Saving $ the Urban Way

My New Coupon Binder!

2010-06-14T08:04:00.006-05:00

My wonderful MIL made the binder for me. I put in the sleeves. Interested in one? She is selling them for $25. This would make a great gift for the couponer in your life! Leave a comment with your email address if you are interested.

Shop N Save 12/17

2009-12-18T09:15:00.003-06:00

Here was my SNS trip today- What fun! You can see the ad match-up here (thanks couponstl!) The ad is good for two weeks this time, but I don't plan on grocery shopping next week!

8.00 (8) SNS Cheese 8oz chunk ($1.50/2lbs. cheese IP)
1.50 (3) DelMonte Vegetables (.50/1 homemailer)
2.88 (6) Prairie Farms Yogurt (B2G1 Q)
5.76 (12) Jello Gelatin/Pudding ($1.25/3 tearpad Q)
1.50 Prairie Farms OJ ($1/1 OJ winetag from a coupon train)
3.34 (2) Bagel Bites ($1/1 Blinkie)
.88 SNS Whip Topping
1.00 Prairie Farms Onion Dip (.50/1 Q)
3.28 SNS (Velveeta) Cheese 2lb. ($1.50/2lbs. cheese IP)
3.72 (3) Philadelphia Cream Cheese ($1.25/3 tearpad Q)
5.00 (2) Hillshire Farms Lil' Smokies ($2off wyb 2 Keebler Club)
7.92 (4) Keebler Club Crackers ($1/2 Q)
5.28 (6) Dole Pineapple Cans ($1/3 tearpad Q)
1.97 Healthy Balance Grape Juice ($1/1 Q)
52.03 Before Coupons
-10.00 Thursday $10/$50 Discount
- 5.00 Entertainment Book Q $5/$50
- 5.00 Catalina from last week
-25.71 Qs listed above
6.32 + Tax

I was also lucky to find the Keebler Club Crackers with the $10 Toy tokens on them. I only need 1 more token for a $10 toy rebate!! - Go Here to see details on this offer.

Shop N Save Trip

2009-08-13T13:56:00.003-05:00

Check out this week's ad matchups here

8.30 (5) Lean Pockets (3) .50/1, (2) .40/1 HM
4.62 (6) Kraft Easy Mac (2) $1/2 IP, (2) B1G1 IP
1.71 (3) Idahoan Potatoes (clearanced .48, .48, .75) .75/3 IP
2.50 (2) SNS Fruit Snacks
4.96 (2) Wheat Thins FREE wyb Ritz
4.96 (2) Ritz Crackers $1/1
1.20 (2) Mighty Dog FREE
6.67 (4) Old Orchard Healthy Balance Juice 1.00/2
8.68 (4) DiGiorno for One - Thin, crispy $1.50/1
6.64 (2) Kraft Naturals Shreds, Chunks .50/1
1.44 Gum & Candy - Last minute!!
0.14 Cashier forced register b/c my total was negative
51.82
-10.00 Thurs. discount
-15.00 Catalinas from last week
-24.75 Coupons above
-1.78 Cashier scanned B1G1 Kraft Qs for the wrong items (That is why I had to grab stuff at the end and I still have a $1 cat left)
-.29 Tax???
.01 Total

Received the $5 cat and $20 rebate form from Kraft!!!

I forgot that the SNS cats take off tax too - so that is why I thought my total was negative. I didn't realize until typing this up that he put in the wrong amounts for my coupons.... I will probably try to pay them the difference next time I go in - I would want them to pay me if it was the other way around!

Target Deals today

2009-08-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

I went to Target today to cruise the clearance deals and look for an anniversary gift for my dh.

5.00 (5) All Small&Mighty Detergent trial size
1.67 (1) Poptarts 8ct.
0.99 (1) Bounty Paper towel roll
1.74 clearance gift I found (copper - 7yrs!)
9.40
-5.00 (5) All $1/1 Mfg Qs
-.75 Target Q for Poptarts
-.55 Mfg Q for Poptarts
-.50 Target Q for Bounty
-.25 Mfg Q for Bounty
-1.00 Mystery coupon**
1.35 + tax

** I tried to purchase Kotex pantiliners $2.75 with a $2 target Q and a $1 Mfg Q. The cashier refused to adjust the Target Q, so I had her take it off the transaction. I am pretty sure that is how we ended up with an extra coupon???

ALL YOU - Grocery Challenge - Summary

2009-08-10T15:55:00.010-05:00

Well, I didn't keep up my blog records on our challenge progress, but I did keep records of our experience so I will summarize it now!

WEEK 1
Breakfasts $3.48 (QT coffees)
Lunches during the week $31.79
Dinner during the week $0.00 - we made dinner Mon-Thurs!!
Friday Dinner $8.67 (Little Caesars Pizza/Breadsticks)
Beer for guys night out $7.54
On Saturday, we went to the zoo and splurged on lunch $18, also spent $2.21 at the Gas station on the way to the zoo.
Saturday night - Chris and I had a date night at the mall. $9.26 for food, $0 for the movie tickets.
Sunday we went to a family BBQ - we purchased the buns $4.57 and I bought a soda for $1.05.

This week I shopped at ShopNSave on Thursday. We didn't really "need" anything this week, but My sister needed some items for a BBQ with her sorority so she asked me to help her plan the budget/shopping list. She only had about $30-$35 of items needed. Our grocery store gives a $10 discount on a $50 purchase on Thursdays. So, I added some items we could use to get the total to $50. We ended up with $59.87 in groceries before coupons. After coupons, the total was $24.39. Her sorority reimbursed me the $24.39 and I turned in the receipt for a $10 rebate. $10 money maker!!

Total spent on food Week 1 - $76.57
***********************************************************************

WEEK 2
Breakfasts $7.22 (QT coffee, and a Hotzi the morning my ds was sent home sick)
Lunches during the week $21.22
Dinner during the week $0.00 - we made dinner Mon-Thurs again!!
Friday we had out-of-town family visiting and we treated them to our favorite - El Maguey's $30.38
Saturday we had a Poker event at our house and we ate from those goodies all day long. I did spend $4.05 on vegetable oil and marshmallows for baking. And I spent $3.78 on candy at Target for the tournament.

This week I shopped at ShopNSave on Thursday. All of the food for the tournament was reimbursed by the players. I split up the shopping list into two orders and I added some items we needed to get the totals to $50. We ended up with $102.60 in groceries before coupons. After coupons, the total was $69.04. I was reimbursed the full amount and I turned in the receipt for a $5 rebate.

We also spent $10.69 at Save-A-Lot on bread, milk, and fruit this week.

On Saturday, we picked up our Angel Food boxes (the standard box and the Fruit/Veggie box) that we had paid for last month $0.00

Total spent on food Week 2 - $77.34
***********************************************************************

WEEK 3
Breakfasts $3.48 (QT coffees)
Lunches during the week $35.88
Dinner during the week $10.76 - Subway Monday - we made dinner Tues-Thurs
Friday night we had El Maguey's again $19.26 (my sister ate dinner with us too)
Saturday for lunch we had Wendy's $15.29 and for dinner we went to a Family BBQ - We got a soda and coffee from the gas station $1.85
Sunday - Grandma treated us to lunch after church - dinner was frozen pizza

This week I stockpiled Poptarts from Target - 13 boxes for $3.26
I also purchased Capri-Sun (5 boxes) from ShopNSave for $3.35 (these are part of a $25rebate)
We bought bread, milk, fruit, frozen pizza from Save-A-Lot $12.40

I went to ShopNSave on Thursday. We got $50.44 of groceries for $5.79 total after coupons!! I turned the receipt in for the Kelloggs Fuel For School Rebate of $10. $4.21 Money Maker!!!

Total spent on food Week 3 - $101.32 (a little over budget...)
***********************************************************************

WEEK 4
This week we lost our groove! It was so VERY hot here over the weekend and even the thought of cooking was unbearable..
Breakfasts $3.48 (QT coffees)
Lunches during the week $28.19
Dinner during the week $10.85 - Subway Thursday - we made dinner Mon-Wed.
Friday night - Chris and I had a date night at Steak-N-Shake $15.20 (we forgot to use our $5 giftcard...)
Over the weekend, we spent $39.49 on food!! Ouch, no family BBQs or parties to spread the budget this week. I did purchase fruit at Schnucks on a giftcard from my sister's dad - that was a nice gift!

Thursdays ShopNSave trip - $53.47 of groceries, $17.65 after coupons and I received $16 in catalina's for next week!

I also placed next month's Angel Food order this week $28.00

Total spent on food Week 4 - $142.86 (whoops...)

What a Challenge! It is great to know we can do it if we put our minds to it. We just got really sloppy the last week. I think everyone needs a break sometimes. The coupon world can really be hard work!!

Great Give-A-Way!

2009-08-10T08:58:00.002-05:00

Check out this great give-a-way my church is sponsoring:

Angel Food Ministries Give-a-way!!

Kim at stlmommy.com was gracious enough to put our give-a-way on her site!

Ends Friday - hurry!

Hurry - Target kids shoe clearance!

2009-07-20T12:55:00.001-05:00

Target has kid's shoes on clearance up to 75% off! This is what I found today:

Size 9 and Size 6 Spiderman velcro lightup tennis shoes $4.24ea.
Size 8, Size 5 and Size 6 Transformers velcro tennis shoes $8.48ea.
Size 8 and Size 6 Sandals $3.74ea.

41.40 for 5 pairs of shoes!!!

My little one REALLY needed shoes and I hadn't found anything good for less than $12 yet!!

All You Grocery Challenge - Day 2 to Day 4

2009-07-17T15:27:00.000-05:00

Day 2 - July 14, 2009
Breakfast:
Pantry Items $0.00 (me)

Lunch:
Lion's Choice $5.69 (me)

Dinner:
Freezer/Pantry Items $0.00 (family)

Day 2 Total: $5.69
Week 1 Total: $12.86

Day 3 - July 15, 2009
Breakfast:
Pantry Items $0.00 (me)

Lunch:
Food from work $0.00 (me)
QT -iced tea .51 (me)

Dinner:
Freezer/Pantry Items $0.00 (family)

Day 3 Total: $.51
Week 1 Total: $13.37

Day 4 - July 16, 2009
Breakfast:
Pantry Items $0.00 (me)

Lunch:
China King $4.79 (me)

Dinner:
Freezer/Pantry Items $0.00 (family)

Day 4 Total: $4.79
Week 1 Total: $18.16

I will update this post as soon as I get more info from DH!!

Monday, July 13th - AllYou Grocery Challenge

2009-07-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

$ Spent on Food
Breakfast-
QT coffee $1.16 (DH)
Pantry Items $0.00

Lunch-
QT -iced tea .51
McDonalds $5.50
My lunch was from the freezer $0.00

Dinner-
Freezer/Pantry Items $0.00

Weekly Total: $7.17

ALL YOU - Grocery Challenge!

2009-07-13T08:46:00.000-05:00

I entered the All You magazine Grocery Challenge - Our goal is $100 ($25 per person) on food each week for a month. I read about the challenge at CommonSenseWithMoney.

Show off your shopping smarts by spending no more than $25 per family member per week on groceries over a four-week period beginning July 13. That's $100 a week for a family of four. You could win a $1,000 grocery card plus a year's supply of Knorr side dishes and the chance to appear in ALL YOU magazine.

Follow these guidelines:

During the contest, groceries that you purchase count toward your weekly total. However, feel free to grow, barter or use stockpiled food to supplement your meals. Creativity and ingenuity count!
--If you eat at a restaurant or buy takeout, the cost must go toward the week's total.
--Household supplies and toiletries do not count toward each weeks total.

Of course, take-out will be our biggest challenge, but we are up to it. Wish us luck!

Deals the Week of 1/25/09 to 1/31/09

2009-01-26T08:38:00.000-06:00

Walgreens - thanks to CommonSenseWithMoney

And thanks to StlMommy-
Walgreens
Walmart
ShopNSave

Coupons, Coupons, and Some Rebates!!

2009-01-12T12:46:00.000-06:00

Keep an eye out for the following at ShopNSave stores:

-$10 Savings Pound for Pound Challenge - Booklet found at Customer Service Desk. Includes 10 $1/1 Mfgs - FiberOne, Cheerios, GreenGiant, Steamers, Yoplait, Total, YoPlus

-Bud Bowl Big Game Big Party Big Savings - Booklet found on Bud Display - Includes coupons and rebates - bottled water $10, Deli/Meat/Pizza $15, etc.

-"New You" - a booklet found at the front of the store in the bin with the ads. It is a "healthy" magazine by Kelloggs. It has a $10 Gift Check by mail rebate wyb Kelloggs products 2/4/08 to 4/20/08.

-Sara Lee Tearpads by the bread and at customer service. Free Bread wyb 2 Jif or Smuckers.

Happy Hunting!! (I found mine at the O'Fallon, MO store)
___________________________________________________________________________________
I also found Sara Lee Tearpads at Target yesterday. $1 off milk wyb Sara Lee Bread.

Walgreens 12/28 Ad

2008-12-30T10:12:00.000-06:00

This week I am buying Robitussen and Dimetapp. No, we don't need any more of this, but I can't pass up the Money Maker of a deal! Read about it here and here at CommonSenseWithMoney. Hurry - some of the deal ends 12/31.

I also purchased A LOT of Hershey Kisses. They are 75% off and ring up .62ea. I used $1.50/3 Insert Q and paid .12 per bag of candy!!

Shop N Save Update

2008-12-19T09:02:00.000-06:00

Well, my ShopNSave Spree has finally come to an end! Here is a summary of how I stretched $45 for a month:

11/13/2008 - Giftcard $50.00 -$5.00Q - $45.00 OOP
11/13/2008 - Groceries $51.71 - $20.35Qs - $33.19 on GC - Earned $31.50cats, $2.67rebate
11/20/2008 - Groceries $50.45 - $49.15Qs - $0.28 on GC - Earned $15cats
11/26/2008 - Groceries $25.23 - $13.50Qs - $11.73 on GC - Earned $11cat
12/4/2008 - Groceries $61.43 - $37.00Qs - $4.80on GC $19.76 OOP - Earned $10cats, 5Redboxcodes, $10rebate
12/18/2008 - Groceries $10.41 - $9.00Qs - $1.00 OOP - Earned $10rebate

249.23 Total Groceries (at price paid before Qs - might be a sale price)
65.76 OOP
(2.67) Kelloggs Rebate
(20.00) AB Rebates (2 @$10)
43.09 OOP
Still have $1 HB and 5 Redbox Codes

Walgreens Update

2008-12-11T10:23:00.000-06:00

Wow - it has been awhile since I posted again.... I haven't stopped shopping.

Last week at Walgreens I was able to get 28 Reach Toothbrushes. They were on sale 2/$6 and buy 2 get a $6RR. I had B1G1 Qs from a wonderful coupon buddy. I used my giftcard balance to purchase them. $3 + tax for each set of 2. That is really about all I did last week - searched stores for toothbrushes ; ) The other sales weren't of much interest to me.

In the end:

I spent $42 +tax on my GC
Have 28 toothbrushes (which I have already started to donate)
Earned $84 in RR

I used the RR to buy rebate items - so the $ will end up back on my GC. I also used the RR to purchase a Christmas gift. And I still have 1 $6RR left.

This week - the ad is somewhat slow, but the 4day sale is going on and you do receive a $5 Holiday Reward for every $25 you spend. The $25 is pre-coupons.

Here is what I did yesterday:
9.50 Photo Order (for Christmas Cards)
5.07 Reynolds Wrap (3 @ 1.69)
13.98 Arm & Hammer Detergent (2 @ 6.99)
28.55 Before Coupons

Less:
-3.00 3 $1/1 Reynolds Wrap Mfg
-2.00 2 $1/1 A&H IP
-10.00 A&H 4day Ad Q (Sale is 1.99ea)
-2.10 Reynolds 7day Ad Q (Sale is .99ea)
-5.00 Holiday Reward earned last week

6.45 OOP - I actually paid for this, since it was for our Christmas cards I figured it didn't have to come out of my Fun budget (ie. giftcard)

I earned another $5 Holiday Reward also.

Another great deal during the 4day ad is the Entertainment Book. Walgreens sells them for $25 - There is a $10off Q in the 4day Ad. You will also earn a $5 Holiday reward for your purchase ($25 or greater)

Mercede at Common Sense with Money has put together some nice scenarios here

Shop N Save 11/16 Ad

2008-11-20T16:09:00.000-06:00

Since I have all the Catalina's from last week (they have a 2 week expiration) - I am going tonight to do the $10/50 deal.

Here is my plan:

5.00 - (3) Poptarts (.55/1)
1.67 - Mardi Gras Napkins
1.00 - HandiSnaks
5.00 - (2) Kraft Singles (.50/1)
10.00 - (8) Philly Cream Cheese ($1/2)
1.00 - Cool Whip ($1/1 and 2 pudding)
1.00 - (2) Jello Pudding
4.00 - (2) Kraft Salad Dressing ($1/2)
7.98 - (2) South Beach Bars ($2/1 IP)
2.50 - Butter (Guessing on Price??) ($2/1 wyb Pillsbury)
5.00 - (3) Pillsbury Sweet Rolls ($1/1 IP)
3.33 - (2) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls ($1/1 IP)
3.19 - Whole Milk Gallon ($4.50/1 Cat)
50.67 Before Coupons

Less:
-10.00 SNS Discount
-22.15 Mfg Qs
-10.00 Catalina
-5.00 Catalina
-2.00 Holiday Bucks

1.52 Total

Earn $10Cat on next meat purchase, $4 cat for cream cheese, $2 Holiday Bucks!

Restaurant Discounts!

2008-11-19T11:34:00.000-06:00

Check this out! I read about it over at I will Teach You to Be Rich.

Restaurant.com is offering 80% off (!!) on gift certificates for restaurants.
-Get $25 Restaurant.com gift certificates for $2 (no joke)
-Get a 12-month Dinner of the Month Club membership for $24

Use code "SURPRISE" to get the discounts. (They usually sell $10certificates for $3 and $25certificates for $10)

This is only available until tomorrow so Hurry and get your certificates now!!

Be sure to read the exclusions for each certificate you are interested in. Some state a minimum purchase amount to use the coupon.

I purchased 4 certificates:
$25 Game Day Grill (Valid with a minimum food purchase of $35. Present prior to ordering. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes alcohol.)
$25 Little Hills Restaurant and Winery (Valid Monday-Friday with a min purchase of $40. Excludes alcohol. Reservations required)
$10 Frankie Tocco's Pizzaria (Valid with a minimum food purchase of $20)
$10 El Azteca (Valid Sunday-Thursday with a minimum purchase of $25)

So:
10.00
10.00
3.00
3.00
26.00 Total
-20.80 Discount
5.20 OOP

Walgreens 11/16 Ad

2008-11-17T13:06:00.000-06:00

This week is another slow one. Double Dip is this week (Fri/Sat) so I will let you know what my plans are for that.

Here is the only thing I got this week so far:

1.98 - 2 ChexMix at .99ea
3.95 - 5 Dr. Pepper 2liter at .79ea
1.39 - RootBeer 20oz
7.32

Less
1.20 - (2) .60/1 Chex Mix IP
1.00 - $1/1 Rootbeer catalina
4.00 - (2) $2/1 RR from last week

1.12 plus tax (Paid for with Walgreens Rx Card Balance)

Shop N Save 11/9 Ad

2008-11-13T15:24:00.000-06:00

Whoo Hoo! I did the ShopNSave Deal today ($10 off $50 purchase)

Here is how it went down:

First, I went to SnS and purchased a $50 Giftcard. I had a $5off Q from the Entertainment Book. Paid $45 OOP.

5.00 - (5) $1ea Banquet Meals
3.00 - (3) $1ea Chef Boyardee Pastas
2.00 - (2) $1ea Snack Pack Hunts Pudding
10.00 - (5) $2ea Healthy Choice Frozen Meals
18.80 - (10) $1.88ea Cocoa Puffs/Golden Grahams/Trix
4.40 - (2) $2.20ea California Pizza Kitchen
2.50 - (2) $1.25ea Shop N Save Fruit Snacks
3.34 - (2) 3/$5 Fazzio Gnocchi
2.67 - Smart Start Strawberry Bites Cereal
51.71 Total

Less:
-10.00 - $10/$50 SNS Discount
-.35 - .35/3 ChefBoyardee Pastas
-2.00 - B5/G1 Healthy Choice Meals
-5.00 - $1/2 IP GM Cereals
-1.00 - $1/1 Smart Start Cereal Mfg
-2.00 - $1/1 CPK Pizzas

31.36 + Tax OOP

Earned $10 Cat for ConagraFoods, Earned $15 Cat for GM, Earned $2Holiday Bucks, Earned a cat for a free milk. And there is a Try-Me-Free offer for the SmartStart Strawberry Bites - Will receive $2.67 Rebate from Kelloggs.

So for $45 - I have $50 worth of groceries, $27 in coupons for future SNS purchases, Coupon for a Free milk, will receive $2.67 from Kelloggs, and $17 remaining on the giftcard.

Not too bad!

Walgreens 11/9 Ad Week

2008-11-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

Here are my Walgreens trips this week. It has been another slow week. There is a $5/$20 purchase coupon for Tomorrow and Saturday. That will probably get me back in there.

10.00 Smart Start Cereal (4 @ 2.50 ea)
1.98 - Baking Powder (2 @ .99)
4.50 - Betty Crocker Frosting (3 @ 1.50)
12.00 - Progresso Soup (4 @ 2/$6)
.25 - Christmas Cup
28.73

Less:
4.00 - (4) $1/1 IP Kelloggs Cereal
4.40 - (4) $1.10/1 IP Progresso
7.00 - Progresso Wag 7day Q (4/$5)
1.10 - (2) .55/1 Betty Crocker Frosting IP
.50 - .50/1 Betty Crocker Mfg
1.53 - Betty Crocker Wag 7day Q (.99ea)
.13 - Christmas Cup 7day Q
.98 - Baking Powder Wag 7day Q (2/$1)
1.00 - $1/2 Baking Powder Mfg
3.00 - RR Q
5.09 + Tax

Paid with Gift card. Earned $2 RR for the Cereal. Will earn $10 MIR for the Kellogg's cereals.

Round 2
7.50 Smart Start Cereal (3 @ 2.50 ea)
2.50 Smart Start Cereal (1 @ 2.50 ea)
3.00 Betty Crocker Frosting (2 @ 1.50)
12.00 - Progresso Soup (4 @ 2/$6)
3.94 - Misc Items
28.94

Less:
4.00 - (4) $1/1 IP Kelloggs Cereal
4.40 - (4) $1.10/1 IP Progresso
7.00 - Progresso Wag 7day Q (4/$5)
1.10 -(2) .55/1 Betty Crocker Frosting IP
1.02 - Betty Crocker Wag 7day Q (.99ea)
11.42 + Tax

Paid with Gift card. Earned $2 RR for the Cereal. Will earn $10 MIR for the Kellogg's cereals (actually my grandma will).

Walgreens This Week

2008-11-07T14:11:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week I did the following - Diaper are on sale B1G1:

8.99 Walgreens Diapers
0.00 Walgreens Diapers
8.99 Walgreens Diapers
0.00 Walgreens Diapers
17.98
-8.00 Walgreens RX coupon ($2/pack) IVC found in booklet from the Pharmacy
9.98 + tax

I used .30 from the Walgreens RX savings club and earned $1.40 on my Rx savings card.
Not bad for 4 packs of diapers. I will have to do this again before tomorrow!

My second transaction this week:

11.98 -2 @ 5.99ea Schick Quattro Disposables
2.67 - 2 @ .89ea Dr. Pepper 2liters
10.00 - 4 @ 2.50ea Queen Anne Choc Covered Cherries
13.98 - 2 Almay Mascara (B1G1 sale)
10.00 - 4 @ 2.50 M&Ms
2.38 - 2 @ 1.19 Wrigleys Gum
11.98 - 2 @ 5.99ea Glade Wisp Candles
62.99

Less:
-5.99 B1G1 Shick Razors
-5.99 B1G1 Glade Wisp
-3.00 Glade Wisp Mfg
-5.00 RR
-5.00 RR
-1.00 $1/1 Almay
-1.00 $1/1 Almay
-6.99 B1G1 Walgreens Sale - Almay
-6.00 Shick Razor IVC
-1.19 Wrigleys 7day ad Q
21.83 + tax

Paid with my giftcard and will earn the following Walgreens rebates + 10% bonus:
6.99 Almay Mascara
5.00 Queen Anne Candy
5.00 M&Ms
2.00 Glade Wisp
18.99

Angel Food Meals - So far.....

2008-11-03T14:38:00.000-06:00

1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)
4.5 lb. (Avg) Split Chicken Breast Family Tray Pack
26 oz. Heat and Serve Meatloaf and Brown Gravy
1 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strips - Fabulous! We used the corn tortillas and added cheese to make up Quesadillas. They were very tasty (though we could have used some sour cream). Loved the flavor the meat was marinated in.
1 lb. Boneless Center-Cut Pork Chops (4 x 4 oz.) - Great too. I used breadcrumbs to coat them and cooked them up on the skillet. Very good - and not too tough and dry!
1 lb. Fully Cooked Meatballs
1 lb. All Meat Hot Dogs - Just like a Hotdog should be....
1 lb. Frozen Sliced Carrots
1 lb. California Blend Vegetables
1 lb. Pasta
28 oz. Marinara Sauce
48 oz. Hawaiian Punch - Gone! What can I say, my boys love Juice!
32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf Stable Milk - Almost gone, the boys don't mind it and we use it for cooking too.
12 ct. Corn Tortillas - Used with the quesadillas
One Dozen Eggs - Almost gone, used them to make O's B-day cake and cupcakes.
One Dessert Item - Almost gone, I really can't believe there are any left. They gave us a box of Oatmeal cookies.

So far, we are really happy with what we got and we are planning to order again for November (probably 2 boxes this time). Here is a link to November's Menu

I just got my grandma's box to her. So, very soon she will let us know what she thinks of the Senior Box. I will keep you updated!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T08:28:00.001-05:00

Walgreens This Week

2008-10-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like a really slow week at Walgreens.....

The only thing on our shopping list is soda.
Dr. Pepper, Sunkist, A&W, & 7up 12 pks are on sale for $2.20 each.

Angel Food - (PS to my Alpha Phi Sisters.......)

2008-10-23T12:52:00.001-05:00

Just thought I would add how I found out about Angel Food Ministries:

One night, Fox 2 news was on in the background. All of a sudden I realized I knew the person they were interviewing. It was Kelly Robinson (Donovan). She was promoting the Angel Food Ministries at her host site (I didn't catch her location though). Kelly was a sister of mine in college!

A couple months later, I noticed a sign outside a church right next to my son's daycare that they were taking orders. I inquired and now we are ordering for the first time.

Angel Food Ministries

2008-10-23T10:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of Angel Food Ministries? It's a great program to help cut down on your grocery costs. Go here to find your closest local host site. You place your order by a certain date and your food will come in about a week or two later.

For the low price of $30.00 this is what will be in the Angel Food box in my area for October. (We get to pick it up on Saturday)
1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)
4.5 lb. (Avg) Split Chicken Breast Family Tray Pack
26 oz. Heat and Serve Meatloaf and Brown Gravy
1 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strips
1 lb. Boneless Center-Cut Pork Chops (4 x 4 oz.)
1 lb. Fully Cooked Meatballs
1 lb. All Meat Hot Dogs
1 lb. Frozen Sliced Carrots
1 lb. California Blend Vegetables
1 lb. Pasta
28 oz. Marinara Sauce
48 oz. Hawaiian Punch
32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf Stable Milk
12 ct. Corn Tortillas
One Dozen Eggs
One Dessert Item

There are additional special boxes you can add to the regular box but I am not going to list those here - you can see them on the website. They average around $18.00 - $21.00 for something like 10 lbs of chicken or 6.5 lbs of steaks. Sometimes they offer a fruit box or dessert box. It always varies but the price is terrific!

For October we are trying this program to see if we like it. I ordered one box. We typically do most of our grocery shopping at SaveALot, so I am not too concerned about the food brands. I really hope we like the food, because this will save us so much on groceries. And, if you plan your meals around what is in the box for that month - you don't even have to think about it, they have done it for you.

They also offer a Senior Box - My grandma ordered this to try it. It looks really great on the menu. She will receive 10 (heat & serve) meals for $28. Each meal has meat/protein, veggies, fruit, etc. so she gets a balanced meal. The host we are purchasing from also suggested these meals for singles.

I will post back once we have our food and have gotten to try it. In the mean time, check out the November menu and see if there is a host site in your area.

Back again!

2008-10-21T15:12:00.000-05:00

Wow - it has been awhile since i have posted on this blog.....
There have been some family issues that have been keeping me busy lately - unfortunately this blog is the the one that suffered!

Anyway... I am back! I can say that I may not have been blogging about it, but I have still been shopping!

Walgreens ROCKS!

Here is my wonderful transaction from today:
16.49 - Loreal Revitalift
0.00 - Night Eye Cream ($16.49 value, free w/ Revitalift purchase)
2.99 - LypSyl
7.49 - Rimmel Foundation
10.00 - (4) Great Harvest Candy
6.99 - Loreal Cleanser FAR
2.00 - (4) Kleenex 180ct. (for some reason came up .50ea) (I must have known since I grabbed 4 instead of 3 )
4.99 - Alka Seltzer Plus Cold
11.97 - (3) Sudafed Shower Soothers
4.99 - St. Ives Elements
67.91

Less:
$3/2 Mfg Loreal (Revitalift & Free cream)
$1/1 Mfg Rimmel
$2/1 Loreal FAR Cleanser (Mfg good only at Walgreens)
.50/3 Mfg Kleenex
$1/1 Mfg Alka Seltzer Plus Cold
$2/1 (3) IP Shower Soothers
$2/1 IP St. Ives Elements
$41 RR ( 3-$10, 3-$3, 1-$2)
$11.41 Subtotal

Paid 11.83 on my GC
Received $16 in RR ($5 Sudacare, $5 AlkaSeltzer, $5 St. Ives, $1 Kleenex)
Earned $38.96 + 10% in rebates

Then Transaction #2:
4.99 - St. Ive's Elements Face Wash
.29 - Walgreens Travel Pk Tissues
5.28 Subtotal

Less:
$2/1 IP St. Ive's
$3RR

.30 Total (Paid with GC)
Earned $5RR

Couponizer Give-A-Way!

2008-09-22T08:05:00.000-05:00

Mercedes at Common Sense With Money is having a giveaway for a Couponizer. This is a great tool to organize your coupons!

This is what you will be getting:
The Couponizer® – 8" x 5 ¼�? booklet with 18 grocery coupon pockets, 4 Non-grocery coupon pockets, 3 gift card/shopper loyalty sleeves, shopping pockets
Shopping List – 20 page tear off list pad with cardboard backing
CoupStacker – pre-sorting mat color coded to match the system pockets
CoupTracker – 15 page spiral bound list pad with cardboard backing
“Your Guide to Smart Savings�? – instruction booklet with spending strategy and coupon tips
Scissors – blunt tip
Carrying Bag – clear vinyl zippered bag
AND it comes with the Free Book" The Greatest Secrets of the Coupon Mom"

How do you enter to win? Check it out here!

Walgreens Trip #1 - 9/21 Ad

2008-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here are the details for the 1st Walgreens Trip this week:

4.00 Quilted Northern TP
5.00 2 Reach Ultra Clean Toothbrushes
9.00 Before coupons

Less
.50 Quilted Northern Mfg
4.50 RR from Mouthwash Deal

4.31 Total with Tax (We need TP or I probably wouldn't have paid OOP at Walgreens)
Received $5RR

2nd Transaction:
2.50 Reach Ultra Clean TB
2.50 Reach Ultra Clean Floss
-4.50 RR from Mouthwash Deal

.52 Total - Used GC - 0 OOP!
Received $5RR

CHECK BACK AGAIN SOON - THIS WON'T BE MY ONLY TRIP TO WALGREENS THIS WEEK!

Walgreens Register Reward Deals

2008-09-22T07:57:00.000-05:00

I have started a thread over at HCW that lists all current Register Reward Deals at Walgreens!

Check it out here.

Walgreens - 9/21 Ad

2008-09-21T07:49:00.000-05:00

Here are the deals I see this week - still a slow week, but the RR deals for next week are great. So here is what we can do until next week!

Reach "Ultra Clean" Toothbrush - On sale 2/$5, Buy 2 get $5RR
Use $1/1 6/8/08 insert
5.00 2 Toothbrushes
-2.00 - (2) $1/1 Mfg
3.00 OOP, receive $5RR

Halls cough drops There is a 7dayQ for .99cents
I have heard you can find B1G1 Mfg on display at kmart

Haggen Daz Ice Cream On sale - Buy 1 @ 4.49, Get 1 FREE
$2/2 Tearpad exp. 10/31/08 - I have heard that some people have these great Qs. Unfortunately for my DH, I don't have this coupon.

Wrigley's Gum On sale with 7day Q for 3/$2
B1G1 Mfg 8-3-08 SS
1.19 Gum
1.19 Gum
-1.19 B1G1 Mfg
-1.04 7 day Q (makes them .67ea)
0.15 for 2pks

2008-09-18T14:20:00.000-05:00

Yet another trip to Walgreens thanks to a tip over at HCW.

3.29 Nestle Morsel Chocolate Chips
3.29 Nestle Morsel Chocolate Chips
4.49 Crest ProHealth Mouthwash
12.99 TriDerma Intensive Care Lotion (Rebate Item)
2.99 Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste
2.99 Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste

30.04 Total before coupons

Less:
-5.00 RR
-10.00 RR
-3.00 (2) $1.50/1 Nestle Choc Chips
-2.00 (2) $1/1 Colgate Max IP
-2.60 Walgreens 7day Q for Choc Chips
-4.00 Walgreens 7day Q for Max Fresh

3.63 Total w/ tax (Paid with GC - 0.00 OOP!!)

Earned $4.50 RR
Earned $10 + 10% walgreens rebate for lotion

Going Out to Eat Urban Style

2008-09-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

I will update this post as we find more and more local deals!

We Love Stumpy's Free Dinner Tuesdays - Buy 1 Dinner Plate, Get 1 FREE. With tax, we pay $9.66 and it feeds the family (myself, DH, DS, DS). Each dinner plate comes with a meat choice, 2 side choices, and garlic bread. It won't be long before the boys are eating more so this deal probably won't last forever.

Walgreens - 9/14 Ad

2008-09-15T08:12:00.001-05:00

Looks like a really slow week - that's just fine with me, I need a rest after last week!

Here is what I have seen so far:

Colgate max fresh toothpaste, FREE
SALE: 2.99
MQ: $1/1 or All You Mag
AD Q: $2 Supercoupon, page 11
TOTAL: -.01
2.99 Colgate TP
-2.00 In Ad Q
- $1/1 manu Q or IP-.01 overage

HUGGIES DIAPERS
$9.99 Huggies
-1.00 Coloring Book Q
-1.00 Mfg. Q
7.99 OOP
-1.00 Caregiver's Marketplace Rebate (must have at least $5 to submit)
6.99 Cost and Receive $2rr

Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Shampoo or Conditioner 12.6 oz.,
2/$8
-$1/2 Mfg
7.00 OOP
Earn $2 RR and $5 Walgreens Easy Saver Rebate = FREE

________________________________________________________________

Here is what I purchased today:

1.99 Lypsyl (FAR)
4.00 Ceramic Pumpkin Candy Jar (I have had my eye on this!)
2.99 Colgate Max Toothpaste
2.99 Colgate Max Toothpaste
5.00 (4) 2 liter Dr. Pepper
2.50 Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal
19.47 Before Coupons

Less:
10.00 RR from last week
2.00 (2) $1/1 Mfg Colgate Max
4.00 (2) $2/1 7day Ad Q
2.00 $2/1 Kashi Go Lean

1.47 Total after coupons (Used my GC - so 0 OOP!)

Earned $2RR from the Dr. Pepper and 1.99+10% for the Lypsyl

Another Walgreens Scenario

2008-09-12T14:46:00.001-05:00

Here is another deal I plan on doing on my way home from work today!

20.98 (2) Walgreens Brand Formula - On MegaSaver until 9/27 (B1
20.98 (2) Walgreens Brand Formula
41.96
-10.00 $10/40
31.96 OOP

Get back $4.20 in Rx Rewards Club Rebate

That is 6.94 per can of formula!! Now if I can just make these 4 cans last - maybe I won't have to buy anymore - O is so close to switching to milk!!

Shop N Save

2008-09-12T07:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Shop N Save had their "No Coupon Thursday". Receive $10 off when you purchase $50 or more in groceries.

Normally we do most of our grocery shopping at SaveALot. We like most of their brands and get what we need. Best of all, it is literally 2 minutes (driving) from the house.

So, I have some coupons for ShopNSave - Buy $50 giftcard, get $5 off. I thought I would give it a shot. I bought a $50 GC for 45 OOP and waited for the next "No Coupon Thursday".

57.75 My total before coupons

After coupons - 34.05 OOP (well off the giftcard)-This includes the $10/50

That is 41% savings - Is that good for grocery shopping? I have been using coupons like crazy at Walgreens and I see much higher savings - so it is really hard to feel great about this shopping trip.

Also, it really took me a lot of time to figure out my shopping list. It is really hard to think like a stockpiler for groceries. I am sure this will get easier with time. Walgreens shopping sure did! If not, I will save my time for Walgreens and go back to Save-A-Lot.

Yet another Walgreens Coupon

2008-09-11T13:56:00.000-05:00

Just when I thought they couldn't give me anything else this week - Walgreens puts out another coupon! Click here to print your copy!

Here is my plan for tomorrow (Hopefully they have everything in stock)- This plan doesn't require a lot of coupons so its great for newbies.....

3.99 Excedrin Express Gels (FAR)
4.79 Revlon Nail Color (FAR)
7.99 Walgreens Acid Controller (FAR)
5.99 Living Solutions Bag (FAR)
9.99 Living Solutions Bag (FAR)
4.49 Crest Mouthwash
15.00 - 6 @ $2.50ea South Beach Living Bars ($5rebate when you purchase $15)
52.24 Before Coupons

Less:
12.00 - 6 $2/1 South Beach IP (Click here to print)
40.24
-10.00 Wag $10/40 ($40 must be after all coupons & discounts)
30.24 OOP

Receive 37.75 + 10% in Walgreens rebate
Receive a $4.50rr from the mouthwash

(Hint for IPs - Once you print, hit back then refresh and you can print a second coupon. You will need access to multiple computers to print more than two)

Hidden FAR Items at Walgreens

2008-09-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

Last month customers had trouble finding three of the FAR items in stock. Since it was a widespread issue - Walgreens has carried over a few rebates to this month!

#41 Up to $5.99 off Living Solutions Bags
#42 Up to $9.99 off Living Solutions Bags
#43 Up to $4.29 off Pert Plus 2in1

You will not find these printed in the Easy Saver Booklet. I am sure the booklets had already been submitted to printers before they made this decision so they added on the above three to the ones you will find in the September booklet.

If you submit your rebate by mail - Add the rebate Numbers above to your tally sheet along with the price.

If you submit your rebate online - When you begin the process, you can check off the boxes for the rebates you are claiming. You can check off the above numbers to get credit for these.

My Walgreens Trip(s) this week....

2008-09-10T08:45:00.000-05:00

Here is what I got at Walgreens this week:
First Trip
4.98 - 2 Scrubbing Bubbles Wipes
2.49 - Shout 14oz or 22oz
2.49 - Windex Multipurpose
7.58 - 2 Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber
3.79 - Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel
11.97 - 2 Robitussin & 1 Dimetapp @ 3.99ea
5.98 - 2 Oust Air & Surface Sanitizer
9.56 - 4 Dove Chocolate Bars @ 2.39ea
4.95 - 5 Chex Mix @ .99ea
1.49 - Carefree Pantiliners
9.98 - 2 Schick Quattro Razors @ 4.99ea
14.97 - 3 Schick Quattro Refills @ 4.99ea
1.29 - Gummy Worms
1.39 - Gummy Bears
$82.91 Before Coupons

Less:
8.40 Walgreens Coupons
53.24 Mfg Coupons
9.00 Register Rewards

$12.27 OOP (Used Flex card to pay for the Robitussen/Dimetapp $12.47) .23 Cash

Earned $10rr for the Robitussen/Dimetapp
Earned $10rr for the Scrubbing Bubbles products

TRIP #2
11.97 - 3 Robitussin @ 3.99ea
11.96 - 4 Oust Air & Surface Sanitizer
3.79 - Crest Pro-Health TP 4.2oz
4.95 - 5 Chex Mix
1.77 - 3 Reeses Pumpkins
34.44 Before Coupons

Less:
6.19 Walgreens Coupons
19.73 Mfg Coupons
6.50 RR

$2.02 OOP
(This should have been .02 OOP, but I will spare you the details. The clerk messed up my order in quite a few ways and overall, I decided what I got was a deal anyway!)

Earned $5rr for the Robitussen/Dimetapp(once again the messed up order - should have been $10)
Will get back 3.79 + 10% rebate

And seriously- this Robitussen deal is too good to pass up, so for my 3rd Trip:
11.97 - 3 Robitussin @ 3.99ea
4.49 - Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash
17.45 - 4 Tylenol PM / 1 Simply Sleep @ 3.49ea
.75 - Butterfinger (my total was negative so I had to grab something quick!)
34.66 Before Coupons

Less
-5.00 5-$1/1 IVC for TylenolPM/Simply Sleep
-10.00 5-$2/1 Mfg for TylenolPM/Simply Sleep
-9.00 3-$3/1 Mfg IP for Robitussen
-10.00 RR from Scrubbing bubbles deal

.66 OOP!

Earned $10rr for the Robitussen/Dimetapp
Earned $4.50rr for the Crest Mouthwash

I love Gift Cards!

2008-09-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

Walgreens - 9/7 Ad

2008-09-08T13:56:00.001-05:00

It's a hot week at Walgreens for Register Rewards. Here is a list of them:

REGISTER REWARD OFFERS

Household Cleaners – Purchase 2, Get $2rr, Purchase 4, Get $5rr, Purchase 7, Get $10rr
$2.49 each
Scrubbing Bubbles 16oz. or 28pk wipes
Shout 14oz or 22oz or 12pk wipes
Fantastik 26oz or 32oz
Windex 26oz or 28pk wipes
$3.79 each
Pledge 10 – 16oz or 25pk wipes
Drano 17oz or 32oz.
Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Foamer 20oz.
Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel 6pk
Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush Max Kit
Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber
From inserts:
.75/1 windex wipes or spray
1.00/1 Scrubbing bubble flushable wipes
.75/1 Scrubbing bubble bathroom cleaner
.75/1 Shout spray
1.00/1 Pledge multi-surface
1.00/1 Pledge Furniture care

Also - there are IP available for Scrubbing Bubbles here

Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner – Purchase 1 at $19.99, Get $10rr

Pond’s Towelettes, Sale 2/$9, Purchase 2, Get $3rr

Listerine, Sale 2/$11, Purchase 2, Get $6rr

Oral-B or Crest Dental Care – Sale 3/$8, Purchase 3, Get $3rr
-Crest Whitening plus Scope 6.2oz, Oral-B Advantage Artica Toothbrushn Oral-B Ultra or Satin Floss 55yds

Mucinex or Delsym Cough (7.99), Purchase 2, Get $5rr

Tylenol (4.99), Sudafed (3.99) , Benedryl (3.99) (Cold & Allergy formulas), Buy 2, get $2rr, Buy 3, Get $4rr

Silent Snooze Snore Relief - Purchase 1 at $9.99, Get $5rr

Buy 2, Get $5rr, Buy 3, Get $10rr
-Advil 6.99, Robitussin 3.99, Dimetapp 3.99, Centrum Multivitamins 6.99

Free Poptarts at Target

2008-09-04T10:57:00.000-05:00

This week at Target - Receive a $5 Giftcard when you purchase 4 of the following:
8ct. Rice Krispies Treats, 10oz CheezIt, 11.5oz Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies or 12ct PopTarts

All of these are on sale 4/$9.

This is how I got Free PopTarts:
9.00 (4) Pop-Tarts
-2.00 (2)$1/2 Mfg Q
-2.00 (4)$.50/1 Target Q - Go here to print (you will need 1 for each box of PopTarts)
5.00 Total OOP and receive a $5 Giftcard (I used a $5 GC from the dog food deal to pay - so I actually had 0 OOP!)

Walgreens 8/31 Ad

2008-09-03T10:16:00.001-05:00

Register Rewards Buy $10, Get $2
Downy Fabric Softener $3.99
Bounce Fabric Softener $3.99
Tide to Go Stain Stick $2.50
Mr. Clean cleaner or eraser $2.50

Register Rewards Buy 1, Get $1
Excedrin 24 ct. $1.99
Lots of Mfg Qs

Register Rewards Buy 3, Get $2
Aussie or Herbal Essences hair care 3/$10

Herbal Essences: (Thanks MyOffers)
3/$10
- $2 RR
- $2/2 MQ
-----------
3/$6
Save your receipt because there is a "poo"/cond offer for a free mani or pedi:
Herbal Essences - Free Manicure/Pedicure

I don't know if there will be a better deal out there in the future for HE, but the pedi/mani offer runs through the end of the year.

Register Rewards Buy 2, Get $3
Head & Shoulders or Pantene Pro-V Expressions or Restoratives 2/$9

Tide to Go Stain Stick
$2.50
.50/1 blinkies

Ajax
B1G1 $1.79
.20/1 mfg (8/24 SS)

CoverGirl Makeup
B1G1 Sale
B1G1 Mfg (8/3 PG)
$1/1 Mfg (8/3 PG)
(YMMV using a B1G1 Q with a B1G1 sale)

Nivea For Men Bodywash
$4.99
FAR – Sept. ESR
$1/1 Mfg
$2/1 Peelies (found at Target)

Lifesavers Peg bags (Page 2)
B1G1
B1G1 Mfg (6/8 S)

Garnier (Page 12)
$5.00
Buy 4 = $20 - (4) $2 c/o (tear pads) = $12 - $10 MIR = 4/$2

Flintstones Vitamins (Page 14)
B1G1 50%
(2) $1 c/0 (7/27 RP)
$1/1 Coloring Book IVC

Kleenex (Page 1)
B1G1 $1.99
B2G1 tearpad (found at Kmart)
.50/3 Mfg

FAR
Pitcher Filter Replacement Cartridge
Crest Pro-Health Whitening Toothpaste - .75 (8/3 P&G exp. 8/31)
Revlon Nail Care ($2/1 mfg)
Acid Controller Complete
L'Oreal Advanced Revitalift (7-20-08 SS $3/1)
LypSyl Lip Moisturizer
Nivea For Men Body Wash - $1 c/o (7/20 S)

Here is my trip from this week:

.99 Envelopes
.99 Envelopes
13.99 Walgreens Formula
6.99 Walgreens Formula (on sale B1G50%)
9.00 2 Head & Shoulders (for DH) (on sale 2/$9)
1.99 Excedrin Migraine 24ct.
33.95 Total Before Coupons

Less:
-.99 Walgreens 7day coupon for B1G1 on envelopes
-2.00 Head & Shoulders Mfg $2/2
-2.00 Excedrin Migraine IP
-9.00 RR

19.96 plus tax - Used a giftcard I earned for opening a new Rx at Walgreens
Earned $1 rr for the Excedrin
Earned $3 rr for the Head & Shoulders
0.00 OOP

(I joined the Walgreens Rx Club in July to be a part of the Rewards Club. It is a $20 investment for the Rx Club and you earn 10% back on all Walgreens brand purchases. So for this week's trip I will earn $2.10 back from the formula. I have already in two months made back my $20 investment - mostly on diapers and formula, but a few other things too. Now each Walgreens brand item I buy is profit)

Another Walgreens Coupon Day

2008-08-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

I can't believe they put out another $off coupon! This time it is $10 of a $40 purchase. Click here to print this coupon.

This is a great way to purchase the September FAR items! There are over $40 worth. Check out the Double Dip deals that are also great with this coupon.

The Drugstore Game vs. The Warehouse Club

2008-08-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

Mercedes from Common Sense With Money was a guest blogger on another site.

Check out her blog here! She discusses the actual prices at Sams/Costco/etc. vs. the Drugstores Walgreens/CVS.

Walgreens Double Dip Days

2008-08-26T19:40:00.000-05:00

It's time for Double Dippin' again at Walgreens - this Friday (8/29) and Saturday (8/30)!

Chemistry Shampoo or Conditioner
$7.99
Aug - $3.00 IVC
Sept – FAR
$1/1 Mfg (given to Wag BAs)

Garnier Fructis Hair (Sham., Cond. or Styler)$3.49
Aug - $1.00 IVC
Sept - Buy $20 get $10 Rebate
$1/1 Mfg 05/04 RP exp. 11/30
$2/1 Mfg (tearpad – found at DG)

3.49 x 6 = 20.94
less 6 x $2 tearpads =8.94
less 6 x $1 IVC =2.94 plus tax, get back $11 for Sept rebates on WAG GC.

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin renew Anti-Puff eye roller
$11.99 Each
23.98 for 2
2 - $5.00 Aug IVC -10.00
2- $2.00 IP -4.00
Total $9.98 with a $10.00 Sept Rebate

M&M's
2/$6
Aug - $1.00 off of 2 bags IVC
Sept - Buy 4 Bags get $5.00 Rebate

Nutripals
$5.99
Aug - $1.00 IVC
Sept - $1.00 IVC
Coloring Book - $1.00 IVC
$1/1 Mfg from 8/24 Insert
(YMMV - some stores do not allow you to use both IVCs)

Cocoa Via
1.00/1 5 ct. August IVC
1.50/2 5 ct. September IVC
(YMMV - some stores do not allow you to use both IVCs)

Benefiber Stick Packs
$9.99
August IVC 2.00
Sept IVC 5.00
and I think there is an insert q for 2.00/any
(YMMV - some stores do not allow you to use both IVCs)

Glade Odor Eliminator
$3.59
Aug - $1.50
Sept - $1.00
$1.50/1 Mfg from 8/24 Insert
(YMMV - some stores do not allow you to use both IVCs)

L'Oreal Advanced RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate
FAR for September
Week of 8/24 L'Oreal anti-aging skin care is 25% off
16.49
-4.12 ( 25% off )
12.37
-3.00 (mfg from 7/20)
9.37
lowers your oop and you get 12.37 back on FAR
13.60 if you put on a Wag giftcard

Sale: 2 x 2-pk of Glade Scented Oil Refills for $4.49 ea., $8.98 total
Use: September ESR 2 x $1/1, - $2
Use: 1 x B1G1 Free MQ (8/24 SS), -$4.49
Use: 1 x $1/1 MQ (7-27-08SS), -$1
Rebate (August #29): $1.50/1 (limit 2), - $3 (This is the same rebate as the Scrubbing Bubbles, so if you already claimed that one, this scenario won't work)
Total: -$1.51 OVERAGE

Sale: Buy 4 x Oust Air & Surface for $3.99 ea., $15.96 total
Use: September ESR 4 x $1/1, - $4
Use: 2 x B1G1 Free (8-24-08SS), - $7.98
Use: 2 x $1/1 MQ (7-27-08SS), - $2
Rebate (August #30): $1/1 (limit 4), - $4
Total: -$2.02 OVERAGE

Sale: 8 x Glade Scented Oil Warmers, B1G1 Free (2/$4.79), total $19.16
Use: 4 x B1G1 Free MQ (8-24-08SS), -$19.16*
Rebate (September #34): $1/1 (limit 4), - $4
Total: -4.00 OVERAGE

Sale: Glade Plugins Scented Gel Warmer for 2/$3, Buy 4/$6
Use: 2 x B1G1 Free MQ, -$3
Rebate (September # 33): $1/1 (limit 4), - $4
Total: -$1.00 OVERAGE

*Could try using $4/1 MQ (8-03-08SS) as well along with the B1G1 MQ's, but hey, that's um... YMMV.

Sale: Glade Scented Oil Candle for $5.99 ea.
Use: September IVC $2
Use: MQ (7-20-08SS), $2
Rebate (August #32): $2/1 (limit 2),
Total: -.01

Thanks to all the wonderful members of HCW for these scenarios!

Today Only - Old Navy Jean Sale

2008-08-23T15:24:00.000-05:00

Jeans sale at Old Navy

I can't seem to find where this is advertised, but I saw it on TV last night and this morning.

All jeans $12
Childrens sizes $7

These jeans run $29.50 regularly. That is a great deal - so HURRY out before it is over!

I bought two pair and had a $20 gift card from by Bday. With tax, I paid $5.73 for two pair of brand new Old Navy jeans. Can't beat that!

Walgreens $5/$20 Coupon - Friday & Saturday Only!

2008-08-22T07:46:00.000-05:00

Hooray! Walgreens has just issued another $5 off your $20 purchase. This coupon is good for today and tomorrow only - so start putting your scenarios together. If you haven't taken advantage of the FAR items, this is a great way to start. I will be posting my scenarios shortly....

You can go here to print the Walgreens coupon. There are also a few school/office supply coupons.

Also - just a reminder. The coupons states that the $20 has to be after coupons/discounts/etc.

Scenarios:
$12.99 Perfection Sewing Kit
$ 4.49 Dove Shampoo
$ .50 Dove Conditioner (2/$4.99 sale)
$ 2.99 Carmex Lip Moisturizer
$ 1.50 Dial Yogurt Handsoap
$ 1.50 Dial Yogurt Handsoap
$ .39 Filler Item (need to be at $20 after coupons) Lot of these in the ad this week
Less
$ 2.00 Cheerios $1/1 printables
$ 4.00 Dove Mfg $2/1
$ 1.50 Dial Handsoap B1G1 catalina
$ .60 Dial Mfg from inserts
Total $15.24

Receive $2 RR from the Carmex and $10 + 10% Walgreens Rebate
________________________________________________

$10.00 Ragu Jar Sauce
$12.99 Perfection Sewing Kit
Less
$ 2.00 Ragu Mfg 2- $1/3
$ 5.00 Walgreens Coupon
Total $15.99

Receive $4 RR from the Ragu and $10 + 10% Walgreens Rebate
_____________________________________________

$ 5.99 Bertolli Frozen Dinner
$ 5.99 Bertolli Frozen Dinner
$12.99 Perfection Sewing Kit
Less
$ 2.50 Bertolli Mfg 2- $1.25/1
$ 2.00 RR from Carmex Deal
$ 5.00 Walgreens Coupon
Total $15.47

Receive $5 RR from the Bertolli and $10 + 10% Walgreens Rebate

Another Way to Collect Coupons

2008-08-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

This is my free sample shoebox that is overflowing. I have been signing up for free samples since I started couponing. Money Saving Mom posts links to samples every so often. Some of the things we have received never made it to this box. (Like diapers, pullups, cereal, snacks, & many feminine hygiene products)

The best part about the free samples is that a lot of them come with coupons. Typically these coupons are of higher value than the ones we get in the newspaper inserts. Just another way to get those coupons!

Walgreens Trip - 8/17 Ad

2008-08-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

This week I purchased:

Stoneware Bowls 4 @ .50ea
Weight Watcher sugar Free candy 2 @ 1.79ea
Walgreens teething Gel 1 @ 3.99
BioInfusions Shampoo 1 @ 5.99
Dove Shampoo/Cond 2 / 4.99
Scrubbing Bubble Action Scrubber 1 @ 5.79

Total before coupons $26.34

Less:
7day Q for Bowls (.39ea) - .44
7day Q for WW candy (2/$3) -.58
B1G1 Mfg Q for WW Candy -1.79
Mfg Q for Srubbing Bubbles -2.75
Mfg Qs for Dove (from sample) 2 @ 2.00ea

Total after coupons with tax $17.82
Used Flex card to pay for Teething Gel
Used Gift card to pay for the remaining balance

Will receive Walgreens rebates for the BioInfusion Shampoo (5.99) and the Scrubbing Bubbles (1.50) plus the 10% bonus!

Cheerios - $0.99 Box

2008-08-18T10:40:00.000-05:00

This week only 8/17 - 8/23 Walgreens has General Mills cereal on sale for $1.99each. Cheerios are included in this deal!

Use the $1/1 printable coupons from Cheerios to get them for $0.99/box. You can go here and here to print out two $1/1 coupons.

Thanks to MoneySavingMom for this tip!

And also from MSM - Check out this cute blog post by the husband of a couponer!

Walgreens Formula

2008-08-14T13:36:00.000-05:00

I had a few of the $3/10 coupons only good at the Elm Street Walgreens left. They expired 8/16 - so I went to use them. This is a brand new Walgreens and the coupons are part of their Grand Opening.

I found out that the cashiers had these at the register and were freely using them with customers. Also, they had no problem with me doing multiple transactions to keep using the $3 coupon. I could have stood there all day if they had enough formula, but unfortunately they didn't (and I only had 2 $5RR).....

I did the following twice:

Walgreens Brand Formula 2 @ $13.99ea.
Less $5 RR from cereal deal -5.00
Less 7day ad coupon (11.99 sale) -4.00
Less IVC from Easy Saver ($5/2) -5.00
Less $3/10 Grand Opening Q -3.00

Total w/ Tax $11.58 for two cans of formula!!

Walgreens - 8/10 Ad

2008-08-13T15:29:00.001-05:00

This week is a slow week at Walgreens, but there were a few items we really needed...

Here is what I got this week:

3 boxes Kleenex (7day coupon in ad for .89ea)
Bandaids Ultra 20pk 2 @ 2.99ea
Walgreens Sinus Med. 2 @ 2.50ea
Saline drops 1 @ 2.99ea
Bic Pens 8pk Blue 2 @ .50ea
Bic Pens 8pk Blk 2 @ .50ea

Total before coupons $20.74

Used 2 - $1/2 Bic Stationary Products
2 - $1/1 Bandaid Ultra products
1 - $1/3 Kleenex
2 - $1/1 Bandaids (Walgreens IVC from the coloring book)

Total after coupons/discounts $12.92
I paid for this with my Flex plan card - so technically 0.00 OOP
And I received $3 RR for the bandaids.

PS - Is it obvious that I have a cold??

UPDATE: The walgreens coloring book can be seen here
I have used several of these coupons already. I just keep it folded up and so far I have gotten the same cashier each time I used one. She just scans it and lets me keep them. I found the coloring book in with others in the toy aisle. It has also been reported that they are by the Pharmacy. And some people have gotten one free just by asking the Pharmacist/Technician if they have a children's coloring book. The coupons are good until 3/31/09 - so it is really worth the 99cents. (I have used at least $7 that I can think of off-hand so far)

Target - Finally.....

2008-08-12T12:47:00.000-05:00

I haven't had a lot of success with Target so far in my "Saving Adventures". Every once in a while I find a good sale on diapers or clearance clothing.

Today I think I finally did well at Target!

Here is what I purchased:

2 - 20lb. Purina One Dog Food $36.00
4 - Glade PlugIn Oil Warmers $14.55 (The shelf said $4.09 for one scent and $4.14 for the other scent, but the $4.09 ones rang up $3.47)
3 - Various Gerber Graduates $5.00 (On sale 3/$5)
1 - Lunchable (for me) $1.69

Total $57.24

Less 10% shopping day from Target (5.24)
Less 4 - $4/1 Glade warmer Mfg Q (16.00) (From 8/3 SS Insert)
Less 2 - $4/1 Purina Dog Food Mfg Q (8.00) (From GiveABowl.com)
Plus Tax

Total OOP $29.51
And I received a $5 Target Gift Card!

Purina Dog Food - On sale this week for $18 (not a good sale, but a sale and this is almost always where we purchase dog food) - purchase 2 and receive a $5 Target Gift Card

GiveABowl.com is really cool! If you answer a short survey, you will be able to print a $4 coupon for Purina Products. (Hit back then refresh and you can print 2) When you register, you get to choose an Animal shelter to "Give A Bowl" to. For each $4 coupon redeemed, (they have a code on them and are tracked) Purina will donate a "bowl of food" to the shelter you selected!

Almost Free Movie Tickets

2008-08-08T11:27:00.000-05:00

Axe has a promotion this month at Walgreens.

Purchase 3 Bodywash or BodySpray - Receive 1 movie tickets
Purchase 4 Bodywash or BodySpray - Receive 2 movie tickets

The great thing is - the trial sizes are working for this promotion. So as listed in my 7/31 shopping trip - I received 2 movie tickets. I wanted to explain this wonderful deal in more detail for you:

I purchased 4 Axe Bodywash trial size at 1.59 each (6.36 total + tax).
A catalina will spit out of the machine at the end of your transaction that says "Congratulations you received a movie ticket". Go the the website listed, enter the code and you will be able to print two movie tickets.

You can search by zip code to find participating theaters in your area. We have several around us. My sister has already used her tickets with success at St. Charles 18 Cinema. Chris and I are going tonight to use ours!

So, it is almost like a Buy 1 ticket get 1 free since it cost approx. $7. But can you beat two tickets to the movies for $7. Hurry to your Walgreens and get in on this deal!

UPDATE 8/11/08 - The trial sizes are reportedly not working anymore. You can still get movie tickets by purchasing the full size Axe products.

How I got started.....

2008-08-08T10:52:00.000-05:00

Okay, I knew this question was coming.... I just wasn't completely sure how to answer it. It just has kind of evolved since around April. I will give a shot at explaining more about how I am able to get all this great stuff so cheap!

The first step is to make sure you have a Subscription to the Sunday Post Dispatch (or access to the coupons from someone else!) You can also purchase the Sunday paper at Dollar Tree for $1 on Sundays. The Post Dispatch is where I get the majority of my manufacturer coupons.

The second step is RESEARCH! Start watching the weekly ads for sales on the items you usually purchase. I personally shop at Walgreens, Walmart, and Target. It is very rare that I go anywhere else. And, since I have started couponing, I rarely go to Target and Walmart anymore. The key is to never buy anything that isn't on sale. (When you first get started, you will have to, but just wait...) When an item is on sale, it is also the best time to use a coupon on it. It just so happens that Walgreens has the sale ad, 7-day store coupons in the sale ad, a monthy Easy Saver coupon booklet, and monthly rebate deals. On top of all that, you can add a manufacturer's coupon. That is pretty much how this all works.

I started out on MoneySavingMom.com - She does a wonderful job of explaining how Walgreens works. (She also has a lot of information about CVS, but I don't have that store here) On the left-hand side of her blog is a section titled "Beginners Start Here". So, that is what I did. Here is the link to Walgreens 101

Each week MoneySavingMom posts deals from CVS, Walgreens, and some others. I started by reading her Walgreens deals and getting the Free-After-Rebate Items to start my gift card balance.

It didn't take long for me to find HotCouponWorld. Now I spend the majority of my planning time on this website, but I wouldn't have understood very much of it had I not started with MoneySavingMom.

There is enough reading at Walgreens 101 to get everyone started. I will post again soon more details of my saving adventures!

Another Walgreens trip this week

2008-08-05T12:37:00.001-05:00

What would my lunch break be like without a trip to Walgreens.....

This is what I got today. (The Fuel for School rebate begins today, so I couldn't purchase this stuff yesterday)

Kellogg's Special K w/ Berries 2@ $2.50ea
Raisin Bran Crunch 2@ $2.50ea
Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies 2@ $2.00ea
Kelloggs NutriGrain bars 2@ $2.50ea
Kellogs PopTarts 2@ $2.00ea
Snickers 2@ $ .50ea (I had to add these to use my RR - have to have the right number of coupons per items and I had too many coupons)

Total before coupons $24.00

Total Mfg coupons $5.00
Used 2 $5 RR 10.00

Total with tax after coupons $9.63

I will send in for the Fuel for school Rebate - $10.00
I also received 2 more $5 RR

Walgreens Trip - 8/3 Ad

2008-08-04T12:26:00.000-05:00

Here is what I bought for this week's trip:

Puffs 3box pack $2.49
Glade Air deodorizer 2@ $2.99ea
Windex 2@ $2.50ea
Glade Candle 1.99
6pk Highlighters 2@ 2.50ea
10pk Pens 2@ 1.50ea
Lifesavers (B1G1) 2@ 1.99

Total before coupons $25.45

Total Walgreens coupons $10.64
Total Mfg Coupons $ 6.75

Total after coupons with tax $8.52
Used my Walgreens Gift card - so $0 OOP
Will receive $3 in rebates!

Walgreens $5/20 Coupon Day

2008-07-31T14:41:00.000-05:00

I wasn't planning another Walgreens trip until this coupon came out for today only!

I was hoping they would send another one of these out before the end of the month so I could use it on the Free-After-Rebate items. Lucky me. Here is what I purchased today:

Walgreens Brand Bottle Liners 2@ 3.49 (Less $7RR, earn % for Rewards card)
Scrubbing Bubbles Action Kit 5.49 (Less 2.75Mfg)
Trial size Axe bodywash 4@ 1.59 (Less $5rr)
Pert Plus 2n1 3.79 (Less $2Mfg)
Jane Makeup Brush 4.99
Walgreens Lightbulb 1.99 (Earn % for Rewards card)
Hershey Bliss 4@ 3.50 (Less 2 - B1G1Mfg, 2 - $/1 Mfg, $2/2 IVC)
Storage Bags 5.99 (Less $5rr)
Sippy Cup 4.99
BioInfusion Cond. 5.99 (Less $5rr)
Tax .98
Total OOP $16.80

Will receive Wags Rebates of $24.25 + 10%, Scrubbing Bubbles Mfg rebate of $5.49.

Hooray for $15.37 overage after rebates!! And I got two movie tickets for purchasing the Axe bodywash!

(I already submitted for the Bliss chocolate rebate, but I couldn't pass up 4 more bags for only a $1 - especially when my dh ate an entire bag just last night....)

Walgreens Trip - 7/27 Ad

2008-07-29T15:08:00.001-05:00

My shopping trip today:

Sparkle paper towels 7.29 (Less 1.80 Wag7Day, $5rr)
Memo Books (2) 1.00 (Less .74 Wag7Day)
Ribbons Bodywash 3.34 (Less $2/1 Mfg)
Botanical Bodywash 3.33 (Less $2/1 Mfg)
HE Shampoo/Cond (4) 13.33 (Less 2 $3/2 Mfg, $5rr)
SpongeBob Bandaids (2) 2.99 (Less 2 .50/1 Mfg, $1/1 coloring book Q)
Crest Toothpaste 2.39 (Less .75/1 Mfg, $1/1 IVC)
Tuf Trash Bags (2) 4.99
Bliss Chocolate (4) 14.00 (Less 2 B1G1 Mfg, $1/1 Mfg, $1/1 IVC)

Total before coupons $52.66
Total after coupons $13.37 (plus tax)

Earned 9.99 + 10% in Wag rebates, and a $7 RR. Paid for with GiftCard and .56 OOP!!

(Not sure what happened to my other $1/1 Mfg for the Bliss chocolate, but not a big deal - it was still a money maker)

Clearance Shopping!

2008-07-26T16:08:00.000-05:00

Today at Target I found:
2 pairs of shorts for Owen (.98 each)
1 pair of tennis shoes for Zach ($3.24)
2 boxes of Pampers Baby Dry sz 4 (126ct) $23.74 (had a coupon for these, but it is really hard to find Pampers at this great price so I grabbed two boxes)

And at Walmart I found a pair of tennis shoes for Zach in the next size up ($3.75)

Double Dippin' at Walgreens

2008-07-25T15:51:00.000-05:00

Today, I got to enjoy the Double Dip at Walgreens. I went to four different stores and did two transactions at the last store. My first stop did not allow the Double Dip and I had to pay $3.50 per pk of diapers. (Am I complaining - heck no, that is still a steal on diapers!) In the end, I had 17 packs of diapers, 2 boxes of NutriPals, and 10 bottles of Loreal Nutri-Vive. I spent $35.74 OOP. A friend of the family wanted some of the diapers so I gave them 6pks at $1.50 each. In the end, I spent $26.74 OOP and earned $25 in RR!

Got this wonderful description from Mercedes at Common Sense with Money - What is double dipping? Double dipping happens when the end of one rebate period overlaps with the beginning of another rebate period at Walgreens. During these two days, the coupons in the EasySaver booklet from the period that is about to end are still active and the coupons from the period that just begun become active as well. So you can double dip by using the coupons from both Easysaver booklets on the same items. Of course this situation is entirely YMMV and depends a lot on the cashier you get whether you can do it or not.

Dierbergs Meat Sale!

2008-07-25T09:34:00.001-05:00

And oh what a sale it is!!! Dierbergs has a sale going on - specially marked meat packages are 5 for $19.99. I also had heard that Dierberg's will price match other stores. ShopNSave has $10 off $50 purchase on most Thursdays. So, Alecia and I went up to Dierbergs with the ShopNSave ad and loaded the cart with meat.
We picked up the following:
3 pks Boneless Stew Meat (3.26 lbs)
2 pks Center Cut Pork Steaks (3.51 lbs)
2 pks Boneless Pork Chops (2.33 lbs)
1 pks Johnsonville Brats (5 ea)
3 pks Sirloin Tip Steak (3.17 lbs)
4 pks Ground Beef (6.5 lbs)

All of this for only $52.07 w/ tax!!!! (Would have been around $90 before the sale and the competitor coupon!)

Hooray for a full deep freeze! And to top it off, Alecia helped me package it all up "properly" before we put it away. Some of it is already marinated - Super Supper style!

Walgreens Trip

2008-07-23T09:35:00.000-05:00

Okay - we really didn't need this stuff, but I just couldn't help myself! These are the huge bottles and they make great shower gifts.

2 - Cucumber Melon J&J Baby Wash clearanced at $3.59 ea.
1 - Cucumber Melon J&J Baby Lotion clearanced at $3.59 ea.
Total $10.77
Less 3 $1/1 Mfg Qs
Less 3 $1/1 Walgreens IVC
Total with tax $5.08

Received a $5 RR!

The Register Reward deal is good for the rest of the month -

Walgreens Trip

2008-07-21T09:32:00.000-05:00

Today I purchased:

O-Cel-O Sponges (3pk) 2@ 3.79
ScotchBrite Sponges (3pk) 2@ 3.79
Crayola Washable Markers (8pk) 2.00
Pilot G2 pen (2pk) 1.00
Reynolds Foil (20sqft) 2@ 1.69
Glade Carpet Deodorizer 2@ 2.50
$ 26.54
Less:
2 - .55/1 Reynolds Mfg
2 - .50/1 Scotchbrite Mfg
1 - 1.00/2 O-Cel-O Mfg
1 - $2 RR from Kotex deal
1 - $5 RR from Planters deal
Walgreens 7day for sponges (2/$3)
Walgreens 7day for foil (.89ea) - ($ 20.86)

Total - $5.98 with tax - Paid for with my Walgreens giftcard. $0 OutOfPocket!!!

AND - I will receive $5.50 in rebates re-loaded to my giftcard!

I love Walgreens!

Walgreens Trip

2008-07-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

Today I purchased:
Kotex Products (2pks) - 4.99
Colgate toothpaste 6 @3.49 -$20.94
Loreal Vive Shamp.(B1G1) - 4.99
Loreal Vive Cond.(B1G1) - 0.00
Glad trash bags (80ct) - 5.99
Donut Holes (for Alecia) - 1.49

Subtotal - 38.40

After coupons and tax $2.00

I paid for this with my walgreen's gift card. And I received a $2 register reward good on my next purchase!!

7/11 Walgreens Trip

2008-07-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

Lysol Wipes 1@ 5.49 - 5.49
Pledge 2 @ 3.00 - 6.00
Pledge 2 @ 3.00 - 6.00
Ziploc Bags 4 @ 2.50 - 10.00
RX Essentials 1@ 9.99 -9.99
Sure Deodorant 2@ 2.99 - 5.98

Total before coupons and tax $43.46

After coupons and tax $16.77

Paid with my Walgreens giftcard - $0 OutOfPocket!

And my card will be recharged with $15.39 in Walgreen's rebates and I will receive $2.99 rebate from a manufacturer! That means Walgreens paid me to shop today!!