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!