My budget is:
Pharmacy $50
Grocery $250
Let's see how I did.
Harris Teeter
Subtotal: $283.49
Coupons: $159.93
____________________
Total: $123.56 which represents a savings of 56%
CVS
Subtotal: $136.44
Coupons: $ 68.92
____________________
Total: $ 67.52 which represents a savings of 51%
So I am still over-budget at CVS, however, those categories blend a little. I do get some personal care items at Harris Teeter and some groceries at CVS. Maybe I should just make a general "Grocery/Personal Care" budget since I do so much overlap-shopping and am not OCD enough to split my receipts when I've made purchases in both categories.
Overall I'm excited about my grocery store savings. I'm eating well, I have a decent stock-pile of dry goods and yet am coming in pretty consistently under-budget, at least in the first few months of the year!
At CVS I think I just need to be picker about deals. Now that I know how good a deal I can get on certain items, and I have some of those items in stock at home, I should make sure I'm not paying more than I need to.
For example, I recently got two tubes of toothpaste for $0.17ea. Since two tubes will last me quite a while AND since the final price was so low, I should remind myself to pass on seemingly 'good' deals where the toothpaste is on sale but my out-of-pocket would be $1 or so.
GOAL FOR MARCH: NO personal care/beauty products will be purchased unless they are LESS THAN ONE DOLLAR after coupon!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What A Difference Fifteen Minutes Makes
In an effort to maintain some semblance of health and fitness, I'm trying to retrain my brain when it comes to what I consider "long" runs or hard workouts.
There is absolutely no reason why I can't knock out a 5+ mile run during the week. Typically I run about 3 miles on a weekday and save anything longer for the weekend. In my mind, 3 miles is a basic run and anything more is "long."
Eehhhhh. Wrong. I can run five miles in under an hour and there's no reason why an hours worth of exercise should be considered especially intense.
Consider the following routes. The longer one adds about fifteen minutes onto my time when you consider not only the additional distance but also additional stoplights that require waiting, yet the longer one is longer significantly so when it comes to overall time on my feet.
A 45-minute route (starting and ending at home):
Simply continuing on down to the Lincoln Memorial adds about fifteen minutes and 3/4 mile (remember... stop lights... I am not THAT slow!)
Point is, that's hardly any additional distance but enough additional time to really kick the workout into the next level.
I just need to get over the mental block that says that 5-mile run is 'long' and therefore reserved for the weekend. No. If I can work toward a 5-mile run becoming a more common and regular occurrence I will not only improve my weekday calorie burn but increase my overall long runs to a distance that truly qualifies as long.
There is absolutely no reason why I can't knock out a 5+ mile run during the week. Typically I run about 3 miles on a weekday and save anything longer for the weekend. In my mind, 3 miles is a basic run and anything more is "long."
Eehhhhh. Wrong. I can run five miles in under an hour and there's no reason why an hours worth of exercise should be considered especially intense.
Consider the following routes. The longer one adds about fifteen minutes onto my time when you consider not only the additional distance but also additional stoplights that require waiting, yet the longer one is longer significantly so when it comes to overall time on my feet.
A 45-minute route (starting and ending at home):
Simply continuing on down to the Lincoln Memorial adds about fifteen minutes and 3/4 mile (remember... stop lights... I am not THAT slow!)
Point is, that's hardly any additional distance but enough additional time to really kick the workout into the next level.
I just need to get over the mental block that says that 5-mile run is 'long' and therefore reserved for the weekend. No. If I can work toward a 5-mile run becoming a more common and regular occurrence I will not only improve my weekday calorie burn but increase my overall long runs to a distance that truly qualifies as long.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
No More Excuses
At a little English-style diner pub in Fredericksburg, VA yesterday we came across the gem sitting on our table.
No more excuses for not being able to order the perfect glass of wine!
No more excuses for not being able to order the perfect glass of wine!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Grocery Porn
What does $30.84 worth of groceries from Harris Teeter look like?
Voila!
Subtotal: $78.93
Coupons: $48.09
Final: $30.84
Savings: 61%
Five boxes of pasta, two tubs of hummus, one tub of guacomole, two boxes of rice, one gallon of soymilk, a huge thing of Quaker oats, two pouches of tuna, two Simply Asian noodle bowls, two Cracker Barrel cheese, two shampoos, two conditioners, a deodorant, two toothpastes, one Ziploc plastic bags, bananas, and an onion.
Voila!
Subtotal: $78.93
Coupons: $48.09
Final: $30.84
Savings: 61%
Five boxes of pasta, two tubs of hummus, one tub of guacomole, two boxes of rice, one gallon of soymilk, a huge thing of Quaker oats, two pouches of tuna, two Simply Asian noodle bowls, two Cracker Barrel cheese, two shampoos, two conditioners, a deodorant, two toothpastes, one Ziploc plastic bags, bananas, and an onion.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Opening Ceremonies!
Two great Red Wings, Nik Lidstrom and Nik Kronwall, will be among others from Detroit and elsewhere joining Team Sweden for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver! Opening ceremonies kick off tonight and the men's hockey matches start early next week.
I can't wait to watch some classic Russian finesse hockey, see the Swedes play their intellectual game, witness the Czechs pound the crap out of their enemies, and take in the Canadians doing what they were born to do.
I can't wait to watch some classic Russian finesse hockey, see the Swedes play their intellectual game, witness the Czechs pound the crap out of their enemies, and take in the Canadians doing what they were born to do.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Snow Day #2
Unbelievable! My agency is closed for the second day in a row! I can't believe it. I was sure we'd be open today and I've have to trudge through wind, snow, and ice to my office in the dark. I am really happy for the additional day off.
Yesterday I napped a little, watched three movies, did a lot of reading and crosswording and playing around on the computer. It was a lovely day spent almost entirely in bed! I might consider getting out and being a little more active today... or not. It remains to be decided and at 7:30am the day is my oyster.
I'll work tomorrow but Monday is a holiday, so this has been and will continue to be a really nice break from the routine.
Now hopefully our roof won't collapse under the weight of all this snow and ice!
Yesterday I napped a little, watched three movies, did a lot of reading and crosswording and playing around on the computer. It was a lovely day spent almost entirely in bed! I might consider getting out and being a little more active today... or not. It remains to be decided and at 7:30am the day is my oyster.
I'll work tomorrow but Monday is a holiday, so this has been and will continue to be a really nice break from the routine.
Now hopefully our roof won't collapse under the weight of all this snow and ice!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Owwwww
You know how when your uterus is spasming for 10 hours and it's coming in waves so after each wave you get a few breaths of peace and you're almost tricked into thinking that that one could be the last one?
But it isn't.
But it isn't.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Hormonal
I know when I'm running on a surplus of hormones when the slighest things just make me want to scream.
I have one co-worker who's smacking on a peppermint in her mouth... another with the sniffles and one who has this weird whistling tic... he whistlest these short notes that go up at the end, almost like he's calling a dog, about once every ten minutes.
Ordinarily I wouldn't care about this sort of thing and just take it as regular office background noise but today it is driving.me.nuts.
Thank god I have an ipod... and as soon as the first flakes start falling I am OUTTA HERE.
Rant over.
I have one co-worker who's smacking on a peppermint in her mouth... another with the sniffles and one who has this weird whistling tic... he whistlest these short notes that go up at the end, almost like he's calling a dog, about once every ten minutes.
Ordinarily I wouldn't care about this sort of thing and just take it as regular office background noise but today it is driving.me.nuts.
Thank god I have an ipod... and as soon as the first flakes start falling I am OUTTA HERE.
Rant over.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Snowy Run
Well, I was inspired. Even yesterday with the snow still basically falling I saw people suited up and out running. A half-marathoning girlfriend told me that she had gone out for a run as well, so today after work I did it! And it was great! Warm, sunny, lots of runners out, clear and salted sidewalks, light breeze.
I couldn't go everywhere I wanted to go; I basically followed the plow, but I ended up with a nice 35-minute spin around parts of the Capitol and the Mall and feel a lot better for it!
Unbelievably, we are expecting another FOOT of snow tomorrow night and into Wednesday. Yikes.
I couldn't go everywhere I wanted to go; I basically followed the plow, but I ended up with a nice 35-minute spin around parts of the Capitol and the Mall and feel a lot better for it!
Unbelievably, we are expecting another FOOT of snow tomorrow night and into Wednesday. Yikes.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
A Feast and A Snowstorm
To prepare for the impending SNOWPOCALYPSE/SNOWBLITERATION a feast was prepared that will last days... if not weeks.
Moose burgers
Moose meatballs
Sausage and peppers
Barbecue pork
My kitchen and fridge are overflowing with meat, the dishwasher has been run 3 times in 24 hours and the trash has gone out twice. I have more food than I know what to do with! Not a bad problem to have.
Finally summoned the energy to go for a walk in the gorgeous snow. It's going to take us a long time to dig out of this one. The roads, under the snow, are coated with ice 2 inches thick. But the snow made for a gorgeous backdrop.
Moose burgers
Moose meatballs
Sausage and peppers
Barbecue pork
My kitchen and fridge are overflowing with meat, the dishwasher has been run 3 times in 24 hours and the trash has gone out twice. I have more food than I know what to do with! Not a bad problem to have.
Finally summoned the energy to go for a walk in the gorgeous snow. It's going to take us a long time to dig out of this one. The roads, under the snow, are coated with ice 2 inches thick. But the snow made for a gorgeous backdrop.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Finger Condoms
Between the Super Bowl and the impending snow storm the grocery store was packed today.
I did get a great deal on coffee. Eight o'Clock coffee was on sale and also buy-one-get-one. So I got two bags for $5.89 minus a coupon for $2 off 2 bags. Total $3.89 for two bags of coffee!
Also Dannon yogurts were on sale 10 for $4... I had a coupon for $1 off ten so that was ten yogurts for $3 or $0.30 each.
Anyway, the line for check-out was so long that I ended up waiting halfway down the first aid aisle.... and I snapped this funny photo! I didn't know such things existed!
I did get a great deal on coffee. Eight o'Clock coffee was on sale and also buy-one-get-one. So I got two bags for $5.89 minus a coupon for $2 off 2 bags. Total $3.89 for two bags of coffee!
Also Dannon yogurts were on sale 10 for $4... I had a coupon for $1 off ten so that was ten yogurts for $3 or $0.30 each.
Anyway, the line for check-out was so long that I ended up waiting halfway down the first aid aisle.... and I snapped this funny photo! I didn't know such things existed!
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Dinner
I just put together what may very well be the most random and disorganized meal, ever.
I was going to bake a chicken breast and steam some peas. Okay, good plan. But while the chicken was baking I got really hungry so I made the peas and added some chopped sundried tomaties and shredded parmesan cheese. I ate that while the chicken finished up.
But then just chicken on my plate looked pretty pathetic, so I rustled up half a green bell pepper and sliced it, raw. Didn't really feel like roasting or sauteeing it. I could have put it in with the chicken but I wasn't thinking I'd eat it.
So yeah. Peas for an appetizer, now a chicken breast with half a raw green pepper.
The only redeeming factor? A really good bottle of Belgian beer.
I was going to bake a chicken breast and steam some peas. Okay, good plan. But while the chicken was baking I got really hungry so I made the peas and added some chopped sundried tomaties and shredded parmesan cheese. I ate that while the chicken finished up.
But then just chicken on my plate looked pretty pathetic, so I rustled up half a green bell pepper and sliced it, raw. Didn't really feel like roasting or sauteeing it. I could have put it in with the chicken but I wasn't thinking I'd eat it.
So yeah. Peas for an appetizer, now a chicken breast with half a raw green pepper.
The only redeeming factor? A really good bottle of Belgian beer.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
January Savings Round-up
My faithful readers know that I have been trying to trim my pharmacy and grocery budgets by shopping sales and using coupons. Well, I will be going out of town this weekend so today's trip to Harris Teeter marked my very last shopping trip of the month! I know you're dying to find out how I did... so here are the numbers:
CVS
Total trips: 4
Subtotal: $164.52
Total out-of-pocket: $61.25
Total saved: $103.27
Percentage saved: 63%
This is about $11 over my $50 monthly budget for personal care and pharmacy items, however, I have a great stockpile going and now I can be more selective on sales. My total out-of-pocket next month should be well below $50.
Harris Teeter
Total trips: 4
Subtotal: $199.25
Total out-of-pocket: $99.10
Total saved: $100.15
Percentage saved: 50%
My total monthly grocery budget is $250, so I'd say I kicked that one out of the park! Of course it helps that I get a lot of overflow food from someone who lives down the street and can only cook in "firehouse" portions ;) And I don't do as much stockpiling of groceries just because I don't have the space for it, but I'm hoping to keep my grocery totals well below my allotment and continue to knock down those student loans with the surplus!
CVS
Total trips: 4
Subtotal: $164.52
Total out-of-pocket: $61.25
Total saved: $103.27
Percentage saved: 63%
This is about $11 over my $50 monthly budget for personal care and pharmacy items, however, I have a great stockpile going and now I can be more selective on sales. My total out-of-pocket next month should be well below $50.
Harris Teeter
Total trips: 4
Subtotal: $199.25
Total out-of-pocket: $99.10
Total saved: $100.15
Percentage saved: 50%
My total monthly grocery budget is $250, so I'd say I kicked that one out of the park! Of course it helps that I get a lot of overflow food from someone who lives down the street and can only cook in "firehouse" portions ;) And I don't do as much stockpiling of groceries just because I don't have the space for it, but I'm hoping to keep my grocery totals well below my allotment and continue to knock down those student loans with the surplus!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Jealousy!
I have a good friend who is moving to China for two years with her husband. He works in international marketing and his company is trying to break into the Chinese market (good idea!).
Man oh man am I jealous. Though I know that living in a place like China could be very lonely and frustrating it's also sure to be an incredible adventure. And think of all the traveling they'll get to do while over there! Getting to Asia is half the battle of traveling there and it's really not a trip you can do very often and still keep your sanity. So the fact that they'll have a home there (in the south, near Hong Kong) means that Cambodia, Thailand, Tibet, the Philippines, Japan, and Korea are suddenly as close as western Europe is for me! Easy peasy!
In another lifetime for me, maybe. In the mean time I'll try to remember that I do live in an international city and do my best to make the most of it.
But jeez... China for two years... lucky them!!
Man oh man am I jealous. Though I know that living in a place like China could be very lonely and frustrating it's also sure to be an incredible adventure. And think of all the traveling they'll get to do while over there! Getting to Asia is half the battle of traveling there and it's really not a trip you can do very often and still keep your sanity. So the fact that they'll have a home there (in the south, near Hong Kong) means that Cambodia, Thailand, Tibet, the Philippines, Japan, and Korea are suddenly as close as western Europe is for me! Easy peasy!
In another lifetime for me, maybe. In the mean time I'll try to remember that I do live in an international city and do my best to make the most of it.
But jeez... China for two years... lucky them!!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
ASL Test
I went in for my American Sign Language Proficiency test this morning at Gallaudet University. Nerve-wracking!!
The testing room was on the second floor of the library. Thankfully I semi-know my way around campus so getting there wasn't a problem. I checked in and told the person behind the desk that I was nervous and wondering what she could tell me about the format.
She said that the format would be conversational and is designed to test your existing knowledge of the language. She said that it tests the whole language capabilities of the signer and is naturally geared toward whichever level the signer is at.
My tester came out to get me early (I guess there was no one before me) and we went into the testing room which was set up with two chairs and a camcorder pointing at me. My test was recorded for evaluation purposes.
Things started out simple. He introduced himself and we fingerspelled our names. We told each other our deaf names and he asked me how I was doing. He asked me a little about my signing history and my work. All in sign language. No words spoken between us during the entire test.
After explaining my current work and how I came to be interested in American Sign Language, he asked me about where I live and what I do for fun. He asked me if I liked sports, and then blew me out of the water with a question about what I think should be done about the prevalence of drugs, violence, and greed among professional athletes! Eek!
I managed to steer the conversation toward hockey (what I told him I consider a 'pure' sport, mostly devoid of steroids and greed) and told him all about my beloved Niklas Lidstrom. I told him about the difference between Russian and Canadian hockey.
He then changed the subject and asked me how crime analysis and intelligence software has changed in the past five years. Another eek! I didn't manage that one very well but was somehow able to explain that, since crimes are committed by humans and humans naturally adapt to crime abatement techniquest, crime prevention software also has to change continually and that it takes a lot of training to keep up with it all.
By now I was extremely tired! There were a few more questions about travel and I mentioned that I loved to travel but have to scale it down now that I bought a condo (he gave me a 'congratulations' for that!).
A few more comments traded back and forth abot travel, and we were done! Twenty minutes or so and it went by fast. Test results (in writing) should be here mid-next week.
Whew!
The testing room was on the second floor of the library. Thankfully I semi-know my way around campus so getting there wasn't a problem. I checked in and told the person behind the desk that I was nervous and wondering what she could tell me about the format.
She said that the format would be conversational and is designed to test your existing knowledge of the language. She said that it tests the whole language capabilities of the signer and is naturally geared toward whichever level the signer is at.
My tester came out to get me early (I guess there was no one before me) and we went into the testing room which was set up with two chairs and a camcorder pointing at me. My test was recorded for evaluation purposes.
Things started out simple. He introduced himself and we fingerspelled our names. We told each other our deaf names and he asked me how I was doing. He asked me a little about my signing history and my work. All in sign language. No words spoken between us during the entire test.
After explaining my current work and how I came to be interested in American Sign Language, he asked me about where I live and what I do for fun. He asked me if I liked sports, and then blew me out of the water with a question about what I think should be done about the prevalence of drugs, violence, and greed among professional athletes! Eek!
I managed to steer the conversation toward hockey (what I told him I consider a 'pure' sport, mostly devoid of steroids and greed) and told him all about my beloved Niklas Lidstrom. I told him about the difference between Russian and Canadian hockey.
He then changed the subject and asked me how crime analysis and intelligence software has changed in the past five years. Another eek! I didn't manage that one very well but was somehow able to explain that, since crimes are committed by humans and humans naturally adapt to crime abatement techniquest, crime prevention software also has to change continually and that it takes a lot of training to keep up with it all.
By now I was extremely tired! There were a few more questions about travel and I mentioned that I loved to travel but have to scale it down now that I bought a condo (he gave me a 'congratulations' for that!).
A few more comments traded back and forth abot travel, and we were done! Twenty minutes or so and it went by fast. Test results (in writing) should be here mid-next week.
Whew!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wanting More
Why is it that we (I) are never satisfied with what we have?
When I first moved to Washington, DC I had an apartment about eight blocks from the metro. It was a fifteen minute walk; not bad. The first time I moved, I cut the distance in half. Four blocks felt like nothing! I was at the metro in less than ten minutes!
My condo is a tiny bit over one block to the metro. Technically it's one block but then you have to cross the street and walk up the driveway to get to my front door - maybe an extra 30 seconds (if that). Not bad! It's about five minutes, super easy, and probably a closer distance than any parking space I could get if I had a car.
But now, when I get off the metro elevator I find myself looking longingly at the rowhouses right across the street. How night it would be to live right across the street from the metro!
What is wrong with me? I practically AM right across the street. I'm far closer to the metro than probably 90% of city residents. I'm closer than I've ever been. It's NOTHING. So why do I still find myself wanting to be closer still?
Never satisfied.
When I first moved to Washington, DC I had an apartment about eight blocks from the metro. It was a fifteen minute walk; not bad. The first time I moved, I cut the distance in half. Four blocks felt like nothing! I was at the metro in less than ten minutes!
My condo is a tiny bit over one block to the metro. Technically it's one block but then you have to cross the street and walk up the driveway to get to my front door - maybe an extra 30 seconds (if that). Not bad! It's about five minutes, super easy, and probably a closer distance than any parking space I could get if I had a car.
But now, when I get off the metro elevator I find myself looking longingly at the rowhouses right across the street. How night it would be to live right across the street from the metro!
What is wrong with me? I practically AM right across the street. I'm far closer to the metro than probably 90% of city residents. I'm closer than I've ever been. It's NOTHING. So why do I still find myself wanting to be closer still?
Never satisfied.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Great Game
The Wings outplayed but could not outscore the Capitals last night. We played a tight game offensively and defensively, but are just having one of those seasons where nothing is going our way. Even the Capitals players said after the game that their win was pure luck!
I wish the Wings came to town more than once per year. But I will take what I can get!
My ASL test is this Saturday. I thought it was next Saturday, so I haven't practiced.
Other than that I am trying to get back on the wagon after a weekend of emotional eating. It doesn't help that my apartment looks like I robbed a liquor store (thanks to the case of assorted alcohol I took home from my grandparents' house!) The sign test has been weighing on my mind - I am not ready - so I'll be glad to have it over. I don't expect to be scored as proficient but I hope that my agency chooses to develop my skills.
I will keep everyone posted on the results.
I wish the Wings came to town more than once per year. But I will take what I can get!
My ASL test is this Saturday. I thought it was next Saturday, so I haven't practiced.
Other than that I am trying to get back on the wagon after a weekend of emotional eating. It doesn't help that my apartment looks like I robbed a liquor store (thanks to the case of assorted alcohol I took home from my grandparents' house!) The sign test has been weighing on my mind - I am not ready - so I'll be glad to have it over. I don't expect to be scored as proficient but I hope that my agency chooses to develop my skills.
I will keep everyone posted on the results.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Out of Town
Heading out of town this weekend. Will post an update if I can find a wifi spot... otherwise... catch up with me Monday evening!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Decision
Well this decision was bound to come sooner or later. It was not easy to make but I feel a bit of relief having made it.
In order to meet some of my financial resolutions (namely take out a big chunk of my student loan debt and save more towards retirement) I have determined that it's necessary to move to an every-other-year travel schedule.
For approximately the past seven years I have been fortunate to take a significant and complex overseas trip every year. In fact I took two of these trips in 2009 if you count that I was in Iceland for half the day on January 1, 2009 and then in the UK in September of that same year.
I've been to Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Arctic. And I have no intention of stopping traveling. I just need to increase the length of time between trips.
It makes me sad to say this as I had planned to visit Sweden and Russia this October, but alas, the mature decision has prevailed.
Slow and steadywins the race builds the travel portfolio. Other things are important now, too, such as building wealth in my home and making responsible decisions.
In order to meet some of my financial resolutions (namely take out a big chunk of my student loan debt and save more towards retirement) I have determined that it's necessary to move to an every-other-year travel schedule.
For approximately the past seven years I have been fortunate to take a significant and complex overseas trip every year. In fact I took two of these trips in 2009 if you count that I was in Iceland for half the day on January 1, 2009 and then in the UK in September of that same year.
I've been to Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Arctic. And I have no intention of stopping traveling. I just need to increase the length of time between trips.
It makes me sad to say this as I had planned to visit Sweden and Russia this October, but alas, the mature decision has prevailed.
Slow and steady
Friday, January 08, 2010
Ahh...
I'm back online, at least temporarily. It's been frustrating to have my laptop in the shop, but hey. The laptop is free and the service is free. So I can't complain - and I get what I pay for ;-)
It's cold and blustery outside and I'm claiming tonight as my own. I'm knee-deep into the 1970's era I Claudius TV series. I love the novels (Robert Graves) and the series, while a little Shakesperean in production, is engaging and suspenseful. I also have a stack (and I mean STACK) of novels that are just waiting to be cracked open. I just can't read fast enough these days.
As part of a health kick-start I've cut out sweets and, during the week, alcohol, for two weeks. This is the end of week one and things are going swimmingly. My workouts have been varied and rock-solid in terms of consistency. I'm eating clean. I feel good. I broke my rule last night and had one beer (but only one!) out with my cousins. I made sure to eat a healthy dinner at home first and avoided the greasy bar food. Clothes are fitting the way they should and some of my upper body muscles are starting to pop.
And now, of course, the update you've all been waiting for - couponing! Heh. I had a pretty good week this week, starting with a trip to CVS. I saved $40 off a $75 tab (final total - $34.18, total saved, $40.38) plus I earned $15 in "Extra Care Bucks" (used as cash off a future total) along with a coupon for $5 off my purchase of $25 or more. The next CVS trip, if planned well, should be close to free.
Harris Teeter was doubling coupons up to $1.98 this week and I scored some good deals there. Notably, Dannon yogurts were on sale as 10 for $4. I had a $1 coupon (that doubled to $2 at checkout), which means I got ten yogurts for $2, or $0.20 each.
After coupons I also got two boxes of 20 Hefty tall kitchen bags for $1 ($0.50 each). So that was a pretty good deal.
I messed up on the Lysol, though. Lysol wipes were on sale 2 for $4 and I had two $1 coupons which double, making the items free. But I got the wrong kind of Lysol wipes and ended up paying about $8 at checkout- the coupons worked but wipes weren't the ones on store sale. Oh well.
So let's see, at Harris Teeter this week my subtotal was $116.85. After coupons and store sales I spent $53.23 which is well under my weekly grocery budget! And I have food, home care, and cleaning supplies that will last a very long time.
I guess you could say that I'm on a financial health quick-start to go along with my physical health quick-start. It feels good.
It's cold and blustery outside and I'm claiming tonight as my own. I'm knee-deep into the 1970's era I Claudius TV series. I love the novels (Robert Graves) and the series, while a little Shakesperean in production, is engaging and suspenseful. I also have a stack (and I mean STACK) of novels that are just waiting to be cracked open. I just can't read fast enough these days.
As part of a health kick-start I've cut out sweets and, during the week, alcohol, for two weeks. This is the end of week one and things are going swimmingly. My workouts have been varied and rock-solid in terms of consistency. I'm eating clean. I feel good. I broke my rule last night and had one beer (but only one!) out with my cousins. I made sure to eat a healthy dinner at home first and avoided the greasy bar food. Clothes are fitting the way they should and some of my upper body muscles are starting to pop.
And now, of course, the update you've all been waiting for - couponing! Heh. I had a pretty good week this week, starting with a trip to CVS. I saved $40 off a $75 tab (final total - $34.18, total saved, $40.38) plus I earned $15 in "Extra Care Bucks" (used as cash off a future total) along with a coupon for $5 off my purchase of $25 or more. The next CVS trip, if planned well, should be close to free.
Harris Teeter was doubling coupons up to $1.98 this week and I scored some good deals there. Notably, Dannon yogurts were on sale as 10 for $4. I had a $1 coupon (that doubled to $2 at checkout), which means I got ten yogurts for $2, or $0.20 each.
After coupons I also got two boxes of 20 Hefty tall kitchen bags for $1 ($0.50 each). So that was a pretty good deal.
I messed up on the Lysol, though. Lysol wipes were on sale 2 for $4 and I had two $1 coupons which double, making the items free. But I got the wrong kind of Lysol wipes and ended up paying about $8 at checkout- the coupons worked but wipes weren't the ones on store sale. Oh well.
So let's see, at Harris Teeter this week my subtotal was $116.85. After coupons and store sales I spent $53.23 which is well under my weekly grocery budget! And I have food, home care, and cleaning supplies that will last a very long time.
I guess you could say that I'm on a financial health quick-start to go along with my physical health quick-start. It feels good.
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