Vacation Time = Shopping Time

It here, the time of year that I wait for...my vacation! I wait until my children go back to school and take the first week of September off. Yes, I LOVE my children, however as a single mom, I need some "me" time. This is one way that I find that gives me the down time that I need, allow me to play "Molly Homemaker" and do the things that I like to do.
Which, I started today, my CVS rounds! I started with $3.49 in CVS bucks. I went to one CVS (on the way to do some other shopping, so I didn't waist any gas), and purchased two Colgate toothpaste $2.99 x 2 - $3.00 (two $1.50 coupons from Sept. All You Magazine), one nail file $1.79 (Yuck, I had a nail that was DRIVING me nuts) and two Dawn dish soap (my fav!) .99 cents x 2 - $1.00 (two .50cent coupons from today's P&G coupons found in Sunday Paper.) I used my CVS bucks and OOP (out of pocket cost) was $2.60ish (my receipt is still in my car.) The great deal is that I got $4 CVS bucks back! I flipped my bucks! You get $2 CVS bucks for each Colgate toothpaste! I have several more deals to work this week, so stay tuned!

I also went to Big Lots. I like the store in High Point off of Eastcheaster (HWY 68) and Wendover. Is's always clean, unlike some other Big Lots that I've been too. Their food selection is usually better, as well. I am from Arizona, so I have a lot of "southwestern style recipes" that I cook. One of the main ingredients is green chili's. They are mild in flavor, not spicy, however add a great taste. You can add them to taco meat, eggs or just about anything. They are hard to find here in the South and when I do, they are about .88 to $1.50 per small can. So today, I scored! Today, Big Lots had them for .33 per can. I stocked up! Big Lots also is a great place to buy kids under ware. I picked up two packs of Hanes girls under ware, 5 pairs per pack for $3.00. Can beat that! Socks are also any were from $3.33 to $4.00 per pack - for the whole family.

I hope to add some great things to this blog, so check with me often!

Happy Savings,

Amber


P.S Sorry for any typo's, but late for a cook out, YUM!

Busy Bee

Sorry that it's been a few days since I've updated my post. Back to school week for me and my kids AND a few health issues. I promise to send you some greats deals soon! I'll be on vacation very soon and plan to "hunt" some great deals down. Stay Tuned!

Happy Savings,

Amber

UUURRRR!!

I just about forgot that TODAY was the last day to get the items on sale at CVS. Their ads start over on Fridays now. From what I have heard, it's just for six weeks. I guess my area is part of a test market, lucky us. I did play my coupons for the Sunsilk Hair items before today. However, I had some issues with the clerk. He told me that I could not use 2 coupons because they were already bogo. With a calm simle on my face, I stated that I am buying two items, yes they are bogo, however it is CVS policy (from my understanding) to take the both coupons. He called the manager who did say it was indeed okay! They stated that CVS was cracking down on coupons. Like we are stealing something!! Yes, we get great deals, but we are NOT stealing. We just know how to save money, since when did that become a crime? Well, this too shall past right? First, Target, then Harris Teeter and now CVS? Please let me know if you have had any issues like this as well.

On a happy note, Walgreens has a coupon for the 22nd and 23rd only. $5/$20!! Go to Walgreens/hotbuys.com to print your coupon.

Tell next time,

Happy Savings!!

OH NO!!!

Harris Teeter has changed their coupon policy. I think over all it is still a great place to shop and you can still get some good deals (changed from great.) If you have an issue, just don't buy the item. We don't want them to dislike us "couponers." Below is their new policy:

Coupon Policy
Harris Teeter Coupon Acceptance Policy
General

We accept coupons that have not passed their expiration date for use; we can not accept any expired coupons.
We accept only one manufacturer coupon per purchased item.
We do not accept coupons on items not purchased.
Coupons must be presented at time of purchase; we can not return money for coupons not used.
Coupons presented and items purchased must match exactly; size, variety, flavor, etc.
We uphold any purchase stipulations set forth by product manufacturer.
We accept only one coupon for Buy One Get one Free items.
We accept coupons for items only of equal or more value; we do not give cash back.
Sales tax is paid by customer at full retail.
Doubling
We accept 20 double coupons per day per customer/household with VIC card; all others redeemed at face value. No orders may be separated that would allow the 20 coupon limit to be exceeded.
We double manufacturer’s coupons up to face value of $0.99; with total amount not to exceed $1.98 or entire retail of item; whichever is less.
We double up to three identical items with manufacturer coupon; additional coupons for like item will be honored at face value.
No internet coupons will be doubled or tripled. No competitor coupons will be doubled or tripled.
Internet Coupons

We gladly accept internet manufacturer’s coupons for product; however no “free” product internet coupons are accepted.
With the purchase of two like manufacturer’s products, we accept two internet coupons, per store, per day.
We do not accept internet coupons that do not appear to be originals or that won’t scan.
We gladly accept local competitors’ circular or direct-mail coupons; however we do not accept any internet coupons from other retailers.
Rainchecks

Rainchecks never expire and are accepted at any Harris Teeter store.
We do not issue rainchecks for coupon items that may be out of stock or for “while supplies last” items.
We reserve the right to limit raincheck quantities based on product availability and advertised limits.
Scan Guarantee

Our scan guarantee states “If an item scans higher than the shelf tag or sign, you will receive one like item free, excluding alcohol and tobacco.
Harris Teeter reserves the right to limit quantities in coupon usage, as well as products and to amend our policies as we deem appropriate.

Deals This Weekend & Updates

Sorry that I have not had a chance to update my post. Very busy with being a mom and getting ready for back to school. I attend night school at a local 4 year collage and start this Tuesday. I'll attend Tuesday-Thursday, so thanks in advance for your understanding regarding my post.

This weekend was full of deals. However, the best part is that I took my good friend, Dawn with me and taught her about couponing! It was a lot of fun to see her score big with the deals. Starting out DID take some time. Keep this in mind when you first start out because one of the keys to being successful and getting great deals is being organized and prepared for the sales. You've got to clip the coupons and match them to the deals at the right store. You also need how to "play" your coupons at the store (which comes first, etc.) Anyway, Dawn is a fast learner...very good Grasshopper!

Now for my deals this week...

CVS:
I started out with $9.57 in CVS bucks.

2 Gold Em Bags of candy .88 x 2 ($1 coupon when you buy 2)
4 Glade Air Freshener Sprays .88 x 4 (2 bogo free coupons)
2 Puff Plus Tissue .88 (2 .25cent coupons)
2 Sunsilk Shampoo/Cond bogo (2 $1.50 off each coupons)
2 Sunsilk Styling Items bogo (2 $1.50 off each coupons0
2 Wet Ones Wipes bogo (2 .75 coupons each)
5 First Aid kits .99 each (5 $1 coupons = all free!)
1 Hello Kitty Ban aids 2.99 ($1.00 coupon - this was a filler item to get $5 CVS Bucks)
1 Multi Pack Ban aids 3.99 ($1.00 coupon - this was also a filler item - see above.)

After the coupons and CVS bucks...
I paid a grand total of $3.86!! I also get $5 CVS bucks back!
I really like the Sunsilk products, so I'll return before this sales ends. As this is just about free with the $1.50 coupons!

Walgreens:
I purchased a few items from the .39 sale, using the Walgreens in-store coupons.
I was able to get some plastic silverware for work for .39 cents each, chap stick, plus a bunch of little items that makes life easier. Big score was single rolls of Scotts tissue 1000 squares each for .25 cents. It's great to always have back up!

Rite Aid:
My big score at Rite Aid (not a fav) was St. Ives lotion with is BOGO. I had 4 $1.00 coupons. The great deal was, there were a few BONUS packs that included full size body washes!! I paid about $2 each, in which I really needed lotion for myself and my kids.

Target:
If you have known me for any time, you know that I USE to love Target. Things have really changed. I still like the clean stores, however that is really all I can say. I had some items to return to the store for my 2 girls, lost the receipt. Do you know that they would not even exchange the clothes or offer a gift card because you are only allowed 2 returns per year!! The kicker to this is that I was there on 8/15/08 and my "one year" ends on 8/18/08. So, I need to return again, waisting time and gas. What happened to customer service? Target has gotten to be a snob store. They will really need to have a great deal for me to shop there. However, they do have great clearance, the only reason I'll be there. To avoid this, pay with your debit card, in which they keep track of (a bit scary, huh?)

Hope you got the Sunday paper (always buy two!) There were free McDonald's coupons for their new chicken sandwich items! That is 4 items for me! Also free was a coupon for Sara Lee's soft bread, which is REALLY GOOD - YUM! I love FREE!!

Till next time folks, Happy Savings!

Amber

Don't Forget...

The CVS ad will now be in the Friday paper. Have no idea why they changed it from Sunday, now I'll have to buy a Friday paper. However, it's not that bad because the BELK's ad will be in the Friday paper also. I LOVE Belks...the clearance that is. Happy Savings!

Free Lunch...Almost

Who says there are no more free lunches? Thanks to coupons and a great sale at HT, I got one...almost. G.U.M toothbrushes are on sale for .99 cents for the month of August (reg. price $1.99.) I had 5 G.U.M coupons for .75 cents off each (doubled at HT, the coupons were worth $1.50 each) This gave me an overage of .50 x 5=2.50. I also bought a HT Deli Sub $2.49 (really good price and they are made to order), my must have Pepsi and a candy bar (I know, I know.) My total price? $2.37!! This includes 5 toothbrushes!!!

Also, don't forget to pick up the All You mag! The great coupons (see below) are good until the end of September!!

SCORE!

I went to HT today and scored big time! I used the coupons that I found in the ALL YOU mag (see below.) The clerks at Harris Teeter didn't want to believe the great deals listed on the coupons. It was true and I proved it to them. The best thing is that Kool-Aide is on sale for .15 per pack! Make sure you get the packs that list the Kraft logo on the back, makes it easy for the clerks. This is what I got:
1 pack of Beef Oscar Myer Hot Dogs
1 pack of Kraft 12oz Cheese Singles
1 pack of Crystal Light Drink Mix
1 box of Wheat Thins
1 16oz bottle of Kraft Dressing
2 cans of Sweet rolls (on sale for $1.79, plus I had a .30 cent coupon = .60 off each can)
2 Dannon Yogurt drinks (on sale for $2, however I had $1 off coupon = 1 each 4 pack)
1 half gallon of milk (picked this up for my mom.)
2 2 liters of A&W Root beer (On sale for $1 each. Coupon of $1 off when you buy 2 = .50 cents each)

Grand Total = $11.xx (don't remember the change)
Not that bad, huh?

Way To Go!

Got some great news that a co-worker of mine is now hooked on coupons, just like me! Check out my comments for her details. So far this month, she has saved $85 bucks!

I am sure she has the ALL YOU magazine. There is a great deal to be had! Everyone needs cheese singles, salad dressing, crackers...just to name a few items we all like. There are a few coupons that when you buy 3 kraft items, you can get a free box of Wheat Thins, 3 more kraft items...free Kraft Dressing, 3 more Kraft items...Kraft Cheese Singels...just to list a few examples. So big deal, right? Sounds like a lot of money since you must buy 3 Kraft items to get the free deal, right? WRONG!! Guess what cheap item is made by Kraft? KOOL-AID!! You can find them from .15 to .20 per packet. Buy 3 packets per coupon and get the FREE deal! I did this yesterday at Walmart for for $1.80 I got 9 packets of Kool-Aid (I'll give this away) Family size box of Wheat Thins, French Dressing and Cheese! There are 2-3 more deals like this, but don't have the info with me right now. Till next time, Happy Savings!!

Save on Food!

I finally got some time to check the local sales ads to give everyone the "heads up" on sales that you can combind your coupons with. Remember, Harris Teeter and Lowes Food will double your coupon. Food Lion will take a coupon, but will NOT double it.

Harris Teeter:
Sales are not that great, but there are a few. I am ONLY listing items that you can use a coupon with, so don't forget to look over the ads for other items.

Cottonell TP 5.99 (coupon from paper .50 x 2 = $1.00 off) = $5.00
Smithfield Bacon 2/$6 (coupon from paper .75 x 2 = $1.50 off) = $1.50 each
Honey Nut Cheerios $2 (coupon from paper & coupon bug $1/2 or $.55 x 2 = $1.10) depends which coupon you use total may vary
Ziploc bags BOGO (coupon from paper $1/2) price varies by product
Palmolive Dishwashing Soap BOGO (.25 coupon = .50 off)about .80 each or less
Dannon Yogurt Drink $2/4 ($1 coupon)= $1.00 each
Ore Ida Fries 4/10 (Coupon from All You Mag $1/2)= $3.00 for two bags

Lowes
There are some great store coupons that you can also use with a coupon!
Pop Tarts 2/3 (coupon from paper $1/2) = $2 for two boxes
Natures Own Bread $2/3 (.55 coupon x 2=$1.10 off from paper) = .40 per loaf!
Smuckers Frozen P&J Sandwiches 2/$4($1 coupon from All You Mag) = $1 per box
Lucky Charms $2/4 (.55 coupon from coupon bug x 2=$1.10) = .90 per box
Cheerios $2/4 (coupon from paper & coupon bug $1/2 or $.55 x 2 = $1.10) depends which coupon you use total may vary
Nature Valley Bars $2/4 (.60 coupon from coupon bug = 1.20 off)= .80 per box
Mac. Grill Frozen Dinner Bags 2/$4 ($1 coupon from paper) = $1.00 per bag

Food Lion
Ball Park Hot Dogs BOGO (1.00 /2 from paper) = price may vary by product
Wisk BOGO ($1.50 when you buy 2) = price may vary
Soft Soap 1/1 (.30 coupon) = price may vary
Lysal Wipes BOGO ($1 coupon when you buy 2)= price may vary
Tyson Chicken Nuggets Family Size $4.99 ($1 coupon)=$4.00 per family bag
Loreal Studio Hair Products BOGO ($1.00 coupon from paper)price may vary

Let me know if you find any other deals!

Lowes Food Store

If you take your own bags to Lowes, they will give you 50 extra green points. I like to build my green points up and use toward a free gallon of Milk.

Dont Forget, Tuesday is the last day to use your coupons for the great Cereal deals at Harris Teeter!

More Deals

Pert Deal: I went to Walmart today to use my Pert coupons and buy $5.00 in school items. They were OUT of Pert!! I guess word got around. Anyway, I understand that this deal will also work at Kmart. Pert is $2.99 there, the coupon is for $3.00 off each bottle. Remember, you must buy $6.00 in Pert products and $5.00 in school items at the SAME TIME. Send in your receipt and you'll receive a check for $5.00 (to pay for the school supplies.)

Walgreens

Once again, I can not download the pic of my savings from Walgreens, but they were also great. One thing to keep in mind about Walgreens is to SHOP THE END OF THE ISLES!! This is where they have clearance items. Also, keep in mind that each Walgreens is different, so they may have diffent items on clearnce for more or less than other stores. I have two in High Point and one in Adams Farm that I visit often. Today, I scored big between the cleanance items and coupons! I found Loreal Color Vive Conditionar for $1.24 each. I picked up all three bottles for $.24 cents each because I had a $1.00 for each bottle! I also used a coupon in the Aug. Walgreen Rebate book for $1.00 to use towards Garnier Fructis Styling Cream that was marked down to $1.99. I also found Pantene Pro-V Hairspray for $1.24 each. I had a coupon for $1.00 of when you buy Two. I also got a 4 pack of Angel Soft TP for .99 cents, Kraft Shells & Cheese for $1.67 x 2, Scubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber (This is a money maker. It was marked at $5.49, plus I had a $2.75 coupon. I have a rebate to receive $5.00 back plus $1.50 rebate in the Walgreens book.) I also picked up two packs of pens for .9 each and some page protecters for .50 each. My total was $13.78.


LIKE TO READ???

I found that Citi Trends, a local clothing store, has great books for great prices! Most of the books are inspirinal and priced low. I picked up a book by Joyce Meyer - Woman to Woman for $4.99 and a cook book by Delilah Winder (Everyday Soul - Southern Cooking with Style), this book was $2.91. I may even use this cook book! LOL

Please make sure to share any tips, sales that you know of or a great trip you had!

Oops, I Did It Again! Thanks CVS!!

Would love to show you the picture, however it won't load up. Anywho, I did GREAT at CVS today! This is the deal...
2 Dawn Dishwashing Liquid (.88 cents each) (.50 coupon x 2)
2 Colgate Toothpaste ($2.99 each) (1-$2.00 coupon and 1-$1.50 coupon) = $2 CVS Buck
1 Bayer Low Dose ($1.99) ($1.00 coupon)
1 Childrens Advil $5.79 = $5.79 CVS Buck
4 Covergirl Face Makeup BOGO (Price ranged from $8.99 to $7.99) (I had two BOGO coupns making it all FREE!)
2 Sure Deorderant ($2.69 each) (1.00 coupon x 2)
2 Clean & Clear Face Wash Trial Size (.99 each) ($1.00 coupon x 2) = FREE

I used a $4/20 coupon plus $9 CVS bucks.

The GRAND Total after coupons and CVS bucks $1.27! I only paid the Tax!!! PLUS...I received $9.79 CVS bucks back and a coupon for a full size CVS Mouthwash! (*Remember, everyone will receive a free gift from CVS during August.)

Savings for 8/3/08

Hello again,

I missed a few days from sharing the savings with everyone. Just have A LOT going on, but that is a story for another day. I hope everyone has at least 2 Sunday papers because there were 3 packets of coupons this week.

CVS:
If you use your CVS card, you will get a free gift. Make sure you look at the bottom of your receipt!
Dawn is on sale for .88 cents, plus there was a .50 coupon = .38 for each bottle.//
Tide is on sale for 4.97, there was a 1.00 coupon in todays paper = 3.97 (great deal for Tide!)//
Pert is bogo, plus there was a $3.00 coupon. I am not sure what the total price is at CVS. I am going to play this coupon at WALMART. Pert is around $2.89, so it will be free. However, there was a mail in rebate that when you puchase $6.00 of Pert and/or Sure, you will get a $5.00 check for any school supplies you purchased at the same time. Walmart has some great deals for back to school, so I'll use my coupons there. ///
There are also several deals on Makeup this week. Remember, the key is to buy items that you have a coupon for and/or use your CVS bucks on items in which you will receive more CVS bucks back. You just keep flipping the CVS bucks.

Walgreens has more back to school savings, see the weekly ad. Angel soft tissue is .99 cents per 4 pack. Right Guard is 1/1 and there was a coupon in last weeks coupons.

I need to plan my "MENU" for the month, so I'll end this now. I know, I really feel like I am turning into Mrs. Cleaver. However, I really NEED to spend wisely this month.

Please let me know about any good back to school sales you find, so we can share it with everyone.

Till next time,

Amber

Oops, forgot the Walgreens Pic

CVS & Walgreens

I'll post the details of CVS over the weekend, I left the receipt in my car. TOO late to go out and get it. Plus, it's raining. Which is great, because that is free water for my yard! lol

Walgreens had a $5.00/20.00 coupon that was good for today only. I used it because I needed ink for my printer. This is what I bought...

8 rolls of Sparkle paper towels (reg price $7.29) on sale for $5.49, .55 coupon = $4.99///
Walgreens 24 pack of bottled water (reg price $4.99) on sale for $2.99///
Dove shampoo & conditioner (reg price $4.99 each) bogo sale plus 2/2.00 coupons = 1.00 for both!///
Johnson & Johnson lotion and baby wash ($3.99 & $3.79 each) on sale buy one/get one 50% off = $5.88 plus a $2.00 off coupon = $3.88///
Refill on black ink for printer $10.00.
Remember my $5.00 coupon off of $20.00 = Total for this trip $21.38 including tax!! If I paid full price for everything my total would have been $40.04! I saved almost half of the reg. bill!