Saturday and Sunday Shopping

Saturday evening, Jeff and I went to the mall to JcPenney's and Bath & Body Works.  We did excellent with coupons at both locations.

At JcPenney's, Ashlyn got four new outfits for $6.99 out of pocket!  We had a coupon for $10 off of $25 and a $10 reward coupon from the previous month when we bought the curtains for our bedroom.  Her outfits were also all from the clearance racks making it an even better deal!  JcPenney's also sent us another $10 off $10 coupon and Jeff picked up a clearanced shirt for $15 that he got for $5 plus taxes.

Bath & Body Works was running their soaps on sale.  The special was either 5 for $15 or 7 for $20.  They sent me an email for $10 off $30 so I was able to purchase another item that I put back for a gift.  My mom started buying us these soaps after we moved to our house and we have really started liking them.  Regular price is $5.50 each if they are not on sale, so it was a great time to stock up.  Since I was already thinking about spending $20, I loved the idea of getting something for around $10 free due to the $10 off $30 coupon!

Today, Jeff and I went to Staples, Target, and Kroger after church.  We were primarily shopping the sales with coupons.  At Target, they had Similac Soy Formula on sale for $21.00 each for a 1.37 lb container.  These are normally $23.49 each.  We bought four with $5.00 off coupons making each one $16.  Similac recently sent a sample in the mail containing four $5.00 off checks toward the purchase of Similac.  There were no restrictions regarding using them with other discounts.  The only listed fine print was the item had to cost more than the check, which they did.  Overall, we paid $11.00 each before the Target 5% discount.

At Kroger, we went for a few sale items.  A few items were not listed the same as the ad and they were either incorrect or due to the ad being marked for a different store.  We decided not to worry about it and check possibly the other store based on the discount.  We spent $30.63 today and saved $23.00 or 42%.

Here's the break down of everything Jeff and I purchased today at Kroger. Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents (or less) to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 40-50 cents up to a maximum of $1.00.

Fridge or Frozen:
6 - Yoplait Yogurts $0.70
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups, SS 6/12 (exp 08/06)
2 - 2% Milk
-2 FREE 2% WYB FOUR General Mills Cereals/Granola Bars
2 - Silk Soymilk $2.79 (on sale through 8/7 - plan to purchase a few more)
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
-$1 off Silk soymilk, half gal., SS 7/10
5 - Smart One Meals $2.18

Grocery:
2 - Honey Nut Cheerios $2.79

-$1.00 Honey Nut Cheerios (Internet Coupon)

-$1.00 Honey Nut Cheerios (Internet Coupon)

2 - Cheerios $2.79
-$1/2 General Mills Cheerios cereal printable
Pillsbury Brownie $1.00
-.40/1 Pillsbury Frosting or Brownie mix, RP 6/12
2 - Baby Ruth $0.50

Produce:
Cucumbers $0.67 each - $1.34
Bananas $0.49/lb - $1.17
Roma Tomatoes $1.00/lb - $0.80

Sending Coupons for Military in Atsugi, Japan

Did you know you can send expired coupons to overseas military bases/  The program is called the Overseas Coupon Program (OCP) and serves military and their families.  They can use these coupons up to six months after the expiration at the commissaries if they are stationed abroad!

I chose a US Naval Air Facility in Atsugi, Japan since it is where my brother was stationed for quite some time.  Randy loved being in Japan and figure I will help others save money while they are there!  Randy is still serving in the US Navy and I am extremely proud to be his sister!  It sure is hard to believe he joined over thirteen years ago!

This is now my third month of sending coupons overseas.  I received a letter of thanks at the beginning of July.  Overall, there was $80.10 in food coupons and $425.72 in non-food coupons for men and women of our country to use.

Here's how you can participate!

1. Pick a base and then adopt the base (so they know you plan to send coupons)
2. Cut your coupons (Instead of throwing away coupons I will not use now, I cut them and store them until I'm ready to mail.  On a monthly basis, I plan to mail them along with other expired coupons.)
3. Sort them by Food and Non-Food (I have two envelopes ready to sort as I go to make it less of a hassle)
4. Total the batch by dollar amount (This is to help them determine if they need adoptions at the variety of bases and where they need coupons sent.)
5. Place each batch in a separate envelope (As long as the envelope is not more than 3.5 ounces, they can be mailed using first class stamps.  I weigh mine using a kitchen scale!)
6. Send a report to OCP

Razors, Shaving Cream, Bar Soap, Hand Soap, Pens, and More! - Only $2.62!

It has been a few weeks since I have been to CVS.  The sale items this week sparked  my attention and Jeff and I stopped by the store on the way home from many appointments and errands yesterday.  Jakob was excited since I purchased the Spongebob Softsoap.  Here is what we purchased for the week.

Transaction #1
$10 ECB WYB $20 any Playtex and Schick Product Limit 1
2 - Schick Quattro Titanium Cartridges, 4 ct., or Disposable Razors $9.49

-B1G1 Schick disposable razors, max $13.99, excl 2 ct, SS 6/26

-$1 off Schick disposable razor pk, SS 7/17, SS 6/19
2 - Skintimate Shave Gel or Cream $2.49

-$1.50 off Skintimate shave cream printable

-$1.50 off Skintimate shave cream printable

-$3.82 Gift Card from SwagBucks

-$6.00 Money Card from Returning Toothpaste

Total: $0.86

Transaction #2
$3 ECB WYB (3) Mennen, Irish Spring or Softsoap products Limit 1
Softsoap Liquid or Foaming Hand Soap $2

-.35/1 Softsoap liquid hand soap, 8 oz +, SS 7/24

2 - Irish Spring Bar Soap, 2 pk $3.00

-.50/2 Irish Spring body wash, 3 pk +, excl 2.5 oz or 2 bar pk, SS 7/24

$2 ECB WYB U by Kotex Tampons, Pads or Liners $3.49 Limit 1

-$1 off Kotex U pads, excl trial size, SS 7/24

$1.99 ECB PaperMate Grip Pens $1.99 Limit 1

-$10.00 ECB

Total: $1.76

 

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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $34.83
Total Spent: $2.62
Total Saved:$32.21 or 92%
ECB Remaining: $6.99
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Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks?  Check out more information here.

$34 Saved or 42% - Spent $46

Our last stop today was Kroger and consisted of Jeff, Jakob, and myself.  We pretty much went for a few basic supplies and to pick up the specials.  Overall, we spent $46.08 and saved $33.69.  I really like how now that we have gotten back into shopping at Kroger, our totals are getting closer and closer to $40/week toward groceries.  This helps especially since today at Target, we spent money toward decorating the babies' room.  We purchased curtains, wall art, and a flower rug for her room since they were on sale too!

Here's the break down of everything we purchased today at Kroger.  Items in red are the coupons and Kroger still triples coupons that are 35 cents to a $1.00 and doubles coupons that are 50 cents to a $1.00.

Mega Event (Buy 10 participating products, get $3 off instantly. Prices listed are after instant savings):
2 - Capri Sun or Kool-Aid Jammers, 10 ct., $1.81
Country Time Canister, 99¢
-$1 off Country Time Drink Mix Kroger eCoupon
Kool-Aid, 99¢
6 - Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, 6-10 ct., $1.99

-.50/2 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, SS 5/22

-.50/2 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, SS 5/22

-.50/2 Betty Crocker fruit snacks, SS 5/22

2 - Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits, 8 ct., 99¢
-.40/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands biscuits, SS 4/17
2 - Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Mix, $1.69
2 - Country Crock, 45 oz, $2.39

-.40/1 Country Crock spread (Facebook) printable

-.40/1 Country Crock spread (Facebook) printable

2 - Fritos $1.69
2 - Cheetos $1.69

Fridge or Frozen:
2% Milk - $2.39

Grocery:
2 - Lay's Potatoe Chips $1.99
2 - Baird's Bread B1G1 - $2.99
Kroger Hot Dog Buns - $1.19
Kroger Hamburger Buns - $1.00

Produce:
Apples - $1.31¢/lb - $3.62
Bananas - 49¢/lb - $1.67
1 - Cucumber 88¢

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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $79.77
Total Spent: $46.08
Total Saved:$33.69
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Shampoo, Mousse, Dish Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, and MORE for $6.18!!

I started using my second $10 CVS gift card today from SwagBucks.  I actually spent a little more out of pocket today, so hopefully I can still get this to last a few more weeks!  However, today's purchase has many good items we needed.  The manager at the CVS actually reminded me about the Hershey chocolate.  I had not realized the coupon printed from the machine had said FREE on it!  I brought a buy one get one for the toothbrushes, when I should have used two $2/1 coupons.  I would have spent about $1 less out of pocket, but oh well.  I always save these toothbrushes for trips.  After today, I have $3.82 remaining on my gift card and spent $6.18.

Transaction #1
$2 ECB WYB Head & Shoulders Shampoo or Conditioner, 13.5-14.2 oz, $4.99 Limit 1

-B1G1 Head & Shoulders shampoo or conditioner, PG 7/03

$2 ECB WYB Tampax Pearl Tampons or Always Infinity Pads, 14-20 ct., $3.99

-$1 off Always Infinity product 14 ct +, PG 7/03, PG 6/05

-$0.50 ECB

-$6.00 ECB

Total: $1.48

Transaction #2
$1 ECB WYB (2) Aussie or Herbal Essences Shampoo, Conditioner, 10.1-13.5 oz, or Styler, 6-14 oz, $3.48 ea.

-$1 off Herbal Essence or Aussie product RP 6/12

-$3 off Herbal Essences or Aussie stylant WYB any product, PG 7/03
$1 ECB WYB Oral-B Advantage or Cross Action Toothbrush $3 Limit 2
-B1G1 Oral-B Toothbrush
Dawn, 9.5-10.3 oz, 99¢
Hershey's Air Delight $1.19

-FREE Hershey's Air Delight (CVS Coupon)

-$2.00 ECB

-$2.00 ECB

Total: $3.20

Transaction #3
Colgate Kids Toothpaste $3.00 WYB 2 or More
-.75/1 Colgate toothpaste, 4 oz +, SS 6/26
-.75/1 Colgate toothpaste, 4 oz +, SS 6/26

-$2.00 ECB

-$1.00 ECB

Total: $1.50

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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $48.51
Total Spent: $6.18
Total Saved:$42.33 or 87%
ECB Remaining: $0.00
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Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

New to SwagBucks?  Check out more information here.

SwagBucks

Take a look below at the gift cards I have redeemed in 2011.  So far in 2011, I have earned $35 for Amazon.com and $20 for CVS.  I have started saving for CVS gift cards because I have started back up on my good coupon shopping and can use those as weekly challenges.  Since I am just beginning to use my 2nd CVS gift card, I'm currently saving for either a $25 CVS gift card or a different gift card.  There are a variety of gift card choices including StarBucks, Target, Home Depot, Southwest Airlines, and a few restaurants to just name a few.

Speaking of coupon shopping, they also have coupons you can print directly from SwagBucks!  It is powered through Coupons.com, so they are the exact same.  After the coupon is redeemed, you are supposed to receive 10 SwagBucks per coupon.  Seems interesting since it helps me in both ways (save money on the products I'm purchasing and at the same time earn points for free money!).  I started this in the beginning of May 2011, so I might see a few within the next month or two that were redeemed.

New to SwagBucks?

What in the world is this SwagBucks thing everybody is talking about?

That’s what I kept saying too, now it’s my absolute favorite thing. I had heard about it for months, but kept putting it off. Finally I started looking into it and signed up almost two years ago.

 

Swagbucks is an alternative to Googling, but the results are powered by Google. More importantly, you win Swagbucks by searching. You win Swagbucks just for doing something you already were doing anyway – searching the internet.

 

They start you off with free Swagbucks and then you WIN Swagbucks when you search online. After only a few searches the first day, I had already accumulated many Swagbucks. After a couple of weeks, I had earned enough to redeem! Yeah. The best part – you can turn them in for gift cards (or other items).

 

The way I look at it, this is FREE money they are giving me for choosing to “SwagBuck” something instead of “Google”.

 

Reminders:

• Remember to get your 3 daily SwagBucks
• Install the Toolbar
• Vote on the Daily Polls
• Check the Surveys.
• Do random searches daily to win searches.  On average,  you can get 8-11 SwagBucks per day by doing daily searches.  Pick random topics, things in the news, to do your searches!  You will be surprised how quickly you will get your daily search.

SwagBucks sign up – click here

June 2011 - Coupon Savings

June 2011 - Updated on 6/29/11
Total Spent: $548.17
Total Savings: $422.61
Percent Discount: 44%

Totals include trips to Costco, CVS, Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart, and Walgreen's.  Below are the primary stores I shopped at in June.  This includes everything from groceries, household items, and even clothing if purchased from the above stores.  Writing the notes next to the transaction sure helps to remember what was purchased during the shopping trip.  I plan to continue to track our spending since this will help keep me accountable and continue to bring our out of pocket expenses down!  It also allows us to have more money for other things!


CVS

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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $143.22
Total Spent: $19.58
Total Saved:$126.64 or 86%
Remaining RR: $6.00

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Kroger
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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $429.72
Total Spent: $246.55
Total Saved:$183.55 or 43%
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Target
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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $213.26
Total Spent: $176.34
Total Saved:$36.92 or 17%
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Walgreen's

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Total Before Savings and Coupons: $45.58
Total Spent: $27.08
Total Saved:$18.50 or 41%
Remaining RR: $0

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