No Menu - No List - No Problem???

Since we were already out and about yesterday, and since our fridge was almost empty, and since they were predicting snow and ice for last night and today, we figured we'd better stop by Kroger for some groceries. A family can only live on cereal (with almost no milk since the fridge was getting empty) for so long, right?

The good news.... I had my coupon binder with me, and I even had about half of the past two weeks' coupons filed in it.

The bad news.... I had no menu plan. That means I had no list.

The really bad news.... Because of the snow and ice being predicted, everyone and their second cousin was at the store when we were. I seriously waited in line back one of the aisles because there were so many people trying to check out.

But I lived to tell about it!

Oh, and more good news.... I snagged enough pop (or soda for my northern friends) to use for any Christmastime visitors we may have.

The so-so news.... I spent $88. In my pre-bargain-shopping days, I wouldn't have thought much about that total. Now I try to keep things around $60-70. Fortunately we've not spent that much over the past few weeks. So this week made up for it!

Without a list, I ended up cruising up and down each aisle. I was making up meals in my head as I put items into my cart. I bought enough for this week's meals and a few extras. In fact, I even bought a shower curtain liner. It was about the same price as the ones I usually get at Walmart, but there was NO WAY I was stepping foot in Walmart today!

Here's what I ended up with. (Click the photo to enlarge.)

There's a lot hiding there! Here are some of the highlights.

Pepsi product 2-liters - On sale 4 for $5
When you buy 4, you get 2 FREE, making them 6 for $5.
I had a coupon for $.50 off 2 Sierra Mist 2-liters (doubled to $1 off).
Final Cost: $.67 each

1 Suave Body Wash for Men - $1.65 each
Used $1.50 off 2 coupon that Kroger sent me in the mail.
Final Cost: $.90 each

3 Goldfish Crackers - $1.82 each
Used 3 $.50 off coupons Pepperidge Farm mailed me.
Final Cost: $.82 each

1 Uncle Ben's Rice Mix - $1.69
Used $1.00 off peelie found on box.
Final Cost: $.69

2 Birds Eye Steamfresh Veggies - $1.00 each
Used 2 $.50 off coupons from 12/6 SmartSource insert
Final Cost: FREE

4 Green Giant boxed frozen veggies - $1.00 each
Used 2 $1.00 off 2 printable coupons HERE
AND Used 2 $.50 off Shortcuts.com e-coupons HERE
Final Cost: $.25 each

1 Wheat Thins Crackers - $2.20
Used $1.00 off Nabisco cracker coupon from 11/8 SmartSource insert
Final Cost: $1.20

4 Philadelphia Cream Cheese - $1.29 each
Used 2 $.50 off 2 coupons from 12/6 SmartSource (doubled to $1 0ff)
Final Cost: $.79 each (cheaper than the Kroger brand!)

2 Suave Deodorant - $1.00 each
Used 2 $.50 off coupons from 10/25 RedPlum insert
Final Price: FREE

2 Chi-Chi's Flour Tortillas - $1.86 each
Used $1.00 off 2 coupon from 12/6 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $1.36 each

4 12-packs of Pepsi products - $2.50 each
* You can only get this price if you buy 4.
I'm not sure what the limit is per transaction. I'm thinking 2 deals (8 12-packs).

I ended up saving 42%... not bad for having no menu and no list!

** I do NOT recommend doing this type of shopping on a regular basis! This is highly unusual for me, and I only did this well savings-wise because I had just gone through my coupons to pull out expired ones and file new ones. I was VERY famililar with the coupons that I had, so I knew what would make a good deal. I definitely recommend making a menu and a shopping list before heading to the grocery store!