Lyn's Savings Journey

Kroger 5/27/10

2010-05-27T12:59:00.003-04:00

4 Dr Pepper 3/$10, get 4th free used $1/2 = 4/$9

3 Kro Ice cream $1.99 ea

Kro Milk $2.08

2 Minute Maid OJ $2.50 ea

2 Nesquick $2.88 ea used $1/2

6 Kro Ground Chuck B1/G1 = $1.09 ea

5 Totinos Pizzas $1.29 ea used $1/5 & earned a $1 catalina (shoulda bought 6 to earn $2)

6 Little Debbies $1.29 ea (yes....I said 6, lol!)

Quaker Grits $2.59 used $0.50, doubled = $1.59 - same as store brand

Hannah Montanna Vitamins B1?g1 = $3.49 used $1 q

Natures BountyFish Oil B1/G1 = $5.34 used $2.25 q = $3.09

Kro Complete multi-vitamins (300 ct) $7.42

Snuggle $2.99 used $0.75 q - too bad I still didn't have a $3 q; I used all mine

Fly swatter (2 pk) $1.00

Eggs $1

Bread $1

Also used (2) $1 Catalinas & $5.00 in mastercard rewards

OOP: $61.68

Saved $13.83 in coupons (counting free 4th Dr Pepper)

Saved $32.21in sales (not counting free 4th Dr Pepper)

Savings rate 41% (44% counting mastercard rewards)

Not too bad for a trip where I bought a bunch of vitamins & ground beef! Not to mention the ice cream.....

Kroger 5/20/10

2010-05-27T12:26:00.003-04:00

Cookie Sheet $4.97 used $1.50 q
2 Ground Chuck $2.19 ea
2 White Castle Hamburgers $3.79 ea used (2) $0.50, doubled
4 Totinos Pizzas $1.29 ea used $1/4 & got a $1 catalina
2 milks $2.08 (1 choc, 1 white)
Big K 12 pk $1.99
Lays Chips $1.98 used free item q
Sour cream $1.59 (no q - we needed new)
Merita Donuts $1.49
Bread $0.78
Bananas $0.65 ($0.39/lb)
Kro Sandwich bags $1.39
Kro apple jelly $1.19
hallmark card $1.99
Kro Mozarella $4.99
used $3/$15 frozen
** I think there was another $1 coupon somewhere - probably was a catalina
** I also earned another $1 catalina in addition to the Totinos one, but I don't know what for.

OOP: $41.34 (tax $1.54)
Saved $10.48 in coupons
Saved $6.31 in sales
29 % Savings - not the best, but there were several things I bought just because we neeeded/wanted.

Small Trips With No Pics

2010-05-27T12:18:00.002-04:00

CVS 5/14/10
Kotex U $4.99 used $1 q, earned $4.99 = $1 MM
Austin Crackers $1
used $3 ECB
OOP: $2.37 (net cost $0.38, since I earned $1.99 ECB's more than I spent)

Kroger 5/14/10
Kro 8ct lunch crackers $1.99
Tostitos $3.59 used $1 peelie
OOP: $3.75 w/tax

Walmart 5/17/10
Tyson Chicken Patties (Bag) $5.50
2 Pks Strawberries $1.50 ea
Hamburger Buns $1.50 (Sara Lee)
6 Mighty Dog $0.57 ea used $3/5 & 1 Free item coupon = $0.15 MM!
OOP: $10.39 ($0.54 was tax)

Kroger 5/16/10
Kro Bread $0.78
Kro Grits $1.59 (hubby made this trip - I would have bought him the name brand, lol - he thought I would fuss at him if he did)
OOP: $2.44 w/tax

CVS 5/14/10

2010-05-27T12:05:00.003-04:00

Transaction 1
Carefree $1 used $1 q = FREE!
3 M&M's $2 ea used B2/G1 q = $1.33 ea
Crest Pro Health $3.50 used $0.75, earned $3.50 ECB = $0.75 MM
Kotex U $4.99 used $1 q, earned $4.99 ECB = $1.00 MM
Also used $5 ECB & $4.49 ECB
OOP: $2.09 (net cost $3.09 - earned $1 less than I spent)

Transaction 2
Hawaiin Tropic $9.99 used $1 q, earned $5 ECB
used $4.99 & $3.50 ECB's from transaction 1
OOP: $1.20 (net cost $4.29)

Kroger 5/11/10

2010-05-11T11:49:00.003-04:00

Didn't need much this week- I was out of bread and chocolate milk. Good price on the Big K's for the kids - the White Castle burgers were a splurge for the kids ($2.79 after coupon!)- I am sure they will be gone after school today. Here's my breakdown:

White Castle $3.79 used $0.50, doubled

Kro Bread $0.78

6 Mighty Dog $0.65 ea used $3/5 & FREE Item q ($0.65) TOTAL: $0.25, plus got a $1 catalina = $0.75 PROFIT!

2 Lady Speedstick $1 ea used (2) $0.50/1, doubled = FREE (Take THAT, CVS!)

6 Yoplait Yougurt $0.50 ea used $0.40/6, doubled = $2.20/6 or $0.37 ea

Kro Choc Milk $1.88

2 Dr K 12 pcks $1.67 ea

OOP: $11.94 ($0.70 tx)

(Would have been $9.04 without the White Castle)

Saved: $7.45 q's

CVS 5/11/10

2010-05-11T11:38:00.003-04:00

This was done in 2 transactions. I don't normally do that, but there was no one behind me and I also did not want to carry over a lot of ECB's - I have not shopped much lately. I also was disappointed not to get the Right Guard; I guess since I don't rush out on Sundays to get the really hot deals, shelves tend to be cleared by Tuesday when I do my shopping. Oh, well- plenty of free deoderant to be had out there; I will take what I can get! Here's my breakdown:

Transaction 1
Carefree $1.00 used $1 q (last one on the shelf)
3 M&M's $2 ea used B2/G1 Free q ($2)
Crest Pro Health $3.50 used $0.75 q & earned $3.5 ECB
Kotex U $4.99 used $1 q & earned $4.99 ECB
used $9.49 ECB's
OOP: $2.09 ($0.84 tx)
Saved: $14.24 (q's & ECB's)
"Net Cost" : $3.09 (spent $1 more in ECB's than I earned)

Transaction 2
Hawaiin Tropic $9.99 used $1 q & earned $5 ECB's
used $8.49 ECB's from Tansaction #1
OOP: $1.20 ($0.70 tx)
Saved: $9.49 (q's & ECB's)
"Net Cost": $4.69 (spent $3.49 more in ECB's than I earned)

Overall, not bad - even without the Right Guard. My total OOP was $3.29, and my total "net" cost was $7.78 - and the total sale price of the M&M's alone was $6.

How to Fold a Fitted Sheet

2010-05-06T11:30:00.002-04:00

This is totally off topic for my blog, but I just had to share this. My fitted sheets usually get stored in the closet pretty much wadded up, with the flat sheet on top to hold it down - not anymore! Here's a link to halleethehomemaker.com where she shows us exactly how to fold:

http://www.halleethehomemaker.com/2010/04/how-to-fold-a-fitted-sheet/

Wow! This will save a ton of space in my linen closet!

Kroger 5/5/10

2010-05-05T12:21:00.003-04:00

None of the ads really impressed me this week; possibly because I am so stocked up on almost everything. I just picked up what I needed (milk & bread) plus a few odds and ends that we either wanted, or were a good deal:

Milk $1.88

Bread $0.78

Buns $0.88

2 Heinz 40 oz ketchup $1.89

Kro Pickles $1.99

Heinze Apple Cider Vinegar $2.19 used $0.50, doubled = $1.19

Heinz White Vinegar $1.79 used $0.50, doubled = $0.79

2 Betty Crocker Brownies $1 ea (coupons were only for the supreme)

6 Hamburger Helper $1 ea used (2) $0.75/3 & (2) $0.75 shortcuts q's = $0.50 ea

Quaker Grits $2.59 (no sale/no coupon - just bought because hubby wanted)

4 Cover Girl Powder $4.49 ea used (2) B1/G1 q's & $4 P&G instant savings/4 = $4.98/4 or $1.225 ea

J&J Buddy Soap $1.09 used $1 q = $0.09

Shelf Cost: $57.99

Coupons: $18.98

Sale Savings: $13.32

Total Savings: $32.30

OOP: $25.69 ($1.74 tx) savings= 57%

CVS/Dr Pepper

2010-05-05T12:17:00.003-04:00

I used $13.00 of my ECB's to buy my Dr. Pepper, so all I paid was $0.39 tax for (5) 12 pks. I get my inserts a week behind, since a friend orders them from other cities. So, I will have to find somewhere next week to use those fantastic $4 Nivea coupons.

April Totals

2010-05-03T15:21:00.002-04:00

I took a pretty big shopping break in April - I made half as many trips as I normally do. I stayed out of the drug stores for the most part and only went to Kroger and Wal-mart for the best deals and things I really needed. My savings rate was not as high as normal - 51.8%. But I only spent 75% of my budget, too. Here's my summary for April:

Shelf Cost: $618.90

Coupons: $177.27

Sales/Discounts: $128.02

Gift Cards used: $15.33

OOP: $298.28

I plan to ease up on the shopping in May as well; I took an inventory in March and realized that I could probably go 6 months to a year without buying any non-food products! However, I will still shop for the best deals - and I will try to do better about posting. I did not realize it had been so long - SPRING FEVER!!

Kroger - 3/30/10

2010-03-30T23:04:00.002-04:00

OK....I'm just way too lazy to post details of these bigger transactions when there are a ton of blogs out there to tell you how to do the same thing. The Post cereal deal would have been a better deal if I had gotten all Fruity Pebbles; apparently you can earn catalinas for buying 3 or more. I had a $2.25 register coupon for the Fish Oil; since it's B1/G1 this week, it was only $2.38 after q - for 120 count!

Also had q's for Domino sugar, White Castle Hamburgers ($2.79 even after q's, but a great snack or quick meal), Post cereal, NY croutons, Campbell's soup, Stouffer's, Minute Rice, Quaker Granola bars, and I also used a $6/$60.....I did not think I spent enough, because it said "after manufacterer coupons", but my sub-total was $63, so she scanned that coupn first.

OOP: $42.74
Saved: $30.10

CVS - 3/30/10

2010-03-30T22:58:00.002-04:00

3 Dr Pepper 12 pks 3/$10 used $1/2 & got $3 ECB

Sparkle Paper Towels $4,99 used $0.50 q & got $1 ECB

3 Pop Tarts 3/$5 used $1/3

3 Rice Krispie Treats 3/$5

2 M&M's 2/$4 used $1/2

Crest Toothpaste $2.99 used $1 q & got $2 ECB

Also bought 1 CVS Green bag tag for $0.99

used $17 in ECB's

OOP: $12.83

Saved: $21.50

"Net Cost" $22.83 (Since I "lost" $11 ECB's - spent $17, earned $6)

Bi-Lo - 3/30/10

2010-03-30T22:54:00.002-04:00

MM OJ $2 ea

Doritos $1.99 ea

Strawberries $1.66

Starburst Jelly Beans 2/$4 used $1 q

Starbust Singles - 2/$1 used B1/G1 q (this coupon beeped, and when the manager keyed it in, it ended up doubling, making both free)

Skittles Singles - 2/$1 used B1/G1 q (this coupon also ended up doubling, making both free)

OOP: $17.10

Saved: $3.10 ($0.10 bag credit)

Kroger - past week

2010-03-30T22:33:00.003-04:00

I haven't taken the time to post the past couple of weeks - but I've not done much shopping, either. I won't detail these since they are past weeks; it's just for my own "log".

Top pic: 3/16/10

OOP: $42.00

Saved: $21.34 q's

Best deals: 2 free Stouffer's q's, $0.09 rice (donation)

Bottom Pic: 3/19/10

OOP: $22.71

Saved: $31.22 q's

Best deals: Free Rachel Ray dog food Q, free Smart Taste pasta, 2/$0.25 sponges

Bi-Lo

2010-03-13T16:58:00.002-05:00

White House Apple Juice 1 gallon $2.99
Pedigree dog food 4lb. 4oz - B1/G1 = $2.99
(I usually try to get food less that $0.50/lb - this was a little over, but still a great deal- my dog loves the canned pedigree- hope he'll love this too! There are fantastic $3 coupons out, but Bi-lo did not have the larger size included in the B1/G1).
2 Lays Chips B1/G1 = $1.99 ea
2 Better than ears B1/G1 = $1.76 ea used (2) $1/1 q's = $0.76 ea
3 Hormel Compleats $1.99 ea used (3) $0.55, doubled = $0.89 ea

OOP: $14.91
Saved: $5.30 (q's only)

Rite Aid

2010-03-13T16:46:00.004-05:00

The second pic was my first trip...I got all excited because I paid $5.38 and was getting $5 back. But, one of the John Frieda products actually rang up at $3.49, thereby causing me NOT to have enough to get the rebate. So, I took back the conditioner (top pic) and bought the one that was $5. That order was $2.32, mainly due to the tax I paid on the make-up. Here's a breakdown:

3 John Frieda $5 ea used (3) $3 coupons

2 CG Powders B1/G1 used B1/G1 q = BOTH FREE! (paid tax on $8.29)

2 CG make ups B1/G1 used B1/G1 q = BOTH FREE! (paid tax on $9.99)

Sara Lee Buns $1.50

Stride Gum $1 (cashier had taken off my free make-up before he hit subtotal & then I was $0.03 short of $15, since the John Frieda rand up $3.49 on the first trip- so I added the gum to be able to use the $3/$15 and didn't argue about how the make-up SHOULD have counted)

used $3/$15 on 1st order (pic 2)

Total OOP: $7.70 ($2.20 was tax)

Saved: $30.28 (q's)

Will get $5 rebate back - so, if it weren't for pesky sales tax, all this would have been $0.50!!

Alice Order

2010-03-13T16:41:00.003-05:00

When my husband brought this in for me, he said "I thought you were going to quit ripping them off?". I just couldn't help myself- this was cheaper then the dollar store, and they brought it to me! I paid $5.01 for all this. My original order was going to be $4.77, but I figured I'd at least lest them make $5 off me, so I changed part of my order form another renuzit to the napkins. With "coupons" I paid:
Jergens hand wash: $0.35
bounty paper towels $0.59 ea
dial hypo allergenic soap (3 pk) $1.04
renuzit $0.77
bounty napkins $1.36
sales tax $.31

Total OOP: $5.01

CVS - more cheap kellogs cereal

2010-03-13T16:34:00.004-05:00

I went to another store using my husband's card for more cereal. I was sorta bummed on this transaction, because I handed the cashier 3 ECB's for this transaction- $5, $3, and $3.50. The $3.50 one did NOT come off. I could see online that yes, I did still have it on my card (didn't use it and forget about it), but CS told me that once it's printed, they cannot add it back to my card. I called the store, was told they found it- then after I drove over there, they only found the ones that scanned. So, I essentially lost a $3.50 ECB. I guess it was really only $2.50, since after I got home, I realized that my $1/2 coupon was not supposed to work on the Froot Loops- the q was for 10 oz and larger; the Loops were less than that. Ggrrr......I wasn't feeling well; should just stayed home that day!

OOP: $16.03

Saved: $14.50

Kroger- more free toothbrushes, floss

2010-03-13T16:23:00.003-05:00

Went back for more freebies & cheap stuff......

2 Milks $1.99 ea

4 Pillsbury Cinn Rolls $1.25 ea used (2) $0.40/2, doubled & (2) $0.40 cell fore & e-coupon = $0.65 ea

2 Pillsbury cookies $2 ea used $1/2 & $1 cellfire coupon = $1 ea

Kro brown sugar $1.59 (cheaper than domino even with the q I had)

3 Betty Crocker Warm Delights $1.50 ea used (3) $0.50/1, doubled & 2 cellfire $0.50 = ALL THREE FREE!

5 Johnson's Buddies $1.09 ea used (5) $1 q's = $0.09 ea (these may be free at some stores)

5 Reach Toothbrushed $1 ea used (5) $1 q's = ALL FIVE FREE!

5 Reach Floss $1 ea used (5) $1 q's = ALL FIVE FREE!

2 9 volt batteries $1.99 ea used (2) $1 q's = $0.99 ea

6 Iams dog foods $1 ea used $3/6 = $0.50 ea

12 Mighty Dog $0.55 ea used (2) $2/6 = $0.2167 ea

**also used $1 Catalina from previous order & earned $2 one** (works out $0.05/can)

OOP: $21.47

Saved: $33.40

In addition to the $2 catalina I earned on the mighty dog, I also earned another $1, but I am not sure on what, as it did not say - but I will use it!

Why I "Buy" Things I Don't Need

2010-03-09T13:57:00.003-05:00

This little bottle of Afrin cost me sales tax only back in June. (Doesn't expire til 3/12). I had a free item coupon. We didn't need it at the time- we rarely get sick, and when we do, we are not fond of squirting stuff up our noses. But, hey- it was "free" and it's not like I had dozens of bottles already. I figured it might come in handy. I actually thought about giving it away, but that was a no-go, since my precious son decided to draw a picture on the box. (Of me? With no hair??) Anyway, there it sat for 9 months in my medicine storage bin. BUT....what was it worth to me at midnight last night when I could not get to sleep because my nose was so stuffed up on both sides (even after a full dose of off brand Nyquil)? PRICELESS!! Definitely worth the $0.38 sales tax I paid at the time. So, yes- I will continue to "buy" things that I don't need - at the moment.

CVS - Great Kelloggs Deal!

2010-03-08T19:11:00.003-05:00

2 Cascade 2/$5.97 used (2) $0.25 q's & got back $1 ECB = $2.47/2
4 Kelloggs cereals $2.50 ea used (2) $1/2 & got back $5 ECB = 4/$3 or $0.75 each!
2 Pantene 2/$6.97 used $3/2 & got back $2 ECB = $1.97/2
Tide $5.97 used $1 q & got back $1 ECB
2 Oral B toothbrushes $4 ea used (2) $0.75 q's & got back $8 ECB = $1.50 MM
Also used $12.50 in ECB's

OOP: $18.59 (used Discover, which is paying 5% rebate on grocery & drug stores this month)
Saved: $20.50
Net cost was $14.09, since I ended up $4.50 ECB "richer"

Walgreen's - Diapers to Donate

2010-03-08T18:56:00.002-05:00

This was done in several transactions at different stores. We were out at yard sales with my husband's family and my MIL wanted to stop at every one we passed. The first transaction she did for me so I could get an extra set of Kotex (never pay full price!):

Transaction 1

3 Kotex $2,99 ea used (3) $1 q's

OOP: $6.60 w/tax

Saved: $3.00 - got back $5 RR

Transaction 2

3 Kotex $2.99 ea used (3) $1 q's

2 Diapers $2.19 clearance

used $3 RR

OOP: $8.28

Saved: $6.00

Transaction 3

6 Altiods $0.59 ea

(should have done one of the diapers on this order to use a $5 RR but was to rushed to think it through)

OOP: $3.65

Saved: $0 (other than sale savings- great price on Altoids)

Transaction 4

2 Diapers $2.29 clearance

Atlanta Sunday paper $1.89

used $5 RR

OOP: $1.86

Saved: $5.00

My mother in law "bought" $10 of the RR's I'd earned and used them on stuff she bought, so when all said and done, I spent $10.39 OOP on all this, plus the $3 RR I started with. (I ended up with none). The diapers ended up at $9.58 after tax- not bad for 4 packs to donate to our local pregnancy center.

Walgreen's

2010-03-08T18:48:00.002-05:00

6 Kleenex B1/G1 $1.99 X 6 = $11.94 -$5.97 B1/G1 - (2) $0.50 = $4.97 PLUS got $3 RR = $0.328 each
3 Kotes $2.99 ea = $8.97 - (3) $1 q's = $5.97 PLUS got $5 RR = $0.97 for all 3
2 Ajax used WAG q to get them for $0.50 ea (filler so I could use RR)
2 Motrin PM $2.99 - $3 WAG q ($1.50 X 2) - $3/2 = FREE!
Also used $2 RR

OOP: $11.45 (got $8 RR back)

Saved: $12.78

Walmart - Cheap Lunch Meat

2010-03-04T13:06:00.003-05:00

2 Land O' whatever lunch meat $3 used (2) $2 q's - $1 each
(These may be even cheaper in your wal-mart; it seems like mine is always higher than what other people quote)
Boneless Pork Loin $9.13
**I have been trying to figure out what cut of pork works best for my BBQ pork recipe. This one seems to do the best, but I had been buying the smaller size at $3.38/lb. I realized the bigger one was only $1.98/lb and I could just cut it in have and freeze the rest. This will make 4 meals- 2 recipes w/leftovers***
2 ground chuck $2.08 ea
Banana nut muffins $3.00
Bananas $0.74 ($0.49/lb)
Strawberries $2.76
4 Enchilada Sauces $1 ea
Tortilla shells $1.66
Apple Cider vinegar $0.92

OOP: $29.34 ($0.97 tax)
Saved $4.00

Kroger - More FREE Right Guard

2010-03-04T12:54:00.002-05:00

This was mainly a milk & bread run, but I also picked up a few other sale items - and a few things we were out of. I was going to buy a bagged salad for my husband, but when I saw how much they were, I bough a head of Romaine instead~

Milk $1.99
3 MM OJ $2.50
(Bi-lo has the price beat this week at $2, but I didn't look at their ad til I got home)
Eggo Waffles $2.49
Kro dill pickles $1.99
Carrots $1.99 (pre-cut)
Cucumber $0.90
Romaine lettuce $1.99
Onion $0.70 ($1/lb)
2 Kro Ground Chuck $2.09
Pedigree Denta Sticks $3.49 used $2 q
6 Iams Cans $1 ea used $3/6 = $0.50 ea
6 Mighty Dog cans $0.55 ea used $2/6 = $1.30/6 = $0.2167 ea -
PLUS got $1 Catalina that ultimately made them $0.05/can
2 Right guard $1 ea used $2/2 = FREE
Gold Medal Flour $1.49 used $0.75 = $0.74
Bread $0.78
2 Buns $0.88
Also used Kro MC rewards $0.25/$2 bread

OOP: $36.56
Saved $11.00

Rite-Aid FREE Renu Travel Pack

2010-03-04T12:47:00.003-05:00

Renu Travel Pack $0.99 used $1 q = FREE!

Satin Care $1.99 used $0.55 q & will get $1 rebate = $0.44

Listerine pocket packs $3.99 used $0.50 q & will get $3 rebate = $0.49

2 Nivea Lip Care $0.99 ea used B1/G1 q = $0.99 for both

(same deal as at WAGs except without the in ad coupon)

Pepto Bismol $5.49 used $2 in ad coupon & $0.50 MC = $2.99

2 Cheetos/Fritos $1.99 ea

OOP: $14.01 ($1.13 was tax) will get $4 rebate

Saved: $5.54 (plus $4 rebate)

Walgreen's - FREE MOTRIN PM

2010-03-04T12:42:00.003-05:00

The Motrin PM is $1.49 with the IVC in the booklet at the front of the store. Buy 2 (coupon will take $3 off instead of $1.50) and use the $3/2 from a recent insert and get 2 free Motrin! I used the in ad coupon to get the Nivea for $0.99, then used a B1/G1 coupon and paid $0.99 for both. My Walgreens also sometimes has Sunday paper still left on Monday mornings, so I snagged one for $1. Too lazy to stop by on Sundays!

OOP: $2.53 ($0.56 was tax)

Saved: $10.99

How Thrifty Are You?

2010-02-25T17:43:00.002-05:00

Shelly, over at www.mycouponteacher.com has posted her "Thrifty Thursday" article. She asks 10 questions to see how thrifty we are. I thought this would be fun to answer- please remember, this is NOT meant to start arguments; we all have different thrifty ways- and they are all OK! Here are mine:

1. Do you use coupons to save over 50% or more on your groceries?

Yes (well, combined with sales!) I am using a spreadsheet designed by Angela at www.thecouponproject.com to track my savings; I am currently at about 67% for the year.

2. Do you reuse paper products like foil, plastic baggies, or plastic utensils?

No. To me, that would defeat the purpose of these things, which is convenience. That said, I also don't use paper products very often (other than napkins). I also use dishrags and towels rather than paper towels most of the time.

3. Do you buy things like clothes, home goods, or entertainment items for full price?

No. I look for good deals there, too. Sales, coupons, etc.

4. Do you eat out more than once a week?

It depends. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I happen to realy enjoy eating out - and I hate to cook. So, I feel like we eat out a lot, but we cut our budget in other places to allow for more eating out. It's all about what's important to you and budgeting based on your own lifestyle choices.

5. Do you feel an obligation to take free samples or toiletries in hotels?

An obligation? No. But when we stay, we sometimes use them, and then I'll take then. But I also don't shove them all in my bags each night so that they'll get replenished and take those too.....

6. Do you send in more than one mail in rebate a month?

I focus more on sales and coupons, but I do rebates when I hear about a good one, like Olay's $15 rebate going on now. (Go to www.olay.com for details). I also do Rite Aid when it's good enough to entice me, but not every month.

7. Do you feel an obligation or need to stop at every yard sale you pass?

I am not a morning person, so we don't even go when we are in town. But my in-laws go every single week-end, so when we visit, we go too. It's actually a fun way to visit, and they are in an area where there are lots of sales, so in the spring and summer we usually find lots of goodies. I love books, and have collected over 1600 of them, mostlt at $0.25-$0.50 each at yard sales.

8. Do you recycle items on Freecycle or for money?

We have an annual yard sale to clean out the house, and what doesn't sell is donated locally to the salvation army or a similar organization. I used to Ebay some things, but the items I had- books, puzzles, etc. were such inexpensive items that it's really not worth the time anymore.

9. Have you lowered all your bills to the smallest amount you can pay for acceptable services?

Oh, yeah. My husband got into energy savings a little over a year ago- in a very big way, lol. In the past year and a half or so, we have replaced washer, dryer, dishwasher, hot water heater and refrigerator with energy star appliances. He's looking for a newer (but still used) stand alone freezer now. We have also replaces almost all of our bulbs with CFL's. I know this sounds like a lot, but all of our appliances were getting "aged" anyway. (And we'd budgeted to replace them). Some, we sold and got a lottle back out of. The washer is a front loader, and has saved us on the water bill. All told, out energy and water bills are about half what they used to be.

10. Have you figured out the best way to save money is to spend less and stretch all you have as far as you can?

Hhmmm....not sure exactly what this question is asking, but probably no. I am horrible about using leftovers, so I still have waste there. In fact, I cleaned all the science experiments out of the fridge yesterday. One was so bad, the tupperware may have to get tossed as well, lol! And I - gasp! - occasionally throw away lotion, etc. with a bit still left. I hate clutter, and I have such a stockpile of non-food items (bought very inexpensivelly) that I may sometimes be more wasteful than I should be.

Thank, Shelly! This was fun to take part in- can't wait to read others answer!

Kroger- FREE Reach, Rightguard & Milk

2010-02-25T15:00:00.002-05:00

I paid $2.17 for all this!!! (And $1.41 was tax- AND I realized when I got home that I could have done $0.65 better; oh well!)

4 Cereals $2.50 ea used $1.50/2 (also had a $0.40 MC rewards q that I forgot about- and if I'd printed another $1.50/2, even better- not sure why I didn't.....out of ink, maybe?)

2 FREE Chocolate Milks w/ purchase of 4 Kelloggs (sure glad the chocolate counted!)

2 Kro Ice Cream bars $1.88 ea (had a $0.25 MC rewards that I forgot about)

3 Scotch Mailing Tape 3/$5 used (3) $0.50, doubled= $0.67 ea ($0.66 for 3rd)

2 Green Giant veggies $1 ea used $0.50/2, doubled & $0.50 ecoupon = $0.25 ea

(I had more $0.50/2 q's, but they only had one more corn in butter sauce- our favorite)

4 Reach floss $1 ea used (4) $1/1 coupons = FREE!

4 Reach toothbrushes used (4) $1/1 coupons = FREE!

2 Rightguard $1 ea used $2/2 = FREE!

Also used (2) $5 mastercard rewards certificates

Also used $4 catalina from the Purex deal last week

OOP: $2.17 ($1.41 was tax!)

Saved: $20 in mq's + $10 in MC Rewards + 2 free milks not counted in q's = $34.56

I love trips like these, even if I could have shaved a few more cents off. Somehow, the weeks I spend $60, it just doesn't feel like I'm saving much, even if I used $60 in coupons......but when I walk away with bags and only spend a little cash OOP, it feels good.

K-Mart

2010-02-25T14:55:00.003-05:00

Planters (including cashews) are on sale this week at K-mart for $2.50 - a good time to use those $1/2 coupons. I also missed out on the $1 wonka gummies at Kroger a few weeks ago, but the $1 coupon made then $0.25 at K-mart, so an affordable treat for my daughter. We were out of lunch crackers, so I figured $1 for the 4 packs would do until a good deal on the Lance crackers I usually buy. I also used $3.74 in shop your way rewards....if you don't know about the program, go here: https://www.shopyourwayrewards.com/cp/login.aspx?RGD=3B6032C1-CAD6-4CB7-BFF0-49B3D7B34CE1 and check it out!

OOP: $2.76
Saved: $5.74 ($2 q's & $3.74 rewards)

Rite Aid

2010-02-17T15:04:00.002-05:00

I was hoping to get some 6 bar packs of Olay, but my store was out. I only had 2 q's for the body was or soap, but even so, I think I'd have gotten 3 packs of soap if they had it. Oh, well...after coupons & reabte, the Olay was tax only. $6 ea, used 3- $1 q's, sent off for $15 rebate at www.olay.com

11 packs of Trident Layers $0.99 ea used 11 $0.75 q's = $0.24 each
(And NO, I did not wipe the shelf clean. There were lots of the other flavor left, and several of this flavor). I specifically asked the cashier if it was OK to buy this many, in case they had a coupn limit or something.

CVS

2010-02-17T14:53:00.003-05:00

Glade Fragrance collection $6 used $3 q (most of these q's are for $3/2, but I had a $3/1)
2 Sense 'n Spray refills $3 ea used $2/2

(earned $4 ECB's....the sense 'n spray machine has a $3 q, and makes it a better deal BUT, my store was out, and for an extar dollar I'd just as soon have the refills to cut down on the clutter of all those extra plastic units around)

2 Cover Girl $6 ea used B1/G1

(OK...the cashier yried to let me use the $1 coupon in conjunction, but then the B1/G1 would not let her put in $6, only $5...so essentailly I did not get to use the $1 q) Still....after earning $5 ECB's, it was only $1 for both items!

Neutragena cleanser $6.99 used $2 q from "All You"
Neutragena hand cream $4.49 used $1 q
(earned $5 ECB, making the cost $3.48 for both items)

Crest $3.50 used $0.75 q (earned $3.30 ECB)

Also used $1 CVS q on hand cream
used $11 in ECB's

OOP: $0 (used $14.96 on a GC from "My Points")
Saved: $26.75 in q's & $14.96 from GC
"Net Cost" is $8.46, since I "made" $6.50 in ECB's

Couple of missed pics.....

2010-02-17T14:36:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy week and I forgot a few pics:

Feb 15 - Dollar General
OOP: $13.41 (no coupons!)
Dog Bones, Treats, etc.

Feb 16 - Walmart
2 MM OJ $2.58 ea
2 GV Poptarts $1.25 ea
GV Gallon sz storage bags $1.64
OOP: $9.65 (no coupons!)

Feb 16 - Kroger (+) (mini-mega event prices AFTER $.30 discount)
2 Ground Chuck $2.09
4 Hot Pockets (+) $1.69 ea used $0.75/4
Bagel Bites $3.99 used $1 q
Super Pretzel $2.29 used $0.50, doubled
Milk $2.28
Choc Milk $2.28
MM OJ $2.85
2 Cheetos (+) $1.69 used $1/2
2 Totinos Pizza Rolls (+) $2.69 ea used $1.25/2
2 Strawberries $2.28 ea
Kro value bread $0.39 (I usually pay extra for Sara Lee, but could not resist the allure of $0.39 bread!)
2 Purex (+) $2.19 ea used $1/1 & $0.35/1, doubed AND earned $4 Catalina = MONEY MAKER!
Pencils $1.59 used free item coupon
Nature Made fish oil $4.74 used $2 q
8 Chef Boy Ardee (+) $0.70 used $1/5 & $0.35/3, doubled
2 Ragu (+) $1.49 ea used $1/2 (if I remember right...)
also used $4 catalina from pillsbury
also used $3/$15 frozen

OOP: $39.46
Saved: $25.74, including $6 in mega even savings

Rite Aid 2/11

2010-02-17T14:22:00.002-05:00

Diapers are for gifts....we're past that at my house!

2 Pampers $8.99 ea used (2) $1.50 q's (earned $2 rebate)

Pampers wipes $2.49 ea used (2) $0.50 q's

Nyquil $3.99 used $1.50 q (qualified me for $5 Visa) (earned $1 rebate)

6 Nivea $2.99 ea used (3) $2 q's, (1) $1 q & (1) $3/2 q (earned $5 RA GC)

2 Gum Flossers $2.50 ea used (2) $0.55 q's (earned $2 rebate)

Also used $5/20 video values coupon

OOP: $31.43; earned $4 rebates & $10 in GC's

Saved: $21.60

Since I bought the Pampers for gifts, I counted $20.57 of this purchase toward my gifst budget rather than groceries. (Cost + tax - coupons).

Kroger "Mini Mega Event"

2010-02-08T21:06:00.003-05:00

This week, Kroger has several items that are "Buy 10, get $3", or $0.30 off per item. I nicknamed this the "mini mega event" to differentiate it from the "Buy 10, get $5". Still some good deals to be had.....(prices are AFTER $0.30 disscount- I got exactly 20 of those items)

Boneless Pork Loin $10.51 ($1.99/lb, this will make 2 of my BBQ Pork recipes, or 4 meals)

2 Kro Ground Chuck $1.04 (Just noticed the sale price! I thought I was paying $2.09....I guess I'll be buying more for the freezer!)

2 MM OJ $2.85ea

Kro Hamburger Patties $4.99

Kro Chocolate Milk $2.28

6 Pillsbury Cookies $2.19 ea used (3) $1/2 & got $4 Catalina = $1.02 ea

6 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $1.69 ea used (3) $0.50/2, doubled & (2) $0.50 cellfire & $0.50 shortcuts - I forgot I had those loaded~ Final price= $0.94 ea

2 Ragu $1.49 ea used (2) $0.30, doubled = $0.89 ea

3 Manwich $1 ea used $0.50 shortcuts q

5 Chef Boy Ardee $0.70 ea used $1/2 & $0.35/3, doubled = $0.36 ea

Reynols Wrap $2.69 used $0.75 ea = $1.94

Used $5/45 , $4 Catalina & $1 Catalina

OOP: $41.21

Saved: $27.65

The $5/$45 coupon I used was AFTER discounts & coupon.....I just realized my total was actually $44.36, since I paid $1.85 tax. I even through in the 3 Manwich last minute to reach the $45, but my math was off because I forgot about the shortcuts coupons that came off. The coupon scanned with no problem, though. (I also bought an I-tunes card for $15, but GC's were excluded on the coupon). Maybe that extra allowed it to scan, or maybe the computer rounded up. The ground chuck also rang up half price; wasn't expecting that.

Walgreens, 2nd Trip

2010-02-08T20:59:00.003-05:00

1st transaction
Dove Body Wash $5.99 used $1.50 q; got $6 RR
2 Big Red B1/G1 - $1.29/2
used $3 RR & $2 RR
OOP: $1.24
Saved: $6.50
"Net Cost" was $0.24, since I spent $5 RR & Got $6

2nd Transaction
3 Nivea $5.99 used $2/1 & $5/2; got $5 RR = $5.97/3 = $1.99 ea
5 Twizzlers $2 ea got $5 RR
used $6 RR & $6 RR
OOP: $10.53
Saved: $19.00
"Net Cost" was $12.53, since I spent $12 RR & got $10

Bi-Lo

2010-02-08T20:51:00.003-05:00

2 Old El Paso Heat 'n Serve $1.25 ea used (2) $0.50, doubled = $0.25 ea

6 McCormick Chili $0.64 ea used (3) $0.25/2...these SHOULD have doubled, but they took off an extra $0.03, NOT $0.25- made them $0.50 ea

3 Texas Toast Croutons $1.25 ea used (3) $0.50, doubled = $0.25 ea

Sara Lee Bread $1.49

Hamburger Buns $1.25

2 Clorox $1.66 ea used $0.50/2, doubled = $1.16 ea

4 Sunlight $0.74 ea used (4) $0.25, doubled = $0.24 ea

Milk $2.29

OOP: $12.27

Saved: $9.84

Walgreens

2010-02-08T20:45:00.003-05:00

2 Newspapers $1 ea

2 Kotex $3 ea used $2/2; got $3 RR

Dove Men's Body Wash $5.99 used $1.25 q; got $6 RR

Eggs $0.99

used $8 RR & $2 RR

OOP: $2.60

Saved: $13.25

"Net Cost" was $3.60, since I used $10 RR & got back $9 RR

Walgreens

2010-02-04T15:44:00.002-05:00

Blink $7.99 used $2 q (& Earned $8 RR)
Rice Krispie Treats $2.50ea (earned $2 RR)
Corn Starch $0.49 (son's request- it's a mystery)
used $10 RR from Nyquil deal

OOP: $2.21
Saved: $12.00

"Net Cost" on this deal was $2.21....since I spent $10 RR and eraned back $10 more, it was a flush~

Bi-Lo: All this for UNDER $20!

2010-02-04T15:36:00.004-05:00

5 Old ElPaso Heat 'n Serve $1.25 ea used (5) $0.50, doubled = $0.25 ea
ALSO earned a $1 Catalina, which makes all 5 $0.25 TOTAL
4 McCormick Chili Seasonings $0.64 ea used (2) $0.25/2, doubled = $0.39 ea
2 Texas Toast Crouton $1.25 ea used (2) $0.55, doubled = $0.15 ea
Reynolds Wrap $2.99 used $0.75 q= $2.24
2 Hefty Plates $1.31 ea used (2) $0.50, doubled = $0.31 ea
2 Hefty Storage bags $1.42 ea used $1/2= $0.92 ea
4 Auto Shower Cleaner refills (CLOSE OUT) $2.06 ea used (2) $1.5/2= $1.31 ea
2 Dixie Napkins $2 ea used (2) $0.55, doubled = $0.90 ea
2 Clorox $1.66 ea used $0.50/2, doubled = $1.16 ea

OOP: $19.96 ($1.79 was TAX) & earned $1 Catalina
Saved : $17.15

Kroger Mega Sale

2010-02-04T15:15:00.003-05:00

Whew! Here goes: (Prices are AFTER Mega savings of $0.50 per item, where applicable, since I got exactly 30- not eveything was mega sale).

4 Orville Popcorn $2.49 used (2) $1/2= $1.99 ea

2 Big K 12 pks $1.99 ea

4 Pedigree Dog food $0.49 ea

3 Newmans Marinara $2.39 used $0.50, doubled= $1.39 ea

2 Wheat Thins $1.69 used (2) $1 q's

4 Bic Sensitive $1.19 ea used (2) B1/G1 q's = $0.595 ea

4 Kraft Cheese $0.99 used (2) $1/2 = $0.49 ea

4 M& M's $2 ea used (2) $1/2 = $1.5 ea

Cow Pals Cheese $4.39 used $0.70 store q = $3.69

(not on sale- special request of my daughter's)

New York Dippin Sticks $1.99 used $0.50, doubled = $0.99

2 Tostitos $2.38

5 Solo Cups $1.49 used (5) $1 q's = $0.49 ea

6 Pillsbury Cookies $2.50 ea used (3) $1/2 = $2 ea

(ALSO earned a $4 Catalina)

4 Beggin Strips $2.49 ea used $1 Cellfire & 2 B1/G1 free q's that took off $2.99 ea = $0.745 ea (better then the K-mart deal!)

2 Suave Deoderants $1 ea used (2) $0.75 q's = $0.25ea

Suave Body Was $1.69 used $0.50, doubled = $0.69

4 Old El Paso Taco Seasoning $1.09 ea used (2) Cellfire q's $0.50 ea & $1/4 = $0.59 ea, PLUS earned a $1 Catalina

2 Disney Vitamins $3.49 used (2) $1 q's = $2.49

Flax Seed Oil $4.99 used $1 q = $3.99

3 Rubbermaid Conatiners $1.73 used (3) $1 q's = $0.73 ea

Also used a $2 Catalina from previos order (Kraft?) and a $0.26 Kro MC rewards on crackers.

OOP: $73.79 ($4.67 was TAX!) & earned $5 in Catalinas

SAVED: $57.80, including $15 in Mega Event Savings

I about had a heart attack as I was checking out and my total was $131.59- then the $15 mega savings came of, then the coupons......I still don't normally spend this much at a time (my average total is about $16 so far this year- including this order) but I felt like I did pretty well, even if I did splurge on the cookies (we were OUT) and snack cheese. My receipt says I saved 62%; of course, that includes sale prices.

CVS Coke/Dr Pepper Deal

2010-02-04T15:10:00.004-05:00

I used my husband's card to get another set of drinks (different store). I found a $2/4 Coke products, so this time I got 4 Cokes (trying the Coke Zero for one of them) and 3 Dr Pepper. This store was out of the Dove for Men, so I got J&J Body wash for $4.99, used a $1 q and got $1 ECB. I also had a $5/$30 (which is why I could just do the Cokes- they totaled to $25.62). Also used a $2 ECB.

OOP: $21.60
Saved: $10.00

"Net Cost" was $12.60, since I "made" $9 ECB's. (Spent $2, earned $11).

Walgreen's; Can't have too much Nyquil!

2010-02-04T15:03:00.002-05:00

If you can get a hold of 4 of the $2 Nyquil coupons, this works out to $0.50 per bottle after RR. I was only able to get 3, but if I'd had 4, I would have had to buy a "filler". I bought the Blink first, using a $1.50 printable (there is a $2 paper coupon that's better). Paid $7.05 with tax, got an $8 RR reward that I used on the rest. I also had a $1/2 Rice Kripie Treats. OOP on th e2nd order was $11.55, and I got $12 RR's back.

Total OOP: $18.60
Saved: $16.50

"Net Cost" was $6.60, since I started with NO RR's and left with $12. My "cost" on the Nyquil was $1/bottle, since I only had 3 of the $2 coupons.

K-Mart

2010-02-04T15:00:00.003-05:00

Just felt like getting some treats for my pup-

Beggin Strips $2.50 ea
Busy Bone $3.00
used $4/4 coupon
Canadian Cuts $2.50 used $1.50/1

OOP: $8.41
Saved: $5.50

CVS Coke Deal

2010-02-04T14:55:00.002-05:00

5 Dr Pepper $3.66 & $3.67 (included in Coke deal in SOME areas)

2 Cokes $3.66 & $3.66

Dove for Men $5.49

(there are coupons out for this, but I get my papers a week late, so I did not have mine- but it was still free after ECB)

Used $10 ECB; Earned $15.49 ECB's

Used $5 Gift Card from a survey reward

OOP: $17.32

SAVED: $15.00

"Net Cost" was $11.83, sinnce I "made" $5.49 in ECB's.

Bi-Lo Feb 2nd (Last Week)

2010-02-04T14:50:00.003-05:00

I went away frustrated from this sale.....I wanted to buy 6-8 of the Minute Maid OJ at $2 (we were on our last) but this was the last one on the shelf that was not already out of date. I'm not sure why I looked, except that since I wanted to buy so many, I wanted to get the furthest dates out. I couldn't believe that with such a small display, they STILL had out of date cartons on their shelf! Anyway, at least the Country Crock was cheap/free:

MM OJ $2
3 Country Crock $0.99 ea used (1) $0.50, doubled = FREE and (2) $0.40, doubled = $0.19 ea
Doritos $1.99 ea
Saltines $2

OOP: $8.64
Saved: $2.60

I should have taken the ad to Walmart and let them price match the OJ, but I forgot that it was the last day of the sale.

Bi-Lo Jan 26th (Last Week)

2010-02-04T14:42:00.002-05:00

Last week's sale.....

9 Hamburger/Chicken Helpers $1 ea used (3) $0.75/3 = $0.75 ea

2 Aunt Jemima Syrup $2.50 ea used $1/2 = $2 ea

8 Mighty Dog $0.55 ea used (4) B1/G1 = $0.275 ea

(NOT PICTURED) 4 Green Giant Corn $1 ea used (2) $50/2, doubled = $0.50 ea

4 Little Debbies $1 ea

Hefty Garbage bags $6.79 used $0.55, doubled =$5.69

OOP: $26.01

SAVED: 8.55

Kroger- 71% Savings!

2010-01-26T13:58:00.002-05:00

I improvised a bit because they were out of the Farm Rich cheese I wanted. But I added in the Solo cups, which were part of the mega event sale. The only things pictured that I did not have coupons for were the chocolate milk, chips, buns & the mayo. I was hoping to come up with a coupon for that, but $1.99 was a good price regardless. I ended up buying 3 sets of mega event items, since I also added in the pedigree dog food. (I had planned 2). My prices are AFTER the $0.50 per item mega event savigs; it's just easier to record that way, and since I got exactly 30 items, I was right on target.

Brawny $5.49 used $1 q & a $2 eCpn that I'd forgotten about= $2.49
Northern $5.49 used $1 q & a $2 eCpn that I'd forgotten about= $2.49
Kro Choc milk $2.28
Daisy Sour Cream $1.49 used $0.50, doubled= $0.49
4 Texas Toast $1.89 used (4) $0.50, doubled = $0.89ea
Hamb buns $0.88
Hot dog buns $0.88
6 Kraft Cheese $0.99 used (3) $1/2 = $0.49 ea
2 Wheat Thins $1.69 used (2) $1 q's = $0.69 ea
Sister Schubert Rolls $1.99 used $0.50, doubled= $0.99
3 Electrasol $2.99 used (3) $2.50 q's = $0.49 ea
Tostidos $2.38 AND Salsa $1.99 ea used $0.55/both = $3.82/both
Kraft Mayo $1.99
Newmans Marinara $2.39 used $0.50, doubled = $1.39
3 Pedigree Dog food $0.26 ea used B2/G1 that took off $0.76= $0.02 for ALL three!
2 Goldfish $0.88 ea used $0.50/2, doubled = $0.38 ea
2 Solo Cups $1.49 used (2) $0.75 q's = $0.74 ea
Frito Lay Chips $1.78 ea

OOP: $33.33
Saved: $44.31 in q's & mega event savings
71% savings includes sale prices that saved me another $33.55

Kroger counts the $15 mega event savings as part of the "sale savings" rather than coupon savings, but I flip flop it, because I figure if I have to count my groceries as I buy them to make sure I buy in increments of 10, then I am having to DO something to get those prices, so I think of it as a coupon. If I went in and bought 2 of the items included in the mega event & nothing else- the items would not ring up at the lower price.

Walmart

2010-01-20T21:41:00.003-05:00

We used up the last of the OJ this morning- I knew we were running low, but it was $2.85 at Kroger, and I knew Wal-mart would be cheaper. Picked up a few other things as well:

2 Duck brand tapes $1.97 used (2) $1 q's

Copy Paper $3

Farm Rich Mozarella $4.98 used $1 q

Milk $1.98

2 MM OJ $2.58 ea used $1 q on 1 of them

2 Milk Bones $2.50 ea used $2/2

Milk Bone Long Lasting Chews $5 used $2 q

2 Mighty Dog 12 pks $6.98 ea used (2) $1 q's

OOP: $35.55

Saved: $10.00

Kroger Jan 19th

2010-01-20T21:32:00.002-05:00

2 Big K 12 pks $1.99 ea

4 Dr Pepper $4 ea B3/G1 = $12/4 = $3 ea

Cantaloupe $1.38

2 Manwich Sauce $1 ea

6 Mighty Dog cans $0.55 ea used (3) B1/G1 q's

3 Cheetos $2 ea B2/G1 = $4/3 = $1.33 ea

3 Fritos $2 ea B2/G1 = $4/3 = $1.33 ea

Kro Donuts $1.19

Kro Donuts $1.67 (chocolate was more than powdered)

4 Birds Eye Veg $1 ea used (4) $0.50, doubled = FREE!

3 Hot Pockets $1.78 ea used $0.50/3, doubled

3 Digiorno 200 calorie pizzas $2.50 ea used (1) $1.25 q & (2) $1 q's

OOP: $48.85

Saved $9.90 in q's & $8 in "quantity" discounts = $17.90 total

CVS

2010-01-20T19:21:00.003-05:00

Tide $5.97 used $1 q
2 M&M's 2/$5 used $1/2 q & got back $2 ECB = $1 ea
Hershey Bliss $1.25 ea, clearance (to maximize my ECB's & lower my OOP- and because I am a chocaholic, lol!)
2 CVS pretzels $0.79 ea used $1/2 q
used $5 ECB, $4, $2 & $1

OOP: $0.65 ($0.60 was tax!)
Saved: $15 & got back $2 ECB
(Net cost was $10.65, since I 'lost" $10 in ECB's)

Dollar General

2010-01-20T19:15:00.002-05:00

I'm not going to break this one down- none of it was a really exciting deal. I was on a mission to find stuff that would take a 6 month puppy a long time to chew through, lol! I had a $2/2 on the Milk Bones; but they are $0.10 cheaper at Wal-mart. I also had a $1 coupon on the Hefty, making them $4.50 after coupon (I am picky about trash bags and will not buy cheap store brand ones- I've had too many of them rip on me). Also had a $1 coupon on the Purina Busy Bones- which is a good thing, since they lasted about 10 minutes each, lol!

OOP: $30.45 (Ugg!)

Saved: $4

Bi-Lo (More Ritz Crackerfuls)

2010-01-20T19:11:00.003-05:00

5 Ritz Crackerfuls $1.74 used (5) $1 q's
3 Birds Eye $1 ea used (3) $0.50, doubled = FREE!
2 Pork Tenderloins- $3.47 & $3.27
(These are a lot higher per pound than a boston butt pork roast, but they make MUCH better BBQ Pork- less fat and much more tender!)

OOP: $10.95
Saved: $8.00

Bi-lo Jan 16th

2010-01-20T19:06:00.003-05:00

This was a great deal on the Ritz Crackerfuls. They were B1/G1 & there were $1 coupons out; made them $0.74 ea. I went back later in the week for more. This was last weeks sale, since I am behind on posting, so I don't think they are on sale anymore- I will try to post quicker from here on out.

2 Ritz Crackerfuls $1.74 (B1/G1) used $1 q's = $0.74
Lance Crackers $2 used $2 q = $1
Hamburger buns $0.99

OOP: $3.67
Saved: $3.00

I think in the future, I will stick with Sara Lee buns; these are cheap but they seem to get stale a lot faster than Sara Lee, so they are not really worth the low price.

Kroger Jan 14th

2010-01-20T18:54:00.003-05:00

I goofed on this order; I had (2) $1/1 Quaker Oatmeal coupons, which would have made then $0.88 each. But I am so used to these coupons being $1/2 that picked up 4 of them. I could have either saved $2 more (by using 2 more coupons) or I could have spent $3.87 less- the price of 2 after tax. But my son eats a lot of oatmeal, so I just shrugged this one off. Here's the order:

1 Christmas wrap $0.59 (double pack)
2 Christmas wraps $0.29 (single rolls)
2 Big K 12 pks $1.99 ea
2 Kro Hot Dog Chili $0.50 ea
2 Old El Paso Heat 'N Eat pouches $1.25 ea used (2) $0.50, doubled = $0.25 ea
3 Birds Eye Veg $1 ea used (3) $0.50, doubled = FREE!
2 Tombstone Pizzas $2.49 ea (4 day sale)
2 Quaker Oatmeals $1.88 ea used (2) $1/1 = $0.88 ea
2 Quaker Oatmeals $1.88 ea (the "extras")
6 Mighty Dog cans $0.55 ea used (3) B1/G1 q's & a $0.50 cellfire q = $1/15/6 or $0.19 ea!

OOP: $19.22
Saved $9.15

I have several more of the might dog B1/G1 coupons, but I will probably use them at Wal-mart, where the price is $0.58 ea. Kroger does not carry as many varieties as Wal-Mart, and my dog doesn't seem to like the ones that Kroger offers.

Bi-Lo Jan 13th

2010-01-13T14:13:00.003-05:00

I have a TON of dry dog food that I've gotten really cheap, but the past few days, my 6 month old puppy hasn't been eating very well. Could be because his growth rate has slowed down considerably, or that he's not been getting enough exercise (it's been in the teens here, and no one wants to walk him). It could also be that he got spoiled, expecting "the good stuff" at dinner time. Anyway, I'll try these for a few days and see if he eats better. I used the $5 catalina from the cheese deal last week:

10 Might Dog $0.55 ea

used $5 Catalina

OOP: $0.89 ($0.39 was tax)

Saved: $5

I have some B1/G1 free Might dog coupons on the way from www.thecouponclippers.com ; I guess I either skipped the paper the week those came out, or else my paper didn't have them.

This will maybe last until my coupons come.

CVS Jan 13th (Expiring ECB's)

2010-01-13T14:06:00.003-05:00

The cashier told me today that I didn't "have" to use ECB's by the expriration date- and I have done that before, when I forgot them- but somehow, I still don't totally trust that, so I really try to use them up. Didn't see a whole lot this week, but tiolet paper is always useful, lol....

Bonus 20 roll Cottonelle $12.88 used $0.50 q & got $4 ECB's= $8.38

2 Pantene 2/$6.97 used $3/2 & got $2 ECB's = $0.99 ea

King Size Snickers (so I could use another ECB and lower my OOP) $0.99

used $5.98 ECB, $5 ECB, 3.98 ECB, $2 ECB

OOP: $1.80 ($1.42 was tax!)

Saved: $20.46

In addition to the $6 ECB's earned, I got $1 for my Fall spending- with all the coupons, it doesn't add up to much, lol!

Rite Aod Jan 13th

2010-01-13T13:58:00.002-05:00

I had a $5/$20 from Rite Aid's Video Savings (go to www.riteaid.com if you don't know what I'm yalking about). I was going to buy the 25 pk bonus sized Duracell, but my store was out. As it turned out, since I picked up a few 75% off Christmas items, and some floss thta my son was out of, I made it to $20 even without the batteries- just barely! Here's what I got:

4 sets boxes $0.49 ea (2 were 2 ct large, 2 were 4 ct medium)

3 wrapping paper $0.49 ea

1 wrapping paper $0.99

Care free Ultra $3.99 used $2 "video coupon" & $1 mc = $0.99

Contac Cold & Flu $4.99 used $1 peelie & will get $4.99 rebate = $1 MM

Oreos $3 used $0.50 "video coupon" (total impluse, lol)

Safeguard 4 pk soap $1.99 used $1 mq

Oral B Floss $2.50 (son got a "bad grade" at the orthodontist- we'll be supervising the flossing!also used $5/20

OOP: $11.38 (and will get $4.99 rebate)

Saved: $10.50

K-Mart Jan 12th

2010-01-13T13:28:00.003-05:00

My K-Mart was out of the General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch, so I did not do as well with the cereal as I'd planed, but still a good price:

4 GM Cereals 4/$10 used (2) $0.75 and got $4 instant saving = $1.12 ea

(I'll do this again with $1/1 printable coupons)

Gift Boxes $1.24 (75% off)

foil pans $2.99 (not the best price, but I needed them and had none)

Hartz Chew sticks $1

Hartz squeeky pig toy $1 Purina Chew-Eez $3.59 (not on sale and no coupon, but my puppy ran out of chew stuff- so lots of savings in un-ruined furniture!)

Reece's cups $1.49 (1/2 price Christmas markdown)

American Fare candy- free item coupon)

OOP: $16.72

Saved: $6.50

Kroger Jan 11th

2010-01-13T13:19:00.004-05:00

I got several free items this trip; I am also adding in the milk I went back for the next day- there was no chocolate milk left so I waited on the 2% as well. So, I am adding it into this trip, even though it was really the next day (which is why they're not in the pic!)

3 Manwich Sauce $1 used $0.65/3= $0.78 ea

Nature Made Fish oil B1/G1= $7.49 used $7 q from wellness rewards= $0.49!!

2 Hannah Montanna Vitamins B1/G1= $3.49ea used (2) $1 q's + $2.49 ea

Johnson's Buddies soap $1.09 used $1 q = $0.09!

4 Pillsbury Cinnamon rolls (5ct) $1 ea used (2) $1/2 & 2 $0.40 cellfire q's = $0.30 ea

3 Birds Eye Veg $1 used (3) $0.50, doubled= ALL 3 FREE!

2 Totinos pizza rolls $1 ea (rats! no q's- I get these free sometimes, too!)

Hall's Cough Drops $1 used $0.50/1, doubled = FREE!

Suave Deoderant $1 used $0.50, doubled = FREE!

2 Mirra face cloths $2.99 ea used $5/2 = $0.49 ea

Gallon Chocolate Milk (not pic) $1.99

Gallon 2% Milk (not pic) $1.99

OOP: $17.73

Saved: $23.45

*This post has been edited- I forgot to add the Suave deoderant and the face cloths.

Walgreens "Beauty for all ages" scenario

2010-01-13T13:07:00.003-05:00

This was NOT a money maker for me; several bloggers have posted a scenario that works out as one, but I really DO NOT need 4 large bottles of Lubriderm, so I did my own scenario- as it turned out, I did not need to buy the 2 small Lubriderm; The total before coupond would habe been $30.84 without it- I lost track of my math, but I like these size bottles since they fit in a purse well. I also bought a $0.99 bottle of nail polish remover so that I could use my $2.50 RR from Sunday. I'm listing prices individually, since eveything was B1/G1-50%:

Aveeno Shampoo: $7.49 used $2.50 q
Aveeno Conditioner: $3.74 used $2.50 q
Aveeno Skin Cleanser: $7.29 used $2 q
Aveeno Skin Cleanser $3.64 used $2 q
Clean & Clear Scrub: $5.79 used $2 q
Clean & Clear Scrub $2.89 used $2 q
Lubriderm $4.99 used $2 q
Lubriderm $2.49 used $2 q
Nail Polish Remover $0.99 (daughter uses lots of this!)
used $2.50 RR

OOP: $22.56 & will get back $10 Rebate
Saved: $19.50 (not counting rebate)

Maybe not a money maker, but I don't think $12.56 was too bad for all this- and it would have been $8.56 if I'd not goofed and added in the Lubriderm- it was $4 exactly for both of them, with tax~

Walgreen's Jan 10th

2010-01-13T13:01:00.003-05:00

Walgreen's sells their papers for half price with any purchase, so I like to stop by on Sundays after church to get my "coupon fix". The Chattanooga paper is $0.75 on Sundays with a purchase.

2 Sunday papers $0.75 ea

2 Hall's cough drops $0.99 w/WAG in ad coupon ($3.02 on 2) also used B1/G1 q

(sometimes the cashiers will take off the price that the item rings up- in this case $1.59, but the cashier on this day took off $0.99, which is the actual price I paid with the WAG in ad coupon)

Thermacare $2.49 used $1 q & got back a $2.50 RR

OOP: $4.29

Saved: $$5.01 & got back $2.50 RR

Do you track sales savings, or just coupon savings?

2010-01-07T16:19:00.002-05:00

I have never tracked what I save with sales prices, because for most things, I would never pay full price. If I am completely out of something and there are no sales or coupons, I usually come out better with the store brand (which is about the only time I buy store brands~). Also, I figure even people who don't coupon at all and even just buy what they need, when they need it will accidentally get a good bit of sales savings. SO, when I post my "Savings", that is coupons only.

BUT, Angela over at www.thecouponproject.com has created a spreadsheet that makes it very simple to track not only coupon savings, but sales savings as well. It even has a rebate traker, too. Her download is free; if you want to offer it on your own blog, she is fine with that-she just asks that you post a link to her post and NOT the spreadsheet itself. SO, here is a link to her site where you can download her spreadsheet:
http://www.thecouponproject.com/the_coupon_project/2010/01/free-downloadable-2010-savings-tracker.html

Enjoy!

Bi-Lo Kraft Cheese Deal

2010-01-07T16:11:00.003-05:00

When you buy any 5 Kraft Cheeses, you will get a $5 Catalina for your next grocery order. I SHOULD have kept all my coupons, but I used 2 at Kroger because I was almost out of cheese and I didn't want to waste a good coupon by letting it expire. But I was able to come up with 4 q's total. This would have been a money maker if I'd had 5, though- live and learn!

5 Kraft Cheese $1.67 ea used (2) $0.50, doubled & (2) $0.55, doubled
**Paid $4.10 for all the cheese and got a $5 Catalina, so I guess the cheese part WAS a MM**
Hamburger Buns $0.99

OOP $5.31 ($0.22 was tax)
Saved $4.20 & got a $5 Catalina

Kroger 1/5 (No Pic)

2010-01-07T15:56:00.002-05:00

OK....I've been lazy about posting, but I really haven't shopped a lot, either, so you've not missed much. I didn't take a picture of this purchase at all. It was so cold out, I just wanted to get it put up so I could warm up! Some of this was just stuff I needed, since I haven't shopped much lately, but I did pick up a few good deals:

Milk $1.99
Kro Choc Milk 1 gallon $1.99
3 Big K 12 pks $1.99 ea
(This is $10 on beverages alone!!)
3 Hot Pockets $1.78 ea used $0.50/3, doubled= $1.45 ea
Hoy Pokets Pizza $1.78 used $1.50/1= $0.28
Eggo Buttermilk Waffles $2.49 used FREE item coupon
3 pcks Perdue Chicken breasts @ $1.99/lb- $8.50 total (Kroger took off $5, but I think they miss-applied the coupon; it was supposed to be for a private selection ribeye roast)
.7 lb Sweet onion $1.30/lb= $0.91
Kroger baking spray $1.50
Kroger lemon juice $1.19
2 Quaker Oatmeal $1.88 ea used $1/2= $1.38 ea
12 pk Froger Mac 'n Cheese $3.99 (makes them $0.33 ea)
2 pks Kro shredded cheese $1.50 ea
Strawberries $2.50
Snuggle liquid fabric softerner $2.69, clearance used $2 q = $0.69
2 Kraft Cheese $2.49 ea used (2) $0.50, doubled = $1.49 ea
****I should have saved these coupons for the Bi-lo deal, but they were expiring in a few days, and we were actually getting low on cheese- also could have used at Walgreen's, but it was so cold, I did not want to make another stop****

OOP: $39.98
Saved $14.99

Bi-lo 1/4

2010-01-07T15:54:00.003-05:00

Sara Lee Whole Grain White Bread $1.99
Farm Rich Miozarella B1/G1 = $3.89 used $1 q
(was hoping to get more- but they didn't have the plain ones I like)

OOP: $5.60
Saved $1.00

CVS- using up expiring ECB's

2009-12-26T14:08:00.005-05:00

I haven't been posting all my transactions, mostly because I have been so busy; also because a lot of them had stocking stuffers that I did not want my kids to see! Anyway, it seems like CVS has not had the best of deals lately, and I had $21.87 in ECB's expiring. They did not have some of the things I wanted in stock, so this was pretty much ad-lib. At least I did not have much OOP (mostly tax).

Listerine $3.99 used $1 q & got $3 ECB = FREE

Lysol Wipes $2.99 got $1 ECB (not the best ever, but I have been using a lot of wipes- at another store, there were $0.50 peelies, but I found them after the fact, so missed out on that).

Crest Pro Health - $2.88 used $1 q & got $2 ECB = $0.12 MM

Mr Goodbar $0.89 (filler, plus it was supposed to put me at 10 hershey bars, but it did not count for some reason; I'll have to call CS, I guess)

Glade Sense $ Spray & 2 refills $12 Total - used $4 q & $1/2 refills; got $4 ECB's

Thermacare $2.49 got $2.49 ECB's

CVS cotton swabs $1.99 used $0.50 CVS q

2 Hand Soaps (lg 17 oz size) $1 ea

2 Sweet tarts (only 1 in pic) B1/G1 50% off- $0.89 & $0.44

used $21.87 in ECB's, got $12.49 back

OOP: $3.21 (sub-total on 2 orders combined was $1.19; rest was tax)

Saved: $29.37 ($21.87 in ECB's & $7.50 in MC/CVS q's)

Kroger - 12/1

2009-12-02T16:03:00.002-05:00

Pictures are taking too long to upload, and this was last weeks sale anyway, so I will just list what I got:

Milk $1.99
3 Tony's Pizza's $1 ea used (3) $0.50, doubled= Free!!
3 1-lb ground chuck rolls $1.99 ea
2 Hot pockets $1.89 used (2) $0.50, doubled = $0.89 ea
2 Hot pockets $1.89 used (2) $0.75 = $1.14
2 NY Texas Toast $2.39 used (2) $0.50, doubled = $1.39 ea
2 Parkay $1 ea used $1/2 = $0.50 ea
4 Parkay $1 ea used (2) $0.75/2 = $0.63 ea
6 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls $1 ea used (3) $0.50/2, doubled & (3) $0.40 shortcuts/cellfire = $0.30 ea
3 Mckormick slow cookers seasoning $1.29 (they are $1 this week- and I went back for more)
Little Debbies cupcakes $2.50 used free item coupon
3 Minute rice $2 ea used (3) $0.50, doubled = $1 ea
2 J&J buddies soaps $1.09 ea used (2) $1 q's = $0.09 ea
3 ban deoderants $1.44 ea used (3) $0.40, doubled - $0.64 ea
2 gum twin pk toothbrushes $1 ea used (2) $1 q's = FREE!!
4 Muellers pasta $1 ea used (2) $0.55/2 = $0.73 ea
2 Lysol toilet bowl cleaners $1.74 ea used (2) $0.40, doubled = $0.94 ea
Hamburger buns $0.88
3 Big K 12 pks $1.77 ea
used $2 catalina
used $1/$3 frozen entress (mc reward)
used (2) $5 kro mastercard reward checks

OOP: $29.41
Saved: $42.60 (counting $10 in mc rewards)
My total was $72.42 before the coupons started coming off- I was quite pleased!)

CVS After Thanksgiving #2

2009-12-02T15:58:00.003-05:00

This was done in 2 transactions- my mother-in-law talked me into the remote and the ear buds that I did not need "becasue they are free". I didn't want to have to pay for free things, so I bought everything else first and used ECB's for the electronics. Everthing was free after ECB, except the toothpaste, which I used a $1 coupon to get free.

Total OOP $19.09 with tax

Saved: $20.33, which includes ECB's I paid with

CVS After Thanksgiving #1

2009-12-01T14:50:00.003-05:00

St Ives Body Wash $3.99 (used $1 q & earned $3.99 ECB)

Vaseline Infusion $7.99 (used $1.50 q & earned $7.00 ECB)

Colgate Total $2.88 (used $1 q & earned $2 ECB)

Degree Deoderant $4.00 (no q's, but earned $4.00 ECB)

Reese's $0.89 (earned $0.89 ECB)

Snickers $1.59 (rang separately & used $0.89 from Reese's & earned $1.59)

OOP: $8.13 & left with $19.57 in ECB's

Saved: $14.39

Walgreen's After Thanksgiving #3

2009-12-01T14:46:00.002-05:00

2 M&M's 2/$3 used $1/2 = $1 ea

Biore $3.79 clearnace used $3 q

Infusium $4.99 (Forgot my $2 q, but did earn $5 RR)

Dove Deoderant $3.99 used $1 q & earned $4 RR

Also used $6 RR & $2.50 RR

OOP: $3.10 & earned $9 RR

Saved: $13.50

Walgreen's After Thanksgiving #2

2009-12-01T14:44:00.002-05:00

J& J Body Wash $5.99 (earned $6 RR)

Right Gaurd $2.49 (Earned $2.50 RR)

Milk Bones $2

used $5 RR & $4 RR

OOP: $2.21 & earned $8.50 RR

Saved $9.00

Walgreens After Thanksgiving

2009-12-01T14:38:00.002-05:00

I had 3 different orders at 3 diiferent stores; this is the first:

4 Dr Pepper 4/$10
Gummy Worms $0.99 (not pictured; my daughter ate them)
Right Gaurd $2.49 (no q's, but earned $2.50 RR)
Dove Deoderant $3.99 (no q's, but earned $4 RR)
Infusium $4.99 used $2 q & earned $5 RR
J&J Body Wash $5.99 (no q's, but earned $6 RR)
also used $2 RR from last week

OOP: $25.72 (and earned $17.50 RR)
Saved: $4.00

Publix - 11/29

2009-12-01T14:31:00.002-05:00

There were more good deals than this, but I don't have a Publix nearby, so I only get to go when I am visiting family. (I could drive 30 minutes to Chattanooga, but I prefer not to). I also got the penny item, but we cooked it and ate it, since it was a Publix frozen pizza:

Publix Pizza (not pictured) $4.69 penny item/took off $4.68
2 Electrasol 2/$4.39 used (2) $0.25, doubled = $1.70 ea
5 Orville Popcorn 2/$4.89 used (4) $0.40, doubled & $1/1 = $1.65 ea ($1.45 for one of them)
6 Kotex 2/$3.19 used (3) $2/2 = $0.60 ea
4 Bic Razors $2.75 ea used (4) $2 q's = $0.75 ea

OOP: $19.68
Saved: $23.88

Petsmart - Free Dog Food!

2009-12-01T14:27:00.002-05:00

I registered at Eukanuba.com to get a free bag of puppy food; this premium pet food is not available in grocery stoores. I also had a B3/G3 coupon for Science Diet, which the cashier took the maximum value off me order, so I really bought 2 & got 4 free:

Eukanuba Puppy Food $9.99 used free item coupon
Science Diet cans $1.25 ea cashier took $5 off

OOP: $3.55 (included $1.05 tax)
Saved: $14.99

CVS 11/20

2009-11-20T17:52:00.003-05:00

Nyquil Double Pack $10 used $1.50q

(wish these had been separate at $5- coulda used another $1.50q)

2 Dayquil $5 ea used (2) $1.50 q's

4 Trident Layers $1 ea used (2) $1/2 q's

used $5 ECB & $1 ECB

Used $5/$15

OOP: $7.71 - Got $10 ECB back!

Saved: $17.50

My net cost was $3.71, since I gained $4 ECB's

Walgreen's 11/20

2009-11-20T17:50:00.003-05:00

3 Austin Crackers $0.50 ea
Cheez-Its $0.50 ea
Ricola $1 - Got $1 RR
Ausie $2.99 used $1 q & got $2 RR

OOP: $5.33 & got $3 RR
Saved $1

Rite Aid

2009-11-20T17:43:00.003-05:00

6 Northern 12 pk (double) $5.99 ea used $5/2 RA q & (2) $1 q's

Kotex $2.99 used $1 q; will get $2 rebate

Crest Scope toothpaste $2.69 used $0.75 q; will get $2.69 rebate

3 Tic Tac Chill $1 ea used (3) $0.75 q's

OOP $10.99 - will get $4.69 back

Savings $11.00, not including rebate

**When I got home this afternoon, I got a $3/$15 coupon from Rite-Aid- RATS! I coulda used it on this order!!

CVS, 2nd Transaction

2009-11-19T23:11:00.002-05:00

This was done on a different card than the skippy:

Puppy Chow $4.99 used $2 q
(Dollar General has puppy chow cheaper, but they would not let me use an internet printed coupon, though they've taken them in the past)
1 Duracell Battery 4 pk $2.99 used $0.75 & got $1 ECB
3 Energizer batteries $5.99 ea got $5 ECB back
used $2 ECB, $3 ECB, $6.99 ECB

OOP: $13.03, got $6 ECB back
Saved: $14.74

CVS

2009-11-19T23:08:00.002-05:00

I had $9.99 in Extra Bucks that actually expired yesterday, but the cashier was kind enough to let me use them anyway. This will probably be donated. I would have prefered to get some Ragu, but they were out. This worked out almost tax only, though:

6 Skippy 3/$5

used $3 ECB & $6.99 ECB

OOP: $0.31

Saved $9.99

Kroger - $5/$45

2009-11-19T22:56:00.002-05:00

I got a few $/$$ in tha mail because one our Krogers is "re-opening" after a remodel. It never really closed, but I guess they are done now. I actually got this at the other store, though, since I was on that side of town:

3 Big K 12 pks $1.99 ea
Milk $1.99
2 White Castle hamburgers $3.99 used (2) $0.50, doubled
Stouffers family siza lasagna $3.99
Kro mini cheeseburgers $4.49
2 Eggo Waffles $2.49 (Price increase due to shortage, I guess)
6 Jello lg size $1 ea used (2) $1.25/3
2 Wheat Thins $1.99 ea used (2) $1 q's
2 Sweet Sue Chicken & Dumplings $2.39 used (2) $0.75 q's
2 campbells cream of chicken $0.75 ea used $1/2
2 Valley Freash chicken 12.5 oz $2.99 ea used (2) $1 q's
Schick razor 12 pk B1/G1= $3.24 used $2 q
2 J&J Buddy Soaps $1.09 ea used (2) $1 q's
Meaty Bone dog treats $2.50
Canine Creations Treats $1.29 used free item q (w meaty bone treats)
3 Duracell batteries (4pk AA & AAA, 1 pk 9 volt) $1.88
I'll be going back for more batteries- I found a couple of $0.50 q's at home that will double
used $2 catalina from last week
used $5/$45

OOP: $45.41
Saved: $23.29

Dollar General

2009-11-19T22:46:00.003-05:00

I forgot hamburger buns at Kroger, and decided Dollar General would be quicker, if not cheaper. (But the sunbeam buns at DG turned out to be much better than the value buns at kro)

SunBeam hamburger buns $2
2 dog treats $1 ea

OOP: $4.20 (with tax, as always)

Walmart, 11/17- forgot picture

2009-11-19T22:37:00.002-05:00

I was actually buying a gift & some household stuff; I picked up a few groceries while I was there and completely forgot to take a picture when I got home. Here is just the stuff I count in my grocery budget:

2 NYC eyeliner pencils $0.98 used b1/g1 q
Uncrustables $2.48 used $0.75
(walmart is the only place I have been able to find the cheese ones)
eggo waffles $1.86
(wish I'd bought more- apparently the factory that makes these got flooded in the recent rains and they won't be back on the shelves til the middle of 2010- my husband asked if we happen to have a 6 month supply- NO!)
dole frozen strawberries $2.68 used $0.75 q
(my daughter is a strawberry addict and I was hoping these would do for out of season times)
pork slow cooker sauce $1.18
country gravy mix $0.68
Johnson's buddy soap $0.97 used $1 q
Disposer care $2.93 used $1 q
pork chops $4.03
3 ground chuck $1.98ea
boneless pork shoulder roast $7.94
applecider vinegar $0.92
2 GV chili beans $0.68
I think the cashier rang an extra $1 coupon- or else I forgot what the other $1 was for

OOP: $35.14
Saved: $$5.48

Kroger, Another BIG Trip!

2009-11-17T21:26:00.003-05:00

I spent a lot, but I also saved a lot- and bought steak, ground beef, a lot of dog stuff & a new cookie pan.

2- 2 pks round sirloin steak $4.22 & $4.49
Sister Schubert Rolls $3.79 used $1 q
2 Kro mini cheeseburgers $4.49 ea used $1.25 on 1 of them
2 Trident Layers gum $1 ea used $1/2 q
Hamburger patties $6.99 used $1.50 q
Romaine salad $2.89
3 Groung chuck $1.99 ea
eggo waffles $1.99
eggs $1.09
2 cookie crisp cereal $2.50 used a $0.55 q
Cin Toast crunch cereal $2.50 used $0.55 short cuts
Reeses cereal $2.88 used $1/3 (crunch & cookie crisp were other 2)
also got $4 off for buying 4 general mills cereals
2 kro vanilla wafer $1.79 ea (to give away)
3 minute rice $2 ea used 3 $0.50, doubled
wheat thins $2.20 used $0.55q
3 dole oineapple $1 ea used $1/3
Vienna BBQ prk (can) $2.29 NOT WORTH IT- this stuff is greasy; I'll wait for castleberyy's to be back on the shelf!
St Ives face wash $2.99 used $1 q
covergirl eyeliner sharpener $1.80 used $1 q
Good life puppy food $4.89 used $1.50 q
tostitos salsa $2.50
Pet pride doog chews $2
Nerds candy $1.84
2 Snausages $2.50 ea used (2) $1 q's and got $2 catalina
Jerky dog treats $2.89 used (2) $1 q's and got $1.50 catalina
Tostitos $2.50
Value buns $0.88
2 sara lee bread $1.30 used $1/2
dingo dog toy $3.59
5 ft leash $2.99
dog harness $3.29
cookie sheet $5.51 used $3 q
sweet potatoes $2.91 (pd $0.83/lb, knowing they would probably be on sale later- but needed them now)
Kro veg oil $1.99
Bananas $0.86 ($0.39/lb)
Granny smith apples $2.81 ($1/lb)
used $3/$15 frozen

Did 2nd transaction using $1.50 catalina to buy milk & paid $0.55

OOP: $111.32
Saved $32.15

A few transactions without pics:

2009-11-17T21:16:00.002-05:00

Alice.com
2 bounty paper towels $0.84 used (2) $0.25 q's
2 Kleenex $0.98 ea used (2) $0.15 q's
Puffs Tissue $1.05 used $o.25 q
Clairol Haircolor $2.90 used $2 q
OOP: $4.86
Saved: $3.05

Walgreen's
2 Walgreen's Dryer Sheets (100ct bonus size) $2.99 ea used WAG B1/G1 Q
2 Chattanooga Times, Sunday $0.75 (1/2 price with any purchase)
used $3 RR & $1 RR
OOP: $0.70
Saved: $6.99

Dollar General
Kibbles 'N Bits $4 used $1 q
2 Dental Bones $1 ea
2 Everpet Beef Tips $1 ea
Everpet Basted Bones $3
Milkbone Toy $2
Everpet ? bones? $2
OOP: 15.05
Saved: $1

Green Spot
Blue Bonnet Margarine Quarters $0.68
Food Storage Bags $1
Baked Potatoes $1.61
OOP: $3.43

Bi-lo, 11/4/09

2009-11-17T21:12:00.004-05:00

Last week's sale...I've gotten behind posting!

5 Little Debbies $0.98 ea

2 Clorox Bleac $1.79 ea used $0.50/2, doubled

Sweet onion, $0.99/lb = $0.86

OOP: $8.54

Saved: $1.00

Kroger, 11/4/09

2009-11-17T19:35:00.004-05:00

This was last week's sale, but I got several freebies, so I wanted to go ahead and record the transaction. Prices listed are AFTER the mega event savings, except one of the chips - I goofed and picked up 21 ME items, so I essentially paid full price for one of them. I also had a $1.50 coupon on the stouffer's that had expired the day before that I wasn't able to use.

Milk $2.38

2 Halls Cough drops $0.50 used (2) $0.35, doubled = FREE ($0.20 MM)

2 Hershey's Kisses $1.50 ea used (2) $1 q's = $0.50 ea

7 Stouffers $1.49

10 Del Monte Veg $0.50 ea used (2) $1/5 = $0.30 ea

Tylenol $2.50 used $2.50 q = FREE!

Eggo Waffles $1.99

2 Mirra Facial clothes $2.99 ea used $5/2 = $$0.49 ea

4 Carnation Evap Milk $0.49 used (2) $0.50/2, doubled = FREE! ($0.01 MM)

Birds Eye Veg $1.49 used $0.50, doubled = $0.49

3 Kleenex $0.99 used $1/3

2 Lays chips $1.78

1 Lays Chips $2.28 (The "Extra" one)

OOP: $20.70 (would've been @ $17.42 without my 2 goofs)

Saved: 34.95 (includes $10 ME savings)

Who says nothing is ever free? (Except for tax, of course!)

2009-10-30T20:08:00.003-04:00

Bi-lo has Chef Michael's dog food on sale for $3, and there were coupons in the paper a couple of weeks ago for $3 on any size. Also, Marcal small steps tissue is B1/G1, making it free with the "free" coupon that is out. (I put quotes on the "free", becasue I think the wording on it is "up to $1, if I'm not mistaken; I'll have to dig out the rest of my coupons).

OOP: $0.48 (All tax; my sub-total was $0)

Saved: $6.84

Have you met Alice yet?

2009-10-30T20:00:00.002-04:00

I'm talking about Alice.com. A whille back, I got 25 points at mypoints.com for creating an account, but I really didn't browse the site at the time. Then my friend Lisa sent me an email telling me about the great deals she got there. (Thanks Lisa!) So, I thought I'd see what I could find. Shipping is always free, but there is a 6 item minimum per order. You can shop "by coupon" to find the best deals:

2 Kotex panty liners $0.41 ea w/$0.75 "coupon"
2 Kleenex $0.83 ea w/$0.15 "coupon"
1 Dove Deoderant $0.97 w/$1 "coupon"
1 Schick Razor 5 pk $1.77 w/$2 "coupon"

OOP: $5.58 ($0.36 tax)
Saved: $4.80

Kroger- Mega Shopping Trip!

2009-10-27T21:00:00.004-04:00

I did this in 2 trips; I forgot to pick up waffles the first time because I was busy counting mega event items. But I got such great deals that I went through my coupons and went out agian. I spent $105.91 total (Id've been under $100 if it weren't for the puppy pads!) BUT, I bought 103 items, so even with the more expensive things (Puppy pads, ground beef, chips, etc), my average was $0.98 pre-tax. (I paid $4.99 tax). Here's what I got in the combined trip: (Prices are AFTER Mega Event Savings)

Puppy Pads $5.99

4 Lay's Chips $1.78 ea

2 Quaker Oatmeal $2.19 ea used $1/2

2 Kro Choc Milk 1/2 gallon $0.99 ea

2 Ground Chuck $1.99 ea

2 Eggo Waffles $1.99 used (2) $0.55 ea

8 Ore Ida Fries $1.99 ea used (4) $1.50/2

6 Birds Eye Veg $1.49 used (6) $0.50, doubled

8 Pillsbury Cookies $1.99 used (6) $1 q's & (2) Shortcuts $1 q's

4 Kotex $2 ea used $2/2 & free item q

4 Stayfree $2 ea used (2) $2/2

6 quaker granola bars $1.49 used (3) $0.75/2

12 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks used (6) $1 q's & $0.50 shortcuts q

also got $3.50 catalina on 1st order that I used on the 2nd order; earned another

6 Hormel Chili $0.79 used (2) $2/3

Kro juice boxes $1.79 used $1 q

10 Bags Candy $1.88 used (2) $1 q's & (4) $1/2 q's

8 Swiss Miss $0.49

2 OM Bologna $1.19 ea

1 Stouffers $1.49 used free item q ($1.99)

2 Tylenol $3 used (2) $2 q's

1 Advil $3 used $2 q

2 Cheezits $0.99 ea used $1/2

2 Mirra lotion & bath foam $3.74 ea used $5/2

4 Heinz Ketchup $1.49 ea used (4) $0.75 q's

2 Aussie Hair Care $2.50 used $2/2

Bread $1.69

OOP: $105.91 ($4.99 tax)

Saved: $112.85 (incluges $40 in mega event savings)

Also Have a $3.50 catalina (betty crocker) and a $4 catalina (pillsbury)

****I am well over my October budget, but still well under my annual budget. I also don't do a lot of shopping in November & December, so I will "average out". I tend to shop a lot in mild weather months (spring & fall) and hardly any in winter & summer. So, I guess you could say I am storing up for winter!

Rite-Aid: Rebate will be more than I spent!

2009-10-23T11:30:00.002-04:00

A lot of the Free After Rebate (FAR) items these past few weeks have been off-the-wall stuff that my family doesn't use, so I have skipped most of them. But with a $5/$25, it makes me a profit, and I found a few things we probably WILL use:

Chloroseptic spray $4.49 (FAR)

Zucol Cold Care $5.99 (FAR)

Blink $7.99 (FAR) used $1.50

Zantac $8.99 (FAR)

***there is a $5 printable on this, but I had only printed 1 and used it at Walgreeens for their Register reward deal. There is also a $1 q in some papers, but I found one after the fact, so I missed out on "extra" profit~

used $5/25

OOP: $22.88

Saved: $6.50

Rebate will be $27.46!

CVS

2009-10-23T11:23:00.003-04:00

I had NO ECB's on this card to start with; it's my husband's and the only time I ever use it is when Dr. Pepper is on sale, and then I take it to a different CVS so that I don't clean the shelves.

4 Dr. Pepper $3.25 ea (earned $3 ECB)

2 General Mills Cereals $3 ea used $1/2 (& earned $2 ECB)

1 Coke 2 Liter $1.25

Glade Candle $6.99 used $3 q (& earned $6.99 ECB)

2 Aussie hair products $3 ea used $2/2

used $5/$25 from flu quiz

OOP: $23.53 & earned $11.99 ECB

Saved: $$11.00

Kroger- Cheese on Sale Just in Time!

2009-10-23T11:17:00.002-04:00

I was out of (shredded) cheese completely, so this sale was timely:

4 Kro Cheese $1.25 ea

Milk $2.38 (Ouch! On the way up again!)

3 Ground Chuck rolls $1.99 ea

Hamburger buns $0.88

2 Keebler Town House Cookies $1.99 ea (B1/G1) used (2) $0.55 q's

Kro brand cheese in a can $2.59

used $2 q from pillsbury catalina

OOP: $18.32

Saved: $3.10

K-Mart: Free Snuggle Fabric Softener

2009-10-23T11:11:00.003-04:00

2 Snuggle Fabric Softener $3 ea used (2) $3 q's

5 Kool Aid Jammers $2 ea

I spent $10 on Kool-Aid Jammers, but this finished off a rebate that I'm sending in for $20. I keep all my receipts, so I was able to find receipts for all the other items I needed to buy- 5 Easy Macs and 10 Nabisco cookies or crackers.

OOP: $10.72

Saved: $6.00

Will also get $20 rebate back for Kool-Aid plus other items.

Walgreen's

2009-10-19T20:28:00.003-04:00

I meant to get back and get some more Quaker oatmeal last week, but I never made it. So, I was glad to find a few things worth spending my register rewards on!

2 Pert Shampoo $2.50 ea used (2) $1 q's & got $2 RR back = $0.50 ea

2 Glade Candle refills $2.50 ea used $2/2 q & got $1 RR back = $1 ea

Bic Disposable razors $3.99 used $2 q & got $1 RR back = $0.99

2 Scotch 3 pk tapes $3.99 ea used WAG q $4 ($1.99 ea) & (2) $0.50q's= $1.49 ea

2 Snickers $2 ea used $1/2 = $1.50 ea

Zantac $8.99 used $5 q & got $9 RR back= $5 money maker!

2 Rice Krispie Treats $1.75 ea used $1/2= $1.25 ea

4 Scotch Package tape $3.49 ea used WAG B1/G1 q = $6.98 = $1.75 ea

used $8 RR, $5RR, $1 RR

OOP: $16.05

Saved: $38.98

I spent $14 in RR's, and got back $13 in RR's, so my actual net cost for all this was $17.05; $2.61 of that was tax, though, so I consider this a pretty good purchase!

Bi-lo- Great deal on Minute Maid OJ!

2009-10-19T20:24:00.003-04:00

My husband drinks MM Orange Juice on a daily basis, and it's the only brand he likes. I usually pay around $2.50 (or more) for it at Walmart, so I was thrilled to see it on sale for B1/G1 at Bi-Lo, which made it $1.50!

6 Minute Maid OJ $1.50 ea (yes, he will drink all these before they go out of date!)
4 Cheeze-Its $2 ea used (2) $1.50/2 q's
Keebler Crackers $2.75 used $0.55 q, doubled

OOP: $16.23
Saved: $4.10

CVS

2009-10-19T20:17:00.002-04:00

There wer 4 Dr Peppers to begin with- I opened one and stuck it in the fridge before I took the picture. Dr. Pepper may not be included in the Coke deal in all areas, but where I live, it's bottled by the Coca Cola company.

4 Dr Pepper 12 pks 4/$13 ($3.25 ea) got $3 ECB back

Glade candle $6.99 used $3 q & got $6.99 ECB back

2 Hershey/Kit Kat $1 ea used $1/2

used $5, $2, & $0.50 ECB's

OOP: $11.41, got $9.99 ECB back

Saved: $11.50

Dog Stuff at Dollar General

2009-10-19T20:11:00.003-04:00

One of the items I went in for, I ended up not getting because they would not take an internet printed coupon. I have never had them refuse a coupon that I can remember. Has anyone else had that happen? It was for $2 off Puppy Chow, from joining their healthy start program. Here's what I did get:

Chef Michael's dog food $4.00 used $3 q (I think it was $3.50 last time I had this coupon)

2 Everpet dog treats $1 ea

Milkbone toy $2

Everpet basted dog bones $3 (these provide lots of chew time!)

2 Freshpet dental bones, 3 pk $1 ea

Cinnamon Rolls $2.50 (these were for me, not the dog, lol)

OOP: $13.49

Saved: $3

Walgreens, again

2009-10-14T17:15:00.003-04:00

Walgreens has had somme great deals this week! Worth multiple trips!

Book Cover $0.10

2 Ban $1.50 ea used (2) $0.40 q's, got $1 RR

4 Campbells Cream of Chicken $1.59 used WAG B1/G1 q for $3.19 & $0.25 MC

4 Skippy Peanut Butter $1.67 ea (RATS! I gave those PB q's away!)

4 Ragu $1.67 ea used (2) $0.60/2 & got $8 RR for PB & Ragu

4 Quaker Oatmeal $2.50 ea used (2) $1.25/2 & got $5 RR

used (2) $5 RR's

OOP: $15.89

Saved: $17.98

I gained $4 RR's (spent $10, got $14), so "net price" is $11.89 for all this- and $1.02 of that was tax!

Walgreens

2009-10-14T17:12:00.002-04:00

2 Nyqil $5 ea used (2) $1 q's

Sara Lee Buns $1.89

Locker Mirror $0.50

Used $5 RR & $1 RR

OOP: $5.19

Saved: $8 & got a $5 RR