I use crumbled feta- I get Athenos brand and use a coupon.. write to that company you can get it cheaper than 5.35

eek: I can't belive how much your store gives for matching coupons and bonuses. Please share with me which store it is so I can see if there is one in my area that offers something similar. I don't even think any of my local stores will pay more than a dollar out. You rock at the grocery store! It makes me wanna clip coupons and see how well I can do!

Thanks in advance for the help!

Thanks for the tip about writing to Athenos! The only problem was that it was going to expire pretty soon. Maybe I'll hit it at a better time next time.

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I live in PA- I go to Giant, I know alot of store won't double up to a dollar- but since this is a college town there are litterally
3 Weis
2 Giants
1 Wegmans
2 Super Walmarts

all with in a 5-8 mile radius... so they have to compete
Wegmans has some things that are their brand that are consistently cheaper- but they are 8 miles away so I don't normally go there
one of the weis's is 2 miles away.. they double up to 99 Cents- but they hav emeat every night that is always marked down really cheap.. sometimes the gourmet cheese too like Brie- which I will buy 6 of when the wheels are 99 cents LOL and freeze- they freeze just fine I think cause i cook them with spices in a homemade bread bowl
I save my coupons for the giant which is 4 miles away- i do all "coupon" shopping there
and get my milk at the local "Dairy farm" which is 1 mile away 3.00 a gallon ...
I have it good for food in the area that is for sure-
i love grocery shopping! it is like a treasure hunt!

I'm almost at the $50 limit already... I still need to pick up some watermelon at Costco, so I will be a bit over...

Vons

2 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch (.20 each with Qs) = .40
2 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios (.20 ea with Qs) = .40
1 can frosting = .59
5 boxes Poptarts = 5.98
2 lbs shredded cheese = 4.99
string cheese = 1.99
2-quart Coffee-Mate = 2.54
Gallon of organic milk = 5.99
Dial hand soap = free
Zone bar = free
Balance bar = free
Country Hearth WW bread = .90
6 boxes Lunchables Fun Packs (.99 ea on clearance) = 5.98
2 boxes Fast Franks (.99 ea on clearance) = 1.98
Lunchable (bribe for DS) = 1.67
red grapes = 4.08

Total: 38.60

Challange Total: 8.75 + 38.60 = 47.35

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SAHM to 4 rugrats

You've still done really good.....if you hold steady for the week w/just picking up watermelon.....at this pace for the rest of the month...you could definately be UNDER your monthly budget(even with going "slightly"over)


Did you buy pre shredded cheese???If so...check out the block cheese,usually on sale for 2.00 and you can just shred yourself...or even cube or slice for kids snacks.

Give yourself a pat on the back though...good job w/the coupons!!

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Thanks M2M for the pat on the back, but I'm over the $50... I didn't stick with just the watermelon on my Costco trip...

I used to buy the block cheese and shred it when needed, but my kids have no self-discipline when it comes to eating cheese. It lasts much longer if I buy it already shredded.


Costco

Wyler's To Go Sticks = 4.97
4# strawberries = 5.99
5 avocadoes = 6.99
mini bell peppers = 4.29
watermelon = 4.49

Subtotal: $26.73

Weekly Challenge Total: $26.73 + $47.35 = $74.08 ($24.08 over)

I need HELP!!!!

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SAHM to 4 rugrats

More shopping. Wanted to use my rainchecks w/coupons before I forgot.

Dole Mandarin Oranges (11 oz.): 3 @ $1 each = $3.00
Knorr/Lipton Noodle Rice Mixes: 3 @ $1 each = $3.00
Ivory Soap (3 pack): 1 @ $1 each = $1

Coupons:
$1/3 Dole Mandarin Oranges
$1/3 Knorr/Lipton Mixes

Final Cost $5.09
Total for Week: $46.81

I may buy another gallon of milk for the rest of the week.

Friday's Dinner - grilled round steak, mashed potatoes w/celariac root,
mustard greens, green beans
Saturday - steak (from Friday) w/greens and feta in a wrap, salad
Sunday - grilled chicken, any leftover veggies inc. beets

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Buy local. Save the jobs in your community.

Can you make kool aid instead of using the one the go???I have a small kitchen funnel I picked up at the dollar store for $1 and use that to refill the small water bottles


Do you plan your weekly menu?If not I'll challenge you to force yourself to try it for 1 week ...plan breakfast,lunch,dinner and the kids snacks.If you go through 2 gallons of milk a week buy 2.....make your list...and go with the attitude that you can NOT come back later in the week.Try that and see where it leaves you.

Also....remind yourself .....if you can be done buying for this week....you will have done it for approx $75.......if you can do that another 3 weeks that would be $300 for a monthly total.......$200 LESS than your $500 total budget.And WWWWAAAAYYYYY under what you went over for last month.

That would be a huge accomplishment!!!Don't let yourself lose sight of what could be a MAJOR monthly accomplishment cause you went over for the first week.You really ARE doing good!!!

Look at what other people have been planning for their menus......and also look in the 5 ingred or less sticky in the main dish section to help plan a budget friendly menu for next week.

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!!!!AWESOME~AWESOME~AWESOME!!!!

Great job!!!!

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