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Coupon Preview 2/22/09

Even though there are only 2 inserts in this Sunday's paper, there are some good ones:

$.50 off Chex Mix (these will go FREE at Meijers)
$.75 off Colgate (makes it $.24 at Walgreens this week)
$.75 off Dentyne Gum
$.50 off Fiber One cereal and Pastries
$.50 off Banana Nut Cheerios
$1 off Loreal Vive shampoo
$.55 off Hillshire Farms Deli Selects

And these are just a few. So, if you buy these products, it's the time to purchase multiple papers.

Walgreens Ad 2/22 - 2/28/09

Here's a look at Walgreens this week:
L'oreal Lip Color or Nail B1G1-$2 (1/4 RP) = varies
L'oreal HIP Cosmetics B1G1 -$2 (1/4 RP)=varies
Theraflu or Triaminic 2/$10 - two $1 or $1.50 cpn -$6/2 ES Rebate
Hersheys Singles $.89 B1G1 w/in ad cpn
Mitchum Deod. $1.99 w/in ad cpn
Royal pudding 4/$1 w/in ad cpn
Reese's clusters 3/$10 - $5 ES rebate = 3/$5
Oust Air Sanitizer $2.99 - $1 ES rebate - B1G1 (2/8 SS) - $1.50 cpn* = 2/$.49
Resolve Carpet cleaner $3.99 - $1.50 ES rebate =$2.49
Glade Fabric & Air $2.99 - $1 ES rebate - $2 cpn *= FREE
Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent $6.99 B1G1
Seed Packets 5/$1 w/in ad cpn
Dial Hand Soap B1G1 $2.49 -two $.35 cpns (1/4 SS Insert) =$.90 each
Softsoap Body Wash $3.49 -$1 (2/1 SS Insert) -$1 February IVC =$1.49
Colgate Toothpaste $.99 -$.75 cpn(2/22 SS) = $.24
Degree or Dove Deodorant $1.99 w/in ad cpn -$1 on Degree (1/18 SS) -$1/2 Dove (1/18 SS) = $.99 - $1.50
Edge Shave gel $1.99 w/in ad cpn
Skintimate Shave gel $1.99 w/in ad cpn
Halls Cough Drops 2/$3 w/in ad cpn -two $.50 (2/8 SS Insert)= $1 each
Nature Valley granola bars 2/$5 - $1 RR - two $.50 cpn (1/4 GM) = 2/$3
$6 off One A Day Vitamins w/in ad cpn -$1 cpn = $7 off
Excedrin 20-24 ct $1.99 - $1 RR - $1 cpn (1/4 SS)= FREE after RR
Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil 20 sq ft $.89 w/in ad cpn -$1(2/8 SS Insert)=FREE
$5 off ink refills

*Part of a coupon booklet in the mail.

CVS Savings

Went to CVS this morning and, as usual, bought six local papers with coupon inserts. Well, let's say the coupons inside are good..not great. But, it's definitely worth buying multiple copies. Anyway, I also took advantage of last minute sale items:

4 Special K Protein bars clearanced at $.75 - $1/2 cpn = 2/$.50
6 Diet Coke 12 packs 4/$14 = $21
Used two $1 Coke cpns from Coke Rewards.
Used $4.99 in ECBs.
Received $10 ECBs.
oop = $15.01
Net price for the Diet Coke after my ECBs, as I look at it, is less than $1 a 12 pack!!
Saved $15.74 just on the soda & am really stocked up.

Menu Planning & Stock Piling Together

As part of being a frugal shopper and ‘coupon queen’, saving money goes beyond the transaction at the grocery store. There are at least two very other important aspects that go hand-in-hand that help me be a good steward of what God has entrusted to me.
Simply put, they are stock piling and menu planning.
First, stock piling occurs when I find an item on sale at a low price, combine it with a coupon, and buy the item in great quantity (as many coupons as I have on hand for that item). For example, Ragu pasta sauce was recently on sale at Walgreens. In combination with the sale, if you purchased 8, you also received a Register Rewards. I pulled out 8 coupons for Ragu, and I purchased them, getting the sauce for around $.38 a jar. At the same time, I noticed another store had pasta on sale, for which I also had an abundance of coupons. I was able to stock up on the pasta for a mere $.50 a box.
Now, there are a few necessities when stock piling. The first would be coupons. Secondly, would be space. You’d be amazed at how much space you do have, when organized. Thirdly, you need to know prices. For beginners, this may require keeping a price book. Or for others, you are seasoned veterans here, and can recognize a good deal easily. And lastly, is the financial aspect. My advice to beginners is to begin slow, possibly stock piling only one or two items a week. It’s a building process. Don’t put a shock to your budget (or wallet) by trying to do too much too quickly. Know that sales are cyclical, which means the item will be on sale again. Watch for it the next time, have your coupons ready and then purchase it at a fraction of the cost.
Now as for menu planning. Some may think that these are two unrelated topics. But, in reality, they work together. I believe that menu planning is vital for the frugal shopper. It is important that you know what you need to provide meals for your family. To begin, make a list of what meals your family enjoys. Then make another list of what ingredients are required to make these meals. Now you know what to look for in the sales flyers in the coming weeks.
I always print a blank monthly calendar off my computer. As I sit to decide the meals I will prepare for the upcoming week, I always fall back on my stock pile. For example, if I know I have pasta and sauce (which you know I do!), then know for sure that at least one night we will have spaghetti, ziti, lasagna, etc.... This is how the two methods work together. I know what I have on hand, I know what’s on sale, and I know what meals will fit for this week.
I know this may sound like it requires a lot of time. It really doesn’t as you work from week to week. In the beginning, there is some extra time in preparing the lists, but it will be worth it in the money you will save. Again, none of this happens overnight. It took me 3 days to get all my coupons in my binder back in the summer!! So, go at your own pace as time allows and you will reap the benefits.

CVS Ad 2/22 - 2/28/09

B1G1 Deals:
Nature Made Vitamins B1G1 - two $2 cpns(2/1 SS) =varies
Nabisco crackers/cookies B1G1 $3.99 -$2.00 / 2 cpn(1/25 SS) =2/$1.99
Post Cereal B1G1 -$1/2 cpn (1/25 SS)
CVS batteries B1G1
Campbells soup B1G1 - $.40/4 (1/11 SS)
Swanson Broth B1G1
CVS Tissues B1G1

ECB Deals:
7-Up, Canada Dry & A&W 12 packs 4/$12.00 - $3 ECB = 4/$9
Maybelline Volume XL Seduction Lipstick/gloss $8.99 - $5 ECB = $3.99
Maybelline Dream mousse Foundation or powder Get $5 ECB WYB one item -$2 cpn (2/8 RP)
Revlon: Spend $20 and get $10 ECB -$2 cpn (2/8 RP)
Gillette Fusion Gamer $7.99 - $4 ECB - $4 cpn (P&G 2/8) = FREE
Schick Intuition plus $8.99 - $4 ECB - $2 cpn(1/25 SS) = $2.99
Depend $11 - $2 ECB
Accucheck Compact Plus Diabetes Monitor $19.99 - $10 ECB
Nyquil or Dayquil 2/$9.98 - $5 ECB (for 2) - two $1.50 cpns (2/8 P&G) = 2/$2
Claritin Liqui gels $19.99 - $5 ECB - $5 cpn (2/22 SS) =$9.99
Extreme Energy 6 hour shot $4.99 - $4.99 ECB = FREE
Viva paper towels $7.49 - $2 ECB - $.75 cpn (1/11 SS) =$4.75

Other good deals:
Clip Free coupons
Cadbury or Hershey egge $.49 (limit 8)
Gold Emblem Spices $.77 (limit 5)
VO5 Shampoo or conditioner $.77 (limit 6)
Aquafresh or Colgate $.88 (limit 5) - .75 Colgate cpn (2/22 SS)
Maxwell House coffee $6.99

Entertainment Book Savings

Do you have your Entertainment Book for 2009? I do, but with this offer, I'm going to get another!! The book is filled w/ coupons for everything from pizza to bowling to amuzement parks and tires!! I "paid for" mine within the first week of having it!
To get yours, click on the icon above.

Restaurant.com New Offer

Starting February 20th through the end of February, we will be offering all gift certificates at 80% off. You can purchase a $25 Gift Certificate for only $2!!!

Is Being Frugal the Same as Being Cheap?

As we search after the great deals, incessantly cut and organize coupons, and shop the sales, the question comes to mind…Why? Are we coupon queens just cheap? Don’t we have “anything better” to do with our time? Are we never satisfied? Is there no method to our madness?
Does any of this sound familiar? Well, if you are as “in to” coupons as I am, it does! You know, you get those looks from “ordinary” people in the grocery store who basically stand and gawk at your coupon organizer. Or, you get those heavy sighs from people who unfortunately for them get behind you in the check out line.
By definition according to Webster’s dictionary, another word for cheap is stingy. On the contrary, being frugal means is to not be wasteful or to be thrifty. There is a huge difference is these two words. I think back when my husband and I were first married (20 years ago!). We both had good-paying jobs. It was nothing for me to go to the grocery and spend $200 a week for just the two of us. I cringe now at how much money we wasted, for I did not use coupons nor did I shop sales.
But as for me, there are good reasons for what I do. First and foremost, I want to be a good steward of what God has given me. Using coupons is just one way I strive to do this. Shopping the sales, using rebates, and looking for the best deals all go hand-in-hand with using coupons in order to efficiently spend the money God has blessed me with. Now, there are limits here. I do not believe in doing anything unethical or illegal in order to get a deal. I believe that if I deal honestly at all times, then God will bless my efforts.
Another reason that I use coupons and shop wisely is so that I can help others. The Bible says in 1John 3:17, “But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” God expects us to help those in need. One way we can do this is by donating to local pantries food, health and beauty items and even clothing. For example, recently I was able to “purchase” 4 blood glucose monitors at no cost to me. Now, thankfully, no one in my family needs these; so, I donated them in the hopes of helping someone who does.
Another misconception is comparing stockpiling to hoarding food for fear of what tomorrow holds. For me, this could be nothing farther than the truth. I believe that as Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God is able and will supply all that me and my family need. Stockpiling is a way for me to buy the things that my family needs at the lowest price. Why should I pay full price for something when I know it will go on sale soon? And when it is on sale, why should I not buy as much of the needed item as I can at this low price combined with a coupon? It just makes sense to do so! And for me, stockpiling is just another way of being a good steward.
So, I hope that through this I have dispelled all ideas that I, or other coupon queens are cheap. It’s frugal. I strive to spend my money wisely and in a way that will honor God.

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A Little Extra Time..

This past Saturday as I was going about my normal routine of laundry, cleaning, getting prepared for church services the next day, I noticed that I had extra time on my hands. I thought for a minute that I was forgetting to do something. And then I realized the reason: there were no coupons to cut and organize!! It really made me realize how much time I do spend cutting and filing.
It's usual for me to buy around 5-10 papers on Saturday. (Those who follow me know that my local paper has the inserts on Saturday) Anyway, I usually go to CVS in the morning, buy the papers, and come home to clip and organize throughout the day, still doing my regular chores. I fit it in while waiting for the laundry.
Believe me, it takes awhile to get all those coupons cut, even when I'm cutting 4 at a time. I end up with a huge stack to file. And, of course, while I'm filing, I'm also pulling out expired. But, as I thought about the time invested, I KNOW that it is well worth my time. I see the savings every trip to the grocery or drug store. So, while the break was nice, I'm looking forward to the inserts this weekend!

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New Pampers Coupon!!

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Sunday 2/22 insert coupon preview

According to Abundant Food Savings.com , There will be a Smart Source and a Red Plum insert in the paper this weekend.

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New Offer!!

I love this offer...it is run every so often. And now it's back!!
Click on the above icon to get your free pan.

Get Your Coupons?

Getting the mail these days can be fun! Today I received the Right at Home booklet FULL of great coupons. There's one for a FREE Cascade Rinse agent, others for Swiffer, Mr. Clean, Febreeze and Dawn products.

CVS Second Trip

Went to CVS for the second time this week.

I bought:

1 Colgate Total Advanced $2.99 - $1 cpn = $1.99

3 Suave products $2 x 3 = $6

Used a $1 and $.50 cpn on the Suave.

oop = $3.91

Earned $4.99 ECB

savings $7.57

frugal Tip Tuesday

COFFEE FILTERS: Not just for making coffee....

1. Cover bowls or dishes when cooking in the microwave. Coffee filters make excellent covers.
2. Clean windows and mirrors. Coffee filters are lint-free so they'll leave windows sparkling.
3. Protect China . Separate your good dishes by putting a coffee filter between each dish.
4. Protect a cast-iron skillet. Place a coffee filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
5. Apply shoe polish. Ball up a lint-free coffee filter.
6. Recycle frying oil. After frying, strain oil through a sieve lined with a coffee filter.
7. Weigh chopped foods. Place chopped ingredients in a coffee filter on a kitchen scale.
8. Hold tacos. Coffee filters make convenient wrappers for messy foods.
9. Stop the soil from leaking out of a plant pot. Line a plant pot with a coffee filter to prevent the soil from going through the drainage holes.
10. Prevent a Popsicle from dripping. Poke one or two holes as needed in a coffee filter.
11. Put a few in a plate and put your fried bacon, french fries,chicken fingers, etc on them. Soaks out all the grease.
12. Keep in the bathroom. They make great "razor nick fixers."

A Look Ahead

Get ready...next week at Walgreens the following items will be FREE:

Reynolds Wrap (actually make $.11)

Glade Fabric & Air Deodorizer

Excedrin

Thera Flu

Thanks to "Who Said Nothing in Life is Free? at http://amyinorlando.blogspot.com/!!

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FREE Samples!!

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Menu Monday 2/16/09

Here's this week's menu:

Monday Fettuccine Alfredo
Tuesday Chicken Paprikash
Wednesday Tacos
Thursday Boy's gone (no cooking!!)
Friday Spaghetti
Saturday Pizza
Sunday Beef Stew

CVS Scenario 2/15/09

Transaction #1:
Colgate Total Advanced $2.99 - $1 cpn =$1.99
Use $2 ECB
oop = $0
ECB earned $2.99

Transaction #2
2 Neutrogena soaps $2.99 x 2 = $5.98
Use $2.99 ECB from above
oop $2.99
Earned $10 ECB!
(Thanks to LMKIA at http://littlemissknowitall.net/ for the tip!)

REVISION: The Neutrogena bars were NOT part of this sale at my CVS.
Therefore, I did not do Transaction #2.
Others say it works??

Meijer Ad 2/15 -2/21/09

Meijers good deals include:
10 for $10 items (Get the 11th FREE)
Broccoli
Baby Cut carrots
Mushrooms
Knorr Pasta/Rice Sides - .75/2 (1/18 RP)
Kraft/Bullseye BBQ sauce
Chef Boyardee pasta - .35/3 (1/4 SS)
Old Orchard canned juice
Kraft Mac N Cheese
Aunt Millies English Muffins -.35 (1/11 RP)
Stove Top
Hunts Snack Pack pudding
Bumble Bee Tuna
Green Giant boxed or polybag veggies
Quaker Rice cakes - $1 (1/18 RP)
Michelina entrees - $1/5 (2/8 SS)
Totinos pizza rolls - .40/2 (2/8 GM)
Angel Soft bath tissue
Glade spray or plug in oil warmer -$1/2 (1/11 SS)

Other Deals:
Milk, gallon 2/$4
General Mills cereals 3/$8 -.50 (2/8 GM)
Nabisco Chips Ahoy, Wheat Thins or Triscuits, Teddy Grahams, Honey-maid Grahams, Cakesters, 2/$5
Kelloggs Cereal or Nutri Grain bars 5/$10
(Buy Any Five Kellogg's Cereals or Nutri-Grain Bars Get One Meijer Gallon Milk FREE)
Chunky Soup 4/$6 -.50/2 (1/18 SS)
Bertolli pasta sauce 2/$4
Bagelfuls 5/$10
Lysol All Purpose Cleaner, Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner or Toilet Bowl Cleaner $2 -.50 (various 2/8GM)
Skintimate/Edge Shave Gel $2

To view the entire ad go to http://www.meijer.com

Kroger Ad 2/16 - 2/22/09

Krogers is a little slim again this week, but there are a few deals:

Milk, gallon $1.99
Seedless grades $.97/lb
Kraft cheese & Singles $1.99
Oscar Mayer hot dogs B1G1
Kraft salad dressing $1.99 - $1/2 (1/18 SS) = 2/$3
Dial hand soap $.88 -.35 (1/4 SS) = $.53**
Maybelline B1G1 - two $1 (2/8 RP) = varies
Quaker Oats 2/$4 - $1/2 (2/8 RP)= 2$3
Nabisco 100 cal packs $1.88
General Mills cereal $1.67 - .50 (2/8 GM) = $.67
Pillsbury Toaster Struedel 2/$4 - .55/2 (2/8 GM) = 2/$3
Totinos Pizza Rolls 3/$10
Yoplait Trix, Go-Gurt 2/$4 - $1/2 (2/8 GM) = 2/$3
Ragu $1.69 - .75/2 (1/18 RP)

**coupon does not begin w/5, will not double