The Shopper's Apprentice

Headed out to Fiat and Butera this morning! Here’s what I bought:

Fiat Mart:
2 Loaves Udi’s Gluten Free Bread, $2.00 (should have been $3)
2 loaves Butternut Bread, $1.00
2 pkgs Hot Dog/Hamburger buns, $1.00
2 large tubs berries, $4.00
1 large fruit tray, $3.00
2 pkgs Chocolate Chewy cookies, $2.00
Mini Truffles, 0.50
2 boxes Gluten-Free Lady Fingers, 0.50
1 loaf Sour dough bread, $1.00

Total was $15 and I estimated I saved around $75.00. Some of the prices are going up – the gluten Free used to be $1 but is now priced at $1.50. And gluten Free cookies that used to be $1 were also marked $1.50. Still great prices, and fabulous savings! Off to Butera…

2 lbs Greco Mozzarella cheese, $5.24
Green Grapes, 0.99/lb with separate $10 purchase and in-ad coupon, $1.90
Country Style Ribs, 0.99/lb with separate $10 purchase and in-ad coupon, $4.46
Chicken Drumsticks, 0.99/lb, $3.46
Bananas, 0.49/lb, 0.66
Dozen eggs 0.69 with in-ad coupon and separate $10 purchase, 0.69

Total after coupons was $16.70 with a savings of $4.68 (plus the savings for the cheese, not calculated on the receipt). So net cost for everything in the photo: $31.70 with a savings of about $79.68. Pretty good savings for healthy food – and I didn’t even use a single manufacturer coupon (just the coupons from the Butera ad!).

Fiat store hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Cash and carry only. Fiat Missionaries is located at 2208 Glacier Ct. Algonquin (Lake/Cook and Algonquin Rds.) and is a non-profit, 501 (C) (3) Christian organization whose purpose is to feed the hungry and under-resourced in Chicagoland and Rockford. Proceeds (your donations) from their store go to support this effort.

I made the rounds this morning! Dropped my 4 yo off on a playdate so my teen and I had some easy shopping. Here’s what we bought:

Dominick’s
3 Welch’s Grape Juice, $5.97 with in-ad coupon. Used three $1/1 from the 2/12 RP
4 Fresh Express Salad, $10.00. Used four $2/1 Fresh Express printable coupons
Hershey’s Chocolate, Honey Maid Grahams, and Jet-Puffed, $5.00. Used $2 off all from the Jewel ad

Total after coupons was $8.51 with a savings of $31.84.

Fiat:
9 Assorted breads/donuts, $3.00
Chocolate filled treats, $1.00
4 Gluten-Free bread/bagels $4.00
Strawberries, $1.00

Total was $9.00 with an estimated savings of $64.50.

Meijer:
9 Boxes Barilla Pasta, $9.00. Used nine $1/1 Barilla Pasta Printable coupons
2 Kraft Cheese singles, $3.00
1/2 lb Ground Beef, $2.93. Got $1 instant savings for buying 2 Kraft singles. Used $2 off Ground Beef wyb 2 Kraft singles from the Wisted’s ad

Total was $3.02 and I paid with a $2 Meijer OYNO and $1.02 in cash. Total savings $20.84.

Net cost for everything in the photo: $20.53 with a savings of $117.18

Here are this week’s deals for Fiat Folks. You can become a Fiat Folk by joining the email list in-store!

• 10lb box of Egg Noodles, $4.00
• 5lb bag of Egg Noodles, $2.50
• FIAT FOLKS (those on the Fiat email list) Whisper Fiat Folks at checkout
  • Bread, BOGO Free
  • Picture Frames, BOGO Free
  • Strawberries, $1.00/basket

Fiat store hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Cash and carry only. Fiat Missionaries is located at 2208 Glacier Ct. Algonquin (Lake/Cook and Algonquin Rds.) and is a non-profit, 501 (C) (3) Christian organization whose purpose is to feed the hungry and under-resourced in Chicagoland and Rockford. Proceeds (your donations) from their store go to support this effort.

I went back out shopping today with my DH, and we left all five kids at home! What a treat (and almost like a date). We made three stops: Walgreens, Fiat, and Meijer. Here’s what we bought:

Walgreens:
10 pkgs Up2U Gum, $9.90. Used five $1/2 from the 3/24 SS and $1/2 in-store coupon
Clois du Bois Chardonnay, $9.99. Used $1.50/1 from the 4/1 RP

Total after coupons was $10.43, and the $5 MIR (Limit 1 per household) printed for me at checkout. Will send in for this, so net cost $5.43. I’m noticing the Walgreens in-store coupon only deducted $4.50 on the gum (instead of $5.00). Not sure why, but it’s still a great price and my savings was $23.80.

Fiat:

5 bags Chips, $5.00
3 cartons cookies, $3.00 (will Freeze for MN next week)
3 bags Donuts, $1.50 (will Freeze for MN next week)
1 loaf bread, 0.50
1 purple purse, $2.00 (going in my 9 yo’s Easter basket)
1 carton Chocolate Dipped Peppermind Sticks, Free!

Total there was $12 with an estimated savings of $67.96. One last stop at Meijer…

Transaction #1:
4 Jell-O, $2.36. Used two 0.50/1 from the 3/25 SS
1 lb Strawberries, Free

Total after coupons was $1.40 with a savings of $5.05.

Transaction #2:
4 Jell-O, $2.36. Used two 0.50/1 from the 3/25 SS
1 lb Strawberries, Free
2 Cool Whip, $1.98. Used 0.50/2 from the 3/25 SS
3 Heluva Good Dip, $4.50. Used three 0.50/1 Heluva Good Dip Printable coupons
Campbell’s Gravy, 0.99
2 Cans Comstock Cherry Pie Filling, $5.12. Used 0.50/1 from March AY and $1.50/2 mPerks
Meijer Sugar, $2.69
Meijer Brown Sugar, $2.69
Fresca, $1.34
4 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, $6.67. Used four $1.25/1 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Printable coupons and two $1/2 Meijer Mealbox
Welch’s Sparkling Juice, $3.00
Earthbound Farms Organic Salad Mix, 40% offat $2.09
2 Peeps T-Shirt/Candy Sets, 30% off at $20.98. Used two $2/1 Meijer store coupons found at a display table

Total after coupons was $40.79 and I got back $3 for the Heluva Dip for a net cost of $30.79 with a savings of $40.97. This is more than I usually spend (and less than I usually save), but there were a few things I needed for our Easter dinner. I used to spend upwards of $200 when shopping for a Holiday meal, but I have so much in the house there was very little I needed. And I’m awfully glad I bought the broccoli at Butera (0.59/lb) instead of buying it at Meijer ($1.89/lb). The girls were talking between themselves about how great it would be to have Easter T-Shirts in their baskets, so we decided to splurge on them on the Peeps sets. Most of the candy they’re getting was Free anyway

Total cost for everything in the photo: $59.62 with a savings of $137.78. Definately some splurges in this trip, but that’s part of the reason I coupon in the first place!

Hit three stores this morning. I was hoping to stock up on snacks from Fiat, since we are heading to MN next weekend. I found a few things! Here’s what I bought:

Meijer:

4 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, $6.68. Used four $1.25/1 ICBINB Printable coupons and two $1/2 Meijer Mealbox
2 Cure 81 Boneless Hams, $5.67 and $5.53. Used two $2/1 from the 3/25 SS and two $2/1 Meijer Mealbox
6 Jell-O, $3.54. Used three 0.50/2 from the 3/25 SS
Jell-O Jigglers Easter Mold, Free wyb 6 Jell-O
1 lb Strawberries, Free wyb 4 Jell-O
2 Vlasic Pickles, $4.00. Used two 0.55/1 from the 3/25 SS and $1.50/2
mPerks
1 Simply Orange Orange Juice, $3.00. Used $1/1 Simply Orange Printable coupon

Total after coupons was $10.21 and I paid with a $10 card I received from Kellogg’s and 0.21 in cash. Net cost: $10.21 with a savings of $29.16. OOP cost just 0.21

So here’s the trick with the Cure 81 hams. Instead of looking for the half hams sale-priced at $3.69/lb, look for the quarter hams regularly priced at $4.69/lb. The half hams were running about $12, so after your $4 off (mfg and mealbox stack), your net cost would be $8/3 lbs or $2.67/lb. The smaller ones end up being a better deal (no size restrictions on either coupon, even though Mealbox coupon needs to be manually entered), where the regular price is around $5.50. Use your $4 coupons (mfg and Mealbox) to pay just $1.50/lb!

I wasn’t planning on going to Butera but I had some time to kill before Fiat opened and it was right on the way…

2 8 oz cheese chunks, $2.50
Broccoli, 0.59/lb, $1.35
Cauliflower, 0.59/lb, $1.55
Dalanti Olive Salad, 0.69

Total was $6.20 with a savings of $3.68. Off to Fiat…

4 Loaves Butternut Bread, $2.00
1 Loaf Sourdough and Hamburger Buns, $1.00
Cinnamon Muffins and Cupcakes, $1.00
2 bags Ruffles Reduced Fat chips, $2.00
2 small bag Lays, $1.00
2 Cartons Dominick’s cookies, $2.00
Properzi Imported Italian Nougat Candy with Pistachios, $1.00

Total there was $9.00 with an estimated savings of $47.98. Also wanted to mention that Fiat Mart will be closed tomorrow, 4/6/2012, for Good Friday.

So my net cost for everything in the photo: $22.61 with a savings of $80.82

Here are this week’s deals for Fiat Folks. You can become a Fiat Folk by joining the email list in-store!

• Easter Products, 25% off
• FIAT FOLKS (those on the Fiat email list) Whisper Fiat Folks at checkout
  • Bread, BOGO Free
  • Meyers Products, BOGO Free
  • Greek Soup, BOGO Free
  • Soy, Almond, Coconut Milks , BOGO Free
  • Books, BOGO Free

Fiat store hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Cash and carry only. Fiat Missionaries is located at 2208 Glacier Ct. Algonquin (Lake/Cook and Algonquin Rds.) and is a non-profit, 501 (C) (3) Christian organization whose purpose is to feed the hungry and under-resourced in Chicagoland and Rockford. Proceeds (your donations) from our store go to support this effort.

My husband’s car died on the way home from work yesterday, and it looks like he will have to buy a new one. Good thing we’ve been saving for this – we’ll be able to pay cash. Now we just have to figure out what to buy. In any case, he’s home this morning trying to work things out so I was able to go shopping solo. Here’s what I bought:

Meijer:
10 Clorox to go Wipes, $9.90. Used five $1/2 Clorox Cleaners printables (no longer available)
2 cans Bumble Bee Tuna, $1.33. Used $1/2 Bumble Bee Tuna Printable coupon

Total after coupons was $6.03 and I got back $2.50 for buying the Clorox. Net cost $3.53 with a savings of $9.04. Next stop, Butera:

3 Bricks Food Club Cheese, $2.97
2 Old Orchard Juice, $1.98

No coupons. Total was $5.13 with a savings of $7.23. Short drive to Jewel…

10 boxes Hamburger Helper, $9.90 with instant savings. Used ten $0.70/1 Hamburger Helper Ultimate Beef Stroganoff OR Cheesy Italian Beef Home Cooked Skillet Meals

Total after coupons was $3.07 and I paid with a $2 catalina and $1.07 on a gift card. Total savings $17.00. Off to Fiat, right down the street:

2 Butternut Bread, $1.00
2 boxes Chocolate Chip Cookies, $1.00
2 cartons Chocolate Chewy Cookies, $1.00
Gluten Free Bagels, $1.00
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls, $1.00
Gluten Free Bread, $1.00
4 bags chips, $4.00
2 20-pk Chips Singles Variety Pack, $4.00
2 Catholic Coloring Books (not pictured), $1.00

Total at Fiat, $15.00 with an estimated savings of $66.54. Total for everything in the photo: $29.23 with a savings of $99.81

Hit a few stores this morning while my 3 yo was home with my homeschooled teen. What a difference it makes to be on your own! First stop, Jewel:

4 Bags Eight O Clock Coffee, BOGO Free at $7.29, $14.58. Used two $2/2 Eight O Clock Coffee Printable coupons
4 boxes Fisher Boy Fish Nuggets, BOGO Free at $5.69. Used four $1/1 from the 2/5 SS
1/2 lb DiLusso Turkey, $5.15. Used $1/1 half-pound DiLusso from the 1/29 SS
1/2 lb DiLusso Provolone Cheese, $4.95. Used Free 1/2 lb DiLusso Cheese wyb DiLusso Meat in-store store coupon

Total after coupons was $23.34 with a savings of $39.81. Off to Butera….

4 boxes GM Fruit Snacks, $3.56 wyb 4. Used two 0.50/2 from the 2/5 GM
Piggly Wiggly White Bread, 0.49 with in-ad coupon
2 lbs Frozen Shrimp, $8.99
Country Ribs Family Pack, $2.89 with in-ad coupon from last week (0.99/lb)
3 lb Yellow Onions, 0.49 with in-ad coupon
2 lbs Strawberries, $1.98
Broccoli, 0.66

Total after coupons was $18.61 with a savings of $14.04. Fiat Mart, right down the street….

1 Chocolate Cream Pie, $3.00
4 Boxes Biscotti, $2.00
3 Large bags Chips, $3.00
6 small bags Chips, $1.50
4 Toy Story Sprinkles, $2.00
12 bags M&M’s and Skittles, $3.00
Dominick’s Brownies, $1.00
Chocolate Cupcakes, $1.00
3 bags Bagels, $1.50
Chocolate Chip Cookies, 0.50
8 100 calorie Protein Bars, $2.00 (these are Gluten-Free!)
2 bags Lettuce, $2.00
pkg Organic Hot Dogs, $1.00
2 packs Cupcake papers, 0.50

Total there was $24.00 and I estimate I saved $88.50 (I added up retail costs). So my grand total for this shopping trip was $65.95 (wow!) with a savings of $142.35. Well that’s a lot of groceries for me, and more than I usually spend! The shrimp was a total splurge, and we’ll save that one for Easter Sunday. The coffee was also something I didn’t need, but my DH has a tendency to buy me coffee as gifts and he spends waaaay too much for it. I figure if he sees how much I have in the house he won’t keep paying full price for the stuff! The candy will be put away for Easter baskets. And we’re Catholic, so the Fish Nuggets will be our Friday fare (besides, my picky eater 7 yo guy actually likes these!). So much for the justification, I’m happy with this trip!

I headed to Fiat this morning, which was open for business as usual. They will also be open tomorrow, Friday 3/9/2012. Saturday is an unknown. More on my shopping trip later…

If you’re a praying sort of person, Fiat could use prayers to help them through this. I  believe in what they’re doing and hope everything works out. Thanks!

Stopped at Walgreens in Barrington and Fiat Mart on my way home from my oral surgery this morning. I’m in a little bit of pain, but also got a prescription for pain meds. I also stopped at CVS for the prescription. I had a Meijer store coupon good for $20 off your next purchase with any new or transferred prescription, which I was able to use at CVS. Paid $2.57 for the pain meds and got back an $20 CVS gift card!

Walgreens:
Glade Expressions Starter Kit, $3.49. Used $2/1 printable (no longer available)
Ultimate Flora, $10.00. Used $3/1 printable (no longer available)
2 boxes Mike & Ike, clearance priced at 0.60
1 Mamba Candy, 0.27
2 boxes Nice Sandwich Bags, $2.38 with in-ad coupon

Total after coupons was $12.81 and I paid with $10 in RR and $2.81 in cash. Got back $11.50 in RR ($10 for the Ultimate Flora and $1.50 for the Glade). Net cost $1.31. Off to Fiat:

6 Bags of Chips, $4.00
2 cartons cookies, $2.00
Bagels and Bread, $1.00
2 Toy Story Sprinkles, $1.00
2 Magic Shell, $1.00
1 Flourless Gluten-Free Chocolate cake, $1.00
2 M&Ms, $1.00
1 bag Dove Chocolates, $1.00

Somehow I got overcharged and paid $14.50, but I’m really ok with that. It’s going to a great cause and I got great deals. I’m just a little distracted after the surgery, so I wasn’t paying attention.

Net cost for everything in the photo: $15.81. And if you count the profit I enjoyed at CVS, I’m really up $1.62 for the day

Fiat store hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Cash and carry only. Fiat Missionaries is located at 2208 Glacier Ct. Algonquin (Lake/Cook and Algonquin Rds.) and is a non-profit, 501 (C) (3) Christian organization whose purpose is to feed the hungry and under-resourced in Chicagoland and Rockford. Proceeds (your donations) from our store go to support this effort. The deals this week are the same as the deals last week.