Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Great Deals on Great Meals at Publix! *Plus $25 GIVEAWAY!* ENDED

One of the most important moments of my day is dinner time. Sure, I like food, (and so does my family), but that's not the reason why. I'm an old school mom, that really likes having the time around the dinner table to connect with my family. Learning about each other's day, planning the weekend together, laughing about silly things- that's what helps make memories.

I am a crazy busy mom. I have a child with special needs who hasn't "officially" "officially" been diagnosed- (don't ask)- a pre-k, almost-kindergartener-going-on-15 princess-in-training, am part of the PTA, SAC, Policy Council, am a Team Mom for tee ball, and needless to say, am stretched in many different directions. Especially now with end of year meetings, time for me to plan and prepare a meal are limited, and it's times like this where I love my Publix even more.

The other day I was walking up the aisle mumbling groceries I had in my fridge over and over trying to come up with some sort of a concoction to call "dinner". I could make a carbonara-type sauce, and pair it with a meat, but we were totally done with chicken, and I just couldn't think. (Bri would have blamed it on the sun, or the heat from practice.) I opened my sales flyer and voila, there was a recipe for the most delicious looking pork. I knew right there that I had most of those ingredients (or so I thought) but if not, I could totally do a carbonara type sauce over it and call it a day. In moments I went from lolly-gagging through the aisles looking like a crazy person mumbling ingredients to herself, to a person on a mission. Pork was on sale, so with even more zest in my step, my meal plan was done. 

What I love even more is that even if I can't figure out a meal- or if I don't resort to one of our 'staple' meals- I know I can always count on our Apron's booth for something tasty and usually quick. Thankfully, I have a family that loves trying new things. The best part is that it takes the "boring" factor out of dinner, because the family never knows what to expect. (Check out APRON'S here for more recipe ideas!)

So, if you've been following me on Facebook or Twitter you may have seen that recently I've begun couponing. No, it's not because of the crazy coupon show on TV- (remember, I don't have a ton of free time, people), it's because I just want to save money. I do not buy stuff I don't normally buy, unless it's insanely cheap, something that once sparked my interest as something I'd like to try, or free with my coupons. I mainly buy only the stuff I did before I started couponing. The only difference is that I'm saving a ton of money! Along with starting to use coupons, I started following the blog, AddictedToSaving.com. (I must say, if you live anywhere near a Publix, you should definitely be following that blog. You may not be a crazy couponer, or just looking to save a few, but how that site has helped me, you have NO idea!)

Four months ago, I thought that Publix had higher individual price points on items, which is why they could swing all of the crazy BOGO sales. Since following that blog, I've learned that their base price point is actually lower than many- if not all of their local competitors- on most items. I had no idea! I also learned that you can combine Publix coupons (you know the big coupon in the flyer or the bunch of coupons in the green and yellow advantage flyers that start with a PLU#.. OR the ones on the little kiosk thing floating around with savings on things like Yoplait, Cheerios, and more!) with manufacturer coupons (the coupons with a barcode), for even more of an incredible savings. I can officially say that for about 4-5 months, the majority of my grocery shopping is done at Publix because of these savings.

Now that we've settled into our new home a little bit better, our office is fully functioning and my son is almost '"officially" "officially"' diagnosed with something, I can start showing you all of the fabulous savings I'm raking in. Just a collection of random tid-bits gathered from online:

In 2007 a survey showed that 89% of the United States population used coupons to save approximately $2.6 billion dollars.

Manufacturers offered over $350 billion dollars in coupons that year – leaving over $347 billion dollars in coupons unredeemed.

The typical family saved 7% on their grocery bill in 2007 by using coupons – for a savings of $5.20-$9.60 per week. That may not sound like a lot, but with an average of $8 per week those savings add up to over $400 for the year- not bad for an average coupon user. Serious coupon users save much, much more, most of the time saving at least 75-85% of their bill.
To jump start you into saving money at Publix, check out GreatDealsOnGreatMeals.com to print out $10.80 in savings (the coupons expire on 5/29, so be sure to download them now)!!

Plus, through May 29th, stop by your local Publix to start your savings with a recipe for an easy Pasta Night at home! Make your own Pillsbury Ready to Bake! cookies for dessert, and stock up on some of the other featured products like Yoplait Yogurt, Honey Nut Cheerios and Progresso Soup!

WIN!!
Our friends at General Mills are offering a $25 Publix gift card to one lucky reader!

Here's How:
What items are you most excited to find savings on during the “Great Deals on Great Meals” event at Publix?

Extra Entry Opportunities:
  • Tweet about the Great Deals on Great Meals event or this giveaway. Please use the hashtag "#myblogspark" and "@4BabyAndMom" in your tweet. Post your link here.
  • LIKE 4BabyAndMom (and the Great Deals On Great Meals link above) on Facebook and share this promotion with your friends.
  • Do you share the same excitement we do for Publix? Share with me an experience, or something that YOU love about the store.
  • Share with me your closest store location using the STORE LOCATOR button.
  • If you use coupons, what's the best deal you've ever got?
  • Tell me your favorite General Mills product. Not sure? Visit their site for ideas.
  • Wish you could find coupons for THIS product? Tell me what that product is.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!!!



As always, what you have read is strictly the opinion of 4BabyAndMom and your experience may differ. Special thanks to General Mills and MyBlogSpark for allowing me to participate in this promotion. Super huge thanks to General Mills for providing me one gift card to keep and one to give away, as part of the MyBlogSpark program. This contest will end Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. One winner will be drawn using Random.org and then revealed on this post and the winner's page. The winner will also receive an email. Please add 4BabyAndMom at gmail dot com to your address book or label it "safe" so any communication won't be missed! Good Luck!


135 comments:

Mami2jcn May 25, 2011  

I'm excited about deals on Cheerios & Yoplait Yogurt.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn May 25, 2011  

I like the produce at Publix.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn May 25, 2011  

I have used coupons to get buy one get one free on cereal.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn May 25, 2011  

My favorite General Mills product is Honey Nut Cheerios.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn May 25, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons on Enfamil baby formula.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Lesley Mitchell May 25, 2011  

I'm excited about the Cheerios - we are almost out!
lesleymitchell52@yahoo.com

Lesley Mitchell May 25, 2011  

I love Publix because they are coupon friendly and I get the same consistent experience at all their stores :)

Lesley Mitchell May 25, 2011  

Facebook fan :)

Lesley Mitchell May 25, 2011  

Original Cheerios have to be my favorite General Mills product ever!

Lesley Mitchell May 25, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons for fresh produce (I can dream, can't I?)

Tamara B. May 26, 2011  

Excited about the Bertolli Pasta Sauce, Knorr Pasta Sides and the Pace Salsa
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. May 26, 2011  

I like you on Facebook and shared
(Tamara Bennington)
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. May 26, 2011  

I love our Publix! Love their bakery and thhe store is always spotless employees are so friendly.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. May 26, 2011  

Publix is about ten minutes away from where I live
Publix at Nine Mile
2180 W Nine Mile Rd
Pensacola, FL 32534-9472

tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. May 26, 2011  

I couldn't feed my family if I didn't use coupons and the best deal I got lately was two bottles of Nivea Body wash for free using two $3.00 coupon found in a coupon insert in the Sunday newspaper

tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. May 26, 2011  

Favorite General Mills Product is Cheerios cereal.

tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. May 26, 2011  

I wish I could find an high end coupon for Marzetti pepperoncinis
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Allison May 26, 2011  

I am most excited about the honey nut cheerios on sale

kitraz13 at hotmail dot com

Allison May 26, 2011  

I love Publix's BOGOs! They help me out so much with saving!

kitraz13 at hotmail dot com

Allison May 26, 2011  

The closest store to me in Tampa is the Carrollwood store at Dale Mabry and Linebaugh.

kitraz13 at hotmail dot com

Allison May 26, 2011  

I always use coupons every time I go to the store. My best deals are when I have coupons that lowers the price enough so that I get it for free and make money off of it!

kitraz13 at hotmail dot com

Allison May 26, 2011  

My favorite general mills product is pillsbury crescent rolls. mmm they're so good!

kitraz13 at hotmail dot com

Allison May 26, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons for regular milk. There's hardly ever any!

kitraz13 at hotmail dot com

Katrina May 26, 2011  

HOney nut cheerios...we are a cereal family!

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

Karin May 28, 2011  

Progresso soup, Honey Nut Cheerios, and the Yoplait --


karin56381 (at) gmail.com

Karin May 28, 2011  

The best deal I've gotten with a coupon? --I'd say free product coupon= free product! Redeemed a free frozen pizza coupon just the other day.

karin56381 (at) gmail.com

Karin May 28, 2011  

Hard to pick a favorite General Mills product! So many wonderful ones to choose from! This time of year I am crazy about their Suddenly Salad products. They are very convenient and easy to make on a hot summer day.


karin56381 (at) gmail.com

Karin May 28, 2011  

I have to agree with a previous poster.. coupons on milk would be great.

karin56381 (at) gmail.com

elizabeth,  May 28, 2011  

I'm looking forward to saving on Honey Nut Cheerios!

atlantagalknows -at- gmail.com

elizabeth,  May 28, 2011  

I love how they honor their store policies. One time I bought some lunchmeat that rang up wrong. I showed the cashier the price, and without having to ask, he gave it to me for free. I was so impressed!

atlantagalknows -at- gmail.com

elizabeth,  May 28, 2011  

i liked both your blog and Great Meals for Great Deals on FB + shared this giveaway: https://www.facebook.com/iamelizabethcarmen/posts/162420800489290

atlantagalknows -at- gmail.com

elizabeth,  May 28, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons for Aquify contact lenses. I have heard that they sometimes come in Sunday ads, but I prefer to get all my coupons online instead. Know of any online resources to find them?

atlantaglaknows -at- gmail.com

elizabeth,  May 28, 2011  

My favorite General Mills product is Honey Nut Cheerios. We have it for breakfast every morning!

atlantagalknows -at- gmail.com

p.s. i just noticed that i typed my email wrong in the comment above re: coupons. please note that the correct spelling is: atlantagalknows

thnx!

elizabeth,  May 28, 2011  

my closest publix is: 2148 S Cobb Dr SE; Smyrna, GA 30080-1348

atlantagalknows -at- gmail.com

elizabeth,  May 28, 2011  

Well, I loved getting Seventh Generation for 50 cents a bottle with coupons a couple of weeks ago during a Publix sale!

atlantagalknows -at- gmail.com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER May 29, 2011  

cheerios mrs.mommyyatgmail

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

I like the Honey Nut Cheerios and Yoplait yogurt.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rhoneygee/status/74729009686122496

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

I like the friendly staff at Publix, the BOGOs, and the cleanliness of the stores.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

My closest store is in Merdianville Al. I go there twice a week.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

I had a coupon for $1.25 off on bananas.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

My favorite General Mills products is the Honey Nut Cheerios.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

mar May 29, 2011  

Yoplait is what I am most excited about finding!

LWons@HotMail.com

Dolores,  May 29, 2011  

I'm excited about going to Publix's and looking through the buy one get one bins.

April May 29, 2011  

Bertolli Pasta sauce!

april dot vrugtman at gmail dot com

budtaz May 29, 2011  

bakery and fresh produce are the best

Ralph Spinelli,  May 29, 2011  

Hellmann's makes great sandwiches

Mary G,  May 29, 2011  

I love shopping at Publix for great values

Amber May 29, 2011  

I'm excited to save on Nature Valley Granola Bars!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber May 29, 2011  

I like both of you on Facebook and shared with my friends - my FB name is Amanda Moore
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber May 29, 2011  

The best deal I ever got with a coupon was a free bag of Food Should Taste Good chips!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber May 29, 2011  

I love Publix because the store is always so neat and it's easy to find what I'm looking for!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber May 29, 2011  

My favorite General Mills produce is Apple Cinnamon Cheerios!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber May 29, 2011  

I wish I could find a coupon for a new car! Haha
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Davina May 29, 2011  

I'm excited to find savings on V8 juice! We can't get enough of it!

buzzd May 29, 2011  

cheerios

llinda29 May 29, 2011  

I am excited about Texas toast

llinda29 May 29, 2011  

favorite General Mills produce is cherrios

hale2005 May 29, 2011  

Save $2 dollars on cheerios is my favorite deal.

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

hale2005 May 29, 2011  

tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/mrcheapo/status/74901036925587456

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

hale2005 May 29, 2011  

LIKE 4BabyAndMom (and the Great Deals On Great Meals link above) on FB.
mrcheapo

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

hale2005 May 29, 2011  

I love the direct pleasurable customer service.

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

hale2005 May 29, 2011  

I got a free scott sponge with a coupon.

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

hale2005 May 29, 2011  

Favorite general mills product is cheerios.

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

hale2005 May 29, 2011  

I would like to find a coupon for my nabisco barnum animal crackers.

hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

Susan May 29, 2011  

Love to win !!!!
corrysue@yahoo.com

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

I am most excited about the coupon for the Pace Salsa! I put salsa on everything from eggs to baked potatoes to nachos!
kitty32504 at cox dot net

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Kitty32504/status/74922723066912768
kitty32504 at cox dot net

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

I "like" 4BabyAndMom AND the Great Deals On Great Meals link on Facebook (Dara Nix) and shared this promotion (I tagged you in the comment)!
kitty32504 at cox dot net

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

I love that my Publix is always CLEAN and UNCLUTTERED!!
kitty3254 at cox dot net

Anonymous,  May 29, 2011  

My Publix is located about 5 mins from my house at:
5055 N 9th Ave
Pensacola, FL 32504-8719
kitty32504 at cox dot net

Erica C. May 29, 2011  

I'm glad V8 has a good deal!

Patrice May 29, 2011  

I'm most excited to find deals on Hellmann's Mayonaise and Bertoli pasta sauce.

speck135les May 30, 2011  

i am most excited about beef taco skillet. it sounds easy to make and delicious speck135les at yahoo

speck135les May 30, 2011  

there are 31 stores in tennesee speck135les at yahoo and id be helping to buy dinner for my family there

Elkaye May 30, 2011  

I love my Cheerios, so it was great to see the deal on those!

elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye May 30, 2011  

Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Elkaye/status/75129520503525376

elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye May 30, 2011  

I love Publix because it's the only grocery store around me that sells my favorite items like Big Sky Bread granola and Talenti Pistachio gelato.


elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye May 30, 2011  

Every Thursday, I go online to the publix website to find their deals for the week.


elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye May 30, 2011  

I always want coupons for Talenti's gelato.

Elkaye May 30, 2011  

One of my favorite General Mills items is multi-grain cheerios.

elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye May 30, 2011  

My publix is located at
2873 S Orange Ave in Orlando, FL.

elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

Elkaye May 30, 2011  

The best recent deal I got from publix was their 8 piece fried chicken for $4 (normally it's $7.50).


elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

jenspurg May 30, 2011  

I'm excited about the Bertolli deal and the Pillsbury cookie dough deal.
huntandride@hotmail.com

jenspurg May 30, 2011  

Closest Publix is in Fairview,Tn.
huntandride@hotmail.com

jenspurg May 30, 2011  

Favorite GM product is cheerios. My kids love them!
huntandride@hotmail.com

jenspurg May 30, 2011  

Love the BOGO at Publix. Paired with coupons it makes for great deals.
huntandride@hotmail.com

EmmaPeel May 30, 2011  

Betty Crocker products like Warm Delights and Cheerios.
emmaspeel(at)gmail.com

jenspurg May 30, 2011  

The best deal I've ever gotten is a cart full of groceries valued at over $100 for less than $15.
huntandride@hotmail.com

EmmaPeel May 30, 2011  

My favorite General Mills product is Betty Crocker frosting

emmaspeel(at)gmail.com

EmmaPeel May 30, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons on Cadbury caramel or fruit bars
emmaspeel(at)gmail.com

jenspurg May 30, 2011  

Wish there were more coupons for produce.
huntandride@hotmail.com

jenspurg May 30, 2011  

Tweeted. https://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/75193979456598018
huntandride@hotmail.com

jenspurg May 30, 2011  

like you on Facebook and shared.http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=213542108679988&id=1128795495
huntandride@hotmail.com

Michelle Spayde May 30, 2011  

Love to find great deals on Bertolli, Yoplait & Cheerios

michelle spayde
spayde.michelle@gmail.com

Michelle Spayde May 30, 2011  

http://twitter.com/#!/arniebelle/status/75233161029758976

Tweet! Twitter ID is ARNIEBELLE
michelle spayde
spayde.michelle@gmail.com

Michelle Spayde May 30, 2011  

LIKE 4babyandmom on Facebook
michelle spayde
spayde.michelle@gmail.com

Michelle Spayde May 30, 2011  

I LOVE to go to Publix when they have their meal demonstrations. I've picked up some great recipes, and they always have the ingredients right there at the demonstration station along with the recipe cards
michelle spayde
spayde.michelle@gmail.com

Michelle Spayde May 30, 2011  

Closest Store Location
Beckett Lake Plaza (Store #01300)
1921 N Belcher Rd
Clearwater, FL 33763-4548

Main: (727) 712-3450
Fax: (727) 712-3540
Pharmacy: (727) 712-3480
Liquor Store: (727) 712-3587


Michelle Spayde
spayde.michelle@gmail.com

Michelle Spayde May 30, 2011  

The best coupon deals EVER are the coupons for FREE product you can get from Facebook promotions!!

I've been super lucky with these the past few months!!

Michelle Spayde
spayde.michelle@gmail.com

Michelle Spayde May 30, 2011  

My fave GM product is Totinos pizza rolls. YUM!

Michelle Spayde
spayde.michelle@gmail.com

Michelle Spayde May 30, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons for FRESH produce and meats!!! I sometimes hear of them, but I have NEVER seen one!!

Michelle Spayde
spayde.michelle@gmail.com

maryjaco1 May 30, 2011  

I'm excited about the pace salsa's & the progresso soups.
mary@cire.com

maryjaco1 May 30, 2011  

I love their deli made white meat chicken salad.
mary@cire.com

maryjaco1 May 30, 2011  

The closest location is the The Shoppes at Beville Rd. (Store #00304)
1500 Beville Rd Ste 300
Daytona Beach, FL 32114-5644


mary@cire.com

maryjaco1 May 30, 2011  

My best coupon deal was a bogo free sale of sobe & using bogo free coupons with the sale. Lots of free sobe drinks.
mary@cire.com

maryjaco1 May 30, 2011  

I like GN's green giant vegetables.
mary@cire.com

maryjaco1 May 30, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons for crayola crayons.

Hotsnotty2 May 30, 2011  

I'm most excited about saving on cereal and yogurt, thanks!

Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

annemarie562000 May 30, 2011  

I am most excited about Honey Nut Cheerios and Yoplait Yogurt!

annemarie562000(at)yahoo(dot)com

annemarie562000 May 30, 2011  

My favorite product is Honey Nut Cheerios!

annemarie562000(at)yahoo(dot)com

ewhatley May 30, 2011  

I find great deals at Publix for a spaghetti dinner. Sauce (bogo), pasta (bogo), salad (bogo), garlic bread (bogo) and meat for sauce (on sale).

mybeachylife at gmail dot com

Gina M (crave to save) May 30, 2011  

I am very excited to find deals on cheerios and yoplait yogurt. Thanks for the chance!

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Gina M (crave to save) May 30, 2011  

I like you on Facebook "Crave to Save"
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Gina M (crave to save) May 30, 2011  

Every publix I have been in has been very clean, bright, and well stocked!!! :)

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Gina M (crave to save) May 30, 2011  

My fave general mills product would be original cheerios - a staple in our home.
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Gina M (crave to save) May 30, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons for fruits and veggies! That would really save us some money...

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Gina M (crave to save) May 30, 2011  

I would have to say the best deals come from those free product coupons I get from time to time by contacting companies or likeing companies on facebook.

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

Gina M (crave to save) May 30, 2011  

tweet-http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/75341494181048321

gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

jlafount May 30, 2011  

I'd load up on Pace Salsa

Melissa May 30, 2011  

I like the Yoplait Yogurt

melissamcnicol AT yahoo DOT com

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

I'm most excited about the savings on Hellman's mayo and Bertolli sauces.
(email in profile)

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/BBirdie2/status/75377073669152768

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

Liked you and Great Deals on FB as Judith B.

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

Shared promotion on FB:
http://www.facebook.com/beachbird2/posts/169649289762355

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

I like that Public carries Boar's Head in their deli

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

My closest location is in Santa Rosa Commons in Pace, FL

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

The best deal I ever got was when I had a coupon for free salsa

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

Wish I could find a good coupon for Agave Nectar

Judy B. May 30, 2011  

My favorite General Mills product is Cherrios

/\Heather/\ May 30, 2011  

Texas Toast and Pace Salsa!
heatherpooh (hotmail)

/\Heather/\ May 30, 2011  

We love Publix BOGO stuff! My husband will come home with loads of their BOGOs.
heatherpooh (hotmail)

cman May 30, 2011  

The honeynut cheerios.

cman May 30, 2011  

I also like apple cinnamon cheerios.

cman May 30, 2011  

I wish I could find coupons for cherry rc and arizona tea!

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