More 2/3 - 2/9 Tops shopping: tuna + more cereal = free gas

I stopped into Tops again today for (surprise surprise) more cheap cereal! Here is a look at today's purchases:

2 boxes Corn Chex - $1.50 each, see notes
On sale 4/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here
Notes: These are part of a current gas promo, where you earn 200 bonus gas points for every 4 select boxes you buy (that's $0.20 off per gallon!). Also, activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before shopping so you can get some money back.
2 boxes Rice Chex - $1.50 each, see notes
On sale 4/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here
Notes: These are part of the above gas promo. Alternatively, the above $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar can be used on these instead.

2 boxes Cheerios - $1.50 each, see notes
On sale 4/$10, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here
Notes: These are part of the above gas promo. Activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before shopping so you can get some money back.
2 boxes Cinnamon Jacks - $1.50 each, see notes
On sale 4/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) found on the back of boxes previously purchased
Notes: These are part of the above gas promo. Also, check the backs of any boxes you buy.  The ones I purchased today had $0.50 coupons on the back (exp. 11/30/13) just like the ones I bought a few weeks ago.

4 pouches StarKist tuna - $0.70 each
On sale 4/$5, used 2 $0.55 off 2 coupons (double to $1.10) printed from their Facebook page
Note: I can get cans of tuna cheaper at Aldi (which I'd prefer) but my husband really likes the convenience of these pouches.  If you're looking for the cheapest way to get tuna, you might want to skip this purchase. :-)

Today's shopping trip had a retail cost of $40.68 and I paid $14.80 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of about 64%.  My gas discount is now $4.10 per gallon -- which means FREE gas for me.  I love free gas!!!

I'll be stopping in for probably one more round of cereal (if the kind I want is in stock), more tuna, and a few other items.  Until tomorrow, happy shopping!

2/3 - 2/9 Tops shopping: cereal stock-up galore & more!

If you've read my blog for a while, you've probably seen me mention that I try to stick to a grocery budget of $75 or less per week.  I'm pretty sure I'll be within my budget this week, and the biggest portion of it will be dedicated to stocking up on cereal.  We always need cereal (how do kids manage to eat so much of it???) and there is a *great* gas points deal at Tops this week in conjunction with great coupon match-ups to go with the sales prices.  I made 3 transactions today:

Transaction 1

4 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch - $1.00 each, see note
On sale 4/$10, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note:  These are part of a gas promo -- earn 200 extra gas points for every 4 select boxes of cereal you buy.

4 boxes Peanut Butter Toast Crunch - $1.00 each, see note
On sale 4/$10, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: These are part of the above gas promo.

2 Freschetta pizzas - $3.00 each
On sale 2/$8 (must buy multiples of 2 for the sale price), used 2 $1.00 coupons printed from their Facebook page

The retail cost the this transaction was $44.10 and I paid $14.00 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 68%.

Transaction 2

4 boxes Cheerios - $1.50 each, see notes
On sale 4/$10, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1.00) printed from here
Note: These are part of the above gas promo.  Activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before shopping so you can get some money back.

4 boxes Fiber One 80 Calories Chocolate cereal - $1.00 each, see note
On sale 4/$10, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: These are part of the above gas promo.

2 packages Jello Mix-ins - $0.34 each
On sale 3/$4, used 2 $1.00 coupons from the 1/13 SmartSource coupon insert

The retail cost of this transaction was $39.10 and I paid $10.67 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of about 73%.

Transaction 3

2 boxes Rice Chex - $1.50 each, see notes
On sale 4/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1.00) printed from here
Note: These are part of the above gas promo.  Activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before shopping so you can get some money back.

2 boxes Peanut Butter Toast Crunch - $1.00 each, see note
On sale 4/$10, used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: These are part of the above gas promo.

2 boxes Honey Nut Cheerions Crunch - $1.00 each, see note
On sale 4/$10, used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: These are part of the above gas promo.

2 boxes Fiber One 80 Calories Chocolate cereal - $1.00 each
On sale 4/$10, used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here
Note: These are part of the above gas promo.

2 bottles Simply Grapefruit juice - $0.50 each
On sale 2/$5, used 2 $2.00 coupons printed from here a couple of days ago but I don't see it now :-(

1 dozen Tops large eggs - FREE
Priced at $2.09, used a free product Catalina coupon I found in the parking lot. :-)

The retail cost of the third transaction was $44.59 and I paid $10.00 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of over 77%.

Overall, today I spent $34.67 on $127.79 worth of groceries.  That's a savings of approximately 73%, plus I'm at a gas discount of $3.60 per gallon (that's almost free gas and this is only the start of the 2nd week of the current earning period!).

Believe it or not, I'm planning on buying some more boxes of cereal and a few other deals throughout the week.  Stay tuned for more Tops deals.  Until then, happy shopping!

Bar-S Coupon + Super Bowl Snack Recipe

ChefsBest has the perfect snack recipe for the "big game" and here's $1.00 off to try it:

-$1.00 off printable coupon - Any 2.5lb package Bar-S Smoked Sausage
-Expires 2/28/2013
-2012 Excellence Award Winner


Plus, you'll find a great recipe for a warm cheddar and beer dipping sauce!

Click here for your recipe and coupon.

Additional 1/27 - 2/2 Tops shopping: paper product stock up

I've made 2 more trips to Tops since my last blog post.  At the end of the post I'll mention a couple deals I had planned on getting but had no luck when I got to the store.  On a positive note, I was able to stock up on paper goods and earn tons of gas points in the process! 

Here is a look at yesterday's shopping trip:

1 roll Reynold's Heavy Duty foil - $1.50, see note
On sale 2/$6, used a $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) printed from their website
Note: These are part of a gas points promo -- earn an extra 200 gas points when you buy 5 select items.

4 packages Hefty foam plates/bowls - $1.17 each, see note
On sale 3/$5, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons printed from here (I'm not seeing them now, but I'm not sure if it's because they are no longer available or because I already printed them) -- there is also a $1/2 coupon in the 1/27 Red Plum coupon insert
Note: These are also part of the above 200 bonus gas points deal.

2 bags Quaker Perfect Portions Oatmeal - $0.50 each
On sale 2/$3, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here (there is also a $1 off 2 coupon in the January issue of All You magazine, making them $1 each)

4 packages Land 'O Frost lunch meat - $1.90 each
On sale 2/$6, used 4 $0.55 coupons (double to $1.10) printed from here (be sure to scroll through all the coupons, since there are currently 2 of them available -- there is also a $1 coupon in the 1/6 and 1/27 Red Plum coupon inserts, making them $2 each)

1 package Marcal toilet paper (not pictured) - $3.99
On sale for $4.99, used a $1 coupon from their Facebook page (there is also a $1 coupon in the 1/27 Red Plum insert)
The retail cost of yesterday's transaction was $49.88 and I paid $19.93 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of  60%.

And here is a rundown of today's transaction:

1 roll Reynold's Heavy Duty foil - $1.50, see note
On sale 2/$6, used a $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) printed from their website
Note: These are part of a gas points promo -- earn an extra 200 gas points when you buy 5 select items.

4 packages Hefty foam plates/bowls - $1.17 each, see note
On sale 3/$5, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons printed from here (there is also a $1/2 coupon in the 1/27 Red Plum coupon insert)
Note: These are also part of the above 200 bonus gas points deal.

4 packages Land 'O Frost lunch meat - $1.90 each
On sale 2/$6, used 4 $0.55 coupons (double to $1.10) printed from here (be sure to scroll through all the coupons, since there are currently 2 of them available -- there is also a $1 coupon in the 1/6 and 1/27 Red Plum coupon inserts, making them $2 each)

18 Yoplait yogurts - $0.37 each, see notes
On sale 20/$10, used 3 $0.40 off 6 coupons printed from here (instead of doubling to $0.80, they doubled to $0.79 for some reason??) printed from here
Notes: This triggered at $1.25 Catalina coupon good towards my next shopping trip!  Also, activate the $0.40 off 6 eCoupon at SavingStar before heading to the store and get some money rebated back to you.

I also had a random Catalina print out good for a FREE Luna bar. :-)

The retail cost of today's trip was $50.13 and I paid $21.17 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of approximately 58%.

As of now now, I have a gas discount of $1.70 per gallon, and I will go back again tomorrow for more paper goods and yogurt which should get me up to $2.00. I can't believe I've earned so many gas points already, and we're only in the first week of earning! 

I was unable to get the items below at my store, but I'm going to list them for you in case your store has them in stock because I think they're good deals:

• Hefty cups are 3/$5 and included in the '200 gas points when you buy 5 select items' deal.  There is a $0.75 off 2 coupon here, making them $0.92 each (there is also a $1 off 2 coupon in the 1/27 Red Plum, making them $1.17 each) .  Unfortunately, my store doesn't seem to carry them. :-(
• Wholly Salsa is BOGO ($2.99) and there is a $1.50 coupon here, making them 2 for $1.49 (or $0.75 each).  I saw these at my store a few weeks ago when the Wholly Guacamole was on sale and of course now that I want to buy these, I don;t even see a spot in the case for them any more. :-(

Until next time, happy shopping!

More 1/27 - 2/2 Tops shopping: cheap seasoning & oatmeal

I made a trip to Tops yesterday and again today to grab some deals and earn gas points.  Here is a peak at yesterday's transaction:

1 bag Chex Mix - $1.00, see notes below
On sale 2/$4, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) I previously printed from here but no longer seems to be available
Notes: These are earning 3x the gas points this week!  Make sure to activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before heading to the store.  Also, reader Katrina pointed out that these are on sale at Walgreens this week for $0.99 -- so just $0.49 after the coupon.  Thanks, Katrina!

2 bags Quaker Perfect Portions oatmeal - $0.50 each
On sale 2/$3, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here (there is also a $1 off 2 coupon in the January issue of All You magazine, making them $1 each)

10 packets McCormick taco seasoning - $0.60 each, see notes
On sale 10/$10, used 4 $0.50 off 2 coupons (double to $1) printed from here
Notes: These are part of a promo where you earn a $3 Catalina coupon when you buy 10.  Normally, I would've had access to a 3rd computer to print and use another $0.50 coupon (your cashier may or may not double a 5th coupon, as it's Tops' policy to only double 4 like coupons) but I was having printing issues. :-( Still a good deal with only 4 coupons in my opinion, seeing how my kids love the "Taco Tuesdays" I've been instituting lately.

2 packages Land O' Frost lunch meat - $2.00 each
On sale 2/$6, used a $1 coupon from each of the 1/6  and 1/27 Red Plum coupon inserts

2 cartons Muller yogurt - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used a BOGO Catalina coupon unwanted by a shopper in line ahead of me the other day :-)

The retail cost of this trip was $31.63 and I paid $13.00 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of about 59%.

And here is a look at what I picked up today (a lot of repeats)...

4 boxes Keebler crackers - $1.25 each
On sale 4/$10, plus part of promo where you get $2 off automatically when you buy 4 (making the $2 each), used 2 $0.50 coupons printed from here (double to $1 -- hopefully the link works for you, it was emailed to me for being registered with Kellogg's Family Rewards but I could only print 2 total instead of 2 per computer) and a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/27 Red Plum insert (there is also a $1 off 2 printable coupon here)

2 bags Chex Mix - $1.00 each, see notes in previous transaction above
On sale 2/$4, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) I previously printed from here but no longer available

2 bags Quaker Perfect Portions oatmeal - $0.50 each
On sale 2/$3, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here

1 package Marcal toilet paper - $3.99
On sale for $4.99, used a $1 coupon from their Facebook page (there is also a $1 coupon in the 1/27 Red Plum insert)

5 Hillshire Farms sausages - $1.60 each
On sale B2G3 free ($8.98), used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/13 Red Plum coupon insert

I also used the $3 Catalina coupon from yesterday's McCormick seasoning purchase.

The total retail cost of this transaction was $57.16 and I paid $17.53 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 69%.  I am now at a $1.00 per gallon gas discount, and I'll probably hit up the store at least once more this week to take advantage of their gas points deal featuring paper products!

Happy shopping!

1/27 - 2/2 Tops shopping: racking up gas points!

Today was the start of the new gas points earning period at Tops, and boy do I love their gas points!  I was out and about near two Tops stores today, so I ended up doing a transaction at each (remember, you get 10 gas points per manufacturer coupon redeemed, with a limit of 100 points per transaction -- maximize your points by using no more than 10 coupons per transaction!).  Here is a look at the deals I picked up today:

Transaction 1

4 bags Chex mix - 2 @$0.80 each, 2 @ $1.00 each, see notes
On sale 2/$4, used 2 $0.60 coupons (double to $1.20) from here (I printed it a while ago but don't see it now, so hopefully it's not gone) and 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here, I think (but I don't see them here either now -- sorry!)
Notes: There is a gas points promo associated with these -- get 3x the gas points on them!  Also, be sure to activate the $0.50 eCoupon at SavingStar before heading to the store to get some money refunded back to you and lower you final price.

1 package Marcal toilet paper - $3.99
On sale for $4.99, used the $1 coupon from the 1/27 Red Plum coupon insert (there is also a $1 coupon on their Facebook page)
Note: After my transaction was rung up, I received a $1 Catalina coupon good towards any paper towel purchase.  I'm guessing it was triggered by this.

8 boxes Capri Sun - $1.50 each, see note
On sale 5/$10, used 2 B3G1 free coupons from the 1/6 SmartSource coupon insert
Note: These are part of a gas points promo where you earn 200 bonus gas points when you buy 7 select items.

1 bottle Marie's yogurt dressing - $1.00, see note
On sale 2/$4, used a $1 coupon I was received via email for signing up for their email list
Note: I also activated the $1.00 SavingStar eCoupon last week, making my final price free after I cash out my reward.  It looks like it is now sold out, so hopefully you were all able to get it before it was gone!

5 Hillshire sausages - $1.60 each
On sale B2G3 free ($8.98), used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/13 Red Plum coupon insert


The retail cost of this transaction was $73.71 and I paid $27.25 after coupons and discounts (I also used a $3.00 Catalina coupon I received last week), for a savings of 63%.

Now on to today's 2nd transaction...

1 roll Tops paper towels - $0.29
On sale for $1.29, used the $1 Catalina coupon from earlier in the day

4 boxes Capri Sun - $1.50 each, see note
On sale 5/$10, used a B3G1 free coupon from the 1/6 SmartSource coupon insert
Note: These are part of a gas points promo where you earn 200 bonus gas points when you buy 7 select items.

3 packages Kraft Fresh Take - $1.50 each, see note
On sale 4/$10, used 3 $1 coupons I think I printed from here a while ago, but they seem to be unavailable now (sorry!)
Note: These are part of the same promo as the Capri Sun above.

2 bags Wonderful Pistachios - $2.49 each
On sale for $2.99 each, used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/27 Red Plum coupon insert

5 Hillshire sausages - $1.60 each
On sale B2G3 free ($8.98), used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/13 Red Plum coupon insert

2 cartons Muller yogurt - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used a BOGO Catalina coupon that had printed on a previous shopping trip (Ironically, the woman in line ahead of me had one print out but didn't want it and gave it to me.  Yay for more cheap yogurt coupons!)

1 Good 'n Natural protein bar - FREE
On sale 10/$10, used a free product coupon from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert

2 packages Land O' Frost lunch meat - $2.00 each
On sale 2/$6, used 2 $1 coupons from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert (there is also a $1 coupon in the 1/27 Red Plum)
The retail cost of the second transaction was $70.30 and I paid $29.49 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of 58%.

I'm most excited about having a $0.70 per gallon discount already on just the first day of the new gas points earning period!

I will be shopping at least once, probably twice, to get some more deals (more of today's deals plus some others, like crackers) so stay tuned for more Tops deals.  Until then, happy shopping!

Possible FREE Marie's salad dressing next week

I'm starting to scour next week's Tops ad for the deals I'm interetsed in.  You may possibly be able to score some free Marie's salad dressing... Starting Sunday 1/27, Marie's dressing is on sale for $2.  Sign up for their email list and receive a $1 printable coupon, good on any of their dressings, dips, or glazes.  If their Creamy Yogurt Dressing variety is included in the sale and you activate the $1 eCoupon at SavingStar before you shop, your final cost will be nothing!  SavingStar offers can sell out quickly, so be sure to activate it ASAP if you haven't done so already.

1/20 - 1/26 Tops shopping: cheap cheese, pasta, sausage & more!

There weren't too many items I was interested in from the Tops ad this week, but I was able to stock up on more granola bars for the kids' lunches and my favorite pasta, as well as grab a few more deals...

1 box Emerald Breakfast-to-Go - $1.50
On sale 2/$5, used a $1 Catalina coupon I received on a previous shopping trip

8 boxes Nature Valley granola bars - $1.00 each, see note
On sale 4/$6 (must buy in multiples of 4 to get this price, otherwise they are $2.50 each), used 4 $0.50 off 2 coupons (double to $1) printed from here (there is also a $0.50 off 2 coupon here)
Note: Be sure to activate the $0.50 off 2 SavingStar eCoupon before you head to the store, so you can get money refunded back to you and lower your final cost!

3 boxes of Kleenex tissues - $0.82 each
On sale 10/$10, used a $0.55 off 3 coupon (coupon states "do not double" and my cashier didn't double it when she manually entered it, but your mileage may vary depending on how closely your cashier is paying attention) printed from here

8 boxes Ronzoni Garden Delight pasta - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used 4 $1 off 2 coupons printed from their Facebook page (note: other varieties are on sale but the coupon is valid only on the Garden Delight type -- which is awesome for me because my kids and I love this kind!)

Blueberries - $2.88
On sale, no coupon

Strawberries - $2.88
On sale, no coupon

4 boxes Jones Dairy breakfast sausage - $0.35 each
On sale BOGO ($2.69), used 2 $2 off 2 coupons from here (there is also a $1 off coupon here, which would make them $0.85 each)

Pork chops - $1.99/lb.
On sale, no coupon

8 boxes Lean Pockets - $1.38 each
On sale 5/$10, used 4 $1.25 off  2 coupons printed from their Facebook page

1 carton Bailey's coffee creamer - $1.00
On sale 2/$4, used a $1 coupon from the 1/20 SmartSource coupon insert

4 packages (4-packs) YoCrunch yogurt - $1.50 each
On sale 2/$5, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here

4 blocks Heluva Good cheese - $1.00 each, see notes
On sale 2/$4, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from their website
Notes: All of their blocks of cheese are on sale but the coupon is only good on the "Bold" varieties of cheese.  Alternatively, the coupon is also valid on any of their sour cream dips which are on sale 3/$5, making them $0.67 each after the coupon doubles.

The retail cost of this transaction was $135.56 and I paid $52.30 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 61%.  I also received a coupon to redeem next week, good for 100 gas points, because I spent more than $50 in a transaction.  I also received a Catalina coupon good for $3 off my next trip, which was triggered by the Nature Valley granola bar purchase.

I'm looking forward to next week, when we start earning gas points again.  :-) Until next time, happy shopping!

Tops 1/13 - 1/19 shopping trip: cheap cereal deals

Luckily I was able to make a trip to Tops yesterday before a stomach bug tore through our house, because there is no way I'm up for shopping today (a rarity for me!).  I do want to print a few more coupons and hit up the store once more this week, but here is a look at the majority of this week's planned shopping at Tops:

4 boxes Kellogg's Cinnamon Jacks - $1.00 each, see note
On sale 4/$10, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here (must register), plus these were part of a store promo where you get another $2 off automatically when you buy 4
Note: Check the back of the boxes!  Each of them had a $0.50 off 1 coupon that expires 11/30/13 -- certainly there will be another deal on these by then!

3 boxes Pop-Tarts - $1.20 each
On sale 5/$10, used 3 $0.40 coupons (double to $0.80) printed from here (coupon valid on the Oatmeal Delights varieties only)

8 Uncle Ben's rice cups - 4 @ $0.50 each, 4 @ $0.75 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 2 coupons from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert and a $1 off 4 coupon from the 1/13 Red Plum coupon insert

4 boxes Duncan Hines Red Velvet cake mix - $0.25 each
On sale 4/$5, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here (note: a lot of cake varieties are on sale, but the coupon is valid only on Red Velvet)

1 box Clementines - $4.99
On sale, no coupon

4 packages Perdue Done It breaded refrigerated chicken - $1.50 each
On sale 2/$6, used 4 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here the other day but looks like it is not available now (sorry!)

8 packages Weight Watchers bakery items - $1.45 each
On sale BOGO ($3.99) used 4 $0.55 coupons (double to $1.10) printed from here (there is also a $0.55 coupon in the 1/13 Red Plum coupon insert)

1 package Frigo String Cheese - $1.99
On sale for $3.49, used a $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) from the February issue of All You magazine (note: coupon good on Superstring varieties only)

1 package Jell-o refrigerated pudding - $1.00
On sale 5/$10, used a $1 coupon from the 1/13 SmartSource coupon insert

2 dozen Tops medium eggs - $1.00 each
On sale 10/$10, no coupons
Update: Thanks to Deal is the Deal bringing to my attention, there is a $0.55 off 2 dozen eggs coupon here!  I'm going to print it and take it to Tops' customer service to get $1.10 back, making my final eggs price just $0.45/dozen.

3 cartons Friendship cottage cheese - $1.40 each
On sale 2/$5, used 3 $0.55 coupons (double to $1.10) printed from their website (there are also $1 off 2 coupons in the 1/6 SmartSource coupon insert, making them $2 each)

4 boxes Kellogg's Mini Wheats Crunch cereal - $0.60 each
On sale 4/$10, used 4 $0.70 coupons (double to $1.40) printed from here, plus they were part of the 'get $2 off instantly when you buy 4' store promo (there are also $0.50 coupons here, making them $1 each when you buy 4 and use 4 coupons that double)
Note: These also had  $0.50 off 1 coupons (exp. 11/30/13) on the back of the boxes.

The retail cost of my trip was $142.25 and I paid $47.74 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 66%.

I will probably go back later this week to stock up on more cereal, chicken, and rice cups when I'm feeling better and I've printed off more coupons. 

There is another deal I was planning on buying, but came up empty-handed yesterday.  Perhaps your store's stock will help you get in on this one...

Nabisco Go-Paks are on sale 10/$10.  The ad states 2.75 - 4.0 oz. cups are included in the sale.  There was a coupon in the 1/6 SmartSource coupon insert good for $1 off any 2 Nabisco products, with a minimum size of 3.7 oz., which would make them $0.50 each.  Unfortunately, my store only had the smaller ounce size cups on the shelves yesterday.  Hopefully when I go back later in the week they will have other options.

Until later, happy shopping!

1/6 - 1/12 Tops shopping: free yogurt/protein bars, cheap cereal & more

First of all, I'm sorry it's taken me until today to get my shopping results posted.  Between a sick kiddo and other personal responsibilities to take care of this week, life just got in the way of blogging. :-)  I also apologize for no pictures, but the website seems to have suddenly changed the way I can upload pictures.  I'd rather take the time to get my deals posted without pictures for you all instead of taking the time to figure out the new process.  In the meantime, here is a breakdown of the multitude of transactions I made at Tops this week.  Overall, I spent $95.40 for $279.41 worth of groceries -- a savings of about 66% -- and bought a ton of stuff...

Transaction 1

6 Larabar Uber bars - $0.43 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $0.85 off 3 coupons (double to $1.70) printed from here (there is also a $0.75 off 3 coupon available here)

20 cans Campbell's tomato/chicken noodle soup - $0.76 each, see notes
On sale 10/$10, used 6 $0.40 off 3 coupons (double to $0.80) from here
Notes: In my opinion, $0.76 for a can of this soup isn't a great price, but the promo offered this week included a $10 Catalina coupon good on you next order when you spent $20.  Since there were other items I wanted to buy this week that I didn't have coupons for, is was worth it to me.  Also, Tops' policy is to double 4 like coupons ,however the cashier I had doubled all 6 of mine.  Keep in mind that your mileage may vary with the policy depending on your cashier.

4 boxes Lean Pockets - $1.38 each
On sale 5/$10, used 2 $1.25 off 2 coupons printed from their Facebook page

The retail cost of this transaction was $47.10 and I paid $23.72 after coupons and discounts (plus earned $10 off another order), for a savings of about 50%.

Transaction 2

1 box NutriGrain bars - $1.10
On sale 2/$5, used a $0.70 coupon (doubles to $1.40) from here

4 boxes Ortega taco shells - $1.00 each
On sale 2/$3, used 2 $1 off 2 peelie coupons from previous purchases

1 package Johnsonville chicken sausage - $1.50
On sale 2/$7, used a $2 Catalina I had received on a prior shopping trip (I think there was a $1 coupon in the 1/6 SmartSource, if I remember correctly, which would make them $2.50 each)

24 cartons Yoplait yogurt - $0.37 each, see note
On sale 10/$5, used 4 $0.40 off 6 coupons (double to $0.80) printed from here
Note: Be sure to activate the $0.40 off 6 SavingStar eCoupon before you head to the store, so you can get more money refunded to you and lower your final out-of-pocket cost.

2 cartons Yoplait Simplait yogurt - FREE
On sale 10/$5, used 2 $0.30 coupons (double to $0.60 instead of just $0.50) from here (there is also a $0.40 coupon here)

The retail cost of this transaction was $39.38 and I paid $15.20 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of 61%.

Transaction 3

2 boxes Hefty Slider bags - $1.17 each
On sale 3/$5, used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert (there is also a $1.50 off 2 coupon in the 11/11 Red Plum coupon insert)

2 boxes Honey Nut Cheerios - $0.30 each
On sale 4/$6 (when you buy quantities of 4), used 2 $0.60 printable coupons (double to $1.20) that seem to be no longer available -- sorry!

2 boxes Cheerios - $1.00 each
On sale 4/$6 (part of the above promo), used the $1 off 2 coupon from the 12/9 SmartSource coupon insert

1 bag Hershey's Simple Pleasures candy - $1.49
On sale for $2.99, used the $1.50 coupon from the 1/6 SmartSource coupon insert (there is also a $1.50 printable here)

6 boxes Green Giant frozen veggies and sauce - $0.67 each
On sale 10/$10, used 2 $1 off 3 coupons from the 12/9 SmartSource and 1/6 SmartSource coupon inserts

1 Good 'n Natural protein bar - FREE
On sale 10/$10, used a free product coupon from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert

1 box Atkins meal replacement bars - $4.99, see note
On sale for $5.99, used a $1 coupon from the 1/6 SmartSource coupon insert
Note: These are on sale cheaper at Target this week.  Unfortunately, I didn't see them in the Target ad until after I bought them at Tops. :-(

2 Pure Protein bars - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert
Note: These seem to have triggered a $1 off 4 Catalina coupon.

The retail cost of this transaction was $51.23 and I paid $16.93 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of about 67%.

Transaction 4

1 box NutriGrain bars - $1.10
On sale 2/$5, used a $0.70 coupon (doubles to $1.40) from here

2 boxes Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-ups - $0.90 each, see note
On sale 2/$3, used a $0.60 off 2 coupon (doubles to $1.20) from here
Note: Be sure to activate the $0.50 off 2 SavingStar eCoupon before you head to the store, so you can get more money refunded to you and lower your final out-of-pocket cost.

2 boneless pork tenderloins - $7.20 ($1.47/lb.)
On sale BOGO ($6.99/lb. -- still out of my meat price range!), used the $10 Catalina from my first transaction of the week to get these down to a cheap price

1 box Tops frozen fruit bars - $2.50
On sale 2/$5, no coupon but I had a sick kiddo at home :-(

8 boxes Yoplait Go-gurts - $1.15 each
On sale 5/$10, used 4 $0.85 off 2 coupons (double to $1.70) printed from here (there are also $0.75 off 2 coupons here, making them $1.25 each)

2 bottles Suave shampoo/conditioner - $0.19 each
On sale for $0.69 each, used a $0.50 off 2 coupon (doubles to $1) from the January issue of All You magazine

The retail cost of this transaction was $75.06 and I paid $22.25 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of 70%.

Transaction 5

3 boxes Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-ups - 2 @ $0.90 each, 1 @ $1.50, see notes
On sale 2/$3, used a $0.60 off 2 coupon (doubles to $1.20) from here
Note: I have no idea why I grabbed 3 boxes, since my coupon was for the purchase of 2.  I'll probably return one, of my kids don't open and devour them first! Be sure to activate the $0.50 off 2 SavingStar eCoupon before you head to the store, so you can get more money refunded to you and lower your final out-of-pocket cost.

4 boxes Fiber One 90 calories brownies/bars - 2 @ $0.50 each, 2 @ $0.70 each, see note
On sale 4/$6 (when you buy quantities of 4), used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from here and 2 $0.40 coupons (double to $0.80) from here
Note: Be sure to activate the $0.40 off 1 SavingStar eCoupon before you head to the store, so you can get more money refunded to you and lower your final out-of-pocket cost.

4 cartons Yoplait Simplait yogurt - FREE
On sale 10/$5, used 2 $0.30 coupons from here and 2 $0.40 coupons from here (these coupons should have only doubled to $0.50, but mine all doubled the full amounts)

3 boxes Green Giant frozen veggies and sauce - $0.67 each
On sale 10/$10, used a $1 off 3 coupons from the 1/6 SmartSource coupon insert

The retail cost of this transaction was $34.66 and I paid $6.90 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 80%.

Transaction 6

4 boxes Hefty Slider bags - 2 @ $1.17 each, 2 @ $0.92 each
On sale 3/$5, used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert and a $1.50 off 2 coupon from the 11/11 Red Plum coupon insert

2 bags Quaker Popped rice cakes - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used a 41 off 2 coupon from the January issue of All You magazine (my February issue just came yesterday and there is another $1/2 coupon in it, so I may grab 2 more bags today)

12 cartons Yoplait yogurt - $0.37 each, see note
On sale 10/$5, used 2 $0.40 off 6 coupons (double to $0.80) printed from here
Note: Be sure to activate the $0.40 off 6 SavingStar eCoupon before you head to the store, so you can get more money refunded to you and lower your final out-of-pocket cost.

1 carton Yoplait Simplait yogurt - FREE
On sale 10/$6, used a $0.30 coupon (doubles to $0.60) from here (again, these all doubled the full amount instead of up to $0.50)

1 Good 'n Natural protein bar - FREE
On sale 10/$10, used a free product coupon from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert

2 Pure Protein bars - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 1/6 Red Plum coupon insert
Note: These seem to have triggered a $1 off 4 Catalina coupon.

The retail cost of this transaction was $31.98 and I paid $10.40 after discounts and coupons, for a savings of 67%.

I went over my weekly budget a bit, but I needed to up my stockpile of school lunch foods (Go-gurts, yogurts, bars of all sorts) plus I was able to buy "special" meat, so I'm very happy with this week's shopping trips.

Next week looks to have some good bargains as well. Until then, happy shopping!

New SavingStar deals

I hadn't logged into SavingStar in a while, so I was pleasantly surprised to see there were quite a few new offers loaded. Even better, there are new printable coupons available here to match with *many* of them (of course, pair them with a sale for the most savings!)!  Here are the new available SavingStar eCoupons to activate before you shop:

• Save 50¢ on any five (5) Campbell's® SpaghettiO's® pastas
• Save $1.00 when you buy any TWO (2) Ellio's® Pizzas
• Buy any 1 Marie's® Yogurt Dressing, Save $1.00
• Save 40¢ when you buy SIX CUPS (6) select varieties Yoplait® Yogurt
• Save 75¢ when you buy ONE BOX (1) Multi Grain Cheerios® OR Multi Grain Cheerios® Peanut Butter cereal.
• Save 50¢ when you buy any TWO (2) Pillsbury® Crescent Dinner Rolls (excludes Twin Pack).
• Save 50¢ when you buy any ONE BOX (1) Cookie Crisp® Cereal.
• Save 50¢ when you buy ONE (1) any flavor 4.5 OZ. OR LARGER Chex Mix® OR Chex® 100 Calorie Snack.
• Save $1.00 when you buy TWO PACKAGES (2) any variety Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough.
• Save 50¢ when you buy ONE (1) select Bisquick® Mix
• Save 50¢ when you buy TWO BOXES (2) any Nature Valley® Granola Bars (5 count or larger) OR Nature Valley® Granola Thins.
• Save 40¢ when you buy ONE (1) BOX any flavor Fiber One® 90 Calorie Chewy Bars or Fiber One® 90 Calorie Brownies.
• Save 75¢ when you buy any ONE BOX (1) select Fiber One® Cereal
• Buy 1 Gold 'n Soft®, Save 60¢
• Buy 1 LouAna® Oil, Save 60¢
• Save 3% when you buy any Elmer's Glue Sticks, School Glue or Glue All.
• Save 10% when you buy any Elmer's Foam Board
• Save 30¢ when you buy ONE (1) CUP any flavor Liberté® Greek or Liberté® Méditerranée® yogurt.
• Save 50¢ when you buy ONE (1) PACKAGE any flavor 5 OZ. OR LARGER Green Giant™ Veggie Snack Chips.
• Save 50¢ when you buy TWO (2) BOXES any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Fruit Snacks listed in the info button below.
• Save 50¢ when you buy any (1) flavor Yoplait® Fruplait™ Yogurt Multipacks
• Save 50¢ when you buy TWO CUPS (2) any flavor Yoplait® Greek yogurt
• Save 40¢ when you buy any TWO (2) Pillsbury® Sweet Rolls OR Grands!® Sweet Rolls
• Save 50¢ on (1) John Morrell meat product (Does not include whole or half hams)
• Buy 1 Truvia® Natural Sweetener (40 ct or larger), Save 75¢
• Buy 1 January issue of InStyle Magazine, Save $2.00
• Save $1.00 when you buy any (1) Soft Scrub®
• Save $2.00 with the purchase of (1) Dec/Jan issue of People StyleWatch (Does NOT include People or People Country)
• Buy 1 Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, Save 40¢
• Buy 1 Diamond Crystal Salt Sense, Save 35¢
• Buy 1 Diamond Crystal Sea Salt, Save 40¢
• Save $1.00 when you spend $4.00 on Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

If you're not familiar with the SavingStar program, you can read more about it here and sign up here.

12/30 - 1/5 Tops trip #2: free frosting flavor & bonus gas points deal

I had some coupons expiring today, so I headed over to Tops to use them before the store closed.  I also took advantage of a bonus gas points deal.  Here was today's transaction...

5 boxes Emerald 100 Calorie pack nuts - $2 each, see notes below
On sale 2/$6, used 5 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from Campbell's Labels for Education coupon brochures handed out at school earlier this year
Notes: These coupons stated "do not double" on them, but my cashier doubled them anyway. Tops' coupon policy states they will double up to 4 like coupons, but my cashier doubled all 5 of them as well.  So, if you have these coupons your mileage may vary on you experience with them.  Keep in mind, too, that these expire today!  Finally, these were part of a 200 bonus gas points promo when you buy 6 select items.

1 package Dole frozen fruit cups - $0.50, see note
On sale 2/$4, used a $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) I was able to print a while ago from being registered at Chef's Best (the coupon is no longer available -- sorry! -- but if you have it, it expires today)
Note: These were part of the bonus gas points promo mentioned above

4 Duncan Hines Frosting Creations flavorings - FREE
Priced at 10/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here -- expires today

The retail cost of today's transaction was $25.14 and I paid $10.50 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of 58%. 

I will be heading back to the store again this week a couple more times to take advantage of some additional sales using currently available coupons.  If you didn't read this post yet, you might want to head over and check it out.  Printable coupons here today may be gone tomorrow!

Just in time for cold & flu season - Cepacol Coupon

Save $1 on your purchase of any 1 Cepacol sore throat product. Click here or on the above banner for your coupon.

End of month/year reminders

 

Not only is it the end of the month, but it's also the end of 2012.  I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by.  If you haven't already thought about these things, you may want to:

• Go through your coupon stash and check expiration dates.  I have a bunch that expire on 12/31 and I realized that a few of them were for items I need, some matched up nicely with this week's sales, and some were for items that would be free after coupon. I used some yesterday and will be taking the rest of them to the store today to use them before they expire.
• Go to printable coupon sites and print off any coupons you think you may want, since often they will change with the start of a new month. Try coupons.com, CouponNetwork, SmartSource, and Red Plum. A couple I am printing for use later this week at Tops are $0.70 off Kellogg's Special K cereal and $0.75 off Jack's Pizza (go here, but you may have to change the zip code to 90210 if you don't see it -- click on the "local" link at the top, enter the zip, then click the "coupons" link, click the "food" link and scroll through until you see it).  These will make the cereal $1.10 and the pizza just $1 after the coupons double.  I've printed them out just in case they disappear tomorrow! :-)
 

Hopefully there will be some great new coupons or resets of good current coupons in 2013!

Tops 12/30 - 1/5 shopping: trip #1 freebies, cheapies & extra gas points

First of all, I apologize for not posting any good shopping deals the past couple of weeks.  With Christmas craziness abound, grocery shopping just wasn't a big priority for me (thanks in part to a nice stockpile from previous couponing!).  I'm back and was ready to hit the store today, though, to use up some coupons expiring tomorrow.  And to add to my coupon-induced happiness, I was excited to see that Tops is extending their gas points earning period until 1/12 with redemption until 1/26.  I already have earned enough to get free gas, so this news was just icing on the cake for me. :-)  Here is a look at the few items I bought today:

4 boxes Swiss Miss cocoa - 2 @ $1.66 each, 2 @ $1.23 each
2 varieties were on sale 2/$4, 2 were BOGO ($2.79), used a $1 off 3 coupon from the 12/9 SmartSource coupon insert

1 bottle Kikkoman soy sauce - FREE
Priced at $1.39, used a $0.75 coupon ("doubled" up to $1.39) printed from here

2 Duncan Hines Frosting Creations flavorings - FREE
Priced at 10/$10, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here -- expires 12/31

1 Wholly Guacamole - $0.88
On sale for $1.88, used a $1 coupon from a Keebler coupon booklet I picked up a while ago at a Keebler display at Wegmans (however, there is also a $1 printable on their Facebook page here -- note that the FB coupon states only 1 coupon per transaction)

2 tubs Smart Balance spreadable butter - $0.50 each
On sale 2/$4, used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here (there is also a $0.50 coupon, which will double to $1, on their Facebook page)

2 bottle Scope mouthwash - $1.49 each
On sale for $2.99, used 2 $1.50 coupons from the 11/4 Red Plum coupon insert -- expire 12/31 (I believe there was also a $1 coupon in today's Proctor & Gamble coupon insert)

1 bottle Crest Pro-Health mouthwash - $3.49
On sale for $5.49, used a $2 coupon I picked up at my dentist's office

1 bottle Excedrin Migraine - $3.79
No coupon, but it was on sale and I really needed it today :-)

The retail total of this shopping trip was $43.78 and after coupons and discounts I paid $18.85, for a savings of almost 57%.

I will definitely be making multiple trips to the store this week, so stay tuned for more shopping deals.  Happy shopping!

12/9 - 12/15 Tops shopping: cheap veggies & free pasta

I feel like this week has been such a whirlwind for me -- trying to finish up Christmas shopping, finally getting the tree up and decorated, baking cookies, and getting a jump on wrapping presents -- that grocery shopping has not been much of a priority for me.  That said, I did find a few deals I wanted from Tops this week (although I didn't feel the much of the sale love with this week's ad):

1 loaf Tops bread - FREE
On sale for $1.29, used my anniversary points for a free loaf

2 bags Wonderful Almonds - $1.50 each
On sale 2/$6 (to be honest, I didn't see these in the ad but I noticed them when I walked through the produce department), used 2 $0.75 peelie coupons (double to $1.50) found on the bags (there is also a $0.50 coupon in the11/18 SmartSource coupon insert, which would make the final price $2)
Note: These each earned 5 bonus anniversary points.

1 bag Cuties clementines - $1.88
On sale for $2.88, used a $0.50 coupon from the 12/2 SmartSource coupon insert (the coupon states "do not double" but it doubled automatically)

2 bags BirdsEye Steamfresh frozen vegetables - $0.50 each
On sale 10/$10, used a $0.50 off 2 coupon (doubles to $1) from the 11/18 SmartSource coupon insert

2 bags Farm Rich frozen snacks - $2.99 each, see notes below
On sale for $4.99 each, used 2 $2 coupons I received in an email for being registered in the "Keep 'em happy" club (there is also a $0.75 coupon you can print when you first register here)
Notes: These each earned 5 bonus anniversary points.  These were part of a gas points promo: earn an extra 200 gas points ($0.20 per gallon) when you buy 6 select items.
 
2 bags Totino's pizza rolls - $2.50 each, see note
On sale 2/$6, used a $1 off 2 coupon from the 10/7 General Mills coupon insert coupon insert
Notes:  These were part of a gas points promo: earn an extra 200 gas points ($0.20 per gallon) when you buy 6 select items.

2 pints Perry's ice cream - $2.00 each, see note
On sale 2/$4, no coupons
Notes: These each earned 5 bonus anniversary points. These were part of a gas points promo: earn an extra 200 gas points ($0.20 per gallon) when you buy 6 select items.  I figured since I was already buying 4 of the 6 needed items for the gas promo and I was in the mood for dessert, I'd just go ahead and get these. ;-)

The retail cost of this trip was $47.38 and I paid $20.86 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of approximately 56%.  I'm at a gas discount of $3.10 per gallon right now, with 2 more weeks of shopping left in this gas points earning period.  I've gotten gas for super cheap before, but never free. Maybe this time around I'll do it!

I'm well stocked with pasta, but if you need some here's how to get it for FREE this week...

Mueller's pasta is on sale 10/$10.  If you register at their website (if you've registered before, you'll need to use a new email address), you'll be sent a link for a $0.55 coupon.  When the coupon doubles, you'll get it for free!

Happy shopping!

Tops 12/2 - 12/8 trip #3: OJ & ice cream topping deals

I *think* this is my last trip of the week, unless I can get some additional coupons to stock up on more of the items I've already bought.  Here is a look at today's purchases...

2 jars Smucker's walnut ice cream topping - $0.49 each
On sale for $1.99 each (only this variety), used 2 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here

1 box Grain Berry cereal - $1.00On sale 2/$4, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) from a prior product purchase (there is also a $1 off 2 coupon in the 12/2 Red Plum coupon insert, making them $1.50 each when you buy 2)

1 box Silver Palate oatmeal - $0.50 On sale 2/$3, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) from a prior product purchase (there is also a $1 off 2 coupon in the 12/2 Red Plum coupon insert, making them $1.00 each when you buy 2)

2 boxes Grain Berry Pancake mix - $0.50 each
On sale 2/$3, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) from a prior product purchase (there is also a $1 off 2 coupon in the 12/2 Red Plum coupon insert, making them $1.00 each when you buy 2)

1 package Farm Rich snacks - $3.49 On sale for $4.99 each, used a $0.75 coupon (doubles to $1.50) printed from here (must register -- can print 2 coupons per email address per computer)
Note: These earned 5 anniversary points.

1 bottle Minute Maid Pure Squeezed orange juice - $1.50
On sale 2/$5, used a $1 coupon I received a while ago in Kellogg's cereal

The retail value of this transaction was $27.02 and I spent $8.47 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of almost 69%.

Until next time, happy shopping!

Tops 12/2 - 12/8 trip #2: cheap Silver Palate & Grain Berry products

I absolutely love Grain Berry and Silver Palate cereals and crackers, so I was so excited when I saw they were on sale this week at Tops.  Not only do they taste great, but inside all the boxes are several dollars worth of awesome coupons (with no expiration date -- how cool is that?!) as well as mail-in rebates for free product coupons (again -- how cool is that?! There is also a mail-in rebate form in the 12/2 Red Plum insert, next to some decent coupons).  Here is a look at the items I picked up today:

2 Quaker Real Medleys oatmeal cups - $0.50 each
Used a raincheck from when they were on sale last week 2/$3, used 2 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here
Note: These each earned 5 bonus anniversary points.

2 boxes Krusteaz Bakery Style cookie mix - $1.00 each
On sale 2/$4, used 2 $1 coupons printed from here

1 can Tops fruit cocktail - $0.75
On sale 10/$10, used a $0.25 Tops coupon from the golden anniversary game

1 box Grain Berry cereal - $1.00
On sale 2/$4, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) from a prior product purchase (there is $1 off 2 coupon in the 12/2 Red Plum coupon insert, making them $1.50 each)

1 box Grain Berry crackers - $0.50
On sale 2/$3, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) from a prior product purchase (there is $1 off 2 coupon in the 12/2 Red Plum coupon insert, making them $1.00 each)

2 boxes Silver Palate oatmeal - $0.50 each
On sale 2/$3, used a $0.50 coupon (doubles to $1) from a prior product purchase (there is $1 off 2 coupon in the 12/2 Red Plum coupon insert, making them $1.00 each)

8 boxes Duncan Hines cake mix - $0.75 each
On sale 4/$5, used 4 $1.00 off 2 coupons here

The retail cost of this shopping trip was $33.07 and I paid $9.25 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of 72%.  My gas discount is at $2.50/gallon.

I have more coupons, Grain Berry and Silver Palate especially, that I'd like to use this week so I should be hitting up Tops another time or 2 during the week.

Until then, happy shopping!

P.S. -- Another deal I would have loved to have taken advantage of today, but couldn't because the coupon has not been reset since I last printed it is...

Butterball turkey bacon - on sale 2/$3, if you've not already printed the $0.75 coupon here, it will be FREE after the coupon doubles!

First 12/2 - 12/8 Tops trip: cheap veggies & cake mix

Today was my first trip of the week to Tops.  Take a look at today's purchases:

8 boxes Duncan Hines cake mix - $0.75 each
On sale 4/$5, used 4 $1.00 off 2 coupons here

2 boxes Pop Secret popcorn - $1.35 each
On sale BOGO ($3.69), used a $1 off 2 coupon from here

4 cans Libby's vegetables - $0.25 each
On sale 20/$10, used a $1 off 4 coupon from the 11/11 Red Plum coupon insert
Note: These each earned 5 anniversary points.

1 carton International Delight coffee creamer - FREE
On sale 2/$6, used a free product coupon I received via snail mail from a Facebook giveaway a while ago

3 packages Farm Rich snacks - $3.49 each
On sale for $4.99 each, used 3 $0.75 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here (must register -- can print 2 coupons per email address per computer)
Note: These each earned 5 anniversary points.
The retail value of this shopping trip was $52.62 and I paid $20.16 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of about 62%.  My gas discount is now at $2.40 per gallon.

I will definitely be planning more shopping trips through the week, especially since I just noticed the Silver Palate items featured in the ad and I have several good coupons (available inside the boxes of previously purchased products).

Happy shopping, and stay tuned for more Tops deals!

Final 11/25 - 12/1 trip: breakfast & soda deals

I ran into Tops today and did 2 transactions so I could use up this week's coupons.  Here is a look at the first transaction:

6 boxes of Honey Bunches of Oats - $1.49 each
On sale for $1.99 each, used 3 $1 off 2 coupons from the 11/4 Red Plum coupon insert (if your kid's school participates in the Campbell's labels program, there is also a $1 off 2 coupon in a little booklet Campbell's mailed out to schools earlier this year)

8 packages Nescafe Taster's Choice coffee sticks - $0.25 eachOn sale 10/$10, used 4 $0.75 off 2 coupons (double to $1.50) printed from here (must register -- there is also a $0.50 coupon here and)

15 Powerbars - $0.70 eachOn sale 10/$10, used 3 $1.50 off 5 coupons printed from here

1 loaf Tops white bread - FREE
On sale for $1.29, used my Golden Anniversary bonus points to get them free

The retail cost of this transaction was $60.45 and I paid $23.69 after coupons and discounts, for a savings of approximately 61%.

Here is today's second transaction:

5 bottles (2 liter) Diet Sierra Mist - $0.60 each
On sale 5/$5 (must buy quantities of 5), used 2 $1 off 2 hangtag coupons found on some Sierra Mist bottles on the shelf
Note: I always make a shopping list before I head to the store and I rarely make impulse purchases or buy things not on my list.  I happened to cut down the soda aisle today and my coupon radar noticed the hangtags on the bottles.  When I realized they were pretty decent coupons, I decided to make the unplanned soda purchase. :-)

4 Quaker Real Medleys oatmeal cups - $0.50 each
On sale 2/$3, used 4 $0.50 coupons (double to $1) printed from here (there is also a $0.50 coupon in the 11/4 Red Plum coupon insert)
Note: These each earned 5 bonus anniversary points.

3 bags Wonderful pistachios - $2.49 each, see note here
On sale for $3.49 each, used 3 $0.50 coupons (coupon states not to double, but they doubled to $1 anyway) printed from here (there is also a $0.50 coupon in the 10/14 SmartSource coupon insert)

10 Powerbars - $0.70 eachOn sale 10/$10, used 2 $1.50 off 5 coupons printed from here

The retail cost of this second transaction is $48.03 and after coupons and discounts I paid $20.12, for a savings of 58%.  I now have a gas discount of $2.30 per gallon.

I'll be looking over the Tops ad tonight so I can start planning next week's shopping trips.  Until tomorrow, happy shopping!