I actually haven't been in a very good place emotionally and spiritually during this entire challenge so far.  The money is doing better -- the stockpile is growing -- but "I" am not changing -- at least not for the better.

Emme and I went to two different grocery stores today.  I did all my research and cut my coupons and clipped them to the store's sale paper and made lists.  I need to get a store layout like Sarah did.  Check out HER shopping trip!  What an awesome job she did   I wish that my store would give me a 20% off my shopping purchase!  What a find!

So here we go with what I saved (I haven't tallied it up yet, so I will be surprised right along with you, LOL)

Total amount before sales and coupons:  165.16

Total savings between both stores: 76.63

Total out of pocket:  88.53!!!

I will also be receiving a coupon for .10 cents off per gallon on gas for October 4th through November 3rd at the Meijer gas station!  That should save me another 5 or 6 bucks.  (As long as they don't hike their gas prices to compensate!)

There is a Del Monte deal going on if you buy 18 items from 3 different groups you get 10 dollars in free groceries (or something to that effect)  I ALSO got a free 5-pack of Ziplock containers for free for buying 12 Del Monte items and a free bag of Uncle Ben's rice with a coupon(had to buy one bag).  I   LOVE Uncle Ben's long grain rice, but don't usually buy it because it costs too much -- but this made it worth it.  Oh, and I had coupons for all the Del Monte canned stuff and it was all on sale too!  I ended up coming out about even (zero out of pocket) with this deal.

Meijer was having a deal too -- if you bought a 2-pack of Digiornio Pizza (7.99)  you got a head of lettuce, a bottle of Good Seasons dressing,  a bag of Kraft Crumbles and a 2-liter of Meijer soda for free!  (I also had 1 dollar off the Good Seasons so total out of pocket was only 6.99 for all that stuff)

And if you bought Jimmy Dean scrambles (4.49) you got a dozen eggs and frozen orange juice for free. 

It's smart of the companies to do this, because I wouldn't have bought the pizza or the scrambles otherwise.  If only I would have had coupons for them!  Imagine! 

Posted by callmekate

Grief takes time and goes through several levels. I think how you are feeling at this point is very normal, if that helps any. Be kind to yourself. I'm sorry you are having to go through this. It helps to have something to distract you from your feelings, like concentrate on your goals, if possible. I'm still coaching my mother through her grief process since losing her husband last June. She is doing better but still has trouble concentrating on things. She calls me when she wants to be cheered up (in her words) which makes me feel good! Good job on your shopping! Take care.

Kate

Posted by horsefeathers

You guys have just the most amazing sales down there! here in Canada, I really feel like I have to search a lot before I find a truly good "I can't believe I scored that!" bargain.
I am so sorry about your friend, that is so sad. I am sure it will leave a big void in your life for a long time to come, especially since he was so involved in your life. We used to rent out our basement, and our tenant became a part of our family very quickly. It took us a while to get used to her not being here when she moved out.
Hang in there and keep working at your challenge, you have had a tough thing to go through, and it's no wonder you aren't feeling well and you are depressed. Give yourself some time and I am sure you will feel better about things.

Ellie:o)