES) - .87 ea!

So I SHOULD have gotten my $15 OYNP coupons and I'm disappointed I didn't, but I still got a lot for only $15.31:

2 pkgs Pampers Cruisers

3 Fiber One Muffin Mixes

1 Organic Tomato Sauce

3 Betty Crocker Potatoes

1 Fuze Slenderize Drink

1 Puffs Plus Tissues

1 Fiber One Toaster Pastries

1 Curves Granola Bar

2 YoPlus Yogurt packs

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings:  $45.87

Total Coupons Used:  $12.60

Total Recycling Redemption:  $3.00

Total Cash OOP:  $18.80

OYNP Coupons Received:  $15

20 Yoplait Yogurts - 20 for $10 ($2/$10 Store Coupon, 3 .50/6 MFCs which Doubled) Final price - 20 for $5

Spend $30, Get $15 Deal!

Pampers Cruisers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $10 ($1/1 MFC)

2 Betty Crocker Potatoes - Reg. $2.39, Sale $1.67 (2 .40/1 MFCs DOUBLE) - .87 ea!

Curves Granola Bars - Reg. $3.39, Sale $2.50 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLE) $1 ea!

Fiber One Toaster Pastries - Reg. $2.19, Sale $2 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLE) .50 ea!

2 YoPlus Yogurts - Reg. $2.99, Sale $2 (2 $1/1 MFCs) $1 ea!

Puffs Plus - Reg. $1.79, Sale $1.25

Fuze Drink (I was paranoid that I didn't add correctly!) - Reg. $1.39, Sale $1.25

Total Pre Sale - $32.01

Total Post Sale - $24.34

Total After Coupons -  $16.74

Total Off My Next Purchase - $15

Def. not very great, but since I wasn't sure if it was pre-sale prices or not, I went with things that I would actually use.  

Shaw's!!!!!!!

I did the "Spend $30, Get $15 OYNP" deal this morning and IT IS PRE-SALE prices!  Woohooo!  I'll be living at Shaw's this week if anyone is looking for me!