Well, I have not been using coupons for a few years now, due to life and the completion of my education taking a front seat.  However, I have now started to finally run out of some of the essential stock pile that I had accumulated and decided it was time to start rebuilding.  This time around, I thought it might be a bit wiser to limit my purchases as I really don't need 10 of any one item, so I am only going to purchase 2 like inserts to begin with.  Since it is just myself and my teenage daughter in a small house, we don't really need to be filling our rafters.  That may change over time if I feel I am missing out on some of the good deals.  Obviously there are more people that have been exposed to the extreme form of shopping via the TLC show depicting extreme couponers, so I hope that the local stores are not being depleted of all products.  Anyway, I received my first batch of coupons today and had to put together a quick run to CVS.  I even had to refresh myself on some of the basics of BOGO plus $ off coupons, also known as piggy-backing.  I plan to venture out to Wags sometime this week as well, but am a bit put off by their changes.  The last time I shopped there with coupons they had their monthly rebate program and register rewards.  Now they are switching to a point based system, so I am not sure if it will be profitable to do any large deals there.  Due to my recent surgery and altered eating options, grocery deals may be somewhat limited as well.  There are nutritious options to be had, so instead of having the 25+ boxes of cereal I once did, I may have to opt for a stockpile of soup.

Here is what I purchased this evening:
2 Robitussin cold medicines
1 Schick razor
2 Zantac (much needed for my post op lifestyle)
2 Softsoap body washes (I was going to try my hand at some home made body soap via Pinterest, but I may wait on that adventure!)
2 Crest mouthwashes
2 Febreeze car deodorizers
2 Covergirl Outlast lipsticks
4 bottles of Pantene (2 each shampoo and conditioner)
2 Kit-Kats for daughter who was craving chocolate.

Total of items was $95.30 + $6.67 tax = $101.97
I used $40.00 in coupons.
I used $22.08 in ECB.
$39.89 was final total.  I had a $10 credit from Google Wallet that I needed to use before 10/06/12.  GW is a phone app that allows user to "tap" their phone on the card reader to process transaction via network.  I've not had much luck with it, but was determined to persist until it worked.  I did not want to lose that free money!  Finally after about 5 minutes of hitting my phone on the scanner, it went through.  My total OOP was $29.89.

My purchases earned me $25 in ECB, so net cost was $4.89.  Obviously, this total is a bit off, as I already had $22 in ECB from a transaction last week.  I no longer have that receipt,otherwise I could figure in the real cost.  Regardless, I'm still thrilled.

Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce

Okay, I have dropped the ball on this! I was contacted by Country Bob's and was sent two bottles of their wonderful sauce to review on my blog. Country Bob's is already such a staple in my household, the bottles were quickly used up and I failed to do my part! Yikes!

One of our favorite ways to consume this deliciously sweet, yet spicy sauce is on meatballs. Quick and easy is my motto! I usually have frozen meatballs in my freezer, so all I need to do is cover liberally with the sauce and microwave. These are so much better than the crockpot variety and oh so quick.
However, much to my surprise, I found an even better recipe listed on their website!
Country Bob's Meatballs

This is becoming a favorite in our house served with spaghetti! The recipes on their website certainly has opened my eyes to other wonderful ways to use this sauce. My daughter refuses to eat anything without the All-Purpose Sauce. Fries, chicken nuggets, hamburgers, pork chops... well you get the idea! It enhances the flavor of everything.

Fortunately I am able to buy this product locally but for all others not as lucky, you can order from their website. You can also check here to find out if it is sold near your home!
Country Bob's has several other products: BBQ Sauce, Seasoning Salt, and Spice All Purpose Sauce. I haven't tried any of the other products but can only imagine that they are full of goodness!

The company history is a inspiration to all of us who dream big but never get around to doing so. The product grew from word of mouth in the late 60's and has now grown to the company it is today, all while retaining the praise for their success to the Lord. Integrity is what it is about and I like that regardless of my love for the sauce.

Schnucks trip 5/21/09 saved 75%

I went for toilet paper, which was on sale for $2 a double roll 4-pk. I bought what you see. Total before coupons $14.21. Total after coupons $3.56.

Mayo was free. (1-1 coupon)
Bugles were free. (2.90 - free coupon)
Chex Mix was $0.29 (1.29 - 1 coupon)
Sour Cream was $0.24 (.99 - .75 cat)
Milk was $0.25 ( 2.75 - 2.50 cat)
Toilet paper 1.25 (2-.75 cat)

78% savings on my Schnucks Trip 5/17/09

I went on Friday but didn't post the deals knowing I would go back with more coupons.

Today I bought $61.48 worth of groceries (after sale prices) and paid $18.38 and got back $4.75 to use on my next trip. Grand total $13.63 for 29 items.

Kashi Pizzas (normally 6.49) were on sale for $5.00. I had $3.00 coupons so paid $2 each. They actually are pretty good too.

Kashi frozen entrees, normally $4.00+ on sale for $3, I used $2 coupon for total of $1.00 each. I had bought the pesto flavor before and didn't realize there was no meat in it. It wasn't great however it was free - free almost always tastes good enough to eat. I was sure to buy the ones with chicken this time.

Kraft BBQ sauce - on sale for $1.00. There are $1.00 coupons on line that you can print at least 2 times from different sites. When you buy 4 or more, you earn catalina back. Final price for 5 bottles was $FREE plus I got back $2.50 - in other words, they paid me!!

Kraft Mayo and Miracle Whip on sale for $1.00. Again there are multiple coupons online for $1.00. All free. We like tuna salad and I have tons of cheap and free tuna stockpiled.

Post Trail Mix Crunch on sale for $2.50. Online coupon for $2.00 off. Paid $0.50 each, but then got back $0.75 catalina to use on next purchase. Doing the math, they paid me $0.75 to take their cereal home. We like cereal!! Maybe we have to like cereal because I get so much of it free or really cheap.

Fruit Chillers were on sale for $2 - used $1 coupon. Cost $1.00
Hormel Chili on sale for $1 - used $0.55 off 2. Cost $0.73 can.
Pillsbury Cookie dough on sale for $2.49 - used $1.00 off. Cost 1.49 each.

Cashier made a mistake in my favor with an extra $2.00 off somewhere. I had 29 products and 27 coupons. I'm sure it gets confusing for them. Usually, they mess up in their favor.

Schnucks saved 67% on bill!

Schnucks 4/25/09

I took a picture but realized it didn't take until after some of the things were put away. I'm not dragging them back out so a modified picture will have to do.

I had several coupons for free items. My grand total before coupons was $82.85 but I only had to pay $27.59!! I think that is my best yet for groceries.

Free items:
Ritz Reduced Fat Crackers
Mentos gum
Planters Cashews
Ceasar dog food
Kraft Cheese
Deli Creations Flatbread Sandwich
Kashi Pesto Primavera Frozen Dinner
Advil Tablets 50 count

Other good deals:
Barilla pasta .50 box
Powerade Zero .66 for 32 oz bottle
Bagelfuls 1.25 box of 4
Ziplock freezer bags .37 each 10 ct.
Crystal Light 1.11 box of 8
Fresh Express Salad 1.00 each 32 oz.
Starkist Tuna pouch .38 each

Schnucks again

Went again this morning to repeat the Kraft/Velveeta deal. Ended up picking up some additional items as I was scanning for coupons in the aisles.
The best deal other than mac and cheese is the Fresh Express Salad kits. They are on sale until tomorrow 4/19 B1G1 free @ 3.99. There are $1.00 peelie coupons on salad toppings that are good for any bagged salad. So I bought 2 golden raisins @ 1.00 each, got 2 $1.00 coupons and paid $4 for 2 salad kits. After all said and done, 2 raisins and 2 kits cost $4.00.
$38.48 Total before coupons
-$8.25 in coupons
=$31.03 OOP
Earned $4 catalina for Kraft.
Net cost $27.03 - saved 30% not counting the free salad!

Schnucks

Good deal alert for those in Evansville area.
It's been awhile since I have done any coupon deals but came across this one and thought I'd share here instead of my blog.
Schnucks
Buy 5 Velveeta or Kraft Mac & Cheese for 1.67 each.
Use 5 coupons that are stuck on the box $0.55 each.... Read More... Read More... Read More
Get back catalina coupon for $4 off next order.
Total $8.83 - $2.75 coupons = $5.58 out of pocket
Get $4 back.
Grand total = $1.58 for 5 boxes or ~0.32 each.
If you repeat, the catalina can not be used to buy more.

Walgreens and Schnucks

I haven't been couponing as much lately, due to a variety of reasons. I decided tonight that I would pull some deals together and although I am still working without a camera, I wanted to share what I was able to get for free or next to nothing.

My first stop was at Walgreens.
8 bottles of Garnier hair products. I made $0.08 cents on them. I don't need any more shampoo and hair products, but I'll take them if they are giving them away.
3 bags of Russell Stover sugar free candy. $1.10 for all 3.
1 Orajel cold sore product. I don't have them but it is a money maker after rebate. Free+ $1.85
4 rolls of Reynolds foil that I paid $0.96 cents for. They were on sale for .99 and I had 1.00 coupons so I bought the extra one to avoid the dreaded beep.
1 Revlon lipgloss clearanced at 2.59 from 11.00. I used 2.00 coupon and paid .59.
1 Revlon lipstik money maker after rebate. Free + $2.80
2 cans Progresso soup .15 each.
Total cost before coupons
$61.50
Total cost out of pocket + tax
$19.87 used my $25 free gift card from transferring prescription
Will get back
$18.13 on rebate
Net cost
$1.74

Next I went to Schnucks. I was in a hurry as my daughter had a sleepover date to get to. I was going for cheap pizza rolls as she likes them and can fix them when I don't want to cook... which is more than ever anymore! They were out, sale is over tomorrow. Might have to drive to another store or price match at Wal-Mart - ugh.

I ended up buying 12 Dole Fresh Fruit cups @ 1.00 each. After coupons they were $0.50. Normally they are 1.89.
1 Steamfresh meal for 2 that I had a free coupon for from sweepstake win @ $6.49.

Total before
$18.49
Total after
$6.00

No pizza rolls. Which is probably good.

Great HP giveaway from GearLive

Enter here!

Twilight Giveaways

I want to win one of these so bad... I'm blogging about blogs that have them to giveaway, as many as I can find. I will jump through hoops, post links, add buttons, do the best I can do to earn as many entries as possible! Please jump to these sites and also enter for your own chance to win and discover some interesting people with interesting things to say!

Twi..who? (Twilight Giveaway!!) Here is the first one!

miss-britt.com Here is the second one!

Running From the Little People: Norton PC Tune-Up GIVEAWAY!

Running From the Little People: Norton PC Tune-Up GIVEAWAY!

Running From the Little People: Twilight GIVEAWAY!

Running From the Little People: Twilight GIVEAWAY!

Another and another

I keep finding all these great blogs (that have fun and entertaining information) but even better they are giving away so many cool things! One leads to another, then to another! My lastest obsession is the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I'm currently reading the 2nd book New Moon. Lo' and behold I found a winners list on 5 minutes for Mom with a winner with my same name! It wasn't me, but this Heather is have a Twilight giveaway! Check it out and let me know if you win! It is so much fun!

Sleep Number Bed from 5 Minutes for Mom

Another great giveaway! Sleep Number Bed

Thanks to 5 Minutes for Mom

Great Blog Prizes to win!!

Since I have been unable to post my deals, I thought I would add some links to some great Blog giveaways!

It isn't as much fun...

as it was when my camera worked!

I went to Target last week and bought the 10 Vitamin Waters for $1.00 each. Total was $10, I used my gift cards that I had left over from the pop-tart extravaganza a few weeks back. That brought my total down to $2 and change oop and I earned a $5 gc back.

Saturday Wags trip

Well, my camera is officially dead. My other camera takes 3 pictures before warning that brand new batteries are low. I won a camera in a Mother's Day sweepstakes, but so far haven't received it. It isn't looking good that I will. So for the moment, I will just note what I bought.

4 Brach candy corns @ .99. Mixed 1 cup with 1 cup salted peanuts - tastes like a Payday.
2 Glade Wisp candles @ 5.99. I used B1G1 coupon, and $5 off one. I paid .99 for both then got back a $3 RR. Profit of $2.01.
2 - 16oz Coffeemate French Vanilla liquid creamer. On sale for $1.50 each. Used 2 $1.00 off. Final cost .50 each.
2 - 8oz pkg shredded cheddar cheese @ 1.50 each.
1 pkg hooks @ 1.99
High School Musical watch on clearance for $2.50
Tee shirt on clearance for 1.50
I used 2 RR that took off $14.
Total oop $2.48 earned 3 RR

I forgot to pick up more of the Quilted Northern in that transaction, so I grabbed 2 packages @ 4.00 each - 1 ESR Q - 2 MQ = 1.00 for each 6pk double roll.

Friday Night Trippin'

Walgreens
BC $56.42 + 3.95 tax = $60.37 -
Q's 30.50 -
RR 9.00 = $20.87 on gift card
Will get back on ESR $23.63
Final cost, all free + $2.76 profit.

Quick breakdown:
Quilted Northern Ultra Plus 4-2Q-1IVC =1.00
Pert @ 3.49 - 1.5Q -2.5 = free + profit
Fantastik, Windex, Shout, SB spray @ 2.50 - 1.50Q - 1 ESR= free
Nivea and Chemistry full price will get full price + 10% back on ESR
Scrubbing Bubbles foamer, kit, gel toilet disc @ 3.99 - 2Q - 1.50 ESR + 10% = .34 each
Crest 1.99 - 1IVC = .99 I had 1.00 Q but it kept beeping. I had a great cashier and didn't want her to have to take off the toothpaste and adjust total. I hate paying for it though...

Buy-Low

Went back to get a few more deals while double coupons is still in effect.

BC $38.60 -
Q 23.13 =
$15.47 OOP

Dog food 4# bag @ .99 each (20# for $4.95)
Soup @ .30 each
Cascade free
Pizza crust free
Bread B1G1 free - final cost $1.59 for both
Country Crock (44oz) free
Dog chews @ 2.19
Yogurt @ .33 each

I needed milk but didn't want to pay grocery store prices. CVS has the best deal on milk and I had a coupon - imagine that!

Milk @ 2.99 - .50 coupon = 2.49
Water @ 2.29 (free after ECB)
BC 5.28 - .50Q- 3ECB =
1.78 OOP
Earned 2.29 ECB
Final cost -.51 (profit)


I scanned my card upon entering and my quarterly ECB printed out for a grand total of $3. I needed to buy something else to get the full value so I bought the water.


Last stop of the night was Schnucks.

I guess I was tired because I bought 2 items that were not the right product - soup and lean cuisine.

BC $36.63
AC $13.50 oop

Only free item was the Green Giant steamers.
Everything else was on sale and cheaper w/coupon.
I had 12RR that were expired or expiring today that I needed to use along with 11.55 Q's.

After it was all brought in, photographed and put away, my final total is as follows:

$135.38 worth of groceries that I paid $25.70 for. A savings of 81%!

Dealio on doggie food

I bought some dog food on my previous trip to Buy-Low that was clearance priced @ 2.94. I went back yesterday armed with $2.00 coupons and bought the remaining 3 bags. Oh, if they had only had more! I paid $3.44 of which .62 was tax and got 12 pounds of dog food.