Heart on My Sleeve

Experiments, Experiences, etc. . .. .

Do you sense a theme here?  How bout extreme????

The time is here.  I knew it was going to catch up with me.  This is one of our most costly times of the year (next to Nov. - Jan. and May).  Not only is it "back to school" time, which of course entails new EVERYTHING (shoes, socks, underwear, uniforms, school supplies, backpacks, etc.), but it is also Ava's birthday week.  Because of this, I consiously held off hosting a couple things that might make me a bit more tempted to spend extra money, such as Bunco (its my turn next month, instead), my MOMS board meeting (ditto on next month), etc. 

However, I still managed to get a full plate on my next couple weeks' schedule, so am going to have to be extra diligent in making sure I don't blow the bank.  EXCEPT . . . .while clipping Nyah's (our blue heeler) nails last night, Brad accidentally clipped too low and had a "bleeder".  We shut her in her cage for an hour to make sure it didn't get anywhere, then let her out for a bit before bedtime.  Apparently, she wasn't done yet.  We woke up this morning to blood spots EVERYWHERE.  The carpet in EVERY room, the furniture, the tile floors.  OMG, EVERYWHERE.  I will be out of town for a memorial service all day tomorrow and am hosting a brunch Wednesday am; so it looks like I get to handle this project today - which apparently means renting a steam cleaner (so much for not breaking the bank) and dodging 3 kids with a steam cleaner all while keeping them off wet carpet for as long as possible.  Does anyone want to trade places with me?

Added to this is the fact that we are out of juice, milk AND water (and pretty much anything else that makes a fairly quick and decent meal), so it looks like a grocery trip is in our very near future.  *as Nyah barks EXCESSIVELY from her cage, as she is STILL bleeding - 15 hours later.*  Anyway, I decided now would be just as good a time as any to try out Save-a-Lot for groceries.  I've been there once or twice before, and wasn't thrilled, but that was before my newfound coupon clipping knowledge was bumped up a notch.  Has anyone ever shopped at a Save-a-Lot before?  If so, how was it?  How were the groceries in comparison to other brands once you ate them?  Any tips?  Do they have steam cleaners?

Sunday CVS and Walgreens Bargains and More

At Walgreens, I stocked up on some school/office supplies.  I've already gotten the bulk of the kids' supplies at Walmart earlier this week, but figured at these prices, I should take advantage of stocking up for me as well as to put in teacher gift baskets, etc.  The hightlights of my trip (other than the 5 cent school supplies!) were finding another Glade Trio candle set on sale for $5.00 ($10.00 retail) for which I had a $2 off coupon for; as well as finding a Purell Hand Sanatizer foam on clearance for $1.75 - that I had a $1.00 off coupon for in my coupon envelope that I carry w/ me in my purse - the kids need these for school, so I was excited to find it inexpensively.  The only mistake I had was the Dixie plates.  I had read online that they were BOGO (which was correct), but that when you purchased them, the Walgreens register would print out a coupon for $3/2 Dixie plates.  I was hoping to roll them over and get two more sets for 79 cents, but the register didn't print out the catalina.  I asked about it, but when the cashier (who was also an assistant manager) didn't know what I was talking about, decided not to press the issue.  If I had known I wouldn't get the coupon after my purchase, I probably would not have bought the Dixie paper plates, but I know they will definately not go to waste, so no harm, no foul.

In all, at Walgreens for everything shown above, I spent:  $13.30

Retail value of everything purchased above:  $55.17

CVS was another fun experience today.  One thing I am learning is that by shopping smartly, I'm also able to purchase things we wouldn't normally have the money for (wants vs. needs), but that by using coupons and store sales, I'm spending the same amount of money for our "'needs", all while fitting in the "wants" for almost free!  (Not to mention the fact I've already donated a huge box of goodies/groceries to a family who needed it, at almost no cost to us!)  For example:

At CVS today, I got the following:

Transaction #1:

All Glade products

3 Scented Oil Refill candles:  $2.49 each.  Coupon for Buy two, get one free.  Plus, CVS issued ECBs for $1 each.  Total cost, $5 out of pocket, made $3 CVS money (to put towards next purchase)

1 Flameless candle:  on sale for $7.99 (from $10)  Coupon for $5 off, plus CVS issued $1 ECB.  Total cost, $3 out of pocket, made $1 CVS money.

1 Glade Trio candle set:  $5.00 (on sale from $10+).  Coupon for $2 off.  This one is gonna be a housewarming gift for my friend!

2 packs of Trident xtra gum:  BOGO on sale, plus 75 cent coupon, plus CVS issued a $1 ECB.  I spent 74 cents and made $1!!!!!

Total cost to me for these splurges, after coupons and sales discounted:  $14.61.

Total ECBs issued to me:  $5!

Here's where it gets exciting.  Obviously all of the above were not necessities, but will definately be enjoyed both by us and by others as well, as I plan on using some of it for teacher gifts and housewarming gifts.  As for the items that were on our grocery list:

2 bottles of All Small and Mighty laundry detergent:  BOGO, plus 2 $1off coupons

2 bottles of Loreal Vive Pro Shampoo/Conditioner:  BOGO, plus 2 $1 coupons

4 tubes of CVS brand lotion for gift bags, etc on clearance for 10 cents each

1 Cherry Chapstick, on clearance for 25 cents.

Total:  $8.31, minus $5 ECBs from previous transaction:

Total out of pocket:  $3.31!!!!  Isn't that fun?

Total retail value of everything purchased at CVS:  $61.47+!

(which would have easily been spent had everything been purchased w/out coupons, or at a regular grocery store w/out sales.)

I also had some luck at Michaels today, stocking up our gift closet on 90% off merchandise, as well as 50% off items, combined with 25% off total purchase coupons.  Can't show them, as many of my readers will be receiving them as gifts eventually, and I'd hate for them to see what I only paid $1.20 a piece for!  lol  Honestly, the items I did get are so nice, I'm awfully tempted to keep them myself, but will put them away until I see if I can or can't live without them.  ;)

I hope these examples help you get the best out of your coupons and store sales and benefit you and your family as well.  What deals did you get this week?  Share with us by commenting and we'll look forward to hearing all about it!

One last note, Collin's VBS final celebration was Friday evening and I will be creating a new photo album (to the right) for those pics in the next day or two.

Chik fil a Dress Like a Cow Day

The kids and I had so much fun today getting ready to eat the best fast food - FOR FREE!  (They didn't even charge us tax.)  When we got there, the manager met us at the door and took pictures - then had me sign a "Model Release Form"!  lol.  Anyway, after all that excitement, we ran a few errands - dressed as cows, mind you -  and came home for a LONG naptime.  Yay, Pierce kids!  Now we're off to 7/11 for free slushies - One more pic for your enjoyment - Happy "Dress Like a Cow Day"!

Walmart deals

Today at Walmart I found the following deals.  (Thanks to "Money Saving Mom" - please see her blog for details.)  I had many of the coupons, printed off others from links in her post and found more in the "All You" magazine (which can be found at Walmart).  Apparently, some products and prices vary regionally, but nonetheless, I am thrilled with my "purchases"!  (If I can even call them that - I basically got paid to shop today!)

As you can see above, I got the following:

3 packs of grape KoolAid (60 cents) - I had to buy these to use the Planters coupon

1 jar Planters peanuts - $2.68 / $3 off coupon (when you buy 3 Kraft products, which also counts Koolaid) = FREE

1 box Honey Bunches of Oats "Just Bunches" cereal - $2.64 / $2.64 off coupon = FREE

2 boxes Kotex pantyliners - $1 each / 2 $1 off coupons = FREE

1 Johnson's Buddies Easygrip Soap - 94 cents / $1 off coupon = FREE

1 trial size John Frieda mousse - 94 cents / $1 off coupon = FREE

2 trial size Gold Bond healing foot lotion - 94 cents each / 2 $1 off coupons = FREE

1 pack Zantac Cool heartburn medicine - $3.98 / $5 off coupon = FREE

1 box Kashi Granola bars - $2.68 / $2 off coupon = 68 cents

1 box Blue Bunny ice cream sundae bars - $2.63 / $1 off coupon = $1.68

Total spent:  $4.14

Total saved:  $17.54

Obviously, the ice cream sundae bars were a "splurge", but these are a big treat for our family, and, what the heck, I'm up for a "splurge" every once in a while.  Also, I had to go to Walmart anyway to return a movie (rented from Red Box for $1) and pick up a prescription (also only $4); so I didn't waste gas money on an almost free grocery trip (plus I took the kids to the park on the way there). 

Bargains!

 I've outdone myself!

Today at Walgreens I got the following:

9 packs diapers

1 (9 rolls) pack of Quilted Northern toilet paper

1 pack of plastic red party cups

2 bags of gummy bears

Total cost out of pocket:  $13.91

Total savings:  $70.49

Thanks for the heads up, Brea!  If anyone would like to know how to do this, just ask!

CVS deals I purchased look like this:

 

I purchased:

1 (240 count) baby wipes refill pack

1 (45 count) garbage bags

3 bottles (1.5 liter) water

1 Bic Soleil women's razor

1 Bic Soleil razor replacement blades (4 pack)

1 ACCU compact digital diabetes test kit

1 package (8 rolls) paper towels

2 Softsoap body washes

2 Airwick aerosol room fragrance sprays

2 Sure deodorants

Total cost out of pocket:  $27.30

Total savings:  $175.67

I won't bore you with a Winn Dixie picture, but some of the real deals there are as follows:

Coke 12 pack products:  5/$11

Boneless Chicken Breasts:  BOGO, plus $1 off coupon

Pert Plus shampoo/cond:  on sale for $1.99, plus $1 off coupon

Dial soap:  BOGO, plus .35 off coupon

Brownie mixes, Kraft Mayo, Tang/Lemonade mixes, Oscar Meyer Bologna:  all BOGO

and stay with me here for these deals that really made the Winn Dixie trip worth my while:

Rubbermaid tupperware:  BOGO, plus 2 $1 off coupons (total cost for 2 new tupperware pieces, $2; saved $6)

Airwick Automatic Room Mister:  BOGO, plus 2 $4 off coupons (total cost for 2 misters, $4; saved $20)

Planters Cashews:  BOGO, plus $3 off coupon (total cost $3.29; saved $9)

18 pack bottled water:  FREE (saved $5.00)

Total out of pocket for everything listed above, plus a $6 5 gallon jug of water for our new water cooler, plus the usual grocery purchases (milk, cheese, supplies for tomorrow's potluck, recipe ingredients, etc.):  $99.12

Total saved:  $92.39

WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! 

I spent $140.33 of our own money and came home with over $478 worth of groceries/household items!

That was fun.  Do you have any deals to share? 

Deal of the Day

Our new Kohl's grand opening was yesterday.  I needed a coffee pot, as mine broke about a month ago.  Let me tell you - instant coffee just isn't the same (sorry, Momma).  I  received a $10 off coupon in the mail for the grand opening and attached was a flier.  Guess what?  They had "Hamilton Beach coffee makers" on sale for $9.99!  Woo hoo!  Sandie and I booked it over there around 9am yesterday morning and I watched numerous people walk out with MY coffee maker as we searched for a parking spot (for well over 10 minutes.)  We finally got into the store and I raced to see if there were any left.  My heart sank as I saw the pile of coffee makers on sale for $9.99 --- and a line that wrapped around the entire department store.  (I had to be home in less than 2 hours.)  Anyway, to make this long story a bit shorter, we saw that if you bought jewelry at the jewelry counter, they would check you out if you had only 1 or two more things . . .. and there was NO line!  Sandie and I searched for some cheap bling  and here's what I ended up with:

3 pairs of earrings (all three were attached to the same card.) - Regularly $8 - on sale for $4.

1 Coffee maker - on sale for $9.99.

$10.00 off coupon

Total sale for 3 pairs of earrings and a coffee maker:  $5.13.

Not waiting in a 3 hour line:  Priceless.

Woo hoo!

Updates

Happy  Monday from the Pierce House! 

I've FINALLY added Ava's birthday party pictures to the left side, if you would like to take a look.  (yes, I do realize I'm over a month late . .. )

We've been busy here.  Ava is going thru the usual first time at school, sick all the time stuff.  Last week it was pneumonia and they're trying to determine if she might have asthma.  I was prepared for this, and know that her immune system just needs to catch up.  What I didn't realize was that she'd be bringing it home to Blair as well!  Blair has RSV and they're both headed back to the Dr. at the end of the week to get flu shots.  I feel like we've been in seclusion for two weeks, due to all the coughing, runny noses and fever.  Wait a minute . . . we HAVE been in seclusion!  I miss my friends and am anxious to get back into the swing of things - or at least venture out into the real world - at some point this week.  On a positive note, I finally got our bedroom unpacked, organized and cleaned during this time, much to Brad's delight - and am thinking of continuing on with my streak of organizing and tackling the office/dining area next.

I have been clipping coupons like crazy and am going to be making an organizer for them.  My first tip for saving money at the grocery is USE COUPONS!  I know they may not seem worth the time to clip them, but I have made it a habit and actually look forward to sitting down and looking for them!  I usually collect coupons from the Sunday paper and Walmart's "All You" magazine.  The money I end up saving from the coupons I use end up more than paying for the mag. and the paper, and I get reading material to boot!  Between coupons and individual store reward cards (more on that later), I typically save at least 50% of my grocery costs - which allows me to buy that many more groceries!  My only rule of thumb for coupons is that I don't generally clip for less than $1.00, unless its something I buy regularly (at which point every cent counts).  I also don't clip a coupon, no matter what the amount unless I am almost positive I will use it.  Often, I find coupons for things that I don't use personally, but that I know my friends will, and that's always an easy way of letting someone I love know that I'm thinking of them - I clip it and save it until the next time I see them.  And I ALWAYS clip the buy one get one free coupons.  If someone in my family won't use it, its still worth buying (i.e. energy bars, craft supplies, etc.) and using as teacher gifts, school donations and gift baskets for friends.

Here's an example of my last coupon savings:

I checked the Winn Dixie ad and used coupons I had that were not only store specific, but also coupons I'd clipped.  I spent $70.32.  I saved $37.81.  $16.95 was in COUPONS alone!  The rest were items I saved on by using my Winn Dixie Reward Card.  If you're on a tight budget, and/or have a large family, $37.81 can make a BIG difference!