So Many Thoughts So Little Time

2010-08-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

2010-08-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Lowes Foods

2010-07-16T14:01:00.001-07:00

1 box of Kelloggs Cinnabon Crunch
1 Shady Brook Farms 99% lean ground turkey

OOP $5.67
Will do a $3.55 tmf rebate
Got back $5 FRC

Need to call CVS so I can get my $25 gift card for complaining about jerkwad cashier.

CVS

2010-07-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

1 Whatchamacallit
1 EVOO
3 Cocoa Pebbles
2 Sobe Life Waters

Paid $1

1 Scissors
1 Pens
1 Razor
2 Welch's Juice

Paid $3.05

Lowes Foods No picture

2010-07-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

Forgot the picture but only got

2 Gallons Milk
1 Rewrap produce ($1.99) Apples, pears-bought it for the apples though
1 dozen Egglands Best Eggs
Swapped out my Malt O Meal cereal for Mini Wheats

Paid $5.53

Harris Teeter

2010-07-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Decided to go ahead and do 2 rebates for produce (and chicken) since I get my cow in less than a week and there is a few things I want to make that call for potatoes, celery, carrotts and onions.

3 Transactions-3 rebates

Dry Navy beans not pictured...

#1 $14.76 (Saved $15.39)

#2 $10.43 (saved $2.79)

#3 $19.30 (saved $20.06)

Total $44.49

Will get back $5, $5, $10 and $5 (for receipt found!)

Cool thing is Mason found a receipt with $10 worth of chicken on it...I have a chicken rebate for $5 back! COOL!!!

Lowes Foods and CVS

2010-07-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Finally had the Sobe lifewater in stock-got a hard time from the cashier though (lucky me!). I finally got my way after I told her to give me back my coupons and take the drinks off my order.

Paid $1.35

used $9 in ECB

Recieved $6 in ecb

Lowes Foods

Paid $3.54 for Cereal and Pizzas-

will get back $3.35 for TMF offer on cereal.

Paid $16.13 for meats, yogurt and coffee

Will get back $10 for meat MIR

Harris Teeter

2010-07-07T10:55:00.001-07:00

$26.79/$41.64

Will get $10 back for 10 Kelloggs cereals

CVS and Lowes Foods

2010-07-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

CVS

OOP$2.98/$49.47
Used 8.50 EBCs
Received $9 ecbs ($1 greenbag)

Lowes Foods

OOP$17.25/23.18
Used $5 frc
earned $4.20
Did not receive $1.55 in instasaves that I should have...emailed CS awaiting a response.

Harris Teeter+ABC

2010-07-03T10:15:00.001-07:00

Harris Teeter

$67.82/69.06-$20/$30 Meat Rebate

ABC (Banana Liqueor) $4.05

Food Lion and the Peach stand

2010-07-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Peach Stand $6.50
Food Lion $23.60/66.36

July 1 Food Lion 3 trips

2010-07-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am doing this again so I can keep track of my money of $400 a month for groceries, hba and cat stuff. I have a hard time remembering where all my money has gone when I am down to my last $50 the last 2 weeks of the month.

oop/saved

Food Lion

3 trips

1. $10.38/$21.98

2. $11.97$32.52

3. $8.87/$34.31

If anyone is reading this-this is a good week to shop at Food Lion for frozen treats and kraft stuff-even without coupons.

Days 2, 3, 4

2010-01-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

I spent a bit more today trying to get the Kraft parmesan cheese. I will never get that free, but there is a deal if you buy 5 you SHOULD get a $5 off your next order coupon. It worked the first time but not the second. I will have to call to get my coupon. I have 40 $1 coupons for the Kraft Parmesan cheese I need to use...

I spent about $35 total I think.

Free items were
Diamond sea salt, Wholly Guacamole, HT pasta, Ore Ida small box fries, yeast, special k bars, Chinet crystal cut cups, yosobia noodles, chioban, Okios, HT trail mix, Lysol Wipes, lance crackers, uncle bens white rice

Under $1
Electrasol, 9lives cat food, King Hawaiian rolls, Hienz ketchup, Pillsbury self rising flour, Danactive, Kahki egg rolls, YoPlait delights, Bertolli Sauce, Ziploc (not pictured), muir glen tomato paste

the rest
Crisco olive oil $1.99
Parmesan cheese $2.99

I did 2 orders to try and get the $5 OYNO catalina for each one and NEITHER one printed. Luckily HT corp was very generous and mailed me one and put a $5 credit on my card.

Free items
Jello, Slimfast, Lance crackers, special K items, nabisco 100 calorie packs

Philly cream cheese was less than $.25 each and 5 should generate the $5 OYNO cat, Lance 100 calorie packs were $.50 each, Kakhi $.50, Kraft Parmesan cheese was $1.99 each but is supposed to generate the $5 OYNO catalina.

First the free items
Yakisoba, 100 Calorie packs (I found coupons on the packages that made them FREE! TY Denise), uncle bens, Special K bars (they paid me to take them)

Breakstones were $1.29 BUT when you buy 5 of them you get a OYNO catalina for $5 (they are a kraft product)....I had a $5 credit on my card from my trip the other day when I didn't get it-so I paid $.29 for each one! This is the deal they have at BiLo but there they are on sale for $1....

Blue Bunny frozen yogurt novelties $.99 each (use the $1.50/1 IP I sent) This is not a known deal, but I am not sure how long before it gets out. I am not mentioning it on my board, just to my peeps-same with the Breakstones cottage doubles.

Gortons Popcorn shrimp was $.10 each ($1/1 IP)

Northland 100% Juice $1/2Q makes them $1.16 each ($3.89x2-$2/5)

Parmesan cheese is $1.99 after Q but generates the $5 OYNO catalina.

All of this I spent about $15 but received $10 in Oyno catalinas to use tomorrow.

Now I am just chomping at the bit to get to BiLo to get me more breakstones. I love the apple one that is my all time fav I will fork over the $5 to get 25 of them and have $5 left to spare....

The Blue Bunny...We do not like their ice cream at all BUT maybe in the smaller cookie/candy coated packaging we might like it. For $.99 each I was willing to give them a try.

The Northland juice, my son (the 19yr old) and I love juice. Better to drink that than the soda that makes my boobs hurt (excess caffine).

Parmesan cheese, I am hoping I won't have to buy that for a long time. I have been buying it lately from BJs where it is $6.99 for 32oz (BJs brand). I am hoping overall that this is cheaper, according to my math it is, assuming I can get the last $5 OYNO catalina that I have not gotten. Today I did get the one in the mail that I didn't get yesterday when I was with Denise, luckily their HQ are in Matthews.

My store was still completely out of Lysol wipes. Luckily I only have 1 or 2 more coupons left anyway. I am not even sure they got them in, but I know that someone that shops my store said she got them (though she also shops another store sometimes during SD and Triples).

New Year New Coupons New things!

2010-01-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

I am trying to buy less processed packaged food, however I am not going to toss what I have...I have gotten 3 new stockpile shelves and now I must fill them!

I have been baking a lot of bread lately, everything from Dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, ENGLISH MUFFINS (what a pita these were). I have tried a few dinner rolls and still like my one from The Better Homes and Gardens cookbook I got as a wedding gift from my Grandma 20+ yrs ago. I spend a lot of time on Allrecipes.com I love that site. I really like the fact that people rate the recipes, at least then I know how others feel about them before I make them.

I have seen the movie Julie and Julia and that was great. I gave Beef Bourguignon a whirl yesterday and it turned out great even though I didn't bother with the last 3 steps. Basically I put it int he oven and we ate it out of the oven. The other 3 steps seemed kinda useless, I had no BABY onions to brown and I did saute the mushrooms though I only had about .25lb of sliced (hers called for whole quartered) and I ate them since there were so few...The carrots turned out AWESOME and the sauce/gravy it was in was so velvety....I wish I had gotten more meat to cook up to do it with-but I am trying to not spend so much, and I have a TON Of meat in my freezer. The only reason I bought these 2 small packages I did, was I had some wine tags to use that expired that day.

Today is the first day of Super doubles. I did shopping for my mom and great aunt along with my own.
I don't think we did too bad, not a lot of processed/bad for you foods.

My first order was $20.xx (when I got the most expensive things all in one order)
second was $6.54
Third was $3.54

All prices are after Q

These coupons were in this past Sundays paper, Several were IP, The rest were either tear pads or hangtags, coupons from previous papers, catalinas, or sent to me in the mail.

Free items were-
special K bars, Lysol wipes, weight watchers snacks, Okios yogurt, Wet Ones, Tony's crappy pizza, Dawn foam pump, Healthy request soups, Hot pocket

$.01- $.20 items were
Heinz ketchup, Organic valley cream cheese, ziploc

$.26-$1
ICBINB sticks, Electrasol, Organic Valley cream, Lance 100 calorie, cottonelle wipes, Herbal Essence mousse, Delmonte Orchard Selects, Northland 100% juice, Spot Shot, 9 lives cat food

Whats left-
3 Lean cuisines $1.16 each
1 Swiffer wet Jet Refill $2.79
1 Special K $2.50-I meant to put this back on the shelf and didn't, I didn't use my $1 Q either :0(.

And some people say they can't get good coupons....Notice how many are from the internet, that anyone can print..

Tonight for dinner we are having pulled pork...YUM (recipe from Allrecipes.com)

Christmas time

2009-12-19T12:19:00.001-08:00

I have been shopping the past few weeks but haven't really done anything really great. I am very busy this time of year with my ebay sales-though this is the last year of that. After this Christmas I am going to try and get rid of all my inventory and stop with this ebay thing. Sales have not been good this year (though I still made a profit) so enough is enough. Plus with my $26 listing program, $16 stamps.com program and my $25 Ebay store, that certainly isn't helping.

We have sold some of our Disney DVDs that we bought around 2000 some of them brought a pretty penny too (Disney DVDs usually do). Also I found one of the hot items this year "The Office Clue" and managed to find 4 of them. I kept one (paid $24.99 at JC Penney's) and sold the other 3 first one for $46.99 second one for $48.99 and the last one for $54.99 all within 12 hours. I also was smart and went to BiLo first and bought $600 worth of Gift cards
$450 in Kohls
$100 for Penneys
$50 Old Navy

I paid off my Kohls card with the gift cards, used the Penney's to buy the Clue games and the Old Navy to buy my kids some "fluff" under the tree (I have boys they don't care about clothes!). For each $200 I got a $10 Bilo Gift card...so I have $30 to spend at BiLo just for buying my gift cards there first.

Also this week at Lowes Foods there is a good deal going on with the McCormick Spices. Buy 3 get a $5 FRC and if you buy 4 you get a $3 OYNO catalina. They are also 30% off too. It ends up being a money maker even without coupons in hand. I haven't done it yet, I was waiting for coupons but they aren't here yet and by the time they come IF THEY COME in Monday's mail I only have until Tuesday evening to use them. Also you can only get $20 in FRC (a rule they just came up with imposed by the registers)... am sure there will be another deal in the future anyway and my coupons are good until April 2010.

I have also decided I will make my formal dining room into a huge pantry. We are going to buy Metro shelves (which are commerical type shelving that restaurants use) and put them in that room and move in both freezers. It would be better for the freezers in there during the summer anyway. Both Freezers are full and my shelves that I currently have are full too.

In past weeks I have gotten
40+ bags of Science Diet Naturals Cat food
6 boxes Marcal Kleenex
30+lbs of boneless skinless chicken
4 whole chickens
4 Marcal Napkins
20+ bags of Nestle chocolate chips
20lbs of sugar
30+ 2ltrs of soda
10+lbs of ground beef
15 cartons Breyers Ice Cream
plus lots more that is not coming to mind this second. Also if HT has triple coupons again (which there is rumor at the end of this month) then I need more room. I have found the shelves on Craigs list for $50 each...and at Lowes they are $75 for the same size. I have a bunch of the kind on the walls that needs to be removed now that I won't be doing ebay, hopefully we can sell that and use that money to pay for some of the shelves.

Learnin my friend

2009-12-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

Today I went over to my friends house to help her list her stuff on Ebay and Craigs list. I am not sure what happened but we ended up at Lowes Foods! She wanted to take advantage of the $1.49 chicken breast. I helped her with coupons and what is a good deal. Trying to make sure we stuck to what is on sale and what she/I had a coupon for and the only thing in this entire picture she didn't have a coupon for was the baking soda and the buttermilk (which I was supposed to buy but it got put in her cart by accident).

She got all this for $52 and some change. There is more there than it looks too...
She got-
1 Karo Syrup
2 Olive oil
2 Cheerios
2 Cinammon toast crunch
3 LF cheese4 packs of chicken
4 packs of meat about 1lb each
3 Tennessee Pride Sausage
2 Rice Krispies2 Fruit Loops
3 Toll House chips
4 Hershey chips
1 Hershey syrup
1 qt buttermilk (that was mine and I accidently put it in her cart)
1 condensed Milk
1 Smart Balance Oil
1 Small crisco
8 different Pepsi products
2 Chocolate Chip Waffles (yay they were back in stock!)
1 LF baking soda

YAY Denise YOU GO GIRL!

Lowes Foods Round TWO!

2009-12-03T13:43:00.001-08:00

I went to Lowes Foods so I could get more chicken, soda and rebate forms. Luckily they had all that!

Again the Sierra Mist automatically took off $1.99 (of course you want that scanned before any other Pepsi Q). I also used 4 of my Samuel Adams $2/$8 off meat coupons, making sure to get packages of chicken that were over $8 PREsale price (so I paid only $.60-$.80 per pack!). The nestle chocolate chips were $1 after Q and I was down to my last couple of bags a few weeks back so I am stockpiling those babies too. The Rice Krispies were $.09 after $.75 Ip. Olive Oil was only $3.99 and I don't have much of that and I had a $1Ip so I figured why not. I also started out the check out buying a $25 GC so I could qualify for a $5 rebate.
I also took this receipt for $23 and combined it with another one which qualified me for a $20 basket ring rebate too!

I just found a recipe for McDonald Style Chicken nuggets and I am excited to give them a try. That would be great if I could find a chicken nugget recipe that my 2 kids would eat so I don't have to pay so much for the frozen ones with who knows what is in them.

12/2 BiLo and Lowes Foods

2009-12-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is a very interesting week at the grocery stores. Harris Teeter has some good bogo and so does Lowes Foods and BiLo. There were more things that I found interesting at BiLo and Lowes Foods though I went to HT too, but I only got a few things (bacon, mini wheats, lean cuisine).

First stop was BiLo I really wanted the sausage that is bogo of course they only had one left.

all prices are after Q
sausage is less than $1
Steamers were free
Keebler was $.34 each
Cheez Its were pricey $1.79
Hot Chocolate was $.69 each (beeped)
Lol was $.50
sugar wafers (oh how I love these) $1.14
Nivea was $.99

My catalina for the $10 to mail in didn't print. I went to CS and they just gave me cash. I will send in receipt for $10 calendar rebate. So my net will be less than $5. That was also the last package of sausage they had. I got a raincheck BUT they now have a limit of 4 on rainchecks-I only had 3 q left anyway. All my steamers were IPs. They are really checking the expiration dates too. I think they are really trying to stop loosing so much money to try and stay afloat.

Lowes Foods, it had to take a great sale to get me in there. I was just so fed up with their not so nice cashiers and their lack luster coupon policy (IMO BiLo has the BEST coupon policy!). However I really needed the chicken plus $1.49 lb for skinless, boneless chicken breast is the best I have ever seen it. I was in a hurry by the time I got to this store so I will be heading back to get more chicken and soda.

2 Sierra Mist (used bogoQ got $1.99 credit!)

2 Pepsi Max (used $.55/2Q)

4 Sunkist (used $1/2)

4 Comet Rice (used $.55=free!)

4 Tennessee Pride rolls (used $.55/1=$.39)

2 Mushrooms (evic $.79 each)

12 packs of chicken breast ranging in price $2.21-$2.70 (used $2/$8 meat)

4 about 1lb packages of ground beef

1 1.8lb ground beef (used $2/$8 meat)

1 Crisco $3.99 (used $.55/1 Q I really needed this)

I paid $36.43 oop And I will get $20 back in rebates.... I should have used more of my $2/$8 meat coupons but I suddenly decided to split my order when I got to the register after finding a $10/$20 meat rebate.

BiLo 12/1

2009-12-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

This is from BiLo
All this with a total of $3.52 out of pocket, but I can mail in for TWO $10 rebates!!!!

Highlights all prices are after discount and coupons
Dole Frozen $.73/2
Dole Can free
Sweet Sue free
Krusteaz crumb cake $.35
Meow Mix $.45
Dial Soap free
Fruit Loops/Apple Jacks $.66
Tone .50
Toll House chips $1
International Delight $.40 (coupon beeps)

In all fairness I guess I should confess I did purchase $500 worth of gift cards to get $20 in BiLo gift cards and used that to pay for most of this.
But I will also mention that those 2 purchases I made for the gift cards I will also get back $10 twice since I have 2 seperate rebates for them too!
This gift card offer is good until the end of December. The gift cards I purchased were used to pay down some credit card debt at Kohls. I have $400 more to go and hope to get that before Dec 18th when it is due-and get 2 more $10 Gift cards PLUS be able to send in 2 more rebates each for $10....It is such a fun game!

BiLo Gift card deal

2009-11-27T12:53:00.000-08:00

BiLo is running a great gift card deal right now.
If you purchase $200 worth of gift cards you get a $10 BiLo gift card.
For every $500 you spend in gift cards you get a $25 BiLo Gift card.
So if you send $500 you will actually get $35 gift card, though I might test this, it seems like you should get TWO $10 GC since you are spending $200 twice.

I plan on testing this theory by going to BiLo and buying $500 worth of Gift cards to pay off my $1000 Kohls bill that is due in the up coming weeks. Plus I get 1.5% back for using my Paypal Debit card too.

As luck would have it, I also have several rebates for when I buy gift cards, so I can really rack up on this deal!

BiLo also has a Kellogg's dealing going where if you buy 10 Kellogg's, Keebler, Eggo or Sunshine items you get a voucher to mail in for a $10 gift card (good anywhere). They have kids cereal on sale for $1.66 a box and you can also use the $1 off blinkies I know I have come across, plus there are also some printables out there too for some Kellogg's cereals.

I love playing the gift card game!

Walmart Price Matching plus good Internet Printables

2009-11-23T06:24:00.000-08:00

I was never a fan of Walmart and still don't care for them that much. They like to claim they have the lowest prices in town but they do not. Case in point-Swiffer Sweeper they are $20.97 there and at the OVER PRICED HARRIS TEETER they are REGULAR price $19.99 and this month they have a special going on where you get a free bottle of solution with it. But this isn't about the sale, it is about regular prices. Typically they will adjust some items to the SALES of the other stores but in general not everything is cheaper.

How did I end up there you ask? I needed toilet paper. Toilet paper is just so difficult for me to mentally deal with sale wise. First the stores do the price per unit in different ways. Like Some do it by square feet, others by 100 ct...what the heck is 100 count? Squares? Packages? Rolls? Then there is the roll issue, they come in 3 different roll sizes, single, double, triple and then they have the 1 ply, 2 ply and 3 ply. I have read a lot of people do it by roll but today when I was looking depending upon the ply the length of the roll is different. And I know how I pull the roll, the ply or thickness doesn't matter I am a creature of habit and just pull not thinking I need less if it is Cottonelle or more if it is Scott. Free is always the best deal, but I rarely find free. I just decided to stop stressing over it (I am a bit OCD about the whole coupons/budget/sales thing) and buy when I think it is a good deal. So I buy mostly Scott Xtra Soft, Angel Soft and White Cloud. I usually get $1/1 coupons for these brands-plus we are not brand loyal, I mean you just flush it anyway. And a helpful hint even if you are brand loyal, your kids don't have to be, keep the cheaper stuff in the guest and kids potty. I know there are lots of loyal Charmin users out there...I like to call that the toilet clogger.

So that is how I ended up going to Walmart. But once I got there I did find a few things that are REALLY good deals. This is actually my 4th or 5th trip to Walmart over the past 2 weeks. I am lucky and they are only 2 miles from my house (along with Aldi, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Rite Aid, Lowes HI plus more). I have to drive past all these when I drive my kids to school.

Today's purchases-

1 24 pack White Cloud ($2/1 IP found here ) price $9.87
1 4pk White Cloud Green earth (free wyb 24pk found here) price $2.78
1 Pineapple -price matched to Aldi for $.99 (I have NEVER seen them that cheap!)
2 Celery -price match to Aldi for $.69
2 Reddi Whip ($.50/1 Q) $1.88 (the double coupon store was $2.50)
1lb Carrots $.88
3 Jello ($1.25/3) $.50 each
1 Tomato Juice $1.12 (I need this for turkey soup)
2 Over the Moon Milk ($1/1 IPs found here ) $2 for Half gallon!

I paid $18.69 total...I don't think that is too bad.

The Over the Moon milk. They claim it is just like whole milk but theirs is fat free (skim). My husband will not drink Skim, but this he will drink (I also told him this is what I am buying so get over it). I don't think it is like whole milk BUT it is more like 1% which is what we normally drink. And $1 for a half gallon is a great price. Usually I find gallons of milk for $1.99 on sale every once in a while. This stuff is ultra pasteurized so it is good for more than a month. The chocolate milk my husband and son love, it is pretty thick and that too is fat free. The great thing about the coupon is it is a PDF which means you can print as many as you want. AND If you read the fine print on the coupon it actually says nothing like void if scanned or copies, unlike most other Internet printable. And I have priced this milk out, it was $2.99 at my regular target, it was $3.29 at Super Target and my friend said at CVS it was $2.99. I think Walgreen's carries it too. I also see circular coupons for this milk too and this past summer in NY I found a coupon machine for them too.

Not everything I get is free! Thanksgiving Turkey and more

2009-11-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

Poor planning on my part. I needed a lady item because stupid me thought I would change brands thinking I can get them for free. Well, I guess that is an area I can't compromise. Today I found myself out and needing my lady item so I decided to just hit up Walmart and make them price match.

I had actually gone to Harris Teeter yesterday to get a few things that were on sale and the coupons were in the paper. I saw they had the Butterball Lil Turkey for $1.29lb and I was going to get it, except the smallest one was over 10lbs and they had ONE. So I didnt bother thinking I would go back today or tomorrow. But when I went to Walmart today I found they had something else that makes my deal even sweeter. Yesterday my son had found some $1/2 Stove top stuffing Wine tags and grabbed me a few....Walmart had them for $.78 each and that coupled with my buy 4 get 1 free AND my $2 off a Butterball turkey IP (the ad was even in the sunday paper telling you to go on the internet to get it!) when you buy 5 stove top and/or Heinz gravy it made it a decent deal. I had to pay $1.29lb for this turkey (Walmarts price was $1.48lb but they price matched), I got $2 off so it ended up costing about $9.43 for this 8.83lb bird. There is only going to be 6 people at my house for this Thanksgiving and aparently if the turkey is smaller than 10lbs they want more per pound-I paid $1.06 per pound after coupon not bad I supposed. Maybe I can find a turkey rebate-the only one I have found so far is one for a WHOLE turkey dinner and I am not buying all my stuff at once it is not worth it.

6 Johnsons buddies $.97 used $1/1 any Johnson item Q
5 Stove top $.78 each used $1/2 WT and one Buy 4 Get 1 Free tearpad coupon (found at Food Lion)
3 Philly cream cheese $1.18 used $1.25/3 Q (found in grocery store on kraft display)
3 Jello Gelatin $.50 used $1.25/3 Q (same as above)
8.83lb turkey at $1.29lb used $2 off wyb 5 Stovetop
1 Ob $6.47 $1/1 coupon
1 White Cloud Green Earth $1/1 found here
1 Tyson Chicken Nuggets made them price match Target price $4.99 used $1/1 coupon

I paid $26.27 which seems high but I did buy some high ticket items I suppose. I have also discovered I have 3 boys that all they want to eat is Meat/Chicken, bread and crackers.

Last weeks Harris Teeter Triples

2009-11-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

Posting has gotten very hard lately. So much stuff to take pictures of, plus I feel as though no one really looks at it. But here I go-

This was the last day of triples, I did 4 transactions that day. What a pain. But I didn't get the popcorn, muellers, and jimmy dean delights until that day when the mail came. I went first thing in the morning, knowing the truck was coming to supply my store for the last time before it ended so I rushed up then to get my 4 cans of Bakers Joy plus some other stuff. Then went out after the mail came with my son and we did the rest of the transactions.

This transaction was Sunday and I used mostly the new coupons that had just arrived in the paper.

After all was said and done a weeks worth of shopping during triples I spent about $55 out of pocket and got over $600 worth of groceries. I got a lot of what I needed. I hadn't realized how low I was until the week prior when I moved a lot of my stuff around. Then I was sorry because I needed the room back!

I stocked up on (items in bold were free) Brown sugar, pasta, beef broth, yeast, muffin mix, juice, canned milk, coffee creamer, oil, rice, pop corn, instant potatoes, sour cream, crackers cat treats, jimmy dean delights plus some other stuff.

This is actually a Target run I did. I have been shopping here quite a bit the past few weeks since they upgraded our Target with a bigger grocery section and bigger frozen foods, we still don't have the fresh food like a Super target does. The Glade deal is what got me in the door, I getting a $5 gc for every 5 that you buy and I have coupons that make the refills free and $1.50 off the holders. The kisses were a good deal and the pigs have eaten almost all of them.

This was a Target trip from a few weeks ago. The Mr Clean was only $.20 a package.

2009-09-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Not that I needed much at the store this week, but I did like the nutri-grain deal paired with the coupons I had, though I didn't need the nutri-grain.

2 Gallon Milk marked down $.99
6 nutri-grain bars ($1/2) sale bogo $3.49/2
3 Sorrento String cheese ($2/1 peelies) sale bogo $4.99/2
1 sweet sue chicken broth ($.75/1) CLEARANCE $.54
12 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2) sale $.50
3 HT brand coffee ($2/1 WYB 2 NutriGrain bars) $2.97
5lbs HT white potatoes evic price $.97
used $11 OYNO catalinas

Paid $6.36

Last day HT triples

2009-09-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

I am glad triples is over...I managed to shop everyday and I am tired and have a house that needs attention. I have donated all the biscuits (HURRAY) and have room in my frige again.

I did find out Super Doubles starts next week (9/30) so I guess I need to get prepared for that. Although I also looked at HT's ad for this week and I can see some good things I will be spending my OYNO catalina on.

This is 2 transactoins, not even 20 Q tripled total.

#1
5 Smart Balance ($1.50Q) sale $3.25/2
4 Hillshire Farms ($.55/1 peelies) sale $3.50 and buy 2 get $3 off
2 Sara Lee Bread (Free WYB 2 Hillshire farms) sale $1.99
1 Pizza Roll ($.35/1) sale $3
$5 came off for buy 15 GM items
Paid $.21
(47.39/21.38Q)
Received form for insulated lunch box

#2
4 Hillshire Farms ($.55/1 peelies) sale $3.50 and buy 2 get $3 off
2 Sara Lee Bread (Free WYB 2 Hillshire farms) sale $1.99
2 Chex Mix ($.50/1 IP) sale $1.66
3 OEP seasoning ($.60/2 IP) sale $.79
1 Grande Tortilla Chips ($.75/1) sale $2.50
1 Archway Date Filled Oatmeal Cookies ($.55/1) reg $2.99 (YUMMY)
paid $.11
(33.97/20.81Q)
Recevied $1 OYNO Q+Form for insulated Lunch box

Went to food Lion for blinkies picked up

1 Gallon Milk reg $2.69
1 Tyson Chicken Nuggets ($2 flip+$1/1Q) sale $4.99
Paid $4.79
($5/$3Q)

Went out to find some biscuits 4 transactions total at 2 stores

#1
6 Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
4 Hillshire Farms ($.55/1 peelies) sale $3.50 and buy 2 get $3 off
2 Sara Lee Bread (Free WYB 2 Hillshire farms) sale $1.99
1 Chex Mix Bars ($.60/1 IP) sale $2.50
Paid $.32
($36.77/$20.38Q)
Received $2 OYNO Cat+Form for free lunch box

#2
6 Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
2 Chex Mix Bars (2-$.50/1 1-$.60/1 IP) sale $2.50
2 Chex mix ($.50/1IP) sale $1.66
2 eggos ($1/2Q+evic $1/1) sale $1.97
lb Apples ($2 off wyb 2 eggos)
1 Reach dental Floss ($.50/1) reg $3.49
used $3 OYNO cat
Paid $.08
(43.30/$23.55Q)
Received $2 OYNO cat + Form for free lunch box

#3
6 Grands
4 Hillshire Farms ($.55/1 peelies) sale $3.50 and buy 2 get $3 off
2 Sara Lee Bread (Free WYB 2 Hillshire farms) sale $1.99
1 Kelloggs Cinnabon bar ($.75/1) reg $2.79
Used $2 OYNO cat
paid $.16
($36.26/$20.86Q)
received $2 OYNO cat and free lunch box form

#4
6 Hillshire Farms ($.55/1 peelies) sale $3.50 and buy 2 get $3 off
3 Sara Lee Bread (Free WYB 2 Hillshire farms) sale $1.99
1 Campbells Cream celery ($.40/2) sale $1.33
1 Campbells beef stock (coupon above) sale $1.25
1 BB Tuna ($.55/1) sale $1.79
1 Famous Amous Cookies ($.55/1) sale $1.99
6 Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
2 Pop secret Pop corn sale $1 (i would have gotten one but grumpy cashier scanned it twice)
Paid $1.60
(58.49/$27.12Q)
received $2 OYNO cat +form for free lunch box

Food Lion

1 Tyson Bagged ($2 Flip+$1.50/1 Q) sale $4.99
1 Glade candle sense ($3/1 IP) sale bogo $5.99/2
Paid $1.79
($11.50/$6.50Q)

Year to date
Total OOP

Harris Teeter Triples #6

2009-09-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

The novelty is wearing off on this, though I do have a new deal to get and tomorrow is the last day. I might go back out today since I didn't use 20Q on one card yet. I finally found the coupons for free Sara Lee bread WYB 2 Hillshire Farms lunch meats, I grabbed a few of them and have managed to get 4 loaves so far. Wish I had remembered sooner to look for this coupon. It is only at 1 of the 3 stores I have been shopping. I almost forgot to look today too.

Three trips, one transaction each store (I am out of green giant coupons).

2 Toaster Struddel ($.55/2) sale $2

1 Jonny Cat liners reg $2.79

1 Smart Balance butter blend ($1.50/1) sale bogo $3.25/2

1 PIzza Rolls ($.35/1) sale $3

2 BC Fruit shapes ($.40/1) sale $2

1 Carribou Coffee ($2/1) sale $7.49

4 Hillshire Farm lunch meat ($.55/1+$3/2 instant) $3.50

3 OEP seasoning ($.60/2) sale $.79

1 Half an Half reg $2.69

6 Grands ($.75/2) sale $1

1 Yoplus (free, husband found mold in one of ours so they replaced the whole package)

Used $3 catalina

Used $5/$30 Aldi Q

Paid $.36

($66.89/$37.12)

Got back $3 in catalinas

#2

4 Hillshire Farms Lunch meat

2 Sara lee Bread (Free WYB 2 Hillshire farmsQ) sale $1.99

2 Chex Mix Bars ($.60/1 IP) sale $2.50

3 Warm Delights ($.50/1) sale $1.66

2 Eggo ($1/2 Evic $1) sale $1.97

1 Crunch N Munch ($.35/1) sale $1

1 Pizza Rolls ($.35/1) sale $3

6 Pillsbury Grands ($.75/2) sale $1

2.36lb Apples ($2/1 WYB 2 Eggo) sale $1.79lb

used $3 catalina

Paid $.91

(62.79/$33.73)

Received $3 in catalinas

#3

3 OEP seasoning ($.60/2+1 free wyb 2 oep products) sale $.79

4 Toaster Struddel ($1/1 IP+$.55/2) sale $2

2 Sara Lee Bread (Free WYB 2 meat) sa;e $1.99

4 Hillshire Farm lunch meat ($.55/1) sale $3.50

1 M+M Ice cream bars ($1/1) sale bogo $2.28/1

1 State Fair corn dogs ($.55/1) reg 3.29

1 Pizza Rolls ($.35/1) sale $3

2 MC Pasta Al Dente ($.75/1) sale 2.50

Harris Teeter Triples day #4 Why knowing your deals is important!

2009-09-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Once again I have managed to make money on a shopping trip. And by that I mean I came home with $1.83 more than when I left. Why? Because the catalina machine didn't work at the lane I was in on my first order. When I asked the YOUNGIN where my $3 catalina was he said it didn't spit it out. I asked him if the "green light was on" indicating that the machine was ready to go. And he says "No, because I think it is out of paper." Ok, so he knew it was out of paper yet decided not to fix it. By now he was on my second order and I immediately told him to STOP and get the catalina machine working-then apologized for telling him what to do. Honestly I wasn't as nice as I could be-but my motto is "I'm not from here, I don't have to be nice." You see people from NC are generally nice easy going and don't raise their voice...I am from NY enough said.
So he did stop and tried to fix it then he said there was something else wrong. In an attempt to get things moving I told him that I would just go to CS and get my money (since the ad was in the paper anyway). He went ahead and called for help since he was going to need them anyway for some of my coupons that would need overrides. She came over and tried to fix it for several minutes....then just gave up after replacing the paper and ink cartridge. She just asked how much they owe me and I told her (they know I know my deals and never question me). She went to get me my $8 and just after I paid it spit out 2 of the 3 catalinas I was supposed to get. So I had her only pay me the $3 for the first missed catalina (though she would have given me $8 if I hadn't said anything).

A deal worth noting...By 2 Hillshire Farms Lunch meat get $3 off instantly. Which is per 2 you buy, not only 2 per order. There is another deal where if you buy 3 you get a catalina for a free insulated Lunch tote (if you mail it in along with your receipt and upc).

On with the order!

As usual 2 transactions at one store using no more than 20 Q to triple.

#1
5 Green Giant veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99
Used $3 OYNO catalina
Paid $.53
(8.50/4.50Q)
Received $3.06 in cash for catalina that didn't print.

#2
4 Hillshire Farm Lunch meat ($.55/1 peelies) sale $3.50 plus Buy 2 get $3 off instantly
6 Pillsbury Grand ($.75/2) sale $1
7 Green Giant veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99 (I miss counted! meant to get 5)
1 HT kaiser rolls ($1 store Q) reg $2.29
1.6lbs mark down Sirloin steaks ($1/1 WT)
1 White Lily Cornbread mix ($.55/1) reg $1.69
1 Caribou Coffee ($2/1) sale $7.49
1 Spray N Wash ($.50/1) sale $1.62
1 McCain Frozen Potato product ($.75/1) reg $3.29
5 Pizza Rolls ($.35/1) sale b2g3F $2.19/1
1 Sun Crystals ($2Q) sale $1.99
2 BC Fruit Shapes ($.40/1 IP) sale $2
Used $3 catalina
Used a $10/$40 Aldi's coupon
Paid $.70
(85.66/$47.74Q)
Received $2 and $3 catalina along with a catalina to fill out for a free insulated lunch tote.

Day #4 Harris Teeter Triples running out of Green Giant Q

2009-09-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to look to see how many green giant $.50/2 coupons I had left after my first trip. HORROR I only had 4 left! So I decided I would rework my deal to still try and get as many boxes as I could but still not spend much money out of pocket. I figured if I used one $.50/2 coupon and one $3 OYNO cat then I can still get 5 more and still get me a $3 OYNO cat to replace it costing me $.44 out of pocket for every 5 that I purchase. I think that is still pretty good and that gets me 20 more boxes, however I will not meet my goal of filling my 5.5cu ft chest freezer...Oh well, I knew it would be difficult to do anyway. I decided to store the pizza rolls in there too. The freezer is a pain to dig in and fill efficiently, so at least with it being all boxes it is easier to organize.

I only did 2 shops 2 orders in each store.

#1
6 Green Giant Frozen Veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99
4 Pop Secret Pop corn sale $1
received $5 off instantly (for a total of 15 items purchased over 2 days)
paid $.58
($23.06/$4.50Q)

#2
1 Pop Secret sale $1
1 Soy Sauce ($.55/1) reg $1.77
1 Hellmans ($.60/1) reg $3.99
3 Kraft Singles ($1 WT+$3 off instantly wyb 3) reg $1.99/1
2 Hillshire farms lunch meat ($.55/1 +$3 off wyb 2) sale $3.50/1
2 Spray N Wash ($.50/1Q) sale Bogo $2.25/2
5 Pizza Rolls ($.35/1) sale B2g3F @$2.19/1
6 Pillsbury Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
6 Green Giant Veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99
2 Tidy Cat pan liners ($1/1) reg $2.29 (I was completely out!)
Used $5/$30 order at Aldi's (HT accepts this kind of competitors coupon ONLY)
Paid $.54
(67.85/$32.77)

Received $8 in catalina back both transactions combined

Next purchase

#1
5 Green Giant ($.50/2) sale $.99
1 Pizza Rolls ($.35/1) sale $3
received $5 discount for 15 items in the past 2 days
paid $.53
($13.77/$2.55Q)

#2
6 Pillsbury Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
1 Wonder Bread ($.55/1 IP) sale $1.99
2 Welch's Jelly ($.75/1IP) reg $2.29
2 BC fruit snacks ($.40/1 IP) sale $2
1 Honey Nut Cheerios ($.55/1 IP) sale $3
5 Green Giant Veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99
1 Chex Mix Bars ($.60/1) sale $2.50
2 Hillshire Farms Lunchmeat ($.55/1) sale $3.50 B2G$3 off
Recived $5 off for buying 15 qualifing items
Used $3 OYNO catalina

Paid $.54 ($.32 of which was tax LOL)
($51.01/$25.80)

Recieved $8 in OYNO catalinas total.

I have $38 in OYNO catalina to buy ANYTHING I want in the store (well except probably for smokes).

Day #3 The Rain can't stop me!

2009-09-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

First HT stop, 2 transactions (I hit this one on my way back from dropping my kids at school).

6 Green Giant boxed veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99

1 Pop Secret sale $1

used $2 pillsbury cat

Paid $.52

($13.49/$6.50Q)

Received $3 Green Giant catalina

2 Tubs Hillshire Farm lunch meat ($.55/1Q) sale $3.50 PLUS buy 2 get $3 off instantly

6 Green Giant boxed veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99

6 Pillsbury grands ($.75/1) sale $1

1 Spray N Wash ($.50/1 ) sale $1.62

1 Chock Full of Nuts coffee ($.75/1 IP) sale $3.99

5 Pizza Rolls ($.35/1) b2g3F-2.19/1

2 Wishbone dressing ($.75/1) sale $2

3lbs Onions reg $1.97

Paid $1.14

($57.12/$25.07Q)

recieved $5 OYNO cat

Second round 2 stores, 4 transactions

#1
6 Green Giant boxed veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99
1 Pop Secret sale $1

surprised I got $5 off the order!
Paid $.56
($13.95/$1.50Q)
Received $3 Green Giant catalina

6 Green Giant boxed ($.50/2) sale $.99

6 Pillsbury grands ($.75/2) sale $1

1 Bc Frosting ($.50/1 IP) sale $1.50

3 Soy Sauce ($.55/1) sale $1.77

1 Wish bone ($.75/1) sale $2

2 Hillshire Farms Turkey ($.55/1) sale $3.50 buy 2 get $3 off instantly

2 BC warm Delight ($.50/1) sale $1.66

1 Lysol Cling (.75/1) sale $2.50

3.61lbs Honey crisp apples reg $1.79lbs

1 Glass Plus ($.50/1) sale bogo $2.79/2

Used $2 cat

Used $3 cat

Paid $.56

($58.18/$33.35Q)

Received $3 +$2 OYNO cats

6 Green Giant boxed veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99
1 Pop Secret sale $1
used $2 pillsbury cat
Paid $.52
($13.49/$6.50Q)
Received $3 Green Giant catalina

3 BC potatoes ($.40/1) reg $1.19

1 Pop secret sale $1

1 40ct Pizza Roll ($.35/1) sale $3

6 GG Veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99

6 Pillsbury Grands ($.75/2) sale $1

2 Hillshire Tubs ($.55/1) sale $3.50 -$3 off instantly wyb 2

2 Honey Nut Cheerios ($.55/1 IP) sale $3

3 BC pouch Taters ($.40/1) reg $1.19

Used $3 OYNO cat

Paid $1.74

Did not receive my $5 in Cats so I got back $5.10 in cash!

($52.12/$23.10)

The best day of the year!

2009-09-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Today I had such an awesome trip! I did 6 transactions, 3 at each store. But in addition to the very little I spent I found my most favorist apples HONEY CRISP-he said they just got them in today. When I found them I stood there gasping for breath (no really I did!) and the Produce guy walked up to me and asked if I was alright. I explained how much I love these apples and my HT has never carried them! So I got me some apples today along with some GREAT buys....

I do 2 transactions each time-this was 2 transactions 20 coupons total.

#1
6 Green Giant boxed veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99
1 Pop Secret sale $1
used $2 pillsbury cat
Paid $.52
($13.49/$6.50Q)
Received $3 Green Giant catalina

#2
6 Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
6 Green Giant ($.50/2) sale $.99
5 Pizza Rolls ($.35/1Q) sale B2G3F
1 Pizza Roll bag ($.35/1) sale $3
3 Reynolds Foil ($.85/1) sale $1.94
3 BC Frosting ($.50/1) sale $1.50
1 Eggo (Evic) $.97
1 Eggo ($1/2) sale $1.97
1.78 Red Grapes $.99lb
1.11 bananas ($2 off fruit wyb 2 Eggo) $.69lb
1 Banrock Merlot sale $4.99
used 2 $3 green giant catalinas

Paid $.93
($71.39/$35.04Q)
Received $2 Pillsbury catalina and $3 Green Giant Catalina

This is a combination of 4 transactions.

#1
6 Green Giant boxed veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99
1 Pop Secret sale $1
used $2 pillsbury cat
Paid $.52
($13.49/$6.50Q)
Received $3 Green Giant catalina

#2
6 Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
6 Green Giant ($.50/2) sale $.99
2 Scrubbing bubbles ($.75/1) raincheck bogo $2.99/2
2 BC warm Delight ($.50/1) sale $1.66
1 BC frosting ($.50/1) sale $1.50
2 BC potatoes ($.40/1) reg $1.19
3 Glass Plus ($.50/1) sale bogo $2.79/2
3 Pop Secret sale $1
1 Banrock Station Merlot sale $4.99
Paid $.21
($54.99/$25.78Q)
Received $2 Pillsbury catalina and $3 Green Giant Catalina

#3
6 Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
1 Pop secret pop corn sale $1
used $2 Cat
Total came to -$4.85!!!! Panic Panic!
Threw in a bottle of wine $4.99
Paid $.92
(18.95/$7.50Q)
Received $3 Green Giant catalina

#4
6 Grands ($.75/2) sale $1
6 Green Giant ($.50/2) sale $.99
1 BC frosting ($.50/1) sale $1.50
2 Warm Delight ($.50/1) sale $1.66
3 Mahatma Saffron Rice ($.75/2) sale $.75
1 Mahatma Rice ($.55/1) reg $1.49
2 BC potatoes ($.40/1) reg $1.19
1 HT mushrooms no Q sale $.97
2 Smart Balance popcorn ($.55/1 blinkies) raincheck bogo $2.99/2
3.6lbs Honey Crisp Apples $2.99lb

Used 2 $3 catalinas (had to pay for them apples!)
Total OOP $.92
($53.64/$33.83Q)
Received $2 Pillsbury catalina and $3 Green Giant Catalina

So lets add it up.
I spent $4.02 in money
and received $24 in catalinas today!

HT Triples day 1

2009-09-16T10:11:00.001-07:00

YEAH Triples at Harris Teeter! I did a total of 3 orders, 1 of which was mine and 1 was on my mom's card (and yes some is actually going to her).

There are several deals going on too.
Buy 15 General Mills items (list in store) get $5 off your order instantly.
Buy 6 OEP products get a $3 OYNO cat for meat, 3-5 is $1
Buy 5 Green Giant veggies get $3 oyno cat
Buy 6 Pillsbury Grands get $2 OYNO cat

5 Pizza Rolls ($.40/2) sale B2G3F $2.19/1

3 Tuna ($.55/1) sale $1.79

1 Reynolds ($.85/1) sale $1.94

1 HT salt reg $.37

1 bag Pizza Rolls ($.40/2) sale $3

5 Green Giant veggies ($.50/2) sale $.99

3 OEP seasoning ($.60/2IP) sale $.79

1 OEP black beans ($.60/2 IP) sale $1.50

1 OEP refried Beans (Free item up to $1 WYB 2 OEP) sale $1.25

3 Campbells Cream Soups ($.40/2) sale $1.33

3 Campbells soup ($.40/2) sale $1.25

2 Pop Secret ($.50/2Q) sale $1

1 Listerine Total care ($2/1Q) sale $3.94

1 Dial Basics Soap ($.35/1Q) sale $1.19

2 Mentos ($.55/1) reg $1.49

1 Crest (free item Q up to 3.25) $3.49

Paid $10.33

($62.19/$38.75Q)
Received $4 in cats back.

Went to a different store and did 2 transactions (though my total Q was only 17)

5 Green Giant veggies ($.50/2+$.50/1) sale $.99

Paid $1.01

received $3 OYNO catalina.

($8.63/$3.99Q)

6 Green giant ($.50/2) sale $.99

6 Grands (like I needed MORE!) ($.75/3) sale $1

2 Cinammon Toast Crunch ($.55 IP)sale $3

3 BC frosting ($.50/1) sale $1.50

3 Warm delights ($.50/1) sale $1.66

2 OEP seasoning ($.60/2)sale $.79

1 OEP refried beans (Free beans WYB 2 OEP items peelies) sale $1.25

Total came to -$.02

Threw in a York Peppermint patty Paid $.46

($52.56/$25.60Q)

Got back $1 OEP OYNO meat, $3 GG OYNO Cat and $2 Pillsbury OYNO cat.

Been Lazy Post through 9/15

2009-09-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

I hate to say I am busy, or "too busy to blog" that is one of the biggest cop out excuses I have ever heard. Honestly besides listing our van for sale and shopping I don't have a whole lot going on, and I have had time to Blog but I just haven't felt like it since Labor Day. I did manage to take pictures of most of what I purchased.

Trip to BiLo

Milks were free, Pepsis were free, fruit was $.50 each all after Q
Paid $3.40
(28.51/$16Q)

Trip to HT, they were having Superdoubles

$.69 for the cookies, yogurts were free, mentos were free, pop tarts were evic for $.77
Paid $3.07
($22.07/$15.77Q)

This is from HTs sale this past week. Deal was buy 7 Quaker items get $3 off your order instantly.

5 Peanut Butter crunch ($3/5 Q) sale $2
2 Quaker Chewie Granola bars ($.75/2) sale $2
2 HT brand cereal sale Evic price $.99 each
Paid $8.56
($7.50Q)

HT trip on another card

7 Oatmeal ($3/5+$1.25/2Q) sale $1.50
2 HT cereal Evic price $.99

paid $5.42
(15.56/7.25Q)

Trip to Walgreens -I did 4 transactions. I actually needed all this stuff but the pens+pencils (but my kids can use them for school). I was down to my last box of hairdye, we were down to 3 rolls of TP and we were completely out of ADULT mouth wash. I scoured the Drug Store fliers and decided upon Walgreens.

First 2 transactoins were
Listerine used $.50/1Q sale $2.99 received $2 RR for each-
paid $2.75 each

Then I did the
4 hair dyes used $2/1 Q($5 each)
also had to buy the pencils/pens for $.24 each
Crest (free item Q) $2.99
and used my $2 RR from the previous order (you have to have as many items as you have MQ) I paid $10.19 and got back $10 RR

Last transaction I got
4 Cottonelle (ONE $.50/2Q) clearance $2.19
1.5 Liter of Listerine ($1/1Q) sale $3.99 (that is a great price for that huge bottle)
I used my $10 RR
Paid $2.73

Walked up to Harris Teeter (3+miles round trip) hauled back-we were down to 1.5 cans of oats!

6 Quaker Oats ($1.25/2) sale $1.50
1 Quakes sale bogo $1.15/1
got $3 off instantly
Paid 3.56
($6.75Q)

I have also made a few trips to food Lion-walking up
4 gallons of milk
3lbs of turkey
.5lbs of swiss cheese
Sub rolls

Food Loin

2009-09-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

Quick trip to Food Lion, last day to use the GS flip. I will go again and get a gallon of milk too before the day is threw.

2 Glade Soy candles (free item Q) reg $3.19

1 Dozen Eggs ($1 GS flip) sale $.88

12 Lays chips ($2/2) reg 3/$1

Paid $.46 oop

($11.94/$11.38Q)

Total YTD

Total OOP $1881.72

Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $6435.74(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

CVS ECB $1.98

Dilworth-$2.51

Busy Busy Busy!

2009-08-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

I had a dentist appointment that had me going one town over, so I decided I would go ahead and get all this shopping done that needed to be done. I feel so much better now that my freezer is full of meat again. I hadn't purchased any meat in the month of July and very litte in August. I was completely out of chicken and down to my last few packages of hamburger meat. In the past 2 days I have bought so much meat! My freezer is full once again.

I actually hit 3 Food Lions today, but I combined them into one picture.

19.27lbs Chicken (Buy $20 get $5 off Flip) sale $.97lb (Flip works on Pre MVP price)
14.53lbs Ground beef (Buy $20 get $5 off Flip) clearanced priced $1.12lb
1.33lb Pork chops (meat flip) $3.54lb
5.27lbs Deli Ham (Deli Flip $3/$10) bogo $5.99/2lbs (works on Pre MVP price)
24 Lays Chips($2/2Q) reg 3/$1
2 Rotini Pasta ($1 GS flip) sale $.90
1 Coffee Mate ($.50/1) sale $1.25
1 Dole Salad sale $1.29
1 Dozen Eggs ($1 GS flip) sale $.88

Total OOP $38.81
($77.62/$22.50Q)

Quick Trip to BJs-they are definatly the cheapest for cat litter, maple syrup and parmesan cheese-so I buy them there. I noticed the Maple Syrup bottle has shrunk and the price only went down $2....

2 Packs Parmesan Cheese -2/12oz reg $6.39
1 Maple Syrup 32oz reg $12.79
2 BJs Kitty Litter 40lbs each $8.99

Total OOP $45.27

Went to TWO Lowes Foods...the second one had what I wanted (BOO LF!)

2 Honey Nut Cheerios ($.55/1 IP) instasave price $.99
2 Hamburger Buns reg $1.29
1 Cats Pride Kitty litter (Free item Q+instasave $1) sale $7.59

Paid 2.30
($16.29/$13.49Q)

Bilo was the next stop. I was glad when I found out I had $8 GC for there!

16 DelMonte Fruit Naturals ($1/2Q) sale $1
13 Lays chips ($2/2) $.33 each
1 Morelle Off the Bone Turkey ($.75/1) sale $2.50

Paid $8 on GC
Paid $.71
($26.84/$13.50Q)

Went to a different HT hoping they would have the yogurts...No such Luck. Went to my usual one because I passed the HT truck but they hadn't gotten it out yet either and I wasn't waiting around.

3 Keebler Fudge covered grahams ($1/1) sale $2.50
3 Motts Apple sauce ($1/1ip) sale $1.50
1 Motts Jar sauce ($1/1) reg $1.89
2 Philly cream cheese ($1/2) sale 1.50
2 Dole Fruit in Gel ($1/1) sale $1.50
1 Coke (free item Q) reg $1.49

Total OOP $2.86
($28.96/$18.88Q)

Harris Teeter and Food Lion

2009-08-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

I finally got my grocery money! Whew! I didn't think I would make it. I have to say I was getting to be kinda downer. I had 5 rebates that needed to be done by Tuesday and I have one kid that i felt as though I had nothing for him to eat. That coupled with the fact we are going camping soon and I am in charge of the meals for 9 people it was a stressful time!

First trip was Food Lion, I did 2 orders because I had 2 rebates I was doing.

2 Hillshire farms Turkey ($.55/1Q) marked down to $2.10 each
1.71lbs Deli Ham ($3/$10flip) sale bogo $5.99/2lbs
12 Lays chips ($2/2) reg 3/$1
10.99lbs Split Chicken breast ($5/$20 Meat) sale $.97lb
1 Bag lettuce sale $2.59
1 Dozen Eggs ($1gs flip) sale $.88
1 Gallon Milk ($1 gs flip) 2.69
1 Loaf Sara Lee Bread (free wyb 2 hillshire farm Q) sale $2.19
1 Bottle Coke Zero (free item Q) reg $1.49

Total OO $25.22
(39.28/$16.78Q)
(I will get back $10 in rebates)

Harris Teeter -My store had been hit hard over the weekend. The cashier said they were super busy yesterday and today they were busy when I was there. They were out of most of the free items -though of course I still managed to get some. I did 2 orders again for rebate purposes.

4 Family packs of Cube Steak (rain check for BOGOF) charged $19.96-I got 2 packs for free
2 New England coffee ($1 IP) sale $4.99
1 Hellmans Mayo ($1/1Q) reg $2.99
1 Flippo Oil ($1/1) sale $3.99
5 Breyers (1-$1/1+2-$.50/1) sale B2g3F
1 McCormick Garlic Powder ($1/1) reg $2.65
3 Ragu ($1.25/3) sale $2.09
1 Bic Lighter ($1/1) sale $2.99
2 bags Ice reg $1.99 each
2 Motts ($1/1ip) sale $1.50 each
3 packs Sandwhich Steaks marked down 25%

Paid $52.71
($63.83/$18.50Q)
I will get $20 back for rebates on that one.

Hope someone eats this yogurt!

2009-08-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

I had to take the kids to school today so I figured on my way home I would swing by Food Lion and Harris Teeter. I have roughly $1.25 left of my money for the month. This is a total downer because there are things that I absolutely need (like chicken, parmesan cheese, sandwich meat) plus some rebates that will need to be done on the 31st because that is the absolute last day I can purchase. This is very stressful because I feel as though I have one kid that won't eat the majority of the crap I have in my house. He seems to be making due, so I guess we are OK, I just feel like I am giving him the short end of the stick.

There are some really good flips for food lion too that will work out nice for the things I need. On Monday I plan on using the $3/$10 Deli purchase by getting 2 Fried Chickens (that will qualify me for a $5 rebate too) along with some Deli Ham that is Bogo for $5.99/2lbs. Also there is a $5/$20 Meat purchase and with the split chicken breast on sale this week for $.97lb-that is 5lbs of chicken breast for $5.18! I think that is pretty good. They also have hamburger meat on sale for $1.88lb. I don't normally buy Food Lion meat, but I was looking today and there looked like some good deals and the meat looked good enough. It is amazing how I have lowered my standards since couponining.

Food Lion

1 Gallon Milk (GS flip) $2.69
12 Lays chips ($2/2Q) 3/$1

Paid $1.29 on gift card
Paid $.51 out of pocket
($5/$5Q)
only 2 gallons away from my free gallon of milk

Harris Teeter Day #3 of Super Doubles

6 Kraft Mac N Cheese crackers ($1/2Q) sale $1
2 Motts Apple Sauce ($1/1IP) sale $1.50
2 Dole Fruit in Gel ($.75/1Q) sale $1.50
3 Yoplus+ ($1/1IP) sale bogo 2.59/2 (use 2 Q and you can get 3 for free!)
3 Bumble Bee Tuna ($.55/1 blinkies) sale $1

Paid $.20
(41.56/$18.82Q)

Harris Teeter Super Doubles trip 2

2009-08-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

3 Yoplus+ ($1/1 IP) sale bogo $2.59/2

1 Pounce ($1.50/1) reg $1.50

4 MeowMix ($1/4Q) sale $.80

2 Kraft crackers ($1/2) sale $1

2 100 calorie packs ($1 IP) sale $2

2 Smuckers toppings ($1.25/2) sale bogo $2.49/2

3 BB tuna ($.55 blinkie) sale $1

2 Clean Clear TS ($1/1Q) reg $1

3 Edge TS ($.75/1Q) reg $1.50

2 Motts ($1IP) sale $1.50

1 Pop Tarts evic special $.77

Paid $0.26 oop

($49.26/$29.85)

Food Lion and Harris Teeter

2009-08-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

Food Lion

12 Lays Chips ($2/2) reg 3/$1
2 Bananas reg $.61lb
1 Eggs (GS flip) sale $.88

Paid $.37 oop
($5.56/$5Q)

Harris Teeter Super Doubles -I am down to my last paper dollars....I am determined to not go over my $250 budget this month!

3 danimals crush strawberry($1/1 Q) reg $2
2 danimals crush blueberry($1/1 Q) reg $2
3 danimals smoothies($1/1 Q) reg $2
2 yoplus ($1/1Q) sale bogo $2.59/2
3 fibre one yogurt ($1/1Q) sale 2.89/2
2 dole pineapple ($.50/1) reg $.99
2 bumblebee tuna ($.55/1 blinkie) sale $
2 motts apple sauce ($1/1 IP) sale $1.50
1 pop tarts (evic) sale .77
2 delmonte fruit naturals ($1/2) reg $1.59
1 20 oz coke zero (free item Q) reg $1.49

Paid $1.35 oop
(45.90/$34.47Q)

8/25 HT, Lowes Foods and Food Lion

2009-08-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

I forgot to take the picture of the 3 things I got at Food Lion...
1 360 Tissues (360 Flip) sale $.95
1 gallon milk (gs flip) reg $2.69
1 HA toothbrush

Total $1.73
($4.26/$3Q)

Trip to HT

4 Coke (free item Q) reg $1.49
14 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2) sale $.50
1 Yakisoba Noodles ($.50/1Q) sale bogo $1.39/2
1 Reese candy bar ($.55/1) sale $.79
1 Minute Maid Juice boxes (evic special) $.99

$3.34 on gift card
($21.60/$10.55Q)

Still don't like Lowes Foods...whatever.

1 Kraft BBQ ($1/1 BBQ WT) sale $1
4 Muellers Pasta ($.55/2) sale $.60
1 Barilla Pasta ($.50/1) sale $1
2.5lbs chicken sale $.99lb

Paid $2.17 on my gc
paid $.85 cash
($11.54/$7.18Q)

8/24 Food Lion and Lowes Foods

2009-08-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

I had my son with me so I did 2 orders

1 Gallon Milk ($1/GS Flip) reg $2.69
2 Bananas (GS flip) $.61/lb
18 Lays/Ruffles Fritolay chips ($2/2q) reg 3/$1
1 Food Lion Pasta (GS flip) sale $.90
2 HA toothbrushes ($1 HA flip) sale $1
2 Home 360 tissues ($1 360 flip) sale $.95

Paid $2.05 on gift card
(16.75/13.98

Went to a different Lowes foods on my way home from an eye dr appointment with my kid...it was a nice store....

1 Coke Zero (free item coupon)
1 LF can cola $.50
1 LF popcorn ($2 instasave) sale $1.75
1 LF ritz wannabees ($1 instasave) sale $2
2 LF apple Juice (instasave $.82+LF $.21) sale $1.50

Paid $.35 oop
(12.47/8.13Q)

Harris Teeter 8/22

2009-08-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with taking care of the truck, appointments and school starting. I did manage to take pictures for the most part though.

1 Minute Maid Apple juice evic $.99
2 Smithfield Bacon ($3/1IP) sale $3
10 Yopliat Yogurts ($.40/2 Q) sale $.50/1
4 Garlic ($1/$4 Q) sale $.50
1 3# bag onions $1.98
1 Hamburger Buns reg $1.09

Used gift card $5.06
($15.48/$9Q)

Fried Chicken Fridays at HT

2009-08-21T16:36:00.001-07:00

I ran down to HT this evening to get the fried chicken. I have a rebate for $5 off a purchase of $10 and my kids like the chicken so this was the day to buy it. I put it all away before I remembered to take the picture.

2 Buckets Fried Chicken
4 Yopliat yogurts ($.40/2Q) sale $.50
1 Minute Maid Apple Juice boxes evic $.98

Paid $10 on GC I got the other day
OOP $2.08
(9.80/$1.60Q)
I will get a $5 rebate too.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1707.76
Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $6166.64(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB $1.98
AE GC -$15
Dilworth-$2.51
total $19.49

I finally made it to the store today...

2009-08-20T12:24:00.001-07:00

I did 2 transactions at FL

#1

4 Morrell off the bone Turkey (BOGO IP) RC for BOGO $2/1

1 Gallon Milk ($1 GS) reg $2.69

1 HA tooth Brush ($1 HA Flip) sale $1

1 Home 360 Kleenex ($1 360 FLIP) sale $.95

6 Lays chips ($2/2 Q) reg 3/$1

1 Natures Place Diced Tomatoes ($1/1 Natures Place Flip) $1.56

1 Magic Stars ($1/1 FL cereal flip) sale $1.89

Paid $7.46

(12.86/$11Q)

#2

1 Gallon Milk (Free Milk wyb 6) reg $2.69

1 Dozen Eggs ($1 GS flip) reg $1.44

6 Lays chips ($2/2Q) reg 3/$1

1 HA toothbrush ($1/1 HA flip)

1 360 Tissues ($1/1 flip) sale $.95

Paid oop $.37

($10.25/$6Q)

HT was next. I had written HT an email because I was supposed to get the $10 catalina deal and they never called to tell me what was going on. The day before the catalina had to be postmarked I had emailed them. Later that day I got the catalina in the mail. Two days ago I got an email from HT saying they would give me $10 on my vic card for my next purchase.

1 Minute Maid Juice Boxes sale Evic price $.98

4 Garlic ($1/$4 Q) sale 2/$1

1 3# bag of Onions reg $1.97

2 Smithfield Bacon ($3/1 IP) sale $3

1 HT hamburger buns reg $1.07

10 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2Q) sale $.50

1 $10 GC

Paid $6.52

($30.68/$11Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1705.68
Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $6165.04(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
HT GC $10
CVS ECB $1.98
AE GC -$15
Dilworth-$2.51
total $29.49

It has been a rough few days.

2009-08-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

On top of the fact that we had 5 extra people here over the past weekend (they left on Monday) on Monday afternoon while I was recouping watching a movie and the kids were out delivering fliers to the neighbors (A Boy with at Truck) we got a phone call. It was #1 calling to say he had been in an accident. After a second call seconds later telling us to bring the "Jaws of Life" we booked it down to where they were-luckily it was only 2 miles away from the house....He was right his door wouldn't open. The truck was T-Boned by an SEMI-TRUCK...yes, my son thought he could make it across an intersection in front of s SEMI Truck.

He also had his two brothers with him too! We thought he was a smart kid! Well anyway, after picking up our children who were definitely slammed around in the truck-they were pushed from the intersection, through some grass did a 180 and then landed down into a parking lot. Luckily it wasn't lunch time or they would have taken out a car or two too!

We took them home called the insurance and checked my son's bank account to see how much money he had. LUCKILY FOR HIM I made him do things like SAVE his Xmas monies and birthday monies (though the older he got the less that went in) along with him saving some of his money from this summers jobs he had about $3600. I started my search on Craig's List so I could get a feeling for prices, after all thank you Bruton Smith for coming up with Cash for Clunkers and thank you President Obama and our lovely government for signing it in and now the price of used vehicles have gone up!

We spend all day Tuesday (so much for triples at HT!) driving around looking to see what we could buy. Luckily we are not too picky when it comes to trucks (which he had to have a truck for his business) and we found another Fleet vehicle. This one is much nicer even though it is a year older than the first one plus it has a lot less miles. On Wednesday we took it too our BFF's step dads garage so they could check it out. They said it is a really good deal and in pretty good condition...So once again we are a 3 vehicle family here is what $3500 can buy in NC. We just hope that this one will not need a new transmission after 2 weeks like the first one did.

Maybe today I can make it to the grocery store.

Food Lion and Walmart

2009-08-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

I HAD to have Maple Syrup and Parmesan cheese so I went to walmart where they are the cheapest since I had no coupons and I knew they were not on sale at the other stores.

1 Country Time ($1/1tp) reg $2.28

1 Maple Syrup reg $6.88 (I paid $5.99 for 4 oz less at BiLo!)

1 Kraft Parmesan Cheese reg $3.77

Paid $4.90 oop

paid $10 on GC

($1Q)

Went next door to Food Lion and glad I did...that there Juicey Juice was a weekend special of $.99 EACH!!! I had 2 Q for $.50/2 so they were $.74 each! Pretty good price for Juicey Juice boxes.

2 Milk ($1/1 GS flip) reg $2.59

4 Juicey Juice ($.50/2) sale $.99

2 Right Guard ($1/2Q) sale $.99/1

2 360 Foil ($1/1 360 Flip) sale $.99

1 Michelob Ultra (did you hear me say I had company????) $9.79

$16.36 on gc and $1.62 oop

($13.20/$6Q)

Total YTD

Total OOP $1691.33

Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $1637.04(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

CVS ECB $1.98

AE GC -$15

Dilworth-$2.51

total $19.49

HT triples #3

2009-08-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

Third trip to HT for triples

6 Kikkoman Soy Sauce ($.55/1) sale $1.47/1
2 Pepsi Max 2ltrs ($.55/2) sale $1/1
2 chub ground beef Evic $1.98
1 sugar wafers (for DH grandma) reg $1.09
4 grand flakey ($.40/1+$1/3) sale bogo $1.50/1
6 cinammon rolls ($.40/1) sale $1.50/1
1 suddenly salad ($.40/1 ip) sale $1.50
2 bc cookie mix ($.40/1Q) sale $1.66
2 chex mix ($.50/1ip) sale bogo $1.66
1 Comet Rice ($.50/1) sale $1.59

paid $8.12-angry with myself that I spent that much on a bunch of biscuits I don't really want or need.
($50.77-$25.42Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1684.81
Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $6130.04(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB $1.98
AE GC -$15
Dilworth-$2.51
total $19.49

Harris Teeter Triples day #2

2009-08-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

We have company and I haven't been able to post much though I have gone to the store. I have managed to take pictures of everything except for what I purchased once-even though they made fun of me asking why I take pictures of what I buy.

1 HT hasbrown $2.49

1HT OJ $1.97

1 Green Leaf Lettuce ($1/$4 Q)$1.79

1 Yellow bell pepper sale $2.50

5 Pizza Rolls ($.55/2) sale b2g3F $2.19/1

1 BC Warm Delight ($.50/1Q) sale $1.67

3 BS fruit shapes ($.40/1Q) sale $2

2 BC Gushers ($.50/2IP) sale $2

2 Suddenly Salad ($.40/1IP) sale $1.50

1 JD Sausage patties ($1 store Q+$1 peelie) reg $3.59

1 JD natural sausage roll sale $2.99

2 pillsbury cresent ($.40/1ip) sale bogo $1.50/2

3 Kikkoman soy ($.55/1peelies) sale $1.47

Paid $14.71

and since my cat didn't print they gave me a refund of $3.73 ($3.50+tax)

($42.42/$21.21Q)

I also bought 2 plants at the farmers market, they were $.50 each!

1 Rosemary

1 Basil

TotalOOP $1

Total YTD
Total OOP $1856.69

Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $6104.62(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB $1.98
AE GC -$73.47
Dilworth-$2.51
total $77.96

BiLo and Lowes Foods without incident

2009-08-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

I decided I would go to Lowes Foods, even though I am not a fan and they usually just make me angry...Well there was free school supplies so I was going no matter which crabby cashier I got!

I did 2 orders, just 3 cheese on the second one

2 qt Tonic Water sale $.59 (for husbands grandma)

6 Kraft Singles ($1/2ip+$.50 Store Qx3) sale $2

2.01lbs pork chops sale $1.99lb

1 Colored paper clips ($.50/1 instasave) sale $.59

1 Rubber Bands ($.50/1 instasave) sale bogo $.42/1

1 Protractor ($.50/1 instasave) sale $.50

1 Multipack Erasers ($.50/1 instasave) sale $.32/1

1 Gel Pen (instasave did NOT come off) sale $1.25

1 Caribiner hooks (instasave $1/1) sale $1.02/1

1 Tape ($1/1 instasave) sale $.70

1 Pencil Sharpener ($.50/1 instasave) sale $.37

Buy 3 Kraft items get $3 off your order

Paid $7.83 on GC

(22.75/$10.50Q)

Next up was BiLo I just had to make the Kelloggs deal work for me!

6 Lays Chips ($2/2Q) sale 3/$1

2.97lbs naners (2-$1off produce wyb Kelloggs cereal)$.64lb

1 Sugar Wafers reg $1.75 (this is for my husbands grandma)

6 Keebler cookies sale BOGO $3.99/2

1 Mug Root Beer (free wyb 2 keebler cookies peelie) $.99

2 Orvilles Pop Corn ($.40/1) sale bogo $1.20/1

2 Gallons Milk ($2 off wyb 2 keebler cookies) $2.59/1

Paid $18.88 GC

($38.05/$15.39Q)

Total YTD

Total OOP $1840.98

Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $6083.41(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

CVS ECB $1.98

AE GC -$73.47

Dilworth-$2.51

total $77.96

Triple couopns at HT!

2009-08-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Triple coupons at Harris Teeter all week! This was one trip, I might go again later, I won't be able to go this weekend I don't think.

Angel Soft TP ($.50/1Q) sale $4.89
1 Suddenly Salad ($.40/1) sale $1.50
1 Dial Basic ($.35/1Q) sale $1.19
1 LOL Half+half ($.55/1) reg $2.55
3 Kikkoman Soy /auce ($.55/1) sale $1.47
1 Utz Pretzels ($.75/1) sale $2
1 Utz Tater Chips ($.75/1) sale $2.50
4 Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes ($.40/1) sale $1.66
3 BC Warm Delights ($.50/1) sale $1.66
2 Gum Toothbrushes ($.75/1) sale $1.99
2 Cressent Rolls ($.50/1) sale bogo $1.50/2
5 Totino's Pizza Rolls ($.55/1IP) sale b2 g3F
1 2lb chub ground chuck evic special $1.99

Buy 15 BTFE items get $5 off

Total on gift card $9.70
($61.37/$30.94Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1840.98
Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $6057.52 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB $1.98
AE GC -$93.30
Bilo GC-$3.64
Dilworth-$2.51
total $101.43

Like Reese's Peanut Butter cups?

2009-08-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Since I have all this peanut butter lately I figured I would make something. I had kinda been jonesing for a candy bar anyway. I was looking on allRecipes.com and on the front page was a picture of Peanut Butter Bars. I had also seen the recipe on The Homesteading Housewife's blog. I had all of the ingredients so I figured why not! Eveyone said "these takes like peanut butter cups" and I thought how can that be? Well they do! They taste very similar not exactly but similar and fixed my candy craving.

Here is what you need-

1 cup butter
2 cups (14 whole crackers) crushed graham cracker crumbs
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 package chocolate chips
4 tablespoons peanut butter.

Nuke butter till melted. Add crumbs, peanut butter and sugar. Spread into a 9x12 pan. Put in frige for 15 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips with peanut butter (I did mine in the nuker 1 minute, stir then 1 minute more) . Stir until smooth. Spread on peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate. Wait atleast 1 hour before cutting.

These have to be kept in the frige.

Trip to BiLo and I still hate Lowes Foods!

2009-08-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

I was having a good day. I drove my husband into work so we could swing by this guys house to buy a camping table for cooking/food prep. I sold something on Craigs List yesterday 1 hour after listing it (Bike Rack-$25) and I also have another item I know I can sell for $25 on ebay (though I have it on CL now)...So I was flying high. I figured since I had to drive him into work anyway I would swing by BiLo and then Lowes Foods.

BiLo

9 Poptarts 8 pks ($1/2Q) sale bogo $2.46/2

1 Value Pack Poptarts ($1/2) sale $2

1 REALLLLL Maple Syrup (no Q)$5.49-I had to have this for all the waffles I have!

1 10oz bag coffee Beans sale $3.49-I am almost out!

1 Southern Home Toastee Tarts (Free WYB Poptart store Q) $1.25

Paid $16.36 on gift card received last week.

(20.02/$7.46Q)

I also qualify for TWO $10 rebates!!!

Lowes Foods. Let me say, I do not like them, I specifically don't like shopping at mine. The cashiers are not nice at all. They don't know the policies and feel if they give you the coupon print out they are off the hook! They are so coupon unfriendly it isn't funny! I digress-So from now on I am only going for free stuff-or it will have to be a SUPER good deal for me to pay even a nickel besides tax.

3 Cabot Butter ($.50Q I forced them to double) instasave price $.98

2 Welch's Grape Jam ($.75/1 IP+store Q $.50) $2

2 Mission Tortillas ($.75/1Q) sale $1.50

Total $.03! Because I insisted my $.50 cabot butter Q be doubled he took of the full $.50 making it pay for part of my tax. Needless to say, my cashier was NOT happy! WHATEVER!!! I told her it is because of their policies that I will ONLY get free items from them now.

I also got 100 green points for bringing in my 2 bags.

($21.35/$15.03Q)

I bought one extra paper yesterday ($2!)

We also treated ourselves to two iced coffee mixed drinks and used our gift cards to pay.

$9.58

Total YTD

Total OOP $1840.98

Total spent buying coupons $145.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $6016.88 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

CVS ECB $1.98

AE GC -$100

Bilo GC-$3.64

Dilworth-$2.51

total $138.87

Almost free peanut butter this week only!

2009-08-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Harris Teeter has some special 3 day only sales going on right now...Since I am alone today I figured I would go walk the store, though I really have only about $2 all in change I couldn't really buy much of anything. They have Skippy for $.97 (limit 2 or 3 depends on what region you are in), Welch's Jelly $.97 (same limit) and HT bread is $.47 with Evic (limit 1) plus some other stuff too-those are what stuck out to me.

2 Skippy Peanut butter ($.60/1Q) sale $.97

Total OOP $.02 (tax)
(5.78/$1.94Q)

I didn't go anywhere else...I only live 1.7 miles from the store so yes I made a trip for just the almost free peanut butter (cause the 5 jars I got that we might use 2 of wasn't enough!)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1840.95
Total spent buying coupons $143.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5968.45 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB $1.98
AE GC -$100
Bilo GC-$20
Dilworth-$16.89
total $138.87

SWEET!!! Perserverance pays off!

2009-08-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

Perseverance [pur-suh-veer-uhns] –noun : steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement

Earlier this week I thought about obtaining another line on our cell phone plan. I went on to the At&t site to look at our current plan and also looked up our bill since I was all signed in already. Well, one of the things I noticed was that it said that we were eligible for a 12% discount. This puzzled me since in 2004 we were signed up through our employers plan and we got a 20% discount at that time. I am POSITIVE of this because at that time we added a line for my husbands parents and the amount the 20% gave us it paid for that 3rd line ($11.99).

I called At&t and spoke with quite possibly the least knowledgeable employee employed by At&t. He told me that is showed I was entitled to a 12% discount. I asked when this had changed and he said he didn't know but my husband should have been notified through work. Looking at my page it said something on the top corner about BP Cooperation fan#XXXXX. I thought maybe this was a special link for BP employees so I didn't pay attention to it since BP means NOTHING to us other than we occasionally buy gasoline from there. At this time I did find out that if I wanted to get another line, we would have to change plans (ours is outdated) to less minutes for the same amount of money. I also inquired as to whether we have a contract, and no we don't.

I tell my husband when he goes to work to check out the discounts for ALL cellphone carriers through his work. He sends me back an email they get a 15% through At&T and 20% through Verizon....I do what it says for the At&t and suddenly I notice it says my husbands employer on the top of the screen where it said BP before. I call At&t and inquire what is going on. This next heavy accent person tells me that I only qualify for the 12% discount and pretty much lets me know there was nothing he could do. I end up getting off the phone more confused than when I called plus angry. I called my husband and told him what was going on and basically he tells me that he is glad I am taking care of it because he doesn't want too.

I go and take a walk then shower and think about everything. We are on the right discount now, but for me that isn't good enough. What about this other 8% for the past who knows how long? When I call I ask how long this has been going on for and they tell me they can only go back 3 months which I don't understand, I can go back 14 months on line-all of which have different numbers as credit adjustments. They raise how much they charge us for stupid things for instance right now I pay $1.20 per line for who knows what (this is not taxes that is a separate category) and 1 year ago we were paying $.53 per line. And the main line always has a negative number on it, I assume because that is where the discount is shown. It really is confusing when you don't have a paper bill and there is no breakdown of what these little charges are (they are not for phone calls we have the bare necessities plan).

I decide I am going to call one more time and see if I get someone else and I am going to ask a specific question and hope I have someone with half a brain. I make the call and I get Casey (a female this time, I feel better already) and specifically say "I would like to know when I was changed from Employer X to BP." Then told her everything that had happened to this point. She is very helpful. Proceeds to tell me I was getting NO discount and I ask her questions and she tries to help. She knows her limitations and tells me that there is nothing more she can do to figure out when this was all changed BUT she will fill out some paperwork to have it investigated and to expect a call in a week.

Today I notice I have a voicemail on my phone. I listen to it and it says that they investigated and have fixed the problem and have credited my account. I log into my account and sure enough there is a $120 CREDIT!!! I was so excited, that pays our phone bill for 1.3 months and we are now getting the 20% we should have been getting all along!

So long story short, it took 3 phone calls to get someone to actually help me but perseverance pays off!

Making my money grow!

2009-08-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, so BiLo has this current promotion going on where if you buy $50 worth of Gift Cards (not including BiLo) you get a $8 OYNO Cat or for $100 you get a $20 OYNO cat. I have been racking my brain to try and figure out how to do this without actually spending any extra grocery money since we are trying to live WITHIN OUR MEANS.

As I said earlier this week I got ALL of my grocery money for the month last weekend (which then my husband decided he would take $30 of it making it $245) and I knew the hardest thing for me will be keeping the $100 for the second part of the month like I am used too....So this morning it dawned on me after reading some other peoples posts on Hotcouponworld.com that I should spend the $100 I have in grocery money for the second month on an American Express gift card. The cost of that card is $5.95 in addition to the amount you decide to buy. So I had $18+ left of my grocery money and I decided to go ahead and do that. Stupidly when I tried to buy the GC through uscan I was told I couldn't so I knew I Had enough CASH to buy the other stuff I had so I did. However, now I have no cash left, just a $100 American Express GC and a $20 GC for BiLo. I mean I have some pocket change but that is it. OH WELL! Guess I am forced to either shop at BiLo or make due without.

My first transaction at BiLo

9 Kelloggs Pop Tarts (1-$.55/1+8-$1/2Q) sale bogo $2.39/2
1 Southern Home Toastee Tarts (FREE wyb 1 Pop tart store IP)
6 Lays chips ($2/2Q) reg 3/$1 -my kid ate 3 bags on the way home!
5 Lance crackers ($.55/1 peelies) bogo $2.89/2
1 Luzianne Tea ($.60/1) sale bogo $1.99/2
1 Eggo ($1/1 peelie) sale bogo $2.50/2
1 SH Waffle (Free wyb 1 Eggo IP)
$.10 bag credit

Paid $8.65 (cashier put in wrong price for waffles, they owe me $.65!)
($37.95/$17.38Q)

Received a $10 certificate to mail in for Kelloggs (b8g$10MIR) and also since I bought 10 I can file for a $10 MIR too.

Second transaction was $100 American Express Gift card

Paid $105.95
Received $20 OYNO catalina

Third Transaction

$20 BiLo gift card
Paid with $20 OYNO Cat

$00 oop!
($20Q)

So lets see...I spent $8.65 and will get back $20 in Mail in Rebates I also spent $105.95, have $100 to spend anywhere and also received in essence a $20 Gift card from BiLo! So I will end up with a Net $25.40 in my pocket!

Went to Food Lion next. I had heard they have Capri Sun on sale for $2. Not that I have a whole lot of money left. Of course I had forgotten to print out those flips-so I got HiC instead. Got some other stuff too. I had my son with me so we each did an order.

5 Glade Candle Holders ($2 Q) sale $2
2 Healthy Accent hand sanitizer ($1 HA flip) sale $1.29
1 dz Eggs ($1 GS flip) sale $1.29
1 Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup ($1 GS flip) sale $1
2 Home 360 Tissues ($1/1 360 item) sale $.95
1 HiC ($1/1 HiC flip) sale $2

Paid $2.76
($19.99/$17Q)

SO I guess I actually came home with more money than when I left-I spent $117.36 and came home with $120 in gift cards and all the stuff in the pictures. Plus the TWO $10 MIRs (that are going in the mail tomorrow).

Total YTD
Total OOP $1840.93
Total spent buying coupons $143.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5968.45 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo GC $20
American Express $100
CVS ECB -$1.98
Dilworth Coffee $16.89
total $18.87

BiLo and Harris Teeter Fuel for School and more!

2009-08-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

First stop was BiLo I had the deal all worked in my head. I am glad it worked out at the register too! I did 2 orders-

#1
5 Peter Pan Peanut butter (2-$.50/1+1-$.50/2Q+$1/1 Q) sale bogo $2.70
2 Chef Boy Ravoli ($1/1 IP) sale $$.88
6 Lays Chips ($2/2Q) reg 3/$1
Total OOP 2.67
($15.49/$8Q)
Received $5 OYNO cat from the Peanut butter and Ravoli purchases

#2
2 Keebler ($1/2IP) sale $2
4 Kelloggs cereals ($1.50/2 IP) sale bogo $3.85/2
2 Fruit loops ($1/2Q) sale $3.56/2
2 Frosted Flakes ($1/2) sale $3.98/2
6 Lays chips ($2/2) reg 3/$1
12 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2Q) sale $.50
2 Ocean Spray ($2/1 WYB 2 Mini Wheats) $2.50/1
1 Gallon Milk ($2/1 WYB 2 Keebler) $2.69
4 Pizza Rolls ($.55/2IP) sale $1/1
Used $5 catalina from transaction #1

Total OOP $14.54
($51.40/$25Q)
The beauty is I can get 2 rebates out of this last transaction, each for $10!

Went next door to Harris Teeter. Not sure what my rush was but why not, I was out!

4 Keebler cookies ($1/2Q) sale bogo $3.69/2
4 Rice Krispie Treats ($1/2Q) sale $2.29
2 Cheez Its ($.75/1 IP) sale $3.49
2 Sprite ($2/2 WYB 2 Cheez its) $1.50
2 Gallons Milk ($2/1 WYB 2 Keebler cookies) $2.69
2 Loaves HT bread ($2/1 Store brand bread WYB 2 Rice Krispie Treats) $.97
1 Loaf HT bread ($2/1 Store brand bread WYB 2 Rice Krispie Treats) $1.57

Total OOP 19.14
($29.16/$17Q)
I did NOT get my $10 catalina, I can call to have them send it to me. I did qualify for the other Kelloggs rebate$10....

Total YTD
Total OOP $1723.57
Total spent buying coupons $143.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5914.06 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$1.98
Dilworth Coffee $16.89
total $18.87

Kelloggs what are you doing to me!

2009-08-04T05:11:00.001-07:00

It has come to my attention that Kelloggs is really hurting for business! I mean what else can it be? Why would they run these CURRENT promos?

Buy 8 participating Kelloggs, Keebler, Sunshine, Eggo get a form for a $10 debit card running at TWO different stores-BiLo and Harris Teeter

FOUR yes FOUR different rebates for $10 when you buy 10 different Kelloggs, Keebler, Sunshine, Eggo products. (Kmart flyer, Sunday Paper Kelloggs Insert, Fuel For School Magazine on display in stores and an On line form). You can do ONE of each rebate form per address.

Free DVD tokens on specially marked Keebler products

Free Star Trek Stuff wyb specially marked Kelloggs cereals, Eggos and Pop Tarts

Coupons in the Fuel For School Booklets for things like $2 off produce wyb 2 Eggos or Keebler sandwich crackers, $2 off bread wyb 2 Rice Krispie Treats or Kelloggs Fruit Snacks,

Coupons from this last weeks paper....

And the great thing is the Promos at BiLo and Harris Teeter can been done endlessly (I sent in 11 last time)-plus since they do not require the original register receipt, if you buy 10 items you can also do one of the FOUR Mail in rebates that do require the receipt and UPC. ALSO if you get any of the items that have the special tokens on them you can get can get those items for free too, like the DVD or Star Trek Flash Drive, Tshirt or Free Movie Tickets.

I need to get my head together!

Food Lion and CVS

2009-08-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Had to take my child to drivers education for the driving portion.
Swung by Food Lion first-There are still some good Flips available to print.

2 Food Lion hamburger buns ($1/2 Hamburger/hotdog bun flips) $.99
1 Home 360 baby wipes ($1.50/1 Wipes Flip) $1.62
1 Healthy Accents Floss ($1/1 HA flip) reg $1.39
1 Home 360 Tissues ($1/1 360 Flip) sale $.95
2 Kelloggs Apple Jacks ($1/1 Kelloggs Flip+$1/2 Kelloggs Q) sale $1.99
1 Magic Stars Cereal ($1/1 FL cereal Flip) sale $1.89
1 Gallon Milk ($1/1 GS Flip) reg $2.89
2 Muir Glen Tomato Paste ($1/1 IPs) reg $1.17
1 FL brand Oatmeal ($1/1 FL oatmeal flip) reg $1.69
Paid $7.55 oop
($16.45/$9.50Q)

Next door is CVS figured I would get some more cheap school supplies.

Each item was $.99 and each item earned me $.99 ECB for each. I did 3 seperate transactions because I had $1.98 in ECBs to work with. I still have $1.98 left in ecbs after all is said and done.

Paid $.33 OOP (which is sales tax)
($4.95Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1687.22
Total spent buying coupons $143.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5864.06(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$1.98
Dilworth Coffee $16.89
total $18.87

Harris Teeter and the Farmers Market

2009-08-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

We sold a TV today that we had listed on Craigs list TWICE in the past 3 months (I listed it near Memorial day the first time). I had given up and was sick to death of looking at it. I had sent my husband an email earlier this week telling him he MUST get rid of the thing. If I didn't say this then it would have sat in the "Pantry Overflow Room" until it was out worth nothing! Just as he started looking for a buyer at a Pawn shop I had gotten an email from someone that had emailed me before saying he wanted to look at it. As it turns out he only lived a few miles away. So he came this morning, looked and bought it! My husband gave me the money and said this is your grocery money for the month. SO $275 for the month, which is a little more than what I have been averaging a month anyway.

We went to the Farmers Market since my tomato crop has been less than stellar this season. Not that I haven't gotten many tomatoes, I have gotten quite a bit, but I didn't know how many I would get from 40 plants and since I planted 3 different varities that ripened at different times I haven't been able to make a HUGE pot of sauce like I had hoped. So we went to the farmers market hoping to get some tomatoes. Well we hit it well I do think!

We went a little later. I checked out all the vendors and it looked like the tomatoes were $1-$1.25lb. The deal was if we bought all that he had it would be $10...Then he threw in the onions.
18lbs tomatoes
6 small onions
Total OOp $10

Next to HT to get garlic to make spagetti sauce with. They have a Evic right now if you spend $50 you get $10 off and my cashier said this was BEFORE coupons. However while walking around I found a $20 rebate wyb $50 worth of groceries-so I made sure to get just over $50 worth of groceries. What better way to get items that I normally don't get a lot of coupons for? I also tried to use rainchecks since there wasn't a lot on sale that I wanted.

12 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2Q) raincheck $.50
1 3#bag onions reg $1.97
4 bulbs garlic $.50 each
1 6" sub of the day $2.99
1 12" sub (not of the day)$4.99
4 Hillshire farms tub lunch meats ($.55/1 peelies) sale $3.50
2 Rosemont Wine reg $7.99
1 Electrasol ($2.50/1Q) sale $5.19/2
2 Bananas ($1 wyb $4) reg $.64lb
2 Gold Medal Bread Flour raincheck $.99
1 Gold Medal flour $.99
6.59lb Hamburger meat sale $1.99lb
3.3 lbs chicken breast sale bogo $2.50/1

Used $10 evic
Paid oop $54.35
($45.08/$12.70Q)
So to recap $16 was for wine, $8.25 for chicken and $13.11 for meat, $8 for subs-I will get a $20 rebate.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1679.34
Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5849.61(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$1.98
Dilworth Coffee $16.89
total $18.87

BiLo 7/30

2009-08-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

Quick trip to BiLo (no picture)

20 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2) sale $.50
2 Totonio Pizza Rolls ($.40/2Q) sale $.99
1 Southern Home yogurt ($2 store Q) reg $2.39
3 Soy Sauce ($.55/1 peelies) sale $1.56
2 Mentos Gum ($.55/1Q) sale $.99

Total OOP $5.23
($23.96/$16.08Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1614.99
Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5836.91 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$1.98
Dilworth Coffee $16.89
total $18.87

Last day of Harris Teeter Super Doubles, Food Lion and CVS

2009-07-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

First trip was CVS.
2 Composition note books sale $.99 each-Free after ECB
1 carmel

total $2.46
Paid with $2 ecb
$.46 OOP and received $1.98 in ECB

Next door was Food Lion. I am frustrated with the fact that a few days ago there were sales signs in the Healthy Accents soap for $.99 and now they are not on sale. Of course I have 2 kids with me to do seperate orders and I can't figure this out until AFTER everyone pays $.62 for each one! I don't pay for soap! I am not sure if I will return it or not. BUT The sale sign said it was on sale until 7/28-it is so wrong when stores do this!

3 Healthy Accents soap ($1 HA flip) reg $1.64
3 Smart Taste Pasta ($1/1+$1 GS Flip) sale $1.39
1 FL apple Juice ($1 GS flip) reg $1.25
1 Muellers Jumbo Shells ($1 gs flip) reg $1.95
4 Bags of chips ($2/2 Q) reg $.99
2 Lays chips reg $.33

Paid $4.33
($17.20$13.00Q)

Went to Harris Teeter and did 2 seperate transactions for rebate reasons.

2 24 packs Deer Park Water ($1 peelies on the packages) sale BOGO $7.49

2 Sorrento Ricotta cheese ($1 WT) reg $2.99

14 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2) sale $.50

1 Wholly Salsa ($1/1Q) sale $1.50

2 Cheez Its ($1/2Q) sale BOGO $4.39/2

Total OOP $11.69

($32.67/$15.10Q)

Rebate for the water $5

Rebate for the crackers, cheese, salsa $10

Went back to HT because I had forgotten the coupons from this past weekends paper-I also got rainchecks for the things they were out of to use for the next super doubles.

2 Candy Bars ($1/2Q) reg $.95

20 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2Q) sale $.50

2 Muir Glen Tomatoes ($1 IPS) reg $2.19

1 DanActive smoothies ($1/1Q) sale $1.99

1 DanCrush yogurt ($1/1Q) sale $1.99

1 Activa Yogurts ($1/1Q) sale $1.99

Paid $2.69 oop

($26.49/$19.87Q)

Total YTD

Total OOP $1609.76

Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $5820.83(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

CVS ECB -$1.98

Dilworth Coffee $16.89

total $18.87

Camping 7/24-7/26 Always have a backup plan

2009-07-26T16:21:00.001-07:00

Kinda spur of the moment we decided to go camping. As in it was mentioned on Wednesday evening decided on Thursday and we left Friday at 4:30.
When we go camping I will not go less than 2 days. It is just a waste of time setting all the stuff up to have to break it down the next day. I also wanted to try out a new public campground (which is how we like to camp). I wanted to go to a place called Carolina Hemlocks Recreation area, that is owned by the US National Forestry. It said it was on the South Toe River and had tubing and the pictures looked like it was a fun place to hang.
It had been decided we would go ahead and take 2 vehicles, the van and the truck to hold the wood. I would have like to have left earlier but we didn't leave until 4:30, then we had to stop and get gas, coffee drinks and stop to use the bathroom. We got to Carolina Hemlocks at about 6:30 only to find that it was FULL. So we decided to go to Black Mountain-they were full too! I remember there being some camping spots on the way out to the Blue Ridge Parkway leaving Black Mountain-they were all full too! We got to the BRP and decided we would head to a place we had been to before, Curtis Creek Campground. This is a more primitive campsites with pit toilets that when we were there last time (2 yrs ago) they smelled REALLY bad. We were left with no choice. Even on the way into this campground most of the free campsites were already full. We got to the campground and we looked at some campsites towards the back that were empty, but this family said they were almost done and we can use their spot. We were desperate. We hadn't eaten dinner yet, it was almost 8:30 at this point and the light was going away quickly. We took that spot and quickly tried to set up with the little light we still had. I made us dinner (hamburgers) and husband got the fire going. We ate dinner at 9:30 and sat by the fire. The pit toilet I used did not smell at all! I was surprised. There was no running water in the bathroom and the campground host was no where to be found while we were there. They have 2 water pumps that we found-glad we have a 5 gallon collapsible jug. Here is some of our camping equipment.

This campground is very nice, it is right next to Curtis Creek and every spot can hear the creek. This campground is mostly tent spots though there are a few back in sites for RVs and Trailers-but absolutely no hook ups of any kind. While we were there there was on RV and 1 travel Trailer, 1 Camping van and one Pop Up-the rest were tent peoples like ourselves.

We didn't do a whole lot while there. I had forgotten/ran out of a few things (butter, salt/pepper) and we needed more Ice since most of mine melted because I had to ice warm items (like the powerade and soda) so we ran into town. They had 2 grocery stores that were ones I had never seen before (and I notice grocery stores)-Old Fort is very small and quaint. We also went to Andrew Geyser. Since I had purchased tubes to go into the river at Carolina Hemlocks my son was determined to go tubing and he made his own little course.

All in all we had fun. We spend a lot of time doing nothing but atleast at this campground we didn't end up far from the interstate and store that we needed to go to. It was a little bit warmer during the day since we ended up at a lower elevation (1900ft instead of 2800ft) and yes it makes a difference-but it was still cooler than here. We will most definately go again to this campground especially since it is only $5 a night!

7/24/2009 Harris Teeter, BiLo and Food Lion

2009-07-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

We were going out of town later in the day so I had to do these orders in the morning. I needed a few other things one town over so I decided to just get it all done in one trip.

First stop was BiLo. I went there because last week I saw that the powerade was $.75 each and the sale signs said it ended Sept 2nd. At that time I purposely didn't use all my powerade coupons. I knew they expired 7/31 so I was going to wait. Well, I went back and they had gone up to $1! I was really angry and went to see if maybe this was some sort of error. I went to look in the monthly flyer and what do I find? A coupon for buy 10 get 5 FREE! So I figured I would go ahead and use that along with 5 coupons for the 10 I was buying. Lucky for me the kid working the register decided he would take off $1.39 for each free powerade! So it ended up working out in my favor anyway-not free but still pretty good. I didn't beat myself up too hard because I had missed that coupon when I bought the 20 the weekend before-I stillgot those 20 for free (well I have to pay sales tax).

3 18 pks of Coke Products ($1 peelies) sale $2.97
45 Powerade ($.75/2Q+b10g5F Q) sale $1-not all pictured

Total oop was $6.36-which was mostly tax.
($84.70/$53.74Q)

I had my youngest son with me and we went to a Food Lion with Self Check out. SO we did a total of 4 orders.

1 Deli Popcorn ($1 GS FLIP) sale $1
4 Foil ($1 360 FLip) sale $.99
4 HA Hand soap ($1 Flip) Sale $.99
2 FL Peanut Butter Crackers ($1 GS flip) sale $1.79
2 FL Buns ($1/2 FL Hotdog/hamburger buns flip) reg $.99
Total OOP $4.12
($17.61/$12.00Q)

Last stop was Harris Teeter. Day 3 of super doubles (double coupons up to $1.98)! I didn't even bother with 20 coupons. I honestly was in a hurry and didn't want to spend too long doing it. I still have more days left anyway. I need to get 2 more cases of water too.

2 Cheez Its ($1/2Q) sale BOGO $4.39/2
1 Sorrento Ricotta ($1Q) reg $2.99
10 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2Q) sale $.50
2 Sorrento Cheese Sticks ($1peelies) reg $2.69
1 Playtex Gloves ($1Q) sale $1.99
1 Butoni Fresh Pasta ($1Q) sale $2.29
2 Turkey Hill Iced Tea ($1/2) sale $1.25
2 Smart Water ($1/2) sale $1
2 Deer Park Water 24 pk ($1 peelies) sale BOGO $7.49/2-not pictured
1 Butterball Deep Fried Turkey ($1/1Q) reg $3.99

Total OOP 13.65
($43.73/$24.99Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1590.57
Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5770.86(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$2
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total 20.35

Food Lion Flips

2009-07-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

I have been asked what Flip stands for and where I get them.

Flip stands for

Food

Lion

Interenet

Printable

If you sign up at Food Lion for their email alerts https://secure2.mywebgrocer.com/UMA/RegisterSignIn.aspx?msg=regNew&__utma=1.1830701591132378300.1248308109.1248308109.1248314760.2&__utmb=111076882&__utmc=111076882&__utmx=-&__utmv=-&__utmk=177124645&cc=1&s=53715236&g=3f08fb47-1406-4948-add1-55702643fccc&uc=7B35461
They will send you ONE set of flips in the mail.
IF you go to some place like Hot Coupon World and go here
http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/food-lion/257841-all-one-flip-thread.html
This link will show you all the flips that are available to print. There are different ones for the same week. I am not sure how they decide who gets which ones they say it is buying habits but I don't think that is it. Most of what I buy at Food Lion is flip stuff only, I think it might be more regional.

Went to Food Lion again

2009-07-23T13:22:00.001-07:00

I went to Food Lion when I went to pick up my kid from drivers ed (yeah last day!) I had 3 kids with me so I had them each do an order.
4 Foil (360 flip) sale $.99
1 FL Ice cream sandwiches (GS flip) sale $1.99
4 Healthy Accents Hand soap (HA flip) sale $.99
3 Smart Taste Pasta (GS flip+3-$1/1 MQ) sale $1.39
1 Captain Crunch (GS flip) sale $2
1 Muellers Jumbo Shells (GS Flip) reg $1.89

Total OOP $3.38
($21.17/$15Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1566.44
Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5680.13 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$2
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Total $20.35

Day #2 HT Super Doubles and Food Lion New FLIPS

2009-07-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

2 Dawn ($1.50/1Q) reg $2.99
6 bags Tyson Chicken nuggets/tenders ($1/1Q) r/c $4
2 Marble Mix In ($1/1Q) R/c bogo 3.49
3 Playtex gloves ($1/1Q) sale $1.99
8 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2Q) sale $.50
2 Skintmate Shave Gels ($1.50/2Q) reg $1.50
1 Mission Tortilla chips ($1/1Q)sale BOGO $4.99
1 Pace Picante ($1/1Q) reg $2.69

Total oop $14.97
total saved $65.59/$37.15 Q

Trip to Food Lion across the street. There are new flips out. AND they have reissued the guiding stars Flip too! That with the buy 6 gallons of milk get one free makes a really good flip. SUPER cheap peaches also they are $.88 lb buy 2.51lbs and use the $2/$5 off produce flip. The hardest part is getting just over 2.5lbs. ALso the Soap is free with the $1/1 Healthy Accents flip so I will be stocking up on that this week.

1 Hand Soap ($1/1flip) sale $.99
2.5lbs Peaches ($2/$5 flip) sale $.88
2 Lemons ($1/1 GS flip) $.69 each
1 Home 360 Foil ($1/1 flip) sale $.99

Total OOP $.65
($8.61/$5Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1563.06
Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5665.13 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$2
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Total $20.35

Day #1 HT Super Doubles

2009-07-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

I don't feel as though I did that great. But my kids are happy I got the Cheez Its. Luckily they qualify for the $10 Fuel For School Rebate along with the Eggos-I feel as though I spent too much money though.

6 Cheez Its ($1/2Q) sale BoGo $4.39/2
1 Nigara Spray Starch ($.25/1Q) sale $1.29
2 Philly Cream Cheese ($1/2) sale $1.50
9 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2) sale $.50
1 Sorento Ricotta cheese ($1WT) reg $2.99
1 Borden Cheese ($1.00/1) sale $1.50
4 Eggo ($1 peelie) reg $2.69
2 A+W 2lrs ($1/2 peelie) sale $.99
1 Hefty bags ($1/1) sale bogo $4.39/2
1 Rubbermaid Bottle ($1/1) reg $2.59
1 Rubbermaid Lock top ($1/1) sale $2.44

Total OOP $17.33
($52.84/$22.54Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1547.44
Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5622.98 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$2
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Total $20.35

Last day of $.99 cherries at Food Lion

2009-07-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Totally loving these flips. I am so glad my friend Janet turned me on to this deal. I would have not known had she not told me!

I did a total of 9 transactions at Food Lion today-and still might go back later today. THe first picture is from my run this morning when I had to drop my kid at drivers ed, I took my younger one with me and he did a transaction (the one with the ice cream sandwiches).

The next picture-I took 3 kids to one FL and 4 to the other (I had to pick up the kid from drivers ed). I am just combining all transactions for blogging purposes.

2 Gallons Smart Option Milk ($1 GS flip) reg $2.69

9.65lbs Cherries ($2/$5 Produce Flip) sale $.99lb

9 DH cake Mixes ($1 DH flip) $1

4 Apple Juice ($1 GS flip) $1.25

1 FL spagetti ($1 gs flip) $.97

2 Ice cream sandwiches ($1 GS flip) sale $1.99

7 Home 360 Foil ($1 360 Flip) sale $.99

1 AH Baking soda reg $.69-I had to have this for baking

3 lbs FL Dark Brown Sugar -$1.09-I was completely out of dark

2 HA Hand Sanatizer ($1 HA Flip) reg $.93

1 Ruffles Chips reg $.33

1 dozen eggs ($1 GS Flip) reg $1.39 -not pictured

Total OOP $3.71

($87.00/$45Q)

Total YTD

Total OOP $1530.11

Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $5600.74 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

CVS ECB -$2

Dilworth Coffee $18.35

Total $20.35

2009-07-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am having lots of fun with these most recent flips. Some of them are good until August 25th! I am trying to make sure I am getting the stuff on sale that is free (360 foil wrap) before I get other things I can use that are regularily under $1 (muffin cups). I did 8 transactions today total. I took my son with me to 3 stores so I could do 2 transactoins each and I hit 2 other stores on my way to pick my kid up from Drivers Ed.

8 Home 360 Foil Wrap ($1 flip) sale $.99
8 Duncan Hines Cake Mix ($1 Flip) reg $1
3 FL Tater Chips ($1 flip) sale $2
2 Gallon Smart Option Milk ($1 guiding starts flip) $2.69-not pictured
2 Starbucks Ice Cream ($2 Q) sale $2.50 -not pictured
1 lemon (produce flip $2/$5) $.69
9.81lbs cherries ($2/$5 produce flip) sale $.99lb
2 FL apple Juice ($1 Guiding stars flip) reg $1.25
1 FL Navy Beans ($1 guiding stars flip) reg $1.09
3 Healthy Accents Hand Santizer ($1 flip) reg $.93
2 lbs FL Spagetti ($1 guiding stars flip) sale $.89
4 small bags Cheetos reg $.33-2 got eaten

Total OOp $5.71
($97.82/$50.33Q)

My next trip was BiLo-well actually it wsa TWO CVS and neither one of them had the binders that are free after ECB like they advertise! What angers me is they don't carry them and WON'T carry them! That is wrong to advertise something they don't even carry! Kinda reminds me of a bait and switch!

Anywho, BiLo

2 Delmonte Fruit naturals Cherry Medley ($1/2Q) sale $1
2 Delmonte Fruit natural Pineapple chunks ($1/2Q) sale $1
48 (4 boxes of 12 each) Delmonte Fruit Naturals ($1/2Q) sale $1
20 Powerade ($.75/2Q) sale $.75

Paid $27.58
($100.08/$41.00Q)

I also acquired some coupons off ebay last week for $25.69.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1526.40
Total spent buying coupons $141.13(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)Total saved $5555.74 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$2
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $20.35

What am I doing with all these cake mixes?

2009-07-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what my problem is lately but I have wanted to bake and cook. Everyday I make something. Though I guess I kinda took yesterday off, but not really.

Yesterday we had a community pool party to go to. I volunteered to make cupcakes. Of course that meant 3 different kinds of cupcakes. I have all of these Duncan Hines cake mixes I have been getting for free-though I had run out from the last time they were free (#2 likes confetti cupcakes/batter). I made 6 dozen cup cakes. 2 dozen chocolate, 2 dozen yellow and 2 dozen Banana cupcakes. Yes Banana-simple recipe…make up your cake mix like it says on the box. Take 3 overripe bananas and mash them with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix with the already made cake mix and bake as directed on the box. That is it plain and simple. I made the cupcakes the night before and frosted them all the next day. All of the cupcakes got eaten at the pool party too.

I love Allrecipes.com! Well, I love to look at recipes in general. I have about 200 cookbooks in my library some from the 1950’s, some my mom gave me, some I picked up at yardsales and some I just had to pay full price for at the store. Probably my favorite cook book is The Joy of Cooking though I have made a lot of the recipes in The Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook too. Both cookbooks are AWESOME general knowledge cookbooks. I personally like to know the why and those cookbooks go into detail, especially the Joy of Cooking. Now I just think about what I want and then go to Allrecipes.com and put in the ingredients and fine a recipe.

I entered box cake mix (I wonder why?) and up came a recipe I haven’t seen in years. The last time I made it was when we lived in NY and I moved when we were 16- so it is over 20 years ago. The original recipe was out of a magazine my mom found and wanted me to make (I was her baker). I read the reviews (on Allrecipes.com) and people mentioned they would like more filling and I will agree, it is a good filling so I doubled it. After having tried the squares, I could have lightened up on the lemon juice. Next time I will use just one lemon instead of two.

Lemon Bars (adapted from Allrecipes.com-taken from that magazine)
1- 18.25ozYellow Cake Mix (or 2 of the small Duncan Hines cake mixes)
1 lemon pudding mix (not a must, just adds lemon flavor)
OR
1- 18.25 oz Lemon Cake mix (I didn’t have lemon cake mix I used what I had on hand which is the above)
2 Lemons
1 Egg
½ oil
2 -8oz brick cream cheese
2/3 cup sugar

Set oven to 350 degrees-UNLESS you use glass or dark metal pans ALWAYS lower oven 25 degrees if you use those kinds of pans.
Foil and grease 9x13” pan (or don’t I like less mess)
Zest the 2 lemons, mix with cake mix and pudding mix if using. Add egg and oil and mix until crumbly. Reserve about 1 cup of mix and press the rest of the mixture into the bottom of the pan.

Bake for about 15 minutes BUT make sure you keep an eye on it, it will brown quickly.
Juice both lemons, put juice in bowl with sugar and cream cheese. Beat until smooth. Pour over baked crust. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over the top. Bake for additional 20 minutes, you want to catch it just when it starts to brown.

Cool completely and cut into squares. Serve with a tall glass of COLD milk.

School Supplies at CVS and Food Lion

2009-07-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

CVS has a 3 day sale on school supplies that are free after ECB. My son's school was nice enough to send home what they need for the 4th grade. And might I say that that is so helpful, rather than getting the list the day school starts and trying to get through the aisles at the drug store or Walmart (which I really hate going there). This way I have been able to buy the items as they go on sale at the store, these sales seem to have started last week. And last week I went to CVS on Tuesday and of course they were out of all the free after ECB items except one. So I got rainchecks. THis week I figured since I needed to use my flips at Food Lion I would go to the CVS next door and since it is the FIRST day they would have them. Well, they had 2 out of the 5 items! I got those 2 items and rainchecks for the other.

When I got to the store they had graham crackers in a cart at the front of the store for $.50 each! My kids absolutely love graham crackers soooo
4 Graham Crackers $.50 each
1 White Cheddar Popcorn $.50
2 Filler paper $2 each ($2.00 ecb earned)
2 Papermate pens $.99 each ($.99 ecb each)
For some reason they have started taxing items even if you pay with your ecbs.
paid with $1.49 ECB
Paid $3.49
have $2 ecb left
($5.47Q)

I then went next door to Food Lion. I still have some great Flips worth free stuff...PLUS the cherries are $.99 regular $4.99 which means if you buy 1.02lbs and use the $2/$5 produce flip, they pay you to take the cherries! However I didn't figure this out until my second trip, plus i needed the lemons and bananas which were not on sale. I did 2 transactions at 2 different stores-you can only use one like flip per transaction.

1 Duncan Hines cake mix ($1 duncan hines flip) reg $1
1lb Navy Beans ($1 Guiding stars flip) reg $1.09
1.31lbs Bananas $.59lb
.82lb Cherries sale $.99lb (they are so hard to weigh using their scales-CALIBRATE!)
2 Lemons ($1/$4 WT+$2/$5 Produce Flip) $.69 each

Paid $1.14 -which sent the manager and cashier into a tizzy because my order was so low. They were trying to figure out how I was cheating the system but didn't want to hold me up (and the lady with a 1.5 qt of ice cream behind me). Also at that store the register wouldn't allow me to use 2 of the flips that didn't meet minimum requirements. That is the first that has happend at this particular store-so I had them remove the items-had they not and it worked my total would have been $.20 lower!

Second Food Lion that I normally shop at-
1 25ft 360 Foil ($1 360 item) sale $.99
1 Gallon Milk ($1 Guiding stars Flip) reg $2.69
1 Food Lion Tater chips ($1 FL tater chips flip) sale $2
1 Duncan Hines cake Mix ($1 DH flip) $1
1 Lemon reg $.69
1.12 lbs cherries ($2/$5 produce flip) sale $.99 lb
1 Hand Sanitizer ( $1 Healthy Accents Flip) reg $.93

No hassle total of $2.55 and the YOUNG MALE cashier complimented me on how well I did.
(19.96/$11.01Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1493.11
Total spent buying coupons $115.44 (Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5464.41 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$4
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $28.35

A Boy With A Truck

2009-07-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a great way to make some extra money or make money in general.

Back story

My son had been trying to get a job for a few months. No one was calling him. He was looking for a job at the worst possible time with the economy the way it is there are a lot of people looking for jobs that have recently lost their jobs. I know where I live there are several houses that are either foreclosed or they are having problems paying their bills (my husband gets a list of those people late on their HOA dues). We decided a few months ago that we would not be paying for my son to attend college. Community College is pretty cheap (about $800 a semester+ books).

My husband came up with a plan for him to start advertising in our subdivision only to mow lawns. Then I came up with the idea that since he has a truck there is a lot of things he could do. This led to the name of his business "A Boy With A Truck" which describes what he can do. My son and I came up with a flier for him to put in peoples paper boxes. He listed on there the jobs he could do things like dog walking/sitting, clean litter boxes, lawn work with his core market being those going on vacation that would only need their lawn mowed once or twice while they are out of town or a person that needed stuff hauled to the dump since we have a small truck (which we don't know how we lived 20 years without one!). I also had him put on his flier that he is just trying to pay for his college (which he is). He put the fliers out the beginning of June and got a few calls. He missed out on a few jobs because we were going out of town for half a month. When we got back from our trip he put the fliers in the paper boxes again and expanded the area to include our entire subdivision. I am surprised how much work he has gotten. Just because he is willing to do jobs that people just don't want to be bothered with. He is not a handyman and does not claim to be, but doesn't mind getting his hands dirty. One job a woman wanted him to do was just trim her bushes- simple enough right? Well he did the job and she proceeded to tell him that she called TWO OTHER PEOPLE and neither one of them showed! Must be nice to pass up work! She ended up paying him $80 for 2 hours worth of work! Can you believe that?

A few days ago my husband was swimming with our kids at our community pool (for our subdivision only) and a neighbor said "I saw your sons truck at someones house, I might have him haul some stuff to the dump for me." Well it dawned on me that more important than business cards (that my husband has been harping on him to get) that advertising on his truck is more important. So I came up with this sign, plus a few others but this one is the one we went with.

How do you like his motto? I felt it was PERFECT! It doesn't mislead people that he is a handyman because he most definitely is not-he is only 18yrs old. I feel it is kinda catchy though and describes the fact he will do the work that others just don't like to do.

I am so proud of my son. I can remember a year ago being so frustrated. He showed no initiative to do ANY work what so ever. We used to have to say "When are you going to mow Pat's yard?" or "Did you check Bryce's yard lately?"-he lives 1/2 mile away now. He works about 30 hours if not more a week. He mows on average 5-6 lawns a week, 4 of them are regulars now (one of which he found on Craig's list and is not in our subdivision). He is a regular HOLE DIGGER for one of our neighbors who according to her husband she just like for him to dig holes to experiment where she wants flowers, bushes and shrubbery, he also takes care of her dogs while they are gone. He has taken large items to the dump for a few others and he helped one lady try and hang some shutters and mowed her yard too because her lawn mower is broken.

In addition to all this money he has made this summer (he gets $8-$10 an hour plus bonuses and about $25 to mow/trim/blow a lawn) when we went to register him for college we found out he got a $1200 scholarship/grant too! His first two semesters he gets $600 applied to each. We had no clue- they must be merit based since we make too much for him to qualify for financial aid. Which is good because I also decided my son has until October 2010 to get a truck/vehicle because that is when his brother will be getting that truck to drive to school.

My son wakes up at 7-8am depending on how much work he has to do and he goes and gets the work done. I don't need to harp on him anymore and he even told me a few days after we went on vacation that he wishes he didn't go because of all the money he could have made.

This is the perfect job for anyone having a problem getting a job. All you need is a lawn mower, trimmer and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

Bi Lo and Food Lions

2009-07-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I haven't posted much. I have been shopping mainly at Food Lion for the near free items and the cheap milk and eggs with the Guiding Stars Flip. I have been so busy this past week in particular and will probably be next week too. I haven't been hunting out the deals much and my friend is the one that alerted me to the Food Lion deal after it had been going on for a week. I have spent so much time this past week running kids to appointments (drivers Ed 4 days a week and Eye Dr and then glasses) and they seem to take longer than they should.

Here are some of the free and cheap items I have gotten over the past week, also another thing I have been buy a lot of is Milk. With the guiding star flip is $1 off making it $1.69 for a gallon of milk. And lately we have been drinking almost a gallon a day! I have been baking a lot too so that is why we are drinking a lot of milk lately (Sweets+Milk= YUM!)

Flips I have been using
$1.50/1 360 baby Wipes
$1/1 Guiding Stars Item -there is a lot of these items around the store basically they are anything this is good for you I have been getting Milk, Pasta and Eggs all things I use a lot of.
$1/1 Healthy Accent items (these are store brand HBA Items)
$1/1 360 Item (these are store brand non food items usually)
$1/1 Duncan Hines Cake Mix
$2/$5 Produce (Bing Cherries are on sale for $1.99lb-buy 1.02lbs and get them for FREE!)
$1/1 Food Lion chips they are on sale for $2
$1/1 FL cereal

There are more but those are the ones that I have been using.

Today we went to Food Lion. I had my 3 kids with me so I was able to do a few orders easily and went to 2 stores since my normal store is out of the cake mix, and hand sanitizer.

6 Tin Foil $.99 ($1/1 360 Item)
6 1lb Skettis $.97 ($1/1 Guiding Star item)
3 Hand Santizer $.93 ($1/1 Healthy Accents item)-I will send these to school with #3
3 Duncan Hines Cake Mixes $1 ($1/1 Duncan Hines cake mix)
3 Small bags of Lays chips (they ate 2)

All for $1.38 total!

Next was BiLo. I had wanted to go to BiLo yesterday but my son dumped out ALL of my coupons and HE had to put them back in the holder...that took him over 1 hour to do this and he also didn't get around to doing it until the after noon even though he did it in the morning at about 9am...I was NOT happy! It totall threw a wrench in my plans.

Anyway, they have a deal if you buy $25 worth of Kohls GC (or Home Depot, Olive Garden, Barnes N Noble, I Tunes) you get a $5 coupon for your next purchase. They also have the Del Monte Peaches on sale for $1 and there were recent coupons (2 weeks ago) for $1/2 and I prepared myself and acquired 80 of these coupons ...Yes 80!

Of course they have ONE Kohls card left! So I grab that card. I have a rebate form for $20 wyb $50 gift card, but now that I read it it has to be a gift card worth $50! So I qualify for the $10 wyb $25 (though I still might go and buy a $50 GC since I am not really out anything). I pay half on my credit card and half out of my grocery money.

I then head over to Produce to start collecting the Del Monte Peach Cups. I grab the 12 on the shelf and the produce manager gets me 2 more cases from the back. I also request he order me 5 more cases. I also find a coupon on the floor for a free small cup of Edy's Ice cream!

I go to check out and I am scanning away. I give the cashier some coupons that won't scan.
The STORE MANAGER walks up to me and asked if I tried to buy some gift cards. He said they showed up as not authorized so he wanted to call and make sure they work. HE takes them and sure enough the BiLo worked but the Kohls did not. So he took that one back and gave me my $25 back. So I get to keep the $5 coupon!

I purchased
8 Yoplait Smooties $.70 each ($.50/1 Store Q+$.40/2 MQ)
36 Delmonte Peaches $1 each ($1/2Q)
2 Suddenly Salad $1 Each ($.40/1 IP)
I used my $5 OYNO Q
I paid $15.86 I was extremely pleased with myself.

He said tomorow they should get in more of the Kohls GC, so I might have to make a run over ther to get them so they don't run out again. Funny thing is I am not even sure they know there is a promo going on and that is why they ran out.

I have not really been keeping track the rest of the month what I have been saving. I decided to give myself this month off, I really needed a break , I have just not been in the mood to do anything-PLUS my desk chair was broken making it difficult to sit her for long periods of time. The chair was replaced a few days ago so I have less of an excuse. I guess I just needed a good shopping day to get me back in the groove.

Anyway, I have decided my grocery budget is going to DECREASE from $250 to $200-and so far I am right on course. I only took out $100 the first half of the month and today I took out another $100. I am just going add $100 to the total and pick up from there. Also I will just start adding in the coupon amounts too and take the loss for my laziness in total saved.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1485.93
Total spent buying coupons $115.44 (Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5447.93 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$4
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $28.35

LAZY

2009-07-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

Yes I have been very lazy since I got back from vacation. I dont know what my problem is. I am just so tired and dont' feel like doing anything. I think part of the problem is my computer chair is broken and I can't sit her for very long because it is uncomfortable.

Anyways, since I haven't posted anything for a few days I will post what I found this morning.
I found 2 good rebates. One is from Kelloggs you can buy ANY kelloggs product (size restrictions apply) which include, Keebler, Eggo, Morningstar Farms, Austin and Sunshine too. http://www2.kelloggs.com/FamilyFocus/contentcta.aspx?id=1320
You have to register and they ask maybe 6 questions that you have to check a box to answer. This expires 9/30/09

I also found a Filtrete rebate for up to $19.99! That is a multipack of filters! You have to upload a picture of your dirty filtrete filter (which I do happen to use that kind) along with the reason you choose Filtrete brand air filters in 100 words or less-and they send you an email with the form you need to send in your UPC and register receipt. This is good from 2/26/2009-7/30/2009. I will go out and buy mine and take a picture of my old filter to send in. I don't think I have purchased any filters since last Fall.
http://www.filtretepromo.com/main/home.aspx

Where have I been?

2009-07-04T05:16:00.001-07:00

We have been gone for most of the past 3 weeks. My oldest son graduated from High School on June 13th

and June 14th we left to go to upstate NY. We got to Pulaski on June 15th and set up our tent and stayed at my parents site.

During our stay in Upstate NY-we went to a few places. I am from south of Pulaski (which is on Lake Ontario) from a small town called Pompey. We went to look at our old house that we moved out of over 20 years ago and went to the water falls that I totally didn't appreciate when we lived there. This is Pratts Falls, it is just over 100 ft tall, and was less than 2 miles from my house. I used to ride my bike up there to play in the creek (not near the falls).

Since we were in NY we decided to visit our best friends in CT-only 5.5 hours away. We had a great time with them and I got to go to a new grocery store (yes I have a problem) Stew Leonards. Prices were not as bad as I thought they would be, they were actually cheaper than HT and the regular meat prices were the same as some of HT's SALE prices. Lucky for me I try to only buy the sale items at HT.

On our way back we stopped by my husbands old stomping grounds, Catskill NY. They have this anniversary thing going on and have these most adorable cats decorated up and down the main street.

This one was my favorite.

I actually took about 30 pictues but I won't put them all on my blog. My family has a cat problem and I just thought they were so stinkin cute!

We got back from NY and were home for 3 days then left again for St Louis to visit my sister and go to the Pokemon NATIONALS. Yes, they still do Pokemon. Not my cup of tea (Ok, I make fun of my family that does do it) but since it was in St Louis and my sister lives there we made the trek.

The money for this vacation and all things that went with the vacation actually came from our vacation fund which was almost entirely funded by the rebates I do. We had over $800 in the bank from my rebates-which is good since we ate out on average 1+ times a day. Money was getting tight for the second leg of our trip so we took the camping grill and made burgers and mac n cheese at a rest stop for lunch and went out to dinner. On the way home we made PB+J and had dinner at our house (BLTs with my GARDEN FRESH TOMATOES+LETTUCE!).

BiLo, Walgreens, Lowes Foods Harris Teeter

2009-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

My first stop was BiLo. We were out of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and I needed soe other things that were on sale, plus there was stuff I don't need that will be donated of course.

9 Cinnamon Toast Crunch ($1/2, $.55/1IPs) sale bogo $3.49
2 Propel ($.50/1) reg $1
2 Del Monte Peaches ($1/2) sale $1
1 Heathly Choice ($.75/1) closeout $1.75
1 Ronzoni Bistro ($1/1) closeout $1.25
1lb Navy beans $1.69
1 Flipz ($.50/1) sale $1.50
2 Frappuchino ($.55/1) sale $4.99
4 Mt Olive Pickles ($.55/1 blinkies) sale bogo $2.19/2
1 Dentapiks ($.50/1) closeout $1.75
1 Weber Grillmate seasoning ($1/1) sale bogo $2.19/2
1 4c Parmesan Cheese ($.50/1 peelies) sale bogo $3.99/2
14 Easy Mac Taco Flavor ($.55/2) closeout $.44
1 5lb bag sugar ($.30/1) sale $1.69
1 Fippo Olive Oil ($2 ip) sale $5.49
Bag credit $.30

Total OOP $27.89
($76.85/$33.19Q)

Next door at Harris Teeter I purchased

1 Scrub Free ($.75/1 ip) sale bogo $1.99/2
1 Mark down Necterines $.57
1 Mark Down White Necterines $.1
2 Suddenly Salad ($.40/1ip) sale bogo $2.39/2

Paid $2.34
($6.09/$2.70Q)

Went to Lowes Foods

4 Worcheshire sauce ($.50/1 hangtags) sale $1
2 Frappuchinos ($.55/1) sale $4.99
3 Coles Bread ($.50/1 ip) sale $1
2 Kraft Salad Dressing ($1/1 ip) sale $1
2 Kraft BBQ ($1/1 ip) sale $1
2 Bagelfuls ($1/1 ip) sale $1.50

Paid $9.17
($30.49/$15.20Q)

Stopped at Harris Teeter (a different one)

Ground beef -$1.59lb (great price!)
3 Tuna ($.55/1 blinkies) raincheck price $1
1 Slice Coconut Cake ($1/1 WT+$1/1 Store Q) reg $2.49

Paid $4.79
($8.53/$5 q)

I also stopped at Walgreens to look for some tearpads they they were out of, I found an activity book to get for our trip.

Total OOP $1.06

I forgot to take a picture of the stuff I got the other day.
I went to my local HT because I needed milk. I went the first trip and forgot the milk (and yes bought nothing). Went back the second time and they had a whole bunch of marked down soaps and cat stuff, that wasn't there the first time.
6 2pk bars Olay+caress ($1Q)
2 Tidy Cat Litter ($1/1) markdown $5.74
2 Dial Pump soap ($.55/1 IP) markdown $1.14
1 Gallon Milk $2.69

Paid $18.93
($28.18/$18.20Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1370.07
Total spent buying coupons $115.44 (Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5417.88 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$4
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $28.35

BiLo

2009-06-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

8 Yoplait ($45/3, $.40/2) sale $.50
12 Candy bars (bogo Q) bogo sale (though they only took off HALF for my Q)
2 Philly Cream Cheese ($1/2) reg $1.09
2 Ragu ($.60/1) sale $.99
10 Propel ($.50/1 TP) reg $1

Total OOP $6.70
(27.37/$17.97Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1305.89
Total spent buying coupons $115.44 (Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5343.59(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$10
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $28.35

Lowes Foods

2009-06-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

I needed milk and Lowes Foods was the cheapest this week ($2.48 gallon). I had to get some work done on my van so I was out this way anyway. I was going to go by there anyway so it was worth the trip. When I got there I actually found a few things that were free after coupon.

1 Sunny D ($.55/1 Q) and store Q that made it $1
$.55/1 coupon for Sunny D Smoothie http://www.sunnyd.com/home_orig.shtml
4 Propel ($.50 tear pad) sale $.99
1 Gallon Milk marked down to $1.40
1 Daisy Sour Cream ($.50/1Q) store Q making it $1
8 Snickers (bogo blinkie) sale 2/$.88 (blinkies scans at $.89)
4 BagelFuls ($1/1 IP) store Q makes them $1.50
1 Kashi Go Lean waffles (free item Q) tag said sale $3

Paid $7.80 oop
($32.35/$18.22Q)

When the kid scanned my waffles coupon I told him it should be $3.00. But the screen said $3.48. I was pretty sure I saw $3 on the shelf. I paid, put my stuff in the van and went back in-went to the back of the store, found the tag (which was dated 6/03) and went back to the front. I told the KID that the tag says $3, 2/$6. So then he gives me $.48. I reminded him of his Scan Right policy. Then he tried to tell me the items were on closeout! I don't think so! So I got back $3.73

Total YTD
Total OOP $1299.19
Total spent buying coupons $115.44 (Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5325.62 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$10
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $28.35

BiLo, Walgreens, Lowes Foods and Harris Teeter

2009-06-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

I was in desperate need of chicken since I had none and grilling season started so I decided to just go ahead and buy a bunch since it is $1.88 lb.

21.54lbs Boneless, skinless, Chicken breast sale $1.88lb
8 mm/mars candy bars (bogoQ) bogo sale
Used up the rest of my gift card
Paid $17.94 in cash
($65.29/$1.60Q)

Walgreens was next door. I figured since they have changed the way they do thier rebates I will stop doing the rebates through them.

1 Kraft Marsh Mallows (free wyb candy and crackers)
1 Hershey bars
1 Nabisco Grahams (sale $1 wyb 1 marshmallow+1 candy bars)

Paid $2.24 in cash used the rest of my gc.
(4.49/$1Q)

Next Was Lowes Foods, I needed me some more free cereal!

4 Kelloggs Cereals ($1 ip each, buy 4 get $4 off, $.71 store Q) sale $2.50
16 Mm+Mars candy bars (bogoQ) bogo sale
3 Hot sauce ($.75/1Q) sale $1
$1 Honey Maid graham ($1 ip) sale $2.99
Used $1 cat

Paid $1.76 in cash
(37.58/$15.08)

Went to Harris Teeter, might as well take advantage of some Q.
I purchased some items for when we go on our trip in a few weeks.

4 Keebler ($.55/2Q) sale bogo $3.39/2
1 hamburger buns ($1 wt)
2 Snyders Corn chips ($.75/1) sale $2.69
1 Chi Chi nacho Cheese ($.55Q) sale $2.69
2 Manwich sauce ($.40/2) reg $.97
4 Flipz ($.50/1) reg $2.09
4 Propel ($.50/1) sale $1.25
2 Snyders peanut butter pretzels ($.75/1) sale $2.69
3 Glass Plus ($.50/1) sale bogo $2.89/2
.50 Sandwich steaks ($2 off wyb 2 nachos) sale $1.70
1 Sun chips 100 calorie ($.55/1Q) sale $2

Paid 11.37
(49.40/$35.98Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1295.12
Total spent buying coupons $115.44 (Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5307.40 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
CVS ECB -$10
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $28.35

BiLo, CVS and Lowes Foods

2009-05-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

First stop was BiLo, I figured I would need milk so why not buy it where I had money to spend? I also returned my tater salad (YUCK!!!) and got back $3.78

1 Gallon Milk reg $2.79
2 chicken sale $1.88 lb=$5.24
6 candy bars (bogo Q) bogo sale-makes them free!

Paid $8.15 on GC
($12.80/$2.55)

Next stop was CVS in front of BiLo. I had to return those horrible waterwings, they were HUGE! So I got back $4.80 onto a gift card

3 Transactions
#1
Speed Stick Sale $3.99
Paid with $4 ecb-earned $3.99 ecb
#2
Speed Stick Sale $3.99
Paid with $3.99 ecb, received $3.99 ecb
#3
1 Neutr0gena face $10.99 ($2wt)
1 Neutrogena spray $9.49 ($2 WT)
used $3.99 ecb

Paid $6.29 on gift card
Paid $7.40 OOP (the nice thing about this is I will get a $10 rebate for sunblock)
($22.68Q)

I actually went to 2 other stores, Kohls to return some pants that the buttons just RIPPED off. They have a no hassle returns policy so I got $30 on a gift card for later use. Also went to Petco because I had a $10 off $50 order plus some coupons that would run out in 2 days so I figured I had better use them. I got 1- 12lb bag of Science Diet Naturals, 1-3lb bag of SD naturals and 2 cans of SD food for $30.51. I was buying the catfood at the grocery store but one of the new kittens we got seems to be sensitive to it, and I found that the Naturals seems to work so I am buying it there but NOT using grocery money anymore to buy it.

Last stop was Lowes Foods. I decided I would give them another try. I KNOW I could get overage on the cereal and free candy bars so I tried again...this time it WORKED!!! We did 2 orders since my son was with me.

4 Coles Bread ($.50 ip) raincheck bogo $1.95/2
18 candy bars (bogo Q) bogo sale
6 2ltrs Pepsi (b2g1 freeQ) sale $1.25
3 Budwieser bbq sauce ($1/1Q) sale $2
1 eggos ($.75/1) sale $1.66
8 Kelloggs cereals (8 $1/1 ips, 8 $.71 store Q, 2 buy 4 get $4 off+1 $1/1 instanta save) sale $2.50
2 Jet Puff Marsh mallows sale $.99
10 Hot Sauce ($.75/1) sale $.99
1 Beef Chunks $2.89
1 Beef Steaks $2.42

Paid $5.73 in cash, received $3 OYNO cats from the BBQ sauce (because I certainly didn't need more bbq sauce!)
($94.09/$49.14Q)

Total YTD

Total OOP $1261.81

Total spent buying coupons $115.44 (Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $5225.49 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

BiLo GC $24.17

Wags GC $4.11

CVS-$1.50

CVS ECB -$3

Dilworth Coffee $18.35

total $63.12

Harris Teeter Triples

2009-05-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

I would say day #1 but honestly I won't be going everyday. Not many items that are free, and I really am just shopped out. The only reason I went today is I needed some milk, and even then, I did get to the store until 11am (usually I am there at 7:35) and I only did one trip, not even using 20 coupons! I should probably be saving my grocery money anyway since we are traveling up to NY in June then to St Louis after that.

4 Cube Steak (2 $3 off meat catalinas) sale bogo
4 Matahama Rice ($.75/2Q) reg $.89
3 Uncle Bens rice ($.75/1Q) sale $1.49
2 Bumble Bee Tuna ($.55/1 blinkies) reg $1.29
3 Wacky Mac ($.75/1IP+$.50/1) sale bogo $1.49
1 French's Mustard ($.50/1) reg $1.49

Total OOP $.87
($33.03/$24.92Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1252.46
Total spent buying coupons $115.44 (Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5136.68 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo GC $36.16
Wags GC $4.11
CVS-$1.50
CVS ECB -$3
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $63.12

Bilo 5-24

2009-05-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

We went to someones house for a PRE Memorial Day feast. I offered to bring a salad and somehow it ended up being Potato salad that was promised. I had no potatoes so I just decided to buy them where I had money so we made a quick stop at BiLo on the way, so no pictures.
I did 2 transactions (last day of bbq cat was 5-24)
6 BBQ ($1/1 IP+5 $.35/1 peelies)
4 12pks Coke
1 tub of disguisting potato salad (I will be returning this YUCK)
paid with 2 $3 cats
Put total on gift card..$11.08
I am not sure of the total because I had to buy some stuff for my cousin who forgot her wallet and she paid me back with cash.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1251.59
Total spent buying coupons $115.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5111.76.(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo GC $36.16
Wags GC $4.11
CVS-$1.50
CVS ECB -$3
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $63.12

Gettin' ready for Memorial Day

2009-05-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

CVS

2 Water wings

3 Hershey Candy (fillers)

2 Honey Maid Grahams ($1/1Q ) sale $2.50

Used $3.99+4.99 ecbs (they were expired)

Paid $.04 on gift card

Lowes Foods

8 M+Ms (bogo Q) bogo sale

1 Wheat Thins (Free wyb Ritz) sale $1.50

1 Ritz ($1/1Q) sale 2.50

2 lbs ground beef ($2/1 wyb 2 Kraft)

4 tabasco ($.75/1Q) sale .99

1 Flat bread (free item coupon) 3.29

3 Cinammon Toast Crunch ($1/3Q) sale $2.50

5BBQ sauce (1-$1/1+3-$.35/1 peelies) $.66

Paid $7.73 rceived $2.50 cat

($48.28/23.01)

BiLo

6 Cool whip ($.65/2 blinkies) sale $1.88/2

1 Hamburger Buns ($1/1 WT) sale $2

1 Hotdog buns reg $1.29

1 Green Leaf Lettuce reg $1.79

1 grape Tomatoes sale $2.50

6 ears corn sale $.25 eacj

3 Kraft cheese ($.50/1 tear pad) sale $1.66

1 Juicy Juice sale $2.50

1 dozen eggs $.68

18 BBQ ($.35 peelies) sale $.75

4 Coke 12 pks sale $9.88/4

2 Lays ($2/2 Q) sale bogo $3.99/2

12 Mac N cheese ($1/2) sale $.50

1 Gallon Milk

2 Worchestire sauce ($.50/1) sale $.89

2 Cucumbers sale $.89/1

used 2-$3 cats, 1-$2.50 cat, 2-$2 cats

Total on gift cards $21.51

($96.00/$42.24Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1251.59

Total spent buying coupons $115.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $5091.93 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo GC $47.24.
Wags GC $4.11
CVS-$1.50
CVS ECB -$3

Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $74.20

Love BiLo, Lowes Foods? Not so much...

2009-05-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

First stop was BiLo, I honestly, NO KIDDING didn't want to have to go out today. I have gone out every day and I am just getting tired from shopping. But the manager said she would get 10 loaves of bread for me. So I had to go today to get them. I did 2 transactions.

6 BBQ sauce ($.35/1 peelies) sale $.75

1 Kraft block cheese ($.50/1 tearpad) sale $1.66

2 Natures Pride Bread ($.55/1 Q) raincheck bogo $3.69/2

paid $1.30 on Gift card

($17.91/$9.90)

2 dozen eggs sale $.69

5 Kraft block cheese ($.50/1 tearpad) sale 3/$5

2 Kraft Singles ($1/2 IP) sale bogo $2.19/2

7 Loaves Natures Pride bread ($.55/1Q) rain check bogo3.69/2

8 Hefty Zipper bags ($1/1 blinkies on the shelf!) sale bogo $3.05/2

Used $11 in catalinas

Paid $3.36 on gift card

($69.57/$39.45Q)

Next was Lowes Foods. Man I am not a fan of theirs. They are not coupon friendly. You can only use FOUR of the same coupon (not only will only 4 double but they will only ACCEPT FOUR). Then she wouldn't let me use both of my $2 off meat coupons. I wasn't very happy. But they had the bread and I worked it out to be as cheap as they were going to let it be with what I had.

I did 2 transactions.

5 Kraft BBQ (4-$.35 peelies and $1/2 instanta saveQ) sale buy 2 get 3 free-must buy 2 to get 3 free (as in they don't divide the price up)

1 Worchesire sauce ($.50/1 hangtag)

2 Meat (ONE $2 off wyb 2 kraft) $1.99lb

Total OOP $1.38 (15.56/$7.32Q)

Recieved a $2.50 OYNO cat from the BBQ sauce

4 Natures Pride bread ($.55/1 Q) raincheck BOGO $3.69/2

1 Jet Puff Marshmallows sale $.99

2 M+M (bogo blinkie) bogo sale $.88/2

used $2.50 cat from order above

total OOP $1.62 ($14.8/$9.54Q)

I also learned today at Petco (when I went to return some catfood that I was overcharged for) that they will price match. The signs in the store say Price Match ADVERTISED prices, BUT the girl told me that it doesn't have to be advertised and they don't even call to check (though they are supposed too). They also have a deal with the rewards card for every 10 bags you buy of the premium brands (as in NOT the kind that can be bought in the grocery store) you get the 11th bag for free (you get a coupon for a free one), kept track by brand. So that is good to know, because my local pet store has cheaper prices BUT they don't seem to be too willing to order the kinds that Petco has (same brands that they already carry but different flavors/types). So that is good to know.

Total YTD

Total OOP $1243.86.

Total spent buying coupons $115.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $4994.15 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

BiLo GC $72.61

Wags GC $4.11

CVS-$1.54

CVS ECB -$11.98

Dilworth Coffee $18.35

total $108.59

HT and BiLo

2009-05-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

I will be so glad when this week is over. I am just tired! Still having problems getting the bread I want. I was told they will have it 3:30 today but I am not going back out. I hope she sets it aside for me.

I went to HT first.

I did 2 transactions.
20 Yoplait ($.40/2+$1/10 store coupon) sale $.50
3 hot sauce ($.75/1) sale $1
2 Emerald Trail mix ($3/2Q) sale $1.50

Total oop $.19
($25.67/$16.00Q)

Next was BiLo (after a trip to petco to get stuff for the cats. I am not paying for that anymore-it it is too expensive).

I did 3 transactions.
4 Snuggle ($.50/1 Q) sale bogo $4.59/2
1 Gallon Milk reg $2.99 (HT is cheaper BUT I Have the free GC for BiLo)
2 Hefty Cups ($.75/1) sale Bogo $1.99/2
10 Lance Crackers/cookies ($.55/1) raincheck $2.00
18 bbq sauce ($.35/1) sale $.75
2 Wishbone salad dressing ($.75/1) sale $2
2 lipton tea ($.50/1) sale $1.50
4 Knorr sides ($.75/2) sale $1
6 Jello ($1/3ip) sale 3/$2
18 Mac N Cheese sale $.50
2 Pillsbury cake ($.35/1) reg $.99
1 pledge mutli surface floor wipes clearance $2.37 (forgot to use my $2 IP)
3 Deli Cuts turkey ($2 offWYB 2 Kraft) sale $1.99
1 Pork ($1 Store Q/$2 off WYB 2 Kraft) $2.69
1 Sausage ($1 store Q)/$2 off wyb 2 Kraft) $3.49
1 Hamburger ($1 Store Q/$2 off wyb 2 Kraft) $3.66

Total on Gift card $21.90
($130.60/ $83.70Q)
I still have $8 left in cats which is good since I still need to get 14 loaves of bread at $.75 each.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1240.86
Total spent buying coupons $115.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4927.04(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo GC $95.41
Wags GC $4.11
CVS-$1.54
CVS ECB -$11.98
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $131.39

HT- BiLo and plus extras waiting for me!

2009-05-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

My first stop was BiLo this morning. Of course they had no bread. It is so frustrating, I have gotten it ONE day of this sale that has been 6 days now. OH well, she said she would get me 10 loaves tomorrow...we'll see.

This is actually 3 seperate transactions.
1 Green Leaf Lettuce reg $1.79
2 OM Turkey ($.75/1 ips) sale $3
2 Keebler Cookies ($.55/2) sale bogo $3.99
2 Pillsbury Cake mix ($.35/1) sale $.99
4 Lipton Rice ($.75/2) sale $1
18 Mac N Cheese sale $.50
2 packs Pork Chops $1.94+$2.30
2 Packs Cubed Steaks sale $1.80+$2.13
4 Vitamin Water 10 ($1/1) sale $1
5 Snuggle Creme ($.50/1+$1ips) sale bogo $4.49/2
2 wishbone dressing ($.75/1) sale $2
1 Lipton Tea ($.50/1) sale $1.50
1 Suave ($.50/1) sale $1.50
5 Worcheshire sauce ($.50/1 hangtag) sale $.88
18 Kraft BBQ sauce ($.35/1) sale $.75
2 Kool Aid Jammers slae $2
2 Hefty Cups ($.75/1) sale bogo 1.88/2

Total paid on gift card $5.69
(137.10/$77.38Q)

Harris Teeter. I didn't realize how many Yopliat yogurt coupons I had. I should have been buying 10 a day every day. I did 2 transactions today

3 Bumble Bee tuna ($.55/1 blinkies) sale $1
1 Pork Roast sale $5.69
1 Pork Chops sale $2.40
1 Cuke reg ($1/$4 produceQ)$.99
1 Carrotts sale $.99
2 Emeral Trail mix ($3/2) sale $1.50
20 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2+$1/10 store special) sale $.50
1 3# bag onions sale $1.97
1 No Yolks ($.50/1 Q) sale $1.79
3 Tabasco sauce ($.75/1Q) sale $1

Total OOP $3.47
($48.02/$29.00Q)

Also yesterday our tv died. So we went to Best Buy and made a deal..Husband told the salesman if you can get it to $1999 we will take it. SO he did! It was on clearance for $2399.99 from $3499.99....SO after the price was agreed upon we went to BiLo and bought 20 $100 gift cards and for every 5 that we purchased we got $25 in BiLo gift cards! So I will get $100 worth of free groceries! And Best Buy rewards is $5 for every $250 you spend..so we will get $40 to spend at Best Buy in a few weeks.

Found a rebate form today! YEAH!!!!
Also got $25 in rebate checks today too along with a free item coupon!

Saturday I had emailed Delmonte about some peaches that I got that were very mushy, which is not normal for the Fruit Naturals (which I have bought HOW MANY OF?) they replied saying they would send me a partial refund! Even if it is some free item Q that will make me just as happy!

Total YTD
Total OOP $1240.67
Total spent buying coupons $115.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4805.44 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo GC $95.41
Wags GC $4.11
CVS-$1.54
CVS ECB -$11.98
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $131.39

Strawberry Festival

2009-05-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

What a waste of time that was. They didn't even have FUNNEL CAKES! We were all ticked about that. I guess Lineberger's puts the thing on since they were the ONE vendor selling strawberries, and there wasn't anything else even strawberry themed unless you count the waffles that you could put strawberries on!

The "Army" was there, Fire Department and someone that must have emptied the contents of GRANDMA's house to have a yard sale. There were a few (meaning maybe 3) crafts people there, and I think there were 2 bouncy houses that you had to pay to get into (and be under a certain age too). Started raining just as we were pulling out of the parking lot.

We had gone the year we first moved here and dragged our friends with us. I was embarrassed then dragging our friends to this by the lack of stuff, but this year was even worse!

And maybe I am getting old but the music was WAY Too loud...maybe if they had to cover an entire school parking lot with music I might be able to understand it needing to be loud-but with maybe 20 "vendors" there in their 12x12 spots right next to each other it was just WAY TOO LOUD. But I guess compared to that first year we went, where they had a Teenage band playing where all they did was YELL into the microphones and you couldn't even understand what was being said...this year was better.

The half flat of strawberries was $8.

Total YTD

Total OOP $1237.20

Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $4693.37 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)Wags GC $4.11

CVS-$1.54

CVS ECB -$11.98

Dilworth Coffee $18.35

total $35.98

Problem? Me? What problem?

2009-05-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

My first stop was actually Lowes Foods, where they had ONE Loaf of bread that I had a raincheck for, however I am not wasting a raincheck on ONE Item. I will wait until they have 4 so I can use it most affectively. They were out of the Coles bread too. Figures.

I went to Food Lion next...chinet plates are free after coupon (we got the coupon 2 or 3 weeks ago). I had 6 plus in the mail I got another coupon good for one free napkin wyb 1 chinet.

5 Pepsi (Buy2 get 1 free ip) sale 5/$11
6 Chinet Plates ($2/1Q) sale $2
1 Chinet Napkin (free item coupon) sale $1.66
3 Temptations cat Treats ($1/1Q) sale $1.33/1

Paid $9.50 (it was all messed up half my coupons didn't work and they gave me cash).
($30.24/$19.41Q)

Next trip was BiLo...OH WHAT FUN!!! I did 4 transactions to get the littlest out of pocket possible-I probably could have done better though.

24 BBQ sauce ($.35 peelies) sale bogo $1.49/2
1 Snuggle dryer sheets ($1IP) out of the creme sale bogo $4.05/2
2 Wishbone dressing ($.75 ip) sale $2
18 boxes mac n cheese sale $.50
14 Lipton noodles ($.75/2Q) $1
10 Natures Pride Bread ($.55/1Q)-all they had Bogo $3.69/2
1 Lunch Meat ($2 off wyb 2 kraft) sale $1.99
4 pks pork chops ($2 off wyb 2 Kraft)-prices range from $2-$2.473
3 Cube Steak ($2 off wyb 2 Kraft) prices range from $2.18-$2.36
2 Grillmate packets ($.50/1IP) Sale $1
2 Keebler cookies ($.55/2Q) sale bogo 3.99/2
used $19 in catalinas earned in the 4 transactions (out of the total of $24 I earned breaking this up into 4 transactions)

Total spent OOP $6 YES $6!
($161.55/$89.50 in coupons)
AND I have $10 in catalinas left!

Total YTD
Total OOP $1229.20
Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4693.37 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
Wags GC $4.11
CVS-$1.54
CVS ECB -$11.98
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $35.98

Hot deals this week

2009-05-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

Harris Teeter has Yoplait Yogurts $.50 each, there are $.40/6 and $.50/6 coupons out there...PLUS they have if you buy 10 you get an extra $1 off. This is the only yogurt my husband and son eat.

Lowes Foods has several Kraft items bogo.
A-1 marinade is $3.15/2 and there is a $2/1q+$1/1ip
Kraft dressing is $.88 and there is $1 IPs at Kraft.com
Kraft BBQ sauce is free after $.75/1Q also buy 6 and get a $3 oyno catalina
I also found Buy 2 kraft items get $2 off meat coupons at my store

BiLo has
-Kraft Mac N Cheese for $.50 a box there are buy 3 get 1 free IPs out there also buy 6 and get a $2 oyno catalina
-Kraft bbq is BOGO and there are $.35 peelies, making them $.05 after coupon. Buy 6 get a $3 oyno catalina
-Free Mustard with the French's coupon
-Free Texas Pete after coupon
-Free French's Woreschire sauces after coupon
-Natures Pride bread is $.75 after coupon
-Snuggle is BOGO this week $4.49/2..there is an ip that expires tomorrow for $2 and several $1 also this qualifes for a unilever catalina deal buy $10 get a $3 oyno catalina.
-Yakisobia noodles are $.05 after $.35/1 coupon
-Grillmates seasonings are free after $.50 IP and $.50Q
-Lipton Noodles are $.25 after $.75/2 coupon-these qualify for $3 unilever deal too
-French's Mustard is free after $.75 Q
-wishbone dressing is $.50 after $.75/1 IP and these qualify for the B$10 G $3 oyno catalina

I Love days like this!

2009-05-14T11:57:00.000-07:00

I am getting back into the swing of things. I was getting burnt out...so I thought. I guess it is more of how good I see the deals being and if I need what is on sale. There were several things that I really needed because my stockpile had run low or {gasp} OUT!

This was actually yesterdays purchase, but all in the same sale week.
5/13/09

I did 2 orders
5 Temptations cat food ($1Q and ONE B1G1FQ) sale $1.50
12 Kraft BBQ sauce ($.35peelies+2 $1 ip) sale bogo $1.49/2
1 Texas Pete ($.50/1Q) sale $1
1 Jolly Time pop corn ($.50/1Q) sale bogo $2.29/2
1 Yakisoba noodles ($.35/1Q) sale $5/$4
1 Trident gum ($.75/1Q) reg $1.49
12 Kraft Mac N cheese (buy 3 get 1 free IP) sale $.50
2 Keebler cookies ($.55/1Q) sale bogo $3.99/2
2 Kraft Dressing ($1.50/1) sale bogo $2.75/2
1 Animal cookies (no coupon!) sale $.99
2 Snuggle ($2IP) sale bogo $4.49/2
1 Cascade rinse agent (free item Q) reg $3.99
1 Gillette Shampoo (free item Q) sale $3.99
2 Hefty bags ($.55/1Q) raincheck bogo $3.15/2
6 Oscar Mayer Turkey ($2 off meat wyb 2 Kraft items+$1/2Q) sale $2.99
Used $3+$2 catalinas from BBQ and Macaroni purchases

Paid $8.56
($112.38/$72.25Q)
They have the bread I have been trying to get on sale...THEY WERE OUT TOO!

5/14/09
Lowes Foods

2 Suddenly Salad ($.40/1IP) sale $1.25
2 Kraft dressings ($1/1ip) sale $.88
2 A-1 Sauce ($2/1+$1/1IP) sale bogo $3.15/2
1Beef stew meat $2.17($2 off WYB 2 Kraft items Q)
1 Lauras Lean beef $2.74 ($2 off wyb 2 kraft items Q)

Total $2.06
(18.22/$10.48Q)

I had an RX to pick up so I went to WAGS

1 Frappucino ($1ip) reg $1.99 (thought it was on sale, but must by 3 to get sale price!)
1 Capri Sun ($1/1Q) reg $3.49
1 Hanna Montana Pin sale $.09
Used $2 RR I got for buying foot spray that was FHA

Paid $1.86 on gift card

Went to BiLo trying to get this stupid bread...THEY WERE OUT!!!!! I ordered 10 loaves for tomorrow...lets see if they can get it.

I did 2 orders

6 Buddig turkey ($1Q+$2 off wyb 2 kraftQ) sale $1.99
7 Hershey bars (to eat up $3 overage!) sale $.50
12 Kraft BBQ ($.35peelies) sale $.75
12 Kraft Mac N Cheese ($1/2 only had one) sale $.50
7 Woreschire sauce ($.50/1 hang tag) sale $.88
1 Kool Aid Jammers sale $2 (need this for baseball)
3 Breyers Ice Cream ($.75/1) raincheck $1.88 each
Used $12 in catalinas

Paid $1.90 total!
(85.52/$51.03Q) I got back $5 in catalina for my next order

I did so well at BILo I figured I would go to HT.

I did 2 orders
12 Old El Paso Taco Mix (THREE $1/2Q) sale $.44 used R/C for 6 BOGO
2 Ground Pork ($3 meat cats) reg $3.49
2 Tender Steak ($3 meat cats) $5.74 total
1 Gallon Milk (free milk cat) reg $2.79
20 Yoplait Yogurts ($.40/2Q+buy 10 get $1 off) sale $.50
5 12pk soda ($2/1 pepsi ) buy 2 get 3 free (coupon can only be used on 2) $11.98/5
Used $2 catalina

Paid $8.36 total (I was overcharged my second order of OEP-I was refunded $2.74)
($64.00/$34.53)

I got $5 put on my gift card from April's rebates.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1213.70
Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4584.46 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
Wags GC $4.11
CVS-$1.54
CVS ECB -$11.98
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $35.98

Still busy

2009-05-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Of course this is last weeks sale. I have still been trying to get back into the swing of things. I am really behind on laundry. I have noticed my kids are wearing clothes I haven't seen them in a long time.

Harris Teeter 5/10/09
I did 2 orders-

6 Velveets Shells and cheese ($1/2ip) sale $1 and buy 3 get $3 off your order
12 Mac N cheese sale bogo $1.09/2 buy 6 get $2 off your next order coupon
2 Quaker Oatmeal pancake mix ($2IP) sale $1.99
1 Package mark down stew beef ($3 OYNO meat cat) $2.94-I left this at the store accidently.
Used $2 cat from first purchase to pay for second

$1.76 OOP
($28.07/$11.99Q)

Went across the street to Lowes Foods had Husband with me (and because of that I had to spend more!) we did 2 orders

6 Breyers Ice Cream ($.75/1Q) sale B1g2F limit 3
3 Natures Pride bread ($.55/1Q) sale bogo $3.69/2
1 Jon Morelle Off the bone Turkey ($1Q) sale $2.99
1 Potato salad $2.99-Alex had to have it!
1 LF Chips $.99-alex had to have it!
1 Pace Salsa ($2Q) reg $2.49 AGAIN HE HAD TO HAVE IT!

Total oop $12.12
($41.74/$13.8Q)

5/12/09
I went to HT to get my money back for the meat that was left behind...$3.02 refund.

They still didn't have the bread! I did 2 orders since they will only double 4 like coupons

6 Breyers Ice Cream ($.75/1) sale b1g2f
8 Coles Mini Loaves ($.50/1 IP) sale bogo $1.89/2

Total OOP $1.64
($45.48/$16.76Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1192.82
Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4411.31 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
Wags GC $.47
CVS-$1.54
CVS ECB -$11.98
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $32.34

Been BUSY!

2009-05-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately. Between my oldest son that is graduating this year and his award stuff, plus the fact he needs nice clothes, his brother that plays baseball and this past week we had a yard sale that took me SEVERAL days to get ready for it is been quite a week. I guess I will work backwards.
Today I went to Lowes Foods and purchased- (2 orders they only double 4 like coupons)
1 French's Mustard ($.75/1Q) sale $1.29
1 Kraft BBQ sauce (#.75/1+$1/2Q) sale $1.29
5 Natures Pride Wide Pan bread ($.50Q) sale BOGO $3.69/2
6 Coles Mini Loafs ($.50/1 IP) sale bogo $1.89/2
1 Morell Off the bone Turkey ($1/1) sale $3
1 Hillshire Farms Turkey ($1/1peelie) sale $2.99
1 Trident gum ($.75/1Q) reg $1.49
6 Breyers Ice Cream ($.75/1) sale buy 1 get 2 free (must buy 3 for deal)$5.22/3
3 Cinammon Toast Crunch ($.50/1 Store q+$.75/1IPs) sale $2.50

total OOP $12.28
($79.17/$33.60Q)

Next stop was CVS

1 Razor ($4/1Q) sale $8.99
1 Italian Seasoning sale $.88
used $5.24 in ECBs
Paid $.64 on gift card
received $4 ecb back

Went to HT since my free milk cats are for there they didn't have the free after Q items

1 Gallon HT milk (free milk cat) 2.89
1 Borden Cheese ($1WT) sale $1.97
1 Beef chunks ($3 meat cat) mark down $2.57
Potatoes marked down produce $.53
2 Dawn ($.50/1Q) sale $1

Paid oop $1.08

HT 5/6

4 Organic Garlic (mark down produce) $.79
2 Beef Chunks ($3 meat cats) $2.60+2.32 each
2 Hefty trash bags ($1/1Q) sale bogo $8.49/2
4 Ziploc freezer bags (Bogo coupon value $2.19) sale bogo $3.39/2
2 lbs Strawberries ($1/$4WT) sale bogo $2.99/2
2 red Peppers (marked down produce) $1.99
5 A+W ($1/1 peelies) sale buy 2 get 3 free ($5.49/1)
1 Mothers Day card reg $2.97

Paid $10 on GC
Paid $13.41 oop
($53.51/$18.38Q)

BiLo 5/05

6 Eggo Waffles ($.75/1Q) sale bogo $2.49/2
4 Kraft Mac N Cheese ($1.50/2IP) sale $2/1
1 Dozen eggs sale $.88
1 Quaker chips ($1Q)sale $.35
1 SH Sandwich bags reg $1.97
20 DelMonte Peaches ($2/4Q+$1/$4WT)) rain check for $1/1
2 Suddenly Salad mix ($.40/1ip) sale bogo $2.39/2
$.15 bag credit

Paid $5.64 on gift card
Paid $.63 OOP
($60.24/$47.44Q)

Food Lion 5/5
Pictures got deleted!

3 Scott TP ($1flip+$1MQ) sale $2.50
2 Marshmallows reg $.89
3 Grocery Bags ($.99/1Q) sale $.99

Total OOP $5.29
(13.47/$8.07Q)

HT 5/5 I did 10 different orders at 3 different stores-triple coupons had nothing to do with it either.

Pictures got deleted (which is a shame! they were nice)
50 Packets Old El Paso Seasoning ($1/2Q) sale bogo $1.19/2
4 Tabasco Seasoning ($.75/1) reg $1.59
1 Texas Pete ($.50/1ip) sale $.33
10 Bumble Bee Tuna ($.55/1blinkies) sale $1
1 Head Green Leaf Lettuce ($1/$4wt) reg $1.99
1 Grape Tomatoes sale $2.50
3 -1lb packages meat ($3 meat cats) $2.99lb

Receipts have been mailed away too...Not sure of totals though all of it was paid on gift cards

$3.69 paid in cash
($79.96/$50Q)

Bjs 5/05
3 Kraft Parmesan Cheese reg $7.99
1 Pecans reg $7.99
1 BJs Kitty Litter ($3/1 store Q) reg $7.99

Paid $35.95

I also figured out that I let 2 coupons expire! Best Buy and Staples...not happy...

On a good note, we made $297.75 at our yard sale.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1180.32
Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4368.76(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
Wags GC $.47
CVS-$1.54
CVS ECB -$11.98
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
total $32.34

2009-05-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

5-2-09
Quick trip to HT I had my son with me so he did an order and so did I.

12 OEP taco seasoning ($1/2Q) sale bogo $1.19
6 Mahatma Rice ($.50) reg $1.49
6 bumble Bee tuna ($.551/blinkie) sale $1
1 mission Torillas ($.55/1Q) sale $2.50
2 -1lb ground beef ($3 cat)

Total on gift card $4.81-BUT I was overcharged for the cheesy sauce mix-TWICE (son too), so I got back $4.84
I also received 2 $3 OYNO catalinas for meat

I went again today and got
3 Tuna ($.55/1 blinkies) sale $1
6 OEP taco Seasoning ($1/2) sale bogo $1.19/2
1 Marshmallows reg $1.55
1 Gallon Milk (free milk cat) $2.89
1 Kraft BBQ ($.75/1 Q) reg $1.79
1 Grillmate seasoning ($.50/1Q) sale $1
Total on gift card $3.02-but I was overcharged on the seasoning again, got back $1.22
Received $3 oyno meat catalina

Total YTD
Total OOP $1102.35
Total spent buying coupons $114.94(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4228.77 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo $5.64
Master card $20
HT $7.29
Wags GC $.47
CVS-$2.18
CVS ECB -$13.47
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Best Buy $5
Staples $3.30
total $75.70

HT Triples

2009-05-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

Had to go to Lowes HI so I went ahead and swung by HT too.
I did buy the Mint plant at Lowes with my grocery money.

TOTAL OOP $3.24

I did 4 transactions at HT
24 Old El Paso taco Mix ($1/2) bogo sale 1.19/
2 HT Bakery Hamburger buns ($2 WT+$1 Store coupons) $2.49
1 Kens Salad Spritzer ($.55/1) sale bogo $3.39/2
1 Hot sauce ($.75/1) reg $1.89
3 Pepto Bismol Trial Size ($.75/1Q) reg $1.50 each
1 Merrita Bread ($.55 peelie) reg $1.99
1 Wethers ($.55/1) reg $1.89
2 Muellers Macroni ($.55/2) sale $.88

$2.52 on gift card
Received $12 in OYNO meat catalina from Old El Paso (buy 6 get $3 oyno cat for meat)

Yesterday I went to Harris Teeter
3 Pepto ($.75/1) reg $1.50
3 Lance Crackers ($.55/1) sale $2.50
3 Rice ($.50/1) reg $1.49
3 Tuna ($.55/1) sale $1

Total OOP $.36

Went to Target and used my remaining gift card balance on Juice for my kid's baseball game and kitty litter

Total YTD
Total OOP $1107.99
Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4173.61 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo $5.64
Master card $10
HT $15.12
Wags GC $.47
CVS-$2.18
CVS ECB -$13.47
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Best Buy $5
Staples $3.30
total $73.53

HT triples!

2009-04-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

First day of Triples. Yes I got a lot of stuff, but I am not going to be going everyday (I say that now!).

2 Meritta bread
1 Wishbone Salad Spritzer ($.55/1 ht) sale $1.74
1 Ortega refried beans reg $1.39
1 Ortega Fajita mix ($.75/2) sale $.89
1 Lady speedstick (.75/1) sale $2
3 Mentos Gum ($.55/1Q) reg $1.49
1 McCormicks grill mates ($.50/1) sale $1
3 Spot Shot ($.55/1Q) sale bogo $5.49/2
9 Dawn ($.50/1+$.25/1Q) sale $1
2 Glass PLus ($.50/1Q) sale bogo $2.89/2
4 Good Seasons
4 Knorr Gravy mix ($.50/2) sale $1.39
8 knorr Beef Boullion
6 New York Croutons
1 Downy
1 Lysol Cling
1 Fast Fixins
1 Grande Tortilla chips ($.75/1Q) sale $2 PLUS Mir
1 Emerald Trail mix ($1.50/1 cat)
4 Good Seasons
8 Rhodes Rolls ($.75/1) reg $2.19
9 Bumble Bee Tuna ($.55 blinkie) sale $1.00
12 Mahatma Rice
15 McCormick Vanilla ($.75/1 Q) reg $2.99
4 McCormick Cinammon ($.75/1) reg $1.99
2 McCormick Garlic Salt ($.75/1) reg $1.99
12 Dole Pineapple
1 BagelFuls ($.75/1Q) reg $2.99
1 Marie Callanders steamers
1 Head Green Leaf Lettuce ($1/$4Q) reg $1.99
.53 lb Zucchini sale $1.49lb
.34 Yellow Squash sale $1.49lb
used $2.50 off catalina too from Good Seasons purchase

Paid $32.03 on gift cards

Paid $6.36 in cash

Saved $209.83/$167.43Q

2 Trips to Food Lion
2 scott TP ($1 Flips) sale $2.50
4 Delmonte Pears ($2/4Q) sale Bogo $1.99/2
1 reuseable bag ($.99Q) sale $.99

Total paid $2.15
($7.58/$3.98Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1104.39
Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $4108.78 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo $5.64
Master card $30
Wags GC $.47
CVS-$2.18
CVS ECB -$13.47
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Best Buy $5
Staples $3.30
Target GC $12.69
total $141.10

Food Lion and Bilo

2009-04-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

First I went to Food Lion looking for some coupons.

So I went ahead and got
1 Scott Naturals TP ($1 Flip) sale $2.50
1 Reusable shopping bag (free item Q on display)reg $.99
Cashier scanned free item coupon and never scanned the item.
OOP $.54

($3.79/1.99Q)

Went to BiLo the last day of the peaches on sale. Of course they didn’t’ have enough! So I got rainchecks and also they had the Produce guy ordering me 2 cases, so I can use all my Q.

12 Delmonte Naturals Peaches ($2/4Q) sale $1
1 Natures Pride Loaf Bread ($.55/1Q) sale $2.00
1 Coffee Filters sale $1.10
1 Tetley Tea ($.75/1Q) sale $1.50
1 Bag Lettuce ( $1 WT) sale $2
1 Yellow Pepper reg $3.99lb ($2 wt)
2 Mackenize’s Corn $1/2 IP sale bogo $1.93/2

Put $10 on GC

Total OOP $.62
($27.18/$12.60Q)

Total YTD

Total OOP $1095.88

Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $3905.34(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

BiLo $5.64

HT $30.00

Master card $50

Wags GC $.47

CVS-$2.18

CVS ECB -$13.47

Dilworth Coffee $18.35

Best Buy $5

Staples $3.30

Target GC $12.69

total $141.10

2009-04-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Quick trip to HT we needed bread I was completely out. Decided to get lunch there too (husband stayed home from work today-he also was the one that wanted the wine).

1 Mondavi Wine sale $5.99
1 Bunch Green onions $.69 each
.7lb Naners reg $.69lb
1 Turkey Sub ($1/1 Deli WT) sale $2.99
1 Philly Cheesesteak sub ($2/1 Delit WT)reg $3.99
1 Clamshell Grape Tomates sale $2.50 each
1 Cucumber ($1/$4 Produce WT) $.50 each
1 loaf HT bread ($1/1 bread WT) $.97
1 Potato Salad reg $1.79
1 Skintimate Shave gel ($.75/1) reg $1.49
1 Gallon Milk (free milk cat) reg $2.89

Paid $6.25 in cash
$10 on gift card
($11.77/$9.39Q)

I also bought $30 in HT GC with $30 of my Mastercard GC-I did this because it is easier to keep track of the money this way, also I had to pay $6.25 in cash since I could only pay $10 on my Master Card GC.

Total YTD
Total OOP $1094.69
Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $3880.75 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
BiLo $5.64
HT $30.00
Master card $60
Wags GC $.47
CVS-$2.18
CVS ECB -$13.47
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Best Buy $5
Staples $3.30
Target GC $12.69
total $151.10

WHAT A FREAKIN AWESOME DAY!!!

2009-04-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

I have kinda been in a funk lately. With company and being sick the week before I was just getting out of my grove, not to mention my BIG FOUR O birthday was yesterday.

First I started toying with this deal that BiLo has. For every $500 in gift cards you buy (not BiLo, Visa, MC or Amex) you get a $25 BiLo gift card. I started thinking and we have some purchases we are going to have to make over the next month and a half. I have a son that is going to graduate in June and he will need dress pants, shoes and his brothers need some nice clothes for this too I usually shop at Kohls. Then we have some stuff we need to buy at a home improvement store for the garden I am trying to have. We are also going on 2 trips this summer. So after consulting with my husband we decide that I can come up with $500 to spend in gift cards at Bilo to get my $25 gift card for free.

So off I was to BiLo. I also remembered to take the 4 cups of peaches that I had purchased that were out of date by 6 months. First I returned them and to my surprise it was DOUBLE my money back because it was a produce item. PLUS she gave me FULL RETAIL not the sale price of $1, so I ended up getting $17.46 back!!!! I was too excited.

Then I went to pick out my gift cards

$100 for Shell Gasoline (we will use more than that I am sure between now and vacation)

$175 at Kohls (again will probably use more but that is good I will buy some items on line for my 3% back from Ebates)

$25 for Ebay (I buy my coupons from there+I use ebates so I get 3% back too)

$100 for Cracker Barrel, that is our restaurant of choice when we travel. One meal a day!

$100 at Home Depot (would prefer Lowes but oh well)

I got my Free $25 BiLo card too. They said this is only the second one they have done since the beginning of the year.

The great thing is I also got to use my Paypal card for CREDIT so I also earned $1.5% back which is $7.50 on the $500 purchase.

Next was my actual purchases. I did 2 transactions for rebate reasons

8 DelMonte Peaches ($2/4Q) sale $1

1 Delmonte Mandarin Oranges ($1/1) sale $1

3.07lb chicken ($2 WT) sale $1.99lb -rebate item

1 Fresh Express Bagged Salad mix ($1/$4 WT-bananas and peaches qualify) sale $2.00-

2 Good Seasons Salad dressing mix reg $1.59 each (I was completely out!)

.5lb bananas reg $.64lb

$.10 bag credit

Paid $12.91 on GC ($25.30/$8Q)-chicken and salad qualify for $5 rebate

Second transaction

4 Delmonte Peaches ($2/4Q) sale $1

1 Hormel Naturals turkey $.55/1Q) sale bogo $3.99/2

1.21lb boneless chuck ($1.50 store Q) reg $4.99lb

1 carl Buddig Turkey ($1/1Q) sale bogo $3.99/2

used $1/$4 produce Q

used $.75 OYNO cat from Good Seasons purchase

Paid $6.45 ($14.91/$7.25Q)

The meat will finish qualifying me for a $7.50 rebate.

From there I went to Kohls to buy some shirts for my husband. All of his are too big and I also have one shirt that is too big that still had the tags from last year on it. They let me exchange it for another color and size! I was too happy. I also purchased some stuff to sell on ebay (even though I said I wasn't going to do that) and got back $20 in Kohls cash. I was annoyed they didn't have the color shirts I wanted for my husband in his size, but decided I would buy them on line, have more to pick from, find a % off coupon code, get 3% back from Ebates and also for every $50 I spend I will get back an additional $10 to spend next week. It will all work out!

I was already pretty excited because I like to say "my money had babies" I actually came home with more money than when I left ($500 in gift cards not counted-not grocery money). I went outside and got the mail and what was in it? 10 of my 11 $10 gift cards from Kelloggs! PLUS 2 more rebate checks for $20 total, plus an envelope with my coupons I ordered and 2 more birthday cards! That was $120 in the mail just for filling out forms and sending in receipts!

Total YTD
Total OOP $1088.44
Total spent buying coupons $113.44(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $3861.36(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

BiLo 5.64

Master card $100
Wags GC $.47
CVS-$2.18
CVS ECB -$13.47
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Best Buy $5
Staples $3.30
Target GC $12.69
total $161.10

Triple coupons at HT 4/28-5/5

2009-04-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

Triple coupons at Harris Teeter starting Wednesday April 28th through May 5th. Great to have another week. I don't feel so pressed to hit a bunch of HTs in a day.

I have been so busy the past 2 weeks I haven't had time to post. This is some stuff I have purchased this past week and this week though. I did manage to take pictures. I am going to put the total at the bottom. I really don't feel like breaking it down. I do have all the receipts.

Harris Teeter again. My husband was going out of town for 2 days with 2 kids and they needed some stuff for therr trip.

This was a trip to CVS both items were free after ECB last week. 3 of my ECBs had expired 2 days earlier but she let me use them. WHEW! No OOP either.

HT had a good sale on Yogurt last week. I found out 3 days after the sale started. For every 10 that you bought you got $1 off, plus I also had $.40/2 Q and they were on sale for $.50. The Daisy sour cream is free after $.50/1Q and those are still on sale this week. The crackers were a Free Evic item.

Lowes Foods had a sale going on that gave a list of about 20 items and if you bought 10 mix and match you got $5 0ff your order. I actually split the order with my mom. What I got cost $6 (Crest TP not pictures but was giving overage). I went the last day of the sale and just was not in the mood to shop.

Last day of the HT sale also, I did 2 orders. I needed that yogurt! All of that cost $.18

This is a trip to BiLo

6 Cinammon Toast Crunch (had BOGO RC) used $.55/1Ip and $1/2Q

2 Pillsbury easter cut outs ($.75/2 ip) clearance $1.67/1

2 Carl Buddig Turkey ($1/1) sale $2.50 (I was completely out!)

2 Breyers Ice Cream ($.75/1Q) R/C for $1.88 each

6 Sweet Sue broth ($.75/1) reg $1.15

Total OOP $9.08
($46.44/$42.16Q)

My total OOP for all of the above plus some that I didn't get pictures of was $41.14 and I saved $146.78 using ECBs, GC and coupons.

Total YTD

Total OOP $1105.90

Total spent buying coupons $108.29(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $3827.47 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

Wags GC $.47

CVS-$2.18

CVS ECB -$13.47

Dilworth Coffee $18.35

Best Buy $5

Staples $3.30

Target GC $12.69

total $54.05

2009-04-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Last day to get Breyers for $.38 each! So I had to use the last of the coupons I had on me since I have enough rainchecks for the coupons I have yet to get in the mail.

1 Cats Pride Cat Litter
1 Daisy Sour Cream ($.50/1) sale $1.66 (I am returning this)
4 Delmonte Peaches ($2/4) sale $1 each (they are getting returned out of date by 6 months!)
5 Breyers Ice Cream ($.75/1Q) sale $1.88
1 Tropicana OJ sale $2.50
8 Land O Lakes Butter ($.55/1Q) sale $2
3 lb onions ($1 WT) sale $2.50
1 Crisco Olive Oil ($.55/1Q) sale $4.99

Total OOP $24.92
(savings $69.61/$24.90 Q)

Went to HT to get a few things

4 Delmonte Peaches ($2/4) sale $1
1 No Yolks Noodles (forgot my coupons!) Bogo $1/1
1 Pledge Furniture sweeper ($1/1Q) reg $4.99
5 Daisy Sour Cream ($.50/1) sale $1
1 32oz College Broth ($2 vic) sale $2.89-not pictured

Total OOP $8.38
(saved $16.41/$8Q)

Total YTD
Total OOP $1064.76
Total spent buying coupons $108.29(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)
Total saved $3680.69 (coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)
Wags GC $.47
CVS-$2.68
CVS ECB -$11.56
Dilworth Coffee $18.35
Best Buy $5
Staples $3.30
Target GC $12.69
total $54.05

2009-04-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Oh where do I put all this ice cream? Went to 2 different BiLos today. The first one didn't have a limit on the quanity of Breyers you could buy. The second one had a limit of 2.

I did a total of 6 transactions, come to find out you can only do 5 per card, but they gave me the 6th transaction on another card.

21 Breyers Ice Cream ($.75/1Q) sale $1.88

19 Airhead Extreme ($.55/1Q) reg $.79

4 DelMonte Fruit cups ($2/Q) sale $1

3.55lb Pork Loin ($2 WT) sale $2.49lb (bogo)

1 Wise Popcorn ($.50IP) sale $2.50

3 Gillette Shave Gel ($1Q) sale $1

1 Aussie Shampoo sale bogo 3.99/2

1 Aussie Scrunch Spary ($2 wyb shampoo or Conditioner) $4.09/2

Total OOP $24.14

(savings 149.87/$55.51Q)

Total YTD

Total OOP $1031.46

Total spent buying coupons $108.29(Extra papers + coupons from ebay)

Total saved $3647.79(coupons+gift cards used+ECB used)

Wags GC $.47

CVS-$2.68

CVS ECB -$11.56

Dilworth Coffee $18.35

Best Buy $5

Staples $3.30

Target GC $12.69

total $54.05