I’m back! Thank you for hanging with me last week. It’s amazing how I couldn’t get into a blogging groove. I guess that speaks to what a great, disconnected week it was. Before I get back to it, can I mention one more thing about the beach?
Hailey, who started the week off having to be held the entire time at the beach, transformed into a beach bug by the end of the week. She ran in and out of tide pools with her cousins, jumped the waves with giggles and didn’t even need sandals. I was so proud!
We got home Saturday and my inner food nerd could not WAIT to get to the grocery store. First, came meal planning.
Burgers with Avocado, Grilled Corn, Sliced Peppers and Baked Beans
Asian Style Ground Chicken Sloppy Joe’s with Broccoli Slaw Salad
Grilled Salmon, Asparagus and Roasted Red Potatoes
Grilled Tomato Basil Paninis with Grilled Zucchini
This week’s list was a little extensive because I also needed to pick up laundry detergent, homemade frozen breakfast components (recipe coming soon!), food for my Thursday segment on WCCB Rising and a little extra food for dinner guests, who turned out to be excellent corn shucking helpers.
This week’s grocery list:
Produce
blueberries (1 pint)
scallions (1 bunch)
ginger (1 squeeze tube)
broccoli slaw (1 bag)
cilantro (1 bunch)
avocado (2)
limes (2)
peaches (2)
red potatoes (15)
zucchini (2)
tomatoes (5)
salad greens
cherry tomatoes (1 pint)
cucumber (1)
red peppers (3)
bananas
lettuce shreds
carrots (1 large bag)
celery
raisins (6 pack)
craisins (6 pack)
corn (9 ears)
asparagus (1 bunch)
Proteins
ground turkey (1 lb)
wild caught salmon (12 ounces)
black beans (1 can)
turkey breakfast sausage
Dairy
mozzarella cheese
cheddar slices
cream cheese
whole milk (1 carton)
goat cheese crumbles
eggs (2 dozen)
Blue Bell ice cream (1 gallon)
Other
laundry detergent
sesame oil
wheat buns
wheat deli thins
sriracha
Clif bars
wheat english muffins
Udi’s bread (2 loaves)
guacamole
hummus
black olives
Hmmm, perhaps writing out my entire list was a bit excessive? Oh well, it’s done. First, I hit up Josh’s Farmers Market.
Here is where I bought a majority of my produce, plus eggs. I used a $5 off coupon that I always know where to find in a local coupon clipper magazine for a grand total of $31.73. I get really excited about coupons at the farmers market. Who knew such a thing even existed?
From there, I got a little wild.
I usually hit up Target or Harris Teeter, but ventured over to a newish Lowe’s Foods on a whim. I was impressed with their selection of organic and high quality products. I picked up these new-to-me Organic Valley singles-
Loved ‘em!
Several products I already buy were on sale (Udi’s gluten free bread, Wholly Guacamole and laundry detergent). I’m not into extreme couponing, but I happened to have one coupon for $1.00 off La Bonne Vie goat cheese. I learned that Lowe’s always doubles coupons up to $0.99, so it ended up being $2 off.
The Meyer’s laundry detergent was on sale ($13.99 instead of $16.99) and had a $2 coupon attached. Since it was super double coupon week (another new-to-me concept), the whole thing doubled, giving me $4 off the sales price. The whole jug for $9.99 is a freaking GREAT deal.
Several products had attached coupons, so after a few more happy surprise discounts, and I ended up with a cart total of $114.85.
This week’s total was $146.58.
For all the excess I picked up ($7 ice cream?!), I’m thrilled with the total. Maybe I do understand a bit of the couponing high. However, considering most coupons are for over processed junk, I doubt I’ll be jumping on board anytime soon.
Are you a couponer?
Any tips for finding coupons for healthy foods?
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
I’ve had weeks like that! It is a nice surprise 😉
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I’m usually not a couponer because I find that most things that I buy there aren’t usually coupons for. Whenever I try to coupon, I end up buying things I don’t really need. However, I am ALL about being a couponer for diapers in the future. Holy diapers…. I can see John hyperventilating every time anyone mentions how many diapers we’re going to go through. 😉
Brittany Dixon says
I think I hyperventilate when I think about how many diapers you will need 😉
I have a friend who swears by Amazon prime for diapers. Somehow she finagles it into getting a serious discount. I should ask her more about it so I can share…
Erica says
Ooh could you share the Asian Style Sloppy Joe recipe?
I love when I can use a coupon but I feel like you – they are always for junk food that we don’t buy. Now if I could find a coupon for $0.50 off some produce, I’d be all over it!
Brittany Dixon says
It’s a new recipe I’m trying, so if it’s a winner I will definitely share it!
KaraHadley says
I’m not an extreme couponer, but I have been “couponing” for about a year now. It’s pretty hard to find coupons for anything besides boxed cake mixes and weird meat, so I mainly end up couponing for household stuff, like laundry detergent and paper towels and body wash. If I can get those things for cheap it helps offset the cost of eating good food.
There are two online coupon resources that I have found with more natural coupons — CommonKindness.com and MamboSprouts.com. They don’t have a ton of coupons, but they’re really the best ones I’ve found.
Brittany Dixon says
I am definitely going to check out those natural coupon sites, thanks! And it is a good idea to coupon at least for household items. It makes so much sense! I need to get on it.
Katie says
I was going to suggest the same websites! Just like Kara said- I coupon when I can find them for natural and organic products I already buy- Stoneyfield often has them on their website as well (you just have to create an account to print them. But I agree that most of the coupons in the Sunday paper are for crap that I don’t want to eat or feed my family! It’s a bummer but I DO think I have seen more coupons for organic items lately- hopefully it’s a positive trend! Oh and the Harris Teeter Super Doubles is usually where I get the best deals with my coupons. 🙂
Chelsea says
I’m not a big couponer because of the coupons for junk food factor, but I just did a few coupon clippings this weekend and saved maybe $5-$8 which is a whole lot, but it helps. Most of the coupons I use are more for home product items like toilet paper and detergent, but I recently discovered Target’s Cartwheel. Now, it’s only 5-10% off of items which is like 5 cents off for some things, but they actually have these for fresh produce. Not to mention their strawberies this week were only $1.99, that is a crazy deal for strawberries + the 5 cents off helped. Definitely check out Cartwheel if you already shop at Target. You download the app on your phone – select your coupons and no printing or clipping needed!
Brittany Dixon says
I have NOT heard of this Cartwheel app you speak of, but am looking it up STAT. Sounds right up my alley with no clipping and carrying! Thank you!
Jen says
I alwys said couponing wasnt for me and its mainly for junk/processed food…but a friend of mine started teaching me the tricks and now I am completely obsessed. I didn’t change what I buy, just when I buy. coupons and sales are typically on a cycle…so the same deals repeat (for example – wholly guacamole has new coupons every 3 months) AND most items will go on sale prior to the expiration…so sit on the coupon till you see a sale – then wham! you just got a killer deal. My grocery store does $8 off and $10 coupons for your whole trip AND occasional fresh produce coupons.
I could go on forever. lol. It definitly is a high. It’s my “game” I play for fun.
Brittany Dixon says
What you are describing is exactly what I’d love to learn more about. When people say they have a coupon, wait for the sale, go on a super double coupon day and basically get something for free, well, it just blows my mind. Hopefully I’ll find some time to look into it. Thanks!
Oh, and I did just get a coupon from Lowe’s for $6 off my next purchase of $50 or more, which is pretty cool 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I definitely love using coupons when I can find them for healthy foods. Most often, I use them for things like almond milk, cereal, and Larabars, but the other day I found one for Driscoll’s berries and I was beyond excited! 😉
Also, those paninis on your meal plan sound awesome! I hope you post a picture and the recipe because I can imagine that they will be awesome!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
I’m not an extreme couponer either, but occasionally I’ll find a coupon for something I need. Like Chels said above, it’s rare that I’ll have a coupon for something I actually need. A lot of the things I see coupons for is stuff that I could go without.
After looking at your meal plan for the week, I totally forgot about baked beans! I need to add those in our meal rotation soon.
Leila @ Spinach and Skittles says
I’ve never been a big couponer. But I do use the Safeway App because I can load the coupons directly on to my card and I don’t have to cut them, store them, and find them later. I wish my local grocery stores doubled, maybe I’d put more effort into couponing! And man, Farmer’s Market coupons?! So cool!
Parita says
I’m pretty much in the same boat as everyone else. I love a good deal but find that most of the coupons available are for the things that I don’t buy…ever! Every now and then, I’ll find a few good ones, but it’s rare.
Meredith says
I used to feel the same way about couponing, but I’ve found that you can find coupons for more natural products. It just involves a little more digging. Udi’s has coupons on their website occasionally. I just printed out a $1.00 coupon before reading this. Earthbound farms emails coupons every Tuesday too. And if you sign up for the Target mobile coupons they usually have $1 off fresh fruit and a $1 off fresh vegetables. Recyclebank has Earth Fare coupons, $5 off $25, $10 off $50 and $20 off $100. Hope this was helpful 🙂
Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says
That is sooooo cool that you get a coupon for the farmer’s market! I wish that was a norm everywhere. I tend to not coupon much because it is usually for more processed foods. Every once in a while I’ll find one I can use, but it’s not very often.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
I wish I was a couponer!
Andrea Seaner says
Once in a while coupons.com will have organic/natural coupons for brands like Cascadian Farms, Muir Glen, etc. I also get coupons for household and beauty items there. Just printed out a $1.50 off coupon for Huggies swim diapers. Last time I had a coupon they were also on sale at Target and I got a pack for $7.99.
Whole Foods prints coupons in their “Whole Deal” newsletter and you can also print them from their website.
Sara N says
I look for coupons on store shelves, on products and on the back of my receipts. This is how it works for me.
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
I wish I was better at couponing. I’ve watched a few episodes from that show “Extreme Couponing” and went into a frenzy for a span of a few hours trying to find some fab coupons, but eventually ended up giving up ;). That’s willpower for ya hahah!
Katie D. says
Check out moneysavingmom.com, she posts links to printable coupons including natural/organic products. There are also match-ups so that you can pick the store you shop on and see how the sales and available coupons match-up for optimal savings! She is a great resource!!
char eats greens says
Those are some amazing couponing skills you got this week!! I swear the couponing isn’t as good in Canada, but I did manage to find one really good site for natural stuff (I’m going to quickly leave the link for any other Canadian’s commenting on this post haha: http://thehealthyshopper.ca)
I try and go to that site whenever I know I need a product that they offer a coupon for (they almost never change the brands for their coupons which sucks, but luckily they offer a lot of the brands we buy anyways – So Delicious, anyone?!?)
Christie says
Lots of good tips and advice above- taking notes!
I always use the $5 off coupons at Josh’s! If I see them I make sure to put them in my car, as I tend to randomly stop off there when we’ve ventured out (i.e. when kids are being easy). I dislike getting my fruits and veggies from other places, as they’re never as good and always more expensive (a reason why I am not a big fan of Lowe’s).
I have a few sites I check before shopping and also have signed up for daily emails from a few shopping deal specific blogs like ChaChing On a ShoeString and Common Sense With Money. Both list lots of different deals, everything from general shopping to groceries, but also include specific deals on organic and healthy living sales, not to mention when to stack different coupons and deals.
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
I tried couponing a few months back. I subscribed to our local paper on Sundays only, got myself a binder and the plastic inserts for the coupons and was ready to go, I just never found the time to do it.
I always thought that it was only something that you could use towards more processed foods and that was disappointing, but I’ve read otherwise (as other commentors have said). It comes down to finding the time for me!!
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