Coupon Organization for the Working Home Keeper

 

 

Quick coupon organization tip for busy working home keepers:  instead of clipping, date coupon inserts and file away in plastic sleeves.  When creating your shopping list, just clip coupons as needed!  After years of couponing (with varying intensity), when I'm looking at the new sales for the week, I pretty much know which items may have corresponding coupons {max savings = store sales + coupons + double/triple promotion (if available in your area)}.  If you don't have time to create your own match-ups, there are tons of resources available.  All the work is done for you; just clip and shop!  A few of my favorites are Money Saving Mom, Southern Savers and local blogs like SmartShopper and  Centsible Saver.  And remember, couponing is not just about food.  I cook mostly from scratch, with a focus on local and/or organic/organically-grown.  I find couponing helpful for saving on non-food items like pet food, cleaning and health & beauty products.

 

Mary Ellen   



Sneaky Pete's - BOGO Offer!



While we've been enjoying a nice leisurely summer, it won't be too long before the school year starts again.  And that means packing lunches!  Last school year, I packed well over 150 lunches for the kids (give or take a few sick days!).  I take care to pack lunches which are healthy, filling and will give the kids energy throughout the day.  Thanks to the folks at Sneaky Pete's, I've found something new to add to the kids' lunch boxes that's good for them (which I love!) and tastes great (which the kids love!).





Sneaky Pete's is a refreshing, all natural, wheat-free, certified vegan fruit flavored beverage that packs 3 grams of fiber (as much as a bowl of oatmeal) with only 40 calories.  Sneaky Pete's contain no artificial colors or additives and is naturally sweetened using stevia extract, erythritol and evaporated cane juice.

So, how does it taste?  Great!  We tried Peach and Mango and enjoyed both flavors.  Smiles all around especially from the little ones!



To help you with packing lunches for your kids (or your work lunch!), Harris Teeter is currently offering an amazing 3 for $5 deal on all Sneaky Pete's oat beverages now through December.  For even more savings, enjoy this Buy One, Get One Free coupon courtesy of Sneaky Pete's!   

Enjoy!

Mary Ellen

Disclosure:  I was provided a coupon to sample Sneaky Pete's oat beverages.  All opinions are mine.



     

Kroger to Buy Harris Teeter & Super Doubles

My Harris Teeter Super Double deals from the weekend:

3 Purina Cat Chow .89 each

2 Finish Gel Pacs .75 each

2 Bayer Low Dose Aspirin FREE!

2 Reynolds Baking Cups FREE!

Last week it was announced that Kroger reached a definitive merger agreement with Harris Teeter.  If you heard a loud noise, it was a collective NOOOOO! from all the couponers in our area!  While Kroger  does have low prices on organic and natural foods and great markdowns, their coupon policy stinks.  The stores recently stopped doubling in our area.  Prior to the policy change, the rules for coupon usage seemed to vary by store, by manager, by cashier.  Harris Teeter is more expensive, but with Super Doubles, triple coupon events and Buy 2 Get 3 Free sales, good deals can be had.  Plus,  the customer service at Harris Teeter is top notch.  I'd even compare it to stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and The Fresh Market.  According to the release, Harris Teeter will continue to operate separately and top management will remain in place.  Of course, that's what they always say in the beginning!  I'm hopeful the Harris Teeter coupon policies and special events will remain.  But, I wouldn't be surprised if the stores eventually changed to reflect Kroger's current policy.  At which time I will dust off my Lowes Foods Fresh Rewards card and anxiously await the arrival of Publix!

Mary Ellen    



Save Money On Groceries

My Harris Teeter Super Doubles haul:

(note: prices listed are after sale, discounts and doubled coupons)

4 Emerald almonds  $1.99 ea

2 Emerald mixed nuts  $1.93 ea

3 Reynolds parchment paper $2.15 ea

3 Woolite Oxy Power carpet cleaners  $1.95 ea

1 Gain detergent  $1.99

3 Aquafresh kids toothpaste  .79 ea

2 Carefree liners FREE

2 Bayer low dose aspirin .99 ea

As prices increase, we're all looking for ways to cut back spending, particularly at the grocery store.  Tawra Kellam of Living On A Dime offers the following practical tips for saving money:

*****

For many people, cutting back on their grocery budgets can be an overwhelming experience. They know they're spending too much, but don't know where to begin to cut. Often, they fear that they will deprive themselves and their children if they become frugal. The good news is that there are ways to have your cake, eat it and save money at the same time. The whole secret is to start slowly. There are countless ways you can cut, but if you need to, target just one thing at a time - you will still be saving money if you do only one thing.

If you are a frugal beginner, try these simple suggestions for saving on your food bill:

• Cooking frugally is like changing your diet. You need to learn gradually how to save money and cook frugally. Don't expect that you will get your food bill down to $300 for four people in the first month if you are spending $600 a month right now.
• Try cutting just $25.00 or $50.00 a month. Even if you cut back only $50.00 a month, you will save $600.00 a year. If you save just $1.00 a day that is $365.00 a year. You can then apply that $365.00 a year to paying off your credit cards. At 21 percent interest, you will save over $70 a year. This will eventually cause a snowball effect since the more you pay off, the less you pay to interest. When you pay less to interest, you have more each month to apply to paying off your overall debt. This means that as you pay off the debt, the rate that you can pay it off increases.
• Before you shop, take a tour through your pantry and your refrigerator. Be organized! Don't buy what's already hiding in your kitchen.
• If you're a fan of coupons, remember this: It's not what you save, it's what you spend. If you save 30 cents on something you wouldn't ordinarily buy anyway, you haven't really saved anything.
• A typical fruit item is significantly larger than one serving. Most people would be just as happy eating a small apple as eating a large one -- so buy smaller fruits! You will save money by the pound.
• This month, try two meatless meals a week (or one, if you're a die hard meat fan).
• Make simple meals. One-dish meals can contain your meat, your vegetable and your bread.
• Drink water for your meals. If your family is used to drinking milk, juice or pop for every meal then start by cutting juice from one meal or snack a day and drinking only water. After you get used to this, cut from another meal until you drink only water for meals and a glass of juice or milk at snack time.
  You can also try allowing one glass of juice at meal times and then water after it is gone.
  You save over $500.00 a year by cutting just one glass of juice per person per day for a family of four.
• Don't assume homemade is cheaper. If you get a VERY GOOD deal on chocolate chips and ingredients for candies, it is cheaper to make them than buying them pre-made. Make sure you do the calculations, though! If you don't purchase them on sale, homemade candies can be more expensive than candies purchased at the store.
• Stop wasting food. Give young children small portions. They can always have more if they are still hungry. Give them a half glass of juice and a half sandwich so you don't waste uneaten food. Put food in the refrigerator right after the meal so it doesn't spoil. Use leftovers for lunches, in other dishes or frozen in one portion sizes for a quick meal.
• Remember, cooking frugally is a mindset. You have to change your cooking and eating habits. Don't get discouraged if one idea fails. Try another one.
• Stop buying things like toaster pastries and breakfast bars for breakfast. Eat oatmeal, pancakes, granola and fruit instead.
• Don't assume that bulk is cheaper. Compare cost by the ounce or pound.

Most people don't think they can live the frugal life and still be comfortable. I feed my family of six on $400 per month. Over five years, when my husband earned an average of $22,000 per year, we paid off $20,000 debt. When cutting your grocery bill, it's the little things that add up.

Tawra Kellam and Jill Cooper are frugal living experts and the authors of the Dining On A Dime Cookbook. Dining On A Dime will help you save money on groceries and get out of debt by cooking quick and simple homemade meals. For free tips & recipes visit http://www.LivingOnADime.com , sign up for our free Living On A Dime Newsletter and learn to save more!

More Triples

Harris Teeter Triples Trip #2

The triple coupon event at Harris Teeter has ended.  But, I did manage to get in one more shopping trip when the new coupon inserts came out over the weekend. Which was a good thing because we were running low on toilet paper!  With a family of six, it goes so fast!  And I've yet to convince (and probably will NEVER be able to) my husband to consider family cloth.  There's limits to what he's willing to do for the sake of frugality LOL!

3 Angel Soft 4pks $2.99 ea - .45/1 Q = $1.64 ea

3 Skintimate shave gels $2.50 ea - .55/1 Q = .85 ea

2 McCormick chili powder $1.99 ea - .75/1 Q = FREE

1 McCormick parsley flakes $1.69 - .75/1 Q = FREE

3 Colgate toothpaste $2.50 ea - .50/1 Q = $1 ea

3 Colgate kids toothbrushes $2.99 - .50/1 Q = $1.49 ea

Also bought: sugar and Kitchen Bouquet

Total oop: $21.67

Total savings: $29.99 

Mary Ellen

Save Money. Print Free Coupons Anytime.

(Note:  This post contains an affiliate link.  Read my disclosure policy here).

Harris Teeter Triple Coupon Event

Yesterday was the start of triple coupons at Harris Teeter!  I made a quick trip in before work and was able to find all the items I had on my list.  And also offer help to an older lady who was participating in triples for the first time :)

During triples, Harris Teeter will triple the value of coupons up to .99.  So a .75 off coupon, now becomes $2.25 off!  Here are the deals I was able to find yesterday:

2 Almond Breeze $3.29 ea - .55/1 Q = $1.64 ea
2 Almond Breeze shelf stable cartons $2.85 ea - .55/1 Q = $1.20 ea
2 Dole Frozen Fruit Cups $2.79 ea - .75/1 Q = .54 ea
3 Kleenex Hand Towels $2.99 ea - .75/1 Q = .74 ea
2 Ban Invisible Solid deodorants $2.99 ea - .75/1 Q = .74 ea
3 Whiskas Temptations cat treats $1.99 ea - .50/1 Q = .49 ea
1 Ivory soap 3pk $1.55 - .25 zvr - .35/1 Q = .25 (for 3 bars)
6 Dole pineapple (in juice) cans .99 ea - 50/2 Q = $1.44 total (.48 for every 2 cans)
2 Dole mandarin oranges (in juice) jars $2.79 ea - .75/1 Q = .54 ea

Total out of pocket (oop) = $15.78

Total savings $38.65

And at checkout, I received a .50 off my next order catalina courtesy of Dole!

I've mentioned before that when it comes to couponing, I like to focus on non-food items.  Well, as you can see from my list, I do make exceptions!  There are some food items I will buy with coupons if a good deal arises. Like the following:  almond milk (refrigerated and shelf stable), baking supplies (flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, yeast), dried fruits, frozen fruit, canned fruit (in juice), 100% fruit juices (no HFCS), nuts and vinegar.  Even though there are tons of coupons for processed foods, you can still find deals for healthier items as well. 

Mary Ellen

Why Wait for the Sunday Paper?  Print Free Coupons Anytime.

(This post contains affiliate links.  Read my disclosure policy here).

Earth Fare Savings - Nutiva Coconut Oil

2 jars Nutiva extra virgin coconut oil - $5.75 each (reg. $19.49)

1-1lb bag of organic carrots - FREE with coupon

1 strawberry kombucha (not pictured because I drank it during lunch!) $3.89

Total oop $15.88

Total savings $28.48

Ever have one of those days where you unexpectedly stumble upon the best deal ever?  I had one of those days yesterday!  During my lunch hour, I needed to make a trip to the bank.  Afterward, I decided to stop into Earth Fare, a regional health food store.  It was nearby and I had received a coupon via email for a free bag of organic carrots.  Can't pass up free organic vegetables!  I also decided to get a jar of organic extra virgin coconut oil while I was there.  The Earth Fare brand is pretty reasonably priced.  But as I turned on the aisle for the cooking oils what did I see?  Under the 29 oz jars of Nutiva extra virgin coconut oil a shelf tag that said discontinue and a price of $5.75!  Those jars are regularly priced at $19.49.  I couldn't believe my eyes - that's cheaper than the store brand!  So, I grabbed two jars because I've never seen Nutiva in store for that price.  Or any organic extra virgin coconut oil for that matter!

I have no idea if all Earth Fare stores are discontinuing Nutiva or just my local store.  But, if you have an Earth Fare in your area, and you use organic extra virgin coconut oil, it might be worth a look!  At checkout, the jars did ring up regular price.  But my cashier kindly verified the reduced price on the shelf tag and made the adjustment.  And these jars were located in the cooking oil section and not the whole body/supplement department. 

Mary Ellen

Get the Groceries On A Dime e-book series for only $9.98 (regularly priced at $19.95)

 through March 4th. 

(Note:  This post contains an affiliate link.  Read my disclosure policy here).

Small Batch Canning - Homemade Grape Jelly from Grape Juice

How do you go from grape juice to homemade grape jelly?  It's easier than you think!  Last Wednesday, I picked up a bottle of concord grape juice at Harris Teeter Super Doubles for $1.29 after coupon. The kids don't care much for grape juice, but they love grape jelly.  So, I set about to turn my juice into jelly.

To make my grape jelly, I used this recipe from the Sure-Jell website:

Homemade Grape Jelly

yield 6 - 7 half pint jars

3 cups grape juice (the juice I used contained no HFCS, but that's a personal preference)
1 cup water
1 - 2 boxes Sure-Jell pectin (the recipe calls for 1 box, but I ended up using 1/2 of a second box)
1/2 tsp butter
4-1/2 cups sugar

 Add grape juice and water to a 6 to 8 quart pot.  Add pectin to the juice mixture.  Then add butter (it reduces foaming).  Bring to a full rolling boil (a boil that can't be stirred down).  Add sugar and return mixture to a rolling boil.  Boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and skim off any foam with a metal spoon.    

Ladle mixture into prepared canning jars and process in a water bath for 5 minutes.  To prepare the canning jars, I followed the instructions in the guide book from my Ball Discovery Home Canning kit.  The kit comes with canning instructions, recipes, jars and a canning rack with lifter basket that can be used in any large pot.  Great for beginners - like me!  You can also find  instructions on the Ball website. 

I let my jars sit out overnight to cool.  When I picked one of the jars up this morning, it seemed to have set pretty well.  I just ran out of store bought jelly this morning while making the kids' school lunches.  So, I'll be testing out one of the homemade jars in the very near future.  I'll let you how the end result turned out! 

Mary Ellen

(Note:  This post contains an affiliate link.  Read my disclosure policy here).

Not So Extreme Couponing - Clipping Coupons

Coffee & coupons

part of my Sunday morning routine

I've shared with you some of my "not so extreme" coupon shopping trips.  But I thought I would take some time to explain the how-to behind the trips.  It starts of course with clipping coupons.  If you're a working home keeper, you may be interested in saving money using coupons.  But on the other hand, you may think you don't have time to add one more thing to your busy schedule.  Let me assure you, couponing doesn't have to become another full-time job!  My style of couponing fits very easily within my home and work schedule without disrupting either.

Mike Holmes

an essential part of couponing :)

On Sundays while I'm in the kitchen making breakfast, Dave and the boys head out to buy copies of the Sunday paper.  Dave buys up to three copies of the Sunday paper each week.  Why three?  Because Harris Teeter will only double or triple three like coupons.  Buying only three of an item means my stockpile grows at a slower rate.  But typically, three is enough to get us through to the next sales cycle. 

Once we've finished eating breakfast, I gather up my coupon inserts, a pair of scissors and my cup of coffee and head to my chair in the family room.  I turn on the TV and start up my DVR recording of HGTV's Holmes on Homes (with Mike Holmes) or Holmes Inspection.  It's just a must for me!  I go through each insert individually (why rush!) and cut out only the relevant coupons.  For me, relevant coupons are non-food items (cleaning, health & beauty, paper products, pet food) and select food items (baking supplies, nuts, frozen/canned fruit, juices, almond milk).  I don't bother clipping the processed food coupons at all since we eat mostly from scratch meals made with whole ingredients.

With my coupons clipped, I pull out my coupon holder, which is an accordian receipt file small enough to fit in my purse.  I go through each file category and pull out any expired coupons and add in the newly clipped coupons.  I found that it is best to file my coupons right away.  Otherwise, I end up with piles of clipped coupons lying around.

So, that's my very simple, very easy approach to clipping coupons!  Next time I will discuss finding deals and preparing for my shopping trips.

Do you clip coupons?  If so, what is your clipping style?   

Mary Ellen                  

Not So Extreme Couponing - Harris Teeter Super Doubles

My not so extreme couponing haul

Harris Teeter is having Super Doubles again until November 8th!  During Super Doubles, coupons (20 per day) will double up to $1.98.  I stopped into Harris Teeter on my way to work the first morning of Super Doubles.  Here's what I got:

(3) Nutella spreads 3.99 ea - 1/1Q doubled  = 1.99 ea (thinking about trying this recipe at Simply Scratch for Nutella Cheesecake Pumpkin Muffins!)

(4) Blue Diamond whole & natural almonds BOGO - 1/2Q doubled = 1.89 for 2

(4) Carnation Evaporated milk 1.00 ea - .50/2Q doubled = .50 ea

(1) Electrasol Gel pacs 3.50 - 1/1Q doubled = 1.50

(3) Apple & Eve Fruitables juice 8pk 3.50 ea - 1/1Q doubled = 1.50 ea

(12) Meow Mix cat food singles .60 ea - 1/4Q doubled = .10 ea

(3) Tom's of Maine relaxing bar soap 3.49 ea - 1/1Q doubled = 1.49 ea

(3) Bayer Low Dose aspirin 2.99 ea - 1/1Q doubled = .99 ea


Non-coupon purchases

(1) HT kitchen trash bags 40 ct sale 3.77

(1) Sierra Mist 20 oz 1.59


Total oop: $33.92

Total savings: $55.72

And I received a $4 off my next order (OYNO) catalina for buying the Blue Diamond almonds!

Mary Ellen

Vocalpoint - $4 OFF Vicks Nature Fusion

Time to stock up for cold and flu season! 

Head over to Vocalpoint and reserve your coupon for $4 off Vicks Nature Fusion. 

Mary Ellen

Not So Extreme Couponing - Harris Teeter Triple Coupon

My small haul from last week's triple coupon promotion at Harris Teeter -

2 jars Mt. Olive banana peppers

1 jar Mt. Olive sweet petite pickles

3 Whiskas Temptation cat treats

4 boxes of Kleenex

2 Dawn dish detergents

1 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (2ct)

4-1 lb. boxes of Domino light brown sugar

Total oop: $11.19

Total savings: $27.73

Mary Ellen

Vocalpoint - FREE Swiffer Duster Offer!

Are you a member of Vocalpoint?  If not, you should be!  I signed up a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the wonderful offers I've received.  The $1 off Motts for Tots apple juice coupon I used for Super Doubles came from Vocalpoint, along with additional coupons and a sample juice box.



Vocalpoint is currently offering it's members a chance to receive a FREE classic Swiffer duster.  Visit Vocalpoint's website to reserve your free duster!

FYI - I'm not receiving anything from Vocalpoint or Swiffer for this post.  Just wanted to pass along the new offer as it just arrived in my inbox :)

Mary Ellen

Not So Extreme Couponing - Harris Teeter Super Doubles & e-VIC Coupons (ZVRs)

Sunday's haul from Harris Teeter's Super Doubles

During my hiatus from couponing about a year or so ago, Harris Teeter unveiled a new discount program allowing you to upload electronic coupons to your VIC card.  The best part about this program (compared to some other stores I've seen with similar programs) is per the Harris Teeter coupon policy, you can combine the e-VIC coupons (ZVRs) wtih paper coupons!  When you also factor in sales and double/triple coupon promotions, that can mean some serious savings!

  Harris Teeter has been running a Super Double coupon promotion since last Wednesday (today is the last day!).  Here are some of the great deals I was able to get during the event:

(1) Crest Pro Health Rinse 4.49 - 2 zvr - 2/1Q = .49

(1) Always Infinity Pads 3.99 - 1 zvr - 1/1Q (doubled) = .99

(1) Always liners 2.99 - 1 zvr - 1/1Q (doubled) = FREE

(1) Dawn dish detergent 1.69 - .50 zvr - .50/1Q (doubled) = .19

(1) Motts for Tots apple juice 2.99 - 1/1Q (doubled) = .99

(3) Gain dish detergents .99 - 50/1Q (doubled) = FREE

(3) Sure deodorants 1.99 - 1/1Q (doubled) = FREE

(3) Dentek flossers 2.85 - 1/1Q (doubled) = .85 ea

(1) Purina Cat Chow 3.50 - 1/1Q (doubled) = 1.50

(1) Ban Solid deodorant 2.99 - 1/1Q (doubled) = .99

Dave also got a FREE jar of Harris Teeter cheese dip when the price at the register did not match the price on the shelf.  I love, love Super Doubles at Harris Teeter!

Mary Ellen

Not So Extreme Couponing - Harris Teeter Super Doubles

Harris Teeter Super Doubles

Last Wednesday was a happy day for couponers in the area.  The first day of Super Doubles at Harris Teeter!  During Super Doubles, Harris Teeter will double coupons up to $1.98.  So for example, your $1.50 off coupons are worth $3 off!   I stopped in before work on the first day of the promotion and picked up the items above.  And yes, I broke my rule of not couponing for junk food - hence the Pepsi.  Since Dave is the head of his department's employee recognition committee, we picked up some drinks for their office parties.

1 Reynolds Non-stick foil 1.99 - 1/1 Q = FREE

1 Hefty trash bags 40 ct 4.49 - 55/1 Q = 3.39

6 Whisker Lickins cat treats 1.00 ea - 1/2 Q = FREE

3 Zest 3ct soap 2.79 ea - 1/1 Q = .79 ea

1 Bounty napkins 2.79 - 1 zvr - 1/1 Q = FREE (zvr = electronic Q. Harris Teeter allows you to use both electronic and paper coupons on items)

12 Meow Mix market select cat food cups .70 ea - 1/4 Q = .20 ea

1 Colgate Total toothpaste 2.50 - 1/1 Q = .50

4 Pepsi 2L 1.25 ea - 1/2 Q = .25 ea

1 Diet Pepsi 2L = FREE wyb 4 Pepsi 2L (store promotion)

Total oop: $10.42

Total savings: $46.73

What good deals have you picked up lately?

Mary Ellen

My (Not So) Extreme Couponing

A few months ago, I started couponing again after having not done so for about a year.  My approach is very relaxed - only non-food items and only focus on the deals at one store.  Harris Teeter is currently having a triple coupon promotion.  Yesterday, was the first day of the event.  I stopped in before work to pick up some cleaning, HBA and household items.

I bought the following pictured above:

3 Palmolive Soft Touch dish detergents

3 Dawn dish detergents

3 Bounty single roll paper towels

3 Electrasol dishwasher tabs

1 Speedstick deo

1 Colgate toothpaste 

1 Always maxi

3 Carefree liners   

2 Halls sugar free cough drops (for my Mom)

Total oop: $19.75

Total sales & coupon savings: $40.00

Certainly not extreme, but saving on these items frees up money within the grocery budget for the local and organic meats and produce we buy.  Every little bit helps in this time of rising grocery prices!