Grocery Store Savings

By Courtney 37 Comments

Goodness gracious, I think I’m still smiling ear to ear after the amazing long weekend I had! In case you were a busy bee just like me and need to do some catching up, here’s a peek at all the fun I was up to…

From A Ten To An Eleven

Rockin’ Some Killer Tan Lines

Can This Be My Life Every Day?

Farmers Market Finds

Despite a later-than-I-like bedtime last night, I still managed to get myself up at the butt crack of dawn to head to the gym. Seeing as though I only squeezed in one workout this weekend (30 minutes of HIIT), I knew I was in need of a good sweat session. Today looked a little somethin’ like this:

15 mins HIIT (20 seconds @ 9.5mph / 40 seconds @ 4.5mph)
BodyPump
10 mins StairMaster (<— ughhhhh, how can I hate but love something so much??)

After working up a good ~~stench~~ sweat, I decided to share the wealth with everyone at the grocery store. Thankfully, it was pretty empty, so only a few victims had to deal with the stinkiness. Winking smile

But seriously, CHECK OUT my budget savvy shopping today…

$39.19 in savings! I may not be an Extreme Couponer, but hey, maybe I could be? Winking smile

I left the grocery store on a complete high, and rewarded myself the best way I could think of…

Yes, it’s a large iced coffee. No, I don’t need a large iced coffee…but I’ll still drink it anyways. I tried ordering a medium, I promise, but they were out of cups. Totally not my fault…

Of course, because it’s already sweltering hot, I wrapped my cup up in my snazzy Dunkin’ Donuts koozie. They’re seriously the best in this weather! It looks like they only have them in a large size on the DD website, but I’m sure if you scope out the internet, you’ll be able to find one.

*********

After unpacking my groceries, I put together a quick breakfast because, umm, I was about ready to gnaw off my left arm.

A nice, cold, cereal combo bowl made with Kashi Go Lean Crunch, Fiber One 80 Calorie Honey Squares (which came from Fitbloggin’), vanilla almond milk, banana slices, and chia seeds.

I’m still not totally sure how I feel about the Fiber One cereal; I almost feel like it leaves a little bit of a weird aftertaste. Has anyone else tried it yet??

Time to start tackling today….make it a great one!

Questions for the Morning:

Are you a coupon clipper?

What tips would you give to someone trying to save $$ at the grocery store?

About Courtney

I'm a working mom of two beautiful little boys, Lucas and Alex, and I began writing Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life in April 2010. I enjoy chronicling my love of food (healthy and indulgent!), baking, motherhood, fitness, fashion, and everything in between!

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Lacking The Protein »

Comments

Krissie J says

May 31, 2011 at 9:11 am

I'm not a huge coupon clipper since the things they offer deals on I don't always need (or don't need 2 of), but I am an avid circular stalker. I usually browse it online and make a list based on that, then add the few items left that I need.

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Farrah says

May 31, 2011 at 9:13 am

To say that I have been a major coupon user/money saver would be the understatement of the year. I used to go all the way to Bennington VT to go grocery shopping and take advantage of their double coupons that you could use at their Price Chopper. I used to get all my health and beauty products and cleaning products free and TONS of food items free every week as well. It was insane. Now that I have a 1 year old, making the trip to VT to go shopping is kind of out of the question, but I do have a binder full of coupons that I use regularly. I feel like people who don't take advantage of coupons are crazy. Free money, baby!

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- Courtney says
  
  May 31, 2011 at 9:21 am
  
  WOW!! You're totally putting me to shame! Way to rock the savings! ;)
  
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Jennifer@ knackfornutrition says

May 31, 2011 at 9:19 am

I saved $10 off my $50 grocery bill yesterday and felt like a superstar coupon clipper haha. I tried that Fiber One cereal too and I felt like I was eating plastic...gross.

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Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says

May 31, 2011 at 9:20 am

I'm really bad with coupons, but I DO only try to buy the produce that's on sale. It really adds up to get $1 off per pound of apples and stuff like that!!

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Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet says

May 31, 2011 at 9:20 am

I'm not a coupon clipper, but I do save money just by buying certain items in bulk, if they're on sale and I know I'll need them. I still need to work on my grocery savvy! I'm always tempted to get a large iced coffee, but I know I'll never finish it. And I'll probably get a stomach ache before I reach the 1/2 way point anyway lol.

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Miranda @ working mom works out says

May 31, 2011 at 9:25 am

We are about to start couponing in my house. We spend entirely way too much on food. I’ll be watching this thread for tips!

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Mila @ loftyappetite says

May 31, 2011 at 9:41 am

I love my coupons! I will never be an extreme couponer, but the show has definitely added motivation to my already frugal self! I now get the Sunday paper only for the coupons, and never buy anything that's not on sale or try not to go to the grocery store without my coupons. Every $1 makes a difference!

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Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says

May 31, 2011 at 9:42 am

I cannot believe how much you've already accomplished this morning! you are like Super Woman! I wish I could save like you do. I always do the deals that you get with the grocery store value cards, but I've NEVER saved that much money :-)

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Sarah says

May 31, 2011 at 9:45 am

Bahhh I was going to ask how the F1 tastes! Bummer to hear it's got a funky after taste. I get that from things sweetened with Stevia but not from any other arti-sweeteners. Sad day. Are you a coupon clipper? No, but I feel like I should be after this post. What tips would you give to someone trying to save $$ at the grocery store? I have a good one!!! Just because something says "3 for $10" (or however many for however many dollars) doesn't MEAN you actually have to buy that many of that item to get the savings. You still get the sale price even if you only buy ONE! ... Or did everyone else already know that... Oh well :)

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- Courtney says
  
  May 31, 2011 at 10:08 am
  
  Very true! My dad taught me that a long time ago :)
  
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Tanya @ Sunday Baker says

May 31, 2011 at 9:46 am

Good job on the savings! I try to use coupons whenever I can. Unfortunately I don't find many for the fresh produce and healthier products. I eat a lot of Fiber One cereal. I use it to coat chicken and fish too. The taste isn't for everyone, but I like it.

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Faith @ lovelyascharged says

May 31, 2011 at 9:47 am

I'm not a huge coupon clipper, but I do scan the ads each week for the best options available. Meanwhile, my single biggest grocery-saving tip is grab your produce at a fruit stand!

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Liz @ IHeartVegetables says

May 31, 2011 at 9:50 am

Woah! Nice job on the savings!!! I'm a sucker for sales :) And for iced coffee... haha

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Alexis says

May 31, 2011 at 9:52 am

wow way to rock those savings! I'm still learning to be a couponer. it's pretty much my summer goal to become a semi-pro at couponing. I try to only purchase produce from our local farmers market because it's usually way cheaper! I'm really disappointed that you said the fiber one left a funny aftertaste! I love fiberone stuff. I'll have to give them a try if I see them in the grocery store

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Khushboo says

May 31, 2011 at 10:06 am

My mom would love you! Unfortunately Im not so much a coupon cutter but I do try to save where I can with buy-one-get--1-free and other in-store promos!

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Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says

May 31, 2011 at 10:53 am

I'm not really a coupon clipper (mainly because I don't get the newspaper!) but I always buy whatever is on sale. It's funny you ask about tips for saving moolah when grocery shopping - Cory and I were trying to figure out what our budget will be in that category after the wedding (ah, the mind of a finance guy) and I didn't have any idea! Does $350/month sound about right for a married couple??

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- Courtney says
  
  May 31, 2011 at 11:07 am
  
  That's probably a little bit more than Jay and I spend...we usually average anywhere between $50-80/week, depending on what we need. But then again, we also don't but a lot of expensive meats, etc...
  
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  - Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says
    
    May 31, 2011 at 11:09 am
    
    Good to know. Neither of us buy lots of expensive meats or anything like that. I'm glad that we overshot it - I hate when we're underestimate the cost of something! (ie - a wedding hahah)
    
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Lauren says

May 31, 2011 at 11:10 am

Love coupons! I recently got stuff to make s'mores for 33 cents! :) I have never had Dunkin Donuts coffee, I think it's time to try it!

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- Courtney says
  
  May 31, 2011 at 2:06 pm
  
  Oh gosh girl, really?!? Go get yourself a cup!! ;)
  
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Julia says

May 31, 2011 at 11:10 am

I'm so excited to work out later today! I always am so bad about it on the weekends, and only got in one workout too.

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Sarah says

May 31, 2011 at 11:13 am

Nice Job! I never use coupons and I totally should. I guess you could say I am a little on the lazy side. i used to love Fiber One cereal. The kind that looked like little noodles and then I realized it had aspartame in it :( So I stopped eating it.

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Paige @ Running Around Normal says

May 31, 2011 at 12:04 pm

Whoa! Look at you go - I'm impressed :) Looks like a long list, too!

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Tara Burner says

May 31, 2011 at 12:10 pm

most places I shop don't take coupons....fresh markets, fruit stands, etc...but when I do shop where I can use coupons I do...and shop sales as well to save money.

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Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl says

May 31, 2011 at 12:26 pm

Nice job on the coupon savings! I love when I can use coupons, but I have to be super careful that I don't let myself fall into the trap where I buy stuff I normally wouldn't buy just because I have a coupon for it.

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- Courtney says
  
  May 31, 2011 at 2:04 pm
  
  That can be sooooooo tricky, can't it???
  
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chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

May 31, 2011 at 12:41 pm

I'm a coupon clipper, but I find it is only helpful for me on products like toiletries!

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Stephanie says

May 31, 2011 at 12:49 pm

Nice job at the store! You bet your booty I'm a coupon clipper! I only look at the reciept to enjoy the magical line that tells me how much I saved!

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Kelly says

May 31, 2011 at 12:51 pm

I am not a coupon clipper but I wish I were. I am just too damn lazy! Grrr!

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Alexa @ Simple Eats says

May 31, 2011 at 1:37 pm

I REALLY need to start clipping coupons. Where the heck do you get them?!

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- Courtney says
  
  May 31, 2011 at 2:02 pm
  
  The Sunday newspaper! My grocery store also has some in their weekly flyer, too.
  
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Megan (Braise The Roof) says

May 31, 2011 at 1:44 pm

There's nothing better than seeing how much money you saved on a receipt like that! Of course, I shop at Trader Joe's and they don't really do discounts, but I still get joy out of how cheap I can shop there! Sounds like you had an awesome weekend- happy belated Memorial Day!

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- Courtney says
  
  May 31, 2011 at 2:01 pm
  
  Thanks Megan, you too! :)
  
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Kristen says

May 31, 2011 at 2:24 pm

I clip coupons but HOW did you save that much?!?!? thats awesome

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susan says

June 21, 2011 at 12:21 pm

Hi..I am looking all over for a DD kozzie..I have one in black from 8 years ago and wanted one for a friend..is the blue one pictured soft or is it plastic..mine is made out of a foam insulating material..I don't want to order the wrong type..thanks.

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- Courtney says
  
  June 21, 2011 at 1:56 pm
  
  The one I have is soft, not plastic, and is probably the same material as the one you mentioned. Aren't they the greatest!? :)
  
  Reply