Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2012

Although the time this post was posted at 1am today, I wasn't up, I haven't seen a New Year in, in years now.

So on Friday I had to go into the city for an appointment and figured I would do some running around while there.  Dragged dh with me as he took Friday off.

One of the places I wanted to go was Sears.  I hadn't been in there in ages and it looked as though a tornado had blown through it, with empty shelves, things laying all over the place.  There had been a lot of good deals on earlier in the week so a staff member told me.

Anyhow I had a list of things I wanted to buy so off we went around the store.  I ended up with a new pillow and pillow case protector for dh.  Four pair of underwear for dh, 4 pairs of socks for me, a top for me and a three piece baby outfit and a one piece baby outfit (friend had a baby girl, Avery Elizabeth, super cute name I think) and including taxes I paid $115.47 for all of that.  I also had a coupon for $25 worth of Sears points when I spent $100.  The good news was we were given $100 in cash for Christmas, so all in all it technically only cost us just over $15 out of pocket.  I worked out that if I had paid full price for everything it would have cost us $197.21 (taxes included)

I bought a stainless steel kettle so I can heat water on top of the wood stove, should have been $30 I paid $19.99 plus taxes.  We had lunch out and paid for that with what was left on a gift card, plus gave the server $2 cash as part of her tip (the rest came off the gift card).  Filled in a survey online from the receipt from the restaurant and got a code for a free appetizer on our next visit, which happened to be last night.

Went to Shopper's to participate in the 20 x the points event (all recorded in my side bar) and ended up spending $51.98 after coupons and taxes.  Only used $4.00 in coupons, but better than nothing.  Stocked up on facial tissue (Kleenex), shampoo and conditioner for me and just general stuff.  Best deal a tube of toothpaste for 38 cents after the coupon.  By the way I bought a $50 gift card so I could get an extra 500 points.

Then popped into Zehrs and spent $28.34 and used $2.25 in coupons and saved $2.60 in store savings.  Although I haven't officially started my only spending $75 a week, I had hoped to do it this week.  Only I went over when I bought 8 long bread rolls for the price of 4, it wasn't on my list!!!  So all in all this week I spent $80.32 which is $5.32 over my ideal budget.  I used $6.25 in coupons.

I also went through my coupon binder last night and got rid of all the 2011 coupons, so no confusion when I go shopping next!!!

7 comments:

cathy@home said...

Tornado warning ;) brilliant bit of shopping a great start for the New Year.

Maggie said...

Happy New Year!

Don't blame you for going to bed, we just went for a curry in the end, less rowdy, lol

I love reading about your thriftiness, we don't have so many coupons available in the UK, i wish we did! I frequent the Money Saving Expert (Martin Lewis) site for hints and tips and i've joined a sealed pot challenge this year, i will also save £1 a day (did this last year and it came in very handy over Christmas!)

Can you tell me if there is somewhere to get Amazon vouchers in the UK please?

Jane and Chris said...

We don't see the New Year in either.
Last week we went into Newmarket and I got a new winter coat (the one I had gave up the ghost). The original price was $150...I got it for $67 (inc taxes)...we both got winter boots ,already reduced, showed our CAA card and got another $25 off!!
It feels so good to get things for less!
Jane x

Nancy said...

Shopping spree alert! Kudos to your hubby for tagging along.

Happy New Year, Gil. :)

The Witch said...

Gill,
Happy New Year to you and Hubby.
We also went shopping at Shoppers to boost our points as I had been holding off till this sale. Great idea about the gift card I'll have to look into that next time.
I'm also going to be straightening out my coupon book holder, and surfing for new up-dated coupons today.

Karine said...

Happy new year to you and yours Gill! And yes, shopping in large stores at this time of year can be a trial. I usually keep to the smaller shops as they are easier for the staff to keep tidy!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Hi Gill!! Its been a trying few days for us, made a bit better because I could sit down and read all your news about Molly (YAY!) and your ability to stay focused on your goals and save! You've inspired me to try a bit harder in 2012! THANK YOU for your kind words and support! I look forward to your continued great posts, ideas, and adventures!


¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ HAPPY NEW YEAR GILL!!*´¨)

{{{SIGH}}}

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