tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4681505692654660722024-02-19T11:26:39.574-05:00Freeze This Moment...a little bit longerRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-79070613125996418482013-05-17T16:17:00.002-04:002013-05-17T16:17:59.557-04:00testingtestingRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-27362269125339796082013-01-19T22:14:00.000-05:002013-01-19T22:14:03.340-05:00Saving at CVS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3ZrogJwUULKnI1Bg8B-YYLknueNlH7hxInlDIG7_3iiJs5DW8tIAbG-347pFpRAMZvYyx9_oxa3172WVXYv-fVtDW_43YvkZO1cm5O3gpu93Sas9-QG4k8mhQZSLXLkUr_CdwOBOl9M/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3ZrogJwUULKnI1Bg8B-YYLknueNlH7hxInlDIG7_3iiJs5DW8tIAbG-347pFpRAMZvYyx9_oxa3172WVXYv-fVtDW_43YvkZO1cm5O3gpu93Sas9-QG4k8mhQZSLXLkUr_CdwOBOl9M/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I finally managed to get to CVS to pick up a decent deal---a blog-worthy deal. And we needed all that I bought so that makes it nice. I had actually said earlier this week that I needed a good shampoo deal. We are down to about six bottles but they are all a brand that tangles my husband's locks so he doesn't like to use it so I knew that I was going to need to get something different.<br />
<br />
I broke this into two transactions (at two different CVS stores):<br />
<br />
<u><b>Transaction #1</b></u><br />
5 bottles of Tide detergent (5.94/each)<br />
1 bottle of Dawn (99 cents)<br />
<br />
Both items were part of the Spend $30 get $10 CVS Cash card<br />
<br />
Total before coupons 30.69<br />
Used 7.25 in coupons and 14.50 in ECBs<br />
<br />
Total : 8.94 (+2.04 tax)=10.98 out of pocket<br />
Got back $10 cash card.<br />
<br />
So really my total was 98 cents.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Transaction #2</b></u><br />
4 bottles of Pantene shampoo (3.50/each)<br />
2 lg bottles of Powerade (1.25/each)<br />
2 Vitamin Water (1.25/each)<br />
5 Dawn dish soap (99 cents/each)<br />
2 Always Infinity pads (6.99/each)<br />
<br />
Total before coupons: 37.75<br />
Used 11.25 in coupons plus a $4 off $20 that was loaded on my card<br />
<br />
Total 24.88 (including tax)<br />
After using my $10 CVS cash card my total out of pocket was 14.88 but I got another 10.00 card back for spending another $30.<br />
<br />
Total for all pictured: 5.86---that's about how much you pay for one bottle of Tide.<br />
<br />
<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-17252523554200937632012-12-29T20:03:00.000-05:002012-12-29T20:03:06.142-05:00I resolve....<div style="text-align: center;">
to update my blog more in 2013.....</div>
Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-80391785642000178832012-09-22T23:14:00.000-04:002012-09-22T23:14:29.314-04:00Home Organization 101Two weeks ago, I found a blog through pinterest called, <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a>. I am always on the search for ways to make better use of my time. I hate reinventing the wheel each time I get the "organization bug" but that is what I usually do. I spent the last several months looking for home management binders, cleaning plans, etc etc etc. When I found this blog, I found the Home Organization 101 Challenge! I really thought that it was something that I could do.<br />
<br />
The challenge lasts 14 weeks. Each week Toni posts a new room to clean and declutter. One room a week? Yes, I can do this. I signed up on the tail-end of Week One, the kitchen. Week Two was the garage (we don't have one). I should have done the kitchen that week but I had a lot of PTA duties to take care of---excuses, excuses.<br />
<br />
Last Saturday, Week Three was the pantry! Can I just say that for about a month I have been saying, "I need to clean out the pantry!" Since I have had the baby, I have been wanting to get back to my couponing ways. But I really needed to get the pantry cleaned out and organized. So this week was perfect for me. In typical form, I waited until the last day to get it done! But it is finally done!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6biTdHECinud4sfJg9vzxiBVHGpuJA6d1g5B22N-sRi3yT9WZz9y7scoRAXItitBkRvrWw2aZbU1D9zISkrfGBzBCnDvYoVPV5kxyNnvSzX78g7BWljHBPDfN0koQm9BdNIsdoHo5BHo/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6biTdHECinud4sfJg9vzxiBVHGpuJA6d1g5B22N-sRi3yT9WZz9y7scoRAXItitBkRvrWw2aZbU1D9zISkrfGBzBCnDvYoVPV5kxyNnvSzX78g7BWljHBPDfN0koQm9BdNIsdoHo5BHo/s320/010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This is before. Top shelf was cereal, cake mixes and dinner mixes.<br />
Second shelf: misc. stuff--basically the shelf that everything gets stuck on<br />
Third shelf: condiments, canned goods.<br />
Floor: chips, juice, jugs, and everything else.<br />
<br />
As you can see it really got out of hand. We were just shoving stuff in there where ever it would go. I didn't really know what we had in there. I took my <a href="http://justfiddlefartingaround.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">husband's</a> advice and put hands on every single item. Wow! I had food that had expired in 2008! I didn't know it had been THAT long since I really cleaned out the pantry. It took me several hours (like about 6 LOL) to get it done. In my defense, I have to stop every couple of hours to feed the baby. I also got interrupted several (read: a million) times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTvak38KmpLbZzXehT1YI3sUcSZOkg6zc1tVno1Cv_1TBLzXPROATNk2qBhpMMMQarfqdLfPXpy4CpLekqaZ27iqeGX5q9sVbj0dgEm5VNeiBxUqAVAAMGRsMrw2pS0l4zzaimG14ptg/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTvak38KmpLbZzXehT1YI3sUcSZOkg6zc1tVno1Cv_1TBLzXPROATNk2qBhpMMMQarfqdLfPXpy4CpLekqaZ27iqeGX5q9sVbj0dgEm5VNeiBxUqAVAAMGRsMrw2pS0l4zzaimG14ptg/s320/012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This is what it looks like now! WOOHOO! I rearranged things in a way that I think will be easier.<br />
<br />
The cake mixes are still on the top shelf. I moved my stockpiled stuff (ketchup, salad dressing, bbq sauce, etc) up there. On the second shelf is where I moved the cereal so that all the children can reach it. I also put all the pasta, rice, potato things here. The next shelf still has the canned goods along with bottles of vinegar and snack crackers. I tried to organize the floor a little better but it still looks crowded to me. I need some way to organize the chips. At least now they are neat. I will try to think and look for something I can use. There are bins down there too that hold our cookie mixes, popcorn, and baking things (chocolate chips, powdered sugar, etc).<br />
<br />
If you want to join in on the challenge, visit Toni over at <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a>. Week Four has been posted and it is The Office. I don't have an office *room* but I do have a filing cabinet and some hanging file folder boxes that need to be sorted.<br />
<br />
On a personal note, I will post an update-type post soon. It has been a long time since I have been around...<br />
<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-13152997641818608032011-11-01T09:37:00.001-04:002011-11-01T09:39:42.495-04:00CVS---Covergirl Money MakerI know I have not checked in for a while. Honestly, I have been busy with other stuff so my dealing and couponing have taken a side seat--not a back seat, just the side seat. But this deal at CVS was one I KNEW I could NOT pass up! Thanks to the <a href="http://coupon-wizards.com/" target="_blank">Coupon Wizards</a>, I got a great deal on make up that I don't recall reading about anywhere else. And thanks to <a href="http://www.insertinsanity.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank">Insert Insanity</a>, I had enough coupons to do the deal TWICE!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuQ-tWopl3DpyGxqtDZJMnpmvqYN8etPQGnmGVNMUnAg04Y2TcBNV-ApOEzjE9yLHwME8cJB9dQTUtV8qVgpdMiLsQKvpw2lXRx6JHidJzuJIhyTTc-JFqi9Fe-2LT3z60oluNmTH2xA/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuQ-tWopl3DpyGxqtDZJMnpmvqYN8etPQGnmGVNMUnAg04Y2TcBNV-ApOEzjE9yLHwME8cJB9dQTUtV8qVgpdMiLsQKvpw2lXRx6JHidJzuJIhyTTc-JFqi9Fe-2LT3z60oluNmTH2xA/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Covergirl items are buy one, get one 50% off this week and also part of the Buy $30 get $10 gift card. <br />
<br />
<br />
First transaction:<br />
1 Illy Coffee drink (not pictured)--on sale for 2.00<br />
2 Classic Blush (6.29 and 3.14)<br />
2 Cheek contour blush (6.29 and 3.14)<br />
2 single blush (4.89 and 2.44)<br />
2 single blush (4.89 and 2.44)<br />
<br />
I used (4) $8 off of 2 Covergirl face product coupons (P&G coupon--expired yesterday)<br />
FREE coupon for coffee drink from coupon machine (rang up as 2.49)<br />
I also used $1 ECB.<br />
<br />
<b>Total out of pocket: </b>2.44 (all tax)<br />
Got back $10 gift card (I chose the CVS one, duh!)<br />
<br />
Transaction #2:<br />
2 Simply Ageless Foundation (15.79 and 6.29)<br />
2 contour blush (6.29 and 3.14)<br />
4 single blush (2 @ 4.89 and 2 @ 2.44)<br />
<br />
Again used (4) $8 off of 2 Covergirl coupons<br />
Used 9.99 in ECBs (they were expiring yesterday)<br />
<br />
<b>Total out of pocket: </b>9.12 (5.78 subtotal; 3.34 tax)<br />
And got another $10 gift card.<br />
<br />
So my total out of pocket was 11.56 but I got $20 in gift cards so I made about $9 on this deal. I also have some stocking stuffers for Christmas.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-73683262251600294922011-08-02T18:37:00.000-04:002011-08-02T18:37:25.692-04:00Publix~~The Breakfast Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNbZlUZwjgq0_jfAXTlRXktsWAMWfTMAtCh8HLTb20l8XHF1L_O3HxV3ga5Mo5jjiNzr-t-SIuNlPZWk4x5N1pTrJRR8gU1yZnHtf1W2gh3najDSQRm_Oo0HDd_KD3q1L14yQ8nVLWs8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNbZlUZwjgq0_jfAXTlRXktsWAMWfTMAtCh8HLTb20l8XHF1L_O3HxV3ga5Mo5jjiNzr-t-SIuNlPZWk4x5N1pTrJRR8gU1yZnHtf1W2gh3najDSQRm_Oo0HDd_KD3q1L14yQ8nVLWs8/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
(sorry the picture is a little blurry...)<br />
<br />
Today I ran to Publix for just a few things. As you can see it is mostly breakfast type stuff.<br />
<br />
My haul today:<br />
4 boxes of Cheerios<br />
2 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios<br />
3 boxes of Frosted Flakes<br />
1 box of Apple Jacks<br />
1 box of Cocoa Krispies<br />
12 boxes of Poptarts<br />
10 boxes of GoGurt<br />
4 boxes of Whole Fruit frozen bars<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Cost before coupons/sales: 112.00</b><br />
<b>Savings: 82.84 (74%)</b><br />
<b>Total out of pocket: 29.16--That averages to about 79 cents per item. Not bad.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-58952051972201558872011-07-19T13:59:00.000-04:002011-07-19T13:59:14.288-04:00My Publix Trip~~7/19/11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObLPwF__uXsbu0QpKQ317CF6FpNXK0juyn63Ket5-Rc4Re1_iNmc72KkKI4suYZDZKVqvc8r8r7n9R9AVcF3qfSF33IBA-wUcZTNm7vFAGGaeZvtQxR9zRWZ4N4TYg8DuU70PZ4S29qg/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObLPwF__uXsbu0QpKQ317CF6FpNXK0juyn63Ket5-Rc4Re1_iNmc72KkKI4suYZDZKVqvc8r8r7n9R9AVcF3qfSF33IBA-wUcZTNm7vFAGGaeZvtQxR9zRWZ4N4TYg8DuU70PZ4S29qg/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Even though I was irritated, I did manage to find a few things today at Publix.<br />
<br />
4 Yoplait Smoothie mixes~1.60/each; $1 off coupon= .60 <br />
1 Noxema bikini shaver~2.99; $2 off coupon= .99<br />
2 Colgate toothpaste~1.35/each; 50 cent coupon (doubled to $1)= .35<br />
5 boxes of Mini-wheats~1.64/each; $5 off of 5 boxes coupon= .64<br />
4 boxes of Ritz Bits~1.59/each; $1 off 2 coupon= 1.09<br />
2 bags of Eight O'Clock coffee~3.42/each; $2 off 2 coupon= 2.42<br />
6 bottles of Hershey's syrup~90 cents each; $1 off 2 coupon= .40<br />
6 bags of Chex Mix~1.30/each; 50 cent coupond (doubled to $1)= .30<br />
2 boxes of jumbo shells (full price; no sale, no coupon *gasp*)~2.09<br />
2 pr of scissors~1.00; 1.00 off coupon=FREE<br />
3 pks of mechanical pencils~1.00/each; $1/2 coupon=2.00 for all three<br />
<br />
Total before: 102.95<br />
<br />
Total out of pocket: 26.51<br />
<br />
Total savings: 76.44 or 74%Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-29468292406632651052011-07-19T13:44:00.000-04:002011-07-19T13:44:45.050-04:00Rant from an Ol' Time Couponer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This past week, I have been looking around facebook at pictures of other people's deals that they get. I admit to being a little bit jealous but the more I looked around, the more irritated I got. I mean, 40 packs of pens at one time??? Hundreds of cans of pasta??? There is no reason for that...even if you ARE donating it. There are those of us couponing in an attempt to feed our families. If you are clearing shelves, SHAME ON YOU!<br />
<br />
My irritation grew when I ventured to Publix today with my modest list of deals to get. I found NO feta, NO Bugles, NO toothpaste!! Empty shelves. Then I see wandering through the aisles with her coupon binder in tow, a lady with at least 20 boxes of mini wheats--along with fruit snacks, coffee, and other things. (And yes, I did check to see if she had a bunch of bugles LOL).<br />
<br />
Don't get my wrong, I like a good deal as much as anybody. But there was a time when it was thrilling--like hunting. You would literally squeal in the aisles when you happened upon something great!<br />
<br />
I remember going to Target one day to see my favorite pricing lady, marking down toys in the big toy clearance to 75 percent and there being 3 full aisles worth!! Or walking to the holiday clearance and seeing candy left on the shelves when it hit 90 percent....or ANYTHING left at 90 percent. Now, people snatch that stuff up when it hits 30. Or how about the lists of secret stuff to look for hidden among the regular stuff.<br />
<br />
There was a time when you could go to CVS on a Friday evening and get everything that you painstakingly wrote up in your scenarios IN ORDER without trying to work on the fly because there was no more Herbal Essence.<br />
<br />
But not any more.<br />
<br />
I understand that times are tough and couponing is the latest fad for some people--especially with coupon classes on every corner and TLCs Extreme Coupon show, but something's gotta give. I have heard from many long time couponers that it almost isn't worth it anymore. I think it still is we just need to bide our time. Wait it out. Like legwarmers, parachute pants, and TAB--this fad will fade and we can again triumphantly walk into a store and find shelves and shelves of clearance just waiting for us to snatch it up and take it home....just wait it out....Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-69576090549790569302011-07-13T16:20:00.001-04:002011-07-13T16:20:36.281-04:00Look at what I got for less than $20...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOc09qGUQwFtxXpC-_EPthUgNW9-TFflZWIAcEQUeSJgXEoAVHPtRLrRHUj2r5d9cenbMkeZ3KGViGyjQZ-3zbnc6yIuNyoFGlWkw5wHrXbojOXPBcRdgzfm84BjlU-7xBNOTfwsT9Lo/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOc09qGUQwFtxXpC-_EPthUgNW9-TFflZWIAcEQUeSJgXEoAVHPtRLrRHUj2r5d9cenbMkeZ3KGViGyjQZ-3zbnc6yIuNyoFGlWkw5wHrXbojOXPBcRdgzfm84BjlU-7xBNOTfwsT9Lo/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I made a little trip to Publix yesterday. I really like those Luigi Italian Ice things and had great coupons so wanted to be sure that I got those. Not a huge trip but a good trip. Everything you see on the table was 19.95 out of pocket.<br />
<br />
Here is the breakdown:<br />
2 bags of Tostitos~ 3.00/each (*gasp* No coupon...)<br />
<br />
6 boxes of Barilla mini-bowties~ 58 cents each. I had 55 cents off coupons making them 3 cents a box<br />
<br />
7 Luigi Italian Ice~ 1.60 each; I had $1 off coupons so 60 cents for each box (making them 10 cents per cup)<br />
<br />
7 Dove deodorant~ 1.50/each; used 75 cents off coupons = .75/each<br />
<br />
2 Crest toothpaste~ $1/each; used 75 cents off coupon = .25/each<br />
<br />
6 Chow Mein noodles~ .40/each (no coupon)<br />
<br />
<br />
Total before sales and coupons: 68.96<br />
Savings: 49.01<br />
Out of Pocket: 19.95<br />
<br />
A total savings of 71 percent.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-91781320324513080522011-07-07T10:51:00.000-04:002011-07-07T10:51:59.589-04:00Another CVS post...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgy50qGf1vj5vnD6iEjX3oaVtllRY5GrplTM3n5Vpo44zud14U_fyCfo7IDICxsuMl90J4h1qP7531nXP1NsnI5hhLSrJsrmXyuPyAEZxMKEgcqHD5PYUk48X7sNx6bg55YSkIYubCXU/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgy50qGf1vj5vnD6iEjX3oaVtllRY5GrplTM3n5Vpo44zud14U_fyCfo7IDICxsuMl90J4h1qP7531nXP1NsnI5hhLSrJsrmXyuPyAEZxMKEgcqHD5PYUk48X7sNx6bg55YSkIYubCXU/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I wrote up my deals early in the week and decided to go ahead and get them while I was out yesterday. I did two transactions at CVS. First, I stopped at the Magic Coupon Machine. I got my $1 ECB for quarterly savings/spending and (to me surprise) $5 ECB for beauty club spending! Wasn't watching that total so didn't know it would print. I also got several coupons--2 I used in the transactions above.<br />
<br />
Transaction #1:<br />
Starburst candy (got $2 off coupon from machine making it 50 cents)<br />
2 Crossaction toothbrushes<br />
2 Oral B Pulsar<br />
1 Always Infinity<br />
1 Big Chill water (it was gone before we got home LOL--got 50 cent coupon from machine)<br />
<br />
Total before coupons: 24.47<br />
Coupons used: 10.50<br />
ECBs used: 11.00<br />
Out of pocket: 6.03<br />
<br />
Got back 11.00 ECBs to use next week.<br />
<br />
Transaction #2~I intended to use the ECBs from Trans #1 in this one but when it came down to it, I could use ones left from the week before plus the ones printed from machine.<br />
<br />
Herbal Essence Shampoo--got a coupon from the machine for this in addition to my mfr coupon I had<br />
Aussie hair spray<br />
Gillette Fusion Razor<br />
<br />
Total before: 16.97<br />
Coupons: 9.00<br />
ECBs used: 7.49<br />
Out of pocket: 1.32<br />
<br />
Got back $5 ECBs<br />
<br />
So I got almost $42 worth of product for basically free! I spent 7.35 out of pocket but got back $16 ECBs for use next week.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-86485971559718384222011-06-22T14:04:00.000-04:002011-06-22T14:04:53.908-04:00CVS Trip 6/22/2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMtsvYPxtCnKoCduMSfXfSkhSZeIJzVRUyeGYnUAIIkhcfgFuCRfq48aAOSxY1lK5_TgauZet_t4MaxssesEQ_Hj-PBy-e4WWtQ6826sXDemrDYR_97osNKV_r_UWWEHs83G7Dz_AyUw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMtsvYPxtCnKoCduMSfXfSkhSZeIJzVRUyeGYnUAIIkhcfgFuCRfq48aAOSxY1lK5_TgauZet_t4MaxssesEQ_Hj-PBy-e4WWtQ6826sXDemrDYR_97osNKV_r_UWWEHs83G7Dz_AyUw/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Now that the boys are out of school, I feel like I have the time to do my coupon shopping justice. Today I bounced back into it with a few trips to CVS. Lots of good stuff at CVS this week. Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.simplycvsshopping.com/">Simply CVS</a> for weekly deal match ups. As well as, <a href="http://coupon-wizards.com/">Coupon Wizards</a> who have a wealth of information about everything coupon! Both sites offer scenarios if you are new to CVSing to get you started. I often use these to help jumpstart my thinking through of deals. And on weeks when I am feeling a little more "mommy-brain" than normal, I copy their scenarios to use for my stuff.<br />
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On to the deals!<br />
<br />
Today I had my deals for CVS broken down into 3 transactions but only did two.<br />
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<u><b>Transaction #1:</b></u><br />
GUM Periobalance lozenges--on sale for 15.99 (no coupons available)<br />
I used 11.99 in ECBs from the week before and paid 4.48 out of pocket.<br />
I left with 15.99 in ECBs to use on my nest transaction.<br />
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<u><b>Transaction #2:</b></u><br />
2 Pantene shampoo 6.97 (used $2/2 coupon)<br />
3 Powerade Zero $1/each (used a BOGO free coupon--cashier took off pre-sale price of 1.69)<br />
2 Honest Teas $1/each (used BOGO free coupon--again cashier took off pre-sale price 1.79)<br />
1 LA Looks gel 2.99 (used $1 off coupon)<br />
1 Powerbar Energy bites 2.49<br />
1 Gain dishwashing liquid 97 cents (used $1 off coupon)<br />
2 Revlon nail polish 4.99/each (used 2 $1 off coupons)<br />
<br />
I also used my 15.99 ECBs from Transaction #1 and paid 4.62 out of pocket.<br />
<br />
I got back 14.49 ECBs for next week. So basically, I got all that stuff for FREE! The CVS I shopping at was out of the Bliss candy (5.99 get 5.99 ECBs back) but said she needed to unload truck still. I might go back later in the week to get those and maybe more nail polish--although with all the Revlon deals, we have a LOT of nail polish.<br />
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On my couponing adventure today, I also stopped at Publix. We had been low on cereal and I really needed to stock up again. No picture but here is what I got.<br />
<br />
2 Magnum ice cream bars<br />
3 boxes of Trix<br />
3 boxes of Cocoa Puffs<br />
2 Golden Grahams<br />
4 Cheerios<br />
2 Crystal Light drink mix<br />
1 Sandwich from deli (for my cart pusher today)<br />
1 6-pk of Sweetwater Georgia Brown beer (for my breadwinner)<br />
<br />
Total before coupons and sales: 65.54<br />
<br />
Total after sales and coupons: 30.98<br />
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For a savings of 34.56 or about 52 percent. A small trip so small savings...but better than nothing.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-66873513606546017542011-04-21T17:46:00.000-04:002011-04-21T17:46:13.589-04:00One More Deal Post....Toys R UsWhen I did my big day of deal hunting, I also hit Toys R Us. I saved about 50 percent, which isn't that great but I got some things that will go in Easter baskets this weekend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTj0d7iBFxGjC1X6ZCx7AXQUllSxOhfBuAn3vZfhQukhO94lDRcruq2btcXwxqIwcLVOsdBzkAPtqo_kMTiyPn753Rae6gix0VXsi8McNUQQq56_isniIcBCttUHJlCMtxBdh7zBxf7c/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTj0d7iBFxGjC1X6ZCx7AXQUllSxOhfBuAn3vZfhQukhO94lDRcruq2btcXwxqIwcLVOsdBzkAPtqo_kMTiyPn753Rae6gix0VXsi8McNUQQq56_isniIcBCttUHJlCMtxBdh7zBxf7c/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I purchased:<br />
2 Crayola Color Wonder Color and Stow things (9.99 BOGO)<br />
2 Color Explosion packs (11.99 BOGO)<br />
2 Vtech Buzz Lightyear Alphaberry (15.99 BOGO)<br />
<br />
I used:<br />
$3 off $3 or more purchase from a birthday sign up with one of the boys<br />
2 $2 off coupons for the Crayola<br />
2 $1 off coupons for Crayola<br />
<br />
I also had 2 $5 off coupons for Vtech which I intended in using but the stuff that was BOGO and more than 19.99 (required for the coupon) were not things that we would use. They were geared more towards infant. So I opted to get the Buzz Lightyear things that teach spelling, ABC order and have several games and not use my coupons.<br />
<br />
My total out of pocket was 32.49 with a savings of 41.97. These will all be nice additions to the Easter baskets.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-9501735873568456712011-04-19T20:57:00.000-04:002011-04-19T20:57:33.051-04:00Publix Deals 4-19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6emksVRw7WLzJjhxAgHNy80bJfsxY1czFkhDWdTJkPmlC17K3f6A-XxFrjM7CqJLVGlVBRh3E5eosZhPDmh-upeKKN9iU8EQCKVCVWioLLVl9g5MvnYuNP7o-hYp84TSDF4kQnurV5KQ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6emksVRw7WLzJjhxAgHNy80bJfsxY1czFkhDWdTJkPmlC17K3f6A-XxFrjM7CqJLVGlVBRh3E5eosZhPDmh-upeKKN9iU8EQCKVCVWioLLVl9g5MvnYuNP7o-hYp84TSDF4kQnurV5KQ/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After we hit the <a href="http://strebekah.blogspot.com/2011/04/drugstore-deals-4-19.html">drugstores</a>, we stopped by Publix. Thanks to a great coupon clipping service, <a href="http://www.couponsthingsbydede.com/default.asp">Coupons and Things by DeDe</a>, I was able to get some extras. I find it cheaper to order coupons from a clipping service than to buy a bunch of newspapers. Most of the time, Savannah doesn't get the good coupons anyhow so it would be a waste. For example, we didn't get the *HOT* Nivea coupon this past weekend. That just plain stinks. But no need to complain, hopefully some coupon service will have it in and I can order a few.<br />
<br />
I haven't been to Publix in several months. Today's trip wasn't one of my better ones but it was still good and the kids are thrilled with Pop-tarts.<br />
<br />
12 50-ct packs of gum<br />
6 cans of pineapple<br />
4 Ritz Crackerfuls<br />
2 Wesson oil<br />
<br />
4 Duncan Hines brownie mix<br />
2 box Triscuts<br />
5 boxes Special K<br />
12 boxes of Pop Tarts<br />
2 Alexia frozen breads<br />
<br />
Total before sales and coupons: 137.52<br />
Coupons used: 31.60<br />
Sales: 67.27<br />
<br />
Total out of pocket: 38.65 or a savings of 72 percent.<br />
<br />
Not spectacular but I just can't bring myself to use my ECBs or RRs at Publix. If I did that, then how would I get free toothpaste and shampoo at CVS? Or cheap diapers at Walgreens? Although this Publix trip wasn't my best it still got me a *high five* from the cashier, Tammie and a "Great Job" from Andrew the bagger. And I love that! <br />
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P.S. The grumpy little boy in the background is my youngest. He had just woke up from a too-short nap and really wanted to eat something. :-)Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-41414283331366877582011-04-19T20:33:00.000-04:002011-04-19T20:33:01.470-04:00Drugstore Deals 4-19I have been MIA here for a few months. It seems that my deal shopping ebbs and flows. But when I get back into it, I get so excited and think, "Why don't I just keep up with it?" Sometimes I kick myself for not taking the time to get stuff together and other times, I just don't care. But I really do love the "high" I get from scoring something for cheap. I am definitely NOT an extreme couponer and I am not a super savvy shopper but I think that I do OK. So last week, I took a few baby steps back into the world of couponing and this week, jumped back in full force.<br />
<br />
Today my trusty companions and I hit Walgreens, CVS, Toys R Us and Publix (we also went to Joann Fabric but not for deals).<br />
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First stop was Walgreens where I did two transactions.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxfh8-VLzXlfsRAyRQblKATCM2OnaW5fKFL-kaDOSXHjQupqyqvjETrgEGO8pZaqb_5cpvfzA24gkTWlE0GifgOwNsjpqX9EY547UBm4z-5fUOj-tl0opkmfYk7U8dEOk97-wDfO0zEA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxfh8-VLzXlfsRAyRQblKATCM2OnaW5fKFL-kaDOSXHjQupqyqvjETrgEGO8pZaqb_5cpvfzA24gkTWlE0GifgOwNsjpqX9EY547UBm4z-5fUOj-tl0opkmfYk7U8dEOk97-wDfO0zEA/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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First transaction was the Always and Goody hair things. I used 2 $1 coupons for the Always. I paid 7.63 out of pocket and got back $3 register rewards for the Goody's (I thought that the Always was yielding a $3RR as well but it didn't print. Probably because I got the wrong item. *shrug*).<br />
<br />
The 2nd transaction I got 2 pks of Huggies (8.99 each) and 2 Dawn (99cents each)--those were filler since I thought I would have 4 coupons to use but really only had three. I used 2 $3 coupons for the Huggies and my $3 RR from trans #1. I got back $3 RR to use next time.<br />
<br />
Breakdown went like this...<br />
Total: 28.96<br />
Coupons/RR used: 11.00<br />
Paid out of pocket: 17.96 (not including tax)<br />
Register rewards for later: $3<br />
<br />
For what it's worth, I don't normally shop at Walgreens because usually I have problems with them taking my coupons or RRs not printing. I took a chance today and it worked OK--not as great as I thought it would but still OK. And I got cheap diapers. <br />
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Next stop CVS...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNxFYvSITqAXFPLqDvNUZok8KvgQYRGcebSTxHnLbTCcZ9tbvT9pBheYb0JnepPRqQHT1PhtrjCq7DmZFYxIA3SB1_ZZ027PW4mHmxh8bDe3omgNoTlUR8Aiw4X8CoXLmRecQcbjgJAA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNxFYvSITqAXFPLqDvNUZok8KvgQYRGcebSTxHnLbTCcZ9tbvT9pBheYb0JnepPRqQHT1PhtrjCq7DmZFYxIA3SB1_ZZ027PW4mHmxh8bDe3omgNoTlUR8Aiw4X8CoXLmRecQcbjgJAA/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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A small transaction because not much thrilled me this week...except the free stuff and the Covergirl since I needed make up.<br />
<br />
Paas egg decorating kit 1.99<br />
2 CVS Green Bag Tags .99<br />
Edge Shaving Gel 3.29<br />
CG Clean make up 6.00<br />
CG eye shadow 5.89<br />
<br />
Total 19.15<br />
Used 2.50 coupon for CG stuff<br />
Used $10 ECB from last week<br />
Paid 7.99 out of pocket after tax<br />
<br />
Got back 10.27 in Extra Care Bucks so really I made money on this transaction!! I wanted to get some of the water for 2.22 but my CVS was completely out.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-9443408108576174702011-01-22T12:54:00.000-05:002011-01-22T12:54:35.091-05:00Publix---January 19A little late getting my Publix stuff up this week. I shopped on Wednesday but just hadn't had a chance to post. So I will now, and will probably post again soon. Eventually, I will post a family update, just need to have some time that I can sit and do that. But for now, you are stuck with my deal posts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNbzCZjvQBpxy2fejj_myVkKsVSDq-pV5t2p9hM0-Th0J5yMhLq8SkIv0V2ACgJKcpf-xX4nFSOOwp02TccXY10xDWG4mhDBNnh-LaI9KeiDToSAyDIPGoY98INFARITT5UwUJkfoifQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNbzCZjvQBpxy2fejj_myVkKsVSDq-pV5t2p9hM0-Th0J5yMhLq8SkIv0V2ACgJKcpf-xX4nFSOOwp02TccXY10xDWG4mhDBNnh-LaI9KeiDToSAyDIPGoY98INFARITT5UwUJkfoifQ/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I was very happy to finally get to Publix after several weeks of getting my deals together only to have other things come up to keep me away. We were running out of cereal and with Lent coming, I needed to stock up on soup for Jeff to take for lunch.<br />
<br />
Here is what I got from last week's ad:<br />
4 boxes of waffles (these ended up being about 40 cents each)<br />
4 boxes of soft pretzels (50 cents a box)<br />
2 Power of Fruit bars (all fruit frozen bars. I like them, the kids...not so much LOL)<br />
1 Jolly Time popcorn (FREE!! On sale for $1 used 50 cent coupon that doubled)<br />
2 Fruit Loops<br />
1 Frosted Flakes<br />
2 Frosted Cheerios<br />
3Cheerios<br />
2 Rice Krispies<br />
2 boxes of spaghetti<br />
8 cans of Progresso (with BOGO and coupons these end up being about 90 cents each--GREAT PRICE!)<br />
6 cans air freshener (After sale and coupon there were about 30 cents each!)<br />
6 bottles grape juice<br />
2 Coffee Mate creamers (after BOGO sale and coupon *ready?* TEN CENTS EACH!! WooHoo! These will go to church for coffee hour because we don't use it here at home.)<br />
<br />
Total before sales and coupons: 130.18<br />
Coupons: 33.50<br />
Sales: 60.50<br />
<br />
Total spent out of pocket: 36.18<br />
Saved 94.00 or 72 percent!!<br />
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I hope to do a post soon about how *I* do what I do. Again, I just need to sit down and do it.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-22315379451572998942010-12-31T21:53:00.000-05:002010-12-31T21:53:36.132-05:00New Year's Eve DealsCan't let good coupons expire and so you must shop on NYE. That is what I did today and was happy that I did. Two of my children and I went to CVS, Publix and Target. Our first stop was CVS. I didn't write out deals just a list of what I knew I wanted to get, my coupons and ECBs that I would get back. I was happy that they had everything in stock I wanted and it all worked out beautifully.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6ozMonxTxGlnRZa8e5S6Rxuv7j9ovba7pWYsbbNmUNt7yDvLu8qeP8XzcmiBqO6p8clwIhNRUw0jfw2_HQGGv1dZX7vinsNhcKe7XJbw3uve446LyF2vazwuaGVCjzI8MQK1KacTneQ/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6ozMonxTxGlnRZa8e5S6Rxuv7j9ovba7pWYsbbNmUNt7yDvLu8qeP8XzcmiBqO6p8clwIhNRUw0jfw2_HQGGv1dZX7vinsNhcKe7XJbw3uve446LyF2vazwuaGVCjzI8MQK1KacTneQ/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
This trip included:<br />
2 pk of Always pads (2 for $6)<br />
4 Vitamin Waters ($1/each)<br />
3 Honest Tea ($1/each)<br />
4 Dawn dishwashing liquid (94 cents each)<br />
1 Colgate (2.99)<br />
1 Tone Body wash (3.88)<br />
1 Pampers (8.99)<br />
1 bag of chocolate covered pretzels (1.49)<br />
<br />
Total before coupons: 34.11<br />
Coupons used: 12.00<br />
ECBs used: 15.79<br />
<br />
Subtotal: 6.32<br />
With tax: 8.37<br />
<br />
Got back 10.00 in ECBs so basically everything was free.<br />
<br />
Next stop was Publix. No picture because, really, those get boring. LOL But I saved 106.90 there and paid 56.82 out of pocket (and have a new cashier to add to the *avoid* list). Among the things purchased: 12 cans of Progresso soup; 8 packages of pizza rolls and various other things. Not my best but still a savings of 65 percent.<br />
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Then we stopped at Target. I had popped in there yesterday to just look around and saw that Christmas stuff was clearanced to 75 percent off. There wasn't much left but I did notice a bunch of those Wonka Exceptional bars/boxes and remembered that I had coupons for them at the house. I just hoped that the candy would still be there when I was able to get back! It seems that stuff goes very quickly now during Target clearance events.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg5J-AcWz4aiddP8NsLaPm1mR2ODT_iNaIyfYnCG0TjBUfctIi_yvAA7g9aI-VDpIvs4YBDCpM1qZgAxoku1MHIfmelOKJ-MtSiVLX77PQfQjsz0X_CfulwP2UfJ_fe4b7WOOI3z4Bqs/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSg5J-AcWz4aiddP8NsLaPm1mR2ODT_iNaIyfYnCG0TjBUfctIi_yvAA7g9aI-VDpIvs4YBDCpM1qZgAxoku1MHIfmelOKJ-MtSiVLX77PQfQjsz0X_CfulwP2UfJ_fe4b7WOOI3z4Bqs/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I got 7 boxes of the Wonka chocolate. They rang up 99 cents and I had various coupons for $1 or $2 or $3 off 2 boxes. So mostly they were FREE!! The Ghirardelli bags rang up 1.74 and my coupons were $1 off 2, I think. I got 4 packages of cookies which was marked to 1.75. And a cupcake decorator for 4.48. My daughter is thrilled about this because it has a thing that allows you to fill cupcakes with different stuff. We expect great things from her now that she has this device. :-) I ended up saving 67.73. My total paid was about $35 but I paid with gift cards so it was all FREE!! (oh and Dollar Spot is labeled as 50% off but rang up 75)<br />
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I hope that you and yours have a safe and wonderful new year. And continue savings!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-45575052399551075122010-12-24T22:02:00.000-05:002010-12-24T22:02:24.709-05:00Christmas Eve Deal ShoppingI had intended on going to Publix before Christmas Eve but we have had sick children, husband home, and other stuff going on so I delayed and delayed. I had some last minute things to get today and figured since I was going out anyway, I might as well stop at Publix. I shortened my list to only the things I really, really needed opting to not get more cookie mix or hot chocolate mix. I stuck with what I know we would use soon. I still have plenty of cookie mixes left from the last big stock up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQL9bE-yHZ888veWl4lQ_hCLNBxOAuQe2gdj7O0_KDIQJb3BqPAaIFUbePPAyFHIn1hdjyDnKYpSy0K8D5z_G-m6IbEhH5ytsmFwNprM3ET08PDS5JgVuGIwVRrfnQmYE2jnLKSl1MK9o/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQL9bE-yHZ888veWl4lQ_hCLNBxOAuQe2gdj7O0_KDIQJb3BqPAaIFUbePPAyFHIn1hdjyDnKYpSy0K8D5z_G-m6IbEhH5ytsmFwNprM3ET08PDS5JgVuGIwVRrfnQmYE2jnLKSl1MK9o/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I think I did well today. And I LOVED that Publix had all registers open. Baggers were at all of them and they had someone who met you in line to help unload your things. The woman who was helping me actually sorted my coupons and made sure that I had the right ones. Then she handed them to the cashier, Tammie, and told her that they were all there. How wonderful! I thought we would be in line a while when we walked in but it was less than 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
So here is the breakdown:<br />
10 Colgate toothpastes (one sale for $1--had 75 cent coupons)=25 cents each<br />
12 jars of pickles<br />
14 boxes of Betty Crocker potatoes<br />
5 boxes of Ritz<br />
5 boxes of Triscuits<br />
4 boxes of Froot Loops<br />
1 box of corn pops<br />
2 boxes of Rice Krispies<br />
3 boxes of Frosted Flakes<br />
2 boxes of Chex cereal<br />
<br />
Total before sales/coupons was 150.29<br />
Special store savings: 76.74<br />
Coupons: 44.50<br />
<br />
Total out of pocket: 29.05<br />
<br />
Total saved: 121.24 or about 81% !!<br />
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I was thrilled to see less than $30 for all of that! 12 boxes of brand name cereal (14 oz boxes) would cost at least that much by themselves.<br />
<br />
And this is what happens when Mom tries to take a picture with 2 little ones "helping"...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVrjrn8ZyYL0mzFD_UrRAAoVxDLB4zmiXYDzg9NwdvWIQwDBr8QG_v5E_fTi5alh_pIY6aqrmPbFqU8MTpxHWibkuR3nDeeVZTYu_g6CAjdEycnfRDSeqawSziRkcbNv55dC5NYuN0zg/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVrjrn8ZyYL0mzFD_UrRAAoVxDLB4zmiXYDzg9NwdvWIQwDBr8QG_v5E_fTi5alh_pIY6aqrmPbFqU8MTpxHWibkuR3nDeeVZTYu_g6CAjdEycnfRDSeqawSziRkcbNv55dC5NYuN0zg/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10mKEuYpPzjJtDKk8ONT7UX6uZg_y-z53GsoZvaJieGtYWS5DcWS5Yrk3U-DSl18df2VrfMYCTEjkeGXDVEo8evuBbXHuOjHcWEjeJrU1gXUMS9azbyVFt334ZISReS1xy-0OFQHTh48/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10mKEuYpPzjJtDKk8ONT7UX6uZg_y-z53GsoZvaJieGtYWS5DcWS5Yrk3U-DSl18df2VrfMYCTEjkeGXDVEo8evuBbXHuOjHcWEjeJrU1gXUMS9azbyVFt334ZISReS1xy-0OFQHTh48/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!</b></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-74938925318426390262010-10-07T10:58:00.000-04:002010-10-07T10:58:40.997-04:00RA Meme Kelly over at <a href="http://rawarrior.com/having-a-cuppa-together-a-rheumatoid-arthritis-meme/">RA Warrior</a> decided it would be nice if us RA'ers had a meme of our own. I hesitate to participate because so many of the RA'ers I know have it much worse than I. Some need days in bed because they cannot move. Some have to use canes. Some are so very ill from their medicine. And I really don't experience any of that.<br />
<br />
Sure, when I was first diagnosed, I had days that I couldn't walk, couldn't change a diaper, couldn't even snap snaps. When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, my doctor told me that my RA factor was over 1400. No wonder I was in such pain. But then about 6-8 months later, I noticed that my pain "free" days were more and more. And now, I have more days that I feel "normal" and less days of "I can't do that..."<br />
<br />
Why is that? Why does RA effect all of us so differently? I know I have it, my blood work proves it.<br />
<br />
Maybe having birthed 8 children, I have a higher tolerance for pain ?? Maybe I am hurting but I just don't show it or am not honest with myself? During a conversation this week, a dear friend of mine said, "She always says she is fine, but we can tell she's not. She lies." And I thought, yes I do, but can they really tell when I am in pain?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I thought I would go ahead and be honest here, in this meme. At least I think I will be honest. LOL<br />
<br />
From RAWarrior.com: <br />
This RA meme is about the things we might ask each other over coffee the first time. Together, the responses to the questions create a kind of snapshot of our lives with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Hopefully, it will be fun and we can get to know more about each other.<br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<ol><li>How many other diagnoses (co-morbidities) do you have?<br />
<strong>I have not gotten a specific diagnosis and no one seems to think it is important to find out. But in addition to destroying my joints, my immune system is also destroying my white blood cells. I have a white blood count of less than 1.5 usually. It isn't felty's or lupus but we don't know what it is. I see a cancer/blood specialist every 6 months or so just so that they can keep an eye on it.</strong></li>
<li>When were you diagnosed?<br />
<b>I was diagnosed October 2008. Symptoms came on right after the birth of my 8th child. Although looking back on it, I can see where some of the pains I was feeling over the years were probably early indications of RA.</b><strong><br />
</strong></li>
<li>How many Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments have you tried?<br />
<strong>I took prednisone at the beginning (for about 6 months) and started plaquinel. Truth be told, I still have a prescription for the plaquinel but I do not take it at all. It was causing migraines but when I told my doctor, he said that he didn't know that to be a side effect. I stopped taking it, migraines went away. So I am taking nothing.</strong></li>
<li>What kind of a reward do you give yourself after taking any medicine that you hate?<br />
<strong>Don't take my meds.</strong></li>
<li>Who helps you open doors or jars when you need it?<br />
<strong>About 15 yrs ago, my husband worked at a retirement village. He would often come home with odds and ends from the residents there. One day he came home with this gadget that has a handle and gears. It adjusts to jar lids to help you get a better grip on them. I held on to it because I thought it was really neat. I am SO glad I have it now. It sometimes doesn't help but most of the time I can open jars with it. </strong></li>
<li>What would your ultimate good rheum doc do?<br />
<strong>Dig a little deeper into my immune system and not tell me the same joke everytime I go to see him. LOL</strong></li>
<li>What’s your favorite comfort for RA?<br />
<strong>PJs, a good movie, and just not moving.</strong></li>
<li>What was the hardest think you have done since being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis?<br />
<strong>Realizing that I cannot do everything. I need to set limits for myself and stick to them. Doing too much leads to exhaustion and usually a flare.</strong></li>
<li>What’s your biggest RA-related fear?<br />
<strong>That I will pass this on to one of my children or that I will develop some serious complications from it.</strong></li>
<li>How many pills do you swallow every day?<br />
<strong>For my RA, none. </strong></li>
<li>Something surprising that you wish insurance would cover for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients?<br />
<strong>I don't have insurance so I guess I don't care.</strong></li>
<li>What do you wish people knew about Rheumatoid Arthritis?<br />
<strong>That my RA isn't like their aches and pains. That the weather doesn't bother me. That sometimes just touching my joints is painful.</strong></li>
<li>What would you like to say to your RA? <strong>Thanks for dropping by, you can leave now. LOL</strong></li>
</ol><h3>Let’s hear your responses to the RA Warrior meme!</h3>Please write up your answers to the questions in the comments box below. <strong>Or</strong> if you have your own blog, you are welcome to take our Warrior meme to your own page. Please just link back here to give credit. <strong>Another</strong> thing you can do is write up the meme as a Facebook note with a privacy setting that says “EVERYONE can read” and then tell us about it with a link in a comment here. I can’t wait to read them.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-82795876021781530302010-09-25T20:26:00.000-04:002010-09-25T20:26:02.545-04:00Cheap DiapersOne of my favorite deals is cheap diapers. After almost 20 years though, I am hoping that I won't NEED diaper deals too much longer. Today I went to 2 drug stores and did 3 transactions.<br />
<br />
I haven't shopped at Rite Aid much since they took over Eckerd but I wanted to get some cheap/free diapers this week (and it is right next to my favorite liquor store so it was a win-win).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtmQwvKAzEeq_c4FNNtzr-0FjMmQH8tPqXri-MXz7QK_3Hxf2pCyUM16ohVyx8FTb9Gl2F0ITR9ZbrT5-nVbBN6f4m08fIfTEOApk55A6UV3_6gmHRYEA7u7VxG5L0vIO3OPRivzTmvU/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtmQwvKAzEeq_c4FNNtzr-0FjMmQH8tPqXri-MXz7QK_3Hxf2pCyUM16ohVyx8FTb9Gl2F0ITR9ZbrT5-nVbBN6f4m08fIfTEOApk55A6UV3_6gmHRYEA7u7VxG5L0vIO3OPRivzTmvU/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I was disappointed to see that they were out of the Pure and Natural Huggies for which I had $3 coupons. But I still went ahead with my transaction.<br />
<br />
1 box of Huggies 19.99<br />
1 jumbo pack of Huggies 8.99<br />
<br />
Used $5 off $25 coupon from watching Rite Aid Value video and a $1 off coupon from also watching video on website.<br />
<br />
Total was 24.31 and I got back $2 +UP Reward (which are like ECBs at CVS). And I will send for the $10 gift card from Rite Aid for spending $25. So I guess I could take off $12 from my total making it about $12. The jumbo pack of diapers are usually 11.99 so I could say that I got the box of diapers free.<br />
<br />
Then I headed to CVS. Normally, when I go there on Saturdays, I am disappointed because there is nothing left or the signs are changed already. Today, the signs were changed but they still had plenty of stuff left. Another nice surprise was when I checked the magic coupon machine, I got about 10 coupons--including one for $3 off $20 purchase good for one day only! I used that one for sure!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pq-nXuyB9ft3lmVSEUfsmDgTXYjxEuq1wvopO5adqOwk6BjGcl6uYW_X4lByeG3r5Q5w5PPc5fjHZwNaOkq8qBo8tuGIbslPODM9eaDAevteAj463eBQpo-3FUjEGVVlJu5-fmq9Av4/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pq-nXuyB9ft3lmVSEUfsmDgTXYjxEuq1wvopO5adqOwk6BjGcl6uYW_X4lByeG3r5Q5w5PPc5fjHZwNaOkq8qBo8tuGIbslPODM9eaDAevteAj463eBQpo-3FUjEGVVlJu5-fmq9Av4/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
First I got the Revlon Super Luster lipstick. It was 6.99 with $5 ECBs back! And the limit was 6 according to the paper--I heard rumors that it was unlimited! I only had 3 coupons and we don't really wear lipstick so I only got three.<br />
<br />
Lipstick 20.98<br />
1 Beauty charm 2.49<br />
1 pk of gum (not pictured) 1.29<br />
<br />
Used coupons:<br />
$3 off $20<br />
$2.49 off (free charm for buying $15 in beauty products)<br />
$5 (3 Revlon coupons)<br />
$14.98 in ECBs<br />
<br />
Total OOP: 52 cents (I had a negative total which is why we added the gum.)<br />
And got back $15 in ECBs for basically, this was all free.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlws2W-lAZi1n9g7176Gi0ejciLCGfp-iJdJ9WxHdQimkdB0PfO1pdEq3-V3m5FbiDYBwW6wVJQawO1H7bL8_8bdZzK8hUfQL6X1yxnXUu_sYJMhwkXAdvRLp2FAFi4UUXjWO6tWhLas/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlws2W-lAZi1n9g7176Gi0ejciLCGfp-iJdJ9WxHdQimkdB0PfO1pdEq3-V3m5FbiDYBwW6wVJQawO1H7bL8_8bdZzK8hUfQL6X1yxnXUu_sYJMhwkXAdvRLp2FAFi4UUXjWO6tWhLas/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
At the next CVS, I got:<br />
2 pks of Huggies 17.98<br />
2 Edge Shaving gel 2.79 each<br />
2 Dry Idea deoderant 2.99 each<br />
<br />
Used coupons:<br />
2 $1 off deoderant<br />
BOGO free for the Edge (coupon value only went up to 2.75 so it was totally free. LOL)<br />
2 1.50 for the huggies.<br />
$15 ECBs from previous transaction<br />
<br />
Total OOP: 8.86<br />
Got back 8.80 back in ECBs. Almost broke even.<br />
<br />
I used to stress if I ended the week with less ECBs than what I started with but I am finding that it is OK. I am trying very hard to get my out of pocket down. I am getting better I think.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-62324120745542778092010-09-17T14:32:00.000-04:002010-09-17T14:32:55.783-04:00CVS~~September 16 and 17I managed TWO trips to CVS this week. I am finding that if I am going to be more serious about my frugal shopping, I really need to set time aside each week to get my stuff together. I didn't do that this week for CVS. I threw my stuff together right before I was running out the door for a meeting. The meeting was across the street from a CVS so I knew I could stop there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskIKjMSCsF4QSyFrdFDl9f7XQWHgVbwyGejEzxoSio9RFyu2ri3VJY139M7EACPIbfdycCyfd1Z3N2pohLgnVwIjgmcltkU6euLENZyD3MjrU7Z9zMt-8rVVTs1QBUwmm2by4U4R9okE/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskIKjMSCsF4QSyFrdFDl9f7XQWHgVbwyGejEzxoSio9RFyu2ri3VJY139M7EACPIbfdycCyfd1Z3N2pohLgnVwIjgmcltkU6euLENZyD3MjrU7Z9zMt-8rVVTs1QBUwmm2by4U4R9okE/s320/003.JPG" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the first trip to CVS. I got the Tylenol Precise (5.99 get $2 ECB back); High Octane Energy Chews (1.99 get 1.99 ECB back) and Alive Vitamins (9.99 get 9.99 ECB back). I used a $2 CVS coupon for the Precise and a $1 off coupon for the vitamins. I ended up adding a pack of gum to the mix. I paid 1.18 out of pocket (which was ALL tax) and got back 13.98 in ECBs for next time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1K-NaGhh4TzxuCJfItdhyphenhyphenB3tRRyQakMjGeuoMQIGkJ_pW7COaHTnsl5SxUJ3z-1B3WT2UN-thG2Qh0E2IGYKUZIzM3ku7fr0TfZOw1Y2euNELvwK17kg99eb9xWf-spF4iO-f74Iens/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1K-NaGhh4TzxuCJfItdhyphenhyphenB3tRRyQakMjGeuoMQIGkJ_pW7COaHTnsl5SxUJ3z-1B3WT2UN-thG2Qh0E2IGYKUZIzM3ku7fr0TfZOw1Y2euNELvwK17kg99eb9xWf-spF4iO-f74Iens/s320/004.JPG" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> This morning I popped in to a different CVS. I bought 4 Air Wick fresheners and a Nivea men's body wash. I had 2 BOGO coupons for the Air Wick but the cashier told me that they were limiting those to just one per customer. I thought about having her ring up two separate transactions but just did the one. So I used the BOGO coupon (2.50 off) and 2 $1 coupons for the Air Wick. I also had a $1 off for the body wash. My sub-total came to 9.49 and I was trying to use my 9.99 ECB so we added another pack of gum. LOL I paid a total of 1.88 out of pcoket (1.09 of that was tax). I got back 10.99 in ECBs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>So in total I paid 3.06 out of pocket. And I have 14.98 ECBs for next time.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-78580696880985869852010-08-28T22:18:00.000-04:002010-08-28T22:18:05.776-04:00Take the Good, Take the Bad...Some days you are on your game and some days you just are not. All week I had been saying that I wanted to get my CVS stuff done so that I could get that shopping done before Saturday. When I wait until Saturday, signs are changed, stuff is sold out, and I have to think on the fly to re-do my transactions--which I don't do well. I have a hard enough time trying to get the least out of pocket as it is. I wish there was some kind of program (and someone tell me if there is) where I could plug in the deals *I* want to get, what ECBs I have on hand and my coupons then I push a button and TA-DA, scenarios are worked out for me. I mean, I can follow other bloggers scenarios but I would really like to get better at doing at it on my own. I did find a blog today that has a <a href="http://kingdomfirstmom.com/5-dollar-challenges">$5 CVS challenge</a> each week. Check it out if you are just beginning your CVS journey.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this morning I worked out what deals I wanted to get, gathered my coupons and set out to my local CVS stores. No Blink eye drops in sight, one lone Smart Water at the first CVS (none at the 2nd), no razor...you see where this is going? My thought out scenarios were NOT going to work. I did one transaction at the first CVS then headed to the next one. As I saw more and more stuff unavailable, I just opted to do all the other things I wanted in one big transaction and be done with it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0QEsdoroAhwor97f-poDcO-vcfVLZ6odURhM0zzV-Jnh8pCw_21Q6eTH21yrwemNHk2EanzMpAoLn95YXkpAe631EDzfrYaLgzrE0c8zEwtBasuYbVp7TM1FQ3L-jyGkfdo7iRkWBiU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0QEsdoroAhwor97f-poDcO-vcfVLZ6odURhM0zzV-Jnh8pCw_21Q6eTH21yrwemNHk2EanzMpAoLn95YXkpAe631EDzfrYaLgzrE0c8zEwtBasuYbVp7TM1FQ3L-jyGkfdo7iRkWBiU/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is everything I purchased today.<br />
3 John Frieda hair things<br />
2 Glade scented oil refills<br />
2 Glade jar candles<br />
1 Crest toothpaste (which did not produce ECBs as I thought it would)<br />
Bonus 2-pk of CVS wipes<br />
1 Tylenol Precise cream (no ECBs--even though I have not reached limit)<br />
1 Excedrin Menstrual<br />
10 Powerade/Smart water/Fuse/Vitamin water<br />
1 Covergirl lipstain (rang up 8.99 and did NOT give ECBs)<br />
<br />
So out of all of that I paid 45.74 out of pocket.<br />
I expected 26.50 in ECBs but got 15.00--I used the 5 from the first transaction on the 2nd. I was pretty disgusted at myself. I don't know if I purchased the wrong stuff or what. There was a sign with the lipstain and it should have given the ECBs IMO but who knows. <br />
<br />
But to counter that I ran to Publix as well. I rarely shop on a Saturday at Publix but since I had coupons that were going to expire soon and with school starting, I didn't want to chance missing out on something good. I did well at Publix.<br />
<br />
I was disappointed in the fact that the shelves were bare of some things. I mentioned this week that it was easier when everyone thought that couponing was "lame". I try not to clear shelves. If I have plans to purchase a large number of an item and I get there and there are only enough for my deals, I don't get all of mine. Today at Publix there was no yogurt and the ice cream was wiped out (I bought the last 4 so I guess *I* cleared the shelf in that case). I always try to look at the supply on the shelf and only get stuff if it looks like there is plenty. The ritz and vanilla wafers were well stocked so even though I bought 8 of each, there was a TON more.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT9foNdQJWiZ4GIDtaYa4ad8ia9IseaFfWpjBB6HwMCdq0ZVFtc0scgtD-Z2AuoKj9eSzH3sJfyKhJ4alvoaH3ERXXrDSq8NKCJ8R4bGgfvMvIXshcz1w13V_hBElA_2p2kJog-ibtJc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT9foNdQJWiZ4GIDtaYa4ad8ia9IseaFfWpjBB6HwMCdq0ZVFtc0scgtD-Z2AuoKj9eSzH3sJfyKhJ4alvoaH3ERXXrDSq8NKCJ8R4bGgfvMvIXshcz1w13V_hBElA_2p2kJog-ibtJc/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Good</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What I got at Publix today:<br />
5 pks of Solo cups<br />
5 pks of Solo plates<br />
5 bags of Chex Mix<br />
8 boxes of Nilla Wafers<br />
8 boxes of Ritz crackers<br />
4 Starbucks Coffee Free ice cream<br />
8 V8 Splash juice<br />
6 boxes of Lipton tea bags (family size)<br />
<br />
<br />
Total before sales/coupons: 178.99<br />
Sales: 87.63<br />
Coupons: 41.00<br />
<br />
Total out of pocket: 50.36. Saved 128.63 or about 72 percent.<br />
<br />
I hope to get my CVS stuff together early in the week. I drop my boys off at school at 8:30 and could swing by CVS right after that. I just need to be prepared. I also want to swing by Publix to see if they restock the ice cream. I really want more of that...I mean for about 49 cents/pint, I can see why the shelves were wiped out!<br />
<br />
I need to be consistant. I want to get better at this. I need to get better at this. It just takes work and practice.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-86620714526363317192010-08-24T19:39:00.001-04:002010-08-24T19:40:22.377-04:00More Stocking Up at Publix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapjIF0BYpQ62YBMaQgZT7ydD7ARWoUxXeMzCmOPet1FEJdvkPiB8F0XLf_JFE8-9YD-3CnMkW7_sYiUd6xi4qDzjDsIJuix8IDFbMNfkFYuEKK3lISP7mK-2_W1-fDuEMUygmdkkozLE/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapjIF0BYpQ62YBMaQgZT7ydD7ARWoUxXeMzCmOPet1FEJdvkPiB8F0XLf_JFE8-9YD-3CnMkW7_sYiUd6xi4qDzjDsIJuix8IDFbMNfkFYuEKK3lISP7mK-2_W1-fDuEMUygmdkkozLE/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One of the things I have learned from my years of frugal shopping is the importance of stocking up. When something is at a good price, you should stock up on it. That's why I have 20 bottles of shampoo or 20 tubes of toothpaste most of the time. I think now I can safely say that we are stocked up on a few more things.<br />
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Today was my largest trip to Publix ever. There were so many things that for me were good deals. I spent more out of pocket than I normally do but was still under $100 (including the 3 drinks for the helpers). And if I come in under $100 for my large family, I am doing good in my book.<br />
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I saw a sneak peek of the ad early last week, so once again I ordered coupons. This time from <a href="http://www.mycouponhunter.com/?Click=420">My Coupon Hunter</a>. They ship from Florida so the coupons got to me quickly. I love ordering coupons online. Often when an ad match up will say that such-and-such coupon was in the Red Plum on 8-15, I will look and we didn't get it. It is kind of irritating. Ordering coupons assures me that I will get the ones I need, at the time I need them. And in the long run, it is cheaper than buying multiple newspapers each week. And for my local friends, I accept coupon donations to feed my habit. <br />
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So here is the break down of what I got this week:<br />
7 Lysol trigger cleaners (some of these will go to church for the nursery)<br />
2 Lysol NeutraAir (for church)<br />
3 3-pks of Dial Soap<br />
7 20-ct bottles of Excedrin<br />
6 packages of Wanchai Ferry frozen dinner<br />
2 Athenos Feta cheese<br />
14 jars of Mt. Olive Pickles<br />
6 pks Mt. Olive Pickle packs<br />
6 pks of Dole fruit/gel bowls<br />
18 boxes of hamburger/tuna/chicken helper (seems like a lot but it takes 3 boxes to feed my family)<br />
5 boxes of cereal (still have a lot from the last 2 weeks of sales)<br />
10 boxes of Luzianne family size tea bags (We drink a lot of tea! It is the South afterall!)<br />
6 boxes of Taco Bell dinner (these included a bonus koolaid inside)<br />
4 boxes of whole grain pasta<br />
4 bags of coffee<br />
3 box cake mix<br />
3 cans of frosting<br />
6 jars of peanut butter<br />
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A few of my best deals: the Dial soap was BOGO and ended up being 92 cents each. I had 35c coupons which doubled to 70c making the soap 22 cents---I just wish I had ordered more.<br />
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The Excedrin was on sale for 1.49. I had $1 off coupons making each bottle 49 cents. Excedrin is my headache medicine of choice!<br />
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The pickles after coupons averaged out to about 80 cents each jar. And the Hamburger Helper was about 50 cents each after coupons. The coffee was less than $2 and I have a mail in for a free iced coffee cup when I send in 3 upcs from the coffee.<br />
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<b>The BIG numbers from today:</b><br />
Total before coupons/sales: 333.31 (told you it was BIG!)<br />
Sales/BOGOs: 165.15<br />
Coupons used: 72.95<br />
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Total out of pocket: 95.21 (again more than usual at Publix but still under $100)<br />
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<b>Total savings: 238.10 !!!! I saved 71.44% today at Publix!!!</b><br />
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Today my cashier was Harold. I like him. He gets excited when he sees your savings. As he wrapped up my receipt (which was taller than me), he said, "You saved 238 today!" The man behind me said, "238?!?!?" The girl behind HIM said, "What???? 238???" LOL The man looked at me and said, "I wanna shop with you sometime!" I told him I am usually there at Publix every Tuesday. :-)Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-63427668428003231162010-08-21T19:10:00.000-04:002010-08-21T19:10:57.545-04:00CVS--August 21st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC0TFGeNjQz8Rq8alpg59TPE1CHqxPUMgAWEEElKpOmiBEruWuD7DnMx5jHZL1qVOLtSh0WdZHA_Wre04YFpkyEiuO_sy1viJ24VPWYW5bDr7T5hS1-42Rs7ex8QqdNdtSaMfBfDq6ps/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrC0TFGeNjQz8Rq8alpg59TPE1CHqxPUMgAWEEElKpOmiBEruWuD7DnMx5jHZL1qVOLtSh0WdZHA_Wre04YFpkyEiuO_sy1viJ24VPWYW5bDr7T5hS1-42Rs7ex8QqdNdtSaMfBfDq6ps/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I tend to wait until Saturday to do my CVS shopping and then I fuss about it because they are either sold out or have changed the signs around. I find that it takes me longer to shop than I would like because I have to "think on my feet" to re-do the transactions that I had already set up. Or I have to flip through the ad to see if the item I picked up is the correct one (or send my helper to the scanner to check prices). I really should shop earlier in the week, I know. Maybe this week.<br />
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I did three transactions. I spent more out of pocket than I wanted to because none of the CVS' that I went to had the Blink eye stuff so I missed out on those ECBs. But I did OK I guess. I have been playing the CVS game as often as I would like but I need to get back into it.<br />
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Today I purchased:<br />
2 Starbuck's Coffee+ Energy drinks <br />
4 cans of black olives <br />
2 Miracle Whip<br />
2 Crest Gum Protection toothpaste<br />
6 Sobe Lifewater<br />
4 Dry Idea deoderant<br />
4 Right Guard deoderant<br />
2 Head and Shoulders shampoo<br />
1 Purex 3-n-1 laundry sheets<br />
1 Gillette pro-fusion razor<br />
1 Tylenol Precision heat pad<br />
2 pks of gum<br />
1 rolling laptop desk (not pictured)<br />
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<br />
Total before coupons/ECBs: 81.31<br />
Coupons used: 41.84<br />
ECBs used: 24.99<br />
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Total out of pocket: 19.41<br />
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I only have $2 ECB to use for next week. Not getting the Blink which I had worked into my first transaction really messed up my calculations. The rolling laptop desk was at the front of the store (my new favorite CVS LOL) at 50% off (regular 14.99). The cashier saw me looking at it and said, "Manager said I could sell that for 90% off so 1.49." I said, "I will take it!" She put it behind the counter while I was shopping. Jeff is using it right now.<br />
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My total percentage of savings today at CVS 82 percent!!!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-24671081213892382302010-08-17T17:03:00.000-04:002010-08-17T17:03:07.593-04:00Publix~~August 17, 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHr-w_x9qSQOcx5uWKaxB-hH_PMz2e7zse8T0yuDlLOI4E4umKGzJ2NgC7D_NATLMwsM2aqFfQSh5uQWJPQsxF1a4LXTaVrqmV2lsBYnAoWngj3WdTjRCp1CZunnzt2Sm3KGq7R0bMuU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHr-w_x9qSQOcx5uWKaxB-hH_PMz2e7zse8T0yuDlLOI4E4umKGzJ2NgC7D_NATLMwsM2aqFfQSh5uQWJPQsxF1a4LXTaVrqmV2lsBYnAoWngj3WdTjRCp1CZunnzt2Sm3KGq7R0bMuU/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I was smart this week. I put my Publix deals together on Saturday afternoon so that when I had time to run out, they were waiting for me. It was nice to find out I was not having company this afternoon and could run out without spending an hour or so putting my list together.<br />
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<u><b>This week's haul includes:</b></u><br />
10 boxes of Breyer's Smooth and Dreamy bars<br />
2 Dannon yogurt smoothies<br />
2 pks of Dixie paper plates<br />
4 bags of Tyson breaded chicken (guess what is for supper tonight!)<br />
4 jars of Prego sauce<br />
10 boxes of Frosted Mini-wheat in a variety of flavors<br />
2 pks of Stayfree overnights<br />
2 pks of regular Stayfree (bonus pack w/ 8 free)<br />
4 boxes of pancakes<br />
3 pks of Idaho mashed potatoes<br />
1 bottle of Ocean Spray blueberry juice<br />
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<br />
Total before sales and coupons: 164.91<br />
<br />
Total out of pocket: 58.37<br />
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Total savings: 106.54 or 64.5%<br />
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I also had coupons for the pasta bogo but the coupons I had were for ones not on sale. Oh well.<br />
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Today I bought things that weren't BOGO but that I had good coupons for such as the Stayfree. These are on sale for 1.99 and I used BOGO coupons that were in the paper. They ended up being about $1 each. I also bought the Dixie paper plates which were $2 each using 50cent coupon (doubled to $1) making them $1 each. And the yogurt smoothies were not BOGO this week but ended up being about $1 each after sale and coupon.<br />
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Last week, I was telling some friends about my Publix shopping. One friend looked at me and said, "Do you NEED all those pickles??" (I bought 12 jars of Vlasics last week.) I said, "Need? No but they will keep forever so..." I need to remember to tell her on Sunday that we only have 4 jars left! LOL People with small families don't realize that a family my size (9 of us) can eat a jar of pickles at one meal. The only jars that have lasted more than one day are the Zesty kind (which are Daddy's) and the bread and butter (which are mine).<br />
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So while you may look and say, "That's a lot of cereal!" It is if you have 4 in your family. But one box of cereal is gone at breakfast for us if all the kids have a bowl (and some growing pre-teens have 2). Don't even ASK how much milk we go through---or apples!! I need to buy a cow and an apple tree!!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468150569265466072.post-13373630046241912022010-08-11T11:11:00.000-04:002010-08-11T11:11:06.451-04:00Non-Coupon DealsI often hear friends who say that there aren't coupons for things they use (because they apparently don't eat cereal, use toothpaste or shampoo *giggle*) or that they don't have time to cut coupons or it just takes too long to get all that stuff together. And I agree, it does take time. And yes, we might eat more "processed" or junk food that others but it IS possible to get stuff for cheap WITHOUT using coupons. And one great example is <a href="http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/home?PID=2203897&jspStoreDir=Staples&CID=AFF%253A2203897%253A2203897%253A10428513&cm_ite=Staples+Logo&errorUrl=&cm_mmc=CJ-_-2203897-_-2203897-_-10428513&URL=&cm_pla=2203897&SID=1144035987&AID=10428513&cm_cat=1927692&cm_ven=CJ&storeId=10001&afsrc=1&ddkey=StaplesBeFree">Staples</a>.<br />
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If you look at a Staples ad you see stuff that is "Free after EasyRebate" or for 1 cent or a very low price. I used to hesitate when things said, "After Rebate" because I would usually forget to mail something in but then I realized that most stores that offer rebates also offer the option to submit them online, without the need to send in receipts and UPC codes. My prayers were answered!!!!<br />
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Since I have the need this year to get school supplies before they go on clearance this year, I have been paying close attention to the sales at various stores. One school supply that my high schooler needs is computer paper and thankfully, Staples has had them on sale after rebate for the last 3-4 weeks. Each week, you can purchase two and submit them for a rebate.<br />
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So to prove to my coupon-deal-doubting friends, here is what I did at Staples last night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDTVApxNFPLdjINKL7zxueRRY6mQxH5NxeISKzkuPMCg__yy7BOPFEKM56pSXFDt9JK5D4fohCqMkoo8rhW1MiyFdMHpzKqV_AqS9uToqZufIPo_5gE_jYDVopX3idAxbLGzAu2_ar3E/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDTVApxNFPLdjINKL7zxueRRY6mQxH5NxeISKzkuPMCg__yy7BOPFEKM56pSXFDt9JK5D4fohCqMkoo8rhW1MiyFdMHpzKqV_AqS9uToqZufIPo_5gE_jYDVopX3idAxbLGzAu2_ar3E/s320/002.JPG" /></a></div>I purchased:<br />
5 packs of notebook paper for 1 cent each<br />
2 reams of computer paper 4.99 each w/rebate for 3.99 each *$1/each*<br />
1 pop-up tape dispenser 3.00 w/rebate of 3.00 *FREE*<br />
1 pk of highlighters 4.99 w/rebate of 4.99 *FREE*<br />
1 pk of sticky notes 5.29 w/rebate of 5.29 *FREE*<br />
2 stackable storage totes 4.99/each (there was a coupon making them $4 but forgot it LOL) 9.98<br />
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So total out of pocket last night was 35.62<br />
But will get back 21.26 in rebates making my total 14.36.<br />
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It took us 15 minutes from the time we walked into the store until we were in the car coming home. And then another 5 minutes when I got home to submit my rebates which really amounts to putting in 2 different sets of numbers and your address (unless you have an account already). So less than 30 minutes to save $21 and all stuff we need either for school or here at the house!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06750487816611642470noreply@blogger.com0