Shopping

Ok - I preface this post with the understanding that I am 1/2 step closer to my self-defined crazy couponer. But, I'm in the mood, so I'm posting this anyway! And it's only 1/2 step because I did not lay all my purchases out neatly and take a picture of them to post. I'm only posting about my shopping trip today.

I finally got to Wal-Mart this week. Wednesday is my usual day, but I've been under the weather for a few days. End of the month shopping trips are usually the worst for me because I'm trying to see if any of my soon-to-be expiring coupons are worth using. Luckily I had two VERY well behaved kids today and the store was not that busy. And it was pretty well stocked. I ended up with a sub-total of $93.03 - AFTER price matching. I price matched 50% of my items (which is low for me, but I knew that 40% of those I didn't price match would end up being free after coupons!) After coupons my subtotal came to $56. That's 60% of the first total. Pretty good considering my cart consisted of 9 boxes of cereal, 6 lbs of various cheeses, 5 bags of Tyson chicken, Electosol gelpacs, 3 Crisco oils, 2 milks, 6 rolls of packing tape, 3 packages of floss, 4 packages of marshmallows, and LOTS more!

However, the downside of all this was that I had to use my debit card because I'd already used all my allotted cash for the week! However, I can explain myself on that as well! I scoured the clearance shelves at Big Lots last week and used a 20% of coupon to get Steve a new wheelbarrow, birthday party presents for the whole year (probably), and more. I also used the money on new contacts, 6 packages of Huggies and Pampers diapers, 2 jumbo packs of Cottenelle TP, Hamburger Helper sale at Maceys, etc. I also have a few rebates to send in, so I will be getting some of that money back!! So, I'm still couponing. My plan is to have a "Pantry Challenge" this July. That month (and maybe August as well), I'll challenge myself to eat only from the pantry. Oh, I'll have a small allowance for milk, produce and other necessities, but it will be fun to use what I have. And those will be good months to do it because I do not get any income those two months. We may be eating a lot of cereal and hamburger helper and noodles, but, oh well - the kids like those!!