My oh my! I did not realize how long it had been since I last blogged. We have been pretty busy around here with football games, band competitions, school, cleaning, cooking, and whatever else we can get into. For the most part things are going well, and we are enjoying every minute of it!!!
I for one am loving this FALL weather. I have big plans for some yard work tomorrow. I am going to transform my garden plot into a fall flower bed. Can't wait to see how it turns out!
Of course, I have been shopping and getting some really great deals. Here is the latest:
Total CVS ticket: $45.06
Total paid: 14.98
Total Saved: 30.08
Cash back: 10.00
I got 60 loads Tide detergent, 60 loads Downy, 16pk Charmin, 24 tablets Advil for $4.98. I am still in awe of these deals! Also, just this week, I received $55.00 in free samples and coupons in the mail. It is like Christmas every time I open my mailbox! I have broadened my horizons so to speak and read a few more really awesome couponing blogs. Check them out for yourself .
www.passionforsavings.com Wal-Mart deals here
www.momminitup.com
www.shopperstragety.com
www.bargainbrianna.com
www.mojosavings.com Tons of free samples here.
I have some pretty exciting things coming up at the end of this month and the beginning of November. Can't wait to blog about those.
Until next time...
XOXOXOXO
This is the real life story of a girl who became a wife and mother and who is trying to seize everyday living under God's grace and by embracing this verse... "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Why I love IT
It is weeks like this week that keep me excited about couponing and getting great deals. The last couple of weeks have been so boring. Buy stuff, use coupons, save 60%. This is exciting, don't get me wrong, but like most things in our lives once an expectation has been met it just becomes the same old, same old. We constantly need to push ourselves to the next level to keep things exiting. (Hey, that sounds like a great teaching philosophy.... oh well, another post on that later maybe.) This week I had 3 great shopping experiences and 1 opportunity to help someone else.
When I first started couponing, Wes would say things like do we need that much toothpaste....ummm... I think we are good on the peanut butter and jelly. I would say things like if it is free at the store, I might as well get it. Besides, I can use that stuff to help others. This week a very special opportunity presented itself to me, and I am sooo super excited that I have a stock pile of stuff to share. Yes, it takes time to plan and cut coupons just to get something for free..... well this makes it all worth it. (Can't stop smiling!)
Okay, so I actually went shopping a lot this week. I won't bore you with all the transactions, though, just the exciting ones. Ha!
A few weeks ago, I took advantage of a Groupon sale of $25.00 for a $50.00 gift card to the GAP. I waited for GAP to put things on clearance and here is how it went down.
GAP total ticket: $100.50
Total spent: $25.00 for the gift card
Total saved: $75.50 (75%) Here is what I got.
Bed, Bath, and Beyond Total ticket $10.68 and got the following:
Libby 16 piece Orbita glass set on sale $9.99 8 big glasses; 8 tumblers
12 reusable containers with lids on sale $4.99
Used $5.00 off a $15.00 purchase received in mail.
And this is what really gets me excited.....
CVS total ticket $58.20
Total spent: $9.98
Total saved: $48.22 (83%)
Cash back $5.30
Like paying $4.68 for $60.00 worth of stuff. WOW!!!
If you want to know the details of this purchase leave a comment and I will be glad to share with you.
Until next time....
XOXOXOXO
When I first started couponing, Wes would say things like do we need that much toothpaste....ummm... I think we are good on the peanut butter and jelly. I would say things like if it is free at the store, I might as well get it. Besides, I can use that stuff to help others. This week a very special opportunity presented itself to me, and I am sooo super excited that I have a stock pile of stuff to share. Yes, it takes time to plan and cut coupons just to get something for free..... well this makes it all worth it. (Can't stop smiling!)
Okay, so I actually went shopping a lot this week. I won't bore you with all the transactions, though, just the exciting ones. Ha!
A few weeks ago, I took advantage of a Groupon sale of $25.00 for a $50.00 gift card to the GAP. I waited for GAP to put things on clearance and here is how it went down.
GAP total ticket: $100.50
Total spent: $25.00 for the gift card
Total saved: $75.50 (75%) Here is what I got.
Bed, Bath, and Beyond Total ticket $10.68 and got the following:
Libby 16 piece Orbita glass set on sale $9.99 8 big glasses; 8 tumblers
12 reusable containers with lids on sale $4.99
Used $5.00 off a $15.00 purchase received in mail.
And this is what really gets me excited.....
CVS total ticket $58.20
Total spent: $9.98
Total saved: $48.22 (83%)
Cash back $5.30
Like paying $4.68 for $60.00 worth of stuff. WOW!!!
If you want to know the details of this purchase leave a comment and I will be glad to share with you.
Until next time....
XOXOXOXO
Seaside Retreat
Last weekend, my mom, 2 sisters, and I went on our annual "girls" trip. Each year a different person takes turns planning a great trip for us all. This year, it was my turn!!!
We went to Seaside, FL. The grandest place on Earth in my opinion. The weather was perfect for a beach trip. The clear, blue water was calm. The sugar, white sand was soft and inviting. We stayed in Spinnaker Cottage. It was the cutest place, ever! We ate great food, shopped, got sunburns, watched chick flicks, laughed, and relaxed. I am so glad that we all have the opportunities to get together and do such fun things.
Until next time....
XOXOXOXO
We went to Seaside, FL. The grandest place on Earth in my opinion. The weather was perfect for a beach trip. The clear, blue water was calm. The sugar, white sand was soft and inviting. We stayed in Spinnaker Cottage. It was the cutest place, ever! We ate great food, shopped, got sunburns, watched chick flicks, laughed, and relaxed. I am so glad that we all have the opportunities to get together and do such fun things.
Until next time....
XOXOXOXO
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday sums
Here are the deals I got last week.
CVS Total ticket: 25.64
Total saved: 17.55 (68%)
Total spent: $8.11
Cash back: $1.00
Walgreens total ticket: $52.68
Total saved: $29.43 (56%)
Total spent: $23.25
Winn Dixie total ticket: $97.38
Total saved: $39.02 (40%)
Total spent: $58.81
Victoria Secret total ticket $34.99
Total saved: $17.50 (50%)
Total paid: $17.49
Let me hear about your deals this week.
Until next time......
XOXOXOXOXO
CVS Total ticket: 25.64
Total saved: 17.55 (68%)
Total spent: $8.11
Cash back: $1.00
Walgreens total ticket: $52.68
Total saved: $29.43 (56%)
Total spent: $23.25
Winn Dixie total ticket: $97.38
Total saved: $39.02 (40%)
Total spent: $58.81
Victoria Secret total ticket $34.99
Total saved: $17.50 (50%)
Total paid: $17.49
Let me hear about your deals this week.
Until next time......
XOXOXOXOXO
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Hot deals this week
A few deals you might want to pick up this week.
CVS
Get $6.99 in ECBs WYB Phillips in-ear headphones for $6.99 Like getting them FREE.
I used my ECB's to purchase nail polish remover, cotton balls, and milk. All things I was completely out of and needed. Paid $1.22.
WALGREENS
Walgreens has a lot of deals this week; especially, if you been saving your coupons.
Hot items:
Transaction 1
Get $2.00 RR WYB Carmex moisturizing lip balm for $2.00 Like getting it FREE
Transaction 2
Ponds cold cream, dry skin cream, 30 pk towelettes B1G1 (buy one, get one)
Bought 2 30 pk towelettes $6.29 each
Used (2) -1.50 printable coupons
Used $2.00 RR
Paid $2.17
Tip on printing 2 coupons: print the first coupon, do not close the Thank you box, click the back button, click refresh when page expired comes up, second coupon will print. Most coupons limit you to two.
Until next time...
XOXOXOXOX
CVS
Get $6.99 in ECBs WYB Phillips in-ear headphones for $6.99 Like getting them FREE.
I used my ECB's to purchase nail polish remover, cotton balls, and milk. All things I was completely out of and needed. Paid $1.22.
WALGREENS
Walgreens has a lot of deals this week; especially, if you been saving your coupons.
Hot items:
Transaction 1
Get $2.00 RR WYB Carmex moisturizing lip balm for $2.00 Like getting it FREE
Transaction 2
Ponds cold cream, dry skin cream, 30 pk towelettes B1G1 (buy one, get one)
Bought 2 30 pk towelettes $6.29 each
Used (2) -1.50 printable coupons
Used $2.00 RR
Paid $2.17
Tip on printing 2 coupons: print the first coupon, do not close the Thank you box, click the back button, click refresh when page expired comes up, second coupon will print. Most coupons limit you to two.
Until next time...
XOXOXOXOX
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The 1950's Married Woman
Recently, Wes and I have been in a fierce competition to see who could get the most points on the Facebook game Family Feud. Last week, I won. This week, I have been in the lead until today. He couldn't stand it so he took a survey and got lots of extra episodes....cheater. Anyway.... this morning one of his questions was as follows:
What did a married woman in the 1950's do that married women don't do today? The most popular answers were: cook, clean, iron, and wear dresses!!!!!!
Excuse ME...... did I miss a very important memo? Wes read these to me right after I finished cleaning the kitchen and dining rooms and just as I was getting out the ironing board all while wearing a DRESS!! (Okay, I didn't really have a dress on, but still!!)
So this is notification to all the women out there who missed the memo... You no longer have to cook, clean, iron, or wear dresses no one thinks you are doing that anyway. I suggest drinking alcoholic beverages, lounging by a pool or on the couch, wearing your pajamas, and having someone in a dress serve you your meals.
Now, on to this week savings. This was a great week of shopping.
Walgreens
Total ticket: $48.43
Saved: $29.16 (60%)
Paid: $19.27
CVS
Total ticket: $66.55
Saved:$50.47(76%)
Paid:$16.08
Here is what I bought at CVS.
Winn Dixie
Total ticket: $148.08
Saved:$82.80(56%)
Paid: $65.28
Let me hear about your deals and your thoughts on the 1950's married woman.
Until next time...
XOXOXOXO
What did a married woman in the 1950's do that married women don't do today? The most popular answers were: cook, clean, iron, and wear dresses!!!!!!
Excuse ME...... did I miss a very important memo? Wes read these to me right after I finished cleaning the kitchen and dining rooms and just as I was getting out the ironing board all while wearing a DRESS!! (Okay, I didn't really have a dress on, but still!!)
So this is notification to all the women out there who missed the memo... You no longer have to cook, clean, iron, or wear dresses no one thinks you are doing that anyway. I suggest drinking alcoholic beverages, lounging by a pool or on the couch, wearing your pajamas, and having someone in a dress serve you your meals.
Now, on to this week savings. This was a great week of shopping.
Walgreens
Total ticket: $48.43
Saved: $29.16 (60%)
Paid: $19.27
CVS
Total ticket: $66.55
Saved:$50.47(76%)
Paid:$16.08
Here is what I bought at CVS.
Winn Dixie
Total ticket: $148.08
Saved:$82.80(56%)
Paid: $65.28
Let me hear about your deals and your thoughts on the 1950's married woman.
Until next time...
XOXOXOXO
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Confusion
A lot of people (yippee, they read my blog) have told me that they are overwhelmed or confused about how to actually save the most money at CVS and Walgreens doing the multiple transactions. Even though, I did not do it this way, I can see the benefits in it now.
1. Start small. (I started HUGE).
2. Take a friend (if available) with you the first couple of times. Besides, it is much more fun when you both get great deals. (I took Wes.)
3. Get a subscription to the Sunday paper. ($9.00 a month for the Sun Herald Wednesday/Sunday edition). I just got it last week.
In the beginning, I did not have many coupons because I did not get the Sunday paper. Now, that I am subscribed to the paper, I have a nice collection of coupons. Unless I have already used it, I almost always have the coupons Jenny tells me about.
I have not done this yet, but I also think it is a good idea to find someone who gets the Sunday paper who is willing to give you their coupons. This way you have multiple coupons for the same item thus helping you stock up for less. Anyone want to give their coupons to me?
So you say, I went to Southern Savers, I have my list, I have my coupons, now what?
Before you go to the store, look at your list and create scenarios that allow you to use the ECBs at CVS or the RR at Walgreens to pay for other items on your list. Place a number 1 by the items you want to include in the first transaction, a number 2 by the second and so on. Next put your coupons in order of your transactions. Now, you are organized.
Now you say, I am at the checkout counter, now what? Before getting to the register, organize your buggy into your transaction piles.
Tell the cashier that you are going to be doing multiple transactions. The cashiers at both CVS and Walgreens are very nice and accommodating.
After coupons are given and you've paid for trans 1, ECBs or RRs will print. ECBs (CVS) will print at bottom of receipt and RRs (Walgreens )will be on separate paper.
Place your items for transaction 2 on the counter, and give the cashier your ECBs or RRs when you give him/her your coupons. Pay the difference, if any. I have done up to 4 transactions at a time.
Here is an example I did at Walgreens that you can do this week.
Transaction 1
$5.00 RR wyb 4/$13-12 pack Pepsi
-2 RR from last week (If you don't have this, don't worry.)
Get back $5.00 RR (makes it 4/$6 before taxes)
Transaction2
1-Mott's Apple Juice $2.50
1-8 pack Rice Krispie Treats $1.99
1-Walgreens brand seal lunch bags .99 (w/ in ad coupon)
-5RR from Transaction 1
Pay $.48 before taxes.
Also, Jenny has this deal posted for new CVS new users this week.
Getting Started Scenario
If you are brand new to CVSing, it is important to start slow. Buy one thing, use a coupon and get your first Extra Care Bucks (ECB). Then buy another one thing, use another coupon and pay with those ECB’s you just got. Now go home. You can spend your remaining ECB’s next week.
Transaction #1
Buy:(1) Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4 oz., $3.49
Use:-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, PG 8/01
Total Due: $2.49
Get Back: $2.50 ECB
Transaction #2
Buy:(1) Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4 oz., $3.49
Use:-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, PG 8/01
-$2.50 ECB
Total Due: nothing
Get Back: $2.50 ECB
If you don't have the coupons, don't fret. Start collecting now.
I think this is as clear as mud!
Until next time..
XOXOXOX
1. Start small. (I started HUGE).
2. Take a friend (if available) with you the first couple of times. Besides, it is much more fun when you both get great deals. (I took Wes.)
3. Get a subscription to the Sunday paper. ($9.00 a month for the Sun Herald Wednesday/Sunday edition). I just got it last week.
In the beginning, I did not have many coupons because I did not get the Sunday paper. Now, that I am subscribed to the paper, I have a nice collection of coupons. Unless I have already used it, I almost always have the coupons Jenny tells me about.
I have not done this yet, but I also think it is a good idea to find someone who gets the Sunday paper who is willing to give you their coupons. This way you have multiple coupons for the same item thus helping you stock up for less. Anyone want to give their coupons to me?
So you say, I went to Southern Savers, I have my list, I have my coupons, now what?
Before you go to the store, look at your list and create scenarios that allow you to use the ECBs at CVS or the RR at Walgreens to pay for other items on your list. Place a number 1 by the items you want to include in the first transaction, a number 2 by the second and so on. Next put your coupons in order of your transactions. Now, you are organized.
Now you say, I am at the checkout counter, now what? Before getting to the register, organize your buggy into your transaction piles.
Tell the cashier that you are going to be doing multiple transactions. The cashiers at both CVS and Walgreens are very nice and accommodating.
After coupons are given and you've paid for trans 1, ECBs or RRs will print. ECBs (CVS) will print at bottom of receipt and RRs (Walgreens )will be on separate paper.
Place your items for transaction 2 on the counter, and give the cashier your ECBs or RRs when you give him/her your coupons. Pay the difference, if any. I have done up to 4 transactions at a time.
Here is an example I did at Walgreens that you can do this week.
Transaction 1
$5.00 RR wyb 4/$13-12 pack Pepsi
-2 RR from last week (If you don't have this, don't worry.)
Get back $5.00 RR (makes it 4/$6 before taxes)
Transaction2
1-Mott's Apple Juice $2.50
1-8 pack Rice Krispie Treats $1.99
1-Walgreens brand seal lunch bags .99 (w/ in ad coupon)
-5RR from Transaction 1
Pay $.48 before taxes.
Also, Jenny has this deal posted for new CVS new users this week.
Getting Started Scenario
If you are brand new to CVSing, it is important to start slow. Buy one thing, use a coupon and get your first Extra Care Bucks (ECB). Then buy another one thing, use another coupon and pay with those ECB’s you just got. Now go home. You can spend your remaining ECB’s next week.
Transaction #1
Buy:(1) Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4 oz., $3.49
Use:-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, PG 8/01
Total Due: $2.49
Get Back: $2.50 ECB
Transaction #2
Buy:(1) Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste 4 oz., $3.49
Use:-$1 off Crest Toothpaste 4 oz + or liquid gel, PG 8/01
-$2.50 ECB
Total Due: nothing
Get Back: $2.50 ECB
If you don't have the coupons, don't fret. Start collecting now.
I think this is as clear as mud!
Until next time..
XOXOXOX
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