June Savings

June Monthly Totals - definitely not one of my better months

• Merchandise Total (before coupons): $1,416.54
• Value of Coupons & Store Sales: $970.25
• Rewards/Gift Cards/EB's Used: $442.04
• Rewards/Gift Cards/EB's Earned: $248.95
• Rebates: $7.28
• Total Cost to me (after rewards earned and rebates): $210.51
• Total Profit: $42.84
• # of Items: 307, # of Free Items: 145

My actual cash OOP for the month was only $24.70. The cost to me figure of $210 is including all the RR's I used as payment for items. So actually, its not that bad.

Rebates Received:

• $40 Visa gift card - Staples label maker rebates, redeemed this for a $40 WAG gift card
• $10 Kmart gift card from Glamour rebate - was supposed to be $25, but those were all gone. Better than nothing!
• $1.99 Sure for Men rebate my address
• $1.99 Sure for Men rebate DBF's address
• $4.99 Sure Max rebate DBF's address
• $6 Nasogel rebate - way to go Nasogel! I mailed this rebate in on 1/10/09 and it was supposed to take 6-8 weeks to arrive. Since it was a freebie at CVS and the rebate was just icing on the cake, I'd totally written this off!

eBay profits: $84.81 (after shipping costs)

Savings, oh my pitiful savings. Its just been one thing after another this month. Between a $700 car repair and $300 spent at Pearle Vision (which still irks me), I'm really feeling the pinch. I also found out today that my vision plan changed at work (oops - must have missed that memo!), and unfortunately, the eye doctor I went to a couple weeks back is out of network. So I have a $130 bill for that. I'm going to submit the bill to the insurance plan and hopefully get some of the money back. And I will also submit the bill for my eyeglasses and some copays from the first part of the year to my Health Savings Account and get reimbursed for those. I put away $400 for the year, and the glasses and copays will use up that entire amount. But at least that's money that I can turn around and put back into my savings account. Even after all that, the bottom line is that I have to boost my savings back up. The plan is to sell lots of stuff on ebay (working on this now) and decrease my expenses as much as possible. Wish me luck!

Not too Shabby for Just Pocket Change

Rite Aid

• 12 Stayfree pads (18-24 count) $3.99 each, BOGO sale and used six BOGO coupons (6/28 SS) = FREE
• Snapple 6 pack $4.99 (in the circular for $6!)
• Used $5 off $25 coupon, total was $0.34

The Stayfree also counts towards SCR #160: spend $50 on J&J products, get back a $25 RA gift card. Now the question is, will all the Stayfree pads count or just the non-BOGO-sale ones? If they all count, I'm already at $47.88! My coworker gave me some coupon inserts today so I have one more Stayfree BOGO coupon to use. That would put me over $50 and if it works and I get back the $25 gift card, that's a $25 profit! I'll keep you posted.

I've also updated my weekly deals post with some new RA deals.

Is this not the face of someone who is up to no good?

I know he's plotting something!

CVS

• 4 cases Diet Coke $13, got back $3 EB (Limit 1) = $10 or $2.50 each
• Thomas English Muffins $1.99
• Used $4.98 EB and $10 EB, total was $0.01

A&P

• 7 newspapers $2 each - two papers had double Red Plum inserts - score!
• Got $1.40 employee discount, used $10 raincheck, total was $2.64

My youngest sister works at Panera and hooked me up with some free cinnamon raisin bread and bagels. I got a french toast bagel, a crumbcake bagel and a blueberry bagel. We also went to visit her for lunch today and got free meals. I devoured a tomato and mozzarella sandwich on ciabatta bread and DBF got a roast beef sammy. Yummo!

I've been showing a lot of shots of Gigi lately and Mousse was feeling a smidge neglected. This is one of his favorite spots in my apartment, right in front of the door that leads out to my balcony. He loves to sit here and watch what's going on outside. Sometimes, all that activity just wears him out and he has to rest his eyes. What a cutie!

Huh?

I've mentioned on here before that I sell a lot of stuff on ebay. I've always had my listings set up to indicate to potential buyers that I do not ship outside the US. Its just a hassle, between customs forms and unfamiliar shipping rates, and I choose not to bother with it all. A while ago, a buyer bid on and won one of my auctions. Then I found out she lived in another country so I asked her not to send payment and I relisted the item.

I wised up and added a note within all of my item descriptions that specifically says I don't ship outside the US. That didn't stop a buyer last week who lives in Finland. Last time I checked, that wasn't local! He sent his payment right away, and it was a hop in the arse to reverse it. I'm still trying to figure out how to have the ebay fees reversed.

After this, I did some research on ebay and found out I can block folks from bidding on my items if they don't live in the US. Perfect! Problem solved me thinks. Then I get this email last night:

Hi I am from South Africa and would like to buy this item, Would you please quote me on shipping costs to South Africa? Why would some ppl not ship to Africa? Thank you

Sigh. What part about "I do not ship outside the US" was not clear here? I love how he didn't ask if I'd consider shipping to him, or whether I'd make an exception to my shipping practices. Nope. He just wants to know how much the shipping would cost! Well sir, I don't really know since I don't ship outside the US! lol And did you like his question about why people wouldn't ship to Africa? Again, not quite sure. Its not like I said I would ship anywhere but Africa. I said I wouldn't ship outside the US and wouldn't you know it, Africa just happens to fall outside those lines. I guess he thinks he's special and I'd say to him, well allrighty then, just cause you asked so nice, I'll ship to you. Some people. ;)

Can You Hear the Crickets Chirping? 6/28 - 7/4

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

CVS

• Coke 12 packs four for $13, get back $3 EB (Limit 1) = four for $10 or $2.50 each

Rite Aid - $5 off $25 coupon available

• Stayfree pads BOGO sale, use BOGO coupon (6/28 SS) = two for FREE
• Dove or Degree Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant $6.99, use $2 Dove coupon (or here) or $2 Degree for Men coupon or $2 Degree for Women coupon and get back $5 (SCR #139, limit 2) = FREE
• Wet Ones $1.99, use $1 coupon and get back $1 (SCR #183 Wet Ones Moist Towelettes Cylinder 40 ct or Singles 24 ct.) = FREE

Walgreens

• Right Guard/Dry Idea Deodorant $2.99, use $2 Dry Idea coupon or $1 Right Guard coupon (4/19 SS) and get back $2 RR = $1.01 profit or FREE
• Organix Shampoo/Conditioner BOGO sale, find one with a Try Me Free rebate hangtag and get two for FREE
• Pepsi 12 packs four for $12, get a FREE pack WYB 4 with in-circular coupon = five for $12 or $2.40 each
• Nabisco - spend $15 and get back $3 RR, spend $20 and get back $5 RR. Includes Capri Sun $2, Chips Ahoy $2, Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese (14 oz) three for $5 or $1.66 each, Kraft Mayo $3, Miracle Whip (32 oz) $3, Planters Peanuts (12 oz) $2, Ritz Crackers $2 and Velveeta Shells & Cheese (12 oz) three for $5 or $1.66 each.
• Pure American Spring Water (15 pack) $1.99 with in-circular coupon
• Reusable Green Bags three for $1 or $0.33 with in-circular coupon

General Printable Rebate Offers

• Alouette Baby Brie Wedge Cheese TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• Caregiver's Marketplace - many rebates for a variety of items
• Ensure 6 pack use $3 coupon and Try Me Free rebate Exp. 12/31/09
• Febreze Noticeables Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/09
• Herbal Essences - free haircut when you buy 2 specially marked bottles Exp. 6/31/09
• Kraft Mac n Cheese Crackers TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• McCormick Alcoholic Beverages - click on Rebate Center once you've entered your birthday. Not valid in AL, HI, IN, MS, OH, SC, TX and UT. Exp. 12/31/09
• Pert Plus for Men TMF (has to have sticker on bottle) Exp. 12/31/09
• Physician's Formula - three separate rebates *have to find products with TMF peelies on them Exp. 12/31/09
• Precious Kitty Litter - One request per lifetime
• Ronzoni Pasta (or other food items) and Bolt DVD $4 rebate Exp. 7/31/09
• Science Diet Light Pet Food $8 coupon and $10 rebate (must register)
• Starkist SeaSations Money Back Guarantee Exp. 12/31/09
• Sure - several available - must have Try Me Free sticker on product Exp. 11/15/09
• Tombstone Pizza - credit towards utility bills Postmark by 1/15/10

Dewey Readmore Books

Oh my goodness. Dear friends, have you read this little gem? Just look at those eyes! The book is appropriately called "Dewey" which is the name of this very beautiful and very special cat. Vicki Myron, the author of the book and also his owner, has such a way with words. She had me laughing out loud and also reduced me to tears. The book is not just about Dewey, but also the painful and bitter struggles in her own life and the difficulties her small town has gone through. One little cat did so much to lift her spirits and uplifted the entire town. I loved this book, from the very first page to the very last. I am admittedly a cat lover, so I identified with so many of Dewey's antics and obsessions, seeing those same behaviors in my own furballs. But I can't see how anyone could not love little Dewey. You can read a blurb about him here. Please go check this book out at the library (free books - yay!). You won't be sorry! :)

My Favorite Pizza

CVS

• Almay Pure Blends Face Powder *Bonus pack with free eyeshadow (found in front of store with cosmetic displays) $13.99, used $2 CRT coupon and $1 coupon (5/17 SS) and got back $10 EB (Limit 3) = $0.99
• 6 Always Infinity pads (36 count) $4.99, used six $4 coupons (6/7 P&G) = $5.94 or $0.99 each *This variety is not advertised specifically in the circular (just in case you were looking for it)
• Used $5 EB and $10 EB, total was $1.93

Walgreens

• 4 packs Diet Coke $13, used four $1 coupons (from My Coke Rewards, coupon isn't available right now but I'm sure it will be back sooner or later) and got back $3 RR = $6 or $1.50 each
• 4 Royal Puddings $0.25 each with in-circular coupon
• Used four $2.50 RR's, total was $0.91 (tax)

Then I went back later for...you guessed it! Cheese...glorious cheese!

• 2 bags Walgreens shredded cheese $1.50 each with in-circular coupon
• 2 Red Baron pizzas $3 each - I know there have been cheaper prices for these recently, but this was the first time I'd seen a WAGs stock the four cheese variety. Plus they are soooo good!
• Used three $3 RR's, total was zero

I'm now outta RR's and it feels wonderful! I was getting so sick of having all these RR's, worrying about expiration dates, planning scenarios, finding fillers, etc. I'm looking forward to a nice break from Walgreens.

Stacks of Soy Joy

CVS - my card

• 20 Soy Joy bars $1 each, used $2 off $10 coupon and five BOGO coupons (both from 5/31 SS) and got back $20 EB ($4 EB WYB 4, Limit 5) = $7 profit
• 2 Thermacare Neck to Arm Wrap (1 count) $2.49 each, used two $1 coupon and got back $4.98 EB ($2.49 each, Limit 2) = $2 profit
• FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Monitoring System $9.99, used $9.99 coupon (5/17 SS) = FREE
• Gallon of milk $3.79
• Diet Coke (not in pic) $1.69
• Used $5 off $30 coupon, $2 EB and $10 EB, total was $4.46

DBF's card - no Thermacare at this store so I got a raincheck

• 20 Soy Joy bars $1 each, used $2 off $10 coupon and two BOGO coupons (5/31 SS) and got back $20 EB ($4 EB WYB 4, Limit 5) = $4 profit
• 2 FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems $9.99 each, used two $9.99 coupons (5/17 SS) = FREE
• Kraft BBQ Sauce $1, used $1 coupon (printable, no longer available) = FREE
• 8 newspapers $1.50 each = $12 (one for DBF's mom and my 7 usual copies)
• 3 boxes of Barilla pasta $1 each = $3
• Tostitos $3.50
• Used $10 off $50 coupon, $2 EB, $3 EB, $5 EB, $5 EB and $5 EB, total was $4.50

My totals today were a bit high. I had been planning on buying some Frank's Red Sauce but the two stores we went to didn't have any, so I had to do some on-the-fly recalculations.

A&P

• 4 loaves Freihofer bread $2 each
• Used two $4 raincheck/catalinas

These were from ages ago, but since rainchecks are good for two months, I was in no rush to use them. I was totally out of bread, so this deal was great for me.

Walgreens (on Saturday)

• Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor $9.49, use $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) and get back $2.50 RR = $2.99
• Walgreens reusable bag $0.33 with in-circular coupon
• Used $5 RR, total was $1.52

Then I bought:

• Krazy Glue $2.79, used $2.50 RR, total was $0.49

Short and Sweet Deals

UPDATE - the CVS lens wipes deal is no longer working.

CVS

• Style Science lens cloths $0.99 and Style Science glasses retainer $4.99, got back $10 EB for buying 2 Style Science items (full list here, Limit 1) = $4.02 profit
• Used $5 EB, total was $1.05

I also got a $5 off $30 coupon on my card and a $10 off $50 on DBF's card, so don't forget to use those scanner machines!

Here's a closeup of the Style Science stuff. Be sure to check out the link above for all the different items that count for this deal.

Walgreens - used up my last Gillette coupon. Haven't really had much motivation to do any WAGs shopping this week

• Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor $9.49, use $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) and get back $2.50 RR = $2.99
• Walgreens reusable bag $0.33 with in-circular coupon
• Used $5 RR, total was $1.52

Seeing a Little Red

Last June, I went to the eye doctor and had my annual eye exam. The doctor gave me my Rx and I planned on getting some new shades. I had a lot of bills that month, so I told myself I'd get my glasses the following month. That turned into a couple of months, which then turned into several months. Then in December, I found out I was eligible for a flexible spending account through my employer, and I signed up for 2009. I patiently waited for my paperwork to arrive. January came and went, February crept by, March slipped through my fingers. Finally, in April I called HR and was told that all the paperwork, information and forms were available to me online, and had been available to me all this time. Oops! At this point, its April and I knew I'm going to go for another annual eye exam in June, so why not just wait a little more time, right?

So last weekend, I got my eyes all checked out and got my new prescription. Armed with my $400 FSA contribution, I headed over to Pearle Vision to get me some shades. They had a BOGO sale advertised in the store, so I picked out a beautiful pair of Michael Kohrs sunglasses and a pretty bland, but nice pair of regular glasses. My boyfriend and I "checked out" with a staff member. The frames cost around $220, and I was happy to hear that I was eligible for a discount on my glasses because of my health insurance (this discount is through Pearle Vision, not my insurance). The total came to around $290, and I thought, well, that's not bad for two pairs of glasses. As we looked at the paperwork, we realized they didn't take off the BOGO sale, so I asked about that. I was told that I couldn't do the BOGO sale if I also got a discount. I was a little peeved that I wasn't told this beforehand, but I saved more money with the 40% insurance discount than I would have with the BOGO sale. So fine.

So today I go to pick up my glasses and only the sunglasses were there. When I asked about the second pair, she apologized, said she didn't see that I'd picked out a second pair the other day and told me they hadn't been ordered. My receipt reads:

• Michael Kohrs Montego $229.95
• Ophthalmic Lenses $119

I thought the second line was the second pair of glasses, but its just the lenses to go in the Michael Kohrs frame. Grr. Its my fault for not asking more questions, but I am peeved at the sales people in the store. The woman who helped me did not once go over all the charges with me. Again, I should have asked, but still, is it too much to expect her to tell me what I'm paying for? Anyway...

She said I could get another pair of glasses for around $90-$150 or so, but I declined. I'm going to call my health insurance and see if I'm eligible for a free pair or if I can switch out the lenses in my regular glasses. Since I didn't get glasses last year, I'm probably due for something.

I am so happy! See all these meters? There are probably 40-50 meters here, and I'm finally getting rid of them! My sister's friend is a nurse and has graciously agreed to take these off my hands and put them to good use. So Becca, if you're reading this hon, they're headed your way (plus some other goodies). Thank you!

Confucius Say "He who will not economize will have to agonize" 6/21 - 6/27

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.

CVS

• Soy Joy Bars $1 each, get $4 EB (WYB 4, Limit 5 = 20 bars). So buy 10 bars at a time and use a $2 off 10 coupon (5/31 SS) and five BOGO coupons (5/31 SS). (I'm wishin' and hopin' and prayin' that both these coupons go through, but I can't make any guarantees. I would give the $2 coupon first, then the BOGO Q's). Your total would be $3 and you'd get back a $8 EB = $5 profit (then rinse and repeat for your second set of 10 bars, or go hog wild and buy all 20 at once, just remember you'll get a $20 EB - thanks for catching my math errors ladies!)
• Sobe Lifewater (20 oz) or Gatorade (32 oz) BOGO sale, use Sobe BOGO coupon = FREE
• Thermacare Neck to Arm Wrap (1 count) $2.49, use $1 coupon and get back $2.49 EB (Limit 2) = $1 profit *Check for $1 peelie coupons
• FreeStyle Lite Blood Glucose Monitoring System $9.99, use $9.99 coupon (5/17 SS) or send in for rebate in package (probably won't get rebate if you use the coupon) = FREE
• Kraft BBQ Sauce $1, use $1 coupon (printable, no longer available) = FREE
• Franks Hot Sauce $1, use $1 coupon (5/17 SS) = FREE
• Always Infinity Pads $4.99 (36 count size - not in circular but it works), use $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) = $0.99

Rite Aid - $5 off $25 coupon available

• Lamisil AT Gel (6 g) $9.99, use $3 coupon and get back $9 (SCR #21 5/31-6/27) = $2.01 profit *NEVERMIND, I can't seem to get this coupon to print and it looks like its for the wrong type of Lamisil anyway
• Crest Pro-Health Enamel Shield Toothpaste (4.2 oz) $2.69, use $0.50 coupon (6/7 P&G) or freebie coupon (from previous mail in rebate) and get back $2.69 (SCR #100) = $0.50 profit or $2.69 profit
• Suave Invisible Solid (2.6 oz) or Antiperspirant/Deodorant Spray (6 oz) $1.99, use $0.75 coupon (5/17 RP) and get back $1.50 (SCR #48) = $0.26 profit
• Skin Clinic Advanced Wart Remover Kit $14.99, get back $14.99 (SCR #39) = FREE

Walgreens - oh boy, free toothpaste. Hoorah. Yay. Yippee. Can you sense my overwhelming excitement at this never-before-seen, once-in-a-lifetime deal? sigh

• Aquafresh Advanced Toothpaste (5.6 or 6 oz) $3, use $1 coupon and get back $3 RR = $1 profit or FREE without coupon
• Accucheck Meter $14.99, get back $5 RR and submit for mail in rebate (in box) = $5 profit (I'm assuming here that you'd still get back the full $14.99 for the rebate)
• Coke or Dr.Pepper (12 packs) four for $13 or $3.25 each, get back $3 RR (WYB 4) = $9 or $2.25 each

Walgreens June RR Deals 5/31 - 6/27

• Rolaids Softchews (18 count) $2.99 - $3.29, use $1 coupon (6/7 RP) and get back $2 RR = FREE or $0.29
• Kerasal One Step Exfoliating Moisturizer Therapy $7.99, use $2 coupon (5/17 SS) and get back $5 RR = $0.99 *This deal is supposed to be $5 RR WYB 2, but its reported to work on just one bottle.
• Carmex Moisture Plus $2.99, get back $2 RR = $0.99
• Nabisco Cookies - buy 2 and get $3 RR (supposed to be WYB two plus a gallon of milk but you don't have to buy the milk). There is a $1 off 2 coupon, a $1 off 2 Chips Ahoy coupon in 5/17 SS and a $1 Oreo coupon in the 6/14 SS. Includes: Chips Ahoy (14-16 oz), Double Stuff Oreos (19 oz), Fat Free Fig Newtons (12 oz), Fig Newtons (16 oz), Golden Oreos (18 oz), Lorna Doones (10 oz), Nilla Cakesters (10.56 oz), Nilla Wafers (12 oz), Nutter Butters (16 oz), Oreos (18 oz), Oreo Cakesters (10.56-12 oz) and Oreo Cakesters Vanilla (12 oz)

General Printable Rebate Offers

• Alouette Baby Brie Wedge Cheese TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• Caregiver's Marketplace - many rebates for a variety of items
• Ensure 6 pack use $3 coupon and Try Me Free rebate Exp. 12/31/09
• Febreze Noticeables Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/09
• Ghirardelli Luxe Chocolates Bag (SKU 787681) Rebate up to $3.99 at Staples Exp. 6/27/09 (rebate receipt will print at register)
• Herbal Essences - free haircut when you buy 2 specially marked bottles Exp. 6/31/09
• Kraft Mac n Cheese Crackers TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• McCormick Alcoholic Beverages - click on Rebate Center once you've entered your birthday. Not valid in AL, HI, IN, MS, OH, SC, TX and UT. Exp. 12/31/09
• Pert Plus for Men TMF (has to have sticker on bottle) Exp. 12/31/09
• Physician's Formula - three separate rebates *have to find products with TMF peelies on them Exp. 12/31/09
• Precious Kitty Litter - One request per lifetime
• Ronzoni Pasta (or other food items) and Bolt DVD $4 rebate Exp. 7/31/09
• Science Diet Light Pet Food $8 coupon and $10 rebate (must register)
• Starkist SeaSations Money Back Guarantee Exp. 12/31/09
• Sure - several available - must have Try Me Free sticker on product Exp. 11/15/09
• Tombstone Pizza - credit towards utility bills Postmark by 1/15/10

Some Creativity, Some Coupons and Some Cats

Hey look guys! I finally got around to opening up all my beading supplies and making something. I'm pretty happy with how this bracelet turned out and I learned that this type of clasp is horrible for bracelets (too hard to open with one hand), so I made it just big enough to squeeze over my wrist. Not bad for a first try I think. :)
Now let's move on to the coupons (Gigi did not approve of our mess of circulars): CVS - my card

• 7 papers $2 each
• Crest Pro Health Toothpaste $2.99, used freebie coupon (*took off $3.25, from previous mail-in rebate) and got back $2 EB (Limit 1) = $2.26 profit
• Diet Pepsi $1.59 - will get back $1 EB when I buy a second, looks like a monthly deal
• Diet Dr. Pepper $1.59
• Used $3.99 EB, $3.99 EB, $4 EB, $4 EB, total was $1.04

DBF bought a second Crest Pro Health = $1.79 profit (after tax)

Walgreens

• St Ives Body Wash $2.99, used $1.50 coupon (5/10 SS) and got back $3 RR = $1.51 profit
• Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor $9.49, use $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) and get back $2.50 RR = $2.99
• 3 John Frieda Root Awakening shamp/cond $5 each, used three $3 coupons (6/14 SS) and got back $5 RR (WYB 3) = $1 or $0.33 each
• 4 3M packaging tapes $3.49, BOGO sale (with in-circular coupon) = $6.98
• Snickers bar $0.89
• Used $10 RR and $10 RR, total was $3.33 ($2.48 of that was tax)

Then DBF bought:

• St Ives Body Wash $2.99, used $1.50 coupon (5/10 SS) and got back $3 RR = $1.51 profit
• Walgreens reusable bag $0.33 with in-circular coupon
• Barilla pasta $1 with in-circular coupon
• Used $2.50 RR, total was $0.57

Then we met up with my sisters to see The Hangover. It was friggin' hilarious! I laughed throughout almost the entire movie. One of my favorite parts has to be the Mike Tyson bit. I used my Clearview Cinemas rewards card and got a coupon for a free medium popcorn. The last time DBF and I saw a movie, we qualified for a free ticket. We rarely see movies but the points accumulate quickly.

And finally, the cat segment of today's presentation. Gigi was keeping us entertained all weekend. Here she is, meditating with her yoga mat, thinking deeply and breathing in the stuff of life. Breathe in.....exhale out......channel your inner lion....namaste."Do you hear that? Why I believe it is the sound of a hair tie calling my name! MUST PLAY!"

She loves, loves, loves (did I say loves?) to play with hair ties.

Here she is, pretending to not even notice the hair tie. Notice however that it is firmly within her grasp with no chance of escape. A classic example of a cat and mouse game.

She has now turned her attention again to the band. She calmly draws it in, trapping it between all four of her paws.
Then before you can say, Bob's-your-uncle, she's up and gone! She's flipped the tie to another portion of the playing field and lobs it into the air with a quick flick of the paw. (Editor note - previous conquests can be seen strewn about the field.)
She often pauses and studies her human companions, checking to see that they are in no way watching her or paying any attention to her movements. As you may be aware, this is a classic human-feline interaction, called the I'm Not Paying any Attention to You Game.
Having ensured that she is unobserved, she continues. Her feline companion, Mousse often watches from the sidelines.

Please note his high level of interest.

Gigi often practices her acrobatic and ballet skills. One, two, three, one, two, three, and...plie and pirouette! Lovely, lovely...look at that form! The grace! The elegance!

Umm, dear Gigi, shaking your head that hard's gonna give you a headache...

"Woah, where'd my tail go???"

"Better lie down and think about where I left it. Hmm, oh there it is!"

"AHA little hair tie, did you think I had forgotten you?? NEVER! I know just what to do with you....let's see how well you can swim!!" (evil cackle)

Invariably, the game always ends this way. I don't know why Gigi chooses to end her victims in this fashion. I'm going to start calling her "Sleepin' with da fishes Geeg".

Super Cool Manager

CVS

• 4 Garnier Nutritioniste cleansing cloths $5.99 each, used two $3 off 2 coupons (5/3 RP) and $3 off $15 facial skincare CRT and got back $10 EB (WYB $20 worth, Limit 1) = $4.96 or $1.24 each
• Diet Pepsi $1.59
• Used $1 EB, $3 EB and $10 EB, total was $1.01

This wasn't the best deal ever, but I really like these Garnier cloths and I have a bunch of EB's that are expiring soon.

Walgreens

• Gillette Fusion Gamer razor $9.49, used $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) and got back $2.50 RR = $2.99
• Motion sickness wristbands $9.99
• Mazola EVOO $3.99
• 2 Hunts tomato sauces $0.39 with in-circular coupon
• Used two $10 RR's, total was $1.62

Then at another store:

• Gillette Fusion Razor (bonus pack*) $9.49, used $4 Fusion coupon and got back $2.50 RR = $2.99
• 2 packages Angel Soft tp clearanced to $0.47 each
• Used $3 RR and $3 RR, total was $1.10

*I originally bought a regular old fusion razor (not the Gamer) and the RR's did not print. The circular does say Gillette Fusion or Fusion Power razor, but I guess its limited to the Gamer variety only. The manager (who is always so nice and friendly) did the exchange for me and he offered me the bonus pack instead of the razor! I didn't ask for it or even suggest it. Its a different UPC and everything (he checked) so it won't produce the RR's if you buy it. He rang up a regular Gamer razor and then gave me the bonus pack. How cool is that?!?

Weak Week 6/14 - 6/20

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

CVS

• Style Science lens cloths $0.99 each, buy two and get back $10 EB (Limit 1) = $8.02 profit *Many other items are included as well that will also give you a profit. Full list here.
• Crest Pro Health toothpaste (4.2 oz) $2.99, use freebie coupon (from previous rebate) and get back $2 EB (Limit 1) = $2 profit
• Schick Quattro Titanium Razor $7.99, use $4 coupon (6/14 SS) and get back $3 EB (Limit 3) = $0.99 - thanks pubbler for this deal!
• 7 Up, Canada Dry or A&W soda 12 packs three for $11 or $3.66 each, use $1 coupon and get back $3 EB (WYB 3, Limit 1) = $6 or $2 each (I'm assuming you can print two coupons here)

Rite Aid - nothin! absolutely nothin!

Walgreens

• St Ives Body Wash (Oatmeal or Mineral) $2.99, use $1.50 coupon (5/10 SS) and get back $3 RR = $1.50 profit
• Oreo Cakesters $2.50 each, buy two and use two $1 coupons (6/14 SS) and get back $3 RR (WYB 2, monthly deal) = FREE
• Right Guard or Dry Idea Deodorant $0.99 with in-circular coupon, use $1 coupon (4/19 SS) = FREE *Give circular coupon second
• Gillette Fusion Gamer Razor $9.49, use $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) and get back $2.50 RR = $2.99
• John Frieda Hair Care three for $15, use three $3 coupons (6/14 SS) and get back $5 RR (WYB 3) = $1 or $0.33 each
• Skippy $2, Ragu $2 ($1 off 2 coupon 5/17 RP), Hellman's Mayo $3.50, Lipton Tea $2.50 - buy 6, get $4 RR or buy 8, get $8 RR
• Barilla Pasta $1 with in-circular coupon
• Reusable WAGs bags $0.34 with in-circular coupon

Walgreens June RR Deals 5/31 - 6/27

• Rolaids Softchews (18 count) $2.99 - $3.29, use $1 coupon (6/7 RP) and get back $2 RR = FREE or $0.29
• Kerasal One Step Exfoliating Moisturizer Therapy $7.99, use $2 coupon (5/17 SS) and get back $5 RR = $0.99 *This deal is supposed to be $5 RR WYB 2, but its reported to work on just one bottle.
• Carmex Moisture Plus $2.99, get back $2 RR = $0.99
• Nabisco Cookies - buy 2 and get $3 RR (supposed to be WYB two plus a gallon of milk but you don't have to buy the milk). There is a $1 off 2 coupon and also a $1 off 2 Chips Ahoy coupon in 5/17 SS. Includes: Chips Ahoy (14-16 oz), Double Stuff Oreos (19 oz), Fat Free Fig Newtons (12 oz), Fig Newtons (16 oz), Golden Oreos (18 oz), Lorna Doones (10 oz), Nilla Cakesters (10.56 oz), Nilla Wafers (12 oz), Nutter Butters (16 oz), Oreos (18 oz), Oreo Cakesters (10.56-12 oz) and Oreo Cakesters Vanilla (12 oz)

General Printable Rebate Offers

• Alouette Baby Brie Wedge Cheese TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• Caregiver's Marketplace - many rebates for a variety of items
• Ensure 6 pack use $3 coupon and Try Me Free rebate Exp. 12/31/09
• Febreze Noticeables Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/09
• Ghirardelli Luxe Chocolates Bag (SKU 787681) Rebate up to $3.99 at Staples Exp. 6/27/09 (rebate receipt will print at register)
• Herbal Essences - free haircut when you buy 2 specially marked bottles Exp. 6/31/09
• Kraft Mac n Cheese Crackers TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• McCormick Alcoholic Beverages - click on Rebate Center once you've entered your birthday. Not valid in AL, HI, IN, MS, OH, SC, TX and UT. Exp. 12/31/09
• Pert Plus for Men TMF (has to have sticker on bottle) Exp. 12/31/09
• Physician's Formula - three separate rebates *have to find products with TMF peelies on them Exp. 12/31/09
• Precious Kitty Litter - One request per lifetime
• Ronzoni Pasta (or other food items) and Bolt DVD $4 rebate Exp. 7/31/09
• Science Diet Light Pet Food $8 coupon and $10 rebate (must register)
• Starkist SeaSations Money Back Guarantee Exp. 12/31/09
• Sure - several available - must have Try Me Free sticker on product Exp. 11/15/09
• Tombstone Pizza - credit towards utility bills Postmark by 1/15/10

Clearing out CVS

I went to a conference today at Rutgers, which is where I used to go to school and work. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to catch up with former colleagues that I see far too rarely. And the sessions were great - I feel all pumped up! Come here students, let me advise you! :p Unfortunately though, halfway during the second session, I started to feel really awful and I could feel a migraine coming on. My head was pounding and I was feeling mighty nauseous. Luckily, some Excedrin and some ginger ale got me through the rest of the day. I'm still feeling a little off, but much better than before. I'm happy the drugs kicked in so fast and I was able to finish out the day. Usually migraines knock me out for the whole day. They're the worst.

CVS

• 16 Physician's Formula eye shadows - clearanced to $1 each, used 16 $1 coupons (3/22, 4/19 or 5/31 SS) = FREE
• Physician's Formula foundation - clearanced to $1.19, used $1 coupon (3/22, 4/19 or 5/31 SS) = $0.19
• Total was $1.39

ShopRite

• 2 SR pizza doughs $1 each - finally found these! I had to ask for them in the Bakery section, they had them in a freezer behind the counter
• 4 No Nonsense Knee Highs $1.24 each, used four $1 peelie coupons = $0.96 or $0.24 each
• Total was $2.96

Nougatocity

Snickers has invented a new word, Nougatocity! According to the label, "Snickers satisfies Nougatocity" whatever that is. Those Snickers folks are getting a little nutty. (hardy har har har!)

It was a nice change of pace to do some CVS shopping today. :) My card

• Pampers $8.99, used $2 coupon (P&G Year of Savings coupon booklet) = $6.99 *Was hoping to get back $5 EB but it didn't print. I went back later in the day to show the manager a printout from cvs.com where the deal was advertised (its not there anymore). I didn't have it on me at the time otherwise I would have asked about it right then and there. The manager didn't know anything about the deal and told me to call the 1-800 number on the sheet. I decided to just return the diapers - so I got back $8.99 on a money card.
• Bayer Contour Meter $14.99, used freebie coupon (2/1 RP or 3/22 SS) and got back $5 EB (Limit 1) = $5 profit
• Gillette Fusion Razor $7.99, used $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) and got back $4 EB (Limit 1) = FREE/$0.01 profit
• 2 Dawn Dish Liquids (10.3 oz) $1 each, used two $0.50 coupons (P&G Year of Savings coupon booklet from previous rebate) and got back $1 EB (WYB 2, Limit 1) = FREE
• Used $3.99 EB and $7.98 EB, total was $0.01 (cashier chuckled at that)

CVS - DBF's card

• Gillette Fusion Razor $7.99, used $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) and got back $4 EB (Limit 1) = FREE/$0.01 profit
• Used $3.99 EB, total was $0.28

Rite Aid

• 18 Mars candy bars $0.88 each, BOGO sale and used eight BOGO coupons (5/17 RP) and one freebie coupon = $0.70 ($0.43 was tax)

Walgreens

• Gillette Fusion Razor $9.49, used $4 Fusion coupon and got back $2.50 RR = $2.99
• Windex Wipes $4.59, used $0.40 coupon (5/10 SS) and will submit for Try Me Free rebate (5/10 SS) = $0.40 profit
• Angel Soft tp (clearanced) $0.47
• Used $10 RR, total was $1.13

I also redeemed a $40 Visa gift card for a Walgreens gift card. I received this gift card for buying two label makers at Staples.

I hadn't really planned on buying the Gillette razor at Walgreens this week, but I changed my mind. Its my boyfriend's favorite razor and I can only buy two at CVS (one on my card, one on DBF's) so that doesn't do me much good by way of stocking up. Also, after doing the math, paying $2.99 for two cartridges ($1.50 each) is cheaper than buying a big pack of eight cartridges for $26.99 ($3.37 each). Plus I have RR's to burn, so I figured, why not?

100,000!

Wowzers! I just hit 100,000 views on this little ol' blog. I am amazed! Before I started HWFS, I'd check in with a couple of my favorite blogs every day to see what their authors were up to. It helped me so much (and still does!) to see the deals that they'd snagged. There's just something about actually seeing the goodies that makes it real, and for me, so much easier to replicate. I can read HCW posts until I'm blue in the face, but sometimes I have to actually see the stuff for the deal to click. After a while, I started thinking, "well shucks, maybe I could do that too" and my blog was born.

Shopping the way I do is more to me than just a way to save money. It has truly become a way of life and has changed my whole outlook on how I spend my hard-earned money. And its by no means an all-or-nothing activity. I am fully aware that I shop a whole heck of a lot and I buy tons of stuff. We all do what we can, and for me, right now at least, that's a lot. I am aware that I probably won't always be able to keep up this pace, and that's ok with me. The main reason I started blogging in the first place was to be able to share what I do with other folks. So even if just one person is able to go out there and get the same deal I did, that's good enough for me. :)

Thank you all for stopping by and checking out what I have to say. I so appreciate you sharing deals/coupons/rebates and the little insider tips and tricks of the trade. I love your support, your laughs and your camraderie. Its so nice to share with you all the funny things that happen in day to day life, because as we all know, there are SO many! Hello! (I'm sorry, I know its shamelessly self-promoting, but I just love that post! It still cracks me up!) And its great to have an awful day and be able to post about it and have someone say - "UGH, that stinks, I know how you feel." Sometimes that's all I need to make me feel better. I appreciate you taking the time to leave comments, to become a follower of my madness or to link to my blog from your own. And even if you haven't done any of these things, its all good - I still love ya! You're still around, and that's a-ok with me. So thank you, gracias, merci beaucoup and danke for stopping by!

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

CVS

• Bayer Contour Meter $14.99, use freebie coupon (2/1 RP or 3/22 SS) and get back $5 EB (Limit 1) = $5 profit
• 7 papers (forgot to put in pic) $14
• Used $4 EB and $10 EB

ShopRite

• 4 Carolina Rice boxes $0.99 each, used four $0.50 coupons (4/26 RP) = FREE
• 8 No Nonsense Knee Highs $1.24 each, used four $1 peelie coupons and four $1 coupons (3/29 SS) = $1.92 or $0.24 each
• 2 pizza doughs $1.69 each - I wanted the $1 ones, but we couldn't find them and were really craving calzones
• Entenmann's crumbcake $3.50 - my DBF forced me to buy this, so the calories don't count, right?
• Blueberries $1.49
• Strawberries $1.49
• Cantaloupe $0.99
• Total was $12.73

Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Ahh, Sweet Relief

Hey, whadda ya know - I shopped at Target without being called any names! haha, what a wonderful world. Although I have to tell you, the cashier was friendly and bubbly when I started the transaction and grew steadily more and more grim with the scanning of each coupon. By the time we were done, she was downright scowling! My sister was there and saw it too, so I know I'm not hallucinating. But I got my Glade, so I'm a happy camper.
Target

• 10 Glade fabric/air sprays $2.99 each (lower price than before - weird huh?), used five BOGO coupons (5/10 SS) and ten $2 Target coupons (hangtags on the bottles) = $5.05 profit
• Windex Wipes $2.69, used $0.40 coupon (5/10 SS) and will submit for Try Me Free rebate (5/10 SS) = hopefully $0.40 profit, if not FREE (Target lists the matching coupon right under the item, so its very clear that I used a coupon on this)
• Tostitos $3
• Total was $1.12

By the way, this is the regular price for the Glade, its not a sale. So if you can find the hangtag coupons, you can do this deal whenever.

And I was thinking about the car repairs from yesterday. They had told me I was due to have some servicing done because I've just hit 120,000 miles (I know). One of the things they were going to do was change my timing belt. The mechanic was going to do that yesterday in addition to the alternator change, but I didn't want to be stuck there for too long - I had to get to Walgreens afterall! - so I told him I'd come back next weekend for the timing belt. I could have sworn that I'd had the belt replaced recently, but according to his records, I hadn't. Cars are NOT my thing, so I figured I was thinking of some other repair. When I got home, I went through my paperwork and low and behold, I DID have the belt replaced at 112,000 miles. My last name on that work order was misspelled so it hadn't come up when he'd looked at my records. I am SO glad I checked! Now I don't have to take the car in next week for any servicing, which is a huge relief. Lesson learned - always keep your paperwork!

Rotten Luck Day

I went in search of Bayer meters today at Walgreens but couldn't find ANY! Here's what I got instead:

• Revlon Ionic Hair Dryer $12.99, got back $10 RR = $2.99
• Ramen noodles $0.29
• Used $2 RR and $10 RR, total was $2.19

Then I bought:

• 4 Cheez-Its $2.50 each, got back $3 RR for buying four = $7 or $1.75 each
• Used $10 RR

Store 2 - same two transactions

Store 3

• Revlon Ionic Hair Dryer $12.99, got back $10 RR = $2.99
• Motts Apple Juice $2
• Ramen noodles $0.29
• Used $2 RR, $2.50 RR and $10 RR, total was $1.69

Then:

• 3 Cheez-Its and one Club Cracker $2.50 each, got back $3 RR for buying four = $7 or $1.75 each
• Used $10 RR

Store 4:

• Revlon Ionic Hair Dryer $12.99, got back $10 RR = $2.99
• WAG tissues $0.29
• Used $3 RR and $9 RR, total was $2.19

Then I bought:

• Sterlite 3 drawer container $5.99
• 4 Plastic boxes $1.29 each
• Used $10 RR, total was $1.93

I figure this stuff will help me organize the beads that I've bought and that Annie sent me.

The battery indicator light was flashing in my car so I took it in to have it looked at. It turns out that my alternator was broken and had been sending a charge into my battery, which fried it. I had just replaced the battery last summer - figures huh? That plus a transmission and coolant flush and an oil change ran me about $800. And I have to take it back next week to get some routine maintenance done. There goes the savings. Sigh. What can you do?

Crank it Up!

Today, I was in the mood to blast some music and sing along at the top of my lungs. First, I was groovin' with the Eagles and then I switched over to some Gretchen Wilson. Is it weird that she reminds me a little of Pioneer Woman?

Walgreens

• 2 Cheez-Its, Club Crackers and Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies - four for $10 (although the cookies rang up $2.49 instead of $2.50), got back $3 RR = four for $6.99 or $1.74 each
• 2 Motts apple juices $2 each
• Used $2 RR and $10 RR, total was $1.99

At another store:

• Two Cheez-Its and two Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies - four for $10 (cookies rang up $2.49 each), got back $3 RR = four for $6.98 or $1.74 each
• Used $9 RR, total was $0.99

I totally missed this deal this week, which is one of the many, many reasons I love other people's blogs. There's just something about seeing a picture of what someone else bought - love it! Erica (iheartwags) did the cookies/cracker deal and when I saw her post about it, a little lightbulb went off in my head. What a wonderful way to use up some RR's! I have a bunch of RR's that expire next Sunday (6/7) and there's really nothing catching my eye in the deals for that week, so there's no sense in saving them. And its not like I really need any health/beauty/household items, so using my RR's for food, especially munchies, definitely works for me. :)

Deals for 6/7 - 6/13

Photo courtesy of loldogs. 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

• DEAD DEAL - no longer advertised on CVS.com. Pampers $8.99, use $2 coupon (P&G Year of Savings coupon booklet) or $1 coupon (6/7 P&G) and get back $5 EB (Limit ?) = $1.99 or $2.99 *This is NOT in the circular but is advertised online here. You may want to print out this page and bring it with you just in case the EB's don't print.
• Bayer Contour Meter $14.99, use freebie coupon (2/1 RP or 3/22 SS) and get back $5 EB (Limit 1) = $5 profit
• Gillette Fusion, Venus Embrace or Spa Breeze Razor (excludes disposables) $7.99, use $4 coupon (6/7 P&G) and get back $4 EB (Limit 1) = FREE/$0.01 profit
• Dawn Dish Liquid (10.3 oz) $1 each, buy two and use two $0.50 coupons (P&G Year of Savings coupon booklet from previous rebate) and get back $1 EB (WYB 2, Limit 1) = FREE
• Coke 12 packs or Dasani 12 packs four for $13, get back $3 EB (WYB 4, Limit 1) = four for $10 or $2.50 each
• Dove and Degree products - spend $20, get back $10 EB (Limit 1). Includes Dove Bar Soap (6 pack), Dove Body Wash or Dove Lotion (13.5 - 24 oz) $7, Dove Sham/Cond (12 oz) or Stylers (7 - 9.25 oz) $4 and Degree or Dove Invisible Deodorants (2.6 oz - 3 oz, excludes Ultra Clear & Ultimate Clear) $2.50. There are a WHOLE lotta coupons available for Dove (and more coming out in Sunday's paper) and Degree. Erica has them all listed on iheartcvs.
• Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Care - spend $20, get back $10 EB (Limit 1). Available coupons: $2 coupon, $1 coupon (4/5 RP) or $3 off 2 coupon (5/3 RP).
• Swiffer or Febreze products - spend $10, get back $5 EB (Limit 2). Includes Febreze Fabric Refesher (27 oz) $5 ($1 coupon in P&G Year of Savings coupon booklet), Febreze Candle or Noticeables Starter Kit $7 ($1 coupon for either in booklet), Febreze Air Effects $3, Swiffer Dry (32 count), Wet (24 count), Duster Refills (10 count) or Duster Kits $7 ($0.50 Swiffer refill coupon in booklet) or Swiffer Sweeper Starter Kit $9 ($1 coupon in booklet)

Rite Aid

• Thanks for the tip on this Emily! Sure For Men Anti-Perspirant (2.6 oz) use $1.50 coupon (5/3 SS) and get back $1.50 (SCR #49). Look for bottles with TMF stickers on them and submit for the manufacturer's rebate as well! = $3 profit
• AMO Complete Multi-Purpose Solution (12 oz) $7.99, use $2 coupon (5/31 RP) or $1 coupon and get back $7.99 (SCR #24) = $1 or $2 profit
• Mars Single Size Candy Bars BOGO sale, use BOGO coupon (5/17 RP) = two for FREE
• Noxema Razors (4 count) $1.89, use $2 coupon (4/17 All You magazine, pg. 145) = FREE (or overage if store allows)
• Orajel Kids’ Plaque Revealing Rinse (12 oz), Toddler Pre-Brush Gel (1 oz) or Finger Brush $3, get back $3 (SCR #96) = FREE
• Philips Ear Buds with Hard Case or 3-Device Remote Control $4.99, get back $4.99 (SCR #121) = FREE

Walgreens - nuthin good so far! Here are some so-so deals:

• Gillette Venus and Fusion Razor $9.49, use $4 Fusion coupon and get back $2.50 RR = $2.99
• Dove Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Bar Soap (2-6 pack), Lotion and Bath 25% off sale. Buy 8, get $10 RR, buy 6, get $6 RR and buy 4, get $2 RR. Circular says it excludes individual bars of soap (3.15 oz) and trial sizes, but we'll see. Maybe we'll get lucky! There are Dove coupons in the 3/15 (*expire 6/7) and 4/5 RP inserts. *More Dove coupons coming in the 6/7 paper as well.
• Mazola Extra Virgin Olive Oil $3.99 (good brand?)

Walgreens June RR Deals 5/31 - 6/27

• Kerasal One Step Exfoliating Moisturizer Therapy $7.99, use $2 coupon (5/17 SS) and get back $5 RR = $0.99 *This deal is supposed to be $5 RR WYB 2, but its reported to work on just one bottle.
• Carmex Moisture Plus $2.99, get back $2 RR = $0.99
• Nabisco Cookies - buy 2 and get $3 RR (supposed to be WYB two plus a gallon of milk but you don't have to buy the milk). There is a $1 off 2 coupon and also a $1 off 2 Chips Ahoy coupon in 5/17 SS. Includes: Chips Ahoy (14-16 oz), Double Stuff Oreos (19 oz), Fat Free Fig Newtons (12 oz), Fig Newtons (16 oz), Golden Oreos (18 oz), Lorna Doones (10 oz), Nilla Cakesters (10.56 oz), Nilla Wafers (12 oz), Nutter Butters (16 oz), Oreos (18 oz), Oreo Cakesters (10.56-12 oz) and Oreo Cakesters Vanilla (12 oz)

General Printable Rebate Offers

• Alouette Baby Brie Wedge Cheese TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• Caregiver's Marketplace - many rebates for a variety of items
• Ensure 6 pack use $3 coupon and Try Me Free rebate Exp. 12/31/09
• Febreze Noticeables Satisfaction Guarantee Exp. 6/30/09
• Ghirardelli Luxe Chocolates Bag (SKU 787681) Rebate up to $3.99 at Staples Exp. 6/27/09 (rebate receipt will print at register)
• Herbal Essences - free haircut when you buy 2 specially marked bottles Exp. 6/31/09
• Kraft Mac n Cheese Crackers TMF Exp. 12/31/09
• McCormick Alcoholic Beverages - click on Rebate Center once you've entered your birthday. Not valid in AL, HI, IN, MS, OH, SC, TX and UT. Exp. 12/31/09
• Pert Plus for Men TMF (has to have sticker on bottle) Exp. 12/31/09
• Physician's Formula - three separate rebates *have to find products with TMF peelies on them Exp. 12/31/09
• Precious Kitty Litter - One request per lifetime
• Ronzoni Pasta (or other food items) and Bolt DVD $4 rebate Exp. 7/31/09
• Science Diet Light Pet Food $8 coupon and $10 rebate (must register)
• Starkist SeaSations Money Back Guarantee Exp. 12/31/09
• Sure - several available - must have Try Me Free sticker on product Exp. 11/15/09
• Tombstone Pizza - credit towards utility bills Postmark by 1/15/10

May Savings Totals

I iz drowning in Register Rewards!

May Monthly Totals

• Merchandise Total (before coupons): $2,939.37
• Value of Coupons & Store Sales: $2,079.16
• Rewards/Gift Cards/EB's Used: $704.76
• Rewards/Gift Cards/EB's Earned: $790.20
• Rebates: $59.93
• Total Cost to me (after rewards earned and rebates): $48.42
• Total Profit: $428.31
• # of Items: 732, # of Free Items: 499

Rebates Received - holy guacamole! Look at them all!

• $89.95 Staples rebate for buying all that paper
• $17.99 RiteAid rebates
• $15.69 Science Diet & $15.69 Science Diet parent's address
• $14.99 Bayer meter & $14.99 Bayer meter DBF's address
• $10 Natural Dentist
• $9.95 Physician's Formula mascara times three - my address, parent's address and DBF's address
• $5.99 Sure Max
• $4.99 Vent Fresh & $4.99 Vent Fresh DBF's address
• $4 Softsoap Ensembles
• $3.99 Pert Plus for Men DBF's address & $3.29 Pert Plus for Men parents' address
• $3.69 Sargento Salad Finishers

eBay profits - $76 minus $10.95 and $2.95 for Dr. Scholls coupons that I ordered, so $63.05. I really haven't sold anything this month, these are my April figures.

My savings accounts are pretty pitiful at the moment. I dipped into them to pay a vet bill and some other things that came up. I haven't even done my bills yet (payday was last Friday - oops!) so I don't have figures to post here. All my bills are paid electronically, so I don't need to worry about anything being late. I just have to do all the things I do on my end to keep my account balances straight.

I am Blown Away

When I got home tonight, this very heavy, very packed box was waiting for me. Can you see what's inside? You're not going to believe this! Read on dear friends...

Work before pleasure...

Target Update - so I called the Target store today to speak to the store manager about the "What a bitch" comment from Saturday. She was very apologetic about the whole situation and promised to speak to the cashiers involved. I doubt it will improve the situation much. The couple of times I have shopped at this particular Target, I have had issues and run into pretty unfriendly cashiers. Whatever, I'm over it. And if that lady thought I was being a bitch that day, she obviously doesn't know me very well. :p I got all the coupons back from the cashier, including the Target hangtag coupons that I had already taken off the bottles, so I'll just buy the Glade at my normal store. They can have my business instead. Walgreens - Store 1

• Bayer monitor $10, used freebie coupon (10/26 or 2/1 RP or 3/22 SS) and got back $10 RR = $10 profit
• Revlon Ionic Hair Dryer $12.99 (in circular as $19.99 - this price was not marked), got back $10 RR = $2.99
• Real Soft toilet paper $0.25 (clearance price)
• 4 Walgreens packaging tapes $1.50 each with in-circular coupon
• Bumble Bee tuna $0.99 with in-circular coupon
• Used two $5 RR's, two $4.50 RR's and one $1 RR, total was $1.56

Store 2

• Bayer monitor $10, used freebie coupon (10/26 or 2/1 RP or 3/22 SS) and got back $10 RR = $10 profit
• Revlon Ionic Hair Dryer $12.99, got back $10 RR = $2.99
• Real Soft toilet paper $0.25 (clearance price)
• 2 Geisha mushrooms $0.50 each with in-circular coupon
• Used $5 RR and two $4.50 RR's, total was $1.15

I've now used up every RR I had that's expiring this week. Phew! I wish I had more time to use these darn things. Two weeks goes by so fast. I do have a bunch that expire this coming Sunday, so depending on how next week's sales look, I may use some of those up before then. Maybe another hair dryer? I wish there were other deals this week that I could roll my RR's into and still get back most of my dough. Maybe I can find a rebate or something...

ShopRite

• 4 Hefty Tall Kitchen bags $1.24 each, used one $1 coupon and three $2 coupons ($2 ones adjusted down, 5/17 RP) = $0.24
• Got $0.10 bag discount, total was $0.49

Later on at another SR:

• 3 Hefty Tall Kitchen bags $1.24 each, used three $2 coupons (not adjusted down, 5/17 RP) = $2.28 profit
• Baby carrots $0.84
• Peaches $0.99/lb = $2.16
• Total was $0.98

Now on to pleasure. Remember this? Let's take a peek inside, shall we? A couple weeks ago when I mentioned I was interested in dabbling in making some jewelry, Annie generously offered to send me some beads to help me get started. I was blown away by how thoughtful and sweet her offer was and happily accepted. I never dreamed she would send me such a beautiful and huge collection of goodies! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

There are strings of beads in all sorts of colors, shapes and textures...

A huge collection of funky beads in all kinds of shapes and colors...

Pretty, shiny round tubey-things. And yes, I will eventually learn what these are actually called. For now, tubey-things will just have to do...

An amazing assortment of shiny glass beads (I think these are called glass beads anyway)...

I love these metallic colors
And the earthy tones of these beautiesAnd what's not to love about the leaf veins on these? Adorable!She even thought to include some baggies and supplies!

All laid out, here are all the wonderful goodies that Annie sent me. I am totally speechless and amazed at her generosity and thoughtfulness. Thank you Annie! YOU ROCK!