Couponing! and a summary of this weeks deals

With the exception of a post or two, I haven't really blogged much about couponing or online deals I've scored. I'm going to try to do so this year.

First of all,  some changes to my shopping this year:
Last year I spent an average of $400 a month on groceries (including household items, cosmetics, tolietries etc). Not bad, as that's only $100 a month. But I know I could probably do better.
My problem is I can't shop every week. I just do one, big shopping trip a month. Which means I miss out on the weekly deals the other 3 weeks of the month.
So this year, I'm going to try to spend only $300, and shop every 2 weeks. IF this pays off, (as I have to drive 140miles round trip to shop) with the expense of gas and car mileage I will continue to do so. If I don't save at least a $100 by shopping more often I'll just go back to once a month.

I've decided to participate in Fabulessly Frugal's Grocery Budget Challenge. I put in my $300 a month budget, and each week I record my spending and saving!
And also am entered into their weekly giveaway. This week it is a $20 Amazon Gift Card.

I'll also continue to use the Excel spreadsheet I've used the past year and a half for keeping track of percentage saved.

So far this year I've spent $45.49 and saved $4.88. Obviously not the greatest, but $30 of that was at Costco, which does not accept manufactures coupons.

These are the online deals I was able to score this week!

A FREE Facebook offer for a NeilMed Neti Pot (This offer ended yesterday I think. But I know they do giveaways periodically).

 Dear Fans,

FREE NETI POT offer is back for a limited period and valid only for NEW FANS. Click the "Like" button above, become a fan of NeilMed Neti Pot and get access to request your FREE NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot with two packets.Click on the FREE NETI POT link on the left panel or visit http://www.facebook.com/neilmednetipot?sk=app_7146470109
Existing fans who have already requested are not eligible. Repeat and incomplete requests will be discarded.

I've heard good things about these, but never used one. Since it was Free, decided I'd try it out. Sounds like a good thing to have on hand, as it is a natural way to relieve colds, and congestion.

Also, through Disney Movie Rewards I redeemed 150 points for a FREE box of Pop Secret popcorn.
I received the coupon in the mail this week. And it's good for one 3 count box of microwave popcorn until 3-31-12, Up to a $3.50 value.

And today, I scored a $40+ value box of beauty and cosmetic items for $0.01 from Julep Maven

This is supposedly for new members only. After taking survey to determine you're style you set up an account (for free) and they select products and colors for you and ship them to you. A $40 value for $19.99. But with Promo code NEWYEAR2012 brings total down to $0.01 shipped!!

After creating an account, they send you new products ($40 value) each month for $19.99. You are automatically billed, and receive a email notification as a reminder. You can cancel anytime, and can always skip a month if you don't want new stuff.
For a penny I thought this was a good deal, I plan to cancel my membership/account soon since I don't use this stuff often enough to pay $20 a month for it. (even though, that is 50% off). Apparently this can only be done by calling or emailing them.
Go Here to score this deal! Not sure how long it is available.

Thanks to Hip2Save for this deal!

Last one, Today on Langers Facebook page they have some rebate deals.
I got the MegaBlocks Blok Squad product. Since we host church fellowship once a month, I've been trying to get a variety of children's toys for the kids to play with while here. Since Langers juice was on sale at my local grocery store I decided this was a good deal, and bought 3 bottle of juice.

That's it for this week! Hopefully in future weeks I'll be more organized with my shopping spending and online deals!