Shopping Trip and Deals for Jun 28, 2013!

Hi Guys,

We did a super bare minimum shopping trip last night! With all the extra works shifts between us, there will rarely be a night home to have dinner together. So, lucky for us we can try to clear out some food sitting on the shelves and hidden around inside the fridge and freezer. We also have another baby shower this weekend, so I'll be busy making another diaper tricycle! I'll post that up when I'm done! Here's what we picked up from Walmart and No Frills. I really hate getting produce from Walmart unless it's in the fridge area. There are always so many flies, they are smaller and they just look so gross! No Frills all the way!

- Packham pears $.97/lb

- Seedless green grapes $1/lb

- Scotties Tissues 6 pack $3.97 (Our regular Royale tissues were $8!!!! I get them usually for about $3 for 6 boxes! Ridiculous!!) 

- Fresh chicken $2/lb

- Rubbing alcohol $2.27 (great way to clean and sanitize your make up brushes and your cell phone!)

- Off Bug Spray $7.83

- 4 X Raspberries pm'd Loblaws $5 for 4 packs

- Egg Whites $2.49 and used $1 coupon from Save.ca

- Annette's apple pie $2

- Off Mosquito Clip $9.63

Here are the deals for this week! 

My Weekly Shopping

No Frills

- raspberries $1

- naturals and maple leaf bacon $3

- 5pk avacados $2

- royal gala and Granny Smith $1/lb

- lychee $2/lb

- country harvest $2

- blue harvest $2

- chapman's novelties 4-8pk $2

- Huggies wipes $2 ($1 off Walmart mag)

- Philly swirl cups $2

- Heinz ketchup $3

Walmart 

- chicken drumsticks or things $1.88/lb

- Mr. freeze jumbo $5.97

- bounty dura towel $1 (there is a 50 cent coupon kicking around somewhere but I'm not sure if it applies to single rolls)

- off spray $7.83

Price Chopper

- Tostitos chips, salsa and cheese $1.97

- Dempster's bagels $1.99

- packham pears $.99/lb

- royal gala $.99/lb

- attitude salad kits $2.49

Freshco

- watermelon 11-13lb $2.97

- cucumber $.77

- Tostitos chips, salsa and cheese $1.97

- Dempster's bagels $1.99

- bananas $.57/lb

- packham pears $.99/lb

- royal gala $.99/lb

- attitude salad kits $2.49

Fortinos 

- corn 8/$1.99

- lychee $1.99/lb

- viva puffs $1.99

- iogo tube yogurt $1.99 ($.75 save, Websaver, gocoupons)

Superstore

- bananas $.57/lb

- pc mini red and yellow potatoes 2/$5

Giant Tiger

- Heinz ketchup $2.88

Food Basics

- blueberries/raspberries 2/$3

- Dempster's bread $1.97

- bananas $.57/lb

Eros And Pookie

Shopping Deal on Tide and More Diaper Tricycles!

Good afternoon friends,

I went to Rexall last Friday to pick up some cheap Tide detergent. Tide is so expensive and this was a deal not to be missed. Too bad the location at Metro Hall had a pretty small selection. I really wanted the powder version but opted for the biggest liquid version that was on sale.  So funny, how the companies make a product look like the same size but really it has less loads because they scented it with febreeze or whatever. Doesn't fool me!

- 2 X Tide Liquid Detergents $4.99 each - $2 each from Brandsaver = $2.99 each

After what seemed like a whirlwind of summer activities I had to attend this month, I thought I was all done. I had hoped to go back to regular grocery shopping and eating at home, but last minute of course I found out I have one more baby shower this Sunday! Below are a couple of tricycles I made earlier for two other showers. I really like making these, just to see that big smile on the mommy-to-be's face is really priceless.

 In progress... I really really hate and need to work on my bow making skills!

Copped out and got a store bought bow to go with my homemade one! First of three tricycles complete and ready to go! 

Eros And Pookie

Shopping Trip June 19, 2013 and This Week's Deals!

Hi Fellow Money Savers,

With our huge Costco shopping trip last week, we didn't need much grocery wise this week! Other than some fresh produce and chicken, we pretty much are set for this week! It also didn't help that we had planned to eat out a couple times this week for father's day and all the summery events we've been invited to on the weekends! Here's what we picked up last night!

- Raspberries 4 packs for $5

- Blueberries 3 packs for $5

- Seeweed snacks $.88

- Egg Whites $2.97 - $1 coupon (Save.ca)

- Red Seedless Grapes $1/lb pm'd from Freshco

- Deli Fresh X 2 at $2 each pm'd from Freshco

- Royal Gala Apples $.88/lb pm'd from Food Basics

- Anco Smoked Gouda $3.97

There are a few really good deals this week! Right now, I'm looking forward to picking up some cheap Tide detergent for my mom and the free whipped cream! Did you know they steal Tide in the States and use it like currency? I saw it on CNN awhile back! Well, happy shopping!

My Weekly Shopping

No Frills

- chocolate milk $1

- ritz crackers or Oreos 2/$3

- chicken breast bone in $2/lb

- red/green seedless grapes $1/lb

- mushrooms $1

- baby carrots $1

- country harvest bagels $2

- Annette's apple pie $2

- blue diamond almonds $2

- chapman's novelties $2

- Huggies wipes $2 ($1 Walmart magazine coupon)

- Lactania butter $3

Walmart 

- avacado $.77

- fresh attitude salad $2

Shoppers Drug Mart

Sun/Mon

- Duracell batteries $11.99 ($1 brandsaver)

Price Chopper

- peaches/nectarines $1/lb

- kisko kids $1

- Puritan beef stew $1

- deli fresh $2

- fresh extra lean ground beef $3/lb

- Cheetos/smart food $2

- anco Gouda $3

Freshco

-  peaches/nectarines $1/lb

- watermelon 11-13lb $3

- kisko kids $1

- Puritan beef stew $1

- deli fresh $2

- anco Gouda $3

- Cheetos/smartfood $2

- extra lean ground beef $3/lb

Rexall

Fri-Sun 

- tide $4.99 ($2 brandsaver)

Fortinos 

- source yogurt 16 $4.44

Superstore

 - chapman's ice cream $3.50

- real Canadian water $1.97

- no name English muffins $1

Loblaws 

- raspberries 4/$5

Sobeys

- royale tissues $3.88 (various coupons from GoCoupon)

Food Basics

- black diamond $3.66

- gay lea whipped cream $1.99 ($1 coupon and $1 from checkout51)  FREE! 

- iogo yogurt various $4.99 ($.75 from GoCoupon, Websaver, Save.ca)

- yams $.88/lb

- Dempster's bread $2.29

Eros And Pookie

Life After Debt... An Update!

Goodies from the Farmer's Market

It's been about three months since the weight of what feels like a car (I really could of bought a nice car) on top of my shoulders has gone, I feel like I can breathe at last... if only for a moment! I was slowly and steadily approaching the finish line, so eager to stop making payments to OSAP and just get on with my life, that I cleared most of my different saving funds to just get out! Sadly however, I still felt a sort of mental debt that I owe to my various personal accounts like my slush fund, gift fund and tax fund. Oh well, at least I'm not paying anyone interest! For the last few months, I've been working my way back replenishing these accounts to what they should have been. Now, they they are topped off and I'm still finding some money left over. I'm now starting to enjoy life a little more without the worry. Since becoming a hardcore saver, I found it difficult to spend that extra dough on things that I knew I wanted but had learned to live without. I didn't want to become a money hoarder so I started saying yes to myself on things I really wanted. Lately, I've been visiting a farmer's market and buying some delicious yet expensive fruits and goodies. I started ordering some take out or getting food delivered for the nights I was too exhausted to cook and didn't feel like opening a can of soup or nuking a box of frozen food. Life, I can say has clearly changed and for the better! I still make sure all my various funds and credit cards are paid weekly, but it feels so nice to spend that few extra dollars and not feel the dread of debt looming over me. 

Learning to live on less has given me a much needed perceptive on how I want to live my life. As much as I love shiny, pretty things as much as the next girl, I'm definitely not willing to pay anywhere near as much as she's going to pay for it. I grew up poor, with a single mom in Jane and Finch who took care of her three kids and her own mother. I wouldn't call myself poor or rich today, but I'm content and fulfilled. I have a flexible schedule and work with good people. I live a happy life! How many of us can say that? I'm still human and still can get tripped up by letting the Jones' get the better of me. I would love to have an expensive purse, travel the world as I once did, or buy those close to me lavish gifts. But, I'm practical and I know that's not happening and I'm definitely not going to go into debt just so I can gain the approval of some people. However, I do LOVE making things! Homemade crafts are definitely me! Maybe nothing too crazy complicated but if it looks nice and interesting to me, you can bet your ass I'll figure a way to make a customized one for you! Just gathering the materials and taking the time to sit down and put all the pieces together are just hours of joy to me. Yes, there can be stress when it doesn't come out exactly like you thought it would but it's all a learning process. I also love that it's one of a kind! I can't go into a Wal-Mart and ask them to sell me a diaper tricycle (I hope not either, since I made two for two baby showers this month) and get a mass produced one made with crappy materials and no love or thought put into it. Right now, I see the money I save being used for the greater good in my life. I'm taking my retirement and downpayment savings more seriously now, as they are my new goals. I really believe in sacrificing some luxuries of today, just so I'll be able to eat tomorrow (more like when I'm 70). 

Here are some of the things I do to save money:

At Home:

- BUDGET and write everything down! I write out all my income and expenses to keep track of what I'm doing. My budget keeps me on track with everything. I know how much I'm spending and how much I will be spending.

- I try to use coupons and buy stuff only on sale. I'm constantly swapping coupons and freebies with friends and family. You'll be surprised how many different people ask me about deals and how to save money. 

- if you have some space, try to stockpile what you can (toothbrushes, toilet paper etc., this stuff isn't going to expire)

- I try to freeze meals, fruits or foods that are about to expire and eat them later (batch cooking) or incorporate them into recipes (smoothies).

- I batch cook breakfast and snacks. I have a freezer with oatmeal chocolate muffins for breakfast and bite sized banana bread for whenever. Such a timesaver for when you're on the go! 

- Pinterest! If it's looks easy to try, I'll make my own everything! My mom lent me her bread maker and I make my own fresh bread for work. 

- Buy in bulk, unless they are things I get coupons for all the time. With coupons, stick with smaller quantity for a bigger bang with your buck.

- I negotiate my own cell phone plan with a minimal data plan. I live downtown, there is free wifi practically everywhere! 

- I pay no fees for banking, why would I? And I get points for free groceries! Free food? I'm in! 

At Work:

- I subscribe to Bixi to save money on transport (tell them your with Live Green Toronto and give them the code 030512bixi to get $15 off your yearly subscription). It's actually faster than the TTC! Do the math! I generously budget one pack of ten TTC tokens per month at $26.50 vs. $7.72 I spend on Bixi with the membership discount. The only other investment you'll need is a helmet, but I bought a decent one at Costco for about $30. I honestly have less stress when I'm not reliant on the TTC, no more waiting with crazy commuters that push or the TTC that's always short turning or all of a sudden have no service. 

- I walk everywhere! It's fun to see the sights and smells, to get some exercise from sitting all day, and I learn so much from listening to podcasts! Podcasts make my 45 min walk to work feel like 15 mins! I would bike but I'm just not fully awake to be on the road that early.

- I rarely go out for lunch, so I use tupperware to carry my lunch instead of saran wrap (better for the environment and the wallet)

- I carry travel cutlery that can be washed instead of buying disposable utensils. Plus, I just hate using plastic utensils since they are so crappy!

- I use a reusable water bottle (watch the documentary Tapped and you'll see why). Although, I do buy a case of water once in awhile to give to my guests at home. 

- In the winter, I bring a travel mug to make tea at work. 

- I stopped drinking coffee, buying donuts, snacks etc.

Well, those are some ways I save money everyday, hopefully you'll like some ideas and incorporate it to your daily lives. Little changes in life can add up to big savings! So, what are you waiting for? Write to me if you have any other good ideas at erosandpookie@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading!

Eros and Pookie

Shopping Deals June 12, 2013!

Hi Gang,

I finally went grocery shopping again! This time it was to Costco for the essentials! If you don't go nuts and actually buy things you eat all the time you can really save some money by getting it in bulk! For example, I like to buy turkey breast meat for my sandwiches and for three packs at Costco it's $7.99. Compare that to the usual one pack I buy from No Frills or what not for around $5, sometimes there are deals but at least I know I  can grab them for cheap at Costco. I was also able to pick up some cheap 4L milk and a huge 4 kg of sugar for $3! Looks like I'll be doing a lot of baking this summer! The yogurt is always cheaper, since your paying about the same amount or less for 24 pks and you would get like 16 in a regular store. My only grief with Costco is that I like to be able to pick my individual fruit! I'm pretty particular when it comes to my fruit but this week with a little encouragement from Winton, I'd thought I'd give it a go and buy a bag of apples. So, far they seem ok! 

As for this week, there are some pretty good deals! A little light on the couponing side but a del without a coupon is still great! Probably, even better since you don't have to schlep your coupons around! Happy shopping!

My Weekly Shopping List

No Frills
- blueberries 3 for $5
- Anco Havarti $2.97
- watermelon $3.97
- Aspargus $1.97
- bananas $.57/lb

Walmart
- chicken breast pack $10
- crab legs $20
- head and shoulders $3.96 (bogo free Brandsaver, recently mailed out and I hope it comes by Monday!)

Price Chopper
- red/green seedless grapes $1/lb
- fresh chicken drums/thighs $2/lb
- gay lea butter $3
- Kiki kids 24's $1
- red/green lettuce $1
- 5pk avocados $3
- deli fresh $2
- smart food/Cheetos $2

Freshco
- red/green seedless grapes $1/lb
- fresh chicken drums/thighs $2/on
- gay lea butter $3
- kisko kids 24's $1
- red/green lettuce $1
- 5pk avocados $3
- deli fresh $2
- smart food/cheetos $2
- mushrooms $1

Fortinos
- red path sugar 2kg $1.49

Superstore
- raspberries 4/$5
- Neatea $2.97
- romaine, green and red lettuce $.88
- farmers market angel cake $3

Sobeys
June 13-16
- gay lea butter $2.88

Metro
- lactania butter $2.88

Food Basics
- royal gala apples $.88/lb
- crispers $.97
- deep and delicious $3.99
- corn 4/$1.88
- cucumber $.88

Canadian Tire
- arm and hammer detergent $2.99 ($1 smart source print out)


Eros and Pookie

Shopping Deals June 7, 2013!

Hi Couponers,

I didn't get a chance to do any grocery shopping this week! It's been a crazy week! I traded in my shopping day to spend some much needed time with my mom and pup! The next couple of days were devoted to bathing the dog and living off delivered food! Ouch! It's Woofstock this week and I can't wait to have a fun dog filled weekend with my family and friends! This is a great festival for those with dogs, I can't tell you how many freebies, coupons and stuff I get! I just bring an empty backpack and fill up! Especially, when they give away free toys since my dog is constantly destroying his and it's just too expensive to replace them all.

If you haven't heard, FreshPoints has closed their app since yesterday. Something about not having a sustained business plan and giving customers a "watered down version." Oh well, it was nice while it lasted but I really wish they gave us like a week's notice so I could cash in! I was almost able to get a $25 gas card! Boo! Makes me worried about Checkout51, so I'm so going to be redeeming that asap!

As for this week's groceries the deals seemed pretty decent, it's mostly sale items and not too heavy on the coupons! I just order some more Brandsaver coupons and I'm praying they get in by Monday when I do my shopping! Fingers crossed!

My Weekly Shopping

No Frills

- Armstrong cheese $3.97

- strawberries $1.44

- anco Gouda $3.47

- asparagus $1.97

- bananas $.57/lb

- granny Smith $.97/lb

- broccoli $1.27

- mini red potatoes $2

- Campbell's condensed soups $.77

- mr clean products $1.97 ($1 or $2.50 wub2 products brandsaver)

Walmart 

- red seedless grapes $.97/lb

- packham pears $.97/lb

- asparagus $1.97

- Kraft shredded cheese $5.84

- Heinz ketchup $2.97

- redpath sugar $1.97

- reach floss $2.97

Price Chopper

- tree ripe oj $1.97

- whole chicken $1.97

- activia yogurt 8x100g $2.97

- astro original 12x100g $2.99

- chapman's premium $3.99

- smuckers $2.99

- Fuji apples $.88/lb

- raspberries $1.99

- broccoli $.99

Freshco

- original astro 12x100g $2.99

- chapman's premium $3.99

- activia 8x100 $2.97

- kj various dim sum $1.88

- Dempster's bread $1.99

- Fuji apples $.88/lb

- raspberries $1.99

- broccoli $.99

Fortinos 

- truetaste milk $3.99

- Bosc pears $1.29/lb

Superstore

 - pint of blueberries $1.97

- asparagus $1.97

Loblaws 

- pc shredded cheese $4.48

- dole salads $1.99

Giant Tiger

- Betty Crocker $.88

- Beatrice sour cream $1

- omega 3 eggs $3

Sobeys

- organic white mushrooms $1

- red path sugar 1kg $1

- roasted seeweed $.98

Metro

- chicken breast bone in $1.88/lb

- fruit cream cookiesk $1.67

Food Basics

- red seedless grapes $1/lb

- lantic sugar 2/$3

- mushrooms $1

- baby carrots $1

- gay lea butter $3

- Ed another triple fruits $2 ($.75 from tear pad)

Eros And Pookie