$151.37 worth of groceries for $22.48!

Harris Teeter is having their super double coupon event again this week!  I know I say this but I absolutely love these sales...it honestly makes my week!  These events are a great time to try out coupons to be able to get some items for super cheap or free.  If you are not registered as an e-vic member at Harris Teeter you are missing out on a lot of deals!  You can load electronic coupons on your Vic card and use regular paper coupons paired with the same item.  Visit Harris Teeter's website (http://www.harristeeter.com/promotions/e-vic/e-vic_benefits.aspx) to register as an e-vic member.  You will also receive an email every Friday with additional deals only for e-vic members!

Old spice deodorant - Original price: $3.39
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Old spice shampoo - Original price: $4.99
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Vidal Sassoon hair stylers - Original price:  $4.69
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Loreal advanced shampoo & conditioner - Original price: $4.99
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Reach floss - Original price: $1.69
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Colgate mouthwash - Original price: $6.99
Paid: FREE!

Benadryl anti-itch cream - Original price: $5.79
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Tetley tea - Original price: $4.49
Paid: .24 cents each (2 total)

Domino sugar - Original price: $2.29
Paid: .29 cents each (6 total)

Newman salad dressing - Original price: $3.99
Paid: .39 cents each

Truvia natural sweetner - Original price: $4.35
Paid: .49 cents each

Purina dog food - Original price: $6.59
Paid: $1.49 each

Harris Teeter cheese - Original price: $3.19
Paid: $1.67 each (3 total)

California frozen pizza - Original price: $7.15
Paid: $2.00 each (2 total)

Naturemade vitamin - Original price: $8.49
Paid: $2.49 each

Tylenol infant - Original price: $6.99
Paid: $2.99 each

Harris Teeter chicken breast - Original price: $7.40
Paid: $3.70 each

Total: $22.48
Saved: $128.86 

I was not able to post my grocery trip from last week because we went to the beach for a few days during the Easter weekend.  Once I got back from beach I picked up a few items but did not get as many items because I had to pick up some items while we were at the beach and did not want to go over my weekly budget. Below is the picture and total.

 Last week's trip

Total spent: $17.46
Total saved: $49.87

Happy couponing!

Nola 2 months

Age: 2 months (9 weeks almost)

Poor baby did not realize her 2 month shots were coming...

Stats: 10.5 pounds (27 percentile) & 22 inches (41 percentile)

Clothes: Still wearing mostly newborn clothes, but she is starting to fit into some 3 months clothes...finally!  She has only outgrown one newborn outfit (the one in her first month picture) which is too bad because it was such a cute outfit!  I guess I will pack it away in case we have a girl next ;) She also graduated up to her size 1 diapers once I ran out of them and refused to go buy more so on to the size 1 she went...butt cheeks showing and all.

Activities: I really think that Nola is a morning person just like her mama! Once she is up, fed and changed she is in her best mood!  The mornings is when we have the best play time and when we get the most laughs out of her. I was able to capture the video below of her showing us a little bit of her dance moves along with some smiles. She also loves to go on walks in her stroller which we have been able to do a lot more now that the weather is becoming more springy.

Favorite things: Her "Mam" newborn pacifier. I know everyone has their own opinion on baby's and pacifiers but sometimes it truly is a life saver. We have other brands of pacifiers but she prefers her Mam. Also, she enjoys her activity gym. She was lucky enough to get two...one from a great yard sale find and another from a baby gift. One has flashing lights at the top that she loves to stare at before I turn her over for tummy time. See below. The other will be great when she gets older because it can turn into a play pen complete with balls!

Mom & Dad's proudest moments:  Our little Nola has started to laugh and smile when we make faces at her. One of our favorite things to do in the morning is to sing, make faces and tickle her and watch her laugh. It is honestly one of the cutest things.  I have tried to take a video but I can never capture it! 

Weekly grocery trip: $102.33 worth of groceries for $35.03!

This week I went grocery shopping at Aldi and Harris Teeter for my weekly $50 budget goal. We are having a cook out with the family this weekend so I had to get a few extra items...still on sale of course! One of my electronic coupons did not deduct for $3.00 so my total should be $3.00 less. Below is the picture of my trip along with the breakdown of each item!

Liberate yogurt - Original price: $1.25
Paid: FREE!

McCormick seasoning - Original price: $2.69
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Wet n' wild nail polish - Original price: $.99 cents
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Wet n' wild eye liner - Original price: $.99 cents
Paid: FREE! 

Oral B pulsar toothbrush - Original price: $7.49
Paid: FREE! 

Oscar Mayer P3 protein pack - Original price: $1.99
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Yoplait yogurt - Original price: $.80 cents
Paid: .17 cents each (6 total)

Betty Crocker potatoes - Original price : $1.99
Paid: .24 cents each (2 total)

Harris teeter tomatoes - Original price: $.99 cents
Paid: $.49 cents each (4 total)

Domino Brown sugar - Original price: $1.39
Paid: .49 cents each (4 total)

Seventh generation dish detergent - Original price: $3.49
Paid: $.50 cents each

Old orchard Apple juice - Original price: $3.29

Paid: $.64 cents each (2 total)

Hefty plates - Original price: $3.19

Paid: $1.09 each (2 total)

Arnold's sandwich thin bread - Original price: $3.89
Paid: $1.44 each (4 total)

Ball park Frank's - Original price: $3.65

Paid: $1.46 each (5 total)

Oscar Mayer lunch meat - Original price: $4.79

Paid:$2.50 each (2 total)

Total paid: $35.03 (should have been $32.03)
Total saved: $67.63 (should have been $70.63)

I also bought a few items that we needed that were on sale this week at Aldi's.  If you have never been to Aldi before you should really go to check out their produce! Their produce is much cheaper than at regular grocery stores!  Just be aware you will have to bring your own shopping bags if you do not want to pay for your own.

It got pretty hectic in the Santos household the last week so I forgot to post the last two shopping trips during Harris Teeter's super doubles event.  I did take pictures of the savings and the items that I was able to get. Since it's past that sales week I won't give the break down, but I did want to share the pictures!

Total spent: $7.04
Total saved: $48.09

Total spent: $17.39
Total saved: $73.98

Happy couponing!

Losing the baby weight: Week 2-3

I got a little busy last week to report my progress from last week...as of my last post I have lost 4 pounds!  Every little bit counts, but I was so used to dropping weight very quickly right after delivery that it is frustrating to come off so slowly.  I wanted to share a few tips for everyone who is wanting to lose some extra weight...most tips are general for everyone (one for the new mothers and/or mama to be).

1. Breastfeed: Honestly it really helps your uterus contract back to it's normal size.  Also, studies show that for women who exclusively breastfeed that you can burn up to 500 calories a day. That is like a workout everyday!

2. Increase walking:  I finally got the go ahead from my doctor last week that I can now start my normal workouts. Speaking of which, I did leg day today for the first time in who knows how long.  Let me just say that I really think I am going to collapse every time I walk up or down the stairs. But, I still plan on trying to walk each day (weather permitting). My husband and I live about a mile or so down the road from the closest Starbucks.  As you can tell I am pretty coffee crazy, so we have started a routine that if we are wanting coffee then we will pack Nola into her stroller and walk the mile to Starbucks, enjoy our coffee and then walk back. Exercise, coffee and husband/wife time...sounds like a win to me.

Our trip to Starbucks and back.

3. Eliminate all fluids except water:  I know every weight loss article tells you this but it is one of the easiest ways to eliminate calories everyday.  Now everyone who knows me knows that I used to consume more coffee a day than I did water.  Was it the healthiest option?  Probably not. I have tried to increase my water intake and keep my coffee indulgence to once a day (sometimes two...hey I have a newborn!). During my pregnancy I craved orange juice morning, noon and night but one big glass of orange juice can add on 200 calories so I had to eliminate it. Instead of drinking the juice you are craving (grape, apple, orange) try eating the actual fruit instead!

4. Reduce sweets:  Since Nola has been born I have been craving sweets like it's nobody's business.  I really think I have more craving post delivery than I did while pregnant. Not really sure what that is about. I have started to try and keep more healthier options around for when my sweet tooth starts to act up.  The other night I made a box of fat free chocolate pudding with skim milk.  I split the box into different containers for portions and stuck it in the fridge. I plan on making some protein balls made with oatmeal and peanut butter...I will post the recipe if it is a success!

5. Prepare your food: For all those working or going to school you know that not preparing your lunch/dinner can easily lead to deciding on something quick and easy to eat which most of the time leads to you eating something unhealthy. I started preparing my meals for the week.  For instance each morning I have a pretty basic routine for breakfast.  I will cook an egg white omelet with either turkey bacon or a slice of toast with peanut butter (yummy protein). I had to cut out the pancakes and save those for my cheat days. I started preparing my lunches days in advance because I found that is when I would eat the most unhealthy. Nola's routine has her waking up around lunch which means this mama eats whatever is most convenient.  If I don't have a meal already cooked and sitting in the fridge that can be heated up and I typically go for something that is unhealthy because its the easiest to eat quickly.  Below are pictures of a typical lunch that I just heat up in the microwave.  Planning in advance can really save money and calories!

To throw in a little bit of my money saving ways I wanted to break down how much money can be saved by preparing your own meals. Each item below I got on sale either by markdowns and/or with coupons.

Broccoli: .75 cents
Chicken: $4.69 for the package (with 1 chicken breast left over)
Rice: FREE!

Total: $5.44 or $1.36 per meal.  The dollar menu can't even beat that!

Now I will go back to figuring out how I am going to manage to get up these stairs to go to bed with my jello legs...

Weekly grocery shopping: $215.11 worth of groceries for $17.35!

So this week Harris Teeter is running Super Doubles until next Tuesday!  I really look forward to these events because you can get so many items for rock bottom prices!  Generally Harris Teeter will double coupons below .99 cents. For example, a .50 cent coupon will double to a $1.00 value. During the Super Double event they will double any coupon $2.00 and under ($2.00 coupon doubles to a $4.00 value). I made two trips so far and will probably make a few more before the sale week is over. In the picture I combined both shopping trips together and I will post the pictures of my additional trips this week as well.

On both trips there were errors made which made my total higher than it should have been. The first trip a $2.00 coupon was not scanned which made my total $4.00 higher than it should have been.  I did not realize this till I got home and did not feel like going back to have it corrected.  On my first trip to Harris Teeter (picture below) I should have paid $0.00 (technically I would have had a credit) because I had overage to cover my taxes....oh well I will gladly pay $3 for over $100 worth of products!

On the second trip, the electronic coupons (ZVR/E-vic coupons) were not deducting off for the products.  I went to customer service after paying $21.31 for my second trip because I had $7.50 worth of electronic coupons that did not come off my total.  Customer service kindly refunded me back $7.50 in cash.  I didn't post a picture of the second receipt because it was not accurate due to the error.

Velveeta Skillet dinner - Original price: $3.49
Paid: FREE!

Hershey's spreads - Original price: $4.39
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Frank's Red Hot chili sauce - Original price: $3.49
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Fisher Pecans - Original price: $3.99
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Right Guard deodorant - Original price: $4.59
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Suave lotion - Original price: $3.49
Paid: FREE!

Suave Moroccan lotion - Original price: $4.99
Paid: FREE!

Venus Razor - Original price: 7.99
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

L'oreal Shampoo - Original price: 4.99
Paid: FREE!

Suave Shampoo - Original price: $3.99
Paid: FREE!

Axe Shampoo - Original price: $6.39
Paid: FREE!

Vaseline spray and go lotion - Original price: $7.99
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Benecol butter - Original price: $3.99
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Tresemme shampoo/conditioner - Original price: $5.49
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Tresemme hair spray - Original price: $5.49
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Colgate toothpaste - Original price: $2.49
Paid: FREE! (2 total)

Vidal Sasson hair mousse - Original price: $4.69
Paid: FREE!

Tums Antacids - Original price: $3.39
Paid: FREE!

Ragu pasta sauce - Original price: $2.49
Paid: .20 cents each (5 total)

Tampax pearl tampons - Original price: $5.19
Paid: .49 cents each

Lance Bold crackers - Original price: $2.99
Paid: .50 cents each (2 total)

Quaker Big Chewy cars - Original price: $2.79 each
Paid: .79 cents each (3 total)

Axe styling - Original price: $7.99
Paid: $1.99 each

Wisk laundry detergent - Original price: $6.99
Paid: $2.00 each

Total paid: $17.35

Total saved: $197.76

 

 Nola helping me cut coupons :)

Happy couponing to everyone!

Weekly grocery shopping: $104 worth of groceries for $27(plus more)!

This week I spent my weekly grocery budget at Harris Teeter, Target and Aldi. I spent a total of $51.10 and saved a total of $118.43!  Below is the break down of all items at their original price and then the price I paid for each item. 

 

Harris Teeter:

 

 

Mahatma rice - Original price $.99
Paid: FREE! (3 total)

Mueller pasta - Original price $1.85
Paid: FREE!

Pioneer gravy - Original price $1.29
Paid: .09 cents each (6 total)

Tampax tampons - Original price $5.29
Paid: .49 cents each

Vidal Sasson hair mousse - Original price $4.69
Paid: .49 cents each

Land O' Frost lunch meat - Original price $3.99
Paid: .50 cents each (2 total)

Purex laundry detergent - Original price $6.89
Paid: .69 cents each (2 total) - AWESOME DEAL! 

Bertolli pasta sauce - Original price $2.99
Paid: .75 cents each (6 total)

Fisher trail mix - Original price $1.99

Paid: .75 cents each (4 total)

Ban deodorant - Original price $2.99
Paid: .89 cents each

Ritz crackers - Original price $3.85
Paid: .92 cents each (2 total)

Harris teeter bread crumbs - Original price $.97

HT eggs - Original price $2.15
Paid: .99 cents each

HT hot dog buns - Original price $1.19

Starbucks coffee - Original price $8.95
Paid: $3.97 each (2 total)

Total spent: $27.58

Saved: $77.39

Target:

For all you target shoppers I want to offer one word of advice to save money. Always check the end of the aisles for clearance!  I can't tell you how many deals I have got at Target that were marked down on clearance that I paired with a coupon.  The best deals are generally at the end of the personal product aisles (oral care, hair care, pharmacy, etc...).

Dove Men soap - Original price $6.89
Clearance price: $2.44 each
Paid: .44 cents each

Frosted mini wheats - Original price $3.14
Paid: . 87 cents each (2 total)

Market Pantry frozen vegetables - Original price $1.25
Paid: .75 cents each (8 total)

Got2B volume hair mousse - Original price $5.99
Clearance price: $2.98 each
Paid: .98 cents each (4 total)

Clariol hair color - Original price $5.99
Clearance price: $2.98 each
Paid: .98 cents each

Total spent: $12.08

Saved: $41.04

Aldi:

 

Strawberries - $1.19 (2 total)
Blackberries - $1.19
Cantaloupe - $1.39 (2 total)
Gala apples - $2.78
Grapes - $2.38

Total spent: $11.44

Happy couponing!

Losing the baby weight

So the time has come to drop the "baby weight" that has made it's home on my hips, belly, legs and just about every where else. For the mamas out there you know the last thing us ladies want to do while carrying around another human during the third trimester is put on sneakers and climb on a treadmill. That is if your sneakers even fit, which mine barely did over my swollen ankles. Thankfully all my shoes fit now because for the last few weeks of pregnancy I was limited to ugg boots and bedroom shoes (not lying)! 

The first few weeks after delivery the weight dropped pretty quickly. I contribute that to being so busy and exhausted to eat the first 2 weeks, breastfeeding and all the water weight that goes away pretty quickly. So far I have lost 20+ pounds. That may sound like a lot but I still have away to go before hitting my goal weight. Not to go into specifics but I gained the upper part of the "healthy weight gain" during pregnancy, but I wasn't at my best prior to pregnancy so I have a little bit more than baby weight to lose. 

For those out there that aren't aware, basically the only thing new mamas can do during the first 6 weeks after delivery is light walking and a little bit of weights. So I still have a little less than 2 weeks before I can start a "normal" work out plan, but I have started to clean up my eating from all the pregnancy cravings. 

I'm going to start a weekly post to keep myself motivated to be able to lose an extra 20 pounds (so a total of 40) and track my progress each week. The pictures below are me prior to pregnancy (1 month before), during pregnancy and now (last week).

 Disclaimer: Excuse the "before" photo, it was the last full body picture I took prior to pregnancy. 

I was trying on new pants....that now I am trying to get back into. The irony.

All positive and encouraging words are welcomed during this journey!