So much shopping....So little Spent

I've set my budget at $100.00 for grocery and health/beauty purchases for the month of May.

I have a Jewel gift card that has $222.88. This was purchased earlier this year with the intention that it would last until the end of  2010.  I would like to spend no more than $25.00 from it this month.

So my budget is based on no more than $75.00 cash and $25.00 from the Jewel gift card.

I've made a few trips to the grocery store over the last few days.  I've found myself scrutinizing every purchase. I've been asking myself...do we really need this?  Is this the best choice for our budgeted money?
I've also had a few surprises pop up.

Here is a break down of the four grocery store trips that I've made this month.

May 1st
Dominicks
3 - Kraft Salad Dressing @ .99 each
2 - 1 lb packages of Strawberries @ $1.49 each
2 - 10 ct. packages of Mission Flour Tortillas @ .99 each
4 - Lunchables $2.99...B1G1F (Buy 1 Get 1 Free)

Coupons used:
3 - .55/1 Kraft Salad Dressings
1 - $1.50/2 Mission Brand Items
2 - $1/1 Lunchables
2 - $1/1 Lunchables (electronic coupon on your fresh values card)

Paid: $4.92 Cash

Jewel
1 - Welch's 100% Grape Juice @ $3.00
4 - Kellogg's 17 oz. Cereals @ $2.99 each

Coupons used:
4 - .70/1 Kellogg's Cereals (Blinkie)
1 - $1/1 Welch's Grape Juice ( Coupons.com)
$11.00 in OYNO Catalinas

Paid: .31 Jewel Gift Card
Received: $10.00 in OYNO Catalinas

May 3rd
Aldi
1 - Rose Bouquet $3.99
1 - 3lb bag of Gala Apples $2.99
Total Paid: $7.30 cash

Jewel
6 - Old El Paso Taco Seasoning @ .69 each
4- Kellogg's Cereals @$2.99 each
1 - Gallon of Milk @ $2.48

Coupons used:
3 - .70/1 Kellogg's cereal (Blinkies)
1 - $1/1 Frosted Mini Wheats (Found in Cereal box)
1 - $1 off a gallon of milk wyb 2 Kellogg's Cereals ( Found in Cereal Box)
3 - .60/2 Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
1 -  $2.00 your next purchase for responding to customer service survey
$10.00 in OYNO Catalinas

Paid: .85 on Jewel Gift Card
Earned: $10.00 OYNO Catalinas...one of these Catalinas is specifically for $3.00 off on your next purchase of Chicken or Beef

Budget Left to Spend: $62.78 Cash/$23.84 Jewel Gift Card

I had originally planned to get milk at Aldi since it is typically $1.79 - $1.99. However, with the $1 off a gallon of milk coupon it was cheaper to buy it at Jewel. I am also hoping that Beef Bologna counts as beef at Jewel.  My youngest likes bologna and I'm currently out.

I mentioned earlier that I had a couple of surprises pop up...mainly I forgot that it was Teacher Appreciation Week and A-Z countdown of the last 26 days of school. Hence, my trip to Aldi.  My oldest needs an Apple for Apple snack tomorrow and is taking some beautiful pink roses to his teacher.