My Harris Teeter Trip - 5/27

This was my 3rd HT triple "shopping spree" (since January, I mean). Here's what I did:


3 bottle Tabasco - Free
3 Pringles - $.50 each
New York Croutons - Free
1 Kraft Deli Deluxe Swiss - $1.04
12 Dannon Yogurts - $.08 each
4 Deli Creations - $.74 each
1 Strawberry Bagelfuls - $.54
1 12ct Rhodes dinner rolls
2 Arm & Hammer Shower Cleaner - Free
2 Oscar Meyer Deli Shaved - $1.25 each



Total OOP: $12.22
Total Shelf: $63.95
Savings: $51.73 (81%)

My Publix Trip - 5/21

Ok, NOW I'm a firm believer in buying more than one Sunday paper. We've been getting 3 papers every week and it really paid off today.

I got my Publix list from Southern Savers and starting printing and clipping this morning. Here's what I was able to purchase:

2 12 oz Bags New England Coffee - $1.89 each
2 cartons Helluva Good! Dips - FREE
*Personally, I think this would be a fantastic brand to bring to a church potluck ; )
2 pkgs Cole's Garlic Bread - $.39 each
2 Boxes Ritz Crackers $1.63 each + FREE Artisan Wheat Thins
3 Publix Sodas @ $.50 each
4 Kraft BBQ Sauces - FREE
3 Kraft Salad Dressings - FREE
3 A.1. Steak Sauce - FREE
3 Mueller's Angel Hair Pasta - $.31 each
2 Boxes Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix - $.60 each
4 Boxes Wheat Thins - $.32 each
3 Bags Mahatma Rice - $.19 each
1 Sargento Sliced Cheese - $1.50
3 Boxes Kelloggs Cereal - $1.32 each + FREE Gallon Publix Milk
2 bags Pita bread - $1.29 each
1 LB Pastrami - Full Price & Expensive, but worth it.
Publix Extra Sharp Cheddar - $2
1 pkg goldfish - $1.10
Coarse Ground Mustard - Full Price and Worth it

I also used a $5 off $30 coupon from Kroger, since Publix honors competitors coupons.


Total OOP: $35.19

Total Shelf Price: $123.41

Savings: $88.22 (71%)

My Kroger Trip - 5/18

This was a good week to stock up on a few items. Here's what I accomplished today:

4 loaves Kroger Wheat Bread $.78 each
2 Sunday papers $1 each
2 Lbs Seattle's Best Anniversary Blend Coffee $4.99 each
6 Gallons Kroger Whole Milk $1.99 each - holy cow
2 pks strawberries $1.65 each

3 big jars Kraft Mayo $2.59 each
used 3 $1 off coupons
Final Price = $1.59 each

6 pks Bar-S Jumbo Franks $1 each
used 3 $1/2 coupons
Final Price = $.50 each

PLUS I had a $5 off any purchase of $30 or more home mailer.

Total OOP = $36.37
Total Shelf = $60.79
Savings with coupons and customer card = $24.42 (42%)

The rest of my weekly items were purchased at Aldi.

My Walgreens & CVS Trip - 5/4

For whatever reason, I was not very motivated to get my coupons together and head out to the drugstores. I almost skipped it this week, but I'm really glad I didn't. Here's how it turned out:


Walgreens:

1 Thermacare Neckwrap
1 Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste
1 Right Guard Deoderant
2 Bags Oreos
1 Gal Milk (did the milk + 2 nabisco deal = $3 RR)

Total Shelf: $26.48
Coupons and RR from last week: $13.00
Gift Card from Rx transfer: $13.48
Total OOP: $0.00
PLUS received $9.50 in RR for next time


CVS:

Transaction #1:

Glucerna 6pk shakes + FREE box cereal
2 Sunday papers (I forgot to pick up extras on Sun)

Total Shelf: $17.78
Coupons & ECB: $16.59
Total OOP: $1.15


Transaction #2:

2 Boxes Special K Red Berries Cereal
1 Box Kelloggs Frosted Mini Wheats
1 Starbucks French Roast Coffee
1 Adidas Deoderant
2 Colgate Maxfresh Toothpaste + FREE toothbrush
1 Glucerna 6pk Shakes + FREE cereal
a few candy items for kids
90% off 5" TV (to hook up to dvd player) only $2.49!!!

Total Shelf: $48.54
Coupons & ECBs: $35.59
Total OOP: $12.95
PLUS received $12 ECBs for next time!!!

My CVS and Walgreens Trip - 4/26

Here's what I did yesterday. First, I got both my lists from Faithful Provisions.



Walgreens Transaction #1:

1 Bayer Breeze2 or Contour Meter - $14.99
- Earn $5 RR
- Use Up to $30 off in 3/22 or 10/26/08 SS insert
Final Price: FREE + $5 in overage

1 Rembrandt mouthwash 16 oz - $5.99
- Earn $5.99 RR
Final Price: FREE

1 Ecotrin 45 ct tablets - $2
- Earn $2 RR
- Use $2.25 off here
- Use $1 from 1/25 SS insert
Final Price: FREE + $2.25 in overage

4 Campbell’s Soups - $0.59/ea with in-ad coupon

- Use $1 off 2 here
Final Price: $.18 for 2

OOP: $11.55

Received: $13.00 in RR

Walgreens Transaction #2:

1 Nivea body wash 16.9 oz - $4.99
- Earn $4.99 RR
- Use $1 off in 4/19 RP insert
Final Price: FREE + $1 in overage

1 Rembrandt toothpaste 2.6 -3.2 oz - $5.99
- Earn $5.99 RR
Final Price: FREE

1 Ecotrin 45 ct tablets - $2
- Earn $2 RR
- Use $2.25 off here
- Use $1 from 1/25 SS insert
Final Price: FREE + $2.25 in overage

2 small filler items to increase total

- Used $11.00 in RR from previous transaction

OOP: $2.39

Received $7 in RR for use next week

CVS Transaction #1:

Garnier Fructis shampoo, conditioner, or styler - $2.99
- Earn $2.00 ECB’s (limit 1)
- Use $1.00 off in 1/4 SS (expires on 5/1)
Final Price: FREE

2 Oral B Indicator toothbrushes - $1.99

- Earn $1 ECB (limit 2)
- Use $1.00 off 2, Oral B Indicator QP from 4/5 PG (expires 4/30)

Final Price: $.50 each

2 Post Trail Mix Crunch Cereal - 2/$5
- Use the $2 off here
Final Price: $.50 each

2 bars fave soap just because

used $6.89 in ECB from last week

OOP: $3.73

Received: $4 ECB for use next week

So, for the 3 transactions altogether I spent $17.67 out of pocket. Used $17.89 in RRs/ECBs and have $9 RR's and $14 ECB's remaining. Not only that, but I will fill out the rebate form in the Glucose Monitor and receive $14.99 back. That comes out to a total overage of around $20! I love getting paid to shop.

My CVS Trip - 4/19

Had to make this trip TODAY so I could use my $4 off $20 (beauty) coupon I mentioned in a previous post. Here's what I was able to do:

First, I did the Aveeno deal as posted on Deal Seeking Mom -

3 bottles Aveeno Body wash $6
- $2.00 off Printable coupons (3)
1 bottle Aveeno Shampoo $7
-$2.00 off Printable coupon
received $10 in ECB
used $4 off $20 coupon
Final Price: $.75 each

1 Crest Pro Health Rinse $2.88
used $1 off coupon 4/5 PG
received $2.00 in ECB
Final Price: FREE + $.12 overage

1 Edge Infused Shave Gel $2.89
received $2.89 in ECB
Final Price: FREE

1 Bayer Crystal 4ct $2.00
received $2 in ECB
Final Price: FREE

It was a good run and my net profit was $.33 after using last weeks ECBs and receiving new ones to use next time. Love that!

My Walmart Trip - 4/17

I am SO completely worn out. Semi-pleased with my results, though. I put my shopping list together using the list over at Centsible Sawyer, which is quite extensive. Please Please Please know that prices vary (a lot) by region. Even by neighborhood, sometimes.

Now, having said all that, here's what I was able to find with the coupons I had available to me:

6 boxes Caramel Crunch & Munch $.50 each after coupon
2 boxes Cascadian Farms Granola Cereal $2.18 after coupon
1 tub Smart Source Butter $2
1 lb Smart Source Butter Sticks FREE after coupon
2 boxes Dora/Diego Band-aids $.18 each after coupon
3 Johnsons Buddies Soaps $.13 each after coupon
1 pkg goldfish
Brita Slim Pitcher 5 cup $5 after coupon
1 lb Starbucks Coffee (shhh)
2 boxes Wheat Thins Artisan Crackers $1 each after coupon
1 8oz Daisy Sour Cream $.53 after coupon
1 Johnson & Johnson Butterfly Closures $.52 after coupon
2 Boxes Equate Allergy Liquid
2 Mentos Gum $.28 each
1 bag aquarium gravel (random, I know)
1 All You Magazine - so I can get those fabulous coupons!
1 pkg Airheads candy $.09 after coupon
1 pkg Sweetarts candy
2 boxes Cocoa Puffs cereal $1.23 each after coupon

Shelf Price: $76.18
Paid OOP: $47.24
Savings: $28.94 (only 38% savings -- blame it on the full price coffee : )

My daughter is supposed to reimburse me for the aquarium gravel so that will UP my savings a smidge. : )

Like I said at the top, I'm SO worn out! It's like schlepping through an entire city! I have a feeling this will be my last Walmart run. God bless 'em, but it's just not profitable for me.

My CVS Trip - 4/13

Here's what I got at CVS yesterday:

1 Colgate 360 Sensitive Toothbrush $3.99
Received $3.99 ECB
Final Price: Free

1 Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste $3.99
Used $1 Printable coupon (must register to print)
Received $3.99 ECB
Final Price: Free + $1 overage

1 Softsoap Scrub Body Wash $4.99
Received: $4.99 ECB
Final Price: Free

4 Sobe Lifewater 20 oz $1.59 BOGO
Used 2 BOGO coupons Printable (firefox) or (IE)
Final Price: Free

1 Glaceau Vitamin Water 20oz $1.69
Used $1 coupon 4/5 SS
Final Price : $.69

1 Goody Copper Paddle Brush $3.00 Clearance

Used $2.00 ECB from last week
Used $3.49 ECB from last week
Used $3.98 ECB from last week


Total OOP: $7.20
Received: $11.97 in ECBs for next week!


I know I could have done seperate transactions, but I don't really like that. I usually have children with me and I can't concentrate : ) Ah, Mommy Brain!

My Shopping Week So Far - 4/1

I ended up getting most of my groceries at Aldi this week. As usual, I got a ton of basics for $65.00. I then found out yesterday afternoon about Harris Teeter TRIPLING coupons up to $.99 and the sale was ending that day! I threw my list together and managed to pick up two bagfuls of whatever for about $4. Beautiful.

I didn't realize that Harris Teeter tripled coupons like that -- apparently it's a random thing, but definitely worth it to keep your eyes peeled. I will be doing so from now on, and I'll make sure to give everyone a heads-up.

I cannot TELL you how bummed I am that I can't get my free toilet paper at Kroger anymore. (oh, that was a bit of a pun) They stopped carrying the 4-pack.

Alrighty, that's enough for now. More deals to come!

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.

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%)

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!