Feb. Monthly Totals and Savings Updates

February Monthly Totals

• Merchandise Total (before coupons): $1,442.37
• Value of Coupons & Store Sales: $841.60
• Rewards/Gift Cards/ECB's Used: $526.96
• Rewards/Gift Cards/ECB's Earned: $306.83
• Rebates: $289.62
• Total Cost to me (after rewards earned and rebates): $27.11
• Total Profit: $138.12
• # of Items: 408, # of Free Items: 299

Savings Updates

This month was awesome in terms of savings. I came in under budget on my gas and grocery budgets and got a nice tax refund, most of which went right into savings.

I feel a little guilty mentioning this because so many folks have lost their jobs or are working less hours, but I did get a raise at work this month. Hoorah! I will increase my retirement contributions 1% when the raise kicks in (8% of my annual salary) and I will be saving every extra penny towards my Emergency Fund. I've been at my current job for a year now, so I will also now receive matching employer contributions on my 401(k) plan up to a certain percent.

Withdrawals taken from Short Term Savings

• $53.50 new cell phone - will be getting back $50 as a rebate
• $39.64 prescription cat food
• $668.02 car repair and oil change
• $53.66 new lights and wipers for car

Deposits

• $115.12 - money earned from selling stuff online after deducting shipping costs and ebay fees
• $6.43 - interest earned on security deposit, deducted from rent
• $11.08 - difference between budgeted and actual amount of electric bill
• $26.98 - rebates ($3 Narnia, $3 Narnia DBF's name, $6.99 Vitamin shampoo, $6.99 Vitamin shampoo at parents' address, $4.99 Vitamin shampoo at DBF's address, $2.01 refund for prescription)
• $10 - money owed from friend
• $36.81 - leftovers from gas and grocery budgets
• $47.95 - RiteAid rebates
• $80 - regular budgeted amount that I save each month
• $2,250 federal tax refund - $409.90 to Short Term Savings (now at my goal of $1,000!) and $1,078.78 to Emergency Fund (goal $10,000)

Balances as of Today

• Short Term Savings $1,000 - met my goal!!
• Emergency Fund $1,319.02
• Credit Cards - ZERO! I celebrate this everyday :)
• Car Loan - 3 more payments to go...
• Student Loans - ugh, and I was on such a roll! $79,255

I got a $10 RA gift card in the mail for a January rebate, and I still have a $10 gift of savings certificate (basically a gift card) to use up. With RA's uncertain future, I've decided its best (for me) to not buy any rebate items from them for now. So I'm going to use up these gift cards on newspapers, milk and stuff like that. I have two more $10 gift cards coming in the mail, so I'll do the same with those when they come in. I just hate the thought of buying a rebate item, having the company go bankrupt and not receiving my rebate check. Fingers crossed this will not happen and they'll just restructure or whatever. But with money being tight, I'm not taking any chances right now.

I also decided to scale my cable back to basic cable and that should save me around $40 a month. I should see this difference in March's budget since February's cable was already paid for.

$200 Worth of Groceries for $6.65

Song of the Day - The Beatles Hey Jude
TOTAL FEBRUARY PROFIT $138.12

UPDATE - Grr, so I went back to ShopRite to exchange the Pert Plus for one with the TMF sticker on it. My sister went with me and said I should just peel the sticker off one of the bottles and be done with it, but I wasn't sure if all varieties were included in the rebate, so I decided to do an exchange. The cashier returned the one I'd bought previously and rang up the new one. She rang it up as $2.29, instead of $3.29. So basically I'd be getting it for free instead of making a profit. That was annoying, but whatever. She marks up my original receipt, and then proceeds to rip off the new receipt in half! What on earth?!?! She then gives me the torn receipt that has no store info. I said, "I'm sorry, but I just can't submit that for a rebate! The company will think I'm nuts!" She and her buddies decide they'll "print" out a new receipt for me. She comes back with a full page printout that looked absolutely nothing like a receipt. It looked like something I could type up on the computer. Ugh. There's no way I'd get my money back submitting that, so I ended up just doing a return. I got back the post-coupon price as cash back. I really probably should have received the pre-coupon price back since the store will still submit the coupon, but whatever. What a hassle!

CVS

• Physician's Formula Organic mascara $9.99, used $1 coupon (2/22 SS) and will submit for Try Me Free rebate at parent's address for $9.95 (*product has to have Try Me Free peelie on it) = $1 profit
• 2 Earrinse $7.99 each, got back $15.98 EB ($7.99 each, Feb. monthly deal, limit 2) = FREE
• Gilette Gamer razor $7.99, used $4 coupon (2/8 P&G) and get back $4 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• Used $6 EB, $6 EB, $6 EB and $10 EB, total was $0.96

Walgreens

• Hoodia clearanced to $6.29, I'm hoping to get back $11 ($10 + 10%, ESR #9) = $4.71 profit
• Rapid Slim SX clearanced to $6.29, I'm hoping to get back $11 ($10 + 10%, ESR #9, in DBF's name) = $4.71 profit

ShopRite

• 4 Over the Moon milk half gallons $1.89 each, used two $1.50 off 2 coupons (1/11 SS) = $4.56 or $1.14 each
• 4 Riceworks chips $2.50 each, used four freebie coupons (printable no longer available) = $0.25 profit *Cashier put through one as $0.25 and instead of doing $2.25 for the next coupon to correct it, he just put the rest through as $2.50
• Pert Plus for Men $3.29, used $1 coupon (1/25 SS) and will submit for TMF rebate (*has to have peelie on package) = $1 profit *Picked up one without the TMF sticker - duh! I'll exchange it.
• 2 SR reusable bags $0.99 each, used two freebie catalinas = $1.98 profit *Cashier put these through as $0.99 coupons so they both doubled
• Used $5 catalina, $0.10 bag discount, was negative with all these crazy cashier entries so I picked up the Mentos for $0.69, total was $0.63

And now for the main event...A&P triple coupons!

First store

• 4 Betty Crocker warm delights $1.66 each, used four $0.50 coupons (2/8 GM) = $0.66 or $0.16 each
• 4 Kotex Lightdays $0.99 each, used four $0.75 coupons (1/11 or 2/22 SS, tripled to $1.49 each) = $2 profit
• 2 Colgate Extra Clean toothbrushes $0.99 each, used three (my mistake, I originally bought 3 toothbrushes, one wasn't on sale so cashier took that off the order) $0.40 coupons (2/22 SS, tripled to $1.20 each) = $3.60 profit - self checkout cashier did weird things here. She noticed the coupons were tripling over $0.99, so she entered them in as $0.99 each, but she left the original $0.40 tripled coupon values on!
• Crest Weekly Clean toothpaste $3.69, used freebie coupon (Vocal Point mailer) = FREE
• 4 Kellogg's Fiber Plus bars $1.66 each, used four $0.75 coupons (1/18 RP, tripled to $2.25 each) = $2.36 profit
• 4 Mentos gums $1.49 each, used four $0.55 coupons (2/8 SS) = FREE
• 4 Trident gums $1.29 each, used four $0.75 coupons (1/18 SS) = FREE
• 4 Healthy Ones lunchmeats $1.99, clearanced $1 off each = $3.96 or $0.99 each
• 4 Green Giant steamers $1.66 each, used four $0.50 coupons (1/4 GM) = $0.66 or $0.16 each
• 4 Nature's Pride loaves of bread $2 each, used four $0.55 coupons (2/22 RP) = $1.40 or $0.35 each
• Got $2.11 employee discount, $0.06 bag discount, total was $1.02

Second store

• 2 America's Choice butters $1.48 w/additional $25 purchase
• 4 Kotex Lightdays $0.99 each, used four $0.75 coupons (1/11 or 2/22 SS, tripled to $1.49 each) = $2 profit
• 3 Purina One dog food cans $1.49 each, used three freebie coupons (2/8 RP, system automatically took off $1.59 each) = $0.30 profit
• 4 Colgate Extra Clean toothbrushes $0.99 each, used four $0.40 coupons (2/22 SS, tripled to $1.20 each) = $0.84 profit
• 2 Kellogg's Fiber Plus bars $1.66 each, used two $0.75 coupons (1/18 RP, tripled to $2.25 each) = $1.18 profit
• 12 Yoplait yogurts $0.39 each, used two $0.40 off 6 coupons = $0.20 each
• 8 Green Giant steamers $1.66 each, used eight $0.50 coupons (1/4 GM) = $0.66 or $0.16 each *Got this tip from Amiyrah. If you buy different flavors, the coupons will all double or triple even though you bought more than four.
• 8 Betty Crocker warm delights $1.66 each, used eight $0.50 coupons (2/8 GM) = $0.66 or $0.16 each
• 4 Muir Glen tomato sauces $2.19 each, used four $0.75 coupons (2/8 SS) = FREE
• 4 Mentos gums $1.49 each, used four $0.55 coupons (2/8 SS) = FREE
• 2 Trident gums $1.29 each, used two $0.75 coupons (1/18 SS) = FREE
• 2 Nature's Pride loaves of bread $2 each, used two $0.55 coupons (2/22 RP) = $0.70 or $0.35 each
• 2 Pepperidge Farm swirl breads $2 each, used two $0.55 peelie coupons = $0.7o or $0.35 each
• Rolls $1.39, 50% off clearance = $0.69
• Got $2.27 employee discount and $0.06 bag discount, total was $5.63

At A&P, I got around $200 worth of groceries for $6.65 OOP - gotta love that!

And this is what my freezer now looks like. I literally could not squeeze another single item in there!

More Rebates

Song of the evening - Steve Holy - I Got a Brand New Girlfriend - I literally laughed out loud the first time I heard this song
CVS

• Physician's Formula Organic mascara $9.99, used $1 coupon (2/22 SS - actually remembered it this time!) and will submit for Try Me Free rebate in DBF's name (up to $9.95, *product has to have the Try Me Free peelie on it) = $1 profit
• Diet Coke $1.69, got back $1 EB (WYB 3, monthly deal, bought some previously) = $0.69
• Used $10 EB, total was $0.80

ShopRite

• 4 Cans Purina One Wholesome Goodness dog food four for $5, used four freebie coupons (2/8 RP) = $0.96 profit - cashier took off max value on coupon ($1.49) for each instead of looking up the price - me lovez a coupon-lazy cashier!
• Pert Plus for Men $3.29, used $1 coupon (1/25 SS) and will submit for TMF rebate (*has to have peelie on package) = $1 profit
• Riceworks chips $2.50, used freebie coupon (printable no longer available) = FREE
• Diet Dr. Pepper 2 liter $1.33, used freebie coupon (promo, no longer available) = FREE
• 2 Friendship Sour Creams $1.29 each
• Carrots $1.29
• Macintosh apples $2.01 ($1.49/lb)
• Used $5 catalina, $0.10 bag discount, total was $2.22

I also went to the library to pick up some books I had reserved. I can go online and look up any book I want and the website will tell me which libraries have it available. I can then request that it be sent to the library by me for pick-up - how great is that?!? The only downside is that the library in my town charges $0.25 for every book you request. I used to have them sent to the library in my parent's town because there is no charge, but its been really difficult for me to get over there during the week before they close. And that's not to mention the gas money I've spent driving all the way over there. So I decided to bite the $0.25 bullet and have them sent to the one by me. I spent $2 today for eight books. I've read all of the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris and now I'm moving on to her other series. I hope they're as good!

Get Down with yo' Bad Self! 3/1 - 3/7

For your inner badass...Disturbed - Down with the Sickness
Photo courtesy of lolcats. As always, my deals all come from the wonderful folks at HCW, Slick Deals and Erica at iheartcvs.com, iheartriteaid.com and iheartwags.com. Here we go...

CVS - lots of buy X, get Y deals this week! NEW - $4 off $20 coupon is available on iheartcvs

• NEW - thanks for the tip Amiyrah! Ensure 6 pack $6.99, use $3 coupon and submit for Try Me Free rebate = $3 profit
• Act Total Care (Trial Size) mouthwash $0.99, get back $0.99 EB (Limit 2) = FREE
• Carnation Instant Breakfast $4.99, use $0.75 coupon (Jan. All You magazine) and get back $4.99 EB (Limit 1) = $0.75 profit
• Gillette Fusion Gamer or Venus Razor $7.99, use $4 coupon (3/1 P&G) and get back $4 EB (Limit 1) = FREE *My coupon was just for cartridges, how about you?
• Slimquick Energy Shot (2 pack) $4.99, get back $4.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• Spend $20 on select P&G products and get a FREE Charmin 6 pack (Limit 1). This one's a bit confusing so I'd recommend looking at the circular here. Includes Always ($2.99, $0.50 Q 3/1 P&G, limit 3), Bounty Basics 8 pack ($5.88, $0.25 Q 2/8 or 3/1 P&G, limit 4), Cascade $2.99, Crest Pro-Health toothpaste 4.2 oz, Crest with Scope 4.6 - 6.2 oz, Crest Whitening Expressions 4.6 - 6.2 oz or Oral B Advantage toothbrush (all $2.50, limit 4), Dawn 10.3 oz. ($0.97, limit 6), Duracell ($9.99, $0.75 Q 3/1 P&G), Pantene, Herbal Essences or Head and Shoulders Family Size ($5.77, $1 off 2 or $2 off 2 Pantene 2/8 P&G, $3 off 2 Herb Ess 2/8 P&G or $1 Q H&S 2/8 P&G or $2 off 2 3/1 P&G, limit 4), Prilosec 42 count ($24.77, $1 Q 2/8 or 3/1 P&G, limit 3), Puffs ($0.97, limit 6) or Tide Liquid ($5.97, $0.35 Q 2/8 or 3/1 P&G, limit 4)

Be sure to check the circular carefully for specific sizes of these items. There are also limits on how many of each item you can buy. You could also try using the $0.25 Charmin Q (2/8 or 3/1 P&G) as well. It might work. Also be sure to check your coupon booklets from the P&G coupon rebate a couple weeks ago for more coupons.

• Spend $20 on the following products, get $5 EB (Limit 1): Gerber Baby Food & Juice 25% off ($1 off 4 purees or $1 off cereal w/DHA canister or 2 boxes cereal coupon 1/4 SS), Pampers Jumbos $9.99 ($1 coupon 2/8 P&G), Playskool Diapers $11, Q-Tips $3 ($0.30 coupon 1/18 RP) or Baby Fresh/Playskool Wipes $2.50
• Spend $20 on the following L'Oreal products, get $5 EB (Limit 4). Includes Age Perfect Moisturizer ($11.99), Advanced Revitalift ($11.99), Sublime Bronze or Glow ($6.99), Skin Genesis, Revitalift, or Age Perfect Cleansers ($5.99), Color Rich Lip or Voluminous/Telescoping Mascara ($5), Bare Naturale Foundation ($10), Preference ($11.98 for 2), Everpure Shampoo/Cond (not sure of price), Double Extend Beauty Tubes, Infallible or True Match Mascara ($7)

The following L'Oreal coupons are available: $2 off facial skincare product (1/4 RP), $1 moisturizer or treatment (2/1 or 2/8 RP), $3 off 2 skincare products (2/1 RP), $1 off Revitalift product (2/1 RP), $3 off makeup, powder, blush or concealer (1/4 RP), $2 off makeup, powder, blush or concealer (2/1 RP), $2 off eye product (1/4 RP), $2 off L'Oreal Preference (1/4 RP), $2 off Everpure shampoo/cond/styler (2/1 RP).

Here are some scenarios for L'Oreal:

• Buy four Color Rich Lip or Voluminous/Telescoping Mascara for $5 each, use four $3 coupons for makeup = $8 OOP and get back $5 EB = $3 for four
• Buy four Skin Genesis, Revitalift, or Age Perfect Cleansers for $5.99 each, use four $2 skincare coupons = $15.96 and get back $5 EB = $2.74 each

These are ok prices, and I'd only get them if you were out. L'Oreal skincare stuff was a moneymaker a couple weeks ago and you can often make a profit on the makeup with BOGO sales.

CVS March Monthly Deals

• CVS Vitamin D 400 (100 count) $2.99, get back $2.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE

RiteAid - $5 off $25 coupon available here. Expires 3/13/09

• Soothe Eye Drops (15 ml.) $7.49, use $3 coupon (1/18 SS) and get back $7.49 (SCR #8) = $3 profit
• Novitra Cold Sore Cream (0.25 oz.) $7.99, use $3 coupon and get back $7.99 (SCR #28) = $3 profit (thanks Laurie!)
• SnoreStop Fast Tabs (60 count) or NasoSpray (40 count) $8.99, get back $8.99 (SCR #33) = FREE
• SnoreStop Extinguisher (0.4 oz.) $12.99, get back $12.99 (SCR #29) = FREE
• Ocean Complete Nasal Rinse (6 oz.) $8.99, get back $8.99 (SCR #30) = FREE
• Sinus Buster Sinus and Headache Formula or Allergy Formula (20 ml.) $8.99, get back $8.99 (SCR #7) = FREE

Walgreens

• NEW - Dove soap $0.99 with in-circular coupon, buy 8 (YMMV, coupon says limit 3) and get back $10 RR (monthly RR deal - buy 4, get $2 RR, buy 6, get $6 RR, buy 8, get $10 RR) = $2.02 profit
• NEW - Dove trial size deodorant $0.99 each, buy 8 and use four $1.50 off 2 coupons (1/18 RP) and get back $10 RR = $8.08 profit *Can mix and match soap and deodorant for this deal
• NEW - Wal-Zyr (5 tablets) $3.99 (not sure if this is weekly or monthly price), get back $3.99 (ESR #14) = FREE
• NEW - Sambucol $13.99, use $4 coupon and $10 WAG coupon (give second, in March Easy Saver book) = FREE
• Blink Tears Eye Drops $7.99, use $1.50 coupon or $2 coupon (3/1 SS) and get back $7.99 RR = $1.50 or $2 profit
• Colgate Max Toothpaste $3.99, use $1 coupon or $0.75 coupon (2/22 SS) and get back $3.99 RR = $1 or $0.75 profit
• Nabisco Cookies or Crackers (4-6 oz.) $1.99, BOGO sale, use $2 off 2 coupon (1/25 SS) = FREE
• Reach Dental Care $0.99 with in-circular coupon, use $1 coupon (2/8 RP - give FIRST) = FREE
• Vaseline Intensive Rescue Lotion (10 oz.) $2.84, use $1 coupon or $1.50 coupon (1/18 RP) and get back $2 RR = $0.66 profit

Walgreens March Easy Saver Rebates 3/1 - 3/28 - 10% bonus on each item when you get your rebate back on a gift card.

• Axe Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers $6.99 (ESR #1) = FREE
• Memory Formula (45 softgels) $19.99 (ESR #2) = FREE
• Walgreens Headache Relief Extra Strength Quickgels (20 pack) $2.99 (ESR #3) = FREE

General Printable Rebate Offers

• NEW - All Bran cereal, bars, drink mix or fiber wafers, up to $4.99 Exp. 4/30/09
• Caregiver's Marketplace - many rebates for a variety of items
• Colgate/Palmolive - free travel bag when you spend $15 - while supplies last
• The Chronicles of Narnia on DVD or Blu-Ray Hi-Def $3 rebate WYB Scotch products Exp. 3/31/09
• Ensure 6 pack use $3 coupon and Try Me Free rebate
• Febreze Noticeables Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/09
• Herbal Essences - free haircut when you buy 2 specially marked bottles Exp. 6/31/09
• Jolly Time - free reusable bag when you send in 3 UPC's - valid while quantities last
• Kellogg's Smart Start Strawberry Oat Bites Cereal Exp. 7/31/09
• Kraft Mac n Cheese Crackers TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• Peter Pan satisfaction guarantee Exp. 5/31/09
• Physician's Formula - three separate rebates *have to find products with TMF peelies on them Exp. 12/31/09
• Progresso Soup satisfaction guarantee Exp. 3/31/09
• Precious Kitty Litter - One request per lifetime
• Sure Max deodorant TMF Exp. 3/31/09

eBay Supplies

Splatter - you rock! I just ordered a bunch of FREE Priority shipping boxes from the Post Office's website and they are going to ship them to me for FREE!

Song of the Day - George Strait - How 'Bout them Cowgirls - this song makes me think of wide open plains and the wind blowing through my hair...oh George, how I love thee...
I have been selling a lot of stuff on eBay lately and I ran out of shipping boxes yesterday. I could have gone to Target or Walmart, but then I would have to fork over actual cash. Heavens no! So I decided to use up some of my EB's and buy the boxes at CVS.

• Three 8 inch boxes $2.29 each
• Three 12 inch boxes $3.49 each
• Three 18 inch boxes $3.99 each
• 3 bottles Diet Coke $1.69 each, used three freebie coupons (these get mailed to you instead of printing them and it takes a couple weeks) and got back $1 EB for buying three (monthly deal, not sure of limit) = $1 profit. I will get back $1 EB when I buy one more (I've bought 5 so far this month).
• Physician's Formula Organic mascara $9.99, will submit for Try Me Free rebate (up to $9.95 - what's up with that? *product has to have the Try Me Free peelie on it) = close to FREE *There was a $1 coupon in the 2/22 SS but I didn't have it with me. Be on the lookout for TMF's on the bronzers too.
• Used $4.99 EB, $10 EB, $12 EB and $12 EB, total was $0.69

The great thing is that this trip didn't even come close to wiping out my EB's! I used DBF's card and I still have $50.96 left in EB's on that card. A lot of these were close to expiring anyway. And I'll get back $9.95 for the mascara that I'll put right into savings. Love it!

Got these in my mailbox today - Pepsi/Frito coupons from the rebate several weeks back and a Heart Healthy t-shirt from RiteAid (SCR #500). Its actually a pretty nice fabric!

I mailed out some items I sold this morning and I used a $15 gift card I got from an Olay rebate to pay for most of the cost.

Shop-oh-so-Rite

Do you ever hear a song on the radio you haven't heard in ages and it takes you back to that time? Or to some special day/event when you first heard that song? I love when that happens! Today's selection - Phil Collins Easy Lover. Enjoy your 80's time warp!

ShopRite - thanks Amiyrah for the SR tips for this week!

• Riceworks chips $2.50, used freebie coupon (printable no longer available) = FREE
• 2 Softsoap body washes $1.99 each, used two $2 coupons (second adjusted to $1.98) = FREE
• 2 Half gallons Over the Moon milk $1.89 each, used $1.50 off 2 coupon (1/11 SS) = $2.28 or $1.14 each
• 3 jars Ragu sauce $4, used $0.50 off 2 coupon (doubled to $1, 1/18 RP) = $3
• 6 packets Lipton Recipe Secrets $1 each (be sure to buy at least two different flavors to get this price on all six), used three $0.60 off 2 coupons (doubled to $1.20, 1/18 RP) = $2.40
• Total was $7.86 after $0.10 bag discount

Got back a $5 catalina and catalina for a free reusable grocery bag for buying 9 Unilever items (Ragu & Lipton). I only spent $5.40 on the Unilever products so that's pretty close to free and good enough for me! I love getting such a great deal on the alfredo sauces too. Walgreens does sales on Ragu pretty regularly, but I've never seen this variety in their stores.

I liked the deal so much, I did it again!

Take Two

• 3 jars Ragu sauce $4, used $0.50 off 2 coupon (doubled to $1, 1/18 RP) = $3
• 6 packets Lipton Recipe Secrets $1 each (be sure to buy at least two different flavors to get this price on all six), used three $0.60 off 2 coupons (doubled to $1.20, 1/18 RP) = $2.40
• SR Ketchup $1.39
• SR reusable bag (isn't it cute?) $0.99, used freebie catalina from transaction one = FREE
• Used $5 catalina from transaction one, total was $1.76 after $0.10 bag discount

Got back a $5 catalina and catalina for a free reusable grocery bag. The self checkout machine had a brain fart when I was paying so they had to void the transaction and re-ring me. I got another $5 catalina and free bag catalina!

On another note, I've been selling some stuff on ebay and today I made $76.13 (not including payments for shipping)! Hoorah! That money is going right into savings. :)

Errand Weekend

Update - DBF was looking through my Honda's owner manual and it turns out I was right on time for a new timing belt. Its recommended to change it out when you hit 110,000 miles, which is right where I am.

And I almost forgot! I pulled into my garage after getting my car and noticed my lights looked strange. My driver side front light had burned out. My wonderful boyfriend changed it out for me (and the passenger side one too) and put on new wipers for me. :)

Saturday was errand day in the frugalsuz household. DBF and I went all over. We started out at the library, picking up some books I had requested. Then off to the vet to pick up more cat food for my furrouscious felines. $16.59 for Mousse's food and $20.46 for Gigi's food. Then we went and got my oil changed in my car. The mechanic told me that I was waaaaay overdue to have my timing belts changed. I'm at 110,000 miles and they were supposed to be done around 80,000. Oops! They were able to change them for me that day, which was great and the general manager of the shop even drove DBF and I back to my apartment since the repair would take several hours. We jumped in DBF's truck, drove out to the Crossings Outlet mall in PA for a little shopping and popped in Red Robin for lunch. Yum! Then we drove back to NJ, picked up my car and the $641.32 bill (ouch!) and did some ShopRite and A&P shopping.

ShopRite

• 2 packages 80% ground beef $5.59 for both
• Gala apples $1.97
• Total was $7.56

A&P - four day triple coupons!

• 4 cans Muir Glen tomatoes $2.19 each, used four $0.75 coupons (tripled to $2.19, 2/8 SS) = FREE
• 4 Chex Mix $1.25 each, used four $0.50 coupons (tripled to $1.50 each, 1/25 SS) = $1 profit
• 4 Viva paper towels $2.79 each, used four $0.75 coupons (1/11 SS) = $2.16 or $0.54 each
• 8 packages of Healthy Ones and Shady Brook farms cold cuts $0.99 each (clearanced)
• 4 bags Sargento shredded cheese $2 each, used two $1 off 2 coupons (1/25 SS) = $1.50 each
• Fresh Express romaine lettuce $2
• Simply Potatoes hash browns (for our dinner) $2.50
• 2 Land O Lakes singles cheese $1.99 each
• Yucky whole milk for DBF $1.99
• Got $2.98 employee discount and $0.04 bag discount, total was $22.53

CVS - Sunday

• 7 papers $14
• Used $6 EB, $6 EB and $8 EB, total was $0

I had a $5 off $30 coupon that I'd planned on using but I couldn't find anything I wanted to buy. Its good until tomorrow and I may work out a plan of some things to get.

They're On to Us!

Update - looks like I'm the only one out there whose EB's haven't been printing for the cotton rounds. :( So I'd say give it a try and see if they print for you. Good luck!

TOTAL PROFIT FOR FEBRUARY $124.31

CVS has caught on with the cotton rounds! I bought some yesterday and the EB's printed. Today, nada. :(

CVS - DBF's card - bought yesterday

• Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (4 oz) $2.99, used $1 coupon (2/1 SS) and got back $2.99 EB (Limit 5) = $1 profit
• CVS trial size 25 count cotton rounds $0.99, used $1 CVS skincare coupon (pic here) and got back $2 EB (bought first one previously) = $2 profit
• Reeses clearanced to $0.39
• Used $2 EB, total was $0.47, overall profit was $2.52

My Card - today

• Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (4 oz) $2.99, used $1 coupon (2/1 SS) and got back $2.99 EB (Limit 5) = $1 profit
• CVS trial size 25 count cotton rounds $0.99, used $1 CVS skincare coupon (pic here) = FREE
• Reeses clearanced to $0.39
• Used $2 EB, total was $0.47, overall profit $0.52

Did a rinse and repeat right away. Since the EB's only print for every two you buy, I didn't realize the rounds weren't working anymore until I'd done transaction two. At least I'm not out any money b/c they were free with the coupon, so no biggie.

• Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (4 oz) $2.99, used $1 coupon (2/1 SS) and got back $2.99 EB (Limit 5) = $1 profit
• CVS trial size 25 count cotton rounds $0.99, used $1 CVS skincare coupon (pic here) = FREE
• 2 Reeses clearanced to $0.39 each
• Used $2.49 EB, total was $0.36

Got a $1 CRT for any shampoo/conditioner/styler on my receipt, so I decided to get the Herbal Essences since I was in the store anyway. I planned to buy two Herbal Essences, which would have been $1.99 OOP. The lowest EB I had was for $2.99. I decided to use a higher value EB and get a monthly freebie as well. After my receipt printed I realized I had already bought two of the Extreme Energys on this card. Sigh. So I didn't get any EB's on that and I plan to return it.

• 2 Herbal Essences shampoos (aren't the swirly ones pretty?) $2.99 each, used $3 off 2 coupon (2/8 P&G) and $1 CRT and got back $2 EB ($1 each, Limit 5) = FREE
• Alavert clearanced 90% off to $1.09
• Extreme Energy $4.99, would have got $4.99 EB if I hadn't already reached my limit (monthly deal, limit 2)
• Used $8 EB, total was $0.06

Randomness - did you know Alavert contains the same drug as Claritin? Its the same drug, same amount. I noticed that the other day.

Quiet Week for Me 2/22 - 2/28

Photo courtesy of lolcats. As always, my deals all come from the wonderful folks at HCW, Slick Deals and Erica at iheartcvs.com, iheartriteaid.com and iheartwags.com. Here we go...

CVS

• Extreme Energy 6 Hour $4.99, get back $4.99 EB (Limit 1 - different offer # from Feb. deal so should be able to do again) = FREE
• Gillette Fusion Gamer, Venus Embrace or Spa Breeze razor $7.99, use $4 Gamer coupon (2/8 P&G) and get back $4 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• 7-Up soda 12 packs $3 each or four for $12, use $1 coupon and get back $3 EB (Limit 1) = four for $5 if you're able to print four $1 coupons
• Nyquil or Dayquil $9.98 for two, use two $1.50 coupons (1/18 or 2/8 P&G) and get back $5 EB (Limit 5) = $1.98 for two or $0.99 for one

CVS February Monthly Deals

• NEW (thanks Sheri!) - Renuzit TriScents Air Freshener $5.49, use $4 coupon (2/22 SS) and get back $2 EB (Limit 5) = $0.51 profit
• CVS trial size cotton pads (25 count) $0.99 each, use $1 CVS skincare coupon (found in stores) and get back $2 EB when you buy 2 (Limit 5) = $2 profit for every two, FREE without coupons
• Natural Dentist Healthy Gums or Flouride Rinse (16 oz.) $9.99, buy two, use two $2 coupons, get back $4 EB ($2 each, Limit 5) and submit for a $10 rebate (when you buy two) = $2 profit
• CVS Children's Chewable Aspirin (36 ct.) $1.99, get back $1.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• Earinse $7.99, get back $7.99 EB (Limit 2) = FREE
• Extreme Energy 6 hour shot $4.99, get back $4.99 EB (Limit 2) = FREE
• Stayfree pads (14 - 24 ct.) or Carefree pantiliners (38 - 60 ct.) $3.99, use BOGO Stayfree coupon (1/4 RP) and get back $2 EB (Limit 5) = FREE wyb 2
• Bodiheat Pain Relieving Heat Pads (3 ct.) $3.99, use $1 peelie coupon and get back $3 EB (Limit 5) = FREE
• CVS Cotton Balls $1.99, Makeup Remover Pads $6.59 or Nail Polish remover $1.99, use $1 CVS skincare coupon from beauty book and get back $2 EB WYB 2 (Limit 5) = FREE if you buy cotton balls

RiteAid - $5 off $25 coupon available here. Expires 3/13/09

• Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Shampoo, Conditioner, Mousse or Hairspray $2.99, use $1 coupon (11/9 or 1/4 RP) and get back $2.99 (SCR #74) = $1 profit
• Hershey's or Reese's candy bars $0.50, use $1 off 2 Reeses Whipps coupon (1/4 SS) = FREE
• Soyjoy $0.50 each, use BOGO coupon (1/4 SS) or $3 off 10 coupon (1/4 SS) and get back $5 when you buy 10 bars (SCR #87, also qualifies for SCR #500 - free t-shirt) = FREE or profit depending on coupons
• Zilactin Toothache Swabs (8 ct.) or Zilactin or Zilactin-B Gel (0 - 0.25 oz.) $4.99, get back $4.99 (SCR #86, limit 2) = FREE

Walgreens

• NEW - Theraflu $5 each, buy two, use two $2 coupons and get back $6 (WYB 2, ESR #12) = FREE
• NEW - Nature's Valley granola bars (small packages in candy aisle) $1.19 each, buy five and use five $0.50 coupons (1/4 GM) and get back $3.50 RR = FREE
• Reynolds Wrap $0.89 with in-circular coupon, use $1 coupon (2/8 SS - give FIRST) = $0.11 profit
• Gillette Fusion Gamer razor $8.99, use $4 coupon (2/8 P&G) and get back $6 RR = $1.01 profit
• Excedrin (20 or 24 count) $1.99, use $1 coupon (1/4 SS) or $2 migraine coupon and get back $1 RR = $1 profit or FREE
• Hershey's candy bars BOGO sale, use BOGO coupon (1/25 SS) = FREE

Walgreens February Easy Saver Rebates 2/1 - 2/28 - 10% bonus on each item when you get your rebate back on a gift card.

• Clairol Perfect 10 Hair color - clearanced around $5.69, use $2 coupon (1/25 RP) and get back $5 WAG gift card (ESR #7, no 10% bonus) = $1.31 profit
• Glade Sense and Spray - $8.99, buy two, use BOGO coupon and $4 coupon (2/8 SS) and get back $3 for each (ESR #26, limit 4) = $1 profit
• Auto Expressions Air Freshener $4.99, get back $4.99 ("raincheck" item from Jan., probably won't be on the list of rebates, just put in your receipt info without checking any specific rebates and it should pick it up) and submit for $4.99 manufacturer's rebate = $4.99 profit. If you bought this in January, you should be able to do the Walgreens rebate again.
• Zucol Cold Care Lozenges (18 pack) $7.99, use $2 coupon (or 2/1 SS) and get back $7.99 (ESR #1) = $2 profit
• Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer or Spa Foundation $10, use $2 coupon (1/11 or 2/8 SS) and get back $10 (ESR #2) = $2 profit
• Revlon Creme Lip Gloss $10, use $2 coupon (1/11 or 2/8 SS) and get back $10 (ESR #4) = $2 profit
• Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers (6.8 - 13oz.) $4.29, use $1 coupon (11/9 or 1/4 RP) and get back $4.29 (ESR #3) = $1 profit
• Walgreens Multi-Purpose No Rub Solution (4 oz.) $1.99, get back $1.99 (ESR #5) = FREE
• ThermaCare Trial Size Neck, Shoulder & Wrist heat Wrap $2.49, get back $2.49 (ESR #6) = FREE

General Printable Rebate Offers

• Caregiver's Marketplace - many rebates for a variety of items
• Colgate/Palmolive - free travel bag when you spend $15 - while supplies last
• The Chronicles of Narnia on DVD or Blu-Ray Hi-Def $3 rebate WYB Scotch products Exp. 3/31/09
• Febreze Noticeables Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/09
• Herbal Essences - free haircut when you buy 2 specially marked bottles Exp. 6/31/09
• Jolly Time - free reusable bag when you send in 3 UPC's - valid while quantities last
• Kellogg's Smart Start Strawberry Oat Bites Cereal Exp. 7/31/09
• Kraft Mac n Cheese Crackers TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• Peter Pan satisfaction guarantee Exp. 5/31/09
• Progresso Soup satisfaction guarantee Exp. 3/31/09
• Precious Kitty Litter - One request per lifetime
• Sure Max deodorant TMF Exp. 3/31/09

New Mylanta Flavor Clearanced

TOTAL PROFIT FOR FEBRUARY $121.13

CVS

• Mylanta Ultimate Strength Mint flavor - clearanced to $3.75, used $2 coupon (printable, no longer available) and got back $3 EB (monthly deal, limit 5) = $1.25 profit
• CVS trial size 25 count cotton rounds $0.99, used $1 CVS skincare coupon (pic here) = FREE and will get back $2 EB when I buy a second one (monthly deal, $2 EB WYB 2, Limit 5)
• Reeses clearanced to $0.39
• Used $2 EB, total was $0.13, overall profit $0.87

Lately, I've been trying to eat up some of the food that I have stockpiled. I've slowly been eating up my stash of Nutra Grain bars from a Walgreens sale ages ago, and I've been having tuna sandwiches for lunch with the Starkist tuna I got for free at ShopRite last week. Tonight for dinner, I had couscous that I got for free, Green Giant corn that I got for free and Perdue chicken that I got for super cheap. Yum! I love finishing stuff up!

Today I got a rebate check for $6.99 for Vitamin shampoo and a coupon for a free 2 liter bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper. Gotta love getting mail when you get things like that!

Awesome giveaway - between 9 am and 9 pm, go here to enter for a chance to win a $20 gift voucher for preventive vet services. Precious - are you listening? :)

Living Dangerously

TOTAL PROFIT FOR FEBRUARY $120.26

I had to have some blood taken today, which meant no breakfast for me. Tragically, I am a sufferer of LBSCBDO, and since the doctor's office was strategically located between a CVS and a very-well-stocked Walgreens, that meant hounding on an empty stomach. This, my boyfriend will tell you, is a recipe for disaster. Luckily, everything went to plan and I am my happy cheery self again after having a nice lunch.

CVS - my card - thanks again pubbler for the Stayfree coupons!

Be sure to run your card under the scanner. I got $5 off $30 and $2 Stayfree coupons, plus some other goodies. Also, the Neutrogena deal is new so be sure to check that out.

• 2 Neutrogena bar soaps $2.99 each, got back $10 EB (Limit 1) = $4.02 profit
• Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (4 oz) $2.99, used $1.50 coupon (newest All You magazine) and got back $2.99 EB (Limit 2) = $1.50 profit
• 2 Stayfree pads $3.49 each, used $2 CRT coupon and BOGO coupon (1/4 RP) and got back $4 EB (monthly deal, Limit 5) = $2.51 profit
• Gillette Fusion Gamer razor $7.99, used $4 coupon (2/8 P&G) and got back $4 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• 2 Extreme Energy shots $4.99 each, got back $9.98 EB ($4.99 each, monthly deal, limit 2) = FREE
• Milk $2.59
• Used $5 off $30 coupon, $20 EB, total was $0.52, overall profit was $10.45

DBF's card

• Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (4 oz) $2.99, used $1 coupon (2/1 SS) and got back $2.99 EB (Limit 2) = $1 profit
• 2 Neutrogena bar soaps $2.99 each, got back $10 EB (Limit 1) = $4.02 profit
• 2 Stayfree pads $3.49 each, used $2 CRT coupon and BOGO coupon (1/4 RP) and got back $4 EB (monthly deal, Limit 5) = $2.51 profit
• 2 Reeses hearts - clearanced to $0.39 each
• Used $10 EB, total was $0.24, overall profit $6.75

Walgreens

• 2 Glade Sense and Sprays $8.99 each, used BOGO coupon and will get back $6.60 ($3 each, limit 4, ESR #28) = $2.39 I should have also used the $4 coupon from the 2/8 SS for a $1.61 profit, but what can I say? My brain was all a-fuddled. I blame it on Lillie and sis for cracking me up with their Sense & Spray story. ;)
• Auto Expressions Air Freshener $4.99, will get back $5.49 ($4.99 + 10%, "raincheck" item from Jan., probably won't be on the list of rebates, just put in your receipt info without checking any specific rebates and it should pick it up) and will submit for $4.99 manufacturer's rebate = $5.49 profit
• 4 Loreal Excellence Creme Hair Colors - clearanced to $3.59 each, used four $2 coupons (1/11 RP) and $5 off 2 WAG coupon (scanned twice, from Easy Saver book) = $3.64 profit
• Used $6 RR and the last of my gift card money ($1.18), total was $5.78, overall profit $4.12

Did you all get an email from Walgreens about the rebates? Looks like some of mine have finally cleared, phew! I was starting to get anxious about them.

Shadow - the Model

My boyfriend's dog, Shadow is pleased to announce she will be embarking on a modeling career! Obviously gorgeous, intelligent and talented, we wish her all the best of luck. Her first gig was showing off our goodies of the day. Notice how she leans to the side to not block our view of the product? She's a natural!

CVS - my card

• 6 cases Diet Coke $3.50 each, used six $1 coupons (these all beeped, ugh. I have such issues with Coke Rewards coupons at CVS) and got back $10 EB for spending $20 (Limit 1) = $0.83 each
• Candy bar $0.67
• Used $3.99 EB, $4 EB and $7.58 EB, total was $0.53

DBF's card

• 6 cases Diet Coke $3.50 each, used four $1 coupons (used up all our points otherwise I would have printed more) and got back $10 EB for spending $20 (Limit 1) = $1.16 each
• 2 Reeses candy bars $1
• Used $8 EB, $10 EB, total was $0.21

"Which is better? My right side?"

"Or my left?"

"Oh what does it matter? I'm just too hot to handle!"

Happy Valentine's Day

Helloz humanz! It is ze amazing Gigi and Mousse here to wish youz a happee Valentine's Day! We hope that you allz have a wonderful time with your loved ones. We will now demonstrate ze most important parts of zis hollyday.

Kisses:
SMOOCH! Iz alwayz best to have toy nearby. Zat way, if kiss is rejected, youz can pretend you waz just reaching for toy. Kisses? Oh no, I waz just stretching out to sniff zis mouse here, see?

And snuggles:

Looking at each other iz optional of course. Don't forget zat your animalz need luvin too!

Gigi and Mousse, over and out.

Hair Color Everywhere...

And none in my shade...

Walgreens

• 2 Loreal Excellence Creme Hair Colors - clearanced to $3.59 each, used two $2 coupons (1/11 RP) and $5 off 2 WAG coupon (Easy Saver book) = $1.82 profit
• Forever stamps $8.40
• Ensure 6 pack $6.99, used $3 coupon and will submit for Try Me Free rebate (at my parents' address) = $3 profit
• Used $6 RR, total was $5.07

Used up one of my WAG gift cards today and the other is at $1.18 - eek! How did that happen so fast? Its only 2/12!

And while I'm on the subject of Walgreens, will my rebates for February ever clear? I know lots of folks are having this same issue, but its annoying. I like to make sure I bought the correct products but at this rate, we'll be into April before I know for sure.

In & Out

TOTAL PROFIT FOR FEBRUARY $98.94

Real quick CVS run today - my card

• CVS cotton rounds (25 count, found in trial size section) $0.99, used $1 CVS skincare coupon (pic here) and got back $2 EB (bought first yesterday, monthly deal, $2 EB WYB 2, Limit 5) = $2 profit
• Prescription $2.87 - holy smokes, my eyes popped outta my head when she told me that - are you sure its supposed to be that low? The profit from the cotton rounds basically paid for my Rx :)
• Total was $2.87

DBF's card

• CVS cotton rounds (25 count, found in trial size section) $0.99, used $1 CVS skincare coupon (pic here) and got back $2 EB (bought first yesterday, monthly deal, $2 EB WYB 2, Limit 5) = $2 profit
• Glade Lasting Impressions $6.99, used $1 CRT coupon and $4 coupon (2/8 SS) and got back $2 EB (hidden monthly deal until 2/14, limit 5) = FREE
• Earinse $7.99, get back $7.99 EB (Limit 2) = FREE
• Absolute Divine chocolate $0.33 (filler)
• Used $10 EB, total was $0.30

Happy Valentine's Day! 2/15 - 2/21

HOLIDAY WEEKEND ALERT - Sniff, sniff. There are no coupons coming out in Sunday's paper because of the holiday. Sniff.

REMINDER - thanks to Precious' awesome posts, I was reminded that stamps are going up to $0.44 in a couple months so now's the time to stock up on Forever stamps. I love buying stamps using my RR's at Walgreens or EB's at CVS. Works for me - I buy the stamps with another item and I've never had a problem. Most RR's (and I think EB's too) say they exclude stamps, but I've found if I buy another item, the RR "attaches" to that other item, not the stamps. The second item can be something really cheap too.

Photo courtesy of lolcats. As always, my deals all come from the wonderful folks at HCW, Slick Deals and Erica at iheartcvs.com, iheartriteaid.com and iheartwags.com. Here we go...

CVS

• NEW - Neutrogena single bars of soap $2.99 each, buy two and get back $10 EB (Limit 1) = $4.02 profit
• Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste (4 oz.) $2.99, use $1 coupon (2/1 SS) or $1.50 coupon (newest All You magazine) and get back $2.99 EB (Limit 5) = $1.50 or $1 profit
• Aussie or Herbal Essences Shampoo, conditioner (10.1 - 13.5 oz.) or styler (5 - 16oz.) $2.99, buy two and use $3 off 2 coupon (2/8 P&G) and get back $1 EB each (Limit 5) = $0.98 for two *Look for Free Haircut offers on the bottles
• Diet Coke, Tylenol or St Josephs - Buy $20 worth, get $10 EB (Limit 1) - Diet Coke 12 packs are four for $14 or $3.50 each. *You can only buy eight 12 packs (but why would you want more? Eight at $3.50 each = $28. What gives CVS? Me no understand), so buy six 12 packs = $21 and get back $10 EB = six for $11 or $1.83 each. Even better if you have coupons from Coke Rewards.
• Gillette Fusion Gamer, Venus Embrace or Spa Breeze razor $7.99, use $4 Gamer coupon (2/8 P&G) and get back $4 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• Gillette Shampoo $4.99, use $2 coupon (1/18 P&G) and get back $3 EB (monthly deal, limit 5) = FREE

CVS February Monthly Deals

• CVS trial size cotton pads (25 count) $0.99 each, use $1 CVS skincare coupon (found in stores) and get back $2 EB when you buy 2 (Limit 5) = $2 profit for every two, FREE without coupons
• Natural Dentist Healthy Gums or Flouride Rinse (16 oz.) $9.99, buy two, use two $2 coupons, get back $4 EB ($2 each, Limit 5) and submit for a $10 rebate (when you buy two) = $2 profit
• CVS Children's Chewable Aspirin (36 ct.) $1.99, get back $1.99 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• Earinse $7.99, get back $7.99 EB (Limit 2) = FREE
• Extreme Energy 6 hour shot $4.99, get back $4.99 EB (Limit 2) = FREE
• Stayfree pads (14 - 24 ct.) or Carefree pantiliners (38 - 60 ct.) $3.99, use BOGO Stayfree coupon (1/4 RP) and get back $2 EB (Limit 5) = FREE wyb 2
• Bodiheat Pain Relieving Heat Pads (3 ct.) $3.99, use $1 peelie coupon and get back $3 EB (Limit 5) = FREE
• CVS Cotton Balls $1.99, Makeup Remover Pads $6.59 or Nail Polish remover $1.99, use $1 CVS skincare coupon from beauty book and get back $2 EB WYB 2 (Limit 5) = FREE if you buy cotton balls

RiteAid - $5 off $25 coupon available here. Expires 3/13/09

• NEW - Old Spice deodorant $1, use $1 coupon (12/28 P&G) = FREE thanks Amiyrah!
• Hershey Candy Bars BOGO sale, use BOGO coupon (11/9 or 1/25 SS) = FREE

Walgreens

• Revlon Creme Lip Gloss $10, BOGO sale, use two $2 coupons (1/11 or 2/8 SS) and get back $10 (ESR #4) = $4 profit if store lets you use both coupons, $2 profit if not
• American Heart Association Donation - Give $5 and get a coupon for $5 off your next in-store purchase of Aleve, Bayer or One A Day, Give $1 and get a "valuable coupon booklet"
• Coca Cola 12 packs three for $11 or $3.66 each, get $2 RR = three for $9 or $3 each
• Colgate Cavity Protection toothpaste (4.6 oz.) $0.99 with in-circular coupon, use $1 coupon (2/1 SS, *give first) = $0.01 profit

Walgreens February Easy Saver Rebates 2/1 - 2/28 - 10% bonus on each item when you get your rebate back on a gift card.

• Clairol Perfect 10 Hair color - clearanced around $5.69, use $2 coupon (1/25 RP) and get back $5 WAG gift card (ESR #7, no 10% bonus) = $1.31 profit
• Glade Sense and Spray - $8.99, buy two, use BOGO coupon and $4 coupon (2/8 SS) and get back $3 for each (ESR #26, limit 4) = $1 profit
• Auto Expressions Air Freshener $4.99, get back $4.99 ("raincheck" item from Jan., probably won't be on the list of rebates, just put in your receipt info without checking any specific rebates and it should pick it up) and submit for $4.99 manufacturer's rebate = $4.99 profit. If you bought this in January, you should be able to do the Walgreens rebate again.
• Zucol Cold Care Lozenges (18 pack) $7.99, use $2 coupon (or 2/1 SS) and get back $7.99 (ESR #1) = $2 profit
• Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer or Spa Foundation $10, use $2 coupon (1/11 or 2/8 SS) and get back $10 (ESR #2) = $2 profit
• Revlon Creme Lip Gloss $10, use $2 coupon (1/11 or 2/8 SS) and get back $10 (ESR #4) = $2 profit
• Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers (6.8 - 13oz.) $4.29, use $1 coupon (11/9 or 1/4 RP) and get back $4.29 (ESR #3) = $1 profit
• Walgreens Multi-Purpose No Rub Solution (4 oz.) $1.99, get back $1.99 (ESR #5) = FREE
• ThermaCare Trial Size Neck, Shoulder & Wrist heat Wrap $2.49, get back $2.49 (ESR #6) = FREE

General Printable Rebate Offers

• Caregiver's Marketplace - many rebates for a variety of items
• Colgate/Palmolive - free travel bag when you spend $15 - while supplies last
• The Chronicles of Narnia on DVD or Blu-Ray Hi-Def $3 rebate WYB Scotch products Exp. 3/31/09
• Febreze Noticeables Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/09
• Herbal Essences - free haircut when you buy 2 specially marked bottles Exp. 6/31/09
• Jolly Time - free reusable bag when you send in 3 UPC's - valid while quantities last
• Kellogg's Smart Start Strawberry Oat Bites Cereal Exp. 7/31/09
• Kraft Mac n Cheese Crackers TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• Peter Pan satisfaction guarantee Exp. 5/31/09
• P&G - spend $50 in P&G products, get $120 worth of coupons 12/14/08 - 2/14/09
• Progresso Soup satisfaction guarantee Exp. 3/31/09
• Precious Kitty Litter - One request per lifetime
• Sure Max deodorant TMF Exp. 3/31/09

Back to Back Transaction Day

TOTAL PROFIT FOR FEBRUARY $97.25

I really don't like to do back-to-back transactions. There's nothing wrong with doing this, but I just don't like to do it. Its very easy for me to lose track of what I'm doing and use the wrong coupons, but today I threw caution to the wind. Wooo!

Walgreens first transaction

• Revlon Creme Lip Gloss $9.99, used $2 coupon (1/11 or 2/8 SS) and will get back $10.98 ($9.99 + 10% bonus, ESR #4) = $2.99 profit
• Escencia shampoo $8.99, will submit for Try Me Free rebate on bottle (at parents' address) = FREE
• Used $6 RR, total was $11.24

Second transaction - was so happy they let me do this b/c this is the first store I've seen in ages that actually has the Revlon gloss in stock

• Revlon Creme Lip Gloss $9.99, used $2 coupon (1/11 or 2/8 SS) and will get back $10.98 ($9.99 + 10% bonus, ESR #4, rebate in DBF's name) = $2.99 profit
• M&M's $0.50 (filler so I could use RR) - *You need to have one coupon-less item to pair up with any RR's you want to use. Walgreens coupons (from circular or Easy Saver book) don't count towards this requirement, so I could have bought an item on sale with a circular coupon and still used the RR if I wanted to.
• Used $6 RR, total was $3.23

The Revlon wasn't discounted $3 like I had written about in this week's sales. I guess it was excluded from the sale. Sorry for any confusion. My bad!

CVS

• Tums Quik Pak clearanced to $2.40, used $2 CRT and $2.25 coupon = $1.85 profit
• CVS cotton rounds (25 count, found in trial size section) $0.99, used $1 CVS skincare coupon (pic here) = FREE and will get back $2 EB when I buy a second one (monthly deal, $2 EB WYB 2, Limit 5)
• Diet Coke $1.69, $1 EB WYB 3 (monthly deal, limit ?)
• Snickers bar (filler) $0.67
• Total was $0.52

Rinse and repeat on DBF's card

I found it!

TOTAL PROFIT FOR FEBRUARY $93.75

Look there on the right hand side of the picture...do you know what that is??

Walgreens - I cannot believe I found the Auto Expressions! I've been on the hunt for this all January. Hoorah!

• Auto Expressions Air Freshener $4.99, will get back $4.99 (ESR - "raincheck" item from January, probably won't be on the list of rebates when you submit your info online, but just put in your receipt info without checking any specific rebates and it should pick it up) and will submit for $4.99 manufacturer's rebate = $4.99 profit
• Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor $8.99, used $4 coupon (2/8 P&G) and got back $6 RR = $1.01 profit
• Total was $10.47, paid with gift card

Different store

• Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor $8.99, used $4 coupon (2/8 P&G) and got back $6 RR = $1.01 profit
• Total was $5.62, paid with gift card

Rinse and repeat on the Gamer and then bought:

• Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves shampoo (or can get styler or cond) $4.29, used $1 coupon (11/9 or 1/4 RP) and will get back $4.72 (ESR #3, $4.29 + 10% bonus) = $1.40 profit
• Escencia shampoo $7.99, will submit for Try Me Free offer on bottle = FREE
• Used $6 RR, total was $6.14, paid with gift card

CVS - my card

• Tums Quik Pak clearanced to $2.40, used $2 CRT and $2.25 coupon = $1.85 profit
• 2 Glade Sense and Sprays $6.99 each, used BOGO coupon, $4 coupon (2/8 SS) and $1 Glade CRT and got back $4 EB ($2 each, hidden monthly deal until 2/14, limit 5) = $2.01 profit ($1 profit without the CRT)
• Total was $0.91, overall profit $3.09

Different store - DBF's card

• Tums Quik Pak clearanced to $2.40, used $2 CRT and $2.25 coupon = $1.85 profit
• Raincheck from last week - 2 Loreal Revitalift towelettes $5.99 each, used two $2 coupons (1/4 RP) and got back $10 EB (for buying two) = $2.02 profit
• Used $2 EB, $3.99 EB, total was $0.42, overall profit $3.49

ShopRite

• Always Infinity pads $4.99, used $2 SR coupon from catalina printer and got back $5 catalina = $2 profit (free without coupon)
• 5 pouches Starkist tuna $1.18 each, used four $1 coupons and BOGO coupon (from Vocal Point) and got back $1 catalina for buying 5 = $0.28 profit
• Egglands eggs $1.49, used $0.50 coupon (2/1 SS) = $0.49
• 4 Sargento shredded cheeses $1.69 each, used two $1 off 2 coupons (1/25 SS) = $4.76 or $1.19 each
• Total was $8.91 after $0.10 bag discount

The Receipt Rescue

TOTAL PROFIT FOR FEBRUARY $79.35

CVS

• 6 Wheat Thins $1 each (aren't these cute?), used three $2 off 2 coupons (1/25 SS) = FREE
• 6 papers (not in pic) $12
• 4 cases Diet Coke (not in pic) four for $11, used two freebie coupons = $5.50
• Snickers bar (filler) $0.67
• Used $2 EB, $2 EB, $2 EB, $2 EB and $10 EB, total was $0.17

Bought 6 more Wheat Thins at different store, $1 each, used three $2 off 2 coupons (1/25 SS) = FREE

RiteAid

• Durex Condoms (12 ct.) $6, used $2 coupon (2/8 SS) and will get back $6 SCR (SCR #30) = $2 profit
• Garnier Fructis Full Control Mousse $2.99, used $1 coupon (11/9 or 1/4 RP) and will get back $2.99 (SCR #72) = $1 profit
• Total was $6.62, overall profit $2.37

Different store

• Bayer Contour diabetes monitor $14.99 (used rain check from last week for this price), used free coupon (valued up to $30, 2/1 RP) = FREE *This finishes up my deal from last week so I'll get back a $10 RA gift card (WYB 3 Bayer products, SCR #43) = $10 profit
• Finesse Styler $2.99, used $0.75 coupon (2/8 SS) and will get back $1.99 (SCR #75) = $0.25
• Durex Condoms (12 ct.) $6, used $2 coupon (2/8 SS) and will get back $6 SCR (SCR #30) = $2 profit
• Garnier Fructis Full Control Mousse $2.99, used $1 coupon (11/9 or 1/4 RP) and will get back $2.99 (SCR #72) = $1 profit
• Used $5 off $25 coupon, total was $4.07, overall profit $16.91

Walgreens

• Windex Wipes $2.50, used $1.50 coupon, will get back $1 (ESR #30, limit 4) and will submit for Try Me Free rebate (1/11 SS) = $2.50 profit
• Scrubbing Bubbles Wipes $2.50, used $3 off 2 coupon and will get back $2 ($1 each, ESR #30, limit 4) = FREE
• Total was $3.53, paid with gift card, overall profit $2.27

Rinse and repeat using DBF's gift card and will submit rebates under his name

Different store

• Ensure 6 pack $6.99, used $3 coupon and will submit for Try Me Free rebate = $3 profit
• Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor $8.99, used $4 coupon (2/8 P&G) and got back $6 RR = $1.01 profit
• Total was $9.61, paid with gift card

Rinse and repeat using DBF's gift card and will submit rebate under his name

When we walked out of Walgreens, I underestimated how windy it was. The wind attacked me, tearing my receipt out of my bag and flinging it across the parking lot! AUGH! My boyfriend goes, "oh well, hon". OH NO! I need that sucker, he can't get away! DBF chuckled at me, ran across the parking lot and heroically rescued my receipt from the bushes where it had been ensnared. Phew! Guess I'll keep him around for situations like this. Thanks honey! :)

DBF and I took a leisurely drive through scenic Sussex County this afternoon. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and in the 50's, a warm relief from the 20 degree weather we've been having. Its really gorgeous up there, lots of farms and open spaces. We didn't have any destination in mind, just drove around enjoying each other's company, the beautiful weather and some great country music. There's nothing like a country song to put me in a great mood. Take a Ride with Martina, chill out with the Zac Brown Band or enjoy a little Kenny. I don't know what it is, but there's something about a good country song that makes me sit back and realize how much I love life. Ahhh...

Unexpected Savings and a Peek into my Apartment

Verizon's cell phone plans give you a $50 credit towards a new phone every two years and today was my two year date. So off to the mall my boyfriend and I went. I wasn't interested in anything fancy. I don't need a phone that is capable of emailing from outer space, texting at the depths of the deepest ocean trench or playing videos from high atop Mt. Everest. I just got a basic LG phone for $53.50 after tax and I'll get back a $50 rebate, so close enough to free for me.

Then we headed over to the "Proactiv machine". I love this thing! Its basically a vending machine for Proactiv products. I've used Proactiv for over a year now and I've pared down to just using the repairing lotion. When you use their online club, you are mailed products at regular intervals. The problem was I had never come close to using up the bottle by the time the new shipment arrived and I was on the maximum length of time between shipments! So when I found this machine, I cancelled the online club and now I just stop by when I'm getting low and pick up what I need. Love it!

Oh! I did my taxes tonight and survey says...big refund for me! I'm getting back $2,250 from the feds and $183 from good 'ol NJ. That's all going right into savings. Now I have to adjust my info so I don't get as big a refund next year and get more money each pay period. At my previous job, in addition to my day job, I taught courses at night and the HR department processed those paychecks as extra pay. Long story short, I was only taxed on my day job income, not the extra teaching money and I always ended up owing lots of money come tax time. Its such a relief to not be in that situation anymore.

So as promised (and I'm not really sure anyone cares but I'm gonna show you anyway), here's my movie collection. It used to span the entire bottom shelf as well, but I've really made an attempt over the past couple years to sell off lots of books, CD's and movies that I never should have bought in the first place. Now I'm much more thoughtful about what I buy and don't buy anything unless I really love it. There are still a couple movies in there I'm not 100% wild about, but they're not worth anything, so they're staying for now.

And yes, they're in alpha order. So I'm OCD. Whadda ya gonna do about it? You can't tell me you haven't realized this already! :)

The shows I love to watch! I've watched the entire Alias seasons a couple times over. I've also watched Lost start to finish several times. Oh and Grey's Anatomy too. Ok, so they're all awesome! :)

Oh Mylanta! - Updated Math

TOTAL PROFIT FOR FEBRUARY $48.77

Sorry, I typed up this post late last night and my brain was doing funny things. I profited $7 yesterday, not $10.70. Still sounds good to me!

CVS

• 2 Reeses eggs $0.75 each - sadly, one did not make it to the picture
• 2 Mylanta Ultimate Strength Cherry - clearanced to $3.65 (check under price scanner) and got back $6 EB ($3 EB each, monthly deal, limit 5)
• Used $2 EB, $2 EB and $5 EB, total was $0

I didn't have the $3 coupons (12/14 RP) with me, so I asked the Shift Supervisor if I could buy them without the coupons, come back later with the coupons and get cash back for them. She said that would be fine. So I went home, rooted around my coupons and realized I didn't get any $3 coupons in my circulars (or I put them in my expired pile already thinking I wouldn't use them). So I decided to use these $2 coupons instead (get emailed to you, you can print as many as you want). My sister and I went to a different CVS to see if they had any Mylanta (no luck) and while we were there, I decided to get my cash for coupons. The manager decided to return the Mylanta and have me rebuy them with the coupons. This meant that I got another $6 EB and they let me keep it. :) Total profit for the day - $10.70.

What Do Y'all Think?

Wow! I am so glad I posted yesterday about my savings because of all the incredibly encouraging and warm advice from my houndfriends! Have I told you all I love you lately? I really do! Its so nice to be part of this electronic community and to feel so at home. :)

UPDATE - ok, so here's what I'm thinking. My sleuthing sister found out that a lot of shows I watch on cable are available online now. Hoorah! I wasn't thrilled with the selection of movies and tv shows that are available currently with the Roku, although I'm sure more will become available in the not-so-distant future. So I think I'm going to hold off on the Roku for now and go down to basic cable. That will save me around $40 a month and I can always go back up to family cable if I want to. I have tons of movies already (its a little nuts how many movies I have, I'll have to take a pic to show you all), and there are a lot of shows I love on the basic cable channels. Its a bit of a sacrifice..wait did I just say sacrifice? That doesn't seem like the right word because cable is a luxury in the first place. Maybe I should say its hard giving up a luxury you've become accustomed to. But really, its just tv. There are more important things in my life than Jon and Kate Plus 8 and The Closer and Top Chef. Well, ok, not too many things, but there are some. :) And even though I went back to the Netflix plan I was at before - $14.97 a month (two movies at a time, unlimited rentals), I'm still saving money. I bet more and more shows are going to be available online in the future anyway. There are even some full episodes of Jon and Kate available on the TLC website now! Thank you all so much for your input! :)

One of the comments yesterday was from Lindsay regarding the Roku box. Say what? What's a Roku? Inquiring minds want to know! So I did a little research and here's what I found out.

The box costs $99.99. It connects to your tv and you can choose to watch movies or tv shows from Netflix (and soon to come, selections from Amazon Video on Demand) instantly! You can pause, rewind, fast forward, rewatch, etc. to your heart's content. You have to have a Netflix plan to use this and the one I downgraded to yesterday ($8.99 a month) qualifies. And I'd still get DVD's in the mail from Netflix, which would be nice when DBF and I are in his neck of the woods. The way this would be a good deal for me is that I'd go back down to basic cable. I did this several months back, but I was bored with nothing to watch. That wouldn't be a problem with this system!

So here's the math:

• Currently I pay $52.95 a month for cable. I could cut down to basic cable for $11.89 a month, saving $41.06 a month. That means the Roku box would pay for itself in three months. Assuming my cable bill changes as of April, I'd be able to save $269.55 this year. Then going forward, I could save $492.72 a year, assuming nothing changes (but when is that ever the case?).

The downsides - I'd have to wait for some of my favorite cable shows to come out on DVD. And no more channel flipping, although with my Tivo, I can't do this a lot anyway because the Tivo is usually recording something. And really, with all the hounding I do, I don't have a lot of time to channel surf anyway. Netflix doesn't have every movie available to watch instantly, but it is a big selection. And I would imagine they'll put more movies and tv shows online as time goes by.

So what do you all think? Am I missing anything?