Journal News Editor Michelle Miller-Carl and her husband purchased their first home in February 2008. Her blog follows her adventures in new homeownership.

I’m adamant about only purchasing sale items. If I don’t have a coupon or the retailer hasn’t cut the price, I’m not buying.

At the grocery store, I’m the same way. It’s not something I consciously try to do, but earlier this week when I hit up my local Safeway for groceries, I outdid myself.

In all I saved $94.24!!

That’s the most I’ve ever saved at Safeway. Usually it’s $30 or $40. I’m so proud I’ve stuck my reciept on the fridge.

Everything I bought was on sale save for four items and many were buy one get one free.

They’re also having this really neat promotion right now at Safeway (through Sept. 23) where if you purchase five of certain items, you get $5 off your grocery bill. By the time I stocked up on Smart Ones, cereal and ice cream, I knocked $15 off my total. AND I got my 20 cent fuel discount!

I only used a few coupons, but now I want to get clipping even more!

If you’re a super shopper, I’d like to know how you save on groceries.