Friday, May 17, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saving at CVS
I broke this into two transactions (at two different CVS stores):
Transaction #1
5 bottles of Tide detergent (5.94/each)
1 bottle of Dawn (99 cents)
Both items were part of the Spend $30 get $10 CVS Cash card
Total before coupons 30.69
Used 7.25 in coupons and 14.50 in ECBs
Total : 8.94 (+2.04 tax)=10.98 out of pocket
Got back $10 cash card.
So really my total was 98 cents.
Transaction #2
4 bottles of Pantene shampoo (3.50/each)
2 lg bottles of Powerade (1.25/each)
2 Vitamin Water (1.25/each)
5 Dawn dish soap (99 cents/each)
2 Always Infinity pads (6.99/each)
Total before coupons: 37.75
Used 11.25 in coupons plus a $4 off $20 that was loaded on my card
Total 24.88 (including tax)
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.
Total for all pictured: 5.86---that's about how much you pay for one bottle of Tide.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Home Organization 101
Two weeks ago, I found a blog through pinterest called, A Bowl Full of Lemons. 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.
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.
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!!
This is before. Top shelf was cereal, cake mixes and dinner mixes.
Second shelf: misc. stuff--basically the shelf that everything gets stuck on
Third shelf: condiments, canned goods.
Floor: chips, juice, jugs, and everything else.
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 husband's 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.
This is what it looks like now! WOOHOO! I rearranged things in a way that I think will be easier.
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).
If you want to join in on the challenge, visit Toni over at A Bowl Full of Lemons. 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.
On a personal note, I will post an update-type post soon. It has been a long time since I have been around...
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.
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!!
Second shelf: misc. stuff--basically the shelf that everything gets stuck on
Third shelf: condiments, canned goods.
Floor: chips, juice, jugs, and everything else.
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 husband's 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.
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).
If you want to join in on the challenge, visit Toni over at A Bowl Full of Lemons. 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.
On a personal note, I will post an update-type post soon. It has been a long time since I have been around...
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
CVS---Covergirl Money Maker
I 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 Coupon Wizards, I got a great deal on make up that I don't recall reading about anywhere else. And thanks to Insert Insanity, I had enough coupons to do the deal TWICE!
Covergirl items are buy one, get one 50% off this week and also part of the Buy $30 get $10 gift card.
First transaction:
1 Illy Coffee drink (not pictured)--on sale for 2.00
2 Classic Blush (6.29 and 3.14)
2 Cheek contour blush (6.29 and 3.14)
2 single blush (4.89 and 2.44)
2 single blush (4.89 and 2.44)
I used (4) $8 off of 2 Covergirl face product coupons (P&G coupon--expired yesterday)
FREE coupon for coffee drink from coupon machine (rang up as 2.49)
I also used $1 ECB.
Total out of pocket: 2.44 (all tax)
Got back $10 gift card (I chose the CVS one, duh!)
Transaction #2:
2 Simply Ageless Foundation (15.79 and 6.29)
2 contour blush (6.29 and 3.14)
4 single blush (2 @ 4.89 and 2 @ 2.44)
Again used (4) $8 off of 2 Covergirl coupons
Used 9.99 in ECBs (they were expiring yesterday)
Total out of pocket: 9.12 (5.78 subtotal; 3.34 tax)
And got another $10 gift card.
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.
First transaction:
1 Illy Coffee drink (not pictured)--on sale for 2.00
2 Classic Blush (6.29 and 3.14)
2 Cheek contour blush (6.29 and 3.14)
2 single blush (4.89 and 2.44)
2 single blush (4.89 and 2.44)
I used (4) $8 off of 2 Covergirl face product coupons (P&G coupon--expired yesterday)
FREE coupon for coffee drink from coupon machine (rang up as 2.49)
I also used $1 ECB.
Total out of pocket: 2.44 (all tax)
Got back $10 gift card (I chose the CVS one, duh!)
Transaction #2:
2 Simply Ageless Foundation (15.79 and 6.29)
2 contour blush (6.29 and 3.14)
4 single blush (2 @ 4.89 and 2 @ 2.44)
Again used (4) $8 off of 2 Covergirl coupons
Used 9.99 in ECBs (they were expiring yesterday)
Total out of pocket: 9.12 (5.78 subtotal; 3.34 tax)
And got another $10 gift card.
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.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Publix~~The Breakfast Edition
(sorry the picture is a little blurry...)
Today I ran to Publix for just a few things. As you can see it is mostly breakfast type stuff.
My haul today:
4 boxes of Cheerios
2 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios
3 boxes of Frosted Flakes
1 box of Apple Jacks
1 box of Cocoa Krispies
12 boxes of Poptarts
10 boxes of GoGurt
4 boxes of Whole Fruit frozen bars
Cost before coupons/sales: 112.00
Savings: 82.84 (74%)
Total out of pocket: 29.16--That averages to about 79 cents per item. Not bad.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
My Publix Trip~~7/19/11
Even though I was irritated, I did manage to find a few things today at Publix.
4 Yoplait Smoothie mixes~1.60/each; $1 off coupon= .60
1 Noxema bikini shaver~2.99; $2 off coupon= .99
2 Colgate toothpaste~1.35/each; 50 cent coupon (doubled to $1)= .35
5 boxes of Mini-wheats~1.64/each; $5 off of 5 boxes coupon= .64
4 boxes of Ritz Bits~1.59/each; $1 off 2 coupon= 1.09
2 bags of Eight O'Clock coffee~3.42/each; $2 off 2 coupon= 2.42
6 bottles of Hershey's syrup~90 cents each; $1 off 2 coupon= .40
6 bags of Chex Mix~1.30/each; 50 cent coupond (doubled to $1)= .30
2 boxes of jumbo shells (full price; no sale, no coupon *gasp*)~2.09
2 pr of scissors~1.00; 1.00 off coupon=FREE
3 pks of mechanical pencils~1.00/each; $1/2 coupon=2.00 for all three
Total before: 102.95
Total out of pocket: 26.51
Total savings: 76.44 or 74%
Rant from an Ol' Time Couponer
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!
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).
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!
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.
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.
But not any more.
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....
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).
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!
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.
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.
But not any more.
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....
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Look at what I got for less than $20...
Here is the breakdown:
2 bags of Tostitos~ 3.00/each (*gasp* No coupon...)
6 boxes of Barilla mini-bowties~ 58 cents each. I had 55 cents off coupons making them 3 cents a box
7 Luigi Italian Ice~ 1.60 each; I had $1 off coupons so 60 cents for each box (making them 10 cents per cup)
7 Dove deodorant~ 1.50/each; used 75 cents off coupons = .75/each
2 Crest toothpaste~ $1/each; used 75 cents off coupon = .25/each
6 Chow Mein noodles~ .40/each (no coupon)
Total before sales and coupons: 68.96
Savings: 49.01
Out of Pocket: 19.95
A total savings of 71 percent.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Another CVS post...
Transaction #1:
Starburst candy (got $2 off coupon from machine making it 50 cents)
2 Crossaction toothbrushes
2 Oral B Pulsar
1 Always Infinity
1 Big Chill water (it was gone before we got home LOL--got 50 cent coupon from machine)
Total before coupons: 24.47
Coupons used: 10.50
ECBs used: 11.00
Out of pocket: 6.03
Got back 11.00 ECBs to use next week.
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.
Herbal Essence Shampoo--got a coupon from the machine for this in addition to my mfr coupon I had
Aussie hair spray
Gillette Fusion Razor
Total before: 16.97
Coupons: 9.00
ECBs used: 7.49
Out of pocket: 1.32
Got back $5 ECBs
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.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
CVS Trip 6/22/2011
On to the deals!
Today I had my deals for CVS broken down into 3 transactions but only did two.
Transaction #1:
GUM Periobalance lozenges--on sale for 15.99 (no coupons available)
I used 11.99 in ECBs from the week before and paid 4.48 out of pocket.
I left with 15.99 in ECBs to use on my nest transaction.
Transaction #2:
2 Pantene shampoo 6.97 (used $2/2 coupon)
3 Powerade Zero $1/each (used a BOGO free coupon--cashier took off pre-sale price of 1.69)
2 Honest Teas $1/each (used BOGO free coupon--again cashier took off pre-sale price 1.79)
1 LA Looks gel 2.99 (used $1 off coupon)
1 Powerbar Energy bites 2.49
1 Gain dishwashing liquid 97 cents (used $1 off coupon)
2 Revlon nail polish 4.99/each (used 2 $1 off coupons)
I also used my 15.99 ECBs from Transaction #1 and paid 4.62 out of pocket.
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.
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.
2 Magnum ice cream bars
3 boxes of Trix
3 boxes of Cocoa Puffs
2 Golden Grahams
4 Cheerios
2 Crystal Light drink mix
1 Sandwich from deli (for my cart pusher today)
1 6-pk of Sweetwater Georgia Brown beer (for my breadwinner)
Total before coupons and sales: 65.54
Total after sales and coupons: 30.98
For a savings of 34.56 or about 52 percent. A small trip so small savings...but better than nothing.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
One More Deal Post....Toys R Us
When 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.
I purchased:
2 Crayola Color Wonder Color and Stow things (9.99 BOGO)
2 Color Explosion packs (11.99 BOGO)
2 Vtech Buzz Lightyear Alphaberry (15.99 BOGO)
I used:
$3 off $3 or more purchase from a birthday sign up with one of the boys
2 $2 off coupons for the Crayola
2 $1 off coupons for Crayola
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.
My total out of pocket was 32.49 with a savings of 41.97. These will all be nice additions to the Easter baskets.
I purchased:
2 Crayola Color Wonder Color and Stow things (9.99 BOGO)
2 Color Explosion packs (11.99 BOGO)
2 Vtech Buzz Lightyear Alphaberry (15.99 BOGO)
I used:
$3 off $3 or more purchase from a birthday sign up with one of the boys
2 $2 off coupons for the Crayola
2 $1 off coupons for Crayola
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.
My total out of pocket was 32.49 with a savings of 41.97. These will all be nice additions to the Easter baskets.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Publix Deals 4-19
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.
12 50-ct packs of gum
6 cans of pineapple
4 Ritz Crackerfuls
2 Wesson oil
4 Duncan Hines brownie mix
2 box Triscuts
5 boxes Special K
12 boxes of Pop Tarts
2 Alexia frozen breads
Total before sales and coupons: 137.52
Coupons used: 31.60
Sales: 67.27
Total out of pocket: 38.65 or a savings of 72 percent.
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!
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. :-)
Drugstore Deals 4-19
I 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.
Today my trusty companions and I hit Walgreens, CVS, Toys R Us and Publix (we also went to Joann Fabric but not for deals).
First stop was Walgreens where I did two transactions.
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*).
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.
Breakdown went like this...
Total: 28.96
Coupons/RR used: 11.00
Paid out of pocket: 17.96 (not including tax)
Register rewards for later: $3
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.
Next stop CVS...
A small transaction because not much thrilled me this week...except the free stuff and the Covergirl since I needed make up.
Paas egg decorating kit 1.99
2 CVS Green Bag Tags .99
Edge Shaving Gel 3.29
CG Clean make up 6.00
CG eye shadow 5.89
Total 19.15
Used 2.50 coupon for CG stuff
Used $10 ECB from last week
Paid 7.99 out of pocket after tax
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.
Today my trusty companions and I hit Walgreens, CVS, Toys R Us and Publix (we also went to Joann Fabric but not for deals).
First stop was Walgreens where I did two transactions.
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*).
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.
Breakdown went like this...
Total: 28.96
Coupons/RR used: 11.00
Paid out of pocket: 17.96 (not including tax)
Register rewards for later: $3
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.
Next stop CVS...
A small transaction because not much thrilled me this week...except the free stuff and the Covergirl since I needed make up.
Paas egg decorating kit 1.99
2 CVS Green Bag Tags .99
Edge Shaving Gel 3.29
CG Clean make up 6.00
CG eye shadow 5.89
Total 19.15
Used 2.50 coupon for CG stuff
Used $10 ECB from last week
Paid 7.99 out of pocket after tax
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.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Publix---January 19
A 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.
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.
Here is what I got from last week's ad:
4 boxes of waffles (these ended up being about 40 cents each)
4 boxes of soft pretzels (50 cents a box)
2 Power of Fruit bars (all fruit frozen bars. I like them, the kids...not so much LOL)
1 Jolly Time popcorn (FREE!! On sale for $1 used 50 cent coupon that doubled)
2 Fruit Loops
1 Frosted Flakes
2 Frosted Cheerios
3Cheerios
2 Rice Krispies
2 boxes of spaghetti
8 cans of Progresso (with BOGO and coupons these end up being about 90 cents each--GREAT PRICE!)
6 cans air freshener (After sale and coupon there were about 30 cents each!)
6 bottles grape juice
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.)
Total before sales and coupons: 130.18
Coupons: 33.50
Sales: 60.50
Total spent out of pocket: 36.18
Saved 94.00 or 72 percent!!
I hope to do a post soon about how *I* do what I do. Again, I just need to sit down and do it.
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.
Here is what I got from last week's ad:
4 boxes of waffles (these ended up being about 40 cents each)
4 boxes of soft pretzels (50 cents a box)
2 Power of Fruit bars (all fruit frozen bars. I like them, the kids...not so much LOL)
1 Jolly Time popcorn (FREE!! On sale for $1 used 50 cent coupon that doubled)
2 Fruit Loops
1 Frosted Flakes
2 Frosted Cheerios
3Cheerios
2 Rice Krispies
2 boxes of spaghetti
8 cans of Progresso (with BOGO and coupons these end up being about 90 cents each--GREAT PRICE!)
6 cans air freshener (After sale and coupon there were about 30 cents each!)
6 bottles grape juice
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.)
Total before sales and coupons: 130.18
Coupons: 33.50
Sales: 60.50
Total spent out of pocket: 36.18
Saved 94.00 or 72 percent!!
I hope to do a post soon about how *I* do what I do. Again, I just need to sit down and do it.
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Eve Deals
Can'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.
This trip included:
2 pk of Always pads (2 for $6)
4 Vitamin Waters ($1/each)
3 Honest Tea ($1/each)
4 Dawn dishwashing liquid (94 cents each)
1 Colgate (2.99)
1 Tone Body wash (3.88)
1 Pampers (8.99)
1 bag of chocolate covered pretzels (1.49)
Total before coupons: 34.11
Coupons used: 12.00
ECBs used: 15.79
Subtotal: 6.32
With tax: 8.37
Got back 10.00 in ECBs so basically everything was free.
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.
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.
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)
I hope that you and yours have a safe and wonderful new year. And continue savings!
This trip included:
2 pk of Always pads (2 for $6)
4 Vitamin Waters ($1/each)
3 Honest Tea ($1/each)
4 Dawn dishwashing liquid (94 cents each)
1 Colgate (2.99)
1 Tone Body wash (3.88)
1 Pampers (8.99)
1 bag of chocolate covered pretzels (1.49)
Total before coupons: 34.11
Coupons used: 12.00
ECBs used: 15.79
Subtotal: 6.32
With tax: 8.37
Got back 10.00 in ECBs so basically everything was free.
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.
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.
I hope that you and yours have a safe and wonderful new year. And continue savings!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve Deal Shopping
I 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.
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.
So here is the breakdown:
10 Colgate toothpastes (one sale for $1--had 75 cent coupons)=25 cents each
12 jars of pickles
14 boxes of Betty Crocker potatoes
5 boxes of Ritz
5 boxes of Triscuits
4 boxes of Froot Loops
1 box of corn pops
2 boxes of Rice Krispies
3 boxes of Frosted Flakes
2 boxes of Chex cereal
Total before sales/coupons was 150.29
Special store savings: 76.74
Coupons: 44.50
Total out of pocket: 29.05
Total saved: 121.24 or about 81% !!
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.
And this is what happens when Mom tries to take a picture with 2 little ones "helping"...
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.
So here is the breakdown:
10 Colgate toothpastes (one sale for $1--had 75 cent coupons)=25 cents each
12 jars of pickles
14 boxes of Betty Crocker potatoes
5 boxes of Ritz
5 boxes of Triscuits
4 boxes of Froot Loops
1 box of corn pops
2 boxes of Rice Krispies
3 boxes of Frosted Flakes
2 boxes of Chex cereal
Total before sales/coupons was 150.29
Special store savings: 76.74
Coupons: 44.50
Total out of pocket: 29.05
Total saved: 121.24 or about 81% !!
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.
And this is what happens when Mom tries to take a picture with 2 little ones "helping"...
Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
RA Meme
Kelly over at RA Warrior 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.
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..."
Why is that? Why does RA effect all of us so differently? I know I have it, my blood work proves it.
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?
Anyway, I thought I would go ahead and be honest here, in this meme. At least I think I will be honest. LOL
From RAWarrior.com:
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.
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..."
Why is that? Why does RA effect all of us so differently? I know I have it, my blood work proves it.
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?
Anyway, I thought I would go ahead and be honest here, in this meme. At least I think I will be honest. LOL
From RAWarrior.com:
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.
- How many other diagnoses (co-morbidities) do you have?
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. - When were you diagnosed?
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.
- How many Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments have you tried?
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. - What kind of a reward do you give yourself after taking any medicine that you hate?
Don't take my meds. - Who helps you open doors or jars when you need it?
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. - What would your ultimate good rheum doc do?
Dig a little deeper into my immune system and not tell me the same joke everytime I go to see him. LOL - What’s your favorite comfort for RA?
PJs, a good movie, and just not moving. - What was the hardest think you have done since being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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. - What’s your biggest RA-related fear?
That I will pass this on to one of my children or that I will develop some serious complications from it. - How many pills do you swallow every day?
For my RA, none. - Something surprising that you wish insurance would cover for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients?
I don't have insurance so I guess I don't care. - What do you wish people knew about Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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. - What would you like to say to your RA? Thanks for dropping by, you can leave now. LOL
Let’s hear your responses to the RA Warrior meme!
Please write up your answers to the questions in the comments box below. Or 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. Another 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.Saturday, September 25, 2010
Cheap Diapers
One 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.
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).
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.
1 box of Huggies 19.99
1 jumbo pack of Huggies 8.99
Used $5 off $25 coupon from watching Rite Aid Value video and a $1 off coupon from also watching video on website.
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.
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!
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.
Lipstick 20.98
1 Beauty charm 2.49
1 pk of gum (not pictured) 1.29
Used coupons:
$3 off $20
$2.49 off (free charm for buying $15 in beauty products)
$5 (3 Revlon coupons)
$14.98 in ECBs
Total OOP: 52 cents (I had a negative total which is why we added the gum.)
And got back $15 in ECBs for basically, this was all free.
At the next CVS, I got:
2 pks of Huggies 17.98
2 Edge Shaving gel 2.79 each
2 Dry Idea deoderant 2.99 each
Used coupons:
2 $1 off deoderant
BOGO free for the Edge (coupon value only went up to 2.75 so it was totally free. LOL)
2 1.50 for the huggies.
$15 ECBs from previous transaction
Total OOP: 8.86
Got back 8.80 back in ECBs. Almost broke even.
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.
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).
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.
1 box of Huggies 19.99
1 jumbo pack of Huggies 8.99
Used $5 off $25 coupon from watching Rite Aid Value video and a $1 off coupon from also watching video on website.
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.
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!
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.
Lipstick 20.98
1 Beauty charm 2.49
1 pk of gum (not pictured) 1.29
Used coupons:
$3 off $20
$2.49 off (free charm for buying $15 in beauty products)
$5 (3 Revlon coupons)
$14.98 in ECBs
Total OOP: 52 cents (I had a negative total which is why we added the gum.)
And got back $15 in ECBs for basically, this was all free.
At the next CVS, I got:
2 pks of Huggies 17.98
2 Edge Shaving gel 2.79 each
2 Dry Idea deoderant 2.99 each
Used coupons:
2 $1 off deoderant
BOGO free for the Edge (coupon value only went up to 2.75 so it was totally free. LOL)
2 1.50 for the huggies.
$15 ECBs from previous transaction
Total OOP: 8.86
Got back 8.80 back in ECBs. Almost broke even.
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.
Friday, September 17, 2010
CVS~~September 16 and 17
I 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.
So in total I paid 3.06 out of pocket. And I have 14.98 ECBs for next time.
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.
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.
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