American Apparel Dress $6.91 Shipped!

Modnique has a great sale on American Apparel for the next hour!

Use Code: star and your $5.00 credit for signing up through my referral link and you can get this cute turtle neck dress from American Apparel for around $7 (your shipping charges may be different then mine) They have a lot of other cute stuff too, but its going fast!

*** UPDATE - not authentic pillow pet brand. The Lowest Price on Pillow Pets I have seen so far! $10.99 Shipped!

Buy.com has Pillow pets  for $11.99 and is giving an instant $1 rebate once its been added to your cart. AND YOU GET FREE SHIPPING!   If you buy 2 pillow pets, you can only use the $1 rebate once, so you will have to pay $11.99 for the 2nd one.  I have not seen these less then $18.99 anywhere.  These are just little pillows that fold in half, but for some reason kids love 'em and they all want 'em this year!  Go through ebates to get between 2.5% - 5.5% cash back.

These do not look to be the authentic pillow pet!  

Great Sale at Modnique!

This is a great 14 piece set from Core Bamboo.  You can get it at Modnique through my invitation link for about $12.35 shipped!  It's regularly priced at $18 but with your new account you get an instant $5 store credit.  Use code:star for another $10 off.  These would be a great gift as a set, or split up and tied to the top of a few different presents for a few different people. I'm thinking about grabbing these and putting them with the plates of holiday cookies I like to give out.

They also have some other really great things priced really cheap.  I love the cutting boards with drying rack, different types of bowls and all of the different serving utensils. 

less than $15 shipped!

here is what they say:

All of the bamboo we use is 100% organically grown. We use food safe water based adhesives and we finish our products with top grade natural oils. Even our lacquer comes from natural cashew trees. Every product adheres to the standards of the FDA and European equivalent. Wherever possible we use recycled and eco friendly packaging.

FRee Flip Flops!

Walmart and Orbit gum have teamed up and want you to enjoy a pair of flip flops with a purchase.  There is a code you will find on your orbit gum package that you will need to enter OR you can use code: 074941.  These are a promotion for Orbits new tropical flavors.  If these aren't really your style, you could always donate them, or throw them in your gym bag for shower shoes! 


Thanks dolfman1!

Free Soup at Target

Target has Cream of Mushroom Soup a "Great For Cooking Soup" for $.50 this week.  You can follow this link for $1.50/3 Great for Cooking soups coupon and score some for free!  I use this in my Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving Dinner so I'm pretty excited about free soup.  Keep checking back for some other great deals on thanksgiving fixin's.

Here's another deal for you while you are shopping at Target, 

Grab  two boxes of Stove Top stuffing for $.79. Use the $.50/2 Target coupon Stacked with  the $1/2 printable (click on coupons at the bottom) and you can get it for just .04 a box.  Please remember that these have a limit of 12 of each per shopper.  Be a good couponer and leave some for the rest of your fellow shoppers! 

Bad Apple Dresses $19.96 Shipped

I live in dresses like these in the summer.  Love them! If you haven't signed up for Modnique you can still score the $5 instant credit for new customers.  Use code: star for another $10 off.  They have a ton of super cute dresses in all different styles and designs.  You will have to hurry though, this sale is ending in the next hour.  If you miss this sale, they have lots of other great boutiques to shop from! 
Happy Shopping!

Reader Shopping Trip!

Reader dolfman1 took his first ride on the couponing train this week!

***This is me doing the proud frugal fairy dance*** He did great spending only $10.56 oop AND has $4.50 in +ups to spend on a future purchase! He got 14 things which means he only spent about $.75 on each item! Before savings, his total for everything would have been  $43.12.  That's about a 76% savings!

Here is what he got:

Shout Stain Remover              
Northern TP 12 PK                  
Nivea Body Wash                     
Fructis dandruff shampoo       
Maybelline cosmetics              
Crest ProHealth toothpaste    
2-boxes Kleenex  tissues    
GE Smart Light Bulb 
2 Pks 7oz Wholly Guacamole
2 Doz Egglands Best eggs               
bananas    

This is a really great way to start out.  dolfman might have to buy some other foods to get him through the week, but he is starting his stockpile and once he gets a few more things stocked away he can decide on a weekly budget that fits for him and his families needs.

Great Shopping dolfman! 

I Went Shopping! And got paid!

Ok readers, I went shopping today and did pretty well!  I did 2 transactions at Rite Aid and 2 at CVS.  I've found if there is no line and you ask politely cashiers don't mind if you split up transactions. If there is a line, I always offer to go to the back of the line for my 2nd transaction.   I split up transactions so that I can use my +up's and ECB's from Transaction #1 for my 2nd Transaction. It helps to lessen my oop expense.  You can check out all my match ups here  and here.  Here is my break down:

Rite Aid Transaction #1

(2)Nivea 3-1 Mens Bodywash $7.98
Lady Speed Stick $1.99
Maybelline Mascara $4.73
Crest Pro Health Toothpaste $3.49
Crest With Scope Toothpaste $2.99
Oral B crossaction toothbrush $2.99
= $24.17
Used
-$4/$20vv
-(2) $3 Nivea printables
-$.75 Lady Speed Stick printable
Stacked with
-$1 Lady Speed Stick vv
-$1 Maybelline mq
Stacked with
-$2 Maybelline vv
-$1 Crest mq
Stacked with
-$1 Crest Pro Health store coupon from flu booklet
-$1 Crest mq
-$1 Oral B mq
Stacked with
-$1 Oral B store coupon from flu booklet
subtotal =$4.42,
-$4 +ups that I had from last week
=$.42
tax = 1.68
TOTAL =$2.10 And I got back $10.48 in +ups to use towards my next purchase

Transaction #2

Nivea 3-1 Mens Bodywash $3.99
Bounty Paper Towel $.88
(2) M&M's $.50ea = $1 (my 3 year old was being pretty good)
= $5.87
Used
-$1 nonprescription purchase from vv
-$3 Nivea Printable
-$.25 Bounty mq from P&G MIR booklet
subtotal = $1.62
-$1 +up from Transaction #1
=$ .62
tax $.34
TOTAL $.96 And I got $1 +up from the Nivea to use on a future purchase.



CVS TRansaction #1

Get $5 ECB's with the Purchase of $15 in Finish products
(4) Finish Gelpak Dishwasher detergent $3ea = $12
Jet dry finish dish detergent $3
=$15
Used
(4) $.75 Finish mq
-$1 Jet Dry printable
subtotal=$11.00
-$6 ECB's from a past transaction
=$5
Tax $1.31
TOTAL = $6.31 and I got back $5 ECB

CVS TRansaction #2
Excedrin Migraine Tablets 24 ct $2
Noxzema Face Wash $4.99
Gain Dish Washing Liquid $1
GE Energy Smart Light Bulb $2.99 (for my dad)
subtotal $10.98
used
-$1 Excedrin mq
-$1 GE Smart Bulb mq
Stacked
-$1 GE Smart store coupon i got from the coupon machine in the front of the store
-$1 Gain Dishwashing Liquid
subtotal $ 6.98
- $5 ECB's from Transaction #1
=$1.98
Tax $.78
TOTAL = $2.76 and I got back $3 ECB's from the Noxzema for a future purchase. 

So, all together I spent $12.13 and got back $14.48 in ECB's and +ups to use on future purchases.  That's an overage of $2.35.... they paid me $2.35 to shop today! I'll allow it :)

*** I've decided I'm officially a "coupon snob" because I refuse to buy toothpaste unless the store pays me!

coupon snob

:) 
HAPPY SHOPPING!

60 Photo Holiday Cards $14.40 Shipped!

This one is for reader Katie! Katie usually gets her Holiday Cards from Costco.  She pays about $14.99 for 50!  A great deal! Here is a nice deal if you want to try something different or if any of you other readers don't belong to Costco you can try this one. The deal is a little involved but looks pretty worth it!

seehere.com is offering 25 free 4x8 photo cards with envelopes for new accounts with code: 25cards.  You will have to pay $4.99 in shipping. Each additional card will cost $.49ea.

They are also offering 50% off for 60 cards or more.  60 4x8 photo cards will cost $14.40 with code: cards-39.  Orders with 60 cards or more will get free standard shipping!  AAAAAND - if you go through Ebates... you can get 12% cash back.  Seriously people, I just can't stop saving you  money!

It's Mega Swagbucks Friday!

Be sure to use your Swagbucks search engine today for chances to win!  Fridays are Mega Swagbucks days which means higher chances to win the big Bucks! You can read more about it here! 

Also, you are going to want to make sure you start redeeming those Bucks if you are planning on using them for Holiday shopping.  For every 450 Swagbucks you win you can get a $5 gift card to Amazon.  There are a lot more things you can get, but that is the best deal in my opinion.  You can only request 2 like gift cards a day and 5 like cards in a month.  It takes about 2-3 weeks to get them, so if you have a lot to redeem, I would start now! 

I love free money!!!!

Calling all Black Friday Shoppers!

I just wanted to remind all of my Fun Black Friday Shoppers to keep checking those early online ads.  This site is great because you can make an account and start a shopping list to help organize all the great gifts you want to grab!  They already have sneak previews of the ads so you can start planning your strategy now! Lots of stores are already showing off their great deals!  I just might be hitting CVS for some B1G1 toys! Let me know if you find anything worth waking up early for!

Target Daily Deals: Makeup Brushes $9.71 Shipped!

Target has these great makeup brush sets for 9.99 and since its a Daily Deal you get free shipping! I've never heard of this brand before but the reviews look great.  I was able to use code: 4IKCC8AJ   for an extra 10% off.  Go through Ebates and get 3% cash back! 

*just click on the Ebates link, click on Target as the store you want to shop at and then type in daily deals in the Target search bar. 

Happy shopping!

30% off Sales Items at Vera Bradley

There are some pretty cute things on sale at Vera Bradley.  They are offering another 30% on top of the sales prices, making these deals even better!  The cute wallet pictured above was on sale for $9.99 and once added to my cart, dropped down to $7!  Such a great gift! Now, shipping is a little steep at $8, but I purchased 5 things and it stayed at $8.  This sweet little business card holder was just $3.50 (stocking stuffer!!!)

***AND if you go through Ebates... you get another 3% cash back!  I have to say, my friends and family are getting some pretty awesome things this year!

Lexmark Wireless Printer $49.99

I think Target's Daily Deals are great. I have them emailed right to my inbox everyday!  This one is for the Lexmark 3-1 Wireless Printer.  Not only is it a printer but you can scan and copy too.  The reviews seem to be pretty good, but one person did mention it was sort of an ink hog! The price is $49.99 down from $89.99 and you get free shipping since it is a Daily Deal. 
You can also try for another 10% off with code: 4IKCC8AJ   (I believe this code expires today)

And if you shop through Ebates, you can score another 3% cash back!  (Just go through Ebates, click on target as the store you want to shop with and then search Daily Deals in the Target search bar to find the printer.)

Isn't it a great feeling to scratch someone off the Christmas list?!? 

Shutterfly: Free Holiday Greeting Card

I love these!  You can order a 5x7 folded Holiday Greeting Card and just pay shipping ($.99)  when you use code: CARD4U at checkout.  These are great because you can add pictures and your own message and the quality is really nice, and for $.99 it's at least a buck or 2 cheaper than a hallmark card you would pick up in the store.

I just tested it out and you can get 5 of these with code: tryfive    You will pay shipping and tax on each.  The last page of the 5x7 folded cards to pick from has some non holiday themed cards so you can even make these for any birthdays you may have coming up.  I have a few family members birthdays in the next 2 months so that's what I'm going to do!

***Shop through Ebates and get 8% cash back!

Slow Going at The Crazy Coupon Lady's House

Sorry about the lack of posts today.  I'm pretty sick and have been in and out of sleep since about 3pm yesterday.  I'm going to post a few little things and then back off to bed I go.  I'm hoping to be back up tomorrow in full swing, so be sure to check back!

Two Free Quest Bars

You can request 2 free Quest Protein Bars Here.  It looks like they are only offering this to US residents.

And a reminder to all my Western NY readers, Clif Bars and Pure Protein Bars are $1ea at Tops this week. 

Get Those Holiday Greetings In The Mail! (or at least ordered)

**** Update, Please read the updates I posted below. Sorry I jumped the gun on this post, some things are too good to be true!

Ok, im really excited to not only post about this, but to do it myself! I've been holding out on a good sale on holiday cards AND return address labels.  And I have a great deal here for you!

Vista print is offering these great 5x7 Folded Photo Holiday Cards. You get 20 for $1.99 and you can upload up to 6 pictures! There are lots of different designs to choose from.  Use this link here.

also

You can use this link and get 140 return labels for FREE!  They are also offering the caricature type labels for free as well! 

Get them both ordered and maybe you will actually get the Christmas cards out on time this year!

*** Anybody else having problems with this? It's charging me an upload fee for the cards and if I try to add both to my cart its not giving me the return labels for free :(  I'll post more once I get this all ironed out!

*** Final UPDATE*** I'm not as excited as I was before.  I probably should have tested this all out before I posted.  Here is the deal:

You have to use separate links for each of these deals.  So 2 separate orders.  Otherwise, you don't get the price I posted.  Then, the holiday card is charging a $2.49 upload fee to add a picture!  Total bummer.  And shipping is sort of ridiculous... around $10 for 2 week shipping! Hmmp.  I'm skipping the Holiday cards - I think I can find a way better price then $15 for 20 cards and envelopes.  But, I did order the 140 address labels.  They came out really cute.  I paid for the 14 day shipping and it came out to $3.43 total.  Not bad!

Free Rite Aid Coupon Booklet!

There is a great coupon booklet Rite Aid has been giving out with Flu shots.  It says no purchase necessary but some of the pharmacists refuse to give them up unless you pay to get the flu shot - well now you can get one no problem!  Log into your Video Values account and watch the video for the coupon booklet.  Print it out and take it to your local Rite Aid pharmacy.  Then you can make some money at Rite Ad this week!

Oral B Crossaction Toothbrush $2.99
Get $2.99 +Up Reward
use $0.75 off Select Oral-B Toothbrushes, exp. 11-30-10 (PG 10/31/10) - this is a mq
STACK with $1 off any Oral B toothbrush from Coupon Booklet - this is a store coupon
Final Price: $1.75 moneymaker! If this is your first time shopping at Rite Aid - basically you will pay $1.24 oop, but will get $2.99 for future purchase.

Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Health Toothpaste or Rinse $3.49
Get $2.50 +Up Reward
Use $1/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 11-30-10 (P&G 10/31/10)
STACK with $1 off any Crest Pro Health toothpaste
Final Price: $1 money maker!

Similac Coupon Reset!

If any of you Moms (or Dads) missed the great Similac coupon last week for cheap formula you are in luck!  The coupon has reset and I'm pretty sure Walmart still has the ready made formula jugs for $3.84 (this may even be their regular price, but prices do vary by region!) So, just $ .84 after coupon! A really great price for formula!


***Even if you did print out as many coupons as you could last week, because it has reset, you can print them again!

Ed Hardy Winter Hats and Gloves for $10.17 Shipped!

Ed Hardy is selling great Ski Hats, Gators, and Gloves and they are all priced at $16 and going fast!  You can register with Modnique and get an instant $5 credit with my invitation link. 

Use promotion code: EDHARDYSNOW for $10 off exp 11/14
OR you can use code: star at check out for an extra $10 off anything else exp 11/30


With shipping and tax you should be able to score a great hat or pair of gloves for around $10 and scratch someone off that Christmas list!

**be sure to put 5.00 in store credit code and hit apply when checking out!

Wholly Guacamole Coupon on Facebook

Wholly Guacamole is offering a $4/1 coupon on their facebook page.  I'm guessing the server is getting hammered so you may need to hit refresh a couple of times but it's worth a try.  If that doesn't work try using this link.  Because it is such a high value coupon some stores may not accept it.  I know Tops' coupon policy states that they do not accept Internet coupons with the word "free" or over $5 so I will probably use mine there.  With a $4/1 coupon I may be able to score some free Guac!
Good Luck!

Holiday Shopping Tips

46 DAYS until Christmas! Let the count down begin! Are you done with your holiday shopping?  I usually don't even start until BLACK FRIDAY!  I love checking on the Black Friday ads and here is a great link you can use to check them out too.  You can register for an account and start making a shopping list!  This really helps to stay organized and stay on budget!  Here are just a few tips that I use for staying on track with holiday shopping. 

1.  Figure Out Your Budget!  It's really easy to get into the holiday spirit and over spend.  Think of a realistic amount of money that you can stash away just for gift giving this year and try to stick to it. 

2.  Make Your List and Check it Twice!  List all of the people you want to give presents to.  Next to their names, jot down the gifts you are planning to give to them.  

3. Do Your Homework! Try to find what the going price is for each of the gifts you want to give. A simple search on Google or Swagbucks can help you figure out what you can expect to pay.   Write the price next to the item.  Then start searching for sales to get an even better price! (that's my favorite part "How low can I go") 

4.  Check The Ads!  Look around and find which stores have the best sales prices for each of the gifts you want to get. 

5.  Keep Checking Over The Budget! If you are going over budget you may need to readjust. And I don't mean your budget amount! You may need to readjust the number of gifts you get someone.

6.  Give Yourself a Break!  I think everyone gets overwhelmed by trying to find the perfect gift.  Sometimes just a potted plant (think poinsettia) and a box of chocolates can be a great gift.  If you are running out of steam (or money)  remember, the people you are probably giving gifts to, know you, love you, and are just thankful to have you in their lives (and to have made your Christmas list). Sometimes the smallest gifts are the most heartfelt!

7. Remember The True Meaning of The Holidays!  Make time to help others.  Donate some of your stockpile items to shelters and soup kitchens, send a care package to a soldier, or deliver a home cooked meal to a family in need.  That's what really helps to spread the holiday cheer! 

Good luck readers! I hope this helps and please feel free to comment below with any great holiday tips or ideas you have! I would love to hear from you!

I Love Saving Money!

One of the new ways I've started to save money is to shop through Ebates.  They have a cash back program and it is TOO easy! Anytime you order anything online you want to go through the Ebates website.  Then, every quarter they will cut you a big fat check.  It's that easy.  I really wish I would have started doing this earlier because I can already see the hundreds I could have gotten back...  you can sign up here with my referral link and start with $5 in your account.  With all the online holiday shopping I'm about to do, I can't wait to see how much money I'm going to get back!

I will try to remind you to shop through Ebates when I put up online sales!

Fisher Price Store Coupon

Sorry this took me so long to post, Reader Chris sent me this link to get 25% off  at the Fisher Price Store in East Aurora, NY.  For all my Western New York readers, if you guys are planning to go there to shop you can print this coupon first and save a little money!

Thanks Chris

* I would like to give photo credit to my friend Chrissy.  That is her daughter on the box- she is a Fisher Price model! 

TAG readers for $19.99!

Leapfrog emailed me this morning letting me know about their Cyber Monday Preview Sale.  There are lots of great things for super cheap!!!  My favorite is the Tag Readers for $19.99.  My daughter has one of these and it is the greatest invention! It reads and spells and plays games and you can download lots of different books on to it. 

If you decide to grab a few things you can use these codes :

CSLEAP15- 15% off
AYGGTAG20- 20 % off Tag items.
$50 purchase will get you free shipping.

***Update - the website is getting bombarded with shoppers and acting wonky.... keep trying! It took me 4 tries to get my order through... but so worth it!

Some Expensive Items for Cheap at CVS This Week

There are a few Free things at CVS this week.   Also I have $7 in ECB's that are expiring this week so I need to roll them.  If this is your first time shopping at CVS you will want to make sure you sign up for their Extra Care program.  You can sign up instantly for free in store. Read all about here. My friends at MFA have done a great job writing up CVS 101 to help out! 

Once you get your Key tag you will want to make sure you scan it at the Coupon Scanner It's usually found in the front of the store near checkout.  This machine sometimes spits out some great coupons that you can stack with mq's.  Keep scanning it until it reads "no more coupons available today".   Also you can sign up for email here.  You will get a great $4/$20 purchase coupon just for signing up.  These type's of $/$$ coupons are used on your total purchase before coupons which really helps to get your total oop amount down!  

Gain Dishwashing Liquid  11oz $.99
$1 P&G 10/10
= FREE

FreeStyle Freedom Lite Blood Glucose Monitoring System $14.99 
$10 SS 9/12
Get $5 ECB's Limit 1
= FREE after ECB's

Noxema Products  $4.49
Get $3 ECBs Limit 1
 = $1.49

 Xtra 2x Laundry Detergent 28 loads $1.49 Limit 5
$1/2 SS 10/17
= $.99

Excedrin (20-24ct) – $2
-Use $1/1 Excedrin coupon (or SS 10/17)
Final Price = $1

Finish Powerball tabs or Jet Dry Rinse which are priced at $3 each. You get $5 ECB when you spend $15.

deal idea:
Buy 4 Finish Powerball Packs at $3
Buy 1 Jet Dry Rinse at $3
Subtotal: $15
Use (2) $.75/1 Finish coupons
Use (2) $.75/1 Finish Coupons or in 11/7 SS
and use $1/1 Jet Dry coupon
Get $5 ECB
=$11 AND $5 ECB's for a future purchase

There is also a great deal on Glade Candles.  They are priced at $2.50 and you get a $3 ECB when you spend $10.

Here is one idea:
Buy 4 candles at $2.50
Use (2) $1.50/2 scented oil candles printable
Get $3 ECB
=$7 AND get $3 ECB's  for a future purchase



 Here is what I will be doing at CVS this week.  I will do 2 transactions so that I can roll my ECB's

Transaction #1
4 Finish Powerball Packs $12
Jet Dry Rinse at $3
subtotal =$15
-(2) $.75/1 Finish coupons
-(2) $.75/1 Finish Coupons or in 11/7 SS
- $1/1 Jet Dry coupon
-$7 expiring ECB's
Total oop = $4 AND I get back $5 ECB's for spending $15 on Finish Products


Transaction #2
4 Gain Dishwashing Liquid $3.96
4 Xtra 2x Laundry Detergent $5.96
Noxema Product  $4.49 
subtotal = $14.41
-(4) $1 Gain coupon 10/10 P&G
-(2) $1/2 SS 10/17
- 5 ECB's from transaction #1
Total oop =  $3.41 AND I get $3 ECB's to spend on a future purchase.  

All together I will spend $7.41 with $3 ECBs left over. For dishwashing liquid, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent and facial cleanser.... usually pretty expensive things! 14 items! WOOT!

True Lemon Sample

I love this stuff!  It's crystallized lemon that you can add to drinks and even food!  It really helps me to drink more water throughout the day.  You can get your free sample here.

Let's Shop at Rite Aid and Make Some Money!

Looks like a pretty good week at Rite Aid to help build up the stockpile.  Here are just a few of the great sales that I thought you all might like.  If you are just starting out you will want to make sure you sign up for their Wellness Program and get your key tag.  You can read all about it right here. Also make sure you watch the Video Values to get your Rite Aid store coupons to stack with manufacturer coupons.  When you watch 20 of them (most are only about 30 seconds long) you will get the $4/$20 coupon.   You can read up on the coupon policy here.




Nivea Body Wash $3.99
Get $1 +Up Reward
Use $3/1 Nivea for Men printable
or use $3/1 Nivea for Men Body Wash, exp. 11-30-10 (RP 10/17/10)
Final Price: as low as free!

Kraft Deluxe or Velveeta Shells and Cheese $1.99
Use $1/1 +Up Reward
Final Price: .99

Lady Speed Stick $1.99 Use $1/1 vv coupon 
Use $0.75/1 Lady Speed Stick Deodorant printable
Final Price: $.24
  
Oral B Crossaction Toothbrush $2.99
Get $2.99 +Up Reward
use $0.75 off Select Oral-B Toothbrushes, exp. 11-30-10 (PG 10/31/10)
Final Price: .75 moneymaker!


Crest Pro Health Clinical Gum Health Toothpaste or Rinse $3.49
Get $2.50 +Up Reward
Use $1/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 11-30-10 (P&G 10/31/10)
Final Price: Free!

Bounty Basic Paper Towels 88¢ 
Use $1/2 manufacturer coupon (from the 10/31/10 P&G insert)
= 76¢/2

Here is my plan for Rite Aid this week:
2 Nivea Men's Body Wash $7.98
2 Toothbrushes $5.98
2 Bounty Towels $1.76
2 Toothpaste $6.98
1 Lady Speedstick $1.99
1 Kraft Macaroni Cheese $1.99
SubTotal = $26.68


- (2) $3 Nivea
- (2) $1 Toothpaste
Stack with
- $1Crest Pro-Heath Toothpaste (flu booklet coupon - you can get these at the pharmacy, they give them when you get a flu shot but it says no purchase necessary so if you ask politely they will usually give you one)
- (2) $.75 Toothbrush
Stack with
- $1 Oral-B Toothbrush (flu booklet coupon)
- $1/2 Bounty
- $1 vv Lady speed Stick
Stack with
- $.75 Lady speed Stick
- $4/$20 Rite Aid vv
- $1/$10 Oral Care Wellness Coupon


Total= $7.43 AND  get $13.98 in +up rewards to use on a future purchase! That's a $6.55 moneymaker!  YEAH!

Lowe's Black Friday Sneak Peek

This is so much fun!  Lowes Facebook page is where you are going to want to be come 2pm today! You can enter your email address to try to win a 90% off coupon for a specific item.  Check out the details here. I'd love to hear if any of you win!

Expires Today! 3 Tops Coupon Doublers

Here are  $1 Printable Coupon Doublers to take with you if you need to run to Tops today!  And here are a few items you can grab for free. 

Hatfield Boneless Ham Steak, $2.00 (these are great for ham and eggs)
Use the $1.00/1 coupon from the 10/24 Redplum insert
Use the $1 Tops Coupon Doubler
FREE after coupons

Bestlife Buttery Spread, $2.00
Use the $1.00/1 printable coupon
Use the $1 Tops Coupon Doubler
FREE after coupon

I Won!

I follow a blog called My Frugal Adventures .  It's a great national blog based out of California.  I often find a lot of the great deals I post about on that website.  One post that caught my eye was for a sweepstakes from Dr. Oz.  I rarely do sweepstakes or contests because the odds are usually pretty bad and I never win anything.  But this particular one had fun looking stuff that I thought I could try for. They were giving away 800 pairs of Skechers Shape-Ups.  I figured I had no chance but gave it a try anyway... and I won! The contest was on Tuesday and I was going through some emails today to see if I got any good coupons or if I spotted any good sales and I noticed one from Skechers.  I thought maybe it was just their newsletter and when I opened it, it said that I was one of the first 800 entrants to win!  How cool is that?!  I have been wanting these sneakers since they came out, but at $100 a pair, they didnt really fit into the budget. 

I suppose if you find a contest for something you really want you should give it a shot...even if it seems impossible... you just never know!

Cheap LED Holiday lights at Home Depot!

I'm pretty sure we tossed the Christmas lights out with the tree last year! (GASP)  How un-frugal of me! They were hideous! I thought they were the pretty soft twinkling lights.  NOPE!  I had the Techno-Dance-Club-Eye burning sort of Christmas lights.  Well, now I sort of wish I would have saved them because Home Depot is having their Holiday Light Trade- In program starting Today!  If you have any Christmas lights that are:
A.) tangled and not worth untangling
B.) have missing or broken bulbs
C.) are old and ugly
or
D.) remind you of a bad Techno rave dance party

you can take them in to Home Depot and trade them for a $3 coupon towards any LED light purchase.  They will have some priced starting at $5.97, so just $2.97 after coupon.  Trade in a total of 5 strings for a max of  $15 off!  Don't you just love driving around looking at all the decorated houses?!?

Who Doesn't Love FREE Stuff?

Here is a Free sample of Purina One Pet Food from Walmart.  Even if you don't have a pet, grab it and donate it to your local animal shelter or SPCA! 

Kodak has Free 5x7 Photo books for Free  with code: TARGBOOK.  Of course shipping might be about $2 but if you are a new member to Kodak you can also score 50 Free Prints!

AND

you can also get 2 free audiobook downloads from Amazons company Audible.com.  They are offering a 30 Day Free Trial and you can cancel as soon as you get your free downloads if you wanted. 


I love Free stuff and great sales!  But please keep in mind that I don't send away for all of the things I post about. These are mostly things I think my readers might like! Trying to get EVERY SINGLE deal can be  down right exhausting and will make you an ex-coupon shopper really fast.  Sales will always come around again! 

I Went Over Budget!

$57.88

I'm very excited that I have family from out of town staying with me this weekend! My sister in law, brother in law and their 2 beautiful boys!  I wanted to run out to make sure I had plenty of yummy things in the house for everyone!  Needless to say, I went over budget!  But this is why I coupon shop and stay on budget when I can, so I can have the extra money to blow on the more important things in life, like having family over!
I didn't go over TOO much... just about $27.78 over so my grand total for this week between Tops, Wegmans, Rite Aid, and 2 Walmart trips = $87.78 and that includes a whole turkey,6 lbs of Ground beef, fruits, veggies, 2 gallons of milk, eggs, organic oatmeal, and cheese! ( I will also be reducing my budget next week to balance out my overage from this week)

Here is my break down

Tops

Trident Layers $.99
-Trident Layers $.75/1 Printable Like them on Facebook!
 =Free

Cheerios  $2.00
-$.75/1 Printable (not available anymore)
= $.50

2 Nestle Morsels $1.68 ea = $3.62
-$1/2 Printable
=$1.18 ea

Ketchup $.99


2 Dole Fruit Crisps $2 ea = $4
-$1/1 from
=$1 ea

4 Ronzoni Quick Cook $1 ea =$4
-2 $1/2 from
= $2

Libbys Canned Pineapple Chunks $1
-$1/2 coupon
= $.50 ea

2 Brown & Serve Sausages = $1 ea
= $2

4 Hatfield %99 fat free Ham Steak 2/$4 = $8
-4 Hatfield $1/1 from
= $4

Tops Turkey $.38
= $4.02

2 Banquet Fruit Pies $1 ea = $2
-(2) $.35 Banuqet coupon from
= $.30 ea

Lenders Bagels = $1

2 Land o' Lakes Spread = $1 ea = $2
-(2) Land o' Lakes $.55 Printable
= Free

6 Dannon Light and Fit $.50 = $3
- $.50 Dannon Printable
= $2

4 Athenos Feta $2 ea = $8
I used 2 BOGO coupons which most casheirs dont except and my cashier only gave me the price off of 1 :\
= $1.50 ea

Tops Sliced American Cheese = $1.99

2 Tops Med Eggs $.79 = $1.58

2 Heluva Good Dip= 1.89 =
I used a tops catalina I got a while back: Buy One French Onion Dip Get One Free
I also used the $.50 Heluva Good Dip Printable for the first one I bought.
= $.44 ea



Total = $32.01
Saved $22.70 with coupons!

Wegmans
Milk whole = $1.79
Milk Fat free = $1.79

3 Ronzoni garden pasta = $5.07
-$3 $1/1 Ronzoni Garden pasta from
= $.69 ea

2 Best Oats Organic Oatmeal = $1.19 ea = $2.38
- (2) $.75 Best Oats Printable
=2 for Free

2 Starkist Tuna Pouches$1.19
- (2) $.75 printable
= 2 for free

bananas $.49 lb
=$1.59

2 Baby peeled Carrots =$.99 ea
=$1.98

Apples = $.89
= $4.96

90% Lean Ground Beef Family Pack = $1.99lb
=$12.00

Total = $25.87

Grand Total = $57.88

The Mail Came!

Vista Print always has great freebies! And some are still available if you want to snatch up these awesome deals! I made a Personalized canvas bag for my daughter to use for her Halloween candy and to use for trick or treating next year, and the year after and after and...- but there are lots of little pictures and designs to choose from.  Make one for yourself to hold all of your coupons, or give one away as a gift. I also grabbed this great calendar! We personalized it and added all of our special dates to remind us of birthdays and anniversaries!  Each month has a family picture on it!  These are great gifts for the grandparents! There are tons of little freebies on this site and they are very easy to make and order.  I ordered 3 items and with tax and shipping I paid less than $6!

Still have your $20 Rue La La credit? Hurry this is going fast!

I just wanted to post this quick because I just used my $20 credit on  Tarte cosmetics!  My sister in law to be sells this stuff and she was telling me how awesome it is! All natural stuff! They have an eyeshadow quad, 2 eyeliners and a dual sided eyeliner brush for 14.90!  With shipping, tax and my credit I got all that for less than $7!  Can't beat it with a stick!  The only dilemma I see is, do I keep it for myself or give it as a gift?  hmmmm.


***this is under the Boutiques drop down menu.  Click on Final Sale Act 1 and you can see all the goodies there.  Tarte will be one of them if you are interested in this deal!  There is a lot more great stuff for super cheap. Michael Kors is selling out fast but with your credit - you might be able to to get a cute top for free!

Free Stuff *Updated

I told you before how Walmart offers free samples - Here is a great one.  Tom's of Maine Wicked Fresh Toothpaste.  Now, I can't tell you how big this sample will be.  It might just be a little packet, but it could be great for just a quick overnight trip somewhere.  I've been wanting to try it out anyway, and I'm hoping they will send a coupon with.

Also, you can get a free Juno Baby DVD here from Heard It From Mom.  Do be sure to use a valid email address because they will send you a code that you need to enter.  Kids love these DVD's! Perfect to pop in when you need to get dinner started or flip the laundry. 

Thanks Coupon Geek

Reader dolfman emailed me about a few great freebies from Proctor and Gamble.  I've gotten these samples in the mail before and the Head and Shoulders is a great little packet.  The Pantene comes in 2oz bottles and you can request the shampoo and conditioner in their drop down menu! Perfect for the carry on!  There are a lot of high value coupons you can request to be sent with your package as well!


Thanks dolfman!



Once you all start getting your samples and freebies in the mail I would love to hear back from you about what you think... then I'll know which samples to post and which ones are stinkers :) 

A Great Book - A Great Gift $10.99 Shipped!

I don't own this book, but I've been wanting it!  If you have kids, or know someone who does - this could be a great gift for cheap.  It's one of Target's Daily Deals  which means it's on sale for almost 50% off and I'm pretty sure you get free shipping.... Grab it and cross someone off  your list!

Men's Nivea Printable Coupon $3/1

Here is a great coupon from Nivea for men's body wash.  This stuff is awesome.  It's a 3 in 1 - Shampoo, Shower (body wash), and Shave (shaving cream)!  Seriously, I wish they made this stuff for women. It could seriously cut down my time in the tub! This is a great high value coupon and you will be able to get it super cheap or even free. Target has these priced at around $3 all the time. And starting next week, Rite Aid will have these priced at $3.99 with a $1 +up reward... so FREE with coupon and reward! 

Thanks, MFA  

**remember to hit your browser's back button and you can print 2 from each computer!

More Great deals at Rue La La

Still have your $20 credit?  Timberland has great waffle shirts for $25 and with your credit you can get them for around $14.95 shipped! (you may have to pay tax)~

And this great  Freeze 24/7 skin care is $20 - just pay shipping and tax!  (around $10)

I also spotted some cute pencil skirts from BCBG - but hurry they are going FAST! 

***UPDATE - the $20 credit for new members was a just a limited time offer.  Sorry if you missed the boat! Unfortunately, these great deals don't last very long!  The posts that I put up from the Rue La La site will be for the readers that got the promotion and are looking for things to spend their credit on.  If another credit comes around I'll be sure to post it!

The Roots: Things Fall Apart mp3 Download $.99 on Amazon

Who doesn't love The Roots?  Even Yo Gabba Gabba and my 3 year old love The Roots.  I have heard that this album is amazing and I bet your iPod will love The Roots!  You can download it at Amazon for $3.99 today only here.  And I just tested it out and you can still get the $3 credit with code student3 that I told you about here.  
If you are interested in this I would grab it quick - it's not going to last long!

That's a flawless mp3 album download for $.99! Can't beat it! 

Wanna look like Justin Timberlake?

Rue La La has these great William Rast (JT's brand) T-shirts for $29.00.  If you happened to get your $20 credit for signing up that I told you about here- you can score these T's for around $18.95 shipped! A great Christmas present or a present to yourself for being so thrifty!

Stockpiling and An Awesome Sale on Toilet paper!!!

Ok People!  A BIG part of coupon shopping is Stockpiling! When you find an amazing sale you are going to want to stock up! My stockpile shelf is full of toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, body wash, razors, sunscreen, etc.  that I have gotten for pennies! I combined a sale and coupons and was able to get things we needed for close to FREE!  I can concentrate on spending my money on the more important (and expensive)  things and still keep a low budget! At first it will seem weird to buy 6 deodorants when you only need one - but when you are getting them for $.23 instead of $4 - think of all the money you will be saving!  Instead of running out to the store and paying full price when you run out, you can pull from your stockpile and save that money!  One rule to couponing is not to be brand loyal.  If you refuse to only use the most expensive shampoos, couponing may not be for you.  Now don't get me wrong, we rarely use anything generic in this house simply because there aren't a whole lot of coupons for generic items out there, but we do use whatever is on sale and whatever we have coupons for.  My stockpile of shampoo consists of  Pantene, John Frieda, Dove and Ulta brands! And there is about 3-4 of each...because that's how many coupons I had during that particular sale!   And if you do prefer the expensive shampoos, but don't really care about what kind of toilet paper you use, then you can get TP on the cheap and save the money for your pricey hair products!

Here is a great deal on TP - and TP is never on sale!  In fact, I bought some TP today and it was an ok deal, but now I'm kicking myself!

Amazon.com has 40 rolls of Charmin Basic double rolls on sale for $16.40!  AND if you sign up for the subscribe and save it drops to $13.94.  There is no obligation and you can cancel the subscribe and save anytime - just make sure you cancel it after you receive the TP otherwise they might cancel your order... but if you sign up for Amazon Prime for Moms and caregivers you can get it in 2 days with free shipping!

That's $.35 a roll.... your tushy will be thanking me and so will your wallet! 

Now the next time you run out of toilet paper  you can just "shop" your stockpile instead and then you can take the money you saved and buy yourself a treat for being so smart!


***if you happen to acquire too much stockpile - there are a lot of nursing homes, shelters and soldiers out there who would love to get a donated package! 

Croc's Deal of the Week: Finn crocs!!!

I had to post this when I got the email!  Kids FINN crocs are on sale this week for half off and better yet, you can get another 10% off and FREE shipping!  So just $13.49 +tax!

use code: FABULOUS10

and

use code: secondchance

Also, they have introduced a new line of toning crocs - they are pretty pricey right now but I'll be sure to post any sales I see on these babies!   You can check 'em out here.  

I Went Shopping!

I'm not sure if I said this before, but I try to keep our weekly budget to $60.  That has to include all personal hygiene items, groceries, diapers and formula - for a family of 4! well, my 2 little ones don't eat too much, but hey, they count! I had to go to Walmart to pick up contacts so I figured I would shop a little while I was out.  I hit 2 Walmart's - the furthest Walmart from me is the only one with the eye center - and I had to pass another Walmart to get there! I wanted 7 bottles of formula and didn't want to empty the place out in case any of my readers were going to use the awesome $3 coupon!  (which is still available here and Walmart still has it on price cut -woot!) so I tried to split my purchases up a little to leave a few on the shelves.  I also hit Target and Rite Aid.  Here is the break down:

Walmart:

Angel Soft Toilet Paper- $5.97

Bounty Paper towel $1.00

Similac Advanced $3.84

Similac Advanced $3.84

= $14.65

Used:

-$1.00 Angel Soft printable

-$1 Bounty Towel mq from the Right@Home coupon booklet from P&G.  You can sign up here to recieve this in the mail

-$3 Similac printable

-$3 Similac printable

tax$ .61

Total $7.26

Walmart #2

(5) Similac Sensitive $3.84 ea = $19.20

Halloween Makeup $1 (%50 off)=$  .50

= $19.70

Used

-(5) $3 Similac printables here and that I told you about here (thanks dad) = $15

tax $ .04

Total $4.74

Target

Kandoo Flushable Wipes $1.65

2 Pepperidge Farms pretzel thins (love these things) 2.50 ea=$5

Kraft Homestyle Mac n Cheese $2.69

Market pantry wheat bread $1.39

= $10.73

Used 

- $1 Kandoo wipes from 10/1 P&G 

- (2) $1 Pepperidge Farms printable

- $1 Homestyle Mac n Cheese printable (sorry not available anymore)

- $.75 Homestyle Mac n Cheese Target printable
- .50  Market Pantry bread Target printable

tax $ .14

Total $5.62

Rite Aid Transaction #1

I did 2 separate transactions at Rite Aid so I could use (2) Bio true in ad coupons and (2) vv $4/$20 coupons

Dawn Hand Renewal $.99

Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner 2/$7

get $2 +up on 2

Bio true Contact Solution $8.99

get $2 +up

Chex Mix 2/$3

get $1 +up on 2

(2)Trident Gum BOGO $1.29

 = $21.27

Used

$4/$20 for watching vv 
-(2)$ .75 Trident printable

-$2 Pantene mq I got from a free sample that came in the mail from Walmart.  Walmart has great free samples on shampoo (and other things) that are travel size and airplane friendly! Most samples come with high value coupons! You can use $1/2 from 10/10 or 10/31 P&G

 -$1 Dawn Dish Soap from the Right@Home booklet you can request it here
-$2 Biotrue Printable (not available anymore)  there is a $1 Bio true coupon you can use here

-$1 Biotrue in ad coupon

-$8 +up rewards from a few transactions i did a few weeks ago.

And I was so mad because I forgot to use my (2) $.50 Chex Mix printables

tax $ .77

Total $3.93 plus I got $5 +up rewards to use on a future purchase

Rite Aid Transaction #2

Bio true Contact Solution $8.99

get $2 +up

Chex Mix 2/$3

get $1 +up on 2 

Renu Contact Solution $6.99

get $1 +up

and get $1 SCR

Combos 2/$3

get $1 +up on 2

(6) Trident Gum @1.29 ea BOGO

=$25.85

Used

$4/$20 for watching vv

 $1 Rite Aid non prescription vv

-$2 Biotrue Printable (not available anymore)  there is a $1 biotrue coupon you can use here

-$1 Biotrue in ad coupon

-$1 Renu from 10/24 SS

-$1/3 Trident Gum 9/12/2010 SS Insert (exp 11/6/2010)

-$1/3 Trident Gum 9/12/2010 SS Insert (exp 11/6/2010)

-$1/2 Combos Snack Bags 9/12/2010 RP Insert (exp 11/12/2010)

-(3) $.50 Chex from my friends at the MFA website! ( I told the cashier I forgot to use it for transaction 1 and she allowed me to use 1 of them (better than nothing)

-$5 +up from transaction #1

tax $ .19

Total $7.54 plus I got $5 in +up for a future purchase and $1 SCR!

So... I spent a total of $29.09 with $5 +up and $1 SCR.  I have $30.91 left to spend for the week.  I'll spend that on groceries from Wegmans and Tops and I' ll be sure to post those trips too! I'll be getting a lot of fresh fruits, veggies and meats to show that it is possible to eat healthy while using coupons!

*** totally confused?  please check out my coupon lingo post here to help with all of the abbreviations.  I promise - it gets easier!