We drove down to Portland this weekend, and were able to snag some great deals on our way home!

First, we stopped at a Fred Meyer in Portland to grab some Starbucks coffees. While our drinks were being made, I noticed a newspaper that someone had left behind on a table, which happened to be full of inserts. Free coupons! Hooray!

Then we stopped in Beaverton so that I could visit a K-Mart store. You see, I entered the Score Great Prizes sweepstakes at the beginning of the year, and ended up winning a $50 K-Mart gift card. I was excited to use my prize, and I knew exactly what I wanted to get – a new vacuum. Mine has been on the fritz for months, and I’ve been shopping around for a new one. I kept thinking, “There’s got to be a better deal than what I’m finding,” so I patiently used a broom while I looked for a bargain. And I’m so glad that I did!

Total spent: $4.99 in cash, put $50 on my K-Mart gift card
Total before coupons: $59.99
View receipt

I picked out this awesome Eureka vacuum, which was priced at $59.99. I had a coupon good for $5 off a $50 purchase that I received by signing up for their email list, which brought the total down to $54.99. I then used my $50 gift card prize, which left me with a grand total of only $4.99!

Right next to K-Mart was a Grocery Outlet “Bargain Market” store. I’ve always loved these outlets, so I thought I’d pop in and have a look after I got my vacuum. I needed to pick up a few pantry staples anyway, and even though I didn’t use coupons, the shelf prices were pretty low.

Total spent: $11.26
View receipt

Got:

1 lb. of bacon – price: $1.69
8 oz brick of cheese – price: $1.99
1.5 lbs of coffee – price: $5.99
Half a gallon of milk – price: $1.59