I had to run to Times before they closed and this was the FASTEST and DEEPEST grocery shopping trip I've done in a civilian grocery store yet! I normally take minimum 2 hours to calculate, weigh my savings, and decide what I'm gonna buy. I managed to get this all done in one hour which is pretty amazing because when I'm out for deep savings, I'm extremely picky about what goes in my wagon. So here's my shopping trip breakdown. For those of you wondering what a "young girl" like me is doing with Poise pads. Never you mind. :) It was $3.49 and I know people who could definitely use this.
My breakdowns list the price I paid. Then, the sale price plus any coupons used, if any.Q = coupon
MQ = manufacturer coupon
OOP = Out of pocket

Poise $3.49. in closeout cart for $4.99 plus $1.50 mq
Bread $2.50 sale no q
Milk $2.19 sale no q
Kraft recipe makers 50 cents each. Stacked $1 store q plus $1.50 mq each
Honey Nut cheerios $2 On sale $2.50 plus 50 cent mq
Trix $1.75 on sale for $2.50 plus 75 cent mq
Herbal essence shampoo and conditioner $1 each. on sale 2 for $5 used $3/2 mq
Gala apples 4.28 lbs $3.81 on sale for 89 cents per pound
Pork butt $6.12 sale $1.39/lb
Gillette Mach 3 razors 99 cents each. Found them in closeout cart for $3.99, used $3/1 mq
Eggs $4.38 on sale no q
TOTAL OOP $35.60

Liners - $1.50 each $2 on sale plus 50 c mq
Oral B brush heads - Free on clearance $1.82 plus $5 mq
Floss - 59 cents each. Sale $1.09 plus $1/2 MQ
Halls - 70 cents each. Sale $1.39 plus BOGO mq in longs value book
Ajax soap - 49 cents. Sale 99 cents plus 50 mq
Listerine $3.89. Sale $5.89 plus $2 mq
Downy $1.99 each. Sale $2.99 plus $1/1 mq
I also used rewards. TOTAL OOP with tax $22.28
The best part, I bumped into an old friend who I rarely ever see and he lives in my area. So much for a small island. LOL! But hello Warfe!!!
I will continue to share my shopping trips on my blog to help keep my students MOTIVATED and ENCOURAGED to continue to coupon. It really does help!! And remember, don't buy it if you won't use it, eat it, or need it unless it MAKES YOU MONEY! Don't chase sales unless absolutely necessary. I don't want you wasting time and gas to save a few bucks. Cause it's just not worth it sometimes. Besides, there's no need to chase. Just read the ads, match up your coupons, and you're good to go. Just be aware that some really awesome sale items will be wiped out.
Example: the listerine at longs. It was on sale for $3.99 and there is a $2/1 mq out there making that 1 liter bottle $1.99. Well, the shelves were wiped clean. Was I disappointed? Yes. But, sales will cycle and another will come along again. I could've gotten a rain check. But, it's quite alright. :)
Happy Couponing my Olipasinc-ians!