My friend Jenn recently did a fantastic cost comparison of Aldi vs. Piggly Wiggly. I have wanted to do this for a long time, a head-to-head comparison of grocery stores, but I haven’t had the time or motivation. So a big thanks to Jenn for putting this together! It’s fascinating stuff.

First off I have to say, I can be a pretty picky grocery shopper, especially when it comes to meats/deli/fruits/veggies/dairy, so don’t let my findings make you think I’m a low-quality shopper

I was interested in checking out Aldi this week after hearing their strawberries were 50 cents per container (large sized containers, not the pints).

I ended up finding quite a bit more than just strawberries. At first I was skeptical but hey, I’m all for saving some cash! I bought the following: rice cakes, rising crust pizza, stuffing, bacon, paper towel, cantelope, sink sponges, taco seasoning mix, apples, taco shells, gum, eggs, cookies, canned beans, strawberries, carrots, paper plates, plastic cups, potatoes, ravioli, noodles and spag sauce. And, some of those items were doubled/tripled — for example I bought 4 containers of strawberries, (2) 3-packs of gum, 2-packs of carrots and so on.

This morning I had to run to The Pig to get some other items that Aldi didn’t have (yes, annoying, but worth it), and I ended up comparing the prices of each item I bought at Aldi.

The difference: Piggly Wiggly $68.94 vs. Aldi $40.05

[McKenna's note: According to my calculations, that's a savings of nearly 42%!]

That’s with me even pricing some of The Pig items with their generic products. Imagine if I would have gone totally name brand with everything!

So even though that store has a ‘cheap’ reputation, I don’t care… I’m gonna keep getting certain things there. I’ll put my saved money in a vacation fund!  Oh yes, their cantolopes and pineapples are on sale for $1.99.

Congrats on such a fantastic deal, Jenn!

Has anyone else starting shopping at Aldi lately? What do you think?

I have a 20% off $50 Carter’s coupon (good for in-store purchases only) that I’d like to send to a good home. It’s good through June 16th. I’m willing to mail it to you if you email me your info. Hurry: First come, first served!

This coupon can be used during the huge 50% to 70% off baby sale that’s going on right now. You’ll also get a $10 gift check for every $25 you spend through June 14th. Wowza, those are some great match-ups. Almost makes me wish I had a tiny little girl to outfit in cute summer clothes. Almost.

I have to admit that I’m a little rummaged out already. I OD’d at several sales in April and May. But that doesn’t mean this upcoming rummage sale doesn’t entice me! I don’t travel often to Sussex, but I’m on the market for a bedroom set…

Sussex-Area Rummage Sale

Thursday, June 11, 12-6 p.m.

Friday, June 12, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

W250 N8815 Hillside Road
Sussex, WI 53089
(Just off of Hwy 164 between Good Hope Road and County Line Road/Hwy Q)

Many baby items including strollers, bassinet, high chair, nursery bedding sets, some toys. Adult clothing sizes XL and extended/plus sizes (both men’s and women’s). Bedroom dresser set, window air conditioner (only used for one summer), microwave, and many other items.

Contact with Questions: nf1974@yahoo.com

Print your in-store coupon or enter the code JUNE for online purchases. Hurry, this is valid only today and tomorrow! Plus, eligible orders over $50 include free shipping.

I noticed that Kellogg’s and Kashi cereals, Coke products and Banana Boat/Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen is on sale this week. Add in a few coupons and Register Rewards with these deals, and this $5 off could add up to big savings.

My wonderful friend Karen tipped me off that Gymboree is having a great sale on Sunday: 30% everything in the store — in store and online. Plus, there is a 20% off coupon in Working Mother and Family Fun magazine that you can use on top of the 30% discount.
I just bought a ton of Gymboree clothes at rummage sales yesterday, and now I’m a little hooked. I might have to check out this sale, too.

Good luck! Let’s hope the Web site doesn’t crash with all the sale traffic.

There’s nothing I love more than a great rummage sale. And some of the best ones are neighborhood-wide sales that combine several families’ stuff into a giant festival of deals.

This weekend there’s one of these huge rummage sales in Oconomowoc:

Location: Hickorywood Farms subdivision, off Valley Road west of  Oconomowoc

Dates/Times:
Thursday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Items: Lots of kids clothes and gear, women’s and men’s clothes, computer stuff, household items, etc.

If you are having a rummage/consignment sale/public event — or know of one coming up — please email me! I’m setting up a calendar with this information. Thanks!

UPDATE: I dropped off some items at the rummage earlier today — my friend Becky has an insane amount of kids’ clothes! If you have a girl in sizes 4T and under, or a boy in 24 months and under, this is an incredible sale. Lots of Gymboree, Gap and brand-name clothes, shoes and gear that are in great shape. Most stuff is $3 and under — what a steal!

We are having a serious ant problem this year. In the last week, ants have started appearing all over the downstairs. I know they are coming in from the back of the house, but this year I discovered a fairly large ant hill in the middle of our lawn. Makes me think the ants have decamped for good this time.

I have extremely toxic ant killer, but I’m hesitant to use it. My 1-year-old just loves the look of those tiny pellets (they are blue and colorful and must taste good, right?!), and I don’t really trust the 2-year-old not to touch or eat it. I’m sure the 4-year-old will stay away, but you never know.

Does anyone have effective yet safe ant solutions? Or is toxic the only way to go? Please leave a comment and let me know what you would do. Thanks!

Are you ready for Memorial Day? I’m certainly gearing up: My shopping list for tomorrow includes rare items like potato chips and soda. We’re seeing several friends who are visiting from out of the country, and I know this long weekend is going to be busy. That Coke will have to give me the energy to keep going!

In addition to all the regular sales at the grocery stores and outdoor outlets, there are two deals to keep your eye on this week:

1. Walgreens is kicking off the summer season with this $5 off $25 coupon. Valid two days only: Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21. Good for online or in-store purchases. Print the coupon for in-store use or use the code SUMMER for online purchases. Sweet!

2. Kmart is also celebrating the warmer weather with hot deals on outdoor gear (think patio furniture and bikes), as well as this online coupon for $10 off $100 purchase. Offer valid in-store only, Friday May 22-Monday May 25.

Last week I did something out of character: I impulsively stopped into Bark River Kids, an upscale kids’ boutique off Hwy C in Delafield, to investigate the tiny “75% sale” sign in the window.

I blew my entire monthly clothing budget in that one trip.

But am I stressing about it? Nope. That’s the whole point of a budget. I have the power to spend our money the way I want to, within reasonable guidelines, and our checking account stays in the black.

Last month I spent my budget at several rummage and consignment sales, plus Kohl’s and Kmart. I got tons of great stuff. But even I get a little weary of second-hand and inexpensive-looking clothes. I admit that sometimes I covet cute, expensive clothes and accessories. 90% of my kids’ wardrobe is used, but I still love buying high-quality new stuff for them occasionally.

Less stuff, more fun

This month I got much less stuff, but I picked up a few items I’ve been searching for that I couldn’t seem to find anywhere else. Plus, these clothes are, well, boutiquey. They are cute and stylish in a one-of-a-kind way. They’ll make great birthday and Christmas presents for my girls, too. And most were less than $15!

Here’s what I picked up:

• A pink-and-white striped hat for the baby that ties under the chin. [Do you know how hard it is to find a hat that securely ties under the chin so my grabby-hands baby can't undo it?!]
• A stainless-steel sippy cup for the baby. [My attempt at avoiding BPA-laden plastic.]
• Lightweight, long-sleeved white embroidered jammies for the 2-year-old. [Perfect for summer nights!]
• Three funky stuffed animals (among them are a snail and an elephant). [Great for Christmas for all three kids -- they love getting matching gifts.]
• Several t-shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, etc. in multiple sizes for all the girls, now and later. [I love stocking up like this!]

Goes to show that even boutiques can offer good values, if you’re willing to wait and budget for them. Maybe I’ll go back next month to see what’s new on sale.

Local value

There’s another component of this shopping trip that makes me smile: I’m shopping locally at a family-owned business not 10 miles from my house.

One of the owners of Bark River Kids has a son in my oldest daughter’s preschool class. I like the idea that I’m helping to support their store. I also like knowing that the dollars I spend there are going directly back into my local community — not into the vast coffers of nationwide chains like Target, Kohl’s and Kmart. You can’t beat that kind of value.

I’ve heard of All You magazine for the last year or so, but I thought it was just for Wal-Mart shoppers. I was wrong! It’s a typical magazine (it kind of reminds me of Woman’s Day or Good Housekeeping), but it’s loaded with coupons. I know hard-core couponers swear by this magazine.

Save $13 on a subscription

Right now a one-year subscription is just $15 through Amazon, saving you $8.24. But if you order before May 31, you’ll save an extra $5 instantly. I’ve heard that this magazine pays for itself even at full price, so this is a worthy investment if you’re looking for more coupons. It’s also chock-full of articles and tips!

I just ordered my first subscription. I hope it’s worth it. Does anyone else subscribe? What do you love? What do you wish was different?