Since this pregnancy has been rather unpredictable so far, I have decided to modify my usual shopping habits. I typically get all my shopping done one day a week, after elaborate planning and preparing.
Lately, I never know when I will feel up to shopping, so I go when I can. I am definitely not willing to give up my coupons, so here is my temporary method:
- Clip coupons for items I intend to buy (based on my current needs/cravings and tolerance) right away.
- Stick to one or two stores, depending on my energy levels. For now, Walmart and CVS are most convenient.
- Not sweat over spending a bit more than usual. After all, I am eating much more than usual! (No wonder I already gained 10 pounds)
I may not be saving in record numbers, but I am still paying far less than most consumers by using coupons.

I had a coupon for each item above. To simplify things, I stuck with regular manufacturers coupons from recent inserts, with one exception- the bag of Iams dog food was free with a coupon I requested here ($7.48 value).
YoPlait Yo-Plus $1.00 coupon
Egg Land’s Best $0.35 coupon
Daisy Cottage Cheese $0.60 coupon
Kraft Select Cheese $0.55 coupon
2 boxes Life Cereal (I eat a lot of cereal lately) $1.00/2 coupon
2 Starkist Creations $1.00 coupons (2)
Dole Peaches $0.55 coupon
1 Box Atkins bars $2.00 coupon
DanActive Yogurt drink $1.00 coupon
Electrasol Tabs $2.25 coupon
Febreze Noticeables starter kit $5.00 coupon
Nesquik Chocolate Syrup $0.55
V8 Soup $1.00 coupon
3 Johnson’s Buddies soaps $3.00/3 coupon
Total Before Coupons: $51.33
Total After: $23.00
Not my best work, but still a great savings! Simply using coupons from the Sunday paper for basic needs will pay off in a big way.



Hey there! Thanks for posting that pic — I have the same freebie Q from Iams and didn’t see that new food at Kroger yet. Now I know to make a trip to WallyWorld {shudders in anticipations}.
You’re doing a great job keeping everything rolling while dealing with the preggers sickies.
Smiles atcha — and love that Andrea g posted! Take care.
Thanks for all you do- here is a blog award!
http://lifeasachildrensminister.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-surprise.html
This post makes me feel a little better, because my shopping habits have changed the same way this past year, first during my pregnancy and then while caring for a new baby. I keep telling myself that I just need to tread water right now, and as my baby gets older, I can start getting back to my old ways.
Good for you recognizing your limits! We moms have a hard time doing that sometimes.