Friday, November 22, 2013

Christmas Toy Deals

Ok... I just have to brag about something.  I got some crazy good deals on excellent Christmas presents for the girls this year and I just have to share!

So, the day started out with my setting my alarm for 7 AM for Walmart's Pre-Black Friday event.  No, I am not crazy (7 isn't that early, anyway...).  I have 2 daughters and 1 LeapPad 2 = chaos.  They have screaming fights all the time.  It is time that they each had their own.  Walmart was selling these for $39.99 (reg. $79.99) this morning at 8 AM in store and online with a 1 hour sell out guarantee (basically they will not sell out for an hour after starting).  So I log on at like 7:55 and the pink is already sold out, bummer.  I try to purchase the green one, get to the checkout page, and it won't let me checkout because I haven't selected whether I wanted to ship the item to the store or to my home.  That's weird, I think, because the box with this particular option has never populated and I cannot possibly put in my selection.  I refresh it several times but by then they were sold out. :(

So at 7:58 AM, I pulled my happy butt into a jacket and tennis shoes and drove to the Walmart down the street.  (It was 34 degrees)  I get there about 10 minutes late and there is a group of about 10 people standing in the LeapPad aisle where the LP2 should be... How could they be sold out this fast?  What about the 1 hour guarantee???

I talk with some of the parents there and find out that they never had the item to begin with, something about a shipment error that only sent the LP2 with the rechargeable battery packs.  We all go to Customer Service for rainchecks, but they are handing out these more expensive ones (reg. $99.99) with the battery packs as a replacement item!  The man in front of me in line who I had been talking to mentions how the one they gave him is pink and he'll have to come back and replace it for a green one.  I tell him that if I get a green one I'll trade with him.  He thinks for a minute and then says, "Well you can just have this one because they're giving out rainchecks anyway."  SCORE!!!  So I took my happy butt with my new *PINK* LP2 and checked out. :)

Regular price: $99.99
Paid: $39.99
Savings: $60

Then I went home and came across another deal at Walmart for the Fisher Price Little People Disney Princess Castle, reg. $42.99 it was also part of their pre-Black Friday sale for only $24.99.  I took this price to Target where you can price match after you pay at customer service and they will give you back the difference.  It was $39.99 at Target, but I also had a $10 manufacturer's coupon I printed from the Fisher Price website AND a $5 off Fisher Price item Target store coupon that I could stack.  I also had a $5/$50 toy purchase Target coupon and I figured I would use it since the castle brought me up to $40 already.  I got some more figures for the castle (wedding Cinderella and Prince Charming) $6.99, and some little whistle instruments I remember having as a kid ($4.99).
Castle $24.99 (after price match) - $10 - $5 = $9.99
Reg. $42.99 at Walmart
Little People Figures $6.99
Whistles $4.99
-$5/50
=$15.97 for all three toys
Originally $54.97
Savings: $39

Today's total savings on Christmas for the girls: $99

Keep in mind these are toys that they actually want and will be excited to receive.  I see deals like this for other toys and I pass on them because if I wouldn't pay for it anyway, I'm not saving money if I buy it with a coupon.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

4th of July Jello Jiggler Stars!


Or, if you don't want stars, slicing them into squares is also a more space-effective method:


So, these layered jello jigglers have been something I have wanted to make for quite some time.  The first time I saw them was at a party from some good family friends in our church.  I finally got down to making them, though, and they were a lot easier than I thought!  They do take a little bit of time, but I was able to finish these in a few hours.  I suppose it helped that I was anticipating it taking days.  We are leaving for Disney World on the 3rd, so I wanted to make these ahead of time so that we could enjoy them before we left.

So, these week at Target (ending today, Saturday, so if you want to get these deal, you're going to have to do it today), they had the large 6 oz. boxes of Jell-O gelatin and pudding on sale for $.99 (regularly $1.29).  There are $1/3 coupons on coupons.com, and a Buy 3 get 1 Free store coupon to print at coupons.target.com.  Get 4 boxes for $.49 each!

You will also need to get a box of Knox unflavored gelatin (the 4 packages is all you need), and a can of sweetened condensed milk.  All in all, this recipe cost me less than $6.

The amount of Jell-O you need depends on how many layers you want.  I used two 6 oz. boxes and used all the sweetened condensed milk mixture, and it got me 7 layers.  Pretty impressive if I say so myself. :)


Here is the recipe:

2 6 oz. boxes of Jell-O (any color you like)

1 box of Knox unflavored gelatin 4 packages

1 can sweetened condensed milk 13-14 oz.


Boil 1 c. of water.  Remove from heat.  Add can of sweetened condensed milk.  Stir until smooth and combined.  In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 packets of Knox gelatin over 1/2 c. COLD water.  Let stand 3 minutes, then add 1/2 c. boiling water.  Stir until dissolved and smooth.  Add this mixture to the milk mixture.  Stir until dissolved and smooth.  Set this mixture aside to cool to room temperature.  You will not need it for a while.

Empty half a box of Jell-O (3 oz.) with 1/2 packet of Knox gelatin.  Stir and then add to 1 c. boiling water.  Stir until dissolved and smooth.  Pour into 9 x 13" glass baking pan.  Place in refrigerator for 15 minutes.

After first layer has set up (about 15 minutes), pour 1 c. of your sweetened condensed milk mixture over the first layer.  Place in the fridge and allow to set up for 15 minutes.  Repeat with each layer until the desired amount is achieved.  You will have enough for 7 layers with the above ingredients.


Enjoy!  I like the way that the stars slanted to the side once I cut them out because it makes them look like shooting stars!  They have a really fun jiggle to them, too, when you take them out.


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Today's Staples, CVS, and Walgreens trips

So, today was shopping day.  I hit up Sprouts for some fruits and veggies (used a $.55 on coconut milk), and then it was onto the fun!

First we hit up
As you may have seen me mention earlier, I bought 6 more inserts of last Sunday's Smart Source because of their $6 coupon for Zyrtec 5 ct.  This coupon makes it FREE at CVS, Walgreens, and Target, and a money maker at Walmart! (76 cents to be exact)  I went Sunday afternoon and there was one left at my Walmart.  It had fallen down behind things.  Since this coupon was only good for a week, things were starting to look bleak.

So I checked Walgreens, and they were out of it, too.

Thankfully, though, I was able to get some $.49 batteries!!!

Here's the deal
Walgreen's brand batteries are BOGO this week.  If you picked the beauty book at the front of the store with Fergie on it (uuuugh... hate Fergie!), there was a coupon in the back that makes the 4 packs of AAs or AAAs only $.99!  They are regularly $4.29 each.  Combine that with the BOGO sale this week and you get, drumroll, please... $.49 packs of batteries.

I got 6.  (That was all they had, plus the coupon said limit 3 on it.)

So!  That was great.  Then it was off to Staples.


They are having a great deal on their coupons page right now.  They have a Staples brand box of 10 reams of paper for $49.99.  There is a $5 coupons you can print from the link above for it, PLUS Rewards Club members get $40 back in rewards!  This makes it roughly $5 for the box after rewards and before tax.

It gets better, though.  There's also a 20% off coupon on the same page which my cashier offered to use instead, which makes it completely free after rewards!  The actual total with tax I paid was $43.XX, but still, that's a heck of a deal!

If you have questions about the Staples Rewards Program, check out this link.


Great!  So that was my whole point in going shopping today, but lo and behold, there is a CVS across the street!  I have to check it to see if they have the Zyrtec, because I didn't want to have bought all those inserts for nothin'.  So I went and heaven smiled down on me...


THEY HAD A FULL STOCK OF ZYRTEC 5 CT.!!!!!

I was so excited that I had a mad dash to throw them in my basket, looking over my shoulder like a crazed wild-woman that someone would swoop in front of me and claim them all for themselves.
But no crazy people took them, no, that was just me!

I got 8 for FREE
Plus I got a free candy for Emma.  Scan your CVS card at the Magic Coupon Machine and you'll get a coupon for $.99 off any Hershey's or Mars small candy.  The ones that are free are marked.

This was the most amazing part of all.  After she scanned all of my coupons, there was no tax.  There was no card swipe, the register saw the total was $0.00 and began to print my receipt and that was it!  I PAID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR THIS TRANSACTION.

I made like a bandit and got out of there!


Paper coupons used today: $47.55

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $930.31
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $143.08   

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Today's Walmart Trip

So, we went to Walmart today to get some things.  My order for the Zyrtec coupons came in, but they were OOS per the norm.  I have until Saturday to find 8 5 ct. Zyrtec so that I may get them!  May the force be with me.

Here are the highlights of today's trip:

2 Folgers individual packets 7 ct. $1 - $1.50 (coupons.com) = $.50 MM!

6 Pull-Ups Wipes $1.67 - $1 (pull-ups.com) = $.67 ea.!

2 Gerber graduates sippy cup $2.97 - $2 (gerber.com) = $.97 ea.!


As I said, I reeeeally hope I find some 5 ct. Zyrtec before the end of this week.  The deal was free at all the drugstores as well, so... Here's hoping!

Coupons used this trip: $14 (used an additional $1/2 Dole frozen fruit products, no deal)

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $882.76
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $143.08  

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Recent Trips

So... I woke up the other day, checked my e-mail, and lo and behold!  Tom Thumb threw a whole bunch of free stuff at me!  I had J4U coupons for free: Honey Nut Cheerios, Bush's beans, Old El Paso refried beans, Yoplait GoGurt, Fiber One bars, and I can't remember what else.  Unfortunately, I can't add these to the amount I've saved this year in paper coupons because they are not paper coupons.  I am trying to prove to Andy that the buying of coupons, paper, and ink truly is worth it.  Anyway, here are the things I used paper coupons on that trip:

Fresh Express spinach 10 oz. $.99 - $.55 = $.45!
Eggland's Best Eggs (can't remember price) used $.35 tripled to $.95.
There was another $.50 coupon, but I can't remember what for...  It was a few days ago.

Anyway.  I paid quite a bit on newspapers today.  I bought 4 in store for a total of $11.  I then bought a bunch of inserts from sundaycouponinserts.com to fill in the ones I had missed.  I bought 20 inserts for a total of $22.30.

While at Walmart, I found 1 Zyrtec that I got for free ($.74 MM actually), and a free Beech Nut fruit pouch.
Zyrtex 5 ct. $5.26 - $6 coupon = $.74 MM
Beech Nut Fruit Pouch $.98 - $1 = $.02 MM

Now for the real fun...





2 Crest Pro Health mouthwash $3.49 - $1.50 = $1.99, received $1 EB each

CVS training pant $5.99, get $1 EB

2 Gillette Venus 1 ct. $6.99 - $3 = $3.99, received $5 on 2

1 U by Kotex liner $1.57 - $2 = $.43 MM

 Used $9 in EB

Used 25% coupon loaded to card (this will only work on regular price items, not sale items.  You can tell by looking at the ad which ones are on sale.  None of the things I got were in sale, they merely provided extra bucks. ;) )

Paid $5.06, received $10 EB

Then I remembered that I had to get ice cream:

Blue Bell ice cream $6.99 - $6 EB = $.99


Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $868.76
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $143.08 


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Attention all Burt's Bees Fans!!!

Ok, so Burt's Bees is having a super sale right now, and we all know that I love that! ;) 
Right now, all orders ship free, no minimum purchase.
+
The Outlet has a nice variety of items for 50% or more, including the Spring Grab Bag, a hand-selected collection of 6 full-sized products valued at $45, for only $18.  Items start at $1, such as the Nighttime Radiance face cream (travel size).
+
Use code SPRING13 to save $5 off any order of $30 or more at checkout!!!

Here's what I got:

1 Spring Grab Bag                                     reg. $45   sale $18

1 Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Duo                     reg. $10  sale $3.50

1 Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream travel size  reg. $3.4, no sale price
^I love this stuff!!!

1 Burt's Bees Body Butter and lip duo        reg. $13  sale $6

So, I basically got $71.40 worth of all-natural products for $25.90 after the coupon code!


This makes for one happy lady mama. :)

Monday, April 22, 2013

CVS trip yesterday!

So, I finally did a drugstore run on a Sunday. :)  Yay me!  The reason was that I needed a newspaper, but by the time I got there, they were all out. :(  Oh well, I got one at Kroger instead!

I was trying to keep my OOP low, so I didn't get all the deals I wanted, but I will show an explanation of what I didn't get afterwards in case anyone would like to get those deals. :)



2 Tom's toothpaste $4 - $1 (peelie found at Sprouts) = $3, get $2 EB wyb 2, makes them $2 each after EB
They had a cart full of Easter clearance 90% off.  Andy loves Peeps and there was one left, so I got it for $.09!
Physician's Formula bronzer - All Physician's Formula cosmetics will print a $7 EB after buying them.  I love this cosmetic line because it is all-natural and very safe.  I got the bronzer for $8.49, used $1 coupon and paid $7.49 and got $7 EB back!  Score. :)
2 Children's Advil 1 oz. $2.49 - $1.50 = $.99 each
1 Kotex U liner $1.57 - $2 (CVS coupon printed from cvs.com) = $.43 MM!
1 Birthday card for Andy $6.95
I had a $5/$30 coupon loaded to my card, and used $14 EB.

Paid $10.33 after tax and saved $29.88, $21 of which were paper coupons.
I spent $5 on 2 newspapers at Kroger later that day.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $833.26
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $109.78     

Here are some of the other deals I will get later in the week:
Oral B manual toothbrush $2.87 - $1 (April P&G) = $1.87, get $1 EB back
There is also a great deal on first-aid products.  Spent $10 on select products (check the ad for specifics) and get $3 EB plus a first aid kit.  I know that it includes Benadryl topical, Band-aid, neosporin, etc.  This also matches up with a great rebate that Johnson & Johnson are putting out at http://healthyessentials.com/printable-coupons/ (click the one that says $26.99).  You must buy 2 band-aid products and one neosporin product to qualify for the rebate.  They will send you a first aid kit, $5 check, and $17 worth of coupons.  There are $.75/2 Bandaids on the same website, and $2 off Neosporin website.  Prices vary by store, but this is a great deal if you need to set up a first aid kit.

In conclusion, if you buy 2 Bandaids and 1 Neosporin at CVS this week and use the coupons, you will get $3 EB back, a First Aid kit (you have to "buy" the first aid kit and then it will take off the total at register.  Don't bring the bandaids and Neosporing to the register thinking they will give you a first aid kit there), then submit the rebate to get $5, another first aid kit, and $17 in coupons.  Either way you look at it, it's a great deal!

That's all for this week, folks!  I don't include products that my family won't use because they contain sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial fragrances and dyes, etc.  For a full list of the deals this week if your family will use these products, please visit Thekrazycouponlady.com.
 

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Walgreens and Tom Thumb

Decided to make a last-ditch effort for the drugstores today.  Shouldn't have.  All three of the great deals were OOS.  I got a 2L of Dr. Pepper TEN for free... but other than that, nothing really exciting.

Used $6 in coupons.

Went to Tom Thumb after and got some Angel Soft tp!  The 4 pk. is on sale for $.99 and I had $.45 coupons that doubled to $.90!  I had my trusty MIL with me so I got 2 for $.09 each!  WOOOO HOOOO!

Ok, that's a little too much excitement over toilet paper.

I used $4.85 in coupons.


Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $812.26
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $104.78   
 

Friday, April 19, 2013

Today's trips: Sprouts and Target

I usually go to Sprouts first to get high quality meat and vegetables at a great price.  I plan out my meals, make a shopping list and go here first.  Then, if there's any money left over in the weekly grocery budget, I coupon. :)

I used $2.50 in coupons at Sprouts.

Here's my Target trip!

8 Happy Toddler pouch $1.43 ea. - BOGO coupon (earned on recyclebank.com) - $2/$10 mobile baby coupon (Text BABY to 827438) = $.43 each!
These coupons scanned really weird.  The first 2 took off $2.50 each, then the third took of $.50, and the fourth took off $1...  When you consider it should have only taken off $5.72 all together ($1.43 x 4), I'll take the extra $.28. :)

The new Spring text coupons are great!  Text SPRING to 827438. There are $1/$1 fruit and $1/$1 vegetable coupons!
I got sweet potatoes $2.65 - $1 = $1.65 for 3, and organic strawberries clamshell $2.89 - $1 = $1.89!

Also in that text was a great $1.50/2 Clorox Green Works products!  Go to their website and sign up for emails and they will email you a coupon for $1 off any Green Works product.  The toilet cleaners are on PC for $2.20 this week.  I got 2:
$2.20 x 2 = $4.40 - $1.50 - $1 - $1 = $.90, or $.45 each!

2 Archer Farms frozen green beans$1.99 each - $1/$4 = $1.49 each

12 Yocrunch on rollback $.55 a cup
I had $1 off any multipack, but I did the math and it was cheaper to just buy the individual cups without the coupon (especially since the size in the multipack are half that of the individual cups).

3 Chobani kids tube yogurt $2 - $1 (chobani.com) = $1 each!  They hold 8 tubes each!
Only the blueberry flavor was on price-cut for $2.

4 Huggies Wipes $2, buy one get one for $1.  I got 4 = $6.  There are $1 coupons on Huggies website (you have to play a game to get it.  It's fun!) - $4 = $2, or $.50 each!
When you get the coupon, you can print as many as you want.  Be warned, though, that at the register they will only let you redeem four at a time.  If you want more, you have to split transactions.

2 Tyson frozen grilled and ready are BOGO this week at $7 each.  There is a $1 mobile coupon in the Spring coupons (see above). = $3 a bag
There were several varieties included in this: chicken strips, beef strips, chicken breasts, and cubed chicken.  Makes dinner very convenient and is cheaper than buying raw chicken!
I also had a paper coupon but it wouldn't let me use it on the free item.  The $1 manufacturer's coupons expired yesterday. :(  Oh well!  Still happy! :)

Plum baby box 4 pk. $2.99, submit for $1 with iBotta app = $1.99, or $.50 a pouch.

I spent $32.45 and saved $35.23, $20.50 of which were coupons.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $797.41
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $104.78   





Thursday, April 18, 2013

Recent Tom Thumb trips




Kind of frustrated.  The girls went through my wallet and have lost both my CVS card and my Tom Thumb card.  Both I can still use with my phone number in store, but I can no longer scan my card at the Magic Coupon Machine at CVS and get those high dollar coupons that would get me free makeup this week. :(  What it also meant for my last large shopping trip at Tom Thumb was that I lost $25 in coupons loaded to my card because I could not remember the phone number associated with the account and used a long-lost account I must have opened a long time ago but have never used. GRRR!!!  There goes another gas reward!

It really makes me wonder why I spend all this time doing things and planning a trip if it's all going to go to hell at the register.  But, I have since figured out the correct phone number and Tom Thumb is fixed.  Any deals requiring Magic Coupon Machine coupons at CVS, though, are dead for me. :(

Here are the latest deals at Tom Thumb:

Mojo bar $.99 - $.50 doubled = free

Capri Sun $2.49 - $.30 tripled = $1.59, submit for $1 on iBotta app = $.59

There were more deals I got last week, but they are over now so there's no point in wasting my time posting them.  :)

Paper coupons used in last three trips: $26.49


Oh, and I did not get a newspaper last week.  It was just one of those days... I have found a great website, though.  Sundaycouponinserts.com offers inserts for $.85 each (The Dallas Morning News costs $3 for one, or $5 for 2 on Sundays and usually contains at least two inserts, the Red Plum and Smart Source, except on holiday weeks, so be careful.  The first week of the month [sometimes the 30th or the 31st if that's how it falls] will contain the P&G regardless of holiday.  There are also sometimes second or even third Red Plums and Smart Sources that they throw in there.  If you want to know what to expect, visit sundaycouponpreview.com)

The only thing that really kills it about this website to me is the cost of shipping.  Shipping is a flat $5.30, so I only use this if I am ordering a significant amount of inserts.  I buy 4 of each (a good rule of them is 1 for each family member, but I usually buy in increments of 2 to facilitate buy on get one free sales to increase savings).  I need 20 inserts (4 of which are a special buy this week for $.35 each, mostly because they are expiring soon, but still a good insert that I will use), and shipping is $5.30

We also bought ink - 2 black ink cartridges for $41.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $744.41
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $104.78   

Friday, April 12, 2013

Today's CVS and Target trips = AWESOME!!!


Today was my coupon day.  :)  Went to CVS first.  Here is what I got:

Brookside Dark chocolate Goji berry bag $3 - $2.50 = $.50

Brookside Dark chocolate Acai blueberry bag $3 - $2.50 = $.50

2 Stride gum $1 - $1/2 = $.50 each, got $1 back on two making them free!

CVS was having a super sale on all Physician's Formula cosmetics.  Use your card and get $6 off any product in their line... period.  Combine that with a coupon for $7 off each item!
1 Physician's Formula eyeshadow quad $7.49 - $6 - $1 = $.49

1 Physician's Formula tinted moisturizer $11.99 - $6 - $1 = $4.99

Remember, all this applies to the Beauty club!

Used $4.50 quarterly EB and $4 EB.  Had a $10 EB but the total was too low to use it, so I'll save it for next time. :)

Total spent: $3.22
Total saved: $35.62
EBs received: $3
So I paid $3.22 and got $3 EB back.  Not to shabby!







Target was super awesome as well!  Here is what I got.  Some of the things were things we just needed around the house and I did not have coupons for, but I'm including everything to be accurate.

Happy Baby pouch $1.27 - $.50 coupon = $.77

Happy Tot pouch $1.43 - $.50 = $.93

2 tortilla chip bags $1.50 each

Kool Aid pouches $1.79, redeem for $1 with the iBotta app

2 Campbell's Go! Soup $2.36 - $1 store coupon - $1 manufacturer's coupon = $.36 each

Old El Paso taco kits $2.54
Old El Paso taco seasoning $.79 - $.60/3 Old El Paso products

Zatarain's rice $1.14, submit for $.75 from Endorse app = $.39

Bananas $1.45 - $1 Target coupon off fruit = $.45

Tai Pei chicken egg rolls $1.90

Tai Pei beef and broccoli $1.90

El Monterey burritos $1.02 - $1 = $.02 each!

8 Yocrunch $.62 - $1.25 catalina = $.46 each

2 Oral B rechargeable 3D White toothbrushes $15.29 - $10 Target coupon - $3 man. coupon = $2.29 each!

2 Poise 20 ct. wipes $2.99 - $3 = $.01 MM!

2 Tums Freshers 25 ct. $2.49 - $1.50/2 manufacturer's q - (2) $1 Target coupon = $.74 each

I spent $30.88 and saved $50.82!  Good day.


To keep the coupon counting accurate, I used $.50 off Cuties at Sprouts last week and another $10 at Carter's.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $717.92
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $63.78  






Saturday, April 6, 2013

Today's Walmart trip

 
Had to make an emergency trip to Walmart for dishwashing detergent bc we were out and I do not like dishes in my sink. :)

Here's what I got:
Outshine fruit bars 6 pk. $2.97 - $2 (NLA) = $.97, submitted to iBotta for $1 back = $.03 MM

Found some Gerber organic baby pouches on clearance for $1 - $.99/6 = $.84 each
Anytime these are under $1, I get them.

Star EVOO rollback $3.98 - $1 (smartsource.com) = $2.98

Got some other things, but I won't bore you with them as I didn't use coupons. :)

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $647.49
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $63.78  

Thursday, April 4, 2013

My CVS plan for tomorrow!!!



SO excited for tomorrow's trip!  Will get $98.49 worth of product my family and I actually use and need for $3.72 after EB back!  Here's the plan:

Buy 2 Oral-B Cross Action tb (the battery kind) $5.99 - $3 April P&G = $2.99 each, get $2 EB each

Rescue Sleep (see ad for details ) $8.99, get $8.99 back

2 Dawn Hand Renewal dish soap $.99 - $.50 coupons.com = $.49

Clear Hair scalp therapy $4.99 - $4.99 magic coupon machine coupon = FREE
Submit for $1.25 on the iBotta app, and viola!  $1.25 Moneymaker!

4 Altoid tins BOGO $1.50 - (4) $.50 (coupons.com) = $.25 each!  Anyone can do this deal!

2 Brookside pouches (chocolate covered dried fruit like pomegranate and goji berries) $3 - $2.50 (go to cvs.com.  Search for "brookside."  Watch the video that says save $1.  At the end, you will have an option to share the coupon on Twitter that will bump up the coupon to $2.50!  I have a Twitter account just for junk like this. ;) ) = $.50 each!!!

2 Nature Made Vitamin D BOGO $4.79 - (2) $2 coupons.com = $.79 for 2

CVS alcohol prep first aid pads 100 ct. FREE coupon for deal of the day on their website.  You should check this every day!  This deal is already gone, but they always have good deals popping out that all you have to do is claim and print!

2 Almay i-intense eye shadow $5.99 each - $5/2 coupons.com - $4/$12 beauty purchase from magic coupon machine (probably want to add something to make sure it's always $12.  Wet n Wild nail polishes are only $.99) = pay $2.98 (not including nail polish), get $3 EB back!
Remember - this counts for Beauty Club!

2 Tampax Pearl Radiant $3.50 each - $2.50/2 April P&G = $4.50 for 2
2 Infinity Radiant pads $3.50 each - $2.50/2 April P&G = $4.50 for 2
1 Pampers baby dry $9.50 - $1.50 coupons.com = $8
Spend $20 before coupons of these select products and get $5 EB back!
Pay $17, get $5 back.  Like getting each for $2.40!

1 Allegra $17.99 - $5 printed (there was a $6 coupon, but it was in the 3/17 SS that I do not have) = $12.99, get $5 EB back

Use $14 in EB from last week, plus $4.50 quarterly EB loaded to my card.

Total before card and coupons: $98.49

Total after card before coupons: $94.20

Total after coupons (OOP): $30.71

EB received: $26.99

It's like getting everything for $3.72 after EB!  Keep in mind tax will be on the pre-coupon amount.


Apparently that $4/$12 beauty coupon is printing every day this week from the Magic Coupon Machine!  Here's another great way to use it:
Buy 1 CoverGirl Brow & Eye Maker $4.79, regular price
Buy 3 CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Eye Shadow Singles $3.99, regular price
They are buy 1 get 1 50% off thru Sat.
Use two $3.00/2 Covergirl Products, excludes Accessories, Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day from PG 3/31 (exp 4/30)
Or $1.00/1 Covergirl Product, excludes Accessories, Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day from PG 3/31 (exp 4/30)
And use one $4.00/$12.00 Cosmetics Purchase, CVS Coupon Machine Week of 3/31
Final Price: $0.69 each, when you buy all 4

Thank you KCL! 

Monday, April 1, 2013

Recent Coupons

I'm trying to get caught up on the small trips I've done lately to keep an accurate running total..

Victoria's Secret sent me a coupon in the mail for a free panty!  Reg. price $10.50.

Pull-up has a $1 coupon on their website for wipes.  Walmart has the refills for $1.64.  Got five.

Total coupons used: $15.64.

Bought 2 newspapers yesterday - $6.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $643.50
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $63.78 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Yesterday's Target Trip

Very happy with yesterday's trip!

Here's what I got:

2 Method all-purpose cleaner $2.66 - $1 (FB) - $1 (coupons.Target.com) = $.66 each!

18 YoCrunch $.64 - $1/4 (Found by the yogurt.  Thanks, random stranger!) - $1/6 - $1.25/8 (both Target catalinas) = $.46 ea.

***FAVORITE DEAL***
2 Schick women's razors (The tags were on the ones next to them for $9.49, but these were also included in the deal!) $7.89 - $4 in last weekend's SS - $5/2 coupons.Target.com = $2.78, got $5 GC
Nothin' like a money maker on razors!!!

Total coupons used this trip: $20.25

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $627.86
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $57.78 

Monday, March 25, 2013

I'm Breaking Up With Walgreens

It just causes me too much heartache and wastes my time.

Here's today's Wags trip:

Poise $2.99 - $3 - $2.  Should have been at least free.  Since the $2 was scanned first, though, it did not accept the $3.  The cashier didn't noticed, took my $3 coupon and kept going.  So I paid $1 for something that should have been free and lost the $3 coupon.

Sure APDO $1.99 - $1 = paid $.99, got 1,000 points

Brut APDO $1.99 - $1 = paid $.99, got 1,000 points

Goody Claw clips 8 ct. $1.99, should have gotten a $1 RR, but didn't!

Blue Bell ice cream 64 oz. $4.59 (great price!)

2 General Mills Lucky Charms
This store was not priced correctly, so I assumed they were just behind on their tags and hadn't put up the new week's sales prices.  Never assume.  What I thought were $2 a box turned out to be $3.99 a box.  What I thought was going to be $.89 a box after coupons turned out to be $2.89.  FML
2 boxes at $3.99 = $.98 - $.60 - $.60 - $1/2 IVC = $5.78 for 2.  I fail.

I tried the Almay deal again and it still wouldn't take the coupons over a measly 2 cents.

So, I ended up paying an extra dollar for an item, lost a $3 coupon, didn't get $1 RR, and overpaid $4 on cereal, and missed out on freebies over 2 pennies  = Total coupon fail.  I'm breaking up with Walgreens.

Total coupons used this trip: $5.40


We also went to Walmart!  Which was much more fruitful:

2 U by Kotex liners $1.24 - $2 = $.76 MM!

Birdseye seasoning mixes $.78 - $.80 = $.02 MM

Beech Nut fruit pouch $.98 - $1 = $.02 MM

Softsoap trial size $.97 - $.50 = $.47

Total coupons used this trip: $8.90


Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $607.61
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $57.78

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Tom Thumb today

Went to Tom Thumb for some things for dinner.  Used $3 in coupons.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $593.31
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $57.78    

Today's CVS and Walgreens trips

So, per my usual self, I procrastinated on the drugstores until the last day. :)

CVS:
They were OOS of the Pledge multisurface (of which I had a BOGO coupon), but they had 2 Shout, so I bought those.  Thankfully, CVS tracks your progress on these deals and if I can find them at another store, I'll get my Extra Bucks.
2 Shout $3.50 - $.75/2 coupons.com = $6.25 for both, will get $4 EB when I spent another $7

3 Pull Ups $10 - $2 = $8, got $10 EB back = $4.67 a jumbo pack

2 Ester C BOGO $11.99 - (2) $3 = $5.99 for 2, or $3 each

PAAS Egg dying kit $1.99, got $1.99 EB back

2 Newspapers $3 each

I had $26.99 in EB to use

I paid $14.26 and got $11.99 back!
My receipt says I saved $65.68 :)
Coupons used this trip: $43.74

I was able to find 2 of the Pledge at a different CVS, so this is what I did:
2 Pledge @ $3.50 ea. = $7 - BOGO coupon = $3.50 - $1.99 EB
It brought it down to $.12 (I don't know why?  The CVS registers are very nice!) and I got $4 EB back.
Coupons used this trip: $4.49

Wags:

This was really frustrating.  I had enough coupons to get 10 Almay makeup removers for free, but the register wouldn't take them.  Apparently Walgreen is really cracking down on coupons and the registers won't accept them if the coupon is more than the price of the item, which is ridiculous first of all because they were only 2 cents below the coupon amount, but also because they're getting reimbursed for it anyway.  I had to leave 10 of them at the register after waiting like 20 minutes. :(

2 Bayer $3.19 Buy 1 get 1 50% off = $4.79 - $4/2 any Bayer tearpad found at CVS = $.79 for 2, got 4,000 points!  I'm going to get more of these bc that's an awesome moneymaker.

Blue Diamond almonds 6 oz. BOGO $3.99 - $1/2 = $2.99 for 2, or $1.50 each

Used $1.50 RR

Paid less then $3 for everything.

Screw Wags.  I have more problems at this store and Target than anywhere else.  Long live CVS!

Coupons used this trip: $6.50

Went back again to maximize the Bayer deal:
6 Bayer baby aspirin $3.29 buy 1 get 1 50% off - $4/2, plus get 2,000 for each item bought!
I ended up paying $2.XX and getting 12,000 points!
Much happier with this trip.  Just to give you an idea, at the lowest level 5,000 points = $5.  I'm saving up bc 30,000 points = $40.  So, you can think of this like a $10 MM. :)  
Coupons used this trip: $12

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $590.31
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $57.78   

Friday, March 22, 2013


Wow!  What a great surprise!  My mother-in-law always buys clothes for the kids when she visits (she can't help it!).  Last time, she went to Carter's, which is having a great deal where you get a $10 coupon off your next purchase when you spend $50.  How happy was I when I went to use it today, and the entire store was 50% off!  It was like being in deal heaven!

I got Lizzie a new summer outfit (shirt and skirt) reg. $22, half off for $11 - $10 coupon = $1.08 after tax!  Talk about a steal!

The next great thing is that in my bag, they gave me another coupon for 20% off my entire purchase when I spend at least $40!  This is great, because I was planning on spending the $50 to get the $10 back anyway.  So, as a recap, you're getting a) 50% off the entire store (excludes clearance) b) 20% off order of $40 or more, and c) $10 back on any $50 purchase.  Any way you add it up, it's great savings!

A lot of people have been getting catalinas at various stores (I've gotten some at Walgreens and Tom Thumb) for 15% of your entire purchase as well.  If you don't have the 20% coupons (I didn't until today's purchase), you can use these for comparable savings!

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $522.58
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $51.78  

Today's Target trip + Andy's Tom Thum trip

Andy used $7.90 in coupons the other day at Tom Thumb.

Here's today's Target trip:

Aquaphor PC $12.99 (reg. $15) - $2 Target baby mailer = $10.99
This was the most expensive item, but we desperately needed it.

MAM Pacifier 2 ct. $3.99 - $2 Facebook = $1.99

2 Ella's kitchen pouches were 10% off this week, made the small ones $1.25 - 10% Target baby mailer - $.55 printable = $.57 each

Alexia fries found the steakhouse krinkle cut sweet potato fries on PC for $2.50!  Used a $2.50 printable to get them free! :)

8 Yo crunch M&M PC $.57 - $1/4 = $.32 a cup

Method hand soap (no sale, needed it) $2.99 - $1 = $1.99

2 Lean Cuisine Salad Additions $2.39 - $1 - $1 Target coupon = $.39 each
Buy 2 get Fresh Express bagged salad free!

-$.05 Bring your own bag

It was $45.62 before coupons.
$25.11 after,
and I used $10 in GC=
I paid $15.35, and used $20.41 in coupons

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $512.58
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $51.78 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

This week's CVS deals!

PAAS Easter Egg decorating kit $1.99
Buy 1 get $1.99 EB
-$1/2 Facebook coupon (not needed, but if you want more than 1, would make them $.49 each after EB)
There is also $1.50/3 at above link.

Dentyne or Trident White 16 ct. BOGO $1.29 - $1/2 SS 3/17 = $.29 for two, or $.15 each!

Spend $14 on select cleaning products, get $4 EB back.  Included in this are Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Fantastik, or Windex.  The best deal is the Pledge multisurface (if included) as there are BOGO coupons in SS 2/10.  It would look like this:

Buy 4 Pledge multisurface @ $3.50 = $14
-(2) BOGO coupons SS 2/10
$7, get $4 EB back = $.75 each

I need the Shout also, though, so here's what I'm going to do:

Buy 2 Pledge multisurface @ $3.50
Buy 2 Shout @ $3.50 = $14
- BOGO SS 2/10
- $1/2 SS 3/17
$9.50, get $4 EB back = $1.38 each

Ester-C is BOGO, and I have been wanting to get these for quite some time!  Use 2 $3 coupons from redplum.com to get a great deal.

Buy 2 Ester-C 500 mg. coated tabs 90 ct. $10.79 BOGO
-(2) $3
$4.79 for 2, or $2.40 each

Hershey's and Brookside pouches are buy $15, get $5 EB back this week.  Brookside pouches are a healthy snack of dried fruit covered in dark or milk chocolate.  There was a $2 coupons floating around in some region's SS 2/24.  If you didn't get the $2, you probably got the $1 one.  Oh well, cry about it later lol. Here's your best case scenario:

Buy 5 Brookside pouches 7-11 oz. @ $3 = $15
-(5) $2 SS 2/24
$5, get $5 EB back = FREE

Now, of course, there are a lot of variables going on with this: a) you happened to buy 5 newspapers on this particular week, and b) your region had the $5 coupon.  Adjust the variables as needed for your personalized deal. :)

Whoppers Robin Eggs, Easter Gold Emblem, Brach’s, Jolly Rancher or SweetTarts and More, 7-16 oz $2.00
Spend $15.00, Receive $5.00 ExtraBucks, Limit 1
Use $2.00/3 Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, Hershey’s Miniatures, Hershey’s Eggs, Cadbury, Jolly Rancher or Whoppers Bags, 8 oz or larger from SS 3/17 (exp 3/31)
Or $1.00/2 Jolly Rancher Bags, 6.5 oz or larger from SS 1/27 (exp 3/31)
Or $1.00/2 Twizzlers or Jolly Ranchers Bites Bags, 10 oz or larger from SS 3/3 (exp 5/3)
if included

If you happened to go into CVS last week and go to the "Magic Coupon Machine," it was printing $3/2 Hershey Whopper Eggs or Mini Eggs 10 oz. bags.

Buy 6 Whoppers Robin Eggs 10 oz. @ $2
Buy 2 Jolly Rancher or Twizzler bags $2 = $16
-$2/3 SS 3/17
-$1/2 SS 1/27 or SS 3/3
-$3/2 CVS coupon
$10, get $5 EB back = $.63 a bag!

Spend $30 in Kimberly Clark, get $10 EB back.  There are a number of things included in this, but the highlight for me is the Pull-Ups and diapers.  There are $2 Pull-ups on coupons.com and the jumbo packs are $10 each.

Buy 3 Pull-ups @ $10 = $30
-(3) $2
$24, get $10 EB back = $4.67 each

It is important to note that U by Kotex is also included in this deal.  Their products are $3.99 are there are $2 coupons here-http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?bt=vg&tqnm=wcfdbkr44449417&o=110157&pt=&lang=&ws=&ct=&ci=&cl=&cp=&eb=1&c=KC&p=2454245&z=&r=&pc=&tc (Extremely high value - can get you free liners pretty much anywhere).

I don't use this stuff, but it is worth mentioning that you can get Pine-Sol for as little as $.38 this week!  It's included in a spend $15, get $5 EB back promotion.  They are $2, and there is a high value coupon for $1 off on Facebook here - https://www.facebook.com/pinesol/app_126491940806904https://www.facebook.com/pinesol/app_126491940806904

If you have 4 computers to print off of, try this:
Buy 8 Pine Sol @ $2 = $16
- (8) $1 coupons from facebook
$8, get $5 back = $.38 each!

This week's Wags deals!

Applied nutrition Green Tea fat burner 40 ct. $7, get $7 RR back
There are $1 coupons found in some packages, you may or may not have them. Also, you should know to not get the softgels bc they are not triggering the RR.  Get the regular tablets.

Cottonnelle wipes and tp are buy $15, get 3,000 points.
Cottonnelle 12 pk. is $5, fresh wipes are $2.
Buy 1 Cottonnelle tp and 5 fresh wipes = $15
-(5) $1 wipes coupon
-$.55 Cottonnelle tp coupons.com
Pay $9.45, get 3,000 points, like $1.08 after points for each item

Bayer is buy 1 get 2nd 50% off.  I have $4/2 peelies that I found in CVS for any Bayer product... The baby aspirin are $2.99, plus you get back 4,000 rewards points wyb 2.
Buy 2 Bayer aspirin @ $2.99 = $5.98
- $4/2 peelie
$1.98, get 4,000 points (moneymaker) 

Starbucks Iced Coffee 11 oz. $.99, get $.99 RR back = free

Blue Diamond almonds 6 oz. BOGO $3.99 - $1/2 SS 1/27 = $2.99 for 2, or $1.49 each

Almay cosmetics are buy 1 get 2nd 50% off.  There is a $5/2 coupon on coupons.com, plus $2 coupons for cosmetics and makeup removers in the in-store booklet = great deals.  At my store the makeup remover pads were $5.49 - $5.99, but the $5.49 were out of stock.

Buy 2 Almay eye makeup remover pads @ $5.99 with buy 1 get 2nd 50% off = $8.99
-(2) $2 IVC (you only need to scan the booklet once, it will apply to each relevant item)
-$5/2 coupons.com
FREE

If you want makeup, the eye shadow trio is $7.49, and after coupons they would be $1.12 each.



Saturday, March 16, 2013

Tom Thumb today

Here are the highlights of today's trip:

Idahoan homestyle scalloped potatoes $1.39 - free cat = free

2 French's honey dijon mustard $1.49 (price cut through May!) - $1 = $.49

Haribo gummy bears $1.49 - $.30 tripled - $.30 store card = $.29

2 Barilla pasta sauce $2 - 1.50 (mystery coupons showed up on my receipt...)
2 Barilla pasta $1.25 - 10% pasta J4U - $1/2 paper coupon pasta and sauce = $.55 each!  (I honestly don't know where those mystery coupons came from... Check your J4U.)

2 Kleenex $1 each - $1/2 J4U = $.50 each

4 Lucerne shredded cheese 8 oz. $1.61 each J4U personalized price

Buy $30 select frozen items, get $10 catalina
Buy $20, get $5 catalina:
4 Smart Ones breakfast $2.50 each - $3/$10 purchase coupons.com = $1.75 each
2 Morningstar Farms black bean burger $2.99 each
1 Totino's party pizza (filler) $1.25
1 Freschetta Pizza $5 - $1 J4U = $4
1 Tyson chicken patty $4.99 - $1 found on bag = $3.99
1 Tyson chicken nugget $4.99 - $.75 = $4.24
We were going for the $30 mark, but only got $5 back?  Apparently they're counting it after manufacturer's coupons now.  This is truly a first and I am quite disappointed.  We spent $26.46 after coupons and this deal and got $5 back.  Could have bought <$4 and got another $5 back but oh well.

Land o Lakes stick butter $2.99 J4U price - $.50 coupons.com = $1.99

Stonyfield organic yogurt clearance $.44 - $1/3 = $.11 each

Yoplait simplait $.89 - $.30 coupons.com = free

Kerrygold garlic and herb butter $2.19 - $2 = $.19

Del Monte fruit naturals mango $1 - $.50 = free

Scanned $13.94 worth of coupons this trip.
Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $484.27
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $51.78 

Today's CVS and Wags trips! :)

CVS:

All small and mighty detergent $3.50 - $1 = $2.50

2 Pampers Easy Ups $10 each - $2 = $8
1 Pampers Baby Dry size 3 $10 - $1.50 = $8.50, buy $30, get $10 EB back, $4.83 each jumbo pack

2 Sparkle Paper towel 12 pack $5 - $1 = $4 each, $2 EB back on 2 = $3 each

2 Starburst Jelly beans 13 oz. 2/$4.98 - $1/2 = $1.99 each, got $2 EB back

Sour Jelly Beans 7 oz. $.99, got $.99 EB back

Di-Gel antigas $5 - $3.50 = $1.50, got $2 EB

Almay eye makeup remover sticks $5.99
Almay Eyemakeup remover pads $6.49 - $5/2 coupons.com - $3 CVS coupon machine = $4.48 for 2, got $5 back wyb $10 Almay products (moneymaker!)

Simple Replenishing Moisturizer 4.2 oz. $12.99 - $2 = $10.99
Simple exfoliating wipes $6.49 - Buy any simple item, get wipes free = free
Buy $15 of Simple products, get $5 EB back, like getting them for $3 each!

Remember all beauty items bought at CVS (if you signed up for the beauty club), gives you $5 EB back wyb $50 of any beauty products...  This is before coupons and can be used on top of any other EB deal (there are many) in beauty.

Total: $115.02
Coupons used: $29.99
Card savings: $24.03
Paid: $61, got back $26.99 in EBs!
Each item average after EB: $2.43
70% savings after EBs!

Wags:
Lever 2000 bars 2pk. BOGO $2.49 - (2) $1 coupons.com = $.49 for 2, or $.25 each

2 Poise $2.99 - $2 in-store coupon (applies to both) - $3 = $2.02 MM on both
I tried using a second $3 man. q. for this, but it wouldn't take it.  So I tried to take off the second one (since these are free at Target with the same q), and when they took it off, the total price of the order went up!  So I just got them both, it was a moneymaker anyway!

Right Guard Xtreme APDO $3 - $1/2 in-store coupon book - $2 redplum.com = $.50 each

Zinc SPF 70 sunscreen on clearance for $1.32 - $.50 coupon found on product = .82
(There were also 2 pks. of Walgreens brand diapers for $.25!  Stock up price is $.13 or less per diaper, but they were only sizes 1 and 2)

Laura Kelly Mom journal on clearance for $3.29

2 spiral notebooks on clearance for $.49

2 ID Gum spearmint $.99 - $1/2 = $.49 each, got 100 points

Emergen-C Kid's Fruit Punch on clearance for $5.99, reg. $11.99 - $1.50 = $4.49

Easter Plastic tumblers $.17 each with in-ad coupon

Subtotal: $49.69
Coupons used: $18.50
Card savings: $20.15
Paid: $12.04, got 100 points
77% savings


Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $470.33
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $51.78

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Target hoy!

Annie's homegrown cheddar bunny snacks $2 - $.75 = $1.25
MP frozen corn and carrots $1.14 and $1.19 respectively - $.75/2 mobile coupon = $.79 each
2 MP dozen eggs $1.49 - $.55/2 - $.50/1 mobile Target coupon = $.97 each
8 Yocrunch $.64 - $.70/4 = $.47 each
Nivea for Men shave gel $2.89 - $2 Target printable - $2/2 man q. = FREE!
2 Up & Up ibuprofen $.97 - $2/2 Shopkick app = FREE
Annie's Mac n Cheese $1.25 - $.50/2 Target printable - $.35 = $.85 each
2 Pampers easy Ups $9.49 - $2 (coupons.com) = $7.49, buy 2 get $5 GC = $4.99 each
2 Suave Professionals keratin therapy shampoo + 2 conditioner $3.49 - BOGO - $1 Target printable (they only let me scan 2 of these, apparently you're only allowed 1 per transaction?  The other one got lost in the stack) = $4.98, got $5 GC
-$.15 bring your own bag

Subtotal $34.45
-$5 GC from previous transaction
Paid $29.96, got $10 back in GC
Paper coupons scanned this trip: $25.23

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $421.84
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $51.78

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Tom Thumb!

Today at Tom Thumb, we saved 50%, which was really good considering we bought about $20 worth of flowers!

Here's the best of what we got:

Mt. Olive pickles BOGO $2.99 - (2) $.75 = $.74 each!

Mott's Apple sauce 4 pk. pouch $2 - $.50 J4U - $1.10 printable (NLA) = $.40

2 C&H Sugar 4 lb. reg. price $6.98 - $1 card savings - $2 JFU - $.75/2 coupon = $.74 each

McCormick BOGO Dill $5.39 - $2 JFU - $.75
McCormick Ginger (free) - $2 JFU - $.75 = both free

O Organics baby food pouch $.99 - 10% - $1.50/3 = $.39 each!

Hefty trash bags 45 ct. $4.29 (special sale where you save $4 off each item wyb 2!) - $1 = $3.29 (stock up price)

Yopa! yogurt $1 - $.50 doubled = free

Yoplait simplait yogurt $.89 - $.30 tripled (coupons.com) = free

2 Voskos yogurt $1 - $.30/2 = $1.10 for 2 or $.55 each

3 Dannon Oikos Greek yogurt $1 - $.50/3 = $1.50 for 3, or $.50 each

Luvs diapers jumbo pack $5 - $1 J4U = $4 (stock-up price)

Del Monte Fruit Naturals mango $1 - $.50 doubled = free

O Organic baby spinach $1.99


Cheese BOGO Sale:
6 Kraft shredded cheese 8 oz. $3.29 - $1/2 = $2.29 for two, or $1.15 each!
2 Precious stringsters string cheese $4.99 - $1 = $3.99 for two, or $1.99 each

Clearance finds:
Danimals crunchers 4 pk. $1
Danimals smoothie pk. $1

Bouquet $9.99
Orchids $9.99
5 limes $1
Organic onion $1.33
Powdered sugar $1.59

Subtotal: $137.97
Card discounts: $38.36
J4U savings: $12.99
Coupons scanned $19.14
Total savings: $70.49, or 52%
Paid: $67.48

I also bought 2 newspapers for $5.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $396.61
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $51.78


Saturday, March 9, 2013

Target... I went back :)

I went back because Andy's flight was delayed (later canceled) and I had some more time to maximize that breakfast deal before it ended.  I remembered that I could get $1.50/1 coupons from kelloggsfamilyrewards.com with the points I had accrued.  They have some for any Kellogg's cereal (score!) and any Eggo waffle (double score!).  Ok, let's do the math on the Eggo waffles... They're on sale for $2 - $1.50 coupon = $.50.  Buy 5, get a $5 GC = $.50 MM (if you had five coupons, which is doubtful since you can only print two from each IP address, and you can only print this from the computer you redeem it, I believe).  Anyway, they were using Red Plum technology and the Eggo one never printed.  Oh well, I still got a hell of a deal:

2 Krave $2.75
3 Eggo $2
Subtotal:$11.75
-$1.50 Kellogg's cereal
-$1.50 Kellogg's cereal
=$8.75, get $5 GC, like paying $3.75 for all or $.75 each!

I also got some other things:
2 Campbell's Go! Soup $2.29 - $1 - $1 (see previous posts) = $.29

Oscar Mayer slow pull porked $5.99 - Free coupon got in the mail = Free

2 Birds Eye green beans $1.66 - $1 (birdseye.com) = $.66 each

Up & Up Antacid tablets $2.04 - $1.50 Target printable = $.54

Used my two $5 GC from earlier in the day and only paid $2.23 for everyting, and got $5 back!  Nothing like a money making transaction. ;)






Coupons used this trip: $16.49
Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $377.47
 This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $46.78

Today's Target and Walmart trips

I am a couponing procrastinator... Per the norm, I got my Target last minute deals - thank goodness they were still in stock!

Target was having a great breakfast sale.  Buy 5 participating products, get a $5 GC.  Eggo waffles were included in this for $2, so if you do the math that's only $1 per box after the GC!  Nice stock up price without any coupons.

Cereal, juice, and coffee were also included.  If you're getting more than five, be sure to split them into separate transactions to get all your gift cards.

Here's what we got:
3 Krave $2.75
2 Tropicana Fruitstand juice $3
Subtotal $14.25
-$1/2 Krave
-$1/3 Kellogg's cereal Target printable
-$1 Tropicana Fruitstand juice
-$1 Tropicana Fruitstand juice
=$10.25, got $5 GC
Like paying $5.25 for 5 items, or $1.05 each

Foodsaver handheld vacuum sealers are on sale for $16.99 this week ($19.99 reg. price).  There's a Target coupon they text you for $10 off any Foodsaver product, and a $10 printable here - http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=M4X5I4OQFZYRW
making it FREE.  We already have one but the battery is going out and we need the bags!  Hey, free is free!

Happy Toddler pouches food - I splurged and got the more expensive ones for this.  There's a $2/$10 Happy Toddler purchase text coupon that Target will send you (text BABY to 827438).  There are $1/2 qs on coupons.com right now as well.  Works out to about $.70 off each product.  I got 4 of the $1.79 ones, and 4 of the $1.43, so it works out to $.86 a pouch.

Campbell's Go! Soup $2.29 - $1 (FB- search for "Campbell's Go!") - $1 (coupons.target.com) = $.29

3 Yocrunch yogurt M&Ms (Emma start rejoicing when we got these!) $.64 - $.70/3 = $.41 each

Up&Up ibuprofen $.97 - $2/2 (shopkick app) = FREE

Subtotal: $56.55
Coupons used: $34.70
Paid: $21.85, got $5 in GC

Second trans. (Target):

Did the breakfast deal again:
3 Krave $2.75
2 Eggo Waffles (Got one nutri grain because of the coupon on the Ibotta app)
(Can't find this receipt so I don't have the details, one waffle was $2, the Nutri Grain was a bit more expensive, like $2.60)
-$1/3 Kellogg's Target Printable
-$1/3 Kellogg's man.
-$.50 Eggo Nutri Grain waffle Ibotta app
Subtotal: $12.85
Coupons used: $2.50
Submit to Ibotta app for $.50
Subtotal: $12.85
Coupons used: $2.50
Paid: $9.85, got $5 GC, about $.97 per item

Then I went to Walmart.  So disappointed that they stopped carrying many of the items I was going to get with coupons!  This is what we walked away with:

2 Terra Chips $2.98 - $1 (coupons.com) = $1.98  (Have started making this myself, though!  Who knows how long my Terra Chip addiction will last...)
VO5 Hot Oil treatment $3.88 - $2 = $1.88
2 Dole berry fruit smoothie $1.50 - $.75 = $.75 each
2 Tortilla chips $.98
Subtotal: $14.80
Coupons used: $5.50
Spent: 9.46

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $360.98
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $46.78  

Friday, March 8, 2013

Walgreens/CVS trips today

Took two trips to drugstores today.  CVS was all out of the Right Guard Xtreme APDEO for $.50, so I went to Walgreens instead.

Used $1 ECB at CVS to get some candy for the girls.

Walgreens was much better.  Here are the highlights:
Hanes underwear BOGO $11.99 - $1 peelies on the package = $5.49 each
Right Guard Xtreme APDEO $3 - $1/2 in store coupon book - $2 (3/3 RP, and redplum.com) = $.50 each
2 Oral-B toothbrushes reg. $5.49 on sale $2.99 - $1 (March P&G) = paid $1.99, got $1.50 RR back
(Should have done these in two transactions to get 2 RR, d'oh!)
-$10 RR
-$4 RR

Total coupons scanned today: $25

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $318.28
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $46.78 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

"Couponing" Purchases

Ok, folks.  You've waited for it and now it's finally here!  I finally have to pay for all my printing habits!  TODAY I BOUGHT INK.  :o  !!!!!!!!!

Here's the damage at Office Depot (yay rewards!):
Black ink double $31.99
Paid: $34.63

I also walked over to CVS to get a couple newspapers:
2 Newspapers, $3 each = $6
-$4 EB
$2 spent even, got $1 EB for green bag tag

Learned that Office Depot will give you $2 in Rewards for every empty ink cartridge you bring them, with a limit of 10 per month.  That's $20/mos. that you'd just throw away otherwise!  You have to sign up for their rewards program and they send you a quarterly coupon to print with your total rewards amount.  I got 10% from the ink I bought, and whatever else I accumulate this quarter.  Love using those on printer ink! ;)

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $263.28
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent this year to get coupons (printer ink, paper, and newspapers): $46.78

I'm still winning. :)  

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Today's shopping: Sprouts and Target

Sprouts is having a great BOGO sale right now, check it out!  If you have an account with afullcup.com, I put together all the deals with coupons there, and I just don't want to do it here. :P

I only used $1 at Sprouts.  Ever since I threw away my binder, organization has been an issue.  This is the result.

Target was much more fruitful, coupon speaking.  Here are the highlights:

1 Campbells Go! soup $2.29 - $1 (FB page) - $1 (coupons.target.com) = $.29
4 Ortega taco seasoning $.60 - $1/2 (ortega.com/promotions) = $.10 each
1 Mahatma white rice bag $1.07 - $.50 (newspaper coupon) = $.57
3 Up & Up Cotton rounds 30 ct. $.87 - $.50 (coupons.target.com, also the e-coupons they text you) = $.37 each
2 Up & Up ibuprofen $.97 - $1.50/2 (e-coupon on my phone they text me)= $.23 each!
4 Up & Up ibuprofen $.97 - $1/2 (coupons.target.com) = $.47 each!
2 Up & Up Antiacid tablets berry and tropical $1.93 - $1.50 (coupons.target.com) = $.43
Leapfrog Puppy toy $19.99 - $5 (coupons.com) - $5 (coupons.target.com) = $9.99
-$10 in gift cards
-$.10 for using 2 reusable bags (do this every time!)

Before coupons/gift cards: $44.78
Amount paid: $11.47
Coupon savings: $21.60

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $259.28
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent to get coupons: $10.15   

I will say that we are officially out of black ink!  Will be buying some soon.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Today's Walgreens trip

Walgreen's has some great deals this week!  4 things for free after Register Rewards (I only wanted 2 of them), and a great deal on cereal and gum.  I had $22 on my rebates card (rebate from the probiotic finally went through). Here's what I got:

Natrol Melatonin 100 ct. $4, get $4 RR
Arctic Naturals Daily Omega-3 60 ct. $10, get $10 RR
First transaction total: $14, used rebate card, paid nothing
Got back $10 and $4 RR

Second transaction:
2 Huggies snug and dry $8.99 - $3 here = $5.99, buy 2 and get 2,000 points!  (1,000 is the equivalent of $1, but I'm saving mine up to 40,000 to get the highest discount)
Pepperidge Farm goldfish crackers $2.49 (no sale - just bc I had the girls with me :)
2 ID gum spearmint $1.49 - BOGO up to $1 = $.74 each (online it said the price was $.99 but I really didn't care), got 200 points
-(3) $1.50 RR from previous transactions
(4) caramels as fillers $.33 each
I tried using the $4 and $10 from trans #1 (which was the whole point of me splitting it up), but for some reason the register wouldn't let me.  Really want to find out why...
Subtotal: $13.27
After rebate card (amount paid): $6.28

Paper coupon savings: $11.50, got $14 in RR for next time

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $237.68
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent to get coupons: $10.15  

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Sprouts trip today

Today we went to Sprouts!  We get most of our meat and produce here.  There were also some coupon deals I couldn't pass up (of course). :)

Earthbound Farms organic frozen berries 10 oz. $3.99 - $1/2 (ebfarms.com) - $1 Sprouts store coupon (sprouts.com/coupons) = $2.99 (same price as non-organic for same size)
American Flatbread pizza on sale for $5.99 - $4 printable on their website (I know!  4 bucks!) = $1.99 each
Larabars $1 - $.75/3 (coupons.com) - $1/2 (Sprouts printable store coupon) = $1.25 for 3
Wholly Guacamole were on sale for $.99 a box!  Great price without coupons.

Used $9.10 in coupons.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $226.18
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent to get coupons: $10.15 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Tom Thumb trip today!

Saved over $100 today!  It was $150.XX before card and coupons... and I spent $47!  No idea how good that feels. :)

Honey Nut Cheerios Medley $1.88 - $1 (coupons.com NLA) - $.50 (Red Plum mailer) = $.38
Honey Nut Cheerios Medley $1.88 - $1 (e-coupon on card) = $.88
2 Life and 2 Quaker berries $1.66 - $1/2 = $1.16 each
Safeway fruit snacks $2 - $1 (e-coupon) = $1
Tostitos Cantina tortilla chips $1.88 - $.50 = $1.38
Haribo gummy bears $1.49 - $.30 (coupons.com tripled) - $.30 (e-coupon) = $.29
JIF mocha hazelnut spread $2.99 - $1 (e-coupon) = $1.99 (had another paper coupon, but it wouldn't let me use it)
O Organic baby food pouch $1.09 - BOGO catalina = $.55 each
Enfagrow 4 pk. BOGO $5.99 - (2)$3 = Free
These are BOGO and there are $3 coupons on couponnetwork.com making them free!
6 Angel Soft bath tissue 4 pk.  $.99 - $.25 (on angelsoft.com, tripled) = $.24
First tripled, rest were $.74, still a great price, $.19 a roll.
Kraft Fresh Take $1.99 (e-coupon) - $1 paper coupon = $.99
2 Lucerne Cheese 32 oz. $5.99, buy $10 of Lucerne products, save $2 = $4.99 each, great price for a huge bag.
3 Yopa Strawberry yogurt $1 - $.50 (doubled) = free
I also had 2 $1 coupons so I got 3 free total.  These coupons are on the Yopa! FB page.
Nature Made Vitamind D 400 IU on clearance $2.14 - $2 JFU e-coupon = $.14
2 Nature Made Minis Vitamin B BOGO $8.49 - $6 JFU coupon (2 $3 coupons) - $3 printable - $2 paper =  $2.51 Money maker!  I really wasn't expecting the JFU to come off twice.
Ivory Liquid Handsoap $.99 - $.30 (Feb P&G) - $.30 JFU coupon on card = $.21 MM!
Hormel pork teriyaki $6.99 - $1 JFU card coupon = $5.99 (had a paper coupon but it wouldn't take it)
O Organics baby spinach clamshell $1.99 JFU coupon
Cantaloupes BOGO
Green cabbage $.69 each!
I used the $10 coupon received from previous trip.

All in all, my receipt says I saved $101.42, or 68%.

Paper coupons accounted for $28.90 of that.

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $217.08
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent to get coupons: $10.15

Walgreen's Kleenex Extraordinare!

SO... This was a one day only deal.  There is a BOGO sale on Kleenex starting today... There is a coupon in the weekly ad that ends today (you can get them in the front of the store) that make each box $.99 (they are reg. $2.49).  Buy 6 and you get $1.50 RR!
There are also $.50/3 coupons in the 2/10 SS.  If you put them all together... 6 boxes for $.49!

I only had one coupon, though, so I got 6 boxes for $.99, still a great deal.

It was so great, that I went back and got 12 more with no coupons... Pay $5.94 OOP and get back $3 RR for a grand total of $.25 a box!  Or you could look at it that I got them for $.49 a box OOP and got $3 back to spend on my next trip.  Either are valid (I actually like the latter way better because it's not as misleading.  You'll see the first method of "pricing" on a lot of couponing websites and I believe it is very misleading, especially for people on a tight budget!)

Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $188.18
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent to get coupons: $10.15

Friday, February 22, 2013

Made a quick trip to Target tonight:

5 General Mills cereals (2 Cheerios yellow box, 2 Lucky Charms, 1 Honey Nut Cheerios Medley).  Target is having a buy 5 get a $5 GC, and the boxes are $2.50.  I used (2) $.50 coupons for the yellow box of Cheerios (coupons.com), and $1/3 General Mills coupon.  There are lots of other coupons for this, including $1/2 Chex (didn't know they were included until I got there), and $1 Honey Nut Cheerios Medley that is NLA it went so fast to print.  I'm saving mine for the Tom Thumb sale, though, since it didn't make a difference if I used just that $1/1 or $1/3.
5 General Mills Cereals $2.50 = $12.50 - $.50 - $.50 - $1 = $10.50, got $5 GC

Buy any 3 Pediasure products, get a $5 GC.
3 @ $9.99  = $29.97 - (3)$3 (printable on their website, sign up and they'll email it to you) - $2 (Target mailer) = $18.97, got $5 GC, makes them essentially $4.66 each, a 54% savings

1 Cascade trial pack $1 - $1 Feb. P&G (no size restriction) = Free!

I used to $5 GC I recieved from previous transactions, and one $10 GC I got from the shopkick app!  You guys should seriously sign up for this thing, it is the easiest thing ever.  I was going through my history and most of my kicks were simply walk-ins to Target!  You can receive kicks for scanning products in-store, linking your card and making purchases, or (my favorite) walk-ins.  Simply by walking into the store they will give you 35-80 kicks (sometimes more, like on Black Friday when they gave away 200k per store!).  My $10 GC cost 2,500 kicks, so I've been saving up for a while, but you can redeem it for a $2 GC with as little as 500k.

Overall, I paid $9.22 and got $10 back in gift cards!  There's nothing like shopping for free.  ;)


Total saved this year with paper coupons:  $160.68
This number is not reflective of savings as a result of sales, e-coupons, or gift cards.
Total spent to get coupons: $10.15


So wishing I could include gift cards with this, because, honestly, if it wasn't for the gift card promos, I wouldn't be using these coupons!  I have to stick with the plan, though, we want to see how much we save vs. the cost of acquiring the coupons (the cost of ink, essentially, and newspapers).