Monday, May 30, 2011

Sending Expired Coupons to Oversees Miltary Bases - Atsugi, Japan


About a month ago, Jenny at Southern Savers posted about sending expired coupons overseas for the military to use.  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!

So on Tuesday, May 31st, my first set of coupons will be mailed out.  Overall, there was $76.95 in food coupons and $231.54 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

May 2011 - Coupon Savings

May 2011 - Updated on 5/30/11
Total Spent: $566.81
Total Savings: $421.27
Percent Discount: 43%

May 2011

Totals include trips to Costco, CVS, Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart, and Walgreen's.  Below are the primary stores I shopped at last month. I would like to bring this down as I continue to purchase things while they are on sale and using coupons.  I have seen many people setting their grocery budget at $40/week and I think I could easily do between $40-$50.  Target included purchasing 2 Similac cartons in preparation for the baby due in July.  We currently are doing well stocking up on formula and diapers using coupons.  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!

CVS
************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $82.53
Total Spent: $22.03
Total Saved:$60.50 or 73%

Remaining RR: $2.00
************************************************
Kroger
************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $363.74
Total Spent: $228.55
Total Saved:$135.19 or 37%

Remaining Catalina: $0.75 (from Dole Fruit)
************************************************
Target
************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $200.02
Total Spent: $134.90
Total Saved:$65.12 or 33%

************************************************
 Walgreen's
************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $224.75
Total Spent: $66.79
Total Saved:$224.75 or 70%

Remaining RR: $1.50
************************************************

Mailbox Monday 5/30


I am slowly starting to get free items in my mailbox again!  One of my favorite websites that updates me on current promotions on free samples is MySavings.com.

FREE
  • $0.19 from YouData
  • Redeemed SwagBucks for a $10.00 CVS Giftcard! (It should process within the next 10-15 days)
  • Town & Country Magazine
  • Family Circle Magazine
  • Coupon for FREE tub of Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes thanks to Cottonelle
  • $5.00 off Build-A-Bear Workshop on Animal $10 or more (Beginning July 1, 2011 - Reward Certificates will ONLY be sent to email addresses.)

New to SwagBucks?  Check out more information here.
New to YouData? Check out more information here.

Search & Win

What did you get in your mailbox this week for FREE?  Come join us at A Frugal Friend.  Feel free to leave comments below too!



Frugal Friend

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Starting Master's Degree - Spring 2012

This past Wednesday, I received an email from the University of North Texas stating I was accepted into their Master's Program for Curriculum and Instruction!  I have to take the GRE test and plan to take it this Fall before starting my first class during Spring 2012.  I already have vocabulary flash cards that I can study for the test and will also get some other study materials before taking it.  I graduated from the University of North Texas for my undergraduate degree with honors in May 2008.

My first course is Curriculum & Instruction Inquiry I.
This first course is an introduction to critical reflection and inquiry through action research. Development of basic skills as consumers of educational research and as teacher researchers. Should be taken upon first residence registration in the C&I Master of Education degree program. Admission procedures are completed and degree plan developed. Includes a small-scale action research inquiry project that may lead to the program-required inquiry report. Includes initial development of the program portfolio. Pre-requisite for all other core courses.

Target - Shelf for Laundry Room and Healthcare Items

 
I checked Southern Savers this morning and noticed the deal on Zantac.  Jeff likes having these on hand and I am happy we did not have to spend much at all for them.  The Cottonelle was free with a coupon that was sent in the mail.  While there Jeff told me to check on shelves for the laundry room.  I had complained to him that I could not reach the detergent when it was way up high, especially currently being pregnant!  The shelf fits perfectly in between the washer and the dryer with plenty of room for the freezer to the left!  The laundry room looks so much more organized which makes me happy!  It's also  week #21 challenge over at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

White 3 Tier Shelf - $17.79
Cottonelle - $2.24
-FREE Coupon off Cottonelle Fresh
2 - Zantac 150, 24ct., $8.29
-$5 off Zantac product, (sign up) 24 ct + printable
-$5 off Zantac product, (sign up) 24 ct + printable
-$2 off Zantac heartburn relief, 24 ct +, (Target coupon) printable
-$2 off Zantac heartburn relief, 24 ct +, (Target coupon) printable


************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $37.87
Total Spent: $17.51
Total Saved:$20.36 or 54%

************************************************ 

Only 21% - Kroger Shopping Trip


My transaction at Kroger today focused primarily on produce and meat making my percentage saved much lower than normal.  I was quite disappointed, but for the month we have done much better since I started back up on coupons.  We spent $229 this last month at Kroger and saved $135 or 37%.  I know mentally I will continue to save money since I am watching the ads again and using my coupons better like I used too.  I think I'll set the Kroger goal at $200 for June and go from there.  I plan to continue to blog my shopping trips to keep me focused on saving money for our family.


Produce
Russet Potatoes - $2.19
Cucumber - 88¢
Bananas 49¢/lb - $1.68
Apples $1.31/lb - $3.56
Strawberries $2.00
Lemons 4/$1.00 - $0.75

Fridge or Frozen
Kroger Sour Cream - 49¢ 
2 - Silk Soy Milk $2.99
-$0.55/1 Silk Soy Milk
-$0.55/1 Silk Soy Milk
2% Milk - $2.39 


Grocery
4 - Dole Peaches $2.10 (Buy 4, Get 75¢ for Next Transaction)
-.50/1 Dole fruit bowls printable
-.50/1 Dole fruit bowls printable
2 - Kroger Applesauce $1.61
Heinz Vinegar $1.69
-.50/1 Heinz Distilled White or Apple Cider vinegar printable
Apple Juice $1.77
Tortillas $1.89


Meat
Pork Baby Back Ribs $2.99/lb - $11.24
Round Steak $7.06

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $60.01
Total Spent: $47.20
Total Saved:$12.81 or 21%

Remaining Catalina: $0.75 (from Dole Fruit)
************************************************

Week 5 - $25 CVS Gift Card Challenge


There was not too much I wanted from CVS this morning except for the Pamper's Diapers that I had worked out to be a great deal!  I was talking to my mom the other day and we were discussing the diapers I had already stocked up and decided it was time to start buying size 3!  I sure like buying these at my price and not the regular store price!  I still have $2.97 left on my gift card and have $2.00 that I received back from buying today's diapers.

Week 2 - $25 CVS Gift Card Challenge - No Shopping
Week 3 - $25 CVS Gift Card Challenge
Week 4 - $25 CVS Gift Card Challenge

$2 ECB WYB Pampers Diapers or Easy Ups Jumbo Pack $8.99 Limit 1
Pampers 60 Count Wipes $2.83
-$3.50 off Pampers Diapers and Wipes (home mailer)
-$4.00 off Diapers and Wipes (CVS Coupon)
-$3 ECB
************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $15.69
Total Spent: $1.43
Total Saved:$14.26 or 91%

ECB Remaining: $2.00

************************************************
Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

Week 3 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

I stopped by my new favorite Walgreen's this morning as I did the shopping and was able to get a few things that I had planned on getting.  Some of the items I could not find and/or decided against getting.  For the few things I did pick up today, I cannot complain.  I spent only $2.26 on my gift card and bought 4 Degree deodorants, 2 Reynolds Wrap, toilet paper, and 3 tuna fish cans.  I currently have $23.34 remaining on my gift card.

I did not buy a newspaper this weekend since it did not have any coupons in it due to the holiday weekend.  However, it appears next week there will be three inserts: P&G, SmartSource, and RedPlum. =)

I decided to stop at a another Walgreen's before going to Kroger to see if they had anything different and after I checked out, I noticed someone had purposely left coupons on the newspapers.  One of the coupons was a $1.50 RR!  I saw it like cash and picked them up on my way out!  So now I have $1.50 to start next week.


Transaction #1
$5 RR WYB (4) participating Dove or Degree products at $3.75 ea.
-B1G1 Degree Men or Women’s Premium deodorant or body mist, RP 5/22
-B1G1 Degree Men or Women’s Premium deodorant or body mist, RP 5/22
-.75/1 Degree Men’s or Women’s deodorant, RP 5/22
-.75/1 Degree Men’s or Women’s deodorant, RP 5/22   
2 - Light Tuna 69¢ w/in-ad coupon
-$4.00 RR
-$2.00 RR

Transaction #2
Angel Soft 9 Big Roll $4.00
-$0.50/1
2 - Reynold’s Wrap Aluminum Foil, 75 sq ft., $1.99
-$1.00/1 Reynold's Wrap
-$1.00/1 Reynold's Wrap
Light Tuna 69¢ w/in-ad coupon
-$5.00 RR

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $31.52
Total Spent: $2.26
Total Saved:$29.26 or 93%

Remaining RR: $1.50
************************************************
Check out this week's Walgreen's ad here at Southern Savers

Menu Plans 5/29-6/4


This upcoming Thursday is Jakob's last day of Kindergarten!!  My last day of school is Friday.  This is now our third week in a row to create a menu and stick to it!  Starting in May, I have typed it in a calendar format for the fridge using Microsoft Publisher.  I honestly think that is the reason we have been able to stick to it easier since I can print the calendar and stick it on the fridge.  We are running low on meat and I am watching the ads to try to buy more while it is on sale to continue our menus easily in June!

Sunday: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn 
Monday: Crock Pot BBQ Ribs, Ranch Style Beans
Tuesday: Grilled Apple Chicken,
Wednesday: Pork Chops
Thursday: Leftover Tacos
Friday:Steak, Roasted Potatoes, Salad
Saturday: Leftover Buffet after Church

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Kindergarten Stories: Jakob's Graduation Ceremony Videos

Jakob did a great job this morning at his Kindergarten graduation at school.  This year went so fast!  I hope you enjoy the videos I took of him this morning!

The first video has all of the students entering the cafeteria.  Jakob was excited to see me and I was proud of him that he stayed where he was supposed to be.  I noticed while watching the video he is looking for Jeff who was sitting on the third row, compared to where I was standing to get the video!



Jakob has been singing these next two songs lately and I think he was singing the school song earlier in the year.  However, I could not understand what he was saying at the beginning of the year and I believe he was humming a section of it before.



The last video has all of the students singing Five Little Monkeys.  It is too cute and I suspected they were going to sing this one because Jakob went through all the movements recently while we were in the car.  He had commented in the car how he could still clap with his cast on!

SwagBucks Survey - I Won 25 SwagBucks!!

You ought to know by now that there are some things in life that are FREE, unlike the popular saying. Thanks to my using SwagBucks instead of Google to search the internet, I’ve received FREE Amazon.com Giftcards!  However, you can also get Free magazines, Macy’s, Starbucks Gift Cards, Target Giftcards, Lowe's Giftcards, and many others!

Take a look below at the gift cards I have redeemed in 2011.  So far in 2011, I have earned $35 for Amazon.com which Jeff and I tend to order from frequently.  They have added $10 gift cards for CVS that I am now saving for since I'm getting back into doing good coupon shopping!

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.  I noticed it this month, so should have more to print in June since I had already printed them directly from Coupons.com.  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!).

2011 - $35 Gift Cards 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 over a year 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”.

A Few of my Favorites:
$5 e-gift card to Amazon.com
$10 e-gift card to CVS
$10 e-gift card to Barnes N Noble
$10 gift card to Starbucks
$50 e-gift card to Southwest Airlines
$5 PayPal (yes, cash)

Other gift cards available: Disney.com, Lowe’s, Ticketmaster, and so many more.
Merchandise available- MP3 singles, books, TV series DVD’s, sports memorabilia and more.

Most of the time I redeem my SwagBucks for amazon gift cards….as amazon has so much, including groceries. I have installed the SwagBucks search, so every time I need to do a search I am using the SwagBucks search engine! Another option available is to go to the SwagBucks homepage.  If you are online often, like me, you’ll earn quickly.

They often publish free SwagBucks codes on their blog and other places.

Each Friday is also Mega SwagBuck day and they are giving away extra large SwagBucks denominations, so do a few random searches for things on Fridays. Go there and search for fun activities for the weekend, the weather forecast, or even A Frugal Friend.

To sign up, click on the link below and start earning gift cards for something you already do:


Search & Win

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Kindergarten Stories: Graduation Ceremony

Jakob brought home his weekly folder today and had all sorts of information in it today!  Tomorrow is his Graduation Ceremony.  This year has gone by so quickly!  Jakob and I picked out his clothes for him to wear tomorrow.  Luckily, his nice dress pants still fit!  I need to keep an eye on specials and pick up one pair that is larger for future events that need nice looking pants!

2010-2011 Kindergarten Graduation Picture

2010-2011 Spring Kindergarten Picture

Today in Jakob's folder he had two assignments that were sent home.  I am actually really impressed with his hundred's chart since he did this with his left hand due to his cast.  I think that is what caused the backwards numbers on the right hand side.  I even asked Jakob if he did this with his cast and he said yes, I wrote with my left hand!


This artwork was made from a paper bag.  He said his teacher helped him with it a little.  I'm sure cutting is a little difficult with his cast.  Jakob is still obviously wanting a lizard since he attempted to write lizard on the paper.  I reminded him today since he had to be seven years old that his birthday is after Christmas which meant he would probably receive money from Christmas he could also save for his lizard!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Kindergarten Stories: Yearbook Edition!

Last Wednesday, Jakob came home with the wrong yearbook.  I almost left it at his after school daycare since the name on it was not his name.  Luckily, I spoke to the assistant director and found out they did not have a student by the name on the yearbook.  So we realized it was the one he brought home by mistake.

The next day, Jeff took the yearbook to the school to exchange it with Jakob's yearbook.  He also spoke to the principal about a few things and then went home.  When we arrived home, he realized the yearbook with Jakob's name had been marked in with a blue pen.  Pictures had been colored in using the blue pen and some had X's marked through them including a few students from other Kindergarten classrooms.  I was really upset this happened within the classroom since I felt it should not have happened with teacher supervision.

Yesterday, when I picked up Jakob from school he was commenting about his shoelace and was apologizing for his shoelace.  He was apologizing similar to how he was responding last week about the yearbook being in his cubby and then how he just lost it.  He kept saying that to me.  I'm so so sorry.  It was in my cubby and then I just lost it.  I thought it was possible another student picked it up by mistake.

Since he was acting funny about his shoelace and his quote seemed so similar, I thought something did not seem right.  Jeff got home at the same time as us and we were talking to him about a few things including his yearbook.  Jeff asked Jakob what color pen did he use to color in his yearbook and he responded blue.  Jakob has not seen the yearbook since it was originally brought home on Thursday morning.  Then we asked him what was one of the classmates you colored through and he said a specific classmate.

I had already spoken with the office regarding replacing it and had earlier spoke to a PTA member about replacing it.  I had already decided I would purchase another one to replace the one that was ruined.  However, Jakob is using his money to replace it to try to teach him a lesson that things cost money.  He's also grounded this weekend from video games, movies, and his computer.  This morning he actually commented how he did not have any money at the moment for his lizard since he ruined his yearbook by coloring in the other one.  I picked up the new yearbook today at the school and Jakob pointed out all of his friends and was especially proud to show me his teacher.


Monday, May 23, 2011

SwagBucks: 50 Bonus for Signing Up & Memorial Day Extras!


If you haven’t signed up for Swagbucks yet, you can get 50 extra Swag Bucks when you sign up until May 27, 2011 and use the code MEMORIALDAY. You also get 30 automatically for registering.

New to Swagbucks??

This is a search engine that you register for (free) and then earn swagbucks as you search or even shop online.  Most folks that use it for all their searching can earn probably 50-75 swagbucks per week, that’s  $5 gift card you earn every 5 weeks!  I am currently saving for a $10 CVS giftcard since I am working my coupon deals as mentioned recently.  The image below is a screen shot of the gift cards I have redeemed just in 2011!


Memorial Day Weekend Extras

Swag Bucks is celebrating Memorial Day with a special Score Four and Twenty promotion. There will be 4 special Limited Edition collector’s bills that you could win for doing a search. If you get all four by Thursday you will get 20 bonus Swagbucks. They will even have a new area of the Swagbucks Ledger where you can track the Collector’s Bills as you get them, share your wins on Facebook/Twitter, and keep them after the promotion is over as a kind of trophy case.

For even more Swag Bucks fun, they are a releasing a ton of Swag Codes Thursday, adding up to 40 points in all! These are codes you can put in to get points, so be sure to be on the look out for them!  When I see them pop up I’ll try to give you some clues of where to look.

Search & Win

Mailbox Monday 5/23


It was a slow week in my mailbox.  I didn't get too much last week other than money from YouData and a Free Magazine.  Since I just started requesting free samples again, it will take some time of course.  Soon, my mailman will be busier with our mailbox!


FREE
$0.50 from YouData


New to SwagBucks?  Check out more information here.
New to YouData? Check out more information here.

Search & Win

What did you get in your mailbox this week for FREE?  Come join us at A Frugal Friend.




Frugal Friend

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Weekend Update

I finished reading a Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evavovich on my Kindle a few days ago.  I am finding that I am more interested in reading recently and just relaxing.  The author will be making an appearance on June 24th at a Barnes and Noble near us.  However, I doubt I will worry about it.  Wristbands will be distributed at 8am and then the event itself is not until 6pm. However, it is neat to me that she will be there!

Three To Get Deadly (Stephanie Plum, #3)Three To Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As always, Janet Evanovich writes a comical mystery involving her klutzy bounty hunter Stephanie Plum! Many laugh out loud moments throughout the book!

View all my reviews

Since I finished the book, I was debating on a different genre to read.  I started looking at USA Today's top books and came across Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin.  Reviews were pretty good so I thought I would give it a try.

Yesterday, the four of us went and saw Thor in Irving using some free movie tickets Jeff won from a radio station a while back.  The movie was pretty good.  After the movie, Jeff asked if I liked it and I told him the beginning was a little slow but other than that, I enjoyed it.  The whole time I was trying to figure out what movie I knew the Professor from and right as I was looking it up on my phone I realized he had played on Mamma Mia!

Jakob is excited about this upcoming Monday.  His teacher will return from maternity leave.  He also has Kindergarten graduation on Thursday!  Kindergarten sure went fast!

Menu Plans 5/22-5/28


We are down to two more weeks of school!  It amazes me how fast the year seems to go.  I am also right at 31 weeks or almost 7 months pregnant.  Things are going great with the pregnancy and she is moving consistently, especially after I eat or drink something.  My doctor appointments are every two weeks now and think within the next month they will be weekly.


Sunday: Dining Out at Cici's Pizza
Monday: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Tuesday: Oven Baked Pecan-Crusted Chicken Fingers
Wednesday: BBQ Pork Chops, Scalloped Cheesy Potatoes, Ranch Style Beans
Thursday: Leftover Buffet
Friday: Hamburger Helper
Saturday: Block Party Event (Hamburgers/Hot Dogs)

I'm planning to adapt Emeril's Oven Baked Pecan-Crusted Chicken Fingers.  I'm not going to use the Creole seasoning, instead just some basic seasoning that I know my six year old will like and eat!

42% or $29 Saved at Kroger

I loaded everything on the check out lane and the cashier was still finishing with the previous customer and realized this showed almost all the items!  I laughed and wondered if the cashier realized what I had done or not, but figured I really did not care!  I stocked up on Yoplait Yogurts for Jeff since the expiration dates were good through late June and they are not normally as low as 44¢ each.  Jeff had also mentioned before I left for Kroger about possibly buying two gallons of milk since Roland is here and then here next weekend.  I was shocked to find milk clearanced to $1.39 with expiration dates of June 2nd.  I had to double check my phone for the current date because I figured it was on sale due to a quick expiration, but that was not the case!

Since beginning to track our savings at the beginning of May, we have spent $440.55 and saved $326.55 or 43% at Costco, CVS, Kroger, Target, Wal-Mart, and Walgreen's.  I really like the gift card challenges and think I will continue doing it at CVS and Walgreen's once I have depleted them to start the challenge over again.  Since I was not really coupon shopping like I used too until this month, I have had to start almost from scratch on many of my coupons.  I know as I continue, our out of pocket expenses will continue to go down since I will be buying items when they are on sale and with my coupons.

Starting today, Kroger changed their gasoline deals too.  For every 100 points, you can save 10¢ per gallon at the pump.  Our car was almost out of gas and Jeff debated about filling it up at Costco yesterday for $3.65, but there was a line and he did not want to wait.  At Kroger today, I filled it up for $3.58 due to the additional 10¢ off.  Every little bit helps.  Read more about Kroger's Fuel Reward changes here at Southern Savers.

Produce
Strawberries $1.77
Bananas $1.41 (49¢/lb)
Roma Tomatoes $1.56 ($1.88/lb)
Lettuce 88¢

Fridge
28 - Yoplait Yogurt cup, 4-6 oz, 44¢
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups
-.40/6 Yoplait yogurt cups
-.50/8 Yoplait yogurt cups
-.50/8 Yoplait yogurt cups

4 - Pillsbury Grands Biscuits 8 ct., $1
-.40/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands biscuits, SS 4/17
-.40/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands biscuits, SS 4/17
2 - Silk Soy Milk $2.99
-$1.00/1 Silk Soy Milk
-$1.00/1 Silk Soy Milk
2 - 2% Milk - $1.39 (Manager Special)
Country Crock Butter/Margarine $2.71
-0.40/1 Country Crock Butter/Margarine
Eggs $1.69

Grocery
2 - Mahatma Rice $1.19
-0.50/1 Mahatma Rice
-0.50/1 Mahatma Rice
Kool Aid Packets 6/$1.00
-B2G1 Kool-Aid envelopes, max .25, SS 3/13
-B2G1 Kool-Aid envelopes, max .25, SS 3/13
2 - Heinz Ketchup 40 oz, $1.99
-0.50/1 Heinz Ketchup, 5/22
-0.50/1 Heinz Ketchup, 5/22
Kroger Beef Broth $1.49
Kroger Vegetable Oil $2.58
Nature Made Honey Wheat Bread $2.29

Meat
Eckrich Smoked Sausage 2/$5.00
-$1.00/2 Eckrich Smoked Sausage


************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $68.99
Total Spent: $39.94
Total Saved:$29.05 or 42%

Remaining Catalina: $2.00 (from General Mills)
************************************************

Week 2 - $40 Walgreen's Gift Card Challenge

I went to the same Walgreen's I did last week and talk about great customer service!  My husband, Jeff said it is probably due to the competition of CVS and Wal-Mart nearby.  The team lead manager, Miguel, this morning helped me figure out the correct Listerine bottles to use since I initially had the wrong ones.  The two bottles pictured also had $1.50/1 coupons attached which made it an even better deal!  So he carefully rang it all up at the beauty counter in case the register reward did not print and then he would just void it.  It all worked great and the Listerine came out to be $3.98 and then it printed a $4 RR!  I ended up not using my gift card for the Listerine purchase since I figured it would be easier to return the merchandise and give me cash back if it didn't work correctly.  However, it worked great!  Overall, I have $25.60 remaining on my gift card since I used my debit card for one transaction today.



Transaction #1 (Saturday Evening)
Dallas Morning Newspaper 2 for $5.00
-$1.00 RR

Transaction #2
$2 RR WYB Scunci No Damage Hair Elastics, 18 pk., at $2

Transaction #3
$2 RR WYB (1), or $4 RR WYB (2) Listerine Whitening Rinse $5.49
-$3 off Listerine Whitening 16 oz + in ad coupon
-$1.50 off Listerine Whitening, attached to bottle
-$1.50 off Listerine Whitening, attached to bottle

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $21.14
Total Spent: $10.15
Total Saved:$10.99 or 52%

Remaining RR: $6.00
************************************************

Check out this week's Walgreen's ad here at Southern Savers!

Week 4 - $25 CVS Gift Card Challenge

I stopped by CVS this morning to pick up a few items before heading to Kroger.  I currently have $4.40 left on my $25 CVS gift card which should make it at least a few more weeks hopefully.

Week 2 - $25 CVS Gift Card Challenge - No Shopping


Transaction #1
$8 ECB WYB (2) Coppertone Sun Care starting at $9.99
-$2.00/1 Coppertone Sunscreen, 5/22
-$2.00/1 Coppertone Sunscreen, 5/22
-$10.00 ECB
-$1.00 ECB

Transaction #2
$3 ECB WYB $10 Products Pictured: Limit 1
2 - Lipton Original, 100 ct., or Cold Brew, 22-24 ct., $2.50
-.60/2 Lipton tea bags, to-go or iced tea mix, RP 5/22
2 - Ragu or Betolli Sauce, 15-24 oz, $1.67
-.50/1 Ragu pasta sauce, RP 5/22
-.50/1 Ragu pasta sauce, RP 5/22
Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, 22-30 oz, $3
-.25/1 Hellmann’s product, 16.5 oz, +, RP 5/22
-$8.00 ECB

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $40.14
Total Spent: $6.88
Total Saved:$33.26 or 83%

ECB Remaining: $3.00

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Check out this week's CVS ad here at Southern Savers!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

SwagBucks Survey - I Won 25 SwagBucks!!

You ought to know by now that there are some things in life that are FREE, unlike the popular saying. Thanks to my using SwagBucks instead of Google to search the internet, I’ve received FREE Amazon.com Giftcards!  However, you can also get Free magazines, Macy’s, Starbucks Gift Cards, Target Giftcards, Lowe's Giftcards, and many others!

Take a look below at the gift cards I have redeemed in 2011.  So far in 2011, I have earned $35 for Amazon.com which Jeff and I tend to order from frequently.  They have added $10 gift cards for CVS that I am now saving for since I'm getting back into doing good coupon shopping!

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.  I noticed it this month, so should have more to print in June since I had already printed them directly from Coupons.com.  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!).

2011 - $35 Gift Cards 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 over a year 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”.

A Few of my Favorites:
$5 e-gift card to Amazon.com
$10 e-gift card to CVS
$10 e-gift card to Barnes N Noble
$10 gift card to Starbucks
$50 e-gift card to Southwest Airlines
$5 PayPal (yes, cash)

Other gift cards available: Disney.com, Lowe’s, Ticketmaster, and so many more.
Merchandise available- MP3 singles, books, TV series DVD’s, sports memorabilia and more.

Most of the time I redeem my SwagBucks for amazon gift cards….as amazon has so much, including groceries. I have installed the SwagBucks search, so every time I need to do a search I am using the SwagBucks search engine! Another option available is to go to the SwagBucks homepage.  If you are online often, like me, you’ll earn quickly.

They often publish free SwagBucks codes on their blog and other places.

Each Friday is also Mega SwagBuck day and they are giving away extra large SwagBucks denominations, so do a few random searches for things on Fridays. Go there and search for fun activities for the weekend, the weather forecast, or even A Frugal Friend.

To sign up, click on the link below and start earning gift cards for something you already do:


Search & Win

Friday, May 20, 2011

Update on Jakob's Cast

Jakob has had his cast for two weeks today.  He has figured out he can do many activities including playing on his DS and even using his right hand for his computer!  The Wii is challenging and all depends on the game he wants to play due to the controllers. His cast is not bothering him like the first couple days.  The first couple days he complained about it hurting and he took some medicine.

Today, rain was forecasted at 70% and it did indeed rain.  I was so happy today that it was not raining at drop-off and the rain went around us when school released.  Jeff had to pick up Roland after school and was able to get Jakob from his after school daycare before the rain really started pouring.  His school placed his Target bags on top of his cast to keep it dry.  Last week, after school the rain did not go around us and I was so nervous.  I emailed the nurse and his teacher about making sure it was covered well.  I even called to make sure his after school daycare got him on the bus and off the bus quickly!

His next appointment is in two weeks and at that time they will decide the next steps to ensure his arm heals correctly.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Mailbox Monday 5/16


Since starting to to work on coupon shopping like I used too, I started working on my free items in the mail again.  It works well since as free items come in the mail, they tend to have coupons that come too.  I just started back last week, so I'm happy with a few free things that came last week!

FREE
$1.66 from YouData
2 - $5.00 Amazon.com Giftcard from SwagBucks
Parents Magazine
Lego Club Jr. Magazine
Pampers coupons (Home mailer)
  • $2 off One Pampers Swaddlers Diapers
  • $3 off One Pampers Swaddlers Diapers Box
  • $1 off One Pampers Wipes 60 ct or larger
  • $3 off One Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers

New to SwagBucks?  Check out more information here.
New to YouData? Check out more information here.

Search & Win

What did you get in your mailbox this week for FREE?  Come join us at A Frugal Friend.


Frugal Friend

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Menu Plans 5/15-5/21


With summer time approaching soon, I was thinking it was time to really try to start planning our menus again.  It helps me think of what we can cook that we have here at the house and am less tempted to want to go out to eat out.  While checking out An Organized Junkie, I stumbled upon another menu website that has my attention called Once a Month Mom.  It also includes basic recipes for making baby food.

Sunday: Shake and Bake Pork Chops, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans
Monday: Crock Pot BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Ranch Style Beans
Tuesday: Chick-Fil-A (Family Night)
Wednesday: Leftover Tacos, Refried Beans
Thursday: Leftover Buffet
Friday: BBQ Sausage with Rice, Corn, Garlic Bread
Saturday: Pizza after Church

Sunday Shopping 42% Saved - Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger

Wow, what a morning at Walgreens.  My mom was visiting for Saturday and was still here Sunday morning.  We went to the store to get my transactions and she commented how the attitude of the employees this morning were like the ones in her town.  I told her normally they are much nicer and we joked about maybe they had worked all night.  However, comically I just looked up the store and they are not a 24-hour store so they were just cranky!  I was purchasing my double pack newspaper and the Dove Men's Deoderant.  After it all finished, it did not print my Register Reward as advertised.  The manager on duty was called and claimed it was due to my previous RR that was used since it was a P&G RR.  The Dove product is made by Unilever, not P&G, so in reality it should have worked in the first place.

Looking at last week's transaction, I rolled plenty on different P&G items and it worked just fine.  I think my error was I accidentally handed him the manufacture coupon and then my $3 RR coupon.  I ended up just having him refund my transaction which he proceeded to give me all my coupons (RR and manufacturer) and a $1.07 back.  I then decided, okay since it made my newspaper only $3.92 based on how he decided to the return.  I decided to just come home and head out later to another location since I needed to go to Kroger today too.

After my mom headed home, I went ahead and finished eating some breakfast.  I decided to go to the other Walgreens near the CVS on the way to Kroger.  Wow, what a difference between the two stores and employees.  The manager was super friendly and talkative and the cashier was all smiles!  I even asked about the Infant Care books and found out the pharmacy had them and was able to pick one up!

Walgreens 5/15

Transaction #1
Dallas Morning Newspaper 2 for $5.00 ($3.92 due to error...)

Transaction #2
2 - Betty Crocker Au Gratin Potatoes $1
-$1/2 Betty Crocker potatoes printable
3 - Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper $1
-.75/3 Betty Crocker Hamburger, Tuna or Chicken Helper, SS 4/17 or SS 5/01
-$3 RR

Transaction #3
$3 RR WYB Dove Men+Care Deodorant, 2.7-3 oz, at $3.99
-$1 off Dove Men+Care deodorant printable

Transaction #4
$1 RR WYB (2) Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Stylant, 5.1-12.6 oz, at $3.50 ea.
-$3/2 Pantene product, excl trial size, PG 5/01
-$3 RR

This is WEEK 1 of using a $40 gift card that I purchased with rebate money that Jeff received.  He gave them to me to use since they were going to expire.  Now the question is how long will it last?  I have $31.51 remaining on the gift card after today.

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $31.58
Total Spent: $8.49
Total Saved:$23.09 or 73%

Remaining RR: $1.00
************************************************

After finishing at Walgreens, I decided to go to CVS for the sunscreen.  It was an okay deal, but decided with my ECB that I had from two weeks before that I could use them today.  This is WEEK 3 of using a $25 gift card I purchased.  I ended up spending $9.68 but received $11 back in ECB between the weekly special and a $1 from the Green Bag Tag.  I have $11.28 remaining on the gift card, but should be in pretty good shape next week since if they have good deals since I have $11 to start with in ECB.
CVS 5/15
$10 ECB WYB (2) Neutrogena Sun Care or Sunless Tanning, .47-6.7 oz, starting at $7.99 Limit 1
-$2 off Neutrogena suncare or sunless tanner printable, or printable
-$1.50 ECB
-$5.54 ECB

************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $20.72
Total Spent: $9.68
Total Saved:$11.04 or 53%

Remaining RR: $11.00
************************************************

I went to Kroger and bought the sale items.  However, since I have been accumulating coupons really for only the last few weeks, I am still low on coupons than I will be in the future.  I wanted to pick up the items while they were at their low price since it still adds up later.  I even picked up the Baby Back Ribs that were on sale for $2.97/lb and we will eat those sometime this week.

I also was able to save 3¢ at the Kroger gas station too which made it $3.80 instead of $3.83.  The Toyota was low on gas and this was the cheapest I could find today.
Kroger 5/15
************************************************ 
Total Before Savings and Coupons: $93.07
Total Spent: $65.42
Total Saved:$27.45 or 29%

************************************************

We are halfway done with the month and so far we have spent about $280 and saved approximately 47% or $250 between coupons and store discounts.  This should continue to get better as I continue to collect coupons.  As always, thank you Jenny at Southern Savers for helping me save money!!

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