Frozen Potato Stock-Up

So last Monday I dragged the hubs shopping with me to the Meijer and Target....here is what I picked up.  Nothing too exciting or stellar except for my super cheap frozen potatoes:)

Our first stop was Meijer and of course I had to do multiple transactions...three actually:

Transaction #1:

• 2.5 lbs bananas $1.43
• 4 boxes Kraft Milk Bites Granola Bars $11.96.  Used 1 printable $1.50/2 and 2 .75/1 q's = $8.96
• 1 International Delight Iced Coffee $3.49.  Used mPerks q $1/1 and a $1/1 printable = $1.49
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus $1.09
• 1 package Kraft String Cheese $3.49.  Used Meijer Cat I got on a previous transcation $1/1 = $2.49
• 1 cucumber $1.00

I spent a total of $16.84 and got back a $4.00 OYNO Cat for the Milk Bites and string cheese.

Transaction #2

• 4 Philadelphia Cream Cheese Indulgences $7.96./  Used 2 printables $1/1 and another printable $1.50/2 = $4.46
• 1 International Delight Iced Coffee $3.49.  Used mPerks q $1/1 and a $1/1 printable = $1.49 
• 1 package Kraft String Cheese $3.49.  Used Meijer Cat I got on a previous transaction $1/1 = $2.49 
• 3 packages Ore-Ida frozen potatoes B2G1 $5.00
• 2 bags Meijer Pretzels $2.00
• 3 Hillshire Farm Chicken Sausage $7.50.  Used 3 .55/1 q's = $5.85

I spent a total of $21.79 and got back another $4.00 OYNO Cat for the string cheese and cream cheese and a $1.00 OYNO Cat for the Ore-Ida potatoes.  

Transaction #3:

• 3 packages Ore-Ida frozen potatoes B2G1 $5.00 

I spent $5.09 with tax and got back another $1.00 OYNO Cat.  

My total for all three transactions was $43.72 and I got back a total of $10.00 in Cats for an end cost of $33.72 (I saved the $10 for me next trip to the Meijer...stay tuned, I got that post swirling in my noggin).  I saved a total of  $19.15 in q's, store promos and mPerks.

Next stop, Target.  Here is what we picked up:

• 4-3 pack packages of Dentyne Ice $8.00.  Used 4 Target printables $1/1 and 4 $1/1 q's = FREE
• 1 bottle Purell $2.99.  Used mobile Target q $1/1 and a manufacturer q $1/1 = $0.99
• 1 Aveeno Face Wash $6.49.  Used $1/1 = $5.49
• 1-2 pack Target Up & Up Contact Solution $4.94.  Used Target printable $1/$3 Up & Up purchase = $3.94
• 1 package Pampers Newborn Diapers $9.49.  Used Target mailer q $1/1 and a manufacturer q $2/1 from a Proctor and Gamble mailer = $6.49

I also another $0.05 for using a reusable bag for an end total of $18.85.

Overall, a pretty good day of shopping  Gum is one of those things I really don't like to pay for some I am always happy when I can stock up for free:)

A Small Trip Riddled With Errors

So I had to venture out to the Dom's on Friday to use my $5 off q that I ranted about in the last post.  I thought I would make a quick stop at the Jewel too for some (what was supposed to be) cheap lunch meat.  Here is what I picked up on my quick little jaunt that proved to be anything but easy since my little one decided he was gonna be in a mood.  Big thanks to the deli lady who gave him two fistfuls of cheese to snack on...while I appreciated the momentary silence (as I am sure the other shoppers did as well) I had to up his dose of Benefiber for the day:)

Dominick's:

• 1 Dannon Oikos Blueberry Greek Yogurt = FREE with J4U personalized deal q
• 2 Gatorade $1.54 with J4U personalized pricing
• 2.5 lbs Red Grapes $3.11 with J4U personallized pricing $1.29/lb
• 3 boxes Kellogg's Eggo Wafflers $6.00 with Dominick's Deal Match.  Used $1/3 printable = $5.00

So the $5.00 frozen food coupon that I talked about in the last post was a Dom's in-store q good on only "NEW" frozen food items.  So I went back to redeem it before it expired and was met with more Dom's nonsense....so one would think since they are promoting these "NEW" frozen foods, of which there is supposed to be like 200+, they would have them clearly marked on the shelves.  Well....I saw one, ONE, tag indicating a new item.  So I had to make assumptions again as to what items were "NEW".  I went with the Eggos as they had "NEW" printed on the box...using logic here, which doesn't always prevail at the Doms.  Well, I was shocked.  This time it actually did....every dog finds a bone once and a while.

My end total for Dom's was $4.84.  If I was thinking, I would have grabbed one more box of Eggos and picked up another q for free milk....but I wasn't and I didn't:(  I saved a total of 12.53 in q's, deal match and J4U personalized prices.  Hopefully, I don't have the urge to venture over there again anytime soon.  I have had my Dom's fill!

Next stop, Jewel:

• 1/2 lb DiLusso Hard Salami $3.79.  Used $1/1 q - $2.79
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Mesquite Turkey $3.99.  Used $1/1 q = $2.99
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Muenster Cheese $3.99.  Used in-store q for 1/2 lb free DiLusso cheese when you buy a 1/2 lb of DiLusso meat = FREE  plus I used $1/1 q = $1 OVERAGE (Jewel allows you to use a manufacturer q on free items)
• 1/2 lb DiLusso Provolone Cheese $4.07.  Used $1/1 q = $3.07
• 1 jar Jewel Pickles $3.49
• 2 Bags Jay's Potato Chips $5.00
• 1 Gallon Jewel Milk $3.49

So.....I didn't realize it until I got home....but, the cashier missed my second in-store q for free cheese and didn't enter it, thus failing to save me an extra $3.99.  Needless to say, I was a bit peeved...and still am....$4 is $4!  I am to blame as well for not paying closer attention.  By the time we had reached the check out, Logan ran out of cheese and was back to having some mini meltdowns....what can I say, I was distracted and it cost me $4!

Anyways, I also used my q for free milk that I got at the Dom's a few days before, the $1 OYNO q I got at the Meijer from the Gerber baby food, the $2 RR I got from Wags and a $5 OYNO I had got from the Jewel the week before for doing a Proctor and Gamble deal that I never blogged for a end total of $8.59.  If the cashier hadn't of missed my second free cheese q, my total would have only been $4.58.  C'est la vie I guess....

I saved a total of $19.48 at the Jewel and spent a grand total of $13.43 between the two stores.  It could have been better...but then again, it could have been worse.  

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!  The weather here is spectacular:)

Why Do I Torture Myself?

I was able to venture out sans kiddos the other day, it is amazing how quickly I can hit three stores and make it home in two hours when I am alone....I forgot what that was like!

Here is what I picked up:

First stop, Meijer:

• 1-2 pack Gerber pacifiers $3.99.  Used q $1/1 =$2.99
• 2.5 lbs bananas $1.41
• 10-2 packs Gerber Baby Food $9.60.  Used 2 $1/4 and 1 .75/2 q's I got from the Catalina machine when I bought the Beech-Nut food a couple of weeks ago = $6.85.  Got back $1 OYNO Cat for an cost of $5.85 or .59 each.
• 1 lb. Land O Lakes American Deli Cheese $5.24.  USed $1/1 printable = $4.24
• 2 Family Packs Chicken Breasts $17.52
• 1 Head Iceberg Lettuce $0.69
• 2 Gallons Milk $5.00
• 1 Package Kaiser Rolls $2.50

My total was $41.25....onto the next stop

Dominicks:

• 4-12 packs Coca Cola B2G2 $12.58.  Used 2 free 12 pack q's I got from redeeming my coke rewards points = $2.60.  (Dom's cranks up the price of the 12 packs to $6.29 a piece and the q's have a max value of $4.99 each)
• 1 bag Snack Artist Cheese Puffs = FREE with the purchase of the 4-12 packs (in store promo)
• 5 boxes Kellogg's Eggos $10.00 with Dom's Deal Match.  Used $1/3 printable q = $9.00.  Got back a q for a free gallon of milk plus (after much debate at the service desk ) a in-store q for $5 of your next "New" frozen foods purchase.

Grand total was $12.71 with a total savings of 13.48.  I really, really despise going to the Dominick's any more.  Their prices are high, the stock is turned over slowly and it is ALWAYS hit or miss as to whether your Cat will actually print or not (for me it is more often NOT).  I swear they change the rules there daily and it is frustrating as all heck.  

Of course, my $5.00 Cat didn't print out as I thought it should or would for purchasing the Eggos (after all the ad does say get the coupon after purchasing $10 worth selected varieties of of frozen food items...but would they actually have the selected varieties marked or listed??  Nope.  So you have to guess and the best guess is to buy varieties that have been on the shelves for awhile...which I thought I had).  Do you see all the assumptions you have to make just to save money at Dom's?  And we all know what they say about assuming!!  And of course, guess who was the ass?

There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to why or why not as others did the deal the same way with Eggos and it worked...except for the one factor of whether or not the chocolate chip or blueberry varieties were exclude and of course even though the promo says "selected varieties" in small print, do you think they would have a list or indicator of what varieties are part of the deal?!?!?!  No.  Why?  Because they are Dominick's.  

When I went to the service desk with my receipt and frustrations, they tried to tell me it was because I really only spent $9.00 because I used a coupon...which is a load of poo as others did the deal the same way and behold, the coupon printed for them.  And last I checked, Dom's factors the deal on the pre-coupon total unless otherwise stated...but that could change in the next 30 seconds.  The manager finally got tired of this preggers polite rant about Eggos and gave me the $5.00 coupon that of course expired in only 4 days.  And while he was nice enough, if the coupon had actually printed like we all think it should have, the expiration date would have been a bit further out.  And Dom's wonders why no one is shopping there anymore?!?!?!  Thanks a million...next time I will go to the Target and do the deal sans the free milk just to avoid your load of crap and frustration...ahhhh, I am done with my Dom's rant...until the next post where it continues just a smidge more.

Last stop was Walgreens:

• 2 Johnson & Johnson Baby Wash $6.00.  Used 2 .75/1 printables = $4.50.  Got back $2.00 in RR for an end cost of $2.50.
• 2-12 packs Arizona Tea Arnold Palmer's $9.98.  Used Wags in-ad q = $6.67.

Total was $12.12 with tax.  My total for the day was $66.08 and I saved a total of $24.04 and I got back a total of $8.00 in Cats plus a free gallon of milk.  If I hadn't had a giant headache from the Dom's, it would have been a totally successful day:)

Some Freebies At The Bullseye

So I ventured over to the Target yesterday to pick up some odds and ends and some freebies....I love freebies!  I also needed some more hairspray...that is kind of an on going need in our house, hairspray.  I think my heart is still stuck in 1987...I must have a ton of hairspray on my do....I always have a back up can under the sink and a travel size can in the console of my car for midday touch ups.  Some women touch up their make-up, I touch up my hair...I have tried to go "natural", it's just not me.  So when you constantly see a can of hairspray peeking out of my shopping photos and wonder what I do with it, now you know....I use way too much of it and I am o.k. with that:)

Here is what I picked up at the Target yesterday for a total OOP of $25.73...not too shabby and the lady behind me was impressed:)

• 1-3 pack of Huggies Baby Wipes $5.99.  Used a Target q from a mailer $1/1 and and manufacturer q .50/1 = $4.49
• 1 package Pampers Wipes $2.39.  Used a Target q from a mailer $1/1 and a manufacturer q .50/1 = $0.89
• Colrox Bleach $3.54
• 5 Market Pantry Apple Juice $9.85.  Used 5 Target printables .50/1 = $7.35
• 2 Welch's Naturals Concord Grape Jelly $3.38.  Used 2 Target printables $1/1 and 2 manufacturer q's .75/1 = $0.12 MONEYMAKER
• 1 Vitamin Water $1.00.  Used Target Cataline for .75/1 = $0.25
• 4 Purell Hand Sanitizers $11.96.  USed 4 Target printables $1/1 and 4 manufacturer q's $1/1 = $3.96
• 4 Up & Up 24-ct. Ibuprofen $3.96.  Used 4 Target printables $1/1 = FREE
• 1 Tres Semme Hairspray $3.79

I also saved an additional $0.25 for using my own, reusable bags for a total savings of $21.96...almost 50%...I'll take it!  

Cereal, Cereal and More Cereal

I think I am almost fully stocked up on cereal.  I have about 24 boxes in my stockpile right now...almost enough for a three month supply in our house....I like to keep between 2 and 3 dozen when I can.  Not only do my kiddos love cereal, but it is a must for me in the mornings as I am always running late to get the kiddos to school and this is a quick, easy breakfast that usually no one complains about....usually:)

Here is what I picked up on Friday at the Jewel:

• 8 lbs Naval Oranges $3.98
• 5 lbs Idaho Potatoes $1.29 with in-ad coupon
• 1 Gallon Skim Milk $3.50.  Used Cat for free milk that I got the week before = $1 MONEYMAKER...the coupon scanned at the max value of $4.50 and the cashier gave me the overage
• 2.25 lbs Red Grapes $2.92
• 1-24ct Eggo Waffles $4.29.  Used a Jewel q I received in the mail for $3/$3 of frozen food items = $1.29
• 2 bags Jay's Chips $5.00

My OOP was only $11.78..not too bad for fresh fruit, milk and some other randoms.

On Saturday, the hubs and I hit up the Meijer for their one day sale to pick up some cheap cereal and other misc items.  Here is what we took home:

• 10 boxes Kellogg's cereal $19.90 after Meijer instant savings of $5.00 for buying 10 Kellogg's items. Used 2 printables for $5/5 = $9.90.  
• 2.25 lbs Bananas $1.28
• 1 bunch parsley $0.89
• 1 head lettuce $0.99
• 2 limes $0.34
• 2 large avocados $3.78
• 1 bag salad $1.99
• 1 container cherry tomatoes $2.99.  Used printable for .55/1 = $2.44
• 1 jar Pepperoncini peppers $2.29
• 2 lbs Krakus Deli Ham $7.22
• 1 package flour tortillas $0.99
• 1 jar Meijer salsa $0.99
• 2 International Delight Creamers $5.58.  Used 2 printables $1/1 and an mPerks q $1/2 = $2.58

In case you were wondering....tonight is taco night at our house and I needed some odds and ends along with my deals to make a yummy dinner.  My total OOP was $36.52 and I saved a total of $18.55 in q's and promos.  My kiddos were stoked when we got home and they saw that I had picked up some Cocoa Krispies...all is well in the world:)

Some Target Freebies....

On Monday, I dragged the hubs with me to the Target to pick up some odds and ends...nothing too exciting but anytime I can get anything for free he thinks I am the greatest:)  Unfortunately, not everything was a deal but it was all needed.  Here is what we picked up on our little Target trip for a grand total of $34.87 OOP:

• 2-12packs Angel Soft toilet paper $11.98.  Used 2 Target printables $1/1 and 2 manufacturer q's .45/1 = $9.08
• 1 Tide Stain Release $4.49
• 4 packs Mentos UP2U gum $5.16.  Used 4 Target printables $1/1 and 4 manufacturer q's .55/1 = $1.04 MONEYMAKER
• 1 Can Tres Semme Hairspray $3.79
• 4 Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion $20.00.  Used 4 Target printables $1/1 and 4 manufacturer q's $1/1 = $12.00.  I also got back a $5 Target gift card for a promo they were running on the lotion for and end cost of only $7.00 or $1.75 per lotion.
• 2 Skintimate Shave Gel $4.88.  Used 2 q's .55/1 = $3.78
• 1 tube Vaseline Total Care Lotion.  Used $1/1 q = $0.03 MONEYMAKER (every penny counts:)

I saved $19.20 in q's and got a $5 gift card back....not a bad little trip over all.  I wish I had had some q's for the tide.  As much as I try to use a q for everything, there are somethings that I cannot go without and Tide is one of them.  My kiddos are the princes of dirt and this is a must on our house.

A Couponing I Will Go.....

I only venture to the Dominick's from time to time.  It is my least favorite place to coupon.  You have to constantly check the dates on products, the shelves are usually empty, the prices are often high and I frequently have issues with CATS not printing at the Doms.  But every once and a while it is worth to mosey on over there and pick up a few things.

My cereal stockpile was nada after my holiday vacay from couponing, so I am having to pay a bit more right now for cereal than I would like just to keep my kiddos happy....and its worth it.  They love cereal and I am good with that...especially since I tend to be running behind on getting them to school on-time.

Here is what I picked up at Doms for a grand total of $19.82....plus some random Target pick-ups too:)

Transaction #1:

• 4 boxes Honey Bunches of Oats $7.96.  Used 4 $1/1 printables = $4.10 (with tax)

Transaction #2:

• 4 boxes Honey Bunches of Oats $7.96.  Used 4 $1/1 printables = $3.96
• 4 32 oz. Gatorade $3.56.  Used J4U Q for $0.88/bottle.
• 2 gallons skim milk $3.94.  Used J4U Q for $1.97/gallon
• 4 Comet Cleanser $3.52.  Used J4U Q for $0.88/container

Total with tax for transaction #2 was $15.72.

I made a quick stop at the Target for some freebies and cheapies.  Here is what I picked up....

• 4 Rolls Up & Up Paper Towels $3.96.  Used 4 Target printables $1/1 = FREE
• 5 Bananas $1.20.  Used Target Q $1/$1 or more of fresh fruit = $0.20
• 2 Wonka Fun Dip Valentine's Day cards $6.54.  Used 2 $1/1 printables and a Target printable $1/2 = $3.54.

Not a bad little trip for under $5.00....if only all my Target trips were this cheap my hubs would be happy:)

Almost...Free Target Trip

We stopped at Target the other day to pick up my loaves of free bread with the q's that were in the Wednesday paper.  I also needed a couple of other things so used up some Revlon q's to get the overage.  here is what I took home for a grand total of $6.57 OOP:

• 2-4 count Travel Size Shout Wipes $0.96.  Used 2 .55/1 = $0.14 MONEYMAKER
• 2 Archer Farms Honey Wheat Bread $5.58.  Used 2 Target q's for free bread from the 9.21 papers = FREE
• 1 Dozen large Market Pantry Eggs $1.89.  Used Target q .50/1 = $1.39
• 3 packages Revlon Nail Files and 1 Nail Buffer = $8.60.  Used 2 Target q's $5/2 and 3 $1/1 manufacturer q's = $3.00 MONEYMAKER
• 1 Rimmel Mascara $5.69.  Used $2/1 printable = $3.69
• 1 Purina Whisker Lickins cat treats $0.99.  Used mobile Target q $1/1 = $0.01 MONEYMAKER
• 1 TresSemme hairspray $3.79

I saved a total of $21.78 in q's...I also got my hands on another free bread q and picked up another bag of cat treats for free today:)

A Mail Goodies Update

I haven't posted about my little mail goodies in a while.  They have been rolling in almost everyday.  Here are some pics of a few that have joined the ranks within the last couple weeks.

This is the best goody that has arrived in a long time.  It was a box from Bob's Red Mill.  Four full size bags of quinoa, hot cereal, honey oat granola and 7 grain pancake and waffle mix.  It also included a sample of Almond Butter...YUMMO.  The retail value on this goody is over $10.00.  

Next week, cam this little gem...2 q's for 2 free  twix bars and $1/1 gallon of milk.  We drink about 5 gallons of milk a week in our house....and milk q's are far and few, so I was ecstatic when this one arrived:)

This isn't really a coupon (but does come with some discount perks...lol)  I finally drank enough coffee using my re-loadable Starbucks card that I have now received my GOLD card....totally geeked about this:)

These goodies all came yesterday.  I got some Bath & Body Works q's. a free Swiffer Duster 360, a q for a free pint of Open Nature Ice Cream from Safeway (Dom's) and a gift check from  Hallmark to use during ornament premiere.  I am totally excited about the last one....hopefully I will win an ornament at this one like I did at the last one...lol:)

Come On Down....

Clearance season is upon us...and it is a perfect appetizer leading up to Black Friday.  I LOVE Black Friday...if you look to the right of your screen, you will see my countdown clock...just a few over 60 days at this point.  The BFF and I train for Black Friday like its an Olympic event...a marathon if you will.  I am already getting stoked just thinking about it.  Here is a pic of us freezing our butts off last year outside of Kohl's:)

I will usually pick up odds and ends here and there before Black Friday, but will hold out for the big day to pick up most of my goodies...but this year I just cannot wait.  There are freebies and clearance upon clearance galore and they are pairing up nicely with some coupons...WOOHOO!  

Wal-Mart has had a ton of cheap board games over the last week...guess what everyone is getting for Christmas?!?!?  LOL, I feel like Bob Barker...I have board games coming out of my ears!  I love to pick up toys like this because they also make for perfect Toys for Tots gifts.  Here are some of my goodies that I picked up over two trips to Wal-Mart last week.

Stop #1:

• 4 Monopoly games $20.00.  Used 4 printables $4/1 = $4.00
• 1 Colgate toothpaste $0.97.  Used $1/1 = $0.03 MONEYMAKER

With tax, I paid $5.51.  A few days later, I stopped at a different Wal-Mart and found these little gems:

• 3 Toy Story 3 Connect 4 $12.00.  Used 3 printables $4/1 = FREE

Just had to pay the tax on these little goodies...I couldn't have been happier....and you know that I bought all they had...sorry if you were hoping for a few freebies of your own...lol.

Meijer is also rockin' their own toy clearance...more to come on that in a future post.

Target Recap

The last couple weeks are starting to take their toll on me and I am just exhausted.  I always seem to be a day late and a dollar short...I don't know why I just can't seem to catch up, so I will just keep treading water and clipping q's:)

Here is a quick catch up on some of my Target finds.  Here is what I picked up on September 8th:

Transaction #1:

• 4-50 count Huggies Slip-On Diapers $79.16.  Used 4 Target printables $2/1 and 4 manufacturer q's $3/1 = $59.16.

Paid a total of $63.00 (stinking tax) OOP and got back $20.00 in Target gift cards for an end cost of only $0.20/diaper...not bad since they do double duty as pull-ups and we are potty training right now.

Transaction #2:

• 1 box Huggies Overnight diapers $19.79.  Used Target q $1.50/1 and manufacturer q $1.50/1 = $16.79
• 4 Febreze Noticeables Warmers $11.96.  Used 4 $3/1 q's = $0.04 MONEYMAKER
• Drano Pipe Foamer $3.39.  Used Target printable $0.50/1 = $2.89
• 4-4 count Cascade Dishwasher Tabs $3.88.  Used 4 $1/1 = $0.12 MONEYMAKER
• 6 packs Trident gum $7.74.  Used 3 Target printables B1G1 and 2 manufacturer q's $2/3 = $0.13 MONEYMAKER
• 1 bonus pack Colgate toothpaste w/ toothbrush $1.48.  Used $1/1 = $0.48
• 4 Purina Whisker Lickins' Cat Treats $3.96.  Used 4 Target printables $1/1 = FREE
• 2 Bounce Dryer Bars $11.98.  Used 2 Vocalpoint q's $2.50/1 and $1.50/1 = $7.98.  Got back a $5 gift card = an end cost of $2.98

My total after q's and $20 in gift cards was $11.94 and I walked away with the $5 gift card for an end cost of $6.94...not too shabby:)  I saved a total of $76.27 in q's and gift cards and saved my $5 gift card for another trip. 

I made another run on the 14th (I think there was a trip in between for a few randoms...but I have no idea what I got...that is how it's going around here lately...lol).  Here is what I picked up...all in one transaction:)

• 1 Pampers Kandoo Wipes $1.49.   Used $1/1 = $0.49
• 3 Febreze Noticeables Warmers $8.97.  Used 3 $3/1 q's = $0.03 MONEYMAKER
• 1 dual pack Febreze Noticeables refills $8.89.  Used Target q $0.75 and manufacturer q $1/1 = $7.14
• 2 Boys' Mossimo t-shirts $11.16.  Used 2 Target printables $5/1 = $1.16
• 1 Pantene Shampoo $3.60.  Used q for free item from mailing = FREE
• 1 Pantene Conditioner $3.60.  Used q for free item from mailing = FREE
• 1 Tidy Cats Scoopable litter $6.99.  Used Target printable $2/1 and manufacturer q $1/1 = $3.99
• 2 Purina Party Mix cat treats $2.84.  Used peelie on cat litter for free bag w/ litter purchase and Target printable for B1G1 Free = FREE
• 4 Purina Whisker Lickins' Cat Treats $1.98.  Used 2 Target printables $1/1 = FREE
• 1 can Friskie's canned cat food $0.45.  Used q for free can from previous cat litter purchase = FREE
• 1 package Always Pantyliner's $5.54.  Used q .50/1 = $5.04
• 2 boxes Tampax Pearl Tampons $7.98.  Used Target q $1/2 and 2 $1/1 = 4.98

My total OOP was $27.59.  I saved a total of $38.84...the cats will have plenty of free goodies for a long time...think I will take some to the animal shelter too.

Meijer Madness

Meijer is still throwing out some good deals, so I have been hitting them consistently each week for the past couple of months.  Since I am so far behind on my blogging, I am gonna combine all of my Meijer deals together in one long-winded post.  So here you go...

August 29th's pit stop was still part of the buy 10, get the 11th item free sale.  I, of course, had to do two transactions at the Meijer...shocker.  I saved a total of $7.35 in q's and spent an OOP of 12.29.

Transaction #1:

• 2.5 lbs black grapes = $2.35
• 4 Krusteaz baking mixes $4.00.  Used 2 printables $1/2 = $2.00
• 2 boxes Pizza Rolls $2.00.  Used manufacturer q .40/2 and mPerks q .40/2 = $1.20
• 4 Old Orchard Juice $4.00.  Used printable $1/4 and mPerks $1/4 = $2.00
• 1 Bad Meijer Pretzel Braids $1.00.  Rang up as my 11th item = FREE

Transaction #2:

•  2 boxes Pizza Rolls $2.00.  Used manufacturer q .40/2 and mPerks q .40/2 = $1.20
• 4 Old Orchard Juice $4.00.  Used printable $1/4 = $3.00

Next trip to the Meijer was on Spetember 4th.  I actually only did one transaction...a rarity.  I spent a total of $5.82 OOP and saved $13.17 in q's.  Here is what I brought home:

• 4 Simply Orange Juice $3.96.  Used 4 printables $1/1 = FREE
• 4 Simply Raspberry Lemonade $3.96.  Used 4 printables $1/1 = FREE
• 7 Land O' Lakes Spreadable Cinnamon & Sugar Butter $10.50.  Used 7 .75/1 q's = $5.25

My most recent Meijer stop was a major stock-up of items that cost me a total of $68.27 OOP with a savings of $42.05 in q's and mPerks.  Of course there was two transactions...people just hate being behind me in the self-checkout.  Here are my latest Meijer acquisitions:

Transaction #1:

• 10 boxes Kellogg's Fruit Snacks $19.90.  Saved $5.00 instantly with the purchase of 10 and used 5 $1/2 = $9.90.  Also had an mPerks q for $2/$2 purchase for an end total of $8.93 with tax.

Transaction #2:

• 1-625 ct. box Q-Tips $3.47.  No q for these:(  But I CANNOT live without Q-Tips and this is another one of my brand loyalties
• 1 bunch Cilantro $0.50
• 1 bunch bananas $1.45
• 2 Twix Bars $ 1.58.  Used 2 q's I got in the mail for free Twix bars = FREE
• Roma tomatoes $1.23
• 1 Plochman's Mustard $1.07.  Used mPerks q .50/1 = $0.57
• 1 Meijer Sour Cream $1.69
• 3 Avocados $2.00
• 3 Dannon Light N'Fit 4-packs $ 5.97.  Used 3 printables $1/1 = $2.97
• 18 ct. Large Eggs $2.59
• 2 Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss Creamer $5.98.  Used 2 $1/1 printables = $3.98 (this was by no means a good price...bit I have finally exhausted my major stock pile of International Delight Creamers we had and have not come upon a good sale for a restock...can't win 'em all...)
• 2.25 lbs Black Grapes $2.23
• 2 bags Meijer Pretzel Braids $3.18
• 1 bag Meijer Cheese Balls $1.59
• 10 packages Keebler Chips Deluxe Chocolate Chip Cookies $19.90.  Saved $5.00 instantly with the purchase of 10 and used 5 $1/2 = $9.90.  
• 4 packages Johnsonville Italian Sausage $11.16.  Used 4 printables $1/1 -= $7.16
• 2 Loaves Meijer Whole Wheat Bread $3.00
• 2 packages Earthbound Organics Romaine Lettuce Hearts $4.00.  Used 2 printables $1/1 = $2.00
• 1 package Meijer Cream Cheese $1.34
• 2 boxes Clorox 2 Color Safe Beach = $9.58.  Used 2 printables $1.50/1 = $6.58
• 2 packages Oscar Mayer Selects Hot Dogs $3.34.  USed 2 printables $1/1 = $1.34 

I also had another mPerks q for $2/$2 purchase...

***On a side note, I have finished clipping through the 55 inserts from the weekend.  George is about to burst and must be handled with care...I really need some uber-awesome sales right now to relieve some of the pressure.  Here is what George is looking like this morning....I REALLY, REALLY hope that button holds, fingers crossed:)

 

Cereal, Diapers...And More Cereal

So the sale at Dom's on cereal was just too good and I had to go back for more (remember they have the Buy 4 Save $4 sale running concurrent with the Deal Match pricing and J4U Personalized prices).  We eat a lot of cereal in our house and cereal usually has anywhere from 9 months to a year until it reaches its expiration date...so they are perfect for stockpiling.  Anytime I can stock up for around $0.50 or less per box, I will buy as many as I can.  Here is Monday's trip back to Dom's, complete with another freebie from my J4U q's I loaded onto my frequent shopper card.  I spent a total of $6.25 OOP:

• 8 boxes Cinnamon Toast Crunch $ 8.56.  Used 6 printables .50/1 and 1 printable $1/2 = $4.56
• 1 package 200 ct. Safeway Napkins $2.99.  Used J4U q = FREE
• 1-4 pack Dannon Light & Fit $1.49 (with in-ad coupon).  Used $1/1 printable = $0.49
• 1 Pillsbury Sweet Moments Brownies $1.99 (with in-ad q).  Used $1/1 q = $0.99

I saved a total of $31.57 in q's and in-store promos for a total savings of 84%.  Next stop was Meijer for a few odds and ends.  As per usual, I had to do more than one transaction at Meijer to use all of my q's and mPerks.  Here is what I picked up for a total of $27.95:

Transaction #1:

• 4 Degree Men's Deodorant $9.68.  Used 4 $1/1 q's = $5.68.  Got back a $4 OYNO cat for an end cost of only $1.68...or $0.42 per stick.
• 1 package Huggies Slip-On Diapers $8.97.  Used mPerks q $2/1 and manufacturer q $3/1 = $3.97

Transaction #2:

• 1 package Huggies Slip-On Diapers $8.97.  Used mPerks q $2/1 and manufacturer q $3/1 = $3.97
• 4-6 packs Mott's Applesauce $7.96.  Used 2 store printables $1/2 and 2 $2/2 q's from the MDA booklet at Dom's = $1.96
• 1 Dole Coleslaw $1.50
• 10 lb bag potatoes $3.99
• 3 Meijer Butter Braid Pretzels $2.97
• 2 Meijer Cheese Puffs $1.98
• 1 Meijer Hamburger Buns $1.00
• 1 Marzetti Slaw Dressing $3.67.  Used $1/1 q from All You Magazine = $2.67

I also used the $4 OYNO cat from the previous purchase.  I saved a total of $30.71 in store promos and q's for a little over a 50% savings...not as impressive as all of my previous trips over the past two days, but still noteworthy.  

I am trying to restrain myself from going back for one more round of cheap cereal...we'll see if I can hold out:)

Home Sweet Coupons

Taking a vacation from all things (including couponing...for the most part) left a lot of coupons to print and clip when I got back home and settled.  I literally spent about 6 hours catching up on printing, clipping and purging my q's and putting together my weekly shopping.  I still have this past weekends q's to clip...

I made three stops on Sunday, with my bestie in tow....towards the end of our little jaunt she was starting to get a little overwhelmed.

First stop was CVS for a diaper deal and some freebies:)  I don't shop there too often...but this one was worth a venture out.

I had to do 4 transactions to use all of my q's...and I picked up 2 q's from the CVS "magic machine" for a free candy bar and a box of band-aids.  I paid a total of $18.05 OOP, and got back a $10 gas card (which I have to wait for in the mail since the computer didn't trigger it for some reason...but $10 is $10).

Transaction #1:

• 1 package Huggies slip-on diapers $8.99.  Used store prinable $2/1 and manufacturer printable $3/1 = $4.66 with tax

Transaction #2:

• 1 package Huggies slip-on diapers $8.99.  Used store prinable $2/1 and manufacturer printable $3/1 = $4.66 with tax

Transaction #3:

• 1 package Huggies slip-on diapers $8.99.  Used store prinable $2/1 and manufacturer printable $3/1 = $4.66 with tax

Transaction #4:

• 1 package Huggies slip-on diapers $8.99.  Used store prinable $2/1 and manufacturer printable $3/1 = $3.99
• 1 Carmello candy bar $1.19.  Used in-store q = FREE
• 1 box CVS bandages $3.79.  Use in-store q = $0.50 MONEYMAKER

We took a couponing intermission to stop and grab some breakfast at our favorite diner and then a brief stop at Target.  I didn't pick up anything too exciting there except a couple trial size packs of Cascade dishwasher tablets for free.

Dom's is the star of the week this week for all of the cheap cereal that I happily brought home and added to my stockpile.  They are now doing a program called "deal match" that you can load to your frequent shopper card and it paired nicely this week with the buy 4, save $4 deal they were running.  It made most boxes of cereal $0.99 before I used my q's.  Here is my first trip this week:

• 1 box Cinnamon Toast Crunch $1.07.  Used .50/1 printable = $0.57
• 8 boxes Cocoa Puffs $7.92.  Used 4 printables .75/1 and 2 printables $1/2 = $1.92
• 3 boxes Honey Nut Chex $ 4.47. Used J4U q .75/1 and 2 printables .75/1 = $2.22
• 6 boxes Van's Frozen Waffle $15.00.  Used 3 printables $1/2 and store q $5/$15 frozen food = $7.00
• 4 Pillsbury Sweet Moments Bite-Size Brownies $7.96 (with in-ad q).  Used 4 $1/1 = $3.96
• 3-4 packs Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt $4.47 (with in-ad q).  Used 3 printables $1/1 = $1.47
• 1 bunch Bananas $1.07 (had JFU personalized price of $0.49/lb)
• 2.5 lbs black seedless grapes $2.52
• 1 package Johnsonville Cheddar Sausage $4.99.  Used J4U q for free sausage = FREE

I saved a total of $81.74 in q's and store promos...that's a 79% savings.  I was pretty happy with my deals for the day and even got a little coupon stoke...it was so good, I went back on Monday:)

A Vacation From My Problems...

This past week, we headed up to Michigan for a little family vacation and some time to unwind.  We stopped in Holland for some yummy G&L Hot Dogs and to order a candle and pick up some Dutch paraphernalia....the "Dutchies" refer to this part of Michigan as the "Motherland"...lol.  After a short pit stop we made our way up to Grand Rapids to see a very old, dear friend from grade school.  It is amazing how you can reconnect with someone almost 20 years later and pick up where you left off.

After our night in Grand Rapids, we headed up to Traverse City for five days to enjoy some time away from all the hub-bub of everyday life.

The boys had a blast.  We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge...a great place if you have little kids.  There was plenty for the boys to do right within the hotel...a water park, an arcade, story time, bunk beds in the room...the list goes on and on.  We also ventured out to see some of the local attractions, breweries and a lighthouse.

Here is a glimpse of our week away:

We also discovered this fabulous bakery called the Grand Traverse Pie Company.  This place was SO good...we couldn't get enough so we went there twice and stopped to bring pies home to eat and share.  The boys decided to enjoy some cookies there instead.

I really tried to go a whole week without couponing...but I just COULD NOT do it, so we picked up two Sunday papers in Michigan and I gave the ads a gander looking for anywhere that I could get a quick fix.  Of course, Target was my fix of choice.  I was also able to pick up some dryer sheets and free packets of tide to do some laundry on vacation (because what vacation isn't complete without a couple of loads of laundry squeezed in).  Here is my little fix for a grand total of $1.51 with tax:

• 7-2 packs Sharpie Markers $7.00.  Used 7 $1/1 Target printables = FREE
• 2 travel sizeTide $1.94.  Used 2 $1/1 = $0.06 OVERAGE
• 1 Up & Up box dryer Sheets = $1.37

On our way back home, we stopped back in Holland to pick up our candle and some other Dutch goodies and hang for a while to help break up the trip.  They had street performers in the downtown area, so we took a wander to check it out....the boys had a blast!  It was a great end to an awesome vacation.

Watching the ventriloquist

Logan loved the Juggler

A stop at Kilwin's for some Superman ice cream

Whenever I think about vacation, I think about the movie What About Bob?...here is a little clip:)  ENJOY

Finally...A Good Fix

I have been needing a good cereal buy...we are down to only 6 boxes in our stockpile and I could feel my nerves creeping up.  I like to keep between 2-3 dozen boxes in my stockpile.  We eat a lot of cereal for breakfast and if I have to pay over a $1.00 a box I start to get angry.  Even $1.00 is the top of my threshold (I like to pay $0.50 or less).  Although, I will gladly pay $1.00 for Captain Crunch...it is my cereal kryptonite and it is soooo hard to pick it up for much cheaper.

Here is what I brought home from Dominick's and Wal-Mart for $16.96 OOP.  I got back a $3.00 cat that I am going to take to Jewel tomorrow for some more cheap cereal for a bottom line of $13.96.  I was even able to grab some gossip mags for vacation for cheap:)

First stop was Dominick's where I had to do...get ready for the shocker...two transactions.  I could have done 3, but decided to keep my pain-in-the-ass rating at a low level today:)

Transaction #1

• 5 boxes Kellogg's cereal $10.00.  Used printable $5/5 = $5.00.  Got back a $3.00 OYNO cat.

Transaction #2

• 5 boxes Kellogg's cereal $10.00.  Used printable $5/5 = $5.00.  Got back a $3.00 OYNO cat.
• 3 boxes Barilla Piccolini $3.00.  Used 2 .55/1 = $1.35
• 1-20 lb Tidy Cats Clumpin Litter $5.99 (w/ in-store q).  Used e-coupon $2/1 = $3.99

Used the $3.00 cat from the first transaction.  Spent a combined total of $13.07 at Dom's and left with a $3.00 cat in my pocket for the Jewel.

Wal-Mart (only 1 transaction..lol)

• 2 travel size Tide $1.94.  Used 2 $1/1 = $0.06 Overage
• 4 packages trial size Cascade dishwasher tablets $3.88.  Used 4 $1/1 = $0.12 Overage
• People Magazine $2.79.  Used printable $2/1 = $0.79
• US Weekly $2.79.

Spent a grand total of $3.88 at the Wal-Mart....a pretty good day couponing.  I also sold some of the boys clothes at Once Upon A Child for $38.25.   I waited WAY too long to sell this season so I was only able to get rid of a fourth of what I normally do...there's always next year...but I will take my $38.00 because something is better than nothing.  

Oh Target, How Do I Love Thee...

I love Target!  I know I have said it before, but I really do love Target...they have anything you could ever want and a plethora of coupons to satisfy my every craving (did I mention my affection for all the clearance end-caps too?).  Today, I came upon a deal at Target....a deal I have been waiting for...a deal that no one had blogged about...a deal I found all on my lonesome...a deal I had been holding onto my precious coupons for.  I was so excited I almost couldn't control myself...my patience was going to pay off (sometimes good things really do come to those who wait).  Sound a little dramatic??  Of course, but I gotta be me and that's how I roll:)

Here is what I picked up at the Target today.  I had to do two transactions to make full use of all my coupons and gift cards:

Transaction #1:

• 10-4 packs Schick Quattro Dispoable Razors $69.90.  Used 5 $1/1 q's and 5 B1G1 q's ($6.99/1) = $29.90 (with tax my total came to $33.26)

I did get $0.05 off my total for using a reusable bag as well.  The icing on this cake was that for every two packs of disposable razors you bought, you got a $5.00 Target gift card...which is good as cash in my house.  So I handed over $33.26 to the cashier and in turn she handed me back $25.00 in gift cards for an end cost of only $8.26 for 40 razors (only $0.21/razor...YIPPIE)...did I mention that these are normally only 3 packs, but these were the bonus packs with an extra razor each.  Is it Christmas???  I feel like it's Christmas.

Transaction #2:

• 1-3 pack Huggies Wipes $6.49.  Used Target cat $1/1 and manufacturer q .50/1 = $4.99
• 1 swimsuit cover-up $17.48 on clearance.  Used Target q $3/1 clothing item = $14.48
• 1 Eucerin Aquafor Ointent $7.49
• 1 travel size Skintimate Shave Gel (with free razor) $1.47.  Used printable .75/1 = $0.72 (the bonus on this one is when I unwrapped it there was $1.55 worth of q's for more razors and shave gel...BONUS)
• 1 Oral-B Stages Toothbrush $2.59.  Used Target q $1/1 = $1.59
• 1 travel size contact solution $1.99
• 1-2 pack contact solution $4.59 (I had a $1/1 q that I totally forgot to use on this and that just pisses me off....but thanks to the razor high, I was able to let it go...well, sort of)

I got another $0.05 off my total for using a reusable bag.  My total before the $25.00 in gift cards was 38.58.  I paid $13.58 OOP. 

A very successful day for couponing...razors are one of those necessities that are always costly, so when I can pick them up super cheap it makes my day...I am still feeling a little coupon stoke:)

Ohhh, I almost forgot to share my little Pier 1 freebie.  They had a printable for $10/$10 purchase (no longer available).  This one was too good to pass up, so I printed it and off I went with the kiddos.  I found some cute coasters for our newly redecorated bedroom for FREE!

Target Freebies...Round Three

The hubs was supposed to have off today, but the call for overtime came and we can always use the extra cash...so off he went to work which left me with some free time today to make another pit stop at Target.  The boys and I ran some errands after swim lessons this morning and stopped at our favorite bulls-eye before wandering home.  Here are the freebies and cheapies we picked up today for $13.93 OOP:

• 6-10 packs Papermate Pens $6.00.  Used 6 Target printables $1/1 = FREE
• 2 Scotch Tape $1.00.  Used 2 Target printables .50/1 = FREE
• 2-1 lb. containers of strawberries $3.58.  Used 2 printables .50/1 Driscoll's product = $2.58
• 2 Lipton Secrets Onion Soup Mix $ 2.58.  Used 2 printables $1/1 = $0.58
• 2-20 count Tampax Pearl $ 7.98.  Used Target q $1/2 and manufacturer q $3/2 = $3.98
• 1 Swiffer Dust & Shine $3.49  Used $1/1 from P&G mailer = $2.49
• 1 Swiffer Duster Starter Kit $4.49.  Used $1/1/ from P&G mailer = $3.49

I think I am officially out of tape q's...for now...and I didn't need anymore pens, but the hubs can always use them for work.  I saved a total of $16.00 in q's.  I think I am done with Target for the week...maybe...

Target Freebies....Round Two

On Tuesday the 19th I headed back to Target for some more freebies and cheapies.  Here is what I picked up for $11.93 OOP:

• 12  Vitamin Water $12.00.  Used 4 Target printable for B2G1 = $8.00
• 1-6 pack Smartwater $5.54.  Target promotion, buy 10 Vitamin Water get a 6 pack of Smartwater = FREE
• 6 Travel Size Wet Wipes $5.94.  Used 6 Target printables .50/1 = $2.94
• 2 Scotch Tape $1.00.  Used 2 Target Printables .50/1 = FREE

You know I couldn't pass up more free tape!  I saved a total of $13.59 in store q's and promos.  All the bottles of water are for our vacay.  One of my many quirks is the need to have several open beverages floating around at any given time (I like a little variety, what can I say?)....and vacation is no exception.  Thank goodness out hotel room has a mini fridge:)

Target Freebies....Round One

I just love back to school time...there are always good freebies and cheapies to be had.  This year Target has sweetened the deal with all of the printables that are perfectly matching with their sales.  Here is some of what I picked up at Target today:

Unfortunately, my trip to Target this go around ended up costing me about $90.00.  I needed a slew of diapers as I have ran out of my stockpile and have not come along on a good sale...so back to the Target diapers I go...

I did manage to pick up some more free Zantac and the two $0.50 pillows to stuff my custom made shams that should be on their way over the boarder from Canada.  I cannot wait to see them in the master bedroom along with their curtain counterparts. The bedroom is coming along well, now I just need an awesome comfy chair for my little reading nook and some motivation to start on the bathroom.

Here is what my little goodies above cost me:

• 12-10 packs of Bic pens $6.00.  Used 6 $1/2 manufacturer printables = FREE
• 4 Travel Size packs of Wet Wipes $3.98.  Used 4 .50/1 Target printables = $1.98
• 1 box Snackwell's Caramel Corn snack packs $2.79.  Used $1/1 Target printable and $1/1 manufacturer q from mailer = $0.79
• 5 rolls Scotch Tape $2.50.  Used 5 .50/1 Target printables = FREE

I spent around $4.00 with tax for all those goodies.  Now I have pens to get me through another year and some more free tape (not that I needed anymore...but free tape seems to be my kryptonite.  I just cannot resist it and it is the one item I will excessively stock up on despite knowing that I couldn't possibly need anymore...and now they have them in pink dispensers!  What's a girl to do?!?!?!)  

The Snackwell's and travel size Wet Wipes are both for our upcoming vacay.  And let's face it, I am a neat freak with two boys...I am constantly cleaning up some sort of mess, so I rarely turn down Wet Wipes.  I have them stowed everywhere!

I have some more tape q's burning a hole in my organizer, so back to Target I go with a stop at my favorite Hallmark to pick up the free ornament I won from a drawing at the 2011 ornament debut.  I am a Hallmark and Keepsake Ornament junkie...I think I might need a second tree this year to fit them all on...