$1.00 Shop Deals

Today we made a little trip to our local $1.00 Shop, how I wish we had a Dollar Tree, but our local store has some pretty cool finds. It was a fun trip, and Thade even had $1.00 that he could spend on whatever he wanted. He found a Batman Coloring Book with Crayons, and that was one quiet toy that Mommy could say yes to buying. I came home with Batteries for the upstairs t.v. remotes, 200 count Bendy Straws, and a Garment Bag for the Laundry Room. The Garment Bag was a great find at only $1.00 🙂

I might have to go back again soon. I spotted some really cute Tea-cups with little birds on them that I think would make cute gifts. I’m sure Thade wouldn’t mind one more trip to the $1.00 Shop either 🙂

Getting Out Today

We have a break in the Winter weather for the next three days. The Sun is shining bright and it is already up to 50 degrees and climbing. It is nice to see the warmer temps, I can get the kids out easily, and without them miserable in 4 layers of clothing , and it helps out the gas bill too. My hubby is working today, so we’ll be taking him lunch soon. Hmmm, I’m hungry already, I wonder just what I’ll be fixing today.

My Mom is also coming up to visit today, and help out with the boys. We’ll be making a trip to our local $1.00 Shop. Thade has been begging to go and shop there. I hope to get a few chores finished around the house, but with Dylan up all night, I might just kick back and take the day off.

I hope that everyone is having a nice weekend!

Christmas Dinner Budget

For Christmas Dinner I worked extra hard on shopping around and saving where I could. I did pretty good too, and I had plenty of leftovers for extra meals. I had 7 adults and one picky toddler to feed 🙂

Here is what was on the menu, and the savings too:

  • Turkey $15.00- I paid $10.96
  • Ham $10.00- I paid $10.19 (coupon of $1.00)
  • Corn $1.00- I paid $1.00 (bought on sale)
  • Stuffing 2 Boxes $2.00- I paid $1.76 (bought on sale)
  • Russet Potatoes 10 lbs for mashing $5.00-I paid $1.68
  • Crescent Rolls (2) $3.00- I paid $2.00 for 2 (on sale and $1.00 in coupons)
  • Chicken (for noodles) $7.00- FREE my Mom brought Chicken from Angel Food
  • Homemade Noodles $3.00- FREE I had everything in my pantry
  • Celery $2.00- I paid $.88 (on sale)
  • Baby Carrots $2.00- I paid $1.68
  • Black Olives $1.00- I paid $.99 ( on sale and $.51 in coupons at Walgreens)
  • Easy Cheese $2.00- I paid $2.97 (no savings there, bummer)
  • Baby Bel Cheese $3.00- I paid $2.98
  • Camembert Cheese $4.00-I paid $3.29 (on sale at local grocer)
  • Truscuits $2.00- I paid $2.00 (item was on sale)
  • Townhouse Crackers $2.00-I paid $1.50 (item was on sale + $.50 in coupons)
  • Garlic Salt $1.00- I paid $.50
  • Poultry Seasoning $1.00- I paid $2.12 (ouch, that one was pricey for such a tiny jar)
  • Chicken Broth 2 Large Containers $4.00-I paid $3.00 (on sale and $1.00 in coupons)
  • Margarine $1.00-I paid $.68

I had estimated that the meal would cost $71.00, and with shopping around and using coupons I only paid $50.16! I was $20.84 under Budget, and I had $4.01 in coupons too.

I am proud of those savings, in Christmas past I haven’t done quite as well in the saving department, but having a menu planned really helped me stay on track. I learned to take the time and shop around for the best deals, and stick to my budget. It worked out pretty well, and we all had way too much to eat 🙂

Midwest Dillons Deals

I found just a few Dillons deals this week on sale from 1/2/08-1/8/08! Make sure and bring along your Plus card and your coupons too.

  • Dillons One Gallon Milk $2.99 (price with Plus Card)
  • Bounty Select-A-Size 8 roll Paper Towels $7.00 (price with Plus Card)
  • Glaceau Vitamin Water 10 for $10.00 (price with Plus Card)
  • Luvs Mega Pack Diapers $9.99 (price with Plus Card)

I hope to get to Dillons to stock up on the diapers. I can never have too many of those around here 😉 Happy Shopping and Saving too 🙂

December 2007 Coupon Savings

December was a great month for shopping with coupons, but I also went a bit over on my grocery budget 🙁 Oh well, I’ll plan better for those last minute gifts, and giant food feasts next year, lesson learned. I did save a bunch with coupons  for all of the Christmas goodies, and in December I saved a total of $70.48  🙂

That brings my Total 2007 Savings (Feb-Dec no record of Jan) up to $421.87 🙂 Not too bad. Last year was the first year that I really focused on shopping and saving with coupons, and this year I plan to save even more.  I would like to turn those savings into a Holiday Account to use for next year’s Christmas presents or for those end of the year  expenses. Here’s hoping to save more in 2008 🙂

Are you shopping  and saving with coupons in the new year too? What are you planning to do with your savings?