A Word Of Thanks

How could I go w/out giving thanks on this day? As crazy as some days are, when you look at the big picture, there is so much to be thankful for!

1. Thankful for my family. My children are my reason for everything. I love them sooo much. I am also thankful that my mother is still with me. The more you tell her what she shouldn't do, the more she does it!

2. Thankful for my friends, the silver fox crew (inside joke.)

3. Thankful that I have a job that provides what we need. Sometimes it is really hard, however there are so many who lost their job.

4. Thankful that God gave me the gift of bargain shopping! Give thanks for everything, right?

Wishing you the best Thanksgiving ever,

Amber

Black Friday Sites

SHOPPING ON BLACK FRIDAY

Don't go shopping unless you have a plan! The sites below will give you "heads up" on the deals.

BlackFriday.info

BlackFriday.net

Black Friday Central

BFAds.net

BlackFriday.GottaDeal.com

Happy Savings,

Amber

Thankful That We Can Give

Better To Give Than To Receive

Please remember to pick up a few extra items for your local food banks. This year it may be more important than ever with all of the layoffs and bad news that we seem to hear on the daily news. Try to purchase a meal that you would like to receive. Remember items for children, elderly and someone that may be on a special diet. As long as the item is non-perishable, it will be welcomed.

Most stores also have food cards that you can purchase for food banks. You make a certain dollar donation and the money goes into your local food bank. To be honest, this is the best bang for your buck if you really want to give. Food banks can stretch your dollar because they buy in bulk. I have worked with some local food banks and they really know how to shop!

Happy Savings,
Amber

Thanksgiving Food Sales

MySpace Graphics & Free Myspace Layouts

Wow! What a week for specials at the local grocery stores. Remember, if possible, this is the time to stock up. Keep in mind that after Thanksgiving the sales will be more towards baked goods than dinner items. I am only listing what I think the best deals are at each store. I'll note with an "*" that this is the lowest price I found. Also, any coupon listed is from the Sunday paper or All You magazine.
I am going to start at Lowes as they have some good sales (some better than Harris Teeter) and they also double coupons. Also, if you take your own bags, they give you some extra green points. Then I'll run over to Food Lion (best price on Turkey - but must buy $35 worth of items.) How I wished they would double coupons! However,even w/out the coupons, Food Lion has the best of the sales. I'll end up at Harris Teeter and pick up what is left AND on sale.

NOTE: BOGO = buy one/get one free

LOWES

Premium Spiral Ham $1.49 lb*
Kraft Shredded Cheese $1.99 8oz*
Green Giant canned veggies 2/$1
Green Giant frozen boxed veggies 5/$5 (.50 when you buy 2)
Mrs. Smith frozen pies BOGO
Cool Whip .99*
Duncan Hines cake or brownie mix BOGO (.75 coupon when you buy cake & frosting)
Lays chips BOGO
Ocean Spray juice BOGO
Philadelphia cream cheese 8oz 4/$5
Kraft cheese singles 1.99
Heavy Cream $2.49
Birds Eye frozen Veggies BOGO
Lowes frozen strawberries 15 oz 1.99
Ocean Spray cranberry sauce .99 can
Dole pineapple 20 oz 5/$5*
Jello gelatin/pudding 2/$1*
Kraft marshmallows BOGO*
Perdue boneless chicken $2.99 lb (this is my fav. chicken. I buy in thin cut.)
Johnsonville Italian Sausage BOBO
Lowes instant oatmeal BOGO
Swiss Miss .99 box
Lowes paper plates BOGO
Granny Smith apples .99LB*

Remember Lowes will double your coupons. There also may be coupons on line or that you have yet to use from the Sunday paper. Match up your list BEFORE you go shopping.

FOOD LION

Turkey .67lB (must buy $35 items)*
FL Jumbo cooked shrimp BOGO
Sweet Potatoes .29lb
Mrs. Smith Pies BOGO
Cool Whip 2/$2
Stove Top Stuffing BOGO
Green Giant canned veggies BOGO
Ritz crackers BOGO
Fresh Green Beans 1.29lb
Snack wings 2.5lb BOGO
Jimmy Dean Sausage 2/$4
Bruce Yams 40 oz 2/$4
Velveeta shells and cheese 3/$5 (check Walmart)
Swansons broth 2/$1
Heinz Gravy 3/$3
Jiffy Mix corn bread 5/$2*
Oven Bags (turkey size) 2/$4 ($1 coupon)
Birdseye frozen veggies BOGO
Daisy Sour Cream 3/$5
Philadelphia cream cheesege 4/$5
Grand Biscuits/rolls 2/$5

You can get most of the items listed at Food Lion at the other stores also, however I listed some of the same items so you can get to the $35 limit to purchase you turkey at a cheaper price.

HARRIS TEETER

Birds Eye Veggies BOGO
Breyers Ice Cream BOGO (.50 coupon*)
Campbell's cream soups BOGO*
coke products (cans) BOGO
Duncan Hines cake/brownie mix BOGO
green asparagus $1.49lb
Hefty bowls/plates/cups BOGO
Kens Dressing BOGO
Lays BOGO
Ritz BOGO
Nabisco Snack Crackers BOGO
McCormick Brown Gravy mix BOGO
Ocean Spray juice BOGO
Pet Ritz pie shells BOGO
Simply Potatoes BOGO
Sister Schuberts yeast rolls BOGO*(coupon - but unsure of amount)
spring water BOGO
Swanson broth 14oz BOGO (coupon unsure of amount)
7UP 2 liter soda .99
Breakston Sour Cream 16oz 2/$3*
Philadelphia cream cheese 8ox 4/$5
Dole can oranges/pineapple 4/$5


Happy Savings,
Amber

Letters From Santa

Awesome MySpace Comments & Myspace Layouts

Another Idea from MoneySavingMethods (This is a great site!)

Information is listed that you can receive free letters from Santa! Just go to santaclausmuseum.org! They will ask some questions about the child so the letter can be personal. The best part is that this is FREE! I already requested my letter for my daughter, Jordan. She received a letter last year from Santa and it was so magical for her. Children love to receive mail, so this is a great find for your younger children.

Also, you can mail a letter to the North Pole and place it in your mail box for the USPS to pick up. I know in my area, they will replace it with a letter from Santa for free.

One last item about "Santa Letters"...for every "Dear Santa" letter that Macy's Department store receives, they will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Drop your stamped letter in the special Santa letterbox, located in the stores. Address it to Santa At The North Pole. I am not sure if you receive a letter back, but you can use this to help the little ones write their letter, and then the other sites to receive a letter back. In the meantime, this helps a great foundation! For more information go to macys.com/beleive.

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Free What? Free Gas!!

Graphics & Myspace layouts

Free Gas Deal - Really!

Okay, I know we would all be happy if gas was really the price in this picture! However, I am sure that you get the idea. Thankfully, gas has droped in price. In my area I pay $2.17 per gallon. I've heard that it has actually droped below $2.00 in some states, WOW! Well, free gas is still a wonderful deal, right? Go to moneysavingmethods.com and look for the post from 11/1/08. She has a deal for free gas if you live in certain states and .05 off per gallon in others. Check her blog for the details. You do not need to use a "credit" card, as a debit card will also work. I just received my speed pass the other day. Also, if you list your information with Upromise, there are additional savings.

By the way, this is a great blog, full of a lot of information. I look at it almost daily. Definitely worthy to add to your favorites. Please let her know that you heard it here at Amber360view!

Happy Shopping,
Amber

Day After Thanksgiving Sale!

We all know that there are several deals going on after Thanksgiving. The event is called "Black Friday." It is when the stores go from being in the red to going in the black (lost to a profit.) As I find deals, I will share them with you so you will be prepared. I found the following deal at www.dealtaker.com for the CVS ad for Black Friday. The sales that I find tempting are italicized. Some items say "Free" and I am not sure what that REALLY means, however, I think it may mean "free" after ECB bucks? So, remember to use this as a guideline.

CVS Black Friday ECB Deals

ECB= Extra Care Bucks. You can use them on your next purchase

Rival Crockpot $9.99 with 10 ECB
Rice Cooker $9.99 with 11 ECB
Waffle Maker $9.99 with 10 ECB
Popcorn Maker $9.99 with 10 ECB
3 in 1 Grill $9.99 with 10 ECB
Griddle $9.99 with 10 ECB
Mini Sewing Machine (Don't know cost yet) with 10 ECB

Other Sales:
Craig MP 3 - $19.99
Receive $20 in ECB WYB One (1) Digital photo frame ($79.99)
Receive $20 in ECB WYB One (1) Kodak Camera ($89.99)
Receive $10 in ECB WYB One (1) GPS for Dummies ($89.99)
Receive $5 in ECB WYB One (1) MP3 Player ($24.99)
Pepsi 2 liters B1G1
Revlon B1G1
Toys B1G1 ( there are few exclusions on this)CVS nuts B1G1
Dove chocolate bags B1G1
Christmas Lights 100ct string B1G1
Sales AD:
Clothing & Apparel
Men's or Women's Massaging Slippers - $9.99
Scunci Flexible Scarfband or Interchangeable Headband - $6.99
Digital Cameras
Kodak EasyShare C713 7MP Digital Camera - $69.99
Digital Media Cards
SanDisk 2GB Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card - $9.99
Electronics
Coby 5.6" Digital Picture Frame - $59.99
Craig Portable CD Player - $8.88
Keychain Digital Photo Viewer or Clock Viewer - $14.99
Magnavox Universal Remote Control - FREE
Philips Earbud Headphones - FREE TDE 7" Digital Picture Frame - $59.99
Food
5-Hour Energy Extra Strength 2-Pack (4 oz. Total) - FREE
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Coke or Diet Coke 2-Liters - B1G1F
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Dove Chocolate Minis - B1G1F
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Gold Emblem Macadamia Nuts or Cashews - B1G1F
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Hershey's Holiday Kisses or Reese's Minis - B1G1F
Gatorade G2 20 oz. (Assorted Varieties) - FREE
Hershey's King Size Chocolate w/ Almonds, Kit Kat or Twizzlers - FREE
Holiday M&Ms (Plain or Peanut, 11-14 oz. Bags) - $1.50
Whitman's Sampler Chocolates - $3.99
GPS Navigation Systems
GPS 3.5" Navigation System w/ Mounting Kit & Car Charger - $79.99
Health & Beauty
4-Piece Luxury Spa Set, Hot or Cold Applications - $6.99
Aussie Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler - FREE
Bic Soleil Single Razor with 2 Cartridges & Shower Holder - FREE
Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Designer Fragrance Gift Sets - B1G1H
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Revlon Cosmetics (excludes beauty tools) - B1G1F
Clairol Hydrience Haircolor - $3.49
Colgate Total Advanced Clean, Fresh or Whitening Toothpaste - FREE
Conair 1875-Watt Hair Dryer - $9.99
Essence of Beauty Perfectly Polished Shopper Tote - $9.99
Homedics Neck Massager - $9.99
Johnson's Softlotion (11 or 14 oz.) - FREE
Maybelline Mineral Power Liquid Foundation - FREE
Norelco Electric Razor with Precision Cutting System - $28.99
Schick Quattro Razor or Trimmer - $1.99
Soft & Dri Pulse or Right Guard Sport Deodorant - $0.99
Sonicare e5300 Essence Electric Toothbrush - $49.99
Home
Buy 1 Get 1 Free MerryBrite Indoor/Outdoor 100-Count Mini Bulbs - B1G1F
CVS Pharmacy Blood Pressure Monitor - $29.99
Garnier Nutritioniste Cleansing Towlettes 25-Count - FREE
Playtex Gentle Glide or Sport Tampons 16-18 ct. - $0.99
Sarah Peyton Wellness Memory Foam Pillow - $6.99
Kitchen & Housewares
Black & Decker 12-Cup Digital Coffeemaker - $9.99
Home Exclusives 3-in-1 Contact Grill - $9.99
Home Exclusives Cool-Touch Electric Griddle - $9.99
Home Exclusives Rotary Waffle Maker - $9.99
Oster 10-Cup Rice Cooker - $9.99
Retro Style Hot Air Popcorn Maker - $9.99
Rival 5-Quart Crock-Pot - $9.99
Miscellaneous
CVS Brand AA Alkaline Battery 40-Pack - $9.99
CVS Brand Battery Value Pack with LED Flashlight - $9.99
MP3 Players
Craig 2GB MP3 Player with 1.5" LCD Display - $19.99
Pets
2-Piece Pet Bed (Assorted Styles) - $9.99
Seasonal
50% off Boxed Holiday Cards (excludes Hallmark and AG) - 50% off
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Holiday Gift Wrap (125 sq. ft.) - B1G1F
Holiday Gift Bags with Tags Set - $9.99
Toys
Buy 1 Get 1 Free Assorted Toys (Pro Hockey, CAT Truck, more) - B1G1F
Electronic ATM Bank with ATM Card - $14.99
Thunder Tumbler Radio Controlled Car - $9.99

Happy Shopping,
Amber

$$$ Saving Tip

During the holidays, we all tend to spend money on spices that we use just a few times per year. I always feel that I need to replace them yearly because they may no longer be "at their best." Some of the spices and herbs are not cheap. Especially when I need just a pinch of this and a pinch of that! What's a cook to do? I started buying the Mexican spices in the small bags! You can normally find these in the ethnic area in your local grocery store and Walmart (they have a great selection.) You can get the spices that you normally buy for 50%-75% off. In addition to the great savings, I feel that my spices are fresher. If I don't use all of the spices/herbs, I don't feel so bad to toss them out. This is how I buy my sage each year, for a whole lot less! There are also new spices to introduce to your favorite dish without spending a lot of money. Hope this tip helps!

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Sears Announces Layaway!

A Sign Of The Times?

Back in the good ol' days, when I was just a kid (do you hear the music playing) there was this thing called "layaway." My mom used this for birthdays and holidays and everything in between. When I was preparing to move out of my parent's home, I put everything on layaway. Guess that everything that is old is new again...

Sears has Layaway for this holiday season!

Pick out what you want (not all items may be placed on layaway. Check store for details.)

Put $15 or 20% at the nearest check out.

Everything must be paid if full by 12/23/08.

I am sure you'll most likely see something in the Sunday paper about this. Just so you know, T.J Max also has a 30 day layaway plan.

Happy Shopping,

Amber

CVS

Some good finds at CVS this week -
Kellogg's had $1.00 off any of their cereals (Internet coupon) and CVS had Kellogg's cereal on sale for $2.00 each. So, final price $1.00 each.

Also, kids toothpaste is BOGO this week. There were coupons from the newspaper for $.55 off and CVS let me use two.

There were no bucks back on these deals, however I think there were still great finds. Sales end Saturday. If they are out, get a rain check.

Happy Shopping,


Amber

Thanksgiving Finds

As promised, I am listing the best deals for your Thanksgiving meal. To be honest, I am not really impressed with the sales thus far. Perhaps they are going to wait until the last minute and spring some great deals! I can only hope. I am only listing what I think are good finds and will save some money. Let me know if you have found any great deals and I'll share them with my readers.

HARRIS TEETER

Four Day Sale - Turkey .59 lb (must purchase $25 or more at time of sale.)
Green Giant can veggies 3/$1
HT Large Eggs .99 per dozen

Ongoing for the week:
Green Giant frozen Veggies 7.50oz .99 box (check for coupons.)
Kraft Cool Whip (tub) 2/$2
Sara Lee Pie BOGO
80% lean ground beef $1.68 (I swear by HT's quality.)
HT cream cheese (block) 2/$3
HT pasta sauce BOGO
Hebrew National Hot Dogs BOGO (these are the BEST franks around)
Betty Crocker Cake Mix BOGO (you can get the frosting at Walgreens for .50)
Excedrin 48ct $2.99 (you may have some coupons. It is a BOGO pack)
Pepperidge Farm Stuffing 2/$5 (not sure if this is a great deal or not.)
Foster Farm Chicken Strips BOGO (couponbug.com has a coupon but use the 85009 zip code.)
Deer Park Water 24 pk $3.99

FOOD LION

Stove Top Stuffing BOGO (.93 per box)
Ducan Hines cake/brownie mix BOGO
***Wesson Oil 48 oz BOGO ($1.65 per item. This is a GREAT sale. Stock Up!)
Edy's Ice Cream BOGO
Birds Eye Veggies BOGO ($1.35 per bag)
FL Butter 2/$5
FL Sliced Bacon 2/$4 ($1/2 Coupon on their web site. Must receive their email.)
Pillsbury Rolls 2/$5 (not sure if best deal.)
Johnsonville Ground Sausage BOGO ($2.16 per pack)

LOWES

3 Day Sale 11/13-11/15. Must have store coupons, found in ad.
Lowes Sugar 1.99 5LB (check out Walgreens deal first.)
Lowes canned tomatoes 2/$1
Del Monte canned fruit 4/$5
Lowes Tomato or Chicken Noodle soup 5/$2

Ongoing:
Lowes Cranberry Sauce BOGO (Ocean Spray should be on sale next week.)
Lowes Kosher Dill Spears BOGO
Navel Oranges BOGO (think its the 4lb bag.)
Honey Nut Cheerios BOGO (see paper and coupon.com for addional savings.)

Again, I will check my finds against what thegrocerygame.com finds on Sunday. But until then, hope this list is useful.

Happy Savings,

Amber

Free Coffee

Rumor has it that McDonalds is giving away their coffee. Double check your area as this may be a local deal. Anyway, here is what I heard:

Thurs - Hot or Iced Coffee (Free)
Friday - Hot or Cold Vanilla Latte (Free)
Saturday - Cappuccino or Hot Chocolate (Free)

Happy Shopping,
Amber

Kmart Double Coupns...Again?

Word has it that Super Kmart's will double coupons again from this Wednesday to Saturday. I am not sure that the Super Kmart in Greensboro will also follow this sale, however it is worth a try. Go to "thedeallady.blogspot.com" for coupon details. She has already worked out the deals for us! Please tell her that amber360view sent you!

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Review

The Grocery Game

I am in the second week of my trial period with the Grocery Game. So how is it going so far? Again, I feel that I could have missed out on some deals because the list does not update until Sunday. Harris Teeter had triple coupons since Thursday. However, when I did look at the list it did save some time preparing for my trip and once I arrived at the store. So it does save a lot of time. The list is correct about the prices, however it did have one error with canned pasta. However, I found that Coupon Mom does the same thing, for free!

The picture above is from my shopping trip to Harris Teeter. My total price paid was under $40.00 (The only items I bought w/out a coupon was water $3.99 on sale, cottage cheese and Bubba Burgers on sale for $5.00.) I am stocked up with my cream soups and cake mix. I have so much wax paper, I could bake cookies forever. So, I do thing that the Grocery Game help me work the most out of the triple coupons, however not sure if it is worth paying for this service.

Happy Savings,

Amber

Thanksgiving Finds

WALGREENS

This week at Walgreens, you can pick up some items for your holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas and all celebrations in between.) This coming Saturday is the last day of the sale. Also, most have a Walgreens coupon you must use. However, you can pick this up in the store.

-Nabisco Pie Crust BOBO (I think there was a coupon in the newspaper for these lately.)
-Domino's 5lb sugar (.50 man. coupon)
-Libby's Pure Pumpkin .99
-Royal Instant Pudding 4/$1.00
-Jell-O Cheesecake or Pie Filling 2/$3.00
-Betty Crocker Frosting/Cake/Brownie mix (coupons in paper).99
-Corn Starch, baking soda, salt and baking powder 2/$1 (coupon in this weeks paper.)

There are other food items also on sale, however not sure they are the best price, so I didn't list them. Remember, you can use the Walgreens coupon AND the coupons from the paper to get the best deal!

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Passing a Tip...

Comments & Myspace layouts

My daughters like frequent trips to get their hair done (both of them ages 16 AND 6.) There is no way that I can afford this pricey habit. So, I took them to Leons Beauty School. Everyone was very nice and professional. The prices were reasonable (even though they were more than what was listed.) Most importantly, they did a really good job. We went on a Saturday around 11 a.m. and there was no wait time to see anyone. Also, the services were speedy and again they did a good job. They also offer facials and waxing. They even have gift cards for the holidays starting at $10.00. They have "princess parties" for little girls and other group packages. So, if you need to pamper yourself, you may want to try them out. Call for hours and prices.

Happy Shopping,
Amber

Coupon Preview

Taylortownpreview.com
This is a great site because it tells you what coupons will be in the Sunday paper! The information that I find helps me plan how many papers to buy. It updates a few days before Sunday and has a detailed list on all of the coupons.

Harris Teeter Deals
Can you believe that I have yet to shop at Harris Teeter? I really have not had time. If you do not know, I work full time, go to school and have 3 kids that I am rasing on my own. There is NEVER enough time! However, I found a blog that list some of the triple coupon deals, www.flugalinvirginia.com. Please let her know that I sent you her way.

Happy Shopping,

Amber

New Internet Coupons

Don't forget to print your coupons from Coupon.com and couponbug.com for internet coupons. They should triple at HT this weekend with the HT triple deals. There are some good deals so print a few if you can. Do not print on a xerox because they will not scan.

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Triple Coupons at HT!!

It's that time again! Triple coupons. I was going to start my post about Thanksgiving deals today, however will take a little extra time to pull my coupons together. One thing you must remember about triple coupons at HT, is that the products go really fast. Go early and you may want to go often. Also, the triple coupon deals will run through Sunday. So, get your Sunday paper early and clip, then shop.

Just a side bar about my trial period with the Grocery Game. If I wait for this site to show me the deals, I will miss out on 3 days of triple coupons. Not sure I like paying for that risk.

Also, Food Lion still has the deal on the free razors!

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Before $34.33! After $21.14!

I ran to Walmart yesterday to use some of the coupons that I had with the deals I found on other blogs. The bad news, is that Walmart must really be cheaper in other states because the Walmart I went to prices ran higher. Also, it didn't carry all of the products. The good news, I still saved some money. I had a picture, however it won't come up on the computer. :(
Oh well, Some items I had no coupon, so I think over all I did great.

Here is a break down:
Salad Mix $1.78
Just Bunches Cereal $2.88
Betty Crocker Cookie Mix $1.50
Domino's Sugar Packets .88
Bagel-Fullx $1.98 x 2
Steamer Broc Cuts $1.23
Steamer Potatoes & Green Bean $1.50 x 4
Kotex Panty Liners $1 x 4
Gallen of 2% Milk $3.59
Hawainn Punch drink mix $1 x 2
Salsa $1.68
Envelopes .94
Candy Bar .33
Cottage Cheese $1.68

Total $34.33/ After Coupons $21.14

Coupon Deals Below:

Betty Crocker Cookie Pouch--$1.50
Use $0.75/1 from paper
$0.25 after coupon

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers--$1.25-$1.50
Use $1/1 coupon found in paper and Internet
$0.25 -$.50after coupon

Kotex Panty Liners 16 or 18 ct.--$1.00
Use $1 found in paper and Internet also ALL YOU mag.
Free after coupon

Post Just Bunches Cereal $2.88
Use $2.00 from Post Web Site
$0.88 after coupon

BagelFuls $1.98
Use $1 from Internet (CouponBug.Com)
$0.98 after coupon

Idaho Potatoes $0.88
Free Coupon from their site (see post)
Free after coupon

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Turkey Day Is Around The Corner! Yummy!

Remember, I said I was working on a project? Well, it's "kinda" a project. I am going to share with you my shopping trip(s) for Thanksgiving Dinner. Where the deals are, how much I am spending and all of that jazz. Keep in mind that I am cooking for only six people. So, the bulk of what I buy, may be different than yours. Also, every family has their own menu, so be mindful of that also. So, what type of things are on my list so far?

Turkey, ham, rolls, mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, dressing, fruit salad, greens, a few pies, giblet gravy, banana pudding, a few veggies and other items that I will add to the list. I will look at different recipes over the next few weeks. I'll break down the different items and ingredients soon. Look for my list of deals starting this Thursday.

Remember, the key to saving is to buy items when they are on sale. Also, pick up extra for your Christmas dinner. After Thankgiving, baking items will be on sale and you won't find the "dinner" type items a often. It's also a great time to just stock up for everyday meals.

Also, if you have a great recipe or Thanksgiving tradition, please share!

Happy Shopping,

Amber

The Grocery Game

I just signed on for a four week trial to "The Grocery Game." This is a site that does a lot of the coupon/saving work for you. The trial is for $1 (four weeks), however the ongoing price is $10 for the first store and $5 for each additionall store that you sign on too. You pay this every eight weeks. I am going to list my pro's and con's during this trial period.

This was my first week, so here we go with what I liked and didn't like...

Likes:

-You get a full list of items that are matched up with the coupons, full price, sale price and price you will pay.
-You can print the list, no need to write everything out. This was really handy at the store. Also, at Harris Teeter, the list followed the layout of the store. I just used the list and pulled out my coupons. Helped with planning and saved lots of time.
-There were a few items that I did not see or did not know about listed on the list.

Dislikes:

-The list does not update until Sunday afternoon. As we all know, the ads go out on Wednesday. You take a chance that the store is out of stock. Also, since I waited on the list, I missed some deals because my coupons expired the day before. This may only happen towards the end of the month, but I really feel like I missed out on saving some money. Never a good thing.
-During the trial, you can use all of the stores in your area. However, after the trial period, you must pay for this. If you really read the blogs, you can get most of this information for the drug stores (CVS, Walgreens and Walmart.)

At this point, I am not too sure about paying for this service. The main issue is the late updates. However, I'll keep you posted. If you are interested, google "The Grocery Game.Com" Let me know if you have used this before. What did you like? Dislike?

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Don't Forget!

Free Counter

This Week At Walgreens

Below are some items that you can get for free or really cheap. Remember, you can double your manufactores coupons with the Walgreens coupons. (You can pick up the Walgreens Easy Saver coupon book at the stores. They are good for one month. The coupons are found in the front of the book and the rebate deals are listed in the back. I alway pick up a few, as they are hard to find towards the end of the month.) Also, note that if it says "rebate" you will not receive the money at the point of sale. See the Easy Saver coupon book for more details.

Wrigley’s Gum: $1.19
Use B1G1 coupon from Walgreens weekly ad
Use B1G1 coupon from 10/5 SS insert
Final Price = FREE

Almay One Coat Mascara: $6.99 (on sale B1G1 this week)
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from 9/14 or 10/12 SS inserts
Receive $6.99 EasySaver Rebate
Final Price = 2 FREE plus $2 overage

L’Oreal Age Perfect Pro-Calcium Radiance Perfector: $19.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 9/21 RP or 10/19 SS insert
Receive $19.99 EasySaver Rebate
Final Price = FREE plus $1 overage

Schick Quattro (3-pk): $5.99 each (buy 2)
Use B1G1 coupon from 10/19 SS insert
Use 2 $3/1 coupons from EasySaver coupon booklet
Final Price = FREE

Celestial Seasonings Tea (20-pk): 2/$3
Use $1/2 coupon from EasySaver coupon booklet
Use 2 $1/1 coupons from 10/5 SS insert
Final Price = FREE

This Just In...

More Free Food...Just For Voting!


Shane’s Rib Shack (West Wendover, near Costco) is offering a free “Vote America Meal,” which consists of a three-piece chicken tenders meal, fries and a 20-oz drink. Again, this is for folks wearing an “I Voted” sticker.

This is just great! Free breakfast, dinner and ice cream! Now, some place needs to add in lunch. Hope I can find my "I voted early" sticker!

Happy Voting!

Amber

Last Call for Some Good Deals

Food Lion

You should have a coupon from the 11/2 newspaper for $3 off of the Bic Shimmer Razor or refill cartridge (4ct) They are on sale for $2.99 at Food Lion. This means = FREE! However, tomorrow is the last day for the sale. If they are out, get a rain check!

Also, if you have not signed on to Food Lions weekly email, you really should. There are four weekly coupons that they send out that are usually good. This week there was a coupon for $2 off of $5 in the produce department. They have this coupon often. Also, there was a $1.00 off of FL cheese, which is a good deal. Does anyone know why is cheese so high now?

Harris Teeter

Sorry this is a little late, as tomorrow is also the last day. (I'll explain soon why it is late.) So, some last minute deals:
Kraft Mayo w/ Olive Oil. Sale $2.99. But for some reason the coupon takes the whole $2.99 off! The cashier said this was happening all day. The coupon was $1.00 off from 10/5's paper.

Also, Glade Candles are BOGO. You have $1.50 coupon when you buy 2 from 11/2 paper. This makes them $1.00 each. Not bad, huh?

Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables 9-10 OZ (small box) is on sale 10/$10. You have .35 coupons (which double) from 11/2's paper. This makes them .30 each. Not too shabby.

Happy Shopping,

Amber

Why Women Should Vote!

I received the following in an email from a co-worker. I knew women had to fight for their right to vote, however had no idea what it took.

WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE

This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago. Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.
And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.' They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women. Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote. For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.

So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?
Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am as hamed to say I needed the reminder. All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.
My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself. 'One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said. 'What would those women think of the way I use, or don't use, my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The right to vote, she said, had becom! e valuable to her 'all over again. HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order. It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.
The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'
Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know.
We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party -remember to vote, just vote.

Starbucks

Free Starbucks!

You can swing by Starbucks for a free cup of Java on election day! Hit them up, then Krispy Kreme for your sweet treat. Then later, you can have your scoop of ice cream from Ben & Jerry's! Hit up http://www.starbucks.com/ for more details. Don't forget that your vote is very important!

Typos - Uh Sorry

OMG

I just read back at some of my post. Sorry for the typos and other misspellings and such. I tend to write these post late at night. I really do read back over them before I hit "post", but I guess I miss somethings. Any who, I'm a work in progress! So, please just work with me! LOL! Hopefully, I'll get better at this blog thing and can help you save a buck or two!

Working on it,

Amber

November Already?

It seems that the kids just returned to school. Now there are only two months left of this year. Wow, where does the time go? Hopefully, you had a great Halloween! I spent the night with Hanna Montana (I'll post a pic soon of my little star.) Just wanted to jump on to share a few things with you...

Go to the Idahoan Potatoes web site and sign up for a free coupon of their product. I am not really an "instant" potatoes girl, but free is free! I can always make them for the kids or place in a food donation bin at the store.

November 4th. If you didn't vote early, don't forget to get out on 11/4/08! No matter which way you vote, it's your chance to make a difference. EVERY VOTE COUNTS!! You can start your day with some coffee and a free doughnut at Krispy Kremes! They will give out star shaped doughnuts w/ red, white and blue sprinkles on election day. (Don't forget Ben & Jerry's for the free ice cream!)

There are 3 packs of coupons in this Sunday's paper. One will be from Proctor and Gamble. They have good coupons on all type of things. The neat thing about this month is that with each P&G coupon you use, they will donate a free meal to the needy. For more information go to giveameal.org. What an easy way to save money and do a good thing!

One more thing... If you do not print Internet coupons you are really missing out. Some stores will NOT take Internet coupons for one reason or another. Just don't try to use too many at once, check out the stores policy and know that if it does not scan, most likely they will not take it. One great site that I like is www.homesolutionsnew.com They have some great coupons, especially if you like the "smell good" stuff for your home. They even have $4 coupons that really work!

I'm working on a November/Thanksgiving project that hopefully will come together so I can share soon. Until then...Happy Shopping!