Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Walgreens: Killer Deals!!

Buy 1 Bayer Contour Meter @ $14.99 (UPC: 3 0193 715101 9)
Buy 1 Breeze 2 Meter @ $14.99 (UPC: 3 0193 144001 0)

Use (2) $30.00 MFQ (10/25 RP) *will be adjusted down
= $0.00 Out of Pocket!

Then out spits (2) $5.00 RR and (1) $3.00 RR when you buy both in 1 transaction. I personally tried this, and paid $0.00 OOP, and got back $13.00 in RR. Definitely look at the UPCs though, you don't want to get the wrong one.
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Revlon Age Defying Conceler - Buy 1 @ $10.49, get 1 FREE
-$10.49 for the Buy 1 Get 1 Free Sale
-Use (2) $2.00/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic Coupons (12/13 SS) -AND-
-Use $3.00 Walgreens Coupon from the January Coupon Book (Will Deduct $6)
= $.24 each after coupons and sale!!!

Revlon Cream Gloss - Buy 1 @ $9.99, get 1 FREE
-$9.99 for the Buy 1 Get 1 Free Sale
-Use (2) $2.00/1 Revlon Color Cosmetic Coupons (12/13 SS) -AND-
-Use $3.00 Walgreens Coupon from the January Coupon Book (Will Deduct $6)
= FREE
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Olay Regenerist Cleanser is 20% off this week, making it only $5.83. There is a new Olay Regenerist Rebate, making this deal a moneymaker!

Buy 2 of the Olay Regenerist Cleansers @ $5.83 = $11.66
-Use (2) $3.00 Olay Facial Cleanser Coupons (11/29 PG Insert x12/31)
= $5.66 after Coupons

Submit for $15 Olay Regenerist Rebate
= $9.34 Money Maker after Coupons and Rebate
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Buy 3 Pepto Bismol Insta Cool @ $4.99 = $14.97
-Use (2) $.50 Pepto MFQ (11/29 PG x12/31)
-Use (1) $1.00 Pepto Coupons from the P&G Year of Savings Book
-Use (1) Walgreens $1/1 Pepto Insta Cool from Healthy Savings Book (will deduct $3)
= $9.97, get back $10 RR when you buy 3

Similac Deal at Wal-Mart

There is a great deal reported on Similac Formula at Walmart this week. You will have to hurry because some of these coupons expire on 12/31.

Buy 2 Similac Advanced Formula @ $21.00 = $42.00
Buy 1 Similac 16 Ct. Right Now Stick Pacs

-Use (2) $2.00 Similac Infant Formula (SS 11/15/09) x12/31/09
-Use 1 of the FREE Similac Right Now wyb 2 Similac SimplePacs (SS 12/13/09) x1/15/10
= Just 12.66 each!

You can also get a $5 Upromise Deposit when you sign up for Upromise and load the coupon onto your card before you shop. If you do that...it would make it $11.00 each - NOT BAD!!

Thanks, NWA

Monday, December 28, 2009

FREE Dawn at CVS

CVS has the Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay on sale for $.99 this week. If you have the Home Made Simple coupon booklet, there is a $1.00 coupon - making it FREE!!

If you don't have the booklet, there is a $.50 coupon from the 12/27 P&G insert, which makes it only $.49. Still a good deal!

FREE Ivory Soap 3pk

The Ivory 3ct pack of soap is $.99 at CVS this week. There is a $1.00 coupon from the 12/27 P&G insert. This makes it FREE!!

I don't use bar soap, but I put them in the Operation Christmas Child boxes each year.

I also saw these same soaps on sale 10/$10 at Kroger. They were on the endcaps.

Financial Update - December 2009

Wow, it's almost 2010!!

If you have been reading our financial updates (HERE), you know we started our debt snowball in September. Here are some of our goals:

Baby Step #2 – Debt Snowball
Credit Card #1 – September 2009 - DONE-9/11
Credit Card #2 – December 2009 - DONE-11/23
Car Loan – September 2010 - put on hold-see below
Student Loans – March 2011

Over the past month, Brian and I have been doing some thinking and praying. We decided to put our "debt snowball" on hold for a while. I know, I know - bad decision??

Well, we currently live in an apartment, and have been for the past 2 1/2 years. We are trying to live well below our means as Brian finishes up his degree. BUT - we would like to partake in this $8,000 first home buyer tax credit before it's too late. We heard that they extended it, so we have decided to hold off on paying off our car next, but rather save up for a down payment on a house.

Luckily, we have ZERO credit card debt, and not a lot of expenses so that we can save a lot over the next few months. We're looking for a small but nice first home, nothing fancy that will break the bank, so we can come out ahead on the tax credit. Our apartment rent will go up to its normal rate in a few months, which will be around the same amount as a mortgage payment (at least for the houses we are looking at). So why not? If the amount is going to be around the same, why not buy a house and get an extra $8,000 for it?

It seems a little scary right now, but in the long run, buying a home will be a good decision for us - rather than paying out the crack for an apartment. Plus...we are tired of apartment living - and we'd like to start a family :)

So here are some of our updated goals for our 2010 Finances:
Save $10,000 - May 2009
Car Loan - June 2011

We shall see how this all works out! God has a plan for us, and we thank him every day for giving us the knowledge and wisdom to be frugal!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Broccoli, Hot Cocoa & Tea - ALL FREE at Target + more Target deals

Here are a couple of deals to take advantage of at Target - ALL FREE:

Green Giant Broccoli - $.99
*my stores had these on sale for $.79
-Use $1.00 Target coupon HERE- (coupon will auto adjust)

Swiss Miss Cocoa 10ct - $.97
-Use $1.00 Target coupon HERE- (coupon will auto adjust)

Steaz Organic Iced Tea - $1.09
-Use BOGO Target coupon HERE- AND
-Use FREE item coupon HERE-

I didn't pay one cent for these items!
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Other Great Deals

Del Monte Canned Vegetables - $.50
-Use $1/4 Target Printable Coupon
= $.25

Morningstar Farms Products $3.34
*these were marked $2.84 at my store*
-Use $2/2 Target Printable Coupon AND
-Use (2) $1.00 Printable Coupon (IE Link) (FF Link)
=$1.34 each (I was able to get these for $.84 each)

Tinkerbell Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack $19.99
-Use $5.00 Target Printable Coupon AND
-Use $10.00 Printable Coupon (IE Link) (FF Link)
=$4.99
(You can also send in for a $5 rebate HERE or HERE)

Connect 4 4×4 Game - $14.99
-Use $5.00 Printable Coupon
=$9.99
(Or you can find the smaller size in the travel section for $4.99, making it FREE)

Don't forget to hit your back button to print more coupons!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Ulta: $5 off $10 coupon!

Go HERE for a $5 off $10 Ulta coupon. You could probably score some cheap, cute stocking stuffers.

FREE Whataburger 12/24 ONLY

Get a FREE Whataburger on 12/24 when you bring in THIS COUPON!!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Free Sausage Biscuit at Waffle House

Go HERE for a free Sausage Biscuit coupon, good at any Waffle House location. Coupon expires January 8, 2010.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Walgreens Deals 12/20 - 12/26

If you are new to couponing and Walgreens, please read WALGREENS 101 before continuing.

There's not really very many good deals this week, but there are a few:

Theraflu $5 (6pks, Vapor Patch or Liquid), Buy 2 and Earn $3 in RRs
- (2) $2/1 Coupons (10/18 SS) or Printable Coupon AND
- $2/1 Walgreens Coupon (Walgreens Healthy Savings Coupon Book) *will take off $4
= Free + $1 Profit

Oral B Stages Toothbrush or Toothpaste or Crest or Zooth Character Toothbrush $2.50 ea., Buy 4 and Earn $5 in RRs
- $1/2 Oral B or Zooth Toothbrush (11/29 P&G)
- $1/2 Oral B Toothpaste (11/29 P&G) AND
- $1/1 Zooth or Oral B Toothbrush Walgreens Coupon (Children’s Activity Book) *will deduct $1 for each toothbrush you purchase!
= Free + $1 Profit - $.75 each

Kleenex - $.79 with in-ad coupon
- $.75 Printable Coupon
= $.04

Hot Wheels Vehicle - $.49 with in-ad coupon

St. Ives Body Wash - $1.49 with in-ad coupon
- $1/1 Coupon (11/15 SS)
= $.49

Dove or Degree Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant - $1.99 with in-ad coupon
- $1/1 Coupon (10/4 RP)
= $.99

Post Cereal - $2.50, Buy 2 and Earn $1 in RRs
- $1/2 Coupon (12/6 SS)
= $1.50 each

Dove or Mars Miniatures - $3.00, Buy 2 and Earn $1 in Register Rewards
- $1/2 Coupon (12/13 RP)
= $2 each

Russell Stover Boxed Chocolates - $3.99 with in-ad coupon
- $1/1 Coupon (12/13 SS)
= $2.99

Thanks, Stephanie

CVS Deals 12/20 - 12/26

Here are the best deals at CVS this week:

Nivea Body Wash - $5.99, Earn $5 ECBs (limit 1)
- $2/1 Printable Coupon HERE
= Free + $1 Profit

Listerine Mouthwash 500 ml - $3.99, Earn $3 ECBs (limit 1)
- $1/1 Coupon (3/15 SS, 4/26 RP, 6/14 SS, 10/4 RP, 10/18 SS, or 12/6 RP) AND
- $1/1 CVS Coupon ($100 Flu Book)
= Free + $1 Profit

Revlon Super Lustrous or Moon Drops Lipstick - $6.99, Earn $5 ECBs (limit 3)
- $2/1 Coupon (12/13 SS)
= Free

Thermacare Neck to Arm Wrap 1 ct. - $2.49, Earn $2.49 ECBs (limit 5)
= Free

Alteril Sleep Aid 4 ct - $1.99, Earn $1.99 ECBs (limit 1)
= Free

Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste - $2.88, Earn $2 ECBs (limit 1)
- $.75/1 Coupon (11/29 P&G)
= $.13

Hot Wheels Cars - Buy 1 @ $1.69, get 1 Free
= $.85 each

Oral B Manual Toothbrush - $2.99, Earn $2 ECBs (limit 1)
= $.99

Almay Eye Makeup Remover or One Coat Mascara - $4.99, Earn $3 ECBs (limit 1)
- $1/1 Printable Coupon (This a manufacturer coupon, but you might have issues getting your store to accept it since it has a Target logo on it.)
= $.99

Lysol All Purpose, Toilet Cleaner, Neutra Air, or Disinfecting Wipes - $2.99, Earn $1 ECB (limit 1)
- $1/1 Printable Coupon (various)
= $.99

Covergirl Clean Liquid Foundation or Pressed Powder - $5.00, Earn $2 ECBs (limit 1)
- $1/1 Coupon (11/29 P&G)
= $2.00

Russell Stover Boxed Chocolates - $4.99, Earn $1 ECB (limit 1)
- $1/1 Coupon (12/13 SS)
= $2.99

Schick Quattro For Women, Titanium, or Intuition Razor - $8.99, Earn $3 ECBs (limit 1)
- $2/1 Coupon (11/22 or 12/6 SS) AND
- $1/1 CVS Coupon ($100 Flu Book)
= $2.99

Glade Products, Buy $12 Worth and Earn $4 ECBs (limit 1)
Products Include: Glade 4 oz Candle ($3), Scented Oil Candle Refills 3 ct ($3), Scented Oil Candle Holder ($3), Sense & Spray Refill ($3), Fresh Refills 3 pk ($3), Scented Oil Refill 1 pk ($3), Sense & Spray ($6), or Lasting Impressions ($6)
- $1.50/2 Candles 4 oz (12/6 SS)
- $2/2 Scented Oil Refills (12/6 SS)
- Free Refill when you buy Candle Holder (12/6 SS)
= Prices Vary

Monthly Deals

Complete Multi-Purpose Solution - $9.99, Earn $9.99 ECBs (limit 1)
- $1/1 Coupon (10/25 RP)
= Free + $1 Profit

Bayer Breeze 2 Meter $40 off with CVS Clip-Free Coupon
- $30/1 Coupon (10/25 RP)
= Free

Neosporin Lip Health - $5.49
- $2.50 off CVS Clip-Free Coupon AND
- $3/1 Printable Coupon (IE Link) or (FF Link)
= Free

Thanks, Stephanie

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Old Navy 20% off Giftcards

Go HERE for your "invitation" to get 20% off giftcards.

Buy a $20.00 GC for $16.00
Buy a $50.00 GC for $40.00
Buy a $100.00 GC for $80.00

Sounds like a great deal!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Walgreens Trip 12/18/09 - Profit $12.44

Transaction #1:
(used 15% off coupon)
2 Olay Body Wash - $4.50
2 Olay Lotion - $8.49 (These are HUGE bottles)
-Used (2) Buy 1 body wash, get 1 lotion free
1 Votive - $.17 (with in ad coupon)
-Used $5.00 RR

Paid $4.48
Will submit for the Olay Rebate HERE, will get back $8.49 x 2 = $16.98

Transaction #2:
2 Lubriderm Lotion - $3.03 (on sale 20% off)
-Used (2) $2.00 MFQ
-Used $1.00 Walgreens coupon from Diabetes & You booklet (took off $2.00)

Paid $.06

Grand Total Spent - $4.54
Will get back $16.98 in rebates
Total Profit - $12.44

Walgreens: 15% off coupon - 12/18 ONLY!

Go HERE to access a coupon for 15% off eligible items and 20% off Walgreens brand items.

Use at photo or cosmetics register only.

Old Navy Deals 12/19 Only!!

Here are some more Old Navy deals happening on Saturday (12/19) only!!

EZ Sweatshirts - $3.00 ($2.10 with 30% coupon)
Cozy Socks - $1.00 ($.70 with 30% coupon)
**more details HERE**

Use 30% off coupon to sweeten this deal!!

And also, you can purchase Old Navy gift cards at 20% off in stores thru 12/24! Valid on gift card purchases of $300 or less.

Monday, December 14, 2009

$.70 Cozy Socks at Old Navy 12/19 Only!!

On 12/19 only, Old Navy will have their Cozy Socks on sale for $1.00.

Match this sale with THIS 30% OFF COUPON, and score them for $.70 + tax.

These would make great stocking stuffers!!

$.03 Lubriderm Lotion at Walgreens this week!!

One of the reasons I HATE winter is because my skin is always so itchy. Here is a great deal on Lubriderm Lotion. This week at Walgreens, the lotion is 20%, making it $3.03.

Buy 1 Lubriderm Lotion - $3.03
- Use $2.00 MFQ (10/11 Red Plum) -AND-
- Use $1.00 Walgreens coupon from the FREE Diabetes & You booklet (found near the pharmacy)
= $.03 total

FREE Flatbread at Jamba Juice 12/15 only!

Head to Jamba Juice on Tuesday, 15th from 11-2pm for a FREE California Flatbread!

Not all locations carry the flatbread, in fact, the JJ in my area doesn't :( But go HERE to see if a location near you carries the flatbread. (You should see a little, orange "cfb" icon next to the locations listed.)

30% off Old Navy coupon

Old Navy just came out with a new 30% off coupon. This coupon does not exclude any clearance items, so you should be able to score some great deals! Coupon good through 12/19!

Best Buy: FREE $30 GC with iPod Touch purchase

I heard of couple of my friends say they wanted an iPod Touch for Christmas, so I thought I'd share this deal with you.

Purchase an iPod touch at Best Buy, and get a $30 Bets Buy gift card. That could be 2 gifts! Offer good thru Saturday 12/19!!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

CVS Christmas Decoration Shopping - Profit $5.55

CVS has had some great deals on Christmas decorations lately. Here is what I got today:

1 Advil PM 4ct - $.99, get $.99 ECB
2 Bows 12ct - $2.99, get $2.99 ECB
2 Tissue Paper 20ct - $1.99, get $1.99 ECB
2 Sticky Gift Tags 50ct - $1.99, get $1.99 ECB

I did 7 different transactions, so I could roll over my ECBs to pay as little out of pocket as possible.

I spent $.43, but have $5.98 in ECBs left.
Total Profit - $5.55

Last week I got 2 free Santa hats, I just didn't post about them. :)

These "FREE AFTER EXTRA CARE BUCKS" deals run from Sunday-Tuesday, so hurry and get to CVS before they sell out!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Old Navy coupons issued through mail

Do you have an Old Navy credit card? I do - in fact, it was one of the first credit cards I got (back in the day) haha.

Obviously, I don't run a balance on my card, but I do keep it open for the perks. Old Navy issued 3 $10.00 off cards for the month of December. I don't know if everyone got them, but I know my mom and myself got them.

Well, I went to Old Navy today to see what I could get, and I asked if the amount could be exactly $10.00, making my total $0.00. And the cashier said YES! (One of the $10 cards expired today. My mom is out of town, and she wasn't going to have time to use it...so I used it hehe)

I was able to get $20.00 worth of stuff at Old Navy, all for FREE!! And I still have 2 $10.00 coupons left.

FREE Bath & Body Works Item with $10 purchase

Looking for some cheap, great stocking stuffer ideas?

Bath & Body works has a coupon HERE for a FREE ITEM (up to $13) when you buy $10.00 worth of stuff. Valid thru 12/24.

They have a section of "under $10 items." This is a great section to shop in. I was able to get a ton of little knick-knacks for way cheap!

The Limited: $15 off $15 purchase

If you are looking for some great stocking stuffers, or something inexpensive to get someone, The Limited has an awesome coupon HERE. (Valid thru 12/13!)

There are 3 offers listed on the coupon:
1) $15 off any $15 purchase (excludes accessories)
2) $30 off $100
3) $50 off $150

The Limited has several items available for around $15, so you should be able to score some free or cheap items.

Friday, December 11, 2009

What $.01 can buy you!!

I had a RR that was expiring, so I decided to get a few things. So - with sale-watching, coupon-matching, and my calculator, my total came out to $.01. I'LL TAKE THAT!!

My husband used to make fun of me for picking up pennies and coins off the ground - but look who's laughing now.

I've picked up several dollars worth of coins, so in my eyes, I got all this for free!!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

FREE Whataburger 12/10 ONLY


Go HERE for a free JustaBurger at Whataburger. Valid 12/10 only!

Monday, December 7, 2009

HOT MoneyMaker at Walgreens!!

This week, Walgreens has a great moneymaker on medicine. And the best part is - you won't even have to spend anything out of pocket!

Triaminic Strips - $5.00 each (Get a $5.00 RR wyb 2)
-Use (2) $3.00 Thin Strips Coupon from the 12/6 SS -AND-
-Use $2.00 Walgreens Coupon (Walgreens Healthy Savings Coupon Booklet) *will take off $4.00 (I found these at the front of my store. If they aren't there, try asking the pharmacy)

Pay $0.00 OOP, get back $5.00 RR

Saturday, December 5, 2009

CVS Deals 12/6 - 12/12

Here are the best deals at CVS this week:

3 Day ONLY Sale (Sunday - Tuesday)

Essence of Beauty Bath and Body - $4.99, get $4.00 ECBs (limit 2)
= $.99
**CVS was passing out samples of Essence of Beauty products last week and the samples have $1/1 coupons attached to them. If you were able to get one, your final cost will be FREE!

Merry Brite Plush Santa Hat - $3.99, get $3.99 ECBs (limit 2)
= FREE

Merry Brite Mini Ornaments 12 ct. - $1.99, get $1.99 ECBs (limit 2)
= FREE
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Extra Care Buck Deals

Buy 2 Crest Toothpastes (Baking Soda & Peroxide, Cavity or Tartar protection 6.4 oz) 2 for $4.50, get $2.50 ECBs (limit 1)
- Use (2) $.75 MFQs (11/29 P&G)
= $.25 each

Covergirl Clean Liquid Foundation or Pressed Powder - $4.99, get $1.00 ECB (limit 1)
Use the $1 MFQ (11/29 P&G)
= $2.99

Buy $15 worth of Revlon Cosmetics or Beauty Tools, get $7.00 ECBs (limit 1)

KY Yours+Mine - $19.99, get $10.00 ECBs (limit 1)
Use the $5 MFQ (5/10 RP or 12/6 SS)
= $4.99 after coupon & ECBs

Zantac 150 or 75 24-30ct - $8.99, get $8.99 ECBs (limit 1)
Use the $1 MFQ (10/18 SS or 11/15 SS)
= FREE + a $1.00 Profit!

Select varieties of Sudafed - $6.99, get $3.00 ECBs (limit 1)
Use the $2 MFQ (12/6 RP)
= $1.99

Emergen-C Immune Booster 2 pk - $3.99, get $3.99 ECBs (limit 1)
= FREE

Bayer Contour Meter - $14.99, get $5.00 ECBs (limit 1)
Use the $30 MFQ (10/25 RP)
(will have to be adjusted down to $14.99)
= FREE + a $5.00 Profit!
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Other Great Deals

12 pk. Sunkist 3/$11, get $3.00 ECBs
Use (3) $1.00 MFQs (11/8 SS & 11/15 SS)
= $1.67 per 12 pack

Nestle Jingles - $2.50
Use the $1/1 printable coupon
= $1.50

Hershey's Pot of Gold - $4.99 (regularly $9.99)
Use the $1.00 MFQ (12/6 SS)
Or the $1.00 MFQ printable coupon
(this is a manufacturer coupon--NOT a Target coupon)
= $3.99!

Mars Single Candy Bars - 2/$1
(Snickers, Twix + more)
Use the buy one get one free coupon from the 11/15 RP
= $.25 per bar!

L'Oreal Lip and Nail Care - Buy one get one FREE
Prices starting at $3.49
Use (2) $2.00 MFQ (11/15 RP)
= As low as 2 for FREE?

Gillette Shave Gel - $1.99
Use the $1.00 MFQ (11/29 P&G)
Plus, use the $1.00 coupon from the CVS Flu coupon booklet
= FREE

Thanks, Hip2Save

Homemade Stromboli

So I saw on MoneySavingMom's blog where she made some Stromboli, so I thought I'd give it a try.
The hubby made one for himself. He loaded it with Ham, Bacon, Pepperoni, Cheese & Parsley.

The one I made for me had Ham, Bacon, Pepperoni, Turkey Pepperoni, Onion, Tomato, Cheese & Parsley.

We rolled them up, and they looked like this before we placed them in the oven.They came out looking like this - and OMG!! They are SO delicious. Several meals can come out of this. Exciting!
I followed this recipe, but made my own adjustments. Yum!!

*Note, I LOVE tomatoes, but I really don't like cooked tomatoes. I will have to say, the tomatoes I put on my stromboli made it taste SO GOOD! You should try it! Even Brian said it was good, and he hates tomatoes.

Friday, December 4, 2009

December should not be stressful!

I don't know why December is stressful. Shouldn't it be a time of relaxation and enjoying the holidays?

December is ALWAYS a stressful time for me. I am a private music instructor by profession, and during the month of December, I am planning recitals, holding after school rehearsals for students to practice. This wouldn't be so difficult if I was only at 1 school, but I am splitting my time between 4 schools. YIKES!!!

Not to mention Christmas shopping, grocery shopping, sale-searching, deal-finding, coupon-cutting, Christmas programs, Holiday parties, family, blah blah blah, and my husband has finals coming up so I'm really just a 1-woman show for the next week.

My point: Sorry for the lack of posts. I think I've stressed myself out to the point of physical exhaustion. Because I am sick today. :(

So if you feel yourself getting stressed and CRANKY - STOP and sing a Christmas Carol.