Hounding with frugalsuz

Hounding the Day Away

2012-02-17T14:59:00.000-05:00

Price Chopper

4 Softsoap Soap Dispensers $1 each, used four $0.40 coupons (1/29 SS) = $2.40 or $0.60 each
2 TruMoo Chocolate Milks $2 each, used two $0.55 coupons (2/12 SS) = $2.90 or $1.45 each
4 Francesco Rinaldi Sauces $1 each
2 PC Sugars $2 each
Total was $13.63

Expected the TruMoo and Softsoap coupons to double but they didn't. Bummer!

Rite Aid - spent all but one $15 UP. At the first store I went to, the $15 UP's only scanned as $7.50 off. Although I'm not terribly surprised, I can't believe RA would do this. There's no way for the register to know if the $15 UP being used was part of the glitch or not. Sometimes I'm amazed RA is still in business with some of the stunts they pull. The cashier at the first store took off $15 for each UP with no problems. The second store sometimes gives me issues with coupons, but luckily, the UP's wouldn't scan at all so they manually entered them in as $15 off. Here's what I got:

4 Ruffles Chips and 1 Doritos $3.43 each ($4.29 reg price, 20% discount), used two $1 off 2 tearpad coupons for the Ruffles and use these towards a $10 rebate on salty snacks (WYB $15, Heineken HKNNA027 or Newcastle NBANA006)
2 Clorox Cleaners $2.63 each ($3.29 reg price, 20% discount) and will get back $1 (SCR #37, WYB 2)
2 Loofahs "Delicate" variety $1.83 each ($2.29 reg price, 20% discount)
2 RA Soap Refills $4.50 each
6 Loofahs "Cleaning" variety $1.59 each ($1.99 reg price, 20% discount)
2 Shaving Soaps $2.23 each ($2.79 reg price, 20% discount)
Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo $7.99 ($9.99 reg price, 20% discount)
Dean Koontz Book $7.99 ($9.99 reg price, 20% discount)
RA Bleach $1.97 ($2.49 reg price, 20% discount)
Hartz Oatmeal Dog Shampoo $4.71 ($5.89 reg price, 20% discount)
Bucket $0.80 ($1 reg price, 20% discount)
2 RA Dusters $6.99 each, BOGO 50% off sale
4 7-UP 2 liter bottles $1 each + $0.05 bottle deposit on each, got back $1 UP (WYB 4) and will submit for $2 Miller NBPR rebate on one 12 pack or three 2 liter bottles of soda (105275) = $1 for all four
3 Snickers bars $0.99 each, B2G1 FREE
4 RA Cotton Swabs $2.39 each ($2.99 reg price, 20% discount), got back two $1 UP's ($1 UP WYB 2)
RA Cotton Balls $1.99 ($2.59 reg price, 20% discount)
Spent $14.87 cash all in all ($6.13 was tax)

I feel a bit relieved to have spent most of my UP's. I've got a $15 UP and a $20 UP for next week, plus a couple $1 ones. Why is it that when I'm trying to not spend money in a store, my total keeps creeping up. But when I'm trying to find things to buy, nothing looks good. It took me forever to decide on all this stuff!

CVS

2 Colgate Total Toothpastes (4-4.2 oz) $2.75 each, used two $0.75 coupons (2/12 SS) and got back $4 EB ($2 each, Limit 2) = FREE
*Raincheck item - Combos $2, got back $2 EB = FREE
5 Irish Spring Body Washes $3 each, used four $1 coupons (1/29 SS) and got back $5 EB (WYB $15, Limit at least two) = $5 or $1 each
Used $16 EB, total was $1.67

Got back $1 EB for using my green bag tag!

ShopRite - already had most of the groceries put away by the time I got around to taking pictures and didn't feel like dragging everything out again.

10 Sobe Drinks $1 each, got back $10 catalina (limit one per card) = FREE
4 Kraft Parmesan Cheeses $1 (aren't these cute?), used four $1 coupons (2/12 SS) = FREE
8 Yo Crunch Yogurts $0.90 each, used four $0.58 off 2 coupons (rang as $0.59 off, 2/5 SS) and got back $1 catalina (WYB 8) = $1.48 for all 8
Peaches $3.08 - supposed to be $1.49/lb but rang up as $1.99/lb - check your receipts if you get some too
8 Italian Village Raviolis $0.77 each
4 SR frozen veggies $0.88 each
3 SR Taylor Hams $5
4 Tyson Chicken Nuggets $4.24 each, used four $0.75 coupons (2/12 SS) = $2.74 each
Total was $39.01

Tried to pay using a $10 catalina I'd earned earlier in the week on the Sobe/Lipton but it beeped and said I'd exceeded the quantity allowed for this item. I used a different SR card to buy these than when I'd bought the first set.

Finally Venturing Somewhere Other Than RA

2012-02-16T19:34:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid - I bought the glasses on DBF's card hoping that I'd still get back UP's on them and the $20 Buy & Save promo. It worked! I bought glasses on this card earlier in the week (three at a time) and the UP's still printed.

3 Foster Grant Spare Pair Reading Glasses $9.99 each and BOGO 50% off sale, first was $9.99, second was $4.99 and third was $7.99 (20% discount), got back two $15 UP's ($15 UP WYB 2, Limit 4) = $7.03 profit
4 Hartz Crunch 'n Clean Treats $3.99 each ($4.99 reg price, 20% discount)
Starburst Jellybeans $2.39 ($2.99 reg price, 20% discount)
Conair Trimmer $11.99 ($14.99 reg price, 20% discount)
Libman Toilet Brush $3.19 ($3.99 reg price, 20% discount)
3 RA Apple Juices
Used four $15 UP's and $1 UP, total was $3.85

Got back $20 UP for Buy & Save promo for spending $100 on qualifying items. I'm trying to spend up these $15 UP's and leave myself with one $20 UP to roll into next week's deals. I'm paranoid that RA is going to change the value of these UP's so when you try to redeem them, they won't scan at full value.

CVS

8 Speedstick Deodorants $1.99 each, used four BOGO coupons (1/29 SS *These autodeduct to the full price of the items), got back $5 EB (WYB $15, Limit 1) and will submit for $5 rebate (WYB $10, 1/29 SS) =$10 profit
2 Colgate Total Toothpastes (4-4.2 oz) $2.75 each, used two $0.75 coupons (2/12 SS) and got back $4 EB ($2 each, Limit 2) = FREE
*Raincheck item - Combos $2, got back $2 EB = FREE
2 Welch's Juices $3 each, used two $1 coupons (2/12 RP) = $2 each
Used $9.99 EB, total was $1.51 (tax was $1.50 - not bad huh?)

Paid balance with a gift card I got from redeeming the rewards earned on my Discover credit card. Free money!

Semi-Dead Deal

2012-02-15T20:09:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid - between the time that I bought these glasses (around 1 pm) and now, the deal died at RA. It was printing one $15 UP for each pair of glasses bought, so when buying four, you'd get back $60 in UP's for about a $30 profit. I'm glad I was able to get some before they killed the deal. Its now back to printing two $15 UP's when you buy three glasses. Still a moneymaker! You can buy three, three, three and then two glasses. You'll get back two $15 UP's for the first three transactions and then one $15 UP for the fourth. Be sure to wait 24 hours between each transaction though. So confusing, but worth it.

Now I'm going to focus on spending down all the UP's I've earned, using them on things we need around the house. Here are some of the things I've bought already:
RA Apple Juice $2
Hartz Crunch 'n Clean Dog Treats $3.99 ($4.99 reg price, 20% discount), used $0.50 peelie coupon
RA Cotton Balls $1.50 each
RA Cotton Swabs $2.50 each, $1 UP when you buy 2
I also picked up the plastic box for $1.

Any good plans for spending your UP's?

Lots of glasses to donate!

2/19 - 2/25

2012-02-15T08:44:00.002-05:00

CVS

Coldcalm (60 ct) $6.99, get back $6.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE

Rite Aid

Brain Strong Toddler (30 ct) $13, use $3 coupon or $2 coupon and get back $13 UP (Limit 1) = $2 profit
Colgate Toothpaste, Total Advanced (5.8 - 6 oz) or Sensitive Toothpaste (6 oz) $3.50, use $1 coupon (Diabetes & You magazine found at WAG) and get back $3.50 UP (Limit 4) = $1 profit *Counts for Buy & Save promo ($20 UP WYB $100 of qualifying items, valid until 3/3)

Walgreens

Tylenol Precise Cream (2.5 oz) or 3 or 4 pack Heat Patch $5, use $5 coupon (coming in Sunday's papers) = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12

Sobe It!

2012-02-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

I had to go into NYC today for a meeting. Getting into the city, finding the right bus/train/whatever, hauling ass across town, the whole thing just stresses me out. I hate the crowds, the smells, the rush of it all. After the meeting was done and I headed back home, I could feel myself relaxing with each passing mile. Its so nice to be home!

ShopRite

10 Lipton/Sobe Drinks $1 each, got back $10 catalina (WYB 10) = FREE
Total was $10.63

Word is that this catalina rolls! There was some speculation since the circular says limit one. I'm drinking the fruit punch Sobe right now and its delicious!

Rite Aid - did this on the same card as yesterday

3 Foster Grant Spare Pair Reading Glasses $9.99 each and BOGO 50% off sale, first was $9.99, second was $4.99 and third was $7.99 (20% discount), got back two $15 UP's ($15 UP WYB 2, Limit 4) = $7.03 profit
4 Act Mouthwashes $3.99 each ($4.99 reg price, 20% discount), used four $1 coupons (these beeped, 1/15 SS *Expire 2/14), got back two $4 UP's ($4 WYB 2, Limit 4 offers) = $3.96 or $0.99 each
Used two $15 UP's and $4 UP, total was $4.09

Got back $20 UP for spending $100 on the Buy & Save promo!

Then I started working on DBF's card -

3 Foster Grant Spare Pair Reading Glasses $9.99 each and BOGO 50% off sale, first was $9.99, second was $4.99 and third was $7.99 (20% discount), got back two $15 UP's ($15 UP WYB 2, Limit 4) = $7.03 profit
2 Act Mouthwashes $3.99 each ($4.99 reg price, 20% discount), used two $1 coupons (these beeped, 1/15 SS *Expire 2/14), got back $4 UP (WYB 2, Limit 4 offers) = $1.98 or $0.99 each
RA Cotton Balls $1.59 ($1.99 reg price, 20% discount)
Used two $15 UP's, total was $1.21

I'm trying to keep my out of pocket cost as low as possible. So with each transaction, I'm going to buy an additional $7+ of whatever so I can use two $15 UP's. What a great way to get a bunch of items that aren't normally on sale or things I need!

More Any'tizers for Us

2012-02-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

We went out nice and early to ShopRite this morning. The store in town gets mobbed on the weekends and I have no patience for crowds. I'll make another trip during the week for the Lipton tea ($1 each, buy 10 and get $10 catalina). For now, I just wanted to get the freezer stuff and head back home to enjoy our Sunday. I love having lazy Sundays. We go out for the paper and whatever else we need in the morning and then lounge around the rest of the day.

ShopRite

4 Tyson Any'tizers $4.24 each, used $1 off 2 catalina coupon and will send away for $10 sporting goods store rebate (WYB 4, 1/22 SS) = $5.96 or $1.49 each
2 Turkey Hill ice creams $2.47 each
Total was $21.40

DBF tried the wings for lunch and loved them! I nearly passed out from all the fumes in the kitchen.

Then off to Rite Aid -

3 Foster Grant Spare Pair Reading Glasses $9.99 each and BOGO 50% off sale, first was $9.99, second was $4.99 and third was $7.99 (20% discount), got back two $15 UP's ($15 UP WYB 2, Limit 4) = $7.03 profit
6 papers $1.60 each ($2 reg price, 20% discount)
Used two $2 UP's, total was $30.44

I got back two $15 UP's because of a glitch in RA's system. Don't ask me to explain it, I've read the posts on SD about it a million times and still don't understand. I'm going to buy another three glasses tomorrow and I should get back another two $15 UP's. That should also put me above $100 for the Buy & Save promo, so I'll get back a $20 UP as well!

She's Gone Country

2012-02-11T21:34:00.000-05:00

There's no doubt that our house is in the country. Flocks of deer use our backyard as a place to bed down for the night all the time. There's something very serene about looking out your back window and seeing these huge animals right on the other side of the glass. Its quickly become second nature to check for deer before we let Shadow outside. I've been trying to snap some pictures of our visitors but they usually visit after the sun's gone down. The top picture was taken from inside our dining room through the sliding glass doors. They like to sleep curled up under the pine trees in the yard.

The fuzziness of taking pictures through glass was annoying me, so I headed outside (veeerrrrryyyy slowly) and got a couple shots from the driveway looking into the back yard.

Ever get the feeling that you're being watched? Shortly after this, the deer on the left stood up and they all headed for quieter back yards. Ones without crazy ladies in sweatpants snapping pictures of them.

I did manage to capture to ever elusive Shadow-Cannis Familiaris. This rare breed can be identified by its pointy ears and tendency to jump in and out of photo frames.

Not ten minutes after I came inside with my camera, shivering from the cold and headed up to the cozy office to write this post, my hunny has informed me that the deer are back. They are taunting me....

Have You Had Your Tyson Today?

2012-02-10T16:39:00.000-05:00

Woah, sorry about the brightness. I was hurrying to get the frozen stuff into the freezer.

Price Chopper

Clear Value Seasoned Salt $0.99, used $0.75 iSave coupon = $0.24
4 Tyson Anytizers Taco/Fajita Quesa Dippers (26 oz) $8.99 each and BOGO sale, used two $1 coupons (1/22 SS - could have used four but I only had two), $1 Hannaford meat coupon and will send away for $10 sporting goods store rebate (WYB 4, 1/22 SS) = $4.98 or $1.24 each
2 packages Banquet Chicken Breasts $4 each
Frozen Bagels $2, used $0.50 iSave coupon = $1.50
Used $1 catalina, total was $23.72

My hunny's name is Tyson so I always get a chuckle out of their logo. :)

CVS - so glad I went here before RA because I found a $1 off 2 Ruffles tearpad coupon in the snack aisle!

*Raincheck Item - Complete Contact Solution $7.99, got back $8 EB = FREE/$0.01 profit
3 Garnier Cleansers $5 each, used three $1 coupons (2/5 RP) and got back $5 EB (WYB $15, Limit 1) = $7 or $2.33 each
Reese's Heart $0.50
Used $20 EB, total was $1.75

Was planning on buying the free after EB's Zarbees cough syrup but the store was out. I got a raincheck for that and used a raincheck I already had to break up the $20 EB I earned from the Schick/Skintimate deal a couple weeks back. Next week's circular is advertising a $10 rebate on Garnier that should be available soon on cvs.com. I doubt these purchases will be valid since the rebate isn't even up yet, but you never know!

Rite Aid

5 bags Ruffles Chips $3 each, used two $1 off 2 tearpad coupons (these beeped) and got back two $1 UP's ($1 WYB 2, Limit 2 offers) = $11 or $2.20 each
Used $12 in UP's, total was zero

I'll use these chips towards a $10 rebate on salty snacks (WYB $15, Heineken HKNNA027 or Newcastle NBANA006), which brings the cost down to $1 or $0.20 a bag!

I'm Losing It

2012-02-09T20:42:00.000-05:00

I was going to pass on the Stayfree this week, but the numbers got the better of me. Its profitable and counts towards the Buy & Save promo ($20 WYB $100 of qualifying items, valid until 3/3). After looking at my receipt from the dog treats I bought the other day, I'm already up to almost $40 on my card. I haven't even been trying for this deal, so I have no idea what I bought that got the level up so high. Figured I might as well add to it a bit...

Rite Aid - did this on DBF's card

2 Stayfree Pads $3 each, used BOGO coupon (1/8 SS) plus $0.50 peelie coupon and got back $4 UP ($2 UP for each, Limit 3) = $1.50 profit
Used $2 UP, total was $0.50

Then on my card:

6 Stayfree Pads $3 each, used three BOGO coupons (1/8 SS) and got back $6 UP ($2 UP for each, Limit 3) = $3
Used $8 in UP's, total was $1

Now at this point, I'm sure you're wondering what my master plan was for actually spending money on pads. Surely there's a hidden trick up my sleeve that would justify spending three hard-earned dollars on pads that I'll just donate to the local food pantry. Well dear friends, I'll let you in on it. But only if you promise to not tell anyone.

I had a complete and utter brain fart. You would think that since I spend so much time compiling deals from various websites and typing them up into a pretty format that I could spend the time to read what I've written. Well apparently that's not the case. I convinced myself that the deal was a $4 UP when you bought two, limit three offers instead of $2 UP per item, limit three. I think I need a vacation. :)

2/12 - 2/18

2012-02-08T08:31:00.004-05:00

Wow, pretty crummy week all around, huh?

CVS

Speedstick Deodorant $1.99, buy eight, use four BOGO coupons (1/29 SS *These autodeduct to the full price of the items, so for two it takes off $3.98), get back $5 EB (WYB $15, Limit 1) and submit for $5 rebate (WYB $10, 1/29 SS) = $10 profit
Colgate Total Toothpaste (4-4.2 oz) $2.75, use $0.75 coupon (coming in Sunday's paper) and get back $2 EB (Limit 2) = FREE

Rite Aid

Thermacare Heat Wraps $6, use $3 coupon and get back $4 UP (Limit 4) = $1 profit *The ad has these in a box with a two for $12 price and then says $4 UP when you buy these items. Its not perfectly clear if the UP will print when you buy one or if you'll have to buy two.
Foster Grant Spare Pairs Reading Glasses BOGO 50% off sale, buy two at $9.99 each, pay $14.98 and get back $15 UP (WYB 2, Limit 4) = FREE/$0.02 profit *Also should count towards Buy & Save promo ($20 UP WYB $100 of qualifying items, valid until 3/3)

Walgreens

Lypsyl Extreme Cold Sore Relief (0.3 oz) $5, get back $5 RR = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12

A Trip for Shadow

2012-02-07T21:41:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid - I finally used up my last $20 UP! I've had a lot going on lately and I cannot wrap my head around some of the more complicated transactions that folks are posting on SlickDeals. I was happy to see this straightforward deal on dog treats. We needed them, they brought my total close to $20 and the price wasn't half bad. I was planning on getting some Ruffles ($3 each, $2 UP WYB 2) instead of the Lipton, but this store was totally out. The Lipton's better for my hips anyway! :)

In Style Magazine $3.19 ($3.99 reg price, 20% discount), used $2 coupon and $2 Savingstar coupon = $0.81 profit
4 Hartz Crunch & Clean Dog Treats $3.99 each ($4.99 reg price, 20% discount), used four $1 coupons (1/29 SS) and got back two $2 UP's ($2 WYB 2, Limit 2) = $7.96 or $1.99 each
Lipton Iced Tea Mix $3.99 ($4.99 reg price, 20% discount)
RA Garlic Powder $0.80 ($1 reg price, 20% discount)
3 M&M's $0.99 each, BOGO sale so $1.98 for three
Used $20 UP, total was ZERO!

Wasn't planning for the extra discount on the Hartz so I threw in the M&M's to get my total higher. Imagine my surprise when the transaction zeroed out! I didn't realize they were BOGO otherwise I would have grabbed a fourth bag.

The cashier saw the $0.50 peelie coupons on the boxes and started taking them off for me. I said thanks, but told him I had $1 coupons I'd rather use. He said - no worries, you can use both. (headsmack) I had to tell him (twice) that you couldn't use two coupons on one item. His Manager was ringing right next to him too! I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he thought the peelie coupons were RiteAid coupons. But he is the same cashier who rang up some holiday decorations twice for me. And that's all I've got to say 'bout that.

My Happy Room

2012-02-05T21:29:00.000-05:00

I just love the cheerful light in our dining room. We get lots of sunlight poring in from the sliding glass doors and combined with the bright paint, its always sunny and uplifting in here. I put up this Valentine's Day wreath to get it off the table (there was already a nail in that spot) and although its small for such a large wall, I like it there!

Here's the wreckage of a crazy weekend. I had an appointment at 10 am on Saturday in NJ and my parents and I were meeting up for dinner at 5. That's a lot of time to fill. They were out all day, otherwise I would have gone over for lunch. I dropped off my plates to the DMV, picked up a bag of food and copy of Gigi's medical records at the vet, swung by the eye doctor to have my glasses fixed and make an appointment, grabbed a shake at Wawa (yum!), poked around for clearance deals at Walgreens, got free lunch at Panera courtesy of my sister, deposited a slew of rebate checks at the bank, got gas, hit up two Targets, four CVS's and two Rite Aid's. All that running around gave me quite a headache! After having a lovely dinner and driving all the way back home (plus making a ShopRite trip that I'd run out of time for before dinner), I was pooped and collapsed into bed.

Target has some nice printable coupons out (or at least, I think they're still out) - $1 off Up & Up paper towels (used on the single rolls which are $0.99), $1 off a $3 Up & Up item (used on a big jug of hand soap refill for $3.39) and $1 off Up & Up mouthwash (got the Target version of Act for $2.88). I also found a twin pack of clearanced throw pillows for about $14.

At CVS, I got a bunch of the Speed Stick deodorant that was on sale. My Dad uses this brand, so it was nice to be able to give him a whole bunch. The BOGO coupons automatically deducted the full price of the deodorant, so I didn't pay anything OOP, got back a $6 EB for every six that I bought and I'll send away for the $5 rebate in the 1/29 SS. I picked up some cheap toilet paper and soda at Rite Aid and some cheap Sargento cheese at ShopRite.

Gigi could care less what I have on the table, as long as her comfy chair cushion is right where its supposed to be. She's taken to sitting like this lately, one back leg hanging in the wind.

With Saturday being so crazy, I set out to do a whole lot of nothing today and I was successful! Gigi has the right idea. A little lounging is good for the soul.

2/5 - 2/11

2012-02-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

CVS

Zarbees Children's Cough Syrup (4 oz) $6, get back $6 EB (Limit 1) = FREE

Rite Aid

Stayfree Pads $3, buy four and use two BOGO coupons (1/8 SS) and get back $6 UP ($2 UP for each, Limit 3) = FREE *Counts towards Buy & Save Promo ($20 WYB $100 on qualifying items, through 3/3)
Physician's Formula Cosmetics BOGO50% off sale and spend $20, get back $5 UP (Limit 2) *Great deal if you can find the TMF items listed below. You can buy them individually and your card will track your purchases.

Walgreens

Wet Synergy Lubricant (3.3 oz) $10, use $1 coupon and get back $10 RR = $1 profit
Sheets Energy Strips (10 pk) $3.99, get back $4 RR = FREE/$0.01 profit
St. Joseph 36 ct, 81 mq $2, get back $2 RR = FREE
Factor Nutrition Labs Ubiquinol CoQ10 (30 ct) $10, send away for TMF rebate (form prints at checkout) = FREE
Artic Naturals Total Omega Ultimate or Daily Omega 3 (60 ct) $15, send away for TMF rebate (form prints at checkout) = FREE
BluScience HeartBlu Healthy Heart Support (60 ct) $14, send away for TMF rebate (form prints at checkout) = FREE
Renew Life Love Your Heart (90 ct) $20, send away for TMF rebate (form prints at checkout) = FREE
Sundown Vitamins D3-1000 IU (100 ct) $4, send away for TMF rebate (form prints at checkout) = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme

Cosmeceutical?

2012-01-30T20:36:00.000-05:00

CVS

Physician's Formula Youthful Wear Cosmeceutical (is that really a word?!?) Youth-Boosting Foundation + Brush $15.99, used $4 peelie coupon, got back $7 EB (WYB $10, Limit 1) and will send away for $14.95 TMF rebate = $9.96 profit
4 Skintimate Shaving Creams $3.99 each (reg price), used four $0.55 coupons (1/15 SS) and got back $4 EB for each (Limit 100!) = $2.24 profit
Used $1 EB, total was $26.92 - ouch!

Separately, I bought another PF foundation and some Schick Hydro Shaving Gel for $4.49 each. The Schick is also producing EB's. DBF is very low on shaving cream, so I didn't mind paying about $0.50 a can for these. The profit from the PF more than cancelled out the cost of the shaving cream.

A couple of things to note with these deals. The Skintimate/Schick deal is quite possibly an error in the system that could be pulled/changed at any point. So if you want some, go quickly! The Schick Hydro Moisturizing variety is NOT producing EB's. Neither are the Skintimates in the plastic can. Other than that, it seems like all varieties are working.

Also, it seems that these PF cosmetics aren't in all stores yet. I've only seen them in one so far, so don't be upset if you can't find them. There are sure to be tons more deals throughout the year.

Shopping with Shadow

2012-01-29T21:58:00.000-05:00

What a lot of shopping I did this morning! Da boyfriend's friend was supposed to come over and help him yank out our wood stove, so Shadow and I went shopping to get her out of the house and out of the way. Unfortunately, he couldn't make it, so we're still stuck with this thing for a while longer.

Its looking better though now that DBF took off the heat shield. The brick behind it looks to be in really good shape, which is a relief. The plan is to take the wood stove out to reveal the regular fireplace. This will free up some space in the living room and we think it will look a lot better. Once the stove is gone, we're going to rip off the wood paneling above it. Unfortunately, the wall behind it is pretty beat up, so we're going to put up some new paneling instead and DBF is going to build a purty mantel.

Back to the shopping -

Stop & Shop

2 Hunts Ketchups $1 each
2 Ballpark Hot Dogs $4.59 each, BOGO sale and used $1 off 2 coupon = $1.79 each
2 Hillshire Farm Kielbasas $4.49 each, BOGO sale = $2.24 each
Whole bunch of boneless skinless chicken breast at $1.89/lb
Total was $26.14

I'll hold onto this receipt in the hopes of finding a NBPR rebate on chicken!

Price Chopper

3 PC Pizza Doughs $0.88 each, B1G2 free = $0.29 each
Dole Salads $3.99 each, B1G2 free = $1.33 each
Dole Celery $1.99, used $1 coupon = $1
Margherita Sliced Pepperoni $3.99, BOGO sale = $1.99 each
3 Tostitos Blue Corn chips $1.99 each (3 day sale) *These did not ring up as the sale price, had to get an adjustment in CS
Sunchips $3.99, BOGO sale = $1.99 each
3 Digiorno Pizzas $4.50 each, used three for $10 coupon from circular and $3 off 2 tearpad coupon = three for $7 or $2.33 each
2 Red Baron Pizzas $6.99 *Circular advertises a double pack for this price but the store didn't have any. They let me substitute the double pack for two individual pies.
Milk $1.09
2 ICBINB Tubs $2.50 - should have used the coupons in today's circular! I saw these in the aisle and remembered that we were almost out
5 Cracker Barrel cheeses $2 each
Eggland Eggs $1.77, used $0.35 coupon (1/29 SS) = $1.42 *The coupon beeped and when the cashier manually entered in the amount, it didn't double.
Total was $51.32

I'll use the pizza and chips towards a $25 Smirnoff NBPR rebate on $25.01 of deli platters, pizza, wings, snacks, cups, plates and utensils (DGUSA0295).

At Target, I found these chair cushions on clearance for about $7 each. Gigi has barely moved from them all day! I also picked up a really cute screen for the fireplace for around $35.

Egg-celent

2012-01-26T20:21:00.001-05:00

CVS

6 U by Kotex Pantiliners (16 - 22 ct) $0.99 each, used six $1 coupons (1/15 SS) and $1.50 SavingStar coupon (WYB 2) = $1.50 profit
Estroven Maximum Strength (28 ct.) $9.99, get back $9.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
Dozen Eggs $1.69
Used $5.99 EB, total was $5.69

Got back $0.50 EB for fall spending and $1 EB for using my green bag tag - those just about paid for the eggs!

As I plopped everything down on the counter, I couldn't help but laugh at my egg-themed purchases. Funny how these things mesh together sometimes!

Free OJ

2012-01-25T20:06:00.000-05:00

Stop & Shop

4 Simply Orange Juices $1 each, used four $0.50 coupons (Diabetes & You magazine found at Walgreens, Spring 2012 edition) = FREE
2 Arm & Hammer Dryer Sheets (40 ct) $1 each, used $1 off 2 coupon = $1 or $0.50 each
2 Doritos $3.29 each, Utz Sourdough Pretzels $2.79, Wise Chips $2, Nature's Promise Blue Tortilla Chips $2.50, Sunchips $2.50 - will use these towards a $10 Newcastle NBPR rebate on $15 of "Pub Grub" (chips, peanuts and pretzels) = $6.37 for all 6 bags
Used $7 catalina, total was $10.51

I love rebates like this where I can pick up things that I want, versus always looking for sale items. The sour cream & onion Doritos are interesting, sort of like Cool Ranch Doritos. The pizza ones are so-so, not sure I'd buy those again.

Rite Aid

3 Mentos UP2U Gums (14 ct.) $1 each, used three $1 coupons (1/1 SS) and got back $1 UP (WYB 3, Limit 4 deals) = $1 profit

1/29 - 2/4

2012-01-25T08:32:00.004-05:00

CVS

Sun/Mon/Tues ONLY: Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bunny, Cadbury's Egg or Reese's Single Egg $0.87, get back $0.87 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick Deodorant $1.99, buy six and use three BOGO coupons (1/29 SS), get back $6 EB (WYB $12, Limit 2) and submit for $5 rebate (WYB $10, 1/29 SS) = $5.03 profit
Hallmark Cards - buy three and get back $3 EB (Limit 1) *If $0.99 cards are included = FREE
Physician's Formula Cosmetics - spend $10, get back $7 EB (Limit 1). Great deal if you can find the free after rebate items listed below!

Rite Aid

Pepsi 12 packs $3.33, buy $15 worth (5 cases) and get back $5 UP (WYB $15, Limit 2) and $2 UP (WYB 3 cases, Limit 2) = $9.65 or $1.93 per case *Or buy six cases, spend $19.98 and get back $5 UP and two $2 UP's = $10.98 or $1.83 a case

Rite Aid Monthly Deals - Valid until 1/31

High Octane Energy Chews $1.99, BOGO sale, buy two, use $0.50 coupon (RA allows only one coupon on a BOGO sale) and get back $3 UP (WYB 2, Limit 1) = $1.51 profit
Zippo Mini Candle Lighter (Pearl or Cabernet) $9.99 - $12.99, get back $5 UP (Limit 2) and $5 (SCR #25, no limit) = FREE/$0.01 profit

Walgreens

Blink Tears Eye Care Drops (0.33 or 0.5oz) $8, use $1 coupon (1/15 SS) and get back $8 RR = $1 profit
St. Joseph Enteric Aspirin (36 ct. 81 mg dose) $2, get back $2 RR = FREE
Pur-Absorb Iron Supplement (28 packets) $10, get back $10 RR = FREE *Some lots of Pur-Absorb have been pulled from Walgreens shelves. The scoop is that WAG is substituting with these items:

Ferrous Sulfate (260 ct) WIC 504626 Normally $13.99, will ring at $10, get back $10 RR = FREE
Ferrous Sulfate (100 ct) WIC 505369. Normally $8.99, will ring at $10, get back $10 RR = FREE
Bifera (30 ct) WIC 443523 Normally $19.99, will ring at $10, get back $10 RR = FREE *$2 coupon here

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme

UP2U if You Get UP2U

2012-01-24T18:30:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid

3 Mentos UP2U Gums (14 ct.) $1 each, used three $1 coupons (1/1 SS) and got back $1 UP (WYB 3, Limit 4 deals) = $1 profit
2 Zippo Mini Candle Lighters (Pearl or Cabernet) $9.99 each (no Wellness discount applies), got back two $5 UP's (Limit 2) and will get back $10 ($5 each, SCR #25, no limit) = FREE/$0.01 profit
Total was $21.59

Staples

Command Medium Picture Hanging Strips (black) $3.99, will get back $3.99 Easy Rebate (Limit 1) = FREE
Total was $4.26

Got an email from Staples with a coupon to get 25% back in Staples Rewards on almost any item in the store. The fine print didn't say anything about rebate items and I figured it couldn't hurt, so I used it on this item. It took off $0.01 and we'll see if anything happens.

CVS - over three transactions, I picked up 12 cases of Coke for $2.50 each. I got back a $10 CVS cash card for spending $30 on qualifying items, so $20 for 12 cases or $1.66 each.

Shopping and Snowing

2012-01-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

Price Chopper

PC Pork Chops $5.09 and BOGO sale, used $1 Hannaford coupon = $4.09 for two packages
PC provolone $1.04 ($4 per lb)
Jarlesberg Swiss Cheese $4.99 ($4.99 per lb), used $2 Hannaford coupon = $3.99
6 New York Garlic Bread/Knots $2 each, used $0.55 peelie and $0.50 coupons (1/15 SS) = $0.90 - $1 each *Just realized the ciabatta rolls were $3.99 but I'm almost positive they had a sales tag in the aisle Grr
Pop Secret Popcorn $1.59, used $0.50 coupon = $0.09
PC Pretzels $1.09 (50% off sale)
Banquet Chicken Breasts $4
Hormel Pepperoni $3.99
Milk $1.09
2 Ken's Marinades $1.59 each, used two $1 coupons (1/8 SS) = $0.59 each
2 Ken's Salad Dressings $1.64 each, used two $1 off 2 coupons (1/8 SS) = $2.28 or $1.14 each
2 PC Sour Creams $1.50 each
Total was $31.89

Looking at my receipt, it looks like my $1 coupons doubled! Is this normal? I know they had doublers last week, but I didn't see anything about this ongoing for this week.

We got about six inches of snow Friday night into Saturday. The sun was out and it was so beautiful this morning that I couldn't resist taking some pictures. But with wind blowing the balmy 20 degree temperature around, I didn't stay out very long.

The view from inside the living room is just as pretty and a heck of a lot warmer. :)

Uncanny Prices

2012-01-19T19:15:00.000-05:00

ShopRite - the Can Can sale sucked me in!

2 Coke Cherry Zero 2L Bottles $1.50 each, used two $0.99 coupons = FREE
4 Edge Shaving Creams $1.99 each, used four $0.55 coupons (1/15 SS) = $0.89 each
2 Trop 50's $2.50 each, used two $1 coupons and $0.50 Saving Star coupon = $2.50 or $1.25 each
4 SR Rye Breads $1 each
Seedless Grapes $0.99 lb/$3.20
8 cans SR corn $0.48 each
8 cans College Inn Broth $0.48 each
Used $4 catalina, total was $17.04

1/22 - 1/28

2012-01-18T08:16:00.003-05:00

Staples

Scotch Pop-Up Desk Grip Tape Dispenser $2.29, get back $2.29 Easy Rebate (Limit 1) = FREE
Staples Photo Plus 4" x 6" Paper (Gloss, 60 pk) $9.99, get back $9.99 Easy Rebate (Limit 1) = FREE
Command Medium Picture Hanging Strips (black) $3.99, get back $3.99 Easy Rebate (Limit 1) = FREE
McAfee Total Protection 2012 (1 PC) $59.99, get $9.99 Instant Savings/Sale and get back $50 Easy Rebate (Limit 1) = FREE
Trend Titanium IS 2012 (3 users, PC/Mac) $69.99, get back $69.99 Easy Rebate (Limit 1) = FREE

CVS

U by Kotex Pantiliners (16 - 22 ct) $0.99, use $1 coupon (1/15 SS) and $1.50 SavingStar coupon (WYB 2) = $1.50 profit
Estroven Maximum Strength (28 ct.) $9.99, get back $9.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
Coke 12 packs $2.50 each (Limit 4 per transaction) - count towards spend $30, get $10 CVS cash card promo *Cheaper than current week's deal (1/15 - 1/21)

Rite Aid

Mentos UP2U Gum (14 ct.) $1, buy three, use three $1 coupons (1/1 SS) and get back $1 UP (WYB 3, Limit 4 deals) = $1 profit

Walgreens

Triaminic Cold, Cough, Fever or Allergy Relief $5, buy two fever reducer pain reliever products, use two $3 coupons (12/4 SS) and get back $5 RR (WYB 2) = $1 profit
Ultimate Flurry Protein Bar (1.6 oz) $1.99, get back $2 RR = FREE/$0.01 profit
Renew Life Flush & Be Fit 14 Day Kit $20, send away for $20 rebate (form prints at checkout) = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme

Zippo Deal

2012-01-17T18:42:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid - ventured in with the hopes of spending down one of my $20 UP's. Unfortunately, I guess RA considers Zippo lighters as a tobacco product and the UP wouldn't go through.

2 Zippo Mini Candle Lighters (Pearl or Cabernet) $9.99 each (no Wellness discount applies), got back two $5 UP's (Limit 2) and will get back $10 ($5 each, SCR #25, no limit) = FREE/$0.01 profit
Welcome Sign $1.99 (75% holiday clearance)
Total was $23.51

At the very least, this gave me some Wellness points. Since I was scrambling to get to 1,000 last year, its made me more cognizant of buying these freebie deals as they come up. Hopefully I can keep my discount in 2013.

Adventures in Wood Working

2012-01-16T21:26:00.000-05:00

Our dining room table is complete! My hunny was very eager to get this project started and after taking some measurements in our dining room to see how big we wanted the table to be, he picked up the lumber and got cracking. He researched some plans online, dismissed a couple of ideas after we couldn't find a piece of wood in the size we wanted and then decided to go with this design.

Its a series of hunks of plywood, secured to a base on the underside. This sucker is heavy and very strong. After measuring, putting everything together, sanding and staining it, its now happily living in our dining room.

The skirt didn't take the stain as well as the other pieces did, but I like that its a bit lighter and coordinates with the chairs we got from Ikea. I am still hunting for some chair cushions, but the wood chairs surprisingly aren't that uncomfortable. I love how the table looks natural, between the knots in the wood and the color of the stain.

Ok folks, honest opinions here. What do you see when you look at this picture? All I can see is a huge ostrich face complete with two eyes and a beak! It definitely adds some charm to the table.

Now that the project is done, I can show you this hilarious picture. DBF called me down to the garage to proudly show me the progress he'd made on the table (this was day one). It looked beautiful but I was worried about the height of the table since it seemed a wee bit high. We decided to bring down one of the chairs to test it out. Once I sat down, the table was neck high! We could both barely breathe from laughing so hard. After going through the various options (getting really poofy chair cushions was one), da boyfriend took the legs off and cut them down. This is one for the scrapbook!

Free Electronic Toothbrush!

2012-01-14T16:57:00.001-05:00

Rite Aid - finished out the spend $30, get $10 UP promo for this week. I'd bought two packs of Stayfree earlier in the week. Adding to that, I got:

6 Stayfree Pads (14 - 24 ct) $2.50 each, used three BOGO coupons (1/8 SS) and three $1 off 2 circular coupons = $4.50
4 ob Tampons $2.50 each, used four $2 coupons (no longer available) and two $1 off 2 circular coupons = FREE

I then got back a $10 UP, making this a $3.59 profit deal for me (after tax on the two Stayfree I bought in NY)

Stop & Shop - there's a catalina deal this week where you spend $20, get back $7 and its working off on shelf prices! Quaker granola bars are also included, I'm going to pick up some of those the next time I go.

4 Pepsi 6 pack bottles $3.33 each ($4 shelf price), used two $2 off 2 coupons (1/1 SS)
Ruffles Chips $3.33 ($4.29 shelf price), used $1 coupon (printable, no longer available)
Total was $12.62 and got back $7 catalina = $5.62 for all these goodies

Target

Philips Sonicare Essence Rechargeable Toothbrush - clearanced to $19.98, used $10 coupon (11/20 or 1/8 SS) and will send away for $10 rebate (11/20 SS) = FREE

*Look for the ones with the red ribbon on the corner of the box.

1/15 - 1/21

2012-01-11T08:42:00.006-05:00

Staples

Avery 8160 Inkjet Mailing Labels $9.99, get back $9.99 Easy Rebate (Limit 1) = FREE

CVS

Brita Classic Pitcher $14.99, use $4 coupon (1/15 SS) or $2 coupon, get back $5 EB (Limit 1) and send away for $10 rebate = $4.01 - $2.01 profit
American Greetings Cards buy three $0.99 cards, get back $3 EB (Limit 1) = FREE/$0.03 profit

Rite Aid

UP2U Gum $1, use $1 coupon (1/1 SS) = FREE

Reading Glasses regularly priced $17.99 and up ($14.39 with 20% discount), use $5 Foster Grants RA coupon (Dec. Video Values) and get back $10 UP (Limit 1) = $0.60 profit *Not sure what price these glasses start at so may or may not be a good deal depending on what your store has

Rite Aid Monthly Deal - Valid until 1/31

High Octane Energy Chews $1.99, BOGO sale, buy two, use $0.50 coupon (RA allows only one coupon on a BOGO sale) and get back $3 UP (WYB 2, Limit 1) = $1.51 profit
Zippo Mini Candle Lighter (Pearl or Cabernet) $9.99 - $12.99, get back $5 UP (Limit 2) and $5 (SCR #25, no limit) = FREE/$0.01 profit

Walgreens

South Beach Diet Snack or Meal Bars (5 pk) $5.99, get back $6 RR = FREE/$0.01 profit
Estroven PM (24 ct caplets) $10 and get back $10 RR = FREE
Abrexin Weight Loss Supplement (30 ct) $10, get back $10 RR = FREE
Thermacare Pain Relief (single pack neck, wrist & shoulder or menstrual heatwrap) $2.49, get back $2.49 RR = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme

Profitable Baby Food

2012-01-10T14:10:00.002-05:00

Rite Aid

2 Stayfree Pads (14 - 24 ct) $2.50 each, used BOGO coupon (1/8 SS) and $1 off 2 circular coupon = $1.50
Total was $1.91 with tax

These count towards a spend $30, get $10 UP this week. ob tampons are also included (same price, $2.50 each, $1 off 2 circular coupon) and you can print a $2 coupon here after watching the video. PS - putting in a silly name such as perhaps, Fancy Pants, won't get you anywhere. I have to say, I was disappointed when he sang "Hey", instead of Fancy Pants. C'est la vie.

The plan is to buy four ob tampons (free after coupons) and six more Stayfree. Then I'll have spent $6 and get back a $10 UP = $4 profit!

ShopRite

16 Beech Nut Stage 2 Baby Food twelve for $3.30 and additional ones rang up as $0.55 each, used four $1 off 3 coupons and got back $3 catalina = $1.50 profit
4 Crystal Lites $1.99 each, used two $1 off 2 coupons and got back $2.50 catalina = $3.46 or $0.86 each
Total was $7.46

There's an ecoupon for the Beech Nut as well. I loaded it to my card, but it didn't come off the order, unless I did something wrong. Its supposed to come off when you scan your card, right? The Crystal Lite catalina is valid until 2/5. You get back $1.50 WYB 3, $2.50 WYB 4 or $4 WYB 5+. I should have bought five, it would have been cheaper! $1.99 x 5 - $2 in coupons - $4 catalina = $3.95 or $0.79 each. Oh well, I have two more coupons, so I'll make sure I get five next time.

There was a representative from the local paper at SR today. He asked if I'd like a free paper (of course I would!) and then started telling me about the promo they're running. I love when newspapers do these deals! I just get the Sunday paper, so the deal was to get four weeks worth for $8.95 (the papers are $2 each so this is a little higher) but I'd also get back a $10 ShopRite gift card. Right off the bat, that's a profit on newspapers. Where do I sign? As I was filling out the paperwork, I asked him about getting multiple papers delivered to my house. To my surprise, he said that would be fine! So I signed up to get six papers each Sunday ($8.95 for four weeks times six = $53.70) and he gave me SIX $10 SR gift cards! That's a month's worth of free papers and coupons and even better, not having to run out to the store to buy papers. He also said the coupons in the delivered papers are usually better than when you buy the paper at the store. Love that!

I'm Finished

2012-01-09T19:12:00.000-05:00

Luckily I had hardly any trouble at CVS using up the mountain of Finish coupons I bought on ebay. Most of the time, the coupon required that the cashier input its value ($2.15) but a couple times, it scanned just fine.

All in all, I bought:

26 Finish Powerball Dish Detergents for $3.50 a piece, used 26 $2.15 coupons (1/1 SS) and got back $30 in CVS cash cards ($10 WYB $30 of qualifying items, Limit 5).

Including the candy bar I bought (info below), I paid $6.43 in tax. So that works out to be $41.53 out of pocket and then I got back $30 in gift cards. So $11.53 for 26 boxes of detergent plus $8 on ebay for the coupons, so $0.75 each.

I made all these purchases on the same card. Since this deal is limit 5, the smidgen of extra money from the first set of nine boxes carried over into the next set. Here's the math:

$3.50 times 9 boxes = $31.50
$31.50 plus another 9 boxes/$31.50 = $63
$63 plus another 8 boxes/$28 = $91

This worked out perfectly for me since I had exactly 26 coupons, but obviously if you don't have this many coupons, you can buy as many as you have coupons for and fill in with other qualifying items to get to $30.

Mars Chocolate Singles (1.08 - 2.15 oz) $0.75, got back $0.75 EB (Limit 1) =FREE *Check your circulars before buying, this seems to be a regional deal

1/8 - 1/14

2012-01-05T08:38:00.004-05:00

Staples

Avery Heavy Duty View Binder $6.99 - $32.99, get 100% back in Staples Rewards (Limit 4) = FREE
Staples Portable File Box $11.99 - $13.99, get 100% back in Staples Rewards (Limit 2) = FREE
100% Recycled Bankers Box (8 pk) $19.99, get 100% back in Staples Rewards (Limit 2) = FREE

CVS - its that time of year again...the bonus packs are back! Check for these in your store in the seasonal aisles (or really anywhere). Usually stock is limited so once they're gone, they're gone. Here's a full listing of what's out there.

GE Energy Smart 40/60/75/100 Watt Equivalent Bulb (1 pk) $2.99, use $1 coupon (October All You magazine) and get back $2 EB (Limit 1) = FREE/$0.01 profit
Mars Chocolate Singles (1.08 - 2.15 oz) $0.75, get back $0.75 EB (Limit 1) = FREE *Check your circulars before buying, this may be a regional deal
CVS Vitamin D 400 iu (100 ct) $3.49, get back $3.49 EB (Limit 1) = FREE *Check your circulars before buying, this may be a regional deal
Kodak Archive DVD $4.99, get back $4.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
Finish Powerball Dishwasher Detergent (10 - 20 ct) $3.50, use $2.15 coupon (1/1 SS) = $1.35 *Part of a buy $30, get $10 CVS cash card promo (Limit 5). So you'd buy nine for $31.50, use nine $2.15 coupons = $12.15 - $10 CVS card = $2.15 for nine detergents or $0.23 each **This coupon has a specification of limit two per transaction so you'd have to split up your orders. What a pain

Rite Aid

4 ob Tampons $2.50 each, use four $2 coupons and two $1 off 2 circular coupons and eight Stayfree Pads (14 - 24 ct) $2.50 each, use four BOGO coupons (1/8 SS) and four $1 off 2 circular coupons. Pay $6 and get back $10 UP (WYB $30) = $4 profit *Circular coupons are limit one, so you'll probably have to split this up into several orders. The ob and Stayfree circular coupon is the same one as well.
Thermacare Heat Wrap (1 ct) $3, get back $3 UP (Limit ?) = FREE

Walgreens

Tylenol Precise Pain Relief Cream (2.5 oz) or Heat Patch (3 or 4 pk) $5.99, use $3 coupon and get back $3 RR = FREE/$0.01 profit
Syntha-6 Meal Replacement Bar (1.59 oz) $1.89, get back $1.89 RR = FREE
Kids Omega Smart Ultimate Fish Oils (60 ct) Omega-3 with DHA $10, get back $10 RR = FREE
Chex Mix $1.50, buy four and use four $0.60 coupons, $1 WAG coupon (from monthly coupon booklet found in stores) and get back $2 RR (monthly deal valid until 1/18, buy three and get $1, buy four and get $2 or buy five+ and get $3) = $0.60 or $0.15 each

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme

Oh the Lengths to Which I'll Go....

2012-01-04T19:46:00.001-05:00

CVS - I loves me some Pantene so I ordered some additional $3 off 2 coupons from ebay. They came in yesterday, so today's mission was to find more clearanced Pantene. Most of the stores I went to were cleaned out, but I lucked out with a couple. It seems that now all of the varieties of the Beautiful Lengths line are clearanced.

Over a couple of stores, here's what I got at CVS today:

Pantene Highlighting Expressions $1.69 each
Pantene Beautiful Lengths Line $1.57 each

Used nine $3 off 2 coupons to get everything for $1.62 before tax. Love that!

I also picked up four Nivea lip balms for $2.50 each, used two $3 off 2 coupons (1/1 RP) and got back a $5 EB for buying $10 (Limit 1) = $1 profit

Rite Aid

2 Carefree Pantiliners (18 - 22 ct) $1, used two $0.50 coupons (these beeped) and got back $1 UP (Limit 4) = FREE

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T21:17:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a happy and safe holiday. I spent Friday night with my parents and sisters and the rest of the weekend with da boyfriend and the beasts. We had a nice low-key holiday. Today we took Shadow on a long walk through the area and I feel so blessed to have been able to move to such a beautiful part of the country. We're in farmland country and I love all the open space.

Since I was at my parents on Friday and there is an Acme nearby, I decided to make use of some gift cards I still had from a previous promo. I had to complete several NBPR rebates, so using the gift card money was perfect. My sisters in tow, I bought:

10 Yoplait Yogurts $6, got back catalina for $2.75 off a four pack (which was priced at $2.75) = 14 yogurts for $3 or $0.21 each *There might be coupons out there for these, I planned this trip on the fly
$10.68 of Gouda cheese - for a $6 Stella Artois NBPR rebate on $10.01 of cheese/crackers
$7.98 of Cracker Barrel cheddar ($3.99 each) - to finish out another $6 Stella Artois NBPR rebate on $10.01 of cheese/crackers
$23.95 of Ham - for a $20 Smirnoff NBPR rebate on $20.01 of ham/turkey/deli platters
$9.98 of Ham - to finish out a $20 Smirnoff NBPR rebate on $20.01 of ham/turkey/deli platters

At Stop & Shop, I also picked up -

Wise Chips $2 and Tostitos $3.99 - will use these to finish a $6 Budweiser NBPR rebate (30558) on $10.01 of various items
2 Andes Mints $1.67 each - will use towards a buy two, get one free rebate (up to $1.75)
Taco Seasoning $1.15

My sisters and I went to Target to see what we could find and I finally got my hands on a queen size flannel sheet set! These are clearanced to $14.99, but with any other clearance deal, actually finding them can be tricky. We washed and used the set I got the other day and they are so comfortable!

Staples - da boyfriend was with me and got two boxes on his Staples Rewards card too

2 Staples Legal/Letter File Boxes $13.99 each, should get back $27.98 in Staples Rewards = FREE
Total with tax was $30.25

I say "should" because the circular says to buy Legal/letter storage tote. We looked high and low in the store and these file boxes were the only things we could find that seemed to match that description. These are the same kind that were free after rewards last year, so I'm pretty confident we got the right ones.

CVS

6 Pantene Sham/Conds clearanced from $1.57 - $1.69, used three $3 off 2 coupons (1/1 P&G) = $0.07 - $0.19 each
4 Skinny Cow Candies $4.99 each, BOGO sale and used two BOGO coupons (valid up to $3.48) = $1.51 for two
3 papers $2 each
Used $6 EB, total was $5.72, got back $1 EB for using green bag tag and $1 EB for quarterly spending

Picked up another six bottles at another store. Here are the varieties I found on clearance: Beautiful Lengths Breakage Defense $1.57, Beautiful Lengths Shine Enhance $1.57, Brunette Expressions $1.69 and Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality (big bottle 25.4 fl oz) $1.74. Have you found anything else?

Rite Aid

THIS IS REPORTED AS NO LONGER WORKING - $100 Visa Vanilla Variable Load Gift Card plus $4.95 activation fee, got back $20 UP (Resolution Rewards, WYB $100 of certain items, Limit unclear) = $15.05 profit
3 papers $1.60 each ($2 reg price, 20% discount)
Used two $1 UPs, total was $107.75

Bought a second Visa card on da boyfriend's Wellness card too.

Here's a closeup of the Visa cards. Its been reported that if you buy the "One Vanilla" card, you won't get your UP's.

Clearanced Warmth

2011-12-29T21:18:00.000-05:00

Target

Circo Flannel Sheet Set $17.49 (clearance price)
2 Up & Up Dryer Sheets (35 ct) $1.36 (regular price), used two $1 coupons = $0.36 each
Total was $19.62

Da boyfriend and I have been trying to cut costs wherever we can. Its hard to put together a realistic budget when we don't quite yet know what our average electric and oil bills are going to be. Luckily, both of us don't mind a cooler house, so we've been keeping the thermostats low. My sisters swung by for a visit last week and while one sis didn't even want to take her coat off, I was perfectly comfortable. Lest you think I'm a terrible hostess, we were going right out for lunch and shopping, otherwise I would have happily cranked up the heat for her. She lives in Virginia and is used to toastier climates.

These flannel sheets are going to help out a lot. I was planning on buying a set before the winter temperatures really kick in and read a post from a fellow couponer that she found clearanced flannel sheets at Target. I had to return some unused curtains anyway, so I headed over on my lunch break. That store had a couple of sets clearanced for $14.99, but only in twin or king. I hit up another store on my way home and found this set for $17 and change. Aren't the bears cute? I realize Circo produces kids' items, but these were too cute and too comfortable to pass up. The $14.99 sets are manufactured by Target and have a red sign/postcard type of piece of paper on the front that tell you what size they are. Be sure to scan them at a price scanner first to make sure that they're the price you want.

Both stores had a lot of Christmas/holiday clearance items, but they're only at 50%. I poked around but didn't see anything that was worth buying. I'm set on wrapping paper, tissue paper and bows, so the only thing I was really looking for was decorations for the house. At 50%, the prices just weren't good enough for me. Have you all found anything interesting?

A Deal that's Head and Shoulders Above the Rest

2011-12-28T20:39:00.001-05:00

(hardy har har har!)

CVS

Zyrtec 24-Hr Tablets (5 ct) $5.99, got back $5.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
2 Dog/Cat Christmas stockings $3.49 each ($6.99 reg price, 50% clearance) - these didn't ring up automatically, cashier had to adjust price
Used $2 EB, total was $11.96

Then at another store and once I'd read about this deal online, I got:

3 Head & Shoulders Shampoos (Ocean Lift or Extra Volume) $1.57 (clearanced from $6.29) and got back $2 EB for each (Limit 6 bottles total) = $1.29 profit

*I read on SD that you could buy up to three bottles at once for the EB, but I read somewhere else that someone bought four bottles and got $8 EB with no problems. I bought mine three at a time just to be safe.

I picked up another 6 bottles and another Zyrtec at a couple other stores. There's also a $1 off 2 coupon in the 12/11 RP. I'm going to try and find some more tomorrow and use the coupon for even higher profit!

Rite Aid - this transaction is a little off because the cashier rang up one of the decorations twice. I'm going to stop in tomorrow, explain what happened and hopefully I'll get a refund.

2 RA Sugar Wafers $1.83 ($2.29 reg price, 20% discount), got back two $1 UP's (Limit 2) = $1.66 or $0.83 each
Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup $1.27 ($1.59 reg price, 20% discount) - need for a recipe
Santa/Snowman Wall Sign $7.49 ($14.99 reg price, 50% clearance)
Merry Christmas Wall Pocket thingie $9.99 ($19.99 reg price, 50% clearance)
2 Christmas Cards $2.49 each ($4.99 reg price, 50% clearance)
Used $33 in UP's, total was around $4 - less once I get a refund for the double charge

Now I only have $10 in UP's to use up. Thank goodness! I think I'll spend it on another free-after-rebate item and maybe some De-Icer spray for the car.

1/1 - 1/7

2011-12-28T08:14:00.004-05:00

Staples - looks like there's a $5 off $25 coupon in the circular too. This will reduce the amount of Staples Rewards that you get back, not make these deals moneymakers. But its less cash spent out of pocket!

Avery Heavy Duty View Binders $6.99 - $32.99, get 100% of purchase price back in Staples Rewards (Limit 4) = FREE
Staples Legal/Letter Plastic Storage Tote $12.99 - $13.99, get 100% of purchase price back in Staples Rewards (Limit 2) = FREE *Bought these last year and I love them! Will definitely be stopping in to get another two.
Staples Economy Storage Box (1o pk) $16.79, get 100% of purchase price back in Staples Rewards (Limit 2) = FREE

CVS

Nivea Lip Care $2.50, buy four and use two $3 off 2 coupons (coming in Sunday's paper) and get back $5 EB (WYB $10, Limit 1) = $1 profit
Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste (4 - 4.2 oz) $2.74, use $1 coupon (Dec. All You magazine), $1 CVS coupon (Reinventing Beauty magazine with JLO on the cover) and get back $1 EB (Limit 2) = $0.26 profit
Skinny Cow Candy BOGO, buy two and use BOGO coupon = two for FREE

Rite Aid - Resolution Rewards Promo - spend $100 on qualifying items, get back $20 UP (Valid through 1/28, Limit ?)

THIS IS REPORTED AS NO LONGER WORKING - Visa Vanilla Gift Card (don't buy the "One Vanilla" cards - these are reported as not working) - buy one for $100 plus $6.95 activation fee and get back $20 Resolution Reward UP = $13.05 profit *Variable amount cards are reported as working for this deal (put $20 - $500 on the card, vs fixed amount cards) and the activation fee on these is only $4.95!
Carefree Pantiliners (18 - 22 ct) $1, buy two and use two $0.50 coupons and get back $1 UP (Limit 4) = FREE

Walgreens

Lichi Super Probiotic (30 ct) $9.99, get back $10 RR = FREE/$0.01 profit
Muscletech Smart Protein Bar (2.2 oz) $1.99, get back $2 RR = FREE/$0.01 profit
Nutralife SAMe Mood, Joint and Liver Health (30 ct) $10, get back $10 RR = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme

Some PC Deals

2011-12-26T20:50:00.000-05:00

Price Chopper - did three quick transactions at self checkout

2 Dole Celery $2.49, BOGO sale = $1.24 each
2 PC Baby Carrots $1.99, BOGO sale = $0.99 each

Will use these towards a $6 Shock Top NBPR rebate on $10+ of produce

PC Swiss Cheese $3 - will use towards $6 Stella Artois NBPR rebate on cheese/crackers

Then I bought -

Boneless Pork Chops $1.06 ($0.99/lb) - this was the only package on the shelf for this price. Maybe it was a holdover from the weekend? Didn't see this price in the circular
2 Egglands Best Eggs $2.50 each, used $0.55 coupon (11/13 SS) = $2.80 or $1.40 each *There was a $2 coupon in the circular (limit 1) that I totally missed. That would have saved me another $0.50 but I was too lazy to head back in once I realized my mistake.
Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil $3.99, used $1 coupon = $2.99
Total was $6.85

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T21:59:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, full of happy time with your families! I am ashamed to admit that I was not finished with my Christmas shopping until yesterday afternoon. That is a first for me and I didn't like the feeling of having to rush to the store for a last minute present. As DBF and I were poking around in Kohl's, I spotted this ornament holder on 70% clearance. It was regularly $60+, down to $18.99 and then I had a 30% off coupon to boot. The balls all came with it and are secured, so curious kitties can't knock them down.

Have I shown you our fireplace yet? The plan is to take out this woodburning stove and use the fireplace that's behind it. We're waiting for DBF's friend to have a free weekend to come up and help haul it out of the living room. Then da boyfriend is going to rip down the paneling and put up nice, red brick paneling instead. I can't wait until its finished and my hunny builds us a nice little mantel. Right now, we're displaying the flag he earned when he became an Eagle Scout and some candles. It makes me nervous to burn much up there, its still sort of within kitty and puppy reach.

We had such a nice Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with da boyfriend's mom and extended family and then today with my family. Our tradition is to open presents, have a late breakfast, hang out for a while and let our stomachs digest (we watched Santa Claus, The Movie today - have you seen that? Totally brought me back to being a kid again!) and then munch on appetizers for the rest of the afternoon. My mom always picks us up some lotto tickets and we had a lot of fun scratching them off and seeing if we won anything. Without fail, my mom always wins. This year, my crafty mom made my sisters and I aprons! She found the material in Lancaster, PA and said it screamed my name. Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen? I love chocolate covered pretzels, so she put mine in a gift bag with some actual pretzels.

One of my favorite gifts ever - my second quilt! I love the first one she made me two years ago and this one is even bigger, so we can use it as a blanket in bed.

Gigi and Shadow got new toys too. Shadow couldn't wait for me to take the tags off her duck and Gigi was batting around her toy mice for hours.

She's such a good momma dog. She's always watching and sniffing Gigi to make sure she's ok. If I pick Gigi up, Shadow runs right over to make sure I'm not hurting her. Its so sweet! And they're really starting to play comfortably with each other. DBF took Shadow outside through the sliding glass doors yesterday. While they were outside, Gigi watched them from behind the curtain. Shadow ran back inside, not realizing Gigi was right there. Gigi scampered out from the curtain, smacked Shadow in the butt with her paw and then took off! Our kitchen, dining room and living room are all connected, so they chased each other from one room to the next to the next, two times! Its so funny to watch.

Gotta Get a Better Backdrop

2011-12-22T20:37:00.000-05:00

All my kitchen stuff on the counter is very distracting. Anyhoo, I had a $10 S&S catalina that expired today to use up. I've had this for ages and almost forgot about it

Stop & Shop

Bartlett Pears $4.72 ($1.49/lb) and Apples $4.96 ($1.49/lb) - will use these towards a $6 Shock Top NBPR rebate on $10.01 of produce
2 loaves Friehofer bread $3.99 each - there was a sign in the aisle saying these were BOGO. They didn't ring up this way, but I brought the receipt to CS and they gave me the money back. I'm not sure if its a programming error with the register or the sign was just wrong.
Used $10 catalina, total was $13.67 - paid with a gift card

As I was waiting in line at CS, an older gent shuffled over to me and started telling me how his grandfather smoked all his life until he was 74 and then died in his 80's. Then his father smoked until he was 60 something and lived to be 109! "Wow," I said (wondering why he was telling me this). Then he says to me - so dear, how old do you think I am? (oh boy) "You can't be a day over 60," I replied. "Nope, I'm eighty!" he happily proclaimed. At this point, another customer caught his attention and he started chattin' him up. Don't you love how some people just start telling you things as if they've known you their whole lives?

CVS

3 bags Hershey Candies $2.50 each, used B2G1 free coupon (12/11 SS) and got back $2 EB (WYB 2, Limit 1) = $3 or $1 each - will use these towards a $6 Amber Bock NBPR rebate on various holiday items including chocolate
CVS candy $0.99
Used $2.99 EB and $3 EB, total was $0.59 - paid with CVS gift card I got from promo last week

Rite Aid

3 Orbit Gums $1 each, got back three $1 UP's (Limit 3) = FREE
Lysol Neutra Air Fabric Mist $3.19 ($3.99 reg price, 20% discount), will send away for TMF Rebate = FREE
RA Digital Thermometer $7.19 ($8.99 reg price, 20% discount)
RA Nail Clippers $1.19 ($1.49 reg price, 20% discount)
Used two $2 UP's and $10 UP, total was $1.59

I figure its always good to have a thermometer around the house!

12/26 - 12/31

2011-12-20T21:07:00.001-05:00

CVS

Theraflu Warming Relief Syrup (8.3 oz) or Caplets (24 ct) $4.77, buy two and use two $3 coupons (12/4 SS), get back $3 EB (WYB 2, Limit 1) and submit for $5 gift card rebate (says can't be combined with other offers so who knows how much you'll actually get back) = $4.46 profit
Zyrtec 24-Hr Tablets (5 ct) $5.99, use $3 coupon (My Allergy Guide coupon booklet) or $2 coupon and get back $5.99 EB (Limit 1) = $3 - $2 profit

Rite Aid

Theraflu Caplets (24 ct) or Warming Relief Syrup (8.3 oz) $4.99, use $3 coupon (12/4 SS), $1 RA coupon (Dec. Video Values) and get back $1 UP (Limit 4) and submit for $5 gift card rebate (says can't be combined with other offers so who knows how much you'll actually get back) = $5.01 profit
John Frieda Precise Foam Hair Color - get back $2 UP (Limit ?) If you have the FREE homemailer coupon from RA, great time to use it!

Walgreens

Lichi Super Fruit Probiotic $9.99, get back $9.99 RR = FREE

Mid-Week Ad Running from 12/27 - 12/31:

Lifestyles Skyn Condoms (3 pk) $4.99, get back $4.99 RR = FREE

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme
Nexcare Bandages - Active Waterproof, Soft n’ Flex and Waterproof. Peelie TMF for one, two or all three varieties, up to $3.99 per box. Exp. 12/31/11

Made it to 1000!

2011-12-19T20:02:00.000-05:00

I meant to make another RA trip late last week but it just didn't happen. I went in today, wishin' and hopin' and prayin' that my points level would have increased to where I thought it should be. Miracle of all miracles, it did! I'm now at 1000+ points on DBF's card, so I'll keep my 20% discount through next year. Now I just have to spend all those UP's I've accumulated...

RA

Renuzit Crystal Elements Air Freshening Crystals $5.59 ($6.99 reg price, 20% discount), will get back $5.59 TMF rebate = FREE
3 Orbit Gums $1 each, got back three $1 UP's (Limit 3) = FREE
Birthday Candles $1.43 ($1.79 reg price, 20% discount)
Used $10 UP, total was $0.02

At another store, I bought:

Renuzit Crystal Elements Air Freshening Crystals $5.59 ($6.99 reg price, 20% discount), will get back $5.59 TMF rebate = FREE
4 Andes Mints $1.50 each - going to make PW's peppermint ice cream
Used $10 UP, total was $2.40

I also found these fall decorative signs at CVS. They were 75% off, so $1.25 each. Aren't they cute?

The Stockpile!

2011-12-17T14:32:00.000-05:00

Well, its not 100% yet, but here goes. Let me tell you, moving all this stuff was NOT fun. At least most of the items were stored in the garage at my apartment, so they were already on the ground floor.

We have an extra room off the first floor of the house that's our dedicated stockpile room. Da boyfriend built the small shelf you see there for the paper towels. We had some minor flooding a couple weeks ago from a backed up drainage pipe outside and I didn't want to take the chance of losing anything should it happen again. DBF cleaned out the pipe and put up a new one at a sharper angle, so there shouldn't be any water coming in, but you never know.

I've had these white plastic shelves since college. They're awesome! The bottom shelf is pasta sauce, then up from that are oils, mayo, gravy, cooking sprays, etc. Go up one more for canned fruit and mushrooms. I used to have food on the top shelf until I discovered that some mice had taken up residence in this room. Now all the food is in the room over (see below) so I have some random odds and ends on the top shelf until I figure out what I want to keep there.

The two black shelves on the left hand side of the pic were clearanced finds from CVS. I've got tissues in the left and Ziploc bags of all sizes in the right. These aren't the sturdiest shelves, so I didn't want to put anything too heavy on them. The nice thing about this room is the built in shelf running across two of the walls. It gives me extra space for stuff - sponges, napkins, foil and toilet paper.

I got the set of wooden drawers on the right from outside the dumpster at my apartment years ago. Stuff is shoved into them right now, but I'd like to get them set up with all our vitamins, cold medicine and little stuff like that.

I am in love with these metal shelves! They are a gift from DBF's mom. They're super strong and on wheels, which is so handy. She has another set of three shelves that goes on top of this but has to move some things around at her place before we can add them to our stockpile room.

I've got all our canned soup, tomatoes, trash bags, dishwasher detergent, juice and soda on this bad boy. The plastic container on the top right is full of Crystal Lite and the containers in the corner are full of pads and tampons.

This shelf was going to be all food, but after the mice incident, I moved a lot of stuff out. Now its home to peanut butter & jelly, tampons and pantiliners, loofahs (in the bag), candy and some toilet paper. Fun combination, huh?

All of the animals' treats are behind the door on this lightweight over-the-door shelf. I've also got some Jello and granola bars on there.

This is the room adjacent to the stockpile room. For now, I'm storing all the food in plastic containers that I hope are mouse-proof. I tried to keep everything together - one for cereal, one for crackers, one for chips, one for flour and sugar, one for baking mixes (brownies, muffins), one for snacks and one for cooking stuff - rice, boxed potatoes, etc.

The upstairs bathroom has this amazing closet. The shelves are really deep and I decided to store all the personal care stuff here, right in the bathroom. I have a tension rod and a curtain I may put up to cover this. There was a door, but it opened up into the bathroom door and was a huge pain the ass.

Shampoo & body wash. Those darn JF bottles are so wobbly, I decided to keep them towards the front.

Conditioner and DBF's soap. Gotta get him some more body wash!

I know I have more shaving cream for DBF somewhere, but the women's shaving cream is two rows deep. I've got all of his razors here in the storage bins,

...and mine too plus some lotion.

Its hard to see (and take pictures of) but these bins have all my face lotion, face wipes, Biore strips, etc. In front is the open stuff and things I use on a daily basis. I wanted to keep them within easy reach.

That top shelf is pretty high, so I only put light things up there. Toothbrushes, mouthwash and toothpaste are on the second highest shelf. I left lots of space open for expansion too.

12/18- 12/24

2011-12-14T08:34:00.002-05:00

CVS

American Express Gift Card $50 + $5.95 activation fee, get back $10 EB (Limit 1) = $4.05 profit
Band-Aid Brand Decorative bandages (20-25 ct) $2.99, use $1 coupon and get back $2 EB (Limit 1) = FREE/$0.01 profit
Crest Complete Toothpaste $2.99, use $2 coupon (9/11 SS) and get back $1 EB (Limit 2) = FREE/$0.01 profit
Ricola Cough Drops $1.50, buy two and use two $1 coupons (10/30 SS) and get back $1 EB (WYB 2, Limit 1) = FREE
Hershey's Holiday Assorted Candy (7.8 - 8.5 oz) $2.50, buy two and use $1 off 2 Kisses coupon or $1 off 2 various coupon (11/20 SS) and get back $2 EB (Limit 1) = $2 or $1 each

Rite Aid

Bayer Advanced Aspirin (40 ct) $7.49 ($5.99 with 20% or $6.74 with 10%), use $3 circular coupon and $2 coupon (9/11 RP) or $1.50 coupon (10/23 RP) = $0.99 - $2.99 depending on coupon and/or discount level

If you have no discount, repeat this transaction six more times (seven transactions total). If at 10%, repeat seven more times (eight transactions total). If at 20%, repeat eight more times (nine transactions total) and you'll get back $10 UP for Season of Savings promo (WYB $50 of qualifying items, new items each week, Limit 1 per week) and $10 Wellness + Diabetes promo (WYB $50 of qualifying items, appears to be unlimited, sign-up required) = $11.09 profit - $0.93 cost (depending on coupons and/or discount) If your store is super friendly, you may be able to buy more than one at a time. You'll need a separate circular coupon for each Bayer and they do say limit one. YMMV

Big Red, Juicy Fruit, Doublemint or Orbit Gum $1, use $0.25 RA coupon for Orbit (Dec. Video Values) and get back $1 UP (Limit 3) = $0.25 profit - FREE

Walgreens - nuthin yet

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme
Nexcare Bandages - Active Waterproof, Soft n’ Flex and Waterproof. Peelie TMF for one, two or all three varieties, up to $3.99 per box. Exp. 12/31/11

You Guessed It - Rebatin' Yet Again

2011-12-13T21:10:00.000-05:00

For anyone else that may have bought the Tim McGraw cologne like I did the other day, if your receipt says GS at the end of the line, that means it was a gift set and won't qualify for the SCR. I called CS the other day and they researched it for me. I just got an email back saying that since it was a gift set (even though the ounces match exactly what the rebate booklet says), its a no-go on the rebate.

CVS - I bought three bags of CVS chips the other day, so I only needed another $24 to qualify for a $10 gift card. We needed soda anyway, so...

3 cases Diet Coke $4 each, used $1 off 2 coupon (printable - it went so fast I didn't even get a chance to put the link up in my weekly deal post) and will use these for a $5 Heineken NBPR rebate WYB $10.01 of party essentials (fresh and hot foods, soda and/or ice, HKNNA023)
Used $2.49 EB, $2.77 EB ($3 adjusted down) and $5.74 EB, paid rest $0.84 with CVS gift card

Then I bought another three cases separately so I could use them towards another Heineken rebate. I qualified for a $10 gift card (got a CVS one) so all in all, I spent $6 on the chips (I'm going to use those plus chips I bought last week for a $6 Budweiser NBPR rebate on $10.01 chips and other stuff) and $22 ($24 - two $1 coupons) on the soda. I'm going to get back $16 in rebates and got a $10 gift card. That's $2 total for all those goodies! And it gave me a chance to convert EB's to a CVS giftcard. Man, do I love beer rebates!

Rite Aid - I'm already getting pretty sick of stepping into RA. Here's what I got today -

2 Visine Advanced Relief (15 mL) $4.23 ($5.29 reg price, 20% discount), used $1 in-circular coupon, $3 coupon and got back $2 UP for each (Limit 2) = $1.77 profit for each
Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo (5.1 oz) $4.79 ($5.99 reg price, 20% discount), used $5 circular coupon (no beeps) = $0.21 profit
Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System $23.99 ($29.99 reg price, 20% discount) and two replacement brush heads $8.79 each ($10.99 reg price, 20% discount), used $3 coupon (12/11 RP *This beeped), got back $10 UP (WYB $40, Limit 2) and will submit for $10 rebate (WYB $30) = $18.57 for all three

When carrying over a balance from one transaction to the next, the system rounds up. So I spent $41.57 but the system recorded it as $42. This gave me $2 towards my second trip. There are ProX items for $46.99/$37.59 with 20% discount and it got me thinking -- if it rounded up my $41.57 to $42, would it round up $37.59 to $38? YES IT DID!

Olay ProX Hydra Firming Cream $37.59 ($46.99 reg price, 20% discount), got back second $10 UP and will submit for second $10 rebate (WYB $30) = $17.59
RA 6 foot Douglas Fir Pre-Lit Tree $31.99 ($39.99 reg price, 20% discount), will use towards $15 Heineken NBPR rebate (WYB $20 of trees, lights or bulbs, HKNNA022) = $16.99
Pet Bed $4.99 ($9.99 reg price, 50% off sale)
Hartz Quackers Dog Toy $5.99 and Hartz Cat Toys $1.79 ($3.59 reg price, BOGO 50% off sale) - Gigi and Shadow's Christmas presents
4 RA security envelopes $2.39 each, BOGO sale = $4.78 or $1.19 each

I bought all the rebate items on their own receipts. I also picked up a second Woolite Oxy Deep to use for a second TMF rebate.

So now here's my question for all you RA experts. Since the $3 Olay coupon beeped, does that mean I don't get ANY points for the Olay ProX items on that receipt, or just the price minus the $3 coupon? I haven't been using UP's to pay, so my out of pocket costs on all these transactions has been just the price of the items minus any coupons I might have.

My points balance increased from yesterday to today by five measly points. I spent about $5 out of pocket on the Centrum vitamins, so I'm assuming the increase is from that. Going by that logic, I should be credited for the amount of the Olay items minus $3, right?

Price Chopper - big thanks to Sheila for her PC posts!

2 Sparkle Paper Towels (8 pk) $5 each, used $2 off 2 iSave coupon, two $1 coupons (doubled using doubler coupon in circular)
Total was $4.49 - $2.25 per pack!

Then I bought:

2 Pub Cheeses $6.49, BOGO sale - will use towards a $6 Stella Artois NBPR rebate on $10.01 of cheese/crackers (#30618)
BC Cake Mix $0.49 with iSave coupon and BC Frosting $1.99, used $1 off both coupon (12/11 SS) and doubler coupon from circular = $0.48 for both
Andy Boy Romaine Lettuce (3 pk) $2.99
Total was $9.96

A Rebate Bonanza

2011-12-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid - I'm in a mad dash to get my Wellness points up on DBF's card. My latest receipt says I'm around 820 points, but that was before Sunday's shopping kicked in. Hopefully I'll get "something" for those purchases, but I'm not holding my breath since the coupons I used beeped. According to "unknown" in yesterday's post's comments, beepers equals no points. Bummer! So the new game plan is to see how many TMF items I can get, and then see how many points I end up with. Hopefully I won't be too far off and can get some food or household stuff to bring me up to 1,000. I really wish the points total would update after each purchase! I didn't use UP's to pay for these items, for fear that they would negate the points. Since I didn't really have a strategy for buying these items or use many coupons, I'm just going to list them all together.

Did I miss any TMF rebates floating around out there? I'd sure love to know if I did! Every little bit helps. I'm going to buy a couple more of the Woolite and Progresso's, since I submit for rebates at multiple addresses. I'm also going to buy an Arm & Hammer Neti Pot that's free after rebate. A&H pulled the rebate form from their site, but a fellow couponer was kind enough to send it to me as a PDF. If you'd like a copy, just email me at frugalsuz at hotmail.com and I'll send it along to you.

Woolite Oxy Deep Carpet Stain & Odor Remover $4.79 ($5.99 reg price, 20% discount), used $1 peelie coupon and will submit for TMF rebate = $1 profit
Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo (5.1 oz) $4.79 ($5.99 reg price, 20% discount), used $5 circular coupon (no beeps) = $0.21 profit
Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner (5.1 oz) $5.99, used $5 circular coupon = $0.99 *This was tagged on the shelf as $5.99 but rang up as $9.99. The cashier modified it to $5.99, but I guess you don't get a Wellness discount on price modified items.
Progresso Rich & Hearty Chicken Soup $2.55 ($3.19 reg price, 20% discount), will send away for TMF rebate = FREE
Dasani Water (1 L) $1, used $1 RA coupon (Dec. Video Values) = FREE
2 Packages LED Lights $6.39 each ($7.99 reg price, 20% discount) - will use these plus $11.28 of lights I bought on Black Friday at CVS for a $15 Heineken NBPR rebate (off $20.01 of holiday decorations - lights, bulbs or trees, HKNNA022)
Pet Zoom Loungee $11.99 ($14.99 reg price, 20% discount) - we've been looking for these and were planning on getting them at Walgreens. Even better to buy them here, get my discount and have them count for more points!

I'm thinking of picking up one of the six foot $39.99 Christmas trees to use towards a second Heineken rebate. They don't look half bad! After the discount and rebate, it would only cost me $17.

CVS - wanted to buy some Diet Coke for the gift card promo, but this store was out. I'll check another tomorrow

3 Bags CVS Chips $2 each - count towards the spend $30, get $10 gift card promo this week
Used $2 EB and $2.99 EB, total was $1.01

Wonderful Morning

2011-12-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

Its a bright, sunny day here in NY and a great morning to do some driving. First I hit up CVS to buy 6 papers ($2 each). I sat in the car, clipping the $7 Centrum coupons and then hit up Rite Aid -

Rite Aid

6 Centrum ProNutrients Fruit & Veggies Vitamins $9.59 each ($11.99 reg price, 20% discount), used six $7 coupons (12/11 SS *These beeped), got back two $10 UP's (WYB 3, Limit 2), $10 UP for Season of Savings promo (WYB $50 of qualifying items, new items each week), $10 Wellness + Diabetes promo (WYB $50 of qualifying items, sign-up required) and will get back two $2 SCR's (Limit 2, #19) = $28.46 profit
6 more papers $1.60 each ($2 reg price, 20% discount) = $9.60
Used two $10 UP's, total was $5.14

The RA's in NJ never carried papers (in my area anyway) so I was very happy to see papers in the store, and then to get the discount on top of that! Unfortunately, two of the papers didn't have the SS coupon insert in them. You should always check before leaving the store, but its such a hassle and I was in a rush.

I went to two more RA's that were wiped out of the vitamins. Finally at a third store, I hit the jackpot again!

6 Centrum ProNutrients Fruit & Veggies Vitamins $9.59 each ($11.99 reg price, 20% discount), used four $7 coupons (12/11 SS *These beeped) and two $5 coupons (11/13 RP *These beeped too), got back two $10 UP's (WYB 3, Limit 2), $10 UP for Season of Savings promo (WYB $50 of qualifying items, new items each week), $10 Wellness + Diabetes promo (WYB $50 of qualifying items, sign-up required) and will get back two $2 SCR's (Limit 2, #19) = $24.46 profit
Hershey's candy bar $0.97 - bought so I could use a second $10 UP to pay
Used two $10 UP's, total was $0.55

With this being such a huge moneymaker, I didn't want to waste any time with my shopping this week. I'm so glad I was able to find these!

Does anyone know how the Wellness points track? I'm trying to get to 1,000 points on DBF's card and it seems like its not counting all my purchases. Does it only count the out of pocket cost or something?

Then off to Price Chopper -

8 PC pizza doughs $0.88 each, B1G3 FREE! so $1.76 for all eight or $0.22 each
4 Triscuits $2 each, used two $1 off 2 coupons (from a tearpad) and doubler coupons from circular (double one $1 coupon, two coupons were in this circular) = $4 or $1 each
New York Garlic Knots $2, used $0.50 coupon (Dec. All You magazine) = $1
2 New York Texas Toasts $2 each
Dole Celery $1.88
Weaver Chicken Patties $4
12 pack PC rolls $1
McCormick Ground Cloves $6.99
PC Crispy Rice Cereal (aka Rice Krispies) $3 - need these for a batch of peanut butter balls I'm going to make next weekend
Total was $26.75

12/11 - 12/17

2011-12-08T17:01:00.005-05:00

CVS

American Greeting Cards buy three $0.99 cards, use $2 off 3 coupon and get back $3 EB (Limit 1) = $2.03 profit *American Greeting Cards are a regional item
Centrum ProNutrients (50 ct) $9.99, buy three, use three $7 coupons (12/11 SS) and get back $10 gift card (for spending $30 on qualifying items) = $1.03 profit
Combos (7 oz) $2, get back $2 EB (Limit 1) = FREE

Rite Aid

Centrum ProNutrients Fruit & Veggie $11.99, buy six, use six $7 coupons (12/11 SS) or $5 coupons (11/13 RP), get back two $10 UP's (WYB 3, Limit 2), $10 UP for Season of Savings promo (WYB $50 of qualifying items, new items each week), $10 Wellness + Diabetes promo (WYB $50 of qualifying items, sign-up required) and two $2 SCR's (Limit 2, #19) = $12.06 - $2.06 profit depending on coupons

With 10% discount = $21.26 - $9.26 profit, with 20% discount = $28.44 - $16.44 profit

Visine $4.99 ($3.99 with 20% discount), use $1 in-circular coupon, $3 coupon and get back $2 UP (Limit 2) = $1.01 - $2.01 profit depending on discount
Dasani Bottled Water (1 L) $1, use $1 RA coupon (Dec Video Values) = FREE *Advertised in the circular as five for $5 and must buy five for that price, but individual bottles are ringing up as $1
Revlon Beauty Tools 40% off sale - buy cheapest ones you can find (less than $3.50 each), use two $1 coupons (10/30 SS), get back $3 UP (Limit 1) and submit for $2 ($1 each, SCR #34, Limit 2) = FREE *Also count towards Season of Savings promo for the week
Ricola Cough Drops (19-24 ct) $1.50, buy two and use $1 coupons (Like them, then click on Get Well tab to send friends a coupon - send it to yourself) and get back two $1 UP's (Limit 4) = FREE

Walgreens

Goody Hair Accessories (12 pack Mini Claw Clips or 6 pack Bobby Slides) $2, get back $2 RR = FREE
SalonPas Pain Patch $1, get back $1 RR = FREE
Playtex Baby Sippy Cup Valves $2.49, BOGO 50% off sale so $3.24, use two $1 coupons (unlimited prints) and $2 off 2 WAG coupon (Infant Care booklet found in stores) = $0.23 for two *The 50% discount price is calculated AFTER the $2/2 WAG coupon. So $4.98 for two minus $2 coupon = $2.98 divided by two valves = $1.49. 50% of that is $0.75 so that's the discount. Walgreens math, gotta love it.

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme
Nexcare Bandages - Active Waterproof, Soft n’ Flex and Waterproof. Peelie TMF for one, two or all three varieties, up to $3.99 per box. Exp. 12/31/11

Go Meat!

2011-12-07T21:08:00.001-05:00

Price Chopper

2 Ore Ida Fries $3 each, used two $1 coupons and got back catalina for FREE bag = three for $4 or $1.33 each

ShopRite - I have four $20 semi-catalinas to use from last week's gift card promo. They didn't print like catalinas normally do, the $20 comes off automatically when you buy stuff and use your card. Armed with a shopping list from my hunny, I went a shoppin'!

Trip #1 -

4 Pierogies $0.99 each
2 Ball Park Hot Dogs $2.50 each
10 La Yogurts $4.50
2 Tropicana OJ's $1.97 each
3 Friendship Sour Creams $1.34 each
After $20 discount, total was around $1 - cannot find this receipt. I've got to be off a smidge on one of the prices since this doesn't add up to $20. I remember paying around $1 at the store though. I hate being so disorganized! The office will get cleaned up this weekend. I have receipts everywhere!

Trip #2 -

80% Lean Ground Beef (3+ lb packages only, limit 1) 3.51 lbs at $1.99/lb = $6.98
Hormel Pepperoni $2.99
ShopRite Bacon $3.99
2 Oscar Mayer Ham Cold Cuts $3.50 each
Total after $20 discount was $0.96

Trip #3 -

Porkchops 3.51 lbs at $1.49/lb = $5.23
80% Lean Ground Beef (3+ lb packages only, limit 1) 3.34 lbs at $1.99/lb = $6.64
SR Boneless Chicken Breast 3.35 lbs at $1.99/lb = $6.71
2 Furlani Garlic Bread $1.50 each (for the lasagna I made for dinner)
Iceburg Lettuce $0.99
4 Packages Pizza Dough $1.69 each
Total after $20 discount was $9.35

By this point I was pretty tired and my guesstimate was way off in my head. Oh well, getting almost seven pounds of ground beef, three pounds of chicken, three pounds of porkchops, bacon, pepperoni, lunch meat and all the other stuff for around $12 is pretty awesome in my book. Thank goodness the house came with a full freezer in the basement!

Rite Aid

Brita Classic Pitcher $14.99, used $4 coupon (12/4 SS or Oct. All You magazine), will get back $5 (SCR #42, Limit 3) and will submit for $10 rebate = $4.01 profit
2 Domino Sugars (4 lbs) $3, used $0.75 off 2 coupon (12/4 RP), got back $3 UP (WYB $12, Limit 2) *Had bought two other sugars yesterday
4 Ruffles Chips $3 each, got back two $1 UP's (WYB 2, Limit 2) = $10 or $2.50 each
Used $10 UP, total was $19.46

Then at another store, I picked up two more $50 Home Improvement gift cards and used the $20 UP's I got back to buy:

Conair Infiniti Spin Air Brush $47.99 ($59.99 reg price, 20% discount), used $12 RA coupon (facebook printable from the other day), $5 coupon and got back $10 UP (WYB $30 of Conair) AND a second $10 UP! = $10.99
Brita Classic Pitcher $14.99, used $4 coupon (12/4 SS or Oct. All You magazine), will get back $5 (SCR #42, Limit 3) and will submit for $10 rebate = $4.01 profit
Used two $10 UP's, two $1 UP's and $3 UP, total was $22.10

Now before you run out and buy this, thinking you'll get back $20, here's what I think happened. I bought a couple of Conair hair dryers on Black Friday. I got back a $10 then, but was around $6 or so away from qualifying for a second $10 UP. I suspect this deal is a holdover from then, and this purchase pushed me over for a second and third UP. You never really can tell with RA what's going to happen!

More Wellness Points

2011-12-06T19:23:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid

2 $50 Home Improvement Gift Cards, got back two $10 UP's (Limit 2) = $20 profit

Then I used those UP's towards -

Brita Classic Pitcher $14.99, used $4 coupon (12/4 SS or Oct. All You magazine), will get back $5 (SCR #42, Limit 3) and will submit for $10 rebate = $4.01 profit
2 Domino Sugars (4 lbs) $3, used $0.75 off 2 coupon (12/4 RP) - count towards a spend $12, get $3 UP promo this week
4 M&M's $2 each, used two $1 off 2 coupons (12/4 RP) and got back two $1 UP's (WYB 2, Limit 2 offers) = $4 or $1 each
Used two $5 UP's and $10 UP, total was $3.85

Then at another RA, I picked this up on a non-discount card

Tim McGraw Southern Blend Cologne (0.5 oz) $10.99, used $5 coupon (printable from coupons.com, only valid on sets $10.99+) and will get back $5.49 (SCR #28, 50% of purchase price) = $0.49
Used two $1 UP's, total was $4.76

Walgreens - picked up four packages of Banquet sausages for $0.99 each. Forgot these yesterday

CVS

2 Cheez It Snack Mixes $3 each - count towards the spend $30, get $10 gift card deal this week (I'm now at $20.87)
Gold Emblem Pure Vanilla Extract $0.88
Used $2 EB, total was $1.88

Problematic Perfume

2011-12-05T20:10:00.000-05:00

Rite Aid

Halle Berry Pure Orchid Fragrance Set $12.79 ($15.99 reg price, 20% Wellness discount), used $5 coupon (from coupons.com, don't see it anymore) and got back $5 UP (Limit 2) = $2.79
Celion Dion Sensational Fragrance Set $12.79 ($15.99 reg price, 20% Wellness discount), used $5 coupon (from coupons.com, don't see it anymore) and got back $5 UP (Limit 2) = $2.79
Used four $1 UP's, $1.99 UP, $2 UP and $5 UP, total was $3.54

FYI - these coupons beeped. The first store I went to refused to honor them because they said "redeemable at Walmart" (as opposed to "redeemable only at Walmart"). I chatted with Customer Service when I got back and they said they'd give the store a call to let them know that was ok. In the meantime, I picked these up at another store.

This should bring my Wellness points to a smidge over 800. I'm getting there!

CVS

2 Smuckers Jellies $2.50 each, used $1 off 2 coupon (11/6 RP) - got back a $3 EB because I had a raincheck from several weeks ago for these
2 Popcorn Indiana Kettlecorns $2.50 each, used two $1 coupons (9/25 SS) = $1.50 each
Rice Chex $2.87, got back $2 EB (raincheck price & EB deal from Black Friday) = $0.87
Scotch Masking Tape $4.79 - horrible price but we needed it
Used $2 EB, $3 EB, $3.99 EB (adjusted down to $3.66) and $6 EB, total was $0.13

All of the food items count towards the spend $30, get a $10 giftcard promo this week. I'm up to $17.87 now. I also picked up a raincheck for Gold Emblem (CVS brand) vanilla extract for $0.88. Spices are on sale this week and the sale includes the pure vanilla extract! That's a steal of a price.

Walgreens

2 Dozen Eggs $0.99 each
2 Morton Salts $0.50 each with in-circular coupon
Used $2 RR, total was $0.98

Getting back in the Groove

2011-12-04T20:52:00.000-05:00

CVS

Candy Canes (10 ct, cherry or original flavor) $1.27 *The EB's for these didn't print. After verifying I'd bought the right kind, the cashier manually printed them. Since the system rounds up on manual prints, I got a $2 EB = $0.73 profit

Anyone else have the same problem with these? I haven't had a chance yet to get caught up on Slick Deals for the week.

2 Smuckers Jellies $2.50 each, used $1 off 2 coupon (11/6 RP) - got back a $3 EB because I had a raincheck from several weeks ago for these. They'll also count towards the spend $30, get a $10 giftcard promo this week.
6 newspapers $2 each
Used $2 EB, $2.49 EB, $2.99 EB, $3.99 EB and $5.74 EB, total was $0.16

Feels nice to be able to buy papers again! The paper where I used to live had stopped carrying the RP, so I was buying my inserts online. There's something so nice about having the inserts in hand.

I swear Shadow thinks she's a cat. Gigi has been camped out on this armchair all weekend and Shadow couldn't wait to see what all the fuss was about.

We had a really nice weekend. My parents came up for a visit and took DBF and I out to dinner for my birthday. The last time they were at the house, we'd just about moved in so it was great to show them some of the improvements we've made. They bought me a slow cooker - that's going to come in handy! My mom is sending me a recipe she has for apple butter in the slow cooker. Can't wait to try that out.

Some random money happenings - I was invited for a CVS Advisor Panel survey for the first time in ages - got a $10 EB for completing that. I've been finding beer rebates in the stores in the area (awesome!) but I am still signed up to get daily emails from ebay with any new auctions. I saw one over the weekend for a $25 Coors rebate (103322) when you spend $100 on gift cards. Its not valid in New York, only NJ so I went ahead and bought it. I figured the chances of me physically finding that form up here are pretty slim. I got two, one for my parents' address and one for DBF's mom's address. I spent $1.60 including shipping on the forms, so that's a $48.40 profit!

Another Gift Card Promo

2011-12-01T21:36:00.000-05:00

Its nice to know people! One of da boyfriend's friends is a plumber and he was nice enough to come over today and help out with a bunch of projects. DBF picked up the supplies at Lowes and his friend did all the work! So very kind of him. Since we knew we'd be spending money at Lowes (will it ever end?) I picked up two $100 gift cards at ShopRite this morning. For each $100 I bought, I should get a $20 reward valid for next week. I say "should" because nothing printed like a catalina would, the money is supposed to come off your order automatically next week. The circular said limit one, so I bought one on my card and one DBF's card. That money will really come in handy. Knowing that we'd be moving soon, I hadn't been buying many perishable groceries and I only have two bags of chicken breasts in the freezer. SR has ground beef for $1.99/lb next week so I'll be picking up some plus whatever else we need. I may pick up another $100 gift card tomorrow morning (I have a couple of extra Price Plus cards lying around somewhere) so that would be another $20 of free groceries. We've been spending so much money lately, now we're going to buckle down and build up our savings again. Bring on the rebates baby!

Here's what I got at ShopRite this afternoon:

Bananas $0.49/lb
Potatoes (5 lbs) $1.49
2 Freihofer Country Breads $1.99 each
Thomas English Muffins $1.99
ICBINB $3.29 - was running low, normally wouldn't pay this price
Used $10 catalina (from Pantene), total was $1.79

I meant to also pick up Marcal napkins ($1.34, $1 coupon in the 11/6 RP) but last night, for whatever reason I threw away my shopping list! I was really tired and I guess I thought I was done shopping. So even though I had my Marcal coupons with me, I totally forgot to pick these up. I'm going to do my first Price Chopper trip tomorrow so I'll swing into SR too.

The House!

2011-11-30T21:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Chez Frugalsuz! This is the lovely house that DBF and I bought. It has three bedrooms, two full baths, a huge driveway, 0.70 acres of land and a killer view. And best of all, its ours! If we want to change something, we can. If we want to hang pictures at 2 am, we can. If we want to stomp and shout, we can. I just love it!

Our property extends all the way to those trees. When we first looked at the house in the summer, I barely noticed those houses because of the tree cover. The bare spots on the grass are where the previous owners had a deck. They tore it down before we moved in, even without asking them to. We were going to knock it down anyway so that was just one less thing to worry about.

Love that view!

The kitchen is so nice. Cabinets galore, fairly new appliances and plenty more counter space than I'm used to. That curtain is covering a huge window that opens from the bottom up. We figure it must have been a door that they converted to a window.

Right beside the kitchen is the dining room, complete with beautiful sliding glass doors. The inspector for our loan required that the doors be boarded up from the outside AND the inside. It was the stupidest thing we'd ever heard and the boards came right down once the house was ours.

Interesting color choice huh? Not only are the walls pink, but the carpet is too! One of the bedrooms sports an even brighter pink carpet. Oy. The chandelier is pretty, but not really our style and hangs down too low for our liking.

After two coats of primer and two coats of paint, we finally got the room to where we wanted it. Da boyfriend stepped off the step ladder right into the paint tray on day one! Luckily, the carpet was getting tossed, so that wasn't a big deal.

Here's the final product! We chose a happy, light yellow for the walls, a multi-colored brown/tan carpet, changed out the light fixture and put up some rustic looking wood moulding. I love how it came out. Da boyfriend is going to build a dining room table and chairs soon, so we'll have somewhere to sit and eat (love that handyman!). We have curtains for the sliding glass doors to put up so the whole world can't see into the house. During the day, this room gets tons of sunlight and has such a nice, cheery feel to it. I'll have to snap some pictures during the day.

Shadow loves the sliding glass doors! Gigi has been more hesitant to explore the house, although she's getting better I'm sure it will be difficult to get her attention away from the doors soon enough.

Since we were without a deck, DBF constructed a set of stairs off the sliding glass doors. Shadow loved being able to keep an eye on him while he worked.

They came out so well! He's going to build something more permanent in the spring when the ground is softer.

Most of the rooms aren't finished yet, but let's take a look at some of them anyway. The previous owners left this sturdy metal shelving unit in the basement. Since its right by the washer/dryer, I loaded it up with laundry items. Its nice having everything right at my fingertips. In the right hand corner of the picture, you can see a rolling metal cart. I used to have this in my kitchen at the apartment but its handy down here to put laundry baskets on, fold clothes, etc.

We changed out these curtains from a deep, dark red to this white. So many places in the house are dark, so I've been trying to brighten things up. Love the slop sink!

Here's a sneak peek of my stockpile room. I had a lot more of it organized, but when it flooded a bit, I moved a lot of the stuff to higher ground. Its been dry ever since, so I think I'm ok to start putting everything where it needs to be. Maybe I can tackle that project this weekend. Its driving me crazy not knowing where everything is and stepping over boxes left and right.

DBF's mom gifted us the rolling metal shelf in the middle of the room. Its huge! And its the perfect height to put against the far wall. There's a shelf running around the border of the room and I can put this shelf right against the wall without losing that extra shelf space. See that blue tote in front of the Ziploc tower? That's all my Black Friday shopping. I shopped, dumped all the goodies into the tote in the car, then used the same reusable bag in store #2. It really helped keep everything from rolling all around the car.

Notice that wood paneling in the background? Its everywhere in the house! Its in two of the bedrooms (although that paneling is white), this room, the room next to it, the hallway and the entryway of the house. In time, we're going to pull it down. But for now, we have so many other projects that its going to stay put for a while. Plus we're not really sure what's behind it and how much of a project it will be to repair any damage.

This is where I'm typing this up right now! We made one of the bedrooms into our office. I've got to get this room organized. We have receipts and paperwork and boxes and cords and books everywhere. We decided not to move my old desk, so we're going to use a rolling set of shelves as desk drawers. For whatever reason, the carpet in this room doesn't fully extend to the back wall. Its just one of the many oddities of this old house.

I've had this table for years. Its a cheapo table from Ikea and although I knew it had leaves in the middle, I'd never used them. We decided to put them in and its enormous! Since they've never seen sunlight, the two leaves in the center are about five shades lighter than the rest of the table. Looking at the picture closely, I see that Shadow wanted her Kong to be photographed. She leaves that thing everywhere!

Thanks for visiting! I'll be posting more pictures as we get more unpacked and settled.

Back in Business

2011-11-30T18:09:00.000-05:00

Ahh, that feels so good! The cable guy came to the house yesterday, but of course there was some issue and I had no internet last night. What a tease. But now we're back up and running. The house is still quite a mess, so for now, we'll use my dryer as a backdrop. (I have a dryer! WOOT!)

Rite Aid

Duracell 9 volt Batteries $5.74, used $1 coupon (11/27 P&G), got back $1 UP (Limit 1) = $3.74

Bought a second pack of 9 volt batteries at a second store on a separate card. Now I'll submit both of these receipts for a $2.50 rebate (WYB 2, SCR #3). I find its easy to get deals on AA and AAA batteries, but 9 volt is tricky so I don't mind spending a little more. All in all, I spent $4.98 or $2.49 each. And I used UP's to pay of course. The batteries count towards the Season of Savings program for the week, but I'm not going after that.

I also picked up three cases of Diet Pepsi for $10.98 with a $2 UP reward back (got the Santa candy for $0.50 so I could use a $10 UP and a $1 UP). I drank my last can of soda today so these were definitely needed.

ShopRite

4 Pantene Sham/Conds $3.99 each, used two $3 off 2 coupons (11/27 P&G) and got back $10 catalina = FREE/$0.04 profit
Total was $11.26 with tax

12/4 - 12/10

2011-11-30T08:32:00.002-05:00

CVS

American Greeting Cards buy three $0.99 cards, use $2 off 3 coupon and get back $3 EB (Limit 1) = $2.03 profit *American Greeting Cards are a regional item
Candy Canes (10 ct) $1.27, get back $1.27 EB (Limit 1) = FREE *Might be a regional deal so check your circulars before buying
Revlon Cosmetics and/or Beauty Tools - buy two and get back $6 EB (Limit 1). Nail clippers and emery boards are usually the cheapest items, then use two $1 coupons (10/30 SS) for FREE or moneymaker items
Lots of food items for the spend $30, get $10 gift card deal. Includes Jif PB, Smuckers jelly and General Mills cereals - if you have rainchecks for any of these items from the past couple weeks, now's the time to use them.
iTunes Gift Cards - spend $50, get back $10 EB (Limit 1)
DSW, Golfsmith, $14.95 Tech Support for Dummies or The Limited Gift Cards - spend $50, get back $10 EB (Limit 1)

Rite Aid

Sucrets $2.99, use $1 coupon (11/20 SS) and get back $2 UP (Limit 1) = FREE/$0.01 profit *Also part of Season of Savings Program for this week
Fragrance Sets $15.99 and up, use $5 coupon (valid on Beyonce, Halle Berry, Faith Hill, Celene Dion, Tim McGraw or David Beckham) and get back $5 UP (Limit 2) = $5.99 *If you have 10% ($14.39) or 20% discount ($12.79), your final out of pocket will be $4.39 or $2.79

Walgreens

Buy any gift card, get a gift card tin for FREE ($1.99 value) - might be cute if you're planning on giving gift cards for the holidays
Dozen eggs $0.99 - since I bought some eggs at ShopRite last weekend and forgot to take them out of the car (yeeesh) I'll be grabbing up some cheap eggs

Printable Rebate Offers

Hangtag/Peelie/Tearpad Rebates to Look For - please let me know what you find as well!

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Hangtag TMF Exp. 3/1/12
Kedem Sparkling Juices Hangtag $1.50 rebate per bottle, up to 6 bottles/$9 per 12 month period, no expiration date - found at Acme
Nexcare Bandages - Active Waterproof, Soft n’ Flex and Waterproof. Peelie TMF for one, two or all three varieties, up to $3.99 per box. Exp. 12/31/11

The end is near

2011-11-28T08:46:00.000-05:00

The cable guy is coming to the house tomorrow. Do you know what that means dear friends? INTERNET! And cable tv! Its been so long since I've had a working computer at home that I've almost forgotten what it feels like. I'm very excited to show you all pictures of the house and to get back to blogging like I used to. Its just not the same to talk about what I bought, I wanna show you too!

What a weekend this has been. The electrician came to the house on Wednesday to upgrade our electric service. While he was there, he found oodles of other issues which turned into a second day of work. I have always disliked having strangers in my space, and having them cutting holes through sheet rock, pulling wires through various rooms, moving appliances and such was making me downright antsy. But thankfully that's all done now and the lights don't flicker when I run the washer.

We've had a multitude of water issues over the past couple days. It started when the electrician was over on Wednesday and I moved some boxes into the stockpile room to get them out of his way. To my surprise, the floor was wet. It was a rainy, overcast day and with no power, it was hard to see where the water was coming from. I moved a lot of things out of the room and found that pretty much the whole floor was wet. Some stuff was ruined - flour and sugar I had in bags on the floor, a couple of packages of toilet paper and random bags of stuff that had yet to be put away. We think the water was coming in because of a backup in a nearby drainage pipe outside. Da boyfriend cleaned that all out and rigged up a new pipe, so hopefully that's ok now. We'll keep a close eye on that room the next time we get a storm. Thankfully most of the items in the stockpile room were already on shelves or still in plastic tote boxes so they were fine.

Once the electrician was done with day #2, I set about getting the house back in order and threw in a load of laundry. I heard a weird dripping noise while we were upstairs and when we went downstairs to check, we found a ton of water on the floor. The washer drains to a sump pump and there was some issue with the new outlet it had been plugged into. So all the soapy water was overflowing out of the pump and onto the floor (at least it smelled nice!). We cleaned the water up with a shop vac and the next day, the electrician came back out and fixed the outlet. Then the new dishwasher started leaking all over the kitchen floor. Again, DBF to the rescue. One of the connecting pipes was loose, so that should be ok now.

All of this combined with trying to get things unpacked, cleaned and organized was a wee bit overwhelming. I'll be very happy when everything is where it should be and put away.

I snuck in quite a bit of Black Friday shopping at the drugstores on Thursday before heading over to my aunt's for a delicious Thanksgiving feast. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well!