My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

Today at Vons, I spent $34.41 and saved $35.78, which is 51%. Here's what I bought:
Bananas $.49/pound
Farmland Bacon $2.99
3 Anthony's Pasta $.89 each = $2.67
2 Fritos/Cheetos $1.49 each = $2.98
4 Lucerne ice cream $1.99 each = $7.96
1 Rice-a-Roni $.75
Pears $.99/pound
2 Hostess $1.99 each $3.98
1 Precious String Cheese $3.99 - $1.00 coupon = $2.99
4 Pillsbury toaster strudels $1.99 each = $7.96 - 2 $.50 coupons doubled = $5.96
1 Dannon yogurt $1.49


At Ralphs, I spent $10.62 and saved $10.63, which is 50%. Here's what I bought:
Cauliflower $.99/pound
3 Ralphs tuna $.69 each = $2.07
5 Michelinas $.88 each = $4.40 - $1.00 coupon = $3.40
1 Sara Lee Bread $2.99

I was going to buy Chicken of the Sea Tuna for $.79 each, but I couldn't find it. While I was looking, I saw the Ralphs tuna on sale for $.69, so I decided to buy that instead! I love it when things work out like that, don't you?

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $10.53 and saved $8.25, which is 44%. Here's what I bought:
4 Butterball Chicken broth $.50 each = $2.00
2 Brachs Autumn candy $3.00 + $1.00 register reward
1 Walgreens Pads $2.00 + $2.00 register rewards
1 Remington King of Shaves $4.99 + $4.99 register rewards

I had $2.00 register rewards to use from last week to help pay for this trip.


At CVS, I was paid $.28 and saved $13.18, which is over 100%. Here's what I bought:
3 Tomato/chicken noodle soup $.59 each = $1.77 - $.40 coupon = $1.37
2 SoftSoap Bodywash $6.00 - $1.00 coupon = $5.00 + $4.00 extra bucks

I also had $7.00 in extra bucks to help pay for this purchase. The only reason I was paid $.28 is because initially, I paid $.72. While the cashier was writing up my rain checks, I realized I hadn't used my $1.00 Softsoap coupon. I asked the cashier if it was too late, and she said no, and handed me $1.00.

Smoothie Rock-A-Teller Book Review

The latest book I'm reviewing for Bring It On Communications, is Smoothie Rock-A-Teller on the Whopper Stopper by Dr. Gerald Mittmann. It is illustrated by Gregory Cannone. The book was published in 2011 by Fish Pond, a division of Deep River Books.

Smoothie Rock-A-Teller is a children's book about David and Goliath, told from the perspective of a rock. There are 5 chapters and each chapter ends with a Devotion Time. The first chapter is about being made by God, the second chapter is when we meet Goliath, the third chapter is when we meet David, the fourth chapter is when David goes to the Israel camp, and the fifth chapter is when David defeats Goliath. Each devotion time at the end of each chapter asks questions about the story and ends with a prayer. Since this book is told from the perspective of a rock, the rock re-names everything according to it's perspective. Here are some examples of the rock's new names: a fish is called a "wiggle-mover," people are called "talking-walk-abouts," and sheep are called "baa-baa-mini-cloud-walkers."

It took my 4 year old son and I a couple of months to read this book! It is 52 pages long, and I don't think it's appropriate for a 4 year old. Since the rock re-names everything, it's very difficult to follow who's who in the story, especially if there's some time gaps in between the days when you read it. Also, 4 year olds are already trying to figure out the right name for things, so when things are named the "wrong" thing, it makes it difficult to keep everything straight. The questions at the end of the story are great, but again, my 4 year old wasn't able to answer most of them. I did really like the illustrations in the book, though. They're very bright and colorful, and really make the story come to life. I think we will try reading it again when he's at least 6 years old. I think my son would be able to appreciate and understand this book much better then.

If you would like to buy this book for your own boy or girl(I do recommend ages 6 and up), here are the #'s: ISBN 10: 1-935265-78-4, ISBN 13: 978-1-935265-78-8. It sells for around $10 on amazon.com.

Have any of you already read this book with your child? What did you think?

*To read more reviews like this, go to: TellUsTheTruthReviews.blogspot.com.

My Stater Bros., Fresh & Easy and Albertsons Shopping Trips

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $3.12. I don't know how much I saved because when their produce is on sale, they only list the sales price. Here's what I bought:
Broccoli $.99/pound $1.41
Nectarines $.99/pound $1.71


Today at Fresh and Easy, I spent $2.00 and saved $1.56, which is 44%. Here's what I bought:
2 Fresh and Easy Can Corn $.50 each = $1.00
2 Fresh and Easy Diced Tomatoes $.50 each = $1.00


Today at Albertsons, I spent $8.58 and saved $4.40, which is 34%. Here's what I bought:
1 Hickory Farms Turkey Sausage $4.29
1 Hickory Farms Summer Sausage $4.29

Usually, they only have these available around Christmas, and we love these, so when I saw they were on sale, I just had to buy them!

My Vons and Ralphs Shopping Trips

Today at Vons, I spent $24.15 and saved $22.40, which is 48%. Here's what I bought:
1 Country Crock $2.99
2 Welches Juice blends $1.99 each = $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98
2 Sara Lee bread $1.99 each = $3.98
1 Hunts pudding $.79
2 Lucerne shredded & 1 Sliced cheese $1.79 each = $5.37
3 Kraft Macaroni & cheese $.69 each = $2.07
3 Lucerne ice cream $1.99 each = $5.97


At Ralphs, I spent $19.64 and saved $27.75, which is 59%. Here's what I bought:
3 pound bag of Clementines $2.99
2 Wheat Thins $1.99 each = $3.98 - $1.00 coupon = $2.98
3 General Mills Cereal $1.99 each = $5.97 - $1.50 coupon = $4.47
2 Yoplait yogurt $1.99 each = $3.98 - $.75 ecoupon = $3.23
3 Chips Ahoy cookies $1.99 each = $5.97

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

Today at Walgreens, I spent $3.36 and saved $13.33, which is 80%! Here's what I bought:
3 Toilet paper and 3 Paper towel rolls $.50 each = $3.00
3 Cream of Chicken soup $.79 each = $2.37 - $.40 coupon = $1.97
1 Blistex cold & allergy lip care $2.00 each + $2.00 register rewards
2 Deerfield Shredded cheddar cheese $3.00, from a rain check

When the register tried to print the register rewards, it was out of tape. So, when they refilled it, it wouldn't print my rewards. The manager ended up giving me a gift card with $2.00 on it instead.

I also had $7.00 in register rewards from last time to help pay for this shopping trip.


At CVS, I spent $2.40 and saved $17.77, which is 89%! Here's what I bought:
1 Revlon lip gloss $5.99 + $5.00 extra bucks
3 Barilla pasta $.99 each = $2.97
6 V05 shampoo & conditioner $.66 each = $3.96

I also had $11.29 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this shopping trip.

The cashier asked where my little one was, so I told her he was at kindergarten. She said her daughter just pulled her granddaughter out of public school kindergarten to a private school because there's too many kids in the classroom. My son has 29 kids in his classroom, and on Wednesdays, both a.m. and p.m. kinder. come at the same time, so there are 60 on that day!

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $26.44 and saved $18.93, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
6 Lean Pockets $1.49 each = $8.94
5 Maruchan $1.00
4 Michelinas entrees $.79 each = $3.16
2 Farmland Bacon $2.99 each = $5.98
2 Sundae cups $2.50 each = $5.00
Cauliflower $.99/pound = $2.36

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $26.44 and saved $18.93, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
6 Lean Pockets $1.49 each = $8.94
5 Maruchan $1.00
4 Michelinas entrees $.79 each = $3.16
2 Farmland Bacon $2.99 each = $5.98
2 Sundae cups $2.50 each = $5.00
Cauliflower $.99/pound = $2.36

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $26.44 and saved $18.93, which is 42%. Here's what I bought:
6 Lean Pockets $1.49 each = $8.94
5 Maruchan $1.00
4 Michelinas entrees $.79 each = $3.16
2 Farmland Bacon $2.99 each = $5.98
2 Sundae cups $2.50 each = $5.00
Cauliflower $.99/pound = $2.36

My Walgreens and CVS and Vons Shopping Trip

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $11.41 and saved $28.38, which is 72%. Here's what I bought:
1 Air Wick Freshener $7.99 - $4.00 coupon = $3.99 + $3.00 register rewards
2 Glide Floss $5.00 + $3.00 register rewards
4 Barbasol/Pure Silk shaving cream $.99 each = $3.96
1 Crest Toothpaste $1.99 - $.50 coupon = $1.49 + $1.00 register rewards
4 Lays Stax $.99 each = $3.96

I had $7.00 in register rewards and $1.46 left on my gift card to help me pay for this purchase. By the way, while I was checking out, some odd looking fellows entered the store, and one of them was riding his bicycle! The cashier was a young girl and she didn't know what to do, other than we shared a strange look. :)


Today at CVS, I spent $9.19 and saved $11.36, which is 56%. Here's what I bought:
1 Soft Soap Body Wash $2.99 + $2.00 extra bucks
1 Colgate Optic White Toothpaste $3.99 - $1.50 coupon = $2.49 + $1.50 extra bucks
1 St. Josephs aspirin $2.00 + $1.00 extra bucks
1 Brilliant Tampons $6.79 + $6.79 extra bucks

I had $5.99 in extra bucks, earned last week, to help pay for this purchase.


At Vons, I spent $25.74 and saved $25.94, which is 50%. It's funny that what I spent and saved is almost the exact amount! Here's what I bought:
1 Safeway Apple Juice $1.49
3 Dannon yogurt $1.69 each = $5.07
6 Pop Tarts $1.49 each = $8.94 - $1.00 coupon = $7.94
2 Safeway can fruit $.88 each = $1.76
4 Quaker rice cakes $1.00 each = $4.00
2 Dole Juice Blends $2.49 each = $4.98

This week I was able to give away 10 bags of groceries to the low income apartment complex I always give to every month. The apartment manager said it was good timing because a single dad and his girls were in need of food and other supplies. I love knowing that my frugal shopping can help others!

My Vons, Stater Bros., Albertsons, and Fresh & Easy Shopping Trips

Today at Vons, I spent $10.74 and saved $5.19, which is 33%. Here's what I bought:
2 Safeway orange juice $1.99 each = $3.98
2 Lucerne yogurt 6 packs $2.39 each = $4.78
2 Safeway frozen corn $.99 each = $1.98


Today at Stater Bros., I spent $19.90 and saved $13.18, which is 40%. Here's what I bought:
4 Lunchables $.99 each = $3.96
2 Danimals/Danino yogurt $2.00 each = $4.00
4 Koolaid/Caprisun $1.49 each = $5.96
2 Kraft Mayo./Miracle Whip $2.99 each = $5.98


At Fresh & Easy, I spent $1.96. I technically didn't save anything because these items are just every day low prices. Here's what I bought:
1 Romeros flour tortillas $.98
1 2 pound bag yellow onions $.98


At Albertsons, I spent $10.91 and saved $24.50, which is 69%. The cashier told me I did a good job using coupons. :) Here's what I bought:
1 Cantaloupe $.69/pound = $3.22
3 Hamburger Helper $.50 each = $1.50 - $.75 coupon = $.75
4 Betty Crocker Cake Mix/Brownie mix $.99 each = $3.96 - $.75 coupon = $3.21
1 Betty Crocker Frosting $1.49
2 Betty Crocker Potatoes $.50 each = $1.00
2 Albertsons Kidney Beans $1.00
1 Mother's Cookies $1.99

They didn't have the Hamburger Helper that was on sale, so when a worker walked by and asked if I needed help, he told me to bring up the Tuna Helper to the cashier and tell him to ring that up(that was on sale), and I could just pick any of the Hamburger Helper that was on the shelf instead! That was very nice of him!

My Walgreens and CVS Shopping Trip

Today at Walgreens, I spent $0.00 and saved $8.36, which is 100%! Here's what I bought:
3 Nice tomato sauce $.25 each = $.75
1 Wet n' Wild nail polish $.99
1 Mitchum deodorant $2.99 - $1.00 coupon = $1.99 + $2.00 register rewards

I also had $1.50 in register rewards and a gift card from last week to help pay for this trip.


Today at CVS, I spent $2.90 and saved $16.68, which is 86%! Here's what I bought:
1 Hunts pudding $.88
1 Hersheys Air Delight candy bar $.99 + $.99 extra bucks
1 CVS Pantiliners $.50
1 Carefree Pantiliners $1.00 - $.50 coupon = $.50 + $1.00 extra bucks
2 Suave deodorant $.99 each = $1.98 - 2 $.75 coupons = $.48
1 St. Josephs aspirin $2.00 + $2.00 extra bucks
1 Bic Soleil Shimmer $5.99 - $2.00 = $3.99 + $2.00 extra bucks

I also had $7.00 in extra bucks from last time to help pay for this trip.

My Stater Bros. Shopping Trip

Today at Stater Bros., I spent $12.01 and saved $10.60, which is 47%. Here's what I bought:
Yellow peaches $.99/pound = $2.08
2 Oscar Meyer hot dogs $.99 each = $1.98
2 Caprisun/Koolaid Jammers $1.49 each = $2.98
2 Wheat Thins $1.49 each = $2.98
8 pound bag russet potatoes $1.99

My Walgreens & CVS & Vons & Ralphs Shopping Trip

Yesterday at Walgreens, I spent $6.95 and saved $10.45, which is 61%. I would have saved more, but the register wouldn't let me use one of my $4 register rewards. The fine print says the # of coupons/rewards can't outnumber the # of items. Well, I bought 6 items and had 6 coupons/rewards, but it would only take 5. I asked for the manager, but he said he couldn't override the system. I told him I didn't want to lose my $4 when the rewards expire next week, so he gave me $4 on a Walgreens gift card instead. So, here's what I bought:
1 Ajax $.59
4 bags M & Ms $10.00 - 2 $1.00 coupons = $8.00 + $5.00 in register rewards to use next week
1 Carmex lip balm $1.50 - $.30 coupon = $1.20 + $1.50 in register rewards to use next week

I also had $3.00 in register rewards to help pay for this trip.


Today at CVS, I spent $7.13 and saved $21.68, which is 76%. Here's what I bought:
2 Dawn $.99 each - $.75 coupon - $.50 coupon = $.73
3 Pop Tarts $5.00 - $1.00 coupon = $4.00
3 Puffs $2.97 - $.25 coupon = $2.72
2 Gold Emblem pasta $.88 each = $1.76
2 Oral B floss for braces $1.99 each - $.75 coupon = $3.23 + $2.00 extra bucks

I also had $6.00 in extra bucks to use from last week to help pay for this trip. I also earned $5.00 in extra bucks for accumulating $50.00 in beauty care purchases.


At Vons, I spent $13.34 and saved $13.94, which is 51%. I would have saved more, but I had to buy whipping cream for 2 recipes and it wasn't on sale. Here's what I bought:
2 Dryers $2.79 each = $5.58
3 Danon/Danino $1.49 each = $4.47
1 Fresh Express Salad $2.50 - $2.50 coupon from Vocalpoint = Free
1 Lucerne whipping cream $3.29


At Ralphs, I spent $10.00 and saved $5.96, which is 38%. Here's what I bought:
4 Deluxe ice cream $2.50 each = $10.00