Soda & Coupon Trip to Target on Saturday

Joe and I stopped into Target on Saturday evening to take advantage of the Pepsi gift card deal and picked up a few other things that were free after coupon, or that we thought would be yummy to take on vacation next month :-)

Transaction #1: (Not Pictured)
3 - 12 pks Pepsi Cans @ $3 ea = $9
2 - 12 pks Mt Dew @ $3 ea - $1/2 Target C = $5
+ $0.54 Tax
Total OOP: $14.54 - $5 gift card earned = Net OOP: $9.54

Transaction #2:
4 Tide Travel Size $0.97 ea - $1/1 MC x 4 = 4 FREE + $0.04 MM!
3 Satin Care Shave Gel Travel Size $0.99 ea - $1/1 MC = 3 FREE + $0.03 MM!
1 pk Rechargeable Energizer Batteries (Needed these bad!) $10.99 - $1/1 TC - $1/1 MC = $8.99
1 Archer Farms Dip $2.50 (Vacation Treat!)
1 - 6 pk Coke Zero $3 (another vacation treat!)
3 pkgs Crystal Light Sticks $1.97 ea - $3/3 MC - $1/3 TC = 3/$1.91!
+ $1.20 Tax
- $5 Target Gift card
Total OOP: $12.45

Quick Weekend Safeway Trip

I also made a quick stop into Safeway this past weekend to pick up some $0.49 Oscar Mayer Hot dogs. Here's what I ended up with...

4 pkgs Hot dogs $3.69 ea - $6.80 Sale - in-ad C $4 - $1/2 MC x 2 = 4/$1.96
4 Powerade 0.99 ea Sale - $1.20 Sale - $0.75/2 MC doubled by $0.63 x 2 = 4 FREE
1 Star Olive Oil $7.59 - $2.60 Sale - $4/1 MC = $0.99
Total OOP: $3.04! -- Saved $23.36 or 89%!!!!!

Rite-Aid Stop for the Week

Rite Aid really didn't have much to offer this week, but there were a few good coupon deals and a MIR that I wanted to take advantage of, so I worked up this transaction, and I'm pretty pleased :-)

3 Starbucks Drinks (for Joe while were in OC) $2.49 ea - $1.66 ea Sale = 3/$4.98
2 Peanut Butter M&M Candies $0.88 ea - $0.38 ea Sale = 2/$1
5 boxes OB Tampons $4.99 ea - $3 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 5 = 5/$4.95
2 pks Stay free Pads $3.99 ea - $2 ea Sale - $2/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM!
2 - 4 roll pks Rite Aid TP $1.29 ea - $0.30 ea Sale = 2/$1.98
4 Sure Deodorants $2.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale x 2 - $1/1 MC x 4 - MIR $2.99 x 2 = 4 FREE + $4 MM!
+ Tax $0.54
- $5/25 Rite Aid Coupon
Total OOP: $10.41, paid with FREE gift card - $5.98 expected MIR = $4.43

CVS Trip this Week

I stopped into CVS twice on Sunday to use 2 $5/30 CVS coupons before they expired and I was able to grab some good deals for us, as well as a few for my mommy! (P.S. Most items aren't pictured)

Transaction #1:
3 Suave Shampoo $2.69 ea - $0.69 ea Sale - $2 ECB wyb 3 = 3/$4
1 Benedryl Tablet $4.99 - $1/1 MC - $1 ECB = $2.99
2 - 16 roll pks Charmin (this isn't a fabulous price, but we were down to our last 4 pk, not good!) $12.99 ea - $3 ea Sale - $1/2 MC = 2/$18.98 (this counts towards a $10 ECB)
- $5/30 CVS C
+ $1.26 Tax
- $9 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $16.23, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $2 ECB & $1 ECB x 2 (1 for using my green bag tag)

Transaction #2:
1 Ban Unscented Deodorant $3.49 - $0.50 Sale - $0.75/1 MC - $2 ECB = $0.24
1 pkg Duracell Batteries $8.59 - $2.60 Sale - $10 ECB (finished the P&G Deal with the Charmin) = FREE + $4.01 MM!
3 Gold Emblem 24 pk H2O $3.99 ea - $1.22 ea Sale = 3/$8.31
1 Poise Pads $14.49 - $2.50 Sale - $1.50/1 CVS C - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = $7.49
- $5/30 CVS C
+ Tax $0.87
- $3 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $18.90, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $2 ECB x 2 & $10 ECB + My Mommy gave me $10 for doing her shopping for her :-)

Menu Plan Monday 05/31/2010

This week is going to be a busy one! There are doctor appointments, picnics, gardening and of course work that need to be accomplished. This week officially starts our eat from the pantry challenge, as Joe and I are going away for a few days the end of the month, and we need to save all we can so that we can splurge a little while we are away! Here's what's cooking this week:

Breakfasts: Today Melinda and Joel are coming up to eat with us and watch the parade here in town, and we are eating french toast casserole* The rest of the week is cold cereal and bagels with yogurt

Lunches: Leftovers or PB&J Sandwiches, there are also some frozen dinners that I am going to try and clean out of the freezer as well

Dinners:
Sunday - Sloppy Joe's with Cheese, French Fries and Salad
Monday - PICNIC at my Mommy's house, I'm bringing the Taco dip and a Strawberry Jello Poke Cake*
Tuesday - Chicken Fajitas with Tortilla chips with some melted cheese on top and Salad
Wednesday - Sirloin Pork chops* with Rice and a veggie
Thursday - Squash and Chicken Parmesan* over noodles with Salad and Garlic Bread
Friday - Homemade Pizza with Salad
Saturday - Parmesan Broiled Tilapia with Baked Potatoes and Salad

Dessert for the week: Leftover Poke Cake (if there is such a thing) and Chocolate chip Banana Muffins*
* Recipe/Pictures to come

View more great Menu Plans @ Org Junkie!

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Memorial Day!
Enjoy the picnics, I know I will!

CVS Prescription Stop

I stopped in to pick up and drop off more prescriptions at CVS and while I was there I decided to use up a few coupons before they expire the end of this month...
4 pkgs Schick Travel Razors* $0.99 ea - $2/1 MC x 2 (1 adjusted to $1.96) = 4 FREE
3 Johnson & Johnson 1st Aid Kits $0.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 3 (1 adjusted to $0.97) = 3 FREE
Total OOP: ZERO + $0.24 Tax!!!!!!

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Martin's Trip This Week!

Martin's has saved me another $0.20 per gallon, I'm up to $0.40 off per gallon of gas that we can use before we go to the Ocean the end of June!!! Plus I was able to stock up on some AWESOME deals!

6 Betty Crocker Suddenly Pasta Salads $2.08 ea - $4.48 Sale - $0.40/1 MC doubled to $0.80 x 6 = 6/$3.20
4 Country Time Lemonade Mixes $3.19 ea - $1.19 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 = 4/$6
6 McCormick Grill Mates Seasonings $1.07 ea - $0.28 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 3 = 6/$1.74
2 bags Wacky Mac Pasta $1.25 ea - $0.25 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 2 = 2 FREE
2-10 ct boxes Capri Sun Drinks $2 ea - $1/2 MC = 2/$3 (These count towards the Nabisco MIR)
2 gallons Turkey Iced Tea $2.85 ea - $0.85 ea Sale - $1/2 MC = 2/$3
2 Kraft Singles $3.17 ea - $1.18 ea Sale = 2/$3.98 (I have been waiting for a good sale on these for a while!)
Total OOP: $50.68 - $29.28 Sales & Coupons = $21.40 --- Savings of 58%!!!

Menu Plan Monday May 24th 2010!

This week is FULL of gardening (pictures to come later), so the menu is going to be simple. The crock pot and grill are going to make a few appearances this week as well...

Breakfasts: Cold Cereal, Bagels with Cream Cheese, Peach Cobbler & Fruit & Yogurt

Lunches: Leftovers & PB&J Sandwiches

Dinners:
Sunday - Out with Nan & Pap to Bob Evans -- YUMMY!
Monday - McDonald's :-)
Tuesday - Crock Pot Ribs & Baked Potatoes* with Broccoli & Cheese and Salad
Wednesday - Crock Pot Stroganoff* with Egg Noodles, Garlic Bread and Salad
Thursday - Grilled Hot dogs with Pasta Salad & Steamed Corn on the Cob
Friday - Grilled Salsa Chicken* with Salad and Garlic Bread
Saturday - Sloppy Joe's with French Fries and Salad

Treats for the Week: Peach Cobbler & White Chocolate Chip Cookies (My favorite!)
See More Menu Plans at Org Junkie
*Recipes to come later

Big Lots -- Great Deal on Gold Medal Flour!

I stopped into Big Lots to look the gardening items over (pictures of our garden to come), and didn't really find anything that screamed BUY ME! So I decided to take a gander at the food section and the pet section, which I try to do every time I'm in the store. And I did find some awesome food deals!

2 Gold Medal Self-Rising Flours 5 lbs ea @ $1 ea = 2/$2!!!
3 Welch's Shelf Stable White Grape Juice Concentrate @ $1 ea = 3/$3
1 bag Pringles Bold Bites $1.80 (These are almost $4 in Shopper's)
Total OOP: $6.80
**Note of Caution: ALWAYS check the expiration dates! I have never seen anything expired there, but somethings are close to expiration, which if you are going to use or freeze them right away is fine, but if you aren't, DON'T buy it! Good Deals are NOT good deals if you let them expire before they are used up...

Rite-Aid Trip for this Week!

I am LOVING Rite-Aid this week! YAY for cheap dishwasher tablets and allergy medicine! I will definitely be going back later this week to do a similar deal again!

1 pkg Rite-Aid 'Wet Jet' Pads $4.99 - $1 Card Discount = $3.99
1 pkg Cascade Tablets $4.99 - $2 Sale - $2/1 MC - $2 SCR = FREE + $1.01 MM!
2 Visine $4.99 - $1 Card Discount - $2/1 in-ad C x 2 - $2/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE
2-14 ct boxes Rite-Aid Cetirizine $10.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale ($10.99) - $5/1 Allergy Med RA C x 2 = 2/$0.99
- $5/25 RA C
Total OOP: $0.95!!!!! + I will earn a $2 SCR = MONEY MAKER!!!

CVS Trip for this Week!

This week's CVS ECB Deals are a little lacking, but that's okay, I think I still walked away with a LOT of good deals and some freebies, and that is really all that matters :-)

8 boxes Various Nabisco Cookies/Crackers $1.99 ea - $1.01 Sale ea - $1/2 MC x 4 = 8/$3.84!
2 CVS Cotton Swabs, Travel size 2/$0.99 - $1/1 CVS Cosmetic C = 2 FREE
4 pkgs CVS Travel Tissues 1 @ $0.49 + 3 @ $0.50 - $1/2 CVS Paper Product C = 4 FREE
2 Gillette Body Washes $4.99 ea - $0.99 ea Sale - BOGO Free MC ($4) - $4 ECB x 2 = 2 FREE + $4 MM!
3 boxes Kellogg's Cereals 1 @ $4.49 + 2 @ $4.29 - $8.09 in Sales - $1/3 MC = 3/$3.98
2 Carroll County Times Papers (not Shown) $1 ea = 2/$2
+ $ 0.69 Tax
- $11 ECB's Used to Pay
Total OOP: $3.49, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $8 ECB's!

Rite-Aid Round 2!

Joe and I stopped into Rite-Aid for a prescription and a FREE $25 gift card, and decided to continue to stock up on Zantac since it such a GREAT price this week!
1 box Zantac 75-60 ct $18.99 - $3.80 Card Discount - $3/1 MC - $5/1 in-ad C = 7.19
2 pkgs Double Stuff Oreo's $4.79 ea - $1.80 Sale = 2/$5.98
2 Cookies & Cream Hershey Bars, not pictured :-) $0.88 ea - $0.38 ea Sale = 2/$1
1 box Oreo Cakesters $3.99 - $1 Sale - Free wyb Oreo's MC = FREE
- $5/25 RA C
Total OOP: $8.17 + Earned $2 SCR for the Nabisco Cookies!

Then, I stopped back again on Saturday to pick up and drop off more prescriptions and get another $25 gift card :-) And decided to get a few more items while I was there, like more Zantac, and one for my mommy (not pictured)...
Transaction #1:
3 Fleece Throws $4.99 ea - $3.75 Clearance = 3/$3.72
2 Reese's Whips $1.49 ea - $0.75 ea Clearance = 2/$1.48
2 boxes Strawberry Pop-Tarts + 1 box Smore's Pop-Tarts $2.69 ea - $1.19 ea Sale - $1.25/3 MC = 3/$3.25
1 Zantac 150-50 ct $18.99 - $3.80 Card Discount - $5/1 in-ad C - $2/1 MC = $8.19
+ $0.01 Tax
- $5/25 RA C
Total OOP: $11.65, paid with FREE gift card!

Transaction #2:
1 pkg Double Stuff Oreo's $4.79 - $1.80 Sale = $2.99
1 box Oreo Cakesters $3.99 - $1 Sale - Free wyb Oreo's MC = FREE
1 pkg Rainbow Chips Deluxe Cookies $4.99 - $1 Card Discount = $3.99
1 Zantac 150-50 ct $18.99 - $3.80 Card Discount - $5/1 in-ad C - $2/1 MC = $8.19
- $5/25 RA C
- $10 Cash (From Mom)
Total OOP: $3.17, paid with FREE gift card + I qualify for the $2 Nabisco SCR & the Keebler/Kellogg's SCR I only need $5.01 more!

CVS Round #2

Joe and I stopped into CVS to pick up a prescription and a FREE $25 gift card, and while we were there I use some coupons up:
4 CVS Cotton Swabs, travel Size @ 2/$0.99 - $1/1 CVS Cosmetic C x 2 = 4 FREE + $0.04 MM!
2 Speed Stick Deodorants $3.99 ea - $1 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 - $2 ECB ea = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM!
+ $0.36 Tax
Total OOP: $4.32, paid with FREE gift card & Received $4 ECB's!

Joe and I stopped into CVS again to pick up the next prescription and another FREE $25 gift card, and of course had to grab some deals while we were there...
2 CVS Cotton Swabs @ 2/$0.99 - $1/1 CVS Cosmetic C = 2 FREE + $0.01 MM!
2 Cocoa Butter Lotions, travel size $1.29 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$0.58
1 box Band-Aids $4.19 - $1/1 MC = $3.19 + 1 Neosporin $4.99 - $1/1 MC = $3.99 + Earned $3 ECB + Earned MIR $6 Savings = FREE + MM!
+ $0.20 Tax
- $5 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $2.95, paid with FREE gift card + Received $3 ECB's!

Rite-Aid: Pistachios. How I LOVE thee!

I am LOVING the new Wellness Card at Rite-Aid and the 20% off everything discount I'm getting by using it! I did 2 transactions on Sunday:

Transaction #1:
2 pkgs Wonderful Pistachios $3.99 ea - $2 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$1.98!
2 Velveeta Shells & Cheese $3.49 ea - $1.49 ea Sale = 2/$4
1 box Pop-Tarts $2.69 - $1.19 Sale = $1.50
2 Cookies & Cream Hershey Bars $0.88 ea - $0.38 ea Sale = 2/$1
2 Kit-Kat Bars $0.88 ea - $0.38 ea Sale = 2/$1
1 Zantac Cool Blue Mint 50 ct $18.99 - $3.80 Card Discount - $5/1 in-ad C - $2/1 MC = $8.19
- $5/25 RA C
Total OOP: $11.67, paid with FREE gift card! + The Pop-Tarts counts towards a SCR!

Transaction #2:
1 Zantac 75 - 60 ct $18.99 - $3.80 Card Discount - $5/1 in-ad C - $3/1 MC = $7.19
1 pkg Wonderful Pistachios $3.99 - $2 Sale - $1/1 MC = $0.99!
1 pkg Double Stuff Oreo's $4.79 - $1.80 Sale = $2.99
- $5/25 RA C
Total OOP: $6.17, Paid with FREE gift card! + The Oreo's count towards another SCR!

CVS Trip this Week: Lots of Good Deals!

CVS was FULL of greats deals this week! Plus there was a $5/30 Coupon in my in-box, so you know I just had to use it... twice!

Transaction #1:
2-12 pks Sierra Mist + 2-12 pks Pepsi - $1/2 MC - $3 ECB wyb 4 = 4/$8
2 pouches Chicken of the Sea Tuna 2/$1.67
1 pk Dial Bar Soap $2.99 - $1.11 Sale - $0.35/1 MC - $1 ECB = $0.53
1-24 ct pkg Zantac $9.99 - $1 Sale - $2/1 MC - $3 ECB = $3.99
1 Renuzit Crystals $6.99 - $3 Sale - $3/1 MC = $0.99
1 Shout $4.29 - $2/1 CVS C - $0.55/1 MC = $1.74
+ $1.01 Tax
- $5/30 CVS C
- $19.99 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $1.94, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $7 ECB's!

Transaction #2:
1 Aussie Shampoo $4.59 - $1.60 Sale - $2/1 MC - $2 ECB = FREE + $1.01 MM!
1 Herbal Essence Shampoo $4.29 - $1.30 Sale - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = FREE
1 Dulcolax Balance $22.99 - $3 Sale - $4/1 MC - $5 ECB = $10.99
2 Colgate Clinical Toothpaste $4.99 - $1 ea Sale - $2 ECB x 2 - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$1.98
2 Maxwell House Coffee's (For Joe's Grandfather) $4.79 ea - $4.78 Sale - $1/1 MC = 2/$3.80
+ $0.73 Tax
- $5/30 CVS C
- $9 ECB used to Pay
Total OOP: $15.48, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $13 ECB's!

Food Lion: POP-TARTS!

Food Lion Had an awesome deal on Pop-Tarts last week. As you can see, I stocked up, not for my, but for the hubz! He just adores Pop-Tarts, and at this price, I could afford to indulge his addiction!

I went two separate times:
Trip #1:
3 boxes Pop-Tarts $2 ea - $0.50 ea Sale - $1.25/3 MC = 3/$3.25
2 Ears Sweet Corn $0.50 ea - $0.06 ea Sale = 2/$0.88
2 Snicker's Bars (1 missing from picture... JOE!) $0.89 ea - BOGO Free Sale = 2/$0.89
+ $0.06 Tax
Total OOP: $5.07

Trip #2:
4 boxes Pop-Tarts $2 ea - $0.50 ea Sale - $1.25/3 MC = 4/$4.75
Total OOP: $4.75

Grand Total OOP: $9.82!

Wag's Deals & Steals for the Week!

Walgreen's was kinda slow this week, as you could probably tell from the picture above. But that's okay every once in awhile! I did do two transactions, and still have RR's for the deals next week, so, all-in-all a pretty successful trip!

Transaction #1:
1 pkg Zantac Cool Mint $8.99 - $2/1 MC - $3 RR = $3.99
2 Royal Puddings $0.39 ea = 2/$0.78
1 Gold Medal Flour $2.49
- $9 RR used to Pay
Total OOP: $1.26, earned $3 RR!

Transaction #2:
2 Blue Bonnet Margarine 1 lb Sticks (Not pictured) $1.29 ea = 2/$2.58
2 Gillette Body Washes $4.49 ea - BOGO Free MC - $4.50 RR = 2 FREE
+ Tax $0.54
- $4 RR used to Pay
Total OOP: $3.61, earned $4.50 RR!

Free Doggie Treat Sample!

Go Here to Request a FREE Doggie Treat Sample from Bully Sticks!

Menu Plan Monday May 17, 2010

This week's menu plan is going to be simple and full of nice warm comfort food, as it will be rainy most of the week here in Maryland. Here's what's cooking at my house...

Breakfasts: Freezer Pancakes, Bagels with Yogurt, and Cold Cereals

Lunches: Left overs, PB&J and Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Dinners:
Sunday - Out with Joe's Grandparent's!
Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Taco Rice Casserole Bake* with Salad and Garlic Bread
Wednesday - Pork Ribs with Buttered Noodles & Broccoli with Cheese
Thursday - Grilled Hot dogs with Pasta Salad and Garden Salad
Friday - Spaghetti with Garlic Bread and Salad
Saturday - Cooking in the Hearth at the Museum -- Come out and see me! (I'm thinking beef stroganoff* and Pie)

What's Baking this Week: Banana Nut Muffins and Bread & White Chocolate Chip Cookies

For More Menu Plan's Visit Org Junkie & The Grocery Cart Challenge
*Recipe to Come

Martin's Trip: Deals for this Week

Martin's had some awesome deals this past week, and even though I spent a lot more than I usually do, I think that I got a lot of great bargains, and that is really what matters! Here's what I ended up with:

4 Reynold's Recycled Foils $1.34 ea - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.34 = 4 FREE
2 Kraft Mayo $4.39 ea - $1.90 ea Sale - $0.98 wyb 2 = 2/$4

4 Canisters Crystal Light $2.99 ea - $0.99 ea Sale - $1/2 MC x 2 =4/$6
1 Crystal Light Essentials $2.99 - $0.99 Sale - $1/1 MC = $1
4 Powerades $1.19 ea - $0.19 ea Sale - $0.75/2 MC doubled to $1.50 x 2 = 4/$1
2 bags dry Fancy Feast Cat Food $2.06 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$2.12
1 NY Crouton $1.43 - $0.18 Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 = $0.25
3 NY Tortilla Strips $1.85 ea - $0.60 ea Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled to $1 x 3 = 3/$0.75
2 Jimmy Dean Sausage Rolls $3.99 ea - $1.49 ea Sale - $2/2 MC = 2/$3 (Cheaper than ALDI!)
2 ICBINB Tubs $2.49 ea - $0.60 ea Sale - $0.75/1 MC (Blinkie, did not double) x 2 = 2/$2.28 + I Earned 2 Free item Coupons from Land O Lakes through a MIR!
1 Care One Pill Tote $1.75 - $0.50/1 Martin's Coupon = $1.25
+ Tax $0.81
Total OOP: $60.47 - $38.01 Savings & Coupons = $22.46 OOP! Savings of 63% + Earned 2 Free Butters & $0.20 off per Gallon of Gas!!!

Weekly Spending Totals for 05/09-05/15

Well, Joe and I were trying to do an eat from the pantry challenge this month & only spend $100 oop on groceries & household items for the month, however, it's not going so great. I have a hard time turning down a good deal, especially when it's a good deal on meat. But I suppose it could have been a lot worse, considering what I was paying before I started using coupons & sales!

Food - $43.07 - OUCH!
Health & Beauty - $0.26
Household - $15.46
Total: $58.79
Amount Remaining for the Month: $20.54 (Yeah Right!?)

Eating Out: Approx. $33

CVS/Rite-Aid Combo Trip!

I had to drop a prescription off at CVS, so while I was there I scanned my card at the coupon machine and decided to use the coupons while I was there and then I needed to stop into Rite-Aid to get some money-making lotions. Here's what I ended up with:

CVS:
1 bottle CVS Shampoo $0.99 - $1/1 CVS C = FREE + $0.01 MM!
2 bottles CVS Alcohol $2.19 ea - $1.19 ea Sale - $1/2 CVS C = 2/$1
+ 0.02 Tax
Total OOP: $1.01

Rite-Aid:
2 Aveeno Lotions $3.49 ea - $0.70 Card Discount - $2/1 in-ad C x 2 - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.42 MM
1 Lubriderm Lotion $3.99 - $0.80 Card Discount - $2/1 in-ad C - $1/1 MC = $0.19
+ $0.53 Tax
Total OOP: $0.53 - $5 SCR wyb 3 J&J Items = ALL FREE + $4.47 MM!

Martin's Trip from this Week - Stock-up Deals!

Martin's was full of deals this week, especially in regards to chicken! Here's what I ended up with:

4 bottles Ken's Buffalo Marinade $2.65 ea - BOGO Free Sale x 2 - $1/1 MC x 4 = 4/$1.30
2 boxes Perdue Chicken Short cuts $5.99 ea - BOGO Free Sale - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.50 x 2 = 2/$2.99
2 bags Tyson Chicken Tenders (these are great for chicken Parmesan) $6.59 ea - $1.60 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$7.98
40 Various Kool-Aid packets $0.25 ea - BOGO Free Sale - B10G2 FREE MC x 2 ($1) = 40/$4
+ Tax $0.30
Total OOP: $46.06 - $29.49 Sales & Coupons = $16.57 -- Savings of 64%!!

Produce Run to ALDI!

I was getting to point where produce was being more and more needed, so I broke down and drove to Hanover earlier this week and picked up a few things at ALDI.

Broccoli Crowns $1.99 (up $0.20)
2 pk Multi-colored Peppers $2.99 (they are this much EACH at home)
1 bottle Beef Bouillon Cubes $1.39
1 bag Corn Chips $0.99
1 tub Hummus (For Joe of course) $1.69
1 - 5 lb bag Onions $2.99 (these were up too)
Total OOP: $12.04

Rite-Aid SCR Trip for This Week

This week has been FULL of GREAT deals, especially at Rite-Aid. I don't get to say that too often because usually CVS beats them in the moneymaking department, but this week they were just full of surprises and deals :-)

Here's what I ended up with:
2 rolls Bounty Basic Paper Towels $1.29 ea - $0.30 Sale ea - $1/2 MC = 2/$0.98
4 boxes Puffs Tissues with Lotion $1.99 ea - $1 Sale ea - $0.50/1 MC x 4 = 4/$1.96
2 pkgs Reese's PB Cups $0.88 ea - $0.38 Sale ea = 2/$1
2 Cookies & Cream Hershey Bars (1 Not pictured) $0.88 ea - $0.38 ea Sale = 2/$1
1 bottle Rite-Aid Lemon Extract $0.99 - $0.20 Card Discount = $0.79
1 Box Kotex U Tampons $4.99 - $1.49 Sale - $1/1 MC = $2.50 + 1 box Kotex U Pads $4.49 - $0.99 Sale - $1/1 MC - $3 SCR wyb 2 = 2/$2
2 bottles Lubriderm Lotion $3.99 ea - $0.80 ea Card Discount - $2/1 in-ad C x 2 - $2/1 & $1/1 MC + 1 tube Aveeno Lotion $3.49 - $0.70 Card Discount - $2/1 in-ad C - $1/1 MC -$5 SCR wyb 3 = 3 FREE + $5.83 MM!!!
- $5/25 Rite Aid C
+ Tax $0.73
Total OOP: $5.63, paid with FREE gift card - $8 SCR earned = ALL FREE + $2.17 MM!!!

Food Lion Chicken Run!

I made a quick stop into Food Lion earlier this week especially for the split chicken breasts on sale for $0.96/lb!!! I ended up buying 3 pkgs totaling 10.2 lbs of meat for the grand total of $9.81!!! Savings of 48%!!

Quick CVS Prescription Trip

I stopped into CVS today to finally pick up my prescription and get my FREE $25 gift card! While I was there I decided to do the Reach Floss deal and grab a few sale essentials...
2 Reach Floss $1.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 - $2 ECB x 2 = 2 FREE + $2.02 MM!
1 CVS Shampoo $0.99 - $1/1 CVS C = FREE + $0.01 MM!
1 CVS Epsom Salt $1.79 - $0.79 Sale = $1
1 CVS 91% Alcohol $2.19 - $1.19 Sale = $1
- $3.97 ECB used to Pay
Total OOP: $0.26, Earned $4 ECB's for Next time!

Menu Plan Monday - 05/10/2010

This week we are planning our menu around what we already have on hand as a way to keep our spending down! Here's what's cooking here this week:

Breakfasts: Cold Cereal, Freezer Pancakes, Yogurt and Bagels

Lunches: Frozen Meals, Leftovers, Chicken Salad or PB&J Sandwiches

Dinners:
Sunday - McDonald's!
Monday - Garlic Chicken and Pasta Bake with Salad
Tuesday - Parmesan Tilapia with Rice and Steamed Broccoli and Salad
Wednesday - Salsa Chicken Bake with Salad
Thursday - Leftovers or Sandwiches
Friday - Mexican Rice Casserole (Recipe with Follow) with Salad
Saturday - Homemade Pizza with Salad

Dessert for the Week: Nestle Toll House Mini Brownie Bites

View more Menu Plans @ The Grocery Cart Challenge & Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday

Last Week's Spending Totals 05/02-05/08

This month Joe and I have decided to do another eat from the pantry challenge. We are going to keep our spending below $100 for the month (hopefully!) and plan our meals around what we have on hand already. Here's how Week #1 went...

Food: $14.55, but I will be receiving $20 in MIR's, so in actuality I made Money!
Health & Beauty: ZERO!
Household: $6.12
Total OOP: $20.67, after MIR's $2.87!!!!

Separate Budget Items: $9.60 for Shoes at Wal-mart for my Mother-in-law's wedding, and $4.01 in wrapping paper and cards for Mother's Day and the wedding at the Dollar Store.

CVS Trip for This Week

Joe and I stopped into CVS yesterday to pick up my prescription, but the pharmacy had closed by the time we got there after I worked yesterday afternoon. This is what we got in the way of deals though...
2 Crest Pro Health Toothpastes $3.89 ea - $.39 ea Sale - $3.50 ECB ea = 2 FREE
3 Kellogg's Corn Pops Cereals $4.49 ea - $2.61 ea Sale - $1/3 MC = 3/$4.64
2 Gold Emblem Canned Corn $1.25 ea - $0.76 ea Sale = 2/$0.98
1 Gold Emblem Green Beans $1.25 - $0.76 Sale = $0.49
1 Absolutely Divine Dark Chocolate Bar $1.99 - FREE Item CVS C = FREE
1 Coastal Rain CVS Shampoo $0.99 - $1/1 CVS C = FREE + $0.01 MM!
1 Carefree Liners 22 ct pkg $1.39 - $0.39 Sale - $1/1 MC = FREE
2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Deodorants $4.49 ea - $2 ea Sale - $3/2 MC - $2 ECB ea = FREE + $2.02 MM!
2 Mitchum Deodorants $3.79 ea - 0.80 ea Sale - $0.75/1 MC x 2 - $1 ECB x 2 = 2/$2.48
2 Gold Emblem 24 pk H2O $3.99 ea - $1.77 ea Sale = 2/$4.44
1 Kotex U Tampons $5.29 - $0.30 Sale - $1/1 MC - $4.99 ECB = FREE + $1 MM!
1 Schick Hydro Razor $8.99 - $5/1 MC - $4 ECB = FREE + $0.01 MM!
+ Tax $1.97
- $19.99 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $13.96, paid with FREE Gift card + Earned $21.99 ECB's for Next time!

Last Week's Quick Rite Aid Trip #2

I stopped into Rite-Aid again the end of last week to take advantage of the money making Motrin PM! Here's what I ended up with...
3 Motrin PM 20 ct $5.49 ea - $1.10 ea Card Discount - $3/1 in-ad C x 3 - $3/1 MC x 3 = 3 FREE + $4.83 MM!
2 EOS Lip Balms $3.29 ea - $0.30 ea Card Discount - $2 SCR x 2 = 2/$1.98
1 JIF PB $3.29 - $1.30 Sale = $1.99
Total OOP, no Tax: $3.14 - $4 SCR = ALL FREE + $0.86 MM!

Martin's Trip for Last Week!

I was lucky enough to stop into Martin's twice this week, and was able to use my gift card to pay for some really cheap string cheese after MIR! This was definitely a cheese stock up week.
First Trip:
1 Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats $1.39 - $0.14 Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled = $0.25
1 Pam for Grilling Spray $2.73 - $0.23 Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled = $1.50
1 NY Texas Toast Croutons $1.43 - $0.18 (Monthly) Sale - $0.50/1 doubled = $0.25
2 NY Texas Toast Tortilla Strips $1.85 ea - $0.60 ea Sale - $0.75/1 MC doubled to $1.25 ea = 2 FREE
2 pkgs Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough $3.19 ea - $1.19 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$2
4 pkgs Sorrento String Cheese (bought in separate transactions) $5.09 ea - $2.09 ea Sale - $5 MIR wyb 2 (Sticker on pkg) x 2 = 4/$2
1 Edy's Ice Cream (Not pictured) $3.79 - WOW! But so worth it, we took this as dessert to a friends house and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! :-)
+ Tax $0.08
Total OOP: $39.86 - $19.99 Sales & Coupons - $5 MIR x 2 = $9.87, paid with FREE gift card! -- Savings of 75%!!!
Second Trip:
1 Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats $1.39 - $0.14 Sale - $0.50/1 MC doubled = $0.25
4 pkgs Sorrento String Cheese (bought in separate transactions) $5.09 ea - $2.09 ea Sale - $5 MIR wyb 2 (Sticker on pkg) x 2 = 4/$2
2 NY Texas Toast Croutons $1.43 ea - $0.18 Sale ea - $0.50/1 MC doubled = 2/$.50
1 NY Texas Toast Tortilla Strips $1.85 - $0.60 - $0.50/1 MC doubled = $0.25
1 French's Mustard $1.16 - $0.50/1 MC doubled = $0.16
1 French's Honey Mustard Dip $2.29 - $0.79 Sale - $0.75/1 MC doubled = FREE
1 Land O Lakes Spread with Olive Oil $2.09 - $0.40/1 MC doubled = $1.29
4 pkgs Sorrento String Cheese (bought in separate transactions) $5.09 ea - $2.09 ea Sale - $5 MIR wyb 2 (Sticker on pkg) x 2 = 4/$2
+ Tax $0.08
Total OOP: $32.08 - $17.55 in Sales & Coupons - $5 MIR x 2 = $4.53!! Savings of 86%!!! + Paid $3.74 on FREE gift card!

This Week's Rite-Aid Trip!

I stopped into Rite-Aid yesterday afternoon to take advantage of the few but awesome deals that Rite-Aid has going on this week...
1 Starbucks $2.49 - $0.99 Sale = $1.50
1 Amp $2.49 - $0.99 Sale = $1.50
2 - 2 lts 7UP $1.49 ea - $0.24 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$0.50
1 Carefree 22 ct Pads* $1.59 - $1/1 MC = $0.59
3 Splenda Mini's $3.49 ea - $2.62 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 3 = 3 FREE + $0.39 MM!
2 EOS Lip Balms* $3.29 ea - $0.30 ea Sale - $2 SCR x 2 (Limit 4!!) = 2/$1.98
2 - 20 ct Motrin PM $5.49 ea - $3/1 in-ad C - $3/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $1.02 MM!
- $5/25 Rite-Aid Coupon
+ Tax $0.15
Total OOP: $3.65 - $2 SCR x 2 = ALL FREE + $0.35 MM!
* These items were Donated

CVS Trip For this Week

This is actually 3 Trips all smashed together in one post, but I'll separate them by transaction for you. All in all CVS has some awesome deals going on this week!
Transaction #1, Sunday afternoon:
2 Carroll County Times Newspapers $1 ea
+ $0.18 Tax
Total OOP: $2.18 - Paid with FREE gift card + Earned $1 ECB from my Green Bag Tag!

Transaction #2, Sunday Evening with Joe:
3 Betty Crocker Warm Delights $1.29 ea - $0.29 ea Sale - $1/1 MC x 3 = 3 FREE
1 Gold Emblem Chicken Bouillon Cubes $0.99 - $0.11 Sale = $0.88
1 Gold Emblem Garlic Powder $0.99 - $0.11 Sale = $0.88
1 Aleve Liquid Gels Bonus Pack $8.29 - $2.30 Sale - $3 ECB = $2.99
1 Bengay Moist Heat Patches $8.49 - $2.50 Sale - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = $2.99
1 Colgate Toothpaste* $3.89 - $0.90 Sale - $1/1 MC - $2 ECB = FREE + $0.01 MM!
1 CVS Ibuprofen Tablets 50 ct $5.79 - $2 Sale - $2 ECB = $1.79
2 Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats $4.49 ea - $2.52 ea (rain check) - $2/2 MC = 2/$1.94
1 Depends* $6.99 - $6.99 ECB = FREE
2 Reach Toothbrush 2 pks $5.99 ea - $2 Sale ea - BOGO Free MC $3.99 - $2 ECB x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.01 MM!
+ Tax $0.50
- $5/30 CVS C
- $22 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $4.94, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $19.99 back in ECB's for next time!

Transaction #3, Monday afternoon:
2 CVS Citrus Mouth Washes* $2.79 ea - $1.80 (Secret Sale) - $1/1 CVS C X 2 (1 adjusted to $0.99) = 2 FREE
1 Gillette Venus Razor* $9.99 - $1.50 Sale - $2/1 MC - $6 ECB = $0.49
2 Metamucil no flavor Powder $11.99 ea - $7 Sale ea - $3/1 MC x 2 = 2/$3.98
2 Metamucil Caplets $11.99 ea - $7 ea Sale - $3/1 MC x 2 = 2/$3.98
+ Tax $0.63
- $14 ECB's used to Pay
Total OOP: $2.06, paid with FREE gift card + Earned $6 ECB's for next time!
P.S. -- I will be making one more trip later this week to get more Metamucil!
* These items were Donated

Weekly Spending Totals for April 25th-May1st

This past week was filled with work, prepping for an event at the museum, as well as working the event all weekend, and doing all of the other household chores that still need to be done regardless of what else is going on in the world! So, needless to say Joe and I had a VERY busy week and weekend. Here's how our spending went:

Food: $7.30
Health & Beauty: $4.80
Household: $19.19
Total: $31.29 -- Pretty good if I do say so myself! :-)

Awesome Target Trip Last Week!

Last Thursday evening Joe and I stopped out at Target to use up all of my coupons that were going to expire on April 30th! As you can see we definitely hit up the travel section for some awesome freebies!

5 Kiwi Shoe Inserts Clearance $0.98 ea - $1/1 any Kiwi Product = 5 FREE + $0.10 MM!
1 Phillips Tape Converter for the Car (ours was broken) Clearance $2.48
1 box Nutty Bars $0.99 on Sale (Same price as Aldi's)
2 Market Place Drink Mix boxes Clearance $0.84 ea = 2/$1.68
2 St Ives Travel Lotions $0.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2 FREE + $0.02 MM!
3 St Ives Travel Body Washes $0.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 3 = 3 FREE + $0.03 MM!
5 Satin Care Travel Size Shave Gels $0.99 ea - $1/1 MC x 5 = 5 FREE + $0.05 MM!
2 Dove Travel Size Deodorants* $1.02 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$0.04
2 Degree Travel Deodorants* $1.02 ea - $1/1 MC x 2 = 2/$0.04
+ Tax $1.29
Total OOP: $6.32 -- Saved $19.45 or 75%!