Saturday, February 28, 2009
Managed some bargan shopping.....
First the cereal
Post Trail Mix Crunch cereal is buy 1 get 1 free.
4.79
4.79
_____
9.58
-4.79--BOGO
-2.00--cpn (printed from Post's website)
-2.00--cpn (yes you can use cpns with BOGOs on both items)
_____
.79 opp
Then the razor
Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor
7.99
-4.00 cpn (from the Sunday cpns)
_____
3.99
-4.00 ECBs
______
-0.01 opp (or they paid me a penny to take it home....however you want to look at it)
And I happen to know that the razor will be on sale again next week, so I will be going and purchasing another and using ECBs to pay for it.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Flu season has hit
So we are home bound for the next 7 days, until he goes back the the Dr. Now I get the fun task of keeping my sick child entertained.
Wish me luck!
Benifits of a FoodSaver
Having a small family, there are times when we make dinner and we always have something left over. It gets put into the fridge, and no one ever eats it and we end up throwing it away. Spaghetti sauce is the #1 item that comes to mind. Those days are behind us now. We now seal it in a bag, and throw it in the freezer for the next time.
FoodSaver use plastic bags that are pre-made, or you can customize the size of the bag with a FoodSaver roll. With this system you have the option of vacuum sealing the bags or just heat sealing them leaving the air in the bags. This system also has bowl and canisters that have the vacuum sealing lids for left overs, lunch or bulk sealing.
So far we have used our sealer almost everyday.
Here are some of the highlights:
Bulk Rice
(I bought a 25lb bag of Jasmine rice and was able to split it into smaller ammounts for later use)
Spaghetti Sauce
Whole Chicken (I found them on sale at Ingles and could not resist)
Ground Turkey Meat (we use ground turkey instead of hamburger)
For the Daytona 500 we fixed BBQ Short Ribs, and oh my were they good. We mixed our BBQ sauce the night before, and added the ribs to the bag, vacuum sealed it and let it marinate( vacuum sealing opens the pores of the meat allowing the sauce to get into the meat and make it more tender) overnight. Those were the best ribs we have ever done, and I didnt have a pan of ribs and sauce sitting in my fridge waiting for someone to spill.
If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend the FoodSaver system.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My Walgreens/CVS trip PT2
3 Suave Body Wash $1.99 ea (buy $6 in Suave products get $2 ECB)
I used 2 Free cpns I recieved from Suave
I used 1 $1.00 off 2 Suave products cpn
2 16ct Stayfree pkgs $3.99 ea ($2 ECB for each)
I used a cpn for $2 off 2 Stayfree products cpn
3 Gillette Shampoo or Conditioners $5.99 ea ($3 ECB when you buy 1)
I used 2 $2.00 off cpns
I used $1.00 off cpn
1 Aquafresh XClean trial Size $1.49
I used $1.25 off cpn
2 Head & Shoulders Trial Size Shampoos $0.99 ea
I used 2 $1.00 off H&S cpns
1 CVS Brand Ibuprophen softgels $3.79
___________________________________
Total before cpns $39.18
Cpn total $15.25
ECBs used $18.98
______________________________________
Total OPP $6.38 + I have $15.00 in ECBs to use
I just love a good Deal
Monday, February 23, 2009
My Walgreens/CVS trip
2 Kellogg's Mini Wheat Cereals 2/$5.00
I used $0.70 off cpn
2 Nature Valley Granola bars 2/$5.00 ($1.00 RR back)
I used $.50 off cpn
I used $.60 off ip cpn
2 Sunkist Diet Orange and 2 Diet Ginger Ale 2lts 4/$5.00 ($2.00 RR back)
Excedrine 20ct gel caps $1.99 ($1.00 RR back)
I used $1.00 off cpn
2 Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil $0.89 (with in flier coupon)
I used (2) $1.00 off cpns
Brawney 8pk paper towels $6.49 (with in flier coupon)
I used $1.50 off cpn
WAG Coupon Savings (from the paper) $4.60
WAG Advertised Savings $12.34
MFG coupon Savings $6.30
______________________________________
My total savings $23.24
My OPP Total $20.19 and I now have $4.00 in RR to use on my next trip;-)
I will post my CVS results tomorrow
Friday, February 20, 2009
Clearance at Walmart
Yes I have already started my Christmas shopping!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
CVS ECBs-- Just like cash
--What are ECBs good for, anyway?
You can use them on just about anything in the store, not just CVS brand products.
Exclusions: prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, lottery, stamps, gift cards, money orders and pre-paid debit cards (this includes prepaid phone cards).
--My receipt says I have $3 in ECB. Why didn't my order reflect a $3 discount?
ECB are coupons that you earn. They print at the bottom of your receipt for various promotions.
You NEED TO MAKE SURE that you cut them off the receipt and save them before you throw out the receipt or mail it off for a rebate
--Can I buy something for $3 and use a $5 ECB?
You could, but you would lose money. You must use the full amount of the ECB, because it will not carry over or give you money back.
--Will you still get the Extra Care Bucks if you forget your CVS card?
Give the cashier your phone number, and it will credit your Extra Care account with your purchases.
--How can I see what ECBs I have earned?
Look at the bottom of your receipt. Each week, there will be a list of the purchases that you have made toward the various promotions, and whether or not the limits have been reached.
--If I accidentally let things expire, can I get them back, or am I out of luck?
If you accidentally let the ECB expire, you are out of luck. Since the advent of the instant printing ECBs, you can NOT call and have your ECBs reset.
Customer service has, on a very few occasions, created a NEW ECB to replace the expired or lost ones, but I would not count on this lasting for long. Once people are accustomed to the new instant printing system, any concessions will undoubtedly disappear. The weekly CRT coupons are a promotional bonus and CANNOT be reset.
--If I do several different promos in the same day, how do the ECBs print out? As one big ECB, or separate ones for each promo?
Each promo will print a separate ECB.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
CVS Tips and Tricks
Does CVS price match other store's sales?
No.
Can I use more than one manufacturer’s coupon on a B1G1 free promotion?
The official company line is yes, but this may vary according to your store manager.
Here is my favorite part of CVS
Gift Cards for New or Transferred Prescriptions
Can I get more than one gift card for new or transferred prescriptions?
Yes, unless it specifically states one per customer/household, etc.
You do need a coupon for this. They won’t just give it to you if you ask for it!
My CVS has a sign that says "We honor competitor RX coupons". What’s that about?
If you have a coupon from Target or another local pharmacy for a transferred prescription gift card, they will honor it as if it were a CVS coupon. They follow the wording on the coupon, so if it says “One per customer”, it’s one per customer!
---***They rarely know how to make the computer system accept them. *** So plan on being patient (the CVS in Fletcher keeps a copy of the instructions at their middle pharmacy register)
I usually use another pharmacy for my prescriptions. Can I just have my doctor call in the prescription to my usual store and then call and have them transfer it to CVS so that I can get the gift card?
No. This is considered prescription fraud. To obtain a gift card you must have a prescription that has already been filled elsewhere and has refills left. You can either call to give them the prescription info to transfer it, or bring in the old bottle to CVS and they will make the call from there.
I am going to pick up a prescription with Workmen’s Compensation funding. Can I use a coupon for the free $25 GC with this or is this considered a government funded program?
You will not be eligible for a gift card for those prescriptions.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Pay It Forward
{The Rules}
1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?!
2. Winners: post this challenge on your blog, Pay It Forward by creating a handmade gift (anything) for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about YOUR giveaway!
3. The gift that you send to your 3 Friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!
4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the Top Three Commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!
SO, REMEMBER...Pay it forward!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Good Deals this Week
So I am relying on the online Ads for CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. Here is what I found on first glance. Hope it helps!
CVS
8pk Scott Paper Towels $4.99 (Sunday and Monday only)
Kraft EasyMac 5 for $5.00
Xtra Laundry Detergent $1.99
Colgate 4oz Toothpaste $2.99 Free after Extra Bux Reward of $2.99
Walgreens
Selected Varieties Kellogg's Cereal 4/$10.00 - $3.00 Register Reward (for next purchace) = 4/$7.00
Sun-Maid Raisins $1.99 ea
Rite Aid
BOGO
Coolgate
Revlon
Planters
Excedrin
If there are any particular products that you are interested in, please let me know, then when I see it on special, I can let you know.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
There is still some compassion in the world
On Saturday, my family and I loaded up in the Subaru and headed toward Fletcher. Our goal was to go to Frugal Backpacker and check out their sale, then on to my in-laws to pick up a pantry cabinet and back by the grocery to get ready for the Daytona 500 (For us the 500 is bigger than the Super Bowl). We decided to take the back roads to see the scenery and shave a few minutes off of our trip. While we were driving down Terry's Gap road, jamming to the 80s music and all of a sudden we have no engine power in the car. After reacting quickly and safely getting off the road, we realized that we had probably lost the timing chain in the engine. I called Alicia first (she is always my saving grace), and asked her to at least come and get my son while we waited for help to come with the car.
While we were waiting, we had at least 10 to 15 different people stop and ask if we needed help, offered us the use of a cell phone, or just check on our well being. It struck me as we were sitting there, in this world where it seems to be "all about me", there are folks out there who are looking out for others and are willing to help.
To Tom and Alicia, thanks for 'saving' us again. To all of those who stopped to check on us, thanks for taking the time to stop and ask. And most importantly, to our mechanic Mr. Joe, a big thank you for being open on Saturday, and please take good care of my baby.
I will let you know how it all turns out................
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Unlikely Coupon Source
Stop by your local PictureMe Portrait Studio (in Walmarts) and ask for a Moms Matter bag. This is an advertising package that they pass out. This time they have some really good coupons and samples.
Kleenex with lotion -- Sample and coupon
P&G booklet with coupons
Always Infinity
and some others that I can not remember right now.
Most of the coupons expire the end of April with some good through May and June.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Looking for Betty Boop
Last Easter my son and I went with my parents to Orlando for a week. We spent some of our time doing the tourist thing (Sea World, Disney and the Kennedy Space Center), but we also spent some time looking over the flea markets. Now flea markets there are a little different. They are mostly indoors in buildings that were once larger department stores or malls, and have been broken down into smaller booths. Some folks like my husband don't care for this kind of flea market, but for me it was just fine. I did see some really good deals on Disney souvenirs compared to what Disney was charging for the same item.
There were plenty of booths there that had Betty Boop purses (my other love). I found one booth that had not only purses, but also Betty Boop luggage, and the prices were incredible. I did buy one tote that I love, but I did not buy the one handbag that I had seen over and over again, and I loved, because I knew that we were going to Disney the next day and to Kennedy 2 days after. I wanted to make sure that I had the money in case my son saw something he really wanted, so I walked away with the hopes that I would be able to run back by and pick up the purse before we left for home. We did not have the time to get back, so I decided to look on EBay for the purse.
I nearly choked when I saw the EBay prices for this purse. Almost double! I have been patiently waiting for the prices to go down, but they have not. I also tried going to the shop at Smileys that carried Betty Boop purses, but she had shut down her store.
I really don't want to buy from EBay if I don't have to, because one style purse can have 3 or 4 different sizes, and I want a certain size (especially if I am going to pay those prices).
If anyone sees Betty Boop purses, please let me know.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Addition to a good deal
Here is a link to a CVS printable coupons for $1.00 off 2 packages of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, making it an even better deal of $2.48 ea at Ingles.
My son is a certified Cereal Killer (notice it was spelled with a C.....lol)! So I will be taking advantage of this one to get me by until I can find a better deal.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Just a Question
You also can find coupons stuck on items all over the store that are for that item or another related item (these are referred to as peelies).
My question is had I wanted to purchase Dove Chocolate and not the wine, is it ok to remove the hanging coupon from the bottle to use, or is that stealing? I have read about cpn shoppers who have cleaned an area out of hanging coupons if it was a really good deal (the one I read about was a discount on steaks or some type of dinner meat). I will admit that I have been tempted to pull off a peelie if I knew that there was a better deal at another store (Walgreen's had $1.00 off 2 12pk Pepsi cans peelies from their grand opening but CVS and Rite Aid had better prices on cases), but I just could not bring myself to do it. Pepsi product cpns are extremely hard to come by, and I am a Dt. Pepsi-aholic.
Is pulling peelies and hanging tag coupons stealing?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
My Sunday
There has been one item in particular that I have read about called Children's Throat Coolers that I have been looking for. Any thread I read said these were hard to find as they were a MM when using a coupon. I have never seen these in the store or on the shelves. Sunday I saw one vendor that had probably 50 or more of these. I have a child, and recently he has been dealing with sinus problems, so having these would be nice. But I can never seem to find them in stock.
This started me to thinking, would I ever buy out an item just because it is free, and then go and sell elsewhere? I have made a personal decision not to ever do this. If I have enough of any item that I am on the verge of having too much, then it is time to back off, or find an outlet that I can donate to.
Monday, February 9, 2009
HOT tip just in time for Valentines Day
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Deal this week
Kellogg's Cereals (Frosted Flakes, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Rice Krispies and Honey Smacks) $2.98 each
Buy 2 of the above Kellogg's cereals and get a free gallon of Laura Lynn Milk
Hamburger, Chicken and Tuna Helpers 10 for $10.00
( I can tell you from price shopping this is a stock up price. The closest I have found is $1.50 each at Walmart) I am looking for coupons for these but have not found any yet.
Del Monte Sloppy Joe cans 10 for $10.00
CVS
Dawn 10.3 oz - Dish Liquid $0.99 ea.
Coke Products 2-Day Sale (Sunday and Monday)
4 12pks for $11.00 (after Monday 4 for $13.00)
Walgreens
Pepsi Products
3 12pks for $10.92
and when you buy 3 you get a Free 12 pk of Pepsi Max
Getting ready my newest coupons
BTW Good Luck Patrick!!!
Patrick McDougal wrote the grammy nominated song Wheels by Dan Tyminski
Friday, February 6, 2009
Woooo Hooo!!!
4 cans of hunts tomato products
Sale price 1.25 each used 2 cpns for .40 off of 2 so I paid 1.30 for 2 or .65 ea.
Cinnamon Chex cereal
2.99 used a cpn for .75 off so I paid .74
Nature Valley Granola Bars
3.19 used a cpn for .50 off so I paid 1.69
( I could have done better with this one, but the hubby is camping with the Webelows this weekend and I knew he would appreciate them)
Betty Crocker Augraten Potatoes
1.89 used a cpn for .25 off so I paid 1.15
Muellers Spaghetti
BOGO 3.00 didnt have a cpn for this one, but a good deal at 1.50 ea
Dinty Moore Beef Stew big tub
2.79 used a cpn for .55 off, so I paid 1.14
(another one that will go with the hubby to work--he cant go to McDonalds and get lunch for 1.14)
Polaner Blueberry
2.59 used a cpn for .50 off so I paid 1.09
Welches grape jelly
2.89 used a cpn for .75 off so I paid .64
2 Sunflower chips
3.69 ea used 2 cpns for .75 ea so I paid 1.44 ea
My favorite of the trip
2 Ortega Taco kits
2/4.00 used a cpn for .75 off 2 so I paid 1.75 for the 2
(add the turkey meat and we have dinner for less than $5.00 one night)
I have a bunch more, but they are running together on this long reciept tape.
My total before coupons $97.32
My Coupons $50.03
My out of pocket $47.29
On a funny note, I got so excited by how much I had saved I walked away without getting my change. I got to the car and got it loaded, and realized I was missing something....................I just love saving money!!
Getting Ready for Triples
I have been to the internet coupon sites and printed out my coupons, and the deals list for Harris Teeter's Triples this weekend. My plan is to head over this afternoon and see what deals I can find.
This morning on TV there was an interview with a lady from Arizona who coupon shops and while I am no where near the point she is, I feel like I am doing quite well. This lady has file boxes that she needs 2 carts to carry loaded with all of her coupons (she buys 6 papers each week). My method is a big purple notebook that is loaded with baseball card pages that I store my coupons in. I love to see the looks on the cashiers faces when I roll up with my notebook open. The look of sheer terror......it is quite amusing.
I look forward to posting my deals.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A lesson in patience and humility
My husband got home around 6 and went to check on it. By that point we had water back to the spigot at the base of the well, and the resivoir tank had filled back up but nothing beyond that. By 8 we had water back to the main cut off valve just before the piping goes underground and to the house. We also knew that we had no freeze under the house. Our problem was an elbow joint that we just could not get heat to. I made the crazy suggestion of using a Hot Hands under the elbow and another on top to try to thaw that area. Our other option was to try to find Heat Tape to place around that area. I started with the phone calls. By this time it was after 9 pm so my options were Walmart and Walmart. The Arden Walmart said yes they had heat tape, and risking the roads for water, I went.
The trip ended up being a bust, as Walmart does not carry Heat Tape, but I did find another heater we could use. I got home and my husband was to the point of giving up for the night. We had done all that we could do, including using the Hot Hands.
I had just gotten hot water from our water dispenser to take a make shift 'wash the most important parts' session, and crawled into bed, when we heard a strange sound of water running. At 12 am this morning all of our efforts had finally paid off and we had running water!!! We danced, we hugged, we high fived, and we thanked GOD. We had given up with a prayer that no real damage would be done to our pipes, and our prayer was answered.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Non-couponing notes
You never really realize what you have until it is unavailable to you. I could be doing wash today (I cant leave the house because we have heaters both in the well house and under the house), oh yeah no water. The dishes need washing......oh yeah, a hot bath would feel really good right now............ah nope!
Lets hope that something we are doing will work before any real damage is done. On a brighter note, looks like we will be eating out, as it is hard to cook with no water available ;-)
Monday, February 2, 2009
Good Deal on Tuesday
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Harris Teeter deal list
This list is pretty easy to read ( there are some out there you need a map to be able to read) but if you have any questions please let me know. I will try to help if I can.
HARRIS TEETER TRIPLES LIST
FREE AFTER TRIPLES
~ Suave AntiPerspirant & Deodorant $1.77 - $0.75q (2.25) = FREE!
~ Muir Glen Tomatoe Paste $0.75/1 ($2.25) = FREE!
~ Wishbone Salad Dressing 0.75q 1.99 - 2.25 = FREE!
~ Lipton Tea Bags (16ct) $1.29 - $0.50q($1.50) = FREE!
~ French's Yellow Mustard (8oz or 9oz) $1.50 or $1.19 - $0.50 ($1.50) = FREE!
~ French's Spicy Brown (12oz) $2.19 - $0.75q ($2.25) = FREE!
~ Beech Nut Lets Grow - Possibly FREE with $0.75q!
~ Natures Own BOGO $2.79-$.75=FREE!
~ Mueller's Spaghetti - Whole Grain - $0.89 BOGO VIC - 0.55/1 = FREE if included in the BOGO sale or $0.11 if not!
Less Than $1 After Triple Q:
~ Frank's Redhot Hot Sauce (4.5oz) $1.59 - $0.50/1q (1.50) = $0.09!!!
~ Sweet Sue Chicken & Dumplings $2.89 - $0.75q (2.25) = $0.14!!!
~ French's Original French Fried Onions (2.8oz) $2.49 - $0.50q ($1.50) = $0.99
~ Wet Ones Antibacterial $2.99 - $0.7q5 (2.25) = $0.74
~ Powerade Zero $1.49 - $0.40q (1.20) = $0.29 or Possibly FREE if on sale!!
~Carnation Evaporated Milk $1.19 ea .50/2 Q x 3 =.44 each
~Natures Own Bread $2.79 ea. .75/1 Q x 3 = .54 ea
~Betty Crocker Potato Pouch $1.25 .40/1Q x 3 = .05 ea.!!!
~No Yoke Egg Noodles $2.39 .50/1 x 3 = $1.50 = .89 ea
~Hunts Diced Tomatos $1.50 .40/2 x 3 = .90 ea
~Ro-Tel Tomato & Green Chiles $1.55 .30/1 Q x 3 = .65 ea.
~Knorr Sides Rice or Pasta $1.59 .75/2 x 3 = .46 ea.
~Pillsbury Reduced Sugar Icing $1.89 .40/1 Q x 3 = .69 ea.
~Muir Glen diced tomatoes 0.75q (2.25) = $0.20
~Muir Glen Soup 0.75q (2.25) = $0.14
~Wacky Mac 0.50 IP 1.59-1.50= $0.09!!!
~Fleischmanns Yeast Strips 0.65 1.99- 1.95 = $0.04!!!
~Wishbone Salad Dressing 0.60q 1.99 - 1.80 = $0.19!!!
~Welch's 22oz Squeezable 2.49 - 0.75(2.25) = $0.24!!!
~Kix Cereal 0.75 IP 2.99-2.25= $0.74
~No Yolks Noodles 0.50 IP 2.39-1.50=$0. 89
~Reeses Snacksters 0.75 2.99-2.25 = $0.74
~Bumble Bee Easy Peel Sensations $3.19- 0.75 (2.25) = $0.94
~Blue Diamond Almonds - Roasted Salted (1.5oz) $1.19 - 0.75/2 (1.19) = 0.60ea?
~Viva Paper Towels Big Roll (1 ct)-$2.59 .75/1 Q x 3=.34 ea
~Halls Cough Suppressant & Oral Anesthetic - Honey Lemon $1.99 - $0.50($1.50) = 0.50 or if paired with BOGO Q $0.25 ea!
~French's Mustard - Honey or Honey Dijon or Horseradish (12oz) $3.19 -$0.75 ($2.25) = $0.94ea
~French's Worcestershire Sauce (10oz) $1.79 - $0.50q ($1.50) = $0.29ea
~Hostess 100 Calorie Snacks $3.19 VIC - 0.75q (2.25) = $0.94
~Honey Nut Cheerios $2.50 VIC - $0.55 (1.65) = 0.85 ea
~McCormick Taco seasoning BOGO $1.19-$.25/2= $.22
~Smithfield Bacon BOGO $4.99-$.55/1= $.84 Cheap!
GDA after Triple Q:
~ Cap'n Crunch Cereal - Sweetened Corn & Oat $3.79 - $0.50/1 (1.50) = $2.29 ea
~ Cheerios Cereal - Banana Nut $3.79 - $0.75 (2.25) = $1.54 ea
~ Green Giant Steamers $2.50 .50/1 x 3 = $1.00 ea
~Nature valley 0.60 3.26 - 1.80 = 1.46
~Pepperidge Farmhouse Bread 0.50 3.29- 1.50 = 1.79
~Egglands Best 0.35 2.99 - 1.05 = 1.94
~Multigrain Cheerios 0.75 IP 3.79-2.25= 1.54
~Fiber One Cereal 0.75 IP 3.99-2.25 = 1.74
~Hillshire Farm 0.55 4.49-1.65 = 2.84
~Jello 0.60 3.49 - 1.80 = 1.69
~Fiber One Bars 0.50 3.45-1.50= 1.95
~Curves Bar 0.75 IP 3.45 - 1.80= 1.65
~ Kraft 2% Shredded Cheese 3.89 - $0.75 (2.25) = 1.64
~Sunsweet Premium Mediterranean Apricots $2.69 - $0.55 ($1.65) = $1.04
~Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers. $3.65- 0.75/1(x3) = $1.40
~Pepperidge Farm breads 2.99 - 0.50q ($1.50) = $1.49
~Hilshire Farm ultra thin lunchmeat $3.50 - 0.55q ($1.65) = $1.85.
~Gain $3.77-$.50/1= $2.27