~Great Rebate Offer!~

SC Johnson is offering a $5 rebate for any 3 items purchased. I don't do many rebates, but this one it worth it! You can print the form from the link below:



http://www.scjohnson.com/en/products/coupons.aspx

~Stockpile~

So, are you wondering what I could possibly be doing with all of this stuff???
Well, there are 3 things I do with it:

1. Use it!
2. Sell some of it to my mom
3. Donate some of it

I've set a little (gigantic) goal for myself for 2010. My goal is to not have to buy any shampoo, toothpaste, dish soap, laundry detergent, plastic sandwich bags, tissue, foil, deo., feminine products, etc. in 2010. I know, crazy! I have a very large stockpile growing for all of these items currently. Now, I will go ahead and get it if the item is for free in 2010. I want to see just how much those items impact my bottom line for 1 year. Since I have tracked all of my spending for 2009, this should be interesting.

Did I mention that I love challenging myself?!

Do you have any goals set for 2010??? (Jamie~ I fully expect to hear from you on this!)

~CVS deals!~

CVS:

4 Airwick (rain check item)
Reg. $9.99
Sale $4.99
-$6 q
=FREE + $1.01 overage each!!!

4 Dawn
Reg. $1.99
Sale $1.00
-$1 q
-$1 q
-.75 q
-.75 q
=2 FREE & 2 for .25 each

2 Scope
Reg. $4.79
Sale $3.49
-$1
-$1.50 ECB
=.99 each

Carefree (rain check item)
Reg. $4.19
Sale $3.79
-$1q
-$3.79 ECB
=FREE + $1 overage!

Vaseline lotion
$7.99
-$1.50 q
-$7 ECB
=FREE + .51 overage!

Retail = $69.68
*After ECB's and coupons, I actually made $3.07 off of these purchases!

~$5 off $25 at Wal-green's TODAY!~

Print this $5 off $25 coupon and take it with you to Wal-green's today (9/30/09)! Total must equal $25 before taxes and after coupons that you are using.

http://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/5off25.jsp

~VS FREE Shipping Today Only!~

Today only get FREE shipping on any Victoria's Secret order by entering code FREESHIP. If you order any Victoria Secret Pink item then use code
PINK09 to get a tote for FREE.

~Bath & Body Works deal~

Take the coupon below to Bath & Body Works to get a FREE Home Fragrance Diffuser or refill with any $15 purchase. This offer is valid through 10/13.

I love these things!!! This would make a great Christmas gift. You can get $15 worth of hand soap that is on sale for $3 and then get the FREE Diffuser. That would be 6 gifts for $15. Everyone likes Bath & Body Works ;)

http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/r/regf2?aid=528207786&a=0&n=43&D_CODE=1378&cm_mmc=CH-_-20090928RDM-_--_-mainPrintCoupon&cm_lm=

~Kroger $3.38!~

Kroger purchases yesterday. This sale is good through Tuesday :)

Charmin
reg. $2.69
sale $1.88
-.25 q (tripled)
=$1.13

2 Softsoap
Reg. $1.59 = $3.18
sale .94 = $1.88
-$1 q
=FREE + .12 overage

2 Colgate toothbrushes
reg. $1.69 = $3.38
sale .94 = $1.88
-$1 q
=FREE + .12 overage

9 Colgate toothpaste
reg. $1.89 = $17.01
sale .94 = $8.46
-$1 q
=FREE + .54 overage

4 Cheerios
Reg. $3.19 = $12.76
sale $1.77 = $7.08
-$1 q
-$1 q
-.75 q
-.75 q
-.55 q(shortcuts)
=$3.03 or .75 per box

Retail= $39.02
Spent = $3.38 or roughly 91% savings!!!

~$25 CVS~

Transfer any prescription to CVS and get a $25 gift card with the coupon below. Offer expires 10/04/2009.


http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/promotions/landingpages/rx/rx09027_triple_adv/coupon.html#

~Teacher Gifts~

Let's talk teacher gifts...Most everyone who reads this blog either has children in school, MDO or at least have children in a church nursery. I like to give those people gifts for holidays (not just Christmas) and during teacher appreciation. I know, sounds expensive! However, it does not have to be. Today I bought $40 worth of teacher gifts and actually made money on the deal! I see coupons for candles in the paper most every Sunday. I encourage you to challenge yourself to give those people who take such great care of your children a gift. A small gift goes a long way!

Be blessed!

~VS 10 for $25!~

Members of Victoria’s Secret Pink Nation can log in and get a coupon for 10 VS Pink Panties for only $25! This is a HOT deal! You can use the coupon in-store or online. If you order online use the code: 10PANTIES.
If you are not a member of VS Pink Nation, sign up now to get this coupon! It is only valid for 4 days.

http://www.vspink.com/

Thanks Thrifty Mom!

~FREE Soap!~

Print coupon for a FREE Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap (up to a $5 value) with any purchase. This coupon expires Sunday (9/27).



http://f.chtah.com/i/34/528207786/20090925_coupon_1396.html?cm_mmc=CH-_-20090925RDM-_-7012000-_-subPrintCoupon&cm_lm=

~3 Inserts Sunday~

There will be 3 inserts in the Sunday paper.

Happy Clipping!

~Tylenol Recall!~

http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subpchildinfantnews.inc

~Cutting Corners~

A reader emailed me asking ways to cut corners. So, here is a list of a few things that I do that I thought of quickly. If you all have anything that you do, please email me or leave a comment. I love hearing from you all!

Simple ways to cut corners:
Save gas!
*Don't drive all around town everyday.
*Schedule all of your errands the same day so that you are not wasting gas.

Only shop sale items.
*Wait until something goes on sale and then try to have a coupon for it.

Stock up when food staples go on sale.
*If the meat you like goes on sale at it's "rock bottom price", be sure to buy enough to last you until it goes on sale again.

Set a weekly budget and stick to it!

Pay CASH for things.
*If you pay cash, then you can't go over budget!

Brown bag it
*Always take your lunch to work with you or eat at home (if you stay-at-home)

Eat leftovers
*I know, not so glamorous....however, you can usually make great lunches out of leftovers!

Electric bills
*Turn the air up! Be sure to turn the thermostat up when you leave during the day. It really does save money.
*Unplug it! If you are not using an appliance, unplug it. I have tested this theory and it saves big on the electric bill.
*Buy Energy Star appliances (yes they are more expensive, but will pay for themselves)

Buy a year ahead
*I always buy my daughters clothing 1 year in advance when it goes on the end of season clearance.

Shop garage sales
*I love garage sales, but am very picky at what I will purchase. I don't normally do pre-owned shoes. Also, the clothing has to look new or still have tags on it. I'm not interested in anything that looks like it came from a garage sale! You would be shocked to see some of the brand new clothes that I have found over the years. So many things still had the tags on them!

Have a garage sale
*I think I've mentioned this before. It does take a little work, but I've never made less than $200 in one day. Totally worth the effort. Be sure to mark everything wih a price. Nothing is more annoying than to have to ask the price on every single item! Be prepared, few people actually pay the sticker price (I rarely do). Just know that it is a starting price :)

Trade with friends
*If you have an event coming up (costume party for kids), get together with your other mommy friends and swap the costumes. That way you are not out the money and the kids get to wear something new and fun.

Check your receipts!
*This is a big one. Just last week, my grocery bill was $15 more than it should have been. I realized it once I got home. Easy fix, went back to the store with my receipt and the items in question and got my money back.

Water bills
*Turn off the water when brushing
*Turn off the water when washing your face
*Only water 5 minutes per unit (if you have a sprinkler system)
*Wait until your dishwasher is full to wash
*Do large loads of laundry, instead of a bunch of little ones

Pay extra on the mortgage
*We pay a little extra on our home each month toward the principal. This is beneficial if you are planning to stay in a home forever or sell it in a few years.

Hope this helps! Thanks for the question, Jenn :)

~Another Success!~

Last week my total was $51.23 before coupons and discounts. I walked out only spending $3.36. I've had a couple of really great shopping weeks! I'm under budget for the month and LOVING IT!!!

Some questions from readers:
Do I ever get sick of saving money (yes, someone actually asked that)???
NO WAY!

Do I ever get tired of figuring out different scenarios?
NEVER!

Do I always giggle when leaving the store?
Pretty much :)


How are all of my students doing? Please, email me! I'd love to hear from you all.

Be blessed!

~$3.00 at Kroger!~

Yes, you read that correctly! Kroger is having another buy 10 participating items, get $5 instantly event. The sale prices below reflect the discount. A few of the items were just sale, not part of the "event". I was super excited when I walked away only spending $3!

3 Ritz
Reg. $2.99
Sale $1.99
-$1 q
=.99 each

3 Nabisco crackers
Reg. $3.59
sale $3.34
-FREE q (with purchase of Ritz cracker)
=FREE!!!

8 Trident Gum
Reg. $1.29
Sale BOGO
-$1
= Free-.29 each!

4 Hot Pockets
Reg. $2.14
Sale $1.99
-.50 q (doubled)
=.49 each

3 Digorno Pizza
Reg. $6.59
Sale $3.97
-$1 q
=$2.97

2 Avocado
$1.99
-$1.50 q
=.49 each

2 Guacamole
Reg. $2.79
Sale $2.49
-$1.50 q
=.99

4 Salsa
Reg. $2.99
-FREE q (buy 1 get 1 FREE)
=FREE!!!!

Wonder Bread
Reg. $2.19
sale $1.59
-.55 q
=$1.04

Retail = $82.10
Total = $19.00
-(8) $2 Discover Card q's
Spent = $3.00
Saved = $79.10 or 97%!!!

Less than 100....

Days until Christmas! 95 to be exact! Is your budget set and ready???


I've been reading a ton on personal finance over the past 2 years really, but more extensively lately. I LOVE to read about ordinary people doing extraordinary things with their money. I was just reading today about a family who has 65% of their future home saved. People keep asking them why they don't just finance the rest? Their answer is because they want to pay CASH for the entire 100%. What an awesome goal!
Another family I read about have been unemployed for 8 months now and are still debt free. That is pretty amazing! They are big Dave Ramsey people (as am I). They always lived below their means and had a very large emergency fund in the event something like this happens. Sort of like my mom always said to me "It will rain at some point...you better be prepared".

Do you have any financial goals set?
Do you dream of paying CASH for a house??? I sure do!
Do you have an emergency fund?

Be blessed!

~Cook Once...Eat Twice!~

Those of you in a cooking rut (who isn't at times?), this is a great motto to cook by. "Cook Once...Eat twice" Example: Make a large serving of crock pot chicken and then use it in 2 different meals. I usually break it up by eating a meal of some sort of chicken one night, then do a beef or pork meal the next and then on the third night go back to a chicken dish. Eating at home doesn't have to feel like a penalty, however if you only make the same things OVER AND OVER AND OVER, it will get old very quickly!

I currently have chicken and pork chops thawing for today and tomorrow. Technically, I will have four meals out of the two. I will do 2 chicken meals along with pork chops one night and then I will use the remaining chops and probably put on some nachos (one of my hubby' favs).

Also, remember that grilled avocado w/ chicken that I was going to try to make a while back??? It was awesome! I've also tried it with grilled steak (leftovers)and it was even better!

Hope this helps!

~Is it Monday again?~

It just seems like I was blogging about my menu yesterday. Ha! My hubby has worked between 70-80 hours each week for 3 weeks now. So, my menu has been a bit crazy! The evenings that he has been working late, we have been eating smaller meals that don't require any planning.
Below are a few of the meals that we ate:

Beef Enchiladas
Soft Tacos
Chili w/ beans
Chicken wraps
Pizza

Do you have your menu set for this week?

Happy Planning!

~Glade Soy Candles~

Finally, a store had these in stock. Yeah! I picked these up at Wal-mart today with my FREE coupons.


*These make great little gifts too!

~CVS Today!~

Dry Idea
$2.99
-$1 ECB
-$2 q
=FREE!

Can't beat that :)

~CVS Deals!~

2 Listerine
$3.99
-$2 ECB
-$2 q
=FREE!

2 Purex
$3.49
-$1 ECB
-$1 q
=$1.49 each

Colgate
$2.99
-$2 ECB
-$1 q
=FREE!

~Wal-green's Degree Deal~

Wal-greens:
Spent $1.93!
Saved $19.80 (per the receipt)
*Several different value coupons were used in combination with in-store coupons

~$5 off $10 Build-A-Bear!~

Below is the link for the $5 off $10 coupon at Build-A-Bear!
Coupon expires September 28, 2009

http://buildabearnewsletter.com/P/v3/CouponWrapper.asp?E=3180;194631;9928825;22;02&R=T1_CPN_50129&A=1007&ci=50129

$5 off $25 Sally's Beauty Supply

Below is the link for a $5 off $25 purchase at Sally's Beauty Supply. Coupon expires December 31, 2009!

http://www.studentrate.com/STUDENTRATE/Assets/Rad/Images/vendorImages/24135/College-Discount-sally-coupon.jpg?sid=cc-00hc-0742-251998-00-00-0000-091709

I'm excited about this because I'm needing to replace my hair dryer. Score!


Speaking of scoring...Boomer Sooner!!!

~2 Inserts Scheduled~

Smart Source and Red Plum are scheduled to be in the Sunday paper.

Have a great weekend!

~Diaper Study~

If you have a child in size 4 diapers, this is a great chance for you to score some FREE diapers from the nations premier diaper manufacturer Arquest! They are looking for babies that wear size 4 diapers to try out a new diaper study. Call

1-888-342-7372 ext. 646 (girls diapers)
1-888-342-7372 ext. 634 (boys diapers)

Be sure to leave your contact info and the will call you back and send out packages of diapers to start the study. If you qualify for the study you will get free diapers and a $10 check after the study has completed

*Thanks UtahDealDiva

This offer will go fast! Go ahead and leave your information and they may call you for a future study if you miss out on this one. Free diapers are pretty awesome!

~Crazy Week!~

I have a crazy busy schedule this week. Did I mention it is football season? Ha! I have not forgotten about you all, just haven't seen anything really worthy of blogging about. I do not post unless there is something that I would do or use myself.
Have you gotten all of your coupons clipped and in your binders?

Hope you all have a very blessed Wednesday!

~It's Menu Monday!~

Alright...who has their menu planned for this week? Last weekend (Labor Day Weekend) we had a house full of guests and I had my menu set for that. Then Monday was a holiday and I never made my weekly menu. So, all week I had to figure things out each day. I definitely prefer to have a menu set now. Much less thinking and staring at the pantry and freezer!
Here are a few meals that we had:
Burgers on the grill (veggie side)
Chicken sandwiches
Crock pot BBQ chicken, corn on the cob (was so good!)...This was the Sunday meal!
Ham/Turkey/Cheese Calzones (veggie side)
Eggs, bacon & biscuits (love breakfast for dinner once in a while)

Again, nothing too excited but it got the job done.

~Kroger~

Final price= $0.00

FREE!!!

~Tom Thumb~

Tom Thumb specials:
3 Tyson Chicken
Reg. $7.99
sale $3.99 (in-store q)
-$1.50 q
=$2.49 per bag

3 Mission Chips
Reg. $2.99
Sale $.99 per bag

I don't go to Tom Thumb often, but was in the area and didn't want to pass up these deals.

5 Coupon Inserts Scheduled!

Woohoo! There should be 5 coupon inserts in the paper Sunday.
Get your scissors ready!

~Spaghetti Warehouse BOGO!~

Spaghetti Warehouse is offering a FREE entrée with the purchase of a second entrée and beverage with the coupon below. Offer good through Saturday (9/12).

Be sure to print the coupon from the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/SpaghettiWarehouse?v=app_4949752878&viewas=1830632033&ref=nf

Why do you coupon?

I would love to hear from my readers as to why you coupon? Obviously, we all coupon to save money! However, is there something specifically you are saving for? A new car, vacation, Christmas, retirement, bad economy, kids in college, etc.
As you all know (if you've read my previous posts)...I coupon to fully fund our beach vacations. Yes, I'm already island dreaming. It is fun to coupon when you have a goal. Every month that I hit my target goal, I just giggle at the thought of my tropical paradise.
Email me or leave a comment. I love hearing from you all!

Remember that couponing is just being smart with your finances. Even if you don't have a major goal, every penny saved is a penny earned.

~You ask...I tell!~

Some of you are asking about the coupons that I have been using. I get my coupons from 3 different major city papers.
1. Dallas Morning News
2. Tulsa World
3. Daily Oklahoman (OKC)

I don't get the Tulsa World or the Daily Oklahoman every week, only when my sweet mom & MIL send them to me. Thanks again you two! The interesting thing is that some their coupons have different values.
Example:
Pace
.50 (DMN)
.55 (Tulsa World)
.75 (Daily Oklahoman)

I've noticed this on several products. I just never know until I get them. So, if you are a bit confused on a few of my coupons, that is probably the deal.

Hope you all are having a very blessed Wednesday!

~Exciting News!~

It's official...Target will now price match! Woohoo! Please read the link below for all of the details. Pretty exciting!

http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/value/our-low-price-promise-facts.aspx

~Snapfish FREE Shipping!~

Snapfish.com is offering FREE shipping on all orders through September 13th!
Use code, FREELABOR at checkout.

~Free Redbox today!~

Use Redbox code T46T3Q7 for one FREE movie rental!
Valid only on Labor Day (today).

~Today is the Day!~

~Chick-fil-a Labor Day Deal!~

Get a FREE Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich on Labor Day (9/7) when you wear your favorite sports team logo. Anytime from 10:30-close...No purchase necessary.

Boomer Sooner (yes we still wore our Sooner gear with pride....that is what true fans do)! We bleed crimson :)

~My Kroger trip this week!~

In case you were wondering, yes I did some shopping this week. Below are some of my deals. I'm trying to not buy much in September and use up some of my stock. Of course, if I see a great deal I won't pass it up!



Purchased 3 Family Sized Cereal
Reg. $4.39
Sale 3/$9 ($3 per box)
-$2/2
=$2.33 per box (family size)
*Got the following items FREE! Crazy Meal Deal!

*Milk
Reg. $2.99
FREE!

*English Muffins
Reg. $1.99
FREE!

*Yogurt
Reg. .40
FREE!

*Raisins
Reg. $2.19
FREE!

Bounty
Reg. $1.39
sale $1.00
-.25 q (tripled)
-.25 e q
=FREE!

Charmin
Reg. $2.69
Sale $1.88
-.25 q (tripled)
=$1.13

2 Hefty
Reg. $2.49
Sale $1.00
-$1 q
=FREE!!

4 Lunchables
Reg. $2.39
Sale $1.00
-$1 q
=FREE!!!!

Pace
Reg. $1.49
sale $1.00
-.50 q (doubled)
=FREE!

Retail= $40.85
Spent = $8.12
Saved = $32.73 or 80%

~Kodak Deal!~

150 prints for $15 plus free shipping.

Buy 1 of anything, get the second free. (photo books, cards, calendars, photo gifts, mugs, frames and enlargement prints)

Free shipping on print orders of 4.99 or more and all orders of 19.99 or more.

Offer expires 9-10-09.

www.kodakgallery.com

Thanks Jen!

~No Inserts Labor Day Weekend~

There will be no coupon inserts in this Sunday's newspaper due to the holiday weekend.

Hope you all have a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend!

~Eggo RECALL!!!~

If you have purchased any Eggo waffles, please read the following:


A laboratory test by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) found Listeria monocytogenes in a sample of Kellogg's Buttermilk Eggo Waffles manufactured at an Atlanta plant.

The sample was taken as part of a routine inspection by GDA of the Kellogg's plant at 5601 Bucknell Dr. SW, Atlanta. This product was not shipped into the marketplace.
While no illnesses have been reported, out of an abundance of caution, Kellogg is voluntarily recalling a limited number of the following products produced in the same facility:
Kellogg's® Eggo® Cinnamon Toast waffles, 10-count package, UPC code 3800040440 with "Best If Used Before" dates beginning with: NOV22 10 EA, NOV23 10 EA and NOV24 10 EA.

Kellogg's® Eggo® Toaster SwirlzTM Cinnamon Roll Minis eight-count package, UPC code 3800023370 with a "Best If Used Before" date beginning with beginning with NOV15 10 EA.

Thanks Veronica!

~Chick-fil-a Labor Day Deal!~

Get a FREE Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich on Labor Day (9/7) when you wear your favorite sports team logo. Anytime from 10:30-close...No purchase necessary.

Boomer Sooner!

~Panda Expess Coupon~

Buy any 2 entree plate, get a single entree serving FREE coupon! Expires Sept. 30th.

http://www.pandaexpress.com/PX/Facebook/FriendsandFamily09.jpg


Thanks Wendy!