8/31/08

Sunday Paper

I had thought that today's Sunday paper would not have any coupon inserts due to the Labor Day Holiday, but for our area, we still received the P&G (usually distributed on the 1st Sunday of every month). There was not a SmartSource or RedPlum insert.

The P&G has some great coupons though, so if you can, make a trip out tonight and pick one or two newspapers up!!

8/30/08

My First Giveaway!!

I love giveaways! Who doesn't?! Well, I've decided to make this Labor Day weekend my first giveaway for all of my beloved readers. I so appreciate your comments, encouragement, and tips, so as a way to give back to you, I'm giving away a $10 Walgreens Gift Card.

As I accumulate a pretty big stockpile of shampoos, conditioners, toiletry items, cereal, crackers, etc. I am finding myself needing a way to keep it all organized.

So, in order to qualify for this giveaway, all you have to do is leave me a suggestion in the comments on how you keep your stockpile from overflowing. Maybe you suffer like I do, and haven't tackled this chore, but how would you if you did?

To qualify for an additional entry, please mention my giveaway on your blog and let me know that you did so. Make sure that I have a way to contact you via email or your blogsite.

All entries must be submitted by 9 pm on Labor Day. The winner will be chosen by random number.

Kellogg's Blueberry Muffin Mini-Wheats Rebate

For a while, I have been saving my receipts for all of my grocery purchases. You never know when a rebate might come!

Well, as I was pouring cereal for my kids' breakfast this morning, here's what I found on the back of my Kellogg's Blueberry Muffin Frosted Mini-Wheats box:

A rebate offer!!

This offer states:
We know you'll love Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Blueberry Muffin Cereal, so try it on us!

I'm not really into the rebates that offer you a full refund if you're not fully satisfied (usually I'm satisfied), but if they want to treat me to a box of cereal, I don't think I can refuse.

It continues to say:
To receive rebate, mail in original cash register receipt, plus the UPC symbol from this box of cereal.

Unfortunately, I sent my receipt for this item for the JCPenney Gift Card offer. However, I still plan on saving this rebate offer for the next purchase of this cereal.

8/29/08

My Walgreens Deals

I am loving Walgreens today!! If you don't already have the "Coupon Game" bug, you might just catch it with this post. I am so amazed at how much you can save with just a little time and effort. I made sure to use the $10/$40 Q found HERE.
Here's the result of my Walgreens trip:

Can you believe that they are actually going to end up paying me for ALL of this?!

Total Sale = $89.71
Total Coupons = $51.50
Total Advertised Savings = $4.75
TOTAL OOP = $33.46 + Received $9 in Register Rewards
Total Rebates from this purchase = $32.77
TOTAL Profit of $8.31!!

Here's the Breakdown:
  • Nivea for Men Body Wash: $4.99 - MFR 7/20 SS Q $1/1 = Paid $3.99 (Rebate $4.99) Profit $1.00
  • Chemistry Shampoo: $7.99 - August ESQ $3/1 = Paid $4.99 (Rebate $7.99) Profit $3.00
  • Preparation H Portable Wipes: $3.99/1 = $11.97/3 - August ESQ $2/1 (applied 3 times) - $3/1 IPQ = Instant Money Maker!! Profit $3.03 (Be sure to use the money up in the same transaction as they will not give money back.)
  • Bic Soleil Razors (4 pack): $4.99 - August ESQ $1/1 - MFR 8/10 SS Q $3/1 = Paid $.99
  • Revlon Nail Polish: $4.79 = Paid $4.79 (Rebate $4.79) Some areas received a $2/1 MFR Q in 7/20 SS or $1/1 MFR Q in 8/24 SS.) Potential Profit $1-$2
  • Walgreens Plastic Forks: $.99 = Paid $.99 (Needed for upcoming party)
  • 2 Pantene Beautiful Lengths: $4.99/1 = $9.98/2 - 2 MFR Q $1/1 = Paid $7.98 (Rebate $5.00) Like paying $2.98 after rebate
  • 6 Garnier Fructis Hair Care: $3.49/1 = $20.94/6 - August ESQ $1/1 (applied 6 times) - 4 MFR 8/24 RP Q $1/1 = Paid $8.94 (Rebate $10.00) Profit $1.06
  • Glade Fabric & Air Odor Eliminator: $3.49/1 - August ESQ $1/1 - MFR 8/24 SS Q $1.50/1 = Paid $.99
  • 2 John Frieda Shampoo & Conditioner: BOGO 1/2 Off = $6.49 + $3.25 = $9.74/2 - 2 All You Q $1/1 = Paid $7.74/2 (Received $9.00 in Register Rewards for next time!) Some areas received a $3/2 Q in the 8/24 SS making this an even better deal!
Even better, I checked out at the Beauty Counter and the nice lady gave me free samples of Vita A Mask Sheet and Skincode Energizer Cream. And you all know how I LOVE Free Samples!!! Can't wait to use them!

Need help figuring out your deals? Check my post HERE for the new September EasySaver Catalog Info effective today. Also see more scenarios at Money Saving Mom.

Sally Beauty Coupons

Click HERE to get some BOGO Sally Beauty Store Coupons.

Free Kotex Sample

I can't remember if I've posted this or not, but here's another FREE Sample Offer. Click on the picture above to receive yours!

Walmart Free Samples

Free Sample Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes

As always, click on the picture above to receive your sample via mail. Check my posts HERE for past free samples that may still be available.

Walgreens $10/$40 Coupon

Simply Click on the image above to print yours directly from Walgreens.com!

HONEST COUPON USE:
Read the fine print on the bottom of this coupon. It states "Purchase amount of $40 or more must be before taxes and after coupons and discounts."

Walgreens is keeping the coupons coming! For today and tomorrow only, use this $10/$40 coupon at any Walgreens. My suggestion? Use this toward getting all of your Walgreens rebate items for the month of September!!

Check out Money Saving Mom's Post HERE for scenarios that work on Friday and Saturday only (double-dip days).

OR

For you Publix shoppers, you can also use this toward your $40 purchase at Publix.
(Unfortunately I've already done my weekly Publix run.)

8/28/08

Publix Coupon Booklets!!

While I was at Publix, I ran across several new coupon booklets! Since this Sunday's paper won't have any inserts due to the Labor Day holiday, I'll just spend my coupon organizing time clipping these out. Be sure to check your Publix or ask at the Customer Service Desk to see if they have them available.

I'm a visual person, so I thought you might appreciate having pictures to help you find them:


Coupons You'll Find Inside: (All Publix Store Q's)
  • $.55 off any 1 Pepperidge Farm Swirl Bread
  • $1 off any 2 Old London Melba Items
  • $1 off any 2 Steamfresh or Steam & Serve Varieties
  • $1 off any 1 Smart Balance Milk or Butter Blend
  • $.75 off any 1 Package of KRAFT 2% Milk Singles (12 or 16 oz.)
  • $1 off any 1 Dannon Light & Fit 0% Plus 4 Pack
  • $1.50 off any 7 Attune Chocolate or Granola Probiotic Wellness Bars
  • $.35 off any 1 Friendship All Natural Cottage Cheese (any size)
  • $.55 off any 4 Yocrunch or Yocrunch Light Yogurts
  • $1 off any 4 pack Goodbelly Multi Probiotic Fruit Drink + Multivitamin
  • $1 off any 6 Weight Watchers Yogurts
  • $1 off any 1 Seapak Frozen Fish
  • $.55 off any 1 Carton of 4-Grain Eggs
  • $2 off any 1 Back to Nature Nuts and Trail Mixes
  • $1 off any Welch's Dried Fruit
  • $1 off any 2 Ocean Spray Items
  • $2 off any 4 pack Atkins Advantage Ready to Drink Shakes
  • $2 off any 5 Smart Ones Entrees
  • $1 off any 1 Bag of True North
  • $.55 off any 1 Thai Kitchen Rice Noodle Bowl
Coupons You'll Find Inside:
  • $1 off 2 Glad Food Storage Bags (MFR Q)
  • $1 off Glad Forceflex Trash Bags (MFR Q)
  • $1 off Kingsford, Kinsford Match Light, or Kingsford with Mesquite Charcoal (MFR Q)
  • $1 off any 2 Dixie Plates (MFR Q)
  • FREE 96 oz. Clorox Regular Bleach when you purchase any 3 Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Tilex Products, Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner w/ Bleach, Clorox Disinfecting Floor and Surface Cleaner or Clorox Disinfecting Kitchen Cleaner (MFR Q)
  • $.55 off any 1 Clorox household cleaning product including Clorox Regular-Bleach, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover, Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner w/ Bleach, Clorox Disinfecting Floor and Surface Cleaner or Clorox Disinfecting Kitchen Cleaner (MFR Q)
  • $3 off when you purchase a minimum of $15 on any combination of Duracell Batteries (Publix Q)
  • $1 off any 2 Mott's, Hawaiian Pumch, Clamato or Yoohoo item (Publix Q)
  • $1 off any 3 SPAM Family of Products (MFR Q)

Turn this 1-page flier over and Find These Coupons: (All MFR Q's)
  • $.55 off 1/2 Liter (16.9 oz) or larger Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • $.55 off 1/2 Liter (16.9 oz) or larger Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • $.20 off 16 oz Package of Any Variety Colavita Pasta
  • $.25 off 1/2 Liter (16.9 fl oz) Colavita Balsamic Vinegar
  • $.50 off 26 oz Jar Any Variety Colavita All Natural Pasta Sauce

My Publix Deals

I had a pretty good day at Publix today. Again, I saved more than I spent, so whenever that's the case, it's GOOD!

Here's what I got (not included in picture is a dozen eggs):

TOTAL IN GROCERIES = $125.88
Total Savings in Coupons = $21.10
+
Total Savings in Advertised Sales = $46.25
TOTAL SAVINGS = $67.35
TOTAL OOP = $58.53

Here's the breakdown:
  • Pillsbury Toaster Strudel (4): $1.67/1 - 2 IPQ $1/2 = Paid $4.67/4 (This was a treat for this week!)
  • Cheerios (2): Sale $1.99 - 2 IPQ $1/1 = Paid $1.98/2
  • Ragu Pizza Sauce: $1.19 = Paid $1.19
  • Smart Balance Spread (2): BOGO $3.09 - 2 IPQ $1/1 = Paid $1.09/2
  • Boston Market Frozen Dinners (10): $2/1 - 5 Target Q $1/2 = Paid $15.00/10 (At $1.50/each, these will be great lunches for hubby - YUM!!)
  • Yoplait Yogurt - Whips, Light, Regular (17): $.50/1 - 3 IPQ = Paid $6.40/17
  • Lender's Bagels (4): BOGO $2.09 = Paid $4.18/4
  • Sargento Shredded Mozzarella (2): $3/1 - 2 MFR Q $.50/1 = Paid $5/2 (Same price at Publix brand)
  • Publix Eggs: $1.79 = Paid $1.79
  • Blue Diamond Almonds 6 oz. (4): BOGO $3.19 - 2 Summertime Publix Q $1.50/2 = Paid $3.38/4 (These keep for a long time and will be great for nutty cookies and other baking this Fall!)
  • Barilla Piccolini Pasta (6): BOGO $1.49 - 2 IPQ $1/3 = Paid $2.65/6
  • Birdseye Frozen Chopped Spinach: $.99 = Paid $.99
  • Friendship Buttermilk: Advantage Buy Sale $1.89 = Paid $1.89
  • Bananas (3.07 lbs): $.69/lb = Paid $2.12
  • Tomato (.67 lb.): $1.49/lb = Paid $1.00 (Oh, to have my own garden and get these for free...)
  • Gala Apples (bag): Sale $3.99 = Paid $3.99
  • Boston Lettuce (2): $1.29/1 = Paid $2.58/2 (This was a better deal than the bag lettuce 2/$4, and I love Boston lettuce!)
  • Peaches (1.46 lbs.): $1.49/lb = Paid $2.18

Walgreens September EasySaver Catalog

I can't believe that September is just around the corner!

August 29th is the first day for the Walgreens September EasySaver Catalog. If your store doesn't put it out until the 1st of the month, you can still find it online HERE. Most stores accept these printed out coupons and rebates. I've created links to show pricing on the items available at Walgreens.com. Here's what's in store:

Coupons:
100% Rebates:
The rebate amount listed is the highest price paid back. Purchase price before coupons is the rebate amount offered.
  1. Excedrin Express Gels (20 pk) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $3.99 (available Sept. 7th)
  2. Nivea for Men Body Wash (16.9 oz) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $4.99
  3. L'Oreal Advanced RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate (1 oz) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $16.49
  4. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste (4.2 oz) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $3.79
  5. Chemistry Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment (1.35 - 12 oz) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $7.99
  6. LypSyl Honey Berry w/ SPF or Original LypMoisturizer (.1 oz stick) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $1.99
  7. Revlon Nail Color or Nail Care - Purchase 1 - Rebate $4.79
  8. Walgreens Acid Controller Complete (25 chewable tablets) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $7.99
  9. Walgreens Pitcher Filter Replacement Cartridge - Purchase 1 - Rebate $6.99
Partial Rebates:
  1. Right Guard Professional or Dry Idea Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant (1.8 oz) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $3.00
  2. Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Shampoo or Conditioner (12.6 oz) - Must Purchase 2 - Rebate $5.00
  3. Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color, 100% Color Hair Color, Nutritioniste Skin Care or Fructis Hair Care - Purchase $20 worth - Rebate $10.00
  4. Adult Wash Cloths w/ Moisturizing Aloe (32 pk) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $1.00
  5. MagOx 400 Supplement (60 tablets) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $2.00
  6. Sleep Pretty in Pink Women's Natural Sleep Formula (30 pk) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $5.00
  7. TriDerma MD Advanced Skin Healing Cream (2.2 oz) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $10.00
  8. Zicam Syrup (8 oz) or Cough Mist (.55 oz) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $4.00
  9. Medline Bath Bench w/ Non-Skid Feet - Purchase 1 - Rebate $5.00
  10. Medline Swivel Seat w/ 360* Swivel Rotation - Purchase 1 - Rebate $5.00
  11. Medline 31" Reacher - Purchase 1 - Rebate $3.00
  12. Miracle Foot Repair (8 oz), Heel Repair Creme (4 oz), or Anti-Fungal Treatment Kit (1 oz) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $2.00
  13. Green Dot Visa or Mastercard - Purchase 1 - Rebate $9.95 back by mail on activation fee
  14. Energizer Lithium or Rechargeable AA or AAA e2 Batteries (2 pk) - Purchase 2, Rebate $5 - Purchase 3, Rebate $10 (See additional Rebate offer on 4 pk HERE)
  15. Choice of 25 inch Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer Ball or Princess Crown - Purchase up to 5 - Rebate up to $25.00 or $5/1
  16. Choice of Plush Animals (20-45 inch) - Purchase up to 5 - Rebate up to $25.00 or $5/1
  17. Rocking Horse w/ Moving Head & Sound (29 in) - Purchase 1 - Rebate $10.00
  18. Buy $6 Worth Hershey's Milk Duds (10 oz), Whoppers (9-12 oz), or Hershey's Giant Bars (6.8-7 oz) + Buy 1 Hershey's Syrup (24 oz) Bottle - Rebate $1.99
  19. Gazelle 2 in 1 Rechargeable 14.4 Volt Vacuum - Purchase 1 - Rebate $20.00
  20. Simply Rest Plus Twin or Queen Size Bed - Purchase up to 1 of each size - Rebate up to $40.00 or $20/1
  21. Buy $15 Worth Mars Minis - Receive Football Candy Dish by mail
  22. Buy $15 Worth KRAFT & Nabisco Products - Rebate $5.00
  23. Mountain Dew Amp Energy Drinks (One 16-24 oz Singles or 4 pk 16 oz) - Purchase 2 cans, Receive Nascar Decal - Purchase 8 cans, Receive Matchbox Car - Limit 1
  24. Glade Carpet & Room Deodorizer (32 oz), Plugins Scented Gel Refills (3 pk), Wisp Scented Oil Refill (.26 oz), Plugins Scented Gel Warmer, or Glass Scents (.28 oz) - Purchase up to 4 - Rebate up to $4.00 or $1/1
  25. Glade Plugins Scented Oil Warmer or Refill, Glade Candle (4 oz), or Plugins Scented Oil Candle Refills (1.5 oz) - Purchase up to 4 - Rebate up to $4.00 or $1/1
  26. Buy $10 Worth Hershey's 8 pack Candy Bars - Rebate $5.00
  27. Buy 4 bags M&M's Candy (11-14 oz) - Rebate $5.00
  28. Lighted Crystal Angel, 3 Pack Gift Boxes, or Snowman - Purchase up to 1 of each - Rebate up to $30.00 or $10/1
  29. Lighted Holiday Decorations - LED Icy Glow Angel, Reindeer, or Christmas Tree - Purchase up to 4 - Rebate up to $40.00 or $10/1
  30. 3 Ft. Snoopy Til' Christmas Countdown Calendar - Purchase 1 - Rebate $20.00
  31. Lighted Pumpkin (10-14 inch) or Lighted Skull (10 in) - Purchase up to 2 - Rebate up to $6.00 or $3/1
Remember that you have 2 options for receiving your rebates:
Go online HERE to enter your information.
OR
Mail your receipt in with the insert checklist in your EasySaver Catalog.

I prefer the online method. This allows me to send my receipt (after making a copy for my records) to receive more rebates on individual items if necessary.

Also, remember that if you have your rebate money placed on a Walgreens Gift Card, you will earn 10% more!!

Check out Money Saving Mom HERE for scenarios on how you can save more!!

8/27/08

New All You Magazine

Check out Penny Pinching Diva's post HERE to find out what the new All You magazine at Walmart has in store!

8/26/08

CVS $25 Gift Card Giveaway!!

If you haven't noticed, there are a lot of giveaways going on in the blogworld right now. I thought I'd tell you about couple of them that are offering a $25 Gift Card to CVS!!

Visit these links to sign up:

NEWLYWEDS!

The Savin' Maven

The Organized Homemaker

I know, I know, I just started this blog, but I've decided to ADD another to my list of things to do.

I've been told I'm not happy unless I've got 10 plates up in the air at one time! Well, my other blog is about organization. I have wanted to organize my housework, chores, and time for years, and somehow it feels like this is the year to get started on it!

I desire my children to grow up with a good example of what a wife and mom should be. Sure, my house will never be perfect, and that's okay. But the Proverbs 31 woman is a great example of who I want my husband and children to see in me.

To follow me in my journey to organization, you can check out my other blog at:
The Organized Homemaker

I also have a link to it under my profile on this blog. You will see "REAL" life organization and hopefully you can relate to the daily issues I face.

Walmart Free Samples

I absolutely LOVE getting the FREE samples from Walmart. It's so easy. I just put my information in and within a few weeks, I have a mailbox full of samples!

Here's a new one that Walmart is offering. Just click on the picture and it will take you to the link to fill out a form for you to get yours! There's no 7-step, complete 3 offers, etc. Just give them your address and they'll mail you the free sample - no strings attached.

Free Sample of Ultra Gain with Baking Soda

Have you missed the latest freebies from Walmart?! Click HERE to find out more!

Food Lion Coupon Policy

Here is Food Lion's Official Coupon Policy:
  • Our company will gladly accept manufacturer and store coupons, provided they scan in our register system.
  • We decline the use of single-sided coupons offering a free product, a coupon that has a higher dollar amount than the value of the product, a competitors' coupon, or if the coupon appears to be computer generated, copied, or reproduced.
  • We will only accept one coupon per item.
  • Please feel free to speak to the store manager with any concerns you have.

8/25/08

Target Coupon Policy

In an effort to give you easy access to all the information you need, please visit Target's online Corporate Coupon Policy HERE. It's important in the coupon game, to use our coupons in an honest way so that we do not harm the reputation of stores or brands.

Here is Target's (abbreviated) Official Coupon Policy:

When accepting coupons, Target uses the following guidelines:
  • We accept two kinds of coupons: Target-issued and manufacturer-issued.
  • We'll accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
  • We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item; in this case, we're able to adjust the value of the coupon to equal the price of the item.
  • We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
  • All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier while you're checking out.
For questions about using a specific coupon, we encourage you to stop by Guest Service and ask to speak with the Guest Service Team Leader. They'll do their best to help while you're in the store. If you still have questions after speaking with them, please call our Guest Relations team at (800) 440-0680. Either way, we're here to help!

Get $50 in Rite Aid Coupons

Have you signed up for your $50 in Rite Aid Coupons yet?!
Click HERE to sign-up!

If you sign up, Rite Aid will give you $50 worth in printable coupons. There are 6 pages in all, and it is recommended that you print them in grayscale to save your color ink. They don't tell you up front what the coupons are, but here's what I got when I signed up. They all appear to be Rite Aid brand items. I personally do not have a Rite Aid close enough to go to, however, Publix may accept these for comparable Publix brand products. I know Publix accepts Food Lion Q's in this manner.

Here are the Rite Aid printable coupons:
  • Save $10.00 Hair Regrowth Treatment for Men (triple pack)
  • Save $1.00 Ultra Detergent (100 oz.)
  • Save $3.00 Reusable Hot and Cold Packs (assorted sizes)
  • Save $2.00 Premium Mixed Nuts or Colossal Cashews (8.5 oz.)
  • Save $1.00 Lotion (10 oz.)
  • Save $2.00 Rapid Release Acetaminophen (100 ct.)
  • Save $.50 Black Tea (100 ct.)
  • Save $7.00 Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women (triple pack)
  • Save $1.00 Tooth Shield Rinse (1 Liter)
  • Save $1.00 Vibra Clean Polaris Toothbrush
  • Save $1.50 Tri-Flex3 Titanium Razoer (4 ct.)
  • Save $2.00 Sport Sunblock Continuous Spray (6 oz.)
  • Save $2.00 Mega Pack Diapers (Size 2-6)
  • Save $6.00 Cetirizine Tablet (60 ct.)
  • Save $2.00 Foaming Hand Soap (Refill, 32 oz.)
  • Save $1.00 Tooth Shield Anti-Cavity Rinse (1 Liter)

Couponizer Sale & Free Book Offer!!



Simply click on the link above!

If you've seen adds like this one on my blog or other frugal blogs, and have been thinking about purchasing, well it's a good thing you waited! Right now, for a limited time you can purchase the Couponizer for 10% off using "STARTNOW" code at checkout. On top of that, you will receive the book by Stephanie Nelson, "Greatest Secrets of the Coupon Mom," an $18 value for FREE, while supplies last. This coupon code lasts until 10/15/08, and I will have it listed on my sidebar just underneath the Couponizer ad.

This would make a great Christmas gift for the coupon gamer in your circle of friends or family!

Homeschool Mondays

With Tropical Storm Fay going through our area this past weekend, we had a lot of "indoor time" at our house. So, instead of watching movies, I thought I'd try a fun science experiment with the kids.

We tried to make rock candy...

I remember doing this as a kid, but hadn't thought to try it until recently. Click HERE to get the recipe. I used a recipe that called for 2 cups of water and 4 cups of sugar and the results were not as good. Though I haven't tried this exact recipe, I can only imagine it will work out better. However, not only did ours teach a science concept, but it also taught patience... and if at first you don't succeed - try, try again (or until you run out of sugar)!

Here's what you need to make Rock Candy:
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • medium saucepan
  • food coloring
  • clean glass jar or cup
  • string or wooden skewers
  • pencil
Ours pretty much didn't crystallize except for a little on the top. Here's what we started out looking like... I didn't have any string, so we used skewers and twist-tied them to wooden spoons. If you've done this with success before, please do share your tips!!

I don't have an "after" photo since it pretty much still looks like this 2 days later...

If you have a neat science experiment that you'd like to share, please leave a comment or link to it through Mister Linky below. If you choose to post on your blog with a link, I hope that you will link back to my post here.


8/24/08

Home Made Simple $27 Savings Booklet


Request your Home Made Simple booklet with $27 worth of savings inside. It's FREE and all you have to do is click HERE. It takes 6-8 weeks for delivery and you'll enjoy coupons from these great brands:
  • Cascade
  • Dawn
  • Febreze
  • Mr. Clean
  • Swiffer
  • Home Made Simple

Walmart Free Samples

Click on the pictures below to request your FREE sample of these products.

Cascade Complete All-In-One Actionpac


2 Free Issues of All You Magazine (filled with coupons)!


Receive a FREE coupon of Downy Total Care Fabric Softener

Rebate from Arm & Hammer

Arm & Hammer is offering a Rebate up to $3.50 on their new Essentials Cleaners Starter Kit (refillable spray bottle with cartridge). Click HERE to download the form. One offer per family, address, or household.

Also, check out their website HERE and click on their "Coupons" link to print off 2 $1/1 Arm & Hammer Essentials Cleaners Starter Kit. This is a potential Money Maker!!

My CVS Deals!!

Today was finally a good day to hit CVS. They've been out of stock on the Pert Plus for the last 3 trips I've made there. I've had a Raincheck for them for a few weeks now.

I split this up into 2 transactions, and by far this was my best CVS Deal Day yet with a total of $1.08 OOP for all of this!!

Transaction #1 (Money Maker!)
  • Kotex Lightdays Long: $1.49 - $1/1 MFR August All You Q = Paid $.49 (Received $1.49 in ECB's)
Total Transaction #1 = $1.50
Coupon Used: $1/1 MFR Q = $1.00 in Q's
ECB's Earned: $1.49
Total OOP = $.50


Transaction #2
  • 4 Pert Plus (Raincheck BOGO): 2/$3.69 - 4 MFR 8/3 SS Q $2/1 = FREE + $.62 overage
  • 2 Neutrogena Facial Bar Soap: $2.99/1 = Paid $5.98/2
  • 1 Sunday Newspaper: $1.25 = Paid $1.25
Total Transaction #2 = $14.61
Coupons Used: $2/$10 CVS Q, 4 $2/1 Pert Plus Q's = $10.00 in Q's
ECB's Used: $4.49
Total OOP = $.58

Find more CVS Scenarios for this week's deals at Money Saving Mom & Keeping the Kingdom First!

8/23/08

Coupon Preview Website

Preview Sunday's Coupons on Saturday!!!
Could it get any better?!


My sister had told me about a website that gave a preview of what would come in Sunday's coupon inserts. I'm so excited to have found it! And of course, I'm passing it along to you. I've added it to my Coupon Printable List on the right side of my blog as well.

It's called Taylortown Coupon Preview. I have no idea how they get the preview of Sunday's coupons, but if you're a planner and need yet another day to look ahead at what deals you can find, you'll definitely want to check it out. I think the Sunday's coupons are listed on Saturday. And you'll need to check your own newspaper on Sunday for your actual coupons as they do vary from region to region.

I just saw that Keeping the Kingdom First also lists the Sunday Coupons on Saturday, so be sure to check out Alyssa's post there.

HERE'S THE SCOOP!

Here's the "Scoop", so you stay in the loop on all the best deals out there!

After my last visit to Publix, my cashier informed me that Publix will no longer be accepting BOGO internet printable coupons. I'm a little confused on whether it's in all situations or just when they have a store BOGO sale and it cannot be combined with a BOGO coupon in order to get 2 free items.

If you followed all of that, I'm impressed. In other words, when Publix has a BOGO sale, you cannot use a BOGO coupon with the sale.


That's your Scoop 'd' Loop for the day!

8/22/08

Other Ways to Save...

I couldn't resist this picture...

Coupons are wonderful, and coupon gaming is so much fun to me! I love the challenge of saving more than I'm spending on any given purchase. God has blessed our family this past month through all of the information I've learned and all of you bloggers who have taught me so much about how to be a good steward of our money.

Our family's goal is just that. We've been tremendously blessed financially in almost every spectrum of our lives together. To be able to do the same for someone else would be an even greater blessing to us.

So, in an attempt to cut costs wherever we can, several weeks ago, I challenged myself to only fill up the gas tank every 2 weeks. Surprisingly, I've kept pretty close to that for about 6 weeks now. The only exception is if we decide to go on a day trip, which we did a couple of weekends ago, but otherwise, it feels good to save and stay home (at least close to home) most days.

What are some ways that allow you to save money these days? Please share in a comment below!

My Publix Deals

I loved the deals at Publix this week and was able to sweeten them up with a few store competitor $$'s off coupons. I used a $10/$50 Winn Dixie Baby Club mailer Q, $4/$20 CVS emailed Q, and $5/$20 Walgreens Q available HERE. This is a total of $19 in saving right up front!! With that extra money, I decided to stock up on some lean ground beef, vitamins, Gatorade for my dear hubby, and even splurged and bought a rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight.

Here's what I got:

TOTAL IN GROCERIES = $164.30
Total Savings in Coupons = $49.50
+
Total Savings in Advertised Sales = $42.51
TOTAL SAVINGS = $92.01
TOTAL OOP = $72.29

Here's my breakdown:

  • Angel Soft Tissue: $4.29 - 6/29 RP or 8/17 RP MFR Q $.50/1 = Paid $3.79
  • 2 Lysol Gel Toilet Bowl Cleaner: $2.59/1 - 2 8/17 SS MFR Q $.50/1 = Paid $4.18/2 & 1 Lysol Cleaner: $2.69 - 8/3 SS MFR Q $.50/1 = Paid $2.19 (Used Publix Weekly Flier Q HERE $3/3 Lysol Products or check your store's flier for promo)
  • Barbasol Shaving Cream: $1.39 - Walgreens Flier Q @ $.99/1 = Paid $.99
  • 2 Fresh Express Salad Blends: 2/$5 = Paid $5/2
  • 4 Sunmaid Raisins (6 pack): $1.50/1 - 1 Summertime Publix Q $1/2 - 2 8/17 RP MFR Q $1/2 = Paid $3.00/4
  • Publix Children's Multivitamins: $8.99 = Paid $8.99
  • Jello: $.89 - Walgreens Flier Q @ $.39 = Paid $.39
  • French's Mustard: $1.19 - IPQ $.50/1 = Paid $.69/1
  • Plums (1.38 lbs): Sale $.79/lb = Paid $1.09
  • Publix Monterey Jack Cheese: $2.79 = Paid $2.79
  • 4 Borden's American Cheese: 2/$4 - 2 Summertime Publix Q $1/2 = Paid $3/2
  • 2 Pillsbury Thin Crust Pizza Dough: $1.67/1 - 2 IPQ $1/1 = Paid $1.34/2
  • 2 Oscar Meyer Beef Franks: BOGO $3.99 - 2 Sampler Lady Q Handout $1/1 = Paid $1.99/2
  • 4 Ken's Lite Accents Spray Dressing: BOGO $3.03 - 4 8/3 SS MFR Q $1/1 = Paid $2.06/4
  • 4 Mott's Apple Juice: BOGO $2.89 - 2 8/10 SS MFR Q $1/2 = Paid $3.94/4
  • 4 Mott's Apple Sauce: $1.67/1 - 2 IPQ $1/2 = Paid $4.68/4
  • 2 Sabra Hummus: 2/$5 - 2 IPQ $1.50/1 = Paid $2/2
  • Gatorade Powder Mix: $8.49 = Paid $8.49
  • 2 Tostitos Family Size Bag: BOGO $4.89 - 2 6/8 SS MFR Q $.55/1 (expires 8/23) = Paid 3.79/2 (in order to use Q, I also had to purchase the salsa below)
  • 2 Tostitos Salsa: $2.79/1 = Paid $5.58/2
  • Bananas (3.26 lbs): $.69/lb = Paid $2.25
  • 2 Juicy Juice: BOGO $3.49 - 2 IPQ $1/1 = Paid $1.49/2
  • Rotisserie Chicken: $6.49 - Food Lion Q $1/1 = Paid $5.49
  • Almost 3 lbs Lean Ground Beef: Sale $3.49/lb = Paid $9.49
As always, my best deals are highlighted in PURPLE.

I'll also be taking advantage of the Lysol $5 Rebate with this receipt and a recent dr's visit receipt. Find out more information from my previous post HERE.

Check out Money Saving Mom: Super Savings Saturday for more great deals to be had!!

Haven't seen enough great deals at Publix?! Check out Publix Super Savers at Fiddledeedee!!

Walgreens $5/$20 Coupon

Print your Walgreens $5/$20 Coupon HERE!
This must be used today or tomorrow.

If you haven't already taken advantage of this month's rebate offers, this would be a great coupon to use and stock up on some FREE items. Click HERE to view the EasySaver Catalog for rebate items.

I will probably be using this toward my Publix grocery run today (if it's not too rainy and stormy to go out).

Sweet 'n Spicy Chicken

My recipe for the week is one that has gone into my "Family Cookbook" mentioned HERE. It's fairly simple, and a winner all around with my family.

Sweet 'n' Spicy Chicken

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 jar (11 ozs.) chunky salsa
1/2 cup peach preserves
Hot cooked rice

Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag; add taco seasoning and toss to coat. In a skillet, brown chicken in oil. Combine salsa and preserves; stir into skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until meat juices run clear. Serve over rice.

Yield: 4 servings

*I often make a double batch to use up all the peach preserves in the jar and taco seasoning. Then, we just freeze it in a bag for another night's dinner.

8/21/08

Great Coupon Site!!

Maybe you already knew about this site, but I have just learned of it's amazing ability to FIND coupons that you need!! This would've come in handy for my Sensodyne purchase at Walgreens earlier, but now I know. :)

So, to pass along this great site, visit Hot Coupon World. To search, simply type in the name of the product you are looking for, and it will come up with possible sites to visit in order to obtain a coupon. Don't you just love it?!

I've also added it to my coupon sites list on my sidebar.

Works For Me! Family Cookbook

This is my first time participating in the "Works-For-Me" ongoing Wednesday posts from Rocks In My Dryer. Okay, it's Thursday, but my life seems to run a day behind in the blog world these days... I've enjoyed learning and reading other people's posts on this subject, so I thought I'd contribute this week.

When my husband and I first got married, it became quite evident that we were accustomed to 2 very different meal cuisines (we'll call it). For a couple of years, I tried to cook the Italian way that he was used to, but alas, I am not Italian! So, as I attempted new recipes that we both enjoyed, I printed them out and started a Family Cookbook. It's just a simple white binder with a few dividers, and I place recipes in it to use throughout the years. My hope is that my children will remember some of them and want to use them with their families when they are grown. I use a binder instead of recipe cards as it just seems easier to locate the recipes I need.

My husband and I needed to develop our own "Family Cookbook" since we had derived from 2 different families, and this works for me!

See more posts on what works for others HERE at Rocks In My Dryer!

New Coupon Lingo

I've decided to create my own coupon lingo for the EasySaver Coupons from Walgreens. From now on, you will see them abbreviated as ESQ (EasySaver Q). I've also added this abbreviation to my sidebar Coupon Lingo.

Deals for the Week

I'm a little late in getting this out, but I thought I'd pass along some deals that I've found on other blogs and send you their way! I love the blogging world as it's such a great reference to save money. Everyone seems to find a deal, and if I take a moment to check their blogs before I head out to the store, I've found that I save even more.
  • As always, Sarah at Fiddledeedee has worked up some great deals at Publix. Click HERE to see them.
  • Check my Post HERE for some great Walgreens deals. Mommy Snacks has some great deals for Walgreeens. Click HERE for more info on them!
  • Deal Seeking Mom has a Post on a great deal for Luvs Diapers at Target. Click HERE to see it.
  • If you're a Food Lion shopper or just want to grab this week's emailed Q's, check out The Centsible Sawyer's Post HERE.

8/20/08

My Walgreens Deals

Thanks to a tip from a fellow frugal blogger (can't remember which one), I was able to make some money at Walgreens today! You can too, just check out my post below.


Here's the breakdown:
  • 6 boxes of Preparation H Portable Wipes = $3.99/1 - IPQ $3/1 - EasySaver Q $2/1 = Profit $1/1!! (Pick up your EasySaver Catalog at the front and 1 Q works for all) Get your printable Q HERE and you can print as many as you'd like!
  • 2 Sensodyne Toothpastes = 2/$8.23
I made $6.00 on the Preparation H, which was put toward the Sensodyne Toothpaste, with a total of $2.23 OOP for all of this! Because you lose if it you don't spend it, I'm sure you can find a way to spend the extra dollars you make on this deal. If you don't need Preparation H, it's great for charity, medical missions, or someone you know who needs it. You make $1.00 with each purchase. On top of this, if you received your Sensodyne coupon (I did not) in your paper on Sunday, this would make everything an even better deal.

Yummy Yankee Candles!!

I just had to pass along a deal from Yankee Candle. I absolutely love their Spiced Pumpkin candle during the Fall season and quite often keep it lit all day to enjoy the yummy aroma!!

Click on the picture above to learn how you can receive a FREE Room Spray with the purchase of any large Yankee candle. Their online store is also offering 50% sales, so this could be a great opportunity to stock up on candles for the season - or for gift giving. You can get up to 6 FREE room sprays with the purchase of 6 candles through this offer.

8/19/08

FREE Samples from Walmart - While Supplies Last!

Walmart has put out another round of Free Samples. It's always fun to get these in the mail! Click on the pictures below that correspond with the offers to sign up for yours. These are all while supplies last, so hurry!

Free Single-serving Sample of Benefiber

Free Sample of Playtex Sport

Free Sample of a Full Size Roll of SCOTT Extra Soft Bath Tissue

Free Sample of Wholesome Goodness from Meow Mix Cat Food

Click on the picture above or go to Kotex.com for your Free Sample

Free Sample of Tampax Pearl

8/18/08

Win a Year's Worth of Organic Milk!!

Organic Valley Farms is offering you a chance to win a year's worth of FREE Organic Milk!! Take a short quiz on your knowledge of organic choices, and be entered to win.

Click HERE

My "Oh No!" Moment

As I was out running errands today, I drove by a 70% off Albertson's Sale, and just HAD to stop! Of course, once I took a look at the prices they had marked way up, only to mark them back down to above retail value, I left the store, stowed my cart, grabbed my coupon binder and walked to the car. I then realized that my son had dropped my keys into the shopping cart.

So, instead of carrying my coupon binder back up to the store to search the carts (mine had been taken by another shopper), I placed the binder on the roof of our SUV. I finally found my keys, and drove off to my next stop. After driving home and being home for a few hours, I realized that I couldn't find my binder... hmmmm

"Oh No!" was the first thought that came to my mind as I realized I had left it on the roof of our car... so much work put into it... and I thought for sure that there were a million coupons scattered across the roads between Albertson's and my house.

I looked out at the car, and there on the roof, lodged in the luggage rack lay my coupon binder!!! "Thank you, LORD!!" was the first thing that came to mind then! What a blessing to not have lost all of that hard work in a flustered moment of searching for keys. And best of all, as soon as I brought it inside, it started to sprinkle. Yet, another blessing! God is so good.

Coupon Mom Video

The Coupon Mom is who got me started with all of my Coupon Gaming, so although this video is from Memorial weekend, it's still great to watch for all the of new coupon gamers. It also touches briefly on the Price Book concept (recognizing sales in cycles and stocking up).

Putting Together a Price Book

I've heard of this concept, but with kids in tow on all of my shopping trips, I figured it was all but a lost cause. At the same time, I'm ready to take the next step in saving grocery dollars.

If you haven't already heard of Price Books, here's the gist:

A price book is a notebook of sorts that you've jotted down the best price possible for certain items in order to stock up at the best price. You may organize your prices by store or by item.
For me, it will be by store (just because that's they way my brain works).

Example:
So, as you walk through the aisles at your grocery store, you want to take notice of the price for ground beef, we'll say. Each week you go, write the date and that day's/week's price for ground beef. There is often a sale loop for each store, so this will help you track the prices and know when to stock-up on the best possible price. Does that make sense?

Since we do not buy our meat in bulk from a farm, nor does my husband get into hunting, we do it the American consumer way and buy our meat at the grocery store. This said, I'm all about buying meat in bulk and dividing it up into separate freezer bags after I get home from the store.
Up until this point, I have not created a price book, so this week I hope to get some of my items started. I'll let you know how it goes!

How about you?! Do you keep a price book? What is your format to keeping it all organized? Again, as I am just learning all of this, I would LOVE to hear your tips and suggestions!

8/17/08

Homeschool Mondays

Welcome to Homeschool Mondays at The Coupon Game!!

I've had a couple of my friends comment on a neat counting chart idea I found online. Here's a picture of ours. We keep it posted on our kitchen cabinet where my almost 4-year-old daughter sees it on a daily basis. She helped look around the house finding items to use and it was a fun project to work on together.


Here's what you need to make yours:
  • Large piece of cardboard (back of construction paper, cut out from box, etc.)
  • Find items around your house that you no longer need in increments of 1-10.
  • Black marker
  • Heavy-duty tape (i.e. packing tape)
Check out homeschool.com for more great ideas.

Do you have a project that has helped your child to learn better? Please share in a comment below or link a post via Mister Linky!



8/16/08

My Publix Deals!!

I am super excited this week about my Publix Deals!!! Can you believe that I bought $147.71 worth of groceries for only $61.58?!! AND, I will receive a $10 JCPenney Gift Card AND a $3.99 rebate from Kellogg's as well. With all that, I even forgot to use a coupon which would give me a FREE item. Maybe I'll go back and they might just give it to me.

So, here's what I got:

I separated out 2 transactions this trip in order to have 2 receipts for rebates and JCP Gift cards. And here's HOW I got it all for the low price of $61.58:

Transaction #1
  • Publix Cream of Chicken Soup (2) = Paid $1.90/2
  • Shout Stain Trigger (4) = BOGO $2.89 - 4 Summertime Q's $2/2 = Paid $1.78/4
  • Barbasol Shaving Cream = Paid $1.39
  • Ore Ida Easy Fries (8) = $.99/1 - 8 Target Q's $.50/1 = $3.92/8 (printable Q available HERE)
  • Onion = Paid $1.12
  • Publix Monterrey Jack Cheese = Paid $2.79
  • Coffee Mate Creamer = 2/$4 - 1 IPQ $1/1 = Paid $1.00/1 (printable Q available HERE)
  • Buttermilk = Paid $2.15
  • Publix Raisins = Paid $1.45
  • Lean Pockets (12) = 6/$10 - 12 Target Q's $1/1 = Paid $8.00/12 (printable Q available HERE)
  • Oscar Meyer Lunchables (4) = $1/1 - 2 Publix Summertime Q's $.75/2 = Paid $2.50/4
  • Toufayan Pita Bread (2) = BOGO $1.29 = Paid $1.29
  • Campbell's Soup at Hand (4) = $1.25/1 - 4 Target Q's $.50/1 = Paid $3.00/4 (printable Q available HERE)
  • Publix Applesauce (2) = $1.79/1 = Paid $3.58/2
  • Publix American Singles Cheese = 2/$4 = Paid $2.00/1
  • Publix Cream Cheese = Sale $1.29 = Paid $1.29
  • Gatorade (2) = 2/$5 = Paid $5.00/2
  • Vlasic Pickles (2) = BOGO $2.79 - 2 IPQ $1/1 = Paid $.79/2
  • Publix Bacon (2) = 2/$5 - 2 Food Lion Q's $1/1 = Paid $3.00/2 (printable Q only available through Food Lion emails - See my Post HERE)
  • Publix Eggs = $1.79 = Paid $1.79
  • Publix Milk = $3.79 = Paid $3.79
  • Publix Print Napkins = 3/$5 = Paid $1.67/1
  • Fleishman Yeast (3 pk) = $1.49 = Paid $1.49
  • Publix Babycut Carrots (Raincheck) = BOGO $1.69 = Paid $1.69/2
Used $4/$20 CVS Q
Used $5/$30 Publix Mailer Q
Will mail this receipt along with others for $10 JCP Gift Card.

TOTAL IN GROCERIES = $119.39
Total Savings in Coupons = $38.50
+
Total Savings in Advertised Sales = $31.47
TOTAL SAVINGS = $69.97
TOTAL OOP = $49.42


Transaction #2
  • Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats Cereal = BOGO $3.99 - 2 IPQ $1/1 = Paid $1.99/2 (printable Q available HERE)
  • Nature's Own Organic Whole Wheat Bread (6) = BOGO $3.39 = Paid $10.17/6
Used $2/$10 CVS Q
I will be mailing this receipt for a Rebate of $3.99. See details on how you can also receive this rebate HERE.

TOTAL IN GROCERIES = $28.32
Total Savings in Coupons = $2.00
+
Total Savings in Advertised Sales = $14.16
TOTAL SAVINGS = $16.16
TOTAL OOP = $12.16

Check Out the Publix Super Savers at Fiddledeedee for more ideas on how you can save this week!!

8/15/08

Get $10 in FREE Groceries

Peapod

Can't make it to the store? If you live in the Chicagoland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia areas, check out the link above to see how you can save $10 in FREE groceries this week.

75% Off Newspaper Deliveries!!

Why make an extra trip to the store to pick up your newspapers, when you can get them delivered at 75% off the normal price?! Click on the link below to learn more.


 

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