Martin's Deals for this Week

Martin's is having 'Coupon Days' this week, meaning that there are a LOT of super store coupons in their ad, which should be able to be stacked with manufacturer coupons to make for some super sweet deals!!!

Produce:

Fresh Strawberries 16 oz pkg BOGO Free

Giant Kiwi Fruit 3/$1

Giant Fresh 10 oz Bag Spinach 2/$3

Red or Green Seedless Grapes $1.99/lb

Giant Russet 5 lb bag Potatoes $1.49 with in-ad C Lmt 1

Jumbo Navel Oranges or Red Grapefruits or Cara Cara Navel Oranges $1 ea

Giant Tote Bag Oranges $0.99/lb

Nature's Promise Organic Peeled Baby Carrots 16 oz bag 2/$3

Giant Slice or Whole Mushrooms 8 oz $0.99 with in-ad C Lmt 1

Giant Fresh Broccoli Crowns $1.69/lb

Juicy Red Grapefruit 5 lb bag $3.99 ea

Foxy Romaine Hearts 3 pk 18 oz $2.99 ea

Meat & Dairy Items:

Giant Top Round London Broil BOGO Free @ $5.99/lb

Giant Boneless Whole Pork Loin $1.99/lb

Giant Fresh Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops $2.99/lb

Giant Fresh Whole Pork Butt Roast $1.49/lb

Giant Whole Chicken $0.99/lb

Giant Ground Turkey 85/15 3 lb pkgs $1.99/lb

Giant Jumbo Simple Peel Shrimp 21-25 ct 2 lb bag $5.99/lb with in-ad C Lmt 1

Giant Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.69/lb on a 4-5 lb pkg with in-ad C & $25 purchase

Oscar Mayer Bacon 12-16 oz pkg BOGO Free = $5.99/2

Oscar Mayer Hot dogs BOGO Free = $4.49/2

Free Dozen Eggs wyb 2 Maxwell House or General Foods International Coffees @ 2/$5 - $0.75/1 GFI Coffee (from Jello/Ziploc Christmas display booklets) x 2 doubled to $1.50 ea = 1 Dozen Eggs + 2 Coffees for $2

Giant Hummus 10 oz BOGO Free = $3.29/2

Sargento Shredded Cheese 5-8 oz bags 2/$4 with in-ad C Lmt 1

Dannon Activia Yogurt 4 pk $2 ea - $1/1 MC (yesterday's newspaper) = $1 ea

Heluva Good Cheese Blocks 8 oz $2 ea - $0.50/1 (no longer available to Print) doubled to $1 = $1 ea

Coffee Mate Liquid Flavored Creamers 16 oz 3/$5 or $1.67 ea - $0.75/1 MC from Here doubled to $1.50 = $0.17 ea

Giant Soft or Whipped Cream Cheese 8 oz 3/$4

Pantry Items:

Progresso Soup Vegetable Classics $1 ea - $1/3 MC from Here (unavailable now, but will be as of tomorrow, these are reset each month) = 3/$2

Chex Mix Bars 7-8.4 oz $2.50 ea - $0.50/1 MC from Here doubled to $1 = $1.50 ea

Fiber One Bars 7-8.4 oz $2.50 ea - $0.40/1 MC from Here (there will be more available tomorrow) doubled to $0.80 = $1.70 ea

Ragu Pasta Sauces 4/$5 (Must buy 4)

Lipton Knorr Rice & Pasta Sides $1 ea

San Giorgio Pastas 12-16 oz $1 ea Pennsylvania Dutch Noodles Medium, Fine or Home style 16 oz bag $1 ea

Bush's Best Variety Beans 15-16 oz cans 4/$3

Chi-Chi's Salsa 16 oz jar 3/$5

Wishbone Salad Dressings 2/$3 with in-ad C

Quaker Mini Rice Cakes $1 ea

Giant Mac & Cheese 6-7.25 boxes 5/$3

Giant 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese 8 oz $2.49

Frozen Items:

Mrs. Paul's Frozen Fish Items BOGO Free

Giant Frozen Vegetables 16 oz bags $1 ea

Celeste Pizza for One $0.89 ea

Hanover Gold Line Vegetables 3/$5

Steak-Umm Sandwich Steaks 24 oz pkg BOGO Free = $8.99/2

Super Pretzel Soft Pretzels, Stix or Pretzelfils 2/$4 - $0.50/1 MC (past newspapers) doubled to $1 = $1 ea

Mama Rosie's Cheese Lasagna, Ravioli or Manicotti 10-16 oz pkg $1 ea

Bakery Items & Breads:

FREE 4 pk Kaiser Rolls wyb 1 Oscar Mayer Shaved Lunch Meat 7-9 oz @ $2.99 & 1 Kraft Singles 10.7-12 oz @ $2.49

Stroehamnn Dutch Country Bread 20-24 oz Loaves BOGO Free

Arnold Country Bread Classic, wheat, white or Oat bran 24 oz 2/$5

Martin's Potato Bread 18 oz Loaf BOGO Free

Household Items:

Quilted Northern TP 12 Double Roll Pk $5.99 ea - $1/1 MC (past newspaper) = $4.99 ea

Purex 2X Laundry Detergent 50 oz BOGO Free - BOGO Free MC = 2 FREE!!!

**Pg 15 of the Ad Here has a list of items, when bought (with a coupon of course) can earn you up to $0.40 off each gallon of gas that you buy up to 30 gallons.

Weekly Spending Totals -- Success!!!

This week went so much better than the previous ones; we are definitely on our way to being back on track after a wacky month of over spending. I am stocked up on the basics, so next month should work out well, or at least I have my fingers crossed that it will :-)

Food: $9.92
Household: $7.54
Health & Beauty: $13.31
Total Spent: $30.77 :-)

Eating Out: $19.54

LONG List of Freebies...

Here are some awesome freebies to sign-up for. Most come with High-Value Coupons to use and get great deals later on. And trust me, they do actually come, I have received so many over the past few years. Anyway, on to the FREEBIES!!!!

Free 40% Coupon off any one item (lists exclusions) @ Michael's!

Free South Beach Smore's Bar

Free Samples from Wal-mart: Tide Detergent, Benefiber Sticks, Crest 3D Whitening Strips & Olay Total Effects Body Wash (Wal-mart samples almost always come with coupons)

Free Clariol Color/Shade Selector Card for buying Hair dye

Free Purex 3-in-1 Sheets Samples (I have tried these and I really like them)

Free Sunmaid the 'New Taste of Tradition' Recipe Booklet

Free Red Dress Pin

Free Dishwasher Softener Sample

Free 20% off you Purchase Coupon for Gap Exp 02/27/2010

Free $2 off 1 Coupon for a Glade Soy Candle or Reed Diffuser

Walgreen's RR Rolling Trip

I stopped into Walgreen's today to roll my RR's before they expired and to take advantage of the Joint Juice deal one more time before it ends this Saturday :-( But I did get some good deals I think....
Transaction #1:
2 boxes Joint Juice $10 ea - $10 RR wyb 1 - $10 BOGO Free MC = 2 FREE
4 Royal Puddings $1.34 (Should have been $1 -- will have to get this fixed next week)
1 pk Goody Hair Elastics $2.99 - $2 RR = $0.99
+ Tax $0.16
- $7 RRs used to Pay
Total OOP: $7.51 + Earned $10 & $2 RR

Transaction #2:
1 Gillette Fusion Razor $8.99 - $4/1 MC - $4 RR = $0.99
1 Lypsyl Chap stick $2.99 - $2 RR = $0.99
1 pk Goody Hair Elastics $2.99 - $2 RR = $0.99
+ $0.90 Tax
- $10 RRs used to Pay
Total OOP: $1.87 + Earned $4, $2 & $2 RR

Transaction #3:
2 boxes Joint Juice $10 ea - $10 RR wyb 1 - $10 BOGO Free MC = 2 FREE
3 - 3 Musketeers Truffle Bars $2 - $1 RR wyb 3 = 3/$1
2 Oreo Brownies $1.19 ea (Only charged for one) - $2.38 Free item MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $1.19 MM
+ $0.12 Tax
- $8 RR used to Pay
Total OOP: $2.93 + Earned $10 RR (should have earned $1 too but it didn't print, I'll have to email the Catalina company)

Total OOP: $12.31 - Earned RR's $30 (will be $31) = ALL FREE + $17.69 Profit, will be $18.69!!!!!

Martin's Trip for this Week

I made my Martin's Trip V-E-R-Y simple this week. I had a rain check (RC) that I needed to use before my coupons expired the end of this month, and it was time to stock the freezer up with butter! So, here's what I ended up with....
4 boxes Cream of Wheat $3.09 ea - $0.10 ea RC Price - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.50 x 4 = 4/$5.96 ($1.49 ea!)
8 - 15 oz (4 of 2 varieties) Land O Lakes Buttery Spread $1.99 ea - $1 Sale ea - $0.55/1 MC doubled to $0.99 x 4 - $1/2 MC x 2 = 8/$1.96
Total OOP: $28.28 - $20.36 Sales, RC & Coupons = $7.92 OOP!!! Savings of 72%

Menu Plan Monday!!!

This is my most favorite post to do each week, as I LOVE to cook & menu plan!!! Well, on to the menu for this week...

Breakfasts: Cold or Warm Cereals, Yogurt, Bananas & Red Grapes

Lunches: Leftovers, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Canned Soup with Cheese & Saltines

Dinners:
Sunday - Left Over Buffet
Monday - Chili
Tuesday - Leftover Chili made into Taco Salads
Wednesday - Chicken Parmesan with Buttered Noodles, Homemade Focaccia, Salad & Broccoli
Thursday - Shrimp Alfredo with Homemade Focaccia & Salad
Friday - Leftovers or Homemade Pizza
Saturday - Italian Meatloaf with Buttered Red Potatoes & a Veggie from the Freezer (not sure which one yet, maybe asparagus)

Dessert for the Week: Homemade Chocolate Chunk Cookies (Yummy!)

Martin's Deals for This Week

Martin's has some good deals this week...

Produce:
Red Grapes $0.99/lb
Premium Classic Dole Salad Blend 2/$4 - $0.75/1 MC (no longer available to print) x 2 doubled to $1.50 ea = 2/$1
Nature's Promise Organic Peeled Baby Carrots 16 oz bag 2/$3
Giant Sliced or Whole Mushrooms 8 oz 2/$3

Meat & Dairy Items:
Giant Fresh Center Cut Pork Chops or Roast Bone-in BOGO Free
Giant Split Chicken Breasts $0.99/lb
Giant Ground Beef Chub 73/27 5 lb @1.40/lb
Giant Bottom Round Roast $1.99/lb
Giant Shredded or Block Cheeses 6-8 oz 4/$6 (Must buy 4)
Sea Choice Frozen Single Serve Fish Fillets (Salmon, Tilapia or Mahi Mahi) 4 oz 2/$3
Perdue Chicken Short Cuts 9 oz pkg BOGO Free = $5.99/2 - $0.75/1 MC (past newspaper)doubled to $1.50 x 2 = 2/$2.99
Land O Lakes Buttery Spread or Soft Margarine 15 oz $0.99 ea - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) or $0.55/1 MC from Here = FREE - 2/$0.98

Bread:
Holsum Milano Bread 20 oz loaf BOGO Free
Stroehmann Dutch Country Soft Family Bread 20-24 oz Loaves BOGO Free
Giant French Baguette Bread from the Bakery $1.99 ea

Pantry Items:
Pepsi Product 2 lts $1 ea
Juicy Juice 48 oz bottles 2/$4 - $1/2 MC from Here = 2/$3
Sobe Life Waters 20 oz $1.09 ea - BOGO Free MC (no longer available to print) = 2/$1.09
Bumble Bee Tuna Solid White 5 oz cans $1 ea
Folger's Coffee 10.3-11.5 oz cans 2/$5 - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$4
Yakisoba Meals $0.89 ea - $0.50/1 MC (past newspaper) doubled = FREE
Nabisco Snack Crackers 5.5-10 oz 2/$5 - $1/1 MC (past newspaper) x 2 = 2/$3
Jif PB 17.3-18 oz 2/$4 + Smucker's Preserves 18 oz 2/$5 - $1 off wyb 1 of ea MC = 1 PB + 1 Preserves = $3.50 for both
Hunts Spaghetti Sauce 26-26.5 oz can $1 ea - $0.50/2 MC from Here doubled to $1 = 2/$1
Ken's Salad Dressing 8 oz $1 ea
Hanover Ready-to-Eat Soup (Tomato, chicken noodle or vegetable) 19 oz Can $1 ea
Kashi Cereal (Heart to Heart) 4/$8 (Must buy 4) - $1.50/1 MC from Here (will need 2 computers to obtain 4 coupons) x 4 = 4/$2

Frozen Items:
Wanchai Ferry Oriental Dinner kits 24 oz $6.49 ea - $1.50/1 MC (past newspaper) = $4.99 ea
Tyson Anytizers 10 oz pkg $3.19 ea - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$5.38
Gorton's Fish Sticks 14-24.5 oz pkg $3.99 ea - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$6.98

Household Items:
Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent 50 oz BOGO Free = $5.06/2 - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$4.06
Quilted Northern TP 12 Double Rolls $5.99 ea - $1/1 MC (past newspaper) = $4.99 ea
Ziploc Easy Zipper Bags 10-20 ct 3/$5 - $0.55/1 MC (past newspaper) doubled to $1.10 x 3 = 3/$1.70
Oust Surface & Air Sanitizer 12 oz can $2.99 ea - $1/1 MC (past newspaper) = $1.99 ea
Reynold's Wrap Foil Select Varieties $2.99 ea - $1/1 MC (in-store promo booklets) = $1.99 ea
Tidy Cat Litter 20 lb Bag BOGO Free = $3.94/2 - $1/1 MC (past newspaper) x 2 = 2/$1.94
Purex Laundry Detergent 72 oz bottle or 21-24 ct 3-in-1 sheets $4.99 ea - BOGO Free MC (past newspaper) = 2/$4.99

**Also on pg 15 of the ad, Here, there is a list of items that when purchased (with a coupon of course), can earn you up to $0.40 off ea gallon of gas you buy up to 30 gallons!!!

Rite-Aid Trip for this Week

I stopped into Rite-Aid too on Sunday, and unfortunately they didn't have much of what I wanted in stock :-( I did get a few things though, Joe was especially excited about the snicker's bars...
3 American Greetings Cards $0.99 ea - $1/3 MC - $0.25/1 RA C = 3/$1.72
4 Snickers Bars Buy 1 @ $0.88 Get 1 for $0.01 Sale x 2 - $1/3 MC = 4/$0.78
2 Finesse Products* $3.99 ea - $1 Sale ea - $2 SCR ea = $0.99 ea or 2/$1.98
1 Nivea Men's Wash/shave/shampoo $4.49 - 50% off - $1/1 MC = $1.24
+ Tax $0.77
- $5 SCR Check
Total OOP: $5.49 - Expected SCR $4 = Net OOP: $1.49!!!!
*These items were donated

CVS Trip for this Week

Hopefully this will be the only trip I have to make out to CVS this week, but that is probably unlikely as Joe just informed me that he needs another prescription filled :-( But that's okay, maybe some more deals will come up later this week, a girl can dream right?! Here's what I got Sunday...
2 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios $4.49 ea - $2.50 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = $0.99 ea or 2/$1.98
2 Lady Speed Stick Deodorants $2.99 ea - $2 ECB x 2 - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM
1 Earinse $9.99 - $2 Sale - $7.99 ECB = FREE
1 Almay Smart Balance Foundation $13.99 - $4 Sale - $5 ECB - $2/1 MC = $2.99
1 Almay I-intense Eye Shadow $7.99 - $2 Sale - $2 ECB - $2/1 MC = $1.99
1 Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste* $3.29 - $0.30 Sale - $2 ECB - $1/1 MC = FREE + $0.01 MM
1 Essence of Beauty Sponge $2.99 - $2/1 CVS C = $0.99
1 CVS Advanced Healing Travel Lotion $1.49 - $1/1 CVS C = $0.49
1 Travel Size St Ives Face Scrub $1.49 - $1/1 CVS C = $0.49
1 Gold Emblem Wasabi Almonds $0.99 - $1/1 CVS C = FREE + $0.01 MM
+ Tax $1.48
- $5/15 Purchase CVS C
- $15 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $11.36, paid with FREE gift card + Received $21.99 ECB's ($1 from Green Bag Tag)!!
*These items were donated

Weekly Spending Totals for 02/04-02/20

I am embarrassed to even post this past week's spending totals, but that is how we are held accountable, and I KNOW that I will do a LOT better this week. I am very determined!

Food: $23.62
Household: $56.50 (this includes quite a bit of Pine litter from Pet Smart and a LOT of Toilet paper, so we shouldn't need those things for quite a while)
Health & Beauty: $13.68
Total Spent: $93.80 -- OUCH!!! (Must do better this week, must do better this week, must....)

Easting out Total: $20.38 (1 Trip to The Pike Restaurant in Gettysburg, PA. If you've never been there, it is definitely worth stopping & you can get cheap gift certificates Here)

CVS Trip #3 Last Week

I stopped in one last time for a prescription pick up for Joe and received another FREE $25 gift card. While I was there, you know that I had to get a few more good deals, especially since I had received a $2/10 stomach relief CVS Coupon in my email :-)
2 Glade Soy Candles $9.99 ea - $3.99 ea Sale - $3/1 MC x 2 - $4 ECB wyb $12 = 2/$2
2 boxes CVS Tissues $1.99 ea - $1 ea Sale - $1/2 CVS C = 2/$0.98
4 boxes Rolaids (3 rolls ea)* $2.49 ea - $4/2 MC x 2 - $2/10 CVS C = 4 FREE + $0.04 MM
+ Tax $0.74
- $3.50 ECB used to pay
Total OOP: $4.18, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $4 ECB for next time!

Wal-mart Trip from Friday + Small Rant!!!

Why, oh, why do I even bother to shop at Wal-mart? They have a beautiful coupon policy on their website, but NO ONE knows how to follow it, not even the floor managers!!! Am I the ONLY one who finds this to be a HUGE issue?! This is exactly why I have a printed copy of the policy in my coupon holder (yeah, I did just go there), so that when told, "we don't take Internet print-ables more than $2," I can whip it out and say "oh, but actually, you do!" After a call and short chat with the store manager, I am hoping that the next time I visit the Hanover Super Wal-mart, they have it a little more together. Anyway, I still ended up with some great deals, even if drama was involved to obtain them ;-)
2 Fancy Feast Cat Foods $2.18 ea - $1/1 MC = $1.18 ea or 2/$2.36
1 Scrabble Card Game $5.24 - $4/1 MC = $1.24
1 Pictureka Card Game $5.24 - $5/1 MC = $0.24
1 Monopoly Card Game $5.24 - $4/1 MC = $1.24
2 Double Stuff Golden Oreos $2.98 ea - $0.60 ea Sale - Free item MC x 2 (Facebook offer) = 2 FREE
2 Lunchables Sub kits $1.57 ea - $0.75/1 MC x 2 = $0.82 ea or 2/$1.64
Total OOP: $29.18 - $22.46 Savings & Coupons = $6.72 + Tax -- Saved 77%!!!

I love my ALDI Trips, so much for so little!

Well, Joe and I were in need of a few things that I KNOW are a lot cheaper at ALDI, like hummus, broccoli, and snacks. Here's what we ended up with...
1 bag Pretzels $1.29
1 bag Nacho Cheese Chips (Doritos) $0.99
1 bag Tortilla Chips $0.99
2 pkts Guacamole Mixes @ $0.49 ea = 2/$0.98
2 tubs Hummus (for Joe of course) @ $1.69 ea = 2/$3.38
2 cans Chili-ready Diced Tomatoes (to try) @ $0.49 ea = 2/$0.98
2 cans Frozen Apple Juice Concentrate @ $0.82 ea = 2/$1.64
1 pkg Almond Bark (I'll share the recipe I am using this for later this week) $1.89
2 lbs Red Grapes (these are delicious!) $1.78!!!!
3 lb bag Yellow Onions $1.29
1 pkg of Beautiful! Broccoli Crowns $1.39
Total OOP, no tax: $16.60, saved at least $21 based on the prices of things @ Shopper's in Westminster, MD!!!

New Recipe for Tilapia -- So Yummy!!!

I used the recipe Here, except I swapped out the dried Basil for Italian seasoning & the onion powder for Garlic Powder & omitted the celery salt, as I did not have these items on hand. This was absolutely delicious! I served it with Parmesan Romano Rice, broccoli with cheese sauce, homemade focaccia bread & a salad. Joe wants this to become a weekly meal, we'll have to see what kind of sales I can find for tilapia locally... Leave a comment and tell me what you thought of it if you decide to try it at home :-D Bon Appetit!

CVS Trip #2 this Week :-D

Well, I had to pick up another prescription for Joe and get another FREE $25 gift card, so while I was there I grabbed a few deals...
2 - 80 ct boxes CVS Tissues with Lotion $1.99 ea - $1 ea Sale - $1/2 CVS C = 2/$0.98
1 pkg Venus Disposable Razors $9.49 - $3.70 Sale - $2/1 MC - $2 ECB = $1.79
1 Olay Body wash $7.49 - $1 Sale - Free wyb Razor MC (took off $7.49) = FREE + $1 MM!
+ Tax $0.80
- $4 ECB used to Pay
Total OOP: $0.57 (my pre-tax total was in the negative!) + Earned $2 ECB & I can now send in for the $15 Olay MIR Here for another $15 profit!!!

Martin's TP Run!!!

There is nothing like stumbling upon a great toilet paper sale!! It is by far one of the hardest things to stock pile, because even with a sale and coupon, it is usually not very cheap. So, when I read the Martin's ad this week and noticed that the Quilted Northern TP was a decent price and I had coupons, I figured I would stock up for a while, one can NEVER have too much TP ;-)
4 - 6 Mega Roll Pks Quilted Northern Toilet Paper $5.99 ea - $2 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 4 = $2.99 ea or 4/$11.96
2 Bertolli Alfredo Sauces $2.55 ea - $0.55 ea Sale - $1.50/2 MC = 2/$2.50
+ Tax $0.96
Total OOP: $15.42 -- Saved $14.60 or about 50%!!!

Walgreen's RR Rolling Trip

Stopped into Walgreen's on my way home from work earlier this week, mainly for more Joint Juice for Joe and to get the rest of the Olay Body washes for the $15 MIR, which will be pure profit because I haven't paid for any of the body washes yet! I did 4 transactions to get the most bang for my RR buck :-D
Transaction #1:
Joint Juice 30 ct $10 on Sale - $10 RR = FREE
3 - 3 Musketeer Truffle Bars 3/$2 - $1 RR wyb 3 = 3/$1
+ Tax $0.12
- $9 RR used to Pay
Total OOP: $3.12 + Earned $10 RR, $1 candy one did not print for some reason :-(

Transaction #2:
1 Gillette Venus Razor $8.99 on Sale - $4 RR - $2/1 MC = $2.99
1 Olay Ribbons Body wash $4.79 - Free wyb Razor MC = FREE
1 Lypsyl SPF 15 Chap-stick $2.99 - $2 RR = $0.99
1 - 3 Musketeers Truffle Bar $0.69
+ Tax $1.05
- $10 RR used to Pay
Total OOP: $1.72 + Earned $4 & $2 RRs

Transaction #3:
1 Joint Juice 30 ct $10 on Sale - $10 RR = FREE
3 - 3 Musketeers Truffle Bars 3/$2 - $1 RR wyb 3 = 3/$1
+ Tax $0.12
- $6 RR used to Pay
Total OOP: $6.12 + Earned $10 & $1 RRs!!! (It printed that time - YAY!)

Transaction #4:
1 Lypsyl SPF 15 Chap-stick $2.99 - $2 RR = $0.99 (not pictured)
1 - 3 Musketeers Truffle Bar $0.69
1 Gillette Venus Razor $8.99 - $4 RR - $2/1 MC = $2.99
1 Olay Ribbons Body wash $4.79 - Free wyb Razor MC = FREE
+ Tax $1.05
- $10 RR used to Pay
Total OOP: $1.72 + Earned $2 & $4 RRs!!!

**Plus the Razors & body washes also count towards the P&G Coupon booklet rebate :-)

CVS Trip #1 for the Week

Stopped into CVS on Monday to pick up the ECB deals for the week, and here is what I ended up with...
1 Renuzit Pearls $3.99 - $1.99 Sale - $1/1 MC = $1
2 Glade Soy Candles $9.99 ea - $3.99 Sale ea - $3/2 MC - $3/1 CVS C - $4 ECB wyb $12 = 2/$2
2 CG Press Powders $6.99 ea - $0.99 ea Sale - BOGO Free MC (took off $6.99) - $5 ECB wyb 2 = $0.01
1 Aussie Shampoo* $4.59 - $1.60 Sale - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = FREE + $0.01 MM
1 Colgate Total Toothpaste* $3.89 - $0.90 Sale - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = FREE + $0.01 MM
1 bag Stacy's Bagel Chips $3.29 - $1.64 Sale - Free item MC (took off $3.29) = FREE + $1.64 MM
1 Crest Mouth Rinse* $5.19 - $1.69 Sale - $2/1 MC - $3.50 ECB = FREE + $2 MM
1 Coke Zero 20 oz $1.69 - $0.50/1 CVS C = $1.19
+ Tax $1.97
- $14 ECB
Total OOP: $8.01, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $16.50 in ECB's for Next time!!!
*These items were donated

Rite Aid SCR Trip

I stopped into Rite-Aid earlier this week to get some cheap deodorant and get the SCR items for the week. Here's what I ended up with...
Transaction #1:
1 bag Ocean Spray Craisins 6 oz $2.79 on Sale for $1.99
2 - 4 pks GE Soft White 60 Watt Light bulbs $3.99 ea on Sale $2 ea - $3/2 in-ad C = 2/$1
2 Lady Speed Stick 24/7 Gel Deodorants $3.49 ea on Sale $1.50 ea - $1/2 MC = 2/$2
2 Dove Deodorants $3.49 ea on Sale $1.50 ea - $1.50/2 MC = 2/$1.50
1 Wet & Wild Powder 4.99 - 40% off Sale = $2.99 - $2 SCR = $0.99
1 Visine $4.99 - $1/1 MC - $2/1 in-ad C = $1.99
1 Motrin PM 20 ct $5.49 on Sale $2.99 - $2 SCR = $0.99
+ Tax $0.48
- $5/25 Purchase RA C
Total OOP: $9.94 - $4 expected SCR's = Net OOP: $5.94

Transaction #2:
1 Gillette Men's Body Wash $4.99 - Free wyb Deodorant MC = FREE
1 Gillette Clinical Deodorant $8.99 on Sale $7.99 - $1/1 MC - $2 SCR = $4.99
2 Lady Speed Stick 24/7 Gel Deodorants $3.49 ea on Sale $1.50 ea - $1/2 MC = 2/$2
1 Wet & Wild Powder $4.99 - 40% off Sale = $2.99 - $2 SCR = $0.99
1 Motrin PM 20 ct $5.49 on Sale $2.99 - $2 SCR = $0.99
+ Tax $0.84
- $5/25 Purchase RA C
Total OOP: $10.81 - $6 expected SCR = Net OOP: $4.81 + Earned $12.98 towards the P&G Coupon booklet MIR!
* Earned 17 Game of Life Pieces!!!

CVS & Walmart Trip from Early this Week

Joe and I stopped into CVS and Walmart earlier this week to get a prescription filled and get a FREE $25 gift card, and of course, do some deal shopping...
CVS:
1 - 400 ct CVS Cotton Squares $6.98 - $2/1 CVS C - $2 ECB = $2.98
2 Reese's Pieces Candies 2/$5 - $1/1 MC x 2 - $1 ECB wyb 2 = 2/$2
1 Gold Emblem Chocolate Covered Almonds $0.99 - $1/1 CVS C = FREE + $0.01 MM
1 CVS Advil Cold and Sinus $4.XX
+ Tax $0.66
- $6 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $3.63 + Advil cold & Sinus, paid with Free gift card + Earned $3 ECB's back for next time :-D

Wal-mart:
5 pkgs Pull-Up Wipes $1.64 ea - $1/1 MC x 5 = $0.64 ea
Total OOP: $3.20

Martin's Deals for this Week, better late than never...

Sorry I am a little late posting these deals this week, things have been a little crazy here at the museum. Anyway, without further ado, onto the deals...

Produce:
Strawberries 16 oz pkg BOGO Free
Dole Blend Salads and Complete Kits BOGO Free = 2/$3.69 - $0.75/1 MC (no longer available to print) doubled to $1.50 x 2 = 2/$0.69
Giant Fresh Spinach 10 oz Bag 2/$3
Giant Fresh White Mushrooms 8 oz Whole or Sliced 2/$3
Nature's Promise Organic Peeled Baby Carrots 16 oz 2/$3

Breads:
Giant Freshly Baked Italian Bread 16 oz $1.89 ea (this is Delicious!)
Thomas' English Muffins 6 cts BOGO Free
Pepperidge Farm Swirl Breads 16 oz Loaves 2/$5 (must buy 2) - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$4
Holsum Butter Top Wheat Bread 23 oz Loaves BOGO Free = 2/$2.89
Maier's Italian Breads BOGO Free

Meat & Dairy:
Giant Boneless Chuck Roast BOGO Free
Giant Fresh Boneless Center Cut Pork Roast BOGO Free
Giant Whole Fresh Pork Shoulder Roast $0.99/lb
Giant Ham Steaks Bone-in BOGO Free @ $3.99/lb
Perdue Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts BOGO Free
D'animals Yogurts 2/$4 - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$3
Blue Bonnet Margarine Quarters 16 oz $0.79 ea
Guaranteed Value Spread Sticks 16 oz $0.59 ea

Frozen:
Healthy Choice Complete Meals & Steamers 5/$10 -$1/1 Steamer or $1/2 Meal MC (Conagra Booklet ordered from Walmart's Free Samples section, no longer available) = $1-$1.50 ea
Mrs. Paul's Fish Items 50% off + Buy 3 Get 1 Free
Mama Celeste Pizzas $1 ea
Palermo's Pizza Thin, Hearth or Rustico 2/$10 - $1/2 MC Here = 2/$9

Pantry:
Rice-a-roni & Pasta-roni $1 ea - $1/3 MC (past newspaper) = 3/$2
Chef Boyardee Canned Pastas $1 ea - $1/2 MC (Banquet Frozen Dinner Box) = 2/$1
Fleischmann's Yeast 3 pk Strips $1.50 ea - $0.40/1 MC (past newspaper) doubled = $0.60 ea
Post Shredded Wheat & Grape Nut Cereals 2/$4 - $2/1 MC from Here or $1/2 MC (past newspaper)= Free - 2/$3
Bertolli Pasta Sauces 15-24 oz 2/$4 - $1.50/2 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$2.50
Del Grosso Pasta Sauce 24 oz Jar $1 ea
Barilla Pastas $1 ea
Giant Pastas $0.89 ea
Synder's Sourdough Specials Pretzels 20 oz Regular or Dark BOGO Free
Little Debbie Big Packs 4/$10 (Must buy 4)
Betty Crocker Tuna Helper's 4/$5 - $0.75/3 MC (past newspaper) or Here doubled = 3/$2.25
Guaranteed Value Honey 12 oz $1.89 ea
Guaranteed Value Corn Muffin Mix $0.35 ea
Guaranteed Value Apple or Grape Juice Cocktail 64 oz Bottles $1.19 ea

Health & Beauty Aides:
Nature's Bounty Vitamins & Supplements BOGO Free - $1/1 MC (past newspapers) x 2 = ?
Kotex Products $2.99 - $1/1 or $2/2 MC (past newspapers, samples and Internet printables) = $1.99 ea

Household Items:
Friskies Cat Food 3.15 lb Bag $3.56 - $1/1 MC (this past week's newspaper) = $2.56 ea
Gain Liquid Laundry Detergent 50 oz $4.99 - $1/1 (past newspaper) = $3.99 ea
Quilted Northern TP 6 Mega Roll pks $3.99 ea - $1/1 MC (past newspaper) = $2.99 ea
Scotties Tissues 60-132 ct $1 ea - $1/5 MC (past newspaper) = 5/$4

**Pg 15 of the ad Here features a multitude of products that when purchased can earn you up to $0.80 off ea gallon of gas you buy at the Martin's gas station (up to 30 gallons), using a coupon to make ea of your purchases of course :-D

Spending Totals for Last week

Well, I think that it is safe to say that we still have 2 weeks left in the month and we are already WAY over budget. I think we'll just start fresh in March and see how we can do. Here are the totals for last week, 02/07-02/13...

Food: $33.59

Health & Beauty: $8.41

Household: $11.62

Total Spent: $53.62

Eating Out: $26

Hopefully this week will go a little better.... A girl can dream right?! :-D

Menu Plan Monday!

This week is going to be filled with work catch up, house cleaning, snow and hopefully more baking, I LOVE MY NEW BREAD MACHINE!!! I have probably stated that about a million times already, but what's one more?! Here's the Menu for this week...

Breakfasts: Cold Cereal, Oatmeal, Bagels, Fruit &/or Yogurt

Lunches: Leftovers, Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, or Canned Soup with Saltines

Dinners:
Sunday - We celebrated Joe's Grandmother's birthday at his mother's house. She made spaghetti & I brought homemade Garlic Focaccia bread (recipe Here) and a Jell-o Poke cake. So after that spread we just snacked last night for dinner.
Monday - Our Valentine's Dinner! Grilled Steak with French Fries and Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing & Possible more Focaccia bread + Fresh baked Cookies for Dessert!
Tuesday - Parmesan Tilapia (recipe to follow) with Parmesan Romano Rice & Salad
Wednesday - Chili with Cornbread & Salad
Thursday - Eggs with Toast, Fried Potatoes & Onions, Bacon and Applesauce or Slice Peaches
Friday - Taco Hamburger Helper (found in back of pantry) with Salad
Saturday - Homemade Pizza (Loaded for Joe, Cheese for me)

Dessert for the Week:
Cookies, haven't decided what kind yet, any suggestions?

CVS Trip for Last Week

Joe and I stopped in on Saturday to drop off a prescription and get another FREE $25 gift card. While we were waiting for it to get filled, we shopped some deals...
2 - 160 ct pkgs CVS Cotton Rounds $5.98 ea - $2/1 CVS Skin Care C x 2 - $2 ECB x 2 = $1.98 ea or 2/$3.96
4 small boxes Wheat Thins + 4 small boxes Ritz Crackers* $1.99 ea - $0.99 ea Sale - $2/2 MC x 4 = 8 boxes FREE
1 pkg Gold Emblem Dark Chocolate Almonds $0.99 - $1/1 CVS Almond C = FREE + $0.01
1 Lysol Neuta-Air Refill $5.49 - $4/1 MC = $1.49
1 bag David's Pumpkin Seeds $1.99 - $0.99 Sale = $1
+ Tax $0.91
- $10 ECB used to Pay
Total OOP: $1.35, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $4 ECB for next time!
*These items were donated

Rite Aid SCR Shopping this Week!

This is last week's shopping trip, but I'll share it with you anyway. Sorry I am so late posting this weekend; we spent most of our time with our families celebrating Valentine's Day & a birthday. Anyway, here's the deals I was able to snag last week...
2 Lindt Truffles (I stashed these in my gift bin) $4.29 ea on sale 2/$5 - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$3 + Earned 2 Bonus Game of Life tickets
2 GE Reveal Light Bulb 4 pks $5.29 ea on Sale 2/$5 - $1/1 MC x 2 - $2 SCR wyb 2 = 2/$1
2 Gillette Satin Care Shaving Gels $3.49 ea on Clearance for $1.49 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 - $1 SCR x 2 = 2 FREE + $1.02 MM + Count towards the P&G Coupon Booklet Here
2 Clean & Clear Astringents $4.99 ea - $2/1 in-ad C x 2 - $2/1 MC x 2 = $0.99 ea or 2/$1.98
2 Cadbury Eggs (for Joe of course) $0.88 ea on Sale 2/$1 - $0.50/2 RA values C = 2/$0.50
4 boxes OB Tampons $4.99 ea on Sale for $1.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 4 = $0.99 ea or 4/$3.96
5 boxes Royal Gelatin 0.50 ea on Sale 5/$1
1 box RA Trash Bags 20 ct $5.49 on Sale for $4
1 box Aleve 24 ct $4.99 - $2/1 RA Values C = $2.99
- $5/20 purchase Coupon x 2
- $4 SCR Check
+ Tax $1.08
Total OOP: $8.49 - $4 expected SCR = $4.49 OOP + Earned $2.98 towards the P&G Coupon Booklet Promo!

Shopper's Doubling Coupons!

Joe and I stopped into Shopper's on Tuesday before the second big snow hit to grab a few good deals with doubled coupons. Shopper's isn't doubling this week, but I thought I'd share anyway...
1 Decaf Coffee (not a good deal, but needed according to my husband) $3.89
1 Instant Milk (to make Cinnamon raisin bread in my bread maker!) $2.89
6 G2 Gatorades $1 ea - $1/2 MC x 3 doubled to $2 ea = 6 FREE
1 Sabra Hummus $3.99 - $1/1 MC doubled to $2 = $1.99 (still more expensive than Aldi's)
2 I Can't Believe it's not Butter (ICBINB) 2 pk Spreads $2.79 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 doubled to $2 ea = $0.79 ea or 2/$1.58
2 ICBINB Sprays $2.79 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 doubled = $0.79 ea or 2/$1.58
+ Tax $0.18
Total OOP: $12.11 -- Saved $16 or 57% -- YAY!

Walgreen's RR Run!

Joe and I also stopped into Walgreen's today to roll my RR's, and get some money making Dove Body wash and FREE crackers & cookies...

Transaction #1:
3 Musketeer Truffle Bars 3/$2 - $1 RR = 3/$1
1 Dove Men's Body Wash $5.99 - $1.50/1 MC (from Dove mailer) - $6 RR = FREE + $1.51 MM
1 Vitamin Lip Balm $1.99 - $2 RR = FREE + $0.01
1 Shaving Mirror on Clearance (for Joe) $1.99
2 Nabisco Double Stuff Oreos $0.99 ea - $1/2 MC (back to school coupon booklet) = 2/$0.98
2 Nabisco Fig Newtons $0.99 ea - $1/2 MC (same as above) = 2/$0.98
4 Nabisco Premium Saltines $0.99 ea - $2/2 MC x 2 = 4 FREE + $0.04 MM
2 Dozen Eggs $0.99 ea = 2/$1.98
+ Tax $0.78
- $10 RR
Total OOP: $6.15 + Earned $2, $1 & $6 RR

Transaction #2:
2 Walgreen's Peroxides $0.50 ea = 2/$1
1 Joint Juice 30 ct $10
- $6 & $1 RR's
Total OOP: $4 + Earned $10 RR

Transaction # 3
2 - 2 lts 7 Up + 1 - 2 lt Dr. Pepper 3/$4 - $2 RR = 3/$2
1 Dove Men's Body Wash $5.99 - $1.50/1 MC (Mailer) - $6 RR = FREE + $1.51 MM
3 Musketeer Truffle Bars @ 3/$2 - $1 RR wyb 3 = 3/$1
+ Tax $0.72
- $10 RR
Total OOP: $1.21 + Earned $1, 2, & 6 RR for next week!

Martin's Trip this Week

Joe and I stopped into Martin's today to get some great deals and use a rain check, I think we did pretty good...
5 bags Texas Toast Croutons $1.43 ea - $0.90 (Rain check - Makes them $1.25 ea) - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 5 = $1.25/5
3 Lipton/Knorr Rice Sides $1.29 ea - $0.29 Sale - $1/3 MC = 3/$2
2 Lysol All Purpose Cleaners $2.62 ea - $0.83 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = 2/$1.58
2 Hallmark Cards 1 @ 2.49 - 10% Bonus Savings $0.25 & 1 @ $0.99 - 10% Bonus Savings $0.10 - BOGO Free Martin's Coupon $0.89 = $2.24/2
2 lbs Smithfield Bacon $4.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale - $0.55/1 MC doubled to $1.10 x 2 = 2/$2.79
1.93lb Asparagus @ $3.99/lb - $1.88/lb Sale $4.07 = $3.63
4 pkgs Lender's Bagels $1.69 ea - $0.69 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 = 4/$2
+ Tax $0.29
Total OOP: $44.18 - $28.69 Sales & Coupons = $15.78 OOP -- Saved 65%!!

Menu Plan Monday!

The menu for the week is based around what's in the freezer, which at this point isn't much, but I have decided to continue the pantry challenge as long as possible into February. We are going to visit with friends on Thursday and have dinner at their house (I just have to bring dessert)! So it should turn out to be a very nice week, especially with the new recipes I am trying...

Breakfasts: Homemade Banana Bread (Joe doesn't like nuts in it), Cream of Wheat, Cold Cereals, Juice & Fruit, Tuesday = FREE Grand Slam @ Denny's from 6am-2pm!

Lunches: Leftovers, Ham and Cheese Sandwiches on Homemade Bread, &/or Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

Dinners:
Sunday - Buffalo Wings and Cheesy Tortilla chips with Homemade Guacamole
Monday - Leftover Buffet
Tuesday - Zuppa Tuscana Soup (recipe Here) with Homemade Bread!
Wednesday - Steak Fajitas with a Garden Salad & Homemade Ranch Dressing
Thursday - Dinner with Melinda & Joel!!!
Friday - Orange Chicken with Jasmine Rice & maybe Salad
Saturday - Homemade Pizza (Loaded for Joe and Cheese for me)

Desserts:
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies & a Confetti Cake with Vanilla Frosting

See other Great Menu Plans Here

Superfresh Stop

We decided that we would stop into Super Fresh since we were right next door at CVS. I actually didn't buy most of what I went in for, their meat prices, although BOGO Free this week are still massively OUTRAGEOUS!!!! So this is what we ended up with...
2 Breakstone Sour creams $0.99 ea on Sale - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = $0.98/2
3 Keebler Cookies $3.79 ea - B1G2 Free Sale ($7.58) = $3.79/3
Total OOP: $4.77 -- Saved $9.58

CVS Trip for the Week

Joe and I got out this morning (after we were plowed out by the awesome maintenance men we have here) and drove to CVS of course! I did get a few good deals while we were there, however, I just found the coupon booklets, so I am gonna have to go back and get the cotton face pads, Hershey's Pieces candy and Wonka gummies...
2 Saturday Baltimore Sun Newspapers (the wonderful manager at CVS held them back for me!) $2 ea = 2/$4
1 Combo pkg Cottonelle Wipes $5.98 - $0.50/1 MC from Here - $3 ECB (Limit is definitely higher than 4, because my receipt says I can do it again!) = $2.48
1 - 20 oz Coke Zero $1.69 - $0.50/1 MC = $1.19
1 Gillette Fusion Razor $8.99 - $4/1 MC (this weeks {P&G insert) - $4 ECB = $0.99 (Lmt 1)
+ Tax $1.18
- $12.50 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $3.34, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $9 ECB's for next time!

We have some SERIOUS snow here in MD!

As you can see, we were covered in snow here at the museum! I LOVE IT!!!!

Martin's Deals this Week

Martin's has some awesome deals going on this week, quite a few that I am going to take advantage of myself tomorrow :-) Without further ado...

Seasonal:
Hallmark Cards BOGO Free in-ad Coupon
1 Dozen Long-stemmed Red Rose Bouquet $19.88 ea + Earn a Code at Check-out for a FREE Red Box Movie

Produce:
Asparagus $1.88/lb (this is a really good price, I've never seen it drop below $2.99/lb. FYI, asparagus blanches and freezes really well!)
Nature's Promise 16 oz Bag Organic Peeled Baby Carrots $1.50 ea
Giant Kiwis 3/$1
Giant Tote Bag Apples (Gala, McIntosh, Red or Golden Delicious) $0.98/lb

Meat & Dairy Items:
Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt 6 pk cups 2/$4 - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$3
Sargento Shredded Cheeses 3/$5 (Must buy 3) - $1/2 MC (past newspaper) = 3/$4 or $1.25 ea
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls 5 ct 4/$5 - $0.40/2 MC from Here doubled to $0.80 ea - $2 Catalina Promo wyb 4, $3 wyb 5 or $4 wyb 6 = 4/$1.40, 5/$1.65, or 6/$1.10 -- Buying 6 in one Transaction is the best bargain!!! (the Catalina will print when you check out and is good on your next purchase)
Giant Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts $1.99/lb
Giant Eye Round Roast BOGO Free ($5.49/lb)
Giant Fresh Pork Tenderloin BOGO Free ($6.99/lb)
Giant Fresh Center Cut Bone-in Pork chops $1.99/lb
Giant Ground Turkey 85% Lean $1.99/lb
Smithfield Bacon BOGO Free = $4.99/2 - $0.55/1 MC (past newspaper) doubled up to $1.10 x 2 = $2.79/2!
Banquet Brown 'n Serve Sausage Links and Patties $1 ea - $0.35/1 MC (Banquet TV Dinner Box) doubled to $0.70 = $0.30 ea

Bread:
Stroehmann Family White Bread 20 oz Loaf BOGO Free = $1.99/2
Stroehmann Split Top Wheat Bread 22 oz Loaf 2/$3 or $1.50 ea
Giant Harvest 100% Wheat Bread 24 oz Loaf $1.79 ea
Thomas' Hearty Grains English Muffins 6 ct BOGO Free = ?

Pantry Items:
Coke Product 2 lts $1 ea (think Superbowl party...)
Kool-Aid packets Buy 10 Get 10 FREE
Lipton/Knorr Rice & Pasta Sides $1 ea - $1/3 MC (past newspaper) = 3/$2
Progresso Vegetable Classic Soups $1 ea - $1/3 MC from Here = 3/$2
Giant Festingos Tortilla Chips $2 ea
Giant Salsa $1.25 ea
Giant Pretzelwerks Pretzels $1.79 ea
Chips Ahoy! Cookies All varieties 10.2-16 oz 2/$5 - $2/2 MC from Here or $1/1 MC (past newspaper) = 2/$3 or $1.50 ea
Hunt's Snack Pack Pudding & Juicy Gels 4 pks $1 ea
Idahoan Mashed Potatoes Pouches $1 ea - $0.75/3 MC from Here doubled to $1.50 = $1.50/3
Success Boil-in-bag Rice 14 oz $1.69 - $0.50/1 MC (past newspaper) doubled to $1 = $0.69 ea

Frozen Items:
Giant Steam Ready Vegetables (broccoli cuts, green peas, sweet yellow corn, & Mixed Vegetables 12 oz bags) $1 ea

Household Items:
Lysol All Purpose Trigger Cleaner $1.79 ea - $0.50/1 MC from Here doubled to $1 = $0.79 ea

**There is a variety of items for sale on pg 15 of the ad Here that when purchased, with a coupon of course :-) will earn you up to $0.60 off per gallon of gas with you fill up at a Martin's gas station.

Weekly Totals Update

Well, it's that time again, weekly budget totals. I'm going to do a separate category for our stock-up trip because we used money that we specifically saved for that purpose. Joe and I have decided that we are going to try for $80 this month for food, health and beauty, and household items. That's $20 less than last month, but I think we can do it...

Stock-up Trips: $50.36
Food: $23.97
Health & Beauty/Household: $3.56 (Walgreen's trip)
Total OOP: $27.53
Eating out, different budget: about $25 (It appears that we have lost some of the receipts) = 2 trips to the golden arches & some soft pretzels at the Hanover Super Wal-mart

Amount left for the month: $52.47

Quick CVS Stop

Joe and I stopped into Super Fresh today to grab some bread flour and yeast so that I can play with my NEW bread maker this weekend while we are snowed in :-) We went next door to CVS to get the Power Bar Bites that were FREE after ECB's, and lo and behold they had the Oust back in stock -- YAY!!
2 cans Oust Surface and Air Spray $3.99 ea - BOGO Free MC $3.99 - $3 ECB x 2 (I should have only gotten 1, so I guess the limit is higher than 3!) = 2 FREE + $2.01 MM!
1 pkg Power Bar Gel Blasts $1.50 - $1.50 ECB = FREE (Joe is now addicted to these...)
+ Tax 0.48
- $3 ECB used to Pay
Total OOP: $2.97, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $7.50 in ECB's for next time!!!!

Rite-Aid Trip this Week

Stopped into Rite-Aid to transfer a prescription and get a FREE $25 gift card, but while I was there, you know I had to shop for some deals... Here's what I ended up with... (this was done in 2 transactions)
2 Colgate Advanced Whitening Toothpastes $3.99 ea - $1 ea Sale - $2 SCR x 2 - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM*
2 Advil 40 ct Liquid-gels $6.99 ea - $2.50 ea Sale - $2/1 MC x 1 (had 2 but forgot to use 1 - ugh!) - $1 SCR x 2 - $4.49 Mail-in Rebate (MIR) x 2 = 2 FREE + $4 MM!
2 Blink Gel Tears $11.99 - $4 ea Sale - $7.99 SCR x 2 - $2/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $4 MM
4 Kleenex Tissues 75 ct $2.49 ea - BOGO Free Sale x 2 - $1/2 Rite-Aid Values C (RAVC) x 2 = 4/$2.98 + I earned 4 Bonus Tickets for their Game of Life!
4 Chex Mixes $0.99 ea - $1/2 RAVC x 2 - $0.50/2 MC x 2 = 4/$0.96
1 Right Guard Sport Gel Deodorant $3.29 but clearanced to $1.64 - Free item coupon for RA's Game of Life Tickets = FREE
+ Tax $0.16
- $5/$20 Purchase RA coupon
Total OOP: $17.04 - Expected SCR $21.98 - Expected MIR $4.49 x 2 = Net OOP: ALL FREE + $13.92 MONEY MAKER!!!!
*These items were donated

CVS Trip #2

I know, I'm addicted to cheap fish oil, but it is something that I need to take, so when I can get a good deal on it, I DEFINITELY take advantage of it... :-)
4 Nature's Bounty Fish Oil 120 ct Bonus bottles $10.49 ea - BOGO Free Sale x 2 - $1/1 MC x 4 - $3 ECB wyb 2 x 2 = 4/$10.98
1 - 84 ct Combo pk Cottonelle Wipes $5.98 - $0.50/1 MC - $3 ECB = $2.48
1 Schick Quattro Men's Trimmer $11.99 - Free item CVS coupon received in the mail = FREE
Tax $0.92
- $5/30 Purchase coupon
- $4 ECB's used to pay (left most of mine at home, I HATE it when I do that!)
Total OOP: $14.38, paid on FREE gift card + Earned $10 RR's for next time (includes $1 for Green Bag Tag)!!!

Walgreen's -- Rolling those RR's!!

I did three transactions and Walgreen's this week, to try and keep my OOP as low as possible...
Transaction #1:
1 Royal Gelatin $0.69 - $0.49 in-ad coupon = $0.20
1 Lypsyl Lip Balm $2.99 - $2 RR = $0.99
1 Puffs Tissues $1.39 - $0.50 in-ad coupon - $1/1 MC = FREE + $0.11 MM!
+ Tax $0.24
- $3 RR's used to Pay
Total OOP: $0.32 + Received $2 RR to use next time

Transaction #2:
1 Blink Gel Tears $7.99 - $2/1 MC - $8 RR = FREE + $2.01 MM
2 - 3M Transparent Tape $1.29 ea - $1.80 in-ad coupon = 2/$0.78
+ Tax $0.05
- $4 RR's used to Pay
Total OOP: $2.82 + Received $8 RR to use next time

Transaction #3:
1 Joint Juice 30 ct (this is a monthly deal!) $10 - $10 RR = FREE
1 - 3M Transparent Tape $1.29 - $0.90 in-ad coupon = $0.39
+ Tax $0.03
- $10 RR's used to Pay
Total OOP: $0.42 + Received $10 RR to use next time

Grand Total OOP: $3.56 + Earned $20 RR's to use next time! Total Savings -- $38.18 or 91% -- WOW!!!

Martin's Stop this week

This was probably one of the biggest hauls I've had from Martin's, but what can I say, they had some really good deals this week...
6 bags Kraft Shredded Cheeses (bought in 2 transactions, 3 ea) $3.25 ea - $1.25 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 - Bonus Savings $1/3 or $2 total = 6/$8
2 Old El Paso Ready-Sides $1.69 ea - $0.69 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled x 2 = 2 FREE + Received a $1 Catalina for my next shopping trip = MM!!*
1 Old El Paso Fajita Seasoning $0.79 - MC Free Seasoning wyb any 2 Old El Paso items = FREE
4 McCormick Fajita Seasonings $0.83 ea - $0.33 ea Sale - $1/4 MC = 4/$1
2 cans Rotel Tomatoes $1.29 ea - $0.29 ea Sale - $0.55/2 MC doubled = 2/$0.90
1 box Post Shredded Wheat Cereal $3.25 - $1.25 Sale - $2/1 MC = FREE
1 Hallmark Card $0.99 - $0.50/1 Martin's Coupon = $0.49
2 - 5 ct cans Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls $1.35 ea - $0.50/1 MC doubled x 2 = $0.35 ea or 2/$0.70
2 Wisk Detergents $6.45 ea - BOGO Free Sale - $2/1 MC x 2 = $2.45/2 (WOW!)
+ Tax $0.45
Total OOP: $49.41 - 36.97 Coupons & Sales = OOP $12.89 + Earned $1 OYNO Catalina = Net OOP: $11.89 -- Savings of 77% -- YAY!!!!!
* These Items were donated

Wal-Mart Stocking up Trip

Joe and I also went to the Super Wal-mart in Hanover to do a little stocking up...

2 - 4 pks Yoplait Delight Yogurt (my sinful indulgence) $2 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 = $1 ea or $2/2

1 GV gallon Milk 2% $2.88

1 - 10 lb bag GV Granulated Sugar $5.48

1 big container Kraft Real Mayo $4.44

4 String Cheese Sticks $0.25 ea = $1/4 (this is actually cheaper than buying them in a bag)

1 - 6 lb bag Jasmine Rice $4.48

2 Jiffy Pizza Crust Mixes $0.48 ea = $0.98/2

1 GV Pizza Crust Mix (to try) $0.44

1 container Crystal Light (makes 16 qts) $2.98 (on Sale!)

3 Bananas $0.82

2 Spray Paints (not pictured) $0.96 ea = $1.92/2

3 Drill Bits (not pictured) $1.64, $2.14 & $3.34 = $7.12

2 Glass Jars for my Pantry!!! (YAY!) $3.97 ea = 2/$7.94

0.45 lb Bulk Coffee $4.04 - $4/1 MC (from this past week's Sunday paper) $0.04!

0.48 lb Bulk Coffee $4.31 - $4/1 MC (same as above) = $0.31!

+ Tax $1.21

Total OOP: $44.04 - Joe's Stuff & Jars, with Tax (different budget) $18.19 = $25.85

ALDI Stocking up Trip!!!

I have been waiting all month for this trip to ALDI; I love that store!!!
2 boxes Taco Shells $0.99 ea = $1.98/2
2 pkgs Flour Tortillas $0.99 ea = $1.98/2
1 - 2 pk French Bread Pizzas $1.99 (I'm excited to try these!)
2 Avocados $0.49 ea = $0.98/2
1 pkg Broccoli Crowns $0.89
1 jar Mild Salsa $1.49
1 - 8 oz Brick of Mild Cheddar $1.79
1 tub Hummus (for Joe of course...) $1.69
1 - pk Romaine Hearts $1.99
1 cont. Parmesan and Romano Shaker Cheese $2.49
2 cans Stewed Tomatoes $0.55 ea = $1.10/2
1 Guacamole Mix $0.49
1 - 6 ct Large Cinnamon Raisin Bagels $0.69 (not sure why, but if I would have known sooner, I would have went back in and bought several for the freezer)
1 - 6 ct Large Plain Bagels $1.39
2 bags Mini Pretzels $1.29 ea = $2.58/2
1 bag Doritos (also for Joe...) $0.99
Total OOP: $24.51 -- WOW!! That's a LOT of stuff for less than $25!!!

Quick Shopper's Doubles Trip

As you know Shopper's has been doubling coupons this week (today's the last day), and I thought that I would take full advantage of the deals...
2 - 2 pks Country Crock Margarine $2.29 ea - $0.50/1 MC Tripled x 2 = $0.79 ea or $1.58/2
- $0.05 Reusable Bag Credit
Total OOP: $1.53 -- Saved 66% or $3.05 -- SWEET!

CVS Trip #1 for this Week

Joe and I went to CVS on Sunday to grab all of the AWESOME deals that they have this week, including cheap fish oil and money-making Dove body wash...

Transaction #1:
4 - 100 ct boxes Lipton Tea bags $4.79 ea - $2.49 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 - $3 ECB wyb $10 = $5/4
1 Theraflu $6.49 - $0.50 Sale - $2/1 MC - $2 ECB = $1.99
1 CVS Ibuprofen 100 ct Twin pk $3.99 - $0.10 Sale - $1 ECB = $2.89
2 Cottonelle Wipes Combo pks $5.98 ea - $0.50/1 MC x 2 - $3 ECB ea = $2.48 ea or $4.96/2
+ $0.61 Tax
- $5/30 Purchase CVS Coupon
- $17.98 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $4.47 paid with FREE gift card + Earned $12 ECB's for next time!

Transaction #2:
1 Colgate Toothpaste $3.29 - $0.30 Sale - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = FREE + $0.01 MM
2 bottles CVS Calcium 75 ct ea $4.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale $4.99 = $4.99/2
2 bottles Nature's Bounty Fish Oil 120 ct Bonus pks $10.49 ea - BOGO Free Sale $10.49 - $1/1 MC x 2 - $3 ECB wyb 2 = $5.49/2
2 bottles Dove Body wash $5.49 ea - $1.25/1 MC x 2 - $5.49 ECB ea = 2 FREE + $2.50 MM
3 Power Bar Gel-Bites $1.69 ea - $1/1 MC (from a recent sample) x 3 = $0.69 ea or $2.07/3
+ $0.45 Tax
- $5/30 Purchase CVS Coupon
- $20 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $1.47 paid on FREE gift card + Earned $15.98 ECB's for next time!

Manu Plan Monday!!

This week marks the end of the 'official' Eat from the Pantry Challenge, but for Joe and I, we are going to try it for another month, or at least 2 more weeks, we'll see. As for the menu this week...
Breakfasts: Cereal, Cream of Wheat, Sweet breads/muffins (from the freezer...), fruit &/or yogurt

Lunches: Leftovers, Grilled Cheese sandwiches, canned Soups or PBJ

Dinners:
Sunday - Hot dogs and Velveeta Shells & Cheese
Monday - Homemade Scalloped potatoes with Ham, recipe Here, served with Salad and Homemade Dill Dressing & Steamed Broccoli
Tuesday - Fish Sticks, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli with Cheese & Salad with Homemade Dressing
Wednesday - Tacos with Mexican Rice & Corn
Thursday - Eggs with Fried Potatoes & Toast, with Homemade Applesauce or canned Fruit
Friday - Homemade Pizza (Cheese for me & Sausage, pepperoni, peppers & onions for Joe), probably served with Salad
Saturday - Italian Meatloaf with Green beans & Buttered Potatoes, probably served with more Salad
**In case you didn't notice I have some potatoes in the pantry that need to be used up V-E-R-Y soon, so, lots of potatoes in the menu this week....
How's everyone else's menu looking?