Sunday, August 29, 2010

Allons-y! CVS & Wags Deals!

 
"He who does not economize will have to agonize."-Confucius

 The "coupon" high! The picture above pretty much describes it. Have to say, I am not always filled with such enthusiasm when couponing! I have incorporated couponing into my lifestyle, making sure that I make grocery/toiletry purchases with coupons combined with sales, and purchasing large quanities when the price is RIGHT, but sometimes, I just hit that slump. I always thing, well, if I miss this week's deals, there's always next! 

I ended up making myself do some couponing at both CVS and Walgreens tonight, because I was in "need" of a few of the items, and they were good prices before this weeks deals ended tonight! Of course, after my couponing excursion is always an excitement of "YES! Why did I debate not even going couponing again?" ;) I was able to stock up on some needed items, which makes me think of that ol' quote above. Normally, my boy Ben Franklin is my kindred spirit frugal friend. But that quote gives me a little boost to keep the coupon train rollin to save money and help with each bit down the road! Having items on hand helps so much, it prompts me to budget, limit impulsive spending, and always have items available ;) And, that philosophy rolls over into other financial aspects of my life too, so win win. Now, these weren't "essential items" but couponing allows me to live a "more pampered" lifestyle with such items. Here's my loot:

CVS - 08.28.10 - 7 items for $8.78 (tax and all)! 
That's about $44 worth of goods for only $9
 
Arm & Hammer 2-in-1 Dryer Sheets - on sale BOGO
2 for $4.96 minus one (1) $1 off coupon = $3.69 for 2 boxes

Glade Lasting Impressions Starter Kit - on sale $5
minus one (1) $3 off coupon = $2

Two Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kits - on sale $5 each
Get $3 in Extra Care Bucks when you buy $10 worth
2 for $10 minus two (2) $3 coupons = $4 for 2
PLUS received $3 in ECB (paper money) for my next CVS transaction
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - on sale $1
(I love some mac and cheese! So nolstalgic of childhood!)
Pet Bath Wipes - on clearance for $0.38 cents
(I saw these in a bin at the checkout, and it's a pretty big package! I thought hey, what the heck. Sometimes Bailey can manage to find something to get into...) 
PLUS I used a $4 off $20 or more purchase coupon for registering my e-mail at www.CVS.com/email

Total before special CVS Extra Care card pricing: $44.64
Total after scanning CVS Extra Care card: $21.07
Total paid out of pocket after scanning card and coupons: $8.78 tax and all!
PLUS I got $3 in Extra Care Bucks (papermoney) for my next CVS purchase!
So technically, $5.78 for all that! ;) What I love, is that is just the cost of about one thing of dryer sheets! Woo hoo!
Walgreens - 08.28.10 - 10 items for $11.88 (tax and all)! 
That's about $50 worth of goods for only $12
  Index Cards: 100 per pack - reg $0.79 cents but special price @ $0.39 cents with in-ad Q
Sheet Protectors: 50 per pack - reg $4.99 but special price @ $1.99 with in-ad Q

Two bottles of Listerine Zero 500ml - on sale $2.99 each
minus two (2) $1 off in-ad Q AND two (2) $2 off mfr coupons = 2 bottles for FREE!

Four bottles of 16.9 oz Nivea Body Wash - reg $5.99 each
on sale Buy One Get One FREE
$11.98 for four bottles MINUS two (2) $4/2 Nivea products coupons = $4 for four bottles!

Two boxes of Glade Scented Oil Candle Refills (4pk)- on sale 2/$5
minus one (1) $2 off mfr coupon = 2 for $3!
I LOVE this scent!!! It's Vanilla Spiced Rose-- not a "typical" Glade scent! ;)

Wags Coupon Savings: $3.20
Wags Advertised Sale Savings: $18.96
Manufacturer Coupon Savings: $16
Total Savings: $38.16

Total after scanning CVS Extra Care card: $21.07
Total paid out of pocket: $11.88 tax and all!
Most of these deals ended tonight (Saturday, 8/28) but, I encourage you to view Southern Savers coupon match ups for this week! Here's the link to Southern Savers: CVS Match Up beginning 8/29 and Southern Savers Walgreens Match Up beginning 8/29! Southern Savers is my favorite coupon-match up site, they link to printable coupons and reference coupons from previous newspaper inserts, and best of all they give a FABULOUS explanation on how to start couponing!  There are even "starter" scenarios to help you get the swing of the Extra Care Bucks / Register Rewards (paper money for your next transactions!) and to keep those rolling to pay the least money out of pocket! ;)


Saturday, August 28, 2010

Vroom vroom! Free $20 in gasoline! :)

I am so EXCITED! One of the blogs I follow, Hip2Save (www.hip2save.com) posted an interesting deal back in April! Sign up for a free Exxon "Speedpass" magnetic device thing-a-ma-jig and as a reward receive a free $20 Exxon Gas gift card as a promotion! The speedpass is a magnetic device that makes it easy for transactions at Exxon gas station pumps and in-store credit/debit machines as your information is verified and on-file, making transactions QUICK! Perfect for "oh no, I'm on lunch and my gas tank is on E!" Since learning my current city, I've found a special Exxon station my "home" base for gas, convenience needs, etc based on my interest in safety. One day, I asked in store about the program, promotion and device, and my favorite and fabulous cashier friend told me that I should SIGN up ASAP! She even let me know that I didn't have to "use" the Speedpass device if I chose not to. ;) The online sign-up did involve registering a debit card to the pass, which, I always heavily scrutinize such freebie deals and always research legitimacy, browser encrypted security, etc, as means to protect myself. Once I vetted the deal I signed up! And, I trust Collin at Hip2Save with all of her deal posts anyway! She is a PRO! But guess what I received in my mailbox today while on my vacation from work! A NICE surprise in my mailbox! :) Road trip? Fuel for my coupon excursions? Savings for rainy day spending? And, although it's only $20, this will go a LONG way with my high-MPG bargain seeking transportation! A BIG See the pic below! And yes, I am a goober!  

 

Unfortunately, I could not find this promotion as an active one! :( But, in my commitment to journal my savings in this economy as a recent college graduate, it's more inspiration to follow coupon and freebie blogs! Check out my faves! ;) And, a BIG thanks to Collin at Hip2Save for helping me keep it 23 and thrifty!

Friday, August 27, 2010

What's Your Budget Unfriendly Bad Habit?

 

What's that ONE thing you can't shake from your budget? Mine is STARBUCKS iced coffee! I was good for a while, and only allowed myself "one" beverage a month! I did pretty good, until work got busy and busier, and I got tired-er and tired-er! Since I had a little experience in the coffee industry, I knew how to make iced coffee. I knew how easy it was. I knew I could get good deals on coffee at Publix. I knew I could get good deals on creamer at Publix. What was the problem? I'm lazy! I can run a couponing bureaucracy, but I can't get the will to brew one pot of iced coffee and pour in a pitcher and put in the fridge once a week and pour each morning! Ha! Well, I'm making a commitment to get BACK on track! Not going crazy on the math, but with the price of one venti iced coffee at Starbucks (and that's the mid grade price, a little more money than hot coffee, yet cheaper than a Frappucinno) I could make ONE month's worth or more of ice coffee drinks from home when paired with sales, coupons, etc. Here's my recipe for at home iced coffee and others if you're interested. :)

Brew coffee with your coffeemaker to double strength. This means instead of your "normal strength" ratio of 1:1 water and coffee, make it 1:2 water and coffee, doubling the scoops of coffee. This will brew an EXTRA concentrated batch of coffee (when I say extra, I mean it! ;) After it brews, pour in a pitcher. Add the remainder of the pitcher with ice to dilute it to the right taste/ratio of iced coffee. Store in fridge. The ice will melt, and, well, this pitcher lasts me all week!
For workdays, I pour my coffee, add fabulous flavored creamer, sometimes sugar, and ice, then GO! Perfect for that "morning" urge to go to Starbucks. I've also learned that if you pour some in a waterbottle (leaving adequate room for freezing) and pop it in the office fridge you can have a little 2:30 p.m. pick me up! ;)

Fan of the Frappucinno? Blend it. Add fat-free milk to the mix, and just a splash of flavored creamer. Mmm! If you want more recipes, check out Folgers.com Coffee Drink Videos. Pretty nifty. Some of them are more complicated, but a treat! They also have coupons too! ;) I think I've got it tracked down to ever 3 - 4 weeks that Publix runs a BOGO on one coffee brand or another... ;) and, well, there's ALWAYS coupons for International Delight/Coffee Mate creamers!

And, I hope you're enjoying my savings! It should be an inspiration for you to start your own couponing journey! ;) I don't intend for this to be your go-to source for the deals, but rather see how I score them, live my life, and make adjustments in this economy, all while allowing me to "journal" my lifestyle! Visit my Thrifty Resources for websites for coupon-match ups and more.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Publix Deals!

So, I scored $103 of groceries for $30 at Publix tonight! On another note, my local Publix no longer accepts Target coupons as competitor coupons (store coupons). Very sad day. But, here are my deals! I think the best part about this trip was that I had a couponing buddy! I had a friend go with me and she scored some great deals too... I think I've turned her! :)


Publix - 08.17.10 - 28 items for $30.11 (tax and all)! 
That's about $103 worth of goods for only $30
 
Egglands Best Eggs - on sale $2.00
minus 0.50 cent coupon (which doubled to $1 off) = $1

Luizianne Tea Bags - on sale BOGO one at 1.14

Chips Ahoy Cookies - on sale BOGO - one at 1.85

Two boxes of Hefty Cinch Odor Block Trash Bags (45qty each) 
on sale BOGO - two for 6.49
minus two (2) $1 off coupons = 4.49 for 2 boxes

Two boxes of Red Baron Pizza By the Slice on sale $2.50
minus two (2) $2 off coupons = $1 for 2 boxes

Two bags Wanchai Ferry Frozen Asian Skillet Meals 
on sale BOGO - two for 7.99
minus two (2) $1.50 off coupons = $5 for two bags

Red Baron Fire Baked Pizza (full size) - on sale $2.99
minus $1 off coupon = $1.99
Three 4pk boxes of Dole Fruit Cups - on sale BOGO for 1.34 each
minus one $1/3 coupon = $3 for 3

Four two-liter Pepsi Max - on sale BOGO for $0.79 each
minus two BOGO coupons = 1.59 for four two-liters

Three bottles of Lysol Kitchen Cleaner - on sale BOGO for 1.34 each
minus three (3) $0.50 off coupons (which doubled to $1 off each) = $1 for 3

Two bottles of Lysol All Purpose Bleach Cleaner Spray - on sale BOGO for 1.34 each
minus two (2) $0.50 off coupons (which doubled to $1 off each = 70 cents for 2

Lysol Neutra Air Spray - on sale BOGO for 1.79 each
minus one $1 off coupon = $0.79 cents

Kraft Homestyle Mac and Cheese - $2.99
minus FREE product coupon from Kraft First Taste = FREE

Ritz Crackerfuls - $3.09
minus FREE product coupon from Kraft First Taste = FREE

Oscar Meyer Shaved Turkey Lunch Meat - $3.69
minus FREE product coupon from Kraft First Taste = FREE

Deep Dish Digorno Mini Pizza - $3.19
minus FREE product coupon from Kraft First Taste = FREE

Kool Aid Fizz Drink - $1.99
minus FREE product coupon from Kraft First Taste = FREE
-2 for FREE! 



Saved $35 in manufacturer/store coupons!
Plus saved $38 with Publix's special price savings (including BOGO! and store sales)
Total Savings: $72.88! 


BOGO + BOGO = FREE! My CVS Deals

My couponing method varies from month to month. Sometimes, I have all the deals mapped out ready for battle. Others, I'll be in the know from leisurely viewing posts from coupon matchup lists on Facebook, print the coupon, and, well, if I make it to the store, I make it, if I don't, I don't. Luckily, this weekend was the latter. The CVS BOGO Sobe deal was all the rage on the coupon blogs. Often at stores when they offer a product on sale Buy One (at $x.xx) Get One FREE, and you have a BOGO coupon, you get both for free, and that was the case with Sobe LifeWater drinks at CVS. Sobe.com has a Heads or Tails game you can play each day and print a coupon for BOGO. I had printed quite a few of these throughout the week, bored, watching TV after work. Didn't really dedicate myself to making a trip before the sale ended (yesterday, Saturday) but I did! And scored- BIG!

I was able to help a friend at the last minute by volunteering to babysit! I had some extra time and was going to CVS to see if they had any of the Purex 3 in 1 sheets that there was a deal with. Anytime I go in, I scan my card at their magical coupon machine near the entrance. I scored a $5 off a $15 purchase!!! :) Knowing they would probably be sold out of the Purex since it was the last day of the deal, and they were- I still poked around. Inside, I remembered the Sobe deal! I knew that since they were BOGO at about 1.70 each, I had an amount of $9ish for my purchase (before coupons). Since I was babysitting, I wanted chocolate! I got a big pack of Hershey's mini bars for $4, and a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese on sale for $1 just to make sure my amount would be over $15 pre-coupons to use the CVS $5 off $15 purchase coupon from the magical coupon printer! Guess what? CVS ended up OWING me a PENNY before tax! ;) Here's the lowdown.

CVS - 08.21.10 - 14 items for $1 (tax and all)! 
$27.01 of goods for only $1!

  Twelve Sobe Lifewater drinks  - $1.69
on sale BOGO minus six (6) BOGO coupons
= 12 FREE drinks!
(this really helps because my BIG money vice is fast-food drinks! I always stop at the gas station to get a drink or something when I'm running errands and thirsty for a little boost! Having individual drinks stocked in my fridge makes me feel like I have my own convenience store in my kitchen!)
.
Bag of Hershey's Mini - $3.99

 Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - $1.79
on sale for $1

With my CVS card, every other Sobe drink rang up as a charge of $1.79. Then the other merchandise added up on my transaction. I let the cashier ring up all of my items to a total of about $16 before handing over ANY coupons (although I did let her know I had coupons out of courtesy). I handed over the $5 off $15 purchase coupon from CVS coupon printer which made it $11, then handed over my six (6) Sobe BOGO coupons (taking off the price of 6 of the 12 Sobe's I got charged for, about  $10 deducted. So, look at the reciept. 
 
 

Ba-da-ba-pa-pa.... I'm lovin it! :) And, the best part to me was that it was one of those "leisurely" trips, not coupon planned, coupon binder unorganized, but I managed to make it work! ;) Wanna know something even BETTER? The Sobe.com Heads or Tails game can be played without a code (how I originally played) or WITH a code from bottle tops! So now that I have codes, I can score even more BOGO coupons for another sale! ;) And another note, couponing makes me feel like a KID. Remember when we got excited about PENNIES? LOL!
 

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Blessings & Misc. Deals




I managed to stumble upon a piece of scripture tonight that really hit home. Hebrews 13:5. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (NIV) I really enjoy the moments that a song lyric, bible verse, quote, article, or something that you manage to stumble upon resonates and provides you with vision. :) Although I don't have it all, I make the best with what I've got.

On another note, I was able to catch a few deals. Nothing spectacular, but in commitment to journaling my savins, I scored about $2 worth of fifteen cent spiral notebooks at WalMart. I needed a few for organizing, and others I plan to make into crafted journals to sell. I also picked up tons of Elmer's school glue. I stumbled upon a craft blog that tells you how to use Elmer's glue to create a cheap "crackle paint" effect. Crafts, here I come! If you're interested in a cheap crackle paint craft recipe, check this out: http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2010/05/make-your-own-crackle-finish-for-cheap/


Also, about two weeks ago I scored some SWEET deals at Target! Hip2Save posted a deal where there were coupons for $10 off any Target Home Bath Furniture at Target.com. I managed to print two and although I thought the cashier may give me some trouble with the definition of "furniture" luckily, my cashier looked at it and said something to the like of, "The scanner isn't letting the coupon go through, but, it says bathroom... and well I see assembly required... so furniture it is." A shower corner organizer for $3.49! And a bronzed metal towel bathroom rack for $3.49 also! Wee! I ended up using the towel rack in my laundry room. Whenever I find something I like, or something that is cheap, I think.... "What can I do with this to benefit me?" I might even make a mini-curtain or two for the shelf to spruce it up a bit? Ha! Here's the lowdown of my purchase. 

Target - 08/2010 - 5 items for about $14 (tax and all)!   
Target Home Bath Shower Tension Shelf - $15
on sale $13.49 minus $10 off Target Home bath furniture coupon = $3.49 
Target Home Bath Towel Rack - $15
on sale $13.49 minus $10 off Target Home bath furniture coupon = $3.49
 Capri Sun 20 pk - $3.50 
minus $0.50 cent Capri Sun Target coupon = $3

Dawn Hand Renewal Soap (Large Size) - $3.98
on clearance for 2.98 minus $1 coupon = $1.98

also, cotton balls for crafts/personal use! Wahoo! All of that for the price of one of the bathroom furniture items! Here's where I put the towel rack above my washer. It works fabulous, since the previous ledge above my washer was only about 4 inches wide! Let's just say lots of laundry soap mishaps! ;)
Oh, and before I forget, I got a fun retail therapy sale! JCPenney.com often offers coupons for $10 off a purchase of $10 or more. Luckily, about two weeks ago they were offering FREE shipping on all shoes! I scored these super cute Olsenboye shoes (but in black) for $10.99, tax, shipping, and all! They are so cute! And to boot they were originally $59~ dollars! They were on clearance for $19.99 and minus $10 coupon plus free shipping = $10.99 out of pocket! ;) 

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Office Personality: Thrifty Style

 

I believe after 1.5 years of continuous employment at my big girl job, it is time to display office personality. Granted, I was blessed with unique and cute desk items when I started. I've always had a picture of my sweet Bailey dog on my desk, but the other day I received an e-mail from a co-worker that had pictures attached of real-life office desks piled high with papers, books, etc. and asked "How does your desk look?" It made me think of a photo quote from a previous issue of Real Simple magazine that said "One persons mess is merely another person's filing system" with a little girl with toys spread out completely over her bed. And that pretty much sums up our office due to special events and required items, materials, etc. So, I found that quote, framed it, and it's going on my desk Monday. :)

PS: Anyone got an old digital camera they're looking to make a buck off of? My cell phone cam isn't cutting the mustard right about now. :/

$1.50 Crafty College Memorabilia




For some odd reason, I've focused on decorating my office/craft room. I (finally) hung my diploma on the wall. Gotta make use of it somehow! ;) It's framed in an elegant matted frame I scored at a yard sale a year ago for $1. (On a side note, I have a STACK of frames in my spare closet I've acquired at yard sales for pennies- best investment for craftiness!) I've done a lot of reflecting on my college experience, and was inspired to create a sentimental memoir reflecting a lifelong dedication to obtaining an education and the pursuit of knowledge. I wanted it to serve as a reminder to continue that path. Luckily, many times while registering for classes I saw framed prints of my college's motto that is engraved into the entrance above the main hall which is "Enter to grow in wisdom, go forth to apply wisdom in service". A little googling, and Walgreen's photo collage, a Dollar store frame... and about $1.50 later...viola! :) (PS: (sorry for the low snapshot quality- it's a camera phone. the framed photo is readable! ;)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Couponing Budget Analysis & Solution!

 

What sticks out in your grocery budget as an expensive cost? Even with couponing? I discovered that my "expensive" items are 1) toilet paper, 2) paper towels, and 3) laundry detergent. I choose not to sacrifice or economize on the first two (uh, yeah...), but I was determined to cut down on the cost of laundry detergent to save as much money in as many areas as I can. 

Sure, there are plenty of coupons for laundry detergents and some mediocre sales on detergents. Excitingly, I was able to score $10 off ANY purchase (no minimum purchase required) at AllergySuperstore.com. I was super excited! Allergy Superstore is a division of drugstore.com and offers products related to allergy medicines, home care, etc. 

I found some 5 lb. boxes of powdered Biokleen laundry detergent on sale for $6.47 each. I added two to my shopping bag, plus shipping of $3.99, and paid $6.93 total for enough laundry detergent to do 100 loads (50 loads per box!) That's only 0.07 cents (I included shipping costs) to wash per load of laundry (plus water, electricity, but who counts that? ;) Wahoo! I've read about Biokleen in Real Simple magazine, so I figured I'd try it out! It's a natural laundry detergent, all temperature, and you can even use it for your delicates, it smells fabulous too! If you're interested in this deal, to apply to laundry detergent or others items such as allergy medicine, sensitive skin makeup, etc, visit this special link for the promo! Be sure to order before August 31 to get the $10 off any order promotion. There's lots of items, so you can scoop up some nice goodies!

I think for next time, I am going to try to make my own laundry detergent! The ingredients are super cheap, and you can add essential oils to scent it as well! I've heard that the Duggar Family (19 Kids and Counting) has the best recipe for homemade laundry detergent for both powdered and liquid laundry detergent.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Publix Deals!

Tonight's shopping trip was a MARATHON! My fastest coupon run EVER! I realized that it was about 9:30 and I had not couponed at Publix for this week's sales (that end Tuesday for us folks here in Montgomery!). Luckily, I had printed out my coupon match up shopping list from SouthernSavers.com and needed coupons earlier in the week, so I grabbed the unorganized mess of my coupon binder and headed out the door! Here's what I scored. Granted, this was a quick coupon trip, but got some essentials to help build my stockpile. And, on another note, I love love love Publix. Friendliest staff EVER! Coupon friendly. Positive. Talkative. Helpful. Love love love Publix!

Publix - 08.17.10 - 18 items for $6.90 (tax and all)! 
That's about $37 worth of goods for only $7!!! I could have gotten it cheaper if I would have had a $5/$30 coupon to stack, but, ya can't win them all! :)
 
 
 
  The Loot:

 
Carton of Simply Smart Chocolate Milk (yum!!!) - Free coupon from complimenting manufactuer
2 cans of Prego sauce- BOGO @ 2.45 minus $1/2 coupon = $1.45 total for 2
2 boxes of Rozoni pasta noodles- BOGO @ 1.39 minus $1/2 coupon = $0.39 cents for 2
4 boxes of Uncle Ben's rice medleys = BOGO @ 1.49(x2) minus 75 cents/2(x2) = $1.49 for 4
2 boxes of Aunt Jemima's Pancakes/French Toast- BOGO @ 2.69 minus $1.50/2 coupon = $1.19 for 2
3 cups of Fage Greek Yogurt (mmm!) = $1.20 each minus three $1 coupons = $0.60 cents for 3
2 single Pilot Ultra Pro Pens- Sale $0.99 each minus two $1 coupons = 2 for FREE!
2 packages of Papermate pens- Sale 2 for $1 minus two $0.50 competitor (Target) coupons = 2 for FREE! 

Saved $14 in manufacturer/store coupons!
Plus saved $16.23 with Publix's special price savings (including BOGO! and store sales)
Total Savings: $30.23! 



Whee! Check out this week's Publix Coupon Match Up at SouthernSavers.com! The match-up lists the coupons available in previous newspaper coupon inserts, web printable coupons, and price out of pocket scenarios! You can even print your shopping list by "checking" the boxes next to the item to make your coupon trip easier, as items are grouped by aisle/category! ;)

Retail Therapy: Thrifty Style!

I LOVE shopping! I hit up TJ Maxx after work today to find some treasures! I absolutely love decorating my first apartment! I am not a fan of "cookie cutter" decor schemes, so I've had a blast decorating with items from thrift stores, antique stores, yard sales, boutiques, and even a few things from the side of the road! ;)

In efforts to maintain my couponing/thriftiness journal, here's what I scored for deals at TJ Maxx!

I spent a total of ~$17 dollars on fun goodies! I was able to get a super cute polka-dot laptop case for $8.99! That was my biggest purchase. I also scored some Martha Stewart stationary (30 & 70 cents, yeah!), scrapbooking tools, hair treatments, decorative plate, dog collar & accessories, and two gifts for friends-- all clearance! My favorite finds were three giant size Yankee Candles! They were on clearance because they were melted to where the wick wasn't exposed. I have candle warmers, so thought, SWEET! They were $2 each! And smell... fabulous! ;) Keepin it 23 and thrifty!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

New Technology!

I am back in business with blogging thanks to my fabulous new netbook! In the spirit of frugality, I was able to score a loaded Acer notebook from Radio Shack for $199! I bought it during tax-free weekend, and even used a gift card! SCORE! And, the couponer in me loves that I now have another computer to print coupons from! My print limit increased from 2 to 4! Wahooooo! It's the small things in life! ;)

Thrifty Craftiness!

I love freebies and deals. Better yet, I love finding ways to make 'em THRIFTY! This week, Walgreens Photo has 7 Days of Deals! I recommend you check them out! I was able to score a free 8x10 photo earlier this week! The best part, was it was ready in an hour and no tax, nada! The deals change each day. If you choose to ship to store, you won't have to pay shipping! Here's my creation:



I decided to update a photo frame with my dog! :) Take a peek. Since my living room is decorated in victorian/shabby chic, I found the cute frame and frame stand at DOLLAR TREE! :) Not top notch quality, but it adds a nice touch! I wish I could have made the photo a 5x7 with border, but, beggars can't be choosers! ;) And always, sorry about the snapshot of my project! I need a new camera! ;)

A Reflection


 
"Unless I accept my virtues, I most certainly will be overwhelmed by my faults." -Robert Coleman

Hello, is there anybody out there? :) I have not been as dedicated to this endeavor as originally intended. I've been keepin' it thrifty, but just wanted to address a few things after reassessing my "vision" for this blog. 
  • I do not intend for this blog to be a resource for coupon updates, matchups, or freebies. There are amazing resources for that- so why duplicate and clutter? :) Bookmark or follow Hip2Save, MojoSavings, Deal Finding Chik, and MojoSavings. Those are where I find the info to score my deals. 
  • I do intend for this blog to be a journal of my savings and a testament to a new lifestyle I have adjusted and adapted to in this economy. I hope that by sharing what I do with these deals in house projects, recipes, gifts, crafts, etc that it inspires others as well!
 Pretty simple. :) All or nothing sometimes applies in life. As it has with this blog/project/pet. On a sweeter side, everyone should watch this video. In addition to couponing, I'm going to add a spunk-spunkity daily affirmation chant like this to my life. How about you? :)




 

Thrifty Tuesday: Walgreens Register Rewards

Looking to save money but don't want to play the coupon game at every store? Start out at one! Let's explore Walgreens! I love couponing at Walgreens, think about it! Contemporary societal norms encourage hygeine and lookin' gud. You can save beaucoup de dollars by purchasing makeup, personal care items, baby items, etc. at Walgreens, and even food too by utilizing the Register Rewards system combined with coupons!

I've tried to find the best explaination of Walgreens 101, and found that I Am A Money Magnet has the best explaination. Here is their excerpt, all credit goes to I Am A Money Magnet for translating coupon confusion to makin' bank couponin deals! ;)

There are several ways to save at Walgreeens:

In-Ad Coupons: These are coupons that are found inside the weekly Walgreens ad. The weekly ads can be found in the store and in your weekly Sunday newspaper. In-ad coupons can be stacked {combined with} manufacturer coupons to give you even greater savings. You don’t have to tear these out of the ad, the cashier can just scan them.

In-Store Coupon Booklets: Monthly, Walgreens publishes in-store coupon booklets. At my store these are located next to the weekly ad. The coupons in the in-ad store coupon booklets can be combined with manufacturer coupons as well. Again, you don’t have to tear these out of the booklet the cashier can just scan them. Tip: You only need (1) Walgreens Store Coupon even if you’re purchasing several of that item. The register is set up to automatically apply the coupon to each product you’re purchasing.

Register Rewards: A Register Reward is a coupon that prints after you purchase (buy) a qualifying product(s). Register Rewards print at the checkout from what’s called a “catalina machine.” Register Rewards expire 2 weeks from the date they print. Register Rewards can be used like cash {some restrictions apply- no alcohol, cigs, stamps, etc}. Qualifying Register Rewards products can be found in the weekly Walgreens ad.

Many times when you combine Register Reward deals with coupons you end up making money on your purchases! For example: Let’s say Pantene Shampoo is $3.00 and you earn a $3 RR when you purchase it. You find a coupon for $1.00 off Pantene and end up paying $2.00 out of pocket and earn a $3.00 RR. That’s a $1.00 profit! Tip: At some point you’ll probably have a cashier tell that your RR didn’t print because you used a manufacturer coupon. DON’T BELIEVE THEM, that isn’t true. Sometimes RR just don’t print. Talk to the manager about it. If they can’t make it right, return the items and try again another day.

What you need to know about Register Rewards.
1.) You CANNOT use Register Rewards to pay for the same item that earned you the Register Reward in the first place. If you do, your Register Reward WILL NOT print. Register Rewards do not “roll.”

For example: Let’s say Dove deodorant is $3.00 and you earned a $3.00 Register Reward for purchasing it. You cannot use the $3.00 RR you just earned to purchase another Dove deodorant. If you do, your $3.00 RR will not print.

To make the best use of your Register Rewards, use them to purchase other Register Reward generating items.

2.) You MUST have as many items as you have coupons/Register Rewards (in-ad store coupons do not count towards this total) or you’ll hear the dreaded register “beep.”

For example: Let’s say you’re ready to checkout and inside your cart are four items.
1-Colgate Toothpaste-$2.00- $1.00 MQ = $1.00 OOP (out of pocket)
1-Dawn Dish Soap-$1.00 OOP
1-Glade Candle-$3.00-$1.00 MQ= $2.00 OOP
1-Revlon Eye Shadow-$4.00 OOP
______________________________________
Total Before Coupons: $10.00
Total After Coupons-$7.00

You have a total of 4 items and 2 manufacturer coupons. You want to pay using your Register Rewards and you discover that you have a $4 RR, a $2 RR and a $1 RR. Now you have a total of 4 items and 5 coupons. So, to be able to use all of your Register Rewards at checkout you’ll need to grab a “filler” item. This is something inexpensive {a caramel, candy bar, gum, pencil, etc} that will get you item number up so you’ll be able to use all of your Register Rewards.

Tip: If you get to register and find that it “beeps” and won’t accept your last register reward {even though you’re sure that you matched items to coupons and all that jazz} grab another filler item and add it to your order. This works for me 99% of the time!

3.) Order Matters. There seems to an ongoing debate about the best order to hand over your coupons to avoid “beeps” at the register. Here’s how I hand over my coupons.
-Manufacturer Coupons
-Store Coupons
-Register Rewards

Rain Checks: Walgreens will issue rain checks for items that are out of stock. If you have coupons that don’t expire for awhile, it’s a good idea to get a rain check. However, it’s important to remember that register reward items will only produce register rewards during the week it is on sale.

In Conclusion…. Start small and don’t give up! Practice makes perfect.

If you experience problems related to your Register Reward catalina:
Contact the Catalina company at 888-322-3814. You will need to have your receipt in front of when you call.

If you experience store related problems:
Call Corporate Customer Service: 877-250-5823 OR Send An Email 

Eeee! Get Excited! I've made quite a few Walgreens posts of my deals! If you are a newbie to the Register Reward program, check out WildforWags.com for "starter" scenarios!
 

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