Saturday, October 29, 2011

Call The Dawgs!

How To Stockpile And Freeze Milk



Hands down, the biggest $ saver for me has been my second freezer.  I have a smaller chest freezer and that thing has paid for itself at least four times over in the last two years.  It is honestly such a blessing to be able to buy meats on sale and keep them to use later, like when it's snowing and icky and I just can't muster up the energy to leave the house.

When I find veggies, meat, cheese, bread, yogurt, OJ/other juice like lemonade or iced tea, coffee creamers and milk on sale, I try to buy several to freeze.  And I have honestly had very few issues in doing this. 

Sometimes yogurt has a funny consistency but that can nearly always be remedied by stirring the cup for a moment with your spoon.  I've read that folks need to shake their milk jugs post freezing but I've never had to do that.  I also only drink skim so perhaps that's the difference there. 

I really only take one precaution when freezing anything.  When it comes to milk, I make sure to open the jug and pour off 1/2 a cup.  I then put the cap back on and pop that puppy in the freezer.  If you don't do this, the milk will expand too much when frozen and break the container.  Which will then leak once defrosted.  Trust me as I learned this the hard way. 

To defrost, I leave the milk on a tea towel on the counter for several hours.  Then I eventually move it to the fridge.  It's usually about a 24 hour process for me to defrost milk.  But I never have taste or consistency issues.

Last night I bought three 1/2 gallons of chocolate milk.  Something I would never normally purchase.  But I got such a great deal that I decided I would just use it for hot cocoa.  I poured off 1/2 cup from each jug and they are now sitting in my freezer to use later. 

So my two big coupon tips are to buy at least two newspapers and a second freezer.  Life changing.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Rite Aid Show And Tell



There just wasn't anything I really wanted at Rite Aid this week.  So I got the one thing I needed and gambled (successfully) on something else I thought I might be able to get for free.

I needed the shampoo.  I only use one kind but am taking a chance that I will like this one too.  They both smell so yummy.

The Finish is on sale BOGO Free.  Which means, according to their policy, I should only use one manufacturer and one store coupon.  However, I find that YMMV (your mileage may vary) when it comes to this.  So I don't know if it is a store to store thing or just the store I frequent most often.  But I know it's not just me who has this, shall I call it luck for a better word?  So I am not suggesting that everyone try to do this.  But I know that we all have different quirks at our various stores.  Some folks are able to use expired store rewards (at all of the 3 drug stores) and I am never able to do that.  Some folks are able to get double coupons at Walmart and I am not able to do that.  Some folks are able to get rain checks on items that will be free and I am not able to do that.  So see, we all have our little "luck" category.  This is mine.  And only sometimes.  I am sharing this because I want to be honest but am not looking for any sort of scolding.  We all have a store or two that bends their own rules.  The store does this on it's own- not because I asked.

That said, here is all I bought today.

(2) Garnier Anti-Dandruff shampoo  reg. $5.49, sale $3.49
(2) Finish Quantum Tabs 10 ct  reg. $3.99, sale BOGO Free

Minus...
-(2) $1/1 Garnier shampoo or conditioner manu coupon
-(1) $1/2 Garnier RA VV coupon
-(2) $1/1 Finish manu coupon
-(2) $1/1 Finish RA VV coupon (one last month and one this month)


Total value purchased ... $18.96
Paid out of pocket ... $3.97
Percentage saved ... 79%


OK so this is less than I like to save at a drug store.  But when I did the great closet re-arrange this week, I realized that I am about out of shampoo.  I have a few days worth in the shower and that's it.  So it was an actual need.  The Finish I need like a hole in the head but after all my coupons and the sale, it was FREE!  It's not like it will go bad any time soon. 

Price Chopper Show And Tell



I finally made it over to Price Chopper this week.  Between Advantage sales and coupons, I saved $48.57 or 45%.  For me, that's pretty good.  I've done better but my goal is to save 40% overall. 

I realized that I often just show what I paid for a few items- the best of the best.  I don't want anyone to think I am leaving the store with a cart full of free groceries.  That just is not the case.  Ever.  I can always get a few items for or nearly free but at this point, my general savings is between 40 and 50% at the grocery store.

So for $58.90 (includes tax), I purchased...

* 1 bunch of bananas
* 1 onion
* 2 sweet potatoes (the checker rang them up as yams so I need to price check to make sure I didn't over pay)
* 1 bag of Dole salad mix (Fri sale $0.99)
* Egglands best eggs
* 2 boxes DeBoles GF pasta (sale 2.89, use $1 coupon)
* 4 bags Toll House chocolate chips (sale $2, use $0.50/2 coupon)
* 4 CV paper towels (Fri sale 3/$0.99)
* 3 Friehoffers choc chip cookies (Fri sale 3/$4.39)
* 2 Poland Springs ($1, used $1 coupon)
* 1 gallon milk
* 3 1/2 gallons True Moo chocolate milk (sale $2, use $0.55/1 coupon)
* 2 Helman's Olive Oil mayo (Fri sale $2.48, $1 coupon)
* 4 bags PChop frozen veggies (sale $1.79, PC coupon $1/4)
* Domino sugar (sale $3.69, $1/1 PC in ad coupon and $0.50/1 coupon)
* 2 Lays chips
* 6 Activia ($1.19, use $0.50/1 PC coupon because of exp date and $1/3 coupon)
* Pam spray (should be $3 but rang up $4.69 so I need to go back and hash that out tomorrow)

So as you can see, I did well but missed that the Pam and sweet potatoes rang up incorrectly.  This is why I prefer the self-check out.  I can catch things like this easier.  A lot of what I purchased was for holiday prep- such as the sugar and mayo. 

The chocolate milk is not something I would ever normally purchase.  But it was such a great price that I thought it would be good for hot cocoa on cold nights.  After the October snow storm last night, I have a feeling there will be many evenings with a cup of cocoa.  I will freeze it until I need it.  Same goes for the yogurt.  And extra cookies (which are for non-GF guests)

After my storage closet re-do this week, I am trying to focus on building up stock of things I need.  So that's what I did here.  Oh and the chips...well some weeks a girl just needs ice cream and chips.  This was sadly one of those weeks, my friends.  Y'all understand, right?

FREE Sample : Organic Spa Cream



Click the image to request a FREE sample.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

FREE Sample : Lactaid



Even if you are not lactose intolerant, these sample are awesome to have on hand.  Especially around the holidays.  You never know when your super secret family recipe will be the thing to upset a guest's tummy.

Coupon Porn. Or A Pantry Overhaul.

So my home is tiny.  And I don't have the luxury of a basement dedicated to storing 200 rolls of paper towels and such.  Heck, I have yet to figure out how the folks on the TLC show are acquiring floor to ceiling toilet paper for free!

But I do have a large (well large my my 150 year old home standards) hall closet.  That until a few days ago was used for coats and linens and the vacuum and other random stuff.  And also as my pantry. 

Well I realized that I don't need all of my linens to be stored there.  I can keep a small shelf with linens I use regularly and then store the rest in a less convenient spot.  Which is OK as I don't need to access them daily.  I also keep most of my coats on a messy coat tree by the door.  Beautiful?  No.  But it's practical and where the coats land.  So I don't need this closet to be dedicated to something that lives elsewhere.

So I had my dad move a shelf from a lower section to a higher section.  That freed up space to move a different storage shelf around.  Giving me MUCH more storage space, as well as better access to the deep shelves on the side of the closet.

I will take better photos this weekend but just had to show you what I discovered in the process of pulling every single item out and moving things around.





Discovery #1:
I will never have bad breath.  Ever. 

This photo is AFTER I removed about 10 big tubes of toothpaste.  So you are looking at 18 full size tubes- that's excluding all of the travel size tubes.  If we got trick-or-treaters around here I would pass out toothpaste instead of candy.  You know you're an extreme couponer when you have enough toothpaste to last a lifetime!







Discovery #2:
I will always have clean dishes.  Always.

I know that first photo is terrible but you know, it was late and it is what it is.  I think I got those four big Finish systems for free last winter.  I've yet to use them though because they were in the waaaay back of this closet and I couldn't reach them.

In addition to the four big hang in the dishwasher systems, I also have a bag of maybe 10 three packs of Cascade.  I've used a few so I am guessing there are 10 or so in that zip top bag you see.  Then there are 10 boxes of 20 tabs and 15 boxes of the Finish Quantum tabs.  I probably paid less than $20 out of pocket for all that you see there.  I recently bought two boxes at CVS because I didn't have a clue how many boxes I already owned.  Yikes! 

I love love these Finish tabs though so this hot mess of a photo actually gives me a strange joy. 





Discovery #3:

This isn't all of my full size lotion.  It's sadly, only half of what I own.  OK so I went many months when I first started couponing where finding lotion at half off was a steal.  So I would buy lotion here and there at what I felt were decent prices.  Then I started to find lotion nearly free the last few months. 

So I have clearly bought in excess.  I counted 40 full size bottles of lotion.  And 21 mini bottles.  That's ridiculous, y'all!  Everyone is getting lotion in gifts for the foreseeable future.  And I will honestly use it too.  Of the 40 full size bottles, I only dislike one of them.  And I would totally use it if I didn't have 39 others that I like much better.  But really...this is hoarderish.  No more lotion is allowed to come into my home.  Period.


So I had several other interesting discoveries but they will have to wait until I take time to snap photos.  Even though I have an insane amount of some things, I am super low on others.  This closet re-do was not only helpful as far as organization but it's really helped me focus on what I need to scout deals on to stock up. 

Awesome Deal!



Are y'all using Eversave?  It's the similar to Groupon and all the other one or two day group buy sites.  Where I continue to have lots of success scoring fantastic deals. 

Well today on Eversave, you can purchase a $50 gift voucher to Abe's Market for just $25.  And if you sign up today, you will automatically get $3 off for signing up with Eversave.  But it gets better, y'all!  If you use the code SPOOKY at checkout today only, you will get another $5 off.  And...if you purchase $49 or more at Abe's Market, shipping is FREE.

So for $17, you should be able to get $50 worth of goods from Abe's Market via Eversave today!

Abe's Market is newer to me but I love love it!  It's like an online store of goodness.  Everything from gluten free foods, natural foods, baby items, toys, make-up, pet items, clothing and more.  It's just completely awesome! 

I plan to stock up on gluten free snacks.  But the opportunities are really endless.  Can you tell that I love this website?!

So sign up with Eversave or log into your existing account and take a glance at the daily sales.  Today I am all about Abe's!

Oh and fellow upstaters, I signed up under NYC. 


Overage At Walmart



I won't do a breakdown because I find prices, especially at Walmart, to vary so greatly.  And this is less about what I bought and more about using coupons to your advantage.

Those Breathe Right strips are just $0.97 each and we have coupons for $1.50/1.  So each little package not only paid for its own tax, but it also gave me overage to help pay for the rest of my shopping trip.

Don't judge me on the ice cream.  I am having a crummy week. 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

FREE Drink Sample





Click the image to request today's All You free sample.  An energy drink called Thinq.

FREE Sample : Garnier




Copy and paste this link into your browser to request a FREE sample of Garnier shampoo and conditioner.  One per household so this is only for those who did not request it the first time.

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/shieldcolor102000/

I Can See Clearly Now




I can't remember if I ever posted about this tip here or only on my other blog.  Regardless, it's totally worth noting again.

I wear glasses.  And love them. 

I tried, unsuccessfully, to wear contacts.  It took me a full week to finally get them in and they lasted exactly one day.  Total failure on my part. 

But buying a new pair of glasses can get expensive.  Especially if you like to have an extra pair or prescription sunglasses too.

I have the best solution though.  Zenni Optical!  They have prescription glasses as low as $6.95.  Seriously.




Now you do need to have your current prescription handy.  You can get a good deal on that by visiting your local America's Best Eyes center if you need a recommendation.  My advice though is to look at what specific numbers you need to give Zenni Optical first and then make sure you get all of that info when you go get your eyes checked out.  It's easier than calling and dealing with office staff to figure out messy doctor handwriting.




I have been wearing glasses from this website for years now.  I'm wearing this black pair right now as I type actually.  I also have the clip on sunglass feature but to be honest, I don't wear them very often.  It's such a relief to have a back-up pair of glasses too.  Nothing is more frustrating then breaking your pair of glasses and having to pay an outrageous price to get buy a new pair right then and there.




I don't get any sort of prize or kick back for sharing this site with y'all.  I just think it's important to share when we find great deals on normally expensive daily needs.



Good Mail




I actually took this photo about a week ago and forgot to post it.  But this is the collection of goodies that arrived in my mailbox since the last time I posted my good mail freebies.  Yay for free!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

$4 Vicks Coupon From Volcalpoint




Hurry hurry to print out this great high value $4/1 Vicks Nature Fusion coupon from Vocalpoint right now.  And if you are not already signed up on Vocalpoint, you can do that too.  They offer a limited quantity of great coupons and samples over there.  With cold and flu season upon us and a looooong winter creeping around the corner, it's so helpful to have all possible medicines on hand.

So click the image or here to grab your coupon.  They will mail it to you so be on the lookout for this in your mailbox in about a month or so!

FREE Sample : Nectar Skin Care






Click the images to request a FREE sample of Nectar skincare products.  I love little lotion and potion samples- perfect for travel or just in your purse.

FREE Sample : BioStar Horse Food



This one's for you, Meggy.

Click the image to request a FREE sample of BioStar horse food.  I don't have a horse.  Actually, I'm not a particularly big fan of horses.  But I dig the packaging and pink lable.  So clearly, it must be good! 

FREE Sample : Baby Formula



I love love love these baby formula FREE samples!  Truly my favorite as they make awesome donations.  They would also make a nice addition to a gift bag for a new momma or to keep on hand for yourself when the need arises.

Just click the link to request your sample of Simply Right formula.

Monday, October 24, 2011

CVS Deals

OK so next on my possible stops this week to flip my store reward bucks is CVS.  Again, just not much that excites me so far.  It's funny because the last two weeks at all of the stores had me so coupon energized.  So far this week...blah blah blah. 

So here are the possibilities that I will look out for...

* (4) Starburst single packs  $0.50/each
-(2) BOGO Free print coupons
= Out Of Pocket $1
Receive : $1 ECB

* Nivea 3 piece gift set  $9.99
(Set includes: full size lotion, full size body wash and full size lippy.  This might not be found at all stores.)
-$2/1 Nivea Facebook coupon
= OOP $7.99
Rec. : $5 ECB

* NYC Nail Polish  $0.99  (sale: BOGO 50%)
-$1/1 Magic Red Machine coupon
= OOP as low as FREE or 2/$0.50


I don't actually need any of the above but I would be able to use any/all of them as parts of gifts so that's why they've made my list.  I might just end up buying milk and eggs and not flipping the ECBs at all.  It will really depend on my mood when I finally get my tush in the store.

Rite Aid Deals

I've not posted a shop photo yet because I've yet to go shopping.  I was busy yesterday and then just didn't feel like there were any amazing deals that required me running around.  I am not very excited by much this week, unfortunately.  I do however have some store reward bucks to spend at various places.  So I am instead just going to list some deals I noticed while looking at the ads and a few other brag blog posts.  It will probably be more of a "wing-it" week for me.  As in I will go with a list mid-week when I get around to shopping and purchase based on what I can flip my store funny money one and what is in stock.

So first up...

Rite Aid

* Zicam Ultra Cold Remedy  $7.99
-$2.1 Zicam print coupon
-and $2/1 Zicam coupon from RA Flue Shot book (I've yet to find)
= Out Of Pocket As Low As $3.99
Receive : $7 +up Reward  MM!

* EOS Shave Cream  $2.99
= OOP $2.99
Rec. : $2 +upR

* Mitchum Advanced Control Men's Deodorant $3.99
- $2/1 Rite Aid AdPerk print coupon
= OOP $1.99
Rec. : $2 +upR, and submit for $1 SCR  MM!
Note- I don't think the SCR starts until Weds so hold off on this deal until then.

* Cup of Noodles  3/$0.99  (great donate item)

* This next deal thanks to Hip2Save...
Also, I now have the automatic 10% off.  I've factored that in.  If you do not, you would only need to buy two Bayer Advanced and also just use two of those corresponding coupons to earn the same rewards.

(2) My First Flitstones Vitamins 60ct  $8.49 (BOGO 50% sale)
(2) Flintstones Complete 60ct  $8.79 (BOGO 50% sale)
(3) Bayer Advanced Aspirin 20ct  $3.99 (BOGO 50% sale)
= $33.38
-(4) $2/1 Flintstones coupons 10/23 RP
-(3) $2/1 Bayer coupons 09/11 RP
= OOP $19.38
Rec. : (1) $10 +upR when you buy $30 worth of Bayer products (Flintstones vits are part of the Bayer corporation) and (4) $2 +upR from each Flintstone purchase.  That's a total of $18 +upRewards, y'all!

Notes...This would be a great deal if you have kids or have a ton of +upRewards that you need to roll.  I have not confirmed this deal but it seems like it might be working nation-wide but only through Tuesday from what I can gather.  So as always with unadvertised deals, your mileage may vary. 

* U By Kotex liners  $1
-$1/1 U By Kotex print coupon
= OOP Free!

* Finish dishwasher tabs  $6.49 (BOGO Free sale)
- $1/1 Rite Aid Video Values coupon
- $1/2 Finish coupon 10/23 SS
= OOP $4.49/2 or $2.25 each

I will be sure to show you what I finally decide to do with the +ups that I need to roll.  Is there anything on your list that I missed and should consider?  I was hoping to find more Money Makers that didn't involve SCR/MIR.  I have had mixed luck over the last year with receiving mail in rebates so I now try to avoid them.

FREE Sample : Tom's Of Maine



Copy and paste this web address into your browser to request a FREE sample of Tom's of Maine Strawberry toothpaste.  I've yet to try Tom's so I'm pretty excited to see what all the fuss is about.

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/tomsstrawberry102021/captureAddress.iphtml?item=102021&source=ba-facebookad

Thanks Hip2Save!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

FREE Sample : Biofreeze Pain Relief




Click the link to request a FREE sample.


Thanks M!

Hold Me To This

So let's talk.  A real couponer heart to heart.  Between coupon-aholic besties.  It's serious. 

I re-organized my (gulp...I loathe this word) stockpile (in daily life I just call it my hall closet or stock closet so I don't start to feel like a someone paranoid about doom and gloom) and I am overflowing with a few items.  Items that at one point in time, I was sure I would never find at a good deal.  And was running low.  And paid more for the first few than I would now pay for many.  But then I eventually found them at crazy rock bottom prices.  So I stocked up.  Many times over.  Because I went so long without finding them at such great prices.

The thing is, I know SO much more now in my 10th month of extreme couponing than I did in my first and second.  So I seem to be better of course at finding those rock bottom prices.  I've learned my lesson.  And made a new list of items I am no longer allowed to purchase until I run down my stock significantly.

Ready?  Because I need y'all to hold me to this. 

* Toothpaste (this is actually a repeat)
* Floss (also a repeat)
* Dog treats (I have only have one dog)
* Lotion
* Body wash
* Conditioner
* Make-up (with a few exceptions)
* Deodorant
* Shaving cream (I was shocked at how many I now have!)
* Razors
* Cough drops
* First aid anything
* Cold and allergy meds (with a few exceptions)
* Headache meds
* Pantie liner pads
* Dishwasher detergent
* Laundry detergent
* Oatmeal (unless I find Better Oats on sale)
* Cereal
* Minced garlic
* Canned beans (mostly black)
* Gluten free flours
* Pectin (also shocked to see how much I have)
* Preserves (I make my own but have plenty to last a long while)
* Toys and games

Now of course, I have a few exceptions.  If I can find things totally free out of pocket (before tax), I may or may not still purchase them.  I do make regular donations to food banks and love being able to share on a dime size budget.  If I find items that I know will be used and appreciated, I might still buy them.  Not every week.  I go months sometimes of passing up the big deals because I know that I just don't need them.  The key there though is to hold yourself accountable.  I have a small box in my front closet and toss in donate items as soon as I come home.  Then when I go volunteer with Junior League or see the box getting full, I just drop it by a food bank or shelter.  Do a swagbucks search to find one close to you.  I was shocked at how many are actually in walking distance of me.  Call first if you have meds.  Some will accept them and some will not. 

My other exception is if I find a great deal but think an item will make a great gift.  This exception will pretty much end at the end of the month though as I am about finished doing all my holiday planning.

The nice thing about knowing what I am more than stocked up on is that I can now narrow my focus to things I would like to increase.  Want that list too? 

* Windex
* Clorox surface cleaner
* Shampoo (I only use one specific brand)
* Pasta sauce (the uses are endless)
* Chicken stock (the uses are endless)
* Salsa (the uses are endless)
* Frozen veggies (I have yet to find any truly amazing deals)
* Frozen fruit (at one point I had TONS but am about out now)
* Sugar (for holiday baked goods)
* Gluten free pasta
* Bob's GF pizza crust mix
* Dairy free milk (I try to limit my dairy)
* Ball canning jars (new or used, the uses are endless)
* Toilet paper
* Paper towels (preferably plain white)


It might surprise you to know that I don't use many canned items.  I like canned beans of all varieties, artichoke hearts and sometimes fruit.  Canned crab and clams find their way into dozens of meals.  And canned Mexican things like salsa and enchilada sauce.  But that's pretty much the extent of my canned goods.  Just a personal preference, but I just won't eat commercially canned veggies.  So I don't buy them.  And therefor do not need any fancy pants canned good storage systems. 

I do however have at least a dozen different types of flour.  That's what happens when you live gluten free and like to bake and cook.  My point is that we all have our special items that require special storage consideration.  For many it's cans.  For me, it's crazy expensive flours. 

What things are you overflowing with right now?  And what are your "can't possibly have enough in my storage" items?

Friday, October 21, 2011

FREE : How To Become President Poster



Click the image to request a FREE poster explaining how to become a US President. 

Walmart Trip

I know many folks love the mart but I have to say I just don't.  I don't think I have ever walked out with more than 50% of my list.  I often walk in with a list at least 15 items long and walk out without anything.  Because they don't have things in stock.  Not even special sale items.  It is just so hit or miss and also such a ridiculous hot mess inside there.

But I wanted to try to snag the elusive $4 Scrubbing Bubbles.  Which by the way I have not found after going to three Walmarts and one Walgreens.  Has anyone in the Cap Region found them? 




It's crockpot season so I picked up a few boxes of lines with print coupons that have since expired.  Two Renuzit cones, only because they were free with print coupons (no longer available).  Breathe Right because they were money makers.  And dog food because they dog gets hungry twice a day.  Each bag was $2.48 after coupons.  Not an incredible deal but still pretty good for our favorite brand.

Endcap Sales At Walmart

I went yet again to see if Walmart had any of the elusive Scrubbing Bubbles (they did not and no one in any of the two stores I've been to has any idea what I am talking about).  But I did spy a few items that might be of interest to some of you. 



The big Finish Power ball contraptions that hang in your dishwasher (I own one but have never used it) are marked down to $4.25.  I have a $1/1 coupon in my binder.  That would make a fun addition to a holiday gift basket.

And the Windex Outdoor wash the windows contraption (to me it looks like a Swiffer but what do I know) as well as the refills is marked down to $4.97.  I have a $1/1 coupon too but I think it's from a magazine and I have no idea which one it came from originally.

I just wanted to give y'all a head's up in case these were items you might be looking for.  There were also a bunch of detergents, mostly powder Gain, on the same clearance endcaps. 

Keep your eyes open for sales right now.  Stores need to get rid of the old to make room for all the new new new that will be popping up for the holiday season.  Even cleaning supplies put out special holiday packaged goods.

FREE Apple Today At Price Chopper



Click the image to print out a coupon for a FREE apple at Price Chopper today only.  You know what they say...an apple a day!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Price Chopper Coupons

There are some fun coupons on the PChop Facebook page this week.  Ah, before I had to give up gluten I loved me a bread bowl of soup!




Pumpkin Pie

Price Chopper wants everyone to bake a pumpkin pie from scratch this week.  How fun. 

My only note is that I don't think this is a good price for spices.  You can get the same quality and same size spices from the Dollar Tree for just $1.  I am picky about my food.  I eat gluten free.  Often organic.  I make my own extracts, breads, tart crusts and even marshmallows.  But I am telling you that the spices at the Dollar Tree are every bit as good as those sold at every price point in the grocery store.

However if that's not an option, here is a coupon for you to pick up some cinnamon from Price Chopper.




Good Coupon Karma

So I was back at Target for about 5 minutes yesterday and got a few more things of lotion.  Don't worry, I plan to donate many of them to either friends or a homeless shelter.  I'm not becoming a lotion hoarder.  Though I will admit to keeping a good bit because I really do use a lot of lotion.  And winters in the North Pole Upstate NY are loooong.

But possibly the most fun coupon fairy moment happened while I was in the lotion aisle. 

There was this woman looking at the same lotion and walking away with just one bottle.  I grabbed an extra coupon from my purse and asked if I could give her the coupon.  Then explained that she should buy two and will also get a $5 gift card back.

She.  Was.  ELATED!

It was precious, y'all!  She was just so excited that I was willing to share a coupon and concerned that I might need it.  I explained that I had extras and was so happy to share with her and tell her about the gift card deal.  I saw her as I was going to check out and she again excitedly thanked me.  I gave her exactly one BOGO coupon but you would have thought I bought her a car.  Too fun!

Best coupon moment ever for me. 

Which was good because when I got to check out, life was not quite as easy breezy.  One of the bottles was not in the system and my nice but s l o w cashier was just sooo flustered.  Bless her heart, she was so nice to me and really trying hard.  And in return I was extra sweet to her as to not make this situation more of a mess.  It all worked out but not without several interventions from the manager.  The funny thing is that I really wasn't buying much.  And all my coupons scanned easily.  The glitch was the lotion bar code not being in Target's computer's yet. 




I did two transactions.  Bought the two lotions (the double lotion was the culprit) with the gift card from yesterday.  Then paid for the second transaction in part with the gift card from the first transaction.  After coupons, I paid under $5 for everything you see here.   And have another $5 gift card to use later.

That Market Pantry long grain brown rice is my very favorite rice.  Isn't that funny?  The Target store brand is my favorite.  It's also on sale for just $0.71/bag this week.  I cook two bags at one time and then put portions into zip baggies.  I freeze them to have easy access to quick meals and sides during lazy busy weeks.

The lotion and other Target deals are explained here.

Bread Deals



I can't actually eat regular bread but I do the shopping for my dad too and he goes through bread like nobody's business.  But is also very particular about bread.  He could go the rest of his life eating Freihofer's Oat Nut bread I do believe.  Which runs nearly $4 a loaf at Price Chopper. 

Now I usually stock up when they have their buy one, get two free sale but this last sale, the Oat Nut wasn't included.  Drats.  And as I absolutely refuse to pay full price for something that I know does eventually go on sale, I figured out the next best thing.

I happened to notice the Hostess outlet over near K-mart on Old Route Whatevernuberthatis.  2 or 7?  I don't know.  By Kmart and Grace Bible.  I ran in to see what it was all about and found out that they have rockin' deals on bread. 

I went in for the second time this week and found this flavor that dad announced he really likes, over on a sale shelf.  It normally run $1.99/loaf.  A good deal as it is very close to the Oat Nut bread.  But the expiration date on this is quickly approaching so they were marked down to just $1.09/loaf.  I bought all four and popped 3 in his freezer.  For four loaves of oat bread, I paid just $4.36!

If you like Archer Farms (Target) bread, it turns out Hostess is their baker.  So that stuff is in there too.

I really need to check out the Freihofer's outlet as that's what he prefers but I never think of it when I am over that way.  Have y'all had luck in there?

FREE Sample : Garnier Color Shield



Copy and paste this address in your browser  http://www.startsampling.com/sm/shieldcolor102000/  to request a FREE sample of Garnier Color Shield shampoo and conditioner. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

FREE Magazine Subscription : Horse



Click the image to request a FREE subscription to Illustrated Horse Magazine.  Perfect for horse lovers!

Tazo Tea Deals At Target ... For Kara

Tazo Tea Bags, 20 ct, are on sale for $2.79 at Target this week.

Use the $1/1 Target print coupon AND the $1.50/1 Tazo Tea coupon from 9/11 SS.

Pay out of pocket just $0.29/each!  Not free but really, really close.  Pinkys up!

Practically FREE Lotion At Target



There are some great deals at Target this week!

Here are the highlights...

Mushrooms (whole, not sliced) just $1.49!  It's an extra buck for the pre-sliced.

Satin Care (travel size) shave cream.  $0.99.  Use $1/1 coupon from 10/16 to get them for FREE!

Extra Dessert Delights gum.  Sale $0.88 (reg $1).  Use $1/2 Target coupon and $1/2 manu coupon to get them for FREE plus potential overage.  I say potential because it is in Target's coupon policy to mark down coupons.  Yet I have only ever had that happen once.  So as coupons say, YMMV (your mileage may vary).

2 pairs of knit gloves.  They are my favorite and I needed some hole free gloves for walking the dog.  Every year I buy 2-4 pairs.  They are 2/$2.  Regular price but a great buy as they are thin enough to wear while driving but thick enough to keep you warm on most days.

I had a leftover catalina coupon from forever ago for $5/2 Revlon items.  I used it to buy two more $1.22 packs of nail files and let the overage (again YMMV) to help pay for the grocery items.

And the BEST deal of the week is for the Vaseline lotion!  I love this brand and use lotion by the bucket in the winter.  Does anyone else find that the older you get, the drier your skin gets?  It's quite the battle in the many many winter months up here!

OK so back to the deal.  If you buy two 25 oz bottles at $4.99 - 5.69/ea or four 10 oz bottles at $2.99/ea, you will receive a $5 Target gift card back.  BUT can you see that each of my bottles are actually TWO big bottles?  Yup, those 25 oz bottles each have another big bonus bottle attached and are clearly marked that they are also part of the sale.  Oh but it gets better, y'all!  Use a BOGO Free coupon from the 10/02 RP.

So buy two 25 oz bottles and use BOGO coupon to pay just $5.04 for two bottles (or four if you get the bonus packs).  Earn a $5 gift card.  Then buy two more bottles and use the first gift card to pay for this second transaction.  And again, earn a $5 gift card.  You could rinse, wash and repeat all week if you need to stock up on lotion.  The blue men's bottles are included too.

There is a deal on Curel too but my store was picked through and I prefer Vaseline lotion anyway.   But in case you want to buy Curel...

Buy two 6oz Curel Ultra Healing Lotions at $3.29/ea.  Use the $1/1 Curel coupon from 10/09 SS and if you have it (I do not) the very regional $1/1 Target Curel coupon from the 09/11 SS.

Without the Target coupon, you will pay $4.58, with it you will pay $2.58.  Then you will earn a $5 Target gift card back.

How To Be A Coupon Fairy



It's not hard.  Just take a great coupon that you don't need and leave it next to the item in a store.  I know it seems silly, but anonymously sharing a coupon or two might really make someones day.  Share and share alike, sweet friends! 

I left a few coupons for the FREE cat treats at Target the other day.  I normally buy the free stuff but I really struggle to donate cat anything.  It's harder than you might imagine to find a willing recipient as it turns out.  So instead, I just left the coupons in front of the product.  I figure someone who actually wants them will have a smile on her face when she finds them this week.  And then I don't have to drive all over town to drop off my tiny donation.  Win, win.

FREE Samples : Seventh Generation



Click the image to request free sample from Seventh Generation!  One of my favorite companies!!

Need Wine?



I have only recently discovered that you can get great deals, often nearly free, on wine when you buy online from a deal site.  There really is a website for everything, y'all!

So here's the skinny...

Click the link above to Lot 18 and sign up (just your name and email).  When you sign up right now, you automatically get a $15 credit.  But don't buy anything yet.  The key is to wait for a week when they are offering free shipping.  It should make for some very inexpensive wine!

Even if you don't drink, wine makes a timeless hostess or holiday gift.  It lasts forever so it won't go bad if you don't need to use it for a while.  And it's a fun way to enjoy a little treat on a very budget friendly plan.

FREE Sample



Ah...my internet is hit or miss all of a sudden.  More miss than anything else.  But I think the issue is with my computer.  Terrible news!

But in the mean time, I plan to soothe my sad face self with a hot cup of yummy tea.  Click the image to request a sample of The Republic of Tea.  You do need to sign up for the newsletter though so be sure to use your coupon email and not your regular email address.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

More Great Deals At Rite Aid

Ah, I love back to love loving Rite Aid lately!  Rite Aid, CVS (because they seem to have the hands down best staff and they are all about coupon-knowledge), Target and Price Chopper are definitely my stores.  If I find some great deal (games or baby formula to name a few....and there are very few...just to be clear), I will go to Walmart.  But after horror story after horror story at Walgreens and not a single reply from their corporate office about my repeated complaints, I vow to not shop there.  I was tempted last week with the great toilet paper deal but then sanity got the better of me.  Just say not to Walgreens is my motto!

But anyway, I got off track there.  A mini tangent.  My point is that Rite Aid is my best drug store friend lately.  Their great deals matched with coupons are just so much fun.

The Neil Med still eludes me (the funny thing is that I really do want this product for myself- not just because it will be free after the +up Reward- I have terrible allergies and would like to use it- if only I could find it. Ha.) but I am giving up after going to three (though only two were open) stores.  However, I finally found the Veet and was able to use a rain check for my new favorite line of lotion and soap (thanks Sheila for turning me on to this stuff!). 

The manager was NOT happy about the rain check.  Well, it was from a different store and he was upset at how that person wrote it out.  How that is my fault I do not know, but he was a very grumpy guss.  He was also about 85 so I let it go.  I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was right and not cheating the store in any way.  As I was leaving he was grumbling that he was going to call the other store because he didn't believe I should be getting things at that price.  I said he could look back at an add from 3 weeks ago because it was all in there. 

So that brings me to my point.  When you get a rain check for something, be sure to keep the store circular ad until you use that rain check.  I could have saved myself an ordeal had I just kept the ad with me to prove to the grumpy manager that everything I bought was in fact included in their sale.  Not only was it verbalized in the ad but there was a photo too.  You know how much store clearks love photos.

Is the Veet on sale?  It doesn't state "sale" on my receipt but rang up at $4.04 and stated the regular price as $4.49.  Which means that after the $4 in coupons, it was just $0.04 and then produced a $1 +up Reward.  Interesting.  I've never used this product but assume I can try using it on an area other than my face, where I don't actually need it.  We'll see...

OK so in the end, he did let me have everything as I planned, so Rite Aid still remains my bestie.  Want to see what I scored?  I knew you would.  The soaps are all going to be Christmas gifts.  I would keep every last one for myself but there's that bit about giving being better than receiving and all that jazz.  Plus I have several lotions (I am addicted to the lemon and peppermint like nobody's business) that I am keeping so it's all peachy in the end.




Purchased ...
(1) Revlon Emery Boards  reg. $1.25, sale $0.75
(1) Veet Face Wax Strips  reg. $4.49, sale $4.04 *not sure if this is regional?
(1) JR Watkins Head 2 Toe Lotion Kit  reg. $13.99, sale $1.50 *Rain check
(3) JR Watkins Soap  reg. $4.99, sale $1.50 *Rain check

Minus ...
-(1) $2/1 Veet in ad Rite Aid circular coupon
-(1) $2/1 Veet print coupon
-(4) $1/1 JR Watkins peelie coupons
-(1) $1.49 +up Reward from yesterday


Total value purchased ... $34.70 (before tax)
Paid out of pocket ... $1.30 (before tax)
Percentage saved ... 96%

Earned ... (1) $1 +up R from Veet and (1) $2 +up R from Revlon

Monday, October 17, 2011

Burts Bees Coupons...Two Of Them!



Click the image to "like" Burts Bees on Facebook and then print off a $2/1 coupon for any Sensitive Skin Care Product.  A very high value!

Then go to Target and print off a Target store coupon for $2/1 too.  I've not paid attention to the price of this stuff but right off the get go, these two coupons (one manufacturer and one store) give you a whopping $4 off when purchased at Target! 

I am a BIG fan of Burt's Bees products so am pretty pumped about this possible deal.  If you find it on sale at Target, please please let me know!!

What To Do With Cheap Carrots

A few weeks ago I scored a great deal on carrots at Price Chopper and then sort of forgot to do something with them.  Typical.  So this past weekend I decided they needed to be used and made a little slaw-ish salad out of them that is sooo yummy. 




CARROT SALAD

Ingredients:
* Carrots
* Raisins
* Apple cider vinegar
* Maple syrup (real and only real) or honey
* EVOO
* Salt and pepper

Directions:
* Shred carrots in food processor. 
* In a bowl, mix vinegar, oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper.  I'm not giving measurements because it depends on how many carrots you're using.  This is essentially a salad dressing though so you really can't go wrong.  Just eyeball it. 
* Add in carrots and raisins.  Mix to incorporate.  Taste to be sure you have enough seasoning and dressing.  It does not need to be wet as the carrots will give off some moisture as they sit too.  Just enough to coat everything.
* It's yummy right away but best if you let it sit in the fridge at least an hour. 

Optional additions:
* Garlic or onion powder
* Chopped scallions
* Dried cranberries
* Raspberry vinegar (I actually used a few splashes of this too)

FREE Jamba Energy



Wow, lots of fun Facebook freebies today!  Click the image to "like" Jamba Energy on Facebook.  Then request a coupon for a FREE Jamba Energy drink- it will be mailed to you. 

Note, this offer is open only to select states.  Thankfully, New York is one of them.  Yay!