As a parent of two very active children, I am always trying find ways to fill their belly at a discount. I usually do a pretty good job. But in the summer months, the grocery bills have almost doubled. That is because the kids are home more often. My children gobble up 3 meals and 3 snacks a day… they invite their friends over who gobble up just about the same.

And I guess it is not just the additional snacks and meals, I also have to buy more drinks. In 115 degree humidity, energetic children need ways to rehydrate. As soon as they come in from riding bikes, shooting hoops, jumping rope, playing hopscotch, walking the poodle, running around on the soccer field, playing fetch with the JRT, cutting the grass (it’s not all fun and games, there is a chore or two thrown in here and there)… but when the come in they want fluids… they need fluids!

Hence the exorbitant summer grocery bills. During the summer, I am forced to visit the grocer at least once a week. But it is not too bad. Even though the grocery bill (the dollars) has doubled… the amount of groceries (the food) has quadrupled. I am able to do this because I used every coupon and rebate that is available to me. No kidding people, I walk out of the grocery store with $300 dollars of food that only costed me $100 (or less in some cases)! Seriously, that should be illegal cause sometimes it feels like I am stealing. But I no thief… what I am is a conscientious deal seeker.

I buy things that are on sale, use manufacturer coupons and store loyalty coupons. And boy do I save… and save big! People, I am GOOD! I wish I could package my techniques and sell it. I’d make a lot of money! Ok I’m done tooting my own horn… so I’ll move on.

The one thing I buy plenty of in the summer is Kraft products. Kids love Kraft!

My bologna has a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R my bologna has a second name, it’s M-A-Y-E-R…

It’s not delivery – it’s DiGiorno…

and every kid’s favorite – Kraft’s Macaroni and Cheese, it’s the cheesiest!

I hate to sound like a commercial… but who doesn’t love Kraft’s food? And more importantly… who doesn’t like saving big on Kraft’s food?

Here is how I save on Kraft products:

$2 off Honey Bunches of Oats

$3 off 1 Planter product when you buy 3 Kraft, Nabisco or Oscar Mayer products

$3 rebate on pizza Lunchables

$9 rebate on Live Active cheese

$2 off Live Active cheese

$3 off Live Active Cereal

Still have the Sunday paper from 2 weeks ago? Look in Parade magazine for a coupon for free Kraft Singles

Kraft Mac & Cheese-A-Palooza at Amazon – Save $10 on eligible Kraft products instantly

Kraft Summer Beverages Savings Event at Amazon – Save $10 instantly when you spend $39 on eligible Kraft beverage products

Subscribe and Save at Amazon and save 15% on Kraft product plus have it delivered for free (Just a FYI… you can cancel the subscription after the first order without penalty.)

Join the Kraft Community and get a free subscription to Kraft’s Food and Family Magazine. There was a coupon for a free bottle of Kraft salad dressing in last month’s magazine. But don’t worry if you missed this one, each issue contains great coupons from Kraft.

Active forum on Kraft special offers and coupons

Free flashlight pedometer, Oreo cookie jar, Mr. Peanut ball cap and cupholder organizer from Kraft – Download the forms here

BHG promotion – Enter to win a backyard makeover from Kraft (there is only one grand prize, but there are also 125 other prizes first, second, third and fourth place winner)