Amazed at the Savings

I just looked at my receipt from CVS dated today, December 31, 2008.
Towards the bottom of the receipt is printed my year-to-date savings of $687.88!!!
Amazing to think that this is just at one store that I shop at.

If I can do it, you can to. If you're new to CVS, read my article maximum cvs savings to help you get started savings lots of money this new year!!

Awesome CVS Savings

Oh, did I have FUN at CVS today.
I bought:
1 Schick Quattro razor $8.99 - $3 peelie cpn - $5 ECBs = $.99 after ECBs
2 Blistex lip balm $1 - $1/2 = 2/$1
2 Pantene haircare 2/$7 - $3/2 cpn - $2 ECBs = 2/$2 after ECBs
4 Dawn dish liquid B1G1 $1.49 - 4 $.50 cpn = 4/$.98

Used $12 ECBs from last week.
oop = $.58!!!
$31.96 savings
ECBs earned $7
Total ECBs to carry forward $10

I was planning on using my $2 mfr.cpn for the razor when I saw the $3 peelies!!
The manager told me that there will be more great ECB's next week!!

A New Year

As I think about all that has happened this past year, I am amazed at how faithful God has been. He is always with me!! He has protected me and my family numerous times and at times that I am not even aware of. He has provided for us "exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ask or think". I thank God for how awesome and amazing He is.

Have a great New Year...it will be with the Lord's help!!

Contact Me

If you have any questions and would like to email me, my email address is:
jkbeck7@juno.com

Menu Planning 12/29/08 - 1/4/09

Here's a look at our menu for this week:

Monday : spaghetti
Tuesday: chicken roll ups
Wednesday: sloppy joes
Thursday: New Year's dinner
Friday: enchiladas
Saturday: pizza
Sunday: beef stew

Sunday is almost always a slow cooker meal...how much easier is it to come home from Morning Service and have a meal ready!!!

Additional Kroger sale items

In addition to my earlier post on the deals at Krogers this week, I was in the store yesterday and found some other good deals:

Armour Meatballs on sale for $2.50 - $1 cpn = $1.50
Pure Protein bars 10/$10 - B1G1 = 2/$1
Eggo Waffles $1.65 - $.75 cpn = $.65
Johnson & Johnson Buddie Bars are still $.99 - $3/3 cpn = FREE
I have so many of these catalina coupons that printed out when I got them free with the manufacturer's coupons. I am donating a lot of Buddie Bars to our church's food pantry. We cannot possibly use all the ones I've stock piled!!

Kroger P & G Trip

I sat down last night with the Kroger ad, my coupons, and a calculator to plan out my trip to get the P & G specials this week. For every $25 you spend on Proctor and Gamble items, you automatically get $5 off non-P & G items you purchase. So, here's what I came up with:

7 Dawn dish liquids $2.50 - $.50 cpn. = $1.50 each
4 Pantene products (3 shampoos & 1 styler) $3.29 - $3/2 cpn - B1G1 styler free (P&G esaver cpn) = 4/$3.87
5 Crest toothpastes $2.50 - $1 cpn = $1.50 each
2 Nice N Easy haircolor $5.99 - $5/2 = 2/$6.98

My subtotal before cpns will be $55.14.
After my coupons, I figured my oop to be $28.85.
To get the $10 off, I need to buy $10 of non- P & G stuff (very easy for me with 4 kids!!).

Also with this purchase, I will qualify for the $120 in P & G coupons that the company itself is offering. So save your receipt and mail it in!!

I would love to hear from you on how you're planning your trip...even some tips to save more money.

Upromise: Saving Money for College

Would you like to earn money for your children's college education just for shopping or for eating out?? Well, you can!!
Upromise is a free service, and by adding your credit, debit or grocery card means that you can begin saving money for college every time you shop at participating retailers. It's really easy to register and use. All you have to do is register with Upromise. They keep track of all your qualifying purchases and accounts.
They have over 8,000 restaurants, 600 online stores, and 21,000 grocery & drugstore chains as participating partners.
To register, click the Upromise icon on my right sidebar. All the details are explained clearly as you register your cards today and begin to save for your children's college.
It's another way to SAVE MONEY!!!

Restaurant.com

Do you like to eat out?
Do you like to save money when you eat out?
You probably wouldn't be visiting my blog if you didn't!!

At Restaurant.com, you can save on gift certificates to local restaurants worth $25 for only $10. Simply type in your zip code in the space provided on my right side bar to find restaurants in your area. It's fast and easy and YOU'RE SAVING MONEY!!

$0 oop (out of pocket ) CVS trip!!!

Went to CVS and spent nothing...I like those trips!!

I bought (or they gave me??):

3 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper $1.50 each (50% off)
1 local paper @ $.50

Subtotal: $5.00 - $5 ECBs = $0

I needed the wrapping paper. I was using scraps, trying to make what I had last thru Christmas. It did, so I need to stock for next year. I didn't generate any ECBs, but I didn't' spend any money either!!

Meijer's Deals 12/28/08 - 1/03/09

Here's the good deals I see at Meijers this week:

Crest Pro Health 2/$5 - .50 cpn = $1.50
Meijer Milk $2.39
Eckrich Sm. Sausage/Griller 2/$4 - $1/2 - 2/$3
(exp. 12/31)
Oscar Mayer Bologna 2/$3
Hillshire Farm Deli Select 2/$6
Johnsonville Brats $2.99 - .55 cpn = $1.00
(exp. 12/31)
Lifesavers 5/$5 - $1 cpn = FREE
Kraft Mac & Cheese B3G3
Capri sun 2/$5
Skippy peanut butter 3/$5 - .40 cpn = $.87
Welch's jelly 3/$5
Del Monte Fruit chillers/gel 3/$6
Creamette paste 3/$2
Ragu $1.38 - .50/2 cpn = $.88 each
Snyders Mulitgrain snacks 2/$5 - .75 cpn = $1.50
Hunts Snack Pack 5/$5
Splenda 25% off - $1 cpn = varies
Lays chipe 1/2 off
GM cereals & fruit snacks 5/$9
Hormel chili $.99 - $1 cpn for Chili master
Dinty Moore stew $.99
Kraft chunk cheese B2G1
Sargento shr. cheese 2/$5 - .55/2 = 2/$4
Sargento string cheese 1/2 off
Tyson boxed chicken 2/$5 - .55 cpn = $1.50
Green Giant boxed veggies 5/$5 - .55/2 cpn = 2/$1
Pepp. Farm garlic bread 5/$10
Juicy Juice B2G1 free
Orville Redd. popcorn 30% off
Wesson oil 2/$4
Healthy Choice Soup 5/$5
Puffs 3/$5
Chi Chis salsa B1G1 - $1/2 cpn
Totinos pizza rolls 4/$10 - .40/2 cpn =2/$4.20
Pepsi/ 7-up 2 liters 5/$5
Nature's Bounty Vitamins 1/2 off - $1 cpn
Nature's Made Vitamins 1/2 off - $1 cpn

Buy 10 items for $20 & get a $5 cpn for your next visit:
General Foods Coffee
Bagelfuls
Di Giorno pizza for one
Kraft singles
Oscar Mayer Lunchables
Oscar Mayer pre-cooked bacon
Oscar Mayer wieners
Jello No-Bake Desserts
Jello Ready to eat pudding/jello
Cool whip canister - .75 cpn
Planters nuts
Philly cream cheese spreads
Kraft Miracle Whip/Mayo
A-1 steak sauce
Post Cereals
Nabisco Ritz Bits or Toasted
Nabisco Nilla Wafers/Nutter Butters
Nabisco crackers

For the entire Meijer ad, go to the meijers web page.

Walgreens Deals 12/28/08 - 1/3/09

Revlon Cosmetics B1G1 -2 $2 cpns = varies
Dixie Tableware $1.99 w/ in ad cpn - $1 cpn = $.99
Russell Stover Boxed Chocolates $4.99 - B1G1 = 2/$4.99
Gillete Fusion $8.99 - $3 RR - $4 cpn = $1.99
Glade Scented Oil Candle Holder $3.99 - $2.50 cpn - $1 rebate = $.49 after rebate
Herbal Essences $2.99 - $1 cpn = $1.99
Aussie Hair $2.99 - $2/2 = 2/$3.98
Black Ink Refill $7.50 w/ in ad cpn. - $5 rebate = $2.50
4 x 6 pictures $.10 w/ in ad cpn.
Listerine Mouthwash $4 - $4.50 RR on 2 - 2 $1 cpns = 2/$1.50
(cpns expire 12/31)
Dawn or Joy Dish $.99 w/ in ad cpn - .25 cpn (Dawn) = $.74

January FREE + overage after Easy Saver rebates
Revlon Matte Collection Lipstick $7.99 - $2 cpn. - $7.99 rebate = FREE + overage
Revlon Matte Collection Eye Shadow $4.99 - $2 cpn - $4.99 rebate = FREE + overage
Revlon Matte Collection Blush or Eyeliner $9.99 - $2 cpn - $9.99 rebate = FREE + overage
Orajel $8.49 - $1 cpn - $8.49 rebate = FREE + overage

Rebate are EASY at Walgreens...just pick up the Easy Saver magazine in the store, or log on to the walgreens web page and do it all online. They will even file for you at the end of the month!!

Kroger Deals 12/29/08 - 1/4/09

Here's a list of the Kroger deals I see this week:

Cabbage $.19/lb.
Kroger buns & bread 10/$10
Milk & OJ half gallons 5/$6
Doritos $1.97
7-up & RC 2 liters 10/$10
TGIF Appetizers $2.69 - $1.50 cpn = $1.19
LLoyds BBQ B1G1 $6.49 - 2 $.75 cpns = 2/$4.49
Life Cereals 2/$4 - $1/2 = 2/$3
Kraft Singles 2/$4 - .75 cpn = $1 each
Hillshire Farms Cocktail Smokies 2/$5 - $1/2 = 2/$4
Smart Balance Butter Blends 2/$4 - $1 cpn = $1 each
Eggo Waffles 2/$4 - $.75 cpn = $1 each
Alleve 24 ct $1.99 - .75 cpn = $1

***Krogers is running a P & G Deal: Get $5 off when you spend $25 or more on P & G items. Limit 2 deals per transactions. Combine this with the P & G offer going on thru 1/31/09 to get some great deals. P & G is offering $120 in coupons with the purchase of $50 in P & G products. So, it would be a GREAT time to stock up on these items. Make sure you save your receipts to mail in to P & G. If you need the form, you can go to the proctor and gamble web page to print one.***

CVS Deals 12/28/08 - 1/3/09

Nature's Bounty Vitamins/Supplements B1G1 + $3 ECBs -2/$1 cpns = varied
Pantene 2/$7 - $2 ECBs/2 - $3/2 cpns = 2/$2 after ECBs
Crest Pro health or w/Scope 2/$5 - $1 cpn = $1.50
Oral B Advantage brush 2/$5 - $1 cpn = $1.50
Dawn B1G1 - 2/.50 cpn = 2/$.49
Bumble Bee tuna $.88 - $1/3 cpn = $.55 each
Kelloggs Pop Tarts & Rice Krispie Treats 3/$5 - .55 cpn (poptarts) = $1.12
Chef Boyardee 5/$5
Spaghettios 5/$5 - .40/2 cpn = $.80 each
Easy Mac 5/$5
Gatorade 5/$5
Theater candy 5/$5
Febreze Air Effects 2/$5 - .50 cpn = $2
Febreeze Candle/Noticeables Starter Kit $5.99 - $1 cpn = $4.99
Schick Quattro or Intuition for Women $8.99 - $5 ECB - $2 cpn = $1.99
Colgate Total Adv. $2.99 - $2 ECB = $.99
Pampers Wipes 2/$5 - .50 cpn = $2
Gilette Fusion $7.99 - $4 cpn = $3.99
(also cpn for buy one, get gillette shampoo free)
Secret 2/$5
Old Spice 2/$5
Aussie products 2/$7 - $2/2 = 2/$5
Always pads $2.99 - .50 cpn = $2.49
Arrid Solids B1G1 2/$2.99
Covergirl Makeup B1G1 50% off - B1G1 cpn
Covergirl Lip B1G1
Alleve 50% off - .75 cpn
Blistex $.99 - $1/2 = 2/$.98
Ricola Drops $1.99 - $1/2 cpn = 2/$3
Nova Max Blood Glucose system $9.99 - 9.99 ECBs = FREE after ECBs
Bayer Contour Blood Glucose system $14.99 - $5 ECBs - $9.99 mail in rebate = FREE
Pringles 3/$3 - .30/3 = 3/$2.70 = $.90 each
Osteo Bi-Flex B1G1 - $3 ECBs
Folgers coffee (33.9 oz.) $6.99
Kleenex B1G1 $2.19 - .50/3 (cpn expires 12/31)
Clairol Nice N Easy $5.99 - $1 cpn = $4.99
Post cereals B1G1 2/$4.59

CVS brands B1G1 50% off
CVS batteries B1G1

Coupon Inserts 12/28/08

There is only one insert this Sunday : the P & G coupons. I bought a copy of the local paper, which USUALLY has the same coupons as the Sunday's paper; but, to my surprise, there were no inserts at all. So, I'll get my inserts tomorrow in the big Sunday paper.

Walgreens Deals 12/25-12/27/08

Walgreens has some great deals starting Christmas Day thru Saturday:

Walgreens Alkaline Batteries $8.99 (24 AA or AAA, 12 C or D, 8 9V)
who doesn't need more batteries??

Edy's Ice Cream B1G1
Pepsi 12 pks 4/$12
Pepsi 2 liters 4/$5
Chex Mix $.99 - .50 cpn = $.49
4x6 pics $.10 w/ in ad cpn
Single Use camera B1G1 w/ in ad cpn
Pure American Spring Water 15 pk. $1.99 w/ in ad cpn.
Lifesavers Candy B1G1 $2.29 - 2/$1 cpn. = 2/$.29
Comet 2/$1 w/ in ad cpn
Dentyne Gum B1G1 w/ in ad cpn = 2/$1.19
Carmex Lip care $.99 w/ in ad cpn
Almay B1G1 Pure Blends - 2/$1 cpn
Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color B1G1
Crest 2/$3 w/ in ad cpn
Palmolive Dish $.99 w/ in ad cpn
Kleenex $.79 w/ in ad cpn - .50/3 cpn
Bounty Basic Paper towels $.89 w/ in ad cpn.
Nature Made Vitamins B1G1 - 2/$1 cpn

Christmas stuff 50% off
These are just my highlights. To see the complete ad, go to the Walgreens web page.

Merry Christmas 2008!!

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus!! He is the reason for the season!!!

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!

The Beck Family

Kroger "wrong price" policy

I went to Krogers today to pick up a few items for Christmas. While I was there, I bought a box of fire starters...we've been burning fires a lot with the frigid weather. The tag read $12.99. When the cashier scanned the item, it rang up $13.49
I corrected the cashier and told them the price that was on the shelve. They sent a bagger to check and it was supposed to be $12.99. Well, I though Kroger's policy was that you then got the item free, but the manager said only if it is less than $5.
Otherwise, you just get $5 off. So, I learned something and got a big box of fire starters for $8.99!!

Disappointing CVS Trip!!

I went to CVS this afternoon expecting to get all the great deals and more ECBs to find that my store was out of almost everything. I did get rainchecks for the items I wanted, but I was ready for a great trip...had my coupons pulled and everything!!
I did buy the $15 of Coke and got $5 in ECBs, but that was ALL!!

I guess I'll learn next time not to wait so long, but I make it a practice NOT to shop on Sunday! I'll get the ECBs soon enough!

Christmas Cookies Recipe Exchange

Who doesn't like Christmas cookies?
As I was baking some more today, I thought it would be neat to exchange some of our favorite recipes via this blog. So here's mine:

Meringue Cookies
2 egg whites
1/8 tsp. cream of tarter
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. vanilla
3/4 C sugar
1/2 package of chocolate chips

Combine first 2 ingredients. Beat on high until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar. Add the rest of ingredients except the chips. Beat until smooth. Mix in chocolate chips. Drop by spoonful onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Sprinkle w/ red or green colored sugar. Bake at 300 degrees for about 25 minutes or until tips are lightly brown.
These work best on non-rainy day and if your egg whites are at room temperature.
Enjoy!!

Coke Rewards

Just a reminder to those who perhaps missed my previous post about Coke rewards.
Go to the coke web page. Enter codes found on all 12 packs and 20 oz. bottles of Coke products to accumulate points. You can only enter 10 codes per day. Then redeem your points for different rewards.
I just entered codes and redeemed mine for a B1G1 12 pack of Coke products!!! Not bad, for just a little effort!!!

Menu Planning 12/22 - 12/28

Here's a look at our menu for the week:

Monday: grilled Smokey Links
Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie
Wednesday: Christmas dinner at my mom's
Thursday: Christmas dinner (pork loin)
Friday: pizza
Saturday: leftovers!!!
Sunday: Tacos

It's a special week for us as we celebrate the birthday of our Savior. We will have lots of food and lots of leftovers!!

Meijer's Deals 12/21-12/27/08

Here's a list of the good deals at Meijer's that I found for this week:

Meijer Russet Potatoes 10 lbs $2.29
Red or Green Grapes $.99/lb
Dole Fruit Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, or Tropical Fruit Salad $.99 - .55/2 = $.50 each
Hillshire Farm Lil' Smokies $2.50 - $1/2 = $2 each
Lays Doritos 1/2 off
Freshlike Veggies: $.79- .35 cpn = $.09
Pringles $.98 - .30/3 = $.78 each
Canned Del Monte tomatoes $1 - $1/4 = $.75 each
Ronzoni Pasta $.99 - $1 cpn = FREE
Daisy Sour Cream 16 oz $1.25 - .50 cpn = $.25
Suave Shampoo, Conditioner or Styling Products $1.69 - $1/2 = $1.19 each
Colgate $1.47 - .75 cpn = $.47
Crest $1.47 - $1 cpn = $.47
Oral B Indicator $1.47 - $1/2 =$.97 each

Go to the Meijer's web page for more deals.
Also, Santa Bucks are back!!!

Kroger Ad 12/22 - 12/28

Kroger's ad is similar to last week's, but here a few of the highlights:
Coke, Pepsi, or 7-Up 12-pk 4/11
Kroger Russet Potatoes 10 LB Bag $2.48
Phily Cream Cheese $1.25 - .55/2 cpn = $.75 each
Kroger Cheese 40% off
Kroger Dips or Sour Cream
Bob Evans Side Dishes $3 - .35 cpn = $2.30
Chex Mix Cereal $2.69 - $1/2 cpn - $1/2 shortcuts = $1.69 each
Frozen Pillsbury Rolls or Biscuits $1.99 - .40 cpn - $1.19
Lifesavers $1 - $1 cpn = FREE (if you haven't used these yet)
Colgate Total/ Max Fresh $2.50 - .75 cpn - $1.50 Cellfire cpn = FREE

To get Shortcuts or Cellfire cpns loaded onto your Kroger card, go to their webpages.
See my article additional krogers savings.

Meijer Super Saturday Sale 12/20/08

Prices are good 6 a.m. to midnight Saturday, December 20, 2008:

Honeysuckle Turkey $1.19 lb. (10 lbs and up)
Boneless Pork Tenderloin $2.49 lb.
Kelloggs Fruit Snacks 2/$3
Sunkist Pistachios $2.99 lb.
6 Pack Bottles 7-up, Diet Rite, A&W, Sunkist B2G3 Free
Aunt Millies Home style or Buttermilk Bread $.88
Teddy Grahams, Ritz Bits, Mac & Cheese Crackers 1/2 price
Women's outerwear 40% off
Women's hosiery 35% off
Kawasaki 20 Pc. cordless drill set $39.99
Select board games $5
New Balance Men's & Women's Tennis shoes $39.99
Recent DVD's $13.99
Fine jewelry 75% off

For a complete list of all sales go to the Meijers web page.

Coupon Update

Bad News....there will be NO coupon inserts this Sunday. I kinda expected it and will take the extra time to clean out expired coupons and check out possible deals for those that will expire 12/31 (there's only a TON of those)!!!!

An Interesting Conversation

When I was standing in line at Meijers, the lady behind me was commenting on my coupon organizer. We had a lot of time to chat, as the line was long and Meijers was slow. She said she could NEVER do all that. I reassured her that it was not a talent, just a desire to save money. She understood once I said I had four kids. Interestingly though, she commented that I was probably buying things we wouldn't eat. Looking at my groceries of frozen veggies, waffles, cereal, and salad dressing, I replied that I don't buy things that we won't eat unless I give it away. It just makes sense!!
She next proceeded to tell the people waiting behind her in the line to look at this lady up here with all these coupons!! And of course, she was very curious as I was being checked out as to my savings. The last thing I heard her say was, "And she bought a coat too for someone!!" I think I floored her, but most importantly I hope I helped her to see that saving is for everyone. It just takes time and organization.
Before I left, the cashier apologized for being so slow. "This is my second day. I hope you have items for all these coupons, because I don't have time to check. I just hope your honest or I could get fired." I looked her right in the eyes and replied, "The Lord would not bless if I tried to do something dishonest."
That must have appeased her.
I left the store hoping that in some way I had influenced two persons for Jesus. Isn't that what we are called to do.

Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

More Walgreen Savings 12/19/08

Yes, I went back to Walgreens today (it's on my way home from Meijers!!).

3 Skippy Peanut Butter $1.50 - .60 cpn = $.90 (I've been using a lot w/ the baking)
1 Colgate toothpaste $3.19 - $2.20 WAGS cpn - .75 cpn = $.24
4 DeMet turtles $.99 - 2 $1.50 cpns = $.24 each

I had more Colgate cpns, but they were out. I still have one turtle cpn also, but I couldn't figure out how many they would let me use. Oh well, I've bought 11!!! Merry Christmas to Laurie!!

oop = $4.16
savings $18.05

Great Meijers Deals 12/19/08

I finally got to Meijers today...been too busy w/Christmas, etc.. It is definitely worth the trip (15 miles for me).

I bought
11 bags Green Giant Steamers $.79 - $1 cpn = FREE
2 Tic Tacs Chills $1.69 - $1 cpn =$.69 each
6 boxes Eggo Waffles/pancakes $1.50 - $1 cpn = $.50 each
6 Wishbone dressing $1.34 - .75 cpn = $.34 each
2 Pillsbury Crescent rolls 4/$5 - $.25 cpn = $.75 (for Christmas dinner)
2 Hillshire Farm Smokies 2/$5 - $1/2 = $4 (for Christmas party)
2 Kelloggs Frosted Flakes $1.99 - $1 cpn = $.99 each
1 Tyson Chicken Pattie Family Pak $4.50 - $1 cpn = $3.50

oop = $17.38
total savings $53.15

Walgreen's Deals 12/21 - 12/24/08

Conair Gel Grips Ionic Styler Dryer 1875 watts $10 - $10 RR = FREE (Monday only)
Chex Mix $.99 - .50 cpn = $.49
Kleenex Facial Tissue $.79 w/ in ad cpn - .50/3 cpn = $.62 each
DeMets Turtles 3.5 oz. $.99 - $1.50 cpn = FREE +
(my Walgreens did not allow for any overage)
Gillette Fusion Phenom Power or Venus Embrace Razors $9.99 - $4 RR - $4 cpn = $1.99
Reach Dental $.99 w/in ad cpn - B1G1 cpn = 2/$.99
Colgate products:spend $5, get a $1 RR; Spend $10, get a $3 RR; Spend $15 or more, get a $5 RR.
Pepsi 12-packs $3 - $3 RR/4 = $2.25 each

Remember, these prices are good only through Wednesday, December 24.

CVS Deals 12/21 - 12/27/08

Wow!!! CVS has a great ad this week!! Kinda makes up for last week's!
This includes 37 FREE (after ECB's) items Sunday and Monday :

Listerine $2.99 - $2.99 ECBs= FREE
Sally Hansen nail Color $5.99 - .50 cpn - $5.99 ECB = FREE +
Arm & Hammer Essentials starter kit $2.99 - $1 cpn - $2.99 ECB = FREE +
L'Oreal HIP Metalic eye shadow $6.99 - $2 cpn -$6.99 ECB = FREE
ThermaCare neck to arm heatwrap $2.49 - 1.50 cpn - $2.49 ECB = FREE +
Right Guard Professional $6 - .50 cpn - $6 ECB.
Zipfizz energy $5.99 - $5.99 ECB = FREE
Excedrin Express Gels 20ct $3.99 - $3.99 ECB = FREE + rebate
Alteril sleep aid $9.99 - $9.99 ECB = FREE
Halls Naturals $2.59 - B1G1 cpn - $2.59 ECB = FREE +
EAS AdvantEdge Bar $1.69 - $1.69 ECB = FREE
EAS AdvantEdge Shake 4pk $7.49 - $7.49 ECB = FREE
Zantac 150 8ct $4.99 - $1 cpn - $4.99 ECB = FREE +
Benefiber $7.29 - $2 cpn = $7.29 ECB = FREE +
Iceland Health Joint Relief $29.99 - $29.99 ECB = FREE
Slimquick $4.99 ECB = FREE
Sleepinal $8.49 - $8.49 ECB = FREE

Other good deals this week w/ECBs:
Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste or Rinse $2.99 - $2 ECB = $.99
Get $5 ECB when you spend $15 on Coke products
Get $5 ECB when you spend $15 on any Clearasil products
Buy 3 American Express Gift Cards and get $10 ECB
Buy 2 Mars King Size Candy Bars and get $1 ECB

Other good deals I see:
Russel Stover Chocolates 11-12 oz. $4.99 - B2G1 FREE = 3/$9.98
Crayola products B1G1 50%
Revlon Lip or Nail B1G1 - $2 cpn = varies
Russell Stover Private Reserve $1.50 - B1G1 = 2/$1.50

A Little Downtime??

If you noticed, I hadn't been updating my blog as often lately. Sorry, if you were disappointed..I had to endure a change in systems.

But, now I'm back up and running. Would love to hear from you!!

P&G Rebates

In last Sunday's P & G coupon insert there was a new rebate program outlined:

In order to get $120 of P&G coupons,buy $50 worth of P&G Products between 12/14/08 - 1/31/09.

If you missed the insert and would like to participate, all the details can be found at the Proctor & Gamble web page.

So, save your receipts and look for great deals on P & G products!!

Great Walgreens Trip

Went to Walgreens and got a fantastic deal:

2 bags Ricola cough drops
7 boxes DeMet turtles (My daughter loves these)

Used 1 WAGS cpn, 1 Ricola cpn $1/2, 4 $1.50 turtles cpn. & $2 Register rewards.

oop = $.72!!!

Note: They would only let me use 4 coupons on the turtles, saying I would exceed the amount of the product.

***Has anyone else tried to buy these?? What were your results?? Did they let you have an overage?? Would love to hear your comments!!!!***

Menu Planning

Yes, I do have a menu this week I just haven't posted it!!

Monday: Beef stroganoff
Tuesday: tacos
Wednesday: chicken
Thursday: cheesy beans & rice
Friday: spaghetti
Saturday:fish
Sunday: chili

Jesus is the Reason

This is a busy time of the year, yes. But, remember to keep the focus on the important things. It's easy to be so overwhelmed and busy with shopping, baking, and the like that we fail to remember the real reason for the season...Jesus. The Babe born in Bethlehem is why we celebrate!! Take time to remember. Read the Christmas story found in the second chapter of Luke. Keep Christ in Christmas for without Him, there would be no Christmas.

$$$ Dollar Deals at Walgreens $$$ 12/14-12/20/08

Here's the dollar deals that I see at Walgreens this week:
Campbells cream soups 5/$4 - 40/3 cpn = $.67 each
DeMets Turtles $.99 - $1.50 cpn = FREE + overage
Ricola cough drops 3/$4 w/ in ad cpn - $1/2 cpn =3/$3
Colgate toothpaste $.99 w/ in ad cpn - $.75 cpn = $.24
Ajax dish detergent $.79 w/ in ad cpn - $.20 cpn = $.59
Progresso Soup $.99 w/ in ad cpn.- .50/2 = 2/$1.50 = $.75 each
Lindsay Olives $.99 w/ in ad cpn.

Other good deals here this week:
General Mills cereal $1.99
Skippy peanut butter 2/$3 - .40 cpn = $1.10
Lays chips B1G1
Bic Lighters 2/$5 w/ in ad cpn - $1 cpn = $1.50
Scotch Packing tape B1G1
Sunsilk shampoo B1G1 - $2/2 cpn
Ban deodorant $1.99 - .40 cpn = $1.50

$$ Dollar Deals at Krogers $$ 12/15 - 12/21/08

Kroger has some good deals this week, but nothing like the last 2 weeks of 10/$10.

dollar deals:
Kroger dips & sour cream 10/$10
Campbells cream soup 4/$3 - .40/3 cpn = $.48 each
Kelloggs rolls or biscuits $1.99 - .55 cpn = $.99

other deals:
Philly cream cheese 4/$5 - .20/2 cpn = $1.05 each
Kroger cheese - 40% - .45 Shortcuts cpn.
Breyers ice cream 3/$10 - $1 cpn = $2.33
Lays chips $2.77
Chex cereal $2.69 - $1/2cpn = $2.19 box
Kelloggs cereal $2.69 - $1cpn = $1.69
Kelloggs pop tarts $2.49 - .55 cpn = $1.49
Skyline chili can or frozen 2/$4 - .50/2 cpn = $1.50 each
Mars candy 2/$4 - $1/2cpn = $1.50 each
Hersheys candy 2/$5 - $1.50/3 cpn = $2 each
Russell Stover box chocolate $4.99 - $1 cpn = $3.99
Fresh Pineapple $1.99

$$$ Meijer Dollar Deals $$$ 12/14-12/20/08

Meijers again has some great deals this week, especially if you are planning on doing some Christmas baking.

$$ deals:
Dole Mandarin oranges $.99 - $1/2 cpn = $.50 each
Asian Sensations frozen entree 5/$10 - $.75 cpn = $1 each
Pepsi & 7-up 2 liters 5/$5
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls 4/$5 - .25 cpn = $.75 each
Pillsbury Sweet Rolls 4/$5 - .40 cpn = $.45 each
Betty Crocker muffin mix 3/$5 - .40 cpn = $.87
Kelloggs cereal 3/$6 - $1 cpn = $1
Wishbone Salad dressing $3/$4 = .75 cpn = $.33 each
Yoplait yogurt 10/5 - .40/6 = $.37
Steamers $.79 - .50 cpn. = FREE + overage
Eggo Waffle 2/$3 - .75 cpn = $.50
Knorr Sides 5/$5 - .75/2 = $.50 each
Jello 6/$3
Parkay 4/$5 - .75/2 = $.75 each

Not $$, but good deals anyhow:
Sara Lee pies 1/2 off - $1/2cpn = various prices
Hillshire Farms Lil Smokies 2/$5 - $1/2cpn = $2 each
Buddig Deli Cuts $2.49 - $1 cpn = $1.49
Bob Evans Sides 2/$4 - .35 cpn = $1.30\
Swiss Miss hot chocolate - 25% - .30 cpn
Lipton tea -20% - .60 cpn
Mars/Nestle miniatures 2/4 - $1/2 = $1.50 each
Philly Cream Cheese 4/$5 - .20/2 = $1.10 each
Tyson Family Pack 2/$9 - $1 cpn = $3.50
Domino sugar 2/$5 - $1 cpn = $1.50
Betty Crocker cookie mix 3/$5 - .40 cpn = $.87
Betty Crocker Frosting 2/$3 - .50 = $.50
Smart Balance Butter 2/$4 - $1/2 = $1.50
Hellmans Mayo 2/$6 - .50 cpn = $2

Great Meijer Trip 12/13/08

Had a good time at Meijers today...lots of bargains!!

6 bags Halls cough drops $1.27 - $1 cpn = $.27 each
5 Coffeemate creamers $.99 - $1 cpn = FREE
6 Kelloggs cereal $1.88 - $1 cpn = $.88 each
2 Motts apple juice $2 - $1 cpn = $1 each
3 Campbells Cream of mushroom soup 5/$5 - 40/3 cpn = $.73 each
1 wheat tortilla wraps

oop = $12.26
coupon savings = $20.80
Total savings = $37.86 = 76%

My husband was with me again this trip and the only things he could think to say was, "Unbelievable!".

Great Coupons...Great Deals

Yes, there are 3 coupon inserts this weekend~~a Smart Source, Red Plum, and P&G.
The deals are going to be great!! One that stands out right away is the Cottonelle $.50 off, which will make the 4 pack FREE at Krogers!! I bought 10 papers this morning and will see tomorrow if the Sunday edition has any different. Stay tuned for more great deals...

I'm back..there's also more Kelloggs cereal, Betty Crocker, Campbells soup, and Reynolds foil coupons to restock the ones we have all been using!!!
Definitely a time to buy multiple papers!

Meijer Super Saturday Sale 12/13/08

Meijers is again running a one-day only sale tomorrow, Saturday, December 13.
The deals include:
Quaker cereal 2/$3 - $1 cpn. = $1 each
Keebler cracker 1/2 off
Meijer shrimp $3.99
Eckrich deli ham $1.99/lb.
Tomatoes on the vine $1.49/lb.
Swanson pot pies B3G3 FREE
Crest battery powered toothbrushes B1G1 FREE (use 2 cpns w/offer)
Board games B1G1
Gift Wrap 3 Roll pack $2.49
Wild Bird Food B1G1

There's other deals on electronics, etc.. To see the entire ad, go to the Meijer's web page and clip on view weekly ads.

Meijers is also running a special: For every $100 you spend on General Merchandise thru 12/24, get a coupon for 5% off your next grocery trip. Multiple % off coupons allowed up to 20% per order.

Ziploc Bags Coupon

To receive a coupon for $3 off the purchase of Ziploc Brand Big Bags, go to Ziploc's web page to register. It's really easy. The bags come in different sizes and look like they'd be handy to have.

Coupons for Sunday, December 14, 2008

It's looking to be another BIG coupon weekend.
There should be 3 inserts in the Sunday paper on December 14, 2008:
1 Smart Source
1 Red Plum
1 P&G

So, my plan is to STOCK UP on the coupons!! With Christmas coming, the coupons might be a little sparse the next week or so (like it was around Thanksgiving). I'll be busy clipping and sorting but it will pay off, I'm sure. So, get ready to get those papers!!

$$ Dollar Deals at CVS $$ 12/14-12/21

Here's my list of upcoming deals for CVS:

Colgate Total Advanced $2.99 - $1.50 cpn - $2 ECB = FREE + overage after ECBs
Right Guard, Soft N Dri & Dry Idea deodorants $2.99 - $2 ECB = $.99 after ECBs
Maybelline B1G1 - 2 $4 lip cpns = a great deal(maybe FREE)
Gold Emblem Spices $.77 no cpn needed


Good deals that aren't $$ deals:
Schick Quattro for men $7.99 - 3 ECB - 2 cpn = $2.99 after ECBs
Lays chips B1G1
Crest Spin Brush $5.99 - 2 ECB - 1 cpn = $2.99 after ECBs

If you still have some ECBs from previous weeks, these would be good items to use them for so you would generate more ECBs for next time!!

Great Walgreeens Deals 12/11/08

I checked out Walgreen's midweek sale today, and it was well worth the trip!

4 Kelloggs cereal $1.99 - $1 cpn = $.99 each
2 Arm & Hammer Detergent $1.99 w/ in store cpn - .50 cpn = $1.49 each
1 Hallmark tissue paper $.39 w/ in store cpn.
1 Schick Quatro razor $6.99 - $3 WAGS cpn - $2 cpn = $1.99
2 Reynolds Wrap 20 ft. $.99 w/ in store cpn - $1 cpn = FREE
3 Coke products 12 pks. 3/$10
2 Scotch tape 3 pks 2/$2 (Easy saver rebate of $2 will make them FREE)
1 Mead envelopes $.59 w/ in store cpn.

oop = $23.58
Register Rewards printed $7 ($2 for the Coke and $5 for spending $25)
total savings $42.58!!

Just a note on rebates from Walgreens: they are super easy to do. You can either manually fill them out and mail them in at the end of the month. Or the way I have found is much easier is to do it online at the Walgreen's web page. All you need is your receipt and follow the directions through the Easy Saver section. They even will file them for you at the end of the month and mail you your rebate!!

Store Closing Sale

A small-town grocery store in our area is closing today. They had the best meat in the area!! They were having a 20-50% off sale today. I went and they had no meat, pop or snacks and very little produce. Their canned goods were 20% off, but their regular price was still too high that I felt I could get better prices with double coupons at the bigger stores. So, I only bought a few things:

4 bags of carrots 50% off 4/$1
1 package hamburger buns
2 packages Ball canning lids
2 lbs of Fuji apples 50% off

I only spent $7.09, thinking I could make homemade carrot/apple juice. It is a favorite of ours.

Free Glade Scented Oil Candle Holder!!

I saw this advertised on television. Go to the Glade web page, register, and print a coupon for a B1G1 free for the Glade Scented oil candle holder.
I tried this and it was very quick and easy. They allow you to print 2 copies of the coupon. Use this in conjunction with other coupons to get a great deal!!

Great Kroger Deals 12/08 - 12/14

Went to Krogers tonight and had lots of fun (as you can see from the pic). Actually, there was too much to take pictures of, but got a sampling.

I bought:
10 pints of UDF ice cream 10/$10
2 1/2 gallons of chocolate milk $1 each
1 1/2 gallon of Kroger orange juice $1
2 boxes Popsecret Popcorn 2/$4 - .55/c cpn = 2/$3
6 Daisy Sour Cream 10/$10 - $1 cpn = FREE
6 boxes Parkay quarters 10/$10 - $1/2 cpn = $.50 each
10 boxes Celestial Seasoning Tea 10/$10 - $1 cpn = FREE
7 bags Lifesaver/Gummi Savers 10/$10 - $1 cpn = FREE
2 Lays Stax chip $1 each
4 pkgs. Ramen soup $.18 each
3 Cottonelle Bath Tissue $.99 - .25 cpn. = $.49 each
1 Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy $1 - .55 cpn = FREE
3 Johnson Buddie Bars $.99 - $3/3 cpn = FREE
1 bag Cutie Clementines $3.99 - $1 Kroger cpn - .55 cpn = $1.99
1 bag NY Croutons $1.60 - .55 cpn = $.60
2 bags Halls cough drops $1.89 - B1G1 cpn - 2 $.50 cpns + FREE+ overage
1 jar Kroger salsa $1.10 - .50 shortcuts cpn. = $.60
1 Crest ProHealth toothpaste $3.79 - $1 esaver cpn - FREE cpn = FREE+overage
2 Betty Crocker frosting $1.50 - .50 cpn = $.50 each
4 Trident 3pk gum $1.50 - $1 cpn = $.50 each
2 Arnold Bread B1G1 $2.99 - 2 $.55 cpn = 2/$.99
1 Kroger taco mix $.43
2 Dole mandarin oranges $.99 - $1/2 = $.50 each
2 Met-Rx protein bars $2.29 - B1G1 = 2/$1.29
2 Cans Glory sweet potatoes $1.49 - .35 cpn = $.79 each
1 head of lettuce $.88
4 Pedigree doggie treats $3.73 - Free cpn = FREE
1 can Mighty Dog $.89 - Free cpn = FREE

Number of items = 95
Subtotal $119
Coupons used $75.89
oop = $43.35
Savings = $147.68 = 78%
Considering I spent $15 on ice cream & pie alone, I was amazed at how the savings added up!!

$$$ Walgreens Dollar Deals $$$ 12/10 -12/13

Walgreens is having a special, mid-week sale starting tomorrow. Here's a list of my great buys:

Arm & Hammer detergent $1.99 - $1 cpn = $.99
(There was a coupon in the inserts this past weekend. You can also go to arm and hammer to print coupons.)
Kelloggs Cereal $1.99 - $1 cpn = $.99

These are the only 2 deals I noticed, but don't forget the awesome deals I posted for the whole week. They really make it worth a trip to Walgreens this week!!!

Coupons for Online Shoppers

Wanted to share some great sites I found for coupons if you're ordering online. This is NOT an exhaustive list by any means. There are numerous sites, but these caught my attention:

coupon cabin
ultimate coupons
shop at home

Please leave comments if you know of some other great money saving sites!!

Menu Planning 12/8-12/14

I am a firm believer in menu planning. Yes, it takes some time. But, by now, I have a good base of recipes to pull from. It's simply a list of dinners that I know that my family likes. Then, based upon what's on sale that week, I decide what to cook for the coming week. Next, I make of list of ingredients that I will need to fix the various meals, and purchase them. This essentially saves time and money. Time, in that, I'm not running to the store every day or so for items that I need. And money, in that fewer trips to the grocery store means fewer dollars spent, especially on nonessential things. So, with all that said, here's my menu for the upcoming week:

Monday: slow cooker beef enchiladas (we unexpectedly were invited out Sunday)
Tuesday: spaghetti
Wednesday: meatloaf
Thursday: fried chicken
Friday: Church Christmas party
Saturday: chili
Sunday: Southwest chicken

You'll notice a pattern in that on Sunday, I use the crock pot a lot. It's so much easier to come home from church and have most of our meal done!!!
Don't take my word for it, try menu planning for your family and see the savings!!
(Not to mention the infamous "what do you want for dinner?".)

$$ Additional Dollar Deals at Walgreens 12/7-12/13$$

I missed a few items for Walgreens, so here's in addition to my previous post:

Maybelline Cosmetics B1G1 - 2/$4 cpns = various, but it HAS to be a great deal!!!
Puffs tissue $.89 w/ in ad cpn - B2G1 free = $.59 each
Mead envelopes $.59 w/in ad cpn.
Campbells Soup 2/$1 w/in ad cpn.

There are a lot of $.39 deals...just too many to list!!!!

$$$ Meijer Dollar Deals $$$ 12/7-12/13

Here's the dollar deals for Meijers this week:

Kelloggs Mini Wheats cereal $1.88 - $1 cpn =$.88
Hamburger/Chicken Helper 5/$5 - $.75/3 = $.67 each
Freshlike canned veggies 5/$3 = $.60 each (no cpn. needed)
Campbells Chicken Noodle or Tomato soup 10/$6 = $.60 each
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars/ Breakfast Cookies 4/$6 = $1/2 = $1 each
Campbells Select Harvest Soup 8/$10 - $1/2 = $.75 each
Nestle Coffee Mate $.99 - $.50 cpn = FREE
Land O Lakes Fresh Butter Taste or Margarine 1/4s 5/$5
Snapple Anitoxidant Water 5/$5
Open Pit Bbq Sauce 5/$5
Motts Apple Juice 2/$4 - $1 cpn (for Tots) = $1
Campbell's Reduce Fat Cream soups 5/$5 - .40/3 cpn = $.73 each
Renuzit Adjustables $.89 - $1/3 = $.56 each
Oral B Advantage Brush $1.97 - $1 cpn. = $.97
Halls $1.27 - .50 cpn = $.27
Eckrich Franks 2/$3 - $1/2 cpn = $1 each

How Many Papers?

Okay, the question of the day for me was, "How many papers should I buy?"
For the last 2 weeks the coupon inserts have been slim, to say the least, and a lot of coupons expired on November 30. So, it's replenishing time for me. Which means, I'll be spending lots of time clipping and filing coupons the next day or so in order to take advantage of some great deals.

In total I bought 10 copies of the paper: 5 local papers yesterday, 1 big paper delivered this morning, and 4 more big papers purchased this afternoon at UDF.
So, I have lots to cut and if you haven't seen them yet...it will definitely pay for itself. The coupons are plenteous!!!

$$$ Walgreens Dollar Deals $$$ 12/7-12/13

Some great deals at Walgreens this week:

Scotch Magic or Gift Wrap Tape $2/2- 2 $1 cpns. -$2 Easy Saver rebate = FREE +overage

Reynold's Wrap Aluminum Foil $.99 - $1 cpn = FREE

Schick Quattro Titanium Razor $6.99 - $3 Easy Saver cpn. - $4 All of you cpn.=FREE

Maybelline Lip stick B1G1 $4.99 - 2/$2 cpns = 2/$1

Carnation Evaporated Mil $.99 w/ in ad cpn.

Kelloggs Cereals $1.99 -$1 cpn = $.99

$$$ Kroger Dollar Deals $$$ 12/8 - 12/14

Kroger's is having a HUGE 10/$10 sale this week..lots more than last week!

Kroger 1/2 gallon milk (when's the last time we saw milk this cheap?)
Kroger bread
Rice & Pasta Roni
Duncan Hines Cake ($1 cpn for cake & frosting)
Kroger paper towels
Carnation Evaporated Milk ($1/2 cpn)
Kroger Ice Cream & Ice Cream Sandwiches
Michelina's Entrees
Various Pints of Ice Cream
Kroger Pizza & Pizza rolls
Kroger Fruit Snacks
Kroger Toaster Treats
Manwich & Hormel Chili
Hunts tomatoes, paste or sauce
Fleischmann's yeast ($.45 cpn.)
McCormick Grinders
Parkay Margarine ($.75/2 cpn.)
Daisy Sour Cream ($.50 cpn = FREE)
Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy ($.55 cpn = FREE)
Airwick Air Freshener (B1G1 cpn expires 12/7)
Renuzit Adjustable Air Freshener ($.55/3 cpn)
Easy Mac
Gatorade Sports Drink
Creamette Pasta
Kroger Pasta Sauce
Oscar Mayer Lunchables
Kroger canned fruit
Kroger Potato Salad
Lays Stax
Banquet Brown N Serve Sausage
White Rain Body Wash
Excedrin (10 ct)
Arm & Hammer Deodorant
Nestle Flipz Pretzels
Lifesavers Candy (B1G1 cpn) CORRECTION cpn is $1, so it's FREE!
Huggies Wipes
Mattel Hot Wheels
Altoids Gum & mints
Kroger Hand Soap & Sanitizer
Barbasol Shaving Cream
Kroger Cotton Swabs & Cotton Balls
Vitamin Water

It's quite an exhaustive list..but the deals are great!!

$$$ Dollar Deals at CVS December 7-13 $$$

Here's my list of items $1 or less this week at CVS:

Powerade $1.59 - $1.59 ECB = FREE after ECBs
Theraflu $5.99 - $1.50 cpn. -$5.99 rebate = FREE + overage w/ $2 ECBs
Colgate Toothpaste $1.99 - $1.00 cpn = $.99

It's not a big list, but there are some really good deals over a $1 too!!

They're BACK!!!

The coupon inserts are back this week. In our local paper, there was both Red Plum and Smart Source coupons!! I bought 5 copies at $.50 each and will compare them to the big city paper tomorrow to see if there's any difference. If there is, I'll purchase more copies.
Happy Clipping (from Kingdom Klipper)!!!!

Extreme Savings at CVS

I had A LOT of fun at CVS again this morning:

4 Vaseline Intensive Care Lotions $2.50 - $1.25 cpn. = $1.25 each
1 Aquafresh Extra Care Polishing $3.69 - $2 CVS cpn. - $1.69
2 M & M Regular 14 oz. bags $1.88 each
5 local papers with the coupon inserts in each $.50 each

Subtotal = 19.95
Coupons redeemed = $7 manufacturer's + $5/$15 CVS cpn. + $5.98 ECBs + $1.11 Xtra day discount (given to me by the manager)

oop = $.86!!!!

Oh, yes, it was a FUN trip!! And, by the way, the first bag of M&M's were a special treat, because they were on sale. I HAD to buy the second so that I could get full use of my ECB's!!

Meijer Savings!!!

Great savings at Meijers this week. I went tonight and here's a summary of all that I bought:

6 boxes of Kelloggs Mini Wheats
2 boxes of Kelloggs Special K Red Berries
6 boxes of Kelloggs Pop Tarts
4 boxes of Fiber One Pastry
1 bag of Meijer pretzels
1 bag of Meijer corn chips
1 box of Fiber One cereal
1 can of Grands Biscuits
2 gallons of Meijer milk

Subtotal= $42.94
Both gallons of milk were free w/purchase of 8 boxes of Kelloggs cereal.
Coupons redeemed = $20.50
oop = $22.44
Not bad for 9 boxes of cereal, 10 boxes of 'pop tarts', some snacks, and 2 gallons of milk!!!
Savings percentage = 64%

Arby's Freebies

I thought I'd pass this along, especially to those who don't have Dairy Queens in the area. Sign up at the Arby's website to receive offers through your email. (Thanks to Heather Tenney at LMKIA for this information.)


A P.S. to this: I signed up yesterday, December 4, and got an email today for a free shake at Arby's. How about that for good deals???

Great CVS Trip 12/03/08

I had a good time at CVS today. Here's what I got:

4 Vaseline Intensive Care Lotions 2/$5 - 4 $1.50 cpn. = $1 each
1 Vaseline Men's Body Lotion 2/$5 - $1.50 cpn = $1

Total Cost = $5.00 - $1 CVS cpn off Vaseline lotion =$4.00
Used $3.00 in ECB's from last week
Total oop = $1.60!!!
I had more ECB's but didn't want to waste them by not using their full value.
They don't expire until the end of the month.

Attention All Dairy Queen Blizzard Lovers!!

Okay, so I think that would just about include everyone...I mean, who doesn't love a blizzard every once in awhile?
Anyway, if you are not already a member, you can join their fan club online and receive a coupon for a FREE blizzard.
Then, periodically, you will receive new emails with new flavors or promotions. Today, I received another email with a B1G1 free coupon.
You can go to their web page Blizzard Fan club for free registration.
And, ENJOY!!!

More Kroger Deals

Here are some more $$dollar deals for Kroger's this week, in addition to the 10/$10 I posted earlier:

Kroger yogurt 3/$1
Aquafresh toothpaste $1.99 - 1 cpn. = $.99
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers 5/$10 - $1 cpn = $1 each
Arnold Bread B1G1 $2.99 (est. price) - 2/.55 cpns. = 2/$.99

$$$ Walgreen's Dollar Deals $$$

Walgreen's also has some great deals:

Aim or Pepsodent Toothpaste $1.00
Bald Guyz Moisture Gel or Head Wipes $5.99 - rebate of $5.99 =FREE
Big Roll Bathroom Tissue $0.50 w/ in ad coupon (limit 4)
Bowl Fresh Toilet Bowl Deodorizer $0.39 w/in ad coupon (limit 2)
Bumble Bee Canned Tuna or Sardines $0.69 w/in ad coupon (limit 3)
Carmex Lip Care $0.99 w/in ad coupon (limit 3)
Yardley Moisturizing Bar Soap Coupon $0.65 B1G1 w/in ad cpn.
Color Studio Gift Wrap B1G1 for $.01 w/in ad coupon $1.00
Dry Idea Clinical Strength $5.99 - .50 cpn -$5 Easy Saver Mail In Rebate= $0.49
Encore Spices B1G1 for $.01 Coupon w/in ad coupon $0.50
Votive Candle $0.17 w/in ad cpn. (limit 12)
Glade Wisp Flameless Candle $3.99 - $3 cpn = $0.99
Halls Cough Drops $1.39 w/in ad cpn. - $0.50 cpn. = $0.89
Tuf Paper Towels 1 roll $0.50 w/in ad cpn (limit 2)
Russell Stover Christmas Candy $0.39 w/in ad cpn.
Shaped Treat Bags $0.99 w/in ad cpn. (limit 2)
Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap $.99 w/in ad cpn.
Spice Drops or Jelly Bells B1G2 Free =$0.66
Stickers or Window Decor B1G1 for $.01= $1.00

$$$ CVS Dollar Deals $$$

Here's this week's $1 or less deals for CVS:

Extreme Energy 2 pack $4.99 - $4.99 ECBs = FREE after ECBs
Mars candy bars $.50 each
Ferrero Rocher, Lindt or Ghirardelli Chocolates $0.99 each
Mars Fun Size Candy, 8 pk $.99
Nabisco Cookies or Crackers $1
Nips $.88
Progresso Soup B1G1-$0.50/2cpn = $.75 (est. price)
Renuzit Air Freshener $.99 - $0.55/3 cpn.= $0.81 each
Scotch tape B1G1 50% off - $1.00/2 = $.12 each (est. price)
Sobe, Propel, Gatorade, Lipton Ice Tea $1.00
Vaseline Mens or Intensive Care Body Lotion $2.50 - $1.50 cpn = $1.00

Also, don't forget to use all those ECB's...watch for the expiration date!!!

Kroger's "Santa's Night Out Sale" Thursday, Dec 4, 1-9 PM

Kroger's is having a sale for 8 hours only on Thursday. There are some really great deals:

Kroger large eggs $.77 dozen
Kroger Deluxe Ice Cream 2/$3
Mikesells Potato Chips $1.49
Kroger Chocolate Milk half gallon $.99
Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved Lunch meat $1.99
M&Ms or Nestle Jingle & Miniatures $1.68
Kroger peanuts $.99
Chocolate Chip cookies $.10 each
Shelled Walnuts or Almonds $2.99 bag
Poinsettias $4.99

Walgreen's Coupon

To receive a coupon good for $5 off a $25 purchase go to http:www.walgreens.com. The coupon is good for Monday and Tuesday only.

Menu Planning 12/1-12/7

Yes, menu planning does take time. But, it is WELL worth the effort for me in that I know that I save money by not eating out as much. And, for me, it's nice to know each morning as I'm homeschooling my children what I'm planning for dinner that evening. It's also frugal, in that, after I plan the week's menu, I get the items that I will need to have them on hand. That means fewer trips to the grocery and less money spent overall!

So, with that said, here's the menu planned for this week:

Monday: chili with corn bread pancakes
Tuesday: cheesy beans and brown rice wraps
Wednesday: turkey and noodles
Thursday: spaghetti w/ salad & garlic bread
Friday: eat out(a special treat for my 6 year old as the 3 oldest have a youth event)
Saturday: fish
Sunday: slow cooker beef enchiladas

Now, I check the pantry and my freezer to see what items I need, see who has the best deals, and make sure that I have what I need. I usually don't list the vegetables because I have so many canned green beans and frozen corn from the garden this year.

$$$ Meijer Dollar Deals $$$ 11/30-12/6

Here's my list of dollar deals for Meijer's this week:

Yoplait yogurt 10/$5 - .40/6 cpn =$.37 each
Fiber One Toaster pastry 5/$9 - $1 cpn = $.80 each
Wrigley gum multipacks 2/$3 - B1G1 cpn = $.75 each
Red Gold tomatoes 5/$4 - $1/4 = $.55 each
Grands biscuits 4/$5 - .25 cpn = $.75 each
Kelloggs Special K or Frosted Mini Wheats 4/$10 - $1 cpn = $1.50 & if you buy 4, you get a FREE gallon of milk (so I included it in my dollar deals!)
Kelloggs Poptarts 3/$4 - .55 cpn = $.33 each
Arm & Hammer toothpaste 2/$4 - $1 cpn = $1 each
for above coupon go to http://www.armandhammer.com

Don't forget about Meijer's Mealbox...there are some great coupons to print.

More Deals!!

Well, today is the first day of a new month. And you coupon queens KNOW what that means...it's time to clean out the coupon organizers. I know that I had a lot of coupons expire yesterday. Unfortunately, the last two weeks, there have not been good coupon inserts in the papers. So, I don't have a lot of filing to do. Well, I will just have to wait until Sunday and expect lots of coupons to cut!!

Today is also Cyber Monday...a very busy day in placing your online orders. I was just at Meijers.com and they have some good deals using their Cyber Monday Web Bucks. If you're looking for something specific, it'll be worth your time to check them out.

CVS Trip Saturday, November 29, 2008

Took advantage of some great savings today at CVS.
Here's what I bought:

1 Maxwell House Coffee 34.5 oz. $6.99
Aussie Hairspray $2.99 - $1 cpn = $1.99
Colgate Toothpaste $2.99 -$1 cpn = $1.99
Playtex 18 ct. $3.99 - $1 cpn = $2.99
Bubble Gum tape (for my 6 yr. old!) $1.29

Subtotal = $15.25 - $5 ECB's
oop = $10.60
ECB's earned $8.98!!
Total savings $17.10

Kroger 10/$10 Sale 12/1-12/7

All of the following are included in the sale:

Hormel Chili
Hunts Manwich
Kroger Buns
Kroger Microwave pizza
Kroger French Bread
Kroger Pizza Rolls
Lays Stax
Hostess Individual cakes
The Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Every Day Living Bleach
Banquet Brown N Serve Sausage
Banquet Entrees
Bounty Basic Paper Towels
Kroger Bagels
Kroger Jumbo Biscuits
Kroger Refried Beans
Kroger Salsa or Picante Sauce
Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Pints
Private Selection Pints
Kroger canned fruit

Only P&G Inserts 11/30/08

Yes, it's true. The only coupons in the paper this weekend are the Proctor & Gamble ones. There's still good coupons there, but just don't buy a bundle of papers expecting Smart Source and Red Plum inserts. You can still go to the Smart Source webpage and other internet coupon printing sites.

Coupons for Sunday, November 30, 2008

Well, from what I've heard, there will only be a P&G coupon insert in this Sunday's paper. So, be careful to check your papers, before you buy a bunch thinking that there will be a lot of coupons inside.
I'll go tomorrow to buy the local paper and see for myself. If that's the case, I'll probably only buy a few papers this week, again. Remember, coupons are usually low on weekends with a holiday in it.

Can you really save much money?

That question is probably the most frequent one I hear from people every where. That and the comment, "Oh, you just end up buying things you don't need and it's really not worth the effort." Well, I can say from experience that you can save a lot of money and it is definitely worth all my effort and time.

In July 2008, I began shopping using the methods I described in my previous article, "Tips to maximize your savings". After stocking up on coupons for only 2 1/2 months, here's my savings statement for October 2008:
Subtotal of all items $1009.52
Coupons savings 404.73
Store savings 267.63
out of pocket (oop) 337.16

Total savings $672.36 !!! That's 67% off my total bill. I'd say, that's worth the effort to me. And, I'm looking forward to bigger savings this month as I continue to get a good coupon base and learn new ways to save. Look for my November saving's report in a few days as the month is coming to a close.

Happy Thanksgiving

May the Lord bless each and every one of you today as we give thanks to God for the many ways He blesses our lives!!

Leftover Turkey Recipe

Are you ready for ways to use up that leftover turkey?
Well, I've got a recipe for you that everyone in my family likes & it's super easy.

Turkey Rollups
1 can biscuits
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese

Press biscuits flat. Put a spoonful of turkey in the center of each. Bring the top and bottom of the biscuit together and press to seal. Turn roll up over, seam side down in the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Do this for all 10 biscuits. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes or until the biscuits are just beginning to turn brown. Remove from oven.
Mix the soup and milk together with a whisk. Pour over the turkey roll ups. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Return to oven and bake for another 20 minutes.

It's great served with cranberries or sweet potatoes. (Unless, you are burnt out on these. Then, green beans would work, too.)

Now the money saving side of this recipe is:
1. You will have the turkey already, so no cost there.
2. Biscuits are always on sale, and coupons for them are more than plentiful!!
3. Cheese is on sale at Kroger's 3/$5. Use only 1/2 of the package.

It's a great and tasty way to use up that turkey!!!

Low Coupon Weekend!!

Well, most of you probably already have realized that the coupons in this last weekend's paper were, to say the least, skimpy!! I was not really surprised, though. Usually, on weekends where there is a holiday, there will sometimes be no inserts. So, even though all we got was a very thin Smart Source, at least we got something.
Anyway, for me, I took advantage of the extra time that I would have spent cutting and instead I did some organizing of my coupons. You know, the fun task of throwing out the expired ones. I also am bad about if I'm in a hurry in the store, sticking unused coupons in the back for later.
So, I'm all set and ready to get the great bargains!!

If you still would like some more coupons, go to some of my favorite online coupon sites:
http://www.smartsource.com/
http://www.coolsavings.com/
http://www.coupon.com/

$$$ Meijer Dollar Deals $$$ 11/23-11/29

Stove Top Stuffing $.98
Jello 5/$3
Daisy Sour Cream 4/$5 - .50 cpn = $.25 each
Lysol Neutra Air 1/2 off price is $5.99 - $5 cpn = $.99 each
Jiffy Corn Muffin mix 6/$2
Pillsbury Brownie Mix 4/$5 - $1/2 = $.75 each
Swanson Broth can 3/$2 - .25/4 cpn = $.54 each
Joy dish liquid $1.29 - .30 cpn = $.69
Bob Evans Hash browns 3/$5 - .35 cpn = $.97 each

$$$ Walgreens Dollar Deals $$$ 11/23-11/29

Hunts tomato sauce $.29 w/ad cpn - .40/2 cpn. = $.10 each
Sharpie Permanent Marker $.50 w/ ad coupon
Sure Deodorant $1.99 - $1 cpn - $1.50 December IVC = Free w/ overage
Kleenex $.89 w/ad cpn -.50/3 = $.73 each

$$$ Kroger Dollar Deals $$$ 11/24-11/30

Of course this week, Kroger has turkeys and all the fixings on sale. But there are some other great deals I see, as well:
Kroger eggs, large or medium 10/$10
Kroger dips, sour cream and cream cheese 10/$10
Kroger veggies 10/$10
Green Giant veggies 10/$10 - .50/2 = $.50 each
Hershey, Cadbury & Nestle Large Candy bars 10/$10
Cleo Gift Wrap 10/$10
Kroger Salad Dressing 10/$10
Dole Mandarin Oranges 10/$10 - .50/2 = $.50 each
Campbell's Cream Soups 4/$3

Don't forget to use any rain checks you might have gotten during the Mega Deal Sale. I've noticed Kroger's is restocking pretty quickly. Last week, I was able to get 10 boxes of Tylenol Rapid Release Gels for FREE after my $2 off coupons!!

$$$ CVS Dollar Deals 11/23-11/29 $$$$

There are a lot of great deals this coming week at CVS, especially a lot of ECB offers.

Here's my list of items that will be a $1 or less:

Monster Energy Drink $1.50 - $1 ECB on 2 = $1 each (limit 2)
Mentos Gum $.99 - .55/2 = $.75 each

Maybelline Mineral Powder Foundation $8.99 - 8.99 ECB - $3 cpn = FREE w/overage after ECB

Revlon B1G1 Nail Color $4.39 - 2/$2 cpn. = 2/$.39

Right Guard Professional Strength $7.99 - $7 ECB = $.99 after ECB

Candy Canes & Stocking Stuffer Candy $.88

Coast & Dial Soap $1.99 - .30 (Dial cpn) - $1 ECB = $.69 after ECB

Gold Emblem bagged candy $.88

VO5 Shampoo $.77

Leave me comments, please...especially if I'm missing a great deal!!

Fantastic CVS Savings

I went to CVS today to take advantage of their great deals this week.

Here's what I bought:

7 Atkins bars $1 each - 7 $1 cpn. = FREE

2 Colgate toothpastes B1G1 $2.79 - 2 $1 cpns. - $1 CVS printed cpn. = FREE + overage

2 boxed Kleenex B1G1 $1.49 - 2 $.40 cpn = $.35 each

2 Maxwell House coffee 11.5 oz B1G1 $4.99 - $1/2 = $3.99

1 package of 3 Chapstick (a needed item!) $4.39

Subtotal = $8.86 after cpns. - $2 ECB - $4 off $20 email cpn

Total savings = $33.70

oop = $2.98!!!

Unfortunately, though, I bought nothing that gave me more ECBs.

Still, a great trip in all.

Maximum CVS Savings

I've recently received some inquiries about CVS, so I thought I would address them.

The first thing you need to know about shopping at CVS is you MUST have a CVS Extra Care card. I cannot believe the people I get behind in the line who don't have a card and won't take the time to register. Registration is free and easy. Basically, if you don't have the card, you don't get their sale prices. It's that simple. To register online, go to their webpage at www.cvs.com

The second aspect of effective CVS shopping is know your prices! If it's not on sale at CVS, I don't buy it. They tend to run higher on most items. I know one example I personally remember is: Back before I used a lot of coupons, I needed coffee. I had waited until I was almost out, so I had to buy it that day. I did not understand the stockpiling philosophy, and had no extras in the cabinet. So, I went to CVS and their price on the large can of Maxwell House was $10 and something. I couldn't believe it! I left and went next door to the Family Dollar and bought the same item for around $6!! And that's just one example. So the lesson here is, buy at CVS the items that are on sale. And, buy enough to get you to the next time that it will run on sale which is usually a month to 6 weeks. CVS runs good sales and if you combine the sales with manufacturer's coupons, you can get great deals.

The third and final thing you need to understand to maximize your savings at CVS is the Extra Care Bucks (ECBs). Again, in order to receive these, you must have the CVS Extra Care Card. CVS advertises in their weekly circular the ECBs they are offering each week. Most of the time that particular item is also on sale. So, if you combine the sale, the ECBs and then manufacturer's coupons, you can sometimes get the items for FREE or at little cost. Occasionally, when you combine all three of these, CVS will actually be paying you to buy the product. However, the ECBs print at the register and are good towards your next purchase, so they aren't like handing you money. But, in the end, you are getting back more than you are spending.

The best way I have found to use the ECBs is to keep them rolling from one week to another. For example, I currently have only $2 in ECBs this week. I will use those to purchase at least one item this week that will generate more ECBs. That way, they keep 'rolling' over. Now, if the CVS ad doesn't have an item on sale with ECBs that I use or want, I'll wait until next week. Just don't let the ECBs expire!! I can always find something to use them for. But it's best if you can use them to purchase more ECB items.

I hope this had helped you who are new to the CVS program or who have never understood their system. One last note: don't hesitate to get a rain check if they are out of the item. Rainchecks are GOOD things. You can wait until you have more coupons for the items and until they had a good stock of it.

$$$ Dollar Deals at Meijers 11/16-11/22 $$$

Here's the dollar deals at Meijer's this week.

Everything listed here is a $1 or less:

Land o Lakes Butter Spreadable 2/$4 - .50 cpn = $1 each
Green Giant Steamers $.89 - $1 cpn. = FREE
Campbell's Cream soups 4/$3 - $.25/4 cpn.= $.63 each
Eckrich Franks 2/$3 - $1/2 cpn = $1 each
Tennesse Pride Sausage Roll 2/$4 - .55 cpn = $1 each
Progresso Broth 3/$5 - $1 cpn = $.67 each
Wishbone Salad Dressing 3/$4 - .75 cpn = $.33 each
Lawry's Marinade 3/$4 - .75 cpn = $.33 each
Dole Mandarin Oranges $.99 - .55/2cpn. = $.50 each
International Delight Coffee Creamer $.99 - .55 cpn. = FREE
Dannon Activia Yogurt 2/$4 - .50 cpn = $1 each
Ragu Pasta Sauce 3/$4 - .50/2 cpn. = $.83 each
Knorr Rice/Pasta Sides 5/$5 - .75/2cpn = $.50 each
Keebler Pie Shell 3/$4 - .25 cpn = $.83 each
Argo Corn Starch/ Baking Powder $1.29 - .45 cpn. = $.39
Del Monte Veggies 6/$3 -.30 cpn. = $.20 each (cpn is for 50% less salt variety)
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls 4/$5 -.25 cpn. = $.75 each
Pillsbury Sweet Rolls 4/$5 - .40 cpn. = $.45 each
Philly Cream Cheese $1.25 - .50/2 = $.75 each

Meijer's coupon policies vary from store to store. I know the Middletown store only doubles 2 of the same coupon. The Milford store has doubled up to 6. The policy is usually printed at the bottom of the front page of the ad.

P & G Samples and Savings

To receive free Proctor and Gamble samples and savings go to:
http://www.pgbrandsampler.com.
You only need to register once and can revisit their web page occasionally to take advantage of their savings.

Dollar Deals for the Week of 11/16

What does a dollar buy these days? If you say not much, then this blog is for you. Every week my purpose will be to list the deals when after using a coupon, the cost will be a $1 or less!! And of course, it's the perfect time to stock up on these items.

CVS Deals:
Nature Made Vitamins B1G1 lowest price is $3.99 - 2 $1 cpns. = $.99 each
Kleenex B1G1 $1.49 - 2 $.40 cpns. = $.35 each
Colgate toothpaste B1G1 (price $1.99 - $3.29) - 2 $1 cpns. = free - 2/$1.29
Revlon Nail & Lip B1G1 lowest price is $3.49 - 2 $2 cpns. = free w/ $.51 overage
Soft & Dri/Dry Idea Deodorant $2.99 - $2 ECB - $.50 cpn = $.49 after ECB
Atkins Single Bars $1 - $1 cpn. = free

Kroger Deals:
Dole Fruit 10/$10 - $.55/2 cpn. doubled = 2/$1
McCormick Grinders 10/$10 - $.25 cpn doubled = $.50 each
Green Giant Boxed Veggies 10/$10 - $.50/2 cpn. doubled = 2/$1
Tennessee Pride Sausage Gravy 10/$10 - $.55 cpn. doubled = FREE
Wishbone Salad Dressing $1.99 - $.75 cpn. doubled = $.99
Wrigley's Gum 10/$10 - B1G1 cpn. = 2/$1
Hersheys Chocolate 2/$4 - 2 $1 cpns. = $1 each (coupon is for the dark chocolate)

Walgreen's Deals:
Puffs Tissues $.99 w/ WAGS cpn. -.25 cpn. =$.74 (limit 2)
French's Fried Onions $1.29 w/ WAGS cpn. - .74 cpn = $.54 (limit 3)
Chex Mix $.99 - .50 cpn = $.49
Sony VHS tape $.99 w/ WAGS cpn.
Scotch tape 3/$1 w/ WAGS cpn.
Berwick Curling Ribbon 3/$1 w/ WAGS cpn.
Christmas Pencils 8/$1 w/ WAGS cpn.
Waterdomes 2/$1 w/ WAGS cpn.
Panty hose $.69 w/ WAGS cpn.
Knee Hi's 3/$1 w/ WAGS cpn.
Nail Polish Remover $.99 w/ WAGS cpn.
Jordana Eye or Lip Liner 2/$1 w/ WAGS cpn
Hydrogen Peroxide 2/$1 w/ WAGS cpn.
Blistex Lip Balm $.99 w/ WAGS cpn. - .25 cpn = $.74 (limit 3)
Reeses/Hersheys single bars $.39 w/ WAGS cpn.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce $.79 w/ WAGS cpn. (limit 3)
Walgreens cups or plates $.89 w/ WAGS cpn.
Votive candles 8/$1 w/ WAGS cpn.

WAGS are Walgreen coupons in their ad.

So, enjoy all these great deals. I'll come back later and post on Meijer's. Unfortunately, I do not receive their weekly ad in newpaper, so it takes me a little longer. If I miss any deals, please leave me a comment!

It's Turkey Time!

It's that time of year again and turkeys are on sale with additional discounts available.
Kroger, for example, has their 'Holiday Turkey Savings' going on this week.

Riverside 20 lb. Turkey ~
Regular Price was $1.19 lb. = $23.80 (regular total price)
-$12.00 (savings w/ card)
____________________
You Pay $11.80 = $.59 lb.


Honeysuckle 20 lb. Turkey ~
Regular Price was $1.49 lb. = $29.80 (regular total price)
-$12.00 (savings w/ card)
_____________________
You Pay $17.80 = $.89 lb.


Butterball 20 lb. Turkey ~
Regular Price was $1.69 lb. = $33.80 (regular total price)
-$12.00 (savings w/ card)
______________________
You Pay $21.80 = $1.09 lb.

Also, $1 Honeysuckle coupons were in the Sunday, November 16th newspaper inserts for additional savings.

tips to maximize your savings

One of the best ways to maximize your savings is to use a coupon on an item that is also on sale. In fact, to get the most benefit, when a particular item is on sale, you should buy enough of that item with your coupons so that you never buy it at regular store price. This buying philosophy is commonly called "stockpiling" in the coupon world and is a great way to ensure you are getting the best deals.
For example, if Colgate toothpaste is on sale this week at the grocery store for $1.00 (locally, it was recently), then I pull out my Colgate coupons of $.75 and I buy as many tubes as I have coupons for free after my coupons are doubled to $1 off. Now, you need to be careful here. Some stores will only allow you so many coupons for the same item per transaction. Yes, I have gone through the checkout line, put my items in the car, and come back in the store for another transaction! Some have even divided up transactions on the conveyor belt and ask the cashier to ring them up separately. But, I have found that this will slow the line down, making the people behind you not too happy, and can even upset store management. I always try to be very conscientious and sensitive to other people in this area, so for me, a trip out to the car is no big deal if it makes everyone happy.
Another note of caution here, make sure you know your favorite store's coupon policy. They vary a lot even within the same chain. For example, I have found that one Meijer's store will double up to six coupons for the same item; but, another Meijer's policy is only two. That can make a big difference in your savings.
One last note of caution, some stores will frown if you walk in with, say, 20 Colgate coupons and wipe them out of toothpaste. Be considerate of others here. Perhaps a good idea here would be to buy 10 at the beginning of the week and 10 at the end after they get another truck in to restock. That way other shoppers can take advantage of the sale, and you don't wipe out their inventory in one trip.
That brings me to my last point here. Don't hesitate to get a rain check for an out of stock item. Some people don't like to get them, but for me, a rain check allows me to buy the item on sale, when I want and when I have the most coupons for that product. The timing is in my hands and I can use it to my advantage.
This buying philosophy helps you to stock-up on the items that you need without having to pay full price. I realize that some may not be able to do this for lack of space. For me, I keep items on shelves in our basement. When someone needs something in my family, they jokingly say, "I'm going to Mom's store", for whatever it is they need. And in most cases they will find it.
So, in conclusion, use coupons in conjunction with sale items and you will find you can save a lot of money off your total bill for groceries, health & beauty items and toiletries. For information on how to accumulate coupons, see my article "where to get coupons".

Walgreen's Trip 11/14/08

Enjoyed my trip to Walgreens, although, as usual, I ended up getting a rain check again.
I bought:
4 boxes Kelloggs Special K cereal 4/$10 -4 $1 cpns = $4/6
2 Hershey dark chocolate Kisses 2/$4 - 2 $1 cpns - $1 WAGS cpn. = 2/$1
Subtotal $7

Redeemed $3.30 Gift Card (October rebate)
oop = $3.70

Amazing CVS Trip

I had a GREAT trip to CVS this morning and had to share it. Above is a picture of all that I bought:

1 Box Rice Krispies Cereal $2/4 - $1 cpn

8 tins of Altoids B1G1 -$1 cpn on each tin = FREE

1 Garnier Fructis shampoo $2.99 -$1 cpn = 1.99 plus $2 ECB printed

5 local newspapers which have the Sunday coupon inserts in them!

Subtotal: $23.41

$5 ECB redeemed from last week's specials

oop = $.45, yes, that's 45 cents!!!

Plus, $2 in ECB on the Fructis!

I'd take that kind of savings any day!

Coke Rewards

If you regularly buy Coke products, this post is for you.
One additional way that I save money on Coke is that I registered at http://mycokerewards.com. Registration is free.
In order to save money on future purchases, all you need to do is type in the codes from your Coke products that are printed on the inside of 12 packs or inside the lids of 20 oz. bottles. For each code you enter, you score points. You receive, for example, 10 points for every code entered on 12 packs. You can only enter 10 codes per day, but they accumulate.
Once you've accumulated points, you can search for different rewards available. I always redeem my points for coupons, of course!!! Over the summer, for example, for every 200 points I redeemed, they sent me in the mail a coupon for a free 12 pack. Now, the offer is for a B1G1 coupon. It's still a great deal..just make sure the pop is on sale! (Like any of us would buy it at regular price!!)
So get logged on and start entering your codes. You'll be surprised at how quickly your points accumulate.
By the way, this is for all Coke products: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Powerade, etc...They are all listed on their web page.

About Me

I am a pastor's wife and homeschool our four children.  The Lord Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and I owe all praise to Him.
             
The purpose of this blog is to help people save money. I believe God expects us to be good stewards of what we have, no matter the amount. I desire to teach people how to effectively use coupons, with as little time and effort as possible. Couponing, for me, is a fun hobby. It's a challenge for me each week to get the best deals available. I also want to list updates on sales, rebates, and free offers. My ultimate goal is to glorify Jesus Christ in everything.

how to organize your coupons

For me, organizing coupons has been a 'work in progress'. I have used several different methods before settling on the system I currently use.

My first method was simply an envelope with a few manufacturer's coupons in it for items I knew I would purchase. I clipped very few coupons then, so this system seemed to work. They were not in any particular order and usually expired before I remembered to use them.

Next, I got a little more serious about couponing. I bought a small coupon organizer with dividers in it to separate the coupons into various groups. At this point, I was cutting more coupons than before, and this system seemed sufficient.

After this, I realized that the small holder was becoming so packed that it was hard to flip through the coupons to find the one that I wanted to use. So, I bought a large plastic shoebox container and some large dividers to again separate the coupons by types. This system was actually very effective in that I had a lot of room to store the coupons, they were very well organized by groups, and they were protected in a box with lid. However, the downfall for me in this system is that I was cutting so many coupons, even multiple copies of the same coupon, that I got tired of looking through even the divided sections to find the right coupon. Also, I found that I allowed so many coupons to expire because they got lost in the sections.

And this leads me to what I believe to be the most effective way to organize coupons and the system that I now use. I bought a package of baseball card sleeves (the clear plastic ones with 9 pockets front and back). I placed these sleeves into a large 3 ring binder and began organizing my coupons. Now, I have to say that the initial setup of this system is quite time consuming, but the results are well worth the effort.

Now all my coupons (which is numerous for I buy up to 10 copies of the Sunday paper) are organized using this system. I placed them in order based upon the aisles of the grocery store I most commonly shop. I can see all my coupons, the value of them, and the expiration date. It has really made using coupons much easier and quicker.

For example, if Cheerios are on sale, I got to the cereal section in my binder. I look for Cheerios coupons and can tell by the amount whether it's a good deal. If it is, I pull out those coupons, for all the Cheerios coupons are in the same pocket and know how many boxes I will buy at the sale price.

I have found this current well organized system to be the best at maximizing savings. I know what coupons I have, where they are, and can quickly determine how many I have for a particular item. I believe that I save so much more money using this system. Again, it is a little more time consuming especially initially, but for me it is well worth the effort.

CVS Deals Nov.9-15

There are a lot of deals this week at CVS and a lot include ECB's.

Good Deals w/ cpns :
Nature's Bounty Vitamins B1G1 $4.49 (the cheapest) - 2 $2 cpns. = 2/$.39
Colgate Kids toothpaste B1G1 $2.29 - 2 $.50 cpn = 2/$1.29
Altoid mints B1G1 2/$1.99 - 2/$1.00 peelie cpn = free
Glade Airfreshener $.99 -$1/2 = 2/$1.00
Lysol Wipes (35 ct) 2/$5.00 - $1 cpn. = $1.50 each
Zest Soap $1.99 - .35/cpn = $1.64 each
Kellogg cereal $2/4 - $1 cpn =$1 each
Sunmaid or Sunsweet 2/5 - $1/2 cpn = 2/4
Chex Mix 2/3 - 2 $.50 cpn. = 2/$2
Bayer Aspirin 2/3 -$1 cpn. = $.50 each


Good Deals w/ cpn & ECBs:
Fructis shampoo $2.99 - $1 cpn -$2.00 ECB =FREE after ECB +$.01 overage (limit 1)
Palmolive Dish $1.49 - $.25 cpn. -$1.00 ECB = $.24 after ECB (limit 5)
Rimmel mascara $6.99 -$1 cpn - $4 ECB = $1.99 after ECB
Listerine Agent Cool Blue $3.99 - .50 cpn -$3 ECB = $.49 after ECB
Aqua fresh White Trays $42.99 - $5 cpn - $10 ECB = $27.99 after ECB
Always Infinity pads $4.99 - $2 cpn - $1 ECB = $1.99 after ECB
Stayfree/Carefree pads $4.99 - $2/2 cpn - $1.50 ECB = 2/$6.48 after ECB
Zantac $19.99 - $1.50 cpn -$3 ECB - $15.49 after ECB
Colgate 6 oz. w/free brush $3.49 -$1 ECB =$2.49 after ECB
Glaceau Smart water $1.59 -$1.59 ECB = free after ECB

These were the best deals I saw. Let me know if I missed any! Thanks

Bath & Body Works Sale

I don't get to Bath & Body Works too often; but when I do, I'm ready with the coupons!!
Here's what I bought this last Friday:

4 Anti Bacterial Handsoaps $10
1 Midnight Path Wallflower $12.50 - free cpn = free
1 2 oz. lotion $3.50 - free cpn = free

Total cost $10.65

The Anti Bacterial Soaps are on sale for a limited time only.
The wallflower will make a great Christmas gift for someone I need an extra little something for.

CVS trip, Saturday, November 8,2008

Here's a summary of my latest CVS trip:
4 Local newspaper w/coupons inside $.50 each = $2.00
10 Ice Breaker Gum 10/$10 - 5 $1/2 cpn = $5.00

Total Cost $7 - $4 ECB = $3 oop + received $5 ECB!!

For info on abbreviations, see my explanations in side panel.

I usually shop CVS on Saturdays for 2 reasons:
1) They carry our local paper which includes the coupons that are found in the Sunday's papers and it only costs $.50 each. (Sometimes, the coupons are not exactly the same but they usually are)

2) My CVS honors both that week's ad and the upcoming week's ad, so I get a sneak peak at what's going to be on sale.

A Quick Look at This Week...

Just a quick look at the deals for the week of November 9-15:

Kroger is again doing the mega deal. For every 10 participating
items you buy, you automatically receive $5 off your bill.
Some new coupon matches would be:
Hormel pepperoni $1.00 - .50 per deal - .55 cpn doubled = free
Edwards pie $1.50 - .50 per deal - $1/2 cpn. = $.50 each

CVS: Looks like some good ECB deals; I'll match them up with coupons for
a longer post later.

Walgreens has a lot of deals on baking stuff; Again, I'll match with coupons.
They do have Glade Air Freshener for $.99. BOGO cpn = $.49 each

Sunday, the Lord's Day, is very busy for us as my husband is pastor of a church.
So, I'm good to get my papers and the coupons clipped. It's all about priorities!

More Kroger Deals!!

I made my 4th trip through Kroger's line last night and got some more great deals. Unfortunately, they were out of an item and I had to get a raincheck. Here's my post:

4 Half gallons milk $5.00
4 Tylenol rapid release $2.50 - .50 per deal - $2.00 cpn = free
2 Betty Crocker fruit snacks $2.00 - .50 per deal - $1/2 =$1 each
3 Dial Bar Soap $1.50 - .50 per deal - .30 cpn doubled = $.40 each
bananas $.82
1 Always Infinity $5.49 - $1 esaver cpn - $3.00 catalina cpn. - $2.00 mfr. cpn = free + overage

oop = $10.35
total savings = $35.30 (79%)

Black Friday Deals!!
Sales are supposed to be big this year to increase sales.
There are some websites that list a sneak preview of this
year's after-Thanksgiving Day sale.

blackfriday.gottadeal.com
blackfriday.info
black-friday.net
links are courtesy of :
(http://www.wcpo.com/content/news/localshows/dontwasteyourmoney/default.aspx)

Kroger's: What deals this week!!! (Nov.3 - 9)

Kroger's is again running their "10 Item Mega Event" this week and the savings are GREAT!
For every 10 items that you purchase that are listed in the ad, you receive $5 off your grocery bill immediately. The breakdown here is that you save an extra $.50 off each item when you buy in increments of 10. There is a limit to 3 rewards, or $15 off, per transaction. So, I went thru the line 3 different times with no problems. I did take the groceries I purchased to the car each time, but simply turned around and went back in for more deals.

Here's how I broke it down:

Transaction #1:
6 Domino Sugars $2.50 - .50 per deal -.50 cpn doubled = $1 each
9 Betty Crocker Potatoes $1.50 -.50 per deal - .35 cpn doubled = $.30 each
8 General Mills cereals $2.00 - .50 per deal - 1.00 cpn = $.50 each
5 Scotch Lint rollers $1.00 - .50 per deal - .50 cpn doubled = free plus overage of $.50
2 Quaker oats $1.50 -.50 per deal -.50 cpn doubled = free
3 Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta $1.64 -1.00 cpn = $.64 each
7 Pedigree Good Bites dog treats $3.73 - free cpn = free
1 Mighty Dog Food can $.89 - free cpn = free

oop: $14.26

Transaction #2
4 Orville Redenbacher popcorn $2.00 - .50 per deal -.40 cpn doubled = $.70 each
6 Edwards pie slices $1.50 - .50 per deal -$1/2 cpn = $.50 each
1 Large eggs $1.79 - free cpn = free
2 Bic shavers $2.50 -.50 per deal - 2.00 cpn = free
5 Colgate toothpastes $1.50 -.50 per deal -.75 cpn doubled = free
3 Dial Bar soap $1.50 -.50 per deal - .30 cpn doubled = $.40 each
1 package napkins (no coupon, but needed!) 1.67

oop: $9.83

Transaction # 3
4 Bic shavors $2.50-.50 per deal - 2.00 cpn = free
3 Nestle chocolate chips $2.50 -.50 per deal - 1.00/3 cpn. = $1.67 each
20 Carnation evaporated milk $1.00 - .50 per deal -.50/2 cpn doubled = free
3 Dial Bar soap $1.50 -.50 per deal -.30 cpn doubled = $.40 each

oop: $6.65

So, my toal oop (out of pocket) for the day was $30.74. It's a little higher than some, but I'm stocking up on essentials for Christmas cookie baking!
Total coupon redeemed = 135.70!! All in one afternoon at Kroger's!