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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Two free $10 gift cards to Emergency Preparedness (for bloggers)

Awesome! My Mom and I were just talking emergency preparedness, so this is a timely frugal find.

1st off; if you have a blog and go to the Preparedness Panty's blog you can read their post with instructions on "grabbing their button".

Next follow their instructions on
How to claim your free $10.00 gift card:

1. Put one of our blog buttons (2 to choose from) on your blog or website.
2. Send an email to blog@beprepared.com with a link to your site/blog so that we can verify the button (put Free $10 gift card in subject line). Include your contact information in the email so that we can mail your gift card to you.
3. That's it. Don't forget to let your friends and family know so that they can win a free gift card too.

You should then recieve a $10 gift card from Emergency Essentials.

Then if you go here you can use their new Food Storage Analyzer tool to imput your stockpile information and it will tell you how many days you have food on hand for how many people you imput!

I used their Grocery Store canned foods analyzer. Just from my canned and bottled goods, they are estimating that my family of 5 could live for 34.87 days. That's GOOD stuff to know.

Everyone always comments on our stockpile and I tell them we could easily live for 30-60 days w/out another purchase. Given what the analyzer told me about my canned goods, I'd say 60 days is VERY realistic. It's also comfortings since we live in the Earthquake state!

After you use the Food Storage Analyzer write a review on your blog and follow these instructions from their website they will send you another $10 gift card from Emergency Essentials.

You will receive a free $10 Emergency Essentials® gift card by doing the following:



1. Go to the Food Storage Analyzer™ and create a free account - Click here to go to the Analyzer.
2. Try out the Food Storage Analyzer™ - Click here for Analyzer instructions.
3. Write a review of the Analyzer and post it on your blog and
4. Important: Copy and paste the code in the box below the red button (under step 5) to the bottom of your review post - this will add the red button to the bottom of your post.
5. Send an email to blog@beprepared.com with a link to your blog post. Put 'Blog Post Giveaway' in the subject line of the email so that we can verify your post and the button. Be sure to include your address so we can mail your gift card.


Gift Card Giveaway

Monday, October 19, 2009

CVS Clearance

Ever seen that IKEA commercial where the lady is running to her car yelling "Start the car, Start the car" because she got such good deals she was afraid someone would tell her they messed up on pricing or something.

I often feel like that with my bargin and coupon shopping.

Yesterday I hit CVS for a few FREE items that we can use
(2) Glad Reed Diffuser/Soy Candle deal.
$6.99 - $6.99ECB plus I had $3.50 internet coupons. (no longer avail)
(4) And the Free Neosporin Lip care products
$5.89 each - $2.50 clipless Oct. CVS coupon - $3.00 internet printable (no longer avail)

I glanced at the clearanced section and was pleasantly surprised.
3) Pretty Revlon Hair barrettes, .49-.69cents each
8) Kiss My Face travel bottles for .09cents (these will be great in our AnyMarine Boxes!!!!)
3) 10pk of hangers for .72cents (the girls keep raiding our closet for hangers)
1) A cool book at 75% off for a gift. (Reg. price 12.99 got for $3.24)
2) 1GB USB flash drives for $4.99 (DH gave his to the girls for school work)
2) 3in1 Car Wash sponge 90% off
3) Physicians Formula Bronzers 90% off $1.49 (reg. price 14.99) plus I had $1 off manf. coupons for each of the 3 AND they had the sticker so they qualify for the rebate found on physiciansformula.com WOOOHOOO!
3) Bonnie Bell lipgloss lip Smackers stocking stuffers for the girls. 75% off.

With ECB's, coupons (I got a $5 off $15 purchase coupon printed in the store as did hubby's card) I spent less than $15 for everything listed above.

According to my reciept I saved $170

As every store is different, YMMV, but definately worth checking out if you are near a CVS!!!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Did you see the Cathy Comic from Sundays paper?





Did you see the Cathy comic strip Sunday? Pretty funny! My Mom is convinced this IS how my life is.

pssst, Mom, I really do DO more than just coupon... even if I "don't have a coupon for it" haha






Disney Movie Rewards Program

Every time you purchase a Disney DVD or go see a Disney movie at the movie theatre you earn points. Once you've earned enough points, you can then redeem them for a reward! They have lots of different rewards available from electronics to toys, DVDs and more!


Currently, you can snag 100 FREE points! Just login or register here, then click on the Blu-ray tab. Once you're there, skip the intro on the TV and press the Play All button. After the movie finishes, you will be credited with 100 points!

Also, don't forget that if you've purchased any Disney movies recently to enter the code from the movie on Disney Movie Rewards.com to redeem more points!

"Real Meal Deal" Rebate

The "Real Meal Deal" rebate:


Buy 5 participating products, get $5 back in coupon savings!
Participating products include:
Duncan Hines Oven Ready
Mrs. Paul's fish
Van De Kamps fish
Lenders bagels
Aunt Jemima breakfast
Hungry Man dinners

Purchases must be made between 10/11 - 11/9/09. You can print the rebate form and check details here.

To sweeten this rebate further, make sure to use coupons for the above products. There are $1.50/1 Mrs. Paul's and Van De Kamps coupons on SmartSource.com and also a $0.75/1 Duncan Hines Whole Grain Muffin Mix coupon! RedPlum.com has a $1/2 Aunt Jemima coupon. Also, the August issue of All You mag. had a $0.50/1 Lenders bagels coupon.

Free Jiff recipe book

Go here to get a free Recipe Book from Jiffy! This book includes nutritional facts and camping recipes.

Gaylord Hotels offering "Grandparents Stay Free"

Gaylord Hotels is offering a "Grandparents Stay Free" promotion just in time for the holidays. This applies to their hotels in:


Gaylord National (Washington D.C.)
Gaylord Opryland (Nashville, TN)
Gaylord Palms (Orlando, FL)
Gaylord Texan (Dallas, TX)

They have packages that include a BOGO night's stay and ICE tickets. You can read all the details HERE, including dates that the promotion is offered.

What a great way to encourage some quality family fun!


Enter to WIN FREE GROCERIES FOR A YEAR

Enter to win FREE Groceries for a YEAR!


8 Grand Prizes - $5,200 each
42 First Place Prizes - $200 each

You must enter by October 30th!

Bass Pro Shop has FREE Family Fun for Halloween/Fall

Bass Pro Shop is offering some awesome FREE Family Event Games & Activities!

October 24 & 25th, Noon - 4 pm
Kids get to Paint and Decorate a Craft Pumpkin, Marshmallow Roasting and Sample Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler!

October 30th ,4 - 7 pm
Trick-or-Treat throughout the Store plus a Kids' Costume Parade at 6 pm!

October 31st, Noon - 4 pm
Mask Decorating, Marshmallow Roasting and Sample Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler!

We REALLY enjoyed freebies like this when the kids were younger. It's a great way for some family fun and memory making! Click HERE for more details and HERE to find a location near you!

Stonyfields: 2 promotions

1st they have a YoBaby/LeapFrog promotion that began October 1st. Basically, when you purchase any four YoBaby yogurt products (multipacks, YoBaby drinkable yogurts, or 3-in-1 YoBaby meals), you'll be able to enter product codes online to receive a FREE Tag Junior ABC Animal Orchestra book!

The 3-in-1 YoBaby meals are priced around $1 at Walmart. Use the $1/1 coupon from here to get them for FREE or close to it! Buy 4 and snag a FREE Tag Junior book!

Then Stonyfield is also offering consumers the chance to earn special freebies as part of their loyalty program. You can earn FREE yogurt + More! Just look for reward codes on Stonyfield yogurt products, and then sign up on-line for a myStonyfield Rewards account. Once registered, enter the lid codes in your online account, save up points, and redeem them for rewards that will be shipped FREE!

The Learning Curve: Thomas the Tank Engine Deals

The Learning Curve has an awesome deal on a Thomas the Tank Engine! Thru 10/16 or while supplies last, you can go here and score a $1.99 Blue Thomas the Tank Engine ($10.99 value) with FREE shipping!

Don't be discouraged if this goes fast. The Learning Curve offers great deals like this quite often so check back often!

Noteworthy new coupons and freebies

 $10 off an 8 lb or larger HoneyBaked Ham coupon! They will instantly email you the coupon.

FREE Sample of Exclusively Dog Cookies from Exclusively Pet, Inc.! Just fill out the simple form to request a .5 ounce sample!

Go here to request a FREE Little Duck Organics snack sample!

$1.00/1 Tropicana Trop50!

Click HERE to request your FREE Horse Training DVD from Start To Finish!

http://www.coupons.com/ new coupons
$1.50 off any one DiGiorno Ultimate Toppings Pizza!
$2 on any one Neutrogena Therapeutic Haircare product

FREE Subscription to Dime Magazine! (basketball mag)



Free 7-11 Coffee coupon

Go here to print a coupon for a free 12 oz. coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, or hot tea at 7-Eleven stations. There is no print limit nor purchase necessary and the coupon states that it can be used once per day per customer through October 31, 2009.

CVS's new Green Tab program for using re-usable bags

Buy a Green Bag Tag for $0.99 each and attach it to your own reusable bag. Every time you use reusable bags for your CVS trip, the cashier will scan the Green Bag Tag. After the fourth time the card is scanned you will get $1 ECB back.

The fine print on the card states that To earn Extra bucks for a transaction in store, your Extra care card, green bag tag, and reusable bag must be presented w/ purchase at checkout. Limit of one green tag use/scan per day per household. Every 4th purchase your ECB will print at the bottom of your cash register receipt as a $1 coupon good for your next purchase. Extra bucks can be used until the exp. date.

Toy Coupons: Trio Building Set and Leapfrog

$5 off Trio Building set. Some of the sets start at $5 or so and next week some will be on sale at Target for $8.


You can find the following coupons for Leapfrog products in the Leapfrog website:
$3 off a Tag Book
$4 off any Leapster Learning Game
$3 off any ClickStart Game
$5 off any Didj Custom Learning Game


Jack in The Box BOGO gift cards when you use your Amex card

Jack in the Box is running a good gift card promotion: Get a free $20 dollar Jack CA$H Card when you buy one $20 Jack CA$H Card with any American Express Card. To take advantage of this offer you need to call 1-800-955-5225, select Option 3 and then Option 2.


Here are more details about this offer, but the fine print reads: This offer is valid October 12, 2009 through November 30, 2009, or while supplies last. Limited time only. Not valid on previous purchases. Orders valid for phone purchases only. Orders processed Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (PST) only. Orders will be processed within 48 hours and delivered via standard U.S. Mail delivery. Cardmembers may receive a maximum of $100 in free Jack CA$H Cards per person through promotional period. $20 Jack CA$H Cards will be awarded either in one (1) $20 or four (4) $5 Jack CA$H Card increments. Offer valid when you pay with any American Express Card.

New Coupon/Discount Book; your purchase supports Breast Cancer

Coupon Book Helps You, Helps Her

The Everyday Coupon Book is designed to save you money while supporting the Susan G Komen Foundation.

This coupon book is similar to the Entertainment Guide. You can see a partial list of these offers by viewing the index on amazon.com. Click the book image to "look inside", then select the "index" from the list of options.

The coupons are good until August of next year, and with more than $500 in coupons to choose from the cost of the book ($14.39) will quickly be justified!

Free online cooking school for the Cook in You or your kids

Better yet make it a bonding experiance and share it together!

Roux Be is an online cooking school that offers a free basic membership.
You can learn lessons, watch video tutorials and take quizzes on what you learned.

Best of Target Deals for this week

Did you know that you can print Target store coupons at the registry kiosks inside the store? Visit Target.com from the kiosk and then find the coupons. You may print as many as you need! This is great for those times you get to Target and realize you  forgot to print your store coupons!
http://www.hip2save.blogspot.com/ has a great  video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgFIswRkA-Y

showing "how to shop target". The begining of it shows you how to use the kiosk printer to print out target coupons.

I personally prefer to print my Target q's from http://www.hotcouponworld.com/
There's a Target coupon generator on the right had side

But you can also print them from the Target website

Chex Mix $1.99
Use the $0.50/1 coupon from here
Plus, use the $1 Target coupon
Final cost $0.49 per bag!

Chex Mix small 3.75 oz bags $0.99
(these are found in the checkout lanes)
Use the $1/1 Target coupon
Final cost FREE!

All Small & Mighty $3.49
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 8/2RP
Or the $1/1 coupon from here
Plus, use the $1/1 Target handtag coupon hanging from the bottle
Final cost $1.49!

Buy 4 Kellogg's FiberPlus Antioxidant Bars (5 count) at $2.33 each and get back a $5 Target gift card! There is only one printable coupon available for this products right now, but the good news is that this gift card promotion is available until 11/2/09, so hopefully there will be additional coupons available soon.

Deal Scenario:
Buy 4 Kellogg's FiberPlus Antioxidant Bars $2.33 each
Total=$9.32
Use 4 $0.75/1 coupons from here
(You can only print 1 coupon per computer, so you will need 4 computers to print 4 coupons.)Pay $6.32
Get back a $5 Target Gift Card
Final cost $0.33 per box!

Honey Bunches of Oats Pecan Bunches $2.24
Use the $2 coupon from here
Final cost $0.24!

Purina One Dry Dog or Cat Food (4 lb bag) $3.79-$5.99
Use the $3 or $3.50 Purina One manufacturer coupon
Or use the $3/1 coupon from the 9/13RP (exp. 10/13)
Plus, use the $1 Target coupon
Final cost as low as FREE + a $0.71 moneymaker!

Hungry Hippos Travel Game $4.99
(found in the luggage section)
Use the $4 coupon from coupons.com or here
Final cost $0.99!

Chef Michaels Canine Creations Can $0.80 or so
Use BOGO manufacturer coupon from 10/11 SS inserts
Use BOGO Target coupon from 8/30 SS inserts.

Chef Michael's dry Food 24 oz bag $4.49
Use $3/1 manufacturer coupon from 10/11 SS inserts
Use $1/1 Target coupon from 8/30 SS inserts
Pay $0.49 each after coupons.

Wonka's Gummies Bags $1.59
Use $1/1 manufacturer coupon here
Use $1/1 Target printable coupon available on Coupons.com
FREE plus $0.41 in overage after coupons

Pop Secret Popcorn still on sale 2/$2.29?
Use $1/2 Pop Secret printable coupon
Use $0.75/2 Target printable coupon
Pay $0.54 for TWO when you buy two.

Skippy Peanut Butter $1.66 (Price match Walgreens Ad)
Use $1/1 Target printable coupon
Use $0.75/1 coupon from 10/4 *regional coupon
Better than FREE after coupons.

Other deals still available:
Emerald Roasted Peanuts for 1.99
Use $1/1 printable coupon
Use $1/1 peelie Target coupon found on canisters
FREE after coupon

Glade reed infusers $4.49
use $3.50/1 printable coupon available earlier this month
Pay $0.99 each after coupon

Eggo Mini Pancakes 2/$4
Use $1/1 Target printable coupon
Use $0.55/1 coupon from 10/4 RP insert
Pay $0.45 each after coupons.

Eggo Mini Waffles 2/$1.84
Use $0.55/1 coupon from 10/4 RP insert
Pay $0.37 each after coupon.

Dannon Danimals Crush Cups: $1.50
Use $1.00 MC from 8/30 or 10/4 SS
Final Price: $.50

Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt (6 pk.): $1.50
Use $1.00 MC from 8/30 SS
Final Price: $.50

Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt (6 pk.): $1.50
Use $.60 MC from 10/4 SS
Final Price: $.90

Buy 2 Halloween Oreos: $2.79
Use $1.00 Target Printable
Final Price: $2.29 ea.

Pepperidge Farms Cookies: $2.50
Use $.75 MC from 9/27 SS
Final Price: $1.75
(see other post about these qualifing for a free $5 cold stone gc)

Buy 2 Halloween M&M's Bags (12.6 oz.): $2.00 ea.
Use $1.00 Target Printable
Final Price: $1.50 ea.

Buy 2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pastas: $1.19 ea.
Use $1.00 Printable
Final Price: $.69 ea.

SoBe Life Water: $1.00
Use $.25 Printable
Final Price: $.75

Gillette Shave Gel (7 oz.): $1.89
Use $.55 MC from 10/4 RP
Final Price: $1.34

Buy 1 Herbal Essences Shampoo: $2.99 ea.
Buy 1 Herbal Essences Styler Product: $2.99
Use $1.00 MC from 9/13 RP
Use BOGO MC from 10/11 P&G
Final Price: $.99 ea.

Aussie Hair Spray: $2.99
Use $1.00 MC from 10/11 P&G
Final Price: $1.99

Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color: $5.99
Use $2.00 MC from 10/11 P&G
Final Price: $3.99

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes: $2.39
Use $.50 MC from 10/4 RP
Final Price: $1.89
Update: Buy 3 and use the buy 2 get 1 free coupon from here.


Plus, use 2 $0.50/1 coupons from the 10/4 Red Plum insert (for the 2 you're not getting free). Final cost just $1.26 per container of wipes!
Formula 409 Cleaner (32 oz.): $2.39
Use $1.00 MC from 8/30 RP
Final Price: $1.39

Fancy Feast Cat Appetizers: $2.29
Use BOGO MC from 9/13 RP
Use BOGO Target Printable
Final Price: BOTH FREE!

GE Reveal 60 Watt Bulbs (4 pk.): $2.00
Use $1.00 MC from 10/4 SS
Final Price: $1.00

Halloween Mr. Potato Head: $6.99
Use $2.00 Printable
Final Price: $4.99

M&M's  are on sale 2 for $5.
$1/2 Target printable coupon
$1/2 manufacturer coupon from the 9/27 Red Plum
each 12.6 oz bag just $1.50... not bad

**Next time you're at Target be on the lookout for clearance LeapFrog Tag books in the toy section. Some of the Tag Books on clearance for just $3.47. Plus, used the $3/1 coupon to score each book for just $0.47!

CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid

Did you get any great deals at CVS?
I didn't even bother with a trip this week... saving my ECB's for next week.

Remember you can check out advanced ads at http://www.iheartcvs.com/.
***some ads are regional. We live in So. Cal and the ad is often different here than the national ad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What about Rite Aid this week.
LOTS of great freebies this week!!!!

I ran in yesterday and took advantage of the Carmex 3 packs for $1.99 and the Carmex Moisture Plus for $2.29 along with the Beyond Body Heat Heating Pads 4count for $2.99 (minus my $1 coupon)

All the above items I bought have a full rebate offered through RiteAid's single check (monthly) rebates.
Plus they quality for the fall into savings rebate that is ending Saturday 10/17/9

Below is a list of all the FREEBIES (after SCR) for this week
Rite Aid


Buy Magnum Razor Kit $7.99 and get FREE cartridges
Get a $2 Single Check Rebate #80
Use the $3 Rite Aid coupon
Plus, use the $3 manufacturer coupon from www.coupons.com
Final cost both FREE!


Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balm .075 oz $2.29
Get a $2.29 Single Check Rebate #1
Use $1.00 off coupon (email coupon that you would of received by signing up here)

Final cost FREE! + $1 moneymaker


Carmex Lip Balm 3 pk tubes $1.99
Get a $1.99 Single Check Rebate #18
Final cost FREE!


Poligrip Denture Adhesive Cream .75 oz $1.99
Get a $1.99 Single Check Rebate #129
Use the free coupon from the 10/4RP
Final cost FREE + a $1.99 moneymaker!


Sea Breeze Cleanser $4.99
Get a $4 Single Check Rebate #83 (limit 2)
Final cost $0.99!


Comtrex 20 ct. $3.99
Get a $3.99 Single Check Rebate #9
Look for $2/1 Comtrex coupons on select boxes
Final cost as low as FREE + a $2 moneymaker!


Sucrets Throat Lozenges 18 ct or Ice Pops 6 ct $2.99
Get a $2.99 Single Check Rebate #3
Final cost FREE!


Children's Throat Cooler 6 ct $2.99
Get a $2.99 Single Check Rebate #12
Use the $1/1 coupon from here
Final cost FREE + a $1 moneymaker!


Bee M.D. Throat Drops 21 ct $2.49
Get a $2.49 Single Check Rebate #16
Plus, submit for the $1 rebate
Final cost as low as FREE + a $1 moneymaker!


Simply Saline Nasal Mist 3 oz $4.99
Get a $4.99 Single Check Rebate #14
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 7/26 or 1/11SS
Final cost FREE + a $1 moneymaker!


Simply Saline Children's Nasal Mist 1.5 oz $3.99
Get a $3.99 Single Check Rebate #15
Use the $1/1 coupon from the 7/26 or 1/11SS
Final cost FREE + a $1 moneymaker!


Breath Again SinoMarin Nasal Spray 3.3 oz $7.99
Get a $7.99 Single Check Rebate #10
Final cost FREE!


Beyond BodiHeat Pain Relieving Heat Pads 3-4 ct. $2.99
Get a $2.99 Single Check Rebate #11
-$1.00 coupon from sample pack
Final cost FREE! +$1 moneymaker


Dr. Thompson's Coldwar 20 ct $3.99
Get a $3.99 Single Check Rebate #13
Final cost FREE!


Chloraseptic AllergenBlock Gel 20 ct $9.99
Get a $9.99 Single Check Rebate #17
Use the $3/1 coupon from the 5/3SS
Final cost FREE + a $3 moneymaker!


Sinus Buster or Allergy Buster 20mL $8.99
Get a $8.99 Single Check Rebate #19
Final cost FREE!

and here are some deal scenario


Buy $30 in participating Proctor and Gamble products and get a $10 Rite Aid gift card--rebate #77
Deal Scenario:
Buy 1 Regenerist Eye Roller $21.99
Buy 1 Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner $3.50
Buy 2 Herbal Essences Hair Products $2.50 each=$5
Total=$30.49
Use the $5 off $25 Rite Aid coupon
Us the $1/1 Olay Facial coupon from the 9/27 or 10/11PG
Use the buy one get one FREE Herbal Essences coupon from the 10/11PG
Plus, use the $1/1 Herbal Essences coupon from the 10/11PG
Pay $20.99
Then submit for the $20 Olay/Pantene rebate
and
enter your receipt online to get the FREE $10 Rite Aid gift card!
plus
Get $5 gift card from Gift of Savings program
Final cost all FREE + a $14 moneymaker!

and don't forget about the $5 off $25 purchase at Rite Aid for any deal you do yourself!

you can look at the ad previews for upcomming weeks at http://www.iheartriteaid.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are a newbie, my Walgreen's shopping trip will make your head spin.
I had lots of RR (register rewards) that I was trying to maximize my use of an minimize your OOP (out of pocket cost)

1st transaction

4) Super Polygrip .75oz $2.39ea (I'll donate these to the senior center)
2) 6.4 oz Crest toothpastes with baking soda and peroxide 2/$4
Get a $2 RR with purchase of 2
1) Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99
*get $3 RR
1) Gillette Fusion power razon
*buy one get $6 in RR
2) Trident layers gum 2/$2
*buy 2 get $1 RR
Total 35.63
used 4 FREE polygrop mfr cpns from last weeks paper = -$9.56
used 2 $1 off Crest mfr cpns from last weeks paper = -$2
used 1 $4 Gillete mfr cpn = -4
Then used a $7 and a $2.50 RR I had
Total OOP 4.71
Got back a $6RR, a $3RR and a $1RR
+$5 moneymaker

Transaction 2

1) Vaseline Sheer Infusion Body Lotion on sale for $6.99
*get $7RR
3) Mike and Ike boxes of candy (for DH's stocking) on sale 3/$3
1) Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99

*get $3 RR
Total 14.65
Used $1.50 printable coupon for Vaseline Lotion
then used $6RR plus $2 RR from transaction 1 then a $2.50 RR that I had
Total OOP 1.85
Got back $7RR and $3RR
+8 moneymaker

Transaction 3

3) more Mike and Ikes 3/$3
2) 6.4 oz Crest toothpastes with baking soda and peroxide 2/$4

Get a $2 RR with purchase of 2
1) Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99
*get $3 RR
1) Gillette Fusion power razor
*buy one get $6 in RR
Total 25.06
used 2 $1 off Crest mfr cpns from last weeks paper = -$2

used 1 $4 Gillete mfr cpn = -4
Then used $7RR from Vaseline trans #2 and $1RR from Trident trans #1
I choose not to use the Chapstick RR as then I would not get another and I do plan on going back for more razors and chapstick as they are on our AnyMarine.com's wishlist.
Total OOP 6.38
Got back $6RR, $3RR and $2RR

you can check upcomming weeks ad previews at http://www.iheartwags.com/


 


















Some Clearance and Discount Deals

Kmart-- summer clearance sale--with items discounted 75% or more!

We're talking blow up pools, party pools and kiddie, water guns, water toys and more


MetroStyle--  lots of Women's Outerwear on Clearance! Plus, use Promo Code: MS4YOU to get an additional 40% Off one item, yes, 40% off!
we're talking wool coats and peacoats for under $30!!!


Texas Instruments is offering up FREE GraphiTI Skins-- a fun way to customize your TI-Nspire Graphing Calculator. You can create your own design or choose from hundreds of existing designs. Just go here to request and/or design yours.



Amazon.com Deals

Disney Channel Playlist MP3 Album: $2.99
(Includes 15 popular tween songs!)

Black & Decker Cordless Drill Set: $33.43
Was: $74.00
FREE Super Saver Shipping!
*This would make a great Christmas Gift for a guy!

download the Kindle version of The Christmas Bus!
It's completely FREE!

Panasonic DMP-BD60 Blu-ray Disc Player priced at just $129--down from $249.95! Shipping is $16.60.

One of the awesome features about this player is that you can register it with Amazon Video On Demand and instantly Watch thousands of movies and TV shows!  This player has recieved mostly 5 star reviews.This would make a great Christmas gift too!

Einstein Bros Bagels-- BOGO Stuffed Saladwich w/Chicken

Einstein Bros Bagels has a yummy new coupon available: Get a FREE Stuffed Saladwich with Chicken when you buy one! You'll get to choose between either Caesar Chicken or Chipotle Chicken. This coupon is valid thru 10/20.

Rain Forest Cafe coupon (expires 12/31/9)

Have a Rainforest Cafe near you?  GO HERE to print a coupon for $10.00 off $25.00 at Rainforest Cafe! This coupon expires December 31, 2009!

$5 Cold Stone Creamery GC rebate

In the October 19th of People Magazines they are celebrating their 35th annniversary.

When you purchase products or services from any of these sponsors:

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!
Jenny Craig
Lean Cuisine
Lever 2000
L'Oreal Paris
Pepperidge Farm Cookies
Purina Alpo
Truvia Natural Sweetener
Uncle Ben's

They will send you a $5 Cold Stone Creamery gift card when you buy any of these products and then mail your receipt with the product UPC and circled by 11/19/09 to:

People Magazine?s 35th Birthday
PO Box 4938
New York, NY 10185

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Packing up Flat Rate Boxes for AnySoldier/AnyMarine.com

After our impulsive shopping trip to the Library, and a yummy family lunch we cleared the table and pulled out the boxes of freebies that I had for donation. We also went through our stockpile of food and toiletries. Then we got to work.


FPO/APO Flat Rate Boxes are a bit bigger then the largest Flat Rate Box offered by usps.com.

***I should sidetrack here and share a few tidbits.
1) you can order free priority shipping boxes at USPS.com that will be delivered to your house---all FREE; even shipping
2) IF you are using the Flat Rate Priority Boxes you can go on USPS.com and print your postage labels there for a discount price (a few cents) plus when you print online you get FREE delivery confirmation. (just guess at the weight)
3) once you've done the above IF you live within a half mile (i.e. .5 or 1/2 mile) from your mail box (we JUST make it) you can sign up for FREE postal carrier pick up


~~Since we are shipping overseas we DO have to have the special label that you disclose what you are mailing... this goes in a special clear adhesive pocket that you attach to your boxes. Again you can order these with your boxes for free to be delivered to your house.

So, back to our APO/FPO flat rate boxes.... they ship for 14.95 (if I recall correctly)

With all our stockpile and freebies we FILLED 8 (!!!!!) yes 8! of these boxes.
We can't afford to mail them all right now. But they are packed and ready to go.

We'll mail 2 next week and then our plan is 2 every 4-6 weeks after that. If my budget allows we'll get in another box here and there.

We filled brown lunch sacks with items and then labeled
Any Male Soldier/Marine
Any Female Soldier/Marine
Any Soldier/Marine
based off what we put in the bag.
Then we smushed, cajoled and jostled those bags to fit as many as possible in them.

I'll mail a box to each of our contacts for our "adopted" group/unit and they will distribute as they see fit.
Their goal is to
A) give items and letters to those that don't receive mail in an attempt to keep moral up
B) give items to those in need of them.

The girls are already planning on speaking with their English teachers to see about having their classrooms write letters to the troops for us to include in our boxes.

I'm curious as to what the response to that request will be.
I'm not sure they "teach" letter writing skills to kids anymore.
Should be interesting ;) I'll have to let you know what kind of response/feed back they get.


Library Book Sale

So I had forgotten that today was our NEW local Library's Fall Book Sale.

Thankfully, DH had to go into town yesterday to pick up his oldest from an after school activity. He saw the signs for this event. (should I even share how blow away I am that he was this observant?)

So this morning everyone got up, had a quick breakfast and we headed to the book sale. We wanted to be there at 10am for the best selection. The girls and I have typically gone by ourselves and found awesome deals. I think the last time we got paperbacks 5/$1 and hardcovers $1 each.

This time paperbacks where 50cents a piece and hardbacks $1 each. They also had a "deal" going that you could buy the new canvas zip up Library tote for $10 and fill it for another $5. After 5 of us shopped we tallied up our total and it came to about $25-$30 so we opted for the book back.

I'm guessing we got about 35-40 books for $15. That's pretty impressive!

Friday, October 9, 2009

AnySoldier.com

I'm SUPER excited.


I have 2 med. size boxes of items we were hoping to donate to a local homeless shelter... until I called.

They were pretty short with me. Top that with that they pretty much told me they didn't want health and beauty items and then proceeded to give me what amounted to a list of demanded donate items. (primarily diapers, wipes, milk and formula)

So, I decided to look for other resources and remembered something about anysoldier.com. Looked it up and we just "adopted" 2 "units". I pretty excited that both units are fresh in the field so haven’t received much support yet which means that our family can support them their whole tour. I'm also thrilled that both "units" are from California! WOO HOO!!

Alan is pretty pumped up too. He was in the USMC for 16 years.
Add to that that my Middle Brother is in the USN going on 10+ years, my Dad retired from the USN, every single one of my uncles (3) and both my Grandfather and my Greatgrandfather served in the military and you'll start to *get* just how stinkin' proud we are of our Men and Women in uniform!!! It's an honor to be able to "help" and "support" them in any way we can.

*postage to an APO/FPO address is the same as domestic postage fees

*I have boxes of full size and sample size freebies

*each person posting on anysoldier.com has a "wish list" for their group which helps you fill the needs of that group

*the holidays are right around the corner. What a warm fuzzy feeling my family will have knowing they are helping to brighten a soldiers day... especially when we realize they will be away from their family and friends during such a special time in our year. It's an AWESOME reminder to us of the sacrifices they make on our behalf. (isn't that humbling!!!???)

So this weekend some of our "family time" will be dedicated to getting 2 boxes ready to mail and writing a letter to our selected "soldier".


Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Walmart Coupon Match-up for all those toy coupons out right now


Here are a few Match-Ups for those toy coupons out on Coupons.com right now


Mr. Potato Head Silly Suitcase $16.97
$5.00/1 Mr. Potato Head Silly Suitcase
Final Price: $11.97


Mr. Potato Head (Original) $6.97
$2.00/1 Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head
Final Price: $4.97


Playskool Lulluby GloWorm $9.97
$3.00/1 Playskool Gloworm
Final Price: $6.97


Mr Potato Head Spud Buds $10.97
$5.00/1 Mr. Potato Head Spud Buds
Final Price: $5.97


Playskool Step Smart Walk N Ride $19.97
$5.00/1 Playskool Step Start Walk’nRide
Final Price: $14.97


Playskool Busy Ball Popper $19.97
$5.00/1 Playskool Busy Ball Popper
Final Price: $14.97


Playskool Musical Sit N Spin $24.97
$10.00/1 Playskool Musical Sit N Spin
Final Price: $14.97


Stop into Walgreens Saturday for a "SaturDate"

Stop in Walgreens on October 10, 2009 from 10am – 5pm for a “SaturDate.” You will get to sample Neutrogena Moisture Wrap Body Lotion and Moisture Shine Lip Soothers and receive product coupons.

Great posts about Fall Traditions found at Beauty and Bedlem

I love these. Simply love them.

http://beautyandbedlam.com/magic-pumpkin-patch-tradition/

The Magic Pumpkin Patch is another tradition that is sure to spark the magic of Fall/Halloween for your kids!


Tell your children that this year you have found some magic seeds to grow pumpkins.

Gather your kids together and give each child 1 magic pumpkin seed. Have them bury each magic seed in the yard and place a toothpick marker for where they buried their seeds. While they are sleeping, place a small pumpkin, which you purchased from the grocery store, on each place they planted a seed. Watch as in the morning they are amazed by the beautiful pumpkins their magic seeds have grown into.

Take a picture of each child with their pumpkin in the patch and put it into your Fall/Halloween tradition book.

http://beautyandbedlam.com/
Host a Pumpkin-Carving Contest – With neighbors, friends or family, host an annual pumpkin-carving contest. Invite judges to select the winners and prepare some fun fall ribbons to hand out. Try black construction paper ribbons with an orange pumpkin on top where you can write the category. The scariest, the silliest, the most original or just the best all around, are all examples of great awards. Everyone in the family will want to help choose and carve the “family pumpkin.” After the awards ceremony, bring out your refreshments and enjoy! Don’t forget to take photos to add to your Fall/Halloween Album.!

Musical Costumes – This tradition puts a new spin on a favorite childhood game—musical chairs. It’s perfect for an adult Fall/Halloween party. Invite each person to bring a costume in a brown bag. Everyone takes a seat and places their own bag under a chair. Turn on some music and play a game of musical chairs (with a chair for each person). When the music stops, each guest must take the brown bag from underneath their chair and wear the costume that’s inside for the rest of the evening. Your guests will bring outrageous costumes because they know they won’t have to wear them. Be prepared for an evening full of laughter. Year after year, this tradition becomes more hilarious as your guests bring wilder costumes.!

Costume Memory Game – Go through your old Fall Festival/Halloween photos and set aside any that show family members or friends dressed up in sweet, hilarious or spooky costumes. Make copies of every photo you want to use, cut them into identical rectangles (maybe 2” x 2”) and create a memory game your children will never get tired of.


Older children can make this game for the smaller ones, or Mom can make it for all to enjoy. Roast some pumpkin seeds and work on the game together.


You can add new photos each year. If you don’t remember how to play the game, it’s pretty simple. Place all cards on the table, face down in even rows, and take turns turning two over at a time as you try to find pairs. Whoever has the most pairs when the cards have all been picked up is the winner. This will soon become a family favorite and your children will ask to play it over and over again.

Walk Away Your Worries – The fall is a wonderful time to take a walk amongst the brilliant colors of the fallen leaves and breathe in the crisp air which has settled in behind the hot summer months. Plan an annual family walk where you leave your worries behind by picking up a pile of leaves, sharing what your worry is about, praying about it, giving that worry over to the Lord and then throwing the leaves in the air as you walk away.


As you continue forward, talk about all the things that you are so grateful for in your life and only stop when you need to pick up a new pile of leaves, describe a worry, throw them in the air and walk away.


Better Budgeting

I subscribe to the Better Budgeting Ezine.
There were several articles and tools I found useful in the last publication.


 Getting Back on Track – Budgeting for Those in Crisis
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/budgeting/financialcrisis.htm#  



Got the Debt Repayment Blues?
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/debt/debtrepaymentblues.htm#


Grocery Price Log (Save money on groceries by comparing sale prices on
grocery items with my free price log!)
***Most people advise you to log your local prices on the items you frequently buy for 6 weeks so that you will learn what is ROCK BOTTOM. Here's a tool for it
http://www.grocerysavingtips.com/printgrocerypricelog.htm


Wal-Mart Supersizes its $10 Holiday Toy Program
This year, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is supersizing its $10 holiday toy
offering. Last October, the world's biggest retailer cut its prices and
began selling 10 popular toys for $10 each in its U.S. Wal-Mart stores to
win sales from early bargain hunting holiday shoppers. This year, the
retailer has ramped up the program and is offering more than 100 toys,
including Barbie dolls and board games, for $10 each, throughout the
Christmas shopping season.
Read more at... http://www.betterbudgeting.com/ezine/sept-oct2009-539260.htm 


Free Angle Craft Ebook

Just in time to start working on holiday crafts and gift for the Holidays!!!!
Free Angel Crafts Ebook





Duraflame Coupons: Great for the cold night ahead

With the cold months approaching, these might be some good coupons for you:


$3.00/1 Case of Firestart Firelighters
$3.00/1 Case of Anyfire Indoor/Outdoor Firelogs
$12.00/2 Cases of 5lb or 6lb Firelogs


$10/30 at Osh --good at Lowes and Home Depot too ;)

Go HERE to print a $10.00 off $30.00 coupon for Orchard Supply Hardware!

Most Home Depots and Lowes accept competitors coupons. Call your local store to make sure they will/do.


World Markets Friends and Family 25% off coupon

Starting this Friday, October 9th, you can save 25% at World Market. You can also use the coupon code: FFCPWMEMAIL if you make purchases online. This could come in handy with Christmas around the corner.
***10% off food items

Free Game of Bowling

Brunswick Bowling has a coupon for a free "game" of bowling. Shoe rental is extra, but the game is FREE. Makes for a fairly inexpensive night of Family Fun. Expires 11/24.

***Coupon says you can print it out and put in Halloween goodie bags.

GO HERE for coupons  and GO HERE to find a location nearest to you.
For those of you in my area, the nearest is about 30 miles away in Racho Cucamonga.

Upcomming Family Events at Michael's (The Knack)

Michael’s--The Knack Free Family Events


The Knack (not so free) Free Family Event: The Great Pumpkin Event
10/10/2009 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Bring the whole family to Michaels and create your own craft pumpkin. $5 per pumpkin includes supplies. While supplies last.

The Knack Halloween T-Shirt Event
10/25/2009 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Use your hands to make a special Halloween t-shirt that is sure to spook. Just purchase the t-shirt of your choice and decorate it for FREE using our paint supplies!

The Knack Free Family Halloween Events
10/31/2009 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Come and get your FREE trick-or-treat pail! Plus enjoy a free coloring activity, FREE Crayola® Model Magic Fusion™ and a Make-It Take-It Halloween frame. Children will also receive a balloon and candy. While supplies last.


The Sheep Fire (THANK YOU Firefighters) 75% contained

1st I'm UBER releived to know that the local fire is 75% contained. I'm doing the happy dance. I've been a bit concerned and tense over it. Hard to balance when you don't want the kids worried.

THANK YOU to all the Firefighters that fought The Sheep Fire. While it may be your job, it's our community you were fighting for. What is routine for you, it's for us.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Ink, lower your printer ink costs

Printer Ink, uggg. I dread replacing our printer ink. Well, the skids printer at least. My printer I've found several solutions.

1st Ebay. Yes, ebay. I can get 5 black in and 5 of each of the 3 color cartridges (so 20 replacement cartridges) for less than $30 w/shipping. I search by the model # and "lot". i.e. "5840 lot"

The other option is Carrot Ink
Their prices are reported to be up to 70% off other retailers! Plus if you go thorough the link above you will save an additional $10.00 off a $40.00 purchase and FREE Shipping with a purchase of $45.00 (after all discounts).

I know my ink cost and paper cost have gone up SUBSTANTIALLY since starting my couponing adventure. I hope the above options will help save you some change!!!!




Lots of Freebies for Teachers, share with your kids teachers

There are alot of Teacher Freebies out right now. While *I* personally can't take advantage of them, I can share them with my stepkids teachers.

-Subway is offering a Get Fit For The Fun Of It kit for teachers and home educators HERE. Includes planner, stickers, poster, parent letter and activity ideas. http://www.subwaykids.com/grownups/classroom/RandomActsOfFitness.aspx?rdr=SFB:eblast:W7:2009

-Free Hand Pointer for teachers from Learning Resources. http://www.learningresources.com/category/id/103631.do?code=THANKS

-Freebies from the Teachers Resource Center. http://www.trcabc.com/resources/

-Free John Stossel in the Classroom DVDs. http://stosselintheclassroom.org/selectdvd.php?add=2009

-30% off at Borders for teachers. http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_teachingzone-teacherbenefits?sc_eid2=bannerteachingsave-91509&cmpid=SA_20090917_NR

-Free books for the classroom from Lysol. Details. http://www2.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/l/lysol_programdetails.pdf

-Free Brain Facts CD-ROM for educators. http://www.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=brainFacts_orderForm&type=1

-Free Mars/Earth comparison poster. http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/classroom/earthMarsForm.html

-Free family reading night planning kit. http://www.ptotoday.com/sfn/SFN_reading_leader.php


Free Flashlight @ Harbor Frieght: Think Halloween Safety!

Go HERE to print a coupon for a FREE 3 1/2" Super Bright LED Flashlight from Harbor Freight Tools!
This coupon expires October 31, 2009!
*This would be great for trick-or-treating!




HUGE Los Angeles Kids Consignment Sale

The fall sale has passed, but you can sign up to be on their mailing list. http://www.lakidsconsignment.com/
Typically this event takes place in Fall and Spring and at different locations.

I love resale. The Fall event was all over our news and they had fab name brands at low prices!!!




Free Night of Theater

While the 1st release date has come and gone, many of these shows don't release until 10/7/09 or later. Definately still worth checking out.

Nothing local to us in the High Desert; but if you are willing to drive for a free night out, there are shows in O.C. , L.A. and San Diego.

We're not able to take advantage of this deal ourselves, but I'm logging on tom. to hopefully get some tickets for a friends.

You can snag a FREE Night of Theater for two in October/November. What a great entertainment freebie! There are 120 cities participating in this promotion. You can go on over here and see if there are any participating cities near you. They are giving away over 75,000 FREE tickets too! http://www.freenightoftheater.net/

If you do live in or by a participating city, you'll want to confirm the date when they will start accepting reservations. It various a little for each city, so definitely check out all the details. When you find the date--make a note of it and remember to come back that morning and request your FREE tickets! They will sell out quickly!

If you plan for a "date night" be sure to think about using those discount Resturants.com certificates!!!!
Talk about a cheap night on the town! WOW!

Movie coupons; think Movie Night or Family Fun themed Gift Baskets

Target has quiet a few movies labled with a "Staycation" sticker. Many are priced at $5. Then Sony has $2 off "staycation movie" coupons here. These are primarily classics and old school movies. We happen to like old school movies and classics so have made good use of this deal.

Plus if you purchase 6 and then log onto the addrss on the "staycation" sticker on the front of the movie and input the codes you can pick a FREE movie from them select list. We got a James Bond gift pack.

In adition to the above deal. Disney released it's remake of Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs today. There are quite a few deals to be had on this movie too.
Walmart has it priced the lowest at 19.86, but most other big box stores have it for 19.99.
Toys R Us has a promo going this week.
Buy the Movie and another $5.01 in select Disney princess toys and you can get a FREE Disney Princess Bake Set.

Where ever you buy the movie; there are several $10 coupons available.
Coupons can be found here and here

Plus, there are 2 $5 rebates available
Hefty
Kernel Seasons!

Glade Candles, great item for gift baskets

Since I'm talking gift ideas, here's another.

Right at Home released a new $3.50 coupon off the Glade Fragrance Collection.
You can sign up here for the coupon.

This week at Walgreen's the 4.5oz Soy Candles are on sale for $3.99. With the coupon they are .49cents. These candles are quality soy candles and they smell great. They make a great addition to a gift basket of many themes. Bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, everyday, relaxations... and at that price who couldn't afford them.

You can sweeten this deal with a $5 SC Johnson rebate. Details can be found here.
Get a $5 rebate when you buy any 3 items from the following SC Johnson brands:
Drano
Fantastik
Glade
Nature's Source
Off (lots of "OFF" products clearanced this time of year)
Pledge
Raid
Saran
Scrubbing Bubbles
Shout
Windex
Ziploc

Even better, you can submit for this rebate up to three times per household for a total of $15!
 

Sports Illustrated Kids... a great buy for a Christmas Gift.

Yep, you read that right. I'm a firm believer that it's never to early to start your Christmas shopping. I shop all year long and have 3 wicker storage baskets that store my treasure trove.

This makes it ridiculously easy when the girls get that Birthday Party invite. They all know they can take a trip to the gift storage bins. Top that with trying to always have gift bags and tissue on hand too and we're talking minutes to find a gift vs. hours. WoooHoo!!!

Sports Illustrated Kids (1-year) is only $5 (normally $42.88)! That is a 90% savings! This would make a great holiday gift for a young sports fan! The first issue will arrive in 6-10 weeks, so I recommend ordering soon for it to come around Christmas. You can find the deal here


Lowe's Kids Clinics

Lowe's has another FREE Kids Clinic this Saturday, October 10, 2009, from 10-11am. Kids can build a wooden ball toss. To register and find a location near you, go here

My girls loved these when they were younger. I'm not sure they've outgrown them actually! I think it's more they've been "forced" out by the suggested age limits. HaHa.


Monday, October 5, 2009

Walgreen's trippin'

We're really lucky to have 3 corners of strip mall that include 2 grocery stores and 3 drug stores, so next I went across the street to Walgreen's were I did 3 transactions to maximize Register Rewards.


1st transaction
(4) 6pks of joint juice 6.79each -$ B1G1 Free internet printable coupons -$3 coupon in the Oct. coupon book... these automatically muliply by the # of products you have of the item so in this case it took off $12 = all 4 for $1.58 TOTAL for all 4
(1) Robitussin DM 2pk To Go $2.49 - $1mfr cpn (get back $2.50RR)
(1) Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion $7.29 -$1.50 internet printable coupon (get back $7RR)
(1) ROC Multi Correcxion Exfoliating Cleanser $9.99 - $5 in ad cpn -$3 internet printable cpn
(3) 20sq ft Renyolds Foil 1.79 - .89cents each w/ in add cpn = .89each w/cpn
(1) Walgreens brand Pure Honey .32oz $7.49 - $3.50 w/ in ad cpn = $3.99 w/cpn
(4) Hershey's candy bars .29cents ad special (limit 4) **put in with the stocking stuffers
(3) Russell Stovers Halloween candies .59cents - .11cents w/in ad cpn (will toss these in the girls lunches one day for a fun surprise)

-$18.00 in RR that I had, total OOP w/tax 5.74
Total Retail value 63.75
Got back $9.50 in RR

2nd Transaction
(1)Clear Care Contact lens solution for OSD15, this was 2 bottles and a small travel bottle set for 14.79 **no coupon
(1) Fusion pwer razor 8.99 (get back 6 in RR)
(4) herseys candy bars on sale for .29 each (put away for a movie day)
(1) Robitussin DM 2pk To Go 2.49 -$1 mfr cpn (get back 2.50 in RR)

-$17 in RR that I had; Total OOP $7.73 and got back $8.50 in RR
Total Retail Value 34.93

3rd Transaction
(1) Vasaline Sheer Infusion Lotion $7.29 - $1.50 internet coupon (got back $7 in RR)
(1) Robitussin DM 2pk To Go $2.49 -$1 mfr cpn (get back $2.50 RR)

-$6RR from razor above, Total OOP $2.14
Total Retail Value $10.64
got back $9.50 in RR

**essentiall I paid just under $18 OOP for all the above which is what it would have cost me for the contact lens solution (with tax) alone

Now if I can just keep to this small a budget next week when milk, bread and a stock up on fruit will be needed.

CVS Trip

CVS is nextdoor to the Alberton's so that was our next trip


There I bought

(4) 250ct CVS brand sandwich fold top bags. 2.99 on sale B1G1 50% off = $9 - *$2 cpn mention below = $7
(2) CVS brand chocolate covered nut snack bags .99cents each -$2 off cpn mentioned below = FREE
**had a CVS coupon for $2 off purchase of 2 CVS brand nuts and a $2 off $10 CVS brand purchase
So got the above for $7

(2) Frutopia 2in1 shampoo/conditions 3.99 on sale for B1G1 - (2) $2 CVS coupon on this specific items from the Reinventing Beauty mag they sell for .99cents = 2 FREE

(2) Viologie (1) shampoo (1) conditioner 3.99 on sale for B1G1 - (2) $2 CVS coupon on this specific items from the Reinventing Beauty mag they sell for .99cents = 2 FREE

(1) 4oz Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste 2.99-$1 mfr cpn (get back $2 ECB)

(2) 2pk of Tone's bar soap 1.88 - (2) $1 mfr cpn -$1 CVS coupon off any skin care (get 1 ECB back) **did one on DH's card and 1 on mine to get 2 ECB's back

(2) Neosporin Lip Health $5.49 - (2) $3/1 internet printable coupon plus - $2.50 clip free CVS coupon (monthly deal) = FREE

(2) Tylenol cold congestion multi pill pack (1/2 night med 1/2 daytime med) $6 each - (2) 2 internet printable coupons for $2 off any Tylenol cold med
(1) 100cnt Tylenol rapid release pills $ 8.50 -$1
***the tylenol purchase were $20.50 so this qualified us for $10 back in ECB's

Total Retail value (at sale prices for today, not reg. prices) $66.30
Used 14ECB's I had and paid 12.82(with tax) OOP (out of pocket) got back 13ECB's

Up for the Challenge... tight budget for the next 2 weeks

DH (Dear Hubby) just got paid last Friday. I always pay the bills and then create a budget from what is left over. I have it down to a science and our budget is pretty consistant... until I get tossed a curve ball.

Sat. a long lost car registration bill was found. Already 3 days overdue, late charges were incurred. So her come some HARD decision making. Do I rob our savings to pay this bill or try to work it into the budget... which admittedly seem impossible.

You KNOW how expensive car registration bills are. After paying it and the late fees. I will be left with less than $90 to get through the next 12 days with IF I don't rob the savings.

I'm committed to trying not to take any funds from savings. I do have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Since couponing has led to healthy stockpiles of everything there is little that we absolutely NEED. The short list of necessities for the next 2 weeks includes, gas for my car, fruit, bread, milk, sand. bags, cold meds (as 3 out of the 5 of us have been sick) and contact lens solution. I also have 2 $25 gas cards that were gifts to us last Christmas. While those gift cards won't fill my gas guzzeling SUV's tank, they will give me enough gas to get through the next 2 weeks as long as I stay in town and don't go bee bopin' all over So. California.

My Mom's Bday was last Friday. She came through town on Sunday (on her way to Vegas) and we had already planned to take her out to a local breakfast brunch she wanted to try. That took a healthy bite out of that $90, but I did have a B1G1 Free coupon. YEAH!

The only thing we needed for this week's groceries was fresh fruit, so we picked up banana's (a staple in our house) and then I bought a huge bag of apples as they were on sale for 49cents. (nothing else was under $1 a pound)

Then I went to CVS and Walgreens were I had worked out scenarios for very little out of pocket for the contact lens solution, cold meds, sandwich bags and a few freebies. I'll share those in their own post.


Tips for saving and couponing

Another Woman's Day article from the Nov. 2009 issue. Again, I can't locate it online so I'm typing up the cliff notes version ;)

"A small amount of preparation goes a long way towards ka-ching!"
1. clip those coupons-- single best way to save at the grocery store.

Diversify and simplify where you get them. Sunday paper, printable online coupons (find a few favorite sites) Also check your supermarket circular for special store cpns.

2. do an inventory-- start with the fridge, kitchen cabinets and pantry. Then check laundry room, linen closet (if you keep stock there) and the bathroom.

itemize what you need in categories, order the way the store does it (baking, beverages, dairy, fresh produce, health and so on)

make sure you have the store flier handy when you write out our list to make note of the best deals. Jot down the size and price to avoid picking up the wrong variation.

3. Know the lingo-- You usually don't have to buy as much as your think to get the deal. Say your flier advertises 10 Breyers yogurts for $4.00. That's .40cents each. As long as it doesn't say MUST BUY 10 you can buy any amount and still get the savings.

The same holds true with coupons. If you have a coupon offer for a multiple purchase of items don't assume you have to pick up an extra or two from the shelf. Look for bundled products. Most of the time the coupon will cover the 2-in-1 packs,and generally speaking the bundle pack it typically the better savings.

4. Ask the manager about the store's policy on doubling and tripling coupon values. IF they allow stacking (store cpn w/ mfr cpn) and how much their loyalty card deducts (% wise) from your bill.

5. Don't get caught in the maze--- Don't shop aisles. Take your list and stay to the perimeters avoiding unnecessary aisles.

6. Train your eyes -- look for specially marked packages. Deals offered on the box, clearanced stickers, more product size for the same price, sample size attached to the reg. size, peel off cpns and blinking coupon displays attached to the shelf.

7. Examine Endcaps-- often special deals and discount and refund offers are displayed at the ends of aisles. But be warned ***Know your bargins. Sometimes the items are slow movers or items that expire quickly.

8. Do the math-- feel foolish bringing along a calculator. DON'T! Comparing prices is a surefire way to pare down your bill. Calculate how much your spending on a singe unit of an item and figure out which will give you the best bang for your buck.

21 Websites that Save You Time and Money

My Mom tore out this article from the Nov. 2009 Woman's Day mag. I'm not able to find the article online so am typing out cliff notes for you.


21 Websites that Save You Time and Money

1. shoplocal.com weekly ads for stores in your community and indexed, organized and updated for you.

2. mommysavers.com coupon codes, printable coupons, freebies, bargains, support needed to live the fugal life. Articles, e-books and web videos. Plus a twice yearly "forget the Joneses" boot camp to give members practical steps for creating a budget and living w/in their means

3. bargainist.com hottest online bargains, sales, coupons and freebies. No need to join, register or pay a cent for this information

4. thecouponclipper.com coupon clipping service

5. freecycle.org the nations biggest swap meet where NO money ever exchanges hands as it's a free swap site (***I have loved freecycle for years!!!***)

6. paperbackswap.com join the club online. Registration is easy and currently free. next post books you want to swap, when you find a book you want, click order this book button. Books you receive are free and yours to keep. When others request one of your books, you accept and pay the postage to mail the book. Credits are the unit of exchange at this site. When your book is received you get a credit; which you then use to order another book for yourself.

7. zilok.com rent just about anything that you might need to use only once. Space in a garage, Guitar hero for a weekend party, power tool, a pickup truck. Or maybe you have items you'd like to rent out to make a few bucks. This is a community driven platform that allows anyone to rent or offer for rent any kind of good. Recently: patio heater, $20/day, sony camcorder $10/day, pressure cooker $6/day

8. USA.gov the official information and service site for the U.S. gov.
how to get a grant, health updates in case of flu outbreak and more... tax info, register to vote, renew your drivers license, get student fin. aid, sign up for unemployment online

9. findhow.com clear, concise instructions for all types of projects are a search away. bang trims, oil changes, repair scratches on your car, install a kitchen sink, how to draw a cartoon

10. starfall.com "this one is too good to be true. The starfall reading program is designed to be fun, exciting, and confidence building for young children as they learn to read. Similar to early reading software you install on your computer the FRE program helps teach literacy through games. The graphics, sounds and content are so outstanding you really need to check it out"

11. consumerist.com Prepare to be entertained and educated about the top consumer issues of the day. You'll find blogs that bring you up to date on the latest scams, ripoffs and hot deals.

12. lynda.com Need software training? For $25 a month you'll have access to more than 40.000 video tutorials with more than 600 online courses on a huge variety of software and design topics.

13. bighugelabs.com Imagine having full access to a custom photo lab where you ca create photo calendars, jigsaw puzzles, mosaics, trading cards and more... all from your digital photos. Site completely FREE as are the custom photo calanders.

14. dafont.com you will find fun fonts, unique fonds and handwriting. Many of the over 9,000 fonts are free

15. fixitclub.com shows you how to do ordinary household and other kinds of repairs. free online guides for fixing everything from sewing machines to fishing poles

16. budgetsimple.com FREE easy to use online budget software that will help you figure out how to get your spending on track. You don't need to give any info that will identify you personally. Designed to help people get out of debt and encourage saving.

17. annualcreditreport.com This is the ONLY place you can get truly FREE copies of your credit report (not score, though they do offer that for a minimal cost) ONE a YEAR from each of the big three credit reporting agencies. Though your reports will come from the agencies themselves (either online or through the mail, your choice) you must enter at the site to make sure you get out of paying a fee. ***Stagger your reports so you get one every four months. Then check each one carefully and dispute any info that seems inaccurate.

18. dinkytown.net more than 350 free financial calculators. Do the math on mortgages, retirement savings and planning, insurance, credit cards and more

19. bloombergs.com/invest/calculators/budget.html The budget calculators at this site may seem old fashioned because you enter your info manually as your would on a paper spreadsheet. BUT what's remarkable are the resulting easy to read charts that categorize your expenses and break down your spending so you can see what's up w/your finances.

20. discoveramerica.com Linked to tourism info for all 50 states this site offers a wealth of info in one place. Activity finder lists more than 4,000 experiences, attractions, events, museums, parks and festivals.

21. mousesaver.com for everything Disney. An exhaustive collection of tips, tricks and secrets for how to get discounts on every aspect of a trip to any Disney.