The Plan: Week One

I'm ready for my first shopping day of my new challenge!

I should mention that this amount does not include medications or vitamins.

I have my list ready, my coupons in hand, and a plan!

I must admit, I am going to six different stores. Yes, SIX! One of them I don't normally go to at all, but when there is FREE stuff to be had...........well.....

Here is my plan:

My local Oakwood market
2.50 for a case of water! Can't be beat!
Whole grain waffles 1.00
Total: 3.50

Target
They have poptarts, 12 count, 4/9 and you get back a 5 dollar gift card. That makes them 4. Then I have two 1/2 coupons. That makes them 2. Then there are .50 cent Target coupons. That makes them FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kroger
I have to go here anyway to get a free Redbox movie, so I decided to see what deals could be found. I have read around the 'net that they have Cottonelle for 99 cents, and I have three .50 cent coupons to be doubled ---- so I will check the price. Same with Silk Soy Milk. I have a 2.25 coupon, and if the price is under 3.00, I will buy that as well. Finally, my daughter and I LOVE salads, especially 'fancy' ones -- and they have Fresh Express Salad Mixes BIGIF and I have a .50 cent off (which will be doubled) - so around 1.00 per bag. Total: Between 2.29-3.00

Save A Lot
I do the bulk of my shopping here.
Taco Shells
Tomato Paste
Diced tomatoes
Salt
Garlic
Honey
Ramen Noodles
Kidney beans
2 single serve corned beef
2 single serve turkey
Penne
2 chicken noodle soup
Carrots
Bananas
Total: About 14 dollars

Walgreens
Excedrin Migraine 2.00 x2, use two 2.00 off coupons, get another 2 dollars on rebate (free +2)
Crest Prohealth Mouthwash 4.50-1.00 q, get 4.50 back in RR (free+1)
Lypsyl Lip Moisturizer 2.00 get 2.00 in rebate (free)
Total: FREE + 3.00

CVS
Arnicare Pain Relief Gel 8.99 - 2.00 Q, get 8.99 in ECB (free +2)
2 Dawn Hand Renewal 1.98 -2q (free)
Spend another 4 dollars (not sure on what yet)
Total: 15 - coupons = 11, minus 2/10 cvs coupon = 9, pay with 9 dollars ECB.
(Total FREE and earn 8.99 in ECB!)

So my total for cash out of pocket for the week is: Right around 25 dollars.

HOWEVER, I've made:

5.00 Target gift card
8.99 in ECB
4.00 in Walgreen's rebates
4.50 in register rewards!!!!!
Total: 23.50!!!!!!

I should also mention that yesterday I sent in my (about) 20 dollar Walgreen August rebate, a 10 dollar Kellogg's rebate, and after this shopping trip I will send in for about a 25 dollar Walgreen's September rebate! (I purchased about 20 dollars' worth of rebate stuff last week when they had a 10 off of 40 dollar purchase)

That's my plan for week one. Can I do it? And what will I be cooking?

I should also remind you that all of these stores are within a 2-mile radius. It wouldn't be worth it if they were not in one small loop.

I will post pictures and my meal plan later on tonight!

The Frugal Apprentice