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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

Weekday shopping and rebates

Shoprite:
2 8th Continent soymilk, $1.99 each = $3.98
3 Meow Mix cat treats, $1 each, used 3 $1 MQ = FREE
Carolina rice, $0.91, used $0.50 MQ doubled = FREE
3.41 lb cabbage at $0.09/lb = $0.31
2.81 lb Corned beef at $1.89/lb = $5.31
$0.21 tax
$0.05 bag credit
Total: $9.76



Wegmans:
Rotisserie chicken = $4.99
6 cans corn, $0.33 each = $2.00
2 cans kidney beans, $0.65 each = $1.30
2 cans cannelini beans, $0.79 each = $1.58
2 cans tomato sauce, $0.59 each = $1.18
$0.35 tax
Total: $11.38

Newspaper subscription bill: $14.30 to deduct from budget

I obtained a bunch of beer rebate forms this week. Some of them I'm able to send off using old receipts. After taking into account stamps: $14.18 pending ($10 Bass St. Pat's, $5 Irish Beers/Smirnoff Ice).

Year to date:
Total spent: $417.84
Remaining on Acme GC: $1.73
Remaining on Target GC: $5.00
Pending rebates: $51.80
Rebates received: $69.55
"So it's really like": $289.00 spent

CVS, Shoprite

Sigh. The deals have not been great this past week and only look slightly better for next week. I feel totally blah and wish spring would just get here, already!

CVS
Ryan's card:
Slimquick energy shots, $4.99
CVS vitamin D, $2.99
CVS travel size tissues, $0.50
Used $7.99 ECB
Total: $0.49

This was just a trip to roll some expiring ECBs. Unfortunately, the store was out of Carnation Instant Breakfast, which is the only FAECB item I actually wanted. By the way, this shop was from Monday (not much motivation to post such a non-awe-inspiring trip).


Shoprite:
3.06 lb bottom round roast, $1.99/lb = $6.09
Windex wipes, $3.29, used $0.55 MQ doubled to $1 = $2.29
Frank's Red Hot, $1.19, used FREE MQ = FREE
2 Meow Mix cat treats, $1.00 each, used 2 $1 MQ = FREE
Scotch Brite dish wand pads = $2.29
2 Kodak 4 ct. AA batteries, $0.88 each = $1.76
After $0.62 tax, total = $13.05

I made a dumb mistake: I saw in my coupon folder that the Try Me Free Windex rebate needed to be postmarked by March 6 (today), so I thought that I caught it in the nick of time and could get it in the mail this afternoon. But when I sat down to fill out the form, it said the purchase must have been before February 22. (palm to forehead here) I don't want to hassle with returning something I used a coupon on, and we'll use these anyway, but I should really be paying more attention.

Year to date:
Total spent: $334.47
Remaining on Acme GC: $1.73
Pending rebates: $52.62
Rebates received: $47.00
"So it's really like": $232.12 spent

Acme, Shoprite, Produce Junction

This week Acme is the store with the moneymaker General Mills CAT deal. I am definitely going to roll this one several times since I have plenty of coupons. For the low-cost deal to get it started:6 Warm Delights, $1.66/1.67 each, used 2 $0.55 IP doubled to $1.10 and 4 $0.50 MQ doubled = $3.80
3 Betty Crocker Frosting, $1.79 each, used 3 $0.55 MQ doubled to $1.10 = $2.07
1 Pillsbury Grands biscuits, $1.25, used $1/1 MQ (home mailer) = $0.25
Total: $6.12 off Acme GC
Earned $10 CAT that I will roll, roll, roll!

We're going to have sooooo many Warm Delights, frosting, and cookie mix by the time this week is over. I'm not getting any thinner!

Shoprite
3 Starkist Tuna, $0.88 each minus $1.50/3 MQ = $1.14
2 Eggland's Best eggs, $1.49 each minus one $0.35 MQ (couldn't find my second coupon!) doubled to $0.70 = $2.28
2.94 lb Shoprite Italian sausage at $1.88/lb = $5.53
Used $1 CAT (from mustard the other week)
Total: $7.95

Produce Junction is a local chain that has sort of a farmer's market feel to it. They only sell in certain quantities and are cash-only to keep costs down. I should go there more often during my non-gardening season.
4 pink grapefruit = $1.00
Bagged spinach = $1.25
4 lbs broccoli = $3.00
2 lbs Brussels sprouts = $2.00
Total: $7.25

I am planning on making frittata tomorrow with some of the eggs, sausage, broccoli, and spinach.

Oh, I got my January Rite Aid SCR check yesterday, so that's $7.00 out of the pending rebate total and subtracted from my total spent.

Yearly totals:
Total spent: $260.80
Remaining on Acme GC: $18.88
Pending rebates: $92.62
"So it's really like": $149.30 spent

February: Shoprite, CVS

More shopping already! Shoprite and CVS begin new sales cycles on Sundays. I wanted to get it done early before the last-minute pre-Superbowl shoppers. It was already pretty busy at Shoprite at 10 am.

Shoprite:
2 Sucrets Ice throat coolers, $1.49 each, used 2 $1.50 MQ = FREE
2 Electrasol dishwashing tabs, $2.89 each, used 2 $2.50 MQ = $0.78
1 5 lb Shoprite flour = $1.88
1.2 lb grapes at $0.99/lb = $1.19
2 French's Spicy Brown mustard, $0.89 each, used 2 $0.75 doubled = FREE
4 Bic Twin razors, $1.64 each, used 3 $2 MQ = $0.56
Plus $0.87 tax, cashier forgot reusable bag credit= $5.28
I earned a $1 CAT for buying two mustards

I could have got 3 razors for free, but picked up the fourth so that there would be no hassle with coupons beeping for adjustment (there was with the Sucrets anyway). I only had 3 razor coupons, so I still got 4 for almost free.


CVS, since we were getting low on paper towels:
1 Bounty Basic 8 rolls paper towels, $5.99 minus $1 MQ = $4.99
2 L'oreal Revitalift towelettes, $5.99 each minus 2 $2 MQ = $7.98
2 Reese's Whipps, $0.50 each minus $1/2 MQ = FREE
1 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (filler) = $0.50
Used $13 ECB
Total: $0.50 (cash)
Earned $10 ECB for Revitalift

Total spent so far: $229.48
Remaining on Acme GC: $25.00
Pending rebates: $88.63
"So it's really like": $115.85 spent this year

Shoprite, CVS, Pathmark, Acme, Rite Aid, Wegmans

Ryan is away for a father-son ski weekend, so I have all the time in the world to wheel and deal. I hit 6 stores in a row and it wore me out! I took a separate picture for each store's haul.

You may be noticing a pattern by now: I tend to hit stores on the weekend right after a sale begins, then be too busy and tired on weekdays. Then I frantically hit all the stores again right before the sales end to finish the deals.

Shoprite:
4 Chex Mix, $1.25 each minus 4 $0.50 MQ doubled = $1.00
2 Wheat Thins, $2.00 each minus 1 $2/2 MQ = $2.00
1 32 oz. Coffeemate, $2.99 minus $1.50 IP = $1.49
1 Frank's Red Hot Sauce, $1.29 minus $0.50 doubled = $0.29
Minus $0.05 reusable bag credit = $4.73


CVS #1 (Ryan's card):
2 Sierra Mist Free 12 pk, 3/$10 = $6.67
2 Diet Pepsi 2L, $1.25 each = $2.50
1 Nutra-Trim gum = $3.99
1 Head and Shoulders = $4.99, used $1 MQ
1 Gillette Fusion Gamer = $7.99, used $4 MQ
Used $19.98 ECB
Total: $1.59, used remaining balance ($0.56) on GC, rest cash ($1.03)
Earned $20.99 ECB (10 for Pepsi, 3 for shampoo, 3.99 for gum, 4 for razor)


Pathmark:
4 McCormick taco seasoning, $0.50 each, used 2 $0.25 MQ and 1 $0.25/2 MQ doubled, = $0.50
2 Colgate toothpaste, $0.99 each, used 2 $0.50 MQ doubled = FREE
3 Wholly Guacamole (small size), $0.98 each, used 3 $0.50 MQ doubled = FREE
Plus $0.07 tax = $0.57

Woohoo free guacamole! Perfect for all the Tostitos we have. I sampled some already, and it's good :)


Acme:
4 cans Hormel chili, $1.00 each, minus 2 $1/2 MQ = $2.00
1 Softsoap pump, $1.00, minus $0.35 MQ doubled = $0.30
1 20 lb Arm & Hammer kitty litter, $5.50, minus $1 MQ = $4.50
2 Knorr Sides Plus Veggies, $1.00 each, minus $0.75/2 fully doubled = $0.50
2 Glory Sensibly Seasoned black eyed peas, $1.25 each, minus $0.75/2 fully doubled = $1.00
3 Culinary Circle frozen pizzas, $3.99 each = $11.97
3 Diet Dr. Pepper 2L, $1.00 each, used 3 FREE wyb Culinary Circle pizza MQ (found in store as part of a promotion). Cashier inputted maximum value of coupon, so $1.47 overage!
Plus $0.64 tax = $19.44
Spent $10.23 off GC, remaining $9.21 on credit card (I didn't have my second Acme GC with me)

I am submitting the pizzas as part of my $15 Bud deli/pizza/chicken rebate, so I'll get back $10 of what I spent at Acme.


Rite Aid:
Just one lonely shampoo, $2.99 minus $1 MQ = $1.99 plus $0.21 tax = $2.20
Will submit for $2.99 SCR, so $0.79 eventual profit

Five minutes after the above picture was taken, little Garnier was reunited with her family:


CVS #2 (my card):
3 Tostitos, $3 each = $9.00
2 Diet Pepsi 2L, $1.25 each = $2.50
1 Head & Shoulders, $4.99 minus $1 MQ = $3.99
1 Gillette Fusion Gamer, $7.99 minus $4 MQ = $3.99
1 Stacy's Pita Chips, $3.00 minus $1.50 MQ = $1.50
2 Pantene Brunette Expressions, $4.99 each minus $3/2 MQ = $6.98
Used $5/$30 email CVS Q
Spent $20.99 ECB
Total: $1.97, used final $0.41 off a GC, so $1.56 oop
Earned $23 ECB ($10 for Pepsi, $9 for shampoo, $4 for razor)
I will be submitting this receipt for a $5 rebate (Heineken, $5 rebate off $10 game day snacks)


Finally, an unillustrated trip from Wednesday. The rotisserie chicken will be the other part of my $15 Bud Deli/Pizza/Chicken rebate, so think of $5 of this as refundable.

Wegmans:
Rotisserie Chicken, $4.99
6 cans Wegmans brand corn, $0.33 each = $1.98
Plus $0.35 tax = $7.32 total

Whew!

Total spent so far: $203.70
Remaining on Acme GC: $25.00
Pending rebates: $88.63
"So it's really like": $90.07 spent this year