Couponing to Disney

I received many cards for Mother’s Day. I received cards from my mother, cards from friends who were also mothers, a card from my husband thanking me for being a mother, and a card from my daughter. This one she created at pre-school, and it’s one of those dealies where the teacher asks her something, she responds with what she thinks is the truth but is actually bananas, and we all laugh, because don’t kids say the darnedest things? My daughter chose to go a shady route this year. Check this out.

I have a lot of hair! Washing it takes a long time. You don’t know my struggle, small human. Someone still washes your hair for you. I know, because that person is ME. At least she loves me more than cookies.

Of all the cards I got for Mother’s Day, though, my favorite was from Kroger. Kroger did not shade me or compare me to baked goods. Kroger sent me coupons. Coupons are my love language, y’all!

And just in time, too, because last week’s grocery trip was very expensive. Like, $13 over budget expensive. Though, there was a typo in my last grocery trip report that caused my milk to skyrocket from $.88 to $88. Worry not, dear readers. I wasn’t THAT over budget. Just a slip of the ole typing fingers.

We have a rule on Mother’s Day. It is one of two days a year where I cook NOTHING. The other is my birthday. On these two days, my meal preparing duties are suspended and Mr. B and the princesses fend for themselves. This grocery trip took place the day before Mother’s Day, and I’ll admit, I was a little distracted. Visions of me on the couch, reading peacefully, danced through my head. My head was so full of these visions that I plum forgot to focus on foods that were easy to assemble, for my little scavengers. Instead I came home with ribs and canned tomatoes. Not the best combo for people trying to piece together a meal.

Speaking of those tomatoes. Ugh. So I bought four cans because I had a coupon for $.80 (not $80) off four cans. That’s pretty much like getting a can free, and I figure with the speed I go through tomatoes, it was worthwhile. But there was a kerfuffle at the register because the Glass Slipper is in that stage where she wants to help but her help actually requires my help to make it work and the next thing you know I need help because things fall apart.

Now I have a few more tomatoes than I need in this moment but also an unused coupon. I can save the coupon; they don’t expire until July (thanks, Kroges!), but I was really trying to keep this trip lean since I went so overboard last week. Still, there’s always next week. Right now, there is a couch, a book, and some ice cream calling my name. Happy Mother’s Day!

• Bananas, 2.01 lb -$1.19.
• Boar’s Head Sandwich Pepperoni, 1 lb -$7.90. $1 off with my Mother’s Day Coupon for Deli Meats.
• Boar’s Head Maple Honey Turkey, 1 lb-$9.59. They were out of my beloved Private Selection Turkey, but still honored the coupon I had for it, so I saved $1 on the fancy meats! Mother’s Day win!
• Green Beans, .78 lb-$.77. In store sale of $.99 a pound.
• Heritage Farm Chicken Breasts, 4.60 lb-$9.17.
• Johnsonville Sausage, 2 lb-$4.98. *Digital Coupon* for $.80 off brought the cost to $2.49 a pound.
• Kroger Ground Turkey, 1 lb-$2.59. Mother’s Day Coupon for $.70 off of $3.29.
• Kroger Milk, .5 gallon-$.79.
• Mangoes (2)-$1.98.
• Parmesan Cheese-$3.64.
• Porkback Ribs, 3.06 lb-$6.09. Brought down to $1.99 a pound with a *Digital Coupon*.
• Private Selection Whole Wheat Bread-$0. Mother’s Day Coupon made my bread FREE!
• Private Selection Cavatappi Pasta-$1.59. *Digital Coupon* took off $.40.
• Private Selection Ice Cream, 16 oz (2)-$2.89. In store sale brought these down to $1.67 each, stacked with mother’s Day Coupon for $.45 off.
• Red Gold Canned Tomatoes (4)-$3.56. Blergh.
• Ribeye Steak, .6 lb-$6.56. I just wanted this. Happy Mother’s Day!
• Red Tomatoes, .1 lb-$1.79.
• Red Leaf Lettuce, .79 lb-$1.34.
• Simple Truth Organic Chocolate Almond Milk-$2.29. *Digital Coupon* for $.50 off.
• Simple Truth Organic Pickles-$2.49. *Digital Coupon* for $.50 off.
• Strawberries 2 lb-$1.99. In store sale.
• Sweet Onions, 1.68 lb-$1.66.
• Young Manchego Cheese-$2.40.
• Apps I’ll submit to: Fetch Rewards, Ibotta ($.20 off Any Item, $.25 off Any Almond Milk), CoinOut

                                    Total Budget: $71.70

                                    Total Spent: $77.04

                                    Total Saved: $34.56

                                    Deducted from Next Trip: $5.34

What is your Mother’s Day tradition in regards to food? Did you get any great Mother’s Day gifts? Celebrate with me in the comments!

Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey five years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!