I'll be headed to both Publix and Winn Dixie over the next couple days. I'm a Publix Girl and I try my best not to get caught up in finding every deal every time, but I do make sure to check the circulars for my other local stores in case there's a great deal I can't pass up. This week, there is!
TEAM McLEOD
Showing posts with label groceries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label groceries. Show all posts
4.26.2011
Weekly Shopping : A Better Way
Until I figure out a better way than my list-form for posting about my weekly shopping trips, I won't be posting details. It's just too time consuming to re-write my list with coupons and then go change the colors and all that mess. I really would like there to be some way to import parts of my Google document where I really keep track of it all.
I'll figure it out, but until then how about I update you on how we're doing so far with some totals.
Last year, 2010, was my first year using coupons. I didn't start until the Spring, so I am hoping to keep my 2011 totals below these by quite a lot!
I spent $2575 on groceries and household products in 2010.
I saved $2900 on those products by using coupons and shopping sale prices.
This gives me 53% savings for the year.
More than half off and I am a happy lady!
So far this year (since I haven't posted any weekly totals since, oh, October) we have spent $698.
On that we have saved $1485. This year's savings breakdown comes to an awesome 69% savings!
If I compare that to the savings for 2010 as an average, we're about $160 below what we would have spent on groceries so far. We've saved $500 more than last year though which is a huge number!
I hope I can keep that up and bump my overall totals up by the 10% I'm seeing now. With the year starting out so well, I think we can do it. At the end of the year I hope to see our total spending under $2100 (our budget) and our savings skyrocketing to about $4500 or so.
This week at the store will close out April and I will start again posting my weekly hauls with list breakdowns. Maybe I might even post the shopping list before I go so that it can be helpful to others before they do their shopping too? We'll see. First, the spreadsheet has to start working for me. Then, we'll untangle the rest.
You can do this too, you really can. All you need is a little patience, a printer, and some commitment to make it all work. Thanks as always to Michelle (and all) over at I Heart Publix for all their hard work. I always say it, but it is always true that I would not be where I am with my savings if it weren't for her amazing and helpful blog.
I'll figure it out, but until then how about I update you on how we're doing so far with some totals.
Last year, 2010, was my first year using coupons. I didn't start until the Spring, so I am hoping to keep my 2011 totals below these by quite a lot!
I spent $2575 on groceries and household products in 2010.
I saved $2900 on those products by using coupons and shopping sale prices.
This gives me 53% savings for the year.
More than half off and I am a happy lady!
So far this year (since I haven't posted any weekly totals since, oh, October) we have spent $698.
On that we have saved $1485. This year's savings breakdown comes to an awesome 69% savings!
If I compare that to the savings for 2010 as an average, we're about $160 below what we would have spent on groceries so far. We've saved $500 more than last year though which is a huge number!
I hope I can keep that up and bump my overall totals up by the 10% I'm seeing now. With the year starting out so well, I think we can do it. At the end of the year I hope to see our total spending under $2100 (our budget) and our savings skyrocketing to about $4500 or so.
This week at the store will close out April and I will start again posting my weekly hauls with list breakdowns. Maybe I might even post the shopping list before I go so that it can be helpful to others before they do their shopping too? We'll see. First, the spreadsheet has to start working for me. Then, we'll untangle the rest.
You can do this too, you really can. All you need is a little patience, a printer, and some commitment to make it all work. Thanks as always to Michelle (and all) over at I Heart Publix for all their hard work. I always say it, but it is always true that I would not be where I am with my savings if it weren't for her amazing and helpful blog.
11.02.2010
Weekly Shopping : 10/28-11/3
Another week with plenty of great deals for donations! Whole wheat pasta was a money-maker this week and I got great deals on whole wheat pasta, Kraft sandwich shop mayo, and Rotel tomatoes that all went to the Bread of the Mighty food bank here in North Central Florida. I purchased a nice big cart full of food for ourselves too and considered it the start of our November shopping. I also considered a quick trip to the store last week (that I didn't write up - sorry!) part of November, too. I'm flexible like that. The sales were suited for our family this week all around and after two trips to Publix, I still had to pop in to Albertsons to take advantage of a B1G2 tilapia deal, inexpensive boneless chicken breast, and a couple of Collin's quick guilty pleasureTotino's pizzas. I don't think the Kraft cheese was the best price I've ever gotten, but I haven't had to buy cheese for months since it was going for almost free. I can't say when Cooking with Kraft will have more coupons available that will match with manufacturer's coupons so I had to just go for it. As long as I'm getting a better deal than full price, I'm a happy shopper! Same goes for the Aluminum foil I purchased on my
first trip - the coupons were expiring Sunday so I was glad to pay full price with a coupon for something I was completely out of at the house.
At Publix this week, I spent $75.45 and saved a total of $141.17. That's about 65%!
first trip - the coupons were expiring Sunday so I was glad to pay full price with a coupon for something I was completely out of at the house.
At Publix this week, I spent $75.45 and saved a total of $141.17. That's about 65%!
10.19.2010
Weekly Shopping : 10/14 - 10/20
Not a big week of shopping I thought - and then I went and bought a billion pounds of dog food. Okay, not a billion. But nine bags. Nine. We have one dog, but there has been a $2 off Beneful dog food coupon that I printed like a mad woman because that is Early's favorite food. She loves the big chunky pieces and the variety of flavors they have. Picky girl gets bored with her food easily so I grabbed a few big bags that were on sale and then just went for it and purchased the small bags with the other coupons. If we had a garage you can bet my trunk would have been loaded down with the large bags on sale but there just isn't space.
Not that dog food is in the grocery budget...
We grabbed a number of things that weren't on sale this week because we felt like it. It's fun sometimes.
I was also able to donate pasta this week after receiving an email coupon from Mueller's with a $1/2 coupon inside. Thanks!
At Publix this week, I spent $41.80 and saved a total of $65.26. That's about 61%!
10 boxes Mueller's Pasta bogo $1.29
-5, $1/2 MF
=$0.15 each!
Mushrooms $1.50
3.1lb Butternut Squash at $0.99/lb
-1, $1/1 Target
=$2.07
6 Publix 2L sodas at $2/1
=$0.50 each
0.81lb Tomato at $1.49/lb
2 Fresh Express bagged salad belnds bogo $3.69
-2, $0.55/1 MF
=$1.30 each
5lb baking potatoes $2.69
-1, $1/1 Target
=$0.34/lb!
1 package Publix sliced Provalone Cheese $1.99
5 packages 3oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese at $1.09
-5, $0.75/1 Publix
-1, $5/5 MF
=$3.30 overage!
32 oz Yoplait Plain Yogurt at $2/4
-1, $0.75/1 MF
=$1.25
4 Nissen Noodle Bowls bogo $0.89
=$0.45 each
Croutons $1.49
1 package Publix Deli Sliced Pepperoni $4.89
2 Green Giant stemers vegetable bags bogo $2.39
-2, $0.50/1 MF
=$0.68 each
4 Fruit Roll-Ups bogo $2.73
-2, $1/2 MF
=$1.73 each
2 bags Butterfinger Halloween Candy bogo $5.99
-1, $2/1 MF
2 cartons Smart Balance Milk at $2/5
-2, $2/1 MF
=$1 a gallon!
1 quart Publix Whipping Cream at 2/$7
=$3.50
1/2 gallon Simply Orange Juice $3.99
-1, $1/1 MF
=$2.99
(I wish I'd gone to the store after seeing the unadvertised heads-up on the smaller size going on sale for $1 this coming sale!)
and the dog food...
7 bags 3.5 lb Beneful at $5.49
-7, $2 MF
=24.43 (38.43 regularly)
2 bags 15.5 lb Beneful at $13.99
-2, $2/1 MF
=23.98 (27.98 regularly)
This comes out to the equivalent of paying $0.87/lb
For Groceries
Total Before Coupons $70.65 (w/tax and sale prices)
Total After Coupons $41.80
Total Savings $65.26
I saved about 61%
I donated $8.23 in groceries for 1.62!
Thanks again to Michelle over at I Heart Publix for matching my weekly sales ad with the coupons (and for constantly posting even more coupons as they pop up all over the internet). I couldn't do it without her! These sales are over but make sure to check out next week's ad sneak peek to get your coupons ready for the sale.
Not that dog food is in the grocery budget...
We grabbed a number of things that weren't on sale this week because we felt like it. It's fun sometimes.
I was also able to donate pasta this week after receiving an email coupon from Mueller's with a $1/2 coupon inside. Thanks!
At Publix this week, I spent $41.80 and saved a total of $65.26. That's about 61%!
10 boxes Mueller's Pasta bogo $1.29
-5, $1/2 MF
=$0.15 each!
Mushrooms $1.50
3.1lb Butternut Squash at $0.99/lb
-1, $1/1 Target
=$2.07
6 Publix 2L sodas at $2/1
=$0.50 each
0.81lb Tomato at $1.49/lb
2 Fresh Express bagged salad belnds bogo $3.69
-2, $0.55/1 MF
=$1.30 each
5lb baking potatoes $2.69
-1, $1/1 Target
=$0.34/lb!
1 package Publix sliced Provalone Cheese $1.99
5 packages 3oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese at $1.09
-5, $0.75/1 Publix
-1, $5/5 MF
=$3.30 overage!
32 oz Yoplait Plain Yogurt at $2/4
-1, $0.75/1 MF
=$1.25
4 Nissen Noodle Bowls bogo $0.89
=$0.45 each
Croutons $1.49
1 package Publix Deli Sliced Pepperoni $4.89
2 Green Giant stemers vegetable bags bogo $2.39
-2, $0.50/1 MF
=$0.68 each
4 Fruit Roll-Ups bogo $2.73
-2, $1/2 MF
=$1.73 each
2 bags Butterfinger Halloween Candy bogo $5.99
-1, $2/1 MF
2 cartons Smart Balance Milk at $2/5
-2, $2/1 MF
=$1 a gallon!
1 quart Publix Whipping Cream at 2/$7
=$3.50
1/2 gallon Simply Orange Juice $3.99
-1, $1/1 MF
=$2.99
(I wish I'd gone to the store after seeing the unadvertised heads-up on the smaller size going on sale for $1 this coming sale!)
and the dog food...
7 bags 3.5 lb Beneful at $5.49
-7, $2 MF
=24.43 (38.43 regularly)
2 bags 15.5 lb Beneful at $13.99
-2, $2/1 MF
=23.98 (27.98 regularly)
This comes out to the equivalent of paying $0.87/lb
For Groceries
Total Before Coupons $70.65 (w/tax and sale prices)
Total After Coupons $41.80
Total Savings $65.26
I saved about 61%
I donated $8.23 in groceries for 1.62!
Thanks again to Michelle over at I Heart Publix for matching my weekly sales ad with the coupons (and for constantly posting even more coupons as they pop up all over the internet). I couldn't do it without her! These sales are over but make sure to check out next week's ad sneak peek to get your coupons ready for the sale.
10.12.2010
Weekly Shopping: 10/7 - 10/13
This past week at Publix was wonderful for donations! Most of my shopping the sales actually went to the Bread of the Mighty food bank here in town while I grabbed a bunch of non-toxic cleaning products and ingredients for some upcoming meals we have planned. I also used my rain check for an additional Pledge Grab-it cloths because they are finally back in stock after the clean out all the stores experienced thanks to the fantastic sale price (they were free!).
Collin's dad was in town over the weekend to come to the Gator game and on Sunday woke up and felt like taking us on a shopping spree to Sams Club. Amazing. I probably won't ever be a member (mostly because we always know someone else who is and can work something out with them to hitch a ride on their card once in a while) but I love the prices on some of their products that we will definitely use up but will last a long time. So much though, we just can't buy because we'll never use as much as you get before it would go bad. There are just two of us, and we like to entertain, but so often I was finding products I could get (and have) for a better price at Publix with coupons and sales. We stocked up on meats, 25 lbs of bread flour, snacks, and some indulgences like a giant block of parmesan cheese and a great big jar of prepared pesto. Yum! Can't wait to invite friends over to grill!
At Publix this week, I spent $28.44 and saved a total of $70.36. That's about 72%!
8 boxes Ronzoni Pasta bogo $1.39
-8, $0.55/1 MF
=$0.15 each!
Sliced Portabella mushrooms $1.69
1.29lb sweet onions at $1.40/lb
=$1.81
6 Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing bogo 3.69
-6, $2/1 MF
=$0.31 overage, $1.86 total
6 Martha Stewart cleaning products bogo $3.99
-2, B2G1 Publix
-1, $1/1 MF
=$0.50 each!
2 Totino's frozen pizzas at $1
1 head iceberg lettuce $1.69
Sorrento mozzarella and ricotta cheeses at 2/$6
-1, $1/2 MF
-2, $1/1 Publix
=$1.50 each
2 dozen large eggs $1.39 each
-1, B1G1 eggs MF
=$0.70 each
2 Pledge Grab-it dusting cloths bogo $3.99
-1, $2/2 Publix
-1, $2/2 MF
=FREE
2 bags Kettle chips at $3.29
4 bakery french hamburger rolls, $1.65
Total Before Coupons $80.61 (w/tax and sale prices)
Total After Coupons $28.44
Total Savings $70.36
I saved about 72%
I donated $33.26 in groceries and made $0.70 back!
Thanks again to Michelle over at I Heart Publix for matching my weekly sales ad with the coupons (and for constantly posting even more coupons as they pop up all over the internet). I couldn't do it without her! See the current sale matchup here and make sure to check out next week's ad sneak peek to get your coupons ready for the sale.
Collin's dad was in town over the weekend to come to the Gator game and on Sunday woke up and felt like taking us on a shopping spree to Sams Club. Amazing. I probably won't ever be a member (mostly because we always know someone else who is and can work something out with them to hitch a ride on their card once in a while) but I love the prices on some of their products that we will definitely use up but will last a long time. So much though, we just can't buy because we'll never use as much as you get before it would go bad. There are just two of us, and we like to entertain, but so often I was finding products I could get (and have) for a better price at Publix with coupons and sales. We stocked up on meats, 25 lbs of bread flour, snacks, and some indulgences like a giant block of parmesan cheese and a great big jar of prepared pesto. Yum! Can't wait to invite friends over to grill!
At Publix this week, I spent $28.44 and saved a total of $70.36. That's about 72%!
8 boxes Ronzoni Pasta bogo $1.39
-8, $0.55/1 MF
=$0.15 each!
Sliced Portabella mushrooms $1.69
1.29lb sweet onions at $1.40/lb
=$1.81
6 Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing bogo 3.69
-6, $2/1 MF
=$0.31 overage, $1.86 total
6 Martha Stewart cleaning products bogo $3.99
-2, B2G1 Publix
-1, $1/1 MF
=$0.50 each!
2 Totino's frozen pizzas at $1
1 head iceberg lettuce $1.69
Sorrento mozzarella and ricotta cheeses at 2/$6
-1, $1/2 MF
-2, $1/1 Publix
=$1.50 each
2 dozen large eggs $1.39 each
-1, B1G1 eggs MF
=$0.70 each
2 Pledge Grab-it dusting cloths bogo $3.99
-1, $2/2 Publix
-1, $2/2 MF
=FREE
2 bags Kettle chips at $3.29
4 bakery french hamburger rolls, $1.65
Total Before Coupons $80.61 (w/tax and sale prices)
Total After Coupons $28.44
Total Savings $70.36
I saved about 72%
I donated $33.26 in groceries and made $0.70 back!
Thanks again to Michelle over at I Heart Publix for matching my weekly sales ad with the coupons (and for constantly posting even more coupons as they pop up all over the internet). I couldn't do it without her! See the current sale matchup here and make sure to check out next week's ad sneak peek to get your coupons ready for the sale.
10.06.2010
Weekly Shopping: 9/30 - 10/6
As usual, a wonderful week at Publix! I was able to use several $5 off coupons this week thanks to splitting up my trips and how many great deals were available. I stopped in at the store three times - I feel like my favorite customer service guy must think I'm there every day - I swear he was working during each of my trips and happened to check me out on two of those days. Still, he's so nice and always compliments me on my savings. This week I bought a few splurge items; some I had coupons for I wanted to use up before they expired on the 30th (hello Snickers and TGIF) as well as some I wanted to get for our anniversary picnic. I also grabbed two bags of salad for Collin to contribute to a work 'Salad Bar' party. One more reason I love shopping this way, I'm able to happily buy items not on sale and for special occasions without busting our grocery budget.
On 9/30, 10/2, and 10/4 I saved a total of $104.47 and spent $61.26.
That's about 63%!
On 9/30, 10/2, and 10/4 I saved a total of $104.47 and spent $61.26.
That's about 63%!
9.29.2010
Weekly Shopping: 9/23 - 9/29
Here are the totals from my three trips to Publix this week. I made multiple trips to stock up on Smart Balance milk and rain checks for said milk. For $1 a gallon I am willing to sacrifice room in my fridge for some serious stockpiling. Thankfully the half-gallon cartons it comes in are nice and square!
I'll be combining the trips to one list for simplicity's sake.Surprisingly between the second and third trip I hit the jackpot for $X/$XX coupons! When I got home Tuesday I found a Family Dollar flier in the mail that had a $5/20 purchase coupon on the back! I also happened to be in the good fortune to receive a Dollar General mailer yesterday for $5/$25 and was able to also print two coupons for weekend-only $5/$25 purchases from an email they sent out to savings subscribers.
WHOA.
I'll be combining the trips to one list for simplicity's sake.Surprisingly between the second and third trip I hit the jackpot for $X/$XX coupons! When I got home Tuesday I found a Family Dollar flier in the mail that had a $5/20 purchase coupon on the back! I also happened to be in the good fortune to receive a Dollar General mailer yesterday for $5/$25 and was able to also print two coupons for weekend-only $5/$25 purchases from an email they sent out to savings subscribers.
WHOA.
9.20.2010
Weekly Shopping: 9/16 - 9/22
What a month for pasta! Again, it's the biggest sale item (and one well-loved by food pantries) so 6 boxes of Ronzoni pasta went into the bin for the Bread of the Mighty.
I'm pretty certain that we went over the normal (well, new normal after coupons) budget for the month but I wasn't really sure where our new target would be once Collin was working and needing lunches every day. That means a lot more bread, meat, snacks and cheese to buy!
I have to say, this week's shopping trip was seriously a pleasure. I always have a good experience at Publix, especially my favorite store on Main Street. Maybe once I've had a little negativity or confusion about coupons but either I was in the wrong and just left a little embarrassed or the manager was quick to come sort out the issue. I hope I'm not in the minority when I say that I don't really have to avoid cashiers at my store. Sure, I have my favorites - Jeff and Andy I'm looking at you - but I generally try not to stereotype. I went to my store on Saturday afternoon, before the big football game was going to start but after the other games being broadcast at noon.
I'm pretty certain that we went over the normal (well, new normal after coupons) budget for the month but I wasn't really sure where our new target would be once Collin was working and needing lunches every day. That means a lot more bread, meat, snacks and cheese to buy!
I have to say, this week's shopping trip was seriously a pleasure. I always have a good experience at Publix, especially my favorite store on Main Street. Maybe once I've had a little negativity or confusion about coupons but either I was in the wrong and just left a little embarrassed or the manager was quick to come sort out the issue. I hope I'm not in the minority when I say that I don't really have to avoid cashiers at my store. Sure, I have my favorites - Jeff and Andy I'm looking at you - but I generally try not to stereotype. I went to my store on Saturday afternoon, before the big football game was going to start but after the other games being broadcast at noon.
9.14.2010
Weekly Shopping: 9/2 - 9/15
I'm not doing a very good job of keeping up with posting my weekly shopping trips to Publix. Woops.
Let's have a nice summary of September so far then, yes?
Things might get long, and they're not all that helpful since all these sales are over and done with. Maybe today I'll also post my planned shopping list for this Saturday in advance. Maybe?
Anyway, this will be a long one, so here goes!
Let's have a nice summary of September so far then, yes?
Things might get long, and they're not all that helpful since all these sales are over and done with. Maybe today I'll also post my planned shopping list for this Saturday in advance. Maybe?
Anyway, this will be a long one, so here goes!
8.31.2010
Weekly Shopping: 8/26 - 9/1
Here are the totals for my shopping trips this week at Publix (my most favorite store). Is it too wrong to LOVE grocery shopping? I mean, I liked it before I started super-couponing, but now it's fabulous. I have come to know many of the cashiers by name and the whole experience has become even more fun. I feel like such a 'mom' when I say this but it really is a pleasure to shop there. Really.
This week I made two trips and Collin stopped in one evening to grab lettuce that I forgot earlier and that we needed for the dinner that was already cooking away. Love him. I've upped our budget by $40 for a couple months while I stock up on things that will work well in Collin's lunch. Only after a few months of him working full time will we be able to really see what we need and how much his taking lunch and snacks to work costs overall.
This week I'll also be posting about my weekly giving as well as our own grocery totals and (eventually) monthly meal plans. I hope that by seeing how easy it is to give to those in need in your community, you'll pick up something extra at the store and drop it in the collection box at the front of the store.
I'm just starting out in the grand scheme of things and I don't have lofty goals. Without very much to give in the first place I am hoping to make the most of my resources so they can then reach the most families possible. One day I'd like to stop at the donation box and reach in to place my food without seeing the bottom of the bin.
This week I made two trips and Collin stopped in one evening to grab lettuce that I forgot earlier and that we needed for the dinner that was already cooking away. Love him. I've upped our budget by $40 for a couple months while I stock up on things that will work well in Collin's lunch. Only after a few months of him working full time will we be able to really see what we need and how much his taking lunch and snacks to work costs overall.
This week I'll also be posting about my weekly giving as well as our own grocery totals and (eventually) monthly meal plans. I hope that by seeing how easy it is to give to those in need in your community, you'll pick up something extra at the store and drop it in the collection box at the front of the store.
I'm just starting out in the grand scheme of things and I don't have lofty goals. Without very much to give in the first place I am hoping to make the most of my resources so they can then reach the most families possible. One day I'd like to stop at the donation box and reach in to place my food without seeing the bottom of the bin.
6.18.2010
Coupon Queen
Today before work (when the shelves were stocked and the checkout lanes were empty) I stopped in at Publix to get my hands on all the ridiculous coupon deals that were available this weeks sale.
How did I do?
Does paying $10.72 for $96.01 in groceries sound good?
How did I do?
Does paying $10.72 for $96.01 in groceries sound good?
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