Score at Kroger!

We are in a very tight spot right now financially. We always have a tight budget but we are squeezing every penny for it's worth right now. We had several unexpected costs come up. For those of you who live tight like we do you understand how that throws things off. Because of this our grocery budget is smaller than normal. I went into Kroger today to get essentials only & with cash in hand. I was holding my breath that my $100 would make it! Normally I shop about twice a month and have about $225. This time I was going in with less than half that.

This is what I came home with. I was extremely pleased! At one point I looked up & the register said $199. Ack! It was still climbing & didn't even add in TN's 9.75% tax yet. I about fell on the floor! How could that have happened? Then all at once the Mega Event savings clicked in on the register & the numbers started rolling downward. I almost cheered! Now we were down to $117 & that wasn't counting my coupons. As our friend punched in each coupon Sweet Pea & I watched the numbers fall. Finally we got to $97.22! I grinned at Sweet Pea & she grinned back. We made it UNDER $100! I proudly brought home our groceries & the change to Dave. =0)
Here is what we got with our $:

1 - 21 lbs. turkey
1- 20 lbs. turkey
2 boxes of tissues ($1/each - I had to get a bit softer b/c of our colds)
8 cans Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup (38cents/can)
4 cans Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup (38cents/can)
12 cans Carnation evaporated milk (15 cents/can)
2 boxes Stove Top Stuffing (75cents/each)
9 cans Kroger peaches in light syrup (49cents/each)
4 - 28oz. cans whole peeled tomatoes (99 cents/each)
2 - 24ct. Stayfree pads (99 cents/each)
8 rolls of Bounty paper towels (sale & coupon)
1 - 10lbs. bag of potatoes ($3.99)
10 boxes Annie's Organic Mac & Cheese (49 cents/each)
2 boxes Life cereal ($1.49/each)
3 - 4pk Danimals yogurt ($1/each)
4 - 4pk Activia yogurt ($1/each)
4 - 4pk Dannon Light & Fit yogurt ($1/each)
2 tubs Best Life buttery spread (49cents/each)
1 jar Chi-Chi's salsa
24 ct. Advil (50 cents)
2.5 lbs. red seedless grapes
4 on the vine tomatoes
1lb. asparagus
1 container Organic Honest Fruit Punch ( free)
2 bags Pepperidge Farm chocolate brownie cookies (99cents/bag ~my splurge for Dave & I)
1 box Pepperidge Farm natural crackers (99 cents)

I'm especially thrilled with the turkeys. They were on sale from $1.49/lb. to 69 cents/lb. That's more than 50% savings! We will use them for soups, casseroles, sandwiches & other meals. The bones will be great for broth. These will go a long way in feeding my family of 7.

I'm feeling happy & blessed with our savings today. My greatest reward was my husband's compliments & praise. That was worth more than the $130 we saved. Much more! =0)

Come On Over!

I am excited to share another frugal find with y'all! Last year I shared about SwagBucks. Ever since last fall I've been saving up mine and reached a total of 485! I've been keeping my eye on the prizes waiting for something that was worth my savings. I finally decided on a $20 Target gift card. I saved up until I was able to purchase two. Then SwagBucks slashed their price on their Amazon.com gift cards. I did the math and found out I could earn an additional $5.00 buying the Amazon cards vs. the Target cards. No brainer! Lol! I chose to buy the Amazon cards instead. Again before purchasing I did my research. I wanted to see what they had for sale and if it was a purchase I really needed, could be used to help our Christmas budget or something the entire family could benefit from. I also wanted something that qualified for the free shipping. I was happy to see that an item Elvis has really wanted was marked down. It is the Clone Wars first season on DVD. I had bought a different DVD for him but it only had 4 episodes (1DVD) where this one is 4 DVD's. (This is the DVD I bought at Walmart for $15.)

I got it at Walmart for $15. This one was $28.49! I applied the 3 gift cards I had already purchased with my SwagBucks and it knocked the price down to half. After I take back the DVD to Walmart I'll have the other $15. Yay! I'm very excited b/c essentially I'll get the 4-disk DVD set for the same price I paid for the 1-disk DVD! Happy dance!

This is the 4-disk DVD I bought for only $15 with my Swagbucks!

I encourage you if you are not already using SwagBucks to start. If you do choose to sign up please do so from my blog. Then I can earn bucks too! Look on the left hand column of my blog for the widget. In the bottom right hand corner is a tab you can click to sign up. It is free with no obligation. All you do is use them as your search engine. They reward you with "bucks" which you can then spend in their store. There are all sorts of things to choose from. I've noticed in the last month or so they are rewarding me with bucks more often than before. Yee ha! I still have over 300 bucks left. I think I will buy a Wii game for the family to play. I have my eye on one and have just enough to buy it. With the Super Savings Shipping it will be FREE! Now how's THAT for a bargain?

If you do decide to sign up & use my widget to do so THANK YOU! I deeply appreciate it. =0)

Hunting for Treasures

Everyone that knows me knows that I am a yard sale addict. I absolutely LOVE bargain hunting! A good yard sale can yield a ton of neat things and is like a fun treasure hunt. Plus of course it can save a ton of $$$ too! On Saturday Boo Bear, Sweet Pea, Princess & I set out to hunt for some gifts for Christmas. Boo was able to fill her list. Yay, Boo! I found a few little treasures but was getting doubtful about finding anything to really dance about. Then it happened. We went to one that was off our beaten path. I was so glad I did! It turned out not only did they have many things I was looking for but because we visited around noon they marked everything down to half price! I found my treasures-of-the-day at this sale! Whoot whoot!

I found these at the half price tag sale. I have been looking FOREVER for affordable prints for Princess' room. They were marked as $12 for the pair (a good buy in itself) but I got them for $6!


These were also at the half price tag sale. Also originally marked as $12 for the trio, (usually $10-$16 for each at Target), I got them for $6!!!! So all 5 prints for $12!!!! A steal or what?!?!?

This nice, big basket was $1.

A winter coat for Princess. Only $1.50!

These guys were 25 cents each.

I know I got more trains but they must be in another bag that is not pictured. These will be for the boys for Christmas.

These baby toys are for Princess at Christmas.

Total cost? $5!

Two of the toys are Lamaze toys too!

This & the prints were my BEST finds of the day. I have been looking for a dresser for Princess since before she was born. I found this in pristine condition. Half price sale made it $10!!!!! I was ecstatic!

The drawers were super clean & even lined!

The dresser & prints will be a part of Princess' Christmas gifts. It will be fun to decorate her room.

These will be Christmas presents too.

Trains for Bugsy & Bionicle & Tree Frog for Elvis

A little bug house for Bugsy.

Now he can join the big kids in their hunts!

In addition to the above I was able to find a couple of outfits for Princess for $2,
a few books for Sweet Pea at 25 cents each, a bag of stockings for Princess $2, a large bag of bottles & sippies for a $1, a Gap sweater for Elvis & a Fisher Price train set and tracks for only $4! I'm excited at these frugal finds! I am tucking most away for Christmas surprises. =0)

Cha-Ching!

Here is an entry I forgot to post. Whoops!
This is from my June 15th shopping trip.


Boy, this week has been busy! I didn't plan to take a break from blogging but obviously it happened. I have been occupied with catching up on cutting & organizing my coupons, driving the kids back and forth to VBS, house chores, shopping trips, baby care & trying to finish up school. Whew! I have a lot to catch up on with blogging and quite a few pics to share.



I have been enjoying grocery shopping lately. Though it is a lot of work to prepare for these trips the savings make me eager to shop. I see it as a challenge to get as much as possible for less. I am thrilled when I can cut our grocery bill in half and elated when it is cut even more!

This was one of my latest big shopping successes.

The Highlights
Ronzoni Pasta = $.69 cents a box (reg. $1.39)
Fudge Brownie Mix = $.60 cents a box (reg. $1.89)
Playtex Tampons = $1.14 a box (reg. $4.27)
All Cheerios cereal = $1.00 a box (reg. $3.99)
Bounty large roll = $.50 cents a roll (reg. $1.25)
Keebler Simply Sandies cookies = $.99 cents box (reg. $3.99)
Starkist white tuna = $.69 cents a can (reg. $.89 cents)
Knorr Pasta = $.45 cents a box (reg. $1.59)
Bananas = FREE
Chex Mix = $.85 cents a bag (reg. $2.79)
Lysol Wipes = $1.50 a container (reg. $4.99)
Lender's Bagels = $.89 cents bag (reg. $1.79)
4-pack Publix toilet paper = FREE
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter = $.65 cents a tub (reg. $2.29)
Dial Body Wash = $1.24 (reg. $4.49)


Celebrating

Feeling Victorious!

I saved $149.46!!!!!!!

Here you can see all my coupon savings. The original total was $258.83. I saved $149.46 & spent only $109.37. That's less than half of the original cost! If you don't count the tax the total was $98.47 for my groceries. I was very happy with this trip! And the look on the cashiers face was great. She was so amazed!

New Doos

I haven't cut the boys hair myself since they were each 2 years old or younger. I don't really feel confident styling it so we had them going to a barber. We haven't found a good one here yet. Plus lately our budget has needed to become even tighter. After much debating in my mind I decided to experiment with the new clippers Dave got for Christmas and see if I could indeed cut the boys hair and not have it turn out a nightmare. Elvis was quite hesitant at first. His reply was, "I don't want to be bald like Daddy!" Lol. I assured him he would not be bald and that I could make his hair be cut a little longer than Daddys' usually is. Finally after promising him $2 if he would allow me to cut his hair he agreed. Usually I would NOT pay my kids but would simply expect them to obey but in this I felt that it was important that he agree to participate. And that something be in it for him in case disaster struck. After all it would be HIM that would have to endure it in front of everyone in case I messed up. Some may disagree but this is how I felt and still feel. So off we went to Barber Mommy's chair!


I wanted to take some 'before' pics before the buzz. My ham here didn't have a simple pose in him. LOL!

Not sure where he gets this model attitude. What a nut!

This is my favorite. Isn't he a crack up?


Happy to be in the chair.....and still hamming it up.

To my complete surprise as soon as Bugs saw Elvis in the chair he declared he wanted his hair cut too! "My turn next!" he yelled. As soon as Elvis vacated the chair Bugs jumped right up.

My shorn sheep.

He is all set and quite pleased with his new doo. Boy was I relieved all turned out well!

Bugs' 'after' photo.

He did such a fabulous job sitting still in the chair & allowing me to move his head as I needed.

Another 'after' pic.

I am quite pleased with the results on both boys. These new clippers are great. I used the highest setting, #7. I think when the hot weather hits AND I feel more confident in my role as barber we will go for a lower setting but for now this worked very well. Since the clippers have already paid for themselves with the 2 haircuts Dave has had since we bought them the boys haircuts were FREE. Just my time & a little patience. Oh, and $2 for Elvis. Hee, hee. But even with Elvis' incentive to be paid I saved $28. I was really pleased to be able to contribute to our budget in this way.

Reaping Rewards at Rite Aid

I have started shopping a bit at Rite Aid. Normally I NEVER shop at drugstores b/c the prices are much higher than the grocery store or the department stores. Recently I heard of the CVS ECB program. I haven't tried it yet b/c frankly I don't have the time (or brain power) to figure it all out. The Rite Aid program caught my eye. We have had many stores here change over to Rite Aid, (used to be Brooks), and they have been promoting weekly Grand Opening sales. While cruising the fliers for these G.A. sales I saw they have a rebate program too. Some of the deals are quite nice. Plus I adore the fact that you can enter all your receipts easily online. They then calculate your savings & send you a check at the click of a button. How sweet is that? I have shopped there 3 times now. The photo above are the deals I got this week. I have written the breakdown below for those that are interested. If you don't want to read the nitty gritty details skim down to the bottom of the post for my grand savings.

Oil of Olay Cleanser ~ Price $9.99 - $7.99 Sale Price - $7.99 R.A. Rebate - Final Cost = FREE

Revlon Nail Enamel ~ Price $4.79 - $2.99 Sale Price - $2.99 R.A. Rebate - Final Cost = FREE

Charles Worthington Hair Care ~ $5.99 Price -4.99 Sale - $4.99 R.A. Rebate - Final Cost = FREE

Gillette Men's Shampoo ~ $4.49 Price - $3.49 R.A. Rebate - $1.00 coupon - Final Cost = FREE

Gillette Fusion Razor ~ $9.00 Price - $5.00 R.A. Rebate - $4.00 coupons - Final Cost = FREE

Nature's Care Acne Cream ~ $9.99 Price - $7.99 Sale- $7.99 R.A. Rebate - Final Cost = FREE

G.E. Soft White Light Bulbs ~$4.79 Price -$2.99 Sale - $2.99 R.A. Rebate -Final Cost = FREE

Nice N' Easy ~$7.99 Price -$7.49Sale-$3.99R.A.Rebate -$1.50 in-ad coupon $2 coupon -Final Cost =FREE

Infusion Shampoo ~ $7.69 Price -$5.99 Sale- $1.99 R.A. Rebate - $3 coupon - Final Cost = $1.00

Old Spice 3-pack Razors ~ $3.99 Price - $3.99 R.A. Rebate - Final Cost = FREE

Cover Girl Lipstick ~ Buy one Get one 50% off ~ $1.00 coupon - Final Cost = $2.00 each

OxyClean Tub - $4.99 Price - $1.99 Sale Price

Kleenex Tissues - Buy 1 Get 1 Free - .50 coupon on 3 - Final Cost = .62/box

Kitchen Trash Bags - Buy 1 Get 1 Free - Final Cost = $1.49/box

Gallon Freezer Bags - Buy 1 Get 1 Free - Final Cost = $1.29/box

* I paid $70.91 out of pocket including sales tax.
* I saved $13 in coupons (out of pocket savings)
* I am expecting a Rebate Check of $45.41
* The total price for all these items at full price would be $87.05

* When all is said and done I will have paid $25.50 out of pocket for all of the above items!

Or $1.21 per item!

That's a total savings of $61.55!

Oh, and I forgot to add that the C.W. shampoo came with a free bonus tube. And the acne cream came with a free package of mechanical pencils. What a lovely surprise!

Steals at Staples

Here are the deals I found at Staples this week:

Three 6-packs of notebooks = 30 cents/pack

Comes out to 1 notebook for 5 cents

Originally $1.49 each (18/$26.82) - Saved $25.92

FREE!

There was an instant rebate on these. Yee ha!

Saved $1.00 minimum (Not sure of the regular price of these so used sale price.)

$1 Each

Sharpie Highlighters - Originally $3.99 - I bought 4 packs. Savings of $11.96!

Bic Wite-Out - Originally $1.99 - I bought 2. Savings of $2.00!

Staples 3-pk Erasers - Originally $1.49 - I bought 3. - Savings of $1.47!

Dual Pencil Sharpeners - Originally $1.49 - Savings of $1.47!

Composition Notebook 2-pack ~ Originally $4.99 ~ Paid .50 cents (.25 per comp. book)

I bought 3 packs. - Saved $13.47

Avery Binder with 4-Pockets ~ Originally $2.99 each - I paid $1.24 each

I bought 2 (for me) - Saved $3.50

Graph Paper Notebooks - Originally $1.99 each - Paid .50 cents each

I bought 4 - Saved $5.96!

I paid $20.84 (sales tax included)

Without the sales this purchase would have cost me $88.58

TOTAL SAVINGS AT STAPLES = $66.75

Boy, I knew I was saving $ but I didn't realize how much. Wow-zah!

Plus this all went on my Teacher's Rewards card. =)