I went back to CVS...I love that place!

I had to go back to CVS today, a couple of things that I really wanted had coupons that came out in today's paper. Here's what I did:

Transaction #1

3 Skippy PB 16 oz $1.67 ea
2 Hellmans Mayo 22oz B1G1 $5.99

I used:

3 .40/1 Skippy RP 1/31
2 .60/1 Hellman's RP 1/31
1 $5.00 ECB (from diaper deal last night)

Total Due: $4.58, Received $3.00 ECB

Transaction #2

1 Colgate Maxfresh $2.99
1 Dove Men's Bodywash 13.5 oz $5.49

I used:

1 .75/1 Colgate (newspaper, can't remember which insert)
1 1.25/1 Dove Bodywash RP 1/31
1 $3.00 EC (from above)

Total Due: $4.24, received $5.49 ECB, $2.00 ECB

Transaction #3

1 Dove Bodywash $5.49

I used:

1 1.25/1 Dove Bodywash (there are 2 in each paper!)
1 $2.00 ECB (from above)

Total Due: $2.73, received $5.49 ECB

Total Spent at CVS today: $11.55, earned $5.98 ECB's to use next week!

How Much I Saved In January

As you may know, I have challenged myself to spend $40.00 or less per week on groceries/toiletries/diapers, etc...I wanted to give you a total of *cash in hand* what our family saved this month.

2 $5.00 SC Johnson rebates
1 $21.00 Rite Aid Single Check Rebate
$185.00 Cash

Total Saved $216.00

I didn't come in right on target this month...on paper. I spent a little more for things that we needed, but when the rebates continue to come in I will have spent less than $40.00 per week. I guess I'm kind of on a "flexible spending plan." I know that this month, I have sent off several rebates that total more than $100.00. One thing I have done to try to put that money into our savings account (instead of letting in dwindle away) is by getting cash back at the register every week when I do my Publix shopping. If my total is $34.00, I get $64.00 back, trying not to go over $40.00 and putting the remaining $60.00 into an envelope to deposit at the end of the month. Just an idea, maybe that will work for you too!

Great deals at CVS starting tomorrow!

Well, actually if you shop a CVS store that isn't a 24 hour location, the sale starts at 6pm on Saturday night. I just got in from my weekly visit and I had an unbelievable find!

Some M & M products and Hershey Kisses were ringing up at $0.39 per bag! This was for the 12.6 oz bag. The only thing that tipped me off that they might be different was the kisses had a snowflake print on the back of the bag, indicating that they were from Christmas. No other mention of "Christmas" or "holiday" anywhere on the packaging. As for the M & M's though, the candies were wearing santa hats, but they too, were stocked with the regular candy. I hope you have some luck at your store! BTW, there is a blinkie out (a few aisles over) for $1/2 bags. I love being paid to walk something out of the store, don't you?

Transaction #1
3 bags M & M's .39 each
8 bags M & M's 2.50 each
4 bags Hershey Kisses .39 each

I used 1 $4/20 cvs Q (email from cvs)
5 $1/2 blinkies for the M & M's
1 $7 ECB from last week
Total paid $8.77, received $10.00 ECB

Transaction #2
2 Huggies Jumbo pks 10.00 ea
1 Clean & Clear face wash* 4.99
1 gallon Barbers milk 3.79

I used 1 $4/20 cvs Q (email)
2 $2 Huggies IP's
1 $2 Clean and Clear Q 1/3 SS
1 $10 ECB from candy purchase above
Total paid $12.37, received $5.00 ECB

The 1 Clean & Clear face wash that I purchased will complete the requirement for the $10.00 Mail In Rebate, Beauty for All Ages.

Just to clarify, we will NOT be eating all of those M & M's! They will be used for Valentine goodie bags. We won't eat them all. ;)

I'm still here!

Hey everyone!

I want to apologize for my long absence. We were out of town last week on a wonderful vacation that we received as a Christmas gift, then since we have been back I have spent most of my time catching up! I have been busy finding deals and not taking the time to blog about them. Tomorrow starts a new ad for Publix, so I will post soon about the hottest grocery deals out there this week. If you have any questions, or need any help, just let me know!

Wal-Mart, is it a necessity?

I've been pondering this question the last few days...and I think that after the past year, I can feel confident saying "no." For many, many years I jumped into the car and took off to Wal-Mart for everything from frozen vegetables to toothpaste to hosepipes and underwear. But I first noticed I had a choice when ALDI moved to town. Specifically, right next door to Wal-Mart. Then I realized that I could buy groceries elsewhere without upsetting my routine too terribly. As the months passed by with my mind being opened to options (and enjoying the freedom of not standing in line for an hour) more shops moved to our little town. Target and Publix opened their doors and my choices grew even more. Finally I feel confident knowing that the few things I wanted that ALDI didn't sell and Publix was to pricey for, I do have Target. I took the time to actually compare the prices on t-shirts, toys, dvd's and the like, and find that Target is a smart place to shop! Wal-Mart has been telling us they are "the low price leader" for so long I had begun to believe it without question!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not out to put Wal-Mart out of business, (like I could) but just to show you that, yes, we do have choices! My Sam's club membership renewal came this week. Now I'm trying to decide if I even need to bother?
I would love to hear any comments you may have!

The best place to find coupons!

I'm telling you, the best place to find coupons is by subscribing to your local newspaper. If you live in an area where you have a choice between a few different papers, be sure to choose the largest in your area. For me, that is the Birmingham News. They have a great deal going right now, you might want to check it out. I love having my coupons delivered to my home, and I don't have to worry that someone else has gone through the paper and picked them all out! If you want to see how to get 26 weeks for $26.00 check it out here.

What is a good price?

I have compiled a list of items with the best prices in my area.
This may be different for you, depending on where you live and what stores you have available.

Keep in mind, all prices listed are after coupons.

Apples $0.99 lb
Bananas $0.33 lb
Grapes $0.99 lb*
Peaches $0.69 lb*
Strawberries $0.99 lb*
Bagged salad $0.99
Can tomatoes $0.33
Can vegetables $0.39-0.55*
Can beans $0.45*
Frozen dinners $0.99
Frozen chic. nuggets $1.99 2 lb
Frozen pizza $3.00
Frozen vegetables $free-0.99
Ice cream/novelty $0.99
Ground sirloin $2.50 lb
Roast $2.49 lb
B/S chicken breasts $1.99 lb
Whole chicken $0.69 lb
Bacon $1.50 lb
Pork chops $1.99 lb
Can tuna $0.49
Hot dogs $0.65-0.99
Ketchup $0.20
Mayonnaise $1.00
Mustard $free
Salad dressing $0.75
Cookies $0.79
Crackers $0.50
Nuts $0.49
Popcorn $1.25
Soups $0.40
Can biscuits $0.45-free
Coffee creamer $0.50
Tea bags family sz $0.80
Butter $1.25 lb
Margarine $0.42
Cheese slices $1.00
Cheese block 8 oz $1.16
Lunch meat $0.75
Cookie dough $free
Eggs $0.99 dz
Yogurt $0.25 4 pk
Milk $2.99 gal
Sour cream $free-0.50
Spaghetti sauce $0.50-1.00
Tomato paste $0.07
Elbow macaroni $0.69
Spaghetti noodles $0.69
Instant potatoes $0.07
Rice $0.99
Cereal $free-1.00
Cake mix $free-0.50
Cooking oil $0.65
Frosting $free
Brownie mix $0.50
Hamburger helper $0.66
Poptarts $0.50
Applesauce $0.66
Can fruit $free-0.50
Jello $free-0.35
Pancake mix $0.65
Syrup $0.75
Sugar $1.49 5 lb

* I usually buy at ALDI

I do 90% of my grocery shopping at Publix and once every few weeks I hit ALDI and stock up on the best price items there.

This is what I came up with as staple items after surveying my refrigerator/pantry.
I will post a list of baby/household/toiletry items soon!