Baskin Robbins!

Remember! Tonight is 31 cent scoop night at Baskin Robbins! From 5 pm - 10 pm, get a scoop for only 31 cents! Limit 3 per paying adult (I think). Click HERE for more info and to see if your local store participates!

I Didn't Do CVS, But I Farted Around With My Plants

CVS shall come soon. I hope. It was really hot yesterday, my boys were beat, and I thought it was time to give my plants a bigger home.

The zucchini seems out of control. In the morning I realized my plants are growing like crazy. Now I know we still have frost in the evening here - but I think if I plant on or around May 15th, I should be okay. I'm going to have to Google that because I honestly don't know when the last frost is in Massachusetts. Feel free to let me know if you happen to know.

So yes. In the morning, I went outside and rummaged thought my recycling bins. I wasn't going to buy plastic containers to transplant. I had a gazzillion things I was able to use. If you want examples of what to use, I used water bottles that I cut in half, pudding cups, and some old Ziploc containers that were nasty. I also used 2 containers that both held 2 lbs of ground beef. My neighbors must love me - rooting all through my trash and all.

From left to right: Cucumbers, Zucchini, Yellow Squash and my Grape Tomatoes are still hanging out in the disc tray since they are still small.

I went to Lowe's and bought potting soil. $7.32 for a 32 quart bag. I didn't need 32 quarts at all. I don't even think I needed 16 quarts. I'm hoping to save the rest and plant some flowers in a few weeks.

So far cost of garden:

Seed Starter Tray - $6.97

Seeds - Roughly $5 (I don't remember)

Potting Soil - $7.32

Little fence I didn't put up yet: $7.18 (will be used in future years too)

Total so far: $26.47

This is pretty much where my garden is going to go.

I'm trying to do an improvised Lasagna Garden - I threw down cardboard and newspaper. Then I threw down some mulch and I'm going to figure out the rest today. I have to rewater it before I continue. It was hot outside yesterday and the kids only give me so much time to do stuff.

Free Mother's Day Card From Hallmark!

This is noteworthy!

Create a Mother's Day card (or any card, I think!) from Hallmark.com - enter promo code CARD4MOM and the card and shipping to recipient is FREE!! It's like the easiest, cheapest way to tell a loved one that you're thinking of them on Mother's Day!

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for pointing this out!

My Garden at One Week

I have to admit - I'm kind of in a bargain slump. It usually happens this time of year. I'm hoping to hit up CVS today to roll some ECBs - mostly to just get me back into the swing of things. One of the ways I try to save money is to not go shopping at all! So here I'm concentrating my efforts in my first ever seed experiment. Here are pictures I took Friday - exactly 7 days from planting seeds:

The cucumbers and zucchini seem to be doing the best, followed closely by the yellow squash and lastly, the grape tomatoes.

Look at my abstract gardening picture!

I've been following Paula's blog Saving Money 101 - I'm intrigued by her Lasagna Gardening series. It's interesting. I'm trying it if I can get motivated! Apologies for lack of bargain shopping lately - I hope I can get my act together here soon!

So Over Budget - and only the 24th!

I just spent $40 at Drugstore.com. Boo! But Baby Cheapskate brought the offer to my attention and I thought it was a good deal on Diapers!:

-Spend $39 on Pampers or Huggies products, get a $7 credit emailed to you the middle of May. I found a box of 140 Pampers Cruisers (Size 4) for $41.99. Then go to the coupon page and you get $1 off. Brings it to $40.99

-Register your New Account. Spend $50, get $10 off on your first order. I got some insect anti-itch swabs and some foot spray. Total came to $50.17, but with my $10 off, it's now back down to $40.17 (cheaper than just buying the diapers!).

- Orders over $25 ship free.

- I went through Cashbaq.com. They give you 7% back on your purchase. ($2.81 for $40.17)

- I earned $2.01 Drugstore.com dollars good to use in the month of July.

I'm a marketer's best friend these days! It's really a good deal for diapers though - and they're good diapers!

Bad Night at Shaw's!

We were out and about and I told the husband "Let's swing by Shaw's to do two ConAgra deals between the two of us." I had my list planned, he had his. Neither scenario generated Cats. Oh well. I do love me some National Hebrew hot dogs so it's all good. And again, you can't really complain about the cats not working when you don't even spend $25. Oh well.

My transaction:

2 Egg Beaters - 2/$5 ($1/1 MFC - should have printed off 2, but I went banking on getting some ketchup so I didn't have 2 on me)
2 Hebrew National Hot Dogs - BOGO @ $5.99 ea
4 Hunts Snack Packs - $1.25 ea

Total Before Savings: $25.52
Coupons Used: $1.00
Cash OOP: $14.99
No Cats Generated


Husband's transaction:

2 Hebrew National Hot Dogs - BOGO @ $5.99 ea
5 Orville Redenbacher Popcorns - 3 @ $1.67, 2 varieties didn't ring up on sale (probably why cats didn't print) $2.89 ea

Total Before Savings: $26.43
Coupons Used: $10 OYNP
Cash OOP: $4.33
No Cats Generated

I probably should at least go complain about the 2 boxes of popcorn not ringing up on sale but I'm lazy. Oh well. New week. Almost new month. I love hot dogs!

My Garden Update!

So. I took this picture yesterday (I think. Maybe the day before?) I planted these seeds on Friday the 17th - and I counted them today...I have 44 sprouts out of 72 planted. Not bad in 5 days. So I was thinking how this is bargaintastic...

Last year I bought 8 plants at $3.48 a pop - $27.84

This year, I bought one starter tray ($6.97) and 4 packs of seeds for roughly $12. Assume I'm a great gardner, I'll have 72 plants. That makes this whole seed method a whopping 16 2/3 cents a plant instead of $3.48 a plant. That's including the fancy schmancy plant tray I bought at Lowe's! Oh and I bought a little 14 inch ghetto fence to place around the garden at Lowe's over the weekend too - I guess that adds to my gardening price as well. I'll figure that all out some other day...

I love my little seedlings! I wake up each day and look at them and mist them with water. I'm turning into an old lady. By the way, my neighbor who I've secretly waged a garden war with is letting me borrow his power tiller to get my garden nice. That's so nice of him! My compost pile is doing well too. I threw in some old celery and coffee grounds this afternoon, turned it some, saw some worms and think all is going a.o.k. with it. I'm so Earthy this Earth Day!

Reynold's Wrap Reminder!

Remember - today, click HERE to get your free Reynold's Wrap Mail-In-Rebate Form! I love free Reynold's Wrap!

BJ's!

Total OOP: $35.84

2 Gallons of Milk - $2.21 ea

3 quarts of Half & Half - $1.99 ea

1 pack of Hamburger Buns - $1.99

1 Pineapple - $2.89

1 2 pk of Apple Juice - $4.69

1 Tropicana OJ - $5.29

1 32 pack of Coke - $8.99 ($1.60 for deposit)

I went for milk, half & half and juice. I grabbed some more stuff. The husband has been complaining about the lack of Coke. Being a homemaker, I need to make my man happy.

The pineapples are a little bit more expensive than the ones that were on sale at Shaw's the past two weeks -but I have to say, BJ's quality of pineapple is much better than Shaw's. Plus, I think Shaw's pineapples are back up to $3.99. I'm not sure though.

Milk prices fluctuate - A LOT! In January, it was $2.59 a gallon ($4.39 at Shaw's). It was once down to $2.08 a gallon at BJ's. Now back up to $2.21. I think Shaw's milk is sitting pretty at $3.69 a gallon. CVS advertises milk at $3.19 a gallon. Oh and I'm talking 1%.

Free Ben & Jerry's Cone!

Look at Deal Finding Mom's blog on the right - good news! More free junk! Get to Ben and Jerry's today from 12-8 pm and you can get yourself a free cone! Unfortunately for me, the closest participating Ben & Jerry's is in Natick (well, besides Boston, but I'm not going to slum it up on Newbury St for a free cone! ;) ). Good for MetroWesties, bad for South Shorers! Other MA locations participating are the Boston ones, Cambridge, Amherst, Hyannis, Pittsfield, Provincetown, and Salem.

Get the scoop on Free Scoop Day HERE.

Go To Dunkin Donuts Today!

It's finally Iced Coffee Day! Go with your 2 quarters, support Homes for our Troops and enjoy an Iced Coffee!

Cold Stone Creamery!

REMEMBER! Today, from 12-5pm, Cold Stone Creamery locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are giving away a free Iced Sweet Cream Latte! There was an email stating locations - but I think it was all the MA and NH locations. Go! Get a free drink! It's probably loaded with fat and calories - but so what! Live a little!

Free Reynold's Wrap!

Get a FREE roll of Reynold's NEW recycled Aluminum Foil! The promo starts at 4:22 am EDT. Quanities are Limited. Click HERE for details! Thanks to Lori (my closet bargainista friend!) who brought this freebie to my attention!

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings: $160.36

Total Coupons Used: $31.94

Cash OOP: $66.00

OYNP Coupons Earned: $10.00

Meat Promo

2 Johnsonville Brats - $5.69 ea ($1/2 MFC)

2 packs of 2.05 lbs of 85/15 Ground Beef - $6.13 ea

Shaw's Coupon took off $5.04 = $17.60 for all 4 packages!

ConAgra Promo

4 Wesson Oils - Reg. $7.99, Sale $2.50 (No Cats Generated)

2 Healthy Choice Steamers - Reg. $4.49 ea ($1/2 MFC)

2 Hebrew National Hot Dogs - Reg. $5.99, Sale BOGO (2 $1/1 MFCs) $1.99 ea!

4 Hunts Snack Packs - Reg. $1.39, Sale $1.25

Even though I did over $50 pre-sale prices, I only got $10 in OYNP coupons. In the past I've been able to do two scenarios and earn twice as much, but not this one. Also, the OYNP coupons state that you can only redeem 2 per transaction. Are they getting smart on us?

1 pint blueberries - $2.50

1 container of strawberries - $2.50

1.01 lbs of Shaw's American Cheese - $3.03

2 Gordon's Fish Sticks - $3.49 ea (.75/2 MFC DOUBLES) $2.74 ea!

1 Shaw's Pancake Syrup - $3.19

1 Shaw's hot dog rolls - $1.00

2 Eggos - $2 ea ($1/2 MFC) $1.50 ea!

20 Yoplait Yogurts - 20 for $10 ($2/20 Shaw's coupon, 3 .40/6 MFCs) - .28 cents ea!

2 Breyer's Ice Creams - $2.99 ea (2 .75/1 MFC DOUBLES) $1.49 ea!

1 Gain Dryer Sheets - $3.99 ($1/1 MFC) $2.99!

1 Juicy Fruit Gum - $1 (Free MFC) FREE!

I got my total to $73 after my coupons but I had that $10 off $75 still - so I grabbed 2 20 oz Cokes to put me back over! Success! I got tripped up on the meat - It was less than I had accounted for on my list.

Plaster Fun Time!

Trying to beat the April Vacation blahs? Go to Plaster Fun Time! Here is a Buy 2, Get 1 Free coupon good until 4/26. Sign up at their website to get these deals emailed to you!

Random Shaw's Babble!

This is a great week at Shaw's!! This is a good week to give you a run down on how Shaw's Catalina's work when dollar amount is involved. I thought the "It's the pre-sale price that counts towards these deals that matters" was kind of an understood concept for readers of my blog, but talking to some people, I realized they have no idea what I am talking about.

Take your flyer. See the back? "Buy $25 of this ConAgra stuff, get a coupon for $10 OYNP." The system reads the pre-sale price. So in reality, you can buy like $16 worth of things and get your $10 OYNP coupon. If you use coupons, that $16 can actually fall below $10 and you STILL get your $10 OYNP coupon. I'm probably confusing you. Just go here: Deal Finding Mom. She is really good about posting what the good deals are each week. I like her because she doesn't list all the sale things - just things that are really good. She put most of the PRE-SALE prices on her blog for the ConAgra deal. Run with it.

Remember too! If you were lucky enough to go shopping Easter weekend, the register spit out a coupon ($10 off $75). The first coupon doesn't expire until THE 19th! - Which is Sunday! I thought it expired Thursday and I'm so glad I checked it when I made my list last night. I actually am going to use mine: the $75 is after all other coupons are used - so you kind of have to buy a lot. I'm going to do the meat deal and 2 ConAgra scenarios which is a big portion of the $75. Then my list includes some Gain, Yoplait yogurt, Shaw's American cheese, maple syrup, fruit, and a couple other random things. I think I have my post coupon (pre $10 off coupon) price at $78 (I left wiggle room since I heard the meat deal might actually ring up under $19.99 - plus, who knows how much fruit will actually be).

So if my "plan" goes smoothly, I'll spend $68 and get $20 OYNP on a bunch of stuff.

Bargain Becky Trying to Be a Farmer!

I really am amazed by gardeners. It seems cool. My next door neighbor has a big garden that borders our property. So last year I thought I'd be all cool like him and plant tomatoes and peppers. End result? Mr. Neighbor had big beautiful tomato and squash plants. I had these dinky little things that looked more like overgrown weeds than anything. Gayle at The Grocery Cart Challenge wrote a great post about starting seeds indoors just a week ago. Click HERE to read it.

So I had intentions of using recyclables and potting soil. So I washed some stuff out and got the kids and headed to Lowe's. My 3 year-old picked out some seeds (although I boycotted most of his choices). But they started running around like crazy toddlers so I snatched them up and thought "there is no way I am going to be able to do this!" - but then a light shown down on a great product! This beautiful 72 pod seedling starter kit! I bought it! I mean, it was only $6.97 and the bag of potting soil I picked out was like $8.50 (I think I had a really big bag of it though) - so I went with ease. We ended up planting grape tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, yellow squash and zucchini.

I'm not sure if this will really be a "bargain" for me. I have started to turn the soil of where I will be planting these plants (if they ever sprout!). I am waging a silent vegetable war on my neighbor. Sure, he's like twice my age and has probably been gardening longer than I've been alive, but I can take him down! Our gardens are right next to each other so it will be easy for me to take comparison pictures! Boo ha ha ha!!!

Oh, and I fenced in the back corner of my yard to make a compost pile. I woke up with this need to be all eco-friendly the other day. I must have the Earth Day aura about me. Speaking of Eco-Friendly - if you haven't checked out EcOnomical Mom's blog you should do so! I just added her to my public blogroll, but have been reading her blog for a while now.

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings: $35.68

Total Coupons Used: $0

Cash OOP: $26.68

2 loaves of Friehoffer's bread - $2.50 ea

2 packages of Kool-Aid 10 - $1.99 ea

1 Shaw's Light Grape Drink - $1.67

2 Adam & Eve Apple Juices - $1.67 ea

2.52 lbs of Green Grapes - $5.01

1 4.4 oz container of blueberries (not pictured) - $3.99

We stopped at the grocery store after our doctor appointments yesterday. I told my 3 year old he can have anything he wants as a treat. He picked blueberries. I tried to lure him to a .50 cent candy bar, but he was insistent on a healthy treat. So I tried to convince him what he really wanted was a banana. But no. He wanted blueberries - 3.99 for 4.4 oz = $27.50 a pound!!!

I went thirsty - and it showed. I grabbed 2 boxes of the KoolAid 10 (low calorie juice bags) just so I could have one. Why I needed 2 boxes is beyond me. I also saw the Grape Juice cocktail and had to have it.

I just think it's crazy how a quick stop for some essentials (and non-essentials) can cost $26! It just seems like a lot of money for some fruit, bread, milk and juice. It's the world we live in though.

Papa John's!

Okay - I think this is only good at the Weymouth/Hingham, MA and Rockland, MA Papa John locations. Order ANY pizza online at http://www.papajohns.com/ and get a second pizza of equal or lesser value - for FREE! So, buy one get one free! You have to use PROMO CODE: WEYROCK - I mean, hey, if you are going to be ordering a pizza, you might as well get one for free, right?

Again, this was on a flyer I got on my pizza a couple nights ago. It says that it's not valid in store and must be used ONLINE only! Expires 5/7/09. The coupon doesn't say it's region specific, but the flyer does have the Central Weymouth/Western Hingham and Rockland Locations on it. Worth a shot if you're ordering from Papa John's online anyways!

Are Coupons REALLY Worth It?

Have you ever asked yourself if coupons are really worth the hassle? I like to think of myself as sort of "average" as far as my grocery habits are concerned. I'm not all gung-ho organic or healthy, but at the same time, I'm not really buying Hamburger Helper, Stouffer's prepared meals and Chef Boyardee all the time. So since I know I'm not the healthiest shopper (or eater!) out there, I've also convinced myself I'm not the worst.

We're sort of entering a time when it's "cool" to cut coupons and be frugal. I really have no idea what individual reader habits are on this blog. Are they fellow couponers? Do they stumble on from a Google search just to see some freak who photographs her groceries? Do they want to learn how to maximize coupons to their advantage? Who knows. It seems like every day there is some sort of story involving grocery savings in the newspaper or on the news. Which made me think - is all this couponing I'm doing really worth it?

I went through and added up all the coupons I have used since January 1st. I included the Shaw's "On Your Next Purchase" coupons and CVS ECBs - why? Because these are are essentially paper money coupons and lots of people do just toss these in the garbage. How much have I saved with little pieces of paper over the past 3 1/2 months? $968.11. That's on average about $64.54 a week. I have been documenting and usually photographing all my grocery purchases since the 1st. The "really good trips" and the "not so good trips." They are all out there for the world to admire.

How does this compare to my spending? Here I break down the last 3 1/2 months more:

Coupons Used: $968.11
Store Sale Savings: $917.89
Cash OOP: $1173

Coupons have saved me 32.2%. Store Sales have saved me 30%. I've gotten $3,059 worth of groceries since January 1st for $1173. I do think coupons are very worth it! I was even able to use a Manufacturer's Coupon on CHERRY TOMATOES yesterday! Look at me getting all healthy like...

Shaw's!

Total Before Savings: $181.55

Coupons Used: $17.77

Cash OOP: $96.43

3 Airheads - .99 ea (3 .55/1 MFCs Doubled to cost) FREE!

2 Plumrose Bacon - BOGO @ $4.99 ea

2 Nathan's Hot Dogs - BOGO @ $5.99 ea

4 Columbo Yogurt - .60 ea

1 Trop50 - $3 ($1/1 MFC) $2

2 Sorrento Mozzarella - $3.29 (2 $1/1 MFC) $2.29 for 16 oz of cheese!

2 Hood Sour Cream - 2/$3 ($1/2 MFC) $1 ea

4 Sargento Shredded Cheese - $2 ea (2 $1/2 MFCs) $1.50 ea

1 Laughing Cow - $2.50 ($1/1 MFC) $1.50!

1 Shaw's Milk - $3.60

1 Shaw's Half & Half - $4.39

2 Shaw's Eggs - $1.79 per dozen

1 Shaw's Whipped Cream - $2.50

1 Danimals Cup - $2.49 (.55/1 MFC DOUBLES) $1.39

2 Green Giant Vegetables - $1 ea ($1/2 MFC) .50 cents ea!

1 StonyRidge Ice Cream- $2.99

1 Vitamin 10 Water - $1 ($1/1 MFC) FREE!

1.01 lbs of Margarita Genoa Salami - $4.03 (.60/1 lbs) $2.83!

3 Dunkin Hines Cake Mixes - $1 ea ($1/3 MFC) .67 cents ea!

1 French's Dried Onions - $3 (.75/1 MFC DOUBLES) $1.50!

1 Freihoffer Bread - $2.50

1 Deli Stick of Pepperoni - $2.87

2.19 lbs of Sausage @ $1.99 a lbs - $4.36

2 Nature Sweet Cherry Tomatoes - 2/$5 ($1/2 MFC) $2 ea

2.53 lbs of Sweet Potatoes - $2

1 Dole Pineapple - $1.99

1.40 lbs of Grapes - $2.79

1 Shaw's Lettuce Bag - $1.49

1 9.6 lbs Carando Spiral Sliced Ham - $19.10

Things I have learned from this trip:

- April is really a wash as far as being really frugal.

- I woke up today with the need to make some sort of great Easter dinner.

- I feel like I'm in a coupon slump. Just sort of blah right now.

- I earned 2 $10 off $75 or more coupons - but it comes off after all other coupons are used.

- I bought the ham banking that I'll buy $40 in Unilever products between now and 4/30 (Free Ham Mail-In-Rebate deal). I looked for the most expensive ham up to $20. This was it. I hope to get my $19.10 back.

- Had a couple impulse buys since the 3 year-old was with me. Danimals and the Boneybell Cheese. My 3 year-old always has the biggest fits at the yogurt section. He sees all the cartoon characters on the yogurt containers and goes bizzirk. I gave in today since there was a peelie there. 4 little things of yogurt for $1.39 - and between both kids, they were all eaten within 10 minutes of getting home.

- I have $84 left on my gift card. Debating about buying another $300 one by Wednesday.

- I have a redheaded grape thief on my hands.

- Not every trip can be spectacular. I guess if you really try, you can get away with awesome deals every time you go to the store - but I just sort of think even real bargain shoppers have to have "normal" trips like this every once and and while. Maybe I'm just naive though.

Shaw's Gift Card Deal - Expires This Wednesday!

Just a reminder, Shaw's gift card promo expires this Wednesday, April 15th! Buy a $300 gift card, get $330 credited on it. Buy $250, get $270 credited. Can't get to Shaw's but still want to take part in this? Order Online! Click HERE for info!

Also, saw a commercial last night - if you spend $25 or more at Shaw's, you get 2 $10 off any $75 purchase for the next two weeks. Valid April 9-12 (today! - which is Easter!). Not sure how I missed this one.

Walgreens and Snapfish!

Take advantage of this special offer and print your favorite springtime or Easter memories!

Just place 100 or more 4" x 6" prints in your cart and enter coupon WALPRINTS50 at checkout. A credit for 50 prints will appear in your cart, for when you pick up your order at Walgreens. Hurry, offer ends April 18!

How Much Should THAT Cost?

Have you ever wanted to get something done on your house and think "Sure, I can get some quotes from contractors, but I have zero idea what to expect cost wise?" I'm like that. Ever wonder if your overspending on your wedding cake? Day care? Getting your dog neutered? I found a great resource!

I recently stumbed across a great website that gives averages and "normal" pricing for over 600 topics (ranging from botox to wedding photographers to installing a toilet). CostHelper.com can give you an overview of what people pay for certain things. Vacations, insurance, you name it, it's probably on their website. For instance, if you are thinking of replacing your bathtub but have no idea how much money you need? Check out this site! Click HERE to go directly to it!

Zoo New England!

I read my junk mail. Like all of it. First, I like to rip up all the credit card things because I have no idea who can order credit cards with my info. Secondly, I learned a lot of junk mail isn't really junk mail - it's a lot of coupons. Well marketing worked it's way with me. I got a letter from Zoo New England (Stone Zoo and Franklin Park) - offering me 14 months of zoo membership for 2 named adults and 4 children - for a measly $59 (Reg. $70 for 2 adults, 4 children). I bit. We actually go to Stone Zoo quite often, but I always reserve the pass from the library. But it's just sort of a hassle to pick it up and return it. I know - that sounds foolish, but the older I get, the lazier I get.

I'll have to say though - in a way I enjoyed giving my $59 - it's good to support places like the zoo! It's tax deductable too! And if my math is correct, $59 for 14 months is $4.21 a month. Plus, as a member, you get in to other zoos for free or half off - like Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford, MA, Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island, Beardsley Park in Bridgeport, CT - as well as 140 other zoos across the country.

Do you want to take part in this offer? Click HERE to go to the discount page (if you enter through their homepage, you will see the regular prices). If you buy your pass before May 15th, you get 2 extra months (that's how I figured out 14 months). What other awesome places around here offer unlimited trips for only $4.21 a month for a family of four (or up to 6 if you have 4 kids!)?? Not many that's for sure!

Target!

I went to Target to get a birthday gift - I picked up some groceries while there. I didn't take a picture. Sorry for lack of pictures lately but I've been lazy.

2 Target Apple Juices - $1.84 ea
2 Del Monte Pineapple Cups - $2.44 ea
Target Cheese Sticks - $3.39
1 Nesquik Milkshake (my weakness) - $1.34

Total: $13.29

Free Sample of Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers!

Click HERE to get your free sample! Sizes Newborn - 2 only. Free diapers = good diapers! Sure it's only 1, but every little bit helps, right? The best part is that free samples usually come with coupons!

CVS!

Total Before Savings: $71.34

Coupons Used: $8.70

ECBs Used: $1.50 (Quarterly Spending)

Cash OOP: $40.57

ECBs Earned: $12.00

3 Huggies - $10 ea (3 $1.50/1 MFCs)(Earn $10 ECB WYB $25)
1 Colgate - $2.99 ($1/1 MFC) (Earn $2 ECB on 1)
6 Pringles - .88 ea (3 $1/2 MFCs) .38 cents ea
1 Gold Emblem Paprika - .88
1 Huggies Clean Team dispenser - Clearance $1.65
1 Dawn - .99 (.20/1 MFC) .79 cents
Some Random Easter Stuff hidden from kid: $8.49

Overall not too exciting. I had no ECBs going into this transaction. I got my Quarterly ECBs from the coupon generator. There is A LOT on clearance! A lot of the Playskool line, Nuby line and some random Huggies stuff. Also art supplies. I'm sure there are Huggies Clean Team product MFCs out there but I didn't have my coupon stash with me. I just bought them. Reg. $3.29, clearanced at 50% off. If I can find my camera, I'll have a picture soon.

Also, I'll save this receipt so I can mail it to Caregivers Marketplace at the end of the year. They give you .75 cents per pack of Huggies Diapers purchased. You need to keep the receipt and fill out the form. Click HERE to get info. I did this last year and it worked. You can mail in your receipts once you get 5 items from their list of qualifying products. Also remember that Huggies Little Swimmers count too - so if you are planning on buying swim diapers this year, keep this in mind!

Plaster Fun Time Easter Coupon!

Use this coupon from now until Sunday to get $5 off at Plaster Fun Time! Apparently they don't celebrate Easter in Newton since they are open on Sunday from 12-6! Looking to get away from the in-laws? Head over to Plaster Fun Time to relax while painting some ceramic stuff!

The Bug That Hit All New Englanders Is Killing My Budget!

So - in February, I had a lot of diapers. I mean a lot. At one point, I had 13 packs (what, 34 or 40 in a pack?) and 1 1/2 cases (180 per case) of Luvs from BJ's stocked up. That might have been in January though - I have no idea! Now? 2 packs. That's it. Granted, my 18 monther had the poops most of March thanks to that plague that affected everyone and it's mother here. So now, I must cough up money for diapers. I'm going to do the Huggies deal at CVS this week. That will score me 2 or 3 packs depending on what I get. I honestly didn't know I was so low until I cleaned out their closet today. I have enough wipes to last until they hit puberty, but diapers, no.

Which leads me to refer a great blog - Baby Cheapskate! This is actually the first blog I have ever stumbled across in my life. I never really knew what blogs were until a couple years ago. Each week, lovely Mrs. Baby Cheapskate posts where to find the best diaper and formula deals. Isn't that great! She also posts a ton of great deals on other baby crap. She's on my blog roll or you can click her current weekly Diaper and Formula deals HERE.

Olay and Unilever Rebates!

Just in case you missed it in your coupon pages - 2 rebates that are REALLY good (if you need the stuff that is!)

1. Olay Professional Pro-X - Buy $50 worth (CVS is giving $5 ECBs this week), get $25 back! Click HERE for the rebate form!

2. Unilever Free Ham or turkey - Buy $40 worth of Unilever products, get a ham or turkey (up to $20!) free by mail-in-rebate! Click THIS POST to see all the details and to find out how to maximize the savings (the $40 is PRE coupon). Everyone loves some free meat!

Cold Stone Creamery!

Get a FREE Iced or Blended Coffee on Monday, April 20th from 12 - 5 pm at Cold Stone Creamery! (participating MA and NH stores only, limit one per person). Click HERE to find a store near you!

And remember, that 50 cent Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee promo is April 21st!

Birthday Party Spending!

Over the weekend we did our birthday party shopping! I also threw in some basics at Shaw's so it's not all party spending.

I spent $34 at Roxie's (well my mother fronted that bill, but I'm counting it towards my spending). This was on deli meat, cheese, some vegetables and rolls.

Here's my Shaw's spending (pardon my lack of pictures, but we were too busy to be bothered with all of that).

Total Before Savings: $99.49

Total Coupons Used: $16.18

Cash OOP: $51.95

OYNP Coupons Earned: $1.00

2.56 lbs of grapes - $5.09

1 pineapple - $1.99

Lipton Veggie Dip mix - $1.89

Shaw's Onion Dip mix -$1.39

2 Shaw's spaghetti - $1 ea

2 Ronzoni Smart Taste elbows - 2/$3

1 Capri Sun 100% Juice - $2.99

2 Kraft Dressings $1.67 ea (2 $1.50/1 MFCs) .17 cents ea!

1 Betty Crocker Cake Mix - $1.67

4 Coke 2-liters - $1.33 ea

2 Lays Potato Chips - BOGO @ $3.99 ea

4 Nabisco Snack Saks - $1.50 ea ($3/4 MFC) .75 ea!

2 Kraft Mayos - 2/$6 ($1/2 MFC) (FREE eggs with purchase)

2 French's Mustards - $2 & $1.39 ($1/2 MFC) $1.20 ea ($1 OYNP generated)

2 Eggo's - 2/$4 ($1/2 MFC)

1 Hood Milk - $4.39 (Shaw's Coupon for FREE milk) FREE!

1 Dozen Eggs- $1.79 (FREE with Mayo)

2 Kraft Shredded Cheese - $1.99 ea

2 Breakstone's Sour Cream - 2/$3 ($1/2 MFC) $1 ea!

1 disposable cake pan - $2.69

Things I learned:

- I think I did pretty well. My mother did a S&S run and got a cantaloupe so that probably adds another $1.88 but I'm not counting that.

- Making your own cake/cupcakes really cuts down on costs. I usually drop $18 on a BJ's cake, but I probably dropped about $5-$6 on the cake mixes, frostings, cupcake wrappers and other stuff that goes into making cupcakes. Plus, they were made with love so they were delicious!

- I still bought way too much food, but it's okay.

- I've bought veggie platters at Costco before for $14.99. This year, I bought a stalk of celery (.88 cents at Roxie's), 2 lbs of carrots (.88 cents at Roxie's), and my home made dip ($1 for the sour cream, .95 cents for the dip mix). So sure, it didn't look all fancy - but it got eaten and was $3.71. I was actually surprised how little effort cutting up carrots and celery really is.

- Some of my coupons (like the Eggo purchase) was due in part because I thought my Shaw's would honor the S&S doubler coupons. They did not take them. I was distraught because I thought their policy was taking competitor's coupons. Oh well. I didn't make a big stink about it because it's not that big of a deal. Although, if you still have your doublers - try it at your Shaw's! My cashier just asked the head cashier and she was kind of crabby and was like "No! We don't take those!" It was Saturday and kind of busy. I think it all depends on the attitudes of your particular workers - I'm sure my Monday morning head cashier would have honored them for me (she's really nice and is a couponer supporter!).

Dunkin Donuts!

Get a small Iced Coffee for only 50 cents on April 21st at Dunkin Donuts!! This is kind of far away so I'll try to remember closer to the day! Not only do you get a great deal on an Iced Coffee, but your purchase will go to support Homes For Our Troops - a non-profit organization that provides specially adapted homes for our severely injured veterans at no cost to them! So stop by a couple times on the 21st!

Target!

Total Before Savings: $81.02

Total Coupons Used: $24

Total Gift Card Used: $18.26
Cash OOP: $23.34

Received $5 Target Gift Card for buying 5 Pepsi 12 packs

Will get $3 back for returning cans.

3 Huggies Gentle Care Wipes - Reg. $5.99, Sale $5.49 (3 $5/1 MFCs) .49 cents ea!

1 Huggies Gentle Care Diapers - Reg. $12.49, Sale $9.99 ($5/1 MFC) $4.99

1 Glad Cling Wrap - Reg. $2.99, Sale $2.50

1 Target Aluminum Foil - $6.29

1 pack of forks - $1.29

1 pack of napkins - $1.57

1 pack of Dixie Bowls - Reg. $2.99, Sale $2.50

1 pack of Dixie small plates - Reg. $2.99, Sale $2.50

1 pack of Target plates - $2.49

1 pack of Pepsi - Reg. $4.99, Sale $3

4 packs of Diet Mt. Dew - Reg. $4.99, Sale $3 (4 $1/1 MFCs)

Bottle Deposit - $3

Stop & Shop Does Love Us Pilgrims!

4 more Stop & Shop Doubler coupons on the circular for next week! I guess Stop & Shop does like us Massachusetts people (they should - they are headquartered here!). You have to spend $15 after all coupons to use them. Last time they had these, our local Shaw's would accept them too. Looks like great weeks for all grocery stores coming up! Check out the Slick Deals forum to see if you area has these coming too! I have a link to the right side of my blog for this.

Target & Those Super Huggies Coupons!

Still have those $5 and $3 off Huggies coupons? Go to Target! The 184-count pack of Gentle Care Wipes are on sale for $5.49 (use $5 off one Gentle Care Huggies Product) - makes those a whopping .49 cents! Packs of Huggies are $9.99 - so you can score some $4.99 and $6.99 diapers. Not the greatest deal for the diapers, but heaven knows you can't just throw away $5 and $3 off Huggies coupons! Mine expired 4/2 (today) and 4/4 - so yours are probably around the same time if you have some lingering about. Rite Aid also has them on sale for $9.99 and you can get $3 in a Single Check Rebate - but the limit is 1. But that would be $1.99 for a pack if you use the $5 coupon! Not too shabby at all.

Pep Boys - FREE Oil and Filter!

April 5th-18th, you can score yourself 5 quarts of oil and an oil filter at Pep Boys for $9.99 - and there is a $9.99 Mail-In-Rebate - making this FREE! Limit 2 offers per customer!

My husband changes the oil in our cars so this is a no brainer for us. Locations in MA include Dedham, Everett, Salem, Rayhnam, and also Salem NH & Nashua NH. Find your local Pep Boys HERE. Many thanks to Deal Seeking Mom for pointing this wondering offer out - I would have never have noticed it!

March Recap!

I spent $305 in March. Spending since 1/1/09 is $914. I have saved $1,665 since 1/1/09 by shopping sales and using coupons.

Previous Monthly Spending:

February: $305

January $304


Things I have learned or taken from this month:

- I tried to not do any stocking up on my pantry stuff - but I spent about the same as my last two months of tracking.

- A lot of my spending was at the end of the month - I started getting stuff for my son's birthday parties that are the first week of April

- I added Easter treats to this total. I guess those are technically gifts, but I counted it anyways.

- I'm starting to spend more on produce now that Spring is coming and fruits and vegetables are more in season. Plus, the warmer weather makes us like to eat salad more.

- I got kitty litter and kitty food - so that should last at least 2 months.

- My kids were sick a lot this month. It put a big dent in my diaper stash. I'll have to stock up sooner than I originally thought.

Last Purchases of March!

I ran out last night to pick up some stuff. Here it goes:

Walgreens
6 packs of plastic eggs - 69 cents (the coupon says limit 3, but I was able to get 6 at .69 cents ea!)
2 packs of Easter Grass - .79 cents ea
1 Sticker Book - $1

Total: $7.53
Used $2 Register Rewards and a $5.50 gift card I got from the Rebate program from over a year ago.
Cash OOP: $0

BJ's
1 40 lbs pack of litter - $8.99
1 25 lbs Friskies Cat Food - $13.49
2 Quarts of Half & Half - $1.99 ea

Total: $27.58

And They're Gone!

Unfortunately, the Shaw's Freebie Coupons have been taken off the internet. Rumor has it (well from a friend of mine who lives north of Boston) that Shaw's isn't even taking them anymore. Best of luck to you if you try - and let us know if they still work! What a blessing!

On other Shaw's related news, those coupons you got from that freezer book a couple weeks ago expire tomorrow! So go get your free corn on the cob, pie crusts and other free junk if you haven't already!