My husband thinks I have a major problem: I'm addicted to Target.  I have been for years now...I even worked there in high school.  I feel you are either a Target or Walmart person.  Just like a Coke or Pepsi fan.  I can spot a Target red clearance sticker from a mile away!

In my area, we don't have many options for grocery shopping.  Not even Trader Joe's (tear!) ...just Meijer and Family Fare.  While I can find some deals at those stores, I still find myself spending more than I would like.  A few months ago, once I started using Target Cartwheel, I realized how much cheaper it is to stock up my pantry at Target.  I'm totally kicking myself for not figuring this out sooner!

Here's why!  They have great sale prices, sometimes even lower normal prices to begin with, plus you can triple up coupons.  By using printable Target coupons, the Cartwheel and manufacturer coupons, you're saving TONS of money!

Some tips:

• Read Totally Target before you head out.  This blog is a GREAT tool for finding out what's on sale, what deals are to be found and what coupons you should print.
• Shop Target before the grocery store.  We try to do large monthly grocery trips, supplementing weekly for produce and milk.  On our big trip days, we have a routine: Aldi first, Target and Meijer last.  It's an order of cheapest to most expensive, so by the time we make it to Meijer we just have a few things left on our list.  Costco is also thrown in if it's a month that we need items from there.  Since I try to set a price point for items, I know if it's a good deal at Target or if I should wait for another store.  
• Focus on pantry and dairy. Meat deals can be hit or miss, but pantry items are quite often great prices.  I tend to buy fruit snacks, crackers, canned tomatoes and condiments.  Another deal: dairy.  Yogurt, cheese and almond milk have great prices!  When in the meat section, look for markdown beef or chicken and sales on items like lunchmeat.
• Get your coupons ready ahead of time! As much as I love Cartwheel, it can be time consuming while shopping.  If you have the rest of your coupons organized ahead of time, you'll make your trip much faster.  Don't forget to check your Target mobile coupons too!  I really would love to have Target combine mobile coupons and Cartwheel somehow. 

Do you grocery shop at Target?  Any tips?

How I roll: grocery shopping

I get a lot of questions about my grocery shopping habits.  With the little ones, I can't just run out to the store whenever I want.  Well, I can...but it's not fun.  It turns into a 3 hour event.

I have tried a few different ways of shopping.

When the twins were babies, I would do my shopping weekly.  That was nice, but I found I spent more money because I wasn't really planning too well.  At that time, I was working and we went out to eat a lot more.

Once we moved to Michigan two years ago, our shopping habbits changed once again.  Here, there are no double coupons and food is much more expensive.  I had to really reevaluate how to shop and where to find deals.  Aldi has been such a lifesaver!

After we moved into our house a year ago, we joined Costco and I have changed how I shop yet again.  I try to do one large trip a month and supplement small weekly trips for milk, fruit, and any great deals I find.  Since the girls are eating so much more food now, we really need to shop in bulk.

The day we go shopping, I have a list, coupons and everything I might need all ready to go.  This includes snacks if the girls are with me and I make sure all of the Mperks I might need are uploaded to my account.  

On my list, I make sure every item with a coupon is marked.  I used to organize my coupons in an accordion file, but I have switched to the binder method.   I'm adding a post about that later this week!

We usually make three stops: Costco, Aldi and Meijer.  I like that order because I usually have the least amount of items to buy at Meijer.  Costco covers the big bulk items, Aldi covers the stock-up pantry items, chicken and produce and whatever we have left is at Meijer.  Yes, this takes about 3 hours but I am basically done for the month!  

If the kids come, Ricky is great at keeping them moving.  They love to get their free cookie at Meijer and a hot dog at Costco.  Hey, whatever keeps them happy!

This method has been such a lifesaver!  I have found that I can plan meals easier and having a stocked pantry is such a time saver.  I will admit, by the end of some months, I have run out of a few items.  But that is what All Recipes is for!  I use the simple ingredient search and I can find new meals to make in minutes. 

How do you shop?  Did it change drastically after having kids?

 

Make sure you check out my 2 giveaways going on right now...and stop back tomorrow for another exciting one!

Favorite things from Costco

We love the double carts at Costo, although we still need two now that G is sitting up.

It's pretty obvious we love Costco.  I have started to do my shopping monthly and our first trip is always to Costco (followed by Aldi).  They have great prices and we love the food samples....it helps keep the kids from squirming too much!  At first we weren't sure if the membership was worth the money, since you can't use coupons there, but we have learned it saves us so much money!  Now that we have been members for a year, we have tried out so many great products.  We have way more than five favorites, but I narrowed it down to must-haves (kind of...).  You know I love to ramble, especially when it comes to talking about shopping.

Here's my Top 5:

1. Bread/Carbs.  We love the organic wheat 2-packs.  For $3.99, it freezes well and is perfect for everyday sandwiches.  We also love the pita pockets, pizza crust, English muffins, sandwich thins and Flatout wraps.  Let's face it, we will never be on a carb-free diet!
2. Produce.  If you have little ones who eat like I do, the produce is amazing.  We buy the big bags of broccoli, berries, whole pineapples and sweet potatoes.  We freeze a lot, too.  If you search on Pinterest, you can find out how to freeze anything!
3. Ground Turkey.  It's our favorite lean ground type and it is only $2.99 lb.  We don't eat much beef, so we stock up when we go.
4. Alcohol.  If you are a wine drinker, be sure to shop at Costco.  The prices are great!  Also, big bottles of alcohol are at amazing prices.  We stocked up for the wedding and saved major money.
5. Kid Snacks.  Although I don't usually like to buy snack bags, they are actually cheaper by ounce this way at Costco.  Our favorites are Annie's bunnies and Veggie Straws.  Perfect for on-the-go or picnics.

Honorable mentions: Baby wipes, chicken stock, pesto and Prego sauce.

What do you love to buy at Costco?

Warehouse stores: good for bargain shoppers?

We just joined Costco.  I love that place!  Since the twins eat like little football players, it was a good idea for us to buy more items in bulk.  I feel the quality of coupons has gone a bit downhill lately and I haven't been able to stock up on products like granola bars and kiddie type food.  At least at Costco we can guarantee we get a decent price on certain items.  Plus they have the double cart for the girls to ride in, which no stores have around here.   It makes it so much easier to shop. 

You do have to be careful in warehouse stores.  It really helps if you break down each item and see if it is really a good deal.  Here are some quick tips that I have for buying in bulk.

• With any bargain shopping, it is best to know how much is a good price for an item.  Some people keep price notebooks, but I don't have enough motivation for that! It's easy enough to just keep a mental note.  Try to remember sizes as much as you can.  I call these my price points.  It's good to have these mental notes to know when you should stock up on an item.  As always, coupons may vary, so a general price range is efficient enough.
• Example: I know my price point for jarred spaghetti sauce is $0.75, and its usually around 20 oz.  At Costco they have the huge containers for a much better bargain.
• Be realistic.  Can you really eat THAT much before it goes bad?
• We made this mistake with tortilla chips (which we don't buy anymore), and the 2 lb bag didn't stay fresh for long.  Duh!  
• Don't forget to look at their clothes and gift items!
• They have Carter's sleepers for the kids for $7, which is an AMAZING price.  They only get cheaper if you buy them off season on clearance
• Check out the produce section!  
• I found 3 lb packs of cubed squash for $3.99.  At Meijer a 12 oz package is $2.99.  Such a great bargain.  You can steam it, roast it or use it for baby food.  It also freezes well.
• Pineapple and avocados are also cheap.
• Just remember to think about how much you can actually use.  I love the price of the organic lettuce, but there is no way I could finish it before it got soggy.
• The price of batteries and light-bulbs can't be beat.  We got enough energy efficient bulbs for our entire house (about 20) for less than $10!  Batteries are great to stock up on this time of year with kids around.  You can get about 20 for $13.
• Just want to check out the prices?  You can get a guest pass to browse (but you can't buy). I have heard if you don't have a membership, you can buy a gift card and use that to pay.  That is a great idea for someone who may not need to shop there regularly.  You can load up a gift card for $25 and get what you need and pay the difference on a separate card.  I would research this a bit though, because I have just heard this on other bargain blogs.

Do you have any warehouse shopping tips?  I would love to know what you buy!

Quick tip: what to do with markdown bananas

Do you ever see these in the grocery store? They are almost always available!

A lot of times, with markdown fruit you don't know what to do.  Most people assume the bananas inside the yucky peels are bruised, but for the most part they are perfectly fine!

What do you do with them?  Peel and freeze for smoothies, breads and other recipes.  You can save a ton of money this way!  I am addicted to frozen bananas in smoothies because they have a much creamier texture.

Other great items to pick up on markdown: meat, yogurt, zucchini, spinach/lettuce, mangoes, berries, potatoes and onions.

I peel and freeze them like this.  If they are flat like this, they barely take up freezer space.  Just take one banana out when you need it!

Do you hunt for those big Manager's Special stickers like I do?  I get so excited when I have a coupon to match!


Other posts you might like:

• What to do with grocery markdowns
• Smoothies (although I am posting an easier one this week!)

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Aldi for beginners

Happy Saturday y'all!  Are you going grocery shopping today? Read this first!

Aldi is one of my favorite grocery stores.  In the past, I've written an "Ode to Aldi".

I know I can't buy everything I need, but I can get great deals on staples.  As I was strolling down the aisles there yesterday, I saw an Aldi newbie looking confused and excited at the same time.  A huge light bulb went off in my head: I need to break Aldi down!  A lot of people are scared to go there and you really shouldn't be!  Here are my tips!

1. Always keep a quarter in your car.  You will need it for the cart!
• Don't forget your handy reusable bags too! You can also buy them there or find boxes within.
2. Shop here first, you can cross off a lot of your list
3. Don't be afraid to browse or try something new.  Here are my favorite items (just in case you didn't see my last post):
• I am a Kraft mac n' cheese girl, but their version HAS to be the same!  Its super yummy and at least 50 cents cheaper!
• Fit n' Active brand: chicken stock, egg beaters...pretty much everything is great
• Frozen chicken: tenderloin/breast and whole chickens.  Much cheaper than other grocery stores and I feel they are juicier! 
• Ground turkey
• Frozen burger patties.  I know grilling season is pretty much over, but these are great to have on hand
• For the kids: fruit snacks, granola bars, chicken nuggets
• Frozen veggies & fruit
• Bread, especially buns
4. If you really like an item, you may want to consider stocking up!  (Not crazy Extreme Couponing style, but you know what I mean!)
• I fell in love with their ranch rice cakes when I was pregnant and they are rarely there anymore!  If I see them, I buy at least 5 bags. 
5. Although they have sale ads, most of their prices are always the same.  I love this because you always know what to expect. 
• They don't accept coupons, but they really aren't needed anyway!

I could go on forever!  If you have never been, visit your local store!

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Going Green? Organic savings!

It seems as if everyone is "going green" these days.  The only problem is knowing what to buy or how to save money.  I try to go organic whenever possible, but for the most part the products are way above what I like to spend.  Through doing a little research I have found a few great resources for organic/green coupons. 

1. Mambo Sprouts:  Coupons available online and about 4 times a year you get a mailer to your house with more coupons.  
2. Whole Foods : We no longer have one to shop at in our area, but if you are fortunate enough to have one, check out their website!  There are great recipes AND they have a ton of coupons on their website which you can use at other stores too.  They have an email list to join which you can get coupons to print off, too.  Always check in the front of the store while visiting for more coupons, too.
3. Muir Glen: I love their fire roasted tomatoes and their coupons go great with sales. Here is a great recipe for fire roasted tomatoes that I love in the summer months for a light meal.  Make sure you make the rice, too!
4. Seventh Generation: Cleaning products have been a new venture for me, I always seem to find deals on this brand and they always have great coupons. I didn't like their diapers, but the wipes and kitchen sprays are great.  The laundry detergent is amazing, but always so expensive!  
• Green Works is another brand (by Clorox)
• Don't forget, you can also clean by using baking soda.  I know, I know...it doesn't have a pretty smell, but it works! 
5. Earth's Best: Although I made (and will make again soon enough!) a majority of my baby food, I really liked their line of products and the variety.  Although they are a bit pricier, they have a lot of sales and just sent them an email for a bunch of coupons mailed to you!  
• If you are interested in trying Earth's Best, send me an email for some free product coupons! I have 10 to give away!
6. Store brands!  You may have noticed some store brands which have organic options, like at Meijer, Copps, Target, Cub and Walmart.  With the store brands, there is a good chance there will be sales or discounts without coupons. Do some price checking though, you can sometimes get name brands cheaper with sales + a coupon!
7. Earthbound Farms:  This is hands down my favorite organic produce brand.  I always have coupons and they have great sales at most grocery stores. Sign up for their mailing list and you will get coupons.
8. Cascadian Farms: Frozen veggies, canned soups, cereal.  Always coupons available on major coupon websites.  Click the link for some!

When I was making the baby food for the girls, I was more focused on buying all organic food for them, but after research, I found I should only buy certain things organic.  Here are some quick tips:

• When you are buying fruits and veggies, just buy organic for foods that you eat while (ie: anything you eat the skin of-- apples, pears, etc).  This tip helped me a lot and saved a lot of money!  The main thing I buy organic is spinach and lettuce, since the chemical level in those items tend to be higher than bananas or something. 
• Since the summer months are coming up soon (hopefully....), check out your local farmers markets for local products.  That's the best way to get fresh produce without gardening yourself!  I will really miss the Madison one, but I've heard the Grand Rapids market is fun too.  Not sure where to go?  Check out this farmers market finder.  So helpful!
• I know that organic products are not really something you think of as being for smaller budgets or cheap.  More and more coupons and sales are out there and once you start looking, you may realize going green is cheaper than you think!!  Companies know that people's budgets are tight, so simply emailing your favorite brands (or brands you are interested in) will result in some savings. 

Do you have any tips or websites I might like?  Let me know!

Why I love Aldi...

I thought I would re-post this, since I truly love Aldi that much! 


For some reason I feel Aldi has a bad reputation, but there are some really great reasons to shop there.  Their prices on produce and dairy cant be beat and their Fit n' Active brand has some great healthy products.  The only downfall is that their prices and stock is not always consistent.  When I'm grocery shopping, I tend to go there first, just in case they are out of something for the day.  Also, you have to bring your own bags or purchase them there (or find big boxes).  Here are some great products to buy at Aldi and discount prices:

1. Baking supplies: flour, sugar, vanilla, oil are always in stock and they have great prices, especially around the holidays.
2. Frozen Foods: boneless chicken breasts, frozen veggies, whole frozen chickens, fruit (great in smoothies), chicken fingers, potstickers... the list could go on.  They have a great freezer department, epecially the Fit n Active products
3. Pantry staples: rice, chicken stock (especially in the cartons), tortillas, canned beans, green chiles etc
4. Produce: seasonal produce is unpredictable, but anything in stock is always really fresh and at great prices
5. Dairy: cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt

If you aren't already a shopper, I would check it out.  If you are looking to save some money, its worth at least one trip!

What to do with grocery store markdowns: recipes & tips!

I love any deal, but grocery markdowns are one of my favorite ways to save.  By markdown, I mean products on clearance or "manager specials" throughout the store.  Im such a dork that I get super excited when I see those orange stickers.  Maybe I need a life?  Anyway, I thought I would give some tips on what to do with some commonly found markdowns, as well as some great recipes I've come across.  Before buying anything, make sure there are no brown spots on meat, dents in cans or moldy produce!

• Bananas.  I actually like slightly brown bananas over ripe, but when I see a big bag of them I get them for two reasons: bread and smoothies.  Check back in a few days for my smoothie tips.  
• Banana Oatmeal Bread (from allrecipes.com) This is a new favorite and its amazing as bread or muffins!  It freezes well, too.  Just cover in foil and then a freezer bag (after cooking, of course).  I don't use shortening, I substitute 1/2 cup of applesauce and 1/2 c of butter, as a review suggested.
• Peppers. 
• With bell peppers I slice them and freeze for pasta, stir fry, fajitas or whole for stuffed peppers.  When you defrost them, make sure you let them drain liquid.  They loose their crispness, but the flavor remains when you use them for cooking.  
• Jalapenos and other spicy peppers also freeze well, but I try to use them right away.  My aunt gave me a great recipe for stuffed peppers, if you are interested, message me! 
• Meat.  I love finding chicken, pork roasts, sausages, or more expensive cuts of meat like flank steaks or NY strips on markdowns.  If you freeze them right away, they are okay for months. 
•  If you watch the Food Network, Tyler's Ultimate has great recipes.  Here is one for a pot roast.  So delicious!
• Ground beef or turkey can be made into meatloaf or burger patties.
• Italian sausage freezes well both raw and cooked.
• When I first bought a pork roast I had no idea what to do with it.  I find slow cookers are the best route for tender results.  This pulled pork recipe from allrecipes.com (can you tell I love this website?) gets a lot of compliments.  I usually add more of my favorite bbq sauce to it.
• Chicken the best bargain, especially if it happens to be Gold n' Plump because there are always coupons for it.  
• Flank steak is a great marinade & grill steak.  Slice it thin for tacos or just sliced with potatoes works too. 
• Avocados.  I can eat guacamole every day, I love it so much.  If you happened to miss my "Healthier Guac" recipe, you should try it!  It can be frozen too!  When I find bags of 12 avocados, I make huge batches and freeze them in cup sized portions.  Make sure you add a bit of extra lemon or lime juice.
• Berries & other fruit.  We fly through fruit around here, so finding edible fruit on markdown is a jackpot (sometimes fruit on markdown is mushy or almost moldy).  
• I freeze strawberries, blueberries and raspberries for smoothies. 
• Apples can be made into applesauce or apple cake or bread. 
• Canned goods: stock is a great find!
• Veggies. 
• Corn can be sliced off of the cobb and frozen.  Rachael Ray has a great corn chowder recipe that we love, also. 
• Zucchini doesn't freeze well by itself, but if it is mixed with other veggies for a stirfry mix it will be okay.
• Broccoli freezes or you can make soup first, then freeze.  I do recommend cutting it first. 
• Bread.  There is always day old bread which you can make garlic bread with (just combine minced garlic, butter and Italian seasoning) or bread crumbs super fast.  Both freeze well. 

There are many other great finds out there, but this should get you started.  Don't be scared of trying new recipes.  You can also find products or foods you would may have always wanted to try on markdown.

Keep your eyes peeled when you are shopping, you can find some great deals! If you need some suggestions or recipes, message me.  I have many saved!