My Stater Bros. and Fresh & Easy Shopping Trips

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $3.09. I don't know how much I saved because I only bought produce and produce only shows the sale price on the receipt, not how much was saved. So, here's what I bought:
White onions $.79/pound = $1.14
Asparagus $1.99/pound = $1.95


At Fresh and Easy, I spent $10.96. The juice was on sale, but only the sales price shows on the receipt, so I don't know how much I saved. Here's what I bought:
2 Fresh and Easy juice $2.49 each = $4.98
2 Fruit jellies candy $2.99 each = $5.98

My Walgreens and Vons Shopping Trip

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $9.05 and saved $16.46, which is 65%. Here's what I bought:
6 Big Roll toilet paper $.50 each = $3.00
4 Butterball chicken broth $.50 each = $2.00
1 Mitchum deodorant $1.99 - $1.00 coupon = $.99
1 Dial Nutriskin Body Wash $3.99 + $3.00 in register rewards
1 Colgate Sensitive toothpaste $4.99 + $4.00 register rewards

I also had $7.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this shopping trip. The cashier told me she was impressed with my shopping! She said that's definitely the way to do it, using store coupons and manufacturer's coupons. She said she's never seen anyone else save as much as I did! That nice compliment made my day! :)


Today at Vons, I spent $31.35 and saved $47.82, which is 60%. Here's what I bought:
3 Cheezits $1.49 each = $4.47
4 Fritos/Cheetos $1.49 each = $5.96
1 Pepperidge Farms cookies $2.00
5 Bryers $2.49 each = $12.45
4 General Mills cereal $1.99 each = $7.96 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $5.96

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $5.88 and saved $2.79, which is 33%. Here's what I bought:
1 Pasta Roni $.88
2 Sundae cups $2.50 each = $5.00


At Albertsons, I spent $10.20 and saved $17.60, which is 63%. Here's what I bought:
1 Cantaloupe $.69/pound
2 Kraft BBQ sauce $.79 each = $1.58
1 Wishbone Salad Dressing $.99 - $.50 coupon = $.49
7 Ragu pasta sauce $.99 each = $6.93 - 3 $1.00 coupons = $3.93

Looking back on this, I realize my total doesn't come up to $10.20. So, I looked at my receipt. What happened is the cashier missed one of my Ragu pasta sauce, which meant I only purchased 9 items, not the 10 items needed for the $5.00 off. So, I didn't get the good deal I should have. I hate when that happens. I'm so careful to check everything as it rings up, but the deal doesn't show up until the end of the transaction. I checked my receipt, but failed to check for the $5.00 at the bottom. Ugh! Oh well!

My Vons Shopping Trip

Today at Vons, I spent $32.13 and saved $25.92, which is 45%. Here's what I bought:
2 Hostess Zingers $1.77 each = $3.54
1 Kleenex $.79
1 Safeway orange juice $1.99
1 Dole Juice Blends $2.49
1 Capri Sun $1.49
2 Safeway can fruit $.88 each = $1.76
Bartlett pears $.99/pound = 1.73
2 Lucerne string/stick cheese $3.99 each = $7.98
4 Toaster Strudels $1.99 each = $7.96 - $.50 coupon, doubled = $6.96
Broccoli $.99/pound = $1.51
Cauliflower $.99/pound = $2.33

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

Today at Walgreens, I spent $6.13 and saved $23.98, which is 80%. Here's what I bought:
3 Kraft Mac & Cheese $.69 each = $2.07
3 Campbells Cream Soups $.79 each = $2.37
2 Brachs Autumn Mix $3.00 + $1 register rewards to use next time
1 Revlon nail polish $3.99 + $3.00 register rewards to use next time
2 Reach Toothbrushes $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00 + $3.00 register rewards to use next time

I also had $10.00 in register rewards,earned last time, to use to help pay for this trip.


At CVS, I spent $.77(which is only the tax) and saved $11.58, which is 94%. Here's what I bought:
2 Revlon nail polish $4.99 each = $9.98 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $7.78 + $6.00 in extra bucks to use next time

I also had $8.00 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this trip.

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

The only place that had good sales today was Stater Bros. I spent $15.11 and saved $10.85, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
1 Mini Watermelon $1.99
Cabbage $.59/pound = $1.39
1 Farmland Bacon $2.99
1 Michelinas $.79
5 Maruchan soup $1.00
4 VO5 shampoo and conditioner $.69 each = $2.76
2 Oreos $1.99 each = $3.98

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures of my shopping trips today, but it was a very busy morning. This morning, I had to go with my high school son to turn in his school registration papers, get his picture taken, and get his schedule and text books. When we came back, my daughter and I went grocery shopping. When we returned, it was already past lunch time, so I just needed to hurry up and put my groceries away so we could eat.

Today at Vons, I spent $25.24 and saved $42.10, which is 63%. Here's what I bought:
4 Lunchables $1.00 each = $4.00
4 Anthony's pasta $.88 each = $3.52
10 Goldfish $1.00 each = $10.00
1 6 pack Lucerne yogurt $2.29
2 Chex Mix $1.00 each = $2.00 - $.50 doubled coupon = $1.00
2 Dannon Light yogurt and 1 Danino yogurt $1.49 each = $4.47
1 Ore Ida Sweet Potato Fries $3.50 - $3.50 coupon = Free

Today at Ralphs, I spent $17.00 and saved $18.54, which is 53%. Here's what I bought:
3 Peaches $.88/pound = $1.24
4 Deluxe ice cream 2/$5 = $10.00
2 Yoplait Gogurt $1.88 each = $3.76 - $.75 doubled coupon = $2.76
2 Toaster Strudels $2.00 each = $4.00 - $.50 doubled coupon = $3.00

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

Today at Walgreens, I spent $20.16 and saved $37.62, which is 66%. Here's what I bought:
1 24 Crayola Crayons $1.00 + $1.00 register rewards to use next time
1 10 pack Penway #2 pencils $.19
2 Tab Dividers $.39 each = $.78
3 Elmer's glue/glue sticks $.29 each = $.87
1 School box $.59
4 Green Giant vegetables $.69 each = $2.76
3 Campbells chicken noodle/tomato soup $.69 each = $2.07
3 Pencil sharpeners $.39 each = 1.17
3 Chapstick $.99 each = $2.97
1 Keri Lotion $5.99 - $2.00 coupon = $3.99 + $5.00 register rewards to use next time
2 Colgate toothpaste/toothbrush $6.00 - $.75 coupon = $5.25 + $4.00 register rewards

I also had $3.00 in register rewards to use from last time to help pay for this trip.


At CVS, I spent $1.05 and saved $32.14, which is 97%! My daughter and I are pretty proud of ourselves for this great savings! Here's what I bought:
2 Keebler Fudge cookies $1.99 each = $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98
2 Kettle Potato Chips $2.49 each = $4.98 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $2.98
3 Renuzit $.88 each = 2.64 - $.88 coupon = $1.76
1 Pampers Jumbo Pack Cruisers $8.99 - $2.00 coupon = $6.99 + $3.00 extra bucks to use next time

I also had $13.99 in extra bucks to use from last time to help pay for this trip.

Downy Unstopables Review

As a member of Vocalpoint, I was given a full size sample of the new Downy Unstopables in-wash scent booster to try. I received the Fresh scent. You put these scent beads in the wash before you start it, to keep your laundry smelling fresh for at least 30 days. You decide how much scent you want by shaking the desired amount into the cap. You then just drop it into your washer, and load in your usual soap, laundry, and fabric softener(if desired). It's especially great for active wear and towels.

My family and I really like the smell of these Downy Unstopables scent beads. The great thing is, you can just squeeze the bottle and sniff above the top of the cap, to tell what the scent is. Even my 15 year old son, who's allergic to almost everything, likes the scent and it doesn't bother his allergies. The whole house smells great while the laundry is in the wash. I've only tried it with my towels, but it works great! My towels smell wonderful, even after 30 days! My parents were over for dinner this weekend, and my dad really liked the smell too. I think my mom got too strong of a whiff, so she didn't really say what she thought. :)

If you would like to find out more information about Downy Unstopables, check out their website. If you've already tried it, let me know what you think.

My Stater Bros. and Albertsons Shopping Trips

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $12.74 and saved $11.40, which is 48%. Here's what I bought:
4 Hillshire Farms Sausage $ 1.99 each = $7.96
2 Hillshire Farms 5 oz. Lunchmeat $1.49 each = $2.98
White Peaches $.99/pound = $1.80


At Albertsons, I spent $11.12 and saved $14.76, which is 57%. Here's what I bought:
4 Lunchables $1.00 each = $4.00
4 Francisco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce $.99 each = $3.96
4 Essential Everyday Pasta $.79 each = $3.16

There was another mom shopping for the pasta sauce and pasta too, and she was doing what I was, checking to make sure she had the exact right product according to the store coupon. After we left that aisle, my 12 year old daughter commented that there was another "couponer" like me. When I got home and told my 15 year old that there was another mom like me, he teased, "You mean there was another crazy lady like you." :)

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

Today at Vons, I spent $6.98 and saved $4.91, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
2 Welches Juice $1.99 each = $3.98
1 45 oz. Country Crock Spread $2.99

The cashier was very nice - when he was handing me my receipt, he noticed the store coupon for the Country Crock hadn't rung up, so he just gave me a cash refund.


At Ralphs, I spent $17.89 and saved $15.36, which is 47%. Here's what I bought:
2 Toaster Strudels $2.00 each = $4.00
2 Gogurt/Trix yogurt $1.88 each - $.75 doubled coupon = $3.01
4 Deluxe ice cream = $10.00
Broccoli $.99/pound = $1.63

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

Today at Walgreens, I spent $13.69 and saved $31.96, which is 71%. Here's what I bought:
3 Chicken of the Sea tuna(rain check) $.55 each = $1.65
5 3 prong folders $.11 each = $.55
3 packs of eraser caps $.29 each = $.87
3 packs of erasers $.29 each = $.87
2 packs of 6 Paper Mate highlighters $.39 each = $.78
1 Goody hair clips $2.00 + $2 register rewards to use next time
2 7mm Pentel lead $.99 each = $1.98
1 Bic 5 mechanical pencils $.99
3 boxes of 100 Aco paperclips $1.00
1 Crest Pro Health mouthwash $3.99 - $2.00 coupon = $1.99 + $1 register rewards


At CVS, I spent $17.76 and saved $30.94, which is 64%. Here's what I bought:
3 Puffs $.88 each = $2.64 - $.25 coupon = $2.39
1 Dawn $.99 - $.50 coupon = $.49
2 Skinny Cow clusters $.99 each = $1.98 - $.99 coupon = $.99 + $.99 extra bucks
1 Gilette Fusion ProGlide razor $9.99 - $4.00 coupon = $5.99 + $5.00 extra bucks
2 Nivea Lip Moisturizer $5.00 - $3.00 coupon = $2.00
1 5 count Zyrtec $5.59(rain check) + $7.00 extra bucks
4 Bells sliced olives $1.00 each(rain check) = $4.00
1 Hershey's Bliss $3.50 + $6.00 extra bucks(from rain check)

I also had $4.69 in extra bucks from previous trips to help pay for this, and $5.00 off $30.00 from an online e-coupon.

Sand to Pearls Book Review

I'm a book reviewer for Bring It On Communications, and the latest book I was sent to review was, Sand to Pearls, written by Heidi McLaughlin. Heidi is a teacher, mentor, and a great inspiration to women. The book was published by Deep River Books in 2011.

Sand to Pearls is a great book about "making bold choices to enrich your life." It's about how our insecurities can hold us back from the wonderful future that God has planned for us. The book has 13 Chapters and each chapter covers a different topic that women often get stuck in. These topics are obligations, sabotaging ourselves, friendships, resentment, blended families, buyer's remorse, comparing ourselves to others, fears, regrets, shame, panic, and careers. The author shares personal stories and examples in each chapter and how to move past the area you're stuck in. She also quotes from other books, which give wonderful encouraging, inspiring words to help you move forward in your life. Every chapter has a section about how to make choices that enrich your life that are very practical and helpful. Also, every chapter ends with a section entitled, "Stop and Ask God To Help You Change Sand to Pearls." Each "s" is a scripture, "t" is thanksgiving, "o" is observation, and "p" is prayer.

I really enjoyed this book and found a lot of practical ways to help turn my insecurities into a wonderful new life that I can live for God. One of my favorite things I learned was in Chapter 6 " Broken or Blended." Although, I've been married to my one and only husband for 16 years, I still found something great in this chapter. It talks about how your husband can't meet all of your emotional and spiritual needs, that God is the one to look to in order to meet all the empty places in our hearts. This really spoke to me - and I think reminding myself to turn to God will take a lot of pressure off my husband and make our marriage happier. Another thing I liked was in Chapter 12 "Panic or Prayer." It suggests to say a prayer to God, thinking of words that describe him using every letter of the alphabet. What a great challenge!

If you want to read this book yourself, the ISBN numbers are: ISBN-10 1-935265-43-1, ISBN-13 978-1-935265-43-6. You can find it at amazon.com on sale for $2.53! What a great price! You can also contact Heidi McLaughlin on her web page.

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile, but we've been busy with dance recital and then a quick trip to see my in-laws. I'm hoping to start adding some more variety to what I post, so hopefully I will find time to do that soon. Anyway, here's my trips.


Yesterday at Vons, I spent $13.32 and saved $25.51, which is 66%. Here's what I bought:
10 Gatorade $.49 each = $4.90
2 Lucerne Novelty ice cream bars $.99 each = $1.98
6 Barilla pasta $.89 each - $1 coupon = $4.34


At Ralphs, I spent $19.06 and saved $15.95, which is 46%. Here's what I bought:
1 Minute Maid Orange Juice $2.00
2 Deluxe ice cream $5.00 - $.40 coupon = $4.60
4 General Mills Cereal $14.46 - 2 $.75 coupons(doubled) = $12.46
2 Ralphs Gallon Milk free(would have been $5.98)

The Ralphs ad was confusing, even according to the manager. It looked like the GM cereal was 4 for $10, and then you get the 2 free gallons of milk. So, I looked carefully at all the tags and made sure the cereal we bought was part of the deal. Well, apparently it should have been 2 separate promotions - you can either get the cereal 4 for $10 or 2 free milk, not both. Oh well!