Black Friday Parts 2 and 3

I went and exchanged the Energy Drink and Toothpaste (since I bought the wrong kind that didn't generated ECBs!)


Wrong Energy Drink - $4.99
Colgate Toothpaste - $2.89


Received $8.05 Gift Card. I did use a $1/1 MFC on the toothpaste originally, but I just turned around and grabbed the right toothpaste with no MFC. No one lost money, no one gained money. Also, just in case I confused you about MAKING $6.56 on this purchase (from my last post) - what that really means is that CVS turns the ECBs into cash (or a gift card) if you exchange something that you purchased with ECBs. You didn't really "make a profit" - you just got cash for ECBs. You have to be careful (as you see from my stupidity) that you buy the correct version of the product that is going to be generating ECBs. Just because you purchase something with ECBs, doesn't mean you cannot return it.

1 Hershey King Size - $1 ($1 ECB)
1 Colgate Total - $2.99 ($2.99 ECB)
2 Loreal Lipglosses - $6.99 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs) ($13.98 ECB)
1 Extra Strength Energy Drink - $3.99 ($3.99 ECB)
1 Hallmark Card - 99 cents


Total before savings: $28.84
Total Coupons Used: $2.00
Total ECBs Used: $20.46
Total Cash OOP: .49 cents
Total ECBs Earned: $21.96

We were out on Black Friday and we had my husband's card with us. Here's that deal:



1 King Size Twizzlers - $1 ($1 ECB)
1 Colgate Total - $2.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($2.99 ECB)
1 Gift (not in picture) - $9.99 ($3 ECB)
1 Garn. Nut. Wipes - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)
2 Ghetto Lincoln Log Sets - $14.99 ea (BOGO)
3 Gatorade G2s - $1.49 ea ($4.47 ECB)
1 Arm & Hammer Essentials - $2.99 ($2.99 MIR)
1 Imitation Vanilla - 99 cents
1 Apple Juice - $2.59

Total Coupons Used: $10 CVS, $2 MFC
Total ECBs Used: $13.99
Total on Gift Card: $8.05
Total Cash OOP: $16.59
Total ECBs Earned: $17.45

Total ECBs banked:
My card: $46.92
The husbands: $17.45

CVS Black Friday Part 1!

I woke up at my usual time and instead of putzing around the house, I went to CVS. Unfortunately, my CVS didn't have the Black Friday ads out and when I asked the worker, he was clueless. I forgot to pinpoint the exact type of Loreal Lipgloss to pick up. So I didn't. I got the wrong Colgate. The 24 Hour Energy did not print ECBs. Here's my summary:

2 Bic Soleil - $5.99 ea (2 $3/1 MFC) ($11.98 ECB)
1 Garnier Nut. Cleansing Towelettes - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)
1 CoverGirl Smoothers Liquid - $7.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($7.99 ECB)
1 CoverGirl Smoothers Powder - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)
1 Hershey King Bar - $1 ($1 ECB)
3 Gatorade G2s - $1.49 ea ($4.47 ECB)
1 Colgate - $2.89 (No ECBs)
1 24 Energy Twin Pack - $4.99 (No ECBs)
1 Retro Air Popcorn Popper - $19.99 ($9.99 ECB)
1 Popcorn Kernels - $2.99

Total Before Savings: $71.27
Total Coupons Used: $10 CVS, $10 MFCs
Total ECB Used: $46.97
Cash OOP: $1.32
Total ECBs Earned: $46.42

I'm going to return the toothpaste and energy drink later today. They'll probably give me the $7.88 cash back to make this trip equal a $6.56 profit for me. I'll also probably pick up the Loreal lipgloss now that I know it's the "Juice Sheer."

To Black Friday Or Not Black Friday...That Is The Question!

My answer: I am NOT! I usually LOVE to go out at the crack of dawn to get great deals. Have done so for a good couple years now. But really - I don't save that much to make it worth it. Especially this year - it seems there are tons of great deals everywhere! Plus this year, I just can't be bothered! Once the boys are older and sleeping until mid morning and just plain on their own program, well then yes, I will start my ritual back up for no other reason than I am extremely old lady like.

I did hit up Toys R Us the past two years because they had their cases of diapers for $10 during the "Power Hours". Now with two little toddlers, I'd rather just hope to sleep until about 7, maybe 7:30 and just do a whole lot of nothing with them. If you are going out, I wish you luck and many bargains! Please rub your great bargains in my face so I will get back into Black Fridaying next year!

By the way, I do NOT count my CVSing part of Black Friday. For starters, it's CVS! Come on! Secondly, I'm doing my CVS deals on THANKSGIVING MORNING! Boohahaha! I love CVS for this very reason. Many kudos to the CVS Corporation for not recognizing the great day of Turkey Eating.

Snapfish!

Okay! I just did this calendar deal (if you are a family member, do not read this comment!). I ordered 2 of the same exact calendars. Snapfish gave me 25% off the second. When I entered in the code FREECAL08, it subtracted the $18.99 but also left the 25% discount on the second one! So the BOGO @ $18.99 calendar was actually $14.24, $1.11 sales tax, and $7.99 shipping.

CVS!

Black Friday - Take 2!

Okay, I went to CVS yesterday so it messed up my Black Friday plans. So I reworked it this morning. If you want a couple scenarios, click here for my first round of Black Friday (Thursday) plans! They include a $10, $15, and $30 scenario.

2 Bic Soleil - $5.99 ea (2 $3/1 MFC) ($11.98 ECB)
1 Garnier Nut. Cleansing Towelettes - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)
1 Colgate Toothpaste - $2.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($2.99 ECB)
2 Loreal Lipglosses - $6.99 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs) ($13.98 ECB)
1 CoverGirl Smoothers Liquid - $7.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($7.99 ECB)
1 CoverGirl Smoothers Powder - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)
1 Hershey King Bar - $1 ($1 ECB)
1 5 Hour Energy Drink - $3.99 ($3.99 ECB)
3 Gatorade G2s - $1.49 ea ($4.47 ECB)

Fillers:
2 Candy Bars - .50 cents ea
Some Gift - $9.99

Total Before Coupons: $69.37
Total Coupons: $10 CVS, $12 MFCs
Total ECBs Using: $46.97
Total Cash OOP: .40 cents
ECBs Earned: $58.38

I will be going back in to get the Popcorn Popper because I have wanted one for so long and gosh darn it, with all this hard work, I'm going to treat myself!

1 Popcorn Popper - $19.99 ($9.99 ECB)
I'll probably get some Toys at BOGO.

I'll report back with what I actually do.

Snapfish!

Buy one photo calendar, get one free! Use coupon code FREECAL08 until 11/30. Prices start at $18.99. Click here to make yours!

CVS!

I had to redeem myself after my mishap at my first CVS trip! So while the family was out at Lowe's, we did a quick stop in CVS since my husband had his card. I'm much more pleased with this trip!

1 Maybelline Foundation - $8.99 ($3/1 MFC) ($8.99 ECB)

1 Green and Brown Organic Chocolate - $5.49 ($3/1 Store Coupon)

1 Gold Emblem Cheese Crackers - $1.99

1 Gold Emblem Pretzels - .79 ($1/2 Gold Emblem Store Coupon)

Total Before Savings: $18.26

Total Coupons Used: $7

Total ECBs Used: $10.00

Total Cash OOP: .26 cents!

Total ECBs Earned: $8.99

The husband has been "dying" for Cheez-Its lately. So these ghetto crackers worked. Plus, I think this might be the first time I have ever bought something organic! And it was candy! Woohooo!!!

BJ's!

I did a trip to BJs today - and it was the first time I tried to do multiple coupons on some stuff! I won't document my whole trip as I bought some gifts and other things not on a super great deal! But I had to let you know about the General Mills Deal!

Activia 24 pk - $9.99 ($2 BJ's Coupon, 4 $1/1 MFCs) - $3.99 for them! If I had 2 more $1/1 MFCs, it would have only been $1.99 for 24 Activia Yogurts!

General Mills Deal - The BJ's Magazine had a coupon "$10 off 5 Items Listed". When I went in today, I grabbed the coupons by the door - only to find that some match up with the items that are part of the $10 deal!

2 Pillsbury Pie Crusts (4 pkgs/8 Pie Crusts in total) - $4.99 ea (BOGO BJ's Coupon, $1/3 MFC) - $3.99.

15 Yoplait Yogurts - $7.29 (2 .40/6 MFCs) - $6.49.

6 Progresso Soups - $7.99 ($1.50/5 MFCs) - $6.49.

4 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - $6.99 (2 $1/2 MFCs) - $4.99.

8 Green Giant Can Corns - $5.39

1 2 lb. pkg Green Giant Diced Butternut Squash - $3.99 (Free Coupon if you buy G.G. corn)

Came to $27.35 but with my $10/5 Coupon, it was $17.35. If I had just gone in and bought this stuff, it would have cost me $41.63. I probably didn't have to do the six items (I wasn't sure if the free Pie Crust would count towards the 5. Probably would have).

It's definitely not very noteworthy, but I was pleasantly surprised how easy couponing at BJ's is! It takes more time and effort as you really don't know how many of each item are in a package - unless you are really good!

CVS!

I made such a stupid mistake today at CVS! After coupons, my total came to $13.57 and since my lowest ECB was $15, I just swiped my Debit Card. I should have just grabbed 3 candy bars to put me over to use my $15 ECBs. I just wasn't thinking until after I swipped.

2 CVS boxed Tissues - 99 cents ea ($1/2 Store Coupon)
1 Maybelline Foundation - $8.99 ($3/1 MFC) ($8.99 ECB)
2 Crest Pro White Toothpaste - $3.49 ea ($1/2 MFC) ($6.98 ECB)
2 Life Fitness Gums - BOGO @ $2.49 ($3.00 off any Life Fitness purchase - made .50!)
4 Tylenol 24 counts - BOGO @ $5.49($2.50/$10 Pain Reliever Purchase, 4 $2/1 MFCs)

Total Coupons Used: $22.50
Total ECBs Used: $0
Cash OOP: $13.57
ECB Earned: $15.97

I'm sitting on $46.97 ECBs for my card which is crazy. Especially since it's going to grow after Thanksgiving.

The Tylenol was a steal - $10.98 - $10.50 in Coupons = .48 cents for 4 packs of Tylenol!!

CVS!

My husband sprung me loose last night for some bargain huntin'! Woohoo!

I stopped at CVS to do the Glade deal. I was "losing" about $1.50 on the deal but I'm in love with the Apple Cinnamon candles.

2 Glade Candles - $2.50 ea ($1.50/2 MFC)
2 Glade Glass Scents - $2.50 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs)

Total ECBs Used: $3.59
Total Cash OOP: $3.06
ECBs Earned: $5.00

But here is the BEST PART!! So since I'm alone, I walked around a little. Scanned my card at the Coupon Center/Price Checker. Low and behold I got a $10/$50 Coupon! WOOHOOO!! Expires Black Friday so I'm in HEAVEN. I'm honestly tearing in the store. So I calm down and go make my purchase. The last time I got a $10/$50 had to be about 2 years ago - when Son #1 was on formula. I miss the days of getting them after every purchase!

I put the Glades in my car and realized I scanned my husband's card and forgot to scan mine! I was in that much shock! So I walk back in and scan my card. The machine is making funny noises - the Coupons are jammed! So I asked the 2 teenage cashiers to help me. One is looking at me like I'm on drugs. The other kindly helps me out. Now granted the nice one is the one that just checked me out, so I'm probably looking extra shaddy to her. So she rescued my coupons from the machine - AND MY CARD ALSO GENERATED A $10/$50! I'm going to have to rework my Black Friday deals because this just throws a wonderful wrench into my plans!

Try YOUR card to see if you are one of the lucky ones too!! And if you need help trying to figure out how to spend $50 (pre coupon) at CVS - man - I can work up scenarios all day long! I love this stuff!

Shaw's!

Here's the quick trip I did tonight:

2 Shaw's Apple Juice - $1.50 ea ($1/2 Store Coupon)
2 Hillshire Smoked Kielbasa - BOGO ($1/2 MFC, $1/2 Store Coupon)
1 Glade Fan - Clearance $4.24 (Free MFC)
1 Glade Refill - $2.99
1 Pledge Cloths - Clearance $1.84 ($1.50/1 MFC from Machine)

$4 Off When you Buy 2 Cokes and 2 Nabisco Crackers
2 Coke 12 Packs - $2.96 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs Printed from MyCoke Rewards)
Wheat Thins and Chicken in a Biskit Crackers - $2($1/2 Store Coupon)

Total Before Savings: $46.33
Total Coupons Used: $16.74
Cash OOP: $11.62 (that includes the $1.20 bottle deposit for the Cokes)

Since the Glade Fans were on clearance (reg. price $8.49) and I had the MFC that's "Buy a Refill, Get a Fan Free", I chanced it to see if they would take the original price off. They didn't.

The Pledge Wipes were a steal at .34 cents. They look like a trial size of wipes, but I think there are 18 in the pack. The little blinkie machines are spurting out $1.50/1 Pledge Products.

The Coke deal is EXCELLENT if you participate in MyCoke Rewards! I only do it to get coupons. For instance, every 12 pack code you enter here gives you 10 points. You can get a $1/1 12 Pack for 35 points. Long story short, here is how my Deal worked out:

2 packs of Coke - $2.92 ea. becomes $1.92 ea with MFCs
2 packs of Crackers - 2/$4 becomes $3 with Store Coupon.
That brings you to $6.84, but you have the $4 off Coupon from the circular which means all 4 items are $2.84 (plus $1.20 if you live in a bottle deposit state).

Restaurant.com!

Restaurant.com is offering their $25 Gift Cards to restaurants for only $2! Use Coupon Code SURPRISE from 11/18-11/20.

***PLEASE READ THE RULES AND RESTRICTIONS FOR THE RESTAURANT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN! THERE ARE MANY RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON THESE - BUT IF YOU DON'T MIND THEM, IT'S A GREAT DEAL!***

CVS!

It's nap time here and both kids are napping! It's a miracle! I finally got to plot out my Black Friday CVS Deals! I have not factored in tax here since I'll be in the great state of Connecticut for these trips and I'm not sure if they are nice enough to eliminate tax like Massachusetts does.

My Card (I have $30.99 ECBs)

Round 1
1 Maybelline Foundation - $8.99 ($3/1 MFC) ($8.99 ECB)
1 Colgate Toothpaste - $2.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($2.99 ECB)
2 Loreal Lipglosses - $6.99 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs) ($13.98 ECB)
1 CoverGirl Smoothers Liquid - $7.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($7.99 ECB)
1 CoverGirl Smoothers Powder - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)

Total after MFCs: $31.94
Total ECBs Used: $30.99
Cash OOP: .95 cents
ECBs Earned: $39.94

Round 2
2 Bic Soleil - $5.99 ea (2 $3/1 MFC) ($11.98 ECB)
1 Garnier Nutritioniste Cleansing Towelettes - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)

Total after MFCs: $10.97
Total ECBs Used: $10.98 (losing a penny!)
Cash OOP: $0.00!
ECBs Earned: $17.97

All for about 95 cents and I'll walk away with $46.93 ECBs!

The Husband's Card (He has $13.59 ECBs)

Round 1
1 Garnier Nutritioniste Cleansing Towelettes - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)
1 Maybelline Foundation - $8.99 ($3/1 MFC) ($8.99 ECB)
1 CoverGirl Smoothers Powder - $5.99 ($1/1 MFC) ($5.99 ECB)

Total after MFCs: $15.97
Total ECBs Used: $13.59
Cash OOP: $2.38
ECBs Earned: $20.97

Even if I go back in for Gatorades, Candy Bars or Legalized Speed (that energy drink junk), I will have spent $3.33 in cash and have $67.90 ECBs! It will be a great start to this glorious holiday season!

Bass Pro Shops!

Heading down to Foxboro, MA anytime soon? Check out Bass Pro Shop near the Patriot's Stadium! A FREE Santa's Wonderland to explore AND a FREE Photo with Santy Claus! I paid $24 at the mall for our Santa photo and it's not very good. Will be checking out this place - for no other reason than IT'S FREE!

There are Bass Pro Shops in other areas of the country as well! Check the website for the location closest to you!

Click here for more info on Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops!

Pampers!

Free Potty Training Kit from Pampers (with coupons!)

Free Kit Here!

Hallmark (South Shore MA)!

Print a coupon at this link to enjoy 20% off your purchase at Amy's Hallmark in Braintree, MA. Valid 11/19-12/04.

Amy's Hallmark in Braintree

Cheerios!

Click the link below for a .50/1 MFC for a box of Cheerios (Doubles at most grocery stores!)

50 Cents off Cheerios!

Kohl's!

I love Kohl's. I don't know why. I just do. If you don't have a Kohl's card, you should open one up. I don't like having lots of credit cards, but with the Kohl's card, they send you all these insane coupons and you save big.

For today and tomorrow (Nov. 18-19), if you shop online at Kohls.com, you get free shipping on all orders over $75. Furthermore, if you spend over $100 and enter code HOLIDAY20, you get 20% off your total order! Lots of things are priced at 50% off so an extra 20% off is great!

I'm pretty sure you do not have to use your Kohl's Charge to get these savings. Also, if you are a senior citizen (over 65), they have special days where you get an extra 15% off. I think today is one of those days.

Snapfish!

Order your holiday cards from Snapfish.com and get 20 for 1 cent each! Use coupon code code CARD08. Offer expires November 23rd. Unfortunately, you can't do pick up with this offer so you have to pay $5.99 for shipping.

Ann Taylor!

November 20-23rd, use online code FRIENDS to receive 30% off your entire order!

Shaw's!

2.68 lbs banana - $1.85

2 gallons milk (2 "Free Milk" coupons)

11 cans Campbell's Cream Soup - .88 ea (.30/3 MFC DOUBLE! & $1/8 MFC)

4 Francesco Rinaldi Tomato Sauces - $2.29 ea (BOGO)

2 Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta - $1.50 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs)

2 Frosted Mini Wheats - $2.50 ea (2 $1/1 MFCs)

2 Cereal Straw Snacks - $2.50 ea (Filler to get free milk)

2 Betty Crocker Warm Delights - $1.67 ea (2 .50/1 MFCs DOUBLE!)

1 Green Giant Steamer - $1 ($1/1 MFC)

1 Pillsbury Savorings (Husband's request) - $2.99 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLE!)

2 Sargento Shredded Cheese - $2.50 ea ($1/2 MFC)

1 Land O Lake's Butter - $2.50 ($2 MFC)

5 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - $1.67 ea ( 4 .35/1 MFCs DOUBLE!)

2 Tropicana OJs - $2.50 ea ($1/2 Store Coupon)

3 loaves Shaw's Bread - $3.39

1 Juicy Juice - $2.50 ( $1/1 MFC)

***$5 Off When you Buy 10 Items***
2 Hungry Jack potatoes - $1.67 ea ($1/2 MFC)
2 Eagle Condensed Milk - $2.50 ea ($1/2 MFC)
6 Pillsbury Quick Breads - $1.67 ea (2 $1/3 MFCs)

Total Before Savings: $134.68

Coupons Used: $37.90

OYNP Coupons Used: $39.50

Total OOP: $13.13

I'm sad to report I have no more "On Your Next Purchase" Coupons. That is okay. At least I used them and they didn't go to waste!

CVS!

Round 2 as I was going to Shaw's!

2 big packs of Duracells - $19.98 ($1.50/1 MFC)

1 Loreal Cream - $15.99 ($1/1 MFC)

Coupons Used: $2.50

ECBs Used: $20

Cash OOP: $14.14

ECB Earned: $30.99

Even if you don't have coupons for the Duracells - they are such a good deal if you know how to work your ECBs! I'm actually a little mad I had to spend $14!! It's worth it because this is overall a great price for batteries! Oh dear!

Also, since there is a limit of 3 on the Duracell deal, you can use your overage from previous purchases to make up the difference! For instance, in my first purchase, it came to $21.98. So with my second purchase only coming to $19.98, I still got my $15 ECB because the extra $1.98 from my first purchase put me over. Did I confuse you? Probably.

CVS!

CVS was a hit as always today! Just hit one as we had a baptism to go to in the morning.

1 big pack of Duracell AAs - $9.99 ($1.50/1 MFC)

2 8-packs Duracells - $5.99 ea (2 $1.50/1 MFCs)

2 Glade Glass Scents - $2.50 ea (BOGO MFCs)

2 Glade Candles - $2.50 ea ($1.50/2 MFC)

Total Before Savings: $43.77

Total Coupons Used: $8.50

Total ECB Used: 20.58

Total Cash OOP: $3.03

Total ECB Earned: $20

All and all, good trip! $3 for 32 batteries and smelly things to cover up my stinky house is a.o.k.!

CVS!

Prepping for tomorrow's CVS runs!

Def. doing the Duracell Battery Deal (Spend $20, Get $15 ECBs). I haven't seen the $5/2 Qs at CVS but I'll look again. I do have 4 $1.50/1 MFCs so that will be fine.

Glade deal. Buy $10 in Glade, get $5 ECB. I have more Glade MFCs than I know what to do with. Hopefully I can work it so it's all free.

I might do the Speed Stick deodorant. www.IheartCVS.com is the best website in the world!!

Shaw's!

I haven't gone to Shaw's yet this week but thought I would highlight some good deals. I'm not getting most of this as we're trying to live off of our reserves this week, but I'm bored. I need to get a life.

Chicken Breast - $1.79/lbs. Very cheap for grocery stores! Cheaper at Roxie's!
Tropicana OJ - 2/$6 ($1/2 Store Coupon)
Culinary Cookies - $1.99 ($1/1 Store Coupon)
Shaw's Bagels - BOGO
Pepperidge Farm Bread - BOGO (I have some MFCs, but not sure if they will match up to the breads on sale)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese - 4/$5 ($1/3 MFC)
Sargento Shreadded Cheese - 2/$5 ($1/2 in Red Plum)
Green Giant Steamers - $1 ($1/1 MFC)
Bertolli Oven Bakes - $5.49 (3 $1.75/1 MFCs)
Campbell's Cream Soups - .88 (.40/3 MFC, $1/8 MFC)
Ronzoni Smart Taste- $1.50 ($1/1 MFC)
Betty Crocker Warm Delights - $1.67 (.50/1 MFC DOUBLES)
Domino Sugar - $2 ($1/1 MFC)
Juicy Juice - $2.50 ($1/1 MFC)
Francesco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce - BOGO (we need pasta sauce!)

I'm doing the $5 off deal. Not because it's a good deal, but I need some of the stuff.

6 Pillsbury Quick Bread Mixes - $10 (2 $1/3 MFCs) = $8
2 Hungry Jack Potatoes - $3.33 ($1/2 MFC) = $2.33
2 Eagle Sweetened Condensed Milk - $5 ($1/2 MFC) = $4

Total = $14.33 - $5 WYB10 = $9.33

Shaw's!

Here's my scenario from this evening.

General Mills Deal

10 boxes Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks (we're addicted here) - $25.00 with $19.50 OYNP generated

Other

5 2-Liters of Coke (B4G1 MFC)
Sara Lee Pie
Breyer's Ice Cream (Buy Pie, Get Ice Cream Free)
1 pkg Johnsonville Ground Sausage ($1/1 MFC)
1 Loaf Shaw's Bread
1 Gal. Shaw's Milk
1 Coupon Holder on Clearance
2 + lbs Banana

Total OYNP Used: $40
Total Cash OOP: -$9.24 (yes, they gave me $9.24)
Total OYNP Earned: $19.50

Okay. Long story short. I tried to do the ConAgra deal. I know I had more than $20 Pre-Sale price rung up. The coupon didn't print. I went to the service desk to see if I could buy one more to bring it over. They said no. So I told them I wanted to return everything ConAgra. So I did. Originally, I paid $8.71 OOP for the entire order, but after the ConAgra return, they gave me $17.95 cash back. And again, I had -$4 and some change in my sales tax.

I'm not sure if it was the Orville Red. Popcorn that isn't popping up with the sale (I did buy two funky flavors and maybe they didn't enter in all the SKUs?). Anyways, I'm done with all things ConAgra. Even though I made money on this purchase, I essentially "wasted" $11.26 in my OYNP coupons. But I got a lot of junk food to show for it.

Total OYNP Banked: $39.50

Bath and Body Works!

Get 20% off your online order from now until November 16th using the code: 20FRIENDS

CVS!

(Missing the Water that I chugged in the car!)

I wasn't going to do the Candy deal this week at CVS, but I surprisingly woke up to an email with a $5/$30 in my husband's account email. So coupled with MFCs and Store Coupons I had, I did it!

2 Hershey Special Dark Candy Bars - 2/$1 (BOGO MFC)
2 14 oz pkgs of Twizzlers - $2 ea ($1.50/2 Store Coupon)
2 pkgs Hershey Bliss - 2/$6 ($2.50/2 MFC)
1 Hershey Pot of Gold - $5
1 19.75 oz Big Bag of Kisses - $4 ($2/1 Store Coupon)
1 Garnier Fructis Conditioner - $2.99 ($1/1 MFC)
1 Glaciau Water - $1.59
1 Listerine Smart Rinse - $5.89 (should have been $3.99) ($1/1 Store Coupon from Diabetes book)

Came to just over $30 (I was ready to grab a couple candy bars because I thought I added about $28.50 in my head.

Coupons Used: $13.50
ECB Used: $9.00
Cash OOP: $3.97
ECB Earned: $13.59

**Warning! The Pink Listerine Smart Rinse is not ringing up on sale or giving ECBs. The cashier gave me $3 back to make up for the ECB. I didn't question the sale price because then my $5/$30 would be in jeopardy. I could have done better if I got it for $3.99 - but that's okay. Be warned!**

Coupons That Match With Sales!

Taking advantage of the ConAgra deal at Shaw's this week? Print a coupon here for $1/2 Pam, Wesson Oil, Orville Popcorn, etc.:

http://www.simpleanddelicious.com/saveShop/couponCenter.jsp

A coupon for $1/2 Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers:

http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=rkjpdbu9120236&bt=wi&o=53960&c=CG&p=FNPY0TnG

Also here ($1/2 Cafe Steamers!):

http://www.healthychoice.com/fortune/index.jsp

Gap! Old Navy! Banana Republic!

Save 30% off your online order from November 13 - 16th by entering online shopping code: LZLGFTTRXYZ6 .

Shaw's!

1 box Clementines - $5.99 ($1/1 Store Coupon)
2 1/2 lbs Pork Tenderloin - $7.09 ($1 Store Coupon)
1 Idahoan Potatoes - $1.50 (Free Coupon)
2 Cocoa Krispies - $2 ea (2 $1/1 MFC)
1 Shaw's Water - $2.99 ($1/1 Store Coupon)
2 bags Sugar - 2/$3
5 Campbell's Select Harvest Soup - $1 ea ($1/1, .50/2, $1/2 MFCs)
Steamfresh Peas - $1 ($1/1 MFC)
Stoffer's Lasagna Family Size - $6.99 ($1/1 MFC)
Shaw's Milk - $3.99 ($4.50/1 Store Coupon)
Large Eggs - $1.79
4 Dannon Yogurts - .60 ea
2 Crystal Farms Cheese - 2/$5
2 Ball Park Franks - 2/$5 ($1/2 MFC)
Rubbermaid Container - $4.66 ($1/1 MFC)

ConAgra Catalina (Pre-Sale Prices that count toward the $20 Promo)
Healthy Choice Steamer - Reg. Price $4.29, Sale $2.75 ($1/1 MFC)
Pam Cooking Spray - Reg. Price $3.29, Sale $2.99
Wesson Oil - Reg. Price $6.79, Sale $3.99
5 Hunt's Snack Packs - Reg. Price $1.39, Sale $1

Total Before Savings: $111.55
Coupons Used: $15.50
OYNO Coupons Used: $48.50
Cash OOP: $2.79
OYNP Earned: $10

Great day for me at Shaw's today. The husband went with me for the first time in a very long time - he was embarrassed and shocked at the same time. Even though I used $48.50 of my OYNP coupons, I still have $60 left.

Also, I noticed that 3 of my OYNP $5 had an expiration date of 11/21 - which were from the GM promo going on now. The $5's from last week's $30/$15 expire on 11/27 - so be careful!

CVS!

2 Hershey Special Dark Candy Bars - 2/$1 (BOGO MFC)
1 Garnier Fruictis Style Product for my frizzy hair - $2.99 ($1/1 MFC)
1 Lorial Revialift - $11.99 ($1/1 MFC)
1 Glaiciau Water - $1.59

Used: $14 ECB
OOP: $1.07 cash
Earned: $15.58 ECB

Please excuse my typos! I need more coffee (and it's 6:30 PM!)

Target!

We got a bunch of stuff at Target today, but notable items include:

3T Policeman Halloween Costume - 90% on Clearance! - $2.49
Thomas the Train Chrismas DVD (with a Thomas train!) - $9.99 used $5 off coupon - $4.99!

Lord and Taylor!

Get 20% off your purchase from Friday November 7th - Tuesday November 11th with this printable coupon:

http://lt.lordandtaylor.us/ltdocs/coupons/lt_110708_coupon2.pdf

Shaw's!

This was the most bizarre experience at Shaw's of my life! I stopped in to do the Breyer's/Sara Lee Pie deal because we headed over to my in-law's tonight. I thought I'd look all sweet if I brought pie and ice cream.

1 Box Reece's Puffs (.55/1 MFC DOUBLES)
1 Honey Nut Cheerios (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES)
8 Fruit Snacks (1 $1/3 MFC from paper a couple weeks ago)

1 Sara Lee Pie
1 Breyer's Ice Cream (Free with Shaw's Coupon)

Total Before Savings: $41.27
Total OYNP Coupons Used: $25
Total OOP: -.97 (Yes, the cashier gave ME back 97 cents!)
Coupons Earned: $19.50 OYNP

First, I noticed that I accidently cut off the expiration date of my Reece's Puff coupon. So I scanned my cashier selection and decided to go with a teenage girl. Score. She didn't even notice.

Secondly, after I gave her my MFCs, the total was $26 and some change. So I gave her $25 in OYNP coupons - thinking that I'd be paying less than $2 OOP. So then she says "97 cents" - so I hand her a dollar and she tries to punch it in. And she says "Oh, I owe you 97 cents!" So she gave me my change and my beloved coupons and sent me on my way.

After I strapped the rugrats in the car, I looked at my receipt and after my $25 in OYNO coupons, the subtotal was $2.78, but my tax was -$3.75. So that explains why she owed me 97 cents mathematically. But, how can tax be negative? I have no idea and nor will I ask any questions. It works for me.

Christmas Tree Shop!

You can get 20% off your entire purchase at The Christmas Tree Shop from November 10-16. The coupon is in PDF format so I have no idea how to post it on here. If you want me to email you the coupon, comment me!

Ikea!

Ikea is offering FREE breakfast until 10:30am between Saturday November 8 - Tuesday November 11th. The store opens at 10, but I'm pretty sure the restaurant opens at 9. You might want to check you local store for exact hours.

CVS!

How I messed up CVS is beyond me! I pride myself in my work at CVS and for some reason today, I messed up! ARRRRG!

I have already bought $4 of the $10 needed for the $5 ECB When You Buy $10 in Hershey Candy. I had the two little rugrats with me there today so I picked up 2 Cadbury XL Bars and 4 Hershey XL Bars. It came to $6, I paid with $5 ECB and $1 cash (thinking I would get $5 ECB back) and I only got $2. Apparently the big bars on sale aren't part of that deal. I went in with the intention of buying those Hershey PB Santas at .50 cents each, but my CVS didn't have them. I should have picked up a flyer to double check my options but I had both of my toddlers kicking and screaming with me. Major bad move on my part! How dare I lose myself $3!! ;)

On the positive side, I can still get $6 in candy and get $5 ECB back. Also, I did score with a $2 off $10 Oral Care purchase coupon. I'm thinking of my scenario:

2 Oral-B Picks - 3.49 each with $2 ECB back on both. Plus I have 2 $1/1 MFCs.
1 Pro-Health Whitening Toothpaste - $3.49 with $3.49 ECB back. 1 $1/1 MFC.

Total: $10.47
-$2 Off Your Purchase = $8.47
-$3 in MFCs = $5.57

Generates $7.49 in ECBs. Money Maker of $1.92. Now the problem is finding the toothpaste still in stock...

Shaw's!

I can't be happier with this week's circular! I have $105 in coupons burning a big hole in my pocket - and I want to take full advantage of it!

Here's what I think good deals at Shaw's are this week:

Clementines ($1/1 Shaw's Coupon)
Shaw's Bottled Water ($1/1 Shaw's Coupon)
Sara Lee Pie/Breyer's Ice Cream Deal (couple with the $1/2 MFC)
Bottom Round Roast (?)
Shopper's Value Sugar
SteamFresh Veggies (Have $1/1 MFCs and they are $1!)
Betty Crocker Catalina (We're addicted to Fruit Snacks here)
Cocoa Krispies ($2 but there is a $1/1 in the Red Plum this week - I need all the chocolate I can get!)
Crystal Farms Cheese
Butternut Squash (.59/lbs)
Healthy Choice Catalina (I need more Pam and Cooking Oil. I DO NOT need more soup! :) )

We'll see how I do. Also, if you haven't done so already, register at Shaws.com - they send you coupons in the mail and email. Today, I got an email that linked me to a page with $50 worth of Shaw's Coupons. I noticed a bunch can be coupled with MFCs that are out there.

My Shaw's Recap

So I did 7 trips this week. Here is the outcome (assuming I don't make a last minute run this afternoon with the kids).

Deal-o-rama
18 cans of Progresso Soup
2 Progresso Broths
25 Green Giant Boxes
3 Green Giant Create-A-Meals
4 Big Green Giant Bags
5 Knor Mixes
3 Knor Plus Veggie Mixes
3 Betty Crocker Frostings
2 Betty Crocker Cake Mixes
3 Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes
3 Betty Crocker Potatoes
2 Boxes of Yo-Gurts
6 Yoplait Trix Yogurt packs
4 Pillsbury Cookies (Ready to Cook)
2 Pillsbury Cookie Doughs
1 Romano's Mac. Grill Meal Maker
2 Skippy Peanut Butters
1 Country Crock Butter
2 Hellman's Mayo
9 Swiss Mix Cocoa Boxes
13 Healthy Choice Microwavable Soup Bowls
9 Cans of Healthy Choice Soup
2 pkgs Klondike Bars

Stuff Not Part of Deal
4 20 oz pkgs of Ground Turkey
2 Gallons of Milk
1/2 Gallon of Half and Half
3 Apple Juices
2 Sour Creams

So this week, I spent $152.45 out of pocket, BUT...I have $105 off my next order coupons. The five things I got that weren't part of the deal cost $40.27. So essentially, that long list of stuff I got was $112.18 cash out of pocket, but if you minus the $105 in coupons I'll use in the next two weeks, it was like paying $7.18.

For those of you wondering if we have lived on soup and cookies all week, the answer is no. I have such a stock pile off all things in our home. I'm probably sitting on 8 or 10 boxes of cereal, 4 pounds of frozen chicken breast, 3 pounds of frozen ground beef, tons of waffles, pasta, etc., etc., etc. Also, the Thursday before this week, I stopped at a local Meat Market and got $26 in fruits and meat. That $26 is part of our October budget though...

I think the key to really saving a lot on groceries is to stock up on the things that you know you will need and use. Always check expiration dates - even on non-parishable food items. For instance, all the cookie dough I got, it doesn't expire until February 2009 (good for the holidays), plus, you can freeze that. Most cereals don't expire for about a year. The frozen veggies, although it sounds like a lot, will probably only hold us over for 6-8 weeks. It isn't going to go bad in the freezer for that short amount of time.

For those with inquiring minds, my last two trips, I was informed that I could only use $15 worth of the $5 coupons at a time. I don't know if that is just the 2 stores I stopped in - I mean, the coupons don't say you can only redeem 3 at a time. But you can couple it with a $10 from ConAgra. This coming week, the ConAgra deal is actually advertised.

Shaw's! (Again!)

Round 6

4 Progresso Soups $6.68 (2 .55/2 MFC DOUBLES)
1 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $1.67 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES)
1 Betty Crocker Frosting - $1.67 (.55/1 MFC DOUBLES)
1 Betty Crocker Potatoes - $1 (.40/1 MFC DOUBLES)
2 Green Giant Boxes - $2 ($1/2 MFC)
4 packs of Yoplait kids yogurt - $10 (2 $1/2 MFCs)

6 Healthy Choice Microwavable Soup Bowls $10.02 (2 $1/3 MFC)

2 Friendship Sour Creams (not on deal) 2/$4 ($1/2 MFC)

Used $15 in OYNO Coupons, Paid $10.92 OOP. Received $25 OYNO coupons.


Round 7



2 Pillsbury Cookie Doughs - $5 ($1/2 MFC)
1 Green Giant Bag Veggies - $2.50 (.40/1 MFC DOUBLES)
1 Green Giant Create-A-Meal Bag - $2.50
2 Skippy Peanut Butter - $5 (.75/2 MFC DOUBLES)
4 Progresso Soups - $6.68

3 Swiss Miss Cocoas - $3
4 Healthy Choice Microwavable Bowls - $6.68
1 Healthy Choice Can -$1.25

4 20 oz Packages Ground Turkey (not on deal) - $10

Paid with $15 in OYNO coupons and $22.04 Cash. Received $25 OYNO Coupons.

Get To Shaw's Now!

So I need to thank Deal Finding Mom tremendously!! Check out her bloggie on my list. She is a pro! She figured out that the "Spend $30, Get $15 On Your Next Purchase" is PRE-SALE prices!!! Plus, I figured out some ConAgra deal through her which is not advertised at all here in Massachusetts. I guess they forget about us pilgrims. Deal Seeking Mom is from CT and people from CT (like me) are obviously wonderful!

Rounds 3 and 4. $50.88 Cash and $50 Off My Next Purchase Coupons generated. So it's sort of like I got all of this for .88 cents!

Round 3



ConAgra Deal

6 Swiss Miss Cocoas (reg. $1.99, sale $1)
3 Healthy Choice Microwavable Bowls (reg. $2.99, Sale $1.67) Had $1/3 MFC

Came to $10.95, Minus $1/3 MFC for the soup, so $9.95 OOP plus a coupon for $10 off my next order.

The Spend $30, Get $15 OYNO (Off Your Next Order)

2 Hellman's Mayo (Reg. price $4.29, Sale $2.50) Had $1/2 MFC
4 Progresso Soup (Reg. price $2.89, Sale $1.67) Had $1/4 MFC
1 Macaroni Grill thing. (Reg. price $4.99, Sale $3.34) Had $1/1 MFC
1 Betty Crocker Potato (Reg. price $2.29, Sale $1) Had .40/1 MFC which DOUBLED
3 Knor Noodle Packs (Reg. price $1.79, Sale $1) Had $1/3 MFC

Came to $13.21 OOP plus coupons for $15 off my next order.

$23.21 in total, Plus $25 dollars off my next order! Woooohoooooo!

Round 4

8 cans of Healthy Choice Soup (Reg. $2.50, Sale $1.25)
2 Green Giant Just For Ones (Reg. $3.99, Sale $2.50) MFC $1/2
5 Green Giant Boxes (Reg. $2, Sale $1)
4 Progresso Soups (Reg. $2.89, Sale $1.67) MFC $1/4
2 Betty Crocker Cake Mixes (Reg. $2.19, Sale $1)

Total OOP = $27.67, Got $25 Off my next order


Round 5

VERY SIMPLE!

15 Green Giant Boxed Veggies (Reg. price $2, Sale price $1)

1 Free Tall brewed coffee from the Starbucks inside!

Paid with a $10 off Coupon, so $5 OOP and $15 off my next order.

I'm sitting on $85 off my next order coupons. I was too chicken to use them on deals that generated coupons (until my last round). And even that, the lady would only take one $10 one. She was sort of moronic though. I wasn't going to fight her on it.

Usually I don't like people who hoard away tons of stuff like this, but all three of the Shaw's near me are VERY stocked with all these products. So I don't feel guilty. I just hope you can get the same great deal too!

Starbucks!

Starbucks is giving away free coffee tomorrow, Election Day, just by telling them you voted! I'll be extremely caffeinated tomorrow! Hope you will join me! Go to their website if you don't believe me!

CVS!

2 pkgs Pampers (34 count) - $20 ($3 in MFCs)
4 pkgs Ice Breakers Gum - $4 ($2 in MFCs)
Crest Pro White Toothpaste - $3.49 ($1/1 MFC)
4 boxes of Kleenex ($1/4 MFC)

I scored with a $5/$30 coupon in my email this week. Kleenex were BOGO. I need to go back to get $6 more dollars in candy to get my $5 ECBs!

Used $12 in coupons, Used $19 in ECB, Paid .87 cents cash, Earned $8.49 in ECBs.