My First Freebie

Thanks to the advice on other blogs (listed a right), I went to Rite Aid for the first time in my life.  It's not that I had anything against Rite Aid or other drug stores.  But I can buy everything in the grocery store, so figured why make a separate trip.  Well, coupon friends, I have seen the light!

I had one $1/1 Colgate toothpaste coupon from a few weeks back and two $0.50/1 coupons from last Sunday's paper.  Found the Colgate toothpaste selling for $1.  Walked out with three tubes (that will last me a long time- I don't have kids) for only $1!  I know most super couponers get toothpaste for free, and one of my tubes as actually FREE.  But three for a buck makes each tube only $0.33.  I used to think $2 was a good deal.  Yikes.

Then, with more fabulous blog tips, I went to try out the Nestle/Purina Catalina deal at Price Chopper (my regular grocery store for any who are curious).  Purina Beneful is my usual dog food and I will run out in a day or so.  I typically buy the smaller bag though because I worry that the food in a large bag will go stale before I can use it up.  I have a small dog who eats 1 cup of food/day.  BUT, I noticed that the big bags (which are less per ounce), now have a zip top.  Probably to cater to people like me.  Nice!  The deal was if you buy $25 worth of Nestle/Purina products, you get a $10 OYNO (look at me already using blog coupon lingo like a pro- hehe) Catalina.  I bought two bags at $12.79 (regularly $15.99- on sale in store).  AND IT WORKED!  So I have a Catalina coupon to use in the next two weeks for $10!  I LOVE LOVE that. 

I know these are small beans to some.  But for me, this was a big deal.  I was so nervous to walk in with my binder.  Didn't know what to do with it exactly. But I worked so darn hard putting this binder together that I WILL use it.  It just takes time to get the hang of it all.  I ended up making up my own categories based on my store and how I typically travel through the store.  Plus added tabs for extras like Rite Aid only (because I got $1 up reward on my first visit today!) and clothing, restaurants, etc.  Basically I modified it to fit my need and habits.  I love it!

So there you go.  A few days in and I am already finding success.  Here's hoping I start getting the hang of things soon...