Walgreens and CVS 8-31-09

I didn't do so bad today!!! I think I COULD HAVE done better, but again, I was shopping with my two year old.................LOL

CVS
_______
4 M&M .89/ea. I used coupons for FREE Hershey's received in the mail = 0
2% Deans milk = 1.99
Glade Fragrance Difuser, sale 6.99, used $4/1 MFC = 2.99, received 6.99 in ECBs
Reeses PBC = .89
Carmel = .33
Spongebob cookie = 1.50
Aquafresh Iso Active toothpaste 4.99, used $1 MFC = 3.99, received $3.00 in ECBs

I used 3.00, 3.79, ECB's
I used $4/$20 from pharmacy booklet

TOTAL OOP = $1.63!!!
ECBs EARNED = $9.99

WALGREENS
______________
3 jumbo packs of huggies 11.00
I used in ad coupon for $8.99 each
I used 3 $3/1 printable MFCs
I used $1/1 wags coupon from coloring book
I used 15% off coupon good for today only = $4.49 per pack.
I will submit to Caregivers for a total of $3.75/pack

1 pack of Huggies pull ups
I used in ad coupon for 8.99
I used $3/1 MFC
I used $1/1 wags coupon from coloring book
I used 15% off coupon
(SEE ABOVE) total 3.75

Carefree pads 1.99
I used $1/1 coupon = .99, received $2 RR

Secret Deodorant 2.99
I used in ad coupon for $1.99
I used coupon for 15% off
I used $1 MFC = .84
Used B1G1 Free coupon = 2/.84

Laundry detergent
used 15% off coupon = 2.12

I used $3.00 off RR
Total OOP = $16.77 with tax

WAG Q savings = 14.55
WAG advertised savings = 2.47
NFC Q savings = 20.80
TOTAL SAVINGS = 37.82
I earned $2 in RR

My WAGS trip was pretty much a nightmare, as my son was wearing down and screaming throughout the store. I could have saved more using more RR, but...I was ready to GO!!!

16.77 OOP- $3.00 in Caregivers rebates - $2 earned isn't so bad, right???

CASH FOR CLUNKERS AT BABIES R US/TOYS R US?

So, check THIS out (thanks to babycheapskate)!!! TRU and BRU is offering trade in on your useds, unwanted baby items!!! Take in the items you no longer use or need, and get 20% off your purchase for a new item!
This deal starts August 28th and will continue through September 20th. For all the details, see the post HERE!

New Walgreen's coupon!

Just when I thought I could be formally disappointed with Walgreen's for their lack of deals this week, they put out a new coupon for $5 off of a $25 purchase! To print your coupon, click HERE.

Looking for a great buy on baby wipes and diapers? Here is a good scenerio!

Purchase 4 Jumbo packs of Walgreen's brand supreme diapers, on sale for $5.99 = $23.96

Purchase 2 packs of Hugies wipes for .79 each after coupon = $1.58

Huggies wipes are $2.79. Use the coupon for $2/package. You can find this coupon at the front of the store in the back to school book!

Your total for FOUR packs of diapers and TWO packs of wipes will be $25.54
Use the above coupon for $5/$25 = $20.54

Financial thoughts.

I have not stopped thinking about finances since my post last night; when I totalled up OUR household debt, I am pretty sure my heart fell to the floor. It can be very overwhelming!!!

Our generation grew up believing that debt was simply a way of life. It was expected, and accepted, to take out loans to finance our own education. If you were like me, it started out small. I took out small loans to help pay for SOME of my college courses. I continued to work full-time to pay for the other part. Eventually, I got overwhelmed...I was working two jobs, one as a retail manager, and one as a waitress, and going to school full time (15 - 18 credit hours/semester). I was also living on my own and had bills to pay!!! Of course, I couldn't just live in any ol' apartment! Oh no...I had to have the best! I rented a duplex for $750.00/month! I thought I was making good choices, but I was only starting my dependency on financing my future.

Eventually, I quit working to go back to school full-time and focus on my education. I was 23 at the time, and moved back on campus...a bit of a blow to my ego, if I do say so myself!!! Before moving, I had a large garage sale (my very first!) to make enough money to get me through the semester, hoped for the year! I also had to give up my precious puppy, as it was forbidden to have pets on campus. It was, at the time, the most difficult thing I had ever done.

After just a couple of months of living on campus with three roommates, I realized that the money I had hoped would finance me through the year was dwindling, and I knew I had to get a job. Fortunately, I found a great opportunity at a Youth Center; I could work when I wanted and got paid fairly well.

Eventually, I was working with three kids instead of just one. But that didn't last forever...eventually the program closed, and again, I was at square one. No savings. No income...but bills to pay! So, I started taking out more money for my student loans, a little bit to live on in addition to what I needed to pay for classes. If I couldn't afford what I needed, like groceries, I put it on a charge card!!! I had several credit cards: Kay's, Express, Limited, Victoria's Secret, Structure/Bath and Body Works, Sears, Sam's, and Capitol One! Anything I needed was available with the swipe of my plastic magic!!!

I finally graduated...but with a hefty amount of debt to account for!!! I had a whopping $48,000 in school loans and somewhere around $8,000 in credit card debt.

Eventually, my car decided to take a crap, and I didn't have a vehicle to get me back and forth to school and work...with no cash and no credit left to do what I needed to do to FIX the problem, which was the starter, I decided it would be better to simply buy a new one. I got financed for the loan, added my personal loan to it, and drove off the car lot with a new car, and another $28,000.00 in debt. I didn't have to make my first payment for 90 days, so I thought this was for sure the way to go!!!

Eventually, it all caught up with me, and I was left with financial debt up to my EARS!!! I can safely say that there is no worse feeling than learning that your financially SCREWED!!! I felt like a caged animal, ready to break out, but unable to do so.

My husband and I have since made some accomplishments with our finances, and we realize the consequences of financing our future. It isn't worth it!!! We want to get OUT OF DEBT completely; while we have made progress, we have a ways to go still.

Admitting that you have debt, and don't want to go down that road anymore, IS HUGE!!! It is difficult to talk about; it isn't a proud moment when you realize what your financial choices have amounted to. Keeping up with the Jones's is a tough job, and we all want to have the BEST! Is it really worth the stress? No. I am tired of living outside of our means, and refuse to raise my children believing that is the norm.

I want to make our financial struggles, ups and downs, public. By doing so, I hope to hold myself more accountable. Each day we make financial decisions, and I want to make better ones! Join me on my journey to FINANCIAL FREEDOM!!!!!!!

DEBT CONTROL

I am looking forward to retaking Dave Ramsey's Financial Freedom classes starting next week!!! I signed up in January for my very first time in his class. My best friend, Autumn, and I enjoyed every class and learned SO MUCH! Since beginning the class this year, my family and I have made more conscious efforts to manage our finances and become financially FREE! To do so, we have had to cut back a lot on our spending, and in doing so have been blessed to do more for others.

We look forward to learning more our second time around, and hope to implement more of his strategies in everyday life.

Unfortunately, we were not always wise to the limitations debt can put on us, and it was entirely our fault for getting ourselves into debt...one day, hopefully soon, we will realize our dream of living completely DEBT FREE!!!

Debts consist of:
Mortgage/refinance loans
Car/vehicle loans
School/college loans
Personal loans
Credit cards
Business loans
Credit debts
any other money owed

Before we start the class, I am going to add up our total debt and compare it to where we were at the beginning of 2009. I WILL BE POSTING HERE WHAT OUR CURRENT HOUSEHOLD DEBT IS!!! If you would, I would absolutely LOVE to know where you are at with financial debt. You can post anonymously if you prefer. I would like to get an average debt per household for FIFTY readers!!!

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!!!

Our Household Debt Total: $107,825.47
Whew! Putting it out there for the whole world to see is a little stressful!!! We have been working hard on reducing our debt, and it has been quite a challenge. While Dave Ramsey says that you do not have to include your mortgage in your total debt, I have chosen to include it. Regardless, it is money that we owe, and money that we are paying interest on.
We are proud to say we are out of credit card debt!!! :-) We are still paying on one of my school loans and my car loan.
Our next step is to pay off my car, then the school loan, and THEN the mortgage! Hopefully we can refrain from adding to our total debt anymore!

WALGREENS 8-24-09

I didn't do so bad at Walgreens! If only I could quit the Pepsi...

Remmell Mascara 40 % off, $3.59

I used $2. MFC

Remmell nail care 40% off, $2.39

I used $1 MFC

Remmell nail color 40% off, $2.09

I used $1 MFC

2 Smart Rinse Listerine, 2/$8.00

$3.00 RR earned

I used TWO $1/1 MFCs

I used TWO $1/1 WAGS Q from colorbook insert

Tylenol B1G1 Free, 2/$4.99

I used TWO $2/1 MFCs

Tylenol B1G1 FREE, 2/$4.99

I used TWO $2/1 MFCs

Advil Liquigel $4.49 /Thermacare $5.99(purchase one of each, receive $4 RR)

I used $1/1 Advil MFC

I used $3/2 MFC

4 Glade Fabric/Air Odor Eliminator on sale 2/$5.00

I used TWO B1G1 coupons, = 4/$5.00

Pepsi, 4/$12.00 (NOT PICTURED)

I used Wags Q, Buy 4 get one FREE = 5/$12

TOTAL BEFORE COUPONS = $33.53

I also used register rewards towards my total:Register rewards count as MFCs

- $2.00

- $5.00

- $4.00

- $3.00

TOTAL OUT OF POCKET = $19.53

Register Rewards earned on this transaction = $7.00

Wag coupon savings = $2.00

Wag advertisement savings = $33.17

MFC coupon savings = $39.00

GRAND TOTAL SAVINGS OF $74.17

CVS shopping trip 8-24-09

I did well today at CVS!

4 Pepsi 12 packs (not pictured), sale 4/$12.00

$3.00 ECBs earned

2 Glade Sense and Spray starter kits, sale 2/$10.00

$3.00 ECB's earned

I used 2 $4.00/1 MFCs from yesterday's insert

Carefree Ultra Protection, $3.79

$3.79 ECBs earned

I used 1 $1/1 MFC

Huggies wipes, $3.49

I used $2 off coupon from CVS printout

I also used .75 MFC

Kotex B1G1 Free, 2/$1.49

I used two $1/1 MFCs

TOTAL BEFORE Q's = $30.77

TOTAL AFTER COUPONS = $17.02

I also used a CVS coupon for $5 off of a $25 purchase = $12.54

And I used $4 in ECBs I earned last week = $8.02 Out Of Pocket

Total savings of = $22.75

And I earned $9.79 in ECBs for my next shopping trip!!!

Break time!

Hi fellow bloggers, couponers and loyal readers. I wanted to take a quick minute to post an update, in case anyone is wondering where I have been all week! While there are some great deals out this week, I have decided to give myself a MUCH needed break from the bargain shopping.
Earlier in the week, I hit my nearest Kmart for the double coupon deals, and became quite frustrated when the trip did not go as planned. Moms, you know how difficult it can be to do couponing with a toddler in tow...'nuf said? I decided to take my two year old son with me this time, as I had other plans for our trip too. Rowan did not do so well...he was crabby, didn't get his full nap, and was hungry. On my end, I forgot my coupon list and shopping list at home, which is 40 minutes from Kmart! Not worth going back for... I spent a good two hours in Kmart trying to match up my coupons with sales. I won't try that again! Also, I noticed that Kmart has a little trick up their sleeve...when double coupons roll around, they seem to mysteriously mark items up...and THIS made me furious!!! So, I picked up a few items, but nothing near what I had hoped.
Since that trip, I have decided I would take a break from the deal shopping for the rest of the week! My stock pile closet is nicely stocked, and I am hoping that we can get through the rest of the month on what we already have, thus saving on shopping time and saving money in the process!

Earn money at Walgreens!

This week, Walgreen's really let me down. I didn't see much to brag about in the weekly ad. BUT, they did surprise me when I read this, as I have not seen this done before.

If you spend $25.00 at Walgreen's, you will receive $5 in register rewards to use on your next purchase! From what I understand, there are no catches. Buy what you need and earn some money back!

Diaper scenario:
Pampers are buy 2/$20.00
Use 2 of your $1.50/1 coupons = 2/$17.00
You will get $2 back in Register rewards for buying $20 worth of Pampers
Also get the bonus $5.00 back!

For transaction two:
you could repeat the scenario above, buy 2/$20
use two more $1.50 off coupons = 2/$17
use the $7 in RR you earned above and get two more for $10.00

Your total OOP = $37.00 for 4 Jumbo packs of Pampers.

When you use the $2.00 RR from scenario one, you will forfeit your $2.00 RR for the second purchase, but still get the $5.00 one!

SUNDAY COUPON PREVIEW

Hi readers! It's that time of week once again; Saturday, we all start wondering what deals we will catch in the upcoming week! Tomorrow's coupons seem to be pretty decent yet again, and I am pleased to see some Huggies coupons in there! :-) To see the full Sunday coupon preview, see HERE.

Some of my favorites are:
.50 off Huggies wipes
1.50 off Huggies diapers
3.00 off Huggies Pure and Natural diapers
2.00 off Pull Ups flushable wipes (2)
2.00 off Pull Ups

I also see plenty of grocery coupons to use, many hygeine items too! Not a bad week for couponers!

Walgreen's NEOSPORIN DEAL!

Hey Moms! You know as well as I do that Neosporin is a MUST HAVE in our medicine cabinets! I have a 2 year old little boy...'nuf said?

Walgreen's is running a deal on Neosporin this week: $3.99/1; if you buy TWO, you get $4 in RR.
If you have purchased the Walgreen's coloring book, there is a $2/1 coupon in there. If you haven't gotten yours, GET IT! Here is the deal-0!

Purchase TWO Neosporin at 3.99 each = 2/$7.98
Use $2/1 coupon (automatically takes off of both) = 2/$3.98
Use TWO Neosporin MFCs for $1/1 HERE = 2/$1.98 OOP
Get back $4 in RR!

Earlier in the week, I did this deal; I bought two of the Neosporin bonus packs, which consisted of: Neosporin tube, 3 bandaids and a keyring travel kit. Pretty neat!

REBATE FORMS

Thank you Melissa M. for sending me the links for these great rebate offers!

FUEL FOR SCHOOL: KELLOGGS and DELL: $80 in savings when you buy 10 Kellogg's or Keebler products. Get $10 rebate check from Kellogg's, $70 coupon code from Dell. Offer expires 9/30/09

KRAFT FOODS: Tombstone: Tombstone Helps Pay Your Bills!

Do you know of other great rebates being offered? If so, we'd love to hear about them!

Weekly deals

Click HERE for CVS deals this week, thanks to Imommy. Don't forget about that $5 off your $25 purchase coupon! Scroll down on my blog to print yours. My favorite CVS deal this week is the HUGGIES!!! I love Huggies!

2/$18.00 Jumbo diapers or pull ups
Print TWO $1.50 off coupons, HERE = 2/$15.00
Get $4 back in Extra Care Bucks = 2/$11.00
Send in for the Caregivers Marketplace rebate .75/pack = 2/$8.00

Last week, CVS was printing off coupons for $5 off a $15.00 purchase, or $3 off a $15 purchase! I will be using mine to make this a SUPER SWEET HUGGIES DEAL!!!

____________________
Click HERE for the Walgreen's deals this week. Quite a few great ones to be had! Thank you Imommies.com!!!

FREE sample product review: The Face Shop

During a trip to my local Walgreen's, I received a free sample of a product for The Face Shop: Serum Infused Natural Cloth Mask Sheet - Collagen Mask Sheet. The label reads:

"Super high concentrations of Collagen that is responsible for keeping the skin firm and smooth". Hey ladies, I just hit THIRTY, I am all about firming my face...and other body parts too! Sign me up!

So, this evening, I tried it out. It came in a thick pouch that was easily opened. The mask was a soft cottony sheet, soaked it liquid. I am glad I put it on over the bathroom sink, because I could see it causing quite a mess.

It felt GREAT on my face! I really liked the way the moisture felt, and it was cool to the skin. After 20 minutes, I removed the sheet, and my face felt delightfully moisturized. I really liked it!

My only complaint about the product is that it didn't last very long. Once I removed the mask, it was a matter of approximately an hour, and my skin felt the same as before.

Perhaps it would work better if I used it more often...I did some searching, and the prices on these products are relatively reasonable. Walgreens price is 2/$5.

http://www.thefaceshopusa.com/

SUNDAY COUPON PREVIEW AND MORE!!!

It looks like another great week in coupon world! Last week was the best I've seen for coupons since I started this adventure, and I am happy to see they won't be letting us down this week either. To see tomorrow's preview, click HERE!

I am looking forward to another great week of deals. With the awesome CVS coupon, I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised with a Huggies deal. I'll keep you informed!

In addition to the Sunday coupons:

Home Made Simple is offering $35 in coupons; go HERE to get yours!

Coupons.com has great coupons this month, HERE!

Redplum is also offering some exclusive coupons, HERE!

Get your Pillsbury coupons HERE!

Happy couponing, Happy shopping!!!

CVS new printable coupon!!!

CVS must have taken note with Walgreen's putting out the $5/$25 purchase coupon, because for the first time in AGES, CVS is offering the very same coupon! YAY!!!

Anyone can get this coupon, all you have to do is go HERE to watch this short video and answer a few simple questions. At the end, a window will appear for you to print your coupon! I suggest doing so as quickly as possible, because this offer won't last long! My coupon expires on 8/22, so I am hoping for some great sales this coming week!

Target freebies!

If you do head to your nearest Target for the dollar school items, I suggest first taking a look at this deal scenerio from WICKED Cool Deals! I'd certainly say it is indeed WICKED COOL!

I was just saying to my coupon friends that I need to find a good buy on razors, and then wham! Here it is!!! Again, Target is a bit of a drive, so I don't think I will get there in time to take advantage of this offer...but I hope YOU CAN!

Target dollar deals

Over at Free2bfrugal, I found this list of dollar school items from Target!!! Unfortunately, the closest Target is about 40 minutes from me, otherwise I would be heading over there now!

With Rowan now being 2 1/2, I am considering starting a little pre-school at home. Every child needs that structure, and Rowan enjoys learning!!! These items are more for the teachers than for the students, so home-schoolers take notice!

Lesson plan books
Grade books
Name plates for desks
Star Student stickers
Student reward bookmarks
Mini pocket charts
Teaching clock
Class schedule poster
Educational puzzles for the classroom

Build A Bear

Hey Mom, get the kiddos in on your frugal couponing! Save $5 off of a $25 purchase at Build A Bear through August 31st! Get your coupon HERE! Now that is something the kids will get excited about!

COUPONS, COUPONS AND MORE COUPONS!!!

Planning a trip to CVS? Go HERE to get your CVS printable coupons!

Get 10% off your entire purchase at Rite-Aid with this coupon, HERE!

JC Penney's is having their 70% sale in store and online. If you plan to shop online, use coupon code: GET4BTS and save $10.00 off your $10.00 or more purchase.

Kohl's is offering an additional 15% or 20% off your entire purchase with this coupon, HERE, good through 8/9/09.

Bath and Body Works buy

Let's face it, once we become mothers, it is seldom that we let ourselves splurge on something for ourselves! In January, during Bath and Body Works' semi-annual sale, I came across an aromatherapy item for merely $1.30! I thought, why not, I will give this a shot! At that price, who could resist a little pampering, right? So, I bought the body wash, bubble bath, lotion, pillow spray, foot soak...you get the point!

When I got the product home and tried it out, I fell in love...it is light and fresh, and awakens my senses first thing in the morning! I particularly liked the body wash; when I used it to shave my legs, my legs tingled! It was delightful...

Much to my dismay, I found that the original price was $13.50, and there is just no way I would spend that on myself! I have been savoring the last little bit of my body wash...wishing and hoping that I could find something that I liked as well at a fraction of the price...

WHAM! Out came the coupon for a FREE aromatherapy product with a $15.00 purchase...could it be? I could get TWO for the price of ONE? And if so, could I justify spending that on body wash? Just out of curiosity I stopped in B&BW this evening, and was pleasantly surprised! For on the shelf, right before my eyes, I saw the most beautiful sight....

AROMATHERAPY PRODUCTS 2 FOR $20.00

Now, that alone is nothing to jump up and down about...BUT...with that purchase, I could use my coupon for a FREE AROMATHERAPY ITEM OF MY CHOICE!!! Oh yes, this was looking up for me! So, for $20.00, I got THREE, count them THREE, tranquil mint body washes! YIPPEE!!! So, I spent $6.66 per item...still a little pricey, but well worth the money! I am thrilled!!!

FREE after rebate product review: Teatree Mint Shampoo and Conditioner.

ORGANIX beauty pure and simple

Hydrating teatree mint shampoo and conditioner

One of the greatest perks to rebates and coupons is that I get to try new product all the time, and most of them I get for free or close to free. What woman out there doesn't enjoy trying new beauty products, especially for FREE?

Last night, I decided to purchase the Organix Teatree mint shampoo and conditioner for $6.99 each, with a $6.99 rebate on each. After the rebate, I would only be paying sales tax and postage for the mail in rebate. Being as I have been on a new kick for menthol, mint, peppermint products with tingle factor, I thought I couldn't go wrong giving it a whirl!

Now, rarely do I find products that I don't like, but this is an exception. I really do not care for this product, and even with it being FREE after rebate, I would not purchase again.

PROS:

free after rebate

compact bottle sizes

thick lather on shampoo

CONS:

the smell is entirely too potent for my taste

it does not have the tingle factor, as most mint products do

the conditioner does not leave my hair as soft and manageable as I would like

it is pricey without the rebate

I would not recommend this product.

I will not purchase this product in the future.

Have you tried any of the Organix products? This is the first I have tried; while I do not like this specific product, I cannot speak for the other Organix products. Please let me know if you have tried any and if you liked or disliked it. Thanks!

I did not want to be biased in my review, so I did not read other reviews until after I wrote my review. See other reviews on this product HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG CHALLENGE:

Hi readers! I have been seriously questioning how to go about this blog/facebook/couponing issue. I put up frequent updates on Facebook because I love to share a good deal, especially with my friends!
Recently, a reader suggested that I set up a facebook account just for couponing and savings purposes. Honestly, I love the idea, but do I have the time to do both the blog AND facebook account? That is a lot of posting, and a lot of duplicate information.
I often hear people say that they use and view my blog to help get ideas on couponing and saving, so I hate to stop posting on my blog! The solution I came up with is this:

***if you do read my blog to get ideas, or just to see the sales, whatever, please leave me a comment or msg. telling me so. It'd be great to hear from my readers. Also, why not subscribe to my blog, that way you get instant updates on what is going on in the deal world? I would love to see more guest ideas and scenerios! Who doesn't like to know when their hard work is paying off (no pun intended!!!)?

Tell me YOUR ideas on how to improve this blog, or if you would like to see the deals on facebook. What do YOU think?

Pictures for the CVS and WALGREENs post below!

Huggies wipes for only FOUR CENTS!!!

Wags diapers on sale for $5.99/pack

The above calculators are FAB! I actually got 6 of them. Only four pictured above.

Benadryl

Softsoap

Vitamin sh.

Vitamin Con.

Crest

Crest

Dawn

Teatree sh.

Teatree co.

NOT PICTURED:

2 Tylenol PM that I got for less than 50 cents each

7 12 packs of Pepsi!

TOTAL OOP = $73.29

TOTAL RR, ECB, REBATES = $55.48

Difference of only: $17.81 spent! YAY

Guest allert!

Thank you to Sara for passing along this great information!

"I was reading your blog and thought I would pass along another helpful website - http://www.facebook.com/l/;hotcouponworld.com. There is a great message board that details all of the good deals at CVS (have come by many free school supplies that way) and they usually preview the ad before it comes out on Sunday."

I always love to receive tips on more ways to rack up the savings! If you have any to share, please leave a comment! THANKS!

BATH AND BODY WORKS COUPON

I found this pretty little surprise in my inbox this morning, and am happy to share with you! Receive 20% off your purchase when you spend $25 or more at Bath and Body Works. Offer expires August 9th. Click HERE to print this coupon! Happy shopping ladies!

DIAPERS PRICE CHART

I just love babycheapskate.com! If you have never checked out this site, please make your way over there. One of my favorite things about this site is the diaper chart! I printed one out and carry it with me everywhere! Talk about a wake up call!!! When I first saw this chart, I was paying...tucking tale between my legs...full price for Huggies Supreme diapers. I didn't use coupons, and I bought the "value boxes" at Walmart more often than not! If you want to see how to know if you are paying too much for diapers, click HERE to see the diaper chart! I LOVE IT!

FREEBIE FASHION BUG COUPONS GIVEAWAY

I am looking for someone who can use some Fashion Bug coupons. I have five coupons, good online or in store, for $10.00 off of a $25.00 or more purchase. One expires on 8/19 and the others expire on 8/20. If you want them, let me know, and I will get them in the mail to you! I just hate to throw them away!!!

Thanks!

***I am pleased to announce that all five coupons have found good homes! Thank you for taking such good care of these valuable coupons.

Help me get coupons out there USED! If you have coupons you will not use, please send them on to someone else! Only 3% of coupons get used...sad!

Also, if you are throwing away expired coupons, SHAME ON YOU! :-) Military bases overseas allow expired coupons to be used for SIX months after expiration date! FORWARD THEM ON PLEASE!!!

WALGREENS $5/$25 purchase coupon

Walgreen's has a new $5/$25 purchase coupon available and good through Saturday! Go HERE to print yours! Remember, the coupons states SPECIFICALLY that your total must equal $25.00 or more after all coupons. There are so many great register reward deals, this is super easy to do! See my previous posts for ideas.

Also, I was at several different Walgreen's stores today, and you may find an in-store version of this coupon available at the check out. Just incase, I'd go ahead and print one!

If you want to make the most of your savings, check out the following links for great ideas on how to maximize using register rewards and coupons (from Moneysavingmom).

Shopping list 1

Shopping list 2

Shopping list 3

CVS and WALGREENS shopping trips

These are from the last two days. I spent a little more than I normally would have, but I couldn't help myself! These calculators are amazing, and I will give them as gifts throughout the year. Also, toothbrushes make GREAT stocking stuffers and gift bag fillers!

CVS:
Softsoap 4.99/4.00 ECBs
4 12 packs of Pepsi 12.00/4 ECBs
__________________________
total = 16.99
used $5/$15 coupon
total OOP = 11.99
ECBs = $8.00

WALGREENS

Transaction 1:
2 Children's Benadryl 4.99 each./used 2 $1/1 coupons from coloring book insert = 2/$7.98
RR = $5.00
Vitamin Conditioner = 3.99
RR=$4.00
Wags Diapers = 5.99

4/$10.00 Crest and Oral B deal
2 Oral B advantage toothbrushes $2.50 each/used two .50/1 MFCs = $2.00 each = 2/$4.00
2 Crest with Scope toothpaste $2.50 each/ used two .50/1 MFCs = $2.00 each = 2/$4.00
4/$8.00
RR= $5.00
Tylenol PM B1G1 Free 2/4.99/used two $2/1 MFCs = 2/.99
______________________________________________________________
Total = 26.95
Used $5/$25 coupon = 21.95 OOP
RR = $14.00

Transaction 2:
2 Children's Benadryl 4.99 each/ used two $1/1 coupons from color book insert = 2/7.98
RR = $5.00
Vitamin Shampoo 3.99
RR = $4.00
Pepsi 3/11.00
RR = 2.00
Colgate Spongebob toothbrush $5.00
RR = $5.00
___________________________________________________________________
Total 27.97
used $5/$25 coupon = 22.97 OOP
RR = $16.00

Transaction 3:
Dawn dish soap .99/used .25/1 MFC = .74
3 Calculator/Clock = .87 each. = 3/$2.61
Gum Tooth/Tongue 2 Pk toothbrush = 3.49
RR = 3.50
4 packs Huggies wipes 64 ct at $2.79 ea./used 4 $2/1 Wags coupons/used 4 .75/1 MFC
= .04 each = 4/.16
_________________________________________________________________
Total 7.00 OOP
RR = $3.50

Transaction 4:
Huggies Wipes 64 ct 2.79/used $2/1 Wags coupon/used .75/1 MFC = .04
Dr Fresh automatic toothbrush = .84
Organic Conditioner Mint =6.99
Rebate = $6.99
_________________________________________________________________
Total = 7.87
Used $4.00 RR from prior transaction = 3.87 OOP
Rebates = 6.99

Transaction 5:
Huggies wipes 64 ct. 2.79/used $2/1 Wags coupon/used .75/1 MFC = .04
Dr Fresh automatic toothbrush = .84
Organic Shampoo Mint = 6.99
Rebate = 6.99
_________________________________________________________________
Total = 7.87
Used $5.00 RR = 2.87 OOP
Rebates = $6.99

Transaction 6:
Oral B Battery Toothbrush 1.89
Oral B Battery Toothbrush 1.89
Dr Fresh automatic toothbrush .25
3 Calculator/Clock .87 each = 3/$2.61
__________________________________________________________________
Total = 6.64
used $5.00 RR
Total OOP = $1.64

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

CVS TOTAL OOP = $11.99
CVS ECBs EARNED = $8.00

WALGREEN'S TOTAL OOP = $61.30
WALGREEN'S RRs EARNED = $33.50
WALGREEN'S REBATES EARNED = $13.98

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

WHEELING AND DEALING!

Today was a good day of couponing and saving! My friend, Melissa, and I decided to hit Walgreen's today...with three kids nonetheless! Couponing with kids is quite the challenge, but we managed to rake up quite a few deals! Melissa was finding all kinds of "last chance" items that were marked down to ridiculously low prices! I'll admit, I am not one to go into Walgreen's and take my time looking at clearance items. I usually walk in there with my list, get what I need, and leave. I'm glad Melissa taught me this great lesson!
She found some amazing deals on toothbrushes and oral hygeine items! They had Oral B Cross Action Power toothbrushes for $1.89!!! WHOOPY! Also, we found Dr. Fresh Turbo Power toothbrushes, WITH a Duracell AA Battery included for merely 25 cents! WHAT!!! Unfortunately, there were few of them left, but we bought the remainders! Also, my favorite steal, was an awesome calculator for just 89 cents! This is no ordinary calculator, it is high tech baby!!! It is a travel size, with a case, it has a calendar, alarm clock...I'm not even sure what else it does, but I was happy to find a pretty little gadget to throw in my coupon binder! Oh yes!
We also found a great deal on Huggies wipes. Only FOUR CENTS for 64 ct. I was loving it!!!

So, when we left, I decided to hit a couple more stores to see if they had any of the deals. I had luck at one here in town, but the one right down the street was not participating in the calculator or toothbrush bargains. Their loss!!! I was ready to buy.

All in all, I had some great savings today...and I got to spend time with two great friends, Melissa and Autumn! Who could ask for more than that?

Basics...

Okay folks, I am in a mood. I am not sure how long this will last, but I had to write about it, so bare with me!

While Jamie was home, we were on a mission to get a second vehicle. While he was in Iraq, there was simply no need for two vehicles. I knew it was coming, but I wasn't prepared for the out of pocket expense of buying a second vehicle. Jamie has worked hard, and I knew he "deserved" to have what he wanted. Luckily, my husband is not a man of monetary definition...he is happy with whatever we can afford...which didn't happen to be much.

We agreed that whatever we bought would be paid for with cash from our savings. Jamie was bringing home a bit more money for his tour in Iraq, and we were able to put a little bit back each month. I am a saver...I would much prefer to hold on to our hard earned money, but Jamie is just the opposite. Getting to the same page was a task, to say the least. Finally, I went to the bank and made a hefty withdrawal for Jamie's purchase. I handed him the cash and told him to get whatever he wanted, as long as it could be paid for with the money inside the envelope. He looked...and he shopped...and he test drove...and finally, he found what he wanted. It is a pick up truck, extended cab, 3 door, with a back seat. Now I won't lie and say that it is the most beautiful piece of machinery I have ever seen, but it fits the bill and will be great for a second vehicle!

Jamie asked me to go with him to purchase the truck...and I was sick to my stomach to say the least! Nevertheless, I went along. We were able to get a great price on the truck (about half of what they were asking to begin with) because we were able to pay with cash. It felt good!!! It was great to walk in there, no hassles, and be able to pay for the truck...no payments...no interest...and we are able to put liability insurance on it instead of full-coverage! The best part, there was no buyers remorse!

Jamie agreed that we would work extra hard at putting the money back in the savings each month. So, what is my point you ask??? My point is this. After taking the Dave Ramsey class, I learned a lot of important information on living within our means. It felt SOOO GOOD to be able to do that, that I am now contemplating how we can implement this more in our daily lives.

My generation was raised to believe that living on credit was not only acceptable, but also inevitable! For many years, I lived just that way...I charged everything, paying up to 19% interest on every purchase! Shoes? Charge it! Outfits, charge that too! Even groceries went on our Sam's club card! We had credit debt out our ears: Express, Limited, Victoria's Secret, Sam's, Sears, Kay's, Walmart, Capital One...credit, after line of credit!

I am pleased to announce that we are now CREDIT CARD DEBT FREE, and we only have ONE credit card to our names now. It has a zero balance, and I intend to keep it that way!

So, we have goals. Unfortunately, with leading separate lives and two households, it has been a challenge to manage to stay on budget each month!

I want to learn to live more frugally! I would love to learn some basics...gardening? Why pay someone else to grow our food? Why pay grocery prices? Unfortunately, I have NO green thumb, but I could try! I'd also like to learn to make some of our own household supplies: laundry detergent? Cleaning supplies? I hate the chemicals!!! A downfall of mine? I tend to make quick meals, or eat out... I think of what I spend, and it makes me ill. What if I could learn to cook more from scratch? How much could we save?

How do you keep expenses down?

CVS $5 off $15 coupon!

I love checking my mail...well, except on days that bills get delivered! Today, Rowan and I were sitting on the front porch enjoying our lunch, when our nice mail lady brought me a CVS flier. On it, a coupon for $5.00 off of a $15.00 purchase! YAY ME!!!
This coupon came at the perfect time, as I am making my shopping lists today! My CVS list now looks as follows:

4 Pepsi 12 packs 4/$12.00 ($4 ECBs)
Softsoap Nutri Serums $4.99 ($4.00 ECBs)
Use ECB coupon for FREE toothbrush

Total = 16.99
use $5/$15 coupon
OOP = $11.99 + tax
ECBs earned for next week = $8.00

Sure, I know there are other great deals that I could do to earn more ECB's, but I am out of Pepsi, and...well, we just can't have that!!! :-)

WALGREENS COUPON!!!

Click HERE to get your Walgreen's coupon for $5.00 off your purchase of $25.00 or more! Coupon is good today, August 5th, and tomorrow, August 6th. Hurry!!!

I happen to LOVE these special little coupons! I particularly LOVE them when I can use them for diaper savings. Walgreen's has their brand diapers for $5.99 this week, and Pampers Jumbos for $8.99.

If you have manufacturer coupons, you can get quite a deal! Remember though, your total must be $25.00 AFTER coupons!!!

DEAL SCENERIO #1:

Transaction ONE:
Buy GUM TOOTHBRUSH 2 pack Tooth N Tongue Plus for $3.49 + tax
Receive $3.49 in Register Rewards

Transaction TWO:
Buy FIVE packs of Walgreen's brand Jumbo diapers at $5.99 each = 5/$29.95
Use $3.49 Register Rewards towards your total = $26.46
Use $5/$25 coupon = $21.46

At 32 diapers/pack, that is only .13 per diaper!!! Definently note worthy! If you have never tried Walgreen's brand diapers, this is a good time to give it a go! Personally, I really like them and have had great luck with them! You can repeat this scenerio if you wish!

SCENERIO #2:

Transaction ONE:
Buy Vitamin Shampoo or Conditioner at $3.99 + tax
Receive $3.99 in Register Rewards

Transaction TWO:
Buy 3 packs of Pamper's Jumbos at $8.99 each = 3/$26.97
Buy one pack of Gum Toothbrush 2 pack Tooth N tongue Plus for 3.49
Total = 30.46
Use 3.99 in RR from trans 1
Use $5/$25 coupon
TOTAL OOP = $21.47
Receive $3.49 in Register Rewards to put towards your next purchase

If you have Pamper's Manufacturer Coupons to use: EVEN BETTER!!! If you got Sunday's paper this last week, you are in luck!

$8.99 - $1.50 MFC = $7.49 each Jumbo pack x 4 = 29.96
Use $5/$25 Walgreen's coupon = 24.96
Total cost per diaper = 19.5 cents (based on size 3 Jumbos)

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Click HERE to get $2.00 off Johnson and Johnson product at Walgreen's

So, there you have it! You CAN print more than one of the coupons, so if you have more to purchase, split the transactions up to maximize your savings! Happy shopping, please let me know if you use these scenerios! THANKS

FREE MATRIX HAIR CARE SAMPLES

Thanks Moneysavingmom for this great offer!

CLICK HERE for your FREEBIE!

ARTSCOW DEAL

Whether it's an everyday work tie or one for special outings such as your kid's graduation or friend's wedding, you should dress to impress on every occasion. With these silky neckties you can give your dress shirt its perfect partner.

For only $9.99, we are offering you 2 neckties with free shipping included.

For more details:http://www.artscow.com/Create/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductId=391

Coupon code: 999NECKTIE

Expires on: 08/31/2009

No Quantity Limited, and make sure have neckties are in even number to enjoy the offer.Please note the neckties CAN be of different design.

Dairy Queen BUZZ

NEW COUPON HERE

Click on the link above to receive YOUR coupon for $1.oo off a Blizzard treat when you purchase your choice of a Kid's Meal! Now that is something to smile about!!! :-)

Dairy Queen coupon

Join blizzardfanclub.com and get a coupon for a free blizzard! Mmmm!!!

Thank YOU Wicked Cool Deals for this tid bit of info! I didn't know about this one, but will be looking for it when I hit Walgreen's this week!

"If you are heading over to Walgreens, be on the lookout for a new Back-2-School Coupon Book with over $50 in coupon savings! This coupon booklet can most likely be found in the store by the ad circulars. All of these are manufacturer's coupons expiring 8/29/09. I do question some of these items tagged as "back to school." Smoking Cessation Gum? Dog treats? Excedrin (must be for the moms)? Too funny."

Also, worthy of mention, I found a new Walgreen's coloring book in the book section. Inside, much to my surprise, NEW WALGREEN'S COUPONS! My favorite, of course is for the $1.00 off HUGGIES coupon. Walgreen's coupons can be used multiple times, so this is a good one!

WOW BATH AND BODY WORKS WOW~!

Okay, I am in LOVE with this deal!!! I absolutely LOVE Bath and Body Works aromatherapy products, namely the tranquil mint! It is delightful, and I can't get enough of it!!! If I could do backflips, I would totally be doing them over THIS COUPON!

Spend $15 at your Bath and Body Works store, and receive a FREE AROMATHERAPY ITEM OF YOUR CHOICE!!! This is a freebie of up to $13. Click HERE for your coupon!

If you try one of these aromatherapy products, please let me know which one and if you liked it! THANKS

Free sandwich at Arby's tomorrow

Don't forget that Wednesday is FREEBIE at Arby's day! Tomorrow, purchase a softdrink of your choice and receive a FREE REGULAR ROAST BEEF SANDWICH!!! No coupon is required. Happy eating!

JC Penney $10 off $50 coupon

Who couldn't use a little break these days? JC Penney's is having a giant sale, 70% off many items in the store! Now is a great time to buy basics for next summer! Hey, let's face it, some things just never go out of style! The above title will link you to a coupon good for $10 off of a $50 purchase! Combine that with your savings, and you may walk out with a lot more than you expect! HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Bare Escentuals

Get your FREE sample of Bare Escentuals products, and you pay only shipping! Mine was $1.07!!! Hurry up, they are out of some of the shades already! CLICK HERE

Glade Giveaway

GLADE FALL INTO FRAGRANCE GIFT PACK GIVEAWAY! Click HERE to get yours now!

Who doesn't love Glade? And for free???

WALMART FREE STUFF!

CLICK HERE to get your Walmart Free Samples now!

StayFree, Nicorette, Scope, GoodNites, Viva paper towels, Playtex Sport included!

OFFICE MAX: Sharpie markers for just a penny!

OFFICE MAX has a coupon out, click here to print, for ONE CENT SHARPIE MARKERS! Now, any mom out there knows...we can NEVER have enough Sharpies on hand! :-) I am pretty excited about this coupon!

Expires 8/8/09, Limit 3 per customer. Enjoy!!!

FREEBIES FROM MCDONALDS!!!

A new coupon is out for McDonald's, and I think it is a pretty good one! CLICK HERE to print your coupon, and receive FREE medium fries and FREE medium beverage with your purchase of a NEW Angus Third Pounder! ENJOY!!!

August 4th, 2009

Today is a day that I have dreaded for a long time. While it is always wonderful to welcome Jamie home, seeing him leave is never fun. Each time, good-byes get harder and harder, and each time, my heart aches a little more than the last. I know that it is coming, but I try my hardest to block it out and go on "as normal" when he is home. Each day, I get that nagging feeling, a tugging in my heart, reminding me that one more day has gone by, and his departure date is nearing.

I got very used to having my husband home everyday. It was wonderful to have so much time together, and we cherish our time together as a family. Rowan, now two, loves his Daddy SO much! My heart filled with joy seeing my two favorite boys together again, as it should be. When Jamie was working around the house, Rowan was right at his feet, curious as to what this "man business" was all about. He really loved taking showers with Daddy; the laughter and giggles coming from a steamy bathroom melted my heart; I closed my eyes and soaked up the moments, trying hard to embed them in my memory as to never forget. Rowan would come running out of the bathroom, soaking wet, hair disastrous, with the biggest grin on his face, then point to the bathroom and say "MEEEE, Daddy, wawa!". Precious...

Another favorite was watching Jamie and Rowan doing yard work. Ahhh, relief...I didn't have to get out in the yard to do it, which in itself was much appreciated...but then to see Rowan so infatuated with Dad was the best part! Everywhere Jamie went, Rowan was right behind. He didn't leave Jamie's side for 20 days, and the minute Jamie got out of his line of vision, Rowan would get upset. Jamie also showed Rowan how to work on cars!!! Rowan had never seen anything like this, as I am not skilled in these areas AT ALL! Rowan enjoyed it all, but mostly enjoyed playing with Dad's tools! He handed Jamie tools one by one, hoping that he was in some way being of help! :-)

We had a lot of fun while Jamie was home; we enjoyed time with his family from out of state, and his family here. A highlight was the Petersburg fair, where we got to watch our first demolition derby! Rowan and Kyle were infatuated by the muddy cars, loud engines and crashing noises. Rowan enjoyed his very first cheese on a stick, a proud moment for Mommy, funnel cake and lemonade shake-up! His motion sickness is subsiding, as he much enjoyed the rides all night, among his favorites were the mini Ferris Wheel and train.

Rowan also thoroughly enjoyed his time with cousin Tyas, who is amazingly talented with small children. Too bad he doesn't live closer, because he will be a prime babysitter in a couple of years! Kyle and Karena got to come visit for a couple of weeks as well, so we were busy and on our toes.

Unfortunately, our family time was interrupted a bit when I came down with a bug. I really wasn't feeling well, and took myself to the hospital the Monday after Jamie came home. I had to stay for quite a while because my temperature just would not go down despite all the doctor's efforts. I was tested for just about everything, strep, mono, flu, six tubes of blood, you name it! Finally, x-rays showed that I had pneumonia...not what I had wanted to hear! I had never before had pneumonia, so I really didn't know what to expect. The doc said it would take about 6 weeks for it to run its course and for me to feel back to normal...what??? SIX WEEKS??? I didn't have that kind of time, not with Jamie being home! My temperature spiked up to 104.6, and I knew I was in for the long haul...ugh. At around 3:30 AM, the doctor finally let me go home, and I all but ran out the doors. The next morning, my throat was hurting so badly that I could not even swallow a drop of water, let alone the horse sized pills the doctor had given me. Jamie and the kids left to go truck shopping, but by late afternoon I called him home. Again, my temp was back up, and my throat was swollen shut...hospital bound once more! My body ached, and I was so weak that walking was a challenge. Thankfully, they recognized that I was in pretty bad shape and rushed me into a room right away; there was a three hour wait in the waiting room!!! I lucked out. Turns out, I was dehydrated. Apparently, my high temperature combined with my lack of fluids got the best of me. I received saline water and meds via IV. Jamie took the kids to my aunt's house so they wouldn't have to wait at the hospital; we didn't know how long I would be there, possibly overnight? The doctor said I also had strep throat and told me to push the fluids best I could. Sigh, another day at the hospital. After a few hours, I got a steroid shot via the IV, and it helped give me enough energy to get out of the bed and I was able to talk. I took two different antibiotics and codeine for a week, spent two entire days in bed while Jamie held down the fort and took care of the kids. What a relief that Jamie was home, and I was able to nurse myself back to health! After roughly 8 days, I was feeling well enough to carry out daily activities. I learned the hard way not to push myself too hard; I just wanted so badly to get better and be well again! My family needed me, and I needed the time with them, so I overdid it just a tad!

So, while 20 days sounds well enough, let me tell you this...twenty days is just enough to get used to having Jamie home again, just enough to get some work done around the house, just enough time to visit with friends and family, just enough time for a two year old to get used to Daddy being home. All in all, it is NOT enough...it is just a tease. I miss having my family together.

Last night was pretty awful. All day, all I could think about was Jamie leaving again. How would I explain this to Rowan? Is he old enough to understand what is going on? Will he understand that Daddy has to go back to work? No...the answer is no. Rowan doesn't understand in the slightest. It's hard enough for me to grasp, but expecting Rowan to remotely "get it" is just wishful thinking. I don't know that children of military ever really "get it". Kyle is nine, and Jamie has been in the Army since Kyle was merely five years old; he still doesn't know why, or what is going on. He asks me, "can't Dad just not go?" If only it were that easy.

Unfortunately, this story is as old as time. We are not the first military family to go through all of this, and we will far from be the last. In the meantime, I have two devastated little boys missing their Daddy; and once again, Mom is here to try and make sense of something that cannot be explained and will never clearly make any sense at all, to any of us... God Bless our military men and women, and may He extend those blessings to their children left back home.

Many GREAT printable coupons this week!!!

Click the links below to print your coupons. Amazing grocery bargains, and DIAPER savings!!!

www.coupons.com

www.smartsource.com

www.redplum.com

www.coolsavings.com

www.freeflys.com

www.afullcup.com (Target printables)

www.walgreens.com

August 1st, lots of great offers!

Here are some of the best deals I have found so far. The beginning of the month always has great offers! With my husband being home, I have fallen behind on my couponing for a couple of weeks. I am hoping to get back into the swing of savings once he leaves. For now, I am trying to enjoy all the time I have with him while he is home...
With back-to-school still in full swing, I am hoping to find some great buys this week. We are in search of new tennis shoes for the whole family! Anyone have any great finds? I haven't gotten today's paper yet, but this is what I compiled so far. If you have any others, please let me know!!!

Redplum printable coupons: many great grocery coupons that we can ALL use!

Old Navy Coupon Hunt: Hunt for your coupons now!

New printable coupons at coupons.com: they are reset, so go print!

Walgreen's weekly deals: free shampoo, free toothbrush, school supplies under 50 cents!

CVS weekly deals: lots of freebies this week! Money maker on softsoap with coupon and ECB's!

Bushnell Weather Forecaster FREE AFTER REBATE!: Walmart. GREAT idea for Christmas!

Free groceries: this is a great offer from Kraft! Stock up on back-to-school lunch items.