Adventures in couponing...

I've been following a few money-saving mommy blogs lately, such as Deal-Seeking Mom, $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge, and Southern Savers, and have been inspired to try my hand at couponing. I've always thought that couponing wasn't worth doing, since I usually buy store or generic brand items and it appeared that using a coupon here or there on national brands wouldn't be worth my while. But OH MY, there are some really crafty mamas out there who take couponing to a whole new level.

Taking advantage of their hard work in scouring the deals at various stores, I ventured out on my first Walgreens and Publix couponing extravaganza. Here is a picture of all the loot I got:

**Updated- I also got 2 cans of Grands biscuits but forgot to get them out of the fridge for the picture **

Total value- over $60

Paid out of pocket- $11 (whoohoo)


I realized after the fact that if I had changed the order of how I purchased things at walgreens, I would have saved an extra $2. But not bad for a beginner.

I was really excited because CVS also had some great deals this week, but learned my lesson that you have to get there early for these deals. There were 2 items that were "moneymakers" and were key to my whole plan... they were of course sold out by Monday evening when I got a chance to go. Oh well. I'll try again next week if they have some good stuff we need on sale.

My rule for couponing right now is that I cannot buy something that we would not normally buy/use unless it is free or a money maker.

I think I will go back to Walgreens for more cereal ($1/box) and Publix for more pasta ($0.32/box) since they are such a good deal.

I know this is outside my normal topics for blogging, but I was very proud of myself today and wanted to share! Here's to saving money!!