Let's start with policies

So there are several options for places for me to shop at around here so let's learn what all their policies are.
Ok first I'm going to name all the major stores in the area: Walmart, Target, Kmart, Kroger, Piggly Wiggly, The Fresh Market, Gordon's Food and Butcher Shop, Whole Foods, and Dollar Tree.

Walmart

Target
Kmart

 Piggly Wiggly

in a small section on the side it says their policy
"We double manufactures couponsup to and including $0.60. If like items are purchased with multiple coupons, we will double the first coupon and give face vaule for the remaining coupons. If doubling a coupon should exceed the retail value of an item, we will deduct the retail value of the item only. We give no money back on coupon purchases. All manufacturers coupons are taxable."

The Fresh Market
When I contacted them last this is what I received though its been a while so I sent an email seeing if there was any change.
"In answer to your question about our coupon policy, we accept all manufacturer coupons with bar codes and we rarely offer any store coupons since we have regular specials.  We do not double coupon values, price match, or accept competitor coupons.  There is no limit to the amount of coupons you may use per visit, but our registers will give the cashier a message that the coupon limit has been reached after two coupons.  The cashiers can override this message and you can continue checking out as normal.  Additionally, I would highly recommend viewing our Inspirations publication, signing up to receive our weekly Fresh Ideas newsletter, and becoming our Facebook friend to be aware of all current specials (see links below).  One of our great deals for June is Ground Beef and Ground Chicken for 2.99/lb on Tuesdays.  

Thank you for your email and thanks for supporting our Memphis store.

Sincerely,
Andrea Smith
Customer Loyalty Specialist
The Fresh Market, Inc.
1-866-532-5989
myexperience@thefreshmarket.com
-------------------------------------------------------
www.thefreshmarket.com
www.facebook.com/TheFreshMarket
http://www.thefreshmarket.com/inspirations/monthly_inspirations.html"

Gordon's Food and Butcher Shop

I'm going to have to contact them to find out what their's is.

Whole Foods

this is what I got when I contacted them

"Thanks for your interest in shopping our store. In reference to our coupon policy, we accept all manufacturers and all store coupons. You are allowed to use both manufacturers and store coupon at the same time for the same item. In addition you can use one manufacturers coupon and one store coupon (together) for each item in a case, in addition to the case discount. For example, if you buy a case of 12 you can give us 12 manufacturers coupon and 12 store coupon, and get the 10% discount on top of that. Isn't that marvelous, now why would you not want to shop with us :). 
I hope I have answered your question satisfactorily and I look forward to you shopping with us.
Thanks,
Grace Lewis
Customer Service Team Leader
Whole Foods Market Poplar"

Dollar Tree

Next step, tomorrow get coupons.

Well now I have a new goal

So we went on a vacation, had some birthdays, holidays, and everything else. It was wonderful. But now it's back to real life. Yes there are two more birthdays coming, but other than that it drs visits, budgeting, cooking, and everything else just like I always have.
Well now quite like I always have. First off my budget has been slashed majorly which is not ideal for anyone, but ESP not a family our size with the diet requirements we have. Second off T is back to school which is more travel, and gas is on the rise again. Then last but not least my computer was recently destroyed on my birthday by G. So there are a couple of things that are going to have to change.
My new task I'm going to try my hand at (again) is to coupon. When we live in NC it was fairly easy. Harris Teeter down the road that always doubled, would triple, and sometimes super double. Then there was also the fact that at the time there was no allergies, and as they started getting added I started slacking off. Now here in MS the rules are different and I'm not sure what I'm going to come across. So I'm going to try and learn and share what neat things I find out along the way with you guys.

New Hair Do

So I was playing with S's hair to see if I come up with a new fun, cute hair do and I think I have something. She seems to really like it. 

I secetioned her hair in three sections. The first is just enough to make bangs, then put it in a ponytail. Then I did about a 2" section and ponied the bottom section. I then french braided the 2" section. after that I took out the bottom pony. I then removed the top pony, brushed it out started a french braid and gathered a little on the middle of the loose section to keep it secure and then just braided. S loves it. I know her face doesn't show it in the pic but she is getting tired of all the pics I have been taking. 

Food challenge

This morning I woke up to the sounds of my eldest daughter getting sick and it continued most of the day. So I hurried and went to the store to make sure she had some ginger ale and saltines. After she was all taken care of I made breakfast (which was late so has thrown us off today) pancakes, strawberry topping, bacon, and coffee.Tonight I am making tacos.

Homeschool Challenge

Today S has been sick and so we did not do school work with her. I took D with me to vote (we walked) and on the way we discussed what was going to happen and why I was going to do it. He then helped me vote and turn it in. Tonight he is going to watch the news with me to see who wins.

This Weeks Meal Plan

Our days of the week this week are going to be 

Meatless Monday

Taco Tuesday

On the Go Wednesday

We go to church Wednesday nights so dinner has to be travelable or take out

Try It Thursday

a chance to try a new recipe

Fish Friday

Soupy Saturday

Savory Sunday

We go to church on Sunday so something savory that can cook while I'm gone. Our main meal will probably be at lunch time.

Well its that time again

Time to get ready to go to the grocery store. It is not fun to shop when you have so many things you avoid and are allergic to. So I am trying my best to make a meal plan this month. I will set out in the morning vote and shop (if I don't wake before the kids and go with out them and then vote).
So lets get a run down of what we have going on here.

Allergies

Gluten

Casein

Soy

Oats

Chocolate

shell fish

Sensitivities

eggs

Things we avoid

artificial dyes

aspartame

Things people wont eat

cabbage

onions

eggplant

squash

zucchini

brussel sprouts

celery

liver

gizzards
okra
bell pepper
black olives
cooked spinach
bell peppers
lima beans

Now from what I recall that is all of it but that is still a long list and does not make it easy at all. I have had several people ask me so what do you eat? Sometimes I wonder the same thing. We use so much money on allergy free items and pre-made mixes its not funny. I know I need to start making my own or something like that so that it is not so expensive but it seems so hard to me. So I am going to go work on a list and see what I can come up with for the week and come back and share what I have.