Weekly Totals 12/30 – Share Your Totals!

Can you guys believe that in just a few days it will be 2012? This year has just flown by…luckily I don’t feel any older! Maybe all the running around with the boys will keep me young(ish) for a while.

I shared with you guys my yearly totals last week. I was very happy to have made my goal and averaged about $40 per week. I went ahead and totaled everything up last week so I could see if I had any extra money that needed to be spent. Of course there wasn’t an extra…but I am always a bit hopeful. I also knew I had a $100 that I had received from turning in points from Swagbucks. I got it ahead of time expecting to use for my final shopping week of the year.

Knowing I had that free moolah, I decided to pull all my expiring coupons that I wanted to use and add those to what I needed for the week. Then, I splurged with the rest! My oldest was home when I was working on the ad and saw the big picture of those Fat Boy Ice Cream Sandwiches. He decided then and there that he needed them…so I told him when I shopped I would get a couple of boxes. I also splurged and got some of my favorite snacks – Wholly Guacamole and Sabra Hummus!

I also decided to grab some pizza making items. I usually make my own dough but I just could not resist grabbing a few to throw in the freezer for quick and easy dinners when I need them!

Also, you will notice kitty litter on my list. No–we did not get a cat. My husband had a spill in his garage and apparently kitty litter is good at absorbing car gunk?!

I am in organization mode. At this moment, my coupon box, coupon drawer, pantry, refrigerator and freezer are all CLEAN and ORGANIZED! I have been taking inventory and will be filling in any gaps over the next few weeks. Overall, I am in good shape but I do need to do a spice cabinet overhaul. That is next on my to do list!

I am also working on my financial goals for next year. I hope to finish them soon and would love for you guys to share what you are planning. I should have it finished this weekend so be on the lookout!

I used all but a buck of my free money and still managed to save $65! Here is what I got at Publix this week

Publix Bread 99¢
Collards $1
Pepperidge Farm Cake $2.25
Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh x 2 = $4.66  ( two $1/1 IP)
Oscar Mayer Pepperoni x 2 = $5.40 ($1/2 tearpad)
Crescent Rolls x 2 = $2.99 ( $1/2 home mailer)
Scotch Brite 3 pk greener clean x 2 = $3.98 (two $0.50/1 IP)
Zatarains rice = 20¢ ($.40/1 home mailer)
Minute Maid = 99¢ ($0.50/1 home mailer)
Perdue chicken = $5.99
Kikkoman Ponzu Sauce = $0 ($3/1 IP)
Krusteaz One Step = 50¢ ($0.50/1 insert)
Dove Ice Cream Bar = $2 ($1/1 home mailer)
Fat Boy Ice cream Sandwiches x 2 = $4.89
Wholly Guacamole x 2 = $2.99 (bogo mailer)
Knudsen Juice x 2 = $0 ($2/1 IP)
Puffs Plus Tissue = 50¢ ($1/1 home mailer)
Argo Corn Starch = 79¢ ($0.40/1 insert)
Argo Baking Powder = 79¢ ($0.40/1 insert)
Bananas = $1.69
Grapes = $3.95
Sabra Hummus x 2 = $5.98 (two $1/1 tearpad)
Oscar Mayer Bacon x 2 = $5 (two $1.50/1 IP)
Pizza Dough x 3 = $7.77
Mozzarella = $5.99
King’s Hawaiian mini sub rolls = $0 (booklet coupon)
Smuckers Squeeze = $2.30 ($.35/1 insert)
Cheez-its x 4 = $6.68
Ovaltine = $4.49 ($1/1 IP)
Johnsonville Sausage = $5.69
Publix Apple Juice = 1¢ (penny item)
Pace Picante Sauce x 2 = $1.79 ( $.50/2 IP)
Cat Litter = $1.89

I’d love for you guys to share your weekly/yearly totals. Leave a comment or link to your weekly totals.

Weekly Totals 12/23 – End Of The Year Wrap Up!

It is time to tally up our yearly spending. I keep mine in a handy little spreadsheet so that I can add to it each week after I post here on the site. Honestly it is more so I can see how I did at the end of the year…I never total anything until right before I do my end of the year checkup. I like to do my final numbers the week before the end of the year so that just in case I am under budget, I can be sure and use any excess money. Of course that had never happened…but you never know – maybe next year!

I am very happy to tell you guys that I spent $2113.72 this year. That means I almost nailed my yearly goal. That is an average of $40.65 per week. Now, that is my total after any gift cards that I earned or was given as gifts that I used to reduce my spending. While some folks may use their gift cards to buy purses and shoes, I like to use rebate money and gift cards to keep my grocery budget as low as possible.

Of course I realize that this will not appeal to everyone. Even some of my friends pick on me for my shopping habits. But, I like a good challenge. After all, I have lots of other things I prefer to spend my money on other than groceries

Ok…so here is what I got this week.

Smart Balance Milk x 4 = $4
Bananas $3.76
Worcestershire Sauce  = 85¢
Sorrento Mozzarella  $1.79
Rondele = $0
Kraft Cheese x 2 = $4
Oreos x 2 = $4.98
Crisco Oil x 4 = $5.60
Grapes = $3.90
Chinet Napkins x2 = $2.16
Plugra Butter x 2 = $3.78
Ritz x 3 = $1.09

I spent right under $40 this week thanks to a big shop last week. I am happy that I will have my milk covered for the next week or so too!

Now, I’d love to hear how you guys have done this week and this year. Leave a comment or link to your weekly/yearly totals.

Weekly Totals 12/16

Talk about a whirlwind couple of weeks. The past few weeks have been pure craziness at my house. With the traveling, cold & flu then the past week’s stomach bug…I feel like I have been sleepwalking through my days. Somehow I have managed to be productive and even have everything ready for my holiday get together with my family tomorrow. I think it is just a mom thing…it seems no matter how long the to do list may be, we somehow manage to push through.

My shopping is done, the gifts are wrapped, the boys are out of school and come Sunday I am going to crash! My plan is to stay in my pajamas all day and watch movies!

With all the craziness, I had not shopped in quite a while. I managed to remedy that this week. I hit Publix at the beginning of the week and have plans to go early next week to grab a bunch of deals from the current ad. I also had several gift cards for Kroger. My husband’s company sent a Kroger gift card with the holiday card and I earned a few with some promotions that I did on my other site (I Heart Kroger).

Since the Kroger sales can’t really touch Publix deals, I decided to blow the gift card. Yep–I made a list of stuff that I needed or wanted and grabbed them whether they were on sale or not! My 4 year old has been asking for Spiderman Fruit Snacks so I got him several boxes. My oldest wanted Jello cups. I needed a big Windex refill…and the list goes on. I actually felt kinda bad at the register as it was a big old junk haul. I typically will not use my grocery budget on that much unnecessary junk but it was free money so I decided to go for it.

At some point next week I will sit down and figure out my yearly spending. I am very curious how I have done. My goal is to spend an average of $40 per week. I can’t wait to see if I met my goal.

Here is what I got this week…

Weiman Cooktop Cleaner
Weiman Pad
Chicken of the Sea Salmon x 2
Lipton Tea x 2
Kraft Big Slices
Beef
State Fair Corndogs x 2
Wish Bone Dressing x 2
Flipz Pretzels
Hidden Valley Seasoning Packets x 2
Candy Canes x 2
Lunchables x 4
Kidfresh Entrees x 3
Muir Glen Sauce x 2
Sara Lee Bread
Minute Maid Juice Boxes
Publix Ham
Powerade x 2
Kraft Singles x 2
Pillsbury Cookies
Stouffers Sautees
Coffee-mate Bliss
Wholly Guacamole
Jello Pudding
Eggs
Spiderman Fruit Snacks x 6
Shrimp Poppers
Aunt Jemima Pancakes x 2
Eggo Waffles Family Pack
Capri Sun x 4
Windex x 2
Sprayway Glass Cleaner
Mary B’s Biscuits
Go-gurt
Pillsbury Crescents x 2
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls
Pop Tarts x 4
Milk
Country Time Lemonade
Butter
Bananas
Cheese Blocks x 2
Philly Cream Cheese

After gift cards I ended up spending $52.66 for everything. Not bad since I haven’t been to the store in forever! Get ready for next week’s yearly wrap up – I can’t wait to hear how everyone did in 2011.

How did you guys do this week? Leave a comment or link to your weekly totals.

Weekly Totals 12/9

I alluded to my crazy week this morning in the free coupon Friday post. It really has been “one of those weeks”.  In addition to carpool craziness, Jake had friends over two different afternoons this week, we celebrated my husband’s birthday and attended two different school holiday functions. Add to that the time I spent on my three sites plus cooking and cleaning and every day to-do’s and I am pretty much exhausted.

To top it off – guess who is hosting a sleepover tonight?! I wish you guys could hear how loud my house is at this moment. I think it is official…I have lost my mind!

I am giving myself a little break tonight. Instead of cooking, my husband will be bringing home pizza for all those hungry little boys They will be thrilled and I get to relax a little bit. I am going to surprise them later with some cookies. At least that will be “fun” cooking.

As far as shopping this week…once again it just did not happen. I have a grocery list ready but I have yet to find the time to actually do my shopping. I did manage to do a 5 minute run into Publix to grab a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk and a cheesecake for my husband’s birthday. I felt kinda bad as I usually make him a cheesecake but I was running like a mad woman this week and never had time to get it made. Luckily Publix has the best bakery ever and I was still able to give him a birthday treat.

This is the time of the year when things are just a little bit more hectic but I guess that makes everything more exciting. Maybe if I am lucky I will learn how to wrap presents in my sleep.

This week I spent about $15. After all the boys go home tomorrow, I may let my husband hang out with my guys and I will escape and do a little shopping.

How did you guys do this week? Leave a comment or link to your weekly totals.

Weekly Totals 12/2

This has been a crazy week. On our way home from Alabama, my little one spiked a fever. He has been terribly sick all week. So, I have been hanging out with my little pitiful guy all week.

I ended up sending my husband out to Publix to grab a few things to hold us over. I have to tell you guys, I am so proud of my husband. I gave him a very short list and 4 coupons. Now I know that may seem like no big deal for us pros, but – my husband is not exactly a great shopper. I can count on one hand how many times he has shopped solo this entire year. While he doesn’t mind doing it, he is not exactly good about sticking to the list and often just grabs whatever catches his eye. This time he got all the items and only came home with one extra item. I guess those Snickers were too hard to resist.

I never got a chance to do my big shop for the week. So, this week my husband spent about $20 for the basics (and a little chocolate).

This week I’ll have to just check out all your deals. How did you guys do this week?

Weekly Totals 11/25

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday and gobbled up lots of turkey!

Did any of you guys brave the crowds and do any shopping for Black Friday? I am not a huge fan of the craziness and chose not to even leave the house. Over the past few years, I have found great deals by shopping online from the comfort of the couch! Most of the deals are just as good if not better and you don’t have to wait in huge lines or deal with the chaos. I had fun getting good deals and posting them over on I Heart Saving Money. With Cyber Monday coming up, I will probably grab even more

My weekly totals this week are very simple – this week I spent $0. I am hanging out in Alabama with my husband’s family, and haven’t done any grocery shopping this week.

We will be headed home this weekend and I can’t remember what I have in my refrigerator so I will have to do a little inventory before I make my list for next week.

So…this week I will have to live vicariously through you guys. How did you do this week? Leave a comment or link to your weekly totals.

Weekly Totals 11/18

Happy Friday everyone! I am so glad it is Friday, it has been a long week!

Thanks to Comcast, I was without internet for quite a long time yesterday & today. I have a mobile hot spot/modem that I was using but it seems to take forever and I end up working twice as hard to get thing done.  Because of that, I was a little grumpy this morning. I had planned on shopping and of course I had cued a bunch of coupons to print right before my internet went down. Since everything is on my network – all of my coupons were in limbo. So, my plan for a fabulous shopping trip was busted. BUT–once I got to Publix, I wasn’t grumpy anymore.

I still grabbed some great deals and even met a few of my readers at the store (Hi guys!!). I hope to get a chance to grab the rest of my deals before we leave town…I really want more cheap sugar–tee hee!

I still managed to get a ton of groceries this week. I had a $100 AMEX gift card and I think I did a great job stretching that baby super far!

Here is what I picked up this week in 2 trips:

Saltines x 2 = $2 ($1/2 IP)
Progresso Broth x2 = $0 (two $0.40/1 + $0.50/2 TQ)
Philly Cooking Creme = $0 (IP + TQ)
Bread = 99¢
Community Coffee x 2 = $0 (free prod Q+ BOGO peelie)
Publix Bagels = $2.49
Publix Ham = $4.50
Bananas = $1.76
Rolls = 49¢ ($2 wyb ICBINB)
ICBINB x 6 = $2.44 (four $1/1 & $1/2 IP)
ICBINB Sticks = $0 ($1.50/1 IP)
French’s Onions = $1.99
Egg Noodles = $1.79
Sargento Cheese x 4 = $5.20 (two $0.50/1 mailer & $0.40/2 insert)
Jones Dairy Sausage x 3 = $1. 95 ($2/2 IP & $0.55/1 mailer)
Beef = $4.63
Muellers pasta = 96¢ (4 $0.55/1 IP)
Ritz crackers x 2 = $2.09 ($1/2 IP)
Del Monte Beans = $1.70 ($0.40/3 kroger mailer)
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce x 2 = 99¢
Dole mandarin oranges x 2 = $2.10 ($1/2 IP)
Publix bread = $0 ($2 wyb ICBINB)
Breakstone x 2 = $1.25 ($1/2 IP)
Rondele = $0 ($2.50/1 IP)
Bananas = $1.51
Cracker Barrel Cheese x 2 = $5 ($1/2 IIP)
Athenos Feta = $1.50 ($0.75/1 insert)
Dixie Crystals Sugar = $1.99 ($0.50/1 IP)
Publix Turkey = $6.22
La Croix x 2 = $2.50 ($1/1 IP)
Coke Zero x 12 = $27
Half Ham = $11.01
M&M $1.59

I used my gift card and a Publix coupon and saved almost $145! That even included some M&M’s for my little one (yes a little bribery every now and again is necessary!) That means I saved about 60% this week! My refrigerator and pantry are super stocked and I am not grumpy anymore! I am hoping to do a quick run before we head out of town to finish up my list! Have I told you guys how much I love this ad!!

I know you guys have had some amazing trips this week–so bring them on! I want to see all of the details. Leave a comment or link to your weekly totals.

Weekly Totals 11/11

Happy Veterans Day everyone! Here is to all the folks who have served in uniform both in war and in peace. Thank you all!

Well guys, remember that I kept saying that I was going to do a big shop at some point soon. Well, this week was the week! I shopped three different days this week and finally got stocked up on many things that I needed. I actually have to go again before the sale ends next week. I hit up a different Publix today as I shopped while my little one was in school. The store I went to today did not take Target coupons, so I will have to do another trip to use some coupons and score a few more deals. Plus, I only got 3 turkeys today and I am really thinking I want to get at least two more. A Publix run on Monday should do the trick!

As you read through the list you will see that I grabbed some things that I might have been able to get a bit cheaper if I had waited (Cheez-its). I had a couple of requests from my guys so I decided to make them happy rather than make them wait. Some of you all may know that I DO NOT eat mayonnaise. I can’t stand the stuff! Of course my husband loves it and the other day he was making a sandwich and discovered that he was eating expired mayonnaise. Unfortunately, I missed the Kraft deal last week.  I certainly did not want him to get sick so I grabbed a jar of mayo that was not on sale–YIKES. I did have a coupon but I will be honest, I cringed a bit paying that much for a jar of stuff that I despise! I told my husband that he was in charge of keeping an eye on his mayo supply and that I needed a little heads up from now on–tee hee

I also had to get some asparagus and hollandaise sauce for my fun dinner tonight. Remember that Groupon Lobster deal I told you about? Guess what arrived at my door this morning–YUM!! I can’t wait.

Check out this list

10 Tyson Whole Chickens ($0.59/lb raincheck from Kroger) = $33.57
5 Armour Meatball = $9.95
5 Dannon Yogurt 4-pk = $7.45
Milk = $3.18
3 Lunchables = $5
2 Avocado = $3.38
Garlic = 43¢
Tomatoes = $2.99
2 Smart Balance Milk = $2 (two $1.50/1 IP)
Asparagus = $1.52
2 Smart Balance Spread = 60¢ (two $1/1 IP)
2 Cool Whip = $3.34
Eggs = $1.67
2 New York Toast = $1.50 (two $0.50/1 insert)
Colgate Kids toothpaste = $1.69 ($0.50/1 insert)
Stouffers Family = $1.99 (2/1 magazine Q)
2 Publix Cheese = $5
Mushroom = $2.69
2 Publix Pies = $4 (two $1 off wyb IP)
Minute Maid Lemonade = 89¢ ($1 off wyb cheez-it)
Publix Sour Cream = $1.09
5 Goldfish = $7.55 ($0.75/2 mailer)
2 Idahoan Potatoes = -.66¢ (two $1/1 IP)
2 Donuts = $3.48
4 Cream of Chicken = $2.14 ($0.25/4 insert)
2 Hunt’s Tomatoes = 60¢ ($0.40/2 IP)
2 Cheez-its = $5.78 ($1/2 insert)
Ovaltine = $4.49 ($1/1 IP)
2 Lucky Charms = $1.20 (two $0.50/1 IP)
4 Nestle Morsels = $4.28
2 Minute Maid Juice Boxes = $1.98 (two $2/1 IP)
Knorr Hollandaise Sauce = $1.47
3 Del Monte Fruit = $3.05 (B2G1 PQ + three $0.75/1 peelies)
Bananas = $1.62
3 Ore-Ida Potatoes = $4.10 (B2G1 = three $1/1 IP)
2 Fruit Naturals = $1.50 (B1G1 IP)
Heinz Ketchup = 99¢ ($1/1 IP)
Kraft Mayo = $3.73 ($1/1 tearpad)
3 Publix Turkeys = $18.57

I had a couple of $3/$30 coupons that helped my totals a little but overall I am very pleased with my haul. I spent about $150 this week and saved almost $150! While that may only be about 50% savings, with all the poultry I bought I ‘ll probably get 20 meals from those little birdies

I am very pleased with my purchases this week.

How did you guys do? Leave a comment or link to your weekly totals.

Weekly Totals 11/4

I am so glad it is Friday! How about we all do a little happy dance!

This has been a crazy busy week for me.  Is it normal to be absolutely exhausted by this time of the week?! Please tell me I am not the only one. In addition to the normal craziness around here my little one is sick and I have a flat tire on my car!

My goal in life is to sleep in tomorrow until at least 8:30! I am sure the boys will wake me up before then but I am NOT getting out of bed until that time–tee hee!!

I usually try to run to Publix while my little one is in preschool. Since he only went one day this week, I only made it to the store once. Luckily I was able to grab some Diet Coke while they were on sale and use the fantastic Publix coupons!

$23.94 Diet Coke x 9 = $23.94 (four $1.50/2 IP)
Grapes = $3.01
Lemon = 67¢
Ham Slice = $5.23
Swiss Cheese = $2.50
Apples 3 lb x 2 = $7.98
Apple Sauce = $1.50
Bananas $1.61
Bread 99¢
Boo Berry Cereal x 2 $1.50 ($1/2 IP)

Although I spent a pretty penny this week I was thrilled to get soda at such a nice price. I also used one of my $3 Publix coupons so that helped a little

How did you guys do this week? Leave a comment or link to your weekly totals.

Weekly Totals 10-28

Happy Friday everyone! Here is hoping the rain holds off as we have our 2nd week of Fall Festival fun in just a little bit!

I really need to find some way to manage my time a little better or maybe there needs to be more than 24 hours in the day–tee hee! Every Friday, I pick up the kids from school and sit down with my laptop as they eat snack to post my totals for you guys. Every Friday I wonder where the week has gone. Once again I had very good intentions but never got half of my to dos done.

I really did want to do a big trip to the store but it just did not happen this week! I actually ran to Publix three times and all were very small trips. I only gave myself enough time to grab what I had to have then back in the car to hit my next errand.

I have also done quite a bit of menu modifications this week. First, on Monday, I pulled out the wrong meat from my freezer so I had to do some last minute improvising. Then, my oldest hurt his arm at school requiring a trip to emergency care. He was A-OK but, it threw me off my schedule. I called my husband once we were done and he suggested I just grab something quick for dinner and requested fish sandwiches with tater tots. Who am I to argue with that. A few minutes in the oven, some fruit and voila — dinner! Finally, I had planned on making Salmon Croquettes for dinner tonight – but my oldest has his Fall Festival this evening at school. Atlanta traffic is exceptionally rough on Friday so to make it to the Fall Festival, we’ll need to eat as soon as my husband gets home tonight. The Hurst Family Harvest beans are a perfect option, I chose to cook them all day in the crockpot so that dinner is ready whenever I need it!  This has been the kind of week where I am glad that I always have a stocked freezer and pantry!

Dare I say…maybe next week will slow down? Nah…

So here is what I grabbed over three different trips this week. Note that I spent quite a bit because there was not much planning involved! Ah well, next week is a new week!

Lime 34¢
Bread 99¢
Bananas $1.70
DiGiorno Parm x 2 = 80¢ (two $2/1 IP)
Skippy PB = $2.38 ( $1/1 PQ = $0.60/2 IP)
Milk = $3.39
Publix Ham = $4.50
Donuts = $2
Coca Cola x 3 = $9.99
Publix PB = 1¢ (penny item Q)
Publix Cheese = $2.50
Buns = 99¢
Tater Tots = $3.55
Gorton Fish = $5.99
Ham Hocks  = $3.15
Grapes = $3.04
Bananas = $1.59

If my math is right, I spent about $50 this week. Maybe I will have some time this weekend to do a little inventory and actually plan a trip next week!

How did you guys do this week? Leave a comment or link to your weekly totals.

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