Target Shopping Trip

I had a great trip to Target today! Its always nice when everything is in stock, the coupons scan properly, and the deal is great. Here's a look at what I got:

I love Starbucks coffee, and I was happy to get these two bags for $9.50. I used two Starbucks coupons and stacked them with a Target coupon.

Then I used a $3 off Merona item coupon and a $3 off Mossimo item coupon to get two tank tops for $6! Both coupons can be found on Target's site.

Even though these are great deals, our Target is far enough away that I wouldn't make a special trip, so I'm thankful that I had some other errands nearby and was able to snag these items.

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for the heads up on these great deals. These sales run through the end of the week, so hopefully you can grab some coffee or tank tops too!

Some Photo Freebies

There are a few photo freebies that I am loving right now!

My Publisher will send you a code for 5 free photo cards with FREE shipping when you enter your email address on their website. Free shipping is awesome!

Do you live near a Rite Aid? You can get 15 free 4x8 photo cards and 25 free 4x6 prints shipped to your local Rite Aid for free. Get all the details from Money Saving Mom. Once the 25 free prints are in your cart, get a free 8x10 also when you use the code FREE8x10!

 

I recently got an email from Shutterfly for 75 free prints for you and 5 friends. If you are on Shutterfly's email list you probably got one too. The deadline to share with your friends is today, but the free prints are good through November 18. Shipping costs will apply, however.

Have you gotten any other great photo deals lately? I know there have been a bunch!

Frugal Finds: Walmart this week

I make a trip to Walmart every few weeks or so when there are good coupon overage deals. Today I took my $8 off 2 Cover Girl Face products from yesterday's P&G insert and also found a few nice clearance deals.

The CG blush is priced at $3.74 at my Walmart, so I was able to get 2 for free, plus $.52 overage to use on the rest of my purchases. I took a quick look at the summer clearance isle and found a sheet of glow-in-the-dark 4th of July stickers for 25 cents, as well as a calendar for next year for $2. This is the calendar that I always use, so it was a bonus to find it marked down.

I also took a quick look at the bakery items and found a pack of four cheesy bagels marked down to $1.50 and 2 loaves of fresh made Texas Toast marked down to $2.13. I was going to make garlic bread later in the week to go with our lasagna dinner, so I decided to just switch up my menu plan and we'll do lasagna tonight. I'm going to freeze the second loaf of Texas Toast!

I was really pleased with myself and excited when I got home to take out my "spoils"...at which point I realized the cute birthday napkins for my son's first birthday party next week said "Sensational 60"!

The funny part is that I looked these over to make sure they didn't say something ridiculous. I saw the Sensational but somehow missed the giant 6-0 on the balloon. Whoops! I'll probably still use them for the party...it will make for a good laugh!

So my $.52 overage paid for my 2 packs of 60th birthday napkins!

Do you have any recent frugal finds to share? How about a frugal "bust" like mine?

Children's Place Monster Sale + extra 15% off!

I found some nice discounts on at The Children's Place online today thanks to the monster sale! Sizes are fairly limited, so I ended up using the "check" feature to view multiple items and then see what sizes were available all at once. This saved a ton of time, and I was able to get some real bargains on great quality clothing! Since summer clothes are on sale, I am stocking up for next year. I tried to get basic items (mostly tops) that will be able to go with multiple bottoms.

My best deals were on girls socks (2 pair for $1.69) and boys polo shirts ($3.39 each).



You can take an extra 15% off clearance clothing with the code W2E2011 at checkout. PLUS, shop through Ebates and get an additional 4% cash back.

Freebies: Rebates and Coupons

I've heard many people say that coupons are not for products they actually use or the value of the coupon is so small that it does not make a difference. I think that Mindi at Moms Need to Know has written eloquently about these comments, but I wanted to add a few practical examples from my own life.

I've had to cut back on the amount of time I spend organizing coupons and shopping trips because of life with two small children, but I still love getting a good deal!

Recently at Rite Aid, I spied this Smart Start cereal with a 'Try Free' add on the box. I was able to use a coupon when I bought it, so I'm actually getting paid to eat this box of cereal!

This week (also at Rite Aid) I bought John Frieda conditioner and Blink tears eye drops. I didn't have any coupons so I paid $4.99 for the conditioner and $7.99 for the eye drops, but because of Rite Aid's single check rebate program, I will be getting a check in the mail from Rite Aid for $5 for the conditioner and $7.99 for the eye drops...completely free! (If you haven't already signed up for the Single Check Rebate Program, you totally should! It is free of charge, and is one of the biggest ways that I get our personal care products for cheap...and often for free)

On the left of this picture are items that I picked up for free at Target this week. I had a coupon for a free Children's Tylenol from the recall last year. The Oscar Mayer deli meat was a free coupon from Kraft First Taste. And the Suave Dry Shampoo was a free coupon through Facebook. I also used a BOGO coupon for Frosted Mini Wheats (not pictured) that I got from Vocalpoint (along with a free sample of their new cereal).

Want to get coupons like these for FREE full sized products? I have my favorites listed in the Coupon Resources tab. Be sure to sign up for Kraft First Taste and Vocalpoint -- I am always getting samples and free coupons from these two in particular.

For my instructions on shopping at Rite Aid, check out this post.

Do you have any favorite ways to get things for free with coupons and rebates?

Extra good deal on Yardley Soap

I always try to point out when Yardley soap goes on sale at Walgreens for 69 cents because I love it so much for my homemade laundry detergent. This is one of those weeks!

To make things even better, the May issue of All You had a coupon for 30 cents off any Yardley! I have never seen a Yardley coupon before, so I was really excited, even though it is very low value.

Have you tried making your own detergent? What do you think of Yardley soap?

Coupon Acceptancee Policies

A few weeks ago I added a new tab at the top of my blog that features several different stores' coupon acceptance policies.

It can be frustrating to spend time and energy planning a trip with coupons only to have them rejected by a cashier who just doesn't know their store's policy. Having these printed off and with you at the store can alleviate most of that issue!

Acme coupon booklet

I spied this coupon book by the register on a recent trip to Acme this week. It's full of recipes for summer and 27 coupons! Most of these coupons are manufacturer's coupons, which means they can be used at any store. A few of them are store coupons that can only be used at Acme AND can be stacked with manufacturer's coupons.





Be sure to pick one up on your next trip!

Rite Aid shopping trip

I had a bunch of errands to run today, and I am so glad that I was able to stop by Rite Aid. I spent $12.97 out of pocket and have $4 in rebates coming as well as $5 UP+ reward on my next RA trip PLUS my receipt has a survey with a coupon for $3 off a $15 purchase.

Here's what I got:




2 Biore - $7.99 each
1 Carefree - $1
1 eos lip balm - $2.99
2 Tylenol precise - $5 each
2 Finesse - $3.99 (bogo sale)

I had coupons for nearly everything.
-Buy one Biore cleaning strips get any cleanser free 3/6 smart source insert
-$1/1 carefree 5/8 smart source insert
-2 $5/1 Tylenol precise printed from Tylenol's website
-2 $1/1 Finesse hair care from May All You and 5/8 smart source insert

The eos has a $2 SCR. In the 5/8 smart source was a Finesse rebate for $2. The 2 Biore products produced a $5 UP+ reward. With the rebates my cost will be just $8.97 plus the $5 UP+ and $3/$15 purchase coupons to get something for cheap or free in the next two weeks!

Thanks to Mindi @ Moms Need to Know for the trip inspiration!

Slowing Things Down

Last week we had to send our laptop in to the manufacturer for some repair work. It ended up being really last minute in order to get it there before the warranty expired, so I did not have the chance to get some posts prepped ahead of time.

The next week or so is probably going to be a little light here, since my blogging options are limited to a dinosaur laptop that is ridiculously slow or mobile devices.

I'm also contemplating posting less over the summer months, but that is not set in stone yet.

One feature I was able to add late last week is the new "coupon acceptance policies" tab. I've compiled the coupon acceptance policies from various stores so that you can print them and carry them with you when you shop. I will also add to what I have as time permits.

Using coupons correctly is important ethically speaking, and so it is great to be able to see the differences between stores' policies laid out on paper. But there are also times when a cashier or even a manager does not know the proper coupling procedure. Having the coupon policy with you can clear up that confusion in a respectful way. The last thing a cashier needs is to be bullied by an over zealous and arrogant couponer, no matter how "right" we are about that extra coupon.

I hope you benefit from this list!

Coupon Overage and Rebate Deals

Its been a few weeks since I went to Walmart to take advantage of their new coupon policy, so I had a few coupons I wanted to use. Similac ready to feed bottles were on sale for $3.84. Paired with the $5 off coupon from the 4/3 Smart Source insert to get them for free plus $1.16 of overage to put towards the rest of your total.

I also noticed these new Gerber Graduates breakfast bowls with a 'Try Me Free' rebate offer on the package. I'm guessing that you can find these at other places than Walmart, so keep your eyes open!

Thrifty Sewing Projects and Walmart Sales

I've been working on a few sewing projects lately that I'll be sharing over the next two weeks! Here's a sneak peak at a ruined shirt...

and a pair of jeans...

I found some great clearance sales at Walmart last week. A Cars hoodie for $1, a thick fleece for $2, and a winter coat for $5!!

The coat was tagged as $6.50, but scanned even lower...just $5!

I don't usually shop at Walmart, mostly because they do not double coupons. But thanks to a change in Walmart's coupon policy, you can now apply "coupon overage" towards the rest of your purchase. A quick example...a small box of Gain dryer sheets is priced at $1.78 at Walmart. Use the $3 off Gain dryer sheets coupon (from the 2/13 Red Plum insert) to get a box for free PLUS $1.22 of overage towards the rest of your total.

I had three of these coupons, so I was able to get 3 free boxes of dryer sheets plus $3.66 off the rest of my total, which made those clearance clothing even sweeter! If you still have the $3 off coupon, use it quickly! It expires on Thursday.

Free Buffalo Wild Wings on boxes of Red Baron

I don't usually buy frozen pizza because we make our own, but when there is a good sale, I'll pick one up to use in a bind -- this keeps us from needing to order out on those busy nights!

Through Thursday, Acme has Red Baron pizza on sale for $3 each. Pair it with a $1 off coupon (from the Jan 23 Smart Source) and it came to just $2. BONUS! On the back of some of the Red Baron boxes were coupons for 6 free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (with the purchase of 12).

You cannot use it on their wings night specials, but its a nice discount, and the coupon is good through the end of June!

Rite Aid: Week of 2/27-3/5 - Sales and Clearance

I made a trip to Rite Aid today and thought I would share a few noteworthy sales I took advantage of from this week's sale ad.

Through tomorrow 3/1 only, you get a $1 +UP reward for every Lays Stax you buy. These are priced at $1 with a limit of 2. I bought 2 which cost me $2 and I earned 2 $1 +UP coupons to use on my next purchase.

I always like to take a quick look at the clearance items when I'm at Rite Aid. There were a few Valentine's items that were 75% off, so I grabbed a coconut filled chocolate heart to surprise my husband. Cost: 22 cents. I also saw BBQ sauce, Ranch dressing, and croutons that were 50% off, making each a whopping 50 cents.

Finally, I bought 3 Secret deodorants. They are on sale buy one, get one 50% off this week. I used a buy 2 get 1 free coupon from the 2/6 Red Plum insert (there is another one in the 1/9 insert). Three cost me $8.23, and also generated a $1 +UP coupon.

I used 2 $1 off +UP coupons that I earned when I stocked up on Theraflu, so I spent $9.95 out of pocket and have 3 $1 +UP coupons to use on another trip to Rite Aid.

Have you made any good trips to Rite Aid lately?

Stocking Up: Theraflu at Rite Aid

I've been dealing with a nasty cold this week, so this sale on Theraflu was perfect timing for me! I bought 2 packages at Rite Aid and will end up making $2 for my trouble! Here's how:

Theraflu on sale for $4.99
Purchased 2 for $9.98
Used $3 off 2 Theraflu products from Sunday's Smart Source insert
Used 2 $1 +UP rewards (generated from a previous purchase last week at Rite Aid)
Paid $4.98 out of pocket
Each Theraflu purchase generated a $1 off next Rite Aid purchase coupon ($2 total +UP rewards)
Submit for full ($4.99) Theraflu rebate (found in this Sunday's Smart Source insert also)

Now we are set for cold medication for a while! I hope this helps you prepare for the rest of cold season too!

Free cup of Yoplait: Facebook Offer

Head over to Yoplait's Facebook page to sign up for a free cup of Yoplait Original yogurt!

I was notified about this giveaway by Pssst..., an online community by General Mills that sends out information about GM products, as well as coupons and even product tests! You can join Pssst....today!

JoAnn Fabric coupon: $5 off $5 purchase

Are you on the mailing list for Joann's? I get a a few flyers a month from them, and there are always a few coupons, usually for 40% or 50% off a regular-priced item. This week my circular had a coupon for $5 off a $5 purchase! Like I've talked about with similar Kohl's coupons, I treat these coupons as a chance to get something for nearly free instead of getting sucked into buying a number of things just because I have a coupon.

If you aren't a super crafty person, there are still a ton of other options at Joann's. I've found some great picture frames, and they always have seasonal decorations on sale. With Valentine's Day fast approaching, there are sure to be a few clearance items that you could pick up for free with this coupon!

If you would like to sign up for the Joann's mailing list, you can do it online here.

Free Movie Tickets!

Going to the movie theater is so expensive...wouldn't you like to go for free? Select boxes of General Mills cereal have codes that will earn you a free movie ticket!

Before Thanksgiving I was able to stock up on 4 boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios for $6. The 4 boxes also means that we earned 2 free movie tickets!



The rest of the process was easy too! Following the directions on the box, we entered our codes online and printed out our certificates for a free ticket. The tickets are valid at many different theaters, but if you would like to check for a participating theater before purchasing the cereal, visit the Movie Cash site. The tickets have a value up to $12.

I bought my cereal at Acme, but I'm sure it is available at other stores also. The movie ticket codes were also on the large size boxes.

Sunday Paper Goodies

Do you subscribe to the Sunday paper? I love that my coupons are delivered to my house every week, which saves me a trip to the store to grab the paper. (If you don't want a subscription, most Dollar Tree stores sell the Sunday paper for just $1)

The Delaware News Journal is running a promotion through the end of January where you can get the Sunday paper delivered for $1 a week, plus a $10 gift card to Wawa! You must pay via "easy pay" which bills you all at once for the year, and the offer is only valid for households that have not subscribed in the past 30 days. Previously this offer has only run for a month, which meant there was not enough time to cancel a subscription at a more expensive rate and then re-subscribe, but this time you have over 2 months, so I think that would work. For more information go to the News Journal or call 1-800-801-3322 (promo code: X-FS).

Check the back page of the USA Weekly magazine that comes in the Sunday paper for a coupon for two free 5x7 HP photo greeting cards at the HP Kiosk (located at Walmart). I have not used the HP photo Kiosk yet, but I plan to now. There are also more coupons available on their website.

This week's edition of the News Journal also had the reader's choice awards for the best businesses in Delaware. Many of the businesses that were voted best offered coupons also, so it is worth a quick flip through that special section of the paper.

Did you see any other goodies in the Sunday paper this week? Feel free to share them with us!

Amazon.com: Diaper Deals

There is a coupon in the August 2010 issue of Parents for 20% off diapers from amazon.com (good through 8/31/10). This is a one-time use code that can be used on one item only. The coupon can be found in both subscription issues as well as newsstand issues, but check before you buy to make sure someone hasn't ripped the code out!

You can also get an additional 30% off diapers (for a limited time) by using the 'subscribe and save' option. This is a service that will automatically send you the item every 1, 2, 3, or 6 months. If you want to cancel subscribe and save, you can do so at any time. Depending on the diapers you buy, there are also coupons offered by amazon now! I think only Pampers has coupons ($2 off Swaddlers and $1.50 off others), but this will stack also.

Here is a recap of the different discounts available at this time:

-30% off for using subscribe and save

-Amazon coupon (Pampers - you must be signed in to view, look under the item description and you will see a coupon box link)

-20% off coupon from Parents
-free 2-day shipping!

I did some quick math and it looks like you can get size 4 Luvs for 11 cents/diaper (180 ct box for $20.10). Size 4 Pampers Cruisers come to 15.5 cents/diaper (140 ct box for $21.70). If you have redeemed your Swagbucks for Amazon gift cards, you could reduce your out of pocket expense even further!

Even if you use cloth diapers, its always nice to have some cheap disposables on hand, especially for vacations this summer!

Mercedes at Common Sense With Money is going to have a giveaway of these 20% codes. If you have a copy of Parents and are not going to use your code, check out her site and you could give your code to someone else.

Thanks to BabyCheapskate for the initial heads up!