How Do I Coupon ?Save Money While Buying Healthy for You, Your Family, and the Planet!

In case you haven’t noticed I have not written on this blog for awhile. It has been for a few reasons: I am burnt out couponing and I have felt a personal conflict with the posts I am doing. Let me explain. Clipping coupons and chasing deals is very rewarding and equally time consuming. Simply put, I needed a break! I also have been conflicted about what deals I have been posting. I LOVE getting great deals at the grocery stores and even getting products for FREE. I am also a strict vegetarian for ethical reasons. I do not believe that animals should be killed for food or clothing. I try, though not always perfectly, to not buy from companies who test on animals. I feel even more strongly about factory farming and the current practices of food production in the United States today. So, when I post deals I am often posting for products I would prefer not to buy because of the company’s unethical practices towards their workers, the animals, and the consumers. It is a genuine conflict and I can clearly see why I have lost gusto in writing about grocery deals and sales.

I have derailed on what I truly believe in the hopes of getting a popular blog up and running. A very good and wise friend said it simply, “Write about and show what you do to save money while keeping your beliefs and passions in the forefront.” So simple, eh? I know. Sometimes we need that push from someone other than ourselves to give us the reinforcement and encouragement to do what we know we should.

So, this is what I am going to do: This site will be how to save money using coupons while buying products from companies that are true to my beliefs. I think if everyone could make small changes in their shopping habits then maybe we can help change the food industry and help them be more accountable to us, our children, and the planet. I will do my best to explain my viewpoints so you can understand where I am coming from. You may agree or not but at least I am bringing these issues to the forefront that I feel are so vital to our future and our lives today. I do not want to come across as some crazy hippy or an idealist. I do not want to be a site to force feed anyone anything. I am an average mom in middle class America trying to provide the best food and products for my family. Period.

I want to show how I buy as much organic produce, eco-friendly products, and goods from sustainable companies while I stick to a meager budget. If I can do it, I know you can too!

When trying to maximize savings at the grocery store, one of the best way to do this is to take advantage of Catalina deals. What is a Catalina? A Catalina is a term used for the machines at the registers that provide printed coupons and promotions for products at grocery stores  with your receipt. Most grocery stores have Catalinas including Walgreens. If you take advantage of a Catalina promotion you can often receive money off your next purchase! Combine coupons and sales with the Catalina deals and you often get what is called a Money Maker: you can often get the product for free AND make an overage (or profit)!

Here is a current example of a Catalina Promotion going on at Fry’s:

Purchase Purex (50 oz.) Laundry Detergent between 1/11 and 3/7:Off Your Next Shopping Order)
Purchase (3) or more and get $5 coupon OYNSO.

Purchase (2) and get $4 OYNSO (

So, here is what I would do to take advantage of this promotion at Fry’s:

1. Fry’s is having a Buy 1o, Get $3 off Promotion on certain items this week. One of the items is Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent. Price before Buy 10 Promo is $2.49. Price after Buy 10 Promo is $2.19.

2. So, I would use this coupon: Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent, any .35/1 (2-20-10) RP-1/10. After the Buy 10, Get $3 Promo and the coupon, this would make the Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent  $1.49 ea., which is a great deal by itself!

3. To then take advantage of the Catalina Deal, I would purchase 2 Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent with coupons (part of the Buy 10 promotion) for a total of  $2.98. Then I would receive a printed Catalina for $4.00 OYNSO! That means I made $1.00 AND I received 2 free bottles of Purex!! Isn’t that a GREAT DEAL?!

So, just keep an eye out for the coupons and promos that the cashier gives you with your receipt. Check weekly sales at HowDo ICoupon.com to see if there is ever a match and see your dollars stretch further!

Have any ?s Just leave a comment and I will get back to you ASAP!

Happy Shopping!

Good Morning! I wanted to let you know if you look up to the right side of my web page there is a place where you can now sign up to receive any new posts in your email. If you tried to sign up within the last few days it probably did not work Sorry about that!  Just type in your email address and you will receive confirmation in your inbox. Reply to that and you are all set!

Now, on to the Deals of the Week:

It looks like canned tuna and canned beans are the loss leaders** this week

Aim or Pepsodent Toothpaste, 6 oz., .50 each!! No Limit!

Betty Crocker “Helpers” (Hamburger, Tuna, etc.), $1.00. Use Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper Home Cooked Skillet Meals, any flavor .75/3 (2-27-10) SearsSS-1/3 Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, or Chicken Helper, any three DND DNT .75/3 (active) Group A-02/01 and (active) Group B-02/01 *Print each twice! Final Price: .75 each!!

Betty Crocker Frosting tub, $1.00 each. Use Betty Crocker Frosting, any flavor/variety tub .50/1 (4-3-10) GeneralMills-2/7
Betty Crocker Frosting Tub, any, DND DNT .50/1 (active) Group B-02/01 and (disappeared 02-15-10) Group A-02/01 *Print twice! Final Price: .50 each!!

Betty Crocker Warm Delights, regular or minis, $1.00 each. Use Betty Crocker Warm Delights or Warm Delights Mini Bowls, any flavor .50/1 (4-3-10) GeneralMills-2/7
Betty Crocker Warm Delights Bowls or Mini Bowls, DND DNT .50/1 (active) Group A-12/17 and (active) Group B-12/15 *Print each twice! Final Price: .50 each!!

Blue Bunny Ice Cream, $2.00 each. $1/1 Here . Final Price: $1.00 each!!

Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna or Sardines, 3.75-5 oz
Limit 4  Final Price: .50 each!!

Cheerios Snack Mix, $1.00 each. Use Cheerios Snack Mix, any size/flavor .50/1 (3-6-10) SS-1/10
Cheerios Snack Mix, any size or flavor DND DNT .60/1 (active) Group A-02/11 and (disappeared 02-10-10) Group A-02/01 *Print each twice!  Final Price: .40 – .50 each!!

Chex Mix, $1.00 each. Use Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack, any flavor 4.5 oz. or larger .50/2 (3-20-10) SS-1/24. Also Use Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack, any flavor, 4.5 oz or larger DND DNT .50/1 (active) Group A-02/01 and (active) Group B-02/01 and (active) This Link-02/01 *Print each twice! Final Price: .50 each!!

Del Monte Fruit, 15-15.25 oz cans, $1.00 each. Use Del Monte Canned Fruits, Vegetables (11-15.25 oz) or Fruit Cup Snacks (Plastic 4 pks 3.75 - 4 oz) $1/5 (4-4-10) RP-2/7. Final Price: .80 each!!

Del Monte Tomatoes, 13.5-15.25 cans, $1.00 each. Use Del Monte Tomatoes 11-15.25 oz $1/4 (4-4-10) RP-2/7. Final Price: .75 each!!

Green Giant Frozen Boxed Vegetables, $1.00. Use Green Giant Frozen Boxed Vegetables .60/3 (4-3-10) GeneralMills-2/7 and (2-27-10) GeneralMills-1/3. Final Price: .80 each!!

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, $1.00. Use Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers frozen vegetables, any variety .40/1 (2-27-10) GeneralMills-1/3. Final Price: .60 each!!

Pillsbury Grands Biscuits, $1.00 each. Use Pillsbury Grands Refrigerated Biscuits, any size/variety .30/2 (3-27-10) GeneralMills-1/3 and (3-6-10) GM-12/13 and (2-27-10) SS-12/6.
Pillsbury Grands refrigerated biscuits, any two, any size or variety, DND DNT .30/2 (active) Group A-12/16 and (active) Group B-12/15 *Print each twice! Final Price: .85 each!!

Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza, 5-10.25 oz.,$1.00. Use Tonys Single Serve Product, any including Tonys Crispy Crust or Pouches Twin Pack DND .50/1 (2-28-10) SS-12/13. Final Price: .50 each!!

Tony’s Pouches, 9-10 oz., $1.00 each. Use Tonys Single Serve Product, any including Tonys Crispy Crust or Pouches Twin Pack DND .50/1 (2-28-10) SS-12/13. Final Price: .50 each!!

Bumble Bee Tuna 5 oz.,  Final Price: .50 each!!

Hefty Bowls, Plates or Platters 16 to 60 ct ., $1.69. Use Hefty Plates or Cups any .50/1 (3-31-10) RP-1/31. Final Price: .69 each!!
Thru 3/2

Maruchan Yakisoba Meals 4 oz., $1.00 each. Use Maruchan Yakisoba Flavor .50/1 (3-31-10) SearsSS-1/3. Final Price: FREE!!!

Quaker Capn Crunch Cereal 15 to 16 oz., $1.99. Quaker Cereal, Oatmeal, Granola Bars or Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix or Syrup $3/5 – Bashas Store Coupon (2-23-10)
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Final Price: $1.39!!

Quaker Life Cereal 15 oz or Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal 16 oz., Quaker Cereal, Oatmeal, Granola Bars or Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix or Syrup $3/5 – Bashas Store Coupon (2-23-10)
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Final Price: $1.39!!

Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal 16 oz., $1.99. Use Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal, any box $1/1 (4-10-10) RP-2/14. Final Price: .99 each!!

S and W Beans 15 to 15.5 oz., $.50 each. Use S and W Beans, any variety cans .50/2 (4-14-10) RP-2/14. Final Price: 2/FREE!!!

Stokleys Canned Vegetables 14 to 15.25 oz., Final Price: .50 Each!!

Fry’s is having the same sale promotion as last week: Buy 10 Participating Products, Save $3!

Banquet Brown N Serve Sausage, 6.4-7oz ., Final Price:  .89!
*When you buy 10 participating products

Banquet Dinners, 5-10 oz., .69 each. Use Banquet Dinners $1/10 (2-21-10) SS-1/10. Final Price: .59 ea! *When you buy 10 participating products.

Chef Boyardee Pasta, 14.5-15oz or Microwave Cups, 7.5oz., .67 each. Use Chef Boyardee 15 oz. cans or 7.5 oz. microwaveable cups, any $1/5 (2-28-10) SS-1/10. Final Price: 47 each!! *When you buy 10 participating products

Pillsbury Grands Biscuits, 16.3oz., .89 each. Use Pillsbury Grands Refrigerated Biscuits, any size/variety .30/2 (3-6-10) GM-12/13 and (3-27-10) GeneralMills-1/3 and (3-27-10) GeneralMills-1/3 and (2-27-10) SS-12/6. Final Price: 69 each!! 
*When you buy 10 participating products

Purex Laundry Detergent, 32-44load Liquid or 52 load Fabric Softener, $2.19. Use Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent, any .35/1 (2-20-10) RP-1/10 . Final Price: $1.49 each!!
*When you buy 10 participating products

Ragu Pasta Sauce, 16-26oz., $1.28. Use Ragu Pasta Sauce, any .30/1 (2-28-10) RP-1/31. Final Price: .68 each! *When you buy 10 participating products .

Not part of the sale promo but still good deals are:

Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna, .44 each!!

All Coupons are worth $1.00 or more this week!

Bar-S Jumbo Meat Franks 16 oz., $1.25. Use Bar-S Products any $1/2 Here Print it twice. Final Price: .75 each!

Campbells Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup 10.75 oz., .50 each. Use Campbell’s Condensed Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soups .40/4 (3-15-10) DirectTVSS-1/3. Final Price: .25 each!

Campbells Select Harvest 18.6 to 18.8 oz., $1.00 each. Use Campbell’s Select Harvest Healthy Request Soups, Can or Bowl .50/2 (3-15-10) DirectTVSS-1/3 AND (4-30-10) SS-2/7. Final Price: .50 each!

Crest Toothpaste 4.6 to 6.4 oz., .99 each. Use Crest Toothpaste, any 4 oz. or larger or liquid gel .75/1 (2-28-10) PG-1/17 AND 75/1 (3-31-10) PG-2/7. Final Price: FREE!!!

General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch 17 oz or General Mills Cheerios 14 oz., $2.00 each. Use General Mills, Basic 4, Cheerios any, Chex any, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs any, Cookie Crisp any, Dora the Explorer, Fiber One any, Golden grahams, Honey Nut Clusters, Kix, Lucky Charmes any, Oatmeal Crisp any, Raisin Nut Bran, Reeses Puffs, Total any,Trix, Wheaties, any two DND DNT $1/2 (active) This Link-02/10 **Print it twice. Final Price: $1.50 each!

Progresso Vegetable Classics 18 to 19 oz., $1.00 each. use Progresso Soups, any flavor .50/2 (2-27-10) GeneralMills-1/3 AND (3-13-10) SS-1/17 AND (4-3-10) GeneralMills-2/7. Final Price: $50 each!!

S and W Beans 15 to 15.5 oz., .99 each. Use S and W Beans, any variety cans .50/2 (4-14-10) RP-2/14. Final Price: .49 each!

Safeway Chunk Light Tuna 5 oz., .50 each!!

Nabisco Premium Saltine Crackers 11 to 16.5 oz
Saturday and Sunday Only!
Limit 4. $1.29 Use 

Nabisco Crackers, any 6o z.-16.5 oz. $1/1 (3-31-10) SS-1/24. Final Price: .29 each!!!

Rice and Pasta 4 to 7.2 oz ., .75 each.
Saturday and Sunday Only!
Must Buy 4 or more to receive discount. Use Rice-A-Roni or Pasta Roni, any $1/3 (4-30-10) RP-1/3. Final Price: .42 each!!

Sprouts:

 PRODUCE
Apples- Braeburn or Fuji   .88/lb.!
Asparagus   .97/lb!
Avocados- Hass   .77 each!
Bell Peppers- Red or Gold   .88 each!
Broccoli Crowns   .88/lb.!
Lettuce- Red, Green or Romaine   .88 each!
Oranges- Navel   .88/lb.!
Sqaush- Acorn, Butternut or Spaghetti   .88/lb.!
Tomatoes- Large Vine Ripe   .77/lb~!

MEAT
Certifified Organic Ground Beef $3.99/lb.!! (Great price- normally twice that!!)

Chicken- Breast Tenders $2.99lb
Chicken- Breasts, bone-in .97lb
Pork- Italian Sausage $2.99lb
Pork- Loin Chops or Roast $1.77lb

BULK
Granola Bonanaza – 18 varieties to choose from $2.49/lb.
Pecan Halves $5.99/lb.
Chocolate Coated Cashews $4.99/lb.
Pitted Dates $2.99/lb.
Gummi Worms or Bears $1.49/lb.
Oats .50/lb.
Antioxidant Trail Mix $5.99/lb.

Boulder Potato Chips, 5 oz. $1.50 each!

Envirokidz Organic Cereal, 10-14 oz.: $2.99/box

Organic Valley Orange Juice, Eggs, and Milk are 25% off. Don’t forget to go HERE and sign up to get free coupons! Also, if you have the Mambo Sprouts coupon catalog for Winter 2010, there are coupons for $1.00 off Organic Valley soy milk, orange juice, and cheese!

Sunflower Markets:

 PRODUCE
Apples- Red, Golden Delicious or Granny Smith .99/lb.!
Bell Peppers- Red Large .88 each!
Broccoli- Bunched .88/lb.!
Carrots- Baby Peeled 2lb $2.00 each!
Celery- Bunched .88 each!
Grapefruit- Texas Rio Red: 8/$1.00 or.13 each!!
Lettuce- Red or Green Leaf .88 each!
Onions- Mild Red .50/lb.!
Oranges- Navel .49/lb.!

 Potatoes- Red .50/lb.!

Spinach- Bunched .88 each!
Beefsteak Tomatoes- .99/lb.!
Seedless Watermelon- .50/lb.!
Russet Potatoes- 10lb. bag $2.00 each!
 

MEAT

Happy Shopping!

Okay, so I have changed my outlook a bit and wanted to share. I have been struggling this past year with buying super great deals at the grocery store and saving money. How is that a struggle? Well I guess I would say it is more of a compromise of my beliefs in a lot of ways. I am buying products that are less quality because they are less expensive but it is at the cost of my family’s health. I personally think what we eat plays a HUGE part in our health and prevention or acceleration of disease and illness. I buy super cheap bread (.88 a loaf at Fry’s or .75 at Walmart) with the cost of high carbs and lots of sugar. I buy regular milk to save a few bucks instead of organic with the cost of added hormones and/or antibiotics in the milk . I buy regular meat at the grocery store to save some serious $$ with the cost of more hormones and antibiotics and the mistreatment of animals. I could go on and on…

This has been weighing heavily on my mind. I see myself with more headaches and belly fat than ever before. I see my husband gaining weight. And, I see my son shun veggies more and more because I provide such a small assortment now. For me, I cannot live this way of frugality without considering what the true long-term effects will be. For a year I have been shopping with saving the most money in mind and our health secondary.

Balance is what I am striving for.

So, I have decided that I am going to attempt to buy healthier while still maintaining a very tight budget. A tight budget for me could be different for you: I would still like to spend no more than $50 a week on all food, toiletries, household, and pet items per week for a household of 3 people with 3 pets. Can I do it? I don’t know but I am sure gonna try! I don’t figure I will be able to buy all organic and super healthy right out of the gate. I might never be able to because it might just cost too much. But, I am willing to try and explore and see what I can do within my budget.

This week I have managed to spend $54.00. So, $4.00 over budget. I bought organic apples, carrots and green lettuce. I also purchased organic milk, tofu, and chicken nuggets. The apples were .77/lb., cheaper than regular apples in the produce section!  The whole, unpeeled carrots were .88 a bag at Sprouts (not a sale price). I think that is pretty good considering that I normally pay $1.00 for baby peeled carrots. Organic tofu is only .20-.40 more a package. There is, however, quite the mark up for organic milk vs. regular milk. The chicken nuggets were $5.99 for a very small box but I think this is the way to go for my son and his nutrition. I wonder if they taste good? He will have to let me know. I digress! I also bought napa cabbage, a bag of potatoes, whole grain bread, no nitrate/preservative added kielbasa, 5 boxes of pasta, and butter. None of those items were organic but I figure even if half or close to half of what we consume is organic, it is better for us compared to nothing at all. The prices were, frankly, stupid for organic potatoes and butter. Seriously. Stupid. Finally, I was able to buy pet supplies including canned cat food and cat litter. Oh, and yes, there were also 2 bottles of soda in that $54.00. Hey, we all have our vices, right?

So, dinner menu plan for the week:

Monday- Tomato soup and grilled cheese sammies.

Tuesday- Kielbasa and napa w/ rice for hubby, tofu with rice for me, and chicken nuggets w/ rice for son. Canned corn and/or green beans on the side.

Wednesday- Hamburgers with french fries. Veggie burger for moi.

Thursday- Breakfast for dinner: pancakes from scratch and sausage (v. sausage for me). My 8 year old niece told me that is so not cool. ::sigh::

Friday- Fried fish for hubby, tofu and rice for me, and kielbasa or chick nuggets w/ rice for son. Veggies on the side.

Saturday- Mac n cheese, leftovers, etc.

Sunday- Leftovers,use up any fresh veggies and fruits.

So, there ya go. This is the challenge/goal/plan thus far: buy as healthy as I can buy but be realistic and stay within my budget as well. I think it will be an interesting juggling act. I will not be getting any extra items on sale this week to stock up on or even an extra sweet or bag of chips. That is gonna hurt.We will be eating less. but I don’t think that is a bad thing. It is the whole quantity vs. quality thing right there.  But, we will see what we can do and how we manage.

Here are the deals in the Tucson area for the week of 02/03 – 02/09:

Fry’s is still having the Buy 10, save $5 deal going on this week! Most of the deals are the same. I have them listed below:

 Fry’s is having a Mix and Match Sale this week. Buy 10 participating items and save $5!! Combine this sale event with coupons and you can get some fantastic deals! You just need to make sure to buy 10 participating products to receive the $5 off. Here are some deals listed below:

Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, 12oz., $1.69. Go HERE  and sign up to print coupons. You should be able to print 2. FYI-I tried this website but my browser is not supported    :( Final Price: .19 each (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

French’s Yellow Mustard, 14oz or Honey Mustard, 12oz., $1.69. Go HERE  and sign up to print coupons. You should be able to print 2. FYI-I tried this website but my browser is not supported. OR Use French’s Classic Yellow Mustard .50/1 (3-31-10) SS-1/24 OR Use French’s Spicy Brown, Honey Mustard or Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce .50/1 (3-31-10) SS-1/24   Final Price: .19 each (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

 Hormel Chili with Beans, 15oz. ,  $1.29. Use Hormel Chili with Beans, 15oz. Final Price: .29 each(after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

 Hunt’s Tomatoes, 10-14.5oz., .99 Final Price: .49 each(after Buy 10 Promo)!!

I Can’t Believe Its Not Butter, 8-16oz., $1.49 each. Use I Cant Believe Its Not Butter product, any .75/2 (2-7-10) RP-11/15 and I Cant Believe Its Not Butter Sticks, any $1/1 (2-7-10) RP-11/15. Final Price: FREE – .49 each (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Shapes, 5.5oz., .99 each. Use Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, 7.25 oz. or smaller excluding Kraft Organic Macaroni and Cheese, Buy 3 boxes Get 1 FREE up to $1.49 (1-31-10) SS-12/13. Final Price: .37 each(after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

Kraft Shredded or Bar Cheese, 5.8-8oz, or 10.7-12oz Singles, $1.49 each, Use Kraft or Cracker Barrel Natural Cheese, shreds or chunks, any two packages $1/2 (active) Group A-01/22 *Print it twice* AND Use Save $1.00/2 packages of Kraft or Cracker Barrel Natural Cheese (bar or shredded) (2/28/10) ss 1/24. FINAL PRICE: .99 each(after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

Philadelphia Cream Cheese, 8oz., $1.49 each. Go HERE and print out coupons for cream cheese. Final Price: $1.00 each!

Sargento Shredded or Deli Slices, 5-8oz., $1.99 each. There is a coupon in the Nov issue of All You for Sargento Natural Deli Style Sliced Cheese, 5oz or larger .55/1 (exp?). Final Price: .49 each(after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

Solo Tableware. $1.99 each. Use Solo Cup, Plate or Bowl, any .75/1 (3-31-10) SS-1/24 and  Solo Cups, Plates or Bowls $1/1 (2-28-10) SS-12/6. Final Price: .49 each(after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

Go HERE for Kraft coupons for Capri Sun $1.49 each (WYB10). After the $1/2 coupon they will be $1.00 each!

Kleenex $1.49 each. Use :Kleenex Facial Tissue .50/3 or one Bundle pack (1-31-10) SS-12/6  OR Kleenex Facial Tissue, 10pk, 110-ct, Target Only, $1.00/1 (2-5-10) DirectTVSS-1/3 OR Kleenex Facial Tissue, any 3 packages or 1 bundle pack .50/1 (2-28-10) DirectTVSS-1/3 . Final Price: $1.97/3 (.65 each) (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, $1.99. Use Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, any boxes $1/2 (2-13-10) RP-1/3. Final Price: $1.98/2 (.99 each) (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!!

Nabisco Snack Crackers $2.88 each. Use Nabisco Crackers, any 5 oz.-16 oz. $1/2 (1-31-10) SS-12/13 OR Nabisco Crackers, any 6o z.-16.5 oz. $1/1 (3-31-10) SS-1/24. Final Price: $.88 –  $1.38 (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!! 

Fiber One Bars, $2.49 each. Use Fiber One Bars, any flavor/variety .50/1 (2-27-10) GeneralMills-1/3. Final Price: $.99 (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!! 

Krusteaz Muffin or Cookie Mix, $1.99 ea. Use Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mix $1/1 (2-28-10) SS-12/6. Final Price: $.49 for the cookie mix (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!! 

Electrasol Detergent, $3.49 ea. Use (**If this variety is included) Finish Quantum, Powerball Tabs or Gelpacs $2.50/1 (1-31-10) DirectTVSS-1/3. Final Price: $.49 (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!! 

Sobe Lifewater is .99 ea. Click HERE to get B1G1 Free Sobe Lifewater making these .24 – FREE! Make sure to use the back button on your broswer so you can print twice!

 Velveeta Mac & Cheese is on sale for .99 each. Go HERE (again!) and print off 2 of the Velveeta Mac and Cheese coupons. It should make it .98/2!! 

Quilted Northern 12 double roll, $5.99 ea. Use Quilted Northern Soft and Strong or Ultra Plush Bath Tissue 6-Double Roll or Larger $1/1 (3-7-10) RP-1/24. Final Price: $4.49 ea (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!! 

Brawny 6-8 roll, $5.49. Use Brawny Paper Towels 6-Big Roll or Larger $1/1 (3-7-10) RP-1/24. Final Price: $4.49 ea (after Buy 10 Promo and coupons)!! 

****Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crakcers are .88 each! Use this link HERE and you can print 2 coupons. That makes them FREE!! My son will be very happy

Not part of the buy 10 promo but still good deals this week are:

Wholly Guacamole, 7oz. First 4. $1.00 each. Use Wholly Guac or Wholly Salsa Product $1/1 (2-28-10) SearsSS-1/3. Final price: FREE!!

Sweet CA Navel Oranges, .33/lb.!

Mangos 2/$1!

Roma Tomatoes $1/lb!

Organic Avocados, $1 each!

Bar S Jumbo Meat Franks, .67 ea. First 4. Go HERE to register and get $1/2 coupons. Final Price: .34/2!!!

Roma Tomatoes, 2 lbs./$1!!

Hass Avocados 3/$1!!

Pork Spareribs, sold in a twin pack. First 1.  .99/lb.!!

 Boneless Top Sirloin, Valu Pack, Limit 2. $1.89/lb.!!

Shocker Coupon: Blue Bunny Ice Cream 1.5 qt. $1.88 with coupon and additional $25 purchase. Click HERE to sign up and print $1.00 off coupon. Final Price: .88!!

Seven- 7-UP, RC or A & W 2 liters. MUST Buy 4. .69 each!! with coupon and additional $25 purchase.

Nabisco Snack Crackers 6 to 10 oz., $1.88 ea. Use Nabisco Crackers, any 6o z.-16.5 oz. $1/1 (3-31-10) SS-1/24. Final Price: .88 each!!

All Coupons are worth at least $1.00!!

Hass Avocados 3/$.99!!

Broccoli Crowns, .68/lb.!!

Rancher’s Reserve Whole Beef top Sirloin, $1.99/lb.!!

Ragu Pasta Sauce 16 to 26 oz., $1.25 ea. Use Ragu Pasta Sauce, any .30/1 (2-28-10) RP-1/31. Final Price: .25 each!!!

There are a ton of In-Ad coupons available this week. IF you spend a minimum of $10 you can get some decent deals on mayo, sour cream, cream cheese, etc. Be sure to shop on the weekend to maximize the use of the coupons!

Every penny counts, right? I thought I would post a small list of easy ways you can save a little at the grocery store. A little bit here and there does add up to a lot!

 Just some quick tips and hints on how to save  some pennies at the grocery store:

BYOB -Bring your own bags. Most grocery stores offer .5  cents off per reusable bag you bring in. Don’t have any cloth bags? Bring in plastic ones, old purses, and diaper bags. I even use a gift bag that was given to my son for his birthday. It is made of some type of sturdy material and holds quite a bit!

Check the day old section.Normally the day old section is found near the dairy items in the store. Items can include bread, pies, cookies, and cakes. I have seen the area in Fry’s and Walmart and peruse the items often. I typically find at Walmart french bread or a baguette for .59 cents or less! Fry’s often has bakery goods discounted at 50% off. Also, at Fry’s they typically have a discounted refrigerated section with cookie dough, cheese, and yogurt. Combine the discounts with coupons and you can get a really great deal! Just be sure to use or freeze before the expiration date. I know Bashas’ does not offer discounted bakery items because they donate it to the local food bank. Love them!

Use your Grocery Card! This is by far the simplest way to save some $ at the grocery store. You can sign up online and register your card. You can load up e-coupons on the grocery store website along with Shortcuts and Cellfire. By signing up the stores use your shopping info to track trends and whatnot. Typically, you will get paper coupons in the mail as well along with special notices of sales, etc. Also, many grocery stores offer fuel discounts at their gas stations. I save .10 cents a gallon every time I fill up. That adds up for sure!

Here are links to stores that have grocery cards:

Safeway.com

Frys.com

Bashas’.com

Happy Shopping!

I

Well, this week has been interesting budget-wise. Earlier this week the coffee decanter decided to break. So that took an immediate $16+ out of my $50 budget for the week. Because I would be a raging B without my morning coffee. Seriously, take away my coffee and see how pissy I get! I was able to use a gift card for Walmart to pay for some of my groceries.  If I do not factor the $13.03 spent on the gift card, I would be .17 cents under budget. If I do factor  the gift card money spent, I went $12.86 OVER. Wahhh Wahhh Wahhh. I am disappointed but will try to do better next week and make up for the difference.::sigh:: I am glad and grateful I had the gift card to depend on but I am bummed that I still could not make it under the $50 goal. I will set my budget for next week at $37.14. Wish me luck!

I am still doing a menu plan for lunches and dinners. I loathe making them. I am not sure why it stresses me out so much but I do know after the initial effort it makes my week miles easier when I just have to look at the menu to see what to make. I was watching a report on the news where a woman creates a menu plan for every day of the week for lunches and dinner FOR THE WHOLE YEAR! I think I am in awe and I think she may be a little wonky- just sayin’. Here is to next week being UNDER BUDGET

Here is a link to a mail-in offer from Con Agra. Purchase $10 worth of ConAgra products (includes, Kid Cuisine, RoTel, Banquet, Crunch ‘n Munch, Manwich, Chef Boyardee, Peter Pan, and Hunt’s) and you will receive $25.00 in coupons! Great Deal! The printable form is in .pdf format. If you do not have Adobe installed on your computer you can download it HERE for free. Happy Shopping!

AllYou/ConAgra

** Has anyone tried printing this? I have tried printing it on two printers using only black ink and it does not print well at all. Just wondering if anyone has had better luck than me.

This is the time of year to buy Christmas presents! What?! Yep, right now stores are marking down their toys that are left over from Christmas. This recession has hit stores hard and I do not think the sales are as good as in years’ past but there are still deals to be had.

If you head to Target, make sure to check out their toy section. Right now they should have their toys marked down in the clearance section anywhere from 75-90% off! That is a HUGE DEAL!! Last year I was able to get most of my Christmas shopping done in January at Target. What a great feeling!

Bath & Body Works will probably have their travel size toiletries on sale as well from $1 up.

Check out Walmart (I saw toys on clearance there although not as good of a deal as Target), Toys R Us, KMart, Family Dollar and Big Lots for deep discounts on left over toys.

I am not going shopping this year ::sigh:: as we do not have the cash to do it right now. I figure what is the point of buying toys at such a deep discount if I am going to pay with a credit card and carry a balance? Kind of defeats the deal, doesn’t it? If you go, it is smart to have a list of who you need to buy for, a price point so you do not go over, and ideas for each person on your list. That way you stay within your budget and do not buy excess. It is a great time of year to go and stock up on Birthday presents as well!

Happy Shopping!

Happy New Year!

I don’t know about you but I am so glad 2009 is done!

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? I like to call them goals so I don’t overwhelm myself or set myself up for failure . I do have some including the usual like exercising more and eating healthier. The biggest goal I have for 2010, however, is to get our personal debt under control. I figure there is no better place to keep track, post, and update this monstrous goal than here!

We have an insane amount of credit card debt and a small student loan to pay off on top of a mortgage and car loans. Yikes! Just writing that all out is humbling and stressful! But, we do want to get on top of it and reduce our debt significantly this year.

So, how to do this? Well we need to reduce the amount of money spent so we can throw the extra at our credit cards. I am so sick of paying interest to these companies who frankly do not give a crap about us. It seems every month we are getting a notice that our credit card interest is going up and our limit is being reduced. Nevermind that we have not once been late in payments in 9+ years and we have always paid off our debt.

The first way I can think of doing this ties into this website: reducing our monthly grocery bill by at least 50%. Typically, for our family of three including two cats and a hamster we spend $400- $500 a month on groceries. This includes all food items and non-food items such as toiletries , pet supplies, etc. So, I want to reduce out grocery bill to no more than $200 a month….Can I do it?

I think I can. I know I can. The concern is can we do it while still maintaining a healthy diet with fresh whole food? I am sure we could live off of Raamen and potato chips but I do not want to feel like sh!t. Eating that kind of food all of the time will ensure that. YUCK.

So, I am going to start posting my plan for sticking to $50 a week for 3 people and 3 pets while eating healthy foods. It seems like a huge goal but the mountain of debt we have is a great motivator! I want to be out of debt more than I want to spend more money on groceries, eating out, etc. I plan to document all of this here while also continuing to post Deals of the Week, coupons, freebies, etc. Wish us luck!