January 9, 2009
I’ve gone a little coupon-mad…
I don’t know how I feel about this week’s grocery shopping. On one hand, I bought a lot of convenience foods (using coupons on deals I could not dream of passing up) and bought things that were not currently needed, and impulse items, but on the other hand, I came in under budget. I have been coming in under budget for about 3 weeks now, and Josh is suitably impressed. I wonder if I could safely adjust my budget downwards, to $80? Are prices really falling in the grocery stores, or is it just me becoming a smarter shopper?
The reason that I have been so fixated on getting the best deals, even if I have to trek to 3 different grocery stores (admittedly, all within a few blocks from my house. I live in one of the most grocery-dense places on earth), is that I am severely under-employed, just like the people Barack Obama is talking about. I have worked one day in the past 3 weeks. I hope it’s a seasonal thing. Work usually picks back up in the middle of January.
Well, here goes.
Trader Joe’s:
2 bottles mineral water……………………$1.89
1 bottle sweet chili sauce…………………….$1.29
Org. apricot orange spread……………………..$2.29
1/2 doz. org. eggs…………………….$2.29
1 loaf whole wheat sourdough bread…………………..$2.99
1 pk. mushrooms………………….$1.69
Swiss cheese………………….$3.39
Masala simmer sauce…………………..$2.29
Org. pesto pizza…………………..$4.49
1 can garbanzo beans…………………$ .79
1 can artichoke hearts………………….$1.99
Extra virgin olive oil…………………….$3.99
Boneless skinless chicken breasts……………………..$7.49
Total: $36.96
Because the freeway between Portland and Seattle is closed due to flooding, Trader Joe’s was out of a lot of fresh foods like bread and produce. It was interesting to see a grocery store with shortages and massive empty gaps on the shelves.
Safeway:
2 boxes Nature’s Valley trail mix bars…………………$2.00 (after store coupon and 2 $.50 coupons).
Smart Balance canola oil………………….$1.75 (after $ .75 coupon doubled).
Lundberg Farms risotto mix………………….$1.15 (after $1.00 coupon doubled).
Birdseye Steamfresh frozen green beans…………………$1.15 (after $ .35 coupon doubled).
1 pk. Safeway frozen spinach…………………$1.29
Neutrogena T-Gel shampoo…………………$4.49
Light rye bread……………….$2.49
Contessa frozen shrimp 12 oz………………….$3.99 (after store coupon).
6 bananas………………….$1.09
5 navel oranges…………………$2.92
Total: $19.30
The total includes a 10% discount from opening a new Safeway club card at that store.
Fred Meyer:
1 tub feta cheese……………….$2.00
Minute Maid orange juice…………………….$2.50
1 coke………………….$1.60
2 org. red onions…………………$1.62
.92 lb. bulk long grain brown rice……………………$ .89
1.11 lb. white basmati rice…………………..$2.32
2 boxes Eggo Nutri-Grain waffles…………………$2.50 (after 2 $ .75 coupons).
1 head garlic……………….$ .34
1 pk. org. romaine lettuce……………….$2.50
1 cucumber……………….$ .99
2 bunches green onions……………….$1.00
5 org. Braeburn apples…………………$1.71
2 pk. Stayfree pads………………….$2.50
Organic Valley half n’ half…………………$1.99
1 pk. org. fresh dill………………….$ .99
6 roma tomatoes…………………..$1.51
2 bags Fresh Express salad mix………………….$2.00
2 Kashi granola bars………………….$1.50
Total: $30.26
Grand Total: $86.52
I feel I could have easily gotten the total below $80 if I had not bought the Kashi granola bars, Coca-Cola, and shampoo. But that’s OK.
December 28, 2008
Grocery Shopping 12/28
I did so good on my grocery shopping this week! I did not have to buy any meat because we had lots of chicken in the freezer and Josh’s parents gave us some turkey. I even bought some junk food…
Safeway:
Safeway Select chocolate chunk cookies……………………….$1.50 (w/ store coupon).
O Organic blood orange Italian soda………………………….$1.79 (w/store coupon).
2 org. Oikos Greek yogurts…………………………..$. 98 (after 2 $1.00 coupons doubled).
2 small lemons…………………..$1.00
2 Buitoni whole wheat cheese ravioli ………………….$3.00 (after 2 $1.00 coupons doubled).
Total: $7.39
The cashier was shocked. She read my total savings out loud. I am beginning to love the new Safeway. I was able to walk home from there with a bag of groceries, a bag of library books, and my purse, so it is really not too far.
Trader Joe’s
2 Crystal Geyser mineral water………………………$1.88
Romaine hearts…………………$1.99
1 lg. can org. diced tomatoes…………………..$1.89
1 squeeze bear honey…………………….$2.79
1 tub grated Parmesan cheese………………..$3.40
1 jar jumbo Kalamata olives…………………$2.99
1 doz. cage free eggs…………………..$2.49
Morningstar soy breakfast sausage……………………$2.69
Frozen edamame………………….$1.69
Chicken gyoza……………………$2.99
1 cont. whole crimini mushrooms………………….$1.69
Cream cheese…………………..$1.59
1 bag green onions…………………….$1.19
1 lb. org. carrots………………….$.79
3 red bell pepppers………………….$2.49
1 loaf whole wheat sourdough…………………$2.99
Total: $35.54
I was glad to see they have canned diced tomatoes again; they are ten cents cheaper at Trader Joe’s than at Fred Meyer. I think only the green onions are cheaper at Fred Meyer, but I think the ones from Trader Joes are better quality and don’t spoil as fast.
Fred Meyer:
1 tub Tillamook sour cream……………………$1.17 (with $ .50 coupon).
Private Selection org. multigrain frozen waffles………………….$1.89
2.14 lbs. cauliflower…………………….$1.46
1.39 lbs. broccoli………………..$. 95
Organic Valley half n’ half…………………$1.99
1 bunch cilantro…………………..$ .69
2 bags Ricola cough drops……………….$2.00 (after $1.00/2 coupon).
1 box onion-clover sprouts………………….$1.79
1 8 oz. block Tillamook sharp cheddar……………….$2.99
2 Cottonelle TP (4 single rolls each)………………….$1.00 (after 2 $ .50 coupons).
Mexi-Snax tortilla chips……………….$2.50
Grand Central olive bread…………………$2.15 (from day-old rack).
2 cans org. black beans……………….$1.50
3 org. red onions………………….$1.47
2 sweet potatoes……………….$1.29
1.56 lbs. Roma tomatoes…………………$2.01
1 med avocado………………..$ .99
1.52 lbs. long grain brown rice………………..$1.96
Total: $29.63
So Fred Meyer was very good as well. I like being able to get out of Fred Meyer with a week’s worth of food at around $25.00. I’ve figured out it’s cheaper to buy rice in bulk at Fred Meyer than it is to buy it at Trader Joe’s. Hello! Bulk foods aisle! I still need to get my breakfast costs down. Maybe over my break I will finally make up some pancakes or something to use up all that oatmeat we have, breakfast bar cookies perhaps?
Total for the week: $72.56
I really wanted to come in under budget this week, and I did it! I still have enough for an additional stockpiling trip or 2, or maybe a trip to Walgreens or the thrift store.
December 9, 2008
Grocery Shopping week ending 12/7
I kept it pretty close to the budget last week. I did not score any real bargains until I went to Safeway but I will put down my shopping lists any way.
Trader Joes’s:
2 bottles Crystal Geyser mineral water…………………….$1.88
Chicken Gyoza…………………….$2.99
1 cont. whole Crimini mushrooms………………………$1.69
1 jar pitted whole Kalamata olives………………………$2.99
1/2 doz. org. eggs……………………….$2.19
Multigrain entertainer crackers……………………..$1.99
Ak-Mak crackers…………………………$1.39
1 loaf whole wheat sourdough bread……………………….$2.99
2 pkgs. Columbus sliced roast beef…………………$9.98 (for Josh’s lunches).
1 block feta cheese………………………$2.99
1 block Gorgonzola cheese……………………$2.73
Morningstar sausage patties…………………..$2.69
2 cornmeal crust Greek pizzas…………………$6.98
1 loaf black rye sourdough bread…………………….$3.29
1 bag dried cranberries………………………$1.99
1 tub grated Parmesan cheese…………………….$3.35
1 jar Thai red curry sauce……………………$2.69
1 bag trimmed green beans…………………..$2.69
1 bag org. spring mix………………………$1.99
1 bag dried mango slices………………….$2.99
4 red bell peppers…………………$2.49
1 lb. org carrots…………………..$ .79
We spent a lot on convenience foods like deli lunch meat and pizzas and (supposedly) trimmed green beans, but we always spend about that much at Trader Joe’s, no matter what. Our total was $65.75.
Fred Meyer:
1 bottle Knudsen’s juice……………………$3.00
1 bag frozen edamame…………………….$1.99 (would have bought it at TJ’s where it’s $1.69 for a bigger bag, but they were out).
1 bag Fresh Express coleslaw mix…………………$1.79
1 pk. 3 Scotch-Brite sponges……………………….$3.49
1 pk. 4 Everyday Living sponges…………………..$1.39
2 bunches green onions…………………………….$ .88
1 bunch radishes……………………………………..$ .44
Private Selection frozen waffles…………………..$1.89
3 broccoli crowns……………………………………$1.38
1 can Reese’s artichoke hearts…………………….$1.99 (with store coupon).
1 can Private Selection org. kidney beans………………..$ .85
2 Darigold yogurts………………………………..$1.50
1 lb Kroger frozen cocktail shrimp…………………..$4.99
1 can Private Selection org. diced tomatoes………………..$1.99
Fred Meyer multigrain English muffins…………………$1.00
2.12 lb. cauliflower……………………………..$1.87
2 org. Gala apples………………………………$1.37
1.22 lb. Roma tomatoes……………………….$1.57
1 head garlic…………………………………….$ .34
2 grapefruit………………………………………$ .50
1 org. red onion…………………………………$ .47
1 org. green onion………………………………$ .63
2 Bartlett pears…………………………………..$ .96
Total: $35.63
I only used one coupon at Fred Meyer. My big problem in controlling costs seems to be in breakfast food for myself and lunches for Josh. I like pre-made convenience food like waffles, English muffins, soy sausage patties, and little cups of yogurt, which really rack up the cost. Josh is set on having deli cold cuts available so he can make sandwiches. We both eat left-overs for lunch, but when we have salads there are no leftovers the next day, so it’s good to have sandwich fixings, fruit, and nuts on hand. I could reduce my breakfast costs by trying to focus on buying foods that can be used more than one way, like big tubs of plain yogurt that can be mixed with jam for flavoring, and tortillas that can be used for breakfast burritos. If I had a waffle iron, I could make my own waffles and freeze them, and that would be super fun. I’d really like to try gingerbread waffles. I could also find a good recipe for whole -grain pancakes, perhaps with oats, because I have a ton of those, and make and freeze a big batch of pancakes. I am not much of a pancake person but I guess I could learn to like them in the time being. I used to make omelets and scrambles a lot, but have kind of gotten out of the habit. In the past, I bought Banquet turkey sausages, which were extremely cheap at only a dollar a box. I really liked them but became leary of them after Banquet recalled them. I haven’t even seen any in stores for a while. I could use sliced deli ham, but I do not like to eat as many processed pork products these days. Plus, I am trying to avoid deli meat in general, because of the cost.
I did not get any really good coupon deals until I went to Safeway.
What I bought at Safeway:
2 bags Nestle semi-sweet chocolate chips……………….2/$5 (minus 2x $ .50 coupons doubled).
3 boxes Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta………………………$4.50 (minus 3x $1.00 coupons doubled).
Total: $2.05!
That is just amazing! It includes my 10% new Club Card discount, but I would have gotten the pasta free anyhow. I saved an astounding 87%. I am stocked on pasta and chocolate chips for a while. Sometimes Safeway is so amazingly good for stocking up on random starches and baking supplies, and things like that. But you have to be careful to actually use the things you buy and work them into your meals. This week, I am using the Barilla piccolini pasta in a minestone soup, and making corn muffins to go with it from a Betty Crocker baking mix. Those are things I bought when I had coupons I could double and low sales prices at Safeway, but they are things I would not use on a regular basis, so it is important to remember to work them in and not over-buy. For example, I got some Lipton Knorr side dishes for really cheap and decided I would use them instead of Near East Spanish rice or couscous mix. However, it turned out they had ingredients like MSG and beef fat (yum), so they were not popular around here. Plus, they tasted a little “off”. Well, live and learn. Sometimes it’s not worth buying even if it is free or close to free.
November 28, 2008
Grocery Shopping 11/28
So I challenged myself to do better to keep under budget, and I did great this week, thanks to frantic stockpiling and the gift of half a turkey from my generous mom.
Fred Meyer:
Fred Meyer lasagna noodles……………………….$1.49
Star red wine vinegar…………………………………$2.00 (minus $ .50 coupon).
Vlasic kosher dill pickles……………………………$2.50
4 cans Swanson broth………………………………..$2.00 (with store coupon, minus $ .25 coupon).
2 cans Private Selection org. garbanzo beans……………….$1.70
1 can Fred Meyer olives………………………………$1.00
6 Roma tomatoes……………………………………..$1.66
2 lbs Tillamook butter……………………………….$5.00 (minus 2x$ .50 coupons).
Organic Valley half&half…………………………….$1.99
16 oz. Kroger mozzarella……………………………$2.00
Private Selection frozen multigrain waffles…………………….$1.89
Knudsen sparkling cider……………………………$1.50
Clover sprouts…………………………………………$1.49
.81 lb. red lentils………………………………………$1.61
.34 lb. walnut halves/pieces………………………$2.38
3 Braeburn apples……………………………………..$1.45
1 bunch Italian parsley………………………………$ .99
1 bunch cilantro……………………………………….$ .69
1 bunch asparagus……………………………………$2.06
1 org. yellow onion……………………………………$ .57
1 org. red onion………………………………………..$ .63
2 pkg. Kroger frozen spinach……………………..$1.58
Private Selection anchovies………………………..$1.69
1 loaf Rudi’s Organic whole wheat bread…………………..$3.00 (minus $ .55 coupon).
1 tub Daisy sour cream…………………………..$1.25 (minus $ .50 coupon).
1 tub Precious ricotta cheese…………………..$3.00
Beaver Sweet n’ Hot mustard……………………$2.19 (with store coupon).
I also used a coupon for $2.00 off $5.00 produce purchase.
Total: $44.36
I think the cashier was a little annoyed at me for using so many coupons. I stocked up on chicken broth, pickles, and butter. I also got a lot of ingredients for a spinach lasagna I am going to make before Christmas, when we have some friends over for dinner. I was unable to get any organic canned pumpkin and I passed on a Tillamook cheddar deal but I may go to the other Fred Meyer’s tomorrow to snag those things.
Trader Joe’s
3 heads broccoli……………………….$1.69
2 bottles Crystal Geyser mineral water………………………$1.88
Salsa Autentica………………………..$1.69
Monterey Jack cheese……………….$3.39
Veggie and Flaxseed tortilla chips…………………….$2.39
New York rye bread………………….$2.99
TJ’s baby spinach…………………….$1.99
Celery hearts………………………….$1.69
3lbs. frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs…………………….$6.49
Pecorino Romano cheese………………$3.91
1 lb. bag limes………………………$1.49
Org. wheat and flax crackers……………………….$2.29
Total: 31.89
This is the least I have spent at Trader Joe’s for a very long time (for a week’s groceries, that is). I did so well that I bought snack crackers and chips. I got the thigh meat chicken because I am making fajitas next week, and after marinating in lime juice and spices, the thigh meat tastes great!
My total for both stores was $76.25! So I will have plenty of cash left over to pay a visit to Macy’s, to prevent them from totally going out of business!
November 17, 2008
Groceries 11/17
I thought I would post my weekly grocery shopping like I did before, so I could track how prices and my shopping habits have changed over the last 7 months. I spend more money on groceries now, about $100, but that also includes the cost of food and litter for my cat. Prices have gone up, and at the same time, I am working on stockpiling food because that is a recessionary coping mechanism for me.
Fred Meyers
Cottonelle Ultra double rolls (12 pk)………..$4.49 with SC and MFC.
Private Selection org. multi-grain waffles…$1.89
Fred Meyer English muffins……………………..$1.00
Fred Meyer frozen peas (32 oz)………………….$1.79
Naturally Preferred cranberry juice…………….$2.49
Kroger frozen cocktail shrimp (1 lb)…………..$4.99
Arm & Hammer cat litter…………………………..$5.99 (expensive, but works the best).
Mezzetta roasted red peppers……………………$3.83 (thought I had a coupon for this but it didn’t work).
2 Muir Glen org. tomatoes (14 oz)………………$3.00 (minus $ .75 MFC).
1 head org. garlic……………………………………..$ .34
3.48 lbs. cabbage……………………………………..$ .66
Private Selection org. garbanzo beans(canned) $ .85
Private Selection org. kidney beans(canned)…..$ .85
1.89 lbs. Roma tomatoes……………………………$2.44
Nancy’s yogurt………………………………………….$2.00
2 grapefruit……………………………………………….$ .67
Calistoga mineral water………………………………$1.35
Org. Italian parsley…………………………………….$1.49
Grand Central Baking olive bread…………………$2.15 (off day-old rack).
1 bunch radishes………………………………………$ .69
1.78 lb. org. Fuji apples…………………………….$4.08 (I try to get organic apples because they are one of the things you should buy organic if you can, regular apples have a high dose of pesticides).
1.57 lb. broccoli……………………………………….$1.07
Private Selection anchovies………………………..$1.69
1.84 lb cauliflower……………………………………$1.25
1.67 lb org. red onions……………………………..$2.15
Total…………………………………………………….$48.50
Looking at this, I was surprised to see the apples, shrimp, and toilet paper were the most expensive items, I really think the toilet paper was a good deal for me. I used to be able to get shrimp for $3.99 a lb. sometimes, but I haven’t seen that in a while. I was surprised that the apples were so much, but I think organic apples are worth it; they just taste better! The Mezzetta peppers are really expensive for a condiment. I thought I had a coupon but the wording was very vague and it did not work.
Trader Joe’s
Tuscan style spagetti sauce…………………………………$1.79
Shaved Grana Padano Parmesan……………………………$4.79
2 Low Sodium org. chicken broth…………………………$3.98
Romaine hearts………………………………………………….$1.99
Crystal Geyser mineral water………………………………..$ .89
Org, blue corn tortilla chips…………………………………$2.99
Jumbo pitted Kalamata olives……………………………….$2.99
Morningstar sausage patties………………………………..$2.69
Whole Crimini mushrooms…………………………………..$1.69
Whole wheat entertainer crackers………………………….$1.99
Sliced black olives………………………………………………$1.19
Chicken Gyoza……………………………………………………$2.99
Org. whole carrots………………………………………………$ .79
Feta cheese……………………………………………………….$2.99
16 grain/seed bread……………………………………………$3.29
Soyaki teriyaki sauce…………………………………………..$2.99
Green beans, trimmed………………………………………….$2.69
Columbus sliced salami……………………………………….$3.49
3 red bell peppers……………………………………………….$2.49
6 navel oranges…………………………………………………..$2.34
Total………………………………………………………………….$51.09
Pretty standard for Trader Joe’s. The cheese, chicken broth, and salami were the most expensive things. Sometimes I can get a block of Romano or Asiago for cheaper, but all they had were large blocks. And the pre-grated cheese saves time. I need to be more proactive about roasting chickens and making my own broth, so I could save money there. I could have gotten the black olives cheaper at Fred Meyer’s, but I didn’t realize we were out when I went there. The bread has gone up in price about $ .75 since I last bought it. It used to be $2.39, which was a good price. I may have to revisit what type of bread I buy. I could have bought green beans for cheaper, but I went for the most convenient option. I hate trimming green beans! 3 peppers for $2.49 is a great deal, considering that Fred Meyer sells them for $2 a piece.
So, I could have stopped there and come in at $99.59 ($ .41 under budget). But a new Safeway opened a few blocks from my apartment, and I could not resist stopping by to stock up on some double coupon deals. I did really well there.
Safeway
Dole chunk pineapple in juice…………………………$1.25
2 Barilla whole grain pasta………………………………$3.00 (minus $ .50 MFC doubled).
2 Barilla mini pasta………………………………………..$2.67 (minus $ .50 MFC doubled).
2 lb. Tillamook med. cheddar………………………….$4.99 (with SC, raincheck).
.98 lb asparagus……………………………………………$1.95
.90 lb org. Anjou pears…………………………………..$1.79 (minus $1 off org. produce store coupon).
.96 lb org. Gala apples……………………………………$2.20 (minus $1 off org. produce store coupon).
2 Nasoya org. extra firm tofu…………………………..$3.00 (minus $1.00 MFC doubled).
Total…………………………………………………………….$15.35.
I saved 55%. I always feel I’ve done well at Safeway when I save more than 50%. This is an excellent example of how you can use coupons to buy healthy food. I have never gotten a coupon for organic produce before, but since Safeway was opening a new store to compete with Whole Foods in the Pearl District, they sent out a book of very posh store coupons that are only good at that store. I would have bought the store brand pineapple but they were out of chunks.
November 7, 2008
What we actually ate 11/4 through 11/7
Tuesday I had pizza before I went to watch Election Night coverage. When we came home, Josh had pizza and I had leftover pasta, and we both had bread and butter. Not the most balanced diet, but I do not cook on nights when history is being made!
Wednesday we had salmon burgers and coleslaw, but no sweet potato fries, because Fred Meyer was out. I will have to try to get them again on Saturday.
Thursday, Josh worked late. We both packed large lunches. He had two sandwiches, plus fruit and sunflower seeds, and I ate leftover stir fry from Sunday. When I came home I had a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup and Josh had a cheese sandwich. It was his night to cook but his schedule changed and he told me not to bother cooking anything for him.
