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Friday, August 7, 2009

I love a deal!

This week, Thursday and Friday, I took half a day off each day. Jeremy had both days off and my intent was to spend some extra time with him and Jacob both days, rather than just one and I did but, I also did a few little fun things on my own.

Thursday, after I ran a few other errands, I went and checked out the local Aldi. I hadn't been there in years. Once I figured out the cart rental system, I was on my way (enter quarter in the slot and undo the chain). After talking with a guy from work who does their family grocery shopping at Aldi, I had decided to try and save a little money on my grocery bill and start buying my staples at Aldi. I did find some really great bargains on a lot of things I use often. For instance, cereal ($1.79/box), egg noodles (99 cents/bag), soup (49 cents/can), canned goods (49 cents/can), a gallon of milk for $1! Now - there are things I won't skimp on: Heinz ketchup, Dawn dish soap, and Comet Cleanser, just to name a few. I have learned that canned goods - most of them, the same company cans the name brands, the store brands and the Aldi brands. The just run different labels every few hours. A penny saved is a penny saved. I haven't figured out my savings but I can tell you this - I saved over $1 on frozen french toast sticks and the $1 gallon of milk?? Worth the trip!

I've also changed my thinking on laundry detergent. I always bought Tide with Bleach for my whites - which I will continue to do but, on my other stuff - does it really matter? I mean, isn't it true that the stronger the soap, the more it will fade my clothes? And do my clothes really get that dirty. Um, no. I sit at a desk! Jacob is pretty good at hitting his mouth now, and Jeremy's stuff - I add a little Dawn to those loads anyway to cut the grease. So, my local grocery last time had detergent on sale - buy one, get TWO free! Count me in!

Back to my half days off...Anyway, on Thursday, I also took the time to peruse the local Goodwill as I do once in a while and I so scored! Not at one store but, at 2 stores!! In Holland, I got a pr. of jammies for me $4, a like new sweater for $2.99 and an inflatable bed for Jacob (I was looking for this last year - it was $30!) for $13.55 - BRAND NEW and in THE BOX! This is the exact one!

And then I toured the Goodwill in Allegan. I found a pair of work pants for Jeremy ($3.99 and like new). I don't like to buy new for him for work as he ruins them in the restaurant. A Red (from the movie Cars) but, this one is missing part of the ladder and the hoses ($2.99) and Jacob can play outside with it so he's happy (HA! While looking for that link, I just found one for $20 including shipping - I'm so ordering that for Christmas!). A dollhouse furniture set in a HUGE bag. It's the Little Tikes brand that I can sell on an online auction site for TRIPLE the $4.99 I paid. I found the Perfection Game, with ALL of the pieces for $1.99. I also got Jacob a pair of Levi's Signature jeans for $2.99 - again, like new. But the best of the best - I had a 20% off coupon!! I saved like another $4 off my total!

I like when that happens!

3 comments:

  1. You totally scored! Isn't that just the best feeling? I haven't been to Aldi in years, but now I am re-thinking that. Thanks for the inspiration, and...we need to go shopping together soon! :)

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  2. When we were grocery shopping for Keaton's baptism Amanda insisted that we go to Aldi's. I was a little skeptical at first but one trip and I was hooked! That's pretty much the only place we grocery shop any more - with the exception of those few items that just *need* to be name brand.

    I will tell you though, I am a total Heinz ketchup girl, but Aldi's ketchup is really pretty good. It is one of the switches we've made that I NEVER saw coming!

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  3. I love Aldi! I agree with the name brand, store brand, and Aldi brand philosophy. I love their cereal and frozen food selection. When I was in college, I swear on everything that their frozen pizza literally said "made for Schwans"...you know, the ice cream trucks! It doesn't say that anymore, but really does taste a lot like it! Great job, bargain hunter!!!

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