A Small Trip Riddled With Errors

So I had to venture out to the Dom's on Friday to use my $5 off q that I ranted about in the last post.  I thought I would make a quick stop at the Jewel too for some (what was supposed to be) cheap lunch meat.  Here is what I picked up on my quick little jaunt that proved to be anything but easy since my little one decided he was gonna be in a mood.  Big thanks to the deli lady who gave him two fistfuls of cheese to snack on...while I appreciated the momentary silence (as I am sure the other shoppers did as well) I had to up his dose of Benefiber for the day:)

Dominick's:

• 1 Dannon Oikos Blueberry Greek Yogurt = FREE with J4U personalized deal q
• 2 Gatorade $1.54 with J4U personalized pricing
• 2.5 lbs Red Grapes $3.11 with J4U personallized pricing $1.29/lb
• 3 boxes Kellogg's Eggo Wafflers $6.00 with Dominick's Deal Match.  Used $1/3 printable = $5.00

So the $5.00 frozen food coupon that I talked about in the last post was a Dom's in-store q good on only "NEW" frozen food items.  So I went back to redeem it before it expired and was met with more Dom's nonsense....so one would think since they are promoting these "NEW" frozen foods, of which there is supposed to be like 200+, they would have them clearly marked on the shelves.  Well....I saw one, ONE, tag indicating a new item.  So I had to make assumptions again as to what items were "NEW".  I went with the Eggos as they had "NEW" printed on the box...using logic here, which doesn't always prevail at the Doms.  Well, I was shocked.  This time it actually did....every dog finds a bone once and a while.

My end total for Dom's was $4.84.  If I was thinking, I would have grabbed one more box of Eggos and picked up another q for free milk....but I wasn't and I didn't:(  I saved a total of 12.53 in q's, deal match and J4U personalized prices.  Hopefully, I don't have the urge to venture over there again anytime soon.  I have had my Dom's fill!

Next stop, Jewel:

• 1/2 lb DiLusso Hard Salami $3.79.  Used $1/1 q - $2.79
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Mesquite Turkey $3.99.  Used $1/1 q = $2.99
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Muenster Cheese $3.99.  Used in-store q for 1/2 lb free DiLusso cheese when you buy a 1/2 lb of DiLusso meat = FREE  plus I used $1/1 q = $1 OVERAGE (Jewel allows you to use a manufacturer q on free items)
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Provolone Cheese $4.07.  Used $1/1 q = $3.07
• 1 jar Jewel Pickles $3.49
• 2 Bags Jay's Potato Chips $5.00
• 1 Gallon Jewel Milk $3.49

So.....I didn't realize it until I got home....but, the cashier missed my second in-store q for free cheese and didn't enter it, thus failing to save me an extra $3.99.  Needless to say, I was a bit peeved...and still am....$4 is $4!  I am to blame as well for not paying closer attention.  By the time we had reached the check out, Logan ran out of cheese and was back to having some mini meltdowns....what can I say, I was distracted and it cost me $4!

Anyways, I also used my q for free milk that I got at the Dom's a few days before, the $1 OYNO q I got at the Meijer from the Gerber baby food, the $2 RR I got from Wags and a $5 OYNO I had got from the Jewel the week before for doing a Proctor and Gamble deal that I never blogged for a end total of $8.59.  If the cashier hadn't of missed my second free cheese q, my total would have only been $4.58.  C'est la vie I guess....

I saved a total of $19.48 at the Jewel and spent a grand total of $13.43 between the two stores.  It could have been better...but then again, it could have been worse.  

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!  The weather here is spectacular:)

Cereal, Cereal and More Cereal

I think I am almost fully stocked up on cereal.  I have about 24 boxes in my stockpile right now...almost enough for a three month supply in our house....I like to keep between 2 and 3 dozen when I can.  Not only do my kiddos love cereal, but it is a must for me in the mornings as I am always running late to get the kiddos to school and this is a quick, easy breakfast that usually no one complains about....usually:)

Here is what I picked up on Friday at the Jewel:

• 8 lbs Naval Oranges $3.98
• 5 lbs Idaho Potatoes $1.29 with in-ad coupon
• 1 Gallon Skim Milk $3.50.  Used Cat for free milk that I got the week before = $1 MONEYMAKER...the coupon scanned at the max value of $4.50 and the cashier gave me the overage
• 2.25 lbs Red Grapes $2.92
• 1-24ct Eggo Waffles $4.29.  Used a Jewel q I received in the mail for $3/$3 of frozen food items = $1.29
• 2 bags Jay's Chips $5.00

My OOP was only $11.78..not too bad for fresh fruit, milk and some other randoms.

On Saturday, the hubs and I hit up the Meijer for their one day sale to pick up some cheap cereal and other misc items.  Here is what we took home:

• 10 boxes Kellogg's cereal $19.90 after Meijer instant savings of $5.00 for buying 10 Kellogg's items. Used 2 printables for $5/5 = $9.90.  
• 2.25 lbs Bananas $1.28
• 1 bunch parsley $0.89
• 1 head lettuce $0.99
• 2 limes $0.34
• 2 large avocados $3.78
• 1 bag salad $1.99
• 1 container cherry tomatoes $2.99.  Used printable for .55/1 = $2.44
• 1 jar Pepperoncini peppers $2.29
• 2 lbs Krakus Deli Ham $7.22
• 1 package flour tortillas $0.99
• 1 jar Meijer salsa $0.99
• 2 International Delight Creamers $5.58.  Used 2 printables $1/1 and an mPerks q $1/2 = $2.58

In case you were wondering....tonight is taco night at our house and I needed some odds and ends along with my deals to make a yummy dinner.  My total OOP was $36.52 and I saved a total of $18.55 in q's and promos.  My kiddos were stoked when we got home and they saw that I had picked up some Cocoa Krispies...all is well in the world:)

A Few More Boxes Of Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Nothing too stellar last week to grab at the Jewel...but I did manage to pick up some cheap pork roasts and a couple other random items...so here you go, nothing to exciting.

• 3 Bottles Jewel Apple Juice $3.87 with in-ad coupon
• 1 Jar Jewel Hamburger Chips $3.49
• 2 Hormel Pork Roasts $13.42.  Used in store q B1G1 = $6.92
• 3 packages Jewel Chunk Cheese $5.00.  Used 3 q's from the Jewel game pieces .25/1 = $4.25
• 6 Fage Greek Yogurt $6.00.  Used a rain check from a previous sale
• 3 Cinnamon Frosted Toast Crunch $7.50.  Used 3 printables $1/1 = $4.50
• 1 box Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks $2.50.  Used .50/1 = $2.00

The fruit snacks and cereal were not a stellar price on their own, but after purchasing all four in a single transaction I got back a $2 OYNO Cat and a q for a free gallon of milk...the value of which was $6.50...the same amount that I put out...so it turns out to be a wash.  I will take breaking even any day:)  I also used a Jewel q I got in the mail for $3/$30 purchase q to help bring my total down as well.  I saved a total of $19.30 with q's and my rain check and spent $28.64 plus I got back $6.50 to use on a future shopping trip...an o.k. day:)

A Taste of Double Coupons

Life has been crazy around here.  My kiddos cannot seem to get a break from all the sick bugs going around.     It has been one thing after another with these guys since before Christmas.  I am hoping we are nearing the end of this roller coaster.  I am exhausted and tired of cleaning up the messes and the laundry that seems to be going hand in hand with all these bugs...this last week took the cake and I am just plain sick and tired of everyone being sick and tired.  It was hard to get my grocery shopping done in between all the illness, but I managed to snatch up a couple of things.  I didn't want to miss out on the double coupons Jewel was doing...especially because that happens very rarely around these parts.

No one is my area doubles coupons on a regular basis.  Once and a while, stores will do promotions where they will allow you to double a certain amount of coupons up to a set dollar value.  KMart used to do this fairly often, but have reduced the frequency and upped the restrictions to the point where it just isn't worth it to me to take part in the nonsense...especially since I don't have any KMart's particularly close to me.

Last week, Jewel ran a promotion Sunday through Wednesday that allowed customers to double up to five coupons a day if you were able to get your hands on and clip the promotional "Twice the Value" coupons in their Sunday flier.  If you didn't get your hands on those little, golden tickets...double coupons weren't going to be in your shopping future and getting the flier wasn't a given.  Not all of the Chicago Tribune inserts had this flier.  I wish I knew the rhyme or reason behind it...but I don't.  I get two Sunday Tribunes delivered...one had the insert, one did not.  Luckily, the hubs stopped at the dollar store close to work and grabbed me three papers there that all had them.  Jewel had quite the uproar from its customers in regards to the coupons not being made available to all shoppers and decided to release a printable version of these q's on Tuesday...someone didn't think that promotion out.

Here is what I picked up on my four trips to the Jewel.  I did get better deals than I should have because the checkers didn't enter the coupons correctly.  I did try to tell them that they were giving me more than they should have (yes...I am an honest couponer...doing shady things gives everyone a bad name and it is fraud) but they just looked at me like I had a third eye and could care less about what I was saying.  You can only do so much.

1.29.12

• 5 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch $10.00.  Used 4 printables .60/1, 1 printable .50/1 and 5 Jewel Twice the Value q's $1/1 = $2.19 

They are only supposed to double up to the amount of the manufacturer q...but this was one of those cases where the checker did it wrong and didn't care when I told him he was giving me too much.  So ....I took home some really cheap Cinnamon Toast Crunch to two happy kiddos.

1.30.12

• 10 packages Vanity Fair Napkins $21.89.  Used 5 manufactured q's $1/2 and 5 Jewel Twice the Value q's $1/1 = $11.89.

Vanity Fair napkins are another one of my brand loyalties.  I love them because they are nice and thick and don't tear when my kiddos wipe their filthy little hands on them:)  When I can snatch them up for a dollar a package before tax, I am all over it!

1.31.12

• 2 Coffeemate Creamers $4.00.  Used 2 manufacturer q's .50/1 and 2 Jewel Twice the Value q's $1/1 = $1.00
• 3 Mr. Clean Magic Erasers $7.77.  Used 3 manufacturer q's $1/1 and 3 Jewel Twice the Value q's $1/1 = $2.77

This was another case of the checker ringing in the Twice the Value q's wrong...she gave me a dollar for my coffeemate q's instead of only the $0.50 I should have gotten.

2.1.12

• 5 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch $10.00.  Used 5 printables .50/1 and 5 Jewel Twice the Value q's .50/1 = $5.13

My total OOP for my little doubler extravaganza was $ 22.98.  Not bad for 10 boxes of cereal, 10 packages of napkins, 2 creamers and 3 Magic Erasers.  I was a happy camper:)

I'm Back....

So it has been FOREVER since I have had time to sit down and blog my little couponing adventures.  Life has been crazy busy around here with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, arrivals of little ones and some big changes to come and plan for around our house.

The holidays are always a hard time for me to keep up on my couponing.  As much as it pains me, something always has to give around the holidays and it is usually my couponing.  November and December usually gives way to diminished stockpiles and increased grocery bills.  Trying to keep up with all of the baking, gift giving and holiday events just takes its toll and lesser things get pushed aside....that is were my deals suffer:(  But don't worry, my bestie and I did venture out on Black Friday and grabbed up some good deals and even made a little article in the local paper about all of us Black Friday crazies...lol.

Now that January is here and things have settled down slightly, I am back to work at replenishing my pantries and looking for some good deals...if I don't find a good cereal deal pronto my kiddos may have a mini-meltdown:)

Early this week, I ventured out to Meijer and Jewel for some deals to start packing the pantry again.  Meijer is on my poo-poo list lately as they keep altering my coupons to lesser values despite there being no overage....a flaw in their system that is about to make steam blow out of my ears!

Here is what I picked up this week for a total OOP of $55.29 and a total savings of $48.06...not too bad:)

First stop was Meijer, and I had to do two transactions...

Transaction #1:

• 3 bottles of Kikkoman Soy Sauce $5.00.  Used 3 $1/1 q's = $2.00
• 16 jars Beech-Nut Stage 2 Baby Food $$6.40.  Used mPerks q $2/16 and printable $2/16 = $2.40

My total for the transaction was $4.64and I saved $7 in q's.  I got back a $2.00 CAT for the Kikkoman sauce and a $3.00 CAT for the baby food making this a $0.60 MONEYMAKER before tax....FREE FOOD.  I like to use the soy sauce in different marinades...especially on flank steaks on the grill.

Transaction #2:

• 16 jars Beech-Nut Stage 2 Baby Food $$6.40.  Used mPerks q $2/16 and printable $2/16 = $2.40
• 2 lbs bananas $1.19
• 1 bunch cilantro $.89
• 1 lime $0.34
• 3 lbs apples $3.49
• 2 cans kidney beans $1.58
• 6 cans Spaghetti-O's $3.60.  Used mPerks q $1/6 and 2 .40/3 = $1.80
• 2 Kraft Cheese Slices $4.00.  Used .55/2 = $3.45
• 6 Kleenex Cold Touch Cubes $7.50.  Used 6 .50/1 = $4.50
• 3 boxes Kool-Aid Jammers $5.00.  Used mPerks q $1/3 = $4.00
• 3 Kraft Handi-Snaks $5.00.  Used $3/3 (the computer adjusted it down to $2.67) and mPerks $1/3 = $1.33
• 2 Kraft Shredded Cheese $4.00.  Used .55/2 = $3.45

The total was $25.15, I saved $18.97 in q's and I got back another $3 CAT for the Beech-Nut baby food....another $0.60 MONEYMAKER and more free baby food.

Last stop was at the Jewel.  Here is what I picked up:

• 4 Pasta Prima Ravioli B1G1 $8.58.  Used 4 $1.50/1 printables = $2.58
• 8 Old Orchard Frozen Juice Concentrates $10.  USed 4 B1G1 printables = $5.00
• 4 Jewel Ready-To-Eat Soup $7.56
• 1 Jar Jewel pickles $3.49
• 2 Ken's Dressing $3.34.  Used 2 $1/1 = $1.34
• 3 Canned Jewel French Cut Green Beans B2G1 = $1.58
• 3lbs Yellow Onions $1.00
• 6 Campbell's Tomato Soup B2G1 = $3.16
• 8 piece Jewel Fried Chicken $6.99
• 1 Jewel Donut $.69.  Used q for free donut = FREE

My end total was $25.50 after using the $8.00 worth of CATS I had just gotten back at the Meijer.  I saved a total of $22.09 in q's at the Jewel.

I just picked up some cheap Tide (one of my brand loyalties) at the Jewel for $2.99 for a 50 ounce bottle.  The sale only runs for 3 days and there is a limit of 2 per day per customer...so I will have to stop 2 days in a row, but it is worth it to me for cheap Tide:)

Back For More

On Saturday (GASP), I ventured back to the Jewel to get another round of Tide.  The price was just too good to pass up.   I had used all my cats from my previous trips, but my end cost was only $15.61 OOP for four boxes.  They were $5.49/box and I used 4 manufacturer q's for $2/1.

Next, I went down the way to Meijer.  I have to admit that shopping on a Saturday wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I don't plan on making it a habit.  I much prefer shopping during the week when the crowds are slower and the shelves tend to be stocked.  Out of all the stores I regulary shop at, I feel that my Meijer does the best job of keeping the shelves stocked...especially on sale items.  Here is what I picked up for a total of $50.69.  Not my cheapest or best shopping on this day...I was a bit disappointed with my end OOP, but such is life (at least I got some beer to wash back the tears:).

I had to do two transactions to utilize all of my mPerks q's.

Transaction #1:

• 2 Chi-Chi's tortillas $3.78.  Used 2 .50/1 = $2.78
• 1 Hormel Natural Lunchmeat $2.50.  Used mPerks q B2 Chi-Chi's tortillas, G1 lunchmeat free = FREE
• 20 Yoplait Light Yogurt $10.00.  Used 2 printables .60/8 and 1 .40/4 = $8.40.  Got back a $2.00 OYNO cat.
• 2-2 ct. boxes Barber Chicken Cordon Bleu = $7.00.  Used 2 printablews $1/1 and mPerks q $1/2 = $4.00.

Transaction #2:

• 1 bunch parsley $.69
• 1 lemon $0.67
• 1 dozen x-large eggs $1.74
• 12 packages M&M's $8.88.  Used 6 .75/1 = $4.38.  (The peanut ones have a movie ticket promo on them and I have only entered one code and won $3.00 off my next movie ticket...I have almost made my money back and I have special treats for the boys for vacay)
• 1 package organic mushrooms $2.00
• 2 packages Red Star yeast $1.98
• 1-6 pack Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss $7.79
• 4 Eckrich Sausage $9.16.  Used 2 $1/2 = $7.16
• 1 pint blueberries $1.50
• 4 Old Orchard Natural Blends Cranberry Juice $6.67.  Used 4 printables $1/1 = $2.67
• 2-2 ct. boxes Barber Chicken Cordon Bleu = $7.00.  Used 2 printablews $1/1 and mPerks q $1/2 = $4.00.

I also used the $2.00 cat I got from the previous order.  I saved a total of $31.47 in clipped q's at Jewel and Meijer and over $53.00 if you include the preferred card savings and store promos.  There's always next week...

The Tide Has Come In...

Jewel has a little Catalina extravaganza going on over there this week, so I made a pit-stop Friday night to pick up some of the goodies along with some of the 3-day promos, particularly the Tide (we all know how loyal I am to Tide).  Here is what I picked up for $21.54 OOP:

I had to do three transactions to maximize my cats and use them all up so I could pay as little OOP as possible.  

Transaction #1:

• 3 boxes Pop-Tarts $5.00.  Used printable q $2/3 = $3.00.  Got back $1.00 Cat
• 4 tubes Crest toothpaste $6.00.  Used 4 .75/1 = $3.00.  Got back 2 $1.00 and 1 $2.00 Cat for a $1.00 MONEYMAKER
• 2-4 pack Danimals yogurt = $4.00.  Used 2 $1/1 = $2.00.  Got back $1.00 Cat

Total was $8.61 with $6.00 back in Cats.

Transaction #2:

• 3 boxes Pop-Tarts $5.00.  Used printable q $2/3 = $3.00.  Got back $1.00 Cat
• 4 tubes Crest toothpaste $6.00.  Used 4 .75/1 = $3.00.  Got back 2 $1.00 and 1 $2.00 Cat for a $1.00 MONEYMAKER
• 2 Fresh Express bagged Romaine Salad $2.56.  Used 2 $1/1 printables (no longer available) = $0.56
• 1 Fresh Express bagged Spinach Salad $1.28. Used $1/1 printable (no longer available) = $0.28
• Bunch of bananas = $1.24

Used $6.00 from the previous transaction and got back another $5.00 in Cats.  Paid $2.71 OOP.

Transaction #3:

• 4-40 load Tide powder detergent $21.96.  Used 4 $2/1 q's = $13.96

Used $5.00 in Cats from the previous transaction.  Total OOP $10.22 (stinking tax)....not bad for 160 loads of Tide.  

I have no qualms with using the powder.  I feel it cleans just as well as the liquid and I never have an issue with it not dissolving.  Since I went pretty late in the day, I was only able to pick up 4 boxes because the shelves were already empty.  I think I will go back tomorrow and pick up 4 more....even without the $5.00 in Cats to knock the price down, $13.96 is a good price for 160 loads of Tide.  I didn't really need the toothpaste, but since they were going to give me $2.00 to take home 8 tubes, I couldn't pass it up...now I am stocked for about a year...I think we will need all that toothpaste with the plethora of Pop-Tarts that has come our way.

Bribes (Snack) Stock-Up

I just love when Catalina deals come along and allow me to stock up on items I would normally never buy for very little OOP.  The lure of new goodies makes for excellent leverage in the bribe department.  If I had gotten to the store and done the deal before they ended on Wednesday, I would have picked all of this up for the same price plus 5 free gallons of milk.  It's true what they say, You snooze, you lose. 

Anyways, here is what I picked up over two days at my favorite Jewel for a grand total of only $13.32 after all my cats and q's plus I had $7.00 left over in cats to buy some butter and buttermilk for another round of cupcakes and some fried chicken from the deli for dinner since my stove was temporarily out of service...that's a long story that ended up with two 911 calls to the fire department, a Carbon Monoxide meter, a cleaning and tuning of the stove and a new carbon monoxide/fire alarm.

Here was my first trip to the Jewel...I had to do three transactions:

Transaction #1:

• 4 boxes Nature Valley Granola Thins $10.00.  Used 4 .75/1 = $7.18.  Got back $7.00 in cats.

Transaction #2:

• 4 boxes Nature Valley Granola Thins $10.00.  Used 1 .75/1 and 3 .50/1 plus the $7.00 in cats from the previous order = $0.93.  Got back $7.00 in cats.

Transaction #3

• 4 boxes Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies $10.00.  Used 4 .75/1 printables and $7.00 in cats from the previous order = FREE.  Got back $7.00 in cats.
• 2 bags Jay's potato chips $4.00.  Used $1/2 = $3.25

I had to go back to the Jewel to pick up the butter, buttermilk and chicken for dinner, so I did the deal two more times:

Transaction #1:

• 4 boxes Nature Valley Granola Thins $10.00.  Used 4 .60/1 printables plus the $7.00 in cats from the previous day's order = $0.78.  Got back $7.00 in cats.

Transaction #2:

• 4 boxes Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies $10.00.  Used 4 .50/1 printables and $7.00 in cats from the previous order = $1.18.  Got back $7.00 in cats.

Transaction #3:

• 2 lbs unsalted butter = $7.38
• 1 pint buttermilk = $1.39
• 8 piece fried chicken = $5.99

Used $7.00 in cats from the previous order and $1.00 cat left behind at the register that the cashier gave to me and allowed me to use (super nice of her as they can just as easily throw them away) for a total of $7.36 OOP.

Overall, I spent $10.07 on 20 boxes of granola thins and fiber one brownies...that is only an average of $0.50/box.  My overall including the chips and other misc items was $20.68.  With all my q's and card savings, I saved a grand total of $73.55.

Here is what my cupcakes for the 4th of July turned out like:

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Prelude to a Holiday

First a little word of advice to my other couponers out there...you can take it or leave it, I am just sharing what I have found works for me.  I always, always, always print an internet coupon for a product I like or use when it is available.  Put them in your organizer and hang onto them until a sale presents itself.  Most are good for at least 30 days from the day they're printed.  Almost all internet coupons have a predetermined print limit and/or availability time frame and once they're reached you are S.O.L.  Some couponers will tell you not to waste your ink and only print what you need when you need it.  I have tried that method, but repeatedly kicked myself for not printing q's I thought I could use when a killer sale rolled around and I was left holding an empty organizer and craving a fix.  Like I said, take it or leave it...but I never like to leave a friend behind:)

Things have picked up a little this week with the impending holiday.  On Monday, I gathered up my coupons, my kiddos and some bribes to help the day go smoothly and set off for a 5 hour tour.  I spent a grand total OOP of $60.86.  I saved a total of 69.04 in coupons and I also got back $5.00 in Movie Cash for Cars 2 for a grand total of $74.04 in savings.  Here is what I took home:

Our first stop was Wags with an OOP of $7.91.

• 2 cans Chicken of the Sea tuna $1.10.  Used 2 .50/1 printables = $0.10
• 4 Scotch Tape Packaging Tape $6.00.  Used 4 $1/1 printables = $2.00
• 1 box Honey Maid grahams, 1 6-pack Hershey Chocolate bars and 1 package Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows $6.00.  The marshmallows were free with the purchase of the grahams and chocolate and I also had a $1/purchase of all three = $5.00

Next stop was Meijer.  I had to do 4 separate transactions to use all of my q's.  I spent a total of $43.56 OOP and picked up my $5.00 in movie cash.

Transaction #1:

• 1 can Cutter bug repellent $4.19.  Used mPerks q $1.50/1 and 1 printable $2/1 = $0.69
• 4 Glad Saran Wrap $ 11.16.  Used 2 store q's $1/2 and 2 $1/2 = $7.16.  I got back a $3.00 OYNO cat for a total OOP of $4.16 or $1.04/roll.
• 1 24ct Kraft Deli Deluxe Cheese slices $5.39.  Used mPerks q $1/1 and a printable $1/1 = $3.39.  This is not a stellar price, but we needed cheese so I had to make the best of what I had.
• 4 Juicy Juice 8-pack juice boxes $10.00.  Used store q $2/4 and 4 printables .55/1 = $5.80.  I got back $5.00 in movie cash for Cars 2.

Transaction #2:

• 1 can Cutter bug repellent $4.19.  Used mPerks q $1.50/1 and 1 printable $2/1 = $0.69
• 1 24ct Kraft Deli Deluxe Cheese slices $5.39.  Used mPerks q $1/1 and a printable $1/1 = $3.39
• 4 KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce $6.00.  Used 2 store q's $1/2 and 4 $1/1 q's = FREE
• 2 Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing $5.00.  Used store q $1/2 and 2 $1/1 q's = $2.00.  Got back a $3.00 OYNO cat for buying the ranch and bbq sauce for a $1.00 MONEYMAKER

Transaction #3 (Used 1 of the $3.00 OYNO cats I got in a previous transaction):

• Bunch of bananas $1.69
• 1 kid's hooded beach towel $4.99 on clearance
• Bag of apricots $1.39
• 2 Heluva Good Sour Cream dips $1.98.  Used 2 .75/1 q's = $0.48
• 1 Kraft Homestyle Mac N' Cheese $1.67.  Used $1/1 q = $0.67
• 6 8-pk Lance Peant Butter Sandwich Crackers $8.64.  Used 3 $1/2 q's = $5.64
• 8 Yoplait Yogurt $4.00.  Used .60/8 printable = $3.40

Transaction #4 (Used 1 of the $3.00 OYNO cats I got in a previous transaction):

• 1 kid's hooded beach towel $4.99 on clearance

Next stop was Doms (after a brief pit stop at the free pony ride in Meijer and a quick lunch at Wendy's).  They had a decent deal going on the coke this week at B2G3...but since they jack up the price on the two you buy to $5.99 each it's only worth it if you have any of the free 12-pack q's from coke that you can get when you redeem your coke rewards points.  If you are a coke drinker and are still throwing away those Coke rewards points....STOP!  You are throwing away $$$.  Open an account and start banking the points for free 12 packs.

• 5 12-packs Coca-Cola $11.98.  Used 1 free 12-pack q ($4.99 max value) = $6.99
• 1 8-pack Coca-Cola slim cans $3.50.  Used B3G1 free q = FREE
• 1 bag Goldfish crackers $2.39.  Used J4U q for a free bag = FREE

Our final stop for the day was Woodman's to pick up some free coffee drinks and some sponges.

• 13 Seattle's Best Mocha Lattes $12.87.  Used 13 G1 free q's = FREE
• 1 package sponges $1.69

I didn't have time to hit the Jewel that day because I squeezed in a couple of other stops at the Target and Homegoods to pick up some random things for the bedroom remodel and a back pack for our little jaunt downtown the next day.  

On Tuesday, I headed down to the city with the boys, my nieces and my cousin for a trip to Ed Debevic's and Millennium Park.  It was a great day...almost perfect!  I am so grateful we took the time to make a fun day before they move away:(   Here are a few pics from our little jaunt.

Things weren't looking so good at first.

But after some lunch, we packed up and headed down Randolph to Millennium Park and the Bean.

Last stop was the Crown Fountain to cool off...they had a blast!

I had to hit the Jewel today for my last little deals (one of which was out of stock...can't win em' all I guess)  I did manage to pick up these:

Jewel was running one of their "Buy 10, Save $5.00 instantly" sales.  So I took home 20 bottles of Lipton tea for only $5.75.  They were $0.50/bottle after the $5.00 savings and I used 10 B1G1 q's I had printed off Facebook the week before making these only $0.25/bottle.  Always, always, always print the q's if it is something you would buy if the deal was right...or you may end up kicking yourself later.

A Trip Down Randall Road....

I had a bunch of errands to run in preparation for the upcoming Father's Day celebrations.  I had already accomplished most of my shopping at the Meijer on the Friday before...but there is always a coupon in my organizer dying to be used so I made a few ore stops in between my party preps.

I stopped back at the Meijer, Doms and Jewel.  Here is what I picked up for a total OOP of $25.88.

First stop, Meijer:

• 3 1lb packages of butter $7.50
• 3 Dannon Danimals yogurt $5.67.  Used 3 $1/1 q's and the $2 OYNO I picked up the other day from a previous Dannon purchase = $0.67

Total at Meijer with tax was $8.41.  I needed all the butter to whip up some Mint Julep cupcakes for my hubs, brother-in-law and father-in-law on Father's Day. They were a big hit and looked good too:)

Back to the shopping...next stop, Dom's:

• 2 boxes cat litter $13.98 with in store q.  Used 2 $3.50/1 e-q's I had loaded on my Fresh Values card = $6.98.
• 7 Lunchables Cracker Combos $8.75.  Used 7 $1/1 q's = $1.25
• 1 Febreze Flameless Luminary $0.99.  Used J4U promotion I had loaded on my card the week before for this awesome price.
• 1 Febreze Flameless Luminary refill $4.69.  Used B1 Febreze Flameless Luminary and G1 refill free = FREE
• 1 Frebreze Noticeables starter kit $0.99.  Used J4U promotion I had loaded on my card the week before for this awesome price.
• 1.88 lbs seedless red grapes $1.86

Total OOP at Dom's was $13.51.  

Last stop was the Jewel for some  more hummus....Jax was just craving it...LOL

• 2 Tribe Hummus $3.99.  Used 2 $1/1 q's = $1.99
• .94 lbs Tomatoes on the Vine = $2.81

Total OOP $3.56.  I saved a total of $41.98...finally a savings of over 50%....it has been rough for me lately....but I keep truckin' on...LOL

Jewel Shopping & My Un-Greek, Greek Children

The boys and I ventured to Jewel today to pick a few little goodies.  There has been nothing major to tickle my fancy at the Jewel lately, just some odds and ends.  Here is what we picked up today:

• 10 Fage Greek Yogurt $12.50.  Used 2 $2/5 q's = $8.50
• 2 Tribe Hummus B1G1 $3.99.  Used 2 $1/1 q's = $1.99
• 6 boxes cereal $11.28.  Used 3 $1.50/2 q's = $6.78
• 4 boxes Golden Grahams treat bars $7.96.  Used 4 $0.60/1 q's = $5.56
• 2 gallons milk $6.98.  Used B6G2 free gallons of milk when you purchase any 3 General Mills cereal q's I picked up at Dom's a few weeks ago = FREE

Total OOP was $23.06.  I saved $24.39 in q's.  

So we are shopping and we get to the hummus.  I ask Jax, "What flavor of hummus do you want?" and he tells me, "I don't like hummus".  Oh really?  I was unaware of this new development...he has only been eating it since he was old enough for table food...silly me.  Next, we make our way to the dairy aisle.  Jax asks me, "What do you have to get in this aisle?" and I say "Some more Greek yogurt" and he tells me, "I don't like that yogurt".  Oh really?  You seem to love it when I am eating it and you keep demanding more bites...I should have seen that coming I guess.

Last week he told me he didn't like the Spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese pies) that I had spent hours slaving over a few weekends before...another new development.  Meanwhile, Logan is chowing them like they are going out of style...and he never eats any thing that remotely contains anything healthy or once was...maybe wrapping it in phyllo dough and smearing it with butter helps.  Jax is the one I can always count on to eat down all his veggies...I don't know which way is up anymore.

So alas, I have come to the conclusion that my Greek children have a very un-Greek palate...maybe that is the Dutch peaking through:)

Thursday Stock-Up...A Mediocre Trip

I keep a list of things I am running low on or just plain need so I remember to keep an extra eye out for those things.  Sometimes I just need to break down and buy them even if they aren't at their lowest point (much to my chagrin).  I had to do this with a couple of items on this trip...C'est La Vie!

My first of four stops on Thursday was Wags. I was hoping to score some more free toothbrushes and money back...but there weren't very many to be had.  I broke even on this little purchase:

• 2 Reach Toothburshes $1.98.  Used $2/2 = $0.02 Moneymaker
• 3 Peanut Butter M&M's $1.17.  Used B2G1 = $0.78

Total with tax was $1.00.  I saved $2.39 in q's.  Got back $1 in RR...so I broke even.  Not a moneymaker, but I got some free toothbrushes and M&M's.  

Next stop, Meijer.  I needed a lot at Meijer, especially produce.  Lately, I have found Meijer to be rocking the best sales and I just love that I can get a preview of what is coming up from Meijer Madness.  I had to do two transactions to utilize all of my q's.  Here is what I picked up:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Kid's Aquafresh Toothpaste $1.78.  Used mPerks q $1/1 and Manufacturer q $1/1 = FREE
• 3 Oscar Mayer Lunchables w/ Fruit $ 7.44.  Used mPerks q $1/1 and 3 manufacturer q's $1/1 = $3.44.  Got a Custom q back for $2 OYNO for a total cost of only $1.44 for 3.
• 4 Kraft Mac N' Cheese $2.76
• 1 dozen large eggs $0.99
• 4 Duncan Hines brownie mix $4.36.  Used 4 $.50/1 q's = $2.36
• 6 Kraft Natural Cheese Slices $12.00.  Used 6 $1/1 q's = $6.00
• 3 Ziploc Quart Freezer bags $6.00.  Used 1 $1/2 and 1 B2G1 = $2.00
• 2 Planter's Nut-trition Bars $4.00.  Used mPerks q $1/2 and 2 manufacturer q's $.75/1 = $1.50
• 3 jars Vlasic Pickle Spears $5.00.  Used 1 Meijer store q $1/3 and 3 $.55/1 manufacturer q's = $2.35
• 2 packages ground beef $6.56

Total OOP was $28.72 with tax.  I saved a total of 23.43 in q's.

Transaction #2:

• 1 Kid's Aquafresh Toothpaste $1.78.  Used Meijer Store q $1/1 and Manufacturer q $1/1 = FREE
• 1 Green Pepper $1.20
• 1 Red Pepper $2.00
• Parsley $.79
• 2 Heads Lettuce $1.38
• Asparagus $2.13
• 1lb. Strawberries $1.50
• 3lbs apples $2.99

I used the $2 OYNO I had received from the previous purchase and a Meijer q for $1.50/$12 produce purchase I had received during an earlier trip.  Total OOP was $8.56.  I spent a total of $37.28 at Meijer with a total coupon savings of $28.93.  Not a super thrilling trip and a little disappointment in my savings.  I always want to save at least 50% and I didn't quite make that on this trip.  But I was able to pick up a decent amount of produce and ground beef...with only $3.50 in q's to use towards those items.  I guess you win some, you lose some.  

Next stop was a quickie at Dom's for some uber-cheap spices:

• 6 McCormick Grill Mates Spices $6.52.  Used 6 $.75/1 q's = $2.02 

With tax I was at $2.13.  I didn't catch it at the time, but one of my spices rang up at $1.57 instead of $.99 as advertised.  So either this one variety wasn't included in the sale or it was another Dom's screw-up.  Either way..still super cheap and will be enough to get us through a BBQ-ing summer.

Last stop, Jewel:

• 8 Hormal Pork Chops $7.92.  Used 4 $1/1 printables = $3.92
• 10 Fage Greek Yogurt $12.50.  Used 2 $2/5 printables = $8.50
• 2 Skinny Cow single serve ice creams $2.50.  Used 2 $1/1 = $.50
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Hard Salami $3.84.  Used $2 off 1/2 lb DiLusso lunch meat printable q = $1.84
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Ham $3.63.  Used $2 printable = $1.63
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Turkey $4.72.  Used $2 printable = $2.72
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Roast Beef $5.54.  Used $2 printable = $3.54
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Roast Beef $4.88.  Used $2 printable = $2.88
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Ham $3.56.  Used $2 printable = $1.56
• 2 Loaves Jewel Slice Bread $2.98.  Used 2 store q's for free bread with purchase of 1 lb DiLusso lunch meat = FREE

Also used $7.00 in Wags RR and a $2/$25 off a store purchase.  My end total was $18.91.  I saved a total of $33.98 in q's at Jewel.

My total savings in q's for the day was $69.80 and I spent a total OOP of $59.32.  So overall, I saved a smidge over 50%...that is still winning in my book...but I always want to be closer to 70% savings.  

A So-So Monday

I was off as usual this morning to get my Monday morning coupon fix.  I made a total of four stops.  First stop, Jewel:

Not much to be had (I did pick up a two coupon books with Coca-Cola q's in them to use at my Meijer stop), my grand total was only $6.71.

• 3 lbs Vadalia Onions $2.00
• 1 3/4 lb red grapes $2.58
• 2 bags Rold Gold Pretzels $3.98.  Used $2/2 = $1.98

Next stop, Doms.  Some pretty good shopping over there this week....usually Doms is my least favorite store to shop at, but a deal is a deal.

• 2 Boxes Raisin Bran $1.98 (loaded J4U q for 2 Raisin Bran at $0.99/box).  Used 2 .70/1 printable = $.58
• 4 Honest Tea drinks $3.58.  Used 2 B1G1 printables = $1.78
• 3 rolls Reynolds Wrap $7.47 (loaded a J4U q for 3 rolls @ $2.49/roll)  Used 3 $1/1 = $4.47
• 1 Angel Soft 12ct toilet Paper (used a store q for $4.99/package).  Used .50/1 = $4.49
• 1 Viva 6pk. paper towels (used a store q for $4.99/package).  Used a $2/1 printable = $2.99
• 2 3/4 lbs bananas (loaded J4U personalized price $0.49/lb) = $1.38
• 1 avocado = $1.25
• 1 head iceberg lettuce (loaded J4U personalized price) = $0.88
• 8 lbs Navel Oranges $4.99
• 1 sour cream $1.49 (it was taco night hence the avocado & sour cream...plus I picked up those $0.88 tortillas last Thursday)

I also used a printable store q for $1/$5 a produce purchase.  Total OOP $23.98.

Next stop, Meijer.  I decided to do another round of Coca-Cola purchases to pick up 4 more free passes to Brookfield Zoo and some O.K. priced Coke.  Here are the other items I took home:

• 1 Pampers Wipes $2.39.  Used $1/1 q I received in the mail last week = $1.39
• 6 bottles kid's chewable vitamins on sale for B1G1 = $ 16.47
• 5 12pks Coca-Cola $15.00.  Used 2 $2/2 = $11.00

Total OOP was $30.60.  I got back a Custom Meijer Q for $8 off my next health, beauty or cosmetic purchase for a cost of only $8.47 for the vitamins or only $1.41/bottle.  This will last the kiddos for 6 months (1 bottle per month)....not to bad.  Plus, I got my second set of tickets to the Zoo.  Overall, I spent $20 on 10-12pks of Coke and 8 passes to Brookfield Zoo.  I think that is a pretty good deal and we have Coke for quite a while.

Last stop, Target...the Mecca...my Homeland...a couponer's crack.  I just cannot get enough of that big, red bullseye.  I am, after all, an addict.  I have to admit that sometimes I get a bit embarrassed as I cruise past the pharmacy perusing the clearance end caps and see all the familiar pharmacy staff looking back at me.  They must think I am a crazy shopaholic....at least I am doing it for a greatly reduced cost. 

Anyhow, here is what I picked up at my final stop for the day for a total cost of $16.96:

• 4-24 ct Up & Up Ibuprofen $3.98.  Used 4 $1/1 Target printables = FREE
• 2 Scrubbing Bubbles Foaming Shower Cleaner $6.98.  Used 2 $1.50/1 printables = $3.98
• 4 Nivea Happy Sensations Lotion $20.16.  Used 4 $1/1 Target printables and 4 $3/1 q's = $4.16
• 2 Tres Semme Hairspray $6.68.  Used 2 $1/1 Target printables = $4.68
• 1 5ct Zyrtec $5.29.  Used q from mailer last week for FREE 5ct. Zyrtec = FREE (this is for my BFF...gotta help a girl out)
• 1 5ct Swiffer Duster Starter Kit $4.49.  Used target q .75/1 and $2/1 = $1.74

I also got another $0.05 off for using a reusable bag.  

Overall, not my best round of deals but I saved at least 50% or more at each of the stops I made and that equals deals in my book.  Off to bed...Happy Couponing:)

P.S.  My paper delivery man has now made it for TWO WHOLE WEEKS without screwing up my papers or leaving behind the cursed Beacon...everyone keep their fingers crossed he keeps it up!

A Good Fix

So I did my weekly deals early this week...I just felt compelled to go out and snatch up some goodies.  The coupons were just burning a whole in my coupon organizer and I needed a fix...and I got a really good one.  My first stop was Doms.  Here is what I picked up:

• 8 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch = $4.56.  I loaded a J4U Personalized Price for $2.07/box.  When you bought in multiples of 4, you saved $4, bringing my per box price down to $1.07.  Used 4 $1/2 q's = $0.57/box.
• 3 bottles Pine-Sol $4.47.  Used 3 $1/1 q's = $1.47 for all three.
• 2-10ct Mission Tortillas.  Used J4U store q = $1.76 ($.088/package)
• 1 Reynolds Foil.  Used J4U store q for $2.49/package plus .50/1 = $1.99.  Not the best price, but I really needed some foil...

Total cost was $10.48.  I saved a total of $23.11 in store and manufacturer q's.  I also got two cats back for a free gallon of milk with the purchase of three General Mills cereals.  If I can score some more cereal for $0.57/box, it will cost me less than a gallon of milk and I will get a 3 box cereal bonus:)

Next stop was Jewel.  Some EXCELLENT deals to be had here and I got to chit-chat with some of my favorite Jewel ladies.  Here is what I picked up:

• 10 Fage Greek Yogurt $12.50.  Used 2 $2/5 printable q's = $8.50 (These are excellent and my FAVORITE brand of yogurt)
• 2 Fuze Drinks $1.00.  Used $1/1 = FREE
• 2 Powerade Drinks $1.00.  Used B1G1 = $0.50
• 1 Gino's East Frozen Pizza $3.34.  Used Get 1 Free q = FREE
• 4 ears Sweet Corn = $0.80
• 20 bags Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Grahams $20.00.  Used 20 .75/1 peelies that were attached to the bags = $5.00 (Yes, I know that 20 is a LOT...but they were only $0.25 sense a bag and they have a long shelf life and my kiddos love them...I kinda do too.  Please don't let this one little purchase make me out to be a hoarder...I really am not and there were PLENTY left on the shelf for my fellow couponers)
• 4 Healthy Choice Mixers (donated to the storm victims) $7.96.  Used 4 $1/1 Avenu q's loaded to my Preferred Card and 4 $1/1 = $0.04 MONEYMAKER
• 2 Pam Cooking Spray $3.98.  Used 2 .75/1 = $2.48

I also used a $2/$25 store q and a $4.00 Cat that I got back from my Magnum ice cream purchase the weekend before.  My grand total was only $10.32.  I saved in $41.34 in store and manufacturer q's.  Coupled with my preferred card savings, I saved a grand total of $90.66!

Last stop was Meijer.  I had to do two transactions to utilize all my q's.  Here is what I took home:

Transaction1:

• 4 Oscar Meyer Lunchables with fruit $9.92.  Used 4 $1/1 q's = 5.92

With tax I payed $6.09 OOP and got back $5 in cats for an end cost of only $1.06 for four.

Transaction 2:

• 5-12 packs Coca-Cola $15.00.  Used 2 FREE 12 pack q's = $9.00
• 12 Crystal Light $16.14.  Used 2 B2G1 q's and 2 $1/2 q's = $8.76
• 1 package Lentils $1.00
• 1 package Navy Beans $1.00

I used my $5.00 in cats from my first transaction for an end total of $16.28.  Meijer was running a promotion, buy $15 in Coca-Cola products and get a custom coupon for 4 FREE passes to Brookfield Zoo.  The total to trigger this custom coupon for the Zoo is PRE-coupon  Normally, I would have saved my free 12 pack q's to use over at Doms when they do the B2G2 12 pack deals...but I wanted these free passes and I wanted to drop the price on the Coke...so I threw them in the mix.  In th end, $16.28 wasn't so bad for all those goodies and 4 passes to the zoo...and now the kiddos have some Lunchables to take with for a zoo picnic for only $0.50:)

At the end of the day, I spent a grand total of $43.14 for all those groceries and passes to the Zoo.  I saved a grand total of $101.83 in clipped q's.  If you add in all my card savings, I saved $176.63!  An awesome day of shopping...just gotta run our and pick up out milk and fresh veggies for the week.