Savings Saturday

We didn't do any grocery shopping this week, because Monday, we decided we are leaving for a cruise tomorrow! I did go to CVS and that has been it. I'm trying not to buy anything that will go bad while we are gone all of next week!

CVS:
Spent $4.07 (after rebates)

Saved $76.01 - 95%!!

Received 12 ECB

We did eat out a few nights, but that was in place of our grocery budget. I don't have those totals, but it was probably around $50....under budget.

I hope you all have a great week next week. The sales look awesome, and I'm kinda bummed that I'll miss out, but I will be having a LOT more fun in the Bahamas!!

Weekly CVS Trip

All I have to say is I love my CVS girls! They're so helpful and they look out for me!

#1

2 Huggies Wipe Refills - $5.00

1 Lady Speed Stick - $2.99

1 Mens Speed Stick - $2.99

1 Colgate Toothpaste - $2.99

1 Reinventing Beauty - .99

-$1/1 Speedstick

-$1/1 Speedstick

-$.75 Colgate

-3, 3.50, 5 ECB

=.71 + Tax

$1.91 OOP!

Saved $27.03

#2

2 Olay Regenerist Creams - $41.98

1 Olay Body Wash - $7.49

1 Olay Lotion - $8.99

-$4/$20

-$3/1 Regenerist

-$3/1 Regenerist

-$8.99 Lotion

-$8.99, 4, 2 ECB

=24.48 + Tax

$29.16 OOP in store

Saved $33.98

Received 12 ECB and 1 ECB for Green Bag Tag Use

Get back $15 Olay Rebate

Makes it $2.16!!

Complimentary Cooking Technique Classes at Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma is offering complimentary cooking technique classes. The classes are an hour long and are limited in size, and focused on a specific technique. Locate a store and register. Information is available here.

The March calendar is as follows:

March 7 - Simply Souffle

March 14 - Baking Series - Cookies

March 21 - Baking Series - Cakes and Cupcakes

March 28 - Baking Series - Pies and Tarts

This looks very interesting and I'd probably enjoy taking the baking classes. I bake well, but who doesn't need more hints and tricks?!

There are also demonstrations of seasonal foods on occasion. You can check the calendar here.

Thanks, Mom!!

Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman

A while back, I posted about a website that allows bloggers to receive copies of books in return for a review on their blog. I also mentioned that I was getting the book Plain Pursuit to review.

Well, I have finally read the book! I got it and realized I hadn't read the first book in the series, so I got the first book off PaperBack Swap. While I don't believe it is completely necessary to read the first book, I always like to read books in a series in their proper order. Adequate background is given throughout the story, in order to catch you up.

Plain Pursuit is a the second book in the "Daughters of Promise" series by Thomas Nelson. It follows the life of Carley Marek who is holding on to the pains of her past after the death of her mother and physical impairments to herself, but is forced to go on a month long vacation in order to rediscover herself. Carley journeys to Amish country to visit a friend who recently joined the Amish faith. While visiting Lillian, Lillian's son becomes deathly ill and finds his source of healing from an unmentioned family member. Carley realizes that she loves the quiet and peaceful lifestyle her friend lives, as well as the love of family and community. She must decide whether she wants to let go of her past and move forward or stay in the miserable state she was in before her 'vacation'.

I LOVE Amish fiction. There is just something about it that draws me to it. I have read so many books by other authors, and this series sits up there with the rest of them. I highly recommend this author for an easy read. Everything flows well and keeps your attention, allowing for a very enjoyable experience. I am sure that you will be touched, as I was!

*I received this book from Thomas Nelson and BookSneeze in return for my honest opinions. All opinions posted are my own.*

Target Kraft and More Coupons

Target has some good Kraft coupons on their site right now. Most are $1/2, but there are some that are $1/1. It is for this week only, so print them while you can! They won't expire til 3/21. Also, these ARE store coupons, so they CAN be combined with manufacturer coupons for added savings. You may be able to use these at other grocery stores (Publix, Winn Dixie, etc), if they take them as competitor coupons.

You can tell the difference in store coupons and manufacturer coupons, because store coupons uses single barcode with dashes, versus the small and large barcode of manufacturer coupons.

Also, there are several other coupons on the site that you can use at drug stores this week. Almay, Mitchum, Revlon, etc. Some do have the target logo, but check the barcode to verify whether it is a store or manufacturer coupon - most are MQ.

Price Book

Have you heard of a price book? This is a book where you keep track of the prices of the items you typically need. You keep track of how often the rock bottom price occurs, so that you can stock up on it at its lowest price. This is a very good idea and I have intended for this to be a 'new year' project, but it hasn't happened yet. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can get one together....maybe that will help me break my 30-40% Publix savings rut.

I learned about this from Southern Savers a while back, but haven't put it to use yet, as I said. Jenny gives great examples of this here and there is also an informative video.

Savings Saturday

I haven't gone grocery shopping in two weeks! So, I haven't had anything to post. I've just been so busy with other things.

I did go to Target and Publix this week. I only went yesterday, so it was more of a stock up and get a few more things to put us through the weekend. Now, I'm glad that I did it yesterday, because I have a sick toddler!

Publix: Got the huge Huggies refill pack for $3.49! They took my $1.50 Target Q!

Spent: $82.36

Saved $47.00 - 36% I need to break the 30s!

Target:

Spent: $39.68 on Gillette/Olay deal (4 razors and 3 body wash) and some other things

Saved: $52.63 - 57%

Got $15 in gift cards

Sorry, my picture is on my camera and I can't upload it to this computer.

Digiorno 200 Calorie

If you're watching your weight, but are looking for something yummy to eat for lunch, here's one way to go!

These little pizzas are pretty good. I don't think there are as many varieties, but at least if you get the craving for pizza, you won't be blowing your calories for the day!

Go here to sign up for a free coupon by mail. Hurry, they won't last! If you get an error, try the Freebies 4 Mom link.

Thanks, Engineer a Debt Free Life and Freebies 4 Mom!

Kashi Heart to Heart Coupon

If you are a member of Vocalpoint, you can get a valuable coupon for Kashi Heart to Heart products. There is a promotion going on for the Heart to Heart cereal regarding the benefits their products provide in relation to heart health.

If you're not a member yet, sign up here to receive free samples and high value coupons for a variety of products.

Consignment Shopping

I have had a busy 2 weeks! Not only have we had family things going on, such as birthdays and other things, but I participated in a local, semi annual consignment sale. I had to gather and sort all my items, price them, tag them and then drop all the stuff off. I took 217 items, which included clothing, toys, and household items. I only have 1 child!! I did have a good bit of toys and household stuff, so it wasn't ALL clothes. I am happy to say that I made $355! I also volunteered some time, in exchange for shopping before anyone else. That was pretty fun and it is well worth the 12 hours to be able to jump start your shopping before the public!

I use this opportunity, twice a year, to buy gently used clothes for my son. I have even bought smocked clothing for a fraction of the price. This event takes place in the spring and fall, so I get to plan ahead for two seasons worth of clothing. So far, it has worked out excellent. I have always gotten more than enough clothes for him. The difficult part is guessing ahead whether or not he will have a growth spurt and be in the next size up.

I have spent $150 on clothing for the spring and summer - which included shoes, play clothes, dress clothes, 2 bathing suits and a toy and book. So, with the extra money, mommy gets to go shopping!!! I'm really excited about that part, because I seldom buy things for myself, and I desperately need some new stuff!

Ask around your area and see if anyone hosts large consignment sales. It is a wonderful way to save money on the clothes that our kids grow out of so fast!

TheThrifty Mama 2GB Ipod Shuffle Giveaway

The Thrifty Mama is hosting a giveaway for a 2GB Ipod Shuffle!

Go and visit the site to learn how you can enter for a chance to win it, it's easy!

P&G Rouge Magazine

I just received a copy of Rouge magazine, put out by P&G. This little magazine has beauty hints, as well as information on several P&G products.

The best thing about this little magazine is that it comes with coupons!

$1/1 Zest, Ivory, Safeguard, Old Spice, or Gillette

$1/1 Perfect 10, Root Touch Up or Nice N Easy

$1/1 Secret Clinical Strength

$1/2 Head and Shoulders

Free Zest Bar WYB Venus Embrace or Breeze

$1/1 Olay Facial Skin Care

$1/1 Olay Body Wash

$2/1 Natural Instincts

Sign up here to get this FREE magazine!

Drug Store Head Start

If you want to check out what is on sale at drug stores this coming week, Jenny has already posted the lists!

Rite Aid - I like the Olay deal listed and maybe the diapers, but I don't need them now. The Game of Life ends soon.

Walgreens - If you have Bayer Meter coupons left, there is a great scenario, otherwise, I don't see much. Jenny did come up with a good Olay MM scenario at the bottom.

CVS - I'll definitely be doing some of the free deals. I believe I have ECB expiring soon, so I'll put them to good use!

Just be aware that regions may vary, so your ad may not have all the same items on sale. There are a few good deals this week.

Thanks, Jenny!

Snow Day!

It is a rare day in Alabama! We are having a snow day! I have fond memories of snowy Christmases in New Jersey, with family. My 2 year old is getting to experience a glimpse of this new white stuff!! He can't wait to go outside...as you can see here! Shoes on with PJs!

Get a REEL deal.

Great-tasting tuna doesn’t have to come wrapped in butcher paper…or cost a fin and a tail. While supplies last, save $1 on StarKist Creations™, which is sealed in a Flavor Fresh Pouch.

Courtesy of Vocalpoint - a company that sends great coupons to try products.

Diaper Deals

I NEVER buy diapers unless they are about $4 a pack. When they are, I try to stock up as much as coupons allow me to.

If you are in need of diapers right now, there are some good stock up prices this week.

Jenny has them written out for you here.

Thanks, Southern Savers!

Savings Saturday - Late Again

It seems as though my weekends have been extremely busy lately. Birthday season is upon us here.

I really didn't shop a big trip, I kind of went a couple times for small trips. However, I went to Walmart. Let me tell you, going in there only strengthened the fact of how much I hate shopping there now. It wasn't a bad experience, it's just that I KNOW I can get stuff for a LOT cheaper even by shopping at Publix or drug stores! The only reason I went is because it is closer and less a toll trip both ways. Detailed CVS/Wags trip here.

Walmart:
Spent $48.57
Saved $4.32 - not even going to mention the %!

Publix:
Spent $20.44
Saved $2.16 -10%

CVS: 4 Transactions - One trip was $0.00 OOP because the computer applied my ECB to tax?! Very random and unusual.
Spent $3.23 (Diapers, Shampoo, Body Wash, etc)
Saved $53.73 - 94%

Walgreens:
Spent $8.12
Saved $8.79 - 52%

Total Spent $80.36
Total Saved $69.00

CVS/Wags Run 2/5

I wasn't planning on doing CVS or Walgreens this week, but I had ECB and RR expiring. I decided to use my RR and not roll, because I didn't want to figure things out for my Walgreens run. It just takes me so long. I could have worked Walgreens better, but I'm not bothered. Since Publix won't take my RR anymore, I'm not sure I'll be shopping there anymore, unless it is a really good deal that I don't have to pay much OOP for.

CVS #1:
Colgate Max Fresh @ $2.99
2 Dove Men's Body Wash @ $5.49 ea
-$1 off Colgate
-$1.25 off Dove
-$1.25 off Dove
-10 ECB
=$.47+ tax
$1.59 OOP
Saved $13.80 - 95%
Received 12.98 ECB

CVS #2:
2 Huggies Diapers @ $10.00 ea
-$4/$20
-$2 Huggies
-$2 Huggies
-10.98, 1 ECB
=$.02+ tax
$1.30 OOP
Saved $23.96 - 90%
Received 5 ECB

CVS #3: (unplanned transaction, thought of my sister!)
1 Dove Heat Defense Shampoo @ 3.50 (sale)
1 Dove Heat Defense Conditioner @ 3.50 (sale)
-$1.50 Dove on bottle
-$1.50 Dove on bottle
-2, 2 ECB
=0.00+ tax
$.40 OOP
Saved 9.98 - 96%

CVS Total: $3.29 OOP
Saved: $47.44

Walgreens:
2 Pampers Travel Packs Clearanced @ $2.29 ea
Hylands Teething Tablets @ $6.99 (what I went in for)
1 Toll House Morsels @ $1.50 (sale thru the end of Feb)
-2, 2, 1, 1 RR
=$7.07 + tax
OOP $8.12
Saved $8.79 - 52%
(I should have left the wipes off, gotten 2 more packs of choc. chips and would have paid 5.49+tax. If I would have realized they were on sale before I went, I would've taken coupons too! Oh well.)

Build-A-Bear Coupon

If you're looking for a cute Valentine gift for your child, Build-A-Bear is of course a cool place to get something.

Right now, they have a cute little Be Mine Valentine Puppy, with limited availability (I'd call first). He is a bit expensive at $27.50 though, but there are many options to choose from. If you go here, you can get a coupon for free sound with online or in-store purchase of an animal $10 or more. This would be a cute way to save a sweet message for your child.

Tropicana Rewards

I just bought a thing of OJ last night for a mom's group I had this morning. As I was putting the OJ in the fridge, I noticed that Tropicana has started a rewards program. It is kind of like Coke rewards, where there is a code on the twist lid, that you enter online.

Go here and register with the program.

Take a 4 question survey right away and get 1 point.

When you enter codes, you can redeem for rewards and enter sweepstakes. Rewards include coupons towards all kinds of activities and stores, such as free admissions to museums, massage discounts, fitness and exercise discounts, amusement and zoo discounts, etc. There are plenty of rewards and you can find things that are in your state or maybe a state you are traveling too.

This is definitely worth checking out!

Stonyfield Yogurt Lids - Not Taking Code

If like me, every now and then you get a few pesky lids where the codes won't work, I have found out something new. I have always emailed Stonyfield to get them to enter my codes. I'm afraid that people were taking advantage of this, and saying they had lids when they didn't. Now, you have to mail your lids to the company, and they will then credit your account. If, after trying the different ways to enter your code, you cannot get it to work, send them to the following address:

MyStonyfield Rewards - no code
c/o You Technology
701 Gateway Blvd Ste 101
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Hope this helps some of you out!

One A Day Vita Craves Gummes Review

I recently received a bottle of One A Day Vita Craves Gummies, courtesy of Smile.ly, a new free product testing program, and One A Day. I have been using them over a few weeks now.

On instinct, after opening the bottle, I took a whiff. Please don't do this! It just has that nasty vitamin smell and almost turns you off. However, they are very tasty. My favorite are the red and purple. The orange is ok, but I'm not much of an orange flavor fan. If you have a problem swallowing a pill, etc, these would be good for you, because all you do is pop them in your mouth and chew them up.

I am not excited, at all, about the ingredients. Since these are gummies, they are made from wax and have glucose syrup and sugar in them, as well as artificial flavors and food dyes. Of course this is what makes them taste yummy! I have no problem swallowing vitamins, so these would not be something I purchased for myself. I prefer a more natural vitamin without the things that our body was not made to process.

One thing that these vitamins claim to be is a 'Complete Multivitamin' and 'Multivitamin/Multi mineral' supplement. Looking over the list of vitamins and minerals on the back, I am disappointed. Yes, they have your basic A, B, C, D, E, as well as iodine, zinc, etc. However, they do not contain calcium, magnesium, iron or any antioxidants. These actually even contain less vitamins/minerals than the same brand of women's vitamin. Of course these are just a generic adult vitamin. I would suggest getting a men's or women's vitamin that better suits the different needs of the opposite gender.

Honestly, I would rather pay more for a vitamin that was more complete and didn't have all the artificial ingredients in it. These are affordable, yes, but they are not all that your body needs! There are much better options out there, and I believe our bodies are worth paying for them!

*This opinion is purely my own, based on testing this product.*