Sunday, July 31, 2011

My Walgreens Trip 7/31!




WALGREENS 7/31/11: 

1) Crayola 8ct Markers, 4 @ $2 = $8
2) Goody Hair Clips, 1 @ $2 =$2
3) Complete Multipurpose Solution, 1 @ $8 - $1 MQ = $7
4) Celadrin Inflame Joint Health, 1 @ $10 = $10
5) Bioglan Kids Smart Fish Oil Supplement, 1 @ $8 = $8
6) Cottonelle Toilet Paper, 2 @ $5 -$1 SQ - $1 SQ - $0.75 MQ - $0.75 MQ = $6.50

I broke this into 4 transactions to maximize the number of Crayola Markers I could get. 

Transaction 1: 
- Celadrin InflameAway Joint Health (60 ct) – $10
  Earn $10 RR when you buy 1
- Crayola Washable Markers (8 ct) – $2
  Earn $2 RR when you buy 1
-------------------------------

Total = $12, paid for with Credits from last week = FREE!
Earned $10 RR + $2 RR

Transaction 2:

-Complete Multipurpose Contact Solution (12 oz), $8 - $1/1 MQ (SS 7/31) = $7
  Earn $8 RR when you buy 1 [MONEYMAKER]
-Goody Colour Collection Snap Clip (6 ct) – $2
  Earn $2 RR when you buy 1
- Crayola Washable Markers (8 ct) – $2
  Earn $2 RR when you buy 1
-------------------------------

Total = $11.00 Use $10 RR from Transaction 1
Paid $1, earned $8 RR + $2 RR + $2 RR

Transaction 3:

-Kids Smart Hi DHA-Omega-3 Fish Oil (30 ct) – $7.00
  Earn $7 RR when you buy 1
- Crayola Washable Markers (8 ct) – $2
  Earn $2 RR when you buy 1
-------------------------------

Total = $9.00 Use $8 RR from Transaction 2
Paid $1, earned $7 RR + $2 RR

Transaction 4:

- Cottonelle Toilet Paper (12 ct) – $5.00 x 2
  Use (2) $0.75 / 1 SS 7/17
  Use $1/1 Walgreens July Booklet (will take $2 Off)
  Earn $3.50 RR when you buy 2
- Crayola Washable Markers (8 ct) – $2
  Earn $2 RR when you buy 1

-------------------------------

Total = $8.50, Use $7 RR from Transaction 3
Paid $1.50, earned $3.50 RR + $2 RR

Total Paid = $3.50
Rewards Left To Spend = $11.50

I might go back later in the week to pick up Keri Lotion & Allegra I might also pickup more hair clips and crayola markers since you can do infinite transactions with that combination by doing this:

Transaction 1:
Crayola Markers $2
Pay with $2 RR from Goody Hair Clips

Transaction 2:
Goody Hair Clips $2
Pay with $2 RR from Crayola

On & On, as long as your store has it in stock!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Walgreens - 7/31 FREE Keri Lotion



***DEAL IDEA STARTING 7/31 – 8/27***
Buy Keri Lotion $6.99
-$2/1 Keri Lotion PRINT or 07-17-11 SS exp 10/31
= $4.99, Get Back $5 RR
= FREE, after rewards!

from ‘wild for wags’

*HOT* Printable REACH Floss Coupon



Hurry and print this $1 off any Reach Floss Product coupon, for mac users use safari & make sure you have the coupon printer installed. While you are at coupons.com look for the $1 off dole salad kit coupon too, along with $1 off Listerine.

Remember all coupons.com coupons can be printed twice per computer!


$1.00 off any REACH® Floss Product  = FREE floss at target, walmart & king soopers!!!


Try different zip codes if you don't see it, 30303, 90210, 77860, etc. 

Monday, July 25, 2011

Walgreens *HOT* 7/31 ONLY - Cottonelle Toilet Paper

Cottonelle Toilet Paper $0.12 / roll!!!

I thought Staples had a good deal on Toilet Paper ($0.16 / roll) but Walgreens has them beat!

*HOT* Walgreens deal valid, 7/31, ONLY:

Buy 2 Cottonelle 12 packs $5 each (regular price)
Total = $10.00
Use the $1/1 Walgreens Cottonelle Coupon - Walgreens August Booklet, Available 7/31 in store
Use 2 $0.75/1 coupons found in the 7/17 SS
Pay  $6.50, Get $3.50 RR WYB 2
after rewards = $1.50 each or $0.12 / roll!


Walgreens booklet coupons only need to be scanned once, they are smart enough to realize there are multiple items and in this case will pull $2 off.  If you want to buy more than 2 packages, separate your transactions to maximize rewards.

Thanks Hip2Save.com

$1 Off New Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Bread!


 Yep its bread in the shape of a goldfish! I can't wait to get a hold of some so James has to take a goldfish sandwich to work hahaha =)

$1 Coupon Here

$10 Off $10 At Pier 1!



Head over to facebook & "Like" Pier 1 to print out this coupon! It should result in FREE or almost free items =) 

Once you click "like" then click Daily Deals on the left sidebar, then click "here's the deal" and it will take you to a link where you can print out your coupon. Limit 1 per customer, per store so I guess that means if you live near two stores you could print two? It is only valid through July 27!




Friday, July 22, 2011

OfficeMax: *HOT!* $5 off 3 Expo or Sharpie Coupon

Office Max over by Ace Hardware has a ton of these coupons at the sharpie / expo marker display in the front of the store.

Pick up two packs of expo markers $5/2
One pack of Sharpie Highlighters $1/1

Get all for $1!

Emailing Companies For Coupons

I've been inspired by a blog post I came along while hunting for coupons online.

Addicted to Savings - Emailing For Coupons

I haven't emailed too many companies yet, but I plan to start emailing more =)

Bolthouse Brand Juice - I love Bolthouse brand OJ, but it comes in a tiny bottle and costs $3 so I emailed the company and told them that I love their product and asked if they had any coupons! I included my mailing address in the email, and I got a response back and 10 $1 Off coupons! Target recently had one of the Bolthouse brand juices on sale for $2 so I got some Yummy juice for $1.

Driscol's Berries - Its hard to come by discounts on Meat, Veggies, Dairy & Fruit but Driscol's had a $1 off coupon for joining their mailing list, unfortunately for me I couldn't get the coupon to print so I just emailed them and I got one in the mail along with a recipe book! Our King Soopers frequently puts Driscol's Raspberries & Blueberries on sale, down to $1.50 so thats a thing of berries for $0.50! Great deal!

Buitoni Pasta - We love the Buitini pasta found in the refrigerated section, in our King Soopers it is in the dairy section by the butter. Yum! It is a little pricey so we don't get it all the time, still much cheaper than eating out and super easy to cook.  Pair with free or cheap pasta sauce and the meal becomes a pretty reasonable price.  Anyways, I had a $1.50 off coupon for the frozen variety, which I found at Target on sale so I picked up some and it wasn't very good (in fact we ate it last night).  It wasn't spit out bad but compared to their other stuff it was meh.  So I took the box down to my computer and emailed the company to tell them this.  I used the "contact us" section of their website and they had a place to put the barcode & manufacturers code in so I did.  I didn't ask for coupons anywhere in my email, but I did state that I used a coupon on the product I bought and that for how it tasted it was expensive with the coupon.  Just got an email back this morning and they will be sending us coupons in 7-10 business days! Hopefully for ANY Buitoni Product =)

Heinz Ketchup - I used the contact us on the Heinz website and asked for coupons, no response yet.

Mott's Applesauce - I got a almost rude answer from Mott's about coupons, they just don't have time to send out coupons to everyone that requests! I think I'd rather them not reply then send me something kind of angry.

Ocean Spray - Emailed Today, hopefully I'll get a response =)

Ebates




I just signed up for Ebates myself.  For a limited time they are offering a FREE $10 Target (a couple other stores listed too) gift card for signing up.  Follow this link to sign up. 

In order to get your $10 gift card you have to make an online purchase of $25 or more in the next 90 days by clicking the link through to the website you want to purchase from.  I spent $35 at Old Navy, used one of their promo codes to make my favorite shirts $3 each! I bought some long sleeve, short sleeve shirts, and a couple Christmas presents for my hubby.

I believe from Old Navy you get 2% back credited to your Ebates account, credits can be used to purchase more gift cards.  So as you can see, I can use the $10 Target gift card once I get it in the mail, to buy from Target.com through Ebates, which I earn Credits through, then continuously shop with a combination of gift cards & credit. =)

Plus they have this promo running right now, and I'm not crazy thinking I'm going to get an Ipad, just hopeful that I could get 3 people to sign up!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

7/17/11 - Trip!



I don't usually go to so many stores in one day; on Sunday I usually only hit up Rite Aid and Walgreens but Target had deals that came out today I couldn't wait on, Safeway was on the way to Target & King Soopers was a last minute splurge to buy some deli meat for sandwiches - after we realized we didn't have any.

Note that it is important to purchase items at both Rite Aid & Walgreens that will "Roll" your rewards.  Sometimes I end up purchasing strange items to keep my rewards active for another week when I can buy more useful things. 

I omitted sales tax in this list for less confusion.



WALGREENS: 

1) Denver Post Newspapers, 3 @ $1.50 = $4.50
2) Mitchum Deoderant 2 @ $3.00 -$0.75 MQ - $0.75 MQ = $4.50
3) Milka Chocolate Bars 2 @ 2/$3 - $1 SQ - $1 MQ - $1 MQ = FREE

Used $5 RR + $4 RR earned last week

Walgreens Total = $0.00 + Earned $4 RR from Mitchum Purchase.

RITE AID: 

1) Samy Fat Hair Color $8.99 - $5 SQ - $3 MQ = $0.99, Earned $5 +UP
2) Listerine Zero, 1L $4.99 - 2$ SQ - 1$ MQ = $1.99
3) U by Kotex, 2 @ $1 - $1 MQ - $1 MQ = FREE
4) Zantac 24ct, $7.99 -$2 SQ - $5 MQ = $0.99, Earned $2 +UP
5) School Folder $0.10

Used $4 +UP earned last week

Rite Aid Total = $0.07 + Earned $7 +UP for next week!

TARGET: 

1) Bic Pens [2x $0.50] - $1/2 SQ - $1/2 MQ = -$1.00, yep Moneymaker!
Purchased 6 pens total = -$3.00
2) Papermate Pens 10ct $1 - $1 SQ = FREE
3) Dove Mens Deoderant [2x $2.78] - $2/2 SQ - $2 MQ - $2 MQ = -$0.44 Moneymaker!
4) Market Pantry Hot Dog Buns $1.00
5) Mott's Cinnamon Applesauce $1.67


I guess I should have calculated the overage better, because we could have gotten $0.77 of more free stuff! The store didn't have all the things I was looking for so I was completely thrown off and I wasn't quite sure if the dove deodorant coupons would even scan since it was a bonus package so I didn't push my luck.


Target Total $0.00, we used a free gift card from our Iams purchase to put the tax on so it was really free to us!


SAFEWAY: 

1) Kelloggs Mini Wheat Touch Of Fruit [5x $2.99] - $5 Store Bonus - [3x $1 MQ] - $1.50 / 2 = $5.45
2) Cascade $4.99 - $1 SQ - $1 MQ = $2.99
3) Seattles Best Canned Mocha/Latte [10x $1] - FREE MQ for each = FREE

Safeway Total = $6.94 ??? Should be $8.44
Looks like cashier rang up my $1.50 coupon twice and didn't fix it! WooHoo!

KING SOOPERS:

Foster Farms Deli Sliced Turkey - [2x $2.50] = $5.00
Hershey's Syrup [2x $1.76] - [2x $1 MQ] = $1.52
M&M's Candy [8x $0.50] - [4x $1 MQ] = FREE
3 Muskateers Candy [4x $0.50] - [2x $1 MQ] = FREE
BUY 10 GET $5 INSTANTLY MEGA EVENT
    Wisk Detergent 32 loads $3.99 - $2 MQ = $1.99
    Arm&Hammer Dryer Sheets $3.49 - $1 MQ = $2.49
    Kleenex Tissue [6x $1.49] - [3x $1 MQ] = $5.94
    Gillette Shave Cream $1.27
    Kraft Miracle Whip $2.99 - $1 MQ = $1.99
    INSTANT SAVINGS -$5

King Soopers Total = $15.20

Overall Total = $22.21 

I ended up spending more than I wanted on my last trip, but now we have a years supply of Kleenex & we were in need of dryer sheets, detergent and deli meat.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Ebay, Good Coupon Resource

The 6/5 SS insert came with a coupon for a free can of Seattles Best Mocha Beverage.  It took me forever to find a store that carried it but one day I found it at Safeway.  I tried it and it is amazing so I was looking for ways to get more 6/5 inserts since each can costs $1.69 a piece and I thought I could probably just buy inserts for cheaper than the can and get more coupons with it. I ended up looking on ebay for coupons and I found TONS!

I bought 100 coupons each for a FREE can of Seattles Best Coffee.  It cost me between $4 - $5 for all of them with shipping and now I have the enjoyment of redeeming them!


Iams Dog Food.

The dogs were starting to run low on dog food so I searched ebay for any free Iams coupons and I found coupons for free 40lb bags of dog food! Woohoo! This would have cost us $160, instead it cost $20 and I'm pretty sure it will last quite a LONG time!


Rite Aid 7/17 - 7/23



Items I am planning on purchasing in the upcoming Rite Aid deals.  I have $4 to spend in +UP Rewards and hope to grow them into more rewards if possible. 

Zantac 24-30ct - $7.99
+UP: $2
$2/1 Zantac Rite Aid Video Values – June [Store Coupon]

$5/1 Zantac Product Printable
Spend $0.99 out of pocket, get $2 +UP 
MONEYMAKER $1.01 

Samy Fat Foam Hair Color, $8.99
+UP $5$3/1 Samy Product printable 
$5/1 Samy Fat Foam Hair Color June RA printable 
Spend $0.99 OOP, Get $5 +UP
MONEYMAKER $4.01

Select Dental Care Products, $2.99
+UP $1.50 (limit 1)
Crest Toothpaste (4.1-8 oz.) / 
3D White Rinse (237 ml) / OralB Cross Action Manual Toothbrush (1 ct.)
$0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 7/31/11 (P&G 7/3)
or $1/2 Crest Toothpaste, exp. 7/31/11 (P&G 7/3) $1/2 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 7/31/11 (P&G 6/5)*BEST $2/1 Oral-B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage, or (2) Indicator Manual Toothbrushes, exp. 7/31/11 (P&G 7/3)
Best Scenario, Spend $0.99 OOP, Get $1.50 +UP
MONEYMAKER $0.49
**Qualifies for $5 +UP Reward wyb $25 P&G Morning Must-Haves, See more here: WE USE COUPONS

U by Kotex 18-22ct - $1.00
FREE

Excedrin 20-24ct - $1.99
$1/1 Excedrin Rite Aid Video Value
and $1.50/1 Excedrin 7/17/2011 SS
or $0.75/1 Excedrin 7/17/2011 SS
or 
$1/1 Excedrin PM Product 
or 
$1/1 Excedrin Migraine Product 
or 
$1/1 Excedrin PM 
FREE

What's on your list?


7/15/11 - Shopping Trip


MQ = Manufacturers Coupon
SQ = Store Coupon, in this case Safeway
TQ = Target Coupon

 
TARGET 

1) RE Pillow $2.50 - $2.00 TQ = $0.50
2) Hydrogen Peroxide $0.62 - $0.75 TQ = FREE (no overage with target coupons)
3) Papermate Pens $1.00 - $1.00 TQ = FREE
4) Sharpie 2 Pack $1.00 - $1.00 TQ = FREE 

= $0.50 + tax


SAFEWAY

1) Rango DVD $16.99 - $5 MQ - $5 SQ = $6.99 
2) Hershey Kisses, Free with Rango Purchase
3) 2 Lipton Iced Tea 20 oz, Free with Rango Purchase
4) Pop Secret, Free with Rango Purchase
5) Colgate Wisp, $0.99 on closeout - $0.50 MQ Doubled = FREE
6) Twizzlers, 2 Packages 3/$5 (bought 2) - (2)$0.50 MQ Doubled -$1.00 SQ = $0.33 for two
7) 3 Muskateers, Qty 4 (one eaten before pic taken) $1/2, used (2) $1/2 MQ = FREE
8) Haribo Gummies $1 - $0.30 MQ Doubled = $0.40 
9) Seattle's Best Canned Mocha/Latte, 10 cans $1 each - FREE MQ for each = FREE 

Used $5 + $1.50 Safeway Catalina Coupons from last week

Safeway Total = $1.22 + tax
Overall Total = $1.77 + tax

I really lucked out on the extra $5 SQ, which I had found in a drawer from forever ago - it stated $5 off any DVD purchase and it was a Safeway Store Coupon therefore I could combine it with the manufacturers coupon.

Catalina Coupon - is a $ off coupon that prints off a the register for use on another purchase, in this case I had $1.50 and a $5 that expired on 7/15 and I found nothing else I wanted in the store, sure I could have bought vegetables and meat but Rango was more fun and it came with freebies!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Petsmart Trip - Fail.

Today I went to Petsmart in hopes of getting some free dog treats, toys or a bone.  I heard that Petsmart had a closeout sale going on for the nylabone brand and I had 4 coupons all $1.50 - $2.00 off!

I guess I never really paid attention to the difference between Petsmart & Petco so I went to Petco first, realizing it wasn't Petsmart, I decided to walk around and look since I was already there.  I guess I never really paid any attention before to the price of dog items because they are really really expensive compared to all the things I can get for less than a $1.

Since I was next to Target, I stopped in and bought a pillow, and a few other free things.  Then headed off to Petsmart.  The cheapest Nylabone toy product that our Petsmart had was $14, so that was an instant no go. I was able to find these items of interest:

FIND: 
Blue Bakerie Dog biscuits for $2.37 on closeout and with my $1 off coupon = $1.37 
Nylabone Edible $0.77 on closeout, my $1.50 coupon they wouldn't even scan!!!

I spoke with the manager because I was disturbed that they couldn't just ring it up for $0 if the overage was the problem.  The coupon specifically stated ANY edible Nylabone Product so it wasn't the coupons fault but the manager wouldn't even scan it to see what it would do.  Now at most other stores this would make you $0.73 or at least be Free!

I didn't buy it and I took my coupon back. I did buy the dog biscuits because I felt guilty for calling the manager over.  I don't like to cause a fuss in the store, I just want to know what is right.

I tried to look up the coupon policy on Petsmart's website, but all I found was this and it is very vague.  I did a brief search on Petsmart coupon policy and came up with at least a handful of other blogs listing troubles at Petsmart with coupons - guess I won't be back.  Plus without a coupon, everything there is way over priced anyways.  I'll stick to Target & Walmart for dog food - thanks.


POLICY AS STATED ON PETSMART.COM:
If using a coupon code, it must be entered during checkout in the designated Coupon Code field to redeem the respective offer. Coupons may not be combined with other coupons or promotional offers, are limited to one per transaction, and may not be redeemed for cash, credit or refund. See other restrictions in the terms of each offer. PetSmart reserves the right to restrict use of coupons on certain products, weight and destination fees, and expedited shipping charges. Online coupons are not valid in PetSmart stores unless otherwise stated in the offer terms.

Things you should consider buying NOW! Before 7/17!

STAPLES - Good until 7/30/11
Staples has Charmin on sale for $4.99 - no coupon needed! I have no idea why Staples would sell toilet paper? Take advantage of great savings! We bought 2 packs, I might go back for more.  While you are at Staples sign up for their free loyalty card and return ANY used ink cartridge and get $2 credit on your Staples rewards account, you won't be able to use the ink rewards until August but build them up now!



TARGET - Good Until 7/17/11

Check out Target.com for printable coupons on sharpies, papermate & pillows.

$1 - Off Sharpies, buy the sharpies two pack on sale for $1 = FREE
$1 - Off Papermate writing utensil, on sale for $1 = FREE
$2 - Off RE pillow, on sale for $2.50 = $0.50
$.75 - Off Up & Up First Aid Item, Hydrogen Peroxide $.62 = FREE

Target won't give you overage on items while using their coupons so the $0.75 coupon will = $0.62, Free is still good.

Its been 6 weeks...

It's been 6 weeks since I quit my job to pursue my dream job as a photographer, www.sharonsphoto.com, if you are interested.  A week after I quit I was telling one of my friends that my husband and I would be on a strict budget which meant no more fun or even brand name cereal.  We would be living on one income until the business really took off and that was a scary thought.

A long time ago, one of my elementary school teachers couponed and she would bring in all sorts of supplies for us to use in the classroom so I started researching and came upon the TV show "Extreme Couponers".  My first thought was, there is absolutely no way you can do that.  Then I started thinking, What If.  So I started collecting coupons, more coupons, printing coupons and here I am now - I'm about a month into my version of hard core couponing - which isn't extreme yet since I only buy about 4-6 newspapers depending on the coupons and according to the shows, to be extreme you need at least a hundred of each insert and I'm not about to go diving in the trash for any.

I am really starting this blog to document my coupon journey and to show my friends and family how I'm succeeding at couponing and why they should start NOW!