Walgreens 2/1-2/7...

I'm still away.... at Disney World!

Thought I'd give you a few links for Walgreens deals to get you ready for next weeks sales.

IHeartWags

HotCouponWorld

Hope they help!

Be back soon...

Disney World Dining....

Now about Dining at Disney!!

This trip we went ahead and booked for the dates during the promotion that worked best for us and began trying to decide how we wanted to work out our eating plan.

Last time we were there only for a short time and bought the dining plan so we could concentrate on getting to know the parks and not worry about food. We quickly found that the plan offered way too much food for us, even with us sharing with our little guy (he was too young to be on the plan), and having purchased the plan we felt we had to get our money's worth so we kept eating! Ugh!

For those of you that haven't been to Disney recently, or have never been, if you stay in their resorts and buy tickets through Disney for your stay, you have the option of adding on one of several dining plan options to your trip.

Quick Dining plan gives you 2 counter service meals and 2 snacks a day per person for every night you stay, as well as a refillable drink mug for use at the resort. Cost $29.99 adult, $8.99 child per night.

Reg. Dining plan gives you 1 counter service meal, 1 table service meal, and 1 snack per person per day, as well as a refillable drink mug. Cost $39.99 adult, $10.99 child per night.

Deluxe Dining gives you 3 table service meals per day, 2 snacks, and a refillable mug. Cost $71.99 adult,$20.99 child

What are counter service, table service, and snacks?

Counter service is a walk up and order meal that includes a main entree or combo, a side, a drink, and a dessert.
Table service is a meal usually at a sit down restaurant that includes your entree, a side, a drink and, and a dessert. Gratuity is not included in the plan!

Snacks are usually drinks, pretzels, ice cream, fruit, baked goods, etc. Usually $5 or less.

What we decided to do this trip...

After some consideration and some looking at menus, we think on this trip with our little guy not yet being a big eater, we can probably save money by not purchasing the dining plan. We will be giving up getting a really nice table service meal every day, but trading that for not being so full that we don't enjoy ourselves will be worth it. Not to mention... who can handle all that dessert anyway!

A great place to look at menus and pricing for food is AllEars.net They update their information periodically & you can look at menus by park so if you don't have the park hopper passes, you know where you can eat in the park you chose for the day.

There are lots of options, I'm finding out, for ways to save while eating at Disney ranging from carrying food in (yes, they do allow that to a minimum now), to splitting meals, ordering kids meals at counter service for anyone not so hungry, and eating buffets to get a good fill on occasion.
If you have a car, they say there are a few good restaurants just a few miles away that you can fill up at for less if you need more food than you're able to spring for at the parks. Sometimes it's just nice to get away for a short time too... I did actually say it's good to get away from Disney! We may get out once or twice for something different than Disney...
I will post our experiences eating off plan when we return. I have a feeling we will eat just as well, or better for less than the plan would have cost us and be more satisfied... although it was fun to see how high we could get our lunch bill while we were on the plan!

CVS 2/1-2/7...

As you probably know by now, I'm at Disney World with my Hubby and little guy & we're spending some time with my Father-in-Law while we're here.

I don't have time to post the upcoming deals for you,
so I'm leaving you a few links to help you find the deals this week.

So... guess that means you're kind of on your own sorting through for the deals.

I will leave you with a few links that may help you in your search
for the deals this week.

IHeartCVS

AFullCup

HotCouponWorld

Hope these help!

You could always check out TheGroceryGame (4 week trial for $1),
or Refundcents.com to see how you like them while I'm away (back Tuesday!)

Be sure to use my email as your referral.... suziqcst@aol.com

Saving Money at Disney...

Hubby and I are taking the little guy to Disney World
for our second trip as a family!

Hubby got interested in going again and starting looking at the Disney website. We soon found they were having a promotion where you purchase tickets and your hotel stay for 4 nights and you get tickets and hotel for 3 days free. After crunching the numbers and doing the math, we found a Value Resort room w/tickets for the 3 of us for just over $1,000 for the week, and that was with an upgrade to park hopper tickets!

And.. you won't believe this!! They're giving us a $200 Disney Gift Card when we arrive!

For anyone who's never stayed at Disney, or thinks that they should stay away from the Value Resorts because Value=low end, think again. Although the Value Resorts don't have all the amenities of the Moderate and Deluxe accomodations, they are as nice or nicer than most normal hotel rooms you will find outside of the park and probably at a minimal price difference, if any.

Our last experience at the Value Resorts was great! We had a nice, clean, bright room with just enough space for us and our things, and our little guy loved the themed hotel! We didn't spend much time in our room and knew that would probably be the case, it was nice to have a room on site that didn't break the bank yet met our needs.

I will try and get some better pictures this trip so you can see what's available at a Value Resort at Disney World.

It pays to do your homework when considering staying on site at Disney.
1) Make sure you do a search online for Disney discount codes before you book.
2) Call your local AAA agent and see if they offer a better rate than you can get through Disney.
3) If you've stayed before, check your email and spam box for any discount codes they may have sent you.
4) Sign up for Disney's free information packet.
5) Make sure you look for any "specials" or "offers" on the Disney site! You could book the same # of days without clicking on the right link and pay much much more!

A couple of great sites I've used to help me save money at Disney are Mousesavers.com & DisBoards. Check them out if you think you may plan a trip... there's lots of great information out there!

I will post later about
1) Food at Disney and our experiences on the Dining Plan last year,
and without the Dining Plan this year
2) Discount tickets -where to buy them if you aren't going to buy a package at Disney.

Boys Nascar Caps & Jackets...Cute!

I stumbled across these and they are just too cute & at a great price too!

Caps are $2.48 and jackets $6.98 + s/h.
Lots of other great buys if you look around.

Just click on the link and search "boys caps" to find the pictured item above.

KitchenAid Mixer.... Good deal...

Another Amazon deal for you....
I'd like to get in on this one.

KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer
Lots of colors to choose from!!
Reg. $349.99, on sale for $249.99-$299.99 with free shipping!
(Prices differ with color choices)

&

Get a free $20 Pre-paid Visa debate card by mailing in a rebate

Get a free subscription to Food & Wine, or Travel & Leisure

Usually you can request a refund for the cost of the magazine if you prefer!

Get a Bonus cookbook with 20 mixer recipes.


The reviews are great on this product, and I'd love to have one myself!


The rebate offer is good through March 28, 2009
Don't know how long the price will stay at $249.

CVS 1/25-1/31...

Sunday & Monday
2 day sale

CVS tissues 120 ct. 2/$1
limit 8

Revlon B1G1 Free
-$1 SS 10/12, 11/16, 12/7
=Various prices

Russell Stover $3.99
-$1 SS 12/17
= $2.99

Sale items good all week....

Head & Shoulders, Gilette, Pantene Restoratives or Expressions Shampoo, Conditioner, Mask or Balm $4.99, get $3 ECB (limit 5)
-$2 Gilette Hair Care P&G 12/28
-$2/2 Gilette Shampoo/condit. P&G 1/18
= Free or $1 each

Gilette Fusion Gamer, Venus Breeze Spa, or Embrace Sister $7.99, get $4 ECB (limit 1)
-$4 Gilette Fusion 12/28
-$2 Venus 12/28
= Free Fusion, or $1.99 Venus

Buy $20 in Pepsi and other qualifying products, get $10 ECB (limit 1)
Pepsi 12 packs 3/$10
-$1 Pepsi One coupon here
Pepsi 2L, Sobe, Gatorade, Propel 4/$5
Lays 2/$4
Tostitos 2/$6

Buy $15 in Advil, Dimetapp, Robitussin, get $5 ECB
Advil $5 each
Rob/Dime. $6 each
- $2 Rob coupon here
-$2 Dime. coupon here
-$1 Advil Cold & Sinus here

Buy $20 in Huggies, get $5 ECB (limit 1)
Washes, Wipes $3
-$1 Bath/Body Products SS 1/11
Diapers, Pull-ups $10
-$1.50 Diapers SS 1/11

Buy $20 in Benefiber, Gas-X, or Maalox, get $10 ECB (limit 1)
-$2 Benefiber SS 12/14, 1/4
-$1.50 Maalox SS 1/4
-$2 Maalox Liquid SS 1/4

Claritin Liqui-Gels $19.99, get $5 ECB (limit 1)
-$2 coupon here
=$12.99


Schick Intuition Plus Razor $8.99, get $4 ECB (limit 1)
-$2 SS 1/25
=$2.99

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara $6.99, get $2 ECB (limt 5)

Buy $10 in Almay products, get $5 ECB (limit 1)
-$1 SS 10/12, 12/14

Wisk 2/$9, get $2 ECB (limit 1)
-$1.50/2 SS 1/18
= $2.75 each

Energizer Advanced or Lithium Batteries $6: buy $12 worth, get $6 ECB (limit 1)
-$1 SS 12/7, SS 1/4
=$2 each

M&M's Cupic Mix 2/$6, get $2 ECB when you buy 2 (limit 1)
= $2 each

I'll be away...

I'm going to Disney World!!

Don't run off though! I have written a few posts to keep you going while I'm away.

I won't be able to get Meijer up and running for next week,
and I don't want you to miss out!

Here's a link to DealSeekingMom. She always post deals for Meijer and Kroger and you should be able to find some good information there.

You could also check out TheGroceryGame.com ($1 for 4 week trial), or RefundCents.com ($1 a month for online service) to keep you on it while I'm away. If you do try one of these services, please let them know I sent you.... they will want my email address: suziqcst@aol.com

Have a good week!

Walgreens 1/25-1/31...

Colgate Total or Maxfresh $2.99, get $2 RR
-$1 SS 1/4
=Free

Revlon Colorsilk $1.99 with ad coupon
-$1 SS 1/11
=$.99 each

Carefree Pantyliners $.99 with ad coupon
-$1 coupon from various magazines (Glamour, Parents, Shape 2/09)
=Free

Reese's Whipps 2/$.89 with ad coupon
- $1/2 SS 1/4
= $.11 overage (if your store allows overage)

Reynolds Foil $.89 with ad coupon
-$1 coupon (I found a flyer in Meijer with these)
= Free

Red Baron Pizza 2/$5
-$1/2 SS 1/11
= $2 each
Spend $30 or more, get $10 RR Spend $20 or more, get $5 RR on the folowing products
Tums
Pepcid
Prilosec OTC
Imodium
Benefiber
Miralax

Listerine Mouthwash 2/$9, get $4 RR when you buy 2
=$2.50 each

Thanks VickysDeals for posting your deals for the week!

600 Thread Count Sheet Set...

Here's a great buy on bed sheets at Amazon!



Renaissance 600 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sateen Sheet Set
Reg. $ 120, get them for $38.99-$39.99 with free shipping!

According to the reviews, these look to be like a good set at a good price.
I'm considering a new set for our bed, if I could just decide on the color!

Hurry though, sizes and colors are limited....
on my last check they only had Queen & King sizes left!

Free Bath & Body Works item...

Here is a coupon for a Free Signature Item at Bath & Body Works
with any other purchase. Pick up something for $1 and you still get the free product!

Value of the coupon is up to $12.

Coupon expires 1/25/09

Print yours now if you think you'll use it!
They only allow a limited number to be accessed and they usually go fast!

Thanks Debbie for posting this!

Free Granola Bar...

Just sign up here and you'll get a granola bar called "True Delights" from Quaker Oats.

They've got a new one that they want us to try...
Enjoy!

Walgreens Double Play!!!

Just heard about this one!

Walgreens has the Auto Expressions Vent Fresh car air freshener free after rebate this month.

Right now when you buy 2 air fresheners
and send in this form with your receipt,
you get a code for a free movie code at Fandango!

So...

Buy 2 and get your $ back with one through the Walgreens rebate (do your rebate online so you can use your receipt for the second deal). Mail your receipt in with the form and wait for your code to show up in your email account... be sure to check your spam folder periodically for the email too.

For the price of 1 air freshener you get 2 and a free movie!

Enjoy your show!

Disney World ....

We are getting ready to go to Disney World, so you will likely notice that I talk about some of the ways to save money when you go on a trip to Disney.

We were there last year for just a couple of days and are going for a full week this year,
-leaving this weekend!

I won't have internet access for much of the week, so I will post where you can look for the deals for the week I'm away, but I will try and post what I can find ahead.

I'm going to DisneyWorld!!
Isn't that what you're supposed to say?!?!?!

CVS find!!

I believe this deal is good all month..
haven't checked the flyer yet.

Buy 1 Jo Personal lubricant at $14.97, get $5 ECB

I wasn't looking for this, just walked past it and the shelf was marked for the ECB deal. I noticed a tag hanging off the top of the product, so I picked it up. There is a $10 rebate on the box!

By my calculations, that makes it free!!

Shopping totals for Tues...

I started my weekly shopping on Tuesday
&

Here are my totals so far for the week...

CVS
Out of pocket $3.89 (rolled rebate $) *
$ saved $57.97
Will send in for $10 rebate!!

Kroger
oop $17.23 **
$ saved $18.25

Meijer
oop $23.80
$ saved $42.69

Totals so far for the week...
oop $44.92
$ saved $118.91
rebates $10


* When I get a rebate check back, I keep that money in an envelope to pay for the next rebate item(s) I purchase so those items don't take away from my grocery budget for the week.

** Several clearance items purchased that are not reflected on receipt, including 6 boxes of Special K protein bars for $1 each - $1/2 coupons that I had!

New coupon, $5 off Chlorox ToiletWand System...

There is a new coupon available for the new Chlorox ToiletWand System.
You can find the coupon here.

The coupon is good for $5 off one, and is a bricks coupon which means if you hit the back button on your browser you should be able to print 2 of them.

I would encourage you to print this one in color because of it high value. Often times I print internet coupons in fast draft, low ink because my local stores don't often give me a problem with internet coupons. To be safe, it is a good idea to print the higher value ones in color. Many cashiers look at the black and white ones a little closer with question as to their being real, the color ones they don't look as close at.

$1 Velveeta coupon & more

Right now on Coupons.com they have a coupon for $1 off Velveeta (16 oz or lrgr). I printed one this morning and it doesn't expire until 4/30/09! Print one and then go back through the system, you should be able to print two!

They also have some other great coupons right now, one I will mention that I printed was...

$.50 off 1 pkg Wacky Mac pasta (my grocery often has these on sale for $1 making them free)

Just use the link at the top of the page to take you to Coupons.com!

Meijer 1/18-1/24...

If you're new to shopping Meijer, or have trouble finding the Meijer Mealbox coupons,
click on my link here for helpful information.

My store doubles 2 like coupons up to $.50, my deals below reflect that.
Check with your stores coupon policy to see what their coupon policy is.

Another note... the Meijer coupons do say not to be combined with other discounts. My store has said nothing to me about using them with a manufacturer coupon, so I have continued to do so occasionally. Most of the deals that I have posted below with both coupons show the price as if you use both the Meijer and the manufacturer coupons together. If I have a cashier tell me it's no longer allowed I will discontinue using them together and will post them here separately.

Pace Chunky Salsa or Picante Sauce 3/$5
- $.50 SS 12/14
=$.67 each

French's Mustard $1.25
-$.30 SS 1/18
=$.65

French's Spicy Mustard $1.25
- $.7 SS 1/18
= $.50 each

Quaker Oats Canister or Old Fashioned Oats $1.50
-$.60 RP 1/4
-$1/2 Meijer Mealbox coupon
=$.40 each

Quaker Life Cereal $2
- $1/2 RP 1/4
= $1.50 each

Quaker Instant Oatmeal $2.25
Buy 4 - $1/2 RP 11/16 -$1.35/2 RP 1/4
-$2/4 Meijer Mealbox
= $4.30-$5.00/4

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars $2
-$1/2 RP 1/4
= $1.50 each

Kellogg's Cereals & Pop Tarts, select varieties, $2 each when you buy 4
-$1.50/2 RP 1/18 cereals
-$1/2 RP 1/18 Pop tarts
= $1.25-$1.50 each

Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix 3/$5
-$1/2 RP 1/4
=$1.16

Aunt Jemima Syrup 2/$5
-$1/2 RP 1/4
= $2 each

Betty Crocker Fruit by the Foot or Fruit Shapes 2/$3
- $1/2 coupon here
= $1 each

Beech Nut Stage 2 Baby Food $.25
- $1/10 SS 1/4
=$.15 each

Eggo Waffles, Pancakes or French Toast 3/$5
-$.75 RP 12/14
=$.92 each

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter $1.33
- $1/2 Meijer Mealbox
-$.60/2 RP 1/18
=$.53 each

Farm Rich Cheese Sticks 1/2 price ($3.49)
-$1 coupon here
=$2.74 each

Pringles Potato Chips $.99
-$1/3 PG 12/14
=$.66 each

Dole Fruits & Gels, Parfaits or Bowls $2
-$.55 SS 11/1
=$1.45 each

Scotch Clear Packaging Tape $1.49
-$1 SS 11/23
= $.49 each

Snuggle Fabric Softner $3.39
-$.50 RP 1/18
= $2.29

Purex Laundry Detergent $2.99
-$.50 coupon here
= $1.99 each

Doritos 50% off

Mars Candy Bars B3G3 Free

Meijer Gallon Milk 2/$5

Center Cut Half Boneless Pork Loin or Fresh Pork Spareribs $1.79 lb

Barilla Pasta $.79 each

Lots of Meijer Organic Products on sale!

Walgreens 1/18- 1/24...

Here are the deals for Walgreens this week... there are a few really good ones!
Check it out...

One Touch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Monitor $14.99
-$20 RP 1/4
= Free (stores won't give overage on this coupon)

AutoExpressions Vent Fresh Elite Auto Air Freshener $4.99
- $4.99 ESR
= Free

Mauna Loa Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts 2/$4
- $3/2 ESC (EasySaverCoupon)
= $.50 each

Valentine M&M's 2/$5
- $1/2 ESC
-$1.50/3 RP 1/18
= $1.63 each

Kleenex Tissue $.99 w/coupon in add
-$.50/3 SS 12/7, 1/4
= $.82 each

Tylenol Cold, Sinus or Allergy Adult or Children's
2/$10, get $3 RR
-$1 RP 11/9
=$2.50 each w/2 coupons

Alli $49.99, get $10 RR
-$10 coupon here
= $29.99

Kotex Pads 14-24 ct 2/$6
Get $1 RR when you buy 2
-$1 SS 1/11 (use 2)
= $3 or $1.50 each

Buy $10 Robitussin/Dimetapp, get $5 RR
$3.99 each
Robitussin...
-$1 RP 12/14, 1/4
-$2 coupon here
Dimetapp...
-$1 RP 1/11
-$2 coupon here

Buy 3... 3.99x3=11.97
use 3 $2 coupons
11.97- $6= $5.97
Get $5 RR
=3/$.97

Huggies Diapers/ Pull-ups $9.99, get $1
-$1.50 SS 1/11
-$2 Pull-ups SS 1/11
-$1 coupon in Walgreens coloring book (usually found by the pharmacy)
-$.75 Caregivers Marketplace rebate
=$5.24-$5.74 each

Pepsi Products, spend $20 get $10 RR
Pepsi 12 pack 5/$15
-$1 Pepsi One 12 pack here (print 2)
Other products qualify... see flyer

Buy 7 - 12 packs
=$21-$1 Pepsi Once coupons
-$10 RR
=$9 total for 7 12 packs

Also, don't forget about the items that are free after rebates this month!

For more deals, check out DealSeekingMom here.

CVS 1/18-1/24...

CVS-24 Hour Allergy Relief $3.79, get $3.79 (limit 2)
= Free after ECB

Rogaine $19.99, get $5 ECB (limit 1)
- $15 coupon here
= Free

Excedrin 20 ct $1.99
- $1 SS 1/4
-$2 Excedrin Migraine coupon here
-$2 Exc. Back & Body SS 10/19
=Free -$.99 each

Pepsi Buy $20, get $10 ECB (limit 5)
The following products qualify...
Pepsi products 12 packs, 4/$12
Pepsi products 2 liter, 4/$5
Gatorade 32 oz, Propel, Sobe, 4/$5
Aquafina 12 pk 2/$6
Starbucks Frapp. 3/$5
Tostitos 10-13 oz, 2/$6
Lays Chips 10.5-11 oz, 2/$6

Send in for $15 in coupons Pepsi rebate with purchase of qualifying Pepsi products and Frito Lay products... find the form here.

Buy 2 Hershey's Extra Large Bars 2/$3, get $1 ECB (limit 1)
= $1 each

St. Ives Skincare $2.99
- $2 coupon here
-$3/2 cash register coupon (if you were lucky enough to get one)

Covergirl, Buy $10 get $3 ECB (limit 1)
-$1 PG 12/28
-$1 RP 1/11
Final prices will vary

Buy 2 Maybelline Minerals Products, get $10 ECB
(prices start at $7.99 each)
-$1 RP 10/26
-$3 RP 10/26
Final prices will vary

Clairol Natural Instincts Haircolor $5.99, get $2 ECB
-$2 PG 12/14
=$1.99 after ECB
-$2
Buy Alli Starter Kit, get $10 ECB (limit 1)

Buy $15 in select Neutrogena Products, get $5 ECB (limit 1)

Thanks to iheartcvs for posting deals and coupons. You can find a more complete list there.

Today's shopping...

I finished my shopping for the week today. Preschool was closed on Thursday due to the snow and cold and didn't want to take the little guy with me being as cold as it was.

Just went to Meijer today, but did pretty well.

Here are the pics and the total....

Out of pocket $15.38
$ saved $84.23

A big part of the savings today was the Chex mix... 19 total today & all of them free. I traded someone online for some extra coupons because this deal comes around occasionally and I had a feeling it would be soon. I was right this time, can't say it happens that well everytime!, and the coupons coincided with the buy 10, get the 11th item free sale this week making for an even better deal.

What do I do with so many Chex Mix? We have youth and college students over on occasion and most Sunday afternoons there are several that find our way to our house for the afternoon. I always like to have something available for people to munch on, so I try and keep a good supply of snack foods and rotate them for variety. We've been coined the place that always has food. I will note though, that I often fix some good eats too... we don't just have snack type foods.

One thing I love about stockpiling and shopping with coupons is we often get to try new products (notice the 4 boxes of cereal and the 100 Calorie Oreo Mini Cakesters in the pic?). Before we shopped with coupons, we never had the funds to "splurge" on something name brand and new. Often times manufacturers put out good coupons & stores put on good sales for new products to get you to try them... often times making them very inexpensive, and sometimes free!!

Meijer deal alert... Oreo Mini Cakesters...

Just realized a deal to be had at Meijer this week!
Sorry it's so late, but just found it myself.

I got a catalina recently announcing this deal...

Buy Nabisco Oreo Mini Cakesters 100 Calorie Packs during the purchase dates, 1/9-2/1/09, and save up to $4 with a coupon off of your next shopping order.

Buy 3, get $2 off your next order
Buy 4, get $3
Buy 5, get $4

All items must be purchased in the same order to receive coupon.
Coupons received at the register for purchasing specific items are often called catalinas.

They are on sale this week 2/$4

There is a coupon for $1/2 on Meijer mealbox
You can also get$1/2 a coupon here

Buy 4 at 2/$4= $8
use 2 Meijer coupons
-$1/2 printed coupon
= $5, get $3 catalina

You can roll catalinas at Meijer... your next order could look something like this
Buy 4 at 2/$4= $8
use 2 Meijer coupons
-$1/2 printed coupon
-$3 catalina from previous order
= $2, get $3 catalina

Tea drinkers good deal alert...

Here's a good buy on what looks to be like some really good tea!
(see the reviews)

Just click on the image to go check it out yourself...

Get 640 tea bags shipped to your home for $25 with free shipping!!
That's less than $.04 for each bag!
Reg $58.88

Subscribe and pay even less!!
Get it delivered at regular intervals of your choice... $21.25 with free shipping!

I already have a stash of Lipton, so won't be doing this deal. But those of you who are tea drinkers, or know someone who is... this might be worth looking at.

Shopping this week... (so far)

I did some shopping on Tuesday morning while the little guy was in preschool... part of my typical routine because I'm in town anyway.

Here's what I got...

Kroger

Total out of pocket $10.50
Money saved $20.29

Meijer




Out of pocket $20.09
$ saved $67.71
They're having a great promo. where you buy 10 select items and get the 11th free... lots of those items have coupons available making it a week to shop.

Walgreens

7- 12 packs of Pepsi products (sorry no pic)
Out of pocket $14.47
$ saved $18.43
Got $10 RR for use on my next purchase!
(Didn't account for that in $ saved for the week, as it will apply when I use it)

*Each store lists amount saved on the receipt based on their regular prices. That is where I'm getting my totals.


So far this week...

Total out of pocket: $45.06
Total $ saved: $106.43

I will likely hit Meijer again Thurs. weather permitting for some more granola bars, Chex Mix, soup, and Steamers.

I will post later the savings for the week, and year to date.

I'd love to hear your comments, as they fuel my fire to post pictures and details. Thanks to those of you already doing that!

Free Cream of Wheat Sample...

Get a free sample of Cream of Wheat just for the asking...
they several flavors you get to pick from!

Sign up here

Good through 3/31, or while supplies last.

Free Business Cards...

I've don't have a business, 

but have used business cards before!

You might have a use for them too..

When I first started using coupons and finding deals, I often had cashiers and customers behind me at the checkout line ask me how to shop that way or where to find coupons.  Instead of hunting for bits of paper in my purse, I found it easier if I had a business card with my favorite websites for saving money lis

ted on it.  

I was able to give people the information they wanted without taking a lot of my time to do it.

I love being able to help people save money and that worked fo

r me.  I admit now that I need to get new cards with my website information on them.  

The site that I used before is called VistaPrint.  They offer several free products, including free business cards.  They have a lot of free images for the cards that you can add your information to.  They do put a small logo of theirs on the back of the cards if you get the freebie ones, but it doesn't stand out and is tastefully done.   All you pay is shipping for them!  It think it came to less than $5 f

or mine about 2 years ago for 250 business cards.

You can get more customized business cards done there as well for a very reasonable price!  I've looked at those too thinking I would order one with an image from the website if I ever get a nice title done, that's what is holding me back from ordering right now... gotta work on that!

There are also lots of other free items on their site from rubber stamps to car door magnets.  Check them out!

Another great thing about business cards.... 

 You always see those drop jars for drawings for free meals at restaurants, but you have to have a business card to enter.  Order some free ones and you can enter them too!

Use my link above to check them out!

Free bottle of Suave... today only!

Sign up here for a coupon for a free coupon for a full size Suave item of your choice.

The offer is only good today...

so do it now to get in on the deal!

2009 Savings....

Here we go with the first week. I don't think I mentioned before that my weekly goal/budget is $60 or less. Seems I went over this week, which sometimes happens. I account being over this week for being the first week to get back on schedule after the Holidays.

Hubby was off on lay-off for the Holidays, and my little guy just started back to Preschool this week. First week of getting back to so called normal, although Hubby's schedule has changed dramatically... but I won't go on about that.


Now for the numbers

Drum roll please.....

Krogers
money saved $28.43*
out of pocket cost (oop) $37.18

CVS #1
$ saved $43.13
oop $.72

CVS #2
$ saved $22.60
oop $.47
sending in $6 rebate (B.Homes & Gardens magazine refund)

Walgreens
$ saved $34.00
oop $9.69
sending in for $1.50 Walgreens rebate on Electrosal

Meijer
$ saved $60.68
oop $31.36
sending in $5 rebate (Walle, Min.Maid)

Meijer
$ saved $1.89
oop $1.50
sending in $2.50 rebate (Smart Start cereal)

weekly totals:
$ saved $188.84
oop $80.92
rebates: $13.50
Walgreens rebates: $1.50

$80.92-15.00(rebates)=$65.92

If you account for my rebates I was really close to my budget, & I usually keep my rebate money separate from my grocery money when it comes back and then use it solely to buy more rebate items. Didn't have any with me this week so I used out of our grocery $. I need to cash those rebate checks! I find if I have to use grocery $ to buy rebate items that will even better than free, I often won't buy them if it taps into my budget for the week... that's why I started "rolling" my rebate dollars.

Year to date (starting 1/11)
$ saved $188.84
Out of pocket $80.92
Rebates $13.50
Walgreens rebates: $1.50

*Savings actually greater than shown. Clearance items purchased and register didn't recognize addtional savings.

CVS
100 ct, Tyl. cold, Tyl Sinus med, 2 Pantene Shampoo, Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Better Homes and Gardens Christmas tin with subscription or rebate.

Walgreens
5 Reynolds Wrap, 4 Garnier Fructis Hair products, 2 Benefiber, 2 super glue, PUR flavor pack
(a coupon I was planning to use was expired and I didn't realize it, I went ahead and made my purchase anyway-otherwise my total would have been $6 less!)

Kroger
2 packs Tyson fresh ckn tenders, 1 package ground chuck, 1lb Eckrich deli ham, Lean pockets, 1 bag Tyson ckn nuggets, 3 1/2 gal milk, 3 Fruity Cheerios, 11 Hunts diced tomatoes, 2 pinto beans, 2 red beans, mushrooms, Granny Smith apples, 2 8ct Kellogg's Pop Tarts, 2 containers Kroger cottage cheese

Meijer
Bananas, Mushrooms, Spinach, 2 bags onions, 2 bags carrots, 2 Minute Maid Oj, 2 Heinz Vinegar, Red Hot Sauce, Pierogies, pretzels, margarine, 2 Nestle cookie dough, 4 Kleenex, 2 Krispy Saltines, 14 Campbells soups, 2 Smuckers grape jam, 2 Electrasol Gel pacs, Coffeemate creamer, 2 16 ct Eggo waffles, Edy's ice cream, 2 liter soda.

I'll try and take some pictures next week...
visuals are always helpful for me and you might like to see the loot.

Now... we'll see if I remember! :)

Free Poster Size Calendar from Shutterfly!!

Right now through Shutterfly, get a free poster size (16x20) calendar
when you use their promotional code.

Code is: FREECALENDAR
expires: 1/18/09

Feel free to click on either box to take you right to their site.



If you are a new customer, they often also give you 25 free prints.


Other Shutterfly codes...
Sometimes you can "stack" codes, or use more than one in an order. Always try it before you submit your order!

Free shipping on $50 + orders : SHIP50
expires: 2/10/09

20% off an order: AF75-SAVE
expires: 2/10/09

Kroger deals through 1/14...

Kroger Frozen Pizza 3/$10, get $3 RR good on your order with a buy 3 in one transaction.
Final cost 3/$7

Kroger 1/2 gallon on milk $1.25 each

Kroger dozen eggs $.88

Kroger bread $.88

Pork Loin $1.87 lb
-great price to stock up on! Make pork chops out of them!

Oscar Mayer Bologna $.88

2 L 7up or RC products $.88 each

Powerade $.88
-$.40 SS 1/4
= $.08 each

Hershey's Candy Bars Standard Size 2/$1
- $1/2 Reese's Whipp's SS 1/4
= Free

Lean Cuisine $1.88 each
-$1/2 coupon here
=$1.38 each

Tyson Frozen Breaded Chicken $6.99
-$1 SS RP 10/19
= $5.99 each

Suave Deoderant $1
-$.55 RP RP 11/16
= $.45

Suave Haircare $1
Buy 2
-$.50/2 RP 11/16, 1/11
= $.50 each

Cottenelle 4 pack Toilet Paper $.99
-$.50/2 SS 12/14
-$.50/2 1/11
= Free or $.50

Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap $1
-$.35 SS 1/4
= $.30 each

They are also having another Procter & Gamble Promotion
Buy $25 in participating products, get $5 off at checkout.

Thanks to Bargain Breanna & Surviving the Stores for posting their finds!

Meijer 1/11-1/17...

If you're new to shopping Meijer, or have trouble finding the Meijer Mealbox coupons, click on my link here for helpful information.

My store doubles 2 like coupons up to $.50, my deals below reflect that. Check with your stores coupon policy to see what their coupon policy is.

Deals for this week...
There are some good buys!

Meijer has several good buys on their buy 10 for $10, get the 11th free sale this week.
They are as follows...

Chex Mix
-$.50 SS 12/7
-$1/5 Meijer Mealbox coupon
*If your Meijer is like mine and doubles 2 like coupons & you have 5, and then use the Mealbox coupon. Your total would be $.50
*If your Meijer will double 5 like coupons and take the $1/5, you will see a profit here!
= $.50/5, Free, profit

Note: Purchase 10 qualifying Procter & Gamble products, get a register coupon that gives your school 70 box tops for education! Chex Mix qualifies. See add for more details.

Pillsbury Grands Biscuits/Golden Layer Biscuits
- multiple coupons from SS
-$1 coupon here
= Free -varies

Green Giant Frozen Veggies "Steamers"
-$.50 coupon here
- $.50/2 SS 12/7, GM (General Mills) 1/4
-$.50/1 newspaper, date ?
= Free-$.50

Aunt Millie's English Muffins
- $.35 SS 1/11
= $.30 each

Betty Crocker Mashed Potatoes
-$.40 coupon here
=$.20

Hamburger Helper
- $.80/3 @ coupons.com (use my link at the top of the page)
-$1/3 coupon here
=$.67-$.73 each before

Bar S Hot Dogs
-$.25 coupon here
=$.50 each

Totinos Pizza Rolls 15 ct.
-$.40/2 SS 1/11
= $.60 each

Hormel Pepperoni (at deli counter-large slices)
-$.55 SS 11/9
= $.45 each

Celery

1 lb bag Baby Carrots reg. or organic

Dole Premium Salad

3 lb bag yellow onions

New Star Fresh Spinach

Blueberries/Blackberries
- Stock up at this price, freeze for smoothies!

Other deals...

GE Energy Smart Light Bulbs B1G1 Free ($4.99)
Use 2 coupons
-$1 SS 11/9
= $1.50 each

Nature Valley Granola Bars 5/$10, or $2 each
-$.50 SS 1/4
= $1 each

Fiber One Granola Bars 5/$10
-$.50 SS 1/4
= $1 each
Note: My Meijer had peelie coupons on these and most other Fiber One products. Buy 3 select Fiber One products, get a free box of Fiber One Toaster Pastries.

Keebler Graham Sandwich Bites 3/$5
(new product)
-$.50 coupon found at Kroger in Christmas booklet
= $.67 each

Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers, roll-ups 2/$3
Buy 2
$.50/2 SS 1/4
= $1 each

Campbell's Cream Soups 4/$3
Buy 4
-$.25/4 SS 1/4
- $1/4 Meijer Mealbox
=$.38 each

Skippy Peanut Butter 3/$4
-$.40 RP 11/16
= $.53 each

Yoplait Yogurt Kids Drinks 2/$4
- $.50 SS 1/4
- $1/2 meijer Mealbox
Buy 2
= $.50 each

Coffeemate Holiday Creamers $1.19
(these do freeze well and sales/coupons are few in the summer, stock up)
- $1/2 Meijer Mealbox
= $.69

Brawny Paper Towels 2/$12
-$1 RP 1/11
=$5 each

Dawn Simple Pleasures Fabric Softner $2.49
-$1/2 PG 12/28
Buy 2
= $1.99 each

Just when I was in need of some good snack for a vacation, and if you follow me you know I don't buy many grocery items for full price, there are the granola bars for $1 a box!!

God is good!

2009 Savings....

I'm considering posting my weekly/yearly savings to date on a weekly basis. Don't know if any of you would be interested in seeing something like that or not, and I don't know if I want to commit the time to it.

These will include all purchases for my household for grocery and household items (cleaners, health & beauty), and the occasional deal that may include clothing items, etc. if there's a deal with requirements such as Buy 3 pks socks get $10 off grocery, or save $$ on PJ's with $$ purchase of X Branded cookies, & sometimes there are deals for shoes around school time that coincide with other items, etc.

I will also try and do a running total of rebates/refunds as well, but we'll see how it all goes.

I think I will do a trial run for a few weeks and see how it goes. Forgive me if I drop the idea, or forget about it after a few weeks. I'll have to start with this week, as last weeks receipts are already filed and put away, and I'm afraid to say some were probably thrown away.

Please let me know as I post these if you like them and if they are encouraging to you. I will post the first one soon for this weeks money spent 1/4-1/10/09.

Walgreens 1/11-1/17...

Walgreens deals.... a few good buys!

Dark & Lovely Hair Color $5, get $5 RR = Free

Pepsi Products 12 pks, 5/$15, get $5 RR
=$2 each after RR

Aquafresh Advanced, Extreme Clean, or White n'Shine toothpaste $2.99
-$2 ESC (Walgreens coupon in rebate book)
-$1 Advanced coupon here
-$1 coupons here
-$.75 SS 1/4
= Free/$.25 each

Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner $14.99
-$5 ESR (Walgreens rebate)
-$3 SS 1/11
= $6.99

Quaker Oatmeal $2.79 & B1G1 Free (use 2 coupons)
-$1 coupon here
-$1 coupon here
The 2 coupons above are known as "bricks coupons". If you hit the back button on your browser after you print the first one, you should be able to print 2. Some of the Quaker Oatmeal coupons have been printing more than 2, so if you really want in on this oatmeal deal, try it a few extra times.
=$.40 each

Ensure $6.99 each
-$3 coupon here
=$3.99 each

Cottonelle Toilet Paper 4 pk Double Roll 2/$5 with ISC (Instant Savings Coupon/in-ad coupon)
-$.50 SS 1/11
=$2 each

Oust B1G1 Free
-B1G1 Free coupon SS 1/4
=2 Free, YMMV (your mileage may vary)- some stores have put a stop to this.

Buy 6 of the following participating products, get $2 RR
and 10 Boxtops for Education

Chex Mix Bars 3/$6
Curves 6 pk 3/$10
Fiber One Toaster Pastries 2/$6
Fiber One Bars 5pk, 3/$6
-$.50 SS 1/4
Fiber One Bars 10pk, 3/$10
-$.50 SS 1/4
Nature Valley Bars 12 pk, 3/$10

-$.50 SS 1/4
-$.60 at coupons.com (link at top of page)

Buy any 1 of the following products at $10.99, get $2 RR
Buy 2 get $5 RR

Beano
-$1 SS 11/16, 1/4

Citrucel
-$1 SS 1/4
-$2 SmartFiber SoftChew SS 1/4

Fiber Choice
-$2 hangtag coupon on some products
-$3 SS 1/4

Sam's Club $25 Gift Card...

Yes, there's a catch...

If you're a new member to Sam's Club,
get a $25 gift card for signing up for a membership to shop there.
Dates for offer are Jan 15-21, 2009

I've not been a member for a few years because of
A. The cost of the membership- kept climbing and I decided enough was enough.
B. With my efforts of combining coupons and sales, I often do much better than Sam's Club prices on most grocery and household items.

Current price of a membership is $40 a year for an individual, $35 a year for a business. Guess they figure a business will spend more money there so they give them a discount up front.

Figure in the $25 gift card, not that you can apply it to your membership... I'm sure you can't, but considering if you sign up you will likely spend at least the $25 there at some point. You will have become a member for $15 for the year. Not bad, considering the regular price.

Like I said, I haven't been a member for a few years. I'm considering this deal because a friend of mine who also does coupon shopping says there are a few things worth her membership there.

Guess I have until Jan. 21st to decide... what do you think about Sam's Club? any thoughts?

CVS 1/11-1/17...

Not a great week at CVS folks,
but a few good deals...

Buy $10 Nestle Crunch select products, get $5 ECB (limit 1)

M&M's Cupid Mix 2/$5, get $2 ECB (limit 5)
- $.50 RP 12/14 (use 2)
= $1 each after coupons and ECB

Buy $10 in Maybelline Cosmetics (excludes Lash Stiletto) , get $5 ECB (limit 3)
Maybelline Volume Seduction lip or any Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, Foundation, or Blush
-$3 Foundation RP 10/26
-$1 Mascara RP 10/26
-$1 Foundation RP 10/26
Final Prices will vary.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto $6.99 get $2 ECB (limit 5)
-$1 Mascara RP 10/26
=$3.99 each

Aquafresh White Trays or White Tray Pros-Gentle 14 ct $34.99, get $10 ECB (limit 5)
-$5 SS 1/4
-$15 CVS register/price scanner coupon (if you were lucky enough to get one)
= $4.99 with Mfg coupon & CVS coupon

Nature Made Bounty Vitamins B1G1F (you can use 2 coupons!)
Prices start at $3.99
-$2 Blinkie coupons sometimes found at Kroger
-$1 RP 10/12, 1/4
-$1 coupon here
= Free- Varies depending on coupons used and products purchased

Gerber Baby Foods & Juices B1G1 1/2 price
-$1/4 2nd foods SS 1/4
-$1 cereal SS 1/4
- various coupons here

Dove Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler 2/$9, get $3 ECB (limit 5)

Don't forget the deals that are running the month of January!!
and the Promotional ECB deals running through 2/14!

If you don't see anything this week that works for you, you might find something in one of those deals... even if it's a freebie just to keep the ECBs from expiring.

Roll'in them ECBs!