Saturday, January 23, 2010

CVS 1/19 and 1/22

I made two trips to CVS this week. I didn't intend to but that is what happens when you mess up on the first trip. LOL The picture above is from the first trip on the 19th after my big Publix trip.

2 bags of M&Ms
2 4-pks of Starbucks drinks
2 Pantene conditioners
2 bags of Lays chips
4 Oust spray
2 Gatorade G2
1 Sobe Lifewater
1 CVA GreenBagTag

I used a $3 coupon for the Pantene and 2 BOGO free coupons for the Oust. I forgot about the 2 50cent coupons for the G2s.

My total was 41.70 *yikes* and since I hadn't been shopping at CVS in FOREVAH, had no ECBs. So paid that much.

I got back $2; $2; $12 in ECBs--notice I did not get the $10 ECB for the Pepsi products. Apparently I miscalculated because my receipt showed that I only purchased 18.25 for it. *shaking head*

So my 2nd trip to CVS this week was (no picture): 3 Sobe Lifewaters and 1 pk of CVS Cottonballs (we needed). Total was 7.73 and I got back $1; $10 in ECBs.

For the week I got back 27.00 back in ECBs. All ready to get started for another week.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Jumping Back In With Both Feet!

I did it. I sat this morning while the boys were doing school and sorted through deals, print outs and coupons. Then after lunch, I headed out to Publix. As I said before, I haven't been deal/coupon shopping in several months. I knew I needed to just jump right back in. I didn't want to just mosey back into couponing because I knew I would get lazy again. So today, I went to Publix. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Publix!! I especially love that my Publix doubles coupons! And I also love that most of the BOGO free things are right by the door in bins just waiting for me. That cuts down on my shopping time so much!

Look at all that stuff on the table! And can you believe that I spent less than $60 for all of it??? So what did I get?

4 boxes of Frosted Flakes
4 boxes of Rice Krispies
2 boxes of Fruit Loops
2 boxes of Apple Jacks
12 cans of Progresso soup (my husband takes these in his lunch and especially likes the vegetarian kind for Lent which is coming quickly)
4 bottles of V-8 Splash
2 boxes of Chewy Granola Bars
2 boxes of Popsecret microwave popcorn
2 2-pks of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spread
2 pks of Lender's Bagels
4 cans of Planters Mixed nuts
4 boxes of Cheese-its
2 jars of Hellman's Mayo
1 bottle of Fantastick cleaner
and...
13 boxes of Betty Crocker fruit snacks

My total before any coupons or discounts was 186.30
I saved 91.32 in advertised specials (BOGO)
I used 35.60 in coupons (including those that doubled)

A total savings of 126.92 or 68%

I paid 59.38 OOP.

I took my 13yo and 11yo with me. The 11yo had never been to Publix before (I usually take the girls) so I was explaining to him that we could watch on the screen. I told him that my goal was to have my savings be a LOT bigger than the balance side. The cashier said, "This is the fun part!" as she started ringing my coupons. We kept watching as the savings got bigger and the total due got smaller. When it was all said and done the cashier, Tammie, said, "That's how you shop! You need to learn from your mama!" Then without missing a beat she lifted her hand to me and said, "THAT deserves a high-five!!" LOL Never have I had a cashier high five me before but that was pretty cool. LOL As I was leaving she said to the lady behind me, "That woman is proof that coupons work if you know how to use them!"

I knew I wanted to jump in with both feet and I am so glad I did! I came out of there with such a savers high (only a dedicated shopper would understand that LOL) that I said, "OK guys, we are headed to CVS!" LOL

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Wow! It has been a long time since I have updated here. I apologize for my absence. I kind of fell off the saving, coupon, blogging bandwagon a while ago and I am just now getting back on it.

I was trying to think what did it for me. Was I tired of saving money? Tired of shopping? Just plain lame? I think the kicker was when my little boys, or rather ONE of my little boys, lost my key chain with ALL my loyalty cards on it. We searched and searched and could not find it. I kept putting off canceling all of them or getting new ones issued because I KNEW it would turn up...some day. Guess what? It did, 4 months later. It was under the boys' bed, just like I knew it was. I was so happy to see those little plastic tags!

But even finding that didn't make me jump up and start deal hunting again. I think that maybe I just needed a break. I had several things happen during those months of non-saving. And when I say "non-saving" I mean, I didn't cut any coupons. I didn't read deal sites. I didn't even save the ads on Sundays to make out scenarios.

As the new year approached, I made the decision to get my coupons back in order first. I was saving inserts but hadn't cut and filed in 2-3 months. And my box was full of expireds. Each week, I would go to the grocery store and get disgusted that I didn't have any coupons for a sale and also disgusted to see how high my bill was getting.

One week as I entered the store, I looked at my girls and said, "This is the LAST week I shop with no coupons!" And that was that. I got my coupons cleaned out, new ones cut and filed. I sat with my sale papers and made my list. I was happy to see my total below $100 for the first time in MONTHS.

I haven't jumped back into CVS'ing or Walgreens yet but need to--our toothpaste stockpile is dwindling. LOL

Hopefully in the coming weeks and months, I can bore you with my shopping trips and deal shopping. I might even throw in some funny or thought provoking posts now and then.