Follow me as I chronicle my shopping adventures in an effort to spend $300 per month on groceries, health/beauty and cleaning products in Success Stories.

I’m so weak.

How long did I last? A week, maybe?

{SIGH}

That darn hypnotic eye gets me every single time. (And the thought of cheap cereal.)

Target Pictured: (5) Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Kellogg’s Corn Pops, Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, (2) Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut, (2) Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, (4) Pretzel Crisps, (2) Mentos Gum, Pretzel M&Ms, Simple Facial Wipes, and (4) 12-Packs Coca-Cola Soda.

Total after gift cards and coupons: $15.75 (I received two $5 gift cards for the Kellogg’s Cereal and one $5 Gift Card from the Simple Facial Wipes.)

Month Total: 123.70

Commentary

Well, the Karma Gods were on my side. After my awful Target Experience, this one was super pleasant. And my faith has been restored.

My faith is restored because I’m pretty sure I botched the cereal deal. I don’t think I was suppose to be able to get Rice Krispies or Honey Smacks or Corn Pops as part of the Buy Five, Get $5 Gift Card Deal. But the cashier was super helpful, the manager was awesome, and they did an override because the ad was less than clear. And the M&Ms ended up being FREE because of a peelie for a FREE bag when you purchased (2) Rice Krispie items.

The Coca-Cola products were super cheap because I had (2) FREE 12-pack Coca-Cola coupons from My Coke Rewards and if you bought three, you got one FREE. So the 12-packs were $.92 each after coupons and savings.

How about you? What were your greatest finds this week? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Follow me as I chronicle my shopping adventures in an effort to spend $300 per month on groceries, health/beauty and cleaning products in Success Stories.

So, I’m a little behind this week sharing my shopping trips.

These pictures are a combination of the sales last week and the drugstore’s sale from this week.

Costco and Hy-Vee

Costco Pictured: Flowers, Hamburger Buns, Romaine Lettuce (6-pack), Celmentines, Organic Baby Carrots, Basil, Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup, Cabot White Cheddar Cheese, and Feta Cheese. Total: $56.70

Hy-Vee Pictured: Baguette Bread, (6) Club Sodas, Breyer’s Ice Cream, Buttermilk, and (2) Kraft Swiss Cheese. Total: $17.51

Walgreens & Aldi

Aldi Pictured: Vegetable Shortening, (5) Avocados, and (6) Bags of Chips (not pictured – these went straight to DS Blue & Gold Banquet). Total: $13.67

Walgreens Pictured: (2) Colgate, (5) Kettle Chips, and KC Star Newspaper (not pictured). Total: $10.00 + $3 RR to use in the future

Trip Total: $97.88

Month Total: $107.95

Commentary

Not many coupons were used this week except for Walgreens where I was able to score FREE toothpaste and $.99 Kettle Chips.

All of the other items were purchased to fill up my weekly (now two-week) meal plan. However, my freezer is DANGEROUSLY LOW on meat – so I’m going to set some of my funds aside and work on trying to find a couple of good deals.

Follow me as I chronicle my shopping adventures in an effort to spend $300 per month on groceries, health/beauty and cleaning products in Success Stories.

It’s a new month. And that means a new budget.

I didn’t get out very much this week. We had a ton of stuff in the fridge and I was on a “mental track” to eat things down, instead of “bring new stuff in”.

I did make it to Whole Foods where I was able to score an awesome deal on the Zevia Soda 6-packs…They were FREE!!

Pictured: Bulk Quinoa (.83 lbs), (4) Celestial Seasonings Tea, (4) Zevia Sodas, and Artisan Bread. Total: $10.07

Commentary

I wish I would have printed out the $1/1 Celestial Seasonings Tea Whole Foods Coupon earlier. I only had one available and it made Celestial Seasonings Tea only $.50 a box after manufacturer coupon. But luckily, the cashier allowed some overage on the Zevia soda – so I had some wiggle room.

I bought Quinoa because Hubs and I fell in love with a Veggie Hummus Qunioa Wrap wwe had at Walt Disney World. Luckily, my friend and assistant Meg has some amazing Qunioa Recipes on her website.

I’m hoping to get out and do the Kellogg’s Deal at Hy-Vee tomorrow morning.

What about you? What great deals did you get this week? Leave a comment and share your successes.

Follow me as I chronicle my shopping adventures in an effort to spend $300 per month on groceries, health/beauty and cleaning products in Success Stories.

So…if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you know I had a horrific experience at Target earlier today.

But more on that at the end of the post.

Now let’s see about my weekly shopping.

Costco & Aldi

Costco Pictured: Jonagold Apples (5 lbs), Skim Milk, Organic Half & Half, Madras Lentils Soup, Taco Seasoning, and Organic Salad Blend. Total: $36.52

Aldi Pictured: (4) Wheat Bread, Pretzels, (2) Cheesy Poofs, White Tortilla Chips, Nacho Tortilla Chips, Light Buttered Popcorn (6 count), (3) Gravy Mix, (2) Salsa Diced Tomatoes, Onion Soup Mix, Sour Cream, (3) Flour Tortillas, Cuties (3 lbs), (3) Baby Carrots, (3) Limes, (3) Lemons, Onions (3 lbs), Green Grapes (2 lbs), and Bananas (3 lbs). Total: $33.80

Trip Total: $70.32

Aldi, Price Chopper, Hen House, and Target

Aldi Pictured: Kiwi (1 lb), Onions (3 lbs), (2) Broccoli Crowns, Pepper Pack, Graham Crackers, and Cuties (3 lbs). Total: $11.44

Hen House Pictured: (4) Cheese Nips and Actvia Yogurt. Total: $3.48

Price Chopper Pictured: (2) Dozen Eggs, Arm Roast (7 lbs), (2) Danimals Coolision, Cilantro, Organic Braeburn Apples (2.4 lbs), Sweet Potatoes (2 lbs), Asparagus, Zucchini Squash, (2) Unsalted Butter, and Philadelphia Indulgence Dark Chocolate. Total: $37.47

Target Pictured: (2) Mentos Up2U, Market Pantry Fruit Snacks, Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow Brush, (4) Bertolli Sauce, and (2) Welch’s Grape Fizz. Total: $6.90

Trip Total: $59.29

Monthly Total: $249.57

Commentary

I realize you only really want to know about Target….so here we go.

When I go to pay, I had over my coupons and was informed by the checker that they can’t take more than one Target coupon. (Even though she has already scanned two at this point and there is no beeps from the register.)

I respond: “When did you change your policy?”

Checker: “It has always been this way.”

Me: “No it hasn’t. I have been couponing for three plus years and have used multiple Target coupons on many occasions.”

Checker: “Yes, see it says here on the coupon…one offer per guest.”

Me: “Can you get your manager? I don’t think that is correct.”

Checker: “Sure.”

Disclosure: I never get mad at checkers. More often than not they are making minimum wage and just trying to get through a shift. They shouldn’t know all the ins and outs of a coupon policy, but the manager should. I should also mention that the above transaction with the checker was pleasant. When the assistant manager showed up is when it went downhill.

Assistant Manager: “You can’t use more than one Target coupon in a transaction.”

Me: “When did you change your policy?”

Assistant Manager: “It’s always been this way.”

Me: “No. It hasn’t. I’ve been couponing for three years and have used multiple coupons at this store.”

Assistant Manager: “Then they weren’t enforcing the policy.”

Me: “Then why would I be allowed to print two coupons from my computer if I can only use one?”

Assistant Manager: “I have no idea how many coupons you can print. You can only use one.”

Me: “But I’m buying four items and trying to use two $1.50/2 coupons. It’s not like I’m using two coupons for one item.”

Assistant Manager: “We have to follow the coupon language.”

Me: “So you want me to make multiple trips into the store in order to use more than one coupon. And that would be okay.”

Assistant Manager: “Whatever you want to do. We don’t get reimbursed for things if they are used wrong like you are trying to do. But I’ll let it go through this time.”

Me: “Fine.”

People Behind Me: “What? That’s ridiculous. All grocery stores allow you to use multiple coupons if you buy multiple items.”

Checker continues to scan all the rest of the coupons without a problem. No beeps. And I pay.

Disclosure: I probably would have let this go except A) it was evident the assistant manager had NO CLUE about their coupon policy and B) it was inferred that I was being unethical.

So then I was angry.

I tweeted.

Target Customer Service contacted me.

I got to talk to a Customer Service Supervisor who informed me that, “Yes. You can use a Target Printable Coupon and a manufacturer coupon on each item. As long as the register does not beep, then all coupons should be accepted. Only when a coupon beeps is it necessary to make a decision whether or not to accept a coupon. Staff should not make that decision arbitrarily before scanning.”

Which is what I already knew.

So, is Target still “dead to me” for groceries? Probably.

Why?

Because Customer Service made no effort to right the situation. There was no offer of an apology or a gift card for my embarrassment.

Sorry Target. You still failed. I called. I was put on hold. I explained. And you still didn’t make it right. You just told me what I already knew…I was using coupons ethically.

Follow me as I chronicle my shopping adventures in an effort to spend $300 per month on groceries, health/beauty and cleaning products in Success Stories.

This is an example of a “stock-up” trip.

None of these things will make a weekly meal plan.

However, all of these things will be helpful to make “future” meal plans.

One of the rules of stockpiling is stocking up on an item when it is at it’s “Buy Now” price and then using those items over a period of time.

It takes patience and dedication to get to the point where you have room in your budget to make “stock-up” only trips, but it will happen if you persevere.

So here are the details.

Hen House Pictured: (2) Clorox Bleach, Red Gold Tomatoes, (8) Planter’s Peanut Butter, (2) Velveeta Skillet Dinners, (7) YoCrunch Yogurts, and (3) Johnsonville Chicken Sausage. Total: $22.33

Target Pictured: (8) Dannon Activia Yogurts, Skittles Valentine’s Cards, Wonka Fun Dip Valentine’s Cards, (4) Alexia Sweet Potato Fries, (4) Wish-Bone Dressings, and Smart Ones Dinner. Total: $14.24

Costco Pretend it’s Pictured: Kirkland’s Bathroom Tissue. Total: $16.32

Trip Total: $52.89

Monthly Total: $119.96

Commentary

The YoCrunch Yogurts were a steal at only $.21 each after $.29 coupon from the 2/5 SS Insert. (Regular price $.79.)

And then I went and bought some more Actvia Yogurt at Target and paid $.19 for each 4-pack. (Check out the Target Deals.)

And my biggest haul was the peanut butter. I had printed the Planter’s Peanut Butter coupons last month and was HOPING for a sale and it a sale came along. Sometimes you have to print out the coupons when they are available and wait patiently for a sale to go with them. I believe it is better to print a coupon and throw it away, then not print it and miss out on huge savings.

What about you? How was your week? Which deals did you take advantage of? Let me know in the comments.

Follow me as I chronicle my shopping adventures in an effort to spend $300 per month on groceries, health/beauty and cleaning products in Success Stories.

It’s the beginning of the month and time to do a little shopping to stock up on some items.

(And also because we were on vacation for a week and needed a few things.)

And let me just apologize in advance for the photo…Hubs took it. He was kind enough to help me out when I got home, but it is a little hard to see everything, because he just dumped the groceries and took a picture.

CVS Pictured: (3) Advil and (5) Blue Diamond Almonds. Total: $19.47 Total after voucher, coupons and rebate: FREE. (I bought the $20 Voucher from Living Social for $10.00 and will be submitting my $10 Pfizer Rebate.)

Aldi Pictured: Pretzels, Great Northern Beans, String Cheese, Naval Oranges (3 lbs), Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese, Plain Yogurt, Wheat Bread, Summer Sausage, Avocados (3), Lemons (3), Limes (2), Cauliflower (2), Sausage Snack Sticks, Pepperoni, Light Sour Cream, and Regular Sour Cream. Total: $34.29

Hy-Vee Pictured: Hy-Vee Ice Cream, Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks (4), Hy-Vee Microwave Popcorn, Russet Potatoes (2 lbs), Grimmway Carrots (2), Shallots, and Cowtown BBQ Sauce. Total: $23.08

Price Chopper Pictured: Italian Bread, Wonder Buns (2), Avocados (3), Pillsbury Biscuits (2), Cilantro, and Green Onions (2). Total: $9.70

Trip Total: $67.07

Monthly Total: $67.07

Commentary

Ham’s were really cheap at Aldi, but I didn’t have enough cash on hand to buy one and everything else. Sad.

Pillsbury GRANDS Biscuits were on Manager’s Special at my Price Chopper for $.98 (and they had $1/2 peelies).

My CVS was BARE of any Speed Stick or Skintimate. I’m going to try again on Saturday and see – if not…I’ll get a raincheck.

Follow me as I chronicle my shopping adventures in an effort to spend $300 per month on groceries, health/beauty and cleaning products in Success Stories.

Walgreens Pictured: (5) Chex Mix. Total: $1.62 after coupons & RR

Hy-Vee Pictured: Jacks Frozen Pizza, (2) Hy-Vee Brown Gravy Mix, Hy-Vee Diet Tonic Water, (4) Seagrams Club Soda, (2) Sunchips, (2) Wonder Breads, (10) Yoplait Go-Gurts, (4) Zesta Saltines, (2) Wholly Guacamole, and Wholly Queso. Total: $32.55 after coupons

Trip Total: $34.17

Monthly Total: $153.30

Commentary

Yes, Virginia, it’s a WHOLE lot of yogurt. I took advantage of the Buy 10, Get $3 off promotion. After closer look at the coupon, I realized that Yoplait Kids Yogurt was included. I also had some $.85/2 and $.75/2 coupons. They came out to $1.30 each which is a little higher than I would like to pay (I strive for $1.25), but we were DESPERATELY low on kid’s lunch items. We freeze these and stick them in their lunchbags – kids love them.

I think we are stocked up on Chex Mix for awhile. We have 10 bags 9 bags of Chex Mix in the freezer – but everyone in the family loves it and it is a great snack for road trips.

The Wholly Guacamole and Queso were bought with FREE coupons from the manufacturer.

How about you? Did you take part in the Hy-Vee’s 13-hour sale? Or did you hit Target again for more Smart Ones entrees? Leave a comment and let me know.