Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Walgreens Take Care Recovery Plan

First of all, let's do this in stages.

1. I am a BzzAgent, which means that I've registered with BzzAgent.com to receive kits with samples, coupons and products to try out and then spread the word!

2. I recently received a BzzKit to promote Walgreens' Take Care Clinic. Here's the scoop on that, taken directly from their website:

Not feeling well? Drop into a nearby Take Care Clinic and one of our fully licensed board-certified Family Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants will see you.

    • We treat patients 18 months and older

    • We’re here 7 days a week, including weeknights

    • No appointment necessary

    • We welcome most insurance plans, too

    • Conveniently located at select Walgreens

I was hoping to get a chance to pay a visit before I posted this info so that I could give you a first hand account. The idea sounds amazing and I especially LOVE the thought of a convenient location and a super-quick visit. I still have not gone, but a close friend of mine has. It cost her $85 (private pay) and she was seen in 20 minutes. All this took place less than five minutes from her home. Wow.

3. What prompted my post this morning is the follow-up email I received regarding the Walgreens Take Care Recovery Plan. This caught my eye because they "provide access to free healthcare visits for our patients, and their families, who have lost their jobs and are uninsured." Interesting....

Just thought I would pass this along!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Spring Sale @ Children's Place

I can't say enough good things about The Children's Place clothing. It holds up beautifully in the wash; colors don't fade, fabric doesn't pill. The girl clothing we've purchased has been handed down three times and I still managed to sell it on consignment afterward.

They are having a Spring Sale right now with many low priced items. Check out the sale section in each of their size options. Then, organize it by price: lowest to highest. I don't have an infant, but it's great to have a few inexpensive gift options in my closet. Shipping on all orders is $5.

Here are two codes for an additional 10% off:

NEXTJ78
NJAARP39

Private Health Insurance Through Tennessee Farm Bureau

Several years ago, we looked into private health insurance, due to a job change. After much shopping around and networking, I came across Tennessee Rural Health, which is the insurance program offered to members of the Tennessee Farm Bureau. You do not have to be a farmer to join. The annual cost for Farm Bureau membership is $25.00. You are automatically eligible for other discounts and benefits just by joining (car rental, etc.) The TRH website offers quick quotes and overviews of the different policy benefits. The insurance carrier is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, which is accepted by most providers.

If you are shopping around and discouraged at the high costs, this might make your day. : )

Swagbucks.com

I've just signed up for this. Looked like a fun opportunity to win prizes just for searching, etc., so I thought I would pass it along.

You can use THIS LINK to get started.

About www.swagbucks.com


www.swagbucks.com is a search engine that offers you the chance to win cool prizes from swagbucks.com every time you search. We believe very strongly in rewarding our users for their loyalty and our prizes are our way of thanking you. No registration is required. Try it, you'll be hooked - we guarantee it!


Best Kept Secret In Middle Tennessee

With four kids, I could spend a fortune in extra-curricular activities. Fortunately, Metro Parks and Recreation offers many free and/or cheap classes at many community center locations throughout Nashville. The four main areas of interest are visual arts, dance, music and theater. This link will take you to the current schedule (only a few weeks left for these classes.)

However, the word is that the new schedule should be posted some time in April and I believe that classes begin in Late May/Early June. Keep checking.

For anyone outside of the Middle Tennessee area, take a look at your local "dot-gov" page to see if you have a similar program.

Favorite Sources For Online Coupons

Here are some great sources for online coupons:






Betty Crocker


Pillsbury


Eat Better America


Box Tops 4 Education


Red Plum


Valpak

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Charity Box

My goal for our family is a 3 month stockpile. Anything over and above that goes into a charity box, which I keep near the front door to bring each week to the food pantry at my church. It's amazing to watch how quickly this box fills up as the week progresses. I love that strategic shopping has become not only a blessing to my own family, but to many others that I may never meet.

After dropping off the box today, filled with food and toiletries, and then making my drugstore rounds after church, I already have two bottles of body wash to give for next Sunday! Can't wait to score more deals -- some to keep and some to give away!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

My CVS Plans - 3/29

Looks like it's time for me to get some candy and other Easter necessities at CVS.

Thanks to Swaggrabber for these match-ups.

Here's what I'm planning:

2 Paas Easter Egg Coloring Kit $1.99 each
Receive $1.99 in ECB - limit 2
Final Price: FREE after ECB

3 bags Easter M&M's $1.50 each
use $1.50/3 coupon in 3/15 RP
Final Price: $1 each

2 Softsoap Ensembles hand soap $3.99
Receive $4 in ECB when you buy 2
Use $2 coupon in the 3/22 SS
Final Price: FREE + .02 overage with 2 coupons

That's all I'm thinking for now. Nothing else caught my eye.

My Walgreens Plans - 3/29

OK, check out a more complete listing of deals and coupon match-ups at Southern Savers.

Here's what I'm planning to do:

Chapstick 100% Naturals or True Shimmer Lip Balm or Butter $1.99 each
Get $1.99 in Register Rewards when you buy 1
Final Price: FREE after RR's

Four boxes Quaker Life cereal @ 2 for $5
Receive $2 in RR
use (2) $1 off 2 Printable coupon
Final Price: $1 each

One Soft Soap body wash $3.99
Receive coupon for one free body wash
use $.75 off coupon 3/29 SS
Final Price: varies**
** This item is set to print the "Get One Free" register reward all week. Use free coupon on subsequent trips to purchase same body wash, generate more coupons.

Two bottles Dawn Dish Detergent $.99 with in ad coupon
I think I've got a coupon from a home mailer for this -- have to dig around.

This is not really a stellar savings example, but I'll most likely need to run to Walgreens anyway since my newspaper delivery guy can't seem to get his act together. Might as well pick up a few things while I'm there.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Take Your Child On A Birthday Shopping Spree

Two weeks ago, my oldest daughter turned 10. As agreed, I took her to Claire's in the mall to get her ears pierced. In addition, I had also printed out several coupons to use around the mall. Here is what we were able to lavish upon her for a mere $3:

1 XS tank top from Aeropostale - Free (Thanks, Deal Seeking Mom)
1 cute pink tote bag from Victoria's Secret
1 body wash from Victoria's Secret - $1 clearance
1 silver heart necklace from JC Penney $5 clearance minus $5 JC Penney Reward Certificate (enter code 3008 to get the $5 gift certificate)
1 white tea hand sanitizer from Bath & Body Works $1.50
1 hand lotion from Bath & Body Works - Free w/ purchase
1 pair panties from Aerie - Free (OK, those were for me)
1 scoop Baskin Robbins - Free (birthday club)

She had SO much fun shopping with her Mama and getting to make all her selections. She looked like a little diva with all her brightly colored shopping bags. I loved being able to spend time with her and saying "yes" to so many things. Didn't cost a lot, but I know she felt like a princess.

Over the years, I've learned to make my own rules when it comes to kid birthdays. Don't feel pressured to throw a giant, over-priced shindig for your child's extended social circle. It only takes a few people and a little forethought to celebrate someone you love. And, as I'm finding out, very little cash.


** I've posted links to any offers that have not already expired.

I Hit A Bullseye @ Target - 3/27

Here's my Target trip:

Two bags Goodlife cat food on sale $3.99
used 2 coupons for $2.00 off (see previous post for link)
Final Price: $1.99 each
The cats are set for awhile....

Five jars Picante on sale $3.99
used 5 coupons $4.00 off
Final Price: Free + $.01 overage each
That's a lot of Mexican food. Good thing I just stocked up on toilet paper!

One box Glucerna cereal $4.49
used coupon $5.00 off (see previous post for link)
Final Price: Free + $.51 overage

One tube Aquafresh Extreme Clean Trial Size $.97
used Free Sample coupon (see previous post for link)
Final Price: Free

One Johnson's Softlotion Trial Size $.97
used coupon $1 off 2/22 RP
Final Price: Free + $.03 overage

Two bottles Purell hand sanitizer trial size $.97 each
$2 off of 2 Printable coupon (firefox) (IE)
Final Price: Free + $.06 overage

One bottle Head & Shoulders trial size $.97
used $1.00 off coupon 2/8 PG
Final Price: Free + $.03 overage

Two Bauch & Lomb Soothe XP $.97 each
used $2.00 off coupon inside previous trial size box that I got free with coupon
Final Price: Free + $.06 overage

Two pairs XH Girls Leggings $3.48 clearance
(My oldest needed more pajama bottoms)

Shameful full price purchase: 1LB Starbucks $7.48 (Don't judge. I have my priorities!)

Total OOP: $16.49
Total Savings: $37.97 (70%)

** This trip was not for the faint-hearted. Just about EVERY coupon beeped and needed to be manually entered, due to the overages. Luckily, I had a wonderful young girl that was very patient and willing to work with me. Again, it doesn't hurt to pray for favor before you go shopping. : )

Bartering Rocks!

Given the uncertain times and rocky financial outlook, I've got bartering on the brain. We've all got mad skills and great bargaining tools in our hands and may not even realize the potential. For example, my husband is a skilled wood-turner, creating bowls, platters and other decorative items from fallen trees. He has recently bartered several of his pieces for chiropractic adjustments and tax preparation : ). These two scenarios, alone, saved us approximately $150 in expenses.

Other examples of bartering include websites such as SwapTree and Switchplanet, where users can swap their DVDs, CDs, Video Games and Books for free.

One last note: Don't forget that your local Craigslist has a section exclusively for bartering, as well as a "free stuff" section.

The Freecycle Network



The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,708 groups with 6,558,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free. To sign up, click on the image above. Have fun!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

My Publix Trip - 3/26

Glad I didn't wait. Stuff was already picked over, believe it or not!

Here's what I was able to buy:

3 boxes Kellogg's FiberPlus Bars BOGO $3.19
$.75 off Printable Coupon - I was able to print twice in IE and twice in Firefox
Unfortunately, there were only 3 boxes left....
Final Price: $.85 each

1 Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps BOGO $3.19
$1 off Printable Coupon
Final Price: $.60 each

4 Uncle Ben's Long Grain & Wild Rice BOGO $1.99
$1 off 2 Printable Coupon
Final Price: $.50 each

1 Goodlife Catfood - BOGO $4.49
I got the last one and I FORGOT they don't take internet coupons over $1 (duh).
Still, $2.25 for a bag is worth honorable mention.

2 Glass Plus $2.49
$1 off Printable Coupon
Final Price: $.24 each
Got the last two bottles of this.

I also used my rain check and coupons for FarmRich French Toast Sticks.
Final Price: $.77 each

Oh, and of course I had to buy the girls the BOGO Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Grahams
Final Price: $1.09 each

My total OOP: $13.80
I saved $26.22 (66%)

Take Short Survey - Get FREE SOG Specialty Knife


Thanks to Hey, It's Free for this tip.

I took the survey in about five minutes. My free SOG knife is on it's way in about 60 days. Click on the image above to start your survey. Afterward, you will also receive a code for 25% off a future order.

Free Sample Old Spice Body Wash



Gotta love Wal-Mart for all their free samples. Click on the above link for offer.

My Publix Plans

For whatever reason, I don't get the Wednesday sale flyers until Sunday. Please check out the awesome Publix deals and coupon match-ups at Swaggrabber.com and Southern Savers. It's nice to get a head's up on the deals and get to the store BEFORE the end of the week so you can get the good deals before they're gone.

A few things to remember about Publix:

1. They gladly give rainchecks so don't be shy to ask for them.
2. They will not accept internet coupons over $1 in value (new policy)
3. You can use a coupon on each BOGO item - (in my store the items ring up half price when listed as BOGO)
4. They will not accept any "FREE" coupons, only $off coupons. If it happens to be free after the sale price and coupon match-up, oh well.

Alrighty, I've looked over the deals and here's what I plan to get:

2 boxes Kellogg's FiberPlus Bars BOGO $3.19
$.75 off Printable Coupon - Print Twice
Final Price: $.85 each

2 Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps BOGO $3.19
$1 off Printable Coupon - Print Twice
Final Price: $.60 each

4 Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats BOGO $4.31
$1 off in 2/22 RP
$.70 off in 2/22 RP
Final Price: $1.15 - $1.46 each
Plus if you buy four you can get a free gallon of milk with Ad coupon

4 Uncle Ben's Long Grain & Wild Rice BOGO $1.99
$1 off 2 Printable Coupon - Print Twice
Final Price: $.50 each

1 Lance Crackers BOGO $2.97
$1 off coupon in 2/22 SS
Final Price: $.49

2 Goodlife Catfood - Priced around $3 each
$2 off Printable Coupon - Print Twice
Final Price: $1 each ?

2 Glass Plus $2.49
$.50 off 2/8 or 3/22 SS
$1 off Printable Coupon - Print Twice
Final Price: $.24 each


That's it for me. Like I said, you can find lots more deals at the above-mentioned websites!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Free Antibiotics @ Publix


Where have I been all my life??? You can bring your generic antibiotic prescriptions to Publix and the pharmacy will fill them FREE. Which is my favorite price. Click on the link above for details.

$4 off Pace Salsa Printable Coupon

$4 Pace Printable - link disabled, see below

UPDATE: SO sorry -- just found out there is a problem with this. The coupon previously linked was posted by someone that won and it was not the intention of Pace to release it to everyone. I have disabled my link -- again, sorry.

Coupons

No shopping for me today. I spent the morning helping the kids with their school play and the millions of costume changes.

Honestly, I've got several coupons burning a hole in my pocket:

$2 off of 2 Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer - two of them

Free Sample Aquafresh Extreme Clean

$1 off Johnson's Body Care 2/22 RP (Exp. 5/31/09)

My target has a fantastic selection of trial/travel sizes. I like to keep an eye out for coupons with no size restrictions to use for these great little items:

ColgateToothpaste
Aquafresh Toothpaste
Renu Contact Solution - Click on my blue Coupon.com link
Band-Aids
Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kits
Travel size deoderants -- various brands
Skintimate Shaving Cream

After a coupon, many of these items are free. Snap! Oh, and I also have one $5 Glucerna coupon left over from yesterday. I was only able to use one because of the coupon restriction. However, the cereal was on sale for 3.99 at Kroger so it was a moneymaker for me!!!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

My Kroger Plans

Here's what I hope to pick up at Kroger today:

1 bottle Frank's Red Hot Sauce $1.19
use $.50 printable coupon which will double
Final Price: $.19

4 boxes of Quaker Instant Oatmeal $1.50 each
use $1.00/2 printable coupon
Final Price: $1 each

4 Pillsbury Biscuits (assorted varieties) $1 each (if you buy 4)
$.35 off Sweet Rolls or Grands printable
$.35 off Pillsbury Crescents printable
Final Price: $.30 each

2 Kroger Brand Sour Cream $1 each
$.45/2 coupon Kroger Home Mailer
Final Price: $.78 each

3 Pkg Kraft Cheese 3 for $5
$1 coupon Kroger Home Mailer
Final Price: $1.33 each

I also plan to look for Glucerna cereal and use my $5 coupon (see previous post for link). I'm also bringing my various Cottonelle coupons, in hopes that Kroger will continue to carry the prized $.99 4-pack. I love free toilet paper! : )

Alrighty -- say a prayer!

Monday, March 23, 2009

$5 off Glucerna Cereal Printable Coupon

Here is a link for $5 off Glucerna cereal:

Glucerna Coupon Offer

Their snack bars are delicious and great even for non-diabetics. The high protein content made for a really filling snack. I'm pretty sure that you can buy the cereal at CVS for around $5.00, so this should be a freebie. Remember to print two by hitting the back arrow!

My CVS Trip

I always ask God for favor when I go shopping. You know, I want to find what I'm looking for without walking in circles. I want the good deals to still be on the shelves and not all picked through. I want NICE, helpful cashiers and store personnel. Basically, I'm asking for heaven on earth and God is certainly big enough to make that possible.

Take today, for example. I walked into CVS and up to the big, red coupon machine. After scanning my card, I receive -- tah dah -- a $5 off $15 coupon. Holy smokes.

Here is my recent CVS conquest:

THREE 12-Packs CVS toilet paper @ $5.00 ea
1 Dry Idea Clinical Strength @ 7.99 (gives back $5 ECB)
1 Crest Pro Health Toothpaste @ 3.49 (gives back $3.49 ECB)
1 Speckled Jelly Beans (To bribe the kids)

Now for the coupons:

$1 off Crest
$2 off Dry Idea
$2 ECB - Extra Cash Bucks from previous purchase
$2.99 ECB
$4.99 ECB
$5 off $15 coupon

THEN, the nice cashier spots an expired $4 off $20 in my hand. It was one day past expiration. He said "Do you want to use that one too?" Ummm.....Yeah! He entered it manually.

Therefore, my OOP expense was $6.28, plus I received $8.49 in ECB's for next time. And my savings were like pennies from heaven. : )

My Walgreens Trip

After dropping the kids at Awana, I headed over to Walgreens. Did pretty well:

Purchased:

2 half-gallons Edy's Ice Cream 6.29 BOGO
Sprite .99
Chips .99 (shopping gives me the munchies)
Bic Soleil Razor - 3.59 (Clearance)
3 Yardley Bar Soaps - .59 ea with in-store ad
3 Natural Dentist Toothpaste - 1.29 (Clearance)
Tampax - 4.49

Used the following coupons:

$2 off Bic Soleil Store coupon
$2 off Bic Soleil Manufacturer coupon
$1.50 off Tampax
$2 off Natural Dentist coupon
$2 off Natural Dentist coupon
$6 Register Rewards from previous purchase

Total OOP: $8.73
Total Savings$17.90

The razor and the 3 toothpastes were moneymakers. Love that!