Frugal Monday: Saving big bucks at Safeway

Hi there Appleseed Readers!  Megs here with a store specific post for you busy frugal minded readers.  While I love couponing (and save quite a bit that way), there are those weeks where I don't have the time or energy to do it.  When that happens, I turn to Safeway and their mobile app to help me save an average of 35-65% off my grocery bill without clipping coupons.  Before we get started, a disclaimer: I receive no special perks/money/better parking spaces for this post...just wanted to share this strategy with you all for those days when you need groceries but don't have much time :)  With this method, the percentages might be lower than when you religiously coupon, but are still significant.

For my latest trip, I started by going online and signing in to my Safeway account (free to create!).  Then, I scrolled through the "Just for U" section of the site and loaded the personalized sale prices and coupons the store was currently offering me to my card.  I often will load a coupon or product with a specialized discount price even if I don't need it in the moment, as most deals are good for a few weeks.  On this particular trip, Safeway was offering me $5 off a purchase of $20 or more.  This is one of my favorite deals, as it ends up being a "make your own coupon" kind of deal!  This $5 can be utilized to buy things that don't normally go on sale or that might not be on sale when you need to buy it.  Before heading into the store, I take a few minutes to add deals (personalized prices and coupons) to my grocery list so I remember to buy everything.

 Once in the store, all I need to do is get what is on my list.  But to really maximize savings, I always always ALWAYS check out the clearance grocery section.  Where it is located will vary according to your store.  Just look for an odd shelf with a motley crew of mismatched products ;)  Today I found gourmet olives (which I couldn't normally afford..nom!) and my favorite instant coffee (that I may or may not keep stashed in the car for those days where I am running SO late I don't even have time to make coffee...because that NEVER happens....).

On this particular trip, I purchased all of these groceries (including the lip balms and method cleaner!) for a grand total of $30.88.  Really!!!!  The best part? All you have to do to get the savings is plug in your Safeway account information (like phone number) at checkout.  The discounts tend to come off right at the end, so you still get that "breathless did I do it right?" feeling before forking over your money ;)

I was able to save 55% off of my grocery bill, and I didn't clip a single coupon.  On this particular trip the eggs were not on sale (due to an egg shortage, who'd have thought?) so the $5 off $20 really helped.  Also, the whipped cream wasn't a "necessary" item, but it will taste great with the fresh berries already in the fridge.  That's all for tonight, folks.  Happy Frugal Monday!

Thrifty Family Fun

Good day Appleseed Readers!  Today I'd like to give you a quick go-to list of free or low cost events in the Skagit and Whatcom County vicinity that you might enjoy with any little kiddos in your life.  This is beautiful country to explore, even in the middle of winter :)  

1. Rainy day? Head to the Children's Museum!  If you are not already a member, that's okay.  At the Skagit Children's Museum free day is the second Tuesday of every month.  I wasn't able to find a community free day at the Whatcom Museum (which houses a Family Interactive Gallery-basically a children's museum) but children under age 2 are free and young children are just $4.50 each.
2. Check your local Parks & Rec calendars! Here are the Whatcom  and   Skagit calendars.
3. This IS Washington, right? Having another rainy day?  Check out the library!  Not only do they have story time for little kiddos, but you can check out movies as well as books.  Great way to stretch your entertainment budget!  
4. Blanket forts are totally underrated! :)
5. If you have young children and want to enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend, check out Perch & Play in Bellingham.  Sometimes a friend date can save your sanity!  :) For a little more than you would normally spend on just the coffee, your kiddos can play safely in a great indoor play area.
6. Go for a bike ride or a walk on many of the beautiful local trails! Here is the Skagit trail map  and  Whatcom trail map.
7. Wanting to get out of town? Check out Red Tricycle for great kid-friendly events in the Seattle area! 

Do you have any activity tips? Please share!

Thrifty Roundup

Hey there Appleseed Readers! Megs here with a new type of post that I hope to do more of as the year goes on.  Every once in a while, I come upon some smashing good deals while deal hunting and want to share.  So, here is the very first Thrifty Roundup! This particular trip included a grocery run to the local Albertson's store and a stop at an estate sale.  On my way through the store to pick up a few low price items on my "stock up" list, my sister and I stumbled upon the clearance section.  We snagged some great deals! Not pictured here are 4 Barbie dolls for my daughter's next Christmas present (including two with full extra outfit sets and one in a Christmas dress).  Yes, I will have to hold onto them for about 11 months, but I got 4 fantastic brand new Barbie sets for a grand total of $20! Here are the other highlights from the Albertson's trip:

These Larabars were just 25 cents apiece and are not even close to expiration date!

At $1 each, these sets will be great in my daughter's Easter basket in April :)

These fancy cookies will be lovely with coffee and were a steal at $1 per box (also nowhere near expiration date)

At just $1, this box of Bisquick will go quickly (a certain two-year old lovers "Mickey Mouse" pancakes!)

These organic wheat crackers will be a fantastic snack with goat cheese, and the $1.38 per box price was great.

Total savings this trip: $172.46! Woohoo! Shopping the circular, using coupons, and getting clearance deals ROCKS MY SOCKS!

The second stop on our roundup run was to an estate sale just outside of town.  I snagged some AWESOME finds there as well, spending just $50 total for everything I got.  Here are the highlights of that run:

This Higbee glass vase is a hard to find pattern and a family legacy. These can sell for upwards of $15 each, so it was a great find.

These funky porcelain doggies will keep my books in check! 

These copper bookends will save space and provide functionality on my desktop.

I use mason jars for glasses, and now I have a set of four large mugs with handles!  A fantastic find!

This super heavy old school metal tape dispenser isn't going anywhere! Love the deco styling.

My favorite by far was this collection of painted birds (and flower).  These will look great in my house and I love the soft colors!  

Thanks for joining me on my first Thrifty Roundup!

Outlet shopping...for food?

Happy Saturday Appleseed Readers! Megs here with something for you to consider as you trim your grocery budgets this year.  As a busy mom on a budget, I try to save money wherever I can, but there are some things that I am picky about.  Bread is one of those things.  I recently discovered that a popular bread company has a bakery outlet store near my house.  I went in the other day and was pleasantly surprised at the offerings and prices!  They had a huge selection of breads, pastries, cookies, and even some pre-packaged food items (such as shelf stable soup mix).  Along the back wall were racks of discounted bakery goods near expiration; the prices on these were crazy good!  Better still, at checkout they informed me that for every $5 I spent, I could choose an item from the "free" rack.  I was thrilled to see whole wheat bagels, several varieties of english muffins, and loaves of organic whole wheat bread!  A tip for you thrifty mamas out there...bread freezes very well!  I tucked those two loaves of organic wheat bread in the freezer for use at a later date.

Bakery and grocery outlets can be a boon for savings.  Just keep the following in mind:

• Always check the expiration date.  If you aren't going to use something right away, you may be able to freeze it!
• Ask when new products come in and what the rotation schedule is for sale items.  You may even be able to score better deals than what is visible; I saw a man walk out of the store with an entire cart load of bread that he paid less than $30 for!  This could be great for donating to a local food bank or if you need to serve a large crowd, such as a church dinner
• Don't be afraid to try different brands or products...you may just love it!

That's all for today.  Have a great week/weekend!

Shopping for Next Christmas starts NOW!

Greetings Appleseed Readers! :D I apologize for the delay in new posts; with the holidays and some changes in my personal life, this blog got away from me a bit :)  My counterpart Nichole has been busy with the holiday season, as well :)

We are planning a giveaway very soon (details forthcoming!) and we hope you all had a Merry Christmas/Happy Hannukuh/Winter Vacation! 

I'm going to be heading out today to stock up on Holiday Gifts that will "keep" until next Christmas.  Things like holiday themed gift sets are 50 to 75% off right now, and the discounts will get steeper as we head into January.  While that gold/glittery headband/coffee mug/ornament may seem totally "off season" now, think ahead to next year! Who will be on your shopping list?  If you have kids, consider things like buying the "next year's size" of Holiday Themed t-shirts or pajamas, for example.  You will pay much less, and they will still be "brand new" for your kiddos come next year.  

Target:

I love Target, and while the holiday candy starts out at just 30% off (I'm waiting for 50 to 75% before stocking up), yesterday I got these Orla Keily designed Method soaps for just $1.74 each and the Watkins hand soaps (in gorgeous glass containers that can later be refilled) for just $3.99 each.  These items are shelf stable and also are environmentally friendly, so a two in one win! :)  You can also find wrapping paper and ornaments/decor here.

Craft Stores:

I also love to check out craft stores like Michaels or Jo Ann Fabrics...they often carry "holiday" decor items that can be repurposed year round.  For example, a fake holly berry wreath can be utilized for any autumn decor, and "neutral" items (such as all white ceramic vases) are fantastic year round, especially grouped together with different shapes and sizes.  Additionally, you can find holiday craft kits for kids and other seasonal goodies for next year at half or more the price they were just a few days ago.

Fred Meyer/Grocery stores:

Don't forget your local grocery store!  There will be holiday candy and toys galore.  Holiday candy can be good for months to come, if stored properly.  Who cares if the tin foil on that chocolate bar is red and green? It will taste fantastic anyway :)  Also look for holiday themed baking items like sprinkles, icing, and flavoring.  These items often last well into the next holiday season and you will be stocked up and ready to go!  

Remember too that you can find holiday gift sets (especially fragrance sets and holiday items/decor) at the drug store.  Check out the clearance section; you may even find lights and lawn decor for next year!

Department Stores:

Macy's, JC Penney, Kohl's, and many others will be clearing out holiday themed items (jewelry etc) as well as cold winter wear (coats/gloves/scarves) and specialty items such as brand name porcelain ornaments and glass. They also have small specialty appliances (cake pop maker anyone?) and holiday platters etc.  These could make great gifts for next year.

While you are shopping, remember.....

• Consider looking for Christmas themed storage items.  Things like take and toss tupperware will be steeply discounted if it has "Christmas" designs on it, and will work just as well as "plain" ones.  Also check out things like under bed storage bins; no one is going to care if the tops are red or green, and they will store the same amount of items :)  Places such as Target, Wal-Mart, and Fred Meyer (in the Pacific Northwest) often will have boxed gifts (random things such as manicure kits, car phone adapters, etc) that are at least 50% off and will make great gifts or stocking stuffers for next year.
• Don't forget online!  Many department and "mega" stores are having after Christmas sales, including boutique children's clothing items.  I highly recommend checking out the Seattle Mom's Dealfinder blog for up to the minute deal tips for kids (anywhere in the country really; they often post online sales there):  http://www.seattlemomsdealfinder.com/

As a quick recap, here is a list of stores that I will be keeping an eye on for clearance today and in the coming weeks:

Target

Fred Meyer

Wal-Mart

Michaels

Jo Ann Fabric

Walgreens

Rite Aid

Macy's

Kohl's 

JC Penney

Amazon.com

Old Navy

Let us know what great after Christmas steals you find!  Also, if you have any other stores we should all check out, please post in the comments below :)

Happy Bargain Hunting!

Megan

Black Friday: How to maximize your savings and minimize your effort!

Good morning Appleseed Readers!  Today's post is all about Black Friday.  Black Friday sales (aka day after Thanksgiving) are some of the best of the year.  Here's what you need to do to walk away a winner on Black Friday:

• Make your list NOW.  List each person you need to buy for (including stocking stuffers and wrapping paper if applicable) and the amount you are going to spend.  If you have an idea of budget but aren't sure what to get someone, note that as well.  To stay frugal, you are going to need to stick to your budget.  Cross people off the list as you buy.
• Start checking out the Black Friday "leaked" ads.  Our favorite website is Brad's Deals, where they have a solid history of accurate ads pre-Thanksgiving.  Check it out here:  http://blackfriday.bradsdeals.com/   (more ads come out in the days leading up to Thanksgiving so be sure to check back)
• Start planning who you are shopping with (it works best to have a team!) and start planning your route.  One of our best kept secrets: instead of heading to the "big" malls, stay local! In our experience the smaller malls have shorter lines and friendlier shoppers.  Half the fun is meeting people while you stand in line and striking up great conversations!
• Decide when you are leaving, the order of stores, and make sure to plan snacks/coffee breaks.  Wear comfortable walking shoes! One year I went in some "new" shoes, and ended up having horrible blisters.  Just don't do it.  
• Stay away from big box stores.  Places like WalMart are absolutely awful on the day after Thanksgiving.  In our experience, it is much more fun to hit the local department stores instead for great in-store savings.
• Remember that there are TONS of great sales that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your own home: shop online!  Amazon.com, Walmart, Target...all the "big" retailers will have great deals on Black Friday online.  Often free shipping will be offered as well.  This is a great option if there is something you want but don't want to fight the crowds.
• Be prepared to wait in line.  Often when a store advertises a special, super low price (e.g., a washer and dryer for $500) there will only be one or two offered in the whole store.  If you want that item, be prepared to get there at least a few hours before the store opens.  
• Be prepared to buy several papers on Thanksgiving before you head out to the family feast.  There will be coupons in the paper, as well as local sales fliers that may not have been posted online.  Adjust your route accordingly.
• Have fun!  

I hope your Thanksgiving is a bountiful one.  Best wishes from Thrifty Appleseed! :)

Holiday Sales Part One: Planning and Prepping for Grocery Savings

Hello Appleseed Readers!  Now that the month of November has begun, we are officially counting down until Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Woohoo!  If you are like me and on a budget for the holidays this year, now is a good time to sit down and think about what you want Thanksgiving and Christmas to "look like." Today I'd like to focus on what I'm thinking about in preparation for Thanksgiving (and groceries).  We will do separate posts for Black Friday prep, online sales, and pre-Christmas shopping.  Ready? Let's go!

Thanksgiving

 Are you having a family dinner? How many people are coming, and what are you serving?  Now is the time to start making lists for groceries so that you can take advantage of the store sales and coupons as they come up in the weeks leading to Thanksgiving.  Here's the run down of prepping for Thanksgiving, Thrifty-style!

• If you do not subscribe to a newspaper, consider buying a few each week this month.  Especially in the week or two before Thanksgiving, you will find a plethora of coupons to help bring down your grocery bill for Thanksgiving AND Christmas.  In fact, I am going to try and plan our Christmas dinner at the same time I buy Thanksgiving groceries...the prices around Thanksgiving can be some of the best of the year for things like turkey, ham, and things that don't often go on sale (like sugar and flour!).  
  
• Along with coupons, make sure you are taking advantage of benefit programs for the items you already buy!  Did you know that retailers like Pampers, Kellogg's, Betty Crocker, etc have reward programs? Before you recycle your boxes from these brands, cut out the UPC codes or log them into a notebook, and when you get several log on to your account (free to set up) and plug in your points.  You can redeem the points for coupons or merchandise.  
• Normally, I use a site like Coupon Mom to match up coupons for groceries.  However, it is sometimes easier to compare store sales with the paper circular.  If you have been watching your grocery bill carefully for a while, you should know what your average "bottom" price is for an item (for example, I know that $1.50 is about what I pay for a package of shredded cheese, and I refuse to pay more).  This comes into play now; a LOT of stores will be running "sales," but if you aren't careful, you may end up paying more than normal or at least above your bottom price.  Example: A local retailer was recently running a "sale" on store brand greek yogurt.  It seemed like a good deal, but when I looked at the unit price, I realized they were asking the same price for the store brand yogurt as they were for my favorite brand name yogurt not on sale!  Just because you see a "sale" sign doesn't mean it's a sale.  
• Things to stock up on around Thanksgiving include: Baking supplies (salt, sugar, flour, etc), meats (which rarely go on sale!) such as ham, turkey, and chicken, and canned goods (e.g., canned pumpkin).  Now is also a good time to go through your pantry and donate or use items close to expiration date and take stock of what you need!
  
• Plan your menu now.  If you are doing a group dinner, call up the participants and ask what people might want to bring.  Not only will it help you plan your shopping/cooking, but it will help them get focused, too.  Don't forget the little things! If you are serving coffee, remember to budget for creamer and sugar (or a flavored liquid creamer).  If you are serving pie, budget for ice cream or whipping cream.
• Don't forget about the generic/store brand! Sometimes even with a coupon, the generic brand will be cheaper.  ALWAYS look at the unit price to make sure you are getting the best deal (consider your coupons, too).  
• If you have a deep freezer, this is a good time to do a clean out.  You can donate unused frozen food that is still good and in original packaging to a local food bank.  If you have small amounts of random leftovers (a chicken strip here, some peas there) do a "frozen leftovers fun night!" to clean out the freezer.  You want to be able to stock up on things like meats for the coming year!
• Above all, remember to keep track of what you are spending.  It is SO hard for me to do that this time of year, but I have found that things quickly can get out of hand if you don't do this!

Happy Saving!

-Megs