Frugality
Today I got to have lunch with Devon and the adorable Jacob. We had Baja Fresh; he had corn and butternut squash. I'm glad I'm not a baby, haha! After that, I had to run some errands, as there were items we needed in the house. I didn't want to go, but I haven't been shopping in a while for staples, so it was time.
One thing that I decided to do, since I'm going to be home now, was to start looking for ways to save money and live healthier. I haven't bought bread in a couple of months, preferring instead to make my own. That means no preservatives or high fructose corn syrup. Same goes for cookies and snacks. I'm also cooking dinner more often than I did when I was working, although I will admit there are nights where NOTHING but McDonald's french fries will do. I'm working on that!
I also started clipping coupons, and actually paying attention to the flyers for stores in the paper this week. I'vev tried doing it before, but those stupid little coupon organizers were kind of hard to use, and I'd miss stuff, and it just got to be too much of a chore so I'd always give up after a week or two. Last week though, I found a tutorial on making the most kickass coupon organizer I've ever seen on Kami's blog, and finally the little lightbulb in my head went off that said maybe I can do this!
I found a binder with tabs and a pouch on clearance at Target, picked up the photo sleeve inserts at Staples (bought the store brand ones instead of the Avery ones) and printed out my labels. My husband was sent to buy the Sunday paper, and I carefully went through to make sure I got the coupons for stuff we used. I also set aside the ads for stores where we shop. Rounds were made through the house and random coupons were found here and there for a new store opening and baby stuff that I had stashed. They were gathered and filed into the binder.
Then I went to Walgreens. I picked up nine items, and my total was $12.82. After taking off the sale prices and my coupons, my total was $6.33!!! I saved just over HALF!
After I was done there, I headed to the grocery store. Today was the grand opening of the New Fresh & Easy in Chandler. If you have one of these near you, you seriously have to go. The prices are great and the quality is amazing. I got a coupon in the mail for $5 off a $20 purchase. I picked up a half gallon of milk, a 32 oz package of red and green grapes, a bottle of organic ginger lemonade (this stuff ROCKS), a tub of hummus, two cucumbers, three seasoned escalloped chicken breasts for dinner tonight, and some green beans. My total was $21.06, but then I got to use my coupon, so it came to $15.99 total. I also had a coupon for a free canvas reusable tote (I love theirs - long handles means you can sling it over your shoulder!), and those cost $2.79, so I saved about $8.00 there total. They also gave me a crapload more of those $5 off coupons, so you know I'm going back.
That means, today I saved over $22.00 by paying attention to what was on sale where and by using coupons. Holy crap! Also, since I planned out my route, all of the stores were on the way to each other so I didn't waste too much gas. Not too shabby.
One thing that I decided to do, since I'm going to be home now, was to start looking for ways to save money and live healthier. I haven't bought bread in a couple of months, preferring instead to make my own. That means no preservatives or high fructose corn syrup. Same goes for cookies and snacks. I'm also cooking dinner more often than I did when I was working, although I will admit there are nights where NOTHING but McDonald's french fries will do. I'm working on that!
I also started clipping coupons, and actually paying attention to the flyers for stores in the paper this week. I'vev tried doing it before, but those stupid little coupon organizers were kind of hard to use, and I'd miss stuff, and it just got to be too much of a chore so I'd always give up after a week or two. Last week though, I found a tutorial on making the most kickass coupon organizer I've ever seen on Kami's blog, and finally the little lightbulb in my head went off that said maybe I can do this!
I found a binder with tabs and a pouch on clearance at Target, picked up the photo sleeve inserts at Staples (bought the store brand ones instead of the Avery ones) and printed out my labels. My husband was sent to buy the Sunday paper, and I carefully went through to make sure I got the coupons for stuff we used. I also set aside the ads for stores where we shop. Rounds were made through the house and random coupons were found here and there for a new store opening and baby stuff that I had stashed. They were gathered and filed into the binder.
I think I'm off to a good start with this "frugal" thing.
Then I went to Walgreens. I picked up nine items, and my total was $12.82. After taking off the sale prices and my coupons, my total was $6.33!!! I saved just over HALF!
After I was done there, I headed to the grocery store. Today was the grand opening of the New Fresh & Easy in Chandler. If you have one of these near you, you seriously have to go. The prices are great and the quality is amazing. I got a coupon in the mail for $5 off a $20 purchase. I picked up a half gallon of milk, a 32 oz package of red and green grapes, a bottle of organic ginger lemonade (this stuff ROCKS), a tub of hummus, two cucumbers, three seasoned escalloped chicken breasts for dinner tonight, and some green beans. My total was $21.06, but then I got to use my coupon, so it came to $15.99 total. I also had a coupon for a free canvas reusable tote (I love theirs - long handles means you can sling it over your shoulder!), and those cost $2.79, so I saved about $8.00 there total. They also gave me a crapload more of those $5 off coupons, so you know I'm going back.
That means, today I saved over $22.00 by paying attention to what was on sale where and by using coupons. Holy crap! Also, since I planned out my route, all of the stores were on the way to each other so I didn't waste too much gas. Not too shabby.
Miss M told you so @ 5:01 PM
6 Comments:
Yay that's great!! I always watch the ads and get the paper too. Even the littlest bit helps right now! I also check out coupons.com! Yay for lunch today!
Awesome job saving! :)
I had a coupon binder sort of like that for awhile - at a time when it was really important to save as much as I could. I think it really helped. I wish I could stay-at-home with my little one. They grow up so fast.
That's great! I feel you on the coupons being such a hassle, but when you save that much it is totally worth it! I should start paying more attention to my coupons!
Good for you! I have always shopped grocery sales and cut coupons..my problem is that so many times I am in the grocery store and realize...that...I left the coupons on the kitchen table!
I am also always on the lookout for new frugal habits I can pick up. I am in awe of you getting out of Target having only spent $25. Wow. I don't know how that place always manages to get so much of my $, lol. Enjoying your blog!
CVS has some good deals too and you also get cash back for certain items.
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