Helen Knits and Saves

Tiny Prints Christmas Cards!

2011-11-14T08:25:00.002-06:00

TinyPrints has offered me some free greeting cards - check out all they have in their Christmas cards and see what you like! One that stands out to me is Merry-Making - I love to have one large, formal photo and then play around with some smaller frames.

I have yet to use TinyPrints. I've seen a lot of deals lately for freebies and trials, but haven't taken them up on it and I am really excited to have this chance!

Christmas Greetings!

2011-10-29T13:38:00.003-05:00

Well isn't that funny - exactly one year ago I posted about last year's cards. Shutterfly has graciously offered bloggers 50 free cards again. Very exciting!!

I like that on their website I can narrow things down with my options. I prefer cardstock over photo paper, flat cards over folded, etc. Makes it so easy to go from thousands of options to a few quite quickly.

Here is what I have narrowed it down to!

I can't share exactly my favorite since family reads this blog - so I can't even share the photo I am using, either!

I like ones that use lots of photos, like this one, but I feel I never have enough good ones to use!

I hope you enjoyed this and you use Shutterfly for your next greeting card needs!

Are you a blogger? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2010-10-29T14:56:00.002-05:00

Shutterfly is offering 50 free cards to bloggers who will write about them, and I have fallen in love with their designs so am happy to participate!

One that I really like is the "Love 2010 Christmas Card" where you can list out the things that made the past year so special and then include two photos. They also feature sustainably forested paper for this design! It would be fun to write out a list of everything we are happy about for 2010 - there's a lot!

Another fun design is "Bright Red Filmstrip." This card allows up to four photos - perfect with a new baby in the house...showcase a large photo of the baby, and some select shots of us as a family.

Send out early Seasons Greetings with their Thanksgiving cards. A great gift idea for far away family members are the wall calendars – a whole year of memories to share!
I’m looking forward to creating my first ever photo Christmas cards!

Dominick's Today

2010-04-22T16:18:00.003-05:00

Kraft 100-calorie cheese: $1.49 after instant discount, $1 man q x5, $1 store q x1 = 5/$1.45
Hamburger Helper: $.99 each, $.75/3 e-coupon x3 = 3/$.72
BC Potatoes: $.99, $.40 e-coupon x4 = -$.61
English Muffins: $1.49, $1 manq = $.49
Lara Bars: $1.25 each, $1/2 e-coupon x2 = 2/$.50
Total: $2.80 on GC. yum!!

Stopped at Jewel for Ronzoni, $1.29 x8, $1 man q x2, $.75 IP x 6 = $3.82, or $.47 each

Red Letter Mail Day

2010-03-30T20:05:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my FREE coupons arrived. I had a Tide Stain Release packet that did NOT dissolve in the wash, but rather left a mess in the load! I also had CLOTG packets that weren't sealed. Wrote decent complaints and got the q's right away, which I was hoping for because of the Catalina!

Tide: $6.99/$7.99 - FREE q
Crystal Light: $3.49/$5.48 - FREE q
Crystal Light: $1.99/$3.89 - $1 q x2, earn $1 YB
That got me to $20 with only $2 OOP!
Also needed a cake mix ($1) and powdered sugar ($1.69)
Spent $4.60 cash, earned $5 cat. love it!

Then I got home to my diapers.com order (now to mail in the rebate!) and these freebies:
-Beneful sample with $1 q (Wal-Mart)
-Kashi bar sample with $1 q
-Scott Rag sample from Sam's
-BUILT Bib I got with my Huggies points. This is a NICE bib!

Yay mail!

Dominick's Run

2010-03-25T22:06:00.004-05:00

Yippee!
Starbucks was on sale for $5.99 and I had an expired $1.50 q
Flour: $1.29, used $.75 IP
Star Olive Oil: $9.99 BOGO, $4 q x2, $1 e-coupon. 2/$.99!
Betty Crocker!
Frosting: $1.50, $.50 IP and $.50 e-q x2
Cookie Mix: $1.69, $.40 e-q x4, and $1 WYB this and frosting x2 e-q
Cake Mix: $.69 each, $.75 e-q x2
Brownie Mix: $.69 each
Yup, those BC products cost me $5.95 but I had $6.60 in coupons :)
Total cash: $5.78 which is worth just the coffee, which I actually needed!

CVS sent out an e-mail with a free item q. Picked up the Cookie Dough bites, which although on sale for $1, the coupon took off $1.99 and used one CRT for $1/1 hair product. Walked out the door with shampoo, conditioner and candy for $0. Scanned my green bag tag and candy counts towards spend $10 get $3 ECB deal :) Hopefully this rolls til next week again.

Stopped at Whole Foods with a q for free 64oz HonesTea. We'll see how it is.

Whew. I'm shopped out.

Not for the Faint of Heart

2010-03-25T08:55:00.004-05:00

Transaction #1:
3 Kraft shreds: $12.87 / $7.47
3 Philly bricks: $7.77 / $3.87
Coupons: $1.25/3 CC, $1/2 Kraft, $2/1 Kraft
Total: $7.34 cash. Earned $1 Kraft YB, $.75 Philly Cat, $5 Kraft Cat, mystery $.75 cat

Transaction #2:
3 Kraft shreds: $12.87 / $7.47
3 Philly Bricks: $7.77 / $3.87
1 Philly Small Cups: $1.69
10 Coffee-Mate $10
1 Pepsi Max FREE - 11th item
Coupons: $1.25/3 CC, $1/2 Kraft, $2/1 Kraft
$1/2 CM Store q x 5
$1.50/1 CM man q
$.75/1 CM man q x5
FREE Philly Small Cups (Kraft First Taste q)
$6.75 in cats
$.62 cash
Earned: $1 Kraft YB, $1 Pepsi YB, $.75 CM YB
$5 Kraft cat, $1 Philly Cat

So $7.96 cash out, but I still have $9.50 in cats in hand :)

No more Beef!

2010-01-27T16:18:00.004-06:00

hmmm, I swear it's the same beef. "Beef Round Top Round Roast" or whatever it says. I picked up the SAME size I bought yesterday, and it didn't work. No discount, so I left it at self-check. Then went back for the rest of my goodies!

Some months ago my mom gave me a coupon for 4 free BeechNut Stage 2 jars. I had noticed it was on Upromise for $1 back WYB 8. Not a necessary item for me, so I waited. Then I got the same coupon in the mail, but Upromise had for Stage 1 food. Well, this month the buy 8 Stage 2 and earn $1 is back (if I remember correctly - their site hasn't been working for me). They are on sale For $.39 right now, so I wrote $1.56 on the q, but the teenager had to do the math the loooong addition way before she believed that *eye roll*

I found the Wheatables everyone is talking about in blog land - not on a shipper, but on an end and they had taped a q to each one :) $1.88, minus $1.50 q, x2!

Another FREE Slim Fast candy bar
TOTAL: $.91 for all that :)

Mmmm, Beef. Dinner.

2010-01-25T20:28:00.003-06:00

Matt and I picked up three total of the Slim Fast bars. REALLY hard to find ones that weren't crumbled all to bits! No Catalinas printed though. These are delicious, even though they are pure sugar!

Also picked up a holiday ID Creamer. It said $.99, but scanned at $1.99 after card savings, so the service desk manager actually gave it to me free for ringing up incorrectly!

Then I tried a roast for $10.17, and it took off the $5.48 savings for the veggies :) When we went back, I actually found another for the exact same price! It's crock pot weather here, so will definitely be making one this week, and froze one for later.

Used a $2.50 cat I found left at a self-check last week!

Total for 6.8 pounds of beef, 3 slim fast and one ID: $7.10 ($1.04 per pound!!!)

YUM. Wish I already had the freezer, but that's not til Feb 7th and won't be using it til we move anyway.

Yay Dominick's!

2010-01-21T15:11:00.004-06:00

Sometimes, you can do alright, even when the employees aren't the best and self check freezes like it tends to do. yeargh.

Fruit Snacks with e-coupons and catalina, etc etc. Soda as filler. etc!

Dominick's
Annie's mac (coupon beeped...why, when 1st one didn't?)
BC potatoes $.99, $.40 e-coupon x2, $.50 manq = --$.31
Mulit-grain cheerios: $2 after instant save, $1 manq x2, $.55 e-coupon = 2/$1.45
Oatmeal and Cap'n $.50 after save and q's
Total: $3.83

Quick trip to Jewel!
South Beach Bars, two transactions at two stores.
3 bars @ $8.97, $1.25 Avenu x2, $1 IP x3 = $3.63, earn $3 cat
3 bars @ $8.97, $1.25 Avenu x2, $1 IP x3, $3 cat = $.63, earn $3 cat

Dominick's
6 cereal for $.93! Used $3.50 and $3 cat.

Altogether now: 32 items for $9.45, which is $.30 each That's more like it! Haven't had this in a while, and now we are stocked on cereal.

Catching Up

2010-01-17T18:27:00.003-06:00

I took a break from shopping - it was tiring and we don't need anything. But I did do a bit over the last week!

Some goodies at Meijer with their "buy 10 get the 11th free" except I wish they weren't out of pasta. We have almost used it all from the last Jewel deal. But I also bought Breakstone cottage cheese there and took my $5 cat to Dom's where I paid $.69 for this:

8 - $.50 e-coupons came off for soup/broth, plus a $1.10/3 IP (soup was $1.11 and broth $3.29). Eggs were $.99 with store q, Quaker $.99 w/store q, then $1/2 manq. Bought Clif bars as fillers to use my $5 cat!

I hit up Dom's for the crazy Aveeno/C&C deal.
Aveeno: $2.92
-$2 e-coupon
-$2 IP
C&C: $6.99
-$2 e-coupon
-$6.99 e-coupon
-$2 IP
for some overage! So I picked up 5 more Breakstone.

Meaning I spent $2.07 cash and earned a $5 cat. Sweet!

Today in the mail I got one of those digest sized Bisquick cookbooks you see at the checkout. Don't remember signing up?

I have also been busy crafting. Check out this lovely baby in the dress I crocheted:

Quick run for goodies!

2009-11-19T23:02:00.004-06:00

Dominick's
Sugar: $1.50
Morningstar: $2.49 clearance x4, $2 manq x4
Soda: 3/$1!! yay!
ICBINB Sticks: $1.99 each, $1 manq x2, earn $2 CAT
Quaker Chewy Bars: $.99 w/super coupon
$8.78 cash, earned $2 CAT
Turned around and bought Real Simple, which is one of my favorite mags to read. Used $1 manq from a magazine (last issue, maybe?) and $2 CAT. Paid $1.99 for this magazine which includes:
TARGET q for FREE Glade Fragrance Collection
$5 GC WYB 3 Pledge
$5 Hallmark coupon that I wanted :)
Paid for itself!

Jewel
Cream Cheese $.88 each. Ad says limit 2, but tag didn't say anything and they all rang up. Used $1.25/3 coupon found at Dom's! ($1.25 on any 3 items, pictures cream cheese, baker's chocolate and jello)
Moon Milk: $2 rain check, $1 coupon

Yesterday's Mail: VocalPoint Pantene coupons
Today's Mail: My 3 $5 SC Johnson Rebates

Bro found special one-day unadvertised sale of canned pumpkin for $.39 at Hy-Vee today! Bought me 6 :)

Some Highlights

2009-11-12T17:59:00.005-06:00

Okay then...last week I hit up Dominick's for the clearanced Morningstar products at $2.49, used $2 manq (5 boxes total. These Southwestern ones are delish!). Also did the Home for the Holidays spend $25 get $5 at Dominick's. Of course it's never as good as Jewel, but you get all those crazy e-coupons. The highlight was the Toll House RTB Cookie Dough. $3.69, had a $2 store q, $1 manq, and THREE $.55 e-coupons came off. Plus it counted towards the deal. Also got a free OJ for buying 4 Pillsbury items. Overall it was okay. and I'm going back tonight with my $5 cat for some oatmeal that's $1.50.

I also scored at Jewel because they had the expired tag up for the Over the Moon milk - got one for free, one for $2 and used $1 coupon = $1/1gal!

Today I stopped at Target
Flatbread: reg. $3.99, $1.99 sale, $1 store q = $.99
Up & Up Baby Wipes: $1.97, used $1 q (thought the shelf said they were less. Oh well!)
Degree Fine Fragrance: $3.29 each, $3/2 store q, $1.50 IP x2
Printed a store q for $1.50/1 from cat machine, and I still have an IP that expires Sunday, so will go back!
CD for Matt

Jewel has Ragu for $.88, and I bought it and then Rachel points out there is a printable. Hopefully when I pick up the paper Saturday there is also a Ragu q and I will run out for some more. This is one thing where we are brand specific (picky!) so will stock up. On average with the ones I didn't have coupons for we will still be good. ALSO even though it is "limit 2" it is the usual Jewel way - 2 per FLAVOR!
Cheese is $1.28/8 oz, bought 4, used $1.50/2lb printable = $1.81/lb!

A Good Day Overall

2009-10-16T17:24:00.005-05:00

Phew. Rachel convinced me that buying band aids was a snap, so off I went!

The first Wag's denied me, so I left everything there and went to one two blocks away ;)
Band-aids: $1.99 with in-ad q, then $2 off each from Activity Book = earn $.03
Trident Layers: 2/$2, earn $1 RR, $.75/1 IP x2 = $.50 cash, earn $1 RR
Total: $.63 cash, left with $1 RR
(gotta love wags. Gum scans at $1.29 and $.71. so silly!)

Jewel
Chili Master: $3.99 BOGO, $2/1 from AllYOU x3, $1/1 from PC book
Shopper's Value Saltines: $1.49, but FREE WYB 2 Chili = $.98 for 4 chili and 2 crackers
More meat, of course! I found one lone burger for $1.59, stew meat for $2.34, and finally some tenders for $2.74 and $3.03. Not the best on chicken, but average is good, and now I have some beef!
$7.95 cash for all that.
Plus, even though all stores have signs saying you won't earn gas rewards anymore, and spend them before they disappear; however I'm up to $.05 off again...haha. glitch!

Dominick's
Safeway shoppers are reporting Newman's Own Thin Crust for $2.49 "reduced for quick sale." Well, my local store had just the Supreme and Roasted Chicken & Garlic for $2.69, so I snagged one of each.
-$1 Shortcuts, $1/1 IP x2 = 2/$2.38! YUM that's tonight's dinner.
Ensure FREE after q that expired today. Used GC from script, s obasically FREE.

Overall a good day...I would have gotten some amazing things at Target, but oh well, Dominick's pharmicist like left the building or something, so I couldn't transfer my script and I didn't buy anything...

Sign Up for Vocalpoint

2009-10-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

If you have yet to, you MUST sign up for Vocalpoint. They send amazing coupons quite frequently, and you don't even have to do anything in response! I also love their packaging and think their marketing team does a great job.

Sample of Secret Clinical Deodorant with 5-$2 coupons, and a Kashi packet with 2-$3/1 and 3-$1.50/1 coupons for Go LEAN Crunch! Yay! On sale for $3 at CVS this week.

Speaking of CVS..

A perfect example of using coupons to pick up fun stuff for FREE while only paying for the things you need ;)
Zyrtec: $22.99, $4 manq
Kashi: $3, $3 Vocalpoint q
Candy Corn: 2/$.88
Snickers: $3.59 BOGO
Used $5/$30 coupon. Paid $19.32 cash for the needed Zyrtec, and hubby got the candy he wanted :)

The ad is slightly confusing, as you get $5 ECB WYB $20 of Halloween candy, and there is a page of candy sales. However, it seems that ALL candy is a part of this week's deal because the Snickers and candy corn both counted on my receipt. Now debating if I want to go back for M&Ms or other things. Not sure. Can get them cheaper at Target this week. Anyway, I think it is ALL candy because last week's ad said "Selected Halloween Candy" and this week's ad dropped the "selective." Now maybe we can find some deals....

We also made a quick stop at Petsmart to cash in on 6 of those FREE treat coupons from a couple weeks back, and a toy with a $3 survey coupon. And Trader Joe's for $23 worth of groceries. heh. Kinda cancels out the Jewel deals, but we got good stuff.

I Feel Like Chicken Tonight...

2009-10-13T17:30:00.005-05:00

...Remember that jingle? haha

As you can see, these are SMALL packs of chicken!! It averaged out to $1.11 per pound!! I highly recommend you try and score some of these tomorrow (last day!) I hit up two stores on my lunch break, and they didn't have any. One store on the way home had 1+lb packs, so I didn't get them. But my closest store had a good amount to choose from! I also got a 3-pack of Glade refills on clearance for $.50 and a can of beans. All that for $4.52 total :)

[My two days averaged out is 4.58 pounds of chicken and 1 pound of beef for $7.03 total, or $1.26 per pound!]

I also saw the Fruit 2o 20 oz bottles were $.89, so try and use those $1 coupons if you have any left!

MMM, Chicken and Pasta!

2009-10-12T16:40:00.003-05:00

Yes, I went to Jewel again. I haven't felt this way about Jewel in a while!

See? $3 instant savings and Fav 4 Meat savings ;)

I totally lucked out at the Westmont store. Three packs of chicken left: $1.49, $1.68, $1.97. Then a twin pack of pub burgers for $3. Then the auto $4.10 deduction. A total of 1.93 pounds of chicken and two 8-ounce burgers for $4.11! That's $1.40/lb. GREAT I may stop at my local Jewel before work tomorrow. Can't beat that for thinly sliced chicken breast. I would like some tenders, too.

I also found a $1 OYNO catalina at self-check (But not until after I paid for the meat) so I decided to come home and print the Ronzoni Smart Taste coupons that appeared today.
Pasta: $1 each x8, Used 4 $1/2 IP
Juice: $2.50, $1 coupon in Jewel PC Update book
Used $1 OYNO cat, got instant $3 savings for spending $10
Total of $1.86 cash! hehe. Cashier was shaking her head to herself as she put in my coupons, but didn't say anything. I also got some GREAT cats from the garbage. LOVE self-check. $1/1 on: Honey-Comb, Grape-Nuts, Swanson Broth, ANY Skippy, nut-trition. $3 on any Green Works laundry detergent.

All in all, a great day. Good thing we love pasta. I'm gonna go boil some up for workday lunches.

SC Johnson Rebate

2009-10-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

I was pretty excited about the $3.50 Glade Fragrance Collection IP, especially when I started reading about the prices at Wal-Mart and then the rebate here!

The three-wick candles were $4.50, and I used 4 of the $3.50 coupons
Small jar candle on rollback for $3, used $3 IP
Nature's source cleaners at Target: 3 were $2.99, one was $2.49
On each I used a $1 store q, and a $1 manq (from the insert and some on the bottle).
Total cash: $9.72
Will get back $15 in rebates, so I made money! Will be great as Christmas gifts :)

Pasta, anyone?

2009-10-09T13:48:00.007-05:00

Well, Jewel and Dominick's both rocked the pasta (haha) this week. Not like we needed to stock up or anything, and Matt doesn't like whole wheat pasta, but oh well! ;)

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest: $1 each, bought 8, 4 - $1/2 IP
Palmolive: $2.50, $.75 manq
-$3 instant discount for spending $10, will get back at least $2.50 for Palmolive rebate!
CASH:$3.11

We also had stopped at Jewel Wednesday night:
Jewel Water = FREE after coupon
Coffee-Mate: 2/$4, $1/2 store q, $1/1 IP x2 = 2/$1
Yoplait: $.50 each, $.30/1 store q x5, $.50/6 IP = 6/$1
Propel: $.47 each (super sale!)
Stoneyfield limited Pumpkin Pie flavor: $1 (no, not on sale!)
Dasani water: Free with mycokerewards coupon
CASH: $4.79
The two ladies in line behind me were impressed with our savings! haha

Dominick's has a sweet deal where you buy two jars of Classico and you get two boxes of Barilla FREE. Well, thankfully I had held on to some catalina coupons I had (expired, got from Dom's) for $1.50 off ONE jar!
Classico: $2, $1.50 x2 = 2/$1
Barilla: 2 FREE
Dishwashing Gloves: $2.50, $1 IP
CASH: $2.50

CVS had a candy deal that was meh, but I wanted the Reese's for Matt's stocking!
Reese's: $9 for two-8-ounce cups. Craziness
Kisses: 2/$6, $2/2 CRT, $1/1 manq x2
CVS Gummy Worms: $1
Lindt Bars: 2/$4, $1/2 manq
Spend $20, earn $5 ECB
Revlon nail polish: $3.99, earn $3 ECB

Jack Attack

2009-10-05T20:15:00.005-05:00

Jack seemed to know this purchase was for him:

Palmolive: $2.49, $.75 manq, will submit for FREE rebate
All: $1.02 each, $1 manq = $.02 each
Hormel Compleats: $1.87, $2 manq, adjusted = FREE
Fancy Feast Appetizers: $1.22 each, BOGO Target q, BOGO manq = FREE
Cesar Dog Food: $.89, BOGO Target q, BOGO manq = FREE
Feline Pine Litter: $5.51, $1.50 IP FREE rebate
Purina ONE food: $5.99, $2 Target q, $3 manq = $.99
Pantyhose: $3.24
Total: Used $5 GC from Kashi deal. $11.44 cash, will get back $13.51 in rebates

CVS brand shampoos: $1.99 each, $2 CVS q from RIB = FREE
RIB magazine: $.99
Gold Emblem nuts: $.99, $2/2 CRT
CVS Immodium: $5.49
Used $2/$10 CVS CRT. Earned $2 quarterly prescription ECB

There is only one package of nuts pictured because someone thought that was for him, too, and ran off with it in his mouth. =)

Meijer and Savings Updates

2009-09-28T17:52:00.003-05:00

Whew. I set foot in Meijer and had a GOOD experience. That is so outside of ordinary! I had a self-check lady who said yeah, the coupons had been giving her trouble today, and she feels bad for us customers who have to have patience while she keys them all in. So of course I jump in with the "and the ones that yell at you when it isn't your fault." Her response? "I'm not inside the computer!" haha

Canned Veggies: $.99 each, $1/3 Meijer Meal Box (MBQ) x2, $1/5 IP = $.49 each
Starkist Tuna: $1.29 each, $.50/1 MBQ x2, $1/2 IP = $.29 each
Healthy Choice: $2.50 each, $2 IP x2 = $.50 each
OM Deli Creations: $2 each, $1/1 MBQ x2, $1/2 manq = $.50 each
Over all, a GREAT trip, and makes me more apt to try Meijer in the future.

Today I received my $4/1 Star product coupons (5 total, yay!), a $25 GC for Ace from my Discover Rewards. Coincidentally, I also got a $10/$30 Ace coupon from VISA, meaning if I spent just a bit over $35 I can combine the two (must use VISA card to use coupon).

Wal-Mart has my Over-the-Moon milk on price rollback for $2, thanks to the blogs I read since the shelf wasn't marked. Used the $1 PDF coupon to get 2/$2. This is the best chocolate milk and the 1% milk tastes great as well. Easy to stock up on because they are dated 10/31. I need to make room in the fridge to buy a few more before the price goes back up. Also bought the Sara Lee Lunchmeat and the YoBaby 3-in-one meal. Great deals to be had!!

2009-09-19T19:44:00.005-05:00

Jewel had a great deal going - buy 4 Nabisco products for $10, get an instant $3 off!
Crackerfuls: $2.50 each, manq for FREE WYB Ritz = 4 FREE
Ritz: $2.50 each, $1/2 tearpad x2 = $2 each
Then $3 off, twice = 8 boxes for $2!
Fruit 2o Essentials on sale for $1, $1/1 manq! = FREE
Fancy Feast Appetizers: $.99 for a twin pack, BOGO manq = $1.98/8!
I did two transactions and used two of the Discover Card $1 on your order q, so I paid under $3 for 8 crackers, 8 cat food, and 2 water. yay!

Another day of Target love!
Transaction #1
Dove PB: $3.04, $1 Target q. $1 manq = $1.04 (these are GOOD)
Sandwich Thins: $2.79, $1 manq
Yoplait: $1.98 for the YoPlus, $1.93 for the Fiber One, $1 manq on each
Chef Michael: $4.26, $1.50 Target q, $3 manq (mom and I both got overage on this trip)
Total: $6.04

Transaction #2
Chef Michael's: $4.26, $1.26 Target q, $3 manq (she caught the overage on this one...)
Glade Sense & Spray: $5.69, $2 Target peelie, $4 manq (...yet let the overage slide on this one)
Kashi Pizza: $4.98, $1 manq, $1 Target CRT mom got today
Kashi Cookie: $2.88, $1 manq
Kashi Cereal: $2.88, $2 manq
Kashi Waffles: $2.64, $1.79, $1/2 manq
Total: $9.17, PLUS earned $5 GC!

This freebie was actually Fed Ex'd to us yesterday. The note is handwritten, adn we got 4 sample bags, a chip clip, and an amazing coupon book with two each of FREE, BOGO, and $1. woo hoo! Also at PetSmart today, we got a $3 coupon for doing a phone survey. Great!

Quick Trips

2009-09-17T22:49:00.003-05:00

Degree Deodorant: 2/$7, $1.25 manq x2, earn $2 ECB
Colgate Total: $2.99, $1 CRT, $1 manq, earn $2 ECB
Thermacare Wrap: $2.49, $1 CRT, $1 manq
Almay Mascara: $7.29 BOGO, $1 manq x2
Spent $10 ECB, only earned $4, but they were expiring anyway...

Oh, Target. If your registers would only work the way you think a register should...
Glade Sense & Spray: $5.69, $2 Target peelie, $4 manq = -$.31
Nature's Source Bathroom Cleaner: $2.99, $1 Target q from Real Simple, $1 manq = $.99
Tide Stain Release: $3.74, $1.50 Target q, $1.50 manq = $.74
Pop-Tarts: $1.46, $.55 manq, $.75 Target q = $.16
La Victoria Salsa: $2.46, FREE coupon came in the mail = FREE
Uncle Ben's Ready Rice: $1.74 each, $1/2 Target q, $1/3 manq = $3.22/3 (good for fast dinners)
Bumble Bee Tuna: $1 each, $1 manq x5 = FREE
Yoplait Fiber One: $1.93 on sale! $1 manq = $.93 each!
Crest Pro-Health: $3.04, FREE coupon but it took off $3.74 I guess for the Tide...odd. = -$.70
Rimmel Mascara: $2.24, $2 manq = $.24
Chef Michael's can food: $.84 each, $1.19 x2 manq, $.84 x2 Target q = -$.70 (it originally took off $4.26, the price of the BAG. so strange. She then fixed it to be the coupon max, which is funny since she commented on how they are cracking down on coupons)
Chef Michael's dry food: $4.26, $1.50 Target q, $1 Target q, $2.50 IP, $3 manq = $.52
Used $5 GC I had from Special K deal. Spent $3.10 cash! YAY!

More Rebates =)

2009-09-05T09:45:00.004-05:00

I LOVE winter, and I love soup and crackers as an easy lunch. It's something I can leave at work so I can have it at whim, and it's very low cal so I can then enjoy granola bars and more fruit through the afternoon. I hit up Jewel like the old days, rolling some cats and earning some rebates...

Transaction #1
10 Progresso Light Soup: $16.67 sale price. Used 5 $1/2 store coupons from PC book, 3 $1.10/3 IP = paid $8.63 cash, and earned $5 GM Cat

I then decided I would finally take part in the Kellogg's Fuel for School rebate, which overlapped with the Cat.

Transaction #2
Morningstar Burgers: $4.07 pre-card, $3.67 sale, $1 IP x2
Special K Crackers: $4.25 pre-card, $3 sale, $1 IP x2
Speical K Bars: $5.89 pre-card, $4.50 sale, $1/2 IP
Whole-Grain Cheez Its: $1.77 sale, $.75 IP x4
Pre-card total for cat: $28.42 What helped keep this close to $25 was that the Cheez Its are NOT part of the catalina, but they ARE part of the rebate =)
Used $5 GM Cat to help pay. Still paid $17.08 cash, BUT I should be able to submit the Fuel for School $10 rebate, AND I got more Special K tokens so I can send for the $10 Jean Voucher, which makes this stuff FREE, PLUS I earned $10 in Cat!

Transaction #3
I oringally only wanted yogurt, but ended up doing the Kellogg's deal in between LOL
On sale for $2, had $1 manq. Bought 4, plus one fruitcup so I could spend my $5 cat. whew. $.20 cash

Altogether:
Spent $25.91 cash (ouch!)
Earned:
$10 Kellogg's rebate(which includes $70 Dell coupon as well...won't use it though)
$10 Special K Jeans Voucher
$5 Cat still in hand

Not too shabby. Although the Special K crackers aren't listed on the rebate...so I'm a bit worried, but oh well. I'm not returning the stuff. Still good deals!!

Sometimes, I even amaze myself!

2009-09-03T22:36:00.004-05:00

I vaguely member sending away for some free formula sample a while back...well, Matt got the mail while I was out today, and I had three samples! Free newborn diaper, free Head & Shoulders AND free formula....yes, each can makes 15 - 6 oz bottles! That is CRAZINESS!! Good thing I know a baby being born this weekend! :)

CVS was sorta ho-hum, but stuff I could use.

Cookies: 2/$5, $1 CRT, earn $2 ECB
Kleenex: $2.59 x2 (I've used an entire box so far this week, and I'm down to my last one! A necessity!)
Got a $3/$10 CVS CRT today, so used it.
Progresso: 3/$6, $1.10/3 IP, earn $2 ECB (love this for lunches in winter!)
Oatmeal: $1, $.75 IP = 2/$.50

(Debating hitting up Jewel for the GM Catalina...I could get 9 more soup for ultimately less per can than at CVS. But then it's actual cash. hmmmm)

Target rocked, again. Cashier was a bit put off, but so what?

9 small bags of Chef Michaels $.50 ea, 9 FREE coupons
8 cans of Chef Michaels $.84 ea, 4 Target BOGO and 4 man BOGO = 8 FREE
Bounce Dryer Bar: $3.74, $2.50 manq, $1.50 Target q = -$.26
Kraft Miracle Whip (we were out): $2.54
Archer Farms Green Beans (also out): $.72 each
Shick Intuition Gift Packs: $8.48, $4 manq, $4 Target q = $1.44 for 3!
Special K: $2.39 each, $1 manq on each, earn $5 GC!!
Paid $11.86 cash, plus have a $5 GC in hand!

LOVE TARGET!

We'll see if I get to Jewel tomorrow...hmmm.

And now, for something completely different

2009-08-30T23:20:00.004-05:00

Friday I hit up Target for the same things I've been buying all week - had the same cashier as I did Monday, and she said she'd "see me again next Monday!" LOVE her!! Too bad they don't have the Chef Michael's dog food....doubt I'll be going there this week.

However, did hit it up today with mom and bro:

First up, Super Wal-Mart.
Marie Callendar's: $2.50, used $1.50 IP.
FREE after coupon Chicken Teryaki thingies.
Applesauce, makeup brushes and a cute ceramic pumpkin for $5.
Altogether $14!

Super Target was GREAT to me today. Not only did we have an amazingly friendly cashier at Wal-Mart, the one at Target was SO impressed with our (all three of us had a transaction) purchases!

Chef Michael's Dry dog food: sale for $4.26, $3 manq, $1.50 Target q = -$.24
Chef Michael's wet food: sale for $.84. BOGO manq and BOGO Target q = 2 FREE
Cesar wet food: $>99, BOGO manq and BOGO Target q = 8 FREE
Buddies bar: $.97, FREE after Target q
Tide Stain Release: $3.79, $1.50 manq $1.50 Target q = $.79
I totally WON with the Schick razor!! They are on sale for $6.99, plus there was a $4 manq expiring today, AND a $4 Target q in today's paper! But this means they either wouldn't accept the coupon, or they won't know how to adjust it down. I was going to get the razor, but then on a clearance end cap, we spotted a GIFT PACK!! It was marked $8.48 and it includes the razor, refills, stainless steel water bottle, and a Target bag that folds up into a pouch like thing and velcroes shut! So I got it for $.48!!!

I paid $.25 for all that stuff at Target!!! The animal shelter will be so happy! Hopefully I can get a bit more this week.

My free Schwan's delivery is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Time will tell!!

Walked to my Dominick's when I got home, they don't have the Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal, bummer. Will go tomorrow to another location. Also, Wal-Mart had great fitting jeans for $18, just not in the length I wanted, so I shall go back.

Why yes, Thursday is shopping day!

2009-08-27T22:58:00.010-05:00

Whew. On Thursdays I travel about 20 miles down Ogden avenue, which means I can hit up many, many stores, and often multiple locations of the same store ;)

First up: Dominick's. They are having one of their "Buy 5, save $5" deals. I scored! Wished I had my free sample of Kashi Honey Sunshine with the FREE coupon, but it hasn't arrived yet...

(Prices are AFTER $1 savings per box)
Cheerios: $1.50 x2, $1 IP x2
Kashi Autumn Wheat: $2 x2, $1.50/2 IP
Kashi Puffs: $2, FREE product coupon from a complaint
Kashi U: $2, $1/1 from Whole Foods booklet, $1.50/1 IP
NV Nut Clusters: $2 x3, $1 IP x3 Also: Cellfire AND ShortCuts each took off $1 Nut Clusters and $.40 NV granola bars. Go figure... but $.20/3!
The cashier fed me a line about if an Internet q doesn't scan, they won't accept it. I told him to be sure he covers up the goofy barcode then. Somehow he scanned a $1 a 2nd time, so TOTAL: $3.53 w/tax (so $.36 each!!!) That's better than my target price of $.50/box, and for healthy cereal for once!

I stopped at Jewel to try out the hidden deal of Fave 4 meats that I read about on Rachel's blog. I have read this before, but not tried it. Worked like a charm! About $1.58/pound, sweet! Great deal for "fancy" cuts like thin cutlets and tenders. We'll have fun breading these up and adding to pasta or dipping in sauce.

I then hit up Target, with unpleasant employees!

Buddies Bar: $.97, Target q adjusted down automatically: FREE
Gerber Bottle: $.99, FREE after Target q
Cinnabon bars: $2, $.50 Target q, $1 IP = $.50
Archer Farm Bread: $.99, FREE after Target q
GM Cereal Cup: $1, FREE after Target q
Yoplait: $2.25 x2, $1 IP x2 = $1.25 each
Chef Michael Dog Food: $.89 each, BOGO Target q, BOGO manq = 2 FREE! Both coupons took off the amount automatically!
The cashier told me she was not allowed to take the GM cereal coupon on the cup, I politely said there was no size restriction on it, so yes, they do take it. Called some CS person over, and she said "I need ALL of the coupons" and she printed a copy of my receipt at another register so she could review things. That's like saying to my face "you are abusing the system!" I'm not the one that makes the coupons!! sheesh

Finally, the drug stores:

CVS: 12 of the protein bars that are B2G1 (so 4 free), an used 6 BOGO q (pay for 2 total). PLUS I used the "$4/$20 Diet or Nutrition Items" q from the ReadyFill booklet.
Gade Sense & Spray: 2/$10, used $4 manq x2, to pay $2 and receie $3 ECB
FREE nut coupon from my e-mail
Used a $2.99 ECB. But although the protein bar q's are up to $1.59 and they cost $1.79, he took off full price, so I could only use 5 BOGO q's. $.45 for all that!"
Walgreens had vitamins on sale for $6.99/100 ct. Used $2 manq and $2 Wags q from the Back to School August booklet. $2.99 each is quite decent.
Rimmel eyebrow pencil: $2.09 on sale, used $1 manq.

(yesterday at CVS I got my mom the new Zyrtec eye drops. $12.99 sale, $4 manq, $5 CRT and $2/$10 allergy purchase from ReadyFill book!)

WHEW. That shopping always tires me out, but it is totally worth it. 4 boxes of cereal for a coworker, 2 for my brother at grad school, the bottles and buddies bars to add to a gift basket for our youth pastor and his wife, dog food to donate, etc. Shopping is such a thrill!! I still can't believe anyone pays full price for anything.

Target strikes again!

2009-08-24T20:46:00.004-05:00

Yeah, Target today. The cashier gave me my total, and I handed over my coupons and she says "My favorite part!" DEFINITELY looking for her next time!!

Buddies Soap: $1.02, $1 Target q = $.02
Gerber Bottle: $.99, $1 Target q = -$.01
Cinnabon bars: $2, $1 IP and $.50 Target q = $.50
GM Cereal Cup: $1, $1 Target q = FREE
Bananas: $.50 Target q = $.17
Egg Beaters: $2, $1 IP = FREE
Yoplait: $2.25 each, $1.25 IP x2 = $1 each
Dove Deodorant: $3.29, $1 Target q, $2 manq = $.29
Yay! $3.97 + tax = $4.27 total!

My Jewel had Dannon 3/$1, and avenu was $.50/3 Light n Fit!
12 LnF: $4, $.60/6 manq x2, $2 off with avenu = $.10 each!
4 reg. Dannon: $1.34, $1/4 catalina = $.08 each!
Jewel Parmesan: $2.50
Honey Bunches of Oats: $2.50, $2 IP = $.50
Sara Lee Bread: $2.49. Found coupon on display to get pack of mini bagels free with bread purchase!
Used $5 catalina from Kraft deal.
With tax, $2 for ALL of that. PLUS the two update your PC booklets. woo hoo! More FREE milk.

Yay coupons!

2009-08-20T22:09:00.003-05:00

Dominick's:
Smithfield Bacon: 2/$6, $3 IP x2 = FREE!
Easy Mac Velveeta: $1.25 each. Earned $1 catalina for each pair, and used BOGO coupons = 8/$1.16 (they were $1 at Jewel, but I was already at Dominick's)

CVS:
Sobe: $1.79 BOGO, BOGO IP x2 (up to $1.59). Miscalculated my total, could only use one q in my trans, so went back for two more with 2nd q :)
Listerine: $3.99, $1 CRT, earn $1 ECB
CVS Tampons: $1.89 Free after ECB
J&J First Aid Kit: $.99, buy 2 get $2 ECB x3
Softsoap: $3.99, $1.50 CRT, earn $2 ECB
Used $4/$20 from ReadyFill coupon book, spent $11.99 ECB and earned $10.89

Target:
(I had a *great* cashier who just put through every coupon with no comment!)
Archer Farms Crackers: $1.49, $1 Target q = $.49
Cinnabon bars: $2, $1 IP and $.50 Target q = $.50
Archer Farms Artisan bread: $.99, FREE after Target q
Corn Pops Bowl: $1, $1 Target q = FREE
Bananas: $.06 after Target q!
Int'l Delight Creamer: $1.15 sale, $1 IP x2 = $.15 each!
Yoplait Fiber One: $2.04, $1 IP = $1.04
Edwards Pie Slices: $1.14 clearance, $1 IP x2 = $.14 each!
Limited Edition Dt Dew: $.99 (splurge! LOL)
$3.83 with tax for ALL that! I love Target

This is what I got for the Kraft rebate at Jewel. Spent $22.32 cash, and have $5 cat plus $20 rebate. Not too bad. We make our own ied coffee, so this was a great deal. Plus, those Crackerfuls are SO GOOD!

Also stocked up at Wal-Mart with my FREE coupons: Rice Krispies, Might Dog, Alexia Chips (from 'rebate'). Plus milk is $1.49 and eggs $.77!

Recently I have written to CoffeeMate to tell them I don't like the redisgned lid, and they sent me a FREE coupon :) I'm debating writing to Nabisco to say I LOVE the crackerfuls and to ask for more coupons.

Target and Jewel

2009-08-12T11:58:00.003-05:00

Target:
Bic Pens $1 x2, $1/2 Target q, $1/2 IP
Combos $1.50, $1 Target q
Bananas $.06/3 after coupon!
Apples FREE after coupon!
Softsoap $1 x2, $1 IP x2
Oven-Ready Lasagna noodles $1.38 each, cheaper than Barilla!
Frozen Spinach only $.86 each!
Sports bras on clearance

Jewel:
Gardein: $5.29 each, but FREE after coupons :)
Jennie-O Ground Turkey: $5.49 BOGO, $5 Biggest Loser q!!
Baby Carrots: $1.99 BOGO
case of Jewel water FREE after coupon.
I basically paid under $3 for all that. LOVE free coupons.

I leave you with this undiginified pose by Jack. He was playing with his toy and just stopped, and didn't move for about a minute. Weirdo!

Shopping Summary

2009-08-08T11:25:00.005-05:00

Okay, there is one lone photo. It's been one of those weeks including mini-vacay, sales meetings at work and VBS all week, plus Dr appts on Friday. So groceries have been scattered and put away in stages, etc.

Target Summary:
Trans #1:
Tidy Cat $10.99x2, used 2 -$2 manq peelies and a $2 Target CRT. earned $5 GC.
Mighty Dog: 9 cans with FREE coupon
All 2-load size $.02 each after q (8)
$16.52 for that because I got $2 more off than I should because she was doing the coupons the long way rather than pushing the K1 button. *shrug*

Trans #2:
2 Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers $2.79 used 2 $2.50 q that mom printed. By the time I got there they were even out of $2 ones.
Kashi cereal cup FREE after Target q

Trans #3:
2 Pepperidge Farm Cookies FREE after q
8 All $.02 each after q

Trans #4:
Glade Soy Candles: $2.74 on clearance, used $3 manq adjusted down
True North nuts: $2.99, used $1 coupon, had peelie FREE rebate!
Kashi Cereal Bowl FREE after Target q
6 more All at $.02 each (26 total!)
Zone Bars were our BEST result. They had bonus 6 bar packs instead of 5 for $4.79 each, which made them comprable to when we purchase at Sams Club, plus Sams doesn't carry this flavor. So we bought 2. Also used BOGO q for 2 bars. However, when he scanned BOGO coupon (didn't even read the q, just scanned) it took off $4.79 automatically!! BOGO on the BOXES! SWEET.
This trans was $10.08 and will get back $2.99 rebate. I love Target some days!!

(Target transactions over 3 days, haha. Love it.)

At Ultra:
3 Coffeemate at $2.59 each, used $1.50 IP x2 and $.55 IP= $4.36 and earned $1 cat
then picked up:
Centrella Milk: $1.78
Over the Moon Choc milk: FREE after q from a few weeks back
6 Fisher PB FREE after q
two clearanced soup bowls for lunches
Saved $.10 for two bags I bought, and used $1 cat. $2.90!! Worth it for milk :)

Returned two expired (by FOUR months. gag!) Starbucks Frap to Walgreens and got GC back. Earned $10 with script GC at Target.

Dominicks:
12 Pineapple Bites BOGO and BOGO q
2 Nabisco 100-Calorie packs 2/$3 after Super Q, used $1/2 from Save $55 booklet
Barilla Picolini pasta: $.69 after Super q, used $.75 IP
18 Eggs $.99 after Super q
Butter $1.49 after Super q

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Don't

2009-07-30T18:22:00.005-05:00

It was one of "those" days at Dominick's, where things went awry but (mostly) to my favor. hmmm. Reminder: never use internet coupons at this location. It freezes the self-check. Ooops!!

When I scanned my card, out popped a $3/$10 produce, which I just so happened to have :) No photo as I split the watermelon with mom, shared pineapples with the bro, and had the salad for dinner.

Dentastix: 2/$6, $2.50 Shortcuts, $2.50 IP x2 = -$1.50!!
Colgate: $2.49 w/Super Coupon, $.75 CellFire x2, $.75 manq = $.24
one apple (Jazz, never heard of it, sounded good) = $.59
Watermelon: $1.99
Chiquita Pineapple: bought 12 on sale BOGO, used 6 q from the packages. the other 6 still had q and I still have 3. On sale til next Wednesday, so will go back for later exp. date. (she rang up 13, but I had to leave, didn't read receipt right away, etc.no biggee)
Salad from deli: $4.99
$23.49 before any q, paid $5.18 from my $30 GC for transferring my script. Should have been $1 less, but hey, $5 for ALL that? That's my dinner alone and the rest is free LOL

Target for once was EASY because the lady in front of me had all clearance items, plus a Nutrogena with the $3 q which impressed the cashier. Good sign for me!

Kashi Strawberry Waffles: $2.94, used FREE Vocalpoint q
= FREE
Kashi Honey Oat Waffles: $1.99, $1.50 manq, $.25 Target q = $.24
Softsoap refills: $3 clearance, $2 Target q, $1 manq = FREE
Breyers Yogurt: $.52 each, $1/2 IP = 2/$.04
PopChips: 2/$5, $1 IP x2, $1/2 Target q = 2/$2
After q and with tax: $2.54

Went back after church for one more Softsoap and two All detergents ($1.02 with $1 q). $.30 for all three :)

Now plotting my Sunday CVS Attack. Debating going at 7am to get enough items to make $30. Debating if it is worth it or not...could make a lot of ECBs and I have been burning through them quickly!!

E-coupons are crazy!

2009-07-28T17:02:00.004-05:00

You really should just load all the coupons from CellFire, ShortCuts and P&G e-saver. Because the discounts just fly off the screen!.

Nature Valley: $1.50 after Super Coupon x2
Cell Fire $.40/1 ANY, ShortCuts $.50/1 Dark Chocolte AND $.50/1 ANY, $.50/1 IP
=$1.10/2

Fruit Roll Ups: $1.50 w/SC x2
CF $.50/2, SC $.50/2 AND $.50/2 (diff. exp.), $.50/2 IP
=$1/2

Kraft Cheese: $1.49 w/SC, $1 IP = $.49

18 ct eggs: $.99 w/SC

Duracell: $4.99 w/SC, P&Ge $1, $.75 manq = $3.24

Bakery Bread: $1.19, $1 store IP = $.19

OM Deli Creations: $.99 each on clearance (didn't risk using a q)

OM Beef Franks: $1.88 w/SC, $1 IP = $.88

Chiquita Pineapple: $.99 BOGO store sale, 3 BOGO q (all they had. but brought home 3 more q) = FREE

TOTAL: $10.66 Not too bad when you consider 1/3 of that is batteries. $2 is OM Clearance and $.99 is eggs. GREAT deals to be had with super coupons and e-coupons!!

Deal Round-Up

2009-07-24T16:48:00.005-05:00

What have I picked up lately?

Dominicks
La Victoria Salsa: 2/$5, bought 4 and used 2-$4/2 q's from La Vic rewards
YoPlait Yo-Plus: $2.50, $1 shortcuts q and $1 manq = $.50

Super Target
Kashi: Cereal $2.69 and Crackers $3.54. Used $1.50 on cracker WYB cereal IP, $1.50 Cereal IP and $1/1 Cereal Target q. = $2.23/2
Breyers Yogurt: $.52 each, used $1/2 IP
Colgate: $2, used $1 manq and $1 Target CRT
At Petsmart I found $2/1 Tidy Cat peelies, good til 12/2010, and then at Target I got a CRT for $2/1! Can't wait for the next GC deal. Hopefully before CRT exp on 8/31

Super Wal-Mart
Hefty One Zip: bought 4 quart and 4 gallon for $1, used $1q. Were bonus size boxes.
Breyers Yogurt: $.50 each, used 2-$1/2 IP
Tyson Frozen Skillet Meal: $5, used $1 q, sent for FREE rebate.

Ultra
Lean Cuisine: 6/$10. Bought 12, used B2G1, $1/3 x2, $1/2 x1
Skinny Cow: 3/$10. Bought 4, used 4-$1 q, sent for $4 rebate = $5.34/4

Jewel
Chiquita smart bites: $1 each. Used 2 "buy any get pineapple free" peelies and two free/$1 on any. $.07 tax for all four.
(Stopped in today for yet another coupon book for updating my card.)

Meijer
Pillsbury simply... cookies. $2 each, buy 10 earn $5 cat. Mom and I pooled our $1.25/1 Psst... q's so we had 10 total. Cashier @ self-check argued that they were photcopied. Then that they were internet. I said IP don't look like that, but they insisted. Sheesh. Then said they had limit 4 of one q or else the man. won't reimbursh them and it comes out of their paycheck. Lady who finally put them in because other told her to said she got written up last time, but would do it. Said she wasn't arguing (uh, what?). You know they get their $$!! Sheesh. But the ONE good thing about Meijer is the cat prints after you scan the items, not when you pay. So I used the $5 because I was fed up. $2.95 after tax for all 10. Into the freezer for Christmas baking! This is totally why I haven't set foot in Meijer in well over a year. Gosh.

Cabela's
Croc Mary Janes. Clearnce for $4.88. Even with shipping, $11. Regular $30. HAD to buy them when the only ones left were my size (10), the color I have wanted (fuschia)

Mail Call!

Cosmetic bag from Seventeen mag. nice!
Right at Home gift pack. I have never gotten one. Maybe it doesn't tell you when you sign up that they are out? Who knows. Sample of Nature's Source AP cleaner and a packet of forget-me-not seeds.

And I didn't even try!

2009-07-03T10:16:00.005-05:00

Sooooo, we had the $10 Cat burning a hole in our pocket (doesn't expire til 7/11, but don't want to forget it!) and needed a few things to make snacks for tomorrow's party, so we headed off to Jewel.

Special K: 3/$5 when you buy 3, $1q x3 = 3/$2
Sabra Hummus: $3.99 BOGO, $1.50 IP x2 = 2/$.99
Jewel Bacon: $3.50 sale
Kraft 2% natural cheese: $1.69 each, $1 IP x2 = $3.07, earn $2 cat
(of course they make these 7oz now! jerks)
Wild Harvest Organic Milk: $3.69 = FREE coupon
Pillsbury Cookies: $3.99 = FREE coupon (from Psst...)
Jalapenos: $.55 for 14. Super sale!

Used $10 cat, had $15.68 in manq, and earned $2 cat
Turned around and used $2 cat on bag of chips for $2.50. Paid $1.17 cash total for all the goodies!

We also stopped at Kohl's with a free $10 that came in the mail, plus store credit. We ended up paying $1.29 cash for a shirt and two pair of earrings.

Then we stopped at TJ's and Sams for some goodies like pita chips (to go with the hummus) and some oatmeal and two-buck chuck.

A Crocs Giveaway!

2009-07-01T12:45:00.003-05:00

Head over to Common Sense with Money to enter for a $50 Crocs gift card! I already own five pair in different styles and would love to add yet another!

Month-end Review

2009-06-29T18:44:00.004-05:00

Yes, our four-week June experiment has come to an end. And we ended on a high note!! $7.01 left of our budgeted $250. Not too shabby, considering all of the items we got for stocing up and donating! Plus plenty of treats like some beer and other goodies from Trader Joe's.

Started out this month by going to our farmer's market here for the first time ever in two whole years of living here ;) It's only Sunday mornings, which isn't too convenient for us. Spent $10 on fingerling potatoes, grape tomatoes and sugar snap peas. Roasting them up to go with some chicken for dinner tonight! Today I hit up Target for my script with GC q and got some deals.

Palmolive Eco + Dishwasher detergent: $2.74 x2, used two $.50 Target q and a free Target reusable bag q from Sunday's paper.
PB & Co Dark Chocolate Dreams...oh YUM!!! Worth $5. I promptly sliced up an apple and dished up a serving of this goodness. I even licked the plate when I was done!
Hair color $6.94
Ham. buns $2.49 (Arnold Sandwich Thins, which I have wanted to try. Who can beat 100 cal and 5g fiber? Made with 100% Whole Wheat four, too)
$10.21 after GC, so good deals.

I also got my $15 Miller rebate in the mail. yay! boosts this weeks budget. teehee

So yes, we are continuing this budget. Not sure about entering the AllYOU grocery contest. hmmm it makes you include dining out, but excludes household items, so I guess the dish detergent wouldn't count. But what about health & beauty? We are going on a mission trip during the contest time period, and so I'm not sure how much food for ourselves we have to provide, which could push us out of the budget. Will have to think about this one!

Yes, yes I AM crazy.

2009-06-25T23:16:00.004-05:00

But seriously. This Jewel catalina is great. Many people think it ended yesterday with the end of the ad week, but us die-hards know better. I hit up three Jewels, all of which had decent stock, and got to visit with some former coworkers of mine. I also hit up two Dominick's and Super Target. I even got a free iced coffee at Starbucks with a postcard I had! Three hours of driving/shopping later, I had:

Yeah. That's INSANE.

Jewel #1:
Pudding x5
Ketchup x4
Alexia x1 ($1 manq)
=$20.29 towards deal, $9.99 after sale + q, $.18 cash

Jewel #2:
Popcorn x2 ($1 manq x2)
Tom. Sauce x9
Mustard x2
Ketchup x3
=$20.55 towards deal, $11.50 after sale + q, $1.74 cash

Jewel #3 and #4:
Oil x2
Ketchup x3
Diced Tomato x2
=$20.45 towards deal, $10 after sale, $.26 and $.18 cash

These two had different totals because she started to put in the q as grocery, but I said the $10 does scan when they are in full assist mode (we used to work together, so she believed me. Plus we did trans #2 and the cat came out, so it all worked out for me in the end) and she learned something new ;)

Dominick's!!
Propel and Fuze were part of a $.99 sale, but $.80 each when you buy 10 or more in a single transaction. I had $.50/1 Propel coupons (x19) and BOGO Fuze coupons (x19) that I have found at gas stations and Walgreens/CVS. Turns out, the 1st BOGO you scan asks the cashier for a price, and they put $.99, but then all other q's scan at $1.59, which is regular price before any sales. This made most of my Fuze $.005 each!! $1.60-$1.59 q? WOW! Had a nice chat with self-check lady when I came back with my second transaction, and she put in my first q for me, at $.99, as she had on the last transaction, and then I just scanned 12 more at $1.59. CRAZINESS!!!
Total: $10.18 for 57 bottles! Hubby is SO happy with this stuff!!

Super Target:
Normlly, my luck would run out here. Thankfully the cashier simply scanned all of my coupons in order, reading the Edy's as it was the only one that said 'item not found' but she was definitely not pleased as she didn't tell me to have a nice day and wasn't thrilled with my final total :)

Dawn: $2.29, $.50 Target q, $1.50 manq = $.29
Pace: $2.09, $.50 Target q, $1 manq = $.59
Eggo: $1.50, $1 manq = $.50
Edy's: $1.19, $1 Target q = $.19 (I deserved a treat after shopping, although hubby was sad I ate it all LOL)
Pictureka card game: $6.64 sale, $5 manq!
=$3.91 cash

Whew! Today I purchased a total of 103 items for $16.45 cash, or $.16 each!

Jewel Catalia deal total: $12.59 cash for 85 items is $.15 each

I plan one more Jewel deal, as my mom has 4-5 Alexia qs she's giving me tomorrow. Hubs is taking 3 bags of groceries (some from the last cat) to the local mega-church's food pantry, some for our moms and some for my bro in grad school, and some for a coworker. I love sharing!! We certainly can't eat it all, but I'm glad I got things we actually needed like kethcup and canola oil.

More Catalina Rolllllllllling!

2009-06-23T17:31:00.005-05:00

This was one of those days where I actually love Jewel. I stopped on my way to work, as I knew they stocked overnight and if I wanted any chance of getting some canola oil (which I need!) I had to go then, at 7am. They had it! But I was too chicken to try what I had heard, that they were honoring the ad misprint of "Spend $20, get $10 OYNO" rather than spend $25. Had to be corporate because that's automated in the system, and not like each store could honor a misprint price of a single item.

5 oil = $27.50 shelf, but scan $12.50. Paid with $10 cat, $2.78 cash and earned new $10. So yes, I could have saved $2.50 + tax, but heck, this is what I would pay for one bottle, so I was still happy.

Then after work I decided to hit another Jewel since I still wanted ketchup and my store had been out. Still no ketchup, no mustard either. Oh well (and oil out, I checked just because)

Alexia snacks: $2.99 towards deal, but $1.99 sale, $1 manq on each. Bought 5
Hunts Pudding: $1.90 towards deal, $1 sale, $1/3 manq
=$20.65 towards deal, BUT only $12.95 OOP! Minus $6 in q, means under the $10 cat. So I picked up milk for $2.28, knew I was $.78 short of $10, so I grabbed a pound of bananas. Perfect.
$.51, rolled cat to a new one! So the deal definitely works on spend $20, but it ends tomorrow, and I seriously need nothing but ketchup. Then again, I have one more Alexia coupon...Plus, I'm sending in my receipt for a coupon for a free bag, which is great too!

Now I'm up to $10.23 OOP on the Jewel Cats, for 44 items, which is $.23 each. woo hoo!!

This week remaining: $26.58

I leave you with a random cat pic that I found hubby had taken and uploaded:

CVS and Target

2009-06-18T18:45:00.004-05:00

CVS had yet another one of their glitches that was AMAZING and I actually got in on it! Sunglasses are currently buy 2 pair, get $10 ECB. Well, some folks figured out that the "wet naps" for your lenses are $.99 each, but buy 2 get the $10 ECB! And I found them at the first store I went to :)

CVS Ped Egg: $7.99, $2 coupon from e-mail = $5.99 (always wanted to try this!)
Excedrin: $4.49, $1 CRT, $1 peelie = $2.49, earn $2 ECB
Diet Pepsi: $1.49 each, $.50 CVS tearpad qx2 = $.99 each, earned $1 ECB on 2
Dark Reese's : $.67 couldn't leave it on the shelf! I love anything Reese's and dark is my fave, so YAY!
Crest: $2.99, $1 q = $1.99, earn $2 ECB

Used $9 ECB, spent $2.43 on GC and earned $15 ECB! hehe

Target
Normally I'd show you a pic like this and say I spent like $3. Not this time! There were some good deals and not all involved q's and the like, but groceries we needed and some treats for staying on budget so far this month ;)

Dawn: $2.09, $1.50 manq = $.59 (has less plastic and such, but not sure if it's environmentally friendly like the Palmolive, but no dyes or phosphates)
Annie's Organic mac n cheese: $1.82 each, $1/2 IP that will exp soon = $2.64/2 (hubby will be pleased with this!)
Old Spice: $3.64, $2/1 q from P&G year of savings book = $1.64 (not on sale, but only kind he'll use and q exp soon)
Morningstar: $3.09x2, $2/2 Target q, $1 IP x2 = $2.18/2 YUM!
Kraft Cheese and Deli Meats: $2.79x3, but buy 2 get 1 free. no q, but it's basically $5/lb which is good.
Pace Salsa: $2.09, $.50 Target q, $1 manq = $.59

More Catalinas :)

2009-06-17T21:49:00.004-05:00

Whew. I love when hubby gets in on the deals!! He gets excited too.

So first I had to rearrange our tiny TINY apartment freezer to see if I could even do the deal!!

Trans #1:
Marie Callendar's Pasta al Dente $2.50 each, $1 manq each ($4 each towards deal)
Healthy Choice Naturals: $2.50 scan and towards deal, $1 q each
This brought me to exactly $25, yay! (They were of course out of Wesson. I must have other dealseekers at my store! Because that is $2.50 OOP, but $5.50 towards the deal!! Great even without coupons, and I did need canola oil)
Water bottle: $2.67 (he returned one to WalMart today for $2.62)
Used $10 and $.50 catalinas from previous deals, total OOP $3.33

Hubby saw the new flavors of Chex Mix, but I said WAIT coupons at home, plus it's the other Catalina deal. So we walked back home for more coupons and my other UPC list haha

Trans #2:
Chex: $1.67 x2 ($2.57x2 towards deal) -$.50/2 q (what a bad coupon!)
Ragu: $1.50 x2 ($1.99x2 deal) -$1/2 q
ICBINB sticks: $1.99x2 ($3.29x2 deal) -$.75 x2 q
Fiber One bars: $3x3 ($3.85x3 deal) -$1.35 x3 q
Used $10 cat
Total OOP: $2.70

We almost did another deal of 5 Fiber One + 4 Ragu, but decided even to donate, we don't need all that stuff. Not worth it.

So for three Jewel transactions so far, we've had OOP:
$13.53
$3.33
$2.70
($2.62 Wal-Mart)
=$16.94 but we still have $10 so that's $6.94 for 29 items, so $.24 each! Love it. GREAT deals, even though we aren't too keen on giving Jewel our money.

Still at $26.62 left for the week. Great produce deals at a local store this week, so more berries on Friday!

Halfway There

2009-06-15T21:36:00.003-05:00

Welp, two weeks down, and doing okay!

Some highlights:
Target: Special K $2.39 each, buy 3 cereal, get a cracker free. Used $1x4q = $3.30 for all 4!
CVS: Banana Boat Suncreen: $9.49 and $9.99, buy 2 get $7 ECB, used $2x2q
Always: 2/$6, used $2 CRTand $1x2 manq, earn $2ECB = free
Trader Joe's: Needed more PB, and I heard about the new PB&A mx (peanut, berry, almond)
Jewel:
Milk for $1 each. Hot dogs were $4.99 BOGO, had FREE coupon up to $4.50, so $.49/2! YUM
Aldi: reddi-whip and angel food cake to go with strawberries for our guests' dessert

Jewel Catalina Deal!
Ragu: $1.99 ring price, x10, sale price $1.50, used $1/2 q x5
Skippy: $3.25 ring, x2, sale $2, used $.40 q x2
Got me over the $5 threshold, but spent $11.53 OOP and earned $10 catalina! woo hoo
Think I'm done with this one though, and debating the Conagra one that started today...we'll see!

Ended week 2 with $.55 left. whew. Food for entertaining and Jewel catalina (stock-up) went to the extra budget, leaving us with only $1.05. whew again!

June Week 2 Continued

2009-06-09T20:19:00.004-05:00

Yay produce! You can see I used my reusable produce bags! The shop is closed for a bit while she moves (read her blog here, but I highly recommend you order these bags!!

Joe Caputo:
Pineapple: $1.19 each
Cheese: $.99
Strawberries: $.89 each
Broccoli: $.47
Onions: $.21
Mushrooms: $2.15
Garlic: $.09 (but it was sprouting. grrr.)
Parsley: $.14 (first rang as red cabbage for $.12. Void. Rang as Rome Apple for $.14. Whatev!)
Total: $8.39

Jewel:
Bread: $1.50 (price relief)
Milk: $2.50, $1 man q, $.50 cat = $1 earn $.50 cat
So $2/gal, cheaper than Jewel brand for $2.28 this week. If only the dates were better!
Total: $2.59

Wal-Mart: Hubby went for Crystal Light packets. Without asking for a coupon, silly goose! $2. Will send him back with coupons for tomorrow (they expire tomorrow! whew)

Totals:
Week 2 remain: $26.61
Extra remain: $19.46

June Week 2

2009-06-08T19:11:00.006-05:00

And so it begins...

Sam's: Blackberries $4.54
Joe Caputo: Strawberries marked down to $.89 for some reason. Still good!
Raspberries: $1.98 each x2
Total: $10.41

Totals:
Week 2 remain: $39.59
Extra remain: $19.46

Tomorrow a run to Jewel for milk and bread, and Matt will pick up some lunchmeat at Butera. Crossing my fingers for that Trader Joe's trip later this week!!

Today's mail also brought another free Mars candy bar coupon!

June Week 1 Final

2009-06-08T19:11:00.001-05:00

Well, we determined that $50 is quite difficult when you want to buy enough produce to really feel healthy. Matt didn't eat many fruits and vegetables growing up, but now loves a great variety of them. Currently we are obsessed with strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Final trips:
Dollar Tree for 4 newspapers, 2 of which we traded for paper towel rolls from my mom.
Aldi: Yogurt and ice cream cones $4.23
Valli: Strawberries for $1.50.

Our totals:
Week 1 remainder: $2.97
Extra remain: $19.46
Not bad that we had some left over, but it is really making me plan my trips wisely this week. I want to go to Target for sure, and am hoping for some wiggle room for some goodies from Trader Joe's. We'll see!

June Week 1 Continued

2009-06-05T15:00:00.004-05:00

Wal-Mart: 1 shaker bottle for protein shakes (not pictured) = $2.62

Target:
Glade Candles (to be used as gifts): $1.67 each, had $1.50 coupon in them = $.17 each!
Kashi Waffles: $2.54, $1.50 manq = $1.04
Degree Deodorant: $2.34, $1.50 Target q, $1 manq = -$.16 each!!
Morningstar: $3 each, $2/2 Target q, $1 manq x2 = $1 each
Total: $4.53

Jewel:
Cream Cheese: $.99 raincheck, $1/2 q x2 = 4/$1.96
Over the Moon Milk:" $2.50, $1.50 manq = $1.00
Used two $.50 cats from previous milk purchase
Total: $2.11, Earned $.50 cat on milk

Spent today: $9.26 Week 1
TOTALS:
Week 1 Remain: $13.28
Extra Remain: $19.46

CVS: (not grocery bill because I have not paid ANY cah since I started in April 2008, but can help me get groceries!)
Softsoap $7.99 for pump, $3.99 for refill, $2.50 manq x2, earn $4 ECB
Spent $4 ECB and $3.62 on GC. We have a lot of refills, and just used up or large bottle of Target soap (took two years in the bathroom!) This way I can use the refills in kitchen and bath, and buy a new large bottle to refill my 'real' holders once these refills run out.

Jewel is a pain. She had to study my RC to see if I was under the 30 day mark, study my coupons because they were $1 and the item was $.99, I had to point out it was off 2, and so on and so forth. That's why I *always* use self check, but didn't want to with my RC. Ugh!

So, with 3 days to go in week 1, we have $13 left. Saturday is newspaper day, which is at least $2. Need to make sure we always save that much.

Yay for Mail!

2009-06-04T12:30:00.000-05:00

I love mail =)

Easy Bakeware: I ordere in April and was still waiting for it to come. I e-mailed them and they replied with "sorry for the delay, it is shipping this week" and it shipped the next day. You KNOW I wouldn't have gotten it if I hadn't asked about it! Silicone mini-muffin pan, and grater with four plates. $1 each!

Got my coupons for free Mars candy bar and free Oscar Meyer dogs. Also another $3 from Pinecone surveys and the Tupperware I bought on eBay (more on that later)

Yup, fun day indeed! Also the Harry Potter udio book for MIL's bday. All three packages were hand delvered to my desk at work :)

June Grocery Game

2009-06-03T20:30:00.001-05:00

So we really need to reign in our grocery spending. We currently budget $250 per month, and that seems like a lot for two people, but we're in the land of no doubles, and a higher cost of living, etc. But really, we shouldn't be going over that. So I'm going with $50/week plus $50 for the extras that come up such as Brita filters and things of that nature.

We're going to keep a running total where we can see it so we can not go over and really decide if we need to buy certain things.

Here's today's spending (haha! It's a big amount...but we'll deal!)

Sam's Club
Matt works late Mondays, so he runs some errands and does sweet things like empty the dishwasher :)
Blackberries: $4.54
Whey Protein Powder: $30.54 (extra)

Joe Caputo
Raspberries: $3.83
Strawberries: $1.28
Mushrooms: $3.18
Eggplant: $.78
Zucchini: $1.38

Ultra
Eggs: $2.36
Hunt's Ketchup: $1.19, free q = $.03
Purina Kitten Food: $1.89, free qx3 = $.47
Marcal TP: $.69, free qx8 = $.46
Hamburger Buns: $1.70
M&Ms: $.79, BOGO qx3 = $2.46
Save $.05 for each bag you bring in to use
$.50 cat x2 from the milk

Dominick's
Milk: $1.72
Brie: $4.60
Paid with a GC, the Brie is for a rebate $4.49 back, which will be added to grocery budget when arrives)

Spent today: $27.46 Week 1, $30.54 Extra
TOTALS:
Week 1 Remain: $22.54
Extra Remain: $19.46

I only bought the M&Ms because you never know how free qs work at Ultra. The TP is reg. $.85 and qs have taken off $.85 or $1 and you have no idea what. This week they were on sale for $.69 and that's what it took off. Otherwise I would have had overage. Oh well! And yes, there is just the two of us and we have purchased 2 gallons of milk and 8 doz. eggs in 4 days.

Last Week's Deals

2009-06-01T22:26:00.004-05:00

Ultra:
Over the Moon milk: $2.79 each, used 2 - $1.50 qs and earned 2 - $.50 cats
Kraft Dressing: $2.29, $1.50 man q
Kraft BBQ: $1.19, $1 man q
Purina Kitten Food: $1.89, FREE q
Quaker Delight Bars: $2, $1 man q
Fisher PB: $1.29, $1 man q
Lentils: $1.09
Mushrooms: 3/$5
Eggs $.58 each!! (mom bought me 2 as that was the limit. and this was Friday, and we only have 2 doz left!)

Total before q: $31.59
After q: $15.10

Great!

CVS I used up some RC's to use a $10 expiring ECB
Bandaids $2.99, $1 CRT, $1 manq, earn $2 ECB
Foil: $1.25 clearance, $1 q
Edge Shave Gel: $2.89, $.75 manq earn $3 DCB (rounded up)
Herbal Essence: $1.88 each, $3/2 q, earned $3 ECB total

Shopping Spree :)

2009-05-27T22:02:00.005-05:00

Walgreens was easy.
7 packs of Trident gum. Reg. $1.29, sale 3/$2. Used 6 - $.75 manqs
14 packs of Extra gum. Reg. $1.29, used 7 BOGO qs, then sale for 3/$2
These are great because the 'sale price' is with an in-ad coupon, so if they are unaware of the 'sale' they give you full value of your man q's.
So 21 packs of gum were $.72 of my gift card. I haven't been to Walgreens since April 16th! haha. Thanks, Walgreens.

CVS had GREAT clearance finds! If you read abour something online, or even if it has a clearance tag, scan it!!
Reynolds Foil, 75sq ft, clearance tag said $2.50 but it scanned $1.25! I had 6 $1 coupons.
Ziploc twist n' lock containers, clearance tag said $1.58, but scanned $.92. Bought all 6 from the shelf, with 3 $1.50/2 coupons
One Glad candle, sale $4.99 used $4 q.
Spent 4.82 on GC :)

TARGET IS A PAIN. For pete's sake, they DO NOT understand coupons. They would not let me use a store and manq on one item. My Kashi coupons that say 1 per purchase he said was the same as one per transaction and he kept calling me ma'am and was firm but polite, but REALLY you have the rules wrong, buddy!! So I left everything there and called corporate and she told me I was definitely right. We'll see what good that does. So I went back after choir practice and picked up the same items. This time the cashier didn't like that the Target smartfood coupon said "item not found" and was wary of two coupons for one item. the Pupperoni also said item not found. Hey, I can't help it if yor registers are bad!!
Waffles: $2.54 and $2.28, used 2 $1.50 coupons
Pupperoni: $2.39 each, used 2 $2 q
Smartfood: $3 sale, $1 store and $1 manq
$4.06 cash. Almost not worth it, except I have like 4 more waffle coupons, and two more sets of popcorn ones. ARGH!!!!!!

At least I finally got the 3 $1.50 coupons for the milk! It was a rebate deal. That milk is SO GOOD.

A Feast!

2009-05-20T16:42:00.003-05:00

I LOVE cooking, and not just throwing some cans and boxes together (although there is a place for that, too!). Monday night I whipped up some turkey burgers:

Yes, I use a scale for accuracy! Mixed in chopped red peppers and white onion. Spices...I think this time was garlic powder, black pepper, salt, dry mustard and some red pepper. Then a squirt of yellow mustard and one of caesar dressing. Yeah, that's how I roll!

Whipped up some sweet potato fries (peeled, 'chipped' as Yorkie would say, then olive oil, kosher salt and fresh black pepper, then paprika) and brewed some decaf iced tea.

YUM! We had some new 'cheese' from Borden - Cheddar with Applewood Bacon and you could really taste the bacon! I mixed mayo and ketchup on one side, then the cheese and lettuce on the other, toasted bun. Matt likes just cheese and ketchup.

One of the blogs I have started reading is Smitten Kitchen and she just has the BEST most gorgeous recipes, and she also hung out with The Pioneer Woman lately, another of my faves. But yesterday Deb posted a recipe for Raspberry Buttermilk Cake so I threw some lemon juice in my milk and got going!

What a great end to the evening!

And because we all want to be more like Bezzie, here's my own kitty thermometer:

It's over 80 here today (and yesterday, and tomorrow) and poor Jack is home without AC. Last year they didn't turn it on until sometime in June.... :(

Quick Stop and Coupon Fraud

2009-05-18T17:39:00.004-05:00

hey hey! Jewel gave me a small gem today. All those Kraft printables have come in handy. Buy 4 Kraft BBQ and get $2 OYNO! yay!

So, BBQ on sale for $.89 = $3.56/4, used 4-$1 q's
Sour Cream on sale for $.97 = $1.94, used $1/2
Total: $.62 (.50 + tax) PLUS a $2 OYNO catalina, for when I need more milk :) love it!
I wanted Philly Cream Cheese, but they were out of the Neufatchel, so got a raincheck for 6 @ $.99 so when they restock I can use my $1/2 q's. The only stinky thing is RCs expire in 30 days. Sometimes they just plain don't have it in stock in 30 days, but this item they 'should.'

Also at Super Target yesterday I picked up two Kraft Deli Selects lunch meats on sale for $2.99 each. Used two $.75/1 manqs and a $1/2 Target coupon. $3.50 for two AND I can send in for a free Kraft tote bag. Sweet!

Now, for coupon 'fraud'....one of the blogs I sub to had a post about buying the 4-pack of Kraft Easy Mac single serve cups at Wal-Mart for $3 on Rollback (sale of sorts). They said to use 2 of the $1/2 printables to make it $1 for the pack because you are buying "four" cups. Sorry? I left a polite comment saying that a multi-pack with a unique UPC is one item and not four! Maybe other people commented because they later removed the post. I said that we shouldn't mislead people like this who truly believe you can use a coupon in that way, because then it makes all couponers look bad.

Sometimes I use a BOGO and a cents off q, but it still seems odd to me. However, Walgreens accepts it most times. To me the BOGO q applies to two items, much like a $1 off 2 coupon applies to two items. People take a lot of liberty with the wording on coupons, which makes shopping difficult as cashiers struggle to follow the rules so they aren't disciplined by thier managers. However, some wording just isn't understood by cashiers and no matter how politely we explain it we still can't use coupons!! ugh.

Lesson: Use coupons and deals in the correct manner!!

Living Healthy

2009-05-12T10:53:00.003-05:00

I've been reading a lot of books lately, and thought I would share some thoughts on some good ones I had:

"The Skinny" taught me about calorie density and eating things that will fill you up, not out. You can only eat so many calories per day, and some calories will leave you wanting more while others will satisfy you. No one wants to be hungry all the time, so learning what to eat to stave off hunger for longer really helped me out! I eat 4 egg whites for breakfast maybe every other day. Other times I have 2 Kashi Waffles and a strawberry smoothie. I cut out sugar from the smoothie and added honey instead. Use less for less calories but same amount of sweetness. It's great!

"The World is Fat" shared much of the same thoughts, but also followed "case studies" of families from India, the US and Mexico, which was really interesting. It showed how basically our innovations in technology and food production have led to less activity and more calories consumed, which is definitely true if you look around, even at your parents' generation.

I bought this at the used book store for $5, which is great! (used a gift card) It speaks of flavors and how we can use our nose and just enjoy the first couple bites and after that, we don't enjoy a single food as much. If we all just ate less, we could still enjoy the richer things in life because we'd eat less and feel satisfied.

I'll share more thoughts on healthy eating later, but these books are what gave me a jump-start.

Ultra Foods Deals!!

2009-05-06T11:28:00.003-05:00

This week was GREAT at Ultra. Some great deals.

Purina Kitten Chow: $1.89 x6, used 6 FREE coupons (will donate.)
Milk for $1.78!
Mushrooms $2.99 (really love mushrooms!)
Red Peppers: Found a bag of getting wrinkly ones for $1. Great!!
Ricotta: $2.29
BBQ Sauce: $.79 (we ran out)
Frank's Red Hot Sauce: $.99, free coupon
Powerade: on sale for $1, buy 10, get $5 free (in-store q). I had 5 $.75 qs, so $.41 each!
Beer: on sale 3/$20, then a $15 MIR!! Rock on. 3 12-packs for $5.

So after rebate, it's $22 for ALL of that. Great finds! Starting the summer out right ;)

Grocery Budgeting

2009-05-02T12:20:00.004-05:00

I read these blogs where families spend $40 per week for their family of four, which really puts our budget to shame! However, many of these people live in the south or other areas where the costof living is generally less as it is, and many of their stores double coupons. While I wouldn't exactly say it makes it 'easier' it sure does help. We spend about an average of $65/week, which I want to try and cut down a bit, if we can. I don't see why not, as we seem to buy some extra thing. And we have a stockpile of sorts (maybe some day I can share photos ;) ) so basically all we need to buy is meat as-needed, fresh produce, milk and bread, plus lunchmeat and cheese for Matt. But because we have extra, we sometimes like to go buy 'fun' stuff like frozen pizza from Trader Joe's, or their other goodies. So we need to not have that mentality of "we can afford it, go get it." But sometimes you are just out and about, or so many weeknights we work late, or have church activities or other things that mean we eat away from home. Foods that are easy to take with are sometimes more expensive asnd once in a while we just like to get subway or a pizza, which we feel counts as groceries becaus we aren't eating food we have at home.

I did stop for more Special K, since we LOVE it (the new blueberry is our new favorite!) and it's good for you.

Target had a deal on all Special K products, where if you buy 5 you get a $5 GC to use on your next purchase. They are on sale for $2.39 each, and so in my opinion, this isn't a good deal and not something I would normally do. However, I had a $5GC in hand, so I took 5-$1 manq's and paid $2.07 cash and still have a $5 GC. That made it worth it to me!

Also in the grocery budget for May are these lovelies:

They were waiting for me when I got home from work yesterday =) So sweet!!

Going Green!

2009-04-29T09:02:00.003-05:00

I've been wanting to write about this for a couple months now, but haven't gotten around to it! I always want to find more links but still don't have them all. So here's a run down of some of my favorite tips for now:

Go to the library! I borrow 10 books at a time, and take in a reusable tote to carry them home in. They also have CDs and movies if we want

Use reusable bags: I am SO good about bringing these in to the grocery stores. However, many of the times I run in to CVS or Walgreens I forget my bags in the car. I need to keep them on the seat, or front floor, rather than the trunk. That way I can grab them. However, I still get plastic bags for my fresh meat, for sanitation purposes.

Walk when you can. We live within walking distance of several grocery stores and parks, so we walk when it is nice out. If I am feeling adventerous, the library and train station are 2 miles away, and doable.

Buy containers for leftovers and your lunches. Oftentimes I will still freeze items in plastic wrap or bags (mainly fresh meat) as it fits better. However, I generally leave things like bread in their original wrapper and then put that in a ziploc. This means the bag is not dirty and I reuse it over again. I also make pudding and jello and pour into serving-size containers, and buy large containers of applesauce and yogurt to divide up.

Make your own cleaning supplies. I picked up spray bottles from the dollar store and picked up vinegar, baking soda, borax and washing soda. I made an AP cleaner, window cleaner, and you can use straight up (or water diluted) vinegar for SO many things. Buying bulk means less packaging as well, and we bought a glass jar to keep a convenient amount of baking soda out for cleaning (to sprinkle) and baking. This means no more annoying boxes when you need a teaspoon for your cookie dough!

Shop local/small stores. This saves gas, and also saves money becuase they are generally cheaper. While one of my local stores sometimes doesn't have the best quality, the prices are right and they often have markdowns of still-decent produce.

Grow your own! I love gardening. We had a large one in the backyard growing up. Last year we had a lonely jalapeno plant, which didn't produce much. But this year we are going to try bell peppers and tomatoes, exciting! This is great fun and can be done cheaply if you are careful not to go overboard

Compost...this is something I want to look into. We have plenty of coffee grounds, eggshells and carrot peels on a weekly basis, and it'd be great for the plants. Nitrogen, calcium...return the earth back to the Earth!

I also wrote this to plug a blog I have been reading for several years now. I think I got to Allison's blog from Laurie's blog. (Laurie also gardens, and she's started on a crazy adventure for this summer!) I admire all that Allison has gone through and wish her the best. So when I saw she had made reusable mesh produce bags, and is selling them on Etsy, I had to go buy some. I try to cut down on plastic produce bags, and when I buy apples or tomoatoes or bulky items, I don't use them, which surely the cashiers don't appreciate. But when you buy grapes or green beans you need a bag of some sorts. Her mesh bags come in a cute carrying case, and I'm pushing you to go get some! I did read yesterday about making your own, but I think tulle would tear easily. Plus, I guess you could consider me a little lazy to not want to pull out my sewing machine. But this seemed like a great option ;) So I finally signed up on Etsy, and maybe some day I will sell my own stuff. However, I hope I am not first going to be enabled into buying knitterly things!!!

Enjoy :)

Go CVS, go!

2009-04-23T18:08:00.006-05:00

Transaction #1:
Act mouthwash: $3.79 x2, $1 manq x2, earn $2 ECB each
Purex: Used my RC from last week for $6.99 BOGO, PLUS my 2 BOGO coupons! = that's FOUR free detergents! I left 2 bottles with my youth pastor, will give the other 2 to another family at church.
One-a-day vitamins: $10.29 x2, $4/2 manq, earn $4 ECB each = $8.58/2 (not too bad!)
Used a $5/$30 coupon that came in my e-mail today, spent $12.48 in ECB and $5.34 on GC. Earned $12 ECB total. I didn't mind using that much of my GC because I needed vitamins anyway and it's a better deal than going to a different store and using straight cash. I still have a balance of $24.23 on it, and another $30 at home LOL

Transaction #2:
**Machine printed out a $2/$10 CVS purchase AND $2/2 nuts :)
CVS kleenex: $2.59 x2, $1/2 CRT
Fruitopia (CVS) shampoo: $2.50, $1 CRT
Cashews: $.79 x3, $2/2 CRT = $.37 :)
Used a $3.99 ECB and $.10 on GC. teehee. Manager checked me out and was like "can't beat that!"

So yeah, it's like I 'lost' $4.47 in ECB (because I spent that much more than I earned), but I'm supposed to get $10 from a CVS survey I did (should print this week). PLUS, next week there is a "spend $20 earn $10 ECB" on a whole page of items, including Zyrtec D, which my uncle uses, but of course 24 come in a pack, you're only allowed to buy one per month, and his doctor has him take two a day. So I buy them once in a while for him to have enough. So it is $19, use $4 manq and buy a band-aid for $1 use $1 q and earn $10 ECB. I just pay cash for these, so I get $10 ECB 'free.' Except I already bought a box this month, so hubby has to get it LOL

Quick Tar-jay Run

2009-04-23T18:04:00.004-05:00

So on Sunday, Target was giving away free reusable shopping bags to the first however many customers. Now, I have plenty 'o bags, so that's not a deal I would run for, but I figured they would be out pretty quickly. They open at 8 on a Sunday, and we went after church (so closer to 1pm) and they still had them, so yay!

Picked up two Tidy Cats. I *always* buy it at Target, even if it isn't on sale because they have an amazing price on a huge 35lb bucket. They were on sale for $11.79 or so, and if you bought 2 you got a $5 GC. I used a $2 store q and $1 manq x2, so great deal, plus the $5 and a free bag!

Today I stopped in with my Glade coupons that were able to be printed again!
Reynolds recycled foil: $2.50, $.55 man q, FREE rebate = make about $1 on it :) worth the stamp
Glade Soy Candles: $5.79 x2, buy 2 get a $5 GC, $4 manq x2 = again, more than free!

Used my $5 GC from Tidy Cats to pay, plus $1.30 cash. still have $5 GC and will get a $2.50 rebate on foil =) Plus, these candles smell amazing when burning. I've had the apple and the orange vanilla (mmm, dreamsicle!)

Dominick's Catalina Deals

2009-04-18T21:05:00.004-05:00

Wow! I'm used to doing these deals at Jewel, but Dominick's is slowly becoming my store of choice, espeically with only a week left of Jewel allowing expired coupons!
Check out all I got for only $17.71 cash (well, using my free gift cards, that is).

Summary of deals: Spend $30 on select (over 3,000!) items and earn a catalina for $10 OYNO, through 5/5. Also, buy 2 Bertolli Premium pasta sauces and earn a $2 OYNO. Surprise: Buy Starbuck's coffee and earn $1.50 OYNO! I saw a lot of great ideas by reading this post on MoneywiseMoms.com. I love seeing what people do in their area! We each get such unique things, and yet overlap such as the Bertolli. You HAVE to watch for these overlapping deals to make the most of it.

Transaction #1:
Kraft Deluxe: $2.50
Kraft Mac n Cheese: $.59 x3, $1 off WYB Kraft Deluxe
Safeway Salad Dressing: $2.79, FREE store coupon
Wasa Crackers: $2.49, FREE manq
Rubbermaid Bottles: $3.99 x2, $6 certificate from Rubbermaid from a complaint I had
Bertolli Premium Pasta Sauce: $2 x4, $1 manq x4
Oscar Mayer Deli Creations: $2.50 x2,FREE + $1.50
Total: $11.19 on gift card. Earned $10 + $2 x2
All items were of the $30 deal, and the point was to start me going!

Transaction #2:
Kraft Mac n Cheese: $.59 x2
Bertolli Premium Pasta Sauce: $2 x8, $1 x2, $.75 x6
South Beach Bars: $2.50, $2
Skippy Natural PB: $2.50, $.50
Electrasol Tabs: $3.99 x2, $2.50 x2 from tomorrow's paper ;)
That was all for the $30 promo, then needed rest for my $10/$50 coupon
Safeway Salsa: $2.50, FREE store coupon
Progresso Beef Broth: $2.50 x3, $1 x3
Mission Tortillas: $2.29, FREE store coupon, $1 manq
Mission Chips: $1.88, $1 store q, $1 manw Shelf said $2.99, so I got a GREAT deal here!
Safeway Frozen Veggies: $2, FREE store coupon
Dominick's Tote Bag: $.99, FREE store coupon that took off $2!
Total: Used $4 in catalina I earned previously, spent $4.29 on GC. Earned $10 + $2 x4
ARGH! The self check froze. Sheesh. But I had the BEST guy helping me. Even though the service desk manager was yelling at him to open due to lines, but he was obviously helping me and the other self-checkers. She announced for people to step over to lane 3 and unload, then yelled at him again. So he had to take all of my bagged groceries and go over to the register and let me "cut" in front of the others, I felt bad for them but oh well. So I think he took off more coupons than he should, plus with all the craziness I don't think I even had exactly $50, but it worked out in my favor in the end.

Transaction #3:
Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers: $2.50 x4, $1 x4
Crisco Spray with Flour: $2.99
Starbucks Coffee: $8.99, $2 store q, $2 manq
All Small and Mighty: $4.49 x2, $2 x2
Total: Used $10 and $2x4 catalinas, spent $1.38 on GC. Earned $10 and $1.50
I did this at self-check and it worked, but a few coupons wouldn't scan so the same guy fixed it up and wondered if I bought stuff to get all these $10 yadda yadda. He was impressed!

Transaction #4:
Safeway Bacon: $6.99. But for 3 pounds, Thick Cut, Hickory Smoked deliciousness? YUM
Ghirardelhi Chocolate Chips: $3.85 (rip off!!)
Total: Used $10 Cataling, spend $.85 on GC.
Saw me doing this one, and he joked "$.85...can you handle that?" LOL He was so cool. Never had such great customer service at Dominick's. Even when he had that manager yelling at him.

So what's the bottom line?
The regular shelf price total would be $174.78. However, with coupons and using some of the earned Catalinas, I spent just $17.71, of course with a free gift card. I still have $10 and $1.50 left in Catalinas. That's basically a 90% savings overall!

Also, the Bertolli, Skippy and All count for the Unilever deal where you buy $40 of product, and a ham or turkey up to $20 free! I'm $4.52 short, so my mom will probably do a few Dominick's deals this week, plus buy a ham. Then we will split the ham. So that makes the deal even sweeter!

Hope this inspires some of you to go on out and shop!

Back in the Game!

2009-04-17T09:08:00.003-05:00

So yeah, I was sad I had used up my Walgreen's gift card, but thankfully I had a coupon from them so I could transfer my prescription there this month. Right when I got it I did a quickie of 12 Mentos gums ($1 each, $1 coupon ;) ), one more Glade candle and 2 spices on sale for $.50 each, so paid $1 + tax

Yesterday I stopped in for some deals :)
Splenda: 2/$7, used $3/2 manq so $2 each (Splenda is my fave! I've been taking it from Starbucks when I go LOL)
Colgate toothbrush: $3.29, earn $3.50 RR
Scunci hair elastics: $2, earn $2 RR (hoping to use these at Dominick's this weekend! Yes, they are manufacturer's coupons)
Necco Chocolate Marshmallow eggs (Love these!) 4x$.24
Peeps 2x $.37
$11.52 on GC, earned $5.50 back on RR, not too bad, considering my Wag's days are almost over with the rebate ending this month...

Then I hit up CVS, where the deals were HOT! First off, I asked the manager if I could use my Catalina's that had printed out at Jewel for BOGO Sobe Lifewater, because they are in fact manq's and just say "redeemable at" and not "redeem ONLY at" and only say Jewel because they printed there.

Transaction #1:
CVS Cotton Swabs: $1.50 (needed them, good price)
Colgate 360 Toothbrush: $3.99, earn $3.99 ECB
Softsoap: $4.99, used $1 manq, earned $4.99 ECB (like I need more!)
Sobe Lifewater: $1.69 BOGO, limit 6, used 3 BOGO coupons = FREE
Paid $.96 on GC, used $9 ECB and earned $8.98 ECB

Transaction #2:
2 more Sobe for FREE
1 more toothbrush
RC for $3.49 shave gel, earn $3.49 ECB
Spent $.12 on GC, used $$7.48 ECB and earned $7.99 ECB
Rainchecks are great because they round up to the nearest dollar, meaning my $3.49 ECB printed as $4. Love it! woo hoo

Jewel Freebies

2009-04-12T21:54:00.003-05:00

My last free milk coupon was expiring today, so I wanted to use it up, just in case. Never know with them!! So the milk was free (also sending in the "rebate" for 3-$1.50 coupons. I LOVE this milk. mmmm).
Ronzoni on sale for $1.25, used 3 exp. and 6 new coupons = $.25 each
Vitamin water on sale for $1, used $1 coupons
Cashed in an instant lotto ticket for $3. My total was $2.72, so basically free since the lotto was a gift in the first place! woo hoo

Now i need to find a deal on chicken breast as we are out!

Win Some Crocs!

2009-04-10T09:27:00.002-05:00

One of the blogs I read is offering a chance to win free crocs. Hurry, deadline is today!

Freebies in the mail!

2009-04-06T16:55:00.003-05:00

This i why I love getting the mail:

"Free" bakeware from Easybakeware...all you pay is $1 shipping, but I haven't been charged yet...did one in my name, one in Matt's, both arrived. Yay! Round cake pans! You can do it every month, so this month I sent for a mini muffin pan and a cheese grater. We'll see how that goes! When you sign up for $1 shipping, you are enrolled in a club, but you can cancel online with a few clicks of the mouse, and print confirmation and you aren't charged for it. This is exciing!

Got samples for Gain fabric softener (from Sam's Club) and Old Spice has a new bodywash (WalMart). The Wal Mart samples are the best because they arrive in under two weeks, always. Not like other samples that say 6-8 weeks, and take so long you forget you ever signed up for it. Much like the instant Cream of Wheat sample I just got today...that was a long time ago!

Also had an envelope from General Mills. Saw this on my mom's fridge yesterday and wondered where she got it from LOL I'm wondering if we got it from Pssst since that is GM...who knows. Didn't sign up for it, as far as I know. Plan your weekly menu and your shopping list. Fun! I really should create menus since we want to use up stockpiled food this month (and spend less in general).

Also, got two-$25 Amazon gift card 'codes' from our bank rewards program. It isn't the best and the customer service is just plain awful. Took us since October 2007 to earn this much. It's only because we got all of the bonus points (first bill pay, check, debit purchase, credit purchase, etc) that we even got this much. "Cost" 11,000 points for $25, and I figure we earn 500 per month. I think we will get $25 more before we close this account when we move. ugh.

So...now to laundry and dishes, and also clipping and sorting all of those coupons that were in yesterday's paper! 5 sections, and none next week due to Easter. I also took a CVS Advisory survey yesterday, asking me questions about the Walgreen's and CVS ads and earned $10 ECB that will print the end of the month. Great!

Jewel Special Sale

2009-04-02T12:23:00.004-05:00

Jewel had a one-day "hurry in!" sale, no rain checks. Well, there was good enough stuff!

Mann's veggies: $.99 x3
Eggs: $.57x2 (why yes, I DO have 4 dozen eggs in my fridge!)
Sara Lee lunch meats: $1.99/half pound. Bought two pounds total to freeze for the rest of the month.
Jewel cheese: $.99 x2
Spent $16.13

Also last night we got me a new coffee maker at Target, this one, since I did need a new one. Matt doesn't drink coffee and thought it too expensive. But I was able to plead my case by what all features I liked and how it was good for me. We had our own cars as we had come from church (we both go straight from work due to location) so I left with the other groceries while he paid for the coffee maker. We get home and he shows the bag of Cheetos he bought at checkout, since I wasn't there. I say DUDE had a $1 Target coupon, would have bought you those...so I teased him for 'wasting' $1. Silly boy!!

April Grocery Goals coming next!

Target Worked for me!

2009-04-01T17:15:00.004-05:00

When Target works the way it should, it can be pretty amazing. I'll talk about my April Grocery Goal soon, but basically buy 'needs' only and get the best deals possible.

There was a "want" I wanted to make for breakfast this Friday. I am off work (but doing some work, go figure) so am making Matt a nice breakfast and nice dinner (he is off Fridays since he works 4-10s). i want to make this amazing looking Blueberry Baked French Toast (except without the berries). I love her blog and have made a few recipes. I also love Stacy's Pita Chips with hummus (I have the whole grain ones at home). Well, this calls for a family size bag, which is 10oz, but I have yet to see that at the store. I probably got a better deal because at Target the 6 oz bags are $3, and I had 2-$1 coupons, so I will have 2 oz left for snacking!

Here's what all I got:

Stacy's Chips: $3x2, $1 manq x2 = $4
Archer Farms Artisan Mini Loaf: $.99, $.99 store q = FREE
Meow Mix Cups: Clearance for $.34 each, $1 manq = $.02
Johnson's Buddies Bars: $.97x4, $2 manq x2 = -$.12 (too bad the rest of my q's expired yesterday! The ones I did use expired today)
Johnson's Safety Cotton Swabs: $1.29 x2. $1 manq x2, $.75 store q x2 = -$.92
That made my total WITH tax $3.60! Not bad for the chips that were a 'want'! LOL

When a Deal is Not a Deal

2009-04-01T12:31:00.003-05:00

So, I have quickly learned that not every 'steal' you find is indeed good for you. Especially when you run out of storage room, and have some brown bags of groceries stashed under the kitchen table *ahem*

Anyway, when Jewel first had the Kellogg's deal (read online before it was in their ad) about getting free milk with cereal, Matt and I went, but the ones on sale were not the ones we would eat. So even though we could have paid $5 for 10 boxes of cereal and 3 gallons of milk, it isn't worth it. Sure, even if we had given away all of the cereal to friends who would eat it, it would be $5 for 3 gallons of milk, which isn't even great, and I would have 'wasted' coupons in the process.

We waited until Special K turned up on sale, which is something we love, and had coupons for. We did the deal twice for a total of 3 free milk and 8 boxes of cereal. Our cereal shelf is now full, and we are happy.

Also, my work had a free pizza lunch today. I did end up having a little bit, but at first I wasn't going to. Matt was like "but it's FREE. Save your leftovers for another day." However, I have enough leftovers to last me all week, so I needn't do that. I am also working on healthy eating and don't always WANT something that's 'bad' for me. But I did have a few pieces, because it was actually pretty good once I sopped up the grease. I also can 'guess' the calories fairly accurately, based on other pizza I have had recently.

Basically, just because something is free, doesn't mean you should buy it. But if you can make it work for you, go for it! If you have the means to buy things for pennies on the dollar and donate to shelters and share with friends, then by all means go for it!! Just be sure you aren't out growing your storage space (or your familiy's patience)

Late night cereal and final Wag's trip

2009-03-30T19:32:00.004-05:00

LOL If you have a cat, you know this scene. The moment you set something down, he has to investigate and rub his chin all over everything. So cute!

So Matt ate an entire box of Chocolatey Delight Special K in two days (lots of snacking) and decided we needed more. So at 11pm last night we went to Jewel so we could get a raincheck for the Post Honey Bunches of Oats 2/$3. Got 5 boxes of Special K on sale 3/$7, which isn't the best, but used $1 coupon on each and used our free milk catalina, plus earned two more! I have a coupon for a free milk at Ultra Foods next week as well.

Today I hit Ultra Foods. Spent $7.62 on:
-one dozen eggs
-1 12 pack of pepsi
-4 rolls of TP (made $.15 on each after coupon!)
-flour
-pint of half and half
-brownie mix
-mushrooms
so that was good, and hit Aldi for a few things we needed like yogurt and more eggs (I eat a TON of egg whites each week) and their half gal of chocolate milk was down to $1.22! Crazy. And it's 1% which is great.

Walgreens caught on to the Softsoap "roll" midmorning, so by the time I got there after work it was over.
Transaction #1: Used my remaining FREE RR to buy one, paid $.32 on GC
Transaction #2:
Jane eyeshadow $2.69 each, used $2 manq. Bought a softsoap using a $1.50 manq, bought Easter pencils as filler to use my $2 RR from Chapstick. Paid $3.96 cash (GC all used up!) and earned another FREE softsoap which I used immediately, and now I am done for the month.

Oh Walgreens, why is this the last rebate month? grrrr

Shopping Spree today!

2009-03-29T21:50:00.004-05:00

Bear with me, LOL, just as poor Matthew did as we went out in the snow to get to Walgreens before church =)

Transaction #1:
Softsoap $3.99, used $1.50 manq; Skintimate $2.99, Chapstick $1.99
Earned these RR: FREE Softsoap, $3, $2

Transaction #2:
4 20 oz cokes, which earned me 4 free Hershey bars. Used 2 Coke BOGO coupons so $2.98 for those 8 items (half of these are Matt's 'treat' for going with!)
Glade Soy Candles $5.99, used $2 manqx2 and $2 April IVC (I thought I had the $4 coupons, but guess not. So I paid $4 more than I 'meant' to, which stinks but oh well)
Softsoap $3.99, used FREE RR, earned new RR
Walitin 30 ct (Walgreens Claritin) $6.99 April FAR
Pepsi 12 packs: 4/$12, used B2G1 manq and earned $3 RR

Transaction #3:
Softsoap $3.99, used FREE RR, earned new RR

Transaction #4:
Jane eyeshadows: $2.19 and $2.69 on clearance, used $2 manqx2
Skintimate: $2.99, earned $3 RR
Softsoap $3.99, used FREE RR, earned new RR

Transaction #5:
Glade Soy Candles: $5.99 used $4 manqx2, $2 IVC = FREE
One-a-Day vitamin drink mix: $1.49 FAR, used $1 manq
Chapstick: $1.99, earned $2 RR
Softsoap $3.99, used FREE RR, earned new RR
Meow Mix clearance $.63 (needed filler to use RR)

(Spread over 3 stores, LOL)

Totals:
GC spent: $31.91
RR's earned: $32.95 (FREE softsoap and $2 remain)
Store coupons redeemed: $8
Man. q's redeemed: $24.48
Rebate earned: $9.33
Value: $105 at least!!! (Because I don't remember shelf price for all of the items)

Target: Gilette Body Wash $2 each, $2 coupon = $.51 for all 3
CVS: Glade Lasting Impressions $5.99, $1 CRT, $4 manq, earn $1 ECB

Crazy day :) So glad I can get things I want (like soda and some new makeup), things I need (believe it or not, I have shampoo out the wazoo and no body wash), and things I can share with others (some things not pictured, already given to friends at church) for basically FREE (walgreens cost me cash in the very beginning, but not lately).

YAY!

A Twittering We Will Go

2009-03-26T08:08:00.001-05:00

Why yes, I have now joined Twitter although I never thought I would. As if I have time. I'm 'angelknits' over there, just like here.

Red Letter Mail Day!

2009-03-23T18:42:00.004-05:00

Okay, that box on the right I had to pick up from the office. While the slightly smaller Pssst! box was shoved in my mailbox. We live in an apartment. You can picture how small a mailbox is. Well, I turned it at an angle and had to pull it the entire way out, scraping the sides as I went. Gee, thanks mr postman. You had to take my other box to the office, so why not both? Even the woman in the offie was surprised he had done that.

I had just read an e-mail I got from Pssst!, which is a General Mills product advisory board, telling me to watch for a package. It came today! The new flavor of Fiber One bars, Chocolate Mocha, plus 10 $1.35 coupons for me to share. We love these bars, and I am happy to try the new flavor since I have yet to find it in the stores.

I also got my first campaign package from BzzAgent which is a Word of Mouth marketing tool. I got Afrin nose rinse, so now I have to try it and pass out coupons (8-$3) and talk about it, then send in a 'report.' We'll see how it goes! I liked that the surveys you answer give you MyPoints, which is one of my favorite rewards sites (if MyPoints interests you, let me know your e-mail address and I can send you a referral).

I also got a $15 check from Synovate, yet another survey place. Not sure how long I've been with them, and this is the first check I requested, although I realized I could have cashed in earlier at $10, but hey, at least it didn't take too long to arrive.

Lastly, I got the first issue of my new Taste of Home subscription that a coworker gifted me with for my birthday :)

I love mail!

Walgreens today!! Clearance items galore

2009-03-23T17:36:00.003-05:00

I was excited to see the $2/3 packs of Stride gum in yesterday's paper, since I knew Walgreens had them on sale for $.79 each this week! They were pretty bare looking when I got there this afternoon. This is also the first Walgreens I visit that actually had the Bic Soliel refills on clearance as well! Woo hoo! The only razor I use (since I've been getting it free since last July LOL)

Stride: $.79x15 = $11.85 minus $2x5 coupons = $1.85 for 15 packs
Bic: $3.59x9 = $32.31, used 9 $2 manq and IVC for $2 on each = -$3.69 for them!! haha
Schick Quattro: $8.99 each, used $4 manq and $4 IVC = $1.98 for 2

My total was $5.44 on my GC, of which $5.30 was tax. So yeah, $.14 for all that! The cashier was impressed, as was the guy behind me as my total was $60 and then down to $5. But the razors are at east $6.99, if not more, at regular price, so this was over $100 total of merchandise (the Schick razors are $11.99 and $9.99 regular)

VERY good deals! Hubby is glad to have some different flavors of gum around and already tore into the brand new Nonstop Mint flavor =)

Upcoming Kellogg's deal at Jewel!!

2009-03-18T13:28:00.003-05:00

In Thursday's ad is the following:
Buy 10 items for $15 WYB them all in one transaction. This includes:
-Selected Kellogg's Cereal
-Pop-Tarts
-Nutrigrain Bars
-Cheez-its
-EL Fudge and Fudge Shoppe cookies
May be some other items as well!

Also, from 3/20 (Friday) until 4/12, WYB 3-5-7 boxes of selected 12oz+ Kellogg's cereal you get 1-2-3 coupons for milk OYNO, up to $4.69 each. Yay!

The last time I had a free milk coupon, it automatically took off the max value of the coupon, no matter that the milk was $1.99. So this could be a GREAT deal!

I should have enough coupons for 10 boxes of cereal (or 7 boxes and 3 pop tarts or something). $1 on each, which means $5 cash and get three free milk! You gotta start checking the cereal aisle to see which cereals count for both deals and stock up.

Still rolling the catalinas!

2009-03-17T21:37:00.003-05:00

Transaction #1:
Wheat Thins Artisan blends: $3 each, self price $4.15. Used BOGO coupon
Kraft 2% shreds: $3.89 sale, $4.19 shelf price
Total shelf price: $25.06
Sale prices: $21.56
$3 BOGO q, $10 and $4.50 catalinas. $10 from last Jewel deal and $4.50 from Dominick's. Yes, as I have read on other blogs, it is just a manq and you can use it anywhere. It scanned, no problem!
And of course, my $10 and $3 did NOT print, which bothered me. So I went to the service desk and the assistant grocery manager didn't really understand the deals...asked if maybe using a $10 coupon would negate (his actual words!) the new one printing, but I said I'd done it before. He nodded, asked the service desk girl what she could do...so I suggested a GC because I would be using the catalinas at Jewel anyway. So they did! Except she did it as a grocery return, so I got $13.29....

Transaction #2:
Capri Sun: $2.95 shelf, $2 sale. bought 8
Easy Mac: $1.08 shelf, $1 sale
Total shelf: $25.76
Sale: $18
Used $13.29 GC. New $10 did print!
(also bought a gallon of milk)

Paid $12.94 for all of that. The Capri Sun will go with our peanut butter and granola bars to feed the homeless. Now we just need to decide when we will go (maybe when it is a tiny bit warmer for more than one day) and buy bread at Aldi and make the lunches!

I am offcially done with this Catalina deal LOL However, there are two Kellogg's catalina deals coming up.

CVS today

2009-03-17T21:32:00.003-05:00

Easter Candy!

Hershey Kisses: $1.88 each, bought 3, used $1.50 CRT and $1.50 manq
Hershey Bliss: $2/$7, used 2-$1 manq
Cadbury Mini Eggs: $2
Cadbury Mini Eggs single size: $.50
=$15.14, earn $5 ECB back
Colgate toothpaste: $2.99, earn $2.99

Paid $.39 GC and used $13 ECB. Earned $7.99 ECB.

Sometimes it's not about earning more bucks. It's just buying the things you want. My bro only uses the toothpaste in this type of container, so it's worth it to me to just pick it up to extend my ECBexpirations.

Dominick's 3/13

2009-03-14T15:00:00.003-05:00

Yay Dominick's! We had a guy who I think was an assistant store manager or something. Very nice, helping us out. Especially when after I entered all my items and ALL my coupons and hit 'pay with gift card' it went into a blue screen of death. So we had to retrieve my coupons and do it again on another register. But he was joking and smiling the whole time and telling me he must have missed the class on saving money! LOL

Annie's Mac n cheese: $1.25 x2
Cheetos Hot 3/$.99
Quaker Granola Bars: $.99 with in-ad coupon
Cranergy and Welch's $3 each, then $5 instant off, used $1x3 coupons = 5/$7
Peter Pan PB: $.99 with in-ad coupon, used $1 manq = FREE
Funfetti Cake and Frosting: $1.99 and $1.50 (for work)
Ghiradelhi Chocolate Chips: $3.85 (special treat for Matt to make his fave cookies)
18 ct eggs: $.97 with in-ad coupon
Glucerna cereal $4.69 (but it didn't scan in the system, they had to enter as grocery item, which messed up my catalina), used $5 coupon
Glucerna Cereal Bars: $2.84 each, used $2 coupons
Suave: $1.99, used my FREE coupon and it automatically took off the $3 max.
Zone Perfect Bars: $1 each, bought 10. Used B1G3 and 3-$1
Thomas' English Muffins: $1.49, used $1 coupon

Used $10/$50. Spent $16.45 on my gift card (from my script) for 32 items, and got a $4.50 OYNO catalina from the Glucerna bars! yippee!

Ultra Foods This Week

2009-03-14T14:52:00.003-05:00

Ultra sent out a sheet of coupons for free and super-cheap items when you spend $10 for the next four weeks.

They had our TP on sale for $6, which is the price to get it at. I had a $1 and a $.75 coupon. Plus by buying that, I got the case of water for $.98 and the eggs for free! I also had FREE coupons for the single TP rolls, and remember Ultra gives you $.05 off for each bag of your own you bring in to use.

$12.33 for all that. Not bad at all!

CVS today. It evens out!

2009-03-12T17:37:00.004-05:00

Yup yup, haven't been to CVS in a while. I had a good trip, which I deserved after Target gave me trouble. Thought I would stop at a different one I drove by, rather than waiting til after worship practice....dumb idea! The cashier told me I couldn't use a store coupon AND a manq on the same item. No matter how I explained it, she wouldn't do it, called a guy over, he said no. I said I wanted the manager, "I am." uh, right, that's why your name tag says 'trainer'? So I went to the desk, after taking my coupons back (Mott's applesauce) and asked a really nice woman there (who's name tag had no job title) and she said yes, I can, and told the guy who had just said he was a manager, to go tell the cashier I could use them. Haha! So he had to ring me up at a different register, and my original cashier (now 4 lanes over) was yelling at him to check the price because my coupons were more than the item (they aren't!) LOL All that to get 2 packs of applesauce for $.14 each. Sheesh ;) Plus a basket I need for organizing cleaning supplies

On to CVS!
Herbal Essences Hydraliscious shampoo/conditiner (cuz I need more!): $2.88 each, use $3/2 manq, earn $1 ECB each (got raincheck for 3 more)
Nature Valley & Fiber One Granola Bars: 3/$10, used $.60x2 and $.50x1, earned $5 ECB
Crest Pro-Health toothpaste: $2.99, used $1 q, earn $2 ECB, PLUS free MIR
Mt Dew Voltage: $1.49 used $.50 CVS coupon from cooler door (to reach $20)
Used $4/$20 that came in my e-mail today, spent $1.32. Used $9 ECBs, earned $9 ECB

A Dominick's Primer

2009-03-11T12:45:00.003-05:00

Here are some tips for shopping at Dominick's!

-Sales run Thursday-Wednesday. Watch for the Sunday ad, as it may have different coupons and new sale items to coincide with the 2nd half of the period of Thursday's ad.

Ads oftentimes contain "Super Coupons." These generally require a $10 purchase to use, but the prices are amazing. They are store coupons, so you may combine your manq's with them. Always offer the store coupons last. Remember to cut them out, as they keep them after they scan them.

The 'regular' price of these super coupon items do NOT count towards your $10 total. You must still spend $10 on other items. However, the regular price counts toward any $x/$xx coupons you may have, so base your math on that.

One fun thing of note for this store is a promotion from Proctor and Gamble called "E-Saver." These are coupons that you 'load' onto your store savings card from this website. I have redeemed these before, and the first time I used it, I thought it didn't work, but now I figured it out after looking at my receipt.

We had $1.50 off any Crest toothpaste with my e-saver. I also had a store coupon for $1 and a manq for $1.50. The shelf price was $2.49. SWEET! It would be more than free since I had $4 in coupons. Indeed, it worked! This means their registers are not picky when you have a coupon worth more than the item. I checked my receipt, and the e-saver comes off as part of the card-sale-price. It said $3 card savings, and scanned at $.99. I then used my $1 and $1.50 coupons.

E-saver coupons can be used once, they do expire (about every 2 months?) but new ones pop up. You only need to load them on your card once, and you can then print a sheet of what is loaded. Combine this with manqs and store sales for some amazing deals!

Dominick's is also great with allowing you to use a new/transfered GC coupon from any other store. They love to get your business, and the pharmacsists we have dealt with at all locations have been nothing but super-nice.

I didn't use to shop at Dominick's, because I thought they were SO expensive. And they are, because the newspaper recently ran an article saying how Jewel and Dominick's are 30% higher than your smaller stores, and Whole Foods is about 15% higher than even those. Ouch! However, if you know how to play the deals, it will work well for you! Use those GCs!

A note about Internet printed coupons: Their policy strictly states only ONE will be accepted at a time, meaning even though you can print two, only one per transaction is allowed. No FREE items, but BOGO are okay. If you e-mail them, they will write you back with their policy so you can take it with you.

I don't have much experience using their self-checkouts yet, as the one I shop at most often is old and small and doesn't have them. If you have anything to add about them, please jump in in the comments section!

Grocery Previews

2009-03-11T11:23:00.003-05:00

Hello!

Normally I just post the deals I get, as so many blogs actually TELL you the deals. I don't have the consistent time each week to post the deals, and oftentimes don't get them early like some bloggers seem to. Instead, here are my thoughts on the sales starting tomorrow:

Dominick's

I have a $5/$50 coupon, and a $3 off any 'extreme value' pack of beef (when you spend $25 total). The key to a $5/$50 (or any amount) is to bulk up your total with coupons for free items!

The super coupons this week I am interested in (limit 1 item per coupon, must spend $10 to use coupons):
18 ct eggs $.97
64 oz Tropicana OJ $1.97
Kraft Mac & Cheese $.49
Quaker Granola bars $.99
Peter Pan PB $.99
Sara Lee Sandwich Bread $1.99

These items do not count towards your $10 purchase. But if you have coupons, it could help. Unfortunately, I don't have great ones. $1/2 Quaker, $1/2 Tropicana but 2nd item is at regular price, so not really a great deal.
However, I do have a $1/1 PP PB coupon, so I'll score that for sure. Will buy granola bar as well. Depending on price of 'premium' kraft mac & cheese, I might use my $1 off when you buy premium/velveeta and a box of regular. Could be good!

As for beef, the 93% lean is $3.99/lb. Depending on what size pack (The ad does not say what size qualifies as 'extreme value') my $3 store coupon could make it a good deal! Then we could make yummy low-fat meatballs for our next spaghetti night.

Many juices (Mott's, Welch's, Ocean Spray) are a $5 off WYB 5 deal this week, and I have many $1 coupons. However, not much room to store juice, which is quite annoying. Our tiny apartment is full of food as it is! We try and use up stuff, but lately there have been so many deals. Really, you just have to know when to stop ;)

I also have my coupon for a free Kashi entree, a free bottle of Coffeemate, etc. Hoard those coupons for $x/$xx coupons! It really helps. I'd never dream of spending $50 cash at Dominicks. But after coupons I know it will be under my GC amount (gettinf $25 with my script today) or so I hope. I will try really hard!

Ultra Foods

There aren't too many location around, and not one near where I live, but it is semi on the way home from work, so I go occasionaly. Especially with the amazing sheet of coupons they put out today! For the next four weeks, they have FREE items when you spend $10. This week it is a free dozen eggs, and a 28-pack of water for $.98. They have Scott Ultra Soft TP (the only kind we buy) for $6, which is decent. So that's my $10 threshold, and I have coupons for the TP. Tack on the 'free' items and bam. Worth the trip! I can't wait. Definitely going there on my way home tomorrow.

Plan to hit Dominick's on Friday. Hopefully not the one next to my apt. building as they don't have self-check. sheesh. Self-check is so much easier! LOL

Twenty-Eight Cents Each ;)

2009-03-07T13:50:00.005-06:00

Well, Jewel and Catalina have teamed up again to make me one happy shopper! Matt even went with me on all but the first trip I made on the way home from work yesterday. He loves the Peanut Butter South Beach bars, so he was happy. Basically it was spend $25 on Kraft products, get $10 OYNO. Heh. got FOUR of them :)

Transaction #1:
South Beach Bars regular $3.95, bought 7 = $27.65 to qualify for the catalina.
On sale for $3 so $21 total.
Used 6-$2 coupons
Avenu was $1.50 per box, limit 6 per household, meaning I could only do it once.
Paid $.37 cash, got $10 catalina

Transactions 2 & 3:
7 South Beach Bars again = $27.65
Used coupons: $2x3, $1x4
Also one impulse buy: Ocean Spray cranberry/pomegranate oatmeal. Matt said it looked delish, and I agreed. $1.50 on sale
Paid $4.48 for both trans., got $10 catalina each time

Transaction 4:
South Beach Bars x4 = $15.80 shelf price, used $1x4 coupons
100 Calorie Oreo Mini Cakesters = $3.89 BOGO x4 boxes
used FREE coupon and $2/2
100 Calorie snacks= $3.89 BOGO
Shelf total: $27.47
Paid $4.40 cash, got $10 catalina

Transaction #5:
Over-the-moon Milk = $2.99, used $1.50 coupon (also have a rebate, but not worth it this time. I liked the milk!)
Poptarts: On sale 3/$5, bought 2, used two $1 coupons from the front of the boxes
Chocolate Chips: On sale $3.99
Instant Coffe: $1 each, used BOGO coupon (I use this in baking. Doesn't go bad like a jar would)
Bakers Chocolate: $2.99
Used our $10 catalina
Paid $1.65 cash (we needed these to make some cookies for our small group tonight)

Value of items: $141.90
Sale prices: $101.98
Used $40 of catalinas
Used $46.39 in coupons
Spent $10.90 in cash for 39 items! Yes, that's $.28 EACH.

We are taking most all of the bars to our small group tonight to 'share the wealth.' Our youth pastor's wife LOVES the SB PB bars too, and has been eating a lot since she is pregnant LOL We are so happy to be able to help other people out this way.

We then went across the street to Dominick's as they are having one of those "Buy 5 get $5 off" promos, on cereal.
Special K was $2.99 each, used 2-$1 coupons
Pebbles were $2.49, used $1/2
Cap'n Crunch was $1.99, used $.50 coupon
Then get $5 off instantly. Used our $2 catalina from Ragu two weeks ago.
Spent $2.63 cash for 5 boxes. YUM! 50 cents each. Cashier was most impressed!

Walgreens!

2009-03-03T20:34:00.004-06:00

Well, well, well. Walgreens lured me back in. I wasn't going to buy a lot, but stopped in for one item, and I called my GC to check my balance because I thought it was around $4 but they had already reloaded the Feb rebate I submitted last month! Craziness. So I shopped!

Transaction #1:
8 bars of Dove soap: $.99 with in-ad coupon. Buy 8, get $10 RR! Paid $8.53 GC to get $10 (only did this because I was gonna spend $10 anyway, so it's like I only spent $8...y'know.)

Transaction #2:
The Axe shampoo had one of those "check out at cosmetics!" signs so I figured they got some credit, but the young girl looked at me like I was nuts, but the nicer woman volunteered. Great thing she did! First off, she loved that I brought my own bag, and loved my deals, and we talked about the weather, etc. Fun stuff.

Glade Sense & Spray and Lasting Impressions: $9.99 each (x4)
Used 2 BOGO coupons, 2-$4 manq and got $4 off each with IVC = -$4.02 for 4
Axe Shampoo $5.99 FAR
Wal-Zyr $3.99 FAR (yes, it is almost allergy season ugh. I think I have enough free pills to last me the entire season though!)
Hershey's Mix packs: sale 2/$7, use IVC for $3/2, then manq for $2/2 = $4/4! We love Reese's by me, and I am giving one to my brother.
Thingamajig candy bar: 2/$1 (this is PB where the Whatchamacallit is caramel. should be yummy!)
Peeps: $.39 with in-ad coupon, as a filler

Total before any coupons: $65.63
Store coupons: $22.30
Man. coupons: $31.98
Used $10 RR from Dove and $1 RR from Excedrin
Paid $4.25 with GC. Only $.35 of that was item cost, the rest is SALES TAX. Yes, that is how well I did!
Rebate coming back: $10.98
So paid $12.78 GC to get $10.98 rebate, seems good to me! ;)

And yes, if I waited to buy the Glade this coming Sunday (they are on sale for $7.99 each) I would have made $2 more on each pair (so -$4.01 on two). However, that store sometimes gives me trouble using the coupons that way, and even though it would most likely be the same cashier that allowed the Glade coupons before, why wait? Why risk them not having stock when they are still paying me for them this week, and I 'applied' that overage to my FAR items?

Going today (probably a different store than yesterday though, to use my last Glade BOGO) and I need to return the Apple Cinnamon Glade Gel Plugins because they aren't part of the rebate from last month. Which is STUPID. But oh well. They better give me my money back considering I wrote on the receipt for my rebate, grrrrr. They can call themselves and find out it isn't an 'accepted' item.

Go CVS, go!

2009-02-26T11:14:00.003-06:00

This trip was with the express purpose of using a $2/$10 CVS CRT, AND to get up to $10 of Blade products to earn $3 ECB.

Sometimes CVS is like gambling. I heard people were getting the (in)famous $2/2 nuts CRT, and there are nuts for $.99 and $.79, so always a money-maker! And I got it! Also got a $1 CRT for Blade Shave Gel.

Blade Energy Drink: $2.19, $2/2 coupon
Blade Shave Gel: $3.19, $1 CRT
CVS Almonds: $1.98 for 2, $2 CRT
CVS Cotton Swabs: $.50 to get me to $10.05 to use the CRT
So that is good, would have paid $2 ECB, earned $3
But I also found the True North on Clearance for $1.75 and used a $1 coupon as a treat for Matt (must always scan clearance items! Tags said $3.49 and the almonds scanned that, but not these!) so I did pay $2.22 on GC (high tax in these here parts. ugh)

But then the $3 ECB didn't print, but even though this was a cashier I regularly go by, he wasn't his normal cheerful self, and there was a line, so I just left. But I did call Customer Service yesterday and got the nicest lady and she said it definitely should have printed, but sometimes those money-totals take a while to update in the system. I should check my account in 48 hours and hopefully it either prints on its own or she will watch and force it to my account. so that did turn out! Matt likes this Blade stuff (has matching cologne spray, shave gel and shampoo now) and I have switched him to it from Axe, which is generally cheaper! go me!

CVS Trip 2/22

2009-02-26T11:03:00.003-06:00

Transaction #1:
CVS Facial Tissue: $1.99 BOGO
Fruitopia Conditioner: $1.99, $1 CRT
CVS 10 ct. Cotton Squares: $.99, $1 CRT
Blade men's shampoo + conditioner: $3.34, $1 CRT
=$10.30 of CVS brand, meaning I could use my $2/$10 CVS CRT
Used a $5 ECB, none generated, paid $.32 GC

Transaction #2:
Dayquil/Nyquil: $4.99x2, $1.50x2, earn $5 ECB
South Beach Bars (not pictured): $2.50 each, $2 manq x2 = 2/$1.00
CVS Chili Seasoning: $.77
Cadbury Mini Eggs (my favorite holiday candy, hands down!): $.49x3 (we were hungry after lunch ;) )
Sally Hansen Nail Polish: BOGO50% but they did not scan what the shelf said, but couldn't remember exact price, plus that would mess up the 1/2 price if they adjust, I think. Had a $3/2 CVS coupon so $5.06 for 4 bottles, French Manicures coming up for me! LOL
CVS 10 ct Cotton Squares: $.99, $1 CRT, earned $2 ECB for the 2 I bought today
Renuzit TriScents Holder: $5.49, used $4 manq x2 earned $4 ECB! yay more than free!

Used $10 in ECB and earned back $11, so that worked well. I did pay more in GC than I would like ($2.77) but the nail polish threw me off. Oh well.

On my receipt I noticed a "Spend $10 on Blade, earn $3 ECB" which isn't advertised anymore, so I left the store plotting a new trip....

Walgreens Trip 2/22

2009-02-26T10:53:00.002-06:00

Matt decided to sleep in, so I left for church super-early so I could stop at the stores beforehand ;) They had some good deals I didn't want to miss out on. (don't mind my 'stickering' of the photo yet again. I always forget to remove things that shouldn't be there...oops!)

Stayfree 2/$4: Should have been able to use BOGO and $2/2, but the $2 wouldn't work. Still, $1 each is okay
Glade Plugins: $2.50 each (except Apple didn't scan sale price, hoping they work for rebate!), $1manq x4, get back $4.40 on rebate = 4/$1.60 yay!
Excedrin: $1.99, $1 get $1RR back = FREE
Foil: Scans $1.69, use $1 coupon, then in-ad coupon makes them $.89 each. Bought 2, so -$.22 for 2 =)
Reese's Whipps Candy Bars: $.89 BOGO with in-ad coupon, used 4-$1/2 coupons = -$.44 for 8! hehe

Gotta love items that you are paid to take off their hands.

Which is why I'm waiting until 3/8!! They have those new Glade things I bought a few weeks back for $7.99 each. Use a BOGO coupon and a $4 coupon, PLUS the $4 store coupon, means they will PAY ME $4.01 for each 2 I buy. I'm hoping to get 8. haha The BOGO and $4 did work together, so I'm hoping she does it for me again. This cashier is always really amazed at what I save. If they won't accept the BOGO and $4, they are still free after a manq and storeq $4 each, but not a huge moneymaker! It's fun because you then use that 'free money' to pay for the other items in your order, like the free-after-rebate items for March ;)

Excitement!

2009-02-20T21:34:00.004-06:00

Something Elizabeth posted has gotten me totally excited, although I have 5 whole months of waiting ahead! I think though, that it means I should finish the socks from the yarn I bought on last year's excursion, or at least work on the shawl I started there last year LOL oh me and my stack of WIPs!

I really should work on my mittens, since the cold is not ending any time soon!! I would welcome those wooly goodies.

Speaking of wool, we bought the cat a new toy for $1. It's a wool mouse, and it says when he chews it up a bit and it feels loose, to tie it up in a sock and throw it in with the laundry. DUH. Coulda made that myself LOL

Jewel Catalina Deals

2009-02-19T23:33:00.003-06:00

(OR: Why you should never throw out a General Mills coupon)

Several Catalina deals are overlapping at Jewel (Shaws, or whatever you have where you live). The new one starting today is buy 10 GM products, get $10 OYNO. Perfect, because there are no price calculations and arguing about why your coupon did not print. Buy 10 products, plain and simple. Also, ending this coming Sunday, is the Nature Valley (plus I think Chex bars and something else) Catalina where if you buy 5 you get $3.50 OYNO. Huh....imagine that!

Nature Valley Granola bars: $2.50x5, $.60x2, $.50x3
Chex Mix Bars: $2.50x3, $.60x2, $.50x2
Pillsbury rolls: $2.50, $2.50 free coupon, $1 coupon
Paid $17.54 cash and received a $10 and $3.50 OYNO! Worked like a charm

We need milk for breakfast tomorrow (plus snow is coming tomorrow. I know from working there that when bad snow is forecast, milk, bread and water just FLY off the shelves. No way I'm waiting 'til tomorrow to buy it!).

Kellogg's cereal: $2.50 each, $1x4
Get a free gallon of milk instantly WYB 4-Kellogg's
Kellogg's Fiber Plus bars: 2/$4.50, $.75x2
Grapefruit 8lbs for $2.49! Amazing! I love grapefruit. Great price.
Butter $1.88 each, which is good. Why yes, I did already have 4 pounds of butter in the freezer, which hubby pointed out the moment I pulled it out of the bag ;) Hey, we like to bake!
Used the $10 and $3.50, paid $2.21 cash.

So 20 items for $19.75. Definitely a good deal. We needed some cereal that was not Frosted Mini-Wheats (earlier this week bought 4/$6 with Dominick's coupon and used 4-$1 coupons, great dela!). The Nature Valley bars are to add to a PB sandwich to hand out to homeless (hubby's passion) (using free Fisher PB from Ultra).

So once again, I set foot in Jewel only for the Catalina promos. But I happened to check the hummus section, and the item I have a raincheck for is not on the shelf anymore...strange.

Quick CVS Run

2009-02-19T23:26:00.003-06:00

Not the best I've ever done, but good enough! Especially considering I did it on the fly with ECBs expiring today, and not having the $1 on any CVS skincare (due to laziness and forgetfulness). I picked up this stuff to utilize CRTs and also get some nice stuff to go in a gift bag I am creating for a nice woman and her 10-year-old daughter.

CVS Cotton Balls $1.99
CVS Nail Polish Remover $1.99
CVS travel size Cotton Squares $.99 x2
(Buy 2 CVS products above, get $2 ECB, so earned $4 total. Can do 3 more times)
CVS Low-dose aspirin $1.99 FAECB
CVS Hand Lotion $3.99 earn $1 ECB
Nail Polish $1.99 BOGO50%
Excedrin travel pack $2.49 FAECB (rain check from the other week)
Used $2/$10 CVS brand, $1 on CVS lotion, $2 on cosmetics CRT
Used $11.58 ECB, earned $9.48

I also returned all the recalled ProMax bars yesterday (I had given them to my uncle for Christmas) and it was enough to get him a box of Zyrtec D instead, plus have $2 left over and earn $1 ECB, which showed up as Benadryl on my receipt, but I'm not complaining. Hopefully I can find more of those travel size cotton squares on Sunday...

Clean on the cheap

2009-02-09T21:06:00.003-06:00

We want to switch to using more natural cleaners (like baking soda and vinegar and lemon juice) but I still enjoy some convenience, especially when it comes to cleaning the toilet. This is a 3-month supply for $2 ;)

All items were $3.50. Used $3/2 coupon for scrubbing bubbles, and two-$1.50 pledge coupons. I love the all-purpose spray, so the convenience of the wipe is nice.

So that's $9.09 off my gift card, but get $4.40 back on rebate. Still ahead for the month!

Free at Walgreen's today!

2009-02-08T20:57:00.003-06:00

Yes, Walgreens was amazing today! I took a coupon risk and it worked for me. The key is to never offer more than they ask for ;)

Glade holders: $8.99 each, bought 4. Used two BOGO coupons, two $4 coupons (which I have never thought should be allowed, and the cashier was thinking about it hard...but then scanned it and the register accepted!), plus $12 (plus 10%) total back in rebate: -$3.22 for all 4!

Quaker Oatmeal: 2/$5, used two $1 manq, $1 back in rebate: $1.90 for two

Walgreens contact solution: $1.99 FAR

Zucol $7.99 FAR, used $2 manq to make some extra ;)

Progresso Soup: 4/$5 with in-ad coupon, used two $1.10 coupons = $.30 for 2!

Totals: $24.18 spent on gift card. As we walk to the car, Matt asks the key question: What are you getting back on the rebate? $25.28. haha. Love it! Plus, our printer at home just needs some fresh ink and I can begin printing a set of coupons here besides at work and also at my mom's (if it isn't something she will use!

Great deals this week :) Back in the swing at Walgreens! Except they didn't even have the razors in stock for the RRs. Strange!

free @ CVS today!

2009-02-08T20:47:00.003-06:00

Crackers: $1 each. Bought 4, used 2- $2/2 coupons = FREE

Glady Spray: $.99 each, $1/2 manq and $1 CRT, adjusted down = FREE

CVS Rolaids: $1.99 FREE CRT = FREE

Sprite 20oz = $1.59 (all we paid for, but Matt had an upset stomach and needed it)

So yes, no ECBs used, none gained ;) $1.80 spent on gift card for soda and tax. Easy day!

No, I haven't posted much from CVS lately. I haven't been in the mood and haven't seen much. My ECBs have dwindled, but I got another $30 GC for my script this month, so I can rebuild when I get back in the swing of things.

FO!

2009-02-03T20:02:00.002-06:00

Yay FO! Took a month, which it shouldn't have, but hey. They are done, which means I can make my own pair to replace the ones that disappeared. ugh. My hands are SO cold in this darn coldest winter in way too many years.

Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted on 1 and 3. Threw them in my mom's washer on the 'ultra handwash' cycle which is fantastic. They came out with the wonkiness from between the needles all taken care of. Gave them a gentle stretch and they are perfect!

Grocery Bonanza!

2009-01-29T18:19:00.003-06:00

We have some grocery budget left this month (and still some, even after all this shopping! Why yes, my grocery budget IS huge!) (but not spending it all as we had some other odd expenses this month we need the cash for) and so I went shopping for things we need, great deals, unexpected finds and superbowl snackers.

At Target, Yoplait is regular $.52 each, which is still good considering prices on yogurt have been going up. Using a $1 manq and a $1 store coupon, I got 8/$2.16, or $.27 each! They had some fun new flavors in the Light Thick and Creamy like Cinnamon Roll and Cherry Cobbler.

I had a coupon for a free Grapefuit bowl, which cost me $.10 after the coupon max.

Buy a Digiorno Pizza for $3.99 (excellent price!) and get a free 2L of Coke, which I needed for superbowl party. So Matt got the pizza he wanted.

Starkist Tuna Pouch on sale for $1.49, used $1 coupon.

Hormel Chili $1.24 for superbowl dip

Onion Soup Mix (a pantry staple) $.85

Egg Noodles for tonight's dinner $.53!

RiceWorks Chips FREE with coupon

Stacy's Pita Chips 2/$5, used two $1.50 coupons, 2/$2!

All that for a grand total of $11.77 for party food! Great deal.

Today I hit up Joe Caputo's, which is a family run 'mini-chain' of three stores in the area. Ours is tiny, but always well stocked with high-quality, good-priced produce.

1lb carrots (our fave veggie) $.49

large spanish onions $.49/lb

Orange Peppers $1.29/lb

Red Peppers $.98/lb

Strawberries $1.50

White Mushrooms $2.19/lb

Blueberries $1

Crimini Mushrooms $2.69/lb

Baby Carrots $.79

Dutch Farms Shredded Cheese $1.50! Great deal. One for dip, rest for freezer

Avocados 2/$1 for guac

tiny onions $.19/lb. I hate chopping tiny onions. Waste of time, no matter how cheap. Will quarter and shove up the chicken's butt ;)

Garlic $.89/lb

Jalapenos $.89/lb

limes $.10

Yellow Peppers $1.29/lb

Plum Tomatoes $.69/lb for pico de gallo

All that produce for $24.58. Great deals considering $6 of that is cheese and going to make myself guac and salsa. Peppers are for dipping at SuperBowl

Last stop, Jewel. I normally don't shop at Jewel unless they have an amazing deal to pull me in the door, but it is basically across the street from home so I do stop once in a while and today I wanted a chicken.

Fryers were $.77/lb, so I'm going to try this recipe tomorrow. I love crock pot cooking!

Milk was $2.28, decent...

Thomas' English Muffins $1.99. My new breakfast fave!

Sabra Hummus $3.99 BOGO, used two $1.50 coupons from Sunday's paper, so 2/$.99!! Can't beat that for munchies

Fisher trail mix $1 on clearance, used $1 coupons = 4 FREE

Fisher BBQ Peanuts $1 on clearance, used $1 coupon = FREE

Diamond Vanilla Bean Almonds $2 on clearance, used $1 coupon = $1

All that for $11.05 ($2.28 was milk, $4.35 was chicken.) Plus I got a coupon for a free box of South Beach bars, some new "Fiber Fit." It is worded funny though, it says "FREE when you buy a box of FIber FIt or High Protein Cereal Bars" I think it means BOGO but doesn't sound right as either BOGO or totally free so I will try and just get one free box and see if it works...

That's the deals! Next stop is Super WalMart on Sunday (it's not at all convenient to home, but will actually be out near one on the way to a Super Bowl party) but that is next month's budget ;)

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-01-22T19:42:00.005-06:00

Haha, I know some of you are like "You had your birthday?" I didn't (it's in two weeks) but I spent all my money!!

I took the check from my MIL and went to KnitPicks. I wanted sizes 1 and 2 dpns in the mm I don't have, and broke a size 3 of my CPY ones. Plus I'd always wanted to try the Harmony needles as they are SO nice looking! I went crazy =)

I bought: Size 1 (2.5mm), size 2 (3mm), size 3 (3.25mm), size 7 (4.5mm) in the dpns, and then the tips in size 4 (3.5mm) and 5 (3.75mm).

The tips are the most common size I use for lace knitting, and never seem to have a needle free (maybe I should finish one project before moving on to the next, eh?), I love tiny needles (although I don't knit socks...) and the largest dpn I own is 6, so need to expand.

Then I got 9 hanks of Gloss in Burgundy to make Thermal as I have been eyeing it since it came out. I think I recall people saying it was short if you knit as written, and I had a few extra bucks so added a skein more than my size called for. I love this yarn and can't wait to wear this!!

And THEN!! I got a Wii Fit!!! YAY!!!!!!!! One of my coworkers saw me in the hall yesterday and asked if I was still looking for it. He was in a GameStop on Tuesday and they actually had some in stock. So I dashed back to my desk and called the store. He told me they had a few and of course he can't hold it. So I call my mom since home is closer to the store than my work, and she shuts off the oven and runs over there to get the LAST one. I am so stoked to have this!!

So yes, I spent all of my birthday money two weeks before my birthday LOL

Target Run 1/21

2009-01-22T09:32:00.003-06:00

Yeah, yeah. no photo. But hey, still good deals.

Kashi TLC Soft Baked Cereal Bars: $2.75 each, $2 IP coupon = 4/$3
Ocean Spray Light Juice: $1.99, $1 store coupon, $1 manq = -$.02 for 2
Right Guard Deodorant: $3.64

I now have (with my mom's $9 in receipts) the $50 for the P&G coupon rebate, which should be some good coupons we will split.

$3 for four boxes of healthy granola bars and 2 bottles of juice? SOLD!

CVS Trip 1/20

2009-01-21T18:33:00.003-06:00

Well, I had $36 in ECBs expiring yesterday, and while some stores accept them once they expire, not all do and I don't want to play with it.

(I'm going to add a post about how rainchecks work at CVS, which will be in the sidebar. I will hopefully remember to come back to this post and link to it as well)

CVS Claritin, 5 pack: $3.79 each, $3.79 ECB back
Gas-X: ($5.69x2) - $1 manq x2, $5/2 CRT, = $4.38 for both
Ragu: $1.67 each
L'Oreal: free with raincheck, plus they are BOGO so they paid me $7 to take them.
Benefiber: free with raincheck, plus used $2 manq
Complete Contact Solution: Free with raincheck
Rubbermaid water bottles: BOGO50% $4.49 for both, and I needed a water bottle for the gym
Listerine Smart Rinse: $5.29, earn $3 ECB
Excedrin Express Gels: $1.99, used $1 manq, $1 CRT
Old Spice Shower Gel: $4.49, $1 manq
Old Spice Deodorant: $3.29
Herbal Essences: $6.99
Pantene: $4.99x2, used $3/2 manq

Basically this store rings the items up at full price, then deducts a store coupon for them. So I could still use manq's on them. However, I didn't know this until he was ringing me up, so I couldn't use all my bucks in the first transaction, plus I didn't use any coupons as I was so flustered. Otherwise I could have bought $9 more of stuff. But I look at it this way: I spent under $3 on my gift card for things we need (hubby needs more deodorant, we need the meds and ragu and water bottles). I did spend $36 ECB and only get $11 for next time, but it is still money not spent from the grocery bill!! If they ever get a corporate policy all shoppers will be thrilled!

Walgreens for Candy!

2009-01-07T17:47:00.005-06:00

Yum! I'm really trying hard to watch what I eat. So yeah, Reese's candy bars, not so good. But Hershey's 100 Calorie Snack bars = great!

Quaker Oatmeal: $1.99 w/in-ad coupon, $1 manq, = $1.98 for 2
Reese's Whipps bars: 2/$1.00 w/in-ad coupon, $1/2 manq, = 8 FREE!
Hershey's 100 Calorie Bars: 2/$4 after IVC, $.75 manq x4, = 4/$5
The Hershey's IVC does NOT scan, even though it is pictured on there. They just did a price adjust for me.
Spent $7.26, using up my prescription GC.

I'm debating going to the same Wag's this week that I was at last week. The pharmacist really wanted my business and was even going to give me my coupon back to use again. Maybe he'd just give me a GC to keep my business for another month? hmmmm

New Blog Button

2009-01-04T21:27:00.003-06:00

New Year, New Me!

haha. Or so I hope. Definitely some things I need to change, and while I don't always make 'resolutions,' I do need to work on a few aspects of my life.

So I needed a blog button for the name change (which I never really announced!) but I am now known as "Helen Knits and Saves" rather than "AngelKnits." I figured Elizabeth could either do it or would know who could, and she suggested her son, Owen. He made me one in no time flat. I appreciate the simpleness of it; goes with my theme of paring down and saving money and all that jazz ;) I'd recommend him!

I'll drop it in the sidebar and feel free to save it and use it as a link!

Walgreens 1/4

2009-01-04T21:19:00.003-06:00

Not everything is pictured as we gave some items to my mother-in-law =)

Quaker Oatmeal: $1.99 with in-ad coupon, used $1 manq: $1.98 for both
Electrasol: $3.49, used $2.50 manq, earn $1.50 rebate: -$.51
Reynolds Foil: $.99 with in-ad q, used $1 manq: -$.02 for both
Revlon Matte collection eyeshadow: $5.99 FAR
Glade candle refills: $2.50 each, $2.50 on two manq, $2 rebate
Glade Carpet Fresh: $2.50, $1 coupon, $1 rebate
Glade Candle: $2.50, $1 coupon, $1 rebate
=4 Glade items for $1.10 after rebate with bonus =)
Used $10 RR from hair dryer deal
Spent $4.99 on GC but earned $11.54 with bonus.

Yay!

CVS 1/4

2009-01-04T21:13:00.003-06:00

Today Matt and I went just to blow some bucks (some expiring this week, and I also had over $60 so decided we should just buy items he needs that I rarely see on sale).

The Fusion blades weren't on sale, but you got a free shave gel automatically, and then I used my coupon for a free body wash with purchase. That's $13.99 for all three items.

Cashews are $.79 each, but buy one get one 50% off, and I had a CRT for $1/2.
Gatorade just to use ECBs: $1.25
Curel lotions: $5.99 each.

I didn't realize the nuts were part of the BOGO50% sale, and the razor blades rang up $1 less than the shelf said, so I wasn't able to use my $1 coupons on the Curel. We used $22.57 in ECBs, including my $1 quarterly rewards (2 scripts) and a $5/$25 coupon expiring today. Didn't earn any, but items that made Matt happy ;) Spent $.11 on GC.

Year-end Savings Review

2009-01-04T20:55:00.002-06:00

Here are my totals for the year for Walgreens and CVS.

As for Walgreens, I didn't keep track of the value of the items until a couple months ago, but have actually been doing their rebates actively since February. I can't totally calculate my savings due to that, but will just give an overview:

Cash outlay: $105.61
Gift cards redeemed: $257.20
Register Rewards earned: $125.50
Total coupons redeemed: $490.87
Rebate earned: $263.21

CVS I was better able to keep track of things from the beginning. I began in May and haven't stopped since. However, I have learned to not buy things just because they are free, and to really try and get the items we like at a good price. We are also able to try new things because of the deals. I have donated a TON of items and also used a lot for gifts.

Cash outlay: $0!!
Gift cards redeemed: $107.92
ECB's redeemed: $578.72

CVS coupons used: $131.49
Manufacturer's coupons used: $298.20

ECB's earned: $639.57
Items purchased: 393
Value of items: $1,310.71

To sum that up, I got $1,310.71 worth of items for $107.92 'cash' (gift cards that I earned from transferring prescriptions). That is a savings of $1202.79 or 92%!! This is $.27 per item. I can't wait to see what this year brings!

Happy savings! =)

Helen Knits and Saves

Tiny Prints Christmas Cards!

Christmas Greetings!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Dominick's Today

Red Letter Mail Day

Dominick's Run

Not for the Faint of Heart

No more Beef!

Mmmm, Beef. Dinner.

Yay Dominick's!

Catching Up

Quick run for goodies!

Some Highlights

A Good Day Overall

Sign Up for Vocalpoint

I Feel Like Chicken Tonight...

MMM, Chicken and Pasta!

SC Johnson Rebate

Pasta, anyone?

Jack Attack

Meijer and Savings Updates

Quick Trips

More Rebates =)

Sometimes, I even amaze myself!

And now, for something completely different

Why yes, Thursday *is* shopping day!

Target strikes again!

Yay coupons!

Target and Jewel

Shopping Summary

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Don't

E-coupons are crazy!

Deal Round-Up

And I didn't even try!

A Crocs Giveaway!

Month-end Review

Yes, yes I AM crazy.

More Catalina Rolllllllllling!

CVS and Target

More Catalinas :)

Halfway There

June Week 2 Continued

June Week 2

June Week 1 Final

June Week 1 Continued

Yay for Mail!

June Grocery Game

Last Week's Deals

Shopping Spree :)

A Feast!

Quick Stop and Coupon Fraud

Living Healthy

Ultra Foods Deals!!

Grocery Budgeting

Going Green!

Go CVS, go!

Quick Tar-jay Run

Dominick's Catalina Deals

Back in the Game!

Jewel Freebies

Win Some Crocs!

Freebies in the mail!

Jewel Special Sale

Target Worked for me!

When a Deal is Not a Deal

Late night cereal and final Wag's trip

Shopping Spree today!

A Twittering We Will Go

Red Letter Mail Day!

Walgreens today!! Clearance items galore

Upcoming Kellogg's deal at Jewel!!

Still rolling the catalinas!

CVS today

Dominick's 3/13

Ultra Foods This Week

CVS today. It evens out!

A Dominick's Primer

Grocery Previews

Twenty-Eight Cents Each ;)

Why yes, Thursday is shopping day!