Obsessed with Saving

And the Winner Is...

2011-03-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be so slow posting this! I was just trying to drag out the excitement (not really...life, ya know).

But without further ado

The Winner of the fabulous bag of Box Tops for Education Goodies is:

Thanks for playing everyone!

Now even if you didn't win the giveaway, remember that you can win by helping your schools!

Turn in those boxtops people.

smooches,

Deb

A win-win scenario

2011-03-15T11:06:00.001-07:00

So, my question for today is Do you save your box tops for Education?

You know, the little tabs that you find on your General Mills, Pillsbury and Betty Crocker foods, Ziploc bags and other items?

Ok, so maybe your family doesn't go through a zillion boxes of Golden Grahams like my family does.

But I don't know of anyone who hasn't occasionally used a ziploc baggie.

And if you haven't bought some Pillsbury Crescent rolls and made these, well, you are seriously missing out on some of the yummy goodness in life!

Why do I ask?

Well, this last week I was lucky enough to go to a training for the Coordinators of Box Tops for Education.

And, WOW, these little scraps from your packaging have made huge differences in schools all over the country!

So...

You don't need an elementary or middle school child of your own to save the box tops

You just need:

Scissors or your little hands to cut or tear them out of the package

a baggie or junk drawer to keep them in until you turn them over

a local elementary or middle school or a neighborhood child to give them to!

(check your local grocery store for a drop box)

Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy

And, to get you motivated I will show you this:

This is a ginormous bag (ziploc of course) of goodies that all have box top labels on them.

Everything you see here has those little labels that you can save and give to help a local school.

And I'm going to GIVE IT AWAY...to one lucky duck.

Here's how you can win:

One entry-tell me two items that you normally use that have box tops

Second entry-promise to start saving and TURNING IN box tops (honor system here...follow through now!)

Third Entry-Blog or tell about this giveaway on Facebook

*and don't forget to leave an email so I can contact you if you win*

Winner will be drawn on Sunday, March 20th at 7:00 PM

Now go forth and make money for your schools, people!

Bic Soleil

2010-06-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

Get a coupon for $ off Bic Soleil razors here.
(click on Special Offers)

I've joined the online party for Bic soleil's "100 days of sunshine". I'm not exactly sure what it will entail but I was thinking that it would definitely mean coupons and possibly prizes. Looks like there are daily prizes. Go check it out for yourself!

http://www.100daysofsunshine.com/

Diaper Deals at Rite Aid!

2010-06-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

For those of you in need of diapers, head over to Rite Aid asap!

Huggies diapers are on clearance (the big packs). they are usually around 17.99 but are now 8.99
Combine that with the $3/1 coupon from coupons.com and you have a nice price.

BUT

Pampers wipes are also on sale for $2.49 this week and there was a $2/1 coupon in this week's newspaper. So those are only $.49 after coupon.

Buy 2 diapers at 8.99 = 17.99
Buy 2 wipes at 2.49 = 4.98
Buy some Johnsons baby lotion (not sure of price but it is around $3) = 3.00
Total = 25.96

Use 2 $3/1 Huggies
Use 2 $2/1 Pampers Wipes
Use $3/1 Johnson's lotion coupon from Rite Aid ad
Use $5/25 or $5/20 (from Video Values at Riteaid.com)

Total after coupons = 7.96 FOR ALL THAT STUFF!

WOW!
Even if you don't have all the same newspaper coupons that I listed, you can come up with a scenario with the Huggies, wipes, lotion and other items in the flier that are free or nearly free to get a super great deal on those diapers!

Rite Aid this week

2010-06-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

I have gone to Rite Aid twice this week already! :-)

Here is what I purchased:

Trip#1
Lubriderm lotion (my favorite!)
John Freida Shampoo
Reach floss
Blink tears eyedrops
Pampers baby wipes (baby shower coming up...)

total before coupons = 26.25
total after coupons = 8.77
Single Check Rebates earned = 11.99
total for all the items = (3.22) Nice!

Trip #2
Sea Breeze cleanser
Clean and Clear Cleanser
Pantene Shampoo
Pampers Baby Wipes
(2) Softscrub cleaner
(2) Stride gum
Tic Tac Chill (on clearance...couldn't resist! I love these)

total before coupons = 24.77
total after coupons = 4.61
Single Check Rebates earned = 3.00
Total for all items = 1.61 (could have been free if I'd resisted the gum and tic tacs....oh well!)

On trip #2 the cashier had a heck of a time with all my coupons. I really didn't have THAT many but she was either new or just didn't like to deal with coupons. She even said "I hate coupons" after it was all over. I said "But they save a lot of money" (OBVIOUSLY!) She was nice but I felt bad for the guy behind me who had to wait while she took forever on my order.

I've done well. I love Rite Aid.

Got men? Need bodywash?

2010-05-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

If you have men or boys in your life and you need bodywash then this is your week to head over to CVS!

I've got 2 teenage boys so this is a nice little deal for me. Plus if you have the right coupons, you can get some free deodorant or body spray while your at it:

Old Spice or Gillette Body Wash 10-18 oz. $4 = $4 Ecb (Limit 2)

Deal Scenario #1:

Buy 2 Gillette Body Washes $4 each

Use the $4/2 coupon from the 5/2 PG

Pay $4

Get back an $8 Ecb

Final Cost FREE + $4 moneymaker!

Try this:

Buy 2 Old Spice Body Washes $4 each

Use the Buy 2 Body wash get body spray free coupon from 5/2 PG

Pay $8 (use ECBs if you have them, that's what I did)

Get back $8 ECB

Final cost FREE ---3 Awesome items!

There are other scenarios where people get all fancy and try to use lots of coupons and get tons of free stuff. If it seems too complex or I think it sounds fishy...I don't do it. I like to keep things simple and be sure I'm doing things right with my coupons. So if you have different coupons or can come up with a better deal, more power to ya!

Personally, I'm pretty happy with free.

Thanks to hip2save for scenario ideas. She's awesome!

My favorite CVS deals this week

2010-05-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't been bloggin much. sorry.
School and homework (not mine!) have consumed my life. ugh.

But here are my favorite deals from CVS this week. Rite Aid isn't too impressive this week in my opinion but maybe someone else will put together a fabulous scenario that will knock my socks off. If so, I'll let ya know.

Back to CVS:
Speed Stick Stainguard Deodorant or Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Deodorant $2.99 = $2 Ecb (Limit 2)
Use the $1/1 coupon from the Reinventing Beauty Magazine

Use the $0.75/1 Lady Speed Stick coupon found here

Final Cost FREE + a little moneymaker!

Blade 5 Razor System $6.99 = $6.99 Ecb (Limit 1)
Final Cost FREE!

Colgate Pro Clinical Toothpaste 4 oz. $3.99 = $2 Ecb (Limit 2)
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 5/16 SS
Final Cost $0.99!

Dial Bar Soap 3 ct. or Tone Bar Soap 2 ct. $1.88 = $1 Ecb (Limit 1)
Use the $0.35/1 Dial coupon from the 3/7 RP
Final Cost $0.53!

Clairol Herbal Essences or Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner 12-13.5 oz. or Styler 5.1-14 oz. $2.99 = $2 Ecb (Limit 2)
Use the $1/1 Herbal Essences coupon from the 5/16 RP
Final Cost FREE!

Hershey’s Extra Large Bar 4-4.4 oz. Buy 1 at $1.99 Get 1 for $0.01
Buy 2 Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate Bars
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from the 4/18 SS
Final Cost FREE!

Osteo Bi-Flex Caplets or Softgels Buy 1 Get 1 for $0.01
Buy 2 Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced Triple Strength Caplets 40 ct. $17.29 (based on on-line price)
Use 2 $5/1 coupons from the 3/7 RP, 4/11 RP or found here, here or here
Final Cost $3.65 each!
(I usually like a lower OOP than this generally but I use this stuff everyday so 3.65 is an awesome price!)

Cover Girl Wetslicks AmazeMint Buy 1 at $5.99 Get 1 at $0.01
Use the Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon from the 4/11 RP
Final Cost 2 for FREE!

(Thanks hip2save!)

The one thing I probably WILL get at Rite Aid: M&Ms
I need candy like I need a hole in my head but I just can't resist. I love having these in the house so that I don't have to pay big bucks when we "need" them. You just can't beat popcorn with m&ms while watching a movie. mmmmmm

Rite Aid

M & M’s Candies 9.9-12.6 oz. Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Deal Scenario:
Buy 4 M & M’s Candies 12.6 oz. (2 will be free due to sale)
Use the Buy 2 Get 1 Free coupon from the 5/2 RP
Final Cost 4 for the price of 1!

Too true

2010-04-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is from one of my favorite sites, Hip2Save (link on the left). I loved it so I had to share:

And the winner is...

2010-04-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Ordinarywmn!

Some fun goodies will soon be one there way to you.

thanks everyone who entered.

I'll have more giveaways in the future so I hope you'll enter again!

Giveaway!

2010-04-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sure by now you have heard of Yoplait's new Greek Yogurt! It is quite tasty...like the old yogurt I remember from my childhood actually. It comes in 4 yummy flavors: , Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain

Thanks to Myblogspark and Yoplait, I was able to try this new yogurt for free. My kids even loved it! and it has 12 grams of protein -- twice that found in leading yogurts.

Yoplait and Myblogspark have teamed up to have this great giveaway called "nourish your inner goddess"

and the winner will receive all the things you see here:

Can you say AWESOME?

The gift pack includes two VIP coupons for free Yoplait Greek Yogurt

(This coupon offer for a free cup of Yoplait Greek yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Tennessee.)

To enter the giveaway simply post a comment here on my blog telling me either your favorite Yoplait greek yogurt flavor or your favorite way to nourish YOUR inner goddess!

You can go here now to download a coupon for .30 off Yoplait Greek Yogurt now...go try it!

I will choose a random winner on Sunday at 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. You can enter until that time.

Good luck!

Couponing burnout?

2010-04-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't exactly say that I'm burned out but I've taken a couple of weeks off in a way.
If I need something from the store, I definitely still use coupons to buy it, but I haven't been out trying to get "deals" like in past weeks.

This week I do have some plans. We'll see what I actually do.
I often have great plans lately and then don't follow through.

I even had a barbeque this week and went to the store and just bought stuff willy nilly for it. Just like the old days.

I'm trying not to obsess over the money I could have saved but didn't.

ha!

My Rite Aid Plan

2010-03-22T03:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I totally blew Rite Aid last week. Car was in the shop, Husband was out of town etc etc etc. So I missed out on some great deals. But that is life and I'm moving on!

This week I am going in though because I really want a couple of things. Too bad some of them were on sale LAST week.

Here is what I'm getting:

(3) Planters mixed nuts $3.88
(1) Planters peanuts $3.49
(1) OB tampons $7.99 ea (guessing here but I'm pretty sure)
total=23.12
-(4) 1.50/1 planters coupons
-1.50/1 planters peanuts (triple coupon in newspaper)
-1/1 OB coupon
-5/$20 purchase
=9.62
Receive $3 SCR for the nuts
After SCR I am getting all the items for $1.32 ea.
Plus the tampons are the final item to qualify for the $25 rebate. I only spent $15 OOP for that so that is a $10 moneymaker! Woo Hoo!

Giveaway!

2010-03-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

Go here to my friend Annette's blog for a fun giveaway for a "Nourish your inner goddess" spa gift pack!

Cool!

I love free stuff, if you didn't know that already. And I'm sure you will too, if you win!

Monday's shopping

2010-03-16T03:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did a little shopping. I had some ECBs that were about to expire, so I had to get my bootie to CVS. Sorry, no pictures I had a crazy night last night.

So I started out at Target where I was determined to get as many of Hip2Save's deals as I possibly could. I usually can't find the same deals that she has. My prices are usually higher or the items are sold out or what have you. I did pretty well and I got a nice cashier (for a change) who just scanned my coupons without question. Several of them did beep, which is sooo annoying when I am very careful to use the right coupons for the right products.

I got a variety of items including:
razors
pop tarts (which my kids had fought over just that morning so I figured I might as well get more)
soap
gift items
shaving cream
shampoo
toothbrushes
floss
and more that I can't remember right now

My total came to over 50.00 before coupons. My total after coupons was $6. And I got $10 back in Gift Cards.

I then went to Toys R Us for this deal. I had gotten an email from Toys R Us about the "deal of the day" and so I knew it was going to be a good deal...but then when the coupon came in the Parade magazine for Buy 2 Get 1 free I was just pushed over the edge! I had to go.
I had a small snafu there and the register didn't ring one of the games as BOGO. But the cashier was very friendly and helpful and fixed it right up. It took all my willpower and guts to point it out though...I hate confrontation of any kind (especially when I had already saved a ton of money). I got 6 games for .99!

Last stop: CVS. I got some Easter candy, shampoo, a free powerade (got a coupon for that in the mail recently), and deodorant. Total before coupons: 27.00 After coupons: approx $7 Paid with Extra Care Bucks. Paid $.15 cash (tax). The cashier was impressed and even called out to the other cashier and said "would you look at this!" He was nice. I got back $5 in ECBs.

Overall a good shopping day and I TOTALLY lucked out on the cashiers today! I usually get at least one bad apple who seems personally offended by my savings. Not today...all very nice. What a wonderful surprise!

Saving when shopping online

2010-03-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

I just thought I'd mentione Mr.Rebates here one more time. If you aren't signed up...why not?
It costs nothing but makes you money everytime you shop online!

You can sign up here.

And you get a bonus for signing up!

You just go to Mr. Rebates before shopping. Put the name of the store or product you are looking for into the search box and hit the link. Presto! You are now shopping and getting a rebate while doing so! It's super easy.

So, what if you went directly to your favorite website and shopped...filled your basket and then remembed "oh no! I should have used Mr. Rebates". No problem. Just click over to Mr. Rebates and sign in. Click on the store name (where you just were) and you will now be logged into Mr. Rebates and that store and guess what? Everything that was in your basket is still there!

How do I know? I do it all the time. I'm forgetful.

But Mr. Rebates has saved me sooo much money that I'm really impressed.

I even had to order a part for my dishwasher and I thought "what are the chances that this place is on Mr Rebates?" It was! I got a rebate for buying a part for my dishwasher. Awesome.

So don't delay. Start saving even more money today!

You're welcome.

Hidden Target Coupon for Dove Men's Body Wash!!

2010-03-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

I got the information from Freebies 2 Deals that there is a hidden $1.00 off coupon for Men's Dove Body Wash. If you go to the regular Target Coupon section, it won't be listed there.

Right now, there is $1.25 off Dove Men's Body Wash Coupon from the 01-31-10 Red Plum Coupon Insert.
Or, you can use the $1.00 off Men's Dove Body Wash Coupon.
Plus, you can use the $1.00 off Target Men's Dove Body Wash Coupon.

That's a total of $2.25 off!

The current price at my Target is 3.99 but I've heard of other Targets having them on sale for less. But, since the Target coupon doesn't expire until 3/31, and the Red Plum Coupon doesn't expire until April, we have a while to find a great sale on it if it isn't on sale at your Target!

**You can print the coupon as many times as you wish. There is no limit. However, lets all be courteous about how many we print and use. If we take advantage of the system, they may not have these hidden coupons in the future without a printing limit!

(Thanks FREEBIES 2 DEALS!)

What can I say, he loves a good deal...

2010-02-27T17:38:00.000-08:00

My hubby loves a good deal.
Once he found out about Catalina sales and how they worked, he was officially hooked
AND
officially out of control.
He shops way more than I would and buys so much stuff that it is seriously insane sometimes.

Today I had to work so I left him some scenarios to do (my coupons expired today so he had to do it for me). If he did exactly what I spelled out for him, he would have purchased about 5 bags of groceries, spent maybe $20 out of pocket and had $17.50 in Catalina coupons left at the end.

I walked in the door after work to find bags and bags and bags of groceries. oh boy.

But the man knows how to work a catalina deal and he is willing to fight for his coupons if things go awry. So I can't really complain...except that he blew over 1/4 of my March grocery budget in one day. But that's another issue. ;-)

He spent $125
Groceries were worth over $400
Catalinas leftover: 38.50

And we are totally set for Progresso soup, Warm Delights, Macaroni Grille Dinner Kits (these are quite yummy), Fruit snacks, Lucky charms (hubby's favorite) and he even got some milk, meat and other "regular" groceries.

Giveaway!

2010-02-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

There is an awesome giveaway going on over at Making Cents out of Life!

Here is the info:
The first prize is generously sponsored by Crocs!! The first place winner wins his or her choice of their VERY popular Crocband or their Crocband Flip!! Crocbands combine retro with today’s pop culture, and you have a mix that’s just perfect to go with all of today’s styles. Each shoe features Croslite™ material midsole that provides lightweight comfort and come in beautiful colors perfect for warm weather! There will be one winner of the shoes, and their value is $39.99! You’ll want to win these shoes; everybody loves their Crocs!
Here’s a list of the rest of the prizes:
(1) $15 Crazy Dog T-shirts gift card
(3) Everyday Coupon Book: Exclusive Offers on Hundreds of Food and Household Items
(2) Eat Well, Save Big Cookbooks that were generously sponsored by All You

Winners are picked using Random.org on March 6 at midnight. When you can no longer comment the contest has ended. Winners will be based on the number of entries to the contest.

So GO CHECK IT OUT! Go here.

Target again and a Surprise at Shaws

2010-02-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

Yep, I went back to Target. I'm hooked.

They had TONS of stuff on clearance at my local Target and I decided to take advantage.

I got:

4 bottles of 100% apple juice (clearance 1.48 for 2)
a huge box of Quaker oatmeal (clearane 3.48 minus coupon)
4 bottles of soft scrub cleaner (2-bottle packs clearance 2.48 minus coupon)
1 can of shaving cream (trial size minus coupon = free)
2 boxes of tampons (coupons plus generated a free Gift Card)
2 bricks of cheddar cheese (Target coupon and Manufacturer coupon)
8 pack of Tomato soup (accidentally left it out of the photo...hubby loves. clearance 2.98 minus coupon)

Total before coupons= 35.03

Total after coupons= 24.03

Paid with gift cards received in earlier deals

Received $15 in gift cards back

I was most excited about the soft scrub because I had 2 coupon for $2/1. These were packages of 2 bottles together in jumbo type pack clearanced at 2.48. So I got 2 bottles for .48! That is an awesome deal if I do say so myself. So, I bought another one of course. I was just thinking that I wanted some soft scrub for my new bathroom sinks...perfect timing.

Then I went to Shaws because I had a couple of Catalinas that were expiring today. I haven't been grocery shopping in ages except to pick up milk/bread/veggies because there just haven't been any deals. It's nice having a full pantry.

I got:

2 packages of stew meat
5 packages of black beans (Old El Paso sides...hubby really likes them)
3 boxes of cereal to make sure my total would be over $0.

My total was 2.60. It could have been lower if I'd bought only one box of cereal but I had a coupon for $1/3 and I know they'll get eaten so I bought 3.

BUT

I was surprised when out popped 2 catalina coupons from the register! I got 2 coupons for $1 off your next shopping trip! Bonus!

Went crazy at Target

2010-02-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

I went a little crazy at Target today! I actually spent money too. But I got a lot. I'm putting together a box for my missionary son. It's his 18 month mark and I'm sending him a variety of things all in quantities of 18. Mostly food.

Here is the rundown of what I got today:
2 rolls of wrapping paper (officially valentines but looks generic to me!--clearance)
2 bags Valentine Hershey kisses (clearance)
2 bags Valentine M&Ms (clearance)
1 Nerds Valentine box (clearance)
3 Venus razors
1 Gillette Fusion razor
3 Olay body wash
4 Glade candles
2 Glade scented oil candle holders (clearance)
2 packages of 4 Dove Mens soap
2 Sobe Life water
18 plastic cups
1 8-pack kellogs pop-tarts
4 packages of Nutrigrain bars
10 packages of Keebler cookies (yes, I went crazy with those)
2 boxes of band-aids
1 package of Neosporin

My total was $141.76
After coupons my total was $44.94
BUT
I will be submitting for:
1 $15 rebate
1 $5 rebate
AND
I received $25 in target gift cards

Net total is a gain of $.06

Not bad if I do say so myself. Now to hurry and send all this junk food away to my son so I don't eat it!!

EDIT: Hey, turns out I got $30 in gift cards! And the girl accidentally charged me for 2 of the Nerds valentines. Next time I go to Target I'll get that fixed. So I'm way ahead on this deal. Go me!

2010-02-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

Aveeno FREE Hairbrush Rebate
There is a MIR for a FREE hairbrush wyb 2 Aveeno products with no form needed offered by SELF Magazine here:

A GIFT FOR YOU
With any purchase of two or more AVEENO® products, receive a beautiful hair brush from SELF.

Mail in original receipt to:
SELF Magazine AVEENO® Gift—February 2010
4 Times Square, 5th floor
New York, NY 10036
Attn: M. Catapano

Offered while supplies last. Original receipts must be received by March 10, 2010. Purchase must be made on one receipt to apply. Limit one gift per person/household. ARV of gift: $10. Please allow for 6–8 weeks for delivery.

(thanks Frugal Finders!)

The search for the perfect coupon organization system...

2010-02-16T12:51:00.001-08:00

I love to be organized. Truly.

You can't always tell by looking at my house but I love to be organized. I love the actual process of organization. (I think I can thank my Dad for this). I love to look into a cabinet or drawer and see a nice, organized space.

So this whole new world of couponing has caused a big problem for me.

How in the world do I keep it organized?

Right now I'm talking about the coupons themselves, not the products I buy with said coupons, which is another whole issue that I won't get into right now.

I started out with a smallish binder (binders are recommended by all the "couponers who know") and outgrew it fast.

Then I thought that I didn't really want to carry all the coupons around with me so I had a binder and a file folder system. This required too much time going through the files to add to the binder etc. Plus I don't know how many times I was in the store thinking "I know I had that coupon...now where is it?" Probably at home in a file folder. Really helpful.

So then I went crazy and got a HUMONGOUS binder to just bite the bullet and carry all the coupons with me. I even got a bag to carry it in (on sale of course). It weighs more than your average baby. It's truly huge.

Now, I read blogs of other couponers and I go online to forums where couponers talk about upcoming deals and what they are doing etc. And I know there are people out there who get 10-20 newspapers each week! I get 4. Plus I have 2 friends who occasionally share their coupons with me. So I have a max of 6 of any one coupon. But keeping them all organized and fitting into my binder is becoming a challenge. How those other people do it is still a mystery to me.

I think I am going to have to get a 2nd binder for just the toiletries and those types of things...the things that I really only buy at CVS or Rite Aid. There is no need to have them in the same binder as my grocery coupons because I really only use them when I shop at the drug store. And this will open up some much needed space in my quite full HUMONGOUS binder.

Here, take a look at my current state of organization at this moment:

Not a joyful sight.

Anyone have any tips?

Save on Excedrin!

2010-02-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

As a migraine sufferer, I am a true believer in the power of Excedrin. So I am happy to pass on these great deals for Excedrin to you!

Go here to answer a question and get a coupon for a free Excedrin plus links to lots of other great coupons!

You can also go here for a FABULOUS $2/1 coupon for 20 count bottle of Excedrin. This coupon works great for this week's CVS Excedrin deal...I'm headed there now!

Great new coupon

2010-02-06T04:51:00.000-08:00

Free Travel Size Signature Collection Item With Any PurchaseBath & Body Works:

Grab this printable coupon for a FREE Signature Collection travel size item with ANY purchase at Bath & Body Works store locations. Up to a $5.00 value! So find something small to purchase and you can get a couple of really cheap gift items (yes, you can give the gift to yourself!)

Printable coupon here

Couponing Therapy

2010-02-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

We've all heard of Retail therapy but I've turned to Couponing therapy now. Much less expensive.

I had a hard day today. Long story. But anyway, it got to be 9 PM and I had had it. I really needed to either go to bed or get away from here. So I put on my coat and took off...just to get a break from the house. Where did I end up? Shaws! Pathetic I know. But it is the last day of this week's sale after all and I hadn't shopped this week...so really it made perfect sense.

I got:
8 Ronzoni pasta--on sale for 1.00
2 Sargento Shredded Cheese-on sale for 1.99
4 Post Grapenuts--1.49 when you buy 4
2 Capri Sun (for Carter..he loves them and I was feeling nice)--2.50 ea
1 3 lb package of Boneless/skinless Chicken Breasts--on sale for 1.88/lb
1 2.0 lb package of ground beef--1.99/lb with $2 off (manager's special)

the cashier doubled (or should I say didn't undouble) all of my Ronzoni pasta coupons! Woo Hoo!
$.75/1 Ronzoni pasta=1.50 off each!
$1.00/2 Sargento Cheese
$1.00/2 Capri Sun
$2.00/1 Post Cereal (I used 3 coupons which I knew would cover the cost of all 4 cereals)

Total for all my groceries=11.32
I forgot to bring my $3.00 off meat catalina coupon. DOH! That was dumb. Oh well, next time.

Today's deals

2010-02-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I posted photos of my shopping exploits so I thought I'd do that today.

Today I went to CVS and Rite Aid. I am liking Rite Aid more and more.

First, the employees are nice (so far).

Second, the whole system seems pretty easy to manage and I don't worry about losing Extra Care Bucks!

CVS:

I have the CVS system down pretty well so that I almost never spend real money. Sometimes I spend more Extra Care Bucks than I make but it doesn't bother me because I know I will be able to work it out another week. But the manager at my CVS kind of gives me the evil eye most of the time when I'm in there.

Today I got a bunch of Valentine's Candy to send to my missionary son, some beef jerky (also for the same son), and a few various toiletries.

I spent almost 19 ECBs and got back about 8 ECBs. But the one shampoo has a rebate so I'll get the price of that one back in cash ($6.99). Not bad!

Rite Aid:

I spent $5.27 on all this stuff. The vitamins alone are priced at $12.49 apiece so...go me!

There is a 5.00 rebate on the Advil. Cha Ching!

And the Bayer, Colgate and Vitamins put me over the top for a $10 Rite Aid gift card. (Hoping to go back for more vitamins to get up to a $25 gift card though).

The Chex mix was free after coupons and was really just a filler to get me over $25 so I could use a $5 off $25 coupons. Like I need more Chex Mix??? I think I'll send it to my missionary...

Coupon goodness!

2010-01-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Fabulous Kraft goodness going on here!

Get yourself some awesome coupons ASAP!

New Catalina Deals!

2010-01-25T03:42:00.000-08:00

POLAND SPRINGS 1/15 - 2/7
buy 2 - 24 packs get a $2.00 cat
buy 3 - 24 packs get a $3.00 cat
buy 4 - 24 or more get $5.00 cat

PILLSBURY REFRIGERATED PRODUCTS 1/25-2/21
Crescents, cookies, sweet rolls, Grands biscuits, Grands, cinnamon rolls, pie crusts, dinner rolls, loaves, breadsticks or pizza crusts
Buy 4, Get $2
Buy 5, Get $3
Buy 6 or more Get $4

OLD EL PASO 1/25-2/21
Save up to $3 on a future purchase of Beef or Chicken.
Purchase any Old El Paso taco shells, dinner kits, seasoning, refried beans or heat and serve side dishes between 1/25 & 2/21
Save $1 on your next beef or chicken purchase wyb 3
Save $3 wyb 6
(Thanks My Brain is Inside Out!)

CVS snafu

2010-01-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

I've been doing so well at CVS.
Rolling my ECBs
Getting lots of good deals
And then
I went and accidentally spent the Extra Care Bucks for my hubby's CVS card while purchasing items using my CVS card.
This shouldn't be possible...the register should have beeped and the cashier should have questioned.
But she didn't.
So now I have no Extra Care Bucks left for hubby's card.
I'll have to spend real cash {gasp} to build up his ECBs again.

I know. Not a huge deal. But still...I gotta blog about something (and I know you don't want to hear about my chores or how much my son hates homework.)

And the winner is...

2010-01-18T14:48:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the delay. The kids were off school so the day didn't go exactly as planned.

Without further ado, the winner of the "Tackle the Taste gift pack" is:

Lesley!

Congratulations!

Super Bowl Giveaway!

2010-01-15T11:58:00.001-08:00

The Super Bowl is right around the corner and we all know what that means...lots of awesome snacks!
Yeah baby!

Well, I recently received an awesome package from Old El Paso through My Blog Spark that included this fun "Tackle the Taste gift pack". The picture isn't the greatest but it gives you an idea of what the prize pack includes:

The Old El Paso “Tackle the Taste” gift pack includes two free cans of Green Chiles, as well as a football-shaped ceramic serving platter, two sets of football-themed plates, cocktail napkins, and a themed table runner.

Now I use Old El Paso green chilies all the time, not just for special snacks. My favorite recipe that I use them for is Chicken Enchiladas. So yummy.

But My Blog Spark provided a few new recipes for me to try so I'm going to give these two a whirl:
Green Chile Cornbread
Slow Cooker Salsa Chile

don't they sound awesome? And both easy. I have to have easy.

Sooooo....onto the giveaway!

To get an entry simply leave a comment telling me what you would do with your free Old El Paso green chilies (and leave me info on how to contact you if you win, please)

For a second entry, follow my blog (and leave a second comment letting me know)

For a third entry, blog about this giveaway on your blog or tell about it on your facebook page then leave me a comment with a link to it (so I can check it out).

You have until Sunday, January 17th at midnight EST to enter. I'll do the drawing first thing Monday morning! The winner will have 24 hours to respond after I let them know they've won.

BONUS: go here to download a coupon for .55 off one can of Old El Paso Green Chilies today!

For the love of cereal

2010-01-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

As anyone knows who has read my other blog, my family loves cereal.

Loves.

So I was happy beyond belief to receive some coupons from General Mills through My Blog Spark for free cereal!

My husband has a weakness for Golden Grahams.
I love Multi-grain Cheerios.
The kids? Well, the kids eat just about every cereal there is: Chex, Cheerios, Golden Grahams, Cocoa Puffs...they like to have variety! And cereal is their favorite after school snack.

General Mills has announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain.

Did you know that ready-to-eat cereal eaters consume less fat, less cholesterol and more fiber than non-cereal eaters? Cereals also deliver important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, making cereal a top source of key nutrients in children’s diets.

Other cereal benefits:

Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children’s diets.
Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child’s diet today.
More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures.

Studies also demonstrate the benefits of eating breakfast. A 1998 study showed that children who eat breakfast tend to perform better at school. Compared to children who skip breakfast, children who eat breakfast score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems, and make fewer trips to the office.

For more information about kids and cereals, please visit Cereal Health and Wellness.

If you go here I believe you will be able to print a $1 off coupon for one of four General Mills cereals. (Let me know if that link doesn't work.)

Now go enjoy some awesome cereal! Thanks to General Mills and My Blog Spark.

Birthday CVS shopping

2010-01-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday today. And what makes this birthday girl happy is to shop at CVS and score some free stuff.

I got:

2 packages of 10 gift boxes (christmas clearance even though one package is all white boxes!)

2 bags of christmas M&Ms

2 bottles of head and shoulders shampoo

2 bottles of Nivea body lotion

1 colgate toothbrush

1 energy smart lightbult

1 box of Playtex sport tampons

1 box of Olay facial wipes

1 bottle of Scope

Total spent: $.24

Next up: Cupcakes and dinner made by the family...not by me! (yes I listed the cupcakes first)

Target today

2010-01-02T20:22:00.001-08:00

I had some coupons that were going to expire tomorrow so I made a quick trip to Target.

Here is what I got:

4 Method hand soaps. Clearance 2.54

They are a "Christmas" scent but I smelled them and they don't smell Christmassy to me. Peppermint/Vanilla is the name. Smells quite nice.

I used 4-$2.00 off coupons making the soaps $.54 each

I also got the Spree candy canes in the 75% off Christmas section. $.20 each. They are quite yummy. Yes, I ate one in the car on the way home. That's just how I am.

I was basically killing time while waiting to pick Carter up from a play date so at this point my time was up so I checked out...

I paid with a gift card that I received earlier from purchasing an item for a Christmas present. I also used coupons for that item and got a great deal, by the way!

So, to my way of thinking, these items were free. My total was like 2.56 or something like that. No cash out of my pocket.

Nice.

Campbell's Coupons

2009-12-14T04:25:00.000-08:00

Want to save money on Campbell's Chunky soup as well as other great items?

Go here.

Free Quench Body Lotion!

2009-12-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

Olay wants us to try their new Quench body lotion and has a rebate so that we can try it FREE.

And you can do TWO rebates!

Get the rebate form here

I Love free Stuff!

Totally impressed with pop-tarts

2009-12-09T06:10:00.000-08:00

I signed up for "sprinklings" which is pop-tarts web page for fun stuff and little games and, you guessed it, coupons. When I signed up they asked me if I had kids. They asked my kids names, ages and birthday/year. I gave this info. They also asked what each of my children's favorite pop-tart was.

Well, fast forward a couple of months and here is what we get in the mail:

It's a little box with my son's favorite pop-tart (as listed by me), a little card wishing him a happy HALF birthday, and a banner that says "Happy Half Birthday". How fun is that?

Just a little fun thing for a kid.

Pop-tarts aren't something I normally keep around the house all the time or let my kids eat for breakfast regularly. It is considered a snack item. But I don't mind them eating these for snacks occasionally. But when a company does nice little things like this it makes me want to buy their product. So next time I'm shopping for a sweet snack for my kids you bet I'll give pop-tarts a second look.

Going Crazy at CVS

2009-12-01T06:41:00.001-08:00

I worked on Black Friday so I didn't go shopping...I actually have never done the whole Black Friday thing but now that I'm a crazy couponer I might have tried it. I don't know. I hate crowds. Coupons haven't changed that!

Anyway, I did make sure to stop at CVS after work to score some free stuff though! And then I went back on Saturday for more! I went nuts. It was awesome.

I now have tons of candy for our Gingerbread decorating. Carter got a present for Frank (sshhh, don't tell), I got more goodies to put in the baskets we are giving away at Christmas and of course, I added to our stockpile. And I got loads of new ECBs to spend in the future.

I did screw up one of my transactions and spent some real money. If I would have broken it into two transactions it would have been free but I wasn't thinking. darn. In the past I wouldn't have thought anything of it but now I am shocked to spend more than a few cents at the register!

Every now and then I am amazed at this new, couponing me.

My trip to the mall

2009-11-19T03:26:00.000-08:00

I went to the mall yesterday (to use a $20 off anything at the Lucky store...which turned out to be a bust, but that's another story) and all these people from Seventh Generation were there giving speeches and handing out samples and coupons.

It was really interesting and informative. I never knew they had so many products!

They were taking photos and interviewing people too.

It was mostly geared towards people with small children and babies...they are having the "million baby crawl" to change legislation regarding the use of dangerous chemicals in products. You can learn more about that here.

I got a reusable bag and lots of samples and coupons! I love reusable bags so I was excited about that. And I'm excited to try their laundry and dish soaps too. I even got diapers which I can pass along to a friend who just had a baby.

So, the trip to the mall turned out to be worth it after all.

Pssst...

2009-11-12T11:37:00.001-08:00

I was recently happily surprised to find a box of samples in my mailbox from the General Mills "Pssst" program. (You can sign up for it too!)

Inside were two boxes of dinner mix. Full size!

I had actually already purchased the macaroni grille dinners previously and it was so delicious that I was darn excited to get another one in the mail.

Just two nights ago we tried the Wanchai Ferry dinner...ours was Orange Chicken. It was so fabulous!

I highly recommend these dinner kits. You just add your own meat and you have an easy and really delicious meal.

If you would like a coupon for these awesome dinner kits, just leave a comment with your email contact info. I will send you one straight from Pssst...

Then you too can enjoy these delicious meals!

Shaw's Catalina

2009-11-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

The newest Shaw's catalina starts tomorrow and it's BIG. To learn more about it go to any of the blogs on the left side. They almost all have info.

I'm way too disorganized today to manage a nice entry about it.

Sorry!

New CVS coupon

2009-11-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ok run over to www.sunset.com (the magazine). Click on the link at the top that says "the magazine" and a CVS banner ad should show up that allows you to print a $5 off $20 purchase.

These things are like gold to me so I was excited to see it!

If you don't see the coupon banner right away, try refreshing the page.

Time to print those coupons!

2009-11-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

It's the first of the month so you know what that means?
New coupons!
Time to go print your online coupons because there are new ones and the old ones have re-set!

YES!

coupons.com
Smartsource.com
redplum.com

Or just click on the link to hot coupon world (on the right side of my blog) and find all the links to great online coupons in their "resources" section.

Have fun!

See you in the checkout line...

$1.60/1 Granola Nut Clusters Coupon RESET!!!

2009-10-30T04:14:00.001-07:00

Hurry! The Super high value $1.60/1 Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters coupons has reset once again! Go here ( IE or Firefox ) to print yours! Press your browser back button to print a total of 2 coupons per computer.

This coupon will make for some very inexpensive--possibly FREE granola!

(Thanks, Hip to Save)

Kodak Giveaway!

2009-10-29T08:42:00.001-07:00

I saw this on Wicked Cool Deals and thought I'd share it here too. Looks awesome!

Kodak is giving away FREE $15 gift codes to the first 100,000 who sign up. Sign up right away to be one of the first 100,000.

Just go here to sign up for yours.

Shaw's Catalina Round-up

2009-10-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I had the flu last week so my Shaw's shopping was affected. I did sit in my bed with my coupons and figured out things for hubby to do though. Luckily he is officially converted to the whole idea since he's seen how much I save, so he was willing to do some shopping trips for me. He did buy some extra items that I wouldn't have...but that's ok.

Here's how it came out:

Total money spent: $62.34
Total dollar amount of groceries purchased: $740.39
Catalina coupons still in hand for use this week: $28.00

Not bad!

The Shaw's madness begins!

2009-10-17T09:44:00.001-07:00

I am determined to get the most out of this week's catalina deal (Buy $25 and get $10 off your next shopping trip) and I am off to a good start!

Here is what I got on my first shopping trip yesterday:

Total cash out of pocket: $.04

Yessiree.

Now I know what you are thinking.
"That is all junk food!"
"This is why I don't coupon. It is not the kind of food I usually buy."

But seriously, if you could buy all that junk food for 4 cents, wouldn't you?
If not, then congratulations you have waaaay better nutrition AND self control than I do.

But my kids eat granola bars in their lunch and for snacks. And I want to stock up on potential FHE treats or special goodies (no we don't eat this junk every night). So why not do it for free?

And I will mention that this deal includes a variety of normal food: Frozen and canned vegetables, soups and broth, as well as staples like flour. So, I'll be getting some of those later in the week as well.

I did 2 transactions yesterday. I spent $.04 on the first one and $.16 on the second one. I got 4 bags of groceries.

I sent Frank back in the evening (while I was at work). He was supposed to get 11 cans of veggies and 2 packages of chicken broth. He was supposed to spend about $1.00 But he found a good deal on Marie Callendars Pot Pies which are his favorite and he bought TONS of them. Men! What can you do? But he managed to get a coupon for $2 off more pot pies as well as 2-$1 off your next shopping trip coupons as well as the $10 off your next shopping trip that I expected him to get. Catalina deals...gotta love 'em!

So today I went back and got him 5 more pot pies! I used his coupons plus his catalinas and got 5 pot pies for $5. Pretty good for Marie Callendars which usually cost $4 each.

So, this is what I'll be doing this week...getting nearly free food! Fun stuff.
I'm hooked.

Catalina deals...

2009-10-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

Well they are paying us to shop yet again at the local Shaw's/Star Market stores. I hope some of you are taking advantage! Unfortunately since I've been out of town I haven't been able to get out and do this one yet...just too much to do at home. I hope to go out today and get a little shopping done.

The good news is that there is another Catalina deal next week! I'm sure to be exhausted by the end of next week because when I told hubby that I was missing a great sale this week he was like "WHAT? Why aren't you out there shopping right now?" ha ha! I have him converted to couponing anyway! So next week he'll be wanting me to be grocery shopping during lunch break and again after dinner no doubt. :-D

For more information on next week's deals click on the links to Hot Coupon World or A Full Cup in my side bar... then go to the forums where there is lots of great information!

CVS Green Bag Tags!

2009-10-14T03:29:00.001-07:00

I had heard rumors about CVS doing something like this so I'm really excited to see that it is true!

CVS is selling these great little tags for .99 that you attach to your favorite reusable shopping bags. Everytime you shop you have it scanned and the 4th time you will receive $1 in Extra Care Bucks! That's a great incentive if you ask me! I love free money!

(and I already use re-usable shopping bags so woo-hoo!)

If you don't see these tags in your store yet, watch for them in the next week or two.

Here are the rules on the tag:

To earn Extra Bucks for a transaction in store, your Extra Care card, Green Bag Tag, and reusable bag must be presented with purchase at checkout. Limit of one Green Bag Tag use/scan per day per household. Every 4th purchase your ECBs will print at the bottom of your cash register receipt as a $1 coupon good for your next purchase. ExtraCare Bucks can be used until the expiration date shown on the coupon.

(thanks wicked cool deals)

Winner of the Nature Valley Give Away!

2009-10-12T06:49:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry for the late posting of this but I was out of town and posting was harder than I thought it would be. But I am back and here is the big news! The winner of the super fun Nature Valley Nut Clusters Snack Pack is:

ANNETTE

Congratulations! You need to contact me within 48 hours with your contact information so I can get one sent to you!

You are sure to enjoy these. They are sooo yummy.

$25 Office Max Gift Card

2009-10-01T04:24:00.001-07:00

Check out this cool giveaway at Frugal & Fabulous!

Enter to win a $25 gift card to Office Max for Avery organizational products.

I totally need this one...

Click HERE

Go get your Printable Coupons!

2009-10-01T03:37:00.000-07:00

Even though the year is moving WAY too fast for me, there is one good thing about the fact that it is already October:

New Printable Coupons!

So run over to these sites for new printable coupons:

coupons.com

smartsource.com

redplum.com

Done with CVS for the week. I'm exhausted!

2009-09-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

My last trip to CVS for the week did not go as planned.

I usually have the whole scenario all figured out before I go in. Sometimes I have to make changes if they are out of something or if I see a great deal that I can't pass up, but mostly I do exactly what I wrote down and it works out perfectly.

Not so tonight. And I had 3 teenage boys with me to add to the fun. (they were very patient, luckily!)

I should have purchased $20 in Coca Cola and Hershey products in order to get $15 off a movie. I planned to buy the movie another day or at least in another transaction so as to use the appropriate coupons and get it for free...or close to.

Instead I bought the wrong candy, the gal accidentally charged me for 2 more sodas than I had in the cart, and no coupon printed for the movie. I had to return things, I had to re-buy them, and the cashier was even confused as to why it wasn't working. I ended up having to buy the movie right then as part of the same transaction as the soda to get it to work and in all the confusion I forgot to pay with my Extra Care Bucks!!

I spent $8.00 cash in the end.

That wasn't the PLAN.

Oh well. I am all set for Halloween candy now. I have soda for the guys since they will need to do male bonding this weekend while I'm away. And I have a Christmas present ready for one of the kids.

I guess I can't complain. Well, I CAN. But I'll try to hold it in since I did pretty well even with spending some cash.

:-D

First trip this morning (spent 10.00 cash to get new moisturizer along with the other stuff. Darn Airport Security...)

Oops...two bottles of Tide are missing from the picture. I got even more than I thought!

Tonight's trip (approx. 8.00 out of pocket)

One bottle of coke and one pack of gum missing from picture. :-D

Giveaway!

2009-09-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm super excited to announce my first ever blog giveaway!

Thanks to MyBlogspark, I was recently given a chance to try out the entire line of Nature Valley's new Granola Nut Clusters! I had been wanting to try these new goodies because I knew they'd be delish. I already love Nature Valley Granola Bars (my favorite is a tie between peanut butter and cinnamon). The new Nut Clusters were an immediate hit at this house full of boys and my Mom even took some with her as her airplane snack. Perfect!

New Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters come in four fabulous flavors: Nut Lovers, Roasted Almond, Roasted Cashew and Honey Roasted Peanut. (Almond is my personal favorite)

(Sorry but I got the picture after my Mom took her snack with her so the prize will actually include all 4 flavors of the new Nut Clusters even though my picture only shows 3 flavors)

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters are a bite size blend of 100% natural ingredients that include select roasted nuts, whole grain oats and a touch of honey - a wholesome and delicious pick-me-up any time of the day. If you love nuts, you´ll enjoy this flavorful little snack featuring the perfect combination of sweet & salty flavors paired with a crunchy texture that you can see and taste. And with the first unique cluster-shaped granola packaged in a handy re-sealable pouch, it´s perfect for sharing on the trails or in your living room!

One lucky winner will receive a Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters "Snack Pack" prize pack like the one pictured above!

To enter please leave me a comment with:
*Your name
*Your email/blog contact
*Tell me what your favorite snack is!

Want more chances to win? For extra entries you may:
1. Follow me on blogger!
2. Link to this giveaway from your blog or website (= 2 extra entries!)
3. Add my button to your blog or web site (code is on the left side bar)

(Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry!)

You have one week, until Wednesday, October 7 @ 12 midnight EST to enter! (Winner must respond within 48 hours.) Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

CVS today

2009-09-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

I seriously scored at CVS today. I have figured this thing out! Well, with the help of many experienced couponers out in cyberworld who blog about how they do it. Then there are many helpful gals (and guys?) at hotcouponworld.com and afullcup.com who share exactly what they plan to buy, which coupons go with it and how much it will cost.

So, then I just look at their scenarios and maybe tweak them based on what coupons I have and which products appeal to me and walk into CVS and...

Wahoo! Free goodies.

Here was my planned scenario for shopping trip #1:
1 Almay mascara (It just so happened that I found one that came with a bonus eyeliner too!)
1 Gillette Fusion razor
1 Vaseline Sheer Fusion lotion

Coupons used:
1.00/almay makeup (newspaper)
4.00/razor (newspaper)
1.50/lotion (internet coupon)
$5/$25 purchase (from taking the flu survey at CVS.com)

While I was at the store I saw more Johnson & Johnson first aid kits, which I have coupons for, so I picked up 3 of those.
Then I found a bin of Sally Hansen/LaCross products that were all 1.00. I had heard of this online so I was on the lookout for it, and I brought my Sally Hansen/LaCross coupons! I grabbed 6 different items from that bin.
3 J&J kits cost: .99 ea Coupons used: -1.00 ea
6 Sally Hansen/LaCross products cost: 1.00 ea Coupons used: -1.00 ea
=FREE
Total before coupons: 32.93
Total after coupons: 14.46
I paid $10 in Extra Care Bucks
Total owed: 4.46 which I paid with a gift card that I received for filling a prescription at CVS
Out of Pocket: $0
Earned: 15 Extra Care Bucks!

Shopping Trip #2:
2 Tide HE 50 oz
2 Bounce Dryer bars
1 Tide Stain release (10 pack)
1 dove dark chocolate bar
4 J&J first aid kits

Total: 28.85
After coupons: 11.54
Paid $11.00 in Extra Care Bucks (earned on previous transaction)
Paid $.54 on gift card
Out of Pocket: $0
Earned $10 Extra Care Bucks

Aaaah. A good days effort.

Tomorrow I have a surprise for you so check back!

Back...for a minute

2009-09-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

I just got back from vacation with hubby but I'm only home for a few days before I head off to Utah for my brother's wedding reception.

Let me tell you that after bargain shopping for a couple of months it was literally painful to pay full price at the grocery store on our vacation. But since we were on a small island I didn't have much choice...and, NO, I didn't bring any coupons with me. I thought that might push hubby over the edge.

One box of cereal cost over 6 bucks!

But we did eat 'in' quite a bit and I think we still saved money even with the outrageously expensive groceries.

Today was my first day home and I already made a point of going to CVS so that I didn't miss out on the 3 day sale deal. Yes, I'm serious.

I got some free Vaseline lotion (some new kind that I can't remember the name of right now. Hey, it is late and I am barely back in the groove of my real life, ok? ok). Plus 3 more J&J first aid kits. My coupons for those puppies expire on the 30th so I don't have much time left to get all that I can get. I'll be sad when I run out of those fab coupons....or when time runs out more likely.

So today I spent 2.49 (on a gift card) at CVS and got 1 lotion, 3 first aid kits and got 7 Extra Care Bucks back. I only started with 4 ECBs so I think that was pretty good. No money out of pocket.

What will tomorrow hold in store?

Got a Shaw's?

2009-09-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

I shop at Shaw's but if you don't have a Shaw's you can check your local store and see if you find these items on sale as well...

As I was walking down the aisle, minding my own business (and scanning the shelves for blinkies and tear pads) I saw the Muir Glen soups. Several different ones were on clearance anywhere from 20 to 50% off!

The best news? There were peelies on some of them for $1.00 off the puchase of 1 can.

There are also printable coupons at coupons.com for

$1.00 ON TWO Small Planet Foods when you buy TWO any flavor/variety Muir Glen® products

(didn't have that one with me, unfortunately)

Hello bargain!

I got 2 cans of soup for $.25

That kind of thing just makes my day.

Free Soup Week--revisited on the new blog

2009-09-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

I've been calling this week "free soup week" at my house. But really it's free (or really cheap) all kinds of other stuff too week.

Yes, I'm going to tell you about my shopping!

Can you believe it? I have never been a shopper. Not for clothes and certainly not for food. And now here I am trying to figure out ways to fit more of it into my busy life. NUTTY.

Anyway, this week was another one of those deals where you spend x amount of dollars and get a coupon for money off the next time you shop. This week it was spend $15 get $5. The items in the sale were various Campbell's soups, Milano cookies, V8 splash...and maybe something else but I'm drawing a blank.

My store was totally out of Tomato soup early on which was what I wanted most. I got a raincheck because it's still a good price, especially with a coupon but I doubt the catalina (the coupon for dollars off the next time you shop) will still be in effect by the time they get it back in. urgh.

Here's what I got:

Trip 1	2 cans of Harvest Select soup, 2 V8 splash, 2 milano cookies	Spent $4.00	Got $5 coupon
Trip 2	2 cans tomato soup, 5 cans Harvest Select Soup	Spent $1.50	Got $5 Coupon
Trip 3	2 cans tomato soup (the last two!), 3 cans Harvest select soup, 2 packages Milano cookies	Spent: $0.50	Got $5 Coupon
Trip 4	3 cans Chunky soup, 2 packages Milano cookies	Spent: $0.25	Got $5 Coupon

I already sent one of my receipts in for a rebate so I don't have it but I also bought a bunch of the single serving size Select Soups and spent about .50 on that trip also.

I only bought V8 splash the one time even though I had more coupons because I thought it was fruit juice but after getting it home and reading that label... it is really just sugar juice! I hate that! I like REAL fruit juice. Why is that so hard? The kids will probably like it but to me it's more like a treat than a drink if its chock full of sugar. If I want sugar I want to know I'm getting it...that's what I bought the cookies for. Ok, done ranting about that...

By the way, these aren't all separate "trips" meaning drives to the store. Just separate times through the checkout. And I also bought some regular groceries one of these times. haaaa! So, no worries, I'm not forcing my kids to eat only soup, cereal and Milano cookies!

Although I think I could live on Milano cookies for quite awhile without complaining...

First Day!

2009-09-17T08:20:00.001-07:00

Ok, I decided to separate the couponing thing from my "real life" blog. Although the couponing is fast overtaking a lot of my real life time.

But this way, if you are interested, you can come here. If not, you don't have to!

Keeps everybody happy that way. Hopefully.

I'm on vacation for the next week so the blog won't get off to a very exciting start but check back after that for all my shopping/saving adventures!

*Deb*