I have to say, using cash is the best incentive for staying within my budget.  There have been a few times when I’ve held my breath, but with the exception of one week, I’ve stayed under my $80 all year.  And that one week overage was okay, since I used cash saved from previous weeks, AND I got lots of items for the food pantry using that extra overage.

This week for just food I spent $57.05 — well under my $80 budget.  (This puts me at $185.85 under budget for the year!)   Awesome.  I report that my teen has a healthy appetite.  I am adjusting my cooking and shopping habits to accommodate this, but found our cupboards pretty low one day this week.  Low on what I’d planned, but we made do with other vegs and such.  And I’ve discovered for the milks, one week at three and one week at four gallons will alternate nicely.  So where, exactly, did my dollar go this week?

BagNSave:  I combined loss leaders with web and manufacturer’s coupons for some great deals.  OF 24 bottled water (for lunches and quick-gos) 2.77 – .25 Q = 2.52; Hershey bars .59 – BOGO manuf Q = .30 each; large doz eggs .77 x multiples; Mission tortillas caseras 1.49 (like these better than the flour for the same ad price elsewhere); Village Hearth light whole wheat buns 1.79 - .25 BnS Q = 1.54; MaltOMeal frosted mini wheats .77 - .75 Q = .02; Shasta canned pop in the clearance area 3/$1 – .50/6 = .25 each; bananas (not on sale); oranges .88/#; Dixie cup refills 1.85 – .50 Q = 1.35; Cascade action pacs 3.99 – .50 Q = 3.49; OF laundry detergent 1.97 – $1 Q = .97; and LOTION TISSUES (not a Cheap Thrill, but very much needed).  Also got my .05/bag credit.  $13.06

Aldi:  Milks are still 1.79/gallon, frozen vegs are .95/#, 34.5 oz coffee is 4.99, and 3# rice is 1.49.  Most importantly, CHOCOLATE is 1.29 for the large dark bar.  I got the basics and produce here, as well as some steaks for grillage.  $36.87 total on 2 trips

SuperTarget:  I just stopped in to zip through produce, meat and frozen.  $7.14

Right now I have so many chicken breasts in my freezer, it surprised even me.  Some other this and that, but not as full as it has been.  So I’m going to have to find meat bargains again real soon.  Working 9-1 M-F does put a crimp in my deal-getting, though, as most meat deals are to be found in the mid-a.m.  But I shall carry on, and find ‘em somehow.

Looks  like we’re  in for an early crop of vegs, and lettuce is already showing up darker and crisper than this time in previous years.  All that moisture from snow and winter storms.  Funny how nature works that out.  I can’t wait for more fruits — I’m seeing strawberries at .99/# all over!

Where was your best deal this week?

This week’s coupons include bakery cinnamon rolls for 1.99; BOGO Del Monte spaghetti sauce; FREE McCormick taco seasoning; 8-quart size Kool Aid powder mix .99.  Sweet!

I found out that if you don’t live in the area of the specific locations sponsoring the coupons, but shop at one of them (for ex., if it’s on the way home from your office), you can submit your name and addy and they will mail you these.  Now that’s customer service!

Most of the activities, including the carnival, will be in the area of 24^th & N.  The parade starts Saturday morning at 10:00 and runs 24th & B Street to 24th & P Street.  A 5K walk to benefit Ixim Spirit of Solidarity will be on Sunday starting with registration at 7:30 am. 

Great food, great folks, great fun!  Ole!

This is an exciting move for us, and we hope it will be exciting for you, too.  We’ll be changing things up a little, and hope that you’ll stick with us.  Stay tuned to either site until things are finalized in the next few weeks.

$1 off any medium or large McCafe Frappe

$1 off any medium or large McCafe coffee drink

FREE medium McCafe Frappe w/any purchase excluding dollar menu

FREE McCafe coffee of equal or lesser value w/purchase of any McCafe coffee

And look at that….they’re calling it a Chill Thrill!  I’m lovin’ it!

1# strawberries .97

HV canned vegs .44

leaf or romaine lettuce .99

fresh chicken leg quarters .59/#

Betty Crocker cake mix .79 – coupon

HV specialty mustard or sweet relish .99

HV butter quarters 1.98

Van Camp’s pork & beans .38

In-ad coupons, exp 5/4/10 (these appear to be manuf coupons, but check to see if they are considered SS coupons, and if so, combine w/other manuf coupons):

$1 off Kraft bbq sauce (.48 after Q)

$2 off Kraft Miracle Whip or mayo (.98 after Q)

$1 off A1 steak sauce (1.48 after Q)

$1 off Kraft dressing (.77 after Q)

$1 off Velveeta or Deluxe Kraft mac n cheese (1.48 after Q)

$1 off Kraft 6-8 oz natural cheese chunk or shredded (.78 after Q)

$1 off Velveeta 2# 3.48 after Q)

$1 off Lunchables combinations w/drink (.98 after Q)

$1 off Deli Creations sandwiches or combinations (.98 after Q)

$2 off Oscar Mayer bacon (1.48 after Q)

$5 off purchase of $50 or more

Non-coupon items:

Farmland pork country ribs 1.17/#

80% lean ground beef 1.68/#

Farmland pork steaks value pack 1.38/#

15# russet potatoes 1.96

Hunts ketchup 24 oz .88 – .20 coupon = .68

Juicy Juice 64 oz bottles 2.14 – $1/2 coupon = 1.64 x 2

bone in pork butt roast 1.28/#, limit 2

fresh pork picnic (roast) .99/#

Farmland sliced bacon BOGO (50% off)

2-liter BigK cola .59

Fast Fixin’ 6-8 oz chicken nuggets $1

Pillsbury crescents (4 oz tiny tubes) $1 – .70 printable = .30

…and if you’re craving corn already — first of the season corn 2/$1

 Trader Joe’s is a unique grocery chain that offers store brands, a wide variety of organic and natural foods, and freshly prepared items.  At 102 and Pacific, the location is easily accessible from I-680 and neighborhoods along Pacific.  The going line was that TJ would anchor at Midtown Crossing, but that was a non-deal.  The lease at One PP will anchor the center, allow plenty of parking, and serve various markets easily.

 Word on the Internet for years has been that TJ has excellent everyday prices, great sales, and a great selection of organics.  They’ll be just a mile from Whole Foods, threatening to give WF a run for its money.  With the way WF treated Wild Oats (78 and Dodge), the competition will be good for consumers.

 TJ stores make a point to be involved in local communities, and that’s always a good thing.  If the prices bear out, that’s a great thing.  If the organics and naturals are as good as reported online, that’s wonderful.

 Omahans are excited because TJ has said it’s picky about where it opens stores.  Makes us special?  Makes the profit margin special, yes.  The demographics around One PP are phenomenal, but I suspect most of the customers will be from other zip codes. 

 Have you shopped at Trader Joe’s in other cities?  What can you share about your TJ experience?  Let us know in a comment.