Loving The Northwest

Loving The Northwest

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Walgreen's 1/31 to 2/6


The Krazy Coupon Lady has your weekly Walgreen's deals. She has some great match ups, click over to her site to see them.

Thank you Krazy Coupon Lady!

Oroweat Shopping Trip - Stocked up!

I was surprised when I realized we only had two pieces of bread left. It was time for me to stock up on bread. Here's what I purchased for only $13.48 at the Oroweat outlet

12 loaves of Oroweat buttermilk bread (B10G2)
3 packages 10ct tortillas (B2G1)
Free package of donuts (I filled up my punch card)

This should keep us stocked about about 7 to 8 weeks.

My Shopping for Week 1/25

I had made so many shopping trips this week that I'm just summing it up for you. I used up my coupons that I normally use before they expire and stocked up on all the great items that have been on sale. I did get a rain check for more granola bars.

Here is my weekly summary:

I spent $164.69
I saved $99.43

I went over budget this week but for my monthly budget I was only over $31.56; good news is I received $20 in rebates this week in the mail so really I was only over $11.56. Not too bad.


January-at-a-Glance

Total Shelf Cost: $900.69
Monthly Budget: $500.00
Amount Paid : $531.56
Variance: $(31.56) (I did receive $20 in rebates this week)

Total Savings in coupons and discounts: $369.13
Savings Rate: 40.98%

Sunday's Paper

Wow! Great savings in Sunday's paper. I bought one today and realized how great all the savings are in there, so I'm going to buy a second one. Normally I don't do that but this weeks is great. It's worth two papers with all the savings and Albertson's Doublers.


Make sure you look in the Parade; there is a $1/1 for Keebler Club Crackers. They are on sale at Walgreen's 2 for $5 with a $2RR, use 2 $1/1 coupons and it would be like paying $.50 each.

Use Albertson's doublers, with Albertson's coupons for Ragu and Best foods mayo and the coupons in 1/31 RP $.60/2 for mayo and Ragu use 2 $.30/1 in 1/31 RP.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Coupon booklets at WinCo Foods

I picked up a couple coupon booklets at WinCo yesterday.

  • Take the Special K Challenge booklet, $6 savings in coupons.
  • Party Recipes and Coupons by snackpicks.com; this includes Cheez-its, Townhouse, Rice Krispies Treats, and Fudge Shoppe, $12 in savings.

For those of you that didn't find these, I picked up a couple extra for you. Just enter my giveaway. I will be giving away 2 of each to 2 different winners. The giveaway will start Monday.

Albertson's Doublers on Sunday

Rumor around the blogging world is that in Sunday's paper there will be Albertson's Doublers. I'm very excited because I have my list ready and I haven't had time to get there. This will make it worth the wait.

WinCo Food Sales for Jan 28 - Feb 3

WinCo sales for Thursday, January 28th (prices gathered from the Richland, WA store).

Richland, WA WinCo does take printable coupons, I use them each week.

I am matching up current coupons with WinCo's low prices as well as listing sale items.

Let me know if this sheet is easier for you. It took me a little while to get it together. Sorry it took me awhile to post it.

Printable Coupons:
Coupons.com
Red Plum Printables
Smart Source Printables

Here is the link for you to print out: NW Coupon Lady WinCo Foods Jan 28




Also see BeCentsable's Grocery Gathering and Grocery Deals for more savings on your other favorite stores

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Aeropostale B1G1 T-shirt Sale


Aeropostale Graphic T-Shirt Sale: Buy one, get one !!free!! + $7 s&h

Aeropostale Graphic T-Shirt Sale: Buy one, get one free + $7 s&h

At AĆ©ropostale, when you buy select men's and women's graphic tees, you get a second graphic T-shirt of equal or lesser value for free.

Sale ends February 3.

Thank you to Deal News

Northwest Grocery Party!! 1/27 - 2/2

This is your Northwest Grocery Store Summary.

Thank you to The Grocery Gathering, Pudget Sound Prudence, and Frugal Living Northwest for putting together all the great deals.

I normally update WinCo on Thursday nights.

Safeway has a couple great deals with a minimum purchase of $10. Get a Safeway gift card for $10 then purchase you sale items. That way you are not buying this you don't need and you can use your card for your next purchase.

Albertson's

Fred Meyer

Safeway

WinCo Foods

Yoke's Fresh Market

If you do not see your store, go to the Grocery Gathering, they have them listed by state.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Yoke's Fresh Market 1/27 - 2/2



Yoke's Fresh board is good through Thursday 2/4.


There are some great sales this week 1/27 - 2/2:

Boneless Baron of Beef $2.39lb
Pork Riblets $1.29lb
Pork Sirloin Chops $1.99lb
Sirloin Tip Steaks $2.99lb
Ball Park Franks 2 for $5 ($1/2 printable)

Romaine, Red, Green Leaf Lettuce $.78 each
Red, Yellow, Orange peppers 5 for $5
Kiwi fruit 3 for $1

Kraft Shredded cheese 2 for $5 (I don't think this includes the natural cheese)
La Victoria Salsa $1.69 16oz
Fritos and Cheetos 3 for $5
Idahoan potatoes 10 for $10 ($.40/1 printable)
Tuna, Chicken of the Sea $.59
Oroweat Bread B1G1 (save $4.19)
Mission Tortilla Chips $1.98


MD Bath tissue 12 double rolls $4.99
Angel Soft 2 for $7 6 to 12 rolls

FRIDAY ONLY SALE:
Navel Oranges $.38 lb
Washington Grown Apples $.58lb
Fresh Express salads 3 for $5
Grapefruit $2.98 each
Thrifty pack cut up fryer $.89lb
Boneless Round Steaks $2.69lb
Boneless Pork Tenderloins $2.99lb
Boneless Pork Loin Roast $2.89lb

Deli Ham $3.99lb
Nestle Candy Bar $.29 each (limit 12)
Doughnut Holes $1.99 16oz

January Monthly Sales - My favorites:


Litehouse dressing 2 for $5 ($1/2 printable) the barbecue ranch is great!
Marie Callendars frozen diners $2.99 each ($.75/1 printable)
Coffee-Mate creamer $1.99 each ($1.50/2 printable)
Skinny Cow or Nestle Drumstick Lil' Drums $2.99 ($1/1 printable Lil' drums)
California Kitchen Pizza 2 for $11 ($1/1 printable)
Smart Ones $2.99 each ($3/10 printable)
Michelina's frozen entree' 4 for $5 ($1/5 printable)
Birdseye Steamfresh meals $5.99 ($1/1 printable)
Birdsye Steamfresh veg 3 for $5 ($.35/1 in 1/10 SS)
Tyson Diced Chicken breast/strips 6oz $2.69 each
Tyson Entree $4.39 each ($1/1 in 10/18 SS)
El Monterey Taquitos $6.79 each ($1/1 printable)
Oscar Meyer Lunchables 2 for $4 ($.55/1 printable)
Chef Boyardee 4 for $5 ($.35/3 in 1/10 SS)
Tyson Thick cut bacon 16oz $2.99 each
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls 2 for $5 ($1/2 in 1/9 RP)
Tillamook medium Cheddar 2lb loaf $6.49
Land O'Frost Bistro Lunchmeat 2 for $4 ($1/1 in 12/6 RP)
Red Baron Pizza $3.99 each
Hot pockets 2 for $5 ($.50/3 in 10/25 SS)

Angel Soft Tissue $6.99 9 to 24 pack ($1/1 printable)

Albertson's Granola Bar Sale


I haven't planned out my shopping trips yet for this week but I know that I needed to stock up on the Quaker granola bars because I have only two boxes left from my last stock pile. My family eats them everyday. I went by Albertson's this morning just for the granola bars.

I picked up a couple Yoke's fliers back in January that had the $3 off milk when you buy 5 Quaker products - manufacture coupon. I knew I would use them when the Quaker sale arrived, and I did.

I bought 10 boxes granola bars and two gallons of milk

My total $7.98, I saved $31.90. I used two $3 coupons.

Now here is a little trick I do sometimes - it's a little secret of mine and maybe some of you do it. I go in early on Wednesday and stock up on the items I really need, then towards the end of the week, more than likely they will be out of everything and I get a rain check and use the rain check before it expires, which is in about 30 days. Then you also have the opportunity to collect coupons and doublers to go along with your rain check.

JC Penney's Wednesday Sale

JC Penney's Outlet Online Wednesday sale as this cute jacket on sale today for only $7.99.

Here is the information on it:

Sleek and smooth to perfection! This Worthington® blazer polishes any ensemble for a modern look.
  • notch collar and single-button closure
  • back vent
  • chest pocket and 2 flap pockets on waist
  • cotton polished to a sheen with shape-retaining stretch
Worthington® blazer is cotton/nylon/spandex with polyester lining. Washable and imported.

We Have Your Size
More sizes to fit more people.
Misses
Petites
Talls
Women's

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Kraft Coupons


Here are some great coupons from Kraft

$1 coupons for :

Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Velveeta Cheese
Planters Peanuts
Capri Sun
Parmesan Cheese
Sour Cream
Pickels
Bologna
Deluxe Mac and Cheese

I will be printing mine this evening.

Albertson's Pillsbury Catalina 1/25 - 2/21

Between 1/25 and 2/21 Pillsbury Catalina Sale

Buy 4 and get $2 Catalina
Buy 5 get $3 Catalina
Buy 6 or more and get $4 Catalina

Go to Coupons.com to print your coupons

*Catalinas are coupons for your next purchase

Dig out your Pillsbury coupons, wait for those doublers and sales and then score with the Catalinas as well.

Albertson's Quaker Sale This Week


Albertson's Quaker Sale Starts tomorrow. Here are items:

ITEMS THAT ARE $1
{when purchased in increments of 5}
  • All Cap'n Crunch Varieties {14-16 oz}
  • Life and Cinnamon Life {14-16 oz}
  • Oatmeal Squares Cereal {14-16 oz}
  • Quaker Chewy Granola Bars or Dipps {7.9-8.7 oz}
  • Quaker Breakfast Cookies
  • Quaker Instant Oatmeal
  • Quaker Pancake Mix {2 lb select varieties}
  • Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix {32 oz}
Make sure to round up your coupons. Order them today from The Coupon Clippers or Ebay and you should get them before the sale ends. Don't forget if they are out of something to get a rain check. I will be going to the store first thing in the morning. I have one box left from the last sale. I normally stock pile about 20 boxes of granola bars.

Thank you to Coupon Connections NW

Nabisco 100 Calorie Chips Ahoy Fudge Drizzle Cookie Review

Bay & Shay's Product Review

My son, Bailey, and my daughter, Shayla, are trying new products and giving their reviews. They will be starting their own blog soon (when I have time to get one going) reviewing kid products.

Nabisco 100 Calorie Chips Ahoy Fudge Drizzle Cookies was a major hit!

Bailey and Shayla each gave it a two thumbs up! They loved the light cookie with the extra drizzle of fudge. They enjoyed them as an after school snack. Now that the box is gone they want me to buy more.

This product is worth purchasing and giving it a try. I found these at Big Lots on sale for $1.80, so I will be returning to purchase a couple more boxes.

Good Job Bailey and Shayla!

Monday, January 25, 2010

1/2 Price Tuesday - Cupcakes Bakery and Deli

On 1/26 Two for Tuesday's there will be $50 gift certificates that you will be able to purchase for $25. This week it's Cupcakes Bakery and Deli in Kennewick WA. I have never seen this bakery before but it sounds really cute. Check out their website; it looks like you can go and decorate your own cupcake, have lunch, or have a child's party. They have a cupcake bar. How fun. I need to check this one out.

Get online at KNDU/KNDO 2 for Tuesdays tomorrow morning to get your 1/2 price gift certificates.

I will be ordering one, this would be great for my daughter's birthday.

Free Shipping - JC Penneys and Lands' End

JC Penney's Free Shipping until February 12th. Promo code 10BEGINS


Lands' End Free Shipping until January 28th. Promo code SUPER and pin 1027. I ordered my son some school pants from the sale catalog using the free shipping. Three pairs of school uniform pants for $50.20.

Walgreens: the Ins and Outs


If you are new or just need a refresher course on the ins and outs of Walgreens The Coupon Connections NW has a great article. Click on over to Coupon Connections NW.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Bargain Meals - 1 Roast, 3 Meals


I'm sure the frugal followers are always curious about meals that the frugal coupon ladies make. So I'm sharing what I have cooked this week. Sure a couple times a week we throw in chicken nuggets or taquitos but for the most part we have home cooked meals.

I purchased a roast 3.75lbs for $7.53 and it was used for three meals.

1st meal:
slow cooker Roast

Place chuck roast in a slow cooker with some Au Jus sauce. Made smashed potatoes ($.50) and served with two cans of green beans ($1.16), we used 1/3 of the beef ($2.51).

Total $4.17

2nd meal: French Dips

1/3 beef $2.51
Hoagie buns $.98
Monterey Jack Cheese $.45
Au Jus sauce $.35

Total $4.29

3rd meal: Fajitas and salad

1/3 beef $2.51
Tortillas $1.28
Fajita seasoning $.35
Cheese $.50
Salad $1.48

Total $6.12

We should get more vegetables than we do but we just aren't the veggie type of family. I try.

My Shopping for week 1/18

Here is my shopping trip for this week. Most of it was snacks and lunch type items. I have already stocked up on meat and I'm using my coupons that expire at the end of the month.

My budget is $500 month for my family of 4 ($100 is for animal food, 4 large dogs and a guinea pig)
Spent this week $138.07
Spent this month $366.87
Saved this month $269.70
Remaining balance $133.13


Walgreen's 1st trip
3 ziploc bags
2 tubs wet ones
Dawn dish soap
Shampoo
milk (we needed it)

Total $6.15; used $7 in RR from last week, $1.93 in Wags coupons, $3.58 in sale items, and $11.25 in MFG coupons (this would include the $7RR). I received $3 in RR.


Walgreen's 2nd trip
Here was the deal for purchase $20 in chips and pepsi products you received $10 in RR.

Total: 17.42; I used the $3RR from the 1st transaction, then received $10 in RR


Walgreen's trip #3 (I'm glad Wags is down the street from my house)
2 bottles of shampoo
2 boxes Tampax

Total $5.67; I had a coupon B1G1 for the Tampax; total coupons 17.49 (including the $10RR from the 2nd trip) and advertised specials $1.30; and received $2RR. I saved $18.79 on that trip.



WinCo Foods
2 boxes of Nabisco snacks
Idahoan instant potatoes
bagels
5 Totinos pizzas
mini cheeseburgers
string cheese
2 Wyler's drink mix
Yoplait yogurt
3 gallons of milk
Tyson Chicken
Laundry soap
Hoagie buns
Yoplait delights
Taquitos
2 bottles Ketchup (good deal on that one)
mustard

Total $48.24, I had $9.40 in coupons


Big Lots
Guinea pig food
2 bottles snuggle
Nabisco snacks - our new review product

Total $9.38
Albertson's
1 Gatorade
4 lunchables (hubby's snacks)
6 hot pockets

Total $8.34, saved 16.31. I used coupons for everything but the lunchables along with my doublers.

No pictures for the following:

Costco
Dog food $26.63

Albertson's 2nd trip
Tillamook cheese 2lbs
3 hot pockets

Total $6.16

Friday, January 22, 2010

2 inserts in Sunday's Paper 1/24


Each area is different. Most of the time we don't get all the coupons listed. Here is a look at what you may receive.

Redplum Coupon Insert 1/24

Benecol Spread save $2.00/1
Brawny Paper Towels 6-Big Roll or larger save $1.00/1
Cesar Canine Cuisine Entrees up to save $1.19 BOGO
Cesar Treats save $1.00/1
Dixie Napkins save $.55/1
Dixie or Dixie Ultra paper plates or bowls save $.55/1
Ester-C caplets or tablets save $4.00/1
Eucerin Body Product 2oz-16.9oz save $1.00/1
Flex-A-Min save $4.00/1
Gold Star Can of Chili save $1.00/1
Gold Star Chile Bites or Chili Mac & Cheese save $1.00/1
Gold Star frozen Chili, Chili Spaghetti or Chili Cheese Dip save $1.00/1
Ideal No Cal Sweetener save $1.00/1
Kahn’s Hot Dogs save $1.00/2
Knox Product save $4.00/1
L’Oreal 24 hr Lash Boosting System save $5.00/1
L’Oreal Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum, Double Extend Boosting Mascara or any L’Oreal Eye Product save $2.00/1
L’Oreal Kids Toy Story Shampoo or any other L’Oreal Kids product save $.75/1
L’Oreal Skincare Products save $3.00/2
L’Oreal Skincare Products save $1.00/1
L’Oreal Vive Pro Shampoo and Conditioner save $1.00/1
McCormick Seasoning Mix save $.25/2
McCormick Seasoning Blend, Grinder, Spice or Herb save $.25/1
MET-Rx Bars BOGO
Nature’s Bounty CoQ10 save $3.00/1
Nature’s Bounty product save $1.00/1
Nature’s Bounty Your Life Multi save $2.00/1
Nevella No Cal Sweetener save $1.00/1
Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce, Salsa, Lemonade, Marinade or Popcorn save $.50/1
Newman’s Own Salad Dressing save $.50/1
Oscillococcinum save $2.00/1
Osteo Bi-Flex caplet or softgel save $5.00 on nay 1
Pedigree Jumbone Treats for Dogs save $1.00/1
Pedigree Marrobone Treats for Dogs save $1.00/1
Pillsbury Brownie Minis Mixes save $1.00/2
Pillsbury Easy Frost Frosting save $1.00/2
Pillsbury Funfetti Cookie Mixes save $1.00/2
Pure Protein Bars BOGO
Quaker Fiber & Omega-3 Chewy Oar Granola Bars save $1.00/2
Quaker Oatmeal to Go Breakfast Bars save $1.00/2
Quilted Northern Soft & Strong or Ultra Plush Bath Tissue 6-Double Roll or larger save $1.00/1
Rhodes warm & Serve Rolls or Cinnamon Rolls save $1.00/1
Sundown Fish Oil save $2.00/1
Sundown Marvel product save $1.00/1
The Goodlife Recipe Food for Cats save $2.00/1
The Goodlife Recipe Food for Dog save $1.00/1
The Goodlife Recipe treats for cats save $.50/1
The Goodlife Recipe Treats for Dogs save $1.00/1
Tums 200 ct or larger save $1.25/1
Tums 24 ct or larger save $1.00/2
Tums Dual Action 25 ct or larger save $2.00/1
VIVE Pro Shampoo/conditioner $1.00/1
Vive Pro Glossy Style or Studio Line Styling Product save $1.00/1
Welch’s Fruit Snacks or Fruit ‘n Yogurt Snacks, 8ct,10ct, 24ct or 40ct only save $1/1
Zatarain’s Frozen Entrees save $1.00/2
Zatarain’s Rice Mixes or Pasta Mixes save $1.00/4


Smartsource coupon insert 1/24

2000 Flushes Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner – 55 cents off any 1 (x4/30)
Big Red, or Big Blue where available, (1)12pk or (2) 2L or (2) 20oz or (2) Half Liters, regular or diet – $1.00 off any (x2/14)
Bob Evans Frozen Breakfast Item – 50 cents off any 1 (x3/28)
Bob Evans Roll, Grilling, or Smoked Sausage – 25 cents off any 1 (x3/28)
Breakstones Sour Cream, 16oz+ – $1.00 off any 2 (x2/28)
Campbell’s Chunky Soup cans or microwavable bowls – 75 cents off any 4 (x3/7)
Chex Mix 4.5oz+ or Chex 10 Calorie Snack – 50 cents off any 2 (x3/20)
Comet Soft Cleanser or Spray product – 35 cents off any 1 (x3/24)
DiGiorno Rising Crust Pizza, 12″+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x2/28)
Dole Pineapple cans – $1.00 off any 3 (x4/16)
Dulcolax Balancer, any size – $2.00 off any 1 (x6/30)
Dulcolax Laxative Tablets – $1.00 off any 1 (x6/30)
Dulcolax Stool Softener – $1.00 off any 1 (x6/30)
El Monterey Taquitos – $1.00 off any 1 (x4/30) *One Coupon Per Customer Per Purchase
Franks Redhot Sauce – 50 cents off any 1 (x3/31)
Franks Redhot Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce or Hot Buffalo Sauce – 75 cents off any 1 (x3/31)
French’s Classic Yellow Mustard – 30 cents off any 1 (x3/31)
French’s Spicy Brown, Honey Mustard, or Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce – 50 cents off any 1 (x3/31)
Glade Plugins SCented Gel Refill Packs – $1.50 off any 2 (x3/6)
Glade Plugins Scented Gel Warmer – $1.50 off any 1 (x3/6)
Glade Plugins Scented Oil Lasting Impressions Holder – $3.00 off any 1 (x3/6)
Glade Plugins Scented Oil Warmer FREE wyb any Glade Plugins Scented Oil Refill – up to $3.99 value, excludes Lasting Impressions (x2/20)
Glade Sense & Spray Refills – $2.00 off any 2 (x3/6)
Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit – $3.00 off any 1 (x3/6)
Gorton’s item – 40 cents off any 1 (x4/15)
Heluva Good Sour Cream Dips or Cheese – $1.00 off any 2 (x2/28) DND5
Hormel Chili – 55 cents off any 2 (x3/21)
Hormel Chili Master Chili – 50 cents off any 1 (x3/21)
Hormel Pepperoni Pack – 75 cents off any 1 (x3/21)
Hunts Tomatoes, 11oz+ cans – 45 cents off any 3 (x3/14)
Kraft or Cracker Barrel Natural Cheese, shreds or chunks – $1.00 off any 2 (x2/28)
Land O Lakes Deli Cheese products, 1lb+ – $1.00 off (x3/31) DND5
Lindor Truffles item, 5oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x4/24)
LLoyd’s Ribs or Tub – 75 cents off any 1 (x3/22)
Marzetti Salad Dressing from produce section – 50 cents off any 1 (x4/30)
MidNite or MidNite PM – $1.00 off any 1 (x7/31)
Minute Rice product – 50 cents off any 1 (x4/16)
Nabisco Crackers, 6oz-16.5oz – $1.00 off any 1 (x3/31) DND5, DNT5
Ortega Products – 75 cents off any 2 (x3/31)
Pam Cooking Spray – 35 cents off any 1 (x3/14)
Pert Plus for Men – $1.50 off any 1 (x3/31)
Pert Plus, 12oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x3/31)
Pillsbury Italian Meal Breads, includes Loaves, Breadsticks, Dinner Rolls, and Pizza Crust – 40 cents off any 2 (x4/17)
Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust – 35 cents off any 1 (x4/17)
Planters Nuts, 5oz-21.25oz – $1.00 off any 2 (x3/31) DND5, DNT5
Purina Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats, 2.1oz – BOGO up to $1.71 (x4/30)
Sabra Hummus, 8oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x2/28) *One Coupon Per Customer
Science Diet Nature’s Best Puppy, Kitten or Adult Dry Pet Food, any size bag – $5.00 off any 1 (x3/31)
Simply Saline Nasal product – $1.00 off any 2 (x5/31)
Snyder of Berlin Snack, 6oz+ – 40 cents off any 1 (x3/31)
Stacys Pita or Bagel Chips, 7.5oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x2/28) *One Coupon Per Customer
Sucrets – $1.50 off any 1 (x4/30)
Sucrets Ice – $1.50 off any 1 (x4/30)
Sure Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, 2oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x3/31)
Sure for Men Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant – $1.50 off any 1 (x3/31)
Tyson Any’tizers Snacks, bag – $1.00 off any 1 (x4/30)
Tyson Any’tizers Snacks, box – 55 cents off any 1 (x4/30)
Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt Multipacks – 50 cents off any 1 (x3/20)

$5 dinners for 4 - Slow Cooker Mexican Pork

WinCo $5 Bargain Meals - all ingredients purchased at WinCo Foods

I am happy to participate in the $5dollar dinners Bargain Meal of the Week.
For more of my low budget meals to go Bargain Meals and 1 trip, 1 bag, 5 dinners


Slow Cooker Mexican Pork (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless pork loin roast or fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces (I used the fillets they were cheaper) $1.48lb
2 1/4 cups Chunky salsa (from 24-oz jar) Cascade Pride $1.75
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chiles, drained Hy-Top $.56
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed S&W $.72
1cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz), if desired $.70 from bulk brick

In 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker, mix pork, salsa and chiles.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 8 hours.
Stir in beans. Cover; cook on Low heat setting about 5 minutes or until beans are hot. Sprinkle with cheese.

Serve with Taco Chips, over rice, sour cream and/or Guacamole.

Total $5.21

Thursday, January 21, 2010

WinCo Foods 1/21 - 1/27

WinCo sales for Thursday, January 21st (prices gathered from the Richland, WA store).

Richland, WA WinCo does take printable coupons, I use them each week.

I am matching up current coupons with WinCo's low prices as well as listing sale items.

Sales normally run for about two weeks.

When you add coupons to WinCo's already low prices you really save.

For this week's $5 Meals from WinCo Sales see NW Coupon Lady Bargain Meal (proud contributor of $5 dinners)

New items are listed in green

Frito Lays multipack 22 ct $5.48
Fritos and Cheetos $1.98
Del Monte Pineapple 20oz $.95
Little Debbie Snacks $1.18
Oreos $2.78
Huntz Snack Pack 4 pack $.92
Santiam canned vegetables, corn and green beans $.58
Pace Picante Sauce 64oz $4.98
Rosarita refried beans $.82
($.50/3 in 12/13 SS) = $.65
Knorr Rice or Pasta packets 5.6oz $.85
Planters Peanuts 16oz $1.98 ($1/2 in Party Playbook coupon book) = $1.48 each
Kashi Cereal $2.58
Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper $.98 ($.75/3 in 1/3 SS) = $.75 each
Fisher Cashews $2.98 9oz ($1/1 in 1/10 SS)
Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce 26.5oz $.86
Kraft Parmesan Cheese 8oz $2.98
Pillsbury Cake Mix $.88
Pillsbury frosting $1.28 ($.50/1 in 11/8 RP) = $.78
Pillsbury Brownie Mix $.78 ($.40/1 in 11/8 SS) = $.38
Kraft Mac & Cheese $.74 (B3G1 in 12/13 SS) = $.55 each
Kraft Deluxe Mac and cheese $1.50
Tenderbird Frozen Chicken Breast 48oz $5.98
Bar S Corn Dogs 48oz $2.98
Oscar Mayer shaved deli meat $1.98 ($1/2 in 12/13 SS) = $1.48
Kraft Singles 12oz $1.98
($.50/1 in 12/6 SS)
= $1.48
Stouffer's Lasgna 90oz $9.75
Nalley's Chilli $.88
Heinz 40oz Ketchup $1.48 - stock up item
French's mustard 20oz $1.38 - stock up item
Lindsey Olives 6oz $.98 ($1.00/2 printable) = $.48 each
Vlasic Kosher Pickles 80oz $2.98
Best Foods Real Mayo 30oz $2.98
Cocoa and Fruity Pebbles $1.68 ($1/2 in 12/6 SS) = $1.18

Fruit/Vegetables:
Bananas $.49lb
Braeburn Apple $.68lb
Green Bell Peppers $.68 each, Red and Yellow $.68 each
Small avocados $.68 each
Cucumbers $.48 each
Brocolli $.88lb
Red Potatoes 5lb $1.98
D'Anjou Pears $.78lb

Chips:
Chex Mix $2.48 8.75oz ($.50/1 printable or this printable) = $1.98
Chex Mix Chocolate 8.75oz $2.73 ($.50/1 printable) = $2.23
Planters nuts mixed $2.98 ($1/1 in 12/13 SS) =$2.48
Diamond Almonds 6oz $2.58 ($1/2 in 1/17 SS) = $2.08
Rold Gold Pretzels 16oz $2.28 ($1/2 SS printable) = $1.78
Lay's Baked potato Chips $3.08 ($1/1 in 1/3 SS) = $2.08

Canned veg/fruit:

Betty Crocker Potatoes $1.18 6.6oz ($.35/1 in 12/13 SS) = $.83
Idahoan Potatoes 4 0z or larger $.88 ($.40/1 printable) = $.48
V8 Veg Juice 46oz $2.48 ($.60/2 in 1/3 SS) = $2.18
V8 Splash 40oz $1.98 ($1/2 in 1/3 SS) = $1.48
Dole Fruit Bowls $1.98 ($.75/2 in 1/10 SS) = $1.61
Dole Fruit Parfaits $1.98 ($.75/2 in 1/10 SS) = $1.61

Prepared Dinners/Canned Meat:
Mahatama Rice 32oz $2.12 ($.75/1 printable) = $1.37
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese $.74 (B3G1 in 12/13 SS) = $.55
Hamburger Helper $.98 ($.75/3 in 1/3 SS) = $.93
Chef Boyardee $.87 ($.35/3 in 1/10 SS) = $.75
Chef Boyardee $.92 ($.40/1 in 1/10 SS) = $.52

Soup:
Rosarita refried beans $.85 ($.50/3 in 12/13 SS) = $.68
Progresso Soups 19oz $1.50 ($1/4, $.50/2 in 1/3 GM) = $1.43
Campbell's condensed soups $1.32 ($.40/2 in 1/3 SS) = $ 1.12
Campbell's tomato/chicken noodle soup $.68
($.40/4 in 1/3 SS) = $.58
Campbell's chunky cans or bowls $1.50
($.50/4 in 12/13 SS) = $1.32
Campbell's healthy condensed soup $1.08
($.40/2 in 1/3 SS) = $.88
Campbell's healthy chunky soup $1.48
($.50/2 i n1/3 SS) = $.93
Campbell's healthy harvest soup $1.28
($.50/2 in 1/3 SS) = $1.03
Campbell's condensed soup (mushroom) $.78 ($.40/4 in 1/10) = $.68

Campbell's Soup at Hand $1.08 ($.50/1 in 1/10 SS) = $.58
Progresso Soup $1.50 ($1/4 or $.50/2 in 1/3 GM) = $1.43

Baking:

Crisco oil 48oz $2.48($.55/1 in 11/8 RP) = $1.93
Ducan Hines cake $.98 ($.55/1 in 10/11 SS) = $.43
Betty Crocker Frosting $1.46
($.50/1 printable) = $.96
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $1.50 ($.40/1 printable) = $1.10
Pillsbury Frosting $1.32 ($.40/1 in 11/8 RP)
Pillsbury Browie Mix $.98 ($.40/1 in 11/8 RP)
Bisquick 40oz $2.78 ($.60/1 printable) = $2.18
Progresso bread crumbs $1.82($1/2 printable) Italian bread crumbs on sale for $.98 = $1.32 / $.48
Sun-Maid Raisins 2lbs $2.98 ($1/2 in 11/8 SS) = $1.48

Cereal:
General Mills $2.54 ($1/3 in 1/3 GM) = $2.14
General Mills Chex $2.00 ($1/2 in 12/13 SS) = $1.50
General Mills Trix $2.54
($1.50/2 printable) = $1.79
General Mills Cheerios $2.54
($.75/1 printable) = $1.79
General Mills Regular Cheerios $1.58
($.55/1 printable) = $1.03
Kelloggs Cereal $2.62 ($1/2 in 12/13 RP) = $1.12
Cocoa Puffs $2.50 ($.75/1 printable) = $1.75
Kellogg's mini wheats $2.48 ($1.50/2 printable) = $2.17
Fiber One Granola Bars $2.18 ($.40/1 in 1/3 GM) = $1.78
Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $1.78 ($.50/2 in 1/3 GM) = $1.53
Carnation Breakfast Essentials Packs $4.56 ($1/1 in 1/3 SS) = $3.56
Nature Valley Granola Bars $2.18 ($.40/1 printable) = $1.78

Deli:
Roast Beef $4.48lb
Cooked ham $1.48lb
Turkey Pastrami $3.68lb
Honey Ham $1.98lb
Pepper Turkey $3.98lb

Meat/cheese:
Laughing Cow Babybel $2.98 ($.55/1 in 1/10 SS)
Frigo String Cheese $2.48 ($1/1 printable) = $1.48 Good buy!
Foster Farms Lunch meat tub $2.56($1/2 printable) = $2.06
Land o Frost Deli Meat 1lb $1.98 ($.55/1 in 11/8 RP) = $1.43
Budding Deli Cuts $2.60 ($1/1 in 1/17 SS) = $1.60 Good Buy!
Kraft Singles 12oz $1.98 ($.50/1 in 12/6 SS) = $1.78
Hillshire Farms Cocktail Links $2.48 ($1/2 in 12/6 RP) = $1.98
Johnsonville smoked sausage $2.94 ($1/2 in 1/17 SS) = $2.44
Veleeta Cheese 2lb $4.34 ($.55/1 in printable)

Butcher Block
Pork 1/2 picnic roast $1.58lb
Boneless Fillet chops $1.48lb
Beef Beef Chuck Roast $2.18lb
Beef Round Carne Asada $3.18lb
Chicken Breast $1.79lb
Ground beef 30% $1.98lb
2 pack whole chicken $.88lb
WinCo Turkey $.86lb
Dairy:

Coffee Mate Creamer $3.13 ($.50/1 in 11/1 RP) = $2.38
Darigold 1/2 gal lactose free milk $2.58 ($.75/1 in 11/22 SS) = $1.79
Darigold 1/2 and 1/2 qt $1.68 ($.50/1 in 11/22 SS) = $1.18
Silk and Silk Light $2.48 ($.55/1 in 1/17 SS) = $1.93
Darigold Sour Cream 16oz $1.58 ($.40/1 in 10/11 SS)=$.98
Darigold 1lb butter $2.18($.30/1 in 11/22 SS)= $1.38
Yoplait yogurt cups $.50 ($.40/6 or $.50/8 in 1/3 GM) = $.43
Yoplait Yoplus 4 pack $1.38($1/1 printable)= $.38
Yoplait Delights $2.34 ($1/1 printable) = $1.34
Yoplait Gogurt $1.98($1.00/1 in 1/3 GM) = $1.36
Dannon Activia $1.76 ($1/1 in 1/10 SS) = $.76
Dannon Danimals $2.34 $1/1 in 1/10 SS) = $1.34
Refrigerator items:
Jell-o pudding $3.11 ($1/2 in 12/13 SS) = $2.61
Pillsbury breadsticks $1.72 ($.40/2 printable ) = $1.52

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $1.48 ($.50/2 printable )= $1.23
Pillsbury Grand Biscuits $1.77 ( $.75/2 printable) = $1.40
Pillsbury cookie dough $1.72 ($1/2 printable ) = $1.22
Pillsbury Sweet Rolls $1.48 ($.40/2 printable ) = $1.28

Frozen Food:

Lean Pocket/Hot pockets $1.77 ($1/4 in 10/24 SS) = $1.52
Birdeye Steam Fresh Steamers $1.34 - $1.87 ($.35 in 1/10 SS) = $.99 - $1.52
Gorton's bagged fish sticks 20oz $4.72 ($1/2 printable) = $4.22
SuperPretzel Product $1.76 ($.50/1 in 12/6 RP) = $1.26
Boca Burgers $2.48 ($1/2 in 1/3 SS) = $1.98
El Monterey Taquitos 20ct $5.25 ($1/1 printable)
Bagel Bites 9 ct $1.96 ($1/1 printable) = $.96
California Pizza Kitchen $6.68 ($1/1 printable) = $3.48
Totino's party pizza $1.12 ($.50/3 in 11/15 SS) = $.81
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls $2.12 ($1/2 in 11/1 RP) $1.62
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Skillets $3.78 ($.75/1 in 12/6 RP) = $3.03
Pillsbury Toaster Strudels $1.67 ($1/1 printable) = $.67

Cookies/Crackers:

Keebler Crackers $1.98 ($1/2 in 12/13 RP) = $1.48
Nabsico Crackers $1.98 (stock up for your Nabisco Rebate) ($1/2 in 12/13 SS) = $1.48
Sunshine Cheez-Its $2.28 ($1/2 in 12/13 RP) = $1.78
Welch's Jam grape $2.08 ($1/2 in 1/3 SS) = $1.58
Quaker Rice Snacks 3.3oz $.98 ($.75/1 in 1/10) = $.23

See Winco Bargain meals for some low cost meals

Also see BeCentsable's Grocery Gathering and Grocery Deals for more savings on your other favorite stores

Bargain Meal - Biscuit Pizzas

What should you do with those Pillsbury Grand biscuits that you purchased on sale? Make Pizza!

Separate the biscuits, then flatten them out as much as you can. They will puff up when they cook. Put them on a baking dish, spread pizza sauce on them (about 1 1/2 tablespoons), top with your favorite toppings. Bake 350 until golden color around the edges.

As you can see a few pizzas disappeared before I could take the picture. One roll of biscuits makes 8 minis pizzas. They were so good!

Total cost for these pepperoni pizzas was about $3 and it with a side salad and it's a fun tasty dinner.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Northwest Grocery Party! 1/20 - 1/26

This is your Northwest Grocery Store Summary.

Thank you to The Grocery Gathering, Pudget Sound Prudence, and Frugal Living Northwest for putting together all the great deals.

I normally update WinCo on Thursday nights. I thought this might help us all to have our Northwest stores all in one place.

Albertson's

Fred Meyer

Safeway

WinCo Foods

Yoke's Fresh Market

If you do not see your store, go to the Grocery Gathering, they have them listed by state.

Valentine's Candy Coupons

Wonka Valentine gift exchange kit $1/1
Nestle's Candy $1/2 coupon

Yoke's Fresh Market 1/20 - 1/26


Yoke's Fresh board is good through Thursday 1/28.

My Favorites:
Boneless chicken breast $1.89lb
Boneless London Broil $2.49lb


There are some great sales this week 1/20 - 1/26:

Washington Grown Red potatoes $1.98 15lb bag
Assorted Pork Chops $1.69lb
Pork Loin Chops $2.09lb
Strawberries 2 for $5 1lb packages
Jonagold Apples $.78lb
Bosc, Anjou, Red, or Comice pears $.88lb

B1G1:
Gatorade 32oz bottles (save $1.78) ($1/2 or $.50/1 in 1/10 RP) = $.40 each
Minute Maid Orange Juice 64oz (save $4.69) = $2.34 each
Franz Bread (save $2.99)
Smucker's Jams (save $3.59)


Campbell's Tomato/Chicken noodle $.59 each ($1/10 in 1/3 SS) = $.49 each
Frigo String Cheese $3.59 ($1/1 printable) If that doesn't work click here, then click the picture of the package of string cheese.
Tuscan Traditions Pasta Sauce $1.98 24.5oz
Keebler Townhouse crackers $1.99 each
Progresso Soups 3 for $4 ($1/4 in 1/17 SS)
Tillamook Butter $1.98 1lb
Rice Roni and Pasta Roni 10 for $10
Country Crock Spread $2.98


January Monthly Sales - My favorites:


Litehouse dressing 2 for $5 ($1/2 printable) the barbecue ranch is great!
Marie Callendars frozen diners $2.99 each ($.75/1 printable)
Coffee-Mate creamer $1.99 each ($1.50/2 printable)
Skinny Cow or Nestle Drumstick Lil' Drums $2.99 ($1/1 printable Lil' drums)
California Kitchen Pizza 2 for $11 ($1/1 printable)
Smart Ones $2.99 each ($3/10 printable)
Michelina's frozen entree' 4 for $5 ($1/5 printable)
Birdseye Steamfresh meals $5.99 ($1/1 printable)
Birdsye Steamfresh veg 3 for $5 ($.35/1 in 1/10 SS)
Tyson Diced Chicken breast/strips 6oz $2.69 each
Tyson Entree $4.39 each ($1/1 in 10/18 SS)
El Monterey Taquitos $6.79 each ($1/1 printable)
Oscar Meyer Lunchables 2 for $4 ($.55/1 printable)
Chef Boyardee 4 for $5 ($.35/3 in 1/10 SS)
Tyson Thick cut bacon 16oz $2.99 each
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls 2 for $5 ($1/2 in 1/9 RP)
Tillamook medium Cheddar 2lb loaf $6.49
Land O'Frost Bistro Lunchmeat 2 for $4 ($1/1 in 12/6 RP)
Red Baron Pizza $3.99 each
Hot pockets 2 for $5 ($.50/3 in 10/25 SS)

Angel Soft Tissue $6.99 9 to 24 pack ($1/1 printable)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Albertson's Sneak Peak for 1/20 -1/26

Here is a sneak peak at Albertson's weekly flier. I didn't see anything too exciting yet. I will probably purchase the Tillamook ice cream for 2 for $6 (if you read my blog you know that is a stable in our house and $3 is normally the lowest price) and butter.

Thank you to All Together Beautiful for posting the flier

Soft Scrub Coupons

Here are some great coupons from Soft Scrub:

$1.50/1 Soft Scrub Total
$1/1 Soft Scrub cleanser
$1.50/1 Soft Scrub Gel

Thank you to Krazy Coupon Lady for the info.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Do Your Coupons Expire 1/31?

Several coupons expire 1/31. Check your coupons so you don't miss out on a great deal.

As you go through your coupons to see what expire at the end of the month set them in 2 piles.

  1. Items you purchase on a regular basis and need soon.
  2. Items you would only buy if you were to add them to a sale price or a doubler, and items you don't need in the three weeks.
Coupons in pile 1:
  • prioritize them
  • separate them between this weeks shopping and next weeks shopping to control your budget.
  • If you can't use all the coupons don't worry about there will probably be more soon. Don't overspend just to use your coupons.
Coupons in pile 2:

  • Hang on to them just in case you find them on sale in the next couple of weeks.
  • When the weekly sales come out check them against your pile 2. If they expire that's okay, you don't want to buy things just because you have a coupon.
  • After they expire you can recycle them or send them to a military family. Sending them to a military family might help you from purchasing things you don't need. Military families can use them up to three months after expiration date.
This system helps me, I hope you might find it useful.

$1/1 Yoplait Delights Coupon

$1/1 Yoplait Delights Coupon (this is the firefox internet search link). I love these. WinCo Foods normally has them on sale for about $2, add the coupon and you purchase them for only $1! I will be printing mine and picking a few up on Thursday when I collect my WinCo prices.

Chocolate Cheerios Coupon $.50/1

$.50/1 Chocolate Cheerios coupon. This is going to be the next new product my family reviews. I'm excited about this one.

100 Calorie Mini Cakesters Review

I thought it would be fun for our family to start selecting an item once or twice a month to try and review. This will give my kids the opportunity to try new things and then for us to talk about it. I picked these up on sale at Albertson's for about $1.

100 Calorie Mini Cakesters - Reviewed by the NW Coupon Lady's household. This is only our opinion and no one has paid us for our opinion (I wish), it's just for fun.

There are 3 mini cakes in a package
100 Calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 15 carbs

I liked that they were only 15 carbs. They are small but if you take a couple small bites of each one and enjoy them, it satisfies your sweet craving. If you want to fill up on a snack this isn't the one for you, but if you are watching your weight and want a treat these are pretty good. It's a nice snack for the kids' lunchbox, the regular size is way too much in addition to a lunch.

Both my kids loved them. They each gave them a two thumbs up.

Would I buy them again? Yes, if they were under $1.50 I would, but more than that no. I'm sure in the future I will be able to pick these up on sale. I would rather purchase this mini size over the full size snacks.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

My Shopping Trip for week 1/11

My monthly budget is about $500 for a family of 4 with 4 large dogs.

January:
spent $238.80
$271.20 left of my budget.

WinCo Foods:
2 rolls paper towels
2 toaster strudels
Taquitos
bagels
chicken patties
2 bags pepperoni
sandwich bags
Huntz ketchup
2lb baby carrots
2 cans corn
2 cans green beans
shredded lettuce
2 gallons of milk
cream cheese
string cheese
Babybel cheese
Shout Stain remover
Potato chips
Taco chips
pizza sauce
sour cream

Total $49.77 , used $5.05 in coupons




Albertson's

Ritz crackers
3 packages hamburger helper
1 box Carnation instant breakfast
10lb potatoes
2 whole chickens
3 jars peanut butter
2 Nabisco 100 cal snacks
3 blocks of cheese

Total $10.06, I used Albertson's coupons, MF coupons, and my $10 catalina


Fred Meyer:

4 gallons Tillamook ice cream (staple item in our house)
3 packages of french fries

Total $8.83, used $8.17 in-store coupons


Walgreen's

1 box tissues
1 roll paper towels
2 bags life savers
1 bag halls cough drops
Colgate toothpaste
garbage bags
2 Triaminic

Total $11.24, used 11.25 in MFG coupons, WAG coupons $2.00, and advertised sales $7.37 = saved $20.62 and received $7 in RR.

No picture for:

Safeway:

3 Armour lunchables
3 boxes granola bars
15lb in round steak

Total $21.09, $4.65 in coupons, $31.13 club discount

Fiesta Foods:

7 lbs hamburger
1 package Tortillas (store makes them!)
1 Black Forrest Ham

Total $16.99, saved 8.00 in-store discounts

Total for the week: $112.45, total savings $130.53

Walgreens 1/17 - 1/23


Thank you to Money Saving Mom for these great match ups.

Walgreens: Deals for the week of January 17-23, 2010

COUPON DEALS

Quaker Rice Snacks--$0.99
Use $0.75/1 Quaker Rice Snacks coupon from 1/10 RedPlum insert
$0.24 each after coupon

Lindsay Olives--$0.99 each after in-ad coupon
Use $1/2 Lindsay Olives printable coupon
$0.49 each after coupon

Bayer Aspirin (24-36-count)--$1.50 after in-ad coupon
Use $1/1 Bayer Aspirin coupon from 1/3 SmartSource insert
$0.50 each after coupons

Buy 2 Wet Ones (40-pack) at $2 each, Get $1 Register Rewards
Use 2 $1.50/1 Wet Ones printable coupons
Free after Register Rewards and coupon

Herbal Essences and Aussie 23.7 to 33.8oz (large bottle)
use $1/1 from 12/27 PG
$4.99, get $2 in Register Rewards


Dawn Dish Soap $.99 with WG coupon $.99
Use $.25/1 from 12/27 PG
$.74

>Buy $20 worth of Pepsico Products, Get $10 Register Rewards

Aquafina (24-packs)--$5; Gatorade (32-oz.)--$1; Doritos, Tostitos, or Lays Chips (12 oz. or larger bags)--$2.50; Stacy's Pita Chips (6 oz. or larger bag)--$2.50; Tostitos Salsa or Queso (15 oz.)--$2.50; Pepsi Fridgemate (12-pack)--3 for $12; Pepsi 2-Liter Products--$1.25 each

*Deal Idea #1*
Buy 3 Pepsi 12-packs at $3 each
Buy 1 Tostitos Chips and 1 dip at $2.50 each
Buy 1 Stacy's Pita Chips at $2.50
Buy 1 Gatorade at $1

Use $1/2 Tostitos coupon from the January All You magazine
Use $1/1 Stacy's printable coupon here, here, or here
Use $0.50/1 Gatorade coupon from the 1/10 RedPlum insert
Spend $18 plus tax out of pocket, Get $10 Register Rewards back

*Deal Idea #2*
Buy 8 Stacy's Pita Chips at $2.50
Use 8 $1/1 Stacy's printable coupon here, here, or here
Spend $12 plus tax out of pocket, Get $10 Register Rewards back

Coupon Binder Giveaway

This great giveaway is from shortoncents.blogspot.com. Please sign up there.

Even though I decided to go back to the old school coupon book, I signed up. Maybe this complete system would change me back. It's such a nice system.

For those of you that would like to get started in having a coupon binder system this is a great giveaway for you or for someone that would like to give this complete system a try. You have until January 21st. Look at all the great things you will receive:

The Complete Binder System Includes:


* 3-ring Clear View Binder
* 50 Ultra Pro 9 pocket pages
* 30 Pre-defined Category Tabs (installed to match the general layout of a grocery store)
* 5 Customizable Category Tabs
* 1 Set of Coupon Sorting Mats that correspond to the Category Tabs
* 1 Pencil Pouch
* 1 Highlighter and Pen
* 3 Store Envelopes
* Spiral bound Notebook
* Document "How to Save LOADS of Money with Coupons and a Budget"
**Bonus**Stylish, Reusable Grocery Bag

This is a very nice giveaway.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Coupons - Binder or Not to Binder?

Should you use a binder for your coupons or not?



I have used a couple different coupon methods. When I was in the beginning couponing stages I used the basic file style coupon holder (below). That seemed to work really well for me because I could pull them out of the slot and just look through them really quick and it fit in my purse.

As I became a passionate coupon shopper I had seen people using the binder method and I thought, "Wow, I need to step up"; so I had my big heavy binder with all my coupons, sorted by date and coupon insert. But the problem for me was when I seen an item on sale that was not on my already prepared list I would have to sort through all the inserts. Then it would totally frustrate me knowing I had seen a coupon, then I couldn't find it.

So I moved to the baseball card type binder, cutting out all the coupons putting them in their individual slots. That seemed to take some time. It looked really nice and I could flip through the pages pretty easy. Problem here is that I would have to remember to take my binder in with me everywhere and leave it in the car. I was tired of carrying a heavy binder.

Now I'm back to the "old school" coupon book that I can throw in the purse and take it everywhere. The only difference is that I have two now. A grocery book and a Walgreen's type book.

I like being able to cut out the coupons, put them in their stacks as I'm cutting, then I grab them and put them in their slots in my books. Easy. I can still match my coupons up with sales, I just look under my category rather than a date.

I really think it totally depends on your personality, your lifestyle, your time, etc.

For some great ways to organize your coupons to go Frugal Coupon Living; she has a great article.