CVS Trip 11/2

Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum: $1 each, used 5-$1/2 coupons, earn $5 ECB = 10 FREE
Hershey Bars: $.50 each, used 3 BOGO coupons = $1.50 for 6
Crest Pro-Health: $3.49 each, 3-$.75, 1-$1 coupons, earn $3.49 ECB each = -$3.25 for 4
Life Water: $1 each (because I thought I needed these to use my bucks...oh well. needed a drink anyway)
Totals:
$34.61 worth of items
used $9.75 in coupons.
Spent $17.98 ECB and earned $18.96
Spent $1.53 on GC

Problem with the candy...After having bought 6 total of the green and blue, 2 rasberry and 2 kiwi strawberry gum, and 6 candy bars...my total for the "spend $10 get $5 ECB" should have been $13. However, my receipt only showed $8 and my ECB did NOT print! I returned the "red" gum and bought blue and green and the buck printed. So something between the red gum and the candy bars is not counting toward the total like it should...but I have no idea what because the math just doesn't work. And once you hit $10, and the offer limit, the receipt only says $10 for the total spending, so no idea what it really counted...oh well!

So begins Kmart's double-coupon week

Suave hair care: $1.49 each, two $1.50/2 coupons = FREE
Pert shampoo: $3.49 each, two $2 coupons = FREE
Gillette shampoo: $3.50, $2 coupon = FREE
Endust: $3.29, $2 coupon = FREE
Tiny Bonz: $2.50, $1.50 coupon = FREE
Hershey's: $2.50 each, two $1 coupons = $.50 each
Maalox: $3.99 each, three $2 coupons = FREE
Tylenol: $4.49, $2 coupon = $.49
Total before coupons: $43.69
Paid: $1.49 plus $1.97 tax

I LOVE this. I have a ton more Suave coupons, and it's right across the street from my gym so I'll be going back a few more times :)

Fiberrrrr

MMMM. Everyone needs more fiber in their diet. (Unfortunately this post is about the dietary kind, and not the wooly kind) Especially when you are quite literally paid to take it from the store. It's insane. I kid you not.




Here we have 9 boxes of Benefiber sticks, Kiwi-Strawberry flavor. Add to your water, 3g fiber. mmm. We'll see how I like the flavor...one a day, I could use that! ;)
First off, I got envelopes, which we need, regular price $1.19. Yup, bought something NOT on sale.
Picked up four bags of candy (I need to exchange one, wrong kind for rebate)
4/$10, used 3-$1 coupons, and will mail in for $4 (+$.40 bonus) rebate this month. I also used $6 RR to pay for this stuff, so minus $2.21 for the candy and envelopes.
I then found my $2/1 benefiber coupons from Sunday's inserts. Some were for the sticks specifically, and some for ANY product.
Regular price: $7.99 (unfortunately one of my stores was $8.49. Not sure if that was correct price, but store was closing anyway, and I was rushing through).
$7.99x3
Use 3 manq (-$6.00)
Use $5 IVC from the store's Oct. book (takes off EACH one)
Paid $2.97 plus tax.
EARN $8 RR
Yeah, you read that right. The first time I did this the BA (Beauty Advisor) was all excited and exclaiming that I know what I am doing! Fun when they get excited, too. Then did it twice more at two other stores.
All told I spent $14.27 on my gift card and used $6 RR, $21 manq, $45 store coupons.
Earned $24 RR and $4.40 rebate

Paid mucho to ME for taking this stuff from the stores. I LOVE it. Plus tomorrow and Saturday are the monthly "double dip" days. Oct rebate ends Sat, but Nov starts Fri. Makes for some good deals. Woo hoo!

$.65 each

That title pretty much says it all. Seriously.

There is a great Catalina out there right now, and I've done it at Jewel, heard of people getting it at Meijer and my brother got it at Hy-Vee, so it should be any store that has a Catalina machine working properly. It runs through 11/2 and if you buy 2 boxes you get $1 on your next order (OYNO) or 3 boxes grants you $3 OYNO. Unlimited times, of course. Frosted Mini-Wheats in these flavors: Cinnamon Struesel, Strawberry Delight, Blueberry Muffin, Vanilla Creme or Maple Brown Sugar.

At Jewel through tomorrow, the Mini Wheats are $4.49 BOGO. I had a stash of printable $1/1 coupons all printed in the last week, plus some coupons from issues of All YOU and a couple expired printables. I had bought two boxes last week just because we wanted them, which triggered the Catalina and reminded me of it. Then Matt and I went back for four boxes, used the $1 and got a $3 OYNO. I decided to head there after work yesterday and stock up.






24 boxes of cereal total, 2 gallons of milk (duh, need milk! haha $1.99 best price in ages!), and a snack from the deli counter for $1.60.

All told I had 23 $1 off coupons, used 1-$1 Catalina and 5-$3 Catalinas in 6 transactions total (I LOVE self-checkout. I did five transactions yesterday and got only one odd look from the service desk manager.). On my last receipt I also got a coupon for a free loaf of french bread.

PLUS I ended up with six boxes of regular bite-size Frosted Mini-Wheats. Matt had noticed a Gutiar Hero t-shirt promotion on the box where if you cut out the 'token' from the box plus $6.99 you got the shirt, or FREE with 6 tokens, not even S&H! Because only three boxes are needed to trigger the Catalina, I was able to use my fourth box of each transaction as the regular and got six tokens. I'm hoping it arrives in time to put in his stocking! I gave some of the cereal to my mom and hid the rest, so he wouldn't see I cut out the tokens. haha!

Math:
Regular, non-sale price: $107.76 for the cereal ONLY
Sale price BOGO: $53.88
Minus coupons: -$39
Milk and snack
Tax: $1.33
Total: $17.46 for 24 cereal, 2 milk, 1 snack. OR $.65 each
PLUS a free loaf of a bread AND a FREE t-shirt. It doesn't get much better than that.

CVS early in the morning

Went to CVS before church yesterday because yes, I am that crazy.

GUM children's toothbrushes (2-pk): $3.99 FREE after ECB x2
Candy corn: $1.29 FREE after ECB x2
Powerade: $1.69 FREE after ECB
Colgate Toothpaste: $2.99, $2 ECB, -$1 manq = -$.01
Excedrin Express Gels, 20 ct: $1.99. -$2 manq, $3 CRT = -$3.01. The crazy thing is, there is also a mail-in-rebate for free, but is it worth my time and a stamp? LOL

I spent $.43 on my gift card, used $11 ECBs and earned $14.25 ECBs. That's the way to grow your ECBs, by buying things that are free but that you have coupons for (really this time it was my CRT that helped me).

Sorry no photo. Gave away the toothbrushes and opened the candy ;)Boring blogging, I know.

Waiting for word on Kmart double coupons for next week...supposedly it will be nationwide again! I have an envelope full of coupons just waiting to be used there.

Where do I find coupons?

Here are some general things to know about coupons:

I frequently abbreviate a manufacturer's coupon as manq to save on typing. This also allows differentiation from a store coupon.

Coupons can be found in various sources:

Inserts come in the Sunday paper (most likely). The Chicago Tribune is where I get mine, and they publish the early edition on Saturday which allows time to prep for Sunday deals. Starting early also allows time to return to the store for more if there is an amazing deal. I buy mine at the dollar store (Dollar Tree, to be specific) because the regular price is $1.99. So I can buy 2 for $2 and get twice as many coupons! This helps out for BOGO (buy one, get one) deals. The various inserts are "Red Plum" (used to be Valassis), "Smart Source" and "P&G" (Proctor & Gamble). Every so often there may also be a General Mills-specific insert.

Each week should have at least a Smart Source (SS) and a Red Plum (RP). P&G is generally published the first Sunday of the month. It depends on what day of the week the month begins as to when they will add the insert.

Tearpads are found in stores. These are those pads of coupons generally found on drink coolers or stuck to shelves in front of the products. These are normally not store-specific.

Peelies are coupons stuck to products, and are generally meant to be used on purchasing that item at that moment. It's up to you, but I personally don't take extras of those as they are on that certain bottle for someone to pick up.

Blinkies are those red machines in the aisles or on freezer doors that spit out coupons. They are manufactured by Smart Source.

a Catalina is the machine at a cash register that prints coupons. At many stores these are white with red borders. Other stores have upgraded to full-color printing on white tape. Catalina sponsors the machines, and the coupons are now known as that. These generally print the store logo on them. While the wording usually says "redeemable AT" and NOT "redeemable ONLY at" xyz store, most stores will only take their own Catalinas...your mileage may vary (YMMV). Oftentimes when you see a sign or ad that says you get $x off your next order when you buy (WYB) it is a Catalina for "$x off your next order" (OYNO).

A CVS Primer

Here are some frequently used terms/abbrevations on my site, and some general info for shopping at CVS to get the best deals. =)

Abbreviations:
CRT = uh, I actually don't know what it "stands for" (my guess is coupon register tape, but never confirmed) but it is a store coupon that prints either from the price scanner or on the end of your register receipt. These are redeemable *only* at CVS and are store coupons so may be combined with manufacturer's coupons.

ECB = Extra Care Buck These are printed at the end of your receipt. By reading ads or the monthly book, you will see items that are "like free" after ECBs, or give you $1 back when you buy two, for example. These expire four weeks from when they were printed, so plan wisely!

Extra Care Card = this is their loyalty card. Use it to get the sale prices and earn ECBs. You only get deals by using your card, and the ECBs are tied to your card.

CVS weekly sales generally run from Sunday-Saturday. Monthly deals are monthly based on calendar dates.

ECB's are like store credit/cash. However, you do not get change, so plan wisely. For example, if an item is $3.99 get $3.99 ECB, limit 2, this means you are allowed to do the deal twice on your card (either in a week or month, whatever the sale dates are). If you buy one item in a trasaction, you will get one $3.99 ECB. However, if you purchase both in one transaction, you will get a single $7.98 ECB (the combined ECB of the two items). It's up to you how large you want your ECBs.

In the same example, you could buy one for $3.99 and get your $3.99 ECB back. Then buy the 2nd of the same item in a new transaction and give them the $3.99 ECB. This will make you total out at $0 and print a new ECB. It's fun to see the cashier's face at this point.

When a deal is "Spend $15 on these Dove products, earn $5 ECB" you may purchase items individually and your receipt will keep a running total for you. The $5 ECB should print once you buy the correct amount. Just be sure to complete this before the deal period ends.

Watch for $x/$xx coupons to be e-mailed to you or printed as a CRT. These sometimes have specific restrictions on them. You must spend the correct amount, not even a penny less, or the coupon will not work. Also, hand this over first so your total is high enough (not after your other coupons)

The best way to plan a transaction is total up your items TO THE PENNY. This is very important when doing deals that require certain dollar amounts to be purchased. Once you have this amount, subtract any store coupons/CRTs you may have. Then decide how many ECBs you want to use. I know my total of manufacturer's coupons, and want to use those last to pay.

Depending on your state, you will know what is/isn't taxable and at what rate. ECBs are store cash, therefore they are store discounts and reduce your taxable amount. However, they do NOT pay for sales tax. They will only accept ECBs up to your taxable amount. On the other hand, manufacturer's coupons do not reduce the taxable amount, but they DO pay for sales tax (like cash). So after using store coupons and ECBs, you want your manufacturer's coupons to cover just about all of your remaining total (if you are aiming for the lowest out of pocket (OOP) cost.)

So hand them your store coupons first, then ECBs, then manufacturer's coupons. I then use a gift card from a transfered prescription to pay for my reamining OOP cost. I have yet to pay any cash at CVS, as I keep getting more gift cards, $25 at a time. It's great!

I'll add to this as I think of more, and will permanently link from the sidebar. Please also visit the CVS forum at Hot Coupon World to learn more about CVS in general and also the weekly and monthly deals.

Major Update from Last Week

Okay, here goes the catch-up from last week's trips



This is a CVS and Walgreens trip together. At Walgreens I bought a Wisp on sale for $5.99, used a $5 coupon and received a $3 RR. I then bought another Wisp (same deal) and four Lindt candy bars ($2.49 each. Used two BOGO coupons and a Walgreen's $1 on each coupon) so I paid $4.49 cash and earned $6 RR to use next time.
As for CVS:
Paper Towel: $1.99 -$2 CRT = -$.01
Speed Stick Deodorant: $1.99 -$1 manq earn $1 ECB
CVS Vitamin D 120 ct: $2.99 FREE after ECB
CVS Bar soap: $.99 each, earn $1 ECB on each
Vitamin Water: $2.29 FREE after ECB



Another Walgreens trip was to get some refills for the oil candles I bought last week.
Candle Refills: $1.99 each. B2G1free coupon, $1 rebate on each = $.68 for all 3
Lindt bars: $2.49 each, BOGO coupon, $1/1 IVC = $.49 for 2
Schick razors: $6.99, $.99x3. One $2 IVC and 4 $2 manq = -$.04 for all
Pencil for filler @ $.69 and used my $4.50 RR for an amazing deal!




I didn't realize that by using my $5/$30 CVS coupon would cause the paper towel CRT to not scan, meaning they only gave me $1 off and these are awful paper towels...oh well!
Paper Towels: $1.99 -$1 CRT = $.99
Cotton Swabs: $3.49, "100% free bonus" (Two packs taped together) earn $1 ECB = $2.49 for 750 swabs, which we needed anyway!
Bic Soliel: $5.99 -$2 manq x2 earn $4 ECB = FREE
WellPatch: $5.99 FREE after ECB (could NOT beleive I stumbled upon these. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to use my coupon!)
Schick Razors: $.99 each, FREE after manq (as always)
Candy bar for kicks
Totals:
Spent $4.40 on GC (yes, more than I'd ever want to spend, really. But I didn't want the hastle of taking the paper towel off the order, etc. Plus, it's still my free gift card anyway)
Used $17.98 ECB but earned $21.24 ECB
Value of items: $28.38

Promise, post of terms and FAQ soon. Just takes time. I should be working ;)

Kmart totals

Went back on Friday and paid just tax, Matt stopped in Saturday and paid just tax, I went yesterday and paid for some makeup and I now have our 5-day grand total.

These three last trips totaled:
Propel: $1.00 ($.50 coupon doubled) = 10 FREE
Visine: $3.99 ($2.00 coupon doubled) = 2 FREE
Johnson's Buddies Soap: $.99 ($3.00 coupon, full value) = -$.03 for 3
Right Guard Deodorant: $1.99 ($1.00 coupon doubled) = FREE
Physician's Formula Eyeliner: $3.17 after 40% off sale, $1 coupon doubled = $2.31 for 2
GREAT price on the makeup, since I LOVE that brand.

Sale Totals:
Items before coupons: $129.37
Coupons used (doubled amount): $120.70
Cash before taxes: $8.67
That's a total savings of 93.3% over regular (sale) prices.

Rumor has it they will be doing this a few more times because they seem to actually make money due to how they can claim/expense the double coupon value. Also, they don't restock during the sale (not at any store I was at) so they only sell a limited quantity of these "free" items. Also, they got me in the store, didn't they? I haven't gone to Kmart in over a year, and now I spent about $10 with tax the past 5 days *snicker*

Watch for an "FAQ" post of sorts, explaining acronyms and the like, base don requests from friends

Another Score at Kmart!

What if I said I paid $4.79 plus $2.72 tax for that photo?
The Halloween candy cost me $4 and the ziploc bags $.79.
Yeah, the rest was free after coupons. If you haven't gone yet, you need to! Hopefully Sunday, the last day of double coupons, they'll have some different items on sales, plus we'll have new coupons. Craziness.

Candy: 2/$4, used 2 $1/2 coupons, = $4.00
Ziploc Vacuum starter kit: $3.99, $2 coupon = FREE
Ziploc bags: $2.79, $1 coupon = $.79
Suave Shampoo (BONUS size!): $1.49 each, two $1.50/2 = FREE
Sunsilk Shampoo: $3 each, two $1.50 coupons = FREE
Maalox Chewables: $3.99 each, two $2 coupons = FREE
Pert Shampoo (BONUS on one): $2.99 each, two $1.50 coupons = FREE
Purina food that Jack likes: $1.99 each, $1 coupon = FREE
Whiskas Treats: $1.39 each, $1 coupon = FREE
Endust: $3.29, $2 coupon = FREE
Propel: $1 each, $.50 coupn = FREE

Weekly totals
Before coupons: $98.29
Coupons used: $91.93
Paid (w/out tax): $8.15
That is a 91.5% savings over the regular price. Yup!

We're going back tomorrow for more Propel, hehe. Matt takes it to basketball every week, so FREE is worth driving there.

The Mother Load!

In the year I've lived in this apartment, I've never been to the K-Mart. It's even a Big-K. I used to love those....we would eat lunch there when we were young cuz we loved it. hmmm

They have been having double coupons lately, but never in my area...but this week I scored BIG TIME!

But the usual CVS and WAGs first, with this PSA:
I highly recommend Hot Coupon World as a starting place for CVS and WAGs. Read the FAQs and you should be able to catch on. I do use a lot of abbreviations here as a friend pointed out, but it is easy (in my opinion) once you know how both stores work and what the deal is.

I was planning to go to CVS, but it was made sweeter when I got a $5/$25 coupon in my e-mail before signing off. I also printed my $.50 ECB for Summer Spending. Always glad it's so small, since it means I spent under $30 for the last three months.
Gillette Fusion Razer: $9.99 $4 manq earn $5 ECB total: $.99
Gillette Venus Embrace Razor: $9.99 earn $3 ECB MIR for $9.99 total: -$3.00
Colgate Toothpaste: $2.99 each $1 CRT, two $1 manq earn $2 ECB on each. total: -$1.02 for 2
Schick Trial Size Razors: 8 packs at $.99, free after manq
Totals: Spent $1.36 GC, used $6.00 store coupons, $13.92 manq, $12.98 ECB and earned $12 ECB for later.

For once, Walgreen's worked like I know it is supposed to, I had employees that didn't try and mess things up or insist they know what's what. Because most of them don't, unfortunately.
I had a $4 RR in hand from the Gillette Fusion I bought earlier in the week.
Picked up an Oral-B toothbrush and two Halloween pencils to not have a negative balance. Used $.75 manq on TB, and pencils were $.20 each. Earned $4.50 RR after spending the $4 I have (which two other stores would not let me do in the past. which is why I was thinking of giving up on RR).
Went to the other register with the Fusion Bonus Pack and one Halloween pencil as filler (RR counts as a manq, must have two items with two manq). Spent my $4.50 RR and used a $4 coupon on the razor. Earned $4 RR.
Did both transactions a second time.
Total? $3.70 cash Plus I still have a $4 RR and coupons to do the TB and razor once more each, leaving me with $4 RR still! These razor bonus packs are perfect for donating, because they have the shave gel and a shampoo. Perfect!

The absolute haul was K-Mart. I gathered my coupons and went in ready for deals. It was just like any other K-Mart. HUGE parking lot with maybe 10 cars. Are they like this across the nation? Because around here they are ALWAYS empty. I found everything I wanted and then some, and tonight have more ideas and coupons of things to go back for. Limit 4 on one item, so I need to go back for more Propel for Matt anyway.
All coupons listed below are then doubled!
Gillette Shampoo: $4 with $2 coupon, 2 FREE
Sunsilk Shampoo and Stylers: $3 with $1.50 coupon, 4 FREE
Pert Shampoo: $2.99 with $1.50 coupon, 2 FREE
Beneful Dog Treats: $4.99 with $2 coupon, $.99 (Christmas gift for FIL's dog)
Glade Carpet Powder: $2.19 with $1 coupon, $.19 (been waiting for a good deal on this!)
Propel: $1 with $.50 coupon, 4 FREE
Ice Breakers Gum: $1.09 each, $1/2 coupon, 4 FREE
Total: $3.55 cash YES!!!

Note to those with coupons like the $1/2...the way K-Mart's register is set up is spiffy for these doubles, but this coupon gave me trouble. Because the item is only $1.09, the coupon only doubled to $.09. But it requires two items to use. Thankfully the service desk guy was just like, whatever, what do I owe you? Gave me my $1.82 back and I was on my merry way.

But my mom bought Halloween candy using $1/2 coupon, but it doubled correctly because a single item is $2. So watch your doubles carefully!

I hope I explained things well enough ;) and I hope I don't bore you knitters out there that don't do my shopping style. But I know I have inspired at least one person to do this. Yay!

Dolman Top Progress

Well, Here we have the finished back (rectangle piece), front (rectangle topped with a triangle), and the start of the sleeve (cuff to cuff).











I am a teensy bit worried about the front piece. I think I decreased too tightly, and I'm hoping it doesn't pose an issue when seaming. We shall see. I am thoroughly enjoying this knit, and skein #2 is NOT rubbing off on my fingers, which is a relief. I have a wish of wearing this to a special work meeting on October 30th, so cross your fingers! Hubby says I can do it

Walgreens for Christmas gifts

So last Friday I went to Walgreens, it being the "double dip days" where the rebate books (which include store coupons) for September AND October were working. I got some things to use as gifts (Pretty Glade candles) and the Trick-or-Treat candy. We live in an apartment that seems to have very few children. It was rather disappointing last year, so bought small bags of things we would eat anyway.






Glade Oil Candles: $5.99 -$2 IVC -$2 manq -$2 rebate = -$.84 for 4
Hershey's Harvest Bags: $2.50 -$.50 IVC -$5 rebate on 4 bags = $2.50 for 4
Rimmel Foundation and L'Oreal cleansing cloths: FAR so -$2.55 for both after rebate bonus
Glade Gel Refills: $1.99 -$1 manq -$1 rebate = -$.66 for 6
Glade Jar Candles: $2.99 -$1 manq -$1 rebate = $3.56 for 4
Halloween Pencil $.10 as filler for coupons
Used $5/$20 store coupon (after all other coupons)
Totals: $40.57 on gift card after $15 in store coupons and $19 in manufacturer's coupons, earned $42.33 rebate.

I also took a quick trip there yesterday to do some RR deals...Might go tonight to see if I can "roll" one into the other. Some people have success, but I've yet to do that at 'my' stores.





Gilette Fusion BONUS pack! $8.99 -$4 manq, earn $4 RR
Gilette Shampoo: 2/$10 -$2 manq x2 -$5 rebate = $.50 for 2
Trident Gum: $1.19 BOGO with in-ad coupon, $.55 manq x4 = $.18 for 4
Oral-B toothbrush: $4.49 -$.75 manq earn $4.50 RR
Halloween Pencil as filler $.20
Totals: $7.26 on gift card (all gone!) $5.77 cash. Used $2.87 store coupons and $6.20 manufacturer's coupons, earning $8.50 RR (spent $4.50) and $5.50 rebate.

Now that I used up my GC though, debating on buying anything more. It's like an addiction, I guess. I bulked up on groceries the past few weeks, so we made a pact to only buy essentials for the next three weeks (milk, bread, eggs, yogurt, lunchmeat, cheese, produce). The point is to save money this month, and also eat what is on hand (which is a lot) but then of course a little part of my mind is saying "so you can afford a few bucks at Walgreens!" Because if I can "roll" my RRs, I can get more razors (hopefully the bonus packs) as gifts, and more toothbrushes. But I dunno...oh well. Tie me down! LOL

Actually, you can still shop at the grocery store

I just don't shop at the major/national grocery stores as they are just too expensive. I find Dominick's to be absolutely ridiculous, and Jewel less so. But when I read about the $10 Catalina when you buy $25 of GM/BC foods, I was intrigued...then I saw online that buying three boxes of BC fruit snacks gave you a $1.50 Catalina on top of the $10! Then I realized that the "Meal Deal," which isn't usually that great, WAS because I had a coupon on the items! (Granted today they have $2 off the Stouffer's on my Avenu, the stinkers)






Transaction #1

Progresso x6
BC Brownie
BC Cake mix
BC Cookie Mix
Fruit Snacks x3
Fiber One Toaster Pastries
Cheerios x2
Those got me my coupons for my next order
Also go the Mac n Cheese and V05 with their "Super Coupons" when you spend $20.

Used $5.20 manufacturer's coupons. Spent $20.72 cash and earned $11.50 in coupons for my next order.

Transaction #2

Found a display of Glade Scented Oil Refills that had coupons on them proclaiming "FREE" and the sale price matched the coupon max for once! Bought four of those to go with the holders I got at Walgreens this month...
Two of the new V8 soup since it sounds delish (Sweet Red Pepper and a Southwest Corn): 2/$5 used 2 $1 manq

The Meal Deal:
Buy Stouffers, Bread, and Salad and get Dressing and Nuts free ($6 value)
Stouffers: $8.99 -$1
Bread: $2 -$2 FREE coupon from a survey on a reciept
Salad: $2.99 -$.75
Dressing: $2.99 -$1
Almonds: $2.99 - $.55 (coupon on package! Great since it was the only item I didn't have one for)
-$6 Meal Deal Coupon
Total for Meal Deal: $8.66 which is GREAT!
Total for this transaction: $2.87 cash, $8 store coupons, $25.26 manq, $11.50 Catalina

Jewel Total: Spent $23.59 for items valued at $103.77

Thanks, Jewel. I called my mom when I got in the car and just laughed when she answered. "What now?" "I just robbed Jewel"

HAHA

New Clothes

I actually found a good deal on clothes:




Sears had some great clearance items a couple weeks back.
Retail value: $126
Paid: $14.96 plus $7.50 shipping
That's about 89% off the retail price (who pays full price for clothing at any store? c'mon!). Even with shipping, it's an average of $5.60 per piece. Not too shabby since I can always use a few new shirts.

Yay for Target!

Sometimes you really luck out at Target. Always be sure to browse the clearance end caps! I know where each one is located, generally a couple in each department. This time I got a steal in health/beauty.

I did go for cat litter, which we needed, the rest was for deals!




Tidy Cat $11.59 $1 manq
Totinos $1.44x4 $1 manq x4 = $1.76 for 4
Buitoni $1.77x2 $1manq x2 $1 storeq x2 = -$.46 for 2
Garnier Fructis $1.48 x3 $1 manq x3 = $1.44 for 6 or $.24 for each!
Green Giant Steamers $1.88 x2 $1 manq x2 $1/2 storeq = $.76 for 2
Totals: Used a gift card we got as an actual gift for $8.93, paid $7.70 cash
Used $12 manq $3 storeq
So that picture cost me $5.14 with tax. Craziness.

Slow week at CVS

Wasn't feelin' it this week, I guess. Just bought the 'free' things:




Nivea $4.99 $1 manq earn $4.99 ECB
Adidas $4.99 $1 manq earn $4 ECB
Colgate $2.99x2 $.75 manq x2 earn $2 ECB x2
Q tips as a filler item
Totals: $1.29 gift card. Spent $12 ECB and earned $12.99

CVS Last Week

CVS e-mailed me a $5/$30 coupon, which I have been waiting for! I buy the travel size Schick razors to donate, because they are $.99 and I can use the $2 coupon to buy 2 packs at a time for free (just tax). So those buffered my total, but I bought enough stuff anyway. This is one of my biggest orders yet! Also, I was able to scan my card 4 times for a total of 10 CRTs!






Purex $2.99 $.50 manq on each, earn $1 ECB on each = $2.49 each (Not bad, considering SALE at the grocery store is $4.79!!)
Aleve Sinus $3.99 $1.00 manq earn $3 ECB
Excedrin $3.99 $1.00 CRT earn $3.99 ECB
Revlon nail polish $4.79 BOGO, $2 manq x2 = $.79 for both
Peppercorns $.88 since I needed them
Johnson's Buddies $1.19 each $3/3 manq = $.57 for 3 (not the best, but going to Target tomorrow for cheaper ones)
Hershey's Bars $.99 each, buy 2 get $1 ECB
13 packs of razors at $.99, $12 in coupons, $.87 for all

Totals: $1.08 on gift card, used $14.99 ECB and earned $11.99 ECB. Had $6 in CVS coupons and $21.50 in manufacturer's coupons.
Value of items: $63.85

Tell me, what other store lets you leave with $63.85 worth of goods for $1.08?? Yeah.

That was Friday. Going today for some of this week's "free" after bucks things, along with my coupons to recoup. Love this place!

Knitting...with actual photos!

Yes, it is true. I would have updated yesterday except, silly me, first time using a USB cable with a camera...thought I could bypass the whole transferring pics from SD to flash at home so I can upload here at work. But I plugged it in, and realized that duh...the photos are on the SD card so trying to read the internal memory doesn't do a lick of good. So here we are...





Yeah, about 2 more inches were done last night before choir practice. Lots o free time on Wednesdays! This is the back of the Dolman Top from Knit So Fine.

Close up of the pretty colors. Except the concentration of black dye in the yarn means the stripes on my fingers from where I wrap the yarn is par for the course. Alas.

And this is what makes knitting completely worth it. Joy on children's faces. Happy 2nd Birthday!

Deals of the Week

Yay for Walgreens! This month has been quite exceptional. Granted, I've been spending cash, but that counts as groceries, and I then turn around and buy more things we need with the gift card, so it all evens out.

Transaction #1:
Softsoap $2.99 $2.00 in-ad coupon x2 = $.99 each
Colgate $2.99 $2.00 in-ad coupon $1 manq x2 = -$.01 each
Trident $1.49 $.50 store coupon $.75 manq = $.24
Lypsol lib balm Honeyberry $1.99 FAR this month = -$.20 after rebate

Transaction #2:
Glade Plug-ins $1.99 x4 BOGO manq x2 $1 rebate on each = -$.42 after rebate
Reese's on clearance for $.40

Totals: Used $8.50 in store coupons, $6.73 in manufacturer's coupons, spent $6 RR. Paid $4.18 cash to earn $6.59 on rebates

Softsoap was bought to even out # of items with # of coupons (a pain at Walgreens) and Reese's bought on a miscalculation. Still good deals. If I had had the Glade coupons on me during the 1st trans, could have bought it all at once and NOT bought the Softsoap, which we don't need, but will use.

Monthly Totals: $52.55 in total coupons used, $26 of RR, spent $14.70 on my gift card, and $17.89 cash to earn $52.28 back on my rebates.

Looking forward to a CVS trip tomorrow. They sent me a $5/$30 today, which may not sound good, but when I use things that are free with manq to bulk up to $30, it helps out. Yay!

A Knitting Update

Today I am home sick, so I will take a bit of time to knit on my Lace Leaf Pullover (all Ravelry links). I'm posting from the library at the moment (yes, home sick means I can run to the grocery store and the library. We need veggies) and I checked my account and Knit So Fine is ready to be picked up, which means I can get ready to knit my next project, but not until I finish Lace Leaf. I'm going to knit the Dolman Top which is the only project that jumped out of the book and said I needed to make it. I bought yarn at Stitches and am all set, Blue Moon Fiber Arts' Seduction in Obsidian. Very exciting to knit a "higher end" top...since the yarn was so costly and Matt was like, "how much???" "but it was half off! and I have been so good using yarn from my stash!" "okay..."

I need to plan a baby project for a baby coming in December to a couple who have had such difficulty getting to this stage. I don't think they're finding out ahead, so I'm thinking blanket as I don't think I have any yarn to make a unisex sweater.

Pics soon, promise! The pics of Lace Leaf WIP is not flattering due to the construction. heh.

Weekly Trips, Part 2

Yesterday I stopped at 4 Walgreens in total, making three purchases, and one totally failed attempt that made me think sometimes it is more trouble than it is worth. But in the end, I had a really nice cashier who was impressed by my shopping.

I printed $3/1 coupons for Robitussin. Went to the store, bought three bottles for $3.99 each, earned a $10 coupon on my next order. Did that a second time at another store. Turned around and used my $10 to buy Crest toothpaste ($3.79) and a water pitcher filter ($6.99) both of which are FAR this month, so I paid with a coupon to get money back on the rebate ($11.86).
Totals: Spent $8.42 from my gift card, earned $20 RR and $11.86 on my gift card. It's almost too good to be true.

(I didn't take a photo as I gave out the Robitussin to moms at church, since who doesn't need a bottle of cough syrup? kept just one for ourselves...so the picture would be empty...hehe)

The first store I shopped at, usually the friendliest people, argued with my about the RR not printing, etc. Saying that the manufacturer is paying for the RR so DUH they won't print an RR if I use coupons...riiiight. So why'd the manufacturer give me coupons, hmm?

One more trip today...I still have $14 RR to use. Some people are allowed to use one manufacturer's RR to pay for a deal that prints an RR from a different company, but not my stores. So I have to buy other things. I'm planning on a shampoo and chapstick that are both FAR, and also Kleenex that I desperately need.

Yay shopping! I love providing for our needs, so that we don't run out of something essential like shampoo and have to run out for a bottle. I also have an abundance to donate, which I really like. We have always donated items, time and money in the past, but we'd never be able to give so much if I didn't take the time to shop like this!

Updating Blog

Bear with me as I make changes...although I will miss the column on each side (thanks for all the hard work, Trevor!) this is much cleaner...will add links and such later on. Any thoughts?

Weekly Trips, Part 1

I really like sharing my deals...some decent ones so far this week. Looking ahead excites me...some great deals later in the month at Walgreens.



First stop, CVS...
Right Guard Deodorant: $2.99, earn $2 ECB, manq $1x5
ACT mouthwash: $4.49, earn $2 ECB, manq $1
Colgate toothbrush: $1.99 BOGO, manq $1x2
Schick razors: $.99, manq $2x2
Totals: Spent $2 on gift card, used $11.78 ECB, earned $12 ECB

Next stop, Walgreens...beautiful day for a walk. Even needed a windbreaker!
Dove Bars: in-ad coupon to make them 2/$3, IVC (coupn in rebate book) for $1/2 and manq $1x2 =FREE
Excedrin: $3.99 FAR (we need it anyway)
Benadryl: $3.99, manq $1x3, earn $4 RR (printed coupon for next time)
Totals: Paid $13.28 cash for things we basically need (desperate need of Benadryl!), earn $4RR and $4.39 rebte on gift card.

Here's how I store my coupons...mostly working. Need to reorganize a coupe categories, maybe laminate the dividers next time. Also, need to remove many expired General Mills coupons and keep them elsewhere. Really hoping for another amazing General Mills deal at Jewel. (Remember, the 60 boxes of things for $14? yeah)

And here's Jack hiding from the vacuum. Sometimes you can't find him, even if you aren't vacuuming...then you see a tail sticking out of the blinds...haha

Simple Amusement

I know that some of you like my "frugal shopping" posts, so here's yesterday's deals:

At CVS I got:
2 Colgate $2.99x2 -$1.50 manq x2 earned $4 ECB
5 packs of cashews $.79x5 -$2 CVS coupon x2
2 Dasani water $1.49x2 earned $1 ECB

So I spent a $5.79 ECB I had, $.46 on a gift card, and earned $5 ECB for next time. Not too bad!

Then I went to Target. I added it up afterwards, and realized I had $25 in coupons. I saved more than I spent, and have lots of lunches to bring to work for the upcoming cold weather since I really like a warm lunch those types of days.

Steak (Boneless Chuck..they look nice!) $3.25 and $3.73, $2 store coupon on each $2.98 for both
Butoni Pasta $3.14 each. $1 store AND $1 man. q on each. $2.28 for both
Del Monte Harvest Selections (yummy, 2 veggie servings each) $2.49 each, BOGO coupon x2, $4.98 for 4
Easy Mac individual serving bowls $.70 each, $1/2 man. q x3, $1.20 for 6
Archer Farms Trail Mix, sale for $.80 each, $.50 store coupon on each $.60 for both
Glade Plug-ins Oil Warmers, $3.94 each, two $4 man. q, -$.12 for both
Total with tax: $12.94 That's crazy good, in my book. 10 lunches, 2 steaks, 2 pasta meals? Craziness.

Oh yeah, the amusement? I send for lots of free product samples. Every so often it'll be for a men's deodorant or body wash, etc, so I put Matt's name on them so he gets some mail ;) Well, got home late Tuesday night and had a package slip. Matt worked later Wednesday, so he was able to go to the office to see what it was. We weren't expecting a package, so it was a surprise. He calls me up at work to let me know what it was...I answer, he says, with this little upset/incredulous voice, and I'm totally picturing his face...



"it's a roll. of. toilet. paper."

I bust out laughing.

"In your name, huh?"

I had totally forgotten I sent this in his name. But seriously, who could resist a free roll of toilet paper, especially when it brings such joy? I about died laughing. Made my entire day.

Now, off to a big meeting, then the airport for Toronto for work. Back tomorrow. Super busy next four days!!

Stitches!

I had the opportunity to go to Stitches Midwest with jpknits. We had a GRAND time! Except she is just the WORST enabler. ugh.

We got samples:



And cherry tree hill:


I bought 4 skeins:

To make the Dolman Top from Knit So Fine

and 10 skeins:

to hopefully make the Lace Leaf Pullover from Loop-d-Loop. Not sure it will be quite enough yarn for the medium. But it's a quick knit and if I run out, maybe someone at Rav has some...I don't think it's an old color. We shall see

Two skeins of mystery silk, maybe 160 yds each, but only $3


Also finally finished these projects:




And that's about it. Yay for finally having Photos!

oh the joys of Fed Ex

Go figure this one out...

A customer from the UK needed some books urgently, and it was getting late last week Wednesday afternoon. I said we'd do our best and according to the FedEx website, even if we shipped it that late in the day it was still considered "today" and would arrive there Friday...because if we shipped Thursday it wouldn't arrive til Monday which was too late for them to use the book.

So I work with our recptionist to fill out all the airbills and make copies of invoices, etc. Then I sit back and watch the tracking online.

They arrived at Fed Ex at 7pm Wednesday.

They got to my customer at noon (6am here) Friday.

Yes, you did the math right. 35 hours, door-to-door.

Then last Friday I mail out Ceci's package containing Gianna's "welcome to the world" gift. The Fed Ex site says it will arrive Monday.

Monday comes, and the tracking online says "couldn't find recipient." uh, say what? I've sent things to her home before. So Ceci calls Fed Ex on Tuesday, and they will deliver it they say....

Tuesday, the Fed Ex site says that "no delivery attempted due to weather." Okay, this is Texas. What sort of weather would this be??

FINALLY, today, Wednesday, it was left on her doorstep at 3:30pm.

120 hours. to TEXAS. $5
36 hours. to the UK. $279

I guess this is one of those cases where you get what you pay for.

HAHA

How I get my deals

So I thought I'd share some info because I know some of my knitting friends have been interested in the stuff I get for amazing prices.

It started with the Money Saving Mom and I went to two other bloggers who have since stopped blogging (haha)

I also check Hot Coupon World, a forum where I can figure out what to buy at CVS and Walgreens.

And today I stumbled upon a really funny post here. Which led me to subscribe to that blog as well, where I saw this post and sure, I'll enter ;)

These blogs also clue me in to deals at McDonald's, Starbucks and the like, so I can enjoy the extra things in life that I don't always get...

So enjoy!

One more update...

Soooo yesterday I finished the turtle except to embroider the eyes. Hopefully tonight I can finish sewing on Norberta's arms so I can embroider that, too. All my embroidery floss is at my mom's, so I'll be picking some of that up tomorrow. This means I should be able to upload pics as well, either Saturday or Monday. whew. Cast off Matt's sock #1 and cast on sock #2, so yay there!

Getting ready for Stitches Midwest next week! Along with JPKnits and CelticCoyote. woot woot!

Ravelympic Update

Yes, sorry...slow on the updates. Because I'm so busy knitting? Plus it's dull since photos are difficult to upload...I am trying to remember if my camera has a cable or not, which would make things easier.....

Anywho, here's what's up.

Turtle - Body is completed (sewn and stuffed). Casting on shell now on lunch break.

Dragon - Body assembled and stuffed. Legs stuffed. Need to sew on legs and wings, then do embroidery.

Matt's Socks - On cuff of sock #1. whew. He also works late two nights this week, so I can work on them undetected ;)

Vest - haven't touched. just need ends, buttons, blocking.

My socks - pretty much back-burnered. Not really a contender.

That's about it! Must finish errands and chores before Olympics are on tonight because it's women's gymnastics!!

(on my wish-list: a DPN holder. one of those fabric rolls...I should be able to make my own, however....)

The Olypmics

I just LOVE the Olympics! And of course I will be at VBS during opening ceremonies...phooey. Except I get to play with my favorite babies all week, so that's great.

Anywho, I put all my Ravelry WIPS into the "Ravelympics" just so I get some stuff done...my socks in the sock event, two stuffed animals in the gift event, and two UFOs...a vest that needs ends, buttons and blocking, and Matt's socks, the first of which is near the cuff already.

Hopefully I get stuff done..and pics later this week when my KnitPicks order arrives

photo-less

I have about an inch to go until I do the heel on my sock!

Of course when I showed Matt my lovely sock he asked "what about my sock?" so I countered that he wouldn't wear it until winter with jeans and he said indeed he would wear them now with his navy dress pants!

Those will be next up...while I wait for my KnitPicks order to arrive...two of my coworkers paid for the yarn to make Norberta and Sheldon from Knitty for our co-workers' son who is turning two next month. Gotta knit fast!!

Yay kitty! and Knitty!

Knitting camp was LOADS of fun. Now planning to attend stitches with Heather (CelticCoyote) and hopefully JPKnits.

I brought home more yarn than I brought to swap, plus we made that field trip to the yarn store....hehe

Gratuitous cat shot:




Love my kitty! We threw his little catnip mousy in the bag and he was off!




He just so BIG!




That's about it...our camping got my knitting mojo back. Some progress:







The best photo I could get of the stitch markers seiding made:




That's about it! Now to go knit whilst laundry goes...

A (rare) update

Hey y'all.

Sometimes I wonder what to blog here (and obviously not do anything about it) seeing as I have so many different groups of friends here on the internet. I could do the health/weight-loss thing, the knitting/crocheting/spinning thing, the church friends, the...everyone else.

So anyway, the CVS trips are continuing to go well, and Walgreens is looking pretty good for next month. We have a HUGE bag to take to Hesed House, and there are some things I don't think they have need for that I will drop off at Harvest. I like stocking up on things for myself (shampoo...I was definitely running low!) for FREE and getting more free stuff for others to use. Seriously, I spent cash to start-up at Walgreens, but at CVS I have spent $0 cash (using gift cards I got from transferring prescriptions) and received well over $500 in merchandise. It's crazy what they let you "get away with."

As for crafts, I crocheted this beautiful gift for a wee little baby girl who will be born next month. I can't share right now, so that the mommy doesn't see it! So excited. Just need to finish weaving ends and locate some buttons. Better hurry!

And next week I'm going up to Wisconsin for a fun few days of knitting and such..thanks to Elizabeth for planning it all...definitely looking forward to it since Matt will be out of town all week...*sniff* haha. party? Just me and the kitty, sitting at home. meow!

I also now joined Plurk. C'mon, see what it is HERE. I suppose it will be fun for a while and then I'll forget to check it. But then you lose Karma points. tricky!

Guess that's as much of an update as we need for now. Maybe I should do some actual work....

A CVS trip

Sooooo...yesterday in my e-mail I found a $5/$25 at CVS coupon. I was already planning on going there, but it made it even sweeter.

I purchased two blood glucose monitors (which I will donate...) and some razor blades that I actually needed. After my coupons, I spent $.54, from a gift card. I then received $26.00 in ECB (CVS dollars) for a future purchase.

Sometimes I wonder if these stores make any money...Then again, CVS can't be giving away too many things seeing as they only stock the shelves once a week. So they are limiting how much people buy in that sense...tricksters.

I now hold $47.95 in free CVS money. It's crazy. Considering I have spent zero cash thus far. How long can I go? ;)

Super Savings!

Even though I worked there for eight years, it is not my favorite place to shop. A lot of times the workers aren't friendly, they are out of many things, and the prices are high.

But this week they have a lot of General Mills things for 10/$10 if you buy a multiple of 10. Jewel also has automatic savings tied to your card if you check them online before you shop. My weekly deal was $1/1 Cinnamon Toast Crunch limit 2 per order and $1/1 Fiber One bars limit 2 per order. Then on two days I had $2/2 Pop Secret limit 6 deals.

I first bought 20 items for myself, costing about $6 after auto coupons and coupons from the papers.

Then we went back on Monday and bought 50 items, in 5 transactions with all the coupons I could find. We spent $13.78 on this:






After I took that picture, I went back on Tuesday morning because Matt was sick and needed 7-up and Jello, and got 10 more completely free with auto-savings items, plus a $1 coupon, meaning I spent -.77 for those 10, bringing my total for 60 items to $13.01 or $.22 per item!

14 cereal
12 popcorn
33 granola bars
1 chex mix

We kept only a few things out of these 60. The rest are going to a food bank. It's crazy when the stores want to give things away!

Also, gratuitous kitty pic:

Earn $25 Free

Yes, it really does work.




If you click here, and sign up (it's a financial site, so they require your SSN) but you don't even need to link it to a bank account I don't think...but I get $10 if you use my link, and you get $25 within minutes of signing up, no joke. Then you can refer your friends. Let's all make some money :)

The kitteh!

He came to us with the name of Penguin, and Matt decided he is now Jack. Our pretty kitty! He's 10 and just unbelievably sweet and good-mannered. Here are some pics for now. (Matt needs to take pics of my newest knitting this weekend. So I maybe blog more than once a week, har har). Will wait for a sunny day to open the drapes and get amazing true-color photos because his eyes are an incredible green. We have no idea why someone left him at the shelter, sweet thing.

Sorry it took so long...

No excuses, really.

But we are thinking of getting a cat. I've been severely allergic to some cats in the past, but yesterday when I walked in the tiny room holding ten cats and played with one of them, I didn't suffer any adverse affects. Maybe one sneeze, but hey, that happens. We were looking here at Diva, a really calm and sweet calico. She seemed to like me, and would be good for our small apartment and the quietness of just the two of us. She used to live in a house with three kids, so she can tolerate a bit, I would imagine. Now we are waiting to be approved and call back to say when we can pick her up (they go to Petsmart on Sundays and Wednesdays). So tonight and tomorrow will be spent moving some furniture (we have so much....stuff. and we don't exactly like it. but we don't see too much we can easily get rid of. oh well) and making room for her things. But yay! my first pet. It's becoming exciting.

As for knitting...well, I think I will lose the space I was going to use to block my sweater. That's a pain...but hey. Kitty! And I can't leave my knitting out and about, at least at first. We'll have to see what all she gets herself into while we are out of the house. Need to see about how long we can leave her in a cage if needed, because it's difficult to train while not home, haha. And we don't want a cat in the bedroom at all, or else she could have easily stayed in there while we were at work...so it will take some thinking before we say for sure we want this kitty.

I have a vest that just needs blocking and buttons sewn. Also a sweater I really want to wear on Thursday for my birthday, but it needs 1.5 sleeves and blocking. But preliminary trials show it fits like a dream (yay!) So maybe I can knit a ton at lunch today and get it blocking before the cat shows up (happy birthday to me ;) )

That's about it...hopefully FO pics soon. and KITTY pics :)

oops. over a month

sorry..no pics today. quick post while at work.

-got a promotion! yay! i get a desk and a computer and everything! go me go.

-crocheted a scarf for my church secretary, since she gave me yarn she bought and never was able to really learn to knit so i surprised her by returning the yarn in the form of a scarf.

-halfway done with my Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace shawl. want to wear it in two weeks, hmm...

-crocheted a baby sweater (so cute!) for a girl from church. shower in a few weeks i think...

happy turkey!

My Wedding Photos!

Of course it is free to look, so enjoy!

To view the photos:

Click on the link provided at the bottom of this page - which will take you to the Michael Candid website.
Then go to the "Order Online" page, open it and click the "View Event" button.
When the new window opens, fill in the following name and password information:

User Name: Thomas

Password: 5632

Fill In Your Email Address and your first name, then just sit back and click to view the special event!

http://www.michaelcandid.com