Keeping A Price Book

How a Price Books saves money:
This works on the bulk buying principle.  When you find the very best price you can, you buy in bulk to "lock in" that price for yourself for as long as that price lasts you. For example, a few weeks ago Hy-Vee had a sale on shredded cheese, $1.00 per 8 oz. package. This was really a HELL of a deal, as I regularly pay $1.99 for 8oz of cheese at Aldi or on sale other places. I have payed upwards of $2.49 for 8oz of cheese when I was in a pinch and needed it right away for an event.

I bought TWELVE 8oz bags of shredded cheese. That seems crazy, right? Let me tell you why I did that. The expiration date on the bags were all August 2014 or later. So I calculated how much cheese I would use between now and August.  2 bags a month was my (conservative) estimate, so I bought enough cheese to maybe last us the 6 months, effectively locking in my cheese cost for the next 6 months at $1.00 per 8oz.

Had I not had a price book, I may not have realized what a great deal this was. I knew within seconds that I had been recently paying $1.99 or more for 8oz of cheese, so I could easily see this was HALF PRICE CHEESE and folks, it doesn't get better than that.

How I Keep My Price Book:
Since I've now got a 3rd eater at my house, it was high time for me to pick up the price book I started a few years ago and make it work. My original book was paper/pencil, though I've now advanced to an iPhone app: ValueTracker, which costs $0.99.  The buck was worth it to me to always have my price book with me (since I've always got my phone.)  The price book doesn't really work unless you always have it with you when you are at stores.

I put in prices using my receipt after I get home, and calculate the per unit (ounce, pound, whatever) price. I also update prices using the weekly sale flyers. If I used a coupon I note that (though really I don't use coupons often).  (I Plan to share my personal price book here soon!)


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Grocery Deal Round Up: 5/2 - 5/8

Both Aldi and HyVee had big ads this week with a lot of picnic/ grilling foods and things, I didn’t list them all here, so be sure to look at their ads if you are in the market for those items. Also HyVee has a lot of paper goods (cups, napkins, tp, etc.) on sale, so check the ad for those as well.  All the stores have sales on frozen chicken breast this week, but I've done the research for you and HyVee has the best price with their store ad coupon.  Is it just me or is HyVee starting to be a real contender? The only thing they lack, in my opinion, are great deals on produce. See also the monthly sale items for May.

The frugal recipe this week from Romance on a Dime is Spring Salad with Grilled Veggies. Check it out!

 

Avocados- $0.29/ea @ Aldi

Bananas- $0.19/lb @ Checkers

Broccoli Crowns- $0.78/lb @ Checkers

Carrots- $1.98/ 5lb bag @ Checkers

Carrots (baby)- $0.88/lb @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Corn- $1/ 3 ($0.33 ea) @ Checkers

Grapes (Red)- $1.88/lb @Checkers

Mangoes- $0.29/ ea @ Aldi

Mushrooms (Monterey, sliced)- $1.49/ 8oz pk @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Pears- $0.99/ 4 pk @ Aldi

Peppers (hot varieties)- $0.68/lb @ Checkers

Strawberries- $0.99/lb @ Aldi

Tomatoes- Roma- $0.99/ 20oz pk @ Aldi

Bacon (Farmland)- $3.99/ 16oz @HyVee

Beef Chuck Filet (bacon wrapped)- $5/2 @ Dillons

Beef Franks (Farmland)- $0.98/ea

Cauliflower Florets (frozen)- $1.39/lb bag @ HyVee

Chicken (whole fryer)- $0.69/lb @ Aldi (WEDS ONLY)

Chicken (breasts frozen)- $3.99/ 2.5/lb @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Cottage Cheese- $0.88/ea @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Eggs- $10/ 10 ($1.00/ea) @ Dillons OR $0.88/ea @ HyVee May 3 & 4 only

Smart Ones frozen meals- $10/6 ($1.66/ea) @ Dillons

Three Bean Salad (can)- $0.99/ea @ Aldi

Tomato Sauce- $1/4 ($0.25 ea) @ HyVee (coupon in store ad)

Turkey Franks- $1.29/pk @ Aldi

Vegetables (frozen, Kroger)- $10/10 ($1.00ea) @ Dillons

Yogurt (Kroger)- $1/ 3 @ Dillons



photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/631904

May Month-by-Monthy Guide to Sales

Here is your reminder- look for these deals as the stores cycle into the new month!

May

Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad Greens
Paper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, Sunscreen
Cinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillas, tomatoes, peppers
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1376127

Grocery Deals Round-Up: 4/18 - 4/24

Lots of good deals on meats/ proteins this week. Also, HyVee is doing a "Buy 10 items in ad/save $10-COUPON for next visit" Sale- some items include popcorn, peanut butter, nuts, snack bars, etc. See their ad for more details. 
The coordinating frugal recipe from Romance on a Dime this week is Braised Chicken Gumbo- check it out and let us know how you liked it!
 
Asparagus- $1.68/ lb @ Checkers
Blackberries- $2.49/ 12oz @ Target
Broccoli- $0.79/ 16 oz tray @ Aldi
Carrots (baby)- $0.88/ 1 lb bag @ Checkers
Cauliflower- $0.79/ ea @ Aldi
Kiwi- 5/ $1.00 @ Checkers
Mushrooms- $0.79/ 8oz tray @ Aldi
Onions (Sweet Vidalia)- $0.59/lb @ Checkers
Peppers (Multi-Color pack)- $0.99/ 3 peppers @ Aldi
Zucchini- $0.99/ 3-ct tray @ Aldi

Boca Burgers- $2.89/ box @ Aldi
Chicken (thighs or drumsticks)- $0.88/lb @Checkers
Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts or thighs)- $1.99/lb @ Dillons
Eggs- $1.18/ dozen @ HyVee
Feta Cheese (Athenos)- $2.50/ea @ Dillons
Pork (Sirloin roast or chops)- $1.28/lb @Checkers
Sausage (Bratwurst, etc.)- $2.69/ 5pk @ Aldi
Steak (Bonless Top Sirloin)- $3.48/lb econo pk @ Checkers
Tea (Arizona brand, Arnold Palmer)- $2.69/ gallon @ Aldi
Tilapia filets (frozen econo pk)- $6.98 / 2lb pk @ Checkers OR HyVee

Bath Tissue- Charmin Basic 36 Rolls- $14.99 @ Target (I think this is a great deal if you have the storage!)

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/977600

Grocery Deals Round-Up 4/11 - 4/17

This is the week to stock up on chicken. Lots of good deals on difference cuts of chicken at a few different places. Also though I don't usually include these types of items, there are lots of great prices on garden/yard stuff at Aldi this week- check out the ad for more details: Aldi Weekly Ad for Lawrence.

This week's coordinating frugal recipe from Romance on a Dime is Wine & Tomato Braised Chicken. Try it out and let us know what you think!

Avocados (Hass)- $0.98/ea @ Checkers
Broccoli Crowns- $0.78/lb @ Checkers
Brussels Sprouts- $0.99/lb @ HyVee
Grapes (red seedless)- $1.88/lb @ Dillons
Mangoes- $0.59/ea @ Aldi OR Checkers
Onions (Yellow)- $0.98/ 3lb bag @ Checkers
Pears (Anjou)- $0.79/ pk of 4 @ Aldi
Peppers (Red)- $0.69/ea @ HyVee
Pineapple- $1.29/ea @ Aldi
Strawberries- $1.29/ 16oz @ Aldi
Sweet Corn- $1.00/ 3 ears @ Checkers OR Dillons

Almond Milk- $2.49/ 64oz @ Aldi (new item) OR HyVee
Boca Meatless Entress- 2/$5.00 @ HyVee
Cheese (shredded)- 2/ $4.00 @ HyVee OR Dillons
Cheese (string)- $2.98/ bag @ HyVee
Chicken Bratwurst- $3.99/ 12oz pk @ Aldi
Chicken Breasts (fresh)- Meat Special Buy Today: $1.69/lb@ Aldi OR $1.68/lb (all week) @ Checkers
Chicken Split Breast, Drumstick or Thighs- $0.99/lb @ Dillons
Chicken Leg Quarters- $0.59/lb @ Aldi (sold in frozen 10lb bag) 
Chicken (whole fryer)- $0.69lb @ HyVee
Cottage Cheese- $0.98/ea @ HyVee
Lean Cuisine Meals- 6/$10 ($1.66/ea) @ HyVee
Pork Loin Chops- $1.88/lb @ Checkers
Swai Fillets- $6.99/ 2lb pkg @ HyVee
Vegetables (HyVee brand)- $0.88/ ea @ HyVee
Yogurt (Greek, AE)-  $0.99/ea @ HyVee OR Checkers (everyday price)
Yougrt (HyVee brand)- $0.29/ ea @ HyVee

April Month-by-Month Guide to Sales

Here's your monthly reminder: stores are cycling into their April deals, be on the lookout!

April

Garden/Outdoor: Seeds, tools, etc.
Easter: Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake Mix
Earth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable Totes
Seasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Rhubarb
Clearance: After Easter sales (ham, candy, decor)

Thanks to Grocery Sale Cycles- When Do Things Go on Sale? from Living Richly on a Budget for this info! Check out their blog for lots of great frugal tips.

'Tis the Season! Yard sales, auctions, flea markets are back!

My favorite time of year is here! Spring, which for me means not only warm weather and gardening, but sales! Yard sales, garage sales, auctions, estate sales, flea markets, sidewalk sales, all the best kinds of sales!

Here are some of the ways I stay in the know about second-hand sales, which are not always easy to find. Please share your tips in the comments!

Yard/Garage Sales: My "method" is somewhat haphazard- I usually look at the garage sale listings on Craigslist, write down a few that look promising, and head out relatively early on a Saturday.  I always find more sales along the way to the addresses I've written down, and stop at any that look good. I also don't always make it to all I've written down- either I decide to quit for the day if I've already gone to a bunch, or sometimes I just can't find them, ha.  Garage sale tips: 1. Get there as early as you can (but not before the "starting time" the seller listed!) 2. Always carry cash, in small bills and coins. 3. Have fun, and don't be afraid to talk to people- you never know who you might meet or what you might learn. 4. Always be polite: don't make a mess, say please and thank you, offer correct change if you can, and while some haggling is ok, don't be rude about it.

Flea Markets: Lawrence only has one outdoor flea market, as far as I know. It is held the first Sat. of the month at Tee Pee Junction north of town. They have a facebook they keep updated: http://www.facebook.com/Lawrenceflea  The first market of the season is April 7! The closest thing to an indoor flea market is the Lawrence Antiques Mall on Mass St., which is kind of a mixed bag- some over-priced antiques to be sure, but often good deals can be found as well.

Estate Sales/ Auctions: Possibly my most favorite kind of all the sales! I keep up with these by looking at the LJ World Classifieds and KansasAuctions.net - I actually follow them on Twitter @kansasauctions. I was at first very timid when I went to my first auction, because things can move pretty fast, and I didn't know the vocabulary. I would recommend observing at first, then try your first bid on a low priced item, just to see how it goes. Now I'm addicted and looove auctions!

Secondhand Stores/ Thrift Stores: Of course these are not seasonal, but during yard sale season it seems like more things come in to these places. Check out my list of Lawrence thrift & bargain stores here.

I've got a list of items I keep that I'm "looking for" and try not to buy much that is not on my list. It also helps to set a budget and stick with it, especially at auctions where it is easy to get carried away. That being said, I have gotten amazing deals on a lot of things at yard sales, flea markets, and auctions. Happy hunting!

photo: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/756816/?forcedownload=1

Grocery Deals Round-Up: 3/14- 3/20

It's a good week for groceries, folks. Wondering what to do with these frugal foods? Try Romance On A Dime's Frugal Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Produce:
Broccoli Crowns: $0.78/lb @ Checkers
Brussel Sprouts: $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Cabbage: $0.49/ea @ Aldi
Cantaloupe: $1.39 /ea @ Aldi
Carrots: $1.98/ 5lb bag @ Checkers
Green Beans: $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Pears: $0.99/ tray of 4 @ Aldi
Pineapple: $0.99/ea @ Aldi
Potatoes (Red!): $0.99/ 5lb bag @ Aldi
Strawberries: $1.69/lb @ Checkers OR Aldi
Tomatoes (Roma): $0.59/lb @ Checkers

Other Items:
Applesauce: $0.99/ 24 oz @ HyVee
Canned Green Beans or Corn: $0.39/ can @ HyVee
Canned Fruit (variety): $0.99/ can @ HyVee
Cheese (block): 2/$3 ($1.50ea) / 8oz @ HyVee
Cheese (shredded): 3/$4 ($1.33ea)/ 8oz @ HyVee
Chicker (Fryer): $0.69/lb @ HyVee
Frozen Vegetables (variety): $0.99/bag @ HyVee OR Aldi
Frozen Meals (Hungry Man or Smart Ones) $1.49/ea when you buy 10 @ Dillons
Goat Cheese: $2.99/ 6oz @ Aldi
Greek Yogurt (Kroger): 5/$4 ($0.80/ea) @ Dillons
Pasta (various): $0.99/ box @ HyVee OR Aldi
Salsa- $1.49/24 oz @ Aldi
Tofu (Melissa’s Organic)- 2/$4 @ HyVee
Tortilla Chips- $0.99/13 oz @ Aldi 

Grocery Deals Round-Up: 3/7 to 3/13

Wondering what the criteria is for my weekly grocery deals? Unless otherwise noted, they are:

1. Limited time sale prices, not everyday regular prices.
2. The sale price is low compared to food prices in general (meaning, I tend to list the cheapest foods. Notice that few things are more than a dollar or two per unit.)
3. Sale price is considerably lower than regular price, or compared to prices at other stores.
4. Basic, whole foods rather than processed/packaged foods. Whole foods are often healthier and cheaper! The idea being you could make many different things from these basic ingredients. (Occasionally I will add packaged foods when they are a really good deal, though, or if they are something that is hard to make yourself.)
5. I bold items that are especially good deals that I am excited about!

That being said, here are the deals for this week!

Produce Items:
Asparagus- $1.18/lb @ Checkers
Avocados (Hass)- $0.88/ea @ Checkers
Broccoli- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Carrots- $0.99/ 2lb bag @ HyVee
Grapefruit- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Grapes (Green)- $1.00/lb @ HyVee
Green Beans- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Kiwi Fruit- $0.99/ 16oz @ Aldi
Lettuce (Romain, Red, Green) - $0.78/bunch @ Checkers
Mangoes- $0.78/ea @ Checkers
Oranges-  $1.48/bag ($0.37/lb) @ Aldi
Peaces/Plums/Nectarines- $0.20/ea @ Aldi
Potatoes (Russet)- $1.18/ 5lb bag @ Checkers
Strawberries- $1.29/16oz @ Aldi
Yellow Squash or Zuchinni- $0.58/lb @ Checkers

Other Items:
Chicken (thighs or drumsticks)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers OR Dillons
Breakfast items: cereals, meats, pancake mixes, frozen meals, etc- on sale @ Aldi
Steel Cut Oats- $2.49/ 28oz @ Aldi
Tortillas- var. sizes- 2/$3.00 @ HyVee
Pet Food- many varities on sale @ HyVee

photo from:  http://www.sxc.hu/photo/609376

In our continuing weekly series, here is the coordinating recipe from Romance on a Dime: Fruit Smoothies!  There are such good deals on fruit right now, what a great way to use it up! 

March: Month-by-Month Guide to Sales

Here's your monthly reminder: stores are cycling into their March deals, be on the lookout!


March

Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, Pizza
Seasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

Thanks to Grocery Sale Cycles- When Do Things Go on Sale? from Living Richly on a Budget for this info! Check out their blog for lots of great frugal tips.

Grocery Deals Round-Up: 2/29 - 3/6

Lots of good deals on seafood everywhere- now is the time to stock up if you’re interested.  Also intriguing deal at HyVee- if you buy a Haier chest freezer for $199, they give you $200 worth of coupons. However, I have not seen the coupons so I have no idea if its worth it or not. If there are a lot of coupons you use, or if they are for store brand items that would be better. They are selling the SAME freezer at Dillons for $159, with no coupons. Worth investigating if you’re interested! Haiers are supposed to be good freezers.  It is the same size of freezer as mine and I LOVE having one!

Avocados- $0.19/ea @ Aldi
Broccoli Crowns- $0.99/16 oz @ Aldi OR Checkers
Brussel Sprouts- $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Carrots- $1.98/ 5 POUND bag @ Checkers
Celery- $0.68/ bunch @ Checkers
Grapes (Red or Green)- $0.79/lb @ Aldi
Mushrooms- $0.69/pk @ Aldi
Onions - $1.69/ 3lb bag @ Aldi OR HyVee
Potatoes (Red)- $2.49/lb @ Aldi OR HyVee
Red Bell Peppers - $0.68/ea @ Checkers
Strawberries- $1.68/lb @ HyVee
Tomatoes (Roma)- $0.79/ 20oz @ Aldi OR HyVee
Tomatoes (Grape)- $0.68/ 8 oz @ Checkers

Cheese (shredded or block)- 3/$5 @ Dillons
Coffee (Folgers Country Roast) - $6.77/ 34oz @ HyVee OR $6.99 @ Dillons
Kellogg’s cereal & bars- 50% off at Hyvee, 29% off at Checkers
Soy Milk- $2.39/64 oz store brand @ Aldi, OR $1.29 7th Continent w/ coupon @ HyVee OR Silk $2.29 w/coupon @ Dillons
Tortillas (Flour, 6”)- $1.49/20 pk @ Aldi
Tortillas (Flour, 10”)- $1.29/8pk @ Aldi
Tortilla chips (rest. style)- $1.49/ 13oz @ Aldi
Mexican-style diced tomatoes (like Rotel)- $0.59/can @ Aldi
Yogurt (non-fat Lemon or Banana)- $0.39/ea @ Aldi
Yogurt (Greek, Kroger brand)- $0.80/ea- 5/$4 @ Dillons


Wondering what to do with all those veggies? Check out Romance on a Dime's coordinating recipe! Four Cheese Vegetable Lasagna

Some new Pinterest recipes:

I'm looking forward to the weekend for many reasons, including trying out some new recipes! The first 2 are recipes I tried already earlier this week (all in one meal!). The last 3 are new to me (found on Pinterest of course!) that I'm planning to try this weekend.  Trying anything new this weekend?


Baked chicken fingers- these were super tasty but a bit messy to make. (Chicken was on sale last week.)

Source: sweetpeaskitchen.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Roasted new potatoes and asparagus- REALLY good, and easy to do! (Asparagus was on sale last week.)

Source: cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com via Jessica on Pinterest

To try this weekend:


Chili's-style salsa: (tomatoes are on sale this week)

Source: sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Smashed & Baked potatoes (still have half a bag of potatoes left from last week):

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Cheesy Broccoli Bites (I think these will be perfect with turkey meatloaf & smashed potatoes):

Source: staceysnacksonline.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Fresh Foods & Kitchen Helpers 2/15 - 2/21

Hi all, here are your deals for this week. I tend to track things that I personally buy. Is there anything you all would like me to keep an eye out for or to include in my list? My current investigation is the best price on tofu. Anyone have insight on that?

There are great deals on apples everywhere! Dig out your apple-based recipes and get cooking.  Betsy from Romance on a Dime (another Lawrence blogger!)  just posted an amazing looking Crockpot Applesauce recipe! Or try DIY Dried Apples!

Produce:
Apples (Red Delicious organic)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Avocados (Hass)- $0.88/ea @ Checkers
Baby Carrots- $0.99/lb @ Aldi (everyday price)
Bananas- $0.19/lb @ Checkers on THURS
Brussel Sprouts- $0.99/lb @ Checkers
Cantaloupe- $1.60/each @ Aldi
Grapes (green or red)- $0.79/lb @ Aldi
Grapefruit- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Oranges- $0.77/lb @ HyVee
Pears (D'Anjou)- $0.88/lb @ Checkers
Tomatoes (hot house)- $0.78/lb @ Checkers

Meat:
Chicken Breasts (split w/ bone)- $0.98/lb in econo pk @ Checkers
Chicken Leg Quarters- $0.59/lb @ Dillons
Ground Beef (80% lean)- $1.98/lb in 10lb econo pk @ Checkers
Hot Dogs (Bar S Jumbo)- $0.99/pk @ Checkers


Extra Good Deals:
Creamer (Coffeemate)- $1.99/ 16oz @ HyVee
Edamame- $1.49/ 16oz @ Aldi
Eggs- $0.99/doz @ Dillons
Hummus - $1.69/ea @ Aldi (everyday price, and it's GOOD!)
Mac & Cheese (store brand)- 3/$1 @ HyVee
Rice, Brown - $1.79/2 lbs @ Checkers (everyday price)
Smart Ones Frozen Meals- 6/$10 ($1.66/ea) @ Checkers
Soy Sauce- $0.99/ 15oz @ Aldi
Sparkling Flavored Water (store brand)- 2/$1 @ HyVee
Yogurt (store brand)- 3/$1 @ HyVee
Yogurt (A.E. Greek)- $0.88/ea @ HyVee

Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1359351

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Basics & Baking (2/1-2/8)

This week I'm stocking up on my pantry basics and a few baking treats for Valentine's Day. Here are the best prices I've found for Lawrence. Prices good 2/1- 2/7 unless otherwise noted.

Asparagus- $1.98/lb @ Checkers

Avocados- $0.29/ea @ Aldi

Bananas- $0.44/lb @ Aldi or $0.19/lb on Thursdays @ Checkers

Broccoli- $0.99/16 oz @ Aldi

Cauliflower- $0.99/head @ Aldi
Green Onions- $0.77/bunch @ HyVee
Kiwi fruit- 5/$1 @ Checkers
Onions- $1.89/3lbs @ Aldi
Peppers (Red Bell)- $0.78/ea @ Checkers
Potatoes (Russet)- $1.98/10lbs @ Checkers
Strawberries- $1.98/lb @ Checkers
Tomatoes (Hot house)- $0.78/lb @ Checkers
Tomatoes (Roma)- $0.79/lb @ HyVee

Beans (Kidney or Chili)- $0.48/15oz @ HyVee
Cheese (shredded or block)- $1.66/8oz @ Dillons
Frozen Vegetables (variety)- $0.72/16oz  w/ printable coupon @ Target ($0.99 without coupon)

Lentils (dried)- $0.79/16oz @ Aldi
Tortillas- $1.28/pk @ HyVee
Tuna (canned in water)- $0.59/can @ Aldi

Cake Mix (Red Velvet, & others)- $0.99/ea @ Aldi or $0.99/ea @ HyVee
Eggs (grade A large)- $1/29/doz @ Aldi or $1.18 w/ in-ad coupon @ HyVee

Frosting (all flavors)- $1.29/ 16oz @ Aldi
Soy Milk- $2.39/ 64oz @ Aldi
Sugar (White)- $2.79/5lbs @ Aldi

We go through a lot of brown rice at my house, and I have not yet figured out the cheapest source in town- anyone know? 

February: Month-by-Month Guide to Sales

Here's your monthly reminder: stores are cycling into their February deals, be on the lookout!


National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Salmon


National Hot Breakfast Month:  Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, Syrup
Valentines:  Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etc


Chinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water Chestnuts


Seasonal Produce:  Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach


Thanks to Grocery Sale Cycles- When Do Things Go on Sale? from Living Richly on a Budget for this info! Check out their blog for lots of great frugal tips.

Grocery Deals Round-Up: Fresh & Healthy

Here are the extra-great deals I noticed in the grocery stores this week, with a focus on fresh & healthy.

Prices good Jan 25- Jan 31

Avocados- $0.29/ea @ Aldi
Baby Carrots- $0.49/16 oz bag @ Aldi
Broccoli Crowns- $0.88/ea @ Checkers
Celery- $0.69/bunch @ Aldi
Grapefruit- $2.48/ 6lb bag @ Checkers
Peppers (Red)- 2/$3 @ HyVee
Pineapple (whole)- $0.99/ea @ Aldi
Radishes $1/ 2 bunches @ HyVee
Roma Tomatoes- $0.58/lb @ Checkers

Chicken Breasts (boneless)- $1.69/lb @ Aldi
Chicken Breasts (bone-in)- $0.98/lb @ Checkers
Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs- $0.97/lb @ HyVee
Hummus - $1.69/ea @ Aldi
Peanuts (In-shell, salted)- $1.69/16oz @ Aldi
Soy Milk (Silk)- 2/$5 @ Checkers
V8 Juice (Weekly pack)- $2.69/ea @ Aldi
Yogurt (Weight Watchers) 10/$5 @ HyVee

Also remember to check the January: Month by Month Guide to Sales before doing your shopping.

I looked at Aldi, Checkers, Dillons, and Hy-Vee. If you see great deals elsewhere, please comment! Also note these prices are all without coupons. I only rarely use coupons because I am specific about what I want, and there are infrequently coupons for those items that make them a better deal than store-brand or sale prices. Though I do always look at them to double-check.

Stay tuned for the next Grocery Deals Round-Up, typically posted on Wednesdays.

photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1206145

January: Month-by-Month Guide to Sales

January is nearing it's end- just a reminder to catch these deals while they last.

Grocery:

National Oatmeal Month: Quaker
Diet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, Yogurt
Super Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, Wings and TVs!
Seasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, Spinach

Non-Grocery:

Clearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,
Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins- also Exercise Equipment

Super Bowl Sunday- TVs and other home entertaining stuff usually goes on sale around this time!


Thanks to Grocery Sale Cycles- When Do Things Go on Sale? from Living Richly on a Budget for this info! Check out their blog for lots of great frugal tips.