Thursday, February 25, 2010

Sunday coupon preview - 2/28...the last day of February! Only one insert...

It's coupon preview day!  Don't forget to check out The Coupon Clippers or Hot Coupon World for a full list of what to expect in Sunday's coupons.

ACT II Popcorn on one 3ct package - $.40 (which will make for some $.20 popcorn at Marsh!)
Dentyne bottle gum on one - $1.50
Dentyne singles pack on two - $1.00 (and paired with a B1G1 free sale will make for cheap gum!)
Pert Plus for Men - $1.50 (not something we've ever used but it might make for some cheap shampoo)
Post cereals/kids cereals on two - $1.00
Schick Intuition or Quattro - $4.00 (again, paired with a sale or ECBs at CVS will make for cheap razors)

And that's it for me...  Hope you find something you'll use!  Don't forget, you can always use The Coupon Clippers to buy just the coupons you want.  You can read all about their service on their website (just use the link above and click on About Us at the top of their page).

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Marsh ad highlights - 2/25 to 3/3

Is that even right!?  March!?  We're looking at an ad for March?  I *LOVE* it!  I personally think Marsh has a pretty good sale going on this week - lots of 5/$5 items and other things to stock up my pantry with.

Here's the 5/$5 items you can look forward to:
Eckrich Honey or Old Fashion Loaf (save $1.99 each)
Ocar Mayer Lunchables (save $1.19 each)
Emge roll sausage (save $1.59 each)
Brown N Serve (save $.50 each)
Chef Boyardee
Betty Crocker box potatoes (use a recent $.35 off and get each box for only $.30)
Hunt's Snack Pack pudding or gelatin
Kool-Aid Bursts or Burstin' Waters
Banquet dinners
Purnell's sausage gravy (save $.79 each)
Bar S franks (save $.69 each)
Bar S sliced bologna (save $.89 each)
Eckrich pepperoni (save $.69 each - pair with a recent $.30 coupon and get each pack for only $.09)
Act II popcorn
Bisquick pancake mix
Hamburger Helper - single serve containers
Goldfish crackers - small 2oz container (not the best price - you can sometimes get the normal size bags 10/$10 at Kroger!)
Kraft Easy Mac - single serve containers
Del Monte fruit
Land O Lakes butter
Ben & Jerry's
Sunny Delight
Hunt's pasta sauce
Electrix light bulbs

The rest of the ad includes:
Fresh ground beef - $1.47/lb (save $.82/lb, limit 10 lbs)
Fresh ground chuck - $1.67/lb (save $1.52/lb, limit 10 lbs)
Food Club cheese (slices, shredded, blocks) - $1.78 (save $.40 or more)
Marsh bread - $.98 (save $.51 or more)
Perdue split breasts - $.88'.b (save $2.11/lb, limit three packs)
24-pack Food Club water - $2.48 (save $1.51)
Del Monte Gold whole pineapple - $2.99 (save $1.00)
Premium strawberries - $1.97 (save $2.02)
Kellogg's cereals - $1.99 (save $3.00 - when you buy three)
Pillsbury breads - 4/$4 (save $1.64 or more - pair with recent coupons to save more...depending on coupon)
Eckrich deli ham $4.49/lb (save $1.50/lb)
Marsh large eggs - $1.18
Breyers yogurt - $1.99 (use recent $.50 coupon to get for ony $.99)
Texas Toast - $2.99
Aunt Millie's bagels - $1.79
General Mills cereals - $1.99 (save $1.00 when you buy two)
Thomas' english muffins - B1G1 free
StarKist chunk tuna 5/$5
Jet Puffed marshmellows - 5/$5
Blistex 5/$5

Looks pretty good, huh?  I can't wait to get my list made and my coupons gathered.  It should be a GOOD trip.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Book It 2010

For the first time in a long time...I started a book and didn't finish it.  I am a proud Dave Ramsey follower.  He is my "boyfriend" and I've actually told people that.  Back in December there was a special on his website that a friend and I took advantage of.  One of the books Rae chose was his book titled More Than Enough.  I told her when she got done with it that I'd like to read it.  Well...  I started it.  I didn't finish though. 

I don't know...there was just something about this book that I couldn't get into.  And knowing that her husband wanted to read it (or she wanted her husband to read it...you know how that works sometimes), I decided to go ahead and give it back to her.  Someday I'm sure I'll pick it up and read it...I just think I'm still smack dab in the middle of my Total Money Makeover and am not ready for that stage yet.

So, when I put that one down I picked up Jodi Picoult's Handle with Care.  Ohmygosh.  I couldn't put it down (as always).  I started it on Thursday evening and finished it Sunday evening.  It was a great book!  It is similar to her other books...a very personal, heart-wrenching decision that is made and a court case.  And the ending...ends just like several of her others.  I should have known it was coming but I finished it...and then threw it down on the couch and said, "I hate her!".  Brian laughed at me and I had to explain to him why...not sharing that here though because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else.

And LeeAnn and I didn't make it to the library Sunday (or Monday!) so when we went tonight I picked up three books:  JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, Karen Kingsbury's Divine and James Patterson's Kiss the Girls.  Quite the mix there, huh?  I decided recently (earlier this month maybe?) that I needed to reread all those books that were required of me in high school.  I've also put myself on a "reread all James Patterson's Alex Cross novels" kick so that's why that one is there.  And the Karen Kingsbury one?  I just love her. 

So, I'm off to read! 

Need a blog to follow?

If you've been reading along with me, you've found mostly suggestions for deals/money saving blogs (plus one funny blog, Barefoot Foodie, who deserves another shout out).  This time though, I'm going to share a blog of a friend of mine. 

Lindsay and I actually met on the chat boards at The Nest.  She hadn't even had Ruby when I first "met" her.  She was nannying for a young girl though and was dreaming of growing her family.  When a spin off board grew from The Nest, Lindsay, myself and almost 200 other girls joined for a whole 'nother experience.

Come to find out...Lindsay is a "local" girl.  She's from Central Indiana and back in the fall of 2007, the five of us from Indiana met in Kokomo for a get together with our kids and husbands.  It was a great time and a good opportunity to put names and faces together finally.

Lindsay left the chat boards some time later and recently I've quit as well, but since she left (and probably unbeknownst to her) I've been following her blog.  I read (and cried...she makes me do that a lot really) through her pregnancy with Burke.  I've read (and rejoiced) in her and Mike's recent house buying experience.  I've laughed at the antics that Miss Ruby puts her through.  And through it all - I've never shared with her really that I follow along. 

I do post occasionally to her Facebook page...  Just a hi and how are you?  I'm afraid to tell her I follow her and I think she's the one who is going to change my life in relation to Christ and my journey with him.  I think I'm afraid because I know what I'm to face is going to be an incredible challenge but I know eventually I'm going to tell her. 

Anyways, I share all this not because I needed to but because I want you to know a little bit about Lindsay's blog before you head over.  She's sharp-witted and very good with words.  She's also very straight forward and can even be raw at times.  But I think that is why I so enjoy her blog.  She doesn't mince words at all.  She's amazing...

So, if you're looking for a blog to follow - check out Lindsay at Not To Us Psalm 115:1.  You'll get to meet her and her kiddos and her husband too.  I'm sure Lindsay will make you think twice (maybe even three of four times) about many things she shares.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Weekly shopping trip at Marsh...

I've decided that I've gotten out of my deal/bargain/stockpiling mode and just can't seem to get back to where I need to be.  I've gone to the store listless, menu-planless and couponless more than I care to admit in the last few weeks.  I don't know what's up with me and my actions but this trip is proof that I need to get my butt in gear...

We were able to purchase:
2 packs center cut pork chops was $7.18 for $3.56
2 Food Club shredded cheese was $5.68 for $3.76
3 bags Riceland rice was $7.95 for $4.95 (to donate at church this next Sunday)
1 LaChoy dinner kit was $4.39 for $2.00
1 bag grapes was $6.49 for $2.10 (and they are GOOOOOOOD)
3 Aunt Millie's breads (bread, hamburger buns and hot dog buns) was $9.37 for $1.44

Along with the standards of milk, yogurt, fresh veggies and lunch meat and a few other things and we spent only $43.45 - saving 18.80, a measly 30%.

We have meal ideas for the week (bbq beef sandwiches - roasts in the freezer, chili cheese dogs - dogs in the freezer, pork chops, grilled cheese and lunch meat sandwich) so it was nice that we didn't have to buy a lot of stuff but I just feel like I should be spending more (to keep what we have stocked) but I just haven't been up to par lately.

So 21 items ends up being $2.06 per item which is pretty high for what we do.  Almost everything we bought was on sale too - just not sale enough.  Ugh.  I'm disappointed in myself.  I need to get with it!  Here's hoping next week is better.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Sunday coupon preview - there are three inserts this weekend!

Once again I'm going to bow down to the coupons queens (and kings!) at Hot Coupon World and let them share the coupon news this week...

Red Plum is offering several L'Oreal coupons, along with others.

P&G has got several good coupons plus a mail-in-rebate (MIR) for over $100 worth of P&G coupons (be sure to read the rebate for full details including purchase dates and what exactly is needed for the rebate).

And lastly, Smart Source a big long list of coupons to check out. 

If you're just looking to start clipping coupons, this might be a good week to start, you'll get quite a few good coupons to get you going.  Thanks again to several people Hot Coupon World for the link-ups to the inserts!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Marsh ad highlights - 2/18 to 2/24

If you love salad or are a menu planner - be sure to get salad and all yummy additions that go with salad onto your list!  Marsh is having a Super Salad Sale!

Marsh lettuce (iceberg, romaine, butter, green or red leaf lettuce or bunch spinach) $1.29
Vine ripe or Red Roma tomatoes $1.69/lb (save $.30/lb)
Green bell peppers or cucumbers $.88
Bunch green onions 3/$1 (save $1.07 on three)
Food Club cheese $1.88 (save $.61 or more) - this is usually a stock-up price for us, we’ll buy several (think 10 - 12 bags) and freeze it
Orange, yellow or red bell peppers $1.88
Assorted Dole salads (bagged) 33% off
Lighthouse or T Marzetti salad dressing 2/$5 (save up to $3.98 on two)
Double bunch red radishes $.99 (save $.50)
White or baby Portabella mushrooms $1.88 (save up to $.81)
Grimmway Farms carrots (matchstick or chips) $1.88
Tyson diced chicken breasts 2/$5 (save $1.58 on two)
Tiger Bay salad shrimp $4.99 (save $1.30)
Buddig thin sliced meats 2/$1 (save $.98 on two)
Fresh Gourmet salad toppings $1.99 (save $.50)
Sliced almonds, honey roasted pecans or glazed walnuts $2.99 (save $.50)
Amport Foods salted or unsalted sunflower seeds 2/$5 (save $.98 on two)
Fresh Gourmet premium croutons $1.49 (save $.50)
Superior sesame sticks 2/$5 (save $.98 on two)
Fresh bean or alfalfa sprouts $.99 (save up to $.50)
Superior shelled walnuts $4.99
Superior shelled almonds $3.99
Superior pecans or cashews $5.99

And since we eat more than salads at our house, I'm gonna also check out:
Boneless Top Round London Broil $1.98/lb (save $3.01/lb)
Center Cut pork chops $1.98/lb (save $2.01/lb)
Aunt Millie’s bread or buns B1G2 (yes TWO!) free (save $6.38 on three)
Boneless Chuck Roast $1.98/lb (save $2.21/lb)
Sargento shredded cheese B1G1 free
10lb bag Idaho Russet potatoes $1.98 (save $2.01)
Dean’s ice cream 2/$6 (save $4.58 on two)
Flame Red or Thompson seedless grapes $.97/lb (save $2.02/lb)

Don't forget to check the whole ad and see what might stock your shelves and meet your menu plan!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Need another blog to check out?

How about Baby Cheapskate?  If you have young kids, are pregnant or want to be pregnant - this is a good place to be!  Need to know the cheapest you can get diapers?  Yep - find it here.  Need to know *the* place to buy cloth diapers?  Yep - you can find that too.

Check out Baby Cheapskate's Beginner's Guide to see what she's all about, what you can expect on the blog and the essential things to hunt down in this massive, informative blog.

Enjoy!

Monday, February 15, 2010

The weekly grocery trip - we bought more than planned!

But still came in under budget.

A few weeks back I bought laundry detergent at Sears (as I always have) and after asking some friends realized I'm paying WAY TOO MUCH for detergent.  So when I found I could get All for $1.50 a bottle, I decided to try it.  Here's what I got:

3 All laundry detergent was $16.47 for $4.50
12 Hamburger Helper was $19.56 for $3.75
10" Ortega (?) tortilla shells was $2.59 for $.79
8" Ortega (?) torilla shells was $3.19 for $2.19 (not the price I thought - grrrr!)
2 Betty Crocker cookie mixes was $4.98 for $.78
1 Betty Crocker Warm Delight was $1.99 for $.19
1lb Sara Lee lunch meat was $6.77 for $3.35
2 rolls Jimmy Dean sausage was $7.78 for $4.00

And of course some fresh fruit, milk, yogurt (for $.49/four pack), canned veggies and the obligatory container of Cheddar Pasta Salad from the deli (LeeAnn's fave!) and we spent a whopping $44.93, saving $53.38 and 55% on our order.

We purchased 37 items for a $1.21 per item price.  2010 has seen $355.00 of savings at Marsh so far.  That's averaging just under $60 for the six weeks of the year so far...if we keep it up we can expect savings of over $3000 at Marsh alone this year.  I like it.  :)

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Sometimes I spend money to "save money"

and it drives me crazy!  Sometimes I just can't make my brain work and realize I'm spending when I wouldn't normally but because I have a coupon I do.  Ugh, ugh, ugh.

The most recent example of this?  I had two "$2 off your next Kroger shopping trip" that expire Monday.  Since I was working in Lebanon on Thursday and I wasn't back down there before Monday, I decided to use them.  So I didn't see anything in the ad I wanted...I decided to get a couple Valentine's Day cards.  I was going to get one from LeeAnn to Brian and one from us to LeeAnn.  Then I noticed a sign that said "Buy 3 cards, save $1.50" so I picked up a third card (from me to Brian).

I spent $1.99 to save $1.50.  Um.  Yeah.  How smart is that!?  Who knows...

So I purchased
2 cards @ $3.29
1 card @ $1.99
For a total of $8.57 - $1.50 (buy 3 deal) - $2.00 - $2.00 (two coupons I had) for a subtotal of $3.07 ($3.56 w/ tax).  I saved $5.50 which was 64%.

So, I wanted to get cards and I spent money when I hadn't planned but three cards for $3.50'ish is pretty good (even if I planned to spend more than I wanted).  I hope Brian and LeeAnn enjoy their cards!

Week of 1/15 through Week of 2/5 grocery budget

1/15 Marsh 11.25, saved 12.89 (53%)

1/16 Sears 24.60, saved $2.00
1/16 Marsh 3.06, saved 0.00
1/17 Meijer 7.96, saved 8.00 (50%)
1/17 Kmart 30.83, saved 0.00 (later transferred $31 from birthday/holiday envelope)
1/20 Marsh 6.37, saved 4.30 (40%)
1/20 Marsh 21.49, saved 20.09 (49%)
1/23 Schulz 60.31, saved $2.00/lb (appx. 40.00)
1/23 CVS 11.23, saved 23.64 (used gift card)
1/23 Marsh 9.13, saved .30 (3%)
1/24 Marsh 37.63, saved 7.88 (17%)
1/30 CVS 11.00, saved 12.94 (used gift card)
1/31 Marsh 73.71, saved 55.34 (43%)
2/1 Kroger 5.25, saved 22.76 (81%)
2/8 Marsh 28.75, saved 19.94 (41%)
2/7 Marsh 26.29, saved 22.13 (46%)
2/9 Walmart 24.58, saved 0.00
2/12  Kroger 3.56, saved 5.50 (64%)


Budget = 300.00

343.94 spent
221.13 saved
565.07 total
appx 40% savings

What is highlighted in light yellow is not calcuated into our totals as I used gift cards or later transferred cash from the appropriate envelope. 

The trip to Schulz for steaks was a "stockpile" trip for us.  We wouldn't normally buy 12 steaks at one time but at a $2.99 price point, we couldn't pass them up.

So once again, we are slightly over budget for the month.  There hasn't been a month yet that I've been under but compared to the $600 and $700 I USED to spend per month, I'll take what I've got now anytime.

More CVS sweetness...

Remember the $25 CVS gift card I mentioned here?  Every so often I hear of people who get a $25 gift card for filling a prescription at CVS.  Well, up until mid-November I had never had one cross my path.  Finally though, the CVS $25 gift card gods smiled down on me and sent me two seperate coupons to get a gift card with a new script - right at the same time as Brian's eye surgery (and lots of new meds).

I sat on those two gift cards for some time...finally breaking them out for the Pepsi deal a few weeks back.  I thought we'd do another Pepsi deal that night but ending up getting six bags of Tostitos the next week instead.

So - in those two trips (six 12pks of Diet Mt Dew and six bags of Tostitos) I used $22.23 of one card.  When I went into CVS today for some Gillette body wash and Almay cosmetics I still had $2.77 to spend.

In two seperate deals I purchased:
4 Gillette body wash was $19.96 for $8.00
1 Bonne Bell lip gloss (for my baby girl!) $2.99
Subtotal $10.99 and used $10 ECBs from Tostios deal to make new subtotal only $.99 - with tax, the total was $2.32 and I used the $2.77 left on the gift card to cover that toal and received $5 in ECBs for the Gillette deal.

1 Almay pressed powder was $12.99 for $8.99 (had two $2 off coupons - and technically $2 came off of each bottle but because the CVS sale was B1G1 free, I subtracted both coupons from this price)
1 Almay foundation was $12.99 for FREE (B1G1 free)
Subtotal was $8.99 and used the $5 ECBs from Gillette deal for a new subtotal of $3.99 - with tax, the total was $4.90 and I used the $.45 left on the first card and another $4.45 on the second card (leaving me $20.55 on the second gift card still).

So one $25 gift card plus $4.45 of a second card (along with sales, coupons and ECBs) has gotten me:
6 12pks Diet Mt Dew
6 bags Tostitos
4 Gillete body wash
1 Bonne Bell lip gloss
2 Almay foundation products

Full price (no sales, coupons or ECBs) for all items would have been $107.01 - savings of over 75%.

And THAT is why I love CVS.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Sunday coupon preview - only one insert this weekend...

Be on the look out for one Valassis (also called Red Plum) insert.  My book is calling my name tonight so special thanks to KrispyKrittersUSA at Hot Coupon World for this detailed list of coupons. 

Angel Soft toilet paper 6-double roll or larger $1.00/2 (5/14/10)
Aussie Product no trial $1.00/1 (3/31/10)
Bertolli Pasta Sauce .60/1 (3/14/10)
Brown Gold Product $1.00/1 (12/31/10)
Centrum Ultra (200 ct or larger) $3.00/1 (4/30/10)
Centrum Ultra, any $1.00/1 (4/30/10)
Centrum Cardio $1.00/1 (4/30/10)
Crisco Olive Oil $1.00/1 DND5 (4/30/10)
Hillshire Farm Deli Select Ultra Thin or Hearty Slices Lunchmeat $1.00/2 DND DNT5 (3/14/10)
Knox powders or caplets 11oz or larger $6.00/1 (3/31/10)
Knox powder or NutraMix for Strong Nails $4.00/1 (3/31/10)
Natural Instincts or Loving Care hair color $1.00/1 (3/31/10)
Natural Instincts or Loving Care hair color $5.00/2 (3/31/10)
Nature's Bounty vitamins and supplements $1.00/1 (3/30/10)
Olay Facial Moisturizer or Facial Cleanser or any Olay Body Wash, in-shower Body Lotion, Bar Soap or Hand & Body Lotion no 30ml size $1.00/1 (3/31/10)
On-Cor Entree .30/1 (4/30/10)
Pantene Restoratives or Expressions product no trial $1.00/1 (3/31/10)
Pedigree Little Champions pouch variety packs $1.00/2 (4/25/10)
Pedigree Good Bites treats for dogs $1.00/1 (4/15/10)
Pedigree food for dog 8.8 lb. or larger bag$3.00/1 (3/28/10)
Pedigree Dentastix treats for dogs $2.00/1 (4/11/10)
Quaker True Delights Rice and Multigrain Snacks .75/1 (4/10/10)
Quaker True Delights Granola Bars or Cafe Squares .75/1 (4/10/10)
Quaker True Delights Instant Oatmeal $1.00/1 (4/10/10)
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars $1.00/2 boxes (4/10/10)
Real Simple magazine March issue $1.00/1 (3/19/10)
Robitussin excludes To go 2-count $1.00/1 (3/31/10)
Robitussin to go 10-count $1.00/1 (3/31/10)
Scotties facial tissues 5 boxes or 2 multipacks $1.00 (3/31/10)
Smart Balance Sour cream & Omega-3s, Calcium, vitamins D &E regular or reduces fat $1.00/1 (3/20/10)
Sparkle paper Towels 2-giant roll package or larger $1.00/1 (4/12/10)
Smooth Away or Smooth Away Vibe hair removal system $1.50 (5/30/10)
St. Joseph Aspirin product no trial $1.00/1 (5/31/10)
StarKist Pouch products, any $1.00/2 (5/9/10)
State Fair Corn Dogs or Mini Corn Dogs $1.00/2 DND DNT5 (10/31/10)
Indoor, Dentabites or Hairball TEMPTATIONS treats for cats $1.00/2 (3/28/10)
Temptations all natural treats for cats $1.00/2 (3/28/10)
Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Rapid Release Gels, Tylenol Arthritis Pain or Tylenol 8 hour product no trial 1.00/1 (5/31/10)
Whiskas or Whiskas Purrfectly dry cat food 2.7oz or larger $1.00/1 bag (4/11/10)
Whiskas or Whiskas Purrfectly Multipack, any variety $1.00/1 (4/11/10)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Marsh ad highlights - 2/11 to 2/17

I seriously can't believe we're halfway through February with this ad...just doesn't even seem right!  Of course, Valentine's Day is right in the middle of this ad week so the front page is dashed with red and pink - flowers, candy, cookies and some wine to go with it too.  I think this year Brian and I are just going out to dinner together.  Nothing fancy, just us being together.

Now, on to the deals!

Marsh is doing a Save $5 Instantly! sale.  I'd normally call it a Mega Event but I think that's Krogers term and heaven forbid I mix the two.  The deal works that you receive $5 off at the register when you purchase any 10 participating items in one transaction with your Marsh Fresh Idea card.  This does not mean you have to buy 10 cans of biscuits.  You can get two biscuits and two of something else and two of something else...until you reach 10 (or 20 or 30, whatever there is no limit on this) and then you'll automatically receive the $5 off at checkout.  So basically - every item is saving another $.50 on the sale price.

These are listed WITH the extra $.50 subtracted...so unless you have a coupon the price listed is what you'll pay:
Yoplait Yogurt $1.99
Pillsbury Grands $.99
Pillsbury Rolls $1.29
Hamburger Helper $.50
Betty Crocker Warm Delights or Cookie Mix $1.19 (I know there are $.40 off coupons out there, double to $.80 and you'll have cheap cookie mix!)
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix $1.49
Gardetto's or Chex $1.99
Yoplait Yo-Plus or Fiber One yogurt $1.49
Green Giant veggies $.99

The rest of the ad includes:
USDA Choice Boneless English Roast $1.88/lb (save $2.61/lb)
Center Cut Boneless Pork Loin $1.88/lb (save $1.11/lb)
Keebler Cookies and Snacks B1G1 free
Breyer's Ice Cream 2/$5 (save $5.98 on two)
Sara Lee deli meat $5.99/lb (save $1.70/lb)
La Choy products (select) 25% off
Nabisco snack crackers or Teddy Grahams 2/$4
Softsoap handsoap 5/$5 (use the $.35 coupon and get soap for $.30)

And that's it for me!  Good luck finding some deals of your own...

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

A blog to check out for FREE stuff!

You know you can't go wrong with a blog named Who Said Nothing in Life is Free????  This isn't a blog I check regularly (I've found it recently and forget to check in on it) but there is always a post on there for something free!  It might not be something you'll want or need but be sure to check back again because there's always something new.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Weekly trip to Marsh...

So I ran to Marsh tonight, we needed some milk and bread and with the "big snow" coming I figured I'd better get it tonight - just in case.

2 Red Gold Jalapeno ketchup (had to try it!) was $3.78 for $1.89
4 Sweet Baby Rays Sweet & Sour dipping sauce was $15.32 for $7.66
2 Sweet Baby Rays Honey Mustard dipping sauce was $7.66 for $3.83
1 Edy's ice cream was $5.49 for $2.00

And of course there was bread, milk, lunch meat, yogurt and some fresh fruits in there for $48.69 before card and coupon.  After card and coupon my total was $28.75, saving $19.94 or 41%.

Total items purchased = 17
Price per item = $1.69

I've now saved $301.62 for 2010 at Marsh.  And I'm so thankful for my stocked freezer and pantry so I can run in, grab the things on sale that I want and need and get outta there and still be able to fix full meals for the week.

Non-weekly Marsh trip - we needed some baking items!

I swear, this happens to me every time I bake!  I was making more pumpkin chocolate chip bread yesterday...no oil, not enough sugar.  So - off to Marsh I went.

2 6pk 20oz bottles of Sprite was $9.78 for $3.44
2 6pk 20oz bottles of Coke Zero was $9.78 for $3.44
Perdue boneless skinless chicken was $16.48 for $7.72

Along with some of LeeAnn's favorite pasta salad from the deli, sugar, eggs, oil and a gallon of milk my total was $49.17 before card and coupon.  After my card and the coupon I had for $2.00 off four 6pks Coke products my total was $26.29, saving $22.13.  So I saved 46%.

I purchased 10 items so my cost per item was $2.63.  That makes for $269.00 in savings for 2010.

Book It 2010

So...I sometimes get into a rut where I don't read at all - for months. And then sometimes I get into a reading machine mode and I can't quit - like I'm in right now.

I started doing Book It 2010 because I wanted to get back to reading more and reading regularly (and I thought it'd give me some accountablility). Part of my goal was to also spend more time reading with LeeAnn and except for maybe two or three nights, I've been able to do that with her. And I love reading with her. We head to bed 1/2 an hour before lights out to get ready for bed and read a book or two and sing a song and then lights out. Unless the next day is her "nothing day" and she might get to leave her light on and read a book or two to herself.

And so during the last few weeks I've made a concentrated effort to get to the library biweekly (sometimes weekly) and to have a book to read at all times.

This past week I only had two books from the library, a non-fiction by Max Lucado and a how-to digital photography book (focusing on editing on the computer) and I finished them both before Friday. I knew we wouldn't hit the library until Sunday (maybe even Monday - which is how it's ended up) so I went to my "personal" library in LeeAnn's toy room on Saturday afternoon and dug out James Patterson's first Alex Cross novel.

Yeah... I finished it last night. All 500+ pages of it. I could NOT put it down. I even read through the Super Bowl and most of the commercials. And the sad thing? I've read it before (at least once!). But it was SO good! Patterson is one of those writers who leaves little clues all throughout a book and it isn't until the end that you can finally make it all come together. It kinda reminds me of how JK Rowling works in Harry Potter's stories. There are hints and clues in the very first book Harry Potter and The Scorcerer's Stone are tidied up in the last book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

So anyways, this James Patterson novel was Along Came a Spider and I started with the first Alex Cross novel because it has been so long since I've read any of them and Brian bought me a new Patterson/Alex Cross novel for Christmas. I think I might have even missed a few so I wanted to get caught up. I'm thinking if I can read one of his books every two days (like I did this one!) I should be able to read all 15 books in a month. BUT that's not going to happen because I want to read other stuff as well and I also have to work and clean house and other things (which I did none of this weekend). I'm guesing the next one I pick will will go pretty quickly still. So tonight I'm headed to the library to get Kiss the Girls because for some reason I don't have it in my library at home (and I thought I had all of his novels up until about two or three years ago). Guess not...

Along with the next Patterson novel I'll be looking for To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  I read To Kill a Mockingbird several times through middle school and high school but saw it recently on a list of must reads and decided to check it out again.

Friday, February 5, 2010

The snow...the snow!

The snow is absolutely beautiful.

I honestly don't know how much is out there - I'm horrible at guessing snow fall.  It is gorgeous though.  I could just sit at the window and watch the snow fall for hours.  Add a good book (from my Book It 2010 list of course!), some hot cocoa and a warm blanket and it could be a perfect night.

But here I sit, at the computer contemplating money and the budget for next month (already - my budget's run mid-month to mid-month). 

Maybe I'll be snowed in tomorrow and can make that little scenario a reality.

Be safe if you've got snow!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Sunday coupon preview - there are FOUR inserts this weekend.

Be on the look out for two Smart Source, a Proctor and Gamble and a Valassis insert in Sunday's papers.

Check out The Coupon Clippers and Sunday's date (the 7th) for a full listing of each insert.

And what am I going to be clipping?
Almay cosmetics, on any - $2.00
Hormel Always Tender product - $1.00
PediaSure NutriPals product, on one 4pk, limit one coupon per transaction - $3.00
Prego Heart Smart Italian sauces - $1.00
Trident LAYERS gum - $.75

Yoplait Frozen smoothie - $1.00
(lots of Betty Crocker and yogurt coupons in the second SS insert!)

Bounty towels - $.25
CoverGirl face product - B1G1 free
Downy liquid - $1.00
Gillette Body Wash - $2.00

Maybelline foundation - $2.00
Maybelline mascara - $1.00
Quaker Instant Oatmeal - $1.00
Quaker Quick Oats - $.50


And if you need bathroom cleaning products, clip all of the Lysol coupons and then watch for Meijer to mark their Lysol prodcuts for 50% off.  Seriously - you can get cleaning products for half off and then use the coupon too to get some really great prices on cleaning stuff.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Budget update...

Oh Dave Ramsey - how I love thee!

Okay, well not really because I don't actually know Dave Ramsey but the lesson Brian and I continue to work on after taking his Financial Peace University class in the fall is still rocking our worlds. We started FPU in September and graduated in December. It seems like it has been so much longer that we've been out of class, on our own - trying to keep it in line and make it all work. The budget gets tweaked all the time still...still after six months of writing a paper budget I'm learning that this does work or that this doesn't work. It is a constant growing for both Brian and I and I'm loving it. Maybe it's the geek in me. And my free spirit Brian just kinda goes along with the flow. He'll check out the budget and agree to it because he's just that kinda guy (it also helps that our budget doesn't swing to extremes...when I make changes it is usually small changes).

When I last updated on January 15th we had just over $1400 to go on a school loan of mine... In just two weeks that balance is down $884.83 - it is getting smaller! We had talked of using our tax refund (what small one we get) to finish this off and start on the next debt but I think we've decided to use that refund to pay off some medical debt we have from the end of 2009 that wasn't covered by insurance or FSA funds (because we ran out of it!). But those bills are going to add up to more than what our refund will be - one bill alone is $1600+.

So I think we're going to try to offer large bills (in cash) to that one big loan to see if we can pay just part of it and still have enough left to pay off the rest as well. It could be interesting. I'll keep updating!

Marsh ad highlighs - 2/4 to 2/9

Check out the ground chuck sale!  Get it quick - it's only on sale during the four-day sale!

4 Day Sale

Ground chuck $1.67/lb (save $1.52/lb, limit 10lbs)
Johnsonville Fresh brats $2.99 (save $1.80)
6-Pack Coke, Pepsi or 7-Up 4/$8.88 (save $7.08 or more, limit one - must buy four in one transaction)
8-Piece fried chicken $4.99 (save $2.00)


Boneless Rump or Round roast $1.98/lb (save $2.21/lb)
10lb bag Idaho Russet potatoes $1.99 (save $2.00)
Assorted pork chops $.98/lb (save $1.51/lb)
Kraft cheese (6.4 oz to 8oz chunk, cubes or shredded) $1.99 (save $1.30 or more)
Post cereals (Raisin Bran, Honey-Comb, Golden Crisp, Cocoa (!!!) or Fruity Pebbles, Honey-Comb Cinna-Graham) 3/$4.98 (save $3.69 or more on three)
Perdue boneless/skinless breasts $1.87/lb (save $2.12/lb)
Doritos 2/$4 (save $3.98 on two)
Eckrich smoked sausage B1G1 free (save $3.99 on two)
Red Gold or Brooks tomatoes/beans 5/$5
Eckrich smoked grillers $1.98 (save $2.01)
Eckrich lunch meats $.99 (save $2.00)
Eckrich franks or bologna B1G1 free (save $3.29 on two)
Eckrich variety pack B1G1 free (save $4.49 on two)
Eckrich deli ham $4.49/lb (save $1.50/lb)
Kraft Philly cream cheese 4/$5
Totino's party pizzas 5/$5
Azteca tortillas $1.69
Keebler crackers B1G1 free
Mama Selita's jalapeno ketchup B1G1 free (never heard of it but we like hot stuff our house...we'll have to check it out!)
Chi-Chi's salsa B1G1 free
Orville Redenbacher's popcorn B1G1 free
Sweet Baby Ray's bbq sauce/rubs/dips (YUM!) B1G1 free
Nabisco crackers 2/$4
Nabisco Teddy Grahams 2/$4

Strangely enough, it looks like Marsh is gearing up for grilling season already! The meats and crackers/chips and sauces on sale remind me of the sales during the summer but I'm guessing Super Bowl is the reason the sale seems that way. And just this past Sunday as we went through the condiments aisle Brian pointed to the Sweet Baby Ray's dips and said - I can't wait to get more of these. And then lo and behold - there they are on sale B1G1 free this week! Hooray for Sweet Baby Ray's.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

I had full intentions of giving you another blog to follow

but my computer won't let me get to my favorites list!  I seriously have no idea what is wrong with my computer.  There are probably 20 different folders in the Favorites list and the ONLY ONE I can't open is MINE with all of my deals in it.  Bummer. 

So - I guess I'm going to say this:       .

Nice huh? 

:)

I hope to be back tomorrow with a link to a blog I love and a preview of Marsh's next ad.  Sorry for the flakiness...I'm blaming the computer!

Monday, February 1, 2010

And I remembered Kroger had a Mega Event going on too...

So I swung through the store after work today (since I was right next door!).  I only purchased a few things...10 items that were on the Mega Events list plus two bags of rice that I had coupons for.

I bought:

1 New York Texas Toast was $3.87 for $.99
4 Philly Cream Cheese was $5.96 for $3.96
2 Frank's Hot Sauce was $5.96 for $.38
3 Quaker rice cakes was $7.74 for -$.78 (yes, Kroger paid me to buy the rice cakes!)
2 Ortega rice (new product) was $4.28 for $.50

So my total before card and coupons was $27.81 and after cards and coupons it was $5.05 - saving 81%!  I didn't know the Quaker coupons would give me overage (I don't think Kroger normally does that) but I didn't realize it until I sat down to do this write up.  The Franks and Philly Cream cheese will make at least two dinners of Buffalo Chicken (yum!) and the rice cakes are great snacks for me to take to work.  The rice bags will go with tacos on two seperate occasions and the garlic bread will last two meals too.  I worked that out quite well, if I do say so myself.

I bought 12 items for a $.42 price per item.  Sweet!  My savings to date (which Kroger tracks funny is $18.01 - which is just what I saved with my card, not my total savings including coupons).  Hooray for Kroger!

Weekly Marsh trip... Not the best but not too shabby either.

We hit up Marsh late Sunday afternoon, as we normally do.  We went in with a short list and a pretty good idea of exactly what we were getting.

Our highlights include:

Western style ribs was $7.67 for $3.15
3 Sargento cheese was $12.57 for $3.90
2 Starkist tuna pouches was $4.38 for $1.19
3 packs split breasts for $.98/lb (thanks to raincheck) was ??? for $4.50
10 Kellogg's Frosted Flakes was $29.90 for $13.50 (a bit more than my normal price for Frosted Flakes but we were OUT!)

Along with the staples - bread, milk, yogurt, fresh fruits and veggies for a total of $73.71 after card and coupons.  We saved $55.34, 43% and that doesn't include the savings with the raincheck on the chicken.  I can't remember what the price is normally but we saved at least 50% on those breasts so that would have changed the percentage a tad more too.

We bought 48 items for a total of $1.54 per item.  We've saved $246.87 in 2010 so far.  Not bad for a month into the year...

CVS - lovin' the ECB deals!

Remember my first CVS deal in 10 months?  Yeah, the one where I earned $10 ECBs for buying Diet Mt Dew?  I talked to my mom the next day and she told me she had gone and bought six bags of chips for like $11.00 and I thought no way!
Guess what?  I bought six bags of Tositos (Scoops, Restaurant style and Lime) and only paid $11.00, which I used a gift card for so nothing out-of-pocket for me even!  I met some friends from college for dinner Saturday night and as I came into town (at 11:45pm!) I ran to CVS to grab this deal.  I checked out at 11:54 - just six minutes before the deals change to the next week's offereings. 

6 Totitos was was $23.94 for $11.00 AND earned another $10.00 in ECBs.  My savings was just over 50% for that trip. 

So in the last two weeks I've gotten six 12pks Diet Mt Dew and six bags of Tostitos for $22.23 and spent nothing OOP (thanks to a CVS gift card for a new script) and still have $2.77 left on the card!  Yay!

I so could have had some updates this weekend...

but mean Mr. Sinus Cold has gotten ahold of me and I feel horrible.  But I've got 30 minutes while Miss Priss catches one cartoon before bed so here I go - CVS, Marsh and Kroger!