{Finding Frugal}

This is a good GREAT week at Publix. There are some really great stock up and save type of sales that you should totally take advantage of. We recently purchased TONS of chicken a couple weeks back when it was on sale and we have an organic delivery coming on Thursday so I was able to really maximize our budget this week.

Here's what I got:

(2) Tyson Chicken Nuggets (Averee's favorite)
(2) Tostitos Family Size bags
(2) Nature's Own loafs of bread
(2) Heluva Good Dips
(8) Playtex Tampon
(4) BIC Razors (4 ct)
(3) Lean Cuisine meals
(3) Sundowns B6
(4) Pace Salsa
(2) Simply Milk (I even splurge and got Chocolate for Ian...his favorite :) )
(1) Greenwise Organic Whole Milk
(2) Mahatma Spanish Rice
(3) Voskos Greek Yogurt
(2) Juicy Juice

Want to know how much I spent?? Check it out...

Spent $40.09 for $146.02 worth of grocery's. 

Not bad for an hour's worth of work (I put together my whole list together during nap time today...and thats while functioning on only 3 hours of sleep so I know that you can do it too!)

Best Deals?

Playtex Tampons... $0.90/box 

BIC Razors...I was paid $0.26/pack to take them home

Sundown's B6 vitamin...I was paid $0.44/container to take them home

Heluva Good Dip...$0.50/container (Sure hoping it's Heluva Good! Alright bad joke but seriously working on 3 hours here!)

Voskos Yogurt...$0...Free :)

Happy Savings!

{Parents Magazine} 1 year for $1!

I saw this deal over at Couponers United and it was just too good not to share. You can receive a 1 year subscription to Parents Magazine for just $1. No taxes, no shipping, no nothing...Just $1!

Head on over to Barnes & Noble.com and use coupon code K4M8W9D at checkout to receive your deal!

Happy Parenting!

{Finding Frugal}

So if you guys haven't noticed all my finding frugal post have been grocery related. This is for two reasons....

First, I have yet to find anything else worth buying and blogging about and second...probably the most important...we have been on a semi spending "freeze" if you will while trying to prepare for a few things (and no I am not having a baby if that was your next question :) ).

 It was a pretty good week at Publix...I spent a little more then I would have liked but we are now stocked up on dog bones and I just couldn't pass up Olive Oil that was B1G1. It's been a rather busy few weeks (hence the lack of blogging) so I didn't put together where my coupons came from but none the less enjoy!

Publix

Total cost: 175.87

Total Spent: $84.28

Total Saved: $91.59 (52% savings)

I spent a little more this week then I would have liked to but we are stocked for awhile now! How was your grocery trip this week? Any great deals you'd like to share?

{Finding Frugal}

This was a pretty good week at Publix...for me anyways. I was 1000% the crazy coupon lady though this week. Of course the only time I could go was well....today....and we have dinner plans so I had to go in the afternoon. Let me just tell you....NEVER. EVER. AGAIN. I let one person go in front of me and I tried to warn others that I might be awhile but nonetheless they stayed in line....behind me...as I was sweating...while the sweet little old lady checking me out took 20 minutes to ring my coupons up. Oh well...you live and you learn.

Anyways, here's what we got for the week.

Publix

Total Cost: $150.13

Total OOP: $72.42

Total Savings: $77.71 (52% savings)

Included in there are two loafs of bread, 6 Gerber Snacks (puffs), organic eggs, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, coffee creamer, organic yogurt and soooo much more.

Here are my best deals:

• Hunt's Tomatoes B1G1 (usual price $1.39/can)
• Smart Source Jan. 23 $0.45 off/3 cans (used one)
• Red Plum Jan. 23 $0.40 off/2 cans (used one)
• Smart Source Jan 9 $0.75 off/3 cans (used three)
• Total for 10 cans $3.10 ($0.31/can)
• Shedd's Country Crock B1G1 (usual price $2.19)
• Internet Printable $0.40 off/1 (used 2)
• Target Web Printable $0.50 off/1 (used 2)
• Total for 2 containers $0.39 ($0.20/container)
• Kraft Home style Mac N Cheese B1G1 (usual price $2.59)
• Smart Source Jan. 16 $1off/1 (used 2)
• Total Price for 2 packs $0.59 (they only had one pack but I received a rain check for the other. Savings above reflect rain check)
• Palmolive Dish Soap (20 oz) 2/$4
• Smart Source Jan 5 $2off/2
• Total for 2 containers $2
• Kraft Dressing B1G1 (usual price $3.27)
• Target Printable Buy 2 get 1 free (used 1)
• Smart Source Jan 23 $1 off/2 (used 2)
• Total Price for 4 $1.27 ($0.32/container)
• Hillshire Farm deli meat 3/$10
• Publix insert Jan 23 $1off/2 (used 1)
• Red Plum Jan 9 $0.55 off/1 (used 2)
• Total price for 2 containers $4.56

Not to bad of a week. I am happy with saving 50% of my grocery bill. It is a HUGE change from this time last year when today's grocery trip would have easily cost me $200. And total amount of time it took me including my time at the store was about 2 hours. If you count that as worked hours it means I made $38.50/hour (if you could like a different perspective on why couponing is cool).

And just in case you are wondering why there is no meat/veggies/fruit/week this week....we received our organic delivery a few days ago so we are set with fruits and veggies and I have a whole freezer full of meat that I bought a couple weeks ago when it was on sale. And milk....we have tons!



How did your shopping trip go this week? Find any great deals?

{Finding Frugal}

So after chatting with a couple of my amazing readers...you told me that you would like to read about my grocery trips and how I save. Now I am by no means an expert on this subject as I myself am new to this adventure. But I will do my best to show you the things I have learn and the things that work for me, a full time working mom of 1, so that I can save money and stick to our budget!

I decided that I would make it a weekly (sometimes bi-weekly) post in which I'll show you my purchase, my cost/savings and the best deals out there. I will do my best to include where I received the coupons from so that you too can get in on the good deals. Also, I almost always do my shopping at Publix so if for some reason I don't list where I bought something from it's pretty safe to assume it was a Publix find.

This week wasn't my best. If I stuck to my list I would have been OK but I ended up adding a few extras while I was there (so bad....I know! that is like the number one no no of couponing!). You see though I hadn't prepared anything for dinner because we were supposed to head out to a restaurant (don't worry...we have a gift card :) ) but my husband had to work late....so I ended up picking up some frozen pizzas....at least they were buy one get one. And we were in desperate need of conditioner and trash bags (don't worry I'm working on creating a stock pile now!) So these little extra cost threw me off a bit.

Publix

Total Cost: $138.42

OOP: $63.97

Total Savings: $74.45 (54% savings)

Not to bad for all that food and not a whole lot of prep time!

Here were my best deals...

• Dannon Activia Yogurt: 3/$6
• Smart Source(January 9) $1off/4 pack (used 3) total per 4 pack $1
• Uncle Ben's Rice: B1G1
• Red Plum (January 9) $1off/2 (Used 2) total per box $0.50
• Progresso Soup: B1G1
• $1/4 cans (used 2) total per can $0.93
• Lysol Nutra Air Sanitizing Spray: B1G1
• Smart Source (January 9) $1.50 off/1 (used 2) total per spray $0.29

I am also working on a new organizational system. I was clipping coupons and filing them every week but honestly I got totally burnt out and actually took a month off couponing (yeah that's right...I totally blew the budget!) But I'm thinking my new system will help to keep me from getting so exhausted and it will take a whole lot less time. As soon as it is complete I will let you know how it's going!

I would love to hear your tips and tricks from couponing. I am still a complete novice and just learning as I go!

Happy Savings!

{Overstock.com} Discount

As I am sure you are well aware by now I am a total sucker for a good deal! So imagine how excited I was when I received an offer for 10% off, for all Real Life Mom readers, to Overstock.com! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

If you have not heard of Overstock.com before it is a truly amazing site. We actually are the proud owners of a Dyson Vacuum thanks to Overstock! We received our vacuum very quickly, at an incredible price and one of the best parts!?! We only paid $2.95 for shipping! I'd love to say we got such a great deal because we are just super VIPs but Overstock offers this low shipping rate to all of it's customers and really works hard to make sure everyone feels like a VIP!

So head on over a take a look around...I am certain you are bound to find something you love!

Like maybe a gorgeous light fixture.....

Or a piece of incredible furniture...

They even have all things baby....

So head on over and start shopping! You can use coupon code   121745  to receive your 10% discount!

Happy Shopping!!!






**All of the above ideas and opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received for this post. The above coupon code was provided in return for post. This discount code never expires, however, it can only be used once per email address. The code excludes movies, books and electronics.**

{A little SHAPE} Yes, please!

 I can hear you all in unison....What is she talking about?!?

For those of you who don't know...I love to read....like a lot! I love books, I love the Internet...but I especially love magazines. I think it is because I can actually get through a magazine in a reasonable amount without totally neglecting other things in life...

As I was reading one of my most favorite blogs, All the Lacy Details, I came across this amazing deal which simply could not be passed by. (By the way....Miss Cuddlefish happens to be my cousin....Yes, I know you are jealous that I get to attend the incredible wedding that she is planning! If you haven't seen her site check it out ASAP! You seriously will not be disappointed!)

So what is the amazing deal?

You can get a 1 year subscription to SHAPE magazine for just $1.99! This is one of my all time favorites...I seriously have been a reader of this magazine since I was 16 years old. They have AMAZING workouts, great play lists, fashion tips and so much more. You know what I did....instead of just 1 year...I bought a 3 year subscription for just $5.97! That is practically how much you spend on one magazine in stores! I told you this is just not a deal that you can pass up. Here's how....

• Head to Tanga
• Click Buy Now
• Check out as a guest
• Enter code SHAPE
• Receive an amazing deal for a mere $1.99!

 Photo courtesy of Tanga.com

This could make a great stocking stuffer or gift for any woman!  Or how about a special treat for yourself? I know this is going to be much needed for myself come the new year after all the "indulging" of the holidays!



Happy Shaping! And let me know if you take advantage of this deal! I love to hear about the deals that you find useful!






I love to share deals....check it out!
Sugar Bee-Craft Edition
Giggles Glitz and Glam
Life in my PJs
The Thrifty Home

This is the first time I have ordered from Tanga.com. The Real Life Mom does not have any affiliation with this site. I will be sure to let you know if any issues come up but so far it has been great! I will update here to let you know when I receive the first edition to my subscription

{Great Deal}...Ten Cent Frosty's!

I saw this deal over at my friend Jenn's site, This Mommy Loves, and just had to share it with you all!

Until October 31 you can buy Wendy's Trick or Treat Gift Book for $1. The book includes 10 FREE Jr. Frosty coupons that are redeemable from November 1, 2010 until February 1, 2011! Also, 90% of the proceeds sold will be donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption...So you get to help out a great cause at the same time!

Be sure to head over to This Mommy Loves where she shares nutritional facts and tips on how she stocks up! I already headed to Wendy's myself and loaded up on coupons and will totally be taking Jenn's tips on how to stock up! The way I see it...I am only spending $1 for the amount (maybe more) of ice cream that I would normally spend $4 or more on at the grocery store...That's a 75% savings! And for an ice cream lover such as myself this is a HUGE deal!

Remember....this offer is only valid until October 31 so don't let it pass you by! As Jenn said..."Go get your frosty on!"

RLM got a shout out! Whoop Whoop! Thanks LC for sharing this great deal with all your readers! You can find LC over at Got Good Love

Attn: All {Coffee} Lovers

Alright...so today was shopping day. Grocery shopping of course :). I'm not going to lie...I wasn't totally in the mood for the grocery store today but it was still, overall, a successful day.

Here's what I got:



Total spent $89.31

Total saved $76.55

Now anytime I can get a jumbo box of diapers and refill wipes and still stay in my weekly budget I'll take it.

Best deal right now though is for all you coffee lovers out there! Publix right now has Folgers 33oz for $6.29. Add that with the $1 off Folgers coupon that was in the Sunday paper this week and you are getting 240 cups of coffee for $5.29 or .022 cents per cup :). I bought 2! And at publix they currently have international delight creamer on sale for 2/$3. Pair that with the $1 off per pint pully coupon in the store right now and you can get each creamer for $0.50. Again....I bought 2!

Happy Shopping everyone!

Coupon Me

One of the most important aspects of couponing is being organized! I cannot express enough how much this will help you in your money saving venture.

This 13 pocket organizer is very similar to the one I use...surprise surprise though...mine is Pink :). I have found this to be the best method of organization for me since it is easily taken with me wherever I go.

I find it easiest to clip all of my coupons so that they are ready to go at a moments notice. I get most of my coupons from the newspaper but I do check out www.target.com and www.couponmom.com in order to get a few extra. Also, if you live near an Albertson's but shop at Pulix be sure to get their coupons from the Newspaper. They have AMAZING deals every week and as long as there is a bar code on the coupon....Publix allows you to use it!

I find this method works best for me because I am always on the go and need to be as quick as possible when at the grocery store...especially with my little monkey sitting in the grocery cart!

I would love to hear your tips on how you save and what you find to be the best method....and get excited because I am learning allllll about CVS and the amazing deals that you can get!