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, 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!