Target was my downfall this week. We are still well under budget, but April was our highest month all year. The main culprits were diapers and ice cream.
Aldi:
10 lb potatoes, 2 lb bananas, 2 tubes biscuits, 2 boxes macaroni and cheese, gallon of milk
Total: $7.63
Target:
7th Generation dish soap, Off Clip-on, 4AA lithium batteries, 2 lb Italian sausage, can of black beans, box of Del Monte fruit freezer tubes, 2 bags frozen peas, 200 ct fish oil pills, bag of Sunchips (free), Target brand Ritz crackers, 3 cans of tomato sauce, pot pie, bag of frozen hash browns, frozen breakfast sausage, 2 bottles of Vitamin D, 2 cards, 12 pack of toilet paper, toddler socks, watering can, 2 packs of Huggies, 1 pack Pullups, 1 pack Target diapers, 3 boxes of Breyers ice cream, 7 pints of Ben and Jerry's
Total: $110.47
Savings: $53.34 (plus $5 gift card to use next week)
Week 4 Total: $118.10
Week 4 Savings: $53.34
April Total: $275.46 ($74.54 under budget)
April Savings: $124.57
Showing posts with label groceries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label groceries. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April Groceries: Week 3
Week 3 brought more shopping trips, but still an overall low bill. I've gotten so spoiled having a large stash to work through, but it's also a bit daunting seeing that I really need to use up so much food. This week we ate lemon-pepper chicken breasts with rice and peas, braised and sauced barbecue pork ribs, homemade macaroni and cheese, and pizza with ham and pineapple.
Dominicks:
2 bags of mini-Oreos (for homemade ice cream), tube of sugar cookie dough (clearance), flour tortillas (clearance), large cheese pizza
Total: $9.40
Savings: $8.72
Jewel:
4 bottles of Coffee-Mate, box of Good Earth tea
Total: $4.57
Savings: $12.70
Target:
Lysol toilet bowl cleaner, 5 lb box clementines, box of brownie mix, 2 pints of Ben and Jerry's, 1 lb of bananas, 2 gallons of milk, dozen eggs, 6 cups of yogurt, 3 boxes of Del Monte fruit freezers, small tub of spreadable butter, 100 ct generic Benadryl, 5 ct box of Bellybars ($7 off in coupons)
Total: $21.77
Savings: $17.28
Week 3 Total: $44.35
Week 3 Savings: $38.70
April Total-to-date: $157.36 ($105.14 under budget)
April Savings-to-date: $71.23
Dominicks:
2 bags of mini-Oreos (for homemade ice cream), tube of sugar cookie dough (clearance), flour tortillas (clearance), large cheese pizza
Total: $9.40
Savings: $8.72
Jewel:
4 bottles of Coffee-Mate, box of Good Earth tea
Total: $4.57
Savings: $12.70
Target:
Lysol toilet bowl cleaner, 5 lb box clementines, box of brownie mix, 2 pints of Ben and Jerry's, 1 lb of bananas, 2 gallons of milk, dozen eggs, 6 cups of yogurt, 3 boxes of Del Monte fruit freezers, small tub of spreadable butter, 100 ct generic Benadryl, 5 ct box of Bellybars ($7 off in coupons)
Total: $21.77
Savings: $17.28
Week 3 Total: $44.35
Week 3 Savings: $38.70
April Total-to-date: $157.36 ($105.14 under budget)
April Savings-to-date: $71.23
Friday, April 16, 2010
April Groceries: Weeks 1 and 2
With Easter and everything going on, I missed posting Week 1! Obviously we ate a lot of ham that week. I also tried my hand at freezer cooking twice. I made two batches of chicken pot pie and froze both, then I made two pans of lasagna. We ate one (amazing) and froze one. For those interested, Aldi carries 2 gallon freezer bags, which are great for freezing 9x13 pans of food.
Week 1:
Aldi:
whole pineapple, frozen chicken pot pie, 5 lb ground beef (with $2 off coupon), 2 bottles apple juice, tortilla chips, jar of mild salsa, 2 cans light fruit cocktail, Reese's peanut butter eggs (juice, chips, salsa, and fruit cocktail were for daycare snacks)
Total: $17.55
Target:
mild Italian sausage, 5 lb whole wheat flour, frozen peas, frozen corn, potato and cheddar pierogis, Banquet breakfast sausages, 6 French toast bagels, dozen eggs, coffee creamer, cup of yogurt, 2 lb. brown rice, lasagna noodles, manicotti noodles, 8.5 lb spiral-sliced ham, 2 pouches tuna (free), 2 bottles of flouride mouthwash (clearance)
Total: $36.72
Saved: $11.81
Jewel:
2 lb strawberries, 4.7 lb sweet potatoes
Total: $6.40
Savings: $3.71
Week 1 Total: $60.67
Week 1 Savings: $15.52
Aldi:
3 gallons of milk, 2 lb bananas, 2 lb carrots, 2 cans mini ravioli, raspberry fruit spread (no HFCS), Reese's peanut butter eggs, 3 boxes 2 gallon freezer bags, 1 box 1 gallon freezer bags, sweet gummi bunnies, frozen chicken pot pie, frozen fruit bars, fudge bars, canned whipped cream
Total: $26.63
Jewel:
Sargento shredded parmesan, 2 lb strawberries, 5 lb clementines
Total: $9.03
Savings: $10.81
Dominicks:
Easter candy, 2 bottles of V8 Fusion juice
Total: $5.98
Savings: $6.20
Target:
large can of sliced olives, 1 lb Fuji apples, 3 Degree men's deoderants (clearanced), bottle of generic Tylenol
Total: $10.70
Week 2 Total: $52.34
Week 2 Savings: $17.01
April Total-to-date: $113.01 ($61.99 under budget)
April Savings-to-date: $32.53
Week 1:
Aldi:
whole pineapple, frozen chicken pot pie, 5 lb ground beef (with $2 off coupon), 2 bottles apple juice, tortilla chips, jar of mild salsa, 2 cans light fruit cocktail, Reese's peanut butter eggs (juice, chips, salsa, and fruit cocktail were for daycare snacks)
Total: $17.55
Target:
mild Italian sausage, 5 lb whole wheat flour, frozen peas, frozen corn, potato and cheddar pierogis, Banquet breakfast sausages, 6 French toast bagels, dozen eggs, coffee creamer, cup of yogurt, 2 lb. brown rice, lasagna noodles, manicotti noodles, 8.5 lb spiral-sliced ham, 2 pouches tuna (free), 2 bottles of flouride mouthwash (clearance)
Total: $36.72
Saved: $11.81
Jewel:
2 lb strawberries, 4.7 lb sweet potatoes
Total: $6.40
Savings: $3.71
Week 1 Total: $60.67
Week 1 Savings: $15.52
Aldi:
3 gallons of milk, 2 lb bananas, 2 lb carrots, 2 cans mini ravioli, raspberry fruit spread (no HFCS), Reese's peanut butter eggs, 3 boxes 2 gallon freezer bags, 1 box 1 gallon freezer bags, sweet gummi bunnies, frozen chicken pot pie, frozen fruit bars, fudge bars, canned whipped cream
Total: $26.63
Jewel:
Sargento shredded parmesan, 2 lb strawberries, 5 lb clementines
Total: $9.03
Savings: $10.81
Dominicks:
Easter candy, 2 bottles of V8 Fusion juice
Total: $5.98
Savings: $6.20
Target:
large can of sliced olives, 1 lb Fuji apples, 3 Degree men's deoderants (clearanced), bottle of generic Tylenol
Total: $10.70
Week 2 Total: $52.34
Week 2 Savings: $17.01
April Total-to-date: $113.01 ($61.99 under budget)
April Savings-to-date: $32.53
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
March Groceries: Week 4
March finished up with a trip to Sam's Club, which are never cheap. Our grocery spending has gone down with fewer trips to this mega-store. It's not because prices are high, but because each item ends up being so large.
Aldi:
cantaloupe, 5 lb bananas, 3 pounds butter, pie crust, jumbo biscuits, 3 tubs of ricotta, 2 gallons of milk, 2 bags of peanut puffs, confetti cake mix, 2 boxes macaroni and cheese, 2 lb elbow macaroni, fudge brownie mix, iodized salt, plastic Easter eggs
Total: $28.47
Sam's Club:
2 gallons of milk, 5 lb shredded mozzarella, 20 cocktail croissants, 40 oz coffee beans, 150 kitchen trash bags, 2 bottles of V-Fusion juice, 105 oz can of tomato sauce, 2 gallons of vinegar
Total: $51.38
Week 4 Total: $79.85
Savings: $0
March Total: $240.77 ($109.23 under budget)
March Savings: $38.49
One trend that's easy to see over the last three months that has resulted in vastly reduced grocery bills is that I'm shopping less frequently. We are still eating some items out of our surplus. I've discovered that I vastly overbought on snacky/sugary cereals (Count Chocula in particular), goldfish crackers, and cookies. Bulk purchases that worked out well over the months were the 20+ cans of soup, which are almost gone, the chicken and beef broth (the chicken is totally gone, but I overbought a little on the beef), and 40 lb of flour (using up the last bag now). Easy lunches and ingredients, rather than prepared treats, got eaten first.
Aldi:
cantaloupe, 5 lb bananas, 3 pounds butter, pie crust, jumbo biscuits, 3 tubs of ricotta, 2 gallons of milk, 2 bags of peanut puffs, confetti cake mix, 2 boxes macaroni and cheese, 2 lb elbow macaroni, fudge brownie mix, iodized salt, plastic Easter eggs
Total: $28.47
Sam's Club:
2 gallons of milk, 5 lb shredded mozzarella, 20 cocktail croissants, 40 oz coffee beans, 150 kitchen trash bags, 2 bottles of V-Fusion juice, 105 oz can of tomato sauce, 2 gallons of vinegar
Total: $51.38
Week 4 Total: $79.85
Savings: $0
March Total: $240.77 ($109.23 under budget)
March Savings: $38.49
One trend that's easy to see over the last three months that has resulted in vastly reduced grocery bills is that I'm shopping less frequently. We are still eating some items out of our surplus. I've discovered that I vastly overbought on snacky/sugary cereals (Count Chocula in particular), goldfish crackers, and cookies. Bulk purchases that worked out well over the months were the 20+ cans of soup, which are almost gone, the chicken and beef broth (the chicken is totally gone, but I overbought a little on the beef), and 40 lb of flour (using up the last bag now). Easy lunches and ingredients, rather than prepared treats, got eaten first.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March Groceries: Week 2
Yet another light week of shopping here, and another week under budget. We ate pizza, baked chicken with rice and peas, chili, and homemade chicken pot pie.
Target:
AAA batteries, granola bars, vegetable bouillon, tortillas, dry kidney beans, canned black beans, Banquet chicken pot pie, frozen breakfast sausage, DiGiorno 200-calorie pizza (free), kid's toothbrush, toilet paper, birthday card
Total: $25.72
Savings: $8.19
Dominicks:
2 64 oz bottles of Motts Natural apple juice, 2 packages string cheese, 3.5 lb corned beef, cheese pizza
Total: $18.17
Savings: $12.88
Aldi:
small chicken pot pie, 2 gallons skim milk, 3 lb bananas, 5 lb sugar
Total: $14.86
Week 2 Total: $52.29
Week 2 Savings: $21.07
March Total-to-date: $92.07 ($82.93 under budget)
March Savings-to-date: $25.51
Target:
AAA batteries, granola bars, vegetable bouillon, tortillas, dry kidney beans, canned black beans, Banquet chicken pot pie, frozen breakfast sausage, DiGiorno 200-calorie pizza (free), kid's toothbrush, toilet paper, birthday card
Total: $25.72
Savings: $8.19
Dominicks:
2 64 oz bottles of Motts Natural apple juice, 2 packages string cheese, 3.5 lb corned beef, cheese pizza
Total: $18.17
Savings: $12.88
Aldi:
small chicken pot pie, 2 gallons skim milk, 3 lb bananas, 5 lb sugar
Total: $14.86
Week 2 Total: $52.29
Week 2 Savings: $21.07
March Total-to-date: $92.07 ($82.93 under budget)
March Savings-to-date: $25.51
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
February Groceries: Week 4
Well, this is a terrible cop-out, but I can't find one of my receipts from this week! I went to Target twice this week and can't find the larger of the two receipts. I know I bought a roast because I made beef barley soup, but other than that I'm drawing a blank.
Thankfully, mint.com tells me that I spent $36.43 this week, and the receipt I can find shows that I saved $5.98.
February Total: $237.16
February Savings: at least $75.57
When I find that receipt, I'll update this. Obviously we are well under budget, by $112.84. There are some things changing in our lives that are pushing me more toward emptying our freezer. I will be doing more freezer cooking this spring and summer, and the supplies we have in there now are taking up needed space.
Thankfully, mint.com tells me that I spent $36.43 this week, and the receipt I can find shows that I saved $5.98.
February Total: $237.16
February Savings: at least $75.57
When I find that receipt, I'll update this. Obviously we are well under budget, by $112.84. There are some things changing in our lives that are pushing me more toward emptying our freezer. I will be doing more freezer cooking this spring and summer, and the supplies we have in there now are taking up needed space.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February Groceries: Week 1
This is a bit late due to my son's ear infection, a foot of snow on the ground, and getting used to my new computer. (Refurbished Dell laptop, highly recommended.)
Aldi:
can of evaporated milk, buttermilk biscuits, 3 lb braeburn apples, box of battered fish fillets, box of toasted ravioli, dozen eggs, gallon of milk, 5 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, box of chocolate milk cookies
Total: $14.82
Dominicks:
bag of Lay's chips, 2 gallons of milk, 2 packages of smoked sausage, 2 packages of Hebrew National hot dogs
Total: $14.12
Savings: $14.09
Jewel:
quart of Mountain High plain yogurt, 2 2-liters of soda, 2 boxes of Orville Redenbacher popcorn, 2 boxes Quaker-to-go bars, 3 42oz tubs of Quaker quick oats (they were out of Old Fashioned)
Total: $7.56
Savings: $22.71
Target:
1 jumbo Up & Up diapers,6 pack of wipes, pack of gum, bottle of Fish Oil, bottle of Vitamin D, eye drops, box of fried chicken, 5lb box of clementines, fluoride mouth wash
Total: $47.20
Savings: $7.15
Week 1 Total: $78.70
Week 1 Savings: $48.95
Since the new budget is $350 for the month, each week should be under $87.50. This week, we're under by $8.80. Not a bad start! We still have tons of food in our pantry, taking up space in my dining room and playroom, and in two freezers.
Aldi:
can of evaporated milk, buttermilk biscuits, 3 lb braeburn apples, box of battered fish fillets, box of toasted ravioli, dozen eggs, gallon of milk, 5 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, box of chocolate milk cookies
Total: $14.82
Dominicks:
bag of Lay's chips, 2 gallons of milk, 2 packages of smoked sausage, 2 packages of Hebrew National hot dogs
Total: $14.12
Savings: $14.09
Jewel:
quart of Mountain High plain yogurt, 2 2-liters of soda, 2 boxes of Orville Redenbacher popcorn, 2 boxes Quaker-to-go bars, 3 42oz tubs of Quaker quick oats (they were out of Old Fashioned)
Total: $7.56
Savings: $22.71
Target:
1 jumbo Up & Up diapers,6 pack of wipes, pack of gum, bottle of Fish Oil, bottle of Vitamin D, eye drops, box of fried chicken, 5lb box of clementines, fluoride mouth wash
Total: $47.20
Savings: $7.15
Week 1 Total: $78.70
Week 1 Savings: $48.95
Since the new budget is $350 for the month, each week should be under $87.50. This week, we're under by $8.80. Not a bad start! We still have tons of food in our pantry, taking up space in my dining room and playroom, and in two freezers.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
January Groceries: Totals
Thanks to the purchase of two pizzas in week 5, our total for the month was $203.56, with a total savings of $176.88.
This is definitely the lowest month since I started tracking, but it also made me realize that we have so much stocked up that I can and should try to reduce our monthly budget down to $350.
Because I do include diapers and some toiletries, my totals will fluctuate a lot. For instance, I bought razor blades this month. Those were $18, but I buy them maybe once a year. I also had to buy vitamins in January, and will need to do that in February as well as large bottles begin to run out. In February, I will also need to buy new heads for my Sonicare brush, at about $25 total.
The goal for February: $350 total, and more eating out of the pantry. Since so many people swear by it, I will start doing some rudimentary meal planning. A great place to start is the list of possible meals I posted last month. There are still several I haven't cooked. Duck, for one. My husband conned me into buying a $.99/lb whole duck on clearance, and I have no clue how to cook it.
This is definitely the lowest month since I started tracking, but it also made me realize that we have so much stocked up that I can and should try to reduce our monthly budget down to $350.
Because I do include diapers and some toiletries, my totals will fluctuate a lot. For instance, I bought razor blades this month. Those were $18, but I buy them maybe once a year. I also had to buy vitamins in January, and will need to do that in February as well as large bottles begin to run out. In February, I will also need to buy new heads for my Sonicare brush, at about $25 total.
The goal for February: $350 total, and more eating out of the pantry. Since so many people swear by it, I will start doing some rudimentary meal planning. A great place to start is the list of possible meals I posted last month. There are still several I haven't cooked. Duck, for one. My husband conned me into buying a $.99/lb whole duck on clearance, and I have no clue how to cook it.
Friday, January 29, 2010
January Groceries: Week 4
Despite my best efforts, there were things we ran out of or were way too good a deal to pass up. As a result, we spent $87.29 this week. Of that, $42.95 was food.
Dominicks:
2 pints of gingerbread Coffee-Mate (clearance + coupon = free), 4 bags Goldfish ($.88), 6 boxes fruit snacks ($.10 each after sale, coupon, and Catalina), 11 lb boneless pork sirloin chops ($.99 lb), 2 boxes of pasta (ditalini and mini-fusillis), 2 lb fuji apples, 5 lb potatoes ($.99)
Total: $13.37
Savings: $70.72
Aldi:
2 gallons of milk, dozen eggs, 2 lb carrots, bag of barbecue potato chips, whole pineapple
Total: $10.58
Sam's Club:
2 bottles of V-Fusion juice, 3 lb bananas, 40 oz bag of coffee beans
Total: $19.00
Target:
body wash, 8-pack Mach 3 razor blades, 3 jumbo packs of Huggies
Total: $44.34
Savings: $15.00
Week 4 Total: $87.29
Week 4 Savings: $85.72
January Total-to-date: $193.87
January Savings-to-date: $168.41
Dominicks:
2 pints of gingerbread Coffee-Mate (clearance + coupon = free), 4 bags Goldfish ($.88), 6 boxes fruit snacks ($.10 each after sale, coupon, and Catalina), 11 lb boneless pork sirloin chops ($.99 lb), 2 boxes of pasta (ditalini and mini-fusillis), 2 lb fuji apples, 5 lb potatoes ($.99)
Total: $13.37
Savings: $70.72
Aldi:
2 gallons of milk, dozen eggs, 2 lb carrots, bag of barbecue potato chips, whole pineapple
Total: $10.58
Sam's Club:
2 bottles of V-Fusion juice, 3 lb bananas, 40 oz bag of coffee beans
Total: $19.00
Target:
body wash, 8-pack Mach 3 razor blades, 3 jumbo packs of Huggies
Total: $44.34
Savings: $15.00
Week 4 Total: $87.29
Week 4 Savings: $85.72
January Total-to-date: $193.87
January Savings-to-date: $168.41
Friday, January 22, 2010
January Groceries: Week 3
This week came close to tying my lowest week total ever. (That week, the third week of December, I spent $11.80.) This week came in at $14.12. Our budget for the week was $50 as part of the Pantry Cooking Challenge.
Target:
bag of frozen peas, bottle of vitamins, three bunches of broccoli, 1 lb elbow macaroni, 2 4-packs of Yo-Plus yogurt
Total: $11.38
Savings: $5.73
Dominicks:
3-pack of microwave popcorn, 6-pack Leinenkugel beer
Total: $0 (used gift card)
Savings: $10.10
Jewel:
3 Dobie pads
Total: $3.24
Savings: $0 (technically. Not sure what the shelf price is, but they were on sale and cost $3.89 at Target)
Week 3 Total: $14.12
Week 3 Savings: $15.83
January Total-to-date: $106.58
January Savings-to-date: $82.69
Target:
bag of frozen peas, bottle of vitamins, three bunches of broccoli, 1 lb elbow macaroni, 2 4-packs of Yo-Plus yogurt
Total: $11.38
Savings: $5.73
Dominicks:
3-pack of microwave popcorn, 6-pack Leinenkugel beer
Total: $0 (used gift card)
Savings: $10.10
Jewel:
3 Dobie pads
Total: $3.24
Savings: $0 (technically. Not sure what the shelf price is, but they were on sale and cost $3.89 at Target)
Week 3 Total: $14.12
Week 3 Savings: $15.83
January Total-to-date: $106.58
January Savings-to-date: $82.69
Friday, January 15, 2010
January Groceries: Week 2
Due to the Pantry Challenge and slight overspending on my part last week, this week's budget was $31.84. I originally overspent this as well. The culprit? Diapers for daycare. However, I was with the boy at Target and in a hurry, so I bought the old size 4s and will be returning them. With the diapers, I spent $35.19. Over, but not by much. Without, I spent $24.30.
What did we buy?
Target:
64 oz apple juice, 2 cans of Cars chicken soup, 1 bag of Archer Farms breakfast blend coffee, 1 bar vanilla almond bark, 2 bars chocolate almond bark, coffee filters, vitamins, toothpaste
Total: $24.30
Savings: $5.20
Dominicks:
2 gallons skim milk, 1/2 gallon chocolate milk
Total: $0
Savings: $5.49
Now, you may be looking at Dominicks and wondering how I got free milk. Milk was $1.99 a gallon this week if you bought two. I used a buy 2 gallons get 1/2 gallon of chocolate coupon, but that half gallon was priced at $3.49, which I didn't notice because the cheaper stuff was missing and I read the wrong price tag. Anyway, the checker range up my coupon, which maxed at $3, for $2.49. We paid with a Dominicks gift card earned by transferring a prescription last week. I noticed that the coupon had been mistyped as we left, so I packed the boy into the car and my husband went back to ask customer service about it (we had a spare coupon to show him). Customer service couldn't quite figure out what we wanted ($.51) and gave my husband back $3.
Week 2 Total: $24.30
Week 2 Savings: $10.69
January Total-to-date: $92.46
January Savings-to-date: $66.86
What did we buy?
Target:
64 oz apple juice, 2 cans of Cars chicken soup, 1 bag of Archer Farms breakfast blend coffee, 1 bar vanilla almond bark, 2 bars chocolate almond bark, coffee filters, vitamins, toothpaste
Total: $24.30
Savings: $5.20
Dominicks:
2 gallons skim milk, 1/2 gallon chocolate milk
Total: $0
Savings: $5.49
Now, you may be looking at Dominicks and wondering how I got free milk. Milk was $1.99 a gallon this week if you bought two. I used a buy 2 gallons get 1/2 gallon of chocolate coupon, but that half gallon was priced at $3.49, which I didn't notice because the cheaper stuff was missing and I read the wrong price tag. Anyway, the checker range up my coupon, which maxed at $3, for $2.49. We paid with a Dominicks gift card earned by transferring a prescription last week. I noticed that the coupon had been mistyped as we left, so I packed the boy into the car and my husband went back to ask customer service about it (we had a spare coupon to show him). Customer service couldn't quite figure out what we wanted ($.51) and gave my husband back $3.
Week 2 Total: $24.30
Week 2 Savings: $10.69
January Total-to-date: $92.46
January Savings-to-date: $66.86
Thursday, January 7, 2010
January Groceries: Week 1
Because of the Pantry Challenge, this week's budget was $50. I spent $68, so that was a big FAIL. The biggest culprit was buying a $23 case of diapers. If you don't factor that in, I was under budget. We had diapers in the house, so why did I buy more? I've been having trouble getting the boy's diapers tight enough, and it's time to face the music that he isn't going to be fully trained anytime soon. So I picked up a case of size 5s. I'm also out of Target diapers but am limping along using Pampers Baby Dry until the next week's budget kicks in. (We use Target diapers at daycare and for his first diaper of the day because daycare changes him at 8:30, an hour after he gets up, and every two hours after that. We use Pampers at home and at night.)
Hands down my favorite deal this week was the Coffee-Mate. We drink a cup of coffee every day, so finding Pumpkin Spice Coffee-Mate quart bottles on clearance for $1.74 was a killer deal, especially considering I had 4 $1 off coupons to use. With those coupons I usually pay $.74 each for a pint at Target.
Target:
Pampers value box, bacon, small lemon, 2 packages almond bark (clearanced to $1)
Total: $28.07
Savings: $4.18
Dominicks:
2 pizzas, 4 quarts of Coffee-Mate (pumpkin spice clearanced and /coupons, $.74 each), 3 cans of sliced olives, 4 boxes of Triscuits and 1 box of Wheat Thins artisan cheese crackers (on sale $1 each if you bought 5 plus 2 $1 off coupons), 2 3.5 lb pot roasts (BOGOF plus $2 off coupon)
Total: $32.31
Savings: $51.89
Aldi:
mesquite marinade, 2 lb carrots, 2 gallons of milk, mac and cheese bites
Total: $7.78
Week 1 total: $68.16
Week 1 Savings: $56.07
Hands down my favorite deal this week was the Coffee-Mate. We drink a cup of coffee every day, so finding Pumpkin Spice Coffee-Mate quart bottles on clearance for $1.74 was a killer deal, especially considering I had 4 $1 off coupons to use. With those coupons I usually pay $.74 each for a pint at Target.
Target:
Pampers value box, bacon, small lemon, 2 packages almond bark (clearanced to $1)
Total: $28.07
Savings: $4.18
Dominicks:
2 pizzas, 4 quarts of Coffee-Mate (pumpkin spice clearanced and /coupons, $.74 each), 3 cans of sliced olives, 4 boxes of Triscuits and 1 box of Wheat Thins artisan cheese crackers (on sale $1 each if you bought 5 plus 2 $1 off coupons), 2 3.5 lb pot roasts (BOGOF plus $2 off coupon)
Total: $32.31
Savings: $51.89
Aldi:
mesquite marinade, 2 lb carrots, 2 gallons of milk, mac and cheese bites
Total: $7.78
Week 1 total: $68.16
Week 1 Savings: $56.07
Friday, January 1, 2010
2009 Year-End Review
During the last four months of the year, I've tracked every grocery purchase I made. It started out as a challenge to reduce my spending, as I'd realized that my $400 budget had been exceeded every month for several months, often by $100+. This comes in part from sharing shopping duties with my husband and in part with not realizing how much I was really spending. Part of the confusion occurs because I do most of my shopping at Target, where we also buy non-grocery items. I do, however, include toiletries and paper goods in our grocery budget, as well as diapers. It's easier for me not to itemize these things.
The first month of the challenge was by far the most successful in terms of total dollars spent, with a total of $227.63. The highest savings came in November, with a total of $322.74 saved, in large part due to a Catalina deal at Jewel.
During these four months, the average spent was $328, $72 under budget and a huge improvement. According to my receipts, I saved $967.96 over paying full price without coupons for the items I bought. That doesn't include items I bought at Aldi, where some items are significantly cheaper. (For example, at my Aldi eggs are usually around $1 per dozen and have been as low as $.80. They're usually $1.20 or more on sale elsewhere. Crackers are generally no more than $1.29 a box. Target crackers are $2.50, while the regular price on Triscuits or Wheat Thins can be as high as $4 per box at Jewel and Dominick's.)
Just by focusing your attention and really tracking your spending, really seeing the prices at your grocery options, it's easy to save money. Conservatively, I really think anyone can save 10-15 percent or more just by keeping careful track of spending. Even more can be saved by meal planning, couponing, and paying attention to sales.
December Groceries: Week 5
In the three days of Week 5, I stocked up a bit for my contributions to a New Year's Eve party as well as taking advantage of some combining expiring coupons with sales. I received a new coupon organizer for Christmas, so I should have less trouble with missing or forgotten coupons. (I was using a 3X5 photo album, not the best system.)
Aldi:
gallon of milk, bottle of spray whiped cream, 2 boxes mac and cheese bites, 2 rolls of buttermilk biscuits, 1 box candy cane Oreos, 2 dozen eggs, 3 cloves of garlic, 12 oz baking chocolate, chocolate cookie pie crust, bottle of ginger garlic sauce, can of vanilla frosting,
Total: $18.68
Target:
2 bottle of Method holiday handsoap, 8 pack AA batteries, 2 bags of Garden Cheddar Goldfish, 1 bottle of apple juice, 2 packages of lunch meat, 3 cans of chili with beans, 1 box of hot chocolate mix, 6 cups of yogurt, 2 25 ct Kotex
Total: $23.91
Savings: $24.19
Dominicks:
3 8oz blocks of cheese, 2 packages of little smokies, 1.5 lb apples
Total: $8.90
Savings: $10.79
Week 5 Total: $51.49
Week 5 Savings: $34.98
December Total: $324.65
December Savings: $167.23
Aldi:
gallon of milk, bottle of spray whiped cream, 2 boxes mac and cheese bites, 2 rolls of buttermilk biscuits, 1 box candy cane Oreos, 2 dozen eggs, 3 cloves of garlic, 12 oz baking chocolate, chocolate cookie pie crust, bottle of ginger garlic sauce, can of vanilla frosting,
Total: $18.68
Target:
2 bottle of Method holiday handsoap, 8 pack AA batteries, 2 bags of Garden Cheddar Goldfish, 1 bottle of apple juice, 2 packages of lunch meat, 3 cans of chili with beans, 1 box of hot chocolate mix, 6 cups of yogurt, 2 25 ct Kotex
Total: $23.91
Savings: $24.19
Dominicks:
3 8oz blocks of cheese, 2 packages of little smokies, 1.5 lb apples
Total: $8.90
Savings: $10.79
Week 5 Total: $51.49
Week 5 Savings: $34.98
December Total: $324.65
December Savings: $167.23
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
December Groceries: Week 4
Week 4 brought us Christmas. In our house, we ate pasta and beans with ham hocks (aka modified pasta fagiole) then ate a lot of Christmas ham. For Christmas morning breakfast, we ate fauxnuts (donuts made from biscuit dough) and bacon. Yes, it was highly porky holiday. We also indulged a little at Trader Joe's since we were nearby one and only get there a few times a year.
Target:
jumbo pack of Up and Up diapers, 3 pack of Up and Up wipes, 2 lb Great Northern beans, 1 lb elbow pasta, 12 oz coffee beans, 11.4 lb smoked turkey
Total: $30.23
Savings: $6.00
Aldi:
3 rolls of buttermilk biscuits, 2 gallons skim milk, 2 cans of mini ravioli, chocolate Santa
Dominick's:
12 pack generic Dr. Pepper, box of Hanukkah candles (for next year), 11 lb spiral sliced ham, 5 lb box of clementines, whole pineapple, 4 pack Kahlua Mudslides
Total: $22.67
Saved: $34.45
Trader Joe's:
organic maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, steel cut oatmeal, box of truffles, bag of harvest grains mix, fruit jelly candies, gnocchi
Total: $25.24
Week 4 Total: $86.04
Week 4 Savings: $40.45
December Total-to-date: $273.16
December Savings-to-date: $132.25
This won't be our lowest month of the year, but it's not bad considering how many baked goods I made this month for us and for friends. In January, we'll be doing a freezer and pantry challenge along with Money Saving Mom.
Target:
jumbo pack of Up and Up diapers, 3 pack of Up and Up wipes, 2 lb Great Northern beans, 1 lb elbow pasta, 12 oz coffee beans, 11.4 lb smoked turkey
Total: $30.23
Savings: $6.00
Aldi:
3 rolls of buttermilk biscuits, 2 gallons skim milk, 2 cans of mini ravioli, chocolate Santa
Dominick's:
12 pack generic Dr. Pepper, box of Hanukkah candles (for next year), 11 lb spiral sliced ham, 5 lb box of clementines, whole pineapple, 4 pack Kahlua Mudslides
Total: $22.67
Saved: $34.45
Trader Joe's:
organic maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, steel cut oatmeal, box of truffles, bag of harvest grains mix, fruit jelly candies, gnocchi
Total: $25.24
Week 4 Total: $86.04
Week 4 Savings: $40.45
December Total-to-date: $273.16
December Savings-to-date: $132.25
This won't be our lowest month of the year, but it's not bad considering how many baked goods I made this month for us and for friends. In January, we'll be doing a freezer and pantry challenge along with Money Saving Mom.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
December Groceries: Week 3
Due to some very welcome but time-consuming freelance work, I've neglected both posting and shopping. I have not neglected baking, and will have some easy last-minute recipes for those folks you've forgotten about or need to bring a hostess gift.
In Week 3 I went to the store once. We ate turkey soup, cranberry pork roast, pizza, and we went out to eat at Famous Dave's once.
Aldi:
2 lb bag clementines, 1 gallon milk, 1 tub chocolate frosting, box of fruit jellies (stocking stuffer), 2 lb brown sugar, 2 lb powdered sugar, 2 oval roaster pans
Total: $11.80
December Total-to-Date: $187.12
December Saved-to-Date: $91.80
In Week 3 I went to the store once. We ate turkey soup, cranberry pork roast, pizza, and we went out to eat at Famous Dave's once.
Aldi:
2 lb bag clementines, 1 gallon milk, 1 tub chocolate frosting, box of fruit jellies (stocking stuffer), 2 lb brown sugar, 2 lb powdered sugar, 2 oval roaster pans
Total: $11.80
December Total-to-Date: $187.12
December Saved-to-Date: $91.80
Monday, December 14, 2009
December Groceries: Week 2
Finally, a week well under budget! This week we ate crockpot cranberry pork with rice and veggies, meatballs in gravy with latkes, and pizza. We also had one night out at my husband's company holiday party. I also tried out Alice.com. More on that later.
Alice:
100 oz All Free and Clear, 20 ct box Stash lemon ginger tea, 100 ct pack of Pampers Kandoo flushable wipes
Total: $4.75
Saved: $7.50 (including $5 off introductory gift card purchased with Swagbucks)
Aldi:
candy cane cremes cookies, 10 lb potatoes ($.99), 2 gallons of milk, 12 ct spiral string cheese, 1 tube buttermilk biscuits, pint of whipping cream, 1.5 lb turkey ham, mini marshmallows, 2 lb brown sugar, 6 lb powdered sugar ($.95 per 2 lb bag), 2 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 package white almond bark coating
Total: $24.06
Dominicks:
2 bags dark chocolate coins, two 2 liter bottles of soda, 2 8oz blocks of extra sharp cheddar ($.99), 2 8 oz blocks sharp cheddar ($.99), 8 oz block of mozzarella ($.99), 5.5 lb pork shoulder roast ($.99 per pound), 2 ham hocks ($1.60), 2.6 lb bananas ($.37/lb), large cheese pizza
Total: $25.84
Savings: $19.10
Jewel:
Christmas napkins, pound of bacon, 7 pints of Coffee Mate assorted holiday flavors ($.99), 1 cantaloupe ($1.29)
Total: $7.75
Savings: $23.02
Target:
12 oz coffee beans, 2 dozen eggs ($.99), cup of yogurt, plastic wrap
Total: $5.51
Savings: $11.62
Week 2 Total: $67.91
Week 2 Savings: $60.24
December to date Total: $175.82
December to date Savings: $91.80
Among my favorite deals of the week was the eggs at $.99 at Target plus I had a buy one get one free coupon, so I paid $.48 a dozen. We go through tons of eggs, and they're good for about a month after the date on the carton. My other favorite deal was the coffee creamer. I love the holiday flavors, especially pumpkin spice. We drink coffee at home rather than paying for it elsewhere. This week creamer was $.99. I had a $1 off 2 coupon, so I bought three pumpkin spice pints on Saturday. I paid $2 for 3 bottles, so $.66 each. Sunday night I signed into Coffee Mate's site, where their coupons had reset. I was able to print both coupons twice. One was for $1.50 off 2, the other was for $1 off 1. I went back to Jewel on Tuesday and used both $1.50 coupons. I bought four bottles and paid $1.03 including tax. Each bottle cost me $.26, and they don't expire until February at the earliest.
Next up: Alice.com review and a flurry of baking for the holidays
Alice:
100 oz All Free and Clear, 20 ct box Stash lemon ginger tea, 100 ct pack of Pampers Kandoo flushable wipes
Total: $4.75
Saved: $7.50 (including $5 off introductory gift card purchased with Swagbucks)
Aldi:
candy cane cremes cookies, 10 lb potatoes ($.99), 2 gallons of milk, 12 ct spiral string cheese, 1 tube buttermilk biscuits, pint of whipping cream, 1.5 lb turkey ham, mini marshmallows, 2 lb brown sugar, 6 lb powdered sugar ($.95 per 2 lb bag), 2 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 package white almond bark coating
Total: $24.06
Dominicks:
2 bags dark chocolate coins, two 2 liter bottles of soda, 2 8oz blocks of extra sharp cheddar ($.99), 2 8 oz blocks sharp cheddar ($.99), 8 oz block of mozzarella ($.99), 5.5 lb pork shoulder roast ($.99 per pound), 2 ham hocks ($1.60), 2.6 lb bananas ($.37/lb), large cheese pizza
Total: $25.84
Savings: $19.10
Jewel:
Christmas napkins, pound of bacon, 7 pints of Coffee Mate assorted holiday flavors ($.99), 1 cantaloupe ($1.29)
Total: $7.75
Savings: $23.02
Target:
12 oz coffee beans, 2 dozen eggs ($.99), cup of yogurt, plastic wrap
Total: $5.51
Savings: $11.62
Week 2 Total: $67.91
Week 2 Savings: $60.24
December to date Total: $175.82
December to date Savings: $91.80
Among my favorite deals of the week was the eggs at $.99 at Target plus I had a buy one get one free coupon, so I paid $.48 a dozen. We go through tons of eggs, and they're good for about a month after the date on the carton. My other favorite deal was the coffee creamer. I love the holiday flavors, especially pumpkin spice. We drink coffee at home rather than paying for it elsewhere. This week creamer was $.99. I had a $1 off 2 coupon, so I bought three pumpkin spice pints on Saturday. I paid $2 for 3 bottles, so $.66 each. Sunday night I signed into Coffee Mate's site, where their coupons had reset. I was able to print both coupons twice. One was for $1.50 off 2, the other was for $1 off 1. I went back to Jewel on Tuesday and used both $1.50 coupons. I bought four bottles and paid $1.03 including tax. Each bottle cost me $.26, and they don't expire until February at the earliest.
Next up: Alice.com review and a flurry of baking for the holidays
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
December Groceries: Week 1
Well, we had two big budget busters this week: snacks for daycare and diapers. Snacks follow a rough schedule, but I'm never sure what they'll ask for. Sometimes I have almost everything they ask for, and other times I have nothing. This time I had a jar of applesauce, but had to buy Fritos, deli-sliced cheddar, 2 bottles of juice, and 1 box of graham crackers (I bought cinnamon ones last week). I bought everything at Aldi because I could and Aldi's Fritos are awesome (and $1.29).
Dominicks:
1 box of Good Earth tea, bottle of Grandma's molasses ($3.45), 7 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Total: $12.46
Savings: $10.01
Aldi:
1 box of graham crackers, 1 package of deli-sliced cheddar, 1 bag of Fritos, 2 64 oz bottles of apple juice, 2 gallons of milk, box of candy canes, cupcake cups, butter flavored shortening, 1 tin of baking cocoa, 2 2lb bags of brown sugar, 3 lb sweet potatoes, 1 summer sausage (stocking stuffer), packet of chili seasoning mix, 2 packages of chocolate bark coating, 1 bag of milk chocolate chips, 2 lb unsalted butter, 2 cartons of egg nog
Total: $36.06
Target:
2 jumbos Up and Up diapers, 2 pints coffee creamer, 2 big packs of Pampers
Total: $47.23
Savings: $16.88 (plus a $5 giftcard to use later)
Jewel:
3.2 lb Braeburn apples, 1 bottle of bacon salt (stocking stuffer), 2 bottles of Grandma's molasses ($2.75!)
Total: $11.66
Savings: $4.67
Week 1 Total: $107.41
Week 1 Savings: $31.56
Dominicks:
1 box of Good Earth tea, bottle of Grandma's molasses ($3.45), 7 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Total: $12.46
Savings: $10.01
Aldi:
1 box of graham crackers, 1 package of deli-sliced cheddar, 1 bag of Fritos, 2 64 oz bottles of apple juice, 2 gallons of milk, box of candy canes, cupcake cups, butter flavored shortening, 1 tin of baking cocoa, 2 2lb bags of brown sugar, 3 lb sweet potatoes, 1 summer sausage (stocking stuffer), packet of chili seasoning mix, 2 packages of chocolate bark coating, 1 bag of milk chocolate chips, 2 lb unsalted butter, 2 cartons of egg nog
Total: $36.06
Target:
2 jumbos Up and Up diapers, 2 pints coffee creamer, 2 big packs of Pampers
Total: $47.23
Savings: $16.88 (plus a $5 giftcard to use later)
Jewel:
3.2 lb Braeburn apples, 1 bottle of bacon salt (stocking stuffer), 2 bottles of Grandma's molasses ($2.75!)
Total: $11.66
Savings: $4.67
Week 1 Total: $107.41
Week 1 Savings: $31.56
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
November Groceries: Week 4
Better late than never! I couldn't find one of my receipts until this morning, hence the lack of update.
In Week 4, I spent far more than I expected to, despite eating leftovers from Thanksgiving most of the week. This week's budget was sunk by little extras for Thanksgiving (sparkling grape juice, cinnamon rolls), baking supplies for Christmas cookies, and stocking stuffers.
Dominicks:
cupcake papers, 7 lb ice, 5.6 lb whole duck (on clearance for $.99 a lb, but I didn't notice the original price), large pizza
Total: $17.28 (no savings, ouch!)
Aldi:
2 gallons of milk, box of graham crackers, 2 packages almond bark, 2 bags cranberries, bag of peanut butter chips, bag of butterscotch chips, 2 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 bags milk chocolate chips, 30-pack of fruit snacks, bag of cheddar bacon potato skins, gallon of peanut oil (clearance for $4.99!), can of mini raviolis, package of Christmas sparkling sugar, box of generic Grape Nuts, 2 cans of tuna, silicone basting brush
Total: $36.34
Target:
150 oz All Free and Clear, chocolate advent calendar, Lifesavers sweet storybook gummis, Snowflake Ritz crackers, 2 bottles of sparkling juice, can of ground decaf coffee, white pearl cake decors, bag of frozen peas, bag of frozen corn, 3 rolls of cinnamon rolls, dozen eggs, 2 pints of Coffee Mate, bigger tub of spreadable butter, 10x15 padded mailer, roll of package tape, tin of Mickey Mouse playing cards, 4 cans of assorted fruit, 8 cans of assorted canned vegetables, toilet bowl cleaner, 1 lb celery, 1 yellow onion, 1 donut, .89 lb granny smith apples, 1.92 lb Braeburn apples, 1 cup of vanilla yogurt, 500 Q-tips, 12 inch cooking tongs, package of Thanksgiving napkins
Total: $65.69
Saved: $24.59
Week 4 Total: $119.31
Week 4 Savings: $24.59
November Total: $377.94
November Savings: $322.74
In Week 4, I spent far more than I expected to, despite eating leftovers from Thanksgiving most of the week. This week's budget was sunk by little extras for Thanksgiving (sparkling grape juice, cinnamon rolls), baking supplies for Christmas cookies, and stocking stuffers.
Dominicks:
cupcake papers, 7 lb ice, 5.6 lb whole duck (on clearance for $.99 a lb, but I didn't notice the original price), large pizza
Total: $17.28 (no savings, ouch!)
Aldi:
2 gallons of milk, box of graham crackers, 2 packages almond bark, 2 bags cranberries, bag of peanut butter chips, bag of butterscotch chips, 2 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 bags milk chocolate chips, 30-pack of fruit snacks, bag of cheddar bacon potato skins, gallon of peanut oil (clearance for $4.99!), can of mini raviolis, package of Christmas sparkling sugar, box of generic Grape Nuts, 2 cans of tuna, silicone basting brush
Total: $36.34
Target:
150 oz All Free and Clear, chocolate advent calendar, Lifesavers sweet storybook gummis, Snowflake Ritz crackers, 2 bottles of sparkling juice, can of ground decaf coffee, white pearl cake decors, bag of frozen peas, bag of frozen corn, 3 rolls of cinnamon rolls, dozen eggs, 2 pints of Coffee Mate, bigger tub of spreadable butter, 10x15 padded mailer, roll of package tape, tin of Mickey Mouse playing cards, 4 cans of assorted fruit, 8 cans of assorted canned vegetables, toilet bowl cleaner, 1 lb celery, 1 yellow onion, 1 donut, .89 lb granny smith apples, 1.92 lb Braeburn apples, 1 cup of vanilla yogurt, 500 Q-tips, 12 inch cooking tongs, package of Thanksgiving napkins
Total: $65.69
Saved: $24.59
Week 4 Total: $119.31
Week 4 Savings: $24.59
November Total: $377.94
November Savings: $322.74
Sunday, November 22, 2009
November Groceries: Week 3
In week 3, I was right under our $100 budget. The big budget busters weren't Thanksgiving items. They were mailing envelopes, Kleenex, and beer!
Aldi:
2 packages puff pastry sheets, jar of garlic powder, baking sprinkles, iodized salt, gallon of milk, pancake syrup, baking soda, sweet pickles, cornbread crackers, pecan halves, chocolate coins, and 2 bags of cranberries
Total: $22.00
Dominick's:
12 pack Leinenkugel and 6 pack hard cider
Total: $19.95
Saved: $4.10
Jewel:
19.5 lb Jennie-O frozen turkey, 8.4 lb sweet potatoes, 2 bags Brownberry bread cubes, 2 rolls of sage sausage, 2 cans of pumpkin, 2 cans of olives, package of Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder, 1 can cranberry sauce
Total: $5.73
Saved: $49.44
Sam's Club:
10 pack Kleenex, 25 10x15 mailing envelopes, 96 oz orange juice, 10 lb sugar, gallon of milk
Total: $36.77
Target:
10 lb russet potatoes, 8 cans green beans, 2.5 lb Braeburn apples, 6 cups of yogurt, 2 bags mini chocolate chips
Total: $12.45 (includes $3.04 refund on V-Fusion)
Saved: $13.90
Week 3 Total: $94.82
Week 3 Savings: $67.44
November Total-to-date: $258.63
November Savings-to-date: $298.15
Aldi:
2 packages puff pastry sheets, jar of garlic powder, baking sprinkles, iodized salt, gallon of milk, pancake syrup, baking soda, sweet pickles, cornbread crackers, pecan halves, chocolate coins, and 2 bags of cranberries
Total: $22.00
Dominick's:
12 pack Leinenkugel and 6 pack hard cider
Total: $19.95
Saved: $4.10
Jewel:
19.5 lb Jennie-O frozen turkey, 8.4 lb sweet potatoes, 2 bags Brownberry bread cubes, 2 rolls of sage sausage, 2 cans of pumpkin, 2 cans of olives, package of Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder, 1 can cranberry sauce
Total: $5.73
Saved: $49.44
Sam's Club:
10 pack Kleenex, 25 10x15 mailing envelopes, 96 oz orange juice, 10 lb sugar, gallon of milk
Total: $36.77
Target:
10 lb russet potatoes, 8 cans green beans, 2.5 lb Braeburn apples, 6 cups of yogurt, 2 bags mini chocolate chips
Total: $12.45 (includes $3.04 refund on V-Fusion)
Saved: $13.90
Week 3 Total: $94.82
Week 3 Savings: $67.44
November Total-to-date: $258.63
November Savings-to-date: $298.15
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