Free Paper at Staples??

This is one of those deals that depend on luck as much as skill --- but if you get lucky, you can make out like a bandit.....


Staples is selling off paper reams that are in an old packaging style for $1 per ream after rebate. You are wanting a ream pictured here sellling for $6.99 in stores. You will get a $5.99 rebate back by mail per ream. There is NO LIMIT on the number of rebates you can claim. For rebate information go here and search for SKU 554638.

Now, you can make this deal even better!! Find a Staples or Office Depot coupon and use that (they accept competitor coupons as a matter of corporate policy. Just go to the website and print off a copy of the corporate policy --- take it with you in case of a manager or cashier who doesn't know their own policy)

So --- here's how to set up the deal (if you can find 8 packages of the old wrapper paper:

• Buy 8 reams at $6.99 eaUse: $10 off $50 couponTotal Due: $45.92 before tax -- pay this out of pocket.
• Get Back: $47.92 in rebates when you file for the rebate (you're ahead already)
• Use your staples rewards card when you check out and you will get $4.50 in staples rewards to use later. Such a bonus!!

Final Cost: PROFIT $6.50

CVS: Week of 3/28

Well, CVS provided a practically free Valentine's Day and some super freebies to make Christmas merry and bright --- now they're providing us with some fun Easter freebies too. Now is the time ---- start stocking your Easter baskets -- courtesy of CVS.

2-DAY SALE: This is good for SUNDAY AND MONDAY ONLY

Paas Easter Egg Coloring Kit $1.99
Get $1.99 ECBs (limit 2)
FREE after ECBs

Confectionery Lane Jelly Beans $.50

Easter M&M’s $1.50 (limit 6)
Use $1.50/3 from the 3/15 RP insert
Final Cost: $1.00 per bag.

WEEKLY DEALS

Accu-Check/Aviva Diabetes Monitors $9.99 Get $9.99 ECBs (limit 1)
Final Cost: FREE (now, I know that you don't want this thing. I don't want it either. But, when you need to "roll" ECBs, this is a godsend. I have ECBs that are expiring NOW --- I'll pay for this monitor with those ECBs and get fresh, new ones, that don't expire for another month. The monitors are always welcome at charity based health services --VIM is my personal favorite and they love getting these)

Glade Sense and Spray/Lasting Impressions $5.99 Get $1 ECB (limit 1)
Use $4/1 3/29 SS
Final cost: $0.99

Buy $10 in Pond’s Towelettes ($3.99) Get $5 ECBs (limit 1)
Buy 3 and use (3)$1.50/1 coupons from the 3/29 RP
Final Cost: $2.47 for 3 (.82 cents each)

Buy 2 Softsoap Ensembles Hand Soap ($3.99) Get $4 ECBs (limit 3)
Use $1/1 from the 3/22 SS insert (use two coupons)
Final Cost: $1.99

Buy $10 in Veet Products (psa $5.49) Get $5 ECBs (limit 1)
Use $2/1 printable coupon or from the CVS Reinventing Beauty Magazine
Buy 2 and use 2 coupons.
Final Cost: $1.98 for 2 (.99 each)

OTHER DEALS I'M CONSIDERING:

Sally Henson Nail Polish BOGO 2/$2.49
Use $3/2 from the Reinventing Beauty Magazine (this is the older one, not the new one)
Final cost: FREE

Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber $2.99
Use $2.75 printable coupon
PAy $0.24 cents after coupon!
Check the coupons that have come out of the magic coupon machine. Some folks (not me) have gotten $1 CRTs for the Scrubbing Bubbles. That would make it FREE with possible overage.

Lysol $2.50 each
there are some Lysol coupons and a MIR (mail in rebate)deal

- $0.50/1 Lysol all purpose cleaner trigger 3/15 SS
- $0.75/1 Lysol toilet bowl cleaner 3/15 SS
- $1/1 Lysol disinfecting wipes 3/15 SS

It ends up being a $0.75 money-maker after coupons and rebate.
Go to CVS and buy:
1 Lysol Wipes, 1 Lysol toilet cleaner and 1 Lysol spray = 2.50 x 3 = 7.50

Now use these coupons:

- 3.00 Lysol CVS coupon (1.00 x 3) Print here: -$1/1 Printable CVS q
= 4.50
- 0.50 all purpose
- 0.75 toilet bowl cleaner
- 1.00 wipes
= 2.25 (submit for $3 rebate)

There are also a bunch of other Lysol coupons that you can work into this deal:

SS 2/1/09
Lysol Disinfectant Spray, any 12 oz.+ $1 (3-30-09)
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, any $1/2 (3-30-09)
Lysol To Go, any .50 (3-30-09)

SS 2/8/09
Lysol Bathroom Cleaner or Mildew Remover .50 (4-5-09)
Lysol Cling 2 in 1 $1 (4-5-09)
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner .50 (4-5-09)
You need to do 3 separate transactions in order to use the CVS coupon 3 times. Save all of the receipts and send them in for the rebate. Click here for the rebate information: Lysol Rebate $3 wyb 3 DIFFERENT products (excludes neutra air products)

MONTHLY CVS DEALS: This is the last couple of days for the March deals. Again, if you haven't done this one already and you need to roll ECBs, it is an easy way to roll them.

CVS Pharmacy Vitamin D 400, 100 ct $2.99 Get $2.99 ECBs (limit 1)
Final Cost: FREE

Walgreens: Week of 3/28

It's April at Walgreens !!! April begins TODAY at Walgreens. That means that all of the April sales and rebates begin today. There are still rumors abounding on the web that Walgreen's rebate program is ending --- now everyone is saying April is the last month. I'm feeling very "Scarlett O'Hara" about the whole thing: "I'll think about it tomorrow".

For now, here's what looks good to me at Walgreens --- (remember, this is just my shopping list and things I think look good. There is far, far more on sale at Walgreens (possibly even free) this week. If you want to see a fuller list, head on over to CommonSenseWithMoney. She is thorough, complete and very reliable.

Glade Soy Candles $5.99

Use $4/1 coupon (I warned you about this coupon last week. Its gone now, but if you have it, now's the time to use it)

Use $2/1 coupon in the April EasySaver booklet

Final Cost: FREE

Equal Sweetener--on sale 2 for $5

Use the $2.50/1 coupon from 1/4

Final Cost: FREE (I don't use these, but they're super handy for company. Plus I'll stock the church kitchen and the kitchen at my husband's office.)

Reynolds Foil--on sale for $0.89 after in-ad coupon

Use $1/1 from 2/8

Final Cost: FREE

Printer Cartridge Refill--$7.50

Submit for $7.50 April Easysaver rebate #28

Final Cost: FREE

No Nonsense Pantyhose--on sale B1G1 Free (2 for $2.49)

Use $1/1 coupon from 3/29

Final Cost: $0.25

Bayer tablets (24-36-ct.)-- on sale for $1.99

Use $1/1 coupon from the 3/22 SS

Final Cost: $0.99

Buy 1 Edge Infused Energy Shaving Gel at $3.59

Get $3.59 Register Rewards

Final Cost: FREE (seriously -- that's it. No coupons, nothing -- just free shave gel!)

Buy 1 Skintimate Cream Shave at $2.99

Get $2.99 Register Rewards

Final Cost: FREE (again -- straightforward, simple -- free shave cream)

Buy 1 100% Natural or True Shimmer Chapstick at $1.99

Get $1.99 Register Rewards

Final Cost: FREE (if they include the kind with sunscreen in it, this is a good time to stock up for the summer beach season)

Remember, if you use your RR from a promotion to pay for another one of the same promotion -- you don't get the register reward again. So, I'm thinking that if you buy shave gel (they're both the same promotion) and pay the $2.99 oop. Use the RR to buy the chapstick and something else on sale. Go back and use the $1.99 RR to buy more shave gel (this time pay only $1.00 oop) and just keep rocking back and forth between the two deals. You could end up with a nice stockpile of shave cream and chapstick for very little money (and save on the other stuff too) Thank you Walgreens!!

Schick Quattro Razors at Target

This looks like a terrific deal and might even be worth a trip to Target.
From March 22 through March 28, Target is running a deal on Schick Intuition, Quattro for Women, and Quattro Titanium razors. When you buy any two at $6.99 you will receive a $5 Target Gift Card.

so, what makes this a good deal?? Well ------ There are two rather nice coupons in this week's paper that were made for this deal:

• a $4-off-1 Schick Intuition razor AND
• a $4-off-1 Schick Quattro razor coupon!

Purchase two of these razors at $13.98, use your $8 in coupons, and pay $5.98 at the register.

Then receive a $5 Target Gift Card and it's like you've paid $0.98 for two really nice razors!

Now -- get ready to "roll" these gift cards. Take that $5 Gift Card and do the deal again. Use the gift card and one lonely dollar to pay the $5.98 at the register and get another $5 Gift Card. You can keep doing this until you run out of coupons --- and have a zillion Quattro razors for just a very little money.

Save Your Printable!! Classy Glade

I completely burned out on the Glade products during a promotion in September. I swore I had enough of Glade to last me a lifetime -- and I don't even like the stuff all that much. I had a devil of a time giving all of it away (Thanks Karen!!)

But this Glade deal looks attractive to me --- you'll have to start planning NOW, so that you can take advantage of this in a few weeks:

Here's how it goes

Glade has released a new coupon for $4.00 off any product from The Fragrance Collection by Glade. These coupons usually go very quickly, so print them off while you are able to!!

This coupon is for their new line of Reed diffusers and Soy candles. They're a little bit classier than the usual line of Glade products. I'm willing to give them a try -- I'm also thinking of gift giving as we come to the end of the school year.

Hold onto them until the beginning of April.

These are normally priced at $5.99 at Walgreens.
In the April Easy Saver booklet, there will be a $2.00 off coupon for these products.

Combine the two coupons, and we should have FREE Glade products in April.

Reportedly, you can print the Glade coupons twice, as long as you do them both at the same time. After you print it out the first time, hit the back button and print it out again.

Moderately Ridiculous: But Thrifty!!

Okay, some of what I do to pinch a penny borders on the ridiculous, I know. But I love when someone else sets up a deal that seems like way more work than its worth (to me). That's when I remind myself that this is a game!!

Oh, it saves me tons and tons of money --- that's true. But I have to approach it like a game -- its a sport -- shopping for sport. Like any other puzzle, I manipulate the pieces until it clicks and I "win" by getting free stuff, right?

And if you look at it that way ---- well, how much work is any game or puzzle worth?? You do it for the fun of it, for the sheer joy and exhiliration of LEGALLY walking out of a store with free stuff.

So, here's the deal that started me on this rant ---- see what you think: Do it if the game of it appeals to you -- or just giggle slightly (like I did) and pass on it. Doesn't matter -- just fun!

Go to mycokerewards.com

Enter this code: 100869373819

You have added O points..... (this is looking ridiculous already, isn't it?)

But you have a special reward from Walgreens (YAY!!!)

Click on DONE

Then Get it

Then Continue

Click on the link and a coupon will be sent to your email

Print off a coupon for a BOGO 20 ounce Coke at Walgreens

After having done all that

Save it for just a little while...

3/29 - 4/4 at Walgreens when you buy a 20oz Coke - get a free candy bar.

Follow these steps and you will receive two cokes and two candybarsfor the price of a coke.

Thanks to the CherryPicker for the strategy and the giggle.

Heads Up on this Weeks Sunday Coupons

This is definitely NOT the week to knock yourself out trying to get to the store to get the paper to get the coupons ----

There's only 1 insert coming out this weekend (Sorry newbies who are trying to build up the stash -- this is a famine week)

We'll get one Smart Source insert, but it doesn't look like there's all that much in it.

Here are a few of the better coupons in it:
$2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants (Jumbo Pack or Larger) (which I guess is good news for those of you with babies who didn't get overloaded at Walgreens a few weeks back)
$2/1 L’oreal EverPure Shampoo, Conditioner, or Treatment
$4/1 Schick Intuition or Intuition Plus Razor or Refill
$4/1 Schick Quattro for Women Razor, TrimStyle Razor or Refill

Remember, you can always preview the upcoming coupons over at TaylorTown each week!! It will let you plan ahead as to how much work its really worth to get your hands on that week's paper -- and how many copies you really want.

Walgreens: Week of 3/22

I know that some of you are holding onto some Register Rewards from the big diaper week two weeks ago. Remember -- Use them or lose them --- they'll expire this week (whatever day of the week you got them) Most of the Walgreens around me are super fussy about expired RRs (another reason to love CVS more -- even during the dry spells like we're in). They will not take them, not even one day expired.


So --- if you're looking to roll RRs or even just to spend them wisely (sometimes that is the best and only option) -- here's what I see at WAGS this week:


If you want to Roll the Register Rewards, try these:

Some (not all) Kellogg’s Cereals 4/$10
Get $2 RR wyb 4
Use 4 of the $1/1 from the 2/22 RP
Final Cost $4/4 or $1.00 apiece (not a terrific price for cereal, but not bad)


Listerine Mouthwash 2/$9
Get $3 RR wyb 2
Use 2 of the $1 from the 2/8 RP
Final Cost: 2/$4

Dryel $8.99
Get $2 RR
Use $3 printable coupon
Final Cost $3.99

Gillette Fusion $8.99
get $4 RR
Use $4.00 from the PG 2/8
Final Cost: $.99



If you're not turned on my any of that and want to use your RR to get things you need to stockpile and get them inexpensively --- try some of these: (Use your RR that you're holding to pay at the register)


Right Guard Professional Strength $5.99
Use $1.00 from the 3/8 SS
Use $5 Easy Saver Rebate (remember, you get this back at the end of the month)
Final Cost: FREE


Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair 2/$7
Use 2 of the $1.00 from the 2/22 SS
Use $2 Easy Saver Rebate
Final cost: $1.50 ea

Schick Quattro Razor $8.99
Use $4/1 Easy Saver Coupon
Use $4/1 from the 3/22 SS
Final Cost $.99


L’Oreal Hair Care B1G1F 2/$4.99
Use (2) $1 from the 2/22 SS
Final Cost: 2/$2.99

Hershey’s Easter Candy 2/$5
Use $1/2 Easy Saver Coupon
There are Hershey's coupons all over the place:
$2.00/ 2 in the 1/25
$1.00/1 in the 3/1
$1.50/3 in the 3/15
Final Cost: somewhere around 2/$2.00 (Hoppy Easter, bunny)


Reese’s,Cadbury Eggs or Hershey’s Robin Eggs $4.50
Use $3/2 Easy Saver Coupon
Combine w/ B3G1F 3/15 SS
Final Cost: $3.00


Stride or Trident Gum $.79
Use $.75 3/8 SS
Final Cost: $.04 (I'm thinking Easter baskets on this one too)


Colgate Toothpaste $.99
Use $.75 from the 2/22 SS
Final Cost: $.24 (you know I like free toothpaste better -- but if you're trying to build up your stockpile, this is a darn good price too)


Hunts Tomato Sauce $.99Use $.60 in ad coupon= $.39
Submit for ESR Rebate #29 (Buy $10, Get $5 back)
Deal Idea:

• $10.89 when you buy 11 cans
• -$6.00 when you use in-ad coupon
• =$4.89 plus tax out of pocket
• but get $5 back via rebate
• FREE after everthing is said and done

You can also still take advantage of these monthly deals to get free stuff:

Colgate Total Toothpaste 4 oz. (priced around $2.99-$3.49)
Use $2.50/1 coupon from Easysaver Catalog
Use $1/1 coupon from 2/22 SS
Final Cost: FREE

Revlon Emery Boards (priced around $1.59)
Use $1.1 coupon from Easysaver catalog
Use $1/1 coupon from 2/8 RP
Final Cost: FREE

I found a few additional deals that are worth looking at:

Windex Glass Cleaner
Sale price $3 each.
Submit for EasySaver Rebate #23 to save $1 each.
Use the $2 printable from Right@Home.
Final Cost: FREE

Shout Cleaner
Sale price $3 each.
Submit for EasySaver Rebate #23 to save $1 each.
Use the $1.50 printable from Right@Home.
Final Cost: FREE

Fantastik Cleaner
Sale price $3 each.
Submit for EasySaver Rebate #23 to save $1 each.
Use the $1.50 printable from Right@Home.
Final Cost: $0.50

CVS: Week of 3/22

This is starting out looking like another fairly weak week at CVS ---- again. There's only one freebie/moneymaker and a few good sales (if you need to add to your stockpile of those items -- they're not looking as attractive to me)

Be sure to check the expiration dates on your ECBs --- like me, you may need to do some deals that are less than wonderful -- just so you can roll the ECBs..

For FREE
Crest Pro Health $3.49

Get $3.49 ECB (see it's free already -- say "thank you CVS")

Use $1.00 2/8 PG

Final Cost: PROFIT $1.00

Sales and Good Deals:

Schick Quattro or Intuition Razor $8.99

Get $3 ECB

Use $4/1 Intuition 3/22 SS

OR Use $4/1 Quattro 3/22 SS

Final Cost: $1.99

Right Guard Professional Strength, Solid or Aerosol or Dry Idea $7.99

Get $5 ECB

Use $1/2 3/8 SS

Final Cost: $1.99

St Ives Skin Care

Get $5 ECB when you purchase $10

Use $2.00 3/8 SS (this may stack up into a pretty good deal, still working on that --- I'll let you know)

Degree or Dove

Get $5.00 ECB when you purchase $15

Use $1.50 03/15 RP (this is another one, that might stack up nicely. We'll see)

CVS: Candy Deal

Easter is right around the corner -- that means Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets and all sorts of other excuses for candy. So, who can pass up a great deal on chocolate?!?

CVS has an ECB deal going this week that I almost missed. At first blush, it didn't look like such a terrific deal, but now that I'm looking at it again --- its looking better. Here's how I plan to work it out:

Buy: 3 bags Hershey's Kisses $1.88 each

1 bag Hershey's Bliss $3.50

3 Hershey's Mini Eggs $2.00 each

Merchandise Total: $15.14

Coupons to Use:

2 Hershey's $1.50 off any 3 bags coupon (HERE)

1 Hershey's Bliss $1 off coupon (HERE)

Coupon Savings: - $4.00

Out-Of-Pocket: $11.14

ECBs Earned: $5.00

That's a total of $6.14 for 7 bags of Hershey's chocolates... 88 cents a bag!

If you have a $3 off $15 CVS coupon and $5 ECBs, you can make this even sweeter -- and only pay $3.14 OOP and still get $5 ECB back --- making money on chocolate.... a truly "sweet" deal!

Walgreens: Week of 3/15

I know that some of us are looking for ways to use up the Register Rewards that overflowed last week from the diaper deals (some of us rolled them right away to get a boatload of free stuff) Whether you're looking to roll the diaper rewards, some smaller rewards that came from the rolling, or you're just looking for good deals at Walgreens this week, this should bring a smile to your face --- Walgreens has some terrific deals this week. Some of them are not freebies (my favorites, as you well know) but are just great deals (check out the gelatin and the tin foil!)

Listerine, Reach or Reach toothbrush

On Sale 3/$9.00

Get $6.00 Register Rewards

Buy 1 of eachUse $5.00/3 cpn in 3-15-09 SS

Final Cost: PROFIT $2.00

Lady Speed Stick or Speed Stick

On Sale $1.99

Get $1.00 RR (limit 1)

Final Cost: $.99

Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color

On Sale 2/$4.00

Get $2.00 ESR on 2

Final Cost : 2 for $2.00

Walgreen's Apple or Orange Juice, $1.99

Duncan Hines Brownies

On Sale $1.00

Use $1.00/3 cpn in 02-01-09 SS

Final Cost: $2.00 for 3

7up, Dr. Pepper, A&W, Canada Dry or Sunkist

On Sale 4/$5.00

Get $2.00 Register Rewards

Final Cost: 4/$3.00

Royal Gelatin

On Sale 5/$1.00 with in ad coupon

Dove Personal Care, 25% off

Buy 8, Get $8 Register Rewards

Buy 6, Get $6 Register Rewards

Buy 4, Get $2 Register Rewards

Walgreen's Aluminum Foil and Plastic Cutlery

On Sale $.59 with in ad coupon

Sensodyne toothpaste

On Sale $4.99

Use $1.00 IVC

Use $1.00 cpn in 01-04-09 SS insert

Final Cost: $2.99

Vidal sassoon Ecostyle Hair Dryer or Straightener

On Sale $19.99

Get $10 Register Rewards

Final Cost: $9.99

Staples Deals

This week our favorite local office supplies store is having another great $1 Deals Sale!! The sale runs through this Saturday 3/21 or while supplies last (which you know will be long before Saturday!!). if you see something you want (come on, we all know that teachers cannot resist an office supplies sale!!), get to the store early in the week. At these prices........they may sell out!! There is a limit of 2 per item, (although with most sales, Staples will expand the limit for teachers -- be sure to take identification -- and sign up for their teacher rewards program if you havent' already.) and sale is vaild in-store ONLY!!

Here are the deals:


For Just a Buck ---

*BIC Ultra Round Stic Grip ballpoint pens, medium, 12 pack
*Scotch Magic Tape dispenser
*Staples Pull&Seal #10 envelopes, 25 pack
*Staples Accel 4.25" x 5.5" fat book notebook, 200 sheets
*Staples photo plus 4" x 6" paper, 60/pack
*Staples glue sticks, 4/pack
*Crayola crayons, standard, 24/pack
*Staples assorted mechanical pencils, 12/pack
*Staples binder 3-hole punch
*ALL 12/pack Staples clasp envelopes
*Writing Pads, letter size, white, perforated, 3/pack
*Staples soft grip binder clips, 12/pack
*Pilot FriXion Ball gel pens, fine, 3/pack
*BIC Atlantis ballpoint pens, 4/pack
*BIC Brite highlighter, 5/pack
*Ticonderoga pencils, 12/pack
*HammerMill CopyPlus copy paper, 500 sheets/ream

For a mere 2 Bucks!!

*Staples gel stick pens, 12/pack

*Wescott 7" soft-handed scissors

*Post It's 1/2 inch, unprinted tape flag, 4/pack

*Staples black full-strip stapler value pack

*Staples wide ruled index cards, 500/pack


FREE after Rebate.........
(do keep in mind, I'm not a fan of the Staples rebate program -- they always seem to find some loophole or glitch when it comes to my rebates and frustrate the heck out of me)

*Staples Delta Elite retractable ballpoint pens, black, 2/pack ($5.29-$2.30 instant savings-$2.99 Easy Rebate= FREE)

Walgreens: Easter Candy Rebate Deal

Here is a deal I missed! Palmer’s Easter Candy is B1G1F @ $2.99 this week.

There is an Easy Saver Rebate (#32) where you buy $20 of Palmer Easter Chocolate and get $10 back by mail.

So if you buy 8 bags a $2.99
= $11.95 (4 bags are Free!)

Combine with ESR of $10
Final Cost: $1.95 for 8 bags of Candy for the Easter Baskets!!

While your there, here’s a few more Easter deals to take note of:

Marshmallow peeps (4-5 pk) $.39 w/in ad coupon
Act II Easter Popcorn eggs $.39 w/ in ad coupon
Fill n Fun Plastic Easter Eggs (6-24 pk) $.79 w/ in ad coupon
Mini Sticker Books or Puzzles 3/$1 w/in ad coupon
Easter pencils 5/$1 w/in ad coupon
Select Easter Toys for Girls or Boys are 3/$3.98

CVS: Week of March 15th

(Three Day Sale through Tuesday)

Buy 1 Irish Spring Body Wash 15-18 oz. at $4.99, Get $4.99 ECBs (Limit 1)

Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 3/15 SS

FinalCost: Profit $0.50

Buy 1 Dry Idea deodorant at $2.99, Get $2 ECB (Limit 1)

Use $1.00 coupon from the 3/8 SS

Final Cost: FREE

Buy 1 Colgate Max Whitening Toothpaste (4.6-6 oz.) at $2.99, Get $2.99 ECBs (Limit 1)

Use $0.75/1 coupon from the 2/22 or 3/15 SS

Final Cost: PROFIT $0.75

Wheat Thins or Ritz Crackers are on sale for $1.

Buy 2 and use the $2/2 coupon from the 1/25 SS

Final Cost: FREE

Buddy Soaps

I don't have children, so you wouldn't think that Johnson Buddy soaps would make my heart go pitter patter ---- but they do. These things are so popular with the little guys (and since it makes them agreeable to baths, they're popular with the moms too) that giving them away has made me the most popular thing since sliced white bread.

So I was so psyched to learn from DealSeekingMom and MoneySavingMom that the Johnson's coupons have been reset. (truthfully, I hadn't been following them and didn't know they were out -- but they've been re-set and you can print them at these links. )

• $1/1 Johnson’s Buddies (IE) (Firefox)
• $2/2 Johnson’s Buddies (IE) (Firefox)
• $2/2 Johnson’s Shampoo, Conditioner or Buddies (IE) (Firefox)
• $3/3 Johnson’s Products (IE) (Firefox)

These soaps are priced around $1.00 at most stores including Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, etc. Use these coupons to get them free. If you have little ones, you'll be a hero. If you don't have little ones, you can be the favorite aunt or family friend. Either way, you come out ahead of the game.

Walgreens: Week of 3/8

Colgate Total Toothpaste $3.49

-$2.50 Colgate Easy Saver Coupon page 23

Use $1.50 Colgate Total March/AY

OR Use $1.00Colgate 2/1 SS

Final Cost: FREE

Wrigley’s Orbit, Eclipse Gum 1.98/3

- .99/3 Easy Saver Coupon on page 6

Final cost: .99 for 3 packs of gum

Glade Scented Oil Sense and Spray Starter Kit $7.99

-$4.00 Glade Easy Saver Coupon page 29

Use BOGO Glade Printable HERE

Use $4.00 Glade 2/8/S or March/AY

Final cost: = FREE (this might turn a profit, depending on how your cashier enters your coupons)

Glade Lasting Impressions $7.99

-$4.00 Glade Easy Saver coupon page 29

Use BOGO Glade Printable HERE

Use $4.00 Glade coupon 2/8/S or March/AY

Final cost: = FREE

Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner, Styler $2.99

-$2.00 Easy Saver Coupon on page 18

Use $1.00 Garnier 1/4/RP or 2/8/RP or 3/8/RP or from the tearpads

Final cost=FREE

Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color $5.99

-$2.00 Easy Saver Coupon on page 17

Use $2.00 Garnier Nutrisse 2/8/RP or 3/8/RP

Final cost = $1.99

Noxzema Bikini Shavers $2.99

-$2.00 Easy Saver coupon page 19

Final cost = .99¢

Revlon Emery Boards $1.59

-$1.00 EasySaver coupon page 8

-Use $1.00 Revlon tool 2/8/RP

Final cost= Profit $.59

Sambucol Cold & Flu Relief (30 tablets) $12.99

-$10.00 EasySaver coupon page 26

Use $4.00 printable Sanbucol cooupon here

Final cost= Profit $1.01 (this one seems to be tripping up some stores, so you may not get the profit. But this is good stuff for the remaining cold season here)

Crest Pro Health $2.49

Get $1.00 Register Reward

Use .75/1 Crest 3/1/PG

Final cost =.74 (I probably will pass on this one, since we're getting free Colgate this week, but if you love, love, love Crest -- go for it)

Gillette Fusion Gamer $8.99

Get $4.00 Register Reward

Use $4.00 Gillette Fusion 2/8/PG

Final Cost =.99¢ (I'm probably passing on this one too -- We got free razors at CVS the last 4

weeks --- but its a really cheap razor for those of you living in the CVS-free zone)

Right Guard or Dry Idea Deodorant $2.99

$2.00 Register Reward

Use $1.00 Right Guard or Dry Idea 3/8/S

Final Cost = FREE

Advil PM (16ct) - $4.49

Get $2.00 Register Reward

Use $2.00 Advil PM Printable HERE

Final cost = 49¢

AquaFresh Toothpaste .99¢ with page 6 coupon

Use .75 Aquafresh 1/4/S

OR Use .75 Aquafresh printable HERE

Final cost = .24¢ (again, since there is free Colgate, I probably will pass on this one)

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes $4.00/2

Use $1.00Lysol Disinfecting Wipes 2/1/S

Final cost = $1.00

The Big Register Reward Deal!!

Get $10 RR when you buy $25.00 of Participating Kimberly Clark Products:

Huggies Jumbo Pack Diapers or Training Pants $10

Huggies Baby Wipes $6

Kotex $3.00

Scott or Cottonelle $7 .00

Poise or Depends $12 .00

Kleenex Facial Care $4.00/3

For those of you doing the diaper dealing and wheeling this week, here are a few ways to maximize this deal depending on what you have for coupons and what Walgreens has for diapers.

Method #1

Buy 3 Huggies GentleCare Jumbo Packs $30

Use three $5.00 Huggies HERE AND

Use $1.00 Walgreens coloring book

Register Total = $12 OOP

- Get $10 RR

Submit for Caregivers Marketplace MIR program

Final cost = FREE (if you don't have the coloring book coupon, it will end up costing you $2.75 for three jumbo packs of diapers)

Method #2
Buy 5 Huggies GentleCare Wipes - $30

Use 5 $5/1 Huggies HERE

Register Total = $5 OOP

-Get $10 RR

Final Cost: PROFIT $5.00

Method #3

Buy 2 Huggies Jumbo Packs - $20
Buy 1 Huggies Wipes -- $6.00
Total $26.00 (just barely over the $25 needed for the deal -- sweet!)
Use (2)$5/1 Huggies
Use $.50 Huggies Wipes S 3/1
Register Total= $15.50

- Get $10 RRFinal Price 3/$5.50 or $ 1.84 each

Method #4 (if you have no printables left)

Buy 2 Huggies Jumbo Packs - $20

Buy 1 Huggies Wipes -- $6.00

Total $26.00 (just barely over the $25 needed for the deal -- sweet!)

Use (2)$1.50 Huggies MQ S 2/8 or S 3/1

Use $.50 Huggies Wipes S 3/1

Register Total= $22.50

- Get $10 RR
Final Price 3/$12.50 or $4.16 each

CVS: Week of 3/8

Not a bad week at CVS at all this week..... Remember this is just my shopping list, if you want to see all of the deals go to iheartcvs -- she knows everything!!

Palmolive Dish soap $1.49

Get $1.00 ECB

Use .50 from P&G home mailer

Final Cost: Free

Crest Pro Health Toothpaste (4.2oz) is $2.99

Get $2.00 ECB Limit one

Use $1.00 Crest ProHealth 2/8/P&G

Final Cost=$.01 PROFIT (I know, I know, not worth thinking about as profit --- its free)

Crest Pro-Health toothpaste 4.2oz $2.99

Crest rinse 250 ml orOral-B floss 27 – 55 yds $2.99

Get $2.00 ECBLimit one

or USE $1.00 Crest 2/8/PG

or Use .75 Crest 3/1/PG

or Use .75 Crest Rinse 2/8/PG and 3/1/PG

Final cost = Free or $.24

(remember: this is the same ECB deal as the toothpaste, so you can do one or the other, but not both -- unless a glitch is found in the system as we move through the week)

Advil PM $4.49

Get $2.00 ECB

Use $2.00 Advil PM Feb/All You

Final Cost =.49¢

Herbal Essence Hydralicious Sham or Cond $2.88

Get $1.00 ECB

Use $3.00/2 Herbal Essence 2/8/PG

Final cost =.38¢

I'm still thinking about this one --- I don't "need" shampoo (god knows) but this stuff smells great and my niece loves it-- so maybe)

General Mills Cereal cereal or granola bars $10/3

$5.00/3 ECB = $5.00/3

Limit one

USE $1.00/3 General Mills cereals 2/8/S

Use .75 General Mills Chex cereal 2/1/S

Use .50 General Mills Fiber One 2/22/S

Use .50 General Mills Frosted Cheerios 2/8/S

Use .75 Total, Reese, Lucky Charms, at coupons.com

Use .60 Fiber One Bars all printable at coupons.com

Final cost = Depends on your coupon but somewhere around 3 boxes for $3.50 or less

Maybelline CosmeticsGarnier Skin Care or Garnier Hair Care Products$5.00 ECB wyb $10.00

This could turn out to be a good deal as the week goes along, but for now, since I'm getting Garnier shampoo and conditioner free from Walgreens this week, I think I'm passing on this one.

Mars ProductsGet $2.00 ECB wyb $15.00

Limit one

Items inlcude

M&M’s Speck-tacular eggs,Snickers, Milky Way, Twix or Spring Mix minis $5.00/2

Use $1.00/2 Mars 3/1/R

M&M’s Premiums $7.00/2

Use $1.00 M&M's Premiums 2/1/r/

I'm starting to think about Easter baskets and what I need for candy for the holiday. This looks like a good place to start stocking up.

Colgate Total 4.2oz PSA $1.99

Use two 1.00 Colgate printable coupons

or Use two .75 Colgate 2/22/S

Final cost =FREE or .49/2

Zone Perfect Bar singles $1.00Use $1.00 Zone 3/1/S

Final cost = Free

Diaper Deals

You know I don't usually even pay attention to the diaper deals, but since two friends with babies are starting to shop with me this week, I'm noticing right now ---- (and I hope you two are noticing this post!!)

Follow this link here and see what looks like a terrific deal on Diapers.com IF you're a new customer (haven't ordered from them before)

She's ending up with 220 diapers for $1.03 (I can't even do the per diaper cost on that one!!) You couldn't steal them for that price.

Try it....

And this is why you want as many of those $5.00 Huggies coupons as you can possibly put your hands on!!

Ideas: get friends and relatives to print them for you (the site recognizes computers, not users). use old computers that aren't good for much anymore to print them (I actually keep an old laptop that has so little memory its pathetic just for this purpose)

The deal has reportedly been reset -- even if it told you before that you had reached the print limit and couldn't print again --- try it again -- you might get a very nice surprise!

RedBox: Free Video Rentals

Please tell me you're not paying for video rentals anymore!! Please, please, please.

Redbox is constantly putting out codes for free video rentals.
I've written about them before and about how incredibly simple and easy it is to rent from them. Around here you can find RedBox vending machines in most of the major supermarkets, and some of the drugstores. They stand either in the foyer/entry area or sometimes are actually outside of the store. They look like giant vending machines and naturally -- they're RED. Here's a picture of one.

These vending machines provide DVDs rather than the usual soda or snacks. You insert a credit card or debit card (so they know who to charge if you abscond with their DVD). Enter one of the free codes and away you go with a free video rental. If you happen not to have a free code, you still will only pay $1.00 for the night's rental. You pay per night, and the free codes are all free for ONE NIGHT ONLY, so don’t be late taking them back!
If you sign up on the site, you’ll get a text message each Monday with a free code for the week. You’ll also get a free code to get you started. Could they be any more generous?Well, actually YES!!! They can and they are -----
For the month of March, they will put a free code on the Redblog every Wednesday. (Today’s code is: 75EA16 )

There are often oddball codes floating around that will also give you a free rental. These will work for anyone, but remember you can only use each code ONCE per credit/debit card.
2FRZEN26 (expires 3/18)

DVDONME

BREAKROOM

These codes are all one use only. You can extend the usage on any of the codes by using different credit/debit cards to swipe --- if you return the DVD on time, there won't be any charges -- so it shouldn't be any problem, just use any card to swipe.

Getting Interest from the Bank

One of the things I love about having a snow day is having the time to skim and scan my through some of the really interesting blogs that I don't normally have time to read. One of those is Champagne Living. The author is quite a character -- Zippy -- and she is definitely my kind of gal!! She tackles the usual finding deals and saving money, along with some more "high brow" things like where to find great Broadway tickets, jewelry etc. Like I said, my kind of gal.

Anyway --- browsing through her blog this morning I noticed a post about interest rates at banks. And she was quoting 6% interest from some banks (not near me, but still!!) I could hardly believe my eyes --- I'm thinking I'm doing pretty well when I get 3.5% for crying out loud. So --- of course -- I clicked through and checked out this amazing list of banks and their interest rates. It lists them state by state (if you live right in the little notch where three states intersect -- like I do --- this is huge!!) And while I didn't find 6% in any of my three little states, I did find a little local bank (that I recognized even!!) that was offering 5%. Now, that's not anything to sneeze at.

I have the credit union at work take money out of my paycheck every pay period -- if I don't see it, it doesn't hurt. But as that money accumulates, I keep moving it to different banks to get better interest on my savings (okay, okay --- any interest --- the credit union gives me zippo -- but they'll take it out without my having to do anything. I am a huge fan of the automatic millionaire principle --- just set it up to happen without you seeing it or having to actually do anything and it will actually happen -- which is better than what happens if you have to remember to do it) I'm thinking we might just have found a new bank for the savings account. Thanks Zippy!! This is a good one.

So here's what I'm suggesting ---

1. Go check out Zippy's blog (really, you'll like it) here

2. Go check out this list of banks with the best interest rates for your area (this is checking accounts --- which is good if you need to access the account without physically going to the bank -- I'm sure there must be one for savings accounts too)

3. Have a heart to heart with your calculator and see if you'd make enough money in interest to make it worth the little bit of time it would take you to open a new account and move some money around.

Walgreens is looking mighty good this week. And apparently all of those nasty rumors floating around the web about them discontinuing the Easy Saver program were just that: nasty rumors. Woo Hoo!! I'm a happy camper.

Remember this is just my shopping list --- if you want to see the full scoop, head on over to IHeartWags.

Nabisco Ritz Crackers 4-8 oz.--on sale B1G1 (2 for $1.99)
Use $2/2 coupon from 1/25 SS

Final cost: Free

Reach Toothbrush--$0.99 after in-ad coupon

Use $1/1 coupon from 2/8RP

Final Cost: Free

Revlon Matte Eye Shadow--on sale 2 for $4.99

Use $2/1 coupon from 2/8 RP

$0.99 for two after coupons

Buy 1 Colgate Max Fresh or Max White Toothpaste at $3.49, Get $3.49 Register Rewards

Use $1/1 coupon from 2/22 SmartSource insert

Final cost: PROFIT $1.00

Buy 1 Vaseline Intensive Care Rescue Lotion at $2.69 (25% off regular price of $3.59), Get $2 in Register Rewards

Use $1/1 coupon from 1/18 RP

Final cost: PROFIT $.31

Free After Rebate for the Month of March

Axe Hair Care--full rebate up to $5.99

Colgate Total Toothpaste 4 oz.-- $2.99 to $3.49

Use $2.50/1 coupon from the March Easysaver Catalog

Use $1/1 coupon from 2/22 SS

Revlon Emery Boards-- $1.59

Use $1/1 coupon from the March Easysaver catalog

Use $1/1 coupon from 2/8 RP

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