So there is a really good deal happening at Hy-Vee. If you spend $10 in Kraft products (listed on page 16 of their flyer) you can get a $5 coupon. I also found 3 bonus coupons that helped sweeten the deal.
Kraft Mayo 30 oz jar on sale $2.49 (bonus coupon $1/2 found near crackers) = 2@ $2/ea (retail $3.49)
Nabisco Snack Crackers (Wheat Thins, Triscut, Ritz) on sale 2 for $4 (bonus coupon $1/2 near crackers) = 2@$1.50 each (retail at least $3)
Kraft Salad Dressing 16 oz on sale for $2.18 (bonus coupon on bottle $0.50 off) =1 @1.68 (good deal but I've seen better)
With those three products my total was $8.68 plus tax-but I got a $5 off my next purchase coupon
Check out www.pennypinchinmom.com and go to grocery stores at top then to Hy-Vee and she highlights links for these bonus coupons I found in the store.
So I went back again to see what deals I could find.
You should like Hy-Vee on Facebook to get a $2/1 Old Orchard Naturals Juice (limit 2 coupons to print)
Also like Old Orchard on FB and get $1/1 Old Orchards Naturals
Old Orchard Naturals Cranberry Blends is on sale for $1.77 each.
So I bought 4 Bottles of Old Orchard and paid only $1.54 (I didn't get full value of $2 coupons as they didn't allow overages)
I also got two more Kraft Mayo jars, one box of Ritz crackers (had Hy-Vee coupon for 50cents off one), on box of Wheat Thins, two cans of Hy-vee pumpkin, one box of chocolate Jello and one container of Cool Whip...and my grand total was $6.10. I used the $5 off coupon from the earlier transaction. I thought it would spit out another $5 off coupon but it didn't since I was buying the same products again. Oh well. Still a good deal!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Cover Girl & Crest Deals
So there are several coupons expiring tomorrow (the last day of the month). Today is Sunday and all the new ads come out for CVS, Walgreens, and Target. This morning I got a super deal at CVS, I spent 10.82 but saved 38.78! And I got a $2 coupon off my next purchase. Two of the good deals are outlined below:
Crest Toothpaste with Scope on sale for $2.99
Minus a $2 off one MF coupon
=$0.99 out of pocket
BUT I got $1.00 ECB coupon for my next CVS visit...so it was virtually FREE (and I was able to get that deal twice!)
Cover Girl sale at CVS, buy one, get on 50% off
Remember that great MF coupon for $8 off two CoverGirl products I used earlier...well I found 3 more of them! So far I got a mascara and eyeliner together for only $2.49. I'm going back to get more eyeliner and eyeshadow (as I now have two unopened mascaras-so that should last me a while) :)
There are lots of other good deals that would take a while to list so I'll just write about the best ones to save time!!! Happy bargain shopping!
Crest Toothpaste with Scope on sale for $2.99
Minus a $2 off one MF coupon
=$0.99 out of pocket
BUT I got $1.00 ECB coupon for my next CVS visit...so it was virtually FREE (and I was able to get that deal twice!)
Cover Girl sale at CVS, buy one, get on 50% off
Remember that great MF coupon for $8 off two CoverGirl products I used earlier...well I found 3 more of them! So far I got a mascara and eyeliner together for only $2.49. I'm going back to get more eyeliner and eyeshadow (as I now have two unopened mascaras-so that should last me a while) :)
There are lots of other good deals that would take a while to list so I'll just write about the best ones to save time!!! Happy bargain shopping!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Great Covergirl Deal at CVS-HURRY
I've been not as intense on couponing lately, but I had some EBC (CVS reward coupons) to use that expired today. So before work I stopped in to use the $6 before I lost it. While I was there I scanned my CVS card at the Magic coupon machine and I received two great coupons:
$3 off a $10 cosmetic purchase of your choice
$0.50 EBC
So my super great deal that I got while there was on Cover Girl cosmetics. I had an $8 off two Cover Girl products from this months P&G Sunday insert. I used that with my $3 CVS coupon.
CG Eyeshadow $3.89
CG Mascara $7.79
-$3 CVS instant coupon
-$8 MF Coupon
=$0.68 for the two items!!!
Hurry offer will expire on the 13th!
$3 off a $10 cosmetic purchase of your choice
$0.50 EBC
So my super great deal that I got while there was on Cover Girl cosmetics. I had an $8 off two Cover Girl products from this months P&G Sunday insert. I used that with my $3 CVS coupon.
CG Eyeshadow $3.89
CG Mascara $7.79
-$3 CVS instant coupon
-$8 MF Coupon
=$0.68 for the two items!!!
Hurry offer will expire on the 13th!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Two Great Trips...FREE toothpaste!
Ok I made two good runs this morning. Too many people are out there snagging up the deals on Sunday!!! I still was able to find a few things though. I had a giant list for Walgreens but not everything was in stock.
CVS Deals:
Ritz Crackfuls- FREE with instant coupon out of the Magic Coupon Machine...just scan your card and see what you get! Value of $2.50
Dawn Dish Soap, 9 oz bottle, Retail $1.77, on sale for $0.99, add $0.50 MF coupon = $0.49 (x3)
Herbal Essence Shampoo/Conditioner, Retail $3.99 on sale $2.99, add $1/2 MF =$2.50 each (ECB of $1 each)
Crest Complete Toothpaste, Retail $2.49, add $1 MF Coupon =$1.49 each (ECB of $2 each)
Then I added $5 ECB from last purchase.
Grand total was $4.74 and $6 of ECB printed out for next time. Total saved was $18.43. Retail $19.77. Savings of 88%! And looking back I had $2.99 more in ECB that I didn't use!!! I could have had almost 100%!!! And the clerk even said WOW when she saw my coupons back!
CVS Deals:
Ritz Crackfuls- FREE with instant coupon out of the Magic Coupon Machine...just scan your card and see what you get! Value of $2.50
Dawn Dish Soap, 9 oz bottle, Retail $1.77, on sale for $0.99, add $0.50 MF coupon = $0.49 (x3)
Herbal Essence Shampoo/Conditioner, Retail $3.99 on sale $2.99, add $1/2 MF =$2.50 each (ECB of $1 each)
Crest Complete Toothpaste, Retail $2.49, add $1 MF Coupon =$1.49 each (ECB of $2 each)
Then I added $5 ECB from last purchase.
Grand total was $4.74 and $6 of ECB printed out for next time. Total saved was $18.43. Retail $19.77. Savings of 88%! And looking back I had $2.99 more in ECB that I didn't use!!! I could have had almost 100%!!! And the clerk even said WOW when she saw my coupons back!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Great coupons this week!
So I've scooped out this weeks newspaper coupons...you should grab at least 2...well worth it. Plus I have a big list for Walgreens! This week the three big stock up items are toothpaste ($0.99 a tube), Dawn dish soap ($0.49), and Bengay ($0.99). I'm going to have to get there early tomorrow before work because these deals will not last long!!!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Deal of the week
Ok so today I got some good deals, but the best one was Revlon nail polish for 27 CENTS! Retail price of $4.43. Target had a pretty coral color on sale in the clearance isle for $2.27. Add a $1.00 Target coupon and $1.00 Manufacturers coupon out of the paper...final total $0.27....Awesome deal! If there was other colors I might consider going back with the same deal...but one will be just fine. That's 94% savings!!! I only ended up with a 40% overall savings on my whole transaction. But I got stuff I needed (cat litter, swifter duster, mayo) and had $15 in coupons!
Other good deals include:
Masterpiece BBQ sauce .99 sale plus .50 MF = .50/bottle (I picked up 4)
Duncan Hines cake mix or icing .99 with store coupon, MF coupons (b2g1) and ($1 off) = $1 each (x5)I have some birthdays coming up!
Crest toothpaste $2.99 sale CVS, add $1 MF & $1 ECB (for next purchase) = .99
My couponing may be thrown off with the holiday. But there is a Walgreens in Kirksville now....have a safe a wonderful weekend everyone!!!!
Other good deals include:
Masterpiece BBQ sauce .99 sale plus .50 MF = .50/bottle (I picked up 4)
Duncan Hines cake mix or icing .99 with store coupon, MF coupons (b2g1) and ($1 off) = $1 each (x5)I have some birthdays coming up!
Crest toothpaste $2.99 sale CVS, add $1 MF & $1 ECB (for next purchase) = .99
My couponing may be thrown off with the holiday. But there is a Walgreens in Kirksville now....have a safe a wonderful weekend everyone!!!!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
My personal shopping reflection
So I've started to listen to the Krazy Coupon Lady (KCP) podcast and I really enjoy it. I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about all of this. Joanie (one of the hosts) was on TLC's new hit reality show "Extreme Couponing". I do have to admit after watching a few episodes I was inspired to pay more attention to coupons and go for those large percentage of savings. Today I reflected on my shopping style and how it has evolved over the last year.
I have always have loved a good bargain and sought out sales. I also have also always loved Hy-Vee (I worked there in high school and even won the College scholarship). So I guess from my years of working at a grocery store I feel at home there. Now I've always been one o hold out for a good clothing sale and happy to wear clothes for years if I like them. But as for grocery shopping I haven't been so good over the years.
At first my approach was "it's food-you gotta have it-there's no good way to hold out for a good sale! I'll spend what I spend but try to save a little by buying generic" That approach made my weekly grocery bill for 2 around $150. I love to cook, I love to eat it was easy to spend. I didn't like my totals but didn't really worry much.
Then I came into a rough patch where I really had to watch my money because I didn't have much left over each month. So I started watching what I bought in groceries. That was the only bill that I hadn't put a budget on. After about six months I was really good at knowing what a good price was. I had started to watch prices and take note of what sale price versus regular price was. I also quickly realized that just because it has a flashy sign that says Sale doesn't mean it's a good sale. A sale could be ten cents off or a dollar and ten cents off! And there's a big difference. And bigger sizes are not always cheaper when you calculate it out. I often use my cell phones calculator to check price per ounce. So with this method I would try to lightly stock up on items we used a lot that would stay good until I could use them. So if it was on sale for at least 50 cents off regular I would buy two so I had one in reserve. I also tried to stock up when things were on sale and not just because I liked my pantry being full. I also started meal planning at the beginning of the week for what I had in my cabinets so I wasn't wasting anything or buying everything needed for the meals each week. This kept me from buying regular priced items as much out of letting my stomach do the shopping. This method reduced my grocery bill quite a bit. I was spending about $80-$100 a week.
Now in May I got inspired to pay attention to coupons. I had played around with some online but wasn't real impressed with what I was finding. Why buy brand name with a coupon and still spend more than an store brand that is just as good? And most of the coupons I saw were for 35 cents off 2...that's not really a sale price. But what I was missing was 2 big things: Sunday paper coupons and the concept of holding on to coupons to match good sale prices. So the TLC show inspired and educated me to look into that. My grocery bill now is sometimes only $40 a week! Other weeks are a bit bigger if I'm stocking up, but never over $75. I feel bad spending 50. Sometimes I go to more than one grocery store or make multiple trips (real good deals have limits per visit...I just come back), but I leave with a 50% savings so if I'm already I town why not make the extra trip to save a lot? And I am super careful to buy only things I will use and stockpile only up to 3 months worth on food. (health and beauty items is longer but that's a different post). Now TLC has jaded people with their show to think that saving 90% at a grocery store is possible. Well it is only possible if you have found 15 items that you can almost get for free (which is possible) and then finding coupons to buy 50 of each item. I don't need more than 5 of any deal!!! I only buy one set of coupons (2 if it's super good) and find recycled for the rest. If I'm lucky to find a free deal, hopefully I'm lucky to find several coupons in the dumpster. Otherwise I'll watch my sales flyers and match my coupons for a reasonable stockpile that saves me a lot of money!
I have always have loved a good bargain and sought out sales. I also have also always loved Hy-Vee (I worked there in high school and even won the College scholarship). So I guess from my years of working at a grocery store I feel at home there. Now I've always been one o hold out for a good clothing sale and happy to wear clothes for years if I like them. But as for grocery shopping I haven't been so good over the years.
At first my approach was "it's food-you gotta have it-there's no good way to hold out for a good sale! I'll spend what I spend but try to save a little by buying generic" That approach made my weekly grocery bill for 2 around $150. I love to cook, I love to eat it was easy to spend. I didn't like my totals but didn't really worry much.
Then I came into a rough patch where I really had to watch my money because I didn't have much left over each month. So I started watching what I bought in groceries. That was the only bill that I hadn't put a budget on. After about six months I was really good at knowing what a good price was. I had started to watch prices and take note of what sale price versus regular price was. I also quickly realized that just because it has a flashy sign that says Sale doesn't mean it's a good sale. A sale could be ten cents off or a dollar and ten cents off! And there's a big difference. And bigger sizes are not always cheaper when you calculate it out. I often use my cell phones calculator to check price per ounce. So with this method I would try to lightly stock up on items we used a lot that would stay good until I could use them. So if it was on sale for at least 50 cents off regular I would buy two so I had one in reserve. I also tried to stock up when things were on sale and not just because I liked my pantry being full. I also started meal planning at the beginning of the week for what I had in my cabinets so I wasn't wasting anything or buying everything needed for the meals each week. This kept me from buying regular priced items as much out of letting my stomach do the shopping. This method reduced my grocery bill quite a bit. I was spending about $80-$100 a week.
Now in May I got inspired to pay attention to coupons. I had played around with some online but wasn't real impressed with what I was finding. Why buy brand name with a coupon and still spend more than an store brand that is just as good? And most of the coupons I saw were for 35 cents off 2...that's not really a sale price. But what I was missing was 2 big things: Sunday paper coupons and the concept of holding on to coupons to match good sale prices. So the TLC show inspired and educated me to look into that. My grocery bill now is sometimes only $40 a week! Other weeks are a bit bigger if I'm stocking up, but never over $75. I feel bad spending 50. Sometimes I go to more than one grocery store or make multiple trips (real good deals have limits per visit...I just come back), but I leave with a 50% savings so if I'm already I town why not make the extra trip to save a lot? And I am super careful to buy only things I will use and stockpile only up to 3 months worth on food. (health and beauty items is longer but that's a different post). Now TLC has jaded people with their show to think that saving 90% at a grocery store is possible. Well it is only possible if you have found 15 items that you can almost get for free (which is possible) and then finding coupons to buy 50 of each item. I don't need more than 5 of any deal!!! I only buy one set of coupons (2 if it's super good) and find recycled for the rest. If I'm lucky to find a free deal, hopefully I'm lucky to find several coupons in the dumpster. Otherwise I'll watch my sales flyers and match my coupons for a reasonable stockpile that saves me a lot of money!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Major savings at Walgreens and grocery stores!
Ok so my biggest savings this week was at Walgreens. But my two local grocery stores had some good buys too!
62% savings on two transactions at Walgreens!
Using their Register Rewards "RR" system you can get coupons off your next purchase on qualifying items. I like the ones that are $5 or more off and then I either go back in the same week to use them or hold them for the next week. It's funny because I waited until the last day of the sale and could have gone back to duplicate the awesome savings if I'd had my coupon surplus with me!*** That is one good and bad thing about Walgreens that I have learned. They do not place a limit on how many "transactions" you do with in a week to get their register rewards and good deals (CVS does-limit one per member card-one member card per household). The cool part of that is you can go back and get the deal again. The downfall is that most drug stores don't stock up on these items (unlike grocery stores) so when they run out, you are out of luck. I believe they do have A rain check policy but I'd rather get it that day. So I combine Walgreens super sales with manufacturers coupons and get RR back. This week my retail (original store price)on 11 items was $64 and out of pocket I spent only $19.97. My best deal was Dove Body wash/soap. The items I got (24oz women's body wash, 6 pack women's bar soap, 6 pack men's body wash) retailed around $8 each. They were on sale for $6 each. Then I had a manufactures coupon for each (that happen to expire the next day) that equalled $1 off each-lowering my price to $5 each. I added my $5 from a RR deal I bought earlier in the day-lowering to $3.33 each. Then I got $6 RR for buying three. So that in theory made them like $1.33 each. Then the added bonus was that the body wash had a bonus deodorant attached to it (retail at least $2). So that's not too shabby! Then there was an error that the clerk made and my RR didn't come out so I ended up with a total of $6.97 and he just gave me cash back for the RR error and I left the store for $0.52!!!
I've been listening to the Krazy Coupon Lady podcast (free on I-tunes, new one each week) and they confirmed what I have found true for grocery stores. These lady's are good and they don't have places that do double couponing and they said that a good deal on food is about 50-60%. which made me happy because the last few weeks I have averaged a 55% savings on each transaction at the grocery store (I use Price Chopper & Hy-Vee). They also confirmed that you can get better savings at these type of food stores (they call high-lows---retail high, super low sales) than at major super stores (WalMart, Target, KMart) [which if you know me it THRILLED me because I hate WalMart-email me if you want my rants on them]!!! I have even stooped low(morally for me) to look at WalMart ads and they really don't have that great of sales. I have not found a deal good enough to merit me taking a trip there-granted it might have to be almost free and the ability to get multiples for me to walk in to that store (sorry to those of you with less options in your area-Dollar General is a good option!) They also talked about Bulk stores like SAMs and Costco-on produce you might be saving but everything else you are probably paying Way too much! So that pretty much confirmed my findings so far and made me feel good.
Big grocery savings items this week:
Hy-Vee
Hamburger/chicken/tuna Helper on sale for $0.88/box, add $0.75 off three= $0.63 each. A nice thing to throw in the cabinet for a fast meal every once in a while. Retail is around $2.50.
Fresh quartered chicken-$0.39/pound, 10 pound bag (like equivalent of 2.5 whole chickens)=$3.90. that's a lot, I'll cut some of it and freeze and my crock pot one piece for this week-should make two meals for us.
Michelinas frozen entrees (great for quick lunch at work) on sale for $0.49 each (retail $1.49) add MF coupon for $1 off 5= $0.29 each! Now that cheap lunch! $1 is usually good for the things I pick up for a quick lunch but that's super good!
Price Chopper
French's Worcestershire sauce on sale $1 each, add MF coupon =$0.25 each! I used the only two coupons I could get my hands on (it was a new coupon-non thrown out yet)
Velveeta Skillets Meals (new item, like Hamburger Helper products but they look better) on sale for $2, add $1 off one =$1 each. I picked up three-retailed around $3-good deal.
So that's the highlights this week. Sorry for long (if you are still reading!) I'm going to make an effort to blog more often instead of piling it all in one big post. There's just so much to talk about!!! Next weeks goals-get a CVS card and check them out-supposed to be better than Walgreens.
***my new crazy idea is to get a traveling file box and move my surplus of coupons (remember I only buy one set each week and cut them to carry in my purse and then find recycled (ok--dumpster dive) for extra copies) and file those by date in file folders. If I take these folders on the go I can go back into a store after finding a steal of a deal and replicate the transaction. And as CRAZY as it is I've started packing scissors in my car already for quick cutting on newly acquired coupons. :) I just have too much fun with this game!!!
62% savings on two transactions at Walgreens!
Using their Register Rewards "RR" system you can get coupons off your next purchase on qualifying items. I like the ones that are $5 or more off and then I either go back in the same week to use them or hold them for the next week. It's funny because I waited until the last day of the sale and could have gone back to duplicate the awesome savings if I'd had my coupon surplus with me!*** That is one good and bad thing about Walgreens that I have learned. They do not place a limit on how many "transactions" you do with in a week to get their register rewards and good deals (CVS does-limit one per member card-one member card per household). The cool part of that is you can go back and get the deal again. The downfall is that most drug stores don't stock up on these items (unlike grocery stores) so when they run out, you are out of luck. I believe they do have A rain check policy but I'd rather get it that day. So I combine Walgreens super sales with manufacturers coupons and get RR back. This week my retail (original store price)on 11 items was $64 and out of pocket I spent only $19.97. My best deal was Dove Body wash/soap. The items I got (24oz women's body wash, 6 pack women's bar soap, 6 pack men's body wash) retailed around $8 each. They were on sale for $6 each. Then I had a manufactures coupon for each (that happen to expire the next day) that equalled $1 off each-lowering my price to $5 each. I added my $5 from a RR deal I bought earlier in the day-lowering to $3.33 each. Then I got $6 RR for buying three. So that in theory made them like $1.33 each. Then the added bonus was that the body wash had a bonus deodorant attached to it (retail at least $2). So that's not too shabby! Then there was an error that the clerk made and my RR didn't come out so I ended up with a total of $6.97 and he just gave me cash back for the RR error and I left the store for $0.52!!!
I've been listening to the Krazy Coupon Lady podcast (free on I-tunes, new one each week) and they confirmed what I have found true for grocery stores. These lady's are good and they don't have places that do double couponing and they said that a good deal on food is about 50-60%. which made me happy because the last few weeks I have averaged a 55% savings on each transaction at the grocery store (I use Price Chopper & Hy-Vee). They also confirmed that you can get better savings at these type of food stores (they call high-lows---retail high, super low sales) than at major super stores (WalMart, Target, KMart) [which if you know me it THRILLED me because I hate WalMart-email me if you want my rants on them]!!! I have even stooped low(morally for me) to look at WalMart ads and they really don't have that great of sales. I have not found a deal good enough to merit me taking a trip there-granted it might have to be almost free and the ability to get multiples for me to walk in to that store (sorry to those of you with less options in your area-Dollar General is a good option!) They also talked about Bulk stores like SAMs and Costco-on produce you might be saving but everything else you are probably paying Way too much! So that pretty much confirmed my findings so far and made me feel good.
Big grocery savings items this week:
Hy-Vee
Hamburger/chicken/tuna Helper on sale for $0.88/box, add $0.75 off three= $0.63 each. A nice thing to throw in the cabinet for a fast meal every once in a while. Retail is around $2.50.
Fresh quartered chicken-$0.39/pound, 10 pound bag (like equivalent of 2.5 whole chickens)=$3.90. that's a lot, I'll cut some of it and freeze and my crock pot one piece for this week-should make two meals for us.
Michelinas frozen entrees (great for quick lunch at work) on sale for $0.49 each (retail $1.49) add MF coupon for $1 off 5= $0.29 each! Now that cheap lunch! $1 is usually good for the things I pick up for a quick lunch but that's super good!
Price Chopper
French's Worcestershire sauce on sale $1 each, add MF coupon =$0.25 each! I used the only two coupons I could get my hands on (it was a new coupon-non thrown out yet)
Velveeta Skillets Meals (new item, like Hamburger Helper products but they look better) on sale for $2, add $1 off one =$1 each. I picked up three-retailed around $3-good deal.
So that's the highlights this week. Sorry for long (if you are still reading!) I'm going to make an effort to blog more often instead of piling it all in one big post. There's just so much to talk about!!! Next weeks goals-get a CVS card and check them out-supposed to be better than Walgreens.
***my new crazy idea is to get a traveling file box and move my surplus of coupons (remember I only buy one set each week and cut them to carry in my purse and then find recycled (ok--dumpster dive) for extra copies) and file those by date in file folders. If I take these folders on the go I can go back into a store after finding a steal of a deal and replicate the transaction. And as CRAZY as it is I've started packing scissors in my car already for quick cutting on newly acquired coupons. :) I just have too much fun with this game!!!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Walgreens Good Deals-94% Savings
Ok so first off...WOW has it really been a month since I have blogged! I've done some light couponing, but I've been pretty swamped with the busy season at work. My house is still a wreck from the whirlwind of July. But I had the chance this week to grin in amusement as I spent little to nothing and came home with lots of goods from Walgreens.
The first big sale I saw was for Kerr lotion, but it was a one day sale. I was crossing my fingers that it was a deal in STL as we were traveling there for a wedding. I made my husband, brother-in-laws, and father-in-law wait in the car on the way from the wedding to the reception so I could check out this awesome deal. The deal was Kerr lotion (retail 6.99) on sale for $5.99. Purchase one, get a $5 Register Rewards coupon good on your next purchase. The cool part was that I had a $3 off Catalina coupon (comes out of the register at WG when you purchase other items). So I ended up spending $2.99 plus tax and got $5 back. So in essence I just gained $2 for buying that body lotion!!!!
So this week I did some research to decide how I could use that $5 to my best advantage. My first transaction I got Aussie 3 Minute Miracle conditioner, retail $3.99, minus $0.99 WG Sale, minus $1 MFC = $2 total (plus Register Rewards gained at checkout $1). Then I had been really waiting Peanut Butter M&M's and couldn't find the small bags at Target or Hy-Vee. Walgreens not only had them, but had them on sale for $0.49 (normal $0.99-which is crazy high) and I was able to add a MFC for $1.00 off two so I got two packages of M&M for FREE. In the same isle there was a sale on Trident Gum, usually $1.29 but on sale for $0.79 each. I had a coupon for $1.00 off 3, so I paid $0.46 each pack of gum! I then went to the shaving area. I have a Gillette Venus razor and love it. There is always Gillette products coupons in the month P&G insert (comes out the first Sunday of the month). Walgreens was offering a $4 Register Reward for the ProGlide Venus Razor package (one razor, suction cup holder for shower, and two refill blades). It normally was $10.99, on sale for $9.99. I added a $5 off MFC so my total was $4.99 with $4 back. I used my $5.00 coupon from the Kerr lotion the Saturday before and basically got that razor for FREE. I added Bic Highlighters (normally $2.99, on sale for $0.79) and a package of face wipes for $2.49. My total after $13.00 in MFC and $6.91 in Walgreens Sale was $7.45 AND TWO RR Coupons came out of the register totally $5 off my next purchase. I calculated that to be a 72% savings, not counting the RR which I used on a future purchase.
Transaction #3
This one was disappointing, kinda. Revlon Nail polish, on sale for $3.99, buy one get a $3 RR coupon. I couldn't find a MFC to go with it, but that is still a good deal. I also added the $1 RR from the earlier transaction to make it $2.99 so with the new coupon-practically Free. So I purchased it but the RR didn't come out. I asked the sales person and they handed me a mail in paper. I guess it wasn't working but since it was advertised they had to still offer it, now I just have to mail it in and wait 6 weeks...not so much fun!
Transaction #4
(I searched through my archive at home and couldn't find another gum or razor coupon, but did find two more M&M ones)
I really like those round face cleansing pads and was out, so I decided that would be my free item to get with my RR left over. I also needed to stock up on M&M at that price (only problem is I eat chocolate fast-so stocking up ins't really the word, lol). So I bought Clearasil Face Cleansing Pads, retail $5.49, on sale for $3.49; 4 bags of M&M's all on sale for $0.49 and more Bic Highlighters because $0.74 is super good and I wasn't sure if I would have enough to use my $4 off coupon. My Grand Total for this transaction....$0.74!!!! THAT's 94% Savings!!! I was wishing for more RR to use next week, but I'm not feeling very good today so I'm not dumpster diving or driving to town!!! I think I did pretty good for the week.
Weekly Summary
Transaction #1 in STL
Lotion and Q-tips
Total $5.47, RR of $5
Transaction #2
Conditioner, Razor, 3 packs M&M, 3 packs Trident gum, Highlighters, Face Wipes
Total $7.45, RR of $1 & $4
Transaction #3
Revilon Nail Polish
Total $3.06, RR of $3 (but my mail so I have to wait) :(
Transaction #4
4 packs M&M, Clearsil Face Pads, Highlighters
Total $0.74
Total spent was $16.72
Retail price was $52.93
Total savings was 68.4%
I could have had a higher percentage but I did buy Q-tips at full price, as well as Face Wipes. But I needed those. Still not bad.
The first big sale I saw was for Kerr lotion, but it was a one day sale. I was crossing my fingers that it was a deal in STL as we were traveling there for a wedding. I made my husband, brother-in-laws, and father-in-law wait in the car on the way from the wedding to the reception so I could check out this awesome deal. The deal was Kerr lotion (retail 6.99) on sale for $5.99. Purchase one, get a $5 Register Rewards coupon good on your next purchase. The cool part was that I had a $3 off Catalina coupon (comes out of the register at WG when you purchase other items). So I ended up spending $2.99 plus tax and got $5 back. So in essence I just gained $2 for buying that body lotion!!!!
So this week I did some research to decide how I could use that $5 to my best advantage. My first transaction I got Aussie 3 Minute Miracle conditioner, retail $3.99, minus $0.99 WG Sale, minus $1 MFC = $2 total (plus Register Rewards gained at checkout $1). Then I had been really waiting Peanut Butter M&M's and couldn't find the small bags at Target or Hy-Vee. Walgreens not only had them, but had them on sale for $0.49 (normal $0.99-which is crazy high) and I was able to add a MFC for $1.00 off two so I got two packages of M&M for FREE. In the same isle there was a sale on Trident Gum, usually $1.29 but on sale for $0.79 each. I had a coupon for $1.00 off 3, so I paid $0.46 each pack of gum! I then went to the shaving area. I have a Gillette Venus razor and love it. There is always Gillette products coupons in the month P&G insert (comes out the first Sunday of the month). Walgreens was offering a $4 Register Reward for the ProGlide Venus Razor package (one razor, suction cup holder for shower, and two refill blades). It normally was $10.99, on sale for $9.99. I added a $5 off MFC so my total was $4.99 with $4 back. I used my $5.00 coupon from the Kerr lotion the Saturday before and basically got that razor for FREE. I added Bic Highlighters (normally $2.99, on sale for $0.79) and a package of face wipes for $2.49. My total after $13.00 in MFC and $6.91 in Walgreens Sale was $7.45 AND TWO RR Coupons came out of the register totally $5 off my next purchase. I calculated that to be a 72% savings, not counting the RR which I used on a future purchase.
Transaction #3
This one was disappointing, kinda. Revlon Nail polish, on sale for $3.99, buy one get a $3 RR coupon. I couldn't find a MFC to go with it, but that is still a good deal. I also added the $1 RR from the earlier transaction to make it $2.99 so with the new coupon-practically Free. So I purchased it but the RR didn't come out. I asked the sales person and they handed me a mail in paper. I guess it wasn't working but since it was advertised they had to still offer it, now I just have to mail it in and wait 6 weeks...not so much fun!
Transaction #4
(I searched through my archive at home and couldn't find another gum or razor coupon, but did find two more M&M ones)
I really like those round face cleansing pads and was out, so I decided that would be my free item to get with my RR left over. I also needed to stock up on M&M at that price (only problem is I eat chocolate fast-so stocking up ins't really the word, lol). So I bought Clearasil Face Cleansing Pads, retail $5.49, on sale for $3.49; 4 bags of M&M's all on sale for $0.49 and more Bic Highlighters because $0.74 is super good and I wasn't sure if I would have enough to use my $4 off coupon. My Grand Total for this transaction....$0.74!!!! THAT's 94% Savings!!! I was wishing for more RR to use next week, but I'm not feeling very good today so I'm not dumpster diving or driving to town!!! I think I did pretty good for the week.
Weekly Summary
Transaction #1 in STL
Lotion and Q-tips
Total $5.47, RR of $5
Transaction #2
Conditioner, Razor, 3 packs M&M, 3 packs Trident gum, Highlighters, Face Wipes
Total $7.45, RR of $1 & $4
Transaction #3
Revilon Nail Polish
Total $3.06, RR of $3 (but my mail so I have to wait) :(
Transaction #4
4 packs M&M, Clearsil Face Pads, Highlighters
Total $0.74
Total spent was $16.72
Retail price was $52.93
Total savings was 68.4%
I could have had a higher percentage but I did buy Q-tips at full price, as well as Face Wipes. But I needed those. Still not bad.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
FREE Tic Tacs
So this week is all about the FREE stuff.
I have scored some more Free coupons at the newspaper recycling bin, which in turn has gotten me some other free items.
Seattle's Best Iced Coffee--love it! It is helping me survive the night shift. Brilliant strategy on their part, give me a free coupon, get me hooked. However, I am now up to 7-Free coupons. I can only use one per purchase, but if it's FREE it's worth stopping by the store randomly to get it. I also have 7 coupons for $2.00 off of a 4 pack, which normally runs $4.99...that's 74 cents a can. I mean that's much better than a $3 iced coffee from Starbucks or McDonald's.
Tic Tacs
So I found a new website: http://coupondivas.com/ I don't like it quite as well as www.pennypinchinmom.com but it does have a match up for Dollar General. At DG Tic Tacs are normally 65 cents a package. A few weeks back there was a 75 cents off 1 coupon in the SS flyer. I found two (some more people need to throw theirs out) but that gave me 10 cents credit per the two I got. Which took care of the tax on the septic treatment I had to buy anyway. So you can't beat that! I don't normally buy them but for FREE why not???
So I'm finding real benefits of couponing the longer I do it. You just have to be patient. Don't use all your coupons the first week, hold on for that item to go on sale! Now I have files of coupons (that I got for Free--I only spend $2 a week on one Sunday paper) that I can pull up anytime I find a good match up. And the websites do a ton of work for me!
Ok, I must focus and work hard during tonight's shift. I'm drowning in things to do, but I couldn't help but stop and share before I become SUPER WOMAN and tackle this stack of misc special stuff at work!
I have scored some more Free coupons at the newspaper recycling bin, which in turn has gotten me some other free items.
Seattle's Best Iced Coffee--love it! It is helping me survive the night shift. Brilliant strategy on their part, give me a free coupon, get me hooked. However, I am now up to 7-Free coupons. I can only use one per purchase, but if it's FREE it's worth stopping by the store randomly to get it. I also have 7 coupons for $2.00 off of a 4 pack, which normally runs $4.99...that's 74 cents a can. I mean that's much better than a $3 iced coffee from Starbucks or McDonald's.
Tic Tacs
So I found a new website: http://coupondivas.com/ I don't like it quite as well as www.pennypinchinmom.com but it does have a match up for Dollar General. At DG Tic Tacs are normally 65 cents a package. A few weeks back there was a 75 cents off 1 coupon in the SS flyer. I found two (some more people need to throw theirs out) but that gave me 10 cents credit per the two I got. Which took care of the tax on the septic treatment I had to buy anyway. So you can't beat that! I don't normally buy them but for FREE why not???
So I'm finding real benefits of couponing the longer I do it. You just have to be patient. Don't use all your coupons the first week, hold on for that item to go on sale! Now I have files of coupons (that I got for Free--I only spend $2 a week on one Sunday paper) that I can pull up anytime I find a good match up. And the websites do a ton of work for me!
Ok, I must focus and work hard during tonight's shift. I'm drowning in things to do, but I couldn't help but stop and share before I become SUPER WOMAN and tackle this stack of misc special stuff at work!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Two FREE Items
So I got two things for FREE today!!!
Crystal Light was on sale at Price Chopper (the drink mix that makes like 6 quarts or something like that) for $0.99 which is way good. It is normally around $3.00. I had a coupon for $1.00 off one...so I got it for FREE!
I have had a coupon for a free can of Iced Seattles Best Coffee. But I couldn't find it anywhere. So I googled it and found the nearest place to be Lee's Summitt which is like 45 minutes from my house, no thank-you! Today as I was picking up Poweraid 32 oz drinks for 49 cents each (way good deal) I spotted the canned coffee drink on the shelf. It retailed for $1.49 and I got it for FREE. I only had one coupon on me, I'll have to go home and look for more. But I drank it, and it was good. And I don't really like coffee. And with working the night shift a few times in the upcoming weeks, this may be helpful...and how can you go wrong with FREE.
So in order to find out if I have more coupons I have created a filing system for my coupons. I went searching in the dumpster for more yesterday (all of a sudden I LOVE taking recycling to the bins...hummm) and in like 5 minutes I had pulled out 10 inserts (for every 2 that would have cost me $2 for a paper). When I got home I got file folders out and filed them by date and by type (Smart Source, Proctor & Gamble, Red Plum). I then used my favorite new website: www.pennypinchinmom.com where I can search for coupons in their database by name. Last night I looked up the Crystal Light one (so I could score a second container before the PC sale stopped) and it was super easy. Once I narrowed it down to which insert it took a small bit of flipping and then I found it.
So that is my excitement so far this week. Going to score more free coffee and check out the new flyers for Price Chopper and Hy-Vee. Their sales always start on Wednesdays.
Crystal Light was on sale at Price Chopper (the drink mix that makes like 6 quarts or something like that) for $0.99 which is way good. It is normally around $3.00. I had a coupon for $1.00 off one...so I got it for FREE!
I have had a coupon for a free can of Iced Seattles Best Coffee. But I couldn't find it anywhere. So I googled it and found the nearest place to be Lee's Summitt which is like 45 minutes from my house, no thank-you! Today as I was picking up Poweraid 32 oz drinks for 49 cents each (way good deal) I spotted the canned coffee drink on the shelf. It retailed for $1.49 and I got it for FREE. I only had one coupon on me, I'll have to go home and look for more. But I drank it, and it was good. And I don't really like coffee. And with working the night shift a few times in the upcoming weeks, this may be helpful...and how can you go wrong with FREE.
So in order to find out if I have more coupons I have created a filing system for my coupons. I went searching in the dumpster for more yesterday (all of a sudden I LOVE taking recycling to the bins...hummm) and in like 5 minutes I had pulled out 10 inserts (for every 2 that would have cost me $2 for a paper). When I got home I got file folders out and filed them by date and by type (Smart Source, Proctor & Gamble, Red Plum). I then used my favorite new website: www.pennypinchinmom.com where I can search for coupons in their database by name. Last night I looked up the Crystal Light one (so I could score a second container before the PC sale stopped) and it was super easy. Once I narrowed it down to which insert it took a small bit of flipping and then I found it.
So that is my excitement so far this week. Going to score more free coffee and check out the new flyers for Price Chopper and Hy-Vee. Their sales always start on Wednesdays.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Dumpster Divin'
Ok, so I'm sure that you are going to think I've gone off the deep end....but I went Dumpster Divin' for coupons today!!!
So I had a car full of cardboard from the office (with the new trash system the truck picks up the trash/recycle bin with a robot arm off the truck--so anything that doesn't go in the bin does not get picked up and we recycle a lot of cardboard at the office each week). I needed to get the cardboard out of the car so I went down to the recycling facility. As I took several loads of cardboard to the large bin, I couldn't help but notice the newspaper recycle bin staring at me. So I had to go take a look. They make it look really easy on the TV, but I have always figured that it really wasn't that easy. I slowly opened the door to the newspaper bin and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a sea of recycled newspaper! And most of them were Sunday papers! I thought to myself "Surely people don't throw away coupons." Oh I was wrong, within about 45 seconds I had picked up 5 coupon insert booklets and didn't go more than an inch into the stack of paper. All the coupons were from the last couple of weeks! So I felt like I had a real jackpot!
So I also bought a new paper this weekend with new coupons to harvest. The big coupons to hang on to this week: $1.00 off 2 Miracle Whip, $1.00 off 1 Kraft Cheese, $1.00 off 2 Kraft dressing.
I checked out Target...still no Nivea Men's body wash. If I could ever get it in stock I could buy it for $0.04! I have a $2 MF coupon and a $1 Target coupon and the price at Target the last two weeks has been $3.04. However I did find it on sale at Hy-Vee for $2.50 and so I could use the MF coupon and get it for $0.50. When I went Hy-Vee they were also out, but I got a rain check so when they have it again I can cash in for the savings. I just need to watch my MF coupon to make sure it doesn't expire.
Today's deals at Target: Kraft salad dressing on sale for $1.59, add $1 off 2 Target coupon, and $1 off 2 MF (this weeks paper) = $0.59 each. Bertolli pasta sauce $1.99, add $1 off 2 Target coupon = $1.49 each (usually that retails for $3 or more and it's super good). I got the alfredo sauce b/c I am stocked up on tomato pasta sauce from Ragu sales. Pantene shampoo, on sale $3.50, MF $3 off 2 = $2 each. Oh and I was a good Samaritan and gave a guy a $0.55 off MF coupon for shaving gel...I got that same kind last week and it was on ok deal but nothing amazing.
I'm watching Head and Shoulders Shampoo at Target to go on sale. I have $1 off 2 MF and $1 off 2 Target. Retail they are $3.99 or better, so I'm hoping to get two bottle for close to $1. I also have a $1 off coupon for Herbal Essence or Aussie hair products...watching all stores for a good buy on that one.
I always find coupons for Old Spice & Gillette men's deodorant and body wash. My goal is to never pay more than $0.50 each for either product. Nate uses Gillette and my dad uses Old Spice so they will be in supply for life pretty soon!
So I had a car full of cardboard from the office (with the new trash system the truck picks up the trash/recycle bin with a robot arm off the truck--so anything that doesn't go in the bin does not get picked up and we recycle a lot of cardboard at the office each week). I needed to get the cardboard out of the car so I went down to the recycling facility. As I took several loads of cardboard to the large bin, I couldn't help but notice the newspaper recycle bin staring at me. So I had to go take a look. They make it look really easy on the TV, but I have always figured that it really wasn't that easy. I slowly opened the door to the newspaper bin and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a sea of recycled newspaper! And most of them were Sunday papers! I thought to myself "Surely people don't throw away coupons." Oh I was wrong, within about 45 seconds I had picked up 5 coupon insert booklets and didn't go more than an inch into the stack of paper. All the coupons were from the last couple of weeks! So I felt like I had a real jackpot!
So I also bought a new paper this weekend with new coupons to harvest. The big coupons to hang on to this week: $1.00 off 2 Miracle Whip, $1.00 off 1 Kraft Cheese, $1.00 off 2 Kraft dressing.
I checked out Target...still no Nivea Men's body wash. If I could ever get it in stock I could buy it for $0.04! I have a $2 MF coupon and a $1 Target coupon and the price at Target the last two weeks has been $3.04. However I did find it on sale at Hy-Vee for $2.50 and so I could use the MF coupon and get it for $0.50. When I went Hy-Vee they were also out, but I got a rain check so when they have it again I can cash in for the savings. I just need to watch my MF coupon to make sure it doesn't expire.
Today's deals at Target: Kraft salad dressing on sale for $1.59, add $1 off 2 Target coupon, and $1 off 2 MF (this weeks paper) = $0.59 each. Bertolli pasta sauce $1.99, add $1 off 2 Target coupon = $1.49 each (usually that retails for $3 or more and it's super good). I got the alfredo sauce b/c I am stocked up on tomato pasta sauce from Ragu sales. Pantene shampoo, on sale $3.50, MF $3 off 2 = $2 each. Oh and I was a good Samaritan and gave a guy a $0.55 off MF coupon for shaving gel...I got that same kind last week and it was on ok deal but nothing amazing.
I'm watching Head and Shoulders Shampoo at Target to go on sale. I have $1 off 2 MF and $1 off 2 Target. Retail they are $3.99 or better, so I'm hoping to get two bottle for close to $1. I also have a $1 off coupon for Herbal Essence or Aussie hair products...watching all stores for a good buy on that one.
I always find coupons for Old Spice & Gillette men's deodorant and body wash. My goal is to never pay more than $0.50 each for either product. Nate uses Gillette and my dad uses Old Spice so they will be in supply for life pretty soon!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
My deals of the last week
So I haven't written for a while...I've been super busy. But don't worry, I have made a few great purchases in the last week. I have learned a few things too, here's the highlight:
Week 4 Sunday Paper--no coupons. (I almost bought two of them, glad I didn't)
Always check your Sunday paper to see if the inserts are in them! I bought two this last week (b/c the P&G [Proctor & Gamble] coupons were in it and that is usually worth two) but I got home to find that someone stole the inserts out of one of my papers! Seriously!!!
Don't forget your Members Card. I personally hate that stores make you use those to get deals, but don't go for a sale and don't use them. I had to go back in and have the difference made up at Walgreens.
So here is a recap of some of the deals that I got in the last week:
Walgreens
Two Men's Gillette Deo, Two boxes Therma Care Heat patches, Two Women's Degree Motion Deo, all for a total of $3.19. Total savings of $28.57 or 88.8% Savings! That one was extra good because I had a $10 off Walgreens coupon from a previous good deal.
Two Suave 18oz body lotion (B1G1), Bic Soleil Razors 4 pack ($3 MF off, $1 Store Sale), Caress body wash ($0.75 MF, $2 store sale), and a new Twix Coconut candy bar (what the heck) for a total of $3.94. Total savings of $15.35 or 79.5% savings. I used a $5 off Walgreens coupon from the above purchase.
Price Chopper
Two bottles of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce, 18 oz for FREE!!! I held on to two of the $1 off one MF coupons b/c I knew I would find them on sale for $0.99 somewhere! They are normally $2.69. Charmin TP 9 pack for $2.99.
So that's the coupon news. As for cooking...well I added Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle (my favorite Pampered Chef pantry item) to my Bisquick recipe for Shortcakes and they were amazing. So amazing that the whole batch didn't last 24 hours. I have all these wonderful strawberries from the garden and I needed something special to eat them with! :)
More deals coming up-I've scanned the grocery ads for this week and there are some good sales. I need to check out Target matchups too. I have found a great local site for match-ups: http://www.pennypinchinmom.com/ Check it out!
Week 4 Sunday Paper--no coupons. (I almost bought two of them, glad I didn't)
Always check your Sunday paper to see if the inserts are in them! I bought two this last week (b/c the P&G [Proctor & Gamble] coupons were in it and that is usually worth two) but I got home to find that someone stole the inserts out of one of my papers! Seriously!!!
Don't forget your Members Card. I personally hate that stores make you use those to get deals, but don't go for a sale and don't use them. I had to go back in and have the difference made up at Walgreens.
So here is a recap of some of the deals that I got in the last week:
Walgreens
Two Men's Gillette Deo, Two boxes Therma Care Heat patches, Two Women's Degree Motion Deo, all for a total of $3.19. Total savings of $28.57 or 88.8% Savings! That one was extra good because I had a $10 off Walgreens coupon from a previous good deal.
Two Suave 18oz body lotion (B1G1), Bic Soleil Razors 4 pack ($3 MF off, $1 Store Sale), Caress body wash ($0.75 MF, $2 store sale), and a new Twix Coconut candy bar (what the heck) for a total of $3.94. Total savings of $15.35 or 79.5% savings. I used a $5 off Walgreens coupon from the above purchase.
Price Chopper
Two bottles of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce, 18 oz for FREE!!! I held on to two of the $1 off one MF coupons b/c I knew I would find them on sale for $0.99 somewhere! They are normally $2.69. Charmin TP 9 pack for $2.99.
So that's the coupon news. As for cooking...well I added Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle (my favorite Pampered Chef pantry item) to my Bisquick recipe for Shortcakes and they were amazing. So amazing that the whole batch didn't last 24 hours. I have all these wonderful strawberries from the garden and I needed something special to eat them with! :)
More deals coming up-I've scanned the grocery ads for this week and there are some good sales. I need to check out Target matchups too. I have found a great local site for match-ups: http://www.pennypinchinmom.com/ Check it out!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Hy-Vee Deals Today
Ok so my favorite store to shop at is Hy-Vee! I worked for HV in high school, and won the college scholarship. To recieve the scholarship I went to West Demoines, IA. and got to tour the Hy-Vee museum--guess that is where my facination started! :) My friends make fun of my Hy-Vee obsession. I just have always perferred the helpful smiles in every isle! They just built a cool new Hy-Vee in Liberty that I visit every week. So as an extreme couponer I realize that I do have to buy items that aren't for 67%+ off! But I can still save money on my purchases. Tonight's bargins don't meet my high percentage level, but I don't think I bought a single item at full price!
I applied a total of $14.04 worth of store and MF coupons to my purchase and my total was $72.50. I'm estimating another $25.80 off of normal retail price for the items I purchased. So if it was full price it would have been $112.34 so a savings of $39.84 which is 35.5% savings. Some of my good deals today included:
Oscar Myers Hotdogs-8 pack-bun length, on sale for $0.99 a package (usually over $2), plus I used a MF coupon for $1 off of 2, making each package $0.49...I bought 4 packages.
Oscar Myers Shaved Deli Meat-on sale for $2.49 each, plus store coupon of $0.50 off each, MF coupon of $1 off 2,=$1.50 each
Ritz Crackers, on sale $1.99 a box, minus $0.50 each store coupon, minus MF coupon $1 off 2=$1 each
Kraft Mac N Cheese, 5 pack, on sale for $3.79, plus $0.50 store coupon,=$3.29 or $0.65 a box which is about equal to a generic brand on sale, but I also got an instant coupon on the side of the box that gave me 10 FREE packets of Kool-Aid. So why not I said?
Ragu Spaghetti Sauce, on sale $1.77, minus $1.35 MF coupon off 3=$1.32 each (or kinda like one free)
Pace Salsa, larger bottle, on sale $2.77 (usually at least a dollar more)
Suddenly Salad Pasta Mix, on sale $0.99 each
Wheat Thins, on sale $1.99 (usually over $3), plus store coupon of $0.50=$1.49 a box.
Kraft Shredded Cheese, 8 oz bag, usually $2.89, on sale for $1.99 plus store coupon=$1.49
Those are a few of my finds. I had a kitty litter coupon I was going to use, but the generic brand was like over a $1 cheaper after my coupon and the store markdown so it wasn't worth it.
I applied a total of $14.04 worth of store and MF coupons to my purchase and my total was $72.50. I'm estimating another $25.80 off of normal retail price for the items I purchased. So if it was full price it would have been $112.34 so a savings of $39.84 which is 35.5% savings. Some of my good deals today included:
Oscar Myers Hotdogs-8 pack-bun length, on sale for $0.99 a package (usually over $2), plus I used a MF coupon for $1 off of 2, making each package $0.49...I bought 4 packages.
Oscar Myers Shaved Deli Meat-on sale for $2.49 each, plus store coupon of $0.50 off each, MF coupon of $1 off 2,=$1.50 each
Ritz Crackers, on sale $1.99 a box, minus $0.50 each store coupon, minus MF coupon $1 off 2=$1 each
Kraft Mac N Cheese, 5 pack, on sale for $3.79, plus $0.50 store coupon,=$3.29 or $0.65 a box which is about equal to a generic brand on sale, but I also got an instant coupon on the side of the box that gave me 10 FREE packets of Kool-Aid. So why not I said?
Ragu Spaghetti Sauce, on sale $1.77, minus $1.35 MF coupon off 3=$1.32 each (or kinda like one free)
Pace Salsa, larger bottle, on sale $2.77 (usually at least a dollar more)
Suddenly Salad Pasta Mix, on sale $0.99 each
Wheat Thins, on sale $1.99 (usually over $3), plus store coupon of $0.50=$1.49 a box.
Kraft Shredded Cheese, 8 oz bag, usually $2.89, on sale for $1.99 plus store coupon=$1.49
Those are a few of my finds. I had a kitty litter coupon I was going to use, but the generic brand was like over a $1 cheaper after my coupon and the store markdown so it wasn't worth it.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Target Super Deals
So I already liked Target, but their coupons are great and match up with sales and MF coupons amazingly well!!!
Todays Shopping Trip:
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce, 18 oz, on sale $1.62 minus $1 MF= $0.62
Kraft Miracle Whip, large size, regular $3.09, on sale for $2.50, minus $1 off 2 TC, minus $1 off 2 MF=$1.50 each. (I bought 2)
Kraft Salad Dressing, 18 oz, on sale $1.69, minus $1 TC off 2 and $1 MF off 2=$0.69 each (I bought 2)
Wish Bone Salad Dressing, 12 oz, on sale $1.09, minus MF $1.50 off 2=$0.34 each (I bought 4)
Lipton Tea Bags, 16 count box, regular $1.09, minus $1 TC, minus MF $1.00 off 2=$0.09 each (I bought 2)
Degree Men's Deoderant, regular $2.34, minus $1 TC, minus $0.75 MF=$0.59
12 Items=$8.70, a savings of $12.93=60% Savings!!!!
My savings percentage could have been bigger but I really do use quite a bit of the Miracle Whip so I always stock up on it when it goes under $3, but I got it for 50% off what I normally find as a good sale! Now to the Hy-Vee and Price Chopper ads!
Todays Shopping Trip:
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce, 18 oz, on sale $1.62 minus $1 MF= $0.62
Kraft Miracle Whip, large size, regular $3.09, on sale for $2.50, minus $1 off 2 TC, minus $1 off 2 MF=$1.50 each. (I bought 2)
Kraft Salad Dressing, 18 oz, on sale $1.69, minus $1 TC off 2 and $1 MF off 2=$0.69 each (I bought 2)
Wish Bone Salad Dressing, 12 oz, on sale $1.09, minus MF $1.50 off 2=$0.34 each (I bought 4)
Lipton Tea Bags, 16 count box, regular $1.09, minus $1 TC, minus MF $1.00 off 2=$0.09 each (I bought 2)
Degree Men's Deoderant, regular $2.34, minus $1 TC, minus $0.75 MF=$0.59
12 Items=$8.70, a savings of $12.93=60% Savings!!!!
My savings percentage could have been bigger but I really do use quite a bit of the Miracle Whip so I always stock up on it when it goes under $3, but I got it for 50% off what I normally find as a good sale! Now to the Hy-Vee and Price Chopper ads!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Today's Great Find--Watch your Flyers!
So today was all too stressful, so at lunch time I took a quick break to do some couponing. And can I tell you that it paid off. My mood was increasingly better after I got a good deal!
Walgreens was advertising ThermaCare heat patches (set of two) on sale for $5.99, regular price $6.99. They also noted that if you bought two of them (or two of Advil---but other couponers had beat me and they were out of Advil for the sale) you could get a $5 register reward which is good for your next visit. So I found two boxes of the back patches (recommended just the other day by my doctor to help my tense muscles). Usually the boxes only contain two patches, but I found two boxes that were "bonus" boxes that contained 3 in each. I had a $4 off manufacturers coupon on two of the ThermaCare patches (found in yesterdays Sunday paper). This left my total for 6 patches to be $7.98 or $1.33 each. That is a savings of 62% if you count that usually the box only has two patches. But if you take off the $5.00 future rewards coupon you would be at $1.98 total, $0.33 each, and 90.6% savings.
I then went over to check out the chocolate sales. Stressful days can always get a smudge better with chocolate...your waistline pays, but I can exercise more this week to make up for it. The Willy Wonka B1G1 deal must have been super popular because they were all out of that chocolate (or pretty close). So I turned to the Hersey's Pieces bags. Each were normally $3.69 but they were marked down to 2 for $5. I had a $2 off two bags MF coupon. So that made them $1.50 each...I chose an Almond Joys Pieces and Reese's Pieces.
When I went to the register I gave them my Walgreen's card and coupons. My total came to $11.57, with $4.38 in Walgreens markdowns and $6 MF coupons. But I walked out of the store and realized I didn't get my $5 reward coupon. I came back in with my receipt and asked the clerk. He referenced the flyer and agreed I should have gotten one. He called a manger up. The manager took my receipt and about 5 minutes later or so came back out. He thanked me for waiting and gave me a $10 off coupon for my next visit for my wait!!!! So I don't know in the extreme couponing world if you count that off this purchase or the next?!?! But if I was counting it off this one my total would be a whopping $1.57!
My $10 coupon expires on the 29th so I need to keep a close watch on Walgreens items in the next few days. It also states that the number of MF coupons and Walgreens reward dollars (their wording for coupons) cannot exceed the number of items purchased. So I will have to watch that closely and see what my best deal would be. Really I could take a few of my good MF coupons and make up the difference in the Walgreens coupon and come out pretty sweet. Maybe a 98% or better value!?!?! That is my new challenge to figure that out.
I also need to visit Target in the next day or two to see what prices they have on the items in my "Hot Combinations" list. But tomorrow the Hy-Vee and Price Chopper flyers come out!!!
Just a side note while I'm writing-my thoughts go out to everyone involved in the tornadoes over the weekend. My prayers for the families of those who lost their lives and of those who lost their homes. It will be a long and painful road to recovery but hopefully many people can use their loving spirits to assist them and help where needed.
Walgreens was advertising ThermaCare heat patches (set of two) on sale for $5.99, regular price $6.99. They also noted that if you bought two of them (or two of Advil---but other couponers had beat me and they were out of Advil for the sale) you could get a $5 register reward which is good for your next visit. So I found two boxes of the back patches (recommended just the other day by my doctor to help my tense muscles). Usually the boxes only contain two patches, but I found two boxes that were "bonus" boxes that contained 3 in each. I had a $4 off manufacturers coupon on two of the ThermaCare patches (found in yesterdays Sunday paper). This left my total for 6 patches to be $7.98 or $1.33 each. That is a savings of 62% if you count that usually the box only has two patches. But if you take off the $5.00 future rewards coupon you would be at $1.98 total, $0.33 each, and 90.6% savings.
I then went over to check out the chocolate sales. Stressful days can always get a smudge better with chocolate...your waistline pays, but I can exercise more this week to make up for it. The Willy Wonka B1G1 deal must have been super popular because they were all out of that chocolate (or pretty close). So I turned to the Hersey's Pieces bags. Each were normally $3.69 but they were marked down to 2 for $5. I had a $2 off two bags MF coupon. So that made them $1.50 each...I chose an Almond Joys Pieces and Reese's Pieces.
When I went to the register I gave them my Walgreen's card and coupons. My total came to $11.57, with $4.38 in Walgreens markdowns and $6 MF coupons. But I walked out of the store and realized I didn't get my $5 reward coupon. I came back in with my receipt and asked the clerk. He referenced the flyer and agreed I should have gotten one. He called a manger up. The manager took my receipt and about 5 minutes later or so came back out. He thanked me for waiting and gave me a $10 off coupon for my next visit for my wait!!!! So I don't know in the extreme couponing world if you count that off this purchase or the next?!?! But if I was counting it off this one my total would be a whopping $1.57!
My $10 coupon expires on the 29th so I need to keep a close watch on Walgreens items in the next few days. It also states that the number of MF coupons and Walgreens reward dollars (their wording for coupons) cannot exceed the number of items purchased. So I will have to watch that closely and see what my best deal would be. Really I could take a few of my good MF coupons and make up the difference in the Walgreens coupon and come out pretty sweet. Maybe a 98% or better value!?!?! That is my new challenge to figure that out.
I also need to visit Target in the next day or two to see what prices they have on the items in my "Hot Combinations" list. But tomorrow the Hy-Vee and Price Chopper flyers come out!!!
Just a side note while I'm writing-my thoughts go out to everyone involved in the tornadoes over the weekend. My prayers for the families of those who lost their lives and of those who lost their homes. It will be a long and painful road to recovery but hopefully many people can use their loving spirits to assist them and help where needed.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday...This weeks hot combos!
So Sunday is a huge day in the coupon world...I mean HUGE! The Sunday circulars come out in the paper...and I'm starting to get super hooked. I'm not typically the personality to plan my life with scheduled reoccurring events (well except my love for Grey's Anatomy). But I think I might just have to make a date with my scissors and the paper on every Sunday evening. Today I was so excited about getting the paper that I made my self spend 2 hours cleaning house and 5 hours at work before I could even purchase the paper so I wouldn't get distracted from important things in everyday life that had to get done.
I would like to share this weeks "Hot Combinations." I am going to use the term "Hot Combinations" to describe a great deal that includes a store coupon or sale and a manufacturers coupon. That is the best way to get rock bottom prices for your shopping adventures. Also I will refer to Manufacturer's Coupons as MF and Target Coupons as TC.
Walgreens
Hersey's Candy Bags; on sale for 2 for $5 or $2.50 each. Add a MF coupon for $2.00 off 2 = $1.50 each
Willy Wonka Chocolate Exceptions; on sale for 2 for $3, add MF coupon B1G1 Free =$0.75 each
Butterfinger or Crunch chocolate bars; on sale $0.49 each, add MF coupon B1G1 Free = $0.25 each
Energizer Batteries (4 pack); on sale $2.99, add MF coupon $1.00 off =$1.99 (I will only use if rechargeables apply at Walgreens)
Therma Care patches & Advil; on sale for 5.99 and 4.99, add MF $4.00 off one of each, plus add $5 register reward coupon for next time =$6.98 purchase, actual when adding $5 coupon =$1.98 for both (that is worth going 2 in one week)
Target (actual items not shown in ad-will travel to store to check and see if it is a good deal)
Old Spice Deodorant; TC $1.00 off, MF $1.00 off 2, = $1.50 off two or $0.75 off each
Gillette Deodorant; TC $1.00 off, MF B1G1 Free, = ? savings-depends on price
Gillette Shave Gel & Razor, TC $3.00 off gel 2 pack w/razor purchase, MF $4.00 off razor =$7 off combo
Venus Razor & Shave Cream, TC Free cream with razor, MF $2 off razor or MF $2 off refill
Degree Deodorant (men or women's), TC $1 off, MF $0.75 off, = $1.75 off
Nivea Body Lotion, TC $1 off, MF $3 off, =$4 off
Right Guard Deodorant, TC $1 off, MF B1G1 Free, =? depends on sale price
Suave Lotion (18 oz or larger), TC $0.75 off, MF B1G1 Free, =?
Caress Body Wash, TC $1 off, MF $0.75 off =$1.75 off
Secret Deodorant (select varieties), TC $1 off 2, MF $1.50 off 2, =$2.50 off two or $1.25 off each
Off Bug Repellent Products, TC $2.00 off 2, various $1 and $2 MF coupons
CVS
Purex Laundry Detergent(24-33 load), on sale 1.98 each, MF $1 off, =$0.98
So that is the big ones I found this week. Some of those coupons were from previous Sunday papers, and some were from coupons.com. You can also get Target coupons online and in the Sunday papers. I am looking forward to Tuesday when the Hy-Vee and Price Chopper adds come out. I can scope them out for some of the big deals.
I hope this is helpful to you frugal shoppers out there. I challenge you to find a better price that what I have found (and do share with us if you find it!!!).
It's quite a bit past my bedtime and I have a huge day ahead of me tomorrow....till I write again!
I would like to share this weeks "Hot Combinations." I am going to use the term "Hot Combinations" to describe a great deal that includes a store coupon or sale and a manufacturers coupon. That is the best way to get rock bottom prices for your shopping adventures. Also I will refer to Manufacturer's Coupons as MF and Target Coupons as TC.
Walgreens
Hersey's Candy Bags; on sale for 2 for $5 or $2.50 each. Add a MF coupon for $2.00 off 2 = $1.50 each
Willy Wonka Chocolate Exceptions; on sale for 2 for $3, add MF coupon B1G1 Free =$0.75 each
Butterfinger or Crunch chocolate bars; on sale $0.49 each, add MF coupon B1G1 Free = $0.25 each
Energizer Batteries (4 pack); on sale $2.99, add MF coupon $1.00 off =$1.99 (I will only use if rechargeables apply at Walgreens)
Therma Care patches & Advil; on sale for 5.99 and 4.99, add MF $4.00 off one of each, plus add $5 register reward coupon for next time =$6.98 purchase, actual when adding $5 coupon =$1.98 for both (that is worth going 2 in one week)
Target (actual items not shown in ad-will travel to store to check and see if it is a good deal)
Old Spice Deodorant; TC $1.00 off, MF $1.00 off 2, = $1.50 off two or $0.75 off each
Gillette Deodorant; TC $1.00 off, MF B1G1 Free, = ? savings-depends on price
Gillette Shave Gel & Razor, TC $3.00 off gel 2 pack w/razor purchase, MF $4.00 off razor =$7 off combo
Venus Razor & Shave Cream, TC Free cream with razor, MF $2 off razor or MF $2 off refill
Degree Deodorant (men or women's), TC $1 off, MF $0.75 off, = $1.75 off
Nivea Body Lotion, TC $1 off, MF $3 off, =$4 off
Right Guard Deodorant, TC $1 off, MF B1G1 Free, =? depends on sale price
Suave Lotion (18 oz or larger), TC $0.75 off, MF B1G1 Free, =?
Caress Body Wash, TC $1 off, MF $0.75 off =$1.75 off
Secret Deodorant (select varieties), TC $1 off 2, MF $1.50 off 2, =$2.50 off two or $1.25 off each
Off Bug Repellent Products, TC $2.00 off 2, various $1 and $2 MF coupons
CVS
Purex Laundry Detergent(24-33 load), on sale 1.98 each, MF $1 off, =$0.98
So that is the big ones I found this week. Some of those coupons were from previous Sunday papers, and some were from coupons.com. You can also get Target coupons online and in the Sunday papers. I am looking forward to Tuesday when the Hy-Vee and Price Chopper adds come out. I can scope them out for some of the big deals.
I hope this is helpful to you frugal shoppers out there. I challenge you to find a better price that what I have found (and do share with us if you find it!!!).
It's quite a bit past my bedtime and I have a huge day ahead of me tomorrow....till I write again!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Welcome to My Blog...
So I've decided to try this whole Blogging thing. Wasn't so sure about it, but I do have to say that I've seen other people's blogs and decided "why not?" The movie Julie and Julia made me think about cooking blogs, and made me think about what I would do. I truely think that cooking is a lost art in the daily lives of most American's. I do have a few friends that cook homemade, from scratch meals on a regular basis, but I think that is a rarity.
I'm writing this blog, maybe not to get a mass following, but rather to provide inspiration to just a few people out there to try cooking. It is healthier, and a lot cheaper than eating out. I do have to say that I enjoy cooking much more with my wonderful Pampered Chef tools. So as an Indpendent Consultant for Pampered Chef, I thought it might be cool to do a mini "plug" for some of my favorite tools while blogging about my adventures. So if you see any tool that I'm using--you know where to purchase one! :)
I take pride in my cooking and want to share with the world my accomplishments. So hold on, this may be shaky at first but I will get my first adventure up here soon!
Rachel aka RachetO'Brien
I'm writing this blog, maybe not to get a mass following, but rather to provide inspiration to just a few people out there to try cooking. It is healthier, and a lot cheaper than eating out. I do have to say that I enjoy cooking much more with my wonderful Pampered Chef tools. So as an Indpendent Consultant for Pampered Chef, I thought it might be cool to do a mini "plug" for some of my favorite tools while blogging about my adventures. So if you see any tool that I'm using--you know where to purchase one! :)
I take pride in my cooking and want to share with the world my accomplishments. So hold on, this may be shaky at first but I will get my first adventure up here soon!
Rachel aka RachetO'Brien
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