a little treat for you

I always love sharing a deal with my readers! And even better...I'm passing on a freebie to you this time that everyone can cash in on!

Shutterfly has a new brand, Treat.  Through this site, you can create personalized greeting cards and send them straight from the site (you pay for postage at check-out) and you can even choose to add a gift card to be sent with the card! Talk about easy shopping!! Plus, the cards are right in line with how much you will pay in the store for a card (or cheaper)!

Well, we're all busy right now! But...

Your holiday checklist just got shorter. Create and send a totally personalized greeting card from Treat for FREE. Whether saying thanks for Thanksgiving, wishing a best friend a holiday birthday, or simply sharing the holiday cheer with a just because card, Treat lets you create a one-of-a-kind card that is sure to impress.

The deal: 

One free Treat card good only on Monday 11/19 & Tuesday 11/20!

Simply use this code at check-out: 

TREATBLOGR

Enjoy!

I was contacted by Shutterfly and they are the sponsor of this post. All opinions are my own.

why you should shop at Goodwill

Recently I wrote a post on shopping at Yard Sales and why you should jump on that bandwagon! Well today's trip to Goodwill got me excited to tell you all about why you should also shop at Goodwill! I often run into Goodwill when I'm near it and have a few minutes to kill.  Honestly, the most time I usually need (even when just taking my time) is about 30 minutes or so.  I put Adeline in her umbrella stroller, and off we stroll through Goodwill.

Today's finds steals:

-Target navy button-up hooded jacket (12 months):  $1.50

-Vera Bradley ID holder:  $1.87

-The Grouch Ladybug board book:  $0.50

-A Christmas gift for someone that reads this blog so I can't show a pic (brand new):  $4

And my favorites...

-TWO pairs of infant girls Stride Rite shoes (one pair size 2, one pair size 4; one brand new in box and one just like new):  $1 each

The best part about it:

-The jacket would retail for at least $10!

-The Vera Bradley ID holder would retail for at least $10...and can easily be sold on eBay to more than double my money (my plan!).

-The board book can be sanitized and looks never touched...and will be one thrown into a stocking or added to a goody box for Adeline for Christmas.  (This would retail for at least $8.)

-Each pair of Stride Rite shoes would retail for $30-$40 and anywhere from $15-$30 on eBay.

-The other gift I can't show would retail for at least $25.

That's around $100 worth of stuff for just under $11!!!

Convinced yet?

Tips on "Goodwill-ing":

-Don't be turned off by the smell.  Just sayin'.  (Had to get that one out of the way.)

-Sanitize your hands when you leave.  (Okay--another one I had to get out of the way.)

-Look for name brand clothes and shoes.  (You'll get the best deal.)

-Check out the jean department! Seriously, people get rid of crazy, ridiculous, high end jeans that look like they have never been worn.  (Many of them probably haven't.)

-If you're like me, you don't want the smoke smell on your clothes...smell any clothes before buying them.  If they've been in a smoking home, they will still have a lingering smoke smell.

-Look for items that you know have a high value and (if you're into eBaying) you can sell on eBay.  (Vera Bradley is a huge seller on eBay!!)

-It's hit or miss.  So even if you don't find much one week...you may find tons the next.

-It isn't necessarily true that a "ritzy" area will have a better Goodwill.

-Look closely on the shelves...up, down, in-front-of and behind.  Move things around to find things behind them.

-Think "re-purpose".  You can do a lot with a can of spray paint and a creative idea in mind.

-I rarely shop with an agenda.  If you're looking for it...chances are...you won't find it. Shop with an open mind.

-The fun is in the hunt!

-Dig as much as you're comfortable with.  The infant clothes are usually in a big bin at our Goodwill...so I dig through it.

-Go middle of the week...they've had time to clean and prep everything people cleaned out of their closets and didn't sell at yard sales or consignment sales from the weekend.

I really like that Goodwill employs individuals that need a job and often employ individuals with special needs that may not be able to get a job other places.  You're shopping for a good cause and getting a deal...double bonus!

(Since I'm loving me some Goodwill today...I'm linking up with Jamie!)

nursery bargain

We have a great flea/antique market in our small town.  Some junk...but lots of treasures.  A few weeks ago I found a great, solid wood dresser/changing table and was very impressed by the quality, condition, and price.  I let a couple weeks go by and stopped in one afternoon just to see if it was still there.  It was.  I took it as a sign!

I texted a pic to Justin, my mom, and my sis-in-law to get input.  Then my mom, dad, and Justin all went to look at it to check out the condition...they were all very impressed with the quality.  The price was $95.  However, I knew it had been up there for close to a month and after talking with my parents, decided that it was reasonable to ask for at least 20% off the price since it was a big item.  (Most dealers at places like this will come down 20% off their asking price...just a tip!)

Justin and I went in one evening, called the dealer and left a message with our offer of $70 and didn't get a call back.  So I called the next morning and the lady answered! She countered with $75 and I was thrilled! (Honestly, I thought $95 would even be a great deal.  So to get this great piece of furniture for $20 less is even better!) We paid for it that day and they held it for us.  Justin and our brother-in-law picked it up two days later and it now sits in our empty room...waiting for a sweet baby!

I know I mentioned in an earlier post that I wasn't sure about wood color for the nursery.  For some reason, I didn't think I would, but I'm really loving the whimsical, young feel of this natural wood color.  It's just very serene.  I think we will still go with a white crib.  And if we really feel like it, we can paint this white.

The other great thing about this is it's exactly what I wanted to find for the nursery since we don't have room for a dresser and changing table.  I've always loved the idea of combining the two.  It already has snaps screwed into the back, so we just have to find a changing pad that has the snaps to secure it on top.

And finally, Baby Bargains, is our registering and planning bible right now.  I highly recommend it! They recommend a good deal on buying a new changing table/dresser combo is about $500.  That means we saved $425 off their suggestion.  (Although I know most people wouldn't even pay $500 as getting "a deal".)

So there you have it...our first nursery purchase!!

$25 to Shutterfly for Free!

You've seen our Christmas Card! And I'm sure you made one yourself! Click here to get all the details on how you can get $25 to Shutterfly free for posting a pic of a photo card you created through Shutterfly on your blog! (This deal is running until January 31st...so hurry!)

Seasonal Chic Noir Christmas Card

For hundreds of Christmas card designs, click here.

View the entire collection of cards.

Enjoy!!

just for you

via

1.  Yesterday. 
Yep, a hug for you.  You sweet blog readers you.  No, for real.  Thank you for your amazing and kind comments on my post from yesterday.  Your encouragement and prayers are beyond thoughtful.  Thank you for sharing your heart and lending a sweet word to me through commenting.  Your words have been Jesus to me.  Thanks for sharing what God prompted you to.  My prayer is that I can be a similar word of encouragement to you through commenting some words of encouragement.

via

2.  Free food.
Seems like you ladies like your free meals.  Um, who doesn't, right?! Many of you want to know just how you get on this "free dining plan" thing at Disney World.  Three big details...you have to go to Disney when they are offering it, you have to buy at least a two day base ticket to Disney (meaning it can just be for one park, and it doesn't have to be park hopper ticket), and you have to stay at one of Disney's resorts for three consecutive nights.  (It can even be their least expensive, but still super-nice, value resorts.)

We did what was called the "Deluxe Dining Plan" since we stayed in a moderate resort (Port Orleans Riverside).  For each day we were there, we each received one counter-service meal (think ordering at a counter...no waiters...still great food) that includes an entree, drink and dessert, one sit-down meal (think waiters/waitresses) that included an entree, drink, and dessert, and one snack (popcorn, drink, ice cream, etc.)  This was more than enough food! Some places offer an all-you can eat dinner too.  Amazing! You do have to watch because sometimes dinner shows and character dining meals take two of your meals.  Also, if you stay at a value resort, you may have to pay a little to upgrade your dining plan to be deluxe to include sit-down meals.

All together this saved us close to $600:
-$25 (because we wouldn't buy dessert w/o the dining plan) for each lunch
-Between $80 and $100 for each dinner
-at least $10 a day for snacks (I'm sure we would snack even if we didn't have the plan)

Right now they are offering the dining plan through September 2011, but at select times.  The way I got the code to use to get our free dining plan that our travel agent (aka my sister-in-law) used when she booked our trip, was to sign up on Disney's website to get their special email offers.  I would highly recommend using a travel agent to help you book your stay to get all the best deals and details.  Off to Neverland Travel is a great option for assistance in booking your trip.  (If you're in my area and know me outside of blog-land, let me know and I can get you in contact with my favorite travel agent, my sis-in-law, to help you out!) Finally, if you do get the Deluxe meal plan, make reservations at the restaurants way ahead of time! And for much more information, check out MouseSavers.com.

Okay, I think that covers it.  Email me or leave a comment if you have further questions!

So there you have it.  Two treats just for you!

deals and steals

I had lots of blessings with my shopping trips to Kroger and Walgreens on Thursday.  It definitely took me a little bit of time to plan out my shopping trips (probably about one hour).  However, overall, I saved $19.74 in coupons.  I like to look at this as money I have made to supplement our income....if you're not spending it, you're making/saving it.  If you make $20 an hour and work a 40 hour a week job...that would be a $41,600 salary.  (Plus I get to save this money...and it's tax-free...even better!) I think that's definitely worth the one hour a week of clipping coupons, printing coupons, meal planning, and list making.  To add to that, because I had my trips completely planned out...down to a sticky note with the list for each store and coupons already pulled for each store and separated, I was finished with Kroger, Walgreens, and a bank stop all in less than an hour.

Kroger

Total spent: $30.94

Total saved: $16.74

35% savings

Best deals:

*Kroger is running a summer savings special where you get $4/4 items on their designated list (which includes a lot of items...you can find the entire list in the store or part of the list in their weekly ad.) Remember that at Kroger you can use an ecoupon loaded onto your Kroger card and a MC from coupon inserts.

For this deal I purchased the following four items:

Charmin 12 pack- $6.99

-use $3/1 Kroger ecoupon

-use $.25/1 coupon that will double from 8/1 P&G

-Summer Savings bonus $1 off

$2.49

Downy Fabric Softener- $4.99

-use $2/1 Kroger ecoupon

-$1/1 coupon from 8/1 P&G

-Summer Savings bonus $1 off

$0.99

Two Old Spice Body Washes- $2.99 each

-use $2/2 Kroger ecoupon

-Summer Savings bonus $1 off each

$0.99 each

Other Kroger deals:

Cascadian Farms Organic French Fries- $2.49 on sale

-use $.75/1 from coupons.com

$1.74

Private Selection Organic Natural black beans- on sale for $0.89

Right Guard Total Defense Deodorant- $2.49 each

-use BOGO coupon from 7/25 RP

-use $1/2 coupon from in-store coupon generator

$.75 each

Walgreens

Total spent: $1.67

Total saved: $3.00

64% savings

First Transaction:

Crayola crayons 24 pack- on sale for $1

Get $1 in Register Rewards

Pay $1 plus tax out of pocket

Second Transaction:

Two 10 pack Penway #2 Pencils-$0.09 each

Cottonelle Fresh Wipes 42 count-$1.99 with in-ad coupon

-use $0.50/1 coupon from July All You

$1.49

 *Use $1 RR from previous transaction

Pay $0.67 plus tax out of pocket

There are many opportunities to give away school supplies right now.  My church is collecting supplies for kiddos in need of supplies, many stores allow you to purchase and leave supplies right there in the store, and you can even call your local school district and/or specific schools around you to ask for specific supply needs.  These are all great options for some of the deals and freebies you can find right now in the school supply sections.

Found any of your own great deals lately? Feel free to share them in the comment section!

mailbox monday-a first!

One of the things that I was doing even before blogging myself, was reading up on great deals and freebies you can find posted on various blogs.  Well I have kept my eye on such great finds that are posted on A Frugal Friend's blog every Monday for her feature, Mailbox Monday.  I finally was patient enough with my freebies to catch a group of them together for a picture.  Below you'll see my freebies from the past two weeks.  It really is worth hunting for the freebies! With fabulous blogs like the ones you see over under my "love it" section, you can't miss them!

My freebies:

-I won a great giveaway over at AnnOnandOn (handmade apron, cupcake cookbook, recipe cards, and recipe scrabook items....thanks so much Ann!)

-French manicure set

-Stride gum

-Dove for men (body wash and conditioner in one)

-Juicy Juice sippy cup and healthy eating tips for kids booklet

-coupon for a free 20 lb. bag of Pedigree dog food and 4 free cans of wet dog food (we received this for adopting Boone within the last year)

-Orville Redenbacher's cheesy popcorn and coupons

-Crest whitestrip sample and coupons

Freebie tips:

-Check out Ashleigh's Freebie Friday list each week over at Thankfully Thrifty for an extensive list of current freebie deals with links

-Subscribe to emails for your favorite thrifty blogs.  A couple of my favorites update sometimes hourly, which obviously I can't keep up with throughout the day.  However, by subscribing to get their posts emailed to me, I get a list of the day's postings each evening.  I go through the email, print what I need, fill out any online forms for freebies, and even save certain links to my favorites that I want to revisit.  Just to name a few of my favorites:  Deal Finding Chik, Money Saving Mom, Free Sample Freak, Surviving the Stores, Keeping the Kingdom First, and Thankfully Thrifty

-Don't get overwhelmed...you don't have to sign up for every single freebie, but do sign up for what you need or you can donate

-Get creative with those freebies...throw the sample size lotions in your purse or desk drawer, use sample size instead of regular size for items such as toothpaste, donate freebies you get that you don't need (I got a great busy moms NIV bible a couple months back...what an awesome thing to give to someone!)

-Designate one rubbermaid container for the freebies you receive in the mail or freebies you rack up at the stores with those great coupon deals.  That way you know where they are when you need to replace something in the home and you can limit yourself.

I'm linking up...

serious deals to snag

I did quick shopping this weekend.  Mainly to pick up necessities and some can't-pass-up deals.  Seriously, you will need to go snag these up! Your budget will thank you.  (And, if you got one, don't be like me and forget your $5 Wal-Mart gift card freebie that came in the mail this week.  Guess it will be used next week!)

Wal-Mart

Purex Fabric Softener $2.98--will be free after mail-in rebate!

(I found a hanging tag on the Purex at my Kroger yesterday.  I took it.  The hangtag...not the Purex.  Hope that's not against the rules. haha.  I took it home, hoping to find a Purex coupon.  I couldn't find one to make this a money-maker, but this will still be free when I mail in the rebate tag.  Free is a perfect price for me!)

Benadryl Itch-Release sticks $2.38--FREE for TWO (plus $0.24 overage)!

(These are $2.38 at Wal-Mart.  Use a $5/2 coupon from the 4/11 RedPlum insert today.  That makes this FREE for two with a $0.24 moneymaker! Love this!)

BIC 2-pack disposable razors $0.97 (find these in your travel-size area)--FREE plus $1.03 overage!

(Use a $2/1 March insert coupon-I think.)

Schick Disposable Razor 12-count $1.97--FREE plus $0.03 overage!

(Use a $2/1 SmartSource 4/11 insert coupon)

Clean & Clear face wash trial size $0.97--FREE plus $0.03 overage!

(Use $1/1 coupon from March inserts)

Yoplait Yoplus 4-pack $1.68 on Rollback--$0.68

(Use $1/1 printable coupon from coupons.com)

Jennie-O Lean Turkey Burgers--$5.98 for 12-pack

(No coupon...boo.  However, I couldn't pass this deal up when browsing for burgers to have around for grilling.  The unit price of these were just about $0.12.  I only found one other pack of frozen burger patties for less than this.  And I'm not being snobby or anything, but they were the Great Value beef burgers at $0.11 for the unit price.  Not quite as healthy...at least that's what Bob says on the Biggest Loser, ha!  No really, I thought this was a fabulous price for a very healthy, natural, only two-ingredient item.  They say the less ingredients, the better for you.  I even called my red meat-loving husband to get the "okay" that I bring these home.  He was happy with it.  I was tickled pink for two reasons.  He was okay with it and it's a healthy, budget-friendly alternative!)

Tips:

*You can almost always find razors as free, very, very cheap, or as a moneymaker.  It's great to keep those coupons on hand!

*My mom asked me the other day, "So what do you mean overage or moneymaker?" If you are wondering the same thing, it means the coupon is worth more than the price of the item.  (I look at it as they pay me to buy it.  Um, can I make a career out of this, please? And yes, the cash register will beep at you and the sales clerk may get annoyed or confused.  However, at most places they override this with one little push of the button.  The "overage" will go toward the rest of your items.  For example, the $1.03 I got back from the BIC razors went toward the rest of my bill.  Now, most stores will not pay you back for these.  Also, let's say your bill comes down to $0.36 and you still have a $0.55/1 coupon to use...most stores won't change your coupon to match what's left on your tab, making it free for your purchases.  You'll want to make sure you have "filler items" so that you can use all your coupons.  Clear as mud?

*Also, Ashleigh at Thankfully Thrifty taught me this great trick! (I'm always learning things from this shopping savvy gal.)  I would have never thought of it...at least not very quickly! Save your coupons that don't have a

size restriction on it to purchase trial size items.  This is a great way to get a moneymaker deal with overage.  Think of your overage as a coupon toward another item (plus you get something free).  Worth clipping the coupon? I think so!

So in this family, we're totally realizing how God provides through coupons.  Yep, coupons.  So neat!

How are you seeing God provide in your own family?

deals, freebies, and blessings to give away

I've had the chance the past three days to hit Kroger, Wal-Mart and Walgreens.  Check out my deals.  Hope you're inspired to try hunting for your own deals! Let me say it again....it really is worth spending a few extra minutes planning out your shopping trips, looking up the deals, and getting organized.  All three of these trips, I planned before I went.  The Walgreens check-out gal even said, "Wow, that's great savings!"

Wal-Mart

Best deals:

Yoplus Yogurt 4-pack--$1.68 on Rollback--used $1/1 coupon from test-tasting this yogurt at Kroger this weekend...$0.68 for 4-pack

2 Hormel Natural Choice Turkey lunchmeat--$2.50 each--used 2 $.55/1 coupons (from in-store coupon machine at Kroger)...$1.95 each

Plastic Easter tablecloth--clearance for $2.50 (this was marked as $5 but came up as $2.50...I plan to use this on one of my small group tables in my classroom next year.)

2 Duncan Hines cake mixes--$.85 each--used $.55/2 coupon from 3/28 inserts...$0.58 each

16-pack of Stayfree pads--$2.97--used $2/1 from March inserts....$0.62

Travel size Clearasil face scrub--$0.97--used $1/1 from March inserts--Free + $0.03 overage

Travel size Tide detergent--$0.97--used $1/1 from 4/4 inserts--Free + $0.03 overage

3 bags of Hershey's Easter candy--on clearance fro $1.37 each--used $2/3 printed coupon from coupon.com (I think)....$0.71 a bag

(my Wal-Mart had carts beyond carts of Easter clearance at the front of the store...anything you could imagine!)

Total for all items purchased:  $17.64

Total saved:  $9.20

Walgreens

Ice Mountain spring water--$1.97--used B1/G1 when you purchase Dulcolax coupon from march inserts....FREE

Dulcolax--$6.99--used $3/1 coupon from a hangtag on the bottle...$3.99

[I was able to use the $3/1 and the B1/G1 coupon...making it $2.20 for the water and Dulcolax.]

Pilot Erasable Frixion 2-pack pens--$1.19--used $1/1 coupon from Walgreen's April coupon booklet--$0.19

Dawn dish detergent--$1.99--used $1/1 April insert coupon--$0.99

Starbucks Mocha Frappucino--$1.99--used the in-store ad coupon making these 4/$5 and a $1/1 coupon printed from this list.....$0.25

(I have learned a few tips from Money Saving Mom about Walgreens.  Make sure to have the same amount of items as coupons...or more.  Also, hand over your coupons in the following order:  Register Rewards, then Manufacturer's coupons, then Walgreens coupons.  This keeps from any confusion with the register.)

Total out of pocket today using $7 Register Rewards from a previous trip and coupons:  $0.96

Total savings:  $8.53

Kroger

Well I did a lot more shopping at Kroger than just for Ziploc bags.  However, this is a deal I had to share so that you can hopefully cash in on before it's too late.

Right now Kroger is running a catalina deal on Ziploc bags....purchase 3 and you get $2 back.  This will be in the form of a catalina ticket that will print out and you can use as in-store credit the next time to shop.

The deal scenerio:

Ziploc Evolve Sandwich bags 50 count--$2.39

Ziploc Freezer bags 18 count--$2.50

Ziploc Snack bags 100 count--$3.15

*Use a $2/2 coupon from March inserts

*Use a $0.40/1 coupon from March or April inserts (this will double)

The total will be $5.24 out of pocket....you will receieve a $2 catalina

Making these $3.24 for all or $1.08 a piece

Total savings for the Ziploc products:  $4.80

It has been such an incredible joy to increase how much we give because of my dedication to using coupons to find great deals and savings.  The best thing about all of this deal craziness is when we are able to donate any of the items we purchase.  Each communion Sunday at our church (first Sunday of every month in our church), we bring a bag of food as a food tithe to those in need.  The items go to a local food pantry.  (God can even use a talent like that!) Right now, there is so much we have that we don't need or items I could get at very cheap prices or for free that I shy away from because we just don't need it right now.  However, what we do buy at these great prices and don't need, we give away.  A lot of the food items go to our church for the food pantry and I'm currently hunting for other outlets in the community to give more of these cheap or freebie femine products and personal care items to.

It's been on my mind lately how God can use this time now as I get used to saving money through coupons and deal hunting for a time later when we have kiddos.  I love thinking about the fact that God puts things in our life by season....and not just for that time....but to prepare us for things to come as well (God-willing!). 

Happy savings!

super savings weekend--wal-mart and walgreens deals and freebies!

Wal-Mart and I are in a "love/hate" relationship.  Really, I try so, so hard to refrain from hating things.  However, I can leave Wal-Mart so mad sometimes that my ears are steaming and my face is boiling hot.  Well this weekend was a good weekend for Wal-Mart and me.  We got along well.  No name calling.  No stomping feet.  I left Wal-Mart with a smile on my face.  Hopefully Wal-Mart will play nice again the next time I stop by....I did leave with some pretty good deals that may have left Wal-Mart frustrated.  Go me.

Wal-Mart

Here are the best deals I found...

Free deals and some includes overage:

$7.77 Olay lotion--FREE plus $1.00 overage after $1/1 coupon and a full rebate found here.

$.94 Kotex liners--FREE plus $.06 overage after $1/1 coupon from coupons.com

$.50 dark chocolate Reese's cups--FREE plus $.05 overage after $.55/1 coupon found in 3/14 SmartSource insert

$1.25 Vitamin Water--FREE using coupon mailed to me for being a Facebook fan

(I came home to the dog food freebie in my mailbox.  Wal-Mart even sent me a party favor this time.  So sweet of them.  Check out their website for sample freebies.  As my mom and dad say about "sucking up" to someone...get a straw.)

Other great deals:

$.78 Martha White muffin mix--2 for $1.01 after using $.55 coupon (online printable--forgot location)

$1.98 McCormick Low Sodium Chicken Seasoning--$.98 after $1/1 coupon (you can find these everywhere right now! check inserts and online printables.  Wal-Mart has the best deals on these, but I'm hoping for a $10 for 10 sale at Kroger sometime...they do that on McCormick grinders sometimes.  That would make my favorite sea salt grinder free!)

$2.98 new Lays (all natural ingredients)--$1.98 after $1/1 coupon from 3/14 inserts

$12.74 Purina Healthy Morsels dog food--$10.74 using $2/1 coupon found here.  (I figured out our cost per day to feed Boone when we bought a 17.6 lb. bag the last time at this price.  Boone is a 48 pound dog and by following the guidelines for feeding him on the bag, it costs us a whoppin' $.35 a day to feed him.  And who says animals cost too much money?! I just wish kiddos would be that cheap.  Ha!)

Another thing I found impressive:

-Hormel's Natural Choice all natural lunchmeat is always $2.50 at Wal-Mart.  I have been in search for nitrate-free lunchmeat because we eat it almost daily.  This is a great deal! Even with sales and coupons, the other lunchmeats were more expensive.  I'm on the lookout now for coupons for this new lunchmeat to replace what we used to buy since I buy it almost weekly.

Total before tax with coupons and rebates:  $32.67

Total in freebies:  $10.46

Walgreens

Would you believe that I got all of this for just $2.79?

Now I'm not one to boast...but I even impressed myself with this week's deals.  Just because I'm seeing growth in my couponing skills.  And just like I focus on my kiddos' growth in class...not just how they do on a specific task, assessment, etc....I like to focus on my own growth in this couponing sport.  Thanks to some amazing blogs that I meantion all the time...Money Saving Mom, Deal Finding Chik, and Thankfully Thrifty, I have learned so much and continue to do so.  I just hope I can pass on some of the inspiration and knowledge.  Okay...back on topic. 

Check out my savings today:

First transaction--

$4 Dove Damage Therapy Conditioner

$7 Simply Saline Allergy & Sinus Relief Nasal Mist (new giant size)

used $1.50/1 Dove coupon from 3/28 inserts

used $1/1 Simply Saline insert coupon (forget where this came from--Feb. inserts?)

*Got back $7 RR (register rewards) for the Simply Saline and $4 RR for the Dove*

Paid $8.50 for these items plus tax in this transaction

(With the RR and coupons, it's as if I got paid $2.50 overage for these items.  Paid to buy things we will use anyway? Yes, thank you! And if you're new to Walgreens lingo...RRs are printed out in-store credits toward your next purchase.  Use them like cash with your transaction, but you do have to pay attention to their expiration date.)

Second Transaction--

$1.00 Betty Crocker Warm Delights dessert

$3.25 12-pack Sprite

$1.79 Chapstick

used $.75/1 Betty Crocker insert from 3/31

used $4 RR from first transaction

Paid $1.29 for these items plus tax

So basically how it breaks down when putting both transactions together:

-Purchased a total of $17.04 in products today (without tax)

-Used $3.25 total in coupons

-Got $11 in RR

Paid $2.79 for ALL of these items

(that's 84% savings)

My total for everything was about the price I would have paid for the Sprites by themselves and that is an item I purchase anyway.

Love it.

birthday joys and some great deals!

Friday was my birthday, and I was blessed by my wonderful family and students in so many ways!

Beautiful tulips from one of my sweet students.

I also was greeted with a huge birthday card signed by all my kiddos plus a $50 gift card for a mani and pedi...yay!

We had a great dinner at Macaroni Grill (my favorite!) last night to celebrate. 

Check out some of the gifts from my family...a Sandra Lee cook book, Target gift card, Ann Taylor Loft gift cards, Blogging for Dummies (yep, I'm still a "dummie" at this), a list journal, a new small bible for my purse, a Francine Rivers book, Converse chucks, spring clothes, and this gorgeous distressed bench my dad made for me (Isn't that awesome?! It looks so great in our foyer!)

It's gorgeous here, so we spent the morning doing some spring cleaning inside and out.  Later in the day, Justin and I went out to find some deals and spend a little of my birthday gift cards and money.  Check out our great finds!

Old Navy

We used a 30% off coupon on top of their great sale prices today.  You can find this coupon here.  The proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and it can be used at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and their outlets.  (Hurry--this deal ends 3/21) Thanks, Ashleigh!

Some of our deals with their sales and the coupon:

-Men's shorts $10.50 each

-Plain women's v-neck tees $5.60 each

-Ankle length skirth $10.50

-Metallic flip flops $1.75 when I bought two pairs

 (These are my favorite flip flops out of any place I have bought them...so durable, so comfy, and go with everything! You can't beat this price, either.  They were around $13 last year.)

-Accessory scarves $7 each

We saved $31.35 by using our 30% coupon today.

___________

I also went to Victoria's Secret to spend a $20 gift card I'm embarrased to say I still hadn't spent from my personal shower almost two summers ago.  But something to keep in mind...Victoria's Secret is giving you an "I Love Secret Rewards" card with every purchase right now.  Bring it back into their store between April 1-30 and put it toward your purchase.  It is worth at least $10, but could possibly be worth $50, $100, or even $500.  (You'll find out when you come into the store.) I can't wait to go back...if nothing else, you get $10 in free items!

__________

We also went to Target today and had some great finds! (Justin doesn't quite enjoy Target trips, but he was sweet enough to bare the trip with me on my birthday weekend.)  I can take or leave grocery shopping, but oh my do I love some Target shopping! They didn't just have clearance on the end caps today...red clearance tags were everywhere! I love when that happens! Check out the deals we found:

Target

 

-Airwick Freshmatic Ultra air freshener:  FREE....use a $1/1 MC from March inserts and a Target printable coupon available here.  (My Target had these on sale for $6...but hurry because there weren't many left!)

-Brita refills:  $9.59 for 3...use a $2/1 Target printable coupon from here and stack it with a coupon from Brita's website.  You can find that coupon for $3/1 here on Brita's website after signing up for their email filter change reminders

-Pedigree Dentastix:  $0.36...I used a Target printable coupon and had a $2/1 MC from the March inserts

-Johnson's baby powder:  $0.41...This was actually marked incorrectly as $1.41 at my store, but Target is so great, they give you the price if it has been marked incorrectly.  (I just went to customer service to inquire about it ringing up incorrectly, and they gave me the price I had found it as.)  I used a $1/1 coupon I printed from online (forget where...) and got this for just $0.41.  This is great to put into your flats you wear in the spring and summer without socks.

I saved $26.22 in coupons from our Target trip.

(Don't forget your $.05 off for bringing your Target reausable bag!)

__________

I also made it to Kroger today.  I had to get in on their last day of deals for this week:

Kroger

Today was the last day to get $4 off when you bought 8 participating items.  I planned very carefully with my ad and coupons in hand before going to the store...and ended up with two groups of 8 items...so I saved $8 with this deal in all. Plus coupons--read on. :)

-Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta:  FREE for all four boxes (keeping two, donating two)...these were $1.25 and I used a $0.75/1 coupon I printed two times each from here and here and got the $4 off deal which took $0.50 off each of these items.  (Thanks, Deal Finding Chik!)

-Kraft shreds and chunks:  .67 each after a $1/2 in-store coupon and the $0.50 off each item from buying in groups of 8

-Ken's dressings:  $0.49 after a $1/1 MC coupon from February inserts and the $0.50 off

I saved $22.30 in coupons and had a savings of 50% today at Kroger!

Happy first day of spring! I'm off to watch some basketball....

Walgreens trip and a coupon organizing idea

  

I finally made it to the stores today and found some great deals.  I had to make a quick trip to Walgreens before going grocery shopping because I found some great deal scenerios on some blogs this week. (Tip--I take notes throughout the week so I don't forget where the deals are when I am ready to shop over the weekend.)

Neutrogena Intensive Moisture Body Treatment Lotion--$6.00 on clearance--used a $1/1 MC...$5.00 (this is a great value for this lotion...I haven't found lotion that beats it and it's definitely not a cheaply priced product)

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Condition--$6.79--used a $3/1 MC and stacked it with a $2/1 Walgreen's coupon from their coupon book at the front of the store...$1.79 (again, this is a great deal for a great product)

Bonnybell Lip Gloss--$0.95 on clearance--used a $1/1 coupon printed out here....FREE plus $.05 overage (my Walgreens had a lot of Bonnybell Lip Smackers in their clearance section--thanks Thankfully Thrifty for this idea)

$0.50 shipping envelope on clearance...handy to have around...going into my stockpile for future use

Total before coupons--$14.24

Total after coupons--$8.09

(before tax that's a 50% savings for today...whoo hoo)

And about that coupon organizing idea....

I used to just buy items at the store when I needed them thinking this would save me the most money.  Now I have learned the importance of buying things in advance if I know I will use them and there is a great deal on them.  Now i'm really serious about shopping for items when they are on sale and racking up any and all freebies I can that we will use in the future or I can donate.  Because of this, I have gotten a little overwhelmed on keeping my coupons organized.  I keep the main coupons I will for sure use because they are items I buy anyway in my coupon album (made from the picture album).  I keep this in my purse and always have it ready to use.  You can get this idea on my post here.  But when I find deals and scenerios on blogs, a lot of times they refer to a specific group of coupons from the Sunday newspaper by the date they came out.  So I decided to do my own little system to organize the coupons I will return to as I find deals and scenerios online.

I put each stack of coupons I have from the past two Sundays in March, and then all of February's coupons combined (because I wasn't quite on top of things last month) into separate file folders and labeled the file folders with the date the coupons came out.  Now when I read a deal or scenerio that refers to a specific date...I can quickly find the stack of coupons to search.  I will of course toss the stacks as they expire and then refill the files with different stacks.  I just used a letter organizer we already have on our desk to place the file folders upright and easy to access.

Hope it helps!

Saturday Savings

You read about my two-week grocery shopping trip here.  Although I did well last week, I didn't come out with savings as great as I did today.  First, let me explain that the shopping for two weeks thing didn't really work for me.  Maybe it will in the future or maybe it's one of those sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't kind of things.  But I still had to go to the grocery today for some food items.  Mainly though we needed those annoying things that pop up all the sudden like batteries and an ink cartridge.  Well in the meantime, I decided to do some "freebie" shopping because of some great deals I had found on some blogs throughout the week.  Mix those great deals with the sunshine...and I was quite inspired.  So inspired...I shopped Wal-Mart and Kroger today.  Oh, and shopped for a few deals at Target tonight where the hubby got to see me in my coupon-crazy action.  (He was impressed by the way, and decided if I had been present for Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 that I would have told Jesus not to worry, that I had coupons for free food to feed the crowd and He could save His miracle for another occasion.  He makes me laugh.) I usually don't shop that many stores in one day, but it paid off today!  Check out my great deals.

Wal-Mart Deals and Freebies

*$2.97 Herbal Essence Spray Hair Gel--free after purchase of $.97 travel size Herbal Essence conditioner with buy one/get one coupon (paper insert coupons)

*$1.97 12-pack Schick disposable razors--free and $1.03 overage with $3/1 coupon (paper insert coupons)

*$7.94 Schick Quattro Titaniam razor with trimmer (Justin is excited about this)--free after rebate (paper insert coupons)

*$1.00 16-pack Kotex Pantyliners--free with $1/1 coupon (online printable)

Kroger Deals and Freebies

*1.00 Reese's King Size--free for playing Kroger's March to Savings online game (the item was loaded onto my Kroger Plus card)

*4 cans of Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls (for a yummy recipe to be shared soon) and 2 cans of reduced fat Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (not pictured)--$7.38 ($10.98 without coupons-I used 5 different coupons in this transaction)...with my savings I got the cinnamon rolls free when purchasing the crescent rolls I need for a dessert I am making for my grandma's 80th birthday party next weekend.

*$3.88 Pedigree Dentastix I have wanted to get for Boone to try--$1.88 with $2/1 coupon (paper insert coupons)

Target Deals and Freebies

*$1 two-pack Dial bar soap--free with $1/1 coupon (online printable)

*9.64 Clorox Toilet Wand Starter Kit--free with $0.31 overage after $5 online printable coupon and $5 rebate found here.  [side note--these are wonderful...and now we'll have one for our bathroom downstairs, too...how handy!]

*$4.64 Pledge Fabric Sweeper--$3.64 with $1/1coupon from the first one we bought, $2.94 Pledge furniture wipes--$1.94 with $1/1 coupon from paper insert, $3.89 Pledge All Purpose wipes--$2.89 with $1/1 coupon from paper insert.....it gets better.....I had a Target coupon for a $5 Target gift card with the purchase of three Pledge items.  That makes all three items $3.47, which is cheaper than just the fabric sweeper with coupon [which is a wonderful item for all that dog hair and we were going to purchase a new one anyway].

TOTAL FREEBIES: $15.88

TOTAL COUPONS SAVINGS from today (including freebies and rebates):  $41.51

Just some cute deals I couldn't pass up at Wally World ....

$3 shoes (so cute and comfy and will be perfect with capris)

$3 cute contact paper on clearance (I already have a couple projects in mind)

$1 pack of 12 adorable file folders on clearance (a teacher can never have enough)

*In case you're wondering: My coupon sources are the inserts in the paper and I find links to awesome printables from great blogs such as Deal Finding Chik (which links to many other great bloggers), Money Saving Mom, Thankfully Thrifty, and My Pet Savings.  I also use sites such as Freeflys, Redplum, and Shortcuts.  You can also find printable coupons and coupons to load directly to your Kroger card here or visit Target's website for their printable coupons.  (You can use a manufacturer's coupon and company coupon at Target and Kroger.) 

And this post wouldn't be complete with a shout-out to my hubby about an experience he had today. 

Check out what I found for my pitiful peanut-allergy husband...

I'm sure this has been around.  I just haven't looked for it before.  He was thrilled.  I was thrilled myself that he actually liked it....especially since it came from our little "organic corner" of Kroger.  This is completely peanut-free and is made from soy beans.  It has the same texture as peanut butter.  (Anyone out there know if they make it just plain creamy?) You have to realize this is a man that had a love for peanut butter when he was little and then found out he was allergic.  He's been without peanut butter for about 15 years.  Needless to say, today was a good day for him. :D

Found some great freebies or deals this weekend?! Let me know! Maybe this little blog could start to have a Saturday Savings post each week...whatcha think? I love any and all feedback.

Happy savings!