Goodbye

I've decided to retire this blog. It's just too much of a hassle to keep track of exact amounts and takes a lot of time to do properly (which I haven't done consistently since the spring). On top of that it isn't very interesting reading when I'm not really doing much wheeling and dealing (i.e. this summer).

I will still be shopping frugally and will probably come in at somewhere between $1600 and $1800 for the year (we spent a lot dining out when Ryan was visiting last week) by simply following my current shopping habits. It's certainly interesting to track food/household spending for a long time period...so I'm taking the lazy way out and saying that 6 months is sufficient :)

Good luck shopping... may your Catalinas always roll, your coupons never beep, and your shelves always be well-stocked!

Shoprites, Produce Junction, CVS, Blueberry farm

Shoprite:
16 Goya beans, $0.50 each = $8.00
Purina Kitten Chow, $2.19, used Free MQ = FREE
2 Hunt's Ketchup, $1.00 each, used $1/2 MQ = $1.00
Seltzer = $0.99
Shoprite brand diet cola = $0.89
Quart milk = $1.39
Onion = $0.92
4 Hefty zip bags, $1.19 each minus 4 $1 MQ = $0.76
Wooden BBQ skewers = $0.99
2 green peppers = $1.65
4 McCormick grinders, $0.99 each, used 3 $0.75 MQ and 1 $1 MQ = FREE
Mighty Dog can food, $0.66, used FREE MQ that ended up doubling to $1 = $0.34 overage
2.38 lbs cherries, $1.49/lb, used $1 produce winetag MQ = $2.54
$0.67 tax
$0.10 reusable bag refund
Total = $19.34

Produce Junction:
Total = $7.50 (forgot the individual prices)

CVS:
Yup, I'm starting from scratch at CVS. I had a $3/15 email coupon, and in trying to spend that much, Ryan pointed out that the FAECB Filler Paper was indeed, a filler :)
Filler paper = $2.00
Pens = $1.98
Notepads = $1.98
Speed Stick = $2.99, used $1.50 IP MQ
Trash bags = $7.49
Used $3/15 CVS email Q
Total = $12.88 off GC, earned $7.96 ECB ($2 for paper, $1.98 for pens, $1.98 for notebooks, $2 for deo)

U-pick blueberry farm:
We spent a sunny Saturday morning picking blueberries, then the rest of the weekend eating blueberry cobbler :)
5.5 lbs blueberries at $1.60/lb = $8.75

Shoprite:
I was feeling domestic! Did my first canning (blueberry syrup) and baked my first ever yeast bread!
5 lbs Shoprite flour = $1.99
5 lbs Shoprite sugar = $2.49
Packet yeast = $0.50
Mighty Dog can food, $0.66, used free item MQ that doubled to $1 = $0.34 overage
Purina Kitten Chow, $2.19, used free item MQ = FREE
2 12-pack Ball pint canning jars, $7.99 each, used $2.50/2 MQ = $13.48
$1.32 tax
Total = $19.43

The jars were expensive but are sort of an investment; they can be reused and I plan on doing more canning over the years as my garden gets bigger.

With receipts I had accumulated over the summer, I submitted a $25/$50 meat rebate and $10/$20 produce rebate, both from Dos Equis. Minus the cost of stamps, that's $34.12 into pending rebates.

I received June's Rite Aid SCR, so that's $7.99 from pending to received rebates.

Total spent: $1,3497.61
Pending rebates: $93.50
Rebates received: $165.51
Flea market profits: $346.00
Remaining on Target GC: $10.00
"So it's really like": $782.60 spent

Finally, some wheeling and dealing!

I'm so happy to be back at home. Last night at Superfresh triples, we got all this for $3.06 :)

Moneymaking overage stuff: Finesse shampoo/conditioner, French's honey mustard, Sunny D Smoothie
Free stuff: Carolina white rice and rice mixes, Mentos gum, Suave deodorant, Newman's Own salad dressing
Cheap stuff: Tony's single serve pizza, Luigi's Italian ice, Hot Pockets, Dole pineapple, Newman's Own lemonade, Ocean Spray Cran-Pomegranate

I am very excited about the cheap pineapple. Usually a rock-bottom sale price would be $0.80 per can, and I got 8 cans. We like to have burgers off the grill topped with BBQ sauce and a ring of pineapple. The Italian ice and lemonade are very yummy for these hot summer days. The shampoo, deodorants, and honey mustard I will sell at the fall flea market for at least $10. Woohoo! I do have a few more Finesse coupons...may go back again tonight.

Total spent: $1,342.59
Pending rebates: $67.37
Rebates received: $157.52
Flea market profits: $346.00
Remaining on Target GC: $10.00
"So it's really like": $767.70 spent

July shopping so far

I'm so happy to be going home for a week starting Tuesday. I miss Ryan, the kitties, and my garden. I hate having to buy produce up here when there are free veggies at home in Jersey.

Here's what we've spent in July so far:
$17.56 at Shoprite
$21.38 at Home Depot (42 lbs charcoal!), will submit for $10 charcoal/meat rebate
$30.13 at Hannaford (totals for 3 trips combined)

I guess since I make the rules it's my call, but I have started not including store-bought alcoholic beverages in the budget (restaurant-bought will still be included to discourage overpriced drinks). I have been going out of my mind from boredom up here and need a little entertainment...so alcoholic drinks fall under entertainment expenses.

Since wheeling and dealing has pretty much ground to a halt, I've been planning on reducing the amount of dining out we do during our upcoming vacation at the beginning of August. Since the first couple days will be spent at the field station I've been at (some vacation, huh?) we'll have access to a full kitchen. Perhaps instead of eating a restaurant lobster dinner, we'll boil some of our own and save. The second part of the week will be camping, so we'll cook over the campfire. In all we'll probably only eat out two nights.

Total spent: $1,339.53
Pending rebates: $68.73
Rebates received: $157.52
Flea market profits: $346.00
Remaining on Target GC: $10.00
"So it's really like": $760.64 spent

Woooooaaaah, we're halfway there...

(Edited to change total slightly due to previous math error)

Tomorrow is the last day of June, and I'm not going shopping, so that means that I'm halfway through the grocery challenge! Right now the bottom line is $697.57, which is only 44% of the yearly allotment. That's great, because it means there's some wiggle room for us to go out to eat several times during "vacation" when Ryan comes up to Maine. Mmm...lobster!

Spending during the last week:
Me at Shaw's: $32.62 (didn't use a single coupon! gasp!)
Ryan at Shoprite: $35.87, will submit for $10 salty snack rebate
Me at Dunkin Donuts: $2.71

Total spent: $1,270.46
Pending rebates: $59.37
Rebates received: $157.52
Flea market profits: $346.00
Remaining on Target GC: $10.00
"So it's really like": $697.57 spent

Catching up...

I am a couple weeks behind here...

Purchased in Maine:
Junk food and wine from Hannaford because I was going crazy eating only healthy food: $16.36
Arby's on my way to the airport: $6.32
Gourmet candy bar from Target: $1.99

Down in NJ:
On the plus side, I received $25.00 in rebate checks ($15 from Coors, $10 from Bud)
Ryan's dad came to visit and we took him out to dinner for father's day. I'm not including the cost of his meal since it is considered a gift, but our meals (and tax, tip) come out of the budget: $30.92
I was billed for the newspaper subscription: $13.66
Two trips to ShopRite: used up GC plus $34.06 additional spending to get Ryan stocked up for the next month or so:

I guess I'm in okay shape since the year is almost half over, but the stockpile has shrunk considerably since I'm not shopping as much. Keeping under the $1600 budget shouldn't be a problem, but sadistic 'ol me was kind of hoping to bring it down even more ($1400?). We'll see...

Total spent: $1,199.26
Pending rebates: $49.81
Rebates received: $157.52
Flea market profits: $346.00
Remaining on Target GC: $10.00
"So it's really like": $635.93 spent

Blingee challenge!

I am super bored. It's pouring rain outside and there is no wheeling and dealing to do where I am in the boonies. So...I made this:



That's my loot from CVS Black Friday 2007, decorated using Blingee. I thought it would be fun to see what other people came up with as far as pimped-out shopping trip/stockpile photos. Leave a comment if you make one :)

Shoprite, Target, Rite Aid, Kmart

I was getting homesick so I made a trip back to NJ for a long weekend. Since my strawberries are producing, I felt like strawberry shortcake and splurged on full-price ingredients:

Shoprite (forgot to photograph):
2 Half-gallon Turkey Hill ice cream, $1.99 each =$3.98
2 dozen Eggland's Best eggs, $1.77 each, used 2 $0.35 MQ doubled = $2.14
Bisquick (ack! the coupon came out a day later!) = $3.69
2 2L Coke products, $0.79 each = $1.58
Box Marcal tissues, $1.59, used free item MQ = FREE
$0.11 tax
Total = $13.19

Ryan and I went to NYC for a day and got lunch at Subway. Two foot-long subs plus one large drink = $12.99

I also stocked us up on kitty litter at Target:
Each 35 pound bucket was $11.99, which is a good price to begin with, but you also get a $5 Target GC when you purchase two. I did two transactions to make sure that I got two GCs. It's a good thing we get cat food for free, because this is a lot of money for stuff for the cats to pee and poop on, sheesh!
4 buckets litter, $11.99 each, used 2 $1 MQ (ran out, wish I had two more) = $45.96
1 Wholesome Goodness wet food, $0.79, used free item MQ = FREE
$2.71 tax
Total: $48.67
Earned $10 Target GCs


Rite Aid:

Complete contact lens solution, $7.99 minus $2 MQ = $5.99
Morton's salt = $0.89
Total = $6.88
Will get $7.99 Single Check Rebate for the Complete


Acme: Ryan picked up some staples while I was gone (not pictured): $3.34


Kmart super doubles:
Cutter insect repellent, $4.79 minus $2 MQ doubled = $0.79
2 Goodlife cat food, $3.99 minus 2 $2 MQ doubled = FREE
Oust disinfectant, $3.79 minus $2 MQ doubled = FREE
Greased Lightning cleaner, $2.99 minus $1.50 MQ doubled = FREE
Taster's Choice instant coffee, $4.14 minus $1 MQ doubled = $2.14
$0.86 tax
Total: $3.79


Shoprite (not pictured):
8th Continent soy milk (1/2 gallon), $3.49 minus $1 MQ = $2.49
2 Shoprite brand soy milk (1 quart each), $1.39 each = $2.78
Shoprite brand bagels = $1.49
3 mangoes, $0.49 each (cheapest I have ever seen here!) = $1.47
3.42 lb peaches at $0.79/lb (also a great price!) = $2.71
Box Marcal tissues, $1.59, used free item MQ = FREE
$0.05 bag refund
Total: $10.84


Total spent: $1,095.95
Pending rebates: $74.81
Rebates received: $132.52
Flea market profits: $346.00
Remaining on Shoprite GC: $31.28
Remaining on Target GC: $10.00
"So it's really like": $501.34 spent

Mostly living off the stockpile...

I've been up in Maine for my research for the last week, and except for a trip home from June 16-22, this is where I'll be through August. I brought up a lot of food with me. Ryan is still in NJ with the kitties, tending to the garden. I hear the strawberries are coming in like crazy...he is freezing them so I can eat them later. Not a whole lot of shopping going on:

I made one trip to Acme the morning before I left: 5 cans of shaving cream and one package of tortillas for $1.46 total.

On my long drive up (ugh, Memorial Day traffic made it 10 hours total!) I needed a pick-me-up, so I splurged on an iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts: $2.48.

And during the past week Ryan went to Acme and bought milk and 8 pounds of split chicken breasts for a total of $10.02.

Total spent: $996.25
Pending rebates: $66.82
Rebates received: $132.52
Flea market profits: $346.00
Remaining on Shoprite GC: $31.28
"So it's really like": $419.63 spent

Wegmans, Produce Junction, Acme, Walgreens, CVS, Shoprite

This is the last of my shopping before I am off to Maine for the summer.

Wegmans:
This was done in two transactions so I can submit for two different rebates. The salmon transaction ($17.95 oop) has been submitted for the $10 Bud Light Lime Summer Grilling rebate. The ground beef transaction ($39.69) is going toward the $15/50 meat and salty snack rebate from Coors.

Produce Junction:
All these yummy fruits and veggies for only $8.75. Soon the garden will be providing all of Ryan's produce, though I'll have to find somewhere to get some at reasonable prices in Maine.


Acme:
Total oop: $0.70! I got $0.50 overage on one of the Tabasco sauces. The wraps were cheap after coupon and everything else was free after coupon.

Walgreens:
Used a free item Q for the cough drops. Paid with Wags GC, so no oop.


CVS:
Burned the rest of the ECBs on my card. I'll need the bug spray in Maine. oop: $0.10

Shoprite:
First transaction: bought a $50 Shoprite GC. Will submit the receipt for $20/$50 GC Heineken rebate. Free money!

Second transaction:
Total: $18.72 off Shoprite GC.

I received a $5 rebate check in the mail for the Heineken St. Patty's day rebate.

Oh, and got billed for newspaper deliver: $16.49


Total spent: $982.29
Pending rebates: $66.82
Rebates received: $132.52
Flea market profits: $346.00
Remaining on Shoprite GC: $31.28
"So it's really like": $405.67 spent

Flea Market Recap, Superfresh, Shoprite, Target, Pathmark

Whew! The wheeling and dealing has been in full force for the last two days.

I made $346 at the flea market. I still have 1.5 bins of stuff left... if I'd sold most of that I would've hit my $400 goal, but most of that (whatever doesn't expire) I can just try to sell again in the fall. There seemed to be less foot traffic overall than last fall, which might be due to the overcast weather or more competing flea markets/yard sales in the spring. At any rate, that's $346 back into the budget!


Superfresh:This was done in 4 transactions so I could roll my Unilever and Lysol CATs. I am too lazy to type out the details, but I turned a profit on the CAT deals, making all the snacks and meat super cheap.
Total oop: $12.06!


Shoprite:
I used free item MQ's for the Dr. Pepper, Wheat Thins, hot sauces, and toilet papers.
Total: $18.52


Target:
Not in the budget, but all 4 Lethal Weapon movies for $10: Ryan was happy. I spent my $5 Target GC that was earned buying kitty litter earlier this year. Excluding the movies,
Total oop = $9.71


Pathmark:
12 lbs of ground turkey! It was $1.77/lb, so we'll be stocked for a while.
Total oop: $31.13

Lastly, I received a $5.99 rebate check in the mail for Escencia shampoo.


Total spent: $848.61
Pending rebates: $28.14
Rebates received: $127.52
Flea market profits: $346.00
"So it's really like": $346.95 spent

Flea Market Preview

I'm very excited...the town flea market is tomorrow! Hopefully it won't rain (current forecast is 30% chance). Last fall I made $300 at the flea market. For this go-around, I have a little bit more stuff and I priced things that were hot sellers a little higher.

The loot (cats not for sale):

I've been accumulating this stuff since last October (I tossed the few items that had expired). The top bin is $0.50 items. The second-from-top bin and the box to the left of it are $1. The middle bin and box are $1.50. The two bottom bins and bottom box are $2. Toward the end of the day I will probably add to the signs, "$1 each or 6/$5, $1.50 each or 4/$5, and $2 each or 3/$5." I did the quantity discounts all day last time and they were really popular, but I think they cost me a lot of profit last year. Waiting a few hours will help me get top dollar for the in-demand items.

I am aiming for $400...of course I'll let you know how it goes.

Superfresh Super Doubles, Shoprite

I have to admit that this blog is getting seriously neglected. Updating promptly just isn't in my heart anymore. I will continue anyway, if only to complete my one year experiment in food frugality, but don't rely on me to get advance notice for hot deals.

I am back in Jersey for a week and a half longer.

I was at a wedding over the weekend. Sunday morning checkout time at the hotel was 11am but I only needed to be at the ceremony at noon, so we killed some time in the lobby. Awaiting me there? Two Sunday papers out for the guests to enjoy! I helped myself to the inserts since I'm sure they would just have been tossed at the end of the day. Score!

Superfresh (last week): "Super Doubles" with up to 5 $1 MQs doubled per transaction
This was done over 2 transactions to comply with the 5 super double rule. No overage since the cashier adjusted down to the price of each item. Combined totals:
10 Texas Toast croutons, $0.99 each, minus 5 $1/2 MQ doubled = FREE
Capri Sun Sunrise, $2.00 minus $1 MQ doubled = FREE
Quaker Tortillaz, $1.25 minus $1 MQ doubled = FREE
Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta, $1.99 minus $1 MQ doubled = FREE
Ken's Marinade, $2 minus $1 MQ doubled = FREE
2 Kraft BBQ sauce, $1.19 each minus $1/2 doubled = $0.38
Kikkoman soy sauce, $1.49 minus $0.55 hangtag MQ fully doubled = $0.39
1 ear corn (filler) = $0.20
Total = $1.00

Yes, all of that for $1 total, which is the sale price of one bag of croutons! This was a great opportunity for me since our garden greens are now big enough for salads; we'll have enough croutons for an entire season of fresh salad! We were also out of soy sauce and almost out of BBQ sauce, too. I hope super doubles will take place again; this was the first time I saw them at Superfresh since I started couponing.


Shoprite (3 weeks ago?)
3 Duncan Hines brownie mix, $0.88 each minus $1/3 MQ = $1.64
Shoprite grape jelly = $0.99
Thomas' English muffin two pack = $1.99
2.75 lbs Italian sausage at $1.49/lb = $4.10
Frank's Red Hot Sauce, $1.19, used free item MQ = FREE
Marcal toilet paper, $0.99, used free item MQ = FREE
$0.05 bag refund
Total: $8.86

And over the course of the past 3 weeks, $30 in rebate checks arrived in the mail (two from Bud and one from Stella Artois).

Total spent: $777.19
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $34.13
Rebates received: $121.53
"So it's really like": $616.53 spent

Week-old shops

Hi everyone, I'm still alive, but just not in my normal routine. I've been up in Maine for my research since Monday, and will be staying until this coming Tuesday. I brought up all of my food from Jersey, which meant a lot of shopping right before I left and no shopping this week (except two Acme transactions Ryan did totaling $0.28). Until now I've been too busy/worn out to get caught up:

Walgreens:
Note the three monitors, but only two RR's >:( I only wanted to get one monitor at each store, which meant that in addition to my two regular stores I had to go to the Death Star Store. Of course no Catalina came out, so I asked if the machine was on and the cashier told me that I didn't get anything because I used a coupon. Lady, you gave me the same BS last time I was in the store (for the Skippy peanut butter/Ragu deal). Didn't you learn last time when the manager rang me up at a different register that the coupons don't affect the RR? Argh. I just gave up and moved to the next store instead of getting the manager to re-ring me this time. I know I should have more of a backbone, but I have a low tolerance for incompetence.

In separate transactions:
2 Bayer monitors, $14.99 minus $30 off MQ = FREE, earned $5 RR for each
No oop.

Later, at my good stores:
Transaction #1:
2 Tasters Choice instant coffee quick packs = $2.00
Glad plastic wrap = $3.39
$0.24 tax
Used one $5 RR
Total = $0.63 off GC

Transaction #2:
Nivea body wash, $4.99 minus $1 MQ = $3.99
Gatorade 32 oz = $1.00
Wylers lemonade quick packs = $1.00
$0.42 tax
Used one $5 RR
Total: $1.41 cash, earned $5 RR for Nivea

Transaction #3:
Nivea body wash, $4.99 minus $1 MQ = $3.99
Diet Pepsi 2L = $1.34
$0.45 tax
Used $5 RR
Total: $0.78 off GC, earned $5 RR for Nivea


Shoprite:
I forgot to bring this receipt with me! I will have to enter the details and total later.


Acme:
Bounty paper towel single roll, $1.00 minus $1 MQ = FREE
Diet Sierra Mist Ruby Splash, $1.25 minus free item CAT = FREE
$0.09 tax = $0.09 total

Wish I had more Bounty Q's! The one I had was from a home mailer from last fall or winter.

Transaction #2 and #3 (identical, not pictured):
Ryan was a saint and did these for me since I was up in Maine by the time the coupons I ordered off Ebay arrived. He called me from the store to ask for what a good cheap filler would be. I suggested that some people like to get a single banana or apple.

6 Viva paper towel single rolls, $1.99 each minus $0.60 MQ fully doubled = $4.74
1 ear corn on the cob = $0.40
Used $5 Kimberly Clark CAT
Total: $0.14 each transaction = $0.28 total


Produce Junction, not pictured:
2 Celery hearts = $1.00
5 lbs bananas = $2.00
6 apples = $1.00
3 lbs onions = $1.50
2 lbs broccoli = $2.00
Lots of green peppers = $2.00
2 large heads escarole = $3.00
Total: $12.50

Total spent: $767.23 (plus Shoprite receipt still at home)
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $64.13
Rebates received: $91.53
"So it's really like": $606.57 spent (plus Shoprite receipt still at home)

Pathmark, Acme

Pathmark:
This trip is part of their "$0.77 sale"

8 Hamburger/Tuna/Chicken Helper, $0.77 each = $6.16
4 Bumblebee tuna, $0.77 each = $3.08
Store brand ketchup = $0.77
2 dozen eggs, $0.77/dozen = $1.54
2 Ortega chili seasoning, $0.69 each minus $1/2 MQ = $0.38
McCormick Grill Mates marinade, $0.99 minus $0.50 MQ doubled = FREE
4 Barilla piccolini pasta, $0.89 each minus 4 $0.50 MQ doubled = FREE
V8 Fusion juice, $2.50 minus $2 IP MQ = $0.50
1/2 gallon milk = $2.59
10.88 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast at $1.79/lb = $19.48
Total: $34.49

We are now very stocked up on chicken!


Acme:
4 Viva paper towels, $1.99 each minus 2 $0.85 MQ fully doubled and one $0.50/2 doubled = $3.56
2 Formula 409 cleaner, $2.50 each minus 2 $0.75 MQ fully doubled = $2.00
4 McCormick taco seasoning, BOGO at $1.09, used 2 $0.75 MQ doubled = FREE
$0.30 tax
Total: $5.86
Earned $5 ONYO CAT and FREE Sierra Mist CAT

Year to date:
Total spent: $752.95
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $64.13
Rebates received: $91.53
"So it's really like": $592.29 spent

We don't usually watch Wheel of Fortune, but we were too lazy to change the channel after Jeopardy last night. And the answer to the first puzzle was (the hint: activity):

Wheeling and dealing

Woohoo!

Kmart, Superfresh, Produce Junction

Kmart:
4 Whiskas Purrfectly Fish pouch food, $4.69 each minus 4 $2 MQ doubled = $2.76
4 Secret Flawless deodorant, $3.69 each minus 4 $2 MQ doubled = FREE
Right Guard deodorant, $1.59 (clearance) minus $1 MQ doubled = FREE
4 Hormel Compleats, $2.00 each minus 4 $1 MQ doubled = FREE
Vitaminwater (not pictured), $1.00 minus $1.00 MQ = FREE
$1.45 tax
Total: $3.21

The cats will be happy. They've had this flavor before and it stinks to high heaven, but they eat it fast and then the smell is mostly gone.


Superfresh:
5 Marcal toilet paper 4 packs, $0.99 each minus 5 $1 MQ adjusted down = FREE
2 Hoagie rolls, B1G1 at $1.99 = $1.99
Silk soymilk, $2.49 minus $1 MQ = $1.49
28 lbs Fresh Step kitty litter, $16.29 (?!?! was marked $11.49 on the shelf, will be going back tomorrow to get my $ back) minus $1 MQ = $15.29
Ban deodorant, $1.49 minus $0.75 MQ fully doubled = FREE
Suave deodorant, $0.99 minus $0.50 MQ doubled = FREE
$0.04 bag credit (2 cents a bag?! Shoprite puts Superfresh to shame in this department)
$1.31 tax
Total: $19.53


Produce Junction (not pictured):
1 head cauliflower = $1.00
2 lbs broccoli crowns = $2.00
5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes = $2.00
2 lbs grapes = $1.50
6 Pink Lady apples = $1.00
Total: $7.50


Year to date:
Total spent: $712.60
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $64.13
Rebates received: $91.53
"So it's really like": $551.94 spent

Shoprite

Shoprite, yesterday:
4 Ziploc freezer bags, $1.50 each minus 4 $0.55 MQ doubled to $1 = $2.00
Single roll Marcal toilet paper, $0.99, used free item MQ = FREE
2 Turkey Hill ice cream, $1.79 each minus 2 $1 MQ = $1.58
8 Breyer's yogurt, 3/$1 minus 2 $0.50/4 MQ doubled = $0.67
$0.10 reusable bag credit
$0.33 tax
Total: $5.48

Dunkin' Donuts: 6 donuts at 6/$3...and the guy threw in 3 more for free because it was the evening and they would just get thrown out anyway.
Total: $3.00

March's Rite Aid SCR check came in the mail, so that's $13.98 moved from pending rebates to rebates received.

Year to date:
Total spent: $682.36
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $64.13
Rebates received: $91.53
"So it's really like": $521.70 spent

Shoprite, CVS, Pathmark

Shoprite:
4 Vitaminwater10, $1.00 each minus 4 $1 MQ = FREE
Marcal toilet paper, $0.99 minus FREE MQ = FREE
2 Ziplock bags, $1.50 each minus 2 $0.55 MQ doubled to $1 = $1.00
12 Breyer's yogurt, 3/$1 minus 3 $0.50/4 MQ doubled = $1.00
2 Turkey Hill ice cream, $1.79 each minus 2 $1 MQ = $1.58
Purdue aplit chicken breast, 1.47 lb at $1.49/lb =$2.19
$0.10 reusable bag refund
$0.42 tax
Total: $6.11

CVS (Ryan's card):
5 Diet Pepsi 2L, 5/$5 (supposed to be $1.25 each and get free Sierra Mist wyb 4, but they were out of Sierra Mist so the cashier made the adjustment for me), minus $1/4 MQ = $4.00
Softsoap body wash, $4.99 minus $1 MQ = $3.99
Hawaiian Punch drink mix singles = $1.00
Used $7.98 ECB
oop: $1.22

I accidentally let a bunch of ECBs expire...I thought that yesterday was the 13th but it was really the 14th. I may just let the remaining ones trickle away on FAECB and needed items, then start over in the fall. I have a $50 CVS GC coming in the mail from MyPoints, so that will allow me to get off the ground in the fall with no oop. The sales and coupons are just not that great these days...we need another set of sales like the Black Friday/Listerine weekend pair from November and December 2008.

Pathmark:
4 Eggo Waffles, $0.99 each minus 4 $0.75 MQ doubled = FREE
3 Vitaminwater10, $1.00 each minus 3 $1 MQ = FREE
$0.21 tax = $0.21 total

Year to date:
Total spent: $673.88
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $78.11
Rebates received: $77.55
"So it's really like": $513.22 spent

Behind on my receipts again...

I hope I like Kraft Light Balsamic Vinagrette...I now have 9 big bottles.

Walgreens (not pictured, from last week):
Once a Day drink packets = $1.49
Chapstick Naturals = $1.99
Wal-itin tabs = $6.99
Super stack Pringles = $2.29 (eek! not on sale, but Ryan really wanted)
Used $2 RR
$0.14 tax
Total: $10.90 off GC
Earned $2 RR for Chapstick, will get $9.33 reloaded onto GC in rebates = 110% of (1.49+6.99)


Superfresh transaction 1:
4 Barilla Piccolini pasta, $0.88 each, used 3 $0.50 MQ doubled = $0.36
4 Kraft salad dressing, 3/$5 used 4 $1.50 MQ = $0.67
Store brand ketchup = $1.49
Store brand popcorn = $1.39
Herr's pretzels = $2.50
Total = $6.61
Will submit for Bud Salty Snacks/Condiments rebate, so $4.58 toward pending rebates


Superfresh transaction 2:
Freshchetta frozen pizza, $5.99, used $0.75 MQ fully doubled = $4.49
4 Barilla Piccolini pasta, $0.88 each, used 4 $0.50 MQ doubled = -$0.48 OVERAGE!
6 Kraft salad dressing, 3/$5 used 6 $1.50 MQ = $1.00
Shady Brook Farms Hotel Style turkey breast, 8.46 lb at $0.99/lb = $8.38
Total = $13.43
Will submit this receipt for Bud Chicken/Pizza rebate = $9.59 to pending rebates (also submitting a rotisserie chicken from a couple weeks ago that I hadn't deducted yet)


Wegmans (not pictured):
Rotisserie chicken, $4.99
$0.35 tax
Total: $5.34
Will submit for Bud Chicken/Pizza rebate = $4.99 to pending rebates


Produce Junction (not pictured):
3 lbs broccoli = $2.00
3 large leeks = $1.50
3 lbs carrots = $1.50
Honeydew melon = $1.50
1 lb strawberries = $1.50
Total: $8.00


Shoprite:

2 Doritos, $1.99 each, used $2/2 MQ = $1.98
2 Breyer's Ice Cream, 2/$2.98 with SRQ (forgot to use my MQ!) = $2.98
4 lb. shrimp after SRQ = $19.95
2 Land O Lakes butter, 2/$2.98 with SRQ, tried to use 2 $0.50 MQ doubled (just realized cashier didn't scan second MQ) = $1.98
1 can Dole pineapple = $0.99
2 Marcal toilet paper, $0.99 each, used 2 free item MQ = FREE
3 Ban deodorant, $0.99 each, used 3 $0.75 MQ doubled = FREE
$0.05 reusable bag credit
$0.16 tax
Total: $27.97; I will be able to sell the deodorants for at least $3-4 total at the flea market

I received my $8 Orajel rebate check this week.

Year to date:
Total spent: $666.34
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $78.11
Rebates received: $77.55
"So it's really like": $505.68 spent

Oregon trip wrap-up

We've been back from the trip since Tuesday evening but I haven't had the motivation to update. I'm just discouraged in general because we spent as much in 4 days as we spend most months :/ Eating out is a budget killer.

We didn't spend any money on Sunday, the day of the wedding. The food was very yummy, a big brunch spread with the world's best bacon and a custom crepe station. Monday we ate a lot at the free continental breakfast so we only paid for one meal, an early dinner. Damage: $45.35! Ryan really wanted to go to Claim Jumper, a chain he discovered on a California business trip. There are no locations in the East so I gave in. Their big draw is the desserts. We got the $9 brownie sundae (my hand is in the picture for scale, but the sundae was still bigger than it looks):
On Tuesday, even though we smuggled some food out of the hotel I HAD to get a sandwich at our layover. And Skittles from a vending machine... $7.57 total.

I learned that the town flea market will be May 16. Fortunately I think I can work that in to my schedule, so I should be able to earn back at least $300 into the budget. To elaborate on my weird situation, I am in graduate school for ecology and study the intertidal zone on the New England shore. I will be staying most of the summer at a research station in central Maine while Ryan is back in NJ with the house and kitties. He will visit a couple times as his vacation time allows, but for the most part we will be separated. As far as the food budget goes, it will get interesting. I can't expect Ryan to do as much wheeling and dealing as I usually do, so I'm trying to stockpile stuff for him. He will be eating veggies from our garden. I will take a mini stockpile up with me, and can hopefully find some cheap local produce. The research station is about 45 minutes from the nearest town with full-size supermarkets, so I'll have to limit my shopping to once a week. They have Shaw's (related to Acme) and Hannaford's up there, so I'll have to get used to those. Also, I'll have to make room in the budget for the local specialty and my favorite protein source, LOBSTER! Nom, nom, nom!

After the Oregon trip, my much less impressive totals are now:

Year to date:
Total spent: $604.99
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $66.95
Rebates received: $69.55
"So it's really like": $463.49 spent

On the road...

No epic deals this weekend...Ryan and I are in Portland, OR for my brother's wedding. We have a fair number of free meals (rehearsal dinner, reception, free continental breakfast at the hotel), but there was some unavoidable spending on food. The damage so far:

Friday lunch: $8.43 on food court Chinese at our layover in Dallas. We got one big meal and split it instead of each getting one. For a beverage I used a Starbucks GC that I found on the ground last year to get a bottled water.

Friday dinner: $50.63 (ouch!) We met up with my brother, his fiancee, and their friends for dinner at a nice place. We got some of the cheaper entrees, but I also got an $8 cocktail. Oh well, it's a special occasion!

Today and tomorrow we shouldn't have any food spending (the wedding is Sunday afternoon). We tacked an extra day on our trip (Monday) for sightseeing. If we have our free continental breakfast and smuggle out some bananas and bagels, dinner is all we should have to pay on Monday. Then we'll buy lunch on our layover Tuesday.

Year to date:
Total spent: $552.07
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $66.95
Rebates received: $69.55
"So it's really like": $410.57 spent

CVS, Walgreens, Kmart, Shoprite

CVS (my card):
Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield, $3.49 minus $1 MQ = $2.49
CVS brand deluxe paper towels = $1.99
Spray hose nozzle = $4.99
Used $8.99 ECB
Total: $0.48 (will not deduct from budget since we needed the nozzle and it's not a budget item)

Walgreens:
Escencia shampoo = $5.99, will submit for try me free rebate
Suave shampoo, $1.99 minus $3 MQ that took off full amount = -$1.01 overage
11 Hunt's tomato sauce = $8.80
$0.56 tax
Total: $12.34 off GC

Kmart:
Goodlife Recipe cat food $3.99 minus $2 MQ doubled = FREE
3 Friskies Party Mix, $1.69 minus 3 $1 MQ doubled = FREE
4 Kotex Lightdays, $1.29 minus 4 $0.75 MQ doubled = FREE
8 EAS Myoplex bars, $1.99 minus 8 $1 MQ doubled = FREE
3 Wholesome Goodness wet cat food, $0.70 each, minus $1/3 MQ (not doubled) = $1.10
Secret Flawless deo, $4.49 minus $2 MQ doubled = $0.49
Gillette Satin Care shaving cream, $2.59 minus $1 MQ doubled = $0.59
12 pack Diet Pepsi, $4.29 minus $2 MQ doubled = $0.29
$0.94 tax
Total = $4.41

Shoprite:
4 Carolina rice, $0.91 each, used 4 $0.50 MQ doubled = FREE
Marcal toilet paper, $0.99 minus free item coupon = FREE
Frank's Red Hot sauce, $1.19 minus free item coupon = FREE
Shoprite hamburger buns = $0.99
Quart Silk Soymilk, $2.00 minus $1 MQ = $1.00
Shoprite brand butter = $1.99
$0.05 bag refund
Total = $3.92

Year to date:
Total spent: $493.01
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $66.95
Rebates received: $69.55
"So it's really like": $351.51 spent

Kmart super doubles!

My gamble paid off! Last time Kmart had super doubles, Goodlife Recipe cat food was $4.99, so although I had tons of $2 coupons, I waited in case there was another super double week when they were on sale for less. Bingo! My hunch was correct and I saved $24 over what I would've paid last month. This was total from a couple stores:
24 2.7-3 lb bags Goodlife Recipe cat food, $3.99, used $2 MQ doubled = FREE
2 Pepsi 12 packs, $4.29 each, used 2 $2 MQ doubled = $0.58
Endust free, $3.29, used $2 MQ doubled = FREE
Juicy Fruit, $1, used free item MQ = FREE
Lysol spray, $4.50, used $2 MQ doubled = $0.50
Formula 409 carpet cleaner, $2.79, used $1 MQ doubled = $0.79
Nature's Source glass cleaner, $2.50, thought I used $1 MQ but cashier must have missed it = $2.50
Myoplex Lite energy bar by EAS, $1.99, used $1 MQ doubled = FREE
$4.43 tax
Total: $8.79

I have lots more EAS coupons at home that I hadn't thought to clip and bring along, so I'll probably go back later this week. I also have more Endust coupons, but think that the eight cans or so I now have is plenty both for myself and for the flea market. There were lots of other couponers there at 9:30 am. Most of them seemed to end up buying non-coupon stuff as well, so I guess Kmart's strategy to get folks in the store is working.

I didn't mention that the baby food I bought yesterday was for one of our kitties who has some tummy troubles. No babies around here!

Year to date:
Total spent: $484.68
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $61.38
Rebates received: $69.55
"So it's really like": $348.75 spent

Walgreens, Acme, Wegmans

Walgreens:
4 Diet Sunkist, $1.25 each, used 2 $1/2 peelie MQ = $3.00
Walgreens brand shoe polish = $3.99
$0.63 tax
Used $6 RR
Total: $1.62 off GC

Acme:
5 bags No Yolks egg noodles, $1.25 each, used 5 $0.75 MQ fully doubled = $0.25 overage each!
Hamburger buns = $1.99
7.07 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast at $1.99/lb = $14.08
Used remaining $1.73 off GC
$14.82 oop

Wegmans:
4 Wheat Thins/Triscuits, $2 each, used 2 $1/2 MQ = $6.00
6 lbs Granny Smith apples at $0.99/lb = $5.94
5 jars baby food, $0.99 each, used $0.75/5 MQ fully doubled = $3.45
Can pineapple = $1.09
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce = $2.59
Big Red gum, $1.19, used free item MQ = FREE
12.10 lb 90% ground beef at $1.99/lb = $24.08
$0.08 tax
Total: $43.23

Yikes, I haven't spent $43 in one food budget transaction in a long time! This is the best price I've seen on 90% ground beef, though, so I really stocked up and this should last several months. It was a nice spring day so we broke out the grill and had burgers topped with BBQ sauce and pineapple rings...soooooo yummy! I will be submitting the Wegmans receipt for a $10 salty snack/condiment rebate, which makes the damage a little more bearable.

Year to date:
Total spent: $475.89
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $61.38
Rebates received: $69.55
"So it's really like": $339.96 spent