Walgreens Instant Win Game....

Hi all,
  I thought some of you might like to play the "Spirit of Savings" instant win game for a chance to win gift cards from Walgreens.  The Grand Prize is a $1,000 gift card, with chances to win $50, and $25 gift cards.

  Good luck, and have fun!

Jennifer

Fun Sweepstakes and Offers....

Hello everybody,
  I thought I would share with you a few Offers and Sweepstakes I have run across lately.  First up.....Anyone else love Pillsbury Toaster Strudels in there home as much as we do in ours?  Well click here  for your chance to win a month of Toaster Strudels.  Mmmm!

   Second, for all you Subway lovers...they currently have codes on some items that you can enter online for prizes.  Read all about it here. 


  Third,  SC Johnson has some great giveaways here for Ziploc, Pledge, and Windex.

I was not compensated in any way to tell you about these sweepstakes/offers/giveaways.  I just thought you all might enjoy them, as much as I have.

I hope you all have fun!
Jennifer

CVS Shopping Trip 9/22/10

Hi all!

  I just wanted to share with you my most recent CVS shopping trip.  If you are new to CVS please feel free to click on my CVS Shopping 101 post.

  I split these into two separate transactions to have the lowest OOP* possible.

1st Transaction:


-4 Right Guard Total Defense 5 deodorants $2.99 x 4 = $11.96 - $3/2 MQ* Print here (x2) = $5.96 - $4.99 EB* (from last week's transaction) = $.97 + tax

I got back $6 in EB*.

2nd Transaction:

 -2 Xtra Laudry Detergent 2/$4 = $4 - $2/2 CVS Q* (printed from coupon Extra Care Coupon Center machine) = $2

-2 Caliber 1 Subject Notebook paper $1.99 (from a raincheck I've had since last year) = $3.98

Subtotal = $5.98 - $6 EB from 1st transaction modified to $5.98 = only tax $.48!!  Got back $4 EB for the Caliber Notebook paper to use next time. :)

*OOP= Out Of Pocket
*MQ= Manufacture Coupon
*EB= Extra Buck
*Q=Coupon

Woo Hoo!  I'm getting back in the groove slowly but surely! Remember, I'm always glad to help with any questions.

Happy Shopping!
Jennifer

Do you swish and swipe?

Hi all,
  This is a repeat post for some of you, but I thought it was worth mentioning again.  This is a cleaning tip that I have begun to really appreciate.

  Some of you may have read a previous post about Flylady.  You should check it out, if you haven't already!  One of the cleaning tips/habits suggested that I just love, is Swish and Swipe.  Swish and Swipe is meant to be part of your morning routine when you get up and get dressed.  Basically you swish and swipe your toilet daily.  At first I thought....What? Everyday?, but I gave it a try, and it's so easy!  It literally just takes less than a minute to take your toilet brush, and swish around, then wipe down the top, handle, tank, and seats.

 Another tip shared on the Flylady site to help with this, is if you have one of those toilet brushes that stay in a container like I do, just squirt some toilet cleaner, shampoo, or body wash in it, add some water, and keep it in there for easy fresh swishing.  Just put fresh in it as needed.

  Also, keep some wipes (Lysol, or for you coupon savvy folks that have tons of free baby wipes), under your sink for the quick wipe down of the seats.  This is a quick simple habit that makes a huge difference!

Are you already a flylady?  What is your favorite habit?  Do you have some great housekeeping tip you would like to share?  I would love to hear about it!

Take care,

Jennifer

Be sure to visit Raising Homemakers to see some other great homemaking tips!  

Another relaxing Sunday!

Hi all!
  Does everyone else love Sundays as much as me?  They just always seem to be such relaxing days in our house.  A day of rejuvenation, and fulfillment for the upcoming week.

  I also tend to think of things that will make the house hold chores run smoother, and organized.  One of the things that I have been really trying to faithfully do and stay on top of, is keeping the kitchen clean throughout the day, especially just before bed.  Instead of sitting that cup or plate in the sink or counter, go ahead and throw it in the dishwasher.

  It is so nice to come down to a clean kitchen in the morning!  I even go a step further, and get coffee ready for in the morning.  Go ahead and fill your coffee pot with water, and put in the filter and coffee, so all you have to do is flip the switch.  If your coffee maker has a timer on it...even better!  Just set the timer, and you'll have freshly brewed coffee waiting for you before your feet hit the floor.

  Also, go ahead and get out what you need for your coffee, like, sugar, creamer (only if it's non dairy of course--don't want dairy creamer sitting out all night--yuck! :) ), mugs, and spoon.  No more fumbling around trying to get these things together, desperately needing that first cup of coffee to get you jumpstarted!

  Take my advice!  Try cleaning that kitchen before you go to bed, and get that coffee ready.  You'll feel great coming down to a gleaming sink, and coffee ready to go!

Shopping trip for CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens!

Hello,
  Today I wanted to share my drugstore shopping trips.  I got out of the swing of things for a while, so I'm slowly building up to some much bigger trips in the future.

  I'll start off with my CVS trip.  If you are new to shopping with coupons, and need some tips on shopping at CVS you can click on my CVS 101 post.

  The first thing I did, as always, is go to the Extra Care Coupon Center (the tall red machine that scans your CVS card, or to check prices) to scan my Extra Care card.  One of the coupons that it gave me was $1 off any hand or body lotion.

  I went over to the travel section, and found a 4oz Aloe Vera lotion for $.99!  Woo Hoo!  4oz of free hand lotion.....Love it! :)

  Here's the trip broken down the way I make my list:
M=Manufacturer
Q=Coupon
MM=Money Maker
OOP=Out Of Pocket

-1 Nivea Men's body wash $4.99 - $1 MQ = $3.99
-1 Aloe Vera 4oz lotion $.99 - $1 CVS Q from coupon center = $.01 MM

Total= $3.98 + tax = $4.34
Got back $4.99 in Extra Bucks to use on my next purchase.   Can't wait to use that on the deals next week! By building up my Extra Bucks slowly, I should be able to decrease my OOP spending quickly.

  Now, onto the Walgreens trip.  If you need tips on shopping at Walgreens, you can click on my Walgreens 101 post.

RR=Register Rewards

-1 Colgate $2.99 - $1 MQ = $1.99

Total w/ tax = $2.17
Got back $2 in RR's to use on my next purchase.

I read that these RR's are rolling.  To get an explanation on what that means, click on the link above to Walgreens 101 post.

Last is my Rite Aid trip.  If you need tips on shopping Rite Aid, you can click on my Rite Aid 101 post.  I split this trip into 2 separate transactions to cut down on my OOP.

UP=Up Rewards

1st Transaction:
-1 Playtex Tampons $4 - $2 MQ = $2
Total + tax = $2.24
Got back $3 UP

2nd Transaction:
-1 Rite Aid brand (equivalent to Noxzema) face cleanser $3.14 - $3 UP = $.14
Total + tax = $.33

Not bad trips, considering I was starting from scratch without any Extra Bucks, Register Rewards, or UP Rewards!

Happy Shopping!
Jennifer

Kroger/Publix shopping trips!

Hello everybody!
  I thought I would share with you my two grocery store shopping trips.  I'll start off with the Publix trip.  This time I'm going to list them the way I make my list, so you can see the deals broken down in more detail.  Let me know what you think. :)

M=Manufacturer
Q=Coupon
D=Doubled
MM=Money Maker

-Here are my no Q's items Grrr!  Just had to have them.  These really put a dent in my savings total!
-2 Oscar Meyer lunchmeats 2/$5
-1 Frito Scoops $3.99
-1 Wavy Lays $3.99
-1 Aunt Jemima syrup $3.69
-2 Publix brand Pasta $1.15 ea.= $2.30

-1 Publix brand Frosted Flakes $1.99

*Note: The 2/$x.xx (or there version of B1G1, they each ring up half price), ring up as the first item is half, and the second item is one penny less.  For example, the Toaster Strudels ring, 1st at $1.10, and 2nd at $1.09.  I just figure the highest of the two, instead of writing them both out.  Am I making this too confusing?  Just let me know if you need further explanation. :)

-2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel 2 for $2.19 so, $1.10 x 2 = $2.20 - $.50/2 MQD = $1.20 = $.60 ea.

-1 Quaker Instant Oatmeal Variety Pack $3.89- $1 MQ= $2.89 (this was a deal where buy brand name, get the Publix brand free)
-1 Publix brand Instant Oatmeal Variety Pack $1.89 - $1.89 =Free

-2 Betty Crocker Cookie Mix 2/$2.67 so, $1.34 (x2) =$2.68 - $.40 MQD (x2) =$1.08 =$.54 ea.

-2 Mahatma Valencia Rice $.99 (x2) = $1.98 - $.50 MQD (x2) = .02 MM

-2 Pam Cooking Spray 2/$3.29 so, $1.65 (x2) = $3.30 - $.35 MQD (x2) = $1.90 = $.95 ea.

-2 Barilla Pasta sauce 2/$2.69 so,  $1.35 (x2) = $2.70 - $.75 MQ (x2) = $1.20 = $.60 ea.

So Total before sales, and coupons: $51.86
Total after sales and coupons: $30.68, so a savings of $21.89

Not my best trip, since I had to buy so many items that were not on sale, and without coupons.  I hate it when I have to do that! :)

Now onto my Kroger trip.  I lost my receipt, so I don't have some of the information, but you'll get the idea.
-3 Hungry Man dinners $2.99 ea.
-1 Kroger wheat bread $.99

-6 Libby's canned vegetables 2/$1 so, $.50 (x6) = $3 - $1/3 MQ (x2) = $1 = $.17 ea.

-1 Kid cuisine meal $1.50 - $.50 MQD = $.50

-Free Swiffer duster handle, w/ 3 refills (I won this on the Summer Savings Event they had going on not too long ago)

-Free Fiji 1L water (another Summer Savings win)

-Free Quaker Instant Oatmeal (Cart buster winner event they have going on right now, you can get to it here)

Total: $11.75 Sorry, I wish I had the subtotal, but 13 items for $11.75 is pretty good!  Works out to an average of $.90 ea. :)

Check back soon for my drugstore trips! ;) Thanks for stopping by!

Take care,
Jennifer

Did you miss me? :)

Hi all,
  I have been feeling under the weather.  I had the flu or something, then I just wasn't feeling too inspired. I'm feeling better now, and ready to share. I have a hodge podge of things to talk about today.

  First off, Have any of you heard of smile.ly?  It is a community that you can join for free, to share feedback on products.  They offer what they call missions, which is an opportunity to send you a product, at no cost to you, try it, and share your honest opinions on that item.  You do not get paid, but you do get to try products for free, and when you share your thoughts you get smiles.  These smiles are status within the community which can lead to more opportunity to try products.  You can join from this link, which will give me some smiles. :)   Check it out, it's fun!

  Second, Publix has some great deals this week.
-Mahatma Valencia Rice 1lb bag is on sale this week for $.89. Pair that with the $.50 MQD from RP 8/29 that's an $.11 MM!

-Febreze Hawaiian Aloha Candles are on sale for $2.50. Paired with $2 MQ from PG 8/29 that's $.50

-Barilla Pasta Sauce is on sale for $1.35, pair that with the $.75 MQ from S 8/29, that's $.60.  (Buy a box of pasta, and you've got an inexpensive meal)

-Margaret Holmes Vegetables on sale for $1, paired with $.35 MQD from S 5/23, that's $.30.

-Pillsbury Toaster Strudel on sale for $1.10, pair with $1/2 MQ from GM 8/8, that's $.60!  This is a big one at our house. :)

-Pam cooking Spray on sale for $1.63, pair with $.35 MQD from S 8/29, that's $.93!  I love it when I can get the brand name stuff cheaper than the store brand, don't you?! :)

Abbreviations: M=Manufacturer
                        Q=Coupon
                        D=Doubled
                        RP=Red Plum (coupon insert from newspaper)
                        PG=Proctor & Gamble coupon insert
                        S=Smartsource coupon insert
                        GM=General Mills coupon insert

  Third, here's a great cleaning tip.  Some of you may have read a previous post about Flylady.  You should check it out, if you haven't already!  One of the cleaning tips/habits suggested that I just love, is Swish & Swipe.  Swish & Swipe is meant to be part of your morning routine when you get up and get dressed.  Basically you swish & swipe your toilet daily.  At first I thought....What? Everyday?, but I gave it a try, and it's so easy!  It literally just takes less than a minute to take your toilet brush, and swish around, then wipe down the top, handle, tank, and seats.

  Let me tell you, it was nice knowing the toilet was fresh this past week during those couple of days that I was so sick! Another tip shared on the Flylady site to help with this, is if you have one of those toilet brushes that stay in a container like I do, just squirt some shampoo, or toilet cleaner in it, add some water, and keep it in there for easy fresh swishing.  Just put fresh in it weekly.

  Also, keep some wipes (Lysol, or for you coupon savvy folks that have tons of free baby wipes), under your sink for the quick wipe down of the seats.  This is a quick simple habit that makes a huge difference!

  Do you have some great housekeeping tip you would like to share?  I would love to hear about it!

Take care,
Jennifer

Come....have A Full Cup with me!

 Hi all!
  I thought I would share with you today one of my most favorite websites, A Full Cup.  This site is full of informative tidbits on couponing. I learned so much from this site on getting groceries for free, or almost free.  You can click on the forums for each particular store you shop to learn all you can on how to best stretch your dollar at that specific store.

  Each forum will also have entries on deals you can find, or shopping scenarios to help you get started.  There are so many members who are more than willing to help answer any questions you may have.  All you need do is ask, and you will be peppered with friendly help, and advice.

  There is also a coupon database where you can search for coupons to see if any are available.  You can also jump in on trading coupons, join coupon trains, or just go to the chit chat forums.  There are forums on cooking, crafting, parenting, etc....you name it, it's there.

 The best thing about this site is that it is completely free to join. I'm not being paid to share this site with you.  I am going to get some "bling" though.  What's bling?  It's just a nifty little sparkling tag under my username to show that I shared AFC to you all.  :)  There are lots of fun ways to get some bling.  There is even a forum for celebrating your bling! :)

  It's so much fun!  Come check it out!  If you have any questions, or need some help navigating, feel free to email me.  Be sure to tell them that cpht sent you! I don't get anything for that, they just like to hear how you found out about them.

Until next time,
Jennifer