Wags and Q's

Wags had a pretty good deal going on Little Swimmers, so it was time to stock up for the summer.  Here's what I took home for only $10.70:

Wags had them on sale for $6.99/package plus an in-store q for $2/1.  I used 3 of those and stacked them with 3 $2/1 manufacturer q's for a total savings of $12.00.  Now, if only the weather would start warming up so we can get to some swimming sooner rather than later.

When we got home, we checked the mail for our daily goodies.  I have to admit I get a bit excited to see what is awaiting me in the box everyday...what will my Postman bring?  Today he brought me a couple goodies:

• 1 Cottonelle q for a free container of Cottonelle wipes (up to $2.89)
• 1 free sample of Zantac plus two q's: $1/1 and $5/1 (as if I didn't already have enough Zantac...good thing it has a long shelf life)
• 1 free sample of Seattle's best coffe plus a q for $1/1
• 1 20% off your entire purchase at Hallmark (oh, how LOVE Hallmark:)

Thank you Mr. Postman...until we meet again tomorrow...

Smooth Legs and Clean Hands...A Little Deal

Did a quick run in at Meijer on Thursday to snatch up two always-needed items at our house....shaving cream and Wet-Ones wipes.  Here is what I took home for $14.85 OOP:

• 7 Skintimate Shave Creams $16.03.  Used 7 .55/1 = $12.18
• 6 canisters Wet-Ones wipes $12.00.  Used 3 $1/2 = $9.00

I also used the $8 OYNO q I received last week for stocking up on the kiddo vitamins to bring the total down even more.  I got back a $10 OYNO for buying $25 worth of select products for an net cost of $4.85...that is only $0.37 per item:)

(You only had to hit the $25 total pre-coupon to trigger that Cat....that is how I got it down to a net cost of $4.85)

Thursday Stock-Up...A Mediocre Trip

I keep a list of things I am running low on or just plain need so I remember to keep an extra eye out for those things.  Sometimes I just need to break down and buy them even if they aren't at their lowest point (much to my chagrin).  I had to do this with a couple of items on this trip...C'est La Vie!

My first of four stops on Thursday was Wags. I was hoping to score some more free toothbrushes and money back...but there weren't very many to be had.  I broke even on this little purchase:

• 2 Reach Toothburshes $1.98.  Used $2/2 = $0.02 Moneymaker
• 3 Peanut Butter M&M's $1.17.  Used B2G1 = $0.78

Total with tax was $1.00.  I saved $2.39 in q's.  Got back $1 in RR...so I broke even.  Not a moneymaker, but I got some free toothbrushes and M&M's.  

Next stop, Meijer.  I needed a lot at Meijer, especially produce.  Lately, I have found Meijer to be rocking the best sales and I just love that I can get a preview of what is coming up from Meijer Madness.  I had to do two transactions to utilize all of my q's.  Here is what I picked up:

Transaction #1:

• 1 Kid's Aquafresh Toothpaste $1.78.  Used mPerks q $1/1 and Manufacturer q $1/1 = FREE
• 3 Oscar Mayer Lunchables w/ Fruit $ 7.44.  Used mPerks q $1/1 and 3 manufacturer q's $1/1 = $3.44.  Got a Custom q back for $2 OYNO for a total cost of only $1.44 for 3.
• 4 Kraft Mac N' Cheese $2.76
• 1 dozen large eggs $0.99
• 4 Duncan Hines brownie mix $4.36.  Used 4 $.50/1 q's = $2.36
• 6 Kraft Natural Cheese Slices $12.00.  Used 6 $1/1 q's = $6.00
• 3 Ziploc Quart Freezer bags $6.00.  Used 1 $1/2 and 1 B2G1 = $2.00
• 2 Planter's Nut-trition Bars $4.00.  Used mPerks q $1/2 and 2 manufacturer q's $.75/1 = $1.50
• 3 jars Vlasic Pickle Spears $5.00.  Used 1 Meijer store q $1/3 and 3 $.55/1 manufacturer q's = $2.35
• 2 packages ground beef $6.56

Total OOP was $28.72 with tax.  I saved a total of 23.43 in q's.

Transaction #2:

• 1 Kid's Aquafresh Toothpaste $1.78.  Used Meijer Store q $1/1 and Manufacturer q $1/1 = FREE
• 1 Green Pepper $1.20
• 1 Red Pepper $2.00
• Parsley $.79
• 2 Heads Lettuce $1.38
• Asparagus $2.13
• 1lb. Strawberries $1.50
• 3lbs apples $2.99

I used the $2 OYNO I had received from the previous purchase and a Meijer q for $1.50/$12 produce purchase I had received during an earlier trip.  Total OOP was $8.56.  I spent a total of $37.28 at Meijer with a total coupon savings of $28.93.  Not a super thrilling trip and a little disappointment in my savings.  I always want to save at least 50% and I didn't quite make that on this trip.  But I was able to pick up a decent amount of produce and ground beef...with only $3.50 in q's to use towards those items.  I guess you win some, you lose some.  

Next stop was a quickie at Dom's for some uber-cheap spices:

• 6 McCormick Grill Mates Spices $6.52.  Used 6 $.75/1 q's = $2.02 

With tax I was at $2.13.  I didn't catch it at the time, but one of my spices rang up at $1.57 instead of $.99 as advertised.  So either this one variety wasn't included in the sale or it was another Dom's screw-up.  Either way..still super cheap and will be enough to get us through a BBQ-ing summer.

Last stop, Jewel:

• 8 Hormal Pork Chops $7.92.  Used 4 $1/1 printables = $3.92
• 10 Fage Greek Yogurt $12.50.  Used 2 $2/5 printables = $8.50
• 2 Skinny Cow single serve ice creams $2.50.  Used 2 $1/1 = $.50
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Hard Salami $3.84.  Used $2 off 1/2 lb DiLusso lunch meat printable q = $1.84
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Ham $3.63.  Used $2 printable = $1.63
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Turkey $4.72.  Used $2 printable = $2.72
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Roast Beef $5.54.  Used $2 printable = $3.54
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Roast Beef $4.88.  Used $2 printable = $2.88
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Ham $3.56.  Used $2 printable = $1.56
• 2 Loaves Jewel Slice Bread $2.98.  Used 2 store q's for free bread with purchase of 1 lb DiLusso lunch meat = FREE

Also used $7.00 in Wags RR and a $2/$25 off a store purchase.  My end total was $18.91.  I saved a total of $33.98 in q's at Jewel.

My total savings in q's for the day was $69.80 and I spent a total OOP of $59.32.  So overall, I saved a smidge over 50%...that is still winning in my book...but I always want to be closer to 70% savings.  

A Clean Teeth Moneymaker

I just love when I can go out and pick up some free products and MONEY to use at other stores...wouldn't life be great if you could use a small amount of money to buy a larger amount of money.  I suddenly hear Wimpy in my head, "I will gladly trade you a dollar for $10 in return."   A little dramatic and far-fetched?  Dramatic...yes.  Far-fetched...not today.

So I stopped at a couple of Wags to pick up some money for future shopping trips...it comes in the form of reach toothbrushes (if you can find them as other couponers are out there picking up some free money too).  Wags has a great little deal going right now that coincides with a Catalina deal = $$$$.

Here is what I picked up for a grand total of $3.90....$1.21 of which was tax...always gotta pay the man:(

 Wags Stop #1:

• 2 Schick Razors $9.99.   Wags has them on sale for B1G1 right now.  Used 2 $3/1 = $3.99 (Wags lets you use q's on free items...so does Jewel)
• 3 Reach Toothbrushes $1.35.  They were supposed to be  on sale for $.99...but I was pleasantly surprised to see them ring up for only $.45...AWESOME!  Used 1 $1/1 and $2/2 q's = $1.65 MONEYMAKER

Total for this trans was $3.19 and I got a $2 cat back for the Reach Toothbrushes (so I actually made $3.65 off my FREE toothbrushes)....for a total cost of only $1.19 for two razors and three toothbrushes...a steal.

Wags Stop #2

• 4 Reach Toothbrushes $3.96.  Used 2 $2/2 q's = $.04 MONEYMAKER
• 1 bag M&M's $.39 (needed to eat up the $.04 overage)

Total was $.71 and got back a $4 cat for the Reach toothbrushes.  

Thank you Reach for your marvelous Cats and free toothbrushes...I will have some uber-clean teeth and extra cash to spend at the Jewel tomorrow when I pick up some nice lunch meat complete with free bread:)

A So-So Monday

I was off as usual this morning to get my Monday morning coupon fix.  I made a total of four stops.  First stop, Jewel:

Not much to be had (I did pick up a two coupon books with Coca-Cola q's in them to use at my Meijer stop), my grand total was only $6.71.

• 3 lbs Vadalia Onions $2.00
• 1 3/4 lb red grapes $2.58
• 2 bags Rold Gold Pretzels $3.98.  Used $2/2 = $1.98

Next stop, Doms.  Some pretty good shopping over there this week....usually Doms is my least favorite store to shop at, but a deal is a deal.

• 2 Boxes Raisin Bran $1.98 (loaded J4U q for 2 Raisin Bran at $0.99/box).  Used 2 .70/1 printable = $.58
• 4 Honest Tea drinks $3.58.  Used 2 B1G1 printables = $1.78
• 3 rolls Reynolds Wrap $7.47 (loaded a J4U q for 3 rolls @ $2.49/roll)  Used 3 $1/1 = $4.47
• 1 Angel Soft 12ct toilet Paper (used a store q for $4.99/package).  Used .50/1 = $4.49
• 1 Viva 6pk. paper towels (used a store q for $4.99/package).  Used a $2/1 printable = $2.99
• 2 3/4 lbs bananas (loaded J4U personalized price $0.49/lb) = $1.38
• 1 avocado = $1.25
• 1 head iceberg lettuce (loaded J4U personalized price) = $0.88
• 8 lbs Navel Oranges $4.99
• 1 sour cream $1.49 (it was taco night hence the avocado & sour cream...plus I picked up those $0.88 tortillas last Thursday)

I also used a printable store q for $1/$5 a produce purchase.  Total OOP $23.98.

Next stop, Meijer.  I decided to do another round of Coca-Cola purchases to pick up 4 more free passes to Brookfield Zoo and some O.K. priced Coke.  Here are the other items I took home:

• 1 Pampers Wipes $2.39.  Used $1/1 q I received in the mail last week = $1.39
• 6 bottles kid's chewable vitamins on sale for B1G1 = $ 16.47
• 5 12pks Coca-Cola $15.00.  Used 2 $2/2 = $11.00

Total OOP was $30.60.  I got back a Custom Meijer Q for $8 off my next health, beauty or cosmetic purchase for a cost of only $8.47 for the vitamins or only $1.41/bottle.  This will last the kiddos for 6 months (1 bottle per month)....not to bad.  Plus, I got my second set of tickets to the Zoo.  Overall, I spent $20 on 10-12pks of Coke and 8 passes to Brookfield Zoo.  I think that is a pretty good deal and we have Coke for quite a while.

Last stop, Target...the Mecca...my Homeland...a couponer's crack.  I just cannot get enough of that big, red bullseye.  I am, after all, an addict.  I have to admit that sometimes I get a bit embarrassed as I cruise past the pharmacy perusing the clearance end caps and see all the familiar pharmacy staff looking back at me.  They must think I am a crazy shopaholic....at least I am doing it for a greatly reduced cost. 

Anyhow, here is what I picked up at my final stop for the day for a total cost of $16.96:

• 4-24 ct Up & Up Ibuprofen $3.98.  Used 4 $1/1 Target printables = FREE
• 2 Scrubbing Bubbles Foaming Shower Cleaner $6.98.  Used 2 $1.50/1 printables = $3.98
• 4 Nivea Happy Sensations Lotion $20.16.  Used 4 $1/1 Target printables and 4 $3/1 q's = $4.16
• 2 Tres Semme Hairspray $6.68.  Used 2 $1/1 Target printables = $4.68
• 1 5ct Zyrtec $5.29.  Used q from mailer last week for FREE 5ct. Zyrtec = FREE (this is for my BFF...gotta help a girl out)
• 1 5ct Swiffer Duster Starter Kit $4.49.  Used target q .75/1 and $2/1 = $1.74

I also got another $0.05 off for using a reusable bag.  

Overall, not my best round of deals but I saved at least 50% or more at each of the stops I made and that equals deals in my book.  Off to bed...Happy Couponing:)

P.S.  My paper delivery man has now made it for TWO WHOLE WEEKS without screwing up my papers or leaving behind the cursed Beacon...everyone keep their fingers crossed he keeps it up!

Mr. Postman - Round 2

Some days opening the mailbox is like opening a present on Christmas Day.  This is what awaited me last Thursday:

Target sent my 3 free Goodnights underwear and a $2/1 store q (my favorite kind because I can almost always find a manufacturer q to pair with it).  I also received my two free pizza coupons I mailed in for when I got that stellar deal on the two Toy Story 3 Operation games, a $1/1 Pampers wipes q and a free 5ct. Zyrtec q.  As good as cash....

Mr. Postman

Here is another good q that arrived in the mail today complete with sample.  I love Vocalpoint.  They always send out high value coupons and samples...and these Mini Wheats are super YUMMY!  You can sign up at Vocalpoint here.

There were 3 $1/1 q's and a B1G1 q.  Thanks Vocalpoint!

A Good Fix

So I did my weekly deals early this week...I just felt compelled to go out and snatch up some goodies.  The coupons were just burning a whole in my coupon organizer and I needed a fix...and I got a really good one.  My first stop was Doms.  Here is what I picked up:

• 8 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch = $4.56.  I loaded a J4U Personalized Price for $2.07/box.  When you bought in multiples of 4, you saved $4, bringing my per box price down to $1.07.  Used 4 $1/2 q's = $0.57/box.
• 3 bottles Pine-Sol $4.47.  Used 3 $1/1 q's = $1.47 for all three.
• 2-10ct Mission Tortillas.  Used J4U store q = $1.76 ($.088/package)
• 1 Reynolds Foil.  Used J4U store q for $2.49/package plus .50/1 = $1.99.  Not the best price, but I really needed some foil...

Total cost was $10.48.  I saved a total of $23.11 in store and manufacturer q's.  I also got two cats back for a free gallon of milk with the purchase of three General Mills cereals.  If I can score some more cereal for $0.57/box, it will cost me less than a gallon of milk and I will get a 3 box cereal bonus:)

Next stop was Jewel.  Some EXCELLENT deals to be had here and I got to chit-chat with some of my favorite Jewel ladies.  Here is what I picked up:

• 10 Fage Greek Yogurt $12.50.  Used 2 $2/5 printable q's = $8.50 (These are excellent and my FAVORITE brand of yogurt)
• 2 Fuze Drinks $1.00.  Used $1/1 = FREE
• 2 Powerade Drinks $1.00.  Used B1G1 = $0.50
• 1 Gino's East Frozen Pizza $3.34.  Used Get 1 Free q = FREE
• 4 ears Sweet Corn = $0.80
• 20 bags Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Grahams $20.00.  Used 20 .75/1 peelies that were attached to the bags = $5.00 (Yes, I know that 20 is a LOT...but they were only $0.25 sense a bag and they have a long shelf life and my kiddos love them...I kinda do too.  Please don't let this one little purchase make me out to be a hoarder...I really am not and there were PLENTY left on the shelf for my fellow couponers)
• 4 Healthy Choice Mixers (donated to the storm victims) $7.96.  Used 4 $1/1 Avenu q's loaded to my Preferred Card and 4 $1/1 = $0.04 MONEYMAKER
• 2 Pam Cooking Spray $3.98.  Used 2 .75/1 = $2.48

I also used a $2/$25 store q and a $4.00 Cat that I got back from my Magnum ice cream purchase the weekend before.  My grand total was only $10.32.  I saved in $41.34 in store and manufacturer q's.  Coupled with my preferred card savings, I saved a grand total of $90.66!

Last stop was Meijer.  I had to do two transactions to utilize all my q's.  Here is what I took home:

Transaction1:

• 4 Oscar Meyer Lunchables with fruit $9.92.  Used 4 $1/1 q's = 5.92

With tax I payed $6.09 OOP and got back $5 in cats for an end cost of only $1.06 for four.

Transaction 2:

• 5-12 packs Coca-Cola $15.00.  Used 2 FREE 12 pack q's = $9.00
• 12 Crystal Light $16.14.  Used 2 B2G1 q's and 2 $1/2 q's = $8.76
• 1 package Lentils $1.00
• 1 package Navy Beans $1.00

I used my $5.00 in cats from my first transaction for an end total of $16.28.  Meijer was running a promotion, buy $15 in Coca-Cola products and get a custom coupon for 4 FREE passes to Brookfield Zoo.  The total to trigger this custom coupon for the Zoo is PRE-coupon  Normally, I would have saved my free 12 pack q's to use over at Doms when they do the B2G2 12 pack deals...but I wanted these free passes and I wanted to drop the price on the Coke...so I threw them in the mix.  In th end, $16.28 wasn't so bad for all those goodies and 4 passes to the zoo...and now the kiddos have some Lunchables to take with for a zoo picnic for only $0.50:)

At the end of the day, I spent a grand total of $43.14 for all those groceries and passes to the Zoo.  I saved a grand total of $101.83 in clipped q's.  If you add in all my card savings, I saved $176.63!  An awesome day of shopping...just gotta run our and pick up out milk and fresh veggies for the week.

Packed. Shipped. Donated.

On Wednesday, the boys and I made one last stop at Target and Wal-Mart to pick up some more goodies for our care package.  We were able to pick up all of these items for only the cost of tax, and even picked up a little overage for some of our other purchases we made.  Isn't it amazing what you can pick up for nothing?  These are items that we don't need or use, but we knew some people who did.  Food pantries all over the country are in constant need of donations.  Here is a way to give back without straining your budget and pocketbook and to help make a big impact in your community.  Remember, every little thing helps and if everyone dedicated just a small amount of time to someone else we could all come together to make a big difference.  

(We also picked up four more free Healthy Choice Mixers Thursday morning from our favorite Jewel as a last minute add-on)

On Thursday, the boys and I headed over to Safety Supply Illinois where Aunt T works to box and ship our donations for the storm victims to Alabama.  SSI was generous enough to donate the cost of shipping and boxes AND 50 breathing masks, 6+ dozen work gloves and 10-100ct boxes of disposable gloves....what a great company, right??  Thank you so much Safety Supply for helping us to help others and giving such a generous donation.  Please go and check them out here.

Here are some pics of the boys and Aunt T working hard to get it all packed up.

In addition to what Safety Supply Illinois donated, here is what we contributed to the care packages for a total of 123 items at a cost of about $33 (that includes tax):

• 1 Nivea Body Wash
• 8-3pks of Ivory Bar Soap
• 5 Adult Reach toothbrushes
• 4 Aquafresh Kid's toothbrushes
• 1 Covergirl Mascara
• 19 packages Carefree Pantyliners
• 4 packages Revlon Emery Boards
• 2 boxes Jell-O Pudding
• 4 boxes fruit snacks
• 2 tubes Crest toothpaste
• 2 Revlon tweezers
• 9 Revlon toe nail clippers
• 5 cans cat food
• 4 Crayola Color Wonder coloring packs
• 2 boxes Cinnamon Cheerios
• 2 boxes Fruity Pebble Treats
• 1 coloring activity book
• 9 Healthy Choice Healthy Pasta Mixers
• 4 magazines
• 1 box Crayola markers
• 1 box Crayola crayons
• 2 travel size Colgate toothpaste
• 6 pouches Starkist tuna fish
• 1 bottle KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce
• 1 board game-Hi-Ho Cherry-O
• 1 Peter Pan peanut butter
• 2 packages Milk-Bone dog treats
• 1 package noodle soap mix
• 4 pouches instant potatoes
• 4 packages Gerber baby food
• 4 jars bubbles
• 1 Gain dish washing detergent
• 5 packages Glide Dental Floss

Plus, don't forget about all of the travel and sample size shampoo and conditioner that my local Walgreens donated (2+ dozen).  In the end, I think we gained more than we gave.  The boys learned an important lesson and gained skills that I hope they will carry with them.  I know I will put them to good use in the near future.

Give A Little Bit...

The great thing about couponing is taking things home for very little money or even free...some people will go to the extreme and take home things they don't need or want just because they are free...couponing can make you extremely glutinous or it can open many doors.  Not just for yourself, but for others as well.  I like to use my "powers" for good for both my family and others.  Sometimes we can lose site of the world beyond our front door, and I am no exception.

One thing couponing has done is to make me more conscientious of what others may need.  So many times, I come across things that are such a good buy...but I cannot use them, and I just hate for a good deal to go to waste when someone can benefit from it.  So what to do with those items?  Give them to those in need...a friend, a neighbor, your local food pantry or homeless shelter...or an area that is facing devastation.

That is what the boys and I have been focusing our couponing powers on recently.  We have been pulling together a good size care package for those affected by the extremely damaging storms to the south.  Here is what the box looks like right now:

We still have some room in there, so we are going to try and pick up some of the free body wash that is floating around at Wags.  My BFF and the boys' Aunt, Tracy, is helping us with our donation by gifting us some shipping and breathing masks.  We are going to have the boys help us finish securing the boxes up and get them addressed and labeled to be shipped.  It is not only a great feeling to know that you are helping to help others, but to teach your children to do the same.

Here are some more freebies I picked up for the box today.  Our first stop was my local Wags:

I was talking with one of the ladies at Wags, whom I have friended, about my coupon exploits and was telling her about my blog (go figure) and that the boys and I were putting together a care package for the victims of these devastating storms.  She (and Wags) were kind enough to donate over two dozen trial size shampoo and conditioner to send down to Alabama.  Not only do coupons make it possible to help others, they also open the door for other avenues as well.  I have met some of the nicest people as I have gotten deeper into my addiction....I mean, couponing.  My favorite stop is always my local Jewel.  I just love my Jewel ladies...I always look forward to seeing them and chatting it up....but I digress....

Anywho...back to the coupons. I did have to buy the Carefree pantyliners for a whopping $0.65.  They were on sale for $0.99/package and Sunday's insert had a q for a free package up to $1.00...so all I had to do was pay the tax, the q's took care of the rest (a savings of $7.92).

Next stop was Target...I mostly picked up stuff for us, but I snagged two little things for my donation box and some nice overage to pay for it all.  Here is what I took home for a whole $1.23 (just the cost of tax):

• 3 Nivea Body Wash $7.29.  Used 3 $3/1 = $1.71 MONEYMAKER
• 5 Degree Men's Deodorant $11.70.  Used 5 Target q's for $1/1 and 5 Manufacturer q's $1/1 = $1.70
• 2 Revlon Nail Clippers $3.18.  Used a Manufacturer Cat q that I got from previous Revlon purchases for $5/2.  Got  a maximum of $3.17 off as that was all I owed besides tax (you cannot use overage from a coupon towards tax).

I saved a total of $24.05 in q's and I got $0.05 off for using a reusable bag.  Plus, the Catalina machine spit out three more Revlon q's...$5/2, $2/1 and $1/1.  I can pick up more items to donate and a little more overage to put towards some other items too.

A great day for couponing all around.  Before we send off our care package, I will make sure to capture some pics of the boys putting it all together.

For My Family

Because I know that you all love them as much as I do....ENJOY:)

Spin (Live)

Disarray (Live)

He Actually Got It Right!

As I peered out the window this morning and saw two Tribunes and a Sun-Times at the foot of my driveway, I almost couldn't believe my eyes.  Was I seeing this right?  Had he finally succeeded?  Well wouldn't you know it...winner, winner, chicken dinner, he had!  Now, will he be able to sustain it for more than one week?  Only time will tell, but I have to honestly say I don't hold out much hope considering his past track record.

Since it is Mother's Day, the hubs took me out to breakfast at Nosh and then to do a little shopping for our room redecorate.  I was able to find a cute little table and some awesome shams.  We finished up and headed home...but of course, I had to make a small pit stop to do some couponing...just a teeny, weeny bit...it is my day after all!

Here is what I picked up at Jewel, I had to do two transactions:

Transaction 1:

• 4 boxes Magnum ice cream bars $12.00.  Used 4 $1/1 q's and the $3 OYNO Cat I picked up at Wags the other day for the Mr. Clean deal.

Total OOP was $5.21, and I got back a $4 OYNO Cat.

Transaction 2:

• 4 boxes Magnum ice cream bars $12.00.  Used 4 $1/1 q's and the $4 OYNO Cat from the previous order.

Total OOP was $4.21 and I got back another $4 OYNO Cat.  Not to bad for some awesome ice cream bars...gonna take these to my Mother-In-Laws house tonight to enjoy after a nice dinner.

Happy Mother's Day!

Will He Or Won't He....

...deliver my second Tribune tomorrow?  Or will I awake only to find a Beacon in its place?  These are the questions that have been plaguing me all day.  I am already feeling anxious about my coupon inserts' arrival (or possible lack thereof).  Will they be waiting to greet me on a beautiful Mother's Day morning or will I have to partake in what has now become a Sunday morning ritual and place an angry call to a far off land?

Either way, I will not let my inept carrier's early morning performance taint my Mother's Day.  I am going to enjoy it to it's fullest, even if my kiddos continue to carry on like the Bicker Brothers.  I know how lucky I am to have two beautiful children and a wonderful hubs.  I am just going to sit back and enjoy it all.....

But I will get my papers...oh, yes...I will get them.  After all, it is MY day...check back to see what happens....

P.S.  Aren't these photos just fabulous???  Kelly Vanderploeg took them, she is A-MAZ-ING!  You can check out her blog here.

Friday Finds

I ventured out to Target for a birthday gift for my niece and picked up some nice little extras to put in my care package to the tornado victims as well as some overage to cut down the cost of my other goodies.  Here is what I picked up:

• 11 22-ct. Carefree Pantyliners $10.67.  Used 11 Target q's for $0.01 packages = $0.11
• 4 Revlon Nail Clippers $9.36.  Used 3 Target q's $2/1 and 2 manufacturer q's $5/2 = $6.64 MONYMAKER
• 1 Revlon Nail Buffer $2.99.  Used $2/1 = $0.99
• 1  package Revlon Nail files $1.47.  Used $2/1 = $0.53 MONEYMAKER
• 1 toddler swim shirt $8.00
• 1 small caddy $1.00
• 1 Polly Pockets gift set $13.28 (on clearance)
• 1 green bathroom caddy $2.99

Got another $0.10 off for using reusable bags.  Grand total was $21.58.  I saved $30.66 in coupons.  All of the pantyliners and nail clippers were added to my tornado victims care package.  The box is almost full and ready to be shipped.  Just gonna add a few more goodies for those in need.

I also made a quick stop at Walgreens to pick up some cheap Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.

• 1 2-ct Extra Power Magic Eraser $2.61.  Used .75/1 = $ 1.86
• 4 2-ct Original Magic Eraser $7.76.  Used 4 $1.50/1 = $1.76

Grand total with tax was $4.48 and I got back a $3.00 OYNO Catalina (Walgreens calls them Register Rewards or RR) for an end cost of only $1.48 or about $0.30 per box!

Not bad for a little Friday jaunt:)  Happy Mother's Day to all my mommy's out there...ENJOY!

A Little Meijer Stock-Up & A Donation

Ran out to Meijer today to pick-up a couple of stock-up items.  Here is what I picked up for $22.25 OOP:

• 1 dz. large eggs $1.64
• 8 cans Manwich $8.00.  Used 2 $1/3 and 2 B3G1 = $4.00
• 20 Yoplait Light Yogurt $10.00.  Used 3 .40/6 stacked with a mPerks q for $2/20 = $6.80
• 4 Eckrich Sausage $8.76.  Used 4 .55/1 = $6.56
• 1 Suave Heat Styling Spray $2.79.  Used mailer q for free item = FREE
• 2 packages Hot Dog bunes $2.22.  Used 2 .55/1 = $1.12
• 1 Memorial Vase for cemetary flowers $1.49 (no q, but a clearance item)

I saved a total of $13.49 in coupons and and got back a $2 OYNO Catalina for a total end cost of $20.25.

We have also been putting together a box of much needed items to send off to Alabama to help with all of the devastation from the massive storms that swept through the area.    One of the many perks of couponing is being able to give more to others.  

If you are interested and able to donate, you can send your donations to:

Disaster Relief

C/O First Baptist Church of Moody

902 Church Street

Moody, AL 35004

You can also check out this fellow blogger's site for more information here or head on over to Mash-Up Mom and read about it here.

  

Tuesday's Goodies

This week was top heavy with the coupons, but a little bit lighter on the deals.  I still managede to scrounge up some goodies.  The boys and I made three stops today: Dominick's, Target and Jewel.  Here is what I picked up for a grand total of $59.82.

I managed to pick up enough that it wouldn't all fit in the picture.

First stop, Dominick's.  J4U stands for Just 4 You and is Dominick's loadable coupon program that lets you add both Store and Manufacturer q's.  You just go on-line and add them straight to your frequent buyer card and it takes it right off at the register.  I had to do two transactions to utilize all my coupons.

Transaction 1, total $7.92:

• 1 Uncle Ben's Ready-To-Eat Rice $1.50.  FREE after mailer q.
• 2 boxes Kleenex tissue $3.00.  Used J4U coupon for 1.02/2 and manufacturer q for .50/2 = $1.48
• 1 20lb. box Arm & Hammer Cat litter $6.99.  Used 2 J4U coupons. One was a store q for $2/1 and the other was a manufacturer q for $2/1 = $2.99
• 1 dz. large eggs $1.89.  FREE after J4U coupon. 
• 1 8lb bag navel Oranges $3.99.  Used J4U $1/1 q = $2.99

Transaction 2, total $14.06:

• 2 boxes Kleenex tissue $3.00.  Used Doms store q for 1.02/2 and manufacturer q for .50/2 = $1.48
• 3 12ct packages string cheese = $6.00
• 1 1lb block Monterey Jack cheese = $3.00
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, 1 Zucchini and some fresh Broccoli. Used Dom's store q $1/$5 of fresh produce.

Next stop, Target.  I also had to do two transactions here as well to make the most of my q's.

Transaction 1, total $13.80:

•   2 Aveeno Naturals Sun Care lotions $17.98.  Used 2 Target q's $1/1 and a manufacturer q for $3/2 = $13.80.  

Got back $10 in gift cards for purchasing two Aveeno products (an in store promotion).

Transaction 2, total $10.66 OOP (used $10 in gift cards from the 1st transaction):

• Eyebrow brush $2.99.  Used mobile Target q $2/1 = $0.99
• 1 Tres Semme Hairspray $3.34.  Used Target q $1/1 = $2.34 (Yes T, I bought more)
• 1 Tres Semme Hairspray (smaller size for the car...yes, I keep one in the car) $2.49.  Used Target Q $1/1 = $1.49
• 2 8-packs Viva Paper Towels $19.98.  Used 2 Target q's $1/1 and 2 manufacturer q's $2/1 = $13.98

Last stop Jewel, total $13.38:

• Pepperoni $2.63
• 7lbs chicken drumsticks $6.80
• 4 bags sun Chips $10.  Used 2 store q's $1/2 and 2 manufacturer q's $2/2 = $4.00
• 4 2-liters Sierra Mist Natural $5.00.  Used 4 manufacturer q's for free Sierra Mist with Sun Chips purchase = FREE
• 1 can Black Olives $1.39

I also used a $2/$25 printable for Jewel.  

My total savings for the day was $59.46, putting me right at the 50% savings mark.  I am pretty happy with that considering I bought some items without coupons (GASP) and some high priced items.  

The Beacon-Wielding Thief Strikes Again!

Sunday has arrived again...every couponer's favorite day of the week...the day that paper goodness is delivered at the end of my driveway and I get my coupon fix.  It is also now the day my inept paper carrier crushes my spirit and throws out the fall guy....The Beacon....instead of my second Tribune.  How many times must I tell this man, "I don't subscribe to the Beacon".

I have to admit, he was on a good roll, seven whole days in a row without a mis-delivery.  But alas, it just couldn't last and I am again stuck with the cursed Beacon.  I knew this would happen, I knew he would let me down again.  This relationship has to come to an end...I just cannot take the disappointment anymore.  I wish he would just up and leave instead of prolonging this emotional abuse.  The man needs counseling....ok, at the very least a delivery map.

Anyone remember the Nintendo game "Paperboy" from back in the day?  You had to get the papers at the right house or you would lose your subscribers and eventually get fired.  Maybe I am stuck in a real-life version of "Paperboy", if only this one had a reset button and I could start over.  Maybe then, I could wake up on a Sunday morning stress-free and coupon satisfied.  Instead, I am again faced with repeated calls to that far off land where they could care less about my addiction.

Overreacting you say?  Maybe a pinch, but I need my coupons and this weekend's edition has five, yes five, inserts.  Good thing I hit up Menard's yesterday for two extra copies (they sell them for only $1/paper...a good investment for the return I will surely get from this week's coupon extravaganza).

So here I sit, blogging yet again about my paper carrier's shortcomings (of which, there are many).  I sit waiting and hoping that my second Tribune will arrive...that my set of inserts will be complete with this last addition of friends.

I do know one thing for certain.  When Christmas rolls around and he leaves that little note wishing me a Happy Holidays and asking for a tip, I will have one to dole out...and it won't be of the monetary variety.

Stay tuned for another episode of "As the Paper Turns", I am sure it will be yet another drama-filled adventure.

****Update****

My paper finally arrived at around 12:30....just a little over the one hour redelivery time the hubs was promised when he called into the Tribune at 7:30 this morning.  You would think that having to drive a paper back out to a house on your route would help you remember what papers that address gets.  You would also think that having to do it at least once, if not twice, every week for almost two months would doubly reinforce that....you would think.  Unfortunately, I am of the conclusion that my paper delivery man does no thinking at all.