Shopping Trip: 3/23/2012

I had a great evening last night at the stores!  I went to Rite Aid first, where I ran into a little trouble.  I wanted to pick up the (supposedly) free Veet and I wanted to do the Lysol No-Touch Kitchen Starter Kit which would be free after coupon, MIR, and +UP.  They had the Lysol product, but no Veet.  I also tried to do the Nexcare, Ace, Futuro deal, which in the ad and on the shelves stated that if you buy the item, you get $10 +UP.  But, upon trying it, and the shift manager calling the store manager and then the headquarters, we determined that it's a typo in the ad, and it's actually buy $30 worth of the products, get $10 +UP, which does make a lot of sense.  Oh well, better to be honest about it!!!  Then I went to CVS and picked up the Biore pore strips and a cleanser (used my BOGO coupon!), a small thing of starburst jelly beans (my husbands favorite jelly beans - MM after CVS coupon machine printout), and a schick hydro power select razor.  It was a good evening there.  And, then I went to ShopRite, and got approximately $66 worth of groceries for $22.  Not too shabby there!  :-)  I long for hate the days that I used to spend $100 a week on groceries.  It really is so silly to spend ALL that money, when there's really no need to!!

Well, until next time ...  Happy Couponing!

Update

I have been so busy with school/work the past few months that my couponing has taken a back seat.  I've kept up with buying papers to get inserts, and on some of the freebie deals, but I haven't done many big shopping trips.  Now that I am on spring break (nearing the end of it now), I have my binder reorganized, my spreadsheets all updated, and am back into the swing of things.  I have to do better with time management moving forward.  Maybe I can figure out a way to just cut the coupons I need on Sunday morning, and shop on Sunday afternoon, as opposed to trying to clip and organize all my coupons on Sunday, and then not having time to do the shopping until the following Saturday when there's no product anymore.  We will have to see what happens with that, but I'm going to try my best.  I'm going to run out this afternoon to grab some late deals at CVS and Rite Aid.  I still need to do my ShopRite shopping as well.

Schools Supplies Galore!! W/O 8/28/2011

Due to Hurricane Irene coming through my area ALL day on Sunday and power being out in much of Connecticut still (3 full days later...) I've had to spread out my shopping.  Unfortunately, I was only able to find the P&G insert in the local Saturday papers, but that seems to be all I've needed for the most part this week.  It's a shame that I didn't get a chance to find the other two inserts, but I have an email in to RedPlum, hoping they might be able to help me out.  And we'll see what happens.  Not supposed to be any inserts this week, but maybe the papers will distribute the ones from last week this week?  One can only hope, but my hopes are not very high up there.  :-)  I hope everyone in the path of Hurricane Irene has made progress since.  Luckily, I only lost power for about 3 hours, and there is no real damage in the area except a few down trees, branches, and power lines.  Now, onto the deals!  First, a picture:

This is the fullest picture I've posted so far!  Let's see how I did.

CVS:  Did two transactions, not really on purpose, it just sort of happened.

Transaction 1:  I bought

• (2) Dawn w/ Olay Hand Renewal (9.5 oz.) - Regularly $1.57, On Sale for $0.99
• (1) St. Joseph Aspirin (36 ct.) - Regularly $2.67, On Sale for $2.00
• (2) Visine Advanced Relief (15mL) - Regularly $4.89 ea., On Sale BOGO 50%
• (1) Always Pantiliners (20 ct.) - Regularly $1.57

Coupons used:

• (2) $1.00 MFC Dawn Plus
• (1) $1.00 MFC St. Joseph Aspirin 
• (2) $3.00 MFC Visine
• (1) CVS Free Always Pantiliner - Deducted $1.77

So, I got paid $2.11 + tax for a little over $17 in product.  I also earned $2.00 in ECB for the St. Joseph Aspirin.

Transaction 2: I bought

• (2) Dawn w/ Olay Hand Renewal (9.5 oz.) - Regularly $1.57, On Sale for $0.99
• (2) Orbit Tropical Remix (14 ct.) - Regularly $1.49, On Sale for BOGO Free
• **Note: This was an error on the shelf, so when I questioned the cashier, he gave me that price.  Do not expect this at your CVS as this was an error in my specific store, and he took down the tag.
• (1) Orbit Raspberry Lemon Mist (14 ct.) - Regularly $1.67, On Sale for $1.25

Coupons used:

• (2) $1.00 MFC Dawn Plus
• (2) $1.00 CVS Orbit 14-15ct

So, I paid $0.72 + tax for about $8 in product.  I also earned $1.00 ECB for using the Green Bag Tag.  EVERYONE should get one of these!!  Every 4th time that you use a reusable bag and have your green bag tag scanned, you earn $1.00 in ECB!!!  It's free money, and something we can all be doing easily to help our environment!

Walgreens:  Here I did two transactions as well.  I've been searching for the Crest Toothpaste deal, but the two stores that I've gone to have been completely wiped out of them.  That's okay though, I have plenty from last week.  Just looking for good ways to use up my RR and put together some nice baskets for donating/gifts, etc.

Transaction 1: I bought

•  (1) Estroven Extra Strength (28 ct.) - On Sale for $10.00
• (3) Papermate Mechanical Pencils (10 ct.) - On Sale for $0.39
• (1) Crayola Crayon (2 ct.) - On Sale for $1.00

Coupons Used:

• (1) $3.00 MFC Estroven
• (3) $3.00 RR

So after the store sales and coupon savings, I paid $0.17 + tax for about $24 in products.  I also received $11.00 in RR for next time ($10 for Estroven, $1 for Crayola).

Transaction 2: I purchased

• (1) Carmex Lime Twist (0.15 oz.) - Regularly $1.99, On Sale for $1.50

I used $1.00 in RR, so I paid $0.50 + tax, and received $1.50 in RR for next week.

Rite Aid: I only did one transaction here.  I learned something about Rite Aid with this trip though.  Oddly enough, some of the men's body wash is in a separate section than the women's, but some of it isn't!  Go figure.  :-)  So, I purchased:

• (2) Nivea (Women's) Bodywash - Regularly $5.99, On Sale for $4.49
• (1) Nivea for Men's Bodywash - Regularly $4.99, On Sale for $4.49
• (1) Oral-B CrossAction Power Toothbrush - Regularly $7.99, On Sale for $5.99
• (1) RA Sponge Makeup Wedges (16 ct.) - Regularly $3.99, Wellness Discounted at $3.59

I used the following coupons:

• (2) $2.00 MFC Nivea (Women's) Bodywash
• (1) $2.00 MFC Nivea for Men's Bodywash
• (1) $3.00 MFC Oral-B Battery Toothbrush
• (1) $7.00 +UP

So, I paid $7.05 for approximately $29.00 in product.  I should be getting a $2.99 SCR and I received $6.00 +UP for next time.

Target:  Here I made a big trip.  Spent a lot of money, but unfortunately, some of our laundry got stolen a few weeks back, and while we got reimbursed, I still have to account for this as money spent.  *sigh*  Thank goodness it was only a load of whites!!  So, socks and undershirts for my husband are included here, but not in the picture (he just couldn't wait to get them in his drawers!  :-)).

I purchased:

• (2) Hanes Boys Socks - On Sale for $4.00
• (2) Hanes Crew Undershirts - Regularly $10.00
• (1) Country Time Lemonade Mix - Regularly $2.54, On Sale for $1.97
• (2) Progresso Soups - Regularly $1.99, Clearanced to $0.98
• (2) Progresso Soups - Regularly $1.99, Clearanced to $0.54
• (1) L'Oreal Lip Gloss - Regularly $7.49, Clearanced to $1.87
• (2) Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color - Regularly $2.04, Clearanced to $1.42
• (1) Suave Dry Shampoo - On Sale for $2.60
• (3) Febreeze Set&Refresh - On Sale for $2.50
• (2) Febreeze Air Effects - On Sale for $2.50

Coupons used:

• (1) $1.00 MFC Progresso Soup (wyb 4)
• (1) $1.00 MFC L'Oreal Lip Product
• (2) $1.00 Target Sally Hansen Nail Color
• (1) $1.00 MFC Sally Hansen Nail Color (wyb 2)
• (1) FREE Suave Professionals Product (Deducted $3.00)
• (3) $1.00 MFC Febreeze Set & Refresh
• (2) $1.00 MFC Air Effects

So, I spent $39.82 + tax on well over $65 worth of products, and I received a $5.00 Target Giftcard for the purchase of the Febreeze products.

Walmart:  This was an easy trip.  I didn't buy much.  I purchased (2) Rubbermaid Takealongs for $1.98 each, and used a $1.00/2 MFC coupon which expires next week.  We needed these, so I figured, I might as well use the coupon rather than let it go to waste after it expires.  I also picked up the September issue of All You.  I cannot wait for my subscription to start coming in the mail!!  It was so much cheaper than buying these issue by issue.  I'm still saving money on each of these, but boy, I can't wait to eliminate this Walmart trip from my week!  All in all, I spent $5.45 + tax on $6.50 in product.

Office Max: Did two trips here.  I totally missed the poly binders the first time around.  No coupons necessary really, so here's what I purchased:

Transaction 1:

• (3) Schoolio Crayons (24 ct.) - Regularly $0.99, On Sale for $0.05
• (5) Folders - Regularly $0.25 , On Sale for $0.01
• (2) 6'' Protractors - Regularly $1.49, On Sale for $0.01
• (1) Metal Compass - Regularly $1.49, On Sale for $0.01
• (3) Ringbinder Ruler 12'' - Regularly $0.99, On Sale for $0.01

Spent $0.26 + tax on $11.57 worth of product.

Transaction 2:

• (5) 1.5'' Ring PolyBinder - Regularly $1.00, On Sale for $0.30

So, I spent $1.50 + tax on $5.00 worth in binders.

Finally, Staples:  I purchased

• (5) College Rule Filler Paper - Regularly $0.99, On Sale for $0.01
• (1) Do Something Ream of Copy Paper - Regularly $4.00
• (2) Staples Stickies 1/2 inch - Regularly $3.00, On Sale for $0.50
• (2) Bic Clic Stic - Regularly $3.99, On Sale for $0.50

I used one $1.00/2 Bic Stationary Product and I used a staples coupon for a rebate of up to $3.50 on the Do Something Ream of Copy Paper.  So, I spent $5.05 + tax on $23.00 worth of product, and will be getting that rebate.  Not too shabby.

So, total summary of this week:  I purchased $196.94 worth of product and spent only $62.64 + tax.  I also have $2.99 SCR from Rite Aid coming, $3.50 Easy Rebate from Staples coming, and an $5.00 Target Gift Card.  I also have $3.00 more in ECB, and $3.50 more in RR.  I am down $1.00 in +UP.  So, all together, I spent $45.65.  That is more than 76% savings this week.  If you take out the socks and under shirts for my husband, that is $166.96 in product for $17.65, for more than 89% savings.  :-)  Take that Hurricane Irene!!

I start school again next week, so hopefully this lasts me a while.  It's certainly been a blast!  :-)  Be sure to report your couponing adventures!

Busy Busy!

Hello All,

I have been doing the couponing lately, but have also had a lot of personal bits going on.  Since I last posted, I've had the last of my three major exams, and a bridal shower to help host. Also, the deals these past two weeks haven't been that great.  Next week looks like a great week though, so I'll be sure to post after I make my rounds there.

In the past two weeks I have taken advantage of the following deals:

Walgreens: Listerine Smart Rinse, Pert Plus, and Omega Super Krill Fish Oil.  I also found baby items (a pair of teething rings, and a pack of 3 pacifiers) on clearance the week of 8/7 I used as fillers, and Walgreens brand cough drops on clearance for $0.45 for fillers the week of 8/14.

Rite Aid: Only the Brainstrong Kids Vitamin deal.  I broke even there because some of the websites mentioned that it was a $6.00 MM where the vitamins were priced $10.99 (BOGO 50%).  However, in my store they were priced at $12.99, but in either case, it worked out to break even.

CVS: I got the "free" items that came out of the Red Coupon Machine, but CVS hasn't had very good deals the past few weeks.  It doesn't look like this week is any different, so let's hope that they give us some good things again from the coupon machine.

I did have a decent week at the grocery stores.  I am still new to this, so to be saving $10 using coupons is pretty good.  I am excited for next week for all the cereal deals.

As always, be sure to share your couponing adventures!

Various Couponing Adventures - Week of 7/31/2011

Before I begin with the products, I've started taking pictures each week of the products I've purchased.  Here is this week's collection!

So, as you can see, I got quite a bit of stuff!  I'm excited too.  We don't need to buy mouthwash until our future kids are teenagers!  Now, that's definitely an exaggeration, but we definitely have enough to last us a while, and since I was essentially paid to take it out of the store, I don't mind that we now have 4 L of mouthwash, in addition to the bottle that's currently open, and the 1L already in our stockpile.  Alright, enough with the small talk.  Let's get down to business.

CVS:  This trip was done in two transactions on two different days.  The first day also included some things my husband needed that we did not have coupons for, but were on sale.

Transaction 1:

• (2) Genuine Muscle Milks - Regularly $9.99 ea.
• On Sale - $6.00
• (2) Skinny Cow Crisp Singles - Regularly $1.19 ea.
• On Sale - $0.99
• BOGO Free Skinny Cow Singles MFC
• Get $0.99 ECB (Limit 1)
• Final Price: 2 for FREE!
• Bic Soleil Shimmer - Regularly $8.49
• On Sale - $5.99
• $3.00/1 Big Soleil Razor MFC
• Get $3.00 ECB (Limit 1)
• Final Price: FREE!
• Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor Manual - Regularly $10.99
• On Sale - $9.99
• $4.00/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor
• Get $5.00 ECB (Limit 1)
• Final Price: $0.99
• Also used $5/$25 CVS coupon and $9.99 in ECB

Summary:

• Total Before Savings: $41.84
• Total Card Savings: $11.88
• Total Coupon Savings: $23.18
• Total After Savings: $6.78 + tax
• Percent Savings: 83.8%

Transaction 2:

• (2) Revlon Lip Colors - Regularly $9.49
• On Sale - $5.79
• $1.00/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic Product
• Get $3.00 ECB (Limit 6)
• Also have $3/$10 Cosmetic Purchase
• Final Price: $0.29 ea.
• U by Kotex Pantiliners (18ct) - Regularly $1.57
• "Free" Coupon from CVS MCM
• Final Price: FREE!
• Also Used $5.99 ECB.

Summary:

• Total Before Savings: $20.55
• Total Card Savings: $7.40
• Total Coupon Savings: $12.76
• Total After Savings: $0.39 + tax
• Percent Savings: 98.1%

Had a pretty good week at CVS.  Everyone I encountered was pleasant, or at the least tolerated my use of coupons.  I enjoyed this week at CVS since I got to get some beauty supplies for me, which hasn't happened since I've started couponing.

Today, I did the rest of my shopping.  I went to Walgreens by my school first, and they didn't have something that I needed, which I needed for my first of 3 transactions, so I had to leave.  Then, I went to a Walgreens halfway between school and home, and they didn't have the same item I needed for the first transaction, so I had to leave that store as well.  After that I went to Walmart, and they didn't have the All You August magazine.  Has anyone else had a hard time finding the August copy of All You?  I've checked 2 or 3 times now, and haven't found it.  Maybe I'll try a different Walmart tomorrow.  Anyway, then I went to Staples, and got what I needed there and then went to Rite Aid.  They had almost all of what I needed, but still needed to stop again to finish the trip.  After Rite Aid, I finished my drive home, and went to a third Walgreens where I was 100% successful in finding everything, and then stopped at a second Rite Aid to get the remaining items.  Long trip home, that's for sure!  Here are the details, broken up by store.


Staples: Of course, Staples is running weekly back to school promotions, so I took advantage of 2 out of the 3 in my area.

•  Pentel RSVP Ballpoint Pens, Black 5ct - $4.00
• Easy Rebate for $4.00
• Final Price: FREE!
• Staples College Rule Filler Paper (8 1/2 x 11) 400 sheets - Regularly $5.(something??)
• On Sale for $2.99
• (2) Sharpie Accent Highlighters, 2ct - Regularly $1.49
• Extreme Deal - $0.10 (Limit 2)
• (2) Staples 3x5 Ruled Index Cards, 100ct - Regularly $1.00
• Extreme Deal - $0.10 (Limit 2)

So, roughly speaking, I spent $7.39 +tax OOP, I am getting $4.00 back in a rebate, and in total I purchased roughly $15 worth of product.  I could have made it out cheaper, but I use that filler paper for school, and am nearly out of it, so that was a needed product.  A cheaper option would have been to get two of the $0.50 items, or one of the $1.00 items to meet the $5.00 minimum to get the Extreme Deals.  All in all, a good trip.  And I am well on my way towards my pledge to donate school supplies as well as having what I need for this upcoming year.

Rite Aid: The following purchases were made in three different transactions between two stores, the first two being at one, and the third transaction at a different store.  This trip was easy to purchase, but a bit nerve-wrecking at the same time.  It relies heavily on the single check rebates that Rite Aid offers.  Only time will tell on that offer though.  Here we go.


Transaction 1:

• Gillette Fusion ProGlide Manual Razor - Regularly $10.99
• On Sale - $9.99
• $4.00/1 Gillette ProGlide Fusion Razor MFC
• Get $5.00 +UP
• Final Price: $0.99
• Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razor - Regularly $12.99
• On Sale - $9.99
• $4.00/1 Gillette ProGlide Fusion Razor MFC
• Get $5.00 +UP
• Final Price: $0.99 
• Also had $3/$15 coupon and $7.50 in +UP.

Summary:

• Total Before Savings: $23.98
• Total Card Savings: $4.00
• Total Coupon Savings: $18.50
• Total After Savings: $1.48 + tax
• Percent Savings: 93.8%
• Have (2) $5.00 +UP for next purchase

Transaction 2:

• Oral-B CrossAction Toothbrush - Regularly $7.99
• On Sale - $5.99
• $3.00/1 Oral-B Battery Operated Toothbrush MFC
• Can Submit for SCR for $2.99
• Final Price: FREE!
• (2) Crest ProHealth Rinse 1L - Regularly $6.99
• On Sale - $5.00
• (2) $2.00/1 Crest Rinse 946mL or larger MFC
• Can submit for SCR for $10.00 wyb 4 of these.  (I will ... see below)
• Will also get $5.00 +UP, when I spend $25.00 on Oral Care Products.  (I will ... see below)
• Final Price: $0.75 profit/money maker each.
• Used $5.00 +UP from previous transaction.

Summary:

• Total Before Savings: $21.97
• Total Card Savings: $5.98
• Total Coupon Savings: $12.00
• Total After Savings: $3.99 + tax
• Percent Savings (OOP in this case): 81.8%  (don't forget, this really is going to be a money maker)

Transaction 3: (At a different store than above ... the first store did not have 4 ProHealth Mouthwashes in the 1L size.)

• (2) Crest ProHealth 1L - Regularly $6.99
• On Sale - $5.00
• (2) $2.00/1 Crest Rinse 946 mL or larger MFC
• See above for final price details.
• Also used the other $5.00 +UP from Transaction 1

Summary:

• Total Before Savings: $13.98
• Total Card Savigns: $3.98
• Total Coupon Savings: $9.00
• Total After Savings: $1.00 + tax
• Percent Savings: 92.8%

But, really ... looking at the big picture now ... I purchased roughly $60.00 in product.  I paid about $6.50 OOP.  But, I am getting $12.99 back in SCR, and still have $5.00 +UP for next time.  Going in, I had $7.50 in +UP, so I am down $2.50 on +UP, but the surplus in SCR more than makes up for that.  I gain $3.99 by making the above purchases.  I just got PAID to shop at Rite Aid!!!  But, like I said, this all requires those SCR's to go through like I planned.

Walgreens: Like I said above, it took me going to three different Walgreens today to find what I needed, but it was all worth it in the end.  Here's the deals, broken up into three transactions.

Transaction 1:

• Complete Multi-Solution (12oz) - On Sale for $8.00
• $1.00/1 Complete Multi-Solution 12oz or larger MFC
• Get $8.00 RR
• Final Price: $1.00 Profit/Money Maker
• Crayola Broad Tip Markers (8ct) - On Sale for $2.00
• Get $2.00 RR
• Final Price: FREE!
• (2) Penway Notebooks (1-subject) - On Sale for $0.39 ea.
• Fillers needed for Register Rewards being redeemed
• Used $7.50 in RR (split among 3 different RR)

Transaction 2:

• Celedrin Advanced Joint Health (60ct) - On Sale for $10.00
• Get $10.00 RR
• Final Price: FREE!
• Penway Notebook (1-subject) - On Sale for $0.39
• Filler needed for Register Rewards being redeemed
• Used $8.00 in RR from Transaction 1

Transaction 3:

• Bioglan Kids Smart Hi DHA-Omega Fish Oil - On Sale for $7.00
• Get $7.00 RR
• Final Price: FREE!
• Goody Hair Clips (6ct) - On Sale for $2.00
• Get $2.00 RR
• Final Price: FREE!
• Crayola Fine Tip Markers - On Sale for $2.00
• Get $2.00 RR
• Final Price: FREE!
• Used $10.00 RR

So, to summarize all three transactions,

• Total Before Savings: $58.71
• Total Wags Savings: $26.54
• Total Coupon Savings: $28.50
• Total After Savings: $3.67 + tax
• Percent Savings: 93.7%

And, really, I went in with $7.50 in RR, and came out with $11.00 in RR.  So, really, I spent $0.17 on all the above.  Couponing is amazing isn't it!  :-)  So, those are all of my deals for the week.  I may go back to Walgreens and get a few more things, since there were such good freebies this week!  Great for making those back to school donations.  Don't forget to share your couponing adventures with us!

CVS Couponing Adventure - 7/27/2011

It's taken me a few days to find some time to sit down and write here.  Anyway, this is just a quick trip I did on my way home from work on Wednesday.  CVS  had an awesome deal running with Soft Soap (and a few other products) for buy 3 get $3 ECB.  Here was the deal I did.  Note: I did this at three different stores in 3 transactions, but will show it below as just one transaction.  The only ECB that I used during it that I didn't have at the beginning was a $1.00 ECB that I got during the second transaction for using the Green Bag Tag for a 4th time.

Purchased:

• (2) Soft Soap Pampered Hands Hand Soap - Regularly $3.69
• On Sale $2.00
• (2) $1.00/1 Soft Soap Pampered Hands (Printable)
• Final Price $1.00 OOP
• Soft Soap Spa Body Wash - Regularly $4.49
• On Sale $3.00
• $1.00/1 Soft Soap Body Wash (7/31 inserts)
• Final Price $2.00 OOP
• Also used (2) $1.00 ECB, and (1) $2.00 ECB

Summary:

• Total Before Savings: $11.87
• Total Card Savings: $4.87
• Total Coupon Savings: $7.00
• Total After Savings: $0.00
• Percent Savings: $100%
• Rewards: $3.00 ECB

This was something I wanted to do on Sunday, but the CVS that I went to didn't have the products in stock.  The Pampered Hands Soap was very hard to find, and I noticed that they had widely varied levels within the product.  Be sure to line them up if you have a choice and choose the one with the most product so you get the most for your money!  Luckily, I have 4 CVS's that are not too far off my journey home from work, so this worked out just fine for me!  Good luck in your couponing adventures this upcoming week!  It's looking like it should be a great one!

CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Staples Couponing Adventure - 7/24/2011

Today, I had an awesome day of shopping.  My friend Amanda came along with me on this trip.  I'm hoping that she and I can be couponing buddies in the future!  :-)  We went to all 3 of the major drug stores, as well as Staples, and a book sale.  The book sale was Amanda's idea, as she'd been to this one before, and wanted to check it out.  It was awesome.  I bought one book, a Vegetarian cookbook, as my husband is a vegetarian, and we are constantly looking for new things to try!  The book was a great deal, only costing me $1.00.  I think the proceeds from the book sale go to the Library in town, so not only did I get a book, but the money will go towards a great community resource!  Win-Win!!!!  Now, onto the other shopping.

We'll start with CVS.  This was by far the best store of my trip.  This was the first time ever doing a two transaction purchase.  I was incredibly nervous, but the cashier was awesome, even complementing me on my smart shopping.  Here are the details.

Purchased:

• Transaction 1:
• (2) Edge Shaving Gel (7oz) - Regularly $2.77
• On Sale - $2.49
• (2) $1.00 Edge Shaving Gel MFC
• Part of Schick/Playtex - Buy $20 Get $10 ECB
• (2) Skintimate Cream Shave (6oz) - Regularly $4.79
• On Sale - $2.49
• (2) $1.50 Skintimate Cream Shave MFC - Printable
• Part of Schick/Playtex - Buy $20 Get $10 ECB
• Skintimate Shave Gel (7oz) - Regularly $3.79
• On Sale - $2.49
• $1.00 Skintimate Shave Gel MFC
• Part of Schick/Playtex - Buy $20 Get $10 ECB
• Schick Hydro 5 Razor - Regularly $10.79
• On Sale - $7.99
• $4.00 Schick Hydro 3 or 5 Razor MFC
• Part of Schick/Playtex - Buy $20 Get $10 ECB
• $9.00 in ECB
• Transaction 2:
• (4) Nabisco Treats - Price Varies
• All on Sale - $1.25
• (2) $1.00/2 Nabisco Cookies/Crackers
• Final Price: $0.50 each
• Papermate Grip Me Pens (8ct) - Regularly $2.27
• On Sale - $1.99
• Get $1.99 ECB
• Final Price: FREE!
• U by Kotex Liners (50ct) - Regularly $4.99
• On Sale - $3.49
• $1.00 U by Kotex Liners MFC
• Get $2.00 ECB
• Final Price: $0.49
• ReNu Sensitive Multipurpose Solution (12oz) - Regularly $9.99
• On Sale - $7.89
• $2.00 ReNu Multipurpose Solution (12oz)
• Get $6.00 ECB
• Final Price: $0.11 Money Maker!
• $10 ECB

So, as a summary:

• Total Before Savings: $56.17 + tax
• Total Savings with EC Card: $17.36
• Total Coupon Savings: $34.00
• Total After Savings: $4.81 + tax
• Percent Savings: 91.4%

Like I said, a pretty good trip!  :-)  Next, we went to Walgreens.  Walgreens has some GREAT sales this week.  Unfortunately, most of the Walgreens in my area are a little on the dirty side, so I tend to not go quite as crazy in them as I would in, say, a CVS (see above for an example!).  But, nonetheless, us couponers can't be picky when it comes to deals!  Anyway, I had to do two transactions here again, so here it goes.

Purchased:

• Transaction 1:
• Walgreens Perfection Tampons (8ct) - On Sale $1.50
• Get $1.50 RR
• Final Price: FREE!
• DenTek Flossers (50ct) - On Sale $2.99
• $1.00 off a DenTek purchase of $2.00 or more
• Get $2.00 RR
• Final Price: $0.01 Money Maker
• Scrunci (18ct) - On Sale 2/$3
• Get $3.00 RR wyb 2
• Final Price: FREE!!
• $6.00 in RR
• Transaction 2:
• (2) Irish Spring Deodorants (2.7oz) - On Sale 2/$6
• (2) $1.00 Irish Spring Deodorant/Antiperspirant
• Get $4.00 RR wyb 2
• Basil Seeds - On Clearance $0.10
• Filler
• $3.00 RR

So, to summarize,

• Total Before Savings: $20.66 + tax (calculated using receipt information)
  
• Total WAGs Savings: $7.07
• Total Coupon Savings: $12.00
• Total After Savings: $1.59
  
• Percent Savings: 92.3%

Next we went to Rite Aid.  As some of you may have seen, Rite Aid doesn't have the greatest sales going on this week.  Hopefully next week with the new P&G insert we are supposed to get in the Sunday papers, we may get some good deals out of them.  Anyway, there was on particularly great deal that I heard of and wanted to take advantage of.  So, here it is.

• StyleScience Sunglasses - Regularly $7.99
• On Sale - BOGO 50% (ALL sunglasses)
• $5.00 StyleScience Sunglasses RA Video Coupon
• Get $2.00 +UP
• Final Price: $0.99
• Foster's Sunglasses - Regularly $6.99
• On Sale - BOGO 50% (ALL sunglasses) - reduced price to $3.49
• $5.00 Foster's Sunglasses RA Video Coupon
• Get $2.00 +UP
• Final Price: $3.51 Money Maker

So, to summarize, 

• Total Before Savings: $14.98 + tax
• Total Wellness+ Savings: $3.50
• Total Coupon Savings: $10.00
• Total After Savings: $1.48 + tax
  
• Percent Savings: 90.1%

Keep in mind though, with this last purchase, although I did have 90.1% savings in this purchase, it really is slightly better than that, because I walked out with more +UP rewards dollars that I walked in with!  $4.00 more to be exact!  Lastly, we went to Staples.  No real outright savings here, but will get nearly all my money back in rebates, eventually.  Here it is:

I purchased:

•  Ream of Multipurpose Paper - $5.99
• Will get back $5.49 in a Rebate
• Final Price: $0.50
• Bic Brite Highlighters (5ct) - $4.00
• Will get back $4.00 in a Rebate
• Final Price: FREE!
• $1 Donation

So,

• Total Before Savings: $10.99 + tax
  
• Total Rebates: $9.49
• Total After Savings: $1.50 + tax
  
• Percent Savings:86.35%

It really was an awesome day.  If my calculations are correct, not including the $1.00 book I purchased, I purchased $102.80 in products, I paid $18.87 out of pocket, and I'll be getting back $9.49 of it in the form of a rebate.  Also, I walked out with $5.50 more in rewards dollars (CVS ECB, Walgreens RR, and Rite Aid +UP Rewards) that I had thismorning.  So, it was an amazing day.  I hope you all had equally great days in your couponing adventures!

Walgreens and Rite Aid Couponing Adventure - 7/22/2011

Had a quick run of a shopping trip today.  Here's the details.

Walgreens first:

Purchased:

• (2) Lady Michum (2.2oz) Antiperspirant & Deodorant - On Sale 2/$6
• (2) $1/1 Muchum or Lady Michum Antiperspirant or Deodorant MFC
• Get back $4 RR wyb 2
• Final Price: FREE!!!
• Penway Folder 2-pocket - On Sale $0.09
• Used as a Filler Item
• Final Price: $0.09 each
• Used $4.00 RR from a previous purchase 

 So, to summarize,

• Total Before Savings: $7.59
• Total Advertised Savings: $1.50
• Total Coupon Savings (includes RR): $6.00
• Total After Savings: $0.09 + tax
• Percent Savings: 98.8%
• Rewards Received: $4.00

Woohoo!  Then, I ran to Rite Aid, but again, they didn't have what I really went there for, but I knew they had a good deal on something else, so I figured, while I was there, I'd look into it.  Here's the purchase.

• Revlon Slant Tip Tweezer - On Sale 40% off of $2.45 = $1.47
• $1/1 Revlon Beauty Tool MFC
• Total Price: $0.47

So, simply put, I had a savings of $1.98, which is about and 81% savings.

Getting excited for next week!  I'm already seeing some great freebies and other great deals!  Share with us your couponing adventures!

Walgreens and Stop and Shop Couponing Adventures - 7/21/2011

Here we are again, this has been a pretty good week for couponing!  I'm trying to get the most out of the coupons I have that expire at the end of the month.  Not much time left to use them!  On the blogs out there, there seems to be some good deals in the works for next week, so I hope that this week gives me the momentum to keep going and get the best deals next week, too.  So, here are the trips that I did today.

Earlier today, on my way to school/work (I'm a full time graduate student, so it's my job as well.  I work as a teaching assistant during the school year), I stopped at Walgreens.  I knew that Milka chocolate bars were on sale this week, so I wanted to stop by and see if this particular store had them in stock.  I tried previously this week at a different store, and they were sold out.  Apparently, some people really like their chocolate!  :-)  Here was my trip:


Purchased:

• (2) Milka Milk Chocolate Bars (3.52oz) - On Sale 2/$3
• $1/2 Milka Chocolate Bars - Walgreens July Coupon Booklet
• (2) $1/1 Milka Chocolate Bars
• Final Price: FREE!!!
• Penway 1-Subject College Rule Spiral Notebook - $0.39
• Used as a Filler Item
• Final Price: $0.39 each

I had to get a filler item above because Walgreens coupon policy states that you must have the same number of items as you do coupons.  I was using 3 coupons on the Milka chocolate bars, so I needed 3 items.  Usually, you try to choose an extremely low priced item.  Today, that happened to be a notebook (they were out of the $0.09 folders, that would have been even better!) So, here is a summary:

• Total Before Coupons: $3.39
• Total Value of Coupons: $3.00
• Total After Coupons: $0.39
• Total OOP: $0.41
• Percent Savings: 88.5%

On my way home from school/work, I had to make an unscheduled stop at the grocery store (Stop and Shop) for dinner.  This is a habit/event that my husband and I are trying to not have to do.  Everything that I bought for the dinner would still be fine, had I bought it on Monday with my other groceries.  Nonetheless, here is the trip:

Purchased:

• Lemon - $0.75
• (2) Honest Tea (Peach) - $1.25
• On Sale for $1.00
• (2) $1/1 Honest Tea/Ade Products MFC
• Final Price: FREE!
• SB Pitted Black Olives - $1.34
• On Sale for $1.25
• Kosher Dill Spears (Pickles) - $2.79
• On Sale for $2.00
• $0.25 Personal Thanks Coupon
• Final Price: $1.75
• (2) Schick Women's Disposable Razors (12ct) - $6.49
• On Sale - BOGO Free
• BOGO Free Schick Disposable Razors MFC
• Final Price: FREE!!!
• Daisy Light Sour Cream (8oz) - $1.50
• Also used (1) reusable bag, so that was another $0.05 personal thanks savings

So, here's the summary!

• Total Before Coupons & Store Card: $21.86
• Total Store Card Savings: $7.87
• Total Personal Thanks Savings: $0.30
• Total Coupon Savings: $8.49
• Total After Coupons & Store Card: $5.20
• Total OOP: $5.20
• Percent Savings: 76%

That's the goal at the grocery store!  I was very happy with that trip.  Will be going to Rite Aid and Walgreens again tomorrow to try and track down some of those missing items!!  Share your couponing adventures!

Walmart and Rite Aid Couponing Adventure - 7/20/2011

Had a wonderful experience couponing at Walmart and then at Rite Aid.  I'll do Walmart first.

Purchased:

• (2) Bengay Menthol Pain Relieving Gel: Vanishing Scent, Non-Greasy Gel (2.66oz) - $4.23
• (2) $5/1 Any Bengay Product (Excludes Trial Size) MFC - Printable
• Final Price: PROFIT of $0.77 each
• (2) Zyrtec 10mg Tablets (5ct) - $5.27
• (2) $5/1 Zyrtec (5ct) MFC - Printable
• Final Price: $0.27 each
• Great Value Spearmint Starlight Mints - $1.00
• Bought to cover the overage.  Technically, according to their coupon policy, Walmart would have paid me the overage in cash, but I figured I'd get something else for free!
• Final Price: $1.00

So, as a summary:

• Total Before Coupons: $20.00
• Total Value of Coupons: $20.00
• Total After Coupons: $0.00
• Total OOP: $0.00 (NO TAX!  I'm not quite sure how that worked, but that's what the computer said!)
• Percent Savings: 100%!!!

The register clerk was very understanding and patient with my couponing, as well.  She made a funny remark about asking what these pieces of paper were, and "look what you did" when she was done ringing them up.  Being patient and calm myself and not defensive definitely helped in this situation.  In my head, I was prepared to ask to see a manager, because at first, she didn't look like she would even try to scan them through the computer, even though I knew I had gotten them from a legitimate source, and they were not copies.  But, she put them through, and we were both shocked at the $0.00 total, not even tax.  I gave her a polite smile and a thank you and left the store, to later do my happy couponing dance in the parking lot.  Next, I went over to Rite Aid, where I had a bit more trouble than I thought I would.

I was going into Rite Aid for two specific products, the U by Kotex pantiliners that are on sale for $1 this week (for which I have a $1/1 coupon) and a Got2B full size product.  Upon getting into the store, I saw that the pantiliners were all sold out (I hate cleared shelves, especially when I only want one!  Oh well), and I also noticed that the +UP rewards that I had were set to expire on Saturday, so I knew I needed to find a way to spend those rewards then and there, which is not the best way to coupon.  So, I got the Got2B product, and a thing of floss.  Here's the trip details.

Purchased:

• Got2B Kinkier Spray Gel (9oz) - On Sale for $4.99
• $2/1 Any Got2B Full Size Product MFC
• Receive $2 +UP Rewards
• Final Price: $0.99
• Oral B Satin Floss (50m) - On Sale for $2.99
• $1/1 Oral B Satin Floss (30m or larger)
• Receive $1.50 +UP Rewards
• Final Price: $0.49
• Cella Cherry Milk Chocolate Candy - $0.33
• Used as a filler item to put my purchase over a negative value
• Redeemed $1 +UP Reward from the Rite Aid Video Ads, (2) $2 +UP Rewards from previous purchases

So, the summary

• Total Before Coupons: $8.31
• Total Value of Coupons and +UP Rewards: $8.00
• Total After Coupons: $0.31
• OOP: $0.33
• Rewards Received: $3.50 ($2, $1.5)
• Percent Savings: 96%

So, not a bad trip overall.  I'm walking out with less +UP rewards than I walked in with, but I guess that's the game.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose!  I'll still play the game though.  :-)  Enjoy your own couponing adventures and share you finds with us!

CVS Couponing Aventure - 7/19/2011

Hello All,

Here is my trip to CVS today.

• (2) Pantene Pro-V 12.6oz Products - $6.97 for 2
• CVS Coupon Machine printed out $2 off 2 Shampoos, Conditioners, or Stylers
• $3/2 Pantene Pro-V MFC
• Get $2 ECB wyb 2
• Final Price: FREE! (Profit of $0.03)
• (1) Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide Premium Shave Collection - $9.99
• $4/1 Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide Razor MFC
• Get $4 ECB
• Final Price: $1.99
• (1) Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide Shave Prep Gel 2.5oz - $2.37
• $1/1 Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide Shave Gel
• Get $2 ECB
• Final Price: FREE! (Profit of $0.63)
• I also had $6.79 ECB from a previous shopping trip.

So, for a summary, we have

• Total Before Coupons: $19.33 + tax
• Total Coupon Value: $16.79
• Total After Coupons: $2.54 + tax
• Received: $8 ECB ($2, $2, $4)

Not too bad of a shopping trip!  Not my best, but certainly pretty good considering that the sales and coupons lately have been lacking.

Share your couponing adventures!  :-)  Enjoy!

My Couponing Adventures

I thought I'd start a blog to track my couponing adventures first for my own thoughts (good/bad experiences, good shopping trips, advice I receive, etc.), and second to share my good finds with others!  So, first a little about me.  I'm a 25 year old newlywed.  My husband and I have been married for just under a year, and have been trying anything and everything to save money so we can eventually buy our dream house to put our future family in.  I have only been couponing for about 2 months now, and have already found that I am addicted to it!  I love finding the deals, searching and scouring online and in the stores for coupons and freebies.  I have a very tiny stockpile at this point which consists of mainly health and beauty aids (shampoo, OTC medicine/pain killers, shaving care items, and oral health items).  Unfortunately, as I've read fairly often on the other blogs and couponing websites, the summer is a down time for coupons, and as such many have had trouble building up and even maintaining their edible stockpiles.  Unfortunately, we can't eat toilet paper and toothpaste for dinner!  My goal in couponing when I first started was not to get everything I buy for free, but to get what I need for cheaper, maybe 50% off, especially at the grocery store.  I'm still not at that (see the above comments), but I hope come the fall, more coupons will come out.  I find it funny when people give me a second glance when I walk into a store with my coupon binder.  At Target last week, I took my husband on his first real coupon trip, and at the end of checkout, the register clerk was pretty impressed with the amount that we saved (roughly speaking, we got $50 in product for under $10).

So, I hope that you enjoy reading this blog and I hope that we can all learn from each other on this adventure in couponing!  Have an amazing day!