Watch Brooke Buy

I have not posted on couponing in quite some time. One reason is because during November and December, I really did not shop that much. We have a nice stock pile of things now; so, I only go to the store if there is a really good deal. The second reason is because I thought is was getting a little boring to read about. But with the new year in full swing, I thought some readers might want a refresher on how the scenarios work and ECBs and RRs and such.

Before I get into this weeks shopping trips, I want to brag a bit on my success during the last 6 months of 2010. After discovering that our grocery bill could be easily cut by $100 a month, we set our budget for $300 a month over a 6 month time frame. Our goal was to only spend $1800.00 for literally everything we buy. (Food, toiletries, cat food, cosmetics, medicine, etc.) . We only went over one month when I got carried away with the deals. The 5 other months we were below the $300 budget. From July to December we spent a total of $1778.60, and we saved $2,202.30. Leaving us with a 56% savings rate for 2010. WOW!

Note: The only stores I shopped at were CVS, Walgreens, and Winn Dixie.

Now that we have a stock pile, I can't wait to see the 2011 savings at the end of the year. If you are asking, what a stock pile is...go to www.southernsavers.com and watch the videos under the Learn to Coupon link.

Now for this weeks "Brooke Bought"

CVS
Total ticket: $50.82
Paid: $17.92
Saved:$32.90 (65%)
Cash back:$6.00

I bought 4 2 liters Mt. Dew, 2 12 pks Aquafina water, 2 bags Doritos, 2 bags Lays. Used $4 off $20 and $1 ECB from last week. Paid $16.12. Got back $10 ECBs.

Then, I bought 2 Toms of Maine deodorant, 1 bag orange slices, 1 Cascade powder. Used $10 ECBs and $1 Cascade coupon. Paid $1.80. Got back $6.00 ECBs that I will use on my next trip to CVS.

Walgreens
Total ticket: $58.86
Paid: $27.16
Saved: $31.70 (54%)

I bought 1 Cascade powder, 1 Toms of Maine deodorant, 2 John Freida shampoos, 1 John Freida conditioner. Used 2 $2 John Freida coupons and 1 $1 Cascade coupon. Paid $19.59.  Got back $9 RR.

Then, I bought 1 box Wheat Thins, 1 box Ritz crackers, 1 box Shells & Cheese, 2 packages Planters Flavor Full Almonds, 2 Russell Stover hearts, 1 can Lindsey olives, 1 6 double roll Charmin Basic. Used $9 RR, $.25 Charmin coupon, $.99 Lindsay olive coupon from ad, $1.00 Planters coupon from Walgreens coupon book. Paid $7.57.

Winn Dixie
Total ticket: $59.56
Paid: $38.04
Saved: $21.52 (36%)

Let me know about your deals by commenting below. Happy shopping.


Until next time...

XOXOXOXOXO

Getting crafty

The Santa's in my life support my vices and got me 2 black and white Walter Anderson prints this year. I have already painted them and wanted to share.

I, also, got 101 cookie cutters that I can't wait to use in the very near future.

On a side note, I am very excited about my bulletin board at school. Wes helped me with the title, and I just thought of these triangle people one night while watching TV. It turned out better than I expected. I am certain no one cares about this but me. Since this is MY blog, you will be subjected to it. LOL!

The white snowflakes have trivia questions on them. :)

Until next time....

XOXOXOXOXO

Whatcha been doin'?

This is the catch up blog....

Wes and I had a wonderful holiday season. We slept late, decorated, ate great food, shopped, visited friends and family, and laughed a lot. It was relaxing and possibly the best holiday we've had, ever!!

We celebrated Christmas Eve with the movie, Tron. We ate BBQ chicken and opened presents. It was soooo fantastic. We both loved our gifts. I stayed up until 1pm playing with my new toys and trying on my new outfits. Wes always out does me in the gift giving department!!! Of course, I don't have a single picture from that night. :(

Christmas Day we traveled through the snow (okay, snow flurries) to Kosciusko to par-tay with my parents, sisters, and brother in-laws. I had a such a great time. I love it when all three of the girls are at home together. We gossip, solve the worlds problems, and laugh like it is nobody's business. Wes went hunting with my dad and (surprisingly) killed another deer. We have had many delicious meals from this man versus beast experience. This is the bacon wrapped venison tenderloin I prepared. It was yummy.

Once we got back to Gulfport, we did a few chores. We un-decorated, shopped, returned a few Christmas presents, dined out, went to the movies, did a little bit of school work, and toured the Nina and the Pinta. They were docked in Gulfport over the holiday. Honestly, it was a bit costly; however, it was interesting to get perspective on the courage that Christopher Columbus and his crew had to have in order to brave the ocean in such a small and open vessel.

Notice how long my hair is... OMG, I can't even believe it.

 We rang in the New Year by celebrating our friend, Julie's wedding to Jason. She threw a great party with wonderful food and friends. Wes and I were all dressed up, and we danced in 2011. Once again, no pics.

Happy New Year to all of you. I hope your year has gotten off to a fabulous start!!

Until next time...

XOXOXOXOXOXOX