A Beautiful Fall Day (and some shopping)

Stop & Shop - another week of fantastic gas deals!

• S&S Paper Towel Roll $1, used $1 S&S paper product coupon (with additional $15 purchase) = FREE 
• S&S Swiss Cheese $2.69
• 4 1/2 pounds Gala Apples $0.77/lb with in-circular coupon = $2.47

Now for the gas promo items - these are all part of the same promo (buy 7, get $0.20 off gas)

• 12 Contadina Tomatoes $1.25 each, used six $1 off 2 coupons (9/16 RP) = $9 or $0.75 each
• 9 Campbell's Slow Kettle Style Soups $2.50 each, used nine $0.75 coupons (9/16 or 10/14 SS) = $9 or $1 each
• 2 Campbell's Skillet Sauces $2 each, used two $0.75 coupons = $1 or $0.50 each
• 4 Dannon Light 'n Fit Yogurts $2 each
• Cabot Creamery Cheese $2.50, used $1 coupon (sign up for the newsletter and they'll email you the coupon) and will get back $0.75 Savingstar credit = $0.75
• Total was $32.74 - will get back $0.75 for the Cabot and earned $28 discount on gas ($0.20 off a gallon x 35 gallons x 4 promos)

That makes the total cost of all these items only $3.99!  

Today was absolutely gorgeous.  Bright sunny skies and leaves turning beautiful colors everywhere you look.  Da boyfriend and I (and Shadow) went for a drive around town, stopping to snap some pictures along the way.

Saved the best for last - the view from my very own backyard!  I love living in such a beautiful and peaceful part of the country.

Food Shopping

Stop & Shop

• S&S Paper Towel Roll $1, used $1 S&S paper product coupon (with additional $15 purchase) = FREE 
• 3 Cracker Barrel cheeses $2.50 each and 3 Philadelphia cream cheeses $1.99 each, got back $0.20 gas discount (max 35 gallons = $7) = $6.47 or $1.07 each
• Dole Salad Mix, Celery Sticks (16 oz) and 3 Mariani Dried Fruits $2.50 each, got back $0.20 gas discount (max 35 gallons = $7) = $5.50 or $1.10 each
• Red Seedless Grapes $0.88/lb with circular coupon and additional $25 purchase = $2.15
• 6 Ore Ida Fries $3 each, used two $1.50 off 3 coupons and got $5 instant savings (WYB 6 qualifying items) = $10 or $0.60 each
• Florida's Natural OJ $3, used $1.50 off refrigerated juice purchase catalina = $1.50
• 2 S&S sliced cheeses $2.69 each - their mild cheddar slices are amazing!
• Total was $45.61

ShopRite

• 8 Campbell's Chunky Soups $1.50 each, used two $1 off 4 coupons (10/7 SS) and 4 Pop Secret Popcorns $2 each, used two $0.50 off 2 coupons (9/9 RP), got back $5 catalina for spending $20 on qualifying items = $11 or $0.91 per item
• 2 Chock Full o Nuts Coffee $1.99 each, used two $0.75 coupons (8/26 SS) = $0.49 each
• 4 Uncle Ben's Ready Rice $1.50 each (must buy two for this price), used two $1 off 2 coupons (10/7 SS) = $4 or $1 each
• Entenmann's Donuts $2.49 and Cake $3.25 (50% off sale)
• Total was $25.50

Sunday Shopping

Rite Aid

• 2 Got2Be Oil-licious $6.49 each, BOGO sale, used $2 RA coupon (Oct Video Values) and got back two $4 UP's (monthly deal, Limit 2) = $3.51 profit
• Sani-Hands for Kids (40 ct) $2.39 ($2.99 reg price, 20% discount), will get back $2.99 (SCR #41) = $0.60 profit
• 4 Dex 4 Liquid Berry Burst (2 oz) $2.39 each, will get back $10 (SCR #38, $1 WYB 1 or $5 WYB 2, Limit 2) = $0.44 profit
• 2 RA Glucose Tablets $1.83 each, will get back $4 (SCR #36, $1.50 WYB 1 or $4 WYB 2, Limit 1) = $0.34 profit
• 2 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razors $8.79 each ($10.99 reg price, 20% discount), used two $4 coupons (10/7 RP) and got back two $4 UP's (Limit 2) = $0.79 each
• Tommy Girl Perfume $7.99 ($9.99 reg price, 20% discount), got back $5 UP (WYB fragrance $7.99+, Limit 2) = $2.99
• Used $37 in UP's, total was $3.47

CVS - picked up my papers this morning plus this cute welcome sign for $4.99 

Stop & Shop

• 8 Chef Boyardees $1 each, used two $0.50 off 4 coupons (9/16 SS) and qualified for $0.20 gas discount (max 35 gallons, so $7) = $1 profit
• S&S Paper Towel Roll $1, used $1 S&S paper product coupon (with additional $15 purchase) = FREE 
• 3 Packages 80% Ground Beef $6.07, $7.85 and $8.03, qualified for $0.40 gas discount (max 35 gallons, so $14) and will send away for $5 Dos Equis NBPR rebate on $5.01 fresh/frozen food (DONSA020) = $2.95 
• 6 Yoplait Yogurts $0.50 each, used $0.40 off 6 coupon and will get back $0.40 Savingstar deposit = $1.80 or $0.30 each
• 3 Oscar Mayer cold cuts three for $10
• Total was $40.23

The circular lists larger packages of beef for the gas promo but these smaller ones are counting as well.  They say "VPK" on the upper right-hand corner of the label, near the UPC.  

Filling the Freezer

Stop & Shop - love the deals this week!  My freezer is jam packed.  I was going to use these purchases towards a $5 Dos Equis NBPR rebate on frozen food, but it doesn't start until 10/1.  Both of our cars need gas now so I wanted to make my purchases today.

• 9 Tyson Any'tizers $2.50 each, used four $1 coupons (8/19 SS) and earned $0.20/gallon for every three purchased ($0.60 off gallon x 35 gallons = $21 in savings) = $2.50 profit
• 3 TGIF Appetizers $3 each, earned $0.20/gallon for every three purchased ($0.20 off gallon x 35 gallons = $7 in savings) = $2 or $0.66 each
• 6 Quaker Quakes Rice Cakes $1.25 each and Quaker Oats (18 oz) $2.29 (listed in circular as $2.50 but rang up cheaper), used two $1 off 3 Quakes peelie coupons and earned $0.20/gallon for every seven purchased ($0.20 off gallon x 35 gallons = $7 in savings) = $0.79 or $0.11 each *Also $1 off 2 coupon (or Oct. All You magazine)
• 7 Dr. Oetker Pizzas $4 each, used $1 off 2 coupon (9/9 SS) and got $10 instant savings for spending $25 on select frozen items = $17 or $2.42 each *Only had one of these coupons.  With instant savings deals, you have to spend $25 after coupons
• 3 Friendship Sour Creams $5
• Eggs $3.59 - crazy price but we're totally out
• Gala Apples $0.77/pound with in-circular coupon
• Total was $63.47 - $28.47 after all the gas savings!

My cost would have been lower if I had more Tyson coupons.  My inserts didn't have them, but I had a couple coupons from some inserts my mom gave me.  The Quaker deal is cheaper if you get just the Quakes.

Stocking up for Halloween

Stop & Shop

• 4 Pillsbury Cake Mixes and 17 Mars King Size Candy Bars $1.25 each, used seven $0.50 off 2 tearpad coupons (all I had left) = $19.25 and got back $0.60 gas discount ($0.20 for every 7 purchased)/$21 = $1.75 profit 
• S&S Paper Towels (single roll) $1, used $1 S&S paper product coupon (with additional $15 purchase) = FREE  
• 3 Ore Ida Easy Fries $1 each, got $2.97 instant savings (off 3) = $0.03 or $0.01 each
• Used $10 catalina, total was $9.91

I normally get a slip from the catalina printer that tells me how many gas points I've earned.  Nothing printed today so I'm hoping I get credited for these points.

S&S and a Trip to Walgreens

Stop & Shop

• 10 Crystal Lites $3 each, used ten $0.50 tearpad coupons (all doubled, found at Walgreens), got back $10 Kraft catalina (WYB 10 qualifying items) and $0.40 gas discount/$14 = $4 profit
• S&S Paper Towels (single roll) $1, used $1 S&S paper product coupon (with additional $15 purchase) = FREE
• Total was $20.81

Walgreens

• 2 Suave Shampoo $1 each, got back $2 RR (WYB 2) = FREE
• Total was $2.16

Repeated and bought another two bottles.  My mom loves Suave shampoo so I picked these up for her.  I was hoping to use the $2 RR's on some confectioners sugar but the store didn't have any.

I preenrolled for Walgreens' new program - Balance Rewards so I earned a couple points on these transactions.

Here's where I found the $1 paper products coupon.  They were located at the end of the checkout aisles, not in any free standing displays.  The coupon is good until 2/3/13 so keep an eye out!  $1 is the regular price for the single roll of paper towels.

I've started volunteering at a local no-kill animal shelter called Pets Alive.  I'll bring over the paper towels to the great folks there, plus some other stuff from the stockpile room.  I'd like to try and bring some donation items each time I go.

Got a Penny?

Go get some french fries at Stop & Shop!  I bought 15 boxes of the Ore Ida Easy Fries (they're already stuffed and jammed and smushed into the nooks and crannies of my freezer) for $0.15.  The fries are $1 each and when you buy three, you get a discount of $2.97, bringing your cost down to $0.03 or a penny each.  The sale is only good through today.  Wish I'd seen this earlier in the week!

Sunday Shopping

Stop & Shop

• 10 Red Baron Pizzas $2.50 each, qualified for $0.40 gas discount or $14 ($0.20 WYB 5) = $11 or $1.10 each
• 6 Ore Ida Potatoes $2 each (must buy three for this price), used three $1 off 2 coupons (8/19 SS) = $9 or $1.50 each
• 6 ears of Corn $1.98
• S&S Baby Carrots $1
• Strawberries $1.48 with circular coupon (and addt'l $25 purchase) 
• Gala apples & pears $1.59/lb
• Milk $2.39
• 2 cans Sauerkraut $0.50 each
• Total was $50.55

CVS

• Gillette Venus Razor $7.49, used $4 coupon (8/12 RP) and got back $5 EB (Limit 1) = $1.51 profit
• 2 Biore Strips $6.99 and 2 Biore Cleansers $6.99 each, used two BOGO coupons (free cleanser WYB strips, 8/12 SS) = $13.98
• 2 Dawn Dish Soaps $0.99 each, used $1 off 2 coupon (7/29 P&G) = $0.98
• 6 papers $12
• Used $4/$20 coupon (emailed to me from CVS), $1 EB and $10 EB, total was $18.18

The Biore and Dawn qualified me for a $10 gas card (WYB $30 of qualifying items), making this purchase an overall cost of $14.18.

Bought a second razor on another card = $1.51 profit.  I'll use the razors towards a $5 P&G rebate (WYB $25)

Rite Aid

• Schick Hydro 3 Razor $7.67 ($9.59 reg price, 20% discount), used $3 circular coupon and $4 coupon (8/19 SS) = $0.67
• Total was $1.29 with tax

I'll get back $5 UP for every $20 I spend.  Once I buy another 10 razors, I'll get back $20 in total, $12.63 profit before tax.

Bagel Anyone?

Stop & Shop - I just love these gas card deals!

• 16 Lenders Bagels $1.50 each, qualified for $28 gas discount ($0.20 off per gallon for every 4 bagels x 35 gallons) = $4 profit
• 7 Quaker Mini Cakes $1.25 each, used two $1 off 2 coupons and qualified for $7 gas discount ($0.20 off per gallon for every 7 bought x 35 gallons) = $0.25 profit
• Seedless Grapes $0.88 lb with in-circular coupon (and additional $25 purchase) = $2.22
• 3 S&S Cream Cheese $2.99 each
• Total was $41.94 - $6.94 cost for everything!

There's a fantastic catalina promotion running on Kraft items from 8/19 - 9/15.  You get $2 when you buy 3 - 5 qualifying items, $5 when you buy 6 - 9 items or $10 when you buy 10+ items.  Here's a list of all the items that work for the promo.  I got a printout at S&S about this promo, but it will probably work at other stores too.  And valid until 9/15?  Lots of time for some great deals!

Yup - definitely other places too.  The Saratoga Saver just reported its working at Price Chopper.  This is going to be fun!

The Profit is in the Pudding

Stop & Shop

• 30 Better Bowls Puddings $0.89 each, qualified for $1.00 off gallon (x 35 gallons = $35) = $8.30 profit *$0.20 off a gallon for every 6 packages you buy
• 2 Dr. Delicious Pizzas (Oetker is too hard to say) $4 each and 5 Pepperidge Farm garlic breads/texas toasts $2 each, will get back $3 Gnarly Head NWPR rebate on take & bake pizza (GHFL12109) and qualified for $0.20 off gallon (x 35 gallons = $7) = $8
• 4 Crystal Lites $2 each, used four $0.50 tearpad coupons (found at Walgreens) = $4 or $1 each
• Total was $49.19

The profit from the pudding took care of the cost of the pizza & garlic bread, gotta love that!

CVS - held off buying another Dermasilk in the hopes that I'd get a percent off coupon. My gamble paid off - got a 30% off coupon in my email!

• Demasilk Skin Perfect $29.99, used $5 coupon (8/5 RP) and got back $10 EB (Limit 1)
• Simple Cleansing Wipes $2.19, used $2 CRT = $0.19
• Used $4 off $20 coupon and 30% off coupon (took off $8.46) and $9 EB, total was $5.10

Rite Aid 

• 2 Sting Ease $3.19 each ($3.99 reg price, 20% discount), got back two $4 UP's (monthly deal, Limit 3) = $1.62 profit
• 2 Bic Silky Touch women's disposable razors $3.99 each, BOGO 50% off so second was $1.99, used two $3 coupons (8/5 SS) = FREE/$0.02 profit 
• Wahl Trimmer $7.99 ($9.99 reg price, 20% discount), used $5 circular coupon and got back $2 UP (Limit 2) = $0.99 

M&M's and the Movies

Stop & Shop

• 3 M&M's $3.33 each, will send away for FREE movie ticket rebate (valued at $9) = $1 or $0.33 each

The limit on this rebate is four, so I bought all 6 bags at once, BUT you have to mail each rebate in separately.  I'll have to make a trip back to the store to return & rebuy three of the bags.  Duh!

Halloween in July

 

Just doing a quick post in between thunderstorms. Its been so hard to get anything done lately, we've had a storm almost every day this week. A $1 off 2 Mars bars coupon was printing every day this week at CVS from the coupon machine.  I stopped in every day to get my coupons and saved them to make one big trip per card so I could combine them with other deals and use a $4 off $20 coupon (from ebay).  Here's a condensed list of what I got:

• A whole lotta Mars candy bars $0.50 each, used $0.50 off 2 tearpad coupons and $0.75 off 2 Milky Way coupons = FREE or profit 
• Revlon Nail Polish $4.99, used $1 coupon (6/24 SS) and got back $3 EB each (Limit 6) *Combined with $5 off $15 beauty CRT on one card for $2.03 profit 
• Infusium 23 $3.67 (clearance price), got back $4 EB (Limit 1) = $0.33 profit 
• 2 AMP Energy (16 oz) or Starbucks Refreshers (12 oz) $1.50 each, got back $3 EB (WYB 2, Limit 1) = FREE 
• Stayfree Pads (14-24 ct) $2, used $2 coupon (7/22 SS) = FREE
• Conair Bobby Pins $2.19, used $2 hair accessories CRT = $0.19
• CVS Men's Body Wash $3.99, used $3 CRT for CVS body wash
• Cheez Its $3.59 each
• 5 Vitamin Waters $1 each, got back $1 EB (WYB 5, monthly deal) - had to get a manual print on this

Rolled a bunch of soon to be expiring EB's and got a huge stash of Halloween candy for free!  

Stop & Shop - there's a gas promo this week where you get $0.30 off a gallon when you buy four Revlon beauty tools.  They're on sale for $1 less than normal price.

• Emery Boards $1.29 and $1.49 each
• Nail Clippers $0.89 and $1.49 each
• Tweezers $1.49 and $1.99 each

Your store's selection will obviously dictate which ones you buy, but keep to the cheapest ones you can find.  I used the $1 off beauty tools coupon from the 6/24 SS to make this an even better deal.

$0.30 a gallon for 35 gallons is $10.50 - so as long as your four items are less than this, you've made a profit!

Happy shopping dear friends

30 G's

 Gatorade that is!  Snagged a great deal on these at Rite Aid -

• 15 Gatorade Bottles (32 oz) $1 each, got back $5 UP (monthly UP, WYB $15, Limit ?) and two $1 UP's ($1 UP WYB 5 bottles, Limit 2, weekly deal) = $8 or $0.53 each
• Helping Hand Utility Box (below) $4.24 (clearanced from $8.49), got back $4 UP (Limit ?) = $0.24
• Used $18 in UP's, total was $1.33

I'll use the Gatorade for a $10 Heineken NBPR rebate on $10.01 of nonalcoholic beverages (HKNNA040) = $2 profit  Picked up another 15 bottles on DBF's card and I'll do a second rebate there as well.  

Stop & Shop

• Poland Spring Case of Water $3.99 + 6 pack $2.19, will use towards $5 Busch NBPR rebate on $5.01 of water (offer #32634) = $1.18 or $0.03 a bottle
• Barilla Tortellini $4.29 
• 2 Softsoap Hand Soaps $1 each, used $0.40 homemailer coupon (got when I had trouble with a Colgate rebate) = $1.20
• Used $10 catalina, total was $1.67

S&S

• 6 Perdue Chicken Cutlets $3.99 each, BOGO sale and used two $1 off 2 peelie coupons, will use towards a $10 Pyramid Ale NBPR rebate = FREE/$0.03 profit
• Milky Way $0.75
• Used $10 catalina, total was $0.78

ShopRite - you guessed it, more chicken!  DBF and I love these cutlets for quick dinners

• 3 Perdue Chicken Cutlets $2.99 each = $8.97 
• Daisy Sour Cream $1.50
• Total was $10.47

Will use towards $9 Magic Hat Summer Scene NBPR rebate on $9.01 of various stuff (no store brands in NY)

How's this for good coupon karma?  Last week, I was at ShopRite and the woman ahead of me at self checkout stopped to gab with a friend after checking out.  As I started ringing up my stuff, she says "oh my coupons," reaches over and grabs the six or seven catalinas that were on the machine.  Now, I'm almost positive I saw the coupons printing after I started ringing up my stuff but I wasn't sure, so I didn't say anything (but you better believe I was fuming).  Today at self checkout, the woman ahead of me left her long string of coupons behind and walked away.  I got those, plus the ones that printed on my order!  Here's what I got: $1 off 2 paper towels, $1 off fabric softener, $1 off 3 bottled juices, $1 off 2 household cleaning items, $1 off 6 yogurts, $1 off appy/deli purchase of $5+ and $1 off $5 of produce.  The woman's customers were a little different - $1 off 2 bath tissue, $1 off 2 facial tissue, $1 off 2 cereal, $1 off 1 bottled juice, $1 off frozen pizza and a couple repeats.

Now I remember why I don't take pictures of stuff on the floor!

Ah, there we go!

Today's Haul

Stop & Shop - back for more candy!  Did this deal twice

• $100 Visa Gift Card + $5.95 activation fee, got back $10 catalina = $4.05 profit 
• 3 Bags M&M's (specially marked for movie ticket promo) $3 each, used $1.50 off 2 coupon (6/17 RP) and will send away for movie ticket rebate ($9 movie money good towards a ticket or DVD) = $1.50 profit
• 2 King Size Mars Candy Bars $1.25 each, used $0.50 off 2 tearpad coupon (doubled today!) = $1.50
• Used $10 catalina, total was $105.03 - paid with $100 Visa gift card I got the other day plus $5 in cash.  This is a great way to roll your gift cards!

Since I purchased five qualifying items (candy), I qualified for a $0.30 discount on gas (max fill-up of 35 gallons) = $10.50 in gas.  I spent $5.03, got back $10.50 in gas plus the $9 movie ticket, so that's a profit of $14.47.


Rite Aid - thanks to Sheila for posting these!

• St. Joseph's Aspirin $1.99 ($2.49 reg price, 20% discount), used $3 coupon = $1.01 profit
• Scunchi Girl's Headbands (6 ct) $1.75 ($2.19 reg price, 20% discount), will get back $2 (SCR #80) = $0.25 profit *There were reports of these rainbow headbands ringing up on clearance but they were full price for me
• 2 Kendall Alcohol Swabs $2.99 + $1.49 (BOGO 50% off), will get back $4 (SCR #17, $1.50 WYB one or $4 WYB 2) = $0.48 or $0.24 each
• 2 Powerade Drinks $0.97 each, used $1.50 off 2 coupon (July VV) = $0.44 or $0.22 each
• Revlon tweezers $9.99 and Revlon Callus Shaver $3.49 (BOGO 50% off), used $2 Nail & Pedicure RA coupon (July VV), two $1 coupons (6/24 SS), got back $4 UP (WYB $10, Limit 2) and will get back $4 (SCR #79, Limit 2, $4 WYB 2 beauty tools valued at $5+ but folks have confirmed its working on tools less than $5) = $1.48 
• Used three $5 UP's, total was $0.76

I mistakingly picked up a more expensive set of tweezers than I'd planned to.  They were marked as $6, but I guess someone got the sign wrong or they were in the wrong spot.  If they'd been $6, I would have paid $6.99 for the callus shaver + $3 for the tweezers, getting me just about to $10.  So I'm planning on stopping back in to pick up another callus shaver plus some emery boards (around $1), use another $2 VV coupon plus two $1 manu coupons.  That will bring me to $21 spent (roughly), minus $6 in coupons, $8 in UP's and $8 in SCR's = $1 profit.  The UP deal and the SCR are limit two! 


CVS

• Hershey's Simple Pleasures (0.75 oz) $0.67, got back $0.67 EB (Limit 1) = FREE
• 2 Nivea Q10 Shaving Gels $4.99 each, used two $3 coupons and got back $4 EB ($2 each, Limit 4, monthly deal) = FREE/$0.02 profit *Thought this was the same deal as the Nivea lotion tins, but it isn't!
• 2 Head & Shoulders Shampoos $6.29 + $3.14 (BOGO 50% off sale), used BOGO coupon (7/1 P&G - took off $9.49 automatically!) = FREE
• Used $4/$20 coupon (ebay), total was $1.72

What's Yellow and Blue and Orange and Red? Oh and Pink? And Green Too?

Any guesses?  

On a random note, da boyfriend and I just finished watching Temple Grandin with Claire Danes.  Have you seen this movie?  I remember reading about Temple when I was in college.  She has autism and grew up in the 1950's, when very little was known about autism or asperger's disorder.  She has since earned her Doctoral degree and is an expert on animal handling.  She's revolutionized the equipment that handles livestock, designing equipment to calm and soothe the animals.  She's also done so much to help those with autism, speaking at conferences and writing about what it feels like to see the world as she does.  Its a heartwarming story and gives you a bit of insight into how a person with autism perceives things differently.  I used to work at a facility that cared for adults with autism and it was one of the most difficult jobs I've ever had.    

Rite Aid

• 2 $20 Home Improvement Gift Cards, got back two $5 UP's (monthly deal, Limit 2) = $10 profit

Stop & Shop - did a deal in each state.  Here's the NJ deal first -

• $100 Visa Gift Card + $5.95 activation fee, got back $10 catalina = $4.05 profit
• 6 Pure Silk Shaving Creams $1.50 each, used six $0.80 coupons (7/8 RP) = FREE
• 8 Hefty EZ Grip Cups $2 each, used four $1 off 2 coupons (5/13 SS), got back $4 instant savings (for purchasing 8) and will send away for $5 Reynold's/Hefty rebate (tearpad, WYB $15 worth of Reynold's/Hefty items) = $3 or $0.37 each
• Total was $113.58

Then in NY, I bought:

• $100 Visa Gift Card + $5.95 activation fee, got back $10 catalina = $4.05 profit
• 10 Mars King Size Candy Bars $1.25 each, used five $0.50 off 2 tearpad coupons (only two doubled for whatever reason) = $9 
• Used $10 catalina from previous gift card purchase, total was $105.07

I might use this receipt towards the $25 Amstel NBPR rebate (WYB $100 of groceries) and black out the items purchased on the receipt.  I did this with another recent purchase when I bought a gift card.  I haven't received anything back yet on that rebate, but I don't see why I'd have a problem.

The candy counts towards a gas discount deal this week.  When you buy five candy bars, you get a $0.30 per gallon discount.  I bought ten bars (so I could use the $10 catalina and my $0.50 off 2 coupons), so I've now qualified for $0.60 off a gallon.  You can fill up a max of 35 gallons, so that works out to $21 in gas...for $5.07!  Kudos to Melanie for posting (as always) about these fantastic gas deals at S&S!

I'm planning on picking up three bags of M&M's tomorrow ($3 each), using the $1.50 off 2 coupon from the 6/17 RP and sending away for the movie ticket rebate ($9 movie money good towards a ticket or DVD).  You have to buy three specially marked bags for the rebate, so I'll get those plus two candy bars = $9 + $2.50 - $1.50/2 M&M's coupon - $0.50 off 2 tearpad coupon = $9.50 (assuming the tearpad coupon doesn't double).  Then I'll get back $9 in movie cash plus $0.30 off a gallon ($10.50 equivalent) = $10 profit!

I found this brown sugar on clearance at Target over the weekend.  At $1.18 a bag, it was a steal so I picked up four bags.  They also had confectioners sugar and other baking items on clearance as well.

So did you guess correctly?  My ever-so-crafty sister made this perky wreath out of brightly colored drink umbrellas!  She said it took her forever to open up all the umbrellas and arrange them "just so."  Isn't it festive and summery?

Wait, Wait, Please Don't Make Me Wait

Can't stop singing Timebomb!  I wasn't crazy about the song the first time I heard it, but it has definitely grown on me.  I've taken to bopping around the house saying "woop!" whenever the mood strikes me.  Do you remember The Loco-motion?  I remember working out a routine to that song in dance class when I was younger.  Who would have thought Kylie would come so far from those days?

ShopRite has been listening to the song too and made me wait to use my catalinas.  I thought I'd be able to use the $10 catalina I earned right away, but it wouldn't go through and the manager that came over told me it was valid starting next week.  Bummer.  I bought the gift cards first and then everything else separately.  Here's what I got -

• 2 $25 Shell Gift Cards, got back $10 catalina (WYB $50 worth) = $10 profit
• Snapple 6 pack $5.99, used $1 coupon (6/10 SS) and will submit for TMF rebate (found on product) = $1 profit
• Kix $1.88, used $0.75 coupon and will get back $0.75 Savingstar credit = $0.37 profit
• 4 Lays Chips $3 each
• Doritos (hidden behind the Sun Chips - great picture taking I've got going tonight huh?) $2.14
• Milk $0.79
• Sloppy Joe Mix $0.99
• Total was $71.78

Stop & Shop

• 2 $25 Shell Gift Cards, got back $10 catalina (WYB $50 worth) = $10 profit 
• Snapple 6 pack $5.99, used $1 coupon (6/10 SS) and will submit for TMF rebate (found on product) = $1 profit
• 20 Friskies Indoor and Plus Wet Cat Food $0.50 each, used five $0.50 off 4 coupons (3/18 RP) = $5 or $0.25 each
• Used $7 catalina, total was $53.45

Got the cat food for a donation event going on at work so I didn't even bring them home.

Walgreens

• 2 Bisquicks $1.50 each
• Used $2 RR, total was $1

No Green Thumbs on This Hand

Today was gardening day.  We'd torn out a bunch of bushes from the front of the house and it looked very bare without them.  We left the larger bush on the far corner (there's one on the left side too) because they were actually healthy looking.  Unfortunately, a lot of the plants at the house were withered and dead when we moved in.  I don't think the previous owners were able to keep up with the upkeep.

It was a million and a half degrees today so Shadow (and I) couldn't wait to get back inside.  She doesn't like the heat any more than I do.

I'm working on making this flower bed beautiful.  I ripped up all the weeds and till'd the dirt.  I asked my dad, aka Mr. Green Thumb and some friends what would be good to plant here that wouldn't be devoured by deer.  I got some snapdragon, zinnia and marigold seeds and had wonderful visions of a blooming garden.  As I was looking at the seed packets, I realized that I was supposed to grow a lot of them indoors in starter pots and then transfer them outside.  The heck with that, it was way too hot out and I wanted to be done.  So I sprinkled the seeds around, pushed them gently in the dirt and watered the whole area.  We'll see how this turns out, but I don't have high hopes.  I may be making another trip back to the store to pick up some ready-to-plant flowers.

We decided on a deer resistant variety of azaleas for the front of the house.  While I was messing around in my little flower garden, da boyfriend planted the azaleas under Shadow's watchful eye.  She loves to supervise by watching us from the top of the couch.

We also bought a hanging plant for right outside the window in our kitchen.  Now that its there, I can't imagine not having a plant there.  It just added that special something to the kitchen.

Isn't it beautiful?  We've got a couple other hooks outside the sliding glass door so I think we'll get another couple of plants for those.

We also got some shopping done today too -

Stop & Shop

• 4 Magnum Ice Cream Bars $3 each, used two $1.50 off 2 coupons, got $4 instant savings (WYB 4 qualifying items) and got back $2 catalina (WYB 2 Magnum) = $3 or $0.75 each
• 5 Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts $1 each, got back $4 catalina (WYB 5, last day for this) = $1 or $0.20 each
• 3 $25 Shell Gift Cards and $25 S&S gift card, got back $10 catalina for buying $50 of qualifying gift cards (Shell not the S&S) = $10 profit
• Used $7 catalina, total was $103

I have a $25 Amstel rebate off $100 of groceries (AMLNA004, valid until 9/30).  I figured I'd buy the extra $50 in gift cards to push my total over $100, submit for the rebate and see what happens. I'm going to make a copy of the receipt, black out the gift cards with a sharpie and send it in.  I would have bought four Shell cards but couldn't find a fourth one so I picked up the S&S card instead.

We also swung by Price Chopper and got a second set of the items I got yesterday (minus the cake mix).  Found a savings pack of the beef for $8.19, so after the $3 coupon and $5 rebate, it only cost $0.19.  Love that!

Awesome Pepsi Deal

Don't know how long this deal will last, so if you live near a Stop & Shop, better get there quick!  Saw this on SD -

• 5 Pepsi 6 pk Bottles (16 oz or 16.9 oz) $3.67 each (shelf price for me was $4.49), got instant savings of $12.95 and got back $7 catalina (for spending $20, based on shelf prices) 
• Total was $7.33 with bottle deposits ($1.50 in total) = $1.17 profit!

Went to another store and bought another five packs and the Tic Tacs ($1).  Used my $7 catalina to pay, got another one and only forked over $0.89.  The instant savings is the glitch, so who knows how long that will last.  The catalina deal is advertised in the circular and will likely continue on based on shelf price.


CVS

• Mars Chocolate Singles (1.08-2.15 oz) $0.75, got back $0.75 EB (Limit 1) = FREE

Rite Aid

• 3 Snapware Containers $4.49 shelf/$3.36 sale for the bottom two and $5.99 shelf/$4.49 sale for the double pack, used three $2 coupons (4/29 SS) = $6.12 with tax for all three

I Don't Always Find NBPR Rebates in the Store...

but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis. :)  I got lucky tonight and found a bunch of NBPR rebates on my travels - Dos Equis $25/$40 beef, chicken, seafood and/or tortillas (Exp 5/31, DOSNA011), Heineken $10/$10.01 fresh/prepared food (Exp 7/31, HKNNA038) and Amstel $25/$100 Groceries (Exp 9/30, AMLNA004 - says "receipt" so you'd have to spend $100 all at once). 

I love going grocery shopping on Friday nights!  The stores are nice and empty, the teenage cashiers who could give a hoot about my coupons are working and there's no traffic getting to and from the stores.  Plus its the end of the sale week for stores like ShopRite and Price Chopper, so I sometimes find clearanced meat, and the start of the sale week for Stop & Shop, so they aren't out of stock on anything yet.  Love it!

Price Chopper

• Hellmann's Mayo $2 with in-circular coupon (and addt't $10 or $15 purchase - can't remember which) used $1 coupon (5/20 RP) = $1
• 5 Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts $1 each, got back $4 catalina (WYB 5) = $1 or $0.20 each
• 6 Ball Park Hot Dogs $3.99 each, B1G2 free sale and used two $1 off 3 coupons (5/6 RP) = $5.98 or $0.99 each *There's an in-circular coupon for Kingsford charcoal at $4.99 WYB 3 Ball Park hot dogs.  We don't have a grill yet so I passed on this 
• Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst $2.50
• 4 Nabisco Crackers - Wheat Thins/Triscuits $2 each, used two $1 off 2 tearpad coupons (my mom found these for me so I'm not sure what store she got them from) = $6 or $1.50 each
• Total was $13.48

I'll use the meat towards a $10 Heineken NBPR rebate on $15.01 of meat and/or seafood (Exp. 7/31, HKNNA039).  As I was checking out, the guy ahead of me was also buying mayo so I gave him a second $1 coupon I had on me.

Stop & Shop - bought 5 OM before this so I'd be able to use the $4 catalina to pay for my larger order

• 5 Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts $1 each, got back $4 catalina (WYB 5) = $1 or $0.20 each
• 4 Land O Lakes Half Sticks Butter $3 each, used four $0.75 coupons (this was from coupons.com a while back but there's also a $1 coupon in the 4/29 SS) = $1.50 each
• 6 Crystal Lites $2 each, used three $1 off 2 tearpad coupons and got back $3 instant savings (WYB 6 qualifying items) = $1 each  *In NY (and possibly other states as well), the Crystal Lite is a gas deal instead of instant savings deal.  I bought these in NJ
• 4 Steak-Umms $4.49 each, BOGO sale = $2.24 each
• 2 Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage $4.49 each, BOGO sale and used two $0.55 coupons = $2.29 or $1.14 each
• 2 1/2 Gallons Milk $2.29 each
• Used $4 catalina, total was $28.85

I'll use the meat towards a second $10 Heineken NBPR rebate on $15.01 of meat and/or seafood (Exp. 7/31, HKNNA039)

The Oscar Mayer packages say "Great for Snacking."  Now I ask you, have you ever had the munchies and thought to yourself, hmm, some ham sounds good right about now?  I didn't think so.  This catalina deal is working at ShopRite too, I just didn't find these size packages there.  It also works on the larger/normal sizes of cold cuts too.

ShopRite

• 2 Children's Allegra (6 ct) $3.49, used two $5 coupons (5/6 SS) = $3.02 profit
• 6 Ears of Corn $0.17 each
• 3 Raid Ant Baits $2.79 each, used three $1 coupons (5/20 SS) = $1.79 each
• Hot Dog Rolls $1.50
• 4 B&M Beans $0.99 each
• Snapple 1/2 Gallon $1.99 - bought this for a TMF rebate but just realized that was for a full gallon so I'll take this back
• Used $2 catalina and $0.15 bag discount, total was $9.35