Clearance Shopping: Discounting Discounts!!

I made a new discovery last week and it was really in effect this past weekend.

When shopping, it is customary for me to head directly to the clearance racks. It's usually there because it's off season or because it simply needs to leave the store expeditiously in order to make room for new items. One can often find classic pieces to fit in a wardrobe or a gem of an item that you've always wanted. If you're more about personal style than trends, then you don't mind shopping from the low budget rack, in fact you gloat there.

So, for something so commonplace to me, why didn't I realize I could shop clearance EVERYWHERE, including the grocery store? Last week I discovered Kroger's clearance goodies. By chance, I asked an associate and she pointed me to a clearance table in one area of the store and a shelf on the opposite side of the store. Although I found some great deals, I only took advantage of a couple. Clearance is the way to shop, ESPECIALLY if you have coupons!!

I saw a range of cereals, lotions, kitchen utensils. Items that I had coupons for, but didn't use, I left on the table for someone else to benefit. After all folks, if you're paying for something you don't need, even if it's on clearance, it's a waste of money!! I had never tried Silk Almond Milk and the individual servings were on the table, so I picked up a couple of those for 0.89 each (normally $1.00). I also found some SoftSoap dispensers that we use. I got two for 0.79 each (normally $1.49). We're stocked and it was a good deal!!

I will be sure to ask about these goody racks every time I set foot into a grocery store, especially Kroger. Words of wisdom frugalicious folks: ALWAYS take your coupons!! You NEVER know what deal you'll find and getting a discount on the discounted items...is gravy!! Enjoy your week!!

It's Lent Season!!

It's Lent time!!

So...what are you giving up for Lent? 

As for me? The Frugalicious Diva is giving up beef and carbonated drinks. So this household will focus more on chicken (like always), turkey, fish and water. We'll probably scale back on pork too, but it's not on the elimination list.

What are you picking up for Lent? I'm of the firm belief when you get rid of a negative thing, then it should be replaced with a positive one!!

Hmm...I'm thinking I really want to master this couponing thing, so I'll only purchase food or household items IF I have a coupon. It's all about saving right?

Will you join me? How can you commit to being more FRUGALICIOUS before Easter?

Know the Rules, No to Fines

I noticed on Sunday evening I had items from the library that were now overdue. I relaxed immediately knowing they don't charge fees on the weekend and as long as I put them in the drop box Monday before they opened, no one would be the wiser.

Until I found out, I should have been the wiser...

Today, I looked to return more items and saw that I had a fine for the items I returned on Friday (aka Monday before they opened). I called to ask about it found out the new rules...since most branches are open on Saturday, they now charge fines on Saturday. BOOOO!!!! So, when I turned in the items today (which were also overdue...sigh), I paid what I owed.

$2.80

I know know the rules again!! I guess I can be grateful that at least I wasn't charged for Sunday too. Stay on top of those library items. They are free to borrow, so it makes n o sense to pay for them...not frugalicious!! LOL

My Frugalicious Weekend!!

What an eventful weekend!! I was excited all week waiting for my Extreme Couponing Saturday!! I was already on a zero spending challenge, that I broke in order to experience my first EC experience!! Check it out: My 1st Extreme Couponing Experience

Saturday came and I attended my first official coupon class, taught by Extreme Couponer Joni Meyer-Crothers of Saving and Sharing for Christ. Awesome and very down to earth!! This is truly her calling and ministry; so willing to share!! I was a sponge!! Giveaways & coupons galore!! Check out her blog site for weekly savings and tips on how to save more!! Free Tastes Good

My goal this year is to master couponing, stock and maintain a stockpile for my church's pantry and help others to get free items. It's about being frugalicious, saving money and being generous to other people. I love the motto of Saving & Sharing for Christ...to pass the blessing on. I believe that's the reason we're blessed; to bless others. That class was a blessing to me, not only because of the knowledge, but because of the awesome people I met in that room.

I asked my neighbor seated next to me if she needed pet food coupons. To my surprise, she donates to the Humane Society!! Later she passed me five coupons and told me I'd get a surprise at the register. At the end of class, I met a group of women I think I'll be friends with for life!! We had a common goal to save, but to do something for our community. Stay tuned, as we're in the planning stages.

The ladies I met in class accompanied me on my shopping trip and it was an eye opener. I had all my coupons ready to get my free or cheap items and I never once thought...the shelf may be empty. Boo!! Those are the breaks though. I didn't walk away without anything though. Here's what I got this weekend!!

From Kroger: The diced tomatoes were on the 10/10 promo list, so they were 0.49 each. I have five $1.00 off 2 coupons. They paid me back 0.10. <--That was my surprise!!

Family Dollar: The CoverGirl items are tweezers, travel tweezers and a wide nail brush and were all FREE, using two coupons I had for ANY CoverGirl. So I just chose the items were would be free and I could use. Mustard was on clearance for 0.80 and I had a 0.30 off coupon. Had a coupon for 0.85 for the Coke. Total at FD: $1.58

Walmart: BIC pens were free with $1.00 off coupon. For the toothpaste, I used two 0.50 off coupons. Total at Walmart: $1.04

So, this weekend I spent $2.52 and got all of the above, PLUS a free dinner at Chipotle. My daughter allowed me to redeem her comped meal from a previous complaint she filed. It was a great weekend; completely FRUGALICIOUS!!