75% Clearance Cold and Flu at CVS!

Be on the lookout for clearance allergy, sinus, and cold and flu items at your CVS! I was able to spot many items both CVS brand and brand names 25-75% off! I noticed a lot of them did not expire until winter 2013 too! I picked up this CVS brand twin pack of cold and flu syrup for $2.34! Perfect for this summer cold I have now! ;) and perfect for this upcoming winter! No coupons needed, but if you have some CVS Extra Care Bucks you can use those too!

CVS Magic Coupon Machine: FREE Cortaid Anti Itch Cream

Have you scanned your Extra Care Rewards card at the magic coupon machine at CVS? I scored a coupon for free Cortaid anti itch cream (up to 5.99) value! Luckily, my store had it in stock! :)

PetsMart Deals!

 Do you have a furry friend? I hope you're signed up for PetsMart Pets Perks! It's a free card you sign up with (like a CVS card or Winn Dixie card) you use when you make purchases at PetsMart. There are incentive based pricing and you receive a neat coupon book when you sign up, but best of alll, awesome coupons at PetsMart.com! Did you even know PetsMart takes coupons??? Yep! Manufacturer from the internet, newspaper, and even their website!

I scored a smaller size bag of AvoDerm Premium Natural Dog food, a large Greenie, a large can of Purina Pro Plan and a small can of Chef Michaels dog food for only $2.05!!! Who says couponing is just for people? :)

PetsMart has the 4.4 lb. bag of AvoDerm Premium Dog food on sale for $5.99 with your PetsPerks card and there is a $5 printable from Petsmart.com (valid until 12/31)! $0.99 cents for a bag of food and with a small dog who has very persnickity eating habits, he loves the occasional change in his meal! ;)

The other items were scored for FREE with the coupons from checking my PetsMart Perks account online. Every quarter or so they have a batch of "free" items, mainly canned food or single treats that you can print twice... and stock up! And, they have "seasonal" free promotions like the Greenie too! Weee.... I am the biggest dork ever! Hip2Save let me know about the free individual Greenie treat (up to ~$4ish dollars)! I bought my small dog a big one for larger dogs... it will take him a little longer to chew on it, but heck, that's what a doggy stocking stuffer is right? A big treat! ;)

Home Depot Cheapies!

I can have some fun in Home Depot. I needed some more wood stain for a crazy project I'm working on, and ended up venturing down the cleaning supplies aisle. Scored 3 twin-pack boxes of toilet bowl cleaners for $0.92 total! Cheaper than dolla tree and the Wahhhhll-Maht! They were on clearance for $0.83 from $3.49 and had $0.55 cent peelie coupons stuck on each! Why am I so excited about toilet bowl cleaner drop fizzies? Umm... I dont know. I think I have a couponing  problem. But, I live in an ooooold apartment and these things help with the old pipes and the water stains!!! Wee. 

And, I've gotten much more magical deals. I've just yet to post! ;)

Frugal Comfort

Have you heard of Rue La La? They are one of many online boutiques floating around with special "flash" sales, which are sales for only one to two days and include a lot of name brand merchandise with deep discounts!  I signed up about a month ago and received a FREE $20 credit from a promotion they were running, and have been waiting for something to get (or give as a gift! ;) Since joining, I missed a few good deals and got frustrated, as some cute items I wanted were sold out, but lucked up tonight! 

I got a set of two Calvin Klein king-size pillows for $6.95 thanks to following MojoSavings.com! I saw a post where Rue La La had individual pillows for $5.90 each... annnnd of course Rue La La was sold out of those individual pillows. But I peeked around and saw this pillow set for $16.90 and my $20 credit = $6.95 shipping! About $3.50 per pillow... and Calvin Klein king size to boot! That's cheaper than WalMart! Ha! I have a difficult time finding king sized pillows I like quality wise and that are in my price range, so this was a treat! We'll just see how comfy Calvin Klein Home can be! :)

So, I guess joining all of those deal boutique sites have their perks! :) It seems they all launched pretty quick... Gilt, Rue La La, One Kings Lane... and many more I've got credits floating around on... hmmm. If you're not a member, you can sign up for Rue La La here! There's not a promotion running like the one a month ago, but there is a referral program where you get $10 to spend on Rue La La when a friend you refer makes a purchase! ;) I signed up with my couponing e-mail addy, so that's probably why I wasn't the early bird with a lot of previous sales... but many blogs post the "hot" deals like these pillows when they're live!

Even if you don't have a credit, they have some cute items on there from time to time I wouldn't mind purchasing without a credit, for myself, or even as Christmas gifts! I've seen some awesome Smashbox cosmetic gift sets, unique and posh candle sets, and fun purses and accessories from fancy pancy brand all at better prices than retail value! Wee! And, I'm jazzed I got myself some pillows... looks like I could use the extra rest this holiday season! :)

Stop! PJ Time!!!

 

Woo! There's a coupon for $10 off 3 Sleepwear items at Target! Lemme tell ya, I racked up! I spent a WHOPPING total ;) of $3.87 on five tees, two pajama pants, and two pajama boxers, all on clearance, and then used three (3) $10 off 3 sleepwear item coupons! That made each item about $0.43 cents each! Wee! The retail value before clearance and coupons would have been $83.95! Luckily, the clearance sale brought it down to $33.87, and three $10 off coupons made it $3.87!

And, I love PJs! Can't have enough! And cheap tees are perfect for painting, arts and crafts, etc! I even got a PJ set or two for someone on my Christmas list! Old fashioned, yes, but my family tries to do a "functional" gift Christmas! ;) I think I may have to print some more coupons and work my magic again. There was a pretty big selection of cute items from hoodies, camisoles, pj pants, tees, etc and a good range of sizes at my Target!

And another note, using Target coupons can sometimes be a pickle. I always choose male cashiers when using coupons at Target. Not because I am a female and try to use my powers. But it seems if you are using coupons to save money at Target, female cashiers get somewhat jealous at what a deal you're getting and try to make you feel guilty or attempt to incorrectly interpret Target's corporate coupon policy to their own liking. It's just a lot easier with male cashiers. ;) Instead of someone thinking "This girl can't walk out of here only paying that much for all that" I bet the male cashiers are saying "Dang, homegirl can save money."

Laundry Dayyys!

It doesn't take much to excite me. About a week ago I went to Lowes to look for something. I can't even remember what now. But, I always end up going down the household cleaner aisle. Once in a blue moon, I'll find something I need that's on "markdown". And yes, why the heck does Lowes mark things down?

Well, I SCORED three bottles of Method 32 load Water Lily fabric softener at 1.48 each on clearance! No coupons used! They normally were 8.99 there... and I've seen them at Target from about 8 - 10$! Three bottles for $5 with tax! Wooo, and it smells wonderful too! And, I love coupons, but anytime I can score a sweet deal on some laundry essentials I try and stock up! So, if you're ever perusing Lowes or Home Depot, check out their household cleaner aisle! 

More Publix Deals!

September is National Couponing Month! And for once, I went couponing at the beginning of the Publix deals! These started today and run through store close on Tuesday, September 21! I had another friend with me as a couponing buddy, so it was definitely a FUN trip! I am linking the printable coupons for the deals I got. If you want the full match up, check out Southern Savers for the Publix Match Up 9/15 - 9/21! Use the "check boxes" to the left of the items on the store's match up list, and then at the bottom of the page click "create your list"! It will print an organized shopping list with all the coupon match ups to help you organize! Couponing simplified!

Publix - 09.15.10 - 16 items for $9.05 (tax and all)! 
That's about $41 worth of goods for only $9

 

Four (4) bottles of All Mighty Free & Clear (32 oz.)

on sale BOGO - reg. $5.99 but with BOGO sale - $3 each

Used four (4) $1 off All Free & Clear (Link to Printable Q) I had to use two computers to print 4, as you are limited to printing 2 coupons per computer.

STACKED with two (2) $1 off All Detergent Target coupons (Link to Printable Q- Click Household category and look for the $1 All coupon, the $2 is for larger sizes and won't work) My Publix- Taylor Junction accepts Target as competitor- I would have used 4 total but I couldn't find the other 2 in the mess of my coupon binder!

STACKED with one (1) $1 off two All Detegents (32oz+) from some Publix Coupon Book at front of the store--- not the green or yellow flyers.

= $5 for four bottles of detergent!

Six (6) cups of Stoneyfield Organic Yogurt (6 oz. cups)

on sale for 10 for $5

used two (2) $0.50 off 3 Stoneyfield Organic Yogurt cup coupons which each doubled to $1 off (Link to Printable Q- must register, I suggest use "couponing" email addy. Find the $0.50 off 3 Stoneyfield Organic 6oz. cups coupons in the list of coupons)

= $3 minus $2 doubled coupons = $1 for six cups of yogurt
Normally you can score a 4pk of Fiber One yogurt for $0.25 with BOGO sale and doubled $0.50 cent coupon, but this yogurt is such a dessert and a treat! I had to indulge!

Five (5) blocks of Philidelphia Cream Cheese

on sale 4 for $5

minus $5 off 5 Kraft Cheese or Dairy Products (Link to Printable Q)

= $1.25 for 5 blocks of cream cheese

*Check the expiration dates! Mine don't expire until 12/28/10 so plenty of time to make use with holiday cooking and football tailgating recipes!*

Saved $10.00 in manufacturer coupons

Saved $4 in Publix store coupons (this includes doubled coupon price)

Plus saved $17.96 with Publix's Special Price Savings (including BOGO and store sales)

Total Savings: $31.96!

Publix LOOT!

I think the Allman Brother's said it perfectly... "Tryna make a livin' and doin' the best I can!" Tonight was the last day of the Publix deals for this past week, and I had to rack up. One thing I learned this week for all coupon blogs: ALWAYS read the comments on Match-Ups. I was able to catch $2.50 Febreeze full size candles on sale at Publix plus my coupons for serious scents! Also, I found out from my cashier friends at my local Publix that they have a new manager, prompting the no longer accepting Target as competitor coupons. Turns out, my favorite manager simply relocated to another Publix store in Montgomery at Taylor Junction. Soooo.... I might be changing my Publix couponing destination. ;)

Publix - 09.14.10 - 32 items for $36.44 (tax and all)! 
That's about $104 worth of goods for only $34

 

4 Febreeze Full Size Candles

on sale for 2 for $5

minus one $2 off coupon, three $1 off coupons, and one $0.75 off Publix Coupon

PLUS received FREE single roll of Bounty Paper Towels which I used one $0.50 off coupon which doubled to $1 which gave me $1 in overage for other items!apart of the "Put Clean In Your Cart" coupon book promotion when you buy 3 selected items (Febreeze was among them)

 

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Box of Variety Pack - $3.89

minus $1 off coupon = $2.89

PLUS received FREE Publix Brand Oatmeal Variety Pack 

a part of their "Buy Theirs Get Ours" promotion

 

Starkist Tuna Package - on sale $0.95 cents

minus $1 coupon = + $0.05 overage

 

Goldfish (normal size bag) = on sale $1 

minus $0.35 cent coupon that doubled to $0.70 off = $0.30 total paid

 

2 packages Betty Crocker Cookie Mix 

on sale BOGO $2.67 for 2 minus $1/2 coupon = $1.67 for 2

4 two-liter bottles of assorted 7UP & A&W beverages 

on sale BOGO - $1.68 for 2 ($0.85 cents each) = $3.36 for 4

2 boxes of Stouffer's Family Size Lasagna 

on sale for $3.99 each (saving of $3!) minus $1 coupon = $2.99 each

= $5.98 for 2

4 Bottles of Bailey's Coffee Creamer

on sale for 4 for $5 = $1.25 each

minus (4) $1 off coupons = $1 for four creamers

Friendship Sour Cream 

on sale $1.25 minus $0.75 coupon = $0.50 

Lenders Bagels 

on sale BOGO - $2.09 or $1.05 each

minus $1 off 2 Publix store coupon = $1.09 for 2

 

Dial Nutriskin Bodywash

on sale 2 for $3.99 or $2 

minus $1 off coupon = $1

2 boxes Pillsbury Sweet Moments Refridgerated Desserts

on sale 2 for $5

minus (2) $1.50 off coupons = $2 for 2

2 cans Publix Northern beans = $1.78

Pasta Roni Parmesean = $1 

Ground Turkey = $3.26

Publix Sharp Cheddar Cheese block = $2

And the craziest thing of all, I found a Milky Way candy bar in my grocery bag after leaving the store! I went back in and said I didnt buy it nor was it in my buggy, and they simply said consider it a TREAT! Ha!

 

Saved $19.50 in manufacturer

Saved $5.09 in Publix store coupons (this includes manufacturer coupons less than/equal to 50 that doubled as in the extra doubled coupon price included in this total)

Plus saved $43.69 with Publix's Special Price Savings (including BOGO and store sales)

Total Savings: $67.88! 

 

And, well, I am a dork, so, I made a second Publix trip tonight after unloading my first round of loot.

 

Publix - 09.14.10 - 7 items for $7.71 (tax and all)! 
That's about $33 worth of goods for only $8

 

 

2 more bottles of Bailey's Coffee Creamer

on sale for 4 for $5 = $1.25 each

minus (2) $1 off coupons = $0.50 for four creamers

3 more Febreeze Full Size Candles

on sale for 2 for $5

minus one $1 off coupon, and one $0.75 off Publix Coupon

PLUS received FREE single roll of Bounty Paper Towels which I used one $0.25 off coupon which doubled to $0.50 which gave me $0.50 overage for other items!

apart of the "Put Clean In Your Cart" coupon book promotion when you buy 3 selected items (Febreeze was among them)

Covergirl Basic Eyeliner - $2.99

minus one $1 coupon and $1.50 off Publix coupon = $0.49

Saved $4.25 in manufacturer coupons

Saved $4.49 in Publix store coupons (this includes manufacturer coupons less than/equal to 50 that doubled as in the extra doubled coupon price included in this total)

Plus saved $15.15 with Publix's Special Price Savings (including BOGO and store sales)

Total Savings: $23.89! 

Weee! And, I love scented candles, devices, etc. Can't you tell? Also, I've been doing a little more couponing than I've posted. I might have to post the pictures and just a short summary of saved... because... well... my dog refused to get out of the picture in one of them, and it's just too darned cute! ;) 

Be sure to check out MY FAV website for coupon matchups! SouthernSavers.com! They have matchups for grocery stores including Publix, WinnDixie, Target, etc and also drugstores including CVS, Walgreens, etc!

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!

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!

 

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! ;) 

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.

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! ;)