Shaws: Slower, but still good

There are no screaming deals at Shaws this week, but there are a few good buys --- especially if (like me) you have cats from last week just begging to be used.....

The fruit snacks are a great deal, especially if you have coupons.
Buy 10 boxes of BC Fruit Snacks, Gushers, Stickers, etc
Use the $10 off $25 in-ad coupon
Use any other coupons you have (2/1 SS and 2/8 GM )
Even without any coupons this is worth doing (if someone in your house likes these things): Without coupons you'd spend $15 OOP and get back a $10 cat, so $5 for 10 boxes of fruit snacks or $.50 a box!
As a bonus: Some specially marked gushers may contain a Discover card for $5 as part of a special promotion so if your kids like 'em, they might be better to get if you're feeling lucky!

Shaw's has a bottom round roast on sale for 1.99/lb this week, and a Shaw's printable for $1. There are some other decent grocery deals, too:
Shaw's cheese sticks for 1.99.Q for $1 off 2.
Shaw's Cheese (bar/shredded) - $1.00/2 Shaw's Cheese (the way we go through shredded cheese, you know I'm buying this one with some of my cats)
$1.00/2 Red Bell Peppers
Dannon Yogurt- Blinkies for $1/6 & B6GO
2/$6.00 Tropicana Pure Premium Juice- $1.00/2
$1.00 Shaws Marketfresh Spinach
$1.00 Farm Stand Bunch Celery
$2.00 Chilean Ripe'n ready Peaches, Plums or Nectarines
$2.00 Farm Stand Cauliflower
$2.00 Shaw's Gourmet Red/White Potatoes 3lbs. (I've just about finished the free potatoes from a few weeks ago, so this may be a good idea for my house)

CVS: Week of 2/22

Remember, this is just my shopping list --- if you want the whole scoop, go to iheartcvs --- she has it ALL!!!
This is a great deal IF you got the coupon: (guess who didn't get the coupon??)

Buy 1 Renuzit TriScents Starter Kit $5.49 Get $2 ECBs (Limit 5)

Use $4/1 coupon from the 2/22 SS

Final cost: $.51 PROFIT

Buy 1 Gillette Fusion Gamer at $7.99, Get $4 ECBs (Limit 1)

Use $4/1 Gillette Fusion Razor from the 2/8 P&G

Final cost: FREE (yep, its working AGAIN!! Even if you already did the deal this month -- the computer is processing this as a weekly deal. Woo Hoo)

You won't get any ECBs for this next deal, but you will get very, very cheap toothpaste. I know, I know -- I don't usually pay real money for toothpaste, but at this price, I'm using them as fillers in other deals and giving them to the food pantry.
Colgate Cavity Toothpaste--on sale for $0.88

Use $0.75/1 from the 2/1 SS

Final cost: $0.13

This is the last week to take advantage of the monthly freebies and moneymakers -- don't let it slip by you.

Buy 2 CVS-brand make-up remover pads at $1 each (these are the trial size ones --- don't get caught and buy the regular ones), Get $2 ECBs (Limit 5)

Buy in two different transactions (use them as fillers in deals -- just pop one in every time you're doing anything at CVS)

Use $1/1 CVS-brand skin care coupons from the Beauty Booklet

Final cost: $2.00 PROFIT (or just plain old free, if you don't have the coupons-- which is still not too shabby)

Buy 1 Stayfree pads (14-24 ct.) at $3.99, Earn $2 ECBs (Limit 5)
Buy 4 Stayfree pads at $3.99 each

Use 1 $1/2 coupon from the 01/04 RP

Use 2 B1G1 coupons

Spend $6.98 out of pocketGet $8 ECBs

Final cost: $1.02 PROFIT

Buy 1 CVS Children's Chewable Aspirin (36 ct.) at $1.99, Get $1.99 ECBs (Limit 1)

Final cost: Free

Buy 1 Extreme Energy 6-hour shot at $4.99, Get $4.99 ECBs (Limit 1)

Final cost: Free

Buy 1 Earinse at $7.99, Get $7.99 ECBs (Limit 2)

Final cost: Free

Buy 1 BodiHeat Pain Relieving Heat Pad (3 ct.) at $3.99, Get $3 ECBs (Limit 5)

Look for $1/1 peelies on the packages (I didn't find any, but since mom is always looking for ways to keep her hands warm, this was still a deal for me.

Final cost: Free

Walgreens: Week of 2/22

Remember, this is just MY shopping list at Walgreens this week. There are many, many more deals to be had --- go visit iheartwags to see a more exhaustive list.....

Since we're always looking for free or cheap candy around here ---- I'm thinking about:

Reese’s Select Clusters 8 oz., Hershey’s Bliss 9.6 oz., Cadbury Minis 8.5 oz. 3/$10
Earn $5 Easy Saver Rebate when you buy 3 (rebate #35)
Final Price after Easy Saver: $1.67/each

REGISTER REWARD DEALS

Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor $8.99
Use $4/1 from 2-8 P&G
Get back $6 RR
Final Price : Profit $1.01

Venus Embrace or Spa Razor $8.99
Use $2/1 from 2-8 P&G Insert
Earn $6 RR
Final Price: 99¢

Excedrin 20 - 24 ct. $1.99
Use $1/1 from 1-4 Smart Source
Earn $1 RR
Final Price : FREE

Weekly Specials:

Dove Deodorant $1.99 w/ad coupon Limit 3
Use $1.50/1 from 1-18 Red Plum
Final Price: 49¢

Hershey Candy Buy 1 Get 1 Free w/coupon
Final Price: 44¢/each

Stockpiling

Help, I feel like they’re going to call that TV show about hoarding on me!! Isn’t all this stockpiling for people who think the end of the world is coming?? I don’t want to become a crazy person. 

Stockpiling is not about hoarding or being crazy or fatalistic.  Stockpiling is about refusing to pay rent to the store. 

Look at it this way: 

If I buy paper towels at the rock bottom price of FREE and I only buy enough for 3 weeks --- and then during week 4 when I am out of paper towels, I go to the store and I pay $1.50 for a roll of paper towels to get me through ---- I have just paid the store rent for the shelf space for storing those paper towels for 3 weeks.  I’ve paid them $.50 a week rent on that shelf space for that one silly roll of paper towels.  I could have stored those same paper towels in my house on my own shelf for FREE – but no, I decided to pay the store rent. 

Now, personally, I am adverse to paying anything I don’t actually have to pay.  And rent on shelf space to a store that is already charging me for items drives me bananas.  Whenever possible, I buy at rock bottom prices.  And I buy the right amount so that I will not have to buy that item again until the rock-bottom price returns again.  My price book tells me when I can expect that to happen, so I can predict how much I need. 

So, I have some shelving in my house (how much shelving will depend on your family size and needs and on how often the rock bottom prices seem to come around on the items your family uses --- every family is a tiny bit different) I store my own non-perishables on my own shelves and I don’t pay rent to the store. 

My own house is a bit unusual in the storage department, so we have to get a little bit creative in the storage department.  Our house is over 200 years old, so there are NO closets, and the basement is not useable for storage (it is stacked stone with a dirt floor --- it cannot be made mouse-proof and it gets very musty during damp weather.  Anything I put down there either ends up chewed or moldy smelling)  We do have a small room that serves as a pantry.  We’ve lined it with shelving and cabinets and store food products there.  

We also have three small shelves in the main bathroom.  I’ve fitted them with bins that hold our toiletries stockpile.  Its all organized, looks pretty, doesn’t raise the eyebrows of guests and works pretty efficiently for us. 

In the half bath/laundry room, we have an old cabinet that stores the stockpile of laundry supplies, batteries, and odds and ends. 

Finally, at the top of the attic stairs (accessible, but not “right at hand”) we have some shelving and an old dog crate that store the paper goods (paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex etc) of our stockpile.  That’s about it.  We don’t have some super jumbo set of shelving lining every wall of our house.  We have just what we need to stockpile efficiently and effectively for our household. 

We don’t hoard.  We don’t stockpile more than we need.  We don’t save things we don’t or won’t use.  We selectively plan for the future and store away what we know we will need so that we have it.  We don’t pay rent to the store for keeping items on their shelves.  They get enough of our money without paying them rent.  

Price Books 101

What is one??  Why do I need one??  What do I do with it??

A price book is a very simple mechanism that helps you to put the first major dent in the grocery budget for your household.  It lets you keep track of what the stores near you are doing.  They run sales, seemingly willy-nilly, and you struggle to catch a good deal.  The price book takes the struggle out of finding the good deals. 

Very simply, a price book is your record of the prices your stores are charging for items that you use.  You make a simple grid – think an attendance sheet from school.  You put the items you commonly use where the names go – be sure to include brand name and size – you want to be sure to compare apples to apples.  Now, each week when you go to that store, make a note of the price of that item.  That’s it.  That’s all there is to it. 

If you shop at more than one store (goodness knows, I do), keep a price book for each store.  If you don’t go to a particular store one week, don’t obsess.  You want to record information for as many weeks as you can, but you don’t want to lose your mind doing it.  Just jot down the price of each item every time you go into that store.  (Now that I’ve written that line – if you go into the store twice during the same week, don’t bother recording the price again – it won’t have changed and you already know it)

You’ll want to accumulate about 12 weeks worth of information.  That will begin to show you the store’s pattern of sales.  And you’ll begin to know what is the rock bottom price for the items you use.  Soon, you’ll only be buying when things are at their rock-bottom price.  And, you’ll know how much to buy, because you’ll be able to predict when that price will come around again.  You’ll also start to see which stores are truly giving you better deals on the things that your family actually uses. 

You can pay someone else to do this for you.  The website The Grocery Game, essentially does this for you.  They keep track of prices and identify rock-bottom prices at which you want to stock up.  You pay a fee for each store that you want to track – they don’t give you the price book information – they simply tell  you when the price is rock-bottom in their estimation.  Many people are very successful using the Grocery Game and I don’t want to underestimate their value.  If you are a total beginner and trying to wrap your head around this whole thing, The Grocery Game can be an invaluable tool.  But at the same time – if my end goal is saving myself money, why do I want to pay them to do what I can do with a simple sheet of paper and a pencil?  Also, I find that some of the stores I use are not in the Grocery Game database, so I can’t get information for them.  Additionally, the Grocery Game doesn’t help me to compare stores to find the best possible deal.  Finally, as you learn to make the best use of catalina promotions and rolling ECBs and Register Rewards (other tutorials) you ‘ll find that the Grocery Game doesn’t factor these into the equation.  I think they may be a good short term crutch – but not a long term help for the serious shopper.  Lucky for all of us, they offer a short term freebie trial offer.  

Shaws: A Hunting We Will Go

There are alot of people out there who are doing the Shaws thing way better than I am. But I needed to set it up for my brother-in-law, so since it was all typed out, I thought I'd share it with you.
Here's my plan at Shaw's this week (remember the week ends tomorrow -- sorry about that-- do your hunting quickly!!)
Conagra catalina going on (you remember how this works??)
Healthy Choice soups -- check the shelf price -- you need to add up to $25 on the shelf price to trigger the cat.
They're 10/$10 this week --- so should be free after cat without any coupons ---- anything you can throw at it in terms of coupons -- becomes a moneymaker --- food pantries LOVE this. Give, give give. You can only do this once per transaction --- you can't double it within a transaction.
Wesson Oil is also part of the Conagra deal --- on sale $2.50 a bottle -- check shelf price -- here the canola and the corn are $7.99 so we need 4 -- pay $10 get $10 back -- no coupons involved -- just free Wesson oil. Keep carrying it out of the store. You'll need to keep repeating transactions on this one.
Hunts diced tomatoes 10/$10 get the total up over $25 on shelf price -- then use the coupons from the 1/4 SS for .40 off 2
20 items get $20 cat back --- You can also work this deal with 10 and 10 and you generally will work out better off.
Fruit roll ups 5/$10 and Nature Valley granola bars 4/$10-- Buy 5 of each -- This is the only tricky deal in the mix -- for some reason, you will always end up better buying 5 of each and repeating rather than 10 and 10
There are tons of printable coupons on Pillsbury.com or Betty Crocker.com for these. Also the 1/4 GM insert had coupons. You'll get back a $10 and 2 $3.50 catalinas. Worst case scenario you're spending $22.50 without any coupons --- but getting $17.00 back -- with coupons you can get this down to free or even a moneymaker. This one triggers an extra cat for you.
Pillsbury Grands (the biscuits, the cinnamon rolls etc) 8/$10?? Buy 10 of them. Around here there are blinkie machines right next to them for $1.00 off 3 -- so use 3 of them Also there were coupons in the 1/4 GM insert and in the 2/8 that you can use if you have them. $12.50 less the coupons --- get $10 back in the cat. This should work out to free breakfast rolls (I'm thinking Palm Sunday breakfast, personally)This also includes Betty Crocker brownie mix etc at 5/$10 sale with a .50 coupon at Betty Crocker.com You'll need to buy 10 products to trigger the cat, that's all.

Walgreens: Week of 2/15

Not too much at Walgreens this week, but a good opportunity to stock up on free toothpaste!! (that would be one of the products you should never pay money for again)

Revlon Creme Lip Gloss--on sale B1G1 (2/$9.99)

Use 2 $2/1 coupon from 2/8 inserts

Submit for Free After Rebate--Offer #4

Pay $5.99 for two after couponsGet $9.99 EasySaver rebate back

profit of $4.00

Glade Sense and Sprays--$8.99-$9.99 (price varies around the country)

Buy two and use the B1G1 coupon here and the $4/1 coupon from the 02/08 SmartSource

Submit your receipt online for EasySaver Rebate #28--Get $3 rebate for each Sense and Spray purchased (Limit 4)

Free after coupons and rebate

Colgate Toothpaste (4.6 oz.)--$0.99

Use $1/1 coupon from 2/8 inserts

Free after coupon This is a great chance to stock up on free toothpaste -- you can repeat the deal until you run out of coupons.

Aquafresh Toothpaste--$1.99 after in-ad coupon

Use $1/1 coupon from 1/4 inserts$0.99 each after coupon I can't be bothered with this one, especially when the Colgate is FREE

RiteAid: Week of 2/15

Not one of RiteAid's stellar weeks, to be certain, but a few good deals are there to be had.

Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick, buy 4/$9 Get $5 SCR #58
Use $0.75/1 Speed Stick 24/7 or Lady Speed Stick (SS 2/1/09)
$0.25 ea. after coupons and SCR!

Rite Aid Cough Drops (30-ct.), 2/$1$0.50/1 Rite Aid PrintableFREE after coupon!

Hershey Candy Bars, BOGO
Use coupon for BOGO Hersheys Milk Chocolate Bar (SS 1/25/09)
BOGO Hersheys Milk Chocolate Bar (SS 11/9/08)
FREE after coupon!

Old Spice Deodorant, $0.99
Use $1/1 Old Spice Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant (P&G 12/28/08)
$1/2 Old Spice Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant (P&G 2/8/09)
FREE to $0.49 ea. after coupon!

Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap, $0.99
Use $0.35/1 Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap (SS 2/1/09)
$0.65 after coupon!

CVS: Week of 2/15

Colgate Total Toothpaste (4 oz.) Buy 1 at $2.99, Get $2.99 ECBs (Limit 2)

Use $1/1 from the 2/1 SmartSource insert

Final cost: $1.00 Profit

Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor Buy 1 at $7.99, Get $4 ECBs (Limit 1)

Use $4/1 any Fusion Razor from the 2/8 P&G insert

Final Cost: Free
Buy 3 Suave Products at $2 each, Get $2 ECBs (Limit 5)
To make this a real deal: Buy 3 of the Body Washes at $2 each

Use 3 $0.75/1 coupons in the 1/11 RP

Herbal Essence Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler Buy 1 at $2.99, Get $1 ECB (Limit 5)

Use $3/2 Herbal Essence coupon from the 02/08 P&G insert

Also, don't forget the Monthly deals --- we're coming up on the final weeks of the month now.

Buy 2 CVS-brand make-up remover pads at $1 each, Get $2 ECBs (Limit 5)

Separate this into two separate transactions and use $1/1 CVS-brand skin care coupons from the Beauty Booklet (you can only use one per transaction)

Final Cost: $2.00 profit

Keep repeating until you've maxed out the deal.
Mylanta Cherry Extra Strength 12-oz. at $3.56, Get $3 ECBs (Limit 5) (These are ringing up at $3.56 at many stores, be sure to double check the price at the magic red coupon machine (its also a price scanner, really)

Use $2/1 coupons from the 1/04

Final Cost: Profit $1.35

Stayfree pads (14-24 ct.) $3.99, Earn $2 ECBs (Limit 5)
To make this a real deal, buy 4 Stayfree pads at $3.99 each

Use 1 $1/2 coupon from the 01/04 RP

Use 2 B1G1 coupons

Spend $6.98 Get $8 ECBs

Final cost: Profit $1.02
CVS Children's Chewable Aspirin (36 ct.) at $1.99, Get $1.99 ECBs (Limit 1)

Free

Extreme Energy 6-hour shot at $4.99, Get $4.99 ECBs (Limit 1)

Free

Earinse at $7.99, Get $7.99 ECBs (Limit 2)

Free

Gillette Shampoo or Conditioner $4.99, Get $3 ECBs (Limit 5)

Use $2/1 coupon from the 01/18 P&G

Free
Also there are reports all over the web that this weeks deal at CVS, when you buy any two Neutrogena Facial Moisturizer or Sun Care products, you get a $10 ECB is working on the Neutrogena facial bar soap that are priced at $2.99 each.
So, buy two for $5.98 total and you'll get a $10 ECB back!

There are also rumors that some folks have been getting skincare CRTs from the magic red coupon machine in CVS ---(guess who hasn't gotten one?? sniff, sniff)

Catalinas, Catalinas

Everything you always wanted to know about catalina deals but didn't know who to ask --- no that would NOT be me, silly.

But there is a tremendously terrific post here that explains the entire thing in great detail. Seriously -- you will understand --- you will get it. You will be able to spot a deal and do the deal after this little education.

Why are you still here??? Get yourself over to the Cherry Picker and get educated!!

Real Simple Receipt and Coupon Organizer

Free Gift with Purchase
(and you know I'm not actually "purchasing" here)

Here's the deal from Real Simple:
Receive a Real Simple® receipt organizer* by simply purchasing at least one product from the featured brands (Jones NY, Kenmore, Over The Moon Fat Free Milk, Smart Ones, or Triscuit) and mailing your original receipt by April 6, 2009 along with your name and address to: Smart Buys Gift-With-Purchase Offer, Real Simple, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, Room 8-112-C, New York, NY 10020. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for shipping.
* Offer good while supplies last. Limit one gift per household. Purchase of qualifying product must be made between 2/10/09 AND 3/22/09. Proof of purchase must include the original receipt with the product and purchase date circled and must be received by 4/6/09. Some restrictions apply. Approximate retail value of the receipt organizer is $10.00.

Now, I'm figuring that Triscuits are part of the deal at CVS this week (the coupons specify Wheat Thins and Ritz, but Triscuits are in the deal) -- so that will take care of the purchase of the Triscuits. You only need to purchase one product (they must really want to give this thing away!), so that should do it.

I'm not 100% confident that I even really want this thing, but for the price of a stamp, I'll give it a try out. How about you??? Go ahead, go for it.

CVS: Week of 2/8

I have some ECBs to roll this week so I'll be spending some quality time at CVS. I'll probably take a crack at some of the monthly deals too (want to maximize those ECBs)

Here's what looks interesting to me: (remember, this is not an exhaustive list of the sales --- just what I'm going to be ont he prowl for)

• Gillete Fusion Gamer or Venus Spa $7.99, get $4 ECB (limit 1)Use $4.00 Gillette or $2.00 Venus form 2/8 insert = FREE (yeah, I know, I'm getting free razors over at Walgreens too. But free is free and you always need razors, right?)


• Hallmark cards $2.49 or more, buy 3 get $3 ECB = $1.49 each wyb 3 (this ought to be a fun one. We have a running joke going at my house that my hubby wants to SEE the receipt for the Valentine's card I get for him. He says he wants a card that I actually have to BUY. Seriously, he couldn't be more supportive of my Viking habit -- he's my source for all of the coupons! Its just become a silly joke between us.)


• Ritz and Wheat Thins 5/$5, use $2/2 coupon from 1/25 = FREE (I'm not sure I have any more room in my pantry for crackers. Between the free Gold Emblem crackers from CVS and the free crackers and cookies from Shaws lately, the shelf is groaning.)

The Monthly deals to roll the ECBs (not much here I actually want, but VIM or the food pantry will be very happy with me)

• CVS Childrens chewable aspirin $1.99, get $1.99 ECB = FREE


• Extreme Energy 6 hour shot $4.99, get $4.99 ECB ( limit 1) = FREE


• Earinse $7.99, get $7.99 ECB = FREE ( limi 2)


• Gillette shampoo or conditioner $4.99, get $3.00 ECB ( limit 2)Use $2.00 coupon from 1/18 = FREE


• Beyond Bodiheat pain relieving heat pad $3.99, get $3.00 ECB ( limit 5) = $.99

Walgreens Week of 2/8

I'm not super excited with actual products that I need or want at Walgreens this week, but it does seem to be a good week for stocking up on razors!! At the end of the week, I figure I'll be ahead by about $8.00 --- I can live with that.

• Gillete Fusion $8.99 Get $6 in Register rewards Use $4/1 from 2/8 P&G Final price: $1.01 in profit after coupon and RR


• Venus Embrace of Breeze Razor $8.99 Get $6 in Register rewards back. Use $2/1 from 2/8 P&G Final price: $0.99 each after coupon and RR


• Colgate Wave toothbrush 2/$3 Get $1 in Register rewards when you buy two. Use $0.40/1 from 2/1. Final price: $0.60 each after coupons and RR


• Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylers 6.8-13oz up to $4.29 Use $1/1 from 1/4 Final price: $1 in profit


• Scrubbing Bubbles Wipes or All purpose Cleaner 2/$5Use $3/2 internet printable coupon. Submit for ESR rebate: get $2 back when you buy two. FREE after coupon and rebate (since my nephew just got his first apartment and is in need of EVERYTHING for housekeeping, I'll probably do this one for him)


• Windex Wipes 2/$5Use $1.50/1 internet printable coupon. Submit for ESR rebate #30: Get $1 back wyb one (Limit 4) FREE after coupon and rebate (this is another one to help the nephew get his housekeeping set up)


• Windex Spray 2/$5Use $1/1 internet printable coupon. Submit for ESR rebate #30: Get $1 back wyb one (Limit 4) Pay $0.50 each after coupon and rebate


• Zucol Cold Care Lozenges 18pk Up to $7.99Use $2/1 coupon from 2/1 SS insert or $2/1 Internet printable coupon. Final price: $2 in profit


• Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer or Spa Foundation up to $10. Use $2/1 coupon from 1/11 Final price: $2 in profit


• Revlon Creme Lip Gloss up to $10 Use $2/1 coupon from 1/11 Final price: $2 in profit


• ThermaCare Trial Size Neck, Shoulder & Wrist heat Wrap up to $2.49Use $1/1 from 1/4 Final price: $1 in profit

Rite Aid: Week of 2/8

I don't know why I do it. Rite Aid lures me back again and again with its siren song --- usually it frustrates and disappoints me (actually usually it makes me tear my hair out). But I keep going back. They keep finding a deal that makes it worth my time and aggravation to give them another try. And this week, they've done just that ----- again.

The bait:

• Bayer Low Dose Aspirin (24 count): $1.99
  Single Check Rebate deal #43: Get a $10 Gift card wyb 3 Bayer items
  Use 3 $1 coupons from the 1/4 & 2/1 RP Pay $2.97 and Get a $10 Gift Card! I'm thinking this actually turns out to be a $7.03 profit!

Some other free stuff to make sure I think its worth the trip:

• Nivea Lip Care: Get a $2 SCR wyb 1 at $2.99
  use $1 from the 2/8 SS
  Final cost: FREE


• GE Energy Smart CFL Bulbs: Get a $1.50 SCR wyb 2 at $2.25 each
  use 2 $1 coupons from the 1/4 SS
  Final Cost: $.50 each after coupons & SCR (for the CFL light bulbs, this is the best I've done)


• Durex Condoms: Get $6 SCR wyb 1 at $6
  use $2 from the 2/8 SS
  Final Cost: $2 profit after coupon & SCR (gotta check if these are an acceptable brand!)


• Finesse Shampoo: Get a $1.99 SCR wyb 1 at $2.99
  use $1 in the 2/8 inserts Final Cost: FREE after coupon and SCR


• Garnier Fructis Harispray or Mousse: Get a $2.99 SCR wyb 1 at $2.99
  use $1 from the 1/4 & 2/8 RP
  Final Cost: $1 profit after coupon & SCR


• L’Oreal Cosmetics: BOGO
  use $2 & $3 coupons from the 1/4 RP
  Final Cost: depends on the item you choose. I usually manage free or very nearly free lipstick when the BOGO deals come around on L'Oreal.
  

May Flowers in February

I love flowers. I really love flowers. They just brighten the day. During the summer, I have a patch of garden just for things that bloom. I have this one silly rosebush by the end of the driveway that blooms, and blooms, and blooms. It just won't quit. And it makes me smile every single time I pull into the driveway.

This time of year, there aren't many flowers around to prompt a smile. And the ones I've seen lately have had outrageous pricetags on them.

We have an agreement at our house. No flowers on Valentine's Day. I'd rather have the same dollar value of flowers in the form of several bouquets at times when flowers are much, much cheaper.

Well, someone heard my prayers (hmmmm, maybe there are shopping gods after all). There are two flower deals this week that are too good to miss. One is a coupon, one is a sweepstakes. I'm taking advantage of BOTH

Here they are:

1. The coupon: $20 off! TravelZoo and 1-800-Flowers.com have joined marketing forces to give us a $20 coupon off any order. All you have to do is click here and register for the 1-800-Flowers.com e-mail list and they’ll send you a coupon code. The coupon codes are all individual, so you'll have to get your own -- no sharing. The offer is good until 2/14/2009. Once you get your code, it must be redeemed by 5/31/09. They do tell you up front that the coupon code may take 3-7 days to arrive in your email, so if you're planning on using this for Valentine's Day --- don't wait!! They have one or two special deals that are only $19.99, so its possible that you could get flowers by only paying tax and delivery. Free flowers are always welcomed!! (unless you raided the neighbor's garden without permission.)

2. The sweepstakes: Whole Foods is having a flowers giveaway. Ten winners will each receive a punch card good for a bunch of Whole Trade roses or Whole Trade flowers every month for a year. No purchase necessary. One per person. Click here to enter. Think about it!! Flowers every month!! Free flowers every month. I'll give it a try.

CVS: Week of 2/1

I'm more on the ball this week (mostly because I'm using the heck out of the $5/$30 coupon that CVS so lovingly emailed me)

Here's what I'll be shopping for at CVS this week (remember, this is just my list --- Go to IHeartCVS if you want the whole scoop!)

Two-Day Sale (Sunday & Monday only)
Hershey’s Valentines Kisses, Hugs, Miniatures, Kissables, Reese’s or York (8.5-10 oz.), 2/$3 (next week it will be Dove! This is a great way to keep everyone in candy around my work.)

And Now for the ExtraBucks!!!
Excedrin 10ct. Vial, $2.49Get $2.49 ECBs (limit 1)FREE after ECB (this is the lipstick-sized vial that goes in your purse, so none of the coupons will work on it -- still its free! And its handy to have)
Assorted Glade, 4/$10 Get $5 ECBs (limit 5)
Glade Jar Candle 4 oz. Plugins Refills 3 ct. Scented Oil Refill 1 ct.Scented Oil Candle Refills 3 ct.
Use any of these coupons:

$1/2 Glade Plugins Scented Gel Refill Packs SS 1/11/09

$1.50/2 Glade 4 oz. Jar Candles or 2 in 1 Candles, SS 2/1/09

$1/1 Glade Scented Oil Candles Refill Pack, SS 2/1/09

BOGO Glade Scented Oil Candles Holder, exp. 3-14-09 SS 2/1/09

L’Oreal Revitalift Cleanser or Towelettes, $5.99

Buy 2 get $10 ECBs (limit 2)

$2/1 LOreal Facial Skincare Product, RP #2 1/4/09

Moneymaker after coupon and ECBs!

Thats about it for me this week.

Mid Winter Windex Blues

I've got that organization bug again. I swear, it hits this time every year. I think its like the flu or something. It must incubate with the cold weather and the Christmas decorating and then it blooms into a full blown illness that compels its victim to empty drawers, clean closets, organize and sort junk and clear clutter. All of this leads to the familiar symptoms of fatigue, and finally exhaustion. Unfortunately without this annual illness, many of us might end up buried under some pile of junk somewhere in our home or office.
So -- I'm working on taking baby steps. I want to satisfy the deep-seated drive to clean, de-clutter, and organize without getting myself into that awful state of sleep-deprivation, crankiness and exhaustion. That's the plan anyway.
First off, I got myself a cute little laptop desk and begged my husband to put it together for me. (I'm going to know that I've arrived when none of my furniture required assembly!). It fits in a little corner of our family room, over past the woodstove and out of the way. This is actually a photo of the one I got. It has the little cubbies along the top and the surface slides out to almost double the work space when you're using it. Underneath is a cabinet with a shelf in it and doors that close (priority #1 when clutter is an issue). It was cute, it was very inexpensive, it was perfect (okay, okay --- my husband, who put it together, has a different opinion about its perfect-ness). This weekend, I want to start organizing and getting things together for it.
Second task will be my desk at work. (YIKES!!) This is scary. I have one file drawer that I cannot even remember the last time I opened it. The piles need to go. The bookshelf needs to look like a bookshelf again. I want to actually see the surface of the little side-desk. The computer screen needs to be cleaned. I might even swap around some of my bins, drawers, and organizers to create a uniform color set for my desk (What a concept!) I was completely inspired by Christie at A Journey Through Thick and Thin. She did an amazing re-organization of a desk area in her home. Its beautiful. She didn't spend a fortune. I love it. Go to her blog and check it out if you like. I think you'll find it inspiring too.
And finally, I want to find an organizing system for my work stuff in the car. I'm finding the its easiest and best when my coupon crate simply "lives" in the backseat. I can immediately call up any coupon I need or want, run into the store, and VOILA --- a deal is born. I want some kind of a car desk/office system to keep this all from ending up looking like I live in my car. I'm looking for something along these lines (but without spending all that money --- these are expensive!) We'll see what I come up with.
So --- how has the mid-winter cleaning and organizing bug hit you?? Make a plan. Take it slow and easy. Your grandmother was right --- Haste makes waste --- and we know we're too frugal for that.

Walgreens: Week of 1/25

This isn't a terrific shopping week for me all the way around. Here's what I see worth my time and effort at Walgreens (if they have the stuff, they've been terrible about it lately)

Hershey’s Chocolate Bars BOGO at .98 page 16 coupon
Use BOGO Hersheys 1/25/s = FREE
Or: Use $1.00/2 Reese Whips 1/4/S =FREE

Reynolds 20 foot Aluminum Foil 89¢ with in-ad coupon
Use $1/1 coupon from the 12/7 SS =Free (the last time they ran this deal they didn't have any foil in stock, not once during the week --- we'll see how it goes this time. I could really use the foil too)

Colgate Total or Max Fresh $2.99 Get $2.00 in Register Rewards
use $1.00 Sept/AllYou =Free
OR Use .75 Colgate 1/18/S = 25¢
OR Use $1.50 Colgate 1/4/SS =Free

There's also a month long Unilever deal: $10.00 Register Reward
Buy 8 – Get $10.00 RR
Degree Deodorant $1.99 w/page 10 coupon
Use $1.00/2 Degree 1/11/RP
so -- 8x 1.99 = 15.92
minus 4x 1.00 = 11.92
You get back $10 RR so the 8 things of deodorant end up costing you $1.92 or about $.25 apiece -- okay, okay a little less, I wasn't in the mood to break out the calculator.

CVS: Week of 1/25

I'm getting a late start with CVS this week. Its an okay week for me, nothing spectacular, but some free stuff. Here's what I see: (remember, this is just my list --- if you want a really exhaustive list go to IHeartCVS -- she's amazing!!)

Gillette Fusion Gamer, Venus Breeze Spa or Embrace Sister Razor ($7.99)
get $4 eb (the stated limit is 1, but there are reports all over the web that the actual limit is 5 -- we'll be going nuts with razors at my house if that's the case
Use; -$4 Gillette Fusion Razor, any P & G 12/28/08 (do be aware that the razors are not supposed to be available until the afternoon of 1/30 -- which since I'm getting started late this week, shouldn't be a problem for me at all!!)

Head & Shoulders, Gillette, Pantene Restoratives or Expressions shampoo, conditioner, mask or balm ($4.99)
get $3 eb
Limit 5
use -$2 Gillette shampoo/conditioner/styling product 1/18/09 P&G


Mentos bogo (2/$1.69)
use: -$1 Mentos Gum, any SS 12/14/08

Almay get $5 eb wyb $10
Limit 3 (although the ad states that this is the $1.99 soaps, it has been reported that the almay soaps priced $.99 also count towards this deal. If that's true, then you end up with a great deal and you can actually make some money on it.
Use -$1 Almay Cosmetic or Skincare Product, any SS 12/14/08
Buy 11 or the soaps for free after coupons and get $5 ECB back.

I'm not usually big on the soda deals since we don't drink the stuff at our house, but the inclusion of the pita chips is tempting me.
Buy 7 bags of Stacy's pita chips at $3 each
Use 7 $1.50/1 coupons from the 1/25 insert
Spend $10.50 plus tax out of pocketGet $10 ECBs back

Also, don't forget this is the last week to make use of the January free after ECB deals:

• Buy 1 Children's Throat Cooler Ice Pops at $4.99, Get $4.99 ECBs (Limit 5)
• Buy SoyJoy bars 6-pack at $6.00, Earn $6 ECBs $3/10 coupon from 1/04 SmartSource insert (there are reports that this coupon is working for people. My CVS wouldn't take it since there weren't 10 UPC scans only 2)
• Buy 1 Nasogel Drip Free Gel Spray 1.52 oz. at $7.99, Get $7.99 ECBs (Limit 2)
• 1 Nutra Trim Weight Management Chewing Gum 48 ct. at $3.99, Get $3.99 ECBs (Limit 3)Free after ECBs

Soup-er Bowl Sunday

I cannot believe that after all the mountains of HC soup I've carted home and passed on from Shaws, that I'm out looking for soup this week, but I am. Yep, I'm on the hunt for free or very cheap soup. Any kind, any style, any flavor -- I need soup.
Why?? you ask. Well, its like this. The church that we're attending for January and February (pulpit supply lets you visit a lot of churches) is having a Soup-er Bowl Party and stocking the local food pantry with (you guessed it!!) soup. After that, they're moving on to peanut butter (I think I still have 12-15 jars from Shaws last week), macaroni and cheese (this is gonna kill me. I have never bought the blue boxes and cannot believe that I'm even going to consider it), and finally juices.
So -- if I'm going to this Soup-er bowl party (and I am) then I need to bring some soup for the food pantry. Honestly, I think this is an incredibly clever idea and I'm tickled pink to help. I just wish I'd known before the ConAgra deal ended. I could've had a ton of free soup for this. And since these folks don't yet know how I shop --- it could've been a ton of fun to watch the faces. I've GOT to work on this.

RiteAid: Week of 1/25

I’m going back to RiteAid this week. Mostly because I am going to get the raisins that I have 17 rain checks for if it kills me. (And it might!)
So while I’m there collecting my raisins --- I figure I might as well clean up on some other stuff too. Here’s what I see that might be worth it:

Veet Bladeless Razor Kit $3.99 Sale this week
-$3 SCR #61
-$2 veet
=$1.01 profit

Garnier Fructis Body & Volume Shampoo 13 oz. $2.99
-$2.99 SCR #71
-$1 Garnier RP10/5/08, RP 1/4/09, RP 11/9/08 or tearpad from Walgreens (they had tons of them)
=$1 profit

One Touch Ultra 2 or Ultra Mini glucose meter $19.99
-$20 One Touch Ultra 2 or Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitoring System $20 RP1/4/09
-$30 One Touch Ultra Smart Blood Glucose Monitoring System RP1/4/09
=FREE (with RiteAid, its unlikely that you'll make a profit on this --- they don't usually seem to give overage)

My friend Bonnie tells me that the Huggies GoodNites are too good a deal to resist. Since I don’t use them, I can’t say. But she’s a sharpie….. trust her.

GoodNites Youth Pants or Boxers $9.99
-$5 SCR #35
-$2 GoodNites Sleep Pants, jumbo pack or larger - SS1/11

All of that would get you to an SCR total of $10.99 – which (in my opinion) is worth the trouble of filing the silly thing and waiting for the postcard-like cheque to come in the mail.
Plus --- if you use the $5/$25 coupon lovingly provided by the NBA (link here) you could turn this into a really sweet deal.

Watch:
Buy:
Veet Bladeless Razor Kit $3.99
Garnier Fructis Body & Volume Shampoo 13 oz. $2.99
One Touch Ultra 2 or Ultra Mini glucose meter $19.99 (I know you don't want it. Give it to VIM or some other medical charity. They'll love it!)
GoodNites Youth Pants or Boxers $9.99 Sale this week

Total Before Coupons: $36.96

Use these coupons:
$5/$25 RiteAid NBA coupon
-$2 veet
-$1 Garnier
-$20 One Touch Ultra 2 or Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitoring System
-$2 GoodNites Sleep Pants, jumbo pack or larger - 1.11.09 SS Exp.2.28.09

Total After Coupons: $6.97

Total SCR coming back to you: $10.99
-$3 SCR #61
-$2.99 SCR #71
-$5 SCR #35

Profit: $4.02

Silly Things That Make Me Feel Good: Rubber Gloves

There are some things that just make you smile. They aren't big or important. They aren't expensive or even dear. They just bring a smile to your face. Usually they are silly, stupid things. It struck me tonight that one of the silly, stupid things that brings a smile to my face every single time are the rubber gloves I wear to wash the dishes each night.

My grandmother would faint if she saw my rubber gloves. My mother makes fun of them. They were women of sturdy stock and utter practicality. Their rubber gloves were the standard yellow kind. Very functional, but nothing to ignite even the smallest of smiles.

Mine are silly, funky gloves with big cuffs printed with flowers, hearts, or leopard spots. The ones I wore tonight are pink and have pink and purple hearts all over the cuffs. They're fun. They're silly. They make me smile.

I got hooked on silly rubber gloves a few years ago, when my sister-in-law got a pair with little sponges on the fingers as a gag Christmas gift. Both she and I loved them. We didn't take them as a gag for sure. I went on the prowl to find a pair. I found them online --- for $15 a pair. They're cute and they make me smile. But for $15 they would have to make me giddy for a week at least.

Later, I found them at Marshalls and other discounters for around $3-$4 a pair. This I could live with. I could by the standard yellow gloves at BigLots for around a dollar -- or--- I could by silly gloves and a smile each night doing the dishes (or other dirty work) for $4. Seemed like a bargain to me.

Wandering through the aisles of CVS the other night trying to spend and roll my ECB from the huge free after ECB event just before Christmas, I found a box of these silly gloves in the dollar sale aisle. You know, the aisle with all of the red cardboard boxes holding all manner of silly things. There they were --- in about six different silly patterns. Sounded to me like the perfect use of extra ECB. So --- thank you CVS for buying my smiles for the next month or so. I appreciate it.

Cornbread Pudding: Cheap and Easy Winter Food

Fishmama over at LifeAsAMom is collecting comfort food recipes this week. We love comfort food, but I'm cheap as chips so it has to be "fast, cheap and easy" or I'm not interested.
Cornbread pudding is as easy as it gets --- and with all of the free ingredients I've been amassing at Shaws, Walgreens etc --- its certainly cheap. Best of all -- we LOVE it!! It goes with a simple salad or with a pork roast for company. Its also terrific when its sliced, grilled on the George Foreman grill and drizzled with maple syrup for breakfast the next day. Yum.

Cornbread Pudding

1 package of Jiffy Cornbread mix
1 small carton of Sour Cream (the size of an individual serving cup of yogurt) or 1/2 of a regular size sour cream carton
3 eggs
1 can of creamed corn
1 can of regular corn with the liquid

Mix everything together in a casserole dish (I use the white corningwear -- easy and elegant) and bake at 350 for between 45 minutes and an hour (depending on your oven and the weather etc) Yummy.

CVS: Week of 1/18

I have a million or so ECBs from that huge pre-Christmas deal where we got tons of stuff free after ECB plus got to throw coupons at them as well, turning them into moneymakers. So, I'm rolling ECB fast and furious --- and looking for things we need or want that I can use to burn ECB. Unfortunately, since I've become a dedicated couponer and CVSer, there really isn't much that I need or want from CVS anymore. Really.

So -- here are a few deals that I'm looking at this week (either because I'm rolling ECB like a madwoman or because its a good deal for something I'll actually use or donate)

Get a Free CVS $5 Gift Card wyb $15 of specific Hershey Products Limit 1

with Valentine's Day coming up, I'm thinking this is a pretty good thing. We blew through a ton of the free chocolate I got before Christmas with the gingerbread house making extravaganza at our house. I don't need to eat more chocolate, but we do need to restock.

Use the following coupons to make the deal a deal

$1 (2-28-09) SS 11/9/08

CVS Pharmacy 24hr Allergy Relief 5ct : 3.79 FREE AFTER ECB 3.79 Limit 2

$3 CVS brand Q, this is an ECB rolling deal for sure.

PEPSI DEAL: SPEND 20 GET 10 ECBS

Ben & Jerry ice cream - 2/$5

Excedrin 20-24 ct-$1.99 is free with this coupon$2 printable http://www.excedrin.com/offers.shtml

Dawn B1G1 limit 6Dawn, any size .25 (1-31-09) P & G 12/28/08Dawn, any size .50 (1-31-09) P & G 12/14/08Dawn, any size $1/2 (1-31-09) P & G 12/14/08

Duracell CopperTop, PowerPix, Ultra Digital, or Photo Lithium Batteries, 4 pk+ $1.50, $1 or 75 (2-28-09) P & G 1/18/09Duracell CopperTop, PowerPix, Ultra Digital, or Ultra Photo Lithium, any $1.50, $1 or 75 (1-31-09) P & G 12/14/08 75 off any Duracell EXP 02/28/09 PG 011809Duracell $5/2 CVS (tearpad)$3.00 off Duracell rechargeable batteries or batteries CRT

Puffs $.99 use coupon for $.25 off any Puffs PG 01/18/09

Always Be Nice!

I mean it!! Your mother was right. You definitely catch more flies with honey. Always, always, always be nice. Even when you don't have to be nice. Even when you're frankly entitled to be very not nice.

But none of that means that you should be a door mat --- you still stand up for yourself, you still assert your rights. But play nice. Someone will appreciate it. And sometimes, that someone will demonstrate their appreciation in a way that you will appreciate even more.

Here's what happened this weekend:

I went on a shopping spree with some Christmas and birthday money -- I was looking for clothing suitable for work and also checked out some household clearance stuff.

First incident: Talbots Outlet.

I love Talbots Outlet --- love, love, love it. I am able to buy good quality clothing of classic styling for prices that are usually less than I would have to pay for cheaper quality, trendier stuff at Marshalls, Kohls, etc. And now, they've started a rewards program for those of us who really don't want another credit card in our wallets. So, I had signed up for the rewards program and they gave me a little card -- the usual stuff. Well, when they went to ring me up --- the computer didn't show my card as having anyone's name and information. So the clerk (who was terrific, by the way) carefully entered all of my information again. At which point the computer refused to accept any of the information because "the card is already in use". She attempted this again with assistance from her manager (also a terrific lady). Still no go.

At this point, she phoned customer service and related the problem to them. Customer service informed her that this was a known problem and that she should just go ahead and ring up the sale anyway. Terrific Clerk clarified -- the customer will still get her points? I watched as a look of astonishment spread over her face before she repeated back to the CS rep, "so she won't get her points, but she should just call you? That's why I called you for her." Finally, she hung up the phone, having gotten no further than that. She patiently explained this to me, all the while shaking her head and muttering about how ridiculous it was that she had to tell me to do this.

I calmly thanked her for trying, laughed and suggested that customer service might possibly regret this move when I got done writing a letter and phoning, and assured both the clerk and the manager that I appreciated their efforts and in no way held them responsible.

She rang up the sale --- in the pile of items was a bracelet that I was toying with buying. I had asked her previously to check whether it was the marked price or subject to one of Talbots Outlets many percentage discounts. It was priced as marked, but the manager came over and whispered to her to take a 60% discount on it as a thank you and an apology for all of the trouble. Thank you indeed. Later, I wandered through the regular Talbots and discovered it was a current season item and was selling for more than the tagged price in Talbots regular stores. And, for the record, no way would I have even thought of paying the regular price.

Second incident: Coldwater Creek

Coldwater Creek was having a clearance sale that puts things just about in the high end of my budget. Most of their stuff is a little flashy and loud for me, but some of it is classy and well done. I thought I'd look around. I picked up a jacket that I was considering -- and continued to look around the store. A saleswoman asked if she could set up a fitting room for me --- sure (truthfully, I didn't need a fitting room at all, but I do enjoy the feeling of being catered to and taken care of like that -- so why not?) I also found a skirt that I deemed worthy of consideration and took it back to the fitting room with me. When I arrived, another customer had taken my jacket, tried it on, and claimed it as her own. The saleswoman was in a state --- she was genuinely upset that this was happening. I was not so upset --- I wasnt' all that committed to the jacket -- and the woman had probably just saved me from a marginal purchase. No problem. So I was nice. I tried on the skirt -- the sales staff continued to sputter and fume. I liked the skirt (I liked the skirt alot). I went to the sales desk to buy the skirt. I ended up with a 30% discount off of the sale price to apologize for all of the trouble and to thank me for not making a scene.

Third Incident (still the same day)
I phoned customer service at Talbots. I explained what had happened to the representative. I was fully prepared to do battle. I was ready to request the supervisor, ready to write a letter, ready for whatever. The representative was nearly speechless!! "They said to do what?", she exclaimed. "You've got to be kidding!" She then quickly took my reward number, re-entered the name and information (she had some trouble with that too, but was able to overcome it), reinstated the points from the sale earlier in the day, and then apologized for the fuss and credited my account 200 reward points for my trouble. Thank you very much.

So, mom ---- you were right. Be nice --- be very, very nice.

Rite Aid: Week of 1/18

I'm still not a huge Rite Aid gal --- but when they offer me stuff for free, its hard not to love them. So, here's what I'm getting at RiteAid this week (remember there are way more deals to be had, I'm just not choosing them. This just represents me.)

Free Stuff
GE Light Bulbs (Soft White Longer Life 2 pk.) $2

Eligible for $2 SCR #110 (limit 1)= FREE after SCR!

Mentos Gum 2/$2
Use $1/1 Mentos Gum MQ (12/14 SS)= FREE after MQ

Good Deals
Dove Go Fresh Body Mist or Ultimate Clear Deodorant $3
Eligible for $2 SCR #81 (limit 2)
Use $1.50/2 MQ (1/18 RP)= $.25 ea. after coupon and SCR

Sun-Maid Raisins (8.5 oz or 6 pk) $ .99
Use $1/2 MQ (11/9 RP)
= 2/$.98

Walgreens: Week of 1/18 Rolling Register Rewards

Pretty good week at Walgreens, especially if (like me) you have Register Rewards to roll over. I'm looking primarily at two deals to roll my Rewards:

Deal #1
Skippy Peanut Butter (I already have a ton of it in my pantry from the catalina deal at Shaws a while back, but peanut butter is always good for the food pantry!)
Buy 8 jars of Skippy at $1.99 a jar --- $15.92
Use $1/2 coupons from 11/16 RP (yep, I still have 4 of them, no problem)
$11.92 due to the cashier --(I'll pay with my $10 RR and $1.92 cash)
Get $10 back in RR

Deal #2
8 Twin Packs of Bayer Aspirin at $2.50 each ---- $20.00
use 8 of the $1/1 coupns from the 1/4 SS
$12.00 due to the cashier (pay with old Register Rewards again)
Get $10 back in RR

Free Finance Book: Suze Orman

I'm not the hugest fan of Suze Orman--- but the lady makes some sense. She's hooked up with Oprah to offer everyone a free copy of her new book the 2009 Action Plan. It comes as a PDF download -- and after that you can print it, move it from one computer to another, download it to a Palm or Ipod -- or whatever else your little heart desires. Biggest of all -- you can actually read it and do what it says and be in a better place financially next year than you are right now. That's a deal.

Its only available until January 15th, so don't procrastinate!! Go here and download it now --(there are directions once you get there-- don't be scared, you can do this)

Rite Aid Coupon

And to go with that trip to RiteAid --- a lovely little discount coupon --- courtesy of the NBA (not anyone I would have anticipated!!)



You can get $5 off $25 purchase coupon until 03/31/09
This coupon is currently available at nba.com


Get $5 off a $25 Purchase:Coupon good thru 06/30/09. This coupon can only be used towards one purchase which includes at least $25 of eligible product. No cash can be given. This certificate is not valid on purchase of prescriptions, prescriptions co-pays, Medicare or Medicaid prescriptions, lottery tickets, tobacco, alcohol products, money orders, gift cards, stamps, licenses, other mailing services or any other items excluded by law. May not be combined with any other offers. Not valid if duplicated.

RiteAid 1/11/09

I don't do too much at RiteAid usually. Their program is a bit different but somewhat similar to the ESRebate program at Walgreens --- you shop all month long,, keep track of the receipts, enter them into the online site -- and you get a check back at the end of the month --- they're a little slow getting the checks out and thre is no gift card option etc --- And (like Walgreens) you can only do one rebate check per address per month. So don't cash in too soon.

Anyway here's what looks like it might be worrth the stop this week (especially since they 're not out of my way)

Electrasol, $4.49Get $2 SCR #121 (limit 1)$2.50/1 Finish/Electrasol Powerball Tabs, Gelpacs or Quantum (SS 1/4/09)FREE after coupon and SCR!

Excedrin, $1.99$2/1 Excedrin Back & Body/PM, any 24 ct.+(SS 10/19/08)FREE after coupon!

Ziploc Bags, $1.49 (w/ in-ad coupon)$1/2 Ziploc Bags (SS 12/7/08)$1/2 Ziploc Brand Bag (SS 1/11/09)$0.99 ea. after coupon!

Speed Stick Deodorant, BOGOBOGO Speed Stick 24/7 Antiperspirant/Deodorant (SS #2 1/4/09 regional-- not everyone got this coupon --- you have to check what you got and see if you were lucky)FREE after coupon! (deodorant is another product I simply do not pay real money for anymore -- not when I can get it for free so often -- like this. Remember -- you can do this deal as many times as you have coupons for it)

Reese’s Whipps, 2/$1$1/2 Hershey’s Reese’s Whipps, exp. 03-31-09 (SS 01/04/09)FREE after coupon!

Walgreens for 1/11/09

Here's what my shopping list for Walgreens will look like this week. There are many other deals to be had so don't necessarily stop looking here --- but these are the things that work for me.

Free or Almost Free

Oust Air Sanitizer $3.79 B1G1 Use B1G1 free coupon from 1/4 SS insertFinal price: FREE (I don't know if I actually want this or not yet, but having a dog in the house, air freshener is never a bad thing, I guess)

Windex Glass Wipes $3.79 B1G1 Use (2) $0.40 coupons from upcoming 1/11 SS insertMail in full rebate from upcoming 1/11 SSFinal price: $0.80 overage for two minus cost of stamp (I need to look at the rebate form and see how it works, but I'll probably do this one)

Colgate Toothpaste $2.79 B1G1 with insert couponUse $1.50 from September All You magazine or $1.00 coupon from 1/4 SS insertFinal price: 2/$0.79 or $0.21 overage (I don't usually pay actual money for toothpaste, but this is cheap enough that I might do it)

Aquafresh Toothpaste $2.99Use $2.00 EasySaver couponUse $1.00 printable coupon or $0.75 coupon from 1/4 SS inserFinal price: $0.24 or FREE (same story with the toothpaste --- my Walgreens is good about accepting internet printable coupons, but some of them are not -- worst case scenario, its still very cheap toothpaste)

These aren't free, but they're good enough deals to work for me.

Quaker Oats $3.79 B1G1 with insert couponUse (2) $1.00 printable couponsFinal price: 2/$1.79 (I also have some blinkies that I found in Shaws -- same chain as Albertsons --- they might make the deal even better, have to see)

Sunlight Dishwashing Liquid $1.29 B1G1 Use (2) $0.25 coupons from 9/21 SS inserFinal price: 2/$0.79 (I don't pay cash for dish washing soap either -- but if you need it in the near future -- this is pretty cheap)

Bounty Basics Paper Towel $0.89 with insert couponUse $0.25 coupon from 12/28 PG insertFinal price: $0.64 (I've used most of my Bounty coupons on the Shaws deal this past week, but I think I have one or two left.)


Halls Cough Drops $0.99 with insert couponUse $1.00/2 from 12/7 SS insertFinal price: $0.49 each (Tis the season)

Walgreens Week of 1/4/09

Woo Hoo, it looks like I'll be spending some quality time in Walgreens this week. I'm liking several of the deals -- and I have those lovely register rewards from my FREE Conair hair dryers to use up while I'm at it.
Here's what I'm liking (not an exhaustive list, by any means, but its what I'm interested in -- and I think is a good deal)

• Finish/Electrasol Gelpack 20 ct., $3.49Get $1.50 Easy Saver Rebate (limit 1)$2.50/1 Finish/Electrasol Powerball Tabs, Gelpacs or Quantum, exp. 2-1-09 (SS 1/4/09)FREE after coupon and ESR (okay, okay, so you actually come out one penny ahead on this deal)
• DeMet Chocolate Turtles, $0.99 (do you know how many of these I gave as Christmas gifts this year??)$1.50/1 DeMets Turtles, any 3 oz.+, exp. 3-31-09 (SS 11/16/08)FREE after coupon (you’ll have to either buy several or have the cashier adjust the coupon down --- Walgreens won’t exceed the total cost of the item when redeeming a coupon. So, you could by 4 and use 3 coupons and only pay $.98 for all 4 or something like that. Remember, most cashiers will have no idea how to adjust down the coupon. Be prepared for a standoff and a page to the manager.
• Garnier Fructis Hair Products, $2.99$1/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, or Treatment(RP 10/5/08) $1/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, or Treatment (RP 11/9/08) $1/1 Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, or Treatment(RP 1/04/09) $1/1 Garnier Fructis Style Product(RP 11/9/08) $1/1 Garnier Fructis Style Product(RP 1/04/09) $1/1 Garnier Fructis Style Product(RP 10/5/08) $2/1 Garnier Fructis Walgreens coupon (January ESR Catalog) FREE after coupons!
• Reynolds Wrap Foil, $0.99$1/1 Reynolds Wrap Foil, any except 25 sq. ft., exp. 1-10-09 (SS 11/16/08) FREE after coupon!
• L’Oreal Foundation, Blush, Concealer, Powder, BOGO $3/1 L’Oreal Makeup, Powder, Blush or Concealer RP #2 1/4/09Final Price: FREE to cheap after coupons!

I love it when Walgreens gives me free stuff.

Walgreens Week of 12/14

I didn't do too well with the Holiday Register Rewards the last two weeks, and now this week they're not doing that anymore (boo hoo). But there are some terrific deals at Walgreens this week. Here's what I see

Russell Stover Private Reserve Luminary $4.99 there are reports of coupons out there from back in August and from this past week, but I'm not finding any of them. But even so, these are beautiful (and the chocolate is yummy) and make nice little gifts for teachers, crossing guards, bus drivers, etc. And if you buy two of them, you qualify for a $10 ESR this month. That makes them FREE!!
Sure Deodorant $2.50 each -- use the December ESC fro $1.50 off. Some folks are also finding printables for $1.00 off, but I've sworn off printables for a while. If you find the printable, you'll make this FREE
DeMet Chocolate Turtles $.99 for the small box. Again, these make nice little gifts, stocking stuffers, or additions to gift baskets. There's a coupon from 11/16 for $1.50 off. Walgreens doesn't give overage -- but you can buy 4 boxes, use 2 coupons, and only pay $.96 for all four boxes. The more of these that you can pile up together, the better the price gets. The computer will keep taking the coupons as long as there is at least $1.50 of cost of the turtles left to absorb it. I did 10 boxes (it'll keep the staff here in candy for a while) and paid only $.90 for the whole pile -- just used 6 coupons
Skippy Peanut Butter (you know I'm not doing this one, I'm still working my way through my stash of peanut butter from Shaws --- but its a fairly good price in the end) 2/$3.00

CVS Says Merry Christmas!!

CVS apparently thinks they haven't done enough yet to make my holiday merry and bright. (I do love overachievers!) Remember Thanksgiving weekend when they gave us a ton of free stuff? Remember how we threw a whole lot of coupons into the mix and turned them all into moneymakers??

Well, here we go again: Starting this Sunday (December 21st) for only two days, CVS is giving all of us a whole 'nother ton of free stuff (Remember to say "thank you". Your mother did teach you manners) Here's what the CVS Santa's list looks like:

Listerine antiseptic 16.9oz $2.99 get $2.99 ECB limit 5 Make it a merry money maker -$1 off any one (Diabetes Book from CVS)

Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine nail Color $5.99 get $5.99 ECB limit 2 Make it a merry money maker -.50 off Sally Hansen Nail Color, Any SS 9/28 OR -$3/2 Sally Hansen CVS Beauty Book coupon

Arm & Hammer Essentials starter kit $2.99 get $2.99 ECB limit 5 Make it a merry money maker -$1 off Essentials Starter Kit SS 12/14

L’Oreal HIP Metalic eye shadow duos $6.99 get $6.99 ECB limit Make it a merry money maker 2-$1 LOreal Lipcolour, any RP 11/02 OR -$1 LOreal Makeup, Powder, Blush or Concealer, any RP 11/02 OR -$2 LOreal Makeup, Powder, Blush or Concealer, any RP 10/05

ThermaCare neck to arm heatwrap 1ct $2.49 get $2.49 ECB limit 3 Make it a merry moneymaker -$1.50 or -$1 ThermaCare Arthritis HeatWraps, PG 11/30

Right Guard Professional solid 1.8oz or aerosol 6oz $6.00 get $6.00 ECB limit 1 Make it a merry moneymaker -.55 off any Right Guard coupon on select products

Zipfizz energy 3ct $5.99 get $5.99 ECB limit 1

Excedrin Express Gels 20ct $3.99 get $3.99 ECB limit 1 Make it a merry money maker Excedrin Express Gels 20 ct or larger up to $6.99 SS 10/19

Alteril sleep aid 30ct $9.99 get $9.99 ECB limit 1

Halls Naturals 25ct $2.59 get $2.59 ECB limit 1 Make it a merry money maker -.50/1 Halls SS 12/07 OR B1G1 Halls SS 11/9

EAS AdvantEdge bar 2.11oz $1.69 get $1.69 ECB limit 1

EAS AdvantEdge shake 4pk $7.49 get $7.49 ECB limit 1

Zantac 150 8ct $4.99 get $4.99 ECB limit 1 Make it a merry money maker -$1 of ANY Zantac product SS 11/09, 10/26

Benefiber drink mix 16ct $7.29 get $7.29 ECB limit 1 Make it a merry money maker-$2.00/1 Benefiber, Any – SS9/21, 10/19, 11/16, 12/14

Iceland Health joint relief 60ct $29.99 get $29.99 ECB limit 1

Slimquick 2pk 4oz total $4.99 get $4.99 ECB limit 1

Sleepinal 32ct $8.49 get $8.49 ECB limit 5

Almost Free (but not quite)

Crest Pro Health toothpaste 4.2oz or rinse 8.45oz $2.99 get $2 ECB limit 2 -$1 Crest MultiCare Whitening, Extra Whitening, etc. any 4.2 oz. + Toothpaste, P G 11/30

Revlon all Lip and Nail Products B1G1 (no limit) -$2 off any Revlon color product SS 9/14, 8/24 OR -$1 off any Revlon color product SS 10/12, 11/16

I figure I will come out about $11.00 ahead (that's only doing one of each deal -- some of these freebies seem to have limits of more than one. Wow, thank you CVS Santa!!

Free Restaurant.com certificates

This is a terrific idea for the holidays. I'm planning on using some to thank important people like the bus driver, the crossing guard, and the guy that plows the driveway (thankfully not yet this year!!). These are people for whom I am very thankful, but my budget doesn't always allow me to do something nice to express that appreciation. That's exactly what Restaurant.com's feed it forward program is all about.
Restaurant.com’s Feed It Forward™ will donate $30 million in free restaurant gift certificates – over 30 days – and allow you to treat friends, family, and colleagues —anyone deserving—to savings on a great meal out. When you Feed It Forward™, you have the opportunity, every day for 30 days, to enrich lives by giving the gift of meals and memories. Now until Christmas, you simply choose whom to give to, and they will take care of the rest. They'll email those people redemption codes for free $10 certificates to the restaurant of their choice (from the kajillions of Restaurant.com participants -- We had no trouble finding several that appealed to us!) And then, the gift goes on!! Each person that receives a gift through the giving site can help Feed it Forward™, by giving free restaurant gift certificates to others. How can you lose?? So, click here (if you didn't already follow the link above) and start dreaming up deserving friends and loved ones. You can tell them that you think they're grand. And they'll think you're grand right back.