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Wednesday, June 3, 2009

My kids don't live on Pop-tarts!

One of the biggest misconceptions about couponing is that everything bought with coupons, or on coupon shopping trips is junk food. Processed, hydrogenated, high-fructose overload. And yes, many of the coupons out there, and many of the sales that stretch those coupons, are for the above mentioned foods with little nutritional value. But that doesn't mean my children live on junk food.

I like having snacks and treats on hand when I am rushing out the door, or when I have a houseful of neighbor kids over. I feel justified giving out sugary treats occasionally, but I hate paying for them. Since I began couponing, I rarely have to now. I try to stock up during sales that make them free or really cheap. But most of the meals I prepare are healthy, and my kids are forced to eat veggies just like everyone else! So, to curb the main phrase of resistance I get when telling people about couponing, here is a frugal shopping trip with plenty of healthy goodness!

When I began couponing, I made the choice to stick to one store, Albertsons (although I head to Walgreens about once a month, or when the sales rock). I do ALL of my shopping at Albertsons. I watch the sales on produce and meat, and plan my menu around those sales. Occasionally, I pick up an item that I need in my pantry for more than I would pay for it at Winco or Walmart. But for me, paying .75 cents more for something beats driving to another store and carting my children in and out again. Doing this, I have still cut my grocery bill in half. That's right! Shopping solely at Albertsons, I have slashed over 50% off my monthly grocery bill. And this is what a typical shopping trip looks like for me now:This shopping trip, which included cucumbers, grapes, lettuce, bananas, carrots, broccoli, and other good for you items, cost me a grand total of $27.15. I saved $78.92! Of course, Albertson's regular prices are highly inflated, so when you see a savings of 75%, it is often misleading (still fun to say though!). But all in all, I am saving a ridiculous amount of money, while still making healthy meals for my family. (If you want to know the breakdown of this shopping trip, just leave your email and I would be glad to share details!)

ps. I am a toilet paper snob, and have never tried Angel Soft. But at such a good price I thought what the heck. Any thoughts on this brand?

12 comments:

Erin said...

We're toilet paper snobs, too! And we ALWAYS buy Kirland brand (great stuff!), but I picked some up at Walmart on my last trip. Ick. NEVER. AGAIN. :)

Kristin said...

couponsloveme@yahoo.com..Id love to know the breakdown! Thanks

A said...

I grew up on Angel Soft. My parents finally bought Charmin and it clogged their pipes! The plumber said Charmin is notorious for doing so, so we were back on Angel Soft. If you grew up on the posh brands, you probably won't like it. Me, I'm used to it and I think it's normal!

sarah said...

I am glad you posted this because i am one of those people that are always thinking it is junk all the time. It is nice to see some healthy food and at a great price. very nice job.

Sarah said...

What coupon did you use for your Country Time canisters? I tried earlier today to use my $1.50 off 2, but they would not double it. I thought maybe they would double just $1, but the cashier said no.

Amber said...

Sarah,
They will not double a coupon that is over $1, not sure why because either way, they are still paying $1. But that is their policy, so I will follow it. I just used the $1.50/2 printable, which made them $1 a piece. But a catalina for $1 prints out when you buy 2, essentially making them .50 cents a piece. I thought that was a great price even w/out the doubles!

Ali Smith said...

I like that term "toilet paper snobs." Lol. Made me laugh. Any way, my family uses Angel Soft and pretty much always has, as it's so cheap, but whenever I use the restroom at my parents' house, MAN do I LOVE the feel of the good stuff! :) Such a treat. Lol. But yeah...if you're used to the good stuff, you probably won't like Angel Soft, as there is definitely a BIG difference...let us know how that goes for ya though. ;)

kimberly said...

please post the break down for all of us.

Laura said...

I would love to know the break down. little_siobhan@hotmail.com

Karen said...

I would love to see your break down. I wrote down (from looking at your picture) what I would consider the lowest prices I would pay locally (central KY) I got $40 sans the meat as I wasn't sure what it was. I'd love to see how you got this down to $28. Also, about the tp - we used Angel Soft for years and I have to admit to becoming a toilet paper snob as things have gotten easier financially. I'm betting you don't like it. I certainly don't miss it! Thanks for all your tips.

Just Me said...

"Albertson's regular prices are highly inflated"

I used to shop at Albertson's ALL the time... between them and Fred Meyers... then when the HIGH gas prices hit I noticed Albies prices going up...slowly then FAST. Their sale prices were higher than than their normal prices were before. I shopped exclusively at Fred Meyer... THEN I started REALLY couponing and found the blogs... Now, AGAIN, I find myself shopping exclusively at Albies... very little at Freddies :( Their sales are just not as good as Albies with the coupons and now doubles.

I am very happy I found ALL you WONDERFUL WOMEN who do soooo much work for us!!!

Mama Yo said...

Thanks Hilmarose!