Since starting work several weeks ago, I have been too busy (well, lazy is more like it) to do my usual super copuoning. I actually have felt guilty about it too. Then I read a couple of posts on other coupon blogs about "it's ok to shop without coupons and take a break"! So you know what?? I did take a break today and actually went to the store WITHOUT coupons! (plus they don't take them at this store, too bad...there would be lots of great deals that way!!)
I also have been reading alot about the 99 Cent Only store and thought I would check it out. Now the closest ones to me were both 30 minutes away with NO traffic and I was planning on going after work and school. I thought traffic is better than shopping on a Saturday!
I was pleasantly surprised at the size and selection of this store! They had all the stuff a usual dollar type store would have plus a whole grocery store side complete with a frozen, fridge, and produce dept! Some of the items in there I wouldn't pay a $1 for, like canned goods, but boxes of cereal, bags of chips, 2.5 lbs of bananas I will totally go for!
The best things I found were stalks of celery (for ants on a log), a bag of stirfry veggies, a 1/2 gallon of PUMPKIN ice cream by Dryers (totally out of season, but still in date!), and the best yet...2 lb boxes of strawberries each a $1!!! YES, I GOT 6 POUNDS OF STRAWBERRIES FOR $3!!! I spent $51 and loaded up on snacks, and fruit/veg only!
Since my grocery budget is $50 a week for the 5 of us, I think I will "take a break" once a month and head on over to the 99 Cents ONLY store and stock up on snacks and some great veggie/fruit deals!
