Well, I didn’t get the job I interviewed for.
Don’t feel bad for me though. I know that God has a plan, and I trust in that.
I’m a little relieved because of the stress placed on the FCAT. Reading is an integral part of it, and to go in as a first-year 10th grade reading teacher would be a huge responsibility.
I figured a little retail therapy was in order, though.
My idea of shopping is a little different than most women’s idea.
In fact, instead of shopping for such designer labels as Gianni Bini or Gucci (not that I can afford these), I was on the hunt for Kelloggs and Betty Crocker.
Oh yeah…it was time for Round 2 at Publix.
The only reason I ventured back was because the Mr. picked up a paper from the big city that Chicky’s travel team is based out of.
Compare the coupon sections in Podunk City Newspaper (mine) and Big City Newspaper…
Podunk City Newspaper Inserts
Big City Newspaper Inserts
Don’t let the outsides of those inserts fool you. They might look the same, but inside, there were a ton more coupons from the big city. My jaw dropped in awe.
So, this morning I got busy and looked at my store ads again…planning my adventure…cutting coupons, taking notes, in general, getting very excited. Oh yeah, I was one happy girl.
First, a picture of the haul…
Now, let me tell you how I got all of the above for $28.74. My bill, before my savings of $77.40, would have been $106.14. That’s a savings of 73%.
Kraft Mac & Cheese – B1G1 @ $2.67
I had 4 $1.50/2 coupons (printed from the internet)
Total: $.59 per box or $4.72 total
Kraft BBQ Sauce – B1G1 @ $2.79
I had 4 coupons for free sauce with the purchase of two Kraft Mac & Cheese — peelies from boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese
Total: FREE
Pop Tarts – B1G1 @ $2.45
I had 4 $.75 TargetWeb coupons AND 2 $1.00/2 mfg coupons (remember that you can stack store and mfg coupons)
Total: Moneymaker of $.05 per box
Pringles – $3/2
I had 1 $1/2 mfg coupon
Total: $1 per container or $2 total for both
Yogurt – B1G1 @ $2.87
I had a $.80/2 mfg coupon
Total: $1.04 per yogurt or $2.07 for both
Pickles – B1G1 @ $2.19
I had 2 $.15 mfg coupons
Total: $.95 each or $1.89 for both
Ragu – Not on sale, but I needed it for dinner – $2.59 each
I had a $2/2 Food Lion coupon and a $.75/2 mfg coupon
Total: $1.22 per jar or $2.43 for both
Worcestershire Sauce – Not on sale, but I needed it – $1.79
I had a $.50 mfg
Total: $1.29
Milk – Not on sale and no coupon – $3.99
Granola Bars – B1G1 @ $5.49
I had a $.75/1 Target coupon and 2 $.40 mfg coupons
Total: $1.95 per box or $3.94 for both
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix – B1G1 @ $2.63
I had a $.75/2 mfg coupon
Total: $.94 per box or $1.88 total
Lipton Onion Soup Mix – Not on sale and no coupon – $1.49
Kellogg’s Cereal – B1G1 @ $4.09
I had 2 $1/1 Food Lion coupons and 1 $1/2 mfg coupon
Total: $.55 per box or $1.09 for both
Eggs – Not on sale and no coupon – $2.09
I went to Walgreens after leaving Publix and bought a package of manilla mailing envelopes for $.09 after using a $.50 coupon.
I also went by Office Max and picked up four packs of Bic pens that were free after the two $1/2 coupons I had. Combined with the six folders @ $.01 each, I walked out of there spending $.20.
So, although I didn’t walk in the house with bags of new clothes, I had something even better…stuff that the entire family can use for a fraction of the cost.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the kids and I have started two bags for donation: one for extra groceries and the other for extra school supplies. My church collects food one Sunday a month, and a local Christian radio station is having a school supply drive this week. I figure if I’m paying next to nothing for things, someone else besides my family might as well benefit.
When I pulled into the driveway with all of my loot, I had an extra surprise…
Nine flowers are blooming right now!!
Nine of my flowers are now blooming…all at the same time!!! That’s just one bunch too! I have three more blooming beside the garage!
Sure, I didn’t get the job, but I have something much more special…a God who loves me and continues to bless me. My primary job is passing on these blessings to others so they might see how good He is.
Filed under: Saving Money | Tagged: couponing, grocery shopping, Saving Money | 3 Comments »
AuburnChick's Adventures 