New Year / Reflection on 2012

Monticello trail pond and Canada Geese.

It's time to reflect back onto what worked and didn't in 2012 (a more positive analogy than good vs. bad).  As the end of 2012 approached I decided my 2013 New Year Resolution was to surround myself with positive thoughts and deliver a positive message in my online writings and photos.  There is way to much  "anger pollution" on the Internet and TV and I choose to not participate and spread more gloom and doom.  If I can provide a moments relief to someone stressing from daily pressures our society invariably produces, then I've participated positively on a global level.

I can not wait until SPRING!

Somehow my tumblr photography blog has amassed 45,000 followers!  I'm not vain enough to think that that many people are actually checking in each day but there is exponentially more activity which makes me want to inspire others rather than be defeatist.

ForsythiaHill Limoges Tea Cups / Saucers 

What began as an experiment to see if I could figure out global Internet selling has blossomed into a full-fledged business.  I now operate two Etsy Vintage Shops and have items on Bonanza and Storenvy.  In 2012, I doubled my sales over 2011 and hope to continue on the upswing by taking Ebay more seriously.  I'm not thrilled about their convoluted fee structure and it is tedious compared to other online stores but one can not ignore the volume of goods moved and customers shopping.  I've focused on selling my family collected treasures but it's hard to not stop at a good old Yard Sale.  It is recommended that you not buy what you like... I now know why, you end up keeping things!  I mean how can I give up my found Rooster Lamp, signed Menaboni Bird Book, or Deco Hand Carved Cat!

The Maymont Trophy for $ saved.

Now that couponing is part of my psyche, I've seem to write less about it.  I continue to mainly focus on Grocery Store deals because that is where we spend most of our income.  In 2012 I saved over $2,600.00 by wisely shopping and couponing.  This does not take into account the numerous items I've found on Freecycle - Book Shelves, Packaging Materials, and even a very expensive Solar Pool Cover with Reel (my top freebie of 2012).  I feel like the really good coupon deals have been reigned in by stores that have figured out how some customers have taken total advantage of the term "discount".  There are still plenty of savings to be found, you just have to know where to look online.  I continue to post my favorite deals on my twitter feed.

My husband grew working up on roofs - not for the timid.

Typically we have an active home improvement project.  This year hopefully my husband will become inspired to paint the "Man Cave", Trellis, and Shed.  My top project is to replace the Kitchen Floor.  It's hard to believe that behind us is the Deck staining, Chimney Liner install, and Kitchen Sink replacement projects that came about in 2012.

No matter what happened in 2012, it has come to an end and you can start anew in 2013.

I wonder if I'll actually make room today for that Yoga session I promised myself... hum... sounds like a good way to step into the New Year.

-Rebecca

A Few of My Favorite Food Products

Currently there is a big push to EAT basic HEALTHY foods and buy locally.  I definitely agree with that mantra but lets face it, sometimes convenience foods come to the rescue when you just can't manage it all.  My main objective is to find prepackaged foods that are not full of sugar, salt, and chemicals that you can't pronounce.  The least number of ingredients and natural ingredients.  If it says Yogurt, then milk better be the first ingredient and I avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup.  The most heavily used ingredients are listed in the first several slots in the ingredient list on the package.

Here are a few of my very favorite convenience foods that you might want to try.  I would love to know what you can't live without that doesn't contain a bunch of horrible ingredients ... leave a comment!

To reduce my dairy consumption (for pro-humane animal treatment - I don't have my own cow named Daisy) I switched to Almond Milk years ago.  I have found it can be swapped in baking without a taste or texture alteration.  If you like to chug milk in a glass with your Oreo's then I would recommend sticking to dairy milk.  The taste is just not the same, BUT a good substitute for that purpose is Silk Dark Chocolate PureAlmond Milk.  It is different but pretty darn good.  Coconut Milk is all the rage now and is basically equivalent in baking, but check the fat % before buying, sometimes it can be higher than Almond Milk.

I still have a weakness for dairy based Yogurt.  I have tried many different yogurts over the years and have found The Greek Gods Honey Flavored to be the absolute most delicious yogurt on the market.  It does have a higher fat % than some other comparable yogurts but this is my daily indulgence.  I pile it on my Oatmeal each morning and it is like butter on a cake.  It is my last dairy based item because I have yet to find anything non-dairy comparable.

I discovered several frozen faux meat products that even my husband loves!  My favorite veggie burger is Morningstar Farms Mushroom Lovers.  I've tried it seems every brand of frozen faux burger on the market but this is the only one that holds up on the grill and tastes BETTER than a grocery store meat burger.  If you like a big huge pile of meat, this will not satisfy you, but if you like a thin burger loaded with condiments, then this is the ticket.  The other Morningstar varieties are not as tasty.

Gardenin Crispy Tenders and Quorn Grounds, and Quorn Chikin Cheese Cutlets are abfab.  When you are enjoying your dinner, you can be relieved that this was never a factory farmed chicken or cow in a prior life.

I often match my faux meat with a side of homemade beans, salad, or to save time, grill some colorful veggies right in the pan with the frozen meat.

Making wise shopping decisions is your first step to improving your health and our planet.  Some faux meat products contain way too many weird ingredients so look at the label before purchasing.

May be eating meat free is new to you, so start with "Meatless Monday" and give some of my suggestions a try and comment on my blog as to what you thought!

-Rebecca

Why I Love Harris Teeter

Harris Teeter Double coupon week is in full swing.  I had just left the store with my savings of $50.00 and was strolling down the Barracks Road parking lot "hill" and I completely forgot about the 12 pack of LaCroix Grapefruit Sparkling Water in the bottom of my cart. 

Because of the slope of the parking lot, the entire box shot out of my cart and cans exploded and rolled down the hill in all sorts of directions.  Shoppers began chasing my cans and politely asked if I wanted the exploding cans thrown away.  Very soon a Teeter manager ran down the lot in the 98 degree heat and told me to just keep what was left and he would grab me a new box.

He quickly trotted inside and did just that.  I ended up with a new box and was able to give a few of the "intact" cans to some of the remaining kids that had helped.

I love my Teeter and now even more!  Great deals, tidy store, nice staff and managers.

THANKS TEETER for making my day... and Thanks to the kind shoppers for helping.

-Rebecca

Year End Wrap Up

Husband installing the Chimney Liner - not for the timid.

2011 was a year of refining my quest to save dollars while earning a little on the side.  Couponing and deal searching saved me $2,700.00.  It's often hard to keep track of each penny so I can estimate that my savings were probably closer to $3,000.  Toss in several do-it-yourself projects (we installed our own flexible chimney liner and built a Chicken Coop) and we saved $1,000 more.  My Etsy business grew last year and I've gotten the hang of selling.  I sold nearly 100 pairs of vintage eyewear that previously belonged to my father and nearly 50 other vintage items.  This little side business is my way of trying to preserve what little savings I have remaining from years of employment.

Amazing Ginko at the UVA Rotunda.

Last year was also a time to take blogging seriously and I made it through an entire year and 101 posts!  I almost reached 10,000 readers checking out my Forsythia Hill Finds blog!   I also started a separate blog on tumblr to create a visual log of some of my photography.  I have nearly 3,500 followers.

Next year I will continue couponing even though I am finding it a bit harder to get those super deals of early 2011.  Grocery stores have somewhat changed their strategy to make it more difficult to super save.  I'm going to have to do a better job of stocking up - not stockpiling - but stocking up essentials so I don't have to ever pay full price.  I did a good job last year of not buying non-essentials.  My goals are to continue selling items I no longer use and of course to discover and sell vintage.  I'll be seriously clearing out my parents belongings so interesting vintage will pop up in my etsy store.

Pretty sky over Forsythia Hill.

Our biggest expenses are fuel and food.  My mother taught me the Kroger savings trick of buying gift cards for places I shop (like Target) when Krogers offers 4X the fuel points.  This will give you FREE greater fuel savings at the pump. We have a wood stove and chop our own wood to help reduce our electric bill.  I also don't drive the car everyday and combine shopping tasks - always making several stops to save gas.  My husband works from home one day a week which saves a little on fuel.  It's going to be hard to shave the fuel bill down any more.  Hopefully we'll see some food savings this year due to my improved couponing skills - practice really does help concerning nailing down couponing.

Our sweet shy yellow tabby Cesar.

We were relieved to not have any pet deaths in 2011 given the prior year we lost 2 dear pets.  We acquired our six hens that are so fun to have around.  This will be our third Spring on Forsythia Hill and I am eager to transplant some perennial plants now that they have grown a bit and put them in more permanent spots.  There is nothing like a dark cold winter to get your gardening blood moving.  Little Red Kale plants are coming along and by early Spring I'll be harvesting!  Fingers crossed that the Muscadine Grape plant that I purchased this Winter survives.

See you on "the other side" --- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Rebecca

Saving your Dollars

SAVED 100% in a WEEK

 Harris Teeter Doubles

Store Trip #1 - SPENT $55.00 SAVED $55.00

Until Tuesday, it's SUPER DOUBLES at Harris Teeter. Any coupon up to 1.99 is doubled in value!

>>  Another great deal this week was 300 FREE address labels at Staples.

At Harris Teeter: Presented 17 coupons, all between $.50 - $1.50 in value.

A few of the Harris Teeter Deals and what I paid for each: 

Purina Cat Chow- $1.50, Party Mix Cat Treats- $.50, 

Hunts Ketchup - $.50, Deboles Pasta - .99, Silk Almond Milk - 1.00,

Athenos Feta Cheese - $.50.

FREE - Athenos Greek Yogurt, Goldfish Grahams,

7th Generation Paper Towels.

As you can see, I also purchased lots of healthy fruit and veggies in which coupons are hard to find.  I would love to hear about a deal you found this week - leave a comment!

-Rebecca

Grocery Store Humor

I could have written this video.  Putting a bag inside of a bag drives me nuts - such as putting a loaf of bagged bread into a BAG or a hunking load of toilet paper already bagged in a BAG into a BAG.

The first time I handed over my recycled grocery bag in Pulaski, VA they looked at me as if I had two heads.  I remember them wondering what to do and putting the groceries in THEIR bag first and then their bag inside my recycle bag!  I still have trouble with clerks not filling up my recycle bag and trying to put groceries in THEIR bag.

JUST SAY NO...

-Rebecca

Grocery Rap

If you have tried to park in our new Charlottesville Whole Foods, you will get a big laugh out of this video from fog and smog.

A MUST SEE.  I love the ending -- still laughing.  Have a great weekend.

Picked up some San-J Gluten Free Soy Sauce at Whole Foods, used a manufacturers and a Whole Foods coupon - ended saving $1.10!  Check out their printable coupons before you head out.

-Rebecca

Read that Label

Hum, I'm pondering.

Did you ever think about where your toothpaste was made?  I certainly gave it little thought until a friend emailed me that Colgate is made in Mexico and Crest in the U.S.A.  Wow.  Why would you even think it was necessary to manufacture toothpaste outside of the U.S. ?  I just never gave it any thought.  When your talking jobs and the economy, well it actually does matter.  I just looked on my Tom's of Maine (just to be certain) and it it in fact made in Maine (thank goodness).

We each can make a difference by smart shopping.  Here are a few products that you might want to check the label -

I'm loving the sketchy language --- "Packed in the USA", "Distributed in PA", "Registered Trademark of Growers in the USA and other Countries" - all indicating to me that the product was grown or prepared outside of the USA. 

"Product of USA", and "Made in the USA" (or a specific location in the USA) - seem to be the only valid labels that indicate the product was picked or manufactured in the USA.

• Pasta - Barilla, "Product of USA" in IL.  Muellers, "Distributed by... MO".
• Raisins/Apricots - Sun Maid, "Growers of CA"  Sunsweet, "Registered Trademark of Growers in the USA and other Countries".
• Toothpaste/Deodorant - Tom's of Maine - "Made in USA", Colgate - "Made in Mexico", Arm and Hammer - "Made in USA".
• Canned Fruit - Dole Mandarin Oranges - "Product of China", Pineapple - Kroger, "Product of Thailand", Libby's, "Product of Indonesia" (so much for CA and FL).
• Packaged Soups - V8, "Product of Canada" (I didn't know they had a big growing season up there - I'm confused), Campbells - "Cooked with care in the USA" (nothing about where ingredients originate).
• Cheerios - Distributed by General Mills... MN", Mom's Best Naturals - "Made in the USA"
• Yogurt - Stonyfield - "Made in NH".
• Toilet paper - IS IT RECYCLED - come on people - it's for the end that is gross anyway.  My personal "boycott" is toilet paper that is NOT FROM RECYCLED PAPER.  Virgin trees are being destroyed probably in some far away rain forest just so you can wipe your bum.  How gross is that.  Am I off topic ?

Buy it local if you can - a tomato grown in your county saves the gas to ship it, the packaging, and brings tax revenue directly into your district.

Just something else for you to ponder when you make that purchase. We can't always be perfect but small changes can make a difference.

NOTE: Tomorrow TEETER DOUBLES begin!

-Rebecca

Can the Fat

My "power salad" and food log journal.

Fifteen days ago I halfway began a modified diet of The Engine 2 Diet.  I say halfway because I've had several interruptions, a wedding and a few slip ups.  Due to a suspected wheat intolerance, I have modified the diet to also remove wheat and am trying to remove "my best friend" corn.  Many studies have shown that a diet low in saturated fats helps reduce inflammation that can aggravate or cause disease.  My hope is to slowly add back "suspected offenders" separately to see if one or the other causes problems.

The Engine 2 Diet authored by Rip Esselstyn is a plant based diet, different from a vegan diet in that no prepared "boxed" vegan concoctions are allowed or any oils.  Last week, I attended a free seminar by Rip Esselstyn, promoting his healthy eating book, hosted by Whole Foods Grocery.  It was very informative and eyeopening.  Yesterday, a group of 65 motivated people attended the first weekly meeting for those that have signed up for the 28-day challenge to follow the Engine 2 Diet. 

There are 2 ways to start the diet, hog wild or step by step.  It is recommended for most to go step by step.  It's very hard to eliminate EVERYTHING from your diet, rearrange your entire pantry, and stick with it all in one day. 

Rip at book signing after his seminar (wearing KALE shirt).

The book is very entertaining and informative, and was brought about after firefighter Rip challenged his firehouse to eat a plant based for 28 days and remarkable results soon followed.  Tasty meals were prepared (recipes are in the book and on the website) in order to get the guys to stick with it.  My favorite recipe is a dessert of course, and is in the book - a date, nut, and fruit dish.

Exercise is part of his diet and seminar!

Rip is now retired from firefighting but remarked he is saving lives now in another way.  He is a triathlete entering into over 1,000 competitions and was a #2 ranked swimmer at one time.  He has been eating a plant based diet since 1987, due to his fathers influence.  His father is a doctor that studied Heart Disease more than any other doctor on the planet and concluded it is totally preventable with plant based eating.

Some statistics that were presented during Rips seminar:

1) #1 source of calories for kids is POP and FRUIT JUICE.
2) The standard American Diet is 12% plants and of that, 6% is FRENCH FRIES.
3) #1 killer is Heart Disease (which is totally preventable by changing what you eat).
4) #2 killer is Cancer (The China Study directly relates this to western diets of saturated fats).
5) There are 54,000 mammals on earth and humans are the only mammal that drink another mammals milk.
6) Dairy products are basically congealed or liquid meat.  Calcium comes from the earth not a cow.
7) Green leafy vegetables are the best protein calorie for calorie.
8) All oils have the most concentrated calories of any food.  120 from oil, more than white sugar or flour.
9) Oils are "empty" calories containing no nutrition, vitamins, or minerals.
10)  Plants have all the fat you need.
11) Chicken has just as much animal protein as Red Meat which clogs your arteries.
12) Fish is a muscle and has animal cholesterol, animal protein, and waters are sadly polluted.
13) 95% of Diabetes is Type 2 which is PREVENTABLE.

What I have discovered in beginning this journey is that entire rows in the grocery store can be forgotten forever.  If you eat plant based you go down the produce isle, canned isle, and health food section.  Gone are the soda, cracker, chip, dairy, meat, and frozen food isles.  I am shocked at the rows and rows of packaged foods that contain all sorts of additives.  I found a jar of "natural" peanut butter that had the most unnatural list of junk.  If it's processed it's out - no white bread or white rice.
 
HOW TO BEGIN:

When SUGAR is the first ingredient this is a bad thing!

Open your kitchen cabinet and start label reading.  It is even hard to find a can of beans without salt, pork, or sugar (not to mention other horrors) as ingredients.  If you don't understand the word, something like methodestrose sucrantanse, then it can't be good!  The most shocking item I ever purchased and actually felt kinda sick while eating it, was a frozen Valentine decorated Ice Cream Cake.  There must have been 200 ingredients listed!

To get started with the Engine 2 Diet,
swap out one category of food for something more healthy - like Milk - many choices exist - Soy, Almond (my favorite), Coconut, and Rice. You may not be drinking a big old full glass of any of the substitutes but I cook exclusively using Almond milk and use on cereal with complete success.   Another option would be to STOP eating fried everything, just STOP.  Each week you can make a change for your health!

I would love to hear your favorite substitute or if you are participating in the E 2 Diet.  Please leave a comment!

-Rebecca

A Culinary Candy Store

A few finishing touches.

Tonight we attended a store opening preview tour at Whole Foods Grocery in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

The Grand Opening for the NEW store is TOMORROW at 10 am and the first 200 shoppers get a free cookbook!

Charlottesville is so lucky to have such a wonderful store. 



Sandy, our tour guide.

Approaching the storefront you are welcomed by seasonal products such as lovely fresh herbs, bird seed, and their quality natural hardwood briquettes (that I exclusively use).  Entering the store for the first time felt like entering into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.  The artfully piled colorful fresh vegetable section draws me in and to the right is the huge bulk item section where you can even grind your own flour!  

Sandy, the Marketing Manager and employee for 13 years took us on our informative tour while along the way, exuberant store employees shared their knowledge about specific products.  The main thrust was local, local, local, and customer, customer, customer.  They really do want you to enjoy your shopping experience, and are more than happy to help you find what you need and educate you to broaden your foodie knowledge.

Grab a scented bar of soap.

Specialty "bars" are dotted around the parameter of the store featuring culinary cooking instruction, coffees, mixed grains and granola, wine and beer, pasta making, organic to go, hot to go, soap, and desserts.  Item prices range from their reasonibly priced 365 brand products to a top of the line coffee at $59.99 a pound!  Delicate pasta is made to order and they even grind and craft their own sausage onsite and also have a smoker and rotisserie. 

Resident Coffee Expert

Whole Foods definately is customer oriented, offering cooking guidance at the cooking station and health information from the vitamin section.  The prepared foods manager told us that you only need to ask if you want to see an item (may be a little more vegan or gluten free) and that you can eat the prepared food for 60 days without eating the same thing!  There is a wine and beer tasting bar offering 8 beer and 16 wines to sample and plenty of seating inside and out for drinking from their portable espresso bar or huge prepared food section.  They have a bulk tea section featuring my all time favorite teas from Rishi.

It's a great change over the old store and I know tomorrow Cvillians will explode upon the new store.  It's definately an exciting day to go, checking it out and snagging a few samples and treats.  We celebrated tomorrows opening with a small sampling of a delicious white wine.  I had a ginger dessert that was D E L I C I O U S!  

Bizillion Bulk Bins and Cooking Assistance Bar.

I'll be going back tomorrow on opening day for more around 5 pm.  Go check it out, some people have worked really, really hard to make this happen - kudos to Whole Foods employees.  Please leave a comment when you go and tell me what you think!

-Rebecca

Going Going GONE

A Hardcore Shopper.

Dressed for battle in my comfy Quarks and plaid madres shorts I ventured out at 7:30 am to the Whole Foods grocery 50% off LAST DAY sale.  Grabbing the largest gym bag I could find, my camera, VISA card, coupon book and sharpening my elbows I headed out.  I felt like I was preparing for my favorite game show, "Super Market Sweep".  EVERYTHING MUST GO-- and from the looks of it, everything would GO! 

A shopper happy to get all those deals!

A swirling blur of environmental carry bags, grocery carts, earthie flip flops, cell phones, cups of coffee, and a few dogs and idol husbands. 

I knew the turnout would be good but this was down right insane.  We're talking 500 - 1,000 people in line by 7:40 am! 

Line AFTER I had finished shopping!

I was in line way around the corner standing in front of Staples and there was another line that wrapped around the other side of the store back beyond the recycle bin.  The Fire Marshall was counting as people entered and after I had made my purchases and photographed for my blog, there were lines just as long as when I originally entered the store!  Hundreds more patiently awaiting to be let inside to see what remained of the carnage.

Long lines forming, AFTER I had checked out (whew).

Long lines - worth the wait.

Given I was so far back in line, I really expected to find nothing that I wanted left but was pleasantly surprised.  I snagged 2 Grande Banilla Stonyfield Yogurts for my cat Cesar, some Jason Shampoo (my very favorite shampoo), a big jug of pure Maple Syrup (my best deal at $10.00), and a few other items.  I actually used 2 coupons before they blasted over the intercom - NO COUPONS or CHECKS - whew.  I grabbed as much as I could fit into my gym bag until my shoulder could take no more.  My strategy was to blast in, grab what I could, and check out FAST to avoid the super long lines.  It worked, I only had two people in front of me checking out!

The Dairy and Cereal isle - can u say CRAZY.

It was all so exciting, seeing people grab and stash items ranging from nuts to vitamins.  Some had come for the wine but it was long gone, one of the few items relocated to the new store.  The produce was also very sparse, only a few coconuts and some turnips!  I fled to the bakery isle hoping to get some coconut flour.  It was long gone but I remembered to snag the Maple Syrup.  I had a list somewhere but in the PANIC that was totally forgotten. 

A child carefully positioned to help steady the load.

The horribly narrow isles were jammed, one rude person pushing a Staples cart and dragging another.  I'm not sure she left the store without a black eye (and she deserved one).  Children helping by grabbing a few choice items or stuffed into the cart unable to move because of the pile of groceries (good way to keep the kid put).  A few walkers and motorized scooters clearing the way in the isles.  One woman and her husband piling their cart with Bulk Bin flours and nuts.  The frozen food section was hard hit as were the environmental cleaning products and cereals.

Gladys I think we have enough NUTS.

I was debating on going because we came in late from my cousin Drew's wedding up in Northern Virginia but I really am glad I dragged myself out of bed to see the mayhem.  It truly was fun!

I would love to go back for one more strike but I pretty much know there is nothing left but hanging store fixtures and empty shelves.  I really want to thank the Whole Food employees for keeping their cool and the vast majority being so pleasant given the tense situation.


Almost empty at 9 am!

 As an onlooker, when not power shopping, it was quite an amusing scene.

I'll be attending an invite only pre-opening Monday - oh boy, oh boy - so check back Monday night to get a sneak preview.

-Rebecca

Whole Foods Mania

Tuesday, June 7th at 10 am, the Charlottesville, Virginia Whole Foods Grocery is moving into a brand new building, expanding its footprint.  The old store was not too shabby so the new store is guaranteed to be super, super WONDERFUL. 

Bare shelves in the "old" Whole Foods.

Being that I have made grocery shopping a sport, I am really excited about the new store and all it potentially can offer.  A larger communal meeting and dining area, outside dining, and of course more space for a greater variety of specialty grocery items.  I'm personally hoping for an upgrade in the coffee arena and an expansive area in which one can enjoy lunch without elbowing the person sitting next to you.  It will also be nice to not get smacked by a cart in a too narrow of an isle.  Let's face it, the current Whole Foods was so beloved that people were climbing over each other to get to the merchandise. 

Produce can still be found at the "old" store.

I remember the grand opening of Harris Teeter and Ukrops in Roanoke, Virginia.  It was a lot of fun.  Tons of freebies and fanfare.  If you have never been to a grand opening, it usually involves a lot of rolls of red carpet, sample tastings, a celebratory cake, and happy, happy employees.  Fortunately, most members of the Whole Foods staff are pretty chipper on most days, so hopefully the good time high will continue for some time.

Ok, so the DEAL NEWS is that on Sunday, June 5th beginning at 8 am, at the "old" Whole Foods store, they will sell everything that remains for 50% off.  Everything must go... it's gonna be fun.  Expect most items to be gone early, early... the early bird does get the worm in this case I'm afraid.  I plan on staking it out the night prior to see if it's worth getting up bright and early, altering my "Pancake and Paper" Sunday.

On Wednesday, June 8 at the Omni Hotel Whole Foods is sponsoring a presention by Rip Esselstyn (click here to sign up).  He will talk about his book and program The Engine 2 Diet.  Learn to lower cholesterol, significantly reduce the risk of Western disease, lose weight and become physically fit. 

I actually started the diet yesterday - I'm hoping I can last until next Wednesday, I'll need a pep talk for sure to make it.

See ya at Whole Foods!

-Rebecca

Saving your Dollars

SAVED nearly $100.00 in a WEEK

Harris Teeter Triples

Store Trip #1 - SPENT $25.00 SAVED $40.00

This week is TRIPLES at Harris Teeter.  Any coupon up to .99 is tripled in value!  I also picked up my $5.00 gift card for buying Purina Litter and Tidy Cats at Target.   

At Harris Teeter: Presented 18 coupons, all at least $.99 in value.

A few of the Harris Teeter Deals and what I paid for each:  

Ocean Spray Blueberry Cocktail- $.27, French's Mustard - $.50, Duncan Hines Brownie Mix - $.50, Method Soap - .99, Sunsweet Prunes - .63, Dole Pineapple Juice -1.90.

FREE - Athenos Greek Yogurt, Can Black Eye Peas.

I love getting Method and Pineapple Juice discounted.  I buy the juice all the time and it is never on sale and coupons are so hard to get. 

Store Trip #2 - SPENT $30.00 SAVED $50.00

FREE - Prunes, Colgate Toothpaste, Colgate Toothbrush, WASA Crackers.

This was my second strike, if I would not have used coupons, I would have spent $145.00 in one week instead of $55.00.

-Rebecca

Teeter Triples

It's been 14 months since Harris Teeter has offered triple coupon week.  Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.  Beginning this Wednesday, May 18, for one week, Triples are BACK.

All coupons UP TO a face value of .99 will triple.  This means big deals on many items and very often a free deal.  You can only present 20 coupons each day so be mindful of that limit (I have exceeded it and it's a bummer when you do).

It's time to stock up.  Break your trips up over days so you won't be overwhelmed.  Some popular items may be out of stock and, if necessary, the best time to go is around 11 pm when they are restocking (the added bonus is that the market is empty and you can concentrate).  Some of the most helpful Teeter employees are the stockers!

I also noticed that Target is offering a $5 gift card when you buy Purina Cat Food and Tidy Cats Litter Pail, this makes a good deal if you also present coupons.

It's gonna be a fun week.  Have fun - my Friday deal wrap up will be a good one for sure.

-Rebecca

Saving your Dollars

SAVED $100.00 in a WEEK

SPENT $30.00 SAVED $50.00

This week is SUPER DOUBLES at Harris Teeter.  I was really surprised it was Super Doubles already!  YAY.  I also picked up $5.00 of FREE stuff at PetSmart, a box of dog biscuits and a can of cat food.  I had two other coupons that I used for $9.00 off my Blue dog food.   

At Harris Teeter: Presented 16 coupons, all at least $1.00 in value - all doubled.

A few of the Harris Teeter Deals and what I paid for each:  

Eight O'Clock Coffee - $2.15, Blue Bunny Ice Cream - $1.29, El Torito Burritos - .24, Cascade Farms Granola - $1.00.

FREE - Band-Aids, 7th Generation Paper Towels, Colgate Toothpaste, and Starkist Tuna.

Harris Teeter will double up to $1.98 so a $1.50 coupon yields $3.00 off.  WOW.

I love getting Seventh Generation products discounted.  Can't go wrong there.  No one should be buying non-recycled paper products!!!!  This was my second strike, I spend $80.00 the first round and saved $50.00.  That's a total savings of $100.00 in one week. 

SPENT $80.00 SAVED $50.00 

I've always split up my Harris Teeter trips (max 20 coupons and it allows me to really scour the store).

Saving your Dollars

SAVED $45.00 at Harris Teeter

SPENT $27.00 SAVED $45.00

This week is SUPER DOUBLES at the Teeter.  The deals weren't as great as the last Super Doubles round, which seemed to be not too long ago.  I was really surprised it was Super Doubles already!  YAY. 

Presented 13 coupons, all at least $1.00 in value - all doubled.

A few of the Harris Teeter Deals and what I paid for each:  

Kraft Cheese Shredded - $1.00, Welch's Grape Juice - $2.00,  Bertilli Olive Oil Spray - .99, Gluten Free Noodles - .49, Log Cabin Natural Syrup - $3.00, Seventh Gen Paper Towels - $1.99, Seventh Gen Auto Dishwasher Detergent - $2.49, Progresso Soup - .79, Bay Leaves - $1.45, Bestlife Margarine - .59, Silk Almond Milk - $1.59.

FREE - Kraft Cooking Cream Cheese.

Harris Teeter will double up to $1.98 so a $1.50 coupon yields $3.00 off.  WOW.

I love getting Seventh Generation products discounted.  Can't go wrong there.  No one should be buying non-recycled paper products!!!!  Going back Monday to see what I missed and to grab Freschetta Pizza, on sale, I'll end up paying $3.00 with a coupon. I've learned to split up my Harris Teeter trips (max 20 coupons and it allows me to really scour the store).

SUPERMARKET SHOCK OF THE WEEK

How many different Cooking Oil options do we really need?  I've never seen such an array.  It used to be a very small section of the store, pay attention, it now is huge.  I tried to find a particular brand that I had a coupon for and it took me 15 minutes to scan the area.  I finally gave up and used another coupon getting Olive Oil for .99.  It's also really expensive.  I don't use anything other than healthy Olive Oil even in my baking and I can not tell any difference.

 I love hearing about your grocery deals - leave a comment!