My Adventures In Couponing

Some people are probably wondering how exactly I calculate my savings so I’d like to share. Lots of people calculate things differently and there’s nothing wrong with that. I’d just like you to know how I come up with my number.

1. The difference in regular price and sale price? Yes, I consider this a savings. Why? I used to purchase things and not use coupons…I was young and naive. Also there is the rare occasion we run out of something and can’t do without it so I have to pay full price. Therefor yes, sale price is calculated into my savings.

2. Coupons? I always calculate in coupons! That’s my main source of savings!

3. Giftcards? Yes these are savings if I did not purchase the giftcard. Why? It is no money out of my pocket, so I have saved!

4. Store savings, like Register Rewards or Extra Care Bucks? Yes and No. These definitely count towards my savings, but only the 2nd time around! Here’s the catch: These rewards are given when you purchase something. They are actual coupons that print out for you. I do not count these in my savings unless I actually use them.
IE - I buy $10 worth of items for $7 and get $5 ECB back. I do not consider the $5 a savings until I redeem them. So my savings would only be $3 instead of $8. The way I figure it, I spent $7 OOP instead of $2 so I didn’t save anything yet. Plus if I counted the $5 now, I wouldn’t be able to count them again when I did actually use them.
The stores put these in their ad as if you were saving immediately, but that’s not the case. They say “It’s like paying…” when you’re still paying full price, but you get $ back to spend later.

5. Rebates? No. I do not count this in my savings since I still had to spend the $ OOP. However I am saving all of my rebates to see what I can stash in a year. I just haven’t decided what I’m going to do with that chunk of change yet…Christmas, a WII? So many options…Right now I only have $29.98, but that was just for January - March. (And I don’t count my rebate until I have the check in hand.) Oh I do not count the Walgreens rebates either since I get those back on a Wags GC (not a rebate check). They only count when I buy things with that GC.

One other thing: The YTD savings you see to the right is only for grocery, department and drugstores. I have not calculated in my other savings such as gifts, dining out, etc. I do keep track of these and near the end of the year I will do a post on all of those bonus savings.

I hope this gives everyone a little better understanding of how I calculate things. Hopefully it will help someone to keep track of their savings a little better as well!

There’s some great deals for you to get in on with these coupons!

Free Movie Rental - RedBox Code 89ZQJ3 - Good for today only and movies must be returned by 9pm Tuesday so you don’t get charged!

Cottonelle .50/1 - For those of you that have a Kroger that is still carrying the .99 4 pk this makes them free! You can print it from the coupon bar on the left along with other great coupons!

Goodlife Recipe Cat Food - $2/1 Q HERE or $3/1 Q HERE. These are B1G1 this week at Publix. This will make the bags .49 or give you .51 overage! If they are out don’t forget to get a raincheck!! (Even if you don’t use the food, you can donate it to your local shelter!)

What a week!! I stayed close to my budget and got some unbelievable deals!! This post is full of free stuff!! This is the most I have ever saved grocery shopping!

 Bi-Lo:
(1) Juicy Juice Gum $1.19
Used: Free Coupon -$1.19
Total: FREE

(1) Baker’s Joy $2.82
Used: Free Coupon -$2.82
Total: FREE

 (1) Del Monte 100 Calorie Canned Peaches $1.19
Used: Free Coupon -$1.19
Total: FREE

 (1) Oreo 100 Calorie Cakesters $3.47
Used: Free Coupon -$3.47
Total: FREE

 (1) Kraft Extra Sharp Cheddar Block $3.09
Used: Free Coupon -$3.09
Total: FREE

 (1) Philadelphia Cream Cheese $1.69
Used: Free Coupon -$1.69
Total: FREE

 (1) Oreida Fries $3.47
Used: Free Coupon -$3.47
Total: FREE

 (1) Kashi Sweet n Sour Chicken Entree $4.09
-.25 sale
Used: Free Coupon -$3.84
Total: FREE

 (1) Johnsonville Turkey Sausage $4.19
-.40 sale
Used: Free Coupon -$3.79
Total: FREE

 (1) Sargento Chicken Caesar Salad Finishers $3.99
Used: Free Coupon -$3.99
Total: FREE

 (1) Fresh Express Salad $3.79
Used: Free Coupon -$3.79
Total: FREE

 (1) Lb of Fresh Asparagus $3.87
-$2.91 sale
Total: .96

 (2) Wish Bone Dressing $5.64
-$2.82 B1G1 sale
Used: $1.25/2 Q -$1.25
Total: $1.57 (.79 each)

 (1) Pompalion Canola/Olive Oil $8.79
-$4.40 B1G1 sale
Used: $1/1 Q -$1.00
Total: $3.39

 (3) Bounce Dryer Sheets $6.69
-.72 sale
Used: (3) $1/1 Q -$3.00
Total:$2.97

 (4) Milk Bone Dog Biscuits $15.96
-$3.96 sale
Used: (1) B1G1 Q -$3.00*
(1) .55/2 Q Doubled -$1.10
Total: $7.90 ($1.97 each)

Total Including Tax: $18.27; Total Savings: $57.86
*The cashier didn’t put both B1G1 Dog Bone Q’s in so that was $3 extra…bummer. I even asked her about it but oh well.

Harris Teeter (Triple Coupons Round 1 - No overage allowed):

(6) Mahatma Rice $8.94
Used: (6) .50/1 Q Tripled -$8.94
Total: FREE

 (14) Viva Big Roll Paper Towels $36.26
-$8.26 sale
Used: (14) .75/1 Q Tripled -$28.00
Total: FREE

 (2) Lipton Tea Bags $2.58
Used: (1) .50/1 Q Tripled -$1.29
(1) .60/1 Q Tripled -$1.29
Total: FREE

 (2) Ortega Seasonings $2.38
Used: (1) .75/2 Q Tripled -$2.25
Total: .13 (.07 each)

 (3) Fleistmann’s Yeast $5.97
Used: (1) .45/1 Q Tripled -$1.35
(2) .40/1 Q Tripled -$2.40
Total: $2.22 (.74 each)

  (1) French’s Mustard $1.50
Used: (1) .50/1 Q Tripled -$1.50
Total: FREE

(1) French’s Spicy Brown Mustard $2.19
Used: (1) .75/1 Q Tripled -$2.19
Total: FREE

 (1) Dukes Mayo $1.89
Used: (1) .60/1 Q -$1.80
Total: .09

 (2) Ziplock Bags $5.38
-$1.38 sale
Used: (2) .40/1 Q Tripled -$2.40
Total: $1.60 (.80 each)

 (2) Reynolds Baking Cups $2.38
Used: (1) .25/2 Q Tripled -.75
Total: $1.63 (.82 each)

 (2) Domino Sugar (Brown & Powdered) $1.98
Used: .50/2 Q Tripled -$1.50
Total: .48 (.24 each)

 (1) Hungry Jack Wheat Pancake Mix $1.97
Used: (1) .55/1 Q Tripled -$1.65
Total: .32

 (2) Wacky Mac Spirals $3.18
-$1.18 sale
Used: (2) .50/1 Q Tripled -$2.00
Total: FREE

 (2) No Yolk Noodles $4.78
Used: (2) .75/1 Q Tripled -$4.50
Total: .28 (.14 each)

 (1) Blistex Lip Balm .99
Used: .35/1 Q -.99
Total: FREE

 Total Including Tax: $7.58; Total Savings: $75.90

Publix (2 transactions together):

(1) 1/4lb Provolone $2.21

 (1) 1/2lb Salami $3.62
Used: $2/$5 Deli Purchase -$2.00
Total: $1.62

 (1) 1lb Turkey Breast Slices $5.04
Used: $2/$5 Deli Purchase -$2.00
Total: $3.04

  (1) Fresh Express Salad $3.79
-$1.29 sale
Used: Free Q -$2.50
Total: FREE

 (1) Strawberries $5.09
-3.42 sale
Total: $1.67

 (2) Dole Fruit Parfaits $5.26
-$2.63 B1G1 sale
Used: $1/2 Q -$1.00
Total: $1.63 (.82 each)

 (2) Yoplait Yoplus Yogurt $5.00
-$2.50 B1G1 sale
Used: (2) $1.50/1 Q -$3.00
Total: FREE (-.50 overage)

 (5) Tropicana Trop50 OJ $19.45
-$9.72 B1G1 sale
Used: (5) $1/1 Q -$5.00
Total:$4.73 (.95 each)

 (2) Trail Mix Crunch Cereal $8.58
-$4.29 B1G1 sale
Used: $1/2 Q -$1.00
Total: $3.29 ($1.65 each)

 (10) Kashi Frozen Entree $37.90
-$18.95 B1G1 sale
Used:(7) $2/1 Q -$14.00
Total: $4.95 (.49 each)*

 (10) Smart Balance Spread $30.90
-$15.45 B1G1 sale
Used: (2) $1/1 Q -$2.00
(4) $1/2 Q -$4.00
Total: $9.45 (.95 each)

 (5) Smart Balance Butter Sticks $17.45
Used: (5) Free Q -$17.45
Total: FREE

 (5) Smart Balance Milk $17.95
Used: (5) Free Q -$17.95
Total: FREE

 (2) Lysol Wipes $9.98
-$4.99 sale
Used: (2) $1/1 Q -$2.00
Total: $2.99 ($1.50 each)

 -(2) $5/$25 Competitor Q -$10.00

 Total Including Tax: $25.55; Total Savings: $150.01
*This trip was a fiasco! The cashier completely screwed up my coupons on my 1st transaction…so bad the manager had to void the transaction and ring me up himself. (With no problems!) The 2nd transaction I was so frustrated I just wanted to get outta there…she screwed it up too…she didn’t scan all of the Kashi Q’s so my total should have been $6 less.

Walgreens:
(3) Nature’s Source Scrubbing Bubbles Cleaner $9.00 (sale price)
Used: (3) $1/1 Q -$3.00
Total: $6.00

 (2) Pledge Fabric Sweeper $7.00 (sale price)
Used: (2) $2/1 Q -$4.00
Total: $3.00

 (2) Tuf Trashbags $7.00 (sale price)
Total: $7.00

(1) Iceland Bottled Water .99
Used: Free Q -.99
Total: FREE

 -$10 RR
-$5 GC

 Total Including Tax: $2.61; Total Savings:$32.92
* I will also receive $8.80 in wags rebates for the Pledge, Nature’s Source & Tuf.

 GRAND TOTALS:
Grocery $51.40 ($1.40 over budget)
Drug Stores $2.61 ($12.39 under budget)

KMart: Double Coupons Trip (No overage)
(3) Gillette Body Wash $13.47
Used: (3) $2/1 Q Doubled -$12.00
Total: $1.47 (.49 each)

 (2) Gillette Shaving Cream $4.98
Used: (2) $1/1 Q Doubled -$4.00
Total: .98 (.49 each)

 (1) Vaseline Aloe Lotion $3.49
Used: (1) $1.25/1 Q Doubled -$2.50
Total: .99

  (1) Aveeno Lotion $3.19
Used: $2/1 Q -$3.19
Total: FREE

 (1) Kotex Pantiliners $1.29
Used: .75/1 Q Doubled -$1.29
Total: FREE

 (2) Secret Deodorant $4.98
Used: (2) $1/1 Q Doubled -$4.00
Total: .98 (.49 each)

 (1) Oral B Twin Pack Toothbrushes $3.69
Used: (1) $2/1 Q Doubled - $3.69
Total: FREE

 (3) Hall’s Cough Drops $4.47
Used: (3) .75/1 Q Doubled -$4.47
Total: FREE

 (1) Johnson’s Buddies Soap .99
Used: $1/1 Q -1.00
Total: Free (.01 overage)*

 (1) Breath Right Strips $11.49
Used: $2/1 Q Doubled -$4.00
Total: $7.49

 (2) Goodlife Dry Cat Food $7.98
Used: (2) $2/1 Q Doubled -$7.98
Total: FREE

 (2) SoftScrub Scrubby Pads $5.58
Used: (2) $1.50/1 Q Doubled -$5.58
Total: FREE

 (2) Glade Carpet Freshener Powder $4.38
Used: (2) $1/1 Q Doubled -$4.00
Total: .38 (.19 each)

 (1) Glade Jar Candle $2.50
Used: (1) $1.50/1 Q Doubled -$2.50
Total: FREE

 (5) Sierra Mist 12pk $23.95
Used: (5)$2/1 Q Doubled -$20.00
Total: $3.95 (.79 each)

 (1) Total Cereal $2.00
Used: $1/1 Q Doubled -$2.00
Total: FREE

 (1) Celestial Herbal Tea $2.00
Used: $1/1 Q Doubled -$2.00
Total: FREE

 -$5/$50 Purchase

 Total Including Tax:$14.07; Total Savings:$94.67

 For the week total OOP: $68.08
For the week total savings: $411.36

 (This is the most I have ever saved in 1 week!)

*Bonus at Target*
(Not calculated into savings - Just a good deal)
Bolt DVD $19.99
-$4.00 sale
-$5 Q
-$10 GC (from Ebates)
Total Including Tax: $2.11; Total Savings: $19.00

Have I got a load of freebies for you! But 1st here are the photos of what I’ve gotten free so far this week. Tomorrow I will include my actual shopping lists.

KMart (Doubled Coupons)

Harris Teeter (Triple Coupons)

Publix

*I forgot to put in the Lysol wipes and 2 Yoplait 4-pk yogurts too!

Now here are some freebies for you. There’s something for everybody today!
Walmart Samples: (There’s a ton this week!)
Kotex

Poise

Cottonelle Wipes

Always

All Bran Fiber Drink Mix

Eucerin

Zyrtec

For the Guys:
Who doesn’t need more tools…especially when they’re free!

Grainger Ergonomic Screwdriver - Just fill out the survey!

Lenox Saw Blade - This one’s a little tricky, but you just have to be patient. 1. Visit the site 2. You can watch or skip the intro (I skipped it - Click on the top right) 3. Click on “Test Lab” and watch the “Blade Demo video. 4. Then click on “Warehouse” and watch a video of your choice (I didn’t even watch the entire videos….I just let them load then went to the next thing.) 5. Click on “Loading Dock” and this should open up the form for you to submit for your free saw blade! If you missed something it will tell you.

Free Magazines:
Seventeen - 6 free issues (I subscribe to everything when it’s free…sometimes the stuff is just funny to read and sometimes there are coupons in the magazines!)

Carribean Travel Magazine - 12 issues - Great if you’re planning a vacation there within the next year! Or just fun reading…and dreaming!

Metropolitan Home

Other:
Pegetables Dog Treats - Nice for your own pet or just donate to the shelter.

Pantene Nature Fusion

Daily Bread Entree - Freeze Dried Food (Not my cup of tea, but maybe someone will be interested.)

Sample Magnet

All this should keep you busy for a while! Enjoy!!

Want something fun to do for the whole family at a low cost? Go bowling at AMF! Several weeks ago I signed up for their mailing list to get a B1G1 free game and now they have emailed me .99 games! Click HERE to get your coupon!

Love Kohl’s? I do, but unfortunately we don’t have one here! Sign up for their emails and get a $5 coupon! They also give you a 10% online coupon too! Sign up HERE .

Amazon.com has tons of kids DVDs for under $10! Check them out HERE . Save up to 55% off! Sale ends April 13!

Restaurant.com is offering 70% off! You can get some great deals here at select restaurants. Use the code SAVE to get 70% off. You’ll pay .90 for $10 or $3 for $25. Great deal!

Buy.com has a grocery list shopper for $39.99. Original price $199.99. If you don’t like to write out a list, it’s a great gadget.

Harris Teeter is offering triple coupons for an entire week starting today! Here are some match ups for great deals. These prices are for my local store so they may not be the same as yours. Check your prices HERE . These are also only match ups for the coupons I am aware of. I’m sure there are many more great deals out there!

Free Items: (Grocery)

Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats B1G1 $3.42
-.70/1 Kellogg’s Cereal Insert  = FREE

Mahatma Rice 16oz bag $1.49
-.50/1 Mahatma Rice Insert  FREE

5 oz Mahatma Yellow rice mix .89
-.75/2 Mahatma Rice Mixes Insert FREE

Maruchan Yakisoba Noodle Bowls $1
-.35/1 Maruchan Insert  FREE

Wacky Mac Pasta $1
-.50/1 Wacky Mac IP FREE

Argo Corn Starch $1.29
-.45/1 Argo Starch Insert  FREE

Clabber Girl Baking Powder - $1.69
-.65/1 Clabber Girl IP (answer questions - say you use competitor’s) FREE

Bumble Bee Tuna Pouch - $1.59
-.55/1 Bumble Bee Tuna Insert FREE

Dinty Morre Beef Stew Microwave Meal $1.59
-.55/1 Dinty Moore Insert FREE

Sweet Sue Chicken Broth .99
-.75/1 Sweet Sue Insert FREE

Muir Glen Tomato Paste 6 oz $1.49
-.75/1 any Muir Glen Product Insert FREE

French’s Spicy Brown Mustard $2.19
-.75/1 Frnech’s Specialty Mustard Insert FREE

French’s Yellow Mustard 8 oz $1.50
-.50/1 French’s Classic Yellow Mustard Insert  FREE

French’s Fried Onions 11oz $1.99
-.75/1 French’s Onions Insert FREE

Rhodes dinner rolls 12 ct $1.79
-.75/1 Rhodes Rolls Insert FREE

Halls Cough Drops $1.99
-.75/1 Halls All You Magazine FREE
-.75/1 Halls IP FREE

Mentos Gum $1.49
-.55/1 Mentos Gum Insert FREE

Trident Xtra Care Gum $1.55
-.75/1 Trident Insert FREE

Gerber Graduates-Biter Biscuits .94
-.50/1 Biter Biscuits home mailer FREE

Zone Perfect Bars $1.39
-.55/1 Zone Perfect Insert FREE

(Cleaning/Household)

Formula 409 32 oz., $2
-.75/1 Formula 409 Product Parade FREE

Arm & Hammer Carpet Powder $1.24
-.50/1 Arm & Hammer Powder IP FREE

Viva Paper Towels Big Roll .75/1
-.75/1 Viva Big Roll Insert FREE

(HBA)

Purell Spring Bloom 2oz $1.55
-.55/1 Purell Insert FREE

Blistex Medicated Lip Balm .99
-.35/1 Blistex Insert FREE

Colgate 4.16oz Cavity Protection  $2.17
-.75/1 Colgate toothpaste Insert FREE

Good Deals: (Grocery)

Kellogg’s Corn Flakes 12 oz $2.79
-.70/1 Kellogg’s Cereals Insert.69

Chex Honey Nut Cereal $3.29
-.75/1 off Various Chex Cereals Insert $1.04

Mott’s Applesauce 23-24 oz jar $1.89
-.55/1 off any Mott’s IP .24

Smuckers 18oz Jelly or Jams $1.50
-.35/1 off any Smuckers Insert.45

Skippy peanut butter product 15 oz. $2.79
-.60/1 Skippy Peanut Butter Insert.99

Quaker Old Fashioned Oats 18 oz, $2.39
-.60/1 Quaker Oats Insert.59

Fiber One Pancake Mix $3.79
-.60/1 Fiber One Mix Insert $1.99

Planters Big Nut Bars $2.99
-.75/1 Planters Big Nut Insert  .74

No Yolks Noodles $2.39
-.75/1 No Yolks IP   .14

Swanson Chicken $1.79
-.75/2 Swanson White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast Insert.66

Muir Glen Soup $2.29
-.75/1 any Muir Glen Product Insert.04

Muir Glen Tomato Sauce 15 oz $2.45
-.75/1 any Muir Glen Product Insert.20

Muir Glen Diced tomatoes 14.5 oz $2.45
-.75/1 any Muir Glen Product Insert.20

15 oz Del Monte Peas, Green Beans, or Corn $1.33

-.55/2 off 50% less salt varieties blinkie .28

Del Monte Diced Tomatoes No Salt Added 14.50 oz $1.50
-.40/1 Del Monte Tomatoes Insert.30

Dole Fruit Bowls $2
-.75/2 Dole Bowls Insert .87

Glory Sensibly Seasoned Beans $1.39
-.75/2 Glory Sensibly Seasoned Beans Insert.53

Crisco Canola Oil with Omega 3 DHA $3.79
-.75/1 Crisco Oil Insert $1.54

Knorr Recipe Sauces $1.39
-.40/1 Knorr Sauces Insert.19

Duke’s Mayo 8oz - $1.89
-.60/1 any Duke’s products Insert .09

Carnation Evaporated Milk 12 oz $1.09
-.50/2 Carnation Evap Milk Insert .68

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix - $2.19
-.50/1 BC Cookie Mix IP .69

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Singles $1.99
-.55/1 off Warm Delights IP .34
-.50/1 off Warm Delights Insert .49

Golden Flake Maizetos Tortilla Chips 10 oz., $1.79
-.55/1 Golden Flake Product 10 oz. or larger Insert .14

Rold Gold Pretzels $2.89
-.75/1 Rold Gold Pretzels Insert .64

YoCrunch 100 Cal multi-pk, $3
-.75/1 Yo-Crunch Insert .75

Dannon Yogurt Cups 6 oz, .57
-.60/6 Dannon Yogurt, Any (6) single serve cups Insert
-.60/6 Dannon Light & Fit 6 oz nonfat yogurt cups Insert
Buy 6 Get 1 Free - Dannon Light & Fit 6oz. nonfat yogurt cup blinkie

Dannon Danimals Yogurt 4-pack $2.29
-.55 off Danimals in store dispenser .64

Land o Lakes 15 oz Spread $2.29
-.55/1 Land O Lakes IP .64

Jimmy Dean Breakfast D-lite bowl $2.68
-.55/1 Jimmy Dean D-Lights Breakfast Bowl Insert $1.03

Welch’s Aqua Juice or Welch’s Light juices $3.65
-.75/1 Welch’s Aqua juice Insert
B1G1 Free Aqua Juice printable

Coffee Mate Creamer $1.67
-.50/1 Coffee-Mate Insert.17

Gerber Stage 2 Foods 5 for $5.45
-.75/4 Gerber Stage 2 home mailer .53

(Cleaning/Household)

Reynold’s Non-Stick foil $3.99
-.75/1 Reynold’s Non-Stick Insert $1.74

Mr. Clean Cleaner - Multi Purpose $3.19
-.75/1 Mr Clean Home Mailer  .94

(HBA)

Ban Deodorant $2.99
-.75/1 off Ban product Insert.74

Wet Ones Wipes $2.89
-.75/1 Wet Ones Insert.64

Huggies Baby Wipes Tub $2.50
-.50/1 Huggies Wipes Insert  $1.00

We all want to do things for a good cause, but we don’t always have the extra cash to dish out. Here are some low cost or free ways to make a difference.

Have cash but don’t want to spend a lot? Or really don’t have much cash, but still want to help? Here are some pointers:

1. Donate a small amount - Even $1 or spare change helps. If everybody did it, it would add up!

2. Donate when you make an EBay purchase. Sellers have the option of adding a donation to many charities when you check out. You can donate an extra dollar when you pay.

3. Purchase small things at fundraisers. Anything under $5 helps. Whether it be a bake sale, book-sale or candy bar fundraiser just purchasing one small item can make a big difference.

4. Shop places like the Salvation Army. It not only goes to a good cause, but it helps employ those that might not otherwise have a job.

Don’t have any cash but still want to help?

1. Donate your time. Many charities need volunteers. You’ll be helping a great cause without spending a penny!

2. Donate goods. Give to the Salvation Army or local food bank when you have extra stuff. Come across some high value or free coupons - use them to purchase the item and donate it. Or just donate the coupons themselves! Many animal shelters use free coupons to purchase food. Every little bit helps!

3. Sign petitions! It’s free and it works! Many animal and human rights laws are passed this way. Be a part of it! Here are some to get you started: Take Action!

4. Sell on Ebay? Pick a charity to raise donations when people pay. Just go to your account and search for a charity that suits you! There are tons to choose from.

5. Click to help. I love this website. All you have to do is click and a donation is made to help animals, hunger, the rain-forest and others. Visit each site to click once a day: Click To Give

I found a recipe and tweaked it a little. This stuff came out really good! I made this for 2 people so do what you’d like with it!
(The ingredients aren’t specific…I just eyeball it!)

Ingredients:
(2) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Italian Breadcrumbs
Salt
Pepper
Basil
Garlic (powder & minced)
Crumbled Parmesan Cheese
Pasta Sauce
Egg
1/2 oz Cream Cheese (A little bit goes a long way!)
Fresh Spinach (Or you can thaw frozen chopped)

Instructions:
Chop Spinach and set aside.
Beat thawed chicken breasts (inside of ziplock bag) until flattened.
Mix Spinach, Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Minced Garlic, & Basil in a bowl.
Spread Mix on one side of chicken breast.
Wrap (best you can) and use toothpicks to hold if necessary.
Crack egg in separate bowl and whisk.
Mix Breadcrumbs, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper & Basil in a bowl.
Dip chicken in egg.
Then dip chicken into breadcrumb mixture.
Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes.
Cover with pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese (optional).
Then bake another 10-15 minutes.
(May need to bake longer…ovens can vary.)

Here’s just a quick post today. It’s going to be a busy week so planning. KMart is offering their double coupons again up to $2! There’s some dispute whether the store will accept 25 or 75 coupons per person this time so each store may be different. They are also accepting IPs now!! (Always call your store to verify before planning your trip.) But with IPs the savings is ever better! Don’t forget to sign up for their emails to receive a $5/$50 purchase and hand that q over first!

Rumor has it Harris Teeter is offering triple coupons up to .99 for an entire week starting 3/25! There are lots of free or nearly free deals to be had. I can’t wait for the ad to come out and match up some deals!

I’m already anxious to share my 1st grocery shopping trip of the week. I got nearly everything free at Bi-Lo by using my free product coupons! You can acquire these by signing up for email newsletters and writing companies.  I saved $57.86 today! I will share a photo and the details on “My Savings Saturday”.

Today was also a disappointing day for coupon inserts. If you’re just starting out in couponing, don’t get your hopes up or rush out to get the paper today. There is only 1 insert and it’s skimpy on the q’s.

Here’s what to look forward to this week:

Misc Monday - Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Teaching You Tuesday - Being Charitable Without Breaking the Bank
Weekly Deals Wednesdays - Hopefully I will have some KMart Doubles or HT Triples
Match-Ups for you
Online Thursdays - Hopefully I will find some great online deals for you!
Frees on Friday - Some freebies and photos of my freebies this week
My Savings Saturday - My shopping trips for this week

Well, this was the 1st week of my $50 grocery and $15 drugstore budget.  I think the week went well considering I mostly bought produce. Let’s see how I did!

Walmart:
(1) Cucumber .82

 (1) Bag of Navel Oranges $4.50

 (1) Container of Organic Grape Tomatoes $1.98

 (1) Claussen’s Pickles $2.96

 (3.75) lb Bananas $2.41
-.75 sale
Total: $1.66

 Total Including Tax: $11.92; Total Savings: .75
*Not that great of savings as far as sales go, but better than if I had purchased these things regular price at a grocery store. None of these things were on sale anywhere this week and we were completely out of produce!

 Publix:
(1) Jell-O 6pk $3.39
- $1.72 sale
Used: .60/1 q -.60
Total: $1.07

 (1) Mrs. Dash $3.29
Used: $1/1 Publix Q -$1
.50/1 MFR Q -.50
Total: $1.79

 (1) Apple Slices $3.29

 (1) Fresh Express Spinach $2.69
Used: Free Coupon - $2.69
Total: Free

 (1) Fresh Express Salad $3.79
Used: $1/1 Publix Q -$1
Total: $2.79

 (2) Onions $1.79
-.41 sale
Total: $1.38

 (1) Baby Cut Carrots $1.79
-.50 sale
Total: $1.29

 (1) Strawberries Carton $5.09
-$3.42 sale
Total: $1.67

 (1) Sargento Potato Finishers $2.99
Used: Free Coupon -$2.99
Total: Free

 (1) Sargento Salad Finishers $2.99
Used: Free Coupon -$2.99
Total: Free

 Total Including Tax: $10.50; Total Savings: $20.82

 Kroger:
(2) A&W Roobeer 2-L $1.78
-.28 sale
Total: $1.50

 (4) Pepperidge Farms Garlic Bread $11.06
-$3.10 sale
Used: (1) $1/2 Q -$1.00
(2) .40/1 Q Doubled -$1.60
Total: $5.36 ($1.34 each)

 (2) Land O Lakes Light Butter $3.98
-$1.00 sale
Used: (2) .30/1 Q Doubled -$1.20
Total: $1.78 (.89 each)

 (1) Chex Mix $2.59
Used: .60 Shortcuts Q -.60
(Forgot my $1/1 Q also)
Total: $1.99

 (1) White Cheddar Cheez Its $2.99
-$1.00 sale
Total: 1.99

 Got $5 off for buying 10 participating products -$5.00

Total Including Tax: $8.79; Total Savings: $14.78

Bi-Lo:
(3) Del Monte 50% Less Salt Green Beans $3.60
Used:.75/1 Q -.75
(2) .30/1 Q Doubled -$1.20

 (2) Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Pie Filling $5.98
-$3.00 Closeout sale
Used: $.75/2 Q -.75

 (2) Mueller’s Spaghetti $1.58
-.80 sale
Used: .55/2 Q Doubled -$1.10
Total: Free

 (2) Starkist Albacore Tuna Pouch $3.34
Used: Free Q -$1.67
$1/1 Q -$1.00
Total: .67 (.34 each)

 (8) Pounce Treats $10.56
-$1.28 sale
Used: (4) $1.50/2 Q -$6.00
Total: $2.00 (.25 each)

 (6) Bounce Dryer Sheets $13.38
-$1.44 sale
Used: (5) .25/1 Q Doubled -$2.50
$1/1 Q -$1.00
Total: $8.44 ($1.41 each)

 (1) Treasure Cave Feta Cheese $2.89
Used: $1/1 Q -$1.00
Total: $1.89

 (1) Sargento’s Salad Finishers $3.99
Used: Free Q -$3.99
Total: Free

 Total Including Tax: $20.00; Total Savings: $30.35

 CVS Trip 1:
(3) Loreal Everpure Shampoo/Conditioner $20.97
Used: (1) $2/1 Q -$2.00
(1) $3/2 Q -$3.00
(1) $2/1 CVS Q -$2.00
(1) $5/2 CVS Q -$5.00
Total: $8.97

 ECB -$4.00

 Total Including Tax: $5.67; Total Savings: $16.00
* I was very upset since I received a 25% off coupon in the mail on reg price merchandise. So I bought these since I would get $5 ECB back and they were reg price. Well the coupon wouldn’t work b/c it was an ECB promo, even though the coupon didn’t state that…grrr…That would have saved me $5!

 CVS Trip 2:
(3) CVS Sweeper Refills (Swiffer) $11.97
(3) CVS Mop Refills (Swiffer) $11.97
-$11.97 B1G1 sale
Total: $11.97

 (1) CVS Paper Plates $3.99

 -$3/$15 CVS Brand purchase -$3.00
ECB -$5.00

 Total Including Tax: $8.60; Total Savings: $19.97

 * I am not shopping at CVS as much. There’s just not that much stuff I need and unless I have great coupons to go with items that are on sale, I just don’t go. They haven’t had any fantastic deals the past 2 months…guess they have to catch up from all the free stuff during the holidays.

 Walgreens:
(1) Pantene Shampoo $4.79
-.79 sale
Used: $1/1 Q -$1.00
Total: $3.00

 (1) Pantene Conditioner $4.79
-.79 sale
Used: $1/1 Q -$1.00
Total: $3.00

 (1) Pantene Hairspray $4.79
Used: Free Q -$4.79
Total: Free

 (1) Vidal Sasson Hairdryer $19.99
Total: $19.99

 (1) Walgreen’s Asprin .99
Used: Free Q -.99
Total: Free

 Used Wags Rebate Giftcard -$28.28

Total Including Tax: $0; Total Savings: $37.64
*I will get $3.30 in wags rebates for the Pantene and I got $10 RR for the hairdryer!

I am .73 under budget for drugstores and $1.21 over my grocery budget…which is my fault for forgetting the $1 Chex Mix Q…bummer! Not too bad for my 1st week!