Monday, November 2, 2009

Walgreen's : Sweet Almay Moneymaker!

I had every intention to skip Walgreens this week, but I needed mascara and after finding out that Almay is ringing up BOGO, I couldn't resist.

Almay One Coat Mascara $6.99/each x4 = $27.96
Almay Pure Blends Mascara $6.99
Almay Pure Blends Foundation $9.99
= $44.94
- $16 -- $4 Almay One Coat Mascara x4 (from Nov. ESR)
- $20.97 -- Almay BOGO sale
= $7.97
- $5RR from Quaker {last week's deal}
- $1RR from J&J {last months' deal}
= $1.97 + 1.78 tax = $3.75

& get back $10 RR (foundation) and $5RR (mascara)

I love free make-up! I already know that I love Almay mascara, and tomorrow I'm going to try the foundation to see if I should repeat the deal.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Albertsons's - 10/13/09

I haven't posted here in ages, and that's mainly because of school. However, I'm still couponing - to some extent. I make a lot less trips and pass up on deals, but that's okay.

However, today something neat happened - I managed to cut my grocery bill in half at Alberston's. Now, I've been able to do that before, but this was one was cool because I bought stuff I normally buy, but don't usually have coupons for.

Yoplait Delights - $2.50
Green Giant Steamers - $1.50 x5 = $7.50
Bananas - $0.39/lb = $1.10
Iceberg Lettuce - $1.29
Roma Tomatoes - $1.49/lb = $1.31
Dietz & Watson Wasabi Mustard = $2.00
Dietz & Watson Virginia Ham $6.99/lb = 7.41
Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges - $4.79 x3 = $14.37
Alberston's French Bread = $1.50
Subtotal: $38.98

-$1 off produce wyb Laughing Cow Cheese {tearpad}
-$1 off produce wyb Laughing Cow Cheese {tearpad}
-$1 off produce wyb Laughing Cow Cheese {tearpad}
-$0.90 --$0.40/1 Green Giant Steamers, "tripled" {10/12 SS}
-$0.90 --$0.40/1 Green Giant Steamers, "tripled" {10/12 SS}
-$0.90 --$0.40/1 Green Giant Steamers, "tripled" {10/12 SS}
-$0.90 --$0.40/1 Green Giant Steamers, "tripled" {10/12 SS}
-$0.90 --$0.40/1 Green Giant Steamers, "tripled" {10/12 SS}
-$1.00 off Yoplait Delights {10/12 SS}
-$2.99 - free mustard wyb 1lb of Dietz & Watson lunchmeat {store coupon}
-$4.79 - Buy 1 Laughing Cow Cheese, get two free {store coupon}
-$4.79 - Buy 1 Laughing Cow Cheese, get two free {store coupon}
- $3 - Store Promotion for buying 6 GM items at once {Steamers & Yoplait}
Total: $15.81

The $0.40 Steamers coupons should have taken off $1.00, but they "tripled" incorrectly and I was too tired & hungry to fight it. The free mustard coupon was coded for $2.99, which is the regular price of the mustard, but it was on sale for $2.00, so I got paid to take it. I thought it was neat. I've been paid to take food out of the store, but never by Albertson's.

Other than that, and the 16 bags of frozen vegetables I got for free yesterday {joy!}, I haven't gotten any amazing deals lately. I still need to make it out to Walgreens for my 16 jars of peanut butter at $0.27/jar. Okay, yes, 16 is a bit excessive, but it's to share with family, I swear!!

Monday, August 3, 2009

August Challenge:: Record all spending.

You know all those budget goals I made in July?

Yeah, I lost a lot of the receipts again, and have no idea how I did. Okay, I know I blew my grocery and Walgreens budget. I think I did alright on gas...not sure.

So this month, I'm tracking all my spending, just to see where my money goes. Everything with the exception of bills, tuition and school books.

So, let's start.

Saturday, 8/1:
$6.11 at Walgreens
---Hair dryer, used $10RR, got $10RR back.

Sunday, 8/2:
None

Monday, 8/3:
$10.10 - Expensive gas
$10.74 - Old Navy Shirt {that I may return tomorrow}
$13.04 - Alberstons - ~8lbs of chicken, salt and some ice c4ream that got in my way
$1.02 - Walgreens - Sauvitel x2; ColorSilk x2; Toothbrush, used $10RR, got $3.50 RR back

Total Spent: 41.01

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Seven months later, it ends.

Last winter break, I was cruising the internet, completely burnt out from all my classes, and enjoying my free time. In searching for a muffin recipe for my mother, I came across a money saving blog. From there I found more and more blogs, and I was intrigued. I knew that we were in debt. I knew that we spent way too much at Wal-Mart. I knew that if we didn't do something to stop this I would never be able to get the things I wanted - a MacBook Pro, a Mustang - without getting more in debt. I was sick and tired of having to turn down movies and outings with my friends because I didn't have the money. After seeing how many bloggers managed to get free shampoo, soap, groceries, I knew I had to try it.

I started couponing in January 2009, the same time I started this blog. And while I never really kept up with the blog, I kept up with the shopping. I managed to master Walgreens, and now have a linen closet full of shampoo/conditioner/lotion/etc. I have so much in there, that blankets that belong in that closet no longer fit! I guess I have to clean it out!

I've grown a lot in these past months. I've come to realize the difference between needs and wants - that Mustang? It's a "want", definitely not a need, and I won't be getting one anytime soon. The MacBook? It's a possibility. I am in the market for a new laptop, so we'll see. I'm slowly learning not to be embarrassed at cash registers and to stand my ground. If I'm using a coupon correctly, there's no reason for the cashier to disagree with me; I just need to make sure they know that. I learned the value of time - it's not worth arguing for fifteen minutes about a $1 coupon that didn't go through.

I'm also learned that I spend a lot of time on this - way too much. If I'm online, you bet I have HCW or one of my favorite blogs open. During the semester? You can bet that I was planning my Walgreens trips around school. It was annoying coming out of a class or lab and still thinking "Oh, I have to stop by Walgreens". I actually felt like I had to stop by - it wasn't something I did for fun; it was something I had to do.

And yes, I did enjoy it. But lately, it seems like a chore more than something fun. So I'm taking a break from couponing. Once this semester starts, I won't be couponing. I need the time for school, and I'm tired of having to search fliers, remember coupons, use them before they expire and everything else that goes with couponing. I am stocked up on HBA stuff, which will be enough to last us through December. Hopefully in December/January, I can pick up enough deals so that I can stock us up for next semester.

I have a little less than a month before this semester starts, and I'll be using it to hunt for deals on what we still need. Just to make sure I don't forget, I'll make a list of what we need:
--Toilet Paper
--Q-tips
--Contact Solution
--Toothbrushes {Target/Wal-Mart, free}
--Face wipes {maybe}
--Kleenex
--Freezer Bags
--Sandwich Bags
--Snack Bags

--Pasta {Wacky Mac, Alberstons, $0.34 'til 8/14; Ronzoni, Wal-Mart, $0.50 'til Friday}
--Tuna
--Peanut Butter {Walgreens, next week, $0.25/each}
--Canned Tomatoes
--White Flour
--Sugar {Alberstons, before Friday}
--Oatmeal

I think that's everything. I may be missing some stuff, but we'll see. My plan to to only have to buy produce, meat and dairy for the next few months, and only buy loss-leaders. We'll see how it goes.

So one more thing: will this blog continue? Yes. I have yet to manage to figure out this thing called "budgeting", and we are still in debt. I'm also hoping to start menu-planning, and being more organized and this blog shall serve that purpose. I will try to update it about twice a week, but we'll see how that goes.

Monday, July 6, 2009

June Budget Update && July Goals.

June Budget:

Let's review my June Budget Goals:

1) Stick to a Walgreens budget of $80/month or $20/week.

2) Stick to a grocery budget of $200/month or $50/week.

3) Stick to a gas budget of $40/month.

Now, let's see - did I stick to it? I have no idea. I lost track of my receipts, so unless I hunt them down, I won't know.

I know for sure that I went over gas budget, but that was expected. Gas is up to ~$2.50/gal here {if not more}, and I had to drive 30 miles out of town on many occasions. Total spent on gas for the month? $69.71

I'm pretty sure I came under on my Walgreens budget. After my last post, I found my giftcard which had about $35 on it, and I used that. It lasted me almost all month, so I'm guessing I spent $60 at Walgreen last month.

July Budget:

1) Stick to a Walgreens budget of $40/month.

So far I've spent $6.11 at Walgreens, and the next two weeks? They look pretty bland! Oh, and let's face it - I have plenty of shampoo/body wash/soap/etc. to last us quite a while. Plus I'm going to need the money for gas.

2) Stick to a grocery budget of $200/month or $50/week.
This still feels pretty reasonable to me as I have not mastered the art of stockpiling food. So until we can get some more food in this house, I'll keep it at that much.

3) Stick to a gas budget of $80/month.
I drive a lot. And it's mainly because I have to, not because I'm cruising around the streets due to boredom. Oh, and gas is expensive.

4) Record spending within two days of buying the items.
Seeing as this was my downfall last month, I'm making it my goal this week.

So far:
Walgreens - $6.11
Gas - $0
Grocery - $33.03

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

June: Budget Update

Alright, since I haven't posted them, here are the budget totals as of right now:

Health & Beauty:

Walgreens: $24.27/$80
This includes two hairdryers, some laundry soap & quite a bit of clearance school supplies. I still have $12 in RR though, so I'm doing good.

K-Mart: $1.15
I was testing to see if our Kmarts were unknowingly doubling coupons. They weren't.

Wal-Mart: $2.04
Q-tips and trial-size contact solution.

Grocery:

Alberston's: $6.75
Some bottled water I had rain checks for. This will go up tomorrow though, since there are some neat sales.

Target: $1.30 on a giftcard.
Salad dressing and mayo - should have been free or really close to free, but everything resulted in overage and so my last coupon wasn't accepted. That's okay; I'll live. This was on a giftcard, so it doesn't count towards my budget.

Save-Mart: $2.65
Some onions and chile. The rest of the produce was really bad, so we went to Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart: TBA.

I've made three trips to Wal-Mart in the past 3 days. A bit crazy, I know. We went on Saturday and it was packed, so I didn't feel like using coupons. We bought a bunch of veggies and some meat. The total was around $46, but the receipt is out in my car, so I'll update that later.

I made another trip yesterday morning to use up some of my Kraft IPs that were expiring soon - that was 8.46 for some fun stuff - graham crackers, Ritz, Wheat Thins, and then some pasta and Ramen.

The second trip was a bit more pricey - 16.46. That one included Boca Burgers, Yo-Plus Yogurt, Cheddar Cheese, Kashi bars and hamburger buns.

So that's approximately 80.32 of the monthly budget and we're only nine days in...whoops! It'll be about another twenty tomorrow, but I'm not too worried right now. We'll see how it goes.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Rant: Stupid Kmart.

So, I previously wrote that all NM stores would be participating in Kmart doubles this week. This was information I received when I wrote to Kmart last week. On Thursday, when our ad showed up, it didn't show doubles on not. However, word on the blogosphere was that all Kmarts were doubling - it just wasn't advertised.

So, I did a trial run today. I bought Huggies wipes, since they'd be free after doubles and cheap enough after coupon. Didn't work. I was so annoyed! I was completely prepared to spend quite a bit at Kmart this week; I had several scenarios to take advantage of their 'Buy More; Save More' promotion and the Axe movie ticket promotion - but no. Kmart isn't doubling coupons.

This is infuriating because we've been left out of doubles since March. I've read on several blogs that Kmart only hosts these promotions in areas where they get a lot of response - i.e. big cities were there are a lot of couponers. I think that's dumb. Sure, maybe there will be five people in my town who go in with coupons during doubles week. But that's five people who wouldn't walk in there otherwise. And face it - we all know couponers move a lot of merchandise through stores. We may be getting the item free, but the store is getting reimbursed for it {well, I guess for half of it during a doubles event}.

Ugh!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Store Blahs + Update on Budget.

Somedays I just don't want to go shopping. Today was definitely one of those days. However, today was the last day milk was $1.50, and since it's not on sale next week {nothing is on sale next week!}, I had to go to Walmart.

2 gallons 2% Milk - 3.00
2lbs. Organic Brown Rice - 2.88
Total: 5.88

44.12 left in weekly budget.

So, next week, Kmart is doubling coupons! I'm super excited because we will be included this time around. I'm anxiously awaiting the sales ad - it doesn't come out 'til Thursday. I'm hoping for some really good deals on Wheat Thins & Ritz; I really need to use up my Kraft IPs before they expire.

I think I'll be adding $50 to my budget - for anything non-food bought at anywhere that isn't Walgreens {I have my eyes on some clearanced Ziploc Baggies at Target - just need them to go down a bit more}. This might change a bit depending on the sales at Kmart next week. We'll see how it goes.

Monday, June 1, 2009

June Goals

I feel it's important to have goals. Without goals, you can never reach your ultimate potential and you can never really figure out where you're falling short. You also never realize what you're spending if you don't track it, and I haven't been tracking. That being said, these are my goals for June:

1) Stick to a Walgreens budget of $80/month or $20/week.
I have been spending way too much at Walgreens. Yes, I have been saving a lot, but I've also spent way too much. It's time to stop that.

2) Stick to a grocery budget of $200/month or $50/week.
We've been spending around $60/week, so this shouldn't be too much of a stretch for us. However, it will require me to track my purchases, which is something I haven't been doing.

3) Stick to a gas budget of $40/month.
I'm lucky enough to have a gas that get good mileage {about 30 miles/gal}, but gas prices are increasing by the day. I suspect I'll go over this goal, but we'll see when we get there.

That's it. Three -hopefully- simple goals. Let's hope I can manage it!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Late Night Shopping - Old Navy & Walmart

I heard that Old Navy has their clearance an extra 50% off 'til Saturday, and since I had a return to make, I figured I may as well check it out. I didn't find any clothes in the woman's department, but let's face it - I have enough clothes. I did raid the kids department and found some cute hoodies for my cousins at $2.50-$3.50 each and two 1 piece pajamas at $0.47 each.

I then headed to Walmart to pick up some milk and use some random coupons I had:

Milk {gallon} - $1.50
Milk {gallon} - $1.50
Kotex Lightdays Liners - $1.00
Kotex Lightdays Liners - $1.00
Kotex Lightdays Liners - $1.00
Kotex Lightdays Liners - $1.00
Kotex Lightdays Liners - $1.00
Yo-Plus Yogurt - $2.08
Yo-Plus Yogurt - $2.08
Scotch Gift Tape {3 count} - $0.60
Scotch Gift Tape {3 count} - $0.60
Scotch Magic Tape {3 count} - $0.60
Scotch Magic Tape {3 count} - $0.60
Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter - $0.40
Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter - $0.40
Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter - $0.40
Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter - $0.40
Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter - $0.40
Strawberry Frosted Mini Wheats - $2.00
Strawberry Frosted Mini Wheats - $2.00
Strawberry Frosted Mini Wheats - $2.00
Chocolate Frosted Mini Bites -$2.00
Chocolate Froster Mini Bites -$2.00
TOTAL: 26.56
- 0.75 Kotex LightDays Liners
- 0.75 Kotex LightDays Liners
- 0.75 Kotex LightDays Liners
- 0.75 Kotex LightDays Liners
- 0.75 Kotex LightDays Liners
- 1.00 Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter {peelie on tape}
- 1.00 Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter {peelie on tape}
- 1.00 Kellogs Frosted Mini Wheats
- 1.00 Kellogs Frosted Mini Wheats
- 1.00 Kellogs Frosted Mini Wheats
- 1.00 Kellogs Frosted Mini Bites
- 1.00 Kellogs Frosted Mini Bites
- 1.00 Yo-Plus Yogurt
- 1.00 Yo-Plus Yogurt
OOP: 13.81 + 0.69 tax = 14.50

Walgreens Plan

I haven't made it to Walgreens yet, but I do want to buy some Calcium. Since I have no Register Rewards with which to start, it's going to cost me a bit OOP.

So, here's the plan:

Transaction One:

Bayer Quick Release Crystals - 2.49
Colgate Total Toothpaste - 2.49
TOTAL: 4.98
- $1/1 any Bayer Quick Release
- $1/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste
OOP: 2.98 + 0.37 tax = 3.35
Recieve: 2.50 Bayer + 1.50 Colgate

Transaction Two:

Bayer Quick Release Crystals - 2.49
Colgate Total Toothpaste - 2.49
TOTAL: 4.98
- $1/1 any Bayer Quick Release
- $1/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste
OOP: 2.98 + 0.37 tax = 3.35
Recieve: 2.50 Bayer + 1.50 Colgate

Transaction Three:
Posture-D Calcium - 8.99
Filler
Filler
Filler
Filler
Total: 8.99 + fillers
-2.5 Bayer Quick Release
-2.5 Bayer Quick Release
-1.5 Colgate Total
-1.5 Colgate Total
OOP: 0.99 + fillers + tax
Receive: 9.00 Posture D

Transaction Four:
Bayer Quick release Crystals - 2.49
Colgate Total Toothpaste - 2.49
Kleenex {200 count} BOGO - 2.19
Kleenex {200 count} BOGO - 0.00
Kleenex {200 count} BOGO - 2.19
Kleenex {200 count} BOGO - 0.00
Filler - {at least 1.64 }
TOTAL: 11.00 +
- $1/1 any Bayer Quick Release
- $1/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste
- $9 Posture D RR
OOP: ~0.00 + tax
Recieve: 2.5 Bayer + 1.5 Colgate

So, there's seriously nothing good to roll with this week. I may just keep buying Bayer Quick Release Crystals, since they are a moneymaker with the coupon, and then roll those into the Posture D + Kleenex. So, that would look like this:

Bayer Quick Release Crystals - 2.49
TOTAL: 2.49
- $1/1 any Bayer Quick Release
OOP: 1.49 + 0.18 tax = 1.67
Recieve: 2.50 Bayer

Do above transaction 5 times and then do this:

Posture D Calcium - $8.99
Kleenex {200 count} BOGO - 2.19
Kleenex {200 count} BOGO - 0.00
Kleenex {200 count} BOGO - 2.19
Kleenex {200 count} BOGO - 0.00
TOTAL: 13.37
-2.5 Bayer Quick Release
-2.5 Bayer Quick Release
-2.5 Bayer Quick Release
-2.5 Bayer Quick Release
-2.5 Bayer Quick Release
OOP: 0.87 + 0.99 tax = 1.86

Rinse & repeat. So, I would end up with a ton of aspirin, which is fine with me, since I don't take pills. I'd also be left with several 9RRs to play with next week. There's just the small fact that next week doesn't look too promising... Hopefully some good deals come up.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Super Savings Saturday: Walgreens Edition

I ended up going to Walgreens yesterday, and it's a good thing I did. Hot Coupon World was reporting that Fast Break Deodorant was producing $5RR even though it was priced at $2.99. I still had the freebie coupons that NBC gave out a few weeks, so this was a great opportunity to use those. This deal is already dead, unfortunately. =/

Fast Break Extreme Dry Powerstripe - $2.99
-2.99 Freebie coupon
OOP: 0.00 + 0.22 tax
Get $5RR back.

I did it twice, so I had $10 in Register Rewards to start today. I wanted to buy Splenda, and I had a ton of Edge Coupons. I lucked out and found spices and V8 Fusion on clearance too!

Here's what I got:

And here's how:

Transaction One:

PUR Flavor Option Pitcher - $7.49
Planters Cashews (BOGO) - $6.99
Planters Cashews (BOGO) - $0.00
Bayer Quick Release Crystals - $2.49
Edge Comfort Shave Gel - $1.99
TOTAL: $18.96
- $5.00 Any Planters Product {from the Kraft Sweepstakes in February}
- $1 Any Bayer Quick Release Crystals {from in store display}
- $0.75 Edge Shave Gel {5/17 SS}
- $5RR from Right Guard
- $5RR from Right Guard
OOP: 2.21 + 0.88 tax = 3.09
Register Rewards Received: 2.50 Bayer, 1.00 Edge

Transaction Two:

Colgate Visible White Toothpaste - $4.49
Nutmeg - $0.24
TOTAL: $4.73
- 2.50 Bayer Crystals
- 1.00 Edge
OOP: 2.21 + 0.35 tax = 1.57
Register Rewards Received: 4.50 Colgate

Transaction Three:
Edge Energy Shave Gel - $1.99
Bayer Quick Release Crystals - $2.49
V8 Fusion - $0.42
V8 Fusion - $0.42
TOTAL: $5.32
- $0.75 Edge Shave Gel {5/17 SS}
- $4.50 Colgate
OOP: 0.07 + 0.33 tax = $0.40
Register Rewards Received: 2.50 Bayer, 1.00 Edge

Transaction Four:
Edge Energy Shave Gel - $1.99
V8 Fusion - $0.42
V8 Fusion - $0.42
V8 Fusion - $0.42
TOTAL: $3.25
- $0.75 Edge Shave Gel {5/17 SS}
- $2.50 Bayer Crystals
OOP: 0.00 + 0.15 tax = $0.15
Register Rewards Received: 1.00 Edge

Transaction Five:
Bayer Quick Release Crystals - $2.49
V8 Fusion - $0.42
TOTAL: $2.91
- $1.00 Edge
- $1.00 Edge
OOP: 0.91 + 0.18 tax = $1.09
Register Rewards Received: 2.50 Bayer

Transaction Six:

Edge Hydrate Shave Gel - $1.99
V8 Fusion - $0.42
V8 Fusion - $0.42
Christmas Gift Card Holder - $0.74
TOTAL: $2.83
- $0.75 Edge Shave Gel {5/17 SS}
- $2.50 Bayer Crystals
OOP: 0.32 + 0.20 tax = $0.52
Register Rewards Received: 1.00 Edge

Transaction Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven:
Edge Shave Gel - $1.99
TOTAL: 1.99
- $0.75 Edge Shave Gel {5/17 SS}
OOP: 1.24 + 0.15 tax = $1.39
Register Rewards Received: 1.00 Edge

Transaction Twelve:
Splenda with Fiber {80 count} $4.89
Splenda with Fiber {80 count} $4.89
Splenda with Fiber {80 count} $4.89
Splenda Granulated {3.8 oz} $4.89
Encore Chocolate Sprinkles $0.24
Encore Chocolate Sprinkles $0.24
Encore Chocolate Sprinkles $0.24
Encore Poultry Seasoning $0.24
Encore Poultry Seasoning $0.24
Encore Cayenne Pepper $0.24
TOTAL: $21.00
- $7.60 Walgreens Splenda Instore Coupon
- $3.00 $3/2 Splenda Coupon {April All You}
- $3.00 $3/2 Splenda Coupon {April All You}
- $1.00 Edge
- $1.00 Edge
- $1.00 Edge
- $1.00 Edge
- $1.00 Edge
- $1.00 Edge
OOP: 1.40 + 0.00 tax = $1.40
Register Rewards Received: None.

Total cost of items: 74.93
Out Of Pocket Cost: $13.32 + 2.24 tax

I didn't to all this at one store; I did it at three. And yes, I did ask one cashier to ring me up 5 Edge Shave Gels in separate, back-to-back transactions! She thought I was insane, but I didn't care much.

The $5RR from the Fast Break basically paid for my V8 & a new water pitcher, and I just paid out off pocket for the Splenda, Edge Gel & the spices - all of which were good deals. And that totally works for me.

This post has been linked on Money Saving Mom's Super Saving Saturday. Check out her site for more great deals.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Where have I been?

I haven't posted in ages. Actually, I never really updated this blog. I tend to do that - start blogs/projects over my breaks but forget that I don't have time during the school semester.

I have, for the most part, been keeping up with the deals, and I've learned quite a bit and created a cute stockpile! I'm hoping to have more time to update now that summer is here. I have several posts I've been wanting to write about all I've learned, so I think I'll start a "Lessons Learned" series sometime in the next two weeks.

Today I had every intention of going shopping, but it is pouring; it's crazy out there, so I think I'll stay in and catch up on some housework and some organizing. I may even start the series - we'll see!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Walgreens Challenege - Change in my Pocket

I usually never plan my Walgreens transactions, and I rarely roll them. I decided to try today, so I challenged myself to using only the money in pocket, and not my debit card. I started out with $6.00 cash, and $8.50 in Register Rewards from last week.

Transaction #1

Colgate Max White Toothbrush
$3.29 - $1/1 coupon = 2.39
Kleenex
$0.89 - with IVC
- 3.00 RR from Edge/Skintimate
$0.49 OOP
Received $3.50 RR from Colgate

Transaction #2

Skintimate Shave Gel
$2.99
- 2.00 RR from Chapstick
$1.21 OOP
Received $3.00 RR from Skintimate

Transaction #3
Colgate Max Fresh Toothbrush
$3.29 - $1/1 coupon = 2.39
Kleenex
$0.89 - with IVC
- 3.00 RR from Edge/Skintimate
$0.49 OOP
Received $3.50 RR from Colgate

Transaction #4

Colgate Max White Toothbrush
$3.29 - $1/1 coupon = 2.39
Kleenex
$0.89 - with IVC
Walgreens 18 count Soup Spoons
$0.25 {Clearance!}

- 2.00 RR from Chapstick

$1.76 OOP
Received $3.50 RR from Colgate

Transaction #4

Ink Cartridge Refill
$10.00
Ravinia Flat Elastic x2
$0.40 {Clearance!} = $0.80

- (3) $3.50 RR

$1.10 OOP

Total Cost: $5.05

I still have one $3.50 RR, and I'll be getting back $7.50 from the Easy Saver rebate on the Ink Cartridge.

And, yes, I kind of messed up the fourth transaction. I forgot I was using a $1 coupon on the toothbrush, and I meant to use another $2 RR from Chapstick, which would have been $0.71 OOP, but oh well.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Baking Day

I'm planning on having a Baking Day tomorrow.

Here's what I'm hoping to make:
Waffles
Banana Bread
Strawberry Cake {Whole Foods Version}
Brown Rice

I also wanted to try this pizza recipe, but pizza and rice don't go so well together, do they? So I'll probably make enchiladas {again} and save the pizza for another day.

I'll be starting with the waffles, and they can double as tomorrow's breakfast too. The banana bread is to use up all those bananas that are going to spoil, and so is the strawberry cake {plus, strawberry cake is my favorite!}. Oh, and this should probably keep me out of Walgreens for at least one day. Maybe not, cuz I have to run by Walmart to return a movie, and Walgreens happens to be on my way...

I don't have recipe for the banana bread yet, but I'm sure there's one somewhere around here. If not, Google is always available! I'll post more about this tomorrow.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Ah, couponing.

Today I walked into a store to buy some avocados for dinner. There was a post offering a subscription to local newspaper. I hadn't subscribed yet, so I stopped to see if it was any good.

The offer included a one-month subscription for $8.70, plus a $5 gas card, today's paper, and yesterday's Sunday paper. I decided it was worth it and signed up.

The funny part, however, was that while the salesman was still trying to convince me, he mentioned that the offer included the Sunday paper which contained coupons. Tuesday and Thursday are {apparently} also good days for coupons, and his wife saves about $5 a week using the coupons from the newspaper.

My only thought? "She must be doing it wrong."

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Been awhile...

It's been awhile since I've updated; I know. I have semi-kept up with some deals here and there {enough to amount a cute collection of free toothpaste!}, which is good. Hopefully in the upcoming weeks, I'll be able to update more.

In the meantime, I leave you with some snazzy makeup freebies:

*Text EYELIGHTS to 467467 for a free sample of Covergirl's new Eyelights Mascara. Credit to Hip2Save.

*Text DISSOLVE to 467467 for a free sample of Clean and Clear Makeup Dissolving Wipes.

*Score a free Wet N Wild Speed Gloss Energizing Lip Shine {say that five times fast!} when you fill out this form. Use the code word 'speed'. Open to the first 10,000 people, so hurry!

Enjoy!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Walgreens - 01.05.09



So I went on my first Walgreens run this morning. I was mainly looking for the Garnier Fructis (GF) stuff, but I got a couple of other things as well. I had to go to three different Walgreens before I found Puffs Tissue, but it was worth it because at each different Walgreens I found different GF stuff on sale.

Walgreens #1

GF Shampoo
GF Conditioning Cream
    2.99 each - 2.00 Walgreens coupon = .99 each
LOreal HIP Pure Pigment Stick
    2.59 (Clearance!) - 2.00 1/4 RP coupon = 0.59


Walgreens #2

GF Sampoo x3
GF Conditioner x4
GF Smooth Milk
GF Glistening Drops x2
    2.99 each - 2.00 Walgreens coupon = .99 each

Walgreens #3

GF Curl Construct Mousse x2
GF Conditioning Cream x2
GF Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray x4
GF Conditioner x2
    2.99 each - 2.00 Walgreens coupon = .99 each
GF Play Style Liqui Spray Gel
    2.19 (Clearance!) - 2.00 Walgreens coupon = .19 each
Puffs 108-count Tissue x2
    .89 with Walgreens coupon
Blue Diamond Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Almonds x2
    2/$5 (sale) - 1.00 off each coupon (coupons.com, page six) = 1.50 each

Total Spent = 33.69

So, I realize some people would say I spent a lot. Several other people have been getting free shampoo, but unfortunately, the GF coupons were not in the paper I bought yesterday. =/ Still, this is a really good deal. It's the brand we use, and we usually pay about $4 for 26oz. This is $1/13oz, so that's half off. The shine spray, mousse and leave-in conditioner I usually buy at Wal-Mart for $3-3.50 each, so being able to get them at .99 is awesome! I've never tried the Glistening drops or spray gel, but they were also steals. So I'm happy.

I'm not sure how I'm going to calculate my savings, but the bottom of my receipts say I saved $89.78 today. That's pretty sweet!



Sunday, January 4, 2009

And so it begins...

Sometime in mid-December, I was googling a recipe for my mother, and I came upon this blog: Mommy Stays Home. They weren't the muffins I was looking for, but the blog intrigued. I started reading it, and then I read several other blogs she linked. Most of the blogs belong to Stay At Home Moms (SAHMs) who combine coupons with sales to get items either very cheap or free. One mother even feeds four kids on $800 a year!
So, I started to wonder - can I do that? Can I cut back on our expenses as drastically as these women do? It might just be a harder task as the town I live in doesn't have a Kroger, Meijers, Aldi, or CVS - stores where many of these women find great deals. I'll try however.
And so this journey begins.