Letter to Publix

Dear Publix,

I used to really like you. We used to be friends. I could come to see you and get wonderful deals.
You let me stack coupons, you let me save.
Not only did you let me save - I saved on quality items.

Unfortunately, my feelings have changed.

Yes, you still have good sales and let me stack.
But buying rancid meat from you 6 times in the past 8 months has left a bad taste in my mouth (or smell in my house).
You seem to be hiring fewer friendly people these days... I dread checking out.
Instead of being excited to come see you every Thursday morning, I find excuses to put it off.

I thought we really had something.
I'm trying not to throw away a good thing because of a rough patch.
But I really don't like you much right now. Shopping with you is decidedly not a pleasure.

I hope you change. Soon.

Love, Me

Shopping Trip 11/6

8 Toaster Strudel (BOGO @ $2.39) = $9.56
minus 4 1 Box Free coupons = $0

2 cartons of Hood Simply Smart Milk (BOGO @ $3.59) = $3.59
minus 2 $1 off 1 Man Q's = $1.59

2 7.5 oz tub of Country Crock butter spread (BOGO @ $1.69) = $1.69
minus 2 $.50 off 1 Target Q's and 2 $.40 off 1 Man Q's = $.89

2 Schick Quattro Titanium Razors (BOGO @ $8.99) = $8.99
minus 2 $2 off 1 Man Q (10/24/2010 Smart Source Insert) = $4.99

2 16oz Coffee Mate Creamers (4 for $6) = $3
minus 2 $1.50 off 1 Man Q's = $0

2 boxes of Krusteaz Cookie Mixes (BOGO @ $2.19) = $2.19
minus 2 $.55/1 Man Qs (blinkies) = $1.09

2 12 oz cans of Maxwell House Coffee (2 for $5) = $5
minus 2 $1 off 1 Man Q's (9/26 Smart Source Insert) and 1 $2/2 Target Q's = $1

1 50 oz Bottle of Wisk laundry detergent (On sale for $4.49) = $4.49
minus 1 $2 off 1 Target Q and 1 $1 off 1 Man Q = $1.49

2 bags of Rold Gold Pretzels (BOGO @ $2.99) = $2.99

1 Yellow Onion = $.35

1 bunch of Garlic = $.33

1 Bag of Carrot Chips = $1.69

6 eggs = $.79

The total before coupons came to $44.66, so we used a $5 off $20 Publix Coupon and a $5 off $30 Aldi Coupon ($34.66). After subtracting all the coupons listed above, we owed only $7 (plus $.88 in tax).

After all coupons, our grand total (including tax) was $7.88. That gives us a savings rate of 90.5% for this week! Woot!

Publix Trip Tomorrow!

Since we're moving, I'm trying to keep us eating out of our fridge, pantry and freezer for the most part. That being said, I am planning on buying:

8 packages of Pledge Dusters (BOGO @ $3.99) - I will use 4 $2/2 Target Qs and 4 $2/2 Man Qs (9/26 SS)
1 3lb bag of apples @ $1.99
This brings my total to: $1.95 and my savings to over $32. Not too shabby.

I love dust cloths... and we're going to need them with all this moving business.

Tonight's Shopping Trip

This is our plan of attack for tonight's shopping trip. We'll be moving in a few weeks, so we're trying to eat down some of our stockpile. On the upside, groceries for $5 is just fine with me. ;)

Shopping Success 9/9/2010!

Alright - I spent more than I thought I was going to. I forgot that we have a birthday celebration coming up and we needed produce for tacos. Also, I needed to get vinegar and baking soda for cleaning purposes. I ended up spending $15.53 including sales tax. I saved $18.91 by shopping sales and $24.45 by using coupons. Total savings: $43.36 or 73.36%.

Grocery Planning 9.9.10

This is what I am planning on buying on my grocery adventure this evening. We'll see how closely I can stick to it. I know that I'll be buying some produce, and maybe some meat (if I can score that awesome B1G2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast coupon like Esther had). At any rate, I will fall well below my $20 goal unless the sky falls (in which case I have much bigger problems anyway).

Publix Trip 9/02

Pepsi products are Buy 2, Get 2 Free so we picked up the following:

2 12 packs of Wild Cherry Pepsi - $4.75
2 12 packs of Pepsi - $4.75
2 12 packs of Mountain Dew (2 $1/1 Target Qs) - $2.75
2 12 packs of Dr. Pepper - $4.75

2 Uncle Ben's Ready Rice (2 $1/1 Man Qs) - $.67

2 20ct bottles of Excedrin Gel Caps (Rain Check for 2 @ $1.49, 2 $1/1 Man Qs) - $.98

2 50oz Bottles of Wisk Laundry Detergent @ $4.49 (2 $3/1 Man Qs, 2 $1/1 Target Qs) - $.98

1# of Ground Chuck (Earth Fare Q: Free pound of ground chuck with a $5 purchase) - FREE

Total Before Couons: $38.29
Used: $10 off a $30 purchase World Market coupon

Total after all coupons and sales tax: $9.40

Success at Publix - 8.19

Purchased:

6 boxes of whole wheat Barilla pasta (3 $1/2 Man) : $1.17
4 Kids Cuisine Meals (4 $1/1 Target, 1 $1/2 Man Q - All You 05/10) : -$0.22
4 boxes Hamburger Helper (2 $1/2 Target, 1 $.75/3 Man Q 8/8 RP) : $1.15
2 boxes Finish Dish Detergent (2 $1/1 Man) : $4.99
2 24ct bottles of Excedrin Tension headache (2 $1/1 Man) : $0.98
2 24ct bottles of Excedrin Migraine (2 $1/1 Man Qs 7/11 RP) : $0.98
2 boxes Pepperidge Farms Crisps (2 $1/1 Man) : $1.49
2 45ct boxes of Hefty trash bags (2 $1/1 Man) : $4.89
2 containers of Planters Peanuts (2 $1/1 Target, 1 $1/2 Man) : $2.89
2 packages of Chips Ahoy! cookies (1 $.75/2 Man 8/8 SS) : $2.94
6 boxes of Honest Kids juice pouches (6 $1/1 Whole Foods, 6 $.75/1 Man) : $10.44
Bartlett Pears $.99/lb : $2.13
Pluto Plums $.99/lb : $.97

Total Before Coupons: $70.02

- Publix $5/50
- World Market $10/30
- 2 Save-a-Lot $5/20
- Rain Check on Honest Kids Drinks (B3, G3): $10.47

Total: $.04 Out of Pocket, Saved $49.14 in sales and $58 in coupons: $107.14 or 99.96%.

We literally paid 4 pennies for all this stuff.

Picture to come...

Final Publix Plan

I am ready to put this plan into action! I'll post photos of my bounty after I have prevailed! ;)

Planning for Publix: 8/15 - 8/21

This is just my blueprint... A few things usually change before my Thursday night shopping trips. Also, if I can't find the varieties I need for me coupons to be valid I also have to make alterations. This is a start, though. If all goes as planned, my total before coupons will be $58.13, after coupons it should be $4.15. Under $5 for 34 items is okay by me.

I had to cut off the part of my spreadsheet where I list my coupons. I will post them for you later. :)

Totals for the Week of 8/8 to 8/14

Between CVS and Publix we bought $259.46 worth of groceries. We paid (out of pocket) $27.96.

After MIRs we will have paid $10.49 net.

This weeks total savings is $307.96 (97.8%).

Below is what we will be giving to charity this week... Remember to share your wealth!

Publix Trip 8.12

We kicked Publix's butt yesterday. Here's how:

4 packages of Del Monte Fruit cups (BOGO @ 2.79) $5.58 - 4 $1/1 Target Qs, 1 $.75/3 Man Q: $.83

2 22ct packages of Stay Free pantyliners $1.99 ea - 1 B1G1 Man Q, 2 $1/1 Man Qs: Free

4 packages of Orville Red. popcorn (BOGO @4.89) $9.78 - 1 $1.50/4 Congara Products Q and 2 $.40/1 Man Q: $7.48

2 Kashi cereals (on sale 2/$5) $5 - 2 $2.50/1 BJs coupons: Free

4 Kelloggs Mini wheats cereals (BOGO @ $4.19) $8.38- 2 $1/2 Man Qs, 4 $1/1 Target Qs: $2.38

1 Kelloggs Granola Bars $3.19 - $.70/1 Man Q: $2.49

4 boxes HonestKidz Fruit drinks -not pictured(BOGO @ $3.49) $6.98- 4 $1/1 World Market Qs, 4 $.75/1 Man Qs: Free

2 bags Tyson Chicken Nuggets (BOGO @ $6.59) $6.59- 2 $2.50/1 BJs Qs, 2 $1/1 Man Q: +$.41

2 Smart Balance Spreads (BOGO @ 3.09) $3.09 - no Qs :(

2 packages Barber Chicken (BOGO @ $4.99) $4.99 - 2 $1/1 Man Qs: $2.99

4 packages Aunt Jemima waffles (BOGO @ 2.39) $4.78 - 4 $1/1 Target Qs: $.78

6 packages of BIC mechanical pencils (3/$3) $6- 3 $1/2 Man Qs, 3 $1/2 Target Qs: Free

2 Pilot Pens ($.99 ea) $1.98 - 2 $1/1 Man Q: $.02

4 packages Papermate pens (2/$1) $2- 4 $.50/1 Man Qs: Free

3 Herbal Essences Products ($1.99 ea) $5.97 - B1G1 (up to $3.28) -$3.28: $2.69

1 Aussie Styler product $3.49 - B1 Herbal Ess, G1 Aussie (up to $3.28): $.11

1 Publix Medicated Shampoo: $4.99 no coupons :(

4 bags Friskies Cat Food (BOGO @ $4.09) $8.18 - 4 $.75/1 Target Qs, 3 $1/1 Man Qs: $2.18

2 bags Purina cat treats ($1.69 ea) $3.38 - 1 B1G1 up to $1.89 Man Q, 1 $1/2 Purina treats Target Q: $.49

Frank's Hot Sauce $2.39 - $.50/1 Man Q: $1.89

Apples ($1.49/lb) $2.07 -$1/1 Produce item Target Q: $1.07
Bananas ($.69/lb) $.81 - $1/1 Produce item Target Q: $.19

6 Eggs: $.75

1 package Perdue boneless skinless chicken breast: $4.01

1 package Chuck Steak: $3.29

1 Half Picnic roast: $4.81

1 $5/50 Publix coupon : $5

1 $10/30 World Market coupon: $10

3 $5/20 Save-a-Lot coupons: $15

Total after coupons: $17.96

But, wait - it gets better. I bought 5 Kelloggs products at one time and have sent a MIR for $5/5 Kellogg products to the manufacturer.

That brings my total spending to $13.43! Total Savings on Sales: $84.32, Savings from Coupons: $90.55 for total savings of $195.30 or 93.57%!

Shopping Trip 8/05

The top picture is of our CVS shopping trip. As you can see, we bought 4 Sobe drinks and a bottle of Dawn Hand Renewal dish soap. Sobes were B1G1, and we had 2 B1G1 manufacturer coupons - Free drinks. The dish soap was on sale for $.97 and we had a manufacturer coupon for $1/1 any size. So... we got everything in the first picture for sales tax - $.30. The only other thing I can think of that nears that price is a gumball.

Picture number two is our Publix shopping trip:

8 bottles of Ragu (BOGO at $2.53), we had 4 Publix $1/2 Qs as well as 2 man. $1/2
6 bottles of Mott's Medleys Juice (BOGO at $2.99), we had 6 $1/1 Food Lion Qs
2 bottles of Vlasic pickles (BOGO at $2.89), we had 2 $.75/1 blinkies
1 bag of cat food (on sale for $2.99), we had a $1.50/1 man Q
2 Coffee Mate creamers ($2.50 ea.), we had 2 $.75/1 man Q
2 Progresso broths (BOGO at 2.59) - no Qs :(
4 packs of healthy harvest noodles (BOGO at $1.79) - 2 $1/2 man Qs
2.03 lbs of Georgia peaches (on sale for $.89/lb) $1.81
2 Nabisco variety packs (BOGO at $5.99), we had 2 $2.50/1 BJs Qs, and 1 $1/2 man Q (FREE!)
1 bottle of Publix cocoa butter $3.49, Publix coupon for a free one
1 bottle of Publix rubbing alcohol $1.49, Publix coupon for a free one
6 packs of BIC mechanical pencils (on sale 3/$3), we had 3 $1/2 Target coupons

This brought our total up to $52.42 before Qs

That same day Hubby Dear went to get the mail and came back elated to find a $5/50 Publix coupon in this week's mailer. (He also grabbed 4 other mailers that other people in our complex had thrown away, enthusiastically stating "It's like their throwing away $5 bills!" Ah... I am so proud.) Hubby Dear poured over the mailer to see if there was anything else "good" while I organized the coupons for our trip. Lo and behold, but he finds a World Market coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase. Well! Isn't that nice! We weren't sure if Publix accepts WM as a competitor, but fortune favors the bold and they took it. :)

After Qs we paid $6.94 plus $.67 in sales tax. Oh Beautiful Day!

At Publix we saved : $53.49 by shopping sales
$45.48 by using coupons
_______________________________
$98.97 Total Savings or Savings of 93.44%

Overall (both Publix and CVS) we got $113.24 worth of groceries for $6.94 plus tax.
Grand Savings Total - $106.30 or 93.87%

Our best week yet!

Sneak Peak is up!

Michelle at iheartpublix.com has posted the BOGO Sneak Peak for 8/5 - 8/11!

Grocery Trip 7.29

Pictured are all the groceries we bought this week, minus 6 packs of 18 ct Playtex Gentle Glide tampons.

I wasn't paying attention like I should have (I met another couponer in line and got to talking) when the cashier scanned the tampons I thought were BOGO at $5.17. It turns out all the cheap tampons were gone and the more expensive $7.99 tampons were moved to their place on the shelf. When everything was scanned and ready to swipe our card the total was $65.34 when we were expecting it to be under $30. I thought I had left some coupons at home, but I knew it would be difficult to figure it out there. By the time we got to the car, I realized the mistake. We went to the desk for a refund of - get this - $51.30! What?! Who spends that much on tampons?!
Anyway, we were able to get a rain check and I will pick them up later this week. But, whew! I was so worried.

We spent $27.17 for $138.90 worth of groceries. Booyah.

We saved $63.48 by shopping sales and $48.25 in coupons. This gives us 80.4% savings this week! The best yet!

I'm especially proud because, included in our purchase was zucchini, squash, peaches and steak. Produce is always the killer of our savings ratio but we made it out okay this week. :)

Grocery Planning 7.29

#	Item	Price Per	Price	$Qs	Total	Qs
8	Pop Tarts	$2.39	$9.56	$4.00	$5.56	4 $1/2 Man
2	NatureV Bars	$5.49	$5.49	$2.75	$2.74	1 $.75/2, 2 $1/1 T.
2	Hunts Ketchup	$1.75	$1.75	$2.00	-$0.25	1 $1/2 Man, 1 $1/2 F.L.
2	GoGurt	$2.79	$2.79	$2.00	$0.79	2 $1/1 Man
4	Old Orch. Juice	$1.50	$3.00	$1.00	$2.00	1 $1/4 Man
6	Playt. Tampons	$4.25	$12.75	$5.00	$7.75	4 $2.50/1 Man
1	Sabra Hummus		$2.50	$1.00	$1.50	1 $1/1 Man
1	Bleach		$1.50	$0.00	$1.50
1	Ammonia		$1.50	$0.00	$1.50
1	12 Eggs		$0.99	$0.00	$0.99
2	Tony's Pizzas	$1.00	$2.00	$1.00	$1.00	1 $1/2 Man
2	Lactaid Milk	$2.19	$4.38	$4.00	$0.38	2 $2/1 Man
2	Cascadian Farm Bars		$3.99	$4.00	-$0.01	2 $1/1 Man, 2 $1/1 W.F.
2	Power of Fruit Bars		$3.39	$2.00	$1.39	2 $1/1 Man
	Check out:
	Whole Chicken ($1.19/lb)
	Fruit
	Veggies
	Publix Coupon		1 $5/50	$5.00
	Save-a-Lot		2 $5/20	$10.00
			$55.59	$43.75	$11.84
Peelies to look for:		$2/1 Nature Valley Bars

$5 off $50 or more!

My mom just emailed me to let me know that there is a $5 off of $50 Albertsons coupon in today's paper. If your Publix accepts Albertsons as a competitor this will help amp up your savings. Just make sure to put it at the top of your coupon stack when you hand them over to the cashier... if your other coupons put you below $50 you won't be able to use it!

IHeartPublix.com - Next Week's Deals

Here they are! All the dirt you need to get the planning for next week's shopping trip underway:

Weekly Ad (7/15-7/21)

Great Deal at Publix - Starting 7/15

I love cheap razors, and these are cheap! BIC disposable razors are going on sale Buy One, Get One (BOGO) on Thursday. They range in price, but the Publix add says $5.49. I have two each of the following coupons:
$2/1 BIC Disposable Shaver 6/27/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$3/1 Bic Soleil Disposable Shavers 7/11/2010 SS Insert (exp 10/31/2010)

That means that I can buy four packs of BIC razors for $.98 or less than $.25 each!

Also, for those of you who have Upromise accounts (and if you don't I suggest you get one) there is a $1/1 BIC Soliel Bella coupon that you can load onto your Publix card (you have to request one of these from the customer service desk) . Using this coupon you can get four packs of razors for FREE!! It's hard to do better than that!