The Grocery Game Challenge #4 January 21-27 Make Your Own Path!
The Grocery Game Challenge is one post each week where you get to peek inside my grocery cart to see what deals of the week were found and whether sticking to the grocery budget was achieved. I truly am motivated by this challenge not only to control our grocery budget but also to continue to create new, homemade frugal recipes in the kitchen. I want to thank the fans who continue to post their grocery shops each week with me. Canadian Budget Binder is one year old today Jan, 22, 2013 so please help me spread the word about our little group of savers and strive for another successful year of saving money in our budgets. A big welcome to all the new 2013 fans, this is a very welcoming place to start your journey.
Inspiration
When I was visiting my friend Annetta Powell’s Facebook page I read an inspiring quote on her wall that had me thinking.
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Harold R. McAlindon
It made me realize that we can’t always see far down the road nor can we just keep walking the same path. So, from today we will continue to make our own path and strive for continuous improvement in our lives and I encourage you to do the same, unleash the unfamiliar. If there is something that you want to happen or you want to learn, break free and do it. Don’t wait until the path is clear, make your own path because the time is right now. When others find your path they too may want to walk it but teach and encourage them to follow their own route and leave a trail. A wise person may share their path but won’t always hold your hand.
What are you doing to create your own path?
Our Purchases
Metro
- 5 x cheese 500g Sale $3.99
- 1 x Cheese 500 g Sale $4.49
- 1 x 5 corn reduced $0.99
- Turkey Backs $0.74
- Pork Riblets $1.99-$0.50
Total Out of Pocket: $23.67
Shoppers Drug Mart
- 2 x Neilson Cream Sale $2.29
- 1 x Neilson 4 L Milk $4.29 (ouch)
Total Out of Pocket: $8.87
No Frills
- 2 x 10 lbs Potatoes Sale $0.95 (awesome deal)
- 2 x Sponge Towels 6 Ultra Sale $4.44-$1.00
- 3 x Yoptimal Yogurt -50% pink sticker -$1.00 coupons = $1.00
- 4 x Jakes Bake Bread Sale $1.44 each
- 1 x Fennel Sale $1.47 ea
- 3 x Lemons $1.00
- 4 x Limes $1.00
- 2 x mushrooms whole PM Wal-Mart Sale $1.00
- 1 x Iceberg Lettuce PM Wal-Mart Sale $1.00
- 8 lb Navel Oranges Sale $.388
- 1 bag of washed spinach PM Wal-Mart Sale $1.00
Total Out Of Pocket: $29.56- $20.00 in PC Points =$9.56
Our Grocery Game Challenge Results
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year : $2819.38
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $235.00 or $78.33 week with one no shop week per month or $58.75 for 4 weeks per month. (During the months with 5 weeks we just make it work)
FAQ’s- Grocery Game Challenge RULES…..
- Do I have to be Canadian to post my Grocery Shop?
No, you don’t have to be Canadian to post your shops only to win a monthly prize. We have a few players from around the world.
- When does the Grocery Game Close each month?
The Grocery Game Challenge Closes at Midnight of the last Sunday of the last post for the month. You can post your shops all month-long.
- Does Your Grocery Budget Include Health and Beauty and Laundry?
Yes our Grocery Budget includes such items as shampoo, conditioner, laundry soap, fabric softener, dish soap etc. We don’t mind stockpiling items that won’t be effected by expiry dates or have long expiry dates but not so much food any more. It’s just one way to help cut your budget to save money.
Here are your latest Coupon Match-ups of the week including Checkout 51 from 25 Newspaper Inserts around Canada compliments of Save Big Live Better.
PLUS!! Check out where to find the Cheapest Deals on Produce, Meat, Diapers, Toilet Paper and Pop are this week from Coupon Christine Jan 17, 25, 2013
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Related articles
- The Grocery Game Challenge #3 January 14-20, 2013 Saving Starts Here! (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- The Grocery Game Challenge #2 January 7-January 13,2013 Join In!! (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- The Grocery Game Challenge Dec 31-Jan 6 #1~Happy New Year 2013 (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
Hmmm…..well this week turned out to be a bigger shop then i thought…i went on a cleaning spree and managed to clear out my cleaning supplies 🙁 So most of my shop was for cleaning products….including a new mop for hubby LOL ( thats his chore!!) So here goes 🙂
Walmart
Bread 0.97
Reveal Mop 28.88-5.00=23.88
Sub buns 2.47
Whole wheat bred 2.00
chips 1.88
Lemon Wipes 2.77
Hamburger buns 3.23-0.75=2.48
Romaine lettuce 2.97
Ham 3.17
turkey breast 3.77
Lysol all purpose cleaner 3.00
Orange juice 3.97
Energy drink case 3.97×2=7.94
Minigo yogurt 2.00-0.50 coupon=1.50
Kidney Beans 0.78×2=1.56
Zoodles 1.00×3=3.00
Diced tomatoes 0.88
Can corn 0.87×3=2.61
Dish soap 2.00×4=8.00-2×1.00 coupons=6.00
I purchased a bag of sunlight laundry pods but somehow the cashier rang in another dish soap for 2.00 and i had a 1.50 coupon so….only paid 0.50 for the laundry soap.
apples 1.14
Seasonings 1.00×4=4.00
Chicken sandwich meat 3.47
Multi Grain Bagels 2.00
Fries 1.77
Glade plug in refills 3.97
Napkins 2.88
Large package of ground beef (30% off) 10.50
Homo Milk 5.47×2=10.94
Frozen Dinners 1.00×4=4.00
Air wick freshmatic refill 9.97×2=19.94-5.00 coupon=14.94 (also have a 5 dollar rebate….so only 9.94)
Ice tea 1.37×2=2.74
oatmeal 2.50×2=5.00
Total coupons=13.50 (plus 5.00 rebate)
Total=159.69
No Frills
Coke 2.88×2=5.76
Crushed tomatoes 0.88
Paper towels 2.97
Ketchup 1.99
Grapes 4.22 (OUCH)
No coupons
Total=18.45
Shoppers Drug Mart
Milk 4.07
Homo milk 5.99
Facial Tissue 0.69
No coupons
Total=10.84
Zehrs
Candy 1.50×2=3.00
Frozen juice 0.69×4-2.76
Frozen Pink Lemonade 2×0.79=1.58
Frozen Iced Tea 0.79×2=1.58
Frozen lemonade 0.79×2=1.58
Blue Raspberry Alcohol Mix 4.49
No coupons
Total=17.54
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: 135 a week
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $13.50 (plus 5.00 rebate)
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $- 0
•Total Spent This Week:$$206.52
•Total Spent So Far for (January): 485.36
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: over by 71.52
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $54.64
Hoping to make it this month….large cleaning supply stock up ( i need all of the airfreshener and such as i have two dogs..and a cat…and two kids…LOL) Also i could have gone with a cheaper mop but hubby doesnt ask for much and our old rubbermaid reveal finally died after having it for a year. Also…..I bought a bunch of groceries to make a chili for work…so i will be receiving money back for that…..I will know how much on my next shop…so can put the money back in the budget 🙂 I work all weekend long so i doubt i will make it out to see a grocery store which is a good thing 🙂
Hey Joanne!
Well you don’t take home the longest grocery game post yet, I think that still belongs to Mary if I’m correct. We make our own airfreshner now… fill a spray bottle with water 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 large cap of fabric softner and shake!! Sometimes it is a good thing to just STAY OUT of the shops. Honestly going in is like walking into a candy store, dangerous. Oh and the hubby gets the mopping chore.. tell him he’s not alone and be happy I wash, hang and fold all the clothes too!! You still have a bit left to spend for the month, you’re not over so that’s a good thing. Keep at it.. you get ballot #48.. Mr.CBB
Grocery Game Challenge
Walmart
⦁ Yogurt tubes x3 @ 2.00 each = 6.00
⦁ Oranges 0.80
⦁ Apples 1.39
⦁ Pencil crayons 4.67 (ouch!)
⦁ Pencils 1.96
⦁ Vector cereal x 3 @ 3.97 each = 11.91 – coupons for 6.00
⦁ Mini Wheats cereal 2.97 – coupon for 1.00
⦁ Sunlight Laundry detergent x 3 @ 2.94 each = 8.82 – coupons for 4.00
⦁ OJ 2.47
⦁ Toaster Strudles x 3 @ 1.97 each = 5.91
Total Coupons Used: $ 11.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 39.88 (incl. tax)
Metro
⦁ Soy Milk x 6 @ 3/5.00 = 10.00
⦁ Chicken Drumsticks 5.00
Total Coupons Used: $ 0
Total Out of Pocket: $ 15.00 (incl. tax)
Food Basics
⦁ Chicken Weiners 0.99
⦁ Meat Slices 3.99
⦁ Stewing Beef 13.33 – coupon for 5.33
⦁ Canned Tomatoes x 3@ 0.88 each = 2.64
⦁ Canned Chick peas x 3 @ 0.88 each = 2.64
⦁ Spaghetti Sauce x 3 @ 0.88 each = 2.64
⦁ Avacado 0.67 (a treat – I love these!)
⦁ Lemon 0.50
⦁ Chicken Breast 17.26 (for 11 large pieces!)
Total Coupons Used: $ 5.33
Total Out of Pocket: $ 39.33 (incl. tax)
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $ 5520
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $ 460
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $16.33
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $ 0
•Total Spent This Week: $94.21
•Total Spent So Far for January: $154.26+192.91+94.21=$441.38
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: Under $20.79
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of January: Under $18.62
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $ 18.62
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $ 25.69+76.52+16.33 = 118.54
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : $ +/-
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $441.38
•Weekly Overview: It will take me a while to figure out how much to stock up and when.
Hi Annasklar,
Ouch, is right on those pencil crayons. I thought they were actually coming down in price. Great deal on the VEctor cereal we like that here. Have you ever used dry beans? We picked up 2kg I believe for $2.49 and all we do is take them out, soak them overnight and boil them in a pot.. done! It’s far cheaper than buying the cans for any beans really. Try it out, save some $$$$….. We love avoados as well..How do you eat them? YOu have $28.63 left in your budget, that’s awesome! I wonder if you will spend that this week or is this your final shop for January? MY new post today is for one week left in January although others started Feb, either way it’s ok as long as you are tracking your progress. Keep up the good work, some great shopping deals you found annnasklar…. you get ballot #45! Cheers Mr.CBB
Hey Mr.CBB
That lysol system was a moment of weakness purchase and is still on the diningroom table, lol, might keep it outside during gardening season. But we will see 🙂
We are lucky as a couple to talk about money, agree and compremise on things! I feel it makes us closer and stronger together.
I really look forward to another year of saving and budget with all the amazing things I have learned from being here with you!
Ya, just didn’t go over well here and when we called them to let them know it was leaking we got a song and dance about it. Can’t be bothered, you’ll see haha!! I’m so happy you are here with me Juanita as it seems we are an elite club of grocery game savers but we are growing. Best part is you will now be an oldie not a newbie lol.. you get to help the newbies!! Cheers mate. Mr.CBB
I shop for 2 adults and a 2 year old toddler. Our budget is $90/week or $360 for this month and includes baby items, laundry, health/beauty, etc.
Walmart
Reach dental floss 2 x $2.00 – 2 x $2.00 coupons
Coupons $4.00
OOP $.52
Metro
WW bread $2.99 – $1.00 coupon
Coupons $1.00
OOP $1.99
RCSS
Diet coke (12 cans) (PM NF) $2.88
Neilsons milk $4.23
NN broth 900mL (PM NF) 2 x $.88
Vitality bread 5 x $3.19 – 50% pink stickers $8.00
Garlic (3 pack) $.57
CD $1.75
OOP $15.98
Fresh Co
Relish $1.47
Cashews (on clearance) $2.00
Total $3.47
Found $2.85 in the parking lot!!
OOP $.62!!!
SDM
Burnbrae eggs 2 x $1.99 – $1.00 wub2 coupon
Hot dog buns $2.99 – $2.00 managers special
Hamburger buns $2.99 – $2.00 managers special
Coupons $5.00
OOP $4.96
RCSS
1% Milk (PM SDM) $3.99
2% Milk (PM SDM) 2 x $3.99
1L Chocolate milk (PM SDM) 2 x $.99
Catelli smart pasta (PM WM) $1.00 – $1.00 coupon
Margarine 2 x $1.00
Kraft salad dressing 2 x $2.00 – 2 x $.50 Checkout 51 (Ken and I both have accounts which is perfectly legal with them…its per device not per address)
NN coating mix $1.59
Minigo 2 x $2.67 – 2 x FPC
OEP taco kit (PM NF) 2 x $2.97 – 2 x $2.00 Checkout 51
Royale paper towel (PM WM) $4.98 – $2.00 coupon
Tortilla wraps $3.27
Bananas $1.51
Carrots 3lbs (PM NF) $.97
Onions 3lbs (PM NF) $.97
Salad $1.99
Oranges (PM NF) $1.88
Strawberries (PM FB) 2 x $1.00
Colgate Total (deal of the week at the cash register) $1.87 – $1.50 coupon
Coupons $9.84
Rebates $5.00
CD $5.36
OOP $33.86
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year : $4,680 ($90/week)
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $360
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $4.00 + $1.00 + $5.00 + $9.84=$19.84
Total Checkout 51 rebates this week: $5.00
•Total Checkout 51 rebates this month: $5.00 + $5.00=$10.00
•Total Colleague Discount (CD) this week: $7.11
•Total Colleague Discount (CD) this month:$53.10
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: 0
•Total Spent This Week: $.52 + $1.99 + $15.98 + $.62 + $4.96 + $33.86=$57.93
•Total Spent So Far for (January): $132.20 + $114.44=$246.75 + $45.41=$281.78 + $57.93=$339.71
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: N/A
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (January): N/A
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $20.29
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $26.97 + $60.28=$87.25 + $52.44=$139.69 + $19.84=$159.53
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : N/A
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $339.71
•Weekly overview: I forgot all month to adjust my totals with Checkout 51 so I needed to add $5.00 to what I have left in my budget. I also returned something I bought last week or the week before so I needed to add $5.38 back into my budget, $10.38 altogether. I would love to know what I save in a year with coupons and my MIL’s CD so I decided to track what I earn with Checkout 51 this year, as well as what I save with my MIL’s CD so I have added those to my summary now. I’m actually loving this way to track things now. I keep them all as word documents and can easily go back and check things. It is also a good way to track prices of items too. This is all definitely more work and I don’t know if I’d be able to keep it up with another child thrown into the mix but we’ll see lol. We’ll I think I’ve done it! There are 4 days left of the month and I am under budget even after forgetting to add the extra week!!!! I might stop in at RCSS on Thursday but I still have enough left in the budget for that stop. I am pretty darn proud of myself. I picked up a shelf from freecycle today and was able to organize my stockpile a little better. I have a lot of stuff! Lol. Hopefully that will mean I can stay way under budget for February. I cleaned out my fridge and upstairs freezer today and got rid of some stuff. I hate wasting things but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do lol. I now have almost 5 loaves of bread worth of bread ends saved to make my own breadcrumbs with. I need to force myself to do that sometime soon. We have some great menu items planned this week so I’m looking forward to it! 🙂
Hey Jen,
I adjusted the GG template to reflect your suggestions such as discounts which was a great idea. The numbers may be more work but it will be work that you will look back on and be happy you did. Isn’t freecycle great, just love it when we can pick up and give back. Will you start to cut back on buying too much if you found you threw out food? I notice you are doing more cooking from recipes and I think that is awesome, we are all proud of you. You must tell us how your breadcrumb making goes lol.. it’s easy I’m sure you will be a star. I see you got your free floss… haha… good for you. See it pays to read. Well you are under for the month. I don’t know if this is your last shop or you going into next week but I look forward to seeing how you manage… best of luck mate. You get ballot #44
Top notch Mr.CBB on one year! 🙂
Our weekly budget is $100 and I used exactly $100.
The hubby and I talked about our food budget and occasionally stocking up on a few things that may cause it to go over what we planned. Coming to the agreement we talk about the items and if we really need them, will use them before they expire and there is extra money available that week that we are willing to do so.
H&W Produce
.26 garlic
$3.16 mushrooms (lg bag full)
.57 jalapenos
$1.79 bean sprouts
.79×2 cucumbers
$1.59 snap peas
$ bananas
$1.37 oranges
$5.99 20lb potatoes (we have a cold storage room so they should not go bad)
$18.31 total oop
Sobeys
$1 crusty buns
$3.99×2-bogo sale dagwood sandwiches
$1.69 tortellini-clearance
$1.29 four cheese sauce-clearance
$2.49 pizza pops
$5.99×2-$1.50C cheese
$8.25 chicken wings-clearance(2 meals worth)
$8.26 chicken wings-clearance(2 meals worth)
$5.10 roasting chicken-clearance
$4.59 roasting chicken – clearance
$2×2-$1C dzn eggs
$1-.50C instant noodles
$2.49×2-$4C speical k flatbreads
$5.27 4L milk
$57.09 total oop
$7 total coupons
Superstore
.98 rice vermicel
$1.88 4pk green peppers
$1.88 4pk red peppers
$2.10×2-$1.50C coffee creamer
$9.99-$5C lysol notouch soap system
$1×2-$2C soap refill
$2.94 calender
$2.50×2 halls 4pks
$4.33-$2C vicks vaporub
$24.60 total oop
$10.50 total coupons
$100 weekly total oop
$17.50 weekly total coupons
$375.01 total monthly oop
$141.01 total coupons used
$124.99 remaining for the month
Hi Juanita,
Can you believe one year has come and gone so fast!!! I’m looking forward to another successful year. That’s good to hear that you both talked about your budget and came to a compromise, not many couples are that easy going, so good for the both of you. You still have a healthy budget left for the month at $129.99 so you should be able to come in uder budget no problem. Great deal on the eggs and you found some great clearance items as well. We don’t find them as often now but when we do we take advantage of them. I hate that lysol no touch system, waste of money, garbage. Have you tried it before? You are better off spending the $5.00 on a huge refill bag and filling the $1.00 pumps in my opinion. I’ve had a few of those systems and they all broke, went off on their own, just rubbish. Sorry if you like them haha.. I don’t. Well keep up the great work, just thrilled to see how many of you are doing so far in 2013, you are impressing me that’s for sure! Cheers Juanita, enjoy your week. Mr.CBB You get ballot #43
Walmart
Milk – $4.60
Evaporated skim milk – $1.33
Ointment – $4.67
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $11.21
RCSS
Mini Oreos – sale 2x$1.98
Egg Creations – sale $2.48 – $1c
Catelli Pasta Sauce – sale 2x$1.39
ICBINB Margarine – sale $1
Kraft Ranch dressing – sale $2 (plus will get $.50 rebate from Checkout 51)
Miracle Whip – sale $3.47 – $1c
All purpose flour – $7.49
Pizza sauce – $.59
OEP Taco Kit – PM NoFrills – $2.97 ($2.00 rebate Checkout 51)
Bagels – sale 2x$.98
NN Pepperoni – $2.99
PC Chicken Strips – sale $4.98
Cantaloupe – sale $1.98
Mini Watermelon – sale $1.98
White mushrooms (bulk) – $.99
3lbs onions – $1.67
Green pepper – $.82
•Total Coupons Used: $2.00
•Total Out Of Pocket: $42.11
Bulk Barn
Candy Rockets – $.65
Fruit chews – $.51
Sour candies – $1.03
Jolly Ranchers – $2.19
Corn meal – $.16
Chocolate Almonds – $2.03
Mixed nuts – $5.23
•Total Coupons Used: $3.00
•Total Out Of Pocket: $10.03
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $4200 ($80.77/week)
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $350
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $5.00
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
•Total Spent This Week: $63.35
•Total Spent So Far for January: $114.69+$85.44+63.35 = $263.48
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: NA
•Total Under spend for the month of January: N/A
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $86.52
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $20.74+$24.99+$.00 = $50.73
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : $ N/A
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $263.48
•Weekly Overview: So I did not really need much this week. Was able to rely on what I already had for most of our meals. Since the grocery budget is on track for the month I decided to splurge and get some treats at Bulk Barn, candy for the little one and chocolate covered almonds and nuts for me (at least I got to use a coupon towards it). I should end up under budget as I will probably just pick up a couple of things this week. I tend to do a good part of my shopping on weekends, with next weekend being the start of February.
Hey Joanna!
What do you use your evap milk for? I have lots of cans of that but use it in my coffee (they were free). We were able to use our pantry as well this week which helped us stay under budget.Bulk Barn is a great store but when we go in I have to brace Mrs.CBB hahah.. she loves it. at least you used the $3.00 awesome coupon 😉 Will you be shopping next week as well then? You still have lots to spend for the month, impressive!! Keep up the good work. You get ballot #42
I use the evap milk when I make certain soups. I like to use it instead of cream. It makes the soup a bit thinner but I don’t mind. Yes I will be getting a few things next week but I shouldn’t need too much.
I think we picked up about 10 cans of the evap milk for free and I use it in my coffee when I run out of cream. It’s ok, not as thick but it will do. Can’t complain when it’s free lol.
Happy Anniversary!!!! I can’t wait for the new site!!! Went over again but also went to Canadian Tire for some liquid hand soap that was on sale and picked up some hot chocolate mix at the local drug store at a nice price, so I guess I can live with it. The hand soap is a little pricey but I have to watch what kind I buy as I do have sensitive skin and this stuff doesn’t irritate like some do.
Foodland, Jan 20
2 bagels@2.99-5.98
1 shampoo- 3.29- .50 coupon
1 Triscuit- 3.49
1 4l bag milk- 4.79
1 pack smokes-9.69
tax-1.69
Total-$28.43, .50 coupons
Foodland, Jan 22
2 tomato paste @ .79- 1.58
1 chicken broth-1.50
1 beef broth- 1.50
1 soya sauce-2.48
2 12 grain bread @2/5.00- 5.00
2 doz eggs @2.58 -5.16- $1WUB2
2 bagels @2.99- 5.98
1 jar pickles- 2.99
1 package brown sugar- 3.29
2 packs hot chocolate mix@ 3.29- 6.58
1lb butter-4.69
2 4l milk@4.79– 9.58
2 blocks cheese@ 4.97-9.94
1 bag rice- 4.99
1 pack smokes- 9.69
1 pack chicken breasts- 14.47
tax- 2.30
Total- $98.70, 1.00 in coupons
Jackson’s Jan 23
2 packs hot chocolate mix- 2/$5.00- 5.00
Total $5.00
Foodland Jan 24
2 yams- 4.12
1 Triscuit- 3.49
2 packs hamburger buns@ 3.69- 7.38 – 2x .75 coupons, ($1.50)
1 jug water-5.49
2 cases gingerale @5.78- 11.56- 2x 2.00 coupons($4.00)
1 pack smokes- 9.69
tax- 2.76
Total- $38.99, $5.50 coupons
Canadian Tire Jan 24
2 pouches Method hand soap @5.39- 10.78
tax- 1.40
Total-$12.18
Total Budget for Month- $750.00
Total Budget for Year- $150.00 X 52= $7800.00
Total spent this week- 28.43+ 98.70+ 5.00+ 38.99+ 12.18= $183.30
Total for the Month(Jan) 117.53+219.92+135.46+ 183.30= $656.21
Total Over/Under for the week- Over $33.30
Total Over/Under for month- Over $56.21
Left for the month-$93.79
Total coupons for month- 1.25+29.46+8.99+7.00= $46.70
Total carry-over to next month-N/A
Total year to date- $656.21
Over again this week…..The chicken was a good price… that 14.47 was for 4 chicken breasts so you can tell they were big birds!! That will be 4 meals no matter how I make them up. The hot chocolate mix is the 10 pack box, not a great price at the grocery store but I looked at it and it works out to the same price per serving as the larger canister, better actually here as the portion control is better. Finding the same thing a cheaper price at Jackson’s was a bonus in my books and I will get more next week at that price. As I said earlier the hand soap at Canadian Tire is pricey but easy on my skin. It was a sale price- 20% off, not great but better than full price. The bagels were a slightly better price than raisin bread and disappears about as fast. The gingerale coupons were printed inside the box of those cases I got last month with my save $2.00 when you buy 2 and I made sure the ones I got this week have the same coupons inside. I’m going to try to keep to the budget but we are going into Stratford on Monday for an appt and hubby wants to stop off at Sobey’s on the way home. Shopping for groceries with him can be a royal pain in the wallet… wish me luck. If I go over it will be carried over to Feb. I’m hoping for a nice price for ice cream in the next week or so as we have a birthday coming up so chocolate cake and ice cream will be on the dessert menu. The 2 books he asked for are on order from Chapters and have shipped so the oldest boy will get his books on Feb 8.
Hi Christine!
Does Stratford have many shops? I’ve never been there but may one day just for a trip. Happy Shopping with the hubby hahah a royal pain in the Grocery budget haha.. Planning for special occasions is smart that way you aren’t rushing out last minute to buy things. That’s where people spend more money. I can’t wait for the new site either but it’s coming soon so we will see what will happen. I know it will be a brighter place.. no more cave man style theme. WOW those yams were pricey .. how do you prepare them? Method soap I heard was good. Overall not too bad this week Christine, hang tight to the budget while you are out with the hubby. Looking forward to a solid report on that excursion lol.. You get ballot 41 Mr.CBB
Stratford has Sobey’s, Zehr’s, IGA,and Food Basics, I think that’s it so far. There is a No Frills I think it is going up out the west end on Huron St, and Walmart is building out the east end. Wish they were building out the west end like the city wanted them to as it would be a little closer for us and I wouldn’t have to come all the way into town. Target is taking over the Zeller’s store last next fall I think it is, don’t know what they will sell in food if anything…. Those yams were on the high end but hubby keeps testing low in potassium when we go to London so he’s been looking for anything to help that besides pills. I used to just peel, boil and mash them years ago but that was to make baby food. I thinking of maybe peeling them and then slicing them to make oven fries. They are big yams, over a pound each!! The ice cream to eat with the cake is the only thing I have to get and that’s one thing I can’t buy too far ahead…. it would never last that long here, so I buy it as close to the time I need it as I can… I still have lots of cocoa and icing sugar from Christmas baking so that’s good…Now I just need a sale on mint chocolate chip ice cream…..lol!
Did you order your Chapman’s coupon for $5.00 off? Sounds like Stratford is a pretty decent city, I really want to check it out. Is it expensive to live there? Ok if the yams are a pound each I can see why the price was higher. Sure you could make fries with them, I’ve done that and they are great. Let me know how you like them.
Hi Mr CBB! Here is the last shop of January. My BF didn’t buy anything last week, and I bought about $20 worth of groceries and beers for a friend who hosted me for a few days, so I don’t consider it part of my grocery budget. I still had my $14.4 to finish January!
This week
Supermarket
4 avocados $1.75
4.3lb tomatoes $1.35
3.2lb potatoes $0.85
1 zucchini $0.28
1 bell pepper $0.22
7 jalapeño chilis $0.21
1.14lb onions $0.48
1 loaf sliced bread 750 grams $2.25
1/2 pounds chorizos $2.36
2.02lb bananas $0.34
5lb sugar $2.34
6 garlic heads $1.12
1lb white beans $0.9
Total $14.75
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $100 or $25 per week. Normal is $200 but December was stockpile month.
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $0 Come on, you are torturing me, I want coupons!!
•Total Spent This Week:$ 14.75
•Total Spent So Far for (January): $100.35
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: $0.35 over
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (January): $ n/a
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: -$0.35
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $0
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : $ n/a
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $100.35 Happy dance :D!
•Weekly Overview: How about that! Over budget by 35p :). Prices are usually pretty stable but this week tomatoes and onions went down 30% while bananas were up 30%. weird. My BF’s turn to travel this week, so I am cooking for one, and just reorganized the freezer, there is a ton of food, 10 fish, over 10lbs of meat, cheese, bacon… so nothing needed to finish the month, maybe $2 of water.
I am very pleased with this month, I thought it would be a stretch but it went great. February I am keeping the $100 since the stockpile is still pretty impressive. Although BF is low on alcohol so that may bust the budget. Enjoy your weekend!
Hey Pauline,
I’m shocked he didn’t buy anything and here you thought you would come home to being over budget because of him lol. Don’t underestimate the male, all we need is twigs and berries haha.. You know I must add that your groceries are fairly cheap in Guatamala, just look at the banana prices awesome and you say the price went up. Garlic is a decent price as is the sugar…we pay $1.99 for 2kg on sale though. What do you make with your avocados? Awesome you came under budget 35p (haven’t typed that in ages) I’m impressed with your grocery budget but the one thing I notice is you spend your money wisely and cook at home from scratch. Do you think this contributes to your ability to keeping your grocery budget low? Alcohol, crap I get an allowance for that..does he lol? Keep up the good work…I’d love to hear more about what happens in your kitchen, what you cook.
At the moment I put alcohol in the $100 per month because we bought a ton over Christmas. I drink beer, he drinks vodka, about $15 a bottle here. I just saw he has 1/4 vodka left and over 1/2 gin, I hope it lasts the month. I have 30 beers so I’m good…
Avocados I am a guacamole addict 🙂 I also use them in salad sometimes but often have just guacamole for dinner with crackers! Not a fan of nachos. Sure cooking from scratch helps a lot, anything processed here is usually imported from the US (frozen pizza, frozen peeled shrimp…) and pretty expensive. I make yogurt with cultures and freeze it, yesterday I blended it with apple and bananas it was a delicious ice cream! I haven’t forgotten you about the post, I will give it to you for Feb. Cheers!
I love avocados as well and make guacamole when I can. Interesting you make your own yogurt, I should try that some day> So what kind of beer to you fancy in Guatemala?
Gallo is the best national one, but pretty expensive at $1 a can. It is very good though, they won many international contests. Bud, Heineken and imported beers are about the same price. I drink Brahva which is brazilian and about half price, BF says it’s disgusting, I got used to it!
I drink BRAVA haha which is also a cheaper brand but I enjoy it.. wonder if they are relatives lol…
they probably are, the brazilian original brand is called BRAHMA but here that means when a female animal is hot and ready to mate so you can imagine the jokes it would lead to when guys see women drinking it, and they changed to BRAHVA.
Haha, no kidding and ya I can imagine the jokes…
Family of seven, two dogs and two cats.
Total Grocery Budget for the Year: $ 4080.00
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $340.00 or $85.00 week
•Total Coupons Used this Week :$9.34
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $- 0
•Total Spent This Week: $68.09
•Total Spent So Far for (January): $334.79
•Total Over/Under spend this shop:$16.91 under
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (January):$5.21 under
•Total Left to Spend for the Month:$5.21
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $26.98
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : $ n/a
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $334.79
•Weekly Overview: I wasn’t really watching what I was buying this week. At home I did the leg work with the flyers and coupons but when I got to the store items I was going to get were not in stock, and I had to think of alternatives. So I have half a week left and just over $5.00 to spend, but the house is totally stocked.
Loblaws
Clementine 4.99
Gluten free cereal 7.99
No Frills
Milk X2 @ 4.23 8.46
Minigo yogurt X2 ( free coupons) free
PC chocolate chips 1 kg 6.99
Sheddies 2.98
Juice packs 1.33
Pizza sauce 1.19
Weetabix 3.88 – coupon 1.00 2.88
Mozzarella cheese 4.44
Provolone cheese 4.44
Sprout wheat bread 2 x 1.88- 2x coupon 1.00 1.76
Tortilla 2 x 1.99 3.98
Jakes bread 2 /2.88 2.88
banana 1.55
cucumber 1.77
potato 1.97
Baby spinach 4.49
Tangelo 2.03
tomato 1.97
Total 68.09
Now the news for February! My Dearest decided to go on a Gluten-free diet. Just wondering how this is going to effect the grocery challenge? More challenging???
The Farmgirl
Hi Farmgirl,
Don’t you just hate when that happens. Same happened to us last week when No Frills didn’t have the dempsters bread and we planned to PM gor $1.88 and use the buy 2 save $2.00 on fruit or veg.. with a cart almost full we wern’t going to put it back. I was just going to ask about the Gluten free cereal and then I got to the end of your shop. Mary who posts her shops here just started a gluten free diet. She lives in BC but you can read her shop to see what prices she pays but she may also buy in the USA.. you can ask her. She is a wealth of information that Mary… you will see an increase I’m guessing judging by the price of some GF products. How will you handle that? You get ballot #40… Mr.CBB
Mr CBB…when returning from the US after 24 hours it’s $250 each and after 48 hours it’s $800 each. But really…who is spending that much? Certainly not us!
Wow, a lot more than I had anticipated that’s for sure.
Safeway
Sunchips 2 x3.99-.99-1.00 coupon
Dreamfields pasta 4 x 2.69-.69
Tax .56
City Market
String Cheese 4 x .25
Apples 3.00
Yellow Bell Pepper 3 pk .99
Beneful Dog Food 18.99-5.00
Tax 1.18
Edward Antrobus Taco Seasoning 10.29, should last a long time.
School lunches for January 19.20
Total spent 63.21
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $4200
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $350 ($275.26 this month from Dec overage)
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $0
Total Value Card Savings this Week: $10.74
Total Value Card Savings this Year:$66.04
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
•Total Spent This Week:$63.21
•Total Spent So Far for (January): $244.88
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: $-2.78
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (January): $-30.38
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $30.38
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $13.63
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : $ +/-
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $244.88
•Weekly Overview: Would have been great without the dog food, but they have to eat too and it was on sale. I should have no problem staying under budget for January. I could have done without the Sunchips but they were on sale, I had a coupon, and I haven’t had them in sooo long.
Hey Kim,
What’s with the EA taco seasoning, am I missing something? Is that the EA we all know in the PF world? I assume you have plenty of food in your pantry to make meals hence the small shop this week. You got a great deal on the beneful wish we could find a $5 coupon, it’s $34 for 18kg here… nice justification for the sunchips haha.. did you tell yourself that when you picked them up too!! That’s ok we used to do that as well, now we step back as much as we can but it happens, we’re not perfect, live life a little, right? Keep up the good work mate… Mr.CBB
Yes, it’s PF EA. You can order it on If You Can Read You Can Cook. I just told the family we were going to eat bread and water this week, no I had several freezer meals already made up. Worked out great.
Cool, I’ve just went to check it out, I had no idea. Cheers kim.
Happy Anniversary! another week of great shopping for you! love the price of the oranges and thanks for letting me know spinach was on sale. this is what my shop was for the week:
nofrills
1 x 20pk frozen pork chops $18.01
3 x 2pk t bone steaks $8.34, $7.83, $9.05 – 30% sticker
7 x salini cheese pm foodbasics .99 – .99 ea
total $50.16
less coupons – $6.93
less store discount 30% – $7.57
oop $35.66
giant tiger
may farms sliced chicken breast $2 – $1
total $2
less coupons – $1
oop $1
sdm
2 x uncle bens 1.2kg wholegrain brown rice $6.49 – $4 manager coupon – $1 ea
2 x neilson milk $4.13 ea
total $21.24
less manager coupons – $8
less coupons – $2
less optimum points – $10
oop $1.24
metro
2 x selections 500g old cheddar cheese 3.99 ea
1 x manns rainbow salad $2.69 – $1 manager coupon – $.55 coupon
1 x manns broccoli 3.49 – $2 manager coupon – $.55 coupon
total $14.16
less manager coupons – $3
less coupons – $1.10
less airmiles – $10
oop $.06
walmart
1 x bagged spinach $1
1 x celery $1.47
1 x tray mushrooms $1 – $2 wub 2 dempsters ww bread
2 x whole wheat dempsters bread $2 ea
10 x french’s yellow mustard $1 – $.75 ea
1 x whiskas dry cat food $5.98 – $3 – $3
1 x champmans original ice cream $2.97 – $2.97
tax $.39
total $26.81
less coupons $18.47
less gift card $7.49 (that’s the end of the gift card)
oop $.85
foodland
1 x kikkoman soy sauce $1.88 – .50
1 x gay lea gold sour cream $2 – $1
2 x single serve 4pk plain cottage cheese $2 – $1 ea
6 x gay lea spreadable butter $2 – .$75 ea
1 x special k crisps $2.99 – fpc
1 x lean cuisine $2.99 – fpc
1 x rice krispies cereal $5.99 – fpc
total $31.85
less coupons 19.97
oop $11.88
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year : $3600.00 for 3 people and 2 cats
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $300.00 or $60.00 week *fixed to reflect 5 shopping weeks this month
•Total Coupons Used this Week : actual coupons $49.47 + store discounts/coupons $18.57 + store rewards $20 = $88.04
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $7.49
•Total Spent This Week: $50.69
•Total Spent So Far for (January): $0 + $65.89 + $1.17 + $50.69 = $117.75
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: $9.31 under
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (January): -$60 + $5.89 -$58.83 – $9.31 = $122.25 under
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $182.25
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $128.21 + $261.43 + $75.92 + $88.04 = $553.60
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : $ don’t know yet
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $117.75
•Weekly Overview: i misunderstood the champmans $5 coupon. thought i`d get overage with it but turns out i should have just bought another ice cream because i lost the difference. live and learn!
Hi Chickypoodles,
Thanks here’s hoping for another successful year at CBB! We bought so many oranges that we had to make something with them.. check out my new orange ricotta pound cake recipe.. amazing if I do say so myself.
Great deal here.. fill me in on the details please… 7 x salini cheese pm foodbasics .99 – .99 ea is it Silani omega?
Awesome deal on the SDM Uncle bens rice.. wow!
We were going to use our dempsters coupons at No frills only to find out that they don’t carry the bread.. as the cart was already full. Great coupon, we will use ours lol.,
That Gay Lea Gold sour cream is wow, thick!!
Great shopping overall, impressed. All that for $50.xx haha… you must be proud!
Ya, with Chapmans we just use the full $5.00…. ah well, live and learn as you say.
Keep up the awesome work mate.
You get ballot #39
Mr CBB, in 2013 we will be going about once a month to the US.
First of all, it is an outing for us in that we either stop for a bite of lunch or we hit one of the many spots we like to go for a coffee. We also use the trip, in the warm months, to have picnic lunches and walks at the beaches and on their extensive paths. Colder and wetter months tend to take us out for either a nice cup of coffee at our favorite internet cafes or for a nice, hot bowl of soup.
There are some beautiful spots to spread out a blanket and spend an hour or two and there are beautiful ski and snowshoeing spots as well! We don’t tend to have many outings that involve spending money, so we really look forward to this day each month. I also think of this outing as a good medicine for our mental health & we certainly need those this year with some of the challenges we are dealing with. 🙂
Second, we get our gas much cheaper in the US, so we do our once a month fill up south of the border. Sure we use a little gas to get there and back, but any outing would do that. At least with this particular outing, we can fill up again relatively cheaply. 🙂
When we go once a month to the US for groceries, we don’t spend nearly as much as when we put off the shop…we know we’ll be back in a month and are therefore looking with a far more critical eye for “sale prices” on top of the already cheaper American prices. Normally we haven’t completely run out of items in a month, except breads, so we can afford to just wait. I am now couponing in both Canada and the US so that helps too… not to mention having loyalty cards for all the places where we shop. Hubby totally refuses to buy his Niacin unless it’s on sale (even though not on sale it’s still a fraction of the price it is at home). Instead, we check every trip and when it is on sale, he stocks up for the next six months.
Our last trip, we hadn’t been into the US in more than 2 months (since we returned from Palm Desert) plus I went Gluten Free during that period… so things were expensive to get the kitchen in good order again. I have my MUCH smaller list “in progress” for our next trip on February 9th. Our next trip is mostly about stocking some items we use all the time.
It’s a NEW long weekend here in BC (Family Day), so the border is probably going to be absolutely nuts but we are combining the grocery run with our Valentine’s Day one night get-away and a Valentine’s dinner at our favorite steakhouse using a gift card. We booked a one bedroom suite with a gas fireplace so I can get up early without disturbing hubby. We have a kitchenette as well… so I can make some healthy treats in the room…fresh veggies & dip, sliced apples with cheddar and a pot of tea for while we cozy up in front of the fire and watch a movie on one of their multiple movie channels. 🙂
Now that’s what I call getting a lot of mileage from that tank of gas! LOL 😀
Well you certainly know what you want. When you stay over in the USA in a hotel for the night can you bring back more items then? I’ve only been to the USA once and that was educational purposes. It takes me forever to get over the border so I don’t bother going any more.
Mr. CBB,
Well, I did it. I kept to my budget of $700.00 this month, sliding in at $699.65. I still have not begun to touch the 30 meals I put in the freezer last week. We have been eating turkey based meals ALL WEEK and I am completely turkeyed out and have put enough turkey into my freezer to serve another 2 meals. I am very eager to see just how little I can spend in February since I am still well stocked up with hygiene products, household cleaners, and non perishables. I’ll bet that I can bring it in under 600.00. So there, I have set my goal for February at $600.00 for the month.
Here are my purchases for this week. I will not set foot in a store until February 1.
Walmart
8 lb. oranges = 6.97
Bananas @0.67/lb = 1.48
Tri-pack peppers = 3.97
1 x green pepper = 0.64
1 x cucumber = 1.47
4 tomatoes @ 1.00/lb = 2.12
2 x head lettuce @ 1.00 = 2.00
2 x bag spinach @ 1.00 = 2.00
1 x PAM spray = 4.77
1 x butter flavoured baking spray =2.77
1 x 4 lb. royal gala apples = 3.97
4 x avocados @ 0.88 = 3.52
2 x Catelli pasta @ 1.00 = 2.00
2 x salad dressing @ 1.42 = 2.82
1 x salad dressing = 3.37
Total OOP = 43.89
Shoppers Drug Mart
2 x dozen eggs @1.99 = 3.98
2 x 4L milk @ 4.19 = 8.38
Optimum points redeemed = 10.00
Gift card redeemed = 2.36
Total OOP = 0.00
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $700.00 or $175.00/week ($9100.00 /year)
•Total Coupons Used this Week: $ 10.00 Optimum pts
•Total Spent This Week: $ 43.89
•Total Spent So Far for (January): $ 203.92 + 93.62 + 358.22 + 43.89 = 699.65
•Total Over/Under spent this shop: $ -131.11
•Total Over/Under spent for the month of (January): $ 0.35(talk about sliding into home base!)
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $ 0.35
•Total Coupons Used This Month: $ 21.02 + 7.79 + 51.62 +10.00 = 90.43
•Total to Carry Over Next Month: $ 0.00
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $ 699.65
Hi Donna!!
WOW, Congratulations, that’s great news mate! Tell me, what have you noticed about your shopping now that you post your grocery shops? The one thing I read today is the fact that you want to challenge yourself for February to beat your grocery budget. That my dear is What I want to hear everyone eventually say as that is the name of the game. The same feeling came over us not only with the grocery game challenge but with our family budget. Once we started to see the benefits of budgeting we never looked back and now try to stick to it to reap the rewards of saving. Keep up the excellent work Donna! You get ballot #38 Mr.CBB
I think that awareness of exactly what I am spending my money on is the most important change. However, I went to Walmart after work, (when I was tired and vulnerable) without a grocery list in hand and made the mistake of “just picking up a bit of produce”. Within a 1/2 hour, I had spent all my money and still didn’t have milk or eggs. See – poor planning is just around the corner on any given day. I was certainly happy to have some Optimum points in reserve to come to the rescue and was still able to make it work.
Donna, Donna, Donna, hehe… glad that you learned a lesson here. We can easily spend more than anticipated if we are not planning and prepared. Sometimes we just need to step back and say, can we make it this week without it? Is there enough at home already?
Well, I am feeling a little blue about finishing January in the red but I guess that’s to be expected what with trying to change to an entirely different diet. The overage will carry into February but fortunately I have a $20 gift card to help shoulder a good portion the decreased funds available in February.
This is my least favorite time of year, what with trying to handle the year end accounting, filing and thinking about preparing for the 2012 tax returns and getting the 2013 TFSA and RRSP funds budgeted and organized.
We’ve also had some medical issues to deal with for both hubby and myself so “stress” is already at a fever pitch around our house and I guess I need to be grateful to just keep our head above water at the moment.
This is what our January Grocery Budget ended up looking like:
Week of Jan 21 to 27th, 2013
Save On Foods – Shop #1
2 – 28 oz Alymer No Salt Diced Tomatoes ($4.98 – $2.00 Coupon) = $2.98
2 pkgs Mild Italian Johnsonville Sausage $12.98
1 pkg Lean Ground Sirloin $5.84
1 Orange Pepper ($2.02 – 0.50 price reduction) = $1.52
2 White Onions ($2.07 – 0.28 price reduction) = $1.79
1 Yellow Pepper ($1.41 – 0.36 price reduction) = $1.05
1 Red Pepper ($1.23 – 0.31 price reduction) = $0.92
•Total Coupons Used: $2.00
•Total OOP: $27.08
$27.08 Grocery Expenses
Dollar Tree Store – Shop #1
1 bottle Garlic Powder $1.00
1 bottle Basil Leaves $1.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total OOP: $2.00
$2.00 Grocery Expenses
LW Stores – Shop #1
1 bottle Oregano $1.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total OOP: $1.00
$1.00 Grocery Expenses
Save On Foods – Shop #2
1 – large cottage cheese $4.49
1 – pkg of 10 Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas ($4.99 – 1.30 price reduction) = $3.69
4 – 48 oz. Heinz Tomato Juice
($11.96 +$0.80 recycle deposit – $3.96 price reduction) = $8.80
2 – Gala Apples ($1.65-$0.82 price reduction) = $0.83
2 -Pkgs Frozen Scallops ($23.98 – $11.99 Coupon) = $11.99
2 – Pkgs Frozen Scallops ($23.98 – $11.99 Coupon) = $11.99
•Total Coupons Used: $23.98
•Total OOP: $41.79
$41.79 Grocery Expenses
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $190 x 12 = $2,280.00 for 2 adults
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $ 190.00
•Total Grocery Budget for the Week: $ 190.00/4 = $47.50 with FOUR “No Shop”
Weeks Per Year
•Total Gift Cards USED this Week: N/A
•Total Gift Cards In Reserved for Future Use: $10.00+$10.00 = $20.00
•Total 2013 US GROCERY RESERVE for Future Use: $0.00
•Total OOP Spent This Week:
$27.08+$2.00+$1.00+$41.79 =$71.87
•Total OOP Spent So Far for Jan 2013: ($43.19+$87.44+$14.74 +$71.87) = $217.24
•Total OOP Spent This Year: $217.24
•Total Over/Under spend this week: $24.37 OVER
•Total Over/Under spend on the month of Jan 2013:
($4.31) + $39.94 + (32.76) +$ = $27.24 OVER
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $0.00
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : $27.24 OVERAGE
•Total Grocery Budget for Next Month : $190.00 – $27.24 = $162.76
So, I think we’ll shop 3 weeks only during February to get ourselves back on track budget-wise. I’ll just work around this in my meal planning. 😀
I plan to shop next week to get a few fresh vegetables, salad greens, milk and some ground beef.
Then we’ll hold off on shopping again until we are back in the US again for our Valentine’s celebration… just in case we want to get may pick up some groceries south of the line.
If we have anything left after those 2 shops, great…we can pick up a few things closer to the end of the month. If not, I have a $20 gift card we could use if we absolutely HAD to get something.
Hi Mary,
You didn’t do all that bad this month with the $27.24 overage considering all that you got PLUS you are paying higher prices for foods you don’t normally get but are now using in your kitchen. I think you did exceptionally well. The carry over into Feb is smart, like I mentioned you inspired us to do that this year and we will when/if it happens to stay on track. How often do you go to the USA? Keep smiling Mary!!! You get ballot #37 Mr.CBB
I think we have been to the store 4 times in the past week already:) Luckily, it is right around the corner. But we are still under/on budget!
If we went back and forth to the shops all week it would be tough for us. Sometimes staying out is the best way after you do a shop…lol.
Can’t wait until I’m organized enough to post!! I make a meal plan weekly based on sales, price natch and coupon where I can; I just can’t keep track as well as you all can. I’m trying to learn though!!!
My simple advice, keep an envelope in your purse or in a spot in your house close to the computer. As soon as you get in put all your receipts from the grocery store inside. Once a week sit down and post your shop. It really is super easy. Make a plan just like you do a meal plan to get the ball rolling, you will be happy you did, we are! Cheers Emily! Looking forward to seeing your shops. Mr.CBB
Hey Mr. CBB,
Congratulations on the anniversary! I am pretty jealous of those potato prices you have been getting; I have been keeping an eye out on them out here, but they are no where near $1!
Here is my week’s shops:
Mom 10
Walmart
Gravy 1.27
Mushrooms 1.77
Total Coupons
Total Out of Pocket 3.04
Superstore
Baking Soda (x2) 2.26
Frozen veggies 2.74
Cookies 0.99
Pitas (x2) 1.98
Bacon 3.88
Banana 2.41
Carrots 2.95
Cilantro 0.58
Cucumber 1.00
Kale 1.47
Mushrooms 0.88
Green onions 0.32
Spinach 3.48
Green peppers 1.88
Red peppers 1.88
Romaine Hearts 2.97
Tomatoes 0.82
Total Coupons
Total Out of Pocket 32.49
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $200
Total Coupons Used this Week : $0
Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
Total Spent This Week: $45.53
Total Spent So Far for January: $161.86
Total Over/Under spend this shop: $4.47 under
Total Over/Under spend for the month of January: $ 11.86 over
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $38.14
Total Coupons Used This Month: $0
Total to Carry Over Next Month: n/a
Total Spent to Date This Year: $161.86
Weekly Overview: No great deals this week, but picked up some pink sticker items. Will try to stay on budget for the remainder of the month.
Can’t wait to hear about your surprise for your anniversary.
Have a good week!
Hey Vicky!
Thanks mate! Although one year was this week once I get the new site up I will likely have a one year anniversary contest so make sure to get in on that, lots of great prizes. Ya, the prices for potatoes was awesome so that means lots of potatoes in the cbb house for a little while. What do you make with your kale? I have to try that one day. Great job on the veg this week you have a nice mix….. sneaky cookies, how did they get in my cart.. Mr.CBB won’t notice hahahaha.. Gotta get you whipping up some of my cookie and brownie recipes!!! Hope all is getting well on your end! You have just under $40 left to spend for the month, you can do it! What have you learned so far about grocery shopping and the budget? You get ballot #26 Mr.CBB
The cookies were the boy’s fault! They were on sale, plus had a pink sticker on them. 😛 They are definitely a treat that is not found often in my pantry! I’m definitely more of a salty junk food kind of gal.
The kale we have started using for our morning green smoothies, and we were thinking of making kale chips with the rest of them.
I am finding it tough to stay under budget AND try not to eat out. I seem to start craving certain items, especially when those darn fast food coupons come in, and I know it would be cheaper to to reproduce them at home (and healthier!), I still find myself heading out, which doesn’t affect my grocery budget, but definitely spikes my overall budget. Overall, it has been a pretty interesting experience for me. Definitely a learning experience as well! 🙂
I want to make the Kale chips I heard they were great. How do you make the kale smoothie? When we get those coupons in the mail we toss them. Honestly Vicky if you have an entertainment category budgeted use it by all means but not eating out often if ever for us saves us loads of money. It’s what you want and your goals. Don’t deprive yourself otherwise you might go on a fast food bender hahah….
Did my grocery shopping today, just not the store I wanted due to weather. Bought at Zehrs the following items :
2 packages of frozen vegetables – $5.00
4 cans of pasta – $3.96
3 cans of tuna – $4.00
1 Peanut Butter – $4.99 – $1.00 coupon
Cat Litter – $9.59
Milk – $4.79
2 loaves of Bread – $4.98
Luncheon meat – $3.99
Total. Out of pocket = $40.30
Hi Dee~
Thanks for posting your shop. In the grocery game rules you will see a template that I ask everyone to use so we can follow along with your shops each week and know what your yearly budget and goals are otherwise I can’t comment on your shop. It’s a bit of a learning curve when you start but that’s ok we are all here to help. You get ballot #35 in the monthly contest! Cheers Mr.CBB!!!
Here it is
Total Grocery Budget for the Month:
Total Coupons Used this Week : $
Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $
Total Spent This Week: $
Total Spent So Far for January: $
Total Over/Under spend this shop: $
Total Over/Under spend for the month of January: $
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $
Total Coupons Used This Month: $0
Total to Carry Over Next Month: n/a
Total Spent to Date This Year: $
Weekly Overview:
Publix
• Macaroni & Cheese= $2.95
• 2 x Ketchup= 3.70
o Buy 1 get one free = 1.85
• Barbecue Sauce 3.99
• 2 x Hawaiian Punch = 5.00
• Orange Juice 3.99
o Sale -0.99 = 3.00
• Tuna Fish 3.05
• Apple Juice 3.99
• 2 x Sardines 2.58
• Wine 6.99
o Sale -1.49 = 5.50
• Spiced Bun 3.49
• Paper Plates 3.99
Total Coupons Used: $29.33 ($25 gift card + $4.33 savings)
Total Out Of Pocket: $15.26
Dollar General
• 2 x Lay’s Honey BBQ Potato Chips = 2.50
• Coffee Creamer = 2.00
Total Coupons Used: $0 0
Total Out Of Pocket: $4.50
Penn Dutch
• Aquafina = 1.29
Total Coupons Used: $0 0
Total Out Of Pocket: $1.29
Publix
• 4 x Cups of Soup (3 for $1) = 1.34 (saved 0.24)
• Bread (2 for $5)= 2.50 (saved 0.29)
• 2 x Cookies (buy 1 get 1 free) = 3.69 (saved 3.69)
• 8 x Chef Boyardee (5 for $5) = 8.00
• Sliced Turkey Breast (3 for $10)= 3.34 (saved 0.55)
• 3 x Chicken Vienna Sausages (5 for $2)= 1.20 (saved 0.78)
• Tuna Fish 1.07
• Sliced Cheese (2 for $5)= 2.50 (saved 0.49)
Total Coupons Used: $6.04
Total Out Of Pocket: $23.64
Pizza Hut
• Large Veggie Pizza = $10.75
Total Coupons Used: $0
Total Out Of Pocket: $10.75
Number One Chinese
• Shrimp in Lobster Sauce & Sweet and Sour Shrimp Combos = 16.75
Total Coupons Used: $0
Total Out Of Pocket: $16.75
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $3,500
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $291
Total Coupons Used this Week: $10.37
Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $25
Total Spent This Week: $72.19
Total Spent So Far for January: $266.55
Total Overspend this shop: $0.56
Total Overspend for the month of January: $48.30
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $24.45
Total Coupons Used This Month: $11.37
Total to Carry Over Next Month: $ 0
Total Spent To Date This Year: $266.55
Weekly Overview: We did more eating out this week mainly because we went on a road trip. When grocery shopping, however, I tried my best to pick up sale items as you can see in my purchases. I don’t have much money left in the budget for the month, so I will try to stretch the items I already have in the pantry.
Hi Dr.Sheba,
How’s things? Wow, bbq sauce and mac and cheese are fairly pricey where you are. Are they premium brands or is that just a costly product? Do you cook from recipes often? What are your favourite meals to cook? So you have about $25 left to spend for the month which means you will have to balance what you really need for the next week. Have you noticed any trends? Keep at it, you will get there. Mr.CBB
Hi Mr. CBB,
Things are great here. I just realized that you actually replied to my posts. Thanks so much, I know how busy you must be. I do buy premium brands, the mac & cheese is Kraft and all I do is add water for the kids. The BBQ sauce is Sweet Baby Ray’s which I LOVE. My favorite meals to cook are anything fast, as I am very busy with the family, but I have just recently fallen in love with Beef Stew in my slow cooker. I must cook more and eat out less to stay within my budget!!
We love sweet baby rays as well. I think we picked up about 20 bottles for free last year
Happy Anniversary CBB. I wanted to shop at No Frills today but weather had other ideas. Managed to buy two weeks worth of groceries for $40.00.
WOW, can you post your shop in the Grocery Game Challenge? I would love to read about it. The weather has been rough today. Thanks for commenting mate.
Happy Blogiversary Mr.CBB! I’m jealous of the price you got on potatoes, nicely done! 😀
I know it was awesome, couldn’t pass that up. Now we have about 4 bags of potatoes.. lots of interesting spud recipes coming up! Cheers mate. Mr.CBB
Congratulations on your 1st year Mr CBB!
Thanks Mary! I’ll have a small surprise soon!! 🙂
Gosh, your base prices sure are a lot lower than on the island! The lowest price for 4 liters of milk anywhere on the island (that I could source on line or through the paper) was $4.65, at Shoppers Drug Mart. The least expensive lettuce available this week was $2.49/head, and the least expensive spinach was by the bunch (with attendant washing, stems into the stock pot etc.) at $0.88. It would take 3 bunches to make the equivalent of that bag. Best price for oranges: 10 pounds for $5.99.
It was some great shopping this week especially those potatoes, you can’t beat $0.95 for 10lbs… cheers Beth!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Thanks Jen! I’ll have a small surprise once the site is moved over!