I am not going to devote more that one sentence to the fact that I have not written in a long time. Admittedly, I have wondered over my blogging "break" if God really still had stuff for me to share in this way. But, I was reminded this week that my blessings are too great not to share them. What often seems like the non-sense of my daily life is, in fact, the perfect Will of God. So, I write...
Sunday, September 4, 2011 marked the 3rd Anniversary of the day that Carys received her first "off-treatment" scans and was, for the first time declared cancer-free! My father-in-law described it best when he stated that if that Carys' healing was the only blessing we ever received for the rest of our lives...we would not live long enough to run out of blessing from that one act of God! Thankfully, God has chosen to do so much more for me and my family that just this one blessing!
So, three years later I live to make sure that I nor anyone else who knows Carys forgets what God has done for her; for us! The most obvious thing is that she is healed. I speak this as fact. Despite the fact that we will return to Children's next month for a check-up...I choose to believe that she is in fact completely healed. But today as I write I hope to do one more thing. I hope to make everyone aware of the one of the other great blessings that came from our journey.
"As for God, His way is perfect" Psalm 18:30
Because of all that happened to my daughter over three years ago...I have no problem BELIEVING this verse. It means I don't get discouraged easily. One of the biggest blessings that came from her illness was the spiritual growth that occurred. I mean, during that time in my life I HAD to have faith. There was no other option. No doctor or nurse could tell me for sure that my daughter would survive or if she would have any long term effects from her treatment. I learned the God's ways, however foreign they may seem to us, are ALWAYS perfect.
I think too often we get caught up in the circumstances we face in life to realize that God knew we would be where we are before we got here! He has prepared a perfect beginning, middle, and ending for each phase of our lives. Nothing happens by accident. I could give you details of things that have happened to me over the past few months that would show you this is true. They would not mean as much to you because they are my things. So, I challenge you to think...
Where has God brought you to today? What is your attitude about where God has placed you? Are you truly believing that He has put you there? That He has prepared everyone and everything for you? Are you trusting Psalm 18:30? Is His way perfect or would you do it different if you could.
Think about these things. Pray. Seek God's advice about your attitudes, your direction, your faith. His word says, "seek and ye shall find!"
If you have a few minutes...go back and look at some of my old post over the past few years. Look where God has brought me through and it will prove Psalm 18:30 over and over!
~God Bless~
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
What I Learned This Week
This week I learned a lot! I would probably surprise you really, how much you are capable of learning in just one week...Some of the things I learned have a lot to do with insurance, others are just life lessons, while still others are confidential matters that friends asked me to keep between me and God. I just learned so much.
The first thing I learned is something I already knew. Sometimes I get that attitude, you know the one. The "Yea, yea, I already know this stuff" attitude. Well, sometimes I think God repeats lessons to us so that we can really know them...or really know Him...I'm not sure which. This week He taught me, yet again, that His plans are always perfect. Over the past few months I could have never predicted where I would be right now, how I would be feeling, or how big I would be blessed. But guess what? God knew it all along! (Jeremiah 29:11). "Duh, Alison!"
I also learned that it hard (long) work will not kill you. In fact, it might actually be the very best thing for you! I worked about 42 hours this week. This work was not laboring, but it was a doing a task that is completely new to me. Mentally, it was very tiring. Also, many of these hours were in the evenings when I am usually with my family. This too, was different. However, I never once felt exhausted and better yet...I did not have one single headache. You know, sometimes God gives you "signs" and "wonders" to let you know things. Sure, we know He did this in the Bible...but when is the last time you have looked for a sign from God? The past 8-10 months I have been plagued with unexplainable headaches. I know deep down it was stress and the fact that I was not following God's plan. I was not letting Him lead. I was trying to stay in control of my life rather than let go and let God. I believe wholeheartedly that the headaches are gone...for good.
I also learned that it is possible that God created me to be good at more than one thing and to help people in more than one way. Some of you may not be aware of this...because I was not very translucent with my life...but in May I was told that my contract with the school board would not be renewed this year. The primary reason was because of a test that I took in December of 2009. The results of this test were never reported to the State Department of Education. I went to UA on that day and took that test. However, for some reason unknown to me the test results cannot be found. It is a weight I carried around for about a year. I know I took the test, but I struggled with others thinking that I was lying about this. It really bothered me; the idea of people thinking I was a liar. The Bibb County system was wonderful to help me in any way they could. ACT (the writers and scoring agency) for the test had employees digging in two year old files in a warehouse looking for my test. It was not there. I was not wronged by anyone and I did not do any wrong. It just happened.
Today, I describe the events that led me to this point in life unexplainable. But, I no longer think of ,y situation as a negative thing. Think about it...how many things God does that are unexplainable! How is Carys healed...unexplainable! How is it that Jesus was conceived of a virgin...unexplainable! How is it that God gave up His Perfect Son for me sins...unexplainable. So you see, I refuse to take the life God has given me and be ashamed or sad at anything that He puts in it! Unexplainable or not...He has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11)
So, I have started a new career. Its so strange because I would have never thought of myself as anything other than a teacher. I guess that is why I struggled so much. I was really good a teaching; honestly, I was. And, I really loved the students I taught. Even now as I think of them I know I will miss them! However, God has started a new work in me. I know that He has all types of plans for me. You might remember me writing a while back about being ready to GO wherever God sent me. Its kinda funny now because although I am not going to Africa on missions...with my new job I am going! Going to whom ever he sends me in front of.
I pray that who ever I meet from day-to-day that they will see HIM. Please pray for that. Pray that I will be able to be a light for Him and that in everything I do, others will see Him!
"Thank you Lord for teaching me this week!"
The first thing I learned is something I already knew. Sometimes I get that attitude, you know the one. The "Yea, yea, I already know this stuff" attitude. Well, sometimes I think God repeats lessons to us so that we can really know them...or really know Him...I'm not sure which. This week He taught me, yet again, that His plans are always perfect. Over the past few months I could have never predicted where I would be right now, how I would be feeling, or how big I would be blessed. But guess what? God knew it all along! (Jeremiah 29:11). "Duh, Alison!"
I also learned that it hard (long) work will not kill you. In fact, it might actually be the very best thing for you! I worked about 42 hours this week. This work was not laboring, but it was a doing a task that is completely new to me. Mentally, it was very tiring. Also, many of these hours were in the evenings when I am usually with my family. This too, was different. However, I never once felt exhausted and better yet...I did not have one single headache. You know, sometimes God gives you "signs" and "wonders" to let you know things. Sure, we know He did this in the Bible...but when is the last time you have looked for a sign from God? The past 8-10 months I have been plagued with unexplainable headaches. I know deep down it was stress and the fact that I was not following God's plan. I was not letting Him lead. I was trying to stay in control of my life rather than let go and let God. I believe wholeheartedly that the headaches are gone...for good.
I also learned that it is possible that God created me to be good at more than one thing and to help people in more than one way. Some of you may not be aware of this...because I was not very translucent with my life...but in May I was told that my contract with the school board would not be renewed this year. The primary reason was because of a test that I took in December of 2009. The results of this test were never reported to the State Department of Education. I went to UA on that day and took that test. However, for some reason unknown to me the test results cannot be found. It is a weight I carried around for about a year. I know I took the test, but I struggled with others thinking that I was lying about this. It really bothered me; the idea of people thinking I was a liar. The Bibb County system was wonderful to help me in any way they could. ACT (the writers and scoring agency) for the test had employees digging in two year old files in a warehouse looking for my test. It was not there. I was not wronged by anyone and I did not do any wrong. It just happened.
Today, I describe the events that led me to this point in life unexplainable. But, I no longer think of ,y situation as a negative thing. Think about it...how many things God does that are unexplainable! How is Carys healed...unexplainable! How is it that Jesus was conceived of a virgin...unexplainable! How is it that God gave up His Perfect Son for me sins...unexplainable. So you see, I refuse to take the life God has given me and be ashamed or sad at anything that He puts in it! Unexplainable or not...He has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11)
So, I have started a new career. Its so strange because I would have never thought of myself as anything other than a teacher. I guess that is why I struggled so much. I was really good a teaching; honestly, I was. And, I really loved the students I taught. Even now as I think of them I know I will miss them! However, God has started a new work in me. I know that He has all types of plans for me. You might remember me writing a while back about being ready to GO wherever God sent me. Its kinda funny now because although I am not going to Africa on missions...with my new job I am going! Going to whom ever he sends me in front of.
I pray that who ever I meet from day-to-day that they will see HIM. Please pray for that. Pray that I will be able to be a light for Him and that in everything I do, others will see Him!
"Thank you Lord for teaching me this week!"
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Months...
It has been months since I posted...but you all know that. The past few months have been an interesting time in my life. Many things that I have prayed for and prayed over for years have taken place. And...all in God's perfect timing.
I will admit that it was selfish of me not to write. I was not being transparent which is a major goal of me having the blog in the first place. To share with you the journey that God is leading me through. The truth is there were scary periods of doubt and fear over the past few months. Many times I thought of writing and letting everyone in. I now know I did the right thing by holding off because those posts would have come from a place of desperation. I would have been looking for encouragement and maybe even pity from those who read. God knew that I needed to take a break so that HE could be my source of comfort, encouragement, and strength.
But now, I have perspective. It is like when you climb a really tall hill and look back over the terrain you have just covered. Things always look different from the "other side." And that is where I am today. On the mountain top! I am here not because I did anything spectacular or special. I am here because I serve a spectacular and special God! The only thing I can claim is faith. I endured. I persevered.
If I listed all of the blessings that I am enduring right now, you would be astounded. I am sure that things like great friendships (old and new) are flourishing, my marriage...never better, my family...happy and healthy, my career...starting anew, and my dog...healing...and on and on. However, it is non of these things I would classify and my "biggest" blessings. It is the state of my heart! I am able to take a deep, deep breath and be still and know that He is Lord! Its unexplainable to know what if feels like to "count it all joy!"
I am so thankful for the difficult times in my life. I really mean that. I feel honored to have experience God in such real ways. I have seen, heard, felt...experienced God. Sometimes people say things like, "I am so sorry you have had to go through so many things in your life." I understand their empathy, but I am so tempted to say..."DON'T BE!" God is in control of this thing called my life. I am guilty of not always letting Him take the lead role but thankfully He along with being my judge and administrator of my life...He is also my Loving Forgiver. When I left Him down, He picks me up and brings me right back into the fellowship of His love.
So, I guess I can say..."I'm Back!" I plan to share many of the things God has done over the past few months. Hopefully, these things will help in some small way.
~God Bless~
I will admit that it was selfish of me not to write. I was not being transparent which is a major goal of me having the blog in the first place. To share with you the journey that God is leading me through. The truth is there were scary periods of doubt and fear over the past few months. Many times I thought of writing and letting everyone in. I now know I did the right thing by holding off because those posts would have come from a place of desperation. I would have been looking for encouragement and maybe even pity from those who read. God knew that I needed to take a break so that HE could be my source of comfort, encouragement, and strength.
But now, I have perspective. It is like when you climb a really tall hill and look back over the terrain you have just covered. Things always look different from the "other side." And that is where I am today. On the mountain top! I am here not because I did anything spectacular or special. I am here because I serve a spectacular and special God! The only thing I can claim is faith. I endured. I persevered.
If I listed all of the blessings that I am enduring right now, you would be astounded. I am sure that things like great friendships (old and new) are flourishing, my marriage...never better, my family...happy and healthy, my career...starting anew, and my dog...healing...and on and on. However, it is non of these things I would classify and my "biggest" blessings. It is the state of my heart! I am able to take a deep, deep breath and be still and know that He is Lord! Its unexplainable to know what if feels like to "count it all joy!"
I am so thankful for the difficult times in my life. I really mean that. I feel honored to have experience God in such real ways. I have seen, heard, felt...experienced God. Sometimes people say things like, "I am so sorry you have had to go through so many things in your life." I understand their empathy, but I am so tempted to say..."DON'T BE!" God is in control of this thing called my life. I am guilty of not always letting Him take the lead role but thankfully He along with being my judge and administrator of my life...He is also my Loving Forgiver. When I left Him down, He picks me up and brings me right back into the fellowship of His love.
So, I guess I can say..."I'm Back!" I plan to share many of the things God has done over the past few months. Hopefully, these things will help in some small way.
~God Bless~
Friday, May 6, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
This Week's CVS Deals
Okay, I have had LOTS of questions about couponing over the past few weeks. I would like to answers these and clarify a few points about 'my" couponing.
One of my favorite things about couponing is that it is fun! I have always liked to shop, but in recent years with money and time restraints I have found that shopping (especially grocery shopping) has become a burden. I hate to see the shampoo bottle empty becuase that used to mean that I would have to find a way to squeeze that into my shopping list. Couponing has given me freedom to buy things that I preciously would not have. It allows me to SAVE money on the things I NEED and therefore opens up opportunities for me to do things like SAVE, SHARE, and ENJOY the "extra" money.
Questions Answered...YES, it takes time. I try not to let the clipping, internet browsing, and list making take time away from the important stuff like Bible study, prayer time, family time, or dog training:) However, both Justin and I can see the benefits of devoting a little time each week to this savings.
YES, I have help. I often get people who already get Sunday papers to save their coupons for me AND I have my mom help a lot. She prints coupons and has "value" cards at the same places (like CVS) that I shop. When we work together we can save more and share in the benifits!
YES, you have to spend a little money to save money. But I work hard to plan and organize the trips so that I am spending the LEAST out-of-pocket cost (OPC) as possible for the maxium amounts of item. I will not spend more than my "normal" weekly budget for groceries...and
No, I do not stockplie. At least not like you see on TV. My rule is that if I (or someone in my immediate family) cannot use the item within the next Three Months...I won't buy it. It is pointless (IMO) to spend even a dollar if the item is not useful.
So, my mom made the first CVS trip of the week for me. CVS sales run from Sunday to Sunday. However, if you call the store you might find out that the computers are already set for the sale on Saturday evening. If this is the case...you can shop early.
This was our first "haul"...
This was split into three transactions. You have to plan based on the OPC and how much ECB you will get back. For all of this (plus two cans of peanuts) we spent $13.00 and left with $9 ECB to spend on our next trip! I was after the Dove body wash which has totally helped my skin. They were on sale for $6ea so we got ALL of these items for what I would have paid just for the body wash!!!
Today, I went in for ONE deal and realized that I had another money maker on my hands. I don't have a picture so I break down the items for you.
First I bought...
(4) Airwick Double pack Oil refills (which I used all over the house) for $5 each
used (4) $1/1 coupons
(3) Airwick Oil Warmer Units
used (3) Get on Free with purchase of refills coupon
My total was $20-$4(coupons)-$9ECB= $7 out-of-pocket and got $10 in ECB plus a $4 ECB coupon that randomly prints!!! They paid ME $7 to takes these items out of the store!
Then I bought...
(1) 12pk Scotts Bath Tissue ($6.88)
used $1/1 coupon
(2) CoverGirl Lipstick (which I was in BAD NEED OF) $6each
used (2) $2/1 coupons
(2) Mars candy-filled eggs $.99ea
used $1/1 coupon
My total was $20.86-$6(coupons)-$14.00ECB=$.86
I am proud of my $7.86 "haul". The items I needed were the toilet paper and the lipstick. I got all of this for less that I would have paid for those TWO items on their own!!
Can you tell how much fun I had???
One of my favorite things about couponing is that it is fun! I have always liked to shop, but in recent years with money and time restraints I have found that shopping (especially grocery shopping) has become a burden. I hate to see the shampoo bottle empty becuase that used to mean that I would have to find a way to squeeze that into my shopping list. Couponing has given me freedom to buy things that I preciously would not have. It allows me to SAVE money on the things I NEED and therefore opens up opportunities for me to do things like SAVE, SHARE, and ENJOY the "extra" money.
Questions Answered...YES, it takes time. I try not to let the clipping, internet browsing, and list making take time away from the important stuff like Bible study, prayer time, family time, or dog training:) However, both Justin and I can see the benefits of devoting a little time each week to this savings.
YES, I have help. I often get people who already get Sunday papers to save their coupons for me AND I have my mom help a lot. She prints coupons and has "value" cards at the same places (like CVS) that I shop. When we work together we can save more and share in the benifits!
YES, you have to spend a little money to save money. But I work hard to plan and organize the trips so that I am spending the LEAST out-of-pocket cost (OPC) as possible for the maxium amounts of item. I will not spend more than my "normal" weekly budget for groceries...and
No, I do not stockplie. At least not like you see on TV. My rule is that if I (or someone in my immediate family) cannot use the item within the next Three Months...I won't buy it. It is pointless (IMO) to spend even a dollar if the item is not useful.
So, my mom made the first CVS trip of the week for me. CVS sales run from Sunday to Sunday. However, if you call the store you might find out that the computers are already set for the sale on Saturday evening. If this is the case...you can shop early.
This was our first "haul"...
This was split into three transactions. You have to plan based on the OPC and how much ECB you will get back. For all of this (plus two cans of peanuts) we spent $13.00 and left with $9 ECB to spend on our next trip! I was after the Dove body wash which has totally helped my skin. They were on sale for $6ea so we got ALL of these items for what I would have paid just for the body wash!!!
Today, I went in for ONE deal and realized that I had another money maker on my hands. I don't have a picture so I break down the items for you.
First I bought...
(4) Airwick Double pack Oil refills (which I used all over the house) for $5 each
used (4) $1/1 coupons
(3) Airwick Oil Warmer Units
used (3) Get on Free with purchase of refills coupon
My total was $20-$4(coupons)-$9ECB= $7 out-of-pocket and got $10 in ECB plus a $4 ECB coupon that randomly prints!!! They paid ME $7 to takes these items out of the store!
Then I bought...
(1) 12pk Scotts Bath Tissue ($6.88)
used $1/1 coupon
(2) CoverGirl Lipstick (which I was in BAD NEED OF) $6each
used (2) $2/1 coupons
(2) Mars candy-filled eggs $.99ea
used $1/1 coupon
My total was $20.86-$6(coupons)-$14.00ECB=$.86
I am proud of my $7.86 "haul". The items I needed were the toilet paper and the lipstick. I got all of this for less that I would have paid for those TWO items on their own!!
Can you tell how much fun I had???
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Mid Week Deals
I guess technically Monday is not mid week huh! My "couponing" week starts on Wednesday with the release of the Publix circular; so to me it seems like mid week!
Today, school released early due to the possibility of tornadic weather later this afternoon. This gave me a chance to enact the CVS/Walmart plan I made yesterday when the coupons came out.
First, I used the info from coupondivas.com to see the match-ups from the CVS paper and the weekly coupons. I found some really good prices on things that we totally needed anyway! I did not buy ONE item that was not on my grocery list for this week!
Walmart Purchases
If you are going to REALLY coupon you must check prices! CVS had toothbrushes on sale. With the coupon I had it was going to be $5.98-$2= $3.98 for 2. But when I checked the price at Walmart it was $3.00-$2.00= $1.00 for two! That is $.50 each. I was happy as Justin needed a toothbrush and he is picky about what type he uses. Also, I found these Ziploc containers that I use everyday in Carys's lunch marked down to $1 each. I had a coupon for $1.50 off 2 which made them $2.00-$1.50=$50. That is $.25 per pack!!!
Total Wal-mart Bill = $1.50 :)
CVS
This was my first attempt at REAL couponing at CVS. I have been using my mom's CVS card for years. I decided that we might both need to get in on some deals so I got my very own today:)
I decided to try my hand at "stacking" my purchases to get the most reward points that I could. I must say that if I had been in need of laundry detergent or toilet paper I think I could have left with a profit. But, I was not so I settled for these deals.
In my first transaction, I bought (2) Irish Spring Bar soap and (1) Softsoap hand wash re-fill. These were 3/$9 and I got $3 Extra Care Bucks to spend on the next transaction.
My next transaction was Dawn ($.99-$25 coupon=$.74), (2) Listerine $3.48-$2.00/2=$1.48/2), Bounty Paper Towels $5.98, (2) Ziplock Bags $6.00-$1.50=$4.50/2) MINUS $3.00 Extra Care Bucks
Total for both CVS Transactions $18.70
I figured up how much all of this would have cost at the lowest regular price. At the very least, I saved $18.35...which means that I paid HALF of what I would have normally paid if I had shopped at one store (walmart) with no coupons! That may not seem like much savings but it is about 1/2 of a tank of gas for me. As much as I drive that is awesome!
Also, I stated this in my last post, but some of these items allow me to stock-pile items that I won't need to buy in the near future (ex. bar soap). I bought two 8pks for the price it would cost be to buy one normally which means (a) I did not spend any extra out-of pocket money and will SAVE by not having to buy it until I can get a super good deal on it in the future! Remember...
I did not buy ONE item that was not on my grocery list for this week!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
REAL Couponing...Week One
Okay, so I have been playing around with coupons for months...maybe longer. I would casually go though the Sunday paper and clip what I think I might use and put them away until I need them. I have read over and over how you can really save (even make) money for your family by really researching and using the coupons to get the maxium for your dollars. I began to think about the extra money that I could put in savings, use for family outings, or better yet give to help others if I would just simply put the coupon system to work.
If you do not like planning...don't even bother with coupons. If you are not careful you will end up buying things you don't need or even spend MORE money my not looking for the best price/deal...shopping around.
One thing that helped me decided to go for this "life-style" was when I lucked-up on a few websites that help with the planning. These sites help to put the deals right at your fingertips and make is easier to get organized.
I suggest that you start clipping coupons a few weeks before you want to begin super-saving. See, the manufacture coupons ALONE won't save you very much. You need to use the coupons when the items are on sale and in combination with other coupons to get the greatest discount. There are many different ideas about ways to organize your coupons. I don't like the binder method because I don't want to be in the store flipping through coupons. I have an according folder I keep all my coupons in...by week. Before I shop, I compare sales prices with the coupons I have and place the coupons I need for each store in an envelop. I also take along coupons of items that I "might" use if the price is right.
I am not going too deep into the vocabulary in this post. You can read up on this on the websites I give you and soon you will know the lingo. If you have questions about each store's coupon policy you can goggle that or check their website, but you need to know...
Before I show you this week's buys I want to give a disclaimer. I am a coupon newbie. I have short-term as well as long term goals for couponing. This week, I did not spend any more $$ that I usually do for shopping. I did however "stock-up" on some items so that in the near future...I will be able to have lower weekly grocery bills :) yeah!!!
Gain: on sale $9.50, coupon $3 =$7.50
If you do not like planning...don't even bother with coupons. If you are not careful you will end up buying things you don't need or even spend MORE money my not looking for the best price/deal...shopping around.
One thing that helped me decided to go for this "life-style" was when I lucked-up on a few websites that help with the planning. These sites help to put the deals right at your fingertips and make is easier to get organized.
I suggest that you start clipping coupons a few weeks before you want to begin super-saving. See, the manufacture coupons ALONE won't save you very much. You need to use the coupons when the items are on sale and in combination with other coupons to get the greatest discount. There are many different ideas about ways to organize your coupons. I don't like the binder method because I don't want to be in the store flipping through coupons. I have an according folder I keep all my coupons in...by week. Before I shop, I compare sales prices with the coupons I have and place the coupons I need for each store in an envelop. I also take along coupons of items that I "might" use if the price is right.
I am not going too deep into the vocabulary in this post. You can read up on this on the websites I give you and soon you will know the lingo. If you have questions about each store's coupon policy you can goggle that or check their website, but you need to know...
Wal-Mart:
- will take mfg coupons only (can be printed from online),
- matches any competior's advertised price except BOGO
Publix: a
- ads run Wed-Wed and
- they have great BOGO (can use TWO coupons; one for each item),
- they have great 10/$10 buys and you DO NOT have to but 10 to get them for $1!,
- they STACK coupons or allow you to use a store + mfg coupon, the accept competitor's coupons,
- they double all coupons up to $.50 (so a $/50 coupon is really worth $1.00 off!)
CVS:
- has great sales!!,
- ads run Sun to Sun,
- has a rewards club that gives you extra cupons,
- has Extra Bucks that you earn on product and can spend on anything in store
Before I show you this week's buys I want to give a disclaimer. I am a coupon newbie. I have short-term as well as long term goals for couponing. This week, I did not spend any more $$ that I usually do for shopping. I did however "stock-up" on some items so that in the near future...I will be able to have lower weekly grocery bills :) yeah!!!
Week One: Publix
One two items here were purchased that were not "on sale" or with a coupon, or BOTH!
Gain: on sale $9.50, coupon $3 =$7.50
Motts: BOGO
Scotts 12pk TP: on sale $7, coupon $1.50 = $5.50
Slim Jim's: on sale 2/$6, 2 coupons $1 = $2.00 ea
Dove's new Body Wash: on sale $5.19, target coupon $1.50, mfg coupon $1= $2.69
Luzianne Tea: BOGO
Publix Ginger Ale: BOGO= 2 for $.86
Del Monte Fruit Cups: 10/$10, 2 $1/2 coupons = $.50 each
Juicy Juice: $1.50/2 coupon = $2.25 each
Truvia Sweetener: on sale $1,99, coupon $.50 (which doubles)= $.99
Publix Bread= $.89
Grapes= $1.99/lb
Hillshire Farm Lunch Meat: $1.00 coupon = $1.98
Toaster Strudel: coupon $1/2
Cantaloup= on sale 2/$3.00
Ballpark Franks= on sale 2/$6, coupon $.50 (which doubles) = $2.50 each
Kraft Cheese: On Sale 2/$4, target coupon $1.50/2, 2mfg coupon $.50 each (which doubled)= $.25 each
Boston Butt: on sale $2.39/lb
Cresent Rolls: coupon $.50/2
Shrimp: on sale $4.99/lb
Ragu Spaghetti Sauce: BOGO
Spaghetti noodles: $.79
Alfredo noodles:$.99
Success Rice: coupon $1.00/2
DentaStix: publix coupon $1.00, mfg coupon $1.00= $1.34
All together I spent $120. I saved $89.19!!!
I am happy. I could have gotten a better deal on the Scott's TP if I watch the CVS sales (I still have a coupon and I am watching!) but we needed TP! I could not tell everyone to stay on the toilet until the sale!!
A Few things I learned this week...
**Check prices: ex. DentaStix are $2.49 at our Walmart. The price was $3.34 at Publix. Without the "competitor" coupon it would have been cheaper for me to get these at WM than Publix.
**Stock Up: avoid buying things you don't use or need. But if a good deal on an non-perishable comes up...snatch them! (ex. spaghetti sauce)
**Don't be too brand loyal. Sometimes you have to "switch brands" to save. Don't forget to check the store brands they may be cheaper than the name brand WITH a coupon!
Sites you need to visit:
My Four "Big" Meals for the Week are:
Spaghetti with toast and green beans/or salad
Garlic Shrimp Linguine with cheese grits and salad
Homemade HotPockets (using crescent rolls) Ham & Cheese
Pot Roast with carrots, onions, and potatoes
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